Ok. Chapter 4. I know it feels like I take forever to get this on the web but I have been trying to manage work life, home life, and fun life all together. Also, I feel like I should share this; I have hit a sort of writers block. With the new SVTFOE, I have found that it is getting harder and harder to remain cannon. Until it hit me... I dont have to be cannon. I told another writer once that Marvel and DC do this all the time with their comics...they answer 'What if.' What I mean is that their characters and their stories are always changing. We as the fan pool of SVTFOE have created a universe for her. It is up to us how that universe is affected. Some of us may love Tom+Star, some of us love Starco, and some of us love Tomco. I guess what I am trying to say is that it doesnt matter if we play to the actually story, we can play things out differently. In our story, what we think is their reality. I will still try and play parts to the actual story but I will still have my own workings in it. That is what we do as fans after all. These characters fill us with ideas, love and fun. So no matter how you work your story have fun and worry if it doesnt go along with the show. After all, how many BF's has Black Widow have in the Marvel univers. LOL. Without further adieau, here is Chapter 4. Comments and review always appreciated.

Chapter 4: Self-Welcoming Guest

He ignored the burning in his chest that desperately cried for breath with each step. He ignored the branches that seemed to reach up from the bushes or down from the trees as they scratched at his arms, leaving cuts all over his face as well and ripping at his clothes. He even ignored that his legs were growing ever weaker with each stride he took, threatening to give up from under him and tumbling him to the ground. The only thing that he focused on was a scream of terror, so loud that it woke sleeping creatures from all corners of the forest. So loud that he can still hear it ringing in his ears. That this scream came from his best friend, who he felt was in danger right at this moment. Nothing else mattered to him right now. Nothing but the fact that he needed to save her. And then there was a loud explosion.

"Star!" Marco's screams were filled with terror and desperation. Pain grew worst with each exhale, losing his breath. As he drew closer to the waterfall, a clear but shadowy figure stood up from behind a bush with its hands up as if it was surrendering.

"Wait! It's just me!" The figure panicked. Marco felt anger grow inside that gave him the extra strength to fling himself through the air like a vicious scaled cat. The two rolled across the floor as a result of the tackle. Marco used the momentum to pull an arrow from his quiver and draw it back on his bow. The roll ended with Marco on top of the figure with an arrow aiming at his face. But it was Marco who was taken by surprise staring at this figure, no unable to control his heavy panting.

"Marco!" Star screamed. Marco looked up and saw Star floating towards him with the hearts on her cheeks and her eyes glowing.

"Marco!?" The figure yelled in anger. Then the figure busted into flames, sending Marco flying through the air, sending him in the mouth of the waterfall.

"Marco!" Star fell to her feet, running into the water. She swam to where he fell until he resurfaced, gasping for air. "Marco! You're ok!" Star jumped up and pushed him back down into the water with the force from the weight. They both resurfaced and Marco wrapped his arms around her.

"Forget about me! I was so worried about you," Marco released her and held her face in his hands. Marco and Star treaded water while staring into each other's eyes, both watery and filled with relief.

"What is this!" The figure stood on a rock overlooking the two in the mouth of the waterfall. This figure was a bit taller than Marco with a torn red shirt with a star at the chest and torn brown pants. His skin was a bluish gray with grayish red hair. His three glowing red eyes and horns were a big giveaway that he was not human. This demon glared fiercely at Star and Marco who broke their stare upon each other to stare at this demon that they know as Tom.

"What are you doing here, Tom!" Star eyes furrowed with anger.

"I have been looking for you!" Tom replied equally as annoyed. "And I find you here making goo-goo eyes at Marco!" Marco and Star's eyes shrank in realization that they were staring at each other quite affectionately. They quickly broke away from each other and cleared their throats. Without saying anything to each other, they swam back to the shore. Marco helped Star up on her feet and she responded back with a small smile and a light blush. Tom ran straight up to Marco and stared him angrily in the eyes.

"Could you not do that?" Marco's grew annoyed himself. Star walked up next to Marco.

"How did you find us?" Star asked.

"I have been scouring Earth all year. When I realized you were there I figure I would search Mewni next. I had a feeling that you wouldn't travel anywhere you weren't familiar with," Tom explained. "I was going to be the hero of this story. The one who was going to bring you home. Then I find that this measly sack of meat is here with you!" Tom pointed at Marco.

"Hey," Marco pushed Tom's hand out of his face. "Name calling is not appropriate."

"You attacked me! You are lucky I didn't stick you on a pike and roast you like a Zandar Boar!" Tom yelled again.

"I was trying to save Star!"

"Who said I needed rescuing!" Now Star got annoyed. The boys turned to her. She chuckled lightly. "Sorry. I was getting caught in the moment."

"Star… I heard you screaming form home. I feared something had happen to you so…I ran as fast as I could," Marco lowered his head. Star looked at him sympathetically.

"And you hurt yourself along the way. I would have been fine…but look at you," Star attentively touch a big scratch his face. Marco smiled faintly.

"I know you can. But…," Marco started to think. "…but them you used Magic." Marco looked up. Star laughed nervously. "Where's your wand?"

"At home where I hid it," Star folded her arms. "Hey we are supposed to be worried about you." Star glared at him.

"Never mind that," Marco brushed off. "So…how did you use magic?" Marco was getting nervous.

"I guess I … I dipped?" Even Star became confused.

"Your eyes and cheeks were both glowing," Marco scratched his chin but them winced in pain for scratching his cut.

"Well yeah…I can use magic with my wand," Star laughed nervously again.

"Right," Marco looked to the side.

"I have to interrupt you bickering but did you say home?" Tom was becoming annoyed again. Star and Marco turned to Tom, forgetting he was there. Then Star looked down at herself remembering that she was only wearing her shirt. Tom and Marco both looked down in unison in response to her. Star's face grew bright red as her eyes filled with terror.

"I… I didn't get to bathe…" She looked at Tom and Marco who had both turned red themselves. "Get…OUT OF HERE!" Star screamed as she used one hand to pull her shirt down and wave her other hand at them. Her cheeks began to glow again and with each wave of her hand she sent balls of light that exploded when they hit the ground; sending the boys running ahead of each explosion. "GO, GO, GO, GO!"

"Star! Stop using magic!" Marco yelled as Tom and himself disappeared into the forest.

Marco and Star were walking side by side, leaving Tom to walk by himself behind them. Tom sulked as he did; his arms hung by his side swaying side to side with his shoulders slumped over and grinding his teeth with anger. Star and Marco would snicker to each other every time Tom began to mumble angrily to himself.

"What's so funny!" Tom finally had enough. Star and Marco jumped in response. Star looked back at him.

"Why are you following us?"

"Back there you said something about a home. I am here to investigate the meaning of that," Tom's eyes never left Marco who just ignored him.

"Nobody invited you over," Star glared at him.

"Come on Star. It's me, Tom. When have I ever listened to the rules," He boasted. Star raised a hand angrily. Marco grabbed her by the shoulders and yanked her in front of him. Her eyes grew wide with confusion.

"We would love to have you over Tom," Marco said sarcastically. Tom simply growled with anger. Then Tom's expression changed to one of shock. Star and Marco continued to walk home while Tom stood at the edge of the forest. He stared at the little stone cottage that sat just on the outside of the forest. He stared at the small crops that was growing behind the home, a large tub that had water in it, probably for a large land animal, and a small wooden shack that stood a few feet away from the home. The home and the land was even more quiet and peaceful as the light from the horizon diminished, painting every in hues of blue. Tom finally snapped out of it and chased after Star and Marco. The two reached the back door and walked in, leaving Tom to run up after them, jumping through the back to watch as Marco was stacking wood in the fireplace while Star lit a few candles. Tom looked around, staring at the wood floors, pillars of wood holding up stone walls, and at the fact that they had furniture which included, but not limited to, a sofa and a kitchen table. Their rugs and cushions were decent. Tom sighed.

"I see what's going on," Tom said. Marco and Star both stopped what they were doing to stare at him. "You are keeping Star hostage! And forcing her to do your bidding!"

"What!?" Marco and Star both screamed.

"You are a sick man Marco!" Tom pointed his finger at him.

"Tom, you got the wrong idea!" Marco jumped to the accusation.

"So, what? You kidnapped her to turn her into some sort of love slave?!" Tom accused again. Star became red and flustered with anger.

"I am not a love slave!" Star screamed.

"So you are in on this?! How is this a fair fight for Star's hand if you go and run off with her!" Tom never took his gaze off Marco.

"Ok. Now I am certain that you have the wrong idea. We are not in love!" Marco became bewildered and blushed uncontrollably.

"And here I thought you were going to put up a fair fight. I could have kidnapped her too!" Tom refused to listen to anything Marco had to say.

"I am not fighting you for anyone!" Now Marco was becoming angry.

"Come on Marco. You have been against me from the beginning! You know I am better looking than you and would eventually win Star's heart. So you go and run off with her into the middle of nowhere so you wouldn't lose her to me!"

"Who said I was competing with you! This is not what it looks like. And even if it was, Star wouldn't have you because you are a selfish jerk!" Marco lost his cool.

"Marco!" Star jumped in between them. The boys both curled in fear at the sound of her voice. "I don't know what you are thinking but it needs to stop." Star pointed her finger at Tom. She then turned to Marco. "And you need to stop fighting with him. It is only egging him on." Marco took a step back in shock.

"Hang on Star. I didn't start anything," Marco noted.

"Yes you did! By taking her away from me!" Tom jumped over Star's shoulder.

"Zip it!" Star wagged her finger at Tom again when she turned to him. Tom bit his lip while Marco sighed in annoyance.

"Fine. I'll stop," Marco admitted defeat, though he still felt it was unjust. He looked up at Star who had a small smile of sincerity on her face. Marco couldn't help but to smile back. He then walked up to Tom and held his hand out to him. "Truce?" Marco said. Tom glared at Marco but then turned to Star who was glaring at him.

"I guess…for now," Tom shook Marco's hand.

"Great! Now that that is settled…." Star jumped up as she clapped her hands together while walking up to Tom, grabbed him by the shoulders, turned him around and started to walk towards the door. "…it was great having you here but now it is late and you should probably go away now!"

"Whoa! Hold on Star!" Tom planted his feet that was forceful enough to stop her forward momentum. "I am not going anywhere. I came out here to find you and I am not leaving until you leave her with me," Tom tried to explained but was presented with a scoff.

"I am not going anywhere with you Tom. Now thanks for stopping by! Good night!"

"But-," Tom tried to say but with a good push, Star was successful at getting him out the door.

"Phew! I thought he would never leave," Star exhaled as she let herself fall against the door with a heavy thud.

"Right," Marco smiled. His smile began to fade when he looked up to Star. "Was I really that bad?" Marco became concerned as he sat at the table. Star had made her way to the cauldron that was hanging above the fireplace. She grabbed a bowl of hot water.

"Oh Marco. I am sorry. It's just you boys were fighting like an old marry couple and I didn't know how to stop you two. I was counting on you to cool off before him. That guy has some serious anger issues," Star explained as she sat at the table next to him after grabbing a towel and placing it in the bowl. Marco chuckled until she started to clean the cuts on his face. He winced at the sting. "Don't be a baby. You did this to yourself."

"For you," Marco replied. His eyes jolted to the side, hoping she didn't see him blush. Then he put a devious smile on his face.

"What?" Star smiled back.

"I think it is time for me to get mad at you," Marco replied. "You used magic… without your wand." Star chuckled nervously. "How did you do that?"

"Well what can I say. I was scared and alone. Poof," Star wiggled her fingers, her thumb holding the towel. "Magic." She whispered. Marco sighed. "Are you mad? That looks like a mad face."

"Actually Star, I am relieved. I was so scared that something had happen to you. I am glad that you were able to defend yourself." Marco stared into his hands as if he was expecting for something to pop out from them.

"Thanks Marco," Star wrapped her arms around him. "But it is not like I can control it still. It was just some dumb luck that I was able to do that anyway," Star released him. "It is kind of nice to know that you are always looking out for me, you know, despite how annoying it can get," Star nudged him in the side. He giggled.

"All the same, I think we should get out of the house tomorrow. Just in case those guards decide to investigate again."

"Yeah. Sounds like a good plan!" Star clapped her hands together, forgetting that the towel was in her hand, squishing the water out of it and sent it splattering into her face. Marco laughed at her. "We can go to the market place and sell some of your corn." Star began to pat Marco's wounds down again, after drying off her face.

"Great idea," Marco stood up once Star was done. He rubbed his eyes. "I don't know about you but I am ready for bed."

"Uh, I know. I think I have had enough excitement for one day," Star stood up as well. They blew out the candles in the leaving room before retiring to their bedrooms. Star stood at the doorway before entering her room. "Uh, Marco?" Marco turned to her before he entered his room. Star had her hands grasped around her necklace Marco had made for her. "Thanks… for everything you did today," Star fought as hard as she could a blush that threaten to paint her face. For some odd reason, she looked stunning to Marco. Her gold hair was down and untamed, her voice was soft, softly caressing his ears. She had one hand holding the doorway; she was sincere and innocent and that was what took his breath away.

"Your welcome," Marco exhaled.

"Well…good night," She entered her room and closed the door, leaving him standing in silence for a bit longer to ponder what was going around in his head.

Marco woke up early the next morning and ventured to the fields as part of his usual routine. As it was, Marco did not want his karate to be a lost talent. So every morning, almost every morning, he made it a habit to practice his forms before the sun would come out and greet the day, then he would commence with his daily chores. Marco began his practice with a short period of meditation. He would then proceed with his battle stances and brawl with the air, seeing that he did not have the proper equipment. He grew increasingly proud because the daily farm life was helping him build lean muscle and endurance, with some help of a regular exercise routine he had made for himself; he felt that his kicks were getting higher with less effort.

Star, herself, usually slept in every morning but this morning she had woken up early, mostly by accident. She was laying width ways on her bed with her upper body and feet dangling off the sides. She was even snoring, mainly because her position on the bed was cutting the expansion of her breathing. With a loud snore, the sheets underneath her slipped causing her to fall into the scorpion position. With a loud pop in her back, she kicked her feet over, slamming them into the floor and was now lying flat on her stomach.

"Ow…" Star whispered to herself. She stood up next to her bed and tried to rub out the pain in her back. She then proceeds to rub the pain in her head. She reached down to pick up her blanket and threw it on the bed. She opened the door to her room and took a step out. Fortunately for her, she still fitted into her old night gown, back from when she was fourteen. Albeit, it was a bit shorter and tighter now. She felt no need to dress for the day yet since her days don't usually begin this early. She walked into the kitchen to get some water that they kept in a barrel made for producing wine. They were careful to never put anything dirty into it so they would not contaminate their drinking and cooking water. They also kept it closed with a lid so nothing would fall into it. She grabbed a ladle that they kept in the cabinets with the cups. Star filled her cup with water, closed the barrel and drank happily from her cup. Once she was done, she placed her cup into the sink. That is when she saw Marco out in the fields where she watched as this young man practiced his forms. Star admired how his lean arms seemed to caress the air with each wave. His body was shining with seat. Star was so interested in watching him that she failed to notice that she was leaning over the sink with her right arm holding up her head and with her left arm swaying out the window. She failed to notice that she put a warm smile on her face and eyes half closed as if she was staring into a dream. She gave a faint sigh of pleasure. More importantly, she failed to notice a horned young man standing next to the window that she was staring out of, who watched her very reaction from beginning to end. Marco, unbeknownst to Star, became a fairly appealing to the eyes as this strong young man who clanged to the ideal that 'to get anywhere in life, you have to work hard for it.' And at that moment, Star realized it was really paying off for him. Tom, however, couldn't keep his mouth shut anymore.

"What are you doing?" Tom almost looked disgusted at Star. Her eyes shot open as her head slipped from her hand causing her to gasp loudly.

"Tom! What are you doing here?!" Star screamed. Marco heard her from where he stood. He looked towards the house and saw Star was hanging out the window with Tom staring at her. Marco grumbled at the sight and had decided to walk back home.

"I have been out here all night!" Tom yelled back.

"Why didn't you just go back home? I strongly hinted at it," Star was getting annoyed.

"I told you I wasn't going to leave here without you."

"And I told you that wasn't going anywhere with you."

"Tom… how nice of you to stop by again… so early in the morning," Marco said sarcastically. Tom turned to him.

"Well you know, I thought I'd stop by to steal back my ex and see how that betrayal you did to me was coming along," Tom replied wryly.

"Oh man, it is too early for this," Star began to rub her eyebrows as if she was getting a headache. Marco looked to her and sighed.

"Why don't you come in. We can talk things over while we have breakfast. We have leftover boar we can warm up," Marco opened the back door with his arm held out indicating that Tom should enter their home. Tom watched him suspiciously.

"How thoughtful of you Marco. I think I will take you up on that offer," Tom entered the home. Marco had got some fire wood to throw into the stove and entered right after. He placed a chunk of already cooked meat into the stove to reheat it, then sat at the table with Tom who just watched Marco and Star. Star was wiping down dishes that were still in the sink from last night. "So what is the gimmick?" Tom finally asked. They both looked back at him.

"What do you mean?" Marco asked.

"I mean this whole place! How can you two afford a little home out in the middle of nowhere!"

"We didn't buy it, we built it," Star responded.

"Well, with a little help of magic," Marco added. Star smiled at him.

"Come on, it wasn't that much help."

"Star, you poof all the material here, all cut and ready to go," Marco got up to get some water. Star, with her same smile on her face handed him a cup.

"Yeah, but we decided to do the rest with our own to hands. I still get cramps in my hands at night," Star punched Marco in the arm. She then turned to Tom. "Marco had been reading a lot of 'How to…' books and I simply followed his guidance."

"Did you say with your hands?" Tom seemed to be stuck on this fact.

"No, with our feet. Of course with our hands," Star snapped sarcastically.

"What I meant that you guys really did this yourselves? What about the furniture?"

"We built them," Marco sat back in his chair, cup at hand. "I personally went out and chopped the wood for the table, bed frames, cabinets, and couch. Then I went to the little town that is about an hour from here and traded work to use their local wood shop to cut and smooth the wood," Marco explained.

"How did you get the wood to town?"

"Well that same shop owner had some carriages and warnicorns, so he hauled the wood to the shop for me," Marco admitted proudly. Star sat at the table with the boys, more specifically across from Marco.

"And I learned to sow! I did all the blankets, pillows, cushions, and most of our clothing!" Star threw her arms up in pride. Once again, Tom found himself looking around the home in amazement. These two people were living alone and actually thriving by themselves.

"Well then, what about that? Did Marco make that too?" Tom pointed at the stove.

"We traded work for the that," Star responded.

"Remember when we tried to bring it home?" Marco began to laugh.

"How could I forget! It took us two days to get it here!" Star laughed. "I even slept inside it just to make sure no one would take off with it," Star rubbed her watering eyes. Tom was beginning to get annoyed with the chumminess.

"You really learned how to work?" Tom still seemed to be taken away by Star.

"Uh, yeah. Who else was supposed to take care of us," Star gestured to Marco and herself. Tom was nodding in agreement.

"I see…Marco has turned you into a house wife," Tom concluded with the facts presented to him. Marco, who was drinking form his cup, spat water at Star.

"Marco!" Star jumped up.

"She is not my house wife!" Marco jumped out of his seat as well. He grabbed a towel by the sink and tried to help Star dry off. Star simply ripped the towel from Marco's hand.

"Come on. The Star I know wouldn't have care to learn how to cook or sow!"

"Actually, we both share the duty of cooking," Marco added quickly.

"Not the point! Look at her! She is still doing all of… this!" Tom gestured the entire home. "Then there is your magic. You don't even use it anymore."

"That is for her safety," Marco grew annoyed.

"How!?"

"So I don't get noticed. Apparently my mom can now sense magic being use on Mewni," Star concluded.

"Are you sure about that? You sure Marco isn't just using that as an excuse to tame your wild heart?" Then Tom started accusing again.

"No he is not. We have been running long enough to see that my mother has such an ability. Anytime I use magic, some group of guards come searching the area or knocking down our doors," Star defended Marco.

"Look Tom, Star and I ran away because her mom was going to send her to Saint Olga's School for Way-."

"Aaaaaagggggghhhhhh!" Star threw her arms in the air and screamed. Marco and Tom stared at her. "Sorry," Star lowered her voice and arms in embarrassment. Marco shook his head before he continued.

"Anyways…we ran from that."

"But I only did this because Marco convinced me. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be…me," Star smiled warmly at Marco. "He left everything behind for me."

"Star thought it would be a good idea to stay close to Mewni. The idea is that they would search Mewni last because they know she feared being here," Marco added.

"So the idea is that you guys are hiding in plain sight," Tom nodded.

"Pretty much. We are just simple farmers here, growing food to survive or sell depending on what's best. Everything here was grown by us," Then Star chuckled nervously. Marco chuckled in response. "Well almost everything." Despite looking that he understood, Tom was still stuck in shock. The two were actually doing a phenomenal job at surviving on their own and staying hidden. Tom cleared his throat.

"How long do you plan on doing this? The running away?" Tom looked at them seriously. Star and Marco looked at each other.

"As long as we need to," Star looked back at Tom. "I would appreciate it if you kept this between the three of us." Tom sat up straight and sighed.

"You sure you won't consider leaving with me?" Tom looked into his hands.

"I am not going anywhere. I don't want to be queen…at least… at least not right now." Tom closed his eyes to think to himself. He wanted her back but like Marco had once said, he can't force her to be his girlfriend unless she wants too. He opened his eyes once again.

"All right. I won't say anything. Marco… I hate to admit it but…but you are a good friend."

"Uh… well thanks Tom," Marco answered. Star sighed in relief.

After breakfast, Star and Marco went out to the fields to pick some corn for sale. Together, they filled 4 large buckets. Marco patted his hand s off from the dirt, not noticing that Tom had been standing behind them, watching them closely.

"What are you guys doing?" Tom asked causing Star to throw ears of corn into the air in shock. They turned to him.

"You're still here!" Star shrieked.

"You bet I am. I understand that you want to stay here, but I still don't plan on leaving until you leave with me," Tom was proving to be even more stubborn than he already was.

"Uuuuhhhh," Star moaned in frustration as she let her head and arms fall behind her while Marco simply sighed.

"Well if you are going to stay on Mewni, you better find a place to stay. Preferably far from here," Marco knelt down with Star to help her pick up the corn.

"Fine," Tom replied with no signs of leaving.

"If you are not too busy, mind giving us a hand?" Marco began to grow annoyed with him. Tom furrowed his brows.

"I am not a farmer Marco," Tom retorted.

"Never said you needed to be one. All I want is for you to bring me our pull cart right over there," Marco pointed at the cart that was sitting at the side of the house and pointed over to the corn field. The cart was all wood and big enough to carry 2 buckets side to side, front to back. "We are going to the market today to sell some corn. Star and I could use the extra money."

"Ugh! Fine!" Tom groaned. He pointed his finger at the cart and it floated up surrounded by flames and landed by the corn fields with a swiftness. Marco glared at Tom.

"Ok, let's get one thing straight; no magic. Star and I have been trying to keep a low profile."

"First of all, you aren't the boss of me. Secondly, demon magic isn't the same as Mewman magic. I doubt the queen can sense mine."

"Be that as it may, we are trying to blend in around here. If you go and start throwing things around on fire, without even touching it, it can raise suspicions! You never know when some random travel is wandering by or some hunter watching from the forest!"

"Wow, Marco. You are no fun," Tom responded.

"Hey, Marco has worked hard to keep me safe. I put my trust into what he says," Star backed Marco up. Tom groaned at the sight of Star placing her hand on Marco's shoulder.

"Fine! I won't do it again," Tom crossed his arms in defeat. Marco and Star both sighed. They proceed to load the car with their pickings. Marco stood in front of the handle bar and began to pull the cart. Star was staring at Tom.

"I guess you can stay here for a bit longer. But when we get back you better be gone," Star pointed her finger at Tom who had nodded nonchalantly.

"Come on Star! We should get a move on!" Marco called as he already walked around to the front of the house.

"Marco! Don't leave me here by myself! I need my robe!" Star yelled as she ran through the house. She exited through the front of the house and chased after Marco who had already began to walk away from the house.

Crossing a bridge over a river lay a small town. It was safe to say that it wasn't the poorest town in Mewni. This was evident by the various colors that painted the town; they were much more vibrant than the poor towns. Green vegetation clung to the buildings, threatening to climb up over the rooftops but were kept at bay evident to the continuous clippings from the villagers. This gave the town a sense of being cleaner. The town itself was surrounded by a wooden fence with its only purpose to divide the town from the outside world. It was fair to say that the village was that of a lower to upper middle class; the reason would be because this town consisted of butcheries, blacksmiths, bakeries, furniture shops, and farm produce; it was an artisan town. The town dealt with trading from neighboring towns, villages, even the kingdom of Mewni which would account for the easier living and improved wealth for these town folk. It consisted of 4 main roads that ran from the center of town to the cardinal directions. These 4 main roads were made of cobblestone while the rest of the roads and back alleys consisted of either tightly packed pebbles and stones or simply packed dirt that was smoothed for the purpose of easy walking. At the center of town, farmers and herbalist from all around the country around this village gathered to sell their produce.

At the east entrance, Marco and Star had entered admiring the little town. It was so lively and vibrant. They did so every time they arrive. The two never seemed to be able to hold in a smile once they entered the town. Star wore her robe with a hood to cover most of her hair, only allowing the bangs come out. She also wore a handkerchief around her mouth, as if she was cleaning, to hide her hearts on her cheeks. Marco turned to her and smiled.

"Don't worry Star. Until we can figure a way to hide you hearts you will have to keep wearing that," Marco apologized. He too wore a robe without his hood. He really didn't have much to hide seeing that nobody on Mewni truly knew who he was.

"Nah. It's fine Marco. It is actually kind of fun playing undercover," Star began to walk as if she was sneaking around. Marco laughed. "Besides, it is kind of nice just to blend in." Star's eyes lit up when she turned her eyes to the bakery. She ran up to the glass to look inside. Window shopping had become one of their pastimes whenever they went to town. "Ooh. Marco! Look! Pastries!" Star began to drool, scaring some of the customers inside.

"You know Star, if we sell this corn we can come back and get some," Marco replied.

"Awe, but mamma want some sugar now," Star whimpered with big puppy eyes.

"Mamma is kind of broke right now," Marco chuckled. Star jumped away from the window to rejoin Marco. "We will come back. I promise," Marco tried to comfort her, but she had already vanished. "Hey, where'd you go?"

"Look Marco! Puppies!" Star yelled from the other side of the road. Marco slapped his hand to his forehead. They had arrived at the certain of town where they were greeted by other farmers who graciously pointed them to an empty booth. All the farmers had setup around a statue of the King and Queen of Mewni which also provided them with protection from any possible thieves who may want to sneak up from behind them.

"How come I am not up there with them?" Star looked up at the stature of her parents. Marco looked up as well.

"Maybe it has to do with the fact that you can't stay still for five seconds," Marco remarked with a smirk. He turned to Star who was already talking to one of the other farmers. "Point made," Marco said to himself. Marco began to unload the cart and placed the buckets on the table one by one. Star came running back to Marco with two large, blue and spiked, fruits in her hands.

"Marco! You gotta try this!" Star shoved the fruit in his face. Some of the juices splashed across his face before he got to bite the fruit. Marco winced in fear before a smile of pleasure spread across his face.

"Wow! That is amazing! What is that?"

"It is a troupple fruit. They usually grow higher in elevation here on Mewni," Star explained as she grabbed a few ears of corn.

"Sounds expensive," Marco looked at her with concern.

"Actually, I already traded two ears of corn for this," Star proudly admitted. People around the area seemed to turn to them at the mentioning of corn.

"Uh, ok… you do remember we are trying to sell this corn right?" Star and Marco both looked back to see that people were approaching their booth.

"Excuse me, but did you say corn?" One of the villagers asked. Marco and Star smiled at each other. They then turned their attention to the people again.

"Yeah," Marco grabbed and ear and opened it. The villager's eyes grew wide with curiosity.

"Why is it white?" A woman asked.

"Is it sick?" another villager asked.

"No. This corn is from another dimension. In that dimension, corn comes in a variety of colors. Now Mewnian corn is really good, but white corn is arguably sweeter," Marco explained.

"Just take it from an actual Mewman," Star pointed at herself. "It's delicious." Star's eyes gave a heavenly look at the very thought of the taste. The villagers remained silent for a moment.

"How much?" Another villager asked.

"We still haven't figured out pricing yet but-," Marco began to say before he got interrupted by clamoring of the villagers.

"I will give you 2 gold pieces for 4 ears!"

"I will give you 4 gold pieces!" Then the villagers began to throw figures. The biddings drew more attention until Marco and Star were swarmed with customers. Marco and Star laughed with joy at each other.

Marco was loading the empty buckets back into the cart while Star sat on the steps counting the gold pieces they collected, giggling to herself as she dropped them back into the coin bag. Marco wiped the sweat from his forehead and turned to her leaning against the booth.

"So, how did we do?" Marco asked.

"We made 68 gold pieces today," Star's eyes were wide with wonder. Marco went to sit next to her.

"Really? Is that good?"

"Marco! That's fantastic! We can do some serious spending with this right now!" Star threw her hands into the air.

"That's great! But maybe we shouldn't get to carried away just yet," Marco waved his hands at her.

"Awe, why not?"

"Yeah Marco, why not?" Tom was sitting behind Star and Marco, sending shivers up their spins.

"Tom!" They both screamed.

"What?"

"What are you doing here?" Marco asked.

"And why do you keep following us!" Star screamed.

"Just thought I would check out the town, you know. Search for a place, explore. I am not following you. But since I am here, maybe you want to do something fun with me, Star," Tom explained. "What? I am remaining inconspicuous," Tom pointed at a beanie he had on his head and a robe around his shoulders, covering his tattered clothing.

"Do they even make beanies here in Mewni?" Marco looked puzzled. Then he stared at the robe. "Is that my robe!"

"It is not like you are wearing it right now," Tom looked annoyed at Marco. Star stood up in front of Tom.

"We are not doing anything together Tom."

"Come on, you have money to spend and the need to have fun. What more could you ask for?" Tom stood up with Marco.

"It isn't always about having fun. We gotta be able to control our urges as well. Show some restraint," Marco explained.

"Wow Marco. That sounds boring," Star admitted. Marco sighed.

"How about you let Star decide on what to do with her share of the gold," Tom added.

"I had some plans but… fine," Marco gave up. He counted half the gold and gave it to Star. "But I will ask that you think before you…." Marco looked to her to see that Star and Tom had already took off. "…. buy." He sighed again as he walked over to the cart and pulled the cart down the path.

Star and Tom were standing in the bakery where she saw the pastries when they had entered the town.

"Ooh, I think that I am going to eat like 10 of everything!" Star jumped in glee.

"Bet I can eat more than you," Tom egged her on. Star didn't seem to be annoyed that he was there. Instead, she was too energetic to care. She had money and she was ready to spend.

"You're on," Star pointed at Tom.

"So what's up with Marco trying to tell you what to do," Tom scoffed.

"He isn't telling me what to do. He is just trying to be mindful."

"Ok, I get that. But why would he try to tame you? Your sporadic nature and your carelessness makes you who you are. And I think that is awesome," Tom looked out the window. Star turned to look out the window as well.

"He cares about me Tom. He does it for my wellbeing," Star said softly as she continued to stare out the window. She was getting lost in thought. So much so that she didn't notice that she was backing up the line. Tom looked down at her.

"Uh, Star?" Tom looked at her. Star began to walk out the door. "Star?" Tom followed her out. "What's wrong?"

"It's…. nothing," Star stood outside. She looked across the street and saw Marco standing outside the blacksmiths shop. He was looking through the window. Star approached quietly with Tom following behind her. Marco was looking at a sword that was on a stand in the front window.

"It's…. a katana," Marco whispered to himself. The katana was made of a shiny black metal; the grip was trimmed with gold that formed a dragon head at the pommel. The eyes looked like rubies. The handle looked as though it was incased in jade. Same went for the case of the sheath of the blade. It too was made of jade, trimmed with gold and the same type of dragon head at the end of the sheath. It's beautiful, Marco thought to himself.

"Whatcha looking at?" Star asked silently. Marco jumped in surprise to see Star and Tom watching him.

"Star! Tom! Nothing!" Marco scratched the back of his head. He turned to Star with sincerity. "Hey Star… I am sorry. Tom is right. You should be able to spend your half of the gold on whatever you want."

"Really?" Tom and Star were both puzzled. More so because he said Tom was right.

"Yeah. I really don't want to influence you spending and wants with my decisions. You deserve to do what you want."

"Marco…" Star felt a sting in her eyes.

"Hey, we always have tomorrow. The sell was so successful that I think we should try and bring more corn. I have some ideas I want to spend my gold on, but I think I may join you on a little shopping spree," Marco laughed.

"Well you heard him. Go wild Star," Tom jumped in with a bit of enthusiasm.

"Yeah. Go have some fun. We can meet up over by the exit in an hour. I think I will explore the village a bit longer, see what else they got to offer," Marco smiled as he began to walk off on his own.

"Okay…" Star found it hard to speak. The only thing she could feel was guilt. Tom looked down at her.

"You seem distracted," Tom said.

"He always does this," Star said faintly.

"Excuse me? Are you feeling guilt tripped?"

"NO! He has always tried to do what's best for me."

"That's a good thing, isn't it?"

"I don't know anymore," Star looked up to Tom.

"Star, he just gave you the go ahead to do what you want. You have never thought twice about it before," Tom told her.

"I know…." Star said as she began to walk away from Tom. He felt sympathetic for her. Tom sighed as he followed her.

"Well, why don't you do something for him," Tom swallowed hard in disgust at the idea. Star paused and turned to Tom.

"Did you really just say that?" Star looked on with curiosity.

"Yup," Tom dropped his arms. "If he is so great to you, and he has done so much for you, why don't you do something for him… you know, show him some appreciation. Wow, I have a taste of straight bile in my mouth." Tom looked away with shock. Star had a big smile run across her face.

"That is actually a great idea. And you know what two days from now is?" Star jumped next to Tom.

"Hanukah?" Tom said sarcastically as he shrugged his shoulders.

"Thanks Tom!" Star hugged him tightly. She released him and ran into the blacksmiths shop, leaving Tom with a small smile on his face.

Inside the shop, Star ran up to the blacksmith who stood behind the counter. The muscular gentlemen with a thick black beard and balding head smiled as she approached.

"Well hello little lady. How may I help you today?"

"How much is that sword at the window?" Star pointed at the katana. The blacksmith chuckled hardily.

"That one. That sword is special. The material wasn't easy to come by."

"Really? So is it not for sell?"

"I never said it wasn't."

"So how much?"

"If I have to give it a price…. uh, 150 gold pieces," The blacksmith shrugged. Star's jaw dropped in shock.

"150! I only have 34 gold pieces!" Star looked into her bag. "Is there any way I can get it cheaper? Please, my best friend has his sight on that sword. And he has always done so much for me that I just have to pay him back," Star looked up with big watery eyes.

"Well I don't know. Like I say, it is rare. And if he is your best friend I would think you don't have to pay him back," The blacksmith looked down at her.

"I know…" Star looked down defeated with sadden eyes. The blacksmith swallowed hard. Then he smiled as an idea popped up in his head.

"You know what? There was some commotion in town earlier today. Something about white corn?"

"Huh!?" Star looked up. She jumped hopefully. "WE sold that corn today!"

"Fancy that. Tell you what, if you can bring me 2 buckets of the corn you sold today then I will be willing to drop the price to 50 gold pieces."

"Really! Thank you so much! Hugs!" Star jumped up and hugged the blacksmith who just gave another hardy laugh.

"I thank you. My daughter and I had really wanted to try it but it was gone before we could get to the center of town."

"We were sold out before we could blink. But we also didn't bring much because we were afraid no one would want it."

"I see," The blacksmith smiled at Star. "You know; you remind me of my daughter. No offense but she was much like you when she finally met the one. She was so happy, and he is a good kid too."

"But I am not-," Star began to say.

"I know. Best friends. But this friend must be pretty special to you, huh?"

"More than I knew," Star smiled with a blush threatening to paint her face. She was going to give him her gold until he held his hand up.

"We will complete our business tomorrow," The blacksmith walked around the counter and pulled the sword from the shelf. "And I will put this away for you when you return."

"Thank you so much," Star thanked again.

"You're welcome. See you tomorrow," the blacksmith waved to Star as she walked out of the store. The blacksmith chuckled. "She has got it bad."

"So…where is it?" Tom asked. He had been watching from the window outside.

"I gotta get it tomorrow. He helped make the payment easier for me. Speaking of tomorrow, I have something for you to do," Star smiled as they made their way to the entrance of the town where Marco stood waiting for them.

"Did you go and get you pastries?" Marco asked her.

"No. We were supposed to go get them together but you left me," Star said as Marco winced in regret.

"Sorry," Marco apologized. "I forgot."

"It's ok. I took what you said into consideration. I have plans of my own," Star proudly said as she walked away from him. Marco watched, a bit confused of what happened. He didn't ask, he just waved it off as nothing and followed her with Tom walking beside him.