Chapter 1: Greetings, Star Butterfly!
Crickets were chirping in the night, The solitary sound to be heard even for the most attentive souls. While most of the world slept, a single being sat in the solitude and silence. His dark hair standing in various directions, his green eyes watching the stars in the sky move as he simply sat their in silence, his face reflecting the light, with two streams of tears falling to the ground. This wasn't where he wanted to be. It wasn't where he should be. But he gave up that choice. It wasn't his to make anymore.
He simply looked to the sky as it slowly started to turn pink. Today was the first day of school. He hated the idea. He enjoyed learning, that in and of itself was fine. It was even an entirely new school and town. New teachers, new students, new-
"It will be different this time." The boy got up, his cotton pajamas bottoms, a plain black, now caked in dirt. He turned to face the voice. A woman he knew all too well as there. Her voice always grabbing his attention. It never failed him. The woman herself was a head taller than most, far too thin for most guys tastes and she certainly didn't have a lot going for her elsewhere. She was partially bald, a bad accident leaving a large scar on her head. Wigs tended to just make things worse she had found, so she learned to embrace it. She was often mocked by people on the street for her looks, but to him, she was always a welcome sight. Even when she was lying through her teeth.
"Sis, I just want to stay home. We both know what will eventually happen. It always happens." His voice was hoarse. She could tell in an instant that he had probably been up and crying all night.
"Listen, just because it happened last time, or the time before that, doesn't mean it will happen again. I don't work tomorrow, and I already talked to the principal of the school, we will find you a helper, and get you started right. And this time, I did my research, he's a good kid, he won't hurt you." The words were said with genuine affection, but he had very little faith in them. Still, she always wanted the best for him. Even if it was killing him inside.
"Okay. I better go get ready then." With a little effort The boy rose up, and headed back home. In the back of his head, he just knew that nothing would be different. He would be an outcast again. The boy he was to meet may do his best, but he would merely be a catylyst. After all, who could like a monster like him.
That day, three souls were bound for a destined meeting. In too many different places, they didn't all meet. In fact, this was an, anomaly. Several forces took notice of it. A Princess, her Knight, and a boy whose destiny was hidden, even from them. It was a strange anomaly, but interfering too much could throw everything out of wack.
The ones that watched looked to each other, silently agreeing to merely observe. Depending on what happened, they knew they may have to act. And with that, they turned to their respective duties, keeping one eye on the situation as they did.
'Echo Creek High? Public school? Great. Maybe it really WON'T be as bad as the last one.' His thoughts plagued him endlessly as he walked through the halls. He took note of everything about his surroundings, particularly the exits, and how they lined up with his way home. He had no doubt he would need them in the next few surprisingly quickly made their way to the principal's office, his sister leading the way, only to discover they were not the only two needing to see the principal that day.
As the siblings arrived , they spotted what looked like a cape disappearing into the principal's door, said door closing behind it. Just in front was a woman, moderate height, short, black, curly hair, not ugly, but not pretty, but she had curves for days. A secretary for sure from the golden pin on her shirt confirming.
"Greetings! You must be Olivia Ackleman and Joseph Ackleman. The principal is with another group right now and-" Just then, a tired voice called out to the hallway.
"Is that our other new student? If so send them in too. Might as well take care of everyone at the same time!" The woman appeared annoyed, saying something about student privacy rights, before she showed us to the nearby door. We followed behind and immediately we were terrified.
The principal was an overweight man sitting at his desk, nothing special about him, but the boy immediately turned to the three, very strange visitors. First was an almost normal looking woman in a blue victorian dress, but she had silver-blue hair and dark pink diamonds on her cheeks. Next to her was a very short man. He had long blonde hair, and looked like a well dressed barbarian with an honestly impressive beard and moustache with just a hint of curls. He wore an impressive suit that looked like he was a high ranking Military official in formal wear. Finally, a girl, about his own age. She had golden hair, her mother's looks and hair. Her stockings going from under her greenish-blue dress to her boots with spikes..
"Well, I wasn't expecting this to become so public so fast. May I ask who these two are and why they are in this meeting too?" The short man spoke calmly, directing himself at us as the girl, they assumed to be his daughter, moved behind her mother defensively. As the boy saw her face, the sheer panic, and for a moment, her apparent beauty, nulled his own emotions. He couldn't very well start things horribly. After all, it was certain to go bad, but he had decided to make a small game of how it would go bad without his direct intervention. He quickly composed himself, ready to see how this would all play out.
"To be honest, both of the children are people who have had, traumatic, experiences in their pasts. While we hope to prevent it from happening here, one of the fastest ways to do that is to get them someone who can be friendly, and is used to meeting new, foreign, people. While I was expecting Joseph here, I was unaware of you two going ahead with the plan to transfer here. As time is short, I have no choice but to assign them both to the same boy. He is a wonderful kid, and I assure you all, he will do no harm. There is a reason we call him the safe kid after all!" He let out a small chuckle at his own statement. Putting Olivia at ease, but making Joseph even more upset inside.
He took another look at the girl. She seemed more, inquisitive. And when their eyes locked, Joseph went stiff. The Star girl's eyes, while showing that inquisitiveness that the rest of her body let out, were dead. There was nothing in them. And for her, his eyes were simply dead. The same thought went through both of their heads. 'Maybe, she/he is the same.' Out of the corners of their eyes, the adults all saw the exchange. For a brief moment, a seed of hope appeared. But as the moment moved on to the next, the boy began to have doubts. Catching this, the principal decided to act before the momentum was lost.
"Now, on that note." He reached over and hit a button on a mic stand, his voice resonating from outside the office and probably all throughout the school."Marco Diaz, please report to the principal's office. Marco Diaz to the principal's office." He leaned back and continued.
"He is an excellent student and a very safety inclined one at that. I feel that if anyone has the ability to get you two adjusted, keep Miss Star safe, and keep Mr. Joseph out of any, situations, he would be the one to do it. His home even has a spare bedroom for their foreign exchange students, so his family would probably be very accepting of Miss Star during her tenure here." The woman spoke up at that.
"I do hope so. And since you will be in close proximity to my daughter, I hope you will help her and be a good friend to her." Joseph turned his attention to the girl called Star again. Taking the time to look in her eyes, a few things became obvious. She was over her own inquisitiveness, the Principal having failed to either act fast enough, or appropriately enough; she was clearly NOT keene on the idea of being near him, her nervousness the primary emotion on display as she again had hidden further behind her mother. Finally, what should have been the most obvious, was how pretty she was to him. After getting past the fact she was clearly out of his league, she was plainly cute. Her blue eyes, slim figure, and long legs took him a bit by surprise as she went from just another girl to a pretty girl. A quick glance at her mother and he figured that, perhaps, she would be just as beautiful in a few years as well. As he was about to speak, memories of two towns back made him pause. This was no time to become infatuated.
The short man, throughout all of this, became curious. While he maintained a neutral expression, he was watching the boy with interest. The boy at first seemed apprehensive, then interested, almost friendly, then suddenly, fear. For just a single moment, absolute fear. He rationalized that, if the fear was due to her standing, it would have been evident the entire time, if it was sudden realization of potential harm from himself or his family, it would have been knee jerk at first, followed by caution. The only conclusion was that he, like his daughter, had to have had a horrible experience that rocked him to his core, just as the principal had said. Hopefully, it wouldn't trigger his own daughter's nightmares. The worst outcome could be disastrous for both of them.
"It's okay Joe, they don't mean any harm." Olivia spoke up, trying her best to comfort the boy. It seemed to help. He shook his head, ran his fingers through his hair, and began taking slow, deep breaths. Star, who had been on the fence, was now more at ease.. She had picked up on similar lines of thoughts to her father's and came to the conclusion that, at least now, he was not a problem. Taking a second to look him over, she realized that he was handsome looking. Taking into account that he seemed so much like her, she decided, maybe, to give the boy a chance. Maybe, she could find a friend here. Just as she was about to say something, to break the ice between them, the door opened, sending her fully back behind her mother, who's side she didn't realize she had begun to leave.
"What did you need, Principal, Skeeves…" The new boy noticed the rather large group of people, now crammed into an office clearly now at full capacity. He first noticed Joseph, and began to make assumptions, but what stopped him mid sentence, was the other family. Unsure how to act, he began to babble incoherently as he began to adjust. Unlike Joseph and Olivia, he merely froze for a moment before realizing that nobody else was in a full freakout. He calmed down just as the principal spoke up.
"Glad you're prompt Mr. Diaz. We have in this office two new students for you to help out. First is Joseph Ackleman, a young boy from out of town, he moved here a few days ago and today is his first day. He is a situation 'C' student." Marco's eyes went wide as he looked at Joseph, and Joseph in turn got a good look at Marco.
Marco was a decently built kid, tan skin, brown hair and eyes. He was about the same height as Joseph to boot. His eyes as he looked at Joseph were kind. He was ready to try and help Joe. Sadly, Joe merely saw Marco as another reason not to be involved. Star would befriend Marco, and any hope Joe had was going to simply vanish.
"And this little lady is Star Butterfly, a foreign exchange student from another dimension called Mewni." Joseph twitched heavily, while not unnoticed, Skeeves decided to press on. Drawing attention to it further would only be a detriment. "And she is here as a situation 'C' student." Marco nodded dumbly, taking a quick look at the girl, giving her a small smile and wave, before turning to Joseph, almost aggressively.
"Relax Diaz, they are unrelated." At that Marco was surprised again. His previous demeanor softening as he looked back at Joseph. "That being said, Star will be living in the guest room at your house. Joseph lives about two blocks away from you. He will need your help, just as much as Star, to adjusting life in-" He coughed, it was clearly forced, He almost said something he would have regretted. "Sorry, about that. Burst of cold air." It was enough for Star and Marco, but the three other adults looked at him with either suspicion, or barely hidden anger. "To adjust to life here in Echo Creek. Now, to facilitate this, I give you three leave to explore the school and town for the day. I am sure Mr. and Mrs. Butterfly that you wish to talk to the Diaz's about the living arrangements as well as the compensation for food." They nodded as Star began to hug her parents, seeking the warmth that was about to leave her for an unknown amount of time. That was when Mr. Butterfly spoke up.
"Do you mind if I have a quick word with the boys?" Olivia, Skeeves, and Marco gave their consent. As the three walked out to talk, Joseph noticed his sister walking a little towards Star's Mother, striking up a conversation. He had no time to even listen in as, just outside, there was no sign of the secretary, so the man immediately began talking, just barely passing above a whisper.
"Listen, I need you two to watch over my daughter. I understand if this goes a bit, beyond what either of you want, or what is expected of you, but she has been through a lot. Take these." He produced what looked like two compact mirror's from his pants pockets. "They will allow you to contact myself in the case of anything going, wrong." Joseph and Marco looked to each other and then to the ,am. Marco speaking up.
"Um, Sir-" "River, please call me River while we are alone like this, or with just Star or my wife, Moon. Otherwise, call me King River." "Uh, okay then, River, why do you trust us so much?" Joseph gave a quizzical eyebrow at this. Since River, had asked them to step out, he had the chance to emotionally distance himself from the situation yet again. He was already expecting that, in just a few weeks, he would be all alone again anyway. He saw no purpose in the mirror for himself.
"Because I already know about both of you." They both stared at him incredulously. "Okay then, for proof. Marco, Your nine year crush on Jackie won't go anywhere if you don't talk to her. Joseph, I'm sorry about Margarette." Both of the boys broke into a cold sweat while shock ran through their minds. How could he already know these things?
"Now for why I trust you, Marco, you are a nice boy who prioritizes the safety of others. I feel you will help Star a lot. As for you Joseph, you have been through some of the same situations as my dear daughter, you can understand her pain far better than most people. I do find it, fortuitous, that both of you are here today. So as a father, please, help my daughter." For a brief moment, he took on an air of genuine sorrow. It struck a corde with both boys. Marco decided to give it a chance. Joseph caught himself, and quickly thought things through.
'If I try, it will only lead to disaster again. But if he can know about Margarette, and me being here today, what else might he know. Better to play along for now. Best case, I get some genuine friends. Worst case, I die. Win-Win.' "I'll, do my best."
"Same here River." With his sorrow hidden again, River stood up and offered the mirrors to us.
"If you ever need me, simply open them up, and say, 'Call River'. It will connect to me immediately. Please, only use them for emergencies, or to call each other. They are already set up for that. I will handle the bills, you will never find yourselves short of time, but please, do not abuse them. I can make limitations if I so choose." The boys both nodded. Each taking their own thoughts on the matter as they stepped back in. From the sounds, and the look on the principal's face, the two ladies had been talking about how pretty each of them and Star was. Star herself was crimson.
"Oh, looks like the men are back. Better tone down the conversation!" Both women laughed. As Olivia zipped up her purse, it was obvious to Joe that not much was going to fly past either monarch.
"Well the ones that could leave anyway." The principal was clearly ready for the day to end. "Well, with all that done and taken care of, I suggest the three kids go ahead with these notes, and start learning about their new school, and their new town. Now go ahead and go off you three. And be safe! I need to get going soon myself. The ice cream shop sells out when it gets too late!" With that, he stood up and ushered all of the people out with impressive success. They were all outside his office, with himself holding a chest full of coins from the sound of it. That was when Moon spoke up.
"Well, that was rather sudden. Remember to stay safe kids. We will be in touch, but we simply must head on off to the kingdom. It sadly won't run itself forever. Take care of our Star, please. It's all we ask." With a somber bow and a small farewell, the monarch's left. Just then, a phone vibrated in Olivia's purse. She reached in and removed it.
"Ugh. A text from the boss. He wants me to come in so he can show me around. Apparently it's a slow day and he feels it would be a good one to get me started. Least it's free double time, but still, Joe, be safe." She gave him a hug as she lowered herself to his ear. "Give them a shot. Eventually, you will hit a homerun, and I really feel this is that time." They were new words. She had always just left it at a chance. Never being that confident. With her departure, Marco began to show them around the school.
It was quickly apparent why he was called the safe kid. He steered the two of them clear of every potential hazard in the hallways, showed them were all their classes were, most of which involved him, and as they headed towards town, Marco decided the brake from constant talking about the school would be a wonderful opportunity to learn about his two new charges.
"So, Star, you're a princess huh?" Joe inwardly scoffed. He knew Marco would start with her. Who would talk to him over the cute girl?
"Oh, yeah. I'm the heir to the throne. Got my magical wand yesterday and really flubbed up a few spells. Nearly destroyed half the kingdom. All after coming back from, from, fr-" She was starting to hyperventilate. How she had managed to go from her being a princess to that at first stupefied the boys, but as she began to panic, both of them instinctively put a hand on her shoulders. It seemed to reset her, her breath was quickly caught as she took a moment before returning to her neutral expression. "Thank you. I was sent to a place called Saint Olga's." At that moment, a thunder crash and distant scream could be heard. Oddly, the scream sounded like Star.
"I, I don't want to remember it any more than that." Her tone, bearing, and emotions piled on Marco as he silently decided never to push for the information. Joe took note, however, that Star didn't need any talk about it. Perhaps, she wanted to talk about it, but the memory was so bad, it froze her up. He would ponder this for now, but offer a few words for her sake.
"It's fine. There are some things that take time to talk about. Even if we want to. Remember,, you can always say no to us. We do take that for an answer. Or at least I do."
"Yeah Star, like Joe said, it's fine to say no." He offered her a smile and she looked to him, then to Joe, smiling a little at Joe.
"Thanks guys. Maybe one day." Marco nodded and the three of them continued on. They went around town for several hours when, as Marco was about to tell them all about his favorite taco restaurant, a clock tower rang in the distance. Six strikes.
"Oh man, it's already getting late! We better head home. Come on, it's not too far to my house, and if it's as close as Skeeves said, Joe, you should be able to get home quickly too." They followed his quick pace, with Joe speaking up, surprising himself in the process.
"Sis texted me a while back. She won't be home till late. Found herself a date." Joe knew what that really meant. His sister was the light of his life, but she had serious boy issues. Always finding a new guy to date while away from him. Almost as if he disappeared when she left. He was fine with it. At that, Marco spoke up.
"Well, you could hang at my house for a bit if you're worried. I'm sure my parents would understand." Joe looked at Marco, not really wanting to accept. Star then spoke up.
"It, it would be nice to get to know you a bit more." She had a bit more shine to her eyes. During the entire trip, Star and Marco had started talking more and more. As more places came up, she felt more comfortable talking as she found similarities and acceptance in Marco. Joe had remained mostly silent. Chiming in on very rare occasions, though he made sure to answer their questions honestly, even if he mostly gave one word answers. He wanted to tell them no, but the way Star looked up him. She seemed so innocent at that moment. So, genuine, that Joe finally answered before he could think it through.
"Fine. Not much to do at home anyway." Star almost seemed to beem for a moment before looking back ahead. What followed shook both of the boys' worlds. Star immediately got along with the Diaz's, and they somehow managed to make Joe a little open with them. The Butterfly's had left Star's stuff downstairs so Marco and Joe hauled the surprisingly heavy chest upstairs where they got their first real sight of magic. Star used a spell and made the entire room transform into what she said her room on Mewni looked like. She even made a bunch of magical puppies that shoot laser beams. After she tried on Marco's room and caused him to storm out, Joe got a massive surprise as Star asked him to help her find and apologize to Marco.
That's when they ran into a little kappa demon named Ludo, and his army of monsters. Joe stayed out of the fight, while Marco and Star directly took them on, taking them with surprising ease. The elation Joe had felt with Star after Marco stormed out wore thin when he realized that, unless he got his hands dirty, Marco was going to be the one she would turn to in times of need. Finally, he headed home, the Diaz's loading him up with extra food from the dinner they had prepared that day, saying he could even keep the containers afterwords, a fact he was grateful for when he arrived home. Olivia had decided at her date's house. As Joe layed down, setting his clock for the morning walk to school, he sighed. He wondered if this is how all other families were.
Were they all so nice? Was that how a real family should be? What had happened to him that day? He had fully expected to be ignored, but Marco actively got him to contribute, and Star, all she had to do was look at him. It felt so natural, like, she was already a part of him. His thoughts slowly turned into tears. No matter how much it felt like he belonged already, he knew it would fall apart. It always had. Once they found out about him, it would be over. Tears over his face, as he fell into a dreamless sleep.