Chapter 5: Landfall.
The "battle" went on for days. With no shells able to penetrate the magical shields, the Bismarck decided to approach french shores as scheduled. The shoreline defenses would discourage the allies to follow them. It worked.
Onboard it was business as usual, but Marco got a break. With everyone in the bridge convinced Marco was the guard of Star, he was given a cabin right next to hers. Marco was able to walk around the ship without fear. As long as he was by Star's side.
The Butterflys did have a celebratory feast of sorts once it was clear that they would win. Marco was by Star's side at that time, only able to watch as they talked. He couldn't even get the King and Queen to glance at him. Befriending the royalty then convincing them to sever ties with Germany was a no-go.
He still talked with Star though. He would follow Star around as a guard, and when lunch came around they could drop the act. They ate on the deck as a break from the vast metallic innards of the ship, vast blue skies above them.
"When we land you need to get an actual guard." Marco took a sip from his tin mug. "I mean, what happens if something dangerous happens?"
"I can defend myself!" Star waved her wand, a swish of multicolored fire behind it.
"Ok, but I can't. If there's some sort of attack, they'd target me! I'll be one of the first to go!"
"It'll be fine!" Star took a bite out of her sandwich "Who could attack us in France anyway?"
"The resistance!"
"The what?"
"Nevermind." Marco knew her enough to know she was reckless. Her knowing that there could be an enemy within the french citizenry was a recipe for disaster. "Also, i'm tired of having to put on an act. The other day, I had to spew random numbers to someone doing paperwork!"
"I don't know about you but I get a rush out of it! It's like we're actors!"
"I get a rush of fear out of it."
"Well i'm sorry but my parents would only trust Mewmans. They trust you because you've been with me for a while now. I can ask for new guards once we land."
"Dang, I'll just live with the stress I guess."
"Oh! You wanna know my favorite way to relax?"
"What?"
Star stood up and pointed to the now visible french shoreline "I'll show you once we land!"
When the Bismarck docked in the military camp, it was unloaded. When the Royal family got off there was a carriage waiting for them, along with an escort of a few calvarymen as guards. The royal family had some time to wait, so while The King and Queen sat in the carriage Star walked up to one of the guards.
"Greetings, Princess Butterfly!" The guard smiled.
"Hi! I'm gonna need this horse."
"Your wish, my command!" The guard got off the horse and gave the reins to Star.
"Thanks!"
She led the horse to an empty quiet corner of the camp, the horse giving no resistance and neighing with no contempt. Star brushed it's brown hair "Alright, get on!"
"Huh?"
"Ride the horse!"
"I don't know how."
"Hm… Alright then, you can ride with me!" Star got on swiftly and naturally.
Marco climbed up and loosely wrapped his arms around Star's waist "So is there something I should strap myself into or-"
"HIYAH!" The horse broke out in full gallop.
Marco almost flew off but by instinct he tightened his grip on Star. He held onto her for dear life as the horse quickly galloped out of the empty corner. They started crashing into crates and boxes, possibly a few humans and mewmans as well. He could feel various items whiz past by his head. By the end of it all you could go from one end of the camp to the other without touching the ground.
"See? That was fun!" Star looked back at Marco "Right?"
Marco still held on tight, eyes closed.
"Marco, ride's done."
He opened one eye. Then perked his head up. "Oh." He quickly let go of Star and got out of her personal space.
"Well, what d'ya think? Did it relax you?"
Marco got off the horse "Uh.. yeah sure." he didn't want to disappoint Star. She looked so eager to hear his answer.
"Great! You wanna do it again sometime?"
"Erm, I'll consider it." He was definitely not gonna consider it.
"Terrific! So, how about-"
"Halt!" The clicks of guns being readied surrounded them.
"Oh! We trashed the place!"
"Hands up!" One of the more important people there commanded. Marco followed the order.
"Bleib stehen!" Marco recognized that voice. The captain of the ship. Whatever he said made everyone stand down.
"Thanks Captain!" Star waved.
The captain shot them a dirty look.
"Star." Marco whispered "Get back to your family's carriage. I don't think you have the best reputation here."
"What about you?"
"I'm gonna stay here and tidy the place. I'll catch up."