A/R:

Hahaha, remember when I said I was going to upload every Sunday? Yeah, that was a month+ ago. Let's try this again, starting today.

Thanks.


Chapter Seven

Star

"Other hand."

"...Huh? Oh, sorry." Star examined her freshly painted nails as Mimi started on the right hand.

"It's fine." The green girl assured her. Star noticed she was picking her words carefully.

"I guess I did lose it for a moment there." In the hour since their fight, Star had gone from stunned, to appalled, to just blatantly pissed.

Mimi bit her lip and took a weary glance up at her. "What?" Star asked.

"Do you think," She inquired cautiously, "Dimentio will be alright? He did fall from pretty high up."

"I don't care."

Mimi sighed and brushed green polish onto Stars nails. "Yes you do silly. You do care. I can see that you were just as worried as the rest of us."

"I Just wanted to make sure I hadn't killed him." Star muttered. But part of her knew Mimi was right. Even after what he just did, she was itching to check on him, "You don't really care about him, it's just your stupid impulse to be compassionate."

Mimi seemed to guess her train of thought. "Do you want to go see him?"

"No."

"Why are you so stubborn?"

"Why are you so obnoxious?" She immediately wrapped her arms around the girl, "I'm sorry, you know I don't mean that. I'm just pissed off."

Mimi hugged her back, "It's okay. We should still go-"

"No."

"Ugh." She squealed suddenly, "Watch your nails!"

The tip of her fingers had brushed against Mimi's back. Star started telling her it was fine, but the other girl had already began touching them up. "Why do you want to see him so bad?"

"Because I have a heart."

"I lost my heart a while ago." Star said sincerely.

"Fine." Mimi said, giving in. Although it was obvious she was unhappy with the decision.


Count Bleck/Nastasia

Count Bleck unbuttoned the jester's poncho and dropped it to the side. He and nastasia had found him out cold not far from the training room. He was still passed out when they got back to his room, but they could atleast see the slow rise and fall of his chest.

As he tugged up Dimentios shirt, Nastasia gagged beside him. "I suppose the spell doesn't do much for wounds that are already there, huh?"

"No it doesn't seem so." He pulled the shirt off completely. That wasn't what Bleck was worried about, Dimentio could tend to the gash himself. He needed to check and make sure he hadn't caused any major damage on his back after falling so hard, and with the amount of blood he had coughed up...

"Powder? The count muttered, running a finger over Dimentios shoulder blade.

"Makeup, it seems." Nastasia commented. "I can't fathom why he would-"

"Get me a wet cloth." The count ordered suddenly.

"K." Nastasia came back quickly, "Is something the matter?"

Bleck only muttered to himself and wiped it over Dimentios upper back.

Nastasia pulled her glasses down, "What is that?"

Count Bleck shook his head and grabbed his staff, "Find whatever he used to conceal it and cover it back up. You may tend to him if you so please, but I will not help him any further."

"But Count, what if-"

"And don't mention it to anyone, especially not him. I'll be in my study."

"Yes Count." She jumped a little as the door slammed.

"I wonder what it means." She hadn't seen The Count like that in a long time, so it must have been important, "I'll ask him about it later."

Nevertheless she did as she was told and searched around until she found a small jar of concealer. By the time she was finished, the jester would have no idea it had even been tampered with.

Nastasia was about to leave the room when Dimentio groaned, "Nastasia?" He moved to sit up, "What-"

Nastasia cringed as Dimentio let out a shrill cry. She hadn't planned on helping him. If the count was unwilling then why should she? But looking at him now she felt a pang of sympathy. "Don't get up, I'll be right back."

She returned to see that the jester had gone against her, choosing to wash and poorly bandage the tear on his side. But it seemed he had exhausted what little energy he had on that single task, as he was still sitting by the bathroom door.

She put the bowl of soup on his nightstand and walked over, "Come on, let's get you back to bed."

"Fuck off."

Nastasia didn't flinch. "Get up," She glowered at him over the top of her glasses, "Or I will make you."

Dimentio gritted his teeth but allowed Nastasia to walk him over. As he settled in, she pointed to the bedside table, "Eat that and drink what is in the vial, k."

Nastasia sat down at the end of the bed to wait, knowing he wouldn't listen to her if she left. She was relieved to see she didn't need to fight with him any further.

Well, for the most part.

He had indeed picked up the bowl, but was only stirring the broth. "I don't see why you are making yourself comfortable. I do believe I am capable of eating on my own."

"I will leave once you take the medicine." She focused on her papers again.

"What," He asked in a singsong voice, "Don't you trust me?"

"Dimentio, I am not here for idle chatter. So could you kindly eat so I may go?"

He took a spoonful and continued talking, "Oh won't you humor me for a bit? If I am confined to my bed, it would be nice to have some company."

"Talk to the other minions." She answered flippantly.

He nearly choked. "Ah ha ha. I think both you and I know how that will go."

"At least he's eating." Nastasia shook her head, "It was a stupid thing to do."

"Perhaps. But it was also necessary. Did you know?"

"About Star? No."

"Did the count?"

"I believe so..." That was the other thing vexing Nastasia. It had been obvious from the beginning that Star was not what she said she was. But the count had refused to say anything about it no matter how Nastasia asked. "First that. Now the secrecy with Dimentio." She trusted the count, but it hurt to see that even after all they had gone through together...

Nastasia looked back to the Dimentio, hoping he would distract her from the ache in her heart. He had managed to finish the soup and was making an attempt to untie his mask with his right hand alone.

"Would you like some help?" She offered.

He ignored her and cried out as he lifted the hand on his injured side. "Grambi help me." Dimentio let out a feeble breath and dropped the mask to the side.

"It's not poison if that's what you're thinking." She was a bit thrown off by his eyes as he examined the medicine. True to Dimentios mask, his left iris was a steel gray. His right eye, on the other hand, was a ball of yellow. Even in the bright room, they both seemed to glow.

"Even if it was stupid," He added suddenly, "At least she will have a better chance against the heroes." He noticed her staring and pulled off his hat, letting inky black hair cover his eyes.

"Sorry…" She muttered.

He just shrugged and finally seemed to accept that that she and the count weren't trying to kill him. He heaved a bit at the taste, "You'd think one of you would know to put rosemary in these things."

Nastasia couldn't help but roll her eyes at his gripe. She tries to help the man and he complains about the medicine...

She glanced up before asking carefully, "So do you wear the mask to hide your eyes?"

He stared back down, sneering at the question, "Not for the reason your thinking. A persons eyes gives away too much of their feelings."

That wasn't the answer she was expecting, "Is that a bad thing?"

"It makes you easy to figure out. Easy for people to pick you apart. Like a segall picks apart scraps, left by tourists at a vacation picnic. Ah ha ha ha."

Nastasia left hastily as he broke into insane laughter.


Star

"Would one of you mind giving this to Dimentio?" Nastasia held up a pouch from the doorway of Stars room.

Star jumped to answer but Mimi was faster, "Of course we will!" When the secretary left she pulled on Stars arm, "Come on."

"Oh no. You have fun, I'll wait right here." There was no way she was facing him so soon.

"Oh stop it."

Mimi placed the bag on the ground and rested her foot on top of it, "I'll step on it if you don't come."

"So?"

"So, Nastasia's gonna be mad when I tell her you broke them just to spite Dimentio."

And after the way Star had acted towards him, the pink haired woman would believe it. "You wouldn't dare."

"I would to!"

Seeing as she didn't have a choice, Star followed her friend to Dimentios room.

Star rapped on the door. A drowsy 'enter' came from inside. She let Mimi in first, choosing to stay in the doorway.

"Hello," Dimentio rolled over to face the door, "And what have I done to be graced with you dear ladies presence?"

"Nastasia gave us these." Mimi held up the pouch, "Come to think of it, she could have have brought them herself. You and Stars rooms are right next to each other."

"She was probably still afraid from my little… Episode, earlier." He glanced up at Star, "Hello Star, care to join us?"

"I'm good." She refused to look at him as she asked, "Aren't you warm? It's kinda hot in here."

"Yeah it is. But I fear Nastasia would have my head if she came in and found me up."

"I'll get it." Mimi opened the window and sat down on Dimentios bed, "Star come on," She whined, "Close the door and sit down."

"It is creating a bit of a draft." Dimentio added.

Star gave up and was forced to sit next to him, since Mimi had chosen to sprawl herself across the bottom half of the mattress.

"Traitor." She muttered as Shine jumped out of her lap and curled up on Dimentios chest.

"Hey kitty." He rubbed her ear between his fingers. "Let's play a game."

"A game?" Star asked wearily. She didn't know how she felt about another one of his games.

"Go fish?" Mimi suggested.

"Mimi," Star chided, "How old are you?"

"What are you trying to say?"

"Go fish sounds fun." Dimentio interjected, "There's a deck of cards in that draw."

Star was done arguing with both of them. Her stomach flipped at some of the contents of the draw. She moved the box and rope (and Mimi's diary) to pick up the cards.

"Thank you, Bella." He whispered. His hands brushed hers as he took the deck and she flushed deeper.

"Did he make me go in… Is he doing this on purpose?" The idea sickened and excited her all at once.

Dimentio dealt out the cards, "Shall we?"


"Mental note: Murder Mimi next time you see her."

She'd claimed to have gotten bored, but the way the green girl had been giggling when she left, Star knew Mimi had other ideas. "And now I'm stuck here because some stupid part of me would feel bad leaving him alone. As soon as I find and kill that part of my brain..."

"Your play." Dimentio said moving his bishop.

Since two way go fish didn't work very well, Star had offered chess, figuring that would require less conversing.

To her dismay, he continued chatting. And she found herself responding more often than she would have liked to admit.

"You're very good." He commented as she blocked his advance to her king.

"I had a great teacher." She murmured.

"I can see, I'm almost afraid I'll lose. Would you like to make another bet? My side still stands."

"I-I... " Star squirmed at the thought of losing. "No, let's not."

She was glad she had declined because within a few minutes, he had her in checkmate.

"Damn it." She knocked over her king.

"Ah ha ha. You almost bested me. Another round?"

Star shook her head. It was almost ten and she hadn't rested since their fight.

"Alright… Star?"

His sudden change in tone unnerved her, "Hm?"

"I need to-"

Shine rolled over and mewed, demanding attention. Dimentio ran his hand through her fur.

He went quiet for a minute before asking, "Could I see them?"

"What?"

"Your wings."

"Oh! Why?"

"I didn't get a good look at them earlier."

"I…" Although she couldn't fathom why he wanted cared to see them, Star couldn't be bothered to argue further, "Whatever."

Star dropped her glamour, shivering a little as the magic ran through her. She wrapped her tail around her hand, cupping the fire that flickered at the end.

Dimentio scooted forward and picked a loose feather off her left wing before she could pull them behind her back.

Star closed her eyes and replaced the glamour. She didn't know what more he'd wanted her to do. Dimentio hadn't even said a word.

Dimentio sat back against the headboard, fiddling with the black feather.

Star stared at the bedsheet. "Why did you drop me?" Maybe he had a reason...

"So you wouldn't be scared to fight the heroes as your true self." He answered as though it was the simplest thing.

"You could have asked me privately instead of revealing it for the whole castle to see."

Dimentio shrugged her off, "It was ridiculous for you to be hiding anyway."

"That is not your call to make." She snapped, " And how did you even know what I was?"

"The red glowing eyes and soul stealing kind of gives it away."

She hated how nonchalant he was being about this. "You were watching me!"

There was not an ounce of remorse in his voice. "Yes."

Star clenched her fists and did her best not to hit him. As they sat in silence, her anger began to dissolve. She wasn't necessarily mad at Dimentio, he just did what she had been pushing off. But everyone knowing what she was… That was that part that tormented her. "No one needed to know."

"So?" She flinched as he cupped her cheek, but didn't pull away, "No one has changed the way they feel about you, have they?"

"I guess not."

"Then what's the problem, Cara Bella?"

He was close now, but just as quickly as he had moved, Dimentio dropped his hand and leaned against the headboard.

Star groaned. Why did she let him get her into positions like that?

Shine crawled into his lap again, "She really likes you." It was strange for the kitten to be that comfortable with him that fast. She wasn't even like that with Mimi.

"It seems so."

Star couldn't understand. This man had made her life hell when she got here. He'd picked on her for no reason but his own sick pleasure. He couldn't care less about her safety. He revealed what she was to everyone without her consent. She didn't think it had even crossed his mind once that she was betrayed by what he did.

"And yet I'm sitting here by my own account." Was it just the little similarities that kept her coming back?

"Are you alright?" Dimentios voice jolted Star out of her thoughts.

"Just a bit tired." As if to prove her words, she yawned.

He nodded and gave Star her kitten, "We should fight the heroes tomorrow."

"Dimentio you're in no state to-"

"You should fight them."

"Oh. If you're up for it."

"I'm fine. I'll come and get you a little before twelve."

Star moved to get up until something crossed her mind, "I told that green haired brat I would come to her room when I was done…"

He laughed, moving a hand to his back as he did. "Stay here then. Just tell her you fell asleep."

"Really?" She would never get used to his sudden acts of generosity.

"Of course. Lay down." Dimentio let out a little groan as he stood up. He grabbed a pillow and started for the loveseat he had in the corner.

"What are you doing?"

"Again, I wouldn't necessarily be opposed to it, but I'm sure you don't want me sleeping with you." He threw the pillow on the couch and grabbed a blanket from the closet.

"No don't. Look I'll sleep on the the couch. I'm not kicking you out of your own-"

"Oh shut up and go to sleep."

"Dim-"

"Goodnight Star." He clicked his fingers and the lamp went dark.

Well if he insisted. "Goodnight Dimentio." She felt a bit silly as she moved to curl up where he'd once been.


Dimentio

Dimentio had forgotten where he'd ended up the night before and nearly rolled off the chair.

"Damn that girl." It was bad enough he was in so much pain, but sleeping like that hadn't helped in the slightest. "I guess I don't learn."

He prepared for the day day quietly, seeing no need to wake Star so early. The hero's wouldn't arrive at their destination for another few hours. Instead, he occupied himself by reorganizing the chessboard again. He moved the king a space over and hoped that by the end of the day it would be back in its place.

Star stretching out from under the sheets caught his attention. "Good morning Bella."

Her head jerked to face him, obviously surprised when she registered where she was. "Morning..."

Dimentio tried not to laugh at how flustered she was already. "We're leaving an hour, alright?" He said gingerly.

"Okay." She seemed a bit reluctant to get up.

He wished she would just leave. Ignoring all rational thoughts, Dimentio sat on the edge of the bed. "Comfy?"

She pulled the blanket up to hide her face, "And warm."

"I know the feeling. Here," He picked her up blankets and all, "Let me help."

They warped and he laid her gently onto her own bed. "Thank you."

He smiled, "See you in a bit."

She came back a little sooner than he had expected, his comforter under one arm and a platter in the other.

"What's that?"

"I brought tea. I don't know if you want any but…" Without waiting for confirmation, she placed the tea cups and kettle down.

"Oh." He moved so she could sit, "That's very kind of you."

Dimentio felt a flash of panic as he moved to pick a teabag, realizing too late that this was a test. Hoping she didn't notice, he switched quickly from the floral tea to green. She made a little noise as he did.

"What?" He asked.

"Nothing." Star muttered. Her teacup was boiling in her hands.

"And I failed." He hoped it didn't cost him too much.

Besides the occasional clinking of porcelain, the air was dead around them. The time passed slowly and Dimentio though he would lose it if someone didn't say something.

It seemed Star was just as bothered by the silence. She stopped tapping her nail against the cup, "How's your… Side? Back?"

He didn't clarify, "It hurts. There's only so much I can do to heal it."

"Why don't you drink some of the stuff Nastasia gave you?"

"It upset my stomach a bit." He lied, "I'd rather deal with the pain."

It wasn't a complete lie. As soon as the secretary had left, he'd emptied his stomach and prayed the liquid hadn't already gotten into his system. It wasn't necessarily his lackey Dimentio didn't trust, but Count Bleck himself.

Star seemed to see has reluctance as stubbornness. "Whatever, I hope you never feel better then. Has it been an hour?"

He held out a hand. "It's been long enough."

"Where are we going?"

"Space." He was a little taken aback as she started laughing, "Huh. I never knew space to be so humorous."

"You'd be surprised."

Stars new found valour was beginning to irk him. "Oh well. It's easy enough to knock her back down."

"Let us depart."


Star

"Welcome to the whoa zone." Dimentio held her steady as they arrived.

"The whoa zone?" Star echoed.

The room was a huge change from their previous endeavors. It felt devoid of colour and yet the walls were still straining to the eyes, especially in contrast to those of castle bleck.

He nodded, "Accurately named, isn't it?"

They stood on one of the many platforms, in the strange place. Star jumped off and explored the area a bit. "This isn't quite space." She called back.

"This area is still within space. The gravity is a bit off, if you haven't already noticed."

She leaped back up to him. "Yeah I realized. Which means I can't fight here. There's no way I'll be able to fly. And there are too many places to bump my head."

"You just have a complaint about everything, don't you?" He jumped to the side before her elbow made contact. "Dimension D then?"

"How? I passed out the last time."

"The heroes have only just entered the dimension, we have some time to find a way to get you there."

Star wasn't sure she wanted to put her safety into his hands again. "I'd really rather not. How about we just find another room?"

He didn't budge. "I don't think we should. This is a maze after all and there's no guarantee they will come into the room we're in."

"I'll take my chances."

"We're running out of time. If we miss them now, there may not be another chance. You know that just as well as I do." He chuckled, "You just don't trust me."

"No, I don't," She said bluntly.

"Come on." Dimentio stepped closer and reached for her hand. She yanked it back before he could take it. "I will not let you pass out again, I promise."

"Your promises mean nothing." She started to walk for another room.

"I should have thought better of your feelings in regards to my previous actions." Dimentio paused. "I do apologize Star.

He sounded defeated. "Maybe he does mean it." She decide to take the chance and joined him once again, hoping she wasn't acting too suddenly. "Fine. But I'm only forgiving you so I can fight. And if I pass out I have every right to hurt you."

"I'll take it." His smile had returned and part of her was happy to see it. "And I'll give you that right, but could you wait until I'm healed first?"

"Sounds good. I- Dimentio!"

"Shh." Dimentio stood behind Star and took up her hands, wrapping their arms around her waist, "Calm down and think of where we're trying to go."

"I don't think I can with you so close." She whispered, shocked at her own lack of objection.

"Try." He murmured gently, "Close your eyes, forget about me."

"I…" Was this really his solution? Or was it just an excuse to harass her? Either way, Star found herself curving into him, "I don't know what to think of."

"Just the name. I'll do the rest."

Star let her eyes shut, still acutely aware of Dimentios presence. "Dimension D..."

"There we go."

Star opened her her eyes and was shocked to find they had actually changed dimensions, "I didn't even feel it."

"Wonderful." They warped back, Dimentio squeezed Stars hands before letting go.

"Do…" She swallowed, still trying to recover from his touch. "Do you have to hold me like that? It's just when the heroes come…"

"It's better I have physical contact when I'm sharing my magic with others. I don't want to take the risk of doing it another way."

"Alright…" She couldn't bring herself to argue with him. "I guess we have a while to go now." The two sat down in wait of their enemies, mute once again.

The discomfort Star felt, had passed. When he did break the silence, Dimentios voice was a lot less jarring, "So you just don't want anyone else to see us together." He teased.

"Shut up." She turned her head to hide her blush.

"That's not deny- Ow! You said you wouldn't hurt me until I was healed."

"Whoops." She rubbed his shoulder, "Better?"

"Maybe."

Star rolled her eyes, "You're such a baby when you're just hurt. I can't imagine what your like when you're actually sick"

"My friend used to tell me I was awful to be with when I was ill. But they still took care of me anyway." He touched his side and grimaced.

"I'm sorry about that." Star lifted the bandages a little and examined the wound. It looked a lot worse than the last time.

"It's fine. Although after all the times it's been reopened I'm going to have a hell of a scar."


It wasn't long until the heroes arrived. Star stood up in a mock stretch, "Took you long enough."

"What are you two doing now?" Tippi groaned.

Star ignored her and focused on the alien, "Hi Squirps."

"SQUIRPS! Hi Lady Star! Are you feeling better?"

"A little. Are you alright?"

"Yup!"

Her ally and enemies all had the same perplexed look as Star conversed with the boy.

"Well why do you think were here?" Star said, finally addressing the pixl, "It's not fair that the clown's the only one that got to play with you guys."

"Look can we just beat these guys and get the stupid pure heart." Bowser grumbled.

"I agree with the arm flailer, let's begin." Dimentio pulled Star to him and whispered in her ear, "Concentrate."

When they were all in Dimension D, Mario said to the rest of the group, "Don't worry, with squirps help we can take on these two."

"Dimentio," Star said, "Keep Squirps with you please."

Dimentio snapped his finger and the green boy appeared beside him, "Help! Squirps can't move!" He pulled the squirming alien to the corner, gripping his arms to his sides with magic.

Star grimaced a little, wishing Dimentio had been a little more gentle, "Sorry Squirps. You were very kind to me but..."

"You know, I think we can make this a bit more interesting…" Star faced the heroes and smiled revealing a mouthful of pointed teeth. Her eyes glowed red as she and ran her hand through her hair turning, it cherry. The heroes looked between each other, unsure if they should attack.

Star drew her sword and circled her opponents, "Come on, don't tell me you scared now."

"Wait," Tippi cautioned, "There's something else she's hiding…"

"Come on space grunts! Help you captain, Squarps!" Squirps managed to hit Dimentio right where his wound was.

The jester raised a starburst and although Star could see it was only a warning, the heroes attention went to to the jester.

As soon as they were distracted Star lunged at Bowser, her blade catching his arm.

Dimentios attack forgotten, Mario leaped towards Star, ducking out of the way of her blade. He hit her stomach knocking her back a bit. Knowing she wouldn't recover quick enough, Star finally spread her wings and flew out of the way of her attackers.

"Wings?!" Peach gasped as her umbrella swiped empty space.

Star examined them, "Last time I checked."

The heroes fought the demon for a while and it actually seemed like she would take down at least one of them. Just as she was about to make one final blow to the princess, Bowser grabbed her out of the air and threw her to the ground.

There was a crack and Star screamed.

Dimentio came out of nowhere and threw attacks at them before they could come any closer to the fallen girl.

"Well this has been fun, but I am in as much pain as a bird with a clipped wing, who has decided to launch itself from its cage." They flinched as he snapped, but were happy to find they were back in the whoa zone.

He gathered Star in his arms, "Until we meet again. Ciao."

Despite her actions towards him, Squirps was waving gleefully, "Bye Lady Star! Feel better."

Star laughed weakly, wincing as she did so, "Goodbye."