Phase Two

Eclipsa watched as the blue-haired queen babbled like a newborn baby. She couldn't help but chuckle at how disposed and unaware the queen was. The All-Seeing Eye portal closed and Eclipsa headed for her new target. Before her was the Bureaucracy of Magic, also unaware of the vengeful queen's intentions. Ascending to the highest point where the Magic High Commission had gathered, Eclipsa entered silently.

"Well, it seems you were about to meet with the new queen, weren't you? I'm afraid you're going to have to cancel your appointment."

The three members swung around to face their unannounced guest. They readied their weapons and crouched into fighting stances. Omnitraxus Prime appeared in person to aid in the fight against the renegade queen.

"Do you really think you can defeat me? Oh my, seems we're missing one, aren't we?" Eclipsa chuckled as Rhombulus' face fell.

"What do you want, Queen Eclipsa?" Heckapoo stepped forward, not backing down from the dark woman.

"Isn't it obvious? I'm here for a bit of revenge, and conquering of course." A flash of purple caged the Commission in a ball.

"What the-? What do want with us?" Omnitraxus struggled against the magical walls. Eclipsa smiled as she faced the small group of protectors.

"I'm simply leveling the playing field. It's not a fair fight if Star has others to help her. After all, there can only be one of us and I'm not about to give up just yet." A void opened as the old queen pushed the helpless Commission inside. "Regardless of who wins in the end, no one will ever find you. Now you'll know what it was like to be me, alive but forgotten for all those centuries."

The Commission cried out in alarm as they descended into the never-ending darkness. The only sources of light were Heckapoo's flame and the small galaxy within Omnitraxus. The group tried to pop the bubble but to no avail.

"Uh, guys, how are we going to tell Star she's in danger?" Rhombulus stared down at his snake hands, hoping from some encouraging words. The two snakes looked at each other and smiled positively, they didn't have any ideas as well.

"I don't know, but Queen Moon did say Star was close to Eclipsa's level, so…maybe she doesn't need us?" Omnitraxus addressed the others. "I mean, yeah, we're trapped but at least the princess has a chance." The others nodded in agreement.

"I'll keep trying my scissors and Omni can try to form a rift of some sort. We can't give up!" Heckapoo slashed at the bubble and tried to make a portal normally.

"Oh, I hope Star's okay," said Rhombulus as he formed crystals around his hands and began to pummel the ball.

Back on Mewni, Star sat in her mother's study and waited for the Commission to show up. They were an hour late and Star was bored out of her mind. Curious, she began to sift through the desk drawers. There was nothing but forms for events and lists until she reached the bottom right drawer. This drawer was locked and firmly shut.

Star searched throughout the entire room for the key but couldn't find it. I wonder if Mom's still loopy with medicine? She might tell me where the key is without remembering or at least realizing. Star left the study and entered the infirmary. A different nurse had just given the healing queen another dose of painkillers.

"Hey, Mommy, how are you feeling?" Star sat next to the bed and smiled at her mother.

"I feel much better now. Especially since I'm not imagining things, but I do still feel pretty out of it." Moon turned her head to face her daughter. "Did you need something, sweetie?"

"Well, the Commission hasn't shown up yet, is that normal?"

"No," Moon said with a frown, "they're usually early if not on time. Have you called them?"

"Yes, but no one's seen them and they didn't leave a message for me saying where they went. Should I be worried?" Star bit her bottom lip.

"I'm sure they're fine, probably just fighting with Rhombulus or something. Ugh, I'm tired of this medicine already."

"Why? I wish I could lay in bed all day. It doesn't seem all that bad." Star swung her feet as she waited for the medicine to take hold of her mother.

"Star, the last time I had to take medicine this strong, you were born. You obviously have never broken your femur or given birth before." The bedridden queen began to lightly cough to clear her throat.

"Pfft, it shouldn't hurt that bad when you give birth to a child. Besides, I would've healed myself instead of laying in bed, writhing in agony like a baby," Star said as she stroked her hair. Moon frowned at Star.

"The pain that comes with childbirth isn't something I'd wish upon my worst enemy, Star. If someone had explained how painful it is to deliver a child, you would've never been born. And even if I used magic to heal me, the pain would still be there and it might not heal correctly. Besides, I needed a vacation from everything."

"Yeah, yeah I know. I tried to heal Marco's hand once. It ended up turning into an evil tentacle monster that wanted to eat the bowls of others." Star rolled her eyes and crossed her arms.

"Star, you're not supposed to be using magic on others. Especially Marco, he's too fragile. What would you do if you had hurt him or worse, killed him?" The amount of concern in Moon's voice startled Star. The thought of life without Marco greatly scared her. While Star was fighting back dark thoughts, Moon felt the room shift as the medicine began to take effect again.

"I'd…I'd never smile ever again. I'd give up magic for good if I ever hurt Marco. I don't want him to get in the middle of all this, but I don't want to spend a day without him," Star said as she began to fight back tears. Moon didn't think Star would be so wounded by the thought of Marco hurt or gone, but she clearly was.

"Star…I'm sorry, but now you understand why you have to be careful with your magic. You don't want to hurt your loved ones." Moon sighed when she saw Mr. Nibbles. I'm not ready to forget my name again. Ugh, just when I'm finally getting to talk to Star about Marco, stupid medicine.

"I know, that's why I haven't been using it as much. Well, that and because I thought you would yell at me." Star laughed and took a deep breath. She saw her mother's face relax and a spaced-out grin cross her face. What was I here for again? Oh yeah, the key!

"Was there…anything else, Star? Oh, do wave to Mr. Nibbles." Moon closed her eyes and relaxed even more.

"Hi, Mr. Nibbles. Hey, Mom, where's the key to your locked desk drawer?" Star leaned in as if she were telling a secret.

"Oh, that. You have to use magic to unlock it. There is no…no…carrot." Moon smiled foolishly and turned back to Star. "Will you call in your…um, father? Yes, that's it, your father, will you get him for me?"

"Sure, see you later Mom." Star motioned to her father that he was needed and left for the study. Yes, now to find out what secret stash Mom has! I wonder if it's something dangerous.