Multiverse Heroes: Magical Destinies(AmphibiaxSVTFOExTOH)

Nighttime came, everyone was on their way to their respective homes. Luz and Anne went to the Boonchuy residence along with The Plantar family and King. Eda decided to return to her house, joined by Hooty and Lilith. Amity went home with Edric and Emira. Higgs went with Sasha, the two agreeing to bunk in Wartwood. Star went back to her castle, worried about Belos's warning and Andrias's words.

Marco returned home with Marcy, the two getting ready for bed. Both had washed up and changed into their pajamas and were ready to call it a night.

"Man, another long day," Marco said, getting in bed. "Feels like longer too."

"Well Mewni, Wartwood and The Boiling Isles might have different time zones," Marcy said, getting in next to Marco. "Plus we did spend some time in The Never Zone."

"Right, that too," Marco said. "Just this morning we were talking to Jackie about everything that's been going on, I certainly did not expect to get knighted, nor see a parade."

"Could have been tougher, Hunter and Cloak-Bot could have gone after us like they did to Anne and Luz," Marcy said.

"Right, they both mentioned that Hunter and Cloak-Bot were even more aggressive this time around," Marco said. "I'm a bit worried, that robot was programmed to eliminate myself, Anne, Luz, Amity and Sasha, but for you, it was given an order to capture. What could that mean?"

"I'm not sure," Marcy said, the girl looking a little concerned. "Why would I be needed alive? Could it be Andrias's decision? Maybe he felt bad about the betrayal."

"Not bad enough that he wants that robot to kill the rest of us," Marco said. "Did he ever talk about anything when you two were on better talking terms?"

"He mentioned wanting to be a great King and restore Newtopia to its former glory, and he promised me endless adventure," Marcy said. "But I really can't say for sure which part of his promises were genuine and which part were to screw me over."

"So nothing he did that seemed out of the ordinary?" Marco asked.

"Well...he would sometimes be down in some dark room talking about something, not sure to who," Marcy said. "I never pried since it seemed rude, but I guess in hindsight, it could have been Belos, or someone else."

"Still want to know exactly what Belos is planning as well," Marco said. "He and Andrias really made Mewni look bad tonight."

"Yeah, that was weird," Marcy said, then cuddled next to Marco. "But I suppose we'll get our answers sooner or later."

"Sooner would be better," Marco said, placing his arm around Marcy and bringing her closer. "Star's already dealing with a lot, she doesn't need an entire realm thinking that Mewni is this evil place."

"Well, to be fair, wasn't Mewni kind of rude toward non Mewmans?" Marcy asked. "I don't want to side with Belos or Andrias, but their words did have some truth to them. The main reason Meteora got traded away was because she was half monster."

"Wow, that's a good point," Marco said. "Even now Mewni still shows discrimination against monsters and such, that's why Buff Frog left when he did."

"I think Star should present an opportunity for Mewmans and Monsters to coexist," Marcy said. "Like a festival or something."

"Star's busy though, I don't want to overwhelm her," Marco said.

"I know it might be troubling, but fixing the problems within Mewni is just as important as the problems outside," Marcy said. "A foundation supporting something big will crumble faster if it's weak. You have to keep it strong otherwise everything falls apart."

"Yeah, that's a good point actually," Marco said. "It'd be great if we could use that against our foes."

"It's not impossible, if anything we can convince Newtopia and The Boiling Isles not to trust Andrias or Belos," Marcy said. "Belos clearly said what he needed to say tonight because he knows he needs those witches on his side. If they rise against him, it would spell disaster. Same with Andrias, he's likely convinced everyone that Frogs and Toads are enemies to Newts. Truth be told, given that Grime is a traitor and Toads aren't the nicest creatures, that puts them in Mewni's position, but with Sasha's help, we might be able to turn that around."

"Gonna need some brainstorming later, right now we just need some sleep," Marco said, yawning afterwards. "I'm just so dang tired."

"Me too..." Marcy said. "Though, we are in bed together, I have a little more energy if you want to...you know."

"Marcy, it can wait, unless you want a halfhearted effort, better to wait until tomorrow or something," Marco said.

"Worth a shot," Marcy said, quickly sharing a sweet kiss with her loving boyfriend. "Goodnight."

"Yeah, goodnight Mar-Mar," Marco said, turning off his lamp as he and his girlfriend drifted off to sleep.

At her house, Anne was laying awake in bed with Luz resting in a sleeping bag.

"So glad I get to stay here," Luz said. "I liked it with Marco, but now that he and Marcy are back together, I imagine they're gonna want some privacy, especially at night."

"Or any time in the day," Anne joked. "Also, are you comfortable? You can sleep on my bed and I can take the sleeping bag."

"I'm used to the floor from living in Eda's house," Luz said.

"I'm good with the floor too, slept there a lot in the Plantars' house," Anne said.

"Well, maybe we can alternate," Luz said. "You have the bed some nights, and I will have it some nights."

"Whatever makes you happy," Anne said.

"So...did you think any more about the whole 'Knight of Mewni' thing?" Luz asked.

"Not sure what there is to think about, it's a huge commitment," Anne said.

"Yeah, it is," Luz said. "Still, it could be a good opportunity for us in the future."

"Good opportunity how?" Anne asked.

"After we get through school and college, we at least have a steady job to look forward to," Luz said. "Honestly I may not even go for college, why deal with the debt? I finish up Hexside and use my witch skills to keep Mewni safe. It feels fulfilling."

"What about your mom?" Anne asked. "How would she feel? It sounds like you intend to stay in The Boiling Isles."

"I won't need to, I can just use the scissors to go back and fourth," Luz said. "Granted my mom needs to be okay with it. I'm hoping I can convince her, but at the same time, I don't know if she would handle it well."

"How do you think she'd handle it?" Anne asked.

"No better than your parents," Luz said. "My mom and your mom aren't too different. I don't mean the accents either, or the fact that they each came from another country. My mom is just very protective of me, especially after my dad died. I'm all she has left. Well, she has Vee now, but even Vee is just an extension of me. I'm still worried about how to go about all of this. How do I convince my mom to let me continue my witch studies?"

"Well, I guess you can try just being honest," Anne said. "But I get it. My mom was pretty ticked when she found out I lied, though to be fair, I lied to her a lot before. I mean, you heard what my mom said about me."

"You mean that thing about you cutting class?" Luz asked. "Honestly, that sounds like something Sasha influenced you into doing. Not to knock on her but, she isn't always a good example for model behavior."

"She did influence me, but I can't let her take all the blame," Anne said. "I didn't have much of a backbone so I was never willing to stand up to her. It took me getting warped to Amphibia to finally work up the nerve to tell her off. That was the influence I got from being around The Plantar Family."

"I get that, being with the Clawthorne Family helped me tremendously too," Luz said. "I no longer felt like a freak, or an outcast. Amazing what our experiences did for us, they helped us be better people."

"It's still kind of sad that I needed something this big to help me get my crap together," Anne said. "I really made some dumb choices, and I regret so many dumb things I did."

"It happens," Luz said. "I've told you about my screw ups in school after all."

"Compared to me, your screw ups are pretty tame," Anne said. "At least you weren't on your way to becoming a crummy person."

Luz began to really sympathize with Anne, the girl standing herself on her knees as she crawled into bed next to Anne, taking the other girl by surprise.

"Anne, there's no way you would have been a crummy person, you're way too nice for something like that to have actually happen to you," Luz reassured.

"You really think so?" Anne asked.

"I know so," Luz said. "When I first got stranded in Amphibia, you wasted no time making sure I was settled in. That's how I know you would never have been such a terrible person. Getting stranded here may have helped you, but I know you would have found that path on your own eventually. If anything, getting stranded more than likely helped Sasha straighten out rather than you."

"Wow, thanks Luz, I really appreciate that," Anne said.

Luz wrapped Anne in a hug, cuddling close to the girl, "Any time, amiga."

Anne started blushing from the contact, "Gotta say, this is kind of embarrassing. Cute, but embarrassing."

"Yeah, I know this is pretty close but, I really want to be next to you right now," Luz said. "And we've slept in the same bed before. With Marcy, Marco and Amity."

"Yeah, in Marco's house," Anne said. "I don't want to risk my parents coming in. Worse, what if Sprig wakes up?"

Luz turned to the frog boy sleeping on his hammock. "Wow, nearly forgot he was there. He can sleep through a lot."

"Yeah, he's a heavier sleeper than I am," Anne said.

"Anyway, even if he wakes up, I doubt he'd actually care," Luz said. "He might try to join us, but I wouldn't mind."

"What about King and Polly?" Anne asked.

"They're too busy keeping each other company," Luz said."Seriously, don't worry so much Anne. Just enjoy this."

"Yeah, guess you're right," Anne brought Luz closer. "I do like this feeling."

"Figured you would," Luz said, placing her face near Anne's neck as she wrapped her other arm around the girl. "I've met a lot of people lately, people I feel so comfortable around. You might be one of the best. I care about my friends from Hexside, but something about being able to befriend another human just makes me feel less weird. You're one of the only girls my age to not treat me like an outcast, and I am very thankful for you."

"It's no big deal," Anne said. "You just needed a friend, and I liked having someone new to relate to. I never thought I'd have a close bond with a girl my age outside of Marcy and Sasha. It's almost like we're two halves coming together."

"I feel the same way," Luz said, nuzzling her face closer to Anne's neck. "Gotta say, you feel so warm."

"Uh, yeah, guess it's my natural body heat," Anne said, unsure of how else to really reply to that.

"Hope I'm warm too then," Luz said.

"Yeah, you are," Anne said, the girl now wondering many things. "Hey, mind if I ask you about Amity?"

"Hm? You want to know about Amity?" Luz asked. "What about her?"

"Do you have feelings for her?" Anne asked. "You two seemed really close and she did get really jealous a few times, especially in the Never Zone."

"Oh yeah...that wasn't pleasant," Luz said.

"It sucks, I don't have a lot of memories of the place, but that part was so vivid to me," Anne said.

"Guess we only remember key parts, whatever helps us develop and grow," Luz said. "And you having to see me have that falling out with Amity was definitely something to grow from."

"That's a terrible thing to grow from," Anne said.

"It is, but in life, we learn from the negatives and the positives," Luz said. "Sometimes a little bad needs to happen to appreciate the good. Besides, it worked out didn't it? You and Amity are friends now."

"Yeah, I think we are," Anne said. "She's much nicer to me, but I feel like if she saw us like this, then she may not be as nice."

"You never know," Luz said.

"You never answered my question though, do you have feelings for Amity?" Anne asked.

"...Yeah, I do," Luz said. "I've been crushing on her for quite a while now. Weird since she used to hate me, and I didn't like her much at first. Actually, the first time I saw her, she was bullying Willow. I'm grateful she's become a better person since that day."

"Funny how that works out, from bully to crush," Anne said.

"Some time before getting warped to Amphibia, we had a moment together," Luz said. "She gave me a kiss on the cheek, and it really took me by surprise. It was then I started to feel strongly toward Amity. But I guess between that and everything that's happened lately, I haven't had much time to really act on it. Plus, her attitude in the Never Zone toward you did sour me on her for a bit."

"Ooh, did I indirectly ruin your crush?" Anne asked.

"You didn't do anything, Amity did," Luz said. "I didn't appreciate how she acted, hence why I had to call her out. Then she got upset and we just split off. Granted I don't remember every detail of the argument, so it made it easier to forgive her, but my feelings aren't as strong as they used to be."

"I hope you two work things out, I think you'd make a cute couple," Anne said.

"Maybe...but Amity wasn't the only one I was thinking about in the Never Zone," Luz said, the girl subconsciously rubbing Anne's sides.

"Uh...I don't suppose the other was Marco, I do remember you getting all excited when you saw him," Anne said. "Not judging, I got excited too. He's got some sexy looking abs."

"Oh you got that right, I would not have minded a fun night with him," Luz said, slightly blushing. "But, it's not Marco. The other person, was you."

"...I figured as much," Anne said. "Luz, I do like you but, I don't know if we'd be compatible as a couple."

"What makes you think so?" Luz asked. "Wait, I should ask. Are you gay or bi?"

"I'm...probably bi, I need more time to consider it," Anne said. "But that's why I can't be with you. I don't understand my own feelings, and I don't want to end up hurting you. You already know you like Amity, and I think you two should be together."

"I appreciate you thinking about my feelings," Luz said, then gave Anne a kiss on the cheek. "But, I don't mind exploring them with you. If it's not meant to be, I won't feel hurt. I'd rather try and fail than never try at all."

"...Luz," Anne really began to blush. "I...I don't know. I'm afraid of hurting you. If I broke your heart, I would never forgive myself."

"Anne, nothing you do can break my heart," Luz said. "I know you would give it your best and if it doesn't work out, that's fine. We can still be friends. I promise I won't end up with heartbreak."

"...Alright, I'll consider taking you on a date one of these days," Anne said. "Just let me really get comfortable with the idea."

"That's fine, I won't rush you," Luz said.

"And don't wait for me, if Amity shows interest and you want to give her a chance, then do it," Anne said.

"Yes, of course," Luz said.

"I just want to dial back on the distractions," Anne said. "I'm worried about Mewni now, thanks to what Andrias and Belos did. Plus Hunter and that robot are still after us."

"Hunter...I gotta talk some sense into him," Luz said. "He really isn't a bad kid, just confused."

"No offense Luz, but he and his robot tried to kill us, so I'm not exactly going to feel sympathetic," Anne said.

"I know, and I do wish he'd not do that," Luz said. "But, I do feel like Belos and Andrias are manipulating him somehow. In a way, he's in the same situation you once were."

"Whoa, Sasha got me to do some dumb stuff, but she did not have me help her in trying to take over the world," Anne said.

"You know what I mean," Luz said. "Hunter just needs a friend, maybe we can befriend that robot too. Polly befriended Frobo after all."

"This seems like a lot to ask for, but I'll consider working things out with Hunter if the opportunity presents itself," Anne said. "But if he continues trying to ambush us, I'm going to break his bones."

"I suppose that's fair," Luz said. "Guess we have a lot to do soon. I can only imagine how The Boiling Isles must be after Belos's speech."

"Well they seemed happy, guess that Coven Day Parade was a success," Anne said. "Too bad the parade itself was actually boring."

"Yeah, I guess so," Luz said. "Speaking of parades, didn't you mention a Christmas one to your parents?"

"Huh? Oh right, every year we Boonchuys take part of the Christmas Day Parade," Luz said. "I'm glad I'm back in time for it, I have some ideas for a float, I just hope I have time for it."

"Oh don't worry, we'll help," Luz said. "You won't be doing it alone, our friends can come by and whip up something good."

"Are you sure about that? Everyone's going to be busy with their own thing," Anne said.

"Anne, it's Christmas related, a holiday about friends and family coming together," Luz said. "We will make time for you."

"It would be nice spending Christmas with everyone," Anne said. "And even nicer setting up the celebration."

"That's the spirit," Luz said. "Christmas is fun with friends."

"Are you big on celebrating Christmas back home?" Anne asked.

"Well, I'm more of a Halloween girl, but I can appreciate Christmas," Luz said.

"Hey, nothing beats free candy," Anne said. "Personally speaking, I also like Thanksgiving, it's nice to have such a large feast."

"Oh yeah, mom rules when it comes to Turkey," Luz said.

"It's official, I want to be able to spend as many holidays with you and the others as possible," Anne said.

"Same here," Luz said. "Nothing beats holidays with friends."

"Alright, our main goal, outside of saving the world, is to make an awesome Christmas float," Anne said. "We're gonna make all of Los Angeles envy us."

"Sounds fun," Luz said, yawning right afterwards. "Let's get some sleep."

"Yeah, we'll talk more in the morning," Anne said.

"Ugh, finally," Sprig said, getting the attention of the two girls. "You two were talking forever."

"Sprig? How long were you awake!?" Anne asked.

"I never went to sleep," Sprig said. "So I got to hear all about how you two girls really love and care for each other. It was adorably sappy."

Anne angrily sat up, grabbing her pillow. "I am so going to destroy you."

Sprig grabbed his pillow as well, "You dare come at me? None can match my prowess in pillow fighting!"

"Wanna bet!?" Anne turned to her friend beside her. "Luz, help me out."

"With pleasure," Luz said, grabbing a pillow of her own.

"Hey! You can't double team me!" Sprig blew a whistle. Within seconds, King and Polly showed up with pillows of their own. "Because we're gonna triple team you!"

"Pfft, hardly a match for us," Anne said, fluffing her pillow.

"It's pillow time!" Luz said as she along with Anne ran in for their showdown against Sprig, Polly and King.

The five of them really seemed to enjoy their impromptu pillow fight, fighting intensively but still playfully. For the first time in a while, they were able to just enjoy themselves without worry of danger, or so they thought.

Seconds later, Oum barged into the room, a look of annoyance on her face, "Pị nxn!"

Everyone stopped and quickly put everything away. Even those who weren't fluent in Thai understood that the mother of one wanted all of them to go to bed. After a few seconds, Oum closed the door, expecting everyone to sleep.

"Your mom's scarier than my mom," Luz said. "And my mom carries a chancla in her purse."

"Wait, why?" Anne asked.

"Latina mom thing," Luz said.

"Well this is an Asian mom, so I guess we both had it kind of tough," Anne said.

Luz giggled at her friend's response, "Yeah, but it's fine."

The two girls got back in bed, ready to finally get some much needed rest.

In the halls of Belos's castle, the man had traveled while holding Meteora in his arms. "In time my young child, you shall bear witness to a glorious new age. I have spent eons working on it, and soon enough, I will have all that I need to make my dream a reality."

"Emperor!" Kikimora said, running to get his attention. "First, I must say that your speech was glorious today! You really got the citizens on your side. You even managed to turn our war against Mewni in our favor!"

"It's all part of my grand plan, Kikimora," Belos said.

"Even that blowhard Andrias was of good use," Kikimora said. "Still, how much longer must we stand to work with him? He seems so...beneath us."

"Andrias has his uses, he is a very valuable ally, at least for the time being," Belos said. "His goals may conflict with mine however, that is what concerns me the most."

"We could have him eliminated," Kikimora said. "In turn, we give the throne of Amphibia to someone else. Like maybe...Ludo perhaps."

"Ludo?" Belos asked.

"It's the best I can think of," Kikimora said. "He fits right in with the creatures of that world. Plus he can be easily controlled."

"Considering he had betrayed Toffee, I do not know if he can be trusted either," Belos said. "Andrias at least seems to believe my word."

"But what if he yearns to betray you as well?" Kikimora asked. "Ludo is weak, even if he turns against you, at least he can be easily dealt with. Andrias however, much as I hate to admit it, is quite powerful."

"You doubt my abilities to handle Andrias?" Belos asked.

Kikimora frantically shook her head, "N-no, of course not!"

"Then mind your worries and trust my choices," Belos said. "All will make sense."

"Yes, of course my emperor," Kikimora said, bowing to the man she served. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

"It is quite late, would you mind putting Meteora to bed?" Belos asked, handing the child over. "Tomorrow we must consult Mrs. Blight regarding an order I made to her."

"Speaking of The Blight Family, do they know that we've engaged with their daughter?" Kikimora asked.

"I have merely mentioned seeing her, nothing beyond that," Belos said. "Any altercations she's had were a result of Mewman interference, that is all the Blights need to know. Of course, Odalia is a woman of business, she knows what matters the most after all."

"But...she is a mother, what mother wouldn't be concerned about her child?" Kikimora asked.

"Yes, Belos..." came a voice. "Do you know how a mother feels when her child is in danger?"

"Who's there!?" Kikimora asked.

Coming into view was Eclipsa, the Dark Queen looking very unhappy. "Emperor Belos..."

"Queen Eclipsa, it's been a while," Belos said. "How have things-"

"Quiet!" Eclipsa shouted, sending a blast that knocked Belos back. "After I finish with you, I will take my daughter back and destroy your entire palace and army!"

"Guards! Stop her!" Kikimora asked, earning a glare from Eclipsa. "Easy now, I have your daughter."

"Huh?" Meteora asked upon seeing Eclipsa.

"Meteora...it's me, you recognize your mommy, don't you?" Eclipsa asked, the woman inching toward her daughter. Suddenly she took an attack from behind, courtesy of Belos.

"It is quite rude to arrive to one's domain uninvited and cause havoc," Belos send a magic attack at Eclipsa, knocking her further back.

"Sir, what shall I do?" Kikimora asked.

"Take Eclipsa far from here, we don't want her seeing any unnecessary violence," Belos said.

"No!" Eclipsa's magic destroyed part of the room she was in as she angrily glared at Kikimora, "Bring me back my daughter!"

As she lunged to attack, Belos stood in her path and whacked her back, knocking the woman through pillar.

"Go!" Belos ordered Kikimora, the woman making her leave.

Eclipsa generated a large cloud ray of magic and rained down attacks upon Belos, the villain quick to dodge and counter with magic of his own.

Eclipsa teleported beside Belos, jamming her umbrella into his back as she fired a beam that Belos was quick to block with his magic.

"You are only making things worse for yourself," Belos said.

"Put a cork in it you old fool!" Eclipsa generated more blasts that hit Belos a few times, leaving him open for a whack from her Umbrella, knocking him back more.

"Hey, what is going on out here?" Ludo asked, stepping into the room and seeing the fight. "Huh?"

"Begone," Eclipsa waved her wand. "Cold Shoulder Ice Storm!"

Ludo's shoulder was frozen, and soon his whole body began to follow. "H-hey! What's happening! Guards!"

Eclipsa blasted him away and focused back on Belos, the villain utilizing his bile magic to attack once again, trying to land a blow on Eclipsa, but the woman was quick to block and fire away.

"Lord Belos!" Came the voice of his assistant Terra, who sent Earth magic attacks at Eclipsa. The woman was quick to block the attacks and blasted Terra back.

"Midnight Shriek!" Eclipsa sent a powerful blast at Terra, sending the woman flying through some walls.

Within seconds, Raine had also arrived, beholding the damage done. "What's going on now!?"

Eclipsa turned to the seemingly traitorous witch, using her magic to render the new ally immobile for a bit.

"Ugh, where's Darrius when you need him?" an injured Raine asked.

"That's enough!" Belos went to attack once more but Eclipsa had a counter.

"Black Widow Calamity Cobweb!" Meteora summoned some magical webs that restrained Belos, the emperor struggling in vain to escape. "Don't even try, you won't be getting out of this so easy."

Nearby, Kikimora had returned, the woman spotting the situation. "I must call for help!"

Eclipsa heard a voice nearby, "Is someone there? Come on out, I promise I won't harm you, much," Eclipsa generated more magic. "You have five seconds."

"Hey easy!" Kikimora said, carefully walking over.

"Kikimora, where is Meteora!?" Belos asked.

"I ran into the guards, they have her now," Kikimora said. "No doubt they are aiming to contact Eberwolf and Darrius."

"Good, more for me to destroy," Eclipsa said.

"Now see here!" Kikimora stepped forward. "I will not allow you to-"

"Low Esteem Nightmare Dream!" Eclipsa hit Kikimora with a spell that began to torment her mind.

"Weak! Useless! Shame of the family! Your mother will never respect you! You're hopelessly foolish! Vile little imp!" Kikimora huddled over in pain, unable to handle the self disrespect.

"Now time to finish you off, Belos," Eclipsa said, generating her magic. "Black Velvet Inferno!"

A dark sphere began to surround Belos, the witch unable to escape it's confines. It looked to be the end for him, Eclipsa was ready to kill Belos and take her child back. Just before she could complete the spell, a sword came down at her, the woman quick to leap out of the way as it was jammed in the ground.

"Dang it! Thought I had the element of surprise!" The sword belonged to Andrias, the Newt King having just arrived to help.

"It's you," Eclipsa said. Due to her distraction, her magic weakened enough for Belos to escape and us his Bile Magic to control Eclipsa.

"It's over!" Belos knocked the woman back through his castle walls. He was quick to pursue her, going to attack again but Eclipsa managed to fend him off, using her Umbrella to whack him back.

Terra had returned to fight but Eclipsa easily fended her away, then fought off an oncoming Darrius and Eberwolf.

"Is this all you have, Belos!?" Eclipsa shouted. "I may be a refined lady, but I learned a thing or two from my mother when it comes to brutal power! I am more than willing to give you such a demonstration!"

"Your mother was Solaria, one of the strongest Queens in Mewman history," Belos said, sinisterly stepping forward. "Not a woman I would have wanted to tangle with."

"You've done your research, good on you," Eclipsa said.

"Of course, I do wish to know what spells to teach Meteora, though I imagine I'd get more if I had the Butterfly Book of Spells," Belos said. "In time, I will invade Mewni and take what I need."

"If you so much as hurt Star..." Eclipsa warned. "I will not allow you to bring harm onto my family!"

"Your family? If I recall, Star isn't of your bloodline, she's an imposter to the Butterfly lineage," Belos said. "The true lineage lies within Meteora, and I sense much greater potential in her."

"...Star may not be of my blood, but she is every much a Butterfly, and not someone you want to underestimate," Eclipsa said. "I will fight to protect my family, regardless of bloodline!"

"Unfortunately, you will not," Belos said, generating power. "Because you will not survive this fight."

He and Eclipsa clashed once again, ready to end things once and for all. Just as she was about to once again trap Belos, Andrias appeared and swung his sword, cutting Meteora on the sides and injuring her.

"Wow...thought I'd get a better hit than that," Andrias commented.

"It's good enough," Belos said, using his magic to lift Eclipsa by the throat, holding her in the air. "Your name brings great irony, Eclipsa. For it is the Eclipse that will give me the power I need to seize my future! And it is your daughter that will maintain my path! Glory to the Coven!"

Belos generated his arm into a claw and impaled Eclipse through the stomach, blood trickling out of her mouth as the villain threw her toward the shores of the Boiling Isles, finally done with his enemy.

"Whoa...that was kind of scary of you," Andrias said.

"A necessary move," Belos said. "She is finally dead, and we will be able to proceed with our plans once again."

"Right...I still need my Core though," Andrias said. "And for that, I need Marcy."

"Has my nephew not had any luck?" Belos asked.

"No, I did give my robot an ultimatum," Andrias said. "If he does not find her by morning, he will detonate."

"That seems a bit extreme," Belos said. "Then again, nothing like a little fear to motivate a person, even a machine."

"Of course," Andrias said.

"If I may ask, why is this Marcy girl so needed for your plan?" Belos asked.

"The Core requires someone of great intelligence," Andrias said. "If I am being honest, I do not have a lot of faith that Marcy can handle it. She is quite young. But I cannot control what the core wants, I can only give it what it requires."

"Hm, if worse comes to worse, I may be able to find a substitute," Belos said. "Until then, you may keep trying for that Marcy girl. Even if my nephew fails, I can send someone else. Truth be told, I only sent Hunter to see if he himself is worthy. If he fails me, then I will have no use for him."

"Ouch, that's kind of cold," Belos said. "Isn't he your family?"

"What use is family who only serve to disappoint you?" Belos said, making his leave.

For a moment, Andrias pitied Hunter and his situation. Andrias turned to make his leave, but not without some lingering thoughts. "Sometimes Belos, you remind me so much of my father. Whether that's a good trait or not, even I cannot decide."

The following morning in Echo Creek, Marco began to wake from his slumber. He looked down to see that Marcy was comfortably cuddled up next to him. The sound of her soft snoring was enough to send his heart into a frenzy.

"She's so darn adorable sometimes. No, she's adorable all the time, but this...so wholesome," Marco tried to carefully get out of bed, not wanting to wake his girlfriend when a sudden crash shook the place.

Marcy immediately woke up, "Whoa, what just happened!?"

"I'm not sure," Marco said, then heard some screaming. "Oh no, my mom's in trouble!"

In the parents' bedroom, a startled Angie was screaming in worry while Rafael did his best to keep his wife safe from the invading Hunter and Cloak-Bot.

"Where is Marco Diaz!?" Hunter shouted.

"Why do you want my son!?" Rafael asked, still shielding his wife.

"Your son is an enemy of my family, and I will destroy him to help fulfil the dreams of my uncle!" Hunter said.

"You can't be serious! Tell your uncle he can go to hell!" Angie shouted.

Hunter grumbled in annoyance, even more so when Mariposa's crying started to annoy him, "Someone shut that baby up!"

"Removing infant from location," Cloak-Bot said, then took a slipper to the head.

"You stay away from my baby!" Mariposa warned.

"Then get her to shut up before-" Hunter heard the door open, the boy turning to see Marco. "You!"

"Hunter!?" Marco shouted.

"You're going down, Marco Diaz!" Hunter rushed in for a punch that Marco was quick to block, then judo flipped his opponent into the living room.

Hunter stook up to attack again but Marco blocked his strikes with ease and hit a punch to his jaw, followed by one to his stomach and ended with an uppercut.

Despite this, Hunter still tried to attack, but Marco managed to hit a knee strike to his stomach and then a spinning kick to his face to knock him over.

"Are you done!?" Marco asked.

Hunter stood back up, ready to keep fighting, "I will never-"

"Hiya!" Marcy jumped in and hit a flying kick to Hunter's face, the girl looking satisfied after landing that blow. "Oh hell yeah! Didn't expect me, did you!?"

Hunter spit out some blood, glaring at the girl, "Marcy Wu, I have special orders to capture you!"

"Why? What do you need with Marcy!?" Marco asked.

"You don't need to worry, you won't live long enough to see Andrias's vision!" Hunter went to attack with another punch but Marco had blocked and punched Hunter toward Marcy, the girl doing a sweep that knocked Hunter over, then spun to drop a kick onto his stomach, knocking the wind out of him.

"How do you like that!?" Marcy taunted.

Cloak-Bot burst through the archway leading into the bedroom of Marco's parents. "Must destroy Marco Diaz, and capture Marcy Wu."

"I won't let that-" Marco took a punch from Cloak-Bot, sending him flying through the front door of his house and onto his lawn. "Son of a..."

"Marco!" Marcy ran to help but Hunter grabbed her leg, trying to trip her up. "Let go you creep!" She stomped on his face, but was at the mercy of Cloak-Bot as he picked her up. "Hey, not cool!"

"Get your hands off of her!" Marco ran in and kicked the robot in the chest, knocking him against the wall.

Cloak-Bot extended a punch that knocked Marco back outside, only this time Cloak-Bot followed him and went on the assault, trying to attack with several punches to the ground that Marco was quick to dodge.

Marco ran toward his mailbox and pulled it out of the ground to make use as an impromptu weapon as he went back to attack the robot, exchanging blows with his foe.

"Marco!" Marcy again tried to run outside but Hunter used his Palisman to restrain her.

"Just give up! If you come with me it will guarantee your own personal safety!" Hunter shouted as Marcy struggled. "King Andrias just wants to see you again!"

"I'm not interested in traitorous friends!" Marcy said, elbowing Hunter off of her and then punching him hard across the jaw, stumbling him as she ran outside. "Marco!"

"Stupid girl is making this way too difficult!" Hunter ran outside after the girl.

As Marco dodged Cloak-Bots attacks, the robot now using razors and lasers in his offense, he managed to use the mailbox to sweep it's let, knocking it over and then slammed the mailbox down on it a few times.

"That's enough out of you!" Marco shouted, then noticed something weird. "Wait, why is your chest counting down to five minutes?"

"Destroy Marco Diaz..." Cloak-Bot threw a punch that Marco narrowly dodged as it got back up to attack.

Marcy ran over and leapt on the robot's head, trying to distract it. "You stay away from my boyfriend!"

"Enemy, Marcy Wu, must capture!" Cloak-Bot tried to grab Marcy, but she leapt off and landed at Marco's side.

"Man, what a morning," Marcy said.

"Good thing we got plenty of rest," Marco said. "Still, something's counting down on Cloak-Bot's chest."

"Uh...counting down...robot...mechanical stuff..." Marcy's eyes widened. "Yeah I'm like ninety percent sure Cloak-Bot has a bomb attached to it that's about to detonate."

"It's about to WHAT!?" Marco shouted in worry. "How do we stop it?"

"Well I might be able to figure it out, but that will require keeping Cloak-Bot down long enough for me to work," Marcy said.

"Can you figure out Amphibian Technology?" Marco asked.

"I did a lot of research when I was with Andrias, so long as it's a model I'm familiar with, I can figure something out," Marcy said.

"Then we need to-" Suddenly Marco and Marcy had Cloak-Bot's claws wrapped around their necks as both were lifted into the air.

"Remember, the girl needs to come back with us alive," Hunter said. "But you can crush her boyfriend's neck if you wish."

"Destroy Marco Diaz," Cloak-Bot said, applying pressure to Marco, much to Marcy's worry.

"No! Please! I'll go with you, just spare him!" Marcy insisted.

"Sorry, but orders are that he, along with your other human friends need to die," Hunter said. "Same with that witch girl."

"Witch...girl," Marco grabbed some scissors from his pocket, this did not go unnoticed.

"Wait, he has dimensional scissors, stop him!" Hunter ordered.

As Cloak-Bot got distracted, Marcy kicked it in the face, allowing his grip to lighten long enough for Marco to comfortably open a portal leading to Amity's house.

As the purple hair girl was having breakfast with her brother and sister, she saw the peril that her friends were in. "Marco!? Marcy!?"

"Oh no..." Hunter lamented.

Upon realizing the situation, Amity wasted no time summoning her abomination to punch Cloak-Bot, causing him to release the two. "Edric, Emira, I'll be right back."

"Wait, let us help-" Just as Emira went to grab her sister, she went through the portal and it immediately closed. "You..."

"Mom's not gonna like this," Edric said.

In Echo Creek, Amity's Abomination was still fending off Cloak-Bot while Amity helped Marco and Marcy up. "Are either of you hurt?"

"I'm fine, thanks Amity," Marco said.

"Of course, buddy," Amity said, glaring back at Hunter. "As for you, Golden Brat."

"Hey! Who are you calling a-" Suddenly some abomination magic wrapped around his neck.

"I really don't appreciate the crap you've been pulling," Amity said. "First Luz and Anne, now Marco and Marcy? One thing you need to know about me is that I don't like seeing people I love and care about getting hurt!"

Amity tightened her grip, Hunter barely able to breath as he struggled to pull the abomination off.

Cloak-Bot noticed Hunter's struggles, feeling concerned for the boy. "Must help Hunter." It kicked the Abomination away and sent a flying fist at Amity, knocking her over and causing her to lose concentration. "Must destroy Amity Blight."

"I won't let you!" Marco grabbed the mailbox again and ran over to whack the robot in the head.

"You moron, just give up!" Hunter shouted. "All you're doing is delaying the inevitable! If you surrender, maybe Uncle and King Andrias won't have to kill you!"

"Yeah, I'll take dying over serving those Royal assholes," Marco said.

"Oh come on! Why are you being so stubborn about this!?" Hunter shouted.

"Because I am not letting either of those guys destroy the multiverse and replace it with whatever bullshit vision they might have for it!" Marco shouted. "The only one who needs to surrender right now, Hunter, is you!"

Hunter grumbled in annoyance, he knew there was little time so he had to take some chances, and had to think of something fast.

He turned to see the Diaz Family were watching from near the door, which gave him an idea. "Cloak-Bot, target that family there!"

"Excuse me, but what!?" Marco shouted as he went to attack but Hunter had blocked his path.

"This is the part where you surrender and save their lives!" Hunter shouted, getting in Marco's face. "You can't possibly be that stubborn to-"

Marco viscously headbutted Hunter in the face, then delivered a massive punch to this jaw and a stomp to his back, the boy bleeding out of his nose and mouth as Marco ran past him.

"Cloak-Bot, I swear I will kill you!" Marco got whacked back, but both Marcy and Amity rushed in to attack, Amity using her abomination magic to pull the robot away while Marcy grabbed a nearby rock and leapt on Cloak-Bot's head to bash it a few times.

"Amity, slam it down!" Marcy called, Amity using her abomination magic to knock the robot over. "Pry the chest open!"

"What for?" Amity asked.

"To get rid of the bomb!" Marcy said.

"Wait, bomb!?" Amity noticed the ticking bomb on the monster's chest. "Holy crap! He was gonna blow you all up!?"

"Seems like it, I don't know the blast radius, so we gotta remove the bomb, and fast!" Marcy said.

"On it," Amity pried open the monster's chest. "Go for it!"

"Alright, let's see..." Marcy saw a lot of wires. Normally she wanted to take her time and confirm that her research was correct, but she didn't have her notes and the pressure made her doubt her abilities. But she had to try something. "Uh, this might be the bomb, I just gotta-"

Cloak-Bot tried grabbing Marcy but Amity pinned it down with her magic, "Hurry!"

"Hey! Get off him!" Hunter went to attack but Marco knocked him back over, trying to restrain him.

"To think Jackie called you her friend! If she only knew how rotten of a person you are!" Marco shouted.

"Everything I do is for my family! Would you act any differently!?" Hunter shouted, trying to knock Marco back.

"Your family consists of a megalomaniac uncle and his treacherous friend, and I'm willing to bet that both of them would sell you out in an instant!" Marco said, restraining Hunter

"You're lying! Uncle Belos wouldn't do that!" Hunter said, struggling to escape.

"All he's done is lie, he and Andrias," Marco said, kneeing Hunter's back. "If you can't see that, then I have nothing but pity for you, kid."

"How self-righteous can you be!? Don't you know the true enemy is Star Butterfly!?" Hunter shouted. "She comes from a family of liars, deceivers and conquerors, how is what you claim of my uncle any different!?"

Marco karate chopped Hunter hard enough to knock him out, "Because unlike you, I know the truth about the people I claim to know."

Marcy continued to disarm the bomb, though the most she was able to do was remove it, "Yeah, I can't actually shut this thing off."

"Get rid of it then!" Amity said.

"Throw it in here!" Marco said, opening a portal to Lava Lake Beach. "Hurry!"

Marcy threw the bomb into the lava just as Marco closed it, the boy relieved to have avoided that. "Whew...That was close."

"That was an interesting place," Amity said.

"Yeah ,that's Lava Lake Beach," Marco explained. "It's an old dating spot that Tom and Star liked going to."

"That sounds nice, assuming that bomb doesn't destroy it, do you want to take me on a date there?" Marcy asked.

"That would be nice, but it is very hot," Marco said.

"I don't mind a little heat, I am an LA girl after all," Marcy said.

"Yeah, I suppose so," Marco said. "Speaking of beach, I think Star was expecting a Beach Day, especially with that picture she took from the future."

"Oh right, that whole thing," Marcy said. "I am still convinced that it's from an alternate future."

"I honestly can't even say," Marco said. "Look, we should let everyone know about Hunter and Cloak-Bot."

"After we tie them up," Marcy said.

"Yeah, of course," Marco said, turning to his family. "Hey, is everyone alright?"

"We're fine mijo, thank you for protecting your family," Rafael said. "You have become a real man, my son!"

"Oh, well, I had a good role model," Marco said. "Thanks dad."

"Makes an old man proud," Rafael said, then turned to his wife. "Are you okay Angie?"

"I'm fine, I just have such a headache..." Angie looked around her house. "Especially with all the money it's going to cost to fix all this damage!"

"Do not worry mi amor, the insurance will cover it," Rafael said.

"Does our insurance cover weapons of mass destruction in the form of a giant, evil robot?" Angie asked.

"It can, you just gotta know how to work the system," Marcy said, walking over. "I bet I can help convince the insurance company that this was the fault of termites that the county never looked into dealing with."

"Will that work?" Angie asked.

"I can make it work," Marcy said, gesturing them inside. "Come on, let's get to planning."

"She's got spunk, I admire that," Rafael said.

"Your son knows how to pick great girlfriends," Amity said.

"Ah, nothing like young love, perhaps one day you two can even be happily married, son," Rafael said.

"Uh, dad, way too soon to think about that," Marco nervously said.

"I did say 'perhaps', always have to try and be optimistic," Rafael said, heading inside with Angie.

"Geez, weird enough that Marcy wants to get married and have my kids, now my dad's expecting something like that," Marco said. "He and mom better not pester me for grandkids."

"Guess you're just already such an adult in their eyes, which isn't far from the truth considering the Never Zone," Amity said.

"Ugh, I'm tired of hearing about the Never Zone," Marco said. "Just because I'm an adult there doesn't mean I'm one here, same goes for you, Marcy, Anne, Luz and Sasha. Oh, and Higgs too now."

"Yeah, it is a weird concept, isn't it?" Amity said. "The moment I came back to this world, it's like I was fourteen again. Well sort of."

"I get that," Marco said. "Hey um...thanks for helping me out."

"No trouble, you're one of my best friends," Amity said.

"Yeah, but I kind of sprung this on you, didn't I?" Marco asked. "I got so desperate that I pulled you into danger."

"Hey, if the situation were reversed, you'd help me, wouldn't you?" Amity asked.

"Without question," Marco said.

"Then the same applies to you," Amity said. "It's not an inconvenience for me to help you. If I know I can save your life, then it's worth taking the chance. I'd rather have my breakfast cut short than lose someone I care about."

"Can't argue that," Marco said.

Amity wrapped the boy in a hug, "I'm really glad you're safe, seeing you in peril like that gave me a scare. You're someone I want in my life, Marco. You're the only boy I've come close to having feelings for."

"Is it because of Turdina?" Marco asked.

"No, it's you," Amity said, placing a kiss on his cheek. "I won't steal you away from Marcy, but I still hope you can give me a child when I'm ready."

"This again? We'll visit this topic when the time comes," Marco said. "Right now, let's focus on the present."

"Yeah, and presently we need to deal with these two," Amity said.

"Let's take them to Star," Marco suggested.

Just as he went to grab Cloak-Bot, an image came up. "Cloak-Bot, Hunter, are you there?"

"Is that Andrias?" Amity asked.

In his castle, Andrias, with Yunan and Olivia beside him, were waiting on an answer. "Hunter! Cloak-Bot! Answer me!"

Within seconds, Marco came on the screen, "Hello You Majesty...good to see you."

"Marco?" Andrias said. "You know, I must commend you, even after all this time, I'm amazed that you lived through my attack."

"Well it's going to take much more than that to kill me you old bastard," Marco said. "Now listen and listen closely. You're done. Hunter and Cloak-Bot, they lost. That's just a step to bringing down you and that scumbag of a partner you have. Count your days Andrias, we're coming for you."

Amity took to the screen, "Tell Belos that once my family finds out about what he's really been doing, he's done. Don't ever mess with The Blight Family."

"And remember, Andrias," Marco continued. "You will never, and I mean NEVER have Marcy. I will not let you hurt her again."

"We'll see about that, Marco," Andrias said. "Oh, and if you see Star Butterfly, tell her my condolences."

"...Condolences for what!?" Marco asked.

"For the loss of a relative," Andrias said, sinisterly grinning at the boy. "Poor Eclipsa, she really thought she could stand up to Belos."

"Wait, what the hell did you do to Eclipsa!?" Marco shouted.

"The same that will happen to you if you continue to thwart myself and Emperor Belos!" Andrias warned. "Change is coming my dear boy, neither you, nor your friends are part of the future I imagined. But I can make a small part for that precious little girlfriend of yours. She will make for a fine servant."

"You son of a bitch!" Marco angrily punched the screen, resulting in static.

"Such an emotional child," Andrias turned to his servants. "Yunan, rally the troops. Olivia, prepare some tea. I need to have a word with my partner."

"Yes sir..." Olivia reluctantly went about her business.

"As you...wish..." Yunan said, also feeling unsure about her role.

Andrias made contact with Belos, the man overseeing construction on his castle. "Belos, are you there?"

"What do you require?" Belos asked.

"It's about Hunter, I'm afraid he's been captured by Marco Diaz and his friends," Andrias said.

Belos began clenching his fist in frustration, "Is that so? Well then, I suppose this could make us even for Eclipsa. But I don't play to get even."

"No doubt they will try to interrogate the boy for information," Andrias said.

"It's fine, he doesn't know everything," Belos said. "Though I would like to get him back soon if possible."

"Of course," Andrias said.

"I appreciate the alert, now I must return to my business," Belos said. "If you find out any other information, do not hesitate to let me know."

"Will do, and I trust you will do the same," Andrias said.

"Of course," Belos said. "Now, I have preparations to make."

"Very well, Andrias out," the King disconnected and resumed his duties.

Belos however seemed displeased, "I expected so much better from you Hunter. But it's fine, in good time, Meteora will make for a far more suitable replacement. That I promise."

In the Butterfly Family Throne room, a tied-up Hunter was placed on a chair, sitting before the Acting Queen of Mewni.

"So, Hunter is it?" Star asked.

"You can't make me talk!" Hunter shouted.

"Whoa, easy there little boy, all I asked was if Hunter was your name," Star said in a tone that sounded sympathetic but also condescendingly sarcastic.

"Y-yeah, it is," Hunter said.

"Good, that's good," Star said, placing her fingers to her chin. "And you're the nephew of Emperor Belos."

"He took me in as a kid, I proudly call him my uncle," Hunter said.

"Ooooh, so you were adopted then, how sweet," Star replied, Hunter confused by her seemingly fake enthusiasm. "Now was this a willing adoption? Or did Belos steal you away like he did to Meteora?"

"He gave her a better home, one that she wouldn't have had before," Hunter said.

"Of course she didn't have a better home before, because before Belos stole her away, my traitorous Magical High Commission did," Star said, slowly losing the fake kindness. "They traded her for a Pie Folk girl while Meteora was sent away to be horribly mistreated for years! And just when she got her chance at a fresh start, you know what happened? Oh that's right, your scumbag of an uncle stole her away!"

"Then...he killed her," Marco said, getting Hunter's attention. "Didn't he?"

Marco wasn't alone, as many of Star's allies were here. From Amphibia such as The Plantars, General Grime and Maddie. Human friends such as Anne, Luz, Marcy and Sasha. Those from the Boiling Isles like Eda, Lilith, Amity, Willow and Gus. As well as those associated with Mewni, such as Buff Frog, Tom, Kelly and Higgs.

Hunter looked a bit nervous being around so many watchful eyes, "Well..."

"Answer the question," Star said. "Did Belos kill Eclipsa?"

"...If he says he did, then I guess he did," Hunter said. "Hey, I don't know anything about it, I was just doing what I was told to do."

"Yeah! Trying to kill my friends!" Star shouted.

"I was just following orders!" Hunter said.

"Well aren't you just a hunky, dory soldier then?" Star sarcastically asked. "While you were attacking my friends, your Uncle and his friends had my great ancestor killed! All because she wanted her daughter back! Do you understand how TERRIBLE that is!?"

"I...I guess so?" Hunter said.

"You guess, wow, smart boy aren't you?" Star sarcastically asked. "Your uncle just made a big mistake. I was only considering having him obliterated from existence, but now, I want to personally do it myself! I am going to find and do to your uncle what he did to Eclipsa. No one kills Mewman Royalty and lives long enough to brag!"

"Didn't Toffee live long enough to brag about killing your grandmother?" Hunter taunted.

Star's rage was at a peak as she whacked Tom across the face with her wand. "You just made a big mistake you little shit!" She was ready to blast Hunter into nothing when Eda stopped her. "H-hey, what are you-"

"That's enough, killing him like this isn't going to make things better," Eda said. "I know you're mad about Eclipsa but you need to be the better person here."

"Eda, his Uncle killed a relative of mine!" Star said.

"I know, and he will be brought down, but killing his nephew while he's defenseless is not the way to go about things!" Eda scolded. "Look, for now just put the little runt in the dungeon and think things over."

"...Alright," Star said, then gestured to Hunter. "Someone get that piece of trash out of here."

"Higgs and I got it," Sasha said.

"Yeah, leave it to us Your Highness," Higgs said.

The two girls lifted Hunter up, the boy looking around in worry, "Where's Cloak-Bot."

"Somewhere where we can deal with him properly later too," Sasha said. "Now do me a favor and keep your mouth shut."

"I don't take orders from you," Hunter said.

Sasha then kneed him in the stomach, causing more pain for the boy, "You really need to shut that fucking mouth of yours." She pulled out a dagger, aiming it at Hunter's face, "Whether you do so willingly is up to you."

Reluctantly Hunter went along with this, but not without internally vowing revenge.

Marco felt rage, feeling pity for what happened to Eclipsa, and for Star's loss. He could see that the girl was trying to be strong, but desperately wanted to cry.

"Marco?" Anne said.

"Anne, girls, we gotta make this right somehow," Marco said.

"That's obvious, but how?" Luz asked. "Do we just go after Belos and Andras in their castles?"

"If that were a good idea, we would have done so," Marco said. "Let's save that for when we're desperate."

"Hopefully it won't get to that," Anne said.

"We'll avenge Eclipsa, for now we need to help Star out," Amity said. "Between what happened to her mom, what just happened to Eclipsa, and the fact that she feels so betrayed by The Magic High Commission, we gotta lift her spirits."

"Funny, Anne and I were talking about doing a Christmas parade," Luz said.

"Christmas parade, like you do with your parents Anne?" Marcy asked.

"Yeah, it'd be good to get everyone's spirits up, really boost our morale," Anne said.

"I'm okay with it if all of you are," Marco said.

"That might be fun," Amity said.

"Alright, we'll talk it over with Star," Anne said. "Then we'll talk to my parents and really get this thing going."

Suddenly Sprig leapt onto her shoulder, "Hey, don't forget about me. I wanna help too."

"Yeah," King said, showing up with Polly. "We all do."

"Just lead the way, Anne," Polly said.

"You're our expert, time for you to take charge," Luz said.

"We're counting on you Anne," Marco said.

Anne flashed a big toothy grin as she held up a peace sign, "I totally got this."

In spite of the drama, Marco and the girls hoped to maintain hope in the form of friendship and comradery. Their next task was underway, and it would be one of love and friendship.