Knock Knock

"GO AWAY", Sky screamed at her bedroom door as she pushed her face deeper into her pillow. It was only a few hours ago since the party and it still only felt like seconds ago when the ballroom chandelier smashed onto the floor thanks to a sudden bust of magic.

Fan-tastic.

Her moms had to help clean up the mess when Sky sneaked her to her room to avoid their gaze, just like she used to do when she was younger and she did something as simple, as break a vase or get caught fighting another kid. Although frankly this was more humiliating since it was in front of a crowd of adults and kids who were expecting her as their queen in a few years. Yeah, great impression, she could make it past song day just fine but not a stupid magic presentation? She felt so pathetic thinking she could simply wing this, of course something was gonna go wrong! Just like it always does.

"Sky? C'mon it's me...sorry it took so long, your moms wouldn't let anyone leave the ballroom till they made sure no one was hurt", Judas knocked again from the other side, "No one really believes you were gonna hurt your mom. Your mom was asking too much of you, you accidentally set off your wand, it's going to be fine...". The princess screamed into her pillow in response and she was sure he was worrying even more on his side.

"Hey, c'mon, it's still pretty early in the night, it's not even 8 yet! your moms cleaned up the mess and the ball is still resuming, don't let this ruin everything, you did a good job out there!", she wasn't responding and it was no wonder since Sky elected to ignore him. Judas bit his lip, "Hey? Can I come in? As long as you're decent and everything?", he still wasn't getting a response and he sighed. "Sky c'mon, please? Let's just talk ok?". Sky groaned and used her wand to opened the door for the demon prince who closed it after him.

Sky was lying on her front, face first in her pillow, barely moving except for her breathing. He took a seat on her bed and folded his arms, "Hey, don't let that rude guy get to you, people have always been quick to judge with you anyways...and anyways no one even got hurt". She lifted her face off her pillow just a little, "Ugh, that's not the problem judas...it's my stupid mom! What even was that out there?! Oh yeah Mom, force me to do more spells why don't you!"

The prince shifted his eyes over to her and then to the floor, "I dunno Sky, my parents tell me all the time how your mom was a child protege, I guess she's just expecting a lot out of you. ". Sky sat up and scooted next to him, "Yeah well, i'm not her, I'm me...i'm lucky I didn't fail any of my spells tonight because i didn't do a flicker right or say a word correctly.". She nudged him, "Anyways, thanks at least for cheering me on and whatever...". He gave a sad smile, "It's what friends do, I mean i still think you should've been more prepared for this-".

"Jude.."

He gave her a look, "But, - It'd be the worst friend ever if i didn't try and help. You're still gonna be queen y'know?". The girl silently nodded, "Yeah well...I never asked to be, especially not after my mom of all people...i'm a disappointment compared to her...". Judas reached out to her shoulder, "Sky, you're not a-" she moved her shoulder away from his hand and huffed. "Don't baby me Lucitor, when my mom was this age, she could already dip down, get into her butterfly form on instinct, portal, oh and i dunno...REBIRTH MAGIC!?".

He shuddered and put his hand back on his lap as she kept rambling, "Your dad is powerful, but it's not the same thing...i barely can get any basic spells done half the time and i'm expected to compete with that? oh and don't go and tell me that Landon struggles with magic too and it's fine, your brother's not the one next in line here...whether he perfects magic or not doesn't matter. Do you have any idea how frustrating it is to live up to everyone's standards and being constantly put down for being half human, or having spade marks, or not being your mother?!".

The prince's gaze saddened, "I'm sorry Sky, I-I didn't mean...I-I just wanted to make you feel better.". She took some breaths and held her legs to her chest, "I know...it's not your fault, I've just been putting up with a lot of this for awhile now...".

"Then maybe you and your moms need to just...talk? Sit down and...work something out between you. You can't keep letting this bring you down Sky, if it's messing you up that badly then it's probably time for a better course in action...", Sky thoughts about his words when she saw him carefully reach over and grasp his right hand, which was shaking. The part demon took some breaths and slowly stopped it's moving and relaxed, he noticed her staring and reassured her. "Don't worry...i-i'm good, i'm getting better with it...just worry about you right now...", Sky nodded and moved her gaze off his cursed arm.

"I dunno Jude...i just...I dunno, i wanna be a good queen but...i'm not off to a good start making anyone believe I can do it..."

"I believe in you, Mel believes in you, and your mom believes in you...i promise...", sky didn't answer but she didn't need to, she understood.

There was silence for a minute before the half-demon looked towards her and spoke softy, "Hey? I'm gonna have to head back to the party so my parents don't worry about me, and well, to keep an eye on my brothers, you don't have to if you still need some time but...if you want to join...i'll save a dance for you out there.". Sky lightly punched him on the arm, "You're a noob...but...thanks...". He stood up, "And if you don't feel like it...just call me later, you'll be fine...I promise. At least be happy you're not prince of the underworld and you have to deal with the dead or extremely violent citizens...". Judas shivered to himself and opened the door, he paused, "Hey? Sky? Don't let any of this get to you, you're going to be a great queen regardless."

She nodded softy, "Thanks Jude...I'll see you later...ok?". He nodded back and closed the door behind him as he left her to her thoughts and her soft mattress. What a day, ugh why couldn't she have just been allowed to sleep in today and in turn sleep through today in it's entirety?

She didn't personally feel like leaving, even if some of her friends were out there probably waiting for her. Nah, last thing she probably wanted was to get in front of her mother again after an event like that, no doubt the only reason her mothers haven't tried to talk to her yet was because they needed to clean up her mess and calm down the other guests beforehand so their precious party continued fine.

She fell on her back to stare at the ceiling, for once in her life actually wishing Angel showed up so she had an excuse to leave the castle when she saw the portrait on her wall open up to find an older women with spade marks and slightly graying green curly hair peek in. "Hello dear, not having much fun at the party?", Sky sat up, "Grandma Eclipsa? Wait...how long have you been there?". She shrugged, "Only for a few minutes, your friend is such a gentlemen, you know that right?". She stepped out of the wall and covered it back up with the portrait and Sky let her take a seat on the foot of the bed, guess her ever being left alone is a myth at this point.

"Didn't see you at the party...", Sky mumbled under her breath and the older women smiled, "Dear, you know it's only for the currently ruling royals and their offspring, no one needs this old face taking up all the attention.". She winked to the grumpy princess, "However, I may or may not have snuck a peak to see you perform, you did lovely dear..".

"I broke the flipping chandelier...", she grumbled back, "Wouldn't exactly call that lovely to any degree...". Eclipsa sighed, "True true, that was quite the mess but you still did a wonderful job out there for your first real demonstration to a group of people, your mother out to be proud...". Sky turned her head away in silence, and the former queen bit her lip, "I see, well formal parties can take quite a toll on all of us. Care to join me for some tea in my tower instead? I'm sure it's a little more exciting then sitting in your room if you have no plans to return.".

Sky looked at her, thought about it for a moment, and nodded much to Eclipsa's delight.

Standing up, Sky entered the opened painting behind Eclipsa and took her pathway to her grandmother's tower, a rather fancy looking area although Sky vaguely recalled stories from her mother when this placed used to be damaged and shut off from others. Not it was clean, welly decorated with rose themed objects and candles, and even had a proper fireplace. There was also of course a cozy table with some chairs to sit at for tea and Sky had been here a dozen or so times in her life to have tea with her grandmother before, she could even spot the framed picture of Eclipsa's deceased daughter Meteora still on the fireplace mantle.

Sky took a seat and Eclipsa starting boiling some water, "It's alright Sky, not all of us can be party people, sometimes we do indeed need some time alone to relax and drink something to ease us.". Sky shrugged, "It's not that i'm not a party person...i'm just not always a people person...", She rested her chin on the table," You saw me out there! I froze up, and then my mom caused me to wreck the place! Like geez...". Eclipsa continued smiling, going through packets to pick out whichever tea felt best fitting for Sky's irritation.

The princess continued to ramble, "You know, it's bad enough being a hybrid princess with spade marks out there, then i get topped off being the disappointing and potentially dangerous heir of the greatest queen in the universe!", The former queen took a seat, "Aww dear, between the spade marks and not being the greatest queen in the universe you're making your dear old grandmother sad..". Sky held out her hands, "What? No no no...y-you know what i mean!". She laughed, "I'm teasing Sky, I know what you're going on about, frankly though i think your spades are lovely."

the Blunette buried her head in her arms, grumbling, "Thanks...". Eclipsa reached out to pat her head, "Sky, don't let this all get to you, you're still young, and you're still learning. You'll get there eventually, we all learn in different ways.". Sky pouted, looking at her with her baby blue eyes, "I guess...I...I just want to feel accomplished, feel like i'm my own person and not Queen Star's disappointing daughter. All I get outside of that is the first butterfly hybrid princess to actually become queen-", Sky briefly stared at the photo of Meteora,"- and Spade Queen 2.0, I never get to be...", She did some hand gestures, "Me,...i feel like...the leftovers of other people's achievements...".

She went on, as Eclipsa listened carefully, Eclipsa always seemed to be a rather good listener now that Sky thought about it, "If i was anything special no one would care about my marks, or what i am, or who i'm related to..."

The water was finally boiling and Sky watched her grandmother stand up and poor the hot water some teacups, placing some tea packets in each and handing the girl a spoon with her cup. "Dear, I can let your know firsthand every queen goes through something like this, wondering what kind of queen they'll be and what name they'll make for themselves.", She sat back down across from Sky and reached out for her, "You'll find your place among them someday, you'll just have to be patient. But in the meantime at least you have wonderful friends to help get you through all the pressures of being a princess, can't say I was as lucky.".

Sky stirred and took a long sip, "I guess...i'm just sick of dealing with it...".The older woman nodded, understanding and taking a sip of her own teacup, "You'll do fine dear, if you want, I've written down some of my own spells in some books in the corner, you can flip through them if you want to look up some of my work?". Sky glanced to a pile of books in the corner, "Ok...I guess I can keep that in mind.". Eclipsa smiled and put down the teacup, "Wonderful, now...tell more about you and your charming little friend with the horns? Prince Judas? You never tell me much about your friends."

Sky blushed, "I'd rather not, considering every time I try you treat them like my suitors more then my friends.". She buried her nose in her cup, avoiding eye contact as she took another sip, however Eclipsa's saddened stare seemed to wear her down fast and she mumbled "Look, Judas just wanted to help...because he's a nice dude who helps his friends.. honestly he really outta give up on me, but here he is...doing everything he can to help me not feel like a total failure..."..

"Demons are such curious creatures", Eclipsa stirred her tea slowly, "Frankly I feel like they're as powerful as us Mewmans are, if not more. During my time King Armegedus was in charge and boy that demon could do some damage, but for such a brutal race, they've always seemed...curious, in their choices. But i can't say i ever found them boring...", she laughed to herself, "Dear, you should've seen my face when I found out the current Lucitors were a mixed couple, I never felt so happy to see progress in a long time! And with another hybrid child outside of meteora nonetheless! I don't know if you'd be here today without them breaking some boundaries.". Sky shrugged, she's be lying if she said she was as invested in all this as Eclipsa was but she couldn't deny it was kinda cool, "I suppose so... a lot more hybrids out here now...Me, Nora, Judas...".

They took another sip of tea and Eclipsa continued on the subject of the prince, "Well, i've met him only a few times in the past and he sounds like a lovely young man. Very awkward boy but he clearly has a good heart...i believe i first saw him when you weren't yet to be born, that poor boy was 2 and scared of everything, including me.". Sky snickered a little bit, cheering her up a little, "he's fun, and his brothers are kinda cool, i mean Landon's a little moody but still...". Eclipsa continued to gossip a little and Sky felt a little more at ease talking to her, personally she wished she came to visit more often but she normally was busy doing other things and frankly conversations with her great grandmother could get a little...awkward.

How awkward?

"So do you have a crush on anyone?", Eclipsa asked, pouring herself another cup of tea.

That awkward.

"Grandmaaaaa, I told you, no crushes! I mean I think Judas had a crush on me when i was like 4 but that's stupid...", She was cringing to herself, especially thanks to Loki's comment earlier about them hugging, geez if things were awkward for her, she could only imagine how awkward it is for him now that's he older.

Eclipsa smiled and winked, "Awwww, how sweet!", Sky did everything in her power to reduce gagging. "Look, i'd rather not talk about...boys like that right now. Today really sucked you know? between breaking the chandelier and Angel I just-", The queen perked up, "Angel came by again? Oh how lovely! He's quite the character isn't he? I know you don't like him much but he's got such a spirit in him you know?". Sky grumbled, "Oh he's got something alright, not sure if it's spirit...".

"Well, you know what? i could probably lend you some of my books tonight and you could scan them over for some better spells when dealing with his kind. The kid isn't very strong nor entirely bright but you might fair better getting to know more about his species...", Sky nodded, "Yeah fine, although really as long as you take out his legs he's pretty easy to take down. I kinda maybe tazed him today but...his father doesn't seem mad at me so...I guess in the end he'll be fine?"

Eclipsa gasped at the idea of Sky tazing him, but smirked again with that look sky didn't like, " You know sky? I think the real reason that boy even comes by as often as he does is because he takes a liking to seeing y-". Sky was quick to react, and stood up fast before she could finish, "OK, i think i'll be going then to read those books!", she chugged down the rest of her tea and wiped her mouth, eager to leave as fast as possible before her grandmother suggested what she was about to suggest.

She couldn't take much more of this and Eclipsa laughed, "Alright alright, i'll stop teasing you. Here!", The books from the corner flew over right into Sky's arms as she almost fell back in surprise. "Here, Sky the untitled, go find your calling! and make sure to bring it back soon ok? It was fun talking to you, i'll see you later!". Sky almost crumbled under the weight but nodded, "T-Thanks Grandma...". She watched her grandmother open the door for her and awkwardly made her way back to her bedroom with an assemble of rather larger and disturbing looking books.

"and sky?"

the princess turned around, still caring the heavy books, "Yeah grandma?"

"Sky...dear...I know you feel pretty down about not being as good as your mother, or never feeling like your own person, or feeling like a mistake...but I can promise you don't need to be your mother, you are your own person and you're certainly no mistake. No one needs you to be your mom, you're you, and that's good enough.", she placed her teacup down, "Go ahead and study off my work, but be careful dear and...don't bite off more then you can chew."

The princess gave her one last questioning look before exciting the tower back to her room to change and read.

Looks like she found some excess plans tonight.


Judas kept turning towards the doorway to the ballroom every minute, he'd only been back a few hours and there was no sign of her. Guess she was choosing to take some space now that she had no reason to stay at the party. Guess he couldn't blame her, but she was one of the few people he felt comfortable talking to here that weren't his own family.

The party seemed a little less interesting to Jude now, as he seemed unfocused and kinda bored at an event he seemed to love in the past.

He probably looked like an idiot, but he couldn't find anything else to occupy his mind when Sky and how she was doing was still lingering in his mind.

That is, until a voice called out to him and got his attention.

"Hey Jude!", The prince leaning against the wall turned his head to acknowledge the voice, a slightly smaller girl with slimy green hair leaned on the wall next to him, Princess Nora of the spiderbite kingdom. Nora tended to have a softer voice, making it hard to hear her among the crowd, but the prince's pointed ears flickered and his more demonic traits backed him up. "Hey Nora...I liked your presentation...", The princess hid behind her hair, twirling the slimy strands through his fingers," I didn't want to present...mom thought it might get me out of my shell though...".

Judas sighed, " Yeah, i'm not a fan of when that kinda stuff happens either. But gotta get it done I suppose...", She shrugged, "You didn't have to present, your father did...". Judas held back a small grin as he watched his father talk and flirt with his mother on the dance floor, "Well, you know my dad, kind've a drama queen, I think he just likes presenting each year.". The girl's shoulders sagged, "Lucky him...", she pulled on her hair and shifted her eyes towards the boy, "How are you doing?".

The boy shrugged, "Normal i suppose, haven't had any accidents in a week, still keeping up my workout routine and fighting skills, we haven't faced any serious threats in awhile so there's that..". She shook her head, "No i meant...how are you feeling? You went to see Sky after all...she looked really upset when she left". His smiled faded and his voice became softer, "Worried, I guess. She's having a rough time going through some stuff, but...I think she can recover from it...she's strong...and I've been in similar spots before...".

He frowned, "I told her she didn't have to come back to the party if she didn't want to, she's done her part anyway, I can't help but wish she did come back though...maybe that's kinda selfish of me I just...". Nora reacted quickly, "No, it's ok, you guys are close. Of course you're thinking about her...", he silently agreed and Nora chose to change the subject from him missing his friend to something else.

"I've never seen her wand do that before...", the princess acknowledged, "It was kinda scary...". Judas slowly reached out and touched her shoulder, "It's alright, it was an accident, at least no one got hurt.". Nora calmed herself down at his touch, "Yeah, yeah you're probably right...I'm just...easily startled I guess...magic always seems kind've.. unpredictable". The demon crossed his arms,"Magic's always been that way, i get the feeling there's so much about it we might never really understand...it's weird like that...".

Nora was silent, staring at the floor, clearly she didn't really have anyone much to talk to either tonight. Not that it was a surprise, Nora hasn't very social at any event since they were kids, she usually kept to herself and rarely opened up.

The prince felt his heartstrings pull a little.

Judas bit his lip and held out his hand, "Well since Sky probably needs a little time to herself to relax, you...want to hang out for the rest of the party? Might help make you and me feel a little better with company."

Nora nodded, her eyes lighting up, and took his hand politely with a smile, "Ok...".

She trailed behind him, leaving a slimy mess in her wake from her long hair, causing the princess to hide her face in embarrassment. The distress of Sky's earlier incident had caused most of the guests to ignore the ballroom floor from now on, and instead talk with one another. This was fine of course, as seeing these kingdoms connect through conversing was a ton better then the violence and fighting there used to be before Judas was even born to magic, but talking in groups could make Judas uneasy.

They made his dad uneasy, they could make his mom uneasy, and they sure made him uneasy. Being a hybrid royal wasn't as uncommon as it used to be but that didn't make him as less unusual to all these people, especially considering his...issues.

"Judas?", Nora tugged on his sleeve and the prince realized he stared off into space, "Sorry sorry... I got a little lost in thought there...". He ran a hand through his dark hair, ruining it from his hard work this morning, and kept his focus elsewhere before he triggered himself.

Then one of the whispering folk glared at him and Judas felt himself flinch, "Still next in line eh?", it was the same guy who screamed at Sky. The prince remained his composure but Nora felt him twitch a little ,"Yes, still the oldest after all...". He huffed, "Remove that curse yet? You only got one year left to fix your little problem after all...", Judas removed his hand from Nora's and crossed his arms. "I-I'll be fine, us Lucitors will manage one way or another, and I can handle it alright for now...".

"And what if you explode like princess butterfly did back there?"

Judas took a breath and held himself back, speaking in a stern voice to the rude man, "I'll be fine...good day...". He held onto Nora's arm and tugged her quick and out of the guests's sight, trying to cool himself down before he got upset and added another disaster to tonight's events.

The ball didn't need any more issues.

Nora sensed his hurt and spoke up, "You did a good job there...i'm usually too scared to talk to them like that...".

Judas didn't answer her, brows furrowed and walking in silence.

"You don't have to hang out with me if you don't want to...", the princess sighed, "I'd understand...". That seemed to snap Judas out of it and spoke immediately before she could turn away, "What? No no no, it's all me...not you...i'm just...distracted. I don't always do well in crowded places...as you can tell". Nora nodded, perfectly understanding and relating to that, "Me too...we could talk on the balcony if you want to?". Judas nodded and walked carefully past the groups of people, briefly hearing words such as "Hybrid" and "Cursed" as he walked past, making him flinch.

He was thankful to lean against the balcony outside of the ballroom, it was starting to finally get dark out, and Judas knew the party would be ending very soon much to his relief. Nora leaned over next to him and noticed his expression, "Judas...for the record...I think you're pretty cool...". He nodded, "thanks, sorry i know as a prince I need to stop freaking out so much, it's not a good image for me...". She glanced over to him, he was still staring off into the night, "No, they're just being mean, he was being mean, it's ok...you handled that well".

He sighed, "Life of being a hybrid royal I guess...comes with the territory...". She gave him an agreeing glance, clearly been through similar experiences, "Mom says to just walk away and take a breath when that happens...and i like the view here better then home...". He gave her a knowing expression, "Wait, is that why you suggested we head out here?". She gave a weak little smile,"they're always looking for a reason to say we're unfit to rule our kingdoms...sky...just sadly..brought that topic up again...I wanted to be out of the room and I know you do too.".

Judas stared at the rose bushes in the gardens, taking in how the moon shined on them and brightened their color within the dark garden. "It brings up a lot of harsh topics for me, i can't help but feel upset you know? Usually Sky distracts me from this kinda stuff...". He made a small flame within his hand and stared at it, "It's hard to be expected as a king when people look at you like that...". Nora looked to the roses herself, "sometimes...i'm scared i'll be crystallized...".

"Tonight's...not been a great event for most of us it seems...", He said softly, "At least it's almost over, the sooner i'm back home, the better...it's not perfect but I could use a mind break tonight...".

"Yeah...me too...", They both took a minute to stare into the gardens when Judas felt a small tug on his arm, "We should head back in now...i'm sure our families want to make sure we're alright and it's probably best not to be out of sight too long.". He nodded, "Yeah, let's...do that...", he wasn't fond of going back inside but spending time with his flirty and embarrassing parents would at least draw his attention away from anyone who made him uncomfortable. He gave one last look towards the gardens before heading back in with Nora.

His parents were waving to him, his brothers next to him talking, he avoided the gazes of the other guests to join his family with Nora by his side. "I like your parents...", Nora said quietly, "They looks like a lot of fun...". He shrugged, "They're alright, just be careful what you say to them, they can be protective or...they might say something embarrassing and tonight's been rough enough.". Nora giggled as she pulled him along to his folks, "Well, being embarrassed by your folks is better then being mouthed off by rude people...c'mon...let's lighten up a little more...".

He made a face, "When did you became a little more cheerful and social?". She stopped and started playing with her hair like she always seemed to when asked a question, "I didn't...I just...i like hanging out with you, and sky, and y'know...you guys...", her voice became small again, "I feel more comfortable spending time with you guys...". He bit his lip and placed a hand on her back before heading over to his parents, a smile on his face, "Ok, c'mon, let's go lighten up some more before we head home tonight ok...? No more issues and worrying, just fun."

She nodded happy before being greeted warmly by the king and queen of the underworld.

Judas got a large hug from his folks before they got into a long conversation with Nora about their kingdoms and Judas couldn't help but feel a little bit better as the guy who was attacking him earlier was finally being dealt with by the mewni knights who were removing him from the ballroom.

Maybe the rest of the night wouldn't be so bad.


Sky couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt sweep over her as she found herself in the back garden performing spells and not joining Judas for the rest of the ball, but she eased herself as she remembered he was fine if she needed some space. The ball was nearly over anyway, everyone was leaving, no point in getting too wrapped up in it.

She spent a few hours in her room going over spells, purposefully locking her door so there would be no more intruders for awhile, only to find these spells weren't the kind of thing to perform in a room of sentimental stuff she could break easily, hence she found herself in more casual wear in the gardens.

She sat one of Eclipsa's books on the bench as she attempted to perform a spell in the dark garden. Her wand wasn't taking things well as per usual, showing the slightest bit of hope only to either fall short or do nothing at all. "Ugh, c'mon...Imagine how cool i'd look if I knew a bunch of complicated spells like these?". She shook her wand as if it were a toy, in most cases she could almost never be seen out studying her magic or doing stuff like this in the gardens, but he anger towards her the ball from a few hours ago seemed to spark something in her.

"How did I even do that anyway?", She mumbled to herself, "Can't even get myself to do magic when I want to and now i can do magic without even trying?". She went over the spell again, and went in for it again, , producing a small dark hand from her wand that only flopped to the ground. "Ugh, i should've just went back to the party, kept my mouth shut and said sorry to mom. I hate studying...". She was about to go again when the garden door's opened and Queen Star rushed through, relived to have found her daughter.

"SKY!"

Sky jumped back, trying to hid the book from view, "Oh uh...Mom! Hey!". Star crossed her arms, "Where were you? I didn't see you since we cleaned up the mess and the ball ended and i couldn't find you anywhere!I tried checking your room but you weren't there and- ". Sky sighed, "I-I needed some time alone...and...me and Eclipsa just hung out for a bit...you probably came by then and missed me". Star calmed down before placing a hand to her face, "Eclipsa...of course. Should have known." Sky awkwardly tried to hide her book, last thing she wanted was her mom to confiscate it or something for being too dangerous.

Star let out a deep sigh, "Sky, you had me worried sick! This was an important ball and you ran off and I couldn't find you and god sky...". Sky froze in place, "I'm fine mom, I just...I needed some fresh air and stuff...", Star reached forward and pulled her daughter into a hug, "Well at least I know you weren't kidnapped or anything, no ditching the party next time ok?". Sky wasn't hugging her back and Star took note of this quickly and pulled off of her, "Sorry things got a little out of hand there sweetie, but don't worry, we can get a new chandelier, a much prettier one!".

The princess didn't answer to her and her mother sighed, "Sky, i'm not disappointed I just...I want you to succeed you know? You're going to be queen in 3 years and...time flies fast when you get that wand". She shrugged, "Well, i'll be fine, I've been through a ton worse in my first year with this thing." She held her wand up, "like you've told me before, i'll figure things out...eventually...". Star bit her lip nervously, " I'm sure you will I just...".

"Mom, it's fine it's whatever...i just kinda want to be alone right now...", Star's worry was consistent on her face, "Well it's not fine, if somethings wrong...I...". They both stood there in silence and Sky turned away from her mom, "I'm fine mom, I just needed to get away from the party...i-i'll...i'll be fine...". Star didn't seem so convinced but complied, "Well, if you're sure...". The queen rubbed her shoulder and acknowledged the night sky, "It's been a long day, perhaps we both should go get some rest for tonight...".

"I'm not tired..", Sky lied, back still turned to her mother, "I-I want to hang around the gardens for a bit more...". Star nodded, "Ok...take some time, just don't stay up too late tonight ok? We can...we'll talk more about everything later...". Star didn't leave however, and ran a hand through her hair, "Sky, you're not evil or a mistake, you're still my daughter and I wouldn't trade you for the world. You know that right?". She was silent but still manged out some mumbles in the form of "Yeah".

Sky wanted to continue to be bitter towards her mother from all her pent up frustrations but she was having a hard time being angry at her while she was still in the same room as her. Whether she was a prodigy or not this all wasn't entirely her fault and Sky couldn't blame it entirely on her, although she did have a good part in it. Sky was considering apologizing to her mother and giving up her silly act when she felt her mother walk up behind her and kiss her head, "Good, never forget that.".

Sky blushed, "Mom...", Queen Star seemed to take a little joy out of that and snuggled her daughter close. "It's ok Sky, you know what? how about tomorrow I take some time to teach you some more of my favorite spells? I know you learn best on your own but after tonight, I think it's clear I need to step in as your teacher like eclipsa was to me.". Sky thought about it for a moment, her mom wanted to be her teacher? Sky was sure she'd be more upset about tonight but instead she seemed to be rather happy and now she was punishing her with magic classes?

Star seemed to have misinterpreted her forcing Sky above her limits as Sky not knowing enough spells, but Sky personally didn't feel like starting an argument tonight, she felt emotionally and mentally exhausted and no point in blowing up again tonight.

"I dunno, do you even want to be a teacher to me? I'm pretty much unteachable.", she was half-joking, but at the same time it sure felt like she was unteachable a lot.

"You should've seen me when i took earth classes then.", Star giggled, "C'mon Sky! It could be kinda fun! That way you'll, at least know enough spells for next year! We'll train you to become an awesome queen yet!", Sky tried to resist groaning and instead gave her mom a thumbs up, "Yeah sure...I guess?", Star excitably hugged her daughter one last time and finally started to make her way out, "WONDERFUL! It's official, we're giving you proper training from now on, oooo this is gonna be so much fun! Ok, i'll stop pestering you now, just remember to get some rest and don't eat too much ok?"

"Yeah yeah mom, i got it..", Sky hid a small chuckled as she watched her mother excitably run back inside the castle, guess Sky was in for boring lessons with her mother now. I guess on one hand she had to be thankful her mother wasn't upset with her after tonight, but on another Sky wasn't a fan of the idea of being trapped in lessons a few hours each day from now on. Although then again maybe in this case it was a punishment she slightly deserved for cramming spells at the last minute.

She turned her attention back towards her book, which had closed during her encounter with her mother, "Ok, where was i?", flipping back to her page she held out her wand to continue with her spell, only to find her wand's gem was already glowing. Sky turned to look at it, it's heart gem blinking with a pink light like haywire, "Wha?".

Was this normal? Was her wand supposed to be able to act up like this? She'd heard of weird things before when it came to her wand, it being used as a pen, it tasting like candy, but she wasn't familiar with it's gem being able to flicker on and off like a alarm. She tapped the glowing heart gemstone and grumbled before a show of light burst out of the wand and knocked her down on her back, she dropped the wand and felt the wind knowck out of her a little before she sat up and the wand stopped glowing.

"Did...I do that? What...", She was rubbing her throbbing scalp and before she could question it further she heard someone else's groans of pain nearby. Her heart dropped and she jumped for her wand, better be safe then sorry if it was an attacker. Until she got a better look at her surroundings to see there wasn't just one person in pain, but several. All spread out on the grounds, one seemed to even have landed in a bush somehow and Sky watched each of them move in pain.

She held her wand out in defense, "Heey...what? Who...look i don't know who you are but what the heck are you doing in the gardens? Were you spying on me!?". The closest one to Sky reacted fast and grabbed something next to them, getting to their feet very fast for someone who looked like they sprained their ankle in some sort of accident. It was a girl who looked older then Sky, she had short shoulder length blonde hair to the point of almost being white hair, shiny blue eyes, a aquamarine dress, and to Sky's surprise...cheek marks. But the cheekmarks were unusual, they didn't match each other, they reminded sky of a symbol Judas told her about called a yin yang, but this girl had one side of the symbol for each cheek.

Sky was about to question it before the yin yang girl held out the thing she grabbed in front of her, an long object that ended in a squiggle on one end, but on the other had a pink diamond jewel on what looked like a bunch of blue bubbles, a pink pointed tip, and fins on each side.

A wand.

"Drop your wand...", She threatened, "By order of the princess of Mewni!"