Like Father, Like Daughter
Disclaimer: I don't own anything from Star vs the Forces of Evil.
Chapter 19: The Time of Disaster
An orange portal opened onto a stone path carved into a cliffside. Hekapoo and Marco walked out into the cold night air and followed the path up onto the cliff where an ancient temple stood overlooking a calm lake. Marco immediately noticed that the temple had this strange red tint to it. It was the light coming through the crimson stained windows. He didn't know if this held some significance for vampires or just set the mood.
Marco didn't know much about vampires, but he had run into a savage, almost beast like, vampire a while back. It had got itself cornered and trapped in a graveyard then buried alive, or undead as the case may be. When it finally got out, it was crazy, stupid, and savagely hungry. It couldn't plan for a damn or figure out what was a trap or not.
Honestly, Marco got lucky with that one and took care of it quickly.
This was something else though. The temple was filled with every variation of vampire he could imagine and many he didn't have the imagination for. If he ever got back to Earth, Marco was sure that Janna would be jealous of him being here.
Marco took a breath as he stayed close to Hekapoo as they walked amongst them. Before he knew it, Hekapoo took his hand in her's and gave it a good squeeze.
"Brothers. Sisters." A dark haired man in front of an alter spoke, his voice commanding attention and respect without so much as raising his tone. All ceased their conversations and looked toward his tall pale figure.
"I welcome you all, and I know that I speak for myself and my bride in saying thank you for being here. Tonight with the Sacred Blood Moon we will bind one another in an inescapable bond, and in doing so we hope to join all of us together. To gather all the factions and clans together under a single banner." He paused for effect, "Long have we been banished to the darkness, to the recesses of every world, hunted and slaughtered when we should reign supreme. Tonight we take the first step towards our glorious conquest. Together we will be a force like none other. We shall topple the Magical High Commission, Axolotl, The Diamond Kingdom, The Curator of Secrets and his Guardians, the Bringer of Darkness, The Seventh Abyss, and anyone else who's foolish enough to stand in our way."
The crowd cheered, and Marco felt Hekapoo squeeze his hand harder. Concerned, Marco asked, "Are you okay?"
"That guy. He's a vampire from the Land of Shadow and Light, a Vampire Lord."
"And that means?"
"He's super powerful Marco, like dangerously powerful."
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As they walked into the school, Marco failed to notice people turning their gazes at his little group.
Many of them had seen Hekapoo's picture from Janna's little business earlier in the year. They all realized she wasn't human just from looking at Seraph, but many still gazed at Hekapoo. Marco wasn't sure why, but it bothered him for some reason. Though he was sort of used to it. They did go out to some places together during his trial, and many people did turn to her then as well. Besides her unique appearance, some parts of her dimension thought of her as a goddess or a legend or just gorgeous.
Hekapoo actually took him to taverns. Often just because some guy would always try and hit on her, and she'd always have Marco knock them out when they refused to leave.
Marco would have been more upset about that, but a lot of those guys who wouldn't take no for an answer were jerks and had a beating coming.
And as fun as it was, he didn't want to bring up those stories with Seraph. There were just some stories he didn't think they should tell Seraph.
As they walked into the school, Marco asked, "So, what do you want to do first?"
"Food." Hekapoo spoke up as she sniffed the air.
Marco chuckled a little to himself, "Yeah, I should have figured you'd notice them. I had heard they would have bacon dogs here."
They went over to a small food stand where they were cooking hot dogs.
Marco bought some for the group.
Star chomped on her food, "It's not as good as goblin dogs but not bad, and a lot easier to get."
Hekapoo was not really paying attention as she quickly gobbled up the bacon wrapped hot dog.
Janna glanced over to Marco, "Huh, I'm really starting to see why you get along with her."
Marco sighed as he tried not to blush. Janna was about to continue those jokes but then spotted Seraph looking at her with a confused look.
Janna just went back to eating her snack. She would do a lot of stuff, but she wouldn't do that while Seraph was around. Seraph was so freaking innocent, and Janna wouldn't want to explain any of that to her.
"More please." Hekapoo beamed as she finished her hot dog.
After several bacon dogs, they managed to pull her away.
Jackie had to voice a question she had, "Ah, how much do you guys eat?" Jackie held up her hands, "I don't mean to be rude or anything, it's just you ate enough hot dogs to fill up most people. Is it a magic thing? I mean, I've seen Star eat enough for two people and-"
Hekapoo stopped her, "A little bit I guess," Hekapoo told her not taking any offense, "Most magic users tend to eat more than non-magic users. It's just a bit of biology. People who move more or work out a lot have a higher need for food because they burn through it faster. I know when Marco was muscly he ate a lot more." The girls glanced at Marco as he fiddled with his tie, but Hekapoo continued, "But yeah, I don't need to eat really, I mostly do it for kicks and just cause things are tasty."
"So where does-" Janna began,
"I can, but I burn through most of it pretty quick. I tend to draw my energy from my dimension."
"Wait, so Seraph doesn't need to eat?" Star questioned.
"I get hungry." Seraph glanced over to a calzone stand, "I'm pretty sure I need to eat."
Marco went over, bought her a calzone, and brought it back.
Hekapoo explained, "Seraph takes after Marco. She really does need food, even if she has magic she's not that different than Star that way. She probably needs a lot more food because she's grown so fast. Her body is technically still growing and her powers being fire based just helps her burn through it more so. I mean, she burns through a lot of food fast because of her flames."
Jackie guessed it made sense. A lot of teens had big appetites and with magic and her teen body she'd have to go through a lot of calories.
Seraph happily ate through her new snack, and between bites Marco used a napkin to wipe at the sauce on her face.
"You know I was hoping that you'd pick up table manners from your Dad." Hekapoo teased before she pointed at a spot Marco missed.
Seraph rolled her eyes. She didn't exactly like her parents doting on her like this, especially in front of her friends.
Star tried not to chuckle. It was kinda cute seeing Marco and Hekapoo being so parental.
"That! What's that?!" Seraph shouted.
"Oh!" Marco looked over to a game booth.
Marco didn't even get a chance to speak as Seraph was already moving over to the booth.
"It's a game booth." Marco took a second to look it over, "You pay the guy, and he gives you a couple of balls. Then you use them to knock down the bottles, and depending how many you get you win a prize."
Seraph frowned for a moment. Her aim was pretty bad. Unless it was a giant, she tended to miss, "Can you win one?"
"I guess I can." Marco grabbed some money from his pocket and put it down.
Like hell he was going to let down his little girl.
Hekapoo followed behind them close and smiled; she knew what he was up to. Marco could never ignore a challenge.
0000
It was a little weird to have Hekapoo pull him around by a chain. They had to mingle and see what information they could gather about the whole ritual.
Honestly, Marco thought she might be enjoying it.
Though playing the role of a servant had some advantages, one being that the vampires didn't bother to pay attention to him.
Hekapoo mingled and tried to find out more. After a while, they traded notes.
"My Lady," Marco brought over a drink
Hekapoo huffed and took the drink, "About time."
Marco whispered, "You're taking this a bit far, don't you think?"
She smirked, "What? I thought you liked roleplaying."
"Did you find out anything?"
"Not much, vampires are so dull. Not that I didn't know that. You get your lifespan expanded, and you suddenly think your all powerful."
"Yeah, I noticed that. Immortals have that bad habit."
Hekapoo rolled her eyes and decided to ignore that comment.
"I talked to the thralls and servants." Marco told her, "The ritual is some sort of soul binding. Using the power of a moon god or eclipse or something. The main key is a demon, a very specific demon species that deals with souls."
"Meathead, most demons do stuff with souls."
"Yes, but these demons are called Soul Surgeons."
"The Soul Surgeons?" Hekapoo gasped.
"You've heard of them I take it."
"Ah, yeah, they can manipulate souls. Some legends even say they can manipulate their own inner world in their were feared for centuries, and then they vanished. Just centuries of torment and power and gone. Never really figured that one out. Some say they moved on to grander things or other planes. There were a few left wandering the Universe, but they didn't seem like tormentors. Most became hermits or got some jobs, or something. Frankly, most people couldn't tell they weren't just run of the mill demons."
"Yeah, well they have one and it sounds like they're forcing it to do this ritual. To reinforce the bond. Apparently whatever the ritual taps into picks things on its own, and they want to make sure it works."
"Hm, so if we can free this demon they won't be able to make the ritual work."
"That's easier said than done." Marco told her.
"No, I've figured that bit out. The groom and bride are both mingling with guests so why is there a guard over there."
Hekapoo pointed to the far end of the hall where a young looking vampire stood.
"You see the sword on his side?"
"What is that crystal?" Marco asked her,
"Never been sure, it's some sort of gem. That's a Luxor Sword. It's a pretty standard status symbol across all vampire species."
"I've never heard of it."
"Well, the few bottom dwelling vampires that made it to your dirty ball of a planet would never have been worthy enough for one of those." Hekapoo shrugged, "Though in all honesty there aren't that many vampires who'd earn one. The sword are only given to Vampire Knights, those who've proven themselves. The crystal collects light. It's supposed to be a symbol of how they overcame their major weakness, the sunlight. The swords are something else, very hard to come by ingredients and hard to make. The sword actually boosts the user powers and abilities."
"Neat!"
"Don't think of stealing it."
"I don't steal."
"Marco, the sword signifies they are fierce warrior vampires. If he thinks you're trying anything funny, he won't hesitate to run you through."
"Yeah, but we have to get through him."
Hekapoo shrugged, "Just stay out of it right now. We got to find the moment to move. We've got of be quick, take him, and get the demon out."
Hekapoo said it to keep Marco from charging and attacking.
"We just have to pick the moment."
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Hekapoo smiled to herself as Marco lined up his shot. Marco was actually doing pretty well with his targets.
Seraph had terrible aim, and he'd been working with her to improve it. A lot of the practice was just them playing catch. And Seraph's throwing was still off, but Marco had gotten much better.
Marco bit his lower lip and threw his final throw.
The bottles fell with a clatter, and Marco pumped his fist in victory.
"Congratulations! Grand prize!" The attendant at the booth shouted.
Marco usually didn't like these games, these tended to be rigged more often than not. But Seraph wanted him to win her something so he was going to try.
The attendant pulled out a large stuffed blue platypus giving it to Marco, "I thought platypuses were brown."
The guy shrugged, "Someone took creative liberties."
Marco turned to his smiling daughter ready to hand off the prize.
Seraph smiling shook her head, "I didn't want it for me. I wanted mom to have something."
Marco blushed at the realization that he'd just won a prize for Hekapoo. "Uh, well, okay. Here you go." He held out the plushy towards Hekapoo.
A blush forming on Hekapoo's cheeks as she grabbed it, "…Thanks."
Hekapoo gave the plush toy a squeeze.
Marco was unsure how he felt about suddenly giving a gift to Hekapoo like this, but she seemed happy and so did Seraph.
They were happy and he wasn't upset or anything. He was actually enjoying his time here. It was nice to just to be here with both of them.
Starfan ran up to Seraph, "Hey Seraph! Have you tried out cotton candy yet?"
"No, what is it?"
"It's my favorite candy! It's so soft and sweet!"
Seraph's eyes twinkled at the word sweet. "Yes! Let's get some!"
Starfan knew how much she loved sweets and grabbed her hand pulling her along towards the treat.
"Don't run!" Marco called after them, "Don't eat too much either!"
Hekapoo snickered, "I see your taking to fatherhood."
"What? She goes really fast, and if she trips she could hurt herself."
"Heh, I would say that it's something new, but you've always been a worry wart."
"No I haven't. "
"Blrrrt! Oh! Are you going to try that misunderstood bad boy line? You're a sweet guy, don't be embarrassed about it."
"But-"
"Quit harping about it. If you want to prove you're exciting, you already proved that over the last sixteen years."
"Well, thanks. It means a lot."
"Enough of that gushing stuff, let's have some fun!"
Hekapoo grabbed Marco's hand and pulled him along.
At a short distance Star, Janna, and Jackie kept their eyes on them. This whole situation was weird for them, but they wanted to give them some space. Since the wedding, they didn't know how to act around them. It didn't get past them that Seraph was trying to nudge them together.
It didn't take much for them to figure out that the girl just wanted them to have a family. They had all grown rather fond of the girl; she wasn't someone they wanted to upset.
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They were waiting for their moment, to have some sort of plan.
"Okay," Hekapoo said, "I think our best bet is for us to try and sneak in right before everything gets started. If this guy is a prisoner then I'm sure we can convince him to come with us. I'm going to try and find out when everything is going down." Hekapoo turned to Marco, "Okay, go outside to see if you can find a window or something and give him a heads up."
"Right, they should be ready to run. But won't the vampires see me?"
"No, Vampires don't tend to guard outside. I don't know why, I think it's a thing about not liking being outside during the day. Plus it's a party. I doubt anyone actually wants to be outside and miss it. Vampires are very inclusive about parties."
"Huh? You learn something new everyday."
Marco managed to get outside pretty easily; no one was guarding anything really. He was sure he found one guy who was supposed to be a guard but who was really drunk and making a pass at a girl.
He went around the building and found the window, for the vampires credit they had put up bars with spells crafted onto them.
Marco knocked on the window, "Hey! Hey!"
A grey skinned demon floated towards him. He looked at him curiously, "Human? What are you doing here?"
"I'm here to rescue you."
The demon was stoic and slowly raised an eyebrow, "You are woefully out classed, there are countless vampire present."
"I noticed," Marco huffed, "I'm not alone, I brought Hekapoo."
"Hekapoo?"
"Yeah, she's sort of a friend-"
"A friend?" the demon look at him suspiciously,
"Well, it's complicated. I'm doing a trial, but we sort of hang out sometimes."
The demon's eyes focused on him, "Hm, you don't appear to be telling a lie."
"You can tell that?"
"My clan manipulates souls, we can see them and your soul reacts to your lies. Speak truthfully and we should have no trouble. What is your name, human?"
"I'm Marco and we are trying to stop this whole ritual."
"Yes, it is quite troubling."
"Yeah, how does that work anyway?"
"It would be difficult to explain. The power in the ritual invokes a strange and natural phenomena. No one truly understands it. Humans consider it a bad omen or a curse, demons of the Underworld see it as a sacred union, and the vampires see it a means for power."
"Power?"
"The soul is a sacred thing, beyond our universe and from a force we can never control. But in a more practical way of thinking the soul works as an engine, an engine that powers life. Some tap into souls to gain power."
"Wait, is that why there are all those legend of people losing souls to demons?"
The demon gave a small nod, "Yes, many demons gather more by gathering more souls. But in this case by binding two vampire souls, two immortal souls, they hope to feed on each other. Their immortal bodies will be able to deal with the strain much better than mortal forms. It will constantly draw power from each other's souls fueling them both physically and metaphysically."
"Okay, that doesn't sound good, but how bad would it be?"
"They would be like unkillable gods."
"Okay, okay, yeah, we really do have to stop them."
"You don't know the half of it. A strain like that will wear on their souls, corrupt them, and turn them towards a dark path."
"Uh, they're vampires aren't they already all dark."
"You misunderstand. Vampirism does not make one evil. The hunger can wear away at morality, but there are choices. When you start to lose your morality, you lose part of your self and the path of light doesn't seem all that different. It seems like the darker path is easier for your goals. It makes great evils seem not so bad. Should they succeed, I doubt there will be any mercy left in them. They will do what they feel must be done."
Marco cringed, they already talked about overthrowing people and probably killing them. He didn't want to know what they would do with less morals.
"Okay, okay," Marco spoke, "Is there anything you can tell us that could help us stop this?"
The demon looked up to the sky, "The moon will soon be in place." He tapped on a metal collar around his neck, "This doesn't allow me to refuse an order that vampire gives me. Though there are loopholes. They will order me to perform the ceremony in time and do so correctly, but I will be able to stall for as long as possible."
"That's good!" Marco cheered, "A distraction at the last moment. Get Hekapoo to bring out some of her clones at the last moment. We don't have to win the fight but just run out the time. Maybe I can sneak you away during the scuffle."
"Yes, I suppose that is the best plan we can form before the dance starts."
"Dance?"
"The force behind this ritual is drawn to the act of dancing. It is said that they dance across the multiverse showing in certain dimensions every few centuries. It just happens in this dimension it arrives every few decades making it a great location for impatient vampires."
"Okay, but why a dance?"
"Because of what it represents. The soul is something few will ever truly understand. A portion can be given, through relations, through the bonds we make. A friend, a lover, a comrade, with emotions get let a sliver of your soul part and latch onto another. Such ways will not alter the person, but let people make connections." The demon mused, "It is not unlike to connection of a child and parent. How a parent might sense their child is in danger when they are not around. Have you ever had the feeling when you think of someone you care about who is not around and yet for a moment it feels like they are there?"
Marco paused, "…yeah, I think so."
"I will put my own trust in you, Marco."
"Thanks… I'm sorry I didn't get your name."
"Solusod Corruptor of Souls."
"…cheery, So Solusod just-"
"Solusod Corruptor of Souls, it's rude not to speak my full name."
"Ah, sorry, okay, just be ready to run."
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"Ah!" Seraph squealed less than delighted. The little trip to the cotton candy stand had gone awry.
"Pulling my hair!" Sabrina yelped.
Sabrina was looking over the machines making the candy treat in a swirling mess, and Seraph ran into her causing her to tumble right in. Seraph and Starfan quickly pulled her out but in doing so got caught up in the mess too. Sabrina was covered in thick cotton candy, and Seraph and Starfan were stuck in it too or their hands were stuck at least.
As Seraph struggled to pull out her hand from the cotton covered hair, a few sparks of an ember flickered around her as they tended to do when she got a bit upset.
"No!" Starfan warned her, "I think heat just hardens cotton candy."
Marco and Hekapoo were close by at a table enjoying some new snacks; the large platypus taking up its own seat. They thought about helping Seraph, but it wasn't like any of them were in danger, and it was little funny to watch.
Besides these things were just stuff kids had to go through.
Overall it was a pretty fun night. The only thing that Marco noticed was that his friends had wandered off; they must have found something interesting. Still he couldn't help but enjoy his time like this; despite everything, Seraph was having fun like a normal girl.
"Thank you." Hekapoo's voice whispered to him.
"For what?" Marco asked turning towards her.
"For that," She glanced over at Seraph. "Thank you for giving her a life that I couldn't. Even if things were different, if she lived at the Forge, she couldn't have made friends or had other kids to play with."
Marco smiled, "Oh! Thanks I guess. I really don't know what to say. You're usually not this sincere."
Hekapoo rolled her eyes, "And don't expect it to last." Hekapoo got up from her chair, "I'll be right back, just going to give Nachos a snack." She held out one of the bacon dogs.
"Don't let her eat the wrapper, she really likes the wrapper but-"
"Marco?" Hekapoo queried.
Marco's dad senses were going off wildly.
As he looked over to Seraph she was still trying to tugged her candy covered hand out of Sabrina's hair, but something had indeed changed. A new person had joined the little group.
It was Blake, a boy from one of his classes.
A boy.
A boy talking to Seraph.
A boy talking to his daughter.
He found someone tugging him back into his chair.
"Nope." Hekapoo's voice rang out. "And putting this away."
Marco realized that at some point he'd turned his scissors into a sword. Hekapoo flicked the blade, and it shrunk back down.
"I've seen that look in your eyes before, we're not doing that. Not for a boy just chatting up our daughter."
Marco just grumbled under his breath. Hekapoo got up ready to go feed Nachos.
"If he gets handsy, then we can use the sword."
Marco let out a small chuckle.
"Do you want to dance?"
"Huh?" Seraph asked turning to Blake confused, which was followed loud yelp as Seraph pulled out a clump of hair from Sabrina.
"You can even that out." Starfan suggested.
Seraph blinked still unsure of what was going on.
Blake took a breath and repeated himself, "Do you want to dance? Like, with me?"
"..." looks on blushing. She certainly understood what was being asked of her but just didn't expect it.
Starfan took the chance to help and nudged her side.
"Sure!"
Blake offered a hand to Seraph who took it with a blush painted on her face.
At the event they cleared an area for the dance; they put out this nice dance floor and set up a stage for a local DJ. The DJ was actually a nephew of Skeeves.
Though Seraph was a tad nervous about a boy asking her to dance; she just tried to think about having fun. She did enjoy dancing with others when the Bounce Lounge closed down. And Blake had always been friendly to her. She looked back to where Starfan gave her a thumbs up and Sabrina offered her a smile.
The only one not so excited about this was Marco, and he was doing his best not to fume and drag Seraph away.
"Calm down Marco." Jackie's familiar voice calmed him.
Jackie sat down in Hekapoo's vacant seat.
"I am calm." He assured her.
"Marco," She pointed to his drink, the container which had been crushed in his hand.
"Oh!" Marco dropped it and fumbled for some napkins to dry his hands.
"Yeah, so you're the over protective kind of dad. Yeah, that makes a lot of sense."
Marco turned away sheepishly not sure what to say.
Jackie stifled a laugh.
Jackie and the other girls had given Marco and Hekapoo a wide berth, after the wedding they decided to give Seraph as much time together as they could. Star and Janna had gotten distracted by one of the game booths when she spotted Marco.
Before she even knew it, she walked up to him and started to talk.
Marco finished up, "So, are you having fun?"
"Yeah," Jackie answered him and a thought struck her, "Do you want to dance?"
"Huh?"
"Well, I mean, we just never got around to actually dancing together. I think you still owe me a dance."
Marco blinked as he recalled going to a dance with Jackie but never actually dancing. He remembered riding a skateboard with her and then remembered that talk he had with her. She tried to hide it, but he was sure she was hurt.
He owed it to her, besides what harm could a dance do.
"Sure, let's dance."
Jackie offered him a dazzling smile and pulled him along by the hand. Before Marco knew what was happening, he was on the dance floor. The DJ started to play and he was there with Jackie.
The music began to play. Marco found himself staring at Jackie, her eyes seemingly sparkling.
Marco didn't know how to react; he didn't know how to react around Jackie at all.
Can beauty come out of ashes?~
They stepped closer to each other and trepidatiously Marco placed his hands on her hips. "Uh, is this okay?"
Jackie smiled, "Yeah, it's fine." Jackie wrapped her arms around him.
Can you use these tears to put out the fires in my soul?
'Cause I need you here, woah~
Jackie smiled calmly and Marco eased as they continued to dance.
'Cause I've been shaking
I've been bending backwards till I'm broke
Watching all these dreams go up in smoke~
As they danced together Marco found himself smiling. Jackie was always going to be someone special to him, his first crush and maybe his first love. Things didn't go like he expected or had hoped, but it didn't mean that he didn't care. He had wanted to be better for her and in the end he hurt her. He could at least try and give her one more happy memory. He smiled at her as he held her close, and they moved to the rhythm of the music together.
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Marco reached Hekapoo and gave her a summary, "Yeah, so he's in. It's going to start soon."
"Yeah, okay, so just have to get some of my nearby clones. Storm the place, you go in and try to sneak the demon out of here. Bonus I'm in a great position, just slip off this necklace at the right time and give them a fight from the inside too. Things are going good." Hekapoo said pleased.
Hekapoo didn't want Marco in the middle of a vampire horde, especially when the fight started. He was still mortal and things could get bad for him fast.
"I think I will need you to help me get the demon."
"What do you mean?"
"The guard for him. I doubt he's going to go to far. If he's some sort of knight I doubt he's going to ignore his duties until everything is done. He's not going to let me just take his prisoner."
"I'll deal with him, you just run off with the demon in distress."
"No, I can deal with him, just need a weapon of some sort. Maybe I can break a chair and get a makeshift stake."
"Marco, if he's really a Vampire Knight then I don't like your odds. Just leave it to me. If any of these blood suckers get a whiff of blood, this will become a feeding frenzy and then you won't have a chance."
The Vampire Lord stood in front of those gathered, "My friends!" He raised his hands, "The moon in nearly in place. The ceremony will begin shortly. I invite you to join us in dance." He waved over to the small band who began to play strange instruments.
It was a strange song, but Marco soon found his foot tapping to the beat, "Hmm, not bad. It's got a good beat."
Hekapoo tugged on his sleeve, "Okay, let's dance."
"What?"
"With everyone dancing, we can get closer to the door, and I can check out the knight. Get an idea of what I'm up against."
"Aren't people going to think something is up if you're dancing with your servant."
"Nah, you're my boy toy, and if I want to have fun with you, they won't care." Hekapoo smirked as she pulled him towards the dance hall.
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Jackie smiled; as the song came to an end she started to realize that people were starting to look at them.
People were already having questions about her standing with her Ex, and people were probably getting chatty about this dance.
Marco didn't seemed to notice as it looked like Justin was asking for the next dance with Seraph.
Jackie chuckled to herself. She knew Seraph meant to world to him and would never do anything to get in the way of them.
"Hey Lynn," Janna voice quirked up and as Jackie turned she found her friend looking a bit peeved.
Jackie understood why Janna might be angry. They agreed to stay clear of Marco tonight, but she instead asked him for a dance. Not that Jackie did so on purpose she just got carried away and asked him without thinking.
"I think it someone else's turn."
"Huh?" Was both Marco and Janna's reaction.
Jackie worked up a smile grabbing her and pulling Janna towards Marco, "Well, Marco is bugging out over- Wow, Justin asking Seraph to dance and I think a line is forming."
Marco turned around quickly, "what the-?"
It seemed a few people were getting in line for a turn to dance with the girl.
"Huh, I guess she takes after her dad." Janna mumbled to herself.
"Well, in any case." Jackie continued.
Marco was finding it hard to keep his calm and the bulging vein on his forehead wasn't helping things.
"Janna dance with Marco and help him focus on others things." Jackie told them.
"What?" Janna asked her.
Jackie moved closed to Janna, "I'm sorry. I know you said it didn't bother you when I was with Marco." She paused, "I just figured I could try and make it up a little, even if it's just with a dance." Jackie nudged Janna closer to Marco and spoke out loud, "A pair of old friends dancing sounds good right about now."
Jackie didn't wait for either one of them to talk back and walked away. She didn't need to give people more to talk about.
The music started again, and Janna found herself looking right into Marco eyes. "Heh," Janna let out, "It's been a long time since we've actually danced together."
Marco squirmed in his jacket as his cheeks blushed, "Janna! You promised never to talk about that."
Janna snickered, "What? You don't want Seraph to know her daddy used to be the Lord of the Dance?"
The next song began to play.
Lately I been, I been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be~
Marco groaned at the memory. When both of them were young, Marco was actually taking lessons in ballet. His mom signed him up so he could make friends and as it seemed Marco was really good. That was at least partially the reason why he was good at jumping and leaping. Janna was signed up by her mom, and she thought Janna would have fun and make friends.
I feel the love
And I feel it burn~
They would often be paired up together during lessons. Marco begged her not to tell anyone for a few favors which Janna already used up. Marco eventually left the dance class when he took up karate, and Janna left soon after. Though sometimes Janna teased him about that she never truly broke the promise. But sometimes it was too fun not to tease him about where he picked up the ballet shoe habit.
I see this life
Like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
In my faces flashing signs
Seek it out and ye shall find
The old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold~
"Come on," Janna wrapped her arms around and pulled him close, "your little girl adores you. Knowing you used to dance wouldn't change a thing."
Marco felt his face go red suddenly feeling how close Janna was.
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told~
0000
Hekapoo was right next to Marco as they danced, the world faded away and they only heard the music. Marco wasn't sure when he got used to the warmth that came from being this close to Hekapoo, but he liked it.
This was a more proper dance and not a wild rave, but they could handle it. They've danced a lot together since their first time.
"Yow!" Marco let out, "Did you pinch my butt?"
"Can you blame me? You've got such a nice tight tushy." Hekapoo chuckled as she looked up to Marco.
Marco grinned devilishly, two could play that game. Hekapoo shivered as Marco's finger slowly traced their way up her back. His finger barely touching her, almost tickling her. Slowly with a subtle move he pushed her forwards where his lips met hers. His hands snaked around her keeping her close, not that Hekapoo thought about pulling away. For a moment it was just them and the music.
Then the music stopped.
They pulled away to find all the vampires staring at them, they also seemed to have missed the knight bringing out the demonic prisoner.
"Okay, what? We dance too long?" Hekapoo asked looking over to Marco.
"Uh," Marco pointed to the floor where he necklace sat.
It looked like Marco had slipped off the necklace, and the vampire horde just saw him making out with her real self.
Yeah, they had been caught.
0000
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive~
Marco found himself smiling as he finished up his dance with Janna. She was a nut, but she was fun. And if worse came down it, he knew he could trust her.
"It looks like you still have your moves." Janna smirked, "I guess Hekapoo gave you plenty of chances to practice. Huh?"
Marco found himself shrink at the comment, "Well, I guess."
"Seraph is enough proof of that. I bet she taught you some new moves too." Janna smiled, she loved seeing she could still affect him. "Speaking of which…"
"Dad!" Seraph ran up to her father grabbing his arm.
"Seraph."
"You're dancing! I want to dance with you!"
"It looks like you have a lot of people that want to dance with you." Marco glanced over to see Keith there waiting for his turn.
"Come on Dad."
Marco felt himself caving into his daughter demands.
"Okay."
I gotta feeling that tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good night
That tonight's gonna be a good, good night~
"I love this song!" Seraph pulled Marco along.
Marco couldn't help but smile. It wasn't too long ago when they met, but he couldn't imagine his life without her. The wonder and the passion she saw in the everyday things, he loved it. She loved dancing. He wouldn't say she might have gotten that from him, but he could definitely see her mom's influence there too.
He danced along with her, just out sheer joy of having her in his life.
He loved her. Marco Diaz couldn't say he was certain about a lot of things, but he loved her.
Nearby Star Butterfly saw herself smiling, they were happy. She wanted them to be happy, especially after all the mess that came from them. So she watched them dance, her heart swelled as she could almost see the big burly Marco dancing around with a toddler Seraph dancing around wildly.
As the song came to an end Seraph paused, "Star? Did you want to dance with Dad too?"
"What?" Star waved her hands, "No! I was just standing here!"
"You don't need to be shy." Seraph had already gotten to Star's side and pulled Star towards Marco.
The DJ began the new song.
I'll tell the world, I'll sing a song
It's a better place since you came along~
Star shyly said, "I guess one dance can't hurt."
Marco smiled, and they started to move to the soft rhythm of the song.
"It's been a while since we had a dance together." Marco told her.
"No, I mean, we danced at the Bounce Lounge."
"Yeah, I guess," Marco admitted to her. "But- like just us two. I think the last time was at that ball with Tom."
Since you came along
Your touch is sunlight through the trees
Your kisses are the ocean breeze
Everything's alright when you're with me~
Star blinked and tried to hide her blush as she remembered dancing with a dashing stranger.
Seraph had started to dance with Keith but paused for a moment, something seemed off. The light around them seemed off, and she looked up past the lights the cheer squad set up. She rubbed her eyes, "Huh, does the moon look redder?"
Star held Marco's hand as they dance.
And I hold my favorite thing
I hold the happiness you bring
But it feels like I've opened my eyes again
And the colors are golden and bright again
And the sun paints the skies and the wind sings our song
It's a better place since you came along~
The world seemed to fade around them as the song approached its end under the moon's crimson light. Star found herself looking into Marco's eyes, and Marco found his eyes focused on Star. Her eyes seemed to glimmer in the moonlight.
He brushed a stray hair from her eyes. Star held her breath as she inched closer to Marco trying to-.
Marco blinked and noticed at the corner of his eye Hekapoo returning.
"Mom!" Your turn!" Star barely heard that as in her excitement had pushed Star out of the way and put Hekapoo there.
Hekapoo had returned just as the song was ending, and Seraph grabbed her.
"Seraph." Hekapoo gently scolded her daughter.
The DJ got on the mike, "Get on the dance floor folks for the last song of the night."
"If you want a chance to dance with Dad it's gotta be now."
Star walked away feeling it would be best to leave before they noticed her again.
Marco offered Hekapoo a hand, "What do you say Hekapoo?"
Hekapoo sighed, "Yeah, sure why not."
Seraph smiled to herself as she watched her parents get ready to dance. There was no trepidation as they moved together and held each other as they had so many times before.
The DJ spoke, "We're going to leave you with something slow."
Both parents flinched at the familiar words. Seraph looked at the moon the reddish tint almost all gone, but still lingering.
Marco found his hand in Hekapoo's hand, he didn't notice all the eyes turn to them.
City of stars
Are you shining just for me?~
"Bring back memories?" Hekapoo whispered to him.
"Yeah, a lot of good ones."
There's so much that I can't see
Who knows?
I felt it from the first embrace I shared with you~
Marco brushed aside her bangs and looked deeply into her amber colored eyes. A faint blush spread across of Hekapoo's cheeks. The flame above her head growing and shrinking, mimicking her heart.
Just one thing everybody wants
There in the bars
And through the smokescreen of the crowded restaurants
It's love~
Marco hand began to trace the outline of her face, "Hekapoo…"
"Marco…"
Yes, all we're looking for is love from someone else
A rush
A glance
A touch
A dance
A look in somebody's eyes
To light up the skies
To open the world and send it reeling
A voice that says, I'll be here~
They didn't speak. It didn't feel like either one had to. Slowly, they leaned towards each other, moving ever closer to close their embrace. Their hearts beating, and their minds filled with memories they both treasure. The memories of a first kiss, followed by another first and the many grand adventures that would follow.
'Cause all that I need is this crazy feeling
A rat-tat-tat on my heart
Think I want it to stay~
Seraph watched as her eyes twinkled. She was certain her parents were about to kiss, but something cold went down her spine. It was almost as if the air had all suddenly gone cold.
A green blast tore the air apart, both her parents moved apart on instinct avoiding the blast.
Seraph turned to find Star holding her wand smouldering and wafting black smoke.
"…Star?" Seraph asked sacred, Star eyes were dark and clouded.
There was a primal growl, and it came from Hekapoo. Flames erupted from her hand and rushed right at Star.
A massive hand formed from Star's wand smothering the flames.
Seraph was trying to make heads or tails of what was happening, but didn't get a chance as Janna and Jackie jumped on her mother. Hekapoo didn't hesitate to toss the girls up.
"Dad! What's going on!?" Seraph yelled.
Her answer was answered by Marco launching himself at Justin.
"What?"
Seraph looked around to see everyone tossing everything around, yelling and screaming, fighting and just turning the whole place into a chaotic mess.
"W-what?" Seraph noticed it, the moon had turned green. "What's going on?"
"Hehehe! My, my. Aren't you a curious little thing?"
Seraph froze; through the chaos she heard calm and distinct steps walking towards her.
"My spells are a bit- off? Maybe. I don't know, magic feels weird lately. It feels greasy. Thick. Like, drinking melted butter."
There was a man standing in the green moon light, and just by looking at him Seraph just felt that he was wrong. Oddest thing is he felt familiar, yet Seraph was certain she never met this person before.
He was a thin figure dress in a dark old style suit. He wore a red vest, and black dress shirt with a tall collar. A black and red dress cape wafted behind him. He walked closer as he tugged on his white gloves before he fixed his a dark top hat that sat on his long messy hair. Every inch of his skin was covered up, his face covered up a strange ivory mask with black markings forming a simple and minimalist smiling face. As he turned to Seraph, she could feel his eyes turn to her even behind the mask.
His voice was soft yet commanding and just a little bit off, like a voice on a record skipping out of order. The tone just never matching what it should.
"I came to see what Hekapoo was doing, and I find you."
Seraph took a step back, "You know my mother?"
"Mother?" He tilted his head.
"Yeah," Seraph didn't finish her thought as this stranger had moved right into her face.
She leapt back.
"You are odd." He leaned closer, "My spell is off, not great. It's very flawed. It needs the moon to make everyone a bit looney." He turned to where everyone was rioting, where Star was firing at Hekapoo who was dodging the attacks. "It worked. It works by dragging out the worst of people, the things they want to keep hidden." He waved his hand in the air, "It's not hard, those emotions want out, and they want to take control and with a little bit help- Ta-dah!"
Seraph felt sick watching the fighting.
"Now what about you? No itch to fight? No vendettas? No envy? No jealousy? What kind of teenager are you?"
"Ah, well, I'm just a few months old?"
"Months?!"
"I grew fast." Seraph shrugged nervously.
Seraph shuddered as she heard the skin behind the mask stretch into a smile, "Heh! It was you! Months ago I sensed something! I sensed something, and it had to do with Hekapoo! I sensed you! I sensed your birth! Explains it all! You're too young, too pure to have any negative feeling for the spell to work on you. Tell me what's your name?"
"Seraph." She said without thinking.
"It is truly a pleasure!" His voice cracked in glee. "I've known your mother a veeeery long time! I'm Erebus, and let's get to know each other and play a game."
Author's Notes: Sorry for the long wait. Stuff happened, work, stabbing, grey little men, I was working on stuff. I had an abridge series go out on the internet called Soul Eater Meisterhood. A new ship war is brewing on tumblr, most don't see it coming. I think I was on vacation at one point. I saw a mummy. I answer questions about this fic on my tumblr as addude. My beta wanted to add calzones here for a reason that escapes me. Okay, I've started the on the next chapter which isn't nearly this long. Leave reviews telling me what you all think. If anyone out there is willing to draw up Erebus I'd love to see him drawn. If you want some more stuff, I'm also writing a fic about the thanos snap happening in this universe or at least one next door in a story called Vs Infinity. Check it out. Otherwise I'm off. Leave review. I need a closing line or something here.