Mimi closed her eyes tightly, trying to put all of her focus onto a single thought. She was sitting on a bench in the garden, waiting for instructions as Dimentio levitated beside her.
"You've got a place in mind yet?" Dimentio asked.
Mimi nodded.
"Good. Now, I'm going to cast a small spell on you. It may hurt a tiny bit, as electricity will be going through your body. But it should give the atoms in your cells enough energy to move at light speed."
He paused for a moment.
"Are you ready?"
Mimi tensed up.
"I didn't understand half of what you said, but if it gives me the ability to teleport, I'll do it."
Dimentio chuckled.
"Okay. Three. Two. One."
Dimentio then spoke in a different language, sounding like a mix between Latin and Italian. At that moment, a black ball appeared in his hand, black electric sparks coming out of it. He then tossed the dark ball of magic at Mimi. Mimi flinched at it's touch. It was obvious that she was in pain, letting out tiny yelps. Dimentio gave a concern look.
Suddenly, Mimi completely disappeared from where she was sitting. She then appeared high above a tree, looking down at Dimentio.
"I did it, Dimentio!" Mimi exclaimed with a smile. "I teleported all the way up here!"
"That's great," Dimentio replied, a little concerned on how high up she was. "But can you get down?"
Without a reply, Mimi disappeared from the tree and appeared right in front of Dimentio, a tiny proud gleam in her eyes.
"Was there any doubt?" Mimi asked.
Dimentio smirked.
"Don't get too arrogant. Since this is a spell, I can easily undo it as cast it. If I were you, I would be nice to me. Like a loyal servant to his master."
Mimi rolled her eyes.
"Yeah...keep dreaming. But I do think I've got this down."
"I'll be the judge of that. Why don't you practice teleporting for a little bit. After you get use to it's effect, we will test it in combat."
"Okay."
As if trying to imitate him like when he usually teleported, Mimi snapped her fingers and disappeared. Dimentio smiled, pleased to have some time to himself. He got into a relaxing pose as he floated in mid air.
Everything was going so smoothly.
The Chaos Heart was somewhere he could keep an eye on it, he knew the words of the Dark Prognosticus, and he should know who the Hero of Legend's identity very soon. All was missing was the man in green, but that shouldn't be hard to fix. Mr. L will have to show himself eventually. And though it seemed like nothing could go wrong, Dimentio was still anxious about that last paragraph in the Dark Prognosticus.
"'But if the one girl, the one person able to get to the Dark One,'" he said out loud, "'the true Servant of Evil's heart, then he will become his own demise.'"
For some reason, that last line bothered him. And the fact the message was incomplete didn't help. There seemed...to be more meaning to it the more Dimentio thought about it. It was the only 'but if' statement in the entire book. Like it had a fifty percent chance of coming true.
Why would a book of prophecies have a line that could possibly be false? And, furthermore, why would it be incomplete?
Groaning a bit in frustration, Dimentio sat up. He saw Mimi teleport all over the garden, clearly having fun. She was laughing and smiling, like she owned the world. Dimentio smiled slightly, as if the sight of Mimi happy made him happy. Then out of the corner of his eye, Dimentio saw O'Chunks walking towards him.
"Ciao, O'Chunks. Have you heard anything from the count about the hero?"
"Yes," O'Chunks replied. "He just told me the hero's location. I was hoping you could take me there, since the count is busy at the moment."
"Busy with what?"
"I don't know, he didn't say. He just told me where to locate the hero and left. I think I heard him mumble about taking care of something in a dungeon when I first enter the room, I don't know. I wasn't paying that much attention."
Dimentio nodded.
"I see. Well, where do you want to go?"
O'Chunks then explained where his destination was, in very good amount of detail. While he was doing that, Mimi noticed he was there and walked up him and Dimentio.
"What's going on?" she asked curiously.
"Count Bleck told O'Chunks where the hero is going to appear," Dimentio explained. "I'm going to take him there so he may fight the hero."
"Yep, and you don't need to worry about bringing me back, Dimentio," O'Chunks added. "Count Bleck said a black door will appear once I finish fighting the hero. It will take me back, just like how I got here the first time."
"But it won't take you there now?"
"According to the count, no."
Dimentio growled softly though no one seemed to notice.
"Alright. We can go right now if you are ready."
"Hey, O'Chunks," Mimi cut in before Dimentio could teleport the both of them. "Do you want me to come with you? Since I'm able to teleport, I may be able to help you."
"You just learned how to teleport not even an hour ago," Dimentio quickly objected before O'Chunks could reply. "You need to practice more before you can think about fight him."
"But I may not have the time. Besides, I can use my other abilities to fight if something goes wrong."
"True, but it is still too dangerous. One wrong move could be your downfall."
"'Too dangerous?' Are you saying I can't fight?"
"No, I'm just saying it's risky."
"Well, if that's the case, I don't want you to fight and get hurt either!"
"I can handle myself, Mimi."
"So can I, Dimentio."
O'Chunks let out an amused laugh. Mimi and Dimentio turned to him.
"What's so funny?" they demanded at the same time.
O'Chunks smiled.
"You, my friends, act just like a married couple at times! It reminds me of the times my fellow soldiers' girlfriends or wives would lecture them of being or getting injured. They didn't show it most of the time, but I could tell it made my soldiers happy knowing that their love ones care about their safety."
As he rambled, Mimi's face turned completely red. Dimentio was completely silent and still. He wished O'Chunks would shut up, being almost tempted to give him a small shock of electricity.
"Anyway," O'Chunks said finally getting back on subject, "I promised the count I would fight the hero on my own this time, lassie. But, if I don't beat him hard enough, you can have the privilege of fighting him next time one on one."
Mimi crossed her arms and looked away, still clearly embarrassed about what O'Chunks said earlier.
"Whatever."
O'Chunks smiled. "Well, send me away, Dimentio!"
Finally!
Dimentio quickly snapped his fingers, wanting to get this moment over with. O'Chunks disappeared, leaving an awkward silence. Dimentio couldn't bear to make eye contact with Mimi, at least not after what O'Chunks said.
"...Well, I just remembered I have to...do some earns in a different dimension. I'll see you later, Mimi."
Mimi narrowed her eyes.
"...You better not be doing what I think you're doing! If you so far as to fight the hero without me knowing what you are up against..."
Dimentio gave a forced laughed.
"That's the last thing from my mind, I can assure you. I'll see you tonight, bellezza."
Without another word, Dimentio teleported away.
Dimentio then reappeared in a large desert, just in front of a large ruin. He looked around the area, seeing if the hero was nearby. He made himself teleport a few miles from the hero's present location. He wanted to be close enough, yet far enough away, to study the hero.
I don't want to face the hero on my own quiet yet. I want to see what he can do, study his movements and fighting techniques.
Under the sand, Dimentio caught a faint glimpse of a red metal. He smiled.
Perhaps that's something I can use to my advantage.
Turning himself invisible, Dimentio sat in mid air, waiting patiently for the hero to make his appearance. As he waited, he wondered how O'Chunks was handling against the hero. True, he could teleport to O'Chunks's location and watch the fight himself, but if he wanted to fully study the hero's strengths and weaknesses, he couldn't see how he fought his coworker. Plus, it seemed wrong to see his coworker fight. At least, if he failed, he would be spared to be humiliation of him witnessing it.
After twenty minutes of waiting, Dimentio finally saw someone coming out of the ruins. He was a short, a bit chubby Italian man with a signature dark brown mustache and a red cap with the letter M on it. Beside him, was a rainbow butterfly robot pixl, flying close to his side.
At the sight of the pixl, Dimentio eyes widened.
"I think we're getting close to the Pure Heart's location, Mario," the rainbow pixl said her voice filled with hope. "The sooner we get it, the closer we are to closing The Void."
The Void?
Dimentio looked up at the sky, now noticing a small, black whole.
So it has already begun.
Though he should be focusing his attention on the hero, Dimentio kept his eye on the pixl. Anger and pain went through his heart. There was only one explanation for that pixl's presences, and to have her voice. For it was his creation, the pixl he made for Lady Timpani so long ago.
"Lady Timpani, are you here?"
Nine year old Dimentio was walking through a dense forest, carrying a small box. He was a bit worried, as no one has seen his lady since this morning.
"Lady Timpani, Lady Timpani!"
Then in the corner of his eye, he saw ten year old Timpani. She was sitting beside a river, poking a stick through the water, looking a bit bored.
"Lady Timpani!"
Timpani jumped a bit. She looked up at Dimentio and smiled, making his heart skip a beat.
"Hi Dimentio. I didn't see you there."
"My lady, what are you doing here in the forest all by yourself?" Dimentio asked his voice full of concern. "Don't you know what your father will do if he finds out?"
Timpani rolled her eyes.
"That's why I left in the first place! I hate being under my father's watchful eye all the time. Just because I'm the daughter of a count, doesn't mean I can't be like any other girl!"
"But it is dangerous out here. Someone could hurt you."
"Like who?"
"The Tribe of Darkness."
Timpani face palmed her mouth twitching as she tried not to laugh.
"Do you honestly believe those stories? 'If you don't behave, the Tribe of Darkness will come after you and take you away from your family!' Honestly, Dimentio, you take things too seriously."
"And you don't take things seriously enough."
"What can I say; I'm trying to enjoy life."
Dimentio sighed as he sat next to Timpani. It was pointless to argue, as he knew he would never win. Only ten years old, and she was stubborn as ever. Timpani looked over at Dimentio, moving her long blonde hair from her face.
"What's in the box, Dimentio?" she asked now noticing it was there.
"Oh…"
Dimentio stared down at the box.
"…You know how my family are the descendents from the great magician who invented the pixls, right?"
"Of course I do," Timpani replied. "That's why your family has been working with mine for generations. That's what my father has told me."
"As did mine. Well…I've been practicing my magic and I want to be as powerful as my ancestor, so I made this pixl prototype."
Dimentio opened the box, revealing a small, rainbow colored butterfly pixl. Timpani gasped as she picked it up.
"Oh my God! It's so beautiful! Does it work?"
"I was able to make if fly a short distance, but that's about it," Dimentio answered. "Give it a try."
Timpani nodded as she gently tapped the pixl. At her touch, the butterfly pixl floated out of the box and flew around her. Timpani smiled.
"Anyways, I knew how much you liked butterflies so I thought…you would like it."
Dimentio's face turned bright red, afraid to meet Timpani's gaze. As the butterfly flew into her hands, Timpani turned to Dimentio and said, "You made this for me? Aw, Dimentio!"
She gave him a huge hug, making Dimentio's blush grow.
"You're the bestest friend a girl could ask for!" Timpani exclaimed. "I will love it forever and ever!"
She then stood up, a joyful look in her eyes.
"I can't wait to show this to my mom! See you later, Dimentio!"
Timpani then ran off towards her home, holding the pixl tightly in her arms. Dimentio watched her go, letting out a dreamy sigh.
And so my lady goes, like graceful deer galloping across a field of flowers.
No, there is no doubt about it. That pixl is Lady Timpani.
Dimentio narrowed his eyes.
And now she is against me again. Only this time with the Hero of Legend.
Once they were close to the ruins, Timpani and Mario stopped moving. The ground started to shake, like a sudden earthquake. A large robot dragon rose from the ground, letting out a ear piercing roar. Mario and Timpani flinched. Dimentio kept his distance, even though he was invisible. The dragon glared at Timpani and Mario.
"Intrusion detected. Leave immediately or be purged!"
The robot dragon's eyes suddenly widened.
"Wait! Scan initialized. Red cap detected. Blue overalls detected. Level five mustache detected. Incredible! Possible subject identification. But it is impossible. Hold your position. Searching data banks..."
There was a long pause as the dragon made it's calibrations. Timpani, Mario, and Dimentio stood completely still, anxiously waiting for the dragon to react. Dimentio partly hoped that the dragon would attack, for it will make his job a lot easier. But, another part didn't, as he wanted to make his presence known to Timpani.
"Search complete!" the dragon finally exclaimed, "one positive match. System overload! Legendary Hero identified!"
The dragon lowered his head to Mario's level, making eye contact.
"Forgive me, hero. My name is Fracktail. My only purpose is to defend the Pure Heart from lawless intruders. You are late, as I have waited thousands of years for your arrival. You may pass. The Pure Heart is just ahead."
"Aha ha ha, but it won't be so easy I'm afraid."
Dimentio snapped his fingers and revealed himself. Fracktail looked up at Dimentio, a little confused. Mario stood his ground while Timpani stared at him.
"Ah, great. Another servant of Count Bleck?"
There was annoyance in her voice, yet a little hint of confusion.
Dimentio smiled.
"I am. I'm the master of dimensions and pleaser of crowds. I am...Dimentio!"
Timpani froze at the mention of Dimentio's name.
Dimentio smiled, pleased at her reaction as turned his attention to Mario.
"You must be the Hero of Legend. It is an honor to finally meet you."
Mario narrowed his eyes, obviously ready for a fight. Dimentio laughed.
"Ah, the silent type. This should make negotiation much easier."
"If you dare put one hand on Mario..."
Timpani flew closer to Dimentio, as if shielding Mario from him.
"And who are you, my dear?" Dimentio asked his voice icy calm. "His guard pixl?"
Timpani shook with anger.
"My name is Tippi, friend of Mario's. I'm here to make sure you freaks don't get away with this. I won't let you destroy all worlds."
"I wouldn't say we are 'destroying' them but more like...recreating them. To rebuild these worlds of pain and misery into more unify and perfect realm, where everyone is accepted."
"But there is no such thing as a perfect world."
"Maybe not now, my dear, but there soon will be. But enough talk."
Generating a small spark of electricity from his hand, Dimentio flicked it towards Fracktail. The electricity made the giant robot malfunction, causing it to twitch wildly and shout, "Error, error, error!"
Dimentio turned back to Tippi and Mario, looks of horror and shock on their faces. He smiled.
"Well, time for you to have some quality time for with your robot friend. Until next time, ciao!"
Dimentio then teleported, leaving Mario and Tippi to the mercy of Fracktail. Only he wasn't truly gone, as Dimentio reappeared a safe distance away. He turned himself invisible again, watching Mario fight Fracktail from afar.
He studied every little move Mario made, from him jumping on Fracktail's back and dodging it's attacks, to hitting it's weak spot, which was the antenna on top of Fracktail's head. Surprisingly, the battle only lasted a few minutes, as Mario was very quick on his feet. He avoided Fracktail's attacks like it was nothing. He used the environment to his advantage, as he used another pixl that looked like a hand to do some heavy damage.
When the battle ended, Fracktail was completely destroyed. It's body exploded little by little, as it gave some final words to Mario. It said it was sorry for attack him like that and pleaded Mario to save it's world. It crashed into the ground, the light slowly leaving from Fracktail's robotic eyes. Mario and Tippi stood over Fracktail's body, as if morning it. Dimentio rolled his eyes at this moment.
It was a robot, what was there to morn over?
"Poor Fracktail," Tippi said softly. "I almost feel sorry for it."
She then slowly glanced up where Dimentio originally was.
"That name... Dimentio. Why does it make me feel uneasy? It's like I've known him, or someone by that name before."
Tippi continued to mumble to herself, though it was so soft Dimentio couldn't hear it. Mario gave her a concerned look and Tippi turned back to him.
"Sorry, I got lost in thought," she said. "Come, we need to get the Pure Heart."
Mario studied Tippi for a moment, but eventually gave a small nodded. They then ran inside another part of the ruins. Dimentio watched them go. He didn't bother to stop them, as he already got what he wanted.
A giant, twisted smile appeared on his face.
Let's see how Blumiere likes it when the one he loves is against him! I don't know why you suddenly don't remember me or are suddenly a pixl, Lady Timpani, but you will pay for what you did to me. You and Blumiere will pay!
With that thought, Dimentio teleported back to Castle Bleck.
Revenge and the birth of his perfect world. What more could he possible want?