Hello guys! Decided to take a few-days break to let the old think tank come up with ideas. And...I have alot and I mean ALOT of this story mapped out now. So, here is the latest chapter! But as always, review round up time.
RobLebron - I really like the arch's direction so far regarding nightmareking's 'Traitor Marco' Chapters. Seeing Marco harm characters he is friends with was sad and how Star & Moon reacted to the information was downright tragic. Moon dying in the latest chapter was something so sure too, with Star only having Marco and her dad...and a very alive Toffee out for blood. Glad you enjoyed the latest chapter and we are getting the talk now!
thewookie1 - Some cheese is always good but need that hard cracker to make it taste right. I plan on adding that cracker quite soon into the story...maybe it's in this very chapter. Or not. Your guess :P. But yeah, I like to be 'witty' and 'in-tone' with the canon series. Drama is something I'm decent at writing too (Crushed Heart comes to mind) and this story WILL have that. Just keep an eye out.
Vyseryx - Our boy Marco is getting magic! And seeing how he uses it is going to be fun! And Andrew is far more than a 'dark Marco', so keep an eye out on him. He is...going to be a fun character to develop.
Exploring the Mewni Swamps is oddly peaceful. Sure, you have to avoid man-eating plants and survive dangerous toxins. However none of this bothers the Buff Frog, jumping over various logs and branches with ease. Having a smile across his face, the frog man enjoyed the cool air brushing against his moist skin. Looking behind him, is his house guest and adoptive son Andrew, walking slowly through mucky grounds holding a cluster some of Buff Frog's children.
The boy confused him greatly, considering his appearance mirroring Marco, but his more reserved personality said otherwise. Sighing at tired thoughts, Buff Frog leapt right next to Andrew. The boy didn't flinch, only smiling seeing his new friend. "So Andrew, ready to visit Mewni kingdom? Me want to see Queen." Buff Frog had a list in his pocket, hoping some of his requests would be fulfilled. After helping the Queen take on Toffee and find Star, he figured maybe some monster rights would be considered. Andrew remembered Buff Frog working hard on this list for the past two days, the amount of time he's stayed with him thus far.
"I know sir. Hope this Queen helps get more food and supplies for these little guys here." Andrew bops one of the creatures, having its face make a cute little blink. "Aw…these guys are priceless." Buff Frog ruffled Andrew's hair using his large green hand, making the boy smirk in response.
"Not only that. Hope Star Butterfly and Karate Boy are okay." The mention of those two names bothered Andrew for some reason, growing a frown upon his face. Buff Frog noticed this, placing a warm hand on the boy's shoulder. "Know princess and friend?"
Andrew rubbed his blond hair to try and remember anything but sadly only recalled nothing. Sighing in defeat, he slouched forward and gently put one of the Buff Baby's down. "I don't sadly. All I remember is living on Mewni and having some odd magic powers. That's it though. …Hope I get answers one day." Buff Frog pat Andrew's back hard, making the boy crash into the mud. Feeling his entire outfit get covered with mud, he groaned internally. '…Hate having wet cloths…'
Buff Frog pulled the boy up and gave a proud smile at him. "You will remember things. Time is needed." Andrew smiled, knowing that this kind frog man has his back. Picking up some of the babies again and tighten the straps on his travel sack, Andrew continued walking. Buff Frog only looked at the boy, feeling something inside him. 'Unsure about boy. But he is good. I feel it.' The frog man walked with his children through the swamp, ready to face the Queen and Princess of Mewni once more.
Unknowing to the travelers, was a band of monsters watching from a nearby branch. It was a group of four, each one having black colored cloaks. The one with the larges body took off it's hood, showing a lizard man with a ruby eye. Gritting his teeth, he clenched his fist. "That frog lead to brother's demise."
Another cloaked figure took off its hood next, making various buzzing sounds. "Come on buzz boss. You really think buzz Buff Frog took out Toffee? He just cares about the princess and her friend." The two cloaked monsters agreed but the growl escaping from the lizard's mouth silenced them on the spot.
"Whatever. We got targets to take out." He jumped to the nearest tree branch and continued following the group below them. The fly monster only sighed, flying in the wind after his ally. Only the other two monsters were left, having worried looks.
"You think..." One in a small voice asked, with the other shaking his head.
"Seriously, it was the princess that defeated Toffee. Not our friend. Just…come on." The voice said in an annoyed tone, jumping ahead. The lone monster remaining took off his hood to rub his dry bald head before sighing.
Star Butterfly knows what to expect from 'talks'. They are normally very boring, tiring and dull. Her mother likes to drone on about a lot of junk in her mind…but today was different. Sitting down in a chair, she felt the trembling hand of Marco Diaz clench hers tight. See, the boy was new to being on Mewni longer than a few hours. And dating the princess of a kingdom, is finally setting in to Marco, feeling the intense glares coming from Moon and River.
Seeing the boy shake like a worm, River Butterfly only laughed loudly, pounding his fist into the slightly shorter throne the king sat in lightly. "Boy calm down! We are just having a talk is all…" Marco didn't feel at ease hearing this, in fact, he got even more jumpy. Queen Moon only sighed, looking at the boy with a kinder face.
"Marco, I know you are dating my daughter now. It is fine. Please, calm down and listen to us. If we were going to pull you two apart, we would have done so by now." Moon said bluntly, making Marco release a held breath. Star only gave a glare at her mother, with Moon only giving a small playful smile back. Shaking her head, the princess only sighed and lounged back slightly. "But we need to discuss some things."
"I know mom! Marco won't do that thing yet…" Marco's face turned nine shades of red and berried his head within the cape he was wearing. Good thing too, as the boy didn't see the blood vessels popping up on River's face. Star only pouted in response to this. "Papa…you know we are too young for that. Besides, you like Marco anyway! He helped you get things fixed here while I was gone…I think. What did you guys do anyway?" Star turned to Marco, now taking the cape off his face.
"Well…your dad and I helped lead the citizens into fighting Ludo's forces…but we lost." Marco rubbed his forehead in minor shame. "Stupid large armies…" River gritted his teeth, nodding in agreement. The king would have SMASHED SOME HEADS if he wasn't so overwhelmed by the armies of rats.
"It was…a noble battle in the kingdom…" Marco and River were silent for a moment, letting a lone tear fall down their faces. "The poor monkey was the bravest of them all." Marco nodded in agreement, earning very confused looks from Moon and Star. The princess raised her finger to ask a question but Moon simply shook her head, making Star drop the thought.
The queen coughed, getting everyone's attention. "So…you two faced a great evil with Toffee. Something that thankfully, is dealt with. However, a new danger is on the horizon; Eclipsa The Queen of Darkness. I used the darkest spell again and…" Moon shook her head, trying to ward off her jumpy nerves within gloved hands. "…anyway, you two need to be ready to face her should she return. In addition, the kingdom needs to be aware of her princess and most importantly, the future prince." Moon glared right at Marco, with the boy having an oddly confident expression on his face.
"I…I will do what I can Queen Moon." Marco said softly, locking his eyes in Moon's direction. "What do I need to learn? I mean…I get great grades at school. Reading up on how to be a princes shouldn't be too difficult." Star's eyes grew wide, surprised at how willing Marco was being. She knew being with him long-term would initial him being her king. But he has ties to Earth. Shaking the thought away for the moment, she gave Marco's hand a firm squeeze, telling the boy through just simple touch she's proud of him.
Moon watched this felt once more as if history was repeating before her. She remembered one time where River had the 'talk' with her father. After her mother passed, suitors were sent to Mewni often to get the latest 'Queen' her king. But Moon didn't have any of that, picking her own love. Seeing River always be by her side, Moon choose him above everyone. To this day, she cherishes choice in relationships. Though it's a headache for the monarch, pushing down suitor and marriage offers almost daily for her daughter's hand. Part of Moon is happy Star found love on Earth; she can finally shut down those annoying requests.
River noticed Moon's silence and decided to speak for her. "Good to hear you are willing to learn my boy." He cracks his knuckles, making Marco gulp. "But this means your TRAINING WILL BEGIN SOON! WE WILL HUNT BEARS AND WEAR OUR LOIN CLOTHS FOR MONTHS!"
"Daaaaad?" Star asked in an annoyed tone, with River looking in her direction. "Marco isn't going through that kind of camping, okay? Bad enough Tom did that…" She shivered, remembering one time Tom came back from 'alone time' with her father. The demon never again talked with the kind man, fearful of losing his arm…again. River sighed, recalling the memory of camping with that demon fellow.
"Very well, but I have training planned for you Marco." The human boy simply nodded with a smile. Marco was looking forward to spending more time with the king, as he considered him a cool guy. Star noticed Marco's excited smile, smirking inwardly.
'He doesn't know. Hehe…' Star looked at her Mom, still deep in thought. "Mom? You alright?" Moon shook her head, smiling at the two teens before her. Clasping her hands together, she leaned forward.
"I'm fine sweetie. Just remembering something. Anyway, you two need to be ready to present yourselves to the kingdom. Remember the Silver Bell Ball?" Star nodded, having a small smile form on her face. "Yes, good. You and Marco will announce your status as a pair during the event, with a special dance everyone is going to watch. Now, I'm well aware of how you love dancing with…" Star's face turned beat red, giving her mom a 'Shut up please' look. Moon chuckled fully knowing her daughter being part of that 'Blood Moon Ball' thing while Marco fondly remembers said event but at the same time felt bad he was 'masked' when Star danced with him.
"Me?" Marco interrupted the Queen, earning complete silence in the room. "Uh…should I leave now? I'm getting the impression I said something stupid…" Star just looked at Marco, growing a wide grin.
"Nope! Now, we are going to do some dance practice boyfriend." Star said in a flirty tone. Dragging Marco out of the room, the boy blushed feeling Star's touch pulling him away. Moon and River exchanged small chuckles with one another before sighing contently in their thrones.
"Our pumpkin has it bad for the boy. Oh, how she takes after you Moonpie." Moon gave a playful smile toward River, making the king blush slightly. Moon always liked River well before officially admitting her feelings.
"I never gave that impression dear. You was quite adorable though as a teen. Always blushing around me and stuttering your words." River only held Moon's hand and kissed it softly. "Happy our daughter is with us still."
"Me too dear. Me too." They gave a loving glance at one another before sitting contently in their thrones.
At the edge of the swamp, the group of Buff Frog and his children were getting close to Butterfly Castle. The frog man let out a content sigh, looking at the castle far away. Seeing it slowly repair itself, he was pleased at how fast the kingdom was recovering form Toffee's attack. One of his children hopped upon his shoulder, looking wide eyed at the castle.
"That is right little baby. We are getting close." Buff Frog answered his child's silent question, patting its watery head slightly. Andrew walked right next to him, making a whistling sound in an impressed tone. "Yes Andrew. Castle impressive."
"Very blue honestly." The boy commented, narrowing his eyes at the Butterfly Crested flag waving in the background. "Though something feels…off." Andrew put down his bag and looked around nervously. "I think you should walk ahead sir. Keep my brothers and sisters safe."
Buff Frog narrowed his gaze, knowing what his son was implying. Nodding, he took his children quietly and started running ahead. 'Boy testing magic. Hope he's careful.' As the frog man and his children ran off, noises came from the trees and plants surrounding Andrew. One hooded creature jumped down in front of the boy, grinning evilly under his hood. "My, you are the clever one. You aren't my target though. So leave."
"No. I won't let you hurt my father!" Andrew hissed, clenching his fists tightly. Darkness started moving around his body. The lizard backed off, having his working eye growing wide. The other monsters jumped down, wondering why their boss is freaking out. But the sight before them silenced the group on the spot.
Andrew felt laughter coming over him, as the darkness started spreading across his human body. His entire body tinted black, but the boy's eyes were a defining feature. They glowed dark yellow. This yellow made the lizard shake slightly, as he saw those eyes before. "T-Toffee? How are you in that form?"
"Toffee?" Andrew asked in confusion, though his voice wasn't the soft one from before. Rather, a more graveling tone. "Don't make me laugh. I don't even know a Toffee. And what kind of name is that anyway! It sounds stupid." At this point the lizard only gritted his large jaw together and dashed into the boy. He rolled out of the way, avoiding the tackle. "Ah, so you are a sly sucker aren't you? How about some magic to your face!" Andrew felt a pulse of dark magic leap out of his hand, blasting the lizard directly in the face.
"Wow!" The fly monster in the background shouted. Andrew turned his head like an owl, making the monster regret his choice. "I'm not going to hurt Buff Frog! I'm his friend!" The boy didn't listen though, cracking his knuckles and charging at the fly. The monster only sighed before trying to land punches with his many hands. Andrew took a few blows but retaliated with a well-timed counter punch. With the fly monster hitting a tree from the impact, the remaining two monsters looked at one another with fear.
"You two want some! Cause I can keep taking orders for knuckle sandwiches?" Andrew taunted with a sly smile, making a mocking motion with his hand. The two monsters gritted their teeth, charging into Andrew. It was a sloppy dash though, with Andrew pulling off a sweeping kick. They crash landed into the ground, groaning from pain. "Wow…four on one is quite easy. Pathetic."
Just as he was about to leave, Andrew felt someone grabbing his neck. Lifting him up with ease, the lizard only smirked darkly. "Impressive. Brother's fighting skills are inside you. Now, why are you in this form Toffee?"
"I'm. Not. Toffee.' Andrew said in grabbled sounds, feeling the intense pain from the lizards grip. The boy was deeply confused. That name sounded right but at the same time…it didn't. The lizard only grinned, tightening his hold.
"Either way, you are going to die. Any last words?" The lizard was ready to end the boy on the spot. Andrew simply closed his eyes, letting his magic build up inside him. The lizard was confused before feeling his hand go on fire. Dropping the boy as if he was hot lava, Andrew landed on the ground gracefully.
"Don't try to stand in my way, cause I've been up against better. Just take a look at my face!" Andrew shouted, pushing the lizard back with another dark pulse. Letting his darkness come out stronger, he made a mad laugh. "Cause if you're messing with me, I am a dangerous weapon and I'll cut you down in a second." Kneeling down on the ground, he titled the monster's head up, seeing fear in its eyes. "I have this dark power, so let me show you what it's all about." Andrew lands a violent darkness-infused punch on the monster, knocking it out cold.
Standing up, Andrew looked around him. Seeing the four monsters out cold, he began painting. An intense migraine soon took hold and he crashed into the ground. "Andrew!" The boy heard faint shouting from his adoptive father, coming closer to him. The frog stopped at the sight before him though, seeing four powerful monsters out cold. "You…took them on?"
"Y-Yeah…I feel weak Dad. Help me." Andrew begged, with Buff Frog picking his son up. Carrying him bridal style, the frog man started walking. Looking at one of the monsters, he spotted Boo Fly, shaking violently.
"S-Sorry. I didn't want…" Buff Frog only shook his head, giving his friend a somber smile. Boo Fly passed out after this, with Andrew soon joining the monster. The frog man sighed walking to the kingdom with his children. He knew helping the Mewni kingdom would cause issues, but seeing his newest friend fight such an intense fight, he was angry.
"Boy never hurt again. Won't let son face harm." Buff Frog held Andrew tight, with his buff babies walking slowly behind him. They could tell that their latest addition to the family was important, so they remained silent. Catrina looked at Andrew and frowned, feeling something for the poor boy. Hopping on Buff Frog's shoulders, she soon landed in Andrew's lap, falling asleep.
Andrew felt the warmth from the little creature, smiling contently. Buff Frog continued walking toward the kingdom.
Authors Note
As you all know, I'm a huge fan of Sonic (hence my avatar of choice). The bolded lines Andrew comments when overwhelmed with darkness? Pulled directly from this new song for 'Sonic Forces' (Link - Youtube Dot watch?v=XKjOJuPjiu4). It's a silly song but I liked it and wanted to use it for something.