Hey everyone, sorry for the long wait between chapters. A lot has been going on and expect another somewhat lengthy break after Chapter 10 goes live. But really happy with the new direction I decided to go with on a few things, so hope you all enjoy. Some more in-depth authors notes at the bottom.

Pale red moonlight landed on Star Butterfly, spurring her awake. Getting on her feet, she immediately lost her footing and grabbed a nearby banister to regain it.

She looked down at her feet, surprised to see a poofy sky-blue dress covering them. Turning toward a nearby mirror, her eyes narrowed. White gloved hands touched a dolled-up face, the make up even masking her heart marks somewhat.

Huh. So this dream has me in Saint O's?

Star tapped her chin, but paused at the realization.

"If I'm aware of the dream…" Star frantically started looking around the organized pink and blue room for Marco, knowing that if she's aware then…

"Oh I'm afraid your knight is in another castle, dear."

Star clenched her hands into fists, turning toward the door and seeing Eclipsa tauntingly stand in front of it.

"And why would I listen to you?"

Eclipsa didn't waver at Star's threat, a small smirk forming on her lips.

"Because I'm in control."

Star frowned, folding her arms and glaring at the dark queen.

"So, what do you want then? You got me away from Tom and…"

Eclipsa made a dark laugh, frightening Star.

"Oh you think just because the Blood Moon is watching over you both, that I will? That I'm 'nudging fate' along, as the kids call it?"

Star watched as Eclipsa's form vanished away.

"Explore your old stomping grounds, Wayward Queen. I'm sure you will learn something."

Eclipsa now completely gone, Star felt her breath become ragged. Sitting down on the soft bed, she took in the room she was in.

Almost a direct copy...

Blue and pink dominated the room, but instead of how wild it looked back in Butterfly Castle, it was subdued and saturated. No posters of bands Pony Head and Tom recommended her, no influx of stuffed animals to protect her, and no mirror to call anyone on.

Star did find solace in two things in the room. One being a simple desk made from hellfire oakwood, being the one her and Tom built together when she moved into his castle. Looking over the tea set neatly organized by a set of books, Star was surprised it was the one Moon gave her. The fourteenth birthday gift was unexpected but Star appreciated it.

"Might as well calm down before exploring…"

Star got on her feet again, wincing at the blue heels digging into her feet.

The one thing I never could stand, damned heels.

Mumbling curses to herself, she reminisced on the early days at Saint O's and the 'mandate' regarding footwear.

Even Mom wore flats beneath her royal gowns.

Walking over to the tea set, she got it ready and poured herself some herbal tea. Taking a sip, she immediately felt calmer and sighed in relief. Her eyes then spotted a photo by the tea set, picking it up and smiling at it.

"You know, I wonder if I'll see you here."

The photo was of her and other Princesses standing behind Heinous, 'celebrating' a successful first year at the academy. Despite the other Princesses frowning or looking 'dull' in the pictures, Star was one of the few that smiled.

If you're normal here anyway.

She put the photo down and looked at the door, anxiety bubbling up.

"This isn't my Saint O's, that witch made it clear."

Clenching her hands into fists, she tried focusing on her inner magic. But no golden or even pink glow appeared in her hands. Star froze, looking at her now trembling hands.

"And my magic is gone…"

Star took a deep breath and composed herself, but couldn't shake the fear in her veins. Even during the most trying times in her life, Star always felt she could rely on her inner magic.

I pray to the stump that…

She got on her knees and looked under the bed, looking for two things that should hopefully be accounted for.

"Gotta ya!"

Star grabbed a pair of blue rhino combat boots and a pink sword with a purple grip. Ripping the heels off and putting on her combat boots, she sighed in relief.

At least I have something to fight with, and footwear that won't kill my ankles.

She studied the sword, looking at her reflection within the pink metal. Star just stared at a harsh frown firmly placed on her lips.

I hope you're here Marco.

Sword gripped firmly in her hands, she took a careful step toward the door and opened it. A harsh chill coursed through her body, but Star pressed onward and made brave steps out of her room.

Star felt the grip on her sword tighten as she passed the rooms in the seemingly endless shadowy hallway. Her tense blue eyes scanned the black stone walls and dull candlelight illuminating the path, hoping to find something familiar.

This clearly isn't my Saint Os, feels more like one of Tom's dungeons.

All this place needed was some hanging skeletons and a few pits of fire to really sell it as one of Tom's 'punishment' dungeons his father left behind. Star felt her skin crawling thinking this place was a Saint O's to princess of any kind.

Reminiscing on her time at her Saint O's, Star fondly remembered slightly warmer colors painting the walls and strict, but friendly guards being pleasant to herself and fellow princesses. Even cute little posters of cats hanging off trees saying 'hang in there' and various birds chirping as background noise playing in-between going to classes helped make it more inviting.

The doors were actual doors, for starters.

She paused, ending her train of thought and looking at a steel door. Curiosity getting the better of her, Star went on her tippy toes to get a better look. Inside the room was what looked like a Wollet Princess, brushing her long hair in the darkness.

Kelly is a royal?

Star knew for a fact the Wollet Kingdom had no hierarchy, just brutal chaos that involved physical violence for everything but food and shelter. Seeing Kelly of all people here, made Star even more curious.

She pressed against the door, surprised at it being open. Star took a deep breath as she gently pushed it open and took careful steps into Kelly's room.

"Hey girl, it's uh, your fellow Princess. Need help with your hair, Kells?"

Kelly got up, walking toward Star.

"Oh my…"

Star covered her mouth seeing the princess smiling at her, but Kelly's normally warm brown eyes were dulled. What alarmed Star the most was her infamous green hair completely gone, replaced with a gaudy blonde wig.

"Star? What are you doing out of your…"

Kelly suddenly started to shake violently, her mouth even foaming. She fell on her knees, eyes closing and body becoming limp.

"Kelly!"

Star rushed over to her, shaking Kelly to wake up. But she didn't respond. Star pressed two fingers against her neck, thanking the Stump that she felt a pulse.

"Up and at em', girl."

Star picked Kelly up, gently carrying her into a bed. Laying her down, Star frowned at seeing her former friend like this.

If you are mangled like this…

She ran out of the room and frantically looked through the other doors. Star wanted to cry seeing the state her former friends and even non-royals were here.

No way Heinous did this.

Star made a mad dash away from the dorm areas, wanting to find Eclipsa and gut her like a fish for doing this to these poor girls. But she collided head-first into a purple and green blur.

"Watch where you're going!"

Rubbing her throbbing head, Star got on her feet and saw a girl her age standing before her.

"Ran like a damn bull, what's your deal? And why are you sneaking around? That's my shtick."

The girl was wearing a witches hat and even had skull marks on her cheeks. Her eyes were a dark brown and she had somewhat lengthy black hair. Even her dress completed the look, mirroring a gothic get-up that's infamous for female royals in the Lucitor Kingdom.

"Frog in your throat? I can fix that, if you'd like."

Star blinked and shook her head.

"...You know, I think I know you from somewhere. My friend did dream about a blonde princess."

Star's body froze up, realizing who was standing before her. And judging by a knowing look from the girl, she did as well.

"Is your name Janna?"

The girl blinked and laughed heartily. She formed a knowing smirk.

"Yeeep. My friend went missing recently and tried to use a bunch of 'curses' to find him. Was able to trigger one of them but passed out and woke up here."

Janna looked downcast, eyes narrowed at her black heels.

"Don't know why I look like some Disney Witch either, but hey, I kill the look."

Star smiled and took a step forward.

"You do kill the look, girl."

Janna folded her arms, raising an eyebrow.

Maybe working with her could be a good idea. Marco does speak highly of her, for some reason.

"Look, we both are clearly part of some strange dream. Let's help each other so we can both wake up and…"

"I'm just trying to find my dork, I don't need help from an airhead. No offense."

Star felt her eye twitch. But Janna smirked, seemingly enjoying getting a rise out of Star.

"...But I don't mind helping you get out of here, it's boring wandering around this shithole alone."

Janna looked at the doors and winced, shaking her head in disbelief.

"These bitches are beyond fucked. Curious about what happened here, could make for great poem material."

Star let Janna lead the way and followed her. Somewhat tense silence hovered in the air for a short while, with the duo walking down a flight of stairs.

She couldn't help but study every little thing about her new companion. The slightly slouched posture, oddly calm demeanor and even knowing brown eyes that seemingly knew everything. Even her somewhat form-fitting dress carried this mysterious grace to Janna, making her look like some spooky witch.

Why would Marco like someone like that?

Star wanted to kick herself for even humoring a topic like this, knowing the situation she was in currently. But she didn't want to find out what would happen if Marco found Janna right now.

"Huh, didn't know I could woo a Princess."

A blush formed on Star's face. She harshly frowned and caught up to Janna.

"Don't flatter yourself girl. Just impressed with your dress." Janna rolled her eyes and made a knowing smirk. "And for your information, I'm the Queen of Mewni."

Janna leaned on a wall, clapping her hands mockingly.

"Wow… And I'm supposed to be impressed, why exactly?"

Star for a brief moment, felt relieved at wearing gloves.

No evidence if my hands 'accidentally' lost control.

Before dark thoughts took hold, the two found themselves in the dining room. Just like the hallways from earlier, it mirrored a drab, almost haunted look.

"Huh, add some spider webs and goat blood… And you got a killer blood ritual thing going on."

Star just gave her a look.

"What?"

"Nothing, just thinking about a friend that you'd really click with."

Janna shrugged her shoulders and studied the room, eyes widening at the sight before her. The two were greeted by what looked like an army of royals sipping tea and repeating the same thing on loop.

"Keep your pinkies at 90 degrees, more tea please."

They did this on auto pilot, their eyes mirroring Kelly's. Star huffed hot smoke from her nostrils, shaking her head frustrated.

Making a mockery out of…

"Okay, this is ridiculous!" She started pacing, ignoring the odd look from Janna. "Every young royal has to learn some proper decorum for royal meetings and gatherings. It's NORMAL for that! You want another kingdom's advisor to walk out of the room insulted?"

Janna raised an eyebrow, raising her finger to speak up but Star continued, heart marks glowing a bright red.

Heinous wouldn't have wanted this at all!

"Better we learn this now than when our damned parents die and we are left to pick up the pieces!" The royals gave them curious looks, putting down their tea cups.

"Huh… Queeny? You should keep your trap shut before…"

"Girls! Heinous taught us how to be royals so we can be the next generation," Star clenched her fists, furry present in her blue eyes. "We aren't just trying to take care of ourselves, we have to take care of our people too!"

The royal's eyes somewhat looked more alive, but they simply went back to their almost robotic tea drinking.

Star touched her eyes, surprised to see tears coming down. She turned toward Janna and saw the girl give her an almost disgusted look.

"Huh… So you got baggage too." Janna narrowed her eyes and shot her a death glare. "Tough shit, we all do. Clean yourself up while Mama takes care of your mess here."

Star wiped her face and took a deep breath.

This isn't my Saint O's… Gotta keep telling myself that.

Star let Janna take control of the situation, looking around the room as if everything inside it was her little play thing. Cracking her fingers, Janna started mumbling sayings in demonic tongue and her eyes glowed a dark red.

No way! She can use demon magic?! I thought only Lucitors could…

Star's eyes widened at a realization.

Did… Did she bring Marco to Mewni?

Before she could think on that asinine question further, Janna snapped her fingers and suddenly, all the royals started spitting out their tea.

"Come on Queeny, they will resume drinking their 'tea' soon."

Star followed Janna and the two took a breather by the gardens after walking through another hallway.

"What did you do?"

Janna turned toward Star, a devilish grin forming on her face.

"Oh, just turned their tea into goat piss."

Star winced but then entered a dumb laugh. Janna gave her a look as Star sat down by a tree.

"I think we got off on the wrong foot, Janna. You remind me a lot of myself a few years ago."

Janna sat down by the tree, looking up at a little bird coming out of a mechanized hole. The blue bird landed on Star's finger and she started whistling to the little guy. It whistled back and hopped on Star's shoulder, closing its small eyes and resting.

"Clearly, since you are kinda boring now."

Star frowned, but it quickly shifted into a smile seeing the little bird chirping in its sleep.

"At least one part of his place is somewhat normal. And I wasn't always 'proper' like this."

Star looked up at the sky, seeing a bright red moon shining down on her.

"When I turned 13, I sorta… Destroyed my kingdom after a bad fight with my ex."

Janna whistled, leaning toward Star.

"How did you destroy it? Civil War over your tragic love life? Kicked a royal bitches baby? Ran someone over with a horse?"

Star laughed heartily, shaking her head.

"I made a flaming rainbow with my wand and it set the entire kingdom on fire. It even rained down flaming cloud chunks. Thankfully no one died but…"

Janna folded her arms and had an impressed smirk on her face.

"Ah. Jackie told me she broke someone's legs after they messed with her."

Star blinked, surprised at the information.

"She got better, spent some years at the dojo after that with Marco and she can actually kill a guy now."

Huh… So Marco has a clear type then.

Star smiled and her heart marks glowed.

Maybe we should spar once all this is over.

She was curious if he could handle some of her more lethal spells. Janna gave her a look but Star continued.

"My parents were so mad with me about the 'rainbow incident', that they sent me to Saint O's Reform School. A family friend ran the place, everyone calling her Miss Heinous. I don't know why they didn't call her Meteora, since that was her name."

"And how do you know that?"

Star gave Janna a cheeky smile.

"I kinda spied on Heinous when I started my first year there."

Janna threw an arm around Star, making her jump somewhat.

"Oh, so you're a bad girl, huh?"

Star shook her head, looking down at her lap.

"I was, but Heinous was very patient with me. After a few months, I figured 'I will take this stuff seriously and maybe I can get out by year's end' or something. But I ended up really taking the lessons to heart and well, stayed the full two years."

"In this place? Huh, maybe you're kinda freaky after all."

Star turned toward Janna and gave her a harsh frown.

"No, my Saint O's wasn't like this. It was a normal school. We couldn't use magic outside of specific training lessons and we could only talk to our parents twice a week but… It was normal otherwise."

Janna folded her arms, looking unimpressed.

"So no brainwashing?"

Star shook her head.

"No bullshit tea time?"

"We only had something like that twice a month, tops."

Janna smirked, leaning into Star's ear and whispering.

"And no boys?"

Star blushed, looking away from her and hiding her glowing hearts.

"Huh… That was a problem for me since Mewberty happened and if no boys were around…"

Janna's eyes dilated and she turned away looking flustered herself.

"Damn… So you go both ways, huh? Should've caught on after your look earlier."

Star shrugged her shoulders, picking up the little blue bird and petting its head.

"I would be lying saying I don't miss being a rebel princess but my time here taught me to be a good Queen, which was pretty important when…"

"Your parents kick the bucket."

Star nodded.

The two went quiet for a few moments until Janna made a dark laugh.

"You know, this explains the Halloween dance now."

Janna got on her feet and walked away from Star.

"Clearly, you got some magical hooks or some bullshit queen charm on my Marco."

Star got up, matching Janna's harsh glare.

"Don't play dumb with me, I know Marco's with you… Somewhere in this Mewni place."

"Look, I don't care if you like him. I'm not giving up without a fight."

Janna clenched her fists but soon relented, throwing her hands up in the air.

"Can't believe I'm going to play fair. But I kinda like you, somewhat." She turned around and flicked a ball of fire at Star. She blocked it with her sword, the blade now glowing a faint red. "I'll toss you a bone, just this once but when I get to Mewni…"

She briefly looked at Star, her eyes glowing a dark red.

"I intend to take my best friend back home."

Star watched her walk off, reaching out and grabbing her shoulder.

"Hey!"

Janna recoiled, blinking at the sudden touch.

"If it means anything, I had a good time hanging out with you. May the best Princess win."

Janna smiled back at, nodding in agreement before walking out of the garden and her form vanishing.

Now completely alone, Star took a deep breath and walked back into Saint O's, looking for the main hall.

Air thick with tension and drab atmosphere almost suffocating, Star clenched her sword tighter feeling the dark mood starting to dampen her spirits.

Passing by more rooms, she continued seeing 'zombified' Princesses completely zoned out and brushing their hair or fixing their nails. Part of Star wanted to break the doors down and free them from this torment.

Calm down Butterfly, this is only a dream. Can't… Help them anyway.

Star frowned at the thought but she pushed onward and made her way past a lengthy hallway. Coming out the other side, she was greeted by the most bizarre of sights.

Various parts of the main hall were there… But they were floating in the air with purple bubbles encasing some debris.

"This… Is interesting."

Star studied the platforms and spotted another doorway on the other side of the strange chasm. Taking a deep breath, she walked backward for a moment before sprinting onward. She made a mighty leap onto one of the floating platforms and landed gracefully.

She smirked despite herself but that quickly vanished seeing shadowy guards appear out of the either.

"You must return to your room, Princess."

The guards said in unison, a cluster of six or so surrounding Star.

She readied herself in a battle stance and grinned.

"I'm no Princess, I'm a Queen!"

She jumped in the air and made a leaping slash on one of the guards. They vanished in a puff of smoke, Star's eyes narrowed on two charging her way. She made a spinning slash, defeating the two that were behind her and after making a skillful back-flip, she made a lethal lunge forward, defeating the remaining guards.

Lugging the sword over her shoulder, Star noticed guards started appearing on the other floating platforms.

Taking a deep breath she began her trek, slashing and jumping through the chasm. With every slash and dodge, Star's mind started racing.

These guards look monstrous.

The guards back in her Saint O's were more lanky and tall, using simple batons and modified magic crystals to defend the school from attackers.

They never laid hands on a Princess.

Star paid attention to the almost mindless attacks and bad posture of these guards. She wanted to scoff at how pathetic they were but her mind was focused on the exit ahead, having a feeling who was her next foe.

Making one final leap and making a spinning slash to finish off the remaining guards, Star finally arrived at the chasm's end, seeing a glowing yellow doorway.

"Considering this was the most dream-like thing here…"

Star walked through the doorway and wasn't surprised to find the main hall. Looking up, she even noticed the familiar painting of demons flying out of a moon-looking object that was in her Saint O's ballroom.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Star frowned, seeing Eclipsa stand before her.

"Demons and monsters reclaiming the land rightfully stolen from them."

Star scoffed, folding her arms and pointing her blade at Eclipsa.

"Says a former Mewni Queen. Do you forget we come from the same bloodline?"

Eclipsa narrowed her eyes and shook her head. The room suddenly lit up, the candle light helping Star make out the room's details. Familiar drab colors painted the walls but the floor had an engraving of a red moon.

"What makes you foolishly assume that, dear?"

Star took a step forward, narrowing her eyes.

"Because I know Meteora is family."

Eclipsa's eyes turned a pure white and she lunged at Star. She rolled away from the attack and used her sword to block a bolt of black lighting.

"How do you know about my baby, Butterfly?!"

Star could hear the seething from Eclipsa's voice, struggling to keep her composure.

Got her weak point.

Star smirked as she swung her blade, sending the lighting colliding into a wall.

"Because I pay attention to things, despite what you may think!"

Star entered a running start and made a leaping slash. Eclipsa blocked it with her umbrella, the clash causing a ripple of magic to separate them. The intensity of their clash made both their cheek marks glow, harsh purple meeting pink.

"Heinous knew she was part monster, and she hated that part of herself."

Eclipsa shot dark magic at Star again but she used the sword once more to block the attack, a faint red glow enchanting the blade.

"She wanted to train us royals so we wouldn't suffer like she did!"

Eclipsa scoffed, hovering in the air. Dark clouds formed above Star, circling her like a hawk.

"And look at what good that did?"

Lightning from the clouds struck Star. She screamed in agony as Eclipsa continued.

"A little, nasty, pest helped slay a majority of the monsters across Mewni."

Star fell on her knees and spat out blood as Eclipsa approached her.

"And now this 'blessed lands' current Queen is running away with a human, who many would call a mongrel."

Eclipsa picked Star up by her neck.

"Just like they called my husband an abomination. Face it, girl."

Star struggled to breath as Eclipsa squeezed her neck and got in her face.

"You are just like me, Star Butterfly."

Star dug her teeth into Eclipsa's gloved hands, causing the dark queen to drop her. Star did a sweeping kick and landed a lethal punch right in her chest.

A righteous fury made Star's inner magic activate, eyes glowing and her hands smirking with pink energy.

"I will never be like you!" Star grabbed her sword off the ground and charged toward Eclipsa. Her form briefly glowed golden and magic powered up the blade. Eclipsa's eyes widened as Star made a slash right through her, though the usage of such magic made Star fall on her knees.

D-Damn it, my legs aren't responding.

She tried getting up but this feeling of intense exhaustion overcame her. Star helplessly watched as Eclipsa walked toward her, clapping her gloved hands mockingly.

"You know, I noticed something dear."

Star watched as a dark crown appeared in Eclipsa's hands, a purple crystal in the crown's center.

"You lack a crown, my Wayward Queen."

The moment the crown was placed on Star's head, everything went dark. She could only emit a bellowing scream that could be heard across Mewni.

The original plan for this and the next chapter or so to cover the Neverzone via dream sequence, but the idea of Saint O's being the perfect 'meeting ground' for a lot of key characters felt a lot more organic for the story's progression. The next chapter is mostly finished and should go live sometime this weekend at the earliest, so stay tuned!

And feel free to drop reviews, would love to hear feedback from my readers if possible. Hope you enjoy and stick around for future chapters.