Poco's legs trembled. He'd met DIO before. He hypnotized me. Made me steal Jonathan and Zeppeli's luggage. Led them into a trap.
"Hahaha! Who do we have here? The little brat! So she's your sister... A few hours apart, and you've changed. Those Ripple users gave you something. But before me, it's useless! Useless! Useless!"
DIO lunged like a wolf.
Two figures attacked from both sides—golden energy crackling around their fists.
DIO reacted. Vaporization Freezing Technique. Their fists froze. Ripple couldn't conduct.
"I see! You used the woman and boy as bait. Pincer attack. Too bad—useless! Useless! Useless! Your bodies are frozen! No Ripple now! Wryyyyy!"
Then—
An old man leaped from behind Poco. Ripple energy surged—stronger than the other two.
This is the real killing blow.
If that fist landed, DIO's head would melt.
"You underestimate me! Space Ripper Stingy Eyes!"
One eyeball ruptured. Fluid compressed. Shot through the eye.
Tonpetty sensed danger. Raised his hands. Tilted his head left.
The liquid pierced his palm. Grazed his cheek. If I'd been slower, my head would've been pierced.
"What?!"
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"Master!"
Dire and Straizo abandoned their attack. Rushed to Tonpetty's side.
"Are you alright?"
Tonpetty shook his head. "I'm fine. But our plan failed."
Everyone's hearts sank. DIO already had Vaporization Freezing. Now he has a long-range attack too.
DIO's eye regenerated. He laughed. "Wryyyyy! You Ripple warriors aren't much! I, DIO, am destined to be king! Hahaha! In fact, I don't even need to fight you myself!"
He leaped to the castle balcony. Snapped his fingers.
Crimson eyes glowed in the darkness. Zombie army. Surrounded them.
"You Ripple warriors are strong. But as humans, you have limits. These zombies? Everyone from this town. Can you kill them all? Hahaha!"
He'll wear us down. Then finish us when we're exhausted.
They fought desperately. Even Speedwagon—using his barrier—battled zombies.
DIO lounged in a chair. Moonlight bathed him. A zombie poured red wine—or was it blood? He sipped. Watched the struggle below with amusement.
"Excellent! Watching prey struggle in a trap is delightful. Keep struggling! Hahaha!"
The Ripple warriors fought. At first, they dominated. But the zombies kept coming. Endless. Fatigue set in.
How do we beat DIO even if we break through? Vaporization Freezing. Space Ripper Stingy Eyes. He's too strong.
"Damn it! We won't lose!"
"Right!"
They unleashed a final burst. Cleared the zombies.
DIO jumped down. Clapped. "Impressive! But this is where it ends."
He smiled. "I'll give you a chance. Submit to me. I'll grant you power equal to mine. How about it?"
He means turn us into zombies.
Tonpetty—old but resolute—spoke. "Vampire, save your breath. As Ripple warriors, we'd rather die than submit to evil. From the day we became warriors, we stopped fearing death. Even if we can't defeat you, someone will inherit our will and strike you down!"
"Never submit? Hahaha! Good! You Chinese have a saying—'Those who understand the times are heroes.' Old man, you don't understand it!"
DIO—a scholar—had read Eastern texts.
Tonpetty shook his head. "We also have a saying—'Since ancient times, who hasn't died? Leave a loyal heart to illuminate history.' A gentleman acts with principle. So do Ripple warriors. Come! Witness our courage!"
Tonpetty roared. Exhausted, the three charged.
DIO fought effortlessly. "Useless! Useless! Useless!"
All three fell. Blood spilled.
"Now I'll finish you. Even if you refuse, I'll turn you into zombies! Hahaha!"
Blood vessels writhed from DIO's hand. Lunged toward the helpless warriors.
Poco screamed. "God-lady!"
"Hahaha! No one can save you!"
Then—
DIO's body flew backward.
A familiar voice. "Relax. We're here."
~~~~??~~~~~~~~??~~~~
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