Chapter 6: The Tunic with the Glowing Sun

After the massive spill within the dining room, servants rushed in to make the room more presentable for the royal family and their new guest. The dining room was filled with all sorts of decorations that had a glistening touch to it. From the shiny plating on the table, to the chandelier letting light bounce off the metal poles of banners hung across the surrounding walls. The servants were always on the move, making sure everything was perfect for the royals that were going to come in within the next hour.

Meanwhile, the pair of teens were on their way to the sub-basement laundry room of the castle to tend to their wet clothes. After Glossaryck had interrupted the two when they were about to kiss. They left the room embarrassed but their minds were scrambled contemplating their feelings about the other. But they were shy to speak with each other about it, considering how it happened minutes prior. They walked towards the laundry room in complete silence, not daring to look at the direction of the person beside them. That was until they were addressed by a man with a pale blue mustache and beard and wearing yellow rubber gloves.

" Princess Star, are you heading towards the laundry room?" The man asked as he walked towards the pair.

"Sir Lavabo! Just the person I wanted to see! Yes we are heading to the laundry room because my friend was very clumsy with a jug of water." Star explained to Sir Lavabo.

Marco introduced himself to the rather burly man as he reached his hand over for a handshake. "Nice to meet you, Sir Lavabo. My name is Marco."

Lavabo kindly accepted the handshake however while he shook his hand. There was something oddly familiar about the boy's presence. "Marco, I'm Sir Lavabo of the esteemed order, Knights of the Wash."

After their handshake, Lavabo was still puzzled about the familiar presence of the boy before him. But as he looked at the current state of Marco and Star, they were in great need of a change of clothes.

"I shall be your escort to the laundry room if you two could gladly follow me." He said to Star and Marco.

Star and Marco followed Lavabo until they reached a door that had a large sign that said "The Knights of The Wash". When Lavabo unlocked and opened the door, Marco's eyes widened as they took in the sight before him.

Beyond the door, laid piles upon piles of laundry with a large washer of some sort.

"That is a lot of clothes." Marco said aloud, speaking to no one in particular.

As the group ventured further into the room, they spotted racks of clothes that were divided by various colours and sizes. It was like walking into the largest organized walk-in closet, their amount of colors shined bright like a rainbow. Sir Lavabo brought them towards the changing rooms which were equipped with a shower operated by magic.

"Welcome to the Knights of the Wash's racks of the lost, these racks are filled with clothes that the countless guests and visitors have left behind. These articles of clothing have been cleansed thoroughly and the original owners have no need for them." Lavabo informed the two teens whose eyes were sparkling with wonder.

"Wow, I didn't even know this place existed" Star said out loud as she looked over to the endless collection of dresses.

Marco went over to examine the closest rack of clothing, "No way! This level of organization is too good to be true. It isn't only sorted by colors but even by the material and size of the clothing." Marco began speaking words of endearment and praise as he went along the racks.

Sir Lavabo chuckled as he watched Marco practically bursting with excitement, even Star began giggling as she watched Marco. The elegance of the clean dry fabrics that opened an entire new world to see for the young boy.

Marco POV

So after that clumsy yet oddly satisfying tumble on the floor with Star. We decided to head towards the laundry room which happened to be in the sub-basement of the castle. Which meant going down those long spiraling stairs again. As Star and I walked down each flight of stairs in our semi-soaked clothing. I couldn't bring myself to speak to her, that embarrassing situation earlier in the dining room was playing in my mind. The moment that she called my name in her sweet tender voice made my mind weak. How ripe her lips looked in those few seconds. With a major question continuously racking in my brain, "What if Glossaryck didn't barge into the room. Would we have kissed? What would it feel like?

Thankfully, as Star and I continued our descent down the stairs, we met the Knight Lavabo who was apart of the "Knights of the Wash" Order. Who knew that the Butterfly Kingdom had an order of knights for laundry. Maybe it was more of a namesake instead of an actual order of knights. Shortly after I greeted Sir Lavabo with a hearty handshake, I noticed he was wearing bright yellow gloves. But it wasn't the gloves that concerned me, it was the strength behind his handshake. I'm not entirely sure if nobility have harder clothes but his grip was firm like a shark's bite. His fingers were clamping my hands and I became worried that there were some untold horrors behind these "laundry knights." Anyways as we broke off our handshake, I pushed back those thoughts as he kindly escorted us towards the laundry room.

It took us around 5-6 minutes to reach the wooden door of the laundry room. As we went into the room, there were tons of clothes scattered in piles with a larger washer of some sort in the middle. We continued to follow him and reached another door that led into a different section of the laundry room. As Sir Lavabo opened the door, there was a new world beyond that door frame. It was so wonderful, I might have shed some tears when Star wasn't looking. We continued our walk deep into this majestic world of vibrant colors of various clothing hung neated on racks. Once we made it to our destination, which Sir Lavabo said were the change rooms. I noticed that there was some sort of shower that was supposedly made from magic. I shifted my gaze towards Lavabo who was telling us more about the room.

" these racks are filled with clothes that the countless guests and visitors have left behind. These articles of clothing have been cleansed thoroughly and the original owners have no need for them." I heard Lavabo saying although I couldn't quite make out his first sentence.

I looked over to Star whose eyes were filled with wonder, "I didn't even know this place existed!" she said as I noticed her gaze towards the rack filled with dresses.

I felt a rush of curiosity as I looked onto the rows of racks which seemed to be organized by colour. This curious itch told me all I needed, it was like an instinctive trait that something laid hidden within these racks. Something that was only found when you look past the first appearances. I decided to look towards Sir Lavabo with eyes asking for permission to explore, he must have noticed my excitement as he nodded with a slight grin.

Taking my chance, I followed my instinct and looked into the nearest rack which coincidentally happened to be filled with the color red. First I looked past the fact that the racks were color-coded. That was when I began comparing the first 3 shirts in the front of me, which happened to plain red tunics. At first glance, these were 3 regular red tunics that were hung alongside each other on the rack. However, the order was arranged by the seemingly simple features of the shirts. Going from right to left, there was a subtle change in the type of thread used. One tunic came from the refined lands of the Spiderbites. Another came from the riches of the fiery underworld. As the last tunic was crafted with thread from the lands of the Sun.

As I uncovered the secrets behind the clothing. I was filled with overwhelming amazement. An excitement that urged me to speak out my findings to the room's occupants. Which was only Star and Sir Lavabo but I still needed to tell them.

"No way! This level of organization is too good to be true. It isn't only sorted by colors but even by the material and size of the clothing." I practically shouted out loud as I diverted my attention towards the seemingly glowing shirt that hung further down the line.

A glowing red shirt of some sort? Maybe my eyes are deceiving me? There was something about that shirt that called me. I slowly began moving towards it. As I got closer and closer, I reached outwards trying to touch the glowing red aura that shrouded the shirt. As my fingers began to wrap itself around it. The world around me became surrounded in darkness. But strange enough, there was a table with a clock on it basking in the ruby spotlight. My body felt like it was being pulled towards the table in question. Guided effortlessly towards the only objects in this void, I would resist but my curiosity of the unknown took hold. Afterall, the previous experience of mine happened during the fight in the tournament where I got to meet a beautiful girl.

Actually, wasn't Star the girl in that strange rubylit place with me? I began formulating questions upon questions yet never received any answers. If I want any answers, I need to ask Star about this void and that enchanting ruby red moon. As I reached the table, the clock stopped ticking at a rather strange time. The minute hand stuck under the number 10, with the hour hand just before the 7. There was something off with this clock however, the second hand was facing outwards like it was coming out of the clock. It was as if the clock was pointing at something, so I followed it. Gazing towards the direction of the clock was a piece of paper dangling in the wind.

I chased that mysterious paper that flew further and further away from me. As I chased the page, I could feel the moon shining its spotlight onto my back. You could say it was like watching an actor on a stage and the light follows him towards their goal. Rather suddenly, the wind's breeze died down and the piece of paper began its gentle descent towards the ground. Now I wasn't going to question the strange breeze in this endless void, but I kept my eyes onto the paper. Opening my hands, I allowed the paper to fall and rest in my palms with the moon's spotlight in front of me.

Well, the spotlight was rather focused on the blank piece of paper in my hand. I was about to crumble it up and throw it away but the reddening of letters began to make its mark. After a few seconds, the once blank page had words appearing forming paragraphs and stanzas. Figuring that this paper could give me answers, I began to read its contents with the hope of an explanation.

Sol's Heralds

"Problems continue to circle around the kingdom as the mysterious disappearance of the Royal Prince Marco continues to create shockwaves through the kingdom. 2 years ago, the royal prince and heir to the Sol Kingdom disappeared without any traces. There hasn't been any news about the whereabouts and well-being of the missing prince.

As continuous rumours circulate the kingdom about the lost prince. It is a known fact that without an heir to the throne, the kingdom may as well perish. Further news states that the Sol Kingdom has been having issues reaching the outside world to its allies overseas. To ensure the survival of the kingdom, the navy has begun assembling in hopes of figuring out the disruption.

A message from the ruling monarch of Sol, Rafael Diaz.

"People of the Kingdom, our search for my lost son still continues. Anyone with any news about him shall be personally awarded gifts beyond compare. Should the bastards that peak their head out of their holes show themselves. I will personally handle your execution and ensure that you suffer greatly for your actions. Lastly my dear son, if you ever come across this message, please come home. Our people...Our family… and Our kingdom needs their prince back."

I read the page again and again, I couldn't process the news that was getting to my head. There was no way I could be the prince of Sol? I grew up in the small trading town of Echo Creek barely anything to my name. Not the grand capital city of Sol with riches and servants. But that symbol looks so familiar, the way that the golden shaped circle accented its features. I brushed my thumb against the corner of the paper. Rubbing the symbol that felt etched within the oldest fragments of my mind.

As I rubbed the image, the sun shaped image began to crack itself while various parts of it began to glow red. The shapes divided themselves, creating small triangles that remained gold. The others drastically changed colour into ominous ruby red, As I watched the ink shapes dance around each other. The finishing results were nigh, a ruby red crescent moon alongside a bright yellow star remained.

That was when I heard it, the eerie pitched voice in the void. Maybe it was my mind playing tricks on me. Or maybe, it was someone warning me of something. Whatever it was, I took their words into account.

"The mistakes of the past shall be righted,
The two lost lovers shall be reunited, for calamity plans to finish what was once started ."

"What does that mean?" I speak aloud to the void, hopeful for a response.

That was when I felt ejected from this void as the light began to fill into this world, looking at the clock that was on the table. The second hand was relaxed in its position and began ticking, where I was suddenly brought back to the dry-cleaning racks. Glancing in my hand was the exact ripped piece of paper I held in the void. However, the shape of the image had reverted back into the golden sun.

My mind was spinning as I processed the information that I had just received. I looked back at the shirt that brought me here. It was a red shirt that was oddly familiar to me, a red shirt with the golden sun embedded into its back. I grabbed that shirt and ventured off towards the other sections of the room to complete my outfit.

After some time had passed, I had finished taking a rather pleasant shower using this bizarre magical technology. Grabbing my new outfit for the dinner, I examined myself in the mirror as I ensured that everything was perfect. Seeing how I was dressed, I was about to leave until I heard the voice of someone I didn't expect.

"Hey Cap, that was a rather long shower you took there." the voice said as they emerged from the eerie dark part of the room.

Twirling my body quickly to face the massive culprit that invaded my privacy, I locked my eyes onto the robed figure.

"Ooh Cap, all dressed up and you are looking at me. This isn't the place for that stuff you know." The figure teased as they got closer to me.

"Janna? Get out of town!"

Janna just grinned mischievously as if she is relishing my reactions. Which was probably what she was doing. Rather suddenly, there was another voice coming from the doorway which had traces of worrying in it.

"Marco? Is everything alright? I heard someone yelling in there." Star said as she waited outside the door.

I looked over at Janna whose reaction didn't mind the fact that I was alone in this room with her. For anyone that knew us, there wouldn't be any troublesome implications however if Star were to walk in. She will definitely misinterpret this situation, so I quickly came up with some sort of excuse that would save my behind.

"Oh sorry Star, that was just me yelling cause I was admiring the quality of the mirror."

"Okay Marco, you just make sure you get out soon. Don't want to be late for dinner!" She responded before walking away from the door.

I listened carefully to pick up on the footsteps that walked further away from the door. I would go up and check the door by opening it but I wouldn't want to risk Lavabo or Star seeing us. I looked back at Janna whose expression was still indifferent besides the close chance that we would have been caught.

"So Janna, what are you doing inside the castle? Weren't you supposed to be preparing the ship so we can get out of here?"

"Well I got Oskar to cover for me, and I was thinking of the precious stuff royals have so I decided to check it out." Janna said as she held up diamond blue earrings.

"Janna...Where did you get those earrings?" I asked hoping that it didn't belong to who I think it does.

"Well I got this from the queen's office along with this." Janna replied nonchalantly as she pulled out paper from her pockets.

I eyed the paper cautiously before taking it from Janna, I began to read the words. "That is just great," I said sarcastically.

"So what's the plan Marco?"

"Assuming that the Queen hasn't found out our true identities, we will proceed with the usual plan. I trust that you found out at least something about a vessel without protection?" I stated as I began to crumble up the paper.

"Yep, there is a ship leaving the docks later this evening promptly around the time after the dinner. Although I have heard that their cargo is "special" for the corrupt nobles around the kingdom."

"Well that fits the criteria for our raid later, also you might want to put those earrings back. We are a pirate crew that takes down the corrupt for the betterment of the people."

"So we are Robin Hood's band of thieves… if you start ordering us to wear tights. I'll blow open all your secrets to our crew."

"Again with the blackmail Janna?"

"Of course, you know me Cap." Janna said as she walked backwards towards the dark shadows of the room.

Before she subtly disappeared she teasily said "Hope you have fun smooching with the princess."

That phrase put me into a lovesick trance as I reminisced about almost kissing the beautiful princess. Then my mind clicked as I ran towards where Janna was in hopes to grab her to prevent the news from reaching the rest of the crew. I won't ever live it down and I couldn't have that embarrassment on my ship. Sadly, Janna had already ran off and strangely disappeared as I checked the interior of the dark shadows. Shaking my head, it is like she can teleport or something.

Setting Janna's mysterious ability aside from my thoughts, I made my way towards the exit. As I grabbed onto the door handle, I felt something eerily following me as if it was a warning that danger is present. Despite being my usual panicking self, I dismissed that feeling thinking that it was just chills from Janna. I opened the door handle dressed in my new attire prepared to deal with the Royal Family of Butterflies.

Within the Docks of Mewni's Trading Harbour

"So everyone knows the plan?" asked the enormously muscular frog man in a thick accent.

"Of course, we'll make the boss proud" the strange band of monsters said as they walked past the guard who had nodded off to sleep.

Star POV

"I didn't know this existed in the castle!" I exclaimed as I laid my eyes over the endless rows of colours.

"Yes, these racks carry many wonderful fabrics all cleansed and dry cleaned making them suitable when they are needed. After all, the day we have no more clean clothes shall be the very day I die." Sir Lavabo stated proudly as he pumped his fist into his chest as if making an internal vow.

I glanced over at Marco with the various steamy thoughts of that moment in the dining room. I enjoyed his enthusiasm as I saw him bounce off from rack to rack. I found myself smiling at his antics, but I couldn't help but picture what could have happened earlier. I felt heat radiating from my cheeks as I thought more and more about the situation, especially the part where our lips were just mere centimeters away. Why did Glossaryck have to ruin such a wonderful moment?

I grumbled at just the thought of Glossaryck finishing the rest of Marco's Awesome Nachos. Deciding to leave my thoughts, I looked over to Marco slowly walking towards a shirt as if he was fascinated by it. His reactions piqued my interest as I continued to watch him move towards the shrt in question. What was the strangest thing however, was the moment he grabbed the fabric of the shirt. I swore I heard a voice inside my head that wasn't mine, yet it delivered a message that was concerning in its own way. "The mistakes of the past shall be righted,
The two lost lovers shall be reunited, for calamity plans to finish what was once started ."

This message must have been important since Marco's eyes were wide as if he was shocked about something. Obviously he must have heard the same voice I did, I gotta bring it up to him after dinner I told myself. Which reminded me that I needed to get ready for dinner! I made my way to Sir Lavabo who had already pulled up a rack of outfits.

"Princess Star, what royal outfit will you be going with today?" Sir Lavabo asked as he used his hand to gesture towards the multiple royal blue dresses.

Biting my wand as I looked through each set of clothing, I couldn't see a dress that called out to me. One that would suit myself without being so constricted to my body. That was when I saw a smaller blue outfit that was hung onto the rack behind Sir Lavabo. I think I wore that dress when I was very little. I'm sure mom won't mind feeling a little bit nostalgic when she sees me dressed with that. So with a swing with my wand, I summoned a larger replica of that dress alongside a hanger. As I went to grab the dress, Sir Lavabo called out to me with a questioning tone.

"Princess Star, are you still gonna wear that coat on top of your dress?" he asked

Looking down, I had completely dismissed the fact that I am wearing Marco's coat. I knew that he gave it to me so I wouldn't freeze in the halls. But how could I be so carefree with his coat on, maybe it was that special warmth it gave me. Despite its outer look, the coat is actually really soft and cozy like a blanket. I feel wrapped in a blanket that is giving me a hug and I didn't want to leave its warmth. So I came up with the bestest solution to this problem,

"I'll give this coat back to Marco when we're finished changing." I said to Lavabo,

"Very well, I'll gather your soaked clothing once you are finished." Lavabo said with a bow before walking off.

Turning away from Lavabo, I grabbed my outfit for the night and went towards the shower rooms. Entering the room, I took off Marco's coat and hung it onto the steel hooks that were implemented into the walls. Afterwards I undressed myself and laid my clothes into the baskets that Sir Lavabo had placed before I entered. Turning the knobs of this magical shower apparently my mom had installed. I began my shower with the soap products that I gladly enjoyed. Scrubbing the dirt and grime off my skin and using this strawberry-scented shampoo I love.

After several minutes, I completed my shower and began putting on my dress. Looking at my dress, I am so glad I don't have to deal with those stuck up corset pieces. I swear those things are meant to suffocate the unfortunate nobles for no reason. This remake of my old dress of when I was little carried the same features. The turquoise that outlined the dress from the ends of the skirt to the very top of the puffy shoulder pads. Along with the base of cyan that strived to expand past those turquoise borders. Lastly, there were magenta hearts that were placed in each of the triangle-like shapes towards the bottom of the dress. However, I did tweak some stuff about the dress. I replaced the usual magenta ribbon with a picture of a pink octopus and instead of the ballet shoes that go with the dress. I used my purple boots that loosely resembled a narwhal. Satisfied with my outfit choice, I opened my door and began my way towards Marco's change room.

Once I arrived at the entrance of the room that Marco was in, I faced a predicament. Debating in my mind if I should kick down the door or try knocking. Amidst the inner debate that I had going on in my mind. I heard yelling from behind the door. Preparing myself to kick down the door, I quickly stopped myself. What if Marco was still naked? Instead I decided to call out to him to make sure he was okay.

"Marco? Is everything alright? I heard someone yelling in there."

"Oh sorry Star, that was just me yelling cause I was admiring the quality of the mirror." He responded

That was not the response I expected from Marco. Who admires a mirror? I felt that there was something off with Marco. Yet again, I haven't known Marco for that long so I set that thought aside. Moving my gaze towards the staircase, I noticed that there was some sort of figure that went up the stairs. Thinking that it was probably another servant rushing for dinner preparations. Oh Mewni, I forgot we have dinner soon!

Facing toward the door once more, I called out to Marco.

"Okay Marco, you just make sure you get out soon. Don't want to be late for dinner!"

Leaving him to do whatever he was doing, I began my way through the castle towards the dining hall.

Author Notes: Well... Sorry about that everyone, I fell off the grid there leaving this story without any updates for a good 8 months. I was busy with a bunch of stuff: School, Family, Moving, with the added bonus of writer's block. Then I realized that I have time to dedicate to this story. I won't make promises that I will be updating it on a frequent basis. If anything, I'll strive to push out chapters when I managed to write them.

Anyways, I should be uploading more chapters after this one, so I'll be back hopefully with the next.