Somewhere in a long forgotten temple

Vartek walked towards Toffee, not at all mindful of the monsters he pushed aside. His green eyes glowed with hate as Toffee turned around to face him. "Hello, my loyal servant. What do you want?" Vartek scowled behind his face wraps and clenched his fists. "What do I want?! You know what I want you damn lizard! Stop wasting my goddamn time! I want that goddess to pay. I want that girl's life. I want to tear that boy apart. And watch their kingdom, burn."

Toffee stared, emotionless, at Vartek. His collected demeanor wavered only for a second as he sent forward his reptilian hand and squeezed the mans throat. Toffees eyes blazed as he spoke, his sharp teeth glistening with each word and his tail flicking across the ground. "You will do what I say. And when I say it. My plan will continue as I say and when the moment is right, we will strike. I will get what I want, and you will have the perfect opportunity to kill them both once I'm gone."

He released Vartek who took a step back and clutched his throat. Through raspy words, he spoke harshly to the reptile before him. "I follow you only because you are my best chance. I can and will do this without you if I have to." Toffee rolled his eyes and turned around, staring at the royal gathering that took place on the screen before him. "You follow me because you dont have ANY chance, as Ludo did. If you could do it alone you would have by now. Dont fret, tonight will be interesting for our little couple. For now, we watch what happens, and soon, we strike.

Vartek groaned and blasted a chair against the wall to Toffees right. " I'm tired of watching! I WANT REVENGE! If you can't give it to me then I have no use waiting." Toffee scoffed and eyed the screen before shutting it off. "While I would love nothing more than to crash their pathetic party, It would be suicide. I've heard reports of what the girl can do, and if what you've told me is true, the boy can be even more dangerous. And with the royal family there as well, you'd be asking for a death sentence. We wait until the right moment. Trust your master."

Vartek huffed and began walking away as Toffee shot a final word at him. "And when you strike, remember to take out the boy first. She will lose sight and become vulnerable. Especially without her wand." He chuckled to himself and went back to his plans as Varteks green blades hissed open a portal and sent him away.

(_)

Star and Marco walked towards the imposing castle at the center of her kingdom. It's towering walls and towering, well, TOWERS, stood high above all else in the land. They could see royal families strolling in, with kings and queens of all sorts of species filing into the castle. Star huffed at the younger couples strolling in, nearly all of which maintained an uncomfortable distance. Marco looked on but reached out and held Stars hand. He knew it wasn't easy for her to put on a collected act, especially with the given circumstances.

As the two neared the entrance, a guard stepped forward with a clipboard and eyed them. "Princess Star Butterfly, I have you in attendance as a possible show, but I have no record of a plus one for you." Marco stepped forward and gave a slight bow to the guard, motioning to Star. "She, my good sir, is actually MY plus one. You see, I am Prince Marco Ubaldo Diaz of the earth dimension. I received a personal invitation from Queen Moon herself and would appreciate your cooperation with my entrance."

The guard looked at Star nervously and bowed deeply to Marco. "My apologies, your majesties. Please, right this way. Give Queen Moon my regards." He allowed both teens to pass and prepared for other arrivals. Star beamed at marco and walked ahead, taking in the sights of her old home as he did quite the same. "That was pretty impressive. Hopefully, you can keep it up!" Marco smiled and strolled confidently down the hall towards the throne room that now acted as a dining hall.

Star was getting somewhat farther ahead than he'd like, but before he could do anything, a familiar voice called out to him. "Hey, Princess turdina made it." He turned sharply to see Princess Patty Arms walk up to him, wearing a poofy pink victorian age style dress. He grinned and shook one of her four hands as a few other princesses walked up, some with their respective dates for the evening. Patty grinned at him and gave him a quick hug. "Its a pleasure to see you as well, Princess Patty. You look wonderful, and I must say its quite a pleasure to see you here tonight." Patty blushed but kept her cool demeanor.

"It looks like you healed up nicely, Marco. Thanks again for saving us from that god-awful school. And I see youre a prince now?" Marco blushed and rubbed the back of his head as he spoke sheepishly. "Yeah, I'm Prince Marco of Echo, of Earth. Though I'm sure you all would prefer I stay Princess Turdina." Patty grinned and looked around. "So I'm gonna cut to the beans here, whos your date?" Pixie princess floated forward and pressed for the details everyone was anxiously waiting for. "Is it Ponyhead?"

Marcos' face turned sour and he shook his head. "No, definitely not her." A reptilian princess stepped forward. "I dont suppose you came alone?" This drew uncomfortable glances from the other princes. Two-headed princess elbowed Patty and gestured to Marco. "Guys, who else could it be but Star?" All of the girls sighed and agreed at that. "She's a lucky girl. Did you ask her or did she ask you? That's the real juicy stuff." He grinned and said, "I asked her after like five years of buildup." Patty laughed and clapped. "I bet it really did feel like it took that long, knowing Star," Marco spoke up as they all began making their way down the hall. "Yeah, I'm actually taking Star as my date for earth so she doesn't have to sit in with her parents, and so she doesn't get stuck with some guy she doesn't know.". "Such a Gentleman. Shame I couldn't go with you instead." Patty quipped, causing Marco to blush more." Most of our parents set us up with people, which makes things super weird."

He chuckled nervously and shouted back at the girls who were then meeting up with their dates. "Well go break some hearts then, girls. Nice catching up with you all! Hope to see you around!" "Likewise, Prince Marco!" Patty shouted back as they waved him off. Marco caught up with Star and found her leaning against the wall. "Done flirting?" She asked sarcastically with a grin. He fumbled for words but sighed and grinned back. "Actually, not yet. I have a long night of flirting with my stunning date to get to. Have you seen her? Oh, she's gorgeous."

Star blushed and laughed out loud before stepping up to him and bowing slowly. "I find your humor quite agreeable, my dear Prince Marco." The two began laughing together but a voice shook them from their light-hearted sentiment. "Yes it is quite agreeable, isnt it River? Almost as funny as our daughter showing up unannounced." Queen Moon and King River strolled up to the two sheepish-looking teens and stared at them. "Young lady I'd like an explanation."

Star tried to look innocent as she spoke, but her words faltered beneath the weight of her mother's gaze. "I'm here with...Prince Marco. I'm his date for the evening, and I wanted to surprise you?"

Moon eyed her and then shifted her gaze to her partner. "Marco, can you offer some insight to this?" He stepped forward and knelt cordially before the two royals as he spoke. "My lady, I have taken the title of Prince of Earth as the only bearer of dimensional scissors, and the only one who knows of other dimensions. Princess Star was distressed by you choosing her date, so I offered to take her myself as a ruler on Earth, thereby breaking no rules."

The queen looked at Star, then back to Marco, clearly not thrilled that Stars companion had access to other dimensions, but it was River who spoke up first. "My boy, you have some gut to pull a stunt like that with no permission. And all to keep my little girl happy. Do continue to impress me, young man. And do NOT overstep any boundaries with my daughter." Marco deepened his bow and shook The King's hand. "Of course, your majesty. I'll keep an eye on her and ensure there are no shenanigans. There will be no issue from us."

The king nodded, patted Stars head, and slapped Marco on the back. "You certainly fit the bill of Prince, my boy. Dearest lets head in. I'd rather like to get dinner started." River walked into the throne room, leaving the three just outside. Moon spoke first, with a slight smile on her face. Something Star wasn't expecting. "I'd be lying if I said you two didn't look adorable tonight. Please behave yourselves, and try not to show off, either of you. Enjoy the evening, Princess Star of Mewni and Prince Marco of Earth."

She strolled off into the throne room to join River at the head table, as Star pulled Marco aside. "Did my mom just say we look cute together? And did she just take this well?" Marco nodded, speechless, and smiled warmly at Star. She still loved that. "We got this, Stardust. Just relax and let's do this. Remember, we fought a skyscraper monster that makes explosions with his head. This is nothing." Star beamed at him and ran her finger over his chest. "Among, other things, yes. Cmon. let's go get a table for Earth!"

Nobles and Royals found their seats, and some perused the room, talking, as Star led Marco through the maze of tables. She had a servant begin preparing a table for just the two of them and she decided to look for familiar faces while it was being set up. Though she was met with a familiar face she was hoping wouldn't have attended. Tom Lucitor of the underworld casually walked up to them and eyed Marco up and down.

"So what's this supposed to be? I didn't think playing dress-up was part of this dinner." Star shot Tom an impatient glare but Marco stepped forward. "And yet you still took the time to come here as a fool. I must say, Tom, even I am impressed. The fool of my castle is eons behind you."

Toms' eyes burned white hot with rage and a fire collected on his fingers as a few other young royals stepped forward to watch. "How do you want to die, little man?" Tom asked with cold unfeeling hate. Marco didn't answer, he simply gestured for Star to back up, then unsheathed his swords to his sides. Blue fire erupted from the blades, harmlessly rolling over the chairs around him, and dancing across his blades. His eyes shone deep blue and fire licked around his hair. "I was about to ask you the same thing, Princess Lucy."

Tom let the fire in his hands die down and he took a step back. "What the hell? How are you-" He was interrupted by a manly voice just to their left. "Excuse me, my young attendants, if you could do a good job of keeping fire away from my furniture I would be forever grateful. River walked up to them and shook his head. Marco spoke up and arced his sword in the air, creating a display of fire in all shades of blue. " King river, the fire is alright. It only burns what I want it to." He eyed the nervous Tom and to prove his point, ran his fingers through the blue fire.

King River was impressed but in a gruff voice, he spoke to the boys. "Gentlemen I'm all for showing off to your ladies and defending your honor. But if you break anything," his voice went deep. "It'll be your head." Marco swallowed and Tom started backing away nervously. River laughed it off and made his way back to the head table. A servant then walked up, with perfect timing, to inform Star and Marco that the table of Earth was ready.

Every kingdoms table was a white-clothed, circular table with a memento described by the ruler as that kingdoms symbol. A carver had made quick work of earth and at the center of the table sat a red stained crescent moon flanked by a sun and a star.

Marco approached first and pulled out Stars chair, replacing it after she sat down carefully. He took his place beside her and waited for things to begin.

After about ten more minutes of royals taking their respective seats, lights came on that shone down on each table, like spotlights. Star smiled wide and started tapping her fingers as Queen Moon stepped forward to speak. "I thank each and every one of you for coming. Please allow my gratitude-" As the Queen spoke, Star leaned over to Marco and whispered in his ear. "Do you think this goes on for a while?" He leaned over to her and whispered back "Its probably going to take a while. I imagine the fun part won't be until after this meeting." Star smiled at him and nudged his ribs. "You mean the fun part is after we get home, Prince Marco."

He blushed and nudged her back before directing his attention to the Queen who had asked the royalty to introduce themselves.

"King and Queen Spiderbite of the Spiderbite kingdom, With our daughter Princess Spiderbite, and her appointed date, The Earl of Spiderbite."

"King and Queen Ponyhead, with our daughter Princess Ponyhead, and her date, Prince Grant of Centauro."

"King and Queen Johansen, with our son Prince Rock Johansen and his appointed date, Duchess Stronk of Elkwood."

A normal man stood to introduce his skyscraping demon wife, which confused Marco to no end.

"King and Queen Lucitor of the Underworld, with our son, Prince Tom Lucitor, and his date, Princess Torridity of Blazing Lake."

Marco and Star both stood to introduce themselves.

"Prince Marco Diaz of Earth, with my date, Princess Star Butterfly of Mewni.

This drew some confused stares and some disgruntled whispers as other rulers introduced themselves but no one dared to speak up. Queen Moon smiled at the two before going on. "Now that our introductions are out of the way, we will begin the more arduous part of the meeting. Discussing trade shipments of corn."

The royals spent a little over an hour discussing improvements to the trade routes, increased shipments, and finally, a possible shortage of corn. "If we run out of corn, we have no failsafe. There is no fallback or second option. we should begin setting up more fields in other locations." Queen Moon stared at the king who spoke and stood. "And do you suggest you should be the one to grow it? We need consensus on where a surplus farm would be."

King Johansen spoke up next. "We could grow it. We have fertile fields to grow enough for two whole kingdoms." Queen Moon rubbed her temples. " A consensus is what i asked for. If we need corn from other viable locations, we must agree on who should start growing." Marco stood and eyed the Queen. "What if we already have a viable failsafe?"

Everyone stopped and stared at him. You could hear a pin drop as Moon spoke to the new Prince. "What do you mean, Marco?" He smiled and gestured to the symbol for the earth in the center of the table. "We have farms on Earth already. We have for thousands of years. Hundreds if not thousands of miles of corn growing. All for sale. Enough to feed millions. I'm sure farms would be happy to sell it, same as here."

Moon looked at him, shocked at first, but a small cordial smile beamed. "Well then, it seems our shortage problem is solved. We will open trade routes with Earth." Marco sat back down and exhaled sharply. Things were going well, and he was happy no one was calling him out for not being a real prince. He was surprised when Star reached under the table and grabbed his hand, holding it gingerly. She smiled at him and the two sat through the rest of the meeting in near silence, as not much else pertained to Earth in terms of political affairs.

Once the meeting was adjourned, cooks and servants brought out heaping trays of food to each table. For the less than humanoid creatures, the food wasn't as identifiable. But a tray of hot dogs, corn, buttered rolls, and burgers were brought to the Earth table. Marco eyed the food and looked quizzically at Star. "How do they-" She interrupted him, already chowing down on some of the goblin dogs. "I told em what kinda food they have there, and a little of what I like. Youre welcome."

He smiled at her and leaned in to kiss her cheek. She beamed and poked his nose. "Star, do you think this is going well enough? I feel like some of the Royals are a little peeved at-" She stuffed a goblin dog in his mouth and laughed. "Oh ho ho youuuu, dont worry so much, Marco. Enjoy the party." She chowed down on some corn and Marco nearly inhaled a cheeseburger and noticed that the servants were clearing a large open space in the middle of the room. Some music equipment was being set up as well as a large array of lights.

He poked Star in the ribs, making her yelp and glare at him. "What was that for?" He pointed to the empty area being set up and leaned in closer. "Is that the dance floor? I figured there would be more reserved music choices for something like this." Star chuckled and shook her head. "Oh, poor, sweet, stupid, innocent, Marco. We borrow this stuff from the bounce lounge every year. My parents figured its a good way to get people more loose and excited." He nodded and ate another goblin dog, not taking his eyes off the dance floor. "So, my dear Princess Star. Should we show them whos boss?"

She also maintained a steadfast expression with her eyes locked to the same place as Marcos. "We need to do more than that. We're gonna have to crush them." The two laughed together and Star looked over at him. She noticed how confident he looked as a prince. He completely owned the look and somehow, gone was the boy who had a meltdown over any inconvenience or danger. She felt completely at home with him, even when she wasn't home. Marco was more where she belonged than anywhere else.

He turned to Star and noticed her staring at him. Looking at her quizzically, he whispered to her. "What's on your mind?" She smiled and held his hands. "Nothing, safe kid. Just enjoying the Not so safe kid side of you." She kissed his cheek and scooted her chair closer to his. "I love you, Marco Diaz." She said wistfully. He smiled and kissed her hand. "I will love you until the day I die, Star Butterfly." He stood, and helped her to her feet before looking around the room. "Now whats say we get a lil rowdy in here and show these guys how to party?" She beamed and grabbed her wand. "Now youre speaking my language."

Moon and River had been watching this entire exchange and the two shared a nervous look. Though surprisingly it was Moon who smiled and spoke first. "Just this once, I'll let her have some fun." River grinned wildly and squeezed his wife's hand. "That's my girl. She's found herself a right suitor I'd say. We may as well see what happens."

To be continued in ~ Shake it up

AUTHORS NOTE

Surprise! Double update for all you patient boys and girls out there, Enjoy the second installment of the KOCD and get ready for things to get a little crazy next chapter. Toffee and Vartek are planning some nasty business for after the ball, wonder what that could be! Lol anyways seriously, thank you guys for being such avid readers and sharing your thoughts with every update. I started writing Fanfics because ai wanted people to experience the same joy and wonder I do when I read them. So hearing how much you all enjoy it, it means a lot. So thank you again. Have a good one, and BUH BYYYEEE!

Mr. Ronald Reagan