Out of Place

Bonds

~ Weeks later ~

He was getting closer every single day. Dio said he primarily wanted to focus on teleportation because he didn't see the need for forming attacks and projectiles. Especially since he never planned on ever attacking anyone. He didn't even want the option to attack. 

So, they focused on teleportation. At first, he could never go more than a few inches. Then, he learned how to go a few feet. Eventually, he could do miles, and after that, dimensions. He was actually improving quickly and soon able to teleport himself all the way over to Flipside to get food, which he was very proud of. 

It seemed that teleporting wasn't quite fueled by any emotions. It just required focus. It wasn't like the projectiles, which were fueled by anger. Nor was it like the healing, fueled by empathy. It seemed like a neutral power, so that was very nice. 

"You're getting better," Dimentio observed aloud as he and Dio practiced. Mr. L was sitting a few feet away, silently observing as he drank a shroom shake which Dio may or may not have stolen from a local store in Flipside. 

"Wait, really?!" Dio asked, his eyes seeming to light up. "Hold up... are you... complimenting me?"

"Yes. Cherish it. This will be the only time it happens," Dimentio replied, though his tone no longer sounded empty. In fact, as time went on, he seemed to become less and less empty. Sometimes, if Dio squinted, he could almost see joy in Dimentio's eyes as he taught magic. 

Magic truly was quite a wonderful concept. Dio was grateful that he had someone to teach him. Poor Dimentio had to learn all on his own. That must have been difficult. It was much easier to have someone with the same power type and potential as himself teach him exactly how.

But there was still so much Dimentio could do that Dio couldn't. Fly, clone himself, control his projectiles, and more! It was so fascinating. 

Dimentio and Dio continued practicing, making more and more progress. Dio was feeling more control in his teleportation. He felt more confident in getting to the place he needed to go. He was able to picture a place in his mind, and teleport there without accidentally running into a wall or something, (Well... he could if it was quiet and he was focused.) 

"So," Dio asked after a few hours of practice with a smile on his face. "Impressed yet?"

Dimentio rolled his eyes in response and lightly shoved Dio away. Now he was just fishing for more compliments. Dio let out a small squeak and giggled slightly as he fell back onto the ground, then sat up and looked at Dimentio. He waited a moment, then looked over at Mr. L, who was still watching from afar.

"... Are you planning on telling him anytime soon?" Dio asked, his voice low enough for Mr. L not to hear.

"Telling him what exactly?" Dimentio asked as if he was oblivious to what Dio was referring to. He, of course, was not, but it was fun to play the part.

"You know. Your undying love for-"

"Oh, shut up." Dimentio laughed, grabbing Dio's arm and hoisting him up. "Quit joking around."

"Oh, but it is no joke," Dio stated, holding in a laugh and attempting to plaster a blank expression on his face. "For I am always deadly serious." He then snorted and allowed the serious look to fade as Dimentio rolled his eyes. "But seriously... you should tell him. Because the thing you two have going on right now is... a little sad. Like an abandoned graveyard on a rainy night." Dio continued.

"Perhaps I'll tell him after you're gone," Dimentio breathed.

"Aww, but then I won't get to see," Dio pouted in response.