HELLO READERS OF THE STAR VS THE FORCES OF EVIL FANDOM!

Finally I get to post a fanfic on one of my favorite fandoms! I'm Silent-Reaper, a self-proclaimed amateur writer! If you're curious on what other story ideas I have, check my profile! Don't be a dick and use those ideas without my permission.

I love SVTFOE, all the way back to 2015. I can't believe it's already over after all these years, and I just want to leave a thank you for Daron Nefcy for creating this awesome fandom.

I hope the fanfics will keep going now that we know everything that happens in canon!

Chapters will be slow to publish, simply because I have a life out there in the world and I'll be very busy, so please have patience when it comes to me!

So please, enjoy my second fanfic in existence!

Black clouds, violet dust, and gray ash rise from the burnt soil. The night sky was dyed a calming blue upon the horizon, laying its paint upon the three moons.

There was nothing else to describe such a simple scene.

Only a light, a dancing form of orange and yellow, stood out from the dark atmosphere. The furious flame slowly swept through the tightly shut and empty villages of the lower class, but there were no cries of help nor screams of agony.

Even from afar, the burning wood can still be heard clearly as day.

The fire still hungers for more.

It's master commands it.

Standing at the top of it all was a shadowed figure, solemnly gazing the scenery upon a grassy hill.

The figure was single man, folding his arms behind his back. His collar a mass of white mane and a crimson hood donned over his head. Small highlights of gold and blue outline the seams.

Over his chest, a single red cloth was draped over his iron plating. A golden amulet was attached to his right, baring forth an emblem of a green eye on its shining surface.

On his armor were glowing symbolic runes, their meaning unknown except to the wearer. The only exposed and armorless part of him was his right arm, where tattoos of black tentacles marked on the muscled flesh.

The last trait to take from his image was the snow-white skeletal mask that covered only the front of his face. Two crescent moons mirrored each other on either side of the cheeks.

The eye sockets a complete abyss, only filled by two flames. The left eye glowing a bloody crimson flame, and the other a monstrous amber.

Stabbed to the ground next to the man was a forest green staff with a matching red cloth tied near the neck. A spherical head rests on the top, a thin pink crystal that shone like a heartbeat. Sharp, jet black wings sprouted on the sides, giving the staff an illusion of a living creature.

The magical weapon was emitting an ominous hum that was oozing with malicious power, begging to be used by him.

Saluting behind the man were rows and rows of Monsters, among them a few Mewmans, bearing the best of their furred armor and sharpened weapons. A crimson flag was raised, depicting a frightening yet majestic symbol of the same eye and wings of his emblem.

They held their arms high, victoriously cheering from their first conquest.

Their cheers were soon silenced as the masked man held up but a single arm. Spines straightened and chest pushed forward. Their obedience and training at full display.

A clear sign of his complete authority over their great numbers.

He turned and signaled a nearby general - a humanoid frog-man - who quickly saluted and whistled to his brethren.

The army cleanly split in the center, bringing attention to a blonde girl being dragged by two monsters: one a giant anthropomorphic lobster with a missing claw and the other a dog-bull humanoid.

Her body was entrapped in chains over her tattered light-blue gown. The girl's head hung low, her long hair casting a shadow over her eyes.

The hearts on her cheeks were not only a sign of her royal blood, but a symbol of Magic.

Now, the symbols were dark and cracked like coal.

They stopped a few feet before him, the monsters lay the girl down and bowed at his presence. He motioned them away, leaving the army to witness their ruler looming over the fallen princess. A moment passed, and she gazed at him.

Despite the situation, he was impressed with how she still had that determined look in her blue eyes.

They were relenting, yet unwavering.

Kneeling down, he held her chin close to him. With a slow inhale, he spoke.

"Tell me, Princess Butterfly, what will you do now?"

"Tsk." Her eyes avoided his own, but her scoff told him everything. The figure shook his head.

"I am a man of patience, but I do hate to repeat myself," he forced her to look straight at him, making her flinch from the sudden movement. "For your sake, I will say it once more. What... will... you... do... now?"

With each word, he emphasized with mockery and cruel satisfaction. The mask may cover it, but many can imagine the devilish smile forming underneath.

"S-surrender," the princess answered. Her eyes held firm in defiance, yet her voice trembled. "I will surrender to you, L-Lord Ocram."

He patted her head.

"Always a good girl," Ocram stood up and bellowed to his many subjects. "You heard her, my loyal followers! The Failed Princess, who was queen for just four days, has finally made her choice to give it all away!"

"RAAAAAAH!"

Their roars raised to the skies and their weapons raised even higher. With prideful hearts, they let out a dominating chant.

"ALL HAIL LORD OCRAM! ALL HAIL LORD OCRAM! ALL HAIL LORD OCRAM!"

Ocram let out a laugh and picked up his staff. Facing the fire once more, he waved the tool like a magnificent maestro, and the flames froze as if they're stuck in time.

With a nod, Ocram pointed the staff at the kingdom.

"Go forth and salvage anything that you uncover! Be it jewels or blasphemers who deny our might! We shall take this land as ours!"

The army scattered and dashed madly at the kingdom in a wild swarm, their eyes bloodshot with adrenaline.

Only a few remain with him, keeping their heads low as to not show disrespect to their powerful lord. His eyes lingered over their heads, examining each one with an unwavering gaze.

They are his most loyal and powerful generals, Mewman and Monster, each donning armor that portrayed their respective clans and displaying his emblem over their hearts.

One stepped forward.

The orange dress gently swayed over the grass along with her crow-feather collar. Her devilishly white skin complimented with her flowing crimson hair and bright yellow horns. A small fire floated atop her head, shedding light to the eye-patch over her right eye.

"Where to, my lord?" Her sultry voice asked.

"Open a portal to my private chambers. I still have more to discuss with her."

Ocram grabbed a handful of the princess' hair, earning a small yelp of pain, and dragged her to face the once powerful kingdom.

"Watch, Princess Star Butterfly. Watch and be the first to see as this cruel and heartless land will be forgotten, and I will be there to make this kingdom prosper into what it should to be."

A blue portal opened up behind him and he tossed her through like a sack. As he took one step inside, Ocram gave one last order to the generals.

"Within a month, gather your best and most skilled soldiers. The Kingdom of Lucitor would be next, and I doubt they will greet us with open arms."

"Yes, Lord Ocram!" They bowed deeper. With his back turned, the masked man went inside the portal.

In a single summer, he has done the impossible.

He has completed what others have hoped for.

The Butterfly Kingdom of Mewni has finally fallen.

-/-/-

Once he stepped out of the portal, a sharp dagger soon greeted him. The feeble tool aimed straight for his heart. He didn't flinch, however, letting the tip of the small weapon stab him. The blade broke, but not a scratch can be seen on the armor.

Ocram watched as the princess was seething with anger, small tears forming in her eyes. Even with a broken weapon, she still continued her stabs at his heart. The blade kept crumbling more and more, stopping until only the handle was left.

"You know such simple weapons won't work on me, Princesa." He sighed. With a gentle hand, he pushed the limb away. "Now then, why don't you just calm down."

A green wave shot out from his hand, chaining Star to a iron wall. She felt her body weakening every passing second, an affect she assumed was from cold chains. She tried to pull free, but she had lost too much strength to resist.

Like a doll, her body hung low.

Ocram removed his cloth, followed by his armor, revealing the red hood that held many of his weapons underneath. It was a small, but impressive collection that he had gathered over time in his travels, and each one has served him well.

A few runic daggers of ancient Mewman's past, hidden arm blades that he earned from the Assassin's Guild, his dimensional scissors, and his sword, El Ladrón de Sangre.

The Thief of Blood.

A worthy name for a weapon of such rarity and quality. After all, he was the one who made it. Though the design is that of a one-handed katana, its fire burns brighter and flames more crimson with his emotions.

As he placed his weapons on the table, Ocram glanced up at the map of Mewni - the colored pins marking important landmarks and strategic locations that have brought many advantages to his armies.

"You know, planning this was surprisingly easy," the young ruler began. "The first time I came here the Butterfly Castle was in such poor conditions that I was confident it will eventually fall soon, even under your rule."

Chains rattled.

"Why?" Star whispered.

"Hm? What ever do you mean?" Ocram didn't turned back. He pulled down his hood, exposing dark-brown hair.

She paid no mind, only letting her voice continue to shout. "Why!? The lives that were lost, the people enslaved by your honeyed words, you've taken everything from my family! Why would you do this... Why do this..."

Slowly, he took off the mask, facing the blonde girl with his true face. A face that seemed to broke her very core.

With shrunken eyes, she was despaired.

"... Marco?"

Marco Ubaldo Diaz.

The first friend she made on Earth.

Her only best friend on Earth.

He... He's the one they call Mewni's Cursed Shadow? The True Blightlord? The Monster God?

Marco is the one... who started this massacre?

No... No! That's impossible!

Marco - no, not Marco, Ocram - shook his head, his mismatched eyes showing clear disappointment. "After the tiny, little hints I left behind, it's a shame that you couldn't figure out who I am, Princesa."

He gently placed down the mask.

"Regarding your question, it's simple. I had to do what I know is right," he clenched a fist. "I felt no remorse for my actions nor for the lives that sacrificed themselves under my rule. All of this is for the sake of peace."

The Butterfly's face scrunched up as if he grew three heads right in front of her. She jutted forward as far she can, ignoring the increasingly cold chains.

"W-Was it Toffee? Did he manipulate o-or control you to do all of this?"

Marco pulled out a white cloth and began to polish the mask. "He may be intelligent, but I doubt such an old lizard can manipulate me. He serves for me," Marco paused. "Well, not serve me, per se. Rather we work together for each other's benefit. I'll give you two chances to guess."

"M-Monster Arm! He came back and infected your mind!" Her voice grew desperate, wishing for anything that would make sense.

"Again, no."

Marco held up his right arm and brought the limb to her face. In an instant, the tattoos glowed a dark purple and the entirely of the arm transformed into a grotesque blade made of razor sharp bone and hardened tentacle.

"He is under my complete control. We made an agreement, one where I can control him while he continues to live in this body of mine." The blade changed back to his hand, lifting one finger. "One more left."

As her face twisted in growing frustration, so does his grin. With eyes quenching at the ground, she kept thinking of the possibilities. The most logical reasons.

A minute past, her answer was naught but a whisper.

"Was it... w-was it because of... me?"

"Correct, Princesa," he applauded, like a teacher congratulating a small child for solving a simple math problem. "You were the one that lit all of this fire. The reason why all of your followers are now faithful to me."

Marco inched closer with each word and held her chin once he was mere centimeters away. "I couldn't stand watching your horrendous attempts at peace between Monsters and Mewman, so I had to use my own. As you can see, my method succeeded."

Star made a weak attempt for a headbutt, an attack he easily backed away. "The Marco I know would never do this! You're not him! You're not my Marco!"

He chuckled. "Really? 'Not your Marco'? Princesa, I've always been like this. You just never looked close enough."

His face didn't move a single muscle. He only witnessed her disgruntled face breaking down more and more before him.

"No... No no no no! Stop lying! Y-you're not Marco! I'll s-save him, wherever he is in you! It's not possible! Its... just... not..." Star kept thrashing around in her chains, trying to break free.

But alas, like all of her attempts, to no avail.

Like an old dam, the walls cracked. Her cries echoed throughout the room, but he kept watching. Marco gave her the chance to let it all out, so she would have no energy left to move.

It felt like an hour, maybe more, of her wailing and flailing against the cold wall. Her voice gave out somewhere along the point, her throat crying a silent scream. Marco pushed away the curtain of blond hair, and stared at the dull, ocean-blue eyes. If he didn't know any better, he would've thought she was dead.

Sensing no resistance in her heart, Marco released the green chains and caught her in his arms. Waving his hand, he conjured up a simple purple bed. One that was achingly similar to the one she had from Earth.

He laid her on the soft surface, carefully resting her head on the pillow. While he covered her with the blanket, Star's tired eyes met with his own.

There was no longer warmth in those eyes that she loved so much. She couldn't sense a single ounce of the gentle and harmless kindness she'd became so familiar with.

Those soft eyes from before... morphed to those of a heartless king.

From this distance, she got a better look at those orbs. The deep scar that laid over his pure black left eye, a reminder of the first and only attack she inflicted on him in her Butterfly form. The magic imbued attack had left the iris to turn a bloody red.

With the right, it was an eye that could rival even Tom's demon eyes. It is a total opposite of the other. No scars, the sclera was a completely normal white, but the iris was a pure amber color. Its pupil a vertical slit, similar to that of a monster.

The magic has corrupted him. Perhaps to the point of no return.

To think, she almost killed this man called Ocram.

To think, she almost killed Marco...

In those monstrous eyes, all she ever saw was a dark pool, staring at her in deep contempt.

She didn't have the strength to whimper.

"Honestly, I never wanted for this to happen. To anyone, really," Marco spoke. "You have to understand that this is the next big step towards true peace. This war is not for me, but for everyone, both Monsters and Mewman kind. You will see the world as I do in time."

Like magic, a small surge of anger managed to flow through her. It was enough for Star to speak through gritted teeth and hoarse voice.

"Peace? Peace? You let my people murder each other!"

Her body shook from the memory of the splashing blood from the knights. Knights and villagers who defended her from the betrayers.

"You made them tore themselves apart! The ones who joined you showed no mercy to their own friends and family, and those who stayed loyal to my family are innocent-!"

"Innocent, you say?" Star shut her lips, every fiber of her being standing on end. Though the room was lit by faded candlelight, she can feel - no, see his anger. No, anger wasn't the right term either from what she's seeing.

She saw pure, unadulterated rage, easily surpassing even a God, seething from his body.

"They were never innocent to begin with, Butterfly."

Grabbing his staff - what used to be her wand - Marco traced a green circle in the air. Once it connected, the circle showed a projection of Mewman soldiers... or to be more precise, the Butterfly Family's most humble and strongest knights.

The Royal Guard.

The same Royal Guards, the strong and gentle people that she grew up admiring, who raised her ever since she took her first steps.

The same Royal Guards that her family have trained, disciplined, and flourish with the symbol of the Butterfly crest displayed on their shining armor for all of Mewni to see with pride.

Through the projection, those knights she loved and respected dearly were ambushing and raiding down camps and small villages.

No, not normal villages, but Monster villages.

Their swords, spears, and torches were destroying every little hut and tree.

The beautiful crest of the Butterfly was smothered in dried blood and smoking ash. Upon their high horses, they continued to chase and slice down the Monsters who were screaming and running for their lives, but their speed is no match against the war horses.

"W-what is this?" She muttered.

"Oh, so you were not aware of this?" Marco glared. "You weren't aware that your innocent knights were decimating the lives of peaceful Monsters who only live on the smallest pieces of land they have left?"

"They're f-fakes! Our knights would never do this!" Just bandits wearing Butterfly knight armor, or monster mimics, or evil clones! Not... not this!

This time, Marco let out a laugh. "I assure you, they are definitely yours. Remember this one?"

The projection zoomed in to a bulky woman with brown skin and poofy maroon hair. She remembered her. The one who's smile was the brightest among the rest of the knights. She found comfort from that smile.

The woman, who still wore the same comforting smile, was beating down an old cat-like Monster as if it was a punching bag. The Monster's eyes were blackened and forced shut, one arm stretched out in the air as if hoping that someone will come to save it.

There were no signs of her fists stopping soon.

"L-Lady Whosits?" Mom mentioned that her body was nowhere to be found after the first battle of the war.

"She has quite the sadistic side. One fitting for serving under the Butterflies," Marco glanced at the screen, changing the angle towards a muscly, dark-skinned man with spiked up dark-pink hair. "Ah, this one was my favorite to get rid of. What was his name again?"

"S-Sir Stabby..." Though brash and arrogant, the knight was exceptionally skilled in swordsmanship and proudly defending the kingdom with his strength and charisma as the captain of the guard.

He was reported to have mysteriously disappeared within the castle, as if he was erased from existence.

"He has quite the infamous reputation among the Monsters that he raided. It was thanks to his disappearance that I was able to replace the captain of the guard with someone more capable and trustworthy." Marco smiled, as if reminiscing the memory.

"Many Monsters were eager to join me and my cause, especially after I showed them his corpse." He waved his staff away, the circle dissipating as he did so.

"I never once killed an 'innocent'." He continued. "The subjects that stayed loyal to you? The ones that beg for your protection and power?" Marco's voice grew, crimson aura flowing out from his body. "They never listened to my warnings, nor do they change their old and simple-minded traditions. The moment they ran through your gates, I deemed them guilty!"

The heavy stone walls shook against his raging voice alone. Silence coated them both, leaving only the sound of his panting from his outburst.

Star held her own breath. Not at her own will, though. She wanted to breathe. To calm down. But her lungs refused to listen to her brain. Her eyes closing shut as her perception kept fading more and more...

"Star."

Finally she inhaled. His voice, not her own thoughts, was enough for her lungs to do their purpose. She instantly turned away, making sure to shut her eyes, shake her head, closing her mouth - anything else to avoid his existence.

"Star, look at me." He spoke gently this time.

Stop. Don't listen to him. That's not Marco. That's just a stranger pretending to be him.

"Please, Star, I want you to at least look at me."

N-nooo! It's not fair! Don't use his voice against me!

She heard emotion in that voice. She tried to resist, oh she tried. But the more he begged, her mind was being plagued with the thoughts of the real Marco sitting beside her bed - that he's trying to wake her up and tell her that she's just having one big nightmare world.

But the scars on her skin and painful bruises reminded her which world she's really in.

Star felt his tender hand caressing under her cheek, prying for her to turn just once. With an aching heart, Star faced him once again. Her eyes widened, seeing his battle-hardened face morphed into that of Marco Diaz.

Her Marco Diaz.

The Marco Diaz before all of this power that corrupted his head. Normal brown eyes, his soft red hoodie, everything that's all Marco. She couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"Please rest, you fought long and hard. I hope that one day you will forgive me."

His soothing voice danced in her ears. For once, her eyes felt heavy from the exhaustion that finally caught up to her. The stress that built up on her shoulders was lifted away, her body lighter than air.

He must've used a sleeping spell that she wasn't aware of, some weird monster magic, or she was just really tired after all.

Not that those reasons mattered.

A moment of sleep is a moment away from all of this pain.

-/-/-

As the princess drifted away in her slumber, the hearts on her cheeks brightened slightly. They are still broken, but a pinkish hue had managed to return.

Marco sighed. He thought back to his words.

Though he might've said it too harshly, her attempts at peace between Monsters and Mewmen were honestly terrible.

Befriending Monsters?

Sure, that one has good intentions. A good first step, even. But being friends with only a few would not change the minds of the many.

Giving corn and land to the Monsters as a sign of trust and respect?

The newer and younger generation of Monsters would gladly see it as that, even the old would gladly accept that plan. Though, the Mewmans would obviously be outraged because of the fact that they were giving away precious food and territories to their supposed sworn enemies.

Arrange a ball with the current generation of Monster and Mewman royalty so they would get along?

Sounded good on paper, but take into account of Mewman's being told and raised to despise Monsters and see them as insects, and the Monsters are forced to survive in the poor and dangerous lands that the Mewman's have left for scrap.

Such a disastrous event was inevitable.

It was a miracle that he managed to dethrone her family without killing them all in a blind rage.

Marco looked out the barred window of the room, taking a seat from the nearby table. His thoughts of Star's family brought up memories... memories of the people he once respected.

Moon "The Undaunted" Butterfly.

A goodhearted, wise, and strict queen. She cared for her people and nearly sacrificed herself for them, too. Just like her daughter.

She knew of her responsibility, her purpose in life, but alas she still has the mindset of a child when it comes to Monsters. Foolishly continuing the discrimination with her subjects following her will.

River Johansen.

A wild and jolly man with quite a warrior spirit that he still finds admirable. River may have the title of a king, but his behavior and mindset in battle were no different than Moon's. Though not much hate for Monsters, he still attacks them needlessly.

River's "clever" tactics against him were so transparent that even a baby can see the holes through his strategies. Using spears while riding giant eagles? Really?

The dragons were grateful for the extra chicken that battle.

Then it all comes to the fruit of their love. The one that motivated him to begin this coup d'état.

Star Butterfly, the disappointing Princess of Mewni.

Star was completely ignorant to the pasts of Mewman's and Monsters, despite the environment that she grew up in. She never knew how such sudden decisions of peace have affected both sides, no matter how much she tried to understand.

The discrimination and poverty of their lower-class subjects. Who have no food, who are treated like garbage by Royalty.

The pain and suffering of the innocent Monsters. Who have lost almost everything, who are slain for the fun of it.

There was no way that such an irresponsible child can someday rule this kingdom.

Until he himself came along.

Just like he had done with Echo Creek, he'll make this dimension even better. Under his rule, there will be no discrimination, there will be no hate. Everyone will have a chance at true peace!

A red hue coated his face.

"Hm? Ah, it's you." The moon, crimson as always, was shining down on him. Another pointless message, perhaps? Maybe after overrunning the Lucitor Kingdom, he should find someway to sever this connect-

*Knock knock*

"Father?" a young voice of a child called. Marco turned, seeing a little girl, around five years or so, poking her head through the wooden door. "M-May I come in?"

"Of course, Sweetheart." He motioned her to come.

The girl quietly entered the room. Her clawed fingers gently closing the door, careful as to not catch her small purple tail in it.

The long patch of curly lavender hair bounced to her shoulders, revealing pointed purple-tipped ears. Her little dress, sown by the most talented of craftsmanship, perfectly complimented her bright magenta eyes. Her face showing a worried expression.

"I-I heard yelling. Is everything okay?" She asked. "You're not hurt anywhere, aren't you?"

"I'm fine, Meteora." Marco assured. He picked the child up in his arms and twirled around, making the girl laugh. He faced the window again, letting the girl's chin rest on his shoulder, stifling her giggles. "Just finished interrogating with the hostage."

The giggles stopped. Meteora held still near his chest.

"Is... that her on the bed, Father."

He raised a brow, hearing the sudden emotionless voice. "Yes, that's her. Princess Star Butterfly of Mewni. We've successfully taken over the Butterfly Kingdom."

Marco felt her tiny body tense. He saw her eyes morphing into slits like a feral tiger.

"W-Why is she on your bed? You've never let anyone besides me on that bed. She's a hostage. Why are you treating her differently unlike the others? This is your room, she's an enemy. Our enemy. Father, what is she to you-?"

"「Lous Gnimlac」" He quickly placed a glowing hand behind her head, silently casting the spell. Once the girl froze, he began to rhythmically brush her hair. Her breathing slowing down.

"Rest your heart and mind, hija. She's a valuable piece to the plan. We can't break such an important person yet, do we?"

It was probably best for him to leave this room for now, as to not disturb Star's sleep and for the sake of the new founded princess.

It seems she still kept some of her possessiveness with me... along with her hatred towards Star. If it's in her blood, Monster or Mewman, then that will be worrisome for the future. I hope it's a phase.

He walked out of the room, but not before leaving one last look at the Princess. This war stressed her to the core, he can see that. To her followers, a strong appearance of hope was all they see, but under that false facade... was fear.

Fear for her people.

Fear of the chance that she will be betrayed.

Fear that he exploited with every encounter they had with one another.

He pitied her. Out of everyone he'd met so far on this path, she's the one who he held true pity towards.

As he locked the door, he witnessed a sight that he hadn't seen for a long time.

A bright smile.

Goodnight, Star.

His attention reverted back to his self-claimed daughter, who jumped off of him with arms crossed.

"I don't like her."

"You don't have to," he patted her head, earning a laugh. "All that matters now is that everything she has will now be yours. The throne, the kingdom, her subjects, her army, all of it once you've come of age."

"Just like you promised, Father?" Meteora beamed.

Marco nodded. "Just like I promised, on my name as Ocram Ziad. Now then, it's time for the future Princess of Mewni to rest, yes?"

"Nooo! I don't want to!" Meteora pouted. Marco was almost taken aback. It wasn't usual for Meteora to be this rebellious. "You're finally back, and I don't like having that robot servant man following me around all the time!"

"Speaking of your servant..." Marco asked slowly, glancing around the halls. "Where is Gemini?"

Meteora flinched, her gaze avoiding his own. Shyly tapping her fingers, she whispered something under her breath. "Hm? What was that, Hon?"

"... nm... umm..." It seems she won't answer willingly. Ah children, so complicated to raise. A little emotional discipline won't hurt. Marco stood at full height, his crimson eye flashed brightly. The little girl fully understood the meaning.

"Meteora Ibrido Ziad, speak your voice. Where is the servant I assigned to you?"

"I-I... um... ripped his heart out?"

The frightening atmosphere disappeared in an instant. His posture calm."Again? Sweetheart, Gemini's is the best guardian while I'm away." Marco placed his hands on his hip. "Where's the body? Don't tell me you ripped that into shreds, too?"

"In the kitchen, s-still intact..."

Mentally, he sent an order to one of the robotic servants in the area to retrieve and send the body to the engineering. "I will ignore this for your sake, so go to your room, alright?"

"But, Father-"

"But nothing. It's late, and I have more plans to discuss tomorrow," Meteora quivered in her spot, no doubt in silent frustration.

Ah damn it. He... may have taken it a bit too far.

Marco knelt in front of her, embracing the new princess once again. "I'll make more time to be with you more, I promise."

"On your name?"

"On my name." A robotic servant, dressed as a maid, approached them, awaiting for his order. He leaned close to his daughter with a whisper. "We'll be having a grand feast throughout the day tomorrow, so I need the beautiful new princess must have her beauty sleep. Will you fulfill that promise?"

"On my name, Father!" Meteora pumped a fist. He rubbed her head and spoke to the robot maid as he stood up.

"Escort the new princess to her bed chambers, make sure she is to be prepared for the celebration in the morning."

The maid beeped and ushered the girl to follow. In a split second, something soft touched his cheek. "Mwah! Love you, Father!" And she was off.

Marco rubbed the kiss left on his cheek, glanced at his daughter, then felt the cheek again.

"Raising children is so complicated." He muttered.

"I couldn't agree more, my boy." A wise voice popped up behind him. But Marco was not surprised. He turned to the source of the new intruder.

A tiny, white-bearded and blue-skinned being was floating in mid-air before him. He wore a baggy yellow robe, and a magenta gem was embedded in his forehead.

"That's why I pay for it everyday for accidentally giving my kids free will."

"Hello, Glossaryck." Marco rolled his eyes. This man always appears in the most random of times. "You look unusually relaxed after I took over the Butterfly Kingdom. Care to tell me how you feel about it?"

"Eh, these kinds of matters aren't really my thing," the blue man shook his head. "Just wanted to come over and say congratulations on the win, Marco. Oh wait, it's Lord Ocram now, right?"

Not an ounce of anger or sadness in his tone. So he really does feel nothing for Star or anyone else. Truly neutral. "What do you have to report?"

"Sheesh, always straight to the point with you, but hey you're the new king!" Glossaryck cracked all his twelve fingers and took a meditative stance. "All in all, everything's going well for you. Not one bit is going array. Perfectly fine."

Hm, still vague but a clear answer. Usually he's more cryptic than this. "And what of the Rebellion?"

"Meh," Glossaryck shrugged. "Not much to say on the new whereabouts of River and those loyalists, but I heard rumors that he gained a few more pets on his side. Befriended some giant spider and an equally giant great hawk."

Oh River, always the troubling survivalist. Not much of a big problem with how little reinforcements the wild man has left, but just in case, he'll add another note to the contingency plan.

Marco went on. "Anything else? How about an update of Meteora's progress under your guidance?"

"Oh right!" Glossaryck snapped. A tiny screen appeared before him, showcasing Meteora practicing green magic without a wand. "She's been a splendid student! Way better than the previous queens of Mewni. She has excelled at controlling her monster powers as well as manipulating the souls of living organisms."

Good, good. The more she learns, the better the new kingdom prospers. Just one more thing to confirm. "So would she 'dip down' soon at this rate?" He asked, seeing his daughter playing with a fiery green skull.

"Of course, my liege, though don't get your hopes up," Glossaryck clapped the screen away. "She still has plenty more vital steps to go before such an event happens."

"As long as she is happy, then take as many steps as you want," Marco turned, steadily walking away. "You are dismissed."

"Oh, one last itty-bitty thing," Glossaryck called out, floating close and leaning to his ear with a hushed voice. "I've been running low on my supply of special rare pudding, so if you catch my drift...?"

"Of course, of course, I'll send another batch soon," Marco waved him off, growing tired of the weird magical man's presence. "Now leave me. I need some moments to myself."

"Great! If you need me you know where I am. Don't start the partying without me~" Glossaryck, rather than floating away, simply reach into one of his eyes and pulled it open, sucking himself inside out of existence.

Why does he always leave in the most wildest way possible? But no matter, silly and playful the blue humanoid can be, there's no denying the fact that he's taking the new princess' training seriously.

Shame that Star wasted using the book when she had the chance. All of that magical knowledge she had in her grasp, yet she found it all boring and a chore to learn.

*Ba-Bump.*

"Tsk. Really now?" Marco was quick to cover his left eye. The accursed scar was pulsating again, reminding him of his first miscalculation when facing magic head on.

He underestimated her power once, but never again. Taking over the Butterfly Kingdom was a one vital stepping stone, but there are still more to walk on. What did Mr. Candle say? Ah, right. A true loss is led by fools who thought they've already won.

Marco stopped by at a nearby balcony, and decide it best to lean over the ledge. The moon is still beaming bloody red. He stared at the palms of his hands, opening and closing them every few seconds.

This is all for the best. For true peace for this dimension.

Star Butterfly still has her uses, and he'll make sure to use them all.

For he is Ocram Ziad.

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