Chapter Text
How many years has it been?
How many years did he walk upon this Earth?
Dio didn’t care to ask himself these questions. He really didn’t. However, they still haunted him like a spirit with vengeance.
Every so often when he closed his golden eyes, his first memories played about as clear as day. It was as if they happened only yesterday. He smelled nature, which no longer was there. He heard sounds of animals and creatures that roamed his land. So free were they, from the lack of human activity or domination. Miles upon miles of untouched earth sprang all around him with ease. Rows upon rows of trees shot to the sky as their branches reached to the heavens as if they only now woke up and tried to stretch. Large and small hills played upon each other like checkers, as they took whatever spot they could. If they were unable to, then they bowed out of the way to the great mountains. Ones that hunched over the hills with an aura of great power and intimidation. Whatever was left of the land became empty and vast.
Those were his first memories, before Dio learned of what he was.
Not human.
Not an animal.
Not a being of the oceans or sky.
But instead something that could be considered unnatural. Impossible. How could someone like him exist? And yet, there were far more like him running about or died and have long since passed on. They existed, but they stayed in hiding. Only those that knew of their existence, were those at the top of the social class.
What was he?
A personification. One that of a nation, before that word existed along with a definition or a sense of great unity among these humans.
Dio didn’t have a permanent name for his position. Not like Roman Empire.
Britain. England. United Kingdom of Great Britain. Those were his “official” names, but what did they matter? They were what the humans called the land, and it was as fickle as the weather. No, it was the name that Dio adopted that held more significance for him. It was more permanent. Less irregular. Something that all the other nations have grown to adopt, just to keep their sanity intact. What did he choose? Dio. Dio Brando.
A simple enough name, though the first didn’t really match the English ones that became more or less popular over the years. But who cared? It was his. The only thing that was his, which would remain unchanged until the ends of time or that of his existence. Something that other nations agree to, as they were furiously protective over their personal names. No human can change that. No leader of their lands could do something about it, no matter how much they displayed their displeasure. Not even the other nations could take this away from each other. After all, to do so would provide everyone permission to do so to anyone they wanted. Their enemies, to be one. Something that certainly would warrant suspicion or fear.
Their so-called human names held power, after all.
It was one of the cores of their identity.
Light-coloured eyelashes fluttered as they slid closed. An inhale, so small that it went unnoticed, took in the less than fresh air around him. With an exhale, all those thoughts were once more buried under an iron lid. This was no time to get lost in the past once more. He had time for that later, once he was left alone at long last.
What year was it again? Dio had to wonder. An exercise he had to do, to drag himself kicking and screaming back into the reality of modern day.
It took a little too long for the answer to resurface. 1880s. No… 1886, to be exact. Was what a whisper in Dio’s mind muttered with disinterest, but no less snappish-like manner. Good Gods above, or whoever. It seemed only yesterday that it was the 1700s, and now another 100 or more years passed by. No, 200 years. Did it even matter anymore? The voice went again with a noticeable sneer. Why do you bother to count those years anyways? Stay in reality, where you belong.
Small inhale.
Stuttering exhale.
Right, 1886. In a ball, hosted by one of the aristocrats. What was the occasion? What were the hosts names? Jo something? Star? He couldn’t be bothered to remember. There were so many of these balls that the blonde no longer cared to learn what the occasion was behind them or who hosted them. They were all the same, in the end of the day. What he did know about this ball was that it took place somewhere outside of London. In Liverpool, to be exact. It has been a long time since he was last there.
The one thing that Dio knew for certain, was that he has been ordered by the royal family to go and practically spy on this herd of humans. To be their eyes and ears. To make sure that the first sign of trouble would be reported right back so that it could be dealt with. Something that the head monarch would usually give out themselves, but it was not the case. Queen Victoria was not the one to carry out the order, as she was off elsewhere to some estate she owned across the country. It was her children that gave the order, for whatever reason.
Dio wasn’t sure if he would rather have it be Queen Victoria’s order, or that of her children. She was insufferable on her own, but her spawns and their spawns?
The mere thought sent shivers of disgust down his spine.
Eyes slowly opened. They pierced like a tiger that studied its prey and enemies, as it stalked about and almost disappeared back into the shadows. No matter that all of these humans had no idea who he was nor what he was. Survival sharpened and shaped by the ancient world worked overtime, just to be sure that nothing would catch him by surprise. Lips curled and twisted, as they tried to form into a sneer filled with nothing but disgust. Both from the sight in front of him, and the ‘mission’ pushed upon him. Instead, it got caught, and formed into a charming smile.
Some women to the side sighed and giggled at the sight.
Dio rolled his eyes mentally, before turning them back to the main scene.
Colourful dresses danced across the dance floor. Men, for the most part sharp looking, twirled the ladies in their arms with practiced ease. Music, both classical and ‘modern’, echoed through the large chamber. Soft chatter of those onlookers filled in the rest of the silence, wherever it may be. A scene that used to fill him with wonder and intoxication. Now, only boredom and annoyance filled in the corners of his heart and mind. Loneliness as well creeped about, but it got pushed aside to be ignored.
If only his reasoning for being here wasn’t business-only, then this ball would be easier to manage. Perhaps even have fun, no matter how unlikely it was. Dio almost shook his head at that last thought.
It would be so easy to turn to the person next to him and start a conversation. To blend in. To obtain the information required of him. To listen about the latest gossip, which could stretch all the way to other nations’ royalties.
Such a small, simple move, but it went ignored.
Instead, Dio snuck away. With such ease that it took little to no time to get out of the ballroom.
Unbeknown to him, a pair of eyes watched as he did so.
Ballroom noises seemed to quieten down the further he walked, until finally there was nothing but silence. Hallways were deserted, for the most part. Every once in awhile the nation stopped to admire some artwork, but soon they were abandoned for his mission. Whenever he heard footsteps or saw shadows of someone walking about, mostly servants, he slid back into hiding. Whether it was into the shadows or a spacious corner or even a room of some sort, until the person was long gone.
Finally, at long last, he reached the spacious front corridor. One where a statue of the Goddess of Love stood, basked in her full glory and beauty.
Dio stared at it for a bit, as a thought and wonder danced about his mind. Perhaps approval would be a better word to describe his thoughts, along with a bit of admiration. After all, not many households would give the statue the respect and care it rightfully deserved. Whoever the homeowners of this mansion were, they certainly cared for it a great lot. For an extra moment, the blonde felt the slip back into the past such as before. A sharp shake of a head was enough to drive it all back, allowing for his attention to turn back to his goal.
A mere turn of his body was all it took to help keep his mind straight.
At the front entrance stood a butler, ready to be of service to anything the nobles needed. Perhaps the only person that could say they noticed and saw Dio leave the mansion.
“Bring me my outdoors wear.”
Dio simply requested with an even, almost bored, tone.
“Do you also want for me to assist and fetch your carriage, sir?”
Dio paused in his movements. The question played about in his mind in endless circles. No, he hadn’t thought about that option. After all, how would the royal family react if they learned that he left pre-maturely and without any useful information? That in itself earned its own train of thoughts, which spiraled about until they were brought into a startling halt.
What did it matter what they thought or did? They couldn’t do anything to him, since he was their nation. By technicality alone, he didn’t have to do anything they said. The only one that he would hesitate to disobey would be the king or queen. How lucky was he that it wasn’t the case? This time the nation didn’t hide the look he made from those less than pleasant thoughts. It would never cease to surprise him how each time he thought of the modern-day royal family, could leave such a foul taste in his mouth.
No, tonight Dio certainly had no patience for such power and political play. Nor to enjoy the finer things in this dreadful long life.
“Do so in 15 minutes. I wish to walk about the grounds for a little first.”
“As you wish, sir.”
With a customary bow to his better, the butler left. In mere minutes, only to then return with the requested items. Ones that consisted of an outer coat, top hat, gloves, scarf, and a wooden-looking cane with a round bronze head that fit nicely into his large palm. Dio took one article of clothing at a time and put them on. Finally, he grabbed the cane. Its weight was much heavier than its appearance, which was the main point behind its design. In reality, its entirety was made out of steel, but with the look of bronze and wood. Easier to take enemies by surprise if they so much as tried to harm him. France to be more specific, as that bastard deserved it. The round head itself had seen its fair share of skulls ever since the cane became part of modern-day fashion. Such a useful little tool.
At long last, Dio all but marched into outdoors with a straight back and without so much as a look back at the once more bowed butler.
First thing that greeted Dio was the wet cold outdoors of April. A slow and gentle wind whooshed by, as it caressed his pale cheek with an affection that a mother would bestow upon their child. It almost had his eyes flutter closed and lean into the familiar touch, which never seemed to change from his childhood. A stutter of breath allowed for poof of cloud to escape his partial parted lips. Sweet smell in the air indicated that either rain was to begin soon, or it has already passed. From the somewhat dry pavement, it was the former. Little bits of leftover snow still melted in their spots from the low spring temperature.
Lights from the indoors bowed away for the darkness of the night to take their rightful place. As if this darkness was a being of great power, as it rested in the atmosphere with a clear threat that dared anyone to invade its space once more. With a single look to the sky had the nation be greeted with a familiar sight of heavy clouds and no moon and stars. Thus, it left him with barely any light to show the way, aside from what could be stretched out from the mansion.
Finally, Dio closed his eyes and took in a deep breath of clean countryside air. Home was the only thing that ran through his mind. What else could this be?
For once tonight, a true smile graced the world. Weary and stressed muscles seemed to wash away like water, which caused his facial features to soften to an almost unrecognizable and more youthful appearance. No matter the fact that his body couldn’t be older than that of 20. What could he say to that, if asked? It was hard to act so young when one was so old and had been through so much. He was Dio Brando. Personification of the United Kingdom, as it was now called. Not some young, wet behind the ears young nation that had no idea how the world worked.
A crunch of someone stepping into snow was heard, which snapped Dio out of his moment. Within seconds, he swirled on the heels of his boots. Cane raised ever so, ready to strike against whoever it was that snuck up on him.
What… no, who he saw had the nation blink once in surprise.
In front of him stood a young man, perhaps as old as his personal body tricked the world to believe. Muscular, far more than those of modern day would permit. Taller by perhaps a centimeter or two, but still gave off a towering and powerful aura. No matter that his body language was relaxed and said quite the opposite. Dark hair and eyes, which could barely be seen if not for the indoor lighting that still somehow managed to reach so far to them. If not for it, then Dio would not be able to see the sharp and handsome face, which looked at him with genuine worry. Something that the blonde hasn’t seen directed at him for more than a millennium.
Heart clenched at the thought, but it went ignored.
What did this human want with him?
“I am sorry to startle you. Are you leaving?”
The dark headed man asked.
Dio cocked his head ever so to the left, puzzled by the question. Why did it matter to this young man? The bottom of the cane touched the dry pavement once more with a quiet tap. Hands curled around its bronze head with practiced and appearance of ease.
“Yes, I am.”
“That is unfortunate. I hope that nothing about tonight has displeased you.”
“No, it did not, Mr...?”
Something flashed in those dark eyes. Something that was quite familiar, and he had seen many times before. However, there was a difference. One that appeared to be large enough to be caught, but not long enough to be interpreted. Calculated was for certain one of them. Intrigued was another. What was the third though? Curiosity? Wonder? This human was undoubtedly interested in him. An unknown anomaly. A need to dissect and learn of his true purpose and mere existence.
Ah… so this was the sort of game they were going to play. Dio in his bored state of mind wondered how far this man would search until he found the correct answer, no matter how unlikely it was.
Dio almost sniffed with amusements at the thoughts.
“Jonathan. Jonathan Joestar.” The young man, Jonathan, spoke with a furrowed expression. Thick eyebrows knitted together with confusion along with a tilted head. Ah, so this must be one of the hosts. Dio realized at long last. “And you are…?”
“Dio Brando, at your service.”
Dio replied calmly. The top hand, his right, let go of the cane head to reach out for a handshake. Jonathan grabbed it with a firm grip, shaking it in the process. Something that had the blonde nod mentally with approval.
“What are you doing outside? It is still quite cold.”
There, the worry from before came back once more. Why would this human worry about something so trivial? Personally, Dio had dealt with far worse. If anything, his state of dress was appropriate enough for the weather and to keep sufficient amount of warmth inside. Wouldn’t most people consider that to be enough? If anything, Jonathan was the one underdressed. He wore the usual evening suit, but no outdoor accessories or coat was on him. He must be freezing, no matter the fact that he didn’t react to it when another gush of cold wind came by. How… odd. Golden eyes squinted a bit at the tanned figure from underneath his top hat. Unsure of what to make of this conversation and emotions. How could he even describe the latter? Confusion? Intrigue? Frustration? Worry? Could he even dare and go so far as to say… happy?
How long has it been since he last been in a similar situation?
He couldn’t remember, truly.
“I am awaiting my carriage.”
“You can do so inside.” Jonathan argued. Appearing almost determined to take Dio away from the outdoors, his home. As if some demons roamed about, ready to attack them and devour their bodies and souls. “I insist.”
A sigh of slight annoyance escaped the nation.
“Will you stop bothering me if I agree?”
Within the darkness, a looped smile could be seen on the human. A bit sheepish, but no less glad to have won the ‘argument’.
“I will stop trying to drag you indoors. But I will not leave your side until your ride has arrived. It would make me a bad host to leave you alone in such situation.”
Dio gritted his teeth at what he heard. Something that he would usually do his best to hide, but too annoyed was he that he simply could care less. Those dark eyes seemed to twinkle as they caught the look. It was official. There was no way he could shake this man off him, no matter what he was going to do. Nothing short of bashing this young man over the head with his cane would allow him to get his personal space. Even so, it was questionable how effective such thing was going to be. From experience, men with such body types were harder to take down. Then again, so were smaller and skinner ones, but it mattered not in this case.
With an annoyed huff, Dio marched back inside. A smug Jonathan followed him close behind.
The butler that used to be by the door was no where in sight. Either he went off in search for the carriage that the nation personification came in, or from being dismissed by the young Lord.
The two men stood in front of a wide window. They watched in peaceful silence as a scene of the outdoors and nature played in front of them. As if the heavens decided to play with Dio’s foul mood, it began to rain. Drizzle at first, but no sooner did it take for it to begin to rain cats and dogs. Jaw clenched at the sight, plus from the rumbles of chuckles that could be heard beside him. It somehow shook his body and heart along with it, as if he was in a minor earthquake. This whole thing left him wanting to smack Jonathan over the head to get him to stop, even though such a thing was inappropriate as they were strangers.
At least by modern day terms. If Dio was back in his old pirate days, then he could have simply sent this annoyance flying off his ship without a second thought. Yes, that seemed to be a good enough response.
Unfortunately, Dio wasn’t allowed to enjoy his fantasy for long.
“It seems that it was a good thing I convinced you to come indoors, since your ride has yet to arrive!”
“Yes, how lucky of me.” The blonde muttered darkly. “On another note, may I inquire why you are following me?”
It was not a coincidence that this young man found him outside. Personally, he was quite shocked that somebody not only noticed his departure, but also managed to sneak up on him almost completely undetected. If not for that crunch in the snow, how long would it have taken him to notice this human? For such a massive man, from personal experiences, it was quite difficult to move unnoticed.
Jonathan turned to meet those golden eyes with a sheepish look.
“My apologies. I did not mean to invade your space or do something so… ungentlemanly.” That last word was spoken low. Barely louder than a grumble. “I suppose my curiosity about you got the better of me. I have never seen or heard of you before.”
Ah… so that was the real reason behind this strange predicament. Dio almost chuckled with amusements. Almost. But he did allow for a grin to appear, as it stretched into one corner. Long gloved fingers tapped against the hand and cane head underneath.
“No, I suppose not.” The nation answered smoothly. “I am quite busy, and come and depart when it is required of me. As for the second part, I am a private man. It is not surprising that you have not heard of me.”
Out of necessity, that was. For a moment, Dio wondered what it would be like for every human to know of the personifications’ existence. Would it have made things easier? To get to know their own people. To not have to hide for years on end. To be able to go outside and interact more than ever before. Or would it have made things harder? Worse? If they knew… would this young man still speak to him so casually? So openly? Or would he fear him instead?
“Is that so? What is it that you do, if I may ask?”
Jonathan inquired.
“Government, I suppose you could say.”
Secret services would be better phrase or position to have used. However, people that actually worked in that career wouldn’t flaunt it about, now would they?
It was at this moment that the butler returned with an umbrella in hand. Not surprised to see that the two men were back inside. If he was, then he didn’t show it.
“Sir, your ride has arrived.”
Dio nodded once in acknowledgement, before turning his attention back to a now deflated Jonathan. An image that earned an arched blonde eyebrow. For whatever reason, deep down, an emotion steered about. As if it only now woken from a long slumber. It tried to make its way out into fuller view, but got pushed down along with everything else. It didn’t take a genius to realize what it was. Sadness. Disappointment. Wistfulness. Things that the nation had pushed away, ever since the war with his son, America, took place. The mere thought of the other nation caused his throat to tighten involuntary. No, this certainly was not the time to remember such times or of present issues. He could do so at home, while nursing some much-needed scotch.
“This is farewell, then.”
Good, it came out nice and simple. No emotions in sight, but strong and steady.
“If it is alright with you, may we exchange letters?” Jonathan asked, blue eyes shined with hope. “I know we only just met. However, I would like to get to know you.”
Oh right, the chase game. Dio gave a simple shrug as he grabbed the lone umbrella that got handed over to him.
“Hmph. I do not see why not. Simply write my full name on the envelope along with London. It will reach me. Goodnight, Jonathan.”
“Jojo, please. And goodnight to you too, Dio.”
With that, the two men departed for the night.
As Dio stepped into the awaited outdoors, not once has he looked back. Not that he needed to. Fully aware was he that a pair of eyes watched his every move. Without much issue, he got inside the vehicle and the carriage road off.
It was a slight soaked Dio that sat in the pitch-dark carriage, with intense golden eyes that stared ahead of him. Mind worked overtime. Too busy was it to make its own assumptions, while making connections in the most bizarre of ways. Jaw worked once more, as it tasted a word that rolled about in his mouth. Poof of air appeared, again. He watched with half closed lids as it slowly spread out and disappeared back into its element.
Finally, at last, he spoke barely above a whisper.
“Jojo, huh…?”