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The Sun.
A powerful and enchanting being of light. It remains a constant, something so vital to humankind, producing energy, warmth, the food that their plants so desperately need. It grants mortals the ability to see, even in the darkest of hours, as if guiding them to their destination. A being so stagnant in life, that it demands to be seen...
And yet, when looked upon, it burns.
Though it beckons the average passerby; though its rays of light practically call out to the humans that dare to listen, it only acts to deceive.
No one, no matter how powerful a force they may be, no one can dare lay a finger on the Sun.
Not even a man of ambition, not even a man who desires to rule the world can enter its domain...
Curse the Sun.
It had gotten late, too late for Dio Brando's liking, but he hadn't so much as noticed as he hovered over the woman in that rickety, old bed. She was rather beautiful, he had to admit. It had been so long since he had the chance to gaze at anyone really, but it was not the time to dwell on such matters. He dragged his black claws across the woman's soft, pale skin, grazing a path up to her neck. His arrogance allowed him to take his time, his eyes narrowing as he focused in on his target, blocking out everything else in his vision, including the faint rays of his nemesis creeping in through the window. It was when his hand and the light crossed paths that he finally caught wind of the situation.
He instinctively flinched back at the burning sensation, his claws accidentally slashing the woman's neck. With a yelp, she stumbled back, clasping at the wound as she distanced herself from the vampire. The brunette managed to safely position herself on the floor, opposite to Dio, staring up at him with a bewildered look in her eyes.
"Wh-what the hell are you doing?!" she exclaimed, blood starting to seep through her fingers. Dio started forward, attempting to chase after her, but it was useless. As if acting as some sort of shield, the Sun's rays grew in size, intercepting the vampire from its prey. The woman stepped back at Dio's movement, snatching up her clothes in one smooth motion. She wasn't taking any chances, dashing out of the room, and leaving Dio unable to do anything but watch.
"Damn!" he cursed, punching the wall of the dingy hotel room he would now be stuck in for the remainder of the day. He didn't bother picking up the items that had fallen off of the tiny, wooden nightstand, instead marching over to the window and quickly - and carefully - closing the curtains. He peered through said curtains as best he could without burning himself, sneering at the sight of the girl that was darting down the street - now haphazardly dressed and running with a single heel on her foot. The vampire wished that his sharp glare would pierce through her skull... not that it couldn't, but a dead body in the middle of the street could raise suspicion of his whereabouts. The worst part about it was the fact that he had no one to blame but himself. After being submerged in a dark coffin for a hundred years, he thought he could at least be a just a tad bit reckless, but that certainly wasn't the case. He knew about the Speedwagon Foundation, and they knew about him. Hell, they knew about him since he first emerged just last year, and it surprised Dio that Jonathan's lousy friend actually made a name for himself.
He turned on his heel, letting out a sigh in defeat as he sauntered back over to the bed, (adjusting his pants along the way), and took a reluctant seat on the uncomfortable mattress. He crossed one leg over the other and leaned back, grimacing at the sickening creak of the springs inside of the cotton. The vampire placed his good hand over his shoulder, rubbing at the muscles as he studied the burn on the knuckles of his right hand. He flexed his fingers with the slightest wince, the sensation stinging of course, but it would heal eventually. Not fast enough, however.
"It seems this body still is not mine.." Dio murmured, squeezing his- er, Jonathan's shoulder. He stood up with another creak from the bed, walking into the small, filthy bathroom with the click of his heels. He didn't need to turn the light on, as he was able to see just fine in the dark, but he also wanted to shield his eyes from the grime that would be revealed in the newfound fluorescence. That was another thing Dio despised about the light. In darkness there is ignorance, the unknown, it is what allowed Dio the ability to court and manipulate as he pleased, but as soon as that mystery is taken away, so is his charm.
The blonde leaned forward, closer to the mirror, tracing the scar across his neck with great interest. It was another thing hidden by the darkness, a flaw. It revealed that Dio hadn't won just yet, that Jonathan - although dead and gone - still hadn't given up. The vampire, while detesting this fact, couldn't help but admire the persistence, that resolve that Dio found to be so honorable.
"Soon," he whispered, trailing his gaze up to lock eyes with his reflection. He couldn't help the smirk that curled on his lips, nor could he stop the slight crinkle in his eyes from such an expression. "Soon..."
The day was April 16th, 1985.
Dio was just getting ready to rest for the day, when he suddenly jolted awake from a strange feeling in his chest. He placed a hand over his heart, furrowing his brows as he pondered what this feeling could be. It was almost as if he sensed something, a bond or connection of sorts. It was no different than the dreadful feeling of the Joestar Bloodline coursing through-
The vampire froze, appalled by his realization.
Another life.
It had been enough time, correct? He was sure that he had met that woman in July or maybe August of last year, when the Sun shined a bit too brightly, a little too hot. Certainly, it had been nine months. Surely, that baby was...
Dio looked up from his coffin, staring at the window and noticing the slight discoloration as the Sun tried its best to break through the barrier of cloth. To think that the heinous Dio Brando was worthy enough to have a child. He didn't know anything about what the baby looked like, he couldn't tell if it was a boy or a girl; but, their presence seemed to be enough to grab his attention, to fill his mind with curiosity.
And, how funny it was that this baby rose with the vampire's natural born nemesis: The Sun. A being so demanding of attention that it was hard to ignore, this baby seemed to act just like it. A golden child, or at least that's what Dio thought them to be.
The soft footsteps echoing down the hall did nothing to disturb the vampire. They were something familiar to him, something he had grown to appreciate in the vastness of the dark church. He didn't flinch, nor turn his head when the door to his room was open, remaining seated in his chair beside the window, staring out at the Sunset - the rays fortunately not powerful enough to so much as reach the insides of the gloomy room through the glass. He remained still, even as the light from the hall touched his skin, a shadow of the familiar teenager quickly blocking it when he made his way inside the room and sealed away the light with a soft click, the door shutting behind him. The blonde didn't budge as the strike of a match was heard, the soft glow of candles reflecting off of the window as they were lit and slightly warming his skin. He didn't make a sound of distaste as the teenager took a seat across from him, his dark eyes able to be felt on the back of Dio's skull as he studied the larger man.
"Dio," the fifteen-year-old finally murmured after getting comfortable. He didn't know what it was that the vampire was thinking about, but that was nothing new. The man would always grow quiet like this when deep in thought, usually leading up to quite a lengthy discussion about whatever came to his mind. The boy never knew what that would entail, what he would utter next. It intrigued him.
"Pucci..." Dio finally hummed in greeting. The teenager, Enrico Pucci, believed that this would start their conversation, but, to his surprise, nothing else was said. Instead, the vampire remained staring, almost as if he was watching the Sun like some sort of show playing on the television. He even set his head in his hand, relaxing back to thoroughly enjoy the program. Pucci frowned, just a little, tipping his head to the side in a mix of confusion and worry. Had something happened? Did he, perhaps, do something to upset Dio? He wasn't sure what that would be, he respected and practically worshipped the man, he would never wish any ill will upon him.
Pucci cleared his throat, "Is something-"
"Pucci," Dio repeated, interrupting the teen. The younger of the two sat upright to show that he was listening, clearing his throat to hide his surprise. The blonde tapped his pinky on his lip in thought, the claw nicking it, though the blood disappeared with a single swipe of his tongue. "Would you believe me if I told you that I have a child?"
Pucci blinked at the question, taken aback at the subject. He took his time to analyze Dio, looking him up and down. The man was in great shape, his toned muscles rippling under his skintight shirt. There wasn't a gray hair in sight in those golden locks of his, and by the look of his face, he appeared to only be a few years older than himself. The teen flinched ever so slightly as Dio's piercing red eyes suddenly met his. He might've been taking too long to answer.
"I suppose it is not impossible." he replied, glancing away from Dio briefly. "Why do you ask?" He turned back to the blonde across from him when he felt his gaze disappear. Dio crossed one leg over the other, his eyes following the remains of the Sun as it disappeared behind a few distant buildings, darkness finally taking over the land and allowing the stars to take their place amongst the dark blue of the night.
"Because I do. I do not know whether they are a boy or a girl, nor do I know exactly where they live, but I can feel them." Dio stood up, crossing his arms as he posted himself boldly in front of the window now. It's not that Dio, in all his glory, wasn't able to observe his kin. He very well could, with the Stand he inherited from Jonathan's body. Something within him just... He couldn't bring himself to do so. Perhaps it was pride, perhaps it was the duty he felt to see his Golden Child in person. Perhaps it was fear. Maybe, just maybe, the all-powerful vampire was scared, perhaps he was dreading the worst.
But what could that be?
Pucci didn't even have time to process or chime in, Dio speaking before he could. "I wish to see them before my inevitable battle." The teenager paused at the man's words. Battle? What did he mean by that? And just who would he be battling? Who, in their right mind, would dare to cross paths with the magnificence that was Dio Brando?
"I know you must have a plethora of questions right now." Dio successfully snapped the boy out of his trancelike state, finally facing his friend with quite the serious expression. Enrico was used to the constant smirk on his face, and seeing it gone almost startled him. "I'll be sure to answer them in due time, however," he started, sauntering over to Pucci. He stopped just in front of him, leaning down. "I wanted to ask if you could help me."
The Moon.
A being so weak that it relies on the sun to give it its power. It has no need for attention, for even when its shining as bright as it can, its presence is outshined by the balls of gas scattered across the sky. It still produces light, sure, but not enough to grant warmth or sight, nothing of value. It brings a chill to the air, not just in feeling, but in atmosphere.
And, perhaps, that is what makes it so alluring.
The Moon, while remaining a constant, a staple of the night, can change. It could be yellow, or pink, or blue; it could be casted in shadow. It can change shape, from a sharp crescent into a perfect sphere. It can even change time. Whilst the Sun runs on a set schedule, even appearing behind the dark clouds of a storm, the Moon can stay out in the early mornings, it can appear in the blue skies even before the Sun starts to set.
It doesn't follow rules, it creates its own.
It can even intercept that wretched being of light.
The Moonlight was strong that night, and so was the chill that accompanied it. The wind howled against the windows of the crisp apartment, but it was the only thing that provided any noise. It was silent, dead silent, enough that the child's ears started to ring. All he had to rely on for comfort was the whistling of the wind, the chattering of his teeth, and the loose blanket those tiny, cold fingers grasped onto so tightly.
The boy couldn't have been any older than two, and yet, he was left alone in the desolate apartment. His eyes flicked back and forth as he sunk deeper into his blanket, unable to stop his trembling. And, although he was shaking so violently, he didn't dare make so much as a peep. Could it have been fear that caused this? Perhaps he was mute...
No.
The boy didn't cry, simply because he knew, in his heart of hearts, that it was to no avail. That no one would come to help him...
Finally, he yelped, though it was involuntary. A sudden crack of thunder caused it, giving the kid a good fright and leaving him hiding under the protection of the thin sheet he called a blanket. He wasn't sure how long he remained curled up under that blanket, but it didn't take much for him to snap his head up, staring at the giant man who now stood before his crib. It was almost as if he sensed him there, which took the scarlet-eyed vampire by surprise. The toddler still stayed silent, though he was doe-eyed, his bright blue eyes practically staring into the blonde's soul.
The boy, his son, didn't look anything like how Dio had imagined. He hadn't expected his child to look so much like... like Him. He at least thought he would have inherited his golden locks, but even that didn't seem to be the case... he just looked so much like a Joestar. Hell, even those damn blue eyes were passed down to him.
The vampire blinked a few times to pull himself out of his thoughts, the child's movement - the boy scooting back and pressing against the other end of his crib - aiding his attempt. Now, Dio had read the fear in those sorrowful eyes, finally recognizing the tragedy of toddler's situation. He looked up slowly, taking in every little detail about the room. It was dark, but it wasn't the comforting kind. The darkness didn't contain that odd warmth, nor did it at least have the gentle light emanating from a candle, nor did it contain any sort of item that would at least keep the poor thing occupied. It was almost as if this child had been completely.. neglected...
Dio frowned, dragging his gaze back down to meet the frightened look of his son's. He's been neglected. He slowly crouched down to be level with the kid. He's had to fend for himself. He moved a hand through one of the gaps in the wooden bars of the crib, outstretching it towards one of the child's. The poor thing won't even cry.
Dio's fear, the thing he dreaded the most, had unfortunately come true: His intuition was right. The child, his child, his two-year-old son was going through the exact same thing he had gone through all those years ago. His own flesh and blood was reliving the Hell that was his very own childhood.
And he couldn't stand it.
The toddler instinctively flinched as the mysterious figure's hand crept through his crib. It was as if he tried to run, but he had nowhere to go as his back was already pressed up against the hard, wooden bars of his personal jailcell. He didn't dare look the blonde in the eyes, instead keeping his frantic gaze on his giant hand, studying it as best he could in the Moonlight. His shaking intensified at the sight of the dark, unnaturally sharp claws on the man's hand. He tugged his blanket up to his face, as if the shabby thing would provide some sort of protection, however, he kept his eyes uncovered, not daring to look away, just in case the hand moved any closer.
After what seemed like hours of silence, a deep, odd, yet somehow soothing voice uttered a single word.
"Haruno."
The boy froze, as if he hadn't been trembling at all. Slowly and cautiously, those blue irises of his made a path up the vampire's arm, across his broad shoulders, past his parted lips, and landed on the pair of scarlet eyes that were already locked onto him. He blinked a few times, ever so slightly lowering his blanket.
"Haruno... is that your name?"
The child, Dio's son, Haruno, nodded, his previously tense shoulders relaxing as he was able to understand the shadow-covered man. Said man let out a low hum, leaning forward slowly and finally allowing himself to be seen. Haruno's eyes sparkled, a soft, almost inaudible gasp escaping his lips at the mesmerizing appearance of the figure crouched down in front of him.
It was as if he was glowing, the light of the Moon practically radiating off of him, highlighting each of his features. Those once dark red irises were now glowing a much softer shade of red, almost a comforting orange. The gold - both in color and accessories - the man wore were shining, despite the darkness of the room dulling its brightness. And, the way his blonde hair fanned out reminded Haruno of the inviting rays of the sun; it was almost like warmth emanated from it, as if beckoning the freezing child closer.
And come closer, he did.
In an instant, tiny, cold fingers were wrapped around even colder, larger ones. But, it was almost as if the boy hadn't felt the chill at all, the man's presence, alone, warmed him completely.
A sharp exhale escaped from the back of Dio's throat, the vampire obviously taken aback by just how fast the toddler moved. In a second, he scooted closer and gripped onto his hand desperately. The blonde had to process what had happened, not used to this kind of... affection. He stared at his son in silence, taking the time to notice just how bright his eyes were, despite the rest of his face being casted in shadow, despite the glumness of his situation. Dio knew that look well, he was familiar with that expression. This was a child with ambition, one who still had a glimmer of hope.
The father's hand clasped itself over his son's, unaware of just how comforting the action was, unaware of just how much it meant to the child.
"Come with me, my son."
The Solar Eclipse.
A point in time where the two beings high above the Earth collide.
The day that The Fearsome, yet Mesmerizing Sun plays its usual tricks on the mortals below, urging them to look up and stare at its magnificence.
The day that The Meek, yet Brave Moon comes to the rescue, blocking out the incredible power of its counterpart, ceasing its conniving ways.
The day that the two powerful entities become equal.
The time in which they are one and the same.