CHAPTER 9- SURPRISE

"So Marco... tell us something about yourself" he heard calm but sharp at the same time, Marco looked up to see blue eyes and smile, her husband didn't even spare him a glance, he swallowed before answering.

"well...im from Mewni as you can tell, i'm interested in swordsmanship and politics as well, i know, it's kind of weird for one person to be attracted to both subjects but well, that's who i am, not many know this but i came from Earth, traveled Neverzone after me and my family was abducted, after years of chasing Hekapoo a weird portal opened under me and here i am?" he was unsure what to say, the man's head snapped towards him, from in the middle to his mouth, he looked at him intently, his wife raised an eyebrow interested in the topic.

"oh? And what exactly did you do there besides looking for Hekapoo?" the man asked him with interest and anticipation in his voice.

"well...i trained, runned, trying to survive each day, fought in wars, killing corrupted kings and whoever i got contract on, made connections and many many more but its not the time for me to say it" Marco rubbed his arm, which was now hot to the point it hurts, he cringed but quickly stopped, he must find out if its here or not, but why would it be here of all places, it's not the times it was made, its dozens of years too early for it to be made.

"The only explanation is that it was transported here with me...but the question is how?" he didn't have any time to think as the man laughed loudly at something, Marco furrowed his eyebrows, he and his wife looked at him in confusion.

"You, my boy, will be very useful for my cause," he continued to laugh. Marco was still confused but his wife was furious at this point.

"oh no, you will not drag other kingdom into it, i won't allow it" she hissed and stood, her hands on table as she glared at her husband, he returned the stare with a snarl, Marco was still confused but didn't dared to interrupt, he heard guards taking their weapons, one side of room with blue armored guards and the other with black armors, Marco had idea what is going on but he still must confirm it.

"you know nothing woman, in order to win you must gain every support you can get, and that's what i will do?" he slammed the table with his hand, sanding wave of force through the whole table, Marco grabbed his plate and continued to eat waiting for something to happen, his wife didn't said anything, she only glared with hatred, meanwhile guards came closer to both monarchs, red ones stood on kings side while blue ones stood behind their queen, it was clear for Marco, they have civil war, and he suspects he will play one of the vital parts in it.

"You won't win this, Vicar, you don't know what you are doing, you are like a child in the dark, walking around begging for help" she snapped, getting in his face, her soldiers following her, her husband, Vicar did not back off though.

"that's where you are mistaken Grisall, i know perfectly what i'm doing, im planning, biding my time, i will strike when people realise how big failure you are" without waiting for answer he turned and walked out of the room followed by his troops, Grisall did the same, leaving Marco alone with empty plate.

"How nice of them to show me where I will sleep" he rolled his eyes, put the plate on table and walked out with intent to explore a little, maybe he will see some of this amazing city, he didn't have any chance before.

"they have literally everything Mewni doesn't; money, influence, power, military, stability and potential. So why are they interested in Solarias kingdom?" He thought walking between golden pillars, in front of each were standing one guard, the situation here was the same, on one side stands blue and on the opposite is blue.

"this whole situation is very weird" Marco didn't had any idea how is this happening, how can someone be at war with each other, act friendly in front of someone only to fight seconds later, everything was so confusing, but maybe sightseeing will clear some thoughts, with his trusted and hated sword Marco left the castle. His eyes were greeted with city bursting with live, not like Mewni where nearly everything was deserted from fear, where families struggled to live another day, here is the complete opposite, like fire and water, children running enjoying sunny day, merchants happily laughing and joking with buyers, commoners doing everything they want, like they didn't had any idea what is happening in castle right now.

"for you good sir" Marco snapped to reality when a small child runned to him extending a flower, beautiful multi colorful petals shining in sun, Marco accepted without any words looking at the child who turned and runned to somewhere. Marco resumed his walk, he saw many species of different people, werewolves, lizards, there was even a vampire hiding in shadows, dragon humanoids, and many more he couldn't describe, he could only compare how different life here is to Mewni.

"If Mewni didn't fight for such a long time, would it look like this too?" He couldn't help but wonder, imagining scenarios where Star would first show him her kingdom, a large and vast place, full of people and monsters, living in peace with each other, not a kingdom that at the first look seems on the brink of collapsing. Marco on his way through city came across pub, if he wants to know something how people are feeling about their rulers this kind of place is the best, Marco walked closer and heard laughing with chatting, something that will probably stop when he enters the place, like in some cliche movie, he sighed and opened the doors, as he though, all eyes fell on him and every conversation stopped, he ignored them and came to the counter, he sat at one of the higher sits and waited.

"And what a...child like you are doing here? you know pubs are for adults right?" the barman asked him with raised eyebrows, no snarky comments, no shouting, no insulting, clear interest, Marco looked straight in his eyes.

"give me something strong please" he said, Barman interest grew more but he obliged, taking something from under his counter, two bottles, he placed glass in front of newcomer and mixed drinks together, Marco took it and gulped it in seconds, he ordered another, after that conversations resumed, everyone ignored the boy except barman who still looked interested.

"so...what exactly are you doing here kid, we don't have kids as our visitors often" he said, cleaning one of the glasses someone gave him, interest must be maintained after all.

"I am a peace envoy from Mewni...today at dinner with the king and queen i saw guards, one side wore black armor and other blue, do you know what this is about?" He asked not to try to be silent, the chanter of the pub would silence his words, the barman placed clean glass on the shelf and sighed.

"kid...you must know that this topic here is very dangerous for someone who cant protect himself, the last person who voiced their opinion was found in pieces, so please, i don't want to be responsible for child's death" the man turned away from Marco, he planned to clean another glass when dagger nearly cut his fingers off, he wasn't scared, he heard many threats in his life, so it wasn't new for him, he merely raised one eyebrow, yunked the weapon from counter and looked at the kid who was sipping his drink like nothing happened.

"You are playing a very dangerous game here kid, not many would be so forgiving and kind to you, but I assume you know what you are doing...just one question, why did Mewni choose you for this mission?" he asked realy interested, is Mewni so weak now that they need to send kids for important missions like that?" Marco weighed his options, he can tell the truth or change some things.

"well...i came from Earth after i was abducted, i ended up in Neverzone, for many years i chased Hekapoo for dimensional scissors, after i was this close to get them, some weird portal opened beneath me and i ended in Mewni, i am good with sword so i quickly catched the eye of royalty, after weeks i realised i can't go back to Earth or even Neverzone...im stuck here to the end of my days" Marco gestured for another drink, the man obliged without a word, he realised this is the end of kids, story, very sad for someone his age, but here many has this kind of problems.

"I wont pity you, you look like someone who would kill for this so i wont, listen kid, here in this place everyone has these kinds of problems, so don't hesitate to come here often, many people here talk about their problems, its helping them survive another day. But returning to the question at hand, the queen and king have a problem with each other, it all started like this" barman leaned forward, Marco did the same to hear better, in the same time man replaced the drink, this will be long hours for Marco but very interesting.

MEWNI 300 YEARS LATER

"Yo Star, what is that place over there?" Janna gestured to black building. The place was enormous. How didn't they see it earlier? It was amazing, the doors alone were bigger than the main gates, gold and decorations reflected the sun, two big statues at the side of it, the sculptures of soldiers with their weapons crossed. The rest of the girls turned to the place Janna pointed to.

"that? It's the tomb of the greatest rulers and generals Mewni had as well as everyone who deserved to be there; scientists, soldiers and others. its divided in 10 sections, the the first 5 levels are reserved for commoners who climbed in hierarchy or gained special services for Mewni, next 3 are for generals who helped protect and expand our glorious kingdom, level number 9 is reserved for kings and queens who died ruling, but the last level is special, there are tombs of the greatest rulers Mewni ever had, there is king Marco, Solaria and many others, actually, in few days we held and event, we pay respect for everyone who is there, be it commoner or king, everyone can enter and pay respect to the fallen heroes of Mewni, you and your families are welcome to come" she gestured to many flowers decorating walls of the tomb, the group was amazed, not many could build such structures just for people who died.

"wow...that's amazing, i can't think of anything else to say about it" Jackie said in awe, the rest could only nod, Star laughed expecting this kind of reaction.

"Just wait till you see that place in a few days, the sight is just godly" she waved her hands lightly, now the girls were even more extasic for those upcoming days.

"so...what now?" Jackie asked the rest who couldn't think of anything, even Star, they saw nearly everything interesting, something suddenly overshadowed them, loud roars followed quickly.

"whoa...what was THAT?" Janna said in awe at the beasts flying above them, Star glanced at the sky and recognised them instantly.

"those are special forces, king Leander and queen Adelia wanted something to patrol, something that could quickly attack destroying enemies, and they invented this, the hybrid between draconian and horse, i know how it sounds, but trust me it wasnt THAT how they were created, getting back to topic, they are powerful and have extreme stamina of both horse AND draconian, making it extremely strong, fast and deadly...do you want to have a race on one?" Star got the result of happy shouting, with a laugh she shoot pink sparkles from her wand, catching attention of the animal, which quickly turned around, only one of the many did, it landed with creating wall of dust that quickly ended with single move of its wings, the beautiful red and while dracon bowed its head recognising its future ruler, Star came forward, she saw her friends being hesitant to approach such dangerous beast, especially when it glared at them with a growl.

"come on guys, they are not so dangerous after closer meeting, they are just protective" she patted the beasts snote, he breathed hot air that made Stars hair flow in every direction, she only laughed, after consideration the rest approached the enormous beast, now they see how big it is, it could fit perfectly into their academies football field, the width with wing span must be even bigger, it could more like an dragon from the lord of the rings, but bigger.

"good boy, will you give me and my friends a ride back to your place, we want to experience the feeling" the beast just roared into the sky and lowered its body, low enough for them to climb, ignoring the size of the hybrid it was very soft in touch, how beast that squishy can be dangerous and ment for wars, Janna couldn't stop herself from asking.

"how can they be so dangerous when they are so squishy" she asked but instantly regretted her words when the place she was touching transformed, from soft pillows to hard rock, her eyes wide with surprise.

"yeah...that's one of their specialties, they can change their skin structure to have bigger maneuverability, using the second form they are protecting themselves and others from heavy attacks, that's why they are so powerful, not mentioning their destructiveness" she rolled her eyes, she was visiting many times their place to ask why suddenly many building burned or forests were destroyed, the caretakers said that the young ones wanted to play a little and got a carried away quickly, she could only order them to keep them on shorter leash...which failed.

"ok ok, big guy, im sorry, i won't call you squishy toy anymore" she patted the hard scales that softened nearly immediately, the head looked back at them before widening its wings and with one powerful leap took into skies, girls screamed trying to hold to the beast, meanwhile Star laughed, the hybrids body shook, it was laughing too.

"you can let go, you won't fall, they have special control over their back, even if you start rolling down it would stop you using its hardening, then magically it would pull you back...like that" Star slipped from the back towards earth, girls shouted after her, but stopped when Star was brought back by hard scales.

"ok, what else do you have that will surprise us?" Jackie questioned with crossed arms, it's their first visit and it has everything Earth can only imagine, this whole place is from fantasy books they were reading as children.

"well...we have many places that are suprising when they are first seen...like that" she gestured in front of them, girls glanced in direction and saw tall tower climbing out of the mountain, which they were flying into, they braced for impact, but it never came, the side of mountain parted showing what was inside, hundreds if not thousands hybrids flying, resting or playing, younglings flew past them, dozens chasing each other, the sight was beautiful,like from some disney or pixar movie, they were the protagonists entering the forbidden place.

"wow...it's beautiful," Jackie said, and others could only agree. Dozens of fire torrents lighted the place, light bouncing from stone walls creating a beautiful sight, but as soon as it came it ended, they finally lended. Star and company looked at the hybrid who drove them here getting smaller and smaller in distance.

'so...now what, we are here'' Janna asked looking at dracons flying around, one of them landed on her shoulder, she gave it an affectionate pat, it squeaked and flew off to play.

"How long do they live?" Jackie asked, she didn't see any older ones, or even dead.

"long enough, the first one that was created is still alive, he can't move much and is realy old, he is around 200 years old now if i remember right" she scratched her chin and walked out of the cave, massive halls big enough to fit the hybrids, torches and chandeliers decorated walls and ceiling, giving very scary and concerning vibe.

"Are you sure there aren't any ghosts here?" Jackie said, glancing around, searching for something that wasn't there...maybe.

"i'm not sure to tell the truth, many times when i was at night i heard moaning and whining, don't know what that was anyway" Star shrugged but didnt stop walking, Jackie only grew more concerned, completely opposite to Janna who was extasic about hearing that ghosts can be here.

"Cool, do you think they will talk to me?" Janna asked spinning in circles trying to catch even glimpse of any paranormal activity, Star shrugged not knowing what to say to this, she hopes there isn't any ghosts though, it would be...problematic.

"either way, the next stop is giant road connecting two kingdoms together, thanks to King Marco and his superior skills he guarantee that Mewni got stable amount of resources for war and food for people, later it escalated into alliance, now we help each other in times of need" guards opened the giant doors that showed the road below them, it was indeed massive as Star said.

"emm...how exactly long and wide is this road?" Jackie asked, her eyebrows disappeared in her hairline, Star thought for a second.

"well...i have to ask about this but if i must shot then i will say it's around 6 or 7 miles long, and width...hm...well i think it's something between 100 to 150 meters, from last year we counted nearly 100 thousand carriages, travelers and merchants, it's a big number, and we think in this year this will be even bigger. Do you see those small houses on each side of the road? in there guards can keep eye on thieves and bandits that would want to steal something, that's the end for today, lets head back, it's time for lunch" Star sent pink sparks in air, in seconds hybrid stopped in front of them, they climbed on its back and took off to the castle, this was very fast and somewhat comfortable type of transport, they have many other things to see, it's a shame others cant see those wonders.

MEWNI 300 YEARS BACK

Marco just finished his last shot, he was swaying from side to side but was still able to understand and talk without any problems. He though on everything barman Josh told him, it seems like someone took control of queen and king, making them fight together, it started after last messenger left, he was from underground, it seems they want to take over this place without any resistance, when civil war will broke fully they will use the element of surprise to finish remaining troops.

"so...underground wants to take this city...without any resistance huh?" Marco said quietly, he gestured for another drink, it was now evening, few people were still drinking or sleeping on tables, Josh nodded and hummed, cleaning another glass.

"yes, no one knows how or why would they do that, but we for sure won't fight, only fanatics will draw weapons, we common people want to live peacefully without any problems...now i answered your questions, you can answer mine, Josh didn't pressed or changed his tone of voice, it was innocent and gentle just like on the beginning.

"alright...i will answer them as best as i...can" Marco drank another one and asked for a replenishment which Josh obliged.

"the first question is something that bugs everyone here, how Mewni is holding, being in constant war is not the nicest i guess" Josh asked giving him another drink, Marco sighed and gulped it instantly.

"You guessed right, you saw how happy those people looked outside, full of happiness, without any care, children playing games and teenagers chasing after women" Josh nodded at his words, he saw countless times children running outside of his pub or pair of teenagers flirting behind the window.

"well, Mewni is complete opposite, streets are nearly deserted from fear of monsters, sky is nearly always grey, the whole kingdom is...colorless, the only colors you can see is red and silver, red is from blood of monsters and silver from soldiers patrolling streets, Solaria is doing anything she can to end this war...but there is so much one human can do, we plans to expand farm a little, to have enough food for commoners and soldiers, im suprised a civil war didn't happen in those years, but i think they understand that it won't help" Marco frunk another one when Josh served him, when he ended the doors banged open startling him and his instincts, he threw empty glass at whoever entered, it was a bad idea, Marco looked at the guard...or someone else, it didn't had any color that belonged to king or queen, he or she have full body armor with trident on its back with bloody red cape, grey armor with red part of the chest where heart and ribs are placed, the most characteristic thing is the mask similar to skull but with red eyes and mouth, another pinpoint are boots, they looked more like claws than armor, the last things are horns, black bended forward that changed color to red at the tips, Marco knew instantly it isn't an ordinary guard, when other persons in pub runned past him, it seems they struck fear and respect in people, but Marco wasnt that fazed, he knows he can die if he makes one mistake. Marco turned around and asked kindly for the next drink, Josh looked concerned but agreed, it seems this one is visiting this pub regularly. Marco sensed something coming at him, very, very fast, he turned and extended his hand, something hit his palm, he caught it, it stinged a little, Marco took the glass and saw that it made small cut, big enough to draw blood but not big enough to be dangerous, he looked at the soldiers who walked towards the seat.

"good reflex kid" the man only said before sitting on his left, he took his weapon from his back and leaned it between them, he stopped as he saw Marcos weapon, for few second Marco felt him staring at it, like he knew its not normal sword, but resumed his activities, he took his helmet off to reveal not young man, he had first grey hairs mixed with natural black and blue eyes, his face was sharp, clearly he was experienced on battlefield.

"So what's a kid like YOU doing in a place like this" he asked with a rough voice, Josh placed the glass with black liquid in front of him, he took a sip and glanced at Marco which he returned.

"Just a drink, you know? to clear my mind after hard work" Marco knew he didn't buy it, but Marco doesn't have the reason to tell the truth.
"I see...well, what did you do today for it to be so exhausting, the life of a kid like you can't be so stressful?" the man questioned, Marco thought of a fast lie, maybe he won't ask too much of his life, he took another gulp of his drink and answered.

"I'm training to be a soldier, and I must say I'm doing very good work in that direction" the man only laughed, Marco raised eyebrow, meanwhile Josh looked at the exchange with a concerned but excited gaze.

"And what's so funny my friend hmmm?" Marco frowned and looked fully at the man on his side, he controlled his laugh after a few minutes.

"I'm sure you are doing good work, especially with this sword" he gestured with his eyes to the blade on Marcos hip, he frowned more in response.

"what's that supposed to mean" he did not intend it to come out harsh like that.

"I sense what this sword is capable of, I bet it's an interesting story of how you came across such a good weapon and you must be very good at using it" he laughed once again, Marco under influence of alcohol grew more angry to the point he tried to grab his sword.

"And what if I prove you I indeed am" he stood and faced the guy who played with him for a few minutes straight, he took his sword fast enough to block the trident, impact sent sparks flying, Marco glared at the amused soldier in front of him.

"you are interesting kid, what do you say about fight tomorrow and to make things interesting we will make it public, it will be good show how other kingdom train their soldiers...se you tomorrow kid" he smiled and put his weapon back, Marco did the same, glaring the whole way this mysterious person took to the doors, when he was sure he realy left he sat back, only to be grabbed by his shirt, Josh was terryfied to say it lightly, he never saw someone stupid enough to accept their challange.

"Are you an insane kid? you will die there, why did you accept, do you even know who he was?" Josh whispered in his face, Marco slapped his hands away and sat on stool.

"Some elite guard I think, looking how fast he was to take his weapon back and block my strike,'' Marco shrugged, not caring about what happened, he won't anyone insult him in his face like that, Josh sighed, he was annoyed by what he did just now.

"it wasn't just some elite guard, that group is elite among elites, everyone is respecting them, only strongest can join them, only few actually survive their challenges and training, rumors are saying one of them is capable to kill dozens of soldiers, and you just challenged someone who is considered the oldest and the most experienced from them all, how are you planning to defeat him tomorrow huh?" Josh asked with wide eyes, he realy hopes Marco has some sort of plan, Marco shrugged, he didn't know who he was so why should he care.

"i don't know, i will just fight him and we will see...either way, i'm tired, i'm going to inn, i have fight tomorrow, and i need to rest, here, keep the change i don't need it" Marco left 4 gold coins on counter and stumbled from the pub leaving troubled and concerned Josh behind.

Marco searched for the place to rest, after a few minutes of walking like a zombie he saw an inn, and lights were still inside, Marco stumbled through the front doors, he saw a young woman with a concerned look on her face. Marco came closer to the counter and held himself straight using his arms.

"Give me a room for one please, just one night is good" he said , his head swaying from side to side. The woman wrote a number and gave him the number of his room, he paid 5 gold coins, for this much he would have another sword or month's worth of food in Mewni. After fighting with stairs which he nearly fell from a few times he managed to lay on a wooden bed, he was out like light before he could think of undressing.

Marco opened his eyes to be greeted with something he dont know or even remember from last night, he for sure didn't fall asleep in the middle of the big hall, especially this dark. When Marco moved he saw that his body left a weird type of mist in the place he was, he stretched his head in confusion.

"Ok...so im in a dream, but are they always so realistic?" he thought, moving to the only doors in this in hope to get out and see where he was actually. Marco stood confused in front of the doors, a simple wooden door, he couldn't open them, his hand disappeared in them, he didn't know what was going on, if it's his dream then he can do anything he wants.

"You idiot, it's your dream" Marco slapped his forehead few times to realise it IS his dream and he can just walk through everything, so that's what he did, emerging on the other side he saw that he just walked into throne room, or something similar to it, marco looked at all sides to find if someone was here, maybe king or someone.

"Give me this report" Marco whirled around only to stare at something that he knew very well.

"But...they can't be here, it's not their environment" Marco said loudly, the monster's head snapped in his direction, like he could hear him right now.

"But...it's just a dream right? if thats just some stupid dream...where im walking...feeling...hearing and experiencing, then my brain just imagined him here" Marco smiled like he just broke the hardest puzzle in the world, but it flattered when he saw what the report was about.

"Operation 'inferno', what-'' Marco stopped to read carefully, not trying to alarm the beast on his side.

"Burning Mewni crops...cutting off supplies...they are forced to expand...siege, attack walls creating entrance...cut off soldiers from retreating...killing the last warriors leaving only Solaria on the battlefield...take over Mewni...kill civilians, including elderly, children and woman...burn their corpses" Marco felt shivers on his whole body as he continued to read, it sound like they know Solaria is planning to expand her territory.

"But that means...we have an enemy spy in our ranks...but we would detect a monster in Mewni, unless it's not a monster" Marco's eyes widened, he started thinking who could possibly side with monsters, he ignored the conversation in front of him for now.

"I must alert Mewni and Solaria, but it would take days to return and-" Marco ducked under incoming spear, how he sensed it in his dream he didn't knew, what he knows for sure that its not normal spear, Marco glanced at his arm where it gazed him, from wound slowly purred blood, something that CAN'T happen in a dream.

"I know you are here, if you show yourself i will spare your pathetic life" the beast growled, eyes wandering on the whole room, seeking any traces the intruder might left.

"M-my Lord, what a-are you t-talking about?" smaller monster Marco didn't recognised spoke only to be cut in half with sword, or more like steel bar on stick it was long, wide and thicc, Marco was sure it could cut through Mewnis main gates without problem, what surprised him the most was that the weapon alone was bigger than the beast holding it, he ignored the guts and blood that were spilled on ground right now to observe what monster will do next.

The beast stood from its throne and walked towards the doors, with his sword still in hand.

"Guards, check the castle, i want to know what is lurking in those shadows" The beast startled small monsters outside who quickly runned from their master to alert others, with a last glance behind the beast left room, Marco exhaled, not knowing he was holding his breath, quickly rushing through the same doors, he decided to heck if he can do something to slow them down, if its a dream then he can imagine something to happen but if not...then that would be a problem.

"It's obviously not a dream idiot, he wounded you, think a little" Marco jumped in place, he forgot about his companion he hated so much, he glared at the sword.

"If you are here only to cause problems when i must ask you to leave" Marco resumed walking to what he presumed were front gates.

"Actualy i do, as you seem to be so stupid, in report they said they will attack in some of these days right? then slow them down a bit, burn food supplies or weapon storage...siege weapons are usually made from wood in this era" Marco stopped walking, he blinked a few times and looked at his companion in a new light.

"Well, thanks for advice, i think i will do just that" as he said he did, Marco searched through the castle for the gates. After long agonizing minutes of running and avoiding monsters he finally walked through what he presumed were castle gates, he was met with a nearly empty kingdom, he didn't know monsters were capable of building such a thing as a city, but he was proven wrong. What surprised Marco the most wass that it was day, and streets were emptier than in Mewni, monster soldiers were patrolling the streets, as he walked past houses he saw many stares, full of fear or anger, for what he did not know, what catches his eye were posters.

"Don't resist...resistance is met with death penalty...wanted, Toffy, reward 50 thousand gold coins, if anyone have information about him or his family please inform the guards, holding the information will be met with death penalty...anyone after the 'common' time will be executed...monsters catched trying to escape will be executed...monsters trying to bring contraband will be executed...obey the Monster King" Marco read many, many similiar ones, they were on nearly all walls and alleyways, this Monster King is a tyrrant, thats for sure, and not the good kind of tyrrant.

"Well...that's another reason to bring him down" he snarled when he saw hanging bodies, some of them were very similar in body build to children.

"Even in Neverzone they had rules if children did something bad...but not this kind, poor souls" even his sword pitted them, and he was true, Neverzone respected the rule of youth, even in the middle of a war someone was able to save child, of course that rule were many times misused, children were killed, but the responsible person was always judged...not always in kind way.

"Something we can both agree on...we must get here with the army as soon as possible" Marco muttered and kept walking, he didn't want to see this anymore, he had one target, buy some time for him to arrive in Mewni.

"On your left, there is a room with weapons, i think i sense something magical there" his sword told him, Marco did just that, on his left was indeed a wide and tall building, standing taller than any other.

"Ok then, here we go" he said and fazed through iron doors, he was right, there was weapons, dozens if not hundreds swords, maces, spears and bows, near the farest wall stood wood mechanisms, probably for siege, Marco searched for a way to light this whole building, plus was that the walls and roof were made from wood so its easier to burn, but minus is that he dont have a way to burn it.

"Well...luck is on my side today" Marco grinned as he saw cart filled to the brim with bottles full of lamp oil, for what he didn't knew, they wanted to destroy wall not burn it, but he wasn't going to argue, he took two and started emptying them whenever he could, on everything that would hold the fire as long as it could. After minutes he was left with only 7 bottles, that was the time he got an idea.

"Wait...how am i able to hold them and use it like that, i can't even walk through doors like a normal person" he realised he did this all without even thinking straight, Marco shrugged not trying to stop his body from not phasing through everything.

"Because you want to use it idiot" Marco groaned at the insult, he realy don't want to think about it, he still has some time before guards will probably search this place, he quickly found some rags, carefully wrapping remaining seven bottles in them he made some homemade quick grenades...or something like that, he don't have the name for that realy.

"I think it will be good to use right?" Marco barely finished his sentence when doors banged open with two guards rushing to him. He didn't know if they could see him now or not but he wouldn't risk it. He hid behind a shelf filled with armor and waited patiently.

"Someone must have been here, everything is used, we must alert others-" Marco stumbled into one of the armor plates alarming them both, both guards turned towards his hiding spot with hand on sword and slowly approached him.

"How...they are still here, search the other side, kill on spot" one of them barked, Marco quickly and silently croached towards stands with swords, it won't end without bloodshed he realised, he wants to resolve this peacefully, who knows, maybe they will run if threatened enough, something he hopes for. Silently slipping one sword down he took his own, he glanced behind and saw that both monsters were nearing his hiding place.

"Kill one of them, the other will be terrified and will answer a few questions we have" Marco raised eyebrow at the 'we' part, but he must one again say that his friend is right, he can get some answers out of the one who will survive, and why not to do this now. Marco waited patiently till both of them were close enough and struck. The closest guard to him didn't expected frontal attack, before he could even open his mouth his eye socket was pierced with sword followed by second one to the mouth, the strike was so strong it penetrated his brain, blood poured from his mouth followed by gurgling and spasming, his body fell to ground alarming his companion who found his throat near the blade, the person behind it was looking in his eyes, he felt terrified, not even civil war did it to him, it was like staring into devils eyes.

"You will answer me...if not, you will die, if you try to run...you will die, try shouting and you will die. Now what is going on in this kingdom of yours, why rules for civilians are so harsh and the most important...you will not say a word about it, this place will burn tonight is that understood?" Marco pressed his sword with much more force, he could sense guard shaking in his armor as he nodded frantically.

"Yes yes, I understand sir, King doesn't want anyone to stand in his way to control, he wants everything for himself, including Solaria and her daughter, after the raid nothing would stand in his way, he already planned to expand. As to why those rules are so harsh, is because he is afraid and paranoid, everywhere he sees spies and assassins, he ordered to murder anyone who looks shady in his opinion...we didnt had any choice, or us or them, and you can't oppose such force as him. Please let me go, i-i have family, i have two children i need to take care of...i-i won't tell anyone i swear" the monster in front of him started crying silently, they didn't have any experience how to speak in those situations, Marco sighed and pushed the monster away.

"Go, if i see you here one more i will kill you...if you know where revolution forces have their base then inform them to wait for Marco Diaz from Mewni, i will inform Solaria as soon as possible of what is going on here, we will come with army and kill your...king...but for now scram, and remember to keep quiet" he hissed at the guard who nodded and runned from the building, leaving Marco to end what he started, he dont have much time, when some other guard see the first one without his friend then suspicion will rise, he must finish this building, Marco walked outside, the doors still wide open, luck literally is on his side today, Marco found piece of flint near him, using it against his sword the rag catched fire rather quick, Marco threw it inside the building, seconds later giant fire could be seen from his place, the whole building will burn for some time but before guards will realise something is wrong it will be to late.
"Well...now onto the other things" Marco glanced at the remaining six bottles strapped to his waist, upon closing the doors, he decided to destroy forges, they after all will be vital to repair equipment, the rest will go for the castle, with hope the whole damned place will collapse and kill the beast inside. With that in mind he searched for the place in question, but how many forges they have is a question, actually they cant have more than 2, the kingdom is too small for a bigger amount, destroying even one would be success. Marco quickly found the place, normal sized forge, he saw opened window, that was the place he will use, quickly igniting another bottle he threw it inside, fire spread very quickly, it must have flammable materials, in that moment Marco felt something weird inside him, he looked down to see that his form flickered, he closed his eyes and waited, everything will be known in a few moments if its dream or not.

Marco springed from his bed, he was sweaty and weak, he was taking fast and sharp breaths, his mind flooding with images of what he did in his dream/reality.

"So...it seems it was something more than simple dream" he stumbled out of his room with throbbing headache, he barely walked down the stairs, scared receptionist didn't knew what to do, the same man who came yesterday after talking to the feared one, he was drunk and could be very dangerous if he survived, who knows what he would do to her. Marcos felt like his head was going to explode, the images mixed with each other, previous night and present was confusing, Marco supported himself with trembling arm, his body started shaking more and more, he could barely breathe, sweat pouring like waterfall, his body hot and cold in the same time, even if he was hurting so much he continued to walk towards doors, poor woman could only watch from her place, she didn't knew if she is supposed to help or not, he might kill her if she got near him for all she knows, so she decided to do nothing and observe for now. When woman had internal conflict what to do Marco felt worser and worser with each step he took, finally his body couldn't support the weight and fell, he couldn't even crawl, his body refused to move, his arm only stayed on wall, his vision weaker and weaker, blood started dripping from his nose to floor, he couldn't even say one word, his throat tight and refusing to open, the pain more and more unbearable, he couldn't cry, move or speak, his whole body stopped working while pain stayed, his ears started ringing, the sound was louder with each passing second, his nose bled more and more, creating small puddle beneath him, he saw his own reflection, for the first time in years he saw fear in them, the fear of death, he don't want to die, he has many things to do, the first is to get back to Mewni, if not everything will be lost, even if he managed to sabotage their supplies, they will replenish them sooner or later. Marco finally fell on his face, his body shaking and spasming every few seconds. The woman finally took action and decided to retreat to her room, what was she supposed to do with dead body without any help...but she can't just leave poor man dying in agony on her floor, with clenched teeth she whirled around and rushed to streets, her goal is to find someone, healer or guard is the only option, near the pub someone will be standing, or maybe she will find the person this man met yesterday, that would be her luck. Sprinting down the street she quickly found the pub, banging the doors open she looked at everyone present, only a few men were drinking, they all were now staring at her, even the owner stopped polishing glass.

"Emmm...did something happen Emma?" the man asked her, she wasted no time and said that yesterday came the same man from pub, that he was drunk and rented the room for one night, nothing unexpected, till she came to the point of today's event, how he looked like death, his trembling and weakness, bleeding nose and spasming body.

"Lead the way woman" cold voice said behind her, Emma slowly turned around towards towering armored legend, red eyes burning hole through her skull, she could only nod and lead him back to her inn, hopefully he won't kill her.

Marco felt like someone was ripping him apart, starting with skin, then muscles, bones and organs, leaving nothing behind, slow agonizing pain, he could do nothing, only gaze in front of him, ringing overshadowed everything else, now it was so loud his head throbbed without him moving, his vision getting black with each minute that passed, he can hold breath for long but he is still human. Marco didn't see when someone entered the place, all he could see was black with ringing as everything else, he couldn't even hear his own heart, he felt nothing, his nerves stopped responding, his body refused to move when he tried, each attempt ended in another shot of pain, he wanted to scream when something or someone moved him from the floor but he couldn't, even his mind said nothing, only silence, like he wasn't there, like it was only empty shell with soul trapped inside, he could only sense someone waving their hand in front of his face, he has still open eyes for some weird reason, he must inform whoever it is that he needs to get ot Mewni as fast as possible, but how if everything brings pain. Marco waited and thought of what to do, if he must die here he will inform someone to alert Mewni, with great pain in every muscle he forced his throat to loosen a little and open.

"Mewni...must...get to...Mewni" those were the only words he said before everything disappeared, the pain stopped, everything was so...peaceful.

-AN: THIS CHAPTER SHOULD BE UPLOADED 2 DAYS AGO BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED TO THE SITE AND IT DISAPEARED DAY AFTER, DONT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED BUT EITHER WAY, HERE IS AN FRESH CHAPTER. THE ONLY THING I CAN SPOIL IS THAT SOMETHING BIG WILL HAPPEN