Marco and Kelly vs. The Universe

As always, thanks to everyone who has read, reviewed, favorite/followed, or PMed me.

Also, thanks to everyone for the well wishes! I have conquered the flu, but now it's left me with bronchitis. Fortunately, all that means is I have a persistent cough. I'll take that over puking any day!

*SPOILER ALERT*

This story takes place after the episode "Lava Lake Beach" and may contain spoilers up through "Stump Day". Don't forget to check out my other SVTFOE story "Washed Out" though you should be prepared for some feels if you do!

If you see any glaring spelling/grammatical errors, let me know in a PM. I'll be rereading this over the next few days for proofing. I'm still finding errors in other chapters and fixing them as I go along.

Chapter 6: Apologies

Castle Butterfly, Marco's Room

Marco licked his fingers before running them through his hair for the hundredth time, trying to get his hair just right. Every time, however, there always seemed to be a single hair that was ever so slightly out of place. He ran his fingers slowly along the front of his hair, right over the offending hair, slowly. Slowly...

"Perfect." Marco said satisfied, his hair perfectly coiffed. Marco slowly lowered his hands as he gazed upon the results of his handy work. His eyes trailed down to his bare chest and grimaced. He had several healed scars that crossed his body, but there was one that was still an angry red. He was still self-conscious about his scars, but surprisingly, Kelly had helped him feel better about them somewhat.

After Star had invited him to the Mewnian Harvest Festival the previous night, he called Kelly at Star's (sort of) suggestion to invite her along so he wouldn't be a third wheel to Star and Tom's date. He had forgotten to put his shirt back on after Star had ambushed him while putting his jam jams on. He didn't realize it until she commented on his scars about an hour after they started talking. He had been incredibly embarrassed, both by her seeing him shirtless and her seeing his scars.

The previous night

"Sorry about that, Kelly." Marco had said as he pulled his night shirt on, "I know they're ugly to look at..." Marco looked away, ashamed. He couldn't believe he had forgotten to put his shirt on. Worse, he couldn't easily deflect with Kelly like he could with Star. Kelly could be incredibly stubborn when she wanted to know something.

"Marco. Look at me." Kelly demanded and with a straight face she continued, "Chicks dig scars. They make you look manly." Marco blushed at her words and a small grin spread across his face.

"So you think I look manly, huh?" Marco asked, a teasing note in his voice.

"Well...looks can be deceiving." Kelly shot back, a blush and a grin spreading across her own face.

"Hey!" He yelled in mock anger, causing both of them to burst into laughter.

Present

Marco picked up his favorite cologne and sprayed it on his wrists before giving it a sniff test. It wasn't something he needed to do, but it was part of his pre-date ritual. Marco sprayed his cologne in the air, closed his eyes, and began to walk forward when he realized the thought that had passed through his head. His eyes suddenly sprang open and the bottle in his hands fell to the ground, thankfully falling on to his discarded towel, rather than shattering on the floor.

"Gah. I gotta stop thinking of this like it's some kind of date!" Try as he might, the thought kept getting stuck in his head. He couldn't help it, though. He had so much fun with Kelly during their training sessions, and the way she blushed when they were...

"Mother of Karate...have we been flirting?!" Marco said, a look of pure horror spreading across his face. "But I've got a crush on...can you you even have a crush on two people? That's gotta be illegal...except maybe in Utah..." Marco muttered to himself while covering his face with his hands.

Surely he couldn't be developing a crush on Kelly. How could he even do that to her? She'd only just gotten out of her relationship with Tad...but that wasn't quite true. They'd broken up towards the end of the summer...and now it was the last day of the Mewnian fall. So it had been three...four months now?

"Maaan. Why does being a teenager have to be so confusing?" Marco said as he dragged his hands down his face, pulling his eyelids, cheeks, and jaw downward. Marco suddenly realized what he was doing and panicked as he spun towards the mirror. Marco nervously checked his hair, only to find he hadn't messed it up with a 'Marco Moment'.

Marco breathed a sigh of relief, before he went to his closet and retrieved his new button-down shirt.

Marco felt conflicted as he looked down on the solid 'hoodie-red' shirt. It had been a late birthday gift from Jackie. She had sent it to him along with a note explaining that she had bought it for his birthday before they had broken up. She said that she felt he should still have it and thought he'd look handsome in it. She went on talk a bit about life on earth without him and how his friends had been doing. At the end she had signed it with the same words she left him with on the pier.

'Stay amazing, okay?'

Thankfully, he'd been alone in his room when he read the note. He had managed to hold it together on the pier after she left, but life had been rough since he had come to Mewni and he didn't think his pride could survive witnesses to him breaking down into tears. He really hadn't deserved her.

Marco sighed and steeled his resolve. For him, the shirt was another scar. A reminder of the mistakes that had cost him the relationship he'd wanted for much of his life. However, he had learned from Sir Lavabo that scars carried lessons. Wearing the shirt Jackie gave him would remind him not to make the same mistakes as he did when he dated her.

Marco threw the shirt over his shoulders, slid his arms through the sleeves, and buttoned the shirt up. Taking one last look in the mirror, Marco grinned confidently at himself. Jackie had been right. He did look handsome in the shirt.

Marco left his bathroom, grabbed his dimensional scissors off of the bed, and went to the door of his bedroom.

"Now as long as nothing messes up my hair, things will be perfect..." Marco said as he reached for the doorknob, before blanching. His Marco Senses began tingly a moment before his door exploded off the hinges and plowed into Marco, knocking him to the floor.

"MAAAAARCO! Are you ready to go?" Star said as she marched into the room, wand in hand. Marco groaned as he slid out from under the door, careful not to flip it over, lest the narwhal who's horn was stuck in the door got hurt. "Marco, what are you doing on the floor? It's time to go!" She said as she reached down and pulled him to his feet. Marco shot her an annoyed look as he dusted himself off.

"I was just about to come down, but someone hit me with a door." Marco said pointedly. "MY HAIR!" Marco suddenly yelled as he ran back to the bathroom. "Staaaar! It took me an hour to get my hair just right!" Marco said as he desperately tried to fix his hair. Star followed him into the bathroom and surveyed the mess he had made.

"Daaang, Marco. I haven't seen you this worked up since your first date with Jaaaa...wait. You aren't going on a date with Kelly are you?" Star said, redirecting her train of thought before Marco could say anything about her bringing up Jackie. A sense of panic started welling up in her chest at the thought of Marco and Kelly going on a date.

Marco spun around, wide-eyed and blushing. "It's not a date, Star! We're just friends!" Marco whirled back around and tried splashing water into his hair.

"Whew. That's good." Star said with a sigh of relief. Marco turned to look at her again, cocking an eyebrow. "I-I mean. She just broke up with Tad for real, you know?" Star stuttered nervously. "She's not ready for a relationship now and I'm glad you guys are just friends and can support each other after your breakups!" Star said, sweat dripping down her face.

"Riiiight." Marco said, before returning to his hair.

'I don't know why, but I can't stand the thought of Marco and Kelly together. Maybe I can get her back together with Tad.' Star pondered as Marco slumped against the sink in defeat.

"Come on, Marco. We have to go. I have to be at the opening ceremonies and that means my squire has to be there as well!" Marco sighed and turned to look at Star. It was only then that he noticed she was wearing a set of light plate armor. In fact, it looked almost identical to the one she had worn to her first football game except the star on front had been replaced with an orange, yellow, and red butterfly.

"Uh...Star...why are you wearing armor?" Marco asked, suddenly concerned that he didn't know enough about the festival.

"Oh Marco, this is the traditional garb for Mewni's princess during the harvest festival. Now come on! We're going to be late! Your hair looks fine. Let's goooo!" She said, grabbing Marco's wrists and dragging him out of his bedroom and into the hallway.

"But I'm not ready!" Marco cried out in despair.

Village Green, Outside of Castle Butterfly

"Now Star, you do understand that today is very important. This is your first public appearance as the Princess of Mewni since...the Toffee incident." Moon said quietly as she leaned over to speak to her daughter. Not all that long ago, Star would have sighed in annoyance and blown her mom off. Things had changed, however, since Star had returned to Mewni. As a result, Star nodded seriously to her mother.

Star, Moon, and River all sat on thrones upon a stage at the center of the Village Green, a gathering place for major public events for Castle Butterfly and the village that surrounded it. Nearly every person who lived within a few days of Mewni were in attendance for the event. Standing behind River and Moon were Royal Guardsmen in full armor, holding spears at the ready. Behind Star, however, was a nervous-looking Marco. Under normal circumstances, Star would also have a Royal Guard to protect her, cater to her needs, and keep her out of trouble. She had insisted, however, that Marco take the place of her normal guardsman. Given Star's recent dedication to her princess duties, and the fact that Marco had been training with Sir Lavabo, Queen Moon agreed to Star's request.

Unfortunately, Star had failed to mention that little detail to Marco before she pulled him up on stage and positioned him slightly behind and to her left. Had Marco known, he would have at least worn his armored hoodie, if not something more formal. Marco could only pray that he didn't sweat through his new shirt before the Festival officially started. Looking out into the crowd, Marco caught sight of a bush of green hair. Kelly waved at him from the crowd and though he couldn't wave back, he could feel himself calm down.

'Weird how just seeing her can calm me down...' Marco thought to himself, as he rubbed his sweaty palms on his jeans. A servant approached Marco with a gold embroidered light-blue pillow that held the princess's wand and offered it out to him.

"Give this to the princess at the appropriate time." The servant said as Marco took the pillow.

"When is..." Marco started, but the servant was already gone. Marco sighed and turned his attention back to Star and the crowd.

"I know, mom. I'm ready to show Mewni a new Princess today." Star said, a bit nervous herself. She wasn't sure how the public would react to her. Her last major event had been Song Day and she had Starred that up royally. Not only did she damage her friendship with Marco when Ruberiot revealed her crush, but the revelation that Glossaryck and her spellbook had been stolen had started a riot among the lesser nobles. Shortly thereafter, Toffee managed to take control of Castle Mewni using Ludo's body for several weeks. Tensions would be high today and Star needed to perform flawlessly if she was going to ease her people's fears.

"Good, you've prepare your speech?" Moon asked, a bit of skepticism tinging her voice. Even now, Star wasn't known for intensive preparations.

"I have, Mom." Star replied simply, drawing Moon's full attention away from the crowd milling around the stage. Moon gave Star an appraising look and found herself a bit surprised. Star looked nervous, but as serious as Moon had ever seen her. The effect was only slightly ruined by the battle armor she was wearing, but that was to be expected. Star only had a couple more years to participate in the Corn Maze event. Once she turned sixteen, she would no longer be able to participate in the event. A combination of her growing magic prowess and fear that she could be seriously injured during the event meant she would have to move on to assist her parents in overseeing the events of the Festival, instead of participating.

"I hope you're ready then." Moon said before standing up and walking to the front of the stage.

"Citizens of Mewni," Moon began, her voice magically amplified so that everyone in the crowd could hear her, "I am proud to announce the beginning of our annual Corn Harvest Festival! This has no doubt been a rough year. Many of us are still trying to rebuild our lives after the attack on our kingdom by Ludo." People in the crowd began muttering to each other at her words. The pain was still fresh and many wondered, though not openly, if the Butterfly Family was still worthy of ruling Mewni. The behavior of Princess Star over the past year had been especially concerning. She was nothing like Moon was when she was Star's age. Moon raised her hand to quiet the crowd.

"I understand. In a way, we failed you. We allowed Ludo and by extension Toffee to take Mewni. And for that I am sorry. However, you endured, as Mewmans do! When the first settlers arrived, harrowed by snow, we endured. When the monsters first attacked our ancestors, we endured. When they came and killed my mother and plunged us in to war, we endured! When our ancestors had no corn after their first year? We. Endured. More than that, we conquered! We settled these lands, drove off the monsters not once, but twice. My ancestor, the First Queen, discovered the Royal Wand and brought us unparalleled prosperity that we still enjoy today." At this Moon raised a fist towards the sky as the crowd listened with rapt attention.

"When Toffee came, we fled initially, yes. But my daughter, Princess Star Butterfly, your future queen came and destroyed him, a Septarian known as The Immortal Monster, once and for all. They call me Moon the Undaunted, but I say it is you, the People of Mewni, who are the undaunted." Suddenly the crowd broke out into a cheer. Moon basked in their cheers, pleased that she still held the respect of her people. After a moment, she raised her hand for silence.

"I thank you. It is now my great honor, in the Tradition passed down through the ages, to present Princess Star, who will officially begin the Annual Harvest Festival." Moon gestured to Star who rose to her feet, before returning to hers.

"Hi everyone..." Star began nervously, taking Moon's place at center stage. Her mother was an amazing orator and a tough act to follow. Every eye in the crowd was on her, judging the future queen. "Before we begin the festival, I just wanted to say I'm sorry. Up until now, I haven't been the best princess and that's...not easy for me to admit. I've caused trouble for both my parents and you, the people of Mewni." Star looked down and removed her helmet. "I didn't take my role as your princess seriously, and I made bad decisions at times to spite my mom. But this year has made me realize how important of a job I have as your princess. I can't say I won't make mistakes again, but I want you to know that I have dedicated myself to not just being a better princess, but to being the best princess I can be."

The crowd remained silent. Star's stomach fluttered at the quiet. She looked back at Marco who discreetly gave her a thumbs up. She took a deep breath and continued on.

"This I vow. I will be the best princess and will do everything in my my power to make Mewni the most prosperous kingdom in this and any dimension!" Star bowed to the crowd, "Please forgive me."

The crowd remained silent for a heartbeat before erupting into applause.

"WE LOVE YOU PRINCESS STAR!"

"THERE'S NOTHING TO FORGIVE!"

"STAR BUTTERFLY RULES!"

A thousand more half-heard calls of praise, love, and forgiveness drifted out of the crowd and Star, head still bowed, began shuddering.

Star stood up straight and wiped tears from her eyes. Maybe it wasn't dignified for a princess to cry in public, but if they could forgive her past transgressions, then maybe they could forgive her tears of happiness. As her mother did, Star raised her hand for silence and the crowd hushed even more quickly than they did for Moon.

"Thank you everyone. Like my mom said, it's been a tough year. I want you all to take this day to celebrate all we've accomplished!" From behind Star, Marco approached and presented her wand to her. Star smiled at Marco and took the wand from him. Marco retreated back to his position as Star raised the wand above her head.

"With that, I declare that the Annual Mewnian Harvest Festival has begun!" Star's wand exploded with magic and filled the air with lights, sounds, and fireworks. The crowd roared their approval as Star returned to her seat.

"Well done, Star." Moon said quietly as she watched her daughter's magic fill the sky with beautiful colors and shapes.

"Thanks, mom. You ready to have some fun, Marco?" She asked, looking back at him.

"You bet." Marco said with a grin.

Marco's Book of Spells:

Lumin- Creates a small ball of light. Duration, color, and area of effect vary based on caster skill.

Igni- (Mentioned) Creates a blast of fire. Power and area of effect vary based on skill of caster and their creativity.

Obic- (Mentioned, but not named) Creates a magical shield that can block physical and magical attacks. Defensive ability varies based on skill of caster. Enough force will overwhelm and collapse shield.

Umbra- (Mentioned) Effect is currently known only to Eclipsa and Marco.

Author's Notes:

There you have it! Chapter 6 of MKVU! I hope you all enjoyed it! I know this took a bit longer that the earlier chapters (thought not a long at the last one), but the up side is that I have had plenty of time to think of things for the story.

I've been considering whether or not to address certain concerns that come up in reviews about how the story will play out, but ultimately I've decided to keep them to myself for now. I ask you all to trust in me as the author that I will do my best to bring you a good story.

I haven't given Kelly as much screen time as I've wanted to so far, but I've been doing a lot of world building to set up this story how I want it. That said, I hope the payout will be worth it because I really want to tell the story of Marco and Kelly's adventures, which was the main premise of this story in the first place.

Until next time!