I was so insanely proud of how this one turned out, I'm glad that it's the last. Just so you know I spared you all from a cringey ending. I really considered doing what I tend to do with the end of most of my stories and make it a song chapter. In the end though, this one's too much of a story for me to do that and didn't want to ruin the flow. So I dunno, listen to "Girl on Fire" after you finish? XD
Happy reading!
...
~10 years later~
The Butterfly castle.
Empty all except for one. A melody plucked on a ukulele rung throughout the barren halls.
AA ruler stood beside the window, awaiting their visitor.
...
Two cloaked figures walked hand in hand down into the village.
The little girl groaned though it cane out muffled due to the scarf wrapped firmly over her face, "Mommy, why are we walking so far?"
The taller figure glanced down at her daughter and smiled, "We're going on a special trip."
"To where?"
"The the Butterfly Castle."
Another groan, "Why are we going to that dumb place?"
"Melody Rose..." She said in a warning tone.
"Sorry," She muttered. "Can't we just take a carriage instead?"
"I'm sorry, honey but we can't. It won't be that bad. We've done this before, don't you remember?"
Her daughter shook her head.
"Well," The mother said thoughtfully. "I suppose you were still pretty young... But hey," She said noticing her sad expression. "We'll take a lot of breaks on the way okay?"
"I guess so." Melody relented.
The village was bustling with activities. The market was far busier than she remembered. Melody looked on in fascination. She maneuvered her daughter around shouting villagers and mischievous kids. By now though, it was useless, seeing as Melody was captivated with all the hustle and bustle and started to drag her feet.
"How's about we stop for lunch?"
Melody looked up and nodded eagerly, "Can we eat over there?"
She was pointing towards a restaurant with a playground outside.
The mother skeptically examined the place. It definitely wasn't the most ideal location but they had been walking for a while.
"I guess it wouldn't hurt."
They sat at the outside picnic tables, hoods still covering their heads. When they had begun to order, Melody couldn't seem to concentrate, her attention directed towards the massive playground littered with shrieking children. She handed the waitress their menus and when she looked back, her daughter had slipped away.
Oh no...
She got up and followed her daughter. Melody glanced back and saw her following, "Mommy! Come play with me!"
She couldn't help but smile, "Only for a little bit."
Her daughter dragged her over to the playground and climbed up to the slide.
"Mommy! Mommy! Look at me!"
"I'm looking," She chuckled, also noticing how a few of the other children were now looking on at her daughter, who had taken to the tallest slide no one seemed to be brave enough to go on. Melody launched herself down the slide and was ultimately catapulted into the dirt.
She was immediately at her side helping her daughter up, "Melody? Honey are you alright?!"
Her rambunctious daughter fell into a fit of giggles, "That was fun! Let's do it again!"
The other kids began to crowd around her, marveling at her recovery. Melody smiled at them and stood, pulling her scarf down. Her mother instantly panicked, shoving her daughter's fallen hood back on and scooping her up.
"Mommy!" The little girl protested as she was being carried away. "Put me down! I wanna go back!"
"Melody Rose," She said sternly. "I told you the rules and what were they?"
Melody crossed her arms and pouted, "Don't take off the scarf."
"That's right. We're not at home anymore, so it's important that you follow the rule."
"The rule is stupid and the scarf is itchy!" She grumbled.
The mother placed her daughter at their table, "It doesn't matter. Eat so we can get going."
Melody crossed her arms and said nothing. Halley sighed, looking towards the castle in the distance.
...
Melody seemed to be angry with her for some time. After lunch, Halley offered to get them ice cream, but Melody refused, stomping away.
"Sweetheart, I know you're angry with me. I know you really wanted to play with those kids but... I really want you to be safe. There's nothing more important to me than that okay?"
"But Mommy," She looked up. "Why can't I take my scarf off?"
"It's... a little too complicated for me to explain right now. I will tell you one day though."
"Promise?" Her pink eyes stared at her expectantly.
"Yes, I promise." She looked up. "Hey look, we're just about there."
"Mommy," Melody grabbed her hand again. "I don't get it. Why did we walk all the way here?"
"Don't you want to see the Butterfly Castle?"
Her daughter seemed to think for a moment, "I guess so."
Stepping up to the drawbridge, Halley laughed, "What do you mean, 'I guess'? You know not everyone gets to visit the Butterfly Castle. You should be honored."
Melody shrugged, "Why do we get to visit then?"
"Well—" Halley began. The drawbridge opened, cutting her off. Before it could even lower itself completely, her brother appeared in a burst a flame before them, wasting no time to tightly embrace his sister. It was hard for her not to feel a bit emotional. It had been ages since they had last seen each other and uniting once again seemed to be rejuvenating for the both of them.
"I'm glad you came," He said into her shoulder.
Halley smiled, "It was no problem, Phil."
Her brother looked down and grinned at Melody, who retreated behind her mother's leg.
"Long time no see, Melody! How are you?"
Her daughter fiddled with the fabric of her cloak.
"Melody, you remember Uncle Phil don't you?"
"Sorta..." She mumbled.
Phil swung the ukulele attached to his back around and strummed. He kneeled down to Melody's level.
"Maybe you'll remember the song I wrote for you when you last came," He played a chord. "A melody, for my Melody." With another strum, he conjured up a butterfly that flew around and landed on her finger. Melody beamed, "Woah! You can do magic like Mommy!"
"I'm not nearly as good as your mom. See," He held out his ukulele. "I kind of broke the wand a while ago. Your mother would've never let anything like that happen. She's super responsible." Phil glanced up at Halley.
Halley smiled and shook her head.
"Well," he clapped his hands together. "Why don't we head inside?" Phil turned back to Melody, "Care for a royal escort?" The little girl made no hesitation to climb on her uncle's back. Melody let out an excited giggle as she and the King disappeared in a puff of red fire.
Halley shook her head once more and followed the echo of her daughter's sporadic laughter to the inside of the castle.
Returning to the Butterfly Castle always made Halley feel a flurry of emotions. Most of them, unfortunately, weren't exactly positive. She shook the chill away and pushed onward into her childhood home. Halley stood there in the hall, taking it all in. It had been over a year since she had last visited and before that, she had stayed away for 8 years. Visiting now though was just a bit more bearable with Phil having almost renovated the entire castle so it was almost unrecognizable. His way of coping, she thought with a sigh. Still, under all the coats of paint and new fixtures, this was and would always be her home. Whether she liked it or not.
Phil appeared beside her, engaging with Melody in conversation. It was as if the two had been the best of friends and hadn't really met just a few minutes ago. That was Halley's daughter for you. He let the little girl down and kneeled towards her.
"I've gotta talk with your mom for a little bit but as soon as we're done, I promise we can continue, okay?" He rose and called out, "Glossyrick!"
At the Butterfly's call, the blue being appeared before the three.
"Oh, it's been a while, Halley." The blue being nodded in her direction.
Halley nodded towards her old mentor, "Hello to you too, Gloss."
"Hey, Glossyrick, I have a meeting with Halley I need to intend so could you entertain Melody for a while?"
The five year old shrank against her uncle's leg. Phil put a hand on her head, "Don't worry. Glossy doesn't bite. He's actually quite a lot of fun once you get to know him."
Melody hesitantly stepped forward and eyed the magical being. The latter seemed to do the same, "I don't recall being a babysitter, your Highness. But," he glanced lazily up to the two adults, "I suppose I'll do it. As a favor to Halley since she treated me far better than you do."
The two triplets chuckled at his sarcasm and watched as he led the intrigued Melody down the hall.
"So," Halley gave her brother a side glance. "What's this about a meeting?"
His jovial expression suddenly faded and was replaced by a serious one. And there it was, Halley frowned herself.
"I have to talk to you," He almost muttered, still not facing her. Without another word he began to walk and Halley trailed behind him. She noticed, with a wave of sadness, the black sash he wore.
She began, "Phil—"
"Ever since Mom died," he mumbled. "I've tried so hard to just... keep going. For once in my life I've been struggling to do that."
Halley sighed. She wasn't sure why she continued to believe, given all the tragedy that ensued over the past decade, that Phil would remain untouched. She supposed she wanted him to be her optimistic brother no matter how old they got, no matter what tragedies they faced. She felt guilty for thinking so.
Her brother laughed, but wasn't that bright, bubbly laugh that resonated throughout her childhood, the one that sounded so much like Mom's. It was bitter, laden with so much pain. Sure her brother would put on theatrics for the kingdom and his niece, but behind closed doors and with his last remaining family member, his true countenance showed.
"I guess that's not what Mom would've wanted," he had chuckled.
"It's okay to grieve Phil. It's only natural—"
"I know that Halley. I'm just so so tired of grieving. My mother, father, and brother are dead. I've really tried Halley, for years to find closure, and after so long...I've only found one solution."
Rather than telling her what it was, he stopped at two tall doors. With a glow of the music notes on his cheeks, the doors opened.
The Grandma Room, Halley recognized.
Portraits of the Butterfly royal family lined the walls, each having a stone engraving below it. Her eyes instantly flew to one in particular.
Star Butterfly. Probably the most powerful Queens Mewni would ever see. Her mother. So beautiful and brave. Halley had her eyes, she'd been told. Those kind, determined eyes that saw to the restoration of a kingdom after the war as much as she could. Grief had taken her life in the end, never truly getting over the deaths of her husband and son. Halley reached up and twisted her hair. It was shorter now. She and her mother had never cut their hair. Halley only doing so in an attempt to be just as beautiful as her. After her passing a little over a year ago, keeping it long just didn't feel right. It stopped right above her shoulders but she constantly found herself fiddling with it. As she pulled at her short tresses, her hand began to tremble.
"I've never seen myself as king," Phil spoke up. "It was always supposed to be either you or James."
Halley noted the hint of spite in his voice. He was right though. Phil was never meant to be king. He was always supposed to be that carefree spirit who made everyone smile. War and tragedy had changed him.
"I suppose," he walked to the end of the room. "Fate said otherwise."
The enchanted candles lit themselves at their arrival. One single portrait towered in front of them, though it displayed three people.
On the far right was James. The Iron King, the crumbling inscription read in a fading purple glow. On the far left was Phil. His stone column read, bright red and gleaming: Philharmonic the Harmonious. His portrait consisted of him and his trusty violin playing music for all the people of Mewni, and simultaneously spreading peace given the happy expressions of the people. In the center was her portrait, that took Halley aback. She had never been Queen. How was it that her portrait was being constructed?
Halley the Loyal, the words glimmered green as she read them.
Mewman, monster, born was she
A princess— Queen she may be
Rejected, scorned, and hated
This was what she was fated
Faced with trials no one could bear
Amongst her family their was a tear
For her kingdom she fought
And in the end they were taught
That no better could be seen
Than Halley the Loyal Queen
The tapestry had yet to be completed, about halfway done, like someone had just stopped making it. It was the same with James' yet the end of his portrait was brittle and looked as if it were gradually crumbling away much like his stone column. If she looked closely she could see tiny strands of magic weaving themselves together, lengthening Phil's tapestry.
"I don't understand..." She breathed.
"The war," the king spoke. "Not only were you a General but, believe it or not, a Queen as well."
The damn war. A portrait of her brother, whom she had killed, staring down at her. All these things she tried to avoid thinking about. Halley still woke up with nightmares sometimes, which was why she couldn't accept the role of Queen all those years ago.
She was trembling. Somehow it seemed that all the portraits were piercing her skin with their glares, James' being the most prominent. For a moment true anguish engulfed her. She had no right to be in this room. Not among her ancestors who had accomplished so much. She had forsaken the throne, failed her kingdom, killed her brother.
Tears began to pool in the corners of her eyes. Phil seemed to be saying something, but Halley could hear nothing except her thought's poisonous whisperings.
"I-I'm sorry," She quivered. She was so sorry. She had failed them all. Phil. Her mother. James. Grandma Moon. Everyone.
Arms around her leg. Small yet firm. Halley blinked herself out of her trance and looked down. Her daughter was staring up at her, concern etched onto her features.
"Mommy?" Melody asked. "What's wrong? Why are you crying?"
A glance towards Phil and he looked worried too. Halley put on a grin for her daughter, "Nothing's wrong honey. Mommy's just...been away from home too long. That's all. Where's Glossyrick?"
"We were playing hide and seek but I got kinda lost and found you here."
With a small laugh, Halley stroked Melody's hair, "Well what do you say we go find him, huh?"
"Yeah!"
The former princess looked over at her brother who in turn was looking...hesitant.
...
Halley sat with her head in her hands, staring at her daughter as she played with the tea set Phil had gifted her with. They were in the garden, mainly so Halley could just...think.
She and Melody were covered as there were still a few lingering groundskeepers here and there. Halley rubbed at two of her eyes, not able to get past the words that her brother had spoken to her.
"I'm...stepping down from the throne."
She had known all this that he wasn't suited for king. Phil had taken over about three years ago when their mother fell ill and he'd done a wonderful job but it just wasn't Phil. With the burdens he had to bear, another being added after the death of their beloved mother, Halley supposed she had known that it was only a matter of time. And yet for all these years she had selfishly hidden away, neglecting her duty to Mewni. If Phil were to step down then the throne was essentially up for grabs. Recovery from the civil war was still going on, along with a number of reforms to the kingdom. Mewni couldn't take potential anarchy.
"I want you to step up Halley, or at least think about it. I know it's a lot to ask from you so I understand if you don't want to do this."
Her as Queen of Mewni. She clenched the sides of the bench, only to let go almost immediately. The smell of scorched wood would most likely draw attention towards her. She was an adult now. She should've been able overcome the fears from her childhood. The fears that Mewni wouldn't accept her. Halley glanced at her daughter. She couldn't let Melody go through that.
"Hey, Mel?" Halley called. Melody looked up. "Come here for a second."
She did as she was told and walked over to her mother. Halley held her face in her hands, moving the scarf that covered the lower half. Melody Rose, her sunshine. The day she was born had been one of the greatest moments of Halley's life. Coral colored eyes that sparkled whenever amused, so much wavy, long hair that Halley found herself having trouble cutting it all and it compromised by falling in sandy brown tresses around her daughter's round face. Brown tridents were her cheekmarks; to represent the strong spirit that was so evident within her.
Halley intertwined their fingers and lit flames around her hands. Melody was easily able to manipulate the flames she created while not being able to conjure up her own just yet. It was just a warming gesture between mother and daughter, helping to give her some ease of thought.
No, Melody was not given any horns, or third eye, or tail even. Just some harmless fangs was all Halley could see from her side of the gene pool. Still, it caused her much worry when they were in new places. Halley lived with the constant fear that her daughter would smile and receive screams as a response; children could be so cruel, Halley knew all to well. She would do anything to protect her from that. Taking Phil's place would put her up on a pedestal and if Mewni still contained the hate it once had, if she had to choose between Mewni and the safety of her child— well, there wouldn't even be a choice to be made really.
But still she had told him, before he had to depart for an actual meeting he had, "I'll think about it."
...
It was nearing sunset when mother and daughter finally arrived home. Although Halley was deep in thought the entire way, she could tell a whole day's worth of walking had had its toll on the both of them. Maybe she should have taken up Phil's offer for a carriage. Entering the little village she called home, she was glad of her decision. This place didn't need to be touched by the hand of the kingdom. It was one of the only places that Halley felt absolutely comfortable. It was a community that had settled a few miles outside the capital after the war. Monster and Mewman alike lived in harmony as one— here it was just Mewmans. As far as anyone was concerned the "monsters" were born and raised in Mewni therefore they were as much Mewman as anyone else.
She greeted people on the sidewalks as they made their way home. Melody chatted happily with a few of the store vendors they passed, ever the social butterfly. Yes, it truly was nice here. These people were like her family. Most had dutifully served her during the time of the war and felt all the better settling down and raising their families near their beloved general.
Halley smiled contentedly as her mind ceased its chaotic churning. This little paradise she had found assisted with that. She felt Melody's hand leave her own and she had to smile.
"Hope!" Her daughter squealed. Melody flew into the arms of the young woman making her way out of a small shop.
"Hi Melody!" She hugged the young girl back before looking at Halley. "How was your trip?"
"Real good!" Melody answered instead. "Even though it was far, I had lotsa fun with Uncle Philly."
"Is that so?" Hope eyed the exhausted looking Halley. She shrugged dismissively and grinned widely at her instead, "How's packing going?"
"Eh, alright," Hope smiled sheepishly. "I'm a little nervous."
"Hope, you'll be fine, I know it." The young woman was to begin her work with her sister Ginger soon. The two were beginning their careers in inter-dimensional affairs, and Halley couldn't think of anyone better to officially start this branch in Mewni than Hope. She had grown so much from the little girl Halley had met in the snowy village all those years ago. She had retained her loving, caring nature and increased it exponentially as time went on. War had done nothing but spur her on and with she and her sister's determination, they would help Mewni bring peace to all dimensions. It wasn't a very known job at the moment. In fact she had been working with Phil to expand the career, given the successful efforts of one of her own, she thought with a smile.
"I won't hold you too long, Hope. Melody and I have had a bit of a day but please, stop by before you leave."
"Of course I will," the girl nodded.
They parted ways and Halley couldn't help but feel a touch of pride as she walked down the street. That is until it turned to apologetic embarrassment.
People walking her way had their ears covered, she smiled at them apologetically and she and Melody pushed on towards home.
The sound was almost glass shattering when they entered their home. Melody groaned, covering her ears and heading upstairs. As soon as Halley was able to get the door shut, the source of the noise came hurling towards her, a bright yellow ball of flame. It launched itself into her arms and sobbed into her neck.
"Hi, buddy," Halley rubbed her son's back. "Sweetheart, whats the matter?"
The three year old didn't answer, only wailed loudly.
"He's been at it for a while. I can't seem to get him to tell me what's wrong." A voice came.
Halley didn't look up, consolingly bouncing her son, "Storm, honey, what's wrong? Can you tell Mommy?"
"H-Head," he managed to splutter.
Halley extinguished his flames and parted his blonde locks. On both side of his head, small bumps were beginning to form. She touched them ever so slightly, only to cause another round of hollering.
"I think his horns are coming in," She told her husband.
"You could've told me that, bud," Tucker playfully poked at his stomach. Storm only sniffled and whimpered pitifully in her arms.
"It'll be okay," Halley soothed. She waved her hand over his head, ensuring him some relief with a spell she'd cast. Halley allowed her son time to calm down and finally looked up at her husband. He smiled and kissed her forehead, which always landed on her third eye (she didn't particularly mind it though).
"How was your day?" He asked.
Halley shook her head, notifying him it was a discussion for later, "How was yours?"
"I'm happy to report that the representatives in dimension GXV-47 were ecstatic to finally meet Storm and are wondering when you and Melody will pay a visit."
She smiled. Her husband. The love of her life. Tuck. After the war, she had helped him recover from the injuries he sustained and one thing led to another and somehow they were dating and then living together and she looked up and he was proposing to her. Four years into their marriage, Melody Rose came along, and two years after that, Storm. They had made her so happy. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine being where they were now.
Tucker had made a name for himself after the war, becoming the first unofficial ambassador of Mewnian inter-dimensional relations, she always told people with pride. It was perfect for him. She was more than happy that her husband had found his role in life. Thinking of Phil's words, she frowned a bit. If she accepted, there was no telling how this would affect his work and if he was still able to retain the relationships he had formed with other dimensions and—
Halley took a deep breath, realizing she was getting a little warm. She gave her son and husband reassuring smiles as two pairs of hazel eyes stared at her with a touch of concern.
Later that evening, they all sat on the couch, engulfed in some movie the kids had wanted to watch. Ten minutes in and, as expected, they were out. Storm clung on to Halley, discomfort still ailing the poor boy and Melody laid across her father's lap, drool finding its way into his leg. Tucker chuckled when making this discovery. He lightly ruffled their daughter's hair. Halley felt a slight clench of her heart at the gesture.
"Looks like she's out for good, huh?" Tucker glanced over at Halley, who could barely pull as much as a smile.
"Hey," he mumbled. "What's wrong?"
Her hand trembled slightly as she stroked her son's hair, "Phil's leaving...He's stepping down as king. He wants me to be queen."
"Hal..."
Her voice started to shake, "I-I don't know what to do. It's been so long. What would the people of Mewni think? For all they know I ran off. Surely they won't accept me. I know they won't accept me a-and the kids—"
Tucker stopped her hyperventilating with a firm grab to her shoulder. She looked at him, eyes wide in panic.
"Hal, calm down. Take a deep breath. It's going to be okay."
"But what if it's not!? Mewni loves Phil. They aren't just going to let him leave! But he can't do this anymore," her voice was rising. "He knows it, I know it— I've known it. Eclipsa's sake I'm such a bad sister—"
Melody and Storm woke up simultaneously. The elder rubbed at her eyes and blinked up at her parents who had frozen.
"What's going on, Daddy?"
As always Tucker was smooth in his reassuring response, "Nothing, Mellie Bell. Only that you two are going to bed. It's getting late."
"No!" She whined. "I wanna stay up!"
"Wanna stay up!" Storm echoed.
Halley furtively wiped at her eyes before smiling at her children. (She was sure even they could tell it was fake.)
"That's right. You've both had a long day and if you want to see Hope off in the morning, you need your rest."
Both of her children gave drowsy mumbles in response. Tucker and Halley exchanged a glance one of part amusement and one of "We're going to talk about this later." They carried the kids upstairs to their rooms. Storm was already fast asleep and sucking on his hand. She smiled tenderly, not minding all of the toddler slobber that would indubitably cover her shoulder. She kneeled at his bedside for a little while after putting him down. Her head rested on her arms, lightly stroking the bumps forming on his head.
Storm, almost the exact opposite of his sister. He was very sensitive and painfully shy, but, Halley noted with warmth, he was such a kindhearted little boy and already very powerful for his age. They barely went a week without Storm combusting and lighting everything in his path in a haze of golden flame. In that way, he reminded her of her mother. Even down to the blonde hair he inherited. He was one of her precious treasures and Halley didn't know what she'd do if he ever got hurt. Sighing, she got up and kissed his cheek, which adorned a pink cloud.
In the next room over, Tucker had obviously been suckered into reading Melody a story. Halley leaned against the doorframe, smiling to herself as Tucker put on a whole show for the five year old. When it finally came to an end, Halley came over and sat on the edge of Melody's bed.
"You've got your story. Now it's time for bed, Mel."
"Okay," she sighed. The young Butterfly looked up at her mother, "Mommy?"
"Yeah?"
She fiddled with her sheets, "I thought the castle was fun."
"Is that so?"
"Yeah... I wanna go back, but..."
"But?"
"It made you sad, so I guess I don't..."
Halley sighed, "Melody, it wasn't anything really. It had just been a while since I'd been home. Wouldn't you be sad if you hadn't been home for a long time?"
"Yeah," she reasoned. "You're right."
"Well good night, kid." Tucker pecked her forehead and Halley squeezed her blanketed foot.
Arms wrapped around herself, Halley exited the room with her husband and they stood in the dark hallway.
"Hal." He said, and it was just enough for her to completely breakdown. Being aware that her children's rooms were only two feet away, she was just sniffling, an almost futile attempt to cover up her tears. Being together for over 10 years, Tucker knew his wife and the glowing lava that fell to the floor only assured him of the fact. He drew her into his chest and she wrapped her arms around him tightly. Somehow before she realized it, he had maneuvered them into their bedroom. Halley let go of his torso and turned away from him, wiping at her eyes.
"Hal—"
"I don't know what to do," her voice quivered. "I really don't know what to do, Tucker. I'm so scared."
He hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her head, "Hal, just talk to me."
"I almost couldn't go through with going today. I almost turned around and took Melody back home, but I said to myself, 'she needs to know this part of our family.' I told myself I'd explain why mommy only has one horn, why daddy has that 'humongous' scar on his face, that thing that happened years ago that no one can seems to be able to talk about. But I couldn't." She clenched her fists. "Like always I just smiled and said 'It's nothing honey.' And I know my brother has been suffering, I know it's my responsibility yet I forced him to do this for years until it almost broke him. I can barely even recognize him anymore, my own brother. The only member of my immediate family that I have left..."
Tucker took a deep breath before beginning, "Look, Halley, you have gone through so much, more than anyone will ever know. In the end it's your decision, and yours alone."
She knew that of course. In her heart she knew she just had to do it, but there were people who'd be effected if she accepted the position.
"What...do you think I should do?"
"It's not about me."
"But it is," she insisted. "I'll be uprooting my entire life and that includes you."
He was silent and she figured that he didn't want this for them. For the kids. Her grip on his arms tightened and he seemed to come up from thought.
"If you want my opinion," he turned her around. "I think you should do it."
"What?" Halley looked up and he was smiling at her. "I...Tuck this is serious."
"I know that. Honey look, the thing is, you're an amazing leader. For Moon's sake you became a war general when you were sixteen. Sixteen. And you were pretty damn good at it too. We won. I think maybe you don't know this, but you want to go back."
"What? What makes you say that?"
He raised an eyebrow, "You served on the 'Mewnian Royal Council' a position you created to help your mother restore the kingdom. You know this stuff by heart, and if the last 10 years are any proof, you enjoy it. So, I think you should do it."
"Well...what about your job?"
"Hal, if you're worried about me you shouldn't be. If anything you becoming queen means that my job will be more effective."
"Tucker, you know that you'll be king right? Would you be up to that?"
"I...don't know really, but if it came down to it, you know I'd do anything for you."
The statement should have brought her some solace but in all honesty, it troubled her. He had always been so accommodating to her needs. When they got married, she knew that he'd wanted kids and he expressed it often, but he knew how sensitive she was about sex in any form and waited years. Just for her. But with their vows, they promised to be a team. That meant the needs of the other was always considered. No exceptions. He seemed to realize this and amended his statement, "It's just that I've never even thought of being any type of ruler. What training do I have that qualifies me? Do I need training? I just... It's a big responsibility and if you're willing to take up the helm then I guess we'll just have to get each other through it."
The former heir considered his words. They'd always gotten each other through the toughest of times. The trauma of war, the physical scars of battle, and just about everyday for over a decade. Halley had truly found her eternal partner in life and she took comfort in that fact as they ended the discussion for the night.
There was so much to think about. Her people, her family, the life she'd leave behind, the life she'd arrive to if she accepted. These thoughts rattled through her mind as she lay awake on Tucker's chest. Focusing on the irregular rise and fall of his chest— he'd received a respiratory injury in the war— didn't lull her to sleep as it usually did so she was left to deal with a decision that had to be made.
Mewni. Her home. The castle she was raised in. Where she once thought she was normal a lifetime ago. Then she was introduced to the world and it was cruel and cold, especially if you were different. Unfortunately princesses weren't excluded from ridicule and the bulk of her childhood had been nothing but pain... Going back would just be a reminder of that. And what if... what if the world sunk its sharp, cruel talons into her children, her precious treasures? She couldn't bear the thought.
Halley had to give Mewni credit though. So much had changed since she had last been. Since after the war.
The war, her brother.
She still had nightmares about it. About them both. James. It was thanks to him that she could lie like this with her husband. After their battle she'd realized he'd chopped off one of her horns. No matter what, it wouldn't grow back. It was just a stump on the side of her head that she'd cover with a prosthetic when out and about. It was funny really. Her father told her that their horns were indestructible — to her 13 year old dismay— and James was the only one to be able to defy that rule. It was poetic in a sense, she thought. Her scars, like her horn, she was afraid, would never truly heal. They'd always be there and Halley had learned that it wasn't such a bad thing. They were painful, yes. Sometimes so much so that she couldn't get out of bed, but they made her all the better a leader as she led the little county that she resided in. Her scars were everywhere, one being her own daughter.
Melody, her best friend had said one day. If I had a little girl, I'd want her to be named Melody. It's such a pretty name. What about you?
As tribute, she promised that she'd name her first daughter Melody. Somewhat of an apology, the emotionally temperamental mind of a young woman six months pregnant with her first child led her to believe. As her moods settled and she was able to think clearly, she realized why she decided to do what she did. She loved her best friend, admired her. Allison was one of the best people Halley had ever met in her life and out of love— not guilt— she'd named the wailing bundle of joy she'd held in her arms Melody Rose. Her daughter was a fantastic little being that Halley loved with all her heart. Just watching her grow had been so unbelievably rewarding it almost brought her to tears.
Harmony, Halley answered that day. If I had a daughter I'd name her something pretty like that. She'd had a long slew of names for a daughter that she might've had, but as they lay in the grass away from everyone— away from the Mewmans— one thing strung through her mind in that moment. A wish perhaps. It had been long forgotten until she became pregnant with Storm. She still liked the name and almost used it had it not been for the gender and utter likeness to her mother of the little boy.
Some scars, in their own strange ways, could be good things. It was the bad ones that troubled her. The ones that made her wake up in an inconsolable, hysterical frenzy.
It's alright Halley, it really is. You were so young when it all happened. People had told her. That didn't make the events any better. That didn't make her unsee all the horrors of war. Didn't make her feel any less horrible when her children gazed at their trembling mother with that distinct look of confusion that tipped the edge of fear before Tucker snatched them up, insisting that a favorite show of theirs had to be on. She couldn't imagine what would happen if she went back. Would it be worse going right back to where it all started?
She wasn't aware when she had fallen asleep only that she was suddenly dreaming. Halley was in no way a stranger to dreams and approached this one cautiously. She didn't recognize where she was but saw a person up ahead. She knew who it was, just by his stance. Ever portraying regality and poise. That was her triplet. Halley had had dreams about him before, sometimes they were back on the battlefield fighting again, other times she was killing him. Over and over again. Those were the worst. Those were the ones that bound her in bed for hours. There was something inside her however telling her that this was different. She felt more aware. So she walked. Her brother was standing at the mouth of some cave and, as far as Halley could see, overlooking vast emptiness. Once beside him she noticed his eyes were fixed on this emptiness, eyes glazed over. Before she could do anything, he spoke, catching her off guard.
"So. You've finally come."
She didn't respond.
"Not going to say anything?"
She blinked, "I...What is all this?"
"My fate. 'Cursed to live my life over and over again for all eternity.' Better than being burned alive on loop. To some extent at least."
"Live your life over again?"
"While you can only see nothingness I presume, I see everything I lived through. Each time details become much more distinct, my vision so much clearer."
Halley decided that he still sounded like the raging idealist he died as.
"I failed in the end it seems."
"I told you you would."
He shrugged, "Maybe. Mother took over I'm guessing? With you not being able to take the crown after you so ruthlessly murdered your own triplet."
"How dare you—"
"Don't bother," he dismissed. "I'm not in the mood for an argument. You were sent here for a reason now talk. Humor me with what Mewni has become."
She narrowed her eyes at him before continuing, "Phil is king now."
He scoffed, "He's king? I bet Mewni is in shambles."
"Phil is a great king," Halley snapped.
"Oh I bet he is," James responded dubiously.
"He was better than any king you were."
Ignoring the insult, James' eyebrow rose, "'Was?'"
Realizing her slip up, Halley inwardly cursed herself.
"Is our dear brother having second thoughts?"
"It's only because of you and the damage you caused to everyone. Phil has gone through so much pain and it's all your fault."
"'All my fault?' If I recall, you were next in line. Not him. Comet knows Phil was never any king and he'd never take the crown on his own accord. This all seems to be pointing in your direction."
Of course she knew that. Although they had all come to terms with it she still felt guilty.
"He's leaving the throne soon," She muttered.
"So it's all anarchy from there I see."
"No, it's not," She growled. James still had a way of working her nerves. "I—"
"You? Taking over? You're stupider than I thought if you think they're going to let you of all people take over and not to mention out of nowhere."
"I haven't even decided yet you ass."
"That's surely not a way for a queen to speak—"
"Shut up!" She yelled. "After all these years you still don't understand that I won. That you were wrong. Things are far better without you. People are happy. I'm happy. Villages across the kingdom can live peacefully without the threat of being raided and killed by your legion of racists!"
"What and you think that you're some savior? What about Phil who's never wanted to rule? What about our mother who was probably to weak to even—"
"Don't you dare say another word about my mother," she hissed. "She fought tirelessly to undo the mess you created. Her own son. She was an excellent queen and I'll kill you if you say another word about her."
"I'm already dead," He commented offhandedly.
They stood in silence, Halley slowly cooling down— she was only slightly aware that she had rose into the air, body aflame— and James, haven't changed his pose, looking off into the distance.
"I do have one question," Halley broke the silence hanging between them. This question had haunted her for years. She had to know. "The day you died—"
"The day you killed me."
"—you said that you were wrong about one thing. What was it?"
"I hardly even remember what you're talking about."
"Bullshit. You've seen your entire life play before your eyes right down to the end and I know you. You don't admit to being wrong."
"I was under your spell—"
"James."
He didn't respond immediately. He stood, unwavering for a few minutes, seemingly contemplating how he should answer.
"I despise you, I hope you know that."
"You made that pretty clear."
"Yet I can't help but hold some love for you as well. I've tried time and time again to shed those bonds to no avail. Over the years, time and time again I cut you down and you lost and I won. Every time. In our final battle though... it was different. I cut you down but you didn't lose. You weren't that stupid little kid who'd let every little thing get to her. You were a real adversary which is why, I think, I spared you."
"You said it yourself James. You didn't spare me. You lost."
He ignored her statement, "I was wrong about this: you. I never once believed you would change. But you did. I don't regret the decisions I made. No matter how many times they show me my life, I only see more reason behind my actions. So," he shrugged. "For all eternity I suppose I will bear the burden of failure and you Halley may live knowing that you truly did win, and I can admit that you were a worthy adversary in the end."
James admitting failure was a sight she'd never ever think she'd behold but here she was. Ten years after her brother's death and he had finally said it.
"What else has been going on above ground while I've been gone?" He inquired.
She started almost, in her dreamlike state of mind, to answer him. But no, she told herself. He could never know. He didn't have the right to know about the life she had created for herself. His niece, his nephew, his brother in law. Off limits.
"I'm happy now." Was all she said.
Her brother didn't bother to glance back at her but nodded in acknowledgment. Halley turned and walked away, not sure where exactly she was going but she had received all the closure she needed from James.
"Halley," James barked suddenly. His voice sounded far away, muffled. She supposed the dream was fading. "I didn't die for the crown to be taken by just anyone."
With that her eyes snapped open. Filtered sunlight spilled through the drawn curtains. The space underneath her was empty. Halley stretched her arms before lying on her back. She could hear the sounds of a tv program from the living room and the laughter of her family. By the hint of cinnamon she detected in the air, she supposed Tucker was making breakfast. She just couldn't help the smile that formed on her face. She was so unbelievably happy with what they had. Her beautiful wonderful family.
The Butterfly took a moment to revel in her comfort. The fan turning above her created a pleasant coolness in the room and contrasted wonderfully with the warm space her husband left her. She opened her eyes once more at the sound of fluttering paper. Looking up at the wall behind her bed, she saw the various art projects done by none other than the Butterfly-Lucitor-Greys children (to them though, all they knew is that they were the Greys). She did feel a touch of sadness at that fact. In the corner of each in paint or crayon or marker was a sloppily signed signature of what looked like "MRG" and "SG." Instead of focusing on the lack of initials she gazed fondly at the paint splatters, glitter "masterpieces," and what she generously assumed was a replica of their family made entirely out of corn kernels that had gradually made their way onto she and Tucker's pillows or in their hair as time went on.
Her life as a mother was messy indeed but did she regret it? No. Not for a second. She was happy. Right then and there. As her eyes flew to a heart, written on slightly scorched paper, with the words "We love you Mommy," Halley knew that whatever she chose, they'd find happiness. They'd be together after all and to Halley, that was all that mattered.
...
It took quite a few months to get everything prepared. There was the talk they had to have with the kids, explaining that they were moving to a new, much bigger house and things were going to be a bit different. After enduring several long, especially loud tantrums from Storm insisting he liked where they were. He liked all his toys. Where were his toys gonna go, and then one from Melody because her brother was doing it, why not her too, they were finally able to get them at least semi-onboard. Then Phil visited and given that he was one of the most fun visitors they had, Melody and Storm were practically bursting to get to this new place. She had her doubts from time to time but with Tucker and Phil and everyone else she held dear there for her, she was able to go through with it. And when the final day came, Halley and Tucker approached the coronation hand in hand, ready to take on whatever trials Mewni brought them. Good or potentially not so good. The reception of the new royal family was frankly better than anticipated. The population was much more diverse and tolerant these days and even though that was what she fought so hard for years prior, she couldn't help but be surprised by the beauty of it all.
Later on, as she and her family were traversing the kingdom and monster and Mewman alike— no it was just Mewmans now— came up to them, absolutely beaming, and drowning in awe and fascination. Little girls wanting to play with Melody, who made the perfect little princess. Adults cooing at Storm (who always had his face tucked away into she or her husband's chest where he was often held) and commenting how cute his little horns were. Citizens of all kinds asking them questions, voicing their concerns with the utmost respect laced in their voices, it was so surreal and almost exciting. Halley's grip on her husband's arm tightened and a wide grin suddenly stretched across her face. Tucker finished speaking and once the citizen bowed and walked away, he looked down at her in bemusement.
"What?" He chuckled at her smiling.
All she could do was shake her head. He was an amazing king, despite his initial doubt. So full of charisma and charm, words never failed him. It was no wonder half the population had a crush on him. It was good , she wrote to Phil once, that Tucker wasn't lacking in the looks department or else Mewni's population of teenage girls would just about riot to get a certain blue-haired heartthrob back on the throne. One more factor that led to this being a quite smooth transition of power. They were doing quite well, to her utter relief and pride. Mewni was a different place with different people who were much kinder than she'd ever imagined.
On their way home as a couple approached them almost in tears, bowing before them and explaining just how grateful they were and how they made Mewni a better place, she knew that this was where she wanted Melody, Storm, and the soon to be newest edition of their family to grow up. With so much happiness and light that it far outweighed the bad.
And, as Halley watched the couple head back towards the kingdom, practically radiating harmony, she knew just the name for the baby.
...
And she's done!
Thank you all so very much for being there to support me and this story. I know that I have grown from writing this and I have you all to thank! A special thanks to KaliiAnn and Leopurda for always supplying me with wonderful reviews and thanks to all of you other readers as well. Taking out the time to read this means the world to me. But a big portion of this has to go to thestarfan18 on Tumblr who gave me the permission to write this. I know that things happened and she doesn't post anymore but I want to thank her for putting her heart and soul into her AU and giving me the opportunity to make an AU out of that. (If you followed her art, you might know that my story differed a bit from hers.) Once again, I thank everyone for coming along on this journey with me and it truly has been a pleasure.
Your dedicated writer,
HD-V