Chapter 23: New and Old
The following morning, Marco slowly opened his eyes to the bright sun hitting his face through the window. He took a second to observe his surroundings. He was laying back first against a couch, some popcorn scattered all over the floor, empty used cups lay scattered about among some bowls with bits of popcorn, pretzels and chips remaining, alongside near empty soda bottles.
Marco looked to his right, he could spot Marcy laying against his shoulder. The same girl he had broken up with the previous night, the two having a bit of fun in the shower, and again Marco's bedroom right afterwards before calling it off for now. Marco still felt heartbroken about it but had faith things could work out.
He looked to his left and spotted Star laying against him as well. The girl who also held his admiration and affection for quite a long period of time. Marco's feelings for Star continued to eat at him. He has to know if it was a curse, or genuine. Of course, calling it a curse is difficult, as he can't imagine how being in love with a wonderful girl is a curse. Granted, he wants those feelings to be real, it's hard for him to see a downside.
Conflicted in him are his feelings for both Marcy and Star, one girl he just met but felt a quick connection too, another girl he's known for a while yet is conflicted over his connection.
To take his mind off this, Marco looked around some more. He spotted Anne sleeping against the couch, with Luz right next to her, both girls resting against each other. Amity was also on the couch, her arms around Luz's waist. Even Marco knew those girls had a love triangle of their own. Luz is conflicted on if she prefers Anne or Amity. While he knows Amity has feelings for Luz, he can't tell if Anne feels for Luz as well. Marco would think that Luz should stick with a girl she knows will love her back but he believes that's easier said than done.
On the other side of the couch, Polly and King were rested against the edge, the two sleeping together. Sprig wasn't too far away, the boy comfortably laying on his back with his tongue sticking out.
"What time is it?" Marco checked the clock. "9: 23 am. It's morning time yet I still feel tired. Then again, last time I saw the clock, it was around 5:00 am. Between that and all the sugar, I feel so exhausted."
Marco tried laying back against the couch, but the sun was still bothering his eyes, plus he couldn't rest comfortably again.
"Maybe I need my bed, gotta try to move without waking the girls up though," Marco said, trying to adjust slightly. "Now if I can just-"
"Rise and shine, niños!" Rafael said, waking up the rest of the kids, much to their annoyance. "Come now, I made breakfast! Plenty of eggs, bacon and waffles in the kitchen. Vamos!"
"So much for more sleep," Marco said as both girls beside him rubbed their eyes.
"Is it morning already?" Marcy asked, rubbing her eyes. "Feels like I just fell asleep."
"Same, one minute my eyes are closed, the next, I'm getting up," Star said, turning to the side and spotting her friend. "Oh! Marco! Sorry was I using you as a pillow?"
"It's fine, I didn't notice until now," Marco said.
Marcy also opened her eyes, spotting her now ex-boyfriend, and boy did she hate that term. "Oh Marco...I guess I did the same."
"At least it's not like Amity," Star said, gesturing to the witch girl still wrapped around Luz's waist.
"What about me?" Amity opened her eyes and looked to see what she was doing, immediately getting spooked as she leapt back, accidentally landing on Sprig, King and Polly, crushing the three kids.
"Ah! What's happening!" Sprig shouted.
"We're being crushed!" Polly shouted.
"Whoa, sorry!" Amity said, standing up.
"Wow, you're really heavy Amity," Sprig said, then finding himself under the girl's glare. "N-not that it's a bad thing!"
"Never call a girl heavy," Marco said. "But to be fair Amity, he's a frog and you're a teenage human girl."
"He's got you there," Sprig said, finding himself under another glare.
"Sprig, you know she's a witch, right?" Polly asked. "She'll hex you."
"Can you? Yesterday you struggled with your magic," Marco said.
"I'm not used to doing magic on Earth, so I was off my game," Amity said, demonstrating her Abomination magic. "But I'm back to normal. I just have to channel the energy more inward than outward."
Luz stood off the couch, the girl feeling very sluggish, "I didn't sleep enough."
"Me neither," Anne said, pulling herself up. "But hey, at least we enjoyed ourselves. Gus even got the morning off."
"Hopefully he can join us next time, same with Willow," Luz said. "I know they've offered to look after Mewni for a bit but it'd be nice to have them around."
"Once this whole thing with Belos and Andrias is over, we'll invite all our friends for one big sleepover," Star said. "Still, I should head back to Mewni, give Gus and Willow a break. Also make sure Maddie's not trying to steal my book again."
"Wait, she tried to steal your book?" Marco asked.
"She got curious and intended to sneak back to Wartwood with my Book of Spells, and my wand too," Star said. "Glossaryck was able to stop her but not so easily. I had to scold her for it, she seemed sorry but she really seemed even more interesting in my book still."
"I'd like to see more of that book too," Luz said. "I wouldn't mind trying that wand out, especially to have more access to my magic."
"I know you would, but that wand must be passed down to my child," Star said. "It's not a toy after all."
"Yeah, I know," Luz said, rubbing her stomach. "Ugh..."
"Feeling hungry?" Marco asked.
"It's not that, I think I had too many sweets last night, my stomach is in knots," Luz said.
"My head's pounding," Anne said. "Oh man, we really overdid it, didn't we?"
"Man, I gotta use the bathroom," Luz said.
"Number one or number two?" Sprig asked.
Luz's face turned bright red, "Sprig! Don't ask me that!"
"Hey it's a fair question," Sprig said. "I mean, doesn't everyone here need the bathroom in the morning?"
"He's got a point," Anne said. "I kind of need it myself."
"So..." Polly began. "Number one-"
"Polly!" Anne shouted.
"Look, you girls take the time you need to get ready," Marco said. "Just decide a fair order, and for the sake of things, let's limit it to the toilet before you bathe."
"Luz can go first," Anne said. "I'll go next, unless Amity wants to."
"I can wait, I'm actually kind of hungry for bacon," Amity said.
"Me too, it smells super good!" Star said, following Amity into the kitchen.
"I can hold it too, but I would like to go as soon as it's available," Marcy said.
"I'll go last," Marco said.
"Wait, shouldn't you go first?" Anne asked. "Guys tend to be faster."
"I believe in Ladies First," Marco said, heading into the kitchen.
"Wow, chivalrous," Anne said.
Later in the morning, after eating and freshening up, Star had returned to Mewni while everyone stepped into the backyard, resting near a tree.
"So...quite an encounter yesterday," Marco said. "Andrias's robot and Belos's guard."
"It's his nephew, Hunter," Luz said.
"Right, and now he's coming after us with that robot," Marco said. "Which means, we're gonna have to be careful out in the open."
"I hope they don't cause damage in the city," Anne said.
"Well it's us they're after," Luz said. "Of course there is the chance they might hold one of them hostage to find what they need."
"I hope neither of them know where my parents live," Anne said.
"Or mine," Marco said. "Though, monsters have tried to attack this house before so my parents have a better idea of what to do if something happens."
"Villains actually came here?" Luz asked. "How did your family handle that type of stress?"
"They have their ways, plus they both had faith in Star's magic and my martial arts," Marco said. "But those monsters were relentless trying to steal Star's wand."
"Is her wand difficult to use?" Luz asked.
"It took a bit of practice, but it wasn't too bad," Marco said. "Do you still want to try it?"
"Kind of, I also want to use that Book of Spells," Luz said. "Experimenting with different types of magic can be fun."
"What about your own magic?" Anne asked. "Shouldn't you try to use that too?"
"I can't do it on Earth," Luz said. "It's the one place I can't do magic."
"You can probably do it if you practice," Marco suggested. "I know Earth has less to draw from, but it shouldn't be impossible."
"I'll help any way I can," Amity said. "Maybe we can even teach a bit to Anne and Marcy."
"I don't think Anne needs Magic," Marco said. "She can transform into that Blue Form."
"Which reminds me, I need a place to practice in that form," Anne said. "Somewhere that won't get too much attention on me. Last thing I want is some old classmates seeing me like that."
"That would be awkward for sure," Marcy said. "But it could make you the new cool kid."
"Yeah maybe, but I still have my doubts," Anne said. "Plus, I still need to break this form to my parents."
"There's a lot you should tell your parents, don't put it off too long," Marco said.
"I know I shouldn't but, they're just so overprotective sometimes," Anne said. "You have any idea how hard it was to convince them to let me spend the night here? I probably have to take a pregnancy test the moment I get home."
"I won't lie, I am a little bothered that your father has me pegged for a horny teenager," Marco said.
"Fathers are protective of their daughters," Amity said. "But I can understand the frustration since you're not the type of guy who would...well I guess you would since...you and Marcy."
"First off, anything Marcy and I did was out of love," Marco said. "Second, it really doesn't matter since me and Marcy are currently...not together."
"Wait, huh?" Anne asked.
"Marcy and I split up," Marco said.
"It's true, last night was our final night as a couple," Marcy confirmed.
The other three teens did not have an immediate reaction, if anything they could not believe what they just heard.
"Hold on, you and Marco split up, Marcy?" Anne asked. "But, why?"
"Yeah, you two were such a cute couple," Luz said.
"It's not because of that silly curse, is it?" Amity asked.
"Well, a little," Marcy said.
Amity groaned in annoyance, "Marcy, that wasn't necessary, we could have broken the curse and you wouldn't have to worry about Marco and Star."
"We can do it right now," Luz said.
"Yeah, let's do it," Amity said. "We'll contact Star and-"
"Whoa hold on, you know Star's busy," Marco said. "We can wait a bit on the curse, as long as I don't see any more cute marshmallows or anything."
"But what about you and Marcy?" Anne asked. "You two were so happy together."
"Anne, it's fine, I made the choice and I want Marco to have a fair option after the curse is lifted," Marcy said. "If he even wants to lift it. He and Star are pretty close, and they've known each other longer. Maybe he's better off with her."
"I can't agree with that," Anne said. "You are definitely better for him, Mar-Mar."
"Thanks Anne, but you're my friend, you kind of have to say that," Marcy said.
"It's because I'm your friend that I feel confident in saying that you and Marco should stay together," Anne said.
"Wait, they broke up?" Came the voice of Sasha, the blonde girl at the top of the balcony stairs.
"Sasha?" Anne said in disbelief.
"Ugh, what is she doing here?" Amity bitterly asked.
"Easy, I come in peace," Sasha said, making her way down the steps. "What's this about Marco and Marcy splitting up."
"Long story, but it has to do with Marcy wanting me to have a choice between her and Star," Marco said.
"Seriously? I mean, I get that Marcy wants to be fair but...wait, does this have to do with that stupid curse?" Sasha asked.
"Funny, Amity asked the same question," Anne said.
"I did it with a bit more class though," Amity muttered.
"If I may say, Marcy," Sasha began. "You're sweet to think of Star's feelings, but your own feelings matter too. Marco's feelings for Star are pretty much fake."
"But what if they're not?" Marcy asked.
"Let's say that Marco did like Star before the curse, he still chose you," Sasha said. "His feelings would have gone away eventually without the Blood Moon Curse shackling him."
"She's got a point, I think Marco could have gotten over Star," Anne said. "Right Marco?"
"Uh, probably," Marco said.
Anne furrowed her brow, "What do you mean 'probably'?"
"I can't tell the future," Marco said. "Marcy is right, I do have feelings for Star, some that predate the Blood Moon Curse. Of course, I didn't exactly want to break up because I was very happy with Marcy."
"I didn't want to either, but I'll feel better if Marco comes back to me without the curse on his mind," Marcy said.
Something seemed to light up in Sasha's head, "Oooooh, now it all makes sense."
"Huh? How?" Luz asked.
"You'll see soon, for now, Marco and Marcy are done," Sasha said. "Not much we can do about that either."
"That's bogus!" Anne said.
"It's fine Anne, I know what Marcy's getting at," Sasha said. "But, Marcy, I hope you know that by breaking it off with Marco, he's free to nab by any girl who's interested."
"Whoa, I am NOT ready to move on," Marco said. "Any girl who tries to date me still has that curse to worry about."
"Yeah, true, but we can have a little fun," Sasha said, winking at the boy. "In fact, maybe all of us can experience why you're so popular among girls."
At that moment, neither Anne nor Luz could deny that they had thought hard about Sasha's words. If anything this reminded them about Marco in the Neverzone, and how attractive he looked to the both of them.
"Sasha, if you want to move in on Marco, go ahead," Amity said. "That'd make you a crummy friend to go after Marcy's ex though."
"Yeah, I suppose that is crummy," Sasha admitted. "But I can't deny that Marco's a handsome boy, probably not someone I want as my boyfriend though, but might make for a fun night."
"Okay, wow," Amity said. "So you just want him in bed?"
"Amity, if you liked guys, you'd understand how I feel," Sasha said.
"I don't need to like guys to tell that Marco's really handsome," Amity said. "It's no secret that if I had to pick a boyfriend, I'd want Marco."
"I still don't understand why I'm the lucky guy you'd pick," Marco said. "You're way out of my league. Then again Marcy is too."
"Marco, that's sweet of you to say, but Amity's clearly more attractive than I am," Marcy said.
"You're attractive too Marcy, don't sell yourself short," Amity said. "Any other time, I would be the one asking you out."
"Aw, thanks," Marcy said, blushing a bit.
"Still Sasha, not cool of you to say," Amity said. "The fact that you show your face after all you've done and say these types of things right after Marcy broke up with Marco? That takes a considerable amount of guts, and I am not saying it to compliment you, because you really tick me off."
"She's got a point, Sasha," Anne said. "You act like what happened at Newtopia never happened."
"Sorry, I guess I just got back into the swing of things, shows how comfortable I am around you though," Sasha said. "All of us messing around, just like old times. Reminds me why we're friends, and I kind of missed our playful banter. Marco, Luz and Amity just add to the liveliness."
"Still, we need to address what you did," Anne said. "You betrayed us and attempted to take over Newtopia."
"Hey, I helped you out in the end, didn't I?" Sasha asked.
"This excuse again?" Amity asked. "What, you think your so-called friends will fall for it? You sided with us only out of necessity! I don't think Anne or Marcy will believe you any more than I don't."
"She's got a point," Anne said. "Would you have helped us if you didn't find out that Andrias was evil?"
"Of course, I never wanted us to stop being friends, I even offered you a chance to rule by my side!" Sasha said. "Anne, you mean a lot to me, and so does Marcy. I didn't want to betray you."
"It still bothered me, I really thought you'd changed," Anne said.
"Anne, I told you once that I feel fine how I am, I don't feel like I need to change," Sasha said.
"Wow, she actually told you that once Anne?" Amity asked. "You really should just dump her as a friend. She clearly doesn't care about your feelings."
"Anne, I do care, and I know I can be a pain in the butt at times, however, you still mean a lot to me," Sasha said. "I know words aren't going to be enough, and I will do anything to prove it with my actions."
"...I have to think about this Sasha," Anne said. "I don't want to throw away years of Friendship, but I also need to consider what's right. I only ever went along with what you said because my fear of being alone came at the cost of my self-respect. Sprig reminded me what I needed in a friend, while Luz, Marco and Amity reaffirmed it."
Amity looked a little surprised that her name got mentioned, while she's friendly to Anne, she wasn't sure just how Anne thought of her, especially given some animosity the two shared.
"If you need time to think, then I suppose I should give you that much," Sasha said. "I really do want to make things work."
"If I may say something..." Luz began. "At the castle, right after Sasha sent the rest of you to the dungeon, Sasha did seem a bit remorseful of what happened. I think she's being honest when she says she wants to make things right."
Now it was Sasha's turn to be surprised, she didn't expect Luz to be the one to stand up for her, especially considering how often the two butted heads.
"Luz, you know I value your word, but I still need proof from Sasha to be fully on board," Anne said. "But, at least this gives me some hope."
"I'll take it," Sasha said. "For what it's worth, I really am sorry about what happened, and I will make it up to you."
"Just do your best," Marcy said.
"I will," Sasha then turned to Marco. "Sorry I got all flirty, you're a really handsome guy and honestly, I was almost jealous of Marcy for getting a boyfriend like you before me."
"That's fine, I am kind of flattered," Marco admitted. "I have to ask, did you have a specific reason for coming here?"
"Oh right, I did," Sasha said. "Some troubling stuff's been going on in Wartwood, a bunch of Andrias's robots have been trying to invade the town. Grime and I have been fighting them off, with the help of some of the citizens but it's getting out of control."
"So you need us to go and help?" Marco asked.
"That or see if someone can standby in Wartwood," Sasha said.
"That can work, if anything I can get Kelly," Marco said. "She's very reliable."
"Well, I would agree, but she seemed kind of down lately," Sasha said.
"Really? Wonder if I should check up on her?" Marco said.
"That's one option at least," Anne said. "Maybe we can check with Tom as well."
"You got any suggestions Luz?" Marcy asked. "I don't suppose you know other witches that can help?"
"Well...we could ask Edric and Emira," Luz said, this greatly alerting Amity.
"Uh, Luz, my brother and sister are not gonna want to help," Amity said.
"They totally would, they've helped us before," Luz said.
"I am almost certain they'll draw the line at Amphibia," Amity said. "They're not exactly bodyguards either."
"Why don't we at least try talking to them?" Marco said. "It'd give us an excuse to go to The Boiling Isles."
"Oh totally," Anne said. "I'd love to see the place for myself."
"That would be cool, but one tiny problem," Marcy said. "Belos likely has eyes and ears all around. If we go there, we might risk getting caught."
"We'll be fine, just cover up and avoid too many populated areas," Sasha. "Luz, do you want to do the honors?"
"Uh, sure," Luz said, taking out some scissors. She then used them to create the portal taking them to the Demon Realm, right outside of The Owl House. "Everyone, welcome to the Boiling Isles."
One by one, her friends stepped in, taking in the sights of the land before them. It wasn't too different than their home or the other realms so far, though one thing caught Marco's eye.
"Does time move differently here? The sky's red," Marco said.
"It's always like that," Amity said. "At least now anyway, it used to be kind of greenish, but that was a long time ago."
"So, this is the Boiling Isles," Marcy said, taking in the sight.
"The start of it at least, there's a very lively town but I figured it'd be safer starting here first," Luz said.
"Luz! You're back!" Came the voice of Hooty, everyone turning to see the owl on the door.
"Oh Hooty, haven't seen you for a spell," Luz said, chuckling to herself. "Ha, get it?"
"Not at all," Hooty enthusiastically said, much to Luz's annoyance.
"I thought it was clever," Marcy said.
"Hey Hooty, is Eda inside?" Anne asked.
"She's still in Mewni, Queen Star is hoping she could find Eclipsa," Hooty said. "It's fine, Lulu's here to keep me company."
"Oh, Lilith's inside?" Luz asked. "Maybe she can help us get into town."
"Sounds like a good idea, let's go," Marco said.
"Wait, before you enter..." Hooty said. "You must, solve my riddle!"
"Riddle?" Sasha asked. "Is this normal?"
"He does this sometimes," Luz said, focusing back on the door. "Hooty, we really don't have time for-"
"What room has no windows, no doors, but always a roof?" Hooty asked.
"Mushroom," Marco said.
"Oh wow, didn't expect you to get it that fast," Hooty said. "Alright, how about another!"
"You said 'riddle', not 'riddles'," Sasha said. "Can you please just let us inside."
"How dare you, mortal! I am the guardian of this home!" Hooty said. "As such, you will answer all my...HEY!"
Lilith had opened the door to the house, "I thought I heard voices out here. Luz, you're back!"
"Hi Lilith, we heard you were here and figured we'd check up on you," Luz said.
"I see, looks like you brought some friends," Lilith said.
"First time in The Boiling Isles," Anne said.
"Well welcome, come on inside," Lilith said, gesturing everyone into the house.
"Fine by me, gives me time to think of more riddles," Hooty said.
"I swear if he starts annoying me, I'm going to destroy him," Sasha said.
"Come on now, Hooty's just being friendly," Luz nervously insisted as they took seats around the living room.
"Well first thing's first, I'm glad Marco's doing well," Lilith said, getting the boy's attention. "When I heard you were impaled by a giant laser sword, I automatically feared the worst."
"We all did, especially since we were there," Anne said. "Part of me is still amazed Marco survived."
"Same, I figured I'd be dead from something like that," Marco said, rubbing his stomach. "But it was worth it to save someone dear to me."
"Yeah, that someone being me," Marcy said. "Andrias intended to take me out with that attack."
"Yes, that's right. Andrias had turned traitor and sided with Belos," Lilith somberly stated. "Marcy...how are you feeling after all that?"
"Me?" Marcy asked.
"You were the right hand to Andrias, were you not?" Lilith asked.
"Oh yeah, I guess I was," Marcy said, the girl sheepishly rubbing her head. "Andrias was kind of my friend, or at least I thought he was. Never once did I think he would turn on me, but I guess I've never been that great at reading people."
Amity cast a brief glance towards Sasha, then focused back on Marcy, "You're just good natured."
"Also, you're not the only one he fooled," Anne said. "We were all fooled by Andrias."
"It's not easy living with something like that," Lilith said. "I thought Emperor Belos was someone I could rely upon, that all turned out to be one big lie. I know exactly how you're feeling right now Marcy, to believe someone is so great only for that someone to turn on you."
"You just can't trust those in charge," Amity said. "Seems like a lot of people have been keeping their fair share of secrets."
"Hopefully it doesn't get to a point that none of us could trust each other," Anne said.
"Same, I really like you girls," Marco said.
"Even Sasha?" Amity asked, earning an annoyed glance from the blonde.
"Well I don't hate her at least, but I'd like to think she could be someone I can rely on," Marco said.
"Looks like I can warm up to you," Sasha said.
"Just don't screw up again, even my patience has limits," Marco said.
"Even I must admit surprise that Sasha is here," Lilith said. "Edalyn did not seem happy the last time your name got brought up in conversation. Although most of her animosity is aimed at the Magical High Commission, she still believes you to be at fault for all that's happened."
"But she is hoping to make things right," Luz said. "She's currently protecting Wartwood, but needs some assistance."
"Assistance?" Lilith asked. "Well, perhaps I can land a hand. My magic has improved as of late, thanks to Luz's lessons."
"The Glyphs are really easy to pick up once you get used to them," Luz said.
"By the way Lilith, how are things in town?" Marco asked. "We were hoping to check out more of this world but given that Belos wants us all captured..."
"I probably would not go into town, the Coven Guards are roaming the place," Lilith said. "If you did go into town, you'd need disguises."
"We just need to go to Amity's house," Luz said. "See if her brother and sister are there."
"I still don't think it's worth asking for their help," Amity said.
"At the very least, they should know you're safe," Luz said.
"How are we gonna get there without being spotted by guards?" Anne asked.
"That depends, how long can any of you hold your breath?" Luz asked.
"Luz, your invisibility spell is not going to last you all the way to my house," Amity said. "Let's just find something to cover our faces and stay out of sight."
"That might be the best course of action," Anne said. "Come on, let's get to it."
Meanwhile on Earth, Hunter is seen inside a bookstore checking out some titles, with Cloak-Bot right beside him, currently using his invisibility feature.
"I found the books, but I still don't remember if he wanted Book 2 or Book 3," Hunter said, thinking this over. "I could get both but if he has Book 2 already, then it would be pointless to give him another copy. Though maybe I can get a receipt, what do you think Cloak-Bot?"
"Solution is logical," Cloak-Bot said.
"Right, and if anything I can probably return it," Hunter said. "The human realm should give out refunds, shouldn't they?"
"Highly likely," Cloak-Bot said.
"Alright, I'll do it then!" Hunter said, grabbing the books. "Wait, do you think the human realm takes Snails? Or how about some coppers?"
"Unknown," Cloak-Bot said.
"Great, now what?" Hunter asked.
A nearby store employee was moving a cart and accidentally bumped into Cloak-Bot, the robot losing his camouflage and being visible to everyone present.
All those in the store freaked out and ran for dear life, leaving only those two remaining in the store.
"That was weird," Hunter said. "Guess humans are afraid of robots."
"Affirmative," Cloak-Bot said.
Hunter's Palisman flew onto his shoulder, chirping a bit as he gestured outside the store. "Yeah, I guess I'm better off just taking these books then." He passed by the desk and left some snails there, "I don't know if this will cover it, but I don't feel right leaving without paying something."
Cloak-Bot grabbed some Coppers he had on him and left them on the counter as well, "Dues paid, carry out mission."
Once outside, Hunter began planning his next course of action, "Now, we still need to find Luz, that Blight girl and those other humans. That one with the bushy hair has weird freaky powers, so we're going to have to be careful around her. But what really concerns me is Star Butterfly, Mewman magic is definitely no joke. Too bad that Meteora lady got turned into a baby, I mean wouldn't it be better if she was my age? At least maybe she can have access to her Mewman or Monster magic."
"Incoming transmission," Cloak-Bot said, Andrias's face appearing on screen.
"Hello? Cloak-Bot? Hunter? Either of you there?" Andrias asked.
"Greetings Your Majesty," Hunter said.
"Ah, Hunter, I trust you and Cloak-Bot are carrying out your mission well?" Andrias asked.
"Yes sort of, I do have some good news and bad news," Hunter said.
"Lay it on me then," Andrias said.
"Well, good news, I did run into that Anne Boonchuy girl, as well as Luz Noceda and the rest of their friends," Hunter said. "Bad news is that, Cloak-Bot and I took a beating."
"How bad of a beating if I may ask?" Andrias asked.
"Anne turned blue," Hunter said. "To make matters worse, Star Butterfly was with them, and she helped fight us off."
"Hm, probably should have accounted for that, honestly I figured she'd be in Mewni," Andrias said. "If she's leaving her post then that could leave the castle open for attack."
"So, this is a good thing?" Hunter asked.
"While I'm not happy you lost, you still provided me with a useful tactic, so you two may continue your mission," Andrias said.
"Yes sir, I won't let you down," Hunter said. "Oh, I have more good news. I found that book you wanted."
Andrias's eyes lit up in joy, "You found the Cynthia Coven book I was looking for!?"
"Yes, I think. I didn't remember if you wanted two or three," Hunter brought the two books out. "So I got both."
"Both? Actually that's great, I only wanted Two, but I am going to read the third one soon anyway," Andrias said. "Great work my boy, you did a great job on this side mission."
"Oh...thank you sir!" Hunter said, bowing to the screen. "I'm happy to be of service to you!"
"Someone's enthusiastic in serving his King, if only Marcy and the others had your sense," Andrias said. "Well carry on, I'll get those books later, right now I have carry out my plan to destroy Wartwood, more specifically, Sasha Waybright and that traitor General Grime."
"You got it, sir," Hunter said, turning away. "Come on Cloak-Bot, let's carry out the rest of our mission."
"Aye-aye," Cloak-Bot said, following Hunter, though as the two ran, they nearly bumped into a girl riding a skateboard.
"Whoa, sorry," Hunter said, taking a look at the girl. He was amazed by how cute she looked, with her blonde hair, her streak the same color as her green eyes and her freckles.
"It's cool dude," The girl replied, then noticed Cloak-Bot. "Whoa, is that a robot?"
"Uh...yeah," Hunter said.
"Righteous," the girl said.
"You're not afraid?" Hunter asked.
"Me? Oh no, I've seen weirder than this," the girl said. "I had a teacher that was an actual monster, and one of my classmates got a tentacle arm once."
"Wow really?" Hunter asked. "Didn't expect this world to be so strange."
"This world?" the girl asked. "Oh, are you from Mewni or something?"
"You know about Mewni?" Hunter asked.
"Oh yeah, I'm friends with their Princess if you can believe it," the girl said.
"Princess Star?" Hunter asked. "Do you know the boy who's friends with her?"
"You mean Marco?" the girl asked. "Yeah, I used to date him."
"Wait really?" Hunter asked.
"Whoa dang, forgot to introduce myself," the girl said. "I'm Jackie Lynn Thomas, but you can just call me 'Jackie' for short."
"My name is Hunter," the boy replied.
"Awesome name, so badass," Jackie said, then turned to the robot. "What do I call your friend here?"
"I call him Cloak-Bot, so I guess you would too," Hunter said.
"Greetings human," Cloak-Bot said.
"So awesome," Jackie said. "So where are you off to?"
"I have to deliver some books to my boss, then I gotta find Marco for important reasons, ones involving the fate of my world, and possibly this one," Hunter said.
"Well I haven't seen Marco in a while, I think I remember where he lives but I don't want to just show up unannounced," Jackie said. "Hit me up later, we'll talk more."
"Right...wait, how do I contact you?" Hunter asked.
"You got a phone?" Jackie asked.
"A...phone?" Hunter asked in return.
"Oh wow, not familiar with phones? Well Mewni is said to be a pretty old-fashioned place," Jackie said.
"I'm not from...I mean...yeah, old fashioned," Hunter said.
"What about this robot though?" Jackie asked.
"What about him?" Hunter asked. Then to his surprise, Cloak-Bot took Jackie's phone and downloaded some data before presenting it back to her.
"Contact enabled," Cloak-Bot confirmed, testing it out by using his functions to ring Jackie's phone.
"Oh wow, righteous," Jackie said. "Well call me later Hunter, we'll hang out."
"Totally," Hunter said as Jackie skated off. "Gotta admit, she's kind of cute. Too bad she's a human though. I don't think Uncle would like me wooing a human girl."
"What is wooing?" Cloak-Bot asked.
"Eh, long story," Hunter said. "Let's go."
At Newtopia castle, Andrias began giving his order to an army of robots. "You all know what to do. Take our new machine to Wartwood and destroy it!"
"Yes sir," the robots said as they marched off, all of them joined by a giant turtle robot.
"This is working out just well," Andrias said. "Soon Wartwod will be destroyed."
"This seems like a bit much," Belos said, the Boiling Isles Emperor making his way beside Andrias. "All this for one village?"
"It's being guarded by one of Anne Boonchuy's closest friends, the Lieutenant of the Toad Army," Andrias said. "The Toads are our enemies, traitors to Amphibia."
"Did you not destroy Toad Tower?" Belos asked.
"That's not enough! They can still rebuild, but if I take out Grime, that will hurt their morale," Andrias said. "Besides, Wartwood is where those pesky Plantars are from, it would bring me great joy if I could destroy everything they hold dear. I only wish they were around to see it firsthand, but coming back to ruins should be just as good."
"I do understand your desires, savoring our enemy's defeat is part of the fun after all," Belos said.
"I'm so glad you get me," Andrias said. "Oh, by the way, how's the book?"
"Oh, the Cynthia Coven book?" Belos asked, pulling it out. "I have...many questions. Truth be told this doesn't feel quite as accurate as I imagined it to be. First off, apparently only the females are known as witches, while men are known as wizards. But Witchcraft and Wizardry are two different forms of magic, it is not limited to gender."
"That would explain why you called yourself a witch, unless you were secretly a woman," Andrias said.
Belos furrowed his brow, "I assure you that I am a man."
"Very much noted," Andrias said. "What about everything else? How accurate are the covens?"
"A little different, I understand this book was written in the human realm and humans obviously have very limited knowledge regarding magic," Belos said. "So maybe it's a bit more difficult for me to enjoy this because of that knowledge, but I will admit, beyond the magic, it is cleverly written."
"Hunter just found the next two books, I look forward to checking them out," Andrias said. "I think Marcy's world has so many other fascinating things, she talked about things like movies, and online services, and video games. When I take over the human realm, I want to check those things out for myself."
"Good to have goals," Belos said.
"By the way, how are things at the Boiling Isles?" Andrias asked.
"Doing quite well thus far, granted I do worry, I do not wish to lose the good will of my citizens," Belos said. "But the more I keep my presence known, the more they continue to trust me."
"Oh yes, presence is a good thing," Andrias said. "Also try smiling more, people eat that up."
"My citizens have not even seen my face yet, let alone see me smile," Belos said. "But perhaps it is time I build that closer connection. Perhaps during the next Coven Day Parade."
"Oh, a parade? Sounds fun," Belos said.
"Would you like to come?" Belos asked. "I should warn you; the Boiling Isles can be a bit humid compared to any city within Amphibia."
"Oh I'm sure I can handle it," Andrias said. "I'll bring plenty of water bottles too."
"I shall make plans then, Coven Day will be soon after all," Belos said, making his leave.
"You know, I should have my own Holiday after today, maybe Calamity Day?" Andrias wondered. "No, that doesn't sound too festive or exciting. How about...Newtopia Day? Eh, seems too specific...gonna have to think really hard about this."
Back in the Boiling Isles, Amity led the other teenagers through town, hoods placed over their heads as they avoided too much eye contact.
"Wow, there's quite a big market here," Anne said.
"This is where I met Eda, she was selling some stuff she took from the Human World," Luz said.
"Did it sell for much?" Anne asked.
"It did alright, problem is that Eda was wanted by some guards and she would often get caught each time she tried selling here," Luz said.
"Eda comes across as such a risk taker," Marcy said.
"Oh that's a given, especially after the Pie Carnival," Marco said. "Kind of admire her whole Caution to the Wind thing...to an extent, rules are there for a reason. But Eda's just so cool about what she does."
"You bet she's cool, glad others can agree," Luz said.
As they kept walking, Anne spotted someone very familiar to her, "Is that...?"
"What's up?" Sasha asked.
"I thought I saw Raine," Anne said.
"Raine? Wait which one is that again?" Sasha asked.
"Witch with green hair and glasses, friends with Eda, plays music, leads an anti Coven Group," Anne said.
"Oh right," Sasha said.
"Eda hasn't seen Raine since before we went to Newtopia, she's been worried ever since," Anne said.
"I know you're worried but first thing's first, we gotta get to the Blight siblings," Sasha said. "We'll talk to Raine later, when our cover won't be blown."
"Right, let's hurry then," Anne said.
Sasha turned her attention to Raine, who seemed to be speaking with a Coven Guard, "That's strange, what is he up to?" She shrugged it off, "Worry about it later."
It wasn't long before they arrived at the Blight Family house, the teens sans Luz and Amity looking amazed by the sight.
"Wow, your house is pretty nice Amity," Marco said.
"Big too," Anne said.
"Well my family is rich after all," Amity said. "My mom's a CEO, my dad invents and we're really close with the Emperor's Coven."
"Guess Belos was good for something," Anne said.
"Maybe, but honestly, this lifestyle just isn't worth it," Amity said, grabbing her key and unlocking the door.
"Wait, you had your key this whole time?" Sasha asked.
"Well duh, how else would I have gotten home?" Amity said. "Don't you have your home keys?"
"Honestly, I think I lost them after landing in Amphibia," Sasha said.
"Gotta keep track of your stuff," Marco said.
"I literally got transported into another world, it's very easy to lose your keys!" Sasha said.
"And now we're arguing about keys," Amity said, opening the door. "Hello!? Anyone home!?"
"Amity?" Came the voice of her brother Edric, the boy coming into view and spotting his little sister. "Oh my God, Amity, is that really you!?"
"Yup, it's me," Amity said.
Edric called upstairs, "Emira, Mittens is back home again!"
"Wait really!?" Emira called.
"Huh? Who's 'Mittens'?" Anne asked.
"...That's my nickname..." Amity shamefully admitted.
"Pfft, Mittens," Sasha said.
"HEY!" Amity glared at Sasha. "You do NOT get to call me that!"
"Mittens!" Emira said, coming downstairs and hugging her little sister. "I'm so glad you're safe!"
"Me too," Edric said, sandwiching his sister in a hug.
"Yeah, totally safe," Amity said. "Can you two let go now?"
"Uh, right, of course," Emira said, backing off and taking note of the others. "Oh, I see Luz is here."
"Your favorite little human," Edric teased.
"Heh, yeah, that's me," Luz awkwardly admitted.
"Oh, not just her either," Emira said, looking over the others. "I see...wait, are these all humans too?"
"Yeah, they're from the Human Realm, just like Luz," Amity said. "The girl with the brown bushy hair is Anne Boonchuy."
"Hi, nice to meet you," Anne said.
"Wow, I just love your hair, it's so wild," Emira said. "Though, I think you have a couple of leaves stuck in it."
"I'm used to it," Anne admitted.
"The girl with the black hair is Marcy Wu," Amity introduced.
"It's great to meet you," Marcy said. "I'm so excited to finally be in The Boiling Isles, I heard a lot of great things about this place."
"You have an excitable aura to you, it reminds me of Luz," Emira said.
"She likes magic stuff too," Luz said. "She and I are basically Kindred Spirits."
"You bet, Luz is very easy to get along with," Marcy said.
"The boy with the brown hair is Marco Diaz," Amity said.
"Oooh, he's cute," Emira said.
"Heh, thanks, I guess?" Marco said.
"Emira, please don't hit on my friend," Amity said.
"Don't be selfish, you have all these girls to pick from, let me have the one boy," Emira said.
"I'm flattered, but I just went through a really bad breakup," Marco said, Marcy raising her eyebrow to that. "I'm not ready to date right now."
"Aw, that's too bad," Emira said. "What girl would be dumb enough to break up with such a cute boy anyway?"
Marcy turned away in annoyance while Amity rubbed her face in embarrassment, "Emira, just drop it, and don't make Marco uncomfortable."
"Alright, but I'm not giving up quite just yet," Emira said.
"Cute how protective you get of your friends though, Mittens," Edric said.
"Marco is special to me," Amity said. "When I got stranded in Amphibia, he watched over me and kept me company."
"It was nothing, I did what any decent person would do," Marco said. "Helps that your sister's really cool, and fun to be around. Not to mention, a total badass with her Abomination magic."
"Geez Marco, you're flattering me too much," Amity said, bashfully rubbing her head.
"Oh wow, I've never seen a boy make Mittens blush," Emira said. "You must be really special then. If only she liked boys, you'd probably be perfect for her. But her loss is my potential gain. Plus I don't know if she could hold onto a boy like you."
"Hey! I totally could hold onto Marco!" Amity said.
"Easy to say when you don't need to prove it," Edric said.
"Don't be a jerk!" Amity warned.
"Hey easy now, let's not get heated," Anne said. "Amity, your brother and sister are probably just goofing around."
"Yeah, we're goofing around, it's a love language," Edric said.
"Ugh, that's the same bullshit excuse they toss around so they have an excuse to be total jerks!" Amity said.
"Amity, come on, you're not even home five minutes and you're already getting upset," Luz said. "Emira didn't mean what she said anyway."
"She still didn't need to say it," Amity said.
"If it's any consolation," Marco said, getting their attention. "I think Amity's a very beautiful girl, and probably way out of my league. If anything I couldn't hold onto her, she's just that special."
"Marco, you're sweet but you don't need to talk down about yourself like that," Amity said. "And stop saying I'm out of your league too, it's not true. You'd be a perfect boyfriend for me."
"Aw, so cute," Emira said. "Well if Amity thinks he's good then I know for sure I need to have this boy."
"Emira!" Amity shouted.
"Ahem!" Sasha said. "Did I just turn invisible?"
"Oh yeah, that's Sasha, she's tagging along," Amity said.
"Amity..." Luz scolded.
"Oh boy, is Mittens being mean to this girl?" Edric asked. "You should know better baby sis."
Amity furrowed her brow as her face started to turn red, "You know what!?"
"It's fine, really it is," Sasha said, getting the twins' attention. "I wasn't nice to your sister so she's understandably unhappy with me."
"Sasha made a few mistakes, but she's trying to be better," Luz said.
"Well, if anyone knows about mistakes is our adorable, red faced little sister," Emira said. "She wasn't always such a sweetheart after all."
"Yeah, she was kind of bratty," Edric said.
"Gee, wonder where I learned that from?" Amity asked. "You two are no saints either, your constant bullying of me didn't exactly leave me feeling happy emotions, add to how much of a bitch mom could be."
"Amity! Don't say that about our mother!" Emira said.
"Now you're gonna lecture me? Mom keeps trying to turn me into her!" Amity grabbed a nearby picture. "Just look at us!"
Everyone could see a picture of Amity's mother Odalia alongside her daughter from a year ago.
"So that's what your green hair looked like," Anne said.
"Yeah, mom wanted me to be a spitting image of her!" Amity said. "Just like these two, but unfortunately for her, I ended up more like my dad. Fine by me too, dad's actually cool."
"You've always been daddy's little girl," Edric teased.
Amity gritted her teeth, "You are starting to really piss me off Edric!"
"Come on Mittens, take a joke," Edric said.
"The only joke is thinking any of us could be related to each other!" Amity shouted, tossing the picture aside. "This was a mistake, we're leaving."
"Amity, hold on!" Marco said as the girl left. Bitterly he turned to the twins, "That was not okay!"
"Sorry, we didn't mean to upset her that much," Emira said.
"Yeah, we always good around with her, sure she gets annoyed and it is fun seeing her turn red with embarrassment but I figured that when it came down to it, she knows we love and care about her," Edric said.
"I get you have your own sibling language or whatever but Amity did not need this right now," Marco said. "Things are really chaotic and honestly she didn't want to come here because she knew you two would act like this."
"We talked her into it, but to Marco's point, you need to read the room better," Luz said. "I know I've had to tell the both of you to chill out with Amity as well."
"I guess we did get carried away," Edric said. "We should apologize to her."
"Yeah, it's the right thing," Emira said, heading outside with her brother.
Marcy picked up Amity's picture, dusting it off a bit as she took a look at Odalia, "Wonder what her mother's like?"
"To Amity's point, she can be a bit mean," Luz said. "I can see why Amity gets stressed out thinking about her."
"It looks like that stress went to her family," Marcy said. "Kind of regret coming here now."
"No, Amity needs to make peace with her brother and sister," Anne said. "I've seen Sprig and Polly argue like this as well, but that didn't mean they didn't love each other. I know that Edric and Emira love Amity, and she loves them, but for some people, it's harder to admit than others."
"This is why we need to be sure we can be there for each other and trust each other," Marco said.
"We will, we're in this together," Luz said.
Outside, Edric and Emirya were both speaking to Amity, eager to clear the air.
"What we said in there, it was terrible, and we're really sorry," Edric said. "We were so happy to see you again after so long that I guess we just got carried away and goofed off too much."
"You know we love you Mittens," Emira said. "But I guess telling you isn't enough, we need to show it more."
"I can't promise that we'll be able to completely change but we'll do our best for you," Edric said.
"We want to be there for you," Emira said.
Amity crossed her arms, thinking this over, "I guess I didn't handle this well either. Truth be told, I did miss the two of you. I mean you both drive me crazy sometimes but I wouldn't trade you away for anything. I know you're there for me when it matters, but I just need a bit more of that. I don't want your kindness to feel rare. I'm okay with a bit of teasing, we're siblings and it's natural, but I do need to feel like it's not malicious or mom speaking to me through you."
"Whatever issues you and mom have, I hope you know we don't want to emulate," Emira said.
"Yeah, we will always stand by your side," Edric said.
"...Thanks you two," Amity said, bringing both her siblings. "So...how do you like my new friends?"
"They're nice, truth be told, that Sasha girl looks cute," Edric said. "Not that I would hit on her like Em did with Marco."
"I bet you couldn't handle her anyway Ed, she gives off badass vibes," Emira teased.
"Sasha is not someone you want to date right now," Amity said. "Her loyalty is a bit...rickety at times."
"How bad is it?" Emira asked.
"Well at the very least, she won't betray us to a greater evil, but she does tend to put her own goals before anything else," Amity said. "She was really close with Anne and Marcy, but now...not so much."
"That's a shame," Edric said.
"Still, she does need help protecting a village, it's one of the reasons we hoped to see you," Amity said.
"Protecting a village?" Edric asked.
"Which one?" Emira asked.
Not too long later, a portal was opened to the Plantar's House in Wartwood, both Blight siblings looking amazed.
"You have the power to travel just like that!?" Emira asked.
"That's so amazing!" Edric said.
"You can thank Hekapoo for the scissors," Sasha said.
"That's all she deserves thanks for," Amity said.
"By the way, was she, Rhombulus and Omnitrax fired after what happened in Newtopia?" Marco asked.
"They never went back to Mewni," Sasha said. "Probably knew that Star would find out."
"Find out what?" Edric asked.
"Long story," Anne said. "Come on."
The group started walking through town, the Blight siblings amazed by the sight, nothing but human-like frogs everywhere.
"This is so unusual," Edric said.
"You got stuck here before Mittens?" Emira asked.
"For a little bit, yeah," Amity said. "Most I did was spend the night once before Princess Star Butterfly found us."
"Amazing," Emira said. "I mean, I probably would never live here but it's still a cool experience."
"Yo! Anne!" Came the voice of Ivy, the little frog girl hopping over. "What's up?"
"Hey Ivy," Anne said, high fiving the girl. "How are things here?"
"Eh, the usual, keeping watch just in case we get attacked," Ivy said. "Where's Sprig?"
"Oh right, should we bring the Plantars?" Marco asked.
"I can get them," Marcy said, using the scissors to briefly return to California.
Ivy turned her attention to the human boy she was most familiar with, "Hey Marco, not sure if you know but Tom and I figured out that whole Blood Moon Curse thing, we can get it reversed soon so you can focus more time on dating Marcy."
"Uh, Marcy and I split up," Marco said.
Emira's eyes widened, "Wait, she's the dumb girl who dumped you?"
"Can you not call her 'dumb'?" Amity said. "But yes, she was the one Marco was dating."
"Ooh, that's awkward," Emira said. "Hope she's not mad."
"She's generally forgiving so you don't have anything to worry about," Marco said. "But if you apologize to her later, that would help too."
"Still, you two split?" Ivy asked. "You looked so cute together."
"I'm just as confused, we were dating for a while, we went through the Neverzone together, we said 'I love you' to each other, we even..." Marco had to remember he was in mixed company, including that of a child. "We did things that true love couples do."
Edric whispered to Amity, "Did they...you know?"
"Yes, they did," Amity confirmed.
Emira leaned in to whisper, "Is he good?"
"Probably, wait why are you...ugh, Emira!" Amity scolded.
"Heh, you all act like I don't know what you're alluding to, it's kind of cute," Ivy said.
"Moving on!" Marco urgently stated. "I don't know why she dumped me, I guess the whole curse thing really bothered her but still, I enjoyed my time with Marcy."
"Marco, you'll figure this out," Amity reassured. "And we'll be there for you."
"We sure will," Anne said.
"You can count on us, amigo," Luz said.
"I know you girls will, but I do like hearing your reassurance," Marco said.
"I'm here for you too of course," Ivy said. "Who knows, maybe I can convince Marcy to change her mind."
"That'd be nice," Marco admitted. "Oh, by the way, did you see Lilith around?"
"Yeah, she's talking with the Mayor," Ivy said. "I don't suppose Maddie will be here too."
"Maddie's busy helping Star with some stuff, along with Gus and Willow," Marco said. "But if things really get bad, we'll call them over."
"We'll just have to protect her family for her," Ivy said. "Especially her three little sisters, Rosemary, Lavender and Ginger."
"Maddie has sisters?" Luz asked.
"They're right there," Ivy said, gesturing to the girls alongside their father Chef Flour.
"Oh, son tan lindas!" Luz gushed, holding her cheeks in awe.
"I'm gonna assume you called them cute based on your reaction," Ivy said.
"They are cute, reminds me of Polly when she had no legs," Marco said.
"You mention me?" Polly asked, stepping through the portal with her brother, grandfather and boyfriend. To Marco's surprise, Gus, Willow, Maddie and Star were also there.
"Wow Marcy, you got just about everyone," Marco said.
"Well not everyone, Tom and Kelly had to stay behind to watch over Mewni," Marcy said.
"Mostly Tom at least since Kelly's still in a bit of a funk," Star said.
"We gotta stop by and check on her soon," Marco said. "Still, glad you made it Star."
"Of course, I want to help this town," Star said.
"Sprig!" Ivy said, greeting her boyfriend with a kiss. "How are things on Earth?"
"More interesting every day," Sprig said. "I'd enjoy it more if Polly wasn't always making out with King."
"Stop exaggerating," Polly said.
"Seriously, we're not that freaky," King said.
"Heh, cute, glad you two are together," Ivy said, then took note of another frog. "Yo Maddie we were just talking about you. Luz and Marco think your sisters are cute."
"Not surprised, I should go and check on them actually, dad too since he worries," Maddie said. "Gus, Willow, come on."
"Coming," Gus said, then noticed the Blight twins. "Edric, Emira, you're here too?"
"Amity found us, we're going to help however we can," Emira said.
"That's great! Hope you like Amphibia," Willow said. "Even though I'm not really familiar with this place either, I did read a lot about frogs."
"Edric, Emira?" Star asked, glancing at the twins. "I feel like I've heard your names before."
"That's my brother and sister," Amity said. "Edric, Emira, this is Star Butterfly."
"The Princess?" Edric asked.
"You don't need to call me Princess," Star said.
"Well can I call you beautiful? Because that's what you are," Edric said, smirking at Star, getting a blush from the girl.
"Holy crap Ed, could you have been any more forward with that?" Amity asked.
"This is why girls think you're weird," Emira said.
Edric did a fake gasp, "The hurt I am feeling, so immeasurable."
"Well, I'm very flattered Edric," Star admitted, still blushing from the compliment while Marco seemed a bit dissatisfied.
"Hey Polly, you're friends with a robot yourself, aren't you?" Ivy asked. "Is he around?"
Polly shook her head in sadness, "No, Andrias destroyed him. I want to rebuild him, but I don't know how to."
"We'll figure it out, somehow," Marco said.
"Well we should get ready for a fight," Hop Pop said. "Who's leading this charge?"
"That would be me," came the voice of a monster from Mewni, that being Buff Frog. "Star Butterfly, Marco Diaz, good to see you both again."
"Buff Frog!" Star shouted in glee, hugging her old friend. "I missed you so much!"
"Da, I miss you too young one" Buff Frog said.
"Hey Buff Frog," Marco greeted. "How's life in Amphibia?"
"It is excellent," Buff Frog said. "How are things with you?"
"Interesting to say the least," Marco said.
Buff Frog turned to Amity, "And the little witch girl Amity Blight, it is good to see you again."
"You too sir," Amity said, then gestured to the twins. "Oh these two are my brother and sister, Emira and Edric."
"Ah, I can see resemblance," Buff Frog said. "I can also see more friends."
"Not sure if you remember me, but I'm Anne Boonchuy," the bushy haired girl said.
"Luz Noceda," the witch in training said.
"Marcy Wu," the excitable one said.
"Buff Frog, where's Grime?" Sasha asked.
"He should be around, he has been checking perimeter to make sure we are not ambushed by spy robots," Buff Frog said.
"So, you've been protecting this town alongside Sasha and Grime?" Marco asked.
"Da, since the king turned his back on this world, many robots come to try and destroy village," Buff Frog said. "As a member of this village, a former solider, and a father of thirteen beautiful children, I must do my part to protect this village."
"It's good to have you by our side Buff Frog," Marco said.
"Good thing too, because I can see a whole flock of robots!" Sasha called, pointing to the edge of town.
"Whoa Nelly!" a frog shouted.
"Here I am!" a little girl said, momentarily confusing the heroes.
"Get ready for a fight!" Sasha said, pulling her swords out. "If you're able to, join us! If you can't, then hide somewhere!"
"Edric, Emira," Amity said, preparing her magic. "You two ready for this?"
"Sure am," Edric said, preparing his own magic.
"Me too," Emira agreed.
Anne grabbed her sword as well, "Bring it on!"
"I'm locked and loaded!" Marcy said, readying her crossbow.
Luz grabbed her glyphs, "This won't be too hard for us."
Star pulled her wand out, preparing her magic. "Super Strawberry Shake Quake!"
Star's attack led the fight to protect Wartwood as the heroes rushed in to do battle.
Anne used her sword skills to strike down all the robots that came close, then pulled out her racket for a dual attack against the machines. She then blitzed over to another robot, cut it in half and kicked the top half into some other machines.
Sasha rolled through, cutting several in half with her swords and impaling on to lift and toss into others.
Marcy fired her crossbow to latch onto a robot, then pulled in for a kick to its chest, then turned to kick another robot in the side of the head.
Luz planted several of her glyphs onto some robots, and activated them creating a big wall of ice that froze them, then blasted them all with her fire glyph. Some robots tried attacking from behind but a vine glyph suspended them in air and allowed for more blasts.
Amity covered her hands with her abomination magic and used them as boxing gloves to knock the robots into each other. She then aimed her gloves and fired, punching holes through several robots, then did so again with her other hand and used remaining magic to take out a bunch behind her.
Marco used his karate skills to bring down several robots, eventually bringing out his favorite sword El Choppo to slice through many more robot.
"Cotton Candy Cloud!" Star blasted several more robots, keeping an eye on the town as some tried sneaking through the sides. "They're trying to flank us!"
"Do not think so!" Buff Frog said, using his strength to knock the robots away with mighty blows, even picking up a nearby log to thrash the robots.
Lilith assisted using her own glyph magic to keep the robots at bay, "Someone check the back!"
"I'm on it!" Gus said, running back.
"Right behind you!" Willow said, readying her plant magic.
"Me too!" Maddie said, bringing out some bombs.
Sprig used his sling shot to take out a few, not too far away from the Blight Twins who themselves seem to be enjoying the battle.
"I feel like a hero," Edric said.
"Don't let it go to your head," Emira teased.
As the robots got closer to the center, General Grime arrived out of the air and slammed his hammer down on one, the shockwave knocking the other robots back.
"Did you miss me!?" Grime taunted and continued his attack.
"Typical Grime, always arriving in style," Sasha said.
"Hey Sasha," Star said. "We got a problem."
Showing up near the front of the village was the giant turtle robot, the metallic creature readying it's arsenal for attack.
"Holy shit that's a big robot," Sasha said.
"Hey we fought a golem in a volcano once," Marcy said. "We totally got this!"
The robots began firing missiles into town, with Star, Lilith, Amity, Luz, Edric and Emirra using their magic to reduce any incoming damage.
"We gotta destroy that thing, hurry!" Marco ran at the robot, readying his sword as he strike, but the robot's core was too strong. "What in the world?"
Marco got whacked back into town, Amity using her abomination to catch him, "I got you!"
"I owe you for that," Marco said.
"You would have done the same," Amity said, then focused back on the turtle. "It's coming! Brace yourselves!"
Luz brought two of her fire glyphs together to create a larger blast that knocked the robot back, but barely. Buff Frog and Grime attacked with their brute strength while Sprig attacked from afar, trying to hit specific parts in hopes of stunning it.
Willow returned to the front and used her vines to grab the robot while Maddie tossed some bombs in its face, but the robot was proving to be a struggle.
"Spider with a Top Hat!" Star said, sending out a spider that pulled out a mini gun and opened fire on the robot.
Marco looked very much concerned, but remembered one saving grace, "Anne! I don't suppose you still have access to that Blue Form!"
"I do, but it only activates under extreme peril!" Anne said.
"Huh!? This IS extreme peril!" Marco said.
"Marco, Anne, focus!" Amity said, using her magic to try and lift the robot. "Let me try to see if I can-"
"Watch out!" Marco called as a missile headed toward Amity. She was quick to use her abomination to protect herself but she got knocked back from the blast, hitting her head against a house.
"Mittens!" Emira called.
Luz angrily went after the robot, "How dare you! I'm so gonna-"
Luz got whacked back, the robot attempted to blast her but Sasha rolled in and pulled Luz out of the way at the last second.
"That was close, you alright?" Sasha asked.
"Yeah, I am, thank you Sasha," Luz said.
"Don't thank me until the fight's over," Sasha said, holding her swords out while Luz stood by her side.
"More robots incoming!" Gus said, using his illusion magic to trick some of the robots, allowing Marcy a chance to sneak attack them.
Amity stood back up, glaring at the turtle robot, "Hey you big bastard! I'm not done with you!"
"Amity! Be careful!" Edric called, going to help his sister, but got blocked by a robot. "Out of the way!"
As Amity got in close, the took another hard whack, knocking her to the floor as the robot aimed its weapons over her, ready to destroy the young witch.
"Amity! Watch out!" Anne powered into her blue form to block the robot from attacking Amity. "Don't you dare hurt my friend!"
"Anne?" Amity said.
"Stay back, I'll keep you safe!" Anne shouted, using her powers to punch the robot into the air, the turtle landing on its back and unable to move. Anne then grabbed it by its tail and began slamming it a but to weaken its outer core. After a while, she started swinging it around and after gaining enough momentum, she released it into the sky.
Using what remained of her strength, Anne jumped up and punched through the robot, leaving it heavily damaged from the strike.
"Luz! With me!" Star said, aiming her wand while Luz aimed her glyphs, the two sending a fiery blast powerful enough to finish off the robot, blasting it to pieces as Anne landed safely back down, powering out of her blue form.
"Oh no..." a robot said. Suddenly he found Marco glaring down at it. "Uh...we surrender?"
Marco grabbed it by the face, looking it dead in the eye, "Send this message to your boss. I'm coming for him and his witchy sidekick. Andrias and Belos! Your days of terrorizing these worlds are numbered! The day you broke the heart of a sweet girl is the day you made me your enemy! When I find you, you're gonna wish that cheap shot of yours killed me! Because I am not leaving anything to chance with either of you! You will never have Amphibia! You will never have Mewni! You will never have The Boiling Isles! And you for damn sure will never have Earth!"
Marco then kicked the robot away while the others ran off in fear, the citizens of the town celebrating their win.
"Awesome! We pulled it off!" Sprig cheered.
"Hell yeah! Nothing can stop us!" Ivy shouted.
"Wow, that was interesting," Edric said. "Think we'll get a parade?"
"Oh be quiet," Emira scolded.
Marco was still huffing in anger, Marcy not too far away as she thought over his words. She rarely hears Marco get angry, but those words were also full of righteous fury, something she couldn't help but find a bit admirable. Times like these remind her that Marco shows incredible passion for those he cares about, and even now she's at the forefront of his mind despite their breakup. Marcy had to wonder if she made the right choice.
Amity seemed amazed too, seeing just how dedicated Marco was to stopping Andrias and Belos. For a moment, she felt swooned by his words, and had to admit to herself once again that he is definitely a boy she would have considered. Part of her was a bit curious about Marco but she still had reservations about dating a boy. Not to mention her heart was already filled with confusion as it was, adding Marco to that would be chaotic.
"Wow, we really pulled it off," Sasha said. "And Marco, damn is he quite the talker. Gotta admit, I find that really attractive about him."
"Yeah, he's really brave," Luz said.
"Well, so are you, after all you're the one who went in with Star to take down that robot," Sasha said.
"I got that chance because you saved me," Luz said. "Now that we won, I want to thank you again for helping me out back there."
"It's nothing, I'm just proving what I said," Sasha said. "I want to be there for you now, and I really want to do the right thing from now on. I know I've said this before and this sounds like an empty promise now, but I want to be better."
"I think you can be," Luz said. "I know I was quite critical of you myself but, I really do think you care about Anne, you're just not good at showing it. So because I care about Anne just as much, I want to help you two make amends."
"Thanks, Anne really had good taste in friends," Sasha said. "When we get back, I owe you a pizza."
"Why? You're the one who saved me, I should get you something," Luz said.
"Just let me, I want to make things up to you as well," Sasha said. "Especially since you're the only one who believes in me."
"We'll talk it over," Luz said, turning to Anne, a slight blush appearing on her face. "Still, she's really amazing, I love how brave she is."
"You must really like her, a lot," Sasha said.
"I do...but I can't help but feel like my heart is trying to go two different directions," Luz said, briefly glancing at Amity. "It's just so confusing."
"I've been there," Sasha said. "We'll talk about it soon, I have a lot to admit to you."
Meanwhile as Anne dusted herself off, Amity had gone to check on her, "Are you hurt?"
"Me? I'm fine," Anne said. "I'm a little worn out, that form takes a toll on me, but nothing I can't handle."
"Thanks for saving me," Amity said.
"Hey we're friends, aren't we?" Anne asked. "Of course I'll save you."
"It's just that...we didn't always get along," Amity said.
"...Since when?" Anne asked. "I was under the impression that we've always been cool with each other."
"Really? But, I had issues with you when we first met," Amity said.
"I...honestly don't remember," Anne said.
"Remember when we argued about Luz because of Sasha during this Battle of the Bands thing?" Amity asked.
"...You're still hung up about that? It was forever ago," Anne said. "I wasn't even bothered, you stood up for Luz because she's your friend and you knew her longer than I did, I'm not gonna hold that against you. I moved on from that pretty quickly."
"...Maybe it was in my head then, I just remember being jealous because Luz was so fascinated with you," Amity said. "It got to that point in the Neverzone when we nearly broke apart our friendship."
"Oh right, my memory's so fuzzy on that," Anne said. "Look, I don't know what you're feeling, but I don't feel any hostility toward you, alright?" Anne said. "It's all good Amity. As far as I'm concerned, you're my friend, and I will always be there for you."
"You're so sweet, thank you," Amity said, bringing Anne in for a hug.
"And if you feel like you have anything to get off your chest, just let me know," Anne said, hugging back. "I'm here for you, Amity."
"I can see why Luz likes you," Amity said, feeling strange at the moment. Her heart was feeling even more chaotic, but perhaps this could be the mending she needs to feel better about a lot of things.
The battle in Wartwood was over for now, but more was on the horizon that everyone needed to be ready for.