Chapter 12 2/2: Coronation Prep
Hey everyone, my bad for taking so damn long this. I have been worrying about so many other things that my motivation has died a bit, but it's all good. Just some regular snags of life that'll pass. Either way I have noticed some readers still following me and my other stories including this one so, my passion is still hanging in there don't worry.
I also included both Chapter 12 part 2 and Chapter 13 since if I separated them, then the post would say Chapter 14 when to me it's 13. I don't know I'm weird and real OCD about this stuff. Well without further interruption enjoy the Chapters and hopefully I can pick up the next pretty soon along with my other story and maybe another one on the way to build up my motivation to write cool shit again.
Enjoy…
"Let's keep it traditional Ms. Butterfly." A female knight's voice comes from behind Star as she is directing the placement of all the decorations.
"This is for Eclipsa, so we need to make sure it shows the tone of equality between both Mewman and Monster kind. Plus, this is going to be the after party for the other King's and Queen's to meet with her after The Coronation." Star says as she looks stressed out from working a week with little sleep. She wants to do her best for Eclipsa since this will be important for the other kingdoms to see how good a Queen she will be.
The knight stayed quiet as she understands and respects how hard Star is working. The knights have been getting along well with their new monster brethren who have knighted recently. Most of the knights that came from Mewni Castle swore an oath to 'The Queen' of Mewni. Since the past was learned some were loyal to Moon, but those who were loyal to the throne wanted to protect the original bloodline of Royal's being Eclipsa Butterfly and her daughter Meteora Butterfly.
A guard walked up next to the knight and reported. "Ms. Butterfly, the Chef is almost ready to showcase the appetizers that will be used for the party." She said aloud for Star to hear.
"I'll be there in a moment to try them all out. I'm sure I shouldn't worry since it was the Chef that helped me with the monster banquet, I had a while back." Star said as she waved them off. "Could you check and see when the glassware will be shipped from the Craftsman Guild." She asked mentioning the Craftsman guild that specializes in crafting things out of Wood, Glass, Stone and Leather.
Star didn't notice the knight nodded as she began to walk away to check on the order right away. She was left writing things within her notebook that had to do with table assignment and table placement for that matter. She was noting down everything she could think of since she wanted to be of great use to Eclipsa. As she was lost in the world of design and planning, she didn't notice the person standing right next to her.
"It's coming out nicely in my opinion, but you're looking a bit ragged there." He said as he admired the decorations but was still concerned of her looking drained of all her energy.
"I don't have time to rest, so if you have time to stand around help us ou…" Star trailed of as she began screeching in a high tone due to her finally noticing who was standing next to her.
"Woah, pretty harsh Star, but maybe you should find someone to take over for a while. You look like you need slee…" Marco is interrupted by Star jumping onto his side and wrapping her arms and legs around his body as she stayed suspended off the ground. A sound can be heard behind Marco amongst the group standing there. "Star?" Marco said as he was being choked with her arms around his neck and her cheek against his own.
"Yeah, Marco?" She responded as his hands began grabbing her forearm.
"Too hard…" He said as a gurgling noise could be heard. She let loose her grip slightly which let him take a breath and calm down.
"I'm sorry, it's just been a little too long since I've seen you. Also, I haven't had any sleep lately so I'm glad to see you." She said as she pulled his face in closer again. She opened her eyes as her face was looking to the back of Marco. The others stood there as Higgs and Kuro was looking away slightly trying not to make eye contact. Seno and Darwin talking about something going unheard by the others.
"Hi. Ms. Butterfly." Kuro said as she slightly waved to give a greeting. Star shot off Marco and stood next to him as he grabbed her arm since she looked like she was about to stumble on herself.
"Oh yeah, this is Kuro, Seno, Darwin, and you remember Higgs." Marco said to get the awkward silence out of the way.
"Higgs yeah, you were Sir Stabby's squire. I haven't seen you since Marco began being my squire… I miss that time when we would see each other all the time." Star said as she ended looking Marco's way.
"Well I kind of miss the old days too. Which reminds me I need to go check to see how far along my mom is, and if my dad is still alive." Marco said as he was now wondering if he should go during his break.
"Why are you worried about your dad? Your mom is the one pregnant." Star said.
"Well he filled me in on how she acted when she was pregnant with me soo… he might be dead for all I know." He said as Star laughed and the others followed.
"I miss being back on Earth with everyone. I miss waking up everyday with your mom and dad making breakfast and always cheering me up." Before Star could say anything else Higgs took over.
"Wait… the both of you lived together?" Higgs said with a bit of worry for the answer.
"Yeah, my family would often take in exchange students from other places to attend our school and learn different cultures in the process." Marco answered.
"My mom and dad spoke to the principle, and he pointed them to the Diaz family for my stay. They accepted me and provided a place to stay until I learned about Magic and I think to also mature?" Star added. They were interrupted by a knight that came to report to Star.
"Ma'am, the chef is ready for you and the orders have been made with no problem and shall arrive at the castle by night fall." The knight reported as she handed Star a work order.
"Sorry guys. I will have to see you during the after party if I have enough time. Also, when that happens you have to fill me in on everything that has happened since you left." Star said as she began to walk away and wave bye.
"Of course, don't over work yourself and get some sleep!" Marco shouted the farther she got from them. She looked back right before the corner and gave one last smile as she walked around it.
"Well now that that's over. Let's grab something to eat. I'm starving." Darwin said as he walked backwards, sticking out his thumb towards the exit.
"Is food the only thing on your mind?" Kuro asked as Seno and her both followed him out. Darwin gave her a mocking gesture that ended with his arm being punched. Higgs was still in her head thinking of just how close Marco and Star was before she began to have feelings for him.
"Higgs, you okay?" Marco asked as they were alone for a moment.
"Yeah, I just had something on my mind." Higgs snapped out of it and walked over to him as they both left together catching up with the rest of the group as they all headed to the city to find somewhere to eat.
Something was still on their minds as Darwin came out with the question bothering him. "So, I didn't know you were originally from the Earth Dimension." He said as Kuro and Seno both were in attention to see what Marco would say.
"How about I tell you about it when we find a place to eat?" He said as they all agreed and found a place to eat.
Higgs' mind continued to race with the worry of just how close Marco and Star was. She had always been the type to focus on her goal and become like her mother and father. She never had a friend that would do anything as intimate as even a hug, but with Marco he had Star wrapped all around him and it seemed normal to him. Higgs was wondering if they were just close friends or became closer than even that. As this raced through her mind, she figured she would ask about it later when they were alone since he wanted to be alone with her anyways.
Chapter 13: Planning the Next Move
"So why did you end up coming over to Mewni if everything was going great?" Darwin asked Marco who was telling the group a story of some of the adventure's he had with Star during their time on Earth.
"Well around that time I ended up messing up and getting stuck in Heckapoo's Dimension for around 16 years. To be honest during that time I almost gave up and stayed but finding out that her Dimension time space is different from what we have I considered it. Only thing that bothered me after that was the fact that I missed it." Marco said. "After some time, I helped Mewni with Toffee and River suggested I become a knight. Just at the time he meant it as a gesture and not a true offer."
Darwin began laughing as he patted Marco's shoulder. "Well after everything you ended a squire and now, you're a pretty respectable knight." He said as Marco looked toward him grabbing his shoulder giving a gesture of thanks. "Still though 16 years… crazy."
"Yep, when I got back, I had totally forgotten most of my life. My passwords and other things like me adjusting to life since I was mainly always in the woods or massive cities moving constantly. I even forgot about a relationship I left, but I never really left. I kind of moved on from her around the second year." Marco said as Kuro looked to Higgs noticing she was trying not to think of that part. She could tell the she was bothered to know he has been in relationships before since she has never had a relationship get to a kiss.
"Man I can't even begin to imagine how that would have felt." Darwin said in response. "The only thing I've done other then train to be a hunter was basic subjugation jobs to help around Mewni when it was still standing. Miles took most of us in since we were poor our parents would either die or leave us so they wouldn't have to worry about another mouth to feed. Miles was the only person I wanted to make proud, so I mainly stuck to his instruction the best I could." He said as it took attention of Kuro who could relate.
"I could say the same since Raven took us in for the same reasons. I was a different case though, but either way she still gave us a home to stay. A place where we can have a bigger family then what we were given." Kuro added as she withheld a piece of information on the reason, she joined the Assassin's Guild.
"Well, I can't really relate, but I can understand. In the Neverzone I would visit different Subdimensions within the already massive one in Heckapoo's. I've seen certain places be more developed then others, but the ones that stuck with me were the ones I couldn't help without having to see it through indefinitely. Sometimes changing places means getting your hands dirty. When I was barely starting out, I was still weak and inexperienced so helping wasn't an option." Marco said as the room became a little tense due to the filling of regret radiating from Marco.
"You shouldn't feel bad for that. You changed Mewni for the better in my eyes. Joining to people who were both afraid of one another for no reason is a win in my book." Darwin said to cheer up Marco as he slapped him on the back. "Well the sun's going down. I wanted to stop by the guild for the night to get some more equipment and get my bow looked at by our Guild's smith."
"I wanted to do the same, so I can see my sisters too." Kuro added.
"Then how about we all split up for the night and meet here tomorrow midday?" Seno suggested. Everyone was a little shocked since she hasn't talked much since they started talking.
"This might be mean, but I almost forgot you were with us." Darwin said.
"I like to listen, plus I wanted to learn more about you guys since I'll be working with you from now on." Seno said as she smiled that Darwin thought was cute.
"Alright, then it's settled. We split up and do our own things until tomorrow. I've been wanting to try out something ever since I left so this'll be a nice night." Marco said as the one thing was on his mind.
"I will head over to the library in the monster castle. I have been dying to read about monster culture, and even about the maneater himself." Seno said as everyone was surprised of her interest.
They all ended up going their separate ways as Marco and Higgs walked together to The Knight's Den passing by Bronson's shop. "Should we drop off some of our equipment or wait for tomorrow?" He asked.
"Tomorrow, if I know him as well as I do. He is at a Bar having his Mutton and Mead." Higgs said as Marco looked at her with a funny expression. "What?"
"Nothing, just a bit cliché." He said.
"How is that cliché?" She asked as he told her how medievalism worked back in the Earth Dimension as they walked over to The Knight's Den.
Back at the Monster Castle, Alfred and the others were finishing the report to Eclipsa. Leaving out the details about Mina for the time being. Sir Stabby stood on side since he was reporting the arrival of goods from the first shipment he was escorting back to the castle.
As the briefing ended Eclipsa requested to see the group that helped subjugate the Shades so she may reward them properly. She requested it be tomorrow after nightfall since she had a surprise for them as well. Sir Stabby joined them as they headed to a bar in the city. They ended up filling Sir Stabby on the Mina situation.
"So, we're just going to withhold that part from Eclipsa until after the coronation?" Sir Stabby asked as he felt a little uncomfortable even though he agreed with them.
"It's best for now. The Coronation is in a few days and the most powerful men and women will be in attendance including all the Kingdoms might and the neighboring Kingdoms Royal Guard. It will be a foolish decision no matter how strong she is." Alfred said as it gained the understanding of everyone and Sir Stabby. "Plus, I do have another plan to keep Eclipsa safe." He added as someone walked up to the table they were seated at.
"Hey boys and psycho." Bronson walks up and makes his greetings. Raven knew that psycho line was meant for her which pushed one of her buttons, but before she pulled out a dagger, she smelled something familiar. An aroma filled the air around her that reminded her that only one person as this distinct scent that was almost irresistible to her.
An arm wraps around her slowly calming her as everyone smiled as if they weren't surprised by who it was. "You know he's just teasing you Rave, so why do you always turn to violence?"
"Val…? VAL!" Raven says out of surprise as she jumps onto Valerie hugging her tightly.
"It's always nice to see you Bronson." Miles said as he slid a mead down the bar to him. "Its been a while since I've seen Raven like that too… She really loves her big sister." Miles said laughing as he felt a kick to his side, pushing him off the stool.
"Ha hah… somethings never change with you lot. Well what did you want to talk about old friend?" Bronson asked.
"Well I wanted to ask you for some of your best for the coronation. Plus, I want to ask if Valerie could help Raven in the shadows to watch over Queen Eclipsa during both coronation and after party?" Alfred requested as Bronson looked over to Valerie.
"I don't mind, but can I ask why the cautiousness. It's very unlike you to be so cautious." Valerie asked as Raven stepped off her to look back at Bronson.
"Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention it." Bronson said as he slightly laughed to himself as everyone looked his way to be reminded with his usual spaced out deminer. "What?" He asked out of embarrassment.
Sighs of disappointment could be heard coming from Alfred, but it was to be expected. "Just like old times." Miles mentioned as everyone laughed to Bronson's expense leaving him with an embarrassed look on his face. "Well, let's just say Alfred's old friend is in the picture, and she is adamant on destroying the bridge connecting human and monster relations once again." Miles said taking a sip from his mug.
"Mina?" Valerie said as she patted Raven on her head. Raven was in slight bliss as she was entranced by the sisterly smell and love coming from Valerie. "Then I guess, we'll have to do our best. You feel up to it Rave." Valerie said as Raven missed being called that by her older sister.
Valerie would often call her Rave ever since she was young, because Raven was so energetic around Valerie when she would get back from hunting. They were orphaned at a young age and had to get by the only way they could. Raven eventually joined her in hunting and learned how to use threaded traps along with knives since being to small and skinny girls, knives were the only weapons they were able to wield.
They learned how to keep themselves hidden at night and learned how to hide their presence do to their constant hunting at night. After so long, the two became adept knife wielders and hunter of animals at a young age of 15 and 12. Valerie was noticed by some thugs who wanted to have their own fun with her but due to their aggressive technique in "flirting" they were put down, along with someone very important.
The importance of that person was mainly his father's money that was found out by the many mercenaries sent to hunt down the young girls. Their names were connected to a job that man was apart of once. A job that involved killing a family due to his own sister marrying some peasant. After, learning of the engagement he sent his mercenaries to kill everyone but his sister. The man gave his own sister a choice to either marry someone of power or give him the whereabouts of his nieces so he can use them for such a deed.
The sister only wished to live with them and her husband. She refused which was met with her own brothers rage of sending the Mercenaries to use her as they liked. She knew of this and used a knife she hid in her dress sleeve to slit her own throat when the men entered the room. Valarie was in a nearby hidden room watching everything that transpired. Her mother died saying one last thing that gave a 10-year-old girl the strength to fulfill it. "Protect your sister Val.. er..ie… We love… you…"
When their uncle found out about his own son's death, he sent those mercenaries after them both. After a week of no response from the mercenaries that were sent, he was stressed and chose to relieve it in his usual way.
A private guard is running to the uncle's private room within his manor. He is surrounded by women who have been obviously drugged and or bought from his power and money. He seemed to be residing right outside of Mewni's Kingdom. He had dealt with many merchants and became a powerful man under Comet's rule due to his cleverness and supply of the worlds many spices that he sold to the kingdom of Mewni.
"Sir, we have intruders coming from the direction of city the mercenaries were sen…" A guard tried to inform him before being interrupted as something entered his back. The guard fell over and only a shadowed figure was seen standing where he was. The uncle could tell it was a girl and someone young do to how short she was. She walked into the lit area and her velvet colored eyes were seen.
"Clair?" He said as he looked her in the eyes. "No, you have her eyes but even I can spot that peasant's features surrounded by my sister's eyes." He said with disgust in his tone.
"I think you for sending those mercenaries my way this past week. I have been learning and teaching my sister everything about hunting, but now I can hunt people like you down." Valerie said as she walks up him slowly, wielding a knife she picked up of a mercenary.
"You think I would be that easy girl. MEN…!" He yells confidently believing the group of men on standby would bust down his door to protect, but no sound was heard throughout the Manor. "HELP… MEN…!" A door busting behind the him was heard as his scared facial expression turned into a massive grin as he looked to the still in front of him smiling herself which gained a worried looked from him.
He turned around to see another girl even younger than the first. "Well I guess I shouldn't have quit the search after a few months. I SHOULD HAVE KILLED YOU LIKE I DID YOUR FATHER AL…" He is interrupted as a knife pushed into his esophagus stopping him from finishing his rant.
"You are nothing but filth still trying to cling to disillusion that you're worthy enough to be called human. I will take the name we have been given and make it greater than the "Von Tarion" name my mother abhorred. As the daughters of both Clair and Tyler Blaque I will be the one who to take down the Von Tarion name. As Valerie Blaque." She said as the light faded from his eyes.
"Val…?" Raven said as she noticed the face Valerie was making. It was scaring her, but she knew from the training this past week that she had to close off her emotions. Valerie removed the knife from his neck and cleaned it with her sleeve placing it back on her waste. Valerie walked up to Raven receiving a hug from her to calm her down.
"It's okay Raven. I will always be here for you. I will learn and teach you everything, and one day we will make our parents name greater than those who dare use theirs for misdeeds such as him." Valerie said as Raven buried her face into her chest. They then looked around the Manor for the girls that ran away from them before and found an area underneath the Manor. Cells that held slaves and young girls that were kidnapped after having their parents killed, so they could be used into trafficking.
Luckily before anything horrible happened to the young girls Valerie and Raven released them and the other slaves that were forced to work the fields. The slave were being used to cultivate and farm the spices that the Tarion's were using to sell to Mewni Kingdom and stay in power. After leaving the Manor they set fire to it and watched it burn. Knight's and guards of the kingdom were dispatched and reached the Manor to see them all outside. Valerie and Raven confessed to their crime and asked to see Queen Comet.
They were denied an audience with the Queen, but not for long since the released slaves and girls rioted outside the Kingdom in demand they be let go. Queen Comet herself demanded to speak to these "Assassins" and to bring the people within the court halls of the castle. A court hearing was made, and it was revealed that Arlen Von Tarion was using these slaves and young girls for his own gain. It was also learned that the family house of Blaque was slaughter by those employed by Arlen himself.
Arlen Von Tarion was then sentenced as the true culprit and received a judgement meant for his own misdeeds. Queen Comet also gave Valerie and Raven their freedom and offered them both a new home to live with other orphans. The guild was accepting the orphans that were going to be used in trafficking, so they both wondered if they were free to work for the guild. Due to their laws a guild member must be age 15 and older so Valerie was given a job in the guild and later came Raven's membership after living together with everyone else.
Valerie helped the guild and the kingdom with many things. After a long list of amazing achievements Valerie was given the right to begin a guild. She branched off and created the Assassin's Guild that taught those the skills of learning how to protect themselves and their family. The guild was shunned do to its name, but after many observations was known as a guild that taught certain individuals how to protect the kingdom in their own ways. Before long the Assassin's guild was a major guild next to the Knight's, Hunter's, Blacksmith, and other major occupations for a Kingdoms stability.
Valerie then married an Adventurer-Blacksmith named Bronson and gave her Guild to her younger sister Raven Blaque. She was still on standby for special request from Queen Moon, but ever since Eclipsa became the rightful Queen she hasn't requested must since the Kingdom is growing from square one.
"Well, looks like we're going be working together Rave." Valerie said as she patted Raven's head once again. Raven gave her a cute smile which the others were snickering about since they've always thought it was amazing to how she changes personalities almost immediately when she's around Valerie.
"Well now that business is out of the way. Let's drink." Sir Stabby said holding up his mug. Everyone cheered as they raised their mugs and drunk the night away.
Reaching the Knight's Den is both Marco and Higgs. "So, I wanted to ask, why were you excited on the way?" Higgs asked out of curiosity.
"Well ever since I saw it last time, I have been dying to check out that bath next to the training room underground. Now that I think about it why does it look like a traditional Japanese bath?" Marco said as he was also wondering that it was accurate to Earth's culture.
"Sir Stabby said he had it made due to a friend's recommendation. It was in the old Den back at Mewni, but he also had it done again here." She answered. After, heading inside they noticed Noodles was already sleeping with a big piece of meat next to her. "Seems Lady Whosits has been feeding her every day."
"Well it's good that she's a lazy dragon. I'll be heading down for a dip, so I hope you don't mind." Marco said which gained a nod from Higgs. He proceeded downstairs and got undressed with only a towel to cover himself as he entered the bath. Higgs was contemplating on whether she should wait or just join him since this was her chance to speak alone to him.
She was still wondering something from earlier. How close was he with Star before he went his own way? She was asking herself if she could even compete with a princess such as Star. Higgs has had respect towards her for a while since she wasn't the usual kind of princess being girly girl. She thought to herself for a while but ended up just going downstairs.
She was waiting outside in the changing room wondering if she should just go for it. She thought to herself again and began getting undressed. Finally undressed with a towel to cover her as she is waiting next to the door and took a deep breath.
Inside the bath is Marco relaxing with the hot water. 'I wonder how I should ask her about these past couple of days. I really do want to be with her if I think about it, yet I don't know if I should be this or other me. I was more confident when I was in the Neverzone, but I guess I'm starting to get back to that mind set.' Marco was thinking so hard he didn't even notice the water shifting until it was too late.
He looked up to see a red-faced Higgs inside the bath in front of him. Standing in plane view using the towel to barely cover her most precious parts he was still able to catch a glimpse of her figure. Her curves were so defined and hidden due to her tunic and armor. He's seen her before fully but is still loving the view no matter what situation it may be. He thought her shyness was so adorable and wanted to just go over to her, but before he could move, she broke the silence.
"You wanted to speak to me in private so, I thought now would be a good time." She closed her eyes out of embarrassment.
"Yeah… Yes, of course. I wanted to ask you something." He said as she opened her eyes and smiled. She slowly sat down letting her body sink into the water. It went all the way up to her freckled shoulder and Marco couldn't help but be glued to her. "I wanted to say… If I were to ask you, if you would be mine?" He said as he looked away from her in slight embarrassment.
