Like Father, Like Daughter
Disclaimer: I don't own Star Vs the Forces of Evil or any of its elements.
Chapter 09: Round 2
Marco stood on the platform and looked at his opponent.
His opponent was 3-4 times taller than him and was a large blue man-beetle. He had four arms and had just as many weapons strapped on his back.
Chaucer started to announce, "On one end we've got the Warrior of Nazarick, Chieftain of the warrior Clan of lizard-men the Dragon Tooth Clan, Styx."
The crowd cheered apparently hearing of this warrior.
"On the other hand in their first showing to the tournament and the first representative of his world to show to the Battle Nexus I'm happy to introduce Marco Diaz."
The crowd applauded politely.
It looked like a one-sided fight even Chaucer pointed it out, "Yeah, this looks like someone is out of their weight class but this is done all at random. Besides, any warrior worth their salt has to be able to overcome the odds. You got to be the best of the best if you are gonna make it here. But fret not folks, this newcomer isn't without some history. Those of you who saw yesterday's fight might recognize him as the fighter who managed to hold off the vampire knight." A few murmurs came from the crowd, "Marco might not look like much but I've done some digging. That fancy sword of his is actually a pair of dimensional scissors he himself earned from Hekapoo herself." More talk was heard from the crowd. "Yes, there has been a rumor that Hekapoo herself has brought a champion of her own and this half-sized human is it."
Marco got what the announcer was doing, he was trying to get the crowd worked up for the fight.
"It just goes to show that you shouldn't judge a book by their cover." Chaucer raised his hand, "But enough talk lets get this rumble going. Warriors draw your weapons."
Marco pulled out his scissors and quickly changed them into his sword to the cheer of the crowd.
Styx pulled out a rather large halberd.
"Begin!"
Styx began by stabbing at Marco, Marco rolled to the side to avoid the attack. He was going to try and avoid a direct fight as he tried to gage Styx.
From what Marco could tell that was that Styx was stronger than him but not as fast, he used the polearm like weapon to bridge the gap between them.
Marco knew he couldn't just dodge he'd have to fight if he intended to win.
Marco rushed at the big beetle had a chance to attack. Styx wasn't going to be caught by surprise and swung the halberd at Marco.
THUNK.
Marco's sword collided with the halberd, Marco huffed as he pressed the blade, his feet skidding as he was pushed back.
"You reacted quickly." Styx told him, "Your blade is strong, it won't be enough though. Quit before I hurt you." Styx didn't sound condescending if anything he sounded concerned. It felt like he was actually worried he'd hurt Marco.
"Not yet." Marco pushed more forcing the beetle to press more.
Marco quickly ducked letting the halberd swing pass him, he jumped up and swung down the sword through the halberd cutting it into.
Styx tossed the weapon to the side as he pulled out a lance.
Marco deflected the first blow and moved closer to Styx.
Closer now he could see that Styx's skin was thick and armor-like. Making a good blow was gonna be hard. He was big, and his center of gravity was low, he'd be like trying to knock down a sumo wrestler.
Styx turned the lance and stabbed at Marco, Marco moved and fell back.
Marco took a deep breath and tried to relax. If the fight he had with Hekapoo taught him anything it was that those experiences from his trial were not gone, the right stimuli could help bring them back. Trying to drag back the memories didn't work, he couldn't force them. This was just another fight, like any fight with any monster he just needed to let his instinct take hold, every memory every experience led him to how to act.
An idea struck him, he'd need to force his way close. The major problem was the spear he held, even if he got passed it he'd probably pull out a sword to fight Marco close range.
Marco charged and Styx stabbed at him, Marco kept running towards it. As death approached Marco continued on, he needed to time this outright, at the last possible instance he stepped aside and let the spear move pass him. Styx expected him to block it not rush it, that caused him not to react right away.
Marco continued to run, Styx realizing the spear would be useless at this point he tossed it aside and pulled out one of the swords on his back. Marco moved behind him and with his sword firmly in hand slammed its hilt behind Styx's knee.
When fighting monsters Marco had gotten a good idea of where to hit, anything with a knee tended to buckle when you hit it. Suddenly Styx's weight shifted to the side and he toppled over. Just what Marco expected jumped on the falling warrior and used his weight to force him down. He pressed his sword to where the bug's head met his shoulder, right between the plates that formed his skin.
A gong rang out.
"The match is over!" Chaucer let out. "Marco has immobilized Styx! The judges rule it a victory for Marco."
The crowd cheered for the surprising turn of events.
The reasoning was that Marco had put Styx in a position where he couldn't continue the fight if Styx had tried to get up or even tried to reach for his last weapon he'd force the blade into his neck. Marco stopped before he could do any real damage and thus left everything up to Styx. It was either serious injury or a loss, the judge decided that was enough.
Marco hopped off him, "Are you okay? I would help you up but-"
"No, I'm fine." Styx got up dusting himself off. "Thank you for fight. I didn't expect you run at my spear like that, took me by surprise. The Bold tactic, one that had paid off for you."
"Well, you weren't going to make it easy so I had to try something bold."
Styx spoke in a hearty and warm tone, "I wish you luck in the rest of the tournament."
Marco bowed to his opponent, "Thanks, do you need to go to the healers?"
"Worry not, I think I just need to ice my knee."
Both of them parted on good terms.
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At the healers Dia was finished healing, she looked at her foot, the wound now healed.
She had tried her best and did a rather spectacular battle. She fought one of the strongest fighters and even loosing she managed to wound her.
"Dia is it?"
The giant looked up to find the vampire standing before her. "I wanted to thank you for the fight. It has been a rather long time since I've had such a challenge."
"Oh, well, yeah you fought good too."
The healer Fraus came over, "Oh, do you need healing too? I would be glad to help."
Noire said, "Yes, my arm seems to be rather broken."
"Well, I'm sure I can help with that."
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"Dad! Dad!" Seraph jumped on her father.
Marco and Sensei had some time so they went to check in on the girls after the fight.
"That was awesome dad!" Seraph was absolutely ecstatic.
"You just took that big guy down! Boom!" Star punched the air.
"Don't go flattering him like that." Hekapoo told them, "it will give him a big head before his next fight, this isn't all over yet." She did turn to Marco, "But you did pretty good."
"Good," Sensei told, "you did great Marco for now just try to rest before your up again. Now let's just sit down and watch some of the other fights and see what the other fighters bring."
Marco sat down with them and watched as Maximus fought some sort of bird man with robotic legs. Maximus was having a hard time landing a blow as each and everyone one seemed to be blocked by some sort of force shield.
0000
The first part was done, 40 had brought down to 20. The matchups were randomly picked.
This time Marco's match was first up, he didn't mind as it left the rest of this round for him to rest.
"First up, the scissor-sword wielding fighter Marco Diaz," Chaucer announced him.
Marco was a bit happy to hear so many people cheering for him but he tried to focus on his fight.
"Against him, a challenger who refuses to give his name. The man of mystery, The Masked Viking!"
The shirtless Viking stood before Marco.
"Wait-" the Viking paused up close he recognize the name, "M-Marco?" He raised his mask a bit, revealing he was River underneath the mask. "Marco, what are you doing here?" He hadn't recognized Marco before because the mask made it a bit difficult to see and he didn't pay attention to the other fights.
"Huh? I entered the tournament."
"Same, sometimes I just need to get out and rough it a bit."
"What's with the mask?"
"Oh, my wife thinks thing like this might be a bit undignified. So trying to keep this a bit quiet."
"Oh, I hear you. I won't say a thing."
"Thank you…Oh, is Star with you?"
Marco nodded pointing to box seat. "She came along for support."
"Oh, well, Marco I do like you but I won't go easy on you. If my daughter is here I refuse to lose before her. I hope you understand. Let's have a fair duel, let's not use any weapons and just settled this the old fashion way, with our hands."
"That sounds great." Marco smiled, he'd rather not pull a weapon on the king. "I understand, I won't hold back either do, my daughter is here too so I don-"
"Daughter?"
"Yeah, didn't Star tell you I have a daughter." Marco pointed back to the box seats.
Seraph had made an impromptu banner that said, 'Good luck Dad!'
Star was shooting sparks from her wand trying to get his attention.
Marco gave them a small wave.
King Moon lifted his mask just barely making out the girl next to his daughter. "You have a daughter?" He noticed some familiar traits between Marco and the girl.
"Yeah, it's a little weird she's a teenager but-"
"You have a daughter!"
"…uh, Yeah."
"What did you do to my little girl?"
"What?"
"And Go!" Chaucer finished getting the crowd pumped.
King Butterfly pulled out his ax, "You and my daughter had a child and didn't even tell me?!"
"Uh, River-" Marco held out his hands but pulled back barely avoiding the ax. "We aren't dating! I told you that before!"
Marco was forced to dodge the ax blade from the enraged king.
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Chaucer commented, "Wow, the Masked Viking is really going for it. First swing and everything. Looks like he's really giving it his all. I'd almost think he's trying to kill him."
The girls looked on shocked.
"Why is dad running away?" Seraph stared at the fight.
"Does that Viking look familiar?" Hekapoo squinted.
"You know, he actually does," Star confirmed.
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Marco was running for his life, River swinging at his head.
"River! Stop!" Marco dodged another swing.
"You have your way with my daughter and get her pregnant and expect me to stop!"
"Star is not the mother!"
"And you cheated on my daughter!"
Marco dodged another blow, King Butterfly was fighting wildly and putting a lot of force behind the attacks so it was easy to read and avoid. Marco just punched him right in the face when he left himself open. Stunned Marco grabbed him and flipped him outside the platform.
"And it's over!" Chaucer announced. "I actually thought someone would die there. Okay, we should teleport him away."
"No!" Marco stopped them. "I know him. I'll just get him some ice!"
"Okay," Chaucer said, "good sportsmanship! Love seeing that!"
As the crowd cheered Marco helped River get up.
"We will take it from here."
Marco noted two attendants walk to the King's side, the same ones that came with him on his hunts.
One of them Marco knew as Manfred, "Oh, hello Marco."
Since Start more often took Marco to Butterfly Castle when she was called back he had gotten a chance to speak to some of the staff.
"Hello Manfred, I think we should get him to your room. From what I heard you two will need to talk. Are we to expect a new heir at Butterfly castle?"
"No!" Marco groaned. "Do you have any idea how to calm him first?"
"Well, since you did keep him from exposing his identity to those healers and letting it get back to Queen Butterfly I suppose I can help."
"Thank you, Manfred."
"Think nothing of it, Marco, by the way, congratulations on your daughter."
"Thanks."
They dragged King Butterfly away.
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"This is looking like the match of the transformations" Chaucer announced as the next battle of the round was well underway.
Puri Puri Pearl was a young looking woman with silvery hair had transformed at the start of the battle, at the start of the fight she transformed in a flashy and somewhat long sequence. Her clothes changing into an idol like outfit, flashy sparkly and cute, and a large pearl on the broach on her chest. She also gained cat-like ears and a tail. She seemed like performer rather than a fighter.
Her opponent was an ape called Beppo he activated a power and his hair turned spiky and gold. He went into something of berserker mode, his muscle grew larger and energy radiated from him.
They fought wildly neither slowing down.
"You lack elegance." Pearl winked at the ape. "You have power but no style. Let me teach you."
Beppo roared as they charged for another attack.
"Pretty Love Heart Cannon!" Puri Puri Pearl swung back her fist, now it radiated with power and glowing hearts.
They collided with one another causing a huge explosion.
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In Marco's waiting room Marco placed a bag of ice on the king's head and held ready a cup of tea.
Manfred said this tea always helped calm him.
The King came too "Wh?—"
"Here you go."
"Oh thank you." He took the tea and slowly sipped it. "What? Marco?"
"River please relax," Marco told him.
River rubbed his head and sat back down slowly drinking the tea, the aroma itself was pretty calming.
"River, let me explain things. Me and Star aren't dating or anything. We don't have a daughter or anything."
"But you do have a daughter?"
"Yes, her name is Seraph," Marco took out his phone and showed him the picture of her in her Gi.
"She looks a lot like your mother."
"Yeah, she does." Marco smiled taking the phone.
"Whose her mother?"
"Hekapoo."
"Hekapoo? As in the forger of the dimensional scissors?"
"Yeah, I was doing her trial to earn the scissors and we sort of got together a few times. And it seems before I left I got her pregnant. Now we have a daughter together that is a couple of months old but both physically and mentally a teenager. She's living with me because if not she's gonna age really fast. I know it a lot to take in, I found out about her not too long ago."
River just stared at him dumbfounded, "Oh….Marco." River couldn't feel a little bad for the boy. To have all of this put on his plate at once. It was never easy just to become a father and it seemed to come at him all at once
"No, no, don't worry, I know things are a weird but we've managed. Seraph is adjusting to life on Earth and she's doing great in school."
"That's good," River felt horrible for trying to behead him, he knew Marco was a good young man but he could tell he was doing his best to make a life for his daughter. "Marco, if you ever need any help or want to talk you are more than welcome to come to me."
"Thank you… Now I feel a little bad about punching you."
River rubbed his face, "Well, I was trying to kill you. You have a strong right hook."
"Thanks."'
"So you and Hekapoo?"
"Uh, it's complicated-" Marco stopped when the king slapped him on the back.
"Good for you lad,"
Marco's face turned bright red. "We're not an item, we're just friends."
"Yes, of course," River winked at him, "being gentle, I can certainly respect that."
0000
Roman was fighting some sort of rabbit dress in black, but like many would have suspected the wolf was beating the rabbit.
The fight was more heated than expected though. The rabbit known as Nagato, he had soft white hair all over his body and carried a thin katana. He wasn't big or muscly and from what people could tell he relied on speed to fight.
Marco watched the fight on the screen in his room as he tried to relax. Roman tried to grab Nagato but failed to because of the speed. When all the sudden it seemed that there were several Nagato's on the field running around Roman.
"Bunshin no Jutsu" Marco marveled.
While hunting down Hekapoo he had tried to study up on her cloning he heard of a technique where very fast beings could fool the eye by moving fast enough that it seemed there were more. When he returned he actually discovered humans could do it too. Ninjas in the past were said to have actually been able to pull it off with years of intense training. But honestly, Marco had never seen anyone actually pull it off and assumed it a legend.
Roman closed his eyes as all the rabbits charged at him. His ears flickered and mid attack he grabbed the rabbit.
His eyes were not reliable here so he listened for the real one, he grabbed out for the one with the smell of sweat and the one whose heart he heard, He tossed them into the air.
With a flurry of kicks Roman ended the match by kicking his opponent out of the platform.
His fancy footwork allowed him to avoid the sword slashes and with a well-placed kick, it was over.
Roman quickly jumped off the platform and offered the rabbit a hand.
Marco continued to watch for a little more. He impressed what he saw and even more eager to try and meet up the standard the others were setting knowing it wouldn't be easy.
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Marco was trying to relax, just stretching his muscles as the next round would get hard. Forty contestants were narrowed down to 20 and then to ten. Marco was honestly surprised he made it this far.
Then ten finalist would fight in another round robin and the last five would fight melee until two were left standing. Then the final match would be the main focus. There was going to be a ceremony before the fight would start. Making it this far was an honor, a lot of skilled warriors had fallen. Marco wasn't sure how he felt about this, he had relied a lot on his sword to protect him. He did earn and he was the one who figured how to use it. It still felt odd to win because of it so much.
There was a knock on the door, and the others walked in.
"You ready?" Sensei smiled.
"Way to go champ! Top ten!" Hekapoo beamed at Marco. "Top ten fighters in the whole Universe!"
Marco shrugged, "Well, I got a bit lucky here and there."
"Lucky?" Star scoffed, "You've been fighting like a pro! You made it through that crazy melee fights and did all those things to slow down the vampire! Then you fought that giant bug guy, and then you like one punched that Viking guy!"
Marco coughed he didn't know how he'd explain that one to Star.
Seraph jumped and hugged her father, "I'm so proud of you dad! It's amazing! You're amazing!" Marco felt so weak while his daughter hugged him. He hugged her back, he never knew how amazing it was to have your kid be proud of you. "Thanks, sweetie."
"So how long until you win this thing?"
Marco blushed, "I don't know about that, we got a few more rounds and matches."
"Oh, by the way, whats the big prize?"'
"Yeah, I never asked," Sensei questioned.
Marco explained, "There is a nice trophy, the winner gets a statue in the hall of champions… Uh, like a hall of all the past winners."
"Then there was some other stuff." Hekapoo added, "The Lord always give a large chunk of treasure, should be filled with gold and jewels."
Marco knew about it, he certainly wouldn't mind having that treasure it would certainly go a long way and help with things with Seraph. Maybe even help start a college fund for her, Marco knew she was interested in art and maybe he could get her into an art school and that would be expensive especially for art supplies.
Hekapoo continued, "Also, lots of the court threw in some stuff. Artifacts, Relics, some magic stuff just to pump up the winner's award. But I guess the major award is the ear of the Lord."
"Wait, what's that?" Star questioned.
"Oh, it's a chance to speak to the ruler, a one on one thing, a lot of winners use it as a chance to ask for something special. The ruler usually listens to the request and if they approve will make it happen. Sometimes the winners ask for a special reward, a special sword, a title, aid to their cause or a favor. It's not a blank check, no ruler would just let someone declare war for them but for the most part, they honor the request."
"So what are you planning on asking for dad?" Seraph asked Marco.
"I don't know," Marco was taken aback by how much faith Seraph had in him.
He knew kids often thought their dads were the strongest person but Seraph really did believe it and the fact that he made it this far had just proven her so far.
Marco was afraid of letting her down.
0000
Lord Wukong stood before the finalist, next to him stood Sister Fraus and the hooded Buta.
In the reserved seats, he spotted all the fall warriors including Styx and River.
Wukong cleared his throat, "Ladies, Gentlemen, and others." He paused as he looked around, "I present you the top ten finalists!"
The crowd cheered with applause.
"Before that," Wukong turned to the fallen and bowed. "I am honored to have all you warriors here. Though you might not have made it to the finals know that you honor your homes and that your skill truly puts you on par with the greatest warriors in the universe."
The fallen honored by his words bowed, "No," he stopped them, "it is I who is honored to be in your presence."
Marco smiled, from what he could gather Wukong was being sincere and it didn't look like his counselors had made that speech. Marco liked that he was showing respect to the fallen.
Roman scoffed, "He's doing it again?"
"Again?" Marco questioned the wolf standing near him.
"He's the ruler of this land, he should show strength at all times but he just continues to show weakness and bow to the weak."
"I thought it was nice," Marco mumbled.
Marco had been around royals for a while now, he certainly got them trying to seem strong and confident to keep people's confidence in them, so he could see where Roman was coming from but he was lenient to the kid who had so much on his shoulders.
Wukong turned to the finalist, "I pleased to introduce the finalist."
"Kaagh of Sontar," The potato-like warrior was stoic as ever as the crowd cheered.
"Maximus of Dramania," The triceratops gladiator raised his fist in the air.
"Roman of the Howling Tribe from Tatakai" The crowd cheered for the hometown hero.
"Princess Puri Puri Pearl of Toei," A young lady with pigtails who wore a bright pink idol outfit spun greeting the crowd.
"Marco Diaz of Earth," Marco nervously waved at the crowd.
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Seraph at the box seats yelled at the top of her lungs, "Yeah! Whooooo! That's my dad! Go, Dad!"
Star covered her ears, Hekapoo pushed her back down to her chair, "Sweetie, I think he heard you."
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"Tashary Dwelum of Moldoff." A woman with a mace and large hawk wing let her wings spread.
"Lady Noire of the Lands of Shadow and Light," The crowd cheered for her but less than others.
"Lu Shanu from Akisen." The fan user reached for his fan but steadied her hand.
"Tula from Andreamite." A grey-skinned amazon stood tall smiling at the crowd.
"Telemik from dimension Galm." They were a humanoid form made of hardened black mist.
As he finished Wukong held out his staff, "May your battles be thrilling and uh, may you be safe." He had forgotten how he planned to finished this. He'd been trying his best to memorize the speeches they gave him but with everything that happened he was getting very confused.
That why he didn't react when Lu Shanu pulled out her fans and slashed at the robed figure.
Wukong eye's bulged as his lead Counselor Buta was attacked
"Guards!" Wukong called out. He readied his staff.
The robe was torn to reveal a large green gem hanging from a gem around his waist.
Lu Shanu held her fans, "I sensed him, the same power I sensed before, hidden but there."
Roman jumped in and kicked the fan user down.
Wukong stopped him, "Please, I need to hear her."
"My attacker," Lu Shanu told him, "I sensed a power them, from their weapon, the same power that comes from them." He focused her attention on the glowing gem.
Wukong was the rewarded by a kick in the chest and Roman stealing his staff.
Buta took out a green gem and stood beside Roman as Fraus moved to his side.
"Buta what's going on?" Wukong looked around.
The other warriors looked on confused unsure of what to do.
Roman tapped the staff to the ground, his voice echoing through the stadium, "For too long we've been lead by a weak simpering child. He would have us bow to our lessers. Such a man should never be put in the position of power, so it's our duty to take it. To lead everyone with strength and power."
Buta raised his hand and chains appeared around Wukong.
Roman bellowed, "Listen to me! Join me! Help us take back this world! Anyone who fights back, who gets in our way we will consider our enemy!"
Roman turned to the other finalist, "Join me."
"I'm a soldier of justice! Bringer of hope!" Puri Puri Pearl stared at the wolf as she spun her arms in the air. "I will not join in any conquest that inspires fear!"
"I am a knight," Noire pulled out her sword. "I will not join to overthrow a right and justice king."
"Rebellion has its place. To topple the cruel and the unjust and dishonorable," The gladiator dinosaur pulled out his blade. "This isn't a just cause."
Many other warriors seemed to join the sentiment, they prepared to fight Roman.
"So be it."
Buta held out a green gem as it started to glow brighter.
"Buy us a moment," Fraus told him.
The green ranger moved to Roman's side.
Telemik, Tashary, and Tula began to attack the other warriors.
Roman smiled, "I had allies with me moving through the ranks with me."
Marco managed to block a blow from Telemik, Maximus took a blow from Tashry's mace to the head, and Tula punched Puri Puri Pearl.
Puri Puri Pearl bounced away before turning and bouncing back summoning her pearl rapier. "I will not go down that easily."
She looked like an idol but she was a warrior, she pushed back smacking the Amazon back.
"Done!" Buta let out.
Suddenly a faint glowed spread across the stadium and just about all the contestants fallen or not stopped their eyes going blank.
Fraus smiled, "Every one of my sisters have healed has the spell in them. Spells weaved into their bodies as we healed them, infecting them without any sign of detection. Their bodies too weak at the time to fight back."
Marco found himself against everyone else.
"I pay no mind to conquest," Kaagh pulled out his sword, "but this battle has no honor, to make skilled warriors fight in such a manner is disgusting."
He looked at Marco sicked that he was forced to work with him. Out of the finalist they were the only ones not healed, Marco because he wanted to test himself and Kaagh because he thought it was weakness to show any pain.
"So be it," Roman ordered, "my warriors, attack those who will stop us, take any delegates you find. If any other would attempt to stop us we will have hostages."
The crowd started to panic and flee.
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Hekapoo tried to open up a portal but failed, "Oh, they got a tramorfidian crystal set up to stop rifts from forming."
"Mom, what's going on?" Seraph questioned.
"We are getting you and Star out from here. You'd both be great targets."
Hekapoo cloned herself several times, "I'll go get Marco and help him beat the big bad wolf. Follow my clones and the rest will help get other people out. So let's go."
0000
The bulk of the fallen warriors had been affected and had started to move out, those not healed like River and Styx were doing their best to fight the others off but they were outnumbered and had to fall back. It didn't help that there were others amongst the ranks who worked with Roman.
"Fight us!" Kaagh demanded Roman.
"Join me," Roman told him. "You are truly skilled warriors. We could do so much together."
"I think not," Kaagh told him. "If I were to conquer this world it would be for the honor of Sontar and not for you."
"So be it." Roman teleported behind Kaagh and plunged his dagger-like claw into a hole on the back of his neck. "Your species has one weakness, correct?"
Kaagh gasped for air before collapsing to the ground.
"You feed through that hole, but it also assures that you never turn your back on your enemy less you die. You can never flee, but it fails you when your enemy is already at your back."
Marco took a step back as he steeled himself.
Roman looked at Marco now truly alone, he waved his hand ordered the others to go away to leave him with Marco.
Marco turned the scissors to a sword and held it steady. Things had gotten serious, he cleared his mind and focused on what was before him.
"Marco, listen to me. You've earned your power, you've earned your right to stand amongst the best. It is the duty of those with power to protect the weak."
"That's true," Marco admitted. "But that doesn't mean you get to take over."
"Doesn't it? If you have the power than you take what you need, and with it, we can shape this world. If not by us someone else would have taken this power. Better us then someone else."
"You all think like this?" Marco looked around at the others.
Buta said, "The young lord is not ready to lead. He seeks to make peace and to please everyone. He wants everyone to be content that is a foolish dream if he tries he will just expend this kingdom and lead it to ruin."
"Maybe it is a dream but it doesn't sound like a bad one. He's just trying to help."
Fraus spoke, "Dream like that cannot work out, dark steps must be taken to ensure anything. Our Founder's dream was to save everyone but after generation, after generation and war after war, we just lose more. With Roman, we can use all these warriors and force all wars to end. We might be stealing their will but we will save so many."
"We can do so much good." Roman told him, "You have a strong heart Marco and are skilled. Please see this."
Marco focused, "I can't be apart of this. I've been apart of rebellions before. Where I come from we rebelled from a bad kingdom, one who wouldn't listen to us and tried to make a more perfect union. It's not perfect but there is one thing that I truly believe in, authority should be derived from the consent of the governed, not from threat of force! Wukong has done nothing but tries to help his people and try to make a better world for everyone and actually listens to other people. You want to make everyone do as you say without any say!"
"Would you prefer the Royals to lead?" Roman gripped the staff. "Like that Butterfly girl, I saw you eating with you?"
"Star?"
"Her family doesn't have the best record, not with monsters or her own people."
"No, maybe not, but Star is different and I've talked to her family, they're not perfect but they do care."
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River punched one of the mind controlled warriors, "Sorry about that, not much a choice."
Styx was helping some children and hurt guests onto his back holding them with his many arms. He helped a small girl onto his shoulder, "All right, small one hold on tight."
"Go!" River ordered him, "I'll hold them back, just get them to safety."
River had already sent his attendants ahead helping those they could.
Styx hated leaving but it was for the best, he could get the most people away fastest. He started to run off to get the people to safety. He promised once they were safe to try and come to take more people out.
River cracked his knuckles as the warriors moved to attack him.
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An archer under Roman's control fired his arrows at fleeing delegates, flames shot those arrows down.
They were left with one Hekapoo clones who quickly helped a delegate to their feet. "Are you okay?"
"I hurt my leg."
Hekapoo helped the woman get up and lifted her onto her back. "Seraph lets go."
A dark-haired warrior with the gauntlet lunged at Seraph but was stopped as Star blasted her with her wand.
"We have to go," Hekapoo ordered.
Seraph saw the mind controlled warriors dragging people away. "We can't go, there are people who need help! She needs you to get out of here!" Seraph pointed to the woman Hekapoo held.
Star saw her worry, she wanted to help but she could only do so much and wanted to protect her daughter.
Star promised, "I promise you I'll make sure she stays safe. Just go!"
Hekapoo took a breath and raced away.
Star held her wand ready, "Winterstorm Hyper Blow!"
Star began to freeze the warriors and hopefully help some people in need.
0000
"You're an optimist." Roman scowled at Marco. "I was hoping to turn you without the need of the spell."
He turned to Buta. "Tell our warriors to find his daughter, his and Hekapoo's daughter."
Buta used the gem to send the commands.
Marco paled, "What? No!"
"I smelled her, she had your's and Hekapoo's scent. She will be useful to keep Hekapoo from attacking us."
"You are planning to use her to make me follow you too?"
"If I must, you are too skilled to lose, or I can wound you to the point you need healing. Both work."
Roman moved to face off against Marco.
Author's Notes: Yup, you've got a lot to be thankful this weekend. My insomnia and the fact that these chapters are pretty short and i'm on a roll got me getting these out. We've got one more chapter for this arc. I might be able to get it out this weekend but lets see how this goes. I have a writting protect due soon and i want to focus on it. I just needed a break so that let me work on this chapter. Okay, let me know what you guys think by leaving a review. And someone get on the tv trope page, we probably need to start to write down the shout outs. Wish me luck people, Imma try to get some sleep.