Hello, guys! So...now we dive head-first into some of Marco's backstory. This is a bit personal, as the subject matter I'm diving into is one I have personal experience it, a loved one being deeply sick. Heavy topics like this aren't used lightly, I assure you.

Kuriyan BBQ - The Blood Moon is important, but I will dive into a lot about that later on. But for now, the focus will shift from Marco to Star as the story progresses, with a larger focus on Marco due to us knowing little about him thus far. And his baggage is very important, something personal to me. Toffee's deal is...look at it from his perspective. He is the leader of the monsters and holds no ill-will toward Star. His motivations will be explained later on, with a huge multi-part chapter on Mewdependence day happening down the line, is the time where Toffee officially meets Star and Marco in a non-combative encounter.

Anonymous. MISTER Anonymous - I answered all three of your questions in a PM but short answers; Blood Moon will be dived into more next chapter, Jessica is going to STAY dead but has a role in this story as it continues and Hekapoo is around her mid-20's/early 30's age wise. And Moon's breakdown was really fun to write, so glad I did that well.

LaMistikov - I PM'ed you about some specific points but the language is something I will be more mindful of going forward. As the masterpiece that is BoJack Horseman shows, using the 'f***' word when it counts adds further impact once it lands. This story will blend light and darkness well, with this chapter I personally feel accomplishing this greatly.

cielo2796 - It was a hallucination, forcing Marco to pass out from the shock. Marco's backstory will be dived into heavily this chapter, as will in upcoming chapters too. Thank you for the review :D.

RobLebron - Star isn't getting softer, she is willing to be weak around Marco, the one person she is showing her trust too. That is a key difference; Star will NEVER be soft after the utter hell she's been through. Toffee's plans will be dived into in later chapters but her ruling monsters is a bit much, don't you think? She may hate her family (currently) but we don't know much about Toffee's goals yet to jump to conclusions. He wants connections into Mewni's leaders to better Monster Kind...how he gets this, will change dynamically. And your original character isn't going to be doing that to Star, but he will have a role with the main characters for sure.

Bedrock Armor - When two troubled souls meet, they can connect to cope with their issues. That is what's happening between Star and Marco currently. And the wand is interesting...you will see in a later chapter ;).

Momijifan Low-Ki - Ooooooohhhhhhhh I have MUCH planned for Pete in the chapter following this one ;). Want to give Marco another reason to hate Tom after all...

It was morning in Echo Creek and school was closed for the day. After learning that punch was 'spiked', Skeeves closed the school as one of its official 'holiday' days. So many students were just enjoying their time at home after a long night at the dance…but two specific teenagers were in deep thought. While Star was getting ready for the day, Marco was elsewhere in the Diaz Household.

Marco sat down in the living room, flipping through a book as he waited for Star to come down. Mr. Diaz placed a hand on his shoulder, making Marco look behind him. "Son, today you need tell Star about…our past." Marco sighed, giving his father a weak smile. "I know it will be painful but…"

"Yeah, I promised I will fess up about myself to Star today anyway." He closed his red book and got up. "Only fair after all." Marco rubbed his neck, slowly walking toward the kitchen. His eyes were wide, seeing the entire table covered with various food items. Toast slices, two jars of grape jelly, cups of steaming coffee for each seat and pancakes with smiley faces on top of them. Slowly sitting down, he noticed his mother smiling, giving him a sly wink. "You made all this?"

"Of course sweetie." She got up and kissed Marco's forehead. "Today is the first day we all eat as a family." Marco saw Star coming downstairs, looking slightly flustered. "Hello Estella!" Star smiled, waving hello. "Oh, don't be a stranger. Come, I made us a big breakfast sweetie." She smiled, walking toward Marco. He pulled out her chair, making her smirk. "Oh, my son the gentlemen."

Marco rolled his eyes, with Star pulling her seat in. "Just trying to be nice Mom." Star's eyes locked on to the plate before her, drooling over the sweet scents pancakes and syrup. She took her fork and started digging in. Making a content moan, she looked at Mrs. Diaz and gave a beaming smile.

"This is sooooooooo good! Thank you! Thank you!" She continued eating, feeling overjoyed at eating a home cooked meal. 'I love Marco's cooking but wow, can't believe how amazing this stuff tastes! I can almost feel the love Mrs. Diaz put into it.' Mrs. Diaz had a heartfelt smile, looking at Star like a loving mother would.

"Now sweetie, today my husband and I are here for a reason." Star put her fork down, slugging down some nearby milk as she intently listened. "You and Marco dealt with a lot of real danger, so I would like for you both to explain." She looked seriously at Marco specifically. "As your guardians, it's important I know you are safe."

Marco and Star exchanged nervous looks. "Well…what do you want to learn first?" Marco asked, leaning forward. "Cause a lot happened the past few days." Star nods, looking somberly at the glass mug containing her coffee. Mr. Diaz noticed the pain in Star's eyes, frowning internally.

"I think we should go in order Marco." Star comments, coughing to collect her thoughts. "My name is Star 'Stella' Butterfly, coming from the land of Mewni. It's a kingdom in another dimension." She took out the scissors Pony Head gave them, sliding them over to Mrs. Diaz. "These can take you back and forth between the dimensions, though you normally have to earn them after years of trials." Mrs. Diaz felt the hefty weight of the scissors, sliding them back to Star. "I was banished from my home, as I caused too much damage using my magic. So, I came to Earth, as my father was originally born here."

Marco's eyes went wide at that comment, looking at Star in minor shock. 'Wow…that is something.' Star noticed Marco's shocked expression, grinning playfully. "Just surprised is all Star. Sorry…"

"No, it's okay buddy. Your face though." She poked his cheek playfully, making him blush in embarrassment. The Diaz's snickered at the comment but went quiet once Star had a more serious expression. "But on the day I came here, I was attacked by monsters. Poor creatures abused and mistreated at my home." She rubbed her glove covered arm. "They always attack the Royals, but the monster leader by the name of Toffee showed up. He is…dangerous, with history saying he caused a monster war. I don't believe it personally, but his goons attacked Marco and I. Thankfully, we fended them off." A dark smirk grew on her face. "Even an evil witch that abused me and a demon that made me his literal plaything were no match for us."

Mrs. Diaz looked at Star in shock, seeing such confidence etched across the girls face. 'She had to fight? Poor girl…hope she didn't get hurt.' She leaned forward, looking worriedly at Star. "Are you okay though? Fighting anything, much less dangerous creatures, and demons aren't safe for a young adult like yourself."

"My family comes from warriors though Mrs. Diaz," Star commented, looking intently at her right hand. "I will never let anyone hurt me again." She clenched it tight, shaking slightly. "Never again."

Marco patted Star's back, trying to calm her down. "Mom…Star has been through hell and back. I would explain but…that's Star's choice. Besides, I feel she should know more about us." Mrs. Diaz and Mr. Diaz nodded. Marco turned his chair around, looking right into Star's face. "It's time you know my history Star, though…some of it is a bit rough."

"You listened to all my issues Marco." She takes his hand, gently rubbing it and smiling softly at him. "Please, tell me about yourself." Marco took in a deep breath and opened his eyes.

"Okay…best I start with how we got to Echo Creek." He looks at his dad, giving a knowing nod. "We are immigrants, coming into Echo Creek when I was…four. Right, dad?" Mr. Diaz nodded, smirking proudly.

"Ah…what a lovely day, coming to the land of opportunity. My wife and I lived in Mexico, wanting to make better lives for Marco and Jessica. So after building up enough money through working, we left our home and traveled America. After getting citizenship, we worked hard to get our dreams." He looked lovingly into Mrs. Diaz eyes. "My lovely wife studied to become a professor in creative writing while I work two jobs."

"Yes, you work hard both painting lovely works of art and selling homes." She leaned forward, smirking slyly. "My Marido (husband) works very hard, in more ways than one." Marco and Star groaned, picking up on the implications. Both parents laughed loudly at their expense. "You two will understand when you get older."

"I will take from here Padres (Mom)." He coughed, seeing Star intently look at Marco. "Jessica and I worked hard to adjust to learning advanced English and fitting in with our neighbors. Janna was my very first friend, always having fun teasing me." Marco put on a nostalgic smile. "She was so close to Jessica too, almost the sister she never had." He frowned, folding his hands together. "Things were problematic though, as people liked teasing my race and culture sometimes."

Star tilted her head in confusion, somewhat lost. Marco looked equally confused at Star. "Is it like how monsters are abused on Mewni? Or how the social status of people play into respect or something?" Marco nodded his head, frowning harshly. "I understand…I'm sorry Marco."

"It's…fine Star." Marco gave a weak smile, rubbing his neck. He took a drink of his coffee and felt his nerves calm down slightly. "I took up martial arts to get stronger, with dad even joining me in the training."

"Oh mijo, you did all the training. I just watched you train." They exchanged proud smirks, making Star briefly see her own dad in Mr. Diaz's place. Shaking the thought away, she leaned forward. "Martial art is a form of self-defense combat. You have that on Mewni, correct?"

"Yeah, but we prefer using swords and melee weapons." Star grew a dark smirk, sighing contently. "The mace was a favorite." Marco had a look of horror before gulping in slight fear.

"To change the topic..." Mr. Diaz said nervously, getting everyone's attention. "…my son trained in martial arts, karate, and other self-defensive programs." He smiled fondly, looking at some pictures hanging on the walls. Getting up he took one down and passed it to Star. She looked at it intently, seeing an eight-year old Marco and five-year-old Jessica having toothy smiles while holding up a gold trophy. Star grew a wide smile, seeing Marco so happy warmed her heart. Looking at Jessica in the image, she frowned and was confused. Passing the photo back to Mr. Diaz, she looked nervously at the man.

"Um…can you guys tell me about Jessica?" The entire table was silent, with each Diaz family member reacting differently. Mrs. Diaz grew pale, while Marco and Mr. Diaz had a bitter frown etched across their face. Marco noticed Star's worried face, shaking his frown away.

"Yeah, will tell you about a fun memory I had with her. Ironically enough, this involves Jackie too. Our first meeting too." Marco smiled, folding his hands together. Mr. and Mrs. Diaz had surprised expressions, this being the first time Marco willingly opened up about Jessica since her passing. He turned to face Star, taking her hand and looking right into her blue eyes. "It happened a few years back when I was ten years old."

Six Years Ago, Echo Creek Park

The sun was shining down in Echo Creek, allowing a light breeze to flow through the air. Marco had a small smile on his face, hearing the sounds of his little sister making 'phew phew' sounds. He was holding her upon his shoulders, Jessica kicking her legs lightly. "Come on, ease up little tío (bugger). You know your bro has some issues holding you sometimes."

Jessica slouched forward, letting her head rest upon Marco's brown hair. "But bro, I want to play already. Getting bored…" The two hear laughter on their right, with Janna walking next to Marco and ruffling Jessica's long brown hair.

"You want to raise the dead with your big sis?" Janna teased, causing Jessica's eyes to twinkle. A loud groan from Marco silenced Janna, making her laugh loudly. "You are no fun, Diaz…"

"I don't want to see zombies at my doorstep again…though it was fun having that one dude haunt Alfonzo for a bit." The three laughed in unison. Wiping a joyful tear away, Marco noticed the park was only feet away. "Before we get to the park, do you know the rules?"

Jessica rolled her green eyes, folding her arms with some sass. "Yeah yeah…" She held out her hand, counting down on her fingers. "Don't talk to strangers, stay within eye sight, and kick jerks in the…" Janna grinned playfully but Marco's stern glare made Jessica sigh. "…shins if they bother me. Is that it?" She held up her hand. Marco smirked, kneeling on the ground and meeting her at eye level.

"You might be missing one." Jessica only shook her head, smiling contently. Marco kissed her forehead and pulled Jessica into a tight hug. "Call your big bro when you're ready for playing tag or something. Have fun, okay?"

"Okay." She spotted the swing and dashed toward it. "But push me! Push me!" Marco rolled his eyes and walked toward Jessica. He pushed her gently, seeing the red-hoodie wearing girl swing back and forth gracefully. Loud giggles took the air waves, causing Marco to don a brotherly grin of joy.

"You're such a dork Marco," Janna commented, leaning a pole holding up the swing set. "She can do that alone you know."

"You know how dangerous that is?! If I don't push her at the right speeds, she could fall off and get hurt! Not to mention get infected by scars and stuff." Jessica snickered, watching Marco talk to Janna.

"Bro! You got the safety kit in your fanny pack?" She teased, making Janna grin. Marco had a blank expression, letting Jessica gently swing back into Marco's arms. "Whaaaaat? I was just joking."

"Let your 'big sis' push you for a bit." Marco gave a small smile to Jessica before walking to the nearby bench, sitting down and watching intently at the two. Janna only shook her head and pushed Jessica with one hand. Marco couldn't make out much of their talk but smiled seeing his sister and best friend bond like they always do. 'So happy Janna's around…' He looked up at the sun, shining down on Jessica. Seeing her swing in the air made Marco smile but a frown soon formed, realizing her skin looked paler lately and she slept longer. 'She's just tired…school is draining after all.' Marco looked at skating area near the park, sighing longingly at a blond girl that kick-flipped a board into the blue skies.

Practically flying in the air on that magical board of hers, Jackie smirked joyfully as she landed on the ground, pumping up her arm at pulling off the trick. She tripped over though, rubbing her helmet-covered head sheepishly. Marco always found Jackie cute, seeing her every time he took Jessica to the park. Part of Marco wanted to know more about Jackie but his instincts told him not to. 'She might be like everyone else…just teasing you because you're 'different' and 'strange'. He looked at Jessica and Janna, smiling through some form of relief. 'I have my sister and Janna. That's more than enough.' Marco got up but his heart froze in fear. Jessica swung so high in the air, she lost her grip from the chains.

"JESSICA!" Marco and Janna shouted in unison in fear and panic. They raced in different directions, seeing the joyful girl flying in the air. Marco was horrified, silently cursing himself. He ran like a speeding bullet, seeing Jessica fly toward the skate park. He jumped off the nearby bench, catching Jessica within his arms but felt the hard ground hit hard. Marco felt the world go black, but he soon opened his eyes, seeing the joyful Jessica squeal in pride.

"My bro was a super hero! Thank you for catching me!" Marco blinked a few times, soon feeling the pain wash across him. Slowly getting up, two figures took his interest. Janna had a relieved expression but Jackie of all people looked at Marco. He felt his heart freeze and body stiffen up. "Bro…you…holding…me…tight…" Marco snapped out of this trance, letting Jessica go.

"S-Sorry…" He looked at Jessica intently, feeling some anger come over him. "You need to be more careful! If Janna and I weren't around…" Jessica waved her hand as if nothing happened. "Please…be more careful. Did you get any cuts? Scrapes? Buses?"

"No bro! Geez, calm down, would ya?" She pouted, but Marco didn't pay attention. Taking out his medical kit from a hidden fanny pack, he put a small colorful Band-Aid on Jessica's knee. Kissing it, she smirked joyfully, hugging Marco. "Thanks, Marco, feel muccccch better." She turned around, seeing a giggling Jackie look at them. "You are the pretty skater girl my brother likes a lot! Marco, you have to talk to her!"

Marco looked at Jackie horrified, feeling his entire face heat up like a ripe tomato. Janna was practically rolling on the ground in utter laughter, made better with Jessica holding on to Marco's leg, looking like the little angel she was. Jackie only took in everything, growing a large grin. "Oh, so you do like me Safe Kid? Thought all the starring was just you admiring my sick skills."

"Ijustthinkyoulookprettyandcoolandkindand…" Marco punched his face, trying to calm his burning nerves. "S-Sorry…Uh, my sister is just joking around. Likes to tease me sometimes." He nervously laughed. Jackie gave a knowing smile, kneeling down to check on Jessica.

"Sure you are joking around." She ruffed Jessica hair, making the little girl give a playful pout. "You are adorable. Tell me, what is Marco like?" Jessica jumped around like a little spring, blabbering about everything. Marco groaned loudly, rubbing his forehead in both horror and annoyance.

"At least she's okay Marco," Janna comments seriously, making Marco nod. "And maybe you will finally get somewhere with Jackie now, so win-win?" Marco picked up Janna's voice hitching slightly but thought nothing of it.

"Yeah, you're right. Even if she doesn't like me back, happy Jessica can make a new friend." He gave a small frown. "Her classmates aren't nice o her, even after being here for years." Janna rubbed Marco's back in understanding.

"Come on, let's catch up to those two before Jessica blurts out the thing." Marco's eyes shot wide open, running like lightning after Jessica and Jackie. Janna shook her head and grinned, following her best friend.

Present Day

"…And not long after that day, Jessica was more careful playing in the park." Star raised an eyebrow, making Marco sigh. "Regarding Jackie, we remained friends for a while though after a school dance when we were around…12 years old, the two of us started going out."

"That's really sweet." Star smiled, laying back in her chair and taking a bite out of her food. "Jessica sounded a lot like me. Playful and trouble making before…you-know-what happened." She put her fork down, rubbing her arm. "There…is more though, huh?"

Mrs. Diaz gave a somber expression to Mr. Diaz, with the man getting up and leaving to get something. He came back, passing a folder to Star. She opened it, seeing all kinds of words and phrases, things Star never even heard of before. Marco closed the folder, having a pained look on his face. "She had Stage 3 Stomach Cancer, something none of us fully understood. When Jessica lost her appetite, even to her favorite nachos I used to make for her…that really confused me. But during one date with Jackie, we heard loud crying from the bathroom. Jackie and I raced toward the noise, seeing Jessica huddled over a toilet, coughing up blood and moaning from pain. I called up mom right away, but went to the hospital with Jackie not long after the call."

Star was silent, unsure what to even say. "But…don't you…heal illnesses with magic?" The entire table gave a bitter look before laughing darkly. "Magic heals though…I helped heal Janna and Marco after Tom attacked us after all…"

"Star…Earth isn't like Mewni…I think at least." Marco said delicately, being mindful of his word choice. "We have medication and operations that help treat sicknesses. As history went on, we were able to cure and treat all kinds of illnesses. Cancer though is something humanity never got rid of. Just…made the pain it causes not hurt as much." Marco clenched his right hand into a fist, shaking slightly. "Gutting the illness out like a dead fish doesn't work, as it only grows back."

"Dark Magic Infection…" Star said in horror, making Marco raise an eyebrow. "Sorry, this 'cancer' reminds me of how dark magic can infect someone, slowly killing them over time." Marco only gave a bitter smile.

"Thank you for understanding Star. It really means a lot you are listening to my family's story." Star gave an understanding nod, with the two turning back to the Diaz's. "Should we tell Star about Jessica's treatments?"

"That's up to you Miho." Mr. Diaz answered back, taking a slug of his coffee and eating slightly cold toast. "If you have any questions Star, we will try to answer them. Earth and Mewni are clearly different, so please, we can explain things."

Star nodded, looking back at Marco. "What are these 'treatments' anyway?" Marco rubbed his arm, unsure what to say next. Taking a deep breath, he clasped his hands together, looking into his plate.

"How do you feel about being hooked up to machines for hours on end?" Star's face paled, recalling the Reformation Chamber. "If you don't want to hear this, tell me please." Star shook her head, trying to ease her shaky nerves. "Okay, if you are sure. So, after Jessica was diagnosed and got a major operation, she started chemotherapy and radiation treatments…"

Three Years Ago, Echo Creek Children's Hospital

"Brother...my arm itches," Jessica said weakly, lightly tugging on her hospital gown. "I want to go home already…been here for weeks!" Marco only held her hand, his brown eyes locked with her green ones. Jessica saw the pain within Marco's eyes, growing silent. "Sorry brother, I…"

"No, you are sick and this situation sucks. You're the one with these machines hooked up to you, not me. You have every right to be bitter…you could be playing with friends, eating Nachos with me… I'm so sorry." Marco tightly held her hand, leaning over her bed side.

Jackie and Janna walked into the room, seeing the familiar sight of a somber Marco and weak-looking Jessica. Jackie put on a smile, waving hello. "Hey, little dude. How are you holding up?" Marco got up, wiping his eyes of any loose tears. He got out of the room, trying to get two chairs for his best friend and girlfriend.

"Really tired…it's like, these machines pump acid into my arms. It sucks guys…" Jessica noticed Janna, leaning on the wall and folding her arms together. "Hey, sis. Did you tease my brother a lot?"

Janna rolled her eyes and gave a playful smile toward Jessica. "He's less of a sour sport lately but got a few good digs at him." She leaned in close to her ear. "Saw him making out with blondie over there and took pictures." Janna showed the photo quickly before hiding it away again. "His face when I took this was gold."

Jackie pouted, shaking her head in slight disappointment. "Girl, I heard everything you just said, okay?" Janna and Jessica burst into laughter, making Jackie smile at seeing her friends happy. Jessica soon started coughing loudly, silencing Janna on the spot. "You okay Jessica?"

"I'm fine guys! Just because I'm sick doesn't mean I'm helpless." She looked at the closed window, wanting to feel the air brush against the remaining hair on her head. "I'm not helpless…"

"You're not though." She turned to her left, seeing Marco grab two extra chairs. Placing them down, Janna and Jackie sat in them as he got closer to Jessica. He took her hand, giving it a firm squeeze. "You are Jessica Ubaldo Diaz. NO Diaz is weak. Remember us both earning black belts? Kicking that bullies butt for teasing you a few years back? Or better yet, you beat me at video games all the time."

Jessica gave a loving smile, kissing Marco's hand. "I know bro. Just…sick of this is all." Marco nodded in agreement, sitting down finally. He rubbed his head in frustration, thinking about everything. "You okay bro?"

"What? No, you can't ask me that Jessica." Marco said with a smile. "Just focus on recovering." Jackie gave a worried look, with Marco shooting a bitter frown back. "I said I'm fine."

Jackie folded her arms, not convinced in the slightest. "Sure you are, working yourself ragged with school and coming here every single day. Can't you just rest for once?" Marco just got up, gritting his teeth and marching out of the room. Jackie sighed and looked at Jessica. "He's fine. Just…don't mind him." She got up and once out of Jessica's eyesight, pushed Marco harshly. "What's your problem?"

"My problem? What's your problem?!" Marco hissed, feeling his entire body shake. "My sister might die, I'm failing every subject at school, my anxiety keeps acting up and I'm scared." Marco slid down the wall he was leaning on, curled up in a ball. "Sorry for snapping…you don't deserve that."

Jackie put on a smile, patting Marco's back. "Dude, it's okay. You got a shitty hand…but your sister got a worse one. She should be home and be having fun. Way too young to suffer like this." Marco nods somberly, digging his head deeper within his knees. "Come here, you dork." She hugged Marco. He held on to Jackie tight, finally letting out his pent-up emotions. Her white long-sleeve shirt was covered with his tears. Jackie only rubbed her boyfriend's back, unsure what to even do anymore. They let go and silently walked into Jessica's room again. Janna was watching a TV show about a boy going on adventures with his talking dog alongside Jessica. She was soundly sleeping, holding Janna's hand tightly.

"Marco…hero…protect…" Jessica mumbled in her sleep. Marco grabbed her other free hand, smiling, seeing her calmed face as if she felt his presence in the room. "Hero…adventures…"

"We will go on adventures soon. Just rest sis." Marco watched the show, feeling a lone tear come down his right cheek. Janna mirrored Marco, but the tear was laced with more anger than anything else. Jackie just watched Marco, wondering how he's dealing with all this.

Present Day

Marco wiped his now tear covered face, growing silent after explaining that moment in his life. Star only rubbed her arm, not sure how to respond. 'I never connected with family, or had been that sick before.' Star only patted Marco's back, feeling her own hands get shaky. "I…don't fully understand, but I'm sorry."

"It's okay Star." Marco said with a somber smile. "But…I don't feel strong enough to continue talking about this. Would it be okay if…" Star just tackled Marco into a hug, both falling out of their chairs. Star was now holding Marco like a small child, feeling her body grow warm.

"You talk when you're read…" She brushed his soft brown hair, feeling Marco's body stop shaking and grow more relaxed. Mr. and Mrs. Diaz looked at each other in shock, seeing the two teens now in a loving huddled ball.

"Remember when we were like that dear?" Mrs. Diaz comments, finishing her coffee and food. Mr. Diaz nods, walking toward the two teens. "Hey…why don't you get cozy and sit on the couch." Star nodded and picked up Marco. "You can put him down Star…"

"Oh…sorry." She put Marco down gently, noticing his beat red face. Throwing up his red hoodie, he darted to the couch. Star nervously laughed and looked at the Diaz's. "Thank you for the meal and…explaining things to me."

"Thank Marco sweetie." Mrs. Diaz replied, picking up the dishes. "He never opened up to anyone after Jessica's passing. You really left an impact on him…don't hurt him, okay?" Star nodded and helped with the other dishes. "No, you go to the living room."

"After I help you clean up. I spent two damn years learning how to be a 'proper' princess, I might as well make good use of it somehow." Star balanced the left over trays and utensils, on one hand, nearly gliding toward the sink. Washing them with ease, she passed the towel over to Mrs. Diaz. "Thank you again." Walking toward the couch, Mrs. Diaz saw herself within Star for a moment, growing a large grin. As she was drying the dishes, Mrs. Diaz couldn't help but think about the girl's future with her son.

Marco sighed contently, looking at the blank TV before him. "It's like…"

"A massive weight is lifted off your shoulders?" Star finished, jumping right next to Marco. "That's how I felt when you let me unload all my baggage on to you buddy." Marco rubbed his arm sheepishly, showing a toothy smile to Star. "When you're ready, tell me everything else, okay?"

"Alright. Same goes to you too Star." She gave an understanding smile, resting her head upon Marco's shoulders. "So what's the plan for today?"

"You two learning magic that's what." They nearly jumped, seeing Glossaryck pop-up, sitting on the table relaxed. "Today is important for Star, as she must master her Butterfly Form. Now, I could focus on other lessons but due to her age, it's important this form is mastered soon."

"Ugh…really?" Star comments, folding her arms together and glaring at her mentor. "I mastered it already! Why show the form again?" Glossaryck looks at Star in shock, for once in his life, being really surprised. "Yeah, I mastered it already. So what?"

"You…you must go through Mewberty first though..." He gulped, slightly nervous now. "Can you show me the form princess?" Star shook her head, making Glossaryck raise an eyebrow. "Why not?"

"Because I look gross in that form." Marco scoffed, elbowing Star playfully.

"You look beautiful no matter what Star, so…" He covered his mouth, lightly punching his face. "Damn it…sorry, didn't mean to be so forward there. Just…don't be down on yourself. When I picture the word 'Butterfly' matched with your style, I'm sure you look amazing."

Star's face was bright red, hearts glowing vividly. 'You really know what to say, huh Diaz?' She sighed and got up. "Okay…but you two better not laugh." Marco and Glossaryck nodded in unison. "Here goes nothing."

She folded her hands together as if she was praying. Star's skin went from its pale complexion to a dark purple, but bruises soon appeared all over her body. Tiny stumps that appear to be former arms popped from her sides, showing stitches and scar marks at the very tips of them. Her back had tiny wings pop out, making small tares in her white long-sleeve shirt. The wings themselves were pure black, with large holes clearly visible. Star opened her eyes, with pupils now replaced with broken hearts.

Glossaryck nearly choked in horror. "WHAT?!" He hovered all around Star, taking in her form. "No…nonononono…the butterfly form should never be this tainted. There must be a reason for this…magic corruption? No, I would notice that." Marco heard Glossaryck mumble unintelligible comments but his eyes couldn't look away from Star.

'She looks…like a ravage rose.' He clenched his fists and punched the armrest. "Who. Hurt. You." Marco ordered, not asked, Star to answer. She sat back down, playing with the stubs beneath her arms.

"Ready to learn how Saint O's made an example out of me?" Marco places a hand on Star's shoulder, giving an apologetic look. "I'm not mad at you Marco, but…to understand why I look this broken, you should know what caused this."

"You're sure?" Star nods. Glossaryck sat down on Marco's shoulder, intently listening to every word Star was about to say. She curled up into a ball, feeling her torn wings hug her body.

"It was during my first six months when being placed into the school…"