Dimentio closed the door to his room, making sure it was locked. He looked down at his watch.
It was six, an hour before dinner.
Having some free time on his hands, Dimentio started to wander the halls. He studied the architecture of the castle, completely amazed at the design of it.
I will say, this Count Bleck as great tastes. Let's hope this job proposition is just as good.
Not watching where he was going, Dimentio walked into someone. The collision made him fall to the ground, rubbing his head.
"Hey, watch where you are going!"
Dimentio looked to see that it was the girl he met earlier, Mimi. Mimi sat on the floor, glaring at him.
"Sorry about that," Dimentio said. "I was a bit distracted."
Mimi's eyes softened a bit as Dimentio stood up.
"Yeah, well, just be more careful next time."
"Will do."
Dimentio walked passed her, continuing his exploration of the castle. Noticing that he was leaving, Mimi quickly got up and walked beside him.
"So, how did you get invited here?" Mimi asked.
Dimentio shrugged.
"I was traveling through dimensions when I came across it blowing in the wind. If was addressed to me specific, I couldn't tell. But, I was curious and so I came here."
"You travel through dimensions?"
Dimentio smiled, amused by Mimi's confused gaze.
"I do. Its...a long story, but let's just say that I've...been 'banished' from my original dimension. So, in order to survive, I learned how to bend time and space in order for me to transport myself through dimensions at my free will. It was a lot of hard work, but it has been well worth it."
"I can see that."
Dimentio nodded.
"But what about you? What's your story?"
Mimi smiled.
"Oh, there's not much to tell. My family is very rich, so I've always had the finest things in life. Though, I've never been satisfied with my life. I've always wanted more. Maybe coming here, I'll finally get it."
"I see. And what exactly do you want?"
Mimi paused for a moment, as if trying to find the right words.
"Well...more money and power will be nice. That's what Count Bleck seems to promise. But I also...want to find a nice guy. Hopefully, I can find one while I'm here."
Mimi gave a small wink. Dimentio gave a puzzled looked underneath his mask but didn't say anything.
"So, do you have a reason for coming here, other than being curious?"
Dimentio avoided her gaze.
"I...have my reasons, but do not wish to talk about them."
He walked a little faster but Mimi caught up to him.
"Why?" she asked.
Dimentio didn't reply, as he did everything he could to lose her. But nothing worked as she continued and continued to push the subject. Finally, he turned to her and said, "I really don't want to talk right now. If you will excuse me, I wish to be alone."
Mimi took a step back, shocked by his harsh comment.
Dimentio gave her one last look and then quickly walked away.
When seven finally came, Dimentio made his way to the dining room. It wasn't hard to find, as he walked almost through then entire first three floors of the castle.
Inside the room, Dimentio could see a long black table. It was decorated with a black tablecloth and a three candlestick holder, the three white flame illuminating the room. The table was already set for five, each plate having a name tag on it. Dimentio glanced over at each nametag until he found the one that had his name. He sat down and looked to see who he was sitting to. To his dismay, he was sitting next to Mimi on his left. But on his right, at the end of the table, there was no nametag, making him assume that Count Bleck would be sitting there.
Dimentio sat by himself, wondering what Count Bleck would be like and what questions he should ask him. He had to make sure he had a good first impression, to learn more about the count's plan.
"Hello there, Dimentio!"
Dimentio was so lost in his thoughts he jumped a little as O'Chunks walked in.
"Oh, didn't mean to startle you," O'Chunks said as he sat across from him. "I was just saying hi."
Dimentio smiled.
"It's alright, I was just thinking. It is so easy to get lost in your own thoughts, you know."
O'Chunks shrugged.
"I'm not that much of a thinker. I usually rely on my gut when it comes to decision making."
Dimentio nodded in reply.
"Have you've heard anything from the count or Nastasia?" O'Chunks suddenly asked.
Dimentio shook his head.
"Nothing at all. Hopefully, they will show up soon. I'm starving."
"I agree with that."
Out of the corner of his eye, Dimentio saw Mimi walk in. He groaned to himself but acted completely natural. Mimi saw her name tag and sat down.
"Hi guys," she said quietly.
Dimentio glanced over at her. He could see some awkwardness in her gaze.
"Hi Mimi," O'Chunks said happily.
Mimi smiled in reply.
Suddenly, Nastasia came out of the other door. Everyone immediately turned to her.
"Nice to see you all again. I hope you've made yourselves comfortable," Nastasia said. "And now, I introduce you to the count."
Behind her came a dark blue man wearing a white cape and top hat. He looked into everyone's eyes, his yellow gaze glowing with dark mystery.
"Dimentio, Mimi, O'Chunks!" Count Bleck exclaimed. "Count Bleck welcomes you to Castle Bleck!"
Dimentio watched the count carefully as he took his seat at the table. Count Bleck was quiet for a moment, waiting to see if anyone wished to speak. When no one said anything, the count cleared his throat and said, "Count Bleck hopes your rooms were to your liking. If you need anything, just say the word and I will make it happen, by Count Bleck."
"The rooms are great, count!" O'Chunks commented sincerely. "There is a lot of room and the beds are really comfortable. Though, I do have to ask, will we be able to bring our stuff from home here to the castle?"
"Of course," Count Bleck replied. "Count Bleck has already told Nastasia to bring your personal belongings to the castle, since you will be staying here for awhile."
"And how long is 'awhile?'" Mimi questioned.
"It will depend on how long it takes to get my job done. Count Bleck will explain everything shortly, don't worry. But for now, let's enjoy the feast. After all, you must be hungry."
Count Bleck lifted the staff he was holding into the air as platters upon platters of food appeared on the table. Dimentio felt his mouth water as the different aromas went passed his nose. O'Chunks and Mimi were thinking the same thing as they already grabbed the first dish that was in front of them. Dimentio started to put some food on his plate when he noticed that the count was just sitting there.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Dimentio asked.
"Not until you three have gotten your fill," Count Bleck answered. "Count Bleck wants to make sure his guests are comfortable. Besides, I, Count Bleck, can summon more food if it is needed."
"If you say so..."
Dimentio took a sip of a shroom shake.
He couldn't help it, but there was something about the count he didn't like. There was this thing about him that made him feel uneasy, bitter even. Dimentio continued to glance over at Count Bleck as he ate, watching every movement he made. Once Mimi, O'Chunks, and Dimentio had stopped gathering food, Count Bleck, along with Nastasia, took whatever remained.
"Now, Count Bleck is sure that you are all wondering why you are here."
Actually, I'm more curious as to why you're talking in third person, Dimentio thought with a bit of annoyance.
"Nastasia gave you all a quick explanation as to what I am doing."
Oh my God, he said something in first person for once!
"But not enough details, so I, Count Bleck, will tell you."
And...I spoke too soon.
Count Bleck cleared his throat, making sure he had everyone's attention.
"As Nastasia said, I want to destroy all of the dimensions to make one, perfect dimension. To do it, I have to follow the words of the Dark Prognosticus."
Dimentio's eyes widened.
"What's a 'Dark Prognosticus?'" O'Chunks asked puzzled.
"The Dark Prognosticus is a book of ancient prophecies," Count Bleck explained. "It foretells the events yet to come with one hundred percent accuracy. In one of the prophecies, it tells of a dark one taking control of the Chaos Heart and destroying all worlds. In their place, the dark one will create a new world of his image. I wish to make that prophecy come true, as the worlds of today are nothing more than abominations."
"So you want us to help you get this Chaos Heart?" Dimentio questioned.
Count Bleck shook his head.
"No, I can get the Chaos Heart easily. What I hired you three for was to make sure that the only person who can stop me, the Hero of Legend, is out of my way."
Mimi raised an eyebrow.
"If it's that easy, then surely you can stop him yourself."
"Not according to the Dark Prognosticus," Count Bleck countered. "And even if it was that simple, a little extra help wouldn't hurt to have. After all, one man can't do everything himself."
"And how do you expect us to defeat this hero?" Dimentio asked. "What kind of power does he possess?"
"The only bad thing about the Dark Prognosticus is that it doesn't give much detail. The only clue I have to the hero is that he has a great mustache and a red cap."
Dimentio blinked, going through his memories to see if he had ever encounter a man of that description. Unfortunately, no one came to mind. However, his curiosity was beginning to grow.
This Dark Prognosticus...he must learn more of it's power.
"So, when do we fight this Hero of Legend?" O'Chunks asked.
"Once we get the Chaos Heart the hero will reveal himself," Count Bleck explained. "But before we get the Chaos Heart, Nastasia and I will train you three to fight the hero. From what I've heard, the three of you are great fighters."
"Now wait a second!"
Everyone turned to Mimi, her eyes darkening with suspicion.
"Just how do you know us anyway? How did you even find us to begin with?"
"I agree with Mimi," Dimentio added. "Are we mentioned in the Dark Prognosticus as well?"
Count Bleck chuckled.
"Of course. That is how Count Bleck sent you that invitation."
The count closed his eyes as he recited, "'O'Chunks the Warrior, Mimi the Shape Shifter, and Dimentio the Traveler of Dimensions. Bring the minions of darkness to weaken the Hero of Legend. For they have the power to face him.'"
The count reopened his eyes.
"There is also mention of a fourth in the book as well, but as you can see, he never showed up. So for now, it is just use five."
Count Bleck then stood up.
"Well, it has been a long night and Count Bleck can see that you are tired. Tomorrow morning we will start training. Good night to you all."
Count Bleck lifted up his cape and he teleported away. Nastasia then got up and snapped her fingers, making the plates of food disappear.
"Now, any more questions that you need answering?"
There was a long silence.
"I...think we're good," O'Chunks finally said. "Thanks for the good meal, Nastasia."
"No problem. See you tomorrow."
Nastasia shifted her glasses teleported as well. O'Chunks scratched his head.
"Well...that was different. Good dinner, but different in conversation."
He then made his way to the door.
"Well, see you in the morning, Dimentio, Mimi."
"Ciao, O'Chunks," Dimentio replied.
"Bye," Mimi added.
O'Chunks nodded and left to go to his room. Dimentio walked off as well, exhausted from today's events.
However, Mimi ran up to him and said, "Dimentio...could I have a word with you?"
With a heavy sigh, Dimentio turned to face her. Mimi looked at the ground, as if refusing to make eye contact.
"I...I'm sorry for earlier," Mimi said in a low voice. "I was just trying to get to know you better, since we will be working together, obviously. Sorry if I was too pushy..."
Dimentio smiled slightly.
"It's not your fault, you didn't know. Just...don't bring it up again, alright?"
Mimi looked up and smiled.
"Okay."
Dimentio nodded.
"Good. Ciao, Mimi."
He then snapped his fingers and teleported to his bedroom.
Count Bleck looked out his balcony, gazing at the never ending darkness. His mind drifted as he thought back to his dinner with Dimentio, Mimi, and O'Chunks. Yes, they were just as the Dark Prognosticus predicted. Just by talking to him, he could already see their strengths and weakness.
O'Chunks was very strong and could take a lot of hits, but his opponent could easily out smart him.
Mimi was very small and could easily avoid attacks and keep her opponent's guessing on her next move. But if she underestimate her enemy, it could be her downfall.
Dimentio...Count Bleck couldn't get much out of him.
He hid his emotions very well, the mask hiding his facial expressions and his voice in an always calm matter. He could be a good deceiver, an enemy not to mess around with.
An enemy no one would want to have.
Count Bleck let out a heavy sigh.
"'O'Chunks the Warrior, Mimi the Shape Shifter, Dimentio the Traveler of Dimensions, and Mr. L the Thief. Bring the minions of darkness to weaken the Hero of Legend. For they have the power to face him. But only one can slay the hero, as they have a heart of pure darkness and evil that even the purest of souls cannot stand against.'"
The words of the Dark Prognosticus rang through his ears as he said them out loud.
Count Bleck knew that his new minions couldn't be trusted, but he needed them to defeat the hero. Hopefully, he will have gain their utter loyalty to him when the time comes, and have the mysterious Mr. L along with that. Count Bleck closed his eyes.
The battle of dimensions had now begun.
