Author's Note: So here we are… another chapter. Before I get into things, I just needed to acknowledge something. Last chapter… holy hell the jump the story made after that was nutty. Never before have I felt so motivated to write. It was just… wow. So, really, thank you all, even if you don't favorite, review, or anything, every view just feels more surreal than the last, so I wanted to take a moment to thank each and every person reading, along with the people in the Special Thanks section, who have followed/favorited since last chapter's release. To all of you, thank you so much and I hope you enjoy this chapter. Things are about to get rocky, so fasten your metaphorical seatbelts. There's a ****load of action packed into this one.
Special Thanks:
Favorites (FFN): SrBatataMole, NightAroma, DatBoiDarryl
Follows (FFN): NightAroma, DatBoiDarryl
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…
The Measure of a Man
Chapter Five
Reckoning
Murmurs bounced across the crowd that had formed around the castle gate. Word had swiftly spread across the entire kingdom of the decree that would be delivered. Along with those rumors were those of what he would say. The most popular theory was, in reality, true. Outside of himself and his mother, Scott was the only person that should have known, so obviously, Scott must have said something. He had no issue though, because, thankfully, the man had been kind enough to keep his name out of it, so the people of the kingdom were none the wiser that he was in any way responsible.
Of course, this brought guilt, but he knew that he was right, and he hoped that others might have done the same if they were in his position, although from what he was hearing…
"The Monsters are gonna kill us all. The King won't even care…"
Marco sighed, turning away from his neighbor and trying to ignore their conversation. Frankly, he wasn't sure anyone would have done what he did, but again, he knew what he did was right, and deep down, the other people had to at least know that it was right, otherwise, the people of Mewni were in real trouble.
The King was going to arrive any second, and the suspicions of the people would be confirmed. Then, he knew that he would need to rush home. They would be lucky if they had even an hour to prepare after the King had left.
"Do you think I made a mistake," Marco asked, staring ahead with his mother by his side.
His mother tilted her head and scoffed. "Of course not," she began, "Or… if you did, then so did I," she reassured him, and in part, herself as well.
Marco sighed, reasoning, "Yeah, I'm just afraid that-"
Marco was abruptly interrupted by a harsh tone, the sudden bellowing of the royal trumpets gathering the crowd's attention rather quickly. All eyes snapped to the slowly opening gate of the castle. Steadily, the murmurs died out until there was nothing left but utter and complete silence.
Only then did the royal family move forward from the gate. In equal pace to each other, they moved with grace and distinction… well, excluding Star, who Marco was beginning to observe lacked any care for her regal appearance. In the King's hand, a decree, and as expected, he began very quickly, his voice gruff and in a clearly forced regal tone.
"Today marks an unforeseen precedent in Mewman history," River began, rolling out the parchment in his hand and reading it from top to bottom.
Marco couldn't take his eyes off of the princess. There was just something about her that he couldn't shake. Like he knew her, but he knew better.
"Today I have news that for some is much needed… and for others… a death sentence."
Marco looked to his mother, anxiety in both of their faces. His eyes slowly met the princess again, who looked back at him, only for a moment, but at that moment, he felt it again.
"Only three days ago did I announce a decree in which the Southern village would be put under comprehensive protection from my own personal guard, which, since then, I have discovered to be quite a mistake."
She just looks so familiar, but there's no way I could've seen her before, Marco determined. He shook his head and averted his gaze elsewhere.
Marco's eyes skimmed through the crowd around him, where he saw the people his actions would affect. Scott, who would possibly be saved, his wife and two daughters by his side watching with anticipation. The guards, who lazily slumped in their armor. Admittedly, their work had been admirable and they hadn't done so much as slept a single night since the initial decree had been delivered. Then, his friends and their families. Janna, Jackie, their families who had always been so close with his own. His eldest friends, even if he hadn't spoken with them in years, Ferguson, Alphonso, and even Chantel. So many at risk, all for his actions.
"And with regret," River's eyes planted themselves on Marco, "I must repeal that decree, withdrawing my knights from the village and-" The crowd roared in mixed reactions. Marco saw River's mouth continue to move but couldn't hear a single word he said. The crowd began to grow rowdy. Angelica grabbed her son's hand and pulled, trying to force him to follow her home, but he remained locked in place, an estranged expression on his face.
His mother walked in front of him, her son still looking past her. She followed his eyes to see what he was staring at and she grew confused.
"Mom, that couldn't be-" Marco partially inquired, pointing to her as if she hadn't noticed where he had been looking before.
"Marco what're you talking about," she questioned, dumbfounded.
The princess glanced back at him. "She just looks so- wait…"
She turned and watched as the princess connected eyes with her son again, this time quickly pretending she hadn't and backing away. She knew there was no time for such immature predilections.
"Marco, what is it," she questioned, reminding him in a panic, "We don't have time for this!"
Marco's eyes widened as he finally made the realization. He didn't speak a word. He simply went limp. His mother led him along, his eyes never leaving the princess. She had saved him. She had stayed with him and spoken to his mother. There was no "Mariposa," there was only Star.
His shock rendered him catatonic in his mindblown stupor. His legs moved for him as his mother dragged him along. He froze, staring at her in awe, her staring back for several seconds, then backing away slowly and hastily heading back in the direction of the castle.
"Marco, we need to hurry," his mother shouted. He shook himself out of his catatonia and finally obliged. Through the rowdy crowd, they bumped and pushed against the people. Bodies slammed against them. Marco was hit in the chest and knocked to the ground. He dropped his mother's hand, reeling in pain on the ground. He was stuck there for several seconds. He covered his head as people trampled past and quickly he lost track of his mother.
He braced his hands against his head as he felt the feet of fellow commoners bump against and trample over him. He pushed off of the ground but quickly fell down again. His tender wound tensed and shot pain throughout his body. He screamed in pain, curling himself into a fetal position as the people continued to riot around him.
Helpless, he lay there, feeling the constant blows of the people around him.
"Come on, you need to get out of here," a familiar voice called to him.
Marco opened his eyes and connected with hers, the blue eyes speaking to him more than her voice had. She held out a hand to him, still in disguise. He hesitated for a moment, but took it nonetheless, allowing himself to be pulled to his feet. Immediately, they pushed their way through the crowd, Marco constantly staring at her with conflicted emotions.
When they got through the crowd, the girl continued to lead him by the hand toward his home, which in itself felt strange.
They got to his house quickly, then slammed open the door. Marco frantically scanned the room, not seeing his mother, he began to panic.
"She's not here," Marco began, looking again and sitting down as he placed his face in his hands.
Star walked further into his home, sitting beside him and, after giving him a moment to himself, finally addressing the unspoken issue amongst them.
"We need to talk, she began, pulling her hood off of her head and tossing it to the ground. Marco kept his hands in his head, responding with a sigh, "How can you even do this," he questioned with an impatient expression on his face.
"Wha-" she stuttered, surprised by his sudden question. "I have to," she reasoned, "The people of Mewni are my responsibility. I can't just sit around while-"
Marco picked his head up and glared in her direction, rising from his chair and pacing.
"No, I understand that part," he began, pausing before continuing, "But how can you do this every day? How can you just lie that easily?"
Star tilted her head, watching as he paced.
"Don't you understand, I have to," she explained.
"But-"
Their collective gaze swung to the door as Angelica barged through, slamming it shut behind her. She leaned against the door and fought for her breath. Marco came to her side and made sure she was okay, but as soon as he got to her, she pushed him away in shock.
"Wha-" He uttered in surprise.
"Marco, your face," she pointed out in distress. Marco, confused, gave a questioning gaze, unsure of what to say.
"Nevermind, just- We need to hurry," she refocused, Star rising from her chair awkwardly.
"Hello again, Missus Diaz," she greeted in a nervous tone.
Angelica turned to face her, "Mariposa-"
Marco sighed, the events of the day already wearing on his mental state.
"I'm sorry for lying to you," Star began, taking a step toward the mother. She made no move, her mouth wide in shock.
"This is why-" She began to connect the dots, discovering why Marco was so frozen at the royal announcement.
"You're the princess," she finally determined aloud, rubbing her eyes as if what she was seeing was a figment of her imagination.
A crash sounded in the near forest. Marco and Angelica's eyes flew to the door, Marco opening it and glancing outside, quickly slamming the door shut in horror.
He and his mother shared a knowing glance, then looked to Star. Their reckoning had arrived, and Star Butterfly was in its path.
"What is it," she questioned, stepping toward them in concern. Marco, too stunned to speak, allowed his mother to deliver the news.
"They're here. The Monster army is coming," she explained in a dire tone. Star stepped past her and tried to open the door only to be cut off by Marco, standing in her way.
"What are you doing, I need to fight," she asserted.
Marco didn't move. He looked to his mother for answers but found her equally as perplexed as himself. He met eyes with the princess and saw no other way. "You can't, not today," Marco explained, motioning for his mother to get their routine started.
Star began to start up again, arguing, "What do you mean? I was trained by the knights of Mewni, plus you've seen me fight. I need to help-"
Marco cut in once more, blocking her path and countering.
"A good friend of mine would be very upset if I allowed that to happen," he remarked, referring to her father.
"Marco, get out of my way," she commanded.
A tense silence brewed between the two. Finally, Angelica came to her son's assistance, bracing their table against the door. Star stepped back, not losing contact with Marco's eyes.
"I can't believe this is happening," she remarked, finally helping Angelica barricade the door. Marco sighed in relief, opening their hatch and holding it open. Having gotten used to barricading their home, his mother got it done quickly, and in turn, became the first person to enter their hiding place. Star followed and Marco finally entered behind them, pulling the hatch shut behind him.
Little light peered into the crawlspace. Marco sat beside his mother, allowing Star what little space there was left. She seemed restless. Beside her was a heavy-looking sword. She fidgetted as she listened to the first sounds of destruction outside. She looked to Marco once more, as if he would change his mind and allow her to help, but he forbade her with his pleading eyes.
Things reached their worst for her when she heard the first scream. This time, an older-sounding woman. Star sat up quickly and moved for the hatch, pleading to the two.
"They need me," she whisper-shouted at the two, grasping her sword and lifting the hatch slightly.
They both shook their heads, Angelica responding in a volume equal to Star's.
"There are too many of them. You'll die," she argued, lightly tugging on Star's dress to get her to come down. She looked to Marco with conflict, then back to Angelica, arguing once more.
"But I have to do what I can," she pled, gripping her sword tightly.
Angelica looked to her son.
"Marco, help me-"
"My mother is pregnant," Marco's voice rose above the others. Star's mouth gaped as she looked to the woman for confirmation. She too looked surprised, but after a moment of hesitation, she nodded, remarking, "It's my last chance since Rafael is-"
Star cut in, sensing her anxiety.
"Don't worry, I understand," she said, looking to Marco for direction.
He spoke in a calm tone.
"Please, get down, we need to stay quiet, so we can make it through this."
Slowly, she obliged, climbing down and staring between the cracks of the hatch, weary of possible intruders. Now more than ever, she was paranoid. She kept her hand on the hilt of her sword at all times, ready to unsheath her blade and strike down any that dared attack the pregnant woman that she was protecting.
Marco watched her. With each scream, she gritted her teeth. It was obvious that her mental state was being damaged, but she was determined. She kept herself vigilant no matter how badly it hurt her to do so.
Minutes of destruction left the trio uneasy. The smell of ash and dust clogged the air. Slowly, the screams of the innocent died out. As hard as they tried not to think about it, they knew that the only possible reason was that those who screamed found themselves dead.
And as the screams went, so did the rest of the noise. Slowly, Star let her shoulders fall, beads of sweat on her forehead dripping as the anxiety finally began to come to a close.
Or so she thought.
Above them, they heard something pushing against their door, the door opening slowly until the table that was propped against it finally fell. The door creaked open. A warm breeze blew ash in through the newly opened door and through the small cracks in the floor and hatch. Marco felt the need to cough but fought against it with every inch of his being. Star wearily peaked through the holes in the hatch to no avail, for all she could see was the roof above her.
Slowly, they heard a series of heavy steps begin from the door. Quietly, Star unsheathed her blade, holding it at the ready as the heavy steps continued to rhythmically creak the floorboards below them.
In a voice filled with bass and authority, he laughed at them. Marco's skin began to crawl. His hair stood straight on his arms. His bones seemed to tremble, but he remained ready, slowly moving in front of his mother, ready to protect her against the worst as the "worst" stood just above him, Rasticore.
"Stupid, stupid Mewmans," he mocked, laughing to himself. He paced in circles throughout the home.
He hadn't found them last time, so what would aid him to find them now? The thought continued to bounce around his mind nebulously. Star squinted, watching as Rasticore walked past her view. She gripped her sword tightly, causing her knuckles to crack. She heard the Monster above her react, but he acted as if he hadn't heard it. She looked to Marco, gesturing for him to be ready.
"You know, it's funny," he began. Marco gripped his throat with his hand, desperately avoiding the cough that scratched at him constantly.
"It's funny how gullible you Mewmans seem to think that Monsters are," he taunted, slowing his maneuvers until he stood just in front of the hatch. They knew that they were found out, but if they made that fact known, their fate would only come sooner.
"Hell, I even saw the fear in your eyes, only moments before that fool you call a father ran to his death," he boasted. Marco closed his eyes, doing his best to suppress the rage that he felt so strongly.
Slowly, he knelt down, looking through the same crack in the hatch that he had on that fateful day. He saw an eye, but this one wasn't the same as he had seen that day.
Star smiled, gripping her sword and finally springing against the hatch.
Marco watched as she pushed it open with only a jump, even knocking Rasticore back in the process. The bad news was that the hatch was knocked from its hinges. They were exposed. Marco looked to his mother, slowly rising from where he stood. He glanced through the front door of his home and watched as Star weaved through his attacks so gracefully. There was something different about this time, though. Rasticore was calculated. He was armored. He was prepared.
Marco looked to his mother once more. Her glance was knowing.
"I have to," he remarked, glancing back to Star.
She didn't speak. She only looked to the ground. He sighed, slowly climbing from the pit and standing in the doorway of his house. His eyes widened as he took in the sight completely. From everywhere he could see, destruction. Fires, rubble, destroyed homes as far as the eyes could see, but worse than that, the bodies. Across the streets, covered by rubble, or even scorched by the fires created by the Monsters. He imagined the worst, but this was even more horrifying than he could have imagined.
Slowly, he began to advance, each step coming faster than the last until he was at a dead sprint. He lept toward Rasticore as he gave his full attention to Star. Ducking and dodging his attacks, she slowly backed herself into a wall as Marco finally landed on the Monster's back.
He only had his fists. He pounded against the Monster's tough back to no effect. It was like he couldn't even feel it.
"Glad you could join us," he taunted, swinging him off of his back as he lunged toward Star. He landed hard. His wound continued to ache. He gave himself a moment before getting back to his feet.
Star wove through his hands, and as Rasticore lunged forward, she slid under him. She dragged her sword underneath him, but only ground against his armor. Sparks flew as she got to her feet again. Rasticore quickly turned to face her once more with a grimace on his face. Star slowly backed away until Marco was by her side.
Rastircore laughed to himself.
"The Princess and the peasant. How sweet."
Marco and Star shared a glance. He watched as she lowered into a battle stance and did his best to imitate. Rasticore smugly grinned.
At unbelievable speed, Rasticore sprung forward. Immediately, Star dashed toward Marco and pushed him out of the way. Rasticore flew by. Marco's heart raced. He got to his feet quickly and helped Star back to hers as Rasticore slowly walked toward the two.
"How do we kill him," Marco asked, desperate. Star didn't initially respond. She looked at the Monster and shook her head. Glancing back at him, answered.
"I have no idea."
He felt his heart drop. Utter hopelessness coursed through him as the person he viewed so highly was just as clueless as himself.
As Rasticore came closer, he backed away fearfully. Star quickly stood in front of him as it became clear who Rasticore was after.
"Princess, don't you think your life could be better spent protecting someone more important than a peasant?"
Rasticore's insult was cruel, but Star was unwavering. Star answered with a rebuttal.
"Don't you think yours would be spent better picking a fight with someone your own size?"
Rasticore smiled.
"Nobody is my size," he remarked, once again springing toward Star. He drew his claws, slicing at her with unbelievable speed. She held her sword ahead of her, deflecting each attack. He tried jumping past her, but she simply rolled back and maintained her position.
Marco reached for a cracked wooden board behind him and held it ahead of him. Anything was better than his fists. He knew better than to try something like that again.
Star gripped her blade with intent. Rasticore swung for her legs, but she somersaulted over his arm. As she landed, she wound up with her sword and swung it hard against his leg. To her surprise, he was ready. As her sword made contact, he pushed against it. The sword bounced off of his armored leg and out of her hands. She moved to pick it up, but Rasticore stepped in front of her.
Marco stepped forward, swinging the plank at his head. Rather than dodge the attack, he caught it, crushing the wood in his hand and kicking him in the center of the chest. He was knocked back, slamming into an already destroyed home and hitting the ground hard. Star's eyes widened as her gaze shot to him. Smiling as Star was distracted, Rasticore balled his fist, swinging it and hitting her directly on the side of the head. She fell to the ground unconscious.
Marco struggled, but got himself to his feet and raised his hands in front of him. His gaze fell onto Star. He didn't understand what he felt. He was sure it was fear, but then-
He balled his fist and furrowed his brow. Screaming, he ran at the Monster only to be cast aside again, but he didn't quit. He got up again, then got knocked down again, then again, then again.
He wiped his mouth and spat out blood, his body shaking as he raised his hands again.
"You just don't know when to quit," Rasticore observed. Beaten, battered, he stepped forward again. Rasticore swung for his head. Marco weaved to the side and swung hard against his stomach. He screamed in pain as his fist bounced off of the armored beast. Laughing, Rasticore grabbed him by the same arm and slammed him to the ground. His chest took the impact. He braced himself with his opposite arm and pushed against the ground with all of his strength. He fell back to the ground and rolled onto his back.
"Marco," a familiar voice called out to him. He turned his head and watched as his mother emerged from their destroyed home, peering through the ash in search of him. He felt faint. His eyes felt compelled to shut for the final time. He felt his final breath gathering, but he wouldn't blink.
"Marco," his mother called out again. He watched as Rasticore stepped away from him. The Monster cracked his neck and turned in his mother's direction. His heart thumped in his chest as he watched the monster fade into the smoke.
He rolled back onto his stomach and pushed against the ground once more, failing again. He heaved for breath and coughed through the black, foggy air.
"Marco-" his mother called out again, cutting herself off as she gasped at the sight of the Monster.
Marco's eyes opened wide. He pushed off of the ground again.
"I killed your husband," he began, his voice growing distant as he came closer to Angelica.
Marco fell to the ground.
"Your son is dying," he taunted.
Marco grit his teeth and pushed against the ground using both arms. He heard his bones crack as he finally got a foot under him.
"And now," the cruel Monster breathed in deep, drawing his claws from his hands.
Marco limped forward, picking up Star's sword and dragging it against the gravelly path below him as he approached the monster.
"It is your turn to die," Rasticore finished, rearing his hand in the air.
He began to swing for the woman, but stopped as he heard Marco speak.
His voice was gravelly and low, but brave.
"I'm not dead yet," he shouted. Star's eyes blinked open.
"Come finish what you started," he beckoned.
Rasticore smiled once more. Angelica's eyes met her son, slowly emerging from the ashen fog. His clothes were tattered. His eyes were black. Blood and dirt painted his chest and arms.
But he stood. He lowered into the stance that he saw Star in and gripped the sword in both hands, constantly fighting against the pain that rifled through his arm.
"Very well," Rasticore agreed, turning to face him fully.
He began his advance.
"Then I'll do as you say."
He drew his claws once more.
"I will kill you," he stated.
Star watched as he walked past her. She tried to rise to her feet, but as a pain shot through her head, she fell down again.
"And when I'm done, I'll kill the Princess."
Marco raised the sword in front of his body as Rasticore raised his hand.
The monster swung his claws forward, grinding against Marco's sword and scratching the blade.
"And only then will I kill your mother."
Marco pushed forward, swinging for the monster's arm. Without trying to dodge, Rasticore allowed his arm to be cut. His limb fell to the ground and laid there, motionless. Marco smiled, Raising his blade once more, but as he looked to the Monster, he only saw a smile. With little expended effort, Rasticore grew back his arm in an instant
His jaw dropped. Rasticore pressed on as if nothing had happened.
"I'll go straight for her stomach, maybe then I'll kill the baby too," Rasticore boasted.
Marco gasped, gripping the sword even more tightly. Rasticore continued to attack, swinging high and low. Marco's defense was more effective now that he had Star's sword, but it wasn't perfect. He wasn't trained. He constantly got caught off-guard, each time being punished with a new scratch on his torso.
Star tried to sit up again but failed once more. She lifted her hand and slid it against the side of her head. Moving it in front of her, she saw her own blood. She sagged back into the ground and winced in pain.
She watched as Marco fought the Monster. He couldn't handle it much longer and the Royal guard was taking longer than usual to push the Monsters out. He needed to find a way to end this now.
Marco swung for the creature's leg, but Rasticore easily dashed out of the way. As Marco tried to lift the sword in front of him again, he was hit directly on his hip by the Monster's table, knocking him to the ground. He kept the sword in his hands, crawling away from the Monster as he walked intentionally slowly towards him. He used the sword, bracing himself against the ground with it and getting to his feet again.
Even just standing, he ached. He was on his last legs.
Star watched, slumped against the town fountain, and as Rasticore turned his back to her, she finally saw a hole in his defense.
"Marco," she called out, her head aching even as she spoke.
Marco's gaze snapped to her. Rasticore tried to use it to his advantage, but as Star screamed out to him, he was prepared to act.
"Duck," she screamed. He was already ahead of her. He got down as quick as he could. Rasticore lunged forward. Marco slid under his legs and quickly saw what Star saw.
"His back," she screamed, "You have to get his back."
There was no better chance coming. Marco lept toward the monster and plunged the sword deep inside of him. He heard the Monster's flesh tear as blood oozed from the wound. He screamed in pain, pushing Marco off of him and getting to his feet.
Through clear pain, Rasticore pulled the sword from his back, the missing flesh returning as quickly as his arm had.
"You're going to regret that," Rasticore promised, gripping the sword in his hand and crushing it as if it were a twig.
Behind Marco, he heard a noise getting progressively closer. Confused, he looked back and saw the best thing he had ever seen.
Galloping on the backs of their horses, the Mewman guard approached with swords drawn. Marco shifted his eyes back to Rasticore, who stopped in his tracks, furious. Marco smiled, not backing down.
Rasticore scoffed. Marco met his eyes and saw the anger boiling inside him. The Monster snarled, stepping forward, hesitating, and finally stepping into the fog without a sound.
Marco stood there, staring at the fog for several seconds. His fist remained balled. He entirely expected Rasticore to play him for a fool and jump at him through the smoke, but as long as he waited, the Monster never came. His body shook as he slowly backed away from the fight, his entire body near collapse. His mother quickly came to his assist.
He refused to lean against her, instead gesturing to Star. Angelica hesitated, seeing that her son was much worse for wear than she, but as he continued to insist, she finally obeyed her son's wishes.
Marco held his arm to his chest, limping toward the fountain that Star leaned against. Quickly, Angelica came to Star's side holding her hood. Star leaned forward and raised her hands, allowing the woman to slide the hood over her.
The King's cavalry galloped into the town and past the trio. Star tried once more to get to her feet, but failed in the end, holding her head with her hand.
"It's probably a concussion," Marco remarked as he slowly sat down against the fountain only feet from Star.
She turned her head in his direction and sighed as she finally observed his clear injuries.
"I think you broke your… everything," Star remarked playfully in response, each of the two smiling as they leaned against the stone structure, completely drained, even so early in a day.
Angelica finally came to her son's aid once more, immediately dabbing him with a rough piece of cloth. He winced and instinctually jerked out of the way, but she pressed on, the cloth growing a darker red with every second passing. She cringed as she looked down at the piece of cloth. Her hand shook. She knew she would never forget this, the sight of her son, the smell of ash, this day would live in infamy forever.
Star slowly scooted closer to him and reinitiated their conversation.
"Have you ever…" she paused in hesitation.
"...Have you ever fought before," she inquired nervously.
Marco chuckled trying to turn to the side only to be forced to look ahead by his mother.
"Was I that bad," he joked.
Star tilted her head in confusion, questioning, "How are you laughing right now?"
He continued to smile, looking to the ground as his mother continued to clean his face. He sighed deeply. "I don't know," he began, pausing for a moment before determining in a sincere tone, "I guess it's just that… I guess you just get used to seeing such horrible stuff."
Star turned her head and leaned against the fountain. Her face exuded rumination. She was tense, contemplating, and most foreign to Marco, caring.
Angelica tossed her third piece of cloth to the side, picking up a fourth and tapping it against Marco's face. As soon as she made contact, he turned his head to face Star. She tried to adjust her son's face again, but as she dabbed the cloth again, he tapped her with his left hand, gesturing to Star.
"I don't feel that bad. Help her," he requested in a caring tone. She gave a face of apprehension.
"Please," he finished sincerely.
Angelica sighed, finally listening to him and coming to Star's aid. She turned the girl's head and found her wound. The left side of her face harbored a thick, bloody protrusion. Her eyes widened, surprised that she had been wounded so violently despite only being hit once. She picked up a fresh piece of cloth and lightly wiped a large amount of the blood away. Star winced.
Marco sighed, slumping against the rocky base of the fountain and looking ahead.
Images flashed through his mind of what used to be, his childhood home, like so many around it, was reduced to an unrecognizable pile of rubble with only half of the walls still standing. His door was blown off of its hinges, his roof had collapsed in on itself. It was nothing short of ruined.
The knights began to slow their pace. Some came into the village and began their rescue efforts while the others continued working to ensure the safety of the village. Slowly, he watched as what was left of his village slowly emerged from their homes.
Scared and scarred, both mentally and physically, the innocent families came to. Glancing out at the destruction, so many people he knew, so many who he cared for, either dead or injured, and those who hadn't been hurt physically still lost their homes, and who knows what else.
A red hue coated the dusty path. Pools of blood, almost entirely Mewman painted the entirety of the village. Bodies, whether covered or not, lay across the street, eyes open and totally undeserving.
"This was all my fault," Marco thought aloud. Both Star and Angelica glanced at him with concern. He slumped further into his position and just continued to stare.
Neither woman knew what to say. Both knew that it was false and that he did what was right, but at what price. Even they could see the damage caused.
"No, Marco, you know that's not true," his mother assured. His face fell. Whether they were right or not, he knew that he was responsible, even if not at fault. He knew the damage would have been worse if he hadn't acted, and as soon as the other villages fell, his surely would have as well, but who was Marco to make such a crucial decision.
Marco slowly pushed off of the ground with his good hand, getting to his feet despite the struggle. His mother quickly came to his side and insisted that he sit back down.
"Marco stop, sit back down," she suggested in an insistent tone.
Marco couldn't. He knew that he had to do something. He knew that even if he was injured, it would be an injustice for him to not help those who he had harmed. He argued, "Mom, I can't I-"
She argued back, "Marco, you're in no condition to do this right now."
He turned his head, glaring at her with glossy eyes. "I-" he stammered, holding back tears of frustration.
"Marco," she softly spoke his name again. He couldn't hold himself together anymore. His emotions got the best of him. His eyes gave way to hot tears that streamed against his still dirty and damaged face. He wrapped his arms around his mother and planted his face into her shoulder. She reciprocated, holding him close and growing emotional as he had.
Knights strode by them as his soul poured through his eyes and into his mother's loving embrace. He sobbed for what seemed like an eternity until his tears seeped into his scratches and they began to sting. Only then did he finally release his hold on her and turn around to realize they were being watched.
His eyes widened as he saw the King sitting on horseback just behind them, tending to his daughter carefully. He wiped his eyes and walked to the man, kneeling down beside him only to earn a glare from the King. He backed away fearfully. The King turned away, scoffing and continuing to tend to his daughter. Marco stood up and backed away slowly. He shared a confused glance with his mother and looked back at the two.
He was furious. Marco wasn't sure why, but the King seemed like he could kill if he was pushed to it. Marco continued to back away until he was at a respectful distance. He stared at the two for several minutes until he finally got to his feet, carrying his daughter in his arms as he climbed onto his horse. He met eyes with the King and felt the same primal fear he felt only minutes ago. He glared at Marco with intensity until his focus was broken by a gathering crowd behind him.
Both males' eyes fell to the crowd, confused. The crowd raised near the castle gate. They were not rioting but marveling, and from where the two couldn't see, a spectacle emerged. In some ethereal state, glowing with vibrant intensity, the Queen floated above the crowd and spread her arms. Her eyes began to glow a pure white as her palms glowed magically.
Marco's jaw dropped. Only in folktales had he heard of such a possibility. Her glowing eyes slowly raised until they were practically staring directly at the sky. She gained an aura, even visible in broad daylight.
All around him, the world began to float. It started small, with particles of sand being the first thing he noticed, but as he continued to watch, it only became more impressive.
From rocks to rubble to entire homes, everything around him rose into the air.
He pivoted in place and saw the expressions on the townspeoples' faces. From utter despair to unmistakable wonder, the village shared the same impression as himself.
As everything finally gained distance from the ground, the materials floated towards each other. Midair, their homes were being restored to perfection. As if he was watching the effects of the battle reverse in time, the homes became just that rather than piles of rubble.
They slowly floated to the ground until they were lightly placed where they belonged.
His eyes shot back to the Queen, slowly descending from the air, her ethereal form leaving her as her feet finally touched the ground. She gasped for air, falling to her knees. Marco watched as the King glared back at him, shaking his head as he steered his horse away. Marco connected eyes with Star one last time before the two left his view.
Marco sighed, staring in the direction of the castle for several seconds before finally turning and walking toward his home, where his mother stood holding the door open.
His mind drew to a halt as he walked into his home and sat down in his sleep area and wordlessly laid down. His mother walked into the kitchen and searched for medical supplies. After finally finding them, she turned to her son, sighing in slight disappointment as she stared at his unconscious form.
He deserved the rest. She would tend to him and most likely follow his example. She wasn't sure that she had any sort of appetite anyway.
…
Author's note: So, I finished. I hope it lived up to expectations. There was a lot I wanted to happen in this chapter and it was really tricky at times to fit it all in. All in all, I think it turned out fairly well. Of course, I spent much of my week writing it, and writer's remorse does exist, so I don't think I am in any way the best person to judge the writing. I just hope it lived up to expectations because I really worked hard on this one. And, since you're here, I want to thank you for reading. The support after the last two chapters has been insane and it has in every way motivated me to push this chapter out as quickly as possible. Now, I was sick most of this week, so I stayed home most of the time. That's the only reason I was even able to finish it, otherwise, I might not have even gotten it done this week. Still, I have the plans started for the next chapter and it's gonna be a change of pace. I won't say anything specific, but the plan is to introduce some new characters and explore the mind of someone other than Marco, so there it is. Anyways, that was the chapter. Please feel free to share your opinions with a comment or a message and I'll definitely respond in turn. As for those who did comment…
Comments/Replies
NightAroma (ffn): The blond hair and blue eyes were both strong hints, but it wasn't just that. Star excels at hand-to-hand combat, and this girl was able to fend off Rasticore fairly easily. She also shared a lot of Star's mannerisms, particularly her compassion for others. Altogether, it was pretty obvious who she was.
Response: Hey, so I'm glad you commented. I know it was pretty obvious that the "mysterious person" was Star, but that wasn't really the point. My goal was more so to establish her character and my version without initially placing the name on her, so she could be independent and hopefully isolated from her canonical counterpart, so there is still room to explore her character. Again, thanks for the comment, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Final Note:
Okay, so I don't have much to say, I just wanted to take a moment to shout out my Instagram page, as I have in some chapters. Its main purpose is to give updates on my Svtfoe stories and I post whenever a new chapter comes out as well as give opinions on the series and stuff, so if you're interested, come follow me starcovstheworld and feel free to leave a comment, message, or whatever.