A/N: Welcome back to the latest edition of "Heart, Soul, and Mind"! Today, we're finally taking Natty out of her coma 6 month coma and back to reality. But it seems there's a trial waiting for her first...stay tuned!

Also, I apologize for the long wait. We've each had a lot of things going on in our lives, between work, family, etc. It's been a stressful time for all of us and we're working out a few kinks, but don't worry, we haven't abandoned the project. We'll continue posting on the weekends whenever I can.

Enjoy the show!

(Natty's P.O.V)

I'm walking down the halls of the casino and while I was nervous about being there, I was confused. I really hated the thought of being here, especially since monsters reside in these palace walls.

"Not sure how I got here, but I need to be careful." I mumbled. "The place is crawling with creeps…"

After climbing a flight of stairs, I headed through a set of doors and found myself in the throne room. Thankfully, it was empty, so that was a good sign. Not sure how long he was going to be gone, but I had some breathing room.

I walked in and saw three elegant stands, each with a red pillow with a gold outline, near the throne. As I moved closer, I noticed that two were empty, but one had a golden tiara with a rose gold gemstone in the middle. I picked it up and looked at it closely.

It certainly was elegant, I can give you that, but somehow, I felt…drawn to it. It was that same feeling I had when I first saw the gemstones in the hotel.

Just then, a voice spoke.

"Beautiful isn't it? I made it just for you."

I gasped and jumped, startled by it. I turned and looked. Lo and behold, it was the Devil, standing behind me with that sickening grin on his face. Gosh, I hated that face. Makes me really nervous just looking at it.

Seeing my startled look, he chuckled. "Oh, don't worry. I'm not gonna hurt ya. It would be shameful for me to do so."

"Why?! You've been trying to hurt us for a while now!" I shouted. "Don't think I don't see that!"

"No need to shout. I'm just seeing how well you handle all the pressure." He replied. "I have to admit, for someone who gets stressed out about big tasks, you're progressing quite nicely."

"No thanks to you or your pathetic lackeys." I shot back. "You've all been nothing but trouble! You've hurt people and stolen their souls!"

"Every journey needs some conflict." The Devil shrugged. "I'm trying to make this more interesting. But, let's move over to important things."

He then snapped his fingers and suddenly, a mirror appeared before him as he gestured me to it. I was hesitant at first, not knowing where he was going with this, but, after a second, I reluctantly moved towards him.

As I saw my reflection, I noticed I was wearing a new outfit. I wore a very dark purple gown, with a sweetheart neckline, short cuffed sleeves, a flowing skirt, and a lacy covering of the bottom of the dress. It was very sparkly and glistened in the light, I almost mistaken them for stars in the night sky. There wasn't a corset behind me, but there was a ribbon tied behind.

My hair was in a french bun with a braid on the side of my hair. I additionally wore a gold necklace with a rhinestone water-drop charm, matching earrings, and a gold bracelet on my wrist.

It was a mix of Christine's 'Think Of Me' dress from 'Phantom of the Opera', with a hairstyle of Anna and Elsa from both 'Frozen' films.

Okay, either I have watched 'Phantom of the Opera' far too many times or this is real.

As I stood next to him, the Devil took the crown, gently turned me towards the looking glass, and placed the crown on my head.

"My, my, you look lovely with it on. You have both the intelligence and beauty of a princess." He crooned at me.

I kept silent. I didn't know what to respond with, especially since it sounded more of a complement than a snarky insult, but this was coming from the Devil of all people.

He then grasped my chin gently, and turned my head back towards him.

"Wouldn't you like to live in a life like that; things handed to you, being accepted by all who see you and have the best of everything?" He asked. "You'd live a life of luxury, not having to worry about a thing and you'd never be alone…"

I wasn't sure what his intention was but I was not one to give in like that. Sure, I fantasize playfully about being rich and all, but not in this manner.

"I'm not that person that has people give me things. I work hard for them and I'm happy about that!"

I then took off the crown and shoved it at him, feeling anger boil up.

"Keep your stupid crown! I won't have any part of it!"

I wanted to get out and as far away as possible, but before I could leave, I heard a voice ask;

"Awww, que pasa, mi corazón?"

Crud, I knew that voice all too well.

Startled, I turned to see Anubis come towards me, with a sickening grin. I really hated that, it made me nervous for one thing and really uncomfortable for another.

"Ugh! Not you!" I groaned.

"There's no need to be mad." The Devil claimed. "Your fiancé is here to see you."

I'm sorry, my WHAT?! Ew! Never in a million years would I want to be with him!

"He's not my fiancé!" I snapped. "I wouldn't even dream of being married to the likes of him!"

"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure of that, mi bonita." Anubis crooned.

Without warning, he grabbed my left wrist and pulled me close to him. I tried to free myself from his grip, but he did not want to let go.

I looked down at my hand and saw a silver ring with purple gemstones on my finger. I began to have a very horrible feeling stir up inside me.

"Oh no! No!" I gasped.

"Awww, how sweet. Congratulations on your engagement, Anubis." The Devil claimed in a horrible sickening tone. "You chose very nicely."

"Gracias, Señor Diablo. I couldn't have done it without...mi novia here." Anubis crooned, as he wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me, to the point where I was pinned to his chest.

"What?! I never agreed to marry you, you fleabag!" I shouted, trying to pull myself from him. But he was a pretty strong guy, holding me tight like that.

Great, now I know how Lexie feels when Dice has his grip on her.

"Oh, actually, you did, my child. Just as Lexie agreed to marry King Dice and Katie agreed to marry me." The Devil informed me, as he approached us, and played with one of my loose hair strands. "I have to thank you for that."

A terrible shiver went up my spine when he said that. They agreed…because of me? How?!

"W-what do you mean? How did I cause this!? I'm fighting against you!" I protested.

"Oh you did, but because I did a little…persuasion, the three of you belong to me!" The Devil sneered.

I kept fighting against Anubis, but just then, the scene began to shift from the casino throne room to a dark scene. It almost looked like...home. But the clear blue sky was replaced by a blood red one covered in ash and smoke, and there were skeletons everywhere. It was an entire wasteland, with not a person in sight.

This seriously looked like a horror movie that I could not look away from.

"Wh-what is this place?" I shivered, my heart beating a bit harder than it did before. I was in so much shock I didn't notice Anubis turned me to face the Devil and wrapped his arms around me.

"You don't recognize it?" The Devil inquired in an almost surprised tone. "It's your home, or at least what's left of it. After the weddings, I decided to move my power beyond the Isle. It really did a number on the place, but I was able to conquer it all and bring down those who opposed me."

Just then, a draconic roar filled the air as a large and lithe demonic black and purple dragon soared across the blood red skies. That made me jump a bit.

"O-okay, that was freaky…" I trembled.

"No need to be scared. I believe that is my dashing queen in the skies above, seeing the land and looking for survivors, but nothing has come up." The Devil informed me, his tone sounded a bit lustful.

I felt my blood turn cold.

"Th-that was Katie?!" I managed to get out. This was making my head pound so hard. Everything was confusing and terrifying.

How in the world did I cause this?! The gang and I have spent countless hours; fighting, surviving, practically struggling with every moment we're on this journey.

I looked up and there's a silhouette of a dark looking Phoenix creature, letting out a freaky SCREECH!

I flinched when I heard that piercing. Jeez, that was loud, and close.

"Don't be startled. That would be your sister." The Devil sneered, almost in triumph.

I felt my body tremble with fear.

"No…how could…how could this happen?!" I choked out, feeling tears sting my eyes.

"Like I said, it was all because of you." He reminded me. "You helped me get my bride and daughter, and you willingly agreed to marry Anubis. Or at least not yet."

"N-not yet?" I repeated, shakily. Wait, this hasn't happened yet? But it feels so real.

"All of these are events of the future, when you surrender to my will." He claimed.

"No! That won't happen!" I shouted. "I will NEVER help you!"

"Sí, the message must be delivered, Jefe…" Anubis sneered, grinning like an absolute maniac.

Oh gosh, I hated that look.

I let out a startled yelp as the dragon that was apparently Katie landed behind the Devil, growling at me.

My eyes grew wide with fear. She looked very menacing and could attack at any second.

"Don't be alarmed, my daughter, she won't hurt you." The Devil claimed as he petted the dragon's cheek as she leaned her head down to rest on his shoulder. "She wouldn't dare attack you."

The dragon then pulled away and transformed into Katie, but it was NOT as I know her. She had black fur, gray skinned hands and feet with claws white as bone, white horns, pointed ears and a tail like the Devil's. "Her" hair was now black and longer while "her" eyes are still blue but are now cold with draconic slitted pupils and the scleras are yellow.

The off shoulder gown she wore was pitch black as a moonless midnight with purple accents, purple sash with a blue gemstone buckle and a matching gemstone brooch in the collar. The gown has flowing, bell-shaped sleeves and a cape made from blueish-black veil-like lace, resembling wings. Around her neck is a golden necklace with a blood red ruby pendant. Atop of her head is a gold crown with a purple gemstone.

I was most horrified to see the demonic copy of Katie has a gold ring lined with small black diamonds and a blood red gemstone in the center on her finger.

She calmly walked around and stood beside the Devil as he had his hand around her shoulders.

" K-Kate?! Oh no…." I shivered.

"There's no need to be startled. I gave your mother a new look." The Devil claimed. "Doesn't she look marvelous?"

"N-no! This isn't Katie!" I trembled. "It-it can't be!"

"Of course it is, Natalie." 'Katie' responded, her voice was dark and cold, not light and sweet as I remembered it to be.

As if my sanity wasn't further enough out the window, the dark Phoenix flew down and landed next to the demonic Katie. It then morphed and turned into a demonic version of Lexie, which has a black evening gown with no sleeves and a high slit on a leg. It kinda reminded me of Grunty's dress in the bad ending for "Banjo Kazooie" except longer, on the opposite side to "Katie".

"Lex?! Not you too!" I gasped.

"How sweet, the whole family is here." The Devil sneered.

"Your sister and I were worried about where you have been." 'Katie' informed me. "We're glad we finally found you."

"Yeah, you're missing out on all the...fun." 'Lex' chuckled menacingly.

'Kate' looked at my hand and sighed happily. Though, I wouldn't consider it happy. More like a sickening chuckle.

"And it would seem you have accepted Anubis' proposal." 'She' informed me. "That ring looks so lovely on you. I'm very happy for you."

I was starting to feel more scared than I did before. How could she be happy about this!?

"Kate! No! I-I never accepted his proposal!" I protested, struggling in his grip. "I won't marry him! I WON'T!"

"Now, Natalie, no need to shout." The Devil sneered, in an almost 'scolding' tone. "You'll soon learn to be happy as Anubis' wife as well as part of our family. Come, join us. We will be an unstoppable force, one that will make people fear in terror!"

"N-no! I won't! You can't make me!" I cried, feeling hot tears streamed down my face.

"Oh, is that right?" 'Lexie' smirked.

Using telekinesis, she pulled me from Anubis, turned me around and made me watch as several people were screaming and running away. I won't even tell you the horrible things I saw because then it might give you nightmares too.

And since some younger people might be reading this, I'll hold back on telling them what I saw.

"Drink it in, sis. This is what justice looks like. Justice for everything these idiots did to us."

She leaned closer to my ear and whispered in a sickening tone.

"The three of us are gonna destroy the world, Natty. It's written all over in the stars…"

My breath was short and nearly started hyperventilating. I was now scared of Lexie, especially with that wicked tone.

"And we shall rebuild it into our own vision!" The knock-off of Katie sneered, clenching her fist as her cold blue eyes turned a burning red just like the Devil's. "As your father - my beloved - had wanted. At long last… justice will be served!"

"No! NO! This is vengeance not justice! And I won't! I can't! This can't be real!" I wailed, squirming. I knew no one was holding me, but her power was stronger than me.

"Soon, it will come as a reality for us and we will rule!" The Devil sneered. "We'll have you to thank for!"

My mind was racing so fast, I was having trouble processing this whole thing. This could happen…all because I would help him.

Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by 'Lexie' pushing me back to Anubis, who trapped me in his grip again.

"Now let's make it official...shall we, Jefe?" Anubis purred, grinning straight at me…lustfully.

"Of course, Anubis." The Devil replied, taking the knock-off of Katie into his arms while she snuggled up to him. "Once she's calmed down, we can prepare for her wedding with you."

"No! NO! NO!" I screamed.

Taking me in a bridal style position, Anubis started to carry me and it seemed things were not looking good until-!

"Nat! Nat! Wake up!"

I woke up with a start gasping and frantically looking around. It was taking me a second to figure out where I was when I turned and saw the guys.

Which caused me to freak out.

"No! No! I can't be the reason why! Don't let him take me!" I cried, my arms over my eyes.

"Nat! Nat! It's okay, calm down!" Liam reassured me.

"Lee, don't tell her to calm down, you'll make it worse!" Lexie scolded.

She then pulled me into a hug as she whispered, "Nat, it's okay, it's okay...shhhh…"

"Hey, it's alright, you're safe." Katie assured me. "You got hit in the head, but you're okay."

Wait, their voices. They didn't sound twisted or demonic. They were…sweet and light. Slowly pulling my arms from my face, I saw the girls next to me.

They didn't look demonic and they weren't wearing any engagement rings. I began to shake a bit and tears slipped down my face.

"Lex? Kate? You're not…evil?" I choked out.

Lexie looked really shocked as she exclaimed, "What? No! Why would I be evil?"

"Nat… did you have a nightmare about…the Devil?" Katie calmly asked, concerned.

I nodded as I explained, "I-I had a terrible dream where I saw the whole isle in ruin, and you and Kate were evil and I-I was…engaged to Anubis. And it-it was because of me it happened…."

Without hesitation, I started sobbing hard. I have never felt this much stress in my life and I should know; I have faced a lot of stress.

"It's okay. You're safe, You have nothing to be sorry about. It was all just a bad dream…" Katie reassured me, rubbing my back and hugging me.

"And it would never be your fault." Lexie added. "It's the Devil's fault and his alone. Not yours."

I cried for a bit, and slowly but surely, I began to calm down, and collect myself.

"I-I guess, but it felt so real!" I claimed. I could just feel so much fear. Not just because of what I saw, but the thought and image of Anubis grinning very lustfully at me. He was desperate for me, more than ever.

"I-I just don't get it, why can't they leave us alone?!" I asked. "I don't want to marry Anubis and I don't want either of you to marry your unwanted suitors."

"Nat, listen. They're bad guys, of course they're gonna be persistent." Lexie sighed. "That's why we gotta be there for each other. To protect and defend each other's honor."

"Right. And I would NEVER marry the Devil, even if he was the last man in the entire multiverse." Katie reminded me. "And we will never let the Grim Creeper come anywhere near you, Nat. We're friends, and friends always have each other's backs."

After hearing that, I nodded.

"Right, we do look out for one another. It just felt so real. and he told me that the reason he was able to get you two was because of me... do you think I could be the reason we might fail?"

Lexie shook her head as she replied, "Doubtful. Cause you're smart, capable and overall awesome, Nat. Don't let some dumb nightmare tell you anything different."

She then looked down, as though in thought.

"Although, since first Kate, then me, and now you're getting nightmares, it can't be a coincidence." She concluded. "We should have a chat with Misterie and see what her thoughts are. Just to be safe."

Katie nodded while chiming in, "I think that should be our best lead. She has helped us so far, so…I'm certain Misterie might have some answers and a solution to all of this."

"But do you think it's a good idea for all of us to go back to her hut on Isle One together?" Kaichi asked. "What if we end up with a repeat over at her shop if chances are the Terrible Trio could be tracking us?"

"Good point, Kai." Lexie agreed. "I hate to say this but...we'll need to split up."

"But… wouldn't that be just as dangerous?" Katie asked in concern. "What are the chances that the Devil and his goons would try to kidnap us one at a time like the last time we were apart?"

"Understandable, but we won't be apart." Lexie stated.

Turning to Kate, Lex started to delegate instructions.

"Kate, you and Nat come with me to Misterie's and we'll figure out what's up with our dreams."

Turning to Liam, she instructed.

"Lee, you, Matt, and Cups head over to the next debtor, which I think might be Dr. Kahl. His robot might be a great asset to help us.

Turning to me, she asked, "Also, Nat, think you could create clones of us? To throw those maniacs off our trail?"

"Sure! Always wanted to give it a try." I smiled.

Pulling out my wand, I casted a spell and made clones of us.

"Whoa! Is that what I look like? Wow, my head is pretty big…" Liam trailed off, examining his clone.

Lex giggled at Liam's remark while Katie looked over her clone, looking like she was gonna faint.

"And to think, I'm still getting used to being currently a cartoon character and turning into a dragon."

"If either of them get fooled, oh well, they're stupid." Natty shrugged.

Lex and Kate snickered before we all burst out in laughter. Though the one who was most excited about the clones was Cuphead.

"Wow this is pretty cool! Wow!" Cuphead beamed. "Man, I can see myself using a clone to get out of chores."

"Ah ah ah. Not so fast, Cuppy. we have to use them to throw the baddies off, not skip a day of work." I reminded him.

"Awwww…" Cuphead groaned in disappointment.

"Trust me, a hard day's work still has its rewards at the end." Kate informed Cuphead.

"We gotta stay focused guys. The Devil's planning his next move and we gotta be one step ahead of him." Lexie announced.

Katie nodded in agreement as Liam stated, "Okay, we'll go see the doctor."

"Does he give out shots?" Matt asked nervously. "I don't like shots."

"Erm, he's a different kind of doctor." Liam replied.

"Don't worry, he's actually a scientist, who invents things. Like his giant robot for instance." Katie explained gently. "I'm sure you'll like him."

"Cool!" Matt smiled.

"Okay, we'll be back in… let's call it an hour. Maybe half an hour?" I suggested.

"Yeah, it sounds good." Chalice nodded.

"Please be careful…" Katie pleaded.

"You guys too." Liam nodded.

As Kaichi gave a thumbs up, Lexie asked. "Hmmm where should we meet when we're done?"

"Maybe we should meet back at the theater." Katie suggested. "Sally said that we should be safe there once security is improved

"Okay, we got a plan, so we can head out." Liam mentioned.

"Let's do it to it, guys!" Lexie cheered.

Before we left, we heard Aya give happy mews as she was playing with a cute little hamster. It had gray fur and a white underbelly, white paws, pink ears, black eyes and wore a green hat with a flower in it, similar to the one Minnie Mouse would wear in the old Mickey Mouse cartoons.

"Awwww, they're so cute! But where did this hamster come from?" I asked.

"Oh, we found her on our doorstep one night in the city. " Sally explained. "Someone placed her in a small box wrapped in a cozy blanket. We're fostering her until we can find a good home for her."

"Poor thing! She was left alone!" Katie gasped.

"Man, what is it with people like that? They need to show animals big and small love and respect." Liam sighed.

"Well, she was perfectly fine when we saw her, and a note was attached to her blanket." Sally informed us.

She headed backstage for a second before coming back with a worm out shoe box and a faded blue blanket with many patches sewn in. She handed me a note and it read;

"Please take care of her. She has no family keep her safe."

"Oh wow, someone was looking out for her." I claimed. "Do you know who stopped by?"

"Sadly, no, but from the looks of things the little one had a rough situation from her first home ." Sally shrugged. "We've been taking care of her since."

"Well, at least they were looking out for her." I mentioned. "What's her name?"

"We just haven't found the right one for her." Sally informed us.

"Aww, but she's so sweet though…" Lexie trailed off giving a sweet smile.

Just then, the hamster noticed, and ran to me, sniffing the toe of my shoe.

"Awwww, hey little gal. You like my shoes don't you?" I giggled.

The hamster looked up at me with her cute eyes and smiled, squeaking happily. I carefully picked up the hamster and she nuzzled her face on my cheek.

"Hi, there! Aww you're so cute!" I smiled.

"She seems to like you, Nat." Katie commented.

"Yeah, she does. I mean, I love animals but I never had a pet like them before." I mentioned.

I mean, yeah we had fish, but because my mom's allergic to pet fur, we don't have a dog or cat.

"It's fairly straightforward having a pet." Lexie replied. "You just make sure they've got food, water and a good litter box. From what I understand, hamsters are like cats."

Upon hearing Lexie's voice, Aya jumped on her shoulder, nuzzling against her face.

"And who can forget lovin's…" She giggled, petting her head and ears.

"Eh true. We did have fish when I was little, but they're long gone." I shrugged. "But seeing that this little hamster is okay with me, maybe she can come along? Unless Sally says otherwise…"

"You know Natty, you can keep her." Sally announced. "I think you'd be a great owner for her."

I was surprised. She was giving her to me? Granted, I've only known them for a short time, surprised she's willing to let me.

"Are you sure? I'd hate to take her from you, especially since you have been providing such care and love to her." I mentioned.

"Well, like I said, we were mainly just fostering her until we found a home for her." Sally explained. "But after the bravery you've shown against the Devil and his goons, I think you're the perfect fit. Especially since you always want to look out for others."

"Aw, thanks Sal, that means a lot. Okay, I can take her along but what should I name her?"

"How about 'Peanut'?" Kaichi suggested.

"Hmmm… it's good but I don't see her as a peanut."

"'Fluffy'?" Liam asked.

"Nah, not really." I said.

"And I think that name's far too overused." Katie added.

Lexie looked down in thought as she commented, "Usually, I'll name my animals after a character I like…"

As I looked at her, she looked at me with cute eyes and her fur was light and clean. Fresh like a daisy.

Then, it came to me.

"Wait, what about Daisy?" I piped up. To the little hamster, I asked "Do you like that name?"

She gave happy squeaks and ran around my hand. I couldn't help but laugh. She was so cute when she was happy.

"Yeah! That's super cute!" Lexie beamed.

She then gave me a sly smirk as she asked, "You got that from Princess Daisy didn't you?"

"Maybe." I giggled.

"Alright, Daisy it is. Welcome to the team." Katie smiled, as Daisy beamed.

I think Daisy understood me because she gave the cutest smile I've seen from an animal. I then placed Daisy in my skirt pocket and her head peeked out.

"There you go, a great way to travel."

"Okay, let's head out!" Liam declared. "We'll meet back together in an hour." Liam claimed.

"Right!" Lexie nodded.

With that, we left Sally's theater and went our separate ways once again (on our own terms this time), the girls and I heading to Misterie's hut. I hope we can prevent that terrible vision I saw from becoming a reality…

We gave each other hugs, and then raced out to complete our tasks. While it was good it was all a dream, I still had my doubts. That was very real and the way the Devil talked about it got me worried. I have been blamed for a lot of things that happened in the past, whether it was an accident or not, and I didn't want that to happen.

I need to prevent that at all costs!

A/N: Wow, what a terrible prophecy! But at least we have a backup plan...I hope. Stay tuned for the next chapter of "Heart, Soul, and Mind"!

This next piece is in loving memory of my Granddad (1941-2024), who has passed away in early May from both kidney failure and heart failure. He died peacefully under hospice and there will be a memorial service in early June to remember him. I've been dealing with a lot of grief due to this and I hadn't felt like writing anything. But, with encouragement from my friends, I'm slowly getting back into it.

I love you very much Granddad...thank you for all the wonderful memories you've given me and the rest of my family. I have a very good feeling we'll see you someday soon...