(Note from DJ: Still my father's POV)
With a tired groan, I peeled my eyes open, immediately being greeted by the familiar interior of my mask which was on my face crooked from how I slept. My hands were still bound at the wrists, but I was able to effectively move my porcelain face cover back into the proper position. I had apparently fallen asleep sitting upright, so I just had to blink rapidly to get in a glance of what could have woken me.
Trust me when I say that when I fall asleep, I am a VERY heavy sleeper. My husband claims from several failed attempts at waking me that I sleep like the dead, which I find quite humorous and also a tad ironic.
For something to have woken me up, it must have been extremely out of place.
"Dad, what in the WORLDS happened!?"
Ah, so apparently it was the sound of Count Bleck's teleportation. That sound always did put me a tad on edge... Usually, it meant that he was coming to scold me for doing something absurd.
I turned my head to see Maastor and Count Bleck, but something was wrong. VERY wrong. Even the tall boy noticed it when he saw his father. It wasn't the Count himself that was in the wrong, oh no, it was his peculiar injuries. The scuffs, burns, and scrapes all over his body made it evident that he got into a fight, but not just some normal fist-fight of a brawl.
It was clear to me that he had encountered trouble from someone who had access to magic. Perhaps some sort of Magikoopa blocked his path? Or maybe even the red plumber had done something useful for once and fought off the Count himself using his Firebrand and other mushroom magic.
"When you said that you were going to be a while, I wanted to believe that you weren't going to intentionally get yourself hurt or something!" Maastor spat, pointing an accusatory finger at his father. "What were you out doing?!"
It seems that the questions and answers that I had given him had at least given the boy enough common sense to ask questions about what Count Bleck's plan was. However, I don't wish to see what sort of fight would break out between a father and son with severe anger issues...
"Count Bleck's intention was clearly stated before he left. Count Bleck had gone in search of Timpani. SHE of all people would know where to look for the items we need," Count Bleck simply replied.
I narrowed my eyes in response, my face contorted into a glare below my mask which was directed at the Count.
"Why the need to search for the Dark Prognosticus and Chaos Heart? You already sent my son out into danger to do the dirty work!" I shouted.
Count Bleck hummed and both he and his son looked my way, the Count's visible eye giving me a tired glance.
"Did you honestly expect Count Bleck to rely on a child to do ALL of the work? Maybe find one of the items, sure, but trusting your son to accomplish all of this and then willingly GIVE them to Count Bleck is foolish," Count Bleck retorted.
I couldn't help but roll my eyes in response. Assuming my son wouldn't accept the challenge he made was ludicrous and just asking for him to hurt himself. His dad is Mr.L, for Grambi's sake. Mimi once challenged him to beat O'Chunks in a weight-lifting competition and he didn't quit until he eventually won. However, he ALSO couldn't get out of bed for an entire day because of how sore he was.
My son would take the Count's challenge to his game's end if something didn't happen to intervene soon.
"So, you went to look for your ex-fianceé in hopes of finding your dirty old book?" I questioned sarcastically. "I wouldn't be surprised if Timpani simply pushed you out the window or something and you received those injuries in the fall."
Count Bleck curled his lip into a frown, his eye narrowed at me.
"If you are so inclined to know, Count Bleck received these bodily wounds when he retrieved THIS from YOUR son."
The Count overdramatically drew out the item he was referring to from his cloak, levitating it beside him when he did. I squinted at the object and I felt my breathing catch in my throat, a cold sweat breaking out all over my body. It was older, yes, but still in a VERY nice condition...
"The Dark Prognosticus," I breathed.
Maastor moved toward it, his eyes wide and hands slightly outstretched. The boy didn't dare touch it, however. He most likely thought, and assumed correctly, that the Count would not allow him to touch the thing.
"Our legacy... Our grimoire....." The boy practically whispered.
Although the sight of the book gave me a tantalizing sensation in the back of my mind, I knew that I had much higher priorities than some addiction I had in my younger years. Shaking my head to banish my unwanted thoughts, I glared up at the Count.
"What did you do to my son!? I know that he wouldn't just let you take it, so tell me what you did, or SO HELP ME-!" I shouted.
If he so much as touched a hair on his head, I will not hesitate to resort to physical violence on account of my magic lacking at the moment.
"A better question would be what your SON did to Count Bleck!" The Count retorted.
I arched an eyebrow at him as he stepped in front of me, now the front and center of my view.
"You claimed that your son did not have abilities as own, correct? Well, Count Bleck also recalls you claiming to not be a liar, so Count Bleck supposes that you're zero for two," Count Bleck stated with a scowl.
Pausing, I took a moment to observe his features and body language, then I began snickering. Before long, I couldn't help myself before I burst out laughing, shaking my head as I did.
"Oh my GRAMBI, that is just hilarious! You expect me to believe you?! HA! DJ doesn't have any magic!!! He's been perfectly fine and capable without it since birth, he's just like his dad and I'm happy that he doesn't need to share in my troubles from my youth," I stated with a smile.
This time, the Count took his turn laughing at me, although I kept my smile. I knew that he was bluffing. It was practically impossible for DJ to have magic! Especially NOW of all times! He's almost sixteen now!
"BLEH HEH HEH HEH! Well, Dimentio, Count Bleck supposes that it goes to show that YOU might not be the best parent either..." Count Bleck told me with a grin. "Your SON has magic that Count Bleck has never even seen strung together before. He fought Count Bleck off to the point where he had to grab the book and flee!"
I scoffed and rolled my eyes at this, although I was baffled about why the Count would lie about a defeat. He had always prided himself on being the strongest magic wielder. ...however, that was also back when I hid my potential from him.
"I don't believe you. What magic did he have, then~?" I asked in a teasing voice.
"Do you think this is funny?" Count Bleck questioned. "Count Bleck has injuries that he has only received ONCE before in his life!"
What was he talking about? That sounds highly unlikely to be true.
"Your son has CHAOS MAGIC, Dimentio," the Count spat.
My heart practically stopped for a brief moment when he said that, my eyes wide as I observed his injuries to see his creditability.
"Magic cages for protection, powerful lighting that only the gods can handle, seem familiar to you?" Count Bleck asked, holding up his cape to reveal a few holes burnt through. "His powers are untapped, yes, but trust Count Bleck when he says they are still there."
The Count closed his cape once again and walked off, the Dark Prognosticus floating beside him like an obedient pet, just like old times.
"Count Bleck apologizes, old friend, but actions might have to be taken to ensure tragedy doesn't occur..." Count Bleck trailed off. "You were like family to Count Bleck, and Count Bleck doesn't wish to cause you this deep of harm... but you might have made a grave mistake if that boy decides to act upon his predestined role."
I could only watch with a horrified expression as the Count trailed off, taking the book into his hand to read it once again. He was being serious, I know now. Count Bleck had seen right through me and caught onto my perfectly concealed lie. He might be the only other who could guess, but I would not let it go further than that.
DJ is my son, I will do anything to protect him from the worlds if they so desired to turn on him as well.
"Dimentio..."
I was briefly snapped out of my daze just then, confused about who could have called my name. Looking beside me, I could see that it did come from Maastor's mouth. He hasn't been calling me by name since I met him, what could possibly evoke his sudden somber and serious tone?
The boy looked shaken, to say the least. He looked a bit uncertain as well, clutching at his collar and tugging at it as he averted his gaze from the floor to me and back. Maastor looked like he had been told horrible news, and I was confused about why.
"Yes..?" I warily replied to him.
He let out a breath, clearing his throat as he attempted to steady his voice.
"My dad... What is he talking about? What does he mean by taking action?" The tall boy asked, his tone straining to remain steady but aggressive. "Is he saying that he's planning to hurt jester boy?"
I curled my lip in response, lowering my head as I shook it ever so slightly.
"I don't know... but I wouldn't put it past him," I muttered.
-----
(Note from DJ: Back to my written POV!)
After retrieving Toady from the hall, Timpani and I made our way to the Warp Pipe, which eventually led us back to Sarasaland. I tried talking with Timpani about everything regarding Marcus and how this all technically started, but we didn't have much time to chat with how short the journey was...
I was able to explain a bit, but I'm not sure what all made sense to her. It's not every day you're told that your son has about five other personalities in his head.
We made it to the castle in Sarasaland and both Luigi and Daisy were there to greet us, exclaiming a lot of worry about not knowing where I had gone. I didn't catch much of it, however, because I was already falling asleep from how late it was. I remember Luigi panicking about the Dark Prognosticus being gone, Timpani happily conversating with Luigi to "catch up on things", and then Daisy showed me to a guest room of some kind.
The room was a fairly decent size, but I didn't take any time exploring and instead went straight to the large bed and flopped down face-first. It was extremely cozy, so I was out like a light. I didn't even have the chance to mull over what happened that day before sleep overtook me!
It was just me, the bed, and peace and quiet... Until I was eventually woken up.
"DJ? DJ, we let you sleep in, but you gotta get down here for breakfast sooner or later!" I heard Origana shout through the door. "We were worried sick about you last night, so you better have a good explanation!!!"
I groaned in response, letting her know that I was at least beginning to wake up. With a big stretch, I got out of bed and smiled wide. I felt almost giddy after last night's events.
I have POWERS!
Sure, I don't exactly know how to use them on command, but I still had them! Having them was still better than NOT having them! Grambi, I bet my dads will be overjoyed once I show them!!! I can go down and tell my friends right now even!
But then again, they might not believe me without proof...
"DJ!!!" Origana yelled through the door.
I flinched, quickly snapping out of my thoughts.
"Coming!" I shouted back.
Hopping out of bed, I leaned over to the floor where Toady was in sleep mode and lightly tapped its mushroom dome. Toady woke up with a "beep" noise and its screen lit up, smiling up at me.
"Come on, buddy. Let's go check in with everyone," I told my robot companion.
Toady smiled at the idea and I chuckled in response. Glancing down at myself, I realized that I was still wearing the same thing from the other day.
"Shoot..." I cursed under my breath. "My clean clothes are at-!"
I paused as Toady nudged my foot, earning my attention. Watching Toady roll off, the little mushroom drone stopped outside of what looked like a bathroom connected to the bedroom.
"Woah, fancy..." I murmured.
Following Toady, I peered inside. The small room was clean and clearly unused, and resting on the sink countertop were my clothes from home!
"Woah!!!" I exclaimed again.
Rushing inside the bathroom, I picked up the clothes and looked them over. Sure enough, they were my clothes! As I unfolded my green cloak, a small paper note fluttered to the floor. I kneeled and scooped up the note, reading what it said out loud.
"Dear, DJ. Marcus and I had washed your dirty clothes while we were working on laundry, but I forgot to give them to you then, so I ended up just carrying them along... I hope these help! From, Timpani," I read.
I chuckled a little under my breath as I took off my father's old green cloak and tank top, smiling as I slipped on my much more comfortable and preferred clothes.
"Note to self, thank Timpani and Marcus later for doing laundry, ah ha ha," I chuckled.
Looking down at the ground, I sheepishly smiled at Toady as I pointed back toward the room.
"C-can you give me a bit of privacy, please? I need to use the restroom still..." I told the little drone.
-----
After I had gotten ready, I followed Origana to the dining room area where they had all eaten breakfast earlier. She wasn't kidding when she said I slept in! It was probably around lunchtime, from what I could guess! Regardless, I was STARVING! Fighting off my friend's psycho dad took a lot out of me!
Luigi and Daisy left me with several plates of food before going off to talk with Timpani or something. Now, it was just me at the table, Toady on the floor, and just about everyone else sitting around me... Kade, Onyx, and Origana looked somewhere between mad, curious, and relieved. However, Gabrial and Luisa simply looked concerned, which still wasn't a bad thing.
Ha, now I'm kinda wondering if they caught Kade after his crush on Gabrial was called out!
My friends and cousins continued to stare me down as I ate from the plates I was given. Not gonna lie when I say that I am never going to tolerate the crap they fed us in The Underwhere ever again. Also, I don't think any of my friends were blinking as they glared/stared at me.
"Sooo, care to explain yourself..?!" Kade questioned.
I took a bite from what Daisy had told me was called a "grilled cheese sandwich", humming in delight at the warm cheese.
"What about?" I asked in return while between bites of food.
"Like where the heck you went last night!" Onyx exclaimed, smacking his hands on the table. "WE WERE WORRIED SICK!!!"
I held up a finger telling him to pause - which he didn't appreciate - as I took a big swig from my cup of water.
"I somehow ended up back at Mario's place in the Mushroom Kingdom. Toady followed me there, too." I paused again, taking a bite of bacon, which I remembered having once before back at Castle Bleck. "Then I saw Timpani and Count Bleck-"
I flinched as all three of my buddies slammed their hands down, their eyes flaring with some mix of shock and rage.
"You WHAT!?" All three of my friends shouted.
Luisa and Gabrial appeared perplexed by this, not seeming to have the same reaction at ALL.
"Who's this Count Bleck guy?" Luisa asked, tilting her head.
"Yeah, we only know Timpani because she's literally in the hall right now," Gabrial bluntly stated.
Onyx, Kade, and Origana all exchanged looks as I continued to eat, most likely trying to decide how to explain. They were probably still somewhat perplexed after everything. They've never even seen Count Bleck before!
"He's some kinda bad guy who DJ's parents apparently have a blood feud with," Origana replied with an eye roll.
"The whole reason we're here at the moment is because Count Bleck kidnapped DJ's father, Dimentio," Kade added in for clarity.
I swallowed the food in my mouth, raising my hand to add a point.
"And also Marcus," I stated. "Count Bleck kidnapped Timpani's son, Marcus, too."
Origana rolled her eyes at me as I took another sip from my water.
"ANYWAYS, I'm fine! In fact, I'm probably better than fine!" I exclaimed. "Because I just found out that I can use MAGIC!"
My friends all stared at me with blank faces while I grinned at them smugly. I told them that one day I would have cool powers like them!
"Ah ha ha! Speechless, I see?" I replied to their silence.
They all more or less arched an eyebrow at me. However, Gabrial and Luisa at least seemed to be impressed.
"Magic as in, like... MAGIC, magic?" Luisa asked. "Real magic?!"
Luisa gawked with eyes glittering with awe, her brother rolling his eyes in response.
"No, he obviously meant fake magic," Gabrial retorted sarcastically.
His sister blew a raspberry in response as he grinned with a smirk. I looked over at my friends, observing their faces to see them all frowning a little with visible uncertainty.
"You guys don't believe me?" I asked.
The three of them exchanged awkward glances, probably trying to figure out what to say to me. I have a feeling that whatever they end up saying won't be very reassuring.
"No offense, DJ, but I don't really believe you," Origana bluntly stated.
Kade elbowed her in the side with a glare, silently signaling her to shut up. I gave them all a sad look as I set my empty plates aside.
"You guys think I'm just making this up..?" I questioned.
"Uhhhhh..." The three of them trailed off.
Frowning at them, they all tried to avoid eye content, most likely not wanting to turn this into an argument. I didn't really want to argue either, but they didn't even tell me to prove I had powers or anything! They just assumed I was making it up!
"Hey, wanna know something that you won't argue about? How to summon the Chaos Heart," Gabrial stated, butting into our argument that had temporarily gone silent.
Me, Origana, Kade, and Onyx all whipped our heads around to look at Gabrial and Luisa. Luisa happily nodded in confirmation, her brother more or less looking bored with his face resting against his palm.
"Yyyyyyyup! Our dad told us to tell you guys whenever we were together in the same room!" Luisa exclaimed. "He said that the stuff was also written in the Dark Prognosticus, but since it's gone, y'know."
She trailed off with a shrug as I frowned a bit, a tad ashamed that I had actually lost the book to Count Bleck after everything...
"Anyway! The recipe is quite simple, honestly!" Luisa explained with a laugh. "My dad just said that to summon the Chaos Heart, you need to have a wedding-union-thing between a 'monster king' and a 'fair princess'."
I and my friends all seemed to simultaneously think on this, tilting our heads and narrowing our eyes as if it would help us see the words even though it was verbally told to us.
"A fair princess and a monster king?" Origana repeated out loud. "I mean, we know a bunch of princesses at this point, but what KING could we possibly get help from?"
We all paused for a brief moment. I ran over some potential candidates and people in general that I knew until I was only really able to narrow it down to one person. Honestly, it was sort of the only obvious answer.
Almost exactly at the same time, my friends, Gabrial, Luisa, and I all turned to look at Kade.