Joe had been on guard for two weeks now. After his conversation with Moon, he decided he would keep a big watch on Star. When his sister realized her injury was no longer any hindrance she asked him to come back, but he said no. Star needed him. At first she was excited, but when she saw his face, realized that while this was out of love, it wasn't the kind she expected. She didn't stop him, and instead let him go without a fuss.
Star was elated at first, regardless of the reason. But as Joe became more and more exhausted, she realized he was staying up all night, and it was getting to him. He was starting to drift off at school, an environment he fully expected her to be safe in. Just the other day Joe fell face first into his lunch, sleeping without even touching the sandwich she made him. She felt horrible to have caused this, and finally, she had enough. As they were about to head to school today, she hit him with a sleep spell. He would be asleep until either that evening, or she released the spell. What could happen without Joe for just one day?
The morning started to test her almost immediately. She had just cast the spell, and was preparing to kiss him sweet dreams, when suddenly one of her framed pictures fell off the wall. The sound of breaking glass filling the previously silent air. She held out her wand, and saw nothing but the picture frame. She picked it up and recognized it. It was the group photo she and Joe took with their respective families. She smiled looking at it, amd reconsidered releasing the spell on him, but found her strength when she remembered how tired he was lately. She quickly ran over, kissed him on the cheek, and headed towards the shower. Her day didn't get any better from there.
She dropped the soap multiple times, had everything that wasn't tied down falling, she could swear someone was watching her, and worst of all, the water heater seemed busted. When she finally finished her shower she felt horrible. Worse than before. Now she really wanted to wake Joe, to have his comfort right now, but she would be strong. This would give them a little space, and him a little rest.
She soon headed downstairs and met the Diazs for breakfast. Surprisingly, she seemed to beat the food today. Maybe those showers with Joe weren't the fastest method to getting clean after all. As she sat down, she could smell what Angie was cooking. Homemade pancakes with bacon. Her favorite. She loved eating them. Especially with Joe. She would often sit in his lap and have him feed her from his plate. Not that he complained much. As Angie turned the bend, she suddenly seemed spooked, dropping a very large plate of pancakes all over the floor.
"Oh dios mio. I'm so sorry. I just felt like something shocked me. She looked down at the mess on the floor and sighed. There was no time to remake breakfast and get the kids off to school.
"I'm so sorry everyone. You'll have to stop somewhere and get a breakfast to go." She sounded horribly defeated, so much so that Star felt sorry for how upset she must have looked when it happened.
"It's okay mom. Things happen. The two of us will get something on the way." That however, grabbed Raphaels attention.
"Two? What about Joe?"
"Well, he's been under the weather recently and I figured it would be best if he stayed home and rested. Right Marco?" Star held a very convincing concerned look. Probably because she was. Marco realized he wouldn't be lying, so he went with it.
"It's true dad. He needs some serious rest." The two adults took it in stride and soon, the four of them were on their way to get breakfast, then go their separate ways for the day. Marco and Star arriving just in time for him to meet Jackie. Star smiled as the boy actually managed to talk to Jackie, instead of simply nodding. It wasn't much, but progress was progress.
The school day itself started normally. Star hardly even noticed Joe's absence as she sat down for first period. Her relief over him sleeping trumping her desire to be beside him all the time. Now that she thought of it, she was never without him lately. They only separated to use the bathroom, shower, or go to different classes. She began to wonder if maybe being with him all the time was, bad for them or something. Even her parents weren't together this much, and they got together at around the same time. Perhaps with time they would gain a more comfortable distance. Or maybe this was what being in love with one of your best friends did to your relationship. It was usually romantic with Joe, but maybe she should spend time with her other friends without Joe for a bit. After all, nothing could drive them apart. Right? That's when, in the middle of class, a giant pillar of fire appeared in the middle of the classroom.
"Star?"
"That's not me Marco." She pulled out her wand and readied herself, eyes narrowing. This seemed familiar. As the fire disappeared, she saw the last person she wanted to see right in front of her. "Oh no. Tom." Before her was a tall boy, with horns on his head, a fancy suit, purple skin, three eyes covered in sunglasses, red, pointy hair, and a pointy tail.
"Oh yes Starship, it's me." The boy leaned forward, lifting his shades and smiled. His razer sharp teeth causing her heart to beat so rapidly it hurt. "And I'm here today to invite you to the Blood Moon Ball!" He extended his hand, a scarlet flame in the shape of the crescent moon appearing above it. He maintained the pose for a while until Star spoke.
"Narwal Blast!" In a flash of light a narwal appeared and slammed In to the demon, sending him flying as Star ran outside, Marco in hot pursuit. Star made it to the parking lot where she saw a single carriage pulled by the skeleton of a warnicorn. She paused only for a moment before running in the direction of home. She was too scared to remember her spell for getting back to her room, but she knew she had to get there. Marco came out as she got halfway to the sidewalk. He was about to shout her name when a pillar of fire appeared in front of her. Realizing he had to act, Marco ran forward. He watched as she aimed her wand, only for Tom to knock it away, easily grabbing her arms as she tried to go for it.
"Starship, that was very rude. Attacking your destined one with a spell after such a long wait? Tsk tsk. I know you were raised better than that. And i know you were trained better too. His smile looked calm on the outside, but Star knew what lie beneath it. She struggled as he started to pull on her. That was when Marco chopped his hand off with a single karate chop.
"Ouch!" The demon grabbed his wrist in pain as Marco got between him and Star.
"Thanks Marco. But we have to go. Now!" She grabbed him by his hoodie and began to run towards her wand, only for a wall of flames to block their path forward.
"Hey now, this is a bit, extreme." Star was stock still. She knew Tom. He was not this calm. Never. He had something planned. She knew it. "All I planned today was to extend an invitation to the Blood Moon Ball. That's it." His look was calm and collected, it didn't stop Marco from getting between them. She was never more thankful to have such a loyal bestie. "Just, take this bell, and if you decide to come, ring it. Otherwise, just leave it be and it'll disappear on twenty-four hours. It's your choice."
"I don't believe you for a second." She backed up close to the fire, prepared to dive threw it for her wand, even if it meant getting burnt by hellfire.
"Okay okay. Look, I'll leave it here, and you can take it or leave it. Okay? Just, consider it. Please." He laid down a sinister looking bell and hammer before backing up, Marco idly noticed his severed hand using its fingers to 'walk' back to Tom before floating back onto his wrist. "Hope to see you there!" He smiled warmly as he walked into the carriage. Marco thought he saw a burnt shoe on the floor of the wagon as Tom entered before closing the door. In a blaze of fire, the carriage disappeared, and the flames died down. Star immediately grabbed her wand and began running. Marco, started to run after her before he gripped his head in pain. Looking back he saw the bell on the ground. Without further though he grabbed it and the hammer and put it into his pocket, before continuing after Star.
He ran right to the house and as he crossed off the sidewalk onto the grass, he felt a sharp pain in his head again. He shook it off and ran into the house. He quickly found Star in her room, trying desperately to wake Joe.
"Wakey Wakey Spidergoat Eggs and Bacon!" A flash of light emitted from her wand, but Joe lie there, completely asleep. "I don't get it. This should be waking him up instantly. Oh Mewni. What have i done." She looked around and spotted Marco. "Marco! I can't wake Joe up. Do you have anything earthlings use to wake people around here? Marco thought for a moment, but for some reason, he felt like there were a few options he wasn't thinking of. He mentally shrugged and decided it best to do what he did think of. He brought an air horn and blew it right next to Joe's ear. He didn't move. Marco tossed water on him, Joe didn't move. He used his hands to stop Joe from breathing, stopping when he realized he might kill Joe before he wakes up. He had Star kiss him, to no effect.
"Well, I'm out of ideas. Sorry Star, looks like we're waiting for the spell to wear off." She nervously bit her wand and laid down next to Joe. She held onto him, Doing what she could to grab all the love she knew he would show her. Marco watched the scene. He realized that unlike normal, this was not a romantic moment he should leave during. He walked towards Star and pat her head. Star began to cry as she lay there. Eventually going silent as she fell asleep.
Normally, Marco would leave, but something told him not to. As he thought about it, something seemed off. Star researched her sleep spell, and it's counter spell thoroughly before casting it. She had even tested it just yesterday on him to make sure. Maybe it was her nerves from seeing this Tom guy, but that didn't explain why Joe was barely reacting. It was almost like he was dead. As he thought further on that line his head began to pulsate with pain.
"Why does that keep happening?" He reached for his head before he heard the sound of something shattering. His eyes went wide. His first assumption was that a window was broken. But the shattering sound was lasting too loud. And it was from almost every direction at once. Almost like a glass dome had been destroyed. Suddenly, a pillar of fire appeared before him and out popped Tom, smiling statistically.
"Well, you're a strange one. I thought you would be asleep as well by now. But maybe that's a good thing. You did chop my arm off after all." Marco got In to his stance, but Tom already had him by the neck. He struggled to get free, but it was no use. "Normally I'd kill you, but today I'm feeling generous. I'm about to become betrothed to the Future Queen of Mewni. So I'll let you off, lightly." He punched Marco hard, knocking the wind out of his lungs as he dropped him. "Now then, for my prize." He walked over to the sleeping Star. Marco began to realize that Tom did something. Something horrible.
"Now then, if i remember right, placing the spider on her head should do the trick." He reached into his petticoat and brought out a large spider. Placing it on Star's head, it settled on top, grabbed her with it's legs, and bit down with its fangs. She immediately woke up, screaming in pain. Her hands reached up, trying desperately to knock the spider off, but Tom leisurely grabbed her hands, holding them in front of her.
"Be quiet Starship. It'll all be over soon." His smile was deceptively warm as her screaming slowly quieted, her struggles ceasing as she almost went limp, before popping up still and straight. "Much better. Now change into a nice dress. Preferably something red. Don't bother with underwear, you won't need it for long after the ball. Oh, and don't worry about your former boy toy. He'll be dead in a minute or two." The way he spoke sent a chill down Marco's spine. He wanted to stop this, but the pain kept him locked down. In a matter of minutes, Star was changed. If this was a better circumstance, he may have commented on her beauty, but sadly, he wouldn't get the chance.
"Okay Starship, your toy died, so it's time to go. Next stop, your new, permanent home." He smiled warmly at Star who showed no emotion. Her pink hearts had turned nearly invisible as her eyes looked distant. She took his hand, and in a flash of fire, disappeared.
Marco laid in shock for a time before he suddenly realized the pain was gone. His mind was clear. It all made sense. There wasn't a counter spell. It was a phrase. He got up and realized that he had smelling salts, and those would wake up Joe too, but so should the drowning. He walked over and felt his heart drop. Joe was pale. He wasn't breathing. He reached over and felt for a pulse. There wasn't one. He idly wondered what he could do. Without thinking, he spoke the code phrase, hoping beyond hope that it would wake the dead boy in front of him.
"I love you." A small flash extended out of the boy's body, but he did not move. Marco began to sob. He didn't know what to do. He always planned things out, but today he had nothing. No plan, no ideas, no best friends, and no help. He stopped. "Queen Moon." He immediately reached into his pocket and found. The bell. He set it down on the nightstand and searched again, finding his compact mirror. He opened it and practically screamed to call Moon. She picked up nearly instantly.
"Joe wha- Marco? Oh Mewni, what's happening?"
"This guy named Tom showed up, he did something to Star and kidnapped her. I think, I think he also killed Joe." He stared ad Moon's expression went cold. The call ended and before he could even start to think, he heard the familiar sound of a portal opening. He turned and saw Queen Moon, worried and in what appeared to be regal armor. She looked around and spotted Joe, checking on him, she confirmed Marco's story. Realizing the situation required speed, she went straight into authority mode.
"Marco, did the cretin say where he was going?" Marco felt the fire in her voice. She was on the warpath, and that steeled him to be as well. He sharpened his gaze as he met hers, the will to save Star, and avenge Joe filling him with strength.
"The Blood Moon Ball. He said this bell was our ticket in."
"We won't need it. I dare anyone to try and stop the Queen of Mewni." Moon walked over to Joe, and noticing the wand, grabbed it. It sparkled and changed into a small scepter with a diamond heart on top. With that she transformed. It reminded Marco of Star's mewberty form, and it scared him. "Don't worry Marco, this is the controlled version of mewberty. Now, let's go." She waved her hands and a portal appeared in front of her. They looked at each other, nodded, and walked inside. Unbeknownst to them, in the center of Joe's chest, a deep, blood red glow was growing, cracks appearing in his skin as it grew in brightness.
"See Starship, isn't it wonderful to relax and have a good time with a real man?" He looked over at Star, she was just the same as before, but far more sweaty, and covered in unicorn blood. He looked her over, enjoying the benefits mewberty had bestowed upon her body. She didn't speak or move, but that was fine. "Glad I didn't pick you for your mind Starship. I might feel bad about all this. But at least now your only worries will be my happiness, and making me an heir. No drama, no politics, no unworthy mortals. Heck, I'll make you a demon so we can be like this for millennia, just like grandpa and grandma!" He nearly squealed in delight as he looked around. If he had convinced Star to come he would have had to tone it down, but instead they got to be surrounded by death, torture, sex, and boiling unicorn blood. Perfection. Now all that was needed, was to wait for the blood moon to get in position.
Moon and Marco exited the portal inside of a throne room. Marco looked around in surprise for a moment, then started memorizing. He was here for a reason, and he was going to make sure he wasn't caught further off guard. He quickly spotted two individuals on their thrones, and a half-dozen guards standing around the room. He noticed the guards were returning to attention. Probably having been ready for an invasion, and stopping when Moon appeared. They eyed him warily as he took on details. Each soldier had a sword at their side and a spear in each hand. They wore black plate armor with no decorations. There was no flair to each one, almost looking like soot covered versions of medieval knights costumes. He could scarcely see each one had four eyes, in contrast to Tom's three.
Looking at the throne, he took in the details of the two totals. Ome was a human looking man. He was rather average looking. He had Brown hair and green eyes, and wore a red, decorated suit. On his head was a golden crown, the king. On his left was a competitively massive woman. She was easily thirty feet tall. She had large, black horns, three yellow eyes, massive muscles, and a black dress that showed off her hooved feet. She wore a golden crown on her head. The Queen.
"Queen Moon. We weren't expecting you today. What a surprise. Tell us, what do you need and why bring a human with you to our realm?" Moon bowed slightly as she whispered to Marco to kneel briefly, which he did.
"King and Queen Lucitor, my daughter has been forcefully taken to the Blood Moon Ball by your son, Prince Thomas Lucitor. He is also responsible for the murder of the one courting her, who had already received my blessing, as well as the okay from the Magical High Commission. As such, I am here to retrieve my daughter, and demand retribution for the damages caused by your son." She stood tall and proud, impressively trying to stare down the behemoth of a queen before her. The man speaking in her stead,
"I'm afraid that won't be possible Queen Moon. You see, after our discussion the other day, we decided this would make a great time to, make things easier. Poor Queen Moon, her hatred for monsters spilled over to a hatred of demonkind. "Marco noticed the guards moving towards them slowly, making very little sound as they did. Their spears slowly lowering to an attack position. "She invaded the demon realm on her own while her daughter was enjoying a lovely, consensual date with her longtime boyfriend, Thomas Lucitor." The guards surrounded the two of them and were awaiting some sort of signal. " While Moon was defeated, Star went into shock, locking herself away in the Lucitor Castle for protection. We will figure the rest out later." The guards moved as one and before Marco could dodge, Queen Moon blasted them all away. She stared the Lucitors down stoically.
"Marco, go find Star. Now." Without a thought Marco ran out of the throne room. King Lucitor stood up and started walking towards the back of the room.
"I'm not a fighter, couldn't win if I tried. So, I'll let you ladies settle this one." He leaned against the wall as his wife stood up.
"Wrathmelior smash!" She jumped in the air at Moon who prepared some magic. She honestly didn't think this would get so far. She placed her hopes in Marco, and began fighting the angry Queen.
Marco meanwhile was heading down an empty hallway. He reasoned that they wanted the truth of what was happening known by as few people as possible, so they must have vacated the wing of the castle. He took a turn and noticed a long hallway leading up to a large double door. There were two demons standing guard. He was about hi turn around when he noticed faint music from the hall. He guessed that the ball was in there.
"I need a disguise to get inside." He looked around and found several nearby doors. Opening one he noticed it empty with an armoire. He quickly bolted in and closed the door quietly. Checking the armoire, he found what looked like the outfit his father wore at the last day of the dead celebration. He put it on without question and was thankful when it was a close fit. He put on the convenient skull mask and the sombrero and left the room. He thought back to every espionage film he had ever seen and realized that he had to be confident. Regardless of what happened. He strode towards the door, the demons paying him little mind until he reached the door.
"Where is your invitation." Marco barely panicked but held it together. He had planned for this. Tom had specifically said the bell was his ticket in after all. He reached for it before realizing his error. He had it in his hoodie, but even then. He removed the item back in Star's room before leaving with Moon.
"Seems I lost it. But come on, let me in guys. It's not like it'll hurt."
"Nice try. Invitation only or- wait. Are you Jorge Teja?" Marco did not recognize the name, but he had to take this chance.
"Why yes, I am."
"Oh, pardon us sir. Been over a thousand years since you came to a Lucitor event. Please, come on in." The guards stepped aside and Marco stepped in unimpeded. He was immensely thankful these two had no idea how to do their jobs. As he entered he was hit by a massive amount of heat and horrifying sights that nearly made him puke. And after he looked again, he did.
"Yeah. They really skimped on the atmosphere lately. Brought a mortal girl down. Sorry it's such a snooze fest Jorge!" The door closed behind him as he looked around. He saw the decorations and heard the music, but he did his best to blind himself to it. He had to find Star. They had to get out of there. He pushed past variously shized, shaped, a d colored demons, looking for the girl, but having no luck. Until he bumped into his nightmare first hand.
"Who dares interu-." The demon stared at him for a moment before a massive smile took his features. "Great-demon uncle Jorge! You made it!" The demon wrapped him in a powerful, yet loving embrace. "Oh I'm so happy you could make it. I was worried you wouldn't have a chance to meet my future breeding-woman before the bonding." Marco felt disgusted at those words. Here he was, joyfully talking about turning one of the most amazing girls in the multiverse into a woman whose only purpose was to be bred. He wanted to punch him out then and there, but found his ticket to getting to Star.
"Yes, well, where is she Tommy?" He really,hoped he didn't just blow it.
"Ooooh. You haven't called me Tommy in years. Right this way!" Tom gently took his hand and guided him towards a secluded spot with several guards. "Here she is, Star Butterfly! Oh, check this out!" He let go and ran over to Star, lifting her dress up and revealing far too much of her lower body to him. "She might not be pure, but she looks tight as shit and look at that ass! I bet in a few years it will be the perfect cushion for me. Go on, have a feel!" Marco really, really didn't want to manhandle his best friend after her lover died next to her just before being turned into a breeding slave, but he had to play along. He was in too deep. As his hand felt Star's ass, he instinctively groped it. He had to admit, as messed up as it was, her ass did feel amazing.
"So, the big event is about to begin. In a few moments or so, the Blood Moon will start looking for the perfect couple! Then it will bond them for eternity! I'm so-" before he could finish, the entire building shook. Everyone looked in horror as suddenly, one of the walls began to cave in. The demons nearby ran for safety as the wall gave in, sending Wrathmelior sprawling across the floor. Everyone looked in shock as through the hole flew a dirty, but unharmed Queen Moon, still in her mewberty state.
"Surrender my daughter Wrathmelior, or this will not end with some repairable damage." She spoke calmly, but with such ice and venom that no one dared move or interject except for Tom.
"Mom! Okay. Jorge, stay here where it's safe. The bitch won't hurt her daughter so you're safest here. I'll go help mom. And no buts! You're too old to g
Fight at the level of Butterflys like you used to." With that, Tom flew away with fire burning out of his hands and feet. Marco, noting the distance he had to everyone, started to immediately try and rescue Star, whispering to her while trying to pull her along.
"Star! We need to get out of here. I don't quite know how yet, but it's dangerous here." She didn't react. "Star, it's me, Marco!" He removed his mask and the entire room turned slightly red. For a moment he considered that maybe he was in the spotlight, but looking around, it was simply a red glow around the entire room. As he continued to look, he spotted Tom rocketing back. This must have been the moon looking for the chosen couple. His masked dropped as he quickly grabbed her hand, looking to run away.
"It's okay Jorge, I'm here! Tom landed right next to him. He silently cursed his distractions as he let go of Star's hand. "Now I'll take her hand, the Moon will pick us, and then I'll help mom take down the Butterfly." Marco looked back and noticed several demons were now assisting Wrathmelior in fighting off Moon. He began to panic as Tom grabbed Star's hand. "Dance with me Star." Star moved stiffly to start dancing with Tom. A perfect,ballroom dance, but the light did not change a single bit. Tom was frustrated, but assumed it would just be a matter of time. Someone was getting chosen here today. And it would be them. He let himself go to imaginary music that was suddenly punctuated by a massive crashing sound. Every head turned towards the main entrance to the ball, and saw something that shouldn't be there. Moon quickly recognizing the figure and speaking without thinking.
"Joe?"
Joe awoke. He looked around and realized that something was off. Normally he felt Star's warmth next to him, but he didn't. He turned to face her, but came face to face with himself.
"Ah!" He screamed as he pushed away from the bed, but found he didn't go crashing to the floor, but instead went floating off into the room. He was very confused. Even more so when he spotted Star standing over his body, wand in hand. He realized Star did something, but quickly found himself distracted as his back slammed into the wall. He bounced off with little force, but a picture frame was knocked off the wall. He instantly knew which one it was. He often looked at it at night and remembered the day, it was when Olivia had been bitten. His revery was short lived as he watched Star walk over to the picture. He suddenly remembered what was going on. And called out to her.
"Star. What happened?" He watched her face light up into a small smile, before falling to sadness. "Oh please tell me she didn't kill me by accident. Or that this isn't an alternate reality. Then again this could be a dream." He thought for a moment before feeling lips against his cheek. Looking down he noticed Star kissing his cheek.
"Okay, so probably not dead, but maybe a dream." As she bounded off, be decided to follow her. He crashed into the wall and realized he had to go through the door. When he exited, he heard the bathroom door lock. He quickly made an effort to catch up, and miscalculated how he could move. He flew right into, then harmlessly through. The bathroom wall. He realized that perhaps the magic that made her room might stop him. Unless this was all a dream. That's when he realized she was in the shower. He paused for a moment. Was this considered peeping if he showered with her nearly everyday for the past three weeks? He thought about it as he inadvertently put his hand on a nearby tray rack, knocking off all the contents they had supported. Several bottles,began pouring out their contents down the drain. He heard Star curse and turned around.
There she was, in all her nude glory. It was weird seeing her like this when she couldn't see him. As she stepped into the shower she cursed. Apparently the endless hot water of the house had ended. He heard her complain as she stood in the water, adjusting to it. For a moment, he looked at her like normal, a great feeling spreading over him. That's when Star stood straight up, eyes wide. He thought for a moment that maybe she could see him. She took a step forward and called out if anyone was there.
"I'm here Star!" He said, but she didn't hear him.
"Calm down Star. No one here besides Joe would look at you like that, and that's because he would be helping you wash." He felt horrible. She trusted him like that and here he was. As Star finished with the trays, she grabbed her soap and began to wash herself. Joe couldn't help but notice she was missing quite a few spots. He instinctively tried to help her a few times, resulting in her dropping the soap, and giving him some very nice sight lines as she picked it back up. He tried writing messages, but unfortunately, it seemed no matter how,he wrote, it disappeared moments after his finger moved on. Eventually she got out of the shower, and he decided to head on down to the kitchen to see what Angie was making for breakfast.
He knew the moment he crosses through the floor what it was. Bacon pancakes. Honestly, he didn't care for them. Sure they were tasty, yes he learned how to make them for Star, but he really didn't care all that much. It was too much for him, but that worked out well for now. He enjoyed getting Star to sit on his lap so he could feed her. When she would try and return the favor he would pretend to be enthralled by the taste when really, he would get full on her love alone.
"Okay, plenty of bacon. Now to add the new secret ingredient to Star's syrup." Curious, he looked down to notice that Angie had three different syrups out. Chocolate for Marco, maple for herself, Rahpael and Joe, and a strawberry syrup for Star. As she reached for the container and poured it into Star's syrup, he realized exactly what it was. Olivia's fertility medication. Three tablet's worth. He blanched when he realized that everyday they had bacon pancakes, they had later gone at it like horny teenagers in love do. He then watched as Angie pulled out her phone and opened a calendar. It was called 'Star chart'. If his blood ran any colder it would have snowed inside as he realized Angie figured out Star's cycle, and was doing what she could to get Star pregnant. At fourteen.
As she gathered everything up, Joe panicked. He wasn't ready to be a dad! As she reached,the doorway he darted at her. As he forgot, he went right through her, but as he didn't know, she felt it. She immediately squeaked and dropped the plate. Ruining breakfast. Joe sighed in relief and watched as they decided to go elsewhere for breakfast. Confident nothing would happen, Joe decided to stay, traveling back to his and Star's room to reminisce. Nothing would happen to Star at school. As he reached their door, he heard a voice on the other side. He remembered everyone leaving so he bolted inside, finding a very average man in a red suit with brown hair and a golden crown standing above him, chanting in some otherworldly tongue. He watched as his body was engulfed in a blue flame. Suddenly. He was in immense pain, it felt like he was being burned alive! The chanting soon finished as the man wiped his brow.
"That,was exhausting. Glad I did it right. Would have been a pain if he woke up. But now, Star and her kingdom will be all ours. Good bye boy. We will never meet again." The man was quickly engulfed in flames and disappeared, leaving a confused, and in pain Joe. After a moment, Joe put together what was said about Star, and he knew what he had to do. He rushed out and flew as fast as he could towards the school.
As he did he saw a demon looking guy in front of Star and Marco, all of whom were surrounded by fire. The demon set something down in front of Star and backed away into an admittedly awesome looking carriage. As the carriage, and flames, disappeared, Joe rushed down, only to sharply turn and follow Star as she ran right back to his room. He watched what followed in shocked silence. As Marco and Moon left, he settled down near his own dead body. He was silent for a moment, but as everything settled in, he felt something stir inside him. It wasn't new. He was intensely familiar with had always been on the other side, never letting this one flow through him. He began to breathe faster. And a voice called out.
"Don't put out the fire, stoke it." He turned to notice him, a red him, sitting I'm the bed next to his own corpse, it's chest glowing a bright, blood red.
"Who are you and why should I care?"
"I'm the one who can put Star back in your arms." Joe was in his own face before he realized he moved. He felt warm. No, hot.
"Tell me."
"Hah. That's the spirit. Normally, I have to convince someone this isn't a trick. And no, it isn't. I have a vested interest in keeping you alive. And now, I have a vested interest in keeping you with her. Now, shake my hand, and let's go. I call shotgun, so take the wheel for now, kid." Joe reached out and grabbed his hand, and in a flash, the corpse stood up. His chest was still aglow in red, but now his skin seemed to crack open, as if a volcanic fissure was about to explode. He looked over at the bell and rang it. A demon carrying an elevator box appeared outside the balcony. Joe simply,moved inside the box and took a seat.
"What floor."
"... Wherever the hell the Blood Moon Ball is." The door closed and the box began to descend. Joe delta odd calm wash over him. He wasn't really calm, it just felt like right now, he couldn't be anything, not just yet. It took eight minutes to reach the bottom, the door opening to allow him out. He stared ahead at a long hallway and a pair of double doors.
"Please note that non-demon's require an invitation or they will be killed. Thank you for using demonvator. I will await you for your return trip." The demon went silent as Joe,walked up to the double doors. He heard a rumble in the distance as he got closer, but he paid it no mind. There was only one thing to do.
"Halt. Display invitation." He reflexively showed the bell and hammer.
"This is addressed to Star Butterfly, without her presence, no entry permitted."
"She came ahead."
"Then you cannot enter mortal. Now leave or die." Joe stood still for a moment his eyes locked onto the guard who had spoken. The guard raised his weapon then stopped, and began to tremble. His weapon fell from his grasp as his knees hit the floor. The next moment his head followed. He was unconscious. The other guard moved to strike, but similarly fell unconscious. Joe paused before looking at the door. This was no time for pausing. He walked up, and pushed on the doors. Nothing. He tried with more force. Nothing. He pushed hard, and this time, the doors flew off their hinges and into the middle of the room. Every set of eyes glued to him as they looked over him.
"How did a human just do that?" The entire room waited for what was to happen as Joe scanned the room, spotting Star and Marco with Tom in one corner. He slowly, and carefully walked towards them. Tom regained his senses as his anger began to erupt. He had controlled it thus far, but he WAS going to do this.
"I don't know how you came back, or hoe you got in here, but now, I'll make sure you don't come back. Guards, take him!" Tom's eyes glowed red at the command, and the guards that previously surrounded them charged for Joe. Marco watched in horror as Star watched in indifference. The guards reached Joe and prepared their weapons. Suddenly a gust of wind forced everyone's eyes closed, Moon shielding herself in case of a surprise attack. As the dust that was kicked up cleared, Joe was still walking forward, now amongst half the corpses of the guards. Tom instinctively took a step back as Wrathmelior,began to realize that especially now, Moon was not who she needed to worry the most about.
"H-how. Those guards are the best. They have killed hundreds of foes each. That's, that's impossible!" He finally decided that fighting was not an option as he grabbed stat's hand. "Jorge run! I'll get Star out of here and-" he was cut off as something hit him. Looking down he saw Joe's face, and then a part of his arm, going through his chest. Anyone who had thought to move now wished they were born a statue.
"Did Joe just kill Tom Lucitor?!" Marco shouted. The entire assembly hall began to scream as Wrathmelior jumped towards Joe. He returned the favor by tossing Tom right at her, slamming her hard into a wall. He looked back at Star and Marco. Slowly, he reached a hand towards Star's head, suddenly, the spider screeched loudly, before going limp and falling to the floor, dead. Star, for her part, seemed to almost wake up, until suddenly, she also began screaming.
"Joe! You're alive!" She gripped him in a hug and he gingerly returned it. Suddenly, the arena grew quiet. The red that had pooled throughout the room now shown as a spotlight over Star and Joe. They looked at each other in wonder as the glow from Joe's chest ceased. Slowly, he took her left hand with his right, placing his left hand at her hip, her right hand finding his shoulder. No sooner had they gotten into position did music started to play as if from the air itself. They slowly began to dance around the ballroom. Slowly, their expressions turned to smiles as they were lost in their own little world. Despite the war that was surely going to be, despite their prince possibly being dead, and despite the fact that one of the dancers was the one to attack him, everyone looked on in silent wonder and awe at the chosen couple. Bound forever in the ruby light.
As the dance became more enthusiastic though, someone rejected. In a flash of fire and a display of speed, Joe was knocked out of Star's grasp, and onto the floor. Just as he did, the light faded entirely. Tom looked up at the sky. His expression unreadable as he slowly lowered his gaze to Joe. His eyes seeming to fill with yellow light as it did.
"That dance. Was meant. For me!" In a raw display of anger, flames burst forth from the area, Tom rising up. He was preparing to launch an attack and without the wand, Star was helpless to stop him. Suddenly, a very large hand came crashing down on top of Tom. Looking up in surprise, the last person anyone expected to attack Tom stood.
"I do not know why I have acted the way I have. But I do know that something is amiss. Queen Butterfly. First, I hereby offer the unconditional surrender of the Lucitor Kingdom." For a moment, Moon had no idea how to respond, but years of being a queen, including being experienced in war, taught her how to regain her balance.
"I accept."
"Thank you your grace. Like I said, I do not know what happened to us. But we need help. Something affected us and made us your foes. Please, we need your help." Moon slowly lowered herself to the ground, the demons moving away and bowing.
"We will assist in looking into the issue. We will also discuss reparations for these actions in the future. For now, all I want to do is return home with family and friends."
"Granted without question your grace." Wrathmelior clapped her hands and the demonvator from Joe's trip in appeared in the hall. "Take them back safely." The demon wasted no time in setting down for its guests. Moon looked back and almost broke her regal posture to see Star and Joe hugging each other, whispering about how glad they are the other is alright. She walked up to them and helped them up. They refused to separate, but gladly walked towards, and into the box. Suddenly, Tom reappeared, his body aflame. Wrathmelior and Moon prepared to strike.
"Go. Hurry. I can only stop this so long! Don't let me hurt Jorge!" Surprised, Moon grabbed Marco and threw him inside, jumping in as the demonvator, with far more speed than normal, began to rise. Moon quickly turned as they ascended into some clouds, sure they weren't being followed.
"Does anyone have a compact?"
"Sorry, mine is in my hoodie down in a room in the castle."
"I didn't have a chance to grab mine before I was brainwashed."
"Mine is in my front right pants pocket. Moon, without any warning grabbed it and made a call, embarrassing Joe, but not disturbing his deathgrip on Star.
"Call Hekapoo." The phone rang once before a dampness looking woman answered the phone. She had a flame between her horns, a firey red and yellow dress, and far,too many curves to be natural.
"Well, didn't expect a call from one of you ju- Queen Moon! What's going on ma'am?"
"Hekapoo, I need a temporary emergency shutdown of interdimensional travel to and from the Lucitor Kingdom. I am almost out with my daughter, her boyfriend, and her guide. I need the MHC to begin finding out what on Mewni happened down there tonight. I'll explain the details later. Is this clear?"
"Yes ma'am. I'm on it now. I'll make an exception for the demonvator after inspection."
"Good. Also send a few patrols to Earth. I want to make sure they remain safe."
"Gotcha. I'll station six clones around the house to keep an eye out." Moon nodded and hung up the phone.
"Thank you. That's going to be a headache, but something happened down there and we need to find out what. Are you three going to be okay?" Marco and Joe nodded, Star was too busy poking Joe.
"You are real, right?" Star asked, trying to sit on his lap.
"As far as I am aware." Joe answered, shifting himself to make Star more comfortable.
"But, you were dead for so long." Star replied.
"Yeah. I think that was the work on a human guy that snuck into the house after you guys left." Marco looked at Joe suspiciously.
"How would you know about that?"
"Long story. Short answer is, I was a ghost like, the entire time after Star cast her spell on me.
""What!?" I'm so sorry Joe! I didn't mean to." Joe kissed her cheek lovingly.
"I know. But uh, sorry about the soap, and sorry, not sorry about the pancakes. I am also getting rid of your syrup." Star pushed away and looked at Joe with an immense amount of confusion and embarrassment.
"You, wait, what? Why? Also, that was you? You owe me a show later!" Joe dryly chuckled as Star sat,down harder, intentionally shaking her,hips on him.
"We'll, my sister apparently gave Mrs. Diaz her fertility medicines, and put it in your syrup. Probably to help, us." Star was red as the box stopped.
"Top floor, everyone out." They all exited onto Star's balcony, the demonvator descending into a fiery, swirling portal.
"So They've been trying to, get me pregnant?"
"Yes. I think that's why all my condoms seem to always be damaged right around this time of the month." Joe did a horrible fake cough, but Moon was unamused.
"As much as I'd love to stay and chat. I need to talk to Angie about drugging my daughter,before I head up this emergency meeting I just called. I will leave a line open for you all. Simply say, 'Call Moon Emergency' and I will pick up. Got it?" Everyone nodded as Marco stretched widely.
"Then let's hit the hay. I'm tired." Everyone agreed as Marco and Moon walked out, Moon leaving the wand on Stars nightstand. Just as the door closed Star picked up the wand and blasted the room, coating it in magic.
"And that's an anti-portal/entry/sound barrier. So now we are all alone." Joe looked to his side as Star tackled him onto the bed. "For the record, I don't approve of drugging, but uh, I'm not opposed to a kid. But regardless, after seeing you rescue me like that, I need to give you a proper thank you before I get mah show." She smiled coyly at Joe as he stared back up. He smiled lovingly at her. He was so afraid she would go back to being a broken girl after tonight, but she didn't. She had grown stronger. And,he loved that. As star began to rip off his clothes, neither noticed the house being bathed in a red glow.
"... It seems Glossaryck was correct." A young sounding male voice said.
"Told you."
"Ah! Glossaryck! Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"I didn't."
"Regardless. It's clear now that the boy has the talent and the mindset. Now we need to gently guide him to mold that power, and perhaps send him to get one of those wonderbolts or something. He'll need an edge."
"I agree. I have a script running now. He'll be in good hands."
"Glad to hear it. We are also preparing the others. Let's hope this goes well. How will you patch up the Lucitor's though? We sort of backed into a wall on that one."
"Believe it or not, I got that covered too thanks to the One. Just leave it to me without worry unless I tell you to worry."
"Don't forget Glossaryck, we aren't like them. We aren't 'children'." The voice boomed and disappeared. Leaving Glossaryck alone.
"I won't let you do to him what you always do. I'll save them. I promise. Hmph. Why not come up with better lies." With that, Glossaryck disappeared.
A/N
Well, that was a marathon. Wrote it all in one sitting. Now we know Joe can kick a surprising amount of ass, but don't worry. That level won't ever become common. Now a much more reasonable level however…
Either way, next up, is still not Toffee. Yeah, next episode introduces us to our first true,big bad, but not here. He will be mentioned, but honestly, I don't see fortune cookies happening any differently. I got plans you see. Now, my next major thing is that episode, and that's, okay, I can work with that. Alrighty then. Until next time, when we move forward by stopping time!
Extra scene.
"Okay, good night Queen Mo-"
"She cast a sound proofing spell. We can scream without alerting them. Come on now. I do have a tight schedule now." Marco nodded as they headed towards his parent's bedroom. She knocked in an odd pattern. Shortly after Angie half,dragged them inside the bedroom, the only illumination coming from a small pocket mirror displaying Olivia.
"So, how are the lovebirds doing?" Olivia was bouncing around, smiling happily.
"Better now. Joe, died again today. He, something is going on, and we aren't sure. Star seems to be taking her new trauma in stride though. Moving on to brighter news, they were selected by the Blood Moon. Oh, you can see it slightly through the heavy curtains." They looked to the side, turning the compact as well, to see a full res light on the edges of some very heavy curtains. Making Angie confused and concerned.
"And that means?"
"Those who dance under the Blood Moon are blessed with great love, but those selected like they were are bound for eternity!" Moon said elated. The room erupted into a quiet cheer.
"So, is Star pregnant then?" Olivia asked, her eyes far too big for her own good.
"She might be working on it now." Marco nodded, but felt the need to interject.
"But we need to be careful. Thanks to an accident Joe found out about the fertility drugging in the syrup. They can't find out about the rest of the fertility drugs, and if they ever find out about the aphrodisiacs or pheromone generators, I doubt they'll be happy about it." They all nodded with Olivia speaking up.
"Well, Joe has another appointment soon, so we might want to cool it for a while on the medicine. Just stick with the natural stuff."
"Shall we conclude the Stoe meeting? I have a few more meetings to get to, it is getting very late, and I want to get some sleep tonight." Everyone agreed and began going their separate ways, Moon heading towards the hallway to portal out, she stared at Star's door. "I really hope this resolves soon Star. I don't want to separate you two just yet, or ever." With that she walked into the portal, it closing behind her.