Luna had to admit, this was kinda embarrassing for her, even if it wasn't her like...actual mom. But it had to be done, she was just going to have to talk to her face to face. Honestly it even seemed to be a relief for the queen, who wanted any excuse not to deal with her own mom right now, even if it meant seeing a criminal.

Though she had to admit, this was...unexpected.

Being called over for luna to confess to her in such a way was...odd.

In fact she was sure the girl didn't even have the ability to cry up until this point.

"And look, i never meant to cause so much harm...i really do want to help, so if there's anything you need me to do, i'll do it...i won't get into any more trouble if i can prevent it. I'm sorry i wasn't truthful about my intentions and broke into your stuff constantly, and i'm sorry you had to send my own other mom out there to go and find me when i ran away".

Star was a little...speechless, to say the least.

Eclipsa on the other hand, she seemed to find this whole thing VERY entertaining, which only made things more humiliating for luna. But luna needed her here just as much, especially since eclipsa had pretty much seen everything in her head up to this point. Luna had to do everything in her power to not back out of this and keep herself going, spilling everything out to them.

"Look, i...am no longer going to keeping avoiding you and i'm going to do my best to...improve, and work with you...despite how much i've been avoiding it. I've already spilled everything to marco, judas and sky...and they all know well that i'm...not good at working with people. So...i'm going to change that, and...i'll...make things up to everyone...".

"You sick or something?", eclipsa teased, "This doesn't seem like you much at all, what happened to being so independent and not wanting to worth with us adults?".

"Look, i'm not saying i'm happy about it...but it's clear my methods aren't getting me anywhere right now, and...everyone hates me. I hate to even admit it, but...i don't...like being alone like this. The girls and guys weren't exactly...great, i hate issues with them...but...they...care about me. And all i've done is treat them like dirt and push them away...and i...i feel bad". Luna had never really properly admitted something like this before, in fact it made her feel like a different person, she must have been so defeated, more then every before.

Eclipsa frowned, luna actually seemed...genuinely sad and it was...hard for her to process.

"I felt bad when i left judas behind because he was one of the only people who liked me and had any trust in me...and i know why i did it and why i felt i had to do it...but i didn't feel good about it either because i know he wanted me there with you all. I've never really had much as far as friends, even back home and now that i actually felt i had one...it feels worse that i might've lost them...i hate to admit when i'm wrong...but...i...i did screw up this time. I was thinking so strategic that i never planned...for something like this...".

Star shifted in her seat, her gut retching as she mumbled out what she wanted to ask most of all.

"Am i... really that bad of a mom in your world?".

Luna didn't seem to know exactly how to answer that, actually wait, she did.

"Yeah, i'd say so".

She was still luna after all, even if she was having a change of heart for her actions that didn't mean she was going to be a entirely...nicer person.

Eclipsa snorted in laugher as Star gave her kinda daughter a face of frustration. Luna glaring at her back with an equally frustrated face on her end, guess it was clear where she got it from.

"Look, don't take it too personally, you're technically not exactly the same person anyway. But i needed to get this out of my system and you're technically my mom so...i'm getting it out of my system...even if i'm not supposed to be telling you so much about other universes...i'm just trying to get you to trust me...and i'm not sure how else then to...not do things my way...".

"So...you instead choose to confront me...who has nothing to do with your stuff back home?"

"Look, my mom isn't here, i can't talk to her here, but i need to get it off my chest and...you're what i have...you're the person i need to confront properly. Eclipsa is here because she can tell you if i'm being honest or not. I've never ever properly talked about this stuff with my own mom back there and i thought this might help me cope with...everything".

She huffed and pulled on her locks, sighing and feeling...like she wanted to curl up.

"Look...and this is hard to say...i miss her...i miss my moms...i've never really said it here but...i miss them, i miss them annoying me and causing me pain and trying to take care of me and get me outta war and...i've been pushing it back to focus on the mission and ignore all of it...but i know that's the truth...that i wish i had them here...that they were still here".

"Luna dear...".

"No, i needed to get this out, i've been piling up since i got here, i've barely talked about anything in my life and how i feel about stuff, and it...didn't help. Sky and Judas saw for a bit, they saw me start to break down at the changes and i forced myself to maintain and relax...but i just...i wanna go home, i want to stop feeling so stressed and i want them to like me again...surprisingly. I thought i didn't care but...i think i do, i never felt so...hurt...knowing sky...actually cares about me...it's...strange".

"Well, admitting that is a good step".

She looked up at eclipsa, "I know i'm a mess, everyone knows i'm a mess...i just...need things to go right...and...if that means changing things up. I'll do it, even if it kills me, back home i'm just very used to making all the choices. I tell everyone what to do and they do it, no question, and if they don't do it i go in there and do their jobs for them, it's me and it's how i opperate...and...it doesn't work here".

"Well here you're not in charge, even as much as you'd like to be", eclipsa looked over to star, "Besides, you can boss them around all day, but i think it's clear things are more effective without all of that, trust and care tends to always work out better...because at least if you fail...you still have someone you care about in the end. Not much can be said if they're terrified of you...i would know".

"Alright, you've made your point, i suck...now i just want to see if there's anything i can do to...well...help with that, i want to work with all of you and...fix this with you, but no one really seems to want me to help and...i feel so useless in here.", she was trapped, she couldn't go out and take action even if she wanted to, her owns actions leading herself up to this.

"I...put myself in this position, if i had been more cautious and hadn't tried to go for on my own i wouldn't have been a perfect target for something like this to happen...i was foolish to have even let this happen to me, it's so unlike me...i'm just...i must be falling apart. I'm not as strong as i thought i was...i've never been so...weak then i have been when i got here", she pulled out her wand to show the women, star looking at it curiously.

"But i can't give up, i've never given up in my life...so...for once, i'm listening...whatever it is you need me to do, i'll do. I know i have not done much to make myself seem trustworthy to you and everyone else...but...i need them to trust me, they can't protect me if they can't trust me...so if there's anything i can do...to gain your trust in this situation...", she got down on one need and bowed like a knight.

"I'll do it...".

Star got up out of her seat and made luna stand up, placing her hands on her shoulders, "Hey...i...wasn't crazy involved in whatever happened between you and sky and judas but i could tell it really bothered them, so...i appreciate it that...well...you wanna do right by them. I mean whether that works out is well...up in the air but it's the effort that counts".

"I'm guessing that meeting sky had with you recently got you thinking huh?", eclipsa winked at luna and she grumbled.

"Look, don't tell them how much i care or anything, just help me help with everything...", but eclipsa was swooning, "Aww luna, it's sweet you really care about them so much despite everything...seeing you change because you do want them around is precious.". Luna was slightly red faced as she sat back in her seat and away from her mother who backed off from her.

"Yeah yeah...moving on...i'd...rather not spend too much time thinking about how mad they are with me right now", she quickly looked over to star intently, "I know they have a plan, i've heard mentions on occasion, and i can help...my entire like back home relied heavily on strategy...especially when it came to catching criminals...i may not be able to do much...but...i have skills outside of magic".

"Luna, you know it might come off...the wrong way if someone finds out we're working with you...when you're currently a criminal right? As nice as all of this is and as nice as it is you want to work with everyone and do better, the people of mewni are resting because they think we solved the case and found our culprit, and if they get wind not only are they still out there...but we're working with the top suspect".

"Oh star c'mon that's simple, just say luna has given us some new leads or something to check out if they ask questions. If they think she's the masked lady then ok, but they have no reason to protest about us running around on her orders if it's to help in some way, not all criminals send people around for the wrong reasons. Really just make sure no one knows about where she's from and that she has a wand...don't need another sky incident".

"Oh...right, sky's wand...broke, right?", she clearly hated hearing how a precious family heirloom like that had been smashed in the way it was, only some powerful magic could do something so henious. "Y'know, you could always bring the wand to me and i could take a look at it, i...wanted a better look at it before and never really had the chance, and well something about it-".

"The gemstone right?".

Eclipsa glanced at star, nervously pressing her hands together, "I've had a good look at it too, i know what she's getting at here, that there's something off about it compared to any other wand gemstone we've seen. It's unique to say the least, though i get the impression sky was worried you'd see it and assume the worst of her, which...i can't blame her".

"And she...was probably right, i might've assumed she wasn't being honest with me. Though granted i've seen sky do magic and it would be assuming a lot of her to guess she did that and fooled me this entire time...". That wasn't exactly meant as an insult but it did slightly sound like one as luna did a double take and went back, "I'm just saying, based on what i know...sky...wouldn't do all of this".

"So if you don't think she really is at fault, where do you lie exactly luna?".

She had been thinking about that for awhile, and while there were many ideas to consider, the truth right now was harder. "I...have no idea, the person doing it has so many...unusual things we know about them but i don't know where it leads to. I hate being at a loss but i am, i'm not sure who really is behind it...not that it matters...we can figure it out when we arrest them".

"Well luna, for your sake i hope we find them soon, we can't keep you in here forever and you know how mewmans are when they don't get what they want. Things will get nasty fast, so if want in on the plan then just be sure you know what you're getting into", luna seemed to understand just fine, and star stood up. 'Then I'll allow you a further look at the wand later, in the meantime i suggest...well...dealing with your issues".

It was meant to be a joke, but it was advice as well.

She had a long way to go before she started handling her relationships with people in the ways she should, and it was just going to take baby steps. But she had to admit, talking about this with her mom was actually nice regardless of the context. "Well, thanks for...talking with me...it...means a lot to me that both of you showed up and spoke with me...about everything".

"Well it certainly seems like you needed it...holding that in for so long is bound to have caused problems, now i suggest you get some rest and take it easy...we'll get in contact with you when we can". Luna seemed more put at ease, actually, this had been the best conversation she had relating to getting help in awhile, less tension, less weight on her shoulders...it was...nice.

Eclipsa had to get moving, she needed to get back to her work before she got too distracted again, but star stayed a little longer. This had been the first time she really had the proper time to really think about luna being her kid to an extent, and she couldn't help but feel some form of pity. If this was the result of her own actions in another world, who knows how bad hers now were.

She really needed to do better with sky, she didn't want to see sky end up like this.

"Hey...sky never had many friends growing up, especially female ones, judas has been loyal to her throughout their entire friendship...so...it means a lot to me...and well...i know it would to her, that you wanna do better for her sake. You've...clearly ticked some buttons but...maybe with some time, things can change and maybe you can have a proper friendship with her".

"Maybe...i guess i never realized how lonely i was till i was...alone...even back home i...still had...you".

She looked at star tearfully, "I...i miss you...and mom...your badgering and frustrating actions and constant ogling over me...i want it back, i really think i do...i miss my home.". She felt like pulling out her hair cause she'd never act like this back home, but she couldn't help it, she felt like she needed to get it out, like being strong for so long had finally collapsed on her.

"Well, i can imagine after being here for so long, yeah...you would, but...we'll make sure you girls get home...it won't be forever...even if we do have to get omni involved...which...i know why you all refuse to do and frankly...i prefer none of them find out this happened either if i can help it...but i'm sure your mom...well...me...misses you very much and can't wait to see you again".

"They probably think i was kidnapped...war and everything. My home might be in utter chaos right now without me there.", luna was not easy to kidnapp so they might not assume that at first, but no one would assume luna would go missing for this long without foul play. It was hard for her to not think about her absence causing issues back home, it had been on her mind the moment she even got here but her unwillingness to share info about her home forced her to not speak of it.

For all she knew her home was lost and by the time she got back everyone could be dead.

The other girls at the very least, didn't seem to have that fear.

They could expect someone, anyone, to be home waiting for their return but luna could not in a time of conflict. There was no telling who would be there anymore and if they would even want to wait for her anymore after her behavior, just like sky had said. It made it hard to want to go home even though she had to and wanted to, she feared what she might find.

"You don't know that, perhaps things have gone better then you think, i'm sure someone will be there waiting for you".

"You're just saying that to make me feel better about all of this, sky was right, people don't like me and they're not going to wait for me...i can make repairs here but i can't back home...". She held her head in her heads, slumping, "I'm far too late to fix those things...i know it, you wouldn't fully get it but i've done...some things i'm not proud of but i had to do".

"Such as?".

Luna hesitated, but she did promise to tell.

"Well i may of...mind wiped...a few people...hostages actually".

Whatever star had been expecting her to say, it wasn't that for sure. Not that that seemed like something luna wouldn't do, it did, but she certainly didn't want to think she'd gotten herself into doing stuff like that. But luna had more to say on the matter, scratching her head, "I had to...you did it plenty of times as well, it was kinda a big deal...wouldn't have met ash or cole without it...".

"I'm sorry...who?".

"That's not that relevant, but it did land them in my castle...though i did...well...sorta arrest them and keep them in the dungeons...it wasn't a great first meeting basically.". Well that was an understatement for sure but it did make star more curious, what had she gotten into in other universes to lead to such a mess. She could never see herself mindwiping anyone like that, much less for war or hostage purposes.

"You shouldn't have had to go through any of that luna...been raised to have to do any of that, that's no place for a kid to grow up in...i can't imagine what it's done to you...and what it's put you through". She bit her lips and reached out to touch luna's shoulder, "Look, maybe back home things might be harder to repair...but...don't give up, it's never too late to start fresh if need be".

"Thanks...mom...".

"But hey, if i know anything about me, the me back where you come from would do anything to see you again, i can promise you that at least...even if i've done some...questionable things. So cheer up, nothing's all lost for now...and hopefully you can sleep better tonight getting that out of your system, we'll talk more in the morning...after a meeting with...my mom".

She didn't seem eager about that, but it had to be done.

"Well if you need any advice...i have...well...been through my own fair share of meetings i don't like being in...so, no i'm not saying to mind erase...we already have enough problems without involving that", star smiled, heading on her way out. "Sounds good, just let the guards know if you want anything and I'll be right here, just try and rest of the time being, you sound like you need it".

"I tend not to trust easily, so...please don't spread all of this around...it would mean a lot to me", she knew she hadn't fully gained their trust but it couldn't hurt at ask at the very least, but star nodded. "Well, if you're willing to improve, then there's no reason for me to act like that towards you, trust goes both ways. So i'll keep this to myself, i'll see you later luna...and thank you".

She carefully closed the door behind her, leaving luna once again in darkness and by herself.

But she did feel a little better then she did before at the very least.

She laid back in her head, twirling the wand between her fingers, a headache growing in her mind from all the conflicting emotions going on in her head. She needed sleep, this was not something that would be handled in a night after all. She needed to relax and rest for once, let others take over an her a backseat to it all. Something she hated but had to deal with until she got updates.

She'd never really taken much of a day off before, she had her moments of breaks but...they were few and far between.

Now she was given time to...breathe.

She sunk back into her bed and closed her eyes, her wand going back into hiding.

Finally having the best sleep she had in months.


"But dad, i wanna see landon!", mason whined, protesting as tom tried to calm him down. The boy had been crying excessively and the demon was trying his hardest to help him feel better, with not as much luck as he'd like. Mason was an emotional child, he got really upset when things like this happened and especially when he was at fault, he missed his garden, his comforts, his brothers.

All of this was making it hard for him to be a happy kid and grow up like a happy kid.

How was he supposed to relax when his brother probably hated him? He promised to help him and look what happened! There was no way landon could want his help now, he was just making things worse. He felt like hiding in his wings and never coming out, even if his dad was telling him there's no way landon would hate him forever for any of this.

Was it too much for him to ask to do a good job? For him to not make things worse for everyone at every turn?

"Mason...please...it's ok, it was an accident and i'm sure landon knows it. You're not at fault...things happen sometimes and it's no use hurting yourself over it...", but mason didn't wanna hear it, even if it wasn't on purpose he still felt guilty. Tom noticed he wasn't helping and quickly changed gears, "Sorry sorry, it's ok to be upset...i know why you are...i just don't want you to hurt yourself over it because it's not your fault".

"Feels like it's my fault...i wasn't careful enough...i made him upset again".

Tom carefully removed the boy's hat and ran his fingers through his hair, sighing, "Hey, you're a kid, you're young...you're going to make mistakes like this. I know i made a lot of mistakes when i was around your age. You're not a bad kid mason, you clearly love your brother and you want to make him feel better...you never meant to do anything to hurt him".

"I just keep getting in the way, every time i try to help or want to help things go wrong...i was better off with my plans, by my self", he sniffed some more and tom continued to sooth him , "C'mon...little bat, you know that's not true, you're the life of the family...you always are here to lover everyone and you do everything in your power to help all the time, that's not a bad thing".

"But-".

"Things went wrong, i know...things have kinda gone wrong for me too, multiple times, but that doesn't erase all the good you've done...think about all the helpful things you've done", the small demon thinking back to helping with the potion, and the interrogation, and of course working things out with fae. Not to mention his plant knowledge being helpful for cures and medicines.

See...good", tom could notice the smile on the little boy's face, "You can't win them all, sometimes they don't work out, but it's ok. You've just had a few missteps...but eventually they'll move on and you'll get chances to improve and help out without breaking anything or having anything go wrong. You're a good kid mason, and we all want you around".

"You really think landon will forgive me for this? I mean...y'know, he really liked this guy and it meant a lot to him to confess naturally and he got so upset when he backed out last time and now he gets his chance and he screwed it up! I mean i was...i was telling him he needed to tell him because bernard thought he was acting funny but i didn't want...i didn't want to make it worse".

"Well hey, you can make it up to your brother later, after he gets a little space, this is his emotions and he needs the time to sort it out. Later, when things have cooled down you can go over to him and tell him you're sorry. Better you clam down first then try and say sorry while you're crying so much. But considering this whole thing was not on purpose i don't think he can completely pull the blame on you for it happening".

"But i pressed the buttons".

"Yes, but your hand slipped right?"

Mason nodded and tom smiled gently, "Then it's ok mason, it's not your fault...it was an accident, and I'm sure when landon is ready he'll forgive you." The small boy gently nodded his head and tom handed him a popsicle. "Here, have a treat...you've been helping out and doing a good job, you should have something special...just eat it fast...it'll melt quickly with our warm bodies...".

Mason sniffled and accepted the treat quickly, munching it down and making his tongue orange.

"You're a kid mason, a very smart kid, but still a kid...even adults make mistakes like this...it's nothing to feel bad about. We don't love you any less for the stuff you do, because you clearly care about all of us in your own mason way. I think...it was brave of you to push landon to confess, not many people would do that, but...i think if things had been different, he would've confessed because of you".

"You think so?".

"You're better with people then your brothers are, i mean...not perfect of course...we really should've helped get you more friends outside of your plants but...still, you're always so willing to make new friends and greet people. You're always so happy and sweet, you're a good kid, not a perfect kid but that's why we love you...don't try to grow up too fast...ok?".

Mason seemed sweetened by the words, but a little down.

Tom thinking about what else he could do to help.

"Hey if it makes you feel any better, me and your mom's confession of love was pretty embarrassing too, we started dating and i decided to tell them i was in love with them...and well. It was meant to be romantic, at a concert to our favorite band and everything, but it turns out the cameras were on us at the time during the big number and my confession was shown to EVERYONE...it was...not what i wanted to go for".

Mason snickered, his eyes lighting up again, "Everyone?".

"Well at the time it sure felt like everyone, i guess i wanted it to be a slightly more intimate moment but i guess a concert wasn't the place for that. Dumb mistake on my part but marco got over it, they thought it was sweet...so i guess it did work out even if it was super awkward and not exactly the best way to confess to being in love with someone".

The story seemed to cheer mason up, his tears dried and a little bounce back in his step.

"I know it's not fully comparable, but if i can survive that...i think landon can handle this...he's a strong kid...we'll handle the situation as things move forward.", then he paused before taking a deep breath and a toothy grin, "And well, maybe after this we can take a trip back into your garden...properly, i know it's been awhile since you got to go in there just to go in there".

The mere mention of his garden suddenly got mason very excited, like a fresh child all over again. His garden always cheered him up, he could spend hours in there, he quickly hugged his father, tugging him tightly as tom hugged him back, "Thank you". Tom let his son go so he could stretch his wings and they both stood up, "Just because this all is happening doesn't mean i don't get to be a parent, c'mon, let's take a break".

He felt the small boy cling to him and hold his hand, "Can we go to the garden right away? I wanna see how my death bulbs are growing...and pick some flowers...for landon, as an apology...it would mean a lot to me...". The king of demons led the way, holding onto his son tight, "Yeah of course, but ehhhh maybe we outta be more careful in the future of what you plant there...so you no longer sneak seeds it".

"Didn't you have a torture wheel in your bedroom when you were a kid".

"AND WE'RE LEAVING-", tom said loudly, the guards chasing behind them as they went faster.


Honestly landon was happy he had such a good relationship with his mom, he really needed their help when stuff like this happened. Someone to support him and keep him from falling apart, a comforting support system. It made what happened with bernard a lot easier to deal with not feel so bad about, because at least he had someone to help him keep his mind straight when talking about it.

Marco had themselves...well...their own interesting love life, so it at least made landon feel a little more normal knowing he wasn't alone in his insecurities and poor love life. He couldn't bring himself to mess with his contact right now but marco was at least helping him ease up so he could use it and set up a meeting between him and bernard. Because he couldn't put it off forever, bernard would get worried and he didn't want that either.

He didn't want their friendship ruined, no matter what.

"Yeah, i confessed to jackie in a really awkward way too...way back when we were teens. So don't feel too bad, but you ripped off the bandage...so now it's best to talk about it so things between you guys can patch up or maybe get uh...deeper?". Landon rubbed his reddened face, huffing, "It's going to be so embarrassing though, even thought i know i have to".

"All confessions are embarrassing, but you have to do them...especially if you want a chance with your crush".

"It's been a few days now, you think it's really a good time?".

"Landon, you're only asking him to talk, it's about as low brow as you can get with this whole thing...it's better to do it in person then doing it on the compact...so just ask him to talk and we'll figure it out as we go...but you need to say something soon. The more time you take the more time he has to think something's wrong and he at least deserves to know you're ok and want to speak to him still".

"What if i embarrass myself?".

"I've embarrassed myself multiple times in front of jackie when we were getting together, nothing you can do can be any worse then that...so i think you'll be just fine. As long as you keep yourself together and be honest with him, like we said before if he doesn't want you around anymore...that's on him. And if you need any help, i'm always here for you ok?", marco patted landon's shoulder gently and the demon nodded.

"Ok...going in".

Who knew sending a text could make you so stressful?

Landon had to pull up the conversation texts, nearly bringing back the flood of emotions he had all over again, but he needed to remained focused. Thankfully bernard hadn't said much about the video directly. No all of his texts were mostly asking for landon and if he was ok. Landon's absence must've really worried him and he was probably freaking out since landon talked to him so often.

All of their talks going to nothing was like whiplash, and it made both of them feel sorta empty on the inside.

Landon: Hey, can we talk?

It was short, but sweet, he just hoped bernard didn't well...get into the whole deal right away. He wanted bernard to just agree to meet up and not address what had happened until then, otherwise he might start freaking out again. He didn't even know when bernard might get the text, and the anticipation was going to kill him in the mean-

Quickly a response was texted out.

Had bernard been waiting near his phone for a response?

Bernard: Yes

Landon gulped, thankful he didn't mention..."It", marco looking over his shoulder and nodding to him.

Landon: I'll come to you, tomorrow, k?

God he must sound so much like an idiot but if bernard thought so he didn't say it.

Bernard: Ok

He felt a sigh of relief, ok, he got that part of the whole thing taken care of. Now they just had to meet up, and talk about landon's confession, and hopefully avoid making things more awkward between them. Something that was easier siad then done and made his stomach churn just thinking about it. But marco seemed impressed so far, hugging landon gently and prepping him up.

"See, that wasn't so bad?", they were being as encouraging and supportive as possible but they weren't at the worst part yet. Landon was going to have this conversation alone, one on one, so marco couldn't be there to tell him what to do or say. He was just going to have to go in there and do his best, and social skills weren't exactly something he was well known for.

"I'm gonna make a fool outta myself...aren't I?".

Marco chuckled and shook their head, "Have more faith in yourself landon, it'll be ok, just do your best...you can prep for tomorrow. In the meantime, we can take a break from this and you can help me with something real quick". Honestly a break away from this sounded like more then a good idea right now, landon following marco as they made it into marco's redecorated office.

Having the castle back in order was great, and a great excuse to change up some things.

Though why marco needed landon here was unclear until marco pulled out some papers, "Alright so the thing is we're going to try sky's plan and spy a little on the bar you hanged out at...wait no, it was a coffee ship right?". Landon's face annoyed, did he look like someone who spent his time sneaking into bars? Marco laughing it off as they continued.

"Anyway, you know it better then anyone and we were hoping you could help".

"Like...with what? I just hung out in the box all the time, i'm not much useful for anything but that, the place isn't very big you won't get lost or-".

"No no", the human continued, "We want you to play, and be in on the undercover thing".

Landon stumbled for a minute, trying to process what his mom just asked of him. "Wait, you really want me to be involved in this plan stuff? You don't even really know if it'll help, we might just waste our time in there, it's not like the criminal will just waltz into another food spot and hide inside...like...what are the chances?". Marco agreed of course, but it was more then that.

"Landon, we know, we just also know this place you went to gathered some strange characters as well, so it's a good place to get some gossip...hearing from citizens might help, and it might be better to just keep ourselves hidden just in case of hidden enemies...you have to at least admit it might be good to hear from people outside of just us...and if it makes you feel any better...it's not just there, this is just the underworld spy crew".

Landon raised an eyebrow, "Wait, you got more?".

"We do, this is just the only one that involves disguises sky made...we're not fools landon, the more info we get the better...we can then figure out more information...maybe even where they're hiding. Your coffee shop is just perfect because all kinds of people go there, but it's so small we might not draw too much of a crowd who will know who we are".

"I dunno if you want me...i'm not good at these mission things, every time i go on a mission with any of you things go horribly wrong...", by marco insisted, "I'm coming with to keep you all safe...we want you because not only do you know the place, you're also a musician, you're perfect to tag along with the girls in disguise because you can perform in the back and access places we can't".

"Are you sure it's good to bring me though? I...i don't want to risk getting hurt...one of the last times i was in there...i almost got into a fight".

Marco's tune suddenly changed, quickly back to comforting the demon, "Wait...you almost got into a fight in there? Landon...i had no idea, how come you never brought this up?". The boy shrugging, "I never wanted you to know i was sneaking over there and hanging out in the royal booth place...for privacy...admitting that happened meaned admitting my place and...i might lose it".

"Landon...".

"It's great you want to trust us more and are getting me involved, but i'm dead weight".

"Well, i can't make you if you don't want to, so if you can't it's ok i'll just find someone else or handle it on our own. I'm glad you're not hurt...i had no idea that place could really get so...dangerous...maybe i should consider getting better protection if we're taking the girls into this...we spread out so many of our guards to spy at this point we're getting low on people we can use".

"Is that why there's not as many guards around?", landon hadn't been paying that much attention but he could tell the place wasn't as swarming with guards as it used to be, not since they sent the underworld works back home. "Well, we had no choice, though we would prefer to keep as many here as possible we need people out there to help us find this person...so it's just something we had to go...so we're going to be protecting our own place mainly...".

Something about that seemed to make landon more uneasy.

"Actually, i'll go".

Marco raised an eyebrow, "Are you sure, what changed your mind?".

"Well, i feel safer around you guys then well...being here without you actually...", he was biting his lips rather nervously, "I wasn't here when they attacked but well...judging by how terrfied angel and sky were of it...i might prefer to not be the next person kidnapped like that so...and i guess it would help me perform in front of people".

"You can back out if you want-".

"No, i'll go, you helped me i'll help you, even if i think the idea might not go anywhere...but...if you ask me, your best chance of getting anything...is by going to the performing arts showcase...lotta people show up there. I mean anyone can just ask to perform there for the evening but the busiest i see the place is during performing arts nights where many people show up to see many different professionals perform...would draw a large crowd".

Marco smiled.

"And you thought you were dead weight, c'mon landon,".

Landon blushed profusely, "I guess i know some things since i've been outside the castle more then judas or mason, even if i'm not that skilled with magic and fighting and everything you guys are skilled with. But don't expect me to know everything, i've just been there long enough to know what the best food is and whose the best performers and whose regulars there and all of that.".

"Well, you think that's useless, but i think that might be rather handy...not every hero needs to be a powerful fighter landon, sometimes the best heroes are the ones who are observant, know what to avoid and what not, one thing about you i don't think enough people notice is you're good at observing, you can tell when someone seems trustworthy or not and you notice things others don't".

"I mean, i guess you're not wrong about that-".

He never really noticed this about himself before now, never even considered it.

"You're not useless landon, you're more handy then you know, we all have our skills".

He thought for a moment, before fiddling his hands together, "Hey mom...i know your keeping the wand away from me for now but...my markings and everything...i really do want to learn". Marco understood, arm wrapped around them as they headed out of the office, "I know you do, and i'll help you...but not now...it's not a good time with everything else...there will be time when things die down".

"But i could help...i've seen you do powerful magic".

"Yeah but i'm trained, you're not, and right now we just have bigger things to worry about...it's going to have to wait...i'm really happy to see you're excited about these new powers but they're dangerous for you to learn without help and help isn't ready yet". God, he would be so grounded when his mom found out he had been trying to do magic without any help.

"Eclipsa is willing to teach me...", he mumbled, grumpily, stopping marco in their tracks.

"Wait...she said that? I'm not sure she has to time to be dealing with that, she no longer can even teach angel and sky anymore! As nice as that offer is, she doesn't even fully know how our magic is...sure it has many similarities to butterfly magic but not completely. What we have is unique to us landon, and it took both star and tom to help me get a grasp on it...eclipsa can only go so far".

"But this is important to me, why is this any different then helping me with bernard and taking time into that?", he didn't meant to come off so rude when he said that but it kinda just came out that way and marco's face quickly grew upset. "Landon, helping you with your personal relationships is one thing, helping you learn magic is another, the least i can do at this time is help you deal with your crush, and deal with your emotions...but learning magic takes months...years...time we do not have".

"I just...mom, i never feel like anyone pays much attention to me...you guys always focus so much on judas and landon and...now something crazy just happened to me and none of you want to even help me with it or anything...i'm not trying to take up your time but like...", oh great, now he was getting emotional again, but at least marco hadn't left or anything.

"Oh landon, we're never trying to isolate you...your older brother is cursed and your younger brother is still growing...we had to give them extra attention to help them, we never meant to hurt you like that ." Landon was silent, mumbling as marco continued their speak, "I'm sorry we haven't given you the time we should, we're busy so often...and i guess time gets ahead of us...we should've taken more time for your specifically".

"I...know you never meant anything by it..."

He limply shrugged his shoulders, "I know you and dad don't hate me or want to hurt me...or love me less, i just feel...so alone sometimes...like i don't matter or my interests don't matter...like i want...my issues to be at the center at some point. I guess it's selfish to want that but...sometimes i feel so alone in our family...like i don't matter as much".

Marco touched landon's face gently, thumbs tracing his cheeks and wiping some fresh tears, "Landon, we love you so much, you matter a lot to us, we should've done better for you as parents, that's entirely on us and you have nothing to be ashamed about. I wish you told us this sooner, but i promise we'll do better from now on when it comes to you especially".

Landon believed his mom, but-.

"You're still not going to teach me magic though...i can tell".

"Not now, but...i will, i promise", marco quickly kissed the boy's cheek and sighed, "I'm glad we talked about this, i felt neglected a lot too when i was a kid, and at the time i didn't even have siblings yet, my parents were just busy with each other to pay me much attention. The last thing i need is to repeat the same problems with my own kids if i can help it, i know all the issues that came with that weren't really...great".

"We...have a lot more in common then i thought", the teen mumbled, "I guess it's no wonder we get along and everything, super weird though". Marco smirked, "You're just a little me, my baby boy. I think it's cute, glad tom didn't hog all the genes for you three...and i must admit, it's nice having someone who can understand what i dealt with...when it came to having magic...i got so confused...and scared even". Landon wiped away his embarrassment to change the subject before his mom could come up with more cute nicknames for him.

"Did you ever hurt anyone?".

Marco eyed their son like they thought they were being accused of something and landon quickly changed their tune before they hit a nerve.

"Look, magic is super dangerous, i just wanted to know if things ever went crazy when you tried to use it...like with sky and her mom sometimes.", it was also to make him feel better about how his magic had been going so far but marco didn't need to know anything about that aspect. The human shyly nodding, "Yeah...a few times, but it's all part of the learning process.".

"And it didn't scare you off?".

"Landon, you've known me, you know i don't get scared that easily. I've fought things bigger then our castle, learning magic is just like learning any new dangerous skill. It starts off scary and freaking you out but surely and slowly you get things together and suddenly you can handle it better. Every queen has had their fair share of mistakes, you're bound to make some".

"How bad did it get?".

"Well i did once send your father to a new dimension, but he came back in one piece", the laughed at the memory, "We got pretty crazy back then, but we always had each other, i never would've known what i was doing without them". Landon felt himself welt up, he really was trying to learn without any help, sky didn't even want to really help him, worried he was up to something.

Which he was, but still.

"Mom, do you worry about what'll happen when i'm able to do magic like you do?", the queen eyeing him curiously before snickering, "Landon, you've gotten into a lot of trouble recently but no, i'm not worried, you and your brothers are very sweet young men and i trust you'll be careful. I mean you might get into danger a few times but i think in the end you'll do the right thing".

Great, more stuff to make landon's insides jump around like crazy, exactly what he needed right about now.

"Hey...with jude's curse, if he's really been controlling it the entire time...does that mean we're not in danger anymore? Like...it's not alive and everything so...things should be fine now right?", though marco looked like they wanted to say yes, they shook their head. "It's emotion based...it reacts based on stress and anxiety, and...if judas doesn't know what he's doing...it can act up".

"So you're saying judas can still kill us in his sleep if unchecked...?".

Marco gritted their teeth, attempting to smile through them, "Yeahhhhh, but we should be fine, we can sort it out". That did not ease landon's mind at all, not even a little bit, "Well then i hope for our sakes he's in control of his own mind enough to make sure his mind doesn't make a giant scary monster appendage kill us off without him being able to handle it", he huffed under his breath.

"Well as long as he keeps that charm on, at the very least his mind will be free of intrusion. He's been going to bed with it on, i don't think he'll be taking it off anytime soon".

They headed on their way to inform sky of landon's recent indoctrination into their team , landon following behind with a lot of stuff currently on his mind. Mostly about whether he should admit to what he was doing to his mom. His mom was his most trusted person ever, he should say something about this to them. But if he did he would be in more trouble and sky might find out what he was doing.

And if she knew, everyone else would know too.

And she just so happened to be the person who knew landon wanted to magically attack the creature in the mask, which would just make him look even worst then he already did.

"Landon? You're being quiet, anything else on your mind?", their voice suddenly made landon jump, guess he had been lost in his thoughts for the moment. His mother seemed actually rather suspicious, landon going back to silence. "Landon, look, you've gotten yourself into a lot of trouble lately by trying to do things alone, and i know you don't want to do things alone, you want help...right?".

"Yeah", landon said, without hesitation.

"Honesty is important landon, especially in a team, no more going behind people's backs...you need to start telling people things, Every time you've done so it's made things rough...with everyone, you know that right?". They were starting to sound a little stern and that's when landon really knew he was in trouble, "I know you've had a hard time, especially with people...but...it'll be harder to work together if you're not open with them...".

They finally made it to sky's bedroom and marco sighed at their son's silence, "Landon, i won't force you to talk if you choose not to, but if you're keeping more secrets from us...i just want you to know...be careful ok?". Landon swallowed the spit in his throat as marco knocked on the door, he could always tell when his mother was disappointed in him.

The guilt welting up inside him.

Sure, the magic thing wasn't a huge deal but at the same time...maybe it was a big deal, especially to everyone around him. His mother had just helped him deal with his crush and now he was ending that off keeping his mouth shut about trying magic alone. He didn't know why he was like this, why he both wanted company and pushed everyone away at the same time.

He felt like such an idiot.

"Sky, we're here, and landon said he's going to help!", sky opened the door, sunny and lexi already inside and inviting them in. "Good, cause this is going to be annoying enough as is, i've never in my life had to memorize a script and try and get it somewhat perfect...at least having another face there might make this whole thing a tad less awkward then it already will be".

"Oh sky, it won't be so bad...at worst, i'll take over for you...plus, we get to see sunny perform and that's never a bad thing".

"Yeah but...it's just for the night right? I'm pretty sure if we go there TOO much we might freak people out, i doubt no one is gonna notice who we are eventually...especially you and me, you run the literally underworld this is taking place in...". Marco smirking, "Well, that's probably why I'm attending as myself then trying to play a character, at least you girls get masks".

"They do?", the demon boy perked up, "Can i have one?".

Last thing he wanted was for everyone to see his face right about now, or...anytime really.

"Considering i'm helping design you all masquerade outfits for jude's party, yeah, you can have an extra i got lying around".

"That's a lot of work sky, maybe you should take a break, we could always get some designers to help you out", marco noticed how sleep deprived sky was starting to look, having to go back and forth between so many people in the last few days. She had to see judas, and angel and his family, check up on nora, meet with her mom, even meet with meteora or jackie under some circumstances.

And that wasn't even all of them.

She had to see luna, go over what eclipsa was finding, and of course help sunny with these outfits which also took hours of time.

She had to be exhausted.

"But-", she yawned, only proving marco's point.

"You're still a kid sky, this is starting to become too much, we'll spread these responsibilities around some more...so you don't have to do so much...get you some help if you wanna do the costumes". That's when sunny headed up, holding sky's sketchbook, "She's made some REALLY cool designs! her art is so pretty you guys gotta check these out!".

Sky blushing furiously as sunny scrolled through the book for the lucitors.

Even landon seemed impressed, momentarily distracted from his guilt.

"You make stuff like crazy...how did you design this many outfits?", sky pointing to her compact, "Me and mel talk a lot more these days, she's crazy about that kinda stuff, she sent me like...a million refs for me to use...so thank her on that one...she even wanted to come herself even though i said it was a bad idea. But knowing her, she'll make her own outfit and join anyway".

She yawned again, "Anyways, how'd the crush thing go? You uh...get that whole deal handled?". Landon blushing red before crossing his arms, "Yeah, by tomorrow we'll have it figured out...i hope.". Marco looked over their script and back to sunny, "Ok, so landon has a few more details about the place we're going to, so he can get your all updated for this sneak session".

"You sure anyone of importance will even show up?".

"Worth a shot".

"It better be worth it for me to lose so much sleep over it and have to perform in front of tons or people i don't know, i've had to fight some seriously messed up stuff and yet...this is still some of the worst stuff i've had to do", she still hadn't forgotten the last time she had to perform and nearly killed her mom, she was sure something like that would happen again if she didn't break her wand.

"Sky it'll be fun, think of it like...practicing with angel and stuff!", sunny's words waking sky up from ehr tiredness, before she rapidly started grabbing stuff.

"Shoot shoot, today was the day and and angel planned to hang out for his...make up thing".

"Wait, you're still doing that? At this point i figured you guys wouldn't even bother with the whole thing".

Sky quickly grabbed her stuff, "Yeah we decided to do it today since i made a little free time and he was comfortable with his mom being safe for a bit, not that we're going anywhere, just meeting up in the garden to eat and stuff...i can't be late for that, he's been freaking out so much when it comes to trying to make things up to me for so long and-".

"Sky, hold up, we haven't gone too into-".

"Just talk to sunny, i'll see you later, bye!", and she left quickly before anyone got a chance to stop her, marco looking at sunny, who shrugged and giggled at sky leaving in such a rush, "It's ok, this is important to her too, she and angel had a lot of tension so i think she's happy for them to finally move on from it and have a nice moment together".

"Well, she could've said something a bit earlier, but alright, we'll just handle things together right now"., marco took a seat on sky's bed, stepping over the messy floor that made them tense up. They were always so clean themselves and seeing this...really got to them, though it was barely much different then tom's and their room on certain occasions.

Figures star would let this slide tho.

"Ok sunny, update us".

"Well, lexi has been really shining, she has some great ideas for a proper trap we can set up, we're thinking we could bring back sky's bubble charm and encase the culprit with it, they wouldn't be able to move so it's perfect to catch them without anything bad happening! We're thinking maybe we can bug a fake wand with the charm or something, as soon as they touch it...BAM!".

She motioned a big bubble.

"Caught".

Landon actually seemed impressed with the idea, it could actually work, that was the kinda creative thinking he wanted to do when it came to magic. "Huh, that's a decent idea...but like...just in case, you guys have like...a backup plan? At this point i'm just expecting things not to go well because they never go well...so i'm just gonna hope you guys are prepared".

Sunny looked over to galexia, "Well, kinda...but it's not as safe, mostly because it requires putting the entire room possible to sleep and with them wearing a full mask it's hard to say how much that would work...i guess they do breath under that thing though". Landon and both marco's faces were in full agreement, that that was a very poor backup plan if things went bad.

"Uh...sunny, maybe we outta avoid sleep spells...last thing we need is to put anyone in serious harm and sleeping will make way too many of us incapacitated unless we're all wearing masks...and not the masquerade kind either", the demon girl smiling sheepishy, "Yeahhhh i guess you're right, we haven't been sure what to do...it's too risky to attack".

"Well here's an idea...maybe we could paralyze her?".

Marco looked over to landon questionably, "Look, angel can...vemon bite people right? Makes them freeze up? Either that or sky tazes her, clearly that's worked out pretty well at stopping people". He was mostly rambling but marco actually quickly seemed to be taking it seriously, "Y'know what landon? That's not a bad idea, that would actually work".

The contemplated a little before ushering them together as a group for a huddle, "Ok, here's an idea-".


"Sorry i'm a bit late-".

"We can reschedule if you-".

"NO!".

Sky plopped herself down on the blanket, nearly all out of breath as she looked to angel with an embarrassed expression. "You put a lot of work into this, i won't make you push it forward even more then you have...". She dumped out her bag to reveal the treats she brought, "Can't forget the rolls, though i did bring some other treats from the kitchen too".

Angel then noticed the snacks engrained with insects, food from his own kingdom and his gaze turned soft. "You asked the chefs to make food from my home? That's...really nice of you...thanks sky". Sky shrugged before grabbing a sandwich from a nearby platter, "It's good, i know this whole thing isn't much, but it's a good start...i'm happy having an excuse to have a break".

Angel eyed her over, taking a roll instantly, "You look tired...more tired then you looked before...are you ok?". Sky sighed, taking another bite, "No, i am pretty tired...taking over for judas really showed me how much he carries the team...not that this is all him, i'm the only one who can make all these good outfits anyway...and meet with my mom so much".

"I'll help if you need...", the prince said without hesitation, "You don't have to do all this by yourself, you can just ask and we'll help you out with all of this, you shouldn't have to do everything". But sky was quick to shut him down, "Angel we're already asking a lot of you to make you bait, not to mention everything with your mom right now, i can't ask of you to do this stuff too".

"Sky, you need to care about you too? Right?".

"Well, yeah...but...you all need me right now...i can't...get lazy", she sunk her shoulders, "I've slacked off before, and this isn't the time to do it, not after what happened, i don't want to be the reason things go horribly wrong all over again, i want things to go well and be handled well so i never have to worry about you all again like i did before now".

Angel hesitated before patting the girl's shoulder, "I don't...think that makes you lazy...i think it just means you need time to yourself to make sure you handle everything else even better, right? You can't protect us if you're falling asleep". She mulled over his words, shifting in her seat, "I've just been...seen as such a weak queen for so long and i want to prove myself...now i have a real chance and...it's a lot...i have to admit".

"Yeah, i can see that...but queens also need help right? We said we'd help each other...so...lets continue to do that, remember...you don't have to prove yourself to anyone, we already know how cool you are". Sky snickered, "Reminding me of my own lessons, thanks, i needed to hear all of that...i get too caught up in all of this pressure sometimes...".

"Well it's not being helped with...all of this".

She laughed, "No you're right about that, but i guess in a way it sorta did me some good, i've never felt more...in charge before. Judas usually was the leader in most cases and now...i am...i get to make the calls for once and get out of my comfort zone...so i guess in the end it isn't all bad...even if it does leave me super tired all the time and overworked."

"We can end the evening early if you want to sleep more or something-".

She quickly put a hand over his mouth, "I'm spending this time with you, i'll sleep later...when i get the chance, besides...it's not like i can canc-". Then she looked over to see him texting on the compact he was gifted, curiously looking up at him, "Uh...what's up?". Angel looking back at her like he'd been caught doing something bad, "I...just cleared your schedule, found someone to take up all your other occupations today so you can rest".

"Wait...what?", the princess quickly tried to process what angel said, baffled.

"You now have the rest of the day off, you're free today".

Sky was stunned, "How'd you do that so quickly?".

"Sky, you have a lot of people who can help with some of these tasks...i just asked if they wanted to handle them themselves and they said yes. So now you have katrina checking on luna, nora is going to help sunny, and your other mom is helping eclipsa". He said that like it was so easy, did they all have nothing else to do but help? Of were they helping because she was sky?

Angel blushed as sky kept looking at him, "Look, i uh...i've been trying to get more social...with other people, so well...i have a lot of their numbers now, and well...so yeah i'm going to take advantage of it to help. You need more rest, and time to chill, so i'm giving you time to chill if you want. Otherwise you might pass out from just sitting here and that wouldn't exactly be any real fun for me".

"I'm...impressed, you got them to help...easily".

Angel rubbed at his arms, red faced, "They just...really care about you...and well...i've gotten better at...talking to people". He actually kinda thought sky might be mad at him for taking away her plans for the day, but she actually didn't seem mad at all. She patted him on the shoulder, "Well, hey...if we get more time to hang out today and do some crazy stuff, i can't complain too much".

"You...really wanna hang out with me for the rest of the day?".

"Well, i kinda have to now don't i?".

She was teasing him, and he felt his ears flicker.

"Thanks angel...i guess you're right...i need a little more time off to breath...things are just...getting a little ahead of me And well...i'm worried...", she went a little silent, "If things go poorly, you might get hurt...you more then anyone else. I just want things to go smoothly, i'm tired of watching you all get hurt...and if things go wrong we might not get another chance".

"I know what you mean...but i think i'll be ok, if you're protecting me".

"Angel, you know we're not that strong at magic, i don't even have my wand anymore! I want to protect you, and i said i would, but i'm worried i won't be able to...i've...never done magic without my wand. That's something your species has over ours, you don't need a wand, i do...for now...i can't do what you do without more time to practice".

"Well, maybe it's a good time to start...practicing...i could...teach you what i know? And well, you've heard of the dipping down thing right? We have something similar...so maybe...we could work on it...together?", he was making it sound more awkward then it needed to be. But they did make a great team when it came to learning magic together, "Maybe it's too much, but if you want-".

"Actually, i like that idea...until my wand gets fixed".

She sent him a nice smile and a hair ruffle, "In fact, we got extra time now, let's start after this...". She nodded to the open garden, the perfect place for them to practice their magic attacks, Angel staring at his hands. He hadn't done magic in a little while and he still remembered when he went beast mode a little too well but...they needed anything they could get now to protect themselves.

"Sure, couldn't hurt".

She noticed him staring at his hands before grabbing one of them, trying to relax him.

"Hey...thank you, for...everything. Really...you're...you're a great prince angel".

Angel's ears pressing against his face, "Hey, thanks for well...giving me a chance...i know i don't deserve one...but...it means a lot to me".

"Bug sandwich?", sky said, picking up one before handing angel one.

He raised to it the air, asking sky for a toast.

"To the plan?".

She snickered, bumping the foods together.

"To the plan, and no more of us in danger ever again".