A/N: Hey, guys! The '2-3' days update didn't happen, unfortunately. I hope you guys aren't angry with me ^^'. I should manage one more update within the next week or two (probably two) then there will be no further updates until mid-February (exam period).
Replies to the latest reviews:
Guest: I've already mentioned that, plot-wise, the series has been dumpstered. Hoping for a more creative and overall better second half of Season 3.
allen Vth: If you think his life took a spin back then, just wait for what's in store. And yes, she will be pissed.
Bedrock Armor: College and novel-writing is tiresome stuff, dude. I work on this whenever I have the will and the spare time. A little late, but Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you, as well!
Rock Raider: Who? I don't watch that show. The inspiration for him came from an entirely different character. Honestly, I just wanted to wrap this chapter up so I can get to writing the good stuff as soon as possible.
Beta read by ElleFreak.
Story cover by Luzz015. Be sure to check her out on DeviantArt!
Star vs. The Forces of Evil: Staring it up!
Chapter 7
The Royal Wimps
Final Part
"It feels like we've been walking through these corridors for the past seven months!" Comet yelled angrily as she continued stomping down the seemingly endless, dark corridors of the ancient building. Her feet were sore and she was dang sure that they were walking in circles, not that she could tell, thanks to the fact that every segment of the walls looked like the other; even the writings all looked the same!
Allowing anger to get the better of you will not solve anything, Cosmos reminded her as he continued levitating next to her. We'll reach the end eventually.
"I'm starting to doubt it." Comet let out a resigned sigh. "Why can't evil villains ever hide in nice places? Like spas or hair saloons? No! It always has to be some damp and dull place in the middle of nowhere! And with tunnels! Why tunnels"? Like, isn't it counterproductive to have to walk for six hours every time you wanna leave your own home!? Seriously, I am just sooooo friggin done with-"
Looks like someone's in a mood, Cosmos thought to himself, careful to conceal his thoughts from the blonde teen who was rambling on and on endlessly. Cosmos's eyes gleamed suddenly as he picked up a peculiar smell with his canine nostrils and flew in front of Comet's face, blocking her passage. She glared at him irritably.
"What?"
There's a large room ahead of us! The air is much clearer!
Comet just then noticed that, indeed, the air was less stuffy than about a hundred feet prior. Cosmos shuddered uneasily as his magical senses picked up a dark energy looming before them, very intense and mortifying. His body froze completely and it took him a time to recover from the shock. Once he was back to his senses, he noticed Comet staring at him with an alarmed look.
I'm fine, he assured her. The sudden amount of dark magic just came as a shock, is all. I know this place is infested with it, but the amounts now compared to the ones before are like an ocean and droplets of rain. Be prepared.
Comet nodded with narrowed eyes and readied her wand before marching on. Despite the blackness of the tunnels, she could now recognise an opening at the end with slightly less dim light.
Walking towards it, Comet headed every step she took, well aware that beyond the point she was at, Death was looming around every corner.
She cautiously passed through the narrow corridor and scanned the medium-sized room with narrowed eyes. Despite being a little brighter than the pitch-black corridors, she still couldn't see properly. Were it not for the floating orb of light she'd summoned some time earlier, making anything out would have been an impossible task for the blonde girl. Not that there was much in the square room; it looked empty apart from the occasional, cliché spider web hanging here and there. A dead end, perhaps?
No, that wasn't it. Something was here, she could sense it.
Just as she was about to ask Cosmos for his opinion, she felt a sharp pain on her head and her whole world spun before her eyes. The wand flew out of her hand as she collapsed onto the cold stones beneath her feet.
Everything went dark.
Mewni
The battle... wasn't going as horribly as Marco had feared initially. River and Sir Lotkame kept pounding the heck out of the monsters, sometimes knocking even the fiercest-looking opponents flat with a single punch. The guards although few in number were doing an outstanding job of protecting the mewman nobles from harm as they fled the battlefield. Queen Moon, now in her mighty butterfly form, made quick work of any monster that dared approach the group too closely, blasting magical beams from her many hands and fending off oncoming retaliation from the monsters, who seemed to have brought a few mages with them. Marco could only shudder at the thought of how powerful the Queen must have been in her prime years and when the royal magical wand was still in her possession.
Marco was particularly impressed by Sir Lotkame. Whenever the small, elderly man swung his walking stick -Gertrude- and hit one of the attackers, Marco heard the sound of crunching bones, followed by the agonizing scream of Lotkame's victim. Even in three-on-one situations Lotkame easily swept aside the much larger and stronger-looking monsters, leaving them either knocked out or turning on the ground in pain, all the while not breaking a single drop of sweat; he was enjoying the exercise, by the looks of things.
Maybe all those stereotypes of the hidden power of aged warriors were true after all?
River was fierce and bloodthirsty as ever, charging at his opponents head-on and ramming into them, biting them, punching them and lifting them off the ground, only to throw them at oncoming attackers and knock them flat. What terrified Marco, in particular, was the fact that he'd seen a giant troll smash River over the head with an overly-large club filled with iron spikes, only to have the weapon break on impact. What followed was a merciless beating from the diminutive king. Seeing River unleash his inner fury strengthened Marco's resolve to never, never get on the king's bad side.
Buff Frog had also joined in the defence, although it clearly pained him to fight his own kin and be labelled a traitor for helping the mewmas. As tough as it was to give other monsters a good beating, he knew firsthand that some mewmans were willing to accept monsters like him into their society and allow them to live peacefully. With this knowledge in mind, Buff Frog was determined to stop the attack and rise in reputation among the mewmans, thus earning their trust and perhaps one day persuading them into allowing more monsters to migrate into Mewman territory. For now, however, he had to fight other monsters, many of which were once his friends.
To his credit, Marco was keeping up with the rest of the warriors, karate chopping monsters here and there, kicking them aside and dodging any incoming attacks. While his human strength was a handicap in man-to-monster combat, he was nimble and knew how to utilise his strength to overcome even the strongest of opponents. And the fight looked to be ver fairly soon, so fetigue was not a concern for the boy.
Just as he'd knocked unconscious an ogre and was about to take on his next opponent, a scream of terror tore Marco's focus away from the fighting and aimed it towards the fleeing mewmans. While Moon's efforts were valiant, even she could protect both herself and the fleeing crowd as the monster spellcasters kept firing arcane comets and exploding bolts at her. River and Sir Lotkame were oblivious to the happenings on the back line of the fight as their focus was aimed solely at the endless stream of monsters that was emerging from the surrounding woods. The guardsmen were also busy, meaning that he would have to come to her aid.
Marco dodged an incoming attack and punched the monster that had launched the attack in the gut, startling it, then dashed off towards the mewmans. He arrived just in time to stop a goblin from impaling a man with its sharp sword. Marco knocked the weapon out of the ugly creatures hand and kicked it hard enough to send it tumbling away from the mewmans by several feet.
"Are you ok?" Marco asked the mewman, who nodded hesitantly, still shaken up by the near-death experience. Marco has no time to rejoice, for more and more monsters kept sneaking past Queen Moon and were ready and willing to kill any and all who stood before them.
"Crap! There's too many of them!" Marco yelled. He could take on one or maybe two monsters at a time, but there were nearly a dozen monsters charging at him. His best option was to run, but that would leave the mewmans at the monsters' mercy, the word mercy being meant very loosely; they would be massacred, of that he had no doubt. Marco looked at the fear-paralysed mewmans and saw a fear in their eyes that only appeared when one was staring death straight in the face. Even Lady Maizewall, the snobbish, proud, arrogant and mean aristocrat looked as though she was about to pee her fancy pants. Marco almost felt bad for enjoying the thought for a moment.
Almost.
I've gotta protect everyone! But there're too many of those guys. I can't take them on alone.
... unless ...
Marco thought long and hard about whether he should or should do what he was about to do. Unfortunately, he didn't have the luxury of choice in the matter, so he sighed and closed his eyes, trying to focus on the magical energy dwelling within him.
"What are you doing!? This is no time for interpretive dancing!" Lazy Maizewall yelled in panic when Marco began performing a series of odd moves while not moving an inch, his eyes closed shut.
Upon opening them, a purple, magical barrier encased him and the mewman nobles, serving as a protective shield. The attacking monsters swung at it with their weapons but were unable to even scratch it. Marco smiled proudly, eying his work. The mewmans stared at Marco in shock and awe; even Lady Maizewall was stunned by the fact that a human had used magic to protect them.
No, she was shocked by the fact that a mere human could use magic.
"This should keep us safe," spoke Marco, turning to the nobles with a confident smile crossing his lips. "I'm not sure how long it'll last, though, so be ready to make a break for it."
Just as he uttered the last word, Queen Moon swept down and somehow passed through the magical barrier and landed next to Marco. She turned back to her normal form and stared at Marco dumbfoundedly. She pointed a finger at him, and said, "You cast this?"
Marco nodded proudly. "I did indeed."
Moon's blank expression turned into a bitter one. "I'm not sure who to be more angry at; you for not telling me you could use magic or myself for not thinking of casting a barrier spell myself."
Marco chuckled awkwardly and shrugged. "Um... both?" he answered.
Moon groaned irritably and slapper herself across the forehead. "Always a diplomat, aren't you?" she said dully, annoyed by the fact that Marco always responded in a way that both pleased and angered her. She sighed. "Well, I suppose we'll have a discussion about this later. Right now there's a horde of monsters outside that we have to take care of. Come." As she was about to turn into her powerful butterfly form, a horn thundered in the distance and the fighting immediately ceased. Even the monsters that were assaulting Marco's magical barrier had stopped their futile efforts and now stood in place calmly, their backs turned towards Moon and Marco.
"Uh, did we win?" Marco asked curiously, looking for a logical answer as to why the fighting had come to a full stop. He spotted the answer to his question was approaching him at a steady pace, both figuratively and literally. His eyes widened in shock and a single word slipped off his tongue. "Toffee!?"
The said lizard was dressed neatly as ever and was walking towards him and Moon, ignoring the stares of shock he was receiving from both his soldiers and the mewmans. He looked eerily calm and was in no hurry.
Upon recognising him, a look of worry appeared on Moon's face, one that Marco took notice of. It wasn't a particularly frightened look as one would expect, but it looked like some odd mixture of worry and reluctance. River and Sir Lotkame charged at Toffee but saw Queen Moon raise her hand dismissively at them, a sign that they should let Toffee be. They both stood down, although River looked very displeased with his wife's decision.
Toffee stopped a few feet short of the portal and peered at Queen Moon with the same bored, expressionless, blank look he normally bore. He spoke up after a time, his words sending the minds of all present spiralling uncontrollably. All were left stunned and disoriented.
"I submit." There was no sign of deception in Toffee's even voice. "Take me into custody but let my fellowmonsters go. That's my bargain."
The monsters looked at their leader as though he'd lost his mind. However, they did not question his decision and began rounding up their broken and shattered weapons as they retreated back into the forest, unhindered by the mewman guardsmen, who'd surrounded Toffee and were pinning him in place with their weapons. Toffee sighed and shot moon a resentful glare and chuckled bitterly.
"And you call us monsters uncivilised. How quaint."
"Lower your weapons," Moon ordered. The guardsmen exchanged looks of curiosity.
"But... my Queen-"
"Now! That's an order!"
Worried as they were, an order was an order. They lowered their weapons but remained at the ready to raise them if the need arose.
Marco wanted to ask the Moon what in the name of everything rational she was thinking by bargaining with Toffee, but the look on her face told him that she knew very well what she was doing and why, so he didn't protest.
"Are you serious, Toffee?"
Moon's intonation of the question was calm and... sad? Marco understood even less now, and Toffee's response to the question didn't help much.
"Not to worry, Moon. Unlike some people, I actually keep the promises I make." He sounded smug as ever. "I'll come peacefully. Just promise you'll allow my men to gather up the dead and wounded before they leave. Not that your promise holds much value if my memory serves me correctly."
"Very well," Moon responded briskly and with a wave of her hand, she nullified Marco's magical barrier and promptly made her way over to Toffee, casting a pair of magical shackles to bind his wrists.
"Take him to the dungeons," she ordered the guardsmen. They bowed faithfully and were soon off with the lizard. River, Sir Lotkame and Buff Frog, for whatever reason, then walked over to Moon and a conversation started between the four.
Marco wanted to join in (eavesdrop) but heard the ever-so distinguishable voice of an elderly mewoman.
"Marco Diaz," said Lady Maizewall, waking up to the boy with a resigned frown on her face.
Marco turned around to face her. He was expecting her to find something to complain about but was positively surprised when she finally spoke up.
"I and my fellows would like to express our deepest gratitude for keeping us safe," she said and the nobles all nodded their heads humbly and a bit shamefully. "In light of your courage," she continued, "and for saving the lives of many a mewman, we've decided to revoke our previous judgement and offer you our apologies. It was wrong of us to judge you so harshly, Marco Diaz. I hope you shall accept our apology." Lady Maizewall bowed along with the rest of the ensemble of nobles. "We were simply worried that the future prince would be some weakling. We were mistaken; you are anything but a weakling."
"It's cool," replied Marco nonchalantly and shrugged with his shoulders. "I still don't like you-"
"That is understandable."
"-but I don't hate you, either. Just don't ever do it again."
Lady Maizewall nodded shamefully and let out a weary sigh.
"Well, looks like I'm indebted to you, Marco Di- Future Prince, Marco. Should you ever find yourself in need of a skilled diplomat or a skilled strategist or anything of the sort, hesitate not a moment. I know many of the kind and will arrange for only the finest one to serve under your word."
Lady Maizewall bowed respectfully and walked off without exchanging any further words. She and the nobles walked off, likely headed for the nearest carriage service to drive each of them to their respective home.
"Marco!"
The boy heard Moon's voice and saw the Queen approaching him. "Marco, I wish to have a word in private with you if you would be kind enough to spare a few moments of your time."
"Uh, sure."
Moon dragged him away from the group. Once they were out of earshot, she spoke, "Marco, unless my eyes deceived me, what you used earlier was magic. And quite proficiently, I must admit."
"Uh, thanks."
"That wasn't a compliment!" the Queen said sternly, crossing her arms and aiming a glare at him. "Who taught you this? Was it Star?"
"What? No! Star has nothing to do with this! She doesn't even know I can use magic!"
"Then where did you obtain the knowledge and, more importantly, the capabilities to use magic? Humans are not meant to possess such a power." Queen Moon spoke to Marco like a mother would when scolding her child for eating too many sweets. Marco couldn't help a bit flattered by the thought of being considered a family member, but he certainly didn't like being treated like a kid.
"To answer your first question, Comet's pet, talking wolf gave me some quick lessons and showed me how to cast a few spells. As for your second question, I'm just as clueless as you are. I honestly have no idea where I got these powers from!"
"Are you lying to me, Marco?" Moon asked, eying him suspiciously.
"No!" Marco responded in protest, feeling somewhat hurt that Moon had so little trust in him after all this time. He tried his best to not allow his anger to betray itself as he continued, "I have no idea! And besides, it's harmless magic; all I've been practising are protective spells to shield Star with. That's it." There was a pause. "Why are you so worried about it, anyway? I know magic users don't like it when others delve into the world of magic, but does it bother you that much?"
"N-no it's... never mind, I guess I was just worried for no reason in particular. Forget about it. More importantly-" Moon grabbed Marco by the shoulders and looked him in the eyes, then continued, "I need you to promise me that you will protect my daughter with your very life. I know that it's a lot to demand from you, seeing as you have done so much for our Kingdom already, but-"
"I wouldn't even think twice about it," Marco cut in, startling the Queen. "Star's my best friend." He chuckled. "Well, that's putting it mildly. I really do care about her, and you can be assured that I'd do anything, anything to keep her safe."
"I know that, Marco." Moon smiled at him. "I was a bit sceptical when Star chose you as her future prince, but right now I couldn't think of anyone more suited for the role. Please stay loyal to my daughter, will you?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Marco said and saluted.
Moon responded with a small smile of gratitude before sighing wearily.
"You're dismissed for today, Marco. Feel free to tell one of the guardsmen to accompany you back to Earth whenever you please. I've got some... urgent business I must attend." With that she was off, leaving Marco alone to his thoughts.
...until he remembered the one person that was nowhere to be seen. He whipped his head to and fro, searching for one huge troublemaker.
"Where's Janna? Wasn't she with those guys?" he wondered aloud.
Mewman dungeons, sometime later.
"Toffee."
The lizard lifted his head up slightly, just enough for Moon to see the daggers in his eyes, their sharp ends aimed at her.
"You don't have the right to call me that! Not anymore..."
Moon frowned shamefully and was about to exit the chamber, sensing that she would not be able to hold a conversation with the lizard when Toffee decided to bury the bodkin of hatred further into her heart.
"How does it feel, hmm? How does it feel to be a deceiver and murderer?"
She whipped her head around and gave him a sidelong glance. "I'm not a murde-"
"Liar!" his voice boomed throughout the chamber. Moon stood frozen in place, her back turned to him. Two guardsmen came rushing around the corner of the corridor and asked the Queen if something had happened. Moon told them that she had everything under control and dismissed them. Once the men were gone, she turned around to face Toffee. The hatred and resentment in his eyes burned like the fires of a thousand suns.
Moon spoke up, her voice firm and composed.
"What happened back then is a thing of the past. I have been trying to make amends for my actions. I-"
"Have been spewing lies and running away like the coward you really are!" Toffee cut in, his voice low and hoarse, filled with hate and anger.
Moon had no response.
She knew he was right.
But not entirely.
"I've changed, Toffee. I am no longer the same person I was thirteen years ago."
Toffee merely laughed at her statement, and replied, "So you claim. But you're still every bit of a liar and a deceiver as you were back then!"
Toffee walked over to the steel bars of his prison cell to get as close to her as possible, but the distance between them remained significant, Moon even backing away a bit to ensure that she was out of his tail's reach.
Toffee chuckled grimly.
"Are you scared of me, Moon? Shouldn't it be the other way around? Should I, a monster, be cowering before you? The self-proclaimed purifier of Mewni?"
"You know as well as I do that I had no choice!" Moon stomped towards Toffee's cell until the distance between them was that of his tail-length. "I have been doing everything in my power to right the wrongs and erase my past!"
Toffee smirked maleficently and pushed the tip of his long head in between the steel bars, then said, "Genocide will forever taint your name, Queen Moon."
His words stunned her into submission and she fell silent, staring at him, wide-eyed.
"Your past and your fate are both sealed. There is no fleeing from either of them."
Toffee's voice was calm, eerily so. The smirk that accompanied his words was sly and cocky. He knew he had the Mewman Queen in his grasp, knew that his words were eating her from the inside, devouring her iron resolve.
The lizard backed away from her and sat down on the edge of his makeshift bed on the other end of his prison cell.
He laid down and said nothing more.
Moon stood in place for a time until she slowly and silently turned around and made her way out of the dungeons.
Tick tock, my dear Moon. The sands in the hourglass are ever-flowing, and yours are about to run out, a voice spoke sinisterly.
"I know..." the Mewman Queen muttered as she closed the door to the dungeons, plunging everything into pitch black darkness.
Chapter Epilogue coming soon!
Chapter end notes:
Well, that's it for this one! As you can see, I've taken a different - and, in my opinion, better than the show's - route with Toffee's character. Before you come to any rash conclusions, no, Toffee is NOT a good guy. However, neither is Moon. You'll find out what exactly transpired all those years ago in about 2 chapters, so be sure to follow, favourite and leave a comment to help me stay motivated! 'Till then! Bye!
