Hello :). I'm going to be making a series of one-shots based on Season 3B, titled under the branding of 'A Bond Between Friends'. I'm currently making four but I could make more. The idea is to explore things within the canon that they are not touching yet, so many take place after episodes or during them. Hope you enjoy!
Reality crashing down on someone can be really impactful to a person's goals and general future. A career going the way one doesn't want or just a mission completely turning on its head mid-way through. But when realizing one's life is a complete lie… That changes things. These were thoughts buzzing through Star Butterfly's head as she barreled through Mewni Castle, marching past very confused guards and guests. Star couldn't meet their eyes, vision locked only ahead and periodically, on her boots. Why did… Star tried thinking but shook her head violently, moving at a faster clip and finally finding the door to her room. Nearly ripping it off the handle, she slammed it shut.
Colliding into her bed, she curled into a ball and screamed in rage. "IF I'M NOT A PRINCESS, WHAT IS THIS ALL FOR!?" Hollowing into the sky, she got no answer, flexing her knuckles in an effort to calm down. "I… I gave up so much to be a better princess. And it was… For nothing." Star said painfully, feeling her body just deflate completely. I even forced myself to move on fast… Star admitted to only her mind, refusing to utter the thoughts aloud.
Looking toward her wand, laying gently on the bed, she just stared at it blankly, as if it wasn't even hers. Picking it up, she just carefully brushing her finger over one of it's wings. "I used this for so long. Loving magic but…" She rested it on her lap, frowning at the magical artifact. "But I don't deserve this. My entire family doesn't."
A loud banging struck her door, making Star jump into a battle stance. "STAR! What happened?!" Marco shouted, with Star giving a weak smile toward the closed door. You dork… She got up and opened it, seeing Marco's face plastered with worry. The feature that got Star the most was his brown eyes, oozing with worry. "I know the trial likely won't go well cause people aren't very keen on Eclipsa but please tell me you are okay?"
Star patted Marco's shoulder and put on a weak smile. "Oh, silly, I'm…" His eyes shifted from worry to anger, something Star always noticed when keeping things from him. This keeps happening often though, wonder why? Resigning at his gaze, she just walked to her bad, sitting down and patting the empty spot next to her. Marco sat down warringly, putting hands in his hoodie pockets. "No… I'm not okay. During the trial, I learned some really heavy stuff."
"You can tell me anything." Marco patted her shoulder, giving a caring smile. She shot one back, feeling some tension wash away. "I hope you didn't get in trouble for talking to her. I admit, she gives me the creeps but Eclipsa seems okay." Star took a deep breath before speaking. I can tell him. If I can tell anyone, it's Marco.
"I'm not a princess anymore." Marco's eyes went wide before shifting to baffled confusion. Star seeing his face contort made her giggle. Acting like I have three heads! So cute. "I know, sounds silly but hear me out. The trial had the truth cube from the sleepover and…"
"I hated that thing," Marco mumbled, folding his arms. "Thing messed with us all." Star noticed his oddly angered expression. Likely think I had to admit something embarrassing.
"That was fun though. But yeah, the thing actually has settings and Mom set it to 'trial' mode. Eclipsa even asked for it." Marco raised an eyebrow at that, folding his arms. "It made the Commission and Eclipsa say the truth and… I learned that they lied to us for generations." Star got up, starting pacing around the room. "Mom told me the other day with Eclipsa in her office that they found records being messed with, like some spy movie or something. Eclipsa's monster baby is the real Butterfly of Mewni. Not Festiva and my other ancestors."
Marco shot out of bed, visibly worried. "So Heinous is… The real princess of Mewni?" Star nodded, making Marco sit down, hand resting in hands. "D-Dang. So Eclipsa and her daughter are the rightful Queen and Princess of Mewni. And Heckapoo kept this from you?" Marco's voice hinged in anger. "I trusted her to have my back with your sleep portaling! And she wouldn't lie to you." Marco felt his fists shaking, before taking a breath to reel himself in. "Right, job and all that. But still…"
Star gave Marco a weak frown, walking toward him and sitting back down. "It wasn't just her. Thought Rombi and Omni were cool too. But… Guess they can't be trusted." Star and Marco just stared at the ground, unsure expressions on their faces. Star let out a tired breath, starting to speak but Marco took her hand, giving it a firm squeeze. M-Marco?
"Star, I know what you are thinking. You worked so hard the past few months to be the best princess you can be. I should know, you dragged me along with a lot of your duties." Star snickered, recalling some minor 'adventures' they had for Menwi's sake. "And you really forced yourself to change, to better Mewni." Star felt his grip tighten, his arm shaking somewhat. "I… I thought I lost my best friend when I came to Mewni and it felt like… You were drifting away. I get why though. You know that in the future, that crown has to sit on your head." Marco let go of her hand hastily, coughing to compose himself. "Do you still want to be Mewni's Queen one day?"
Star felt a cluster of confused emotions dancing in her heart and mind, focusing on Marco's question. I did make some progress, but a lot of what I did only make things worse. Dad's right, rushing into things just lead to so many problems. She looked back at Marco, having a firm frown on her face. "I… I want to rule this kingdom, so I can better things. Even if I have to earn that dang crown." Star grabbed her wand, playfully spinning it around and shooting a small rainbow out. "I mean, I still can pull off sick spells and stuff!"
Marco smiled, patting her shoulder. "I knew that was going to be your answer." Star smiled, throwing herself around Marco, giving a tight hug. Star felt him shakily hug her back, his hold being tight. He normally is this nervous over hugs. Star pondered as they let go, but she just saw his relieved face. "But hearing it from you was nice to hear. Just know that your trusty squire has your back no matter what, Princess." Marco made a bow, making Star blush slightly from the gesture. He shouldn't be trying so hard.
Star put Marco on her bed, giving a firm look in his eyes. "Buddy, we really equals now." Marco blinked at the comment. "Marco, you aren't my squire anymore. You are my number one bestie that helps make doing what I do possible. I would be lost without you. So, don't act like you are below me again, got it buster?" Star noticed his face get a soft shade of red before he nodded. "Good!" Now, want to hear about the more fun things about the trial?"
They resumed sitting down and chatted away about the trial, with Marco laughing loudly at the truth box having modes and even Rhombi having a crush on Moon. Star just felt a rush of relief come over her, though an odd 'feeling' rang in her mind. Star stopped laughing at the joke she was going to make and her face grew blank, entering deep thought. Marco didn't even react differently to when I told him the news. He just… Acted like nothing happened. Just as Marco was going to ask if something was wrong, he saw Star smile, a joyful tear coming down her cheek. Why am I so surprised? He always accepted me as… Well, me. But the joy stopped at a new thought dancing in her mind, about a specific demonic prince she was dating currently. Tom… Would he act like nothing happened if I told him?
Marco saw her face shift and scooted closer, throwing his arm around her shoulder. "I know you are wondering about how Tom's going to react to all this, huh?" Star nodded, odd worry coming over her. "If he really does love you, this news will mean nothing to him. He will try to help you through it. Stop worrying." Star noticed Marco's voice twinge with some anger, a familiar tone whenever Tom was brought up. Marco's right! I shouldn't worry so much.
"You're right. Thanks, Marco." Marco just shot a thankful smile and the two laid down on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. "The ceiling looks funky. I see a little guy up there." Star pointed toward a wall-carving, with Marco laughing.
"Yeah, I see a warrior rushing into battle near the window." Marco pointed to that, with Star mouthing an 'oh'. "Wonder if any new ones popped up." Star held up her wand, shining some light on the ceiling.
"Now, we got a good view." The two enjoyed the rest of the evening looking at the ceiling, worry not completely gone in Star's mind but knowing she had her bestie by her side, Star knew she would face the future head-on. Like the warrior princess always does.