Chapter 7 Marco

'Destroy them'

I was shaken up over the dream that I had had while unconscious. I had woken up drenched in sweat and nervous as hell. What had it meant?

"It was just a dream…just a dream." I whispered to myself. "You would never hurt Star. She's your best friend and you like her."

But when Star had reached for my arm, I found myself imagining the dream over again and I had pulled away. She had left me in my room, assuming I was going back to sleep. But I laid there, trying to reassure myself that I wasn't a danger to Star. It was just my subconscious playing with me.

Obviously because I was afraid of Star dying I had dreamt that. The mind plays games with you at the worst moments.

I would just focus on training and being with Star. That's what I would do until we could go back to Earth.

A fairy flew in, straightening up the room.

"Hey!"

She turned to me. "Yes?"

I pushed up on my elbows, "Where is Princess Star Butterfly?"

"She's outside with the army of monsters that appeared," she answered.

I flew out of bed, "What the hell! She's in danger!" I flung the covers off my legs, shoved my feet into my Converse, and shot out the door.

All I could think about was Star being attacked and killed by a hoard of monsters. No, I would rip those monsters apart with my own bare hands and feed them to the warnicorns if they dared touch her.

Speeding past the housekeepers, staff, and servants, I caused them to either move aside or be mowed over. I ran past an elf carrying a stack of fresh linens, she dropped half of them and sighed. "Sorry!" I cried out.

Bursting through the throne room and right outside, I bent over to placed my hands on my knees and wheezed. No wonder Tom had beaten me so easily. I was out of shape, and I studied karate!

"Marco?" Queen Moon asked as I fell over. She helped me up.

"The elf girl said that Star was being attacked by monsters!"

She chuckled. "Star is fine. Apparently there are 'Alternative' monsters and they wish to assist us."

I raised an eyebrow, "Assist us in what?"

"In fighting Toffee. Mewni has over a thousand troops as of the moment and we need more."

"Oh." I watched as Star walked around through the crowd of monsters, saying hi and squealing. She moved so confidently throughout them and I knew she would make a great queen in the future.

They held up signs with Star's face, others with pictures of clothing with huge rips in the cloth, and dozens had the word STARCO painted brightly across it.

"What is Starco?" I murmured as I went over to her.

"Hey!" A hippo in battle armor cried out. "It's Marco! The princess's boyfriend!"

I blushed a hundred shades of red as they crowded around me. Star shyly grinned as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She was gently shoved over to me. She tripped over someone's shoe, I reached out to catch her.

She fell against my chest and peered up at me. I knew then I wouldn't ever hurt her.

"KISS. KISS. KISS." The crowd chanted.

Her blue eyes widened then slowly closed as I tilted her head up. They went wild as our lips touched, but all I was focused on was Star as her lips moved gently beneath mine.

"Wow," I said as the kiss ended. Star blushed deeply again.

"So," Star breathlessly said, "they want us to train them."

I smiled at the crowd. "Great idea!"

A wall of flames burned beside me spontaneously. Tom and Hekapoo stepped out of it with worried faces.

"Tom?" Star stepped over to him. "What's wrong?"

He frowned as a flaming piece of paper appeared in his hand. He extinguished the flames and handed the paper to her. "Toffee's planning an attack in eight days. But he's giving us a chance to surrender first."

Star skimmed the note, making little distressed noises as she read. "Oh, this is sooo bad."

I pried the paper from her fingers. "Let me see that."

In eight days hence, I shall launch 22,000 thousand troops to attack the Mewnian Castle and village around it. The attack will be dispatched in three waves. Anyone found will be exterminated or enslaved. Those who would like to surrender will be given the chance at midnight the day this letter is received. They will be recruited into the army. If the Butterfly family surrenders, no one will be killed. All power will be transferred to Toffee and he will become the king of Mewni and the present queen will given to him as compensation for all the trouble he went through. The present king will be beheaded and Princess Star Butterfly will be wedded to the Troll Agamemnon.

Queen Moon plucked the letter from my hands and read. She shook with anger and disgust. Her hands flew in a mini rage as she tore apart the paper. "That conniving, manipulative son of a-"

Star and Tom flanked the queen on both sides.

Star turned green, "I'm not marrying no troll. It's okay, mom. We don't expect you to just surrender. We understand. The people love you and would never make you go through that."

Hekapoo scowled. "No queen of Mewni would ever surrender and allow themselves to be captured. It's official, we are going to war."

She tore a portal open and jumped through to inform the Magic High Commission.

Queen Moon left to rest, Tom escorted her away.

The monsters crowded around Star more protectively. "No one is marrying Star by force!"

"Yeah! Starco for life!"

I frowned as I pulled Star closer to me, "What is Starco?"

Star wrapped her arms around me. "Apparently it's our ship name. We're their OTP."

"Their what?"

"OTP; one true pairing."

"Weird."

I faced the monsters, appreciating what their help meant. They were willing to sacrifice their lives and beliefs to help Star. They didn't like violence but wanted to fight against Toffee. We would have to train hard to be strong enough.

"For the hundredth time!" I yelled at a hippie sloth in white leather skinny jeans with a red concert tee, "I don't want to rip holes in my hoodie!" He shrugged and slowly walked away, only to come back and ask me again.

Star giggle and returned her attention to the elephant with pierced ears. "Okay, you know what? Instead of thinking of it like fighting, why don't you just throw the spear and pretend you're making a cool rip right where their heart is suppose to be?"

The elephant nodded. He weighted the spear and eyed his target. A poorly-made straw dummy was mounted on a pole thirty feet in front of him. Star skipped over and painted a bright red X over the heart.

"Okay, Chad. You can throw it now."

Chad narrowed his gaze and threw the spear as hard and fast as he could. It missed but landed in the stomach section.

"Good shot. That would have pierced the stomach and called for a slow and painful death."

Chad grimaced.

Star retrieved the spear and handed it back. "Okay, try again."

Tom stood in the background, training the fire users.

"Channel your anger, all that built in frustration. It's okay to be angry at your mom for not letting you have that sleepover with your friend." Tom instructed.

A buff lizard flexed his muscles, "My mom wouldn't give me change to buy a hotdog!" His hands caught fire and he launched fireballs into the air.

Tom grinned as he folded his arms. "Yes, release all your anger."

A squirrel chick wielded her ability and produced a bow and arrow made entirely of flames. "Here's for not returning my call, grandma!" She let the arrow fly into a tree. It exploded with a loud bang. The arrow replenished itself.

Tom nodded like a proud instructor.

I passed out wooden training swords to a group and led them to the dummies.

"Okay, the first thing about swords is finding the correct one. It can't be too heavy or it'll fall out of your hands but it can't be too light or it'll be useless. You have to find a good balance."

I slashed at a dummy, "if your sword is of the right length you can play both offense and defense. A good swordsman can do both." The group paired off.

They practiced defending their stance and parrying the others strikes.

"Arch up a bit." I said to a young monster. I went around giving advice. "Force them back. Keep your guard up. Don't shove your sword up his nose, these are for practice."

Tom, Star, and I met up at lunch time. Everyone took a break, enjoying the sunshine and good food the castle staff passed around.

"So," Star began, she bit into a sandwich, "what do you guys think of our recruits?"

Tom took a swig of water, "we might have a chance, given if we find more people to fight."

I nodded over a mouthful of chips. "We need to find more people. Has your dad asked his family to help?"

Star nodded. "They wouldn't miss it for the world. My mom's side is coming too. I just hope they face off with Toffee's forces and not each other."

A war horn sounded in the distance and everyone's faces paled significantly. Over the horizon came thousands of soldiers on horse back, armed with swords or bows and arrows.

We ran to gather arms and I saw Queen Moon and King River run out of the castle with distraught looks.

"Toffee tricked us," Star cried hysterically.

The army stopped where ours began. But it wasn't Toffee or his monsters. On top a pure black stallion sat a fit, elderly man with platinum looks and a heavy golden crown. By his side was a young man who was obviously his son.

"Greetings, Mewnians. I am King Silverstone and this is my son Prince Justin," the man spoke, gesturing beside him. His son bowed slightly in his seat then straightened.

King River and Queen Moon stepped forward.

"Welcome, King Silverstone. What brings you to Mewni?" Moon asked, her skin regaining her natural color and she didn't resemble a ghost anymore.

The foreign king dismounted. "I heard that you needed help against the evil Toffee and we've come to help in any way we can."

Star squealed and gripped my arm along with Tom's.

"Finally! Thank you so much for coming, King Silverstone!" She shouted as she moved forward.

"Princess Star, you're even more beautiful than what they described." The king boasted.

I frowned and Star beamed.

Queen Moon herded us inside and into a parlor room. The pale blue room was quickly overcrowded with extra seats and people. Tom and I stood behind Star. Prince Justin stared openly at her.

I gripped my hands and scowled. I felt a faint hand on my arm and saw that Tom was vaguely shaking his head.

"Caldor is a kingdom in the Nebula realm. We've been around for thousands of years. Lately, our resources have been dwindling down little by little."

King River spoke up, "So you want to help us in exchange for goods and currency."

Silverstone nodded. "Yes. And we also want to propose a way to bring our kingdoms together."

I stepped forward, fists ready to hit someone in the face is he said what I thought he was going to say.

"We want to suggest a marriage of alliance. Between Justin's son and your daughter's daughter."

"What?" Moon looked extremely confused. "Star doesn't have children. She isn't even married."

King Silverstone and Prince Justin glanced in my direction. "She isn't married yet. News travels fast. Every kingdom has heard of how the Blood Moon Ball tied together your daughter with the Earth boy, Marco Diaz. They're destined to marry and have children. Justin here recently married his childhood sweetheart, Marigold. They are expecting a son in seven months."

Star congratulated the prince. "But who knows when I'll have a daughter. I still have six years until I'm crowned queen and married."

"But you need our help," Silverstone pointed out. "It would be wise to accept the proposal."

Star and I looked toward her parents for help. They both nodded.

"Very well. In exchange for goods and resources and also a marriage, you hereby declare that you will help Mewni when Toffee attacks."

The king and prince agreed. They were showed to a series of guest rooms.

I went over to Star, "I have to admit, I got worried for a moment."

"Me too. But I don't know how comfortable I feel marrying off a daughter I don't have yet."

I nervously laughed and rubbed the back of my neck. "Yeah. Us being married and having children." I gulped.

She giggled and kissed my cheek. "Don't freak out."

"I'm not freaking out!" I squeaked.

"Yes, you are." She took my hand pulled me away. "Come, let's have a picnic!" With a flash of her wand, we were gone.

Thud!

"What?" I groggily exclaimed as I woke up. I could see the moon shining down brightly into my room.

Thunk!

I fell out of bed and felt around for my slippers. After a minute of searching I gave up and slipped on my ballerina shoes. I crept down the hallway, letting my sense of hearing lead me.

I heard grunts coming from downstairs.

"No, stop. I'm here to tell Star about monster army!" A familiar voice said.

I raced downstairs to find Tom and Prince Justin standing over Buff Frog. He was tied to a chair as Justin held a sword over his head.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" I yelled as I yanked the sword away from him. "This is Buff Frog, he's a good guy."

We heard a gasp behind us. Star stood in her nightgown, looking very angry.

"What is going on? It's the middle of the night. Buff Frog?"

"Hello, Rebel Princess. Karate Boy stopped my beheading."

Her eyes widened in disbelief, she turned to both guys. "You were going to kill him?" Her wand glowed green.

"Whoa, Star." I said with a calm hand to her shoulder.

Justin shrugged, "he was lurking in the hallways."

"What are you doing in the hallway, Prince Justin?" Star angrily snapped.

"I heard noises."

Tom grinned. "Let's just all go back to sleep. Buff Frog, I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding."

"All forgiven, demon man." Buff Frog said.

Justin and Tom disappeared and we turned to Buff Frog.

"Toffee will attack in six days," he whispered.

Star smiled sadly. "Yes, we know. How are the babies?"

"They are good. I build underground bunker for them. They are safe. Can you untie me now?" He struggled out of his bondages.

We cut the cords and he stretched his webbed hands above his head.

"Why are you wearing ballerina shoes, Karate Boy?"

Star laughed as I answered, "I couldn't find my slippers!"

"So Buff Frog," she began, "will you fight with us?"

"I don't know, princess. I have duty as father to my children. If I die, who will care for them?"

"True," I added. "We don't expect you to fight."

He sighed sadly. "I will try to help. But I have kids to think about."

He left shortly after that, walking away with heavy steps. Deep down I hoped he would stay with his kids to protect them.

"Psst! Marco!"

King River reached out from behind a potted plant and pulled me down to him.

"Ugh, why are we behind a plant?"

His blonde mustache quivered with excitement. "Star's birthday is coming up. Unfortunately it's on the same day as Toffee's attack."

I blinked and remembered he was right. "Crap, I totally forgot."

He stared at me in wonder. "You forgot your own girlfriends birthday? That's a serious offense."

I waved my hands around. "We've been busy!" What do you get a girl who can do magic for her birthday? A Quest Buy gift card? Hell no.

"We are planning a birthday dinner later this afternoon. The king and prince of Caldor are attending. Your parents and friends and Tom will be too. Obviously you will be there." He staged whispered.

"Okay. I have a little time to figure out what to get her." I stood and dusted off my jeans.

"Jewelry would be your safest bet. Especially one particular item," he hinted, wiggling his left ring finger.

A wave of heat flooded my face. He wanted me to propose to Star.

"You would be fine with it? I mean, we're only fourteen. Not that I don't want to," I stammered.

King River chuckled, "You're part of the family, Marco. I knew you and Star would be together since the first moment I saw you."

He gave me the name of a good black smith and left to prepare the feast. I made the short trip to the village in search of a good engagement ring.

Mr. Darcy had trays of metal, silver, and gold rings. Some held regular gems, others precious stones.

I was still ruffling through rings thirty minutes later. Then I spotted a delicate silver ring with a blue transparent diamond. Millions of hearts the size of glitter specks were encased inside. They were in every imaginable color. I knew Star would love it.

I paid for the ring and left, practicing my speech on the way back to the castle. I was excited to propose.

Dinner was almost ready when I entered the castle. Tom appeared out of nowhere and stopped me in my tracks.

"You're going to do it, aren't you?"

I skidded to a halt. "Yes."

He nodded, resigned with the idea. "I knew it was coming. Do you have a speech ready?"

I went over it with him and he pointed out some improvements.

At last dinner was ready and I was recruited to fetch Star. She spent the day improving her spells and fighting abilities.

I found her in her room, laying down.

"Hey," she said.

I sat down beside her. "Dinner is ready."

She shook her head, "I'm not hungry."

I panicked. I had to get her downstairs for her birthday dinner. "I made nachos!"

She smiled. "Fine. Let's go."

I fiddled with the ring box tucked in my pocket as we walked into the dining room. She gasped as she noticed the silver and blue and pink balloons tied to the chairs. "What is all of this?"

I joined the rest of the group and we all sang 'Happy Birthday'. Tears welled in her eyes and she started crying.

"No, no, no." I ran over to her, "you're supposed to be happy!"

She covered her mouth with her hands. "I am! But I'll probably be dead when I turn fifteen and I'm too young to die!"

Queen Moon walked over to her daughter. "You're not going to die. I won't let you."

After a few more minutes of crying, we finally got her to calm down. Plates and platters of food was passed out and everyone enjoyed the food. I saw my mom and dad smiling at one another and holding hands.

I stood, gripped my water glass and lightly chimed it with my fork. I turned to Star. "Star, you're hands down my best friend. I love you so much I wake up everyday just to see your face. You've taught me that you can't always be safe. You balance me. Fighting monsters, going to Quest Buy and almost dying are the highlights of my life. I know that we belonged together and that may be why I snuck into the Blood Moon Ball. I love you." My hands started to sweat from the nerves. I pulled the black little velvet box from my pocket and knelt in front of her. "Will you marry me?"

She answered by launching herself at me and tackling me to the floor. "Yes!" She kissed me everywhere on my face. We stood and I placed the ring on her finger. The tiny hearts sparkled in the light.

Applause was heard as I kissed her. I knew we would have to wait until our twenty-first birthday to get married but it didn't matter. As long as I had her by my side, I was happy.

We were congratulated by the group, everyone was genuinely happy about the engagement. I sighed in relief as Jackie grinned and gave me a thumbs up.

Tom grinned happily too. Prince Justin nodded in our direction, probably still afraid of Star. It was a perfect end to the day.

The next six days flew by quickly. On the day of the attack, a new letter was sent, asking if we would be surrendering.

We dressed in our battle armor and gathered ranks. Star rode on Cloudy, but instead of being his usual pink self, he was thunderous black.

"Can you control him?" I nervously asked as he threw a lightning bolt.

Star tugged her hair back. She fastened it with a blood red barrette. She was dressed in black armor, a spare sword strapped to her hip. "Of course, don't worry." She lined her eyes with black eyeliner. Placing her princess crown on her head, she nodded in approval. Her black leather combat boots shone brightly. Instead of wearing a dress, she wore a red tank top and black skinny jeans. Her clothing was drenched in magic, the hits would bounce off her, even where skin was exposed.

I wore a black vest over a white T-shirt, and black jeans and boots. Like Star, I had a sword on me. She strengthened it with a spell and kissed my cheek for good luck. Nachos the motorcycle dragon was ready to go on a ride. "We've got this, Nachos."

Tom sat on his flaming dead skeleton horse. His hands caught fire as he muttered to himself nervously. He held a wicked looking lance in his fingerless gloved hand.

The rest of the army stood by skittishly. We numbered at fifteen thousand. I prayed it would be enough.

This time, when the war horn sounded, it wasn't a drill. It was the real deal.

Star flew around standing up on her cloud, zapping monsters into insignificant bugs. I drove Nachos as I slashed down monsters. It had been a while but I still knew how to use a sword.

The Alternative Monsters held their own, though they seemed bent on ripping holes into their enemies clothes before moving on.

I saw a Minotaur heading for Queen Moon and I ran to cover her. The Minotaur roared in frustration as I blocked his horns. Drawing my sword back, I swung and lobbed off its head.

Moon continued obliterating her enemies without a second thought. Justin fought fiercely with a Komodo dragon dude. Their swords clanged as metal met metal. They both strained to hold their ground.

"Rainbow Crossbow!" I heard Star yell. Her wand transformed itself into a plain black crossbow. She reached into her quiver and pulled out an orange arrow. She aimed it at the biggest monster around. It impaled itself in his chest. The monster froze in its tracks and seemed to wait for Star to speak. "Take out all enemies of the Mewnian forces!"

It went around flattening anyone not on our side. Some of the enemy ran around in terror to avoid being smushed.

"Where are you, Toffee?!" Star snarled as she swatted aside a three foot fly. The enemy began retreating and that was the end of the first wave. We lost only a handful of troops while Toffee lost two hundred.

We drank water quickly, afraid of being caught off guard.

"We're holding up okay," Prince Justin announced after taking a swig of water.

Moon breathed in rapidly, "I saw no sign of Toffee."

"Neither did I." Her daughter replied.

We stood up as the second wave of enemies washed over us with a blast of the war horn. This time, I lost track of Star.