It's been a looong time since we've updated. In short, life really got busy for me and Starry, and the story was put on the backburner. But now, it's back, and we look forward to finishing the end of this story!

The Split

Eclipsa couldn't sleep at all that night. Everything bothered her—her warm bed, Globgor's snoring, the darkness of the room—and she didn't know why. Why did her soul prickle with an urgent sense she couldn't shake? All was well on Earth-ni. Or at least it seemed that way after the calamity of the Cleaving. Between Moon's ambitions and Star's dream, the dark queen knew trouble was brewing under the surface. Perhaps, that was why sleep could not find her. As much as Eclipsa longed to shield Star from the issues lying within the dimension and the prophecies stirred up by the Blood Moon, she could not anymore. It was time for the truth to be revealed, even if it shattered the princess's desire for a normal, carefree life.

I have to tell her about Moon, Eclipsa sighed and sank deeper under the covers. From her bedroom in the Monster Temple, she spied the mushroom-shaped spires of the Butterfly castle in the distance, bared like dulled fangs. But even they could bite and leave a nasty wound. Whatever Moon had planned would only lead to more pain and division in the future. However, the real issue that plagued Eclipsa's mind was the mysterious, red moon gazing over one place in Earth-ni. The strange energy invigorated her like a cup of Earth coffee—the black, bitter lightning humans drank in the morning.

As she reclined in bed, Eclipsa remembered the stories her father used to fill her mind with during his sparse visits. He knew so much about the Blood Moon and made it his life's work to uncover its deepest secrets. Before he sailed into the Western Sea, never to be seen or heard from again, he visited her one last time, and Eclipsa remembered that night well. He appeared the way he always did, out of the mists of the shipping canal on a small dinghy. But this time, he did not stay long. He came to say goodbye. She'd asked why, and his raspy response still rang in her ears to this very day: The Blood Moon has deemed me worthy to know its secrets, so I must go West. Further than any Mewman has ever gone. I leave you with simple instructions, my evening star, find out the Prophecy of the Blood Moon with Globgor. It will save us all.

Perhaps, there was truth in his words. Eclipsa gently poked Globgor's shoulder to wake him up. With a roaring yawn, he stretched and turned to meet her, the bed creaking under his massive frame. "What is wrong, my darkest star?" He asked, rubbing his eyes. "Can't sleep? Do you need a massage or some chamomile tea?"

While both sounded pleasing, she declined, "Not tonight, Globby. Instead, I want to talk for a bit."

"I'm all ears," he laughed and shrunk to a size where his ears would seem larger.

"Oh, Globby," she giggled but then grew serious again. Her eyes lifted towards the Blood Moon, and her husband followed her gaze.

"Ah, the Blood Moon," he nodded. "That old story. Is that what's on your mind?"

"I guess so."

Globgor leaned against the headboard and began, "It's a story passed down to us monsters for generations. Stories of lovers being bound together by its red light. I know your father wanted that to happen to us, but we were three hundred years too early and too late."

"Do you think it's true?" Eclipsa asked.

"Your people worship a giant dead tree," Globgor said with an amused laugh. "Of course, the Blood Moon is real. The truth of its power can only be revealed to the couple it chooses. It is a deep mystery."

"Oh."

"Why do you ask?"

"I think Star and Marco are the Chosen."

Globgor's eyes grew wide, and Eclipsa went on, "I don't know much about it, but I think there's a prophecy around them about to be revealed."

"If there's a prophecy, then there's danger coming," Globgor shuddered as he spoke, and a sudden breeze chilled the room. Even the Blood Moon's light became harsh, turning into a crimson drop of blood smearing in the night sky.

"What kind of danger?"

"I dunno. I thought the end of magic took care of our enemies," Globgor sighed. "Clearly not. In fact, I wonder if not having magic has made us more vulnerable. And if Star and Marco are targeted…"

"—I have to tell Moon," Eclipsa cut in. "I know we have a rocky relationship, but Star's her daughter. She needs to know."

"I have my thoughts about Moon, but I agree that she must know."

A yawn parted Eclipsa's lips, and she settled back into bed. Despite her dark premonitions, her body still needed rest, especially with the long day of truth-telling ahead. "Thanks for the talk, Globby," she said. "I think I'm going to bed now and will tell Moon first thing when I wake up."

He kissed her on the cheek and wrapped his massive arms around her tiny body. His shadow blocked the troubling light of the Blood Moon and allowed sleep to claim Eclipsa at last.

The magnificent windows of Butterfly castle flashed brightly in the morning sunlight. Eclipsa paused and gazed at them, blown away by their newness. She'd almost forgotten the castle's splendor. It was a colorful mountain, gleaming like a precious jewel, that dwarfed the rest of Earth-ni in its shadow. As much as Butterfly castle brought back bitter memories of oppression, it was nice to see it restored to its former glory. Now, let's hope we leave behind a legacy worthy enough for it, Eclipsa thought solemnly as she spied the monster workers traveling past her in crowded wagons full of furniture and other decorations for the inside. Regardless of what happened on Mewni, whoever sat on the throne now had to be ready to forge a path forward.

I just hope Moon let's progress run its course, Eclipsa glanced up at the Blood Moon in a silent prayer for guidance, then continued on her way. She found Moon exactly where she thought she would be: in the great throne room. The former queen was busy barking orders to her workers about where to set the massive, blue throne. "No, no, not there. There!" She pointed quickly towards a spot on the platform above her. "In the middle. It must be in the middle!"

The monsters grunted and strained under their heavy load but obeyed their commands. They tentatively set it down once more and nervously glanced at Moon for approval. She marched closer and squinted her eyes, which made them freeze in panic. "That'll do," she decided coldly. "For now. Run along. It appears that I have a visitor."

The monsters hastily exited the room, their feet echoing against the polished, blue stone as they departed. Soon after, Moon turned to Eclipsa, "What is it?" There was no warmth in her voice or in the frown etched on her thin, gray brow.

"The castle looks lovely, Moon," Eclipsa said. "I can just imagine the old days when the halls were filled with visiting lords and ladies."

Her flattery softened Moon's expression, even teasing a smile on her sullen face. "Ah, yes," she tittered and turned towards the main stained-glass window, which depicted a fat unicorn flanked by important scenes from history and butterflies. "It'll be great to have those old days again."

"Yeah…"

"Like the window art?" Moon asked. "It was just installed yesterday."

Eclipsa cringed at the heroic portrayal of the past queens without any mention of monsters, warfare, and brutality. It was disheartening to see that Moon wanted to sanitize important history for the sake of appearances. Earth-ni deserved to know the full truth, especially since the newer generations looked up to the old for wisdom. And where's Star? Eclipsa noticed that the current ruler was conveniently missing from the rest. To answer Moon, she dipped her head politely, "It is a very interesting interpretation of history."

"The true history."

"Right…" Eclipsa swallowed the lump forming in her throat.

"What brings you here? I doubt it's to admire the floor molding."

You got me there, Eclipsa nodded, "It's about Star."

"What about her?"

"I think she and Marco are in mortal danger," Eclipsa went on, trying to sound as serious as possible. "I talked to her yesterday, and she confessed something to me. She's been having Blood Moon dreams."

"The Blood Moon?"

"Yes."

"I haven't heard that tale in a long time," Moon said without looking at Eclipsa. In fact, her eyes remained glued to the stained-glass as if it held the answers to the universe and everything. An eerie silence filled the room for a long time.

"Moon?" Eclipsa broke the silence. "Are you okay? Look, I know the return of the Blood Moon is scary and—"

"—Do you think the monsters made my nose too big?" Moon pointed to the facsimile of herself standing on a miniature roof of the castle. In the mural, she looked down over a crowd of monsters and Mewmans bowing down in complete adoration.

Eclipsa blinked as the other queen went on, "Ugh, stupid monster craftsmen! I knew they'd do this just to spite me. I'll have them come back at once to—" She never finished her sentence for Eclipsa stormed in her face. If she had magic, she would've smacked Moon across the jaw with a blast from the wand—not caring if it infected the queen with Dark Magic or not.

"Are you even hearing yourself, Moon?" the dark queen spat. "You care about a dumb mural when Star's life is in danger! The Blood Moon is a big deal. If its magic has an effect on Star and Marco, then we need to do something."

Moon brushed her off, "It's just a silly monster story."

"But what if it isn't! Also, what's wrong with monster stories?"

"It's a myth."

"So you're willing to gamble on your own daughter's safety?"

"Why do you care, Eclipsa?"

"Because I've watched how you've treated her since the Cleaving," she grew hotter and angrier by the second. "With utter contempt. Like she's in the way of your petty glory. You pushed her down a mountain for the crown, for corn's sake! What if she died?"

Moon's eyes softened for a split second, but the same hardness from earlier glossed over swiftly after. "You couldn't even care for your own people as queen," she retorted. "Now, you have the nerve of telling me how to run my family…"

"Well, at least I treat Star with the love she deserves," Eclipsa took a step forward. "I'm a better mother to her than you ever have!" Her words echoed in the great hall, followed by the piercing slap of a hand connecting to her cheek viciously. Eclipsa recoiled and rubbed her stinging face, cowering in fear at the rage on Moon's face.

"That is enough out of you," Moon said scarcely above a whisper. "Get out. Get out of this castle and stop this nonsense about the Blood Moon. The magic is gone. It is gone."

Part of Eclipsa wanted to stand and fight, but what would that solve? Moon was set in her ways and refused to see her hand in the demise of the kingdom, just like the queens of old. I'll handle this myself then, the dark queen turned and marched out of the castle. She meant what she said too. Star always came to her when the weight of princess duties became overbearing and sought her advice in relationships. Moon never offered her anything useful. I wish she were my child, Eclipsa let out a heavy sigh as soon as she left the castle. If she had been her mother, she could have spared her from so much pain. Star was never going to fit the traditional mold of a queen; why force her to?

Suddenly, Eclipsa heard panting, and she looked up to see Star standing in front of her, out of breath and with eyes red from crying. "What happened, dear?" Eclipsa put a hand over her face.

"I just need to be away from Marco for a bit," her voice trailed away. The queen greeted her with a warm hug, needing the embrace herself too. There's so much we need to discuss, she breathed. But first, she needed to help Star.

"Is it about the Blood Moon?"

Star said nothing and cried in Eclipsa's arms.

Demon May Care

"Ahh, there's nothing more refreshing than a hot lava shower," Tom sighed contently as he reached for the facet.

The steady stream of lava diminished into a trickle, then disappeared, leaving the dripping demon prince alone in the dark granite stall. He leaned against the smooth walls and let the excess roll off his purple skin and onto the floor, where the lava cooled into tiny glass beads that slid into the drain. There was nothing on Earth-ni more refreshing than a nightly lava shower. It soothed the soul, relaxed the mind, and burned away every germ and blemish from the body. Tom honestly couldn't imagine how humans settled for bathing in mere tap water. How disgusting!

After drying off partly, he reached for the pink towel on the hook and walked into the cavernous bathroom. His feet sizzled on the heated floor, releasing even more steam in the air. As he passed the sink, he paused to marvel at his reflection. Who's the most handsome devil out there? Tom smirked at the magnificent creature staring back at him. Lucitors were certainly known for their looks with their refined features, well-proportioned bodies, and amazing demon eyes. The Mewman half of him through his father only accentuated his natural beauty, softening the boorishness of pointy ears and sharp horns. In other words, it was easy to see why Prince Thomas Lucitor, heir to the Underworld throne, was a favorite among the princesses, especially with Star. But those days were long over, and it was better this way.

I wonder what Diaz has under that hoodie, Tom suddenly wondered, though the thought sounded strange in his head. In his voice. But seriously, he had to know what exactly Star liked about Marco since he seemed so average in build, height, and frame. What could the human boy possibly have that he didn't…? Actually, I don't wanna know, Tom dismissed the thought and his eyes twitched when he came upon a realization. But even if that were the case, he bet his equipment was better. After all, there were a few succubi on his mother's side.

"Regardless, I'm still the coolest," Tom said with a huff and opened the door to his bedroom.

Steam billowed around him, shrouding the room in a thin haze. The stalactites and stalagmites stick out of the wisps like threatening black claws, but he loved the look of them. Of all the rooms in the castle, his was the most unique as a cross between an angsty teen bedroom and a torture chamber. Near his bed, the lava pool provided ambient heat and light, which glinted off of chains, torture devices, and videogames scattered about the room. The rest of the castle was creepier, as the Lucitors loved their collection of screaming souls, bloodied weapons, and dangerous ghouls. When royal guests came to visit, however, the servants locked away anything too weird. The Butterflys may be warmongering, bug-queens, but they hated being scared.

But in his room, Tom was free to be whoever he wanted to be. And it's time to free the tail, he dropped the towel to his ankles.

"Tom!"

"Marco?!" Tom suddenly noticed his best friend sitting on the bed, staring in horror at his bare demon butt cheeks, and he hastily covered himself with the towel. "What the heck are you doing in my room?!"

And how did Marco even get to the Underworld without dimensional scissors? The kingdom never advertised its new location in Janna's basement, and even if it did, Marco would've had to survive a long journey across lava fields, rivers of souls, and fiery lakes to reach the castle. Either the boy was the dimension's best stalker or extremely desperate to hang out. I think the latter, Tom noticed his tear-stained cheeks and puffy red eyes. Something horrible must have happened for Marco shivered like a lost puppy in a forest, miserable and lowly, waiting for a car to roll by and see him. Or waiting for the car to run him over, Tom thought darkly. For a second, he thought about calling the Sad Teen Hotline.

When Marco didn't answer, Tom sat next to him and carefully rearranged his towel. "What's up, bro?" he asked. "How are things going between you and Starship?"

Sniffling, Marco buried his face in his shoulder and started to sob. Are you okay? Tom recoiled but eventually rubbed his friend's back in response. When he tried to move away, the boy clung to him for dear life, covering his skin in briny tears. Ugh, and I just got cleaned! Tom bit his lip to keep from complaining.

"Oh, Tom," Marco wailed pitifully. "There's something going on between me and Star, and it's so horrible."

"Did you get her pregnant?" he gasped.

The question made the weeping boy sit up straight in an instant. "No! No, it's not like that at all!" he insisted.

"Suure."

Everyone in the dimension knew about their Parking Lot Tycoon sessions. They frequently made headlines in the tabloids, thanks to Pony Head's new column: The Dirt on Starco. People made bets on when Star would get pregnant, and the consensus was sooner rather than later.

"Okay, did you two break up?" Tom asked again.

"No…"

Of course not, he knew the idea of Star and Marco breaking up was as inconceivable as the stars falling from the sky. They were the glue that cleaved the dimensions together after all. If they ever split, then the world would end right then and there.

"So, if you two didn't break up or get knocked up, then what's the big deal?" Tom lashed his tail.

Marco sighed, "It's hard to explain…"

"Try me," Tom dared. "I'm the prince of the Underworld—nothing's too weird for me."

"We were exploring the old Britta's Taco last night to find answers about these horrible dreams we've been having. They're related to the Blood Moon."

"The Blood Moon?" Tom echoed.

He thought since the magic was destroyed that he could escape the guilt of his biggest mistake. The Blood Moon Ball was far from his proudest moment. He tried to use its mysterious magic to make Star fall in love with him, but, thankfully, it backfired. Instead of leaving the Blood Moon's choice as confirmation that Star and Marco were destined to be together, Tom just had to mettle again and cause them to break their bond. Ever since the Cleaving, he hoped the past would stay in the past. Since the magic was gone, even if the bond did mean something to his friends, it would've disappeared anyways. Right?

Marco nodded, "Yeah. Star and I have been having these terrible dreams…and I dunno, after last night, I'm afraid she won't love me again."

That's freakin' ridiculous, dude, Tom rolled his eyes at his hysteria but felt intrigued by the Blood Moon dreams. Because he was stubbornly focused on getting Star to fall in love with him at the Blood Moon Ball, he skipped a lot of research about its origins and what it did to the couple it bound together. Now, he had to help Marco get to the bottom of things. And out of my bedroom, Tom decided.

"Hey, Marco," he placed a hand on his friend's shoulder. "Why don't we discuss this Blood Moon stuff over a game of ping-pong?"

The boy eyed the game table on the far side of the room, then slowly nodded, "Okay. But can you put some clothes on first?"

"Didn't like what you saw?" Tom flashed him a crooked smile. When Marco didn't respond, he sighed, "I'm kidding, but yes, I can put on something decent."

After a few moments, Tom reemerged from the bathroom fully clothed and with a sly grin on his face. Energy surged in his body as he looked forward to slaying Marco again in their old game. He sauntered to the ping-pong table—the miniature green battlefield—and summoned two paddles and a bucket of balls. "I don't care how sad you are about Starship," he playfully jeered, tossing a paddle to Marco. "I'm gonna kick your butt!"

Marco rubbed his nose on his sleeve, but Tom saw the fire burning in his hazy brown eyes. It was one he knew well as his old romantic rival. Though the days of fighting over Star were long over, they still never backed down from a good challenge. The boys squared off like fighting stags, sizing each other up with heated glares.

"I'm still good at ball sports," Marco taunted.

"We'll see about that, Diaz!" Tom smirked devilishly.

"You better not cheat this time. No more balls guided by demons."

The prince clucked his tongue and pouted, "You're no fun." He begrudgingly obliged the request and freed the demons trapped in the plastic balls. They hissed in gratitude as they rose out of the bucket and disappeared into the air. "Happy?" Tom grumbled.

"Thanks, buddy," Marco smiled.

Without his minions to help him, Tom became even more determined to beat the mole off his rival's face. He served the first ball with a gentle tap of the paddle. Marco met it instantly, and the boys exchanged the ball several times in a rhythmic beat. Tap. Bounce. Tap. Bounce. Tap. Bounce. The hollow pings were both hypnotizing and maddening on Tom's end. His instincts begged for bloodlust. He missed watching Marco duck when a ball steered towards him or yelp when it smacked his skull. Where was the fun in being on equal footing? Maybe I should've possessed the paddles, he flicked his tail when Marco scored a point on a fast return.

The boy smiled for the first time tonight. "You're getting soft, Tom!"

"I let you have that one!" he argued.

"Sure…"

"Shut up and serve, Diaz. At least I don't have girl problems." After meeting Marco's serve, Tom added, "Tell me about the dreams."

"I don't know where to begin," Marco said with sorrow heavy in his voice.

"Try me…DAMMIT!"

The ball whizzed right passed Tom's ear and rolled across the floor. If it weren't for the fact that Marco was still upset, he would burst into flames and give him a real game to remember.

"Geez, Lucitor, watch your language."

"Like you're one to talk. I've heard the noises you make with Starship at night."

Marco suddenly froze and his eyes grew wide in horror. "Y-you can…?"

"I'm a demon, Marco. I'm cursed with really good hearing, and the Monster Temple is above the castle." The memories made Tom shudder.

"Oh…I'm so sorry."

"Anyways, let's get back to the dreams." Tom wanted to forget the screams, and he could tell Marco wanted to drop the subject just as much.

"Right, the dreams," Marco set down his paddle and thought for a moment. "Star always died in them…and," he swallowed a lump in his throat, "I was responsible for her death."

"Ah, classic Blood Moon dream," Tom nodded and flexed the paddle in his hands.

"Are you taking this seriously?"

"Don't worry," Tom said. "I am. Now, I don't know a ton about the Blood Moon, but I know a thing or two about prophetic dreams. They're usually way worse than what'll actually happen. Like I seriously doubt you'd kill your girlfriend."

"That's great!" Marco laughed softly in relief—one Tom didn't necessarily share.

Although he was right about his statement, it didn't mean that Star wasn't in serious danger from something or someone else. No one on Earth-ni seemed to be after their new leader, which only deepened the mystery. Plus, the Blood Moon was an ancient power, so the threat against Star and Marco had to be powerful and old as well.

"Don't get ahead of yourself, Marco," Tom warned. "We're not out of the woods here. The Blood Moon is calling you and Star to solve a mystery, and you have to face it."

"But she ran when we saw a vision in Britta's Tacos."

"You need to do two things," the demon held up his fingers. "One, find what the Blood Moon wants you to find, and two, find Starship. While I'm not a Blood Moon expert, I know my ex extremely well. She's never going to directly confront her feelings unless you make her. I bet she's scared, but you two are a team. You'll figure it out together."

Marco smiled and pulled Tom in for a hug. "Thanks for being a good friend," he murmured into his shoulder.

"That's what I'm here for," the demon suppressed a purr tickling in his throat. "I can come with you to Britta's if you need the support."

"Can I come too?"

"JANNA!" The boys jumped apart when the mischievous girl casually strolled into the room, carrying a soda.

She smirked and took a sip, "I didn't know you had guests over, Tom, or I would've rescheduled your nightly massage."

"A nightly what?"Marco stared at Tom, who blushed and looked away.

"D-don't look at me like that," he sputtered. "It's strictly platonic."

"Uh-huh, sure…Strictly platonic, post-shower massages…"

"Don't get smug, Diaz."

Janna cut in, "Anyways, if you're going to do Blood Moon things, I'm your expert. When do we get started?"

"The sooner, the better," Marco glanced at his phone for the time. "So let's go."