"Alright minions," Nastasia called out as O'Chunks, Mimi, and Dimentio came in to the training room, "we need to have a small group meeting before you all go to training for the day. For I have a message from the count."
"You have a message from the count?" Dimentio questioned as he got to his place on his usual persisted. "Why couldn't he come himself?"
"Is he sick or something?" Mimi added concerned.
Nastasia shook her head.
"No, he just went out for awhile. Though I...never mind. It isn't important."
She cleared her throat, making sure she had all of the minions' attention. She clearly hesitated a bit, as she was waiting for Mr. L to appear. Dimentio look towards the door as well, but no signs of Mr. L came. He smiled, as he hadn't seen him since his talk with him in the garden.
Perhaps Luigi's will is stronger than I thought.
He then glanced over at Mimi, who was also watching the door. A worried look was in her green gaze, as her eyes moved from the door, to Nastasia, to...him. Dimentio turned his attention back to Nastasia, but continued glanced back at Mimi every so often.
"Now minions," Nastasia continued. "Very early this morning, I received a note from Count Bleck. He had written that he had gone out for awhile and won't be back until late this evening. He's even gave us specific instructions not to leave the castle under any circumstances. Even if we find out Mario is about to get a Pure Heart, we do not act."
"So we're just sitting ducks?" Mimi questioned. "But we can't just have Mario on the loose!"
"I'm afraid we will have to. It is the count's word."
"But why? I don't want to disrespect the count's name, but I cannot stand Mario getting a Pure Heart without us trying to do something about it!"
"The lass has a point," O'Chunks added. "Mario already has five Pure Hearts. We need to corner him and fast before he has the chance of getting another."
"You're the one to talk, O'Chunks," Nastasia said unexpectedly cold. "You've already lost to Mario twice. I suggest you keep quiet, for you have no right to speak."
"I..."
O'Chunks stuttered. He slouched a bit, avoiding eye contact with anyone.
Nastasia then turned her icy glare to Mimi.
"And you...if you even think about leaving this castle, Mimi, I can assure you that you will be punished for your disobedience. By me or the count. Do I make myself clear?"
"Nassy..."
"Don't call me that."
Mimi clutched her fists.
"Fine! Be that way! I promise not to leave the castle. Even if I am completely bored out of my mind."
Nastasia narrowed her eyes.
"Good. Now, all of you go train until further notice. Meeting dismissed."
Before she teleported away, Nastasia gave a small glare at Dimentio before she vanished. Dimentio said nothing, though he was curious what was making Nastasia feel so tense.
"Are you okay, O'Chunks?"
Dimentio turned to see Mimi walking up to O'Chunks, who still seemed to be in shocked. O'Chunks let out a heavy sigh though he didn't say anything. Dimentio approached them.
"Do not feel bad, O'Chunks. I'm sure Nastasia is just in a bad mood. Don't take it too personal, for we all share our hatred for Mario."
O'Chunks looked up at Dimentio, narrowing his eyes. He growled.
"You better watch it, Dimentio. I'm not in the mood to be taunted."
Dimentio took a step back.
"What makes you think I'm taunting you? I was just trying to give you advice, cheer you up."
"Sure you are, just like last time! In fact..."
O'Chunks paused, trying to come up with the right words to say. Dimentio only smiled.
Angry with me and yet you can't even express it. Pathetic.
"Uh...what are you guys talking about?" Mimi asked, her eyes moving from Dimentio to O'Chunks.
O'Chunks glared at Dimentio for a long moment, until he turned to Mimi and said, "It's nothing, lassie. Though I advice for you to be careful."
With one last glare, O'Chunks stormed off.
Dimentio then turned to Mimi, who was looking confused and alarmed. He smiled.
"It's alright, Mimi. There is nothing to worry about."
Mimi turned away from him, saying nothing. There was obviously a lot on her mind, though Dimentio couldn't tell what it was.
She also seemed...different somehow. Like she was unsure of herself, torn between two things. A tiny bit of anxiety sparked within him.
"Dimentio," Mimi finally said. "Can you find out where Mario's location is?"
"I could, why do you ask? Are you possibly thinking...?"
"Yes, I am." Mimi's gaze hardened. "Though I do not wish to upset the count, Mario needs to be dealt with. Fail or successes, at least Mario will be slowed down. He will either reward me or punish me but either way I won't just be sitting around doing nothing."
Dimentio blinked, surprised in the solemn response from her. Mimi looked into Dimentio's eyes.
"No matter what, I will not leave the count's side. I will do whatever I can to help him reach his goal. Even if it means going behind his back for a bit."
Again, that anxiety grew more.
"Mimi, is everything alright?" Dimentio asked unable to hide his concern. "Please, tell me what is wrong."
Mimi was silent for a moment.
"I'm just...worried about the count. That's why we're going after Mario."
"'We?'"
"Yes," Mimi replied. "I want you by my side. We have a better chance of defeating Mario together. Besides, you have the ability to teleport between dimensions without causing too much attention."
Dimentio smirked slightly.
"Ah, now you request my assistance? Didn't you just shun me away last time I offered it? You know, I don't offer my services for free twice, especially if it was spit on like an unholy offer."
"But this is important! This isn't the time to be arguing! Dimentio, please..."
Dimentio laughed.
"I wasn't arguing with you, bellezza. I was just trying to get my point across. I..."
"What's going on?"
Both Dimentio and Mimi quickly turned to see Mr. L enter the room. He blinked, exhaustion in his eyes. Mimi gave a dark glare at Dimentio and then smiled at Mr. L.
"Oh, we were just talking about Mario," she said walking up to Mr. L. "Count Bleck has ordered us not to leave the castle, because he is out or something. But...I simply can't do nothing, so I'm going after Mario."
Mr. L's eyes widened at the mention of Mario's name.
"Do you know where he is?" he asked his voice shaking.
"I will soon. Why, do you want to come? It would be better if I had someone with me. Since a certain someone I know won't."
"Yeah...that would be good. Alright, let's go."
Mimi smiled and then turned to Dimentio, who was glaring at Mr. L.
"So, Dimentio, can you take me and Mr. L to Mario? You don't have to go with us if you don't want to now. Just take us there."
Dimentio narrowed his eyes. "No, I'll go with you."
I rather be dragged to hell before I leave you alone with him!
Mimi smirked.
"Aw, now you want to go? Well thank you, Dimentio."
Dimentio said nothing in reply.
For going may give him an advantage, a way to get rid of Mr. L without Count Bleck noticing. Mr. L then slowly approached them, though he seemed to be avoiding eye contact with Dimentio. Dimentio smiled.
"Are you two ready to go?"
Both Mimi and Mr. L nodded.
His grin becoming bigger, Dimentio snapped his fingers to teleport himself, Mimi, and Mr. L. But before he they could fully leave, Dimentio quickly sent a small spark of electricity to Mr. L, electrocuting him enough to make him lose consciousness. It happened so fast that Mimi didn't even notice. For that same second they arrived in the same world Mario was currently in.
On top of a huge battle arena like stage, Mimi and Dimentio appeared. Mimi looked around, a strong wind going through her hair.
"Where's Mr. L?" she asked.
Dimentio looked around, pretending to be surprised.
"I don't see him. Something must have happened when we teleported."
"Like...what?"
"It could be anything really. But don't worry about Mr. L right now. I'm sure he is close by."
And by 'close by,' I mean in Dimension D, for I don't need him just quite yet.
Dimentio then looked up towards the sky. The Void was incredibly large in this dimension, almost covering up the entire bright blue sky.
"Wow, just look at that black hole," Mimi said in amazement. "Didn't Count Bleck say it was called The Void?"
"Yes, and if The Void is this big that must mean this world is about to be destroyed," Dimentio replied.
"Then we don't have much time. ...Wait! I think I see Mario in the distance."
Running to the edge of the stage, Mimi looked out to see Mario, Peach, Tippi, and the evil Koopa King, Bowser. Bowser was growling and complaining, as it was hard for him to catch up to Mario, Tippi, and Peach, who were running like the wind. It was like they knew that time was against them. Mimi turned back to Dimentio.
"So what's the plan?" she asked impatiently. "They're almost here!"
"Relax, Mimi," Dimentio said, gently pushing her behind him. "I have a plan. Just trust me and follow my lead."
"Wait! We're just going to stand here and let them see us! Dimentio-"
Before Mimi could finish her sentence, the three heroes and Tippi arrived at the stage. The four of them glared at Dimentio and Mimi, who stood in the middle of the stage. Dimentio gave a twisted smile.
"Ciao, my fellow heroes. It is such a great opportunity to see you again."
"Can it, you stupid clown!" Bowser cried angrily. "I'm getting sick and tired of you just appearing out of nowhere and smiling like that! You are seriously getting on my nerves!"
Dimentio laughed.
"Ah, temper, temper. It could get you into trouble someday, Arm Flailer. I thought you would learn that by now, after all, you've failed to defeat Mario how many times now?"
Bowser turned red with anger, his arms shaking. Peach whispered in his ear, probably to calm him down. Dimentio, and even Mimi, smiled at it.
"Dimentio, we don't have time for this!" Tippi said, flying closer to him and Mimi. "Get out of our way or we will fight you both."
"And that we will, my dear," Dimentio replied spitefully. "For we can't let you pass. You will never stop us, no matter how hard you try. As I've said back in the word of the Cragnons, it is all in vain, a pointless act. The Void can't be stopped. You will fail, my dear."
"And is that really what you want, Dimentio?" Tippi asked. "Destruction and death? What do you plan on accomplishing with that you twisted, unfeeling psychopath!"
"Don't talk to him like that!"
Mimi stepped up to the butterfly pixl, anger flaring in her eyes.
"You couldn't possibly understand what our count is trying to do!" she exclaimed, almost yelling. "These worlds are nothing but filled with evil people and darkness. Countless of people have suffered, including us, because of seemingly perfect people like you!"
Tippi shook with anger.
"And how did you 'suffer?' You're just a spoiled kid who is just upset because she didn't get what she wanted!"
"Yes, since being the daughter of a rich father is a life of luxury! A father who is well respected and powerful. To be his favorite daughter, to be given anything your heart desired. And yet the one thing that you wanted was the one thing your daddy couldn't give you. Love and acceptance."
Mimi's eyes became watery as she talked, though her voice remained steady and level.
"Love is the only thing I ever wanted. My father never gave me true 'love,' for I was the only one of my sisters to shape shift without any problems. If I was liked them, I would have been treated just the same. Another failure. My sisters hated me for my gift, and they let me know it every single day! They would insult, shun, scare, steal my stuff, read my diary, tell my secrets, make it known I was not one of them! Do you know what it is like to be alone? To feel that you could only rely on yourself and that no one would stand by your side when things got tough? To think the only way you could be loved was with power; because that was the way you were taught?
"That's how I was before I met Count Bleck. An insecure little girl who desperately wanted to be accepted by someone, to be truly loved by someone. And because of Count Bleck, I was. And now I will repay him for bringing him his, and my, perfect worlds."
Mimi glared at Tippi, waiting for the pixl to make a reply. Everyone, including Dimentio, was silent and even surprised at such an emotional speech.
All except Tippi.
"It is true that there are people in this world who only care about money and power," she said, a tiny bit of sympathy in her voice. "Being the daughter of a rich man is never easy. I...know how that feels. But, that doesn't mean that there aren't any good people out there. Even though you may only be in darkness, there is always light. You just have to find it."
"She is right, Mimi," Peach added gently. "Even when the world seems against you, always think of the good things in life. It always could be worse and you can only make things better if you stay positive."
Mario nodded in agreement.
Mimi stood where she was, unable to come up with a reply.
Dimentio smiled, laughing a tiny bit. His laugh then grew louder and louder, more insane and intense. He then approached Tippi, looking as if he was going to strangle her. She backed away, obviously disturbed.
"And yet, there are just some things in this world one cannot heal from," Dimentio said, his voice rising. "For I should know most of all, for I've been betrayed and left for dead. I've suffered through so much; I've been literally dragged through hell, all because of humanity's disgusting existence! And now, I plan to end it all. I plan to end it for all the people who have done me wrong and to finally have peace."
He summoned an electric sphere.
"And I will do anything to get it."
Levitating into the air, he threw the sphere straight at Tippi, who quickly flew out of the way. Mario took out his hammer and Peach got her umbrella and they leaped at Dimentio. Mimi summoned a bunch of rubees and protected Dimentio. Bowser then breathed fire all over the stage, circling all of them in. Dimentio made clones of himself in response, one fighting each hero. He kept himself close to Mimi, making sure no harm came to her. But Mimi had other plans, as she focused on most of her rubees on Mario. Mario would occasionally disappear and then reappear in different locations to attack, making his moves unpredictable.
The intense, almost savage, fight went on for at least fifteen minutes, neither side wanting to give in. Dimentio could see the others couldn't keep up with his and Mimi's speed. With the both of them working together, they could out do any attack Mario, Peach, or Bowser threw at them.
And then suddenly, the ground gave a violent shake.
The Void grew voluminous, black lightning coming out of it. The lightning would strike around the battle arena, destroying everything it touched. With the violent earthquake, Bowser and Peach fell of the stage. Mario held his ground, though he struggled to stand up. Tippi flew towards him.
"The Void is about to obliterate this world!" she cried fearfully. "We need reach the Pure Heart and fast!"
Mario nodded in reply, and the two of them ran off the stage. Bowser, carrying the princess, ran after him.
During this, Dimentio was on the ground, surrounded by the flames of Bowser's fire breath. He tried to stand up, use his powers to levitate, but the shaking of the ground broke his focus. He glanced around the battle arena, searching for Mimi.
"Dimentio!"
Dimentio turned to see Mimi on the ground, her leg caught by a burning beam. It was crushing her leg, making her immobilized.
"Dimentio!" Mimi screamed at the top of her lungs. "Dimentio, help me!"
"Mimi, I'm coming!"
With all his mental strength, Dimentio teleported to Mimi's location. Mimi gasped at his arrival.
"Dimentio!"
"Its okay, Mimi," Dimentio said as he tried to move the beam. "Just stay calm. I'll get you out of here."
Using a mixture of magic and physical strength, Dimentio finally got the beam moved just enough for Mimi to slip her leg out. Putting her arms around him, Dimentio quickly teleported them back to Castle Bleck.
When they where there, they arrived at the dining room. Mimi held Dimentio close to her, shaking uncontrollably. Dimentio sat her down in a chair, though remained very close to her.
"It's alright, Mimi" he said soothingly, "we are safe. We're back at Castle Bleck."
Mimi clutched her fists, shaking uncontrollably.
"D-damn it!" she muttered. "I-I failed again! I couldn't beat Mario or that dumb princess and dragon turtle... The count is going to be furious when he finds out what I have done! And to think I almost..."
She began to cry again.
Again, Dimentio tried to calm her down.
"Here let me take a look at your leg."
Dimentio got down to knees and studied her heavily bruised, burned leg. Mimi stayed silent, only making a few sobs.
"...You are very lucky, bellezza," Dimentio finally said. "If I didn't come when I did, you could have severely crushed the bones in your leg. The only big injuries are a couple of burns, which should heal in a couple of weeks."
Mimi gave a small nod. Dimentio stood up and then helped Mimi stand up.
"Can you walk by yourself?" he asked.
"Yes, I should be fine."
She looked into Dimentio's eyes.
"Thanks...again. Another thing I did wrong, I had to be saved by you again."
Dimentio smiled sympathetically.
"Don't be too harsh on yourself. Remember, we did stall him long enough for the world to start collapsing."
"Okay, I, we, did one thing right."
Mimi's eyes suddenly widened and she gasped.
"Oh my God, Mr. L! He's still there, isn't he? We need to go after him, don't we?"
"Don't worry, I'll go find him," Dimentio said. "You need to rest."
"But I won't let you go alone!"
"Mimi, you are not up for it. I promise I won't get hurt. I will do my best to find Mr. L and then return back to you safely, my bellezza."
Mimi stared at Dimentio for a long moment. She suddenly gave him a huge, tight hug.
"Be careful then," she whispered softly.
Dimentio hugged her back.
"I will."
Backing away, he then teleported to Mr. L's location.
And now to be rid of Mr. L for once and for all.
When he arrived in Dimension D, Dimentio saw that Mr. L was lying on the ground still unconscious. He moved in his sleep, mumbling a tiny bit. Dimentio then tried to see where Mario's location was, and it surprised him that he was still in that dying dimension.
So he survived the destruction, did he? No matter.
Seeing as Mr. L was trying to open his eyes, Dimentio teleported himself and Mr. L back to dying world.
Though it was complete different then when Dimentio first came to it.
The world, having well fortified Japanese style walls, many battle arenas, and beautiful blue skies, it was now completely white. Nothing was there, just complete empty space of light. Even most of the air was gone, as Dimentio had hard time breathing.
At that moment, Mr. L opened his eyes, gasping for the barely available air. He slowly sat up, blinking as he looked around the empty world. Dimentio, invisible, stood in the distance.
Mr. L then got up and walked aimlessly. He seemed very confused, muttering and arguing with himself. His voice sometimes changed in pitch, from his usual dark, over confident tone to a light, fearful, small voice. Luigi was trying to come out, trying to subconsciously help his brother. But Mr. L fought back, for he became his own personality, his own consciousness within the brainwash.
The insanity was slipping through, and Dimentio enjoyed watching every second of it.
Suddenly, Mr. L and Dimentio saw Mario, Peach, Bowser, and Tippi in the distance. And front of them, buried deep within the ground, was a stone cold Pure Heart. Mr. L smiled and ran towards it. Mario saw him as well and did the same thing. They both met up at the Pure Heart at the same time. Mr. L laughed.
"Ah, we meet again, Mario," he said coolly. "I see that you've come for the Pure Heart."
He picked up the damaged Pure Heart, studying it carefully.
"Looks kind of broken now, doesn't it? I guess even the Pure Hearts can't handle the end of the world."
Mr. L laughed at his own joke, making Mario shake with rage. The others soon caught up.
"You freak!" Tippi exclaimed. "Don't joke about something as serious as that!"
Mr. L twirled the Pure Heart in his hand.
"And what's the big deal? It won't matter for long as everything unholy and discriminating is about to be destroyed from existence. The count's vision is almost complete, you see. This is only the beginning, heroes."
"And it will be the end."
Mr. L smirked.
"You want to fight? Well, I'm not one to disappoint, my friends. Brobot launch!"
Stepping back, the ground shook as a giant robot with a large green hat and metal mustache appeared. It landed right next to Mr. L, who got inside it quickly. The heroes all flinched back.
"Meet my new friend, Brobot L-Type!" Mr. L exclaimed diabolically. "The Green Thunder strikes like lightning! Without mercy or restraint! Time to say goodbye, bro!"
Brobot let out a few powerful missiles from its sides, all of them targeting on Mario.
Jumping on the pixl, Carrie, Mario dogged and went straight at Brobot. Bowser wasn't far behind him, spitting out fire at any opportunity and drawing heat seeking missiles away from Mario as he tried to make a full assault. Peach stayed in the back, shouting to Mario or Bowser any weak points she could see, Tippi doing the same. Mr. L fired missiles, bullets, anything to kill Mario. He barely acknowledged Bowser, Peach, or Tippi, making it seem like they didn't exist. Dimentio got himself comfortable and watched the free entertainment.
Mario then threw another pixl named Boomer at Brobot's giant nose, causing a large explosion. It caused heavy damage, Mr. L cringing from the inside and smoke coming out of the robot. While he was distracted, Mario got down to the ground and he and Bowser switched places. Bowser flew into the air on Carrie, throwing Boomer over and over again with his powerful arm. Brobot was taking heavy damage, but Mr. L didn't seem to care. He only wanted Mario, even if he wasn't the true threat at the moment. Dimentio watched with curiosity, as he wondered if it was because of Luigi's influences that Mr. L wanted Mario dead so badly.
And then, Bowser threw Boomer through one of Brobot's eyes, landing in the cockpit. The explosion made the whole cockpit go up in flames, destroying Brobot from the inside out. The robot fell into pieces, Mr. L jumping out safely at the last minute. He fell to the ground, cringing in pain as the Pure Heart fell out of his pocket. It landed at Mario's feet and he picked it up. Mr. L looked up at him, tears running down his eyes.
"Why...why can't I beat you?" he asked with a sob. "What is it about you…"
Mario looked into Mr. L's eyes, but said nothing.
They stared at each other, as if communicating silently. After a moment of silence, Mario offered his hand to Mr. L. He smiled sympathetically, his blue eyes glowing with kindness. Mr. L sobbed, his eyes becoming clear. He raised his hand to meet Mario's.
But before they could grasp each other, an invisible, glass box restrained them. Mario's eyes widened, flinching back at his new prison. He turned around to see Bowser and Peach were in glass boxes too, Bowser cursing and pounding on the glass while Peach stood there in shock. Tippi and Mr. L gasped.
"Ah ha ha ha."
Dimentio then revealed himself, levitating just above them. He smiled.
"And so, we meet again, only to be at the hands of defeat."
"Dimentio, stop this," Tippi said her voice shaking with fear and anger. "Don't do this."
Dimentio gave an insane, heartbroken laugh.
"And now, my dear, you will experience what I did so long ago," Dimentio said his voice filled with dark emotion. "For like I did, you will experience being left alone and seeing everyone you've ever known and loved leave you before your very eyes. For it's your time to see what you've turned me into, my dear long lost Lady Timpani."
He lifted his mask up, only enough for Tippi to see his face. Tippi gasped flinching at the horrible sight.
"D-Dimentio!"
At that same moment, Dimentio put his mask back over his face and snapped his fingers.
The screams of agony from Mario, Bowser and Peach filled the air. Their screams echoed in the empty world of nothing, seemingly endless. Tippi and Mr. L watched in complete horror, as they knew that there was nothing they could do. And then, they were gone. Bowser, Peach, and Mario's bodies vanished into thin air, not even a single trace of blood or bone.
"Mario!" Tippi and Mr. L screamed at the same time.
Dimentio laughed at the top of his lungs. Tippi glared up at him.
"Dimentio...!"
"And now it is time to say goodbye, my dear Lady Timpani," Dimentio replied. "May we, and Blumiere, have a true reunion soon."
He then teleported her out of this world. Mr. L shook with rage.
"Dimentio you bastard!"
He leaped up at the jester.
But Dimentio teleported out of the way just in time, making Mr. L fall to the ground. He cursed loudly.
"Dimentio!"
Soon, he found himself in a glass box. Mr. L ran to one of the walls, where Dimentio stood on the other side. Mr. L glared at him, pure hatred and grief in his eyes.
"And now the time has come to end our rivalry," Dimentio said happily. "You have been a pain to me ever since I met you, Mr. L. And to finally get rid of you...It is an amazing feeling, like getting rid of a large thorn in your side."
He paused for a moment.
"But...you will thank me for this later. For freeing you from going completely mad and Count Bleck. It is time...for you to reunite with your brother."
He smiled.
"Goodbye, Mr. L, for you will not remember me next time we meet. I do look forward to seeing your lighter half, your true personality."
With one last cry from Mr. L, Dimentio snapped his fingers and explosions took Mr. L to the one place where he could truly be free, where his brother awaited him. A torturous place that Dimentio himself have been to before and barely got out alive. Dimentio gave one last smile as he watched Mr. L's body disintegrate into oblivion.
"Ciao...Mr. L."