Hey you guys! I'm back with another chapter of The Six Star Templars of the Butterfly Kingdom! Last chapter had us seeing Marco in his first battle as a squire and it was against Higgs of all people. Marco went along to win the match, while also making an enemy of Sir Stabby in the process.
Now in this chapter, we'll be going through the events of MY version of "Trial by Squire". That's right, my story will be having a complete re-telling of this episode and doing something the canon episode didn't do. Marco will still be getting equipment and the essentials for his training, but he'll also be getting some ACTUAL tips from the other squires (I plan on adding a couple of OC squires and knights. The regular selection we have from the show won't be enough to work with.).
We'll also be getting little teasers into Marco's abilities that he'll discover as the story goes on. Now before I let you go to read what happens, can I ask you guys how are you liking the story so far? I know it's only a couple of chapter longs so far, but I just wanted to ask. Please leave your comments in the reviews. And without further delay, let's begin.
Chapter 5: Mewman Nobility & Squire Trials Begin
It's been a few days since Marco's return to Mewni and El and Jenny's introduction to Star and her parents.
Following the sparring match between Marco and Higgs, the people both in and outside the castle have been talking non-stop about how well Marco performed. Considering that the boy's opponent was someone who was being trained by a knight as well-known as Sir Stabby, it was a shock and surprise to see someone who looked as if he'd never held a sword before to not only fight on par with but also win over against them.
Today, Marco was currently doing 85 push-ups as part of a five-step stamina training regimen that El said his older sister put him through when he was training to become a knight.
Star was watching from a far while Jenny was sitting… on Marco's back… as he did the push-ups.
Now normally, Star would hear Marco start to complain about having to do 85 push-ups at 6:34 am. Add to the fact, he had to do them with a teenage robot girl who weighed about 600 lbs. But to her complete shock and astonishment, Marco hadn't complained once about the push-ups or having to them with Jenny on his back the entire time.
"Hey Jenny," Star asked. "How much more does he have left?"
"He's up to… 69 so far." Jenny said as she checked the counter built into her arm. "He's almost about done."
"Whoa. I've just… I've never seen Marco this determined before." Star said. "I mean I have seen when Marco really puts his mind to something, he can do it no problem at all. But this? This is something else altogether."
"Maybe there are just somethings that we never discovered about ourselves. And in finding out about them, we see what more we're really capable of." Jenny explained. "Well, that's what I've heard during my time traveling with El."
After about 8 to 11 more minutes, Marco finishes his 85 push-ups. Once Jenny had hopped off his back, Marco sat himself up as Star walked over and handed him a towel to whip himself off with.
"Thanks Star." Marco said as he graciously accepts the towel.
"No problem. I'm just surprised at how gung-ho you are about all of this Marco." Star said as she sat down next to him, looking over his appearance at the moment.
Currently Marco was wearing one of his new 'altered' outfits that Star had requested El make for him.
It consisted of a black/red wife beater, black shorts, white ankle socks and a pair of black/red trainers. Lastly, El gave Marco a silver chain with three charms attached that went around his neck. The three charms were miniature versions of three different swords. The first was in the shape of a claymore, the second was in the shape of a katana and the last one was in the shape of Marco's sword.
"By the way, you never said why El gave you that charm necklace you're wearing." Star said as she pointed to the item of discussion.
"Oh right. He said it was a sort of 'congratulations gift' on wining my first duel as an official squire." Marco explained as he fiddled with one of the charms of his necklace. "It is kind of cool though. I'm still kind of amazed at how well I did in that match with Higgs yesterday."
"Marco come on, I never doubted you'd do great." Star said as she hugged him. "And it was one of the rare chances I got to see you fight on your own against someone who's the same age as you and me."
"Plus, you had a couple of factors that were stacked in your favor from the get-go too." Jenny said. "For starters you have about 30 years' worth of experience to draw from due to that whole thing with Hekapoo."
"Oh yeah, your right Jenny." Star said. "So, when you think about it Marco, you sort of already had Higgs beat when it came to fighting experience."
"Experience I had forgotten about until I was reminded of it until a day ago Star." Marco pointed out.
"Meh, tomato-tomoto Marco." Star waved off. "So, what was the other factor in Marco's favor Jenny?"
"Well, the other surprisingly was the difference in their fighting styles." Jenny said.
"The difference?" Star asked confused on what Jenny meant. "But they both fought using the two-handed sword style."
"While that's true, there was a difference in how they both used the style Star." Jenny said. "Marco's two-handed style had a more controlled and adaptive flow to it. Higgs on the other hand, her style was simply her using pure brute force to try and push through. That type of style against the one Marco uses? The other person would basically be saying "I'm giving you about 50 different ways to beat me, go ahead and pick any that you like"." She explained.
"O-kay. Then why is Higgs using a style like that if she's squire to a well-known knight like that Sir Stabby guy?" Marco asked.
"That's a good question. Sir Stabby would usually use either his sword or a pair of daggers he carries, and his fighting style is usually him using quick and precise attacks." Star explained. "So, I thought he would have taught Higgs to fight that way."
"Well either he didn't bother to show her, or he thought his style was too good for the kid."
The three turn and see El walking over to them in his usually attire.
"And where the heck we're you at?" Jenny asked. "Marco's already finished those 85 push-ups you asked his to do. With me on his back, just like you insanely asked."
"It wasn't insane miss crabby bolts. It's good to start the day with a bit of an intense warm-up every now and then." El explained. "Anyway Star, your mother's looking for. Said something about you needing to be present for when the representative of House Enfield comes to the castle today?"
"Oh Corn Husks! That's right!" Star shouted as she shot to her feet. "Mom said that Claudia and her parents were coming to the castle today to talk about some stuff." She said as she grabbed Marco and rushed off back to the castle to get ready.
"Um… is there a reason why she took off running with Marco?" Jenny asked to which El snickered.
"Oh well, Star wanted to know if there was a way for her to hang out with Marco despite the fact that he's my squire." El said.
"And? What did you tell her?"
"I said she didn't need to ask. If she wants to hang out with him, I'm not going to stop and say no." El said. "Aside from his training and certain…. Other things he'll need to know about, he can spend time with his friends and reconnect with them."
"Wow, that's really considerate of you." Jenny said.
"Which makes me an overall good teacher." El said. "Anyway, overheard you guys talking about the way Higgs was fighting in the match she had with Marco. The fact that her knight didn't bother to at least show her his own fighting style, tells me about everything I need to know about his character and why he really wanted a squire." He said a bit frustrated.
"So when do we tell Queen Moon about this jerk?" Jenny asked.
"Eventually. For now, I say we make our way back to the castle and meet the nobility of Mewni for ourselves." El said as he began walking away.
"Sigh, alright." Jenny said as she began to follow. "They just better not be uptight, snooty jerks. That's all I'm saying."
"Don't worry. Queen Moon said that this family has been a longtime friend of the Butterflies." El said smiling. "In fact, the family's eldest daughter and Star get along pretty well despite the age gap."
"Really? How old is she compared to Star?" Jenny asked.
"She's about three years older than Star and Marco, so that makes her 17." El said.
"Wouldn't that make her around two years younger than you?" Jenny asked.
"Your point being?" El asked curiously.
"That the things teenagers are able to do now is a lot different from what I remember." She said as she continued following after El.
Back at Castle Butterfly in the castle garden, a young girl was currently admiring the many flowers. She had wavy blonde hair with split bangs at the crown of her head, and purple eyes. She was wearing a simple white sun dress, white heeled sandals, and a sun hat.
"It's nice to see this place is still as tranquil as it ever was." The young girl said as she moved to admire the rest of the garden. "My it seems as if the roses are especially beautiful today."
The young girl soon heard what sounded like chains being dragged along the ground behind her. She turns around and was surprised at what she was seeing.
Moving to one of the garden's benches while dragging a large chain that was attached to her ankle was none other than the former Queen of Mewni, Eclipsa Butterfly. Or as she more known as Eclipsa the Queen of Darkness.
'Well, I wasn't expecting to see the 'Queen of Darkness' during my visit to the kingdom today.' She thought curiously as she decided to make her presence known.
"Good day to you." The young girl said getting Eclipsa's attention.
"Oh, Good day to you as well my dear." Eclipsa said. "My apologies, I didn't think I'd be seeing anyone else in the garden today."
"It's fine. I certainty wasn't expecting to meet one of the former Queens of friend's kingdom." The girl said politely.
"So your one Star's friends then dear?" Eclipsa asked.
"Yes. Claudia Enfield, only child to the Noble House Enfield of the Kingdom of Mewni." Claudia introduced as she did a small curtsy while smiling kindly to the former queen.
"Eclipsa Butterfly, a pleasure dear." Eclipsa said while doing a curtsy of her own which caused both to laugh. "So what brings a charming young lady such as yourself here to the castle today?"
"Nothing much really. Just my parents discussing and going over a few things with Queen Moon is all." Claudia said as she took a seat next to Eclipsa. "I was hoping to have run into Star to ask her about all the excitement that happened a few days prior."
"Oh yes, you just had to be there to see what happened. From what I heard three guests that had come to the castle caused quite the commotion." Eclipsa said. "I believe one of them is the one that she talked a great deal about during stay on earth. What was that young lad's name again?"
'Okay, so one of the people that came to the castle that day was obviously the child of the foster family that Star stayed with when she was sent to earth.' Claudia thought. "Then what about the other two people that also came to the castle?"
"Oh, now those two are defiantly the talk of the town." Eclipsa said. "But between the two of them, the young man who calls himself El has most certainly caused a lot of talk among not only everyone here in Mewni but in a couple of other kingdoms as well." She said.
"El?" Claudia asked.
"Yes. From what I've heard, he's a young man with long red/black hair and wields two swords." Eclipsa explained. "Not much else is known about the lad."
"Hmm… a young knight with long red and black hair, who also duel-wields two swords." Claudia said in contemplation.
As she was thinking about this new information, she didn't notice Star rushing into the garden while still dragging Marco by his arm until she heard her named being called.
"Claudia!"
"Hmm?" Claudia then turned just in time to catch Star as she came flying into her arms for a hug. "What! Star! Hahahaha! I thought I told you to warn me next time you're going to come flying at me like that."
"But I did. I yelled your name; you looked up and caught me." Star said as she continued hugging the older girl.
"Sigh, I guess that does count as you warning me." Claudia said as she hugged Star back. "So… are you going to introduce me to your friend who's probably wondering who I am?" she said looking over at Marco who was scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
"Oh, right haha, I should probably do that." Star said as she let go of her older friend. "Claudia, this is my best friend from earth and soon to be awesome and coolest knight in Mewni, Marco Diaz." She introduced in a grand and impressive voice.
This caused Marco, Claudia, and Eclipsa to start laughing out right.
"Hey! Come on you guys! I'm being serious here!" Star shouted.
"I-I know you are Star," Claudia said in between her laughing, "it's just… hahahaha … the way in how you said that it's just…"
"It's hahaha – it's just a tad bit funny in how you said it Star dear." Eclipsa said still trying and failing to stop laughing.
"Sigh; okay maybe I went a tiny bit over the top with it." Star said a tiny but begrudgingly. "But Claudia if you'd been here at the castle a couple of days ago, then you'd see why I want people to know just how great a knight Marco can be for Mewni." She explained.
"I'm actually quite aware of what took place here Star." Claudia said, surprising Star and Marco. "Word of the match that took place has been moving rather quickly. I wasn't actually planning to come with my parents when that said they'd be going to Mewni to speak with your mother. But once I caught wind of what happened … well … you know I had to come to see if you knew who the people were that caused such an uproar of curiosity."
"Whoa, I didn't think the news would get out so fast." Star said still stunned. "Then again, when it comes to Marco and him doing big things, it will often draw in a crowd."
"Says the magical princess that literally went "butterfly mode" on every boy at an earth school." Marco said, which earned him punch on the arm from Star.
"That was caused by something that I'm naturally supposed to go through buster." Star said.
"Oh I would have loved to see how your mewberty went back then." Claudia said giggling as she walked over and held her hand out. "But before we get to that, I believe an introduction is long overdue. My name is Claudia Enfield and it's a pleasure to meet you Marco Diaz."
"Oh umm… like wise." Marco said nervously as he shook Claudia's hand. "I wasn't aware Star was friends with someone older than me and her. She didn't really go into detail about her social circle when she came to earth to stay with my family." Marco said
"Hmm… now I wonder why she wouldn't tell you about the nobility of her kingdom?" Claudia asked as she looked at Star with a familiar teasing smile that looked normal to Marco but was nerve-shaking to the mewman princess.
"Alright, alright, I forgot. Okay, so stop with the scary smile please!" Star said in a panicked and scared voice. "And it's not like I was never going to talk about you when I was on earth. It just… you know me, new place means new things and new adventures and friends." She explained.
"Which means everything else gets pushed to the back of your head, huh?" Claudia said which made Star laugh sheepishly, knowing her friend had her pegged. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised. So I've met one part of the sudden uproar here in the kingdom, but were are – "
Before Claudia could continue, she's cut-off by two voice entering the garden.
"Told you I'd find the place eventually Jenny."
"You mean only after getting lost for like the 7th time before you finally asked one of the guards for directions."
"I thought I would have the lay of the castle down by now. Cut me some slack."
"You. Are. Impossible!"
El and Jenny enter garden while in the middle of a little back and forth, before stopping when they see everyone looking at them.
El immediately locks onto Claudia and begins making his way over.
"Ah, so you must be the daughter of the nobles visiting Queen Moon today I bet." El said. "Names El, recently appointed knight of the Butterfly Kingdom and teacher to this guy here." He introduced himself while also messing up Marco's hair as Jenny rolled her eyes.
"And My name is Jenny, it's nice to meet you." Jenny said.
"Ask and you shall receive." Star said which confused Jenny a bit. "So long story short guys, this my friend Claudia Enfield and the real reasons she's here is because she wanted to meet you guys and Marco after hearing about how amazing Marco did in the fight with Higgs." Star explained.
"Wait hold on, the words already gotten out about what happened?" Jenny asked.
"Well that didn't take long, ha." El said. "News about a non-mewman beating one that's training to become a knight and same non-mewman suddenly becoming a squire to a mystery knight from lands unknown? That sounds like front page news that would spread very quickly to me."
"Oh trust me, it's spread faster than the news about goblin dogs having chili being added to them." Claudia said.
"Wait, goblin dogs now have chili being to them now!?" Star asked excitedly.
"Not the point Star." Claudia said as she began examining Marco, Jenny, and El. "The point I'm making is that word of a non-mewman besting one being trained to become a knight has brought a lot of activity to the other kingdoms. And the fact that same non-mewman is squire to someone who is a knight around my age, that will cause some of them to start actually being more proactive in how they do things."
"So your saying that up until now, the other kingdoms have just been sitting on their butts doing nothing?" Jenny asked.
"Well given that there aren't really any major concerns at the moment, you can't really fault them for being a bit lax Jenny." El said. "But still, that doesn't mean they can't keep their knights well trained in case of situations."
"Well after hearing you say that dear, I'd find it hard for anyone not to know you're a knight." Eclipsa said.
"I agree with Eclipsa, as would my parents." Claudia said. "Speaking of my parents, I think it's time we go meet with them now Star."
"Of Corn! That's right!" Star said as she grabbed Marco's hand and began to quickly haul him off to the meeting room where her mom and dad were talking with Claudia's parents. "Come on guys! Oh and see ya later Eclipsa!"
"Star wait up!" Jenny said as she quickly jetted after Star as El just snickered followed at a steady pace while waving bye to Eclipsa.
"Hahaha, I don't think I'll ever get tired of seeing Star's innocence shiny like it does." Claudia said.
"Oh, I'm in full agreement with you on that dear." Eclipsa said as she watched the young noble girl follow after the others.
After arriving at the meeting room, Star got chewed of very sternly by Moon for a good 25 minutes. It would have been longer had Claudia not stepped in and diffused Moon's anger, something Star was eternally grateful for.
The young mewman princess was so grateful, she said that if Claudia needed anything from her at all, not to be hesitant to ask her.
"Sigh; Well unless there's anything else that needs to discussed, I think we can conclude today's meeting." River said as he saw that Moon wanted to wrap this up and take a breather.
"Actually, there is one more thing that we would like bring forward." Nicolas Enfield said.
"In fact seeing as this was Claudia's idea, we feel she should be the one to explain what it entails." Isabella Enfield added as her daughter stepped forward to explain.
"Thank you very much mother." Claudia said as she bowed her head slightly to her mother who did the same in return. "Now before I present my suggestion, can I assume that you are aware of the news that is currently circulating throughout all the other kingdoms, Queen Moon?" she asked.
Moon sighed before responding, "Yes dear Claudia, I'm aware that the… spectacle… that took place not too long ago in our kingdom has caused a massive stir among the others." She said while looking over at Marco, Jenny, and El.
"I don't think you need to feel as if you've caused unrest throughout Mewni, Moon." Nicolas said. "It's not as if you could've have predicted how people would react to seeing the young man here besting a young squire of your kingdom."
"My husband's right Moon. Also from what I've heard there are a couple of people who have been blowing the event out of proportion when they were talking about it." Isabella said. "For example, I heard one person saying how the young man utterly overwhelmed his opponent. Another said how he actually broke their sword in two. And this latest one was… well… let's just say it was completely over the top." She said shaking her head in amusement.
"Whoa, you guys impressed even more people than I thought!" Star cheered.
"Wasn't really trying to Star." Marco said trying to hide his embarrassment.
"Now I'm starting to feel like I have a thousand eyes looking at me now." Jenny said feeling just as embarrassed.
El just scratched his head as he didn't seem too bothered by the fact.
"Okay then. Seeing as that's now out of the way, allow to explain my idea." Claudia said, bringing the room's attention back to her. "I propose we host an event in where all the current squires of the other kingdoms can come and compete against each other. Of course there will be prizes, but that's not the main thing to take away from this event." She says. "My hope for all this is that the squires of the different kingdoms may learn something new from each other which they can use to help better themselves and their kingdoms." She explained.
"That sounds like an absolutely amazing idea!" River said. "The next generation of knights learning new things from one another, building bonds. The whole thing reminds me of my starting days with my family."
"Though a bit more organized River." Moon said. "Idea itself does sound interesting, but you would have to both explain and get the other kingdoms to…oh. " But before Moon could finish her sentence, she saw a certain look in Claudia's eyes that told her that she had already taken everything into account. "I'm assuming you've already spoken with the other kingdom before coming here today?"
"Of course, Queen Moon." Claudia said. "I've even informed them of the time and place that the event will be taking place. It's set to take place 4 weeks from today, which should be plenty of time for everyone to get ready."
"The event will comprise of several different tests; each one will require the participants to work with one another or find the solution on their own." Isabella explained.
"Also at the end of each test, the squires will be teleported to a different site where the next one is being held." Nicolas added. "This will also teach the young squires to adapt to changes in their locations."
"This whole thing sounds awesome!" Star said. "I can't wait to see how this whole thing goes!"
"Star you do realize this event is being held for the squires to help improve and offer different means of bettering themselves, right?" Moon said.
"I know Mom, but that doesn't I can't be excited about watching Marco take part in this."
"True Star," River said as he hopped onto the table, "Marco along with the other squires of the kingdom will be showing the other royals that Butterfly Kingdom have future warriors ready to protect it!"
"Yeah!" Star shouted along with her father as Moon shock her head while Claudia and her parents tried not to laugh out loud.
After the meeting and Claudia's departure, Star, Marco, Jenny and El went to Star's room to discuss on how best to prepare for the coming event.
"You want to What Star!?" Marco asked wanting to make sure he heard his best friend right.
"You heard me Diaz," Star said as she dug out everything from her closet, "I'm going to be helping El super train your butt off for the squire competition." She said as pulled out the armor she wore when Marco explained to her what football was back on earth.
"I've got no issue with the idea really." El said. "Star being the wild card she is; her type of training may help Marco." El said.
"I'm not against Star wanting to help me get ready, I just don't want her going TOO over the top with it." Marco said.
"Marco if Claudia's the one putting this whole thing together, then me going over the top with your training is what's defiantly needed here." Star said.
"What do you mean Star?" Jenny asked.
"Ever since I met Claudia, I've learned one solid fact about her." Star said. "She is…. Like a 17-year-old version of me. Only when she does stuff, she goes in… hard. And by the end of it all, you'll feel like you lost an old part of yourself… and got a super cool new part that makes you feel like you can take on the world!" she said excitedly.
"Huh?" was all Marco said. "Claudia does something like that?"
"Well, that's how I feel whenever me and her spare with each other." Star said as she continued to search her closet.
"You and Claudia have fought before?" Jenny asked. "She didn't look like someone who fights from how she looked to me."
"Oh, believe me, Claudia knows more than just how to fight. During our fights, just when I think I've got her, she finds a way to turn the tables on me like she's using magic." Star explained.
"Can she actually use magic Star?" Marco asked.
"Oh, she can, but she's never used it during the times she's spared with me or Mom."
"She's fought Queen Moon too!" El said. "Now this girl is making me want to take her on in a match."
"Do. Not. Even. Ask. Her." Jenny said.
"Kill joy." El said.
"Don't care." Jenny fired back as Star laughed.
'Star has a friend who can use magic, but she's never had to use it when she fights Star or her mom?' Marco thought. 'Something tells me I might have to reconsider Star's over the top training method.' He thought before he saw Star pull out the giant spiked mace, she brought during the school's football game.
"Ha! I knew I put away there!" She said happily as she swung the weapon around.
'… then again.'
A/N: Finally, I finally got this chapter out to you guys! I'm really sorry it took about... forever to get this out, life and a whole bunch of other stuff got in the way. Anyway, Marco and the others have met Claudia, her parents and things are in the works for what's to come. hopefully I won't take too long with the next chapter. But with Christmas coming and all... sigh. I'll see you all next time! ;)
