CHAPTER 10- SECRETS
Janna, Jackie and Star were currently getting ready for the grant event, they couldn't help their feelings, the tales Star feed them filled them with excitement and energy, everything sounded so perfect, so beautiful, nothing like ceremonies on Earth, fallen leaders and soldiers didn't had this kind of events, sure there were many events to honor them, especially after WW2, but nothing was compared to this sight, even if they have hours before the start. The whole kingdom was illuminated by flying lights, those lights were flowers in fact, blue flowers levitated in the whole kingdom, Star told them this was the color both Marco and Eclipsa liked, besides flowers, streets were decorated with candles, all leading to the same place, the tomb where main event will start, only few hours till the start.
"can you tell us what is inside that place besides bodies?" Janna asked, Jackie elbowed her with a glare, Jackie looked at her with a questioning face, she didn't know she couldn't ask such questions.
"well...there are spare inventions, manuscripts, weapons, ideas, magic books and many more things I don't know about...probably. Hey mom, what is exactly in the tomb King Marco is resting in?" She jogged to her parents who were currently talking with other adults, Moon stopped to focus on her daughter, she raised an eyebrow in question.
"And why are you suddenly so interested in it, Star?" she said, suspicion filled her voice, her daughter never showed great interest in their history, Star looked back at the two girls who didn't dare to walk closer.
"Janna asked if besides bodies there were other things" she asked with a smile and sparkling eyes, maybe she will find something interesting.
"Star, you must know this that even if me and your father is the highest rulers in this kingdom we don't have access to some chambers, even Glossaryck said we shouldn't try to open them, he created them for someone special, he said that the person who that place was designed can open it, but besides this piece of information we have manuscripts, magic books, weapons, diaries and remnants" This was indeed weird, secret rooms and chambers that can be filled with everything, Jackie exchanged looks with Janna, they would be lying if they said this was boring, the whole evening just got a lot better.
"Hey guys, what are we talking about?" Group turned towards the voice, from a red swirling portal came out a few people...and a demon.
"Hello Marcia, Tom, Rusty, Alfonzo, Brittney and Kelly, we just talked about exploring the secrets of the tomb, my mom said that there are many hidden secrets and prizes for whoever opens it, do you think someone from us will be able to do it?" Star jumped from person to person, Tom was confused, as much as he is interested in history he never heard about this, Marcia and the rest were interested but hesitant to voice their opinions.
"You will not walk around the sacred place like a hotel Star, it's very important to maintain respect in that place, so . is that clear?" Moon glared at her daughter, she won't have her tendencies destroy the event, River smiled at her daughter and friends, he knows this threat won't stop them.
"Don't worry about that sweetheart, you know this won't stop them, let things happen, and who knows, maybe this will get interesting this year" he looked at the group of friends gossiping about the conspiracy and secrets that sacred tomb holds.
"Don't worry Moon, they all can be very...chaotic but I trust them to not destroy anything valuable"Angie Diaz said glancing at her daughter who was mangled in many dramas of Star and her friends, some easy to solve and others a little bit too hard.
"I hope you are right Angie, I hope you are right?" Moon took one last glance at her daughter, with a sigh she ushered them all out of the palace living room, they have an event to attend to.
"My Queen, the ceremony will start shortly, will you attend this year?" voice cold but filled with concern for his ruler, Toffee was realy concerned and scared for Eclipsa, she didn't came out from her tower for nearly whole week, she allowed only him inside, not even maid could enter without her lashing out at the poor Mewan, he didn't even knows if she eats properly. Eclipsa sighed gazing at the blue flowers and candles, reminding her of all the times she spent with Marco among them, laying on plains filled with those soft and delicate scented pieces of nature.
"do you know that the time Marco proposed he used the exact same flowers, that night was the most beautiful and magical in my life, he was so nervous i would say no i though he will faint there, he was shaking and stuttering it took him minutes to finish his part" Eclipsa smiled fondly at the memory, face filled with worry and fear, she swears she can still hear those words from time to time. Toffee was conflicted, he didn't know how to respond, so he decided to remain silent. Eclipsa either ignored or wasn't aware of the silence that fell between them.
"After his proposal we planned the wedding, my mother was so happy she demanded a grandchild mere hours later, she was a great support for both of us. Can you please take the dres for me? it's the one on the farest end" she asked him, Toffee blinked but agreed, he opened to dresser and looked at all clothes, there weren't many, main ones were in purple, few were in red or green, the only one standing out of all of them was in blue, deep blue with white decorations, Toffee saw it only once, on Marcos and eclipsas wedding, he carefully took it out and handed it to his Queen who smiled softly, running her hand through delicate material.
"I remember that day like it was yesterday, me walking down the hall towards Marco who wore black and gold royal outfit, even if he looked confident and powerful on the outside his eyes betrayed him, he was nervous, happy and scared" Eclipsa sighed, hiding behind parawan she changed into her dress.
"When after the whole ceremony we had a ball, Marco was smart to invite me to dance, after my mother persuaded him a bit of course. I told him we can sleep in one room from now on, Marco started stuttering and whining, the sight was hilarious" Eclipsa laughed coming out, she twirled around, letting her hair loose, they fell on her bare shoulders, immortal lizard realised she looked just like on her wedding day.
"I guess you will attend the ceremony my Queen?" he asked with curious gaze, mainly in the choice of her attire, Eclipsa laughed and strodded out of her room, but not before changing her shoes, she must be comfortable after all.
"whoa, i never saw this this place from so close" Tom whispered at the mesmerizing sight, his friends couldn't disagree, it was beautiful, but scary as well, the stone guardians eyes seemed to glow in darkness, looking at everyone, silently judging whoever walk past them, Kelly could feel its gaze from the moment she walked onto its ground to the moment she entered the tomb, she felt uncomfortable, very uncomfortable to tell the truth, she started regretting coming here already, she felt something in the air, like tiny fairies whispering into her ears, Jackie on her side saw her glancing around with nothing but worry.
"Are you alright Kelly, you look pale and your eyes are filled with...fear?" she questioned tilting her head a little, Kelly did not answer, the voices were getting louder and louder by the second, forcing her mind and body to walk, where she didn't know, Jackie said nothing, only gazed at her with concern.
"emmm...Star, Kelly just walked off somewhere" Jackie pointed to a green haired girl who just disappeared behind a corner, Star just gape when she saw something green disappear.
"emmm...mom, me and Jackie will look for Kelly, don't wait for us please" Star quickly rushed to the place they both saw her, hopefully they will find her before something will happen.
Kelly couldn't think straight, voices come as buzz to her mind, her vision blurred, like she would travel through dimensional portal, she could hear her own voice even if she was in the middle of hundred or probably thousands of Mewans, they just melted together creating new color and shapes, in the middle of this all she saw that they created a path, empty path she could walk, she felt she needs to obey.
"what...why" Kelly couldn't find any words, her mind empty, the voices she heard earlier were now better to understand, they ordered her to search, to walk and search for something only she can have, something she NEEDS to possess. Kelly nearly sprinted when she felt strange warmth coming out of one of the hallways, the warmth she only experienced in her own house. It was the same feeling, but how could it be here, in the place she is for the first time in her life. Kelly came closer to the weird energy, she felt hotter and hotter with each step she took, even her breath was warmer than usual, she observed the place in front of her, it was the hallways like any other she came across in this place, high columns from gold, torches and chandeliers decorating walls and ceiling, paintings of people on walls in gold frames, her shoes echoed through the hall on very, very expensive floor which was made from what she could recognise, marble, gold, diamonds, rubins, emeralds, and what shocked her, the material that was rare in the whole galaxy, not many could afford to buy even small handful of this material, her eyes widened when she saw how many of this material in the floor she walked on, brascite, very dangerous and powerful mineral in the galaxy, not many knows how to properly mine it, even less knows how to properly polish it.
"with that amount they could expand Mewni tenfolds" Kelly wasn't joking, she knew one person who bought one piece of this material, he spent nearly all of his money and business to obtain it, and he is still in debt, and will be for many, many years, that much to make a ring. If she breaks one of them she will be surely executed on the spot, next would be her family and whole home, heck, her whole planet would be taken by Mewni as recompensation.
"Why are you so scared child? you know they are protected by magic from harm right?" she heard a gentle voice from behind her, she yelped and turned around, her hand tried to unsheath her sword, but it wasn't there.
"Are you looking for this?" man asked holding her sword in his hand, she was surprised, not many could lift her sword but he did it without any effort, she took the time to inspect the mysterious man in front of her, his brown hair, gentle smile, brown eyes and mole just under his eye, he wore very expensive clothes, black pants with button up shirt, knee high black boots with cape over his shoulder in red color, he looked more like royalty than simple peasant of merchant.
"Who are you?" she asked, her eyes narrowed dangerously, her stance tense and ready, just in case he would try something, the man simply raised one eyebrow and tossed her sword back, which she catched but didn't hide.
"I'm a man who stumbled on very scared and possibly confused girl, now say what are YOU doing in this place, from what i know the main event is in that way" he pointed to the opposite direction she came from, she also realised she didnt felt the warmness from earlier, the voices stopped too.
"Emmm...i-i don't know, i felt like something forced me to come here, weird right?" she laughed nervously looking at the person in front of her who dropped his gentle smile, he looked more terrifying without it, for some weird reason Kelly felt hostility coming from him in waves.
"And what did those voices say?" he didn't ask, he ordered her to speak, his eyes hard and looking into her very own soul, she struggled with the answer.
"W-well, they s-said there is s-something i need" her hand where her sword laid was shaking, she couldn't stop her body, it shook on its own accord, she knew instantly the man in front of her is not simple 'man', he is something more, something dangerous, she should alert others of his presence, he could be a thief who wants riches, or something more.
"very well...follow me" when he paused in his speech, his head snapped towards the hall she came from, Kelly knows she is followed by her friends, they will discover them sooner or later, she prays it wont take them long.
"Are you coming or not?" a mysterious person said, snapping her out of her thoughts, he was at the end of the hall, she could turn around and run, he wouldn't catch her before she reached her friends...probably. But she felt he knows the answers, that he knows more that he is letting her know, after all she didn't mention voices. Her legs worked, before she realised what was happening she was standing in front of him, sword still in her hand, he turned around and walked further into the tomb, she followed without any word, only questioning herself why she was doing it.
"You know that those voices are not without a reason?" he suddenly asked after minutes of silence, he didn't look back, he kept a stern voice, he didn't slow down to match her speed, she was forced to jog to not fall behind.
"Emmm...maybe, but they can be hallucinations right?" she asked with hope he will answer this one question, she must know if she is mentaly ill or not.
"Of course they weren't hallucinations Kelly" he laughed loudly, she tensed, she didn't tell him her name, how does he know it, just who is he?.
Before she could realised they stopped, they stood in bright room, stone soldiers on each wall, tall and powerful sculptures, fully armored with swords in each of their hands, their stone gaze seemed to follow her every move, the room was the same as the hall, with exception of pedestal in the middle of the room, few steps led to the standing tomb, she could only though what was there.
"I led you here not without any reason, I must ask you...what do you know about the history of Mewni, specifically in the age Marco lived?" the man asked, turning towards her, his eyes glinted in light from torches, he held her gaze for what seemed like eternity.
"I know that he was recognised as one of the best leaders known to Mewni, he was kind and fair leader, he was the one to end the great war between Monsters and Mewans, that he led Mewni out of the dark age, he changed everything to something better with each year, he was the person everyone wanted to follow and listen, he saved Mewni from tragic fate, he saved all Mewans from death, he invented weapons and machines that turned the war around, he alongside with Eclipsa was the most successful and pow-" Kelly didn't end her sentence, the man who she was speaking to suddenly slammed his fist into the tomb cracking it in process, shockwave came through the whole room, she could feel floor shaking a little she was surprised and a little scared, if he posses such strength to destroy something so valuable.
"Most of those are lies, the first who won against monsters and established Mewni was queen Helia, she led Mewans out of dark ages, she MADE this kingdom, Marco just tried to follow her lead, make Mewni great again, that was his target, without Eclipsa wizards wouldn't exist right now, he didn't had any idea how to begin their training, Eclipsa was the one to show them how to use magic properly, she was the reason Marco stopped his orders for complete annihilation…without her he would be nothing more than angry and delusional king, she is the one that those rumors belong to, not Marco, she-" mysterious figure couldn't finish, his hand snapped behind to block incoming missile filled with magic, alongside with a pink sword. Everything stopped, even time seemed to freeze as glares were exchange, mysterious man did not seems to be surprised or terrified that Moon, Eclipsa and many people filled the room, he looked at each of them, regarding them in his own way, pink sword still in his hand, while magic dissipated.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Moon demanded to know, no one can just sneak past guards without them noticing, the man did not responded, a pink sword that belonged to one Star Butterfly, he swinged it few times ignoring the looks he got, not everyone could just use royal wand, he hummed and cringed, like this weapon was something bad.
"Weak" was all he said before his grip tightened on said sword, cracking sound was heard in the whole room, seconds later weapon shattered, remaining shards falling to ground.
"You should work on your magic control Star, it's very weak" Star almost fainted when he spoke her name, it wasn't filled with hatred, anger or any kind of venom, it was just...intimidating.
"I order you to tell us your name, otherwise you won't like what will happen" this time it was Eclipsa who said that, her cold voice sent shiver down spines of gathered, no one heard her in that state, comparing it to how she acted minutes ago her mood turned around, the man just smiled in answer.
"I knew you could arrive before end of this meeting, but it's so much sooner than i calculated, i intended for it all to be secret, revealed only at the beginning" he turned around and looked at something above him, their gazes followed slowly, above them was a painting, a painting of woman with brown long hair, sharp gaze looking straight at the wall, her bright silver armor shining in light, two swords in her hands and bodies under her feet.
"Here, right here lies one of the best soldiers Mewni had, rumors said she was on the same level of strength as Marco, that one swing of her sword killed nearly 7 monsters, she was one of the first special forces Marco created, SHE was the one of the few people to help Marco after Eclipsa...can you guess what is here" He pointed with his head to the cracked tomb, no one said a word, they didn't knew what to say, the only one who tried to do something was Eclipsa, she marched past them, she tried to slap the man in front of her, but froze in place, her hand stretched back, eyes wide in shock, the man smiled, his eyes filled with warmth.
"Hello my dear, i hope you are okay" he whispered, only both of them could hear him say it. Eclipsas breath quickened all of a sudden, her mouth dry, not being able to speak a single word.
"Kelly, grab Eclipsa and bring her here," Moon said. Kelly moved slowly towards the frozen Eclipsa, she and the man held each other gazes, she didn't know if she should hinder in their staring contest.
"Wait for me my love, we will see each other again" he whispered and stroked her cheek, she automatically leaned into the touch, it was the same as she remembered it those years ago.
"I will wait dear, even for a thousand of years...I will wait" she answered quietly before she got grabbed and gently led to the group of concerned people.
"Eclipsa what was that?" Moon asked with concern in her voice, something must have happened there, she wouldn't let some stranger touch her without any reason.
"It was nothing...it was nothing, i-i need to rest" She said walking out of the room, she couldn't watch him without breaking, toffee was standing outside waiting for her, he followed her as always.
"Did something happen?" he tilted his head and furrowed his eyebrows at her tear stricken face.
"I...saw him, he was there" she whispered, standing in place, her body couldn't move, he was there right in front of her, she just needed to stretch her hand to be sure that it was him.
"Who was there if I may ask?" Toffee asked equally quiet, they were a few meters out of the room the rest were but some of them had strong hearing.
"My husband was there, Marco was standing right in front of me" Eclipsa still didn't move from her standing place, blank face watching the expensive floor in front of her. Toffee was concerned, Eclipsa never had hallucinations, yes, she is isolated from everyone and everything with exception of him, but it can't be the reason right now, there must be something more to it.
"Remember Toffee, after my death there will be many unanswered riddles and questions, spirits are one of them" He remembered Marco's words when he was near his death, so he won't question it, it all will resolve itself on its own. Immortal lizard gently wrapped his arm around his queen's shoulders and slowly walked back to her tower. It would be best to leave her for now to understand this all.
"I repeat...who...are...you" Moon snarled and readied new missile behind her back, if he tries something she will be ready, the mysterious man turned his back to her and looked at the tomb, they couldn't saw his face, if they did they would see fondness and happiness.
"Come here Kelly, i have something to show you" he didn't turn to her, Kelly was a little scared, and who wouldn't be, probably Hekapoo and Moon, those two were extraordinary, without fear.
"Go Kelly, when you are near, try to strike him, hopefully you will kill him" Moon whispered into her ear, the girl gulped but nodded, she knew better than to object to someone as powerful as Moon. Her heartbeat ringed in her ears with each step she took, she felt scared for some reason, even if he turned around looking at the painting, she knew killing him was impossible, so why is she doing it?.
Kelly was a few meters from the mysterious figure, she slowly and soundlesly took her sword out. Kelly swinged without any sound at the figure, for a brief moment she hoped it would kill him, but oh boy she was wrong, her sword blocked with only one arm, sword clashing against sword sent sparks flying.
"I must say im impressed, i didn't sensed you before the swing, you must work a little on your skills...but for now this" He said turning quickly around and pushing her sword back, Kelly stumbled back a bit, when she regained her balance she saw leg flying in her direction, before she could dodge it slammed against her, she flew back falling down the steps on ground, she gasped for breath, it was a very powerful kick, even she can't do something as this, she felt her ribs crack upon the impact.
"Kelly, are you ok girl, he didn't break anything did he?" jackie and Star runned to her help, janna was smiling with excitement, she never saw Mewan fight before, Tom was concerned and scared but ready to call his guards if things goes south, Marcia was concerned, she don't know if she should run for help or try to do something inside the room. While everyone has their own thoughts Kelly felt a sudden kick of rage, with a snarl she grabbed her sword and rushed at the man who still did not move from his place, he waited patiently for her to get close enough. He swung his sword upwards, Kelly's world slowed as sword approached her body, it missed her by millimeters, she even could feel it run against her face, but what rendered her speechless was her sword, pieces laying on ground, only hiltremained, how can someone be so strong to shatter sword with one swing?.
"Hmmmm...i though you will be better than that, oh well, there is still room for improvements, entertain me more" he said grinning a little, he lifted his sword once again, Kelly returned from her frozen state just in time to dodge the strike, he didn't stopped there, the figure decided to attack with speed and strength, he don't want to kill her after all.
"Come one, try a little harder...and you, don't interrupt" he said towards the group who tried to engage the attacker, but something stopped their advance, a barrier formed around two engaged in a brawl.
"You will let me in this instant, i wont allow this" Moon said angrily trying to force her way in using magic, but it seems like whatever is producing this barrier is absorbing her magic.
"unfortunately i cant Moon'' he said swinging his sword at Kelly who tried to crawl toward the barrier, he stopped her by grabbing her arm and forcing her to stand, when she did the reward was strong hit in her jaw, she spit the blood, only one strike and she feels dizzy from it. But she is not weakling, she shouldn't be scared, she should fight and win. With new strength she stood and turned towards the assaulter, she stepped from one feet to another at a rapid pace, he fought with speed, she will do the same, he smiled at her with shining eyes.
"That's what i was waiting for, show me how much fire you have inside" he smirked, trying to stab her which she dodged and for the first time struck him, her fist connected with his cheek, which didn't do much, the man didn't even flinch from impact, he only spit blood on ground not breaking eye contact.
"Yeah Kelly, kick this guy's pathetic sexy ass!" Janna shouted cheering her friend, she stopped realising she got looks of confusion, shock and embarrassment, even Kelly and the mystery figure stopped midway to look at her, not expecting this type of words.
"What...he can be evil but he sure is sexy, just look at this body" She pointed at the man who looked at himself, confusion on his face, he looked at Kelly who shrugged not knowing what to say.
"Emmm...is it normal for her?" He asked pointing to Janna who smiled charmingly at him, she blew him a kiss and giggled, Kelly thought of an answer.
"Well...usually she is, but today she is...special" She shrugged and tried to punch him again which he blocked with ease.
"Well...i think it would be more interesting if we fought on fists don't you think?" He didn't wait for an answer, he dropped his sword on the ground and blindly rushed at the girl who braced herself for an impact, surprising him she caught his fist and retaliated by her own punch, he catched it the same way she did.
'Well...this just got interesting'' He smiled when she returned, she hadn't had a serious fight 1 on 1 for a realy long time.
"I can't disagree" she smirked and took her fist back, quickly trying to punch him in stomach failed, he was faster, the strength he used to punch her, actually lifted her inches from ground, she grunted and doubled over in pain, Kelly opened her eyes to see fist flying towards her, she wasn't fast enough to dodge. Her nose is broken for sure, she saw blood on the ground beside her, her head throbbed in sharp pain, she must have hit the ground hard, she tried to sit when something sharp was pressed against her neck.
"Don't waste your energy, rest for a bit. You showed me what you are capable of...it looks like she already took you as her master, congratulations Kelly, you finished the inication, you are the new wielder of this blade" The man handed her the sword, she remembered her first one was shattered, her newest weapon was narrower but longer, in the torchlight it looked like it has blood on it, but that can be her imagination.
"This sword was used by Juliet in many, many battles, the infamous 'Gutrender', this blade will adapt itself to the fight, so don't be surprised when it become shorter in a second and longer in next, it knows what you need to defeat your opponent...even i had problems facing it in battle" he finished with a whisper, but Kelly could still hear him.
"C-can i at least know your name?" she asked weakly, her vision weaker and weaker with each second, the man smiled and answered.
"Many called me Marco" a man known as Marco said, Kelly's eyes widened, she fought with one of the most powerful persons on this planet.
"Y-You are a spirit right?" she asked, already knowing an answer, Marco just confirmed it by nodding, in that moment her mind slipped into consciousness, the last thing she saw was Marco smiling down at her.
"My King, please forgive us for what we did and said" Moon pleaded, kneeling on one knee, if she only knew sooner, this all could be avoided. The rest of the group followed quickly, none of them wanted to be on his bad side.
"Please stand Moon, i'm not your king anymore, i was him hundreds of years ago, not now, and i forgive you, before i leave, i must warn you, be on high alert, storm is coming this way" Marco said and turned around, he walked towards the now open tomb, the group did not raised from their position, only Moon did.
"W-what do you mean by this? what EXACTLY is coming...is it a monster army?" she asked with no small amount of fear and a bit of demand, if she is right she needs to put the whole kingdom under stronger barriers and mobilize a whole army. Marco turned towards her and regarded her with a cold look that made her shrink in place.
"I don't remember giving you permission to speak to me in that tone...but either way, you must look after my and eclipsas book, things may happen" he said slowly, Moon eyes widened, no one was surely that crazy to try stealing from that place.
"A-are you sure Marco?" she asked, her answer was the single nod, now she knew that monsters don't stop at anything to win the upcoming war.
"We will see each other again someday" those were the last words before he disappeared when Moon blinked.
"River, please get Kelly, we have many things to do" Moon ordered, River knew to not question his wife when she is in her special mood.
"What about the sword?" He asked holding the unconcious girl, he didn't know if he wanted to touch it, Moon glanced at the strange blade she barely heard about, the person who was the previous owner was a well known woman, brutal and terrifying. The tales were saying she was always beside Marco and Eclipsa.
"I know it will follow her, leave it here, we have more important matters at hand" she turned around and walked out of the chamber, the group of confused and excited people followed, leaving a sword behind that dissipated into a dark cloud, leaving not even one trace behind.
They all were on surface minutes later, the city loud with singing and cheering, this is celebration after all, it's supposed to be good time for everyone, everyone but them, they will aid Mewni as best as they can, even if they can barely do anything that watch or in mens case fight on front lines, but always it's something to do.
"So...what's the plan?" Star asked, skipping towards her mother who marched in the castle direction, guards and Mewans forming a way to not interrupt her peace.
"The plan is that I must think what the plan is, Star, meanwhile lead our guests to their rooms" She ordered without any emotion in her voice, this particular skill was inherited few generations after King Marcos reign, very useful. Star turned to the visitors and smiled nervously, she never saw her mother this serious before.
"Wooo...this was one hell of a party huh Jackie?" janna said laying on her bed, she thought of everything that happened in the last few hours, celebration, searching for Kelly, finding her alongside with man who was realy the previous ruler of Mewni, green haired girl fighting with her new crush, her getting new cool weapon and a little history lesson...oh and potential threat of war.
"Yeah, sure it was, if it all ended on when Kelly got a new sword, right now I'm a little concerned, that threat about stealing that book was concerning, did you see Star's mom's reaction? It must be very important," Jackie said, rummaging through her bag, she finally found her pajamas and towel. It was nearly midnight on Earth. She should have slept an hour ago, Janna raised an eyebrow at her friend.
"Don't know if you remember but that book was the one Moon mentioned days ago, the one containg the magic Marco and Eclipsa created...you know, 'bring dead back, creating force so powerful to kill the whole kingdom in one go' kind of book" Janna said imagining how the said item must look and feel while holding, Jackie sighed and without word closed herself in bathroom, the rich look welcomed her. As Star said 'only the best for my friends', jackie didn't knew she meant it literally like that, gold tiles on walls, warm stone beneath her feet, how is this working that whenever she steps on them they are instantly warm, from her tests she did upon arrival was that if they are always heated by magic or whatever, but they weren't, they were cold, so it looks like they are sentient for humans touch, she shuddered at the thought of the floor growing pair of eyes in random places and looking at her while she is cleaning herself, she would kill the person who made those, that was for sure. Jackie thoughts drifted from the room to Jackie, as she was standing under warm water thinking of the potential danger Janna can make, everyone knows of her affiliation to 'dark magic', and everything connected to that, so what would she do if she had that book with her, would she raise dead and conquer Mewni, or maybe help them defeating this monster army, who knows, who knows, maybe she would create her own empire of dead people to rule, making peace with Mewni and expanding the circle. Jackie felt tingling on her neck, on instinct she covered her private regions and looked down, just to see nothing more than her reflection, she looked around confused, like someone was here but disappeared second later, she shrugged and continued her bath time, this time her mind slipped towards the girl with brown hair and brown eyes, she must do something about it or she will be stuck in friendzone soon.
Janna was bored, Jackie surely was taking sweet time in there, not like she can blame her, she herself spent nearly an hour just standing under the water, she bet its magical water to relax both mind and body, something she would need on Earth, maybe she should move to Mewni when she will end her High School, Star for sure would help her find job, maybe he will end as apprentice under some dark wizard or something like that.
"I see you are already making plans for the future huh?" Janna heard males voice from her right, she didn't even flinch, she is the expert on sneaking and surprisingly, she got rid of something as 'fear' from being startled like that.
"You know it's not very good for a man to sneak on an innocent girl right? What if I was naked huh?" She asked without any care, she finally looked at the intruder and froze. It was Marco, who was leaning against balcony doors, amusement in his eyes.
"You didn't change one bit Janna" He whispered smiling and walking towards her slowly, he needs to be swift, Jackie will come out of the bathroom any minute now.
"Listen Janna, i have a special task for you, i trust you will use it well" he said sitting on her right and handing her weird book, black smooth leather cover with golden letters on front that spelled 'EMBOK', she read it loudly and looked at marco who rubbed his neck with his face turned from her.
"Dont ask...we were young and stupid okay?" Marco coughed and stood up, Janna thought for a while before she decoded the mysterious code.
"Ohhhhh...can I read some of them? Did you write how you did it?" She asked with a big smile, if she is lucky she will have blackmail material on the legendary Marco, he cringed in response.
"Yes, Eclipsa described it very clearly, you just need to decode how to open that section...but promise me you won't raise dead and try to take over the planet" he said seriously, Janna nodded with hard gaze, she might be twisted towards dark magic, but not in this way.
"Hey Janna, was someone here while I was bathing?" Jackie asked closing bathroom doors behind her, her light blue attire moving on a light breeze from outside, Janna glanced where Marco was moments ago to see that the spot was empty, she found the book in the form of a ring on her finger and she smiled.
"No one at all Jackie...no one...at...all" she said slowly getting her own equipment for the bathroom adventure, she walked past Jackie who raised an eyebrow at her friend's weird mood change.
"Emmmm ok then? Have a nice shower" she said slowly laying in her bed confused and slightly scared from Janna's behavior, maybe she will return to being normal tomorrow, she can only hope.
"We must strengthen the guard, put more people on walls, a bigger number of patrols, we must be ready for them when they come" Moon said to her generals who agreed, after hearing what she heard they must be ready at every possibility.
"I agree my Queen but what if monsters will pred-" one of the generals speech was cut off when conference room doors banged open, inside stumbled a soldier, he obviously runned from the bottom of the castle here.
"F-front guard Jeremy My Queen, minutes ago me and my comrade Steve met a soldier, a soldier who came from one of the border villages. He was scared, terrified even i may say, he had blood on his armor, and it wasn't Mewans blood, it belonged to monsters, he said that their village was attacked by horde of monsters, the whole village is gone, monsters started the war" by the end of his speech he sat on floor, only his breath was heard, no one said a word, Moon had blank face, her eyes betrayed nothing, her stance betrayed nothing, she was thinking hard, why would they attack NOW. River waited for his wife to come back, he rubbed her back to show his own support.
"If war erupt, i promise you my love, that my family's kingdom will support you" he said kindly, even if his family home isn't as powerful and rich as Mewni they were not the weakest, King Marco when he stepped on throne made peace with them, it was one of the first things he did as a ruler, he must have seen potential. Moon grabbed his arm and squeezed it hard, it hurts, of course it hurts, Marcos strength runs through her veins after all, he wanted to scream from pain but knew he couldn't, it would be unprofessional, Moon took deep breath and released it slowly.
"Get Black Raiders ready, i'm going to see this personally" She said coldly, both River and Moon walked out, leaving generals and panting guard alone, they can only imagine what her reaction to that can be, and how badly the village is messed up.
"Marco was right, storm is coming, and it's coming fast" She said to her husband which he could only humm in agreement, indeed he was right, everything will be decided upon arrival at the village, he can only hope Moon wont do something rash and stupid.
AN: WELL, IT TOOK LONGER THAN I THOUGHT, SORRY FOR THAT BUT I JUST COULDN'T WRITE IT IN FEW HOURS, I PLANED THIS WHOLE CHAPTER PART BY PART, AT FIRST I HAD SOMETHING ELSE IN MIND BUT EVERYTHING CHANGED IN LAST SECOND. AND IF YOU HAVE PROBLEM WITH WORDING OR HOW SENTENCES ARE MADE DON'T WORRY, I WILL REWRITE IT SOMEDAY CORRECTING ALL MISTAKES AND MAKING SCENES MUCH BETTER. BUT FOR NOW ENJOY PLEASE.
