Chapter 2

Castle Break

Star was never used to waking up extremely early in the morning. When the loud alarm tune started playing, it sounded so distant, as if it was coming from another dimension. With a half-opened eye and no idea what was happening, she grabbed the source of her annoyance from a nearby drawer. The wand was sending a chiptune-like music across the room, complemented with wide range of changing colors. In the darkness Star's room looked like a mini version of The Bounce Lounge.

Finally fully awakened, Star realized that her alarm was about to wake up half the castle. She tried to silence the wand by shaking it. Nothing was happening. A dumb idea came to mind, but in her panicked brain it sounded brilliant. With a swift swing Star send the magical artifact flying across the room, leaving a crack on a wall. Darkness and silence dominated once again. Star sighed from relieve. The dumb idea had worked. Then a terrible realization came, followed by a quiet "On no". Afraid that the wand had broken, she checked it for scratches, cracks, and under the hood. Everything seemed fine, but Star needed to be sure, so she made a quick Narwhal Blast test. Another dumb idea.

A sneak peek outside her room confirmed that nobody had heard the commotion. Star got back inside and started preparing for the day ahead. Ten minutes later she left her room, wearing a dark green hoodie and a half-filled backpack. By Earth time it was around five in the morning.

There were no guards around. Worried that castle Butterfly was underprepared for a full blown war, King River had called almost everybody to gear up for battle. Nobody expected a whole monster army with magical weapons and who knows what else. When Toffee fought Moon twenty years ago, he had brought barely a hundred monsters with some basic arms.

The prison cells were also unguarded. If a prisoner did somehow escape from there, he still would be in deep trouble. The path to freedom had two major obstacles. First, there was a small army of mewman warriors, archers and mages, all armed to the teeth. Second, a barrier so powerful that nobody could pass through it was put around the castle. Theoretically Buff Frog could never escape without help from inside. And that is exactly what Star was about to do.

She stopped at the only prisoner's cell, illuminating it with the wand.

- Hey, are you ready?

- I am, Star girl. But I want to know something first.

Star was searching through her backpack.

- Sure, sure. Just ask.

- My babies. Are they OK?

- Yeah, my room wasn't the best place for them, so I left them with the maids. They're pretty good at taking care of children.

- But when king finds out we left castle, he...

- I also warned them that if anything happens to the babies, under my tapestry will say "Star Butterfly, slayer of maids" and... Oh, come on! - she set arms on her waist.

- Something wrong?

- I forgot to bring my jail breaking tools. Oh well - with both hands Star pointed her wand at the cell. - I guess we're doing this the loud way.

A ping light was shining from the star shaped crystal. It was getting brighter by the second. Buff Frog raised hand in protest.

- There is no need for wand.

He grabbed two bar rolls and bend them like a piece of paper. Star was stunned.

- Uh, you could do that?

- Yes, why? Can mewmans not break sticks?

- That's not sticks...

With one leg at a time Buff Frog squeezed through the improvised hole. Star snapped out from her amazement and continued:

- Now then. As you know there is a barrier around the castle. When somebody has to pass through, the mages at the gate creates an entrance. We need to make them do that for us.

-You are princess and I am monster. How are we going to-

- Radiant Shadow Transform!

Star remembered that was the spell she used on Marco to sneak together in St. Olga's. She also remembered it working correctly on the first try. Unlike now.

Buff Frog's bald head was hidden under a high silver wig with two rolls coming down in front of his ears. For clothes he had a long sky blue dress, high heel boots, and a pair of gloves. He was also wearing lipstick and two purple diamonds on his cheeks. Star's eyes flooded with tears from repressed laughter.

- This was not what I had in mind.

The Princess wondered for a moment if they could actually get away with Buff Frog posing as her mother. Even with a good excuse to why Moon was back, it was never going to work. So she zapped him again with the same spell.

Now the toad man had a long blonde beard, silky blue uniform of a royalty and a golden crown. Just like the King of Mewnie.

- You must be joking - Buff Frog simply stated.

- No, no. It's perfect. You will be my father and I will be me. You can order to let us out of the castle, and through the barrier.

- But skin is still green!

- That's why we will leave while it is still dark. Don't worry about it.

Star grabbed her backpack and faced Buff Frog.

- Come on! Are we doing this, or what?

It was still too early to have anybody walking around. Still Star preferred to minimize their chances of being caught. Her younger self had done some serious pranks and got caught after. While Mood did disapprove of such behavior, River always took their daughter's jokes with light heart. But sneaking a prisoner, who also happened to be a monster, was something on a completely different level. Of course, eventually the King will find out what Star was up to. She hoped that saving the citizens of Mewnie would justify a lesser punishment.

Unfamiliar footsteps were coming from behind a corner, just a couple of meters from Star and Buff Frog. She pushed back the monster and tried to walk away with steps neither silent, nor slow. A young man with a short blonde hair appeared from the corner. Star froze, waiting for the yell that would wake the whole castle up. Instead the newcomer greeted them with a smile.

- Uncle River! Just the man I was looking for. Oh. Hello, Star.

- Hi...?

He came closer and Star recognized him. It was Tray, one of her father's nephews. He was around twenty, well dressed and a bit of a monster hater. Tray was helping with the strategy for defending the castle.

- I have some ideas where we can reinforce our positions so we can...

It was working. The disguise was fooling him. If it wasn't for the dicey situation, Star would be jumping out of joy. But the clock was ticking and they needed to leave the castle before sunrise.

- ... so shall we discuss it?

Buff Frog wasn't saying anything. He was going to blow their cover.

- Say something - Star muttered through clenched teeth.

The toad man's eyes jumped around as if he was searching for something.

- Can't do. Me and Star girl are going... troop inspection.

- Great! I will join you on the way there. We can go over my idea for where are the best places for the archers.

- No need. I approve your plan. You go around and do whatever you want to.

- Really? - Tray's eyes widened. - Thank you so much, uncle! I'll get right on with it, after some sleep. I was up all night figuring out the fine details. You better do the same thing, uncle. You look horrible.

Tray left for the guests' quarters. His last words had pierced Buff Frog's thick green skin.

Actually Star was impressed how well he handled the role of a king. The mages at the gate were also fooled. After Buff Frog gave them some semi-rational explanation related to the castle's defense, he and Star were outside and free. Either the monster was good at persuading others, or people were too stressed to see through his disguise. Whatever it was, Buff Frog had earned a praise from his companion.

XXX

Through a blue whirling rift Star arrived at the city outskirts. Buff Frog followed her and closed the portal. Good thing the toad man had his own scissors from back when he worked for Ludo. How did he acquired them was a question Star would ask him after they're back in the castle. Before entering the city Buff Frog had to change his outfit again. Star zapped him with the same spell as before, dressing him in a full mewman soldier armor. The spell worked right from the first time and for some reason Star did not expect it. She put her green hood overhead and stepped out from the shadows.

The sun was peeking from a wall of mountains, trying to illuminate the city and its surroundings. With the help of street lamps with bright crystals inside, the whole picture was cleared. People were flowing through the streets, joining at junctions to create massive crowds. Too many shouts and cries were making hearing your own thoughts a hard task. At the center of a one huge crowd two people were standing on a dried up fountain. From their silver armor Star recognized the soldiers her father sent. She tried to move through the masses and reach them, but the flow was not in the same direction and nobody was letting her pass through.

Then, like a real knight in shining armor, Buff Frog stepped in and started drilling a path. Most people would stop pushing just from looking at the big metal man standing in front of them. Some were not so bright and Buff Frog had to toss them away. None of the soldiers noticed anything until Star climbed on the fountain.

- Hey! You shouldn't be here... Princess Star!

To avoid yelling at each other just to be heard, the soldier lowered his head right next to her.

- What in the world are you doing here?

- My father sent me and this fine warrior to help with the evacuation.

The man was not buying it and his face did not hide this fact. Fortunately, Star did not need to convince him further.

- We need all the help we can get. The situation could be better - he raised his hand and pointed south. - There are only two exits where is safe for people to leave. We use whatever horses and wagons are available to send them away with supplies. But people are having difficulty with cooperation.

He and Star looked at the crowd below. One man with no hair tried to push his way through. The other soldier yelled at him.

- People are both scared and pissed. Sometimes emotions gets the better of them. It would be very helpful if we can lower the tension - he looked back at her. - Can you help with that?

- I can.

Star stepped forward. One hand raised her wand above her, while the other lowered her hood. A bunch of heart and star shaped fireworks flew from the magical relic, exploding above the city. Now Star though that it was more likely people will freak out, then get their attention. An "ops" passed through her mind.

The crowd around her had stopped moving. Only people from way back were coming closer to see what was going on. Like a water ripple from a raindrop, her name started spreading across the crowd. She could feel everybody focusing their attention on her. Showtime.

- Citizens of Mewnie. I am Star Butterfly, your princess and future queen. And I am here to tell you something. In this time of crisis you're not alone. The royal family will always look after you. But you must allow us to help us.

For a brief moment she looked away at the horizon. The next part was not an easy one.

- A dangerous enemy is on its way. In a few days a battle between monsters and mewmans will take place here. A real battle, nothing like the ones from fairy tales. Protecting the citizens of Mewnie is just as important as protecting the castle itself. Let us help you, and we will celebrate out victory together!

After a brief moment of silence the mass started moving again. The uproar was gone, nobody was trying to push others away.

- You sure are something, Princess - the soldier praised and joined his colleagues in managing the crowd.

XXX

Having a royal blood in your veins doesn't necessary mean you are going to be a great leader, despite being told so. As for Star, she didn't have any real occasion to practice leadership skills. This was her first taste of having somebody depending on you. And it was leaving a real sense of satisfaction. Partly because Star was good at spotting problems and resolving them with purest intentions. Partly because helping others was filling her heart with a comfortable warmth.

Most of the issues Star had to resolve were a bit foreign to her. A man tried to charge others for getting them close to the city exits. Another one demanded to have a separate wagon only for him and all his belongings. Two young women started fighting over who pushed who in the mud. And a bunch of other nonsense. Where Star's bright smile and tactical humor didn't helped, Buff Frog had to land a punch or five.

The sun had reach its peak, indicating that noon time was close. The massive crowd had thinned out a bit, turning it into a regular crowd. Star, guarded by Buff Frog, was standing on the dead fountain and watched for trouble makers. Before she left for Earth, Star had never spend so much time at once around the citizens of Mewnie. Most of her childhood was spent inside the caste, on trips and camps, or out of this world. Being a daughter of the Queen had kept her distant from the actual people she will rule over someday. Then how could they trust Star Butterfly? The only real occasion they got to know who she is was on Song Day. What a disaster that was, but a very "Star Butterfly" disaster none the less. And now the citizens of Mewnie were getting another chance to know their future queen.

After the encouraging speech, Star's presence was working like a spell. Whenever she was, most people would forget their personal problems, follow established order and help others. In a very dangerous situation, she was burning away the fear and bringing hope. A real shooting star in the night.

For the last half minute somebody was gently pulling Star's dress. A little girl, around six years old, was trying to get her attention. The Princess crouched before her and started with a gentle word:

- Hey there, little girl. What's your name?

Strawberry colors spread all over the young lady's face.

- Felcia.

- So cute. How can I help you, Felcia?

- My... my parents. They don't want to leave.

- Well, why do you think that?

- They say that here is our home, our life - her eyes were getting watery. - I don't understand and everybody is leaving, so... so...

A family who had their whole life here and did not want to abandon it. Star could relate. She grabbed the girl by her tiny hands and smiled.

- Let's go find mommy and daddy.

It took fifteen minutes to reach Felcia's house, which would have been less if it wasn't for the crowds they had to cross over. Still holding the girl, Star raised a fist to knock on the door. She got interrupted by cold metal hand grabbing her by the shoulder. It was Buff Frog, and by his look Star pictured what had happened with him. The toad man had a nice quick snooze, then the Princess had disappeared, he panicked and went on to find her. Or something like that. He was not needed for this, but Star didn't mind having him around. Just in case.

This time nobody interrupted Star's knocking. A man with short dark hair and thick beard opened. "Felcia's father" she guessed. He pulled his daughter back inside without taking eyes of the Princess.

- If Felcia had brought you here to convince us, you're wasting your time.

- Why are you doing this? A whole monster army is on its way.

- This is our home. My father left me this house and the land beneath it. It is everything my family have. We can't abandon it. You wouldn't understand, Princess.

- Actually - Star sighted. - I understand. A year ago I had to leave Mewnie for an unknown dimension, without the slightest idea for how long. But I came back.

- It's not the same. Besides, the monsters don't want us. They want you and that wand of yours. We will be fine.

- You cannot know that. Nobody knows. Is Felcia's safety something you're willing to gamble with? Because I am not. That's why I am here right now, trying to help you and your family.

With his free hand the man scratched his beard. He looked back inside and at his little girl. Then back at Star.

- We'll leave shortly, Princess.

- Take only food and water - she replied smiling.

The door closed with a creaking noise, followed by a cracking sound from the lock. Later Star would sent someone to make sure that Felcia's family had left.

On way back to the fountain Buff Frog spoke:

- Good job, Star girl.

- That guy was an idiot! - Star burst. - He was going to stay here and let his family goes through who knows what. For a freakin' house!

- And you convinced him.

- Yeah. Good think he had some brain left to listen to reason. Otherwise you might have - she made quoting gesture - join the conversation.

- You know, Star Butterfly, mewmans and monsters are not so different. We also want life in peace and safety, with corn and swamp water...

- Mewmans don't drink swamp water...

- But war drove us away, leaving monsters to struggle inside forests and swamps.

Buff Frog was talking about the arrival of mewmans, and how they had to fight with the monsters for the land. Star was taught that great battles were fought in order to defend the mewmans. Marco had pointed out that things might not have been exactly like that.

For several minutes nobody had spoken a word. Again Buff Frog broke the silence:

- Between us monsters there is legend of creature, who was destined to unite monsters and mewmans. Get them to live together.

- Really? I would love to hear it someday.

XXX

A whole day of managing masses of people was a unique experience on its own. Combined with getting up before dawn and you had one pretty tired princess. Her duty here was getting closer to an end, just a little more.

Most people had already left. The crowds had thinned down to short and wide lines. The sun was stepping off from the sky scene, leaving it to the moons and stars. If the evacuation wasn't going so well, the soldiers would had stopped it and call it a day. Instead Star suggested to continue and within three hours only a ghost town would be left. Or so was the plan.

While loading a wagon with provisions, a wheel had broken off from its axis. It was taking longer than expected to get it fix, which made some people nervous. Star had to stay and make sure nothing escalated. A spell would have fixed the wheel much faster, but she decide against using her wand. Panicked people from malfunctioning magical powers was the last thing Star wanted to deal with right now.

One of the soldiers came looking for her. It was the same guy Star talked to after arriving to the city. He had introduced himself as Eric.

- Hey, Princess, got a minute?

From the moment they met, Eric was always so casual with his future queen.

- How important is it?

- You tell me. Remember our little band of trouble makers?

Eric had found out about a group of dozen people, who believed that castle Butterfly was the safest place to be and demanded to be brought there. They were also trying to convert others to their cause. Star had tried to talk with some of them and most didn't listen.

- I got something good on them - Eric continued.

- You've convinced them to leave with the rest?

- Not that good. But after this, they just might do it voluntarily. Come with me.

Star was brought to a young skinny man, a local citizen. Two soldiers had separated him from the rest, guarding him. She remembered him from the group that wanted to leave for the castle. Eric spoke first:

- Tell the Princess what you've told me.

- It's Ormin. He started it. He wants us to leave for the castle. At first I believed him, but now...

Without taking his eyes out of the man, Eric tilted his head towards Star and explained quietly:

- Apparently this Ormin guy is the boss trouble maker. We get him, and the group will crumble.

- He's not a bad person - the skinny guy's voice was trembling. - Ormin was always quiet, before all this. He's just scared.

- And where is Ormin right now?

The Princess was trying to judge the situation. Tiredness was making her thoughts spread in random directions.

- Back in his house. Right now he's having a meeting with the others. I can take you there.

Eric turned at Star. She haven't said a word this whole time.

- You've been uncharacteristically quiet. What do you think?

- That's it.

- That's it?

- That's it. I'm too exhausted. That's why I can't think.

The armored man giggled like a boy.

- Good to know. But what about Ormin?

- Let's get this over with - Star ordered with as much determination as she could muster.

XXX

The young man was leading a group of four through the city streets. Eric was in the middle, followed by Star and Buff Frog. It was some kind of bizarre miracle that nobody had noticed Star's companion was not exactly mewman.

- You look tired, Star girl.

- That is because I am tired.

- I see purple onion rings on eyes. You need to sleep.

- When we get back home, I'll be so grounded that I'll sleep for a whole week.

That is if the caste was still theirs after the battle.

Ormin's house was at the end of the city, close to the forest. Light was bleeding through the window curtains. All other houses had no signs of activity inside, because no one was here anymore. Star grabbed the door handle, ready to enter with a thunderous surprise. Her hand was stopped by Eric.

- It's locked. You'll only alert him.

- How do you know it's locked?

He shrugged his shoulders.

- Because if I was having a super-secret meeting, that's what I do.

- Allow me then - Buff Frog stepped in.

One swing was all he needed to rip off the door from its hinges. First Star jumped in, followed by her two bodyguards. Two men and two women were standing around, forming a semicircle. In its center an average-looking man with short brown hair had frozen with hands in midair. Star's little raid had rudely interrupted Ormin's speech.

No spare energy was left for Star to act all heroic. She cut to the chase:

- Ormin! I don't know what you're doing here...

He didn't let her finished. Instead Ormin jumped directly through the window behind him. It happened so fast that Star's brain was still busy processing, when Eric yelled:

- He's getting away!

"To hell with this" she mumbled to herself and pulled the wand.

A giant whale with a horn went straight through the wall, followed by Star. She barely saw Ormin disappearing behind a tree and jumped to chase him in the forest.

Their distance was not much, but enough for Star see him for a split second between the trees. A blast from the wand blew hole in an oak, missing its target completely.

Every tree Ormin passed, he used to break line of sight. Clever annoying man. Another blast turned a red pine into ashes.

Eric and Buff Frog were nowhere near sight. With such heavy armor there was no way they could keep up. Another blast landed short of Ormin, leaving an uneven crater.

Star's last energy reserves were running out. In her condition this was not a winnable game. So she decided to change the game and raised the wand with both hands.

- Mega Nuclear Rainbow...

- Star! Wait!

A forgotten voice. It electrified her.

Marco stepped out from behind the trees. With his red hoodie and black pants. He had both his hands raised in the air.

A tsunami of emotions overcame Star. Surprise, anger, shame, affection, fear, sadness. She was too exhausted to keep them all under a lock.

Tears were leaving watery trails on Star's cheeks. She did not notice somebody was standing behind her. A single swing and the world had gone completely black.


Just for fun 2:

Star raises wand.

Star: "Mega Nuclear Rainbow..."

Marco appears from behind the trees.

Marco: Star! Wait!

Star: "...ANNIHILATION!"

A giant rainbow-colored mushroom-shaped explosion wipes out the entire forest.

Marco: WHY?! Why did you do that?

Star: I AM STAR BUTTERFLY, DESTROYER OF FORESTS!

Marco: I'm going back to Earth...