Special thanks goes out to Blackwolf again for combing through this and giving me feedback. Review responses will be below.

Star felt her eyes slowly open, feeling lightning coursing through every nerve in her body. Her heart marks glowed a radiant white, matching her wide blue eyes at what just happened. Pulling herself away from Marco, her squire, realizing a horrifying truth to what they just did.

"We kissed." The two said in unison, Marco clearly the more horrified of the two and his body shaking in panic.

Star just was silent playing with a stray lock of hair as she looked at the now increasingly smaller photo booth. Her mind just went wild, unsure exactly what the right emotion she should be feeling.

Rage or fury, wasn't one of them.

But the most powerful ones were joy and pleasure, with Star giving Marco a lidded look with her blue eyes.

Almost immediately though, they softened seeing Marco have a panic attack.

"I… I messed up. I messed up bad." He covered his face, and Star put her hand on his leg, trying to calm him down.

"Hey, uh… It's okay bud," Star started, with Marco giving her the most scarred look he's ever given her. "You didn't kill anyone."

"Oh but someone will kill me after this," Marco curled up in a ball. "And I betrayed your trust, just… Just going for it." He covered his face. "I'm not better than how Tom used to be."

Star frowned, feeling a little annoyed. "Okay, stop the pity party and face me."

Marco gulped, seeing his best friend focus on him.

"Look, if I didn't want this, I would've blasted you to kingdom come."

Marco blinked, before making a nervous laugh.

"And… let's not kid ourselves," Star sighed, looking at her lap. "I've wanted this for a while now and just used Tom to…well, ward off the hurt."

Marco took Star's hand, genuine fear in his eyes. "So… What now? We both like each other but what's stopping us from hurting each other again?"

Star answered by kissing his cheek, silencing the boy instantly. Seeing his dumb smile, Star giggled and squeezed his hand.

"We won't, silly," Star smiled, brushing her thumb over Marco's hand. "We move forward and just… Work through the problems."

The two friends gave each other content expressions, pulling into a tight embrace. Star relished being so close to Marco again, feeling hurt at the recent distance he's made between them. No more. She hugged him tighter. I'm not losing my rock.

"My… My rock…" Star mumbled in her sleep, hugging her pillow for dear life as sunlight broke through her window. She wiped her face, drool dripping from her lips.

Her eyes wide in surprise, studying what she was holding in her arms in a vice grip. They dilated once she realized how wet the large pillow was.

Star screamed, her face beet red as she threw the pillow on the ground and shot a bolt of golden magic at it.

"Who is… Starship?" Tom asked, throwing the door open and frantically looking around the room.

His three eyes looked between the razzed body pillow and his very flustered fiancé.

"You had a…"

"Don't start, Thomas." Star simply responded, walking into her bathroom and slamming the door shut. She didn't even want to imagine what she did to that poor pillow, throwing cold water in her face to wake up.

Her mind recalled vivid memories of one particular bad night at Saint O's and she was never let down about what she did to that poor Princess thinking she was a boy.

Taking shaky breaths, Star looked up at the mirror.

Why did I do that?

She asked herself in horror, hoping her own reflection would answer her. But the same horrified but oddly pleased expression was her only answer.

Star covered her face, screaming in muffled frustration.

"May the Stump help me get through today."

It being just an hour or so before the wedding and feeling calmer, Star looked over herself one final time. Her namesake in her stomach fluttering, Star spent longer than she would like to admit trying to look nice.

Pleased the castle staff gave me my space.

Star fixed her hair in a neat little bun, wanting her hair to look like a flower ready to bloom. Even red roses she magically conjured up were neatly surrounding usually wild and untamed blonde locks.

Star grinned, her eyes studying the dress she designed herself.

I know Tommy wanted to be involved but…

While she did take his instance some Lucitor Kingdom coloring was present, radiant blues and purples mostly made up the dress coloring. Proud navy blue with some pinks and whites hugged her body, while legs were covered by long and somewhat poofy red hemming.

"Can't believe I used makeup for once," Star said aloud, her lips a ruby red. "But as they said in Saint O's, sometimes as a Princess, you gotta doll yourself up." Star folded her black-gloved arms, eyes narrowing at herself.

She visibly shivered. Heinous had a point, but she wasn't always right.

Sighing at herself, Star walked toward the balcony in her room. Resting her arms on the railing, she gave what seemed to be watching over the entire Lucitor Kingdom.

Despite the underbelly being infamous for terror, horrors and stuff even Tom felt his souls rattle at… There is beauty… And rage, to this place. It may have lacked the color from back home, but Star smiled at one fact about the place.

Adventure awaits and I have a feeling today is going to be eventful.

"Oh sweetie, it sure will be," Star felt her blood freeze, hearing a soothing but downright evil voice speak to her. She quickly turned around, activating her Golden Butterfly form and her eyes turning into literal stars. "Oh posh, no need for theatrics, granddaughter."

Star never lowered her guard, eyes locked on the phantom that was Eclispa Butterfly. "How are you alive? Mom told me you died a long time ago." The phantom's magenta eyes blinked, her purple dress seemingly gliding toward Star.

"Of course I'm dead, sweetie," She snapped her fingers, Star feeling the life drain out of her. She looked at her hands, only seeing one set of them. Eyes wide, she hastily grabbed her wand, holding it defensively.

Star saw her hands shaking, biting her lip and composed herself.

"You know I can make that vanish too, so please, put your… Well, technically it's mine but we don't need to complicate matters." Eclipsa made a knowing giggle, with Star taking another step backward.

She is right.

Star simply felt her grip on the object tighten, the tip of the wand glowing a mixture of pink and green.

But it's mine now.

Eclispa seeing Star was not backing down, she simply sat on her bed and crossed her legs. Waving her hand she summoned a glass of tea, taking a sip and letting out a content sigh. "I'm sure you want to rush off and get married to Timmy…"

"It's Tom."

Eclispa shrugged her shoulders. "Timmy, Tom… Marco, a man for us Butterflies are mere playthings to keep us busy when our Mewberty acts up."

"Says the one that died running off with a Monster." Star hissed.

Eclispa instantly lifted Star up by her neck, the two exchanging deathly glares at one another.. They simply stared at each other for a solid minute, before Eclispa relented and dropped Star to the ground.

Star rubbed her neck, shocked at how strong a mere phantom was. But her panicked eyes never left the former queen, watching her take a few steps back and composing herself.

"I would be nicer, dear niece," She started to slowly vanish, her voice turning a threatening whisper. "I'm not the one who's lying to you."

"Wait, what does…?" Star asked, but she was given no answer. The phantom's ashes flew into the open sky, with Star watching them fly toward the bright blood moon.

Is she referring to Tom?

Star pondered, sitting down and mumbling a healing spell so the mark on her neck could vanish.

He's been pretty cagey whenever I ask about my dreams lately.

Her eyes turned toward a clock on the wall, being in the shape of a demonic brown owl thing. "HOOT, IT'S TIME FOR..." Star shot a violent blast of pink magic at the object, putting a muzzle on the creature.

Making the mental reminder to give the damned thing to Tom later, she walked down the stairs, ready to tie the knot.

Star walked down the long flight of stairs, surprised at the usually unlit candles now glowing fires bright red and blue. Star smiled, picking up the hem of her dress as she ran down the stairs and opened the door before her.

She was surprised, seeing Tom not only waiting for her, but looking pretty charming.

Oh, modified Johanson Battle armor?

Her father's bright blues matched the royal reds and blacks he usually wore for official events. "You even ditched those tacky sunglasses for me. I'm so honored, King Thomas Lucitor the Third."

Tom blushed, looking away from her. "D-Don't patronize me in public, dear." But he looked back at her, eyes wide as dinner plates. "You're stunning, Star."

Star blushed back, taking his hand and the two walked through the main hall of the castle. The two opened a large door, revealing what looked to be a giant ball room. Star recognized this place, being a closed off section of the castle ever since she got there.

Opening the 'secret' area just for our big day?

If she wasn't so giddy, Star would've questioned this.

Holding Tom's arm lovingly, the duo walked past a large crowd that gathered for the royal wedding. It wasn't hard to make out the other kingdom rulers, with Star spotting some of the surviving Johanson clan loudly cheering for River's little girl. Between the war and Saint O's, it wasn't hard for Star to not be familiar with her royal peers. But if she didn't run into Queen Pony and Kelly, she would've been quite surprised seeing them in her side of the alley.

Looking toward Tom's side of the alley, she only made out some of the staff that worked in the castle with their own families, and a small group in the back. They noticed Star looking at them, one of their eyes glinting a murderous glare.

As if sensing this, Tom hastily gave them a violent look of his own, making them turn away from the couple. "Family protests? Our families were the ones to push for this when we were kids."

"I don't know, maybe some disgruntled monsters snuck in. We'll raze them after the big moment, promise." Star felt pleased with the answer, holding Tom's arm tight and seeing the demonic priest a few feet away from them.

The two stood next to each other, standing before the priest and the entire ballroom going silent. "Today…" The priest started, his deep voice betraying his short stature and somewhat flabby lips. "Marks a momentous occasion. Much hardship has faced this Queen and King, but they stood strong against the forces of evil."

He opened a book, resting it on the podium.

"Usually, we would ask a parent from each family to speak for the groom and bride, but sadly…" He rested his hands on the book, two eyes downcast. "We can't do that today, so instead, I would like to say a small saying to guide…"

"Can we actually…" Tom started but Star harshly stepped on his dress shoes with her heeled boots.

The demon blinked, seeing his King's eyes water with pain, but seeing Star's gleeful smile he simply continued.

"…Anyway, I will always remember the day our future Queen, Star Butterfly from the Butterfly Kingdom, officially announced her betrothal to our dear King." He made a small laugh. "Many in the Lucitor Kingdom simply assumed she would be the ideal partner to our King."

Star's face sank a bit, but the demon's warm eyes surprised her.

"Seeing so many Butterfly Kingdom customs work so well with our culture down here, was a sight for sore eyes. For once, we were able to wake up and not worry about being prodded by burning irons or our children's heads being used as volleyballs." He closed his eyes, having a genuine smile. "With you gently guiding our King, I think we can all agree this land and Mewni, in general, will be in very strong hands."

Mostly everyone in the crowd cheered, with Star feeling genuine tears come down her cheeks. Wiping them away with her gloved hands, she gave the priest a thankful bow. Looking toward Tom, he simply squeezed her hand.

"That was… beautiful, kind sir," Star started, walking a few steps forward. "I think with that, we should make our vows, right Tom?"

He eagerly rushed to her side and tucked a ring from his pocket. Star couldn't help but feel pinned in place looking at his hopeful, almost pleading red eyes. "Star Butterfly… To say we've been on a journey has been an understatement." He closed his eyes, some smoke escaping his nostrils as he took a deep breath. "While our childhoods were the furthest thing from easy and I know for a fact I pissed you off quite a bit."

"I would say more than a bit, but continue."

"You are no angel yourself, Starship," He laughed, shaking his head. "In every way possible, you are my angel of death," He gently slid the ring on her gloved hand. "You know what they say? One of the greatest angels eventually became Lucifer himself."

Star raised an eyebrow, unsure how exactly to take that. "That's… I think that's supposed to be sweet." Tom's usual smirk was gone, but replaced by a completely genuine smile. One that made Star's eyes dilate.

The Blood Moon shined down on him, Tom's face and body being completely replaced with Marco. Star's jaw dropped, seeing the young man wear what looked like a royal get up. Her kingdom's blues were all over and she couldn't look away from him.

"I…" Star felt her voice close up, unsure what to do. With everyone watching her, Star simply closed her eyes and spoke from her heart. "I spent so many lifetimes with you, going on adventures and saving our home countless times." She opened her eyes, heart marks radiantly glowing. "I know we've had our challenges, but as a team, we will always get through anything. After all, you are my best friend."

Marco took a step back, Star blinking in surprise. "What do you mean? I thought we…" Star felt her entire world spin, the Blood Moon's light completely encasing her. She couldn't focus on the panicked voice of Tom… or was it Marco's?

"Make… This…" Star hissed in pain, falling on her knees and a loud scream escaped her lips. A rush of memories not her own flooded her mind. They came in such a rush, she couldn't even understand any of them. "…STOP!"

Star felt the panic attack stop, taking a deep breath and calming down. But she wasn't in the ballroom anymore. Instead, she was in a forest of some kind. She limped through some bushes, eyes wide realizing just where she was at.

"This… This was our camp," Star found a rock to sit on, the pain still rattling through her skull. "Why am I back here?" She wondered if this was yet another dream and she just passed out cold in front of everyone.

Too late now, I'll do damage control when I wake up.

"You're sure this is the Butterfly Camp?" Star blinked instantly recognizing the gravelly voice. She threw herself into the bushes behind her, blue eyes studying the murderous monster Rasitcore and his brother, General Toffee, talking to a hooded figure. "If this isn't…"

"No, Brother, I'm positive the demon prince wouldn't lie to us," General Toffee leaned in the hooded figure's face, eyes deeply unimpressed. "A fellow monster wouldn't lie, right Tom?"

Star gasped as she watched the figure pull back his hood, a guilty frown on his face. "Look, my pops thinks 'giving you the upper hand' might help things back in my kingdom…" But he leaned in Toffee's face, three eyes glowing blood red. "If you lay a finger on the Princess, I'll have your head."

"So the parents are fair game then?" Toffee asked, with Tom raising his finger in protest. "Very well. Come, Brother."

Rasticore huffed, giving Tom a pitiful look. The demon just looked at his clawed hands, a bitter scowl on his lips. "You better be right about this, father."

Star just watched as Tom slinked away, leaving her all alone.

Looking at her hands, she felt them shaking.

Her legs were quaking.

And her blood started pumping, powerful magic ready to blow up like a nuke.

"Starship!" She fell on her knees, the blood moon's light releasing its hold on her. "You've been like that for…"

"I know. I know what you did." Star grabbed Tom by his throat, the demon coughing violently. Her hold on Tom was ironclad, despite her entire body being ablaze by Tom's panicked blue flames.

Star carelessly blocked a barrage of fire, arrows and other magic Tom's knights and staff sent her way.

Doesn't matter. They will all perish siding with THIS heathen.

She simply squeezed the grip on his neck harder, but the flames eventually started burning her, forcing Star to release Tom.

She lunged at him but froze, seeing most if not all the guests still present. Fury was soon replaced with utter horror. Turning toward Tom, the look he gave her froze her very heart. "I…" Star tried speaking but the words wouldn't come out.

Run.

She just thought that word, over and over. Charging through some incoming knights, she didn't hear the loud protests from Tom, nor the concerned cries from her father's family or even Pony Head of all people.

What was her home for the past few months suddenly felt like a prison, the walls closing in on her. She just channeled every fiber of magic inside her, screaming for any help. Before Star knew it, red and golden magic coated her butterfly form, helping her fly toward the castle drawbridge.

I'm almost home free!

But she didn't pay attention to the guards behind her… or a strange black blur in her way. Before she knew it, the two collided into a tree in a violent tumble and Star winced in pain.

She wanted to yell at the poor sap in her way, but she recoiled seeing a familiar pair of brown eyes.

Oh my…

In the flesh, it was the young man from her dreams. Star was simply speechless, her heart pounding in her chest like it was about to burst. He matched exactly to what he looked like just the other day. His brown eyes made her heartmarks glow a radiant pink, seeing so much within them.

Marco Diaz seemingly felt the same, eyes simply wide in shock.

But the two couldn't gawk at one another for long, with a skeleton guard coming their way. "Idiot, look out!" Star shouted at Marco, shooting a golden ray at the guard, incinerating him in a pile of ash. Star wanted to get up but she felt so weak, falling on her knees.

Damn it, I used too much magic.

She tried reaching for her wand, but was horrified to realize it wasn't on her person. Frantically looking around, she was surprised to see Marco pick up the fabled object and use its transformation ability to punch a hole through a demon.

He slid back and stood guard before Star. They wordlessly stood side-by-side, with Marco grabbing the demon guard and Star using a magical rainbow lasso to fling him into another demon. "Huh… Guess those spells are still useful."

And they don't require too much magic to cast.

Star grinned, cracking her knuckles and shoving her hands forward. "Mega Narwhal Blast!"

Marco rolled away, Star using the magical creatures to smash the drawbridge into a million pieces. She grabbed his hands and dragged him deeper into the forest, sensing people were on their trail.

The two wordlessly ran step-in-step, avoiding flaming blasts from flying demons. Star was surprised at Marco just going with the flow, completely okay with the situation.

He's likely a panicked mess. Her dreams did paint him as the pedantic type. Star smiled regardless, thankful her newfound battle partner is holding his own.

Marco turned around on a dime, holding out his hands to catch a large fireball from a flying demon and throwing it right back at the creature. It collided into the demon as they crashed into a nearby tree, coated in blue flames.

"Woah…" Marco blinked, turning toward Star and giving a shaky smile as she looked him over. "Never knew a human could use the Butterfly Wand like that."

He was going to say something but the loud purr of a dragoncycle got Star's attention.

Oh no.

Familiar fear took over, causing Star to grab Marco by his collar and hastily running into a bush. But the two ended up in an open area, with the blood oak trees circling them like prison walls.

Star simply stood guard, with Marco nervously looking around beside her. A pack of monsters slowly entered the scene one by one, but Star's eyes never left one of them. He was the last one to show up, getting off his silent dragoncycle and revving up his chainsaw arm.

"Well, look at what we have here boys," He spoke, thick accent pronounced. "We finally caught ourselves a Butterfly."

"Like hell you are, Rasticore," Her eyes turned into golden stars, her form slowly shifting into a golden hue.

But the monster's eyes shifted to Marco, green eyes narrowed in interest. "Guess you're the threat Tommy boy warned us about."

"Tommy who?" Marco asked, looking toward Star in confusion. This caused Rasticore to laugh, the other monsters mirroring him.

So he told others about the dreams.

Star felt newfound anger bubble up, a protective rage taking hold.

"If you lay a single claw on him, you'll join your brother!" Star shouted as she tackled into the monster, ignoring everyone else in the arena.

Chapter 4 is already in drafting phase and Chapter 5-6 will start getting drafted later this week. Really happy with the positive reception so far and hope you all keep enjoying it!

Parkermon - Yeah, missed writing fan-fiction too. But a lot happened and now I'm ready to do it again. Glad you've enjoyed the first two chapters, with more coming soon :).