Hey guys! This is the second chapter of this new story of mine! I will get to work on Chap. 3 soon, which I plan on being longer than this (6,000-7,000 words long) but that won't release until next Friday or Thursday. This and 'Shining Stars' will be examples of my stories having lengthy chapters when updated. I'm really happy so many of you guys enjoyed this so far, so hope you guys like this newest chapter. Dives a bit into Star's backstory and even a past relationship for Marco.

Momijifan Low-Ki - Hello my good friend! Happy to see you read my story :D!

ssboodlal - Thank you for the high-praise! I want to tap into my own original take on the series, so hope I can accomplish this. Best I throw my best concepts from other projects into one instead of trying to finish like, four stories at once :P. And the drama will ramp up, I promise that ;).

RobLebron - Well wait no longer my friend! New chapter is live!

Bedrock Armor - Glad you love it! The next chapter is live, so hope you give it a look :).


Trying to sleep in a new home is difficult sometimes, something that Star currently is dealing with right now. It has been two days since she came to Earth, but already she feels at unease. Seeing the cool air of the sky brush against her curtains, she just studies the open window. "No bars…at the very least." She tilted her head away, her blue eyes downcast. "I feel…odd." She recalled watching movies with Marco the not long after their first encounter with Toffee & Ludo. "He's…quite a good person. Hope…" Closing her eyes, letting slumber overtaking her. Tightly holding a nearby pillow, Star recalled a painful recent memory.

"No...home…"


Star walked slowly back into the castle, with her mother Moon Butterfly marching behind her. Besides the monarch was her husband River 'Johnson' Butterfly. He gave a nervous look toward Star, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Pumpkin…the people don't hate you…"

"Your father is right, you just need to be more 'controlled' with your magic dear." Moon carefully commented. Star slapped her father's hand away and sharply turned around.

"I'm not sorry." Star held up her wand, showing it to her parent's faces. "I spent two years in a box, experimented on to be 'a proper princess' and look what happened? My magic, which was perfectly fine, is now a complete mess! And I hated being in that place, but you two don't care." Star scoffed, turning away from her parents. "Like anyone really loves me anyway." She marched off, with the king and queen hearing a loud slamming noise from across the hall.

Moon gritted her teeth, clenching her gloved hands into balls. "That ungrateful little girl! We sent her to the best princes' training academy and that is the thanks we get? Can't believe this…" River just shot his wife a bitter frown. "Don't tell me it was…"

"No, it was the correct decision dear." River looked at the hallway, frowning. "I just miss having our daughter love us is all."

Moon just walked ahead, leaving River alone to his thoughts. Pulling Star's door off, she began yelling loudly. "Unbelievable, you just made a flaming rainbow before! You know how much it is going to cost fixing up the castle?" Star simply had a bitter frown across her face. The monarch simply rubbed her forehead, tired just months after Star's return to Mewni Castle. "I thought Saint O's made you…"

"Proper? A little robot you can program into a perfect prissy princess?" Star spat out, earning a shocked expression on Moon's face. "You never cared about me…only worrying about making the people of Menwi happy when, news flash, they hate us. And don't even get me started on the monsters we oppress daily." Star felt her hands clench tightly. "I hate being a Butterfly. There. I finally said it." Star folded her arms, expecting to get hit by her mother for saying something like that.

Moon wanted to tear her hair in frustration but just calmed down. "I…sent you to that school, to help you." Star laughed, sitting in her bed. "You know I love you, right sweetie?"

"Funny way of showing it 'mother dearest'. Just ship me to where ever you want at this point. I don't care anymore." Star looked down, noticing the wand attached to her waist. Taking it, she violently tossed it at Moon. "Just keep it. Before I blow it up or something."

Moon held the wand, now morphing back to a crystal heart and pale blue handle. "Star, you are the princess of Mewni. Just…take it. Please, even if you hate me, keep it for yourself." Star held the wand again, starting to morph again. The wand had a dark red handle, with black & blue hearts covering its white wings. The ball-top containing the crystal was very plain; only a golden Star Crystal and a white background surrounding it.

'It was much prettier when I first got this stupid thing.' Star put the wand down, folding her arms in sadness. "Why am I such a failure?" Moon felt horrible seeing her daughter like this. She sat next to her, putting a hand on Star's shoulder. Star glared at her mother, slapped the hand away. "Leave me alone…I will get my things together and leave Mewni soon."

"Star. Listen to me, please. Earth is going to be great and…" Star just looked away, refusing to let tears come down. Moon just got up, walking away. "It's not like Saint O's. I will make the portal in two hours." The monarch closed Star's door gently.

"Whatever…" She sighed, laying down on her large bed. "Why was I born as a princess? I always mess up….they had to send me into that chamber twice to 'fix' me and I STILL mess up." Star clenched her fists, punching a nearby pillow. "If my family loved me, they wouldn't have sent me to that Saint O's. I have no one." Star curled up into a ball, letting some tears come down. "Wish I had someone…that would understand me. Hate feeling all alone like this."

On her wall, Star's magical mirror rang loudly. 'Wondering who's calling….' Pressing a diamond button, the image of a red demon appeared in the mirror, smiled fondly at her. Star's face formed a bitter scowl, folding her arms in hidden rage. "What. Do. You. Want?" Star hissed through gritted teeth.

"Come on Starship, is that any…" Star punched the mirror, forming a small crack in the glass that made Tom jump back a bit. "Ooookay. I can tell you aren't in the mood for…"

"YOU USED ME! I'M NO ONE'S TOY THOMAS LUCITOR!" Star hissed, feeling her pent up rage come out in full force. "Everyone expects me to be perfect, to do this right, and pretend to be little miss charming. But I can't TAKE it anymore! You better leave me alone." Star held up her wand, glowing a dark shade of pink. "Or you will not be happy."

Tom frowned, sighing in defeat. "Fine. See you around Star..." Star punched the diamond button harshly and ended the call. She felt her body heat up but took a few breaths to calm down.

"Not…going to let him win. Getting angry is exactly what he wants." Star said aloud. Looking around her room, she got to work packing. "I'm not staying in this stupid dimension anymore. If they want me gone? Fine. I'm leaving."

After an hour of packing, Star took her magical suitcase and walked out of the castle. The citizens watched with smiles, but Star huffed at this. 'They are putting on a show for my parents…they don't like me at all.' She turned toward Moon and River, smiling somberly. "Guess this is goodbye for now."

"You are always welcome on Mewni dear. Just stay on Earth for…" Star glared at Moon, silencing the monarch. Putting her suitcase down, she looked directly into her eyes.

"Look, I will stay on this 'Earth' place. But not because you are ordering me to." Star turned toward the Mewni citizens, feeling her hands shaking. 'I want to say it, I really do…' Star let her fists go, balls turning into hands once more. 'But it's not worth it.'

River noticed his daughter grow silent, pulling her into a hug. Star pushed him away, but his hold was strong. "Even if you hate me, sweetie, I will always care about my little Starling." The princess just patted her father's back, hoping he would let go soon. He soon dropped her, with Moon just giving a small smile.

"Be careful," Moon said quickly, making a portal with her dimensional scissors. Once open, Star jumped inside it, not wanting to be on Mewni for a single second longer.


Sniffling under her covers, Star let bitter tears soak her pillow. Hours soon passed, with the morning light shining down. "Ugh…what is that?" Star opened her tired and restless eyes, blinking from the bright yellow striking her blue orbs. Jumping out of bed, she closed the curtain and threw her covers back on.

Just when she closed her eyes again, she heard knocking on her door. "Star? Um…it's 1 PM. I know it's a weekend but your first day of school is tomorrow. I made some food for you, so…meet me downstairs whenever you are ready." Marco left soon after, walking quietly down the stairs. 'Star still is getting used to Earth…maybe it's nighttime in her time zone or something.' He fixed up his red hoodie, looking forward to a good day.

Star wanted to groan, but Marco's voice made her smile. 'It's that late? Best I get up.' She jumped out of bed and looked through her closet, finding something to wear. Her vision drifted over to something that caught Star's eye. Quickly putting the clothing on, she darted toward her mirror. Star smirked at the finished result. The outfit mirrored the basic 'teen' outfit she did research on the other day, making some clothes with her wand. Her shirt was a pink sleeveless top having a bright red heart in the center. It was covered by a denim blue jacket. Finishing the outfit was slightly torn up dark-blue jeans. Star took the wand and lightly tapped her head, letting flowing blond hair hang down. "Perfect!" Running out of her room with stylish black boots, she slid down the railing and landed gracefully in the living room.


Marco was in the kitchen, fixing up a large tray of food. It had pancakes with strawberries on top, scrambled eggs, and honey-flavored bacon. 'Hope Star doesn't mind it slightly cold…I only cooked this a half-hour ago…' The boy put the tray down on the table, getting utensils and silver plates ready. Star was leaning against the door frame, unnoticed by Marco. The boy finally looked in her direction, feeling his face grow warm. "G-Good morning Star." He lightly slapped himself, annoyed at getting nervous. 'It's just your friend man; no reason to be nervous. Though she does look pretty…' Marco sighed internally, giving Star a warm smile. "Made us some morning food. It's a bit late now, so this is 'brunch'. Hope you enjoy."

Star sat down, licking her lips and getting ready to dig in. Just as she was going to take a bit, Star put her fork down. "Did you forget to ask me something?" She said playfully, earning a confused look from Marco's face. "You didn't comment on my outfit…"

"Uh…" Marco was deeply confused. 'Why would she want me to…' His mind put the pieces together, making him rub his neck sheepishly. He took a bite out of his egg before putting his fork down. "I think it looks cool. Shooting for the 'bad girl' look?"

Star smiled, taking a bite out of the pancake. "Yeah. Liked how that one girl looked in the 'style magazines' you gave me." She put her fork down, taking a sip of water nearby. "Thanks for that, gave me ideas on some clothes to wear for school. Speaking of which, how is it like?"

Marco started taking bites from his bacon. "School? Well…it's something for sure. People are jerks, teachers are nice, and classes are hard. But thankfully, the last bit doesn't bother me." He stood up tall, patting his chest. "I'm the smartest guy at Echo Creek High…but I keep that bit to myself."

"I got that impression." Star closed her eyes, continuing eating her food. "Man, this stuff tastes so good!" Marco smirked, nodding in agreement. "So…the people are jerks. How bad is it?"

Marco groaned loudly, resting his arm on the table. "People liked to use me for my smarts. I ensured that won't happen again though." He was silent, just blankly looking at his food. "But…donot let people know that…"

"I can use magic, I know." Marco blinked a few times, surprised Star picked up on his comment. Star giggled in response. "Come on, the second people see I'm this 'magical princess from another dimension', they will swarm me like annoying bugs. I just want to be left alone with you and…" She stopped, feeling her face warm up. "I meant just be with people that get me."

Marco smiled, continuing eating. "If it means anything, I'm happy when hanging around you too. Just please stick with me, as we share classes." Star put her fork down, resting both hands on the table.

"Really? But I don't know much about this 'Math' and 'Social Studies'. I like the sound of this 'English' and 'Art' though. Remember reading and designing things back on Mewni." Star sighed continently, remembering reading good books from Mewni authors and drawing in her sketchbook.

"So that was your home?" Marco asks, picking up his now empty plate. Star nods, passing Marco her plate. 'She's opening up more…' He turned on the water, letting it run over the dishes. "Well 'Echo Creek' isn't just the name of a school. That is what this town is called. We were founded by some possum legend thing."

"Whaaaaat?" Star asked in surprised confusion, with Marco simply shrugging his shoulders. "Your town is weird buddy." Marco snickered, drying the dishes.

"But you casting magic isn't weird at all, right?" Star grinned, lightly punching Marco's shoulder. After putting the dishes away, Marco joined Star on the family couch. It was brown and the cushions were very soft. Letting one arm rest on the side, Marco looked at Star. "Do you want me to teach you about Math and Earth History?"

"That sounds like hard work…" Star answered, pouting and slouching forward. "Instead, how do you fit in with people?" Marco just laid back, letting the softness of his couch relax his nerves.

"See, you need to just not care." Star blinked a few times in minor confusion. His eyes looked in her direction. "You must know about that, considering you likely dealt with jerky princes and royal peoples." Star clenched her fists, recalling Tom's 'flirting'.

"I get your point. I just wanted to rip their heads off!" Star shouted, lightly punching the couch. Marco sighed, folding his arms.

"The coach didn't do anything to you…" Star snickered, taking a deep breath. "I take deep breaths, count-down to five in my head, and let happy thoughts take control." Marco folded his hands together, locking his vision on the blank TV. "If I let my dark thoughts fully take control, who knows what will happen."

"I get that, completely Marco." Star folded her arms, locking her vision on the TV as well. "You saw me get very…rowdy, during our fight with Ludo. When I was younger, I was quite the rebel child." Marco looked back at Star, studying her thinking face intently. "I was really happy back then too…"

"You will be happy on Earth." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "I will be sure of it." Star and Marco just stared into each other's eyes for a moment, before backing away. "A-Anyway, let's see what's on TV. You only saw this thing play movies. Buuuut, it has a lot of other programs to watch." Marco took the remote off the table, pressing a button. A show of about talking ducks began playing. "Even though we are sixteen, I have a soft spot for cartoons."

Star just relaxed, tuning Marco out completely. 'This show looks quite good. The moving paintings are very smooth and love coloring this has." Marco noticed Star's studying face, smirking in response. Laying back on the couch, he enjoyed a calm Sunday Afternoon with his friend.


In the deep forests of Mewni, there resides a massive castle. It was originally home to the Avious family but after Toffee became the 'leader of Monsters', they willingly gave it up for their new 'ruler'. The castle was ominous, with lightning striking every few hours. Thick white fog covered the air-waves, concealing the large towering building from many. Inside the castle was Toffee sitting in a large throne-like chair, tapping an armrest impatiently.

Surrounding him was Buff Frog, a proud warrior from the 'Tadpole' Monster Race in Mewni's swamps. He joined Toffee's forces to ensure a safe home for his children, even if he doesn't fully agree with Toffee's methods. Next to Buff Frog was a Ludo, the only member of the Avious family that could wield their legendary 'Staff of Darkness'. It allowed the small bird to tap into the dark arts…though he has issues using it sometimes. Ludo was the most annoyed though, his seat having stacks of pillows just to meet Toffee at eye level.

Boo-Fly was the final monster at the table, simply hovering around Toffee. He wasn't tied to a specific race of monsters but has been a close friend to Toffee and Buff Frog for years. Toffee folded his hands together, looking at his allies in a stern manner. "Gentlemen, we have an issue on our hands."

"I agree." Buff Frog commented, folding his arms together. "Princess wild. Unsure how to get wand." Toffee simply nodded his head in agreement. "Think we need a plan."

"I know!" Ludo shouted in a screeching voice, something that deeply annoyed Toffee. "Didn't know she knew how to use the wand. Wasn't she sent to that school?" Ludo looked away, rubbing his neck. "I heard…dark rumors about that place. Brother told me once that when flying around Mewni for surveillance, the princess's looked…broken."

Toffee gritted his jaw, angered at this knowledge. "First they abuse us monsters, then their people?" He took a sip of nearby swamp water, sighing softly. "Shame, as those girls likely are perfectly fine individuals."

"You might like this news though partner," Boo-Fly commented, flying around the table. "Got wind that the princess is for monsters." Toffee's eyes grew wide for a brief moment, before dilating back to his cold trademark look. "I know, it's shocking. But I flew around the Princess's tower before leaving for 'Earth' and hard she said Mewman's oppress monsters."

"Then why fight us like that?" Toffee questioned, earning silence from the entire table. 'Maybe the brainwashing process was just that intensive. Mmm…' Buff Frog coughed, getting Toffee's attention. "Yes Buff Frog?"

"This news promising. Holiday we hate happening soon." Toffee just grit his jaw, fully aware of his friend's implication. "Princess hates treatment we get too. Could work with this?" He coughed, clasping his hands together. "She has wand, but if she wants to help, her magic can…be useful."

Toffee gave a small smile. "We strike on Mewdependance Day, but for now, we just…watch." He turned toward Ludo, with the bird nodding. Holding out his staff, Ludo cast a small spell. It leads to a screen to appear in Toffee's hand and a large eagle to appear. It mirrored one from Earth, has piercing eyes. "What is that large creature?"

"This is one of my treasured spells. Come here, girl." Ludo scratched under the eagle's chin. "Who is a good bird, you are." The bird purred, making Ludo smile. 'Please be careful, takes a lot to summon you.' He coughed, standing tall. "Now go visit 'Earth' and watch over Mewni's Princess." The eagle tilted it's large head, biting Ludo's head whole. "Not…me…let…GO!" It spat Ludo out, hitting a wall. "Ugh…I love you but MAN. You are so stupid sometimes." He got off the floor, making a portal with his scissors. "Now shew and do your job!" The Eagle complied, flying into the portal for Earth.

Toffee tapped the screen in his hands, showing the bird flying around Earth. "Impressive…getting better at your arts I see Ludo." The green bird smiled, climbing up his pillows to sit down again. "Will it find Star and…the Earth boy soon?"

"That spell is an Avious classic, though it takes a day or so before it finds the right target. Uh…she likes to watch things and eat animals." Ludo rubbed his short arms sheepishly. Toffee sighed, laying back in his chair. "Sorry, sir about…"

"It's…its fine Ludo. You are doing your best and that's fine enough for me." Toffee gave a genuine smile toward the kappa. "Good work." Ludo bowed, nearly falling out of his chair. The lizard held out his right hand, seeing his missing middle finger. "Mewni…will be free again." Toffee clenched his hand. "I promise."


It was now nighttime in Echo Creek, with Star passing out on Marco's shoulder. The duo spent the entire day watching the talking-duck show, with Star's eyes practically glued toward the screen. "Guess you never watched cartoons growing up, huh?" Star said nothing, only curling up in a ball closer toward Marco. She was hugging him tightly as if he would vanish in thin air, making him wonder. "You…had a very hard life, didn't you? I get that. You know, it's strange. When I was growing up, I had someone really close in my family. She was something for sure, bugging me to play with her and making messes all the time. But little Jessica was an angel…" Marco sighed, looking at a family picture. Looking back at Star, he noticed her crying.

"No…more…shocks. I…will…good. Stop…pain…" She mumbled, shaking violently. Marco held her tight, trying to listen in her mumbles. "Princess…holds cup…pinky…clock. I….never…love. Stop...please."

'Just what happened to you Star?' Marco thought somberly. He noticed Star shaking still, sobbing softly in her sleep. "Come on, let's get you into bed." He lifted her up bridal style, gently walking up the stairs. Opening Star's door, he gently placed her down upon a large bed. It had rainbow fabrics, feeling very soft and cloud-like. Pulling the covers over Star, he patted her head. "I will never let you get hurt again, I promise you…Estella."

Marco was getting ready to walk out of the room, he noticed a small picture hanging up on Star's wall. Walking closer toward it, his eyes narrowed. 'So…this is her family?' Marco took the picture down, gently placing it within his hands. 'Her parents really do look like royalty…' But his eyes drifted toward Star, having a beaming smile and holding up a peace sign. 'Star looks so…happy here.' He looked over toward Star's sleeping body, frowning somberly. 'What happened that changed her?' Placing the picture back on the wall, he pulled up a chair gently, sitting on her bed.

"I don't know much, but know…I won't hurt you." He took Star's hand, holding it gently. "Get some rest." Marco closed his eyes, laying back in the desk chair. Unknowing to him, was Star being wide awake.

She didn't move at all, just letting a small smile creep up on her face. 'Thank you…Marco.' She closed her eyes, holding Marco's hand tight.


A loud buzzing sound echoed across Star's room. "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT?!" She looked around but felt her body crash on the floor. "Ow…" Star looked toward her right, seeing a groaning Marco rubbing his head. "You…watched me sleep?"

"No? I don't think so at least." Marco said quickly. 'Please don't think I'm a creep…just wanted to see if you were okay.' He looked at his hands, noticing one was tightly holding Stars. He quickly pulled away, throwing up his hood. "Today is school…so I will…give you space to get ready."

He darted out of Star's room, lightly patting his face. Throwing on a fresh red hoodie and his black skinny jeans, Marco rushed out of the room. Star was still slightly dazed from before, simply shaking her head. "Hope today will be okay." She picked up her wand from a nearby night-stand. Zapping herself with pink magic, she cleaned up and grabbed the backpack Marco set up for her. Joining Marco downstairs, the two rushed out of the house.

Marco checked his watch, groaning loudly. "…We had a half hour to get ready." He slapped his head, making Star snicker. "Sorry for that. Seems we are missing breakfast, huh?"

"Nope." Star took out her wand and zapped her right hand. It created two small red apples, with Star tossing one to Marco. "Dig in." Marco studied the apple before taking a bite.

"Thanks, Star, will pack us something next time." Taking another bite, he looked up at the sky. "At least the skies are pretty." Star looked up, seeing the moving white clouds as they walked.

"I remember on Mewni, the clouds forming into different shapes. Does that happen on Earth?" She took a bite from her apple, seeing Marco tap his chin.

"Yep, though that doesn't happen often." Marco stopped walking, spotting something before him. It was a girl riding a skateboard, pulling off a kick-flip in the air. Coming closer to Marco, she stopped dead in her tracks. "Jackie Lyn Thomas, hello." Marco said coldly, narrowing his gaze.

Jackie mirrored Marco, kicking her board up. It had a red heart design at the bottom, complementing it's teal-blue design. "Hey…Marco." She looked at Star, smirking at her. "Seems you moved on."

Marco clenched his fists, gritting teeth harshly. "No, she is my friend. And we are going to school. So…can you move out of the way please?" Jackie didn't budge, simply folding her arms. "I will ask one more time." He got in her face, puffing smoke out of his nose. "Can you please move out of my way?"

Jackie stayed still, putting her board down. "Why should I move anyway? This is public property and all. If I want to say, stand in this very spot, I have that right." Marco darkly grinned, simply shaking his head.

"You only know that because I taught you about public safety laws." He took Star's arm and started walking around Jackie. "Do me a favor, if you still give a damn about me. Leave my new friend alone, got it?"

"Fine," Jackie answered simply, skating away. She looked back at Marco one more time, feeling slight sadness overtake her. 'If he would only understand…'

Star watched the sight before her, feeling it eerily familiar. "You can let go now." Marco noticed his tight grip on Star, letting go shamefully. "So that is your ex?" He nodded, putting hands in hoodie pockets. Star folded her arms, thinking of something. "What did she do?"

"Let's just say, showed me that people can use you," Marco answered bluntly. "I don't mind answering anything…but please don't ask me about that." Star nodded, walking to school with Marco in complete silence.

'I understand…I really do Marco.' Star thought bitterly. Walking alongside Marco, the duo slowly made their way to the school. Star stood the front doors, looking right at Marco. "You know, thanks."

"For what?" Marco asks, taking hands out of pocket. "I really didn't do anything." Star just looked back at the door, lost in thought.

"I asked 'Why are you being nice to me' and you said that 'I understand'. I see that…glad I meet you." Star looked at Marco's eyes, seeing a smile grow on his face.

"Hey, I think I said this before but glad I meet you too." He coughed, noticing Star fidgeting in place. "How about we get inside…want to set up your locker after all." Star's eyes glowed and nearly kicked the doors down. Marco sighed, following his excited new friend into the school.