MDS: Mad dragon syndrome
Star woke up surprisingly early, with a lot of enthusiasm and ready for her first day of the mission. She went to Toffee and Razzles's room, but they were not there. Then she checked Rasticore and Mrs. Marigold's rooms, but they were empty as well:
- Toffee?- she called for them, hoping they will respond.- Razzles? Rasticore? Mrs. Marigold?- she repeated their names a few times more, until she heard a response. It sounded like Mrs. Marigold's voice.
- On the roof, darling!- the woman called.
Following the instruction, Star climbed the staircase, leading to the roof, where she found the four septarians lying on sunchairs, each of them, dressed in a swimsuit:
- What are you, guys doing?- Star asked confused.
- Sunbathing obviously.- Rasticore answered snarkily.
- But why...- Star tried to ask, but Toffee stopped her.
He gestured with his index finger for her to come closer and once she did, he whispered:
- Early in the morning, septarians don't have the energy to do anything other than sunbathing.- Toffee explained.- My advice is for you to do the same, in order to avoid pointless questions from Mrs. Marigold.
Since she didn't have much of a choice, Star simply agreed. She put on her own swimsuit and sunbathed for half an hour.
After the sunbathing was over, everyone got dressed and prepared for today. Toffee and Rasticore were now heading to the clinic:
- Okay, Rasticore and I are now going to the clinic.- Toffee informed the others.
- Wait for me, guys!- Star tried to stop them.
- You stay here, Estela!- Rasticore did not let her leave the house.
- What?- Star asked a little annoyed.
- You will stay here with Mrs. Marigold.- Toffee added.- She will take care of you, while we're gone.
- That's not what we agreed on!- Star said very disappointed.- I want to help.
- You can help us by staying here.- Toffee suggested.
- It's dangerous, kid.- Rasticore told her, hoping she would listen.- You cannot handle that.
Star did not give any verbal response, she only growled angrily instead. Razzles thought that maybe she would have better luck, if she asked:
- Father, may I come?
- Of course, not!- Toffee answered bluntly.
- Why?- Razzles sounded just as annoyed as Star.
- Because you're 7.- Toffee told her.
- This is not sure.- Razzles thought she found a loophole, despite knowing she did not have much of a chance, but tried anyway.
- It is completely sure.- Toffee claimed.- You were toothless, when I found you.- newly-hatched septarians did not have teeth. She might have been a few weeks or even months old, but definitely younger than a year.
- Fine.- Razzles sighed heavily.- When will I be allowed to come?
- In 10 years.- her father responded.
- This is not fair.- Razzles lamented.- I want to help.
- Razzles, sweetie!- Toffee kneeled, so she can look him in the eyes and placed his hands on her shoulders.- I just don't want you to be exposed to any of this too early.
Razzles averted her eyes and murmured one little "I want to come.":
- I'm sorry, angel!- Toffee kissed her on the cheek and he stood up.- Just trust your father. Promise me, you'll behave!
- Okay.- Razzles gave a quiet answer without looking at her father.
- Thank you for taking care of them, Mrs. Marigold!- Toffee turned to the nanny. He got even closer and whispered to her ear.- Pay special attention to Estela! If you go out, don't let her go anywhere! And make sure she won't get close to any artifacts, if you know what I mean!
- Don't worry, sweetie!- Mrs. Marigold assured him.- I'll do my best.- after which she kissed him on the cheek.
Toffee and Rasticore left the house, leaving the two young girls frowning and disappointed, that they were not allowed to go:
- He never lets me go anywhere.- Razzles complained.
- Why is Toffee so...so- Star tried to look for appropriate words to express her anger.- himself?!- but she couldn't find any.
- Be nice to him, girls!- Mrs. Marigold decided to play a role in this.- He is right. Besides, don't blame him- his life was never easy. The same goes for Rasticore too.
With these words said, Star got an idea:
- Wait, Mrs. Marigold! You have known them since they were kids, right?
- Yes.
- Then you can tell me about Toffee's parents.- Star suggested.
- Well.- Mrs. Marigold seemed to hesitate. Toffee asked her specifically to keep his backstory a secret from Estela.- I don't know, Estela.
- I need to know.- Star begged her.- How can I do anything if you all keep me in the shadows?
- MDS is a serious condition, dear.- Mrs. Marigold tried to warn her.
- What even is that?
- MDS stands for Mad dragon syndrome. - the woman explained.- It is a serious mental disorder which increases the patients' aggression to the point, when they become dangerous to both themselves and those around them. Those views are not meant for the eyes of children. Septarians are not the only monsters who can get Mad dragon syndrome, but it's most common among us. Probably because only we can survive it.
- If it's so dangerous, then why does father insists on going alone? Only Rasticore is there.- Razzles said in a very sad tone.
- I don't know, baby girl.- Mrs. Marigold answered.- He was not always like that. He has changed a lot since I last saw him.
- He wasn't always like that?- Star could not believe that this Toffee had nothing to do with younger Toffee.
- I still remember those times when he was an inquisitive and adorable young boy.- Mrs. Marigold smiled fondly.- Always reading. Always playing with Rasticore. Always looking for trouble and always finding it. To be honest, he was pretty wild back then.- she giggled, but her smile quickly disappeared and was replaced by sorrow.- I hope he can find happiness one day.
Star felt sorry for the poor woman and decided to lift the mood:
- How about we all go outside for some fresh air?- she suggested.
- Sounds like a great idea, Estela!- Mrs. Marigold agreed.
- What do you think, Razzles?- Star asked the small septarian girl next to her.
- Sounds good.- Razzles responded with very little enthusiasm. She was still upset.
Star, Razzles and Mrs. Marigold all went outside for a walk. Star was looking around, trying to learn more about Septarsis. It was different from what she was used to. The strange food from last night was being sold everywhere- all the worms, the bugs and the swamp water. Septarians sure loved those. Razzles, on the other hand, could not stop thinking about her father, so she was not her usual curious and cheerful self.
Suddenly, something caught Star's eye:
- Hey, what is that place?- she pointed at the direction of a building with big statues of septarians outside. The place looked important.
- Oh, this is the museum, Estela.- Mrs. Marigold answered.- This is where Septarsis' history is being guarded, but we are not allowed to go there.
Star knew that this was probably Toffee's idea, but she already made the plan to go there in the very near future, but she really needed to distract Mrs. Marigold. But how?
Then she got an idea- she noticed a small grocery store:
- Hey, Mrs. M.!- Star got the lady's attention.- Could you please get me some corn buns? I need to take a rest, so I'll stay.
- Oh, okay.- Mrs. Marigold agreed without suspecting anything.- You can just sit on the bench right here. I'll be quick, I promise.- with this said, the woman grabbed Razzles by the hand and took the girl with her, leaving Star to wait on the bench.
Perfect. This will keep her busy. Now when her nanny was not watching, Star could go to the museum without any restrictions. "Sorry, Toffee. But I will help you.", she thought.
When Star finally arrived at the entrance gate of the museum, she was amazed by how big this building was. Who knew what was inside? She entered and was greeted by what was probably the scariest exhibit ever. A huge scary-looking statue of a septarian was looking directly at her. His mouth was widely open, revealing his fangs. He had a sharp weapon in his hand, the name of which the teenager didn't know. In his other hand, the septarian was holding a mewman head. Star recognised that head- it was Solaria's. Whoever that monster was- he was most likely the one who killed Solaria the Monster carver.
Out of curiosity, Star got closer to the statue. It was very intimidating. It looked almost as if it would come to life in the next second. There was something written on the plate- it said "General Grisly- We forgot his name, but not what he did.":
- Impressive, isn't it?- a male voice was heard. Star turned around to see an unfamiliar man standing right next to her.- He looks almost alive.- the man continued, referring to the statue.- The designer has perfectly captured the ferocity of general Grisly, our second greatest general.
- "Second greatest"?- Star asked confused.- Who was "the" greatest then?
- Grisly was overshadowed by his own son, general Toffee.- the septarian man said and pointed at the statue of Toffee.
Toffee's statue was more detailed than his father's. Every single muscle got attention, especially in the chest. The fact that Toffee was depicted shirtless made it even more visible. This caused the man to laugh out loud:
- Yeah! I know who designed this. He had quite a crush on Toffee back then.
This was not what Star was interested in, however. Toffee was the greatest general in Septarsis? And his father was a general too? Since the man seemed to know something about Septarsis' history, maybe he could answer some of her questions:
- What do you know about Toffee's parents?-she asked very quickly, almost scaring the guy.
- Wow! Easy there, little lassie! Toffee is the son of general Grisly and lieutenant Yolanda.- the man started to explain.- Nobody actually knows Grisly's real name, but we all called him that so many times, we forgot his name.- he laughed.- Yeah, the general and his lieutenant were a very good team. Together they defeated that bitch Solaria Butterfly and ended her reign of terror for good. Grisly kept her skull as a souvenir and made a pair of pants out of her skin. I guess the apple does not fall any further from the tree, since his son used mewman bones as decorations. I remember that he used to wear skulls as epaulettes.- this almost caused Star to vomit.- It's a tragedy what happened to them. They were so young, and Toffee was not much older either.
- What happened?- Star asked.
- They both died, when Toffee was only a laddie.- I am still not exactly sure how it happened, though. They went on a battle and never returned. Poor Toffee!- his sadness was quickly changed to curiosity.- I'm surprised you don't know any of this, lass. Aren't you the hybrid girl, who came with the general yesterday?
- Yeah...- Star answered insecurely.- I just wanted to learn more about Septarsis' history.
- Boy, I sure do love studious kids!- the man exclaimed.- Good to have hybrids who want to learn more about their origin.
- Do you know where the clinic is?- Star asked.- Where they treat Mad dragon syndrome?
- Wow, are you sure?- he asked her.- This is an ugly place.
- Don't worry!- Star assured him.- I can handle it.
- If you say so.- the man decided to tell her, but she will pay the price.
Meanwhile, at the clinic was a huge mayhem. All of the patients there had MDS and nothing else. This syndrome was spreading like a virus, despite being a mental condition. Septarians all over the place where piercing their own flesh with their claws and fangs. Some patients had their internal organs hanging from their now open bellies. They were all yelling, swearing and assaulting anyone who got too close. Nobody was safe.
Toffee and Rasticore arrived there right on time to do whatever they could. They were helping the employees restrain the patients, which was never an easy task. This was not even the hardest part. They also discussed what methods they could use to treat the condition. The only thing Toffee could think of was psychotherapy. The question was how was he going to do it? Suddenly, something distracted him.
He heard a small voice. A small, innocent, scared voice- a child. He looked for the source of the voice and saw a small boy walking around the clinic, repeating the word "mama" over and over again. The boy looked around 3 or 4 years old. The age of septarian children was easier to tell then the adults'. But what was this child doing on a place like this?
Toffee got close to the boy, he kneeled and asked him:
- What is gong on, son?
- M-M-Mama.- he said, close to bursting into tears.
- You have lost your mama?- Toffee repeated to make sure he heard right. He got a nod from the boy as answer.- Rasticore!- he called.
- Boss!- Rasticore appeared.
- Look if someone is looking for a lost child! Now!
- What?- he responded in disbelief.- How can anyone lose a child on a place like this?!
- Just do it!- Toffee ordered and he turned to the boy.- What is your name?
- Zenon.- the boy answered.
- Okay, Zenon, stay right here.- Toffee remained close to the boy, kneeling and holding him close, while Rasticore and the employees kept shouting "Did somebody lose a child?".
Toffee was looking in every direction to make sure none of the patients were coming closer to him and Zenon. He could not focus though, because Zenon's crying increased. The little boy cried more and more, and kept saying "mama" over and over again. No matter what the employees did to distract him, he wanted only his mother back. Toffee could not watch him like that. He embraced Zenon, started caressing his hair, rocked him like an infant and whispered "Shhhh! Shhhh!" into his ear, as an attempt to comfort him.
At this point the only thing anyone could do for Zenon was to find his mother. Toffee could not think of anything else to do, other than just being there for him.
Toffee and Zenon did not wait for a long time. After what seemed like the most tormenting few minutes ever, Rasticore yelled "We found her!". A tall woman ran towards Toffee with a very worried expression on her face and open arms. She took her son in her arms and thanked the general with every word of gratitude she could think of. She told him that her husband was one of the patients.
After Zenon and his mother left the clinic, relieved to be together again, Toffee got back to work, without knowing that Star saw the whole thing. She could not move, nor think. What did she just witness? She has never seen Toffee like this. She has never seen a child cry this helplessly before. She has never seen a mental condition this bad before.
Toffee was right- this was too much for her. She would never forget any of those images.
Back at the Monster temple, Eclipsa and Globgor were having lunch, while Meteora was playing with Glossaryck in the other room. Eclipsa did not seem to have much appetite currently, something that worried her husband:
- Are you okay, boo?
- I just can't stop thinking about Toffee.- his wife said.
- What?- Globgor shouted.- How dare he?!- his body grew to enormous sizes.
- Globby!- Eclipsa tried to reason with him.- It's not what you think.
- HA!- Globgor laughed.- Gotcha! You thought I was being jealous? No! It's a joke. Because I trust you.- and he got back to his previous size, not that Eclipsa felt calmer.
- Globby, we should really talk about your jokes.- she told him.- It's just I cannot stop thinking about I did. This memory has been tormenting me for years.
- Oh my!- Globgor felt very concerned for his wife.- Dear, what happened?- he placed his hands on her shoulders.
- Come with me!- she asked him politely.
Globgor followed Eclipsa to the forest. She led him to a very shadowy place, where the trees were very abundant and the sunlight could barely get any access. On the ground, he saw two tombstones- one that said: "Here lies a father" and the other said:"Here lies a mother":
- Eclipsa, what is that?- Globgor asked worriedly.
Eclipsa started crying. She was so upset, she could not answer immediately. After a few sniffs, she finally answered:
- This is where Toffee's parents are buried.
- And how do you know that?- he asked.
- Because I buried them here.
Globgor and Eclipsa were sitting cross-legged on the ground. The flowers they brought were now placed on the graves. Eclipsa breathed in and she spoke:
- When I became a queen, after my mother died, I was working on a spell, which can kill a septarian for good. The war was being at one of its most violent stages and septarians were all over the place. Seth was their king and general Grisly, Toffee's father, was the king's second-in-command. He, the general, killed my mother. I was so furious, I wanted nothing but revenge. When I finished the spell and I ran into the general and his lieutenant again, I acted on impulse, I casted the spell and killed them. When I found out what I had done, it was already too late. I saw the picture the lieutenant was holding- it said: "For mother and father, by Toffee". That was a child's drawing. A gift from their son. I killed someone's parents. Because of me, there was a child out there, waiting for his parents, who never returned.
After she finished, Eclipsa burst out in tears, and Globgor embraced her.
Star did not know how to react. She was so traumatized by everything she saw in this clinic. Violence was nothing she has never seen before, but this time it was much more extreme. However, was that a reason to give up now? After everything she said? No. These monsters needed help more than anyone else in Mewni, and if there was a way to provide any help to them, she would do it. Now when she knew a little bit more about Toffee, it would probably be easier.
Star's presence did not remain unnoticed for long though. She was standing there, not moving, long enough, for Toffee to notice her. He was by no means glad to see her:
- Estela?- his voice startled her.- What in the Underworld, are you doing here?
- Toffee!- Star was shocked.- Hi! I...um...
- One thing.- he interrupted her.- I asked you one thing- to stay with Mrs. Marigold- and yet you could not do even that. Where are Mrs. Marigold and Razzles?
- They are safe, trust me!- she assured him.- I just wanted to see what was this all about.
- I am sure you saw more than enough.- Toffee said.- Look, if you want to get killed so badly, then be my guest. I don't care. What I do care, though, is fixing the situation.
- You can't get rid of me, Toffee.- Star warned him.
- Evidently.- he responded.
- I don't care how dangerous it is.- the teenager continued.- I have been through much worse. Sure, it's gross, but I know I can do it.
- How, little butterfly?- he asked rhetorically.- Do you happen to have a cure?
Toffee caught her off guard there, she had to give him credit for that, but nonetheless she told him:
- I'll just keep looking.
- You have no idea what you are doing, right?- he asked mockingly and she did not give him an answer this time. She was always like that- believing she could do things, which are obviously impossible. He sighed.- Look, the Mad dragon syndrome is not something, which can be cured with magic. I am trying to find a cure, but for now the best thing we can do is psychotherapy. Not to mention, that there are missing patients very often.
- I've got it!- Star shouted.
- You've got what?
- The missing patients. That's what I can do. I can help you find them.
Does that mewman ever give up? Well, she did not give up, when he trapped her inside the wand, why she should start now:
- I once found my mom on Pie island. You can say, I've got the skill.- she told him.- I can find a few monsters too. How many are they?
- 20.
- Wow, 20!- she repeated unenthusiastically.
- Too many?- he asked sarcastically.
- No, no, no!- she was quick to deny.- I can do it. Any names? Where were they last seen?
- Nobody knows.- he said.- The kidnappings always happen at night. The military cannot find them anywhere in the city. However, we do have a list with names.
- Great!- she exclaimed.- Give it to me!
- Are you sure?- he asked her.
- Uuh, we are going through this again?!- she sighed heavily.- Just give it!
"One "please" would not hurt.", Toffee thought and he gave her the list. 20 names on it, just like Toffee said:
- Perfect!- Star said.- Now, you can treat here, while I go on searching outside.
- General, sir!- a soldier called for Toffee.- There is a woman with a child outside, asking for you.
A woman with a child? Toffee hoped they were Razzles and Mrs. Marigold.
He went outside and was glad to see he was right:
- Toffee!- Mrs. Marigold spoke.- My most sincere apologies, dear! Estela ran away. I tried looking for her everywhere and one guy told me about a hybrid girl, who went to the clinic. So I came here looking for her. Is she here?
Mrs. Marigold looked very pale and very scared. Toffee really needed to talk with Star about worrying his beloved former babysitter:
- It's not your fault, madam.- Toffee comforted her.- Estela is just not capable of listening.- his eyes shifted to Razzles.- Hello, dear!- she did not answer. She was still mad at him.- Razzles! Look at me!- he insisted. For the sake of not making her father angry, Razzles obeyed.- I am going to take a break now, do you want to come?- all he got was a simple nod, but for Toffee that was enough.- Excellent! Mrs. Marigold, I will bring Estela now. Could you, please keep an eye on her, so I can talk with my daughter?
- Of course, hunny!- she agreed.
Toffee and Razzles went for a short walk throughout the city. Unlike usual, Razzles was not holding her father's hand:
- Razzles.- Toffee spoke.- I am sorry about this morning. I am just trying to protect you.
- I know.- she said very quietly.
- I have lost so many important septarians in my life. I don't want you to be next.- he kneeled, looked her in the eyes, and put his hands on her shoulders.- Do you understand?
- But I just want to help you.- Razzles said, almost to the point of crying.- You are all I have.
Looking at her like that broke Toffee's heart. Back when he was hugging Zenon, he was reminded of Razzles and how much he wanted to be with his little girl again:
- You are all I have too, princess.- he told her and after that they both hugged each other. He hugged her the same way he did with Zenon.
Toffee and Razzles returned to Mrs. Marigold and Star. Rasticore was there too:
- You two finally came?- Mrs. Marigold said happily.- Is everything all right?
- Better, right angel!- he turned to Razzles and smiled fondly.
- Absolutely!- Razzles said with her usual cheerful smile.
- So scandalous!- an unfamiliar female voice was heard.- Look, what the dragon brought!
The voice was unfamiliar to both Star and Razzles, but for Toffee and Rasticore was painfully familiar. In front of them was standing a tall, slender and curvy female septarian. She had an orange skin, wavy red hair, black miniskirt and her top covered only her chest:
- Layla!- Rasticore growled, while Toffee only frowned.
- The prince and geek returned.- Layla continued mocking them.- However, this time it's actually the prince and the loser right, because the prince became a loser and the geek is the true prince now, despite that he looks even more like a geek than before. Not that I complain.- Layla got even closer to Toffee, intruding his personal space and touched his chest with her index finger.- You have gotten much hotter and absolutely worthy of fu...
She did not finish- Toffee did not let her. He grabbed her wrist and looked at her angrily:
- Don't you have someone else to bother, Layla?- Toffee asked rhetorically.
- Who is that, father?- Razzles asked.
"Father"? This word made quite the impression on Layla:
- "Father", eh? So, you are also a DILF, huh?
- What's a "dilf"?- Razzles asked innocently.
- It means a dad I'd like to fu...
- Go and be someone else's problem, Layla!- Rasticore interrupted. He did not want Razzles to hear that.- How about finding an outfit that does not make you look so easy?
- Okay, okay!- Layla raised her hands, as if surrendering.- Just let me...- she reached Toffee's crotch and tried to touch it, but he pushed her away.
- Don't touch me, if you know what is good for you!- he warned her.
- Who died and made you king?- Layla mocked.
- Seth, you idiot.- Rasticore insulted her.
- I know that.- Layla responded.- Still a loser, I see. Those muscles are probably to make up for something. But the other one...- she licked her fingers, causing Toffee to cover Star and Razzles's eyes, while Rasticore covered Mrs. Marigold's eyes.- Byeeee!- Layla waved and she was finally away from their sights.
- I LOATHE her!- Rasticore could barely hide his anger.- She is an even bigger...- he tried to censor it.- you know what, than before. Just look what she is wearing.
- I noticed, Rasticore.- Toffee said sarcastically.
Layla reached the forest, outside of the city, where a strange group of septarians was waiting for her:
- How was it, Layla?- a mysterious woman on a tree asked her.- Any news?
- Guess who's back in the city?- Layla said.- I'll give you a clue- his name sounds like a joke, but it isn't.
The woman on the tree laughed maniacally and said:
- Excellent!