Hello guys! I gots another chapter ready. This focuses on Earth stuff, so hope you enjoy. Also, some review highlights as already, we got a few reviews! Thank you all so much for reading my stories :D!
Starcoshipper - Thank you! I hope you enjoy the rest of the story :).
YowatUp - Oh, I will explain that next chapter. But yeah, sorry if it seemed 'out of nowhere'. Both are angry for good reasons honestly.
RustyWarhead - Thank you! Getting continued now so...read this chapter ;).
Magnet of Awkward - Thanks and yeah, Marco is a heavy sleeper XD!
Update: Made the intro part a bit longer as I wanted to establish some more internal thoughts from Marco and bring a troublemaker into the story. Enjoy :D!
Jumping out of the portal, Marco landed near his home, on Earth. Taking in the air and sights…he felt relived. It was so long since he has been on the planet…but it really was only a few weeks. Still, the boy felt happy to be back. Though the thought of an angered Star was playing in his mind. "She shouldn't be here for what I will be doing next…she would just be madder." Marco walked away from his home, with a clear mission.
Passing by various trees and happy couples on the sidewalk, Marco felt torn about his coming decision. 'I liked Jackie for years and we really have a good thing going...am I really going to throw all that away due to some confused feelings for Star?' The Earth boy stopped, looking up at the bright shining sun. For a moment, he saw Star flying around in her butterfly form, waving hello with her bright smile. 'No...I'm doing this because these confused feelings are very strong.' Marco resumed walking, feeling tired feet slam against the side walk. He kept looking at his right hand, the very fist that punched through Toffee's body.
Remembering that moment, his heart was completely broken, as memories of his time with Star flashed before his eyes. One of the memories, was the Blood Moon Ball. Dancing with his best friend under that magical light...seeing the love-struck face when Star thought he was some undead prince, it was a wonderful moment in Marco's mind. 'I...I always liked Star.' Marco felt his face warm up at the realization. 'I just...pushed the thought down, feeling she didn't like me back.' He slams his right fist into his left hand. 'That's why I was so irked when she left that night. I felt jealous, not only worried.' This felt like his mind was free and open, unlocking a great truth. But feeling the bump of nearby person passing him by, Marco snapped back to reality.
"Sorry about that..." Marco shouted, but the old man that past him grumbled something under his breath. He looked at his right hand, rubbing his head in frustration. "If I like Star...then I can't be with Jackie. Even though I care about her a lot...she deserves someone that will always be by her side."
"Really now safe kid? You figured this out now of all times?" Marco heard the teasing voice of his childhood friend...or pest, depending on his mood, Janna. She threw her arm around Marco's shoulder, having a flirtatious simile. "So got hitched on Mewni? My, how forward you are Diaz..."
Marco felt angered by Janna, but part of him was happy to see her bright but teasing grin once more. "Nice to see you too. I'm going to talk to Jackie about something important." She leaned in close, inches away from Marco's face. "Does the word 'personal space' mean anything to you?"
"That's two words Diaz." Janna corrected, making Marco huff from slight annoyance. But to his surprise, was Janna looking quite bitter. "But you better do things right. Jackie was worried sick about you." She rubbed her arm, looking away. "...I was too."
"I'm sorry for leaving like that Janna." Marco said honestly, feeling shame wash over him. "But I only planned on staying for a few minutes." Janna raised an eyebrow. "Sigh...I got my own dimensional scissors. Can travel to and from Mewni like that. Problem, was that I helped fight a war."
"Oh, so I should call you 'General Diaz' now?" Janna said with a wink. Marco only rubbed his forehead at this point, wanting this conversation to end. "But look. I know you are good guy. Know what to say?" Marco only nods, having a confident expression. "Good...now, I will take those babies and visit Star..."
"No Janna, only I can use them." Marco grabs his scissors from Janna, who pouted. "Sorry but not spending another sixteen years earning scissors again."
"Funny, you likely only borrowed them from your princess." Janna teased, with Marco simply brushing his thumb over the blades, showing his name slowly covering them in runes. "Wow...that's cool. What does it say?"
"Marco Diaz. Now, I have to go...but I'm glad to see you again." Marco smiled as he walked ahead. Janna tapped her chin, thinking of an idea.
After a few minutes of walking, he spotted the Thomas household, the home of his girlfriend Jackie. Just as Marco was going to knock though, someone crashed into him hard. Falling on his back, he groaned from pain. But when he opened his eyes, Marco saw a baffled Jackie on top of him. "Hey…"
That amazing introduction after weeks apart didn't do much, as Jackie picked herself up and glared harshly at Marco. "That's all you have to say for yourself? You was missing for weeks dude! I helped your parents hold search parties…though our troll teacher ate some forest animals during those." Jackie tapped her chin, thinking about something. "Guess that was why she was so eager to hold them." Shaking her head, she folded her arms. "But where were you Diaz? I was really worried…"
Marco just sighed and forced his head to lock in her direction. "I was on Mewni…"
"Of course." Jackie said in a distasteful tone. "Well…interested on your adventures so come on." She stomped ahead, with Marco rubbing his forehead in slight annoyance, though largely towards himself rather than his girlfriend. During this walk, Jackie was seriously thinking about why Marco left for weeks. Sure, he said 'I was on Mewni', but in her mind...it was for a more personal reason.
'Will let him speak his mind...can't jump to conclusions yet.' Jackie shoved hands within her teal shorts and hoped Marco could explain things to her.
After spending a few minutes walking in tense silence, the two found themselves at a skate park, sitting on a bench together.
"So…I should start explaining myself, huh?" Marco said sheepishly.
"Yeah, you should." Jackie folded her arms, with Marco looking away in slight shame.
"Well…I planned to visit Star only for a few minutes honestly. See, I wanted to talk to her after…"
"She confessed she liked my boyfriend despite shoving us together. Yeah, I know." Jackie hissed. Marco was taken aback by her utter anger, as she's normally calm and collected. She noticed this, sighing with minor regret. "Sorry, still angry at you guys."
"No, you have every right to be mad, but not at Star. But me." Marco said with confidence. Jackie raised an eyebrow at this. "See, I am Star's best friend. I should have known she liked me for a long time now. But I was so blind, I couldn't see what was right in front of my stupid face."
"Hey, you are just…slightly clueless sometimes. It's cool." Jackie elbowed Marco, earning a slight groan from the boy. "But please, continue."
"So what happened after visiting Mewni, was seeing her dad. He was a mess and I helped him get the kingdom under control. See, Star's Mom took her off Earth to find this Toffee guy. He is a real bad guy. So her mom wanted to protect her. She left Mewni's kingdom for a bit, leaving Star's dad in charge. He…partied to get his mind off things. The poor guy was worried sick about his wife."
"Dang dude. Helped Star's parents out? Future son points right there." Jackie gave a small smirk, earning an annoyed glare from Marco. "Seriously though, that was cool of you."
"But bad stuff happened." Marco clasped his hands, looking at the gusting wind before him. Leaves were drifting in the sky, with the bright summer sun shining down. "Our old foe Ludo came into Mewni with his rat army."
"You mean those gross things that attacked us during our date that one time?" Marco nods with Jackie shivering. "Broke one of my boards hitting those jerks at that grave yard…"
"Sorry about that." Marco laughs sheepishly, with Jackie only smiling softly. "But despite me and her dad fighting his forces, we got captured for a few days. Chained to a wall, we were stuck for a while." Jackie rasied her finger to ask the obvious question. "No, Star wasn't around. So I was stuck there."
"That stinks man. So how did you get out?" Jackie asks earnestly.
"Well, we found a stick of butter and I used that to slip through the cuffs holding me on the wall. I was going to use it on Star's dad but he ate the butter." Jackie laughed loudly at this, with Marco soon joining. "He is a cool guy but a bit silly sometimes."
"Star must take after him." Jackie jokes, with Marco chuckling softly.
"I was able to get some help and we tried breaking her dad out…but Ludo sent him up to the skies…" Marco points to the sky, with Jackie looking horrified. "…to a family of birds. He is the king of eagles now."
"What?" Jackie asks in confusion, with Marco shrugging his shoulders.
"Yeah, I don't know why either. But he's okay now. Soon though, I get a key from Ludo by sneaking around." Jackie begins humming a tune to one of her favorite RPG's with Marco bursting into laughter. "I'm not a thief Panther."
"And I'm sure you aren't a Joker either." She winked, making Marco form a small smile. He was quite happy talking to Jackie like this. He really missed her after being away for a long time.
"Well we didn't steal his heart that's for sure. But I did find someone with heart cheeks in Ludo's dungeons shockingly enough. Star was captured at some point and I was able to use Ludo's keys to help her out." Jackie only folded her arms. "What?"
"You used the key first? Or did you try to be your 'inner Macky Hand' Diaz?" Jackie had a playful grin on her face, with Marco sighing.
"I tried to break the cuffs with my hand…and failed." Jackie laughed, making Marco roll his eyes. "But when I freed Star, she was really happy. It was great to see her again." Marco felt a warm smile on his face, but Jackie noticed a blush soon appearing. She said nothing about this, wanting to hear Marco finish his story. "We worked together on a plan but Ludo got her. She found out what's really going on; Toffee was inside Ludo's wand. Star used something to destroy it and…she died."
Jackie's face grew pale, standing up from shock. "No…no…you are joking, right?" Marco shook his head and clenched his fists.
"See, she died for a while. I really thought she was dead and Toffee won. Her mom was devastated and I punched a hole right through that dang lizards flesh and bone for killing my Star!" Marco slammed his fist on the bench and felt tears come down his face. "I got slammed into a hard wall and passed out. I saw Star get revived later but not long after she vaporized the lizard, I passed out cold. I was like this for a full week." Marco pulled up his shirt, showing his bandages over his chest. "I feel better now but still. Was out for a long time."
"Wow…I'm sorry for being a bit nasty towards you earlier." Jackie said honestly. She hugged Marco, who hugged her back. They stayed like this for a while before letting go. "But…you like her too, don't you?"
"I…I don't know." Marco held out his right hand, clenching it tightly. "But I know this. I can't be with you, if my emotions aren't focused. If I love Star back, you deserve someone that will know the real Jackie. You are a wonderful person and deserve someone. Someone better than me."
Jackie stayed silent before letting a somber smile etch across her face. "I know Marco." He looked up, having a slightly shocked expression. "But you are a good person. Let's be real here Diaz. She had your heart for a long time. Well before we started dating."
"You think so?" Marco asked with some small hope.
"Yeah, she told me about that Blood Moon thingy." Marco's face paled up at this, with Jackie laughing. "Dude, it's part of the reason I asked you out for dancing that one time, remember?"
"Oh…okay." Marco remembered one of their dates, with it being at a fancy restaurant focused on ball-room dancing. Jackie and him had a great night together but he always wondered why someone so sports-focused would want to visit a place like that. He got his answer today it seems. "Are we friends still? I don't want to lose you because I was a jerk."
"Yeah dude, we are friends. But you need to help me with something in return." She wagged her finger playfully, with Marco looking intently at her. "Help me get with that demon dude."
"WHAT?!" Marco said in shock, having his jaw drop. "How do you know about Tom?!"
"Oh, I always liked how cool he looked but he never visited Earth after asking about that Blood Moon thing. Janna told me she could summon him but never believed her." Jackie gave a playful smile. "Come on, you owe me this much Diaz."
Marco sighed, rubbing his neck. "Well, if he doesn't kill me for Star liking me…I'm sure I could help." Jackie patted Marco's back. "Thanks for dealing with all this…so well."
"No problem Diaz. But still annoyed with you." Jackie said seriously. "You better ask the princess out now, as I'm honestly okay with this for her mainly. She…really likes you dude. Don't mess things up with her."
Marco looked at his right hand yet again, feeling it tighten up with pride. "Of course. And…I'm sorry if I hurt you. Despite my confusion, I still care about you a lot."
"I know man." They hug one more time. "I know."
Walking home, Marco felt as if a large weight was lifted off his back. Now that he knows Jackie is not completely mad with him, he can visit his parents to clear the air with them next before coming to Mewni. Opening his front door, he spots is parents having a warm smiles. "Mijo! Welcome home!"
Marco soon feels intense hugs from his mother and father, crushing his spine. "Hello…guys…back…hurts…hard…" They let go, still having the warm smiles on their faces. "I'm…sorry for leaving like that. I honestly thought it was going to be for only a few minutes."
"I heard from the Queen and King everything you did Mijo. I'm very proud of you." Mr. Diaz said pride fully. "Now, I'm sure you are going to be the future 'King' of Mewni now?"
"Uh…I don't know dad." Marco rubs his arm, looking at the ground. "I just called things off with Jackie, as it isn't fair to her that I help Star all the time. My heart belongs to Star…but I don't deserve her honestly." He sits down on the couch, letting his head lounge back. "Star died dad. She was really gone for a while. And I could do nothing to help her."
"D-Died?" Mrs. Diaz said with fear, soon sitting next to her son. Mr. Diaz soon joined, wanting to hear this story. They never heard about Star's death from her parents or Star herself when they spoke with them days ago. "Please, is she okay? She looked fine on the mirror phone."
"She is fine now, but I couldn't help her. She left me…twice. Once from Earth. Again from the living world. I mean, I DID punch a hole through Toffee, the bad guy that caused everything. But that did nothing to bring her back. I can't protect her…" Marco felt some tears come down his face, with his father patting his back softly.
"Son, you can't protect the woman you love all the time. Take it from me, I would give my very life to protect your mother. Would you do that for Estalla?" Marco nods, wiping away some tears. "Than that is more than enough."
"Are you sure dad?" Marco asks with muffled noises. Mr. Diaz nods and hugs his son tightly. "Okay…"
"Just…don't leave without telling us again. How did you get into Mewni anyway?" Mrs. Diaz asks seriously. Mr. Diaz let's go and Marco holds out his scissors. Sliding his finger over them, his name appears in runes.
"I earned these from a trail. They…are mine. It means I'm an adult, in dimensional terms." Marco puts them away and smiles. "…Am I allowed to stay on Mewni for the summer? I…I don't want Star to leave me again."
"Sure thing sweetie." Mrs. Diaz answers. "But makes sure you pack up stuff first and visit us often. We do worry about you."
"Understood mom." Marco gives his parents hug before rushing to his room.
Opening his door, he grabs whatever he can; hoodies, shirts, his gaming handheld, and even some stuff from the trails he has in his closet. Before he makes the portal to Mewni, he looks at himself in the mirror. He looks…a like a wreck. Cloths torn up mainly but he feels dirty. "If I'm going to make an impression…" Marco goes into his closet and gets something he knows will impress Star. Placing it neatly on his bed, he rushes into the shower to clean up.
Unknowing to him, was another being across the hall. A pink book soon materializes in Star's old room and lands directly on the floor. Popping out of it was a blue man, rubbing his head. "Ugh…I feel glitter in my ears." He tilts his head to the side, patting his ears. "There we go! Now, let me look at my new home." Flipping through the pages, he sees a mixture of Mewman and English writing. "Mmm…this needs to be bigger." He snaps his fingers and the book grows into a tome, but it still being pink. The pages are rainbow colored, glowing a yellow hue. "Ah, better. I wonder where the Princess is…as I'm on Earth." Glossaryck hovers around the now plan room and notices water running from across the hall. He hovers through the door and looks in the bathroom. "Princess? You are in here? I cleaned up that mess you call a spell book."
Marco covers himself with a pink towel and has a shocked expression. "Glossaryck?!"
"No, I'm the tooth fairy boy." Glossaryck rolls his eyes. "So where is Star?"
Marco is frozen, blinking slightly. "You…you aren't dead?!"
"First Star thinks I'm dead. Now YOU think I'm dead? Geez! Gave her a new wand out of my pudding. PUDDING! I love that stuff." Glossaryck shakes his head and looks at Marco. "You know kid, I saw pictures of you shirtless in her new spell book. She has quite the imagination."
Marco just felt a blush come across his face and threw a bathrobe on. "Come on, I will help you get to Mewni dude. Jeez…can't a guy take a dang shower in peace?!" The blue man laughs and has an honest smile.
"It's good to be back…"