Hello fanfiction! Thank you for the reviews, favorites and follows. It means the world to me and helps me write the stories you love so much. A special thanks to H. mae (Such fluffy and they are about 15-17 years old), SVTFOEfanatic (I'm happy this helps you get to sleep and i used two people who everyone knew loved each other but themselves because they were pretty dense) TypicalHyphen (it is coming soon), Fanfictionsforday (I'm glad you liked the little jokes and excellent guess) Mcplayer and guest. Thank you so much. you readers rule.

Now we are here at the top of the hill before the massive drop. Please feel free to look behind, marveling at where we came from because where we're going is going to be completely new territory. I'm going to be straight with you readers. I cut out a chapter for pacing sake and also because stopped fitting after this one. So after this is the final story arc. I left some clues, some things that seemed odd. all that jazz. This has been the most intense chapter i've written yet. I had a busy day but i decided i made you great people wait long enough though i am sorry if there's some massive mistakes. there shouldn't be. what else? the next two chapters will be back to single POV for reasons made clear at the end of the chapter. Bold is Marco regular is star

So that being said, thank you for everything. The reviews, favorites and follows. I love you all and I am so happy you love the story. Seriously you make me proud to do this and make it a blast. So in honor of a month of writing this story (On july 14ish haha sorry i hadn't kept track) I present to you the beginning of the end. right now there's at least 5 more chapters to go so don't panic too much. So thank you once again, enjoy, I own nothing and in the words of my favorite clown the joker

Here...we...go!

Hello inanimate object, you'll never guess who stopped by the castle today.

Jeremy Birnbaum!

Oh right you don't know who he is, sorry.

Jeremy is a nasty kid. He's vicious, childish, and honestly very mean to everyone, even his parents and especially Marco.

He's member of one of the royal families in Marco's dimension and one of the wealthiest.

He's got blonde hair with this dull blue eyes. He's about 2 years younger than me and Marco.

Of course that means his parents get him whatever he desires. He is their little boy. Which means he's rotten to the core and loves gloats how he's better than anyone.

He's just the worst.

Officially, he came to drop off some treaty papers from his parents to mine. But the moment he saw me, he couldn't help but start taunting.

It was so maddening to stand and hear him mockingly say how it was a shame Marco was missing, how once again he wouldn't be able to pity his way to victory at the tournament this year, just like how he was absent the year before.

I gently (in a totally not gentle way) reminded Jeremy that at least Marco could still compete in the competition if he chose too unlike Jeremy was banned for life.

Jeremy began muttering under his both how he was being mistreated and how this year the committee would rectify their mistake and let him compete.

Then, like clockwork, he began taunting Marco, about how much of a coward he was for running away to some dimension just because he was afraid to face Jeremy.

I won't lie inanimate object, I narwhaled him in the face. One...two...13 times.

And as he limped away, I shouted after him to never insult Marco in front of me again or I would show him what a rainbow fist to the stomach felt like.

I have never seen someone run so fast away from me before.

Still, seeing Jeremy reminded me that the tournament was just a few days away.

I remembered how excited Marco was to compete in it when he finally turned 15.

Hey Journal, sorry I'm...well no I'm on time. My bad

Anyway I thought I was late because I was reading my mail. Seriously how does junk mail find me? I mean it's like they have a tracker on me or something. It's infuriating to say the least. The things you can't avoid in life: Death, Taxes and getting junk mail.

Anyway, aside from mostly junk mail, I received my invitation for the Tournament of Kings. I totally forgot it was a week after my birthday. Of course, just like last year, sensei forbid me from going. And as much I disliked it, I understood. I could be in serious danger at such a high profile event. I mean it happened the first time I was entered.

Still, aside from the end, it was a pretty fun experience though I admit at the time I hadn't felt like I was having fun because of Jeremy.

I hate Jeremy. He's snooty, I'm better than you kid from one of the royal families back in my dimension.

He always made fun of me, tried to embarrass me on a constant basis, mocked my family. And of course, he was insanely rich so he had the best tutors which he loved to rub in my face.

I could hear his stupid laugh now, making fun of how he was smarter than the entire ruling family put together.

God even after not seeing him for 2 years, he still makes so angry!

Deep breaths Diaz.

Well I guess it's time I start writing towards...the event.

Where to start...

Oh!

The Tournament of Kings ironically featured no kings. It was a royal competition for the children of royalty. Anyone could enter as long as they were at least 15 years of age and under 20. It was a well respected, huge event. Like the super bowl and winning it was not only a unique prize each year and fame but also brought prestige and great respect to your family.

It was also insanely dangerous. Like sign this wavier dangerous.

But I didn't care. I had turned 15 the week before and I was dead set on entering the tournament. Until my parents sat me down to talk to me.

My parents were worried of course and I nearly didn't enter after my talk with them but Star convinced to go through with my plan. She's always supported me...

Anyway, unlike the others who were competing, I was there for only one reason: Respect.

You see my family had only been in power for about 20 years, we weren't even considered a baby kingdom. Many people assumed we would be overthrown or taken out soon.

My parents worked tirelessly to earn the other kingdoms esteem and while they did a great job, some times people always found something to complain about. Namely me.

They began whispering how I was unfit to rule once my parents stepped down, how Star Butterfly was a horrible influence on me and how I would simply party and joke as my kingdom fell around me when it came to my time.

I was beyond angry, I was furious. How dare they talk about Star like that! How dare they insult my family's ability to raise me properly? and honestly, it was one of the few times I held myself in high regard. They did not know me but they judged me like they did. So I decided to show them. I was going to win this tournament and prove to them I was going to be a great leader...by wiping the floor with their children.

Hee looking back, I might've been a touch too aggressive.

I remembering walking onto the field and it felt like a stepped back in time...or into a Renaissance fair.

The world was alive with music and laughter, random tents set up to sell their wares to anyone who passed by. A mix of mostly pleasant, with a few gross ones thrown in, scents filled the air and everyone was allowed to attend. Peasants sat next to nobility, princesses and princes next to shop keep owners and paupers. It was really touching honestly. Most people didn't care who you were. People were there to have fun.

I remembered how much I hated wearing my formal suit, a refined well pressed red military style tunic and black dress pants. It was unusually hot that day and I could feel my body slump from the heat. But since I was competing, I had to look good.

I remembered how beautiful Star looked.

Yeah, I remember, I was wearing this long blue flower sundress with stars painted randomly across them. I was wearing some my boots that looked like some demon with teeth on them.

I remember meeting up with Marco and getting caught off guard by his appearance. Man did he look so good in that tunic, his hair well kept as he stood as straight as he could.

I could tell he was tense with nervousness, I mean he was to compete against other royals in an attempt to gain some credibility. So naturally, I had to cheer him up.

"Maaaaarco!" Star called from one of the vendors, smiling brightly at me while she beckoned me over "Come on! Check this out!"

I remembered uneasily making my way over. I was scared because there were only a handful of people competing this year, something about the main prize not being worth it. I remember hearing it was different this year than the others but I didn't remember why. It made me nervous. Maybe even if I won, it wouldn't do any good...

"What is it..." I started but she held up what the man was selling

"aren't they cute?" I asked him, holding up a red flower wreath before gently putting it on my head, giving him the biggest smile I could before posing with it.

I remember feeling red and despite how much pressure I felt, smiling at how adorable Star looked

"Yeah it is pretty cute."

Star gave me a smile as she twirled once more

I turned to the man and quickly handed him some coins, a lot more than the thing was actually worth, but as he tried to shove my change back to me, I held up my hand and simply told him to keep doing excellent work. If it made Star happy, it was worth more than whatever its cost.

I remember Marco offering me his arm and I gleefully took it before panicking about having just stole a wreath from that poor vendor.

I tried to make my way back but Marco just held on tighter as he told me he already paid for it.

I glanced back to the man who simply raising his thumbs up in approval towards Marco.

I waved a thank you to him before Marco and me walked around a bit, taking in the sights and fun of the event before a loud voice boomed from all around us.

"Competitors, please sign in at once."

Reluctantly, I untangled myself from Marco and gave him a huge good luck hug.

Marco paused for a moment and asked me for a favor.

Naturally I agreed.

I remember the look on Star's face when I removed my sword sheath from my belt and handed it to her, shock and surprise spread all over her face like wildfire.

"I'm not allowed to use my own weapons" I explained "and I don't want to leave it in the weapons locker, so I'm giving it to the one person I can trust with it."

Star looked awestruck that someone actually trusted her with something of great importance but that was nothing new for me. I trusted Star with my life.

I remember tearing just a bit when Marco told me he trusted me with his family's heirloom. I held on to it tightly and nodded that I would take care of it.

Marco's smiled was totally worth saying yes.

He gave me a hug and walked off, me screaming at him I would be cheering him on.

I glanced happily at the sheathed sword before a thought occurred to me. I have never gotten a proper look at Marco's sword. Never once in my life. I mean yeah I've seen it but that was usually in the middle of battle, when everything was fast pace and blurry.

I mean I told Marco I would watch it and I am actually watching it.

I remember holding my breath as I slowly pulled the sword from the sheath, my eyes widening at its beauty.

It was extremely well crafted. The sliver blade was so polished I could use it as a mirror, the golden hilt shaped like a t and no sign of wear or tear. Marco said his family found this blade 20 years ago though some people have claimed it is much older than that.

And I stared at it, transfixed by how gorgeous it looked. And honestly, it was almost like a soft, gleaming glow was radiating off the blade like it had been dipped in sunlight.

"Princess Butterfly" a voice called, seemingly out of nowhere.

I freaked, quickly shoving the blade back into the sheath while trying my hardest not to drop it in shock.

I turned around to see Felix Atherton, headmaster of Saint O's

"I'm sorry if I startled you" Felix told me, his sliver eyes full of worry and regret.

"I-it's okay" I told him calmly "It is nice to see you sir. What may I ask are you doing here?"

Felix laughed cheerfully "It is a party of course and I often don't get to stretch my party legs. I'm hoping to have some fun. I heard your friend Prince Diaz is competing today, correct?"

I nodded quickly

"I hope he wins. He is a good boy, will be a fine ruler one day but so many nasty things said about him"

I smiled. Finally someone understood.

Felix looked at his watch "I better get going, the line for chicken legs is getting longer and unlike you, I do not have seat saved for me. Good bye princess Butterfly"

He politely bowed to me and I was such in a good mood, I happily returned the favor.

I tried to calm my racing heart as I tightly wrapped the blade around my dress and made my way over to the seat Marco's parents were saving for me.

"All set up Prince Diaz, please head to the preparation room and get ready. The first event starts in 15 minutes."

I nodded, making my way back into the prep area. There were about 7 other people back there. Usually there were 20 or so royal members competing but whatever this years prize was failed to peak the interest of many competitors.

I peeled off my military tunic, carefully folding it while putting it in a locker that said Diaz. I let a sigh of relief out, my body becoming several degrees cooler in my plain, thin white under tunic.

I grabbed a shoulder guard for my left shoulder, some bracers for my forearms, shins and the least rusted sword I could find. I was much lighter than most swordsmen, so armor wasn't my forte and I wasn't skilled enough with a shield to handle a sword at the same time. But I hoped my speed and dexterity would win me through the day.

"Well, well, well if it isn't Marco Diaz" A voice called mockingly behind me.

I whirled around in astonishment to find Jeremy staring at me with a condescending grin on his face.

"Competing too I see" he asked me as he began gearing up for the event

I remember feeling a sense of dread at his arrival. At 13 years old, there was no way he should've been allowed to compete. I only felt good about this year because as much I as hated Jeremy, he had always been the superior fighter and I wasn't going to face him. Now I was in direct contest with him

"You aren't suppose to be back here Birnbaum" I snarled, trying my hardest from panic.

Jeremy shrugged "My parents paid a little fee and agreed it was okay for me to be here. Besides" he grinned sickeningly as he approached me "I never miss an opportunity to show you how much of a loser you are. And this event seems like the perfect chance."

I opened my mouth to retort but a booming voice called from above "Competitors to your starting gates, the first event is about to begin!"

I glared at Jeremy before walking away as fast as could, nerves starting to cripple me. How was I suppose to win now?

I chatted happily with Marco's parents, doing my best to keep them and myself calm. Fatalities were rare in the tournament...though not unheard of. But Marco and I have fought dozens of monsters. Marco had this in the bag.

Still, as I glanced around the small arena with random assortment of rocks of varying heights and widths, I was curious what exactly was the first part of the 3 part challenge.

Then the center platform was lowered and a loud, bone chilling yell could be heard from within.

And I had to hold on to a gasp when the first challenge was raised out of the pit.

I began took deep breaths, wanting anxiously for the wooden gate in front of me to spring open. 8 opponents, 8 people to beat. I got this...never mind one of them was Jeremy whom I had never won a match against before.

I groaned as I shook my head. I could do this. I could do this.

"Alright, for the first challenge, you must retrieve the item from the guardian. This is to test your perception and reactive abilities. Your points will be tallied based on how well you do and naturally whoever gets the item shall receive extra points. Are you ready?"

I leaned into a sprinting position

"Are you set?"

I could hear the gates creaking open as they slowly began to rise in front of me, my muscles tensing as I prepared to run as fast as I could.

But before the gate had even reached halfway, a roar echoed loudly all around me, violently shaking the timbers of the stand I was underneath and showering me in sawdust.

"GO!"

The sun blinded me for a moment and when it cleared, part of me wished it hadn't.

In front of me was a massive troll, easily 10 feet tall. It's thick, muscular gray skin mottled with various burn marks and wounds. In one hand a relatively small club (Relative to the creature, to me it looked like a baseball bat that could use me as a ball.) and in the other a small, fragile looking orb. No doubt what we had to grab.

As I stared at the beast, the others had sprung into action.

One of them had sprinted directly at the beast, gripping its legs tightly in effort to move it. As its foot began to lift from the ground, the troll let out a salivary snarl before backhanding the guy directly towards me.

I dove forward, ignoring the rushing of a body passed me and the loud thud and cry of pain echoing from the darkness.

I kicked up dirt as I rushed towards the beast who was swinging wildly at my opponents

One of them had a shield and thought it was strong enough withstand a direct blow from the club, but as I covered my eyes, the shield breaking apart into splinters throughout the arena and the man's arm cracking with a sound I could only describe as broken, well I think he learned his lesson.

The troll lifted its club to the sky and brought down towards me. I rolled out of the way, swinging around a rock as the club connected with the ground, knocking everyone to the floor but I was spared the sudden gust of breeze that helplessly tumbled everyone else around like ragdolls.

I peered around the rock just in time to see the troll reach around for me.

I quietly slipped onto all fours and began crawling as silently as I could away from the encroaching hand.

"HIYA!" Jeremy's voice cried out as he began rushing at the creature but the troll laughed, gently blowing at my foe, sending him face down into the dirt.

I held my chuckle in when I heard a loud rumble coming from the troll's stomach. I looked up behind my rock to see the towering troll pat his stomach wistfully.

At the moment, he seemed...well not like a monster at all.

I knew I was crazy but it was clear no one was going to beat him with brute force and there was no way anyone of us were going to team up. I briefly wondered if this was why not a lot of people signed up this year.

I cautiously calm out of my hiding spot slowly, careful not to make any sudden movements when the troll's eyes focused on me. I could hear the crowd gasp when I carefully plunged my sword into the dirt.

"What" The troll spoke in a tone that dripped confusion "Are you doing?"

I took a deep breath, slowly making my way closer to him "My name is Marco. Yours?"

"Umm...Harold" the troll answered wearily, eying me for some sudden attack.

"I really want that orb" I told him "What did you want for it?"

The troll peered at me before gently rubbing his chin "Well...they told me not to just give it to you guys...but I won't lie, I'm pretty hungry."

"I bet" I nodded enthusiastically "I mean it must be hard work to keep that protected and away from us."

Harold looked at me with appreciation "it is actually. I know it's just a game but swords and all that stuff still hurt you know?"

I felt guilt about raising a sword against this creature.

"How bout I make you a deal? I'll buy you food and you give me the orb?'

Harold looked unconvinced but when his stomach roared even louder than the first time, he seemed downright...sheepish.

"Umm...can you?"

I thought long and hard, trying to remember all the rules I had read. "There isn't a rule that says I can't."

I carefully patted my pocket for my coin bag, happy that I had forgotten to take it out of my pants. I pulled it out slowly so Harold could see I wasn't trying to pull a fast one.

I waved down one of the food vendors "What would you like?"

Harold glanced at me like I was crazy "I am a troll...I eat a lot"

I shrugged as I threw my bag to the food vendor "Whatever he wants"

The vendor quickly counted the coins as Harold asked for about 50 chicken legs.

The vendor counted carefully before replying "Umm, sure! B...be right back"

And I sat down, next to Harold who held a tight grip on the orb

"It's okay, I get it. A deals a deal. No worries I understand" I told him happily as we began making small talk. Mostly about his life in the woods and how he volunteers for the games to get some extra food for his family.

The audience stayed in stunned silence as the vendor returned a couple minutes, hauling an entire cart for Harold to eat himself.

And as Harold took a bite of the first leg, tasting it carefully in case I drugged it, he let out a joyful laughter before carefully handing me the orb.

"A deals a deal"

I nodded happily as the crowd exploded in applause.

I was in the lead by 300 points. Jeremy was the closest at 50 and 5 of the competitors had been taken out due to injuries. Like I said sign this wavier dangerous. But still those were pretty good odds and I had been the first person in the entire history of the event to find a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the first challenge.

I rushed towards Marco, gripping him as tightly as I could. I remembered how scared I was watching all those people get tossed around like playthings. I nearly blasted the troll with my wand when Marco disarmed himself in front of it.

"I am so proud of you Marco!" Mrs. Diaz squealed excitedly

"Me too mijo though I could have done without the heart attack" Mr. Diaz gently scolded.

Marco blushed in embarrassment but I couldn't help but swell with pride at his victory. I don't think there was anyone here that expected you could reason with a cave troll, let alone thought it possible but Marco did.

As we celebrated Marco's first win, I noticed Jeremy sulking around some tents, muttering to himself and holding a large amount of coins in his hands.

Had I realized what the sneaky little punk was going to do, I would've nuclear rainbow blasted him right there and then.

But I hadn't

Unfortunately, I lost the second event. It was a foot race across a very gnarly obstacle course. I mean I later found out why I lost but at the time it was devastating.

I remember how easy the course was for me. I had been done this type of stuff with Star all the time!

I remember climbing the randomly appearing spiked wall okay, keeping a good distance ahead of everyone as I leapt across the lava pool, and dodging the arrow traps from every direction was going great but right as I slid under the ax that was short enough to cut me down at the knees, I felt a wave of illness overcome me. I had tripped and stumbled over the barrier before landing face down on the ground, getting zero points for not staying on course.

Jeremy had won that one handily and the others had been decently injured, so it came down to me and Jeremy in a solo sword fight. 350 to 260. 100 point final match.

I paced back and forth outside Marco's tent, the doctor checking up on him to see if he could compete.

I've know Marco and there was no way he would've gotten sick like that. He was always so healthy and it was unlike him to just fall over like that.

I let out a sigh when I caught Jeremy sneaking into a nearby tent. Something felt off about so I snuck closer, hanging just outside the flapping tent.

"Jeremy" a female voice cried timidly "I don't think you need me for this. I mean you always beat Marco at swordfighting."

"Shut it. Now you still got the stick right?" a fearful silence "Good. If, for some reason I start losing, you point that stick at Marco. It'll make him feel ill again and I should be able to get the upper hand."

"Jeremy, this is going really far for..."

"I said shut it. You want the money for your starving family? Do what I say."

I let out a gasp and raced off to tell Marco before a thought stopped me. Where was this saboteur going to be? I knew Marco could take Jeremy but without proof, there was no way anyone would believe us. No, the best way to help Marco to stop the saboteur so Marco could fairly defeat Jeremy and turn both in at the end. Even if Jeremy somehow wins, there's no way he'd be keeping the prize.

I made my way back, unsure what tent was the one I was eavesdropping until I heard a voice talking from within. It didn't sound exactly Jeremy but given the announcer had called for Jeremy to come to the arena as Marco was fit to battle, he might've been in a rush.

"No excuses, no failures. Now wait at the tower for a clean shot."

The voice replied much more coldly this time "Yes, I will not fail you."

I guess Jeremy managed to get some obedience out of the poor woman. She sounded like she would do anything

And as the white hooded female slowly inched her way across the crowd to the tower, I followed as close as I could. No way was I letting them get away with this.

I glared at Jeremy who smugly grinned back at me.

"Fighters ready?" we nodded together. Just seeing his face made me see red. He was behind me getting sick, I knew it.

"Get set"

My hand hovered over my wooden sword. All the fear I felt was gone. I needed to do this, I needed to win. I needed to make my family proud and I was going to break anyone who stood in my way.

"GO!"

Jeremy rushed me with his classic forward thrust but I effortlessly batted away his attack, twirling my blade expertly as I aimed for his head. He ducked, slashing wildly in a circle to keep me away as he regained his footing. Then he swung widely at me, forcing me to block sidewards at an awkward angle. I could feel his smug self-satisfied grin and anger boiled within me. I let go of the attack, spinning like a dancer on my feet as I rushed him with a thrust of my own, catching him the chest and knocking him off his feet. It only ended when one of us was knocked out of the ring and as Jeremy raced to his feet, I brought my sword against his sword, forcing him to defend awkwardly this time. Before I keep up the attack, a wave of nauseating illness overtook me again and I struggled to find my strength. I knew he was behind it when Jeremy gave me a nasty smirk.

I heard movements above me, the white cloaked lady was up there and telling by the desperate cheers for Marco, I knew the spell was being launched.

I remember openly the door, wand at the ready, pointing directly towards her as I told her to stop what she was doing.

She turned to me, her red eye looking sinister against the wide window of the prop tower.

"Stop right now" I warned her "Or I will blast you out this window!"

She gave me a wicked grin before spinning around as fast as lightning, a sharp whistling filling the air as an arrow embedded itself in the wall, just an inch from my cheek.

I sprung into action, crouching down as I fired a narwhal blast directly at the girl.

The girl leapt high into the air, legs catching onto the ceiling as she hung upside down like a bat, my spell shattering the window and sailing to the outside world.

"I thought Jeremy hired you to make Marco sick!" I cried towards her, my body ready for her attacks.

She smiled wickedly "I don't know who this Jeremy is but he didn't employ me. Besides I was hired to kill Marco Diaz!"

I felt shock throughout my body as she lunged directly at me, two bolts from her wrist mounted crossbows coming straight at me.

"Rainbow cocoon shield!" I screamed, just in time for the colorful barrier to spring to life, the two bolts sinking deeply into it.

My eyes narrowed as the assassin landed gracefully on her feet, two more bolts already loaded and ready to go.

I tried to block Jeremy's attack but taking his attacks full force was just wearing me out and making stomach churn. I knew he was doing this but I hadn't the slightest idea how. Something had happen and someone had been screaming but right now, the world was in a deep blur and I was too weak to properly process anything outside the fight.

Jeremy relaxed, playing with me like a cat would with a corner rat. "What's wrong Diaz?" he mocked "Too sick to fight? You should've stayed home"

I tried to focus but the world was spinning and getting worse each second. And every moment I was like this, Jeremy was steadily pushing me towards the outside of the ring.

I ducked just in time for the arrows to shred the wreath off my head.

I let out an angry growl "Marco bought that for me! Bubble cage!"

The assassin popped my bubbles with ease, spring boarding off the walls as she launched her counter attack.

I leapt high into the air, twirling as more arrow bolts narrowly missed me by inches. The assassin let out a scoff of disbelief but was caught off guard when I landed and held my wand against the floor and shouted "Tower Shaker music!"

A loud pop song began playing, roughly shaking the tower with its loud bass as the assassin lost her footing for a moment. I pointed my wand directly at her and shouted at the top of my lungs "Crippling narwhal blast!'

The whale caught the assassin by surprise, sending her sprawling out the window into the crowd below.

I wasted no time and leapt out the frame after her.

"Well" Jeremy cheerfully called to me "I guess I win Diaz"

Despite my sickness, I refused to let Jeremy win completely unscathed. So I began to laugh.

"Hey!" he called angrily to me, forgetting that he still hadn't won yet "Why are you laughing?"

I laughed even loud, trying my hardest to hold in the contents of my stomach

"STOP LAUGHING!" He shrieked but I paid him no mind.

"You have no honor" I told him "No one respects you. People fear you and you use that fear against them. Even your own parents. They aren't even here to see you today are they?"

Jeremy shifted apprehensively but I wasn't letting up

"You are the worst. You should be chasing those fears away, not taking advantage of them. You never are going to win, even now"

Jeremy opened his mouth to retort but someone shouted from the crowd "I'm sick of this!" and there was a loud cracking of wood.

At once I felt better and before Jeremy could get a handle on the situation, I span around him, using the flat of my blade to knock him off his feet, sending outside the ring.

His cries of defeat were drowned out by the loud roar of cheering that shook the very air around me.

I glanced over to where some guards were holding a girl tightly by the arms.

I made my way over to her and she began apologizing at once.

"I-I'm sorry prince Marco...Jeremy...he...my family is poor you see and..." her shoulders slumped in defeat "there is no excuse for such a dishonor"

But I realized what had happen and as the guards looked to me to see what should be done, there was only one thing to do.

"Breaking the tournament of Kings rules is a serious offense" I told her and she flinched in fear "Are you certain that Jeremy was the one behind all this?"

She nodded sadly "And I helped him"

she then presented both the wand and the money that matched the numbers that came directly from his personal savings.

"As punishment, Jeremy Birnbaum is now permanently banned from ever competing again"

Jeremy practically burst into tears as he was led away but when the guards motioned to take the girl away, I halted them.

"You" She was shaking in fear "Are to receive monetary aid from my kingdom, provided you perform some work for me when I ask of it. Is that acceptable?"

She looked shocked like Christmas had came early and eagerly agreed on the spot, thanking me a million times before gripping me tightly, sheepishly letting go when she realized what she was doing.

I gently hugged her. The poor girl has gone through a lot today.

And right when I was feeling great, an arrow whizzed directly at my face, stop short only because of large, thick bubble.

"MARCO!" I cried from the crowd, leading Harold directly to the arena "I need to show you something! Go on Harold"

Harold had dropped a woman at my feet, black hair, red eyes and decked with deadly weaponry.

"Star..." I asked, unsure what was going on "What..."

But at once the woman began to convulse, eyes rolling in the back of her head as black smoke poured out of her body before disappearing with a strong breeze.

As the woman laid there motionless, I knew what had happened. She...

Star explained to me it was an assassin sent to kill me.

I felt the world shift wildly under my feet. Someone wanted to kill me? But why?

Before anything could be answer, someone had made their way across the crowd.

Countess Lacuna of a really, really uptight dimension. Like stick up her butt uptight.

She accused that Star purposely blasted her with a narwhal. Star countered that she had fought an assassin and the assassin had dodged her attack but Lacuna wasn't having any of it.

She demanded Star be punished and unfortunately, Lacuna was a powerful politic ally. Losing her would have horrible consequences for Earth and Mewni.

"I have a suggestion" Felix gently called from the crowd "What if Star were to attend Saint Olga's for a small amount of time?"

Lacuna looked like this could be an idea but Star looked like someone tried to kill her today. I gently held Star, calming her down as Felix began negotiating with Lacuna.

Lacuna demanded a year minimum, I remember holding Star even tighter when she was on the verge of crying but Felix managed to talk her down to a month which Lacuna hesitatingly accepted.

"It won't be so bad Star" Felix told her kindly "I promise" he glanced backwards towards the retreating Lacuna "I'll make it as painless as possible"

Star just nodded numbly as Felix gently placed his hand on our shoulders and gave us a small smile of pity before taking his leave to tell her parents.

Before I could do anything, I rushed onto the stage, people whispering to play along. It had been a long, emotional day and they needed just a spark of joy to prevent it from ending horribly.

"Prince Marco Ubaldo Diaz" a short, pudgy man called to me "This year, we have decided to grant the winner of the Tournament of Kings a very special prize"

He handed me a beautiful crown of blue and yellow roses. I was no gardener or even a plant lover but even I saw how amazing these roses were.

"You, my fair and just prince, have the honor of giving this crown of exquisite roses to who you think is the most beautiful girl in all the dimensions."

I barely got out a "huh?" as a wave of girls screamed loudly all around me.

Suddenly I could see their faces peering at them, their eyes shining with some kind of emotion like they were excited that I was doing this. Like I was mr. popular.

I felt myself getting embarrassed at all the attention. They just wanted the crown and now I had to choose some girl to receive it.

I got lost in a sea of faces when one stopped my heart. Jackie Lynn Thomas was smiling brightly at me, cheer in her eyes. Had she been here the whole time?

And in that moment, I knew who to give the crown to.

I felt numb and empty. All this hard work, staying out of trouble that could be connected to me and for what? I ended up going to Saint O's anyway.

I told myself it might not be so bad, that maybe it was better than I thought but I knew at the moment nothing was going to cheer me up. At the moment I felt like my world had ended.

And I heard about Marco's prize. It was pretty cute and I spotted Jackie here earlier so no doubt she was getting it.

I hadn't realized the excited whispers had gone silent as footsteps softly echoed around me. Marco giving the prize to one lucky girl. Even I had to admit those roses were breathtaking.

But as I silently mourned my freedom, unwilling to ruin Marco's day, I was surprised to see two familiar looking shoes standing directly in front of me.

I lifted my head, tears lightly pooling in my eyes to find Marco standing in front of me, a shy smile and bright red cheeks on his face as he carefully placed the crown on my head.

I couldn't speak as he just smiled at me "I figured this would be a good replacement for your wreath."

"But...what about...Ja..."I hurriedly quieted my voice as I glanced in Jackie's direction.

He tightly embraced me "You are my best friend, you saved my life today. You deserve this crown more than anyone else here" he whispered into my ear and I smiled, holding him tightly. Marco always had my back and I had his. Maybe Saint O's wouldn't be so bad.

When I saw Star forlorn and so sad...i realized something.

I was in love with her. I...i couldn't stand the idea of being apart for a whole month...I...i wanted to see her smile.

I told her I'd stay the weekend and would write letters everyday while she was at Saint Olga's. Maybe even get a one day visitor pass.

Had I know what was going to happen...I would've ran away with Star right there and then.

I still have that crown...they are still beautiful. I don't think they can wilt.

So that Monday morning I...

I can't anymore. Not yet

I'm...tomorrow I'll...talk about Saint Olga's.

Tomorrow...I'll be ready to finally talk about Saint O's

Good night journal, good night Star...love you...

Good night inanimate object, good night Marco.

Thank you for the roses.