Guess who's back and ready to cause trouble...enjoy!
The memories played in Meteora's mind like a stubborn gramophone stuck on repeat...
For weeks, she had been confined inside a magical, wooden coffin while being dragged across the Mewnian wilderness. Her prison hit every rock and stick in its path, and the continuous jostling made her stomach flip in knots. The concussions gave her headaches, but this was only the beginning of her misery. To make the un-fantastic voyage even more detestable, Meteora was being a paraded around by a group of unruly teenagers. They were led by Star Butterfly and Princess Marco—the two ruffians who destroyed Meteora's prestigious St. Olga's Reform School for Wayward Princesses.
Judging the different voices that constantly vibrated through the wood, Meteora knew who the other hooligans were. She had met them before, either at the Monster Bash in the temple or during the fight in the Musty Mountains. There was Prince Lucitor of the Underworld, the obnoxious Princess Lilacia Pony Head who helped bring down St. Olga's, a weird goth-wannabe girl who seemed to be Prince Lucitor's new girlfriend, a generic surfer girl, and leaf girl. No matter really, Meteora could not stand them for being such a loud, undisciplined bunch. They tramped through the countryside like daft apes, cracking obscene jokes and kicking the coffin out of spite. But the worst part was the nights. All of the screaming and moaning from Princess Marco's tent...the stuff of nightmares.
In spite of the teenagers, the bumpy hills, and Star enjoying her boyfriend's company, Meteora knew her trial would be worth it. The lot was unknowingly playing into the hands of Fate itself. She was the daughter of Queen Eclipsa Butterfly and her Monster Lover, destined to rule Mewni forever, as foretold by the stars. It was during the party in the monster temple that the former Miss Heinous realized she was more than a schoolmarm. She was a princess, and the Butterfly throne belonged to her. All she had to do was survive the teenage wasteland trip, and enact the plan Eclipsa had set up before her: kill Queen Moon. To think Star was gifting her mother's death made Meteora laugh. How ironic.
Weeks later, it all paid off. Almost. Battle waged inside the Butterfly Castle, initiated by the arrival of the coffin. Eclipsa was already Queen again, and the two villainesses had the upper hand against an impromptu band of shocked royals. Even when Mina showed up, pursued by Marco's teen army, nothing seemed to slow the tide of progress.
Nothing except Princess Star Butterfly holding the limp, bleeding body of Marco in her arms. The princess fought with everything she had because she had nothing to lose. She dealt with Mina first in vengeful fury, tossing her charred body into the far reaches of Mewni. Before Meteora knew it, red eyes glinting like light in a pool of blood fell upon her. Like that, the winds of destiny shifted against Meteora's favor.
After savagely beating Meteora, Star and the Lucitor royals and bound her in thick demon chains then dragged her into a stronger coffin. The ground opened under the box, and down into the depths of the Underworld the monster went, her fate sealed forever….
The memories were all Meteora had in her hellish prison in the Underworld, and she held onto them only to ponder what could have been. It broke up the misery of sitting among the scorching flames of the Lake of Fire. How long she had been here, she did not know—the concept of time was all but meaningless. Hours, days, months, years, lifetimes all merged into an endless stream of torment. The Lake of Fire was a prison for both the living and the dead, where only the worst souls went to be punished for their crimes forever. Meteora had not met any of the other residents of the prison, the place was enormous and walking on top of burning coals proved too painful. She was alone in a place both blindingly bright and scarily dark. Horribly hot and freakishly cold. Just all around uncomfortable. Every moment the exact same.
That is until one day—year, millennia, whatever—in the midst of the sweltering heat, she felt a presence. At first, Meteora thought it was the shadow of a lurking demon or fellow prisoner, but she saw nothing around her besides flames, coals, and smoke. No, the presence was in her soul. "Who are you?" She used her voice for the first time in a long time, roaring over the crackling of flames.
No answer. Meteora brushed it off as her losing her mind…again. Loneliness and pain did that to a person.
Except, the Presence didn't go away. It came back again over a period of time, each approach made it louder and more urgent in the shadows of her mind. "Leave me alone!" She finally snapped after the constant build up drove her insane. What else would this horrid place throw at her? Meteora was already covered in festering sores and burns all over her furry body, and thirsty without water to drink. She needn't lose her wits too.
"Is that how you talk to your father, Meteora?" The Presence finally spoke in a deep voice that rattled her soul.
My father? Even though many of Meteora's repressed childhood memories returned, she had virtually none of her father beside vague recollections. She remembered purple striped fur like her own, thick arms that held her once or twice, and a voice like a lion's roar—full of authority and strength like a king.
Guessing her thoughts, the Presence replied, "Let me introduce myself. I am Globgor, Prince of Darkness, son of the High Priest of the Blood Moon, your father."
Suddenly, an astral projection appeared in front of Meteora portraying a tall, monster with white hair tied into a loose bun. Four piercing, yellow eyes matched the burning landscape around them and the gold bands on his wrists. It is him, Meteora wanted to leap into his arms and wail like a baby, but she knew she couldn't.
"Hello, my little one," Globgor smiled. "Just as beautiful as your mother, although I didn't do so bad either."
"I thought you were dead…"
The earliest memories of her past life were always the hardest to recall. Meteora remembered a stormy night, the pitter-patter of rain striking the window pane of a dark, gray place. It was cold, not warm like the castle or her crib in the Monster Temple. The walls were stark and uninviting, with posters bearing menacing faces frowning at baby Meteora in disapproval. It was scary, and made her miss her Mama. Where had she gone? She recalled her mother's purple spades glowing over the crib in the castle as she cried, speaking words Meteora did not understand. The rest of the night was a blur: there was a lot of shouting, explosions, roaring. Purple fur standing in front of Meteora protectively...then vanishing forever.
Globgor shook his head, "I'm still alive. The Magic High Commission crystalized me when I tried to save you from the robot, St. Olga…"
The Magic High Commission…Meteora grumbled inwardly. They took everything from her: her parents, her home, her birthright. She felt her father lay a hand on her shoulder in sympathy, "I know. Our people have always been slighted and abused by both the Magic High Commission and the Butterfly family since they came to Mewni."
"What do you mean by our people?" The monster princess blinked. "You mean Monsters?"
"More than just monsters," her father said with a heavy sigh. "It's a long story but seeing neither of us has to anything better to do soon, I'll indulge. Follow me."
As he turned to walk away, Meteora did not move a muscle, her feet wincing with phantom pains. She had tried countless times to walk around the Lake of Fire to find companionship or a way out, but it left scars and thick burns that oozed black pus on her feet. They were useless, and hoping to find a way out was the same. Globgor smirked as he read her thoughts, "I didn't mean with your feet, my little blazing star. With your mind. How do you think I'm here if I'm trapped in a crystal?"
"Wait?" Meteora's eyes grew wide in realization. "You're using magic?"
"The Butterflys aren't the only ones capable of magic on Mewni. My people perfected it long before they came," Globgor replied. "Perhaps I should first teach you astral projection—what I had to master to see you. It will allow you to travel across space and time without even moving your body."
Intrigued, Meteora sat up and crossed her legs, mimicking Globgor's position when he sat down in front of her. "Breathe in and out deeply and slowly," he instructed. "I would show you, but I don't need to breathe where I am. You must empty your mind in order to cross into the Void."
The Void of Fate, Meteora knew that place well. Obeying her father's instructions, she tapped into her magic and dipped deep down into the black realm. She used to hate her magic—it represented her link to the Butterflys and got her in trouble with St. Olga many times. Her horrid adoptive "mother" did not tolerate such nonsense, severely disciplining the young girl when her clovers showed on her cheeks. Knowing her father contributed to Meteora's magic ability made her trust it more, and she wanted to know what he did.
Surrounding her, blue strings floated in an uncountable number, overlapping and gnarled into a big heap. "Welcome to one of my old playgrounds," Globgor appeared beside her. "I know your mother likes playing with the strings too, but I was the one who taught her such magic was possible."
Meteora got a good look at the place, especially drawn in by a bright, red string surging with energy and warmth. "We'll address that later," the Prince of Darkness narrowed his eyes as he spied the Blood Moon bond. "First, a little lesson. The universe is made of connections between all beings, represented by those blue strings. Any gray, unconnected strings come from those who are dead."
He pointed to the floating segments of once-lively stings floating around aimlessly, bereft of attachment that gave them life. Seeing them made Meteora sad, reminding her of her severed connections only recently rebuilt. "I call these guys 'floaters.' They seem dead and unusable, but you just have to get creative." Globgor held a tattered floater attached to him on one side and to nothing on the other. Soon, Meteora noticed more floaters drifting around her father's soul, all haunting him like ghosts.
"This is my entire community," he said scarcely above a whisper, holding the decayed threads through his claws. "My parents, my relatives, my friends. They were stolen from me...Anyways, the magic I am about to show you taps into these floaters, recreating the memories contained within them. Of course, you can do this with living connections. That's easier to do. Take my hand—it might hurt a bit."
She took his hand, feeling like a little girl accompanying her father on an outing to avoid getting lost. Perhaps they would have had a relationship like that once. Globgor picked up a string and muttered a low spell in a language Meteora did not know. Over the years as headmistress of St. Olga's Reform School for Wayward Princesses, she had heard many foreign tongues brought in by the princesses she helped to become productive members of royal families. Mostly, they uttered curse words at her, Princess Lilacia especially loved muttering horrible things in Pony Head. Therefore, hearing a language Meteora did not know was surprising. It had to be an old Monster Language.
Suddenly, the Void lit up as if caught on fire, forcing the floater to become a sickly purple color. Dark magic. "We must see the past to understand the future," Globgor's voice rattled in her head. Pain shot through Meteora's soul and she felt it separating from her body like a button getting ripped off a coat by a naughty child. The searing sensation made her scream and the Void shifted to a mountainous landscape covered in stone buildings.
Where am I? After the process ended, Meteora found herself in a lush alpine meadow somewhere in the Musty Mountains surrounded by fields of Mewni corn and a quaint village. Globgor saw the scene and chuckled warmly, "This is my family's village from my father's memory. As you can see, it was a lovely place. Come with me."
He pointed and listed off the names of the buildings constructed out of blue shale and granite: libraries, temples, homes, businesses. The sense of pride he had made Meteora feel at home—which she was since these were her people. Villagers moseyed through the streets buying and selling, playing with children, and enjoying the weather. This could have been my upbringing, the thought caused a sense of longing.
On top of a snow-covered peak, a tiny house was perched next to a massive temple complex. The vision shifted, bringing Meteora and Globgor instantly to the doorstep where a monster wearing thick white robes held up a new baby. "That is my father," Globgor's voice cracked. "And me. We had no king and queen like the Mewmans. We were led by a High Priest—my father. His job was to give us guidance to live by and serve the Blood Moon and other spirits of the universe. I think he did a good job."
The scene changed again, showing the priest anoint a young Globgor with fresh goat's blood and saying a prayer. Magic allowed Meteora to understand her grandfather's words, "My son, Globgor, you are destined for a future unlike any other of our race. The stars call you to be a ruler who will command armies and conquer the entire world, uniting it under one rule."
Others in the temple looked on, pleased at the words of their priest. Suddenly, the shaft of light streaming on the sleeping baby turning deep red, both the color of the Blood Moon and a warning. The High Priest and his attending servants saw the sign and exchanged terrified glances, the dread making Meteora shiver.
"But," the High Priest summoned brave words to speak. "You must know our days are numbered. Strangers are coming, and our time is ending. Blood will run in our streams, and the land will scream in agony as everything you love will be taken by the sword." He paused and studied the light once more before ending with, "Heed the sign of the moon, my son. It holds your destiny. The bond of the Two Lovers will bring in a new age that will bring peace forever. Praise the Blood Moon!"
Again, the vision-scape shifted and what the High Priest said was coming true. Mewmans came on boats, settling the coastal areas and making alliances with the Pony Heads and Lucitors. No one was afraid in the Musty Mountains—everyone knew those two royal families would befriend anyone with enough gold. The loss of the Lucitor family's support hurt the Underworld-Musty Mountain trade routes, but there were ways around it. For a while, all went on like usual.
As the years went on, however, it was evident the newcomers meant ill for anyone who did not side with them. Monster towns along the plains were razed to the ground, making way for a giant, ostentatious castle and fields of corn and animals. Mewman villages popped up too, taking more and more land from the previous inhabitants. Violence was rampant, and the Queen of the Butterfly family lashed out with magic. It was an instant win for the Mewmans.
Concern grew in the Musty Mountains, and a young Globgor watched as his people's towns disappear and the temple fell into disuse. Even the mountains themselves changed—they became emptier and wilder until only Globgor was left, huddled in the ruins of his temple. The vision ended there, father and daughter reappeared in the Lake of Fire.
"You're not going to really end the story there?" A new voice spoke. "You're making Meteora miss the best part—when a Mewman princess found a shivering Monster on one of her many adventures and gave him a blanket."
Turning her head, Meteora saw her mother materialize in the Lake of Fire too. It's like a family reunion! Her parents were only together—according to her memory—when she was born and a few days afterward. Globgor was always busy and away from home, his trips leaving his unguarded wife and daughter prey for royal search parties and Magic High Commission. The former queen smiled when she saw her lover, and the two embraced.
"Eclipsa," Globgor breathed her name tenderly, "I've missed you."
"And I, you, my handsome Glob-Glob," his wife giggled. Glob-Glob? Meteora snickered, how could an intimidating, nine-foot-tall monster have such a ridiculous pet name.
The monster's tail twitched in irritation and he ignored what she just said, "Anyways, share with Meteora what you've learned today about the Butterfly family."
Both mother and daughter lifted their eyebrows at the comment for different reasons. Meteora was interested in any news relating to her enemies, and Eclipsa looked shocked that he knew whatever she did. "I don't feel like it's my place to," the dark queen replied in a low tone, her eyes betraying mixed emotions, "It's a rather private affair…"
"But Clipsy…" Globgor placed a hand on her shoulder and leaned over for a kiss. "It'll be useful for reuniting the three of us. You know how much I love you and our daughter."
The words of affection loosened up Eclipsa, and she said with a little hesitation, "Queen Star has had twins with King Marco. Oh, Globgor, you should see them! They are the cutest little ones I've seen in a long time—"
"Babies?!" Meteora's mouth dropped open, "How long have I been down here?" Or was all the screaming in the tent the cause…
"Three years," Globgor replied. "Long enough for that brat to try to continue her line, keeping the throne from its rightful heir."
"Isn't that supposed to be Star?" His daughter asked.
Globgor threw back his head and cackled loudly, "That peasant wishes! Meteora, you are the true heir of the kingdom because Star descends from a rando girl they brought in to replace you, Daughter."
Whaaaa…Meteora could scarcely believe it. She was the real Butterfly. Not Star. This day kept getting better and better. She remembered the Oracle's prophecy she learned from Eclipsa all those years ago. Maybe her dreams of taking over Mewni weren't dashed after all!
Eclipsa stared at her shoes, her eyes refusing to look up in shame, "I know they aren't really my great-grandchildren…but I am genuinely excited about Andromeda and Orion's birth."
"Don't despair, Eclipsa," Globgor lifted her chin. "We'll establish an unending dynasty and have real descendants." Eclipsa opened her mouth but closed it again.
The monster prince went on, "First things first, I need to get Meteora out of here. It's going to take all of the magic I have stored in me for three hundred years, so let me tell you your next steps. It'll take me a while before I can talk again. Go to the mountains, find the temple and heed the sign of the moon. You'll know what I mean. Follow it and find me."
He chanted a powerful incantation, causing the entire Lake of Fire to shake. Globgor waved goodbye before what felt like a gust of wind caught Meteora up and whisked her out of the Underworld through a small fissure. Even though it was nighttime, the moons and stars blinded Meteora like the sun at noonday. Cold air hit her lungs like bricks, slicing her fur like arrow cuts. It was almost more painful than being burned repeatedly, and she wanted to go back for a second.
Then it hit her. She was free. Destiny smiled on her, the true heir of the Butterfly throne. "I did it…father," She shakily rose to her feet, nearly falling from the discomfort of standing on blistered feet and weak muscles. "I'm back on Mewni."
"Excellent work, Meteora," a deep voice whispered in her ears, fading as he spoke. "Now, it's time to take the throne once and for all."
She could not resist turning towards the northern horizon, guided by the lodestar in the warnicorn constellation. The Butterfly castle was out there with two infant targets probably sleeping in the arms of their ignorant parents. She was going enact her revenge on them—if she was robbed of their parents, so would they. But first…, she turned the other way and limped towards the Musty Mountains to the south, tips peeking over the dark pine forest.
Morning came too soon for Star lately, as if the sun were more in a hurry than usual. It had always come too early in a sense, crashing her parties and cuddling time with Marco, but now the darkness seemed to bleed into morning in the blink of an eye. According to Marco, her conspiracy theory was wrong—days were three hours longer on Mewni than Earth. If so, then I'm the Queen of Scotland, she muttered to herself. Whatever a "Scotland" was. Although her eyes were firmly closed, her mind was wired imagining about what today would bring. C'mon, Star, she grumbled to herself. Sleep. Her attempts at holding onto the remnants of darkness failed, and sunlight leaked in through opening eyelids. Alright, the day won, Star begrudgingly opened her eyes. What would the warrior Queen face today?
Quiet. A calm, peaceful hush hovered like a hum over the entire castle, and it was so bizarre Star could scarcely believe it. Soft sounds of snoring from the heap of laser doggies nearby, and Glossaryck inside of the Notebook of Spells mingled with the typical noises from the waking town below. Birds were chirping on the ledges of the castle spires, dried leaves fluttered on the breeze as they fell, and Star could hear her thoughts loud and clear. This was madness.
We're doing something right for once, she smiled contently, rubbing the bags under her eyes. They were her battle scars from long, sleepless nights and busy days. She'd better enjoy this moment now, because who knows when it will happen again—if ever. Her blue eyes mischievously gazed upon Marco sprawled out on the bed, locking onto his cute tush under the covers. She quickly knew exactly how to celebrate a peaceful morning.
"Marco?" She gently prodded his side. "Are you awake?"
He shrugged under the covers, "Kinda…what's up?" With a great yawn, he got up and stretched, his mind asking Star if something had happened. "Huh? Nothing today?" Puzzled, Marco scratched his head and looked around groggily. "Can't tell if we've done something super right last night or super wrong. Should we be concerned?"
Star shook her head and leaned against his chest, "Nope. This is a treat, so I'm not questioning it."
"But—"
"C'mon, Marco," she drew her finger slowly down his bare abs, "When's the last time we've had a morning for ourselves…" Star hoped her real message was clear to him because Marco had the uncanny ability to be denser than a black hole inside of a fruitcake. Apparently, he didn't because he tilted his head and wrinkled his eyebrows. It made him cuter at least. "Oh Marco, my love," she both wanted to laugh at his cluelessness and tackle him. Probably the busy nights did him in, so she clarified her desires for him. "My Wild Man…," her side of the bond purred as she rubbed against him.
It was then she saw the light bulb in his brain go off, and Marco channeled the side of him that rightfully earned the nickname Star gave him long ago. Boldness swirled in his eyes as he flipped the queen on her back, and adjusted pillows and blankets around both of them. He teasingly kissed her neck, letting his hands roamed her body, "I've missed you…"
"What do you mean?" She said in between panting. "I'm right here—Oh." Her tired mind realized what he meant, helped along by his touch and kisses. "I've missed you too," she wrapped her arms around body, excited for a bit of alone time.
All of a sudden, a thin cry sliced through the air like a knife, and the two lovers could hardly suppress an annoyed groan. Just when things were getting good…as usual. Marco kissed Star's cheek when she pouted, reminding her that babies needed round-the-clock care. They both knew crying infants was a part of the new normal. Marco promised to make up for the interruption later—as he always did—and went to fetch their robes. "Okay…" his mind already had a strategy in motion, "Is it a one-alarm or two alarm-fire?"
"Sounds like a one-alarm," Star realized she spoke too soon when a second wail lilted through the air. "Okay, make that two. Guess you need backup?"
Marco nodded, "Let's move out!"
On the other side of the portal, both twins eagerly awaiting their parents to arrive. Andromeda was the first face they saw, tears glistening on her blue stars. Star knew was was the likely instigator as her daughter followed the strict schedule Marco laid out, down to the second. In the neighboring crib, Orion was crying too but for a different reason. Unlike his sister, he didn't mind a late breakfast as long as his sleep wasn't interrupted. I feel ya, buddy, the queen shook her head, thinking of all the times Marco woke her up early. Already, it was easy to see the personalities of the twins and which parent they took after.
"Hey, Star?" Marco asked while leaning over Andromeda's crib. "Aren't the babies supposed to be sleeping on their backs?"
"Yeah," Star joined his side. "We did that."
Marco quoted tips from the baby books religiously, although Star figured a lot of childcare was just using common sense. Peering into the crib, the queen saw Andromeda laying on her tummy in her blue onesie, lifting her head and looking up with bright, brown eyes. She had stopped crying once she noticed she had her parents' attention, and went back to sucking on her warnicorn pacifier. Look at my amazing little princess, Star stroked her cheek. Such a bold and daring personality would make her an excellent ruler and protector. I can't wait to teach her my secret fighting moves.
"Uhh...should she be lifting her head for this long?" Marco pondered. "She's only three weeks old."
"Well yeah," Star shrugged, "She's learning how to roll over."
"She's three weeks old…"
So? From what Star learned through skimming those stupid books and listening to Marco, Earth babies were really fragile and developed at a very slow rate. Apparently, Andromeda shouldn't be able to laugh or lift her head for a few months, but she and her brother took after their mother's side more. Like Mewman babies, the twins were bigger and stronger already. Just the other day, Marco had to literally pry his finger out of Andromeda's bone-crushing grip.
To show her Daddy that the baby was indeed trying to roll over, Star set Andromeda on her back again. "Andie, sweetie," she called to her gently, "Roll over for Mommy." Her nickname was something Star thought up not long after her birth, although Marco didn't use it a lot. He thought it sounded either like the Andes Mountains in South America or a boy's name.
Regardless of what name her mother used, the infant turned her head and grunted softly as she wriggled her arms and legs until she flopped over on her belly. A smile grew on her face, connecting her blue stars; she seemed content at her new ability.
"You did it, my little warrior!" Star picked up Andromeda and rubbed their noses together, making her daughter laugh. "We're gonna be out on the battlefields of Mewni in no time!"
Marco just stood beside them with his mouth wide open, "Wow...I didn't know it would be so soon…"
"Soon?" Star tickled Andromeda's pink toes as she spoke, "They're actually kinda late. You heard what Uncle Grunt said about them being able to sit up at a month old."
"Oh," Marco replied and let his eyes drift away. "Do you think Orion can roll over?"
Though the other twin was a bit smaller than his sister, he was no less lively. From his crib, he watched the rest of his family with interested green eyes while holding his feet. When he saw Star and Marco come closer, he reached up, signaling he wanted to be held too.
"Aww, you look like an upended turtle, Rye," Star's nickname for him had a twofold meaning. It was both a shorter form of Orion and a reference to the golden grain found across Mewni. "Can you roll over?"
On command, the twin kicked his legs and furled the thick eyebrows he inherited from Marco in deep concentration. Despite how hard he tried, Orion failed to flip over, and he gazed up helplessly at the rest of his family. "It's okay, buddy," Marco picked him up and rubbed his back, "You'll be able to roll when you're ready."
Orion whimpered against his father's shoulder, feeling defeated. "Hey there," Marco tried to cheer him up. "Why don't we go and fix breakfast together? That'll make you happy." The two left the room.
My poor little son, the queen sighed. So far, his life had been one big challenge after another, starting with his dramatic birth. Yet, she was confident Orion would grow into a strong prince—he had her fighting spirit in him.
Star shoved the thoughts away when she felt Andromeda tug on her hair. Star realized that she had to figure out a way to keep the young princess entertained while waiting for breakfast. Patience was not her thing, taking after her mother. In fact, that was not the only thing she inherited from Star. Andromeda had her golden hair, can-do smirk, and strength. The latter was very noticeable in how quickly she took to moving around and leaving tiny dents in her toys. That's the Johansen in both of us, Star remarked. Yet, she was so Marco's daughter. A lover of routine and rules, punctual in sleeping and waking, and quite regal with the thoughtful brown eyes she inherited from him. She's gonna be a studious princess, that's for sure.
Hmm… the queen sat down with her daughter. They both stared out the great bay window down at the kingdom of Mewni. In the mid-morning hours, the townspeople were emerging from their houses, unaware of the new set of eyes watching them. Next week, the twins would be a month old, and Star and Marco would formally present them to the kingdom. It would set in motion the rest of Andromeda's life, for better or worse. Thinking about her daughter one day using magic gave Star an idea. I could teach her the Whispering Spell.
Of all the spells passed down the Butterfly line, this one was the most important. Star had found this out the hard way, having used it twice to save Marco and Mewni from Toffee. Hopefully, Andromeda would never have to even think about uttering the spell, aside from teaching her own daughter one day. Star rocked back and forth in the rocking chair, humming the tune once in her head to make sure she remembered the song correctly. Knowledge of the spell is passed from mother to firstborn daughter only through a lullaby in a secret language: Low Mewnian. The Language of Queens.
To preserve the secret, Star shut the door of the room and her bond with Marco. Sitting on a rocking chair in front of the fireplace, she sang in a low whisper loud enough for only the two of them to hear. There, Star finished the song. Andromeda had taken her first step towards becoming the next Queen of Mewni. In spite of the monumental moment, the princess seemed unimpressed, letting out a yawn and searching for what she really wanted: food. I know; that's coming, Star laughed. Who wanted to listen to a spell when hungry? She was likely the same as a baby.
They both looked up when they heard Marco knock on the door, "Everything okay in there, Star?" He came in loaded down with two bottles on a tray and Orion.
"Yeah, just spending time with Andie," she smiled.
Star could feel the skepticism in Marco's mind, but he let it go. Instead, he had to focus on feeding Mewni's fussiest eater. Orion hated bottles, but the decision to wean the twins to them came out of necessity. Star would be too busy with royal duties soon to nurse them, and, since Mewnian babies didn't nurse long, her milk supply was dwindling. Andromeda took to the bottle easily, greedily sucking down her food within a few moments. "Look at you," Star set down the empty bottle. "Wanting to get so big and strong. How's it going with Orion, Marco?"
Marco sighed, "About the same as usual, not really interested." Orion stared at the latex nipple in front of his eyes with deep suspicion. Hmm… Star rubbed her chin. She then got an idea, and she knew Marco picked up on it.
He eyed her with doubt, "You can't be serious, Star. Mewni Corn-flavored milk?"
She nodded, "Diet affects the taste of milk, and he probably misses that." There also wasn't a lot of choices. After reciting a possible spell in her mind a few times—Star wanted to be precise on this—she touched a knuckle to the bottle and watched the milk turn a creamy yellow. Marco brought the bottle to his son's lips and marveled at how the baby emptied container in a heartbeat.
"Wow...hungry weren't ya," he chuckled. "You shouldn't wolf down your food like that, or you'll get sick." Sure enough, when Marco burped him, Orion threw up all over his hoodie then laughed. Star handed her husband a towel while nearly snorting, "He's definitely my son."
"Too much of your son," the king grumbled.
"I was about to say that myself." A blue blur shot between Star and Marco's faces, and nearly scared the living crap out of the pair. Especially out of Marco, who instantly sprung out of his chair and dropped into a fighting stance with Orion tucked in his arm like a football. He relaxed when he saw who it was but kept a wary eye on the visitor.
"Glossaryck!" Both he and Star groaned. "Can you not sneak up on us!"
The little blue guru showed no remorse in his eyes, simply shrugging, "And can you two not do that thing?"
"What thing?" They continued speaking in unison. "Oh, this thing? Yeah, sweetie, can you not…ugh." It was one of those moments when their bond was completely in sync. There was never a pattern as to when and why it happened, but it creeped everyone out. Star had to figure out how to trip Marco up to disengage.
"Rhinoceros," they both yelled. Nope.
"Hippocampus." Nope.
"The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell!" Star and Marco both laughed, feeling the bond untangle at the ridiculous phrase. Her husband came up with that, assuming Star would find the random trivia they learned at Echo Creek funny. It worked perfectly, to his credit. "You know that's the only thing I remember from Earth biology," she confessed.
"I think it's the only part of biology most people remember," Marco pointed out.
"What about punt-it squares?"
"Punnett Squares, Star," Marco corrected her. "That's genetics."
"Oooh," she mouthed. "No wonder I failed that quiz. I thought we were supposed to talk about football."
While they engaged in their mental conversation about a bored Earth monk breeding peas, Glossaryck rolled his eyes. "Why didn't the Blood Moon pick someone else? You see most soul-bound couples find the mind-reading thing annoying, and never use it. The two of you act like chatty grannies on a telephone."
"Sorry," they muttered an apology.
Star then asked her mentor, "What are you doing here, anyway?" Glossaryck made it clear several times that he didn't plan on being around the twins until they got much older. In fact, he hadn't even seen them yet.
"Two reasons," he held up his fingers. "One, to make sure you haven't accidentally killed the babies yet—"
"What's that supposed to mean?" Huffing in anger, Star put her free hand on her hip. How dare Glossaryck call her a bad mother.
"If your parenting skills are anything like your magic ones, then I should be concerned," He replied in another scathing comment. "And two, now that your mother has learned to interact with the physical world, she won't shut up about the fact I haven't seen the twins yet. It's always, 'Why haven't you seen my grandkids, Glossy? Even Eclipsa has!' So annoying!"
"Go, Mom!" Star and Marco shared a glance.
Glossaryck floated over Orion, studying him with narrowed eyes while stroking his beard, "Hmm…cheekmarks. I'm going to start with him first." The prince was busy snoozing in Marco's arms until Glossaryck poked his nose. Startled green eyes blinked open, and Orion shrieked in terror. I don't blame him, Star smirked, watching Marco try to calm him down.
"You know, Star had the exact same reaction," Glossaryck rolled his eyes. "He's going to be a joy to work with. Now, onto the princess." He stood on the arm of Star's chair and locked eyes with the calmer child. Andromeda wasn't afraid of him at all, showing a tiny smile. "I like this one already. You know the only other Queen who smiled at me was Comet….I miss her so much."
He turned around to wipe a tear, and Star tried hard to contain an amused grin, "Aww…I've never seen you cry Glossaryck."
"That's because you never touched my heart like your grandmother."
"Ouch…" Marco winced. "Do you mind finding at least one kind thing to say to my wife?"
The guru replied, "She gave birth to Andromeda. There. Anyways, I'm going to play poker with my own pathetic children. Hekapoo says I owe Rhombulus a win after cheating 9000 times. It's not cheating, it's just being smarter. Bye."
Just as quickly as he came, he left the family in the nursery. "You know," Marco said after a minute, "He's definitely off the babysitter list."
"Definitely."
"You know, tomorrow is Thursday," Marco checked his phone one last time before climbing in bed. "Or it will be one minute."
"I think I'm too tired for Relationship Thursday," Star muttered drowsily.
Days were impossibly long with the babies, and the nights were even longer. If she fell asleep right this second, Star would be lucky to get in a couple hours before one of the twins started crying. I've become too tired to want to hang out with my best friend, she slumped on the pillow in frustration. For Star Butterfly to say no to adventuring with Marco either signaled the end of the universe or how low she had fallen—fortunately, it was the former this time. It wasn't like her soul didn't want to, but her body was weak.
Marco sensed her thoughts and sighed, "I get if you want to stay in."
She could clearly hear the hurt in his voice because it echoed her own. The old days of dimension-hopping adventures were over—it almost made Star sick to realize that. Days and nights blurred together into endless feedings and diaper changings, collapsing the wide universe down into meeting the twins' base needs. Some said that a baby becomes their parents' entire world, and Star now knew it was true. Although the reality was a lot more depressing.
"Cheer up," Marco kissed her cheek. "This isn't forever." There would be other Thursdays, he assured her. Days where they would have loads of time for the two of them, but Star heard the strain in his voice. Whatever, the queen wanted to drop the subject and sleep. Her mind thought about how much she missed going bar hopping and venturing on quests, sinking her spirits even lower until deep blackness took over.
Not much later, Star could pick up Orion whimpering in the nursery. I'm coming, she gingerly rolled out of bed, and held in roaring yawn to not disturb Marco. Usually, one of the twins crying in the middle of the night would have bothered the queen, but she knew exactly why Orion was fussing. It was time for their secret nightly ritual—one she looked forward to in spite of losing sleep.
After sliding on her slippers, she tiptoed through a portal and into the nursery, maneuvering around furniture to reach the crib. Silver moonlight twinkled in the prince's eyes like little stars when he saw his mother stand over him. Picking him up, she whispered in his ear, "Ready for an adventure, Rye?" No sense in wasting a perfect Thursday.
They snuck out of the nursery and down into the throne room. Muted rainbows caused by the moon shining through the stained-glass windows created dappled shadows on the vast, empty floor. On a normal day, the throne room was perpetually filled with royal guests lobbying for power, peasants seeking favors, and the full, inescapable weight of being an eighteen-year-old monarch. Even before Orion was born, Star used to sneak into the throne room during still nights just to clear her head on matters discussed the day before. As much as she had gotten done so far, there was an endless pile of things needing to happen. For example, Monsters still weren't recognized as full citizens of Mewni, and Star was drafting a resolution to fix that. It was the first new law she was going to introduce when she came off of maternity leave.
There's time to worry about that later, she paused right in front of the thrones, holding her son so he could see their beauty. The three chairs carved from solid pieces of Mewnian bluestone—a rare rock found in the deepest quarries of the Jaggy Mountains—were priceless heirlooms. From them, Queens ruled and protected the kingdoms with magic and decrees, but Star couldn't help but feel disheartened instead of awestruck. There wasn't a prince throne. Orion had no official place in the monarchy as her son. Aside from Jushtin, no other Butterfly male was born with a title or a chance to inherit anything.
Although it was great Orion would be able to live without the pressures that drowned Star in a sea of misery, she knew a gulf was built into their relationship. When the time came for Andromeda to inherit the wand, Star would show her daughter princess stuff—like how to fight in battle or figure out how to stay awake during stupid townhall meetings. She would never get to hang out with Orion like that. "No matter what, you're no less my son, Rye," she held him closer, taking him up the small flight of stairs to sit on the Queen's throne.
The view from the largest royal seat was breathtaking during any moment, but being able to share it with Orion made it more special. Star loved watching his little eyes dart back and forth, taking everything in. "Like it up here?" She asked gently. "I remember the first time I sat on here as a little girl. It's like you can fit all of Mewni in this giant room." She stopped talking and thought about what she wanted to say next.
Her talks with Orion, though one-sided, were therapeutic because she could tell the truth and not worry about anyone judging her. Sighing bitterly, she went on, "I guess what's on my mind tonight, Orion is kinda complicated. Just feel like I'm losing myself. Haven't slept nor had a moment of peace with Marco in weeks." And it's because of you, she couldn't bring herself to say the rest.
"You know how hard it is being a mother at eighteen?" It took everything within her to keep from sobbing. "I hope you wait on having kids, bub. There's all this fun stuff I wanna do, for corn's sake, but I'm stuck changing diapers!"
The baby blinked in a wordless reply, Am I really that horrible, Mommy? How could she be mad at such a cute little face? Marco claimed that both of the twins favored her more, but Star could see how much Orion took after his father. He had his eyebrows, his hairline, his mother's eyes, and of course, Marco's bold smile. The one that could get Star through even the darkest times.
"You're not," Star let a faint smile grow on her lips. "My dear son, I've created a lot of things on accident. Warnicorns, narwhals, various animal spells, laser puppies…Oh yeah, I created a millhorse once when Toffee trapped me inside of a corrupted Realm of Magic. I actually died, but I'll save that story for when you're older. It's scary."
"But…" emotion caused her voice to crackle, "You and Andromeda are the best thing I've made. Ever. Yeah, it sucks to be stuck changing diapers and skipping Relationship Thursdays, but you're worth it. I love you from the absolute depth of my soul, and I know Marco feels the same. When I found out I was having you, I was a bit scared, but so overjoyed. I'd do anything to make sure you feel loved." Even break thousands of years of tradition.
Gazing up at the moon, Star knew what she was about to do was the right thing, even if it flew in the face everything her family stood for. It took courage to make sure there was fairness for all—whether it be sticking up for Monster rights or a place for her son in the royal court. A fifteen-year-old princess once stood up to make sure her human partner was treated with the respect he deserved as her prince. Now, she was going to do the same for their son.
"Hey, Rye," the queen murmured. "Can you keep a secret between the two of us?"
Her son shifted closer to her as if eager to listen, and Star sang the words of the Whispering Spell to her son in the hush of the night.
"Star? Are you okay?"
A gruff voice and nudge to the shoulder woke Star up with a start, and she realized with dread that she was still in the throne room. How did this happen? She thought that she took Orion back to his room after reciting the Whispering Spell to him—or she dreamed that she did. Again. Whatever happened or not, the queen was a frizzy, exhausted mess with a crick in her neck from sleeping sitting on the throne. A dozing baby was nestled against her in one arm and an empty bottle was still in the clutches of her opposite hand. How did that get there? I'm a hot mess, she couldn't imagine what would have happened if the royals found her like this. Dave would have a blast hurling insults at Star for being a disgraceful slob, and that was the last thing she needed.
Orion snuggled into Star's chest for more warmth, and the sight made his mother feel guilty. How could she fall asleep with a vulnerable three-week-old in her arms? She could have easily dropped him, and it was a long fall to a cold floor. What kind of mother am I? A good mother would never endanger her baby like this. Her son was resting with his eyes closed, blissfully unaware what was going on.
Sunlight streamed in her face, warming her cold skin and refreshing her tired body. Down below, servants were setting up the long tables for a meeting. Wait, who was talking to me? Turning her head to see River sitting in the king's throne. He was dressed up in a white prince suit with gleaming, golden shoulder tassels and matching buttons. Even his beard was neatly trimmed and styled into fluffy curls. His pale eyes met hers with great compassion, "Oh, I know that look. The 'I'm a bad mother face.' Moon Pie made that one a lot."
Leaning back, he smiled to himself remembering days gone by for a minute, "You have no idea how many times your mother fell asleep holding you. During meetings, while signing papers in the study, after bedtime stories while sitting on the throne. She was trying to be there for you."
Star sighed, pressing Orion closer. In a week, she and Marco would have to return to their royal duties, meaning there would be less time to be the twins' parents. While Moon did her best, Star was practically raised by the Mewni Kingsguard. I want to do better, she glanced down to see Orion begin to stir, peeking his olive-green eyes underneath his golden eyelashes. Just like the vow she made to Marco, she promised her son that she would put his and his sister's well-being above the kingdom's. "Duty before self" was a horrible principle to live by.
River scratched his beard while watching his daughter thoughtfully, then said, "Star, I'm guessing that you are worried about taking up your duties again. Don't look at me like that—father's intuition. Just relax—you and Marco are doing fine as is. In fact, you're doing a lot better than Moon and I did with you. Life is always stressful with babies, Star, so you have to learn to carve out free time before it consumes you. When's the last time you and Marco have had a day to yourselves?"
"Before the twins were born," Star admitted.
"Then as Acting King," River placed a firm hand on hers. "I order my Queen to take a day off to rest with her husband. Okay?"
As weird as it was to be ordered to goof off by her father, Star dipped her head and replied in a mocking tone, "As you wish, Your Highness. I only wish you could watch the twins."
"I know. Instead, I'm stuck attending these booooring meetings. I have no idea how you get through them."
"Sorry about that," Star snickered.
"I don't mind, Star." River insisted. "I'll just catch up with my little warrior later, isn't that right?" To both of their surprises, Orion had woken up and clung to his grandfather's beard demanding to be held. And to think he still can't roll over, Star gently pried him off.
Star got up to leave and could already feel Marco freaking out over the bond. He had just woken up and realized that she wasn't in bed. "Just talking with Dad," she decided to leave out the other part until later. "Thanks for everything, Dad," she said to River.
"That's what fathers are here for," he hugged her. "No matter how old you get and how many babies you have, you'll always be my daughter."
Later that morning, Star placed Orion next to his sister on the plush bottom of a playpen in the Diazes' living room. Both twins studied their new surrounding with interest, having never seen an Earth house. There was electricity, paved roads, and more oddities for them to explore in their first new dimension. Andromeda wasted no time in trying to get the most out of her new environment, already playing with a few baby toys scattered throughout the playpen. Orion, however, stayed on his back and stared up at his mother, knowing she was going on an adventure without him. Why are you leaving me, Mommy?
The expression on his face tugged at her heartstrings, and she could tell Marco felt the ripple effect. "It's not forever, you two," Star leaned and stroked both of their cheeks to reassure them—and herself—that the decision to drop the twins off with their with their grandparents was right for everyone. They needed to experience other dimensions and being left with other caregivers, and their parents needed a break.
Behind her, Marco deposited another thick notebook of schedules on the coffee table while he explicitly laid out changing, feeding, and sleeping routines. "Oh," he reached into his bag and pulled out a box of Mewni-Corn drink powder, "You have to add this to Orion's formula or he will not eat. Only one teaspoon is needed—too much sugar isn't good for babies. And, to make it fair, add a pinch to Andromeda's. She doesn't need it, but it doesn't hurt."
"Oh, Marco," Rafael laughed. "Your mother and I can take care of babies. We raised you and Marco Jr."
"True, but Andie and Rye act more like Mewmans," Marco emphasized his point. "See? Andromeda is learning to sit up." They all turned to see the princess roll on her belly and try to move up on her haunches. She smiled when could sit fully for a second—propped up by the side of the playpen—then slumped over.
"Aww, Andie," Star picked her up and lifted her over her head. "My strong rebel princess, you're gonna beat up Mewni's enemies one day." Andromeda giggled, probably entertained by the attention and the idea of tearing down walls.
Angie smiled and returned to Marco's conversation, "We'll be fine, Marco. I know you're nervous leaving them for the first time, but they're in good hand. We're going to spoil them rotten, it's what grandparents do."
"Just don't spoil them too much," he insisted. "Rules are important."
Suddenly, a small shadow shot out from under the coffee table, nearly tackling Marco to the ground. "MARCO!" A cheerful cry came from the younger Diaz. "I wanna go too!"
After the king regained composure, he patted his younger brother on the head, "Not this time, Marco Jr. It's just me and Star. But—" He knelt down to the level of the three-year-old. "You have a super important job. As a knight of Mewni and an uncle, you get to make sure your niece and nephew stay safe."
A pure expression of wonder spread on Marco Jr.'s face—he had his first ever knight's mission. "Can you do that for me and Star?" Marco asked.
"I can do it!"
"Excellent," Marco gave him a hug. "You're gonna be a fine royal protector one day."
Lastly, the king went over to the twins and picked them both up in a final goodbye before opening a portal to the secret meadow on Mewni. "Star and I won't be gone too long," he promised. "Oh, and don't hesitate to call if you need us for anything."
"We know, Marco," Angie called after the pair as they stepped into the portal. "But don't hurry back—you two need alone time." The Diaz house disappeared around them, replaced instead with Mewnian wilderness.
Wow… Star breathed, taking in the sights of the meadow. Fall had finally set in on Mewni, turning the surrounding trees shades of red and orange. Fluttering in the gentle breeze, the leaves landed in the meadow and floated on the waves of swaying golden, dried grass. There were also other animals in the meadow—mostly warnicorns and Mewnian red deer—seeking refuge away from the newcomers. Sorry, Star sent them a sheepish glance. She noticed the gleaming palomino coat of Sol nearby, and the stallion nickered his greeting before returning to his grass.
Star sprawled on the ground, letting the sun warm her body and restore the energy lost amid constant stress and caretaking. This was what she needed. Escaping from all that held her down in the place where Star and Marco could let go of their daily lives. This meadow was where they had their first date, where she asked Marco to be her prince, where they shared so many intimate moments under the light of the Blood Moon and stars. Tucked away in the heart of a secret wilderness, it was the meadow in which they could be themselves again. Not Queen and King or mother and father, or anything. Just Star and Marco.
"This is nice," Marco smiled, lying beside her. "Sorry, we've been dropping the ball on Relationship Thursday stuff."
She shrugged, "We're not going to let it happen again—that's for sure." For their own sanities, they really needed to make sure they actually saved the day for themselves. Destressing would make them better, well-rested parents.
Marco rolled on his side and brought Star in for a passionate kiss. His intensity caught her off guard, especially when he brought her on top of him. Oh? She broke away, her lips lingering an inch away. At least there was no way for anyone to see them way out in the middle of nowhere. "Since when have we ever cared anyway?" Marco cupped her cheek, a sappy grin spreading across his handsome face. They were in their place and nothing could disturb them.
"SHE'S A REBEL PRINCESS, SHE'S THE BEST—" A sudden outburst of singing and vibration interrupted the two lovers in their make-out session, causing Star to laugh, "That's your ringtone?!" As much as she hated Ruberiot for leaking her crush on Marco to the entire dimension, the rock anthem part of the ballad was amazing.
Marco ignored her and answered his phone, thinking it might be the Diazes with a question about the twins. Instead, he was greeted by the three panicked red eyes of Tom. "Dude?" Marco blinked. "Uh…I'm kinda busy with Star, so can you—"
"JANNA IS GOING INTO LABOR, BRO, I NEED YOU HERE RIGHT NOW!" Words vomited out of the demon's mouth.
Star and Marco exchanged a glance. It was about time since Janna was at least a week overdue, although Tom said it wasn't uncommon for demon babies to take longer to develop. So much for a quiet afternoon then. "Okay," the king calmly replied. "Where are you?"
"Echo Creek," Tom was practically hyperventilating. "Janna went into labor during class—I told her not to go until the baby was born—and Jackie brought her to the nearest hospital."
"On our way, man. Hang in there," Marco whipped out his scissors.
"Thanks, Marco. And what was it about you and Star being—" Star slammed the phone off. Alrighty, adventure time!
Within seconds, the couple were standing in front of the receptionist desk of Echo Creek General Hospital, shaking leaves out of their hair and clothing. The humans around them in line were dumbstruck at the sight of two young adults walking out of a portal. Oh yeah, gotta act normal for once, Star remembered Earth people didn't know about dimensional scissors or magic. Which was definitely a shame. If they all had dimensional scissors, they would never have traffic jams or have to wait for the magical gnomes to change the red-hand-in-the-box sot they could cross the street.
"M-may I help you?" The nurse stammered.
Marco replied as if nothing unusual happened, "Hi, we're looking for Janna Ordonia-Lucitor. She should be in the maternity ward."
"Right…" The nurse searched on her computer. "The maternity ward is on the sixth floor, and there's a waiting room on that level."
"Thanks," Star nodded.
The two opted to take the elevator since that was more normal, listening to cheesy 80s ballads piped in to disguise the clanking and beeping of the moving box. They reached the right floor and were greeted to a lobby with scared humans huddled together on one side and a collection of demons and warlocks on the other. Could Star blame them—even with magic, she was afraid of the Lucitors sometimes. In the lobby, the royal family of the Underworld was speaking loudly in harsh-sounding Demon to further intimidate the humans. Star knew they could speak English—especially Dave and his advisers. Typical, she rolled her eyes at their lack of manners. The only humans who dared sit near them were the Ordonias and Jackie, who was blocking out the scene by listening to music on her phone. When she saw Star and Marco, she waved them down.
"Hey, you two," she greeted her friends. "You just missed Tom—he comes in and out. Where are the twins?"
"With their grandparents," Marco replied. "Star and I dropped them off because it's Relationship Thursday."
"Oh?" Jackie raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure you and Star must have had a nice day."
"Nah, Tom interrupted," Star smirked. "There's still tonight though..."
Marco flipped his hood over his head to hide his blushing, "Can you not tell Jackie about that…"
She shrugged, "There's nothing to be ashamed of, Wild Man. I always give good reports." What was he so squeamish about? It wasn't like their friends didn't know between the tent incident and the fact Star got pregnant.
Jackie saw the faces they made at each other and giggled, "I guess the details are too good to share, huh? Anyways, if you and Wild Man over there need a babysitter, feel free to dial me up when I'm not in class. You know I'd be happy to run the magical kid daycare center with those two and Dante."
"We wouldn't want to impose though," Marco replied. He was about to say more when a rough cough startled both him and Star. Looking to the left of Wrathmelior, who squeezed herself onto a large sofa, was a shriveled, pale old man huddled in a black fur cape. "Wow, Marco," Star muttered to him. "That ugly-ass old man looks like Dave."
Marco bit his lip to contain his fit of laughter, "That's because it is Dave."
Oooh, she mouthed. It was an extremely rare occurrence to see the infamous King of the Underworld outside of his realm, and Star saw why. Under the dramatic lighting and shadows cast by the red Rose Window and plumes of lava, the king seemed powerful and strong. Yet simple Earth fluorescent lights revealed a pathetic shrimp of a man. To think Star was afraid of him…the thought made her snicker. There were old men in nursing homes who were more intimidating.
"Why hello, King Dave," it took all that was in her to keep from laughing. "Are you nervous about the birth of your grandson?"
Dave's red eyes glowed through his thick, black shades as he sneered, "Not at all, My Queen. Everyone knows that demon blood will override any taint of human's blood."
And this is why you don't have any friends, Star narrowed her eyes to slits. Yep, he was still the evil tyrant even in his weak form. Marco and the other Lucitors looked on as the two monarchs eyed each other like snakes ready to strike at any moment. If Star wasn't in a hospital on Earth, she would have wiped that hideous smirk off of his face for disrespecting both her husband and the next heir to the throne, but she let it pass. For now.
Time dragged on slowly, and Star leaned against Marco's shoulder while combing through yet another magazine. Earth people were so simple, she mused. They were concerned about matching pillows on a sofa or the perfect limeade recipe instead of which battle ax could sever a head the quickest or the best way to raid a castle. Meanwhile, Marco was chatting with Jackie about life as a new father.
"It's hard, y'know," he sighed. "There's so much that can go wrong, and I have no idea how to raise kids who can punch through walls at a year old."
Jackie nodded, "Must be tough, although I'd love to get a video of Andromeda destroying a building. It would seriously go viral."
"I know a ton of abandoned buildings she could go to town on," Star chimed in.
Suddenly, a portal opened and out came Kelly and Pony Head. "Sorry I'm late," the green haired girl laid down her bloodied sword. "Had to deal with stuff at home. Can't say what held Ms. Princess up."
Pony Head snorted, "Girl, whatchu mean you don't know? You know best aunt's gotta look perfect no matter where she goes."
Kelly just rolled her eyes and began wiping off her blade while the other humans who didn't know her shrieked both at the blood and the flying horsehead. "It's Mewnian snaggle-toothed bear blood," the warrior tried to assure them. "Carries nothing a human could catch…eh, it depends if they can get Mewnian Disco Fever."
"Mewnian Disco Fever?" Marco and Jackie echoed.
"Yeah, if you get it you'll dance forever," Star replied. "Or until you drop dead. Everyone on Mewni is vaccinated for it at birth."
"You guys have vaccinations?" Jackie asked, surprised.
Star nodded, "Of course. We're primitive, not stupid."
Then the lights started flickering on and off rapidly, followed by a team of nurses and doctors shrieking from somewhere in the hospital. "Whoa…" Pony Head's eyes grew wide. "Did not sign up for Night of the Hospitalized Dead III."
Kelly, Star, Marco, and Jackie reached for their weapons or magic, ready to defend the lobby from whatever was going on. Was it Mina up to no good again? Dave cackled beside them, hardly able to contain himself when he saw humans in white lab coats and scrubs race past them, "Just a typical birth of an Underworld prince, and you losers can't even handle the facts of life."
"A typical what?!" Team Starco gasped. As soon as the disturbance started, it ended, and the lights returned to normal. The Lucitors started cheering while the young adults were still very much puzzled.
"That was…different," Jackie placed her ax back in her backpack.
"Yeah…" Pony Head nodded, "What the hell just happened?"
The next figure to appear into the lobby was Tom and he had the biggest grin anyone had ever seen on his beaming face. "Hey guys," he waved. "I want you all to meet my son."
Figures, Star had to have guessed demons were born in the creepiest way imaginable after all of the weirdness Janna experienced in her pregnancy. "Congrats, Tom!" She got up and hugged him with the rest of their friends joining in. They pulled away and Tom pulled out a tissue to dab his runny eyes.
"Thanks," his voice quivered with excitement and joy. "I want you guys, Mom, and Janna's parents to meet him first."
"What about me?" An indignant huff came from Dave. "I'm the boy's grandfather."
Tom lashed his red tail and snarled, "You're going last, if at all. Complain, and I'll gut you right here, right now." Hearing the edge in his tone made Star totally believe the new father, and she couldn't blame him. "To make sure you comply—" the prince whistled, and the knights of Higgs's Kingsguard blocked the entrance to the maternity wing. "I trust you'll take it from here."
"Yes, my lord," Higgs bowed. "Don't usually take assignments from other royals, but today's a special case."
"Excellent."
With everything arranged, Tom led his group back to Janna's room, practically skipping the entire way there. "I've never seen him this happy," Star commented to Marco. "Like never in the two times we dated. It's kinda creepy."
"Yeah," Marco agreed. "I can handle broody, angst-Tom over this." They squeezed into the room and their hearts melted when they saw Janna holding her newborn son. She seemed rather calm about whatever the heck happened to deliver the new prince to the world, aside from looking quite tired. Star knew that feeling well.
Tom held his son to show off to the crowd, "Everyone, welcome Prince Dante Thomas Lucitor II." He was an adorable mix of both parents, favoring them both equally well. Sleek, jet black hair clung to his head, covering the little white nubs that would one day grow into a pair of sweeping horns. Dante had two red eyes that glowed against his tan face and a slender long tail, just like his father's. His human grandparents held him first, tearing up and taking tons of pictures while everyone else watched. Wrathmelior joined in too, crying marble-dissolving acid on the floor.
"Wow," Marco smiled. "You did an awesome job, bro."
"Of course," Tom jabbed him. "We Lucitors are born flawless. Isn't that right, Janna?"
She shot him a thumb's up, "But I did all the work though."
"So…uh," Kelly rubbed her arm. "How did the delivery go?"
Janna shrugged indifferently, "No more different than the usual trying to squeeze a watermelon out of a smallish hole. Just throw in some fire and darkness."
The other girls just stared wordlessly, and Star found her body recoiling in terror. So glad I married Marco…
"I'm officially not having kids now," Kelly shuddered. "That's just horrifying…"
"Are you sure your decision to never have kids comes from that, and not your inability to keep a good boyfriend," Pony Head retorted.
"Pony…no," Star jabbed her friend. Kelly folded her arms and muttered a few curses under her breath.
Not long after the exchange, Tom took Dante and placed him in Star's arms with a great smile still plastered on his face. "Starship," he breathed tenderly. "I want you and Marco to be the first to hold him after the family."
"Really?" They both glanced at each other.
"Of course," Tom chuckled. "Wouldn't be here without you two in my life."
Everyone around them started to get emotional, especially when Marco gave his best friend a great hug of appreciation. You're too sweet, Tom, Star struggled to keep it together herself. The three of them had been through a lot in the years they had known each other. They went from enemies to friends and back and forth a few more times. It meant the world to her that Tom wanted them to be one of the first people to interact with Dante. In truth, the baby was the closest thing she would ever have to a nephew until Marco Jr. had a child—hopefully he would wait a long time on that.
"Hey sweetie," Star spoke to the little bundle in her arms. "You're so adorable."
Dante grinned and reached up, grabbing a lock of her hair. Strong already, Star marveled at his grip when he wouldn't let go long enough for Marco to hold him too. Janna smirked, "I guess he inherited his father's taste in women."
"Janna, really?!" Tom and Marco sighed. "He's a baby!"
"But that makes it easier," Dave was finally let into the room after a while and he bore an unreadable expression on his crooked face. He snapped his fingers to produce a dusty scroll and pen, sliding them over to Star and Marco after they handed off Dante to Jackie and Kelly. "Your Majesties, we have business to attend to. Please just sign this scroll and it'll be done."
"What'll be done?" Star squinted at the document.
"The royal engagement of Dante and Andromeda," Dave said matter-of-factly, "Let's just get this over with now and—"
"Fuck no!" Tom, Star, and Marco hollered. The nerve of the creep to try to arrange a marriage of two infants! Star set the scroll on fire with magic, "My daughter is allowed to choose who she wants when she's ready, deal with it!"
"And same with Dante," Tom snarled. "Can't accept it, then get out." Dave and the other Lucitors backing him left, not even bothering to greet their newest relative. Tom and Star sighed and exchanged a glance. This was just the beginning of a long fight.
"Thanks for stopping by," Tom gave his friends a parting hug. "Sorry if it kept you from the twins longer than you intended."
"It's alright," Marco replied. "They're probably having a great time on Earth." The portal closed behind them, and Star and Marco were feeling good about the day. Not the Relationship Thursday they intended to have, but it was great nonetheless. Now, they were going to hopefully enjoy a quiet night with the twins too worn out to stay up.
When the portal opened to the Diaz house in Echo Creek, they saw a scene of chaos unfolding on the street. A rainbow track around the castle was on fire, and the Diazes were busy trying to collect the twins and Marco Jr. off of a giant beanbag chair. Star and Marco just stared agape at each other, "W-what happened?"
Meanwhile, on Earth, excitement bubbled in the body of a small toddler standing in the middle of the living room. Marco Jr. had just received his first knight's mission ever! And from the King of Mewni too. Sir Higgs would be so proud of him because she said only the best of the Kingsguard were assigned to protecting the next Princess of Mewni. Just thinking about the weight of his responsibility made him puff out his chest—they would call him Sir. Marco Jr. the Bestest one day. All of the knights and minor lords would look to him as the best royal protector Mewni has ever seen. First, he had to make sure he did a good job guarding his younger charges.
Grabbing Mr. Woggles, his trusty steed, and his wooden sword, the young knight followed the twins' every move throughout the many rooms of the castle. The task proved to be more difficult than he'd thought. Sometimes his Mommy and Daddy didn't appreciate his services. They shooed him away when changing the twins' diaper, and he didn't get why. As a three-year-old, he wore pull-ups which were diapers for big kids. His parents also grew concerned when their son spent long stretches of time—five minutes or so—guarding the playpen. Mommy tried to lure him away with tempting treats of milk and bananas, but the knight refused. He had a job to do, why didn't the grownups see that?
Marco Jr. poked Andromeda through the mesh of the playpen and felt her giggle. "That's not very polite," Mommy eyed him.
"I wanna play," he explained.
Being a knight was cool and all, but he was a kid too. Kids played games. Everyone else in Marco Jr.'s life was a grownup: his Mommy and Daddy, Sir Lavabo, Marco, Star, and their friends. They were fun to be around, but none of them wanted to wrestle in the mud or make pillow forts except Star. She was a cool grownup who loved playing games with magic or telling stories. His sister-in-law also had younger cousins, but he didn't see them a lot. When Marco Jr. learned she was getting babies from somewhere—his mother never said where—he was happy. Finally, more kids!
Mommy shook her head, "Not yet, Mister. Orion and Andromeda are too young to play big kid games."
But why? He glanced at the playpen full of sleeping babies. Why were they so boring? Apparently, all babies did was sleep, eat, and go boom-boom. The grownups treated them like the glass cups he wasn't allowed to hold. Maybe Orion and Andromeda wanted to have fun with their amazing knight uncle. Marco Jr. didn't want them to go home without having a good time. I have a plan…
However, just as he was about to try and wake up his niece again, strong arms picked him up. "What do you think you're doing hijo?" His Daddy chuckled. "You know it's naptime."
Naptime. The enemy of any junior knight. How could Daddy be so cruel when his son had an important job to do? Knights had to protect the castle from the bad guys Star told him about like, Toffee, Mina, or Meteora. They could come back at any time, and the castle needed a brave knight. "I don't wanna!" He wriggled in protest. "I wanna stay up!"
If Daddy continued to ignore his whining, he would cry. Then no one would be happy. Mommy saw that a tantrum was on the horizon, and pulled out a familiar blue box, and Marco Jr. stopped immediately. Gram-gram crackers. His one weakness besides Mewni-Corn flavored milk. The grownups had won.
"Hijo," his Daddy grabbed the box. "If you settle down, you can have a gram-gram cracker before taking a nap."
While the back of his mind was worried about his job, Marco Jr. could just taste the crunchy, sugar-dusted squares. Perhaps everything would be fine during naptime—only rude people would interrupt sleep. "Okay," he clung to his father's neck as he walked upstairs.
Marco Jr.'s room was down the hall from the staircase and to the left of a magnificent portrait of his big brother. Marco told him the story of the time he tried to buy an ugly picture of himself from Quest Buy. It was going to be a gift to his little brother, but it had to be destroyed because it made the young king ugly too. Instead, an official royal portrait was what Marco Jr. went to when he missed his brother. It seemed so real that the toddler often talked to it.
The toddler's bedroom was a nice size, big enough for him to grown up in and was decorated with castles, dragons, and knights all over the wall. His bed was even in the shape of a dragon's head and covered in a green-scaled comforter. Besides the stickers on his wall were a lot of pictures—way more than ten. Many of them were of his adventures with Star and Marco. There was one of the two of them holding a newborn Marco Jr when they were still kids themselves. Another one showed the time they took him to a beach. Unlike the beaches near his house, this was a lava beach in the Underworld, and Marco Jr. got to play with Tom and Kelly.
But his favorite picture sat on his nightstand. It was of himself, Marco, and Star riding horses through the countryside of Mewni. He knew the picture wasn't taken too long ago because Star was fat in it. Mommy said she had babies in her belly, which was confusing. Why would his favorite relative eat babies? They had to taste bad. Star was going to tell him what his Mommy really meant when Marco stopped her mid-sentence. It was something about husbands and wives having a "special hug" or something. The grownups said they would tell him later, but what was the big deal about hugging?
Climbing on his bed, Marco Jr. tucked himself in all by himself and eagerly awaited a gram-gram. He munched on it while his Daddy closed the door, telling him to call if he needed anything. With his appetite sated, the little knight laid down. A short nap would make him a better warrior.
He woke up and saw that the little hand on his clock had moved a number. Rested and refreshed, it was time to be a knight again and guard the young royals. First, he had to find them though. Quietly, he snuck out of bed and down the hall, being extra careful as he passed his parents' room. He heard them snoring too. Knowing the grownups, the twins were likely in his baby room next door. Marco Jr. had vague memories of staring up at the bright yellow walls that glowed when the sun rose, but he never went in there now.
Carefully, he squeezed through the crack in the door and was met with bright light bouncing off the walls. Wow…the room was smaller than his current one but warm and happy. In the middle, the twins shared his old crib, but neither of them were asleep. They were instead staring at each other like how their parents did sometimes. Star said she could read Marco's mind, and Marco Jr. wondered if his parents could do the same since they stared at each other too. Why did grownups have all the cool powers?
Andromeda noticed the newcomer and sat up on the mattress, sucking on her pacifier and gazing at her uncle with curious eyes. "Hi, Andie," Marco Jr. whispered. "I'm your uncle."
She blinked in response. If only babies could talk or do anything useful. "Wanna have fun?" The knight asked. "Let's play a game."
First, Marco Jr. had to figure out how to get them out of the crib. He remembered his parents lifting him out of it, but there had to be a latch to open the bars. All of a sudden, Andromeda turned to her brother, and Orion shook a pink glowing fist. The bars vanished in thin air, and both twins giggled.
"Wow…" Marco Jr. had to cover his mouth to keep his indoor voice. "You have magic!" Just like his Mommy. Orion smiled contently, and the pink aura disappeared from his right fist.
With that out of the way, Marco Jr. told his charges to wait a minute while he fetched his little red wagon, a few pillows, and bean-bag chair from his room. He placed the giant cushion under the crib and plopped on it. "It's soft," he told the curious babies. "You won't get a boo-boo."
The twins glanced at each other for a minute, then Andromeda carefully rolled off the crib and onto the beanbag chair, laughing when she discovered that she was okay. "You did it!" Marco Jr. clapped his hands. "Your turn, Rye." The name Orion was hard for a three-year-old to say, so he opted to use his nickname.
His nephew stared at the destination helplessly—the only way to join the adventure was if he learned to roll. Kicking ferociously and grunting loudly, Orion finally flopped himself on his belly on the edge of the crib. "One more!" Marco Jr. encouraged him. You can do it!
With one more effort, Orion rolled out of bed and onto the beanbag chair next to his sister. "I'm proud of you!" Marco Jr. hugged them both, grinning ear to ear. They could have fun now together like a family. He was going to show them all of the cool places in the castle, and get them snacks, and keep them safe from the forces of evil—like a good uncle-knight.
Marco Jr. placed pillows in his wagon to make the plastic floor comfortable for the prince and princess, then lifted them in. It took a few tries because babies were really heavy, but he got both of them in. Orion was the most excited, kicking his feet and waving his arms while smiling. Andromeda, however, remained skeptical, eying the wagon with deep suspicion before scowling at Orion. Their eyes met for a heartbeat, then the young prince shook his fist again, and created helmets and seatbelts for the two of them.
Are you happy? He frowned at his sister, feeling his head get weighed down by a blue helmet.
Yes, she seemed to smile. They really were just like their parents.
Once everyone was settled, Marco Jr. wheeled them out of the room and down the hall, on a great castle tour. He was so thrilled that he found it difficult not to take off into a run. There were so many things to show the twins about Earth, like the laser tag room or the giant pool with a waterslide. Where would Marco Jr. begin?
He paused when he heard footsteps and the sound of whistling fill the air. Uh-oh… the young knight gulped and shot a panicked glance at his passengers. A grownup! They were busted! Around the corner, Sir Lavabo, the personal knight of the Diaz family, was lugging laundry through the halls in a large sack and whistling Star's ballad from Song Day. If Marco Jr. was not trying to be sneaky, he would sing along since he loved it so much. But what was he going to do? Sir Lavabo would tell his parents if he was what was going on.
Unfortunately, Orion started giggling along to the music, recognizing his Mommy's name. Rye, no! It was too late, Sir Lavabo quickly dropped his laundry at the sight of a toddler pulling two young infants around in a relatively unsafe wagon. Marco Jr. tired his best to look cute or else his parents would put him in time out for five whole minutes. That was like an eternity for him!
"Young Sir," the older knight rushed towards him. "What do you think we are doing?!"
They had to get out of here and fast. Andromeda dropped the pacifier out of her mouth and sent a quick glance to her brother before somehow yanking the toddler into the cart behind the two of them. Whoa, her strength caught Marco Jr. off guard. Meanwhile, Orion kicked his feet and produced rocket boosters on the side of the wagon. Now, this was that Marco Jr. had wanted all day—a real adventure! As soon as the boy placed a helmet, the wagon took off in a cloud of smoke and flaming rainbows.
"Woohoo!" Marco Jr. threw back his head and yelled as the trio screamed down the halls. He could hear Sir Lavabo hollering their names in the distance, but there was no way the grownup could catch up without a warnicorn. Marco Jr. had the best niece and nephew ever! This was just like hanging out with Star and Marco. He loved nothing more than hopping through dimensions and surviving the whacky trials his sister-in-law dragged them through.
Except there was one problem the toddler had almost forgotten about—the stairs. Pillows and helmets couldn't keep them safe from the danger ahead. "Rye! Help!" Marco Jr. screamed, poking the prince's shoulder and hoping he understood big kid speak.
The wagon tipped downward on the first stair, but Orion's magic turned the entire staircase into a slide. Fearful screaming turned into laughter as the wagon became like a roller coaster, speeding down the track. For extra fun, Orion added more sections of loops, hills, and anything his little mind could imagine. The added length took them out of the castle, around the neighboring cornfields and back again. The other grownups working in the fields stopped working and stared in a mix of admiration and horror.
"Kids?! What are you doing?!" Going through another loop, Marco Jr. saw his scared parents below him.
"Hi, Mommy and Daddy," he lifted an arm off of Andromeda and waved.
The wagon did one more lap around the Diaz estate, and Marco Jr. realized Orion had not designed an ending. Instead, the track suddenly stopped, sending the trio flying through the air before spiraling to the ground. Luckily, Orion did create a giant beanbag chair, creating a safe, soft landing pad.
"That was awesome!" Marco Jr. panted, rolling in the cushy sack. Orion and Andromeda were also laughing and smiling at the great adventure they had had together. Sure, the grownups were upset and scolding them for nearly getting themselves killed, but that was what fun was all about. At least that's what Star always said. Around the kids, the track randomly caught on fire, setting an eerie halo around the Diaz property. Amidst the screaming grownups, the whine of fire trucks, and the hiss of flames, Marco Jr. saw Star and Marco emerge from a portal, staring wide-eyed at the scene around them. "W-what happened…?"
Author's Notes and Review Round-up
I normally don't believe in retconning anything in past fics, but I did change Globgor's original name and the thing about Solaria being Eclipsa's daughter in The Sign of the Moon to match the canon. They were minor details anyways, so I didn't mind doing that. On to reviews!
lookingforentertainment- Thanks! Writing is one of those things where practice makes you better. I've noticed that myself since writing Sign.
Slimester22- Good question! I have never thought about that. I think then it would be 50/50 boy or girl, but then it throws a wrench into how the kingdoms are ruled. Hmm...I'll think about that.
Bedrock Armor- Indeed and welcome back, Meteora mwhahaha.
Shining Light50- I love reading everyone's reactions and getting notifications for them, so never feel afraid to send some!
Aldal- The part about the Johansens is more a gag than anything, but yes, more culture shocks for poor Marco. I guess you can think of the Johansens as the Spartans (this. is. Johansens!). Also, the Hump Day is a reference to an old commercial with a camel in it (look it up). The babies wanted to join in on the adventure lol, and the reason Marco wasn't there the entire time because he respects Star's privacy (and it would be boring to write tbh). And, yes, I had to scare you with Orion. I am evil. I brought Moon back to make you cry even more, and she will show up again in this arc and will be very important to Star. And yes, Meteora. 'Nuff said.
Lilly- Good hunch...hmmm can't say more. You will see some of the pressures Dante and Andromeda will face real soon.
Star's Keyblade4114-I am evil, just like Daron lol. And yes, all hell is about to break loose, Star and Marco better watch out...