Forgotten Ventures

Judge, Jury, and Expectations

The royal courtyard buzzed with an unusual energy. Twenty knights, clad in gleaming armor, raised their swords in a salute that echoed a metallic hiss against the castle's facade. As the trumpets blared, Marco felt a flush creep up his neck. He knew the gesture was well intentioned, but he still didn't feel like he deserved it. All morning he'd been touted as a hero, but the weight of it all pressed down on him, a heavy mantle of unrelenting praise. He shifted uncomfortably as he descended the castle steps and eyed the rows of knights and heralds. As he walked, his gaze snagged on a familiar face in the gathered crowd. 'Now what are you doing here,' he wondered.

Higgs, still a scrawny and tempered squire, stood near the back, her expression sour. She met his eyes for a fleeting second before turning away with a dismissive snort. He smiled in agreement. It was nice to see that some things were just destined to stay the same.

Queen Moon and King River flanked Star as they escorted Marco down the line and toward the waiting carriage. It was a jaw-dropping collection of ivory and gold, stunning in the morning light. His parents stood before it, stiff as boards with faces twisted in a mixture of relief… but also something else. It wasn't exactly a revelation that they wanted the pageantry and gaudy display to be over with as quickly as possible.

They greeted him with quick hugs and took his bag, their smiles warm and genuine. But as Moon, River and Star approached, their demeanor shifted like a change in the wind. The warmth vanished, replaced by a stiff formality Marco knew was only reserved for acting royals desperate to put on a mask. Angie's jaw set, and she exchanged a brief, almost imperceptible glance with Raphael.

"Marco," Moon began, her tone spoiled with unease, "I can't thank you enough for everything you've done for our kingdom, and her people. I…I apologize for the inadequacy of the healing, and I hope the gifts might make up for it. Had I more time, I could have—"

"There are doctors on Earth that will look after him when we get back," Angie interrupted, her tone clipped. She softened slightly, though the effort was visible. "Thank you, Moon, for taking care of Marco. And thank you, Star, for…everything." The words seemed to catch in her throat, but for Star they seemed to come with ease.

Servants began loading the carriage as Star stepped closer to Marco, handing him a sleek and stone-grey compact mirror. He took it, their fingers brushing for only a moment. "You know I have scissors right? You didn't have to–" She pulled him into an embrace with enough force to cut his stupid and considerate sentence in half.

The hug was warm and tight, laced with everything she wanted to say, save for a few parting words. "Be careful, Marco," she whispered, her voice and hands trembling. "Don't do anything stupid without me, and don't let Janna steal your wallets."

Marco noticed the tremor in her hands and gave her a reassuring smile. She could try and hide the fear in her voice with jokes all she wanted; he knew better. "I'll be back before you know it," he murmured, just loud enough for her to hear, "Save me a spot at Dinner. And make sure Tom and Torridity don't have too much fun without me."

Star managed a smile, but a shadow of doubt flickered in her eyes. There was no telling what he would or wouldn't remember the next time she saw him. He was getting worse, a little at a time, but as it stood there was nothing she could do. He'd said Glossaryck was in his head, and Merina said Glossaryck couldn't be dead if the Book of Spells was still here. She had to find him; he was the only person who could fix this mess.

"Marco," River said, his voice tight with an unusual, regal composure, "thank you for everything you've done for the kingdom, my boy! On behalf of the people of Mewni, we give you the warmest of thanks, and an invitation to return any time you–"

Raphael cut him off smoothly, ushering Marco towards the carriage. "We must thank you all again," he said, a hint of urgency in his voice. "And remind you that we have a very busy day ahead, many people to see. We would not want to keep the High Commission waiting, for your trial business."

Star stopped Angie as Marco climbed into the carriage, the last flash of his red hoodie disappearing into the interior. "I'm sorry!" she blurted out, the words tumbling over each other.

"For everything! I'm sorry for the battle, the magic, the monsters! And I'm sorry for…me.

Everything that happened…it was because I was so stupid and reckless and dangerous and…"

Angie had been listening with restrained surprise, but she surprised Star by giving her a genuine, warm smile. She pulled Star into a hug. "Please don't be upset, honey. We never blamed you, Star… we're just, scared we might lose him again. Don't blame yourself. I know my son, and I know he wouldn't have done anything he didn't want to do. It's just…he'll be safer back home." She stepped back, her smile faltering slightly. "Maybe next time you visit, we can all go out for pizza at some inter-dimensional italian place or something. Whatever you kids like to do these days."

Star stared for a few seconds before her heart soared. It was more than she had hoped for. Trying to keep her enthusiasm in check, she charged forward and hugged Angie back. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice wavering and uneven, but undoubtedly thrilled.

With a final goodbye, Raphael closed the carriage door. Manfred stepped ahead of the manticores and cut open a sky blue and pink portal tall enough to drive a bus through. It hummed and sparked as the carriage slipped beyond the shimmering vortex, out of sight and out of Mewni. With a soft thrum, it vanished, leaving only Manfred standing awkwardly at the end of the rows of knights. Star stared at the empty space where the carriage had been, lost in thought, until Moon gently touched her arm. "Come, Star," she said. "The trial starts in an hour.

We need to get ready."

O - O - O - O - O - O - O

Moon's discerning gaze swept over Star, taking in every detail of her attire. The voluminous white dress, adorned with delicate blue and pink ribbons, billowed slightly as Star moved. Her long, usually unbound hair was styled into a regal bun, something she'd been told could emphasize her youthful features. Not that it mattered here. Moon smoothed a wrinkle from the pristine fabric, adjusted the angle of Star's tiara, and with a delicate touch, applied a whisper of powder to her cheek. A final, subtle adjustment to Star's posture, and Moon nodded approvingly.

Star glanced nervously at the ornate wall clock, its intricate gears ticking with what seemed like exaggerated slowness. "Mom, I feel like an idiot," she fretted, her voice a hushed whisper, "If we sit here too long, we're gonna be late. All the other nobles are gonna think we don't even wanna make this guy stand trial!"

Moon offered a reassuring smile. "Nonsense, Star. We are perfectly on time. A little preparation is all it takes, and you'll find that it makes a world of difference to your…affiliates."

With a deep breath and a turn, Moon grasped the handles of the heavy oak doors to the courtroom. With a nearly effortless push, the ancient wood groaned in protest as it swung inward. The sound echoed through the vast chamber, cutting through the air with a physical force. Every conversation, every murmur, every rustle of papers, every whisper…ceased instantly.

The silence was absolute.

The pews lining the courtroom were filled with a dazzling array of regals and royal families, each sectioned off according to their respective kingdoms. There were the pompous Pigeons, with feathers ruffling in indignation. The Spiderbites, whose venomous stares pierced with a morbid curiosity. The fiery Lucitors, who lounged in velvet seats and glared with a tempestuous judgment. The boisterous Ponyheads offered not even a whinney at their entrance, and the enigmatic Merfolk watched, their scales shimmering under the courtroom's enchanting light.

Every eye in the room was fixed on Moon and Star. Some faces reflected invested anticipation, silently appraising the Queen and Princess of Mewni. Others held simple curiosity, while still others were etched with undisguised judgment.

In the center of the courtroom stood the stand of polished ebony gleaming in the spotlight, like it was hungry for its next prisoner. It was there that Vartek would stand trial for his crimes. It was there that his fate, maybe even his life, would hang in the balance. It made not a single difference to Star.

The two walked in measured silence towards the bench at the far end of the room, and the waiting members of the court. Omnitraxus Prime sat in the center, flanked by Hekapoo and Rhombulus to his left. Two empty seats remained to his right. One, Moon knew, was for her. The other, the seat usually occupied by Lekmet, remained vacant. His absence was a heavy, unspoken presence in the room, and one Star had been asked to fill.

They climbed up the rear of the bench and took their respective seats, the scope of their observation palpable. Star closed her eyes and released a shaky breath, but a poke at her arm drew her attention left. A small, shimmering portal, its edges crackling with orange energy, hummed beside Hekapoo. Her arm, white as snow and spiked like armor, snaked through, a smirk playing on her lips. "Pretty good turnout for this dirtwad, I'd say. You sure you're ready for this, Star?"

Star made to answer, but her throat was suddenly too dry to give a flailing affirmation. Omnitraxus came to her rescue. "Of course she is! If anyone here should want this man to suffer, it's obviously going to be Star." He looked at her for support, but she only offered a tight smile. He glanced back to Hekapoo with a furrowed brow on his skull. "Especially after everything he's done. We wouldn't have invited her if she didn't feel ready to watch him squirm."

"Gonna be pretty hard for him to wiggle around in his crystal!" Rhombulus laughed, accompanied by his hands. "I could even leave his mouth frozen, just to make this go faster! We all know he's guilty anyway!"

Moon cleared throat and eyed them before gaze swept over the assembled royals, her expression unreadable, and settling on Star. Her words were hushed and direct, meant only for the High Commission, but her voice carried an undercurrent of steel. "May I remind you all that this is a fair trial. Biased judgment will not be tolerated, nor will any undeserved treatment of the accused. We will present an opening, deliver evidence, hear the accused, and receive closing arguments from the defence. We will take every measure to deliver a fair and deserved verdict, regardless of our personal feelings. Do I make myself absolutely clear?"

With some polite grumbles and relayed dissatisfaction, the rest of the High Commission expressed their willingness to comply. At Star's silence, Moon offered a final, "I know you want to punish him, and we most likely will. But even a murderer deserves the same fairness as a starving thief."

Star offered a slow nod. She knew she wanted Vartek to burn. Not just for Mewni, or Marco, but she could also feel Merinas gaze softening her furrowed brow. 'And do you think they'll release him?' She'd asked in the dead of night. 'We have his word that he can help, but if they sentence him to death we may as well–'

'He'll be fine. My mom said she's on his side, even if she has to make it fair. That's all we can ask for, and that's all I can do. I'm not exactly the judge of it.' If there was even a slight chance he could fix things, then they would need him alive, and he would need to convince them.

Moon cleared her throat and called out to the impervious, silent courtroom, "Bring in the accused…now."

To the left of the bench, a set of heavy, iron-banded doors glowing with runes slowly creaked open. The hallway beyond them was a dark maw filled with creeping shadow and a growing scent of mildew and decay. The sound of rolling wood and clanging metal echoed from within, until a band of fifteen knights exited, heralding a simple wooden cart. Perched on top was a crystal the size of a troll. Vartek was visible within, frozen in a grotesque pose, his expression contorted in a silent scream.

"Rhombulus, if you would," Omnitraxus muttered softly.

The cart was wheeled to the center of the room to stop just beside the stand. Rhombulus stood and made his way down, approaching the crystal and pressing his snakes to his head. With a negative thrum of light and energy, he targeted Vartek's head, the crystal around it melting like ice on a summer day, sending a shower down to the floor. Vartek's head lolled forward, his eyes blinking slowly as he regained consciousness.

"There ya go," Rhombulus chuckled. "One head, ready to serve!"

Moon's lips tightened in an annoyed grimace. "Rhombulus," she said, her voice frigid and deliberately softened. "All of him."

Rhombulus groaned and drew his snakes back to his head. "Fiiiine." With another descending thrum and a beam of light, the rest of the crystal melted, and Vartek tumbled out, landing heavily on his hands and knees. He coughed up the iridescent fluid of the crystal and staggered to his feet, clutching the stand for support. His limbs were stiff and uncoordinated, and he swayed precariously for a moment before regaining his balance. Chains rattled with each movement, their cold metal biting into his skin. When he had finally taken his place, Rhombulus trudged back to the bench as the courtroom held its breath.

Star watched him, her hands clenched so tightly that her nails dug into the fabric of her dress. A thousand curse words passed through her mind, each more gratifying than the last and guaranteed to earn her a week of grounding. Merina needed him, and so did the Turned, but that didn't make the searing heat in her chest any cooler.

The silence in the courtroom held fast, broken only by the rattling of Vartek's chains and the sound of his unsteady breathing. It was a silence thick with hostility, a silence that seemed to press down on him like a physical weight. It was as silent as the dead.

Moon struck her gavel with a flurry of blue and white magic. "Esteemed members of the High Commission, visiting dignitaries, and assembled guests," she began. "We convene today to address a matter of grave consequence for the Kingdom of Mewni and the delicate balance of our universe. The accused, Vartek, stands before us, charged with a multitude of heinous crimes, including illegal time travel, murder, assault, treason, attempted regicide, kidnapping, trespassing, tampering with the universe's magic, and the alleged theft of portal technology. These accusations are not made lightly. The evidence gathered is substantial, and the gravity of these offenses cannot be overstated. This trial will be conducted with the utmost fairness and impartiality. We will hear all evidence presented, listen to the accused's defense, and weigh all factors before reaching a just and appropriate verdict. Let the proceedings begin with Omnitraxus Prime."

Omnitraxus, through his crystal ball, raised his hands as the air in the courtroom shimmered. A series of luminous threads, representing the delicate fabric of spacetime, snaked and branched across the room. Some glowed with a steady light, others flickered erratically, and several were visibly frayed, their ends sparking with unstable energy. "This," Omnitraxus declared, his voice resonating with ancient knowledge and unrelated authority, "is the damage wrought by Vartek's reckless actions. The continuum is fractured, its delicate balance disrupted. The only way to repair this devastation is to eliminate the source of the disruption. Obliterating Vartek completely would undo his damage, and in time, let the universe heal. If you'll pardon my pun."

The courtroom flickered with a polite round of laughter as Moon swung her gavel and gestured towards the stand. "Vartek? What evidence do you present to refute these claims?"

All eyes turned towards the accused, but Vartek shook his head. "Your highness, I have no answer for these accusations. He speaks the truth. I came here with a spell I cannot remember, to a time I didn't know, and wreaked havoc. I cannot–"

"Wait," Star's voice cut through his resigned acceptance, even though she was practically trembling in the spotlight. "Yeah, I agree that he time traveled, which is pretty bad, but destroying him is out of the question."

Moon cleared her throat. "Ahrm, Star? This isn't how a court proceedings works. You can't just–"

"Yeah, and I can't just let Omni tell you all that killing him would magically fix everything, pardon my pun," Star mocked. In the absense of laughter, she did her best to stand and talk like a model princess should. "Look, I really hate this guy too, Vartek's done a lot of messed up stuff, and he's gonna be held accountable. But I also know that he's not the only one who's been messing with time. I, myself, am a product of time manipulation. As is Marco Diaz. He was sent back in time, and I…" She hesitated as the assembly drew breath to start its uproar, but then continued, "I know what happens in the future, just like he does. We, too, have altered the course of history, however unintentionally. By your logic, we should share his fate."

The courtroom erupted with confusion and shock as the present nobles began to stand and shout. As Moon took to slamming her gavel, Omnitraxus glared at Star through his screen. He knew, and so did Moon, but that didn't placate his argument. "Vartek is not of this time," he refused with cold authority. "He is an intruder, a foreign element disrupting the natural flow of events. You and Marco, Princess, are of this timeline. Your actions, while significant, are within the established order. Vartek's are not."

"So then send him back to his own stupid timeline and be done with it!" Star shouted at his screen, nearly pressing her face against it. "You wanna blow him up, then get Marco and I out of the way first and–"

"ENOUGH!"

A slam of the gavel sent a booming shockwave of magic to ripple across the courtroom. Moon glared at the two of them as they regained their composure, and she regained hers. "I will consider the presentation of evidence of Varteks illegal time travel, over. Hekapoo, your case."

Star pursed her lips and sat back with folded arms. If they wanted to throw the book at Vartek, they could at least be fair about it. She glanced at Vartek, noticing that he was already staring directly at her. It wasn't gratitude or malice filling his eyes, however, it was just plain old surprise. Hell, it was surprising to her too. Why was she even defending him to the pack of wolves? He wanted to die, then so be it. She slouched to listen to Hekapoo's argument, ignoring the staring nobles and the hushed whispers of the future, and Marco.

Hekapoo stepped forward, her usual air of nonchalant boredom replaced by a flicker of something akin to professional interest. She addressed Vartek directly, her voice crisp and clear. "Vartek," she began, "my work involves the creation and distribution of dimensional scissors– tools that allow safe passage between worlds. This," she gestured to the shattered scimitar resting on a velvet-lined cushion, "was recovered from the scene of one of your battles with the princess."

The scimitar, even in pieces, was sleek and deadly, its blade crafted from a dark, obsidian-like material. Intricate carvings adorned its hilt, and a faint, residual hum of magic seemed to emanate from the now-jagged edge.

"This blade possessed the same portal-opening capabilities as my scissors," Hekapoo continued, "a feat of complex magic that, to my knowledge, you have no expertise in. So, Vartek, I ask you plainly: where'd ya get it?"

Vartek, who had remained remarkably quiet throughout the proceedings, finally spoke. His voice was low and even, devoid of any hint of defiance or excuse. "My weapons," he said, his gaze fixed on Hekapoo, "were a gift from you. After I spent seven years in the Neverzone tracking your clones."

A ripple of murmurs swam through the courtroom. Hekapoo's eyebrows rose in surprise. "From me, huh?" she echoed, her words droning with skepticism. "I may not have been born like you meatbags, but I also wasn't made yesterday. I'd remember making that."

"Not in this time," Vartek replied. "Six hundred years in the future, you gave them to me."

The courtroom erupted in gasps, whispers and cries of falsehoods. Hekapoo, her expression a mixture of disbelief and intrigue, reached out and picked up the terrifying weapon. As her fingers closed around the hilt, the runes etched into the blade flared with a vibrant, emerald light.

Vartek's name, written in Hekapoo's distinctive, flowing script, appeared on the blade's surface.

Hekapoo stared at the runes, her eyes widening slightly. She could feel the familiar thrum of her own magic resonating within the blade. "Huh, son of a bitch," she murmured, a hint of awe in her voice. "It is mine." She looked at Vartek, her expression now more serious. "Alright, I made this, I'll give you that. But..." Her voice hardened, and her grip on the hilt tightened. "Why? Why were you using a gift from Hekapoo to kill innocent people."

She dropped the blade, and Vartek's gaze dropped to the floor. He remained silent for a long moment, then spoke, his voice barely audible. "I have no excuse for my actions," he said. "You may have it back. I'm not worthy of one of your gifts, and maybe I never was."

"Yeah, you got that right," Hekapoo snorted before she made her way back up the dais. When she sat down, she kept her glare on Vartek but spoke to Moon. "I've said my piece. He admits that he murdered people with it, and he admits it's his, what more do you want? Next customer."

Rhombulus rounded to his feet and with a surprising burst of agility vaulted over the dais to land squarely in front of Vartek, his single eye narrowed. "Alright, lizard-breath!" he declared, his voice booming through the courtroom. "Let's skip to the good part! We all know you're guilty, but I got one question burning a hole in my brain, and maaaaybe you can answer it for me. Why, oh

WHY, were you planning to destroy the universe, delete the timeline, and ruin magic forever?!"

The courtroom slipped into a tide of confused murmurs. Even the pidgeons seemed to coo and peck with renewed interest. Vartek tilted his head, his brow furrowed. "I don't– …what?"

Moon pinched the bridge of her nose, a sigh escaping her lips. "Rhombulus," she said, her voice even and slow with exasperation, "where did you hear this…allegation?"

Rhombulus shifted his weight from one foot to the other and rubbed the back of his crystal. He cleared his throat and tried to look anywhere but at the queen. "Uh…well," he stammered, "I might have…made it up? But it sounds like something he'd do, right? I mean, come on! The guy turned Mewmans into monsters and destroyed your castle for Pete's sake!"

He pointed a snake at Vartek. "Besides," he continued, his tone turning accusatory, "you were a huge jerk in the Monster Temple! And I really didn't appreciate being corrupted, thank you very much!"

Vartek looked genuinely bewildered. "I…I apologize?" he asked, his voice quiet. "I don't remember being rude, though I have no doubt I was. But I certainly didn't want to corrupt anyone." At that, Star leaned forward. He was actually defending himself.

Rhombulus crossed his arms, his snakes hissing in agreement. "Well, you did! And it wasn't very nice! So, as punishment, you have to tell us…where's Lekmet?" He charged forward and gripped the ebony rails of the stand. "You know something, don't you!? You probably hid him somewhere!"

Vartek shook his head. "I sent him to the Monster Temple," he explained, his voice gaining a touch of firmness, "I didn't want to hurt him, and he wasn't useful in a fight. When I was banished, he was on his own, the same as you. Wherever he is, he's there by his own choice."

Rhombulus huffed, clearly disappointed. "Fine," he grumbled, "but if I find him, and he's been turned into some kind of…magic-eating monster because of you, I'm holding you responsible! I'll throw your crystal into a black hole!" He stomped back to his seat, muttering about rude lizards and missing goat-men.

As the courtroom settled into an uneasy, almost suffocating silence, Moon rose from her seat, her face etched with a mixture of sorrow and grim determination. She addressed the court with such regal conviction, it was a wonder to Star that she didn't have the entire kingdom at her beck and call. "We have heard the accusations of my fellow commission members, and we have heard the rebuttals from the accused. Time manipulation, misuse of portal devices, and…kidnapping, I believe. Now, I present the most damning evidence against you, Vartek."

She extended her hand, and the air in the courtroom came to life with a gentle hum of released magic. Vivid, holographic images materialized on the walls around them, each one a visceral and undeniable record of Vartek's crimes. As they focused and shifted, Moon descended the bench stairway and laced her hands behind her back. "These images are graphic. For those of you with a personal connection to this man's crimes, I ask that you not look away. Instead, internalize the determination and ruthless fervor that drove him to commit them."

The first image showed Vartek, his face contorted with rage, striking down Mewman guards and mowing through civilians like crops to be harvested. The most striking was that of a Mewman woman, incinerated by a blast of green fire as she ran from the man in question. Her face was a mask of terror as she fell, her life extinguished in an instant. The images were brutal, gratuitously so, focusing on the harrowing reality of the violence. "Six months ago, Vartek, you ravaged our capital and wreaked havoc on the populous with what appeared to be…delight?" She gestured to the manic grin plastered on his face as he crushed her army without effort, and her hand curled into a fist. "It is the understanding of the court that you had no desire to harm the general population of Mewni, that you were not under your own control. But this…this speaks volumes of your deliberate enthusiasm for violence."

Vartek watched, his face falling the longer the images flashed by. The nobles behind him grew restless, even the Lucitors opting to look away from time to time.

"But you didn't just stop at murder. Some of my people, you saw fit to torture." The second image depicted the horrifying transformation of Mewmans into grotesque monsters. The Turned spell twisted their bodies and minds, contorting them into nightmarish parodies of their former selves. The image conveyed the sheer agony and terror of the victims as their mewmanity was ripped away and replaced with Vartek's will. "You kidnapped men, women and children to fuel your conquest, filling their bodies with magic and corrupting their minds until they followed your command. No matter how desperately they fought to escape you."

Star couldnt look away from the various sequences of agonizing transformation adorning the courtroom walls. That she had gone through it was a nightmare, but to see it happening over and over again? Her stomach churned as she gripped the arms of her chair. Moon wasn't interested in shying away from the reality of Vartek's conquest, it seemed.

"I would have called for your head after witnessing only these crimes, but again, you took it a step further, didn't you?" Moon flicked her wrist to reveal images of Vartek locked in combat with Star. Their magic clashed, creating explosions of light and energy. Vartek fought with a ferocity that bordered on madness, his eyes burning with an obsessive intensity. Star fought Moon, she fought the Turned, and for every decisive blow she delivered to Vartek, he answered in kind. "You…attacked my daughter," Moon all but hissed. "My child. How many children did you whet your claws on? How many sons and daughters did you steal from their parents? You seemed quite comfortable then, but now you expect us to believe that you harbored no malice in your heart?"

Vartek finally looked away. His eyes were wrenched shut, and his chained hands clenched until his claws drew blood. Star watched him retreat into himself, either out of guilt for the act, or fear that she was right. She could almost swear he was shaking.

"But despite all of this?" Moons voice boomed over the hushed whispers and gasps. No one dared to speak over her. "I offered you a chance." The final image showed Moon and Vartek battling in the Monster Temple. Moon fought with desperate determination, her magic a mere flicker in the face of Vartek's relentless attacks. But Vartek seemed unstoppable, driven by a force that rivaled even the magic wand. He was a force of nature, and despite her efforts, Moon barely escaped with her life. "I wanted to help you, then. I sought to free you from the magic you claim tainted your heart. But these are not the actions of a man. These…are the actions of a monster."

As the images faded, leaving the courtroom in a stunned silence, Moon returned to her seat at the bench and laced her hands together. When she spoke, her voice was laden with the weight of what she'd presented. "These are not mere accusations," she said, her gaze fixed on Vartek. "These are the documented realities of your actions, Vartek. The lives you have taken, the suffering you have inflicted, the chaos you have unleashed. We have heard your claims of magical influence, but these images…these speak for themselves. They show a deliberate pattern of violence, a relentless pursuit of your own goals, regardless of the cost."

She had the attention of every soul present, most of all Star's, but she paused, her voice softening slightly. "Vartek," she continued, "I ask you now, as Queen of Mewni, as a mother, and as someone who once believed in your potential for good…why? Why did you do all of this? What drove you to commit these atrocities? And why," her voice took on a note of pain, "why did you refuse my help when I offered it?"

Vartek, who had remained silent and still throughout the presentation, finally returned her gaze. His voice was low and ragged, like the cost of every word was a little more of his very soul. "I was…trying to bring her back," he said, his gaze fixed on some unseen point in the distance. "My wife, Merina. I lost her in the future, and I suppose I lost myself. I knew that the only way to– I needed to come here. Your daughter, Star. She and her friend, I could use them to bring her back. I found a way to travel through time, and I began my search. I built an army to take what I needed, and to leverage my will against the people of Mewni."

He paused, his voice faltering slightly. "But I never did this because I wanted to," he continued, "In the future, my wife was killed by the Queen of Mewni. A woman hellbent on the destruction of my kind, and I carried my wife's hatred for Mewni after her death. Her magic…it changed me. It was her magic, transferred to me, and the longer I searched, the more corrupted it became. It tainted my mind, twisted my desires, and drove me to do terrible things. By the time I made it back to your time, I was hardly the man I used to be. I was a monster, yes, in every sense of the word."

He looked up at Moon, his eyes filled with a desperate plea for understanding. "I don't offer this as an excuse," he said. "I know what I've done. I only…I only want those I've hurt to understand why. To know that there was a reason, however twisted, behind my actions. I was a prisoner in my own mind, Your Majesty. Even when you offered me freedom, I didn't have the key to unlock the cell. No matter how desperately I fought it, I couldn't escape."

Star, her face pale like the dawn in winter, nodded slowly. She understood. She had seen the darkness for herself, the desperation that drove him. The other members of the High Commission, however, remained unmoved. Their expressions were skeptical, their eyes filled with judgment. "Vartek of the future," Moon called to him, "You may now make a closing argument for your case, after which we shall gather for deliberation."

Vartek stood before the court, his chained hands clasped loosely in front of him. His gaze swept across the assembled royals, his expression a mixture of regret and acceptance. When he spoke, his voice was quiet but firm, carrying an undercurrent of…perhaps it was conviction.

"I stand before you today," he began, "fully aware of the gravity of my crimes and the justice that awaits me. I have heard the evidence presented, and I do not deny my actions. I have caused immense suffering, and for that, I offer my sincere remorse. I know that my words cannot undo the harm I have done, but I hope that they can offer some solace to those I have wronged."

He paused, his gaze settling on the assembled representatives of the kingdoms. "I ask of you all," he continued, "do not let my actions fuel further hatred or prejudice. I acted alone, driven by my own twisted desires. To hold all monsters accountable for my crimes would only serve to justify my actions and create new cycles of pain. Let my death be an end to this chapter, not a beginning to new injustices."

His gaze swept across the dais before it returned to Moon, his expression filled with a quiet dignity. "I accept whatever punishments you deem appropriate," he all but whispered. "I ask only that it be swift, and that it serve as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power. And if it pleases the court, I have one final request. Before I am…removed, I would offer my services to the people of Mewni. I would use what remains of my magic, and my knowledge of the Turned, to locate every missing individual and attempt to restore them to their former selves. It is the least I can do to atone for the suffering I have caused."

A heavy silence fell over the courtroom as Vartek finished speaking. He had the interest of the nobles, it seemed. Moon, her face etched with an unreadable mix of emotions, thanked him for his statement. "The court will now adjourn for a brief recess," she announced, her voice resonating through the chamber. "The High Commission will deliberate, and a verdict will be delivered shortly. I thank each and every one of you for your attendance, and I hope you find the verdict acceptable."

With a swing of her gavel, Moon and the high commission stood. Star was asked to step outside the courtroom, as while her presence was allowed for the hearing, it would not be for the deliberation. The weight of Vartek's words, the images of his crimes, and the impending decision pressed down on her like a physical burden. She walked slowly through the heavy oak doors, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions. He did terrible things, she knew that, but he also wanted to fix it. He could fix it. She paused in the quiet hallway, her hands clenching and unclenching. It was exactly what she wanted, so why did she feel so uneasy about it?

A loud rap of clicking footsteps descended down the hallway behind her. Turning, Star found herself face to face with the one and only Dave Lucitor, King of the Underworld, his tie was loosened, and his usually neat waistcoat was wrinkled. He paced anxiously, his brow furrowed.

"Princess Star," Dave greeted her, a forced casualness in his voice. "Fancy meeting you here. Big day, huh?"

Star nodded, her gaze wary. "It is," she replied, her voice carefully neutral. If she'd learned anything from Moon, it was how to hide your feelings from the other nobility, and how unscrupulous they could be.

Dave cleared his throat and moved to avoid her eyes. "So, ahm," he scratched at his beard, "you wouldn't happen to have heard from Tom, would you? He hasn't been returning my calls lately. Six months now. It's…concerning." He tried to sound annoyed, but Star detected a hint of genuine worry beneath the surface.

Star crossed her arms, her suspicion growing. "Of course I have," she said. "Why? Is something wrong? Did you and him have another falling out this week, or are you guys still fighting since the last one?"

Dave shrugged, a gesture that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Oh, nothing I can't handle.

Just…fatherly concern, you know? He's my son. I just want to make sure he's…alright."

Star narrowed her eyes slightly. She knew Dave. He was crafty, often manipulative, and rarely straightforward. But this? "You're worried about him, even though you pushed him away," she stated, her voice soft but firm.

"Wouldn't any father be?"

Star met his veiled provocation with an arched brow.

Dave hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Alright, fine," he admitted. "I'm losing my mind about it. It's been…difficult. We had a bit of a disagreement, and he hasn't spoken to me since. Then, I find out from my aides that he's been gallivanting with that Torimity girl or whatever in the boonies. I just– I want to know he's safe, and I know that the one person here who can assure me of that, is you."

"And what if I don't know? You gonna make a scene?"

Dave narrowed his eyes. "I could make the kind of scene that looks like an army marching on your kingdom." The air turned warm in his presence, and the tiles groaned as they expanded. "I believe a missing heir would be plenty worthy of storming Mewni over. It's The sort of thing less composed nobles would be perfectly willing to fight over, and I haven't been known for my cool head."

As quickly as his anger mounted to a head, it subsided. He threw Star a sideways glance before he smiled and gestured towards the oak doors. "But I suppose that would be in poor taste, given that I'd be playing the second act. That Vartek," Dave said, his voice laced with intrigue.

"Attacking my son like that, attacking your people, attacking your little Earthling project.

Unforgivable. You must be thrilled to watch him strung up before the commission."

Star held her tongue. As many things as she wanted to say, none of them were befitting her position. But then, he added something unexpected. "Though," he mused, "I have to admit, I'm almost rooting for him. He could have caused some serious damage to the Underworld, had he wanted to, buuut he didn't. He could have killed my son, but he didn't. You could have killed him when you found them." He turned to her with a tight smile. "But…you didn't. I've been wondering why, but I suppose I'll know soon enough."

Star considered his words. "You think I'm planning to use him. Makes me think that you would too, if you had the chance. Lucky you, that he didn't want anything you had, besides Tom."

It was slight, almost imperceptible the way his eyes twitched. "No need to bare your teeth, little princess, your secrets are safe with me. Whatever it is you're doing, I doubt you have ill intent towards my kingdom." His smile withered, and his demeanor shifted to slouch. "It's just…Tom is all I'd like to know about."

Star nodded slowly, her mind racing. Even Dave, with his reputation for self-interest, cared deeply for his son. It was a reminder that even the most complex characters had layers of mewmanity beneath the surface. It was a reminder that perhaps, even Vartek…

She shook her head, pushing the thought aside. She still didn't trust Dave completely, but she recognized the genuine concern in his voice. He was threatening her, sure, but he was offering to step away in exchange for a few words.

"He talks about you alot," Star shrugged, pacing towards the old clock on the wall. It had only been three minutes of deliberation. "Granted, he's angry when he does, but…he does. Torriditty was actually the one who told him to call you when you blew up at him. I guess sometimes we make things worse when we try to get back with the people we love, huh?"

He knew she was talking about Vartek, but he didn't look thrilled. "I agreed to let him see that girl because I thought it would take his mind off of you," Dave stressed. "I never thought he would be fishing with that count, or stealing away with her for six months. Her family– her entire village hates me, all because I made some bad calls a long time ago. Why should I give them the satisfaction of letting them have the future king of the underworld?"

"Because it's not about you, Dave," Star said with a small smile. "Put your pride away and talk to him like you care. And maybe, just maybe, once you accept that Torriditty is part of his life now, he'll come back. It's not about giving them 'satisfaction,' it's about being there for your loved ones, even when it's hard to answer for what you did. Just like Vartek."

Dave looked away, towards the spanning windows that poured with sunlight and warmth. A muscle twitched in his jaw. Before he could give some answer of refusal or tout some royal logic of stoicism, a knight flanked into the hall between them. "Princess Star?" It was Lady Whosits, and she looked nervous, her hands clasped behind her back. "They've made a decision. Queen Moon has asked that you return at once."

Dave nodded and straightened his attire. "I would rather the entire kingdom rot, than let them steal him from me. They want to act tough, then so be it."

Within the minute, Star was back in her seat, back to watching Vartek, and back to clenching her jaw in anticipation. The High Commission looked drained and defeated, while Moon stood tall to address the accused and the courtroom at large. The silence was thick enough to cut with a knife.

"Vartek," Moon began, her voice resonating through the hushed courtroom, "the High Commission has reached its verdict. We have carefully considered the evidence presented, your testimony, and the arguments made by all parties involved. Your crimes are grave, and the suffering you have inflicted upon the people of Mewni and beyond is undeniable."

Vartek stood motionless. He wasn't alone in his bated breath. "However," Moon continued, her voice gaining strength, "we have also heard your explanation, your remorse, and your offer to make amends. Therefore, the High Commission has determined that the following sentence shall be imposed."

A ripple of murmurs went through the crowd, some nodding in anticipation, others shifting nervously in their seats. Star glanced over at Moon, who offered her a short nod before she held out a scroll, opening and reading it with restrained enthusiasm.

"First," Moon declared, "you shall serve five years of hard labor in the dungeons of each kingdom represented in this court. Thirty years in total. This will serve as both punishment for your crimes and an opportunity to witness firsthand the consequences of your actions. You will be transported under guard, and any attempt to escape will be met with swift and decisive force."

Gasps and whispers erupted from the crowd. Five years in each kingdom? It was a staggering sentence, but if Vartek was a septarian, it may as well have been a week of community service.

"Second," Moon continued, her voice cutting through the noise, "While serving your sentence, you are hereby tasked with locating and returning every individual who has been subjected to the Turned spell. You will use your knowledge of the spell and your connection to the corrupted magic to reverse the transformations and restore these individuals to their former selves. This is a monumental task, and you will not rest until every Turned individual has been found and healed."

Star watched Vartek closely. His expression remained unchanged, but she could see a flicker of something in his eyes– perhaps a spark of hope, or perhaps just a deeper sense of resignation.

"Third," Moon stated, "you are further tasked with locating Lekmet, the former member of the High Commission. His disappearance is a matter of grave concern, and we believe you possess knowledge of his whereabouts. You will use all your resources to find him and ensure his safe return." Rhombulus shifted in his seat, his snakes hissing softly. He seemed especially pleased with this part of the verdict.

"Finally," Moon concluded, her voice ringing with…well, finality, "once these tasks are completed, you will return to your own time. Your presence in this timeline is a continued source of instability, and it is imperative that you return to your proper place in the continuum."

She then added, "During your period of hard labor and until all tasks are completed, your abilities and magic will be strictly limited. You will only be permitted to use magic for specific tasks assigned to you– reversing the Turning spell, locating Lekmet, and, if necessary, defending yourself against immediate threats. Any unauthorized use of magic will result in immediate and severe consequences, by means of a magic pact. Should you stray even a little, you will die."

The courtroom erupted in a cacophony of sound. Some cheered, some argued leniency, and some simply stared in stunned silence. The High Commission members exchanged glances, one nodding in agreement, others looking less certain.

Star, her heart pounding in her chest, watched Vartek. He finally lifted his gaze, his eyes meeting hers for a fleeting moment. She saw a flicker of understanding there, a silent acknowledgment of the justice of the verdict. But she also saw something else: a deep, unshakeable fear.

Moon raised her hand, silencing the crowd. "This court is now adjourned," she declared, her voice echoing through the chamber. "The sentence will be carried out immediately."

O - O - O - O - O - O - O

After the trip to the hospital yielded good news of recovery and the doctors had issued their warrants to 'take it easy', it was finally time to go home. The car pulled into the driveway, and Marco stepped out, blinking against the bright afternoon sun. It was…summer when he left, but now it was almost halfway through November, and the crisp chill in the air cut through his hoodie.

'Six months, Diaz. Remember that,' he thought to himself.

Everything looked… the same, but the subtle differences made it feel like he'd walked into a dream. The cacti in the front yard, once small and manageable, now stood just a bit taller, their prickly arms reaching out like gnarled paddles. He blinked, wondering if he'd imagined it in the first place. Star's tower stretching out of the side of the house… was gone, interesting. And the mailbox, a cheerful shade of blue he didn't recognize, stood sentinel by the curb.

He swallowed these changes, a knot of unease tightening in his stomach, and followed his parents inside. They welcomed him home with warm smiles and lots of hugs, their faces etched with a mixture of relief and lingering worry, their eyes searching his, as if they were still unsure if he was really here. They walked him around the living room to show off some new interior decor– his mom had finally replaced that awful floral wallpaper in the bathroom, they moved the couch recently, and apparently his room was just how he left it.

As they rattled off their excitement he followed them around with wary appreciation. And as they showed him more and more of the changed home, the more their enthusiasm wilted. Angie glanced towards the stairs, her eyes still happy, but stilted and forced. "We haven't been in your room in months. Emptying it just… Well, we didn't want to…" She wrung her hands, trying to find the words, but none of them came without a cost.

Marco saw their pain, the unspoken questions in their eyes, and a wave of guilt washed over him. He hugged them both tightly, reassuring them with a warmth he hoped they could feel. "I'm really sorry," he said, his voice cracking. "I'm sorry I worried you. I'm sorry…I was gone for so long."

They hugged him back, clutching him tightly, grateful beyond words that he was home again. "Oh mijo…I did not think we would see you again…" Raphael squeezed them both, and for once Marco relished in the embrace. Or maybe it was a lack of oxygen.

After a simple, home-cooked meal, the kind he'd craved for days, Marco went upstairs to check on his room. There in the hall, across from the simple guest room, he paused at the door, a strange mix of anticipation and dread swirling within him. He pushed it open, and a wave of stillness washed over him.

It was his room, undeniably. His posters, his shelves, his figures and tapes– they were all there. But it was covered with dust, a thin layer of grey over everything, and it just felt…off. Too still, too quiet. Like a museum exhibit of a life he no longer fully remembered.

Marco stared at his odd room, his bed, his computer, even his favorite hoodie draped over the chair—everything felt like it belonged to someone else. Everything felt like it wasn't his. He thought of what it must have been like to have this empty room here for so long, a silent and ever-present reminder of his absence. It must have been agony to know it was here, and he wasn't. Maybe he owed his parents far more than just an apology.

He sat down on his bed, releasing a cloud of dust and…was that ash? He stared, trying to remember where the ash had– *Bzzzzzt*

His phone, lying face down on his desk, buzzed. Curious, Marco got up and plucked it from the silhouette of dust. It had been plugged into the wall for months, and it had a layer of dust covering the screen, like the room itself had been holding its breath. He blew the layer of ash and grime away and saw a text from Janna flash across the top.

Banana-Brain: Yo, Diaz! You back yet, or what? How long you gonna make me and Jackie wait before you ask us to hang out? ;)

Marco smiled, a genuine grin that reached his eyes for the first time since he'd returned. He typed a quick reply.

I just got back. How did you know?

Banana-brain: I have my ways. :) Britta's Tacos? If you, you know, still eat people food and junk.

Marco laughed and sat back amidst the ash and dust piles that would be his new roomates. Some things, it seemed, hadn't changed.

Britta's sounds perfect. I'll meet you guys there in an hour?

Banana-brain: Sounds good. Don't be late. Or I'll assume you've gone full-Mewman. I bet you only eat corn now. Kinda weird.

Marco grinned, a weight lifting off his shoulders. Despite his absence, he wasn't as alone as he thought. His parents, Janna, Jackie, Ferguson and Alfonso too; they were still here. A small, familiar anchor in the sea of unfamiliarity that had become his life. He wasn't home yet, not really. But he was closer.