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Somewhere in the Forest of Certain Death:
Faint chatter could be heard. There were two distinct voices, one of each gender. One was regal, belonging to someone royal, or at the very least, pretentious. The other was more energetic, for lack of a better word, annoying.
The two could be faintly heard. It was an argument. One side saying that the duo should head back to town and give up on trying to revive the magic, the other claiming that it could be done. It was the only way to "take down the Butterfly scum". Neither party was conceding on their argument though. Both parties were clearly impatient with each other and beyond done arguing. This was translated by the sudden distinct lack of noise. All that was left was muttering coming from both parties. They were so immature that they couldn't even speak at full volume.
That last part is odd to think about considering that one of the two is several hundreds of years old and the other used to be a royal servant and advisor for those same 'Butterfly Scum'. In Mandred's mind, he was starting to question why he was even there. Why had he gone with Mina. She was clearly insane. Did he really hate monsters that much? He had always been taught to hate them. That was the simple fact. He really had never personally been harmed by one, he only heard stories. And for the last few decades, his job has been to serve a queen who hated monsters more than even he did. If she managed to get over it and turn over a new leaf, it was high time that he joined the party.
So he finally spoke, at full volume, at the mumbling Mina, "I'm leaving," he said nervously. He gathered himself and more confidently said, "You're on your own." And at that very moment, he left. Heading, presumably, back towards Echo Creek.
When she was alone, she spoke to herself now. 'He was a coward anyway, who needs him' she tried to ration. She was wrong of course. He cooked all of the food, maintained their camp, kept Mina calm, and even hunted for her on occasion. She simply ignored the matter and decided to return to scheming. 'The magic can be revived, I know it'. She truly believed that last part, she had to. Similar to Manfred, she was on her last legs out here. And now that magic is gone, she, for the first time in 300 years, would age. She would finally lose her way. Logically speaking, she should be aging at a serious rate. She knew this. She needed magic to return if she was going to live more than another 2 years. She would be aged into her forties by June next year. (I'm saying that it is roughly september by this point)
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In town - Echo Creek
"Star you couldn't have possibly thought that the magic in the magic shop was real. Especially after sensei's party." Marco jokes.
"Well yeah, I know, I just kind of miss it sometimes ya know?" Star said, seriously.
Marco was caught off guard by this. He didn't really think of what this was doing to Star. They had been so happy over the past two days that he found it hard to believe that she so suddenly flipped. And for all of the happiness that Star brought Maro, he knew that he wanted to pay her back, this time without scissors or a monster fight.
"I'm sorry, I didn't think about how this might be affecting you." Marco glumly admitted.
"Don't get me wrong, I love hanging out with you and I couldn't possibly ask for more, but it's just a bummer to not have it sometimes." She admitted to Marco.
The reason she was so glum wasn't really about the magic being gone though, it was about the fact that she felt like that is all she was ever good for. She believed that magic was the whole reason people liked her at school, the whole reason that she had any friends. Hell, she even honestly believed that the magic was the reason that Marco ever liked her.
Of course none of that was true, she was just a great person and she changed everyone around her for the better, not excluding Marco of course.
She was clearly "down in the dumps", and Marco simply wouldn't stand for it. After that last thing she said, Marco felt guilty for being so happy while she was the opposite. He decided that for the time being the best thing he could do for her is take her hand in his and try to find a bench.
So, they did just that, they found a bench near the center of the mall plaza and sat down.
The only thing he felt comfortable to say was "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Yeah…" she sighed.
"What is it. And I mean all of it. I'm here to listen."
"Thank you Marco, I just …I don't know what to say. I'm at a loss for words. I know that losing magic needed to happen and we saved a lot of people by destroying it, but I just feel like I'm… missing a part of me…"
"Star, as your psychologist, and your boyfriend of course, it is my duty to cheer you up at any cost. And I think i'm understanding, but correct me if i'm wrong at any point, alright?"
"Alright Marco Ph.D, I agree to your terms."
"Perfect. Now if I am understanding you correctly, you miss magic. But why is what I am wondering."
"Well, Marco, I feel like i'm not the same person without the magic."
"Do you feel like you're worth less?"
"Honestly Marco, yeah just a little bit."
"Well then I understand the problem, Star. If i'm right, you believe that without your magic, you're not as cool?"
"Well, if we're dumbing it down that much, then yeah that's not too far off."
"Star, last time it was mother issues," he giggled, if only briefly before continuing, "Well is it that you think magic is why you were such a popular person?"
"Kinda…" Star replied.
"Well it isn't that at all you know. Sure, it is what originally drew people to you, but it isn't why people stayed around at all."
"What do you mean Marco?" asked Star, clearly watching with full attention.
"Well take me for example. I love you, Star. I adore you, I could not live without you. And we destroyed magic in order TO be together. I don't regret what we did at all, do you?"
"Not for a second, I just wish there was another way." Star mumbled.
"I don't mean to hurt your feelings in any way by saying this, but what other way could we have stopped Mina?"
"I don't know, I guess there really isn't a way, but-"
"See that is what I mean Star, there was no other way. You did what you had to in order to save thousands of innocent people Star. You are a leader, a lover, and you make everyone around you not only happy, but better. You change everyone that you meet. You changed me."
"I- what do you mean I changed you?" Star was worried to hear what Marco had to say, but knew that she needed to hear it, one way or another, so on the brink of tears, she listened intently.
"You saved me Star. That's the simple way to say it, but I figure you need the long version, so I'll do my best. Do you remember when we went to the Time dimension and we saw our pasts?"
"Of course I do, we had a lot of fun that day" Star agreed.
"Well that's another point. We always have fun together. But back to my story, when we were in there, I saw my own past, it was full of different-aged me's all doing one thing. It took me 15 years to even speak to Jackie, but within just months of knowing you, I said something, and eventually got to date her. I mean that didn't work out in the end but that's not the point."
"Yeah not helping dude." she thought aloud.
"Sorry, I was gonna say that I am much happier now, with you. But what I mean is that you took me out of my shell. Like when I said I welcomed a little danger, you gave me danger, and we ended up fighting a group of monsters that night. You helped me realise who I wanted to be, rather than being in the background of even my own life."
"Woah, Marco, I almost forgot about that day, it was kinda sad before we hugged it out…"
"Yeah but the fact that we hugged it out is the point. We got past it because you made me want to become more, by just knowing you for a day."
Star bit her lip before saying, "I don't know what to say Marco" before letting a single tear escape her eye.
Marco clearly took notice and immediately pulled her close into a tight hug. She listened to the pitter-patter of his heart and she felt her nerves fade away, if only slightly.
This was until she opened her eyes, still in his shoulder, she spotted an oddly shaped man. Was that- no there's no way, he went off with Mina. She got up and pulled Marco's hand with her. Once she got closer, her suspicions were confirmed. It was Manfred. He was in town. Probably running an errand for Mina as well.
Marco, although confused, opted to silently follow Star wherever she was pulling him off to.
Manfred then spotted the girl and jogged off into another direction, albeit very slowly.
The princess was fast though, she caught up to the servant shortly after the chase began.
"Manfred what are you-" Star made to say, but she was interrupted by the man himself.
"Don't hurt me Princess. PLEASE! I am alone." Manfred wearily said.
"You're coming with me." Star said.
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Castle Butterfly 4:00 pm
"Say, Globgor, would you mind fetching me a Snookers?" the forest green haired lady asked gently.
"Of course, my love." The gentle giant agreed.
Just as Globgor left the room, the throne room door opened, inside the door was a trio of people. Two of which, she was very happy to see, but there was a third. Someone who chose to leave against all reason. How could Eclipsa not explode at him. She left with the person who not only tried to kill her subjects, but her family. If magic was still here, surely, the man would have a butterfly shaped hole in his chest.
"WHAT is he doing here?!" The queen thunderously yelled.
"He wandered into town alone, so I brought him here." Star seriously replied.
"Yeah, we're sorry Eclipsa we didn't know what to-" Marco tried to cut it.
"Well, you certainly did the right thing, so thank you, both of you." Eclipsa said, obviously furious in Manfred's presence.
"Queen, if I may, -" Manfred tried, in vain, to speak.
"Don't address me you TRAITOR." The Queen exploded.
"Eclipsa, unfortunately, we need to let him talk if we want to get some information on Mina." Star reasoned.
"I understand, darling, but you must understand my hatred for the little weasel." Eclipsa, more calmly admitted.
"Again, I'm really sorry we didn't warn you we were coming, Mrs. Butterfly." Marco said, quietly enough, but he was heard.
"You are perfectly okay, my boy, but Star is right. SPEAK TRAITOR. WHAT WERE YOU DOING IN TOWN." Eclipsa yelled, but the yelling was tolerable to Manfred, at least she would hear him out, hopefully.
"My queen- oh sorry I just won't address you. I left Mina behind, just this morning in fact. She has nothing, she still thinks the magic can come back-" before Manfred could continue his explanation, he was cut off by all three parties present.
All three were making noise at the same time, saying different things respectively.
Star: What did she try so far?
Marco: It's gone, there is nothing anyone can do about it.
Eclipsa: And why should we believe you saying that she doesn't have anything?
"You're probably right, you shouldn't trust me, but I am lost, Eclipsa." Manfred reasoned.
The three were shocked, but the one to speak was surprisingly Eclipsa, equally surprisingly was the tone at which she spoke. "Manfred, I don't understand, why would you go off with her in the first place. She betrayed the throne that you lived to serve."
"I grew up in a world where Monsters have always been hated. Even under a throne where Monsters were segregated from us. It may be hard, but if that queen could change, maybe I can too." Manfred spoke, confidently.
Eclipsa was very conflicted upon hearing this, but the confusion could wait. Globgor had finally come back with a monster-armful of Snookers bars. Eclipsa immediately took one and munched into it, obviously still thinking. Globgor, unable to read the room, unaware of who Manfred was, waved at him and said, what brings you here. Star and Marco exaggeratedly facepalmed at the Monster King.
"My love, this man used to be a royal servant of Moon. The last time we saw him, ran off with the same woman who attempted to kill all of the monsters and my family. What do you recommend that I do with him?" Eclipsa asked, honestly curious about his opinion.
Globgor, feeling overwhelmed at the information he was just given, looked at the man. He appeared harmless enough, he was clearly afraid. "My question has not changed, what are you doing here?"
"I don't want to be like this anymore, but i'm not sure that I can change anymore. Am I too far gone?" Manfred thought aloud.
"Well you said it yourself, Moon changed. Why could you not?" Eclipsa calmly spoke.
Star and Marco were clearly not needed in this conversation, so they simply asked, "Do you have this covered? Because I need to get back to cheering Star up, if that's okay." Marco asked.
"Sure, you two can run along, I have a long conversation to have with Manfred here, so you two can head off." Eclipsa softly spoke. She loved the duo, seeing them happy made her heart flutter. It's the little things that Eclipsa enjoys, oh and Snookers bars of course.
"Alrightseeyabyeeeeee" Star said in a hurry before grabbing Marco's hand and sprinting back through the doors that they had originally come through.
'Lovebirds' Eclipsa thought. She was still conflicted about Manfred, but she intended to help.
Manfred sensed the unease. He started to speak, "My queen, if I may, I give you my undying loyalty in hopes that one day you may forgive me. I swear to you that when I left, Mina had nothing, every attempt to resurrect the magic was thwarted. It seems as though it is truly gone."
"If that is true, you have a lot of work to do in order to prove yourself to me and my wife, but more importantly, to the monster people. You should go and help the rebuilding efforts. If anyone questions you, tell them we sent you. You owe them to at least try to help." Globgor said.
"As you wish my queen. I will do whatever it takes." Manfred agreed.
"I really hope he is telling the truth my love. We should have never let Mina wonder off." Eclipsa said.
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In Echo Creek - walking toward the Diaz Residence
"Well at least with the magic gone, Mina seems pretty harmless." Marco stated gleefully, hoping Star would be lifted out of her mood knowing that she was safe. And Marco wasn't wrong, it may not have been helping at the moment, but Star knew things were better this way. She should be happy, she finally had Marco and they always found a way to have fun. Maybe they wouldn't be able to anymore though. Dimensional Scissors don't work anymore, so they can't go on adventures.
"Marco, what are we gonna do?"
"What do you mean, Star?"
"What are we gonna do? We don't have the scissors anymore, what can we even do anymore?"
"Anything we want, I mean there may not be anymore fighting monsters, but I love what we have here. Don't you?"
"Well yeah, of course I do, but all we did for the past year and a half was go on adventures, everyday was fun. What can we do now?"
"Do you think we can't have fun anymore? I mean you said it yourself before the blood moon ball, it is a different kind of fun. But I just want you to be happy."
"You're right, it is- I love you Marco, but I just don't think I can just get over it. I probably will, but it will take a while at least Marco-"
"Star, we have been to three places in this whole new world. You know that right?"
"Well yeah but-"
"Star, we literally have an entire world to explore together. And if you really need an adventure, I'll always be by your side, or maybe in your pocket for safe keeping." He giggled at that last part.
Star giggled for a moment. She softened, if only slightly, before saying, "Thanks Marco, I might have to take you up on that offer,"
Marco grabbed her hand again before saying, "Oh yeah? Well then we should hurry home so we can freshen up real quick, I want to take you somewhere."
"Ok wild man, let's hurry then, SUMMONING CLOUDY CHARM" nothing happened.
"Star, you can sprint fast enough, let's go!"
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Buenas Cocinas - 7:00pm
The two walked in the front door. At first, the man at reception looked at them quizzically. But when he realised that he had been staring at the two for several seconds. He spoke, in a hispanic accent, "Do the two of you have a reservation?" and to both his and Star's surprise, they did.
"Yes we do, it is under the name Marco Diaz." the button-up shirt wearing boy said. He then turned to his smiling girlfriend and said, "I ALWAYS come prepared" this earned him a playful jab to the arm before a surprising kiss on the cheek."
The man at the reception desk then showed the two to a table. It was candlelit and had only two chairs. It was against a wall and a window. The view was still so awe inspiring to the two. It was to everyone though. A pink sky with several moons was just so stunning to look at.
The two were seated and greeted by their server for the evening. "HELLO, my name is Jose and I will be your server this afternoon"
The duo smiled at the waiter before he continued, "Would you two like anything to drink?"
Marco gestured to Star to go first. She silently agreed "I will take a Horchata please." She was very happy at the thought of the sweet drink and she was pleased with her decision.
Marco then made his order, "I'll have the same please." the waiter nodded and walked off after jovially stating, "I will be back soon to take your order. Enjoy your stay at Buenas Cocinas!"
Marco nodded to the waiter and looked back at Star. She was beautiful. She was wearing the same dress that she did to the Blood Moon Ball, and she knew it too. She wanted to impress him. All he could say when he first saw her was "Woah." who knew that one word could mean so much.
Star was happy to be looked at like that. Marco did adore her, he was not lying about that. Even before he looked at her romantically, he knew that Star was gorgeous. He took far too long to figure out his feelings, but now, she was his and he would never take that for granted.
Star felt the same way. Not that she thought he was cute before she had a crush on him, but that she knew how good he was to her. She only realised how much she needed him once she was taken back to Mewni by her mother. When Marco came back, Star had someone. The magnitude of how much he meant to her was only felt when she had to be acting queen. She didn't have to be strong around him. She had someone to fight the problems of the world with. That was why she had gotten over Tom so quickly. Everyone, Star included, knew that she belonged with Marco. Now that she finally has him, everything should be better, but rather than enjoy what she had, she missed what she lost. It finally came to her. She had to live in the moment.
And in that very moment, she leaned forward towards Marco, Marco got the message and leaned forward with her. The two met in the middle, just above the candle. Marco, being the safe-kid he was, scooted the candle to the side and pushed in further toward Star. The fact that they were in public didn't matter anymore. They only saw each other. And just like when they last kissed so passionately, their cheeks were glowing, and just like last time, neither noticed.
Star's lips were unfathomably soft. Marco cherished every moment of the embrace. This one meant more than the others though (excluding the one after the cleave). Star had finally taken his advice and lived in the moment. And what a moment it was.
This embrace was something that she needed. She needed to feel the embrace of the person she loved more than anything. She was going to die for the opportunity to be with him, luckily, the magic saved her and gave her that chance. She wouldn't ruin it now.
After pulling away, Star, the happiest that she had been all day, looked at Marco and grabbed her menu joyfully. She then said to the now watching waiter that she wanted "I would like your finest burritos please."
Marco, now embarrassed at the fact that the waiter watched that, nervously said, "nachos". That's all the bashful boy could muster. Star took notice and giggled at him. The only reason he ordered nachos was because he knew Star would take them. Truthfully, Marco wasn't very hungry, for food anyway. He was just there for Star, who was looking much happier by now. The boy didn't want to push it though. He didn't want to ruin the moment.
Star took that liberty from him though. She said, "Marco?", "yeah?" Marco asked. "Thanks for doing this for me. I feel a lot better now." She said.
Marco, now smiling from ear to ear at her lunged at her, not for a kiss, but for a tight hug, the tightest one he could muster. Star reciprocated. The hug didn't last long, but it definitely meant a lot to the both of them.
"Why did you want to take me here Marco?"
"Oh you are not ready for this."
"Oh I'm so ready for this."
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN PLEASE GATHER ON THE DANCE FLOOR FOR THE DAILY COMPETITION. AS USUAL, THE PRIZE IS $650 DOLLARS".
"My wild man just wanted to dance?"
"Your wild man wants $650 dollars." Marco joked.
"Ho ho, you're going to have to give this princess one heck of a dance then Macho Man."
"I plan to, mi amor" Marco said with confidence.
Star burst out in laughter. "YOU SOUND JUST LIKE YOUR DAD!"
Marco blushed, "Is that a bad thing?"
"Only if you wear a pumpkin on Halloween." Star joked.
"Oh no no no, we are for sure doing a couple costumes this year, there is no debate on the matter." Marco replied.
"There never was Diaz. You are going to be one adorable princess." Star said, seriously.
"Lemme guess, that makes you a Prince?" Marco asked. He had no plans on arguing the likely Princess Turdina costume that he might have to wear. That was a matter for another time.
"If I dance good enough can I-" Marco began to say before being interrupted.
"Nope" Star answered.
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Dance Floor
"AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST, MARCO DIAZ AND STAR BUTTERFLY"
"Let's give them a show!" Star said.
And so the dance began. Just as it had with every other contestant, the music restarted. It was a simple spanish tune. The music didn't matter though. All the duo saw was each other. The room was devoid of color. Like the two were just dancing in a void. But even at that, neither cared. They had a mission. To dance.
The two would not let their stares avert from each other. They danced quickly and sporadically. It was not elegant in the slightest. Neither wanted it to be, the least of which was Star. She just wanted to let loose. She wasn't going to do her trademarked hand dance she used at the bounce lounge, but she was going to rip that dance floor to shreds and she had a partner in crime too. Marco wanted more than anything to go nuts on this dance.
That goal was the least of either of their worries though. They both knew each other and they knew that tearing it up was their specialty.
So the dance reminded them both a lot of the Blood Moon Ball. They probably figured that if it was enough to get their souls bound, then it was plenty good to win them the prize money. They spun each other around in circles as the crowd behind them was in awe. They sucked.
They didn't care though. They weren't dancing to impress anyone around them. If they wanted to, they could outdo the most elegant of princes or princesses. This time, they were having fun. So as the music went on, the two kept "dancing" until the music drew to a close. The both of them knew they were gonna lose, but Star wasn't about to let that happen, so she spun Marco once more. This time, he rose from the ground, not from the force of the spin, but the love behind it. He rose into the air and Star did as well. They were holding hands and they still spun in harmony, as if for the first time.
It was only after the music stopped and the two let their stare end. Once the two took notice of their surroundings, they were shocked to find that they were literally in the air. There was no reason as to why or how they were, but they were.
They fell, as if losing each other's gaze was the reason they fell. They got to their feet and steadied themselves. When they came to, they noticed the sounds surrounding the two. Was that….applause?
It was. The two received thunderous applause from everybody on the dance floor. They were more confused at the applause than the fact that they had just been floating in the air. When they landed, they were so dazed and confused that they didn't seem to know what planet they were on, but they finally remembered. Buenas Cocinas. They were competing in a dance competition.
"WELL LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, I DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT WAS, BUT I THINK IT IS SAFE TO SAY THAT WE HAVE A WINNER." the announcer said. This was followed by more applause.
At that moment, Star and Marco, still silent, headed back to their table. Seemingly the second they sat down, the food arrived. Marco actually was kind of hungry now, so he ate some of the nachos after he gave Star the sugar in his coat pocket.
"You treat me so well Marco-" Star was saying before she was interrupted.
"What just happened?" Marco questioned, nachos in hand.
"We danced Marco, that's what happened." Star said matter of factly.
" I know, I mean- did we- just float?" Marco finished.
"That is entirely possible." Star said, just as confused as Marco.
"Are we choosing to worry about why we were floating?" Marco asked sincerely.
"I'm gonna go with no, Marco." Star said softly.
Once the two finished their food, they felt a little better about what had happened. They received their prize money and their dinner was free.
They decided it was time to head home. Although the walk was largely silent, they held hands the whole time as if they were sharing their thoughts. They simply had no words for what had happened that day.
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Diaz Residence - Midnight
When the two walked into the door, they were greeted by a note from Angie. It read 'goodnight you two, remember my rule' There was nothing to worry about there though. The couple was jarred by the events of what just happened.
They silently walked to their separate rooms, changed into their night clothes, and met and went to lay down in their beds. That last part was just Star though. Marco knew that Star would be restless tonight if he didn't intervene.
So he made his way to the guest room and knocked on the door. "Star? Are you decent? Can I come in?"
And to his delight he was met with, "Yes, come in Marco."
Once he slowly opened the door, to make sure she was fully clothed, he walked over to her bed and sat beside her.
"That was magic wasn't it?" Marco asked.
"I….I think so." Star said somberly.
"Let's try to get some sleep, we can worry about it tomorrow. Maybe it's still okay… I mean if Mina really couldn't figure it out, then maybe it's just us that have it." Marco reasoned.
"But I tried to summon Cloudy earlier and that didn't work, so maybe it just came back?" Star argued.
"Or maybe, if it even was magic, it was a different type." Marco tried to soothe her. He noticed that his attempt wasn't in vain. She softened a little before wordlessly leaning against Marco. He took the hint and laid down in her bed, allowing her to stay on top of him, against his chest, before he grabbed her blanket and pulled it over her.
Despite everything that had just happened, the two were fast asleep. The warmth of each other was enough to calm both of the teens' nerves. Tomorrow will be a hard day.