Chapter 3
Startrapped
A shadowy figure was running away in the darkness. Star chased him, not knowing why. He tried to speak, but Star could only heard gibberish coming from a far away. She was chasing him forever.
More unintelligible speech. The distance between him and Star wasn't changing. Now she remembered. He knew something, something very important. He must not escape.
Another set of incomprehensive words. The blurry figure had stopped, allowing Star to catch up. Why he had done that, it did not matter. She prepared her wand in advance, only to realize there was no wand. Will have to do this as a normal mewman.
She was getting closer and closer. The shadowy figure stood still, having his back turned at her. A couple of steps was separating Star from the target. He said something again, sounding as if he was behind a wall. In preparation for a fight, Star slowed down and formed fists. Out of nowhere, the figure turned and stretched arms, going straight for her face.
Cold shower of sweat and panic woke her up.
She was alone in an unfamiliar room. Walls made of granite were softly lid from outside. The only entrance was a door with metal frame and rusty bars. Painful sensation was coming and going from the back of Star's head.
The stoned floor made Star shiver, triggered an automatic response to get up and get out. One, two steps and she was forcefully pulled back by a set of chains. One for each limb, they were binding Star for a nearby wall.
Jingling sound from metal shackles alerted two men standing just outside of the cell. They exchange some words and one of them left. It was the same distant voices from Star's dream.
The other man showed its face from behind the bars. One big eye, short spiky hair and a pair of horns did not surprise her.
- How are you doing, little Princess - he grinned with twisted satisfaction. - The Boss will be here soon, so don't try to escape too hard.
Thinking was making Star's pulsing pain to reoccur, so she tried intimidating instead:
- Why don't you come here, and I'll show you just how hard it is.
- Oh, that would make my day. But little Princess must be kept nice and alive. Boss' orders.
- So you monsters are not afraid of getting your butts kicked by my mother, but one chained girl makes you shiver in fear? I don't get you.
The one-eyed creature moved and slowly opened the door. Sounds of metal scraping sent chills through Star's spine. Just like when she scratched the blackboard with a piece of chalk.
- I guess keeping you just alive will be enough - the monster stepped inside.
- Bring it on - she challenged him.
- That's enough! - third voice joined them.
It stressed the one-eyed monster. He moved outside and straighten up like a soldier falling in line. Another monster entered the cell. The so-called Boss.
- Hello, Star! - Toffee greeted his prisoner. He looked different from what Star remembered. The same pale blue lizard with dark hair straighten backwards, and a missing finger. But instead of tuxedo, he was wearing black leather armor.
- You!
He had the same calm look as always.
- Is that how you meet an old friend of the Butterfly family?
- Oh, I'm sorry - Star tried to mask her anxiety. - What I meant was: when I get out of here, you're dead!
- We tried that, don't you remember? Although it did worked out perfectly for me. Did it not for you?
"Yeah, threaten an immortal monster with death. Really smart, Star" she mentally scolded herself.
- You made my plans so much easier. I should thank you.
- What are you talking about?
- Instead of staying put inside your little fortress, you came to the city, discovered one of my spies. And chased him mindlessly deep into the forest. Into our domain.
As much as Star hated to admit it, it really was her fault. The desire to leave the castle, to help the people of Mewnie - it left her guard down.
- Enough catching up. Bring it - Toffee ordered.
A serpent monster with purple rings around his eyes entered. He looked somewhat familiar to Star, even if she could sworn it was the first time seeing him. In his right hand was a magical artifact that did not belong to him.
- My wand...
Consumed from the dire situation Star, she hadn't noticed her wand was gone this whole time. Unlike before, the Butterfly relic did not change form. Is it because of the half missing crystal, or because of the magical seal was broken, the Princess did know.
The creature tossed the wand casually and it landed close enough for Star to reach it. But something was telling her not to do it.
- You know what I want - Toffee said.
- You have my wand. Why don't you do it yourself?
The lizard monster didn't answer. Instead he bowed next to the wand, without taking his eyes off the prisoner.
- That is an excellent question.
His slowly extended a hand and grabbed the magical relic. When he pulled the wand up, nothing happened. His hand was holding only air. The wand itself was still on the floor, haven't moved even an inch.
- This is why - Toffee stared at his empty fist. - This is what your mother did to me. When she realized I cannot be stopped.
Moon never did explained what spell exactly she had put on Toffee. Not because it was a secret, but because Star never bothered to ask. This was the first eye opener. Buried memories re-surfaced with photorealistic details. When she went to rescue Marco, and dropped the wand in a plate, Toffee pushed the plate itself. He never actually touched the magical relic. Or Star.
- You can't touch the wand - the realization came to her - or me.
- Not you, not mewmans, not anything made by mewmans. Quite a selective curse. And like every other curse, - Toffee gazed back at her - it can be broken.
The lizard creature raised up. He was at least two heads above Star.
- I want my finger back. Do it.
Star stared at the wand, not sure what she was supposed to do. Once she tried to destroy the finger with magic, but it did no visible damage. Since then it stayed inside the relic. And while Toffee's curse was active, he was never going to get it back. There was no way Star would change that voluntarily.
The wand was in Star's hands. She did not remember picking it up. Might as well use it.
The blast lightened her holding cell, slamming Toffee on the wall. With one hand Star pointed the wand at the other's chains. Next blast was charging rapidly, when a three fingered leg knocked the relic out of her hand. A green knee got thrust inside Star's abdomen, leaving her breathless.
It was over. The whole sequence took less than three seconds.
The serpent had the wand back in his hand and went to help his master. Star had ley down on the cold floor, trying to fill her lungs with air. Toffee was back on his feet. A hole in the leather armor marked where Star's attack had pierced his body. Web colorless skin connected at a single point, completing the regenerative process.
- Be difficult all you want - Toffee said to her. - I'll deal with you later.
He turned his back and stepped away from the cell.
Through the heavy breathing Star managed to squeeze a word:
- Wait!
Toffee stopped and turned his head at the prisoner. His irritation dominated the unexpressed curiosity. With some breathing control regained, Star asked a question, more afraid than eager to get answered:
- What have you done with Marco?
The irony was that Toffee wasn't even able to physically touch Marco.
- Would you believe me if I say I've killed him?
There was no reaction from Star. Not a single sound. Because that was a reality she could never accept with just a simple statement for proof.
- Then find out for yourself - Toffee said and left with indifferent face.
The green serpent followed him, leaving Star alone in her cell, still gasping for air.
XXX
While Toffee was away, nobody bothered to talk or check on Star. Which she welcomed, as it give her time to figure out an escape plane.
The chains, while thin, they still were made of metal. A long spike from each chain's last ring was driven into the stones, holding them for the wall. An improvised solution, and not very well done. The spikes were a bit loosen and Star could pulled them out with shear force, if she was as strong as her father.
As for the door, it didn't seemed to be using any locks. Monsters were opening and closing just by pushing it from the frame, which was bended around the edges. Another improvisation.
Two monsters were assigned to watch over Star's cell. One of them opened the door, while the other entered inside. It was the same one-eyed creature that was ready to fight her. In his hands he had a bottle of water and plate with one large chunk of bread.
- Boss' orders. Here you go, little Princess - he said and put them close enough for Star to reach. - The finest dish in the land.
She was sitting on the floor, with back on the wall, and both hands resting on her legs.
- How thoughtful. I don't need your charity.
- Charity? You think we like that crap? - he pointed at the bread. - The only reason we have this around is because of you, little Princess.
The monster's expression made Star think that he was more unhappy about the job, than she was about being the job.
- Doesn't matter - Star replied. - Still don't want it.
- Whatever. When the war is over, you'll beg for feast like that.
- Like the last war you've won? - she smirked.
That's how Star was taught. Twenty years ago monsters tried to take over the castle. Only to suffer total defeat in the hands of Moon and the mewman army.
A sword in its sheath was on the one-eyed creature's back. He was playing with its straps.
- My father died in that battle.
- He made his own choice.
- And I've made mine. I'll slaughter as many as I can from your kind.
There was no emotion in the monster's voice. He was as calm as a man who had accepted his fate. It was scaring the hell out of Star.
- No, you'll get yourself killed. And for what? Revenge? It won't bring your dad back. Or end the pain of losing him.
- That may be true - the monster pulled out his sword gently - But you won't be there to find out. Little Princess.
Fanatic determination and lack of experience made the swing heavy and clumsy. It left Star a second for reaction time. Enough to see it heading for her head. With both hands she pulled the left upper chain, creating a thin metal barrier.
When the metal bonds met with the sword, they barely moved. White sparks had flashed from the collision point. The monster was trying to go through the shackles with all his might. He stopped from realizing that the sharp edge of his blade was missing. Either the chains were magically enhanced or the sword was of poor quality. That was Star's own explanation.
The failed assassination attempt attracted the other monster's attention. He was a bit on the short side, chubby and looked like an Earth panda.
- Jick! What in corn's name are you doing? - he yelled at the one-eyed creature.
- Dirty work. The Princess is dead. She just doesn't know it yet - Jick lowered his broken blade.
- Have you gone nuts? The Boss wants her alive!
The assassin faced his fellow monster and demanded:
- Give me your sword.
In Star's cell the situation was so explosive that she could smell the fuse burning away. The one-eyed monster was blindly fixed on killing her. He might even take his friend's life, just to get another blade. A once great warrior said that everything is a weapon. Maybe she could use the chains in some way to disarm her assassin.
Then the tension went sky-high. But nothing did explode. Everybody was frozen, staring at the newcomers. Toffee had entered, with the serpent monster next to him.
- What is going on here? - the lizard man asked.
Both monster guards opened their mouths to give vastly different explanations. Star spoke first:
- He tried to assassinate me! - she pointed at the one-eyed creature.
The accused monster tried to defend his case, but Toffee cut him off:
- Do it.
Milliseconds were needed for the whooshing sound to catch up with the sword. With surgical precision the serpent monster stopped his blooded weapon inches away from the granite wall. The assassin's lifeless body fell like a freshly chopped tree. His head had rolled away on the floor, with surprised expression sealed on his face.
Star had to suppress her disturbance before saying anything.
- Why did you do that? - she yelled at the lizard man.
- As you said - he tried to kill you.
- And you decided to execute him?
- He turned out to be a liability. He had to be dealt with.
- You could have locked him away somewhere.
Toffee raised an eyebrow. He was just as surprised as Star was from the compassion she had for the dead creature.
- Clean this mess - Toffee ordered. - I want to be left alone with our prisoner.
Ten minutes later Star and Toffee were the only one left in the cell. Except for the smell of blood, there was no sign of what had occurred earlier. Nobody had said a word until now.
- You intrigue me, Star Butterfly - the monster started.
- I intrigue you?
- It means interest in an unusual way. You are one of the few mewmans to somewhat care about my kind. And a royalty too.
- Does it matter? You're still gonna kill me and attack the castle.
- You think I want you dead? That's a bit farfetched. You're just a means to an end. In fact - he paused for a second - after the war is over, you are free to go.
- Excuse me if I don't actually believe you.
- Enough blood has been spilled over Mewnie. I just want monsters to have their land back. So does many of my kind.
- And the way to do it is by having army of "your kind".
- Well... you can achieve more with a word and a sword, that just a word. If your people leave this world, nobody is gonna get hurt.
- I can't see it happening - Star sounded a bit disappointed.
- Then war is inevitable. And even if we fail now, I'll be back and try again. There is a reason my mother made me immortal.
- Mother? You're saying your mother was a magical user and gave you immortality?
- A witch. She wanted monsters to be free from the cursed fate your people bestowed upon them. I'm just doing what I was created for.
The serpent monster entered and whispered new information to his master. When he was done, Toffee narrowed his eyes and talked to Star once again:
- I'm a busy creature, Star. Are ready to give me my finger?
- As ready as I will ever be. Not a chance. Besides - she put on a fake smile - you tell really good jokes. I kinda don't want to leave just yet.
- Sarcasm. How boring. Doesn't matter. I have all the time in the universe. And you have sixty - seventy years tops. Don't waste them all on a single imprisonment.
Toffee stepped out of the cell and closed the door.
- And eat something - he said to Star and left.
Only the short hairy monster was left to guard the Princess. As before, he didn't paid any attention to her. Star turned her back at him, and pulled something she was sitting on this whole time. Her hands still had some purple marks from pulling the chains.
In her hands Star was holding the tip of a broken blade.
XXX
Lock picking handcuffs with a sharp edge was a new skill for Star. First one took her ten minutes. The second she did for half that time. Lastly, both legs were free for a total of two minutes. The guard still did not paid her any attention. He didn't heard a thing.
Before approaching the door Star had her boots removed. A neat trick picked from watching "Escape from Jailmountain" with Marco.
A tickle feeling alerted the monster. His back felt somewhat lighter. He turned around, only to have a close encounter with a sword's hilt. When the monster was conscious again, he was tied with his own clothes. The Princess' place inside the cell was taken by him.
Good, first step: escape from the cell, was a success. Second step was still in decision making state. Star had narrowed her options to three. Going straight for the exit was the most logical and least safe. Armed only with a sword of questionable quality, there was little she could do if monsters attacked her. Second option was getting her wand back. Still risky, but it improves her odds significantly. And finally she could try to find Marco. His karate skills would be very helpful. Assuming that he is still here. Alive.
Two of these choices vanished when Star stumbled upon the serpent monster from before. He raised a hand, showing that the wand was in his possession.
- Looking for this?
Star pulled her sword from the sheath and took up a fighting stance. Her hands were still sore from holding the chain.
- Give it back.
Grinning, the monster throw the relic behind his back and prepared his own sword.
- Come and get it, Princess.
Star suppressed her desire to strike first. This was not some random goon. She saw how fast her opponent was and probably capable of even more.
The monster charged with the speed of a galloping warnicorn. Anticipating his attack Star tightened her grip as much as her strength allowed. By instinct she shifted her entire body into guarding stance. For a brief moment she felt both blades colliding, before the hilt slipped through her hands.
The sword was slowly rotating, heading for the floor. Star waited for it to hit the ground. Her mind was racing, trying to comprehend what just happened. Then came the pain, originating from the guts.
A green knee left Star's abdomen and she fell on all fours. Two, three gasps. Another hit came from behind and connected with her neck. She collapsed on the ground. Vision was getting narrow and doubled. "Not again" was her last though before losing concusses.
XXX
Chilling sound of scraping metal ended Star's forceful nap. Familiar cold weights on arms and legs informed her that she was back in the cell. The same cell. And somebody had just joined her.
- Your family is quite resourceful - Toffee looked angry and calm at the same time.
- I can do this all day - Star grinned. - By the way, you might want to fire your sword smith. I can hook you up with a guy. If you let me out.
- Interesting offer. I'm sure our guest can make a better one.
Toffee made a long step to his left. Between the door's bars was standing Queen Moon in silver armor and rusted chains. One monster was holding her shackles, and another had a sword next to her throat.
- Mom!
- Yes, Moon the Undaunted. Sealing the breach was a good idea, but - the lizard man looked at Moon - my trap was better.
Star's heart was working in overdrive mode. Unreal images of Moon's demise were flashing in her mind. Afraid of someone hearing and manifesting her dark thoughts, she made a decision.
- You want your finger, right? Fine! You win! Now get that sword away from my mother!
- A wise decision.
Toffee raised a fist. The monster lowered his weapon, as commanded. Then the lizard man made a snapping sound with the same hand. Another monster entered, pushed the wand in Star's hands, and hid behind his master. He was not the serpent from before.
Staring at the wand, Star was jumping through very wild ideas. Each riskier than the rest. She looked at her mother, searching for a tiny hint of what to do. Moon shook head in disagreement and calmly said:
- It's OK, Star. Do it. Everything will be fine.
How could she trust a cunning monster like Toffee? An immortal creature, obsessed with restoring his own body, and getting rid of all mewmans. Moon's suggestion was making Star angry. At first.
There was the other dark fact. The Queen and her daughter might be the only magical users left, who had the power to stop Toffee. Not now, but at some point in the future. And with the breach sealed their chances had improved somewhat. Thus, survival had to be prioritized.
- I will only do this if you let us live - Star demanded.
- As long as you stay out of my way - the lizard man responded.
- And let us leave.
- As I said before, after the war is over.
"Quite the assumption" Star though. The deal wasn't one she liked, but other choices were practically non-existent.
- You have my word - Toffee reassured her.
Star giggled mentally. What a twisted joke.
With both eyes closed, she left a heavy sigh, and brought the wand closer to her chest. The crystal started glowing with pink light. Then it turned yellow. Then green. Magical energy discharged in a form of a beam, hitting the ground in front of Toffee.
The lizard monster stuck a hand in the smoke and pulled out his finger. He could not take his eyes out of it. As if he was staring at the center of the universe. In his own hand.
- Excellent. Now - he turned at Star - give me the wand.
- No - she said without giving a second though.
In response, one of the monsters raised his blade back at Moon's throat. The Queen didn't move a muscle.
Such hopeless situation, and Star had her hands tied up, figuratively and literally. It was driving her mad. She wanted to express her anger by throwing the wand at Toffee's face, even if it would pass right through him.
Instead Star just dropped the relic on the floor and kicked it away. The monster, who came with the wand, picked it up and left the cell. Toffee covered his finger in a fist and followed him.
The two monsters guarding Moon pushed her to get up and start moving. Where were they taking her? As if Toffee read Star's mind, he answered:
- I'm putting Moon in another cell. It's for her own good.
Except for the bear-like creature guarding the cell, Star was left alone. She was overthinking her decision over and over again, as if trying to convince herself she made the right choice. As humans would say: God knows she had only good intentions.
Star was alone with her own thoughts. One of them was about Marco. She wished he could cheer her up one more time.
Just for fun 3:
Toffee: "I'm a busy creature, Star. Are ready to give me my finger?"
Star: "Oh, I'm always ready to give you a finger."
Star gave Toffee the finger. It was not the one he was looking for.
