Marco at a Crossroads
By: DJ Rodriguez
(Author's Notes: Hey everyone! How are you all doing? Sorry if it has been awhile since I updated this story.
Before I say or do anything else, I want to give praise and glory to the Lord. God, thank you for looking after me, my family and my friends all over the world. I really want to thank you Jesus for looking after my sisters, brother-in-law's, nieces and nephews on April 25th. You were with them when they had that rollover accident on the road during the last days of our vacation out of town together.
Seriously, an accident like what they had SHOULD have killed everyone. Even the police and other experts in the cases of accidents couldn't explain how the families survived with minor & mild injuries. But myself and others knew. You protected them from serious injury, and guided my brother-in-law Nathan to help everyone out of the truck after the accident. They were able to come back from the hospital after just six or so hours there on the same day!
This just further cements and solidifies my faith, trust and belief in you more God! And also makes me a witness, and the families living proof that you are real & that miracles CAN come to be! All are secure and okay, healing well and gaining strength every day! Thank you Lord!
God, I also pray and have hope for this to happen. I pray to see the end of the coronavirus, that it is exterminated for good all over the globe. Where it is not anywhere, not even a molecule or DNA strand of it left! For both medicine & vaccine to be made to combat the plague on an extraordinary level, both externally and internally.
I also pray and ask you Lord to get everyone back on their feet. To aid us all in putting a permanent end to isolation & distancing on all levels! To no longer be confined in limited areas or to be caged up in our homes! To no longer be distant & continue to use online resources for it is a poor substitute for the real deal things that are in real-reality! To be close to one another once more, with no fear/anxiety/paranoia/viral phobia anywhere! And to use decent common sense, not the Do the Five Rule thing which is just hyped-up, over-exaggerated common sense but twisted in a wrong way.
I also pray and ask you Jesus Christ to turn our fear into faith; more faith and trust in you to keep us secure, not just safe & living in a bubble. Help us to gain the courage, conviction and fortitude to go forth and get things back on track to regular-normal! To work hard to get things back on the tried and true track of living like before, not to give in or accept this 'new reality' or 'new normal' like some are calling this. And also to NEVER take the many small, subtle but significant things for granted ever again.
I also pray and hope to the Lord to see the end of masks. I have no qualms whatsoever against wrestling masks, masks for Halloween, masks used for cosplay characters, etc. I just do not like or trust in hospital masks that were meant FOR hospitals and other serious workplaces, but not in public. I like to see the facial expressions on people, and covering up the face hides a small, subtle but crucial & significant part of a person! And when one thing is missing, the whole picture becomes incomplete and out of whack. And these new 'Safe and Clean' rules and regulations popping up, such as Plexiglas & plastic barrier walls are not giving much confidence either. They just show the people living more in fear, not putting much trust and such in one another or you. So I hope that masks, these new rules/regulations & so-called 'safety measurements' are very temporary and are removed for good in the future.
I want to thank everyone who has reviewed my story here. I am humbled that many of you like it, despite its slow development. Like I stated before, I really want to give substance and character to each of the beings here in my story. I want for the plot to have a certain special substance that was abundant back in the days of Disney when I was growing up in the 1980s and 1990s. I am not apologetic in being old-school on many levels, especially here!
My Author friend Drjeesh has made a rough art draft of my story. So far, it looks good. If you wish to see it, or give him some suggestions on what kind of art cover should be made, go PM him for info and details on where to find his works. Also, another fellow Author friend Data Seeker is still in need of assistance with his work. So please PM him as well to find out more.
In this chapter, Queen Moon brings out all the information concerning her daughter Star, Prince Thomas Lucitor & Princess Lilacia Pony Head. And in front of the other royal ones present in the castle! In the next chapter, you will see what is going on with Lilacia's sisters & the enemies of the realm. I realized I had forgotten them… and I didn't mean to! I want as much minor characters from the cannon show to be given spotlights as much as possible! The OC creations as well, so I ask those like Darkness Rissing and LORD DESTYRUK for their forgiveness in my ignorance.
And also to inform you all of this, just to those who are new here to my work. I plan to make this into a trilogy series like I did with my Monsters and Magic works! So this will be Book One, so to speak!
I finish it up with this request. I am still looking for anyone who is willing to aid me in advertising for my various Disney/Toho works. I still aim and dream to get my Monsters and Magic series recognized by the Disney and Toho companies in a very positive way! I will send another letter to them soon, but more help would be appreciated. If anyone is willing to do fan art of my Disney/Toho works & specials, or even make a YouTube review on any of it, I would be very grateful and appreciate it.
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.
I Am The Christian The Devil Warned You About is by Mario Murillo, © 1996 by said author and edited by Carol Ann Murillo. Published by the Fresh Fire Communications company in Danville, California in 1996.
Now, on with the story!)
Star Butterfly, Thomas Lucitor & Lilacia Pony Head felt at this very moment quite small and fearful as many eyes were trained on them. In their view, this exceeded the time when Queen Moon and their parents had all come together after being informed about what occurred concerning the Blood Moon Ball incident & what occurred after said event. Now they were being eyed by many other royals, ones that were quite significant since they were part of the Butterfly alliance.
Patty Arms was by her mother's side, who had a look of confusion on her face as Moon Butterfly had mentioned her. The blonde young woman with four arms looked to the blue-haired mature beauty sitting on the seat of power & authority and asked, "Wait! Your Highness, you said that I'm involved in this?! How is that?!".
Queen Seres put forth, "Indeed. I am a bit curious on why you have called on my daughter & put her in with Star, Thomas and Lilacia.". The Mewnian mother was protective of her daughter, that much was clear. But she felt that Queen Moon had a good reason to both call & put her with the mentioned people. The Lucitor and Pony Head families also voiced on why they were brought in, but mentally they figured on why they were brought in. But they needed clarification first.
The mother of Star answered, "All will be made clear soon. I will say that the ones I mentioned earlier have violated some serious principles and protocol which I believe needs to be addressed.". The royal woman looked to the trio of young adults, who flinched from the glare that was coming from the mature ruler. The Lucitors and Pony Head members sighed, their assumption that their children had once again messed up & from the look on Moon's face… it was quite serious.
The magical construct of Hekapoo was watching the whole scene from beside the queen's throne, a wicked grin on her face as this was one memory she was going to share with her original self when the time came for her to return to her to get a report. The other royals spread out to form a semi-circle on the ground level and the formation ended up like this; the Acacius, Khan and Arms family members were on the left side & the Pony Head and Lucitor royal ones were on the right side. Patty stayed by her mother, but she started to feel an uneasiness in her being & hoped that whatever it was she was called on didn't get her in too much trouble.
Star, Tom and Lilacia gulped as they felt they were in a courtroom, but in this case they were not far off.
Queen Moon took a deep, cleansing breath to get her thoughts and words together. The mature beauty looked towards the trio before her, the rage and anger starting to boil but this time she held it under control. But rather than try to banish said emotions, she was going to channel it & use it in a more constructive way. She spoke in a clear and authoritive tone, "Princess Star Butterfly, Princess Lilacia Pony Head and Prince Thomas Lucitor. I have discovered new evidence that has come to light that is linked to Sir Marco the Mighty… evidence that surprises even me on how far you three have gone to hurt the poor man.".
The tone that she used when making her statement concerning the new evidence she had discovered was heavy, weighed down with sadness that brought concern to those that did care for the lad. The Acacius family, especially Princess Penelope, were worried now more than ever about Marco, wondering what Queen Moon had discovered that would bring about such a tone.
However, the trio that was being examined now were completely clueless. Star had a very perplexed look on her face, wondering what it was that would even suggest that she hurt the Earth man. Tom and Lilacia, however, only frowned as they believed that the Diaz lad had once again gotten them into unwarranted trouble.
The demon prince of the Underworld asked, "What… kind of evidence have you found, your Highness?". It was good that he spoke first, because Lilacia was ready to make some declarations of her own… and given her attitude and way of speaking, most likely it would have gotten her into even more trouble.
Queen Moon stared hard at the prince, slowly but surely making the young man squirm uncomfortably a little at seeing her gaze. He felt like a small mouse did when confronted by a bird of prey such as an owl or hawk. The blue-haired beauty answered, "Earlier I was told some… disturbing news from Princess Penelope, Prince Loukianos and Princess Lysimache. They overheard a conversation between Star and Patty, a particular one that they felt should be addressed to me. I am grateful to them for putting trust and faith in me in giving me the information.".
She gave a look of sincere gratitude to the mentioned royal ones, Princess Penelope giving a small but warm as she nodded her head in the direction of Moon. Prince Loukianos & Princess Lysimache merely held their heads high, body posture showing they were proud to have done what they did with arms folded. Those with excellent eyes and gifted in spotting subtle body language could see small smirks on their faces, displaying that they too appreciated the words from the magical ruler.
Star, Tom, Lilacia and even Patty looked to the trio in shock. The prince demon, princess of the Pony Heads and the Arms princess though had looks of rage mixed in with their shocked state. Patty exclaimed, "You eavesdropped on me and Star?! And you squealed on us!?".
Princess Penelope gave the four-armed young woman a look that made her flinch, the royal Acacius beauty replying, "You two were talking so loud, it was little wonder that anyone else heard you. Also, I do not regret doing what I did with Prince Loukianos & Princess Lysimache.".
The son of Khan put in, "Same here. What we heard from you two was serious, and we all made the decision to tell the Queen. It was a matter of honor and principles.". His sister stood next to her brother, defiant as well. When it came to certain traditions, the Khan children were taught to honor said events & also to never be apologetic in doing what was right and honorable. King Khan & his wife Queen Aikaterina looked at their children with parental pride, smiles on their faces to show how proud they were of them.
Lilacia and Patty were about to say something when Queen Moon cut them off with a raising of her hand, the duo freezing in place at seeing the hard look she was giving them. Queen Seres looked to her daughter, also using a non-verbal look to tell her to not say anything. The Mewnian woman was more interested now in what her daughter had told Star to set this event in motion.
The wife of King River spoke that what was told to her would come up soon, but not now as she wanted to keep things on track and in order. She pushed on, "After learning about this, I believed it would be more adequate to inform someone about the information I was given. I went to see Lady Knight Higgs who informed me of something that really shook me to the core & at the same time fit into place many missing puzzle pieces that had evaded my mind for some time.".
Queen Moon left out certain aspects, such as it wasn't just Higgs whom she saw. She was deliberately leaving out some information, but it was necessary due to that if said info was brought forth… it could lead to more headaches for not just Sir Marco but for his family, friends and the others. And that she would not let it be so.
The blue-haired mature beauty & magical power to the throne looked at her daughter and the other royal young ones, her eyes hard like ice and perhaps harder than even the crystals sprouted forth by Rhombulus! She softly asked, "Star, can you remember an incident three years ago? Do you remember what happened before you came back to Mewni due to the crisis involving Ludo who was possessed by Toffee?".
This brought a case of the shudders through most of the occupants in the room, the Khan family growling slightly louder than normal. Many remembered the time when Toffee, who was possessing Ludo, had almost found a way to destroy magic itself. The very act had sent any and all kinds of magical enchantments/artifacts/structures/Mewnians to be out of flux/synch in a way that was quite negative. As for the Khans… well, the Neko tribe naturally had a dislike for Septarians so even knowing that Toffee was back made their fur stand on end.
Star was puzzled by her mother's question, wondering why it was so important. But another look into her eyes told her that she had to answer & fast! The sun-kissed blonde woman racked her brain very much to remember, but it was of little use. Her memory could only go back so much, and even then it would take a great mental jolt to get the pathways stimulated. After a few moments, she sighed and answered, "Sorry Mom, I don't remember what happened three years ago.".
Moon Butterfly sighed, hoping that her daughter would remember but it seemed that was wishful thinking on her part. She stated, "I was afraid of this. Star… I was told that you confessed to Marco that you loved him before coming back to Mewni.".
A collective gasp came from the crowd, the energy rising in the room after Moon made her statement. Patty, Thomas and Lilacia sent Star looks of sheer confusion and bewilderment, which would almost look comical on them if the situation was not so serious. The other royals were now murmuring amongst themselves at hearing this small but critical piece of news.
Penelope however… she was sitting stiff with the bangs of her hair hiding her eyes, a subtle but ominous pressure coming from her. Thanks to the training from her parents and scholars that were hired to hone her mind, she managed to come up with an assumption on where this would lead. But she would hold her tongue for now until everything was presented forth.
The Khan family felt it though, as the Monster clan were more attuned to the physical world than Mewnians & Underworld denizens. Loukianos and Lysimache looked at the Acacius princess, knowing that things were going to escalate soon given how their fur was raised slightly due to the vibes coming from Penelope.
Said princess was not alone, as even Hekapoo was also on her level emotionally. Even though she was a magical construct, a copy of the original, she still contained her feelings for Marco. So at the moment, she was feeling exactly what Penelope was feeling now.
Star was flabbergasted, and that was the mental shock needed to get her memory pathways stimulated enough to remember the memory. And soon she remembered clearly on how she did confess to Marco just before going back to Mewni. Moon saw this and inquired softly, "I take it you remember now?". Star nodded meekly, her memory now working full tilt for the moment thanks to the mental jumpstart.
Tom exclaimed, "Star?! You… You actually confessed like that to Marco?! Seriously?!".
Lilacia added, "Damn girl! I knew that you had trouble down in that backwater dimension, but I never thought you lower your standards like that to say something like that to that Earth Turd!". Even Patty was gob smacked to hear something like this as it was quite the juicy piece of gossip.
Star looked to her friends and exclaimed, "I-I-I… It was a spur of the moment kind of thing! I mean… that is… I never really…!". She was at a loss on what to say for the time being. However, whatever words that were on her lips were quickly silenced when a wave of magic washed over them. A pulse that actually silenced everyone, all looking towards the source which was Queen Moon herself.
Though the pulse was a bit weak due to being wandless, it was strong enough to get everyone's attention. The chatter ceased, the occupants looking towards the Butterfly matriarch. Her eyes were firm, glowing slightly with her inner magical might. As soon as all actions ceased, the blue light quickly ceased from her eyes.
Queen Moon continued, "Yes Star. You really did love Marco… at least back then. And that is when the effects of the Blood Moon started to really come into play.".
Hekapoo put in, "Tell me Star, was there anything unusual happening with you during your time back home? Think hard and carefully.". The buxom and booty-filled fiery woman wanted to know as well, glaring at the blonde princess. She would normally use a snarky tone followed by an insult, but even the construct knew that doing so would most likely earn some of the queen's wrath. And that she was not going to do.
Star's memory were more clear now thanks to the jumpstart, the young woman showing mental concentration as she answered, "I… I remember being very angry, frustrated and snappy… trying to do all sorts of things to forget Marco and Earth. I remember though… one time… I used my wand and…".
A voice came forth, but it wasn't from Moon… it was from Penelope! The brown-haired beauty rose her head, but her hair bangs still concealed her eyes. She spoke in the same tone as Moon, "What was it that you did, Star? What was it that you did that needed magic?". The royal occupants in the room could feel the sharp chill in the words from the Acacius heiress.
This surprised Patty, Lilacia and Star for they had never heard such an Arctic-like tone from their former friend. Even Thomas was stunned to hear something like that from the royal princess.
The daughter of River and Moon answered after coming out of her minor state of shock, "I… I used a spell to try and banish the negative emotions. Something came out from the center of my body, red & black energy of sort that felt something more than magic. A sphere formed around it, holding the energies before going back into my body. I… I didn't think of it much since I didn't feel bad after doing it, so…".
Queen Pony Head stated, "Wait! You mean to tell all of us that you used your wand, which if I recall correctly, was fractured and fluxing badly, on yourself? And you did not even find it strange that you had black and red energy coming from your body, but it was sealed away & going back inside of you instead of being banished?". The wife of King Pony Head & mother of the other Pony Head siblings was more than a pretty face; that she had quite the sharp mind and also utilized it both logically and empathetically.
Star and Lilacia were stunned by the words coming from the floating royal head. The eldest princess of the unicorns floated beside Star and said, "Mom, I know it sounds bad but I know that B-Fly would…". She was silenced by a loud whinny from her father, King Pony Head glaring down at his daughter who made a MEEP sound and hid behind Star like before.
The patriarch of the family boomed out, "Bad?! BAD?! Daughter, this is more than bad! I have seen first-hand what happens when someone uses any kind of magical artifact that has been damaged or even tainted! Any kind of verbal spell command used would either do the opposite or something else random entirely! And if the artifact contained really strong magic or if received serious damage, any kind of use would result in a backlash that would have serious consequences for the user & anyone around them!".
King Dave put in, "King Pony Head is correct. Star, what you did was very reckless. The Butterfly Family wand is extremely powerful, so using a spell in the condition it was back than was very risky.".
Queen Moon finished it, "Based on what I learned, you did not banish the negative feelings that were a result of the effects of the Blood Moon. Rather, you had them sealed and they went back into your very soul. Your heart. However, Marco was not so lucky. The negative effects of the red moon's power had actually amplified and greatly increased back on Earth. I imagined that it almost crushed the poor man's soul as the days passed by.".
The royal members in the semi-circle were talking once again, Patty looking to her friend to see how devastated she was. The four-armed beauty really wanted to help her, but she knew that if she did… she would be in the spotlight early, and more likely would be in big trouble. So self-preservation was stronger than her friendship. At least for the time being at this particular moment.
Star was looking quite devastated & in shock from what was being revealed to her. Thomas and Lilacia however… they were feeling nervous as they felt something big was going to be revealed soon that involved them, and they would be in more trouble than they already were in.
The mature beauty of the Butterfly throne inquired, "Star, tell me… as the days passed by here, did anything occur? Tell me, what happened at the Silver Bell Ball?". Moon and the other royals who were allied with them were at the event, but they wanted to hear it from Star herself on what happened.
The heart-cheeked princess was looking like a scared animal at the moment, finding herself cornered with no way out. She was very much wishing that Glossaryck was still around to help bail her out, but the magical being was gone for good… so she had no strong support on her side.
Seeing that she had no alternative or way out, Star sighed and answered softly, "I… I really wanted to have someone to help me get through all these confusing feelings I had been getting. I looked for Tom back at the ball, but he snubbed me back then. He thought that me and Marco were an item, and that he didn't want to get in the way of it. And I… I told him that there was nothing between us. And shortly after that, we started to come together.".
The Lucitors remembered that night well; Queen Wrathmelior and King Dave were just excited very much to hear from their son that he and Star had reconciled. And more so in the following days when Tom and Star had gotten back together officially as boyfriend and girlfriend. At first, they had dismissed the idea/notion that Star was on the rebound with their child. Now they were putting that into question.
Queen Moon stated, "I know what occurs next after this, as I had been here when Marco returned. You did not like it that he was back on a more permanent basis, myself and others seeing that clearly. But you seem to disregard the fact that you did drop in with little warning into his life, but that his parents and him gradually started to take you into their lives.". Again, Star felt very guilty when she realized that what her mother saying was true. The Diaz family had welcomed her happily, willingly. It took Marco some time to come around to her, but he did his best to help her at least around Echo Creek.
Now looking back on it, she didn't treat Marco well at all when he started to become more of a fixture in the castle.
Loukianos and Lysimache looked towards Penelope, who was shaking slightly where she stood. The anthro tiger heir and heiress could feel the anger now increasing from her, and they could not blame her. The duo were feeling the same way as they kept on hearing more about Star's past actions, and as they had hurt the Earth man in a way that surpassed physical pain.
Moon pressed forward, "Lady Knight Higgs also informed me of something that, according to her, surprised her. After a practice session, she went off and spotted you and Thomas in the castle together. That you used your wand again with the same result happening. However... the sphere had grown in size and took off like an arrow. Tell me, what do you think happened?".
Star was looking rather distressed that she was being put more in the spotlight like so, wanting so bad to just run away from the situation. But there was no way she could. The exits were blocked by the royals, and given her physical condition, there was no way that she could have evaded or overpower them to escape. And most likely the exits were being blocked magically as well. Also Moon made sure to activate the special security feature which prevented portals from being open on the inside of the Throne Room. And even if one did open, Hekapoo was there so she could just close any portal quickly with just a gesture of her hand.
Thomas was now looking pale, as if he had figured out on what would occur next.
Seeing as she was trapped completely, Star answered in a trembling voice, "I… I don't know. The moment the sphere went out and away, I felt good. So I… I just assumed it went somewhere but… I don't know…".
Queen Isadora put forth, "I believe I have a good idea on what happened. Your Highness Moon, mind if I take over please?". Moon nodded her head, giving her the go-ahead. She and King Justus knew that the woman was much more than just a beautiful face. The Acacius queen was quite versed in the ways of legends, but that was not all. She also studied and dived into the mechanics of certain folklore and Mewni myths, putting together puzzles and looking more in-depth at certain rules concerning both the characters & any kind of situation they had been thrust in.
The mother of Penelope thanked her, then turned her gaze towards Star and Tom, the prince demon feeling small when looking into her piercing green eyes. Isadora stated, "Here is my theory. When Star used her wand to try and banish the negative feelings that were being aroused thanks to the Blood Moon, the spell she used changed thanks to the wand malfunctioning. It merely sealed the feelings away. But the moment Sir Marco came back to Mewni, and the wand was restored after the defeat of Toffee… the spell worked properly. However, I believe the negative feelings went towards a target this time around… and I believe that it struck Sir Marco.".
Star and Tom's eyes widened, Moon's eyes boring now into the demon prince's being. This, along with what she was told and shown back on Earth from the others, seemed to really confirm everything. She forced herself to be patient, as all of this had to move on before anything final could be done.
Isadora continued, "I researched into the Blood Moon legend, Star Butterfly. I read and looked into what happens when two people bound by the moon are separated, but this is a first when the couple are separated by dimensional barriers. And when Sir Marco came into Mewni, the FULL effects took place and the banishment spell you used made it possible for the negative feelings that had been sealed inside of you to come forth… but the moon's effect was still in place, so there is only one place it could go. And that, sad to say, was inside Sir Marco Diaz of Earth.".
Queen Moon put forth, "Lady Knight Higgs told me what Marco once said to her. He told her that during his time preparing to be a squire to Sir Lavabo, something hit him… something that caused him extreme pain, both physically and emotionally. So I believe this fits in with Isadora's theory.".
Star felt the air leave her lungs, as she was now told that she had caused Marco pain. While she did neglect the Earth man, she still didn't want to inflict any kind of pain on him. But what she didn't realize until now was that she was inflicting pain on him… the emotional and mental kind that cut deeper than any kind of physical mark.
The blue-haired ruler inquired, "Tell me daughter, what happened after you discovered that your banishment spell worked? What occurred after that?".
The blonde princess of the Butterflies really felt heavy, both physically and emotionally as all of what she had been doing was now starting to weigh down on her. As if the consequences of her actions over the past three years was FINALLY catching up to her. She answered, "I apologized to Tom… telling him about using my wand to… to banish the negative feelings… that had been rising for some time. And telling him that it was the first time… the sphere shot out like it did. He asked me if I was feeling okay, which I… I was after sending the feelings away. I soon left him to find… to find Marco and to apologize to him.".
King River and Queen Moon could see how defeated their daughter was, and it did hurt their hearts to see her in such a state. River was about to go down and try to console her, but Queen Moon put a hand on his and shook her head. She didn't need to say any words to him at all for this; Star had done something quite serious, and that she MUST learn of the consequences of her actions. And also that this needed to play out completely, otherwise the unresolved issue would just grow and create more problems.
Moon turned her gaze towards Tom, the eyes hardening once more but this time it was quite serious. The mature beauty spoke, "Thomas, Lady Knight Higgs also told me something that puzzled me. She said that she saw a very wicked smirk on your face shortly after Star left. It was like you knew something after witnessing what happened, didn't you?".
The demon prince paled, a panicked look on his face as he waved his arms and exclaimed, "No! No, no, no! I… I had no clue! No idea on what…!". His words were cut off when his mother yelled his name, causing him to flinch and look towards her.
Queen Wrathmelior looked to her son and thundered, "Thomas Lucitor, don't you dare try to lie to us here! Especially to me and your father!". Over the past years she had raised him, the large muscle-bound demoness recognized the tones & sign when her son was fibbing. And right now, she could see that he was very much lying at this point. It just wouldn't do for her to have her son deceive them, especially with many potent families around not to mention herself and her husband.
Said being spoke, "Son… what is this all about? Why conceal something like this?". Tom looked to his parents, than to Star and Lilacia. He really wanted to not say anything, but there was no way out for him in any way. Like Star, he was trapped. He stammered, trying to buy any kind of time but it was Queen Moon that stopped his speaking.
She stated, "I believe I can answer that, King Dave. Young Tom here figured out that the red and black energy were the negative emotions that was caused by the effects of the Blood Moon. It is apparent from earlier that you forgot about the consequences of a forced soul-bond with Star through the red moon, but it is apparent now that you remembered the consequences of when the ones bound to the celestial object are apart for too long.". This caused the various beings in the room to look towards Thomas, who was getting very nervous and antsy due to this. He looked to Star, seeing her eyes wide very much and a look of confusion & distraught upon her face.
Queen Moon stared at the young demon and asked, "You started to come up with a scheme to use it to your advantage, didn't you?". Tom chose to remain silent, and it was all the evidence now that the others needed. Star looked quite torn now, her thoughts concerning her beau were being shattered at the moment. And it would take just one more thing to really demolish the good picture she had made about Tom.
Moon stated, "Lady Knight Higgs also told me something that Lady Kelly of Amazonia told her. It regards to a certain incident at Lava Beach.".
Now it was Lilacia's turn to look panicked like the demon heir, her parents seeing her facial expressions and eyes. When they saw this, their hearts started to feel heavy now as they saw that their own flesh and blood was a part of what was turning out to be quite a scandal for the Butterflies. And if they assumed right, it would extend to both the Lucitors and themselves.
The mother of Star looked to Tom and Lilacia and continued, "Kelly told her that she saw the two of you, whispering and talking to one another. And it that you came to some sort of agreement. What was it that you two spoke about & agreed upon?". The eyes of the various royals & one beautiful dimensional forger were on the duo, the Pony Head princess and Lucitor royal feeling more nervous than ever. They looked to Star, but the BFF of Lilacia and girlfriend of Tom took a step back as she gazed at them with confusion and distress.
Penelope spoke up, "I believe I can deduce what their meeting was about, your Highness. Tom, Lilacia… you two staged a plot to make sure that Star reverted back to her old self while also making sure to harm Sir Marco in the process by using the Blood Moon's effects. Am I right in that assumption?". She crossed her arms underneath her impressive, still growing bosom.
Lilacia stuttered, "N-No way! Nuh huh! We so did NOT do anything like that! We didn't plan on turning B-Fly back to normal or use her to give more pain to that Earth… oh damnit!". The Valley Girl-accented floating Pony Head princess had just dug her own grave and leapt into it without ever realizing it. And she was realizing it now.
Star's mind and heart were now starting to fracture, the good images of her beau and BFF now splintering fast like fragile glass. Her heart beat quick, her eyes wide as her distress and anxiety started to shoot through the roof!
With the rest of the group, the room got colder fast with the combined frosty feelings that were coming from the various members. King and Queen Pony Head were so disappointed and upset at their daughter, King Dave and Queen Wrathmelior in the same boat concerning their son. King River and Queen Moon saw the immense hurt on Star's face, and it hurt them as well. But as the matriarch stated, this HAD to run its course in order for the trio to learn the full consequences of their actions. Both towards Marco and also of themselves.
Queen Moon composed herself, calling upon her iron will to aid her in pushing on. She said, "This also clears up something that Eclipsa told me some time ago.". The others looked to her, still amazed that Moon was now trying to connect to the Queen of Darkness.
She continued, "She informed me that some time after she was released from her imprisonment, you went to her and asked if she was willing to take up the crown. For her to be queen once more while you and your… friends continue to go off on these so-called adventures.". This caused the group to murmur again, as they were now picturing Eclipsa as the ruler of the Butterfly territory. Moon witnessed this and realized that another way to aid her relation was to put her in a more better light. It would be a daunting task… but she owed it to her & Marco, so she would do her best.
King Khan spoke, "I do not believe it would be that bad if the lands were under her rule. However, I would have to have a few meetings with her to make a solid judgement.". Queen Moon had a small, but grateful smile on her face. At least the anthro tiger warrior king would give her a chance. Hekapoo committed this to memory to share with her original creator later.
However, the mother of Star knew they had to get back on track. She raised her hand, causing for all to be simmer down. Once they were quiet, the blue-haired mature beauty pressed on, "Eclipsa declined, saying that she had no interest in the throne. She told you Star that her time had passed & it was up to you to take the responsibility. But you kept pestering her on it for months until she managed to convince you to drop it. However… she did suspect that you had other plans concerning the crown. Tell me Star… what would have been your plan?".
Star Butterfly was really in a bind, weighed down as the consequences of both herself & the plans of her… BFF and beau were starting to dawn on her. She kept quiet, looking down with a look of utmost defeat. While her parents did sympathize with her, as the Pony Head couple plus Patty who felt real concern for her friend… the rest were not feeling sorry for her. For the Acacius and Tiger clan, the trio had brought dishonor and shame to both themselves & their families. In their view, losing honor and integrity in such a way was the ultimate disgrace.
Moon sighed and stated, "I see you have chosen to remain quiet. I will let this go… for now, young lady. But rest assured, I will find out what your intention is when you do become queen when you turn 21.". Star was eighteen years of age, so it would be three or so years until she would be ready for the throne… IF that came to be.
Hekapoo called up, "Your Highness, I believe I have some information that also clears another matter up.". The magical construct had all of the original's memories, so she knew what occurred during a certain time. The others looked to the very alluring dimensional forger, Queen Moon nodding and giving her the go-head.
The redheaded fiery magical being nodded her head in gratitude and walked past the semi-circle as they allowed her through, now facing the three young adults who looked crushed… but also varied. Star was looking and feeling very much fragile and devastated, Lilacia was nervous and scared most likely wondering what her parents would do to her… but Thomas, he looked frustrated and angry. This caused the beautiful woman to raise an eyebrow, filing the tidbit for later but she had a job to do.
She spoke, "I remember talking with Marco some time ago, spending some time with him before he was summoned by Queen Moon for a diplomatic mission in the Meadow Lands west of the kingdom. You remember that particular mission, don't you Star? Your Highness?". She addressed Star first, than looking to Moon. The wife of River nodded her head, remembering said mission very well. Hekapoo looked to Star, who showed her face as her eyes were a bit red now from crying. She nodded her head, also remembering the mission handed to her.
Hekapoo pressed on, "When Marco left, I was about to go back home… when I heard you and your floating BFF here talking in your room. I overheard Lilacia here telling you to make the Diaz boy your knight. It was to make sure that no other princess could get close to him, or in your view 'steal him away'. You replied that you would go through with it since you didn't want to lose your 'bestie', but from where I am standing… you lost him as a best friend some time ago.". Again, Star lowered her head as the truth pierced through her mind, soul and heart.
The magical construct finished it, "But that is not all. Lilacia here spoke that if things did not go well with Demon-Boy here… Star could just simply replace him with Marco. Star agreed to that, but she did say she was doubtful it would even come to that since she and him were together.".
Princess Pony Head's eyes went wide in a comical way as Hekapoo revealed what was spoken to Star in confidence. But truth be told, the duo were speaking loud enough to be heard through stone walls and wooden doors. She looked to Thomas, the demon prince shooting a look that was a mixture of pain and anger towards her, Lilacia making an EEP sound and flying to hide behind Star. However… Star merely walked from her, which surprised the floating unicorn girl.
However, the real anger was coming from Penelope, Princess Lysimache and even Hekapoo. Hearing that the Diaz lad was made a knight by Star simply so she could keep him by her side even when she had a boyfriend was appalling enough, but to hear that if anything happened between her and Thomas… she would just get Marco like a secondhand item… oh boy, it made their blood boil very much! A dark aura made itself visible around the three, though it was much more with Penelope and Lysimache. For Hekapoo, it was faint but visible enough.
Queen Moon spoke softly yet firmly, "Now it makes sense on what occurred after the mission to the Meadow Lands, when you suddenly announced that Marco Diaz was now your knight. I did wonder why you made such a quick decision without even consulting me or River first. Now I know…".
Penelope rose up, her eyes seemingly on fire! Her emerald eyes seemingly glowing, but it was not due to magic… it was due to her very being now ignited with anger! She spoke with heat in her voice but she controlled herself… if just barely. She stated, "I believe this is also why Sir Marco was often kept away from certain parties and events. And also that he was introduced to others by Tom and Lilacia only… ones that only wanted to see that ridiculous Princess Turdina persona that he was forced to become. And also to make sure that he kept unaware of his true popularity throughout the kingdom, and that Star was his ONLY source of confidence so that she would not lose him to any other woman in the realm.".
Her father put in, "That would explain why Sir Marco was unaware of how popular he was when me and my wife gave him a tour of the kingdom. He looked very confused on why the many girls and young women were giving him smiles, giggling and lightly flirting with him.".
Prince Loukianos added, "I believe that Marco also doesn't see that he has become a role model to many boys and young men, myself included. He shows good qualities and traits that make the young ones want to be like him. And for the ladies, to be with him.".
The Acacius princess glared at the trio, more so to Star and inquired, "Tell me that I'm wrong, Star. Tell me that I am wrong… and I will take back my words.". However, the daughter of River & Moon said nothing. There was nothing to say to refute her words, that her silence & hanging of the head was all the answer that Penelope needed.
Patty couldn't take it anymore, breaking from her mother and rushing over to her friend to try and console her. She looked to the others and exclaimed, "Come on now, everyone! Star's really hurting here! Give her a break! She and the others messed up, I get that! But that doesn't mean you have to dredge up past events!".
Queen Moon rose from her throne slowly, raising an eyebrow at the young lady like a certain WWE wrestler and movie superstar did. The royal matriarch walked down the steps, her heeled shoes making clicking sounds each time they stepped on the floor, making a very ominous sound that caused everyone to be silent. Once she reached ground level, she aimed a stare at Patty that started to make her feel uncomfortable.
She stated, "You have good character to try and console & defend my daughter, Patty Arms. A sign of a good friend. However… you are wrong to believe that bringing things up from the past mean nothing. They truly mean something significant here that will impact both present and future. And now… brace yourself Princess Arms for the last piece of the puzzle here now starts with you and Star.".
This made the two princesses remembered the words Queen Moon spoke earlier, Patty now in the spotlight with her friend. She looked to her mother to see if she could help… but the Mewnian woman stood still where she was, showing that she wanted to hear everything now. This made the four-armed princess widen her eyes in alarm.
The blue-haired mature beauty spoke, "Now to finish this. As I told earlier, Princess Penelope, Prince Loukianos and Princess Lysimache informed me of some serious information. And what they told me is this… you and Tom were already engaged almost two weeks ago.". Queen Moon knew more than what she just spoke about now, but again wanted to be sure careful with her words since she did not want anyone to link the information to the Diaz family.
This got a round of gasps from everyone, but Queen Moon raised her hand to silence them. Once this was done, she continued, "And that is not all. Apparently, you and Lilacia told Patty and several other princesses in a secret meeting in your room. And to keep it a secret on when you two would announce your engagement to one another until the time was right.".
This made Patty EEP in response, her face blushing in embarrassment at being caught now. She looked to her mother to gauge her reaction… and she was giving her daughter a look of disappointment and disapproval.
King Dave spoke, "Son, is this true? Did you really get engaged to Star without consulting me, your mother or the Butterfly parents first? Tom, did you really do this?". He was upset very much, as was his wife as doing such a thing was a serious breach in royal protocol.
Thomas knew that the jig was up, letting his anger deflate for the moment and answering in a low voice, "Yes… me and Starship… got engaged little less than two weeks ago. Star, do you…?".
The princess reached into her left pocket and slowly pulled out a small purple-colored velvet box… that had the Lucitor royal insignia on it. She opened the box… and inside was an engagement ring that had a ruby heart with a black flame etched inside of it! This caused many to gasp and murmur all around, as this completely confirmed the entire situation!
Moon stated, "So… this has truly confirmed several things. First thing is you, my daughter Star Butterfly. It has confirmed that you used magic with a fractured magical object, displayed negligence when you did not even wonder why the negative effects of the Blood Moon were forming, did not look into why said effects were sealed instead of banished like your spell meant to do, you kept on doing so without informing me or your father on this, willingly went along with your friends to devolve back into your old self without even wondering why, conspired against Sir Marco the Mighty with Lilacia and Thomas into making him feel such low self-esteem and looking only to you as a source of confidence, willing to use said knight of the realm as a SECONDHAND object in case things fell through between you and Thomas, and now breaking traditional engagement protocol & etiquette in the way you did with making other princesses keeping such a secret.".
Each word she said was an extra weight to the reality that Star now found herself in. Tears were coursing down her cheeks, as everything was now being laid bare for all to see and hear.
The royal ruler turned to Lilacia and Thomas, the duo taking a step back from the frosty gaze Moon pinned them down with. She finished, "And as for you two… it is confirmed that you two knowingly and willingly took advantage of the consequences of the Blood Moon, conspired to deliver great physical/mental/emotional harm to Sir Marco the Mighty, sabotaging said knights efforts and social life, persuading my daughter to slide back down to her old self & conspiring to break traditional royal protocol.".
Thomas and Lilacia looked to their parents for support, but they found none as this was indeed a serious transgression that extended to many others. They soon looked down, and like Star, they were feeling the weight of reality right now.
Penelope asked, "Your Highness, I am aware of the negative effects of the Blood Moon. Should had it been announced if Sir Marco was with us, would that…?".
The royal matriarch sigh and replied, "Yes, dear. The backlash from hearing the engagement, the one he was bound to marrying another… it would have most likely killed him, given how low his self-worth and self-image was thanks to the efforts of Lilacia and Thomas.". The others knew that she was right, as something like this would have either seriously hurt the Diaz lad… or killed him.
The Acacius princess lowered her head, her eyes being concealed by her hair once more. She spoke softly, "Than I apologize in advance in what I am about to do, your Highness.". She started to walk over to the Butterfly princess, all actions ceasing as they heard the footsteps of Penelope. In some ways, it sounded more foreboding then even Moon's, and that was saying something!
Lilacia got in her path and exclaimed, "You even try to hurt my B-Fly, I'll…!". She was cut off when Penelope actually punched her with a left hook, sending the floating pony head princess flying towards Prince Loukianos who grabbed her. Princess Pony Head was dazed and it showed in a comical way on her facial features.
Thomas and Patty were also about to defend Star, when Penelope gave them a look that made the duo flinch and back away a couple of steps. The demon prince & four-armed princess shivered, the fierce look from Penelope almost equal to their own mothers when they were mad.
Soon, the two princesses were about only a foot or so apart, the tense standoff building as Star slowly raised her head to see Penelope's face… flinching at seeing the burning emerald-color eyes now gazing at her. And that is when Penelope slowly lifted her right hand high in the air… and delivered a very powerful slap to the face of Star Butterfly! The slap sound echoed throughout the place, many flinching slightly from hearing it & seeing how Star fell to the ground from the slap!
The blonde Butterfly held the cheek that had gotten hit, angry red already swelling from the slap mark. Star looked up to Penelope, who was gazing hard at her. She spoke softly but with a strength that was quite impressive, "You deserve far more from me, Star Butterfly. But I will not sink down to you or your friends' level. And let me make myself perfectly clear… you never deserved a good friend like Marco Diaz.". She then walked away, the words sinking into the brain and heart of the blonde princess.
The anthro tiger prince went over and set Lilacia back to the group, soon walking back towards the others. Queen Moon was impressed with Penelope's self-control and inner strength. Indeed, she could have done more to her daughter right now than a mere slap… but she reigned in her anger and actions instead, which won approval from her.
The magical might of the Butterfly family declared, "We will convene on how to properly punish all of you.".
Queen Pony Head added in, "So if you get the idea on fleeing either on foot or through magical means, try that and see what happens. The doors are sealed shut, as are the windows here. And any magical escape out from the room itself has been dealt with.".
Queen Wrathmelior looked to the four and said her piece, "If you thought you were in trouble now… oh, you have no idea how much you are in now!". Queen Seres just looked to her daughter, disappointed that her own flesh and blood would be part of something so massive and scandalous.
Hekapoo went and used her magic to create a flame wall that separated the four from the others as to give the royals some privacy as they started to figure out the best punishment/discipline action for Star, Patty, Lilacia and Thomas.
When Lilacia finally came to, she exclaimed, "Come on, ya'll! Let's make a break for it!". She rushed to the large entrance/exit door of the Throne Room… but was shocked literally by energy bolts the moment she even touched the door! She let out a yell of pain before being flung back to the group! Patty caught her, looking down to see magical bolts of lightning zapping here and there from the damage princess's cranium.
The four-armed princess looked to her friends and asked, "Guys?! What do we do?! How can we get out of this in one piece?! Star, do you…?". When she looked to her friend to ask her… her breath caught in her throat as she, Lilacia and Thomas saw something they had never seen in her before.
Pure defeat.
Star Butterfly was on her knees, looking down at the cold floor with the roaring fire barrier in front of her but she did not react at all. She sobbed lightly, her long blonde hair obscuring her face from everyone but tears splashed onto the floor for all to see. She hugged herself as she continued this action.
The princess had been shown stone-cold her actions over the past three years; how she had been led back down to her old self without even realizing it by her… BFF and beau, hurting Marco Diaz with her actions both magically/emotionally/socially… and now understanding that she may have killed him via the engagement announcement.
For Star Butterfly, many portraits of her BFF and boyfriend were shattered… and also her self-image was now diving down fast as the consequences of her actions were now being laid bare completely. The princess felt reality slap her, not as hard as Penelope's slap though. And for the first time in a really long time… she felt completely vulnerable and defeated.
(Author's Notes: And… cut! That is it for this chapter! I hope you all liked the drama here!
Before I say or do anything else, I want to give praise and honor to the Lord. Thank you God for helping me with this chapter, thank you Lord for being with me, my family, my friends all over the world and those that really need you. Jesus, I still hope and pray for everything to be restored. To be given back what has been taken due to this viral outbreak!
I hope and pray for the complete elimination of the coronavirus, that it be exterminated externally and internally until it will NEVER come back at all! I pray and hope for everyone to work hard to get things back to regular-normal on all fronts. And I hope, pray, having faith and keeping the fire alive to see the complete & permanent end of isolation/distancing on all levels/masks/fear/anxiety/paranoia in everyone! For all to come together and trust in one another and you more Lord, and to NEVER take the many small, subtle but significant things for granted ever again!
So I believe this is the pinnacle of drama for this story! Expect action, intrigue, fluff and romance in the next chapter to balance this out! I just hope you all liked it, as I had to go back to some chapters to make sure this one was made out correctly.
So Star, Tom's and Lilacia's crimes and actions have all been laid bare to all. And now Patty is in trouble too with her mother in her part in keeping something as important & serious as a royal engagement a secret! Moon made sure to choose her words carefully as to not reveal certain points of information. This shows that the magical & formidable fighter of the realm is truly more potent than others give her credit for.
If any of you wish to do something with this story, like make fan art of it like Author Drjeesh is doing, be my guest! More chapters to come, but I believe my limit for this book will between 25-30 chapters total.
Now for the questions! Ahem…
What would be your words to any of the four- Star, Lilacia, Tom and Patty- before the meeting started? And which side of the semi-circle would you be on?
What would you say when Moon announced that she was told information from Princess Penelope, Prince Loukianos & Princess Lysimache? What would you be thinking on how the trio held themselves when Patty accused them of squealing?
What would your words be after hearing of Star confessing her love to Marco before she returned back to Mewni during the Ludo-Toffee crisis? And also your words on her actions, and inactions, be when she used a malfunctioning magical object on herself to handle the negative effects of the Blood Moon?
What would your words be to the four after learning of the incident of the Silver Bell Ball? And also after discovering the plans/actions done by Tom and Lilacia at the Butterfly Castle & Lava Beach respectively?
What would you have said or done after learning the reason why Star made Marco her knight? And what words would you give the three after learning of their sabotage to Marco on various levels?
And finally this… what would your words and reaction be after seeing Penelope actions against the four? And what do you think the punishment should be for Star, Tom, Lilacia and Patty after all of this?
Here is an optional bonus question to answer at your choice and leisure: What do you think the many other princesses of the various realms will do when they learn of what Star, Tom and Lilacia did to Marco?
R&R, no flames, enjoy and leave LONG reviews!)
