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Disclaimer: you're gonna have a bad time.
Chapter 23
Father and Daughter
XxXxXxXxX
"F-Father?!"
Well, at least we know that your skeet works! Haha! Your small peepee clapped demon-scissor-making cheeks~!
"But I—this must be the future or—or a future timeline!"
...eh, makes sense to me.
Marco thankfully didn't drop his daughter at her utterance, no matter how absurd it was.
Marco gently laid the girl on the ground, taking off his shirt as a pad for her head to lie on. He looked at the portal for a moment before it abruptly closed, he sighed before taking stock of the place: dreary.
The night sky was void of stars and constellations, the land had seen better days and he could already see someone had settled. A house in the distance with some rickety projects built.
He glanced at the two graves, weathering had yet to set in but before he could get a better look, he saw something that wasn't possible…
The Traitor's Sword stabbed between the two, the girl was slumped over it.
Marco looked at if for a moment, frowning as it wasn't exactly like his own, the guard was different and it looked longer, as if for an adult to wield not a teenager. He gripped the hilt and it felt familiar, he pulled and felt minute resistance and the blade began to give, Marco prepared to pull it out.
Then suddenly he buckled. It was if someone suddenly grabbed hold of it.
Marco narrowed his eyes, but decided to leave it be. He needed answers first. But with the girl unconscious he had precious little to go off on.
He turned back to the gravestones, he balked at the names before him. One was his. The other Hekapoo.
So this girl wasn't lying…I am her father…or rather father to be...so I ended up with H-Poo, huh.
Wow, Marco, this is some next level denial. Admit it, if Star didn't show up that time you would have stayed with Hekathicc and had like a dozen kids. Heck, I would.
Marco ignored the comment and took some interest in where he found his daughter to be.
He looked at Hekapoo's gravestone, he felt a sad sigh leave him as he traced her name, you were never going to grow old, you must have not liked living without me…we left our daughter alone…what kind of parents does that…No, that's presumptuous, I don't even know the circumstances, best I keep those thoughts to myself for now.
So Marco sat down with the girl and waited, hoping she would wake but as the minutes rolled by he looked away from the dreary landscape and studying the girl. Her bushy hair was a dark shade of red, her horns much like Hekapoo's, her attire and complexion was just like his except for the knee high boots, those were like her mother's. His dimensional scissors were holster to her waist, it looked a lot older than his own last time he saw it.
Almost completely consumed in his musing did he felt the familiar mental nudge from his other tenants. Marco attuned himself to the Elementals, sensing their unease, what's the matter?
Other than chapters of flashbacks and being teleported through a time tunnel? Gee, Marco, I don't know?!
Yeesh, calm down, Undine. Marco, we've been studying the situation like you but now we can't keep our silence any longer. Unlike you; we are part of nature and just now we realized we are alone in the universe. The distant planets and dimensions have been snuffed out. I doubt Earth was spared.
Marco nearly shot out of his skin at the news but the Elementals quickly spoke up,
Marco! If you're panicking, we are far far worse shape…we could be the last Elementals save for Prima…if its still standing that is. "You're awfully calm then."
Hah…we are not.
Marco felt the despair roll off them, he felt like curling into a ball and crying. He steady himself after taking some deep breaths, looking at the girl.
"She must know something about the situation. Maybe we could reverse this…tragedy."
I hope so…
…I hope we aren't too late.
Wake her up, we don't have time to waste!
…I don't feel so good.
Marco hesitated, although young, she looked like she'd been through some serious shit for a while, even asleep she looked pained. He felt an unusual urge and he went from brushing her bangs to the side to caressing her cheek he would with a babe.
"Mhmmm, Papa…"
Marco darted his hand back, the girl's smile broke through her pained sleep, she looked happy…comforted by his warm touch.
Marco's heart and mind began to race. He'd only met this girl—his supposed daughter and already he felt the innate instinct to protect her, like a hen to her chick.
Then a sinister thought wormed into his head.
…this could be a trick. A trap.
Doubtful, Marco. Look around: there's no one here. And with the lands being this quiet, well, I doubt anyone is awake…this fits the End of All.
"…?"
Historia said when the universe is on its deathbed it would make all its inhabitants succumb to a peaceful slumber…before the universe falls apart.
"…will I fall asleep too?"
I don't know. But more time wasted and we could succumb to it as well. Now, wake up your child!
"…you believe she's my daughter?"
By the Elements—YES! Gosh, Marco, can you NOT see the resemblance? Besides, how you and Warco took to that woman, I'm surprised you didn't have one sooner.
"…are you jealous Ignis?"
FUCK! OFF!
Marco couldn't help but chuckle, the sound of genuine positivity was enough to rouse the sleeping Diaz child, Hestia yawned and sat up, looking around, sleepily. Marco saw this and waited, hoping his appearance wouldn't frighten her.
He was dead after all.
The girl paused seeing him, he awkwardly smile before the girl went sheet white. She shakily got to her feet as did he, hoping she wasn't gonna go off screaming or—or freak out.
"DADDY!" she cried, tears streaming.
Marco grunted as the girl leapt and straddled him, he steady himself the best he could as buried her face into the crook of his neck, her arms around his neck and her legs wrapped around his waist.
"I HAD THE MOST AWFUL DREAM IN MY LIFE, I—?…!"
Just as quickly she leapt off him, looking embarrassed, puzzled and suspicious at the same time.
"Why are you shirtless…no, my father…Papa…he isn't…he can't…" her eyes welled up and she pulled—my scissors out and pointed it at me, "WHO ARE YOU!?"
Marco quickly put on his shirt and held up his hands, the Traitor's Sword out of view, "I'm Marco Diaz—I know, you don't believe me: I am dead after all."
"…yes, you are, Papa…so why? Are you a shape-shifter?! An imposter?!" she hissed, Marco could see that she was trying her hardest to find a fault with him, even though she desperately want to believe he was alive again.
…the Traitor's Sword hasn't chosen a new master…then I am still…
Marco held out his hand and willed the Traitor's Sword to him, the girl hopped back as the mystical sword appeared and shined in all its radiance. The girl stared at it for a long moment, her eyes darting back to the one beside the graves before she snarled,
"LIES!" the girl cried, her shoulders shaking, Marco frowned and pressed the sword into her hands, she looked at it before looking back at the other one, they looked nearly identical but she could tell it was one and the same since it
"OUCH!" she cried as the sword shocked her, unaccepting of her foreign touch, she puffed up her cheeks as Marco looked apologetic, "Sorry, but it's very protective."
"That was mean, dad."
Marco smiled as the girl nursed her hand, he took it and kissed it much like how his mother did to him when he was a wee lad.
"Feeling better?"
"…yes—ugh! I'm not a kid!"
Marco couldn't help but laugh as the girl snatched her hand away and looked mortified, "You know, you keep calling be 'father', 'papa' and 'daddy', but I don't even know your name."
"…you don't even know your daughter's name." she said quietly, she looked more upset than ever. Marco wanted to console her but the emotions weren't there, in truth he was trying to fabricate the emotions to connect to his future daughter but it was difficult. He didn't want to lie about his emotions especially to someone that would be his family one day.
"I'm Hestia Diaz…I'm your daughter."
Marco smiled making his daughter blush and turning away, "Nice to meet you Hestia, my future daughter."
"Future?"
Marco blinked.
Hestia blinked.
"Don't…don't you think I look a bit too young to be fathering kids?" Marco said sheepishly, Hestia looked at her father, really looking at her father and gasped hopping back as if seeing Marco clearly for the first time. She looked at him curiously, rubbing her eyes and looking again.
"Oh my gosh: you're so young…you're like a kid."
"Okay, I'm not that—" Hestia lifted his gray shirt and poked his growing abs.
"Even your abs are childish…"
"Hestia."
"Eep!"
Marco looked annoyed for a moment; Hestia grabbed some of her bushy red hair and tried to obscure herself with it. He deflated and looked at her more kindly, "I came from the past to the future, I think. I heard someone crying out for help and I ended up here, you must have been the one who called out to me."
"…"
"Your cries were filled with sorrow, misery…despair. As if you had given up." Marco said softly.
Hestia looked away, shamefaced, "…I did, I wanted to stop this portal it…I don't know, just made things worse for all timelines, I was dealing with it but it's gotten out of hand. I ran…I ran away from it, my responsibility…some daughter I turned out to be…I'm sorry Dad."
Hestia felt tears slide down her face but Marco gently wiped them, "Hestia, there were times when I ran away too, it happens—" "I had the entire universe at stake! And I ran! No Papa, it's not okay! Don't console me! I should have been able to do this on my own, I'm your daughter!"
Marco could see through the pain-stricken face of Hestia, so much expectation she had for herself and placed upon her, because she was his daughter she should have done this singlehandedly. The pressure would be unimaginable… He cupped her face and she sniffled and sobbed, Marco could see how hurt and cornered she was, she pushed his hands away and hugged him.
Marco patted her back, feeling her calm down. He spoke softly,
"Hestia it doesn't matter if you're my daughter or not, no one is perfect, I'm certainly not. I've failed before and it cost so many precious lives, my friends especially."
"…it was my responsibility, Papa…no one else could do it…I was the only one able to…"
"What did you have to do?"
"…I remember sending someone away from the portal but it's all fuzzy…but I know I did it for a very long, long time."
"…how long?"
"...I don't even know anymore, haha…I feel as if I'm…broken." her voice anguished.
Marco was thankful Hestia couldn't see his face, the look of aghast and shame all over it, …Hestia what have you gone through?
Marco pulled Hestia back and looked at her, "You may not know what happened but I know a place that would: the Time Temple. C'mon, I'll cut a portal there then the both of us will be up to speed."
Hestia hesitated for a moment, feeling all sorts of foreboding and dread, but unsure why she would be,
"Okay, father." "Then show me the portal afterwards."
Hestia watched as Marco easily rend open a portal and the two leapt through landing in a eerily familiar hall.
"Father Time! Omni! Hellooo?" Marco called out before he started walking off, passing partitions.
The Diaz child looked around the hall, seeing so many screens and some busted up too, there was a living space against the wall. She walked closer only to stop when her father called out to her,
"Hestia…who are they?"
Hestia spun at her father's uncertain voice and walked over to see Marco looking over 11 cots with 11 occupants, all sound asleep. Hestia felt a throb at her heart at each of them, Marco knelt to the closest and checked their pulse and got a better look at them.
Red heads, brunettes, a blonde and a strawberry blonde made up the 11.
Marco felt a smile touch his lips as he spoke,
"Hestia…I think they are your siblings. I mean, the resemblance is uncann—"
"Don't be daft, Papa: I'm an only child."
Marco froze at the words.
[Silence]
He mentally shook himself and looked at her slowly; astonishment on his face. Hestia's response was so curt, almost callous.
"Hestia…don't you think you look—" "I don't."
Marco gawked at her.
He gestured at the closest one then to her, "I'm human. Horns are not a normal human feature. If you are my daughter, where in the world did you get your horns?" "From you."
Marco stared at her.
"How about your red hair?" "From you."
"Hestia…do you not know who they are?" "…I don't. Not one."
Marco stood up and leveled with Hestia,
"Who is your mother?"
"I don't have one."
"Then where did you come from?"
"You."
Marco slapped himself in the face. He inhaled noisily and peeked through his fingers, annoyed,
"Hestia, why are you answering like this?"
"Why are you asking me stupid questions then, Dad?! I'm an only child! I don't have any siblings!"
Marco pointed to the sleeping occupants before bringing up his sword and Hestia looked at it like a mirror, "Tell me you don't see a resemblance."
Hestia rolled her eyes, "I don't—" "Look. Again."
Hestia looked at her reflection: she saw a girl with dark red hair, vibrant orange eyes however were slightly bloodshot and distasteful eye bags, yellow horns and a creamer complexion to her father.
"…yes, Dad, I know I'm beautiful." Hestia said almost snobbishly.
Marco muttered under his breath, "Just like your Mother…" He sighed and asked more patiently,
"…sooo wouldn't you say they are too?"
Hestia looked at them and felt that familiar heartache, despite being peacefully asleep; she could sense it was anything but.
"They are in a deep sleep…a coma even. I doubt I could wake them." Marco said worried, Hestia studied the closest one to her, he looked eerily similar to her father, almost as if he was his so—
"URGH!?" Hestia clutched her forehead as if the notion was impossible and her mind agreed and disagreed at the same time. Marco looked at her surprised. "Hestia? What's the matter?"
Hestia panted, Marco steadying her, he looked at her worried,
"Hestia, could you have lost your memories?"
"…No, otherwise why do I remember you?"
"Maybe you have selective amnesia, but I don't know if that's possible…"
"…"
Marco looked at Hestia before glancing back at the sleeping occupants.
"But don't you think the horns, the mole, the—" Marco started innocently but Hestia shoved him back.
"I DON'T KNOW! I don't know them! I don't have siblings! I'm your only child!" her eyes swam with tears.
Marco looked at her, disturbed, as she held her head before she looked at him, furiously,
"Why do you keep insisting that? Why are you bullying me, Papa?"
"No, Hestia! Hestia, it's alright, c'mon." Marco steered her away from the sleeping kids, he threw a backwards glance at them, feeling a similar instinct he had with Hestia. Marco looked over Hestia, she looked more distraught than ever after her outburst, embarrassed even by it, she refused to make eye contact with her.
"I'm…I'm sorry I yelled…raised my voice…" she mumbled. Marco nodded awkwardly, it was strange to have Hestia, who looked the same age as him, act as if she was younger.
"…it's fine, let's just find that eyeball thing, that's the most important plot devise in this entire chapter." "You mean that thing?"
Marco looked at the floor and hopped off the fallen Temple Eye, he glanced to the ceiling before back to the fallen device and held it up, praying it had some life in it.
Marco looked at the Temple Eye sadly, it was all blood-shot and worn out; it had better days. Marco carefully held it up and had Hestia stand close to him so it gazed upon them almost lifelessly.
"…"
"...?" "…is it, working?" Hestia asked as it stared at them unblinking.
A low hum echoed through the ancient halls before Marco and Hestia gazed upon the multitudes of screens buzzing to life, the Temple Eye feebly blinking before Marco set it down where it finally shut itself.
Marco looked around as did Hestia as familiar and unfamiliar scenes played before them…
For Hestia, she gazed upon myriads of videos of her as a child, she was a chubby little tyke that played and yearned the attention of her father. She watched herself grow up, from Marco awkwardly changing her diapers and bathing her; to her insisting on dress up tea parties with her father, to sneaking out of the house and getting caught, being scolded with father by a councilor, tagging along in adventures with him.
She felt a smile grace her lips; she remembered these clear as day.
But…
There was another though. She was shorter than her father, but the way she looked at her with the same love her father did.
She looked strangely similar to her. The way she lifted her up, kissed her baby cheeks and the way baby Hestia giggled and snuggled up confused her. She and her went on shopping sprees, eating gallons of ice cream, playing pranks on strange people, working in some forge, the way she bundle her in a red hoodie…
Strange feelings blossomed in her.
"That's Hekapoo…your mother." Marco said softly, moving to where she was.
"Don't you feel anything, Hestia? Remember anything?"
"…I don't, but now…I want to…"
Marco looked at Hestia sadly, the way she gazed upon the screen, a bitter forlorn face.
Then Hestia hissed.
Marco looked over to the screen.
Adult Marco French-kissed Hekapoo, a little Hestia smooshed between their arms, her tiny face angry before she wailed.
Marco had the decency to blush, while Hestia glared at the screen.
It changed to Hekapoo and Marco dancing. The way Hekapoo clung on him…smiling too widely as Marco suddenly went rigid.
Sitting on a couch, eating pizza and watching a movie together.
An embarrassed Marco introducing Hekapoo to his parents.
Marco cuddling up to Hekapoo in bed.
Him fretting over a pregnant Hekapoo, who rolled her eyes, smiling all the same.
Hestia glared at her father. "What?" "...nothin'." she seethed.
Marco couldn't help but laugh, making Hestia even angrier.
"Oh, c'mon that's Hekapoo: she's your mother, Hestia. Don't you see yourself in her?"
"Well, I don't—" Hestia stammered, "At least I can fit my clothes!" she pointed at another screen. "What are you goin—OH MY GOD!"
DAYUM!
…you know what, I might be into girls, Undine.
…we know. [3x]
Marco wheeled Hestia away from the screen, the image forever burned in his mind. Hestia however didn't care much for her mother's sexy attire and was very vocal about it.
"Grrr, that Hekapoo is just a thot—!" Hestia started but she didn't get far as Marco pinched her cheek, causing her to yelp at the sudden action.
"OW! Papa, what was that for?!" Hestia rubbed her cheek, "This is child abuse!"
"It's called DISCIPLINE. Don't talk badly about your mother like that."
Hestia puffed up her cheeks, Marco looked at her for a moment; gears turning in his head,
"Hestia are you jealous of your mother?"
Her face turned beet red and she gave a shrill reply, "W-wha—!? Of course not!" Marco nodded to a screen and Hestia briefly looked: Hekapoo grinning as Marco made breakfast in bed for her, kissing her on her cheek.
"Well, good morning, good lookin'~ what's the occasion?" "Mhmmm, just another perfect day with you~"
Hestia crossed her arms and pouted, Marco couldn't help but chuckle; she glared at him. He smiled, amused at her jealousy, "It's not funny, Dad…" "No, I suppose not, but I think H-Poo would find it more amusing than I do. C'mon let's see what we can find out what you've been up to." "…yes, Father."
And with that the two moved apart to work quicker, Marco sincerely hoped that Hestia didn't come across anything untoward behavior future Marco and Hekapoo might have done. Then realizing that Hestia had 11 siblings...there was a massive chance that Hestia would catch herself or her siblings being conceived.
Marco spun to Hestia, warning her to not watch any smut, lemon or NSFW written by NRG but he was too late hearing some particularly bad ones.
"That's it Marco just sit on the couch and pretend nothing is wrong~" "…why would I think that?" "Just look at the camera, Marco, I need to make 4 clones real quick." "…wait a sec—"
"Hekapoo don't spit it in her mouth—Eclipsa don't spit it back! …don't—ugh."
"Go ahead, Marco call for help, they can't undo what I do to you~" "Don't threaten me with a good time, H-Poo."
"EW! DAD! YOU AND—AND HER! YOU DO IT TOO MUCH!"
"AND IT'S NOT EVEN HER SOMETIMES! GROSS!"
"...er, yeah, don't watch those."
Hestia gave him a 'I'm-so-done' look, "Trust me, Dad, I won't..."
"Um, good! Tell me when you find something recent." Marco said quickly and walked off, Hestia waved her hand carelessly as the two observed the many screens.
Marco looked at the screens, seeing things that happened in the far future,
"Do you think I'll make a good Dad?"
With the way Hestia adores you, yes, you will.
Start making Dad jokes quick; it'll give you +5 to all stats and embarrass your teenage daughter...so hot...so legal…I'm still around in this timeline right—dafuq, yo red head you turned up the heater?
Nope, but your ass is grass now dipshit~!
"IF YOU EVER TAKE THAT TONE AGAIN TALKING ABOUT MY DAUGHTER...MUSICA WILL NOT PROTECT YOU FROM ME."
...noted. I'll shut up now.
Marco grunted as he gave Hestia another glance, she stared at a screen, looking extremely upset before she looked sad. Marco in turn did the same and inspected the many screens:
He was in Mewni talking to an older Star.
He was in Echo Creek going to college. Meeting up with Jackie, Janna and his other friends.
Going to the dojo, talking to Sensei.
Running the Sinful Sips with a well-dressed Rhunter.
Out adventuring with Kelly.
Visiting his parents: older and grayer but just as happy.
An exhausted Hekapoo and Marco finally getting Hestia to sleep.
It looked peaceful. Happy.
Marco liked what he saw. All the bullshit he was going through would eventually blow over and he could have his life back.
He moved further and further into the temple, casting glances at Hestia who would occasionally cry out in disgust and walk to another screen, variations of 'Ew, Dad!' 'Man, I was so cute back then!' 'Hmph, her again...' rang out in the hall.
And sometimes she would just look upon the screen with sadness.
Marco refrained from shaking his head and moved on, watching some for a fair bit. He knew how he looked as an adult, but it still amazed him that the once Safe Kid would end up as a literal beef cake. A video of him going through college was a hoot to watch, even his professors flirted with him, in and out of class. Followed by him restraining his wife, Hekapoo from clawing their faces.
"What a spitfire~" Marco grinned before he heard something that stopped him in his tracks.
"Hekapoo, I—" She slapped him. Hard.
Marco fell back, feeling his cheek swell, Hekapoo glared down on him and raise her left hand, the wedding ring catching the light.
"What does this mean to you, huh? HUH?! I'm your wife! You have a child! And you go off and get your best friend pregnant!"
Marco didn't hide his shame and crawled back to Hekapoo, apologizing to her, she pulled the hem of her dress from his hands and he slumped on the carpet, still pitifully apologizing. Now, tears were in Hekapoo's eyes and she savagely wiped them, feeling so hurt and betrayed by her husband.
"Papa? Mama?" came a small voice.
Marco raised his head enough to see a waddling 3-year-old toddler jam-jams Hestia having been roused by all the yelling by her parents.
"Hestia…" Marco whispered, Hekapoo frowned and tried to pick her daughter but she waddle out of her reach and hugged Marco's prone form, "No! Papa crying…Papa sorry…"
"Hestia." "Hestia, darling go to Mama." "NO!"
The toddler hugged her father, her innocent orange eyes met her mother's own, shining with tears. Hekapoo knelt down, Hestia looked scared and it broke her heart that her child would be afraid of her, shying away from her touch.
"…Hestia, it's okay; Mama and Papa won't fight no more."
"…" Hestia clung to her father, but some coaxing from Marco and a kiss on her chubby cheek did she meekly shuffled to her mother.
"…we'll talk in the morning, Marco." Hekapoo sighed, Hestia yawning in her arms.
"I'll sleep on the couch." "No, you are not. Our bed. Where you're supposed to be."
*Static*
Marco felt Hestia stand behind him, she tentatively reached out and held his hand, he discreetly wiped his face with the other.
"How long were you stand there?" "...after I waddled in."
Marco look back to the screen as it static into Marco, Star, Hekapoo and baby Hestia in a living room. Star was in her queenly attire, her hair done up in a bun like her mother. She fidgeted under Hekapoo's predatory gaze,
"So, that's the solution..."
"...you know what really pisses me off, Queeny: you already had a plan for your 'unexpected' pregnancy."
"H-Poo...Hekapoo," Marco corrected himself after a death glare, "This way Star isn't—!"
Hekapoo flicked him on the nose, "Everyone else is tricked but ME. I want to drive that home, Muscles. You're making me an accomplice to your two timing habit. And I DO NOT LIKE IT. I should be your concern first and foremost, I am your wife after all. You made those vows. So did I."
Star stood up and got on her knee, "Hekapoo: I'm sorry. I should have known better. I would never have—" "SAVE IT, QUEENY." Hekapoo snarled, "Do your little ploy: disguise Marco as some up and coming Mewman that you make your consort but dies in some battle and you're left with his kid. But know this Star, you stay away from my husband from now on. If I even have reason to suspect you're trying to lure him back—"
*Static*
"Um, H-Poo?" Marco fumbled with his words, Hekapoo innocently looked at him, "What? This is just one of my dresses. Nothing unusual about it."
Marco rolled his tongue back up his mouth seeing the tightest black dress his wife owned, he swore it was painted on, the contrast between black fabric and her pale alabaster skin...he usually spent the entire day scaring off sniffing males followed by rough sex.
"Sooo...what's the occasion?" "I want another."
*Static*
"Alright. Which of you bitches are pregnant."
Hekapoo snarled, whilst Hestia, Marcus and Venus Diaz-Butterfly on a rug in the living room, playing. Hestia could hear the venom in the tone and quickly got her siblings to toddle out of the room and into her own.
Marco visibly shrunk as Higgs, Kelly, Janna, Jackie, Star, Moon and Eclipsa were in the living room too sitting on the sofa, chair or standing. Hekapoo glared at their silence before tentative hands rose up into the air.
Hekapoo sighed in relief when Janna, Moon and Eclipsa's hands remained.
Mrs. Diaz paused and looked at Star, "Again?!"
Star sheepishly grinned. Jackie didn't make eye contact. Higgs was red faced but said nothing. Kelly blushed.
Hekapoo glared at her husband, "MARCO." "They found our porn and used it against me."
Hekapoo paled.
Star, Jackie, Higgs and Kelly spoke up.
"Sugarrito."
"Sk8terboi."
"S&M—Squire & Master! Shut up!"
"We just went on a date."
"...huh."
Moon, Eclipsa and Janna coughed.
"Time Travel Play"
"QILF Next Door."
"...I didn't get my chance. Yet."
The screen static as Hekapoo went nuclear.
Marco sweated as Hestia gave him a death glare that would make her mother proud, in the most intimidating voice she could muster Hestia hissed at her father,
"Ew, Dad, you're such a man-slut."
"S-shut up! I can't be held responsible! Future Marco is an idiot!"
Hestia burst out laughing unable to hold the facade any longer, Marco ignored her as the screens changed showing Marco and his family growing over the years. And the mischief his children managed: from pranks during meetings and parties, to food fights at dinner and the girls taking out the dragon bikes with him yelling at them.
"Ooh! I want one of those!"
"You have a license."
"Do you, Dad?"
"…you're grounded."
He ignored Hestia's snickers and continued to watch as a lifetime of happy adventures came and went as time finally caught up to him; he was older now, using a walking cane as he moved around his estate. Hekapoo walking into view, "…off to see them again?" "…yes, I don't know if I'll be able to tomorrow…might be…too tired." he panted.
"…your grandkids called they wanted to visit your newborn great grandkids." "Mhmmm, that's nice of them to think of Grandpa Marco." "…Muscles." "Hah, haven't had those in years, H-Poo."
Marco chuckled before he coughed violently, Hekapoo caught his arm, she patted his back. He smiled, gently moving his wife's bangs to see her face, "Just as beautiful the day I met you…"
Even now, Hekapoo had begun to show signs of age, but she it didn't bother her nor Marco.
"…please don't leave, Marco." "…I won't, dear."
Hekapoo hugged him, tears dripping down, "You're such a bad liar."
Marco looked at the video before pulling Hestia away, she didn't need to see him gone again.
Once, was painful enough.
"C'mon Hestia…let's find a kiosk or something…"
"…please don't leave me again, Papa."
"…let's go, Hestia."
"…okay."
Marco held her hand as they passed more screens, Marco could see more children, but he rushed passed them, he didn't have the heart to see how special they were only to have harsh reality mock him with them in a coma and Hestia all alone.
They came to the near back of the temple and like what Marco had said earlier a kiosk was waiting for them. Marco looked at the strange runes on it before Hestia began to press some keys, "It's strange, but I feel as if—urk!"
Hestia winced as she finished, Marco looked at her concerned as the screen began to flash:
Hestia observing the screens with Omni and Father Time.
Hestia speaking to Hekapoo and pointing at a portal, begging her mother.
She and her siblings began to build a house around a portal.
Hestia speaking to her mother. She was resolute.
Hekapoo throws Hestia across the parlor room, screaming at her.
Her siblings trying to convince Hekapoo to leave, but could not.
Hestia…lying to Hekapoo to get her to leave.
Marco ran a hand through his hair before he noticed a timestamp: Day 67 just before it changed again Day 91.
"Mom…you have to go." "…I can fix this. We can fix this." "…no we can't."
Then the screen changed.
Hestia stood before the portal, looking at it before Hekapoo walked out, confused.
"Welcome back." She said, a hollow smile on her face before the same events unfolded.
Marco stared at the screen, the days changed and Hestia did the exact same thing…over and over again.
"You've been…sending Hekapoo away? Isn't she…how can she be alive?" "…"
"Hestia…what is going on?" "…I don't know."
Marco looked at the screen as a tired Hestia stared back at them, she spoke in a haggard tone, "I don't know how much more I can take…Mom keeps coming from that blasted portal that can't be closed, it's impossible…the timeline is damaged…I wish she stopped trying to get into Dad's dimension, the dimension is Warded, Mom! Give it a break! You're wrecking the delicate balance of Space-Time! It's like a damn shockwave through the multiverse or timelines. Fractures keeps being made and she's slipping through those cracks…into my timeline…if I don't send her back, her native dimension will perish, countless ones will die…and so could mine."
Marco looked at the timestamp: Day 674. He took a step back…that's nearly 2 years!
Marco caution a look at Hestia, she stood there eyes wide and sheet white, almost like her mother's.
"Hestia—"
"…Sunflower, she's not waking up. Uncle Omni and Father Time never seen anything like it, good news is that she's in no real danger…its as if she's stuck in some loop, she's not aging nor needs nourishment…but as long as she's under the loop she can't be woken up…" Hestia sighed and looked at the screen, "Dad…please drop your Ward."
"I have! It's not there anymore!" Marco cried, Hestia jumped at the sudden shout, "How long…? It's only been two—three years? Hestia how long has this been going on?" "…I don't know…"
The screen changed and a worn Hestia stared back at them, "…Hal David, he…he's just like Sunflower, I can't wake him. Mother please…stop."
Marco looked at the time stamp: Day 1442.
"No…no…no…" Marco shook his head looking upon the screen with dread, Hestia felt sick as the screen flickered showing a more tired and beaten Hestia every time…and the number kept rising.
Day 2198
Day 2913
Day 4091
Day 4387
Day 4766
Day 5302
Day 5620
Day 5839
Marco took a step back and collapsed…
"I…I did this to you…"
"Hestia…" Marco numbly moved closer to his future daughter, who stood there completely rigid, "…I'm so…so sorry…if I knew…I would never…I wouldn't have Ward Earth…not if it meant putting through this hell…"
"…I saw your past, Father…I saw what they did to you…if I was in your shoes, I would have been violent. No restraint. What you did was far more difficult than anyone could have managed…"
Hestia didn't turn to face him, but she spoke her voice close to sobbing, "...but now…I don't know if I should be happy or screaming at you…"
Marco numbly looked back at the screen seeing the time stamp as did Hestia, dreading the number he calculated and revulsion gripped him.
"…I stole 16 years from you…you spent 16 years sending Hekapoo back…with no one to help you…"
Marco agonizing guilt racked him. He dreadfully waited for Hestia to lash out, to yell, something to rectify her burden for so many years of loneliness. And he wouldn't stop her.
Hestia closed her eyes and a pained expression tore through her face, her faces reddening as she squeezed her fists, she looked as if was going to explode.
Marco reached out to Hestia but the moment passed and Hestia relaxed…and spoke softly,
"…you know, Father…I'm glad I don't remember…cause I fear I would do something terrible if I did…maybe to myself…maybe to you…"
Marco shakily got to his feet and stood before her, unsure what to say or do,
"Hestia, I'm sorry you spent all this time alone…I—"
"I forgive you, Papa."
Marco stared at her.
"But I—"
Hestia hugged him, burying her head into his chest, "I don't want to hate you, Papa…you didn't know, how could you? I can not even muster the anger to point at you, so please…don't hate yourself for what happened to me, please don't blame yourself…let's just find that portal and end this nightmare."
Marco was at a loss for words.
So he did what came naturally: hugging Hestia, his daughter as tears slid down his face.
"I don't deserve a daughter like you, Hestia…I left you nothing but misery, taking so much from you…"
Hestia pulled back at the words, wiping her tears, she looked at her father before she smiled, shaking her head, her eyes shining,
"…no, you're wrong, Papa. This is a trifle to all the years you raised and loved me…I'm still here because of you…all that I am: started with you…and Hekapoo too—yes, Papa, after all that I've seen, I suppose she's my mother."
Marco smiled and wiped a tear from her cheek before he leaned over and kissed her forehead, she giggled. Collecting themselves, the two made they're way out of the temple feeling a great deal better after crying out their guilt and pain, pausing as they saw sleeping Diaz kids.
"…not long now."
"They'll be fine, Hestia, I promise that portal will be closed."
The two turned to the temple entrance and froze when a shadow passed the threshold.
A sudden chill crawled down their spine.
"…was there anyone with you, Hestia?"
"…I don't think so."
Marco and Hestia sprinted for the entrance, looking down the steps they saw the prone forms of Omni and Father Time. Hestia leapt 3 steps at a time and felt for their pulse and vitals; Marco yanked out his sword and prepared for a fight.
"Dad, they're alive…but just like my…siblings. Who are they…?"
"…Hestia, is that the portal?"
Hestia could hear the uncertainty in her father's voice and slowly turned, she saw the portal and it reached to the heavens, scrapping it even. But that paled in comparison to what was happening, all the Hekapoos that should have come out of the portal…had not.
A massive figure stood in front of the portal before it turned its attention to them and the two leapt over the two Space-Time guardians and moved forward cautiously as to not catch them and the temple in the crossfire.
Marco and Hestia drew closer and their dread mounted as the imposing figure turned out to be a suit of black armor; the black metal twisted and ornately decorated, a massive horned helm sat on its shoulders.
And it stood between them and the portal.
"…"
Marco felt the back of his hair rise, when it spoke up: a deep and old commanding voice that there were no resolution, no reprieve and no compromise but what it set down.
And pray tell: where do you think you're going, boy.
"That portal has to be sealed, Hestia has been slaving over it for too long. It's the root cause of the universe in danger of breaking apart."
The suit of armor tilted its head at his words, before it peered down on him and Hestia.
I agree, however…do you think it was going to be so easy? All this suffering has awaken me from my slumber to find the universe in this pathetic state.
"And who are you?" Marco spat, Hestia could feel dread hanging in the air, even at the end of the universe there was something more dreadful awaiting them.
The suit of armor seemingly jitters, as if chuckling at the question.
It might have been a whisper, but it might as well been a hurricane howling at their faces.
I have many names.
But you only need to know one:
I AM THE PENDRAGON KING
Marco and Hestia felt their collective guts drop as the Traitor's Sword appeared in its black gauntlet, black fire wrapping around it.
Marco leveled his own and it blazed into life, as if overjoyed to be able to fight itself.
"If you know what's at stake, then let me pass."
The Pendragon looked at the sword for a moment before it chuckled again,
The universe can stand to suffer for another pathetic moment, boy.
Come, let's see if you have the mettle bear my sword and the weight of All Creation upon yourself!
Marco brought the sword into guard just as the Pendragon King flickered forward and swung, the strike sent bright red sparks in all direction and a shockwave to match, Marco flew to the horizon.
"FATHER! GRRR!"
Hestia inhaled and sent a formidable size fireball at the Pendragon.
He merely swatted to the side, the explosion sending up a mushroom cloud.
Hestia snarled and pulled out the Dimensional Scissors, the Pendragon chuckled,
That wee blade will not hurt me.
"HOW ABOUT MINE!?"
Marco appeared above the Pendragon and brought the sword down, but the king merely brought the sword to bear and the two blades skitter off each other, sparks and bolts crackling.
Marco stood between him and Hestia, he panted as the two stare down each other.
The Pendragon flickered out of sight but Marco was ready and their blades met, Marco felt as if he was holding back an entire mountain as the king merely locked the blades and casually took a step forward, Marco roared as he skid back and pushed into the dirt.
Pathetic.
Marco's eyes shined at the words and called upon the Elementals.
They hesitated.
The Pendragon chuckled,
They're scared. As they should be.
Marco gritted his teeth and bowed to his side, letting the sword cleave into the ground. He ducked as Hestia shot another fireball, this time smaller and condensed: right for the king's helm.
The momentary distraction achieved, Marco sent a blazing arc point blank at the Pendragon King, making him back step.
Hmph.
Marco grunted as an oversized gauntlet found his gut and flung him into the distance, Hestia slashed open a portal but the Pendragon merely flicked his wrist and Hestia flew just the same as her father only she landed on the fallen couch from the mock house.
Marco braced himself hitting solid ground, he pushed himself up and tried to attune himself to the Elementals again.
"Is he…really the Pendragon King…?
...
"Yes…
Marco, you have to run!
"Where? The entire universe is fucked."
…this is not how I thought we would go!
Marco pulled himself up as the king appeared before him again, he could feel eyes study him, judging his worth,
Pat—
Marco spun and snapped his sword out unleashing a devastating arc at the Pendragon King, fueled irritated fury at the careless assumption. Pieces of black metal was sheared but otherwise, the massive King merely buffed through it.
Marco raised his sword to follow-up with a hack into the exposed area when his blood ran cold gazing upon the Pendragon.
A skeleton.
A flaming skeleton hid inside the armor, its eyes burned with righteous fire.
Marco overcome his surprise too late as the Pendragon swung his sword; several crackling raptors came screeching at him, Marco retaliated immediately, cursing his miss opportunity,
FIREBRAND: FIRE DARTS!
The birds exploded at contact and the two faced each other, the Pendragon ran a metal finger down the exposed armor.
Not bad, boy.
However, you will not get the chance again.
"We'll see about that."
Marco held the sword, as did the Pendragon King; feeling the rising tension as the two stared each other down. King versus Dark Knight. Marco ignited his sword just as the king grabbed the sword blade and pulled, the Traitor's Sword lengthening under his touch, the sword chatter as it morph too taking a refine regal design.
A sword fit for a king.
Marco refrained from rolling his eyes and let loose a blazing arc, the king swatted it aside with an icy arc and flicker forward, the Dark Knight already anticipating the move and met the king. If he was surprised it didn't show on his flaming skeletal face as the two clashed blades.
Marco swung with every fiber of his being, knowing anything less would not stop king's own and send him flying into the horizon again. With every hit Marco felt his body rattle, throwing his body's equilibrium off. It might have been a dozen or a thousand but Marco's knew he was waning.
The king's next blow came and the jarring feeling of the Traitor's Sword torn from his numb fingers sent Marco's guts plummeting.
"Ignis!"
I…I…
Marco lazily rolled as the sword swing would have decapitated him, he held out a hand for his sword but the king's sword crackled and he threw it where Marco's sword laid. The king's sword electrified the ground and seemingly a chain of lightning wrapped around the Traitor's Sword.
Go on, see if you can survive being electrocuted.
Marco snarled and threw a punch, the king's black gauntlet caught his face and held it even as Marco's fists smacked into solid metal.
"Ignis, please!" ...
"Ignis, you promised!" ...
Marco felt the fingers squeeze, the image of his head crushed like an egg-shell made him threw another desperate punch.
A fireball smote the Pendragon King in the face.
Caught off guard.
Marco breathed in before sending another fireball from his fist then blowing out a gust of wind, amplifying the blast causing him to stagger.
"…thank you."
…I'm sorry, Marco…we were too afraid to fight, but even though you're outmatched you still fight.
Marco wiped his chin, feeling the scalds on his body,
"What are you talking about? He's the one outmatched now."
The king saw the change in Marco and slammed his massive gauntlet into the ground, sending a rippling shockwave.
The jutting rocks stopped just before it struck him.
Ignis, Gnome, Undine and Sylph channeled their powers into Marco before he let loose a ferocious tirade of elemental strikes.
He covered his fist in stone and punched the helm, Marco spun and pulled water from underneath and geyser him into the air before using frigid winds to incase him ice and brought him down in a sickening crash.
It would have if not for him breaking free and plummeting gauntlet first into the ground, ready to send a devastating shockwave. Marco slammed both hands into the ground before it churned turning into a mud pit, the king sunk deep harmlessly before Marco raised several mudmen and they dogpile on the Pendragon, smothering his flames.
"IGNIS!"
The elemental leapt out of Marco, she gracefully waved her arms, spinning on toe and heel as fire erupted all around her in varying shades of iridescent red, yellow, orange, blue and white. She snapped her fingers and the fires dived into the mud pit turning it molten, steam and smoke burst out of it.
Ignis looked at her handiwork, twirling one last time before seeping back into Marco, he patted his chest feeling a brief fever before it faded.
Marco took a step to his sword just as the harden slag exploded revealing the Pendragon, his armor red-hot. He flickered for Marco just as he summoned Undine and Sylph to blast him with frigid ice water, super cooling the armor before stone clung to his foot and he kicked the shit out of the king.
Breaking apart more armor and sending him reeling back, Marco found his fists covered in stone again and he pummeled the king, cracking the brittle armor. Marco kicked him just as a boulder rose behind him crashing into it as Marco dived in with his stone covered knee for the helm, cracking it and exposing the skeletal face.
Marco panted as the Pendragon slumped to the ground, the rocks falling off him, he looked at the flames weakly flickering on skull for a moment.
"…!"
…oh? So close to.
Marco gasped as his Traitor's Sword was a hairbreadth away from impaling the skull.
The king's Pendragon Sword was impaled through his chest.
Marco glanced down before the sword fell from his hand.
To think you realize I lifted the hold I had over your sword, called it and readied to kill me in the same instant I did. You would have too…had I been a lesser man.
The Elementals screamed, as did Monster Arm as the sword ended their lives.
Marco thickly swallowed, blood filled his mouth and he put a hand over his lips.
The Pendragon merely watched him, waiting for him to die.
Marco felt the familiar clammy death grip, he looked at the Pendragon King.
Waiting.
Uncaring.
He grabbed the sword guard and pushed, he gasped as blood ran down from his mouth and wound, soaking his clothes and hands, but still he pushed. Until the blade left his body, the king raised the sword again to impale him but he caught the blade with his hand, it was futile, he lost too much blood, cold and weak, but…he didn't want to give the king the satisfaction of an easy kill, he would fight and fight; making it as unrewarding as possible.
His eyes burned, turning a harsh red and blue before it was engulf in black, venomous green filled it and glared down at the Pendragon King.
The Traitor's Sword appeared in his hand and he drove it into the king's skull, twisting it before the skeleton screamed hellishly, thrashing in it's death throes before exploding, Marco's entire vision filled with nothing but white.
…
Marco.
Marco blinked, he was slumped over the Pendragon King's fist.
Get off me already.
He pushed the gauntlet away and readied his sword, the king looked at him,
You already saw what will happen if we cross blades, Marco; you have more pressing matters to attend to.
He looked aside and saw Hestia waking up from the couch, she shook her head and got to her feet.
He glared at the Pendragon,
"What did you do to her? The battle we just had."
I simply knocked her out, as for the battle: just an illusion, a powerful one I might add since your buddies fell for it too. The moment I struck you in the gut I put you under, they should wake up. Eventually.
"It was a test." Marco snarled.
The king shrugged.
Of sorts, yes. When you came into the future I needed to know a few things about you and the path you have been walking. I'm impressed.
"I'm so fucking happy you are. Now move so I can close that damn portal." Marco seethed, the king paused before the sword flashed forward and prick Marco's palm.
He pulled his hand back as the king let the blood seep into the sword before nodding his head,
Mhmmm, not yet, I see.
Marco pointed his sword at the Pendragon.
Hestia joined her father, unsure what was going on.
"All of this…for a drop of blood." Marco waved his hand around, surprisingly the cut healed itself.
Oh, I have nothing to do with this mess.
Like I said I was awaken to the universe's distress.
The Pendragon King held up his hand to stop both Marco and Hestia.
And I do not clean after others messes.
I do not care that I have the sword to fix this problem.
You made this; so you know what must me done.
Marco simmered in his anger as Hestia looked worriedly between the two.
The king sighed and turned his back to them as he walked off,
This body isn't mine, but I can inhabit it for a short duration before I have to once again leave into the ancestral plane of existence…I had to be sure your resolve was strong; that you were capable for the trials ahead boy.
"…"
You will stand before me once again.
Let us see what kind of person you are then.
And with that the Pendragon King vanished.
Marco looked where he stood before he faced the portal, seeing all the Hekapoos seemingly frozen. Hestia looked at it with her father, placing a hand against it feeling the solid one-way entry of the portal. Marco looked at the closest one, she looked driven if not borderline obsessive, she looked as if she hadn't eaten all day.
"Papa…"
"Don't worry. It's all over now."
Marco looked up, Hestia did too before she grabbed her father and slashed a portal underneath them, surprising her father. Marco and Hestia fell from an amazing height, "Papa! Do it now!"
Hestia pointed, Marco pulled her close with one hand and the other he stabbed the portal with the Traitor's Sword, willing it to close the portal. Hestia grunted as the sword slid from the top down like a zipper on the portal, Hestia palmed fire and slowed their descent as Marco brought the sword low to the ground.
Hestia backstep and stared where the portal used to be.
Gone.
It was over.
She looked up and speckles of light began to show up in the dark canvas.
She smiled even when blood dripped out of her nose.
"Hestia? HESTIA!"
"I-I'm fine, really…" Hestia tried to smile as she felt her head throb at first then steadily it felt fit to bursting. Marco caught her as the heaven's began to light up with stars, she looked at it and her memories began to flood back…maybe…if I was asleep…it wouldn't be…so bad…
"Papa…bring me…to them…" Hestia pointed over her shoulder.
"What? No! Hestia, you're—!"
"NOW."
Marco was torn, but nonetheless he slashed a portal and fell next to Omni and Father Time, Hestia pulled herself from her father and grabbed the two prone forms, her mind racked with pain.
Memories overwriting each other.
It felt as if they were at war with what she learned and what she knew.
"Hestia!"
"I…I gotta send…you back. Wipe your memories…so you don't change…the timeline…" Hestia wheezed.
Marco stared at her, "You can't wipe my memories. I've Ward my mind."
"Damnit, Papa, what is it with you and Wards?! Drop it, please. Don't you…want me to born?"
"Then I'll follow this timeline: I'll marry Hekapoo, we'll have you, raise you—" Marco pleaded.
"No, Dad, if you go back with that mindset…you already change the timeline…you could erase me…please you have to go back with no recollection of this…of this future…of me. Please, if you love me...you have to forget me."
"It's not just me inside of me."
"It'll work on them too!" Hestia cried, uncaring as the pain mounted.
Marco stared at her, seeing her struggle to stay conscious as the memories bombard her and her mind desperately trying to sort itself, super imposing memories atop of memories. The stress and her cognitive function pushed to the brink as it continued to stack.
"…I don't want to forget you, Hestia."
"…I know, Papa."
Hestia closed her eyes as she synchronize herself to the unconscious two, accessing their awesome power: sifting through countless timelines to send Marco to his native one, bending space-time to her will and making the portal to sap the memories from whomever passed it.
The task and stress was…unbelievable.
To do it while being ripped apart mentally…
Hestia blinked as her vision swam, she couldn't even see him anymore.
"Go…now…"
Marco gave her one last look and stepped into the portal,
"I love you, Hestia."
"…love you…too."
Marco was flung backwards as Hestia drifted further and further away from sight, he yelled reaching out to her as memories of her were taken from him.
He gazed at the entrance of the portal; unsure who was the girl at the end of it.
And why he felt like crying at the thought.
Hestia gasped, feeling the portal close as universe went into overdrive, mending itself.
Galaxies, stars, constellations, dimensions and the like exploded with activity once again.
The universe…she and her father brought it back from the brink.
They had done the impossible.
The victory was short lived.
Hestia's mind already burden with information and memories clashing from the initial onset had an information dump, overloading her weaken mind.
She gasped as a searing pain struck her entire being, leaving her rigid for a moment before she crumpled into the ground, unceremoniously.
Even as the universe recovered, who would know the price Hestia had paid for it?
The Blood Moon Goddess wept at Hestia's fate, silvery tears cascading down her face, her hair disheveled and her red garb in tatters.
No more…
Please, Marco…
Haven't you lost enough already…?
And the goddess fled.
XxXxXxXxX
Sorry, my avid readers for my long absence.
Things have been extremely rough for me in real life.
I hoped to that negativity wouldn't leave so much on the chapter, but...
I just hoped the Redemption Arc has enough good vibes to make up for the crumby ones recently.
Ciao,
I AM NRG
END OF TRANSMISSION