Smitty: And we're back, with a brand new AU that we may or may not continue!

Nymph: To be completely honest, we're just winging it!

Smitty: Enough talking, thanks to everybody who keeps on reading this! TO THE REVIEWS!

A special thanks to Thundermist36: Chapter 22: Yeah, Marco gets his chance to shine now in this AU Chapter 23: British accents are adorable, thanks! Hope this brings another one! Chapter 24: We tried to make it as realistic as possible. Maybe it's possible you smiled from the happiness they felt? Thanks again Chapter 25: Haha we'll think about it! Nymph: Whenever I watch a happy interaction I always smile too Chapter 21: AHAHA we love giving people smiles! And we really want Moon to be the cool mom.

Guest Sorta: Chapter 25: We love accuracy, and don't worry about missing anything. We posted all those in an hour, sorry (-_-')

Random Guest: So do we. When we finish writing it.

Dark Absol: Thanks! And good to know, we'll remember that!

Guest 1: WHAT, WHAT?

Guest 2: Smitty: I wouldn't want to either

Guest 3: We are working on that! And this means a lot to us, it helps us know that our readers want to see more of our work, so thanks a lot!

Guest 3 (same one?): Thanks! Gotta love GF and SVTFOE crossovers! It does mean a lot, thanks!

EVAunit42: Thanks! It feels awesome that the creator of these characters acknowledges our skills in writing with them! We're really glad this made you happy, and YAY! A seal of approval, and an A+! A winner is us!

Majinbuu7985: Nice DBZ name, first of all. And thanks! Part 4 is in the works, and Tom's definitely involved in it. Haha, Marco's training was mainly River messing with him. But who knows? (We do) Maybe it will help.

Thank you so very much to everyone who reviewed, read, favorited and followed our story, it truly means a lot to us! Sappy thanks aside, enjoy this chapter our fellow readers!

Marco stared up at the high ceilings, silently admiring the beautiful chandeliers hanging from them. Whoever planned this party really went all out. There wasn't anywhere that wasn't illuminated, the beautiful Mewnian decorations and artifacts contrasted with the tinted pink walls of the main room, and the white table sheets and organized sets made the room look that much more refined and pristine, contributing to the overall Feng shui. Marco eavesdropped on the conversations of many party goers, which was most often about politics, nobility and social standing. The occasional gossip made it's way in every once in a while, whether it be King Drudge having a fake nose or Queen Jascern cheating on her husband. Marco believed it was the third one.

He was actually beginning to feel quite bored. He hadn't seen the princess yet, he assumed she was still getting ready. The princess...what a peculiar person she was. Constantly sneaking out of the castle, ignoring the warnings she's given, and disregarding any precautions for her safety. She was such a hassle to deal with. They had a mutual understanding in their relationship. Marco does his job of watching over her, and she ignores him and carries out her day as usual. It was a nice sort of equilibrium they had going, but Marco had spoken with the queen on multiple occasions about him at least becoming acquainted with Star. She says a princess and her knight should not have such a cold relationship. Bollocks to that. Believe him, Marco tried to talk to her, but she just shuts him down. He has no idea what she's thinking or what he did to make her act like this towards him, but he doubts anything will change between them.

All he can do is stand here and wait for her to finish.

Star adjusted her dress for the fifth time. Why was she so focused on her appearance? It's not like she was trying to impress anyone at this gala. Well, there may be one. Oskar Greason, that's a name she won't soon forget. Star dreamily sighed as the thought of him overwhelmed her. His greens eyes and long, soft brown hair. His bad boy record, known for being a rebel against his parents. They had so much in common! She was going to make a good impression on him tonight! That is if two certain people get in the way. First and foremost, her hot-tempered ex-boyfriend Tom. She had begged her parents to not invite their family, but they insisted on it. Something about politeness and etiquette and all that junk. She couldn't care less of he showed up or not, though she'd care a lot if he tried to force a dance on her.

Then there's Marco Diaz, her 'knight'. More like major stalker, seriously, he has eyes like a hawk. You'd think having someone her age hang around all day would be nice. Well, you're wrong. He's super boring, such a stickler for the rules and safety. It wouldn't hurt him to loosen up a little, have a little fun. If Oskar saw him following her around, he might think that they're - and she can emphasize that THEY ARE NOT - boyfriend and girlfriend. Which they aren't, far from it actually. Star would hardly consider him a friend, and everyone's her friend. He's shown her no friendliness or kindness, or any emotional feeling whatsoever, in fact. Just orders and duty.

Star stepped out of her room and made her way through the castle. All she can do is hope he doesn't annoy her.

"Hey." Star called.

"Princess, I've been waiting for you." Marco bowed.

"Save the formalities. Listen, I want to make this clear; when I say leave me alone, you will do so. When I tell you to come with me, you will do so. Understand?"

"Your majesty, I don't think your mother would allow-"

"Understand?" Star emphasized. Marco sighed.

"I understand."

"Good." Star walked away, leaving Marco to trail behind her.

The walk was rather quiet, as it usually was. Marco wanted to start a conversation, but he wasn't sure how to break the ice.

"Hey, do you have to stand so close?" Star asked, walking slightly ahead of him.

"It's my job to watch you. I have to remain nearby in case a situation comes up where I need to defend you."

"Flattered, but I can defend myself just fine." Star dismissed coldly.

The walk was short and silent after that. They quickly made their way to the main room, before Star stopped and scanned the guests, looking for a certain somebody.

Star brightened. Found him!

"Hey, I'm fine on my own now, you can go." Star dismissed Marco.

"But, princess-"

"I said I'm fine. Go talk to a girl or something, you definitely need the social activity." Star waved him off before disappearing into the crowd.

Marco sighed. Why'd she have to dislike him so much? Was he really that bad of a guard?

Whatever, it's not like he cares about what she thinks about him. He did his job, that's all that matters. Marco made his way through the guests, stopping by one of the servants and grabbing a drink.

"Thanks Frederick." He said to the servant.

"My pleasure sir." Frederick walked away, serving drinks to the party guests.

"Hey!" A voice greeted behind him.

Marco glanced over his shoulder, almost choking up his drink when he saw who it was.

"J-jackie! What are you doing here!?" Marco asked. She was one of his good friends (and former crush but forget about it) from his old village he lived in before working in the castle as a guard.

She was wearing a sea green dress that went down to her knees, blue heels that made her almost as tall as Marco, and white gloves on her hands.

"We wanted to see how you were doing." Jackie said.

"We?" Marco asked.

"Hey, buddy! How's knighthood been treating you?" Alfonso wrapped his arm around his shoulder.

"Yeah! Seen any cute princesses at this party?" Ferguson asked, nudging him suggestively.

"Guys!? How'd you all get in here?" He asked.

He heard the jingling of keys behind him.

"Take a guess." A sly, all too familiar voice said.

"Janna. I see you've still got all your old tricks up your sleeves. Now please hand them back so you don't threaten castle security." Marco said, grabbing the keys.

"Heh, you know I'd never do something like that...not with all these witnesses."

"Very funny. How have you all been doing?" He asked the group.

"Awesome! Ferg's an apprentice to a blacksmith, Alfonso's working hard to make his lumber mill, and Janna and I have decided to make a shop!" Jackie answered.

"Really? What're you going to sell?"

"Goods, resources, all those bells and whistles plus something for your daily thief needs!" Janna answered.

"So how have you been doing guarding the so-called 'Irresponsible, reckless, stuck-up princess' you tell us about in your letters?" Ferguson asked.

"Same as ever. She ignores me and doesn't even try to acknowledge me. I wish we could at least be on a first name basis, but to be honest I don't really care."

"Aw, bummer man! You get to hang around with a pretty princess all day, and she just gives you the cold shoulder. We'll be back, Alfonso and I are gonna get some drinks." Ferg said, bringing Alfonso away from them.

"Well, I'm gonna pickpocket these rich suckers and see if they notice. See ya Marco!" Janna waved goodbye before disappearing into the sea of people, no doubt doing something mischievous.

"Marco?" Jackie asked.

"Hm? Yeah what?" Marco asked.

"Have you ever thought the reason she hasn't tried is because you haven't shown her...you?" Jackie tried to explain.

"What?"

"What I mean is, you're probably not being like yourself in her presence like you are in ours. She probably sees you as the guy who closes himself off to everyone, so why even bother trying to get to know him?"

"I see what you mean, but I'm fine with the way things are going right now." Marco said.

"Well, I think you just need to show her a different side of you, as a potential friend and not just some bodyguard. I think if you want things to work, you have to try to take a step forward yourself."

"I have tried. I always think about what I can say-"

"And have you actually said anything?"

"Well, no but-"

"Have you even had a normal conversation as people?" Jackie questioned further.

"...No." Marco admitted.

"Then you need to up your game Diaz, you ain't getting on a first name basis like that." Jackie placed a hand on his shoulder.

Marco smiled. "Yeah, you're right Jackie. I have to try more, though I still couldn't care if it worked or not."

Marco placed his hand on hers.

"Also, 'ain't' is grammatically incorrect."

"Shut it Diaz, I'm trying to help here."

Star gleefully surfed through the crowd, targeting her highlight of the night, Oskar KEYTAR MASTER Greason.

"Yo B-fly! Hey girl!" A familiar voice called out to her.

"Oh hi Pony Head! Hugs!" Star hugged her best bestie in the universe with a smile.

"Are planning on talking to him girl?" Pony Head asked, immediately picking up on the situation.

"Yup! I'm gonna ask him to dance with me!" Star proudly stated.

"Hey, did you hear that rumor going around tonight?" Pony Head whispered.

"What rumor?" Star asked confused.

"They're saying the Blood Moon is waxing tonight!" Pony Head exclaimed.

"Awesome! What is that?" Star asked again, clueless.

"Okay, so the legend goes like, if you dance with somebody under the ruby light, you're souls will be bound together. Do you know what that means B-fly?"

Star gasped in realization. "If I dance with Oskar under the Blood Moon...we'll be soul mates!"

"Uh huh!" Pony Head nodded. "Go get 'em girl!" Pony Head nudged her towards him.

Star approached Oskar, trying her best not to get so giddy.

"Hiii Oskar!" She greeted cheerfully.

"Oh, hey." He greeted with a small grin.

"How are you liking the gala?"

"Eh, it could've done better with some killer music." Oskar replied.

"Well, if you'd like to play at the next one I'll happily accept!"

"A gig, huh? Cool, thanks for the offer."

Star and Oskar looked at each other for a moment in silence. Star...had no idea what else to talk about to him.

"So, uh, Oskar!"

"Hm?" He asked.

"I just came here to ask...if you wanted to..." Star trailed off, her gaze locking onto a certain Latino boy.

He was chatting with some girl she's never seen before. He looked happy. She looked beautiful. She placed her hand on his shoulder, he said something and out his hand on hers. She laughed.

Star had no idea what this burning feeling in her chest was-

"Okay, altogether now!" Smitty says to the readers.

"JEALOUSY!" They chant.

-but it was making her mad for some reason. Really mad.

"Sorry Oskar, I'll ask you about it later. I have someone to deal with." Star excused herself.

She angrily marched towards the pair. How in hell did Boring McBuzzkill manage to make a girl laugh? She didn't even know he could smile! Yet she found a way to make him do it, something Star couldn't.

Star stopped herself. Why did she care? She wasn't even fond of him, much less cared if he knew how to smile or who could make him. What was she thinking? He's just talking with a girl, having a good time like she told him to.

So why is she about to march up and stop them?

Star shook her head. Whatever, she's already lost Oskar in the crowd, there's no turning back.

"Hey Starship." A slick voice greeted her, it's person sliding in front of her

Star groaned as she crossed her arms. "What do you want Tom?"

"Well, I was walking around, saw you and thought that maybe-"

"No." Star interrupted, looking over his shoulder for the pair.

They were gone. Star grimaced.

"You didn't even know what I was going to say!"

"You were going to ask me to dance." Star deadpanned, sneering at him. He already made her lose her targets.

Tom laughed. "It wasn't a question Star. You are going to dance with me."

"Yeah, I don't think so." Star turned to go anywhere but here, but Tom wasn't having any of it.

She felt him grab her wrist, and she struggled to free herself. "Tom! Let go!"

"No, you're going to dance with me, now!" Tom growled.

He felt somebody tap his shoulder, turning to look at them, he loosened his grip on Star, only to see empty space.

"What the-?" He turned to see Star vanish, disappearing into the crowd.

Star felt herself being pulled through the crowd, by some guard whom she could only see the back of their head.

"Hey, thanks for the rescue and everything, but I think we lost him."

Marco turned to face her with a small smile, and Star lightly gasped that he was the one that saved her from Tom.

"Sorry, but seeing you against your will with that demon, it worried me." He said with a concerned look.

"Marco..." Star whispered.

"Yeah?"

"Who was that girl you were with?" Star interrogated.

"Huh?"

"That girl I saw you with. The pretty one. How do you know her?"

"Why do you care?"

"I don't, I just didn't know you had any friends."

Marco sighed. "Well, she's one of my old friends from the village I grew up in."

"Oh." Star said. So they weren't a couple. Just friends. This knowledge elated Star for some reason.

"Anyways, are you sure you're okay?" Marco asked.

There he was, being a sucker for safety again. But...this time, him being worried for her felt endearing. And it made him a tiny bit adorable, Star thought.

"I'm fine Marco. Now, if you excuse me-"

Suddenly a ruby red light shone upon the two, showering them in red. All eyes were on them, as Marco smiled a bit and offered his hand, to which Star hypnotically accepted.

They danced, for a while. Star lost track of time. With that gentle smile he was giving her, the way his hair moved as they danced, and how much the ruby light complimented his eyes, it was hard to focus. Her knees felt weak, making it that much more impressive she could still dance.

Even more impressive, Marco could dance! His movements came smoothly and naturally, as if he was taught and disciplined in the art. He pulled Star closer to his chest, bringing her into an egg beater before extending outwards, flinging her away from him.

Pulling back, Marco twirled her one more time before dipping her, his hand holding her thigh with her leg being raised inappropriately high.

Star panted heavily, staring up at Marco, who looked oh so handsome under the ruby light. Star was clueless why she felt so flustered though, it was just Marco.

Marco Stupidly Handsome Diaz.

Star felt like she was under a spell, unconsciously tilting her face closer to Marco's. She shut her eyes, before she felt Marco's shadow leave her face. She opened her eyes to Marco placing her leg back down, letting go of her and stepping away. Star felt disappointed.

The ruby light faded away, the attention they gained slowly fading and the chatter building back up.

Marco coughed. "Sorry, for that Star. I just...thought I should try to get to know you."

"So you decided to have a dance with me?" Star asked with a smile.

"Now that I think about it, it was kind of dumb, huh?" Marco sheepishly said.

"Nah, I'm kind of glad you're opening up to me like this." Star replied.

"I kind of am too. By the way, what was up with the red light? It seemed to get everyone's attention." Marco asked.

Star faintly recalled what Pony Head had told her. Star flushed. She had danced with Marco under the light of the Blood Moon. Their souls were...

"I-I'm sure it's nothing, just a special effect!" Star dismissed quickly.

"O~kay," Marco said skeptically. "Well, if you still want me to leave you alone, I'll-"

"No!" Star stopped him. "No, you're good. You can hang around."

Marco smiled. "Thanks."

"You..." A voice snarled. Marco turned. "You took that dance from me!"

He felt somebody roughly shove his shoulder.

He calmly faced the heated demon, something that surprised Star.

"Who are you?" Marco asked.

"I could ask the same!" Tom spat back.

"Well, if you must know I am Marco Diaz, First son of Rafael Diaz and Knight of Princess Star Butterfly." Marco replied.

"Tom Hellfire, son of the Hades and suitor for Princess Star Butterfly." Tom sneered at him.

Marco raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? Then why would you have a problem with us dancing? It's only formal for a princess and her knight to share one." Marco replied.

Star felt oddly giddy at the thought of Marco being her knight, her knight in shining armor...

Not that she needed one. A strong woman she was.

"The problem is you stole that dance away from me! I was simply asking the princess for a dance, when you-"

"Saved her from a hot headed demon? Because, that's what it felt like." Marco interrupted.

"I can confirm that!" Star chimed in.

Tom seethed of anger.

Marco sighed. "Look, if you really want to settle this, then I'll offer a wager. We'll have a sword duel. First to draw blood wins. If I win, you leave this party immediately. If you win, I will resign my position as her knight."

"No Marco, you can't!" Star tried to stop him. If he lost...he wasn't going to be her knight anymore? What kind of bull was that?

Marco merely gave her a gentle smile. "I'll be alright Star." He assured.

Star felt her knees go weak again. His eyes told her to trust him, so she decided to have faith in him for once.

Star nodded to Marco.

Tom laughed. "Seriously? A duel against me? A fire demon? I can't tell if you're stupidly confident or just stupid!" Tom taunted. He held out his hand and it erupted in flames, summoning his sword to him.

"Ready when you are." He said with a smirk, bending down into a ready position.

Marco calmly unsheathed his sword, a three-foot long double-edged steel short sword, and got into his own ready position.

"Go." He said.

Tom tried to fake him out, threatening to charge the knight in one big jump. Marco didn't react, staring at him with a solid look.

"Ha! See? Too stupid to react!" Tom said the crowd that had begun to watch them. He earned a few laughs.

All of a sudden Marco was gone, and Tom barely had enough time to react to his strike, narrowly blocking with his sword.

"You're fast." Tom complimented.

"And you're predictable." Marco responded, and Tom suddenly he felt a strong kick in his guy, propelling both him and Marco back from each other.

Tom slid across the marble floors, sitting up and glaring at his opponent. "Ow."

"Are you okay to go on? It's alright if you can't, I'll just take the win right now." Marco nonchalantly taunted.

Tom growled and picked his sword up, yelling at him as he charged Marco.

Marco sighed and simply sidestepped, kicking Tom in the back as he passed. Tom fell to the ground once more, feeling even more angry and humiliated. How dare this punk show him up? He was a demon!

Tom smirked. That's right, he's a demon, demons don't play by the rules.

He got up and snarled at Marco, holding up his sword and lighting it ablaze.

Marco arched a brow at the flaming weapon, seemingly unimpressed.

Tom charged him, Marco stationed like a stone wall.

Tom smirked. Did this guy want to get obliterated?

Tom swung his sword, only to be stopped abruptly mid swing.

Marco blocked the sword with his own, Tom smirking as he knew he fell for his trap.

Tom quickly spun in a circle, swinging the sword and aiming for Marco's neck.

He gasped when the swing was blocked. There's no way he could've stopped the swing with his blade that fast! And Tom was right.

The blade of Tom's sword was stopped by the hilt of Marco's. Marco struggled to hold Tom's sword back, chuckling at his shocked face.

Tom jumped away, glaring at Marco.

"What the hell was that?"

"Irregular guarding. One of the tricks I've had to master. Here's another one."

Marco was holding his sword with two hand now, before pulling it apart into two separate single-edged short swords.

Tom and Star gasped. Dual wielding?

"You still want to fight?" Marco asked.

Tom growled and charged at him in anger.

Marco charged him as well and swung both of his swords.

The two ended up on opposite ends, standing still and facing away from each other.

Star stared anxiously. Who had landed the hit?

All of a sudden, Tom's sword split into two, showing Marco had sliced cleanly through it. Tom dropped, Marco turning around and calmly walking towards the demon.

Tom quickly backed away from him on the ground, staring up at him in fear.

Marco placed the edge of both swords on Tom's neck, Tom shaking in fear and anger.

Marco lowered one of his swords from Tom's neck, raising the other to be level with his face.

Marco made a small cut on Tom's cheek with a blank stare. "First to draw blood. I win." He said as a small trickle of blood spilled from Tom's cheek.

Star, Tom, and everyone watching them had their jaws hit the floor.

Marco calmly walked away from the demon, smiling at Star and grabbing her hand. "Come on, let's bounce. I don't like all the attention."

Star blankly nodded, still fascinated by Marco's fighting.

They made their way out of the main room, Marco turning to Star.

"Sorry, about that. I know you don't like it when I try to protect you...but, he kinda ticked me off." Marco apologized.

Star laughed. "It's fine. It was kind of brave though, challenging a fire demon. Or you're just severely stupid."

"I won, didn't I?" Marco jauntily asked.

"Ahem." A firm cough interrupted their small conversation.

"While I'm happy to see you finally getting along, may I ask why your hands are intertwined?" Moon Butterfly, Star's mother, asked.

Marco and Star realized they were indeed holding hands, and abruptly separated.

"I was uh, leading her away from the crowds." Marco excused.

"Yes, I quite understand. After that show with the prince of the Underworld I can see why you'd be the center of attention."

"Um, yeah about that my queen-"

"Silence. Do you realize what you've done? You initiated a fight with nobility in our castle against one of our allies." Moon firmly scolded.

"I'm sorry, my queen. I was just trying to-"

"I said silence. I'm fond of you Diaz, but I'm afraid I have to punish you for your actions."

Marco sighed. He knew that this was coming.

"It wasn't his fault." Star defended.

"Huh?" Marco and Moon said.

"I said it wasn't his fault. I told him to. Tom was trying to force me to dance with him, and Marco simply escorted me away. After, Tom was the one who initiated it and confronted us, I just told Marco to take care of him. It's not his fault, I ordered him." Star said.

Marco widened his eyes. She was actually defending him?

Moon pursed her lips. "Very well. Star, you will not be allowed outside of the castle until further notice. Marco, I'm sorry. Please keep an eye on her." Moon strode away from them, leaving them alone once more.

"Thanks Star, but you didn't have to do that." Marco said.

"Are you kidding? I just stood up for you, that's what friends do right?"

Marco choked. They were friends? When did that happen?

"That is, unless you don't want to be my friend..." Star muttered, looking down sadly.

"N-no! No, I want to be friends, Star. I want to get to know you."

Star smiled. "Me too! Hugs!" She jumped and wrapped her arms around his neck, mentally sighing in bliss at his comforting warmth and smell.

Marco hesitantly hugged back. It was one hug, what could go wrong?

They parted, smiling brightly at one another.

"Bye the way, I noticed you've only been addressing me by my first name since you saved me from Tom." Star noted with a smirk.

Marco blushed, and looked away, scratching his head. "Sorry princess. It's not my right to-"

"I like it. Being called by my name is way better than 'Princess' or 'Your Majesty'."

Marco gave her a cheeky grin. "Then you can call me Marco." He said.

Star grinned. They were finally getting to know each other. It's been a long night and Star was still tired from that dance, but when they made eye contact she swore she saw Marco's eyes shine red for a moment. Marco could've sworn the same thing.

"River, the Blood Moon..." Moon began.

"I know dear. Star and the Diaz boy..."

"This could complicate things...We have to do something."

"You know we can't Moon. The Blood Moon has chosen. They're souls are one."

"But, a princess and her knight? Who's heard of that?"

"Honestly dear, have you not read a fairytale?"

A princess and her knight, their souls bound together for eternity, a love stronger than anything.

Damn, what an epic fanfic setup if I do say so myself. Tell us if you want a part 2, or if you want to suggest your own prompt. WE'LL TAKE EACH AND EVERY SUGGESTION YOU HAVE!