Hello everyone! New chapter is ready to get released and while a bit shorter than the last one, I put a lot of emotion into this one. One specific scene at the very end...really is some of the darkest stuff I've ever written. Anyway, review highlight time!

EAurelian - I want to establish while Star and Marco do feel something for each other, they aren't ready yet to become a couple. They know their feelings, but with such personal issues in place, the two aren't in any rush. I explain this more in this very chapter.

Kuriyan BBQ - I chatted with you one-on-one about this via PM's but thank you so much for the feedback. Both versions of Chap. 5 have their purposes but the final version I'm proud of a lot. Last chapter showed the after effects of everything, with this and the upcoming chapter being focused on that too.

Guest - Even if Star could crush Janna like (snaps fingers) that, Janna just doesn't want Marco to get hurt again.

Bedrock Armor - Yeah...I did...a lot of changes. Sorry about that but posted the 'update' thing to make it clear 'yeah, the last chapter was heavily edited'. Star X Marco is on track, but won't be rushed.

Roland Castillo - Talked with you via PM's about things but you wasn't harsh with your comments. Just being honestly blunt is all. Love feedback :). Yeah, the bit with River/Moon and Toffee's chat with Tom was something I enjoyed writing. Moon's connection to Saint O's will be explored for sure, so keep an eye out.

RobLebron - I would love to make your character into the story but gotta give some basic personality quarks and all that. I can work with things that way and decide how I implment them into the story. Toffee has more than just Rasticore/Ludo/Buff Frog on his team, so your suggestion is a good one. But Star isn't in a rush to get into another relationship...which I could think ANYONE could understand after her history with Tom. ...More so after reading this chapter.

Momijifan Low-Ki - Well, you aren't getting spoiled this time out! Hope you enjoy this chapter man :).


Mrs. Diaz walked into her room, stretching her back after a long day's work teaching at Echo Creek Community College's English department. "Those kids are quite creative." She pulled up her chair and gently placed her small laptop down, turning it on with it's bright light laminating her slightly darkened room. Putting on her nightgown, she pulled up her chair and looked through various emails her students sent her.

She smirked, seeing one student write his creative writing project in Spanish. "Oh, this should be interesting." Bookmarking the emails of sent work, she opened up one story and intently read it. "Let's see…the adventures of Sol and Luna, exploring various dimensions and fighting monsters…this sounds like some cartoon." She tapped her chin and nodded. "Like how it's magical and creative through spelling could use some work…"

Hearing knocking on the door, Mrs. Diaz got up and closed her computer. Mr. Diaz walked in, holding out single red rose romantically. "Hola mi angel precioso." (Hello my lovely angel) Mrs. Diaz kissed her husband's lip gently and hugged him tight. "Seems you had a good day."

Both walked to their large king-size bed, looking at one another with wide smiles. "You could say that dear. Reading my students projects and they continue to impress me." She grew a more nervous expression, thinking about something. "Did you see Marco come home yet? I think Star and him were going to that dance tonight."

Mr. Diaz showed his wife a text Marco sent. She read it and squinted her eyes at the small text. Hey Mom! Star and I had to help our friends get back home, so we might be a bit late. I didn't get into any trouble and Star's okay. Love you. She passed the phone back, letting out a held-in breath. "Good…was worried about him. Been a while since he went out on a date."

"I know. That Jackie girl broke our Mijo's heart." He clenched his right fist briefly before sighing. Placing a warm hand around Mrs. Diaz shoulder, the two looked at a family picture hanging up. "Our boy is growing…trying to get stronger."

"Yeah…" Mrs. Diaz rubbed her arm. "But, why did he close himself up so much? We talked with him, did anything we can…" Mr. Diaz simply hugged, patting her back.

"He's trying to recover. Remember how we was when she died?" Mrs. Diaz said nothing, with silence overtaking the room. A loud ringing was coming from Mrs. Diaz phone, making the couple look at one another in confusion. "It's really late…I hope it's not the boy's asking me to come in for a night shift." He picked up the phone. "Hello?"

"Ah, hello Rafael. Is Angie with you?" Seeves' asked in a serious tone. Mr. Diaz pressed speaker phone, placing the phone down.

"Hello Edwin, how did the dance go?" Mrs. Diaz asked joyfully. "Hope my son helped you set things up." Silence was on the other end, making the Diaz's grow a nervous look.

"This…is important." He coughed, fixing his nervous voice. "Are you aware Star Butterfly, your latest house guest, has the ability to use magic?"

"Yes Edwin." Mr. Diaz answered, folding his arms. "Marco explained that to us the moment she walked through our doors. She isn't in trouble or anything, right?"

"No, but she is troubled." The Diaz's hear papers shifting around. "Star's record has a lot of…disturbing comments written on it. I got this file randomly, not even sure where it came from." He coughed, turning a page. "It reads; Star Butterfly is a problematic student, having outbursts and going against the facility. In addition, she has led revolts and inspired her peers to express their true selves. Tests we have performed on her were largely not effective, with shocks and injections only temporarily fixing her behavior issues…" He put the folder down. "Angie…Rafael… Star was abused in her last school. I'm thinking physical abuse mainly but mental abuse is not off the table."

Mrs. Diaz felt her heart sink, nearly crying. "No wonder she seemed so…surprised when I hugged her. Her mother must really hate her."

"¡Esos cabrones malvados! Los encontraré y ..." (Those evil bastards! I will find them and... ) Mr. Diaz cursed loudly as he punched the bed frame. Taking a deep breath, he hugged his wife, calming her down. "Edwin, anything else to report?"

"Well…someone from her home visited my school and attacked the students." Skeeves coughed, trying to compose his voice. "He…was a demon, even morphing into…" He held back tears, wiping his face. "…turned into Jessica."

"My god…" Mrs. Diaz covered her mouth, imaging Marco breaking down. "Is my little boy okay?" Skeeves was silent for a moment.

"He…he is fine now. Saw him dance with Star at the dance. But Janna and Marco were gravely injured during the encounter. Star was…able to heal them." Mr. Diaz felt his body freeze at the comment, while Mrs. Diaz held back tears. "I…I don't think any more visitors will come to our school. Star was very firm with her comments to the demon."

"We need to speak with them." Mrs. Diaz said firmly. "I don't want our children in any more danger." Skeeves' eyes went wide open at the comment.

"But Star isn't your…" Mrs. Diaz held the phone to her ear, nearly breaking it from anger.

"My Estella will never be harmed by any demon, monster or her family ever again!" She huffed from anger, feeling utterly enraged. "I'm not losing family again…I'm not losing…" Mr. Diaz took the phone from his now crying wife.

"We are going to talk to the kids, getting answers to everything." Skeeves' sighed in relief. "Star seemed troubled when we met her, as she hasn't really spoken with us much. We will make our newest family member feel welcomed." He tapped his chin, thinking of something. "How is Marco doing in school? Any improvement to his social skills?"

"Finally can talk about some good news!" Skeeves' shouted in excitement. "I got reports from various teachers that Marco has been more social in class discussions, seen talking with peers and always around Star. They are almost always never apart from what I can tell." He snickered, shaking his head. "Young love, how interesting. I feel Star is the missing piece needed to help Marco. The very thing we've been looking for since Jessica's loss years ago."

Mr. Diaz felt a smile creep up on his face, nearly laughing from surprise. "Wow…you know? After a long day of work hearing news like that…does a long way to make everything worthwhile." He whipped his eyes, feeling tears starting to come down. "Thank you for the report."

"Anytime Rafael. Just…make sure to check if your kids are drunk." Mr. Diaz raised an eyebrow. "Someone spiked the punch bowl and I'm looking into who caused that."

"Well, our son never drinks, so don't worry about that." Mrs. Diaz comments, feeling a smile grow on her face. "Have a good night and we will make sure the kids are okay."

"Thank you…great to hear from you two again." Skeeves' ended the call, leaving the Diaz's alone in thought. Mrs. Diaz just laid down in her bed, closing her eyes.

"I will look through the student's work tomorrow. Need…time to think about how we are going to talk with Star and Marco." She sighed, having a small frown. "Star…is deeply troubled. I think something really terrible happened to her."

Mr. Diaz kissed his wife's cheek, turning on the nightlight. "You get rest my Rosa (Rose). Will stay awake until the kids come back home." She closed her eyes, nuzzling under the covers. Mr. Diaz only had a stern, unreadable expression on his face, hanging his jacket up. Walking out of the room, he looks at his wife. "I will protect our Niños (Children). I will." Walking out, he closed the door gently and went downstairs to get some coffee.


The pale moonlight shined down on a group of five teens, walking back from the dance. Walking under various street lights, Star only shook her head at the sight behind her. "So…your ex got drunk? Why exactly?"

"Upset about you dancing with Marco." Janna says in a slurred tone, burping slightly. She leaned on Star's shoulder, making Star grow an amused smirk. "If you use this as blackmail…"

"Oh, I won't. Just…uh, remember that he's mine is all." Star gave a sly smile. Janna only shook her head, walking at a better pace. Marco and Oskar were groaning, helping carry a badly drunk Jackie.

"How am I going to explain this…" Oskar moaned, shaking his head in annoyance. "Bad enough her parents don't like me as it is." Marco groaned, getting a better grip on Jackie's back.

"She can't hold in her alcohol man." Marco moaned, glaring harshly at Jackie. "Again you do this? Remember what I told you about…" She only laughed manically, making Marco and Oskar nearly drop her from losing their grip.

"Eyes…don't know why yous cares so much. You haves the princess over theres… hiccup." Marco rubs his forehead with a free hand.

"Jackie Lyn Thomas, even if I was interested in Star, that's none of your damn business. We've been through for two years now." Marco got a better grip on Jackie, starting to walk at a faster pace. "Oskar, sorry man, but can we pick up the pace? Don't want to 'drop' Jackie by 'accident' or anything." Oskar picked up on Marco's cold tone and only sighed.

"Man, I know you wouldn't drop her, even if she hurt you." Marco only frowned, resuming his slow pace. "But are you and Star a thing now?" Marco shook his head, looking at his friend ahead of him with a smile.

"No, but we both do feel something. Just…we have a lot of baggage to take care of first." Marco shrugged his shoulders, looking at Jackie for a second before turning to Oskar. "Besides, we just met man."

"I get it, being smart about things." Oskar smirks proudly at Marco. "So, you liked the song my band played? I remember you being really good at playing guitar!" He nearly shouted, getting Star's attention.

"You play music?" Star asked with interest, with Oskar grinning at Marco. He shot an 'I hate you' look before giving Star a small smile.

"Used to play music, but uh, stopped playing in recent years." Star noticed the slightly pained expression on his face, only nodding in response and looking ahead again. Oskar gave a small frown. "Dude, I stopped playing for a reason…but that was a great performance back there. Great work man."

Oskar smiled, patting his chest with a free hand. "Thanks." They walk in silence, coming close to Jackie's house. Oskar gulps in fear, looking at Marco expectantly. Marco groaned and after giving Jackie to Oskar, knocks on the door. It opens up with Mr. Thomas looking very angry at the teens before him.

"Hello sir. My friends and I just helped Jackie back home. Someone at school spiked the punch bowl and no one knows who." Marco waves his hand, with Oskar walking with Jackie. "She's really out of it, but Oskar and I kept an eye on her the whole night. Sorry for the trouble."

He looked at Marco's serious expression, sighing in relief. "You are a good kid Diaz. Thank you for looking out for my daughter." He helped Jackie inside the house, with Oskar and Janna following. "Oh, and who's that?" Mr. Thomas points to Star.

"She's my latest house guest and her name's Star." She waves hello, with Mr. Thomas only smirking at Marco. "We aren't…never mind. Have a good night sir." Marco walks off, with Mr. Thomas glaring at Jackie.

"So…why did you spike the punch?" Jackie hiccupped and giggled loudly. "Oh boy…" He looked at Janna and Oskar. Janna waved her hand and patted Jackie's back.

"I will watch over Miss Tipsy here." Oskar looks at Janna, rubbing his neck. "You head home man, I got this." He looks toward Mr. Thomas and walks out of the house. Walking slowly back to his apartment, he smiles at the thought of being friends with Marco again.


Marco and Star are close to their home, the two smirking at each other playfully. "I can't believe we had such a nice night." Marco commented, rubbing his arm. "It was…really nice."

"Yeah, I had a lot of fun." She smiled, blushing slightly. "You are a great dancer buddy." Marco felt his face heat up but shook the feeling away. "What is Jackie's deal anyway though…she got drunk from watching us dance?"

Marco clenched his hands into fists out of angered frustration. "I don't get her…I move on and am finally getting happy again…but she's upset about that?"

Star shrugs her shoulders and pats Marco's back. "Hey, at least your ex isn't such…an evil person. She's just mean sometimes." Marco nodded, agreeing with Star. "Come on, your parents are likely worried."

"I texted my dad after leaving the dance, so he knows we're okay." They spotted a bench, with Marco seeing himself and Jackie sitting there. The figments were laughing and cracking jokes, making Marco grit his teeth in anger. "Can…we walk faster?"

"Actually, I was hoping we could sit down for a bit." Star shows Marco her feet, slightly bruised up. "Should have worn flats for the dance…" Marco nodded as they sat down on the very bench he watched before. A Streetlight shined down brightly on them. Star and Marco sat in silence, feeling the cool breeze brush leaves in the air. Both were a bit nervous, but Star soon rested her head on Marco's shoulders. "I…feel safe when with you Marco. I don't know why, but I like this feeling."

"Really? Even after everything you've been through, I make you feel safe?" Star nodded, causing Marco's heart to beat faster. 'Wow…guess I'm that important to her now.' He smiled, putting an arm around Star's shoulder. "I say our first 'date' was successful."

Star snickered. "We aren't a couple yet silly." Marco rolled his eyes and felt his nerves calm down.

"I know Star, but it's odd how we just met but have this strong connection." Star only sighed contently, closing her eyes and hugging Marco. "Uh…we can't sleep here." Star started snoring, with drool covering Marco's dress shirt. "Guess I'm carrying you home then." He shook off his cape, putting it around Star to keep her warm. Picking her up bridal style, he resumed walking home, feeling intense heat within his arms. 'Can't believe…she is letting me do this.' A small smile grew on his face, soon turning into a wide grin. 'I'm the luckiest guy in the world right now.'


Mr. Diaz was sitting in the living room, flipping through a newspaper while drinking some hot coffee. Letting the heat radiated from the cup, he slugged some down, flipping to a new page. But he wasn't really reading it though, just intently paying attention to the front door. Hearing knocking, he put the paper down and walked toward the door. Opening it, he only shook his head, forming a proud smirk. "So it seems my little man had fun tonight?"

Marco blushed in embarrassment, still holding Star bridal style as Star mumbled something. "She…got tired dad. So I carried her home. Can we come in please?" Mr. Diaz patted Marco's head and the boy walked inside. "Be back in a moment, helping Star into bed." He raced upstairs and gently placed Star into her bed. "Get some sleep, you deserve it after a long day."

"Ma…Marco…don't…go…" Marco felt his body freeze, hearing Star mumbled that in a half-asleep state. He turned around, seeing Star tightly hug her pillow. "No…more…hurt…anymore…" He simply patted Star's head.

"I will be back later, just letting dad know how the night went." He rubbed his neck nervously. 'Am I really going to do this?' Marco closed his eyes and kissed Star's cheek, feeling his entire body turn red. Star only smiled, hugging the pillow and covers tighter. 'She liked that?' Marco closed Star's door gently, feeling the shock from before. Walking downstairs, Mr. Diaz was getting another cup of coffee ready, placing it on the living room table. "So…we are having the 'talk' again dad?" Marco took his cup of coffee and sat down next to his grinning dad. "You gave this to me when I dated Jackie, I know what to do here…and we aren't ready to be anything more than friends." He sipped some coffee and felt his eyes get larger. "Wow…Cuban Coffee this late at night?"

"Need to have a long talk with you." He put his cup down, placing a warm hand on Marco's shoulder. "Son...I'm so proud of you. Finally opening up again." Marco gave a small smile, taking a sip from his coffee. "Why didn't you open up to us? We love you so much son."

"Dad…it was…like a part of me was yanked away when Jessica passed." Marco put a hand on his messy hair, ruffling it slightly. "We were all in danger of dying during that crash. I couldn't save everyone…" Mr. Diaz pulled Marco into a warm hug.

"Miho, I understand. I felt horrible when my arms were pinned down, but I was able to get your mother to safety with your help. Jessica…" He sniffled, fighting back tears. "She left us and we all felt something missing from our hearts. I would have thought Jackie might make things better."

Marco sighed, looking at a family picture, where Jackie was posing with them during Halloween. He got up and took the picture down, rubbing its frame gently. "She did make things better, but I…I couldn't lose anyone else again. I was mute…because I lost the will to push on." He put the picture back up, feeling tears come down his cheek. "I'm sure Skeeves' told you about the attack today." Mr. Diaz nodded as Marco sat back down.

"Did a real demon attack you?" Marco nodded, folding his hands together. "And he…" Marco gritted his teeth, punching the couches armrest.

"¡Ese demonio! Usando Star como un maldito juguete y jugando con mis emociones! ¡Quería arrancarle la puta cabeza! (That demon prick! Using Star like a damn toy and playing with my emotions! I wanted to rip his fucking head off!)" Marco hissed, huffing form pure rage. "You don't want to know what that demon prick did to Star."

Mr. Diaz looked intently at his cup of coffee, speechless and unsure what to say. "Did…did the demon abuse Star?" Marco huffed out hot air, taking a few more swings of coffee.

"Abuse is putting it lightly. He made Star his little puppet for six whole months and she couldn't do anything to fight back! Even after breaking free, her parents did nothing to help." Marco folded his arms, feeing angered tears come down. "Can't believe how anyone would hurt someone like that."

"Is that why you and Star aren't together like that now Miho?" Marco sighed, rubbing his neck. Peaceful silence took the air waves, sounds of newfound rain splashing against the streets of Echo Creek.

"That's one reason Dad. The other, is because she doesn't know much about me." Marco curled into a ball, blankly watching his TV. "I know so much about her life, but she knows little of mine. I want us to be great friends first and if she wants to go further, I would be more than happy to let that happen."

Mr. Diaz pat Marco's back hard, nearly knocking the boy down. "I'm proud of you son. Your mother and I were best friends well before having you and Jessica." Marco only gave an embarrassed laugh. "Now, getting some sleep son, but please…you and Star need to tell us what happens. Even if we aren't magic…that doesn't mean your mother and myself can't help." He places a hand on Marco's shoulder, giving a deathly serious glare. "She might not have parents that love her. But that doesn't mean we can't be the family she deserves."

Marco hugged his dad, feeling a smile creep on his face. "Thanks...Star will be happy to know more people care about her." Mr. Diaz felt his heart sting hearing this from Marco, but simply hugged him back. They let go, with Mr. Diaz walking up to his room having a lot on his mind. Now alone in the living room, Marco looked up at the stair case, hoping Star will get some rest.


As night shines down upon Star's sleeping body, her smiling face soon contorts into a bitter frown. Feeling her body drift into the land of dreams, she opened her eyes and was shocked to be in the underworld. "No…this can't be happening." She raced toward a mirror, forming a scowl at the sight before her. She was wearing a golden collar, with matching golden cuffs on each wrist. On top of her lose blond hair was a golden crown, firmly implanted within her skull. "I'm not going to be someone's fucking toy again!" She began pulling the crown but her body froze in place.

"Is that anyway to treat my gifts Starship?" A sly voice teased, walking into the room. Tom was wearing a suit, having his crown and cape match the attire. He walked right up to Star's face, kissing her cheek gently.

"STOP TOUCHING ME!" Star screamed but Tom only slapped her. Star fell to the ground, groaning in pain. "Hit me one more time. I fucking dare you demon." Tom only cracked his knuckles and pressed a button a hidden remote. Star shot up like a spring, looking around in pure panic. "I'm not letting you win."

"Sure…your prince will come and help you." Tom leaned into Star's face, pinching her cheeks harshly. "Oh wait. I killed him. You're mine. Forever slave." He pushed Star into the bed, feeling intense anger surround him. "Don't make me hurt you again."

"Haven't you hurt me enough?" Star spat, feeling her body shake violently. "I lose everything…because of YOU!" Star's eyes turned pure white and felt her body get encased in golden light. "I'm no one's slave or pet. I'm Star Butterfly, proud Rebel Princess."

Tom smirked, simply pressing a button on his remote. Star's golden form fizzled out and she crashed into her bed. "You think I'm stupid, don't you? Spending time in that lovely Void taught me a lot about…Butterfly Magic." He forced Star into a kiss on her lips, with one claw digging into her neck. Star pushed him away, blood trickling down her neck. "I will break you, make you love me." He left the room, slamming Star's door shut.

She looked at the bars in her room, feeling intense anger form in her chest. Letting her magic charge into her right hand, she covered her heart. "I'm sorry Marco…I can't put up with this suffering any longer." She blasted a hole through her chest, laying gently into the bed. A pile of blood soaked the bed sheets, with Tom coming into the room, shaking his head.

"I can just revive you…" He rubbed his neck in slight annoyance. "Doesn't matter. GUARDS!" Two demonic guards came into the room. "Clean the Underworld Queen up and pin her arms in new cuffs." They nodded, dragging Star away, with a trail of blood covering the ground. Tom simply shook his head, looking at the red moon shining down the Underworld. "You will accept your fate in due time." He walked out of the room. He slammed the door shut, causing a pillow to fall off the bed. Landing on the blood-covered ground, was a picture of Star and Marco together, holding hands and smiling happily.


"AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Star screamed at the top of her lungs, nearly jumping out of the bed. "I'M NO ONE'S DAMN SLAVE! FACE ME DEMON! I WILL END YOU! I WILL END YOU! I WILL…" Star just collapsed on the ground, crying loudly. "I…I don't want to suffer anymore. Please…don't let me suffer anymore." She was in huddled ball, crying in a ear-piercing tone. Marco kicked the door down, with Mr. Diaz joining him. They looked at Star in horror, seeing her cry like a broken child with scratch marks covering her arms.

"Star…what…" Star noticed Marco and nearly tackled him into a hug. "What…"

"I'm not going with Tom…I won't be anyone's slave again…please, don't let that happen Marco…" She held on to Marco with dear life. "Please don't die…please…" He just hugged her, gently brushing long blond hair. Mr. Diaz just had a look of disgust, shaking his head angrily.

"Dad…Star was…" Mr. Diaz held up his hand, soon forming it into an angered ball. "Star killed Tom, I will explain everything tomorrow, okay?" His father only nodded, nearly breaking the door down in his fit of rage. Marco looked at Star, feeling intense sadness. "What…happened in your dream?"

"Tom…captured me. He killed you. I…couldn't escape again." Marco felt air growing thicker, holding Star tighter. "I don't know…I killed Tom, but that dream felt so…real."

"It's just a dream…I will protect you." Marco soon started crying, unsure why he feels such sadness. "I…will protect you." A bright light shined down on Star and Marco, the moon's white glow enchasing the two troubled souls.