Obsolescent

Deep within the Jaggy Mountains, past the ruins of Castle Avarius, two lone figures sat in a cave around a small fire. The cave was large enough to hold at least fifteen people and had smooth walls from wind and snow erosion. The blonde-haired teen stared into the fire, debating her next move. Across from her sat a slightly older looking woman who was eyeing the small child.

"So, why exactly is everyone afraid of you? I don't remember much, but everyone told me to fear you and hide," the teen looked up at the forgotten queen. In the day that she spent with her, she didn't seem evil or intimidating, just…misunderstood.

"The Mewmans speculated many things about my spell, but I'd estimate it to be caused by my union with a monster. They weren't exactly fond of that idea." The old queen fluffed her hair, expecting more questions from the small child. She certainly reminded her of the blue-haired queen that had sought advice not long ago. Wonder how the young queen is now?

"Why does Mewni even hate monsters? I apparently have monster friends, so…why don't we get along?" Star tossed a small stick into the fire, watching it burn with hungry eyes. Nothing made sense to her and she hadn't remembered anything since she left Butterfly Castle.

"That's what I wondered when I was younger, my husband was very sweet and endearing to me. I had the impression that they were evil when I was a child, but I came to love them. Apparently, they ruthlessly killed Mewmans for land in the earliest years of settlement. I wanted to help them become allies when I learned about our dark history. However, I merely caused the kingdom to fear me and monsters more. Surely your parents disapprove of your monster allies?"

"I…can't remember. I don't want to remember either. I…I just…I don't know!" Star didn't want to remember, but without her memories, she couldn't decide what to do.

"It sounds like you need to remember. I can give you back your memories, but you'll have to help me in return. Nothing drastic, I promise."

"…Will it hurt?" Star felt like she was going to regret the decision but knew it was for the best. She trusted this queen more than she did her own mother. Eclipsa chuckled and stood, pointing at the frightened princess.

"Keeper of Memories, Holder of Secrets,

Return the clock's hands of age and resume."

A bolt of light struck Star, stunning her as a flood of memories erupted back into her mind. As the last of her memories returned, Star passed out on the floor. The dark queen covered the sleeping princess and moved back to where she was sitting.

She may very well be the key to solving Mewni's problems. Oh, my beloved, how I wish I could see you now! Those pesky fools at the Magic High Commission will feel my wrath. Perhaps we'll pay Butterfly Castle a visit tomorrow. Then I'll be able to see what my next course of action will be. The Queen of Darkness laughed quietly to herself. Normally, she wouldn't hold a grudge, but they froze her on mere speculation. She might never see her beloved ever again and she was going to make the Commission pay dearly.

Star woke up to the smell of cooking meat. At first, she thought she was back in her tower at the Diaz Residence. However, she quickly remembered everything and looked around for her grandmother. Surprisingly, she still sat in the same spot while a small animal cooked over the tiny fire.

"Good morning, I was afraid I stood too close to you when I launched that spell. How do you feel, hungry?" Eclipsa smiled as she patted the spot next to her. Star made her way over and sat next to the bubbly queen.

"Guess this wasn't a dream after all. What are we gonna do, I told my mother awful stuff!" Star looked down at her feet. She felt incredibly guilty about how she had treated her mother. She could only imagine how her mother was taking it. Eclipsa pulled Star in for a hug.

"I'm afraid you can't return just yet, we have business to attend to first."

"What do you mean, I have to go back! I never meant those things I said, I was confused. I'm a terrible person, this is one of the worst things I've ever done." Star pulled on her hair and stared defiantly at Eclipsa.

"I'm afraid not right at this second. See, your family and friends don't share the same beliefs as you and me. They don't care about the suffering of monsters, they only care about themselves. Didn't you say you had monster friends?"

"Well…yes, but-"

"We both know nothing will change if we don't help them. Together, we can create a better future. I'm obsolete, but you are about to ascend to the throne. This is the perfect time to groom you into the queen you want to be. That is what you want, isn't it?"

"Yeah, but…you're evil! You have a forbidden chapter and you're almost completely erased from history. I only just learned about you. No one will listen to me, they'll just recrystallize you and me as well." Star stepped back from an ominous looking Eclipsa. Her eyes seemed to glow in the firelight, sending chills throughout Star's body.

"I'm aware of that. That's where you come in. I'll tell you what to do, and the others will listen to you. Everyone believes in your pure nature, so they easily accept change. I can't reclaim the throne, but you can do what I couldn't. If you agree, you can return home today," she stood and stuck out a gloved hand. Star thought about it for a second, her conscious warned her not to, but Star shook her hand. "Good, now we'll eat quickly before I return you to Butterfly Castle."

Star stared at her hand, fearing it would change before her eyes. The last time someone else had shaken Eclipsa's hand, a dark contract had been formed. Star knew it still haunted her mother, so she was equally scared. The two ate in silence, the only sound being an occasional sip of water from Star. Finally, the two reached the entrance of the cave. In the far distance, the outline of Butterfly Castle could be seen. Don't worry you guys, I'm coming home. Hoping that she wouldn't regret her decision, she stepped through the portal and into Butterfly Castle.

Marco, Queen Moon, and King River were eating breakfast in the dining hall before they had to search for Star. Marco was talking to River about other ways to enjoy nature on Earth. Meanwhile, Moon emotionlessly ate her breakfast. She felt more empty today than she had in the past. Star was constantly on her mind, making Moon's life a living hell. She was about to dismiss herself when a random portal appeared near the entrance of the hall. As two familiar figures stepped out of the portal, Moon felt her heart leap with joy as she ran to her child.

In an instance, her arms were wrapped tightly around her daughter, squeezing her to make sure she was real. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she buried her face in Star's shoulders, grateful that she was safe and sound. She felt Star hug her back just as tightly, united with her mother once more.

"Moon, get back!" River's voice sounded harsh and agitated. It was then that Moon remembered Eclipsa was a few paces away from her. She dragged Star away and stared down the dark queen. Marco and River joined Moon, ready for any surprise attacks Eclipsa might throw.

"Wait, it's okay! She won't hurt you, she's just misunderstood." Star separated herself from the others and shielded Eclipsa.

"Star, she's manipulative, not misunderstood. Did she hurt you, brainwash you?" Moon cupped Star's face and looked over her face. A loud laugh sounded from the uninvited queen.

"How'd that spell work out for you, hm? It seems like I was in that crystal longer than I'd hoped. You've grown up and had a little girl. I hope it was worth it." Eclipsa covered her mouth with her ungloved right hand and laughed. "Don't worry, I only meant to bring you the girl. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be taking my leave."

Before Moon could stop her, Eclipsa retreated through the portal. Her laugh echoing throughout the hall. The princess blushed, unnerved by their stares. The four decided to move to Moon's study for more privacy.

"Star, we were so worried about you! How many times do we have to tell you to stop doing that to us," Marco hugged Star before stepping back. He had forgotten her parents were also I the room. "I just…really missed you."

"Star, sweetie, I-"

"Hold on Moon, I meant it when I said you were to have this discussion in private. Marco and I will wait outside while the two of you talk. Come along m'boy." Moon was thankful that the two had left, now there wouldn't be any interuptions.

"Mommy, I am so sorry! I never meant those things, I swear. I…I love you." Star rushed her mother, continuing the spine crushing hug from the dining hall. Moon was glad that her daughter had her memories back. However, River was correct, they needed to talk and answer any questions they had for each other.

"Star, I'm sorry if you ever felt like a disappointment or unworthy of my love. I should have expressed it more to you and your father. All of this has showed me how wrong I was and what I need to do. And Star," Moon looked her daughter in the eyes, wiping away her tears, "you don't have to be like me. I want you to be you, but prepared. You may not think it, but Eclipsa has it out for me because I tricked her. If something should happen to me, I don't want you to panic from all the sudden stress. I love you and I only want the best for you."

Star nodded, admiring her mother's strength. Star kissed her mother's cheek and resumed hugging her. They continued to hug until Moon's arms got tired. She pulled a few leaves out of Star's hair before they continued their conversation.

"Mom, those…those journal entries I wrote, I'm sorry. They were uncalled for and highly immature, I should have never written them."

"Star, it's alright. I'm just glad you're home and safe. Now, let's call Marco and your father in." Moon gave her daughter a warm smile. She opened the door and motioned for the others to join them. "Now, we need to discuss what we're going to do about Eclipsa."

"But Eclipsa isn't evil. I spent a day with her and she hugged me and fed me. She's like…super nice and understanding. Just…give her a chance, okay?" Star looked over at Marco, even he seemed against trusting Eclipsa. She agreed with Eclipsa about monster equality, but they weren't going to listen to her if she kept bringing up how nice the old queen was. Begrudgingly, Star decided to do as she promised and do as Eclipsa instructed.

"Star, Eclipsa's evil, there's no denying that. Remember what happened after I read her chapter, I turned evil! We both know she can't be trusted. Just…trust us." Marco laid a hand on Star's right shoulder. This was the only time she could convince them she had changed her mind.

"Okay," Star looked at her parents, "but she's probably not staying where we were last at. I'm sure she's moved somewhere else."

"What did she do with you? Did she put any spell on you?" River pushed Marco over and hugged Star.

"Nah, she just…wanted to comfort me. Pfft, I'm sure she won't try anything. Besides, she brought me back, didn't she?" Star picked a leaf out of her hair. "All she did was give me my memories back. Soooo…uh, when can I go shower? I smell pretty bad, worse than that hoodie I stole from Marco."

"Oh, yes. You can go bathe while I contact the Magic High Commission, they'll want to know that you're back and safe." Moon watched her daughter leave before turning to the others. "She's hiding something."

"And what could that be, dear?" A concerned look came over River's face. "She seemed honest to me."

"I'm not sure just yet, but she seemed too attached to Eclipsa. I'm afraid Star might have made a deal with her. I don't want to press her for information because she might leave again," fear and insecurity caused the worried mother to voice her thoughts.

"I'll find out and tell you guys. She trusts me so I might be able to convince her to say what really happened." Marco smiled and looked out the window.

"You might ruin your friendship with Star though? Are you sure you want to do this?" Moon was surprised by the young boy's proposition.

"If it'll help Star, then yes, I'll do it for her."