Hello guys! This is the end of the Toffee arc and we will be moving on very soon. But...I changed plans slightly. Considering the battle between Moon and Toffee had, well, BOTH of them fighting, I wanted Moon to explain how the battle went. So, I will dive into THAT piece of the puzzle in the future. But for now, close things off for Toffee and we can move on with the main plot.

But I want to make a shout-out to a few stories first.

A new story called "Marco the Fire Bringer" written by BearerOfTheLight came out recently and it dives into a similar plot to this one (where Marco runs after Star) but it does things a lot differently. Marco learning fire magic, getting a mentor and more are covered in this story; I really enjoy it and highly recommend you guys give it a read :D!

The last story I want to recommend you check out is "Painted Lies & Demon Eyes" by Livvy Mae. It is a really sad story that I greatly enjoyed reading. The author posted over 15 chapters in the span of a single day! So I was really impressed with the quality of it's dialog, storytelling and more. If you love a good mystery and some drama, highly recommend you give it a shot.


(Toffee POV) - Years Later, Butterfly Castle

"Brother…are you dense? You know that if they spot you…"

"SILENCE!" I shout at Rasticore, making him freeze in place. I gently pat his shoulder. "S-Sorry brother. I need to do this. Despite the war and…" Looking at my finger-less hand, I clench it tightly. "…my loss of magic, I want to see their child."

"And what?" Rasticore asks me. I stay silent long enough to make him sigh in annoyance. "Okay brother. Just please, be careful."

"I will." I hug Rasticore and he vanishes into the shadows, leaving me alone.

Memories of the war play in my mind violently, trying to process the last words me and Moon shared with one another.

"You killed my people Toffee!"

"But your people slaughtered mine!? Why are you fighting with them?"

"Because I HAVE to…I don't want to harm you friend."

"I understand. Queen Moon the Undaunted, let us clash our blades and see who will become the victor of this violent war!"

I shake my head to end the playing memories but the horrifying image of Moon basting my poor finger off and leaving me for dead plays on repeat. When I…lost everything. My magic, gone like it was never present to begin with. Clenching my hand, I try to get a green flame to appear, but nothing happens. Maybe one day…it will come back. I hope at least, though all these years later, I'm beginning to lose hope for this.

Looking at the castle walls, I ponder what I will do next. I want revenge, but not specifically at Moon and River. They were just victims like me and my people are…or were. They killed my brothers and sisters…yet I do not hate them. Emotions are a funny beast, they are. But enough, I am here for a reason. Heard word about a child, the latest princess. I want to meet her.

Throwing on my cloak, I put the hood over my large head and latch on to the castle walls. Slowly climbing them, I find an open window. Jumping inside, the room is covered with thick darkness. Good…stealth is needed here. I sneak my way into the castle floor, noticing the new elements making up the castle. Growing a faint grin, I feel happy knowing Moon made this place her own.

"Mommy?" I hear from the background. The voice…seemed so innocent and kind. I begin walking and soon feel something attach to my legs. Looking down, I pick up the child…it has short blond hair and heart shaped marks. "You aren't mommy."

"No I'm not. Who are you?" I ask softly, gently rubbing the child's cheeks.

"Stars Butterflies!" She answers, making me chuckle. The little thing can't say her name correctly yet. Her face grew a wide smile, hugging me tight. "Hello new friend!" The sounds of guards make me nervous, making me dash into one of the rooms. "Why are we running?"

"Um…we are playing hid and seek Star." I answer. "The guards are playing the game with us. They want to impale me." She giggled…at least she doesn't fully know the horrors of the latest Monster War. "We need to hide before your mommy and daddy find you."

"You are friends with them? They are nice peoples!" I feel frozen hearing that…but Star is correct. They are…were nice people to me. But that is the past…so why did I come back to see their daughter? I shake my head and gently put Star down. She notices something on my face and tries to get closer to it. Star jumps in the air and wipes my eyes. "I caught your tear Mr."

I feel my face and the tears are coming down. I…I feel somber. "I'm okay little one. Now, can you take me to your room? I want to tuck you in for sleep."

"Is that part of the game Mr.?" Star asks me in confusion. I just pat her head and nod. "Okay! Let's go on a super-duper adventure!" She darts out of the room and I feel forced to chase after her. Despite being so young, likely four years old, the little princess is very smart. Stealthy moving around, I follow Star toward her room. It was very impressive honestly; a special bed to help her stay safe, lots of toys and even various stuffed animals. I spot one with a Monster's head being ripped off. Sigh…even the youngest ones aren't safe from corruption. Likely a guard teaching her that. "Mr.? Why are you here?"

"What do you mean little one?" I kneel down and help Star in her bed, putting the covers over her.

"I know monsters are evil but mommy told me story about one kind one. He was her best friend and she really loved him. But they had to fight. Why do monsters and Mewni people fight?" I feel shocked hearing this, to be frank. Children…so clever with how they side-step the outside influences in their world.

"For years, Mewni people fought monsters Star. They took their land by force and monsters had to fend for themselves. However, monsters aren't all good." I feel horrible saying this, but this is the truth. "Some monsters hurt others not only to defend themselves but to harm people. Just like any monster, Mewman's can be good or evil too." I brush her hair with my claws. "But you could change everything little one. You have a big heart. Use it to make lots of friends."

"I will Mr.!" She jumps into my arms, giving me yet another hug, I squeeze back. But a loud noise comes from the halls…


"Who is after my pumpkin?!" River shouts like a mad man, but Moon knows it's me. She places her gloved hand on River's shoulder, giving him the look. He looks at me again, growing wide eyes. "Toffee?"

"Yes River." I place Star back down in her bed. "I have to go little one and you likely won't see me ever again. But please, listen to your parents. They are…good people." Star gives me a warm smile before sleeping contently under the covers. "I had no intention to harm your daughter. I just wanted to see her, as we are…were friends."

"I…I understand Toffee." She looks at the ground, having a defeated expression on her face. "Why are you really here?"

"You're daughter asked the same question Queen." I say calmly. I want to walk forward and place my hand on her shoulders, but that can never happen again. "I…I wanted closure I suppose. We had a powerful bond that we only recently severed. I promise to never bother you or River again. But…thank you both."

"For what Toffee?" River asks in confusion. "Moon took your magic away? I…We…killed innocent monsters. How can you look at us with a smile?" I don't blame him for asking this, but…emotions are a powerful thing.

"Because you two were my first friends…and at one point, I considered you two family. But, now…it's over." I leap on the window, looking back at Star, sleeping like a little angel. "Please, protect her. And don't let her make the same mistakes we made Moon." In that moment, I left the Butterfly family forever…or so I thought.


(Marco POV) - Present Day

"And…that is my story. Any questions Marco Diaz and Star Butterfly?" Toffee asks softly. Just…wow. I don't know what to say regarding Toffee's story. I mean sure, he could have lied about most of it. But the truth and pain in his eyes while telling us the tale says otherwise. Turning over toward Star, I can feel the anger inside her.

"Star?" I place my hand over her shoulder, but I feel trembling. She is shaking madly, but I'm not sure if it's fully from anger or sadness. Before I could even do anything, she tackles into Toffee and I ready my dagger sword. "Get off him!"

But Star doesn't listen, instead hugging the creature tightly and tears coming down her face. "I…I didn't know you suffered so much. Why didn't you kill me?"

"Because…I saw hope in you Star. I feel you could do great things for the kingdom." He pushes Star back gently, with her sitting down next to me again. Star is now tightly holding my arm, intently listening to Toffee's words. "Both of you can change everything. Fate has plans for you two, as it did for myself. However, this doesn't change my goals. I want to storm the Butterfly Castle and get the monsters freedoms."

I feel his frustration…but things are different now. "We can accomplish that without violence Toffee. Now…" I hold out my hand. "Are we going to work together? Or resume fighting with newfound understanding?" Toffee remains silent, telling me the battle is far from over. "So this whole thing was…food for thought, right? I get it. I really do." Standing up, I take out my blade and shield. "We will clash again in the future but know this. Remember how you said that you trust me? I trust you to make the right choices when the time comes too."

Star just gets up and clenches her wand. "You aren't evil Toffee. And…thank you for sparing me when I was little." She giggled a bit for the first time in hours. "I guess even as a tike, I had my charms."

"Princess. Marco." Toffee stands up, placing his hands on our shoulders. A few hours ago, we would push them off, but we both feel oddly calm around Toffee now. "Be careful. My brother is going to test you two in the forest and I'm not going to stop him. Use this time to process and think about things. We will meet again for our clash." He let's go and vanishes from the dreamscape.

"So…we don't trust Rasticore now?" Star asks casually.

"Um, not really? I don't know Star. But if we are going to find the 'real' Toffee, we need to get through the Forest." I look around, spotting Moon slowly walk up to us. "Glad to see you are okay Queen."

"Yes…" Moon leans on a wall and sighs in defeat. "Can't believe this. You both know the truth."

Star just gives Moon a really bitter look, tightly clenching her wand. She raises her finger but soon drops it. "Toffee was in my position. He wanted to embrace his feelings but didn't out of fear of harming or losing you. I…I understand that. But you loved him too. And Dad is his friend! Why didn't you try talking to him?! That war could have been prevented!"

"You think I didn't try that daughter?!" Moon hissed, making both Star and I flinch. "I…I didn't want to fight him. But he forced my hand, despite the fact he…" She shakes her head and takes a deep breath. I could tell this was a troubling topic for Moon.

"We all have the right to make choices but every choice we make has concequences." Moon and Star look at me as I say this. "I said that when I came to Mewni with my monster allies at the round table. I still stand by that. Toffee must face trial for the deaths of the High Counsel of Magic members, so we will find him. But that doesn't mean his points don't matter." I begin feeling irritated at this point. "Look...I'm tired and we need rest. Star and I will report back to you once we find out anything."

Moon coughs and collects herself. "Understood. Be careful children." Moon vanishes soon, leaving me confused. Why did Toffee try and explain himself like that? And why…do I feel bad for him?

"Marco…" She places her hand on my shoulders, snapping me out of my thoughts. "I didn't know Toffee mirrored us so directly. He knew magic and bottled up his feelings like you did."

"Yeah…" I can't believe that too. "But despite his current actions, his heart is in the right place. Even if it's causing a lot of issues currently. Boy…" I just laugh at how crazy things got now. "…How are we going to explain this to everyone?"

"Glossaryck might be able to help." Star gives me a warm smile. "I mean, he did teach Toffee magic."

"Good point buddy." We both give one another a powerful hug and close our eyes. Not long after this, we both spring out of our bed.


(Star POV)- Town of Beginnings Tavern, Present Day

My eyes dilate wide open and I breathe heavily. Turning to my side, so Marco shivering slightly. "M-Marco?"

"You had that dream too?" I knew instantly what he was talking about, nodding in response. "Just…great. How are we going to explain to the team that 'Toffee isn't COMPLETELY evil, just a decent guy with messed-up ways of getting stuff done'? Cause I have no way to explain this!"

Marco was very calm throughout this entire journey so far, which impressed me considering how he panicked often on Earth. So for Marco entering panic now is completely responsible, more so after last night. I give my boyfriend a tight hug, gently brushing his hair. "Look Marco, it will be okay. I mean, we both understand what he went through."

"That is what is scaring me honestly." Marco admits, making a frown form on my face. I never let go of my hug though. "What if Moon and River push us apart? I…I don't want to be like Toffee."

"Unlike my mom, I won't…" Marco sighs loudly.

"Your mom sounded a lot like you in Toffee's story." I let go and begin shaking somewhat. He…is right. Mom sounded very similar to myself when she was my age. Just a bit more regal. "Will…will you always be by my side? Because I will never leave you." Marco's body feels tense; he was really worried about this. This rebel princess will never let her Marco go.

I just pull Marco into a kiss, one that he will always remember. Our lips lock and we stay still for a good few minutes. After letting go, his face looks completely dazed. "Does that answer your question?"

"I…Did I just die?" Marco says in a drunken state. He is so cute sometimes. "Wow…thanks for that." He shakes his head to regain composure. "Um…we should get ready and stuff."

"I agree my prince." I say lovingly, making Marco form a dumb smile on his face. He walks out of the room but my thoughts about our future sadly creep back in my mind. I know that Toffee shouldn't be trusted…but he knew me as a baby.

He was best friends with my parents. He really loved my mom. Granted, what he did during the war was…something I couldn't really understand. And his actions toward me and Marco recently paint him as someone dangerous. But he had a good heart, just clouded. I…I think I could reach out to him and fix things. Just like how Marco is working with the monsters right now. Maybe…I could really be a proper ruler and help my people. All my people.

Feeling this resolve and get out of bed. Using my magic, I put on a short version of my blue princess dress with armor underneath it. Putting my wand away, I walk out of my room. To my surprise, Glossaryck is in front of Marco, almost waiting for us.

"Hey Glossy. Um…did Marco explain everything?" He nods somberly. "Oh…"

"Can't believe he finally came clean…" Glossaryck starts floating around, as if he was pacing. "He really wants to fix things…"

"So, can we believe him?" Marco asks seriously, making Glossaryck grow a stern expression.

"That kid is a good soul. Just…has the wrong idea on how to fix things." He rubbed his jewel head in mild anger. "The reason I left for Ludo at that Graveyard? Was to talk with Toffee." Marco and I stand still, trying to take this in. "He wants to take wipe the Butterfly family off Mewni…including you princess."

"But he spared me when I was a baby?!" I shout. If he didn't kill me than or when I tried to save Marco months ago…why does he want to do that now?

"Plans might have changed though, considering he reached out to you two." Glossaryck rubs his beard before snapping his fingers. "I think you should listen to his instructions. Meet up with Rasticore and find a way to Ludo's family. Talk with them and get some answers."

"Haven't spoken to Ludo's parents in years…" I say while rubbing my arm. Before being a jerk, we were friends. Marco raises an eyebrow, making me smirk in response. "I knew his parents Marco. You might find this funny, but we were friends at one point before he turned into a jerk."

"Huh…that explains somethings." Marco rubs his chin, as if he slowly pieced together something. He turns back to me with a warm smile. "Anyway, we should share what we learned with the team. Come on you two." Marco walks ahead, leaving me alone with Glossaryck.

"The boy…he isn't like Toffee princess." Glossaryck says calmly before floating away. I feel really confused but I hope some answers will pop up in my head soon. Toffee needs to pay for his crimes but maybe Marco's recent efforts courting monsters to our side can work. Hope I'm not making a mistake in believing this…


So our heroes are going to continue their adventure with newfound understanding. But with the seeds of fear for Star and Marco's future together in place...how will they act going forward? I will dive into this as we continue and the next chapter should go up soon :).