Rifts

Part 23~Baby Shower

Tom tilted his head as he followed behind Marco and Solar. "Are you going to tell me where we're going?"

Marco grinned, turning to face Tom and walking backwards. "You'll have to wait and find out."

Solar beamed as he stopped by the door, opening it. "Welcome to the Defender's armoury!" The large room was full of weapons.

Marco led Tom inside. "Since you're struggling so much with hand-to-hand combat, I thought it might be better to pick a weapon and learn that. We have everything here. Cursed swords, normal swords, guns, crossbows, bows, maces, even staffs."

Tom gaped, spinning around as he drifted his hands over the weapons. "I don't know. I'm not exactly good with swords. I used to have to train with them, but we stopped after I cut my hands off for the eightieth time."

Solar took a deep breath. "Yeah, let's not do that. Well, as you know, I use my compact staff. When Moc and I first escaped, we didn't have many options in the way of weapons, so I taught myself to fight with this tree branch. It was only when I saved the king of Cantinpola, did his husband give me this." Solar spun his staff around him as Tom stared in wonder.

"What about you Marco?"

Marco hummed, pulling out his butterfly knives. "Well, before I fought hand to hand. I studied Karate since I was little, but I truly learnt when I chased after Hekapoo for my first pair of scissors. Learning how to use these knives resulted from being Hekapoo's apprentice. I poured my magic into the metal and made these. They're one of a kind and won't work for anyone but me. Then I spent almost two years mastering them until it was second nature."

Tom stumbled back as Marco frowned in concern.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah. I'm fine... It's just you guys are so cool. How can I ever stand up to guys?"

Marco and Solar shared a look as Solar chuckled, wrapping an arm around Tom. "Don't stress yourself about it. You can take your time." Solar brought out a key, giving it to Tom. "You're welcome in here anytime you want. And when you've found the weapon you like, we'll help you learn it because take it from two idiots who self-taught, the only good that will do is cut off your hands, again."

Tom smiled, taking the key. "Thank you." Tom paused, looking at the clock. "But don't you have to go?"

Marco chuckled. "I'll be back soon. Have fun, and don't chop off your legs!" Marco opened a portal, rushing forward.

Tom sighed. "Why are you both so cool?"

Solar blinked, blushing. "You think I'm cool."

Tom jumped up, pulling upon the door. "Goodbye!"

"No, Tom!"

~~~

Opening the portal, Marco leads Star back to Earth. "All right, we'll just pop in and pop out real quick. I don't just want Tom and Solar to be alone all day in the armoury."

"And because you didn't tell your parents that you didn't go to Mewni and have actually been away for years, not months."

"Yeah. That too." Marco coughed awkwardly as the portal closed behind him. He stopped as someone ran out of the house, screaming in delight.

"I caught the bouquet! I caught the bouquet!"

Star watched the lady in confusion. "So, what kind of part is this?"

Marco chuckled, a grin on his face. "It's a human tradition."

"A tradition?"

"Yeah, we call it a baby shower. When a person is expecting, they announce it at a baby shower."

"Expecting? Expecting what?"

Marco raised his eyebrow as he stepped up to the door. "You know, expecting a child."

Angie smiled, looking out the door. "Marco!"

"Hey, mom! It's been a while." Marco chuckled nervously as he rubbed his arm. "So, who's having the baby?"

Angie laughed, turning to the side and showing off her stomach. "Can't you tell?"

Marco blinked. "You are? You're having another child? When did this happen?!"

Rafael walked out, holding a picture. "Oh, while you were out on Mewni. And you're going to be a big brother! Say hello to your hermanito, Marco Junior!" Rafael turned the picture around, showing the sonogram.

Wait, what? You're naming him Marco Junior?"

Angie nodded. "After you."

"That's not how it works! You don't name your son after your son!"

"But he's got a little mole just like you, Marco Senior."

Marco narrowed his eyes before sighing. "A brother, huh? Cool. How have I not heard about this until now?"

"It's okay. You've been busy." Angie smiled before she soured. "It would have been nice if you responded to at least one of our letters though."

"You've been sending me letters?"

Star gasped, wincing a little. "Oh, yeah, I forgot to tell you that, didn't I?"

"Star?" Marco crossed his arms, giving Star a look she had learnt meant to tell the truth or get punched.

"So, don't get mad, but there is a pile of letters that people have sent you. Don't give me that look; they started coming before you arrived."

Angie frowned, looking between Marco and Star. "Wait? Why would our letters arrive after Marco?"

Marco paused, letting out a sigh. "I should probably tell you what's happened since I left, huh? But let's talk about this later. Today is all about you." Marco smiled as Angie hummed in delight.

Star chuckled. "I thought we were going to be quick?"

Marco let out a sigh. "I'll be back." Opening a portal, Marco disappeared for a second. Angie shared a look with her husband when a scream came out, followed by an explosion. Marco coughed as he walked out of the portal, covered in ash. "And this is why I didn't want to leave you two alone."

Marco grumbled as he dragged Tom and Solar behind him. They laughed, both covered in ash and scratches. "What? You told me to pick a weapon." Tom grinned as Marco sighed, giving him an annoyed look.

Angie chuckled, helping Solar and Tom up. "And who might you be?"

Marco sighed, waving toward Solar and Tom respectfully. "That's Solar, and this is Tom. Guys, this is my mother and father."

Tom and Solar suddenly straightened up, standing taller and dusting the ash off them. "H-hi." Tom chuckled nervously, bowing to Angie. "I am Prince Tom Lucitor. It's great to meet you."

Angie laughed as she shook her head. "No, need for that. It's a party; you're all welcome."

Solar and Tom shared a look as they followed the group inside.