Jade descends upon the outskirts of Butterfly Castle in the middle of the night. The Castle is utterly swamped with guards. She needs a distraction.
Jade: Alright girls, you know what to do. Get em away from here.
Spider starts sneaking outward and Eagle flies high into the air. She swoops down like a dagger at the guards.
Guard: What's wrong with that bloody bird! Begone, you foul beast!
Spider unleashes a massive web towards the other guards, trapping them in a Mewnan knight cocoon. More guards rush, and Jade uses the confusion as an opportunity to scale the wall. up towards Moon's room. She makes it all the way up the balcony, hiding off to the side. From inside, she can hear conversation.
River: Yawn, what could all that commotion going on outside possibly be?
Queen Moon: I don't know dear. Why don't you go see what it is?
Jade uses his disappearance as an opportunity to sneak into the window. On the bed she can see a mound of white hair. Jade unsheathes her dagger. Moving in for the kill, she pulls over the covers, revealing a strange creature with white fur that starts barking loudly at Jade.
Jade: What! Where is she?
Queen Moon: Here!
Moon clobbers Jade across the head with a fire poker. She falls into unconsciousness.
Jade awakens hours later to find that she's been chained up in the dungeon, and all her items have been confiscated from her. She hangs there in the prison tower in humiliation from iron chains coming out of the cold stone walls. She looks disappointed in herself for failing once again to complete her mission. She can hear the sounds of boots coming down the corridor and some following murmurs. These aren't the boots of a particularly large person, not an adult. She doesn't think it's Moon, but who could it be? Star Butterfly, of course. She strides into the room with a serious look on her face.
Star: I've come here to get some answers.
Jade: A kid? I'm not telling you anything, brat.
Star: Really? I was just going to ask you about Ludo.
That name causes her to open her eyes wide, and stare with daggers at Princess Star.
Jade: What about him?
Star: You know, it's strange, but I've encountered Ludo many, many times and I could SWEAR I met all his minions before. But you're new, that's for sure.
Jade: I'm no minion.
Star: Also, all his minions are dudes... I think. I'm not too sure about that flower.
Jade: I don't work for Ludo.
Star: Really? Then how come you stole MY wand from my mother? Why would an assassin want a wand? Why, later that night, would Ludo come to Butterfly Castle with it?
Jade: What? That's what that little idiot did after I gave it to him?
Star: So... you do work for him?
Jade: My god, you're so dumb. I already said no!
Star: Then why did you give it to him?
Jade murmurs under her breath.
Jade: Because I like him, okay?
Star: Huh? What's that?
Jade: BECAUSE I LIKE HIM, OKAY?!
Star: Oh... you like, got a crush on Ludo?
Jade started to blush angrily.
Star: Ooh, you like him. That's so cute!
Jade: I didn't expect him to just return it to you. If I had known he was gonna do that, I would have just let you keep the stupid thing.
Star: So, Ludo WAS coming back to return the wand.
Jade: What are you getting at, you stupid girl?!
Star paces back and forth as she explains herself to Jade.
Star: A little while back, I had received a letter from Ludo, inviting me to his castle, to "apologize and make amends". At first I brushed it off, but then, I found myself thinking, what if he's telling the truth? What if he genuinely DOES want to bury the hatchet. So of course, I, and my boyfriend slash squire Marco, go to see Ludo at his new castle. We get there, fully expecting to be trapped and ambushed, like he was just gonna try to steal the wand again and I would beat him up and blah blah blah. ANYWAY! After getting to spend some time with him, it turns out, after all this time, that he's this sweet little guy that just wants people to appreciate him. So yeah. I had to come to you to find out. That's important to me. Friendship is important to me. I thought he betrayed me just like that and it broke my heart, especially after he poured his heart out to me.
Jade: He poured his heart out to you?
Star: Yeah! I never expected that from him. I guess I always just thought he was a little menace. I never bothered to ask him why he wanted my wand in the first place. It's kinda sad.
Jade: So, you care about him too?
Star: Yeah, I guess I kinda do. That's why I need to know where he is.
Jade: I think he's cute and funny, but he's naive. He thinks forgiveness is easy. But I'll never forgive her.
Star: Forgive who?
Jade: Your mother.
Star: What is your beef with my mom anyway?
Jade: YOUR MOTHER KILLED MY FATHER! AND I WON'T STOP UNTIL THE FLOOR BENEATH HER IS DYED CRIMSON!
Star:...
Tears ran down Jade's face as she stared at Moon's daughter.
Star: THAT'S who you are... it all makes sense now.
Jade:...
Star: ... I'm sorry.
Star leaves, slamming the door as she leaves. Jade hangs there in misery for nearly an hour until another set of boots, this time with heels, walks down the hall. This is definitely Moon. Jade can hear the murmurs once more before the door once again flies open.
Jade: You!
Queen Moon: Ah, yes, the Septarian girl from before. I thought you looked familiar. My my, what an embarrassing situation.
Jade: What are you talking about?
Queen Moon: That pitiful attempt at assassination you pulled on me last night. I mean really, a bird and spider as a distraction? Did you want to get caught? Do you think for a second that I'm that stupid as to not know what's going on?
Jade: So are you gonna criticize me or are you gonna punish me? Because if I have to pick between the two, I'd rather just be punished and spare myself of your prattling.
Queen Moon: Fine, I'll cut to the chase. Tell me where Ludo is?
Jade: Why? Do you like him too?
Queen Moon: Oh, so you like Ludo. I personally find him to be a troubled young man. No. His parents are worried sick about him after you'd gotten him in deep trouble involving him in your little murder attempt as well as your theft of royal property.
Jade: Oh, NOW they care about him?
Queen Moon: Please, just lay your hatred for me aside for a moment and tell me where he is.
Jade: I can't tell you where he is, but I assure you. He's safer there than he is here.
Queen Moon: So, he's among others.
Jade: I didn't say that.
Queen Moon: Then tell me one thing. Who are you?
Jade: YOU TOOK MY FATHER FROM ME, AND FOR THAT, YOU WILL PAY WHEN I SIPHON EVERY LAST DROP FROM YOUR BODY YOU WITCH QUEEN!
Queen Moon: Your father? Good heavens. Now I understand.
Moon is silent for a moment, deep in thought. Jade stares at her in confusion and anger.
Queen Moon: This must end.
Jade: YOU must end!
Queen Moon: It appears as though our family is at conflict. The only true way to settle this is with a battle... to the DEATH!
Jade was surprised, but the prospect intrigued her.
Jade: You want me to fight you? Fine. What are your terms?
Queen Moon: I've stripped you of your nasty little tricks. No smoke bombs. No throwing stars.
Jade: Fine, then you can't use magic.
Queen Moon: Only fair. We will fight with swords. From what I understand, your kind are proficient with a particular kind of hooked scimitars?
Jade: That's old-school thinking but yeah, I can hold my own with a scimitar.
Queen Moon: Then it is settled. You. Me. In the courtyard. A battle to the death. I win: I get to execute you for crimes of attempted violent insurrection against the country.
Jade: And if I win?
Queen Moon: I will drop all charges and you will go home and forget your pursuit of my life.
Jade: Very gutsy terms. How do you know I won't just come back and finish you later?
Queen Moon: I don't. All I know is this back and forth must end. It's settled. We meet at noon for a battle for the honor of our people.
Jade: To the death.
Queen Moon: To the death.
It is settled then. At noon, Jade is brought to the courtyard of Castle Butterfly in chains. She and Moon arrive, both unarmed. Moon is ready in her battle gear and Jade remained in the same leather garb she arrived in. Septarian scimitars are tossed to the ground.
Referee: This is to be a fair battle, right my Queen?
Queen Moon: Yes, those are my terms, as discussed.
Referee: On the count of three, you will each draw a single sword and engage in battle. Any questions?
Jade: I have one. How do I know the odds aren't stacked in her favor? This is her kingdom, her castle, and her rules.
Queen Moon: All you have is my word that this battle is in no way rigged. However, both swords have been imbued with magic, so no, your regenerative powers will not give you the upper hand on me either.
Referee: Any more?
Jade: No.
Referee: Your highness?
Queen Moon: The rules are understood.
Referee: Very well. Three... two... one... BATTLE!
They each dive for their sword, each grabbing one and standing a foot apart from each other in stand off. Jade swings first, clashing into Moon's sword, backing moon into a brick wall. Using the wall for leverage, Moon kicks herself into a leap over Jade, Jade parries as to not have the tables turned on her. Jade attacks very offensively, while Moon uses her far superior agility and focus to catch each and every attack of the barrage, looking for an opening. Moon chooses an opportunity for a sliding counter attack but misses, and pays for it when Jade makes a nearly 4 inch look slice across her forearm. Jade smiles, smugly as Moon decides to flip the tables and go on her own offensive attack. Moon, with more weight on her side, beats down on Jade as she defends herself, knocking Jade to the ground and going in for a stab that Jade quickly rolls out of.
Moon becomes graceful with her strategy, almost like a mix of drunken martial arts and ballet, and it causes Jade to lose focus. Moon swipes past her head, cutting several of her hairs off. It is with this that Jade becomes furious and lashes out at Moon in a blind rage, what Moon is hoping for. She utilizes Jade's fury to her advantage, and Moon takes a very deft and defensive stance. After several very quick strikes, Moon sees the opportunity. She slides the long blade straight into the hilt of Jade's sword, tossing her sword up in the air off into the distance. She kick's Jade to the ground. Moon has her right where she wants her, but at the last second, Jade rolls out of the way, kicking Moon's sword off to the side.
From here. The two engage in hand to hand martial arts combat. Heated blows are exchanged. The guards are watching very anxiously, cheering Moon on to destroy the Septarian. Noticing the sun in the horizon, Jade gets an idea. Luring Moon over towards her own sword, Jade tries to utilize her positioning to get close enough to grab Moon's sword, and when she does, she grabs it. Moon backs away, and Jade uses the blade to reflect a beam of sunlight right into Moon's eyes, blinding her. With this, she kicks Moon over, forcing her to the ground. Jade stands over the top of Moon's body, scimitar in hand, ready to thrust the blade right into Moon's heart. She notices Jade's eyes are like that of the devil before her, like a demon, how the sun casts over her head creating a halo over a face, shrouded in darkness. Moon lays there, puzzled. Jade thrust downward, digging the scimitar into the ground right next to Moon's head.
Jade: I... I can't... I can't do it. Dammit!...
Jade stumbles backwards. She lifts her arms, signalling for the guards to cuff her up. Moon lays on the ground, utterly puzzled by what she just witnessed. Jade is hauled off to the cells again. She is frustrated with herself.
Jade: I'm so weak... I'm so weak, father. I'm sorry.
The guards hang her by the chains in the dungeon. The one guard spits on her face before slamming the dungeon door on her. She hangs there, for hours to contemplate her decision. Jade had forfeited her fight, and in doing so she lost. Jade sways there slowly in silence, patiently waiting for the next time the guards are to come to her cell. She awaits the moment when the guards haul her off, kneel her in front of Moon, and Moon executes her right where she kneels with magic, just to set an example of her before monsters and Mewnans alike. That vision rolls around in her head. It is so vivid. But oddly, it never comes. Two husky guards enter the dungeon about four hours later. They burst through the door, looking at Jade quite frustratedly.
Guard 1: Aye, your highness would like a word with you up in her personal quarters.
Guard 2: I don't know why she would want to see a pitiful and weak Septarian like you.
Guard 1: Right, I wish Queen Moon would have just had melted her on the spot. Would have been fun watching this little lizard fry.
Guard: HA HA HA! Good one, mate!
The guards carry her up the long tower to Moon's office. Moon the undaunted stands before a large window, looking towards a sunset that is blood red along the horizon. She's standing behind a desk. Her face was that of stone cold nothingness. The guards enter the room with the Septarian girl, iron-bound. Her weapons that were removed from her when she was placed in the Butterfly Castle tower prison Are kept in a weapons locker. She has no bombs, no toys. She'd been frisked and searched in every nook and cranny for anything she could possibly have on her, and it was confiscated. Jade is puzzled. She's had every opportunity to kill Moon, but failed twice and Moon has had every opportunity, as well as reason, to execute her, but yet, she refused to do so as planned. Jade was fully expecting to die that very night by supreme punishment of the theft of the wand itself at the hands of Queen Moon, but instead, she stands right before her enemy, both of them are unarmed.
Queen Moon: Guards, you may leave us. I want privacy with this one.
Guard 1: But your majesty, she tried to kill you!
Queen Moon: That's an order!
Guard 2: ... Yes, your royal highness!
The guards close the door behind them.
Queen Moon: Lock it!
Guard 2: Yes, my Queen.
Jade's confusion peaks. Moon walks right up to her. Moon can feel the vengeance boiling as she takes each step closer. Then, she does the unthinkable, something crazy. She takes out a small iron key, and undoes Jade's shackles. Jade does not move. She is so taken aback by what she just witnessed that she doesn't know how to react. She then places Jade's dagger on the desk and turn to look out the window with a face of cold nothingness again.
Jade: Why are you doing this? Haven't you humiliated me enough?
Queen Moon: I never meant to humiliate you, young lady.
Jade: The rules were, if I won, I got to kill you, and if you won, you got to kill me. I forfeited, which means you won. Why aren't you going through with it?
Queen Moon: Because of her.
Queen Moon points downward toward the garden in front of her. Jade walks closer to look out the window before her. Outside she can see Star Butterfly, sitting on a bench in the courtyard, cherry blossoms bathe the bench, and Star and Marco lean head to head laughing and talking about nothing important in particular.
Queen Moon: That's my daughter, Star Butterfly. She will rule this kingdom some day. Just look at her. She's so happy, and care free. I envy her. It's crazy, I must admit, to be envious of your own child, to be envious of how she, at this very moment, has not a care in the world.
Jade: She talked to me, down in the dungeon. She likes Ludo apparently.
Queen Moon: Well, that's rather odd. Those two used to butt heads like a couple of ninnies. I had a mind to just pull them both by the ear and tell them they ought to be ashamed of themselves for their behavior towards each other. Ludo is a troubled young man, but there is a soul in him, I believe.
Jade: Why did you bring me up here?
Queen Moon: I wanted you to look at that girl. I want you to realize, that should you take that very dagger, and thrust it into my heart, that it will not be the end.
Jade: Of course it would. My mission would be complete.
Queen Moon: It would be the end of yours, and the beginning of hers.
Jade: What?
Queen Moon: If you had killed me, that child down there would spend every waking moment of your life hunting you down, and she would not stop until the blood was quenched. It would destroy me on the inside to watch that happen to her.
Jade: You wouldn't get to... you'd be dead.
Queen Moon: Don't you understand? History... it repeats itself.
Jade:...
Queen Moon: Twenty years ago your father killed my mother. I spent every day just as you were, training, becoming stronger, never relenting in my anger. I wanted your father dead for taking my mother away from me, for killing her right before my very eyes. Killing her... that was HIS mission. I spared you because in that heat of battle, before I contemplated ending you once and for all, I saw something in you that terrified me. I saw myself. I saw the same anger I felt towards your father in your eyes. For that moment, I became the very thing I hated.
I saw what our history in this land had finally amounted to, a never-ending cycle, never-ending despair. I want that cycle to end, today. I won't kill you because you've suffered enough. We all have. I can't bring back your father. I won't ask you to forgive me because I myself could never forgive him. When someone you love dies, its like part of you dies with them, and you're just left with this crater in your heart. The only thing that can help is time. And the only thing that can heal... is to fill that crater, with something else.
It's why I married my husband. It's why I had my daughter. She fills that hole left by my mother. I will always love her, and I will always remember her, but I know that I cannot have her back. All that I can do is let my heart crumble, or heal. I want you to heal, Jade. I want no more death. I don't want another bloody life taken by this feud between Mewnans and monsters. You are free to go. Go and live in peace, my dear. Heal, I beg of you.
Jade: I hate you... and I will NEVER forgive you... but I'm not going to kill you, because I never want anyone else to feel the way I do about you. I feel nothing but pain every day because of you, but I don't want to feel that way anymore. I want the pain to go away.
Queen Moon: I hope you have others where you come from, others that you love.
Jade: I can't even go home to them... I'm a disgrace. I couldn't even kill you... because I'm weak.
Queen Moon: No my dear. You couldn't kill me because you're strong. You were strong enough to conquer my hatred. You were strong enough to bring clarity, and vision to my old, jaded eyes for the first time, and see this disgusting present we have paved with our actions, but the future, it doesn't have to be this way. The future can heal the crater it has in its heart as well, but it must start now. Your home. I suppose that's where Ludo is, correct?
Jade: I can't tell you.
Queen Moon: If you truly care about Ludo, then we must know where he is. He is not safe.
Jade: I assure you, he's okay. He's hidden where none of you can tread, where none of you would ever find him. You can give that solace to his family. I'm leaving.
Queen: We will find another way. We will get Ludo back.
Jade: At what cost?
Queen Moon: A peaceful one, I hope.
Jade: Peace, ha. Good luck with that.