Behind the tree Star gave Marco a loving hug. Marco smiled as she squeezed her body onto his.
"We at least have each other." Marco said as he put his arm around Star.
"Yeah." Whispered Star as they both were slumped behind the tree.
"Your parents must be worried about you." Suggested Marco
"They probably don't even know what's going on right now. They'll find out in a few days though." Star said with a frown.
Marco nodded his head and faced Star.
"You know Star, things are going to be okay. My uncle is a great guy, I'm sure once we get there, he'll know a place to fix my eyes up." said Marco.
"Or if my wand would work, you'd have your vision back." Blurted Star.
" It's odd that something that powerful is disabled. I mean, nuclear bombs emit a lot of energy but I would think your wand would trump that."
"Eh, you learn by experience, am I right?" Star said while laughing.
"Yeah, like our friendship." Marco faintly proclaimed while facing the ground.
"You sound hungry! We have some beannns!" gleamed Star, noticeably trying to change the subject.
Star gathered some branches and dry grass around the vicinity and lit a match that was already in the backpack. Even though it was supposed to be a moderately warm California summer, the wind crept up on the two as if it was winter. The chill so extreme, and the sky so grey, making the fire Star lit the only beacon of ironic hope for miles around. Star placed the can of beans on the fire and placed her two icy hands near the fire.
"Marco, aren't you cold?" asked Star.
Marco paused for ten seconds until letting out a response. "Yeah."
Star steered both of Marco's hands near the fire.
"You feeling better?" asked Star.
"I-I don't know Star, I don't think I'll ever get my vision back." muttered Marco.
"Don't worry about it Marco. Once my wand starts working again, your vision will be restored!" Star assured Marco.
An odd sense of doubt erupted inside of Marco.
"Nothing is going to be the same, the world as we knew it died back at the house Star. I don't think your parents could do anything about it." said Marco somberly
"What are you talking about Marco, they'll surely arrive once they know something is up." said Star confidently.
"It's not that, I don't even think they could come to Earth in the first place."
"What do you mean?"
"I think the radiation is keeping your Mewni magic from working."
Star looked down at her wand and back to Marco.
"Hmmmm. I think you're right. We'll just have to wait till' it clears up then!" cheered Star.
"You don't understand Star, this stuff hangs around for a long time. It just doesn't go away"
"It's alright Marco, you said maybe your uncle knows a place to fix your eyes?" said Star.
"Yeah, I think so. I remember his wife was a doctor or something."
The can of beans started to boil, signaling Star that their lunch was ready. Star grabbed two large branches and seized the can from the astonishing fire.
"Star can you tell me what the sky looks like today?" asked Marco.
"Well, it's grey, like it's about to rain or something."
Star waited for the can of beans to cool, and pulled a metal spoon out of the backpack. It was badly beaten up, however, it was the only civilized utensil she possessed. She plunged the spoon into the can, scooping a handsome serving of the baked beans and offered it to Marco.
"Open up Marco, you haven't had anything to eat in a while." said Star while the spoonful of beans hovered around his mouth.
Marco silently opened up and took the beans in.
"How is it?" questioned Star.
"It tastes like beans." Marco remarked.
Star lightly nudged Marco's shoulder and smiled.
The two shared the meal, with Star rationing more off to Marco. Marco took a nap as Star looked through the inventory they had for the trip.
"Huh, three cans of beans, a can of peaches, two canteens, and a box of matches, a map, and a few other things." Star thought to herself.
The sun was setting, not realizing that they'd been resting for over an hour. Star woke Marco up as he let out a gasp of air.
"Hey Marco, it's time to go." said Star.
"Alright." agreed Marco.
As the two continued, the foliage and vegetation started to thin out. Everything has become more visible, including a burning truck in the distance.
"Hey Marco, there is a burning truck out there, can we go check it out?" asked Star.
"Is it still on the path?" said Marco.
"Yeah."
"Well, just be careful okay?" requested Marco as he placed a hand behind his head.
The ball of fire became brighter and brighter as Star and Marco came closer to the mesmerizing scene. The heat making both of their bodies uneasy and the smoke interfering with their sense of smell. Reaching the scene, Star abruptly paused, causing Marco to bump into her.
"What is it Star." asked Marco restlessly.
"I-it's…" paused Star.
"What is it you have to tell me." demanded Marco.
"They're dead." said Star solemnly.
"Who's dead?" Marco asked.
"All of them."
"How many?"
"All of them…"
Sixteen bodies were lined up and shot, Star witnessing the fresh aftermath if the carnage. The smoldering shell was indeed a bus, a school bus. The driver was left slumped over the wheel of the bus, shot through the window and in the head. Young children were left execution style on the side of the bus, each with unrecognizable faces. Star got on her knees and covered her eyes and lost it
"MARCO! THESE ARE CHILDREN!" she cried out.
"Oh… God…" Marco said as he realized what was going on.
Star started to cry as the stench of fresh blood reached Marco's nose. Marco plopped down and placed his hand on Star.
"You see Star? When people have nothing to lose they do desperate things." Marco explained reinforcing his earlier statement.
Star still sobbing muttered, "I-I just want everything to go back to normal. I want to go back to school! I want to eat nachos with you! I want to enjoy your parents company!-"
Star was cut off by Marco, "Star, listen to me, everything changed the day I saw the light, and it's never going to be the same. The least we could do is continue on and fight as long as we can… together." proclaimed Marco
"I-I can't-"
Star was again cut off by Marco, "Look, let's get through this. Get yourself together Star, put your chin up and lets go." said Marco.
Marco stood up and extended his hand out to Star.