Multiverse Heroes: Magical Destinies(AmphibiaxSVTFOExTOH)

In his house, Marco is seen being tended to by his very relieved parents, both of them happy he's okay.

"Marco, I'm so glad you're awake, you really had us worried," Angie said.

"I'm fine mom, just a little injury, nothing I can't handle," Marco said.

"Just like I've been saying mi amor, our son is a strong man," Rafael said. "I wasn't too worried about his recovery, I knew he'd be fine."

"Sure you did, honey," Angie said.

"Well if you don't mind, I need to eat," Marco said. "Feels like I haven't had a good meal in forever."

"Sorry if it's underwhelming, wish I knew sooner than you were awake," Angie said.

"It's fine, I like pancakes," Marco said.

"Oh yeah, your mom makes amazing food," Marcy said, stuffing some pancake into her mouth.

"Oh thanks dear," Angie said. "Well, eat up Marco."

"Don't mind if I do," Marco said, grabbing a seat and taking some pancakes, as well as some syrup. One bite was enough to send the boy into bliss. "Ah, real food..."

After breakfast, the group of kids met up in the living room, Marco laying against the couch and taking in the food while Marcy sat close next to him, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Feeling satisfied?" Marcy asked.

"Very much so," Marco said, then found himself being greeted by his baby sister, the girl in the arms of Star. "Hey kid, want to see your big brother?"

"That she does," Star said, handing Mariposa over to Marco.

"Man, I really can't get over the fact that I have a little sister," Marco said, gently stroking her head. "This is like a big responsibility, isn't it?"

"Being an older sibling is an honor," Amity said. "Just make sure you're a good older sibling."

"Of course, I'll always look after my little sister, nothing to worry about," Marco said. "Not sure if any of you have any suggestions."

"Well, I don't have siblings," Marcy said. "But Olivia is kind of like a big sister, so I'd say just be kind but stern."

"I'm the younger sibling, but I could one day introduce you to Edric and Elmyra," Amity said. "It'd be a good learning opportunity."

"Uh, Amity, don't you find your siblings...overwhelming?" Luz asked.

"Exactly, it can be an example of what not to do for Marco," Amity said. "Like don't steal your sister's diary to read it out loud, of make itself read out loud."

"Your diary reads out loud?" Marco asked.

"It's magic, and they've actually done that," Amity said. "Luz was there for that too."

"I can verify...not my best decision," Luz admitted. "I mean, at the time, me and Amity didn't really like each other all that much so I will admit I didn't really consider her feelings at first."

"Hard to imagine you two not liking each other, you're so close nowadays," Star said.

"It took some work," Luz said. "But it was worth it."

"Just like me and Tom," Marco said.

"Hey, Marco," Sprig said, hopping onto the sofa. "Couldn't help but overhear you needing big brother advice. You know, as a professional big brother myself, I can pass down some teachings."

"Pfft, professional?" Polly asked, making her way over with King. "What's so professional about you? I'm usually the one who has to act like the older sibling."

"Nuh-uh!" Sprig argued.

"Yeah-huh!" Polly argued back.

"Sorry to interrupt the sibling squabble, but how have you two been adapting to Earth?" Marco asked.

"Oh that, it's a fun tale," Sprig said. "Anne's actually the one who's been helping us out, with help from her parents."

"What are her parents like exactly?" Marco asked. "Are they super strict or..."

"Well her mom is a bit strict but she's really nice," Sprig said. "Her dad's fun though."

"Oh he is, he's basically a kid at heart," Luz said. "Very easy to bond with."

"Well it sounds like he doesn't fully trust me," Marco said.

"He just needs to know you first," Luz said. "I've vouched for your character though, and her parents seem to like me."

"How often have you gone to their house?" Marco asked.

"A few times," Luz said. "Mostly to keep Anne company, her parents aren't too keen on letting her go a lot of places, they're worried she'll disappear again. I mean, she has been gone for nearly six months, that would scare a parent."

"What about your mom?" Marco asked.

"That is a confusing situation, but when I first called her, she acted like she didn't know I left," Luz said. "I'll elaborate more later when Anne comes over. Or we can go to her house."

"Hey, Amity, did you meet Anne's parents?" Marco asked.

"Yeah, I've gone over to see them," Amity said. "It did get a little weird since...well, my hair was purple. I also had to hide my ears, for obvious reasons."

"Keeping the witch thing a secret?" Marco asked.

"Anne's not ready to tell them about me being a witch yet," Amity said. "The hair thing was easy to explain. Anne just told them I dyed it, which is accurate since my hair's naturally brown, which fortunately for me is a normal human color."

"Lots of kids dye their hair, so it made sense at least," Anne said. "But, this whole thing is not something that's meant to be secret forever."

"Yeah, the truth always gets out," Marcy said.

"Speaking of truth, Marcy," Marco began. "You have not seen your parents, correct?"

"I haven't, they don't know I'm here," Marcy said.

"How did you convince my parents not to call them?" Marco asked. "They're way too protective to let this slide."

"I had to beg, a lot," Marcy said. "Then your dad made me promise to tell them sometime after you woke up, you know, so I can have an emotionally supportive boyfriend."

"Marcy, I know you're worried about moving, but you have the scissors," Luz said. "You can visit Anne anytime you want."

"Huh, you know, that actually makes sense," Marcy said. "I mean, it's still gonna be hard to face my parents, but I have that at least."

"You seriously didn't consider that?" Polly asked. "Aren't you supposed to be the smart one?"

"Even the smartest people can overlook simple solutions," Marco said.

"Hey Marcy, are you parents going to be cool even knowing you have a boyfriend?" Luz asked.

"Honestly...no," Marcy said. "They're not going to be happy that Marco and I have been dating...they're definitely not going to like some of the things we did while dating either, especially in the Negative Zone."

"...Right, you and Marco were in the Negative Zone together, alone...you and those sexy abs of his," Star said.

"Star!" Marco shouted, the boy's face now red.

"Okay, something tells me this conversation is about to get adult, so we're leaving," King said.

"What? No! I wanna stay, might give us something to try too," Polly said.

"NO!" Marco, Star, Luz and Amity shouted in unison.

"...Your secretive nature is just making me more interested," Polly said, then found herself being lifted up by King.

"Let's just go do something together," King said.

"Like make out?" Polly asked.

"Ugh, Polly!" Sprig scolded.

"Oh be quiet, King's my boyfriend," Polly said, hugging the boy. "He and I are going to get married one day, and have lots of frog/demon baby hybrids."

"Huh...now I am really considering what our future will be like," King said, making his exit.

Sprig shook his head in annoyance, "Why did my sister have to fall for one of my best friends?"

"Hey at least you know he's a good guy and he'll take care of your sister," Marco said. "Give their relationship a chance, Sprig."

"I want to, I mean King is cool and all, but this just takes some getting used to," Sprig said.

"Hey, have you seen Ivy as of late?" Marco asked.

"Oh yeah, I did stop by Mewni at one point," Sprig said. "I filled Ivy in on the whole, Andrias is Evil thing. She didn't take it well."

"Figures she wouldn't," Marco said.

"Hop Pop's afraid to bring us back home too, so for the time being, none of us can go back to Amphibia," Sprig said.

"We can, we just need a plan of action," Amity said. "With Marco awake, we can figure this out. Especially once we get in contact with Anne."

"Let's do that now," Marco said, grabbing the scissors.

"Should I get King and Polly?" Sprig asked.

"Yeah, do that, we can all go see Anne," Marco said. "Except Marcy."

"Right, if Anne's parents see Marcy, then they'll call her parents," Amity said.

"And I want to avoid that," Marcy said. "So I'll stay here."

"Alright, we'll be back soon," Marco said. "Someone text Anne, let her know we're going to see her."

"On it," Luz said, grabbing her phone as Sprig made his leave.

"You know, something just occurred to me," Marco said. "Luz, Amity, you mentioned that Anne's father is worried because I'm a boy. But, does he know about either of you?"

"Either of us?" Luz asked.

"You know, that you both like girls too, and are just as likely to...you know, flirt with Anne?" Marco said.

"If you're asking if I told him that I'm only into girls, then no, I never told him," Amity said. "Not that I didn't want to, I just didn't feel the need to. It's not something I just casually mention in a conversation."

"Same, I'd only bring it up if any of her parents asked me if I would date Anne," Luz said.

"Besides, even if they did know, the difference between me and you is that if Anne and I were to, do the deed, I can't get her pregnant," Amity said.

"Same, not that I would, not yet at least," Luz said.

"Not yet? So you want to?" Amity asked.

Luz frantically shook her head, "I didn't say that! I just meant that I don't think I'd be ready, I mean...that's a HUGE commitment. Plus, I hear it's so overwhelming, and intense for first timers."

"Oh it's not so bad," Marcy said, earning some glances. "What? I thought everyone knew that I lost my virginity to Marco."

"We...weren't sure," Luz said. "But wow, at your age though?"

"Hey if I'm old enough to fight in a war, I'm old enough to get intimate with my boyfriend," Marcy said.

"Still apples and oranges to me," Marco said. "But, to be fair, Marcy and I were in the Neverzone when she and I first did it, so we were adults there."

"I can't believe you actually...I mean..." Star looked amazed. "With Marco? Oh God, you lucky girl. You got them abs."

"Damn right I did," Marcy said.

"Marco? Did you use protection? "Luz asked.

"Uh...no," Marco said. "It's fine, she didn't get pregnant."

"Well I haven't checked since last time, so I should make sure I'm not carrying an actual Marco Junior," Marcy said.

"...Why must you say that?" Marco asked.

"Hey I wouldn't care if I got pregnant, might give me an excuse not to move," Marcy said.

"Marcy, not the best mindset to have," Luz said. "Being a mother is a big responsibility! And you're only what, thirteen?"

"That is WAY too young," Amity said. "You're still a kid yourself."

"Only physically, not mentally," Marcy said. "That goes for you girls as well. In fact, theoretically, Star's the youngest one here."

"...Maybe I should travel the Neverzone for twenty years? Don't want to be left behind," Star said.

"Star, don't, it's not worth it," Marco said. "Look can we move on, I don't like discussing this stuff so freely, especially in front of Mariposa."

"Marco, she's only a baby, she's not gonna know what sex is," Marcy said.

"Gah! Please don't use the 'S' word," Marco said.

"Uh, Marco, sex isn't a dirty word," Amity said. "It's something two people do when they love each other, and you love Marcy, don't you?"

"Yeah, I do," Marco said. Of course the boy did briefly glance at Star when he said that, which did not go unnoticed by Marcy, the girl fearing the inevitable.

"Right, let's just go see Anne," Amity said. "Luz, did you text her?"

"Yeah, she should know we're coming," Luz said.

"Star, do you want to come too?" Marco asked.

"Oh sure," Star said. "I've never met Anne's parents either, so this could be fun."

"Alright, now Marcy, watch over Mariposa," Marco said, handing the girl over.

"Sure, you got it," Marcy said, taking Mariposa in her arms.

"Let's get going," Marco said, creating the portal and heading through with the girls.

"Wait for me!" Sprig said, running over with Polly and King, all three wearing their human disguises.

One on the other side, Marcy had so many things to consider, "Mind if I tell you something Mariposa?" She got no answer, not that she expected one from an infant. "I'll take your silence as a 'yes'. Here's the thing, I really like your brother. He's a nice guy and I want to be happy with him. But, I just feel like I'm not the one who's meant to do that. The more I think about it, the more I feel like I'm screwing with destiny, that maybe he and Star are meant to be. I know he wants it to work, I know Star's okay with it, but I don't think I am. Wish I knew what to do."

Mariposa grabbed her rattle, shaking it in front of the girl.

"Good answer," Marcy joked, then kissed Mariposa on the cheek. "You're so adorable. I know Amity had a point that I am technically a kid and I shouldn't think about having kids. But, I really do want to be a mother. I want to be a better parent than my own. I want to carry Marco's baby, and I hope I get that opportunity one day. Until then, I should make sure King Andrias and Emperor Belos don't destroy this world first."

On the other side of the portal, Marco and company stood in front of Anne's house, "So, if her parents ask, my father just dropped us off."

"Yeah, we've used that excuse before," Luz said. "Assuming he didn't actually drive us himself."

"Also, what are Sprig, Polly and King wearing?" Marco asked. "Why does Sprig have a mask on his face? Polly's clothes look too big and is King wearing a leather jacket? It's hot!"

"Anne said it helps me fit in by looking 'rebellious'," King said. "Kind of sucks that I have to wear this but whatever sells the disguise."

"Has Anne explained your appearance?" Marco asked.

"She told them I'm an 'exotic pet' in Amphibia, so I just roll with it," King said.

"We'll tell them the truth eventually my sweet boyfriend," Polly said.

"Please stop calling him that in front of me!" Sprig said.

"Oh can it!" Polly said.

"Behave you two," Marco said, knocking on the door. Within seconds, it was answered by Oum, the woman looking confused. "Hello, you must be Mrs. Boonchuy. I'm Marco Diaz, a friend of Anne."

"Oh, you're the boy who was sick with that extreme contagious disease," Oum said. "Seems like you're all better."

"Yeah, I made a full recovery," Marco said.

"Hi Mrs. Boonchuy, I'm here too!" Luz said.

"Oh, hi Luz, here to see Anne again?" Oum asked.

"Yeah, I hope you don't mind that I brought some friends," Luz said.

"Yes, like the girl who dyes her hair," Oum said, Amity turning away a brief second. "But who is this blonde girl?"

"I'm Star Butterfly, it's nice to meet you," the Princess greeted.

"She's a good friend of mine," Marco said.

"Hm...you seem to be friends with lots of girls," Oum said, somewhat suspicious.

"I have guy friends too, maybe one day you can meet Star's boyfriend, Tom," Marco said. "He's a great guy."

"Mrs. Boonchuy, is Anne here?" Sprig asked.

"I'm coming to the door, Sprig!" Anne said, Oum moving out the way. "Hey everyone, glad you could make it. Oh, and Marco, good to see you up and about, you kind of had me worried."

"Huh?" Marco was wondering why Anne acted like she hadn't seen him today when he remembered she had a charade to keep up. "I mean, yeah, I'm totally cured."

"Come on in," Anne said, leading everyone inside.

"You have so many friends Anne," Oum said. "I hope you are not overcompensating for Sasha and Marcy."

"Huh? I'm not, really," Anne said. "These are actual friends of mine that I care about. They're not replacing Marcy or Sasha, in fact Marcy likes them too. She's just...not here at the moment, but that's temporary."

"Have you spoken to either of their parents by any chance," Luz asked.

"No, I did not have a chance to talk to the Wu family, or the Waybrights," Oum said. "Anne, how long before Marcy and Sasha come back? Are they able to?"

"Yeah, they are, they're just having too much fun in Amphibia," Anne said, hoping her mother buys it.

"They've been gone a long time though, their parents need to know where they are," Oum said. "Talking to them is not too easy though, how do I explain this frog world?"

"You could show them the Plantar Family," Marco suggested. "Though, it's risky to reveal their secret. Like do you know for sure they won't call the government?"

"...He's got a point mom, I don't want the government to take the Plantars to some secret base where they'll be probed and dissected," Anne said.

Sprig's eyes widened in worry, "I'm sorry, the government would do what to me?"

"And who knows how they'll react to King if they see him," Anne said.

Luz pulled the young demon toward her, "They're not getting their hands on my sweet little guy!"

"Uh, Luz..." an embarrassed King said. "Not in front of everyone."

"Also, he's my boyfriend," Polly said, trying to pull King away. "So only I get to hug him!"

"Hey, you don't get full access to King," Luz said, maintaining her grip. "I saw him first after all, and he's like my little brother."

"Anne is a big sister to me and Sprig, you don't see her pulling us into random hugs!" Polly said, pulling harder."

"Uh, girls?" King said, awkwardly caught between the two.

"I do, you just hate them," Anne said. "Also maybe don't fight over King like that, he looks uncomfortable."

"Please listen to Anne," King implored, as both Luz and Polly let go.

"Sorry King," Luz said.

"Yeah, sorry," Polly said, then turned to Oum. "Still, can you be sure these people won't rat us out to whoever runs this place? We currently have this distaste for authority after all."

"Polly..." Anne warned, hoping she didn't give away too much.

"Well what do you suggest we do?" Oum asked. "You know I can't just leave this be, I know what they are going through after all."

"Just tell them that...they're in Canada," Anne said.

"Canada?" Luz asked. "That's a bit random."

"It's the best place I could think of," Anne said. "I'll think this over, for now let's head up to my room."

"Right behind you," Marco said.

"Uh, Anne, I don't know how I feel with a boy being in your room," Oum said.

"Come on mom! You let Sprig go in my room," Anne said.

"Sprig is a frog, and not a teenage boy," Oum said.

"If it's any consolation, I do have a girlfriend that I'm loyal to," Marco said.

"Still, teenage boys have hormones," Oum said.

"I'll be up there too," Luz said. "So will Amity."

"We'll make sure Marco doesn't deflower your daughter," Amity said.

"...Why would you word it like that!?" Anne shouted in annoyance. "Suppose my dad heard you!?"

"Heard what?" Bee asked, sticking his head out.

"Hi Mr. Boonchuy!" Luz greeted.

"Ah, Luz, just in time," Bee said. "I just downloaded that MMORPG game, I could use a player 2 for the dungeon raid."

"Oh totally, mind if I speak with Anne about something first?" Luz asked.

"I don't mind at..." Bee took note of Marco. "Who's the boy?"

"Hello sir, my name is Marco Diaz, I'm from Santa Monica," Marco greeted.

"Oh...you're the one she mentioned was sick," Bee said, stepping over to observe Marco. "You didn't bring any germs into my house, did you?"

"No sir, I am completely cured," Marco said.

"Hm...tell me, what exactly is your relationship with my daughter?" Bee asked. "What is she to you?"

"She's just a friend," Marco said.

"That's all?" Bee asked. "So, my daughter doesn't catch your eye?"

"Dad..." Anne warned.

"No sir, she is pure friend, I feel no special feelings towards her," Marco insisted.

"...So my daughter is not good enough for you?" Bee asked.

"Excuse me!?" Marco said.

"Dad! What the hell!" Anne shouted.

"Language Anne," Oum warned.

Marco started to feel very worried, "Sir, your daughter is a very pretty girl but-"

"AHA!" Bee accused. "I knew I'd get you to admit it!"

"Admit what!?" Marco asked, the boy very confused right now.

"This is ridiculous, let's go!" Anne said, grabbing Marco and pulling him toward her room with both Luz, Amity and Star following.

"See you in a second," Luz said.

Bee still looked suspicious, and turned his attention to Sprig, "How well does that boy know my daughter exactly?"

"I mean he has a girlfriend, he wouldn't cheat on her, even with a girl as cool as Anne," Sprig said.

"He's a good guy, just like King," Polly said, hugging the demon. "Decent boyfriends are so hard to come by these days."

"Stop flirting with King right in front of me!" Sprig said. "Ugh, I'm going to check on Anne."

"We're right behind you," Polly leapt into King's arms. "Carry me."

"Yeah sure," King said, following Sprig.

Bee scratched his head in confusion as the two left, "What type of babies would those two have?"

"Don't think about it," Oum said. "Let's just get some food ready, those kids might be hungry later. Maybe some Pad Thai, or even some Som Tam."

"Or you can order some pizza," Bee suggested. "Should make Anne's friends happy."

"Luz likes my cooking, and that Marco boy will too if he wants to stay in this house," Oum said.

"Fạng dū dī s̄ảh̄rạb c̄hạn," Bee said, agreeing with his wife's statement.

Anne had brought her friends to her room, still feeling very much awkward about what happened, "That's so embarrassing of my parents to do."

"It's fine Anne, parents are like that," Marco said.

"Well I wish my parents had a bit more sense than that," Anne said. "I mean, I told them you're a nice boy and that you're nothing but respectful, in a way their reaction shows they don't even trust my decisions."

"Well your dad did call you the poster child for irresponsibility," Luz pointed out.

"Hey! Whose side are you on?" Anne asked.

"I'm just being neutral here," Luz said. "Your parents are just worried. I know if I was back home, my mom would freak out if she knew I hung out with a boy."

"Especially one that got freaky with Marcy," Amity stated.

"Amity!" Marco shouted in annoyance. "Come on, I expect this crap from Janna!"

"Sorry, I just still have what Marcy said in my mind," Amity said. "The fact that she admitted to having sex with you."

"...Wait, Marco, you and Marcy really got it on?" Anne asked.

"I mean...it's obvious in hindsight," Marco said. "Look, like I said before, Marcy and I got intimate in the Neverzone, we were both adults, technically, and I made the adult decision to take her virginity."

"Wow...I mean, it makes sense I guess, I just can't believe Marcy lost her virginity before me or Sasha," Anne said. "I mean, I didn't plan on getting intimate with anyone right now but Sasha..."

"I wouldn't be surprised if she lost her virginity to Hekapoo," Amity said.

"Amity, don't say that!" Luz scolded.

"I'm still ticked off at her for the shit she pulled in Newtopia!" Amity said. "You should be too! She only sided with us out of convenience, not because she was actually sorry."

"Look let's move on from talk of sex and whether or not Sasha is a terrible person," Marco said. "Besides Sprig and the others are right behind us and-"

"Anne!" Sprig said, entering the room. "Tell Polly to stop flirting with King!"

"You can't stop the ever flowing love between His Majesty and his Queen," Polly said as King carried her into the room.

"Ugh, stop being weird!" Sprig said.

"King doesn't mind it, do you King?" Polly asked.

"I mean, I don't hate it," King admitted. "Still, Sprig is my friend and I just feel like I'm violating a bro code."

"Oh yeah, never date a bro's sister," Marco said. "It's in line with the best friend code of a girl never dating her best friend's brother."

"My sister enforces that code onto all her friends," Amity said. "Of course Edric does a fine job of chasing away Elmyra's friends on his own."

"Come on, Edric isn't that bad," Luz said. "I probably wouldn't date him but he seems nice...when he and Elmyra aren't trying to mess with you."

"Really can't wait till Amity introduces us to her siblings," Anne said. "Funny that none of us have been to the Boiling Isles."

"I have," Sprig said.

"Me too, that's where King won his race," Polly said.

"I just wish I hadn't gotten nauseous," King said.

"It's all good," Sprig said.

"Let's try to move on here," Marco said. "So, anything else happen this week while I was asleep?"

"Nothing too eventful," Anne said. "I stayed with my parents, they got on my nerves from their constant checking on me. They were this close from not letting me leave this house."

"I talked them out of it," Luz said.

"It was a mostly quiet week for us," Amity said. "Aside from Polly hooking up with King."

"How did that happen actually?" Marco asked.

"Polly just wore me down, and in time I just returned her feelings," King said. "I still feel ba about this bro code situation though."

"Don't worry about it, you can date my sister, just don't make out in front of me," Sprig said.

"...Don't tell us what to do!" Polly leapt into King's arms and began kissing him, stumbling the titan backwards and tripping over a sock.

"Ew! Polly!" Sprig shouted, covering his eyes.

"You know, I didn't even know King had a mouth," Marco said.

"Huh?" Luz said, curiously glancing at the boy. "Of course he does, how do you think he's been able to speak to us?"

"I don't know, magic or something?" Marco said.

King pulled Polly away, trying to catch his breath, "Uh, Polly, that was nice and all but to Sprig's point, I feel weird kissing you in front of him. I'd rather our moments of romance be a bit more private."

"Fine by me," Polly said. "But I expect full romance mister."

"Yeah sure," King said. "And Sprig, sorry you had to see that."

"Don't worry, I'm sure I'll only have nightmares about it for three days tops," Sprig said.

"Hey I have to see you get all lovey dovey with Ivy," Polly said. "Let me and King be happy!"

"Wait, wasn't Ivy with Tom?" Marco asked.

"Yeah, and he did find a cure for this whole Blood Moon Curse thing," Sprig said. "He can help you and Star break it whenever you want."

"Yeah, that might be good," Marco said. "Nothing against you Star, you know I care about you."

"Of course, you just need to focus that love you feel for Marcy," Star said. "She's a good girl, been watching over you this past week. I mean, we all have but Marcy was extra diligent."

"How's your mom?" Marco asked.

"She's...slowly starting to remember things," Star said. "Willow and Gus are helping her out as well, same with Maddie."

"Speaking of Gus," Luz recalled. "Anne, was he able to help this morning?"

"Yeah, just like the other day when I snuck over to Marco's house," Anne said. "Honestly given how weird my parents have been, it's a miracle they didn't spot him. But he's really good with the illusions."

"Gus has been so helpful lately, so have Willow and Maddie," Star said. "I still owe them for sticking with me on Pie Folk Island."

"You don't have to worry about repaying them, they're happy to help," Luz said. "Well I can probably speak for Willow and Gus, not sure about Maddie."

"If Maddie enjoyed herself, then she would have been happy to help," Sprig said.

"Alright, so nothing else happened?" Marco asked. "Luz, what about your mom? Anything about that?"

"Well, the other day, I did use the scissors to check out my house," Luz said. "That's when I saw something strange. It looked like another version of me."

"Huh?" Marco asked.

Three Days Prior, Luz used a portal to return home, the girl was joined by Anne, Marcy and Amity. They stayed close to the right side of the house, ready to act if need be.

"This is my house," Luz said. "Hopefully I'll get to the bottom of this."

"Just be careful," Anne warned. "You don't know what could happen."

"Belos knows you're from around here, he could have placed a trap," Amity said.

"I know, but-" Luz heard a strangely familiar voice.

"I got the garbage!" A young girl was seen walking outside toward the cans. She dropped the garbage inside and when she turned around, the girl looked exactly like Luz, this taking everyone by surprise.

"Uh, Luz...I don't suppose you have a twin sister you never told us about," Anne said.

"No, I'm an only child," Luz said. "I don't know who that girl is."

"Maybe a cousin?" Marcy suggested.

"None of my cousins look like me!" Luz said, grabbing a glyph. "That girl's an imposter!"

"Whoa chill a second," Anne urged, keeping Luz from acting. "I know you're worried, but don't do anything risky. Remember what Amity said, this could be a trap."

"I don't care, my mother could be in danger," Luz said, ready to create a spell, then remembered something important. "Ugh, my magic won't work here! Whatever I'll just grab a bat or something."

"Luz, be smart about this," Amity said, preventing Luz from acting too rashly. "Clearly your mother isn't in any immediate danger, this girl's probably been here the last few days, maybe longer. It could be the reason your mother didn't worry about you going missing."

"I wonder if a girl like that exists in my house?" Marcy wondered.

"Marcy, not the time!" Anne scolded.

"Uh, right, sorry," Marcy said. "Look Luz, we could go in and get answers, but this could freak your mother out."

"You remember how my parents reacted to the Plantars," Anne said.

"So what am I supposed to do? Just leave this imposter in my house with my mom?" Luz asked. "Suppose she is working for Belos, he might take her hostage."

"We could just go after Belos," Marcy said. "Might be hard since King Andrias is his ally, and we don't stand a chance against Andrias either."

"Marco's still recovering from Belos's injury, it's not a good idea to lead any attacks while he's still injured," Amity said. "The more we have on our side, the better our chances."

"But my mom," Luz said.

"The other day, wasn't Star using some spell to search the multiverse for her mother?" Anne asked. "If we ask her, we can create like a surveillance portal for your house. This was we can keep watch and see more of what's going on. That way we can plan a move without compromising your mom's safety."

"Eh, I guess that could work," Luz said.

"It will," Anne said. "Now let's head back before anyone sees us."

"I'll open a portal to Mewni so we can talk to Star about this," Marcy said, using the scissors.

"Volveré por ti mamá," Luz said, heading into the portal with her friends.

Back in the present, Luz was summing it all up. "With that imposter there, I can't take too many chances. We need to be ready before trying anything, otherwise my mom could be in danger."

"We're still keeping an eye on the place and so far, nothing too strange has happened," Anne said. "Star has a magical window up to survey the area."

"If I'm not looking it over, Kelly is," Star said. "Or Tom, or anyone who can help."

"Kelly...wait how has she been since Andrias betrayed us?" Marco asked.

"She said that right afterwards, she escaped the castle with Sasha, Eda and the Magic High Commission," Star said. "They had to fight off a bunch of robots but they settled in Wartwood for a bit. Sasha's still there with Grime, Kelly went back to her own world and comes to Mewni when she can, though she hasn't been in the best mood as of late for some reason."

"Eda went back to The Boiling Isles, right now there's still no sign of any development on Belos's end," Luz said. "But according to her, Raine might be missing."

"Raine? That friend of hers with the glasses?" Marco asked.

"I think they might have been more than friends," Amity said. "Neither one of them wants to talk about it."

"Still, this could be a problem," Marco said. "Seems like Raine got caught up in this too, I take it Eda's not too happy about it."

"She's very worried, of course, but at the moment, there isn't much we can do," Star said. "Eda describes The Boiling Isles as an Eerie Calm, something's about to happen."

"What about Amphibia?" Marco asked. "When do we go back and defeat Belos?"

"Soon, but right now, it might not be the smartest thing to do," Amity said. "Andrias already has his entire army spread across that world and conquering villages. No doubt The Boiling Isles might be next, same with Mewni."

"Then Earth," Anne said. "The endgame for Belos and Andrias."

"Exactly," Luz said. "Fortunately it sounds like the creatures in Amphibia are putting up a fight, we just need to encourage the residents of The Boiling Isles to do the same."

"Which will not be easy since many of them have blind loyalty to Belos," Amity said.

"That or they just fear him," Anne said. "The Frogs, Newts and Toads in Amphibia certainly fear Andrias."

"So no plans to go back right now, I guess that makes sense," Marco said. "Star, what about the Mewman Army, can't we use their help right now?"

"A lot of them are guarding Mewni from other threats," Star said. "Plus since I took over the throne, many of the guards have lost faith since they don't see me as an acceptable Queen."

"Because of your age...or because of the thing with the monsters?" Marco asked.

"Both," Star said "Mostly the monster part but also because I did break their trust with that whole Ludo stealing my book situation."

"I figured fighting off Meteora would helped restore faith in you," Marco said.

"It didn't though, and now we're in a bad situation," Star said. "An army that isn't totally loyal to te throne, a world under attack, and a world too afraid of their ruler. Before long, Earth will be taken over by Belos and Andrias."

"We are NOT going down without a fight," Anne said. "We have our own rag tag group of friends don't we? Let's train hard and bring the fight to Belos and Andrias."

"Anne, I respect your passion but that might not be so easy," Star said.

"If only there was a way to weaken them," Marco said. "Maybe cut off Andrias from his army of robots, or find a way to cut Belos away from his Coven."

"We could start by getting that Music Box away from Andrias," Anne said. "That thing is basically like the dimensional scissors right? Without it he can't access the other realms."

"That's our immediate plan," Luz said. "Also there's Belos, we gotta weaken his magic somehow. I know when I'm here I can't use my spells, maybe he has a similar weakness."

"Is it possible for you to learn magic in this world?" Marco asked.

"Theoretically, I have been trying but it's harder for a human here," Luz said. "Earth doesn't have a lot of magical properties to draw from."

"She's not wrong, some magic doesn't work as well on Earth," Star said. "Though, I could probably lend Luz my wand"

"Isn't that wand a family heirloom?" Amity asked.

"Yeah, I can't sue that, I'm not a Butterfly," Luz said.

"Technically I'm not either, but I've used it," Star said, a hint of bitterness in her voice.

"Star, regardless of your ancestry, you're still a Butterfly," Luz said. "You might not be related by blood but-"

"I am NOT pretending I'm something I'm not!" Star shouted. "I never should have been a Princess! I'm just the byproduct of a big lie!"

"Star, please, don't get emotional about this," Marco said. "You have to maintain your composure, even when it looks bad."

Star sighed in frustration, "I know I should, but I just feel terrible for everything that's happened. I'm still worried about Eclipsa and Meteora, I mean I can't say I'm too happy with the fact that Eclipsa basically got my mom's memories all messed up but she was still put into a crummy situation. Then I hear that Belos has her daughter! The latent magical potential in a Butterfly, and actually Butterfly is worrisome in the wrong hands. Mixed with her being part monster, who knows what Belos will turn Meteora into!"

"Hey I totally get it," Marco said.

"Did you know that my ancestry goes back to the Pie Folk?" Star asked. "That's right, I'm Pie Folk Marco. I'm the descendant of scammers, and my ancestors pulled off the biggest scam! Screwing over the true Butterfly Family! That is me Marco, a false Queen in a throne that I don't deserve!"

Marco looked blown away by Star's reaction, he could tell she had a lot of frustration bottled up, "Star...I'm sorry you're going through his."

Star sniffled a bit, wiping tears from her eyes, "Sorry, I know now isn't the time to be thinking about this stuff. I just can't get it out of my head. If I'm not a Butterfly, what am I?"

"You're our friend," Marco said, getting Star's attention. "You don't need me to tell you that, you should already know."

"He's right, I know you and I haven't been totally close, but I still think you're a cool girl, Star," Anne said.

"You shouldn't have to bottle up your emotions," Luz said. "If something bothers you, then you can tell us."

"And I know you feel like a fake but a lot of us have gone through that, especially me," Amity said.

King took Star by the hand, getting her attention, "My past has been pretty complicated too, but having friends around makes it easier. Plus, even if your origins are different than how you expected, that doesn't mean you can't still be the person you want to be."

"We got your back, you're still a Princess to us," Sprig said.

"And we're gonna drive away that creep Belos and that blowhard Andrias," Polly said.

"You just gotta stick with us, Star," Luz said.

"And don't give up," Anne said.

"I guess...I shouldn't have reacted like this," Star said. "It's silly of me to do so."

"Well you can be silly with us, we're all friends," Marco said.

"I know, and I'm grateful for you all," Star said.

"I'm feeling a group hug, anyone else feel that?" Luz asked.

"Sure do," Anne said.

"Bring it in then," Star said as everyone gathered around for a quick hug, alleviating any worries that Star had.

Seconds later, Bee started knocking on the door. "Anne, is Luz there? I wanted to show her this new game."

"Oh right, I promised to help your dad out," Luz said.

"So you play video games?" Star asked.

"Sometimes, I'm not a talented gamer but Anne's father is fun to hang around," Luz said.

"It's true, my dad kind of bonded with Luz," Anne said. "It's a bit weird but my dad's a cool guy so it's not that bad."

"Why don't you go and check the game out, we can still make some plans," Amity said.

"We'll join you later," Anne said.

"You got it," Luz made her leave. "Mr. Boonchuy! I'm ready!"

"Gotta say, I'm surprised you're not weirded out, unless that already passed," Marco said.

"Well, Luz's father did pass away when she was young, I think she's just been missing a father-figure for all these years," Anne said. "It's less the game and more that she feels like she needs a dad in her life."

"I can only imagine what it's like to lose a parent," Star said. "Well, I kind of did with my mom. Difference is that I was able to bring her home, but Luz can't do the same for her dad."

"That's why I'm happy to share my dad with her, plus it keeps my parents' attention off me a bit," Anne said.

"So, you won't get jealous?" Marco asked.

"Me? Jealous? No way," Anne said. "I am not going to be that type of girl."

"I made some food!" Oum called.

"Oh, sounds like my mom cooked," Anne said. "Here's a tip Marco, tell my mom you love her food and she might like you more."

"Uh, that sounds a bit deceptive," Marco said.

"You want her to like you or not?" Anne asked.

"Well, I do, but..." Marco still seemed unsure.

"Well to be fair, Marco hasn't tried her food," Amity said. "If he genuinely likes it, he won't have to lie. I mean, your mom is good at cooking, she and your dad own a restaurant after all."

"Yeah...still, even if you like it a little, ham it up," Anne said. "But not too much, otherwise my mom will get suspicious."

"Yeah sure," Marco said, fine with a little exaggeration.

"Later let's grab Marcy and hit the town," Anne said. "We'll go to a mart and buy some snacks. We can watch some DVDs later. Luz has some anime she wants to watch with us, might include your favorite."

"Oh sweet, I'd love to watch it with her," Marco said, holding his hands out as if he were firing a blast. "I want to see which transformation she likes the most."

"She has the movie too, we can watch it together," Amity said.

"That would be awesome!" Marco said.

"Could we watch that magical girl anime too? The one with the sparkling transformations?" Star asked.

"Oh yeah, I think Luz told me about that one too, I watched a bit at Eda's house," Amity said.

"Maybe we can even watch my favorite sci-fi movie, you might know what I'm talking about," Anne said, making laser effects as she pretended to hold a sword.

"Wait, you mean the older movies, or the prequel movies?" Marco asked.

"Well, I prefer the originals but I can put up with the prequels," Anne said. "Not the worst thing in the world."

"Sounds like fun, let's get to it!" Sprig said.

Meanwhile in Newtopia, Andrias is seen inspecting some robots, before pointing to one with his sword, "You."

The robot looked around before gesturing to itself, "Me?"

"Yeah you, I have a task for you," Andrias said, generating some pictures. "There are some nuisances I want you to dispose of. Marco Diaz, Luz Noceda, Amity Blight and Anne Boonchuy. Those three are on top of my list."

"Exterminate Marco Diaz, Luz Noceda, Amity Blight and Anne Boonchuy," The robot confirmed.

"Yes, and if you can, there's a girl I want you to capture alive," Andrias said, generating another picture. "Marcy Wu."

"Capture Marcy Wu," the robot confirmed.

"Also...try to find Book Number Two of the Cynthia Coven Trilogy, Marcy got me into it," Andrias said, holding up the first book in question. "Oh, and see if they have any potato chips."

"Get copy of...Potato Chips?" The robot asked.

"Ugh, never mind," Andrias said. "Kill Marco, Luz, Amity and Anne, capture Marcy and get the book."

"Aye aye, sir," the robot said, going through a portal that Andrias made.

"Those are some interesting priorities," Came the voice of Belos, who was accompanied by Hunter holding a rowdy Meteora.

"Uncle, she won't stop-OW! Pulling my hair!" Hunter did his best to keep her away.

"She's just being playful," Belos said, then focused back on Andrias. "So, is this the plan you mentioned before?"

"Some spy drones I sent out to the portal those kids opened got me some very interesting details about the lay of their land," Andrias said. "It may take a while to dispose of them considering the architecture, but that robot was build for this mission."

"Well you may not have trouble with Luz, humans usually cannot do magic on Earth," Belos said. "The Blight Girl, along with Marco Diaz however, may prove to be harder to destroy. Plus there is Anne's incredible power."

"I still don't know how she pulled that off, but I certainly won't let her get lucky twice," Andrias said.

"Well still, that robot may need assistance," Belos said, taking Meteora from his nephew. "Hunter, why don't you go with that robot, make sure those kids are dealt with."

"Seriously? Why me?" Hunter asked.

"Don't you want to explore Earth?" Belos asked. "This is your chance."

"...That would be nice, and it would get me out of babysitting," Hunter said. "Alright, I'll do it."

"Atta boy, Hunter," Belos said, handing Hunter some scissors. "In case you need them. Do not disappoint me."

"I won't," Hunter said. "King Andrias, sent me where you sent the robot."

"You got it," Andrias said, sending the boy to the same coordinates.

"By the way, there were more who defied you," Belos said.

"I am fully aware of Sasha Waybright, but she spends a lot of time in Wartwood," Andrias said. "She's fended off my robots so far but in time, she will exhaust herself and be easy pickings. I am also aware of that Woolett girl who tried to defy me too, she seems to spend most of her time in Mewni."

"Speaking of Mewni, there are others there to be weary of," Belos said. "Gus Porter, Willow Park, Tom Lucitor and the Acting Queen, Star Butterfly."

"In due time, most of those are pawns in this game anyway," Andrias said. "Before I take out the Queen, I should dispose of her Knights, Bishops and Rooks."

"Then, you move in for the Checkmate," Belos said. "Clever strategy."

"I have been planning my move for a while now, no one will stand in my way," Andrias said.

"Years of work finally paying off," Belos said. "By the way, what is that book you mentioned?"

"Oh, it's called Cynthia Coven!" Andrias said, immediately lighting up with excitement. "It's very entertaining, you might like it given that you're a man of magic."

"I am curious by it, could I possible read it sometime?" Belos asked.

"Sure, I'm done with this book anyway," Andrias said, handing it over to Belos. "Let me know what you think of it. Oh, and if that robot finds the second, we can take turns reading that! Maybe start a book club with your guards and mine."

"Uh, sure..." Belos said, a little unsure about Andrias's sudden eagerness. He focused his attention on the book, still curious by it.

Later on, after picking up Marcy, Marco and his friends hit the town, having stopped off at a mini mart to grab some food. Polly snuck in too much candy and ran around back to vomit, with King going with her.

"I'll be right back, we'll meet you back home," Sprig said, going to check on his sisters.

"Try not to take too long," Luz said, then focused back on the conversation her friends were having.

"Marcy, are you sure you don't want to check out those Cynthia Coven movies?" Amity asked. "Is that your favorite book?"

"The movies cut too much content out," Marcy said.

"Yeah but it's got great visuals," Anne said.

"Eh, I don't know, I'll think about it," Marcy said.

"It's fine if you don't, we got plenty of anime to keep us occupied," Marco said. "Plus Anne's space movies."

"She watching the prequels?" Marcy asked. "That would be a miracle."

"Hey I can tolerate them, but the originals are just so much better," Anne said.

"What about the sequels?" Marco asked.

"...Do you want me to break your nose?" Anne warned, Marco taking a step back.

"Yeah don't talk about any of the later movies, that will set Anne off," Marcy said.

"I don't blame her," Luz said. "Oh, there's one anime I wanted to catch up on, Monster Slayer Academia. Anyone ever hear of it?"

"I hear it's one of the best anime in years," Marco said. "Gonna be hard to top Dragon Claw."

"It can be fine on its own, no need to make baseless comparisons," Luz said.

"Is that your way of admitting my show is better?" Marco teased.

"Hey, I bet my show ends better than yours did," Luz said.

"None of your shows got anything on mine," Anne said. "But I do consider Luz's to be a fair rival."

"Oh and mine isn't?" Marco asked.

"It was good, at first," Anne teased. "Then it went downhill."

"Ain't that the truth," Luz said.

"Ugh, you girls are mean," Marco said, everyone having a quick laugh.

As Anne patting Marco's back to show good faith, she noticed something troubling in a reflection, "Uh, guys, problem."

"What's wrong?" Luz asked.

"That!" Anne said, gesturing to the oncoming robot.

"Must exterminate!" The robot said.

"Did Andrias send that after us!?" Luz asked.

"No time for questions, run!" Anne said, her friends making their escape.

"Halt, I must exterminate you!" The robot said, giving chase.

The teens ran towards a nearby park, keeping an eye out for any civilians.

"What now?" Luz asked. "I don't think we can outrun it."

"We're not, we're gonna fight back!" Anne said, ready to take on this robot as it got closer.

"Fine by me," Amity said, trying to ready her magic. "Ugh, hold on, I'm having a bit of trouble."

"Is your magic weakening?" Marco asked. "Well, it's fine, we can protect you."

"I don't want to be useless though," Amity said as the robot got closer.

"Figure it out then," Anne said. "Marco, Marcy, let's go!"

"Wait, I don't have my crossbow!" Marcy said.

"Then stay back!" Marco said, leaping over for a flying kick while Anne followed suit, both barely stumbling the robot. They turned to do a back kick to its stomach, but the machine barely moved.

Luz grabbed a nearby stick and ran in to jam it into the robot's openings, but it was hardly enough and the machine whacked her away.

"Screw this," Amity grabbed a large rock and threw it at the robot's head, Marcy doing the same thing while Marco and Anne went to attack again.

"Everyone, stand back!" Star said, readying her magic. "I'll blast this thing to-"

Seconds later, Hunter appeared behind Star and wrapped his palisman around her, "I don't think so."

"Hey! Let me go you jerk!" Star shouted, struggling to escape.

"Hunter!?" Luz shouted in confusion.

"Just surrender Luz, and maybe I'll convince this robot not to kill you or your friends!" Hunter said.

"Screw that! I'm not letting Andrias or Belos win!" Luz said, focusing back on the robot and grabbing a glyph. "This has gotta work, I know I have magic in me!"

"You fool, humans can't do-" Hunter took an elbow to the stomach from Star, then a punch to the face from the Princess.

"I don't need magic to knock your sorry butt out!" Star taunted, unaware that the robot tried to attack from behind.

"Star! Watch out!" Marco ran in and tackled Star out the way before the robot could slam his fists down.

"Marco!" Marcy ran to help but the robot had grabbed her with it's extended hand. "Let me go!"

"Must capture Marcy Wu," the robot said.

"Get away from her!" Anne ran to attack but she got knocked back for her efforts.

"What do you want with Marcy!?" Luz asked, grabbing a larger stick to fight. "Spill it!"

"Revealing data is irrelevant, Luz Noceda targeted for extermination," the robot said.

"The only one getting exterminated is you!" Luz rushed to attack, whacking the robot on the head and causing him to release Marcy. She attempted to attack again but was grabbed by the neck for her efforts.

"Exterminate Luz Noceda," the robot said.

"No! Luz!" Amity called in worry.

"Hey! Tin head!" Anne said, the girl now in her blue form. "Let her go!"

"Oh boy..." Hunter said.

While the robot was distracted, Amity and Marcy quickly pried Luz away from the mechanical being while Anne charged in and delivered a punch that sent the robot flying off.

"Whoa, that was awesome," Luz said.

"Anne's gotten stronger..." Star said.

Anne turned her attention to Hunter, the boy quickly escaping through his dimensional scissors. "Yeah, you better run."

"No way...Anne!?" Sprig said, getting the girl's attention, noting that Polly and King are present too.

"Oh, you're back," Anne said, powering down.

"Was that your Blue form?" Sprig asked.

"Yeah, guess it pops up whenever there's danger, pretty handy," Anne said, then found herself being hugged by Luz.

"Thank you Anne, I'm happy I can count on you to save my butt," Luz said.

"Sure, anytime," Anne said, returning the hug, Amity looking a bit jealous.

Marcy found herself relating when she saw Marco helping up Star, dusting the girl off despite her insistence that she's fine.

Elsewhere, the robot had recovered from its attack, Hunter appearing beside it a few minutes later, "Finally, I was looking everywhere. Listen, probably shouldn't go back without destroying at least one of those pests. That or you can find the book that Andrias mentioned."

"Cynthia Coven, Book Three," the robot said.

"Was it Three? Or what is Two?" Hunter wondered. "Let's get both."

Later, Marco had arrived back home with his friends, everyone feeling the effects of the fight.

"That was intense," Marco said. "Let's wind down a bit before we watch those DVDs."

"Couldn't we wind down from watching the DVDs?" Amity said.

"No way, watching awesome stuff takes energy," Marco said.

"Think we'll have time to watch them before Anne has to go home?" Sprig asked.

"I could try begging my parents to let me spend the night, but I can't promise anything," Anne said.

"We're not watching these without you," Luz said. "I'll help convince your parents, helps that your dad and I are bros."

"...Uh, how can you be a bro if you're not...never mind," Anne said. "Let's give it a shot."

"You do that," Marco said. "I'm gonna go wash up."

"Oh, can I go with you?" Marcy asked.

Marco blushed a bit, surprised by his girlfriend's suggestion. Though he could see she was bothered by something, and given what happened today, he figured she just needed his company. "Alright, sure, let's go."

"Right behind you," Marcy said, following her boyfriend.

"...Wait, when you say wash up, you mean washing your hands or..." Amity shook her head. "Screw it, I'm not asking."

"Didn't you all bathe together once?" Star asked.

"...I see your point," Amity said.

In the bathroom, Marco began to run his shower, "Hey, um, if you want to go in with me, that's fine. My dad's our but I think my mom's home, if we're not careful-"

"I didn't really come here to bathe with you," Marcy said. "We need to talk about this Blood Moon Curse."

"Huh? What's wrong?" Marco asked.

"I was talking to Star the other day and, it sounds like you two might have had feelings for each other for quite some time," Marcy said. "Even before this whole Blood Moon Curse thing."

"Huh? No, I couldn't have had feelings for Star," Marco said. "I was in love with my old girlfriend Jackie."

"How did that turn out?" Marcy asked.

"Well, we broke up," Marco said. "If it was because of Star then it was more likely the curse, but I won't make that same mistake again."

"Marco...I'm just not sure," Marcy said. "I mean, I talked to Star and I know she's okay with us dating, but I feel like I'm getting between you two."

"Marcy, I don't have genuine feelings for Star, she's just a friend," Marco said. "You have to believe me."

"I want to, I really do," Marcy said. "At the very least, I believe that you want to be with me, and that you want to love me. I also believe that you feel your love for Star isn't romantic. But, I don't know if I want to take a chance."

"Marcy, what are you getting at?" Marco asked.

"...Maybe we should split up," Marcy said.

Marco's eyes widened in disbelief, "Marcy, you can't be serious!"

"I am," Marcy said, shamefully looking aside. "Look, it's not that I don't want to be with you, I just also don't want to be the reason you feel like you made a mistake. I need to be sure that your feelings for Star aren't genuine. If they aren't, then I'll take you back. But if they are...I would prefer it if you were happy with her than feeling obligated to be with me."

"Marcy...I don't want to break up," Marco placed his hand on her cheek. "Come on, we've been through a lot together! You told me things you hadn't told your friends yet! I've confided in you! I braved the Neverzone to get you back!" He lifted her face so their line of sight connected, "I gave you my physical love, you and I had our first time together. I loved it, not because it was sex, but because it was with you. I...I don't regret getting intimate with you."

"I don't either, you're always going to be my first time, and I couldn't ask for a better one," Marcy said. "Any time we were together, it isn't something I want to forget, it's something I will treasure, but I care about your feelings too."

"Marcy...can we at least think about it?" Marco asked.

"How about one shower together, get your final fill," Marcy said. "I did promise you that we would be doing more than just kissing, and I want to at least keep that promise before we put an end to this. I love you Marco, I love you enough to want to set you free."

Marco brought Marcy in for a kiss, holding it as long as he could before breaking apart, "This is not the end. I'll take a break if you want, but I am not giving up on you Marcy Wu."

"I don't want to give up on you Marco Diaz," Marcy said. "But I will put your happiness before mine, no matter what it is."

Marco brought her in for another kiss, the two undressing one another, leaving their clothes on the floor just before stepping into the tub together, for what may or may not be their final bit of romance.

Things were changing fast for them, and for everyone, but for the time being, they would persevere until they got through their next major goal of liberating the many worlds.