Marco at a Crossroads
By: DJ Rodriguez
(Author Notes: Hey everyone! How are you all doing? I hope that all of you are doing well & are in good spirits.
Before I say or do anything else, I want to pray and give thanks to the Lord. Thank you Lord for being with my family & friends in this time of need! The people and country have gone crazy due to this so-called outbreak of a super virus, causing panic & fear to flood into the communities, businesses', etc. But you have been with me and my family & friends Jesus, keeping them not just safe but also full of life and vitality! Even though the nations and people will panic, we will not and I continue to hope & pray that the madness cease and that a vaccine or something akin to it will be developed soon to counter & eradicate the virus for good. So again God, I put my complete faith, trust and obedience in you! Continue to look after me, my family and friends that are here & spread out all over the world!
Yeah, it's been a bit frustrating for me to see so many events & such getting canceled or postponed due to this corona stuff. Even my own work is at risk now since I most likely will be forced to stay home and work! I love to work at the library in my college of UTSA or University of San Antonio Texas as what it's called! I love to interact and work with patrons and my fellow co-workers, love to work with my hands and with books & also to work in reality. Now sadly, there are plans coming up that call for me to work at home rather than be where I love to be.
I really hope these plans do not activate, but I know that they have been made for a reason due to the virus. Still… again, I like to work outside of home than at home. But that is just me. I pray that the madness cease, backbone and common sense comes back to the people & also that the media just chill out! They are making things worse, not at all better!
Forgive me for my rant, but I hope this explains a little the delay I have made with this story. On an important note, I edited Chapter 13 on account of checking in with Author LORD DESTRYUK. One of his OC creations is actually a female, which made me embarrassed since I didn't know that particular part. So if you read said chapter now, Gaia Stroya is a woman. I do not wish to gender-bend any character from another Author so I ask Destryuk for his forgiveness for again my neglect & foolishness.
In this chapter, you will see an interesting flashback concerning Jackie and Marco. I do NOT want to neglect the Earth characters like it was shown in the cannon series! So be prepared to see more history, character development and depth concerning Jackie, Janna and the others who are residents of the planet Earth.
Also, you will see the Magic High Commission make an appearance… and discover how Lekmet is still alive! Honestly, I had to look for info once again on the characters that made up the commission & found out that said being was killed by Toffee. I neglected to read that part, and I ask for all of your forgiveness here.
This chapter may be a bit shorter than the others, but I hope that it still pleases those who are into my story.
On a final note, I got word from Author Drjeesh that he is close to finishing the first page of the comic he is making that is about my story here! Please send him well-wishes and positive encouragement! And also, my author friend Data Seeker is still looking for assistance with his stories. So if you wish, PM the Authors if want to know more from them.
Also, I would like for Author LORD DESTYRUK to take a look at these specials of mine: 2nd Annual Disney/Toho Kaiju Music Video Awards, Danny & Desiree: Time, Love and Tenderness, My Father's Eyes & My Dream Come True. I have been waiting for some time for his reviews in certain chapters of my stories, and I hope to receive some from him at his leisure.
I state this again- I cannot please everyone, nor do I ever wish to. I believe in the words of my pastor Rick Godwin from Summit Christian Center at San Antonio and it is this: If you try to please everyone, you lose yourself entirely. So while others may not be pleased at this, it is what it is. My aim is not to please all, but to write a worthwhile story. No more, no less.
So again, just to be sure I am clear… trust in what I do. I may not be a total expert with the Star Vs. series, but I will do my best with what I know and pick up along the way. In addition, I have been seeing a lot of old cartoon & live-action series that I have on VHS & DVD, still working in fine condition. They consist of both Disney & non-Disney series, and thus I have enjoyed & learned much from them to put in here. So this story will also have educational purposes, similar to shows that combined education with entertainment in the 1980s and 1990s.
The action will also take place mostly on Earth, with some taking place in Mewni. The dimension where time is greatly accelerated, Hekapoo's home, will only be shown a minor number of times. After seeing the Diaz's losing their two kids once more to rapid growing up to them not being part of their lives… I will not have anything like that here. I believe that parents should see their kids grow, help them grow and become good adults in the process. So Mariposa nor Marco will return to Hekapoo's home realm.
So just to make it clear here. There will be NO kind of reference to slash or femme-slash of any kind. So while this is a Marco/Multiple Girls story, there will be NO kind of slash or femme-slash actions or references here at all. I believe that I can bring forth the true and real potential of Jackie and the other ladies here, more so than was done/shown to them in the series.
And that is my stance on this story, and all others I have made and will make in the future. Look to my bio to understand me and more on where I stand firmly. And again, this story will feature Christian elements and faith! And that I am not sorry at all for!
Also, will be giving my OC names from the website 20000-NAMES, as I have done in my previous stories. Each name is linked to a different nation, and has a different meaning. To see what they mean, go to website to look it up. If any of you wish to create your own OC's for me to use in the story, let me know & I will see what I can do.
I do not own Star vs. the Forces of Evil, it is created by Daron Nefcy & executive producers Daron Nefcy, Dave Wasson and Jordana Arkin. Production is the Disney Television Animation, and aired on network Disney XD and Disney Channel.
The song used here is Good Company, featured in the Disney 1988 animated film Oliver and Company. The singer for the song was Myhanh Tran, the songwriters being Ron Rocha & Robert Minkoff. The song is also in the soundtrack Oliver and Company that was released in 1988, re-released in 1996. Label is from the Walt Disney Records.
Now, on with the story!)
It was about 2:10 p.m. when Eclipsa and Mariposa came down the stairs at just the right time as the door opened up, Mr. & Mrs. Diaz walking in with the matriarch holding a small red box that had yellow M-shaped arches for handles & a golden-colored smile on the front. Following after them was Jackie, Hekapoo and Higgs. The knight under the banner of the Butterfly's was munching on a hamburger that was stacked with all kinds of toppings on it, a look of sweet bliss on her face. Apparently, Higgs had never tasted a hamburger and was now hooked.
The daughter of Angie smiled in happiness at seeing her parents, reaching out for them while still in Eclipsa's arms while her precious Toho plushie was still in her grasp. Rafael grinned at seeing his beloved child, reaching out and letting Eclipsa hand over the little one to him. Mariposa giggled as her father nuzzled her playfully, kissing his cheek which had him chuckling as well.
He looked to his beloved treasure and said, "Good to see you up and lively, my princess! Your mama bought you some McDonalds for lunch, so I hope you are hungry.". The sister of Marco looked to her mother, who smiled and held up the Happy Meal box for her daughter to see. Mariposa had a large grin on her face, replying that she was very hungry. She was also eager to see the toy that usually came with the meal package.
Angie and the other ladies smiled at the ecstatic pace on the little one, the beautiful mother saying, "It's your favorite hija; four chicken nuggets with apple slices and milk! Also, I think you'll like the toy that's inside of it. But we need to eat at the table first.".
Mariposa than looked to her father and exclaimed, "Yay! Papá, table please!". The strong patriarch of the family laughed again at the innocent eagerness of his little one, going to the table with the others following. Once there, he put Mariposa in her seat while her mother got the contents out from the box. The little lady soon had a small brown box open in front of her that showed four golden chicken nuggets that looked good, a small paper plate that had four long apple slices on it & beside the nuggets was a small bottle filled with cold white milk.
She looked to her mother and exclaimed happily, "Thank you Mama!". She then started to devour her lunch, showing that she was very much hungry. The adults looked at her with smiles on, just glad to see such energy & joy on the kid's face.
Janna looked to Higgs who was still savoring her hamburger, a smirk on her face as she inquired, "I take it you like the Big Mac?".
The ginger-colored beauty nodded and answered, "Oh yes! By the gods and goddesses, this is divine! So tasty and full of different flavors that really tickle my tongue… oh, this is so good!". The normally stoic fighter of the Mewni realm seemingly was in rapture by the meal from food object, the sight and declaration coming from her amusing the occupants of the room.
Hekapoo looked to Janna & Eclipsa and explained, "After staying and talking with Marco, his folks took us to a place called McDonalds to get something to eat for lunch & get Mariposa something as well. Jackie got this thing called the 10-piece Chicken McNuggets combo, Rafael getting the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich combo while Angie got a Big Mac combo with a side of salad. Rafael asked what we wanted, pointing to the menu that was shown above the counter.".
Eclipsa asked, "I see. So what did you order?". She made a mental note to see what kind of establishment this McDonalds was. Apparently, she and the others did not see the place when they were taken to the mall some time ago by the former Echo Creek High cheerleaders.
The curvy and buxom forger of dimensional items smirked as she answered, "I ordered a Hot 'n' Spicy McChicken combo, which is a chicken sandwich that is very spicy with lettuce and mayonnaise. It was good! It could be a bit spicier, but I wasn't complaining. Also, these things called fries were quite tasty and the drink they got for me… I think it was called Sprite, it was quite bubbly with a zing to it even though it looked like water! It was one of the tastiest meals I ever had!".
The redheaded beauty really saw potential and promise that Earth seemed to possess now. If she could make it a reality to have any one of the food establishments like McDonalds to be built & operating in Mewni, most likely it would cause a trend that would last for many centuries… perhaps even millennia!
Janna grinned, pointing her thumb towards Higgs who was still eating her hamburger and asked, "Let me guess, she ordered the Big Mac combo?".
Hekapoo nodded and replied, "Yes, and that is actually her second burger. After tasting the first combo that Mr. Diaz got for her, she wanted to have another one so he got it for her. She didn't mind the fries and the drink that Angie recommended for her, which was a Diet Coke. But it was the burger that really caught her mouth's attention.".
Higgs swallowed the last piece of her food, a look of contentment on her face as she declared in a blissful tone, "I regret nothing!". This made the adults laugh at this, committing it to memory so once in a while, they could look back on this & laugh again.
Eclipsa looked about and inquired, "Where is Kelly? Is she still with Marco?".
Angie answered, "No, she isn't. She used her scissors to go back to the zoo. I imagine that she'll be there until it's close to closing time.".
Janna looked to the lovely wife of Rafael and asked softly, "So… how is Marco doing now?". The question brought the cheery mood down a little as a somber one set in.
She answered, "He is… he is doing fine now. It took… a bit of consoling from all of us to prevent him from breaking down completely.". The hurt was evident in her tone, Angie hating to see her children in any kind of pain.
Rafael looked to the ladies and stated, "Physical pain is one thing, emotional pain… that is another. And after everything started to fall into place after hearing everything, my son… he felt great betrayal at one who he thought was getting along & the woman he would have done anything for.".
Janna and the others knew that what he said was right. Most beings could get used to getting hurt physically, but pain that was aimed at the heart and soul… it took more effort and time to heal & overcome. And even after that, the effects would still linger for quite a bit.
Eclipsa inquired, "Do you think me and Janna can see him now?". Surprisingly, it was Janna who answered that instead of the Diaz adults.
The brown-haired beauty answered, "I don't think now would be a good time, Eclipsa. I think we should give Marco a bit more time to himself before we visit him.". If any other besides the ladies would have seen and heard this, they would have their jaws drop down in shock at hearing such a thing from Miss Ordonia. It was just proof more that the young lady did mellow out much from her former hyperactive, prank-loving & brash self. While she still loved to play pranks and be vivacious, she was tempered now to know when to not let a prank go too far & when things needed to be taken seriously.
Angie suggested, "Actually, Marco asked for you two to come see him later on at 6:30 p.m. tonight. I believe that he would be well enough to see you all at that time.". The two women were mildly surprised, in a pleasant way though, that Marco wanted for the two of them to meet him. They nodded their heads in acceptance while Mariposa took a break from eating her lunch & declared that she would love to see her big brother to cheer him up. That lifted the mood up a little, the young one's innocent energy brighten up the place a little.
Janna looked to Jackie and asked, "I am a little surprised that you are still here. I would assume that you would be back at work at the shop.".
The blonde surfing/skating beauty answered, "Well… after what happened at the hospital and consoling Marco, I thought it best to take the rest of the day off. I called my boss and told him the situation, and he said he was okay with it. I'm using some vacation hours, but that's alright. I got plenty to spare.". Angie and Rafael also put in that they had taken the rest of the day off as well, wanting to cool down after the intense revelation that was given just an hour or so ago at the hospital.
Jackie than stated that later on, she would take some meat up to Nachos at the Rissing Hacienda abode & asked Janna if she wished to come with her. Her best female friend answered in an affirmative, wanting to see the living hybrid dragon motorbike that had been Marco's trusted friend during his time in Hekapoo's dimensional home realm.
Mr. Diaz rose up from his seat besides Mariposa and said, "Well, I believe I have an idea on how to cheer us all up a bit more! Angie, I think it's time that we introduce our lovely guests from Mewni to some classic comedy slapstick!". This made the mature beauty perk up a little, Janna and Jackie as well while the Mewnian ladies looked a bit puzzled.
Angie replied, "I think I already know which comedy slapstick you're thinking of! Everyone, to the living room!". Mariposa just finished her nuggets, her mother taking the plate that had the apple slices on them and going towards said area. The little one got out of her seat and followed her quickly to resume eating her snacks, the Anguirus plushie still held tightly under her left arm. The rest of the ladies also went into the living room, Eclipsa and the others wondering what was going to be put on for them.
Higgs finished her burger as she sat down on the couch, her eyes going to Jackie and inquiring, "Slapstick comedy? What is that exactly?".
The blonde beauty answered, "Oh, it's a kind of physical comedy that's meant to be funny. Instead of telling jokes, it's all about pratfalls and mild comic violence like slaps to the head, falling to the ground, etc. You'll see what I mean when you see what Mr. Diaz is putting on.". Her assumption was proven correct when she saw the cover of the DVD that Rafael took off from the shelf.
Miss Lynn-Thomas thought, 'This is exactly what we need after what happened at the hospital. I was just glad to cheer up Marco like I did just earlier…'. She allowed her mind to drift back to what occurred at the hospital, remembering what she did to lift Marco's spirits.
~Flashback~
When Eclipsa and Janna left with a sleeping Mariposa, the rest of the group turned their attention back on Marco. He looked extremely pained, still coming to grips with everything after all of the pieces of the puzzle that concerned Star, the Blood Moon & the others finally fell into place. After learning that his former best friend Tom & the Valley-Girl wannabe Lilacia had used the curse of the red moon against him in such a manner hurt badly, but it was nothing compared on how Star just gradually receded back to her old self & didn't question on why she had to banish the negative effects of the Blood Moon legend or where said negativity went to.
And that he had to endure such humiliation and pain for three years… it would make anyone crack, and he was coming close to it now after hearing about the plans of Tom and Star to announce that they wanted to be engaged officially.
Angie took her son's right hand, trying to soothe the emotional pain that he was in right now. She whispered, "Don't worry Marco, everything will be fine now. You are free from those three, and we'll make sure that they never do something like they did to you ever again.". She said it with such love and conviction that it managed to snap Marco out of his funk.
He looked to his mother and replied, "Thanks Mom. It's… It's still going to take some time to wrap my head around everything. I knew that my situation in Mewni was bad before, but now hearing all of this… just makes the wound deeper than I realized.". He tapped his heart to indicate where the hurt really was.
Higgs spoke up, "Yes, you did get hurt and you're still hurting. But now the ones who caused you the pain are gone and we'll be the medicine that heals the wound.". The young lady was no stranger to pain, that much was certain. She had endured much physical pain as well as emotional & mental ones in her service as both a squire & knight for the royal family. She had made herself numb to most of the ones that affected her heart, but it was Marco that helped her to break through the numbness and feel again. Higgs was still tough and rough around the edges, but at least now she knew to deal with the pain instead of letting it go numb and fester.
The young Latino lad looked to the female fighter, seeing the toughness in her eyes… yet within them, a gentleness that was meant only for him. Something underneath her exterior that was there to give him strength. He nodded and replied, "You're right on that, gingersnap. Thank you.". Higgs blushed slightly from the nickname that Marco gave her. No matter how many times she heard it from him, it gave her a warm & fuzzy feeling inside.
Kelly asked, "So what are you going to do now that you know all of this Marco? Are you planning to get even or something like that?".
Said young man looked to the Amazonian beauty & answered softly but with conviction, "No… no, revenge. I learned some time ago that revenge does nothing but start a cycle that is very difficult to stop or break. So… not going that route. But if Star or her… friends start something with me, I aim to finish it. And I think the best way to get back at them is to just live better without them.".
The others were glad to hear this from Marco, proud that he would not give in to petty revenge or getting even like one normally would. Instead, he would live his life as best he could WITHOUT Star or those that caused him harm in it.
Jackie put in, "We'll have to call Queen Moon later on and tell her the situation. And also show her the video clip. Once she sees this, she'll keep Star very much busy back in Mewni.". The young lady was told that the princess was being trained/punished for her transgressions against Marco, but now with evidence like this… oh, there was no doubt in her mind that Star would be kept quite busy & under watch for a very long time. Or at least, that is what she hoped.
The others agreed with that statement, especially since the mature blue-haired beauty was an ally & would be the one to strike a blow against the trio. They just hoped it would be enough to deliver some justice to Sir Marco the Mighty.
The group than started to make some small talk until they saw that it was 1:55 p.m. Rafael said, "I think we should be getting back to the home to check on Mariposa and the others. Also… I believe that Marco needs some real rest to regain his strength.". The father knew that his son needed some time alone now, some peace and quiet so that he could reflect and hopefully regain some of his emotional and mental strength back.
Marco said, "Thank you all for coming here. And also… I really appreciate it that this was all told to me. It hurts but… I believe that things will get better from here on in.". He also asked if they could tell Eclipsa and Janna that they could come over and talk with him at around 6:30 p.m., Angie answering that she would give them the message.
Kelly leaned in close to Marco, giving him a gentle kiss to the cheek and saying, "I know you'll get better soon Marco, and I'm not talking just physical wise. I'll see you later and… heh, perhaps I'll come back with the crown that kid at the zoo gave me.". The young man blushed lightly from the kiss, but he was smiling & chuckled softly before stating that it would be cool to see her with a crown on.
The Amazonian beauty herself blushed lightly before chuckling softly, leaving the bedside until she was a distance away from the group. Taking out her dimensional-cutting tool, she ripped open a small tear in time & space, waving to everyone and saying that she'll be back after finishing her time at the zoo. The green-haired beauty jumped through the portal, vanishing as it closed itself.
Higgs also wished Marco to get better, saying that after he was released from the hospital, they had a lot of sparring to catch up on. The Diaz lad grinned, knowing that his friend's show of caring was in the form of a spar. He replied, "I'll see what I can do, but know I have to follow the doctor's orders even after being released from here.". Higgs nodded, accepting the statement.
Angie leaned down and gave her flesh and blood a motherly kiss on the cheek, saying that she would pray for his health and strength to recover fully. Rafael pat his son on the back, minding his strength and saying that he would do the same & make sure that his Mewnian ladies would be fully taken care of and treated right. Marco thanked his folks for the words and actions, but the part his father said about HIS Mewnian ladies went over his head.
It would appear that Marco still couldn't get a meaning when it came to the fair and lovely opposite sex, subtle or no.
Hekapoo smiled softly at the young Earth man, leaning down to kiss his forehead… and also giving him a very generous view of her very bountiful cleavage! Marco got a bit red in the face, seeing such loveliness was welcoming but he didn't want to be rude or anything by staring at the tops of her milky white breasts. Getting his hormones under control, he thanked her for the kiss, which got a smirk from her as she replied, "No problem, kiddo. Now, you go and get rested. I'm going to chill with your family for a while before I go back to the MHC. After all that's been told here, need to give my double who's filling for me the news as well.".
Marco nodded, knowing Hekapoo's duty & also that she was making sure that the Magic High Commission were doing their duty as well.
The group was about to leave when Jackie requested, "Say guys, mind… mind if I say some words to Marco alone? I want to tell him something that's only for him.". Higgs and Hekapoo were a bit hesitant to let the Earth girl be alone with Marco, thinking that she was going to try some points with him. However, Mr. & Mrs. Diaz said that it was no problem and ushered the women out the door. The parents knew Jackie well and thus trusted her.
When they were out and the door closing to give them some privacy, Jackie looked to her ex. She took his left hand in hers and said, "I'm sorry you had to endure all of that in Mewni, Marco. But… I'm just very glad that you are free and also proud that you're not going to seek revenge against Star and her friends unless they make the first move. You have really grown up, my little Safety Kid.".
Marco chuckled softly at the nickname that had once been his title in Echo Creek. He replied, "Thanks Jackie. I did grow up, though it came with a price on it. But… I honestly wouldn't have changed it for anything. I see and know now what good friends I have here… and also glad that you forgive me even after all the crap I put you through when we were together…".
Jackie smiled softly and stated, "Hey, that is what friends do.". Though inside of her heart and mind, she wished to change that… into something more deeper, with more substance and depth that only true couples had. And maybe in the future… it would blossom into the kind of love that she saw a lot with her mother and father, with Angie and Rafael… the kind of love that she longed to feel.
The same kind that Marco had yearned for! And she was hoping that with patience, luck and favorable actions… both would have that special gift/blessing.
The beautiful surfing/skating woman looked at her crush and asked, "Marco, remember that Disney movie we used to watch with Janna when we were little? Oliver and Company, the one with the orange kitten and the cool dogs?". Marco nodded his head as he did indeed remember them watching the movie when they were kids. This had happened about four months after the incident with the kidnappers & when Jackie had moved to the neighborhood shortly after said incident. He had instantly been smitten with her and even his parents could see that, one time going to the park & seeing the love-struck look on his face when they met the Thomas's & their daughter there.
Angie and Rafael went over to greet the new family, talking with Maggie and Murdock while their children got to know one another. Of course, Marco would just smile and turn red around Jackie who found it quite cute. They started to arrange playdates, even including Janna in on it though she seemed very displeased at first to seeing Jackie with Marco.
On one of the playdates, the three were watching the Disney movie together… with Marco between the two little girls, Janna on his left and Jackie on his right! During the movie, the girls held his hands when the song the character Jenny sang came on. He didn't mind one bit, but he was confused on why he felt warm butterflies in his stomach when he saw the girls holding onto his hands.
Jackie told him that this was their song, as they would always be best friends together. Marco liked that, even Janna though she was still annoyed at the blonde. They were still very young children after all. And the song stuck with the trio for all time.
Now the young lady said, "I want to sing the song to you. To remind you that no matter what happens… you'll always have good company with me.". Jackie then proceeded to sing softly to the young man, Marco leaning back on his bed as he heard her sing. Turns out, she was excellent vocally as she was with her skateboarding/surfing.
You and me, together we'll be
Forever you'll see!
We two can be good company,
You and me!
Yes, together we two
As she sang the song to Marco, she saw a peaceful look on his face & smile that made her brighten a little. She remembered that when they were little & after seeing the movie, Marco promised to be friends with them forever. And it seemed that it came to be, even though Janna had turned into a very wacky and open person. And Marco… still the Safety Kid. Still, it was their dynamic they had… until Star came to disrupt it. And while her coming had certain positive things… it gradually started to crumble away the link that Marco had with her and Janna.
But not anymore, as without the Blood Moon's effect or Star's presence, the link was reforming! Slow and steady yes, but at least it was still there and that was saying something.
Together, that's you
Forever with me!
We'll always be good company
You and me!
Yes, together we'll be
During the little pause, Jackie felt Marco squeeze her hand a little. It was a gesture of gratefulness and trust… and if she tried hard in the future, love would be mixed in with it. The kind of love that she felt Marco deserved & the one who could show her as well. For the moment, Jackie started to daydream in her head a future… one with Marco Diaz in it with her.
She visioned in her head the two getting married in holy matrimony, a honeymoon somewhere far & just the two of them, and later on… a family. With little ones all their own! In her dream, it consisted of two daughters and a son. Jackie teaching them how to skate and surf, and Marco watching over her & them like a loving father & husband should be. She loved the vision of a future she was now hoping for, and would do her best to make sure said future could become a reality.
You and me
Together we'll be.
Forever you'll see!
We'll always be good company,
You and me!
Just wait and see…
Marco smiled at Jackie, the song soothing him and also making him now believe that Jackie and him will always be friends. Perhaps one day, perhaps… something more. But that was in the far future, and who knows what could happen until then. He looked to the beautiful blonde and whispered with strong emotion, "Thank you very much Jackie. Just… Just thank you.".
Miss Lynn-Thomas smiled and leaned in to deliver a soft kiss to Marco's forehead, leaving behind a faint but noticeable teal lipstick mark. She answered, "Hey, that's what friends do Marco. True and good ones. Now, you get some rest and regain your strength. We'll take care of everything & be ready by the time you get released from this place.".
She then slowly let go of the Diaz's lad's hand, walking to the door so she could exit and join up with the others outside.
~End flashback~
Back to the present, Jackie was very glad that she did something like that for Marco. Star and her circle of friends had hurt her first friend, and now she was being punished for it. Now she and the others could help Marco recover, all of them seeing what the Earth truly had to offer them… and perhaps she could convince him to stay with her. Again, she knew it was just a possible future… but at least it was one worth aiming for, all the risks and rewards involving it worth it.
She saw the TV screen then lit up, Mr. Diaz going back to the couch to sit with his wife with Mariposa on his lap. The DVD he had put on was The Best of Abbott & Costello Live, a special where it played all of the hilarious skits from the legendary comedic duo of their time! Jackie, Janna and the Diaz adults remembered watching the special a lot in the past, finding the classic brand of comedy having a unique quality and class that one could rarely find nowadays.
Hekapoo, Eclipsa and Higgs were about to get a first taste of slapstick comedy at its finest!
~In Mewni~
While the others were now watching a DVD special on Earth, in Mewni something else was occurring. The Butterflies were in the Main Hall with the Acacius, Arms and Khan families as Queen Moon & King Khan were escorted to chairs to sit down in. The knights had all returned back to their posts as soon as the royal ones entered the castle, though Mina Loveberry stayed behind to make sure that the Butterfly family was protected. She took her duties quite seriously, having little time for herself or any recreation… other than obliterating dummies in the shape of enemies of old.
River asked his wife as she was sitting down, "Are you okay dear? Do you need me to fetch the royal doctor?". The doctor's in Mewni were primitive at best when it came to certain ailments & medical techniques. While they had potions/concoctions that could deal with minor stuff like colds and viruses, mending bodies was a bit trickier for them… and also dangerous. Most likely if bones were broken, it would be cut off and a spell would be used to re-grow a new one. But even a spell like that would be tricky as medical magic to Mewnians was touchy and sensitive.
A voice came out of thin air, "That will not be necessary your Highness!". The occupants looked around the room, though Moon knew who it was right away. Mina got ready, always like a coiled spring to leap at any enemy who dared to get the drop on her or the royal ones.
A dimensional tear appeared, but this one had the appearance of the Milky Way galaxy instead of the usual yellow rip. Coming forth was Omnitraxus Prime, followed by Lekmet, Hekapoo's construct, Rhombulus. The Arms, Khans, Acacius & the Butterflies minus Moon gasped at seeing the Magic High Commission members here! Even Mina Loveberry was stunned to see the four members that ran the responsibilities of the universe.
Omnitraxus Prime spoke, "Hello everyone! We saw everything and we are here to heal Queen Moon and King Khan.". Lekmet let out a baa sound as he went to Moon first to check on her condition first, his hoof-hands glowing a lustrous silver color aura. A tendril of the magical energy went to Moon, sending information & diagnostics to his brain.
As he peered into the injuries of the blue-haired mature beauty, Rhombulus exclaimed, "Why should we let Lekmet even heal that tiger?! He went against Queen Moon and hurt her! I saw he's evil and needs to be left alone to heal himself!". This caused not only King Khan to growl dangerously, but also his wife and children too as they stood defiantly & protectively over him. High Commission or no, they would not let anything happen to a member of their family!
Hekapoo's double went over to the crystal-shooting being and smacked him hard in the back of the head. The easily-angered strongman let out a yelp and tuned to Hekapoo, flinching like a child did when he saw her glare at him. She stated, "There will be none of that, Snake-Hands! King Khan had every right to challenge Moon to single combat since he was looking after his kingdom. And also he fought with honor and fairness, something YOU can take a lesson from! Now apologize or you will be in time-out for two weeks!".
Rhombulus was about to make a retort, only to stop when Hekapoo threatened to increase the time-out for a month. He grumbled angrily, looking to the Khan family and mumbling out, "I'm sorry…". The others, Mina included, were wondering how such a powerful being could act so childish like so.
Lekmet let out an annoyed baa at them, telling them to be quiet so he could fully check up on Moon. He thought to himself as the complete magical check-up on Moon came into his brain, 'Hmmm… a lot of bruising, but nothing fatal. However… her left arm which absorbed that hit Khan gave her… the bones inside are cracked in many areas. It's a miracle that the bones are even in one piece! And her right hand… it also contains a lot of cracks in it, almost looks broken. Now that I have the information, I know what to do.'.
The goat-winged being let out another baa as the tendril of magic left Moon to go back to Lekmet, whose hooved-hands glowed golden this time as tendril left the magic to wash over the queen completely. The mother of Star & wife of River sighed as she could feel the soul magic from her friend start to heal her completely. She thought, 'I'm very glad that we were able to bring Lekmet back to life after that whole Toffee fiasco. And it's ironic in a way that Toffee is actually the reason that he is with us now…'.
She started to remember what happened three years ago when Toffee was finally defeated:
~Flashback~
After Toffee was crushed by Ludo via falling pillar, it seemed that the battle for Mewni had come to an end with the victors being Star and her allies. When everyone was leaving though… Moon turned to see that Toffee was still alive. Crushed and battered yes, but alive as he crawled out from underneath the heavy pillar. She walked up to him, looking down at the prone form of the battered Monster general. He hissed at her as their eyes met, but he was at her mercy.
Moon leaned down, close to Toffee's face as she saw that he was slowly regenerating his body. She stated softly, "It's a good thing that you are alive and still capable of regeneration, Toffee.".
The humanoid lizard hissed at his hated enemy and remarked as harshly as he could as he was gravely injured, "W-What do you mean by that, Mewnian scum?! I am immortal… thanks to… my regeneration… you cannot… kill me…".
The warrior queen let out a sign and replied, "Not by conventional or most magical means. But… I know of a way to kill you & to bring a friend back to life as well. And your regeneration will be given to him as a gift for his selfless act in sacrificing himself to save us.". Toffee's face soon morphed into frozen horror as he realized what the queen had in mind.
Star's mother took out her own dimensional-cutting tool, opening a hole in time and space. She used her wandless magic to lift the pillar off of Toffee, than using it to levitate her crushed enemy into the portal.
When the duo arrived to the destination, it was back to the Magic High Commission office where Hekapoo and the others had just made it. The rest of the commissioned members, minus Glossaryck who had decided to end his existence permanently after the Butterfly book was burned by Toffee/Ludo & Lekmet who had given his very existence to save them some time ago.
Hekapoo went to the blue-haired monarch and asked, "Queen Moon! Your daughter saved us and… hey! Why did you bring old lizard face here?! And why is he still breathing?!".
Queen Moon stated, "He is here because Toffee is going to be the one we need to resurrect Lekmet.". The curvy yellow-garbed beauty and the others had shocked looks on their faces, wondering if their fellow member and ruler of Mewni was around the bend.
The mother of Star Butterfly explained, "There is a tome here in this room that contains many rituals. One of them is a Life Transferring spell that will use the life force of Toffee here to bring back Lekmet. Also, to transfer his unique regeneration power to our friend as well.".
Rhombulus exclaimed, "But your Highness, rituals like that are forbidden for a reason! Even Glossaryck would disapprove of using such a thing!".
Queen Moon glared at the giant crystal being and evenly remarked, "Do you have a better idea than to bring Lekmet back or how to get rid of Toffee here? He is a danger to all, Mewnians and Monsters alike who do not share his view! I believe this is the one time that a ritual like this is needed! Also, Glossaryck is not here. So it's up to us to make the call. So… what do you all say?".
Hekapoo quickly put in, "I say yes to using a spell like that to bring back a friend & also make sure that Toffee is out of the game for good!".
Queen Moon looked to Omnitraxus Prime who said, "Toffee's existence in this reality will always be at risk, especially after the small war he made against the land and beings. So I vote as well to use the ritual to end his existence and bring back Lekmet. Rhombulus… you make the last call.".
All eyes turned to the crystal being, who looked a bit nervous at being put on the spot so quickly. After some thinking, he sighed and said, "Well… Toffee is bad guy and hurt a lot of people. So… I vote yes too.".
Queen Moon declared, "Than it is unanimous. By our decision, we shall use the ritual spell to end Toffee's life and bring back Lekmet back to us!". Toffee's blood ran cold as he just basically heard his death sentence, and there was nothing he could do about it.
Omnitraxus Prime went to the MHC Library and went to the Forbidden Magic section, finding the book that Moon told him about. Once he was back with the others, they opened up the tome and leafed through it until they found the ritual which was called Life Exchange Ritual Spell. They needed the body of the one whose life was to be forfeit & the body part of the one that they wanted to bring back to life.
Hekapoo went to get the skull of Lekmet while Rhombulus and Moon drew the instructed runes on the floor. Once the two magical circles were complete, Rhombulus used his snakes to make crystal beds in the middle of the formations. Omnitraxus put Toffee's body on the bed that had an X symbol underneath it, which was the spot where the person's life would be given. The crystal being than put crystal straps on the Septarian to prevent his escape, even though he was badly injured. Even his healing factor was taking too long to repair the damage to his body.
The dimensional forger came back with the skull of Lekmet, putting it on the other bed of crystals. Once it was all complete, all went to Queen Moon as she looked down at the prone form of Toffee one last time. She inquired in a neutral tone, "Any last words before you join your ancestors in the afterlife?".
Toffee glared hatefully at all of them and replied, "Yes… I'll see you all in Hell soon! Not that Underworld that foolish demon prince and his family live in… but somewhere that is FAR more worse and terrible than you can possibly imagine! Hehehehehe…". Apparently, Toffee knew about something since his statement left the others perplexed on what he was talking about.
Queen Moon sighed and said, "You have made your words. Now… let the spell begin!". She then started to chant in the ancient tongue of magic, her fellow MHC members doing the same as they brought about their own unique magic. The auras of the members came forth, soon merging and forming a mixture of white and black energy.
The energy went to Toffee and Lekmet's skull at the same time, where the Septarian started to scream loudly as he felt his very essence all over being drained. The skull was enveloped by the energy, rising up slightly from the crystal bed as something started to happen. As Toffee's body started to shrink, something appeared underneath the skull of the goat being! It was his body being restored! It took more form & shape while the humanoid lizard's body started to fade away.
Five minutes passed, and a flash of white-black light occurred that blinded everyone!
The chanting ended while everyone covered their eyes to protect them from the flash. The light quickly faded, causing the members of the MHC to uncover them to see what happened. They looked to Toffee's bed first… and the immortal lizard was no more. Not a cell remained of his body. And in the other bed was… Lekmet! The winged, multi-horned goat being was sitting up now, holding his head as he was groaning softly.
The ritual spell had done it! Toffee was no more and Lekmet was back! Queen Moon and the others cheered as they went to welcome back their old friend.
~End flashback~
Queen Moon was brought back to reality as she felt her stamina being restored, the bruises fading & the bone mending themselves together. She remembered well on how they had to explain to Lekmet on how he was brought back to the living realm & also that he had Toffee's ability of regeneration. The goat being was touched that they had resorted to using such a forbidden ritual to bring him back, running a full scan of himself to see that they were correct. His new body, while looking like his old one, did indeed have the amazing regeneration ability that Toffee possessed! And thus he was glad to be able to resume his position as High Chancellor of the Commission.
In a few moments, Moon was restored completely back to health! She tested her body out, flexing her fingers and moving her arms & legs. The blue-haired beauty was back in action! She turned to her friend and stated, "Thank you Lekmet. I really appreciate the healing. Now, if you would be so kind as to heal my friend King Khan.".
Lekmet let out a happy baa before going to the tiger, who sat proudly despite his injuries. The multi-horned & winged goat did the same diagnostic spell that he used on Moon to determine the level of damage, then started the healing process.
Seeing that she was now back to full strength, Queen Moon rose to her feet with her husband and daughter by her side. She said, "Thank you Lekmet for healing both me and King Khan. And Khan… I think you once again for the match. You really pushed me to my limits fairly and rightly. And you did it to protect your people and land's interest, so I can understand the need to challenge me with this test.".
The blue-haired beauty looked over to Mina Loveberry, making a gesture with her right hand for her to come to her. The purple-haired warrioress took an impressive leap, landing in front of her superior and bowing to her. She inquired, "What do you wish of me, your Majesty?".
Queen Moon replied, "In ten minutes, I want all of the knights in the castle over to the Throne Room. I wish to speak with them on something serious… and also to deal with an issue that should have been dealt with long ago. Inform them and make sure that they come.". The potent fighter of the realm replying that her order would be carried out, rising up from her kneeling position and soon leaving the area to do as her ruler asked.
Star looked to her mother with a worried expression and asked, "Mom, what is it you are planning to do with them?".
The ruler of the realm looked to her daughter and answered, "Something I should have done long ago, dear. Now if you excuse me, I would like to freshen up a bit in my quarters. I'll be back out soon.". She gave her daughter a quick hug, giving the same to her husband but with the added bonus of a kiss on the cheek. The two kept their gaze on the blue-haired woman as she left the Main Hall, going directly to her quarters.
What the group didn't see was Prince Loukianos, Princess Lysimache & Princess Penelope following her, the young trio managing to slip from the notice of the adults notice as they went through a nearby doorway.
When Queen Moon was back in her private quarters, she slumped down in a chair as she looked exhausted. Physically, she was okay now thanks to Lekmet. But mentally, she was worn out as the match had taken a toll on her mind. She had indeed been pushed to the limit by King Khan in more ways than one, and now she was going to prepare herself for the disciplining of her knights.
She said to herself, "I really should have done this the moment I heard that they were giving Marco a hard time. Sigh… these so-called warriors of the Butterfly family… they have so much promise, yet after seeing Marco in action, I can now see that they squandered a lot of their potential. And the way they mocked and belittled him because of fighting unarmed… oh, it's time to shake things up now!".
Queen Moon had come to see that it was Marco's technique that he taught her that won the day, for if she had used her usual tactics… no doubt she would have lost the match & the alliances of the three royal families. And also after a bit of mental reviewing, that the Diaz lad's self-discipline and various hand-to-hand combat techniques were superior even over her own knights' tactics and skill!
Sure they fought with weapons, were larger in size and muscle plus having experience… but her knights were quite boastful about their so-called skills and more often just relied on the same moves rather than seeking self-improvement. And they needed improvement in a lot of areas, not just the physical kind.
The mature beauty was about to go to her bath chambers to freshen up when a knock on the door was heard. She was curious on who wanted to see her, calling out for the person to come in. Her curiosity was upgraded to surprise when she saw that it was Khan's kids & the Acacius heiress. She inquired, "Children? What are you doing here?".
Princess Penelope was the one to step forward and said, "Your Highness, we… we have some news for you I think you MUST hear.".
(Author's Notes: And… cut! That is it for this chapter! I hope you all enjoyed this one.
Before I say or do anything else, I want to give praise and glory to the Lord. God, thank you again for looking after me and my family. I also hope you continue to look after us, my other family members that are scattered about & also my dear friends as well. I look to you Jesus Christ for strength, confidence, bravery and energy as this crisis with craziness continues to spread. I know now sadly it will last for some time, but I pray that it isn't too long. I will have faith and trust in you Lord that the corona virus is dealt with swiftly and effectively completely! That with time, hope and blessings… everything will return back to normal. And that we can all become close once again to one another, and also more to you Lord. I ask you to look after everyone here on Earth, and to strengthen us within this storm of chaos that we are all in.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Don't worry, more will come soon and the chapters will be longer than this!
You all saw some tender Jackie/Marco moments & I hope this pleases those who like the pairing. Do not fret for those who want to see Janna and Marco moments, for they will be displayed here soon! Again, I want to space things out & let character growth and story development take place.
Marco continues to heal at the hospital, but now it's a healing of his soul and spirit as well as his body. And also, the Mewnian women continue to experience the many different things that Earth has to offer… and it's still only a very small sample of it! So one can imagine how vast their experience of Earth will be once they get started!
Also, we see how Lekmet was brought back to life & also that the young royal heirs/heiresses are going to drop quite a news bomb on Queen Moon now. So it's not just the royal knights that will get disciplined! What will occur… you just have to wait and see!
Now for the questions! Ahem…
What restaurant would you have taken Higgs and Hekapoo to for lunch? And what kind of meals do you think they would enjoy at said food place?
What classic slapstick comedy team would you like to show to the Mewnian women? And why?
What do you think of Jackie singing Good Company to Marco? And also on the future she is hoping & aiming for?
What did you think of the ritual that brought Lekmet back? And if you were with Toffee during his final moments, what would you say to him?
What do you think Moon is going to say to the knights who had treated Sir Marco badly & belittled him? And her reaction when she hears what the prince and princesses heard earlier regarding Star and Patty's discussion?
And finally this… what do you think Eclipsa and/or Janna should do when it is their turn to go and see Marco at the hospital?
R&R, no flames, enjoy and leave LONG reviews!)
