Back at it again with a lengthy chapter this time. I want to publish these weekly, so stay tuned for further updates. But highly recommend the tracks 'Devil's Castle (Persona 5 Scrambled)' and 'Awakening (Persona 5)' during major moments in the chapter's later half.
March 12th
Marco walked down the stairs, seeing Star nearly fly out the door. Thinking about it, the girl confused him somewhat, looking so proper. Her uniform was neatly pressed and her lengthy blonde hair was neatly combed too. He even caught a whiff of some perfume of some kind… Smells like flowers. Marco shook his head trying to not think like that about his housemate, more so with the blue-haired woman looking at him right now.
"Star knows the drill but you don't," Marco studied Moon, noticing her steel-silver briefcase held by her left hand. Her attire mirrored that of an investigator, having a slim blacktop and dress pants. Her heeled shoes made little sound as she walked toward Marco. "I come home late, but I expect both of you to be home by 8 PM sharp. My sister needs ample time to study, eat and prepare for her duties at school."
Marco fought the urge to narrow his eyes, simply tucking one hand in his pocket and casually lugging his backpack with his other. "I won't drag her down with my record. And I will keep an eye on her too." Marco wanted to turn around but Moon put a hand on his shoulder, having a softer look on her face.
"...I also want you to stay safe. Coming here is another chance for you, so make use of it, Marco." Moon dug into her pocket, passing Marco a few dollars. "The train costs money and I'm not sure if your parents gave you any on the way here."
Marco took the twenty-dollar bill and nodded in thanks. He waved Moon goodbye and walked outside, properly seeing the town he lived in now. The warm morning sunlight bathed the streets of… Starlight Square? That's what the map he studied on the way here told him. It was pretty close to Central City, only a mere mile or so away from the train station, Marco figuring that's helpful for Moon's job.
Star waved toward him, getting his attention. He fixed his hold on the backpack, smiling toward her as the two met up. "Sis kept you for a bit huh?" Star asked with Marco nodding, taking the twenty out of his pocket. "Woah, she gave you some money for traveling? I was gonna pay for us."
"Then I will get us lunch with this later," Marco tucked the bill in his wallet, looking around the shops. For once in his life, no one gave him nor Star the time of day. He sighed in relief, thankful his school uniform didn't make him stick out too much, more so with the addition of his red hoodie beneath his uniform. Star gave him a curious glance, earning a small laugh from Marco. "Sorry, but back home everyone gave me that stink eye look."
"From…" Star was going to say something but it died on her lips, shaking it off. A look from his end told her he got what she was going to say though, silence taking the air for a few minutes. The two walked in content silence as they passed various shops, Marco making a mental note of them all. Music shops, electronics stores, and even a small pharmacy; Marco smiled inwardly at the idea of playing video games again once he got enough funds.
The two eventually found the Central City Walkway, it being a literal ocean of crowds. Marco felt a pang of nervousness, memories of the other day playing in his mind. I need to keep Star close. He took her hand and, uncaring of her startled reaction, the two slowly walked through the clustered crowds. To his surprise, the nervousness faded once he held her hand, as did the urge to punch people that bumped into him.
He wanted to thank Star, but her face looked tense, Marco releasing his hold. "Sorry. I'm not used to walking in crowds and…" Star shook her head, a warm smile on her face. She patted her cheeks and took out her transit card, sliding it through for her and Marco. They went into the subway area, waiting for their train to school.
She finally replied, saying, "It was fine, just found that sudden," She said softly, kicking her black shoes carelessly. "I-If you need help again, let me know. But just don't do that at school." Marco nodded, thankful he didn't step over any boundaries. "So… You had friends back home?"
Marco took the opportunity to talk, sitting down on the nearby bench. "Yeah, but Janna was more of a pest than a friend," He started, waving his hand around. Star sat down next to him, curious at this friend of his. "She always stole things from me, but out of everyone back home, she's always been 'real', you know."
"What does that mean?" Star asked, with Marco sighing heavily, looking at clenched fists with a dark frown. "You mean…"
"Yeah, she was the only one that believed me," Marco mumbled, clasping his hands together. "She may annoy me, but she's my only real friend." Marco looked up at Star, seeing a blank look on her face. "Well, hopeful you can be one too."
"Aren't we all ready?" She asked, with Marco opening his mouth just as the train came into the station. Star got up, fixing her bag as she smiled at Marco. He nodded and the two boarded quick, luckily catching some seats as people flooded the train like fish without water. It resumed it's run as quickly as it arrived, the sudden jolt making Star jump out of her seat. Seeing Marco's amused face she pouted, folding her arms. "I usually stand up anyway…"
"Your welcome," He replied, taking out the book Janna gave him, giving it another read. He looked at some of the 'Arcana', as one of the pages described, with Star peaking over his shoulder to look. "...Just reading a book Janna gave me. I don't get it though, it's talking about nonsense about cards and whatnot."
"Looks pretty important though… Oh! Love that one," She pointed at one of the cards, Marco looking at its summary. "Lovers Arcana? Sounds romantic." Marco's eyes went soft for a moment, seeing Star genuinely interested. Something within him 'snapped', making him wince in pain. "Hey, are you okay?" Star asked, seeing sweat come down his face.
"I'm…" Marco tried answering but something hit the train, making the entire thing rattle, nearly coming off the tracks. Star held on to Marco for dear life, with Marco's tired eyes locked on a floating blue butterfly, hovering over them both as the other passengers went into a panic. They made an emergency stop at the nearest track, the shaken forms of Star and Marco holding each other as they made their way above ground.
Marco peaked behind him before walking up the flight of stairs, seeing red for a faint second before turning around. W-What was that? Marco asked himself. The train across nearly crashed into theirs and his sudden jolt of pain felt random. But connected… He pondered the thought, but Star looking so shaken got his attention. Feeling a little better, he just let her hold him until she felt okay.
The two slowly walked a few blocks, looking around empty alleyways and less dense streets until the school was within sight. "T-That was something, huh?" Star asked, laughing nervously. "Wonder if Sis will ask us about that later?"
"The jerk that nearly killed us, he better answer for himself," Marco replied, eyes flaring with protective rage. Star blinked at this, but Marco shook it off before continuing. "Are you okay? You were really scared."
"Yeah," she answered, letting go of Marco and folding her arms. "You know, I think you are a trouble magnet. Only got this 'adventure' once I met you." Marco sighed, lugging his bag and walking on ahead. "Come on, you found that odd too."
"Can't do anything about it, so let's head to school, Star," Marco mumbled in annoyance. Star ran after him and the two now stood at the school gates. Marco instantly hated the place, familiar emotions of his past school in his mind. Drab prison-like colors, iron-barred gates, and getting the feeling teachers already know about his record. Try having a good mindset Diaz, you never know. Star made a mock bow, earning a confused expression from Marco.
"Marco Diaz, I present to you, Echo Creek Academy. I know, hold your applause." Star joked, a twinkle in her eyes. Marco faltered, seeing genuine excitement from her. ...I can't tell her my thoughts just yet. "So… What do you think?"
"It's a school, so hopefully it's fun," Marco answered briskly, earning a content nod from Star. They both entered through the gate, Marco already noticing people give him funny looks. One look at Star answered the 'why' for him; making him rub his temples. Stay positive. He told himself on loop as they made it through the front doors, seeing… A regular school. Drab lockers painted the walls, as did the equally dull whites and greys. One gander at his peers also told him they weren't big fans of the school either; they either had a blank look on their face or were just blabbing away about needless nonsense.
Star gestured to Marco to follow her, getting him out of his sour thoughts. Walking through the maze, like hallways, she eventually found their homeroom. Marco just looked at the door, feeling disgusted by it. Equally dull and an almost rotten brown wooden door was before him. Star didn't pay any mind to him, opening the door for them both and walking inside. The class was packed, every seat taken by someone. Marco even spotted that thug-ish looking kid from the other day, instantly pailing upon seeing Star.
She waved at him regardless, making Marco curious about their connection. The only empty seat was behind Star, but a cough from the teacher made him stay still. "Ah, so you're the transfer student." Marco narrowed his eyes as he studied her, being a very attractive woman. Flaming red hair was tamed by being in a bun, with her white blouse and long black skirt being too form-fitting. So this is why the other guys are quiet. Marco wanted to laugh at them but even he was a bit smitten by the teacher. And the knowing smirk from her said she was aware of it too, but said nothing of it. "I'm Ms. Ember, welcome to our 'pristine' academy. And you are?"
Marco bowed to his peers. "I'm Marco Diaz, and it's…" And the class right away started mumbling. He stood upright, listening to people talk about him. Talk of 'he's that guy from juvie', 'so that's the mutt our Prez is housing, feel bad for her' and 'wonder if he killed anyone' were just some of the comments. Marco clenched his fists into thick balls, eyes flaring with righteous anger. New start my ass. "...You all know my record so you know not to mess with me. Leave me alone and I will leave you all alone as well." He got to his seat without saying anything further, sitting right behind Star and ignoring the almost pitying glance she gave him.
The class went silent as they watched their new ticking time bomb go to work with the notes Ms. Ember wrote on the board. She just watched him carefully, before turning toward the class proper and starting her lesson about history. Mumbling about Marco continued throughout the class, with Marco's urge to punch someone being ever more temping of an action.
The day continued like this for Marco, with even the teachers of his other classes telling him 'don't start trouble', further souring his mood. It didn't help matters that Star was mute toward him the entire day, almost as if her kindness earlier was some damned act. She's likely fake like everyone else. Shame too, as Marco was slowly warming up to her. It almost reminded him of the woman he defended way back when. She had that kind face and earnest plea for help but when push came to shove, she instantly turned on him.
Just looking at Star right now, who was busy walking a few steps ahead of him without a care in the world, caused a strange frustration to course through him. No, she's my roommate, can't hate her. Shaking off the toxic thoughts, he wondered if whatever god cursing him right now had any more fun...
"Marco Diaz, can you come to the principal's office?" The PA speakers blared across the entire school. Marco just laughed darkly, shaking his head at the mere thought of his day getting worse.
"You want me too…" Star asked but Marco completely ignored her, using his mental map of the school to guide him instead. Star's eyes went wide at how cold Marco was acting, only huffing with annoyance as she went to her next class. Marco didn't care, just hopeful the principal wasn't going to boot him from the school from merely breathing it's 'prestigious' air. Opening the door to the man's office, Marco blinked at how organized it looked.
His mental image of a principal was of a person who just sat around and let others do the work for him. But no, the papers were stacked and he was in the middle of writing something when Marco walked through the front door. "Ah, so you are the transfer I heard so much about. Please, take a seat."
Marco complied with caution, clasping his hands together as he further studied the man. He wasn't the fittest, having a round body that barely was contained within his black suit. But his somewhat kind face matched with round glasses. His brown eyes studied Marco as well, looking genuinely surprised. "What do you want with me, sir?" Marco asked, keeping his temper in check.
"Just wanted to ask you some questions, as your record genuinely surprised me. Oh, you can call me Edwin." Marco nodded, surprised at the man being so kind to him. "You went to juvie for three months, how was it?"
"It… I hated it, sir," Marco replied earnestly, fighting the urge to recall those painful memories. "I don't want to go back there. I'm not a prisoner, I'm too young to be one." Principal Edwin nodded, folding his hands together and leaning back in his chair.
"Good, then you know the risk of breaking any rules here," He started, eyes closing before letting out a tired sigh. "I put a lot on the line taking you in, Mr. Diaz. But, I'm a fair man, knowing you just tried doing the right thing."
"You… You know the full story?" Marco asked, jumping out of his chair, earning a nod from the principal. His eyes narrowed instantly, hands clenched into balls. "Did… Did you leak my information to the staff?"
"Of course, they need to be aware of the student they are taking in. And as for your peers finding out, I don't have control over my employee's mouths, young man." Marco sat back down, eyes still narrowed as he listened. "As I said, you have three strikes."
"What counts as a strike, Sir," Marco asked darkly, with Edwin sliding over a piece of paper to him. Marco studied it, reading the rules. Just looking at them sent him raging. "You're telling me, I have to put up with my peers slandering me all year long? I can't fight back against…"
"Ever heard 'one ear, out the other', lad?" He asked Marco, earning a nod from him. "Then you do just that. And besides, why would you even get upset? You did nothing wrong, did you not?" Edwin had a smile but Marco now realized it was a plastic one.
"Very well, can I leave now sir?" Edwin nodded. Marco got out of the room and gently closed the door, making a few steps away from the office before punching the wall in frustration. He looked at the damn paper he was given, furious he couldn't counter anything his peers could do to him. Getting hit, being barked at, insults lobbed left and right, even his teachers could do whatever. All without any consequence.
"You realize this entire place is bullshit too, huh?" Marco looked up, turning to his right and seeing that thuggish looking kid from earlier. He donned a somewhat torn-up version of the school uniform, had friendly red eyes, some rugged reddish hair and a toothy smirk on his face. He even donned that bandana from the other day too. "I only got my record clean from being on the football team and my dad being the coach. But I get your situation man, it sucks."
"Can't do anything about it, even my housemate is a fake like the rest here…" Marco sighed, shoving the paper into his pocket. He turned toward his peer, seeing him shake his head. "Right, you're that guy from the other day. You're her ex or something?"
He blinked, before rubbing his neck. "Something like that, the name's Tom." Marco held out his hand, shaking Tom's. "And your Marco."
"Yep, word got around about me fast and I didn't even say much. Wonder what'll happen if I actually talk?" The two boys laughed, hard enough to wipe tears from their eyes. "Hey, here's my number if you need to vent." The two exchanged numbers before putting their phones away.
"Alright, maybe I will put a word in with my pops about you joining the football team. Maybe you can channel the urge to deck someone into literally tackling people," Marco nodded, finding the idea amusing. The two exchanged numbers and gave one another a fist bump afterward. "Oh and don't lump Starship with the assholes, she's got a lot on her plate."
"Got that impression from her sister, but noted," Marco replied, tucking hands into his pockets.
The two walked around the school, Marco realizing it was lunch period for them both. Ignoring the sour looks from onlookers, he felt a sense of belonging hanging out with this Tom guy. Marco was earnestly impressed with how he carried himself; confident, uncaring of the world around him and a proud grin that never seemed to leave his face. But is that a mask he's wearing? Marco didn't want or care for an answer to that, he was just happy to find a real friend.
The two eventually found the clustered cafeteria, seeing nearly all the seats packed. "Time to take advantage of being the football star," Tom smirked, gesturing Marco to follow him. Marco was downright floored seeing people move out of the way, just so Tom and his new friend could be in a better spot on the line. Huh… Marco narrowed his eyes at Tom, but the jock couldn't care less, holding out his plate to the lunch lady.
She just sighed, throwing some semi-cold pizza slices on Tom's plate. Marco got the same, though it was just one slice instead of the four Tom got. Marco just shrugged, thankful it wasn't the literal shit he ate back in juvie. As Marco took a careful look around the cafeteria, he was surprised to see Star sit alone. Tom caught Marco's curious glance at her and simply patted Marco's shoulder. "She likes sitting alone, even when we dated."
"Why?" Marco asked, with Tom simply shrugging his shoulders. "That's not a good answer man, I know what being alone feels like. You feel like complete shit." Tom nodded in agreement and walked toward Star's table. Marco blinked at his boldness, catching up with Tom as he sat right next to Star.
"Long time no see Starship. Meet your new friend, he's pretty cool," Tom started, with Star completely ignoring him, tapping the pen she was holding on her chin. "...Are you 'in the zone' again?"
"Yes and I will stab you with my pen if you continue bothering me, Thomas," Star replied coldly with Tom throwing his hands up in the air defensively. She didn't even look up at Marco when she spoke next, saying, "And you have fun figuring out things on your own. In no mood to deal with jerks, Mr. Diaz."
"I'm 'Mr. Diaz' now…" Marco scoffed, folding his arms and looking down at his food. "...Sorry for being a jerk but you gotta look at it from my perspective." Star lifted her head up, head resting on her palm with genuine interest. "You didn't have my back when people talked crap about me. And the principal gave me this garbage." He carelessly put the crumpled paper in his pocket on the table.
Star picked it up and read it, eyes going wide. Her blue eyes nearly flared with anger before she signed and passed it back to him. "You… You have a record, so it's just Skeeves being careful I guess." Marco tilted his head in confusion, Star mouthing 'oh'. "That's his first name, as Student Council President, I talk with him often."
"...Right." Marco mumbled, taking a bite out of his pizza. Only then he noticed Star eating a very different meal. It is a home-made lunch, smelling really good compared to the near cardboard his food was. Star noticed Marco looking at her food, having a small smile and passing him a small piece of her sandwich. He took it and nodded in thanks. Tom watched the entire exchange and simply folded his arms, getting the two to look at him.
"Oh, it's nothing, just was wondering when are you gonna tell her about joining my team?" Tom asked, Star nearly coughing up her food. Marco jumped from her startled reaction and was going to rush over but she held up her hand. "Come on Starship, football isn't that bad. And this guy has enough of a backbone to hold his own."
"I TOLD you to quit months ago and you didn't listen to me!" Star nearly shouted, her face turning a shade of red. Marco visibly stiffed at seeing this side of Star. "Your father is… You heard the rumors. And you've seen what he does to your teammates. He'll start beating you too once you start losing."
"Wait, you never mentioned this to me," Marco turned toward Tom, having a worried expression on his face. "Is what Star saying…"
"No, it's just bullshit rumors that the volleyball and basketball teams are spreading 'just because' we get the most funding," Tom harshly grabbed his can of soda and slugged the whole thing down. "And football is an aggressive sport. Of course, you'd get beat up and shit!"
"What about the cheerleaders? Are those rumors unfounded too?" Star asked, her voice cold like ice, with Tom visibly flinching. She looked down at her food and sighed. Collecting her things, she got up and looked squarely at Marco. "Whatever you do, be careful. If you actually want to help people, then come by the student council office after our next class." And like that, she got up and left.
Marco and Tom sat in pure silence for a solid few minutes. Tom broke the ice and covered his face, body visibly shaking. "I… Starship is wrong here bro. She just didn't want to join the cheer squad after hearing the stupid rumors."
Marco leaned forward, eyes soft and understanding. "I'll give your offer a shot, but I really hope your dad isn't an asshole like the other adults I've dealt with." Tom nodded, letting out a shaky sigh. "So, maybe you can tell me about your team? I got a good tackling arm."
Tom visibly relaxed, the two talking about the team and the open positions available. But Star's words were present in the back of his mind, making him cautious.
"...And that will be all," said the teacher for Math, telling everyone about the assignment due the next day. Marco half-heartedly paid attention to the class, with his mind continuing to think about what he learned from Star. So… 'Rumors' surrounding Tom's Dad? Marco wanted to snap his pen in half on the implication Star was getting at. The boy's getting physically abused and the women being sexually taken advantage of? Most people would laugh a rumor like that off, finding it completely unfounded.
But I know how adults can ruin a kid's life. One ruined my life after all. Marco lugged his backpack on and got out the door, making his way to the student council office. After some searching around, he found it in a little corner tucked in the hallway. Just a glance at the door, he smiled at how inviting Star apparently made it. Lots of colorful posters, a small 'you can hang in there' cat poster at the near the door's right, and a mailbox for student requests.
He opened the door and found Star sitting at an oval table. His eyes went wide at how neat the room was, but more so from how colorful it was as well. Posters all over the place covering the gambit of 'self-help' advice, how clean everything looked overall and the interesting choice of pink for much of the paint coloring. Star caught Marco watching in genuine interest and giggled. "I take a lot of pride here, even being able to make the room my own. Though I'm kinda doing this as a 'one lady' show sadly."
"You mean you're handing all this by yourself?" Marco asked, pulling out a chair for himself, with Star nodding, rubbing her arm and sighing at the piles of paper stacked in the corner. "And I take it those are where the 'rumors' are being sent to?"
"It started just a few months ago," Star started, sitting down at the table and covering her face. "My mailbox got flooded with 'Dave touched me' or 'Dave's too harsh' and I got so scared. My boyfriend was on the team and I know great girls with bright futures on the cheer squad. I tried asking Tom to do something but he did NOTHING!" She threw her hands in the air and had a furious look in her eyes. "I didn't want him hurt but couldn't be with someone so…"
Star just went silent, looking away from Marco in shame. He closed his eyes and folded his arms, pondering what to say. Settling on just being honest, he opened his eyes and ended the silence. "Tom's a good guy, from what I gathered. If what you're saying is true, then Dave is abusing him too and he's too prideful to admit to it. And the name 'Dave' sounds nasty already, so ugh."
Star snorted at Marco's comment, regaining her composure and clasping her hands together. "I have no evidence to give to Skeeves and whenever I mention that to him, he just ignores my pleas for help." Marco scoffed, waving his hand around.
"The guy only cares about the 'order' of the school, which translates to him not getting the boot. So as long as this Dave character continues pulling in large crowds for games, Edwin or whatever you call the fat jerk won't do anything." Marco took out his phone to check the time, but paused, seeing a strange app icon. "Uh… Don't mean to change gears so quickly, but you got this on your phone?"
Star got up and looked over Marco's shoulder, seeing a strange red-eye icon on his phone. "I don't…" Star paused, seeing the same icon on her phone. "...Did our phones update or something?" Marco shrugged his shoulder and started fiddling with the app. He tapped it and blinked, seeing 'Dave' as the top name. "Why is Dave listed here?"
"It also says other things once we tap the name…" Marco scrolled through the 'information' tab and a lot of what he and Star just said was listed. "Begin navigation? The guys in the school, we could just talk to him…"
Star tapped that button on the app and their phones suddenly said 'Beginning Navigation to Castle Echo'. The room they were in distorted with red swirls, the two falling on their needs. Marco's head felt heavy, but the feeling reminded him of the train incident and when he first arrived. When they got to their feet, the room mirrored a castle's storage room, with swords and shields hanging on the walls. "...What just happened?"
"I don't know, but we need to be careful," Marco said with a strange surge of confidence. He tucked into his pocket and took out a pocket knife, causing Star's eyes to dilate in surprise. "...Juvie teaches you things and… This feels like out of some video game. So expecting demon knights or something is only fair. Come."
Star complied, feeling oddly safe with Marco taking charge. She yanked one of the shields of the wall and strapped it on her arm before the two went down a hallway. Said hallway was drab, though oddly cool at the same time. It looked just like the former classroom, being painted with stone walls, torches and cell doors. Marco held up his hand, telling Star to stay still as they both hid behind a large barrel. He peaked out and studied what looked like a demon guard, having literal demon horns and tail. It also donned armor but not the medieval kind. But… They look like football players, huh?
Star looked over Marco's shoulder and was equally shocked at the sight herself. Padded football gear on their chest and knees joined with extra spiky cleats. The strangest part was that the helmet looked more like a mask than a proper helmet. To their relief, the guards spoke in English.
"So, what did our king order?" One of the knights asked, leaning on a nearby pillar with their arms folded.
The other waved their hand around, having a thuggish grin on their face as they replied. "Nothing just yet but he did promise us we can fondle the busty ones later."
Star covered her mouth in shock, but Marco was already slowly walking toward them, knife in hand. "Hope you like swimming in blood, you perverts," Marco whispered, stabbing one of them in the jugular. They started shaking, covering their wound for dear life while the other simply swatted Marco away. He slid back, only to enter a full on sprint and land a leaping roundhouse kick on the guard. They stumbled backward, falling on their back. "Come!" Marco shouted, with Star following right away, clinging on to her shield for dear life. Marco was genuinely shocked at how fast he was moving but noticed the guards were keeping at his pace.
Looking toward Star, who was holding a rusted shield, he smirked having a plan. He suddenly stopped, mumbling 'forgive me later for this' as he picked her up bridal style. Ignoring how red Star's face had gotten, he entered a full-on sprint, jumping over chasms of fire and various crates in the way, eyes searching for a place to hide.
A fireball was coming their way through, with Star holding her shield out. It blocked the attack, with Star blinking in realization. Sharing an understanding look with Marco, they both grinned as Marco dashed towards the flight of stairs, seeing an end in sight. Star then shoved her shield forward, sending the incoming fireball back at the guards, sending them tumbling down the stairs. Marco set Star down and they both slammed the door shut, backs pressed against it and huffing hot air. They merely looked at one another, having dumb smiles and laughing stupidly to relieve the tension.
Brown met blue, the two teenagers being inches apart from one another. Marco didn't realize how close he was to Star, backing up slowly and coughing to compose himself. "Y-You did good, back there."
Star simply giggled, brushing a strand of her long locks behind her ear. "Yeah, didn't expect my plan would work." She slid down the door, sitting down and looking down the next long hallway. "Why do you think our school turned into this?"
Marco sat down next to her, folding his arms and pondering the thought. The app thing said Dave's name, and what those guards said line up with the rumors… He turned toward Star, thoughtfully rubbing his chin. "This may sound insane, but maybe we are inside Dave's mind? Or maybe we're seeing the school how he sees it." Star simply stared at him like he was an idiot, causing him to harshly frown. "Okay, then what's your theory then?"
"...Something more plausible. We are both tired or maybe someone put something in our food earlier." Star wagged her finger as she spoke, causing Marco to pinch his forehead. "...Yeah, that sounds stupider than your theory."
"Whatever the deal is, we need to find a way out and fast," Marco got up and stretched his back. He turned toward Star, holding out his hand. Star took it and got to her feet, fixing the now burn-marked shield on her arm. The two carefully walked through the halls, them looking more royal-like. Marco noted actual doors for starters, with a thick red carpet snaking down the entire hall. Getting close to the main hall I'm guessing.
Once they found a hiding spot, he turned behind him, seeing Star having a tired look on her face. Why aren't I tired? He pondered, looking down at his hands. Taking out his pocket knife again, he blinked, seeing it turn into an actual dagger. It was stained in purples and reds, almost as if it belonged to the castle they were in. Star noticed it and looked genuinely impressed, causing Marco to smirk. Star rolled her eyes upon seeing that and resumed her defensive hiding, letting Marco scout ahead toward the next hiding spot.
Now firmly behind a soft velvet red chair, he peaked over it and saw some more guards. They were facing the other way, allowing Star to rush over toward Marco. The two carefully watched the guards, waiting for the right time to strike. The two guards slowly walked toward them, having a spiked bat and a make-shift rope made out of a goal net in hand. The guard with the bat paused, rubbing their chin. "What's up Joe? We got word from King Dave intruders are here."
"Yes Steve," Said the net-holding one, "But I feel something close by…" Marco felt sweat drip down his neck, not feeling so confident his newfound dagger would do any good. Star gripped his arm in pure fear, the two now holding their breath to not get noticed.
"...Maybe you're just imagining things," Joe said, lugging the bat over his shoulder. "It's time for beating up the King's failure. We always have a blast beating the demon punk after all." Steven laughed darkly, elbowing Joe.
"And having fun with the loser's girl is great too. She is such a fighter…" Marco's eyes dilated, not even turning to Star. Don't you fucking tell me… A surge of protective rage came over Marco, leaping from his spot and stabbing Steve in the neck. He tried talking but he couldn't cover his wound fast enough.
"Hey! You can't just…" Marco slammed into Joe, pinning the demon on the wall. Despite how weak he was feeling, Marco put all his force into the demon guard. "I'll call for help!"
"Then do it. I can take you and your friends on," Marco threatened, his blade coming closer to the demon's throat. "Tell me where the hell I am and how to get out before I kill you." The guard quivered in place, causing his mask to slowly fall down. It landed on the floor and the guard turned into a black blob. Marco backed away, with Star peeking out from her hiding spot. The blob slowly hovered in place, turning into a different creature entirely. It was a pumpkin guy, floating in place with a lantern in his white-gloved arm. It spoke in a strange tongue, but Marco couldn't react as a fire attack sent him stumbling backward.
Star rushed over toward Marco, standing before him with her shield as another fireblast came his way. "Don't try to play hero if you can't fight," Star hissed as she struggled to hold her shield. "Go!" She shouted, with Marco rolling and entering a full-on sprint, getting the creature's attention. Star threw her shield and hopped on it, sliding toward Marco as if she was skateboarding. She kicked the shield up once she caught up to him and held it upright as another attack came their way.
But the fire attack was too strong, sending them both tumbling into the main hall. The two got to their feet, but it was too late as various guards surrounded them, blades and all manner of weapons pointed at them. Marco entered a combative stance with his dagger but staggered from how lethargic he was feeling.
"So, you're the transfer…" Marco looked toward where the voice was coming from, being the long stairs. Star and Marco watched as a somewhat lanky man got up from his throne, clapping apathetically at the two. His face looked rugged, almost tired with his demonic red eyes having bags beneath them. "Your strength isn't pitiful, I could beat you into shape for my team if you would just relent."
His long red cape was whooshing with each step he took down the stairs, his black football jersey beneath five golden metals nearly lighting up the room. The man's shirt black hair was encased within a golden crown larger than his skull, making him taller than life. Now down the stairs, he fixed his cape as he stood a few feet before Marco. "You're Dave, aren't you?" Marco asked, unable to mask the contempt in his voice.
As if answering Marco, he was dealt a swift kick in the chest, causing him to fall on his knees. "Talk to me with respect you convict." Marco simply spat on the man's well-polished sneakers in response. He turned toward Star, his face morphing into a knowing grin. "Oh, and look at this, the police captain's sister is here too." He glared at the closest guard, snapping his fingers to summon him. "I thought you had her locked up with the other bimbos?"
"S-She is sir, we don't know what's going on here." The guard answered in pure fear. Marco felt that protective rage once more, forcing himself up and lunging at Dave, but a guard simply used their blade to slash across Marco's chest. He fell on his back, unable to cover his wound. "He won't stop fighting…" The guard said in astonishment.
"That's what all dogs do, soldiers, they bark but they can't bite, even after their teeth are rightfully yanked out," Dave said tiredly, using his foot to kick Marco awake. "You will be punished for your actions, prisoner, but I'll take care of you later." He walked toward Star, who looked utterly terrified at this turn of events. "I guess my guards could enjoy having their way with you, so either come willingly or we'll use force young lady."
Marco forced his eyes open, seeing Star trying and failing to fight back. I… I can't…
You are going to let another innocent suffer?
What… Who is talking right now? Marco felt raw heat surge through him, though he wondered if it was his mind finally shutting down from the blood loss.
Your justice is warped, but it's strong.
Marco laughed bitterly, spitting out some blood. What fucking justice is there? No matter what I do, I keep getting punished for…
True justice is selfless. You just need the strength to believe in yourself again.
Strength… Marco got to his feet, feeling strong once more. No matter how much he got beaten down, he remembered getting back up stronger. Strength… Will you provide that so I can save Star, Arsene?
I look forward to our stories of great heroism and thievery, young one. I am thou…
Marco got on his feet, getting everyone's attention. "You still are alive? Guards, kill the fool…" Marco gripped anything on his face, feeling a soft mask over his eyes. I need this off. It itches. It hurts. It BURNS. He felt his skin rip off, but he didn't care. He needed his mask off!
"And thou am I!" Marco screamed as he ripped the mask off, letting more blood leak down his face. A wicked grin on a battered bloody face was all Star, Dave and the guards could see as the blue fire slowly completely covered Marco. Strong winds sent the guards flying backward, allowing Star to just watch in awe as Marco slowly appeared from blue embers.
He now donned a flowing red hooded cape, with a bright red undershirt and blue dress pants covering his body. Wearing spiked black gloves, Marco fixed them as he entered his combat stance. Behind Marco, was the spirit of some kind, looking like a mirror to Marco. He looked just like Marco's new attire, but his arms had purple sleeves and the spirit's mask had various cracks within it. But it's bright blue eyes shined bright, flicking his cape as Marco did his.
Ghostly chains tethered the two, dark laughter escaping Marco's lips. "Time for you to pay for your sins!" Marco charged into Dave, but the guard protected their king. Sadly for the guard, Marco simply punched the guard so hard, it turned into black goo. The other guards circled around Marco, but the spirit behind him simply held out their hands, sending a surge of lighting through them all. Dave simply watched all of this in pure fear, before some semblance of composure returned to him.
"You better not return…" He warned Marco, as his form vanished. Marco was going to give chase but he fell on one knee, a surge of tiredness coming over him.
May our pact be a fruitful one, Marco Diaz… Arsene spoke to Marco before he vanished as well. Marco turned around, seeing Star's utterly surprised expression. He gave her a tired smile, before collapsing to the floor.
So before we get to review responses, I wanted to say I had a lot of fun mapping things out here. This is a very different take on Star Vs and one that I feel has a ton of potential.
ROTHEM - Thank you :).
Shaeril McBrown - Thank you!
Starco4everr - I shall
Gamelover41592 - As I told you in PM's, this is an AU using Star Vs characters, but that is a very good question you brought up. Answers for the bigger mysteries will be revealed over time.