chapter 6: The marauders
Star just finished her dinner and found some privacy in her bedroom. Suddenly, her magic mirror rang:
- Hey, Star!- it was Marco.- How is it? Nice disguise, by the way!
- Heeeey, Marco!- Star greeted him happily.- Thanks! So good to hear you again. Yeah, I'm fine. Things are just going to be a little...- she looked for a word.- tougher than I thought.
- We are all very worried about you.- the boy's tone changed.- Where is, you know...he?
- He?- she was confused, until she realized who her friend was referring to.- Oh, you mean Toffee! He's fine. Last time I saw him, he was reading a book.
- That's not what I meant, Star!- Marco raised his voice a little bit.- Has he hurt you in some way? Are you safe?
- He hasn't touched me. Relax! Things are not looking great with that Mad dragon syndrome, but we'll find a way.
- Mad dragon syndrome?- the teenager repeated confused.- What is that?
- A condition.- Star answered.- You know, you're lucky you didn't get to see any of that. So much yelling and swearing.
- A condition, that causes yelling and swearing?- Marco thought it sounded familiar.- Kind of sounds like the Tourette syndrome.
- The Toreador what know?- Star did not know what he meant.
- The Tourette syndrome.- he corrected her.- It makes the patient swear and show inappropriate gestures like you said. It's something we have on Earth. I read about it some time ago.
- I don't think it's the same, Marco. These monsters had their guts and stomachs hanging from their bellies.- Star had to hold her vomit, the mention of that triggered some unpleasant memories.
- Ewww!- Marco was just as disgusted.- Gross! Definitely not the same.
- It was like a horror movie!- Star shivered.
- If you don't want to do this, you don't have to.- Marco thought he could motivate her to come back home.
- No, Marco!- Star was not in a mood to listen. Again.- I already made up my mind. Besides, some patients are missing and I promised him I can find them. Speaking of Toffee- you know, he is pretty popular here. Everybody knows him and everybody loves him. Well, maybe except for Layla, but judging from her outfit... yeah, I see her deal.
- I'll be darned!- the boy was surprised.
- Yeah!- Star kept describing what she saw.- He even has a statue in a museum. His parents were also a pretty big deal.
- His parents?- this caught her human friend off guard.- This is the first time I hear about this.
- I was surprised too. Turns out they...they...- Star remembered what she heard and started to feel sympathy for Toffee.- they died, when he was a child.
- Oh!- Marco was speechless. He never thought he would ever feel this way about Toffee- never thought he might actually feel sorry for the guy.- I cannot imagine life without my parents. I cannot imagine if you didn't have yours too. What happened to them? I thought septarians are immortal.
- I don't know. Toffee does not tell me anything. He does not even know I know about his parents.- she breathed in, trying to lift the mood a little bit.- Hey, we can hear each other tomorrow okay?
- Sure!- he smiled.
- Byeeee!- she said cheerfully, making a peace sign and ended the call.
The next morning, Star, with the list with names in her hands, went on her mission to find the missing septarians. A woman told her about the last place one of them was seen. It was the shore of a lake, outside of the city. It looked very lonely there. She looked around, but did not see a single soul.
She searched for clues. Fallen scales or teeth, claw marks, shed skin... Did septarians shed? Whatever! She checked every single inch of the territory, but did not find anything. Strangely enough, she did not notice the septarians, spying on her from the trees. Mostly because that was their goal:
- Look at her!- one of them whispered.- So small. So fragile. Why can't I just attack her right now, captain?
- You'll have your chance.- his captain answered.- We have to make sure the general will learn about this, though.
Speak of the Devil, he was here. Toffee was approaching, accompanied by Rasticore and Razzles. Mrs. Marigold was not with them- she was at home:
- Hey, Star!- Razzles called for the mewman girl.
- Hi, Razzly!- Star called back and once Razzles finally reached her, the two hugged.
Toffee and Rasticore both did not approve of this view, but they remained silent about it:
- Okay, kid!- Rasticore spoke.- How is it going? Did you screw up already?
- Uuh, nope!- Star replied sassily.- I didn't. This is the last place, where one of the patients was seen, so I have something going on. I can't find any clues, though. There is nothing but dirt and water around here.
The conversation was interrupted by a strange sound. It sounded like a quiet, but still hearable growl. Kind of like the sound a crocodile made:
- Toffee?- Star felt worried.- Was that your stomach again or there are alligators, living here?
- None.- he replied with a stern look on his face.
Toffee and Rasticore both stood up before Star and Razzles, as if they were living shields and took battle positions. They were facing the lake, as if they were expecting something to come out of it.
They were right. Out of the lake, a massive figure appeared. A very tall and muscular male septarian was now standing before them. He was shirtless, had a glowing navy skin, navy eyes, spikes from head to tail and a was wearing a peculiar-looking pair of pants. The design of the pants looked familiar to Toffee and Rasticore, and just by looking at that specific piece of clothing, they immediately knew who this man was- he was a marauder:
- Look, who is back?!- the big septarian spoke.- The general is here again. Got home after things in the Butterfly kingdom got though, huh? You know mommy and daddy are not here this time, right?
His words did not have much of an effect on Toffee. He did not care about this type of immature mockery:
- Be careful who you are insulting, you mewman-eater!- Rasticore threatened.- Who the Hell, are you?
- The name's Oboro.- the marauder answered.- And after Layla told us about the return of general Funny-name here, I couldn't resist. But you better not get any ideas?
Layla told him? The slut was an even bigger slut than they thought, apparently. Oboro noticed the presence of the two young girls:
- Who are these two? Since when does the general deal with children. Isn't Rasticore enough?
- They are not your concern, Oboro.- Toffee said.- This is between you and me.
- What?- Rasticore couldn't ignore that.- And what am I? A brick?
- Not now.- Toffee said quickly and bluntly, and he turned to Oboro.- You either surrender or face the consequences. Both are fine for me.
- Wow!- Oboro reacted sarcastically.- I am so scared.
Oboro spread his arms, almost like wings, showing his sharp claws. He mouth formed into a massive grin, baring his fangs. He attacked. He was outnumbered, but it was not a problem for the marauder:
- Rasticore, take the children away from here!- Toffee ordered, while fighting.
- What?- Rastcore could not accept that.- I can't leave you here.
- I can handle him. Do it now!
"Besides, you had no problem with that when Moon became a queen.", Toffee thought. Not wanting to disrespect Toffee and put the children at a huge risk, Rasticore grabbed Razzles and Star and ran, leaving Toffee to fight Oboro by himself, something which the marauder could not miss to acknowledge:
- He left you. Yet again.
Toffee did not pay attention to what Oboro said. It was not like his words could do him any damage, anyway. As much as Toffee hated being insulted or mocked, he has been treated like that his whole life, so it was nothing new. The two septarians did not have any weapons with them, so they had to count on their own attributes- muscles, claws, fangs, fists and legs. Oboro was much taller than the general, but still no match.
Rasticore was still running, still holding the two girls. Star was not in a mood to run away, however:
- Rasticore!- she shouted and shook violently to escape from his grasp.- Let me go! We need to go back! He needs us.
- He'll be fine.- he replied.- He is not a random general.
- He. Is. Your. Friend.- Star added.
- Ever since childhood.- Rasticore said.- But also my superior.
- Rasticore, just let me go!- Star kept insisting. She was not giving up.- How can you leave him like that?
- I am following his orders.- Rasticore stopped running, so he can talk.- I will never leave him again.
- Again?- Razzles did not miss to hear that.- Like that one time with queen Moon?
- You heard that?- Rasticore was a little shocked, but not exactly surprised.
- You mean when my mom blasted Toffee's finger off?- Star asked.
Rasticore felt helpless. There was no need to hide anything, so he had to admit. He sighed and told them:
- Yes. After he defeated Comet the Chef, young queen Moon, wanted revenge for her mother's death. She used her most powerful spell on our general, but it only hit his finger. At first, nobody got scared. We thought he could just regenerate the finger, like always. Imagine our fear, when that bloody finger did not grow back! We realized that there was something from which the general could not protect us from and we scattered. I don't know what happened with the others, but it was not until a few days ago, when I saw Toffee again. It was the first time I have seen him since then. I apologized for being a coward, but he did not accept it. He is not a forgiving type, so the least I can do to make up to him is to protect his daughter.- he patted Razzles' hair.
- Protect her then!- Star suggested.- I will go back.
- Star, don't!- Rasticore warned her.- You don't have septarian DNA. Oboro will kill you.
- Unlike me.- Razzles said.
Rasticore and Star did not see her near them, as she was already two meters away and ran:
- Razzles!- Star panicked.
- Don't!- Rasticore ordered her with a very worried voice.
Razzles ran and ran. She was so fast, the others could barely catch up to her. Star had enough, so she changed into her "mewberty" form:
- Star, don't!- Rasticore tried to stop her.- You'll ruin your cover.
- Screw the cover!- Star yelled and followed Razzles.
The battle was not even close to its climax. Oboro and Toffee were still fighting, with neither showing any signs of getting tired:
- You fight well.- Oboro commented somewhat impressed.- For a man in a tuxedo.
Toffee neither felt flattered, nor he replied. He was not in a mood for witty comments. He just wanted to defeat that marauder. However, like a thunder from a clear sky, Oboro felt pain in one of his ankles. Razzles was biting his ankle with all the force her jaw had:
- You little piece of...- Oboro tried to grab her, but she was too quick.
When he tried to attack the child again, Toffee stopped him. He would not let that marauder lay a single claw on his daughter:
- Don't you even dare!- the general warned him and kicked him in the belly with all his force. After that, he shouted to his daughter.- Razzles, get away from here!
- Do you have a soft spot for this little girl right here?- Oboro smiled wickedly, feeling he found Toffee's weakness.- Well, maybe I will dare.- he charged at the little septarian again.
Toffee tried to stop the marauder from getting too close to Razzles, but it was late. A magic blast hit Oboro. It hit so hard, he fell on the ground. Toffee knew what was that- Star.
The mewman was in her "mewberty" form, shooting one magic blast after another at the marauder. This really surprised Oboro- no monster could use magic, except if that girl was not a monster at all. Oboro smiled triumphantly and ran away:
- Come back here, you coward!- Star shouted at him, but he never turned back.
After Oboro disappeared in the distance, Star, knowing it was pointless to chase him, landed on the ground and got back into her true form. Rasticore finally arrived and was happy to see they were all okay. Star turned to Toffee worried:
- Are you ok, Toff? Razzles ran and Rasticore and I followed her. We could not just abandon the two of you.
- I had the situation under control.- Toffee said sternly.- I did not need your magic. Now the marauders know the truth.
- Is that how you say "thank you"?- Star asked annoyed and insulted.
- I rather eat a kappa's eggs than accepting help from you.- he answered.
- YOU! ARE! IMPOSSIBLE!- Star raised her voice.
- I don't have the habit of trusting someone, who attempted to kill me.- Toffee said.
- I few days ago, I would have said the absolutely same thing about you.- Star reminded him.- You killed my grandma. You kidnapped Marco and forced me to destroy my wand. You tricked Ludo to steal the book with Glossaryck in it. You kept me prisoner in the wand, promising my mom you would set me free, if she gives you back your finger, but you lied to her. Before I blasted you, you tried to kill me first.
- If you hate me so much, than why are you still here?- Toffee asked, not prepared for the answer.
- Because I don't hate you.- the teenager replied loudly.
- What?- Toffee was understandably confused.
- What?- Rasticore repeated.
- What?- and so did Razzles.
- I don't.- Star confirmed and her voice calmed down a little bit.- I used to.- she sighed.- When I found out that you survived that blast, I was shocked. Then I saw you with your daughter- I never knew you were someone's father before. Then I remembered Buff Frog, and Eclipsa, and Globgor, and Meteora, even Ludo. Globgor has done much worse things and yet the whole kingdom forgave him. Each of them lives a better life now, because they each were given a chance. I wanted to give you a chance too. You and the whole Septarsis.
- Hm!- Toffee responded casually.- You think that is how it works? You think it's that simple.
Toffee ignored her and went to check on Razzles:
- Are you, okay, darling?
- Yes.- she answered laconically.
- Why didn't you listen to me?- Toffee was disappointed.
- I just wanted to help.- Razzles was quick to defend herself.
- Do you know what could have happened?- he asked sternly.
- I'm sorry, father!- she felt like crying.
Not wanting to argue anymore, Toffee sighed and said:
- Let's just go home. All of us. If there was one marauder here, then the rest of the crew are not far away either.
Star's magic mirror rang again, but this time it was Eclipsa:
- Hey, Eclipsa!- she picked up indifferently.
- Hello, Star! Is Toffee there?
- No, he is in the other room. You want me to call him?
- No, I want to talk with you about something. It's very important. It's about Toffee's parents.
This changed Star's mood from moody to curious and a little nervous:
- Do you know what happened to them?- Eclipsa asked.
- They died, when he was a child, but I don't know how exactly.
- Well, sweetie.- Eclipsa bit her lip.- The thing is... I swear, that's not what I wanted to happen. I was young and emotional and...
- Eclipsa!- Star spoke like she was actually the adult in this conversation.- What have you done?
- It's my fault, Star!- Eclipsa said through her tears.- I killed them.
Star was shocked and speechless. So much she could not even respond verbally:
- His parents are the ones responsible for my mother's death. During the war, I mastered a spell, which can kill septarians. It's the same spell I taught your mother, when she became a queen. When I ran into Toffee's parents, I said the spell and killed them. When I saw Toffee, again... I just can't stop thinking about this. And I think that he knows what I did.
- Eclipsa you...- Star shook her head, finding hard to believe what she just heard.- You...you...you killed someone's parents!
- Star, I am so, so, so, so sorry! I don't even know what to say!
- I am not the one, you should be telling this to.
- I know, I know!- Eclipsa replied.- I just don't know how. Could you please tell him I am sorry?
- No. This is something he needs to hear from you.- Star had no intention of listening to this anymore.- You know, I'll just hang up and leave you to think of an apology. Today was a hard day, and I need some rest.
Star hang up and laid on her bed. She had a lot of things in her mind right now. The silence was interrupted by a knock on the door:
- Hello, Estela!- Mrs. Marigold opened the door.- Are you hungry? We are all going to a restaurant tonight. Do you want to come?
Star thought about it for a second. Yes, she was indeed hungry and she needed to distract herself, so she nodded as a "yes".
Toffee, Razzles, Rasticore, Star and Mrs. Marigold were all sitting on a big table, eating their orders. Star ordered only a bowl of corn soup, while everyone else ate either pasta or swamp soup. Star's eyes shifted from Toffee to her own meal, every now and then, and this did not go unnoticed by him:
- You want to tell me something?- he asked.
- When were you going to tell me that Eclipsa killed your parents?- Star asked without taking a break to breathe.
Everyone else stopped eating and stared at both Star and Toffee. Toffee's expression did not change much, despite the surprising question:
- I was not planning to.- Toffee replied casually.- Obviously. Besides, what difference does it make?
- HUGE!- Star raised her voice a little bit.
- Estela, now is not the time to discuss this.- Toffee tried to avoid this awkward conversation.
- There is never time!- Star replied.- You always avoid me. You don't tell me anything and you never accept my help.
- I rather keep my private life private.- he said.- Let's just change the subject, okay?
- You are not getting away from this again!- Star pointed her finger at him.
The argument was quickly interrupted by the hostess. She was standing on a stage, holding a microphone and everyone's eyes were on her:
- Ladies and gentlemen!- she spoke.- How about something entertaining to lift the mood around here, okay?
Everyone applauded and they started shouting suggestions:
- Could you please play "Yolanda, Yolanda, my warrior princess"?
- How about "Spare me, lord Seth"?
- How about "Ballad of general Saskia"?
Rasticore had an idea:
- How about "Those bloody marauders"?
- I like it.- the hostess agreed with Rasticore's idea.- Okay, boys.- she turned towards the orchestra.- Play "Those bloody marauders":
"Shiver my scales, shiver my soul
Yo, ho,ho, ho
Those bloody marauders
There are septarians more wicked than the wretched mewmans
Yo, ho, ho, ho
Those bloody marauders
It's the darkest tale ever told
About a bloodthirsty captain and her scurvy crew
They sail their ship everywhere, lead by lust for blood and gold
Yo, ho, ho, ho
Those bloody marauders
Seth himself wanted them dead and cold
Yo, ho, ho, ho
Those bloody marauders
Every septarian on board would betray their mate for a single coin
That's not all for why we want to kick them in the groin
Yo, ho, ho, ho
Those bloody marauders
Traitors to their own world
Oh, they suck
Wish them the worst of luck
Yo, ho, ho, ho
Those bloody marauders
When greed and villainy sail the sea
You can bet your fangs
There will be treachery
Yo, ho, ho, ho
Those bloody marauders
Their list of sins never ends
Wonder how the neck bends
Yo, ho, ho ho
Those bloody marauders"
The band was now done playing the song. Everyone applauded them, especially Star, who considered this a useful piece of information about who the marauders were:
- Thank you, Rasticore!- she told him.
- I thought that maybe we can inform you a little bit about the marauders, at least.- he said.
- So, these marauder guys...- Star continued.- Are they, like, pirates or something?
- Worse than pirates.- Rasticore answered.- Stealing, slaying, rape. Every single one of them has done all of those and even more.
- Stories of marauders have existed long before I was born.- Toffee explained.- These so-called "septarians" don't obey any monarchy. They are one of the reasons for the existence of so many negative stereotypes about our species.
- Wow!- Star was in awe. Both creeped out and intrigued.- By the way, what is that song "Yolanda, Yolanda, my warrior princess"?- Star recognized that name.
- It's a song general Grisly wrote about his wife.- Mrs. Marigold answered Star's question.
- Awwww!- Star thought it was very romantic.
- Yes, touching!- Toffee said very sarcastically.
- Toff, your father was a butthole, but he...- Rasticore was about to express his opinion of the late general.
- Watch it!- Toffee warned him. He did not approve of others insulting his parents.
- I was going to say that he, indeed, did care about this country.- Rasticore finished his comment.
- Trust me!- Toffee commented.- I. Noticed.
- Toff, why do you hate your parents so much?- Star found Toffee's dislike of his own parents very strange. Sure, she herself did not always see eye-to-eye with her own parents, especially her mother, but she still loved them deeply.
- My relationship with my parents was a complicated one.- Toffee said.
- They loved you.- Mrs. Marigold tried to assure him.- I know it.
- No, you don't know.- Toffee heavily disagreed.- None of you does.
Simply not wanting to be here anymore, Toffee paid for his and Razzles' meals, took his daughter by the hand and they both went home, leaving Star, Rasticore and Mrs. Marigold alone in the restaurant.
The Mad dragon syndrome is, indeed, inspired by the Tourette syndrome, but it is more like an extreme version.
The song "Those bloody marauders" is inspired by the song "Shiver my timbers" from "Muppet's Treasure island", because it is the ultimate pirate song.
Oboro's name means "gloom" in Japanese.