GIO/Designation- X; GIO

## Designation X

Designation - X; GIO, or known simply as "X-GIO" is the alternative world counterpart of GIO found within the Rift.

He serves as one of the Ten Members of the Optimates; a group of arficially crafted humanoid creatures that work under the employment of many influenctual figures; acting akin to bodyguards, enforcers, mercenaries and even on the odd occassion, assassins. GIO is ranked X (Ten) within the group and is considered to be the 5th strongest member of the Optimates below **VIII, VI, I & V.** He encountered G-14 during their travels in the Rift when the group arrived on Senbonsakura, being often seen with the leader of the Optimates: **VIII,** as he attempted to speak with G-14. He also has a bad habit of misrembering the numbers of his fellow Optimates; often calling **VII** by **VII** and **I** as **III**

Due to his actions, he is considered a minor antagonist during the events of the Rift.

## Overview

The Rift's Version of GIO's origin was quite different compared to his Aftermath Counterpart; being created last out of the Optimates. Their creator being the alternative world version of Doctor Flamal, who created the Optimates by splicing the DNA of powerful people with phsyical devil fruits to new cellular bodies , dubbing them as Optimates, (Short for *Optimal Primates).* In GIO's case; his existence was created when the DNA sample of Oid's blood which was collected on the battlefield by **I,** was spliced together with the Neko Neko No Mi, Model Leopard. This resulted in GIO birth; inheriting the powerful strength and durability of an emperor and the nature, agility and will of the Leopard Zoan.

Being a success, GIO was Designated the Roman Numeral X (meaning ten) and given the corresponding badge. Like his siblings **VIII & II,** due to being spliced with a Zoan Devil Fruit, X possessed the traits of a somewhat incomplete hybrid form that took the role of his base untransformed state; with him having a pair of leopard cat ears and a tail whilst in his humanoid state. Taking a more leopard like form when he became hybrid. The mixture of Oid's DNA with the Leopard fruit resulted in GIO's personality being akin to a arrogant housecat with extreme hydrophoiba and the occassional weird facination with extremely feminine figures that he would approach and assert dominance over by posing dramatically.

Being the last offical member of the Optimates; GIO was sent out into the field to test his capabilities; being employed under the Wood Soverigns services in his hostile takeover of the Nation of Jubnah; effortless defeating and slaying mercenaries that allied against Rowntree; even managing to assassinate one of the leading figures in McVitt's Political Council.... before screwing up and revealing his presence which resulted in a massacre of the majority of the council; with the survivors surrending the nation of Mcvitt over to the Wood Soverign.

GIO would often be tasked after his successful test-run, with the occassional task of protection of a high paying customer; which he would take with stride. Although, going overboard with his cat like instinct and more often than not, becoming overbearing to the customer to the point they send him back as they wanted a protector not a Housecat. This would eventually lead to his postioning at Senbonsakura, by VII's request.

He would later encounter G-14 alongside his fellow Optimates; VIII, VI & IV, when the group arrived at Senbon; being tasked with investigating James Cook to see if he was the member of the Liberation Front that possesed the light logia; with the Cat-boy running into Silas and talking arrogantly and with much trash to the Demonkin Long-Arm as VIII managed to convince them to allow them on the Helios to speak with James, with GIO hissing and scowling on dry land, afraid to step onto the boat due to his extreme hydrophobia.

He would later be seen again as VIII & James intervened in the fight of David, VI & IV, before allowing G-14 to leave unharmed. He spent the remainder of the time whilst G-14 was on Sebonsakura stalking Silas as he wandered the island looking for Selala. Occassionally hissing at him from a far-away distance, and watching him, hoping Silas would mess up and that GIO would be able to pounce. He would get distracted prior to Silas returning to the Ship by a femine looking marine that was patroling the island; charging at him to assert dominance by posing all over the young, white haired femine marine officer.