Chapter 2: Into the Shadows
As Artemis followed Dimentio through the dark and empty halls, she was lost in thought.
"Well, this didn't go quite as I imagined it would. Despite making a fool of myself in front of Dimentio, at least I learned one thing." Artemis thought. It was now clear that the events of the game were still ongoing. But when exactly? With that in mind, she now focused on her surroundings. At this point Dimentio has already led her well into the castle. They were now passing the Hall of Mirrors.
"This area was tough! I remember dying here so many times because the platforms were so small and they blended in with everything. Not to mention dozens of Dimentio clones shooting magic at you from every which way!" She thought with a mental chuckle. It then occurred to her just how strange it was that an area she only had ever seen on her TV screen was now a reality in front of her. It was almost a little creepy.
They finally made it past the Hall of Mirrors and then deeper into the castle until they reached their destination: The Meeting Room.
Dimentio opened the doors and the only person inside the room was Nastasia. She was looking down at her clipboard scribbling something on it with the pen in her hand as she was walking unknowingly towards Artemis and Dimentio. She looked up surprised to see Dimentio suddenly but then was shocked to see he was not alone.
"Dimentio, who is this?" Nastasia asked sternly looking suspiciously at Artemis. Before Dimentio could say a word, Artemis interjected.
"My name is Artemis, and I wish to help you achieve your goal. You see, I think that all of these worlds are far too corrupted to be saved and it would be better to destroy them altogether to create new worlds in their place." Artemis said. She knew that the only reason she did not screw up this conversation like she had with Dimentio because she had thought ahead about what she was going to say. Now she just hoped Nastasia would believe her. Not that what she was saying was necessarily a lie, but still.
"Hm…" Nastasia was nearly silent for a moment considering what was just said.
"If this is true, then that's just great. But we don't just accept anyone who just strolls in here." Nastasia said.
"Well, I had thought that too until she told me how she got here." Dimentio piped in and then told Nastasia what Artemis had previously told him. Once he finished Nastasia was a bit bewildered.
"I've… never heard of anything like it." Nastasia said in confusion and awe.
"Nether have I. That is why I have brought her here. I was going to ask the count if he has heard of any magic like this." Dimentio admitted. Nastasia seemed to ponder that for a moment before she agreed to let her speak to the count and then left to go tell him. In the meanwhile, Artemis and Dimentio were to stay there and wait.
"Well, that was certainly clever." Dimentio said after he was sure Nastasia had left. Artemis turned to him.
"What was? What I said to Nastasia?" She questioned.
"…Yes, it was very convincing. It was quite a performance." Dimentio specified with a sly grin.
"Well, that's because it wasn't a lie. Not really…" Artemis said softening her tone at the last bit. She looked down, a tad somber, before speaking in almost a whisper.
"The world…has not exactly been kind to me these last few years…" She said sadly crossing her arms over her chest. She then looked up.
"But lots of people have had it much worse than I have, so I have nothing to complain about." She said giving him a sad look.
"Especially you…" She thought.
It was at that moment that Nastasia reentered the room with Count Bleck walking beside her. Artemis thought she was prepared for this, but she really wasn't. Every thought in her head, everything she had planned to say just disappeared and left her mind blank. It's like when you need to give a speech and the night before you had memorized it perfectly only to have forgotten everything by the time you were standing in front of the audience the next day.
So, needless to say, Artemis was very nervous. She knew that what she said now would determine, at this point, her future. If he refused to let her stay, she would have nowhere to go and no way home. Well, even now she has no way home but she was hopeful the count could figure out something. Despite how amazing this whole thing is, especially meeting Dimentio, she knew that if she did not get back soon she would have a very concerned mother going crazy with worry.
"So this is the girl? Asked Count Bleck" Asked well… Count Bleck. Nastasia said nothing but gave an affirmative nod. The count studied her a moment then continued to speak
.
"Greetings, child. I am Count Bleck, master of this castle and fated destroyer of all worlds. Nastasia has told me you know of our mission and aspire to be of assistance." Count Bleck said addressing Artemis with a faint look of curiosity.
"Um…yeah." Artemis responded dully.
"Come on Artemis! Pull yourself together!" She chided herself mentally. She needed to think quickly or else. She took a deep breath.
"Count Bleck, it's nice to meet you and thank you for taking time to listen to me. As already stated, I want to help you create perfect new worlds where there is no suffering or anguish. I wish to help you achieve this to the best of my ability. But…I must be honest, for that is not the only reason I am here. Y'see, as Nastasia told you, I came here after being suddenly zapped by a bolt of lightning. I am unhurt but am now stuck here with no way home. So, I was hoping you might know how to send me back. But in return I'll work for you while I'm here." Artemis finished.
All in the room were silent for a moment after she had finished. Each were in their own thoughts after a speech such as that. Then Count Bleck broke the silence with a simple question.
"Artemis, what kind of skills do you possess?"
"Well, I did win my school's archery competition last year…" Artemis said, thinking.
Count Bleck simply smiled and said: "Alright, you shall start first thing in the morning."
Artemis nearly leapt for joy but contained her excitement. "Yes! I'm in!" She thought with glee. Then, Count Bleck had decided that Dimentio would be responsible for her training given that it was him who brought her in. In the meantime, the count said he would look into finding out about the magic that had brought her here. As for right now, Dimentio was to guide her to her room.
Artemis thanked the count as she and Dimentio turned out into the halls. Dimentio once again took the lead as he traveled through several hallways until they reached a long hall with several doors all on one side. On each door they passed it had the name of the occupant inscribed on it. The first door said "O'Chunks" and loud snoring could be heard coming from inside. The second door said "Mimi" on it with a piece of paper attached to the door that read: Stay out dummies! Dimentio, that means you!" Artemis smiled at the note, which written in blue crayon. They then passed the third door which, as you might have already guessed, was Dimentio's. His door was completely clear except for that his name, like the others, was etched in the door. They then reached the fourth door, which had no name on it whatsoever. Artemis half expected it to be Nastasia's room but then glimpsed her room one door over. Dimentio had stopped at the fourth door, pulled out a key, unlocked and opened the door.
The interior of the room was pretty sparse with only a bed, nightstand with a lamp on it, closet, and a coat hanger near the closet. It was then that Artemis pieced together another part of the puzzle. She realized that it must be before the end of chapter 4 as Mr. L is not here where his room should have logically been. Artemis smiled at this small realization before entering the room. She pulled off her still soggy jacket and placed it on the coat hanger. Dimentio handed her the key to the room and then turned at if to leave but then suddenly stopped and snapped his fingers as if he just remembered something important.
"Artemis…" He started, his back still turned.
"Yes?"
"I was just wondering, how is it you knew mine and Nastasia's names before we told you them?" Dimentio questioned in a dark and serious tone. He then turned to face her, his eyes staring straight at her as if into her soul. His mask magically reflected a cunning smile undoubtedly hiding underneath.
Her blood felt icy as if in a sudden hailstorm. She felt frozen to the spot as her mind was racing, trying to figure out what to say. At that moment she felt extremely stupid. Of course he would notice! Without realizing it, she had said both of their names before she could have ever known them! Now, Dimentio knows she knows more than she is telling. She once again considered lying but considering the truth worked pretty well last time, she felt she had better go with the truth again.
"…Dimentio, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you before but...I knew who all of you were from the start. And I know everything about all of you. I know this because… in my world, you guys are characters from a video game."
Dimentio was speechless at this admission. She imagined he must be thinking she was crazy. But then he just nodded.
"I suppose it is possible. The many dimensions are full of all sorts of interesting things. But to think, one where our lives are the source of childish amusement? Hmm…" He paused, looking thoughtful.
"Artemis, you say you know everything about me, hmm?" Dimentio asked.
"If you're asking if I know that you plan to betray Count Bleck and steal the Chaos Heart, than yes." Artemis replied, steeling herself. Might as well tell him what he truly wants to know, right?
"So, you can predict the future, then?" Dimentio questioned his voice almost harsh.
"More like I know exactly what is going to happen here if everything goes as in the game." Artemis corrected.
Suddenly Dimentio's smile widened as a thought struck him.
"Dear girl, I propose a deal. You tell me of every roadblock or hazard in the way of my plan as it is about to occur. In return, once I obtain the Chaos Heart, you may have whatever your silly little heart desires." He said with a wave of his hand.
Artemis considered this for a moment.
"If I help him out, then…he won't die! I can save him! And then…" Artemis thought.
"Alright, you got yourself a deal! Consider me on board." Artemis said after a moment. It was decided. And from that moment, her life was changed forever.