Crisis point
While Albert and Monogram were busy in Royal Woods hunting down Bill's wand, Kilstone was left in charge of the Excalibur Institute. Similarly, Carl was running O.W.C.A. in Monogram's absence. For the most part, things were pretty uneventful. There was one issue, but due to the circumstances behind it, Excalibur couldn't intervene. The last report from Albert had stated that Bill had unleashed a killer plague on the town and Albert, not wanting it to spread to the homeworld, ordered a suspension of portal travel between HQ and Royal Woods until the situation was under control. Kilstone was on his way to Doctor Pike for an update.
"Any news, Doctor?" Kilstone asked.
"There is a magic specialist that Albert is consulting to help us develop an antidote. With any luck, the sickness will be cured in no time flat," Pike replied.
"Good, the sooner the captain arrives with that wand, the better. I'd like to get to work on a containment device as soon as possible," Kilstone acknowledged.
"If I may, sir. Given what we've heard, both from Royal Woods and the Second Dimension, do we really know how we can contain such a device?" Pike inquired.
"I'll be honest with you, doc, I just don't know how we'll contain it, or if we even can. But we have to try. Hopefully, the Magic High Commission can tell us if we can destroy it," Kilstone answered. Just then, alarms started blaring across the institute. "Now what?!" Kilstone said. The comms in med-bay came to life.
"Vault to Lieutenant Kilstone. We have a problem down here, sir!" the guard in the vault notified Kilstone.
"Kilstone, here. I read you. What's going on?" Kilstone probed.
"The portal device is registering some sort of interdimensional wave. Readings are off the scale! Contact in ten seconds!" the guard updated, at that point, Kilstone switched to base-wide communications.
"All hands, brace for impact!" Kilstone ordered. Everyone scrambled to get ready for the collision. When it did, the building was rocked to some degree, jostling everyone around a bit. When it subsided, Kilstone was the first on his feet. "Damage report," Kilstone requested.
"The portal in the vault initiated an emergency shutdown prior to impact. We're working to get it back online now," the vault guard responded.
"There was some minor damage to the communications array as well as external sensors. We're taking those offline for repairs," Albert's yeoman added.
"Do we know what that was?" Kilstone asked, not quite sure himself. The yeoman was checking the cameras when she saw what happened after the wave hit. She saw it, yes, but she was having difficulty believing what it was she saw.
"Sir, I think you should look outside. The view will answer your question and bring up thousands of new ones," the yeoman suggested. Baffled by this answer, Kilstone stepped outside and what he saw shocked him to his very core. The sky was not the typical blue anymore, but a purplish hue, not to mention the aurora borealis, and he was certain those planetoids in the sky weren't there before. Not to mention the flora and fauna now present within the base's immediate vicinity was definitely not from Earth. Some of it was, others most surely not. Kilstone hurried back inside.
"I don't care how you do it. Get the captain back here, NOW!" Kilstone demanded.
"The portal is still offline, sir," the vault guard briefed.
"Update from the repair crew, they are ready to bring communications back online," the yeoman added. As soon as base communications were restored, the monitors all came to life, each with a different world leader, the President of the United States, the Prime Minister of Great Britain and the Queen, who had been summoned to the House of Commons in an emergency session, following the incident, to name a few. They all spoke, or rather, yelled, at once, asking one question; what just happened?
"I have been getting reports of merpeople swimming in the Thames, dragon/motorcycle hybrid things circling the Tower of London and Stonehenge has completely collapsed!" the British Prime Minister ranted.
"Not to mention Buckingham Palace now has a moat filled with a weird alligator species I've never seen before. I do hope this isn't your doing," the Queen added.
"I hope so, too. I did not agree to carry on keeping your secret after the assassination of my predecessor at the hands of that flying triangle only to be stuck with this mess," the President said.
"We're trying to figure this out ourselves, Madam President. Captain Albert is currently away on assignment, but once he returns, I will make him aware of this development," Kilstone assured.
"Development is not the word I would use, more like a catastrophe! I will be making my way there, along with the rest of the Round Table," the President resolved, her mood not changing. Kilstone was struggling to cope. True, he had led the Institute before, but this was something he was not prepared for. He took a deep breath, then proceeded to carry on with his work, saying to himself that Albert would press on no matter what, and so should he. Just then, a portal opened up and Albert and Monogram stepped out of it. Kilstone did take note of Albert's half-moon cheek marks, but there was no time to ask about them. After all, there were more pressing concerns.
"Sir, you might want to take a look outside. We have a massive problem," Kilstone said nervously.
"Why, what is it?" Albert asked. When he went outside, he immediately found his answer. The sky was not your typical blue and cloudy, more like the purplish hue Albert was somewhat familiar with and he could've sworn he saw two planetoids in that same sky. Albert recognised the environment right away, but if he didn't see it for himself, he would've had trouble believing it.
"Major, welcome to Mewni," Albert said in sheer disbelief to Monogram, who was having trouble keeping it together. As if that wasn't enough, Monogram also noticed something different about Albert.
"What happened to your cheek marks?" Monogram probed, noticing that Albert's half-moon cheek symbols had vanished. Albert then tried casting some spells, to no avail. Somehow, not only did Earth and Mewni become fused, but Albert's powers were gone too.
"I think I know who's responsible for this," Albert noted. Albert activated a prototype interdimensional communicator in his pocket which emitted a strong signal. "I hope he gets this. We'll need him" Albert added.
"Who are you calling at a time like this?" Monogram wondered.
"Someone who has experience in saving the world, although I'm not sure what he would make of this," Albert answered. Albert was surveying the monitors, watching what was happening all around the globe. He did not know how, but Earth and Mewni have fused together.
"How the hell did this happen?" Albert asked impatiently.
"That is what every world leader around the globe is asking Excalibur and I have no idea what to tell them. We don't even know what happened ourselves," Kilstone replied.
"We know that's Mewni out there, so Star has to be connected in some way. Have her brought to me. I have questions for her," Albert ordered.
"No need, we'll take care of it," came a voice from across the way. It was the President of the United States, along with Congressman Lock and the rest of the members of the Round Table.
"What are they doing here?" Albert inquired.
"They came as soon as it happened" Kilstone responded.
"Mind telling me what the President and several important-looking people are doing in your HQ?" Monogram inquired.
"This is the Round Table, a cadre of senators and congresspeople that knew of Excalibur since its inception and have kept our secret in exchange for the power to keep us in check," Albert explained. The Round Table's interest in this matter and their eagerness to speak to Star meant one thing to Albert, Star was in trouble and a lot of it.
"Corn help her," Albert said to himself. He retreated to his office, where he decided to contact Major Smith, rather than wait on him to call with orders. Sure enough, the disguised voice and likeness of Major Smith appeared.
"I think I can guess why you're calling," Smith started the conversation.
"The Round Table has been convened. They're looking to blame Star Butterfly for this fusion of our worlds," Albert replied.
"I can hardly blame them. I have questions for her, myself," Smith agreed.
"What are you saying, Major? Should we let them bring Star in?" Albert queried.
"We need the facts and she will most likely have answers. I will try and reason with the Round Table, see if I can persuade them not to make Star or any of her family into scapegoats. The first priority is to make sure the public doesn't panic. There will be time to play the blame game later," Smith summarised.
"Do we even know who is to blame?" Albert asked.
"If public chatter is to be believed, most of the populace blames Excalibur for this, others fear this could be a sign of Bill's return. Everyone is on edge. Tread carefully, Captain," Smith cautioned.
"About Bill, we need to have a discussion about him as soon as possible," Albert stated. Smith sighed.
"You don't have to tell me. In some ways, I feared this was inevitable. But there will be time to discuss what we are going to do about him later. Right now we have more pressing concerns," Smith assured.
"Understood. I'll keep you informed," Albert concluded and terminated the call. He sank into his office chair and lamented recent events. Between Bill's return and the fusion of Earth and Mewni, it felt like everything was falling apart around him.
"Star, what did you do?" Albert wondered to himself.
Since the very beginning of Earth's fusion with Mewni, Echo Creek was designated ground zero for the phenomena. No-one knew what to make of it. Even the denizens of Echo Creek, who were used to magic considering how much time Star spent there, even before Earth and Mewni were joined together. Since meeting back up again, Star and Marco had taken up residence back at the Diaz household. To their credit, Rafael and Angie Diaz took the situation in stride, after hearing the story behind what Star felt was the necessary steps to destroy magic. The 'cleave', as they put it, was a complete accident, and neither Star nor Marco had any real explanation for it. The two were going to meet up with Tom and Janna, who were at the newly rebuilt Britta's Taco's joint.
"So, Star, how are you doing adjusting to a life without magic?" Marco asked.
"I admit, I do miss Cloudy carrying my things everywhere I go, but I actually feel as if a massive weight has been lifted. At least now I can finally relax," Star replied.
"Yeah, no lizard men, soul-sucking hybrids or Solarian warriors. It has been rather peaceful," Marco agreed.
"No narwhals. I'll miss the narwhals as well. But without all these looming threats or royal pressures, we can get back to us," Star said flirtatiously at Marco, wrapping her arms around his waist while doing so.
"I think I like the sound of that," Marco flirted back. Whilst the two made out, they failed to notice Tom and Janna standing a few feet away from them. It was only when they finished that Tom cleared his throat to alert the two to their presence. Blushing profusely, Star and Marco separated.
"Did we miss anything good?" Janna teased.
"No, not really," Star responded, rather embarrassed.
"The place looks good. They really brought new life back into this joint," Marco said nervously, trying to change the topic of conversation.
"Are you talking about Britta's Tacos or the entire world? I have to admit, the fusion of two worlds and destroying magic would not have been my first solution to the whole Mina problem," Tom confessed.
"Say what you want, I really dig it. Finally made Echo Creek interesting," Janna complimented.
"You really outdid yourself this time, Star," came a voice all recognised. It was Jackie, who was also on her way to Britta's Tacos with her companion Chloe. "Bringing two dimensions together. Can't help but think that's a little bit symbolic of you and Marco," she added.
"I didn't mean for it to happen, but in a way, I'm glad it did," Star said.
"Are we gonna chit-chat all day, or are we getting some grub. I'm starving," Janna called out. Star, Marco, Jackie, and Chloe went to join them. They had just finished placing their orders when Marco's phone went off.
"Probably my mum calling me to read Mariposa a bedtime story over the phone. I'll just be a minute," Marco excused himself and took the call. "Hello? Oh hey D- what? Who the heck is the Round Table? They want to what? But it's not even- Uh-huh, uh-huh. I'll get her there safe," Marco told the caller and hung up. He approached Star with a look of fear in his eyes.
"We have to go, now," Marco told Star bluntly.
"What, our food just got here," Star countered.
"There's no time! They want to- oh no, they're already here!" Marco argued, spotting a suspicious black van approaching the diner and seeing two men in suits talking into earpieces coming out of it.
"Who's already here? What's going on, Marco?" Star quizzed.
"No time, let's just go," Marco urged, took Star's hand and led her away.
"What was all that about?" Tom wondered. Janna turned around and saw the two agents.
"Probably something to do with them," Janna surmised. Marco continued to lead Star as far away from Britta's Tacos as possible until he spotted a place to hide by the riverbank.
"One more time, what is happening?" Star quizzed.
"Dipper just called. Some collection of bigwigs called the Round Table are looking for someone to blame for all this and all fingers are pointed at you. We need to get to an Excalibur safehouse before they catch us," Marco explained, gasping for breath after running for a good half a mile with Star in tow. Star immediately started to go into panic mode.
"If they're looking to blame me, they'll probably start pointing fingers at Moon and Eclipsa too. We need to warn them," Star resolved.
"Agreed, we should split up to get to them faster. I'll go to Eclipsa, you get to your mum" Marco suggested.
"OK, I'll call ahead," Star offered, but Marco snatched her phone and threw it away, along with his own.
"They'll be able to trace those. We have to go dark. That means no phone, no internet, nothing that can be traced. We also can't go home either, since they'll probably have lookouts there. From now on, we're off the grid," Marco outlined.
"Good luck, love" Star wished. The two kissed briefly before going their separate ways after checking that the coast was clear. Marco had given Star the location of the Excalibur safehouse that Dipper gave him and both resolved to meet each other there and not to try and make contact for any reason. If one was caught, they wouldn't compromise the other.
Elsewhere, in an abandoned building on the seedier side of town, a meeting of a collection of individuals known as the True Patrons of Earth, a group formed in the wake of the fusion, was underway. The group comprised of solely human members and their mission statement was to free the planet from what they thought was the grip of monster-kind, by any means necessary.
"I call the first meeting of the True Patrons to order. I want to thank all of you for being here," called the Head Patron Patrick Claymore. A tall, muscular man with questionable tattoos on his arms, Patrick had a long history, or to use the actual term, rap sheet, of 'dealing' with what he considered interlopers. Safe to say, society wasn't his biggest fan. In fact, he was on a prison transport about to serve a hefty sentence for hate crimes when the event happened, wrecking the transport and enabling his escape. He, along with other like-minded prisoners eluded their captors and issued the call to arms through the usual back channels.
"Now we have a name and goals, do we have a plan?" asked another escapee, Ryan Simpson, Patrick's right-hand man. Ryan was smaller in comparison, with a slouch and a weasely demeanor. His rap sheet was similar to Patrick's.
"All things in time, comrade. Right now, we need to know what we're dealing with. These monstrosities are walking our streets, our parks, our highways. We'll need weapons, transport, and information or we'll be easy pickings when the glorious war to reclaim our world starts," Patrick calmed the crowd, who were echoing similar sentiments to Ryan.
"The sooner, the better. I wake up to find walking frog people on my street? Unthinkable!" yelled one attendee.
"And the President has the gall to insinuate that we should live peacefully with these….THINGS side by side? What, is she high? I will NEVER share space with those creatures. I would die first!" vowed another attendee, to cheers of 'hear, hear' and 'darn right'.
"They need to be wiped out like the scum they are!" resolved another attendee.
"I couldn't agree more," came a voice no-one recognised. They turned around to see a woman dressed as a warrior of sorts, sporting battle armor no-one had ever seen before. Despite the pigtails, she gave off the vibe that she would do battle with the rest of them against these invaders. She was accompanied by a short man who, quite frankly, looked like the court jester straight out of a Renaissance fair.
"Begging your pardon, ma'am, but who exactly are you?" inquired Patrick.
"My name is Mina Loveberry, and this is my aide, Manfred. I've been fighting those monsters for 300 years in the service of Queen Solaria. I'm something of an expert in monster-slaying," Mina bragged.
"Forgive me for saying so, but you don't exactly look like a great warrior, and to say you've lived for that long is a very tall claim to be making," observed Ryan.
"True, my powers may have disappeared with the destruction of magic, but what I know about waging war with monsters and my experiences still remains intact. You said yourself you need information. I can teach you how to kill monsters, but weapons are something you'll have to get yourself," Mina offered. Everyone in the meeting was discussing what she had to say amongst themselves. Yes, the claim that she is 300 years old was ridiculous, but if she really did have the know-how to teach them how to fight this enemy, it was worth giving her a shot. Patrick approached Mina and eyed her carefully.
"You say you can teach us how to fight these things. Great, where do we sign up? I have one concern, however, what's in this for you?" Patrick probed.
"I only ask a couple of things. One, that you show me how to use your Earth weapons. I regret that I am unfamiliar with them and two, that you leave Eclipsa, the biggest monster smoocher you'll ever know, her monster king husband and their freak spawn to me. I have unfinished business to settle with them," Mina replied. Patrick thought about this. He turned to the other attendees, who all nodded in agreement. He turned back to Mina and outstretched his hand for her to shake.
"Deal," Patrick resolved and the two shook hands to their new alliance.
Author's note: I should probably explain why this took so long. Well, part of it comes from the fact that writing what is essentially a hate group is really uncomfortable for me, but I wanted to put Mina in here somehow and this is the only way I saw to do it. The other part comes from a severe case of writer's block on my part. I really struggled to find a way to convey a new world to the reader while making it as realistic as possible. But, now that I have the groundwork, I hope to have frequent updates, but don't hold me to that. I'm also going to hold off expressing how much I hated the ending to 'Cleaved' because everyone else has done that already. The usual disclaimers, I own nothing, SVTFOE belongs to Daron Nefcy and Disney. Enjoy.