Chapter Six: Moving Forward

Buff Frog breathed a heavy sigh as he stood just outside of his home, wearing a pair of old underwear and a bathrobe. It was a beautiful new day in the land of Mewni. And as the sun rose in the distance, it bathed all the land in a warm, gentle glow. The morning breeze carried a sweet scent along with it and as he felt it wash over him, Buff Frogs head flippers twitched ever so slightly.

Spring seemed to have arrived overnight in the land of Mewni. All of a sudden, the air was once again alive with the sounds of Mewni wildlife as beautiful flowers and plants began to flourish all around. Everything in the land seemed to have been made brighter with the season's change. The bitter cold of winter had been replaced with the gentle warmth of spring. And nearly every creature on Mewni was excited by the change.

For Mewmans, spring brought about a sense of pure joy. For them, it was the season of many feasts. The season of romance. And the season of new beginnings.

Mewman crops would soon be overflowing with produce, and several festivals would be held just to keep up with the incredible abundance of food. During springtime, Mewmans held at least three different corn festivals, a meat festival, an 'everything else' festival, and even a small little festival for those few strange Mewmans that preferred carrots. And that was just the beginning.

There was also the 'Festival of Lovers'. A festival dedicated to romance, and to the various courting rituals of Mewni. Then, there was the 'Festival of Friendship'. A festival dedicated to the many precious platonic relationships in everyone's lives. And then, there was the 'Festival of Rivalries', which often devolved into a multi kingdom-wide game of 'Flags'. This was usually the second most violent of the springtime festivals. The first being the festival that they held in honor of the 'Great Monster Massacre'.

Each kingdom celebrated the many festivals of spring in their own unique ways. The Spiderbite Kingdom had somehow managed to tie every festival into their life-long war against the armies of spiders that kept them surrounded at all times. The Johansons tended to celebrate everything with a whole lot of corn-ale and fighting. And the Netherworld celebrations were known to contain unspeakable horrors. Which was why most non-demon creatures tended to avoid the Netherworld during the spring.

Spring was truly a magical time for most. But for those creatures of Mewni who had been classified as a 'Monster' some time in their history, spring felt considerably different.

For Monsters, the season of spring meant dealing with all manner of crazed wildlife within the Forests. For most of the wild creatures of Mewni, springtime was also mating season. Which meant a dramatic increase in territorial and aggressive behavior for most. And it wasn't just the many beast or lizard-like creatures of the Forests that made trouble for monsters. The Forests were also home to all manner of dangerous plants. Some were poisonous, some were carnivorous, and many were both. And they would all use the change in season as an opportunity to spread as far and wide as possible.

Springtime was the most dangerous time of the year to be a monster living in the forests of Mewni. Between having to fight and scavenge for food with the newly invigorated wildlife, many Monsters also had to deal with the many 'Monster Hunting Expeditions' that the festivals celebrating the Great Monster Massacre often inspired.

But despite the extra danger, and the near immeasurable amounts of stress and anxiety that came along with it, the Monsters still pressed on. Monsters had grown incredibly resilient over the centuries. They were forced too- after all, their only alternative was to die.

As a way of celebrating their collective resilience, the Monsters would all gather together once a year in the center of the biggest forest of Mewni, far away from any Kingdom, and hold a festival of their own.

It was known as the 'Festival of Fantasy'. And it was a time when Monsters from all over the land would come together, bringing as much food as they could find, and spend a whole night partying together. This gathering had been dubbed the 'Festival of Fantasy', because it was the one night of the year that Monsters could indulge in the fantasy of living the way that many imaged the Mewmans did. And it was the one time of the year that every Monster genuinely looked forward too.

Buff Frog clenched his teeth a little as he read and then re-read the letter in his hands. He had found the letter in an envelope tied to a rock just in front of his door. The sound of it hitting his front door had been what had stirred him awake so early in the morning. The letter was addressed to him by name, and upon opening it, he had felt a quick swell of dread deep in his belly.

'To Yvgeny Bulgolyubov.

We, the official organizers of this year's Festival of Fantasy wish to inform you that you and your family are no longer welcome to attend the Festival. Not this year, and possibly, never again.

Please make a note of this.

And if you arrive anyway, we will not hesitate to eject you.

We simply cannot abide the presence of someone who has so deeply betrayed their own ancestry, by making allies of Mewmans.

And with the Princess of the Butterfly Kingdom, no less!

Please do not try to argue with this decision, as it has already been made.

From, the Organisers of the Festival of Fantasy.'

Buff Frog held the letter in his hands for a little longer, slowly scowling as he stared down at the page. Frankly, he wasn't all that worried about missing the Festival of Fantasy. He had skipped it before, after all. However... Last year, he had brought the Buff Kids to the festival. Back when they were a little closer to being 'Buff Babies'. And they had the time of their young lives. For the first time, they got to play with Monster children of their own age, and eat until their bellies were truly full.

The Buff Kids had been brimming with excitement for their next Festival of Fantasy. A few of them had even been counting down the days with small checkmarks across the muddy wall of their bedroom.

Buff Frog took a long, deep breath, and sighed once more. 'This is going to be breaking their little hearts...' he thought. Of course, he knew that they were all going to give him a brave face. They always did. But he knew very well that the news was going to hurt. It was going to feel like a rejection from all the Monsters. And there was nothing he could do about it.

Buff Frog gripped the letter and considered tearing it up in a huff. However, he paused, when he noticed a second sheet of paper behind the first. With a small, reluctant sigh, Buff Frog shifted the second piece of paper to the front and began to read.

'Heya, B-Frog. Real sorry about this...

I did my best to convince 'em otherwise, but...

Look, they're just scared. And they don't wanna take any chances. If you say the Butterfly Princess is cool, then I believe you. But there's just no way for them to trust that you won't sell 'em out to the Mewmans... Or that the crazy Princess won't follow you there and cause a total panic... The Fantasy Festival is super important to a whole lot of Monsters... And they can't take any risk of having it turn sour.

But I want you to know... I won't be going this year, either. And neither will the monsters that worked with us during that whole thing with the rats and the corn...

Don't forget to tell those lil' tykes of yours that no matter what, there are monsters out there who do know who their friends are.

Wishin' you all the best...

Boo Fly.'

As he read the letter, Buff Frog felt his mouth curl into a small smile. '...Thank you, Boo Fly.' he thought. 'I will be sure to be letting them know.'

With that, Buff Frog slowly folded up the letter and stuffed it into the pocket of his bathrobe. After taking a moment to draw a long, deep breath and stare out at the rising sun, Buff Frog quietly adjusted his bathrobe and made his way back inside. He had only taken a few short steps into the living room, when he noticed one of the Buff Kids suddenly swing open their bedroom door. Buff Frog paused for a moment, as he watched the Buff Kid march out of the room, blowing a whistle with each step. The Buff Kid blowing the whistle appeared to be Katrina. And as she blew the whistle and marched, the rest of the Buff Kids followed close behind. The Buff Kids formed a line as they marched into the middle of the living room, in perfect sync with Katrina's whistling.

Eventually, they came to a sudden stop. And as the rest of Buff Kids stood in line, Katrina marched back and forth, inspecting her brothers and sisters like a junior drill sargent. Each one of them were wearing their favorite pair of clothes, along with an oversized backpack.

"Roll call!" bellowed Katrina, her voice loud and authoritative.

"Alexi, reporting for duty!"

"Boris! Reporting also!"

"Dimitri! Ready to bring the laughs! I've got a whole bag of whoopee cushions ready to go!"

"Anya, here! I'm more ready than I've ever been for anything!"

"Mikhail is being here as well! And I am also being ready!"

"Leo is here too! I mean- I guess you know that already, 'cuz I'm attached to Mikhail an' all... But-... You know... Just so you know... I'm here! And ready!"

"I'm here too. ...I mean, 'Irina' is here too. And I'm just as ready as everyone else. ...'Cept, you know... I'm ready in a much cooler way."

"I AM NADIA! LET IT BE KNOWN! I TOO AM READY! I AM ALSO LOOOOUD!"

"Whoah now, Nadia... There's no need to be gettin' yourself all worked up so early in the morning, y'know? Uh- By the way, I'm here too. Sergei's my name. And meditation's my game. I still think you should try it, Nadia..."

"NEVER!"

Finally, at the very end of the line, Anastasia timidly cleared her throat. "I-... Anastasia is here too. And... And I'm ready too." she said. As she spoke, all of her siblings turned to face her. Each one of them looked at her with a mixture of sympathy and concern. Anastasia's black eye had fully healed, and she was no longer wearing her eye patch. However, she did have dark rings around her eyes from a lack of proper sleep.

And all of her siblings knew why. They had all noticed the way that she had been tossing and turning in her sleep. The way she sometimes shuddered and yelped- as if she were reliving her traumatic experience all over again.

Today, however, she looked a little brighter. And the reason for that was obvious. It was the same reason that all of the Buff Kids were currently barely holding back their excitement. It was because today, they were going to go visit their Uncle Marco.

"All right! Looks like we're all here, and we're all ready!" bellowed Katrina. "Now then- Let's head out!"

The Buff Kids loudly cheered and croaked amongst themselves, before rushing toward the front door- only to stop when they found their father standing in front of them with his arms crossed over his chest and his eyebrow gently raised.

"And where is it that you are all going to be 'heading out'?" asked Buff Frog, his voice gentle but authoritative.

Katrina stood in front of the other Buff Kids, and quickly slipped into her long-established role as the 'Sibling Representative'.

"We're going out to visit Uncle Marco." said Katrina.

Buff Frog stared down at the excited faces of the Buff Kids for a moment and then gave a small sigh. "...Now, Buff Kids... I have been telling you already... Your Uncle Marco is being asleep in a Mewman Hospital... And even if he were not being still recovering... We would not be able to go inside Mewman Hospital because we are being Monsters."

All of the Buff Kids quickly began to croak in protest and Katrina quickly rose her hand to silence them, before turning her attention back to her father. "We already got special permission from the Queen, remember? We got a special little ID thing and everything. Besides- we'll have our Aunty Shrubbery with us." said Katrina.

Buff Frog frowned. "...So, you were planning to be sneaking off with Shrubbery Girl?" he muttered.

"No... I mean-... Yes... But, we told her that we had your permission... And we were gonna leave a note for you..." said Katrina.

Buff Frogs frown deepened. "I have been telling you many times not to be sneaking out like this!" he said, raising his voice ever so slightly and giving the Buff Kids a stern look. "Especially not to Butterfly Kingdom! Surely you are understanding how dangerous this is!"

The Buff Kids were all silent for a moment, as they all fidgeted about, looking guilty. Katrina quietly cleared her throat, and was about to say something when she was suddenly interrupted.

"But we had to sneak out!" exclaimed Anastasia, as she stepped forward from the group. Her normally quiet and timid voice cracked a little as she spoke up. "You won't let us go see Karate Uncle, even though he's hurt!"

Buff Frogs expression softened greatly, as he turned his gaze toward Anastasia. "...I know it is being frustrating... But Karate Boy is being in Mewman Hospital right now... And he is being unconscious ever since the night of his injury... Even if you are visiting him, it is not as though you can be having conversation with him..." said Buff Frog.

"But it's been almost four days!" exclaimed Anastasia. "Maybe he'll be awake! Or- Or maybe he's really close! Be-... Besides! Even if... Even if I don't know for sure that-... That he can hear it... I-... I have stuff I wanna tell him! Please! Let us-... Let us at least try! We... We just wanna see him..."

As Anastasia's voice began to tremble, and tears began to form in her eyes, Buff Frog breathed a heavy sigh. "...Very well. You can go. You can all go." he said.

Anastasia smiled and wiped her eyes, and the rest of the Buff Kids immediately began to croak and cheer. Buff Frog quickly interrupted their celebrations by loudly clearing his throat. "However. I will be going along with you as well. Also... You will have to be waiting until after you have eaten your breakfast." he said. "Besides- it is being too early to go just now."

The Buff Kids breathed a collective sigh. None of them liked the idea of waiting even a single extra second. Still, eventually, they relented with a series of slow nods. "...Yes, Papa..." they muttered.

Buff Frog uncrossed his arms and offered the Buff Kids a soft smile. "I know you are being worried about Karate Boy. I am being very worried myself. ...But-... I am not wanted you to do anything dangerous, like sneaking out. Karate Boy would not be wanting this either. Understand?" he asked.

There were a few small sighs among the Buff Kids as they slowly nodded their heads in reluctant agreement.

"Good. I am glad that you are understanding." said Buff Frog. "Now then... Are you wanting a bowl of Swamp Flakes or Mud Bubbles for breakfast?" he asked, as he made his way over to the kitchen cupboard. A chorus of voices followed from behind, as the Buff Kids hopped up to the dinner table. As the Buff Kids took their seats, they immediately began to talk and croak amongst themselves- each one practically bursting with excitement at the prospect of seeing their Karate Uncle again.

As Buff Frog retrieved the breakfast cereal, he paused for a moment. The kitchen cupboard was practically full- and he had been able to keep it that way for several months now. Thanks in large part due to the monthly residual checks he received from Goblin Dog HQ. Apparently, the 'Tremendous Trio' mascots had become incredibly popular across the dimensions. The characters had appeared in several ad campaigns since the day they were created. In fact, the characters had become so popular that there was even talk of making a cartoon based on them.

The whole thing was more than a little surreal for Buff Frog- but so far, the residual checks had meant that his Buff Kids no longer had to go a day without food. And that meant everything to him.

After serving each Buff Kid a bowl of cereal, Buff Frog quietly sat down at the table with a couple pieces of slimy toast and a glass of Yelzak milk. As the Buff Family ate together, the room was alive with the sounds of croaking, eating and enthusiastic discussion of all manner of subjects. Of course, the bulk of the discussion revolved around Marco.

As Buff Frog sat at the table with his family, he couldn't help but smile. So much of his life had been tainted with various shades of misery. But now... Everything had changed. And all of it for the better.

Just everyone had finished up their breakfast, a familiar ripping sound filled the air. Turning slightly in their chairs, the Buff Family watched as a portal suddenly appeared in their dining room. Very quickly, the Buff Kids began to croak and hop with excitement as Kelly emerged from the portal.

"Morning, everyone!" she said, giving the Buff Family a friendly wave before closing the portal behind her.

"Shrubbery Aunt!" the Buff Kids exclaimed, as they hopped out of their chairs.

Kelly smiled as the Buff Kids leaped through the air to tackle her all at once. Moving quickly, she adjusted her footing and caught the Buff Kids in her arms. Their collective momentum was almost enough to knock her backward- but not quite. Kelly held her ground and gave the Buff Kids an affectionate squeeze as they all giggled and croaked in her arms.

"Is everyone ready for the big Marco visit?" asked Kelly. A chorus of excited croaking filled the air in response and Kelly laughed a little as she slowly lowered the Buff Kids back to floor. "Good. Now remember what I told you, okay? You have to stick close to me, no matter what. No wandering off. And under no circumstances are you to talk to any strangers. Even if they try to talk to you. If some jerk tries to make trouble, then I'll take care of it." she said.

The Buff Kids quietly nodded along as Kelly spoke, their faces uncharacteristically serious.

"...You shouldn't have to worry too much, though. Marco was moved to his bedroom back in Butterfly Castle... Apparently, it was 'cuz of some kinda reaction he had to Mewman medicine. I heard he wound up glowing in the dark or something..." said Kelly. "Anyway- the Queen has personally granted all of you special permission to visit. Plus, I'll be escorting you, and most of the guards and stuff know who I am..." she continued. "And like I said before... If anyone tries to cause trouble for you guys... I'll take care of it. Trust me."

Kelly gave the Buff Kids a warm, comforting smile. To which the Buff Kids were quick to respond with a series of smiles of their own.

"So- any questions?" asked Kelly.

Before any of the Buff Kids could respond, another voice cut in from behind them. "Yes... Is it being okay if I am 'tagging along'?" asked Buff Frog, as he approached them.

Kelly blinked in surprise. "Buff Frog? You're awake? I thought you were going on an 'all day hibernation' thing or something..." she said.

Buff Frog slowly raised an eyebrow, and then shot the Buff Kids a look. The Buff Kids quietly looked away and began to whistle Frog breathed a small sigh. "...This was being a lie. The Buff Kids... They were not having my permission to go visit Karate Boy. And so, they had planned to use you to sneak out. I was just finding out about this a short time ago." he said.

Kelly blinked again and then frowned. As she looked down at the Buff Kids, their innocent whistling began to sound a little strained as they shifted about uncomfortably.

"But- they are having my permission now. And I have already been speaking to them about their behavior." said Buff Frog. "Also... I was wanting to go along as well. Is this being any trouble?"

Kelly slowly moved her gaze back to Buff Frog, and shook her head. "No, no trouble at all. I'm glad you could come along." she said, with a small smile.

Buff Frog grinned. "Good! Well then... Let's go visit Karate Boy, shall we?" he asked.

The Buff Kids cheered and croaked with excitement, as Kelly's smile slowly grew.

"Yeah... Let's go!" she exclaimed.


Marco Diaz stumbled through the darkness once more.

Searching for something...

Something that he could never quite grasp...

Desperation clawed at him from inside.

Fracturing his nerves.

Making him want to scream.

What was it he was searching for?

Marco didn't even know anymore.

All he knew now, was that he wanted it. Needed it. More than anything.

But it was always just out of reach. And no matter how hard he tried, he would never even touch it.

That knowledge weighed heavily on him.

A deep, painful sadness joined the feverish desperation whirling around inside of him.

As time stretched forward for what seemed like an eternity, his emotions seemed to wage war with one another. The sadness slowly ebbed away at his desperate drive to find what he was looking for. While at the same time, his sense of desperation pushed back against the sadness. Morphing into a kind of warped determination not to let anything stop him from finding what he was looking for.

All of a sudden, a brilliant crimson light shone down from above. Marco winced, as his eyes struggled to adjust to the crimson glow all around him.

Above, the Blood Moon sat in a sky of darkness. Looking up at it, Marco felt his heart slowly sink.

Dozens of bright red balloons began to rise up from the darkness all around him. A long string hung from each balloon. And each balloon had a passenger. A familiar figure, being carried upward. Holding the string in one hand, and rising upward without effort.

Among the figures were Janna, Buff Frog, Kelly and the Buff Kids. Each one holding their own balloon. Floating alongside them were Alfonzo and Ferguson, who shared a balloon between them. As did his parents, who held each other close as they were carried toward the Blood Moon in the sky. His mother holding a small baby in her arms.

As he watched the people he cared about rise into the sky, Marco felt his chest tighten and tears begin to sting his eyes. As he stared up into the Blood Moon, a familiar voice echoed throughout the darkness.

"Marco..."

Marco froze as he watched Jackie Lynn Thomas rise up into the sky. Looking the same way she had on the day she broke up with him. Seeing her again... Seeing the look of quiet sadness in her eyes... It broke his heart all over again.

Jackie gave him a small wave. And even as he felt tears threaten to come pouring down his cheeks, Marco took a breath and waved back.

Jackie gave him a small smile. "...Did you find it?" she asked. "...Did you find... What you were looking for?"

Marco slowly shook his head. "...I didn't." he muttered. "I-... I'm sorry..."

"...You will, Marco... You will find it..." said Jackie. "...I believe in you."

Marco's gaze fell, as he felt a crushing wave of guilt wash over him. "...Goodbye, Jackie..." he muttered.

"Goodbye, Marco." said Jackie.

And with that, she continued to rise up until she disappeared into the Blood Moon along with everyone else. Leaving Marco standing all along, bathed in crimson light.

Interesting, isn't it?

Marco breathed a small sigh, as tentacles slowly rose up from the darkness below his feet and tightly wound themselves around his legs. Marco felt the gaze of dozens of dark purple eyes behind him. All of them belonging to the same dark creature.

That somehow... She knew. She knew that the time had come to let you go... And she did so... Even though it meant hurting both herself and a person she cared for deeply...

Marco slowly wiped the tears from his eyes and drew a long, deep breath.

She knew when to let go. As did Star Butterfly. Which is why... They shall rise to meet their future... While you remain here... Tethered to darkness... Wallowing in your own misery. Truly a fate befitting one as deeply pathetic as yourself. Wouldn't you agree?

Marco remained silent.

You'll watch everyone else rise above you... And mire yourself in the pain and jealousy that comes with it. Of course... Nothing will give you nearly as much pain and sorrow... As watching her... The girl you love... Finding her happiness in the arms of another... Will it?

Bright pink butterflies began to rise up from the darkness. Hundreds of them. All fluttering around in a circle, before slowly rising further into the air. A burst of fire erupted from below. The flames twisted about, joining the butterflies in rising upward. From amidst the cluster of butterflies, a familiar golden form arose. From the pillar of flames, a fiery figure appeared. Both holding each other close. Shifting about in each others arms as if they were dancing.

Marco watched as the figures of Star and Tom were carried into the air by a pillar of flames and a sea of pink butterflies.

Eventually, they too disappeared into the Blood Moon. As they did, the Blood Moon seemed to flicker. Marco slowly rose his hand into the air, as if he were trying to reach out and touch it.

But it too late.

The Blood Moon flickered out of existence.

Leaving him all alone.

As he stared out into the darkness, Marco breathed a heavy sigh.

"...I already told you, Monster Arm..." he muttered. "...I already know all of this stuff. I've thought of practically nothing else for a long time now."

Oh? But I don't think you do... I mean- look at you. Look at what you've been doing. Waiting around in the castle... Wandering around aimlessly... Hoping... With such painful desperation... That someday she'll reach out and tell you that everything will be okay. That things can go back to the way they were... And that you still have a place in her life...

You want her to lie to you...

Don't you?

Once again, Marco sighed. "...Maybe." he muttered. "But I also know... That I can't let her. I can't let it go on like this anymore."

Laughter echoed throughout the darkness, as massive tendrils began to reach out from below and above. Wrapping themselves tightly around his entire body, and squeezing with incredible force.

You won't survive it, Marco. You're too weak. You might as well give up now... And give yourself to me...

"Shut up, Monster Arm."

Suddenly, the dark space that surrounded him began to tremble. Shards of light began to shine through the tiny spaces between the writhing tendrils wrapped around Marco's body. The dark space shook violently as a bright red light exploded out of Marco's body, tearing away the dark tendrils and reducing them to nothing.

Marco's form radiated a brilliant red glow, as he began to float into the air. The crescent marks on his cheeks somehow glowing even brighter.

You can't change your fate, Marco! No matter what, you'll always be miserable! You know it as well as I do! Try as you might... Nothing will ever change for you!

The voice of the Monster Arm sounded shrill and frightened, as massive glowing fissures began to spread out all across the dark space as Marco slowly opened his eyes.

"I... I can change it. I have the power... I always had it... I was just... Scared. Scared that somehow... I'd only make it worse." he said. "The last time I tried to change things for myself... I made a mistake. But... I can't let that stop me. Not anymore."

"I have the power to change things for myself. I'm done pretending otherwise. And for better or worse... It's time I use it."


As Marco opened his eyes, he found himself lying in his own bed, in his old bedroom. For a moment, he wondered in his time living on Mewni had all been a dream. An odd mixture of hope and dread filled his chest... Only to be quickly dispelled when he looked around the room.

All it took was a cursory glance for Marco to realize that he was lying in his bedroom on Mewni. His Mewni bedroom was an exact copy of the bedroom he had grown up with back on Earth. Right down to even the smallest of details. Such as the posters on the wall. One for an old movie called 'The Hand of Karate'. One of Mackie Hand's very first films, and one of Marco's all-time favorites. The other poster was for an old, cheesy horror movie called 'The Creeper'. For a long time, Marco had earnestly believed it to be the single scariest movie ever made. And he spent over a year plagued with nightmares after watching it on TV late at night. He had been around eight or nine years old at the time.

After hearing about how scared the movie had made him, Janna took it upon herself to find a copy of the movie poster and stick it to his bedroom wall. Marco was quick to tear it down- only to find it quickly replaced by another. Eventually, he had to give up on tearing it down, as it seemed like Janna had an endless supply of replacements.

Of course, the posters weren't the only things that were the same. All of the floorboards seemed to creak in the same places they did in his bedroom on Earth. His computer desk, his drawers, and his closet were all the same as well. The only real difference was the view from the window.

Or at least... It had been.

Over the past year, Marco's bedroom on Mewni had changed in several small ways. For one thing, there was now a small talking 'Princess Turdina' doll sitting on his shelf. Right next to a small snowglobe with a tiny decorated stump sitting inside, with a small sign that read 'Merry Stump Day'. Beside the snowglobe, there sat a coffee mug with the words 'Number One Squire' printed on it- which, rather sadly, he had bought for himself.

Marco had even added a few new additions to his bedroom walls. Joining the posters on the left side of the room was a poster depicting Ruberiot's band 'Boy Out Fall'. Along with a poster for 'Milk Man 2: The Milkening', and a poster depicting a space unicorn flying through the stars.

Hanging up on the opposite wall was a large, cheap looking shirt with the words 'Tremendous Trio' scrawled across the front. Below the hasty penmanship were crude drawings of Buff Frog, Marco and Kelly's smiling faces.

There were also a few extra framed pictures sitting on his desk. One was of him, Buff Frog, Kelly and the Buff Kids standing in front of Buff Frogs house. All smiling brightly together. And another picture depicted both his father and his pregnant mother- both holding up a banner that read 'We Love You'.

Also sitting on his desk was a beautiful new lamp. It looked almost as if it had been molded out of white marble, yet it also had an oddly metallic sheen to it. The lamps surface was decorated with an intricate carving of two phoenixes facing against each other, with their long firey wings spread wide behind them. In the engraving, there was a pair of scissors floating in the air between the twin firebirds. Both of the phoenixes had their heads stretched upwards to marvel at the scissors. Sitting atop the lamp itself, and over the lightbulb, sat a yellow lampshade with a light orange trim around it.

The lamp was modestly sized and it had proved to be quite a handy addition on more than one occasion. Partly because it seemed to run on some kind of magic- which meant that it didn't need to be plugged into anything to work. It had actually been a birthday gift from Heckapoo. After returning from his long, tiring experience at Lava Lake Beach, Marco had found it sitting on his bed with a small note that simply read 'Happy Birthday, Muscles'. It had been quite a pleasant surprise. In the days following, Marco would come to find that Heckapo and his parents had been the only people in his life that had remembered his birthday.

Each new addition Marco's bedroom served as a small reminder of the memories he had made during his time on Mewni. For better or worse.

Marco breathed a small sigh and winced as he felt a jolt of pain in his chest. Groaning slightly, Marco slowly lowered his gaze down toward his chest and frowned. There, sitting on his chest and staring at him with vacant eyes, was none other than Glossaryk.

Marco returned Glossaryk's blank stare with one of his own. And for a while, the two of them simply stared at each other in utter silence.

Eventually, Marco found his voice.

"...Glossaryk?" he muttered, his voice cracking slightly as he spoke.

Glossaryk slowly cocked his head to the side at the sound of Marco's voice and blinked. Then, he stuck out his tongue and blew a long raspberry, spraying spit all over Marco's face. Marco grimaced and let out a long groan as Glossaryk hopped off of his chest and scurried away. When Marco moved to wipe the spit from his face, he suddenly froze and then let out another long, pained groan. His entire body felt rigid and sore. And even the simple action of wiping his face with his blanket was enough to send bursts of pain rippling across his entire frame.

"Oh, dear... Still in pain, are we?"

Marco flinched and let out a high pitched gasp, as Eclipsa the Queen of Darkness suddenly stepped into his field of vision. It was as if she had just appeared out of thin air. Marco felt a tremendous surge of panic fill his chest as Eclipsa approached him. Without thinking, he quickly forced himself to sit up- doing his very best to ignore the incredible surge of pain emanating from all over his body as he did so.

"Wha-... What're you doing here?" he rasped, with a slight tremble in his voice.

"Now, now... Calm down. I am here at the request of Star herself. If I wanted to do anything 'evil' to you... Well, I'd have done it already- Now wouldn't I?" said Eclipsa, with a soft smile and a slight chuckle.

Marco frowned as he struggled to prop himself up with his pillows. "...That's not a particularly calming sentiment..." he muttered. As Marco struggled and groaned, Eclipsa quietly stepped forward to help him with the pillows. Once he was settled, Marco muttered a small 'thanks', before breathing a long sigh. Followed quickly by a pained groan.

His whole body hurt. And moving around, even just to sit himself up, made everything feel a whole lot worse. Doing his best to ignore the dull pain pulsing from every part of him, Marco took a soft, deep breath and then turned his attention to Eclipsa.

"...So..." muttered Marco, as he slowly ran a hand through his hair. "...What, uh-... I mean..." Marco paused for a moment, as he struggled to collect his thoughts. A few minutes passed in silence, as Marco struggled to come up with a single coherent thought. Everything in his mind was one giant blur. And the throbbing pain in his head certainly didn't help matters. Eventually, he decided to simply ask the first question that came to mind.

"...Where's Star?" he asked.

"Unfortunately, it seems she had some other matters to attend to. So, she asked me to watch over you in her stead. She only left a few minutes ago, actually..." said Eclipsa. "...It's quite a shame. You just missed each other."

Marco breathed a long, tired sigh as he seemed to stare off into space for a moment. "...Yeah." he muttered.

Eclipsa slowly reached out her hand and placed in on top of his head. "...So, Marco Diaz... It seems you've been asleep for almost four whole days now." she said. "Your recovery had been quite slow... Although, I suppose that might have something to do with your being a 'hu'-man."

Marco blinked a few times, as he struggled to process what Eclipsa had just told him. Eventually, he gave a small frown. "...Four days?" he muttered. "...That's... That's crazy..."

A heavy silence hung in the air as Marco appeared to lose himself in thought. Watching him with a curious gaze, Eclipsa took the opportunity to move her hand from the top of his head and gently caress his cheek. As soon as she touched his cheek, Eclipsa felt a strange tingling sensation in her hand that quickly ran across the length of her arm and then spread out over the rest of her body. It almost felt like a jolt of electricity coursing through her veins. Only... Somehow... It also felt warm. Almost inviting.

The sensation was enough to cause her to let out a small, involuntary gasp. Immediately snapping Marco out of his brief stupor.

"...What are you doing?" he asked, looking up at Eclipsa with a raised brow.

Eclipsa slowly removed her hand and then brought it to her own cheek. "...Fascinating..." she muttered, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Your magic different from any I've ever encountered before..."

Marco frowned. "...Magic? I don't have any magic..." he muttered.

Eclipsa smiled. "Oh, of course you do, Marco. I mean- at the very least, you've a pair of demon curses writhing around inside of you... That counts."

"...Demon curses? What're you-... Wait... Are you talking about the, uh-... 'Monster Arm'... Thing?" asked Marco.

"If by that, you mean the 'Demonicus Infestica' curse- then yes. Of course, you've also another one floating around inside... Although it does appear to be dormant at the moment... I believe it's known as the 'Naysaya'." said Eclipsa, making air quotes with her fingers as she said the word 'Naysaya'.

Marco frowned. "Wait- what? But... I thought the Naysaya thing was... Done."

"Oh, no- Of course not. All demonic curses are eternal. They'll stay with you, always. And nothing can ever fully remove or nullify them. In fact- there's a good chance they'll even stay with you beyond the grave. In some form or another." said Eclipsa.

Marco twitched a little and clenched his teeth. "...I see. That's..." Marco trailed off for a moment, before breathing a long, heavy sigh as he slumped his shoulders in defeat.

"...I couldn't help but notice a few other curiosities in there as well... But nothing I could easily identify..." said Eclipsa. "You've certainly piqued my interest, Marco Diaz. In my younger days, I might have started dissecting you by now.."

Marco gave her a weary look. "...Please don't." he muttered.

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it. Besides, I don't even have my old equipment with me." said Eclipsa.

Marco thought for a moment and then frowned. "...Wait- ...What exactly do you mean by 'other curiosities'?" he asked.

Eclipsa gave a small shrug. "...Well, to be honest... I really don't know. Which is what makes it all so incredibly fascinating..." she said. As she spoke, her eyes continued to sparkle with excitement and curiosity as she leaned a little closer toward Marco. Marco shifted a little further into his pillows, unsure of what to say or do under her gaze. Images of Eclipsa wearing hospital scrubs and leering over him with scalpel flashed across his mind.

Marco shuddered, not noticing the playful smile on Eclipsa's face.

All of a sudden, a loud commotion erupted from just outside Marco's bedroom door. Marco and Eclipsa both turned their attention toward the door just in time to watch it suddenly swing wide open. The sounds of barking, croaking and laser shooting filled the air as the Buff Kids suddenly burst into room- riding on the backs of the laser puppies. The puppies immediately spread out into the room, shooting lasers in all directions- until they noticed Marco. Immediately, the Buff Kids began to croak and cheer and the laser puppies began to yip excitedly as they all jumped up on to Marco's bed and raced toward him.

"KARATE UNCLE!" exclaimed the Buff Kids, as they launched themselves off of the puppies backs and into Marco's chest. The laser puppies quickly followed suit. And all of a sudden, Marco found himself covered in a swarm of excited Buff Kids and Laser Puppies.

"Ach! Ow! Pain! Lasers!" grunted Marco, as he struggled to peel the excited creatures away from his bruised and battered frame. "C-C'mon guys, I know you're all excited... Ow! Eclipsa! Anybody! Help" he exclaimed, as he was quickly overwhelmed by the loving swarm.

Eclipsa brought her hand up to her mouth and giggled as she watched the scene play out in front of her. After taking a moment to fully enjoy it, she put two fingers in her mouth and whistled. In an instant, the Laser Puppies all suddenly froze.

"Come now, puppies... Come over here. Let's not rough Marco up too much..." said Eclipsa. The puppies let out a series of whines and whimpers as they slowly made their way off of Marco's bed. "Yes, yes, I know- Your were all just expressing your love... It's okay..." Eclipsa cooed, as she crouched down to give some of the puppies a gentle scratch behind the ear.

After watching Eclipsa coo and pet the laser puppies, with a mildly confused look on his face, Marco turned his attention toward the Buff Kids. "...Guys- I'm sorry, but... I need you all to get off me... I'm, uh-... I'm pretty sore..." he muttered. The Buff Kids croaked and pouted a little as they all slowly released their collective hug and hopped down on to the bed.

"...Sorry, Karate Uncle..." muttered the Buff Kids, many of their eyes downcast and filled with guilt.

Maro smiled. "...It's okay, you guys." he said. "It's really nice to see you all again... I guess I've been asleep for a while, huh?"

The Buff Kids faces quickly brightened, and they all began to hop, nod and croak in agreement.

"Yeah! We heard that you were coma-rized or something!" exclaimed one of the Buff Kids.

"Uh-huh! And you were so beat up an' stuff, that you got put into a Mewman hospital! We couldn't even visit you 'till just now!" exclaimed another.

From among the group, Katrina suddenly hopped forward. "So... How'd you wake up? Did Star give you a special 'Princess kiss'?" she asked, with a tiny giggle. The rest of the Buff Kids were quick to start giggling alongside her.

Marco raised an eyebrow. "...What? No... I just-" before he could finish his sentence, he was suddenly cut off by a flurry of excited voices.

"Oh! Really? It wasn't Star? Then who?"

"Was it that 'Janna' girl we met at the Earth party?"

"Maybe she used that hot-sauce somehow!"

"Oh! I know! It was probably that demon prince! What's his name? You know... That guy! Tim? I wanna say Tim... Anyway, maybe it was him! I heard prince kisses can be powerful too!"

Marco sighed. "There was no kissing." he said, doing his very best to speak over the Buff Kids excited croaking. "I just- I just woke up on my own..."

The Buff Kids all shared the same look of disappointment. "Aw... That's no fun..." muttered one of them, while others sighed.

Marco playfully rolled his eyes. "...Sorry to disappoint..." he said, with a small smile. "...So, anyway... Where's Buff Frog? I can't imagine he'd let you guys visit all by yourselves..."

The Buff Kids perked up a little and began to blink and shrug in confusion.

"...Uh... We dunno. We kinda lost Papa after we ran into the puppies... See, they tried to chase us for a while, but then we totally turned the tables on 'em... And now... We are their masters." explained one of the Buff Kids, with a somewhat ominous glint in its eyes.

All of a sudden, a few of the laser puppies turned away from Eclipsa to look up at the Buff Kids to bark and yip.

The Buff Kid with the ominous glint in its eyes blinked a few times, before turning to face the Laser Puppies with an indignant look on its face. "...What? A temporary mastership? Wait- You say you're under a long-term contract with the Princess? Why!?" the Buff Kid exclaimed.

The Puppies continued to bark and yip in response.

"Wha-... Because she created you? What kinda dumb reasoning is that? You owe no debt to your creator! NONE!" bellowed the Buff Kid. As the puppies barked and yipped in response, the interaction between the single Buff Kid and the Laser Puppies quickly devolved into a loud argument. As both the Buff Kid and the Puppies grew louder and louder, a few of the other Buff Kids looked on with faces filled with concern- while the rest seemed content to hop up and down on Marco's bed, happily ignoring the commotion.

Marco sigh. "Nardia, stop arguing with the Laser Puppies... And hey, Puppies- What'd I say about lasering flammable stuff? Hm? That's right... I said not to..." he said. Nadia and the Laser Puppies paused for a moment and then turned away from each other in a huff. As he watched Nadia join the rest of the Buff Kids in hopping on his bed, Marco could feel a bright smile grace his features. They had all grown quite a bit in the time he had known them. In fact, it was rather surprising that the laser puppies were able to carry them on their backs so easily.

Eventually, Marco's gaze fell on to one Buff Kid in particular. And Marco couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief when he saw her laughing along with her siblings.

"Anastasia."

Anastasia froze at the sound her name. Turning away from her siblings, she noticed Marco gesturing for her to come closer. As she made her way toward Marco, she kept her gaze trained on the bedsheets under her feet. He movements were timid and slow. When she finally stopped and looked up into Marco's smiling face, tears began to well up in her eyes.

As Marco sat up on the bed, part of the bed sheets covering him up had fallen into his lap. Apparently, Marco hadn't noticed that he wasn't wearing a shirt quite yet- and when he did, he would no doubt blush and sputter with embarrassment. For now, though, he chest was bare for all to see. And Anastasia had never seen him look so... Frail.

There were several ugly bruises spread across his torso, especially around his ribs. There was also a thick bandage taped to his side, and several long bandages wrapped around his right arm. His left arm was also heavily bruised, especially around his knuckles.

Marco's face appeared to have fared a lot better than the rest of his body- although he did still look a little weary, despite having slept for almost four days straight. However, his face hadn't been completely uninjured. There was a large cut over his left eye, and it was already beginning to form into a rather noticeable scar. If Marco had gotten the opportunity to look into a mirror or something, he would have been immediately reminded of the scar he had received during his time back in Heckapoo's dimension. The scar ran over the very same eye, and when it fully healed, it would no doubt look exactly the same as it did on his 'adult' body.

A strange coincidence, to be sure.

As Anastasia observed Marco, her eyes slowly shifted from the bruises to the bandages, and then back to the scar forming over his eye. As she looked at his injuries, she felt a lump form in her throat. And her tiny features began to tremble lightly.

"I-... I'm so... So sorry..." whispered Anastasia, her voice quivering as she spoke. All of a sudden Marco gently scooped her up in his hands and brought her up to his face.

"...Your eye looks a lot better." said Marco, with a warm smile. "Thank goodness. I guess you guys heal a little quicker than us 'hu'-mans, huh?"

Anastasia looked up into Marco's warm, caring gaze and then lowered her eyes. "...I'm sorry..." she muttered, again. Her voice barely above a whisper. "You-... You got hurt... But I-... I mean..." Anastasia trailed off for a moment, as she struggled to find the right words. "...I'm so sorry... It's all my fault..."

"Hey." said Marco, his voice soft but firm. "That's not true. Not even a little."

Anastasia gave a slight sniggle. "B-but..." she muttered.

"No. The only person responsible for the shape I'm in is me. And that jerk knight, I guess... But either way- I'm the one responsible for the actions I take. And that includes getting into fights and stuff." said Marco. "...I probably should've tried to think of another way... Honestly, I didn't really plan on getting into a big fight or anything... But when it happened... I didn't really try very hard to stop it. I-... I could've backed down... Or tried to figure out some other way to handle it... And you know- I really should have. Especially if I wanna try and set a good example for you guys..."

"...In the end, I got myself injured because I wasn't smart enough to think of another way to resolve everything... Instead, I got into a really dangerous fight. I mean-... I knew that there was nothing I could say or do to make that guy even feel a single shred of remorse... That guy... He wasn't capable of that kind of thing. I could recognize it right away... The kind of bully he was... But even still. I wanted to get him to apologize. Even if it wasn't genuine- and there's no way it'd be anything else with that guy... At least then, it'd be... something."

"...Something to show you that you don't need to be scared of those kinds of people... People who're just mired in their own hate... They're not worthy of your fear. Or anyone else's. And if you come across more jerks and bullies like that... And unfortunately, you probably will... Well, just remember that you'll always have me, Kelly, your father and all of your siblings right beside you to help. In any way we can. Don't... Don't try and hide your pain away from the people who care about you, Anastasia. No matter what, always remember... We'll always be there to listen. And we'll always be there to help. And y'know... We're happy to do it. Because... That's what friends and family are for."

Anastasia looked up at Marco with big, watery eyes and gave him a nearly imperceptible nod. Marco gave her another warm smile as he gently placed her down on the blanket in front of him and gently placed his hand on her head.

"Come on now... I'm fine, I promise. I get injured and stuff all the time, trust me..." muttered Marco.

While Marco had been speaking, Eclipsa had somehow managed to calm the conflict between Nadia and the Laser Puppies. And now, she was coaching the Buff Kids and the Laser Puppies in a game of Polo on Marco's bedroom floor. The Buff Kids were wearing little jockey uniforms, waving around tiny wooden mallets as they each rode atop an excited Laser Puppy. The Laser Puppies were all wearing what could only be described as 'puppy saddles'. Eclipsa appeared to be not only taking on the role of puppy polo coach, but she was also acting as referee. At least, that's what it looked like- judging from the black and white striped shirt she was now wearing. And the oversized silver whistle. And the eye black.

Marco couldn't help but smile when he glanced over at the shenanigans transpiring on his bedroom floor. For the first time since he had met her, Eclipsa was wearing a truly genuine smile. Her eyes still sparkled with the same hint of mischievousness, but it was colored by a tremendous affection.

'...She really does love monsters...' thought Marco, as he watched her play with the Buff Kids and the Laser Puppies. Every gesture she made and every word she spoke was being handled with an incredible amount of grace and care. She even appeared to be holding back on her affection a little, in an effort not to make the young Buff Kids uncomfortable. Despite the fact that it seemed to be taking every ounce of self-control she had not to just pinch the Buff Kids cheeks and coo for hours on end.

The Buff Kids seemed fairly comfortable with Eclipsa. Thanks no doubt to the fact that the Laser Puppies appeared to trust her completely. It probably helped that, unlike the average Mewman, Eclipsa had marks on her cheeks. Making her seem different enough from the people that they had been recently made wary of... And reminding them instead, if only a little, of Star.

"I'm really glad you're all okay..." said Marco, as he turned his attention back to Anastasia. The genuine warmth radiating in both his words and his features was enough to make Anastasia slowly wipe the tears from her face and flash him a small smile of her own.

"Hm... I wonder where Buff Frog got too... If you guys got separated then, I hope I he didn't wind up getting himself lost or something..." muttered Marco.

As if on cue, Buff Frog suddenly appeared at the doorway, covered in slimy sweat and breathing heavily. "Ooh... I am very much needing to work on the 'cardio'... So many stairs..." he wheezed, as he struggled to pull himself together. As he leaned against the doorway, Kelly suddenly pupped up by his side. "See- I told you they'd be here. The Laser Puppies were just taking them on a shortcut, that was all..." she said, as she slipped past Buff Frog and entered the room.

"Hey, Buff Kids! Hey, Puppies! Hey-" Kelly's voice suddenly stopped in her throat as her eyes fell upon the woman crouching down to instruct the Buff Kids and the Puppies. The woman was wearing a what appeared to be a referee's outfit. Along with a cap that had the words 'Puppy Froggy Polo Team' stitched across the front. Kelly stared at the woman for a moment. For some reason, she seemed... Familiar. Her presence filled her chest with an odd sense of foreboding...

Then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Marco sitting up in bed- wide awake. And in an instant, all of her other thoughts disappeared. And Kelly wasted to time whatsoever in racing over to him.

"You're awake!" she exclaimed, as she wrapped her arms around Marco and gave him a tight squeeze. Anastasia had barely managed to jump out of the way in time to avoid being ensnared by Kelly's powerful arms. Marco could barely even let out a surprised wheeze, as his entire face was quickly muffled by tufts of Kelly's hair.

"Eh? Ah! It is being true! Karate Boy is being recovered from his 'coma-rizing'!" Buff Frog exclaimed, before rushing over to wrap his bulky arms around both Marco and Kelly.

Sensing a pattern in what was happening, the Buff Kids were quick to respond. "HUG WAAAR!" they exclaimed, as they jumped up onto Marco's bed again and began to pile up on top of Buff Frog. A series of excited barks and ups soon followed. And before long, Marco found himself being smothered all over again.

"Ugh! Not again! ...Ack! Pain! Suffering! Squeezing! ...Too... Much... Hug!" exclaimed Marco, his voice mostly muffled by Kelly's hair.

Upon hearing Marco's muffled protests, Kelly let go of Marco and moved backward, causing a small commotion as the Buff Family and the Laser Puppies were pushed backward along with her. "Whoops- Sorry about that. Didn't mean to crush you. Or start another Hug War." said Kelly, as she adjusted her glasses and flashed Marco a smile.

"It's fine..." said Marco, as he struggled to recover from yet another potentially fatal hugging incident. After taking a few shallow breaths, he returned Kelly's smile with one of his own. "It's great to see you again, Kelly." he said, before turning his gaze to Buff Frog, who was currently being helped up off the floor by the Buff Kids and Eclipsa. "And you too, Buff Frog. I'm glad you're feeling better." he continued.

Buff Frog blinked and rubbed his head in confusion. "Eh? Vat are you-... Oh! Yes... Kelly's medicine worked many wonders on my sickness... I woke the next morning feeling like a brand new frog!" he exclaimed, as he proudly puffed out his chest.

Marco smiled. "That's good to hear..." he said, before shifting himself around a little to make himself comfortable.

As Buff Frog turned toward the Buff Kids to give them a long lecture about running off with their new canine friends, Anastasia suddenly hopped up on to Marco's shoulder and gave him a tiny peck on the cheek, whispered a quick 'thank you' in his ear, and then jumped down to join her siblings.

"Your welcome, Anastasia. I mean it." muttered Marco, as he watched her hop away.

Turning his attention toward Kelly, Marco gave a small cough. "...So, uh... Do you think you could catch me up on what happened after I, uh... Fell unconscious? Almost everything is fuzzy except for the whole 'knife-removing' bit. And, uh... Star showing up..." muttered Marco. "Everything after that is just kinda... Blank."

Kelly nodded. "Sure... But, uh- first... Do you think you could tell me what that woman dressed like a referee is doing here? Is she like, the Mime's sister or something? Maybe an understudy?" she asked.

"Oh, I wish." said Eclipsa, as she leaned into their conversation- causing Kelly to jump and let out a surprised gasp. "I'm not nearly talented enough to be an understudy to that Mime... At least, not in the art of entertainment." she continued, ignoring Kelly's surprised reaction to her sudden intrusion.

Marco breathed a small sigh. "...Kelly. Meet Eclipsa, the Queen of Darkness. Eclipsa, this is Kelly. She's a good friend of me and Star's." he said.

Kelly gasped, and her eyes practically bugged out of her skull- so much so that they threatened to push her glasses off of her face. Eclipsa, meanwhile, looked simply delighted.

"Oh! So you're Kelly!" she exclaimed. "I see! You must be the 'Shrubbery Aunt' that the little frog children mentioned... Oh! And I suppose that's also your face up there on that 'Tremendous Trio' shirt... And in the photograph on Marco's desk..." she continued.

As Eclipsa spoke, Kelly simply stared at her, her jaw slightly agape.

"It is simply wonderful to meet you." said Eclipsa, as she took Kelly's hand in her own and shook it enthusiastically. "I've been under 'tower arrest' for quite some time now... So, I'm afraid I've not had the chance to acquaint myself with many of Star's little friends. Save for Mister Diaz, of course."

Kelly blinked several times and then gave a slow nod. "...Uh... Huh." she muttered. "It's, uh-... It's nice to meet you too. I've-... I've heard a lot about you. Mostly just... Stories..."

Eclipsa smiled. "Is that so? And here I was under the impression that my existence had been entirely scrubbed from history!" she exclaimed, her tone oddly excited. "Tell me, what kind of stories are they? Are they mostly... Apocalyptic?"

Marco frowned a little. As Eclipsa spoke, he noticed something off about her smile. It was no longer genuine. In fact, it seemed almost... Angry.

"...I guess..." muttered Kelly. "But... more than anything, they're usually just... Sad."

Eclipsa paused for a moment. And for a split second, her ever-present smile seemed to falter. "...I see. Then I suppose... Perhaps... A greater portion of the trust may have survived than I initially believed..." she muttered. Eclipsa seemed to take a moment to consider something, before quietly shaking her head and allowing her usual smile to once again grace her features. "Oh, but just listen to me prattling on about myself!" she exclaimed. "I do apologize. Please, Kelly- do go on. You were going to tell Marco about all of the things he's missed during his time asleep... Correct?"

"Uh... Yeah." muttered Kelly.

"Well then, by all means... Do continue." said Eclipsa, with an encouraging smile.

Kelly stared at her for a moment, before slowly turning her attention back to Marco. "...Okay. So. After Star showed up, the riot in the stadium wound up calming down pretty quickly. Star was... Well, she was pretty angry. And I think everyone there could feel it. I certainly did." said Kelly, as she sat herself down on the side of Marco's bed. "...She was... Well, she was pretty hysterical for a little while... I think... I think she thought you were... Dead. And it kinda took a whole lot of effort from me and Sir Lavabo to convince her otherwise."

"Yes... I could feel the ripples of magical power all the way from my tower that night... It was quite a surprise." added Eclipsa.

Kelly gave a slow nod. "...Yeah. For a second there, I thought she was gonna bring the whole stadium down..." she muttered. "...Anyway- Tom showed up pretty soon after that... And he helped to calm her down... At least a little. Eventually, we managed to scoop you up onto Cloudy and get you to an emergency room. They cleaned you up and stuff... Mostly with Flesh-Maggots, Blood-Freakers, and other slimy insects..."

Marco grimaced. "Okay, I think you can skip that stuff..." he muttered.

Kelly shrugged. "Alright. Well, long story short- I wound up bringing my parents in to take over for the Mewman doctors... And it was a good thing, too- 'Cuz I'm pretty sure they were about to start putting you into the cobra baths..." she said.

Marco shuddered again and made a mental note to thank Kelly's parents for sparing him from the horrors of Mewman medicine.

All of sudden, Kelly gave a sharp gasp. "Oh! That reminds me!" she exclaimed, before plunging her hand into her hair. After rummaging around for a while, she eventually retrieved something from within the deep depths of her hair. It looked at first glance like an old, blue blanket. Folded into a neat rectangle.

Marco recognized in an instant. "...My cape..." he muttered.

Kelly flashed Marco a grin. "Yeah- Lavabo cleaned and repaired it himself." she said, as she carefully unfolded the cape. "Here..." muttered Kelly, as she carefully handed the cape to Marco.

Marco took the cape and stared at it for a moment, his expression oddly wistful. There were a few long lines of stitches spread out across the cape, and the singed edges had been trimmed away. There were no traces of blood left over, either. Not even a single patch of discoloration. Both the repairs and the cleaning had been so skillfully done, that the cape looked almost as good as new.

"...Thanks..." he muttered, as he slowly set the cape down in front of him.

Kelly grinned. "But that's not all!" she announced, as she swiftly plunged her hand into her hair once more and retrieved a familiar pair of scissors.

"My dimensional scissors!" Marco exclaimed, his voice filled with joy and relief. "Thank goodness you found them! I was worried I'd lost them forever..."

Kelly's smile widened as she handed him the dimensional scissors. "It kinda took a while to find the guy who took your clothes and stuff... After a whole bunch of 'sleuthing', I wound up tracking one of Jerkius' followers to an all you can eat restaurant... I found him wearing your hoodie as a bib and using your scissors as a fork." said Kelly. "He put up a fight at first, but... Well- let's just say he had no idea what he was gettin' himself into."

"I'll bet..." said Marco, with a soft chuckle. "...Thanks Kelly. I really appreciate it. These scissors... They mean a lot to me. I dunno what I'd do if I lost them..."

"It was no problem." said Kelly, with a smile. "Anyway... Back to the whole 'recap' thing... I think this might count as a sort of 'Good News/Bad News' kinda deal..." she continued. "...I think I'll go with the 'bad news' first... So, during all of the chaos back in the stadium... Jerkius... Well, he managed to slip away. And... Unfortunately... No one's seen any trace of him since."

Marco frowned and clenched his teeth. "...I see..." he muttered.

"The good news is that since you won your battle against him, and he refused to follow up on his side of the deal and apologize to Anastasia... He was kicked out of the Royal Knights." said Kelly.

Marco blinked in surprise. "...Really?" he muttered.

Kelly nodded. "Yeah. Really. Queen Moon had to give a royal decree and everything... It was pretty big news. " she said. "...Of course, some people protested and stuff... Some of them claimed that Jerkius was only being thrown out because he'd beaten up the Princesses Royal Squire. ...But when Jerkius failed to show up to object... It began to seem like he'd already fled out of shame. That kinda put a damper on the protests and stuff. Of course, there are still some people out there who think you cheated somehow... Especially among Jerkius' most loyal followers... But... From what I heard from Higgs, that Squire girl... A bunch of the knights are actually kinda relieved he's gone. In fact- I heard that some people even suggested having you take his place among the Royal Knights- although I'm pretty sure that's still a fairly controversial idea."

Marco frowned. "...So... He's still out there?" he muttered, his tone rather grim. "...And not just him... But his followers, too?"

"Uh-huh. But it's okay, Karate Uncle."

Marco blinked and turned to find the Buff Family and the Buff Kids all sitting together on the floor beside his bed, looking like they had just bunched themselves together for 'story time'. Among the group, Anastasia rose her voice.

"...Star granted all of us a special royal protection. So from now on, none of those Royal KNight guys are allowed anywhere near out swamp." said Anastasia.

Marco raised an eyebrow. "How'd she manage that?" he muttered.

This time, Buff Frog spoke. "...Apparently, it was being something that she had been working on for some time... Ever since I was helping the Queen during the 'Toffee' incident... Also, with me being the Royal Monster Expert... And Karate Boy fighting on my families behalf... All of this was being more than enough to not only be convincing not only the Queen... But the Royal Council as well." he said. "...Is first time a Monster had been given such treatment in a very long time... We were given special 'seal of protection' and everything..."

Kelly nodded. "...Yeah. Apparently, Sir Lavabo and Lady Demonicus spoke to the Royal Council personally to make sure it happened... And with them standing alongside the Queen... Well, they couldn't really make a big fuss about it." she said. "And since Jerkius reneged on his side of the deal... Well, you had to be given something for your victory. Otherwise, apparently, the honor of the Royal Knights would be forever tarnished... Or something like that. In the end, even the council members who were loyal to Jerkius wound up having to agree."

"Yeah! And it that dumb Jerky guy or whatever he's called shows up near our swamp again, then we'll all just fight him off together! Just like you did!" exclaimed one of the Buff Kids.

"YEAH!" bellowed the rest, including Anastasia, at the top of their lungs.

The loud cheers of the Buff Kid were quickly joined by a chorus of excited barking from the Laser Puppies. Kelly grinned. "Yeah... And I'll be there too. And so will Star." she added.

Marco smiled. "...Yeah. And so will I. I promise." he said.

As the Buff Kids began loudly discussing their plans for a new self-defense training regimen with Kelly and Marco, Buff Frog appeared lost in thought. His head flippers gave a slight quiver as he frowned and rubbed his chin. Eclipsa, meanwhile, was watching over the scene with a bright, sincere smile. However, as time went on, her smile slowly began to fade.

All of a sudden, she felt Glossaryk jump up and grab her shirt. Clinging desperately to the cloth, Glossaryk wasted no time in scrambling upward and perching himself on her shoulder. Both his beard and his tunic were lightly singed- thanks no doubt to the Laser Puppies. Eclipsa spared Glossaryk a glance and breathed a small sigh.

"...This is such a lovely little scene, Gloss..." she muttered. "It's just... Well, it's quite sad that Star isn't here to enjoy it along with them... Isn't it?"

Glossaryk blinked with one eye and then the other and then cocked his head to the side. "...Globgor?" he muttered. Eclipsa gave the little blue man a soft smile before reached her hand up to her shoulder to give Glossaryk a gentle scratch on the chin.

"Er... I am liking your pet. Is very... Unique."

Eclipsa blinked in surprise as she turned her attention away from Glossaryk, to find Buff Frog standing in front of her, looking a little nervous. Eclipsa's smile quickly widened at the sight of him. "Yes. He certainly is." she said, giving Glossaryk a gentle pat atop the head.

Buff Frog kept his eyes trained on Glossryk for a moment, before quietly clearing his throat. "Er- Anyway... My name is Yvgeny Bulgolyubov. It is being very nice to meet you, Miss... Er... 'Puppy Polo Coach'..." he said, as he offered his hand to shake.

Eclipsa happily took his hand and shook it enthusiastically. "It is a pleasure to officially make your acquaintance, Mister Bulgolyubov. I've heard a little bit about you from Star and your children... I must say, your young ones are such remarkable little free spirits... Each one brilliant in their own unique way. You must be very proud." she said.

Buff Frog smiled. "Yes. They are being my pride and joy. My whole world." he said. "Thank you for giving them the gift of your hospitality."

"Oh, it was my absolute pleasure. It's not every day that I've the opportunity to meet such wonderfully precocious youngsters..." said Eclipsa, her eyes growing somewhat wistful as she shifted her gaze toward the Buff Kids, and then back to Buff Frog. "...It is most heartening to see that even though very little seems to have truly changed since my time... There are still monsters out there who are able to find such joy in this world..."

Buff Frog gave a small nod. "...Yes, I fell this well." he muttered, as he too glanced over at the Buff Kids. "...Although... Some part of me is still feeling a deep sense of... Dread. I-... I cannot help but be afraid that... As they are growing up, and losing this youthful joy... That their experiences with the bitterness of reality may shape them into... Well-... Something like I was being at that age... Angry. And... Foolish."

Buff Frog breathed a heavy sigh. "...Now... They have been given a glimpse of the darker corners of their existence as 'monsters'... I had been wanting to shelter them from this... But now... It is too late..." he muttered. "...I suppose, in the end, everything has been working out okay... But... I still fear for the future..."

There was a brief pause as Buff Frog once again lost himself in thought. Then, Buff Frog gave a light gasp, as if he had only just realized that he had been speaking out loud. With a small, awkward cough, Buff Frog quietly turned his gaze to the floor, looking embarrassed. "Ah. Sorry. I was not meaning to be suddenly blurting out my worries like this..." he muttered.

Eclipsa smiled as she gently placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Oh, no- Don't you worry a bit. I know what it's like to have a world of worries swirling around inside... Especially when it comes to the future of those you care about. It can be quite... Excruciating." she said.

Buff Frog slowly moved his eyes up from the floor to meet Eclipsa's gaze. When their eyes met, Buff Frog noticed a flicker of intense emotion deep within Eclipsa's greyish purple eyes. He recognized it in an instant. It was pain. And somehow... He recognized it as a pain that he was intimately familiar with. A deep pain radiating from experience in the past, mixed with an intense anxiety for the future. A dark mixture of sadness, bitterness, worry... Even loneliness. Along with a deep and profound sense of regret.

Somehow, at that moment, it felt as if they suddenly understood each other completely. Both had pain etched deep into their very being... And in that moment, they were able to recognize it in each other's eyes. Immediately, an odd kind of bond was formed. It felt strange, yet also somehow profound.

The moment was fleeting, but it felt meaningful all the same.

Silence hung over the two of them for a little while, until Buff Frog finally broke it by awkwardly clearing his throat. "... ... It is being good to share such things. ...Thank you." he said.

Eclipsa smiled. "Of course." she said, before turning her attention back to the Buff Kids. "...Yes, unfortunately... All we can do for young ones out there is to be there to support them... And try not to get yourself frozen in crystal for a few hundred years. Trust me... That really doesn't help..."

Buff Frog raised an eyebrow and scratched his head. "Er... Okay. I will be remembering that." he said.

Eclipsa went quiet for a moment. Eventually, seemed to falter as she breathed a long, heavy sigh. "...It's so very difficult to believe in the future. To look at it with an air of optimism... At times, it can feel outright foolish." she said. "And in all honesty... I very well might be. Foolish, I mean. ...Still, I endeavor to believe in the generation we leave behind. And hoper that they manage to learn from the mistakes of the past... From the errors of their elders... And work together to build something truly wonderful. ...If there is any hope worth believing in... I think it is that one."

Buff Frog gave a slow nod and a short sigh. "...Yes. I am believing in this as well... I-... I am sure that they will rise up together, to meet any challenge that is coming their way." he said. "...But. My heart is remaining heavy... Because I know of the damage these challenges can leave behind... And... I am just wishing that they didn't have to go through such... Pain."

"Yes... Unfortunately, those challenges remain a fundamental part of what it means to exist... And quite often, it can be truly painful. Even overwhelming. ...There is some beauty in it, I suppose. ...At times, I've even been able to appreciate it." said Eclipsa. "...It is quite fascinating... Even beautiful, in a detached kind of way... To observe they way pain shapes so many people... Strengthening some, and destroying others."

Once again, Buff Frog scratched his head. "...Er- I am not knowing about all that..." he muttered. "But what I am knowing... Is that if someone like me can survive and find happiness... Then so can everyone else. I am sure. Yes, it is often involving luck... But... It is being out there. And the only way to truly lose sight of it... Is to stop looking."

Eclipsa smiled. "...A wonderful sentiment." she said.

A comfortable silence fell between them. Quickly broken by the sounds of uproarious laughter from Marco, Kelly and the Buff Kids. The Laser Puppies happily barked and yipped alongside them, not wanting to be left out as Dimitri stood on the bed, entertaining the group with his newest batch of 'frog jokes'.

Eclipsa gave a soft chuckle. "Oh, that's right... Little Dimitri did mention that he had a little routine prepared..." she said. "Why don't we lighten the mood a little with some 'froggy humor'... Shall we, Mister Bulgolyubov?"

Buff Frog smiled. "...Please, you can be calling me 'Buff Frog'." he said.

"Thank you, 'Buff Frog'. You can call me 'Eclipsa'. Many people insist on calling me by my full title of 'Queen of Darkness' and such... But I was never one for such formalities." said Eclipsa.

Buff Frog blinked. "Er-... Wait. 'Queen of Darkness'? For some reason... This is sounding oddly familiar. And... Kind of ominous." he muttered.

A Buff Frog scratched his head in a state of mild confusion, Eclipsa quietly sat down on the floor beside the bed and quickly began laughing along with everyone else. Soon enough, Buff Frog gave a simple shrug and then sat down beside her to join his friends and family in their revelry.

As time wore on, Marco's room was filled with the sounds of laughter. And as Eclipsa snorted and snickered along with everyone else, she felt an incredible flood of warmth wash over her. It had been a very long time since the Queen of Darkness had enjoyed herself like this. It was like a party. But even as she enjoyed the jovial feeling in the air, she still could help but feel a slight twinge of sadness.

The image of Marco, Kelly and the Buff Family joyfully enjoying each others company was utterly delightful. But for Eclipsa... It still felt as though there was something missing. Or someone.


Star Butterfly gave a long, weary yawn as she leaned back in her chair, teetering backward ever so slightly. After staring off into space for a moment, she quietly picked up her pencil and began balancing it on her nose. Time was passing at a mind-numbing crawl. And all she could think to do in order to relieve the tedium was to shift her gaze toward the pencil as it gently swayed on the bridge of her nose.

Amidst the myriad bite marks that decorated the pencils surface, the words 'Property of Marco Diaz' were scrawled across the side. Star blinked a few times when she noticed the familiar handwriting. Frowning ever so slightly, Star slowly leaned forward in her chair as she felt her chest suddenly tighten. With a small sigh, Star quickly removed the pencil and turned her attention toward her surroundings.

She was sitting at a small wooden desk in a dull, little room somewhere in Butterfly Castle. Her mother was standing a short distance in front of her, reading aloud from the large book she held in her hands titled 'The Grand History of Royal Cutlery'. Behind her, there stood an enormous blackboard. As Moon spoke, words slowly faded into existence across the blackboards surface in big white letters. It was mostly a collection of various names and dates that Star was supposed to either memorize or write down somewhere. But at the moment, Star wasn't in the mood to do either.

Star breathed another heavy sigh as she leaned over and put her head down on her desk. As she did so, she lost her grip on the pencil. It landed rather noisily on the floor, but it wasn't quite loud enough to distract Moon. She had just reached a section on doilies, and for some reason, she seemed completely absorbed by it.

Star gave a quiet groan. Her current predicament reminded her of the long hours she had spent at 'school' during her time on Earth. Only somehow, this felt even more boring. Possibly because she didn't have Janna around to pass notes with. During their time at school, Janna had taught her all kinds of different note passing techniques. Including techniques involving paper planes- which were always the most fun. Even if they did make it a whole lot easier to get caught. Especially during those time when they both got a little carried away.

Star could still vividly remember the look Marco had given her when she sent an enormous paper 'blimp' to Janna. It probably would've worked out if the blimp hadn't suddenly exploded in the air. Miss Skullnick probably would've given her a lifetimes worth of detention for that... Luckily, she had been asleep at the time. How she had managed to sleep through the explosion was anyone'guess.

Sometimes, Star and Janna would use other methods to trade notes. Such as setting up slingshots or even catapult systems on their desks, in order to five their paper takeoffs a little extra flair. Of course, they had both managed to get a little carried away from time to time. Like the time that Janna used a bottle rocket to launch a note. Or the time Star somehow managed to launch her entire desk into the ceiling. Sometimes, all the various notes and paper planes would wind up getting stuck in Marco's hair somehow. And he would usually fail to notice until lunch break- or sometimes even later.

Then there was the time that Star and Janna's paper creations had suddenly sprung to life and tried to take over the school. It had taken the whole afternoon for Star and Marco to finally put a stop to the newly formed paper army. And they had both managed to receive quite a few paper cuts in the process. Apparently, all of the paper that Star and Janna had used for note passing that day had been ripped out of an old, creepy looking book that Janna had found at a garage sale. Of course, Star's wand hadn't exactly helped matters much.

Passing notes wasn't the only thing that Star did to pass her time during class. During her stay on Earth, she had come up with a wide array of ideas and techniques to effectively beat her boredom. And only about half of them had resulted in the near destruction of the school.

As she recalled those chaotic memories of her time in Echo Creek, Star couldn't help but smile.

Thinking back to the time she had spent living in the Diaz household, going to school and going out on adventures across the dimensions... Those memories never failed to bring a smile to her face. The memories she had made at Echo Creek were some of the most precious things his her entire life. And they would always hold a special place in her heart.

Even some of the sadder memories... Like the night she lost her spellbook. Or the night of the big Love Sentance Concert. Or the night she left Earth with the intention of never coming back.

Star bit her lip. The pain of those particular memories was still vivid enough that it made her flinch a little.

The memories she had made in Echo Creek were incredibly powerful. The time she had spent there had fundamentally changed her. And the biggest reason for that... Was Marco.

Star winced a little, as she felt a sharp jab on pain in her chest.

Her time in Echo Creek had truly changed her. She could feel it. It had given her place where she felt like she truly belonged. Something that she had never quite gotten during her time roaming the halls of Butterfly Castle as a little girl. And it had opened her eyes to some of the injustices of her homeland. And it had given her the confidence to start believing that she might really have the power to change things for the better.

And for the first time in her life, she felt as if she had taken an important step toward truly accepting her role as princess.

She had always thought that to be impossible. For as long as she could remember, she always thought that she would either keep avoiding and resisting the burdens of being a princess for as long as she lived. Or, she would wind up finding herself forced into it somehow. She had never dreamed that she would begin to take on the responsibility herself. It had always felt far too daunting. And some part of her had always believed that if she tried, she would just mess everything up. As she so often did.

Those thoughts still nagged at her from time to time. But recently... They had become a lot quieter. Part of that was because she no longer saw her princess duties as something to be intimidated by. Instead, they were mere challenges. Challenges that she would happily take on for the cause of making Mewni a better place for Mewman and Monster alike. Of course, it helped that she had her friends helping out along the way. Especially Tom. He had been an amazing partner during the last few months. It felt like they were on a journey together. To figure out how to be the best future rulers they could be.

And of course... Having Marco around had been a tremendous help as well. He had been an incredibly reliable shoulder to lean on, even during her princess duties and her studies. He was easily the single greatest Squire in history, and Star would vehemently argue with anyone who said otherwise. But recently... Something had changed between them. Something deep.

She had done her very best to pretend that it wasn't there. To pretend that everything was fine. That nothing would ever stop them from being friends.

Then... She had been given a wake-up call. In the form of a thistlemoe crown. And she had been forced to face the reality that Marco... Wasn't happy. And she had no idea what to do, or how to help. And worse... He didn't seem to want to let her.

Things went on like that for a while. Then, she all of sudden, she found herself hovering over his battered and bloody form... Staring in shock, horror, and disbelief. When Kelly had relayed the story of what had happened, Star had gone through a wide range of emotions. But more than anything, she felt... Hurt. Hurt because Marco hadn't reached out to her for help that night. Or even earlier... Like when he first began to feel the way he did.

Instead, he had only revealed that to her under the influence of a magical crown. Would he have ever told her of his own volition? Or... Was he planning to just keep it inside forever? Why?

The question had been plaguing her ever since that night. But in the time since then... She hadn't asked him that question. Not since the first time, when she had pleaded with him from outside his bedroom door.

Part of the reason that she hadn't broached the subject again was that she was mad at him. Mad at him for keeping his feelings a secret. And for refusing to tell her the truth, even when she begged him to. Of course, some part of her was also afraid to hear the answer.

For a while now, Marco and Star had stopped talking to each other almost entirely. And it had become so painful that she had begun to bury herself in her princess duties as deeply as possible. Doing her very best to distract herself by putting her mind on something else. She had even started taking on extra lessons from her mother. Which was why she was currently sitting at that desk.

Star breathed yet another long, heavy sigh. Deep down, she knew that avoiding the problem wasn't going to help anything. And Marco getting injured had served as a tremendous wake-up call. She couldn't let things go on like this. So... The very second he woke up... She was going to ask him that question. And she was going to face the truth... No matter what it was.

"Star?"

At the sound of her name, Star quickly sat up at attention. Unfortunately, she moved with a little too much force, sending her falling backwards in her chair. She landed with a loud 'thud' and wasted no time in scrambling to her feet and getting back into her chair. Moon watched with a slightly curved brow as Star did her very best to act naturally as she faced her mother with a flustered smile.

"Uh- Yes?" she asked.

Moon closed her book and breathed a soft sigh. "...I'm sorry." she muttered. "I should've known that you wouldn't find doilie history quite as fascinating as I did when I was your age..."

Star shook her head. "No, no- It's fine, Mom. I was just-... I mean... My brains just a little stuck on... Other stuff." she said, doing her best to form a convincing smile. "Go ahead... I- uh... I love doilie stuff! You know me! I'm uh-... I'm all about doilies!"

Moon gave her daughter a small, playful smile. "Oh, I see... Then I suppose you recall who invented them?" she asked.

Star scratched her head as she struggled to think for a moment. "Uuh... Uuuuuh... Was it... Doilie... MacDoilieson?" she muttered.

"...Lucky guess." said Moon.

"O-oh... Cool... Cool, cool, cool..." muttered Star, as she slowly shifted her gaze down toward her desk.

An awkward silence hung over the room, as neither one of them seemed to know what exactly to say next. Eventually, Moon awkwardly cleared her throat. "...Is there... I mean-... Star... Would you... Perhaps... Like to talk about... What's bothering you?" she asked, her voice subtly betraying her nerves. The prospect of speaking to her daughter about things outside of her role as a future Queen still felt somewhat alien to her. And it made her feel... Awkward. And the fact that she could feel that way about speaking to her own daughter filled her with a profound sense of shame and guilt.

"...No. I mean-... It's not really important..." muttered Star.

Moon bit her lip and frowned a little. "...Star." she muttered, as she struggled desperately to think of what to say to her teenage daughter. Eventually, she sat her book down on a nearby desk and walked over to Star with a determined look on her face.

"Star." she said, her voice brimming with a familiar authoritative tone. Star looked up from her desk with a confused look on her face, and Moon quickly felt her resolve falter. Doing her best to push past her nerves, Moon cleared her throat and focused her attention on Star.

"...Are you still worried about Marco?" she asked.

Star flinched a little, and then slowly moved her gaze back to her desk. Eventually, she gave a small nod. "...Yeah." she muttered.

Moon gave her daughter a soft, sympathetic smile. "Did you visit him this morning?" she asked.

Star gave a slow nod, followed quickly by a loud yawn. "...Yeah. I was kinda... Keeping an eye on him... For a while before..." she muttered. "...I was sure that... At any moment... He was gonna wake up... But-... He didn't. Again."

Moon breathed a small sigh. "Oh, Star... Did you watch over him all night? Again?" she asked. "...I told you, you must stop doing that. It's bad for your health... And you need your rest. Besides- you know the old saying... 'A watched coma patient never awakens'."

Star thought for a moment and then frowned. "...That's a kinda messed up saying..." she muttered.

"Yes, well- Most of the old Mewman sayings have that air about them. Like 'Birds of a feather get turned into pillows'... Or 'The early bird is eaten by the worm'... Hmm... Now that I think of it, an awful lot of them deal with birds..." said Moon, as she rubbed her chin in thought. "...It might be a good idea not to use any of those in front of the Rich Pidgeons... In fact, I should probably mention that to your father."

Star gave a slow nod, followed quickly by another loud yawn.

"...Perhaps it would be best if we just skip the lesson for today." said Moon. "It might be best if you use the time to rest instead. Besides, you've been doing very well with your studies recently... And your princess duties... I think you've earned a break."

Star breathed a long, heavy sigh. "...I can't..." she muttered. "...I-... I just know that... If I stop... Even for a moment... Then I'll wind up getting distracted... Or-... Or I'll find a way to make everything worse... For everyone..."

As she spoke, Star's voice gave a slight tremble. And immediately, Moon felt an enormous swell of emotion rise up from deep within her. And for the first time in what felt like forever, Moon allowed herself to act on impulse as she leaned forward and wrapped her daughter up in her arms.

Initially, Star felt somewhat bewildered by her mother's sudden embrace. But as she was enveloped by her mother's familiar warmth, everything else seemed to fade away. After a brief pause, Star returned the embrace with a tight squeeze of her own. Neither of them seemed to be able to figure out exactly what to say next. So, they both simply remained in their quiet embrace. Both content to simply share a moment as mother and daughter, for the first time in too long.

Unfortunately, the moment did last very long- as the silence was soon interrupted by a loud, obnoxious ringing sound that seemed to be emanating from Star's skirt pocket. Both Moon and Star initially froze, before awkwardly pulling away from each other. Muttering a series of apologies under her breath, Star quickly fished her compact-phone out of her pocket and flipped it open. For a moment, she frowned, as she struggled to make out the message that had popped up on her screen.

The message displayed on her screen read 'Mrc0 iz aw8k!', followed by a flurry of emojis. It was obviously a text sent from Kelly. She was the only person Star knew who texted like that. When Ponyhead texted, she would only use emojis. No numbers and no letters allowed. Apparently, it was a strict rule or hers never to text in a way that was immediately intelligible. Tom only ever texted using a graphic that made it look like the letters were on fire. Unfortunately, it didn't always work- and it often turned his text messages into a completely garbled mess.

Kelly's texts were always a happy medium between incoherent and somewhat understandable. It took Star a moment to register what the text actually meant. But when she did, she immediately leaped out of her chair. Knocking the table over, and sending her chair careening backward. Star ignored both, as she looked up at her mother with tears of relief and joy forming in her eyes.

"He's awake! Mom! Marco's awake!" she exclaimed, jumping up and down and waving her compact phone around in the air.

"That's terrific!" Moon exclaimed, a flood of relief and joy evident in both her voice and her expression. "You'd better hurry along to greet him."

"Already on it!" exclaimed Star, as raced over to the door and swung it open so hard that it came flying off its hinges. Star moved like an unstoppable blur of energy. Watching her, Moon couldn't help but raise her eyebrows a little. Just moments ago, Star had seemed utterly defeated. And tired. And now... She was like a whole new person.

Moon watched with a smile as Star bellowed an indecipherable mess of words, before racing out the door and down the hall. Then, all of a sudden, Star sped back into the room to launch herself toward Moon with her arms outstretched. Star wrapped her arms around her mother and gave her a warm hug. "Thanks, Mom..." she said.

Moon returned the embrace with a glowing smile. Then, she watched with an amused look on her face as Star suddenly disappeared through the doorway once again.

As she sped through the hallways, Star felt an incredible burst of energy coursing through her veins.

'...This is it.' she thought. '...Today... We're gonna talk all this stuff out... And then-... Then everything's going to go back to normal.'

As she ran, a feeling of dread slowly crept over her. It was only small and easy enough to ignore. But it was still there. Lingering in the back of her mind. Star took a few shallow breaths as she turned a corner and slid down a banister.

'...Everythings going to be okay.' she told herself.

And at that moment, more than anything... She wanted to believe it. But somewhere, deep down inside... She wasn't so sure.


Marco breathed a small sigh as his gaze slowly wandered. The loud, chaotic energy that had filled his bedroom for the last few hours had finally begun to dissipate. By now the Buff Kids and the Laser Puppies were sitting in the middle of the room playing a card game. Glossaryk was taking a nap on the windowsill, while Eclipsa and Buff Frog sat by the closet, chatting amiably. Kelly, meanwhile, was sitting on the side of Marco's bed, quietly fiddling with her compact-phone.

A few minutes passed by.

Eventually, Kelly flipped her compact-phone shut and stashed it away in her hair. Turning her attention toward Marco, she breathed a soft sigh. "...I just texted Star." she said. "...So, she's probably gonna make a Star-shaped hole in the door any second now... Are you ready?"

Marco gave a small nod. "Yeah... I think so." he muttered.

Kelly smiled. "Good. I, uh... I already talked to Buff Frog... We kinda figured it might be a good idea for all of us to clear out and give you two a little... Space." she said.

As if on cue, a series of disappointed noises suddenly erupted from where the Buff Kids and Laser Puppies were sitting.

"Aww... But we don't wanna go! Can't we just stay here for a little while longer?"

Buff Frog sighed as he stood in front of the group. As the Buff Kids croaked their protests, the Laser Puppies were quick to join in with a series of high pitched whines. "...I am sorry, little ones. But... Karate Boy is-... Well... He is needing his rest." he explained.

"But Karate Uncle just had, like, four whole days of resting! He's probably sick of it by now!" exclaimed one of the Buff Kids.

"Yeah! It sounds to me more like you just want us outta the way or somethin'!" exclaimed another.

Buff Frog gave a nervous cough. "Eh? Vat? I don't-... I mean..." he sputtered.

Suddenly, Eclipsa appeared by his side, wearing a bright smile. "...Well, we just thought that you kids might want to play with the Laser Puppies out in the garden for a little while... Perhaps we'll even have some tea and cookies..." she said.

The Buff Kids collectively rubbed their chins as they all seemed to carefully consider Eclipsa's suggestion. Eventually, Katrina stepped out of the group with her arms folded across her chest. "...That sounds nice and all... But why can't Karate Uncle just come with us?" she asked. "I mean-... I'm sure he'd enjoy the fresh air... And the tea."

Eclipsa slowly knelt herself down to meet the Buff Kids at eye level, and flashed them a bright smile. "...Well, you see kids... The truth is... Star is actually headed this way as we speak, to see Marco... And we just thought it might be a nice idea to let them have their little reunion on their own... Don't you think?" she asked.

Katrina, along with a few other Buff Kids, seemed to consider this for a moment before breaking out in a series of tiny giggles. The rest of the Buff Kids, meanwhile, were left scratching their heads.

"...I don't get it. I mean-... It's not like we're gonna get in their way or anything..." muttered one of the Buff Kids, earning a scowl from one of the other Buff Kids.

"Of course you don't get it, Boris! You don't get anything!" exclaimed the scowling Buff Kid. "...Look- we're just gonna let 'em have some 'alone' time, okay?"

"But... What do they need to be alone for?"

"For... You know... Stuff..."

"What kinda 'stuff'?"

"Stuff 'stuff'!"

As a few of the Buff Kids began to argue amongst themselves, Marco took a long, deep breath and sighed.

"...Are you nervous?" asked Kelly.

Marco thought for a moment, and then gave a small nod. "...To be honest, I am. But-... I need to do this. I-... I need to talk to her. I should've done it a long time ago..." he muttered.

Kelly gave him a sympathetic smile. "...Well, just remember... No matter what happens... We'll always be your friends, Marco Ubaldo Diaz. I promise." she said.

Marco smiled. "...Thanks, Kelly."

Eventually, the Buff Kids seemed to reach some kind of agreement amongst themselves. And so, the next few minutes were filled with hugs and well wishes as the Buff Kids and the Laser Puppies piled up on Marco's bed once more. This time, they moved with a little more care, and managed to avoid nearly crushing Marco's fragile body under their collective weight. Once they had broken away, the Buff Kids and Laser Puppies waved and smiled as they made their way out the door.

"Bye, Karate Uncle!"

"Hope you feel better real soon!"

"Yeah! And don't forget to say hi to Star for us!"

Marco smiled and happily returned their waves as he watched them walk out the door. As the Buff Kids and Laser Puppies made their way out into the hallway, Buff Frog walked over to Marco with a gentle smile on his face. "...Before I am going... I was just wanting to say... Again... Thank you, Karate Boy. For fighting for my family. And you as well, Shrubbery Girl." he said. "...I- ...I do not know if I can ever be repaying you two..."

Marco smiled. "Don't worry about it, Buff Frog. ...I'm just glad everything worked out okay." he said.

Kelly nodded. "Yeah... Me too." she added.

"Please remember to be visiting the swamp sometime, both of you... When Karate Boy has fully healed, of course." said Buff Frog. "...I shall be preparing you a special fancy dinner in your honor."

Marco smiled and nodded. "...Sure. Will do." he said.

Buff Frog gave Marco a small wave, before walking off to join the Buff Kids and Laser Puppies out in the hallway. As he watched Buff Frog leave the room, Marco breathed a wistful sigh. Noticing this, Kelly reached over and gave him a gentle, playful shove. "Hey. ...There's no need to be gettin' all sentimental. ...This-... This isn't a 'goodbye'. Okay?" she said.

Marco lowered his gaze and gave a small nod. "...Yeah." he muttered.

Kelly stared at him for a moment and then leaned forward to give him a quick hug. "...Until next time, Marco..." she muttered.

Marco smiled. "...Yeah. Until next time..." he muttered.

Once she had broken away, Kelly gave him a small wave before leaving the room. As he watched her leave, Marco felt a familiar surge of pain deep in his chest. Doing his best to ignore it, Marco suddenly noticed Eclipsa standing by the window. Marco watched her with a slightly raised eyebrow, as Eclipsa gently scooped up Glossaryk's sleeping form and set him down on her shoulder. Once Glossaryk was settled, she turned her attention back toward the window. Staring out at the horizon for a moment, she breathed a small sigh.

"...It's a lovely day out today..." she mused.

Silence hung in the air as Eclipsa stood in front of the window for just a moment longer. Then, she turned to face Marco with a soft, wistful smile on her face.

"...This is a 'goodbye'... Isn't it?" she asked.

Marco didn't respond, but she didn't really need him to. The answer was written all over his face.

"...Well, then... I wish you all the best in you future endeavors, Marco Diaz." said Eclipsa, with a polite bow. "I hope that someday... Our paths might cross again."

Marco gave a small nod. "...Thanks. And-... I wish the same to you too, Eclipsa. Whatever crazy plans you may or may not have... I hope they work out for you. ...As long as they don't involve overthrowing the kingdom, or taking over the multiverse... Or something equally 'villain-ey'." he said.

Eclipsa chuckled. "At the very least, I think I can promise you that I certainly don't plan on resorting to 'villain-ey' behavior in the near future... Not unless I have to, of course." she said.

With that, Eclispa flashed Marco a mischevious grin, before reaching out and playfully tussling Marco's hair. Then, all of sudden, she paused. "Oh! That reminds me... You probably want to put on some clothes before Star arrives... Correct? Unless of course, you'd rather reunite while wearing only briefs..." she said.

Marco blinked a few times, and then looked down to find his bare chest on display for all to see. With a high pitched gasp, Marco quickly grabbed his bedsheets and pulled them up to cover himself. "Sorry..." he muttered, cheeks lightly flushed. "I, uh... I didn't notice...

Eclipsa smiled. "Now, now- It's nothing to fret over." she said. "I only bring it up, because I thought you might like a little help with getting dressed..."

Marco's eyes widened at the suggestion, and the pink hue in his cheeks quickly brightened. "Uh- What-... What do you mean?" he sputtered.

Eclipsa brought her hand to her mouth a gave a soft giggle. "Oh, not like that, Marco... Like this." she said, as she snapped her fingers. All of a sudden, a thin wisp of dark purple smoke appeared in the air and quickly wrapped itself around Marco's entire body. Marco gasped, as the smoke slowly tightened itself around him, before suddenly dissipating. Leaving him fully dressed. As usual, he found himself wearing a hoodie with a shirt underneath, along with long pants. Marco quietly wriggled his toes and realized that he was even wearing shoes and socks.

The clothes were a perfect fit, and they were almost a perfect match for the clothes that he usually wore. However, there was an odd difference. Which was that for some reason, the colors of his goodie and his undershirt had been switched. Now, he was wearing a grey hoodie with a red shirt underneath.

Marco stared down at his new hoodie for a moment and blinked. "...Huh." he muttered. "...Thanks, Eclipsa."

"Think nothing of it, Marco." said Eclipsa with a soft smile. "..Well, then... I suppose it's time I joined the others... Before they get themselves lost trying to find the garden. ...Goodbye, Marco Diaz."

Marco smiled. "...Yeah. Goodbye, Eclipsa." he muttered.

And with that, Eclipsa left the room. Leaving an eerie silence in the air, as Marco suddenly found himself lying in bed all alone. As time slowly passed, Marco breathed a small sigh as he struggled to keep his hands from trembling ever-so-slightly. His entire body was burning with nervous energy. It was enough to make him want to start pacing around, or maybe even start breathing in a brown paper bag.

Clenching his teeth, Marco eventually decided to try and peel himself out of bed. At the very least, maybe the effort of getting up on his feet would be enough to distract him from some of the thoughts buzzing around in his head.

The process of shifting himself out of bed was slow and painful. His limbs were still stiff and sore. But over the course of the next few minutes or so, he eventually managed to shimmy his way over to the side of his bed. With his feet now hovering over the floor, Marco held his breath as he grabbed a nearby bedpost with his hand and slowly began the process of hoisting himself up on his feet.

It took a considerable amount of pain and effort. But after a few minutes of stretching and grunting, he finally managed to get himself standing up by propping himself against the bedpost. Marco breathed a small sigh as he felt his legs threaten to buckle at any moment. Clenching his teeth again, Marco took a few steps forward, doing his best to lean as much of his weight as possible on to a nearby wall.

Marco took a few deep breaths. Slowly, but surely, he could feel the stiffness in his muscles slowly begin to soften, making it a little easier to move himself around. Although no less painful.

All of a sudden, there was a knock at the door. And Marco immediately felt his heart threaten to leap out of his chest. Twitching slightly, he did his best to keep himself upright as his heart fluttered with anticipation.

Star's voice emanated from the other side of the door. "Marco? I'm coming inside!" she exclaimed.

Marco felt his breath hitch in his throat as the door suddenly swung open. Star stood at the doorway covered in sweat, her hair lightly frazzled. She had been running for what felt to her like an eternity. And only as she approached Marco's room had it occurred to her that she could have used her 'Butterfly Form' to cut the journey short. Her mind had been racing ever since she had received Kelly's text. All of her thoughts were a blur. And now, as she stood there, seeing Marco on his feet and awake... Her brain seemed to simply shut down.

Marco, meanwhile, felt his heart suddenly stop. Time itself seemed to stop right along with it, as his mind went completely blank.

For a good while, Star and Marco simply stood there, wide-eyed. Staring at each other in dumbstruck awe. Words failed them both for a good amount of time.

Until, finally, Star seemed to find her voice. "...Marco..." she muttered, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. "You're... You're awake..."

Marco blinked a few times as he struggled to force his brain back into working order. Eventually, he flashed her a small smile. "Yeah... I-" before he could finish his sentence, Star suddenly closed the distance between them and wrapped her arms around him. In an instant, Marco felt all the air escape his lungs as his entire body seemed to go limp with shock. It was all he could go to keep his legs from giving out from under him.

All of his senses were suddenly and completely overwhelmed by her. Her warmth, her smell, the sound of her voice and the incredible emotion that flooded her brilliant blue eyes... It was enough to reduce Marco to a blushing mess.

When she finally released him from her embrace, Marco had to struggle to regain his senses. Leaning desperately against the wall, he quietly willed himself to stay upright.

Star chuckled deliriously, as she quickly wiped away the tears forming in her eyes. "Th-... Thank corn..." she muttered. "I-... I thought... I mean-... I thought a whole of stuff... But-... You're okay!... You're... You're okay..."

Marco took a slow, deep breath. "Uh-... Yeah... More or less..." he muttered. His voice cracking slightly as he spoke. Just standing there in front of Star was enough to shake him to his very core. And it took everything he had not to just stand there and start stammering and sweating the same way he once did in front of Jackie Lynn Thomas.

Doing his best to push past the sudden influx of nerves surging through his entire body, Marco slowly made his way over to his bed and sat down. Taking another deep breath, he did his best to try and think of something to say.

"...How are you?" he finally asked. His voice still cracking slightly as he spoke.

Star blinked a few times. It seemed to take her a moment to register the question, but when she finally did, she flashed him a dazzling smile. "...I'm good. I was just-... I was just going through another study session with Mom..." she said.

Marco smiled. "...That's great." he muttered. "...I'm glad you two have gotten to spend a little more time together recently..."

"...Yeah. It's been great... I know it's been tough for her to find the time... You know... Between all the 'Queenly duties', and the meetings with the Magic High Commision... But... Yeah. I-... I think... She's really worked hard... To change. And... I think she has..." said Star.

"She's already helped me a lot... And Dad's been helping me too. In his own kinda way. ...He's actually been buggin' me about going out on some kinda 'survivalist trip' down in the deepest, darkest parts of the forest... Apparently, there's some kinda giant, ancient magical creature out there that Dad's got some kinda beef with..."

Marco smiled softly and nodded along as she spoke. "...And how's everyone else?" he asked.

"...Well, Ponyhead got crowned the first official 'Multidimensional Princess of Partying' a little while ago... She had a crown with flashing, neon lights, and everything." she said. "Oh! Plus, apparently, she and Rich Pidgeon started dating a little while ago! I'm not sure exactly when it started... But Ponyhead did tell me that they've already broken her record for 'longest lasting relationship'. I think her last record was about... An hour."

"They already invited Tom and me on a couple of double dates... But... We haven't really had the time to take 'em up on that yet..." Star continued.

Marco nodded again. "...I see." he muttered. "...And how is Tom?"

Star's features brightened immediately. "Oh, he's great!" she exclaimed, with a happy grin. "He's been a ton of help, too. And not just with having fun and stuff... But... With everything else as well. He's been... Really awesome."

Marco did his best to ignore the sting of jealousy he felt pierce his chest as Star spoke about Tom. Instead, he decided to focus on something else. Tom had really come a long way since the first time they met. And it sounded like he had only gotten better. Thinking about it, Marco felt a small swell of pride for the demon prince. It seemed like Tom had truly managed to turn everything around for himself.

He was growing up. Just like Star.

Marco frowned a little, and gently bit his lip. '...And unlike me...' he thought.

Star, meanwhile, didn't seem to notice that Marco was only half paying attention. "...He even went and dredged up a bunch of old demon texts and stuff to see if there were any healing curses that'd help you heal up a little faster... Unfortunately, almost all of them would've required sacrificing your soul and stuff, so... We decided not to go with that." she said. "So instead, he helped me keep an eye on you while you were sleeping... One time, he spent a whole night hovering over you, with his eyes wide open... Staring at your sleeping face. It was really sweet."

Marco quietly shuddered as the image of Tom staring down at him with three bloodshot eyes suddenly flashed before his eyes. "I see..." he muttered. "...That's not disturbing in the least..."

Star gave a light chuckle. "Yeah... But in his defense, it was mostly my idea..." she said.

The conversation quickly trailed off into an awkward silence. Time passed by slowly as Star struggled to think of what to say next, and Marco simply stared off into space. Doing his very best to keep a level head as a storm of emotions raged on inside of him.

Eventually, Star broke the silence between them with a quiet voice. "...We-... We need to talk..." she muttered.

Marco gave a small nod but didn't say anything.

Star frowned a little. "...Why... Why did you go and fight that Jerky guy by yourself?" she asked, her voice slowly growing more determined as she spoke. "Why didn't you come find me? That guy... He hurt one of the Buff Babies for corn's sake! I would've dropped everything to make sure that guy was punished! You-... You have to know that! But-... But instead, you went off and got into a fight all by yourself! And-... And you could've died, Marco!"

"...I didn't go alone. ...Kelly went with me. ...Besides-... I-... I wanted to talk to that guy as soon as possible. I-... I didn't wanna wait." muttered Marco.

"What the heck is that supposed to mean!? You couldn't stop for just a second to call me or something? I mean- You have dimensional scissors! If you'd just tried, you could've gone to face off with that guy with me and with Tom! But instead... You went and got into a big, dumb fight!" Star exclaimed. "That's-... I mean... It's not like you, Marco! Aren't you the one who always told me to think before I act? Why couldn't you just follow your own advice? Maybe then you wouldn't have gotten beaten into a coma for four days!"

Marco breathed a heavy sigh and slumped his shoulders. "...You're right." he muttered. "...I-... I wasn't thinking super clearly. And I just... I-..." Marco trailed off for a moment, as he struggled to find the right words to describe his feelings that night. Eventually, he relented with another heavy sigh. "...I made a mistake. I-... I was angry... And stupid. I just... I wanted to prove something... To the Buff Kids... And-... And to myself. ...Unfortunately, in the end... I-... I failed. I got myself beaten up, and... Accomplished nothing."

Star blinked rapidly, having been caught completely off guard. The initial frustration that had been evident in her features quickly dissipated. "...I-... I mean... You did accomplish something..." she muttered. Her voice quiet and mildly confused. "...You brought down a really awful, powerful person... I mean-... From what I heard, afterward... He-... He'd been terrorizing monsters for a very long time. And encouraging others to do the same..."

"...Yeah, but... I'm sure there would've been a way to stop that guy without getting myself hurt. I mean... Even if I'd done nothing... Even if he never hurt Anastasia, and he never popped up on my radar... You would've found out about him eventually. And... Even if it took a little time, I know you would've stopped him yourself. And you would've done it without getting beat up, I'm sure..." said Marco.

"What-... I mean... Why-... Why are you talking like that Marco?" muttered Star, her confusion evident on her face. "...That's not-... I mean... There's no way to know what would've happened if you hadn't done what you did... That doesn't make it right- but... It's not like it makes it super wrong..."

Marco breathed another sigh. "...Yeah..." he muttered. "...I guess... I have. For better or for worse... I'm not really sure."

Star stared at him for a moment, as she seemed to struggle to comprehend what was going on. She hadn't expected the conversation to go this way. She had been planning to confront him about his behavior. And his decision not to include her in confronting the Jerk Knight. She had been thinking about how the conversation might go for a while. She imagined reprimanding him, and maybe even having the confrontation spiral into an argument. The last thing she expected was to find herself defending his actions.

As she stared at Marco's face, noticing his downcast eyes... It suddenly struck her how different Marco seemed. Physically, he had obviously grown quite a bit since she had first met him. His shoulders had subtly broadened and he was a fair amount taller. His hair had grown out a bit and looked rather scruffy. It was far less well-groomed than it once was. The addition of the scar across his eye and the grey colored hoodie made him look vastly different.

But more than that... He just... Felt different. Something about his personality had changed. And she hadn't really noticed it until now. But now that she saw it, it seemed overwhelmingly obvious.

The Marco from her memories... The Marco from back in Echo Creek... Was gone. Replaced by a sadder, more gloomy version of himself.

As she struggled to come to grips with this sudden realization, she found herself speaking without really meaning to.

"...You-... You've changed." she muttered.

Marco flinched a little and frowned. "...Yeah." he muttered.

Star continued to stare at him, feeling tears begin to sting at her eyes. "I-... I didn't... I mean-..." she muttered, as she suddenly found herself struggling to speak in full sentences. Taking a slow, deep breath, she did her best to calm herself. "...It's-... It's all my fault... Isn't it..." she muttered.

Marco's frown deepened. "Of course not." he said. "I'm the one who's responsible for who I am. Not you, or anyone else."

Star slowly shook her head. "No-... No, I-... I..." she muttered as emotion seemed to rob her of her voice.

Marco breathed a long sigh. Turning his gaze to his side, he noticed both his cape and his dimensional scissors lying in a small pile at the foot of his bed. Marco gave a small grunt as he slowly shifted himself back to his feet, and walked over to the foot of his bed to retrieve them both. Holding the cape in one hand and his dimensional scissors in the other, Marco paused for a moment as he seemed to lose himself in thought.

Finally, he took a deep breath and clenched his teeth. His heart sank as he quietly closed his eyes and gave himself a small nod.

Now was the time. The time to tell her the truth. No matter how much it hurt... He couldn't let things go on like this anymore.
"...Star." he muttered, his voice cracking yet again as he struggled to speak through the lump forming in his throat. "...I have to tell you something."

Star looked up at him with sad, confused eyes. And in that moment, he yearned desperately to lie. To say anything else. Anything. As long as it let him see that familiar spark of joy in her eyes again... One last time.

But he couldn't. He had to face the truth. No matter how painful it was. For both of them.

"...This... This was a mistake, Star." he said. "...Coming here... Becoming your Squire... All of it. It was all... One big, terrible mistake. And-... And it's all my fault."

Star blinked, and a single tear ran down her cheek. Her entire body was swirling with such powerful emotions... That for a moment, it seemed to make her go numb. "...What... What're you talking about?" she muttered, her tone barely above a whisper.

Marco drew another deep breath, as he quietly pushed himself to say what needed to be said. "I-... I came here... Hoping that things could be like they once were... But they can't. You made the right decision... And tried to move on. And instead of trying to do that myself... I just butted back into your life..." he said, his voice now trembling slightly as he spoke. "...I-... I wanted... To try... And be your friend again. But... You didn't have room in your life for me anymore... And-... And I should've just... Accepted that. ...You-... You made the effort... To try and fit me into your new life... By making me your Squire. ...And I shouldn't have-... I shouldn't have agreed. I should have left. Instead of just... Hanging around... Being completely useless... And just-... Making myself miserable."

Star drew a sharp breath and quickly shook her head. "...That's-... That's not true! You-... You are not useless!" she exclaimed.

Marco gave her a small, sad smile. "...Yes, I am. I don't have a place here, Star. I don't belong on Mewni... And I don't belong in your life. ...Not anymore." he said. "...You-... You've outgrown me, Star."

Star suddenly grit her teeth and leaped forward. Grabbing Marco by the front of his hoodie and pulling him down to meet her gaze. Her eyes were filled with an intense mixture of rage and determination. "That's not true!" she exclaimed, raising her voice to a near deafening bellow.

Marco met her determined gaze with one of his own. "It is true, Star." he said. "...And-... I just... I can't keep doing this. I can't-... I can't be your Squire anymore. I can't keep pretending I have a place here... When I don't."

Star's features began to tremble, as tears began to pour down her cheeks. Looking downward, she slowly moved forward, gently pressing her forehead against Marco's chest. "...Marco... You... You do have a place here..." she muttered. "...I-... I'm sorry... If I made you feel like you don't... Please... Please... Don't... Don't go..."

Marco felt the grip he had on his cape and his dimensional scissors slowly loosen. Seeing Star tremble that way... Hearing the visceral desperation in her voice... At that moment, he was overwhelmed by a powerful urge to wrap his arms around her and tell her that everything was going to be okay. Marco drew a shaky breath, and slowly closed his eyes. Allowing the tears that had been stinging his eyes to finally come sliding down his face.

Drawing another long, shaky breath, Marco slowly loosened his grip on his cape until it finally fell to the floor. Then, he slowly reached up with his newly free hand and Star's hand. She was still holding him by the front of his hoodie. Desperately clinging to him. When his hand touched hers, she felt a sudden jolt of electricity run through her entire body.

"...Star. Your... You're amazing. And your only going to become more and more incredible. I know it. You're the strongest person I've ever known. And you-... You've inspired me in ways... I can't even describe. You made me feel stronger... And cooler... Than I ever really was." said Marco. "...You changed my life. You... You made it weirder... And wilder... And-... And I'll never be able to thank you quite enough... And-... And I know... It's painful... A-and... Unfair... But... I need you... To let me go."

"I-... I want to be a better person... I want... I want to grow. And-... And I just can't do that here." Marco continued. "...I've given it a lot of thought. And... I decided... Even before I got myself beat up and stuff... That I needed... To go back to Earth. Back... To my home. And try... To start growing up. And embrace who I really am and where I belong. Just like you have."

Star kept her gaze trained on the floor, her hair falling over her face as tears streamed down her cheeks. With a slight sniffle, she slowly loosened her grip on his hoodie. Her hands trembling as she slowly brought them to her side.

"...Thank you, Star." said Marco.

With that, he slowly stepped away from her, turned around, and opened a portal with his dimensional scissors. Upon hearing the familiar ripping sound of a portal being opened, Star flinched and clenched her teeth.

This was really happening...

She had nightmares about this. More than once.

Marco was leaving.

"WAIT!" bellowed Star. Her sudden outburst caused Marco to come perilously close to tumbling over backward. Her voice was so powerful that it seemed to make the entire room tremble around them.

Marco froze, standing in front of the portal. His back facing Star as he stared into the glowing rift in space.

"What-... What... What's going on, Marco!?" exclaimed Star. "You-... Why are you doing this!? Don't you tell me that it's about 'growing up' or 'moving on', because I know it's not! Tell me the real reason!"

Marco breathed a long sigh, as he slowly lowered his head. "...That is the reason, Star. I'm not lying." he said. "...I don't belong here. All I'm doing... Is wasting time. Time that would've been better spent... Going to school. And trying to find a place for myself... In my dimension. On Earth."

"Don't give me that! Even if-" Star's bellowing voice was cut off, as she suddenly found herself choking on a heavy sob. Drawing a deep breath, she did her best to shake it off. "...Even if that's the truth... Even if that's how you really feel... You-... You're still holding something back. I know it. You-... You've been doing it... Ever since you came here. I-... I didn't wanna ask... Because... Because I thought maybe... You'd tell me when you were ready. Or-... Or maybe... I was just... Afraid... Of what it might be..."

"...What is it, Marco? ...Please. Just stop... Turn around... And tell me. A-and... I'll help fix it... I promise." she continued, her trembling voice slowly growing ever quieter as she spoke. "...What-... What did I do? I-... I hurt you... Didn't I? ...Please. Just tell me... I-... I know... It's my fault. It has to be. ...I messed things up again... Didn't I?"

Marco closed his eyes and breathed. As he turned to face her, the blue glow of the portal made shadows and sparks dance around his frame, as his features were lit with a brilliant glow.

Star and Marco's eyes met once again. Tears streaming slowly down both their faces.

Marco gave her a soft smile. "...I promise you, Star. It's not your fault. I'm the one who put myself in this situation. ...Even with the help of my friends... I could never quite claw my way out... Things only seemed to get worse. ...And eventually, I reached the tipping point... Without even knowing." he said. "That's on me. No one else. ...It's my responsibility. ...And... It's also my responsibility... To start moving forward. ...And I think-... This is the first step I need to take."

Star clenched her teeth and balled her hands into fists. "...Marco. I know there's something you're still not telling me. I can see it in your eyes." she said. "...Please. You need... No... We both need you... To tell me."

Marco stared at her for a moment and then gave her a small nod.

"...I'm... I'm in love with you, Star. I have been... For a while. And when I first came here, I kinda... I-... I hoped..." Marco trailed and grimaced at the surge of pain clawing at him from inside his chest. "...I wanted... To try... And-... And start... Something else... B-but... You... Like I said... You made th-the right... Decision. You moved on. And now... It's my turn."

With that, Marco turned around to face the portal once more.

"...Goodbye, Star. ...I-... I love you. And I believe in you." he said. "...Don't ever forget that."

And finally, he stepped through the portal. And he was gone.

As the portal disappeared in front of her, Star felt her legs go weak. Stumbling forward, she noticed Marco's cape lying on the floor in front of her. Everything around her seemed to spin out of control. With tears still streaming down her face, she slowly reached down and picked up the cape.

Time passed by as she quietly stared at the cape.

It would take quite some time for her to fully register what had just happened. And even longer for her to start coming to grips with the sudden revelation from Marco. When she did, she would crumple up to the floor to sob painfully and cry. But for now, she simply stared at the cape.

Feeling numb... And alone.

Eventually, found her voice. Mere moments before the weight of everything that had just happened came crashing over her in full... And reduce her to a sobbing mess... She whispered something under her breath.

"...Goodbye... Marco..."


Marco Diaz stepped out of the portal quietly rubbing his face with his sleeve. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he found himself standing in front of the Diaz household.

As he stood there, he struggled to calm himself down. His features were still lightly trembling with intense emotion. Finally, he closed his eyes and breathed. And as he did, he felt a weight slowly leave his chest.

After meeting up with his parents, and breaking the news that his who 'living on Mewni' idea hadn't worked out... He would do his best to put on a brave face, and answer their questions as honestly as he could. And once he had recovered from all that... He might just go back to his bedroom and go to sleep for a while.

Tomorrow... He would visit the Buff Family again. And Kelly. Because even though he had decided to let go of Star and Mewni... He wasn't going to let go of them. Although it might be harder to hang out with them now... Especially when he started going back to school... He promised himself that he would keep in touch.

But as for Star... It was over.

It had to be.

It would be too hard to see her now... Especially now that she knew the truth.

Marco took another deep breath and slowly closed his eyes. After taking a moment to stand there, quietly enjoying the familiar, Earthly breeze on his face, he opened his eyes and looked ahead with determination in his eyes.

And with that, Marco approached the door to the Diaz household. Doing his best to ignore the pain involved in moving his bruised, aching frame. Opening the door, he found his parents sitting on the couch in front of the TV. As they so often were. His father was clapping along to something on TV, while his mother quietly rested her hands on her very pregnant stomach.

When they noticed Marco standing at the door. Their initial reaction was of surprise and joy at seeing their son. But very quickly, those reactions faded away. Replaced with looks of concern.

Marco greeted them with a weak smile.

"...Hey..." he muttered.

"...I'm home."


To be continued...


(AN: ...So. Writing this... Was a total nightmare. *oof*. *oof*, I say. And... It probably needed to be split into two parts. And... I probably should have tried harder to bring in some kind of action... ((I have a laundry list of other frustrations and regrets, but I think I'd better cut that short.))

Anyway- sorry for taking so long. As usual, I really want to thank anyone who was kind enough to read this story and leave a review. It means a great deal to me.

There's a ton more I could say here, but I'd really rather just keep this thing short. Before I go, though, I will mention that as usual, I owe robertkellett a tremendous debt for being willing to help me out with this crazy story. And with this chapter in particular, which was... Challenging. To say the least. Check out his new story, 'A Bond Between Friends'.)

(PS: As an extra thank you to all the people who've read this story so far... I wrote an extra little scene below. It's nothing too important, but it might be kinda fun to see for some people. If you've had enough already, then as always, thank you for reading. And I wish you all the best.)


Somewhere in the deepest pits of darkness, long tendrils covered in eyes and teeth slowly writhed amongst themselves in one enormous mass. The voice of the Monster Arm thundered throughout the endless void.

"...Hmph. It looks like he's determined to keep struggling..."

"...No matter. Someday... I shall have control. All I need to do... Is bide my time. Eventually... An opportunity shall arise for me... To take what is mine."

"This place... It will not be my prison for much longer."

The Monster Arm let out a long, evil cackle. Thousands of long, slimy appendages quivered along as it laughed.

"Aw... Monster Arm is scared that he might be losing his grip on Marcooo..."

The Monster Arm suddenly froze at the sound of an unfamiliar voice. Twisting itself around, it looked all over with it's many, many eyes. Eventually, it found what appeared to be a small human head with slicked back hair poking out of one of the tentacles.

"What-... What are you?" growled the Monster Arm.

"Hmm? Oh, I'm the Nay-saya! ...I'm a lil' ol' demon curse that Marco picked up a while ago..." said the tiny head. "But... I was kinda... I dunno- What's the word? ...Dormant. But... Somethin' musta happened to 'activate' me. Only... I guess it didn't fully work for some reason. So, somehow... I wound up here..."

"What- How?" sputtered the Monster Arm.

"I dunno. But hey- what do the details matter? What really matters, is we're fused together forever now! Hey! While I'm here, wanna play some charades? I'm really good at it." said Naysaya.

Monster Arm seemed to twitch all over. Very quickly it moved one of its massive tendrils over to the spot where Naysaya's head was sticking out. And, all of a sudden, one of the large mouths on the tendril opened up. Revealing row after row of jagged, razor-sharp teeth.

Without so much as a second thought, the mouth bit down on Naysaya and violently ripped him away. Naysaya gave a muffled scream as he was suddenly torn out of it's spot, chewed up, and then spit out.

Monster Arm breathed a small sigh.

And then... From the spot where he had just plucked the first 'Naysaya'... Two more suddenly popped up.

"Twinsies!" exclaimed the Naysaya's.

The Monster Arm quickly chomped away the twin Naysaya's- only to have four more suddenly take it's place.

As the Naysaya's began loudly chatting amongst themselves, the Monster Arm screamed. Every mouth on the long collection of tentacles that made up its body opened up to scream at the same time.

"Aw... Monster Arm thinks he might actually be a subpar villain..."

"And- Also... He doesn't really like 'bowels'. He only said that to sound cool. What he really like... Are livers!"

"Monster Arm's also afraid that, in the grand scheme of things, he might not really matter as much as he wants to."

"...Yeah. And he's really sad that Marco doesn't seem to be scared of him anymore..."

The Monster Arm breathed a heavy, defeated sigh as the Naysay's continued to chatter for what seemed like an eternity. All of a sudden, the void had gotten a whole lot more crowded. And now, it was beginning to seem a little less like a prison... And whole lot more like a hell.