Special thanks goes out to Blackwolf for doing extensive edits. Listened to a lot of the 'FE Three Hopes' OST while writing the action scenes, so consider listening to that for added impact :).

"Pitiful creatures, you want me? Come get me!" Star shouted boldly to the monsters.

Marco jumped into the arena, landing on his feet in a battle stance. He slammed his fists together, activating the wand gauntlets and glaring at the monsters before him.

"Fools! Attack the human!" Dennis shouted, flying in the air and sending a volley of arrows Marco's way.

He rolled away from the attack, turning his attention to Rasticore riding up the walls and chasing after Star.

Damn it, she wasn't supposed to…

Marco couldn't focus on his thoughts thanks to Buff Frog's large fist punching him square in the face. His entire body slammed against the wall, falling on the floor and feeling his body ace.

"Human, give up." Buff Frog walked up to Marco, lifting him by his collar. "You are outmatched without Princess."

"Yeah," Slime spoke up, his body reformed without his armor. "You got lucky last time, but you can't take us all on."

Last to speak was Dennis, aiming an arrow squarely at Marco's skull. "Any last words?"

Marco gritted his teeth, headbutting Buff Frog. The monster dropped him, allowing Marco to land on the ground and perform a sweeping kick.

Slime gasped before quickly sliding toward Marco and lunging at him. Marco used the wand gauntlet to make a small shield, blocking the attack. Clenching his fist, the shield sparked with electricity.

Slime screamed in agony and slid back to let Dennis take the lead. He flew toward Marco, using his large talons to attack.

Marco shoved his hands forward, letting a small fireball escape his palms. It struck Dennis head-on, causing the monster to become engulfed in flames. Slime rushed over to help him, leaving Marco alone with Buff Frog.

The monster and Marco just glared at one another, pacing around the arena.

"Human, you know who Butterfly is… Yes?" Buff Frog asked, charging into Marco. He blocked the attack and retaliated with a few careful punches. Buff Frog took some of them on, blocking the blow and gritting his teeth.

"She's one of your enemies." Marco answered bluntly, slamming his fists together and forming the wand into a staff.

Buff Frog frowned. He used his tongue, attaching to the ceiling and swinging away from Marco's careful jabs and strikes.

"But I'm positive there's something I don't understand just yet." Marco continued, spinning the staff to block wads of spit shot his way by Buff Frog.

"Willing to listen?" Buff Frog landed, relaxing his posture and standing tall. Marco jabbed the staff in the ground and gave his opponent the floor.

It's the right thing to do in martial arts, after all.

Marco always respected his father's teachings, one of them being if your enemy lowers their guard, you do the same out of respect for the art of battle.

Or maybe I'm just being dumb. This isn't Earth.

He made sure to keep his grip on the wand, awaiting Buff Frog to explain himself.

"My kind is treated poorly, being forced to work in mines and caves for royals," He started, folding his arms and eyes narrowed at Marco. "But I had Buff Babies. A gift from Boss Ludo."

"You are telling it about…" Dennis shouted, but Buff Frog slapped him with his tongue, silencing his ally.

"Human wants to listen! More than Butterfly will." Buff Frog shouted, causing Dennis and Slime to just stand guard and listen. Buff Frog recoiled his tongue and coughed, composing himself.

Marco raised his finger but shook his head, letting Buff Frog continue.

She needs to speak for herself… And give me her side of the story.

"Buff Babies… They became strong Frogs like me before war." Buff Frog smiled, his hostile eyes softening. "Little Katrina grew strong buff body like me."

"I'm sure you were proud," Marco interrupted. "Have… Had a sister back home. Seeing her grow up is something I can never forget."

Before he realized it, Marco started crying.

"She trained with me and Dad at the dojo, learning how to defend herself." He wiped his face. "Even though it took her longer for some things, she never stopped smiling."

Buff Frog took a step forward, holding out his hand.

"Human… What is your name?"

Marco took a step forward himself, holding out his hand as well.

"Marco. Marco Diaz."

The two gripped one another's hands, each giving it a firm squeeze.

"Marco Diaz of Earth." Buff Frog let go, taking a few steps back and entering a battle stance once more. "We fight with honor. You win, I tell you about demon."

"Just because he lost his person, doesn't mean we give away secrets!" Dennis shot an arrow at Buff Frog, but Marco blocked it.

Marco glared at Dennis, brown eyes raw with furry.

"You tried to kill your friend like that?" Marco asked, anger evident in his voice. "Huh. No wonder why Star just assumes you are all mindless jerks."

Buff Frog watched in awe as Marco stood protectively in front of him.

"It may be foreign to you Monsturos, but what Buff Frog just did was initiate a duel." Marco closed his eyes and shoved his hands forward. A blue dome surrounded himself and the monsters. "No one leaves until our fight is finished."

He turned to Buff Frog, and bowed before him.

"Ready?"

Buff Frog nodded, getting on his feet and pounding his fists together.

The two looked at one another, fire in each other's eyes as their fists collided. The impact between magic and raw strength ripped across the cave, sending Marco and Buff Frog sliding backward.

Marco charged forward, initiating a leaping kick. Buff Frog jumped away from the attack and proceeded to lash his tongue out at Marco.

He grabbed the tongue, using the wand gauntlets to spin him around for a bit and throw the monster in the air.

Marco jumped up in the air, landing a magically-fueled uppercut. He finished the combo with a heel kick, Buff Frog crashing into the ground.

Right as Marco landed, Buff Frog lashed his tongue again. He used it like a whip, and Marco did his best to block the blows. But after a few hits, Buff Frog finished the fury of lashes with his large mouth, puffing it up and pushing Marco forward.

He transformed the gauntlets into a staff again, using it to regain some footing.

Alright, think for a moment Diaz.

Marco took some breaths as Buff Frog did the same, watching his every move like a hawk.

He's quick on his feet despite his large frame and that tongue is no joke.

Thinking about potential attacks, his mind drifted toward one of Janna's crazy tricks. Marco visibly recoiled, recalling how Janna used a 'curse' to freeze Brittany, one of their bullies, into a block of ice.

Can I do something like that with the wand?

Marco spun the staff around, wanting to test this idea.

"Can't keep up, Marco?" Buff Frog asked, his voice slightly strained.

He answered his opponent by charging toward him, spinning the staff right as he jabbed it into the floor.

"Icicle Slide!" Marco shouted, jumping on the sheet of ice he conjured up. He slides right past Buff Frog, watching as the monster jumps on it.

Marco rolled away, slamming the staff into the ground. The ice turned into a pillar, encasing Buff Frog completely. The only thing exposed was his head.

Now to finish this!

Snapping the staff in half, Marco reformed the gauntlets and charged into Buff Frog, ready to smash the pillar into pieces.

But right as he was doing so, a sharp pain struck him.

Marco stopped moving, his body feeling limp. He could only watch as Slime freed Buff Frog from his icy prison.

I… I thought he was…

Marco grit his teeth, using his remaining strength to look toward Dennis. His beak twitched, eyes giving him a knowing look.

"Took a while to find the arrow, but got a great one at the Black Market," The monster taunted Marco, showing him the tip of the arrow. "Yada Yada Berries. They could turn someone into a statue forever. Never tested this on any prey and it's preferred if the target eats the berries…"

Marco looked at his body, eyes wide as his feet started getting encased in stone. He struggled to get on his feet, but his body wouldn't move.

"Well, clearly it's having an effect on you, Human."

"Dennis! Ludo wouldn't have wanted this!" Buff Frog shouted at his ally and rushed towards Marco. But Slime got in his way.

"Sorry, but he's dangerous," He gestured toward Dennis. "Grab the wand off him. Don't want that turned to stone too."

"Finally…" Dennis smiled, walking toward Marco as only his torso remained flesh. "Brother's wish will finally be granted."

Marco felt hot tears drip down his face. He closed his eyes and felt his life flashed before them.

I can't die like this…

"Tiempo de desacanso!" Rafael shouted, holding up his hands between a battered form of Marco and the victorious Jackie Lynn Thomas.

"She cheated!" Janna shouted from the bleachers, throwing a piece of popcorn at her. "She's a…" She turned toward Mariposa, sitting next to her and leaning in the girl's ear. "What's that bad word Mrs. D says sometimes?"

"Puta?" Mariposa innocently spoke, with Janna grinning.

"You're a Puta!" Janna shouted.

Marco wanted to die on the inside, feeling ashamed for two reasons now.

"Didn't know I can kick your ass," Jackie smirked, holding out her hand. "Good match, Diaz."

He took her hand, getting to his feet and bowing before her.

"Yeah…" Marco mumbled, unable to meet her eyes.

Rafael gave his daughter a pointed look before turning to Marco and Jackie. He lifted Jackie's hand, passing her a blackbelt. "Congrats to our newest student for earning her first black belt!"

Everyone on the bleachers cheered, even Mariposa. Marco wanted to feel happy, knowing the honorable thing would be to accept defeat and move forward.

Feels different when it's your crush defeating you.

He did his best to be a good sport, but once the dojo cleared out Marco sat on the floor, looking at his worn out hands.

"...I didn't beat you that bad." He looked up, seeing Jackie sitting down next to him. "If joining your fam's dojo bothered you, I only did it so…"

"For self defense, I know." Marco frowned, looking down at his lap. "I… I never lost a match before."

Jackie tilted her head, giving Marco a confused look.

"Janna always kicks your ass, no offense."

Marco gave her a look, before a guilty smile formed on his face.

"I go easy on her because I know she likes one-upping me." He smiled, not noticing the odd expression on Jackie's face. "It… It feels different this time."

Jackie put a hand on Marco's shoulder, making the boy jump.

"It's because you like me, and it feels weird me being so close to you," Jackie answered, Marco's face heating up. "I'm not dense like you are, Diaz."

He sighed, shaking his head.

"Guess I can skip the multi-step confession later then," Marco laughed. "It's not that."

He hugged himself, looking at his feet defeated.

"Mariposa saw my weakness. I can't ever let her see me like that."

Jackie's eyes went wide as Marco wiped tears from his face.

"Before coming to Echo Creek, me and my sis had a hard time growing up." Marco turned toward Jackie, giving her a dark look. "She didn't pick up on things like I did. I have to be her protector."

"But everyone here likes you guys," Jackie countered, taking Marco's hand and squeezing it. "Heck, I even think you're a little cute. Even if you are a bit dorkish sometimes."

Marco smiled, getting on his feet and taking a few deep breaths. "I… I guess I need to know when I can be me. And not a weak grump."

Jackie held out her fist.

"Let's make a promise."

Marco looked at her outstretched fist.

"No matter what happens, you don't give up for the people you love."

He smiled, returning the fist-bump.

"Deal."

Don't give up for the people you love…

A pair of bright blue eyes looked at him with hope, her yellow outline sticking out amongst the green and pink ones standing behind her.

Marco opened his eyes and looked at right arm, seeing the wand completely covering it. The monsters looked in awe, distracted by the sudden new form of the wand. Dennis didn't care, rushing over toward Marco ready to rip the boy's arm off clean.

Slamming his fist where the wand crystal now was, a bright explosion of blue and red magic encased Marco.

The magic replaced the hunting pelts with a thin layer of blue and red armor on his legs and arms. His chest got slightly thicker armor, with a yin-yang symbol circled by crescent red moons proudly centered on his chest. Completing the armor was a hooded red cape.

Marco stood tall, shedding the remaining stone bits that were still on his person. He looked on his right shoulder, seeing the wand crystal shining a faint yellow glow.

"H-How…" Dennis asked, his confident face from earlier completely gone. Marco turned toward the monster, seeing him completely horrified.

"So is this what Globgor meant in those stories?" Slime asked in disbelief.

Buff Frog hopped away, standing protectively in front of Dennis and Slime. "Marco blessed with royal magic." He narrowed his eyes. "Duel still active, human?"

Marco tapped his chin before shaking his head.

"The rules of nature change when you break them," Marco entered a battle stance, hands glowing a red aura. "Anything goes now."

The fear remained in Dennis's eyes as he flew in the sky and shot a volley of arrows at Marco. But he blocked them, holding out his right arm and a magical shield blocking the blows. The arrows remained in the shield while Marco swinging his arm.

The arrows became enchanted, and the red ones now locked on to Dennis as he frantically flew to avoid them. The monster flew around frantically to avoid them.

Marco shoved his hands forward, sending a powerful blast of red magic Dennis' way and taking advantage of his panicked movements. The bird monster fell on the ground, body twitching on the floor.

Slime attacked next, his form splitting into little copies of him. Marco slammed his foot into the ground, making a faint quake that sent each copy into the air. He then proceeded to jump in the air, using a spinning kick. Magic escaped his feet, hitting the Slime copies and dissolving them all.

All that remained was Buff Frog, eyes downcast and full of shame.

"What caused this, Marco?"

Marco simply charged toward Buff Frog, grabbing the monster by his collar.

"Fighting for who I love."

Buff Frog relented, and let Marco throw him against the wall. To Marco's surprise though, he instead collided into Rasticore and his dragoncycle. The trio hit the wall, all knocked out cold.

"Woah… Nailed it!"

Marco watched as Star landed on the ground beside him, her golden glow gone. Part of him felt amused at her reaction to his new form.

Got a lot of explaining to do, huh?

Marco figured, though he couldn't focus on Star. "Star, we have company!"

He yelled, seeing Rasticore shove Buff Frog aside and charge their way. But Star's dull reaction confused him…

…Until the flood of forest creatures tackled him.

What?!

He was floored, seeing Star smugly fold her arms and smile at him. "What trouble? I channeled my inner 'perfect princess' and charmed the animals."

Marco felt his face heat up, mind racing seeing Star so proudly flaunt her charms like this.

Gods… She is dangerous.

"I was joking! But I'm surprised that…"

He watched Star fold her arms, giving him an expectant look.

What? I don't have…

His mind remembered that one movie him and Mariposa watched often.

Oh… She wants that? The blonde princess with the long hair did act a lot like Star, admittedly.

He was about to give in to Star's implied wish, until hostile stilted eyes got his attention. "Uh… Star?"

She looked toward him, tilting her head in confusion.

"Can you charm a dragon too?"

They both looked at the incoming dragoncycle. Marco felt Star grab him but she started mumbling under her breath, seemingly unable to use magic.

Marco was surprised seeing her clearly panicked. Though part of him felt angry, he instinctively picked her up bridal style and looked toward a potential exit.

"Marco?"

He felt the magic from the wand flow through him like an ocean. He gave Star a protective, confident gaze before fixing his hold on her.

"Let's go, Princesa!"

Like a flash of lightning, Marco charged onward, hearing the loud revving the dragoncycle behind him. The narrow pathway made avoiding the beasts fire blasts harder to avoid, but his armored form took the hits well enough.

He felt Star tightening her hold on him, looking down at her for a brief moment.

I can't believe she trusts me like this…

Star, his literal goddess of death, towering over her foes and had the ability to turn people into ash with magic…

She's just as human as I am.

Concern and worry filled her blue eyes, but once she noticed Marco looking at her, they relaxed.

I'm her rock now.

Marco felt magic coursing through him, feet moving at speeds that surprised him. The dragoncycle was now inches away from them, readying another fireblast.

Uttering a loud battle cry, Marco jumped toward the light ahead of him. He landed on his feet, sharply turning around and punching the air. A magical fist shot forward, hitting the dragoncycle squire in the face.

The beast violently tumbled, landing right before them.

"Whew… That was something…" Marco let out a heavy breath, feeling the weight of his wand armor gone. Looking at his right arm, it now resembled a gauntlet of some kind. Royal blues, reds and purples coated it.

Wonder why the crystal is where my tattoo is?

He wanted to touch it, but he felt Star's grip on him tighten. She nuzzled her head into his chest, sighing in content.

Marco looked toward the battered dragoncycle and tapped Star's shoulder to get her attention.

"Uh… The monster is dead…" The dragoncycle moaned in pain. "Not dead but good enough, I guess."

She hugged him and even her heart marks glowed in content.

"I can't…"

She mumbled something he couldn't make out.

I give up.

Marco looked around, trying to spot a place they could rest for the night. He spotted an opening by some trees and carried Star toward it.

After walking for a few minutes, he eventually found a safe spot to make camp.

"I have to put you down now, need to gather…" He was interrupted, with Star snapping her fingers.

In a matter of seconds, an entire campsite was set up. A little fire, one sleeping bag and a small tent appeared out of the either.

She only made one?

He looked down at Star, chapping her lips and heart marks glowing even brighter.

She sure is the Queen of Subtlety.

Relenting to a fate of cuddling with a very attention-starved Queen, he sat down near the fire and started enjoying her warmth.

"So are you sleeping or something? Cause I got a few questions about the wand."

"I'm wide awake, Prince."

Marco blinked at the word. He shook off his thoughts and spoke again.

"...So what's the deal with the wand now? It formed armor, and now it's a gauntlet of some kind." Star stopped hugging him, sitting on his lap and looking over the gauntlet. "The crystal is even where…"

"Glossy told me about something like this…" Star tapped her chin, recalling her mentor's words. "It's for those who aren't born with magic, allowing them to use the wand in ways a Mewman Princess cannot."

"It would help if you got off and studied it."

Star shook her head, leaning in his chest and smiling.

"I'm tuckered out."

"And I'm not?"

Star simply gave him an annoyed look.

"A magical queen from another dimension is sitting on your lap and is clearly into you, Marco."

He gave her a look.

"Alright, got me there."

Star giggled, laying on Marco's chest as he finally relaxed.

"So, you think the monsters will bother us now?"

Star shrugged her shoulders, frowning.

"They likely will, but we'll take them on."

Marco held on to Star, the two looking up at the red moon shining on them.

"I think that Blood Moon is helping us."

Star nodded in agreement, though ruffling from the bushes got her attention.

"You mind taking care of that? My magic is still…"

Marco got on his feet, feeling annoyed at Star's warmth being gone. Clenching his right arm, he readied a blast for the intruder.

But the slow, exhausted form of the dragoncycle surprised him. The poor thing couldn't even fight anymore; it's clawed-wheels badly bruised and body covered in scars.

Canceling the magic, Marco simply held out his right hand, letting the dragoncyle sniff it. The beast visibly relaxed after taking in Marco's scent and slowly made its way to the campsite and sat by the fire.

Marco felt confused, seeing a dangerous animal that tried to kill them earlier hang out with them as if nothing happened. The beast looked toward Star, narrowing its eyes before nuzzling it's head into her arms.

"Hey little cutie," Star scratched under its chin, the beast purring like a cat back on Earth. "Guess I can charm dragoncycles too! Maybe we can tame Nachos and…"

Marco tilted his head in confusion.

"Nachos?"

Star blinked, rubbing her chin in equal confusion.

"Huh… Rasticore called her that, right?"

Marco shook his head, sitting down next to Star and the dragoncycle. He gently scratched her scales, the beast's wheels revving for a short moment before rolling on its back.

He frowned, gently petting the poor creature.

"Rasticore really harmed her."

So, Mewni isn't that different from Earth after all, then.

Marco recalled a particular memory of taking in a small pug, the poor thing's eye was missing and part of its tail was clipped off. Finding the little scamp by the Britta's Tacos dumpsters one day infuriated him, so much so he fostered the little guy until Janna eventually adopted it.

Seeing Rasticore clearly so attention starved and wanting genuine love, hurt him.

"We will take care of you, I promise mi Corcel."

Star gave him a confused look.

"Oh, uh, I called her 'my steed'. I'm adopting her."

"I don't know…" Star frowned, noticing the large collar on its neck. "I get the feeling that…"

"We can face anything, remember?" Star smiled, nodding in agreement and laying on the ground. "Besides, if Nachos wants to, she could really help us get to the Butterfly Kingdom faster."

"Sweet, Strong and Practical? You're the complete package, Diaz." She playfully poked him as she rolled over and closed her eyes.

Marco studied Star as she smiled in her sleep.

"She's something, huh girl?" Marco scratched Nacho's chin, the beast tilting its head up and enjoying the attention. "We will get that collar off first thing in the morning."

Nachos made a faint cry, laying her large head on Marco's chest.

"Hope you continue to guide us…" Marco looked at the Blood Moon, before closing his eyes and entering a much-needed deep sleep.

So the Spanish words/sayings are 'Monsters', 'Time Out', 'Princess' and 'My Steed'. Since this was a very Marco focused chapter, figured I throw some fitting words for him to say during the high-action moments.

Regarding the next two chapters, they are going to be a two-parter. It focuses on a very popular area in the show and I'm doing something even fan-fiction writers don't do with the location, so very excited to share the first part of it with you all sometime next week.

Before I go, just want to say thank you to anyone reading this story and say it's been a ton of fun writing Star Vs content again. Really missed writing in this world.