The boss looked over the report, throwing the papers, infuriated. He began to speak slowly, spinning a playing card on his finger, "How could you let this happen, we may be ready, but I don't have these gangs loyalty yet. If this happens again, consider getting back at her a lost cause. We'll be forced to start over, and you'll be left behind. Your already the luckiest one here, to be taken in without monster blood and then able to rise up this much." The boss's second in command stood firm, "Yes sir. Sorry, sir." He left the office and looked down at his hands, "Mewni's Failsafe has uncovered a new monster guild. Apparently, they are planning a reformation on Mew-," the second in command tore the paper and threw it to the ground. The only thing visible was a picture of Failsafe's face, taken at the bounty boards in Mewni. "I swear I'll kill you Failsafe, on my life."

Marco thought it over, "Maybe it's not so bad being famous, even if they don't know who you really are. It's only been a day since then but now everyone knows about that monster organization." He was eating breakfast while reading another one of his karate magazines. Star came into his room, "Man, I might have a lot more work because of this monster thing. At least we know about it before it can really harm us." "Yeah," said Marco. "Marco, you seriously have a problem. One day you tell me you're having a late night burrito, and now I see you with a breakfast burrito." "No I don't, I'm just having a little bit of a spree," Marco said. "Yeah sure," said Star, "but speaking of problems, your gonna have a big one if you don't get home for your dad's birthday." "It's 10 in the morning. I don't need to worry." "Um, isn't it at 12?" Star said. "No it's at 12… wait it's at 12! Oh man I gotta get ready," said Marco. "Too bad I can't come, my mom has me strictly on Mewni now that Eclipsia is here." "Yeah, I'll be sure to come back soon as possible," Marco said to Star. In his haste, Marco threw on his dress tux and pants. He needed to be there at least at 11. He left as quickly as possible and before stepping through the portal he said to Star, "Bye Star, see you later." She smiled at him and replied with, "You are going to owe me big time."

Once back home, he found himself inside of his room. He eyed his secretive hiding spot for his new double life and thought to himself, "If someone else could see this situation, they would think that I'm actually experienced at this." He laughed to himself and headed downstairs, "Hi mom, hey dad, so how is this party coming along." "Nice to see that you came early Marco," said Mrs. Diaz, "but everything has been set up already. Your dad invited some family, work friends, and Gustav was able to come too," she pointed behind her. The instant Marco saw him, he was up off of the couch and speed walking towards him, "Marco," said Gustav in his usual accent as he gave him a bear hug, "it's been a while. So let me give you the usual, come on." Marco began to follow, intrigued by whatever show Gustav had for him to watch. "Now, I know that when it comes to Japanese things, you usually don't like them but this one is pretty good." Marco looked at the T.V. screen and said, "Assassination Classroom?" "Yeah, basically they have to kill this really powerful teacher of theirs before the end of the school year. It might not sound like much at first, but there are plenty of twists and turns in the show that keep your mind running." "Yeah, so how did you find this exactly?" Marco asked. "Oh," Gustav began, "I saw it in the county right next by here." "So what your trying to say is that you found another family full of softies that would take you in?" Marco asked. Gustav giggled guiltily. They watched the show until 12. "Wow, that's a pretty good show," said Marco, amazed. "Told chu so, Marco," Gustav said.

Overall, the party was pretty good, it was mainly Marco and Gustav hanging out while all the adult had their little "grown-up talks". The party was supposed to last until 3, but Marco and Gustav ended up taking a walk at 2. "I heard that you got a girlfriend," Gustav said with a smirk. "Bit too late when it comes to information Gustav," Marco said, "we broke up just recently." "Oh, well at least you're not in a bad mood," said Gustav. They headed back so that Marco could give his dad his presents. Just in time as well, like always, to get his presents in. Marco said,"You have that present and one other from me. So hurry up and open it." It was a collection of tickets for the many maraca bands that Mr. Diaz liked, "Wow Marco, just like you to go above and beyond. So is the next one a specialty present then? I mean it can't get much better than this." "I'm going to stay here for tonight and leave tomorrow evening. I just thought that you 2 were starting to get lonely over here, so I'll stay a full 24 hours with you," said Marco. "Like I said, above and beyond Marco." Mr. Diaz smiled and it spread like a plaque to their little group of 3.

The next day, they all decided to go out shopping for some new clothes for Marco's dad. Although, inside the mall, they all heard a loud, "BOOM!" Most of the people in the store started to circle back, only to find a hole in the middle of the mall, three figures standing dead still, eying the electronics store across from them. Marco pulled out his scissors, "Don't worry guys." Marco opened a dimensional rift and they jumped through.

They landed inside of his room, "Alright go check the news, I'll check the web," he said but then thought guiltily, "Another lie, how many do I need to give." Once they were downstairs Marco suited up, he wasn't about to let such lowlives off the hook. He made a portal back and leaped through. They were inside the store, ransacking it for parts. Marco noticed something a little off, their movements were precise, a little too much, and that each one had what looked like gold on the tips of their hairs. There were two females and one male. Marco took off, unsheathing his sword and striking the female taking apart one of the display computers. He had swung at her torso but she caught the blade, Marco pulled back and put her in a headlock. He hit the top of her chest with his elbow, and for some reason, it felt like he was hitting a car door. But Marco noticed her arms droop and ramed her headfirst into the ground. He started towards the other two, but the woman was back up and running straight for him. A stray arrow hit her in the head, and as it went straight through, Marco saw that it was a robot. He looked at the wall and saw a kid who looked about his age with a bow in hand. "Hey, can you do that whole violence thing?" Marco asked the sword. It glowed with the word violence and was suddenly a bit heavier. The male robot threw a punch at Marco, but he took it to his advantage. He cut off the incoming arm and then did the same to its right leg. It was in a kneel, so Marco went along its left side and behead the creature. When the female tried to grab him, he flipped her over his shoulder and onto a display case, the glass shattered, and as it did the robot found itself with a sword through its neck.

Marco began to walk towards the figure who helped him, "Thanks," he said once again in his adult voice, "so who are you anyway?" "These guys ravaged my dad's store while he was on his break. I followed them here to get back the stuff they took. Also yes, I did know that they were robots. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if someone else's blood was on my hands," he said pointing to his bow, "I picked up archery a while back and got a bow to practice with. Luckily, I'm picky about real ammo instead of that fake stuff," the boy said, "Oh, my name is," he leaned in to whisper, "Florence. I can't have all these people knowing who I am or else I'm in for a real surprise back home when all the paparazzi show up at my doorstep." "I go by Failsafe in this field of work." Marco said, "So anyway is this just a one-time thing or would you be willing to take down a few more of these guys." Florence responded with, "I can't refuse an offer to make my summer vacation just that much more interesting. Here's my cell, let's meet up tomorrow okay?" Marco chuckled, "Yeah, sure, sounds like a plan."

Marco made the rift go to Star's old room instead of his so that he could get a chance to change, guessing that his parents were in his room right about now. He hid the get up underneath the bed and walked out into the hallway. "Marco!" said. "Where have you been, there was just an incident at the mall and you go running off like that?" "I was only at the police station, telling them about the mall incident," Marco said. "And it took 10 minutes for you to do all that?" Mr. Diaz asked. "There was a bit of a wait," said Marco as he scratched his head. Mrs. Diaz took over, "You need to stop running away like that or else I'll have to take those scissors." "Okay, okay. Sorry mom, next time I'll tell you first." "Yeah yeah, you're going to be spending the rest of the day on house arrest." Mrs. Diaz said. "Could've been worse I guess," Marco thought. "Wait a second, are those new pants, and did you take off your hoodie?" Mrs. Diaz instigated. "Oh yeah, I got these sweatpants a little while ago, and summertime can make hoodies a sweatfest," said Marco. "Mmhmm, all right," Mrs. Diaz concluded, "think that you could make a few nachos for a movie Marco?" "Yeah I'm on it," said Marco as he headed downstairs. "Man this business can really get you jittered," thought Marco. "Like how right about now, they have a slight chance as to finding out that I hid a sword and an outfit underneath Star's old bed." He chuckled anxiously. Dinner went on pretty much pre-planned: they had the main course, then a movie with nachos. After that, Marco decided to check out a few episodes of the show Gustav showed him, then head to sleep. Marco thought about the incident as another mystery case that would keep him up, yet it didn't. For some reason, Marco could rest easy with a helping hand being lent to him. It was reassuring having most of the pressure taken off of his shoulders.

Meanwhile, Florence was lying in bed the same as Marco. He was a Caucasian boy with dirty blonde hair. His father would always tease him about it since both he and his mother have full blonde hair. He would always say that when his mother was pregnant, she had a sweet tooth for chocolate and it made his hair permanently stained the color it was. He was in a simple family of 2. Him, his older sister, his mother, and his dad, and yes, everyone besides him had full blonde hair. Making Florence the natural oddball of the family. His dad had gotten the stolen items back, and ended up not having to pay to much. Afterall, insurance covered most of it. He thought back to the vigilante, he hadn't him of him before. But, in a way, he felt happy that he was noticed by someone who was able to push his life in a certain direction. Florence had come to the conclusion that he attended school in order to work his way to the best job that he could think of: being a kid. He thought that the goal he should reach for is to be a true kid in his life. To have no worries and no concerns. Now, Florence could use this side gig while he was running towards the goal line, in order to be able to keep a recollective of what he should be like when he is able to live like a child. It sort off made him feel unhinged when his entire life was planned out like that, and this is where his core sense of adventure came from.

The next day, began like any normal day, but when Marco saw his chance to get out of the house, he used it. He needed to call Florence and tell him to meet him at the gas station closest to the pear at 2. Marco had got up early in order to put his stuff back into its original hiding spot. So now, whenever Marco needed it he could open and portal to his room, change clothes, and get ready for action. Just as he was about to call, he got a call from Star, "Marco listen, I got your text about spending the night, but I really have some stuff that I need you to do, so hurry back." "Sorry Star, I'll get back as soon as I can, I promised them a full 24 hours," Marco said. Star sighed, "Alright, but tomorrow you're doing not only your work but mine as well." "I'm not even a princess, so how am I-." Marco began. "Technically you are, princess Turdina," said Star and she then hung up.

Marco sighed, he was really starting to begin to push his luck. Now, that Marco had time to think it over, he decided to go ahead and get dressed in his outfit and to just change the time to 1, seen as he was being pressed for time. He called Florence and, in his adult voice, said, "Hey, meet me by that gas station nearby the pear at 1." "1?," Florence asked, "Ain't that kind of early?" "Yeah well, I'm kind of pressed for time right now so it has to be early." "Well alright then," said Florence, "by the way I have a great idea for a costume. Just you wait." Marco laughed, he hadn't even put too much thought into his costume, and here this kid is, making full designs and everything. Marco waited outside of the gas station for Florence. When Marco saw him, Florence started running towards him with an open notebook. The design had the same maniac as Marco's hoodie, but this time it was white and had a smirk spread across its face. Looking as if whatever someone else did around it didn't even matter in the slightest bit. The skeleton, also white, had the rib cage connected to the arms, which had been spread out. The costume had many stray pieces of fabric dangling a little bit above the shin and was all black except for the skeleton part. "Pretty good, wonder where you got the design from," Marco said with a smirk, it didn't really matter though since he couldn't tell with Marco's mask. "Yeah, I wonder. But you should really consider revising your costume. I mean I was gonna get you to get my costume since the clerk won't see your actual face. But you should thin yours out and get rid of that zipper. You could even have that sheath built into it," Florence pointed towards his dagger sheath, "I mean you can't say that it wouldn't be convenient. Anyway, we should get them at that shop just a little bit up the road." "You know what, sure why not, let's get these costumes prepped and then go over this whole robot invasion," said Marco.

They stood outside of the store discussing how they should go about tracking whoever created them. "We could probably see whoever has been buying metals like gold and track em' that way," said Florence. "Someone like that probably has more than one ID, and probably bought from many different stores," Marco said, "but we could get a hold of one of the robots and try to find out what signal it was connected to." "But, what do we do if it's satellite or if there's more than one?" Florence asked, throwing his head back in frustration. "Well one thing is for sure: whoever this is, they live in Echo Creek," Marco said. "How do you know?" "This is the only place that has been hit by a string of robberies like this, and according to the police reports, the routes were headed straight in the direction of the shops. Meaning they have to be familiar with how things are around here," Marco said to Florence. "Hmm, yeah that makes sense, and it makes things easier," Florence said. Marco's alarm went off, "All right, the costumes are done. I'll head in there to pick them up." "Umm, don't you need cash," Florence said. "No, I got it covered."

"So I owe you twice now then," said Florence. Marco laughed, "Yeah guess so." Once they got the cloths Florence headed for the gas station, "Hey, aren't you-," he stopped when he saw the dimensional rift, "What the heck is that!" "I got these scissors from a lady named Hekapoo, you'd be lucky to meet her someday," said Marco. "Man, that's not fair in the slightest bit." Marco stepped to change in a nice bedroom, while Florence had to hide his face and change in the public restroom. When they re-grouped though the first thing that came to Florence's mind was what his hero name should be, "How did you get the name Failsafe?" "It's the name of my sword." "Talk about an easy lifestyle, I'm thinking that I should call myself something like: The bowsmith." "How about Bow and Quiver," said Marco. "I got it! Quiver quickly," said Florence. "Hmm, I like it, pretty good." "Much better than Failsafe if you ask me," said Florence. "Hey now let's not get carried away. My name is symbolism, yours just says that your good with a bow and arrow," Marco rebuttal. "Yeah yeah, you'll be seeing my name all over the papers pretty soon," said Florence. "Hey what time is it?" Marco asked. "4:30 why." "Heh, no reason it's just that I ought to go," Marco said. "Alright, the next time we meet, this ringmaster guy will be in the palm of our hands!" Florence said as he waved to Marco. Marco went home and changed, and then went straight to Mewni. "Hey Marco, took you long enough," Star said as Marco came through the portal. She began to push him towards an office space with papers stacked. "You can come out when all of your work is done." "Wait, Star this'll take me all nigh-," Star shut the door behind her. Marco sighed and got started.

I wanted to introduce a character that I felt like could hold a real prominent role in the story. I feel like this chapter really sets the stage, and will let me do much more with the overall story of Failsafe. New characters, twists, etc.

So I tried to space this one out as well