Marco at a Crossroads
By: DJ Rodriguez
(Author's Notes: Hi everyone! How are you all doing? I hope all of you are doing well and are enjoying my story so far. Much more chapters to do, more character development & more to accomplish!
Before I say or do anything else, I want to give this moment to give praise and glory to the Lord. Thank you God for looking out for me, guiding me where I need to be & correcting me whenever I start to stray. Thank you Jesus for my family, my friends and the wonderful reviewers who like my work! Thank you Lord once again for this great gift of imagination that again I want to put to good use in your name! Thank you God for everything, and I hope to walk good & strong with you on the straight and narrow path always!
I want to use this opportunity here to thank certain Authors like Darkness Rissing and Parent12D. Their reviews and insight have helped me immensely, but more so with this chapter since they pointed out something that was a small but critical detail I have missed. But thanks to them, it was spotted and due to some hard thinking and such, I am able to actually work with it to hopefully give my story here more substance! So again, a big thank you to these two Authors! Everyone, give them a hand please!
I also want to do another advertisement for my two Author friends who are on this site. Their stories deserve some good reviews. One is from a good friend of mine named AdventureKing2017, one we both worked hard on. It's called Women's Wrestling Submission-Total Knock Out Association, a special Total Drama story that features Cody in it with plenty of Total Drama ladies in it as well! It's truly something unique that I hope you all take the time to go read it & hopefully review it as well.
The next story is from my friend Author DRAGONDAVE45 called Monsters and Magic: Prologue to Legacy. It is a continuation of my Monsters and Magic series which you can find at my Profile/Bio page. It truly is a worthwhile story, so please take the time to read and review it. And also note this; anyone can continue my Disney/Toho novels & mini-novel, but only if they abide by the rules/guidelines I laid down that are shown in one of my epilogues in Monsters and Magic Special: Sofia's Imagination.
And again, my Author friend Data Seeker is still looking for others to help with his own ideas, so if you wish to know, PM him please.
In this chapter, something truly serious is revealed that could spell a huge blow to the Butterfly family! And also, Moon prepares to face off against King Khan. And finally, certain princesses and a prince will discover something that will really stun them.
I know that this is often happened to me. I know my memory is not that great at certain things, but it does surprise me good when I suddenly remember something that happened LONG ago as a kid that just comes back to me. Either a trigger of some kind, like a commercial or something, just has something obscure come to the past that I can remember it well even though it's been years since I thought on it. So it's no surprise that some things come back to some people, like Angie and Janna when they remember the incident that happened a little over three years ago.
Also, let it be known this: Tom and Lilacia are REALLY going to be in trouble for what they have done to Marco. Star will not get the entire blame for what occurred, but she is not getting off the hook either. In addition, you will find that the Prince of the Underworld & the heir to the Cloud Kingdom throne are more sinister than one realizes. In addition, this chapter will also explain how Lekmet is still alive here.
And here is something on a final note. Some reviewers, either via PM or on my Review Page, do not like what is happening to Star & want me to change it so that she and Marco are friends again. Let me make this perfectly clear. The fate of Star Butterfly and Marco Diaz is set. I already have something in mind that concerns the two of them. No major character death is involved, but their fate/design here is already set.
I also state this- I cannot please everyone, nor do I ever wish to. I believe in the words of my pastor Rick Godwin from Summit Christian Center at San Antonio and it is this: If you try to please everyone, you lose yourself entirely. So while others may not be pleased at this, it is what it is. My aim is not to please all, but to write a worthwhile story. No more, no less.
So again, just to be sure I am clear… trust in what I do. I may not be a total expert with the Star Vs. series, but I will do my best with what I know and pick up along the way. In addition, I have been seeing a lot of old cartoon series that I have on VHS & DVD, still working in fine condition. They consist of both Disney & non-Disney series, and thus I have enjoyed & learned much from them to put in here. So this story will also have educational purposes, similar to shows that combined education with entertainment in the 1980s and 1990s.
The action will also take place mostly on Earth, with some taking place in Mewni. The dimension where time is greatly accelerated, Hekapoo's home, will only be shown a minor number of times. After seeing the Diaz's losing their two kids once more to rapid growing up to them not being part of their lives… I will not have anything like that here. I believe that parents should see their kids grow, help them grow and become good adults in the process. So Mariposa nor Marco will return to Hekapoo's home realm.
So just to make it clear here. There will be NO kind of reference to slash or femme-slash of any kind. So while this is a Marco/Multiple Girls story, there will be NO kind of slash or femme-slash actions or references here at all. I believe that I can bring forth the true and real potential of Jackie and the other ladies here, more so than was done/shown to them in the series.
And that is my stance on this story, and all others I have made and will make in the future. Look to my bio to understand me and more on where I stand firmly. And again, this story will feature Christian elements and faith! And that I am not sorry at all for!
Also, will be giving my OC names from the website 20000-NAMES, as I have done in my previous stories. Each name is linked to a different nation, and has a different meaning. To see what they mean, go to website to look it up.
I do not own Star vs. the Forces of Evil, it is created by Daron Nefcy & executive producers Daron Nefcy, Dave Wasson and Jordana Arkin. Production is the Disney Television Animation, and aired on network Disney XD and Disney Channel.
Now, on with the story!)
The situation at the hospital room where one Marco Diaz resided in for the time being, a serious conversation starting between the ones that had come to visit said lad. Little Mariposa was confused on all of the serious talk that was going on now between the adults, but she knew that it had something to do with her big brother.
Janna put in, "Wait a minute! Now I remember what happened! I was there when Star did confess! Wow… I actually almost forgot about it. But it has been a little over three years since that happened.".
Eclipsa put in, "And this seems now to complete several puzzles that have been in my head for some time. This little tidbit of information now starts to make sense of a lot of things.".
Rafael inquired, "Excuse me, but exactly are you talking about Ms. Eclipsa?". The patriarch of the Diaz family was perplexed on what the women folk were talking about, knowing that it concerned his son but didn't quite understand the specifics of it.
Kelly answered, "Mr. Diaz, what she is talking about is how this now fits in on why Star was behaving like she was shortly after confessing to Marco and going back to Mewni.".
Hekapoo added, "We'll explain as best we can, but for now just listen. You too Mrs. Diaz, Jackie, Janna. I think you all would want to listen to this. And Marco… I'm sorry, but it seems we'll need your input too as well in some parts.". She looked over to the young man, said Diaz lad having his eyes closed with a very pained, resigned look on his face.
While the fire-being was known to be blunt and straight to the point, not caring much on how it affected the being she was talking to at times… she truly hated to see the one she was aiming for in the life-run to be with in such emotional/mental pain.
Mariposa went to her big brother, going to his bedside and feeling the waves of sadness and bitterness coming from him. She reached out and took his bandaged hand, Marco feeling the soft and innocent touch of his little sister. He looked down at her and offered a small but grateful smile at her. She had managed to stem the unwelcome tide of memories, if just barely.
Once they all saw that he was calm enough, the ladies started to explain things with Higgs going first. The female knight spoke, "When Star came back to Mewni on her mother's request, she looked upset. So she tried to do stuff to keep her busy, most likely to try and forget what she just did. And now I know why she was being like she was. It was due to her own confession to Marco. Her mother saw this, but she had no idea on what occurred. And I believe she still doesn't.".
She continued, "She started to learn more about her family history, such as her mother's past history with Toffee and the Monster army that he was leading against the Mewnians at the time. She started to become more… well… there is a word for it, but I believe it's not meant for innocent ears.". The ginger-haired beauty looked to Mariposa, the small cute kid now tilting her head in a quizzical manner that made her look adorable.
The adults realized the word that Higgs wanted to use to describe Star's attitude back than & silently thanked her to not say said word out loud.
Eclipsa pointed out, "I think that is when the Blood Moon started to take effect. Marco, do you remember a time when you started to feel anything negative when Star left?". She looked to the young man, feeling a bit sorry that he was being forced to remember stuff that he would rather forget.
Marco nodded lightly and answered, "Yeah… I remember slowly losing interest in things like schoolwork, going out with Jackie and the others… feeling depressed…". He remembered on how much his mood and attitude had dropped back when Star had left.
Kelly sighed softly and picked up, "That was the same with Star, but she seemed more active to try and do stuff to forget you. I do remember her trying to use her wand to banish the negative emotions she was feeling. It seemed to work, which surprised me at the time since the wand only had half a star. Some red and black energy of sort escaped from her body, but it formed into a small sphere & got sucked back into her being. We were both confused, but she told me she didn't feel down or anything negative. I can only assume that her magic actually contained the negative effects of the Blood Moon, not banishing it completely.".
Eclipsa put in, "Your assumption is most likely correct, Kelly. Usually the moon's negative effects are shared when both beings are IN the same realm. But this is the very first I have heard when the beings are separated by dimensional walls. So when Star tried to banish the feelings at first with a fractured wand & with magic itself being tainted due to Toffee, it just sealed the effects instead of banishing it. And with Marco being a non-magical despite all of the chaos that he has been in with Star, the effects amplified for him until he couldn't take it anymore.".
Marco nodded in confirmation again, still upset that he had started to neglect Jackie and the others back than due to the effects of the soul-binding magical moon.
Higgs picked up, "The effects must have really started to increase when Star reconciled with Tom at the Silver Bell Ball. I remember that Star actually SEARCHED for him when he snubbed her at the ball. I saw and managed to overhear the conversation, where he was keeping his distance from her due to the relationship between her and Marco. She states that there was nothing between them, and the two soon got together after that.".
Janna states, "That must have been about the time that Marco was really starting to… well… get to us as he started to go off on and on about his time with Star and in Mewni…". She looks to her crush, sad like the others to see Marco just turn his head as he remembered the day well. The day when he failed as a good boyfriend to Jackie… and the day he came back to Mewni.".
Eclipsa remarked, "The time it occurs would have fallen into place. However, I assume that things changed when Marco did return to Mewni once more correct?".
Higgs stated, "That would be putting it mildly. Star was now back together with Tom, and she found Marco coming back on a more permanent basis not good for her at all. I do remember this; after a practice session, I saw Star and Tom together in the castle. She took out her wand, spoke some words… and the red and black energy escaped from her body. However, the sphere that Kelly described emerged as well… but it was large.". She made a gesture with her hands to show how big it was, which was roughly the size of a volleyball. She than stated that the sphere combined with the red/black energy mists, then took off to parts unknown like an arrow.
Marco spoke out softly, "I remember getting hit with something when I was preparing myself to become squire to Sir Lavabo. It felt terrible… like something was literally burning inside of me & stepping all over my heart. It like a seizure, but so much worse. It took me awhile to get myself back together, but now…".
Hekapoo said, "Star kept using her wand to banish the feelings, not knowing all she was doing was containing it with a magic spell. But when you came back, the effects of the Blood Moon finally was released now that you were back in the same realm as her. Only this time, the banishment worked now with both a proper wand… and also the person bound to her was in the same world.". The magical being looked to see Marco shaking slightly in his bed, then up to his parents where Mr. & Mrs. Diaz were also shaking… more likely in anger as the pieces of the puzzle came into place.
The female knight continued, "Star apologized to Tom for what happened, telling him that she was banishing some negative emotions that had occurred some time ago. But she told him it was the first time that the sphere appeared like it did and shot off like that. Tom thought on it… than I saw his face. He had a wicked-looking smirk on him before it vanished, looking to Star and saying that it was okay & asking if she was alright now. She answered that she did, feeling refreshed and light again. She asked him to wait while she went to go to Marco, to apologize to him. Once she left… I saw the most wicked of smirk on his faces, like he just figured something out. He left the place, not realizing I had been watching and seeing the thing the whole time.".
Jackie inquired, "He figured out that the magic from the Blood Moon was still in effect, right?". She was also trembling now, slightly but it was still there. Like certain others, she was holding back the strong emotions that were now flowing like a rapid river within her.
Eclipsa answered, "I believe he did. While he did forget, or perhaps just ignored, the negative effects of forcing Star to be soul-bound to him by the moon… he remembered the consequences of what happens when two who are bound by said celestial object are apart for too long. I believe he wanted to use to his advantage.". She, as well as everyone else knew, that this was all speculation without actual proof. But as it sounded right now, all of the information was too specific to be coincidental.
Kelly said her piece, "I remember something else as well. After I consoled Marco after what took place at Lava Beach, I wandered about… and saw Tom in another part of the beach with Princess Pony Head. The two were talking, but I wasn't close enough to listen in. He said something to her, and a smile that made me shiver in a bad way came through me as they seem to have come to some sort of agreement."
Higgs said, "That would explain something else I found a bit peculiar at the moment. Star started to hang out more with Tom and Lilacia, stating that she was back together with her ex & wanted to spend some more time together with him & her BFF. That is when she started to… get back to her old ways. She started to focus more on trying new spells from different books since the Butterfly family spell book was lost when Glossaryck ended his existence. She did learn some lessons from Her Highness, but Star quickly forgot about them when Tom and Lilacia came over to take her on so-called adventures. She started to become more enamored with learning how to cast spells or make new ones rather than use her brain for anything else.".
It was true; Star showed an adaption for utilizing spells of the combat variety, but she did not put the same effort into learning new lessons like diplomacy, politics and the like.
Eclipsa stated, "It does make sense. Some time after I was released from my imprisonment and got to know both Star and Marco better, the blonde girl asked if I could assume the throne while she continued to go off doing adventures with her friends. I told her that I had no interest at all in the Mewnian throne, that my time had passed and it was now up to her to take up the responsibility. Star was put out & kept pestering me for some months on the matter until I finally managed to convince her to drop it. But… I got the feeling that she had another plan concerning the crown.".
Hekapoo put in, "I found something out as well. Some time ago, I popped into the castle to see how Marco was doing. We talked for some time, but he soon had to leave when a servant came in & told us that Marco was summoned by Queen Moon. Apparently it was for Marco and Higgs to escort Star to the Meadow Lands west of the kingdom. She was going on another diplomatic mission to see to the tension that was going on between the Rabbinites and a Mewnian village that wanted to use some of the land to raise sheep.".
Rabbinites were Monster rabbits that were much different from the ones on Earth. They were more humanoid, the male ones quite muscular while the females were more robust in the bottom area… and also quite territorial when it came to land, their mates or their little ones. They used their feet to tremendous use to deliver kicks that would knock down a house easy, were quite agile despite their size & also their teeth were strong enough to bite through solid wood like oak easily.
The curvy yellow-garbed beauty continued, "I got up and watch Marco leave with the servant to the Royal Throne Room. When he was out of sight, I was about to open a portal to my own home… when I heard some talking nearby. It was Star and Lilacia in Star's room. I heard that floating pony brat say to the blonde Butterfly on how she needs to make Marco her knight so that the other princesses could not get close to him or steal him away. I heard Star comment that she'll go through with it since she didn't want to lose her 'bestie'. And the floating idiot than made a comment that if things don't go well with Tom… that she could just let Marco be the replacement that quick! Star agreed to it, even though she doubted that Tom would break up with her since they had gotten back together.".
Mr. and Mrs. Diaz, Jackie and Janna's eyes were overshadowed by their hair. They were trembling a bit more, hearing that Marco had been reduced to being a mere second-fiddle… a secondhand item to be used at best should something happen between Star and Thomas!
Eclipsa saw this and felt the waves of anger coming from the humans, sadness and frustration coming from Marco while Mariposa was still confused on the whole thing. She really felt bad for the Earth beings, especially for Marco after hearing all of this theory that was starting to sound more like truth than mere conjecture.
Higgs stated, "That would explain the announcement made shortly after mission. We came back from the mission… Marco having to endure fighting most of the Rabbinites when Star failed to follow through on peaceful talks. She had Marco to be her champion, to fight the leader of the pack & see who gets the last word in the end. Marco… he really had to go through hell to fight the massive leader called Prickle Ears, but he managed to win in the end with Star setting the final terms of the treaty between the Monsters and Mewnians.".
She continued on, "Star reported on how the mission was a success, leaving out how Marco got hurt in the first place. She also stated that he was now her Knight, which made everyone gasp at the implications it would bring in. But… I believe that she did it only to make sure the other princesses who wanted Marco to back off since single males that were made personal knights under a princess was off-limits. And considering how Marco was popular than… maybe even now, it makes a bit more sense why Star did that.".
Kelly said, "That would also explain why Marco was often kept far away from most parties by Star and introduced to others by Tom and Lilacia, ones that wanted to see him in that stupid Turdina persona. I think those three made sure that Marco was given less due so that he couldn't see how he was actually popular, so that Star would be his only source of confidence even though she only kept him around so that she wouldn't lose him to any other girl. Add in Tom and Lilacia's involvement, it makes sense.".
Jackie stepped forward, her eyes no longer overshadowed… but burning now with something fierce that made the Mewnians take a small step back in fear. She stated, "Now… let me see if I got everything straight in order.". Let it be known that the surfing/skating beauty had an observant & sharp mind when it came to deduction and spotting things that needed to be put in order. It came with years of surfing or skating to see what she could do either improve herself or others if they had problems with the sport she liked to do.
And also with relationships since she often heard much gossip in the areas she hung out with, and listening in she could gain a clear picture on what happened to whom, when, where and why. If anything else, she was like a detective.
The blonde young woman started out, "Now, let's start from the beginning. All of this happened due to Marco saving Star from Tom's schemes that used a magically-charged, different-colored moon that would have soul-bound him to the princess WITH the consequences of their actions being apparent. Am I right?". The Mewnian woman all nodded their heads at this.
Jackie continued, "So the moon started to mess with both of them when me and Marco were becoming a couple. And when Star confessed her feelings to Marco just out of the blue and left like that, the negative effects were amplified greatly. And during the time that Star was in Mewni, she used her malfunctioning wand to try and banish the negative effects. Only instead, it was contained and held within her while the effects continued to increase on Marco's end here. Right so far?". They all nodded, Star looking to see Marco still looking uncomfortable about the whole deal being aired here.
She really felt sorry for her crush, but this needed to be done so that everything was laid clear for all to understand. And to see where they would go from there.
Miss Thomas pushed forward, "As time passed on with Star continuing to use her magic with her new wand to hold back the negative effects of the Blood Moon, she got back together with ex-boyfriend Tom at this Silver Bell Ball party. And when Marco came back to Mewni, she used the spell again but this time it did what it was supposed to do. It took the negative effects, combined them with the ones that had been sealed inside of Star's own body, and rushed out to be absorbed by Marco. Tom saw this, figured out what was going on with Star & than came up with some sort of scheme that would continue to let Marco suffer more under the effects of the moon's curse. Am I right again so far?".
The others nodded their heads, showing that Jackie was on track with her detailed summary on what was told so far.
She continued, "Star continues to use her magic to banish away the effects of the curse, leaving Marco to take it along with his own pain without being aware in any way on what she is really doing. Then we come to the Lava Beach scene, where Kelly overhears Tom talking with Lilacia. The both of them come to some agreement that has Star reverting slowly back to her old habits, including wanting to continue getting out of her responsibilities by letting Eclipsa take the crown while she continues to go off on these… adventures of hers. I believe that Thomas and Princess Pony Head made a pact where they would do anything in their power to make sure that Star would listen to them & use it to harm Marco through the curse of the Blood Moon. Right so far?".
The group nodded once more.
Jackie pushed on, "Time passes on with Marco being Star's squire, and soon Lilacia manages to convince Star to make him her Knight so to not 'lose' him to other princesses when she is still together with Tom. So Marco is made into something of a second-string, which amplifies the consequences of the moon which Star uses her magic to banish it so Marco takes it all. And the trio makes sure that Marco is kept in the dark about his popularity that is rising among all of Mewni, his confidence is low due to this and he clings more to Star. The princess still has no idea what she is doing to Marco, both with her magic & her own actions in always letting Tom be by her side while Marco watches it all. Said demon jerk and floating unicorn brat have continued to dish out the pain and humiliation to Marco for three years.".
Marco put in softly, his voice cracked from the intense emotions coursing through him, almost like he was ready to burst himself, "It makes sense. Pony Head doesn't like me at all since I'm a mere 'Earth turd' and that I was Star's… best friend back then. And Tom… I thought that we were becoming friends, even letting slide that Naysaya curse he put on me. But now…".
He honestly believed that he and Tom were becoming good buddies, even after the Naysaya incident which had him spilling a lot of secret insecurities to Jackie. The blonde remembered that scene well, still a bit peeved that the demon prince would do such a thing to his 'best friend'… when in reality, he was just humiliating Marco even more.
It brought up the image of a person hugging someone… but having a knife in hand ready to stab them in the back. To be aware of people who pretend to be your friend, when in reality they are against you in a lot of ways.
She finished, "And this kind of action continues for three years, with Star steadily now reverting back to her old ways of doing and thinking. She doesn't realize all of the pain she has put Marco through, which causes him to gradually deteriorate until he realizes what is happening & why. He manages to contact the Roman goddess Luna, get his affairs in order before having to call her down to be freed from the Blood Moon. All that has happened to him, including the times when Star used her magic to send the negative effects into Marco unknowingly, came in the form of a 20-foot tall sphere that he had to take & endure before becoming truly free. And the rest… is history. Is all on what I said correct?".
All of them nodded… until Kelly remembered something as her eyes suddenly widened.
The green-haired beauty from Amazonia put forth, "Umm… there is one more thing I just remembered now. Something happened last week and… well…". She was a bit nervous about saying what she saw & heard, especially now since the humans looked so volatile now.
Mrs. Diaz softly, but with an edge that could cut steel, "Dear, please. Tell us what you remembered now.". Kelly looked at Angie, and was reminded on what how her mother Xipil looked when a Mewnian noble tried to get fresh with her some years ago. The noble was caught trying to cop a feel of Kelly in a way that made her very uncomfortable… and the Amazonian Queen looked the same way as Angie did now.
Said noble was promptly beat down harshly and tossed out from the realm via portal, Xipil declaring that if he ever returned to Amazonian grounds… his life would be forfeit. Needless to say, the noble never came back again nor was he ever heard from again.
Coming back to reality, Kelly gulped and steeled herself. She answered, "Well… a week before Marco called on Luna, I ran into Star who took me over to her room that had several of her princess friends over… including Lilacia. She told me that she wanted to share the news with her best female friends… and it was this. That she and Tom were going to announce their engagement to be married. And… if memory serves me right… was going to be on the same day that Marco gets out of the hospital here.".
Now that sucked the air right out of the room. That Star Butterfly and Thomas Lucitor were going to be officially engaged as fiancé and fiancée!
Eclipsa commented softly in worry, "Oh dear… if they had done that earlier… the backlash.. oh my…". There was no more need for further words or explanation. Something like that, where the soul-bound would willingly marry another rather than the one he or she was bound to… the negative backlash effects would have been tremendous!
And considering what Star has been doing for years now, Marco would have taken it all… and more or less, would have killed him or crushed him completely.
Angie let out a deep breath, turned around and walked towards her cell phone which was still recording the entire thing. She touched the Stop button, closed the app and put her phone in her pocket. She turned and walked over to Eclipsa, the Mewnian royal one feeling the angry/protective waves coming from the Earth woman that was impressive.
She asked in the same tone as before, "Ms. Eclipsa… please take me to the castle. I want to have a few words with Star, Tom and Lilacia.".
Higgs went to her, wanting to calm the matriarch of the Diaz household as she felt that doing something rash against the royal families in the state she was in now was NOT a good idea. She put a hand on her shoulder and said, "Wait! Mrs. Diaz, just calm down and…".
Her voice froze in her throat the moment Angie cast her glare on her… her eyes showing a raging thunderstorm within them! A maelstrom of emotions showed within her eyes, the windows to the soul showing the intense emotions of motherly protection, anger and rage that only a caring/loving mother would have if their child had been hurt in any way. In fact, she flinched and had to take a step back from seeing the look on her face.
The female warrior knight of the Butterfly family had faced down various Monsters and beasts, all vicious and scary. But they didn't compare at all to Angie Diaz at this point!
The mother of Marco and Mariposa hissed, "Calm down? CALM DOWN?! Young lady, I am using whatever self-restraint I have to not yell at the moment in fear of scaring my daughter or any other occupant in this hospital! I want satisfaction and justice for what my son had to go through because of Star's neglect and foolishness in not seeing what was happening to her or to Marco! And I want that demon prince Thomas and that floating… floating… unicorn head to experience what happens when you mess with an enraged mother!". She wanted to say something very much stronger about Pony Head, but restrained herself due to her youngest child being in the room.
Also, many could not find fault in Angie's rage or logic towards Star Butterfly. Said blonde princess often never asked the right kind of questions or thought about anything else if it was not important. Well… to her at least. Star never wondered how Toffee knew of the original wand's weakness on how to destroy it, nor did she wonder why the clever Septarian's severed finger was in her transformed wand in the first place. And after remembering it, she would just file the memory somewhere where it would be quickly forgotten.
So it was little wonder why Star never questioned on why the negative feelings rose up within her every time she banished it, which was almost on a daily basis. Tom and Lilacia made sure to always give her an excuse so that she would never look more into it.
Rafael went to his wife, a serious look on his face. Only Marco, Jackie, Janna and even Mariposa had seen the look on his face when the situation was dire & he was not fooling around. He put his hands on his wife's shoulders, making her to turn and face him. Mr. Diaz spoke in an authorative tone, "Angie, please. You need to calm down. If you go off in a rage, you might do something that might hurt yourself. You might also hurt Marco too if you go back to that castle.".
Mrs. Diaz was still on fire, but the words from her husband managed to penetrate through her emotional haze. But even Rafael saw that it was not enough, so he continued, "If you go now over there and confront the three royals, they'll know where Marco is and most likely try to force him back to there. Do you think that he'll ever recover there? Do you think that he'll even have a chance there if they drag him back to that realm? And what if they use magic on him again like before?".
Hearing that Star and her two close friends would likely to kidnap Marco if they found out his location due to her showing up there forced her to calm down. Also more so if any of them tried to use magic on the injured lad, especially after all they had seen what kind of magic had been applied to Marco such as Monster Arm or the Naysaya curse.
Eclipsa went over to her, putting a gentle hand on Angie as she turned to look at her. Mr. Diaz did the same, his gaze on the gothic-wearing woman and wondering what she was about to do or say. The Queen of Darkness looked into the eyes of Mrs. Diaz and spoke softly but strongly, "Believe me when I say this, Angie Diaz of Earth. I know what it's like to be in a maternal rage… to be incensed when something happens to your child. And sadly unable to do anything about it. Trust me, I know…".
The others were confused on this, but not Marco. Only he was privy to Eclipsa's past, as the purple-clad mature beauty had trusted him enough to tell him all about herself prior to her crystal imprisonment.
She continued, "But I ask that you heed your husband and Lady Higgs, for they are right. Also, you forget that we have a trump card now to use against Star and her allies should they try anything against us.".
Angie looked perplexed, until it was Jackie that realized on what she was talking about. She whispered, "The cell phone! Of course, it's been recording everything this whole time!".
Eclipsa nodded and continued, "Indeed. I may not know about the… technology that is very much apparent in your world, but I have seen recordings of events thanks to magical means. And your device now holds a trump card that we can use now.".
Everyone now realized that the former ruler of Mewni in many years long past was correct! Something like this was akin to a scandal on a number of levels, and most likely would deliver a serious blow to Star, Tom and Lilacia! Not to mention their family's reputations in the process.
Marco called out softly, "Mom… Mom, look. Remember that Pirates of the Caribbean movie, with that Jack Sparrow pirate in it? Like he said... wait for the opportune moment. This… This is that moment.". Angie was surprised to hear her son make a reference to one of his favorite Disney films he saw as a kid, but realized that he was right in this.
To wait for the opportune moment… to be patient and wait. If Star or her cohorts tried something, they would be ready. The young man also said, "Also… please show Queen Moon. I still trust her… more than her daughter.".
Angie took a deep breath, her rage ebbing as she was calmed down by the group's words. She said, "Okay… I won't make a scene… unless they come here first. Then I'll show them true fear.". This was about as good as they were going to get with her. Jackie and Janna almost had to feel pity for Star, Tom and Lilacia… almost being the key word. When Angie was serious about protecting her children, they saw how she did it & it was not a pretty scene.
The mother of Mariposa and Marco stated firmly, "Also this… I will not cut Star any kind of slack or give her a break. She may not have knowingly caused pain to Marco by banishing the negative effects of that moon from herself with magic, but she never took the opportunity to look into it more. She also saw to it that Marco had low confidence with others & that his achievements were downplayed. And also that she lied about really loving him when it as more of a spur of the moment kind of thing, and in the process got back with her ex. And finally, she just kept my son around as a mere back-up just in case something did not go her way between her and that demon prince. As far as I am concerned, that blonde brat is as guilty as Thomas and that Pony Head girl.".
The others nodded their heads, including Marco. Star… she had a lot of potential and promise, but sadly had wasted so much of it thanks to her companions… and also to herself. She focused more on adventures, living life carefree and not having much interest in politics, diplomacy, honor or duty. The blonde princess wanted to focus more on her 'individuality' and self rather than focus on what could be done to improve others that depended on her.
A yawn escaped from the lips of Mariposa, making the adults look to her as she looked quite sleepy. Rafael looked to his watch and said, "Oh my, it's already 1:00 p.m. Mariposa is a bit overdue for her afternoon nap.".
Eclipsa spoke, "I can take her with me back to the house and tuck her into bed in her room.".
Janna cut in, "No, better let me do it. Mariposa has a specific way to be tucked in, and also I know what to put on for her so she could get a restful sleep.". The Mewnian royal woman nodded, saying that it was acceptable but she would like to learn on what to do should Janna be unavailable to be with Marco's sister.
Mr. Diaz walked to his son and daughter, taking a drowsy Mariposa in his strong arms. The child looked really ready to enter into slumberland, her eyes fluttering a little until they closed and her breathing was soft and steady. He deposited his precious treasure into the arms of the dedicated babysitter Janna, than spoke softly to them as to not wake Mariposa.
He said, "You two, stay with her for now. I believe all of us are going to be here awhile to help my son.".
It didn't take a genius to see what he meant by that. Marco was trembling slightly, his emotions still running strong as everything seemed to come together. On how he endured such physical & emotional pain from Star's solution to the negative effects of the Blood Moon, how he now saw in full how he was played by someone he considered a friend despite what said being did to him in the past & also how his ex-best friend and Star's floating BFF had done so many things to him thanks to the knowledge they had concerning the damned red moon just so they could inflict all kinds of pain on his being.
It had been revealed raw in all its forms, so Marco was in dire need of emotional and spiritual support at the moment.
Janna and Eclipsa wanted to be among the ones to soothe their crush, and it was shown in their eyes and posture. However, the two ladies knew that Marco would want his sister to be taken care of & looked after. Janna looked to Rafael and remarked, "You can count on us, Mr. Diaz. Just… Just help Marco however you can. He didn't deserve what's been given to him for three years by those… those…". Again, she REALLY wanted to say an extremely strong word that described Star, Tom and Lilacia. But didn't want to wake up Mariposa with a cuss word.
Rafael nodded solemnly and answered, "I know… I know, my dear. He is tough, a Diaz after all. But even the strongest need help or else they'll crumble.".
Eclipsa nodded and remarked, "On that I agree with you, sir. We'll be back later once all of you return back to the household.". She formed a portal with her own magic, a swirling vortex of black-purple appearing in a shadowed corner of the room. The Mewnian woman took point, leading Janna through with a sleeping Mariposa secure in her arms.
~At the Diaz home~
The lights were off, only the sunlight entering through the windows. A portal of black & purple swirling energy erupted in the living room, Eclipsa and Janna stepping forth from said portal before it vanished. The Earthling let out a small shudder, as traveling through that kind of magical transportation was new to her. It was like stepping briefly into a very cold air conditioned area before emerging to the other side, Mariposa shivering a little as well as she clung a little tighter to her favorite babysitter.
Eclipsa saw this and whispered, "Sorry. My form of travel affects beings differently.". Janna replied that it was no problem, the heat from the room warming her and Mariposa quick enough so that the shuddering sensation passed quickly.
The duo went up the stairs to the 1st floor, going to the little treasure's bedroom. When they got there, Janna opened the door with one hand as to keep the little lady in her arms balanced. Eclipsa got a good look at the room, and was surprised on the kind of room that was set up for Marco's little sister.
The room's walls were cream-colored with various stickers and posters on said areas. On the far right side that held a small flat screen TV with a DVD/VHS combo set underneath the TV & atop a pink dresser were posters that showed images of women that she did not recognize, with beasts of such shape and size that it took her by complete surprise since she had never seen the like. What she was seeing were the movie posters that held the pictures of various Disney characters with their bonded giant monsters from the Toho universe. They were posters that showcased the Monsters and Magic movie series!
One featured the first movie Monsters and Magic, the other the sequel known as Monsters and Magic: Divide and Unite, the final one called Monsters and Magic: Burning Finale & the TV movie special that truly ended the series on a high note was Monsters and Magic Special: Sofia's Imagination!
She looked to the right side of the wall that held the doorway & closet, seeing stickers that featured various Disney characters such as the Queen Ariel, Queen Aurora, King Eric, King Philip and so forth. It also featured the children of said characters who had the title of Disney Prince/Princess such as Princess Melody, Prince Mainard, Princess Tracy and so on.
The closet had a painted on insignia that puzzled Eclipsa greatly. It looked to be a circle with round ears & strange symbols that she had not seen anywhere in Mewni. What she was seeing was the insignia of the Monsters and Magic series, which was a combination of Mickey Mouse's ears with the Toho kanji symbols within the large main circle.
She looked to her left to see another wall that had sticker-pictures of various Toho monsters; from the very beginning such as 1954 film Godzilla: King of the Monsters all the way to the 2019 version of movie that held the same title. Eclipsa was very much intrigued at seeing beasts that looked so fearsome and unique.
In front of her was a four-poster bed with a Twin-sized mattress. The headboard that was near the wall had the insignia of a golden, thin-metal crown on it. The covers had a picture on it that was exactly like the poster that had the first Monsters and Magic movie on it. Janna moved the covers quietly back, gently depositing the sleeping Mariposa in it and made sure her head hit the pillow that had a cover that featured Sofia the First with Heisei-era Godzilla.
Janna than went to a record player that was on a small dresser beside the bed and flipped it on, music flowing through the speakers on the suitcase-sized box. She had just turned on the record that had the music that came from the first Disney/Toho movie, which included certain songs from Toho movies such as Mother's Song and Godzilla's Medley. It was played at soft volume so that it would act as a lullaby for the little one.
The Queen of Darkness stepped more into the room, looking down and about to see various toys of different shape and sizes scattered about. Chief among them was that almost all of them featured the characters from the Disney/Toho crossover movies. Janna turned to see the confused look on Eclipsa's face, chuckling softly as she found her bewildered look quite humorous. She quietly explained, "Mariposa is a huge fan of the movie trilogy series called Monsters and Magic, which is a crossover between two large companies. And don't worry, I'll explain more of it to you later.".
Eclipsa nodded, now very intrigued on the movie series. The duo looked down to see Mariposa now cuddling with an Anguirus plushie that had been near her, the little one whispering, "Big brother… be okay…".
The ladies were touched that the little sleeping angel was like them, very concerned about Marco as well. Janna sat on the edge of the bed, reaching out to caress the top of the little Diaz girl gently. Eclipsa looked on, remembering the very last time she had done the same thing to her beloved Meteora long ago when she was a mere baby sleeping in her crib.
She was brought back to reality quickly when she saw Janna reach over and get one of the plushies that adorned the bed of Mariposa. The one she was clutching onto now was Biollante, the half-sister of Godzilla. The Earth girl looked at the plushie for a moment, then looked to her friend/rival with a firm look on her face. She spoke quietly as to not wake Mariposa up, "Eclipsa… thanks for calming Angie down. And also me as well. I… I don't blame her for wanting to go back to that world and lay into Star and her friends. Heck, I would have joined her! So… thanks for talking sense not just to her, but to me as well.".
The curvy mature beauty put a hand on the young woman's left shoulder and replied, "You are welcome, young Janna. And thanks for being honest with me. And… I was serious on what I said earlier. The kind of information we have now… it will put the Butterflies, Lucitors and Pony Heads in such a spotlight that very few will ignore it. We must make sure that if Star and her friends take action against us, that we have the trump card still to counter whatever they throw at us or Marco.".
Janna stated, "I hope so. And when everyone comes back from the hospital… I want to see what I can do to cheer Marco up. And I bet you want to as well.".
The Mewnian royal one nodded and remarked, "Indeed. Until then, we shall watch over Mariposa and take care of her when she wakes up. Now… how about you tell me more about this Monsters and Magic thing? I am a bit surprised that a child as young as Mariposa likes to see such fearsome creatures. What are they anyway?".
The Earth girl grinned, starting to explain the separate companies first off starting with Disney.
~In Mewni~
While the two were watching over Marco's sister, with said person's brother getting some much needed consoling from his family and friends in the hospital, things were happening inside the Butterfly Castle and the grounds that belonged to said royal family. Outside, King Khan was doing some light exercises to get himself ready for his upcoming match against Queen Moon that was going to start in just thirty minutes. He did some stretches to get his muscles & limbs ready and flexible, doing some light slash techniques to make sure that both paws & claws were all set, and more. His beloved Queen Aikaterina was watching, wanting to make show support to her other half.
Queen Moon was in her chambers with King River, dressed in suitable combat wear while doing some light exercises herself. The moment of reprieve she had gained when the Acacius family arrived & the meeting between them and the rest of the invited royal guests made it possible to be at 100 percent. Normally, she would have been winded after the sparring session with Star, but again was given a breather for some hours that had her in peak condition now for the upcoming bout.
Queen Seres was talking with King Justus and Queen Isadora, catching up with her two fellow royal friends. The trio was underneath a large tree that gave them shade from the sun, talking on this and that.
Prince Loukianos & his sister Princess Lysimache were talking with Princess Penelope as they walked among the Castle Garden, the children of the royal Tiger clan asking about how Sir Marco the Mighty helped the Acacius princess reclaim her true family name & getting rid of the spider bite affliction that had cursed her family for generations.
The prince put in, "So Sir Marco really went back to his home realm, made the strange concoction that was a home remedy according to him & that is what made that terrible bite affliction vanish?".
Penelope smiled warmly as she recalled the time when the young man from the planet Earth had done something that no Mewnian medicine or spell did. She answered, "Yes. And he showed his nobility by using his request that I become the true princess I was meant to be. For myself as well as my people and land. He could have asked for anything at all from my family… but that is all he wanted.".
The female Tiger princess sighed with a smile and said, "It seems that you and me are in the same boat, along with other princesses in the land. That we all have a crush on Sir Marco the Mighty.". The tigress explained on how she had heard of the exploits of the martial artist from Earth, on how he used hand-to-hand combat techniques to subdue enemies & how he managed to negotiate the treaties between Monsters and Mewnians. Of course, some tried to gloss over this fact by trying to put Star in the spotlight since Marco was dubbed 'a mere Knight from a backwater world'.
Of course, those with sense or had witnessed the events first-hand wrote the false propaganda off easily.
Princess Lysimache continued, "Sir Marco is honorable, surprisingly strong for his size, skilled in areas of combat that are unlike the normal knights of Mewni… and he has a certain quality, a flair that only he possesses.".
Her brother commented, "Many boys and young men, like myself, look up to his deeds and actions. He is a role model for us; for those who are in the lowest levels of society to rise up like he did since he comes from a place that does not have magic, and for others who simply want to be cool like him.".
The young Acacius princess nodded and said, "Indeed. But for us girls, it was frustrating on how Star had such a man like him under her banner as a Knight where we couldn't pursue him. And also puzzling on how she had someone like Prince Tom who is nowhere near as brave or noble like the Diaz man.". Indeed, many ladies of royal blood or no were perplexed on how Star could choose someone like Thomas Lucitor over someone like Marco Diaz.
The daughter of King Khan spoke, "But now that Marco is no longer bound by Star but by her mother Queen Moon… this means he's now fair game! And after hearing what that blonde girl pulled, I'm sure that Sir Marco would want someone to comfort him…". She purred a little, imagining herself comforting the young Earth man. And her imagination was rated somewhere between the PG-13 and R-rated section!
Penelope frowned a little, seeing that indeed she had some competition. Princess Lysimache was a real beauty as an anthro, getting most of the looks from her mother. However, the brown-haired beauty was still quite confident in herself that she would be the one to capture both Sir Marco the Mighty's heart and soul as well as his body.
The trio walked on and Prince Loukianos was about to say something… when they heard some familiar voices coming from behind the large hedge they were walking beside. The prince and princesses stopped walking, leaning their heads and tuning their ears to listen more clearly.
They heard the voices of Princess Patty Arms and Princess Star Butterfly!
The daughter of Seres and Alarico put in, "Oh Star, this is something! What I heard today… this has to be the juiciest kind of news that I can't wait to tell to everyone!". While her body may have changed, not her mind or habits apparently.
Star shook her head rapidly and pleaded, "No, no, no! Please Pats, you GOT to keep this to yourself! I'm already in hot water with my parents, and I don't need to be in any more! Please, don't tell anyone on this!". Star was afraid on the repercussions the news would have if the populace learned on her involvement in taking lightly a legend such as the Blood Moon, not to mention on what would happen if other women/girls learned that Marco was now available now that he was not her Knight anymore.
Patty smiled and answered, "Okay, okay. If it means that much to you, I won't tell the world.". Behind her back, her lower left arm was hidden behind her back with her fingers crossed. Sure, she would not tell the general population on what occurred… but she would spill at the next party that would be coming up soon in four days. She just had to tell her fellow princesses on the details!
Not to mention plan something of her own. Now that Sir Marco was available on the market, she wanted to see if she could lure the Earth boy to her. In her view, Marco was a 'simple boy from a backwards world' and was more of a trophy to show off. He had a very nice body to her, and wanted to show him off rather than really get to know him. Also to see if she could get him more back into her princess persona more since she viewed Turdina as more effective than regular Marco.
Star looked very relived and grateful that her friend would honor her wishes… she hoped. Patty inquired, "By the way, do you still plan to tell your folks all about you and Tom's engagement? I still can't believe that a little over a week ago, you called us over for a secret get together to tell me and the others about this!".
This had the eavesdroppers become VERY interested now in what was being said. Apparently, Star had called her friends & some of her fellow princesses for a secret gathering. Her friends had used various excuses to their folks to tell them on where they were going, being careful not to say they were meeting Star. The blonde princess had been specific to the others in not to reveal where they were truly going. Star had stumbled into Kelly when the Amazonian was at the castle to deliver a report to the royals from her parents on something interesting that occurred in her native land.
Star still considered Kelly one of her best female friends, and thus the Amazonian was allowed in and was told on what Star wanted to tell them. The thrill-seeking Butterfly princess had told them about the decision Thomas and herself made to get engaged, which had most of them clamoring in delight. The only one that was very much stunned by the news was Kelly. Star told them that they would announce their engagement to each other at a later date, but she wanted it to be a complete surprise to their parents. For now, they were the only ones privy to the knowledge and all promised to keep it quiet. Kelly didn't, due to being shocked that Star was to be engaged to the demon prince of the Underworld. They just took her stunned silence as an agreement.
Back to the present, Star answered, "I'm not too sure now, Patty. With me, Tom and Lilacia now in deep trouble with our folks and all of this training they have started to put on us… I really don't know if it'll still take place. I need to go and ask Tom about it… IF I can get a hold of him.". She could only hope that nothing else would rise up that would put more pressure on her & her friends. Or get them into even deeper trouble, if it was possible.
Patty remarked, "I see what you mean. All this training and such to be a 'proper princess'… bleh! The only kind of training I like from my mom is weapons training! I fool her into thinking I get the other stuff down like etiquette, diplomacy and all that other royal stuff down. When in reality it just goes one ear, out the other since I don't care for that kind of stuff.".
Star nodded, wanting to do anything else other than the 'torturous' training her parents were putting her through. The physical stuff she could handle well, but not the mental stuff that involved politics, etiquette and anything non-magical such as learning spells. But even if she could learn new spells, she could not practice them due to her wand being taken. Not to mention said device deeming her not worthy to wield it.
The four-armed princess pat her friend's back in sympathy and said, "Say, don't worry Star. Something will happen that will get you out of this mess and back on schedule with your demon beau. For now, tell me what's been going on since last we met?".
As they started to converse, they did not hear the royal tiger siblings or the Acacius successor slowly & quietly leaving the area.
Once the trio were a good distance away from the chatting princesses, they came to realize that Star had been keeping quite a secret from her folks. Not to mention Thomas doing the same to his folks. And hearing that Patty was fooling her own mother was also a bit of news to hear. Prince Loukianos softly spoke, "We have to tell this to Queen Moon. She and the others need to know about this.".
Princess Penelope racked her brain a little before stating, "Yes, we need to. But not now. She already has enough on her plate concerning the alliance at this moment. Let's wait until after the match, then we'll go from there depending on the outcome.". The two members of the royal Tiger clan thought on this, saw the wisdom in her words and accepted the suggestion.
Princess Lysimache put in, "One thing is for sure. I really want to make sure that the Lucitor & Pony Head family also know of this. I don't want their heirs to get off from this, as they are much to be blamed for what has occurred as Star.". Her brother and Penelope agreed on that statement, as they wanted Thomas and Lilacia to be punished for their transgressions against Marco & for pulling such a stunt such as secret engagements.
Things were heating up now, in both Mewni and at Echo Creek!
(Author's Notes: And… cut! That is it for this chapter! I hope you all like the drama that was shown here. I wanted to get this out of the way before the intense action takes place in the next chapter.
Now before I say or do anything else, I want to give praise and thanks to God once more. Thank you Lord for guiding my hand when writing this chapter, for helping me in getting everything cleared up as best I could! Thank you Jesus for also helping me in real life, as I hope to do my best for you! Thank you God for the patient readers and reviewers! Just thank you for everything!
I had to go back to certain parts of my story here, and also look up certain episodes of the series as well to make sure that everything was lined up properly & cleared up as well. And also to showcase that Jackie is so much more than just a beautiful face. In fact, I want to show to all that the girls that will be by Marco's side during his trip around the world are much more than was shown in the cannon series.
The complete story on why Marco endured so much in his three years in Mewni is shown, and it's going to get more intense when Queen Moon adds in what she just discovered about her daughter & her friends. Combine that with the secret engagement that Star and Tom were going to announce… oh, this is going to be a dramatic storm that will sweep in for both the kingdoms of Mewni and the residents of Echo Creek from Earth!
In the next chapter, it's all action as Queen Moon goes up against King Khan! And while both sides will show some serious ferocious fighting spirit, the blue-haired mature beauty will showcase something that she learned from Marco that will be the deciding factor in the match! In addition, the villains will also show up as well! I do not want to leave the antagonists out in the cold, so you'll see more of Meteora and her group in the next chapter!
Also, again I am shamelessly promoting my Disney/Toho series here like this such as how Mariposa's room is like. I got the inspiration for it when I remembered my niece Lily's room, which is decorated with Disney characters all around. And also when I remembered how much I loved Godzilla as a kid myself, so I combined the memories to make the room. Also, to see what the first poster looks like, look to the cover image that is on my two House of Mouse/Toho music video awards special. It is the drawing that my friend Neshma from Puerto Rico made long ago for me.
If any of you wish to make drawings that are like movie posters for my remaining three novels Monsters and Magic: Divide and Unite, Monsters and Magic: Burning Finale and/or Monsters and Magic Special: Sofia's Imagination, be my guest! If you know someone who is artistically talented, see if you can ask them to do this. Any kind of promotion of my Disney/Toho works in any way is very much appreciated.
And now for the questions! Ahem…
What do you think of the puzzle pieces that were put together by the others in Marco's hospital room? And also on Jackie's deduction skill that allowed her to put everything into proper place, order and perspective?
What would your reaction be at hearing that Star and Tom had been planning to announce their engagement together? And what do you believe would have happened if Marco had stayed in Mewni, still bound by the Blood Moon, and heard said engagement?
What do you think of Angie's reaction after hearing all of what was done to her son? And what did you think of how Mr. Diaz and Eclipsa did to calm her down?
If you were with Janna and Eclipsa, how would you explain Disney and Toho to the Queen of Darkness? And in your opinion, which Toho monster would be a good bonded partner/friend to the six ladies vying for Marco's heart?
And finally this: If you were with the others eavesdropping on the conversation between Patty and Star, what would be going through your mind? And how would you try to deliver the news to Queen Moon?
Here is an optional bonus question: What do you think would have happened if Angie HAD confronted the parents of Tom and Lilacia?
R&R, no flames, enjoy and leave LONG reviews!)