Star vs. Destiny - Chapter 14 (Completed)
Marco drifted back to consciousness. He felt a cold cloth on his head and both hands being held.
“Wha…” Marco said, as his vision returned. Jackie and Star sat over him, staring at his face.
“Morning, sleepy head,” Star said, grinning ear to ear.
“Took you long enough to wake up,” Jackie said and flicked his forehead.
“Ow!” Marco said in protest, rubbing his forehead. “What was that for!”
“Do I need to list the reasons?” Jackie said and flicked his forehead.
“That’s for running off after being a jackass.” She said and flicked him again.
“That’s for deciding to fight Toffee by yourself,” she said and looked up at Star with a grin. “Why don't the two of us make a list, and then we can flick Marco’s forehead until we’re both satisfied.”
Star nodded her head in agreement.
“Why do I feel that the two of you conspiring will not turn out well?” Marco said, pulling the covers up to his chest.
“As princess of Mewnie, I authorize a stay of execution until a later date on the condition of hugs,” Star said.
“I second it,” Jackie replied. They both tackled Marco. He wrapped his arms around Jackie and Star, feeling their embrace.
“Don’t ever do something stupid like that again,” Jackie said. “We thought we lost you.”
Jackie kissed his forehead and sat up, wiping tears from her eyes. Star stayed the way she was.
“I’ll go check on Tom,” Jackie said. Her voice wavered a bit as she got off the bed and left the two of them alone.
“Um…” Marco said confused, as Jackie shut the door. “Star?”
“Shut up.” She said and covered his mouth with her hand. Marco relented and let her stay, resting her head on his chest.
“This is what you did for me right?” She asked. “When I was poisoned with that curse. You stayed next to me the whole time.”
“Yeah…” Marco said. “Well, except to use the bathroom and shower. I think the place would get pretty ripe if I didn’t”
Star sat up and looked him dead in the eye.
“I was supposed to shower, too?” They looked at each other and snorted a laugh together. Star rested her head on his chest once again. He ran his fingers through her hair but pulled his hand away.
“Why did you stop?” Star asked as she rubbed his chest.
“I… Jackie and I broke up… well, we never said it, but I did something stupid.” Marco admitted. “I don’t think she’d take me back… and I don’t think I want to have her take me back.”
“Oh…” Star said, running circles over his chest.
“We… she… umm… anyway, I said something dumb and realized… uhh… god. I can go toe to toe with Toffee and not worry about my life, but I can’t say anything to you.” Marco lamented.
“Since you saved the kingdom and destroyed Toffee,” Star said, “I’ll give you a small push.”
She looked up at him with her stunning blue eyes and smiled.
“Jackie and I already talked and worked things out,” Star said. “Nothing happened between Tom and I… I was mad. I heard the two of you in that room. Not… not all of it, but I felt like I was going to die. I sorta insinuated with Tom we were about to do something when I saw you.”
“Star…” Marco said, tears welling up in his eyes. Star pulled herself up from his chest and straddle him over his covers. She held Marco’s face in her hands and pressed her forehead against his.
“Say anything you want.” She whispered. “I’m here to listen.”
“I love you, Star,” he whispered. Marco felt her lips against his. Her tiny body slid down and rolled next to him, resting her head on his arm. They were still separated by the covers Marco had on him, but this was enough. Kissing her, and holding her. He felt that he would protect her the rest of his life, and she would be there to do the same.
Tom sat up in bed in a guest room at Star’s Castle. He looked at his palm and focused all his effort and a tiny flame lit up.
“Cool party trick,” Jackie said with a chuckle.
“It’s all gone,” Tom said with a smile. “The voices, the anger, the pain I feel in my chest constantly… I don’t know how Marco did it, but they’re all gone.”
“When he stabbed you through the chest with the wand sword thingie…” Jackie said while sitting at the foot of his bed. “It was like from a horror movie. All these souls erupted from your body and filled the sky. Then Marco used his sword as a sort of lightning rod to pull them all into him.”
“Marco took my demons?” Tom said, astonished.
“You know… when guys say they have demons… usually, it’s a joke or just some emo attention thing.” Jackie said with a chuckle. “But you seriously had some issues pent up.”
“Where did they go?” Tom asked, “Did Marco keep them?”
“Well, he did a fire vortex around Toffee, and the souls replaced the fire… he said this weird spell that took the black off his armor and engulfed everything; fire, souls, Toffee. Basically, they were wiped out from existence.
“It was the Darkest Spell,” Star said at the door. She gave Jackie a smile. Jackie got up and gave Star a hug. “Marco’s feeling better, you guys should talk. I need to talk to Tom.”
Jackie wiped a tear from her eye. She must be relieved Marco’s okay. Why did he sense a foreboding aura?
Star sat down on Tom’s bed and held his hand.
“I’m so glad you’re alive.” She said, rubbing his knuckles. “How’s your chest?”
Tom pulled up his shirt to show a seven-inch scar. He has one on his back too.
“All patched up!” Tom said. Star leaned over and held him. Tom closed his eyes and enjoyed the waves of euphoria that cascaded from her touch.
“I’m all better Star!” He said as she lifted up her head. “No more trapped souls, no more demons in my mind. I’m better… and I can be better for you!”
Star gave him a weak smile and put her hand on his cheek.
“I’m so glad.” She said. He moved to kiss her, but she pulled back.
“Wha…” Tom said. “What’s wrong?’
Star couldn’t look him in the eyes. She hugged herself and seemed to be looking for the right words.
“But… the other night on the observation tower.” Tom stammered. “I… we kissed, you said you picked me. Marco’s with Jackie!”
“Tom… it’s just that…” she started to say.
“NO! I died for you! I had a sword through my chest protecting you! You go… you go and take Marco! The one who killed me?” Tom screamed. “It’s not fair!... it’s not fair Star.”
Star held him as he let loose years of tears and rage he bottled up. If he let this go… all of mMewnie would be on fire. Star didn’t say anything. Just held him and let him cry. For the first time in his life… he was able to really cry.
He didn’t know how long he was a blubbering mess, but for once… when there was nothing left. He looked up at Star. She smiled and wiped away his tears.
“That… is something that always held us back,” Star said. “I loved the fire and passion you had, but you always had to keep up that wall. I know it was for everyone’s sake… but that’s why we never fully worked.”
“The wall is gone now,” Tom said. “Marco…”
“Yes… Marco.” Star said. “Marco may have been a dumb idiot for doing what he did… but could you say you wouldn’t have done the same thing?”
“I guess,” Tom said. “He did save the world… so why wouldn’t you want to choose him.”
Star flicked his forehead.
“Oww!” Tom said rubbing his wound.
“Why are boys such idiots?” Star said. “I’m not choosing him because he won, or that he beat Toffee, or that he’s cooler or better looking than you. If I had to put you both together… it’s a pretty even match up. I mean, he doesn't have horns and a third eye, so that’ counts against him.”
“Yeah…” Tom said with a chuckle. “And that stupid red hoodie he always wears… OW!”
Star flicked his forehead again.
“Why do you keep doing that!?” Tom protested
“Jackie taught it to me.” She said with a grin. “We’re not Marco bashing here.”
“So… why him over me?” Tom asked.
“It’s hard to put into words,” Star said. “We’ve been friends since I went to earth. He’s never fought unless he’s had too, but when he does, he’ll stand up for what’s right. He knows when I’m sad, and knows what to say or do to bring a smile to me… but he also knows when to leave me alone. He never tries to fix things for me, but shows me how to fix them and supports my crazy ideas, even if he protests the entire time.”
“He’s only known you for less than a year,” Tom said, more to himself. “I could never understand what to do when you’re upset or sad.”
“I know you tried.” She said. “I do love you… but I need Marco in my life and by my side.”
“If… that’s what you want.” Tom said.
Tom winced as Star flicked his forehead again.
“What was that for!” Tom protested, rubbing his forehead.
“I dunno.” Star shrugged. “I’m sure you’ve done something I can’t remember that warrants it.”
Marco looked up as Jackie came back in.
“Heya,” Marco said, not wanting to lock eyes with her.
“Yeah… so you kinda went crazy didn’t you?” Jackie asked with a chuckle.
“Yeah… I guess I did.” Marco said. “It all worked out though… master plan! Remember?”
“Stop kidding around,” Jackie said and sat on his bed. “That whole thing stunk of bad choices and even worse corrections. If one thing went wrong, it would have been the end of the world.”
“Yeah… I did kinda lose it.” Marco said while sheepishly rubbing the back of his head. “OWW!”
Jackie flicked his forehead.
“Star and I agree this will be the best way to get things through your thick head,” Jackie said and flicked him again.
“Okay! I get it!” Marco said, rubbing his forehead. “How can that hurt more than being punched by Toffee?”
Marco’s smile faltered and was attacked again.
“I didn’t say anything!” Marco retorted.
“I know that look. You’re feeling guilty.” Jackie said. “I’m fine… we’re all fine.”
“I’m glad… Just…” Marco was about to say something when Jackie kissed him. Marco felt panic, but relaxed, feeling her mouth on his.
“I just wanted one l-last one,” Jackie said with a small stutter. “You… haven’t really broken up with me yet, so I’m still your girlfriend.”
Jackie laid on his chest and held his hand.
“Watching you today… I saw you.” Jackie said. “The real you, the knight Marco who will do anything to protect the ones he loves.”
“I love you, Jackie,” Marco said. “For as long as I’ve known you.”
Jackie nodded and wrapped her fingers in his hands.
“But… you love Star more,” she said. “Seeing you today… She told me what it must have taken to keep control. You could have been lost to that wand.”
“I wish… I didn’t have to choose.” Marco said. “Is that stupid?”
Jackie let out a small giggle.
“Not if Janna has her way.”
“Say what now?” Marco asked.
“Besides… it’d be fun and all for like a month.” Jackie said, holding up his hand. “I don’t think you’d be able to deal with that… and we’d get jealous of you… and then Star and I would fight… then we’d make you watch us make up.’
Marco’s mind almost broke at the image Jackie was painting. She flicked his forehead.
“Owww!” Marco said. Jackie let out a spurt of laughter.
“You’re way too easy… safe kid.” She said as she sat up. “You need anything?”
Marco gingerly stood up out of bed. He noticed he was wearing silk pajamas with the Butterfly crest embroidered on the breast pocket.
“Legs are still wobbly,” Marco said. “I needed to use the little boy's room.”
Jackie got out of the bed and put his arm around her shoulder.
“You’ve carried us so far,” she said. “Let me carry you some.”
She led him into the bathroom and shut the door.
“Jackie… you can go now. I can take it from here.” Marco said.
“What?” Jackie said innocently. “You’re far too injured.”
“What are you doing Jackie!” Marco protested.
“It’s not like I haven’t seen it before. This is purely clinical.” Jackie said. She giggled the whole time he shoved her out of the bathroom and slammed the door shut, locking it behind her.
Marco walked through the gardens around the castle. His legs still were weak from his ordeal and had to use a cane to get around for the time being. His parents had fussed over him for the last week even though he insisted he was okay. He used his free time to make up all the school work he missed. Most of the lessons he’d already studied for before his trip, but he didn’t want to feel left behind.
He walked over to the new fountain memorial. A regal looking Ludo stood stoically on top as water spouted below his feet.
between Monsters and Mewmans
Marco laughed to himself when he remembered his battles with Ludo. Thinking of BuffFrog and his reaction to killing that eyebat… he must be devastated. He heard his friend took over for Ludo and was acting the liaison between Monsters and Mewnie. He looked forward to seeing him soon.
He wished he could have saved him. Glossaryck who appeared out of nowhere explained to him that the curse from the dagger, regenerations from Hekapoo and the damage he got from the fight was too much for his body to handle. No amount of healing was fixing him. He was broken in all sense of the word.
“Sup,” Tom said, standing next to Marco while he looked up at Ludo. “They did a good job.”
“I tried so hard when I was that knight,” Marco said. “It took everything I had to pull my punches.”
“Even with me?” Tom said with a chuckle. Marco’s face remained sullen. “Crap…”
“Is that what it’s like… was like… holding in all that power? Straining for every movement so you don’t hurt or kill someone?” Marco asked.
“I think you had it slightly tougher than me, but yeah.” Tom nodded. “I could hear them. Their anguish and egging on. They wanted to watch the world burn to pay back everyone who hurt them.”
“I hated to do it… but they’re gone now.” Marco said. “Most of them weren’t bad, just hurt and confused.”
“It’s weird… not hearing them.” Tom said. “I grew up with their voices. Now I feel like I’m alone.”
Marco turned to Tom and smiled.
“I did save the best one though,” Marco said with a chuckle. Tom blushed. Marco opened up his arms and smiled. “Come on… we all hug friends around here.”
Tom blushed and looked around to make sure no one was looking. He was pulled into Marco’s arms and hugged him back.
“See? You’re not catching on fire.” Marco said with a chuckle and let him go. “And you’re not alone. You have us.”
There was a flash from the bushes.
“Wha-?” Marco said looking around. Tom looked just as confused. Jackie and Star stood up from the bushes, leaves and sticks poking out from their hair.
“TomCo confirmed…” Jackie said with a giggle and held out the photo on her phone.
She timed it just as Marco let go of Tom. They both were in mid-blink, with the setting sun behind them and their faces were inches apart… looking like they were about to kiss.
“JACKIE!” Marco screamed “Jackie! What are you doing?”
Marco stumbled forward, just as he lost his balance Tom caught him in his arms. The demon locked eyes with Marco, his face filled with worry. Marco blushed and looked away.
“Send me that one!” Star said clapping eagerly… “Oh! Send it to Janna!”
“What? Oh god, no! Star! Make her stop!” he said, pulling himself from Tom’s arms and grabbing his cane. He limped awkwardly toward the two girls in a panic. His heart sank when he heard the bwoop sound of the text being sent.
A few seconds later, he could feel his phone blowing up in his pocket.
“Jackie… you are eviler than Toffee.” Marco said.
Jackie and Star gave him a raspberry and ran off giggling.
“Those two are lively as ever,” he said, shaking his head.
“Jackie is kinda cool,” Tom said sheepishly. Marco looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “What?”
“Oh… nothing.” Marco said and walked away.
“Hey… Marco… what was that look?” Tom asked catching up to him.
“I just know that look,” Marco said with a smile.
Marco turned to Tom and bowed.
“You have my blessing,” he said and walked away.
“What are you talking about Marco?” Tom said, clearly confused and agitated.
Queen and Star Butterfly sat in one of the many meeting halls. The Magic High Commission gathered once more. Glossaryck was back and had restored Omnitraux Rex to his glowing floaty head-orb thing.
“I wish to bring this session to order,” Glossaryck said with an authority Star had never seen. The rest of the members sitting around the table stopped talking to one another and looked at Glossaryck
“How goes the fixing the portals around Ludo’s Castle?” Glossaryck asked Hekapoo.
“It’s done… took forever.” she lamented. “Twerp had some weird ideas I might actually be able to use tho.”
Glossaryck turned to Lekmet.
“Has King Butterfly recovered?” he asked.
“Blaatt”. Lekmet said. Glossaryck nodded.
“I’ve scoured the universe” Glossaryck announced. “Toffee is no more.”
Queen Butterfly let out a sigh of relief.
“Glossaryck…” Queen Butterfly said. She looked nervous and fidgeted with her gloves. “About Marco… how was he…?”
“Able to control the power of the wand?” Glossaryck answered. “How was he able to cast the darkest spell and not be destroyed?”
Queen Butterfly nodded. Glossaryck shrugged.
Star let out a small snort of laughter. The look on her mother’s face was priceless.
“It could be that he was able to keep his mind when I was absorbed with him.” Glossaryck speculated. “Could be his connection with Star, could be he is a human.”
“But the Darkest Spell… it required a soul… or a piece of one.” Queen Butterfly said, looking down at her gloved hands.
“Did you not see the giant vortex of souls that erupted from Tom?” Glossaryck asked. “I mean, I was merged with the boy and I almost had to change my robe over it.”
“You don’t have to use your own?” Queen Butterfly asked in astonishment. “She never said…”
“When you got the spell from Eclipsa… did you ask?” Glossaryck asked. Queen Butterfly shook her head no. Star looked up at her mom, questioningly. She shook her head to her unanswered question.
“I still don’t get why Marco never had issues holding the wand,” Star asked. “Since I’ve been living with him, he’s taken it away, put it in my purse, thrown it to me when I’ve dropped it. He even helped me plunged it out of the toilet when it fell in once...”
“Star Butterfly!” Queen Butterfly looked at her with a shocked look. “How can you treat such a powerful artifact so… callously?”
“Your great-grandmother often used it for a back scratcher” Glossaryck chuckled. “The wand is just a tool, nothing special. It just enhances what’s inside the user.”
“So… about Marco then?” Star asked.
“I think… when you threw the wand away… you cast aside your ownership. Your trust in Marco allowed him to hold the wand. The wand is yours and will know you as it’s owner. Even if you let someone hold it or touch it.” Glossaryck said. “Should someone steal it… it will react and fight back.”
“Does… Marco have some hidden power we don’t know about?” Star asked. “I mean… when he fought us… that was insane. Like, one swing of his sword and whoosh people flying through the air left and right! Bang! Booom! Kerpwaaaa!”
“Okay… so next fight we’re in… I’m gonna toss him the wand and have him morph into my knight… I’ll get on his shoulders and laugh as he rampages through our enemies… muahahaha!” Star cackled and rubbed her hands together in glee.
“NO!” Queen Butterfly, Glossaryck and the rest of the commission shouted in unison.
Marco looked over the official scroll for the third time. He adjusted his cape and armor and scratched where the leather straps chafed under his arms.
“Man… how do you wear this all the time?” He said to himself while looking at one of the motionless palace guards.
He entered his bedroom at the castle and looked at his duffle bag. It was packed and ready to go. He enjoyed his time on Mewnie, but he had his life to get back too.
“Sup,” Tom said from the open doorway.
“They gave you one too?” He asked, pointing to a scroll in his hand.
“What… am I going to do with a thousand acres of land and my own castle?” Marco said. “Honorary High Imperial Royal Knight until which time shall be afforded proper training… blah blah blah… what’s that all mean?”
“You’re a human,” Tom said with a chuckle. “I only got a Medal and secured some trade between the underworld, Mewnie, and the monster faction. I’m already a prince, so I can’t really get anymore noble than that.”
“Wait… I don’t understand.” Marco said.
“Knights in Mewnie are members of Nobility,” Tom explained. “Your castle… will have space for subjects to move too.”
“What about all those knights out in the halls?” Marco asked. “They all have these?”
“No… you’re missing some of the words,” Tom said and pointed to his parchment. “High Imperial… You’re like a step below a Duke which is a step below a prince. You can’t get the Prince title… since you have to be born to it… and I don’t think any new Dukes have been appointed in a long time since that’s passed down through lineage as well.”
“Man… this stuff is hard to figure out,” Marco said, scratching his head. It’s similar to royalty on Earth but different enough to make comparisons hard. “What… where does the Bach...Knight comes into play. Queen Butterfly mentioned I was an eligible Bach… knight a while back.”
Tom raised an eyebrow at him.
“Really?” Tom said with a chuckle. “Think about it. There’s no such thing as a Bach Knight”
“Then why would Queen Butterfly say I was an eligible bach….oh.”
“There it is.” Tom said while ruffling his hair.
“But… I mean. I almost got us all killed.” Marco said. “I got you killed. Why reward me?”
“I think King and Queen Butterfly are trying to lay out some groundwork for your future,” Tom said.
“You almost ready?” Star asked from the doorway. She invited herself in with Jackie. Tom smiled and punched his shoulder.
Marco looked at the parchment, and up at Star who smiled brightly at him.
“Oh… Oh!” Marco exclaimed. Her parents seemed to be laying out the groundwork that would allow him to pursue Star officially… should that come up?
“I’ll see you around,” Tom said. Before he left, he spun around and bowed to Marco. “You have my blessings.”
He looked up and winked at Jackie.
“I’ll… give you a call later.” He said. She smiled and waved as he left.
Mr. and Mrs. Diaz came in with their arms loaded with souvenirs.
“Are you ready, son?” Mr. Diaz said. “This weekend, I was thinking that we should spend it in your castle… ya know, to check it out and see how it looks.
“That sounds like a great idea!” Star said. “We should have a big party!”
“A Marco or a Star party?” Marco asked skeptically. “I just got the place, I don’t want half of it destroyed by Ponyhead.”
The bass thumped through Castle Diaz and strobe lights of various colors erupted through the open windows.
Marco invited everyone he could think of from school, Monsters, Mewmans, and that one guy who helped him find a few items at Quest Buy.
Marco ensured he visited everyone and made sure they had a good time.
“Marco!” Star yelled from across the room. She ran to him and launched herself at him. He barely kept his balance as he caught her. She wrapped her legs and arms around him and kissed him. A lot of partygoers ‘whooo’ed at them and continued about their business.
“Umm… we need you upstairs.” She said grinning ear to ear.
Marco raised an eyebrow at her. She just giggled and hugged him.
“Umm… are you going to let go?” he asked.
“No… you’re fine,” she said. “Second stairs and on the third floor.”
Marco shrugged and followed her directions while she clung to him like a Koala.
Softer music was playing in that room and a sign hung on the door.
“Oh!” Star said and sat up. She still clung to his waist with her legs. She fumbled with her purse and pulled out a bracelet. “VIP rooms need bracelets.”
“Okay…” Marco said suspiciously. He opened the door after she put it on.
It was a smaller room filled with bean bag chairs, a fridge, and a small kitchen area. Tom, Jackie, Janna, Ferguson, and Alfonzo all sat on bean bags.
“I secured our guest of honor!” Star said. Everyone cheered.
Janna, in her oversized knit hat, seemed a bit worked up. She had an easel set up with some sort of chart or schedule. Marco likes charts and schedules. She seemed like an auctioneer after three expressos.
“I want to go to the convention on the 14th!” Ferguson said with a smile.
“The 14th is open!” Janna exclaimed. “Alfonzo, are you adding your name too?”
Marco flopped on a bean bag next to Tom. They gave each other a fist bump. Everyone in the room became silent. Janna held a binder to her face, looking over the edge and turned bright red.
“What?” Marco asked. He saw a similar binder next to him, reached over and picked it up.
“I… wouldn't open that,” Tom said, blushing.
“Why?” Marco said. Star never let go, but scooted over so he could look.
Marco and Tom’s picture was blown up on the front page.
The forbidden love of heaven and hell. Marco x Tom.
He flipped through the story. Jackie flopped on Tom’s lap and laid her head back to look up at him while snickering.
“WHAT THE CRAP, JANNA?!” Marco shouted.
“I thought it was a good story,” Star said with a giggle.
“TWO HUNDRED PAGES?” Marco exclaimed.
“You can read it online,” Alfonzo said, adjusting his glasses. “It’s gotten quite a lot of attention from our school as well.”
Marco groaned and glowered at Janna… looked at the chart she was making and read the title.
“Ya?” She said, batting her eyelashes innocently.
“Why is Janna making a chart for my dates?”
“Why… are Tom, Ferguson, and Alfonzo on the chart?”
“Why has Janna apparently blocked out every second Tuesday?”
“She… wants to hang out?” Star said with a shrug.
“Star… you do understand what this means.” Marco said dryly.
She giggled and kissed him.
“I trust you.” She said. “They’re your friends and they want to spend time with you. Is that wrong?”
“But… that’s not a ‘friend’ chart.” Marco said. “That’s a sort of different chart altogether.”
“Don’t be so stuffy TomCo!” Jackie said. “Let her have her fun. We all know you’re not going to do anything…”
“Don’t… say it.” Marco said.
“You’re the safe kid.” Jackie finished.
Marco stood up, Star still hanging on him like a koala grinning like an idiot.
“That’s it! Everyone out!” Marco yelled. “Party’s over! Janna! Give me that chart!”
Janna grabbed the chart and threw a half full can of soda at him. It crashed into his forehead, spilling its contents on his hoodie. Everyone cheered for Janna as she dodged Marco’s attempt to grab her. Star clung on like velcro
“Hey!” Marco yelled. Janna had the chart under her arm and bolted out the door. Marco chased after her. “Give me that!”
“It’s going to be online when I get home!” Janna shouted. “IT’S SET IN STONE!”
“JANNA!” Marco shouted down the hall.
The rest of the evening was filled with laughter and occasional chaos. Marco smiled at Star. She never left his side, and he would never leave hers. He looked forward to his future and what new adventures will await.
“I’m still not sure what the big deal about that chart was,” Tom said.
“I’ll tell you about it later.” Jackie chuckled.
snowghoul
theartofmadeline
andulkaphoto
2087
vaporwave
