There's that feeling of satisfaction and empowerment when you're atop of a hill or top of a mountain as you view the vast expanses of the land and see what beautiful sights the area has to offer, with the accompanying breeze of the wind at such a high altitude and the warmth of the sun. Such is the feeling of Marco Diaz the Knight, and Eclipsa Butterfly the Queen of Darkness as they stood on the balcony of the Monster Castle. The new Butterfly Kingdom was now beginning to flourish, with houses being built here and there, the market now being established. But the Knight and Queen had so much more in mind that they'd like to add in to the Kingdom. A massive project that'd change Mewni forever.

Marco and Eclipsa stood next to each other, leaning on the railing that had been newly installed to prevent people from falling to their doom when atop the balcony, the wind pushed against the boy's hair and the Queen's hat. Marco then faced Eclipsa.

"So. Let's run through the plan one more time?"

"Yes, one more time."

"Alright." Marco took out his little notepad and pencil, Eclipsa leaned in to see what he writes. "We'll implement a more efficient and proper waste disposal here in Mewni, seeing as the citizens have no idea on what to do with their stuff when they're done with them. I mean look at the lakes and rivers, they're getting polluted with garbage." Eclipsa nodded. "Proceed."

"Next, we'll start a mining project to mine useful metals instead of focusing on just gems like the previous Kingdom used to. I mean seriously, doesn't Mewni have enough jewelry? Who uses them anyway?" Marco continued scribbling on his notepad, another nod from Eclipsa. "Next?"

"We start up factories to produce armor, weaponry, tools, and a lot of other things that we or the citizens might use in the future." Eclipsa stroked her chin, deep in thought.

"We could also begin planting crops aside from corn this time. That'd be useful with trade, we'd be well-known for introducing new crops to Mewni that isn't corn! Think about it!" Eclipsa nodded again. "True. Proceed."

"Refine our laws, establish a proper army, introduce currency..." Marco read through his list quicker, Eclipsa agreed with all of them.

"And maybe... convert the Butterfly Kingdom into a democracy?" Eclipsa's face scrunched up, she saw multiple problems with this. "Now dear, I'm not quite sure our Kingdom is ready for that one. It'd be too sudden, I'm afraid." Marco stared off, deep in thought. Then he nodded. "Yeah, agreed. Let's not proceed with that one. Maybe when the Kingdom is more stable and prepared, we'll transition." Eclipsa gave a thumbs up. Marco flipped his notepad to the next page.

"And lastly, we can't really implement the systems I mentioned unless we establish an Education System. One that assesses a Mewman's abilities and see which department or system they would fit best into." Marco bit the tip of his pencil.

"We'd need a curriculum for that. I remember you telling me about 'classes' in schools on Earth, so I read about them and realized their importance once I read enough. Is there anyone you know that could possibly help us construct a curriculum for the education system?" Eclipsa noted, and Marco snapped his fingers.

"Queen Moon!" Eclipsa nodded. "Oh that's a good idea. She has been running the place for a long time and the citizens all depended on her to do everything. So she knows about what people would need to know in order to get a certain task done in a certain field."

"Exactly!"

"Problem is, dear. Will she? I mean, she walked away from this Kingdom the moment I stepped in. I'm not even sure if she's on good terms with me, since Star mentioned her not trusting me yet." Eclipsa looked down at her hands, fiddling with them.

"Oh, I'll talk to her, Queen Eclipsa. Don't you worry about a thing. I'll go over there right now and bring out the good ol' Diaz smooth-talking skills." Marco fixed his hair and flashed his classic Marco smile, and Eclipsa giggled.

"Are you sure it's not too much trouble?"

"Of course! I've got a duty to this Kingdom. I'm thankful enough to be contributing to a grand cause." Eclipsa sighed in relief at this.

"Thank you so much, Marco. Anyways, is there anything else on the agenda?" Marco checked his notepad again, then closed it. "Nope. That's it for now." Eclipsa then nodded.

"Alright dear, I'll have to excuse myself now. It's Meteora's lunch time, and I want to sit with Globby." Marco felt something familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time bother him in the back of his head, but he chose to ignore it. "Alright Queen! I'll head on over to Queen Moon now. I just have to call Star and ask her where she is." Eclipsa waved goodbye as she walked towards the door leading back into the castle. Marco sighed and turned around to take in the sight of the kingdom one more time, before taking out his dimensional scissors and ripping open a portal and entering it, leaving the balcony silent save for the occasional blow of the wind and the chirp of a bird that passes by.


"Alright sir, Serberus is almost done constructing a complete layout of the Castle. He just needs a few more days to flesh out the details and we can decide where to position our men."

"And the troops?"

"We're still looking, sir. But good news is that a few of our men have already infiltrated the Castle's ranks. Our info comes from them, sir."

"Well done. Our weaponry?"

"Being forged and sharpened as we speak."

"Good. Once everything is complete, execute the final preparations."

Just then, a large hooded figure joined the secret discussion. And with his rough, deep voice he spoke. "Are things going smoothly?"

"Ah Grandmaster! Yes, it's going well. Everything's almost ready. The plan will be executed in a week's time."

"A week? Why not tomorrow?"

"With all due respect, sire. We cannot execute an assassination if we aren't prepared yet."

"That's just dumb!" The Grandmaster spoke, despite his rough and intimidating voice, he sounded like a child. "Patience, Grandmaster. The plan will succeed, have faith in us." The Grandmaster then sighed.

"Very well." And with that, he turned around and left, leaving the rest of the conspirators to their planning.


"I must say, Marco. These plans are actually brilliant. First time in a while I've seen a project that actually makes sense AND is productive." Moon says with a feeling of excitement, placing her hands on her lap.

"Well, most of it is Queen Eclipsa's work. I'm just here doing my best to assist." Moon looked surprised.

"Eclipsa? These are her plans?" Marco casually shrugged, then gave her his notepad.

"Our plans, technically. But she's the Queen, most of the credit goes to her of course." Moon then proceeds to look over Marco's notepad.

"Hmm. Alright, I'll think it over. Give me documents on the curriculums of Earth's education system and I'll use that as a basis." Moon says with an air of professionalism, and Marco got up.

"Sure! Let me just portal over there really quick and..."

Marco then scissored his way to Earth, then came back a few minutes later with papers placed neatly inside a folder held by fasteners.

"Well, that was quick." Moon noted.

"I already had the documents prepared incase this meeting went smoothly. I plan ahead, y'know. Kinda my thing."

"I'm impressed. Well anyways, this has been a fruitful conversation. And I'm proud of you. Both you and Star have grown so much and it's a little frightening to realize that I'm getting old."

"You sure don't look old, Queen. You're looking pretty fresh." Marco does finger guns as he says this, Moon rolls her eyes.

"You can leave now, Marco."

"Yes Queen." Marco agreed almost immediately.

Marco and Moon laughed that last bit over, and they bid their goodbyes.

River arrives, covered in mud and carrying a big log. "Who was that, dear?" He said, putting down the log. "That was Marc- what is the log for, River?"

"You would not believe it, but I found an animal that looks EXACTLY like a log. Trust me, it's delicious."

"River, it's JUST a log."

"No Moonpie, appearances can be deceiving, I know, but bite into the wood and you will see."

Moon sighs. I suppose some things will never change, she thinks to herself.


"Open wide, sweetie!" Eclipsa made a train noise as she slowly put the spoon in Meteora's mouth. The baby took the food and happily ate it, clapping her small hands. Eclipsa smiled up to her eyes, her expression completely filled with unadulterated joy.

She then looked at the giant crystal beside them. "How about you, dear? You hungry?"

Silence. The monster's expression unchanging. She shrugged.

"Alright then. Suit yourself, honey." Eclipsa casually spoke as she continued feeding Meteora.

Once the baby was done eating, Eclipsa carried her in her arms and headed towards the child's room. "Time for a naaap, baby girl." And as if on cue, the baby yawned. Eclipsa set the baby down in her crib and gave her a headless teddy bear to hug while she slept. The Queen's heart almost melted watching her daughter sleep like an angel. "Mommy's gonna go now, darling." Eclipsa quietly spoke, then headed out the door.

Eclipsa ended up back in Globgor's room, her eyes trained solely on her husband. Her smile from before slowly disappearing. She approached slowly and placed her hand on the surface of the crystal. "I miss you so much, Globby." She spoke whilst trying to contain her own tears, but they still fell against her wishes. The ground by her feet now painted with droplets of her tears. She rested her forehead against the crystal and gave a deep sigh.

The sound of a portal was heard from outside the door, and Marco entered. Stopping himself from saying something when she saw the Queen standing in front of the crystal that imprisoned her husband, silent and unmoving.

Marco stared at the Queen's back, her sobs that she was trying to keep quiet were causing her chest to heave in unnatural rhythms, he stepped closer without making a sound.

Her silent crying, her pain, it was like he could feel it too. He wanted to console her and rid her pain for her, but was afraid that his efforts would be brushed away and be met with an awkward look from the Queen. He noticed that despite everything she's done, like compromising her dignity for the sake of an alliance with the Spiderbite Kingdom, dealing with judgement from her people, having to see her husband encased in crystal every day not knowing if she'll ever get to feel his warmth ever again, she still remained strong. Marco could tell that she didn't want to disappoint everyone the same way she did 300 years ago, a lot of people are counting on her and it were only rare instances that she could let out her feelings and frustrations like this when she was alone. So he decided not to bother her. She needed this. She needed to let it all out.

She really misses him, huh. He thinks to himself as he looks up to Globgor's face, his fangs in full display and claws brandished. I wonder what kind of person he was to have won Eclipsa's heart. Despite his terrifying appearance, he must've been great. A charmer for sure, a dancer maybe, even a singer perhaps since Eclipsa's into music, oh Marco could just tell that the two were perfect for each other if he made Eclipsa cry like this.

Marco looked at Eclipsa again, her crying seems to have lessened. And Marco takes a step back to get a better view of Globgor.

This man must've been so damn amazing. He thinks to himself before finally turning to leave.

Just then, Eclipsa turned around and saw him. "Marco! How long have you been standing there?" Marco panicked and walked backwards slowly and awkwardly.

"Oh, Queen! Sorry, did I come at a bad time? I can just come back later and-"

"It's alright!" Eclipsa hurriedly wiped her tears. "No need to leave. So how did the talk with Moon go?"

Eclipsa approached, and Marco scratched the back of his head. "It went well, she said she'll think it over and asked for some documents, that's a sign of a mission accomplished, right?" Eclipsa stopped in front of him and smiled, her eyes still wet and the pain still visible through the smile she put on for him. He wasn't buying it one bit.

"It is. I'm glad to hear that!" Marco did his best not to point it out, since he felt that it wasn't in his place to talk to her about it.

"And this plan of ours... to modernize Mewni." Marco placed his hands in his hoodie pockets. "It's going to take a looooong time. I mean, it took Earth thousands of years to get to where it's currently at right now. From stone tools, to modern technology. This is a very ambitious project. I mean I've got other things to take care of too, so..."

"Yes, Marco. One day my Meteora is going to have to take over this project of ours and continue it in our stead, then her daughter next if it doesn't finish within her rule, then so on. I understand that this project will take multiple generations to finish, and I have hope for what we're trying to achieve here for Mewni. All thanks to you."

"Hey, it's all thanks to you too. Your guidance to a better future is something that can't be taken lightly either."

"Oh Marco, you flatter me. Alright, let's finalize our plans and make documents that we can give to the officials of the neighboring Kingdoms. We're gonna need their help, resources, and workforces to make this project a reality. We'll begin arranging meetings for the following week, so I hope you're free then."

"Of course. As you wish, my Queen." Marco said as he bowed to the Queen of Darkness. Eclipsa smiled gently, and bowed as well out of gratitude.


Three days have passed since that little encounter they had in Globgor's room. Marco and Eclipsa have been travelling from Kingdom to Kingdom holding meetings and forming alliances, striking deals, offering trade. Each had their own difficulty and different demands. But they all rejoiced on the one thing that Marco and Eclipsa showed them.

Globgor encased in his crystal, never to be freed again.

This atleast gave them peace of mind, and it made meetings and deals easier. But Marco could see Eclipsa's fists balling up behind her everytime she showed them Globgor, all of the inconsiderate things they said, all of the sighs of relief they gave upon seeing her poor husband trapped. Marco could just hear her screaming "If only you'd take the time to get to know him! If only you all would just try and understand for once! You people don't even know the whole story!", but never saying it, Marco could see the grief in her eyes. Yet Eclipsa smiled, she kept up her facade. But Marco knew what was behind that well-rehearsed smile.

Marco and Eclipsa sat in the carriage opposite of one another in silence as it trekked towards the Johansen Kingdom. Marco looking at Eclipsa as she stared out the little window of the door. Marco could just feel it, her frustration, irritation, and exasperation at how close-minded the people of Mewni really are. Marco looked down at his feet and sighed, this modernization project was going to be a difficult journey if the people really possessed such a toxic mindset.

Eclipsa then looked over to Marco, she was going to ask about their plans after the Johansens, but saw his troubled expression. Was he perhaps tired? Hungry? Thirsty?

"Marco, are you alright?" Eclipsa asked, concern lacing her tone. Marco looked up in confusion.

"What? I'm alright, Queen. Why do you ask?"

"You look like you've got something on your mind, dear. What is it?" Marco sighs as he looks out the window, fiddling with his fingers. It was supposed to be the other way around.

"I should be asking YOU if you're alright, Queen."

"Me? But there's no problem, Marco. Why would you ask that?" A blatant lie, he could tell.

"Honestly, I can see how irritated you get everytime you show the other royals Globgor in that crystal. Isn't that demeaning? And all the things they say, I'm worried about how it makes you feel. I'm worried about you, Eclipsa" Marco spoke, the truth hurling out of his mouth, not caring if it made things awkward anymore. Eclipsa was taken by surprise. She didn't realize that Marco was thinking about all of this for her, she appreciated it a thousand fold and smiled.

"How I feel? Marco, it doesn't matter. They can hurl as many insults as they want, but I'm doing it all for the future of Mewni. None of these other Kingdoms are going to begin a modernization project like we are anyway, so they don't really have a right to say anything in the first place."

"Well, that's true and all. But..."

"Shhh." Eclipsa got up and sat beside the boy, she took both of his hands in hers and looked him in the eyes.

"Sweetie, I've heard much worse 300 years ago. People dislike things that they don't understand, because people are most afraid of the unknown. They might not get it now, nor tomorrow, nor next week, nor in the next five years. But I have faith that they will someday. You know I'm called the Queen of Darkness, so I know better than anyone else that even in darkness, there will always be light. So have faith. Because if I don't let them get to me, then they sure shouldn't get to you."

Marco just looked her in the eyes. He could still see her pain, her anger, her frustration, but beside all those things, he could see the desire for peace, ambition, and hope. A hope that was also present within him. It inspired him. He resonated with it. And without any thought, he squeezed her hands firmly to assure her of his unyielding support. He nodded with a small smile.

"Of course, my Queen... I'm sorry for letting my emotions get the best of me."

Eclipsa smiled with the gentleness of an angel. "It happens to all of us, Marco. Hopefully you know better now."

"I do, Eclipsa. Thank you."

Eclipsa slowly let go of his hands, the warmth leaving him and he missed it immediately.

"No, Marco. Thank you. You've done so much over the past few weeks. Is there any way I can repay you somehow?"

"Oh it's fine, Queen. I'm happy enough being able to help you in any way I can. And plus I already get a room in the castle and free food every day, so that should be enough." Marco politely denied the offer, but she wasn't backing down. He deserved a reward.

"Oh but I insist, dear. I just know I have to repay you back for all you've done so far."

"Queen, I can assure you. There's no need for that, I get royalty checks remember?"

Before the Queen could respond, the carriage came to a complete stop and the driver announced their arrival at the Johansens Kingdom. Marco got off first and offered his hand for Eclipsa to take and helped her down the carriage. "I swear these things are difficult to walk in" Eclipsa grabbed her formal Queen wear and lifted it up to help her walk.

"Queen Eclipsa, stay close. The Johansens are a rowdy bunch, so let's just be careful around here." And with that, Eclipsa nodded. Walking upright as if a book where on her head and staying close to Marco while they were being guided to the Johansens meeting hall. But as they were walking, Eclipsa looked at Marco's back and was reminded of something.

She had absolutely no idea what the boy would like as a gift. The Queen felt a great debt was owed to Marco for everything he's done so far. Knowledge isn't an easy thing to acquire, it was just as hard as mining or digging or farming. It takes patience, skill, and careful planning. But with Marco, he handed it to her on a silver platter, and she was thankful for that. So she racked her brain for anything that the boy might like, but came up empty. Did she really not know Marco well enough to know what he would want as a gift? She face palmed. She was a bit disappointed in herself for being such a bad friend. But the moment they arrived at the doors of the meeting hall, she decided that it could wait. Focus on the task at hand first.


"So let me get this straight... You say your kingdom is on this... path to "Modernization", and you need our very muscular and handsome citizens as your workers for that project of yours?" The King stroked his beard while flexing his muscles. His accent a thicker and deeper version of River's.

"Yes, that is correct." Eclipsa stated bluntly.

"Well, what's in it for us? What do we get for helping you?" The King narrowed his eyes.

"We-"

"Ah ah ah, save it. We Johansens are a very meticulous bunch. We care not for simple pleasures that you could possibly offer us." The King crossed his arms and turned his head the other way.

The entire hall was filled with half naked men brawling and roughhousing, knocking over decorations and paintings on the shelves and walls. Others were throwing food at each other and having a yelling contest to see who can scream the loudest. Eclipsa sighed, quite a meticulous bunch indeed. Marco stepped in, putting a hand up to assure the Queen. "I got this." He clears his throat and with a confident smile he says.

"We will resume shipment of your yearly supply of corn." All of the Johansens in that hall all paused and looked at the boy in the red hoodie, the silence was eerie.

Then everybody, even the King, burst into a mad frenzy of laughter, cheers, and joyous exclamations.

"WELL WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO? OF COURSE WE'LL HELP."

Eclipsa looked at Marco as if he grew another head. Which already happened in the past, by the way. Marco simply brushed imaginary dirt off of his shoulder and whipped out the papers for the King to sign. And the King immediately did so with glee, hugging the boy and jumping around like a kangaroo. Eclipsa laughed at the sight of Marco struggling to breathe while he was handled like a teddy bear by a bearded bodybuilder.

Once Marco and Eclipsa exited the Kingdom, Eclipsa grabbed her hair in disbelief. "How did you know that would work? The moment he told me he wouldn't settle with 'simple pleasures', I immediately brushed aside the thought of offering our crops for trade."

"Well I've met the Johansens before when Star brought me over for a family reunion. And trust me, they're the most corn-obsessed people on this planet. And since Moon and River no longer ruled the Butterfly Kingdom after it was destroyed by Toffee and you took over, the shipment and trades stopped. So I figured that they missed their corn." Eclipsa sighed and smoothed her hair over, she was so glad that all of the negotiations with the other Kingdoms are over. Save for the Underworld, they'll do that at a later date. Eclipsa smiled and looked over to Marco.

"Oh Marco this calls for a celebration! We're one step closer to our goal, and it's all thanks to our efforts. What do you say we go out and treat ourselves to something good?"

"Sure! Sounds great. But where though?"

"Oh, I'll let you decide. I mean I still feel the need to repay you, so let this be my way of saying thank you by letting you choose where we can spend the rest day to celebrate." Eclipsa took off her hat and eagerly awaited his response.

Marco thought long and hard. It's been a while since he went out just for fun. He'd been to many places before, the arcade, the mall, restaurants, movie theaters, taverns, tournaments, races, stuff on Earth and in Dimension X-103. But on Mewni he-

He stops. Dimension X-103. An idea quickly pops into his head.

Eclipsa's been staring at him for a good minute now, waiting for what he could come up with, and if she was being honest, she was starting to get bored. The moment his face lit up, so did hers. So he knew where to go now? She asked herself.

Marco took out his dimensional scissors, and ripped open a portal. He faced Eclipsa and gestured to the portal while he bowed. This was a good time as any other to put in a bit of comedy after such a tense day. "Shall we, my Queen?", he spoke once more with the fake posh accent and Eclipsa giggled and bowed as well. "Let's go." She responded while pretending to fix her posture and held her chin up high, they both laughed at this and entered the portal together.

Eclipsa then realized something was wrong. When she walked into the portal next to Marco, she came back out the other side next to a total stranger. But once she took in this stranger's appearance, her knees threatened to give in underneath her.

"Welcome to Dimension X-103, Queen." His deep and matured voice announced, and she felt her legs turn to jelly.

"Oh my."


Authors Note:

Hello once again, my fellow Marclipsa fans! Sorry it took a while to update, but here it is! The 4th Chapter of the Red Hooded Queen. Also friendly reminder, don't spoil Avengers: Endgame! :D

RtR:

To allen Vth - I tried, but I couldn't find the easter egg myself. But enjoy the accidental easter egg anywaaaay! My subconscious self must've slipped it in since I do enjoy your story. As for the flirting, well... all I can say is trust me, I got the whole story planned out hehehe you're all along on this ride to find out what happens to the story with meeee.

To unnamed Guest - Rare and Fabled? There are literally four Marclipsa fanfictions in existence, and one of them is in Spanish. So right you are, dear unnamed Guest! And your prayers have been answered, I will be producing more chapters, I'm determined to finish this story in hopes of inspiring others to create their own artwork for this ship. Marclipsa fans UNITE! Thank you for reading! Stay tuned!

To AchingHeart2011 - Soon, my dear reader. Soon.

To The Book of Eli - Heyyy I see you around on plenty of SVTFOE fanfics, welcome to mine! I'm glad I got you interested in the story, keep reading and stay tuned!