I'm back with another update! Thank you, everyone, for the reviews last chapter and the short reply to all of them is, stay tuned. A lot about Tom, the Palace, and other elements will come to light very soon. But also know that I'm not following canon for either Star nor Persona 5. This is a melding of the ideas both offer, not a retelling of P5 with Star Vs characters. Keep this in mind as you keep reading chapters :).
March 13th
Marco tiredly stretched his back, angered at himself for passing out on the couch. Marco chapped his lips as he slowly walked up the stairs, noticing on his phone that it was around 6 AM. I passed out cold, huh? Marco wanted to laugh at himself but figured this was a blessing in disguise. He peeked through the open door crack, seeing Star passed out in her bed in a tangled mess of limbs. I got the bathroom all to myself.
Flickering on the light switch, bright yellow flooded the room and nearly made Marco hiss. He looked at himself in the mirror, having a content expression on his face. Sole mole on his right cheek shined brightly as his brown eyes flared with confidence that he usually plastered on. But it doesn't feel so… Fake this time. He slowly undressed as he hopped in the shower, washing off the grime from the prior day.
As piles of dirt washed off his back and body, Marco's mind pondered. He did agree to join Tom in visiting Dave's Castle-thing. But is it the right call? More so with Star being out of the loop? He gripped the blue bar of soap in his hands, eyes narrowed at it. Star did hold her own even without having a Persona. But the mental image of Dave doing…
"Marco was it?" Marco flinched at the almost boyish voice, dropping the soap in the drain and ripping the curtains open, looking around frantically for the voice's source. He calmed down once he saw the cute little puppy, the black pug Star and Moon had as a pet. He sighed and got out of the shower, putting a towel on and petting the little dog. It's beady eyes looked content, wagging it's short stubby tail before it jumped back, shaking its large head. "Hey! Don't treat me like a puppy! I'm a dog buddy!"
Marco jumped back in surprise, but the voice was familiar. Wait… "You're the voice I heard when I got here…" Marco knelt down, scratching the puppy's chin. "Star didn't mention your name. You have one, right?" The puppy sat upright, it's tail wagging softly and face almost smiling.
"Glad you aren't freaking out, my master sure did when I first spoke to her last night," Marco blinked, wondering how Star felt about having a talking dog as a pet. "My master gave me the name Apollo, though… My memories are fuzzy before she found me."
"Huh, well, not sure how I can help with that," Marco replied, patting the puppy's head as he threw on his red hoodie and gestured the puppy to turn around. It complied, with Marco quickly putting on his underwear and black jeans. He whistled, getting Apollo's attention. The puppy followed Marco out of the bathroom as the two walked into Marco's room.
He leaned on the wall, letting the puppy curled up in a ball on his bed. Looking around the room, Marco had a knowing look. Someone lived here. Marco could feel the memories of its previous guest, with picture imprints on the walls and even the existing furniture looking used. He turned back to Apollo, seeing the dog's small eyes focused on him. "You know how to get into the Neverzone, I want in whatever you're planning."
"Can you use…" The puppy nodded, earning a shocked expression from Marco. The dog made a loud laugh, patting its paws on the bed. "...Mind telling me what your Persona can do?" Marco pulled up his desk chair, having a serious expression. "I seemingly can use lighting based attacks with mine, but I just awakened to Arsene yesterday."
"Take me with you Marco, and I'll show you the ropes," The puppy jumped into Marco's lap, nuzzling into his chest. "Though, get the impression you know what ya doing." Marco smiled, petting Apollo. Marco was surprised at how… Friendly. That's the word, a talking puppy could be. The puppy didn't really ask for much, only wanting to apparently protect him? Marco couldn't really explain but he felt a strong attachment to the little guy.
"What's with all the…" Star mumbled, walking into Marco's room and yawning. Marco looked away, face turning a shade of red. "Oh! There's Mama's little baby." She walked right toward Marco, picking Apollo up and nuzzling the little guy with her cheeks. Marco simply turned his chair around, eyes looking at the charming bluebirds chirping outside to avoid looking at her semi-exposed pink nightgown. "Guess my little baby likes his new daddy…" Star yawned before walking out of the room, Marco hearing a loud 'thud'. He dared to turn around, seeing Star downright exhausted on her bed, cuddling Apollo.
The puppy whimpered, begging Marco to get him out of Star's bear-hug. Marco simply couldn't help but have a loving smile toward the two. He kept watching the two, seeing Star have a blissful smile as she cuddled with Apollo. Soft blue eyes were only half-open, making Marco nearly jump but her lovingly sighing and closing them caused him to relent. He turned toward Apollo, seeing the pup have an almost pleading look in his droopy eyes."I'll talk to you once she wakes up," Marco mumbled to Apollo, earning an annoyed growl as Marco gently closed Star's door.
He leaned on the nearby wall and felt his heart hammer. Gods… Marco closed his eyes but the mental image of a nearly… No, she's your roommate jackass! He nearly slapped himself, feeling wide awake now. He sighed, walking toward the kitchen. As he made his way down the stairs, his mind refused to shut up about his roommate. Half-way down the stairs, he simply clenched his head. Damn it… How did Tom handle himself around her? Marco shook his head, feeling awake for the wrong reasons. His eyes drift toward a photo nearby, it being a recent picture of Star posing with Moon in front of Echo Creek Academy. Marco saw nothing but joyful emotions from the picture, hands resting in his pockets.
Both Star and Moon wore seemingly matching blue dresses, with the former's eyes nearly shining. He walked toward the picture, which sat neatly on the nearby counter. He looked at Moon within the picture, her normally stoic face actually smiling as well. Marco couldn't resist the urge to smile himself as his eyes landed on Star once more. You are smitten by the maden, Diaz. Marco sighed at Arsene's astute observation, walking toward the kitchen and doing his best to tune the thought out.
His eyes studied the very neat, organized space he knew Moon and Star used for cooking. He touched the marble counter, not feeling a speck of dirt on it. Guess Moon is the neat one here. Marco carefully took two pieces of bread and got the coffee pot going as he put the bread in a bright red toaster.
Marco leaned on the counter, looking toward the stairs as he saw someone walk down. Moon was having a newspaper in hand, blue eyes glazed. She turned toward Marco, having a knowing smile. "Ah, it seems I'm not the only morning person in this house." He moved aside, letting Moon pour some coffee into her 'Number One Cop' mug and put a spoonful of sugar into it. She sturred the now mixed coffee while Marco got his own cup of cup and took his fresh toast out of the toaster. "I saw you passed out on the couch last night."
He inwardly sighed, simply sitting down and munching on his toast. "Sorry Moon, I guess the football meeting took a lot out of me," Moon simply nodded though her eyes didn't seem too convinced. She sat down across from him, setting her paper down and taking a sip from her coffee. Actually having a genuine look at Moon, Marco saw the spitting image of Star in some ways. Similar eyes and body posture, but the way her blue eyes simply controlled a given situation and strikingly different navy blue hair told everyone she wasn't Star. Moon caught Marco staring, causing him to cough and hastily look at his toast as if it was the most exciting thing in the universe.
Moon frowned, gently taking Marco's hand. "Look, I'm not here to keep putting you down, Marco." He looked up, seeing a soft smile on Moon's lips. She released her grip and leaned back in her chair, letting her legs rest cross-legged. "I want to ensure you and my sister have the best future possible." He saw the kindness in Moon's eyes and relented, leaning back in his chair and looking down at his lap.
"Its… Honestly hard, being open to adults," Marco mumbled, causing Moon to lean forward. He looked up, folding his arms and having a more relaxed posture. "You can't blame me after what happened back home."
"Yes…" Marco caught the silent 'but' and inwardly cringed as she continued. "You shouldn't have butted in though, Marco. Trying to help others is part of my job, but I can't save everyone. Part of the job is to know when to back off if you can't do anything." Marco wanted to scoff at Moon's 'justice' but it was too early to bite back. Instead, he dumbly nodded.
They sat in silence, giving Marco time to think. Reflecting on Moon's comment just now, Marco felt his other self laugh at her foolishness. Helping people is a selfless act, those that cannot commit shouldn't bother. Marco blinked at the bluntness of his other self, but couldn't help but agree to it. Sure, Marco was self-aware enough to know a big reason he wants to take down Dave involves the safety of a specific blonde roommate. But Dave is doing a lot of damage at the school. Underneath the table, he clenched his fist into a tight ball. The fucker won't get away with his bullshit any longer.
Marco finished his toast and grabbed his coffee mug. Moon smiled at him as he walked back toward his room, closing his door and sitting at the desk. He kicked his feet up, turning on his phone and looking at that strange app some more. It flashed red, though Marco smirked at how cool it looked. Just as he was about to open it, a notification popped up on the phone. Tom's smirking face joined a text.
M: Morning.
T: Sup bro. You up early too?
Marco smirked, leaning back in his desk chair as his phone buzzed yet again.
T: Pops seemed on edge this morning. Think you guys visiting his castle shit rilled him up?
Marco rubbed his chin, alarmed at Dave already reacting to his 'castle' being invaded. Marco replied with the first thought on his mind.
M: Did he mention anything?
Marco waited patiently as Tom typed out a reply. After a good minute or so, Tom sent him a lengthy reply.
T: I guess so bro, he asked about Starship and if we're still dating. Does the asshole think I'm still into her? Come on man, she dumped my ass.
Marco held in a laugh, typing away a response.
M: Lol, she said something along those lines.
T: Not cool bro.
Marco rolled his eyes as Tom started typing again.
T: Anyway, he asked about 'the juvie kid', so I guess you're already on his shit list.
Marco gripped the phone tight, his mind already assuming the worst.
T: He'll be surprised when you join the team today.
M: Yeah, so we can sucker punch him where it hurts.
Marco saw that Tom stopped typing, frowning at his phone. This has to be hard on him. Despite everything, Dave was Tom's father. I still like my family despite them bailing on me. His phone dinged again, seeing Tom's next reply.
T: Yeah, we'll teach pops a lesson. Meet you at school man.
And with that, Tom stopped messaging him. Marco sighed, folding his arms, and looked toward the open window. The birds were chirping and the sky was a nice crystal blue. Marco smiled as he dug through his bag, seeing a bunch of papers from yesterday. His smile turned into a deep frown as he realized something.
I didn't do any homework last night. Taking a mighty slug from his coffee mug, he went at it, spending the next hour getting everything done. The rush of caffeine in his system and knowledge from back home, Marco playfully spun his pen around as he gave it a final 'click'. Looking over the completed work, he started packing when he heard a giggle from the doorframe.
He didn't turn around to know it was Star, who just walked over and leaned over his shoulder. "...All-nighter?" She asked knowingly, with Marco shaking his head.
"Nah, it's an all morning-er." Marco smoothly answered, earning a loud laugh from Star. "...You try sleeping on the couch. Not very cozy I'll tell you." Marco turned around, folding his arms and having a stern expression. "You handled things well? You know, the whole Dave thing."
Star's warm smile vanished, soft concern replacing it. "Yeah… Though we aren't in a rush to deal with anything yet," Marco nodded despite part of him feeling bad for lying. "...I'll know if you and Tom head over there without me."
"What makes you think we'd go there today?" Marco asked, getting up and packing his things. He noticed Star having her bag on her shoulder, it being a matching blue with her uniform and blue-underdress. Star gave him a disapproving frown, with Marco having a sly grin on his face. "Oh, and if you want to come in, knock." Star tilted her head, looking genuinely confused. Marco passed her by, pausing and whispering in her ear. "Didn't know I was Daddy now."
He hastily walked down the stairs, feeling the call of death approaching him. Moon didn't even get a chance to say goodbye, with Star running out the door behind him and shouting something about 'being rude' or whatever. Marco just kept a good pace going, thankful his karate practice back home kept him in shape. He didn't get far, stopping at a crossway as Star was inches behind him. She coughed, with that feeling of death behind him once more.
Marco winced at the nasty bruise on his cheek. He rubbed it absentmindedly as Star smugly smiled next to him, the two waiting for their train. "You didn't have to slap me so damn hard." Marco hissed in pain, taking out his cold water bottle and putting it on his cheek.
"Well, don't tease me next time and maybe I won't do that again," She winked at him, earning a tired eye roll from Marco. He fixed his backpack, wondering why it felt so heavy. I only have one notebook and a textbook… He ignored the added weight, in addition to his mild pain, through putting on some music. Fixing his headphones on, he put on something random and closed his eyes to the beat. Star gave Marco a curious look, taking one of his headphones and listening to the music. Marco opened his eyes and blinked at how close Star was to him, staying put as she giggled at something. "So you're a jazz kinda guy. Thought of you as a rock or metal fan."
"From what?" Marco let one headphone in, tucking the other into his undershirt. "Let me guess, because of my record?" Star sighed and leaned on the nearby pole, blue eyes looking intently at the train track. Marco's eyes went wide in realization, rubbing his neck in slight shame. "I forgot, you love music."
Star turned toward him, taken off guard. "Well… I want to sing one day, maybe play something too," She played with her fingers, looking right at him. "Besides, that's just a silly dream, I can't sing and whatever when I have my future to worry about."
Marco frowned, folding his arms and putting his headphones away, paying full attention to Star. "I have a future." Star looked up at him, having a surprised look. "It doesn't matter that the world seems to hate me, I have my dreams and will fight to get them accomplished." Star simply smiled at him, opening her mouth to say something when an interested 'mmm' sound was emitted.
The two looked in the direction it came from, seeing a young man not much older than Marco himself. He had tanned skin and bright yellow eyes, looking more curious than anything. His oddly white suit contrasted with his grey gloves, pants, and shoes. Even his hair was styled neatly, making Marco stand on guard. "Forgive me for interrupting such a lovely couple as yourselves, but I wonder…"
"Marco." Marco folded his arms, giving a scowled look toward the intruder. "And we aren't dating…" Marco shot Star a smug grin. "Yet, anyway." Star simply held up her fist, with Marco's smug grin vanishing on a dime. He coughed and visibly paled, causing Star to smile with a strange sense of pride.
For the stranger's credit, he seemed almost amused, having a knowing smile and tucking gloved hands into his pockets. "Fascinating… But your way of thinking confounds me, Marco." Marco tilted his head, curious at what the stranger meant. "How can you achieve a dream, if the world you live in prevents that from happening?"
Marco pondered the question, tapping his chin for a moment. His eyes darkened, having a serious glint to them. He turned back to the stranger, having a grin on his face. "Then I will ravage all that comes my way."
The stranger was silent for a moment, before a thin line formed on his face. "Sounds like you are ignorant…" The thin line morphed into a smile. "But interesting regardless. Hope I find you and your lovely friend again, Marco." Just as he was going to bow, the train pulled into the tracks. Star and Marco looked at one another, seeing the stranger walk ahead of them.
Marco was going to enter but Star shook her head, letting the train get flooded with people and being sent off. "Huh? Why didn't we go in?" Marco asked, genuinely confused. Star gave him a knowing look, eyes narrowed and a firm frown on her face.
"I get you're… 'you' and everything, but I recognize that guy," Star started, waving her hand as she spoke. "My sister told me about some annoying know-it-all that flirts with her on the job." Marco blinked, looking at the moving train and seeing it enter the darkness ahead.
"So that's the guy?" Marco asked, leaning on the pole and seeing Star nod. "Well, he seemed alright to me. Just a little out of it." And similar to myself… Marco couldn't shake the feeling of that stranger being like him. "You know his name?"
Star sighed and folded her arms. "Everyone at the job calls him 'Toffee' but from what sis tells me, he hates being called that," Marco smirked, with Star giving him a knowing look. "Please, don't call him Toffee if you bump into him again."
"Why? It's just a nickname." Marco argued but Star just relented, opening a book and tuning him out. They waited in silence as another train rolled into the station.
Marco was thankful he pulled the 'all morning-er', because Hellen asked for the assignment literally the second they walked into class. Marco sat down in his seat and absentmindedly watched her teach about science. Never took her as a science teacher… But as Hellen spoke, he felt smarter about specifics of the chemicals she was talking about.
Marco felt his pocket vibrate, fishing out his phone and seeing Tom messaging him.
M: Bro, we are in class. Wait till later.
T: I know but this is our only class together.
M: What's the plan then?
T: After school, meet me in the gym.
M: Alright.
"So you could care less about my lessons, Mr. Diaz?" Hellen barked, Marco blinking as a piece of chalk came his way. He bobbed his head in the nick of time, earning gasps and mumblings from his peers. "Ugh… At least pay attention."
"I was Miss," Marco started, his mind racing to come up with something from the lesson. "...I was just thinking about how the color of fire changes depending on the chemicals used as fuel." Hellen's eyes went wide, both herself and the entire class looking squarely at him. ...Did I fuck up?
"...Good observation, Mr. Diaz. And you are correct, if you cause fire with various chemicals, you get different reactions. And it's not just color too…" And she started a whole other ramble different from the prior lesson. Marco saw a glint to his teacher's red eyes. Phew. Marco relaxed in his seat as he started taking notes.
He spotted Tom sending him a thumbs up across from him, as well as some strange mumbles from his backpack of all things. Marco shrugged them both off, smiling as he felt smarter and more confident than before.
After a few hours of classes, Marco felt relieved that it was time to head on home. Well, not until we figure things out with the castle first. Marco reminded himself, fixing his backpack. He winced at the weight, having a firm frown on his face. Okay, what the hell is… He opened the zipper, blinking at the cuddling form of Apollo.
"No… Mama… Don't feed me more… Mmm…" The pup mumbled in low wines. Marco carefully looked around, hoping no one heard Apollo. But they couldn't care less if anything, they thought Marco was a nut in addition to a 'killer' and many of the other labels sent his way. He sighed, fixing his backpack on and walking toward the gym.
He walked down some halls and was just about there before he bumped into someone. "What where you're…" The man paused, looking down at Marco with scorn. "Oh, it's the juvey kid." Marco shook his head, looking up and seeing Dave Lucitor in the flesh. Looks like an asshole in reality too. Marco couldn't lie, the man was clearly handsome, with short hair and a pearly white smile. His red eyes matched Tom's perfectly, they even had similar body posture. But the warmth in Tom's eyes wasn't in Dave's. It's like he's looking through my soul.
"Sorry sir, won't happen again," Marco replied, walking right past him. Dave put a hand on Marco's shoulder though, making him freeze in place. Marco didn't turn around, fearful of his fist colliding into the man's jaw. Dave just darkly laughed, shaking his head and letting go of Marco's shoulder.
"...Good, you know your place runt," Dave harshly replied, nearly slapping his back as he walked onward. Marco didn't turn around, but part of him wanted to bite back. I'll get my revenge in that damned castle. Marco continued his walk, eventually finding the gym.
Unlike his last time here, it wasn't packed. The only person there was Tom, who was making some stretches and moving around. Marco walked toward him, sitting on the nearby bleacher. He studied Tom, seeing his friend pack up what looked like football gear into a flaming red duffle bag. Marco smiled, waving as he said, "Yo." Tom looked in Marco's direction, seeing his friend's relaxed face. "Guess who I bumped into on the way here?"
"...My old man, huh?" Tom frowned, looking at his sneakers. "Well, the asshole just laided into the team about 'not being strong enough' or something." Tom sat down next to Marco, eyes spotting the latter's backpack moving around. "You smuggled in mut? I don't think sending a pitbull to maul my pops is gonna solve anything."
Marco harshly frowned, giving Tom a look. "Dude, I love animals. I would never hurt them like that," Marco opened his bag and gently put Apollo in his lap. "Buddy, you should've just stayed home." Apollo stretched his paws, looking content in Marco's lap. He looked in Tom and instantly started growling.
"Shit! It's Starship's mut! G-Good doggie…" Tom nearly fell on his rear, backing away from Apollo. He let out a loud bark, jumping off Marco's lap and slowly walking toward him.
"You hurt my master human! She cried for days! And cuddled me to death!" Apollo spoke with his boyish voice, with Tom's fear slowly turning into confusion. "You know how much it hurts being squeezed? ALOT!" Apollo caught Tom giving him a confused look, calming down and wagging his tail. "You can hear me too!?"
"...Bro, is he hungry? I remember having a mut years ago and they acted like that when they were hungry," Tom turned toward Marco, looking at him for answers. Marco rubbed his forehead, trying to think of something. Hell, being honest is best.
"Star's puppy is from wherever Dave's Castle was, and he wants to come with us," Marco kelt down, seeing Apollo droop his ears. "Sorry buddy, but Tom doesn't understand you… Until he enters the castle too? That's what happened with Star, right?"
"Yeah…" Apollo wined. "But are we going now?" The puppy started wagging his tail, short tongue hanging out. Marco couldn't resist smiling, gently giving the pup some pets before picking him up and nuzzling into his small furry head.
"Not yet Apollo, we need to get gear, isn't that right Tom?" Marco turned toward his friend, who looked completely confused. "...The dog talks, you just can't hear him yet. He has my power. Sounds good?"
"...You're way to fucking calm man," Tom shook his head, lugging the red duffle bag over his shoulder. Marco smirked as he pet Apollo and gently opened up his bag. The puppy hopped back in without a second's hesitation and the two followed Tom out of the school. The three walked through the halls for a few minutes, almost reaching the door. Marco paused though, seeing the Student Council office.
Tom smirked, throwing an arm around Marco's shoulder. "If you wanna let Starship in on our plan…" Marco shook his head, Tom's smirk vanishing and being replaced with a worried frown. "Yeah, don't want her wrapped up in this shit either."
...She could handle it. Marco thought to himself, but a part of him refused to put her in danger again. He simply sighed and fixed his bag, finally adjusting to carrying a puppy in his backpack. He walked out of the school, with Tom following him in tow.
"So, what's first on our shopping trip man?" Tom asked parking into a nearby parking lot. He leaned on the steering wheel, seeing Marco carefully rub his chin. "We can't be burning daylight you know."
"I know, it's just…" Marco looked over his list and passed it over to Tom. Apollo jumped into Marco's lap, wagging his tail wagging as the pup's eyes darted between the two teenagers. Tom looked over the list and whistled, seemingly impressed. "Yeah, we need a lot."
"You got the cash for all this shit?" Tom gave the list back to Marco. "Medicine, weapons… Fuck, armor? Don't you get… I don't know, a suit or something when you awaken?" Marco made a small laugh, leaning in his seat.
"Yeah, but not sure how sturdy it is. Then again, I got cut open back there and have zero scars, so who knows," Marco shrugged his shoulders before his face went serious. "But we could die there. And since you can't use a Persona, I don't want you risking your life there."
Tom's eyes went wide for a moment before they turned soft. "Huh, you're a good guy, man. No wonder Starship took such a shine to you," Tom turned off the ignition and got out of the car, with Marco and Apollo following suit. Once out of the car, Marco gently put on a leash for Apollo, the puppy wagging his tail in excitement. Tom took notice and shook his head. "You're saying the pup could talk, yet he's acting like he enjoys wearing a stupid leash."
"It makes me feel safe," Apollo replied, his boyish voice reaching Marco's ears. "And I know Marco will keep me safe in this world." Marco nodded, thankful his new ally trusted him. Tom simply shrugged his shoulders and walked on ahead. Marco simply followed Tom in the sea of people, already hating navigating the city. Hope I don't have to deal with this shit often… Marco's attention drifted toward the winning puppy walking next to him, his teeth flaring after almost being stepped on for the tenth time in a row. Marco simply picked him up and carried him, petting his head a few times to calm Apollo down. The pup seemingly did so, snuggling into Marco's arms.
The two followed Tom into an alleyway, looking drab and bleak compared to the almost neon look of the city lights. Tom stopped before the shop, if you could call it one. Marco gently set Apollo down, gripping his leash as he studied the store's exterior. Neon signs with highlighted words 'Gunshow' and 'Best Warrior' were joined with torn posters of model weapons and guns. Tom answered Marco's unsaid question, saying "I went here once or twice, they got great football gear. And don't mind the owner, she's… A bit of a nutcase."
"Noted," Marco replied, opening the door and letting himself in. Apollo and Tom followed, seeing quite the collection of weapons. Swords, Axes, Maces, and guns of all kinds lined up every inch of the store. Behind the counter was no one, but Marco caught a door at the very end of the store. Turning back to the counter, he spotted a rusty golden bell. He pressed it and the door he saw before flung open.
Marco entered his battle stance, using one hand to protectively hold Apollo as a crazed woman pig-tailed purple hair was coming his way. She jumped right at him, chucking Apollo toward Tom and rolling away from what looked like a flying kick. "...Huh, seems you dodged my attack kiddo." She cartwheeled to her feet, fixing her clothes. Marco stayed couching, studying her almost cartoonish appearance. She wore blue leggings that matched with her somewhat lengthy black skirt. Her shirt was a teal blue, having a simple sword and a decapitated head in the center. His brown eyes studied her calm blue ones. ...She's just passionate, huh? Marco relented, standing upright and holding out his hand. "Nice to meet ya," She turned toward Tom, who looked unfazed at the exchange. "He's a newbie, huh demon boy?"
"Yes… And for the last time, I'm not a demon Mina," Tom answered, passing the frightened Apollo back to Marco. "When I did that to ya, you wet yourself, Tommy." Mina shook Marco's hand, the latter having a sly smirk toward Tom. "Yeah, this kiddo doesn't know how to fight."
"But he plays football," Marco replied knowingly, with Tom rolling his eyes and elbowing Marco. Right, stay on topic. "Anyway, you sell model weapons? I'm…" Don't say you are storming a castle. Marco thought for a moment, seeing such a fire in Mina's eyes. ...Let's try that actually. "...storming a castle with my friend here."
"Dude, don't have to be that fucking honest with…" Tom harshly whispered but Mina's eyes glinted, them literally shining into stars for a moment. "...You can help us?" Tom asked Mina, with the woman rushing behind her counter and tearing through some stuff. Marco and Tom walked over to the counter, both jumping once she slammed three items on top of it. "Woah, this is some good stuff."
Tom picked up the chain, seeing a spiked ball at the end of it. Marco's eyes were glued on the pistol, picking it up and loving the weight it offered. He made a few fake shots with it, spinning it around playfully in his right hand. Apollo jumped on the counter and sniffed the slingshot, giving Mina a bark in thanks. "So what do we owe you?" Marco dug into his wallet, thankful for his personal savings from home.
"On the house, this time at least," Mina answered, a toothy smile on her face. "Call this, the start of a deal fellas." Marco folded his arms, noticing the serious glint in her eyes. "Gotta tell ya boys, this place isn't doing so hot right now. Not many appreciate the fine art of model weapons, ya know?"
"Yeah, these are some very impressive models," Marco noted, picking up the pistol again and smiling. "They feel real." Mina nodded, her face forming a frown. She closed her eyes and Marco felt alarmed at how somber she appeared.
"Real enough for boozos to sick them on the coppers. I hate em too but I need to run a business here, you know?" Marco and Tom nodded, with Mina leaning on the counter. "Say, you boys aren't trying to start somethin' with the coopers, right?"
"Nope, just breaking into a castle and stealing some loot, which I assume you want in on," Marco answered, with Mina smirking. "So you provide us weapons, and we offer you merchandise to sell?"
Mina elbowed Tom. "This one, he's got the thief's spirit in him, doesn't he?" Tom rubbed his chin, giving Marco a look over. He laughed, nodding in agreement. "Sounds like a deal fellas!" She shook both their hands and put the weapons in a bag for them. "Give me your number kiddo, so I can call ya if I need any favors done if you catch my drift."
Marco nodded, giving Mina his number and the two making contacts of each other. "Thanks for the gear!" The teens waved goodbye as they left the shop. Marco and Tom leaned on a nearby wall, giving each other a knowing look before laughing to themselves. "Can't believe we got weapons for free…"
"Not for free dude, you made a deal with her," Tom pointed out with Marco nodding. "Well, at least we're… Wait, you didn't get a weapon." Marco took out his model pistol, holding it up to answer him. "No, I mean a weapon to smack people around with."
"I got my fists for that," Marco put the model gun away. "And we didn't get one for Apollo either," He knelt down, meeting the pup at eye level. "You'll be okay buddy?" The puppy nodded excitedly, wagging his tail, and pacing around.
"We got gear so are we ready?" He asked, making a small hop as he spoke. Marco gave a joyful laugh, picking the pup up and looking toward Tom. Marco fished out his phone, seeing the Navigation App on full display.
"What about everything else?" Tom asked, with Marco sighing. Right, we got more prep work to do. He put the phone away and looked back at Tom. "Let's split up to cover more ground. I'll get us food, you get medicine." Marco nodded and the fist-bumped before going their separate ways.
This was originally a scene or two longer but I'm taking longer than I like working on this chapter, so I am putting it out as-is. The next chapter will focus on Dave's Palace, so stay tuned for that :). And I am so thankful many of you are reading and enjoying this so far. Persona 5 and Star Vs both offer great ideas and so easily mesh together.