Fable Seekers#5
Hard Truths
"So what? You only got back in touch after all this time because you wanted something?" Heckapoo asked with a frown making Marco sigh and swear under his breath.
"H-Poo, you know they deserve to take the trial. They are all on your list. Yes i sped up the process a little but I did want to see you." Marco told her truthfully.
"Hmm.."
"Look its the truth. Last month I bumped into Kelly at the Soulrise and she told me what it was like me leaving without having told anyone. I was selfish and I'm sorry. More so about how I acted when you tried to recruit me. You were only worried about me and i tried to throw that in you-" Marco's mouth was sealed shut by her hand.
"Too much and too smooshy. I forgive you so please no more.."
"Haha okay H-Poo, I'm still sorry." He smiled as she sighed again. He was glad he made up with the girl so easily as he was worried she held her grudges.
"So why did it take you a whole month to apologise after you realised?"
"Well we've been busy... Really busy."
/
"So let me get this straight? You want us to go on 5 quests in a row without coming back?" Alex questioned Sammy who looked up from her paper with a frown.
"No the guild does. The S Rankers are still out on missions and now as the up and rising S Rankers we are responsible for handling these missions. Usually I'd refuse but considering our party motto is 'Any Quest' we are being used to promote the guild. Each quest given to us is one being put to us from a different kingdom. If we do all 5 in quick succession then we'll both raise our reputation with the people up top but promote the guilds new shiny party." Sammy sighed again. She looked at the quests in front of them.
'Quest 1 - Pony Head Kingdom - Capture the escaped Princess and bring her home.
Quest 2 - Underworld Kingdom - Defeat the undead dragon that keeps stealing supply carts.
Quest 3 - Druid Kingdom - Solve the mystery of the cursed wood.
Quest 4 - Spiderbite Kingdom - Slay the Queen Spider whose children keep biting the citizens
Quest 5 - Butterfly Kingdom - Capture the escaped Squire and bring him before the Queen.'
"What the 'ells with this mix of crap!?" Sven moaned as he slid his boots on.
"We have two escapees to catch?" Tank questioned.
"Not exactly.." Marco groaned. Everyone looked at him confused.
"The first Princess I know and I know where she'll be. Capturing her is easy as pie. And the escaped Squire is the easiest of them all. It's basically a letter to me telling me off because I missed check in with the Queen." Everyone stared at him before bursting out laughing. Sven laughed so hard he fell over and hit his head on wall.
"So it leaves just three quests then. We'll do them in the order of 1, 4, 3, 2 and 5. How quickly do you think we can capture the Princess?" Alex asked still wiping off his tears.
"Lily do you still have that sleeping potion?" Lily reached into her bag and passed Marco the potion.
"Tank do you have a cage roughly to catch an animal the size of a medium bird?" Tank nodded and went and got the cage. Marco set the cage down and padded it with blankets. He tipped the sleeping potion on some cloth before cutting open two portals he reached into one and grabbed something tight. He pulled it back with the cloth over its mouth before placing it in the cage and sealing the first portal. Everyone looked into the cage at the sleeping horse head. Marco picked up the cage and the quest paper before walking through the portal. One moment later he stepped back through with the paper in tow.
"Quest confirmed and the pay was doubled for the speed of our service. King Pony Head sends his regards and says he'll call on us again." Marco passed Sammy the paper as Sven started crying even harder with laughter.
"An S Rank... In less than 5 minutes.. Well i never.." He managed to breath out while struggling to breath until Lily threw the rest of the sleeping potion at him.
"He can sleep the next one off, what's next?" Lily questioned.
/
"You better hope Pony Head never finds out it was you!" Heckapoo laughed while clutching her waist.
"Her Dad promised he wouldn't tell her or anyone else I'd been to the Kingdom. I filled him in briefly and he wished me luck." Marco smiled remembering how the giant headed horse man thing had congratulated him for forging his own path.
"So what about the Mystery of the Cursed Wood?" Heckapoo asked with a smile.
"Well we found out something was infecting the wood and stealing life from it. If it spread too far the Druids, who turned out to be tree people, would have lost their lives. At first we tried to purify the woods but that failed. Every attempt we made seemed to urge the infection more."
"So what did you do?"
"Well.. We came up with a plan to isolate the source and destroy it."
"Did it work?"
"We'll never know now... Lily fell face first into a swamp area and Alex started laughing at her. Enraged and embarrassed she burnt the whole cursed wood down. From the ashes something tried to rise to fight back but she assaulted it in a fiery blaze until not even ashes remained. The Druids told us not to worry as the wood was beyond repairing but we still felt bad so only took half the reward."
"Wow.. So don't piss off the red head?"
"I learnt from you not to piss off any red head!" Marco chuckled as Heckapoo pushed him.
"So the Spider Queen?"
"Right! So what happened there was kind of weird."
/
Marco looked up at the ground below and wished he'd taken Tanks offer for a lift. He pulled himself back up and was glad they had spent the money they had on decent climbing equipment. He dug his hands into the sides of the cliff ignoring the pain and climbed to the top where he found Sven panting deeply.
"Just you?" Sven moaned.
"The others will catch up. We can check out the cave first."
"You wanna rush ahead?"
"Don't you?"
"A man after me own heart Marco! Let's go!" Sven rushed to his feet and the two moved into the cave. Marco cast Shadow Step while Sven disappeared into the shadows like he belonged there. They noticed their footing become softer and Sven made them stop.
"Dem spiders will feel us coming before they see us. The only way forward is to move fast enough that we confuse 'em. You with me?" Sven chuckled before rushing off recklessly not waiting for a response. Marco ran behind him as the walls of web began to shake around them. The sound of scuttling filled their ears as they darted around the cave system. Marco could feel the presence in the centre of the cave and rushed forward. Peering down into the giant web that covered the floor he noticed to giant spiders surrounded by many small ones.
"You won't get away with this!" Cried one of the large spiders. She was bound in web and covered in wounds.
"Won't I? News of 'your' misdeeds have spread to the adventurer scum. Soon they'll come for your head and with you out the way I'll become the new Queen!"
"You can't! I know you framed me for the attacks on the Spiderbite family! But if you start a war our race will be wiped clear!".
"You fool of a Queen! With names like that they were asking for it! I merely made sure that my children were fed! So what if some of them died! Let them come I'll kill them all!"
"We shouldn't seek War with them! We can make them understand us! Live in peace with them not against them!"
"Peace has made you weak! So now you die!" The non-bound spider raised one of its large legs revealing it to be sharp like a blade. It moved to end the life of the Spider Queen when Marco jumped down between them and kicked the spider away.
"Spider Queen We, The Fable Seekers, have been sent to slay the cause of the string of deaths in the spider bite kingdom. Would your majesty please tell me who is responsible?" Marco turned and winked at the wounded spiders many eyes. She remained still thinking about his choice of words. He had heard her and was giving her the option to move towards the peace she sought.
"The spider before you.. The False Widow.." Marco faced the large spider before him as she snarled at him.
"You'd sink so low you'd hide behind a pathetic Mewman child!?"
"Sorry but I'm not Mewman, My name is Marco the Red Knight. I'm from Earth!" He said with a smirk as the spider thrust her sharp legs forward. He easily dodged each attack. He jumped around the web and gained on the False Widow when two smaller spiders went to jump on him.
"Light Illusion!, Sword Dance!" Echoed throughout the cave as the spiders jumped at Marco only to fall through him. Many Marco's appeared around them and began to thrust their short sword with grace it seemed like a dance. He sliced through the small assault force and gained on the enemy. She tried to kill him two attacking at the illusions only to find herself in agony as one of her legs were cut off.
Standing in front of the False Widow alone triumphant, Marco raised his sword towards her.
"Surrender and your life may be spared." She glared at him and then he heard a chuckling sound coming from her.
"Foolish boy! You fell for my trap!" She grabbed at the web and pulled it. Marco looked down and noticed his legs were covered in web so when she pulled the thread he felt his legs give way as he began glued to the webbing.
"Now you die!"
"Not yet! Ninja Strike!"Marco called out. The spider froze and looked around for signs of magic but none came.
"Looks like your magic has failed you!" She reached forward and dug her leg into his shoulder making him gasp in agony. He smirked at her again.
"Too bad my luck hasn't!" Marco laughed as two daggers pierced through the spiders skull and ended her life. Marco felt her leg tear from his shoulder as she fell from the web and to the ground below. Standing over him with a smile was a very dirty Sven.
"Ninja Strike? I thought ya' were joking when you suggested that as your 'I need back up' phrase but damn it was effective. Up you get." Sven cut Marco free from his bonds letting him brush himself off.
"Heal!" Marco healed his shoulder before pointing the staff sword at the Queen and healing her too. No longer injured she broke free of her restraints and turned to face the men in front of her.
"What you go and do that for!" Sven yelled before raising his daggers to fight when Marco grabbed him arm and told him to copy him. Marco knelt down before the Spider Queen.
"Your majesty, we have slain the evil Queen who the Quest asked us to kill. We will go back and tell of our journey and battle. We will inform the Royalty of the Spiderbite family of your wishes and request a peaceful resolution to this conflict." Marco raised his head to see the Queen wiping tears from her many eyes.
"Thank you.. Hero of Earth. You have saved my life and that of my kin. I must reward you for your efforts!" The Queen began to spin her thread and both men were surprised when a red thread came out. She weaved together using her large nimble legs the threads until before them was a rather interesting piece of clothing.
"A jacket of spider silk. Light weight, strong and durable. I matched the colour to your clothing and I would've honoured if you would accept this gift." She passed the jacket to Marco. He slid his now torn hoodie off and slipped into the jacket. It was a perfect fit and extremely comfortable. He thought it seemed more like and trench coat or an military jacket as it came down to his knees but appreciated that she'd added a hood to it. He did up a few of the buttons which he noticed were engraved with little spiders and turned to face the Queen. She had picked up his hoodie went to start to fix it when Marco stopped her.
"Thank you, I will take this gift in good faith but I'd like to keep my hoodie like it is. It's a reminder of what we accomplished and also a lesson to improve." The Spider-Queen smiled at his reasoning. He knew he could be better and wished for nothing more than that ideal.
"Good Luck, Hero!" Marco turned to leave with Sven when he paused quickly.
"Sorry, could you possibly make me a few bundles of that silk thread, a few colours would do.. I have an idea!"
/
"So wait.. Let me get this straight. The sweet jacket your wearing was personally made by a giant spider queen you didn't kill?"
"Yep!"
"And the peace treaty between the Spiderbite Kingdom and the Spider race is down to you and your party? Not just that but the new clothing line from the kingdom that's increasing trade is thanks to you?" Heckapoo raised an eyebrow towards the boy.
"Not at all.. I merely passed on the Queens message of good will, showed off my jacket and left them with the thread.. The rest they achieved by themselves." Heckapoo laughed again before looking at her stop watch.
"How long has it been in earth time?" He asked curiously.
"5 minutes, so they've spent 10 years each. I'm glad I chose to chill in this dimension though as its give us a chance to catch up."
"Me too, though I think by the time I'm done with the rest of the story it'll be coming up to the 8 minute mark and we should head back. I expect they'll all be done by then."
"You think they'll beat your time?"
"I know it!"
"Then you better tell me about this dragon and this time, skip to the good part."
"Whoa.. My stories are only full of good parts!"
"Sure thing now chop chop!" Marco chucked and thought of where to start.
"That seems as good of a place as any!"
/
Marco tried to look up from the ground. He could barley move his head let alone the rest of his body. He was glad the Spider-coat was flame resistant as even the ground in the underworld was on fire. He felt the heat against his cheek as he looked up at the skeleton dragon in front of him. It raised it's claw to crush him and brought it down on him.
He opened his eyes when he felt no pain to see the back of his teacher as she held her staff above her head shielding them with a magic shield.
"You idiot! Why did you cast that last spell! I told you that you didn't have much mana left already!" Lily yelled back at him.
"Sorry.. Master.." He managed to whisper out. He felt an arm wrap around him and start to carry him away. He was moved a distance away but could still see the dragon and his master at war.
"Drink this. Lily said don't move, they'll finish this. Although if i was you I'd be hoping i died as she's gonna kill ya'" Sven chuckled as he grabbed as the blood stained hole in his side. He sat down beside Marco and watched the battle. He forced him to drink a potion that increases mana recovery before putting pressure on his wound.
"Guess we gotta leave it to them this time but at least we managed to destroy its wings." Sven turned his head back to the fight and the two watched patiently.
Tank rushed to the dragons other front leg and using his shield he struck it while Lily blasted the leg that had her pinned. The dragon fell and smashed its head against the rocks that surrounded them. Taking advantage of its weakness Alex jumped from the rocks and drove his blade into its skull. It roared in pain and tried to shake him off but he refused to let go.
Spotting Tank it whipped him with its tail sending him flying back into the rocks. Lily eased his landing with a wind spell before dodging the next swing of the whip. Tank charged towards its it as it tried to whip him again. He used his shield to meet it with equal force before grabbing it and driving his sword through it. The dragon roared again at the loss of another limb while Alex drove more and more of his daggers through the dragons skull. None would shatter it completely but he was joining cracks up to one another preparing for the finale. His attention was robbed from the mission however when he saw Lily get whipped by the dragon and sent flying into one of the underworlds boiling lakes. He dove from the dragons skull into the water as Tank gained its attention. It raised fire on his from its skull as he edged closer and closer until he was close enough to smash his shield across its face. The force of the hit removed the dragons jaw stopping its dead fire attack. He draw his blade and stabbed it into the skull completely Alex's work and causing the dragon to fall apart with ease. He fell to the floor alongside the bones exhausted.
Alex burst from the lake with Lily, both their skin was dark red from being scalded. He listened for breathing and when he could hear none he began to perform CPR. He pushed into her chest and breathed life into her until she coughed up the water that filled her lungs. He leant close to see if she was okay when she wrapped her arms around him and started to kiss him passionately. Before he had a chance to question what just happened she passed out. He picked her up and carried her over to where Sven and Marco sat giggling. Tank hobbled over and the five sat against the rocks exhausted and drained.
"I'm glad we left the easiest until last… I don't want to go anywhere for a week." Alex moaned making the other guys laugh.
"We just killed an undead dragon.." Sven whispered.
"We killed an undead dragon!" Tank laughed.
"We killed a bloody undead dragon" Alex cheered loudly before falling beside the others.
"You know… I always tried to stay positive.. Through all the crappy missions and the rubbish quests.. But deep down I never thought we'd get the party house.. Or that'd we'd get this far… so thank you guys.. You made my dreams come true." The three looked at Alex as he wiped tears from his eyes.
"Come on boss.. Don't cry yet.. You still have to finally tell Lily you love her back.. And when she finds out you've been putting it off until you felt you were worthy.. Then you can cry.. Or she'll make you." Sven started laughing as the rest joined in howling with laughter.
"It may seem stupid to you.. But I did it all for her.. She told me when we were kids that when I become a hero I can marry her so its her own fault that I waited.."
"Is it her fault you flirt with every pretty girl too?" Tank asked with a chuckle. Alex just laughed back and turned to them.
"Well.. Probably not. Anyway.. Wake me up when we get home.." Alex closed his eyes and fell asleep. Sven looked at Marco and wondered when he fell asleep too.
"Night big guy." Sven waited for a reply but when there was none he noticed Tank had fallen asleep too. He closed his eyes and joined them in their slumber. Lily opened her eyes and smiled widely. She raised her hands and casted heal and recovery on everyone before moving closer to Alex and drifting off in his arms.
/
"So what happened next Marco?"
"Well Queen Moon, we woke in the beds of the Royal guest chambers. Apparently we were found and taken in. They recovered the bones of the dragon and laid it to rest properly. It was no longer a threat though as with its skull destroyed it could never reform. I woke to Tom sitting by my side. I was surprised to see him but it seems Kelly filled him in to ease his worries and when we had met with the King to discuss the Quest he'd called Tom to await our return.
We caught up and he met the Party. After spending a day or two recovering we headed back to Reverie before I set out here. Sammy was happy to see us after we'd been away almost a month and only had the quest complete memos to go by. Our next plan is to seek out Heckapoo and see if the Fable Seekers can all become Scissor owners." Marco looked up at Moon who beamed a smile back. She noted how much he had grown in both appearance and inside. His hair was longer now and his new jacket suited him greatly. She noticed he still carried the dagger she gave him and smiled.
"Well consider the Quest of the missing Squire complete. I'll allow the letters to be weekly from now on as it seems you really are going to be much busier from now on. However I did have another request for you." Moon's gaze turned mischievous which intrigued Marco.
"Anything My Queen"
"Three months from now, when you reach the 8th month mark I want you to return to be a sparring partner for a person of my choosing. I will explain more on the day, is this acceptable?"
"Of course my Queen, I will inform our House Manager so not to accept quests for that time."
"Thank you Marco! Now is there anything I can do to help you!"
"Yes! Firstly allow me to return this." Marco passed a bag of gold towards Moon.
"All 650 accounted for. Thank you for the investment in me. It allowed me to grant a dream to my party members and create something magical. However I'll be keeping the dagger."
"Naturally!" Moon giggled.
"Secondly, I want to ask you if you would officially recognise both our party members and our party itself. Although I am publicly affiliated with the Butterfly Kingdom our party is not. As we do more and more S Rank and Kingdom assigned quests we'll be drawn into a political game. I would like to have the protection of the Kingdom in that case." Marco knew he was asking for a lot. For the Kingdom to recognise them it meant also being responsible for their actions, good and bad.
"Done and Done!"
"Really!?" Marco exclaimed excitedly.
"I told you Marco, if you need anything I will gladly provide it to you. I have received written thanks from every kingdom you aided in the last month since you were affiliated with us. I see no way for our kingdom to lose in this agreement and even more so I wouldn't mind even if we did lose some face. Just have Samantha meet with me and I'll iron out all the details."
"Thank you my Queen." Marco bowed again.
"Are you off now?" Moon asked with a little disappointment.
"Almost." Marco moved forward and hugged the Queen. She felt her cheeks almost ache from how much she smiled. He waved goodbye and disappeared through a portal. She had loved reading the letters of his adventures and worried desperately when he missed 2 check ins in a row. He had already become like a son to her and she was proud of how much he had grown.
/
"Wow.. So you really had a hell of an adventure?" Heckapoo smiled as she ruffled his hair. She liked it this length too.
"Yep and I'm only a quarter of the way through it! 2 other S rank and a SS rank party returned from duty so we're having a week to rest before any more quests."
"Seems like a good idea, now how about we go and congratulate your team!" Heckapoo chuckled as she made a portal beneath them letting them fall through and appear in front of each of the Fable Seekers. Each now wielding their own pair of scissors.
"Alex, 14 Years.
Sven, 15 and a half Years.
Tank, 12 and a half Years.
Lily, 10 years… impressive.
Congratulations to all of you, you have competed the Trial of Heckapoo and earned your name to be remembered as legends. For each person who takes the trial henceforth will read your names as their predecessors and I hope with your names they find guidance." Heckapoo bowed to each member and the smiled at Marco.
"Since Star interrupted Ill give you your ceremony now too,
Marco Diaz, 16 Years.
Congratulations!" Heckapoo bowed to Marco as all of them erupted in cheers. They moved to look at each others scissors and compare them as Heckapoo materialised her favourite alcohol for them to drink. She started to talk to Lily who now wore a beautiful ring on her hand but instead wanted to talk about what magic she used on the collapsing hills of dreams. Marco looked at his own scissors before turning to the others and placing them on the table. They looked at him and then the scissors and followed suit. They stood around the table, scissors in front and raised their glasses.
"I, Marco the Red Knight, Recognise the Fable Seekers!"
"I, Alexander of The Dancing Sword, Recognise the Fable Seekers!"
"I, Tank the Walking Fortress, Recognise the Fable Seekers!"
"I, Sven the Ever Swift, Recognise the Fable Seekers!"
"I, Lily the Flaming Enchantress, Recognise the Fable Seekers!"
They all hit their glasses together before downing their drinks. They spent the rest of the night drinking and laughing. Sharing stories of their trials and comparing them. Heckapoo watched as Marco laughed along with them and felt a little guilty that she had almost robbed him of this moment. The guilt was erased quickly however as she finished the bottle and went to get more.
/
To the outside, the room the Princess resided in was already considered dangerous. The horrors she whipped up from her wand crept out many of the palace. Not that they let it show, they were professionals. Today, however, they made it very clear they wanted nothing to do with the Princess' room as the raised voices and blasts coming from it scared them.
"Star stop it! You've gone too far!" Tom yelled as he used his flames to shield himself from her barrage.
"Too far? Too Far!? My own boyfriend doesn't want to see me and wants me to beg for someone's friendship!?" She screamed at him. This latest argument had ensued due to Tom finally meeting up with Marco. He had realised how selfish and self-centred Star was being by ignoring him. He had told her that until she went and made up with him he would be out of touch. He needed her to notice that their best friend, their real best friend, had already moved on. He'd grown up and made a name for himself. Something both should have been doing for months. Star had originally moved back to Mewni to start being a proper Princess but after Marco had turned up she avoided all responsibility, choosing to party with Pony Head or constantly go on dates with Tom. Truthfully, he had grown tired of it all.
"Beg? Maybe your right! Maybe you should plead for forgiveness and hope he forgives you and if he chooses not to I don't blame him! You know what, when you realise how much you've really Starred it up this time call me. Until then forget my number." Tom flew from the window and into a fissure in the ground, heading home to the Underworld. Star threw her stuff in rage and kicked down her door. She tried to call Pony Head but the girl had her phone taken away again. Some new group had been hired to bring her home. Kelly was avoiding her calls after the pair had also argued about Marco. Star slid down the banister and jumped down the stairs. She was heading for the Wash.
Watching as she passed, Higgs nudged a fellow Squire beside her and laughed. She headed off leaving him to do her duties as they had agreed before. She followed the Princess until she reached the door to the Wash. Knocking on the door she waited for response.
"Greeting, your majesty. What services can I do for you today?" Lavabo appeared almost donning a frown. Higgs stifled a laugh, trying not to give her location away but after spending more time with the noble knight she knew how much Lavabo was disappointed in Star.
"Sorry but I'm looking for Marco, can you get him?" Star asking impatiently.
"Of course my Princess.." Lavabo didn't move an inch and only kept staring at Star.
"Of course is what I would like to say at least however it is just me here, I'm afraid to say you missed him by about 4 months." Lavabo pretended to count with his fingers with a serious expression.
"What? What do you mean!?" Star felt her anger fade as she filled with confusion.
"Simple, My Squire is no longer here, he left 4 months ago and if you require any further knowledge I'd recommend you speak to your mother or the other friends who came to seek the boy months ago. Prince Tom and a delightful girl named Kelly I believe. They were aware of his departure for I believe the last 3 months at least.
Anyway my lady, I must get on with my duty. Do stop by again." And without a moment more Lavabo shut the door on Star as she stood there shocked. She turned to walk back up the stairs, passing the Squires rooms on the way she heard voices say her name so listened in.
"Alright pay up losers! Anyone who thought that our spoilt brat of a Princess would notice Marco missing before the 3 month mark pay up. I'm the only one who bet 4 months and more so hand it over people!" A female voice rang out. Some people grumbled but handed the money over anyway.
"How did you know she would be stupid enough not to notice?" Another voice asked.
"Easily! Marco knew she wouldn't. He told us all before he left not to worry about it."
"Yeah but who believed him? He was like her favourite toy? I wouldn't be surprised if she suddenly announced she wanted to marry him?"
"I believed him! Come on, Princess Star wouldn't notice her job if it bit her in the arse. She just wants to play around with the boys and half a horse. Marco was better than that, he was a great guy and she doesn't deserve him." Everyone cheered in agreement forcing Star to tear away with tears in her eyes. Her friends were hiding things from her, her boyfriend rejected her and her subjects were mocking her. She was livid.
Star walked to her mothers room and kicked open the door.
"Star how many times do I have to ask you not to kick the door." Moon looked up and saw Star's face. She put down her parchment and faced her daughter.
"What do I owe the pleasure Star?"
"Where is Marco!" Star gritted through her teeth.
"Marco? Isn't he your friend honey? Surely you haven't lost him have you?" Moon challenged.
"Don't give me that Mother. Lavabo told me to ask you. The Squires were mocking me and none of my friends seem to think I deserve the truth." Star stated bitterly.
"Well do you? I mean Marco left this castle 4 months ago. He left with my blessing and I hope he is doing well" Moon said with a smile remembering her last moments with Marco.
"What? Why? Why didn't you say anything! He wouldn't survive in Mewni Mum."
"Star I assure you he was ready. Any how, I'm sure it's not important now anyway. He's been gone a fair while after all." Moon finished before picking her parchment back up. Star reached forward and tore it from her hands.
"What are you even saying! How could you let him leave?" Star screamed back at her mother. Moon looked on at her daughter and felt a pang of jealousy towards Angie. Marco had been so mature when he asked for her aid whereas her daughter was acting the part of a child. Moon decided it was time to stop beating around the bush.
"Star.. Have you ever seen Marco as anything other than the boy who followed you? The boy who loved you? Your "bestie"? Those squires were making fun of you because they respected Marco. He earned their respect in one month. He, who was given everything they worked their lives for, chose to seek his own story, his own calling. He trained for a month straight, earning the approval of 3 respected Knights. As much as this pains me to admit but Marco holds a greater place in many of this castles residents than you do. You avoided him for a month to go on play dates while he trained, worked and planned. He left here with my blessing because he earned it." Moon gritted her teeth. At first she was annoyed when Marco had suggested that it would be fine if he left. That Star wouldn't notice. Moon had even defended the girl yet Marco was right, she had only noticed when she WANTED something from the boy.
Star's mouth fell wide as she listened to her mothers hurtful words. She had thought she was already angry but following her mothers hard truths she rose to new heights.
"So this is what its all about? I'm not good enough? Nothing I ever do is good enough? You let Marco leave because I disappointed you is that it? He cleaned some clothes, folded some others. Woop de doo. How is that going to prepare him for monster attacks? Bandits? Anything Mewni has?" Star yelled back. Moon went to reply when she paused. It finally dawned on Moon.
"Star.. You really have no idea what its like in the Wash.. Do you?"
"What has that got to do with this!? It's the place where some crazy, has been, Knight cleans clothes." Moon's anger grew as she leapt forward and grabbed Star's arm. Star was actually afraid her mother was going to strike her. She opened a portal and dragged Star through leading to the Wash.
"Lavabo?" Moon called out. Star pulled herself free of her mothers grip and went to leave when she felt her mother grab her again.
"Let go of me!" Star squirmed. Lavabo had walked out of the kitchen to see the Royal Queen and Princess fighting and almost decided to return to hide in the kitchen when he refused to let fear get the better of him.
"Reporting for duty, Your majesties." He bowed to them both and was relieved when it stopped their fight.
"Greetings Lavabo. I'm sorry to bother you but I was wondering, has the Lint Catcher been cleaned today?" Moon asked returning to a politer tone.
"No, I'm ashamed to admit that I grew reliant on my young squire and in his absence I have been forgetting it. Even after all these months the company he provided remains with me. I was about to take the quest when you arrived." Moon's face lit up.
"Perfect. Would you please prepare two of your finest teas and some chairs. You see, Star will be cleaning it today." Star turned to her mother with fury.
"I'm not doing some stupid cleaning! I don't care what you say Mum no dumb washing up would prepare Marco for Mewni. He is too weak." Star spat at her. Moon prepared to argue back when they turned to the sound of Lavabo clearing his throat.
"My Princess, I apologise for my phrasing, but what you've just said is bullshit." Moon and Star froze at his words.
"I personally know how looked down on I am. I'm seen as a crazy, senile weirdo hiding in the basement. I'm content with that as it does not affect my job. However, I will not remain silent as you insult both my profession and my squire. More so the latter I'm afraid your ignorance shines through. Marco is a man who has completed the Trials of Heckapoo, he trained diligently under my gaze and accepted teachings from many of the castles Knights and Tutors. He used the resources at hand to better himself and he has done me proud." Star was silenced albeit for a moment.
"So he got some dumb scissors. He took years to do it and I don't care what you say. Washing isn't that hard. They have a machine that does it for you on Earth. We should just replace weirdos like you with that!" Star let the vile words leave her mouth leaving her mother shocked.
"STAR!?" Lavabo held his hand up to let the Queen know he wished to speak.
"I also took 16 years and did you ever ask Marco what he went through during those years?"
"Yes.. No.. I don't know!" She replied with spite.
"Horrendous things.. The times he almost died probably easily outweighed his happy days there. A trial for the scissors are considered one of the greatest honours and challenges in the multiverse. For you to look down on him and the challenge it just shows how ignorant you are." Star's eyes opened wide as the Knight openly insulted her. She looked to her mother expecting him to be reprimanded but from her mothers gaze she knew she was agreeing with the Knight.
"And my Princess, if you think it so easy, why not just clean the lint catcher and prove us wrong."
"Well maybe I will." Star gripped the handle of the wand and went to storm into the open entrance when a hand grabbed her shoulder.
"No wand or weapons allowed. My Squire never needed such things." Lavabo stated with a proud smile. Star pushed his hand away before settling down her wand. She walked into the lint catcher and began to laugh.
Her quest was to start up a fan guarded by what? Little balls of fluff. Star, ignoring the area around her, walked towards the fan when she heard something move. She scanned the room looking for the source only to find none. More alert now, she continued walking to the fan. She noticed a group of dents in the side that she could climb up. She dug her hands in and rose till she was near the top. Looking down she still saw nothing of merit, laughing she turned and jumped towards the fan when she felt pain pierce her side. She fell to the ground and looked at the deep gash in her side. She started to panic and grabbed for the wand at her waist, only now remembering she left it outside. Another hit to the side sent her crashing into the wall.
Star felt his vision go blurry as she wiped blood from her eyes. She knew from experience that head wounds would slow you down and lead to you losing your life so she started to look for her enemy. All she could see was the fluff on the ground and nothing more. She decided to end this now and ran towards the fan. If she could hit the lower part with enough force it would move. Except she only managed to walk three steps when something grabbed her and pulled her to the floor. She turned and was surprised to see the fluff wrapping around her leg. Something moved closer letting Star get a better look. It seemed to be some sort of fluff thing. It wore a sock on its head and had a derpy face. Star would even usually consider it cute. It started to move towards the centre of the circular room and form a large body of fluff. She stared at it as three eyes appeared and looked at her. Below it the whole body seemed to split revealing large fangs and a giant mouth. She could feel it pulling her inwards. She dug her hands into the floor and tried to stay alive with all of her might when she felt it strike her again. Her vision started to fade to black and she used the last of her energy to call out to her spectators.
"HELP ME!" Star watched herself draw closer to the jaws of death when two swift figures moved into the room. One jumped up and with grace and precision knocked the fan into life. The creature roared and began to be sucked in by the fan as the other figure positioned under her and caught her. Star was brought out of the Lint catcher and placed on the floor.
"Cast aside my own desire, make me weak and begin to tire,
Remove their pain in place of mine, They are healed and now all fine.
Life Exchange!" Moon's voice echoed throughout the room. Star watched as her vision returned and her pain faded only to see her mother fall to the floor. She pulled her mother up and tried to wake her.
"Mum! What did you do?" She cried desperately to Moon. Lavabo walked over and placed a hand on Star's shoulder before moving close to Moon.
"Heal." Star watched in shock as all of Moon's wounds faded from her body leaving her unconscious but well. Lavabo lifted her up and carried her to a small room to rest. Star looked around and recognised some of the stuff inside. A Maki-hand poster, action figures and a few pictures of herself and Marco. She then noticed a few new additions. Marco holding his dagger high in the air. Marco fighting with a octo-towel, A group of towels that stretch and group into eights to attack the Wash's defences. Marco training with some other Knights. Marco in a race with a female while others cheered them on. Marco asleep at a desk, books piled around him. She pulled the last picture, it was of Lavabo and Marco. He was dressed smart but with his hoodie. She looked at the back. "His last day in the Wash." Star turned to Lavabo.
"What was that?"
"The lint creature?"
"Yes? Why was that here? Did you and my mum set this up when I came down here?" Star's anger was gone but she wanted answers.
"A childish guess if I do say so myself. Princess, when beings are filled with magic and release that magic regularly it is absorbed by the clothing around them. Those clothes come here and when gathered they form creatures and beasts. That particular one is a beginner level Wash opponent. It forms daily and always has done. By the time Marco left the wash he could take that out blind folded." Lavabo proclaimed proudly. Star looked at him and felt no hint of lying. How strong was Marco? How weak was she?
"What's wrong with my Mum?"
"Nothing at all."
"She's unconscious! How is that nothing!"
"She merely learnt a new spell. Doing so without the wand in hand will always cause a magic user to pass out as the magic is imprinted on their mind. The wand takes the burden of that transfer so you would never have experienced it. I feel, in her worry of your life that has grown since the Toffee incident, she acted rashly and chose a spell to take the pain you felt onto herself.
"Okay... If you're telling the truth.. How come you know magic? I thought that was something only Royals and Nobles could use?" Star asked sincerely. Lavabo was almost flabbergasted by how little the Princess knew of their own world.
"Star, Magic isn't owned by royalty. The wand is precious as it amplifies the already large potential the Butterfly line carries for magic. It also removes many of the drawbacks of magic including magic drain and the imprinting process. Anyone with a little talent can learn magic. Most knights of Mewni know a spell or two and some even specialise in it. Do you not find it strange that there is a whole commission of magic? I'm sure by now even Marco has learnt a few spells in his free time." Lavabo chuckled as they heard a stir. They looked over to Moon as she grabbed at her head and winced.
"I forgot how much imprinting takes out of you." Moon moaned. Lavabo passed her the tea he made and she felt all of her stress fade away.
"I always did enjoy your tea Lavabo." Moon turned to Star who was now being quiet and submissive.
"I take it you no longer think Marco's duties included 'just some washing up'." Star could hear the bitterness in her words and knew she deserved them.
"No.. I'm sorry... Please tell me where he is." Star asked politely. Moon stood up and brushed herself off.
"Lavabo, from now on Star will be coming down to learn how to take down the Lint Catcher, no magic. Star follow me." Sir Lavabo bowed to the Queen as she disappeared through a portal with Star in tow.
"Star, as I have just said that will be a daily duty from now on. Also you will begin to train under the tutors you have avoided and I will personally see to your magic lessons."
"Okay... I'll do anything you want but please tell me where he is."
"In three months you will have a test. It will confirm whether or not you are ready to take this position seriously. Then, and only then, if you pass... I will call Marco back. If he returns is his decision." Star gazed up at her mother and could see arguing would be pointless. She only nodded silently before returning to her room and burying her face in the pillow.
"Wait... I don't have to wait.." Star leapt up and grabbed her wand. She held it in front of her and breathed deeply.
"I summon the All-Seeing Eye. To tear a hole into the sky.
Reveal to me that which is hidden. Unveil to me what is forbidden."