A/R:
Some parts of this chapter are suggestive. I don't think I really need to say that, but just in case it bugs someone...
Thanks.
Chapter Eight
Star
Star pushed out the door, nearly colliding into Mimi.
"Star-"
"Sorry." The she demon moved quickly, hoping Mimi didn't catch sight of her tear stricken face. Not that it mattered, her sobs already echoed in the hallway.
She collapsed onto the bed, waiting for Mimi's inevitable arrival. But the other girl didn't come and Star would be lying if she said she wasn't relieved.
"Star?"
Mimi's voice came through no more than fifteen minutes later. She'd neglected to lock the door and Mimi stepped in cautiously. "Why are you crying?" Mimi asked as she walked in.
"I ..." Star didn't have an answer. Why did she care about him? She shouldn't care. "If you don't care, then why are you crying?" Star ignored the thought and continued to sob into her cat. Were her tears for this man or another?
"Star?" Mimi sat on the bed and rubbed her back, "What's wrong?"
"Dimentio..." She couldn't get the words out.
The green girl gave a triumphant yes, "I was right!"
"What?"
"You like him!"
"Mi- Mimi, I don't li- like any of you. I tolerate the he- hell out of all of you but..."
"No I mean you like like him. Come on, you were blushing at the slightest thing he did last night."
Was It that obvious? "Mimi ple- please..."
"Okay okay. Why are you crying then? Did something happen between you two? You guys seemed fine at the meeting."
Star (Earlier)
Star was overjoyed to get out of the lurid dimension. She continued to clutch to Dimentio even as he sat down on his bed, "Shh. Okay Bella."
There were a few sharp knocks on the door. He shoved Star hurriedly to the bathroom and shut her into the dark. She grabbed a towel and bit into it. She wasn't crying, she was in too much shock to do so, but Star needed to do anything to get away from her pain.
Dimentio stepped in a minute later, "Star, I'm really sorry but the Count's holding a meeting now. Can you hold up until afterwards?"
Star nodded and tried to compose herself as much as possible, looking to him for approval.
"Better. Just pretend I woke you up and you're angry with me."
She managed a smile, "So like usual?"
"Precisely."
They were the last to arrive and Star was a bit surprised she couldn't go to her own platform even if she wanted to. A man stood proudly on it, surveying the other minions.
Nastasia cleared her throat. "Yeah, so, guys? Huddle up, 'K? We're just gonna have a quick new-minion orientation. His name is Mr. L, and he comes to us from one of our key competitors." No one jumped to greet him.
The green clad man scoffed, "Mmm. Can't say I'm impressed by the minion quality... No, indeed. No wonder you've been trounced up to now. You're like JUNIOR minions."
"JUNIOR?!" Ochunk's pounded his hands together. "C'mere an' I'll introduce yeh to Fist Jr. an' his wee pal, Slappie!"
Mimi giggled in way that made a person question her sweet look, "Gosh, Mr. L, but didn't you get pretty spanked too? So maybe YOU'RE the junior!"
"Spanked, you say? Ho ho! I was scouting him, dear. He will be mine next time." Star rolled her eyes as he spun and made strange pose. She didn't have the patience his theatrics... "Yes, he shall know the fury of the one and only Mr. L, AKA The Green Thunder!" He settle down and turned to leave, "But enough about me... I need to head to the repair bay for Brobot modifications. L-ater!"
After he left the count recited, "'Though the man in red shall wield formidable powers, one shall stand against him. The man in green shall use the Chaos Heart's power to bring darkness to all.' Bleh heh heh heh heh... So it is written in the Dark Prognosticus."
Dimentio spoke up, "So what you're saying is...the 'man in green' is our minion-in-training, Mr. L?"
O'chunks stomped in frustration, "Whut?! That makes as much sense as a beef an' broccoli sandwich!"
"Calm yourself, O'Chunks. Make ready. Count Bleck is sending you on a new mission."
"Ah, now THAT makes sense! It'll be me honor, Count! I, O'Chunks, swear to you... This hero's got a hot date with me feet! Chunks away!"
Dimentio shook his head as the general left, "My, aren't we hot blooded? Well, well... I suppose that's to be admired. Now, if you'll excuse me, We've got to be on our way as well. Ciao!"
Star
Mimi pouted, "I still can't believe he called us juniors. So what happened last night?"
"Well I had fallen asleep in there and when we w- woke up we were messing around and I fell and broke my wing. He was trying to help..."
Star (Earlier)
"St... Stop... It hurts." She whimpered when he pulled again.
"Slower then, like... This?"
"Ah... DIMENTIO!"
"Sorry sorry, I'm not trying to hurt you."
"Stop... Pulling then!" She muffled an expletive.
Star gripped the headboard as Dimentio tugged on her wings trying to wrap them. He had been going at it since they left the meeting and was having no luck keeping them in place.
He sighed and let go, "This isn't going to work. I'll just have to wrap it to your body instead. Have you never broken your wing before?"
"Twice actually. Once when I was a child, but I was too young to remember. And a couple months ago. That's probably why it broke so easily this time. I was by myself and I couldn't just walk into a hospital. So I just didn't use it. I waited a week or so and tried to fly again and it seemed fine so I figured it was healed. I guess not."
"I would try and heal it but alas, that type of magic is not on my side. And we can't go to The count since we weren't quite directed to engage with the heroes. What do you plan to say if someone asks about it?"
"I'm not going to tell anyone, but if they happen to find out, I'll just say we were fighting again. We still can't go to the count with that excuse though, I don't think he'll buy it... And I don't want anyone touching my wings. I don't really have a choice but to let you now but... Have you just given up?" The jester hadn't touched her at all as she spoke.
"Well I... I need you to pull down your dress so I can wrap them."
When she didn't answer he placed a hand on her side, "Here, sit back. I'll stay behind you I swear. I just need it down to you waist."
Star looked back at the masked man. "I don't have much of a choice, I need this wing healed as soon as possible."
"Okay..." Star changed back into her human form and unbuttoned the top of her dress. She tried to pull at the zipper, but her hands were shaking too much. Dimentio pulled it down her back and slipped off her sleeves, letting the dress pool at her waist. She unclipped her bra and spread her wings, hoping they would cover her up.
Star whimpered as Dimentio pushed her wing to her back. He placed the end of the gauze on the broken wing and handed her the roll, "Wrap it under your chest."
She did as he said and handed it back to him behind her back. They repeated this a few more times, above and below her breasts, until Stars wing was tight against her back.
"Can I stay here?" Star asked quietly. She felt like a child, longing for him to coddle and care for her.
He didn't seem bothered though, "Of course. Do you want to take off that dress? I can grab you something from your room."
She looked down only now noticing the blood that stained her clothes. Why hadn't she seen it until now? "Turn around."
Although confused, Dimentio obliged. She stripped of the rest of her dress, no longer able to take it constricting her. She wrapped the comforter around herself and laid down. "Dimentio..."
He looked back and blushed a little when he realized what she'd done, "Are you good?"
"It hurts."
"I'm sorry. I can try and ease the pain a bit. I have to touch your back though."
"Okay."
He leaned over Star and slipped a cool hand onto her back. The sensation was strange: Not quite hot or cold. The pain did ebb, just a little. "Thank you."
He pulled away and chuckled. "You're such a baby when you're just hurt. I simply can't imagine what your like when you're sick." Dimentio said, mocking her words from earlier.
But Star didn't laugh. She was already feeling awful and his words stung more than they should have. "I... I'm sorry. I'll go." She sat up and reached down to grab her dress.
Dimentio grabbed her hand before she could, "Stop it, I'm joking Cara Bella."
"Let go. I've been in your way since last night. I'll leave." She tried to pull out of his grasp.
"Stay." She was startled by the force in his voice, "You're not in my way Star."
"I really am."
She inhaled sharply as he kissed her nose, "No, your not. And I'll kiss you on the lips if you say it again."
Star was quiet for a moment. Then she looked right at Dimentio and said, "I'm in your way."
Star
"Did he kiss you?"
"Uh huh."
"Oh that's so adorable!"
"I'm go- gonna hit you Mimi."
"Why, because I was right?"
"Sh- Shut up."
"So you kissed him and then?"
"Then..."
Dimentio (Earlier)
"Well not quite what I was going for." But he wrapped his arms around Stars waist anyway. Her hands knocked off his hat as she played with the strings of his mask. Part of him wished she would just untie them.
They stayed like that for what seemed like an eternity. Star gasped and pulled back as Dimentios tongue slipped between her lips.
They watched each other silently until Dimentio looked up and muttered, "The blanket."
Star flushed an ever deeper shade of red and covered herself again. Then she looked up at Dimentio. There small smile was on his lips as he apologized, "Ah ha, I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"Kissing you."
"I... I kinda asked you too."
"Well I was joking." He saw the tears that threatened to spill, "No crying. I had been joking because you have been so opposed to kissing me all this time, I didn't think you would actually answer like that. The kiss itself was not a joke. Cara... Star, look at me."
Star wasn't listening to him. She threw on her dress, and before he could stop her, got up and left the room.
He sighed, "I suppose you're right Bella. I know just how far to push before my opponent brakes. Whether or not I'm trying..."
Star
"I kissed him back and I shouldn't have and now you know and I have to leave with him in ten minutes!" Star burst into tears again.
"There's no reason you shouldn't have kissed him silly! It's obvious he likes you too."
"M- Mimi, why the he-hell would he like me?
"Are you serious? It's been kinda obvious with the way he messes with you?"
"He likes to fuck with me Mimi. How on Grambis earth does that make him like me?"
"Have you ever been in love star?"
The question caught her off guard, "What?"
"Have you ever loved someone Star?"
She clutched her necklace, "Yes Mimi, I have been in love before."
"And wasn't it like this? Didn't that person tease you and play around? And even when they did, you still blushed and giggled. They still made your heart flutter. Even if they showed their love in the wrong way, you forgave them." Mimi looked upset now, "Remember the reasons you love star and hold onto them. You obviously know what it's like to lose it. Don't let your pride get in the way of forgiving him, alright?"
Star was surprised to hear this level of passion come out of the normally ditzy girl. She knew Mimi was right though. Even though he caused her a fair amount of strife, she felt better than she had in years just being around Dimentio. "I'm sorry, I've just never been good at accepting people's affection."
Mimi got up, "It's okay, I understand. So are you good now? Are you going to go back and kiss him again?"
Star shook her head. The green girl was already back to her childish self. "Well I don't know about that!"
"Okay. But you'd better tell me when you do!"
Star laughed a little, "Alright Mimi I will."
"Okie dokie! Bye star!"
"Bye Mimi."
Star spent a few more minutes composing herself before leaving. She knocked on Dimentios door.
"Maybe I'll just pretend I'm sleeping." But before she could leave the door opened.
The corners of his mouth turned up when he saw her, "Ready?"
"I guess." Her uneasiness returned as they entered the room and she found herself making excuses, "Do we really need to go Dimentio? Neither of us should really be fighting."
"Oh we're not fighting."
"We're not?"
"Not at all. I have a friend I need to pay a visit to. And then perchance we can see how Chunks has improved."
"Alright." She wanted to protest further but she didn't really have any reason to. He hadn't brought it up yet. Maybe he wouldn't at all. "I'm just being silly."
He took Star's hand and she waited for him to pull her in so they could leave. She met his eyes when he didn't.
Dimentio smirked and lifted her hand to his mouth before bowing and kissing her fingers.
He raised up and dropped her hand, instead choosing to wrap his arms around her waist, "Shall we say hi to our dear Mr. L first?"
"Sure." What did she have to lose? Her mind, her heart. Although this point Star was pretty sure it was consciousness that was going to leave her first.
"Wonderful!" A moment later they stood within a mechanical room. Mr. L laid under his brobot, oblivious to his visitors. Dimentio gestured for Star to be quiet as he floated up to the machine.
He rapped a couple times on the metal causing the mechanic to jump and hit is his head.
He rolled out, rubbing his hair, "What..." His head snapped up, "What do you want!"
Dimentio tsked, "Manners Mr. L."
He stood up to face Dimentio. While Star had to look up to him, L was around the same height as the jester, and it was pretty funny to see the men go at it.
"Why are you here?"
"To properly introduce myself to to our newest minion." He held out his hand, "I am Dimentio, master of Dimensions and pleaser of crowds."
The green man watched him suspiciously before he shook it, "Mr. L, AKA-"
"Yes yes, I was present your pretentious little spiel."
Star snickered as Mr. L's face turned sour. They both turned to her and L smiled again, "Well hello there. Aren't you going to introduce yourself sweetie?"
She pretended not to notice Dimentio bristling beside her, "I'm Star."
His hand lingered in Stars longer than she would of liked. "What a beautiful name."
She pulled away, grateful the soot gave her a reason to wipe her hands without looking rude, "Thanks."
"Shall we depart?" The exchange had obviously irked Dimentio. He made a point of embracing Star before smiling smugly at the other minion, "Caio, Mr. L "
They appeared inside what seemed to be a throne room of a jeweled castle. Pictures and extravagant ornaments lined the walls.
"I suppose he is away at the moment. That's fine, we have plenty of time." Dimentio wrapped himself around her again.
"Grambi… Do I even fight with him?" His breath was on the back of her neck and she waited patiently for his next move. When she was sure he was going to to do something, Dimentio let go without so much as kissing her neck and walked over to examine one of of the paintings.
She shook her head, "Maybe I'm just exaggerating things in my mind."
Star joined him and read the plaque below the portrait, "King Croacus the First..."
"Yes first ruler of the Flora Kingdom. We're here to see King Croacus the Fifth."
He was acting as if nothing had happened, "Maybe nothing did happen."
Just as she started to accept that she was crazy, Dimentio leaned against the wall and whispered, "Cara Bella."
"Hmm?" He coaxed Star over and stroked her cheek, "Dimentio..."
"Yes?" Their faces were close now. When she didn't answer he let go and continued like normal, "I wonder where he is."
Star stood there unbelievably flustered. Was he just going to keep doing that?
"So this is your game? Fine, I'll play with you." Stepping up to him, Star placed her hands on his chest.
Dimentio looked down, laughing a little, "Yes Star?" She tried to pull at his poncho so that she could reach his face, but he wouldn't give in. "If you need something, just tell me Bella."
"I have to remember this is his game and he makes up the rules as he goes. And he's the only one that knows them in the first place." Her voice was dripping with honey as she said, "I do need something."
"And what would that be?"
She batted her eyes, "Come down so I can tell you."
"I'm right here Bella." She hadn't been prepared for an actual response as was easily pushed to the wall, hands pinned above her head. His voice matched his lascivious smirk, "I'll give you anything you want, just ask."
"Anything?" She breathed.
"Umhm." He kept her arms still with one hand (not that she was moving them) and ran the other down her side, letting it rest on her hip, "What do you need from me?"
His lips were almost touching hers. Just as she opened her mouth to reply a voice came from behind.
"Oooooo-weeeeeee-ooooooo, Dimentio! It's been quite a while."
"King Croacus, you finally grace us with your presence!" He licked Stars cheek and turned to greet the flower king.
"It is great to see you again boy. And you brought a friend. What's your name darling?"
Star looked up, fingers still on her cheek, "Star, your majesty."
"Ah, what a pretty name. And you are just polite as this one." He frowned playfully, "So what do you want from me Dimentio? You never come by just for a visit."
"Ah ha ha, yes I suppose that is true. Floro sprouts this time. Three, if you can manage"
"I can have them prepared in fifteen minutes,"
"Of course, take as much time as you need."
As soon as the king left the room, Star started asking, "Why did you lick-"
"Just to freak you out a bit." Before she could stop him, Dimentio leaned forward and did it again, this time along her neck.
"Hey!" She made a halfhearted attempt to push him away.
"What? You don't like it that?" He gritted his teeth when she shook her head, "Liar."
Star frowned. How dare he make such a bold assumpt- "Stop that!" She hissed feeling his tongue once again.
"Fine. Somehow I really thought you would... Are you sure?" He spoke as if he already knew the answer.
No, no she wasn't sure. "Yes of course. Can we please-" Her breath hitched as he came close.
"I won't touch you if you don't wish me to. But, I don't sense much confidence in your answer. May I double check to see if it's true?"
Star wanted so badly to tell him no. Instead a wry 'yes' slipped out.
"Wonderful." He put his arms on either side of her, "Thank you Bella."
Dimentio licked the same place and Star tilted her head up allowing further him access. She'd given up on trying to fight him, unsure of why she was trying so hard to stop him in the first place.
"Oh, so now you like it?" His voice was raspy.
"Yes." She moaned a little as he sucked on her neck. "What about... King..."
"Oh he doesn't care. I've done far worse in here. You never told me what you want."
"Th- this."
"What's this?"
"Lick me. No... Kiss me."
He shook his head, "I don't know, I'm having quite a bit of fun with this."
She didn't care what he did at this point.
King Croacus was gone twenty minutes and Dimentio spent the entire time playing with Star. By the time the king came back, she was practically in his lap.
"Thank you, my lord." Dimentio said taking the green plants from him.
Star didn't understand how both of them were acting like what she and Dimentio had been caught doing was fine.
"You are very welcome. And maybe next time you can just come to visit this poor flower."
"Maybe." Star caught the 'never' Dimentio added under his breath.
He took star's hand and and teleported them away, "Wonderful, they have not even arrived yet."
They stood in a canyon type area similar to the Yold Desert. He led her to an overhang and they sat there in wait of their friend and foes.
"Your sleeve is a bit wet." He said smiling.
"Oh dear, I wonder what could have caused that?"
"I don't know- Hey stop that! Grambi your hands are cold."
She removed them from his neck, "Well I am dead. And maybe you're just hot."
"Ah ha ha, why don't you tell me?"
She rolled her eyes and turned away.
"Are you mad at me now?"
She didn't answer.
"I'll come over there…"
"Go ahead. Ahh, Dimentio!" She squealed as he held her down and tickled her, "N- no no. St- stop."
"Ask nicely."
"PLEASE, sto- stop! Dimentio!"
"If I must.." He pulled her into his lap, "You hair lights up when you giggle too. It is as dazzling as a red sunset on the horizon."
"You like it?"
"Of course. Only a fool would be blind to your beauty."
He pressed his lips to hers for the second time, but unlike before, there was no hesitation from Star.
They didn't break apart until the ground shook below them.
"Is that a tremor from the void?" Star asked.
"No it would seem our associates are here." He turned them transparent and they walked over. Star choose to sit on a rock by O'chunks and Dimentio floated above him.
"I've not been made teh wait like this since that fine lass stood me up long, long ago! Yeh did this teh break me concentration, didn't yeh?! Yeh likes the cheatin', eh?! Sorry teh disappoint yeh! Yeh think I'd fall fer a bush-league move like that?!"
Tippi shook her head, "Ooh, I'm afraid this fellow is terribly misguided…"
O'chunks pounded the ground, "Grrrraaa-BARGLE-FARGLE! "Misguided"? That's not even a real word, yeh squishy bug! Quit yer yappin', now! It's time fer us teh settle this once an' fer all!"
The butterfly was frustrated now, "No matter how often we do this, it will end the same... Just step aside!"
"Grah har har har har! Big talk fer a wee li'l weird-lookin' butterfly! I'll be wantin' an apology! In writin'! An' I want it written with yer FACE!"
"Salutations, O'Chunks!" Dimentio greeted. Star gave small wave to the heroes.
Tippi looked almost fearful of Dimentio, "Y-You…"
"Ah! Once again we meet, like two large, hairy vikings on a storm-tossed schooner!"
"What d'yeh two want?! I don't be needin' any help! Yeh'll just get in the way!"
"Ah, a quadrillion pardons! Far be it from me to be a hindrance. Far, FAR be it! As it happens, I merely have an acquaintance in this land. I was just saying hello!"
"An' yeh Star?"
"I'm just with him."
He looked back at Dimentio, "Sayin' hello, eh?"
Dimentio raised his hand, "Yes, truly! And I saw you, and I thought, 'Perhaps my magic can aid in this fight!' " The jewels on his hat twinkled and he snapped bringing them to dimension D.
Star cursed and he dropped down to try and keep her from passing out. To his delight it worked and she straightened up. And then she jabbed her elbow into his side.
"Ah! Re- rest assured, we'll hardly be underfoot! You fight to your heart's content! Ciao!" He turned them invisible again.
"Wuh... That doesn't sound too bad, I guess. Maybe I misunderstood that weirdo... Well, anyway, you lot are in fer it now! Meet the new-an'-improved O'Chunks!"
"Weirdo?" Dimentio muttered as the battle began.
"It's appropriate." He glowered at Star. She glared back, "What?"
"Your lucky I like you."
"Lucky me."
"Yes, lucky you. Because otherwise these canyons would become your home."
"Hey we have a deal remember!"
"Yes I had almost forgotten." He lifted her into his arms, "And I like you anyway."
"Put, me down."
"Make me."
"Bite me."
He shrugged, "As you wish, Bella."
The battle ended quickly and they were returned to the previous dimension.
O'chunks dropped onto one knee, "BLARGH IT ALL! Bad enough that yeh beat me once, but twice is too much teh bear! How can I show me face teh the count now, eh? I CAN'T! Put me out o' me misery!"
The heroes refused and Tippi sighed, "...Oh, dear. What shall we do?"
O'chunks continued to implore them, "Get on with it! I'm serious! I've no regrets! Well... No... Perhaps I do regret not confessin' me love teh that sweet lass... BUT NO! That's no way fer a brave warrior teh talk when 'is time comes 'round at last! So... Do it! Now! NOW! Finish me! End me game!"
"Well, salutations, O'Chunks! How are things, hmmm?" The jester reappeared in front of the general. Star was still protesting in his arms.
"Di-Dimentio, Star! Look, honestly, this is kind o' important! How 'bout some privacy, eh?" He stood up to face them.
"Yes, yes, of course, I understand. Your honor must be satisfied… But, O'Chunks... Before you let your game be over, humor poor little me for a bit. I have something I rather think you'll enjoy. I DO wish you would try it out for me."
"YEH CRAZED LOON! It's not the time fer…"
"Oh...it's not the time, hmm? Not the time for something that will aid Count Bleck?"
Star played along, "You do want to help our dear leader don't you?"
He paused for a moment, "Yer ears bleedin' lass..."
"I know." She glared up at Dimentio who only smiled back.
"Ah ha ha. So what do you say O'chunks?" The jester inquired.
"Ooh... Fer the count, eh? Well, that do change a thing or two… Hmmmm…..." He thought about it for an obscene amount of time. "Fine, then!" He turned back to the heroes, "You lot! Yeh took enough of a beatin' fer today, so I'll let yeh off easy-like! I tell yeh this, though: yeh better work on yer skills by the next time we meet!"
"Wait, what about all that drivel about not showing your face to the count and such?" Tippi asked the general.
" 'EY! SHUT IT! I live fer the count! I couldn't end me game without 'is say-so! Me heart is weak, sure, so I'm done with it! From now on, I'm all brawn, no brain! The past be nothin' teh me! All that matters is Count Bleck's future! All fer 'im! Chunks away!"
As he left Star said to the group, "I don't think he realizes he was never brain to begin with."
"No it does not seem that way…" Tippi looked up at the jester, "Dimentio are you-"
"Ah, it is time to part... Ciao!"
Dimentio brought Star to a small machine room, "Wait here a moment." He left before she could reply.
She laid against a hunk of metal and decided to rest her eyes for a bit.
"I don't believe you."
"What do you mean you don't believe me?"
"Why would you love me?"
"Because your-"
"I'm a monster Sinclair, you know this! Even if you did love me I'd be an embarrassment to you!"
"An embarrassment?"
"You're the heir to the throne Sin, our relationship would have to be public at some point. And I really doubt you want to be seen with me. HEY, let go!"
"Look at me Star, look. I don't know how many times I need to say it but I will repeat it until you understand. I don't care about what you are, I love you just the way you are. I don't care what anyone thinks of you, from my father to the dust on the street, It will never change the fact that I love you."
"You're hurting me."
"I'm sorry. Here let me rub them."
"You love me...?"
"With all my heart and soul."
"I think I love you too. With all my heart... And lack of soul."
"Thank you, Dear." He pulled her closer and...
"Star?"
Star jumped up at the voice and drew her sword.
"Calm down Star, it's me."
"Oh! I guess I fell asleep…" She took a shaky breath, "That dream..." She pushed it aside and focused on dimentio "Where did you go?"
"Just to find O'chunks and tell him I would come get him in an hour. Are you okay?" He sat down and leaned closer, brushing the hair out of her face.
Star pulled back, "Dimentio…"
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't even be... It… It seems I've forgotten to acquire something. I'll be back." He warped from the room again.
He didn't even give her a chance to explain. "Remind you of anyone?" A voice in her head mocked.
"Hi chunks."
Dimentio didn't return for another hour and O'chunks was with him when he did.
"Hi lass. Ar' yeh okay?"
"I'm fine." Dimentio wouldn't meet her eyes.
The jester landed on the ground, "The heroes are just up ahead."
Star walked up to him, "Dimentio?"
He looked sad, "Yes Star?"
Before she could decide what she was going to say, the pipe in front of them yielded the heroes.
"Ah ha ha. So! At long last, you've come to play, like late-sleeping toddlers!" He was quick to change his mood.
Tippi fluttered forward, "O'chunks, Star… Dimentio…"
Dimentio let out a long sigh, "Ahhhhhhhh... Do you not tire of collecting those worn-out, tiresome Pure Hearts? I am not violent by nature, you know. I'd prefer to settle this peacefully, in fact. Say, for instance, you wished to go back to your world. I could do that for you…"
The pixl looked appalled. "We are NOT interested!"
"Ah ha ha. So it must be... Shall we begin?" He wrapped an arm around Star and warped them to his dimension.
"Ugh... Haven't you learned? No matter how often we fight, it will end the same…"
Star couldn't help but agree, "The butterfly has a point, this is getting us nowhere."
"My, my. Aren't we plucky? Same fight, same outcome... You are both precisely correct. And...that...is...why…" He snapped his fingers and a floro sprout appeared on O'chunks head.
"BRO-CCOLI!" The burly man shouted suddenly.
Star stepped back a little, "Whoops. I really should have asked him about those earlier…"
Dimentio chuckled, "Lovely green hat, wouldn't you say?"
"Wha-What?!" Tippi and the heroes were just as startled as she was.
"Dear O'Chunks! So strong, yet so very dim! A child could learn his attack patterns. As such, I requested a few sprouts from my acquaintance to liven him up a touch. I call the boy'O'Cabbage'! Don't be shy, O'Cabbage! Introduce yourself!"
"CAB-BAGE!"
Star laughed, "I take it back Dimentio! This will be Interesting."
"Ah ha ha. Yes, he's simply adorable. Now remember, kids: eat your vegetables to grow big! Except in this case, a veggie will eat YOU! Have fun, now! Ciao!"
Dimentio bought Star back to his room, "I don't get to watch?"
"Don't fret, I'm not going back there either."
Star wasn't sure she believed him, "Fine."
"I do have to check in with the count though. Give me twenty minutes."
"Okay." She kissed his cheek before he could leave.
Dimentio grinned as he ran his finger over the spot, "I'll be right back."
Dimentio
Dimentio watched his battle play out, feeling a bit guilty for lying to Star. O'chunks was quickly defeated and the heroes left with his dead sprout.
"Ah ha ha. Mm... If they could beat that model of O'Chunks...then they are coming along quite nicely. Perhaps they really are the ones I have waited for all this time. Ah ha ha. I should prepare myself as well! So much to do, so precious little time… And to fit Star into all of it… I need to do this now."
