The title is a reference to the song "Welcome to the jungle" by Guns n' roses.

chapter 4: Welcome to the jungle

- Okay, girls!- Star said excited.- Let's go!

Star have asked her good friend Pony Head to help her with the make up for her disguise. She needed to look convincing enough, in order to make the lizard people believe she was one of them.

- Okay, girls!- Pony Head called her sisters.- Let's do this!

Her sisters did not hear her, because they were distracted by Toffee's presence:

- Hello, there!- Khrysthalle flirted with him.- It hurts being this gorgeous, doesn't it?

- Would you like to listen to our music?- Shonda and Shinda asked in their usual monotone voices.

The other sisters were mostly floating around him and either asking him random things or flirting. Toffee tried to be civilised, but he always hated it when he was being objectified, especially sexually.

- Back off, tramps!- Pony Head warned her nosy sisters.- He's mine. You can flirt with his buddy out in the hallway, who is almost just as sexy. Also, B-Fly is waiting for her makeover.

Once, the other 12 unicorns were reminded of their goal, they grabbed every tool they could find and began the makeover. They put a lot of blue face powder all over Star's body, they put on her a fake tail, they made and placed some fake fangs in her mouth.

After a few minutes of work, they were finally done. Rasticore entered the room to check on Star, with Razzles accompanying him, and they saw the final results. Star looked like a different creature now, but still not like a septarian- she lacked scales and a snout:

- What do you think, boss?- Rasticore asked Toffee.

- I don't know.- Toffee said unsure.- Aren't there any scales we can put on her? Otherwise, her skin will look too soft and smooth.

- That's the best we've got.- Pony Head responded sassily.

- Well, still better than looking like a mewman.- Rasticore tried to make the situation better.- We can say she is a hybrid- half-septarian and half-frog. They will believe that. A hybrid is better than a mewman, anyway.

- I suppose so.- Toffee said with hesitation, while Razzles was sitting on his lap.

- Relax, Toffee!- Star tried to comfort him.- I can handle it. It's still a pretty good disguise. I look like a real monster. What do you think, Razzles?

- She does look like a hybrid to me.- Razzles told her father.

- Okay.- Toffee sighed.- But remember- he turned to Star.- you must not tell anyone your real name. Otherwise, the entire plan goes to waste.

- Well, what should I tell them then?- Star asked.

Toffee, Razzles and Rasticore all began thinking of a name, until Rasticore found a solution:

- Estela! Tell them your name is Estela.

- Oooh, I like it.- Star felt excited.- Almost like my great-grandma Estrella.

- I didn't know you had a great-grandma Estrella.- Rasticore explained.- At least, I don't remember her.

- She means Estrella the Drafted.- Toffee tried to help with Rasticore's confusion and also took it as a chance to educate his daughter about history.- She was the 34th queen of Mewni, known for her drawing skills. She was the mother Comet Butterfly, Star's grandmother.- he lowered his head to Razzles.- You got that, hunny!

- 34th queen, the Drafted. I remember.- Razzles nodded proudly.

- Pfft! Nerd!- Pony Head critisized Toffee for making the makeover session looking like a history lesson.- Still a cutie, though.

Toffee, however, did not mind being called a "nerd". Not because he was used to it, but because he was proud of being the way he was. Star herself, was somewhat impressed by his knowledge. She remembered Estrella mostly by name, and had forgotten what she did as a queen.

- Okay, if this is all we need, I say we get ready.- Toffee encouraged everyone to pack their bags.

Everyone went out of the room. Razzles got off her father's lap and followed the others. Toffee was about to leave too, until one of the Pony Head sisters, Khrysthalle stopped him:

- You can call me.- she informed him, which only made the septarian roll his eyes.

Outside of the Monster temple, Toffee, Razzles, Rasticore and Star were all ready for the trip to Septarsis.

They were already walking for what seemed like an hour. There were barely any mewmans or monsters around. For a while, they all thought that the trip was going to be very calm, until something caught their eyes. They saw two mewman women talking, with one of them holding a strange-looking bag. The bag looked incredibly suspicious. So much, that very disturbing thoughts went through Rasticore and Toffee's minds. They exchanged looks and nodded, as an nonverbal agreement that they should get closer, to see the bag better.

The two women noticed the two septarians, who were coming closer and closer to them. They felt anxious and started thinking of what option they should choose to make those monsters go away. Once the monsters were only an arm-long distance from the women, one of them, Rasticore, spoke:

- Excuse me, Miss, but may we see your bag?

- N-N-No!- the woman said obviously scared.- Go away, you freaks!

- I just want to see your bag.- Rasticore insisted.- We need to confirm something.

- I said go away, you...- the woman did not finish her insult, because not wanting to argue anymore, Rasticore grabbed the bag directly from her hands.

He and Toffee looked at the bag closer and they even sniffed it. Once they analized it, they came to an absolutely horrifying conclusion. They were very well aware what this bag was made out of- it was made out of septarian skin. If both of them did not have strong stomachs, they would have probably vomited by now. They looked at the woman angrily:

- Where did you take that?- Toffee investigated.

- I b-b-b-bought it.- the woman answered, while shaking, with her friend holding her close to her.- I don't know their names. N-N-Nor their faces. They were wearing cloaks.

- We are confiscating that!- Rasticore ordered.- And we better not see you again!

With this last warning, the two women ran away screaming. They ran as fast as they could and in just a few seconds they disappeared in the distance. Star and Razzles witnessed the whole thing, but they did not really understand what just happened:

- Hey, guys!- Star tried to draw their attention, insecure of what answer to expect.- What happened? What is this bag?

- Look!- Rasticore almost hit her face, when her extended his arm to show her the bag.- This is septarian skin.

- No price in this world would ever convince a septarian to sell their skin.- Toffee added.- The donor has been forced to.- Toffee remembered something Rasticore told him earlier.- Rasticore, didn't you say something about missing septarians?

With these words, Rasticore realized something:

- A-Are you saying...

- Probably.- Toffee responded.- There may be spies in Septarsis.

- Then, we better hurry!- Rasticore said very quickly.

After so much walking, the group finally reached their final destination. They finally arrived in Septarsis. Everyone's reaction was different. Rasticore was glad to be finally home, Razzles felt very excited to see where her species originated from, Star was both fascinated by how lively this place was, but also creeped out by how violent the residents were, and Toffee did not know how to feel- part of him knew he was doing the right thing, but another part was making him question his actions.

- Oh! My! Gosh!- Star let her emotions out.- This where you two have spent your childhoods! Hey, do you know this guy? Or that lady? Or...

- We don't know everyone here, kid.- Rasticore did not let her finish her series of questions.

The gang's presence did not remain unnoticed by the resident septarians. They all quickly recognised the two men in the group. Some of them recognised Rasticore as one of the many soldiers, who have fought in the last battles against the mewmans, but an even bigger amount of those septarians recognised Toffee, their general.

- Look! Look! The general returned!- various voiced pointed in the said general's direction.

In a matter of minutes, the travelers were surrounded with thousands of questions being thrown at them. Especially at Toffee:

- General, sir, you returned!

- Look, who is home?

- And Rasticore is here too!

- Where have you been, general?

- The prince!

Toffee felt a bit of nostalgia when he saw so many familiar faces. One of them was an old septarian, he remembered from his childhood:

- You are little Toffee?- the old man said with disbelief.- Grisly and Yolanda's boy? Impossible! You were in diapers the last time I saw you.

- Good news, Mr. Clawthorn!- the truth was that Toffee was actually a teenager the last time he and Mr. Clawthorn saw each other, but the old septarian suffered from dementia, so Toffee tried to be polite.- I wear boxers now.

- Weren't we 17 when he last saw us?- Rasticore knew that Mr. Clawthorn remembered wrong, but his question got him only a disapproving look from Toffee, which reminded Rasticore of the old man's condition.- Oh, yes! Right!

- And who is this little swamp princess right here?- a female septarian noticed Razzles's presence.

- This is Razzles.- Toffee answered the question.- My daughter.

- Hello, there!- Razzles greeted with a friendly smile on her face.

- She is adorable.- another woman exclaimed.- But what's wrong with her eyes?

- She has an interesting case of heterochromia.- Toffee answered.

- But I see fine.- Razzles added.

- And who is the other one?- a man noticed Star, wearing her disguise.

- I'm Estela.- Star said enthusiastically.- Nice to meet you, all!

- Are you a septarian or...- a young pregnant female joined the conversation.

- She is a hybrid.- Rasticore answered, instead of Star.- Half-frog man. That's why her skin is so smooth and the face so flat.

- Uuh, yeah! Totally!- Star remembered her undercover backstory.- A hybrid!

- Make room, everyone! Former babysitter coming through!- a female voice was heard. Toffee and Rasticore recognised that voice and in the crowd they saw an adult woman with yellow skin and curly ginger hair- their former babysitter Mrs. Marigold was trying to pass.

- Mrs. Marigold?- Toffee said almost in disbelief.

- Madam!- Rasticore greeted her with open arms.

Mrs. Marigold finally managed to reach Toffee and Rasticore, and once she did, she gave them both a tight hug

- Look at them!- Mrs. Marigold was so happy to see her two favorite boys once again after so long.- The two babies have all grown up. Look at you, Rasticore! You have became huge!

- Thank you!- Rasticore said.- And you look good despite all those years.- he was actually surprised she was still alive, but preferred not to comment.

- Thank you, sweetie!- she thanked Rasticore, then turned to Toffee.- And you, Toffee! Look what a big and handsome man you became! I have never seen you in a suit before. You look good in it!

- Thank you, Mrs. Marigold!- Toffee felt flattered.

- Really!- Mrs. Marigold continued.- You are an almost exact replica of your father. Except for the eyes- you have your mother's lovely golden eyes.

Suddenly Toffee frowned. He always hated being compared to his father, but he respected Mrs. Marigold enough to let her get away with it. This time.

Mrs. Marigold did not miss the opportunity to comment on the children:

- And who are those cuties, right here?

- I'm Estela.- Star introduced herself to Mrs. Marigold, or rather introduced her disguise.

- She is the daughter of someone we know.- Rasticore explained in a way that sounded less like a lie.- She is a hybrid as you can see. Half-septarian and half-frog man.

- And the other one is Razzles, my daughter.- Toffee introduced Razzles then turned to her.- Hunny, this is Mrs. Marigold.

- Nice to meet you, Mrs. Marigold!- the girl said and she extended her hand for a handshake.

- She is definitely your daughter, Toffee. Even if she looks nothing like you.- Mrs. Marigold shook the girl's hand.

- She is adopted.- Toffee gave a quick explanation to avoid confusion.

The gang were unpacking their suitcases already. Mrs. Marigold allowed them to stay at her house during their mission. Toffee and Razzles had their own bedroom, with the other two bedrooms were occupied by Star and Rasticore respectively. Mrs. Marigold was the most hospitable septarian they knew. Once they were all done unpacking, Mrs. Marigold called them for dinner.

There were many different meals placed on the table. Worm puree, a big bottle of swamp water, insect pies, swamp soup and others. Star was the only one who did not find the cuisine appealing and Mrs. Marigold noticed the disgust in the girl's eyes:

- What's wrong, Estela? Are you not hungry?

- It's just...- Star tried to think of an excuse.- I am vegetarian.

- Oh!- Mrs. Marigold felt embarrassed.- I am so sorry, sweetie! I did not consider this!

- It's okay!- Star tried to help Mrs. Marigold not feel bad, but it wasn't working. The woman had other plans.

- I insist that you eat, dear!- Mrs. Marigold left the house to get appropriate food for Star.

While they were all waiting for her return, Rasticore lost his cool a little bit:

- I hate lying to everyone, especially to Mrs. Marigold! She's the sweetest lady in the world.

- Such are the circumstances, Rasticore.- Toffee tried to be the voice of reason, while also looking at Razzles, making sure she was eating.

- I didn't mean to cause her any trouble.- Star tried to apologize.

- You already have, when you wished to come with us.- Rasticore accused her.

- Hey!- Star felt offended.- I'm trying to help you, guys.

- What help could you possible provide?- Rasticore continued.- Your girl magic cannot do anything to help these septarians. Do you even know what is happening here?

- Maybe if you just tell me. I already know it's not just the bag.

- Tomorrow, Star.- Toffee tried to stop the fight.

Star's words seemed to have troubled Razzles a little bit. The mention of the septarian-skin bag brought unnecessary thoughts into the girl's mind, which by extension worried her father. He placed his hand on her back and started caressing her, but at the same time he warned her:

- Razzles, don't you dare do this? Ever.

Knowing he was referring to the bag, Razzles nodded. Whether he was talking about purchasing or even selling such a nasty product didn't matter.

What Toffee feared already happened. At the age of 7, Razzles had witnessed the first gruesome factor in Septarsis. She still hasn't seen the marauders or the MDS, so Toffee had to keep her away from those. Otherwise, the traumas will not be only mental.

After half an hour of waiting, Mrs. Marigold finally returned. The view that greeted her seemed filled with tension and anger. Rasticore and Estela were mad, Razzles- scared, and Toffee- his face was always hard to read:

- Hey, what happened?- Mrs. Marigold asked concerned.

- Nothing, we...- Rasticore did not want to bother her.- We were just discussing the plans.

- Everybody is so grateful that you came here.- Mrs. Marigold said, while placing some clean spring water and corn on the table for Star.- The MDS cases are multiplying like kappas. There are more cases now than ever and we're still not sure what is the cause, or worse- what is the cure.

- We know.- Toffee said.- That's why we are here. Tomorrow we are going to the clinic.

- Be careful, there, kids!- Mrs. Marigold expressed her worry.

- Thank you again for letting us stay here, Mrs. Marigold!- Razzles thanked their host.

- You are all very welcome!

It was bedtime now and everybody went to their bedrooms. Star was not sure whether the others were already asleep, but she herself could not sleep. She could not stop thinking about all those things that happened today. Not just the bag made out of septarian skin, which was super gross and creepy, by the way, but also about all those septarians, who were so happy to see Toffee. They treated him like either a friend or a hero. In Mewni, nobody treated him like this, because of all the things he had done, but those exact things are the reasons he was so beloved here in Septarsis. He was the general and even...The prince?! She remembered that some of them called him a "prince". Another mentioned the names of his parents. What more secrets was he hiding? Was that even his real hair? Or even his real name- at least that one had to be fake.

Now when she thought about it, of all the enemies she ever faced, Toffee was without a doubt the most mysterious. She knew about Ludo's problems with his family, she discovered Miss Heinous' origins when she was revealed to be Eclipsa and Globgor's long lost daughter Meteora, but who was Toffee? Only yesterday, she found out he had a daughter and the name of his place of birth.

Tomorrow, she will learn all of this. If she wanted to help Toffee, she needed to know what was happening.

Mr. Clawthorn's name is a reference to "The Owl house".