001; video

[diociopath]

[The screen is awfully dark at first; wherever the video is being recorded, it's hard to tell, so at first it might seem like this is either an accident or the user isn't all that great with technology.

Fortunately, it isn't long at all before a light source comes on, but it's dim - so dim, in fact, that the person who shows up on screen isn't entirely visible. He seems to be lounging around somewhere, but there's enough light to tell that he's...he's shirtless, yet his face is completely obscured.

Surely he couldn't be doing it on purpose to show off his body, right? Who the hell could be that narcissistic?]

What could you say about a city of heroes? If a city of warriors is strong and steadfast, but a city of scholars is wise and knowledgeable, then would a place like this be courageous and just? It's an ideal long sought after. Some would place more worth in those kinds of ideals then strength or intelligence. As long as a person is "good", their talents will not be used for less than savory purposes. It alleviates the fear of strength and intelligence being used against those who wish to make use of them.

I think it speaks far more about fear than it does the ideal. To stock up on heroes in order to protect yourself, to fear the unknown and prematurely defend oneself against it, that is the real truth of this world. To maintain control is to eliminate fear, and to conquer fear is to truly live. Conquering fear is how a person may realize they have lived to the fullest. If only they could do so without relying on others, it would almost be impressive.

[Unfortunately, this is really a case of someone who thinks they're hot shit being given an audience. He's glad people have to listen to how smart he thinks he is.

But there is one more reason for this.]

I'd like to meet some heroes; if you feel the title suits you for whatever reason, I'd appreciate some of your time for a talk.

Comments

text; private

[brokenteam]

[the name displayed for this is 'Alex Baker']

What do you want to talk about?

[Mike doesn't consider himself a hero but he's curious about what this man has to say. He seems to be an odd one but his opinions aren't exactly wrong.]

text; private

[diociopath]

Just a few questions.

To begin with, why do you call yourself a hero?

video;

[brushoff]

[ jesus christ it is way too dark in there. so Dorian's peering at the camera...

and then proceeds to kind of blatantly stare at Dio's shirtlessnes. and staaaaare.

oh right, a question. ]

Well, I'm certainly not a hero--I just got here as well.

video;

[diociopath]

[Oh Dorian, that's exactly what he wants people to do. He likes showing off his dead brother's torso.]

Well, isn't that a shame? What could they possibly want with you, I wonder?

audio;

[databoner]

And here I was thinking you were the type to only ask questions rather than speak his own thoughts.

audio;

[diociopath]

How else can we learn? It's important to hear other viewpoints; they stimulate the mind far more than introspection.

[It's just that he thinks everyone else is wrong.]

I can't just keep quiet forever.

video/

[bulwank]

It is foolish to think you can completely expel fear from yourself. You must embrace all the facets of your humanity and feel humility! You think you can conquer everything that makes you crumble? You think you can defeat your instinct as a squealing pig bearing man's attire? What nonsense is that! [Shakes his head, a laugh.]

You've only just gotten here and you start speeches like this. But I will respect your opinion and your desire to strive above the inevitable. It's not saying I think you should sit in your fear and quiver like a rodent. But accepting that fear as part of you is something every man must do!

[Puffs out his chest a little, some light catching a glimmer here and there from his Regalia. No need to show off his massive body though right? It does it for himself, he doesn't need to be forward about it that's for sure.]

Gamagori Ira, sir.

video;

[diociopath]

["a squealing pig bearing man's attire."

Oh, if there was ever a way to make a bad first impression. Although he doesn't lose his cool, the comparison isn't exactly appreciated.]

Is that so? But you speak decidedly only with regards to humanity. Embracing your flaws and coming to terms with your limits is an effective method of dealing with them, I'm sure.

But, Gamagori Ira...I, Dio, am no human.

Ridding myself of fear entirely is not beyond me.

text

[runningstart]

put that away

nobody wants to see that

text + video

[diociopath]

[The video feed stays, just because he told him to stop.

What a petulant guy this Dio.]

I'd rather not. I'm comfortable.

text :

[proteus]

Chippendales went out of style two decades ago

text;

[diociopath]

I'm not familiar. What is Chippendales?

[darwinatrix]

Heroes get themselves killed. They're ideological and naive. I'd rather have a hundred fighters than a hundred heroes.

[diociopath]

[Now there's an interesting answer.]

So long as you can keep them in line, warriors are preferable. They live to fight rather than protect.

You would identify as a fighter rather than a hero then?

[fingerbang]

A "city of heroes", huh.

[ A TRUE CONFLICT OF HOMUNCULUS INTEREST IS GOING ON HERE. on the one hand there's not much she enjoys more, network-wise, than pretentiously talking to other pretentious people and listening to the sound of her own voice! on the other, put a shirt on, man, jesus. ]

I do hope you're being rhetorical.

[diociopath]

[SHIRTLESSNESS INTENSIFIES.]

It seems to be what they're going for. Is that not the case?

audio;

[dragony]

[ Why is this happening. ]

Is it the conquering of fear that's so noble, or the mere lack of it?

[ Why is he shirtless. ]

video still because shirtlessness

[diociopath]

Everyone experiences fear. When a person strives to accomplish something in life, be it to succeed in a goal, court a loved one or even just approach a new day, fear permeates all aspects of these things subconsciously. The fear of what may happen, the resulting fear of what does happen...the fear of rejection. Failure. The unseen hand of fate itself.

So to arm yourself in such a way that fear is no longer an obstacle...to conquer fear is what makes someone stand above all others. You will be held back no longer by your worries or your doubts...

That is worth striving for.

[Hopefully he actually answered the question...somewhere in there.

He's a pretentious asshole who can't just answer a goddamned question.]

video

[foreshadower]

Why the interest only in heroes? I'm afraid this place seems to bring all types, you may find more than just the heroic types here.

video;

[diociopath]

[Because he'd like to see how hard it'll be to do evil shit down the line.

However, he knows that isn't the kind of answer he should give a stranger in public.]

Twenty five years ago, the traditional concept of a hero no longer existed. Modern society doesn't need people like that.

However, things are different here. I'd like to see what kind of person makes a hero.

video | i should be sorry, but i'm not

[heartboxer]

[ Hey. Hey. That's a really nice physique.

In fact, Armstrong is going to respond with a video that begins with him ripping his shirt to join you. ]

I must say I appreciate your muscles! It is nice to meet someone who sees the importance of taking care of themselves! And, perhaps, luckily for you, I can talk about why I choose to be called a "hero" in this land! [ At the very least, Armstrong can help you pass an hour. Or two. ]

video; this isn't the cr dio needs, it's the cr dio deserves

[diociopath]

[Well, that's...something. Although he did steal this body from the one man he respected, so hearing it get complimented is nice! He appreciates the sentiment stranger.

Although he still thinks Armstrong looks like a goof not worth his time.]

My body is important to me; I always take great care in maintaining it, so your compliment is appreciated.

Now, if you would indulge me some more, why are you a hero?

[manbanchoku]

You want to talk to a hero, Dio-chan?

[Social formalities are things that happen to other people. People who do not have Bread of Friendship between them.]

You should talk to Ryuuko-chan or Senketsu-chan then! Or Satsuki-sama! They saved our whole world.

[And Mako helped!]

[diociopath]

[Well, okay. List of people to look out for at least, since heroes are bad news.

But before he says anything else, there's one particular thing he has to address. Something of utmost importance.]

Just Dio will do. I'd prefer you not add the chan.

[He's been to Japan, he knows the language. He ain't liking that.]

video.

[isaytheeneigh]

Sounds to me like you're too caught up in the idea of heroes. Real heroes don't exist, no matter what this place seems to claim.

But people might try to pretend otherwise.

[Jean knows that a large part of being here involves being called "heroes." The words on his wrist state as much, but he doesn't like it.

Of course, a large part of being here is also having to reassess things.]

video;

[diociopath]

[Whoa now, them's fightin' words buddy.]

Would you argue heroes don't exist in all worlds? Or simply this one, which forces the title upon those it claims?

video;

[symbionic]

I'm not a hero, but I know one. Does that count?

[A lie through and through.]

video;

[diociopath]

That depends on how well you know this hero of yours. Perhaps enough to answer a few questions for me.