Hello Friend

By sorrowXdarkness

oooOOOooo

Synopsis: Marco and Star agreed to see other people after Star and Tom became engaged. It was difficult, but both realized that being close as they were could prove fatal to the stability of the kingdom of Mewni and everyone involved with it. Despite living with the Butterflies for some time now, Marco decided it was time to move once more.

Luckily for him, he became good friends with Kelly who was in fact looking for a roommate. How convenient, right?

oooOOOooo

The transition between both worlds felt the same as it did the first time. Twisted and unbearable. It felt like his entire body went through a washing machine, now left to drop on the dead floor. The ground was made of several bones that were stitched together, leaving hardly a gap. Still as creepy as they were the first time around.

Despite the discomforts, Marco was the first to get up. Viewing himself, he found himself back to his older appearance. He viewed his figure. The sleeves were torn to pieces by the sheer mass of his arms. He still wore his pants which were now stretched to adapt to his new size. It was convenient that he decided to wear sweatpants to sleep in.

"I'm back to my age…" Gasped Marco, viewing his hands and then arms. His incredible strong arms as he made a flex. His excitement quickly died out when he heard some groan from nearby. "Hekapoo!" He ran to the source of the sound as he crouched. Hekapoo was a bit stunned by the ride as she held her head in pain.

"I'm fine…didn't think it would be this rough." She managed to say before picking herself up. She brushed off his hand for assist. Instead, she took point as she viewed their surroundings. They were standing on a huge pedestal made of bones. Below where they stood, was a mountain that displayed flow of life coursing through each plane.

Nearby them, there was another huge pedestal made of bones on top of a similar mountain. Perhaps it was the gate used by Marco during his first excursion, thought the woman. Turning her attention to her partner, she suggested they find a way down. Marco nodded, knowing very well where to commence. If it was anything like before, then the first step was to see a certain foe.

Walking straight toward the center, there was a strange lever with a clear sign of 'DO NOT TOUCH'.

"Seriously?" Hekapoo asked as Marco stood by the lever.

"Just watch." Spoke the human as he slowly reached toward the device. The moment he touched it, a strange creature appeared with a clear book in his hand.

"CAN'T YOU READ!" Spoke an oddly shaped lantern fellow. Marco gave a quick wave as the lantern then looked at the two arrivals.

"Oh…it's you again. Bark-o…you old chap."

"It's nice to see you again. And it's Marco. Marco Diaz." Spoke the now adult Marco, a bit annoyed for the error from the lantern.

"Oh course…so what are you doing here Bark-o Maiz?"

Before Marco could speak, Hekapoo charged right in. "We're here to see what is causing the strange multi-dimensional tremors." She was about to poke him aggressively, being that she was a bit tensed from being around a traitorous friend. But as she did, she realized her finger simply passed through his form. Even more so, he did not register her gesture. Not even her presence as he simply stared towards Marco's direction. Hekapoo turned towards her companion.

"He's like that." Marco explained. A bit cryptic for her taste as she crossed her arms before Marco spoke. "Lanz… We need passage down below."

The lantern fellow let out a long exasperated sigh. "Fine!" He said before pulling on the very lever Marco touched. The surrounding floor began to tremble a bit before they descended through an elevator-like platform. Making their way down the mountain, they were able to see the area more clearly. There was a forest underneath them that stretched all around the place. Winged creatures could be seen flying around from a distance. The sound of a waterfall was heard as they made their way toward a clearing at the bottom. The place was indeed vast, but it was also enclosed if one were to get a good look around. If Marco had to make a comparison, it would be like being inside a snow globe. Except no snow and it wasn't pretty.

"This is so…" Hekapoo began.

"Cool?" Marco finished, flashing her a playful smile.

"Small." She said instead, giving Marco a stern stare. Not playing along their usual banter like they used to do. He wasn't too broken up about it. He knew he was pressing his luck, but being on another adventure with her brought out that side of him. The adventurous and confident fellow that also enjoys the conversation with his partner.

As they were about to land, Hekapoo prepared to jump down. A move that would have proved fatal, if it wasn't for Marco's reaction speed. Before she could leave the platform, Marco's outstretched hand managed to latch itself to her dress. Pulling back and preventing her from leaving.

"Hey!" She began to said, eyes clearly aflame. "What do you think you're doing!"

Marco pointed toward where she was planning to land. Throwing his shoe down to the ground, only to be swallowed by an unknown maw.

"Oh." Spoke the girl. "Thanks." It was something. To thank someone for saving their lives.

The platform landed to the dirt ground with a loud thud. A ghoulish shriek could be heard from below their feet as the lantern person floated ahead. He was unfazed by the disorder around him as he began speaking of the last time Marco was here. "I'm in utter shock, to say the least. It's not everyday you get to see the same fellow twice. Especially when they promised to not return for a second time, hm?" He turned to Marco for a quick glance. "Did we forget our little proposal?"

Marco was quick to reply. "Afraid not. But something came up and for now, I have to tarnish our good name for the sake of my world. After all, there's no point in keeping my integrity for a world that no longer exist. Am I right?" Marco said, shifting from an apologetic one to a friendly one.

Lanz maintain his facial expression for the most part when the now 30 years old man spoke. "I suppose so. Come. We need to go before those pesky cats come out to play."

Hekapoo was not too concerned over what danger could lurk through this uncharted land. "Seriously? I don't think we need to worry too much over some cats?"

They kept walking as Marco responded to Hekapoo's comment. "Trust me. It's better to avoid a confrontation with them. For now, I think I have an idea where we're going." He shifted towards their guide. "Are we near Aldn Decras by any chance?"

"Indeed, old chap. We should be there in a few. Before I forget, this sudden shift in imbalance seemed to appear and disappear at will. Whoever this intruder is, she is not from this dimension." As he spoke, he made sure to emphasize the word 'she'.

oooOOOooo

"Thanks again, Jorby…" Kelly said, thanking her friend for picking up his phone so early in the morning. Truth to be told, he was her last option to find her friend. Well, before Star Butterfly. But there was no way she could ask Star for her help. Things were already complicated as it was between her and Marco… and Kelly herself as well. It would be weird to get her to find her 'supposed bestie' when he went missing. Especially when you've been blowing that person off to hang out with some hot headed Lucitor boy that continued to fail at his anger management classes. Subconsciously, Kelly felt that Star should have done more for Marco.

The guy spent most of his life, up until now, chasing hundreds if not thousands of clones to acquire dimensional scissors. A feat not many could achieve except through connections alone. Something that Butterflies have well-established. He also became a hero after he risked his life to fight against Toffee. The more Kelly thought about it, the firmer she was about not giving Marco to Star.

Or anyone…

As Jorby continued to follow the trail, Kelly's mind continued to be filled with Marco.

Don't worry, bestie… I'm coming for you.

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Author's Notes:

I'm so sorry for the late reply. Life continue to press down on me, especially when I have multiple jobs. Still, I found the sudden reviews invigorating to say the least. Hoped you enjoy this chapter. Onward to the next one! -sorrowXdarkness