I'm back! Took a while but um... Show's back and...yeah! I'm not saying much about S3 so far, but have some mixed thoughts about it. Enjoyed the first episode pair and was surprisingly happy with the second pair. I will share more thoughts on this later on (likely next week when the bomb ends) but yeah, back to CTS.

This is part one of a two/three part chapter. I wanted to write a massive one but um, ran out of steam I suppose. Need some breathing room and time to focus on the Earth crew. Hope you enjoy! As always, reviews are at the bottom and for a specific scene, play this track for added effect (YouTube - watch?v=iAYhwnu9ZsM)

Chapter beta-read/pre-read by BBQ, FrostyHawk, Ngame, Meep and EAurelian

The warm fall sunlight hit Marco's face, harshly striking his eyes. Complementing the light was an endless beeping of some annoying alarm. Marco picked up his phone, the source of the sound, looking at it with a leer. "I'm tired… Let me sleep please." Before he shut it off, he noticed the date. "Crap, it's the weekday. Sigh…" He tried rolling out of bed but bumped into a mess of blond hair. "Star? Why are you…" Looking at his chest, he saw her head resting on his, a wide smile on her lips. "We can stay like this longer." Marco put his arm around her, laying back on the soft pillow.

Content peacefulness remained in Marco's room, the only sounds being a calm heartbeat and breathing from Star. After five or so minutes, she slowly opened her eyes, blinking at the light. "Wah?" She tried moving her arms but felt them stuck on something. Looking in front, she saw Marco grinning.

"Morning Princess. I don't know how this happened, but we passed out together." Star gave a glare, eyes nearly boring into his head. "Notice us wearing our clothes still? I remember us passing out after the date last night."

Star sighed in relief, sitting upright. "Okay… Good." She laughed nervously, fixing a strand of hair. "Remember this happening with…" Before the thought could continue, she shook it off. "Anyway, thanks for helping me sleep again. Best rest I've gotten in a long time."

Marco kissed her cheek, rolling out of bed. "No problem. It felt… Really nice." They exchanged nervous smiles, having a hard time looking at each other. "School is today, so we should get ready."

Star got out of the bed, stretching her back. "Yeah, sounds good man. But how is your bed so comfy? It's like, sleeping on clouds." Marco fixed up his bed, folding some covers. "Earth has magic beds, don't they?"

"They say some beds are magic, so you're not wrong there." He laughed. "Mom got me a new mattress after… The thing happened." Marco looked at the covers for a moment, letting a frown gracing his face. "Yeah, uh... The bed really helped." Putting the covers away in his closet, Star just watched with interest.

"I could magic your room up, making it really peaceful and junk." Marco closed his closest, raising an eyebrow. "What?"

"Can't you do that for your own room?" Marco folded his arms, giving a stern expression. "Getting rest is important and you got those nightmares for a long time. Based on what you told me at least." Star made a playful pout. "I feel you hugging me for dear life that when we sleep together… Just glad you got a good sleep."

"Yeah… But I need my Marco Pillow." Star said slyly, walking up to Marco and tracing her finger on his chest. "You work really well as a pillow. So soft." Marco's face turned red at the comment, rubbing his neck in embarrassment. "I'm not giving up my pillow."

"I'm okay with that." Marco hugged Star, lightly patting her back. "Just please, make sure you come in when my parents sleep. They might get the wrong idea." Star only nodded, letting go of Marco.

Star walked toward Marco's door, gently opening it. "Now, I'm going to get my stuff together. Making breakfast?" Marco gave a proud smile, which Star snickered at. "Yeah, okay Chief Diaz. Whip up some pancakes! With extra sweetness!"

"You got it." Marco made a mock salute, watching Star giggle as she left. Looking around his room, he stretched his back. Opening his dresser drawers up, he took out a black long-sleeve shirt and blue jeans, tossing them toward the bed. Spotting his red hood hanging off the desk chair, he smirked. "Ah, hoodie #389. In good condition like always." Throwing on his clothes and shoes, he started leaving the room. Marco stopped in place, looking at his shoes in annoyance. He looked around the room, feeling his body twitch. Gritting his teeth, Marco opened his door harshly and slammed it shut, marching downstairs to escape the room.

Walking into the kitchen, he noticed silence linger in his home. Shrugging off the thought, he took out the pancake mix and a loose cooking bowl. As he started mixing things together, Marco let a faint smirk grace his face. Tapping his feet, he started gliding around the kitchen, letting this joyful sensation take over.

"Let's see what we can do, together me and you." Marco flipped the now forming pancakes in the air, catching them with ease. "Can't be afraid to try!" Grabbing some plates, he tossed them like flying frisbees, landing on the table gently. "Such a different feeling, both of us believing we can make it better!"

Marco noticed the pancakes fully cooked, chucking them high into the air without looking. "Together, we can show the world what we can do. You are next to me and I'm next to you, push me on through until the battle's won!" Watching the pancakes plop with a thud on two plates, he wiped his hands, a wide grin on his face.

Star laid back down, wanting to get some more rest. Closing her eyes, she started letting sleep overtake her but a soft sound of singing made her jolt up. "What was that?" She stayed in her clothing from the other day, not bothering to get changed. Slowly coming out and rubbing her eyes, she let out a small yawn. "Might be Mr. Diaz or something…"

But something stopped her movement, nerves seemingly frozen. "I can't do this alone, even though I am strong…" Star felt her body once more, taking careful steps down the stairs. Looking through a doorway, she saw Marco cooking, nearly flying across the kitchen. "Need something more than me, someone to push me to victory…"

'Marco? Singing that song again…' She pondered, leaning on a wall quietly. Star folded her arms, intently listening to Marco singing. 'I mean, the song sounds nice, but I just don't get…' Her ears rang at the next verse of lyrics.

"I know you have been afraid before, but you don't have to be anymore. No more emptiness to feel inside…" Marco's voice felt like a soothing touch, gliding across her soul and heart. Feeling her eyes grow wide, she couldn't stop listening. "When we run together no one... Can break up our stride!"

Star closed her eyes, trying to think of a picture. She saw two figures, one of golden light and another of black & white. They held hands, holding up a powerful object in the air, unleashing pinks and purples. The darkness around them vanished, leaving a green meadow in their path. Golden light fused together with the black & white object, leaving behind a bright pink heart. Opening her eyes, Star felt a small smile form on her face.

'I… I love you too Marco.' She got off the wall and looked into the kitchen. Marco continued flipping pancakes, singing his tune. Star and Marco sang together, one in almost inaudible silence, the other with complete boastful joy.

"All alone we will never be, the two of us are holding the key! We see today a world we couldn't see before I say goodbye to you…" Star walked in, having a smug smile on her face. Marco wasn't aware of her presence at all.

"One more last fist bump…" Star soft voice emitted, Marco sharply turned around, seeing Star having a bright expression. "Again, you are listening to this." He nervously laughed, switching on the coffee pot. "Why do you like it so much? It sounds cool and I like the beat."

Marco took out the powdered sugar, putting a spoonful on Star's pancakes. "I only started listening to this often when you showed up." He passed her the syrup and a cup of Orange juice. She took it, looking at the glass in confusion. "Music is about a message, can be through its lyrics or how the song literally sounds."

"Huh… The song talks about two people fighting somethin." Star took a sip from her drink and a small bite from her plate. "This is about Tom, huh?" Marco froze as was pouring two cups of coffee. Some of it landed on his feet, making him yelp in surprise. "Hehe… Sorry for distracting you."

"No, it's fine." Marco wiped the liquid off his shoes, giving Star her cup. "Maybe I guess, but I just really like the song. So upbeat and all that." He sat down, taking a swig of his coffee. "What music do you listen too?"

Star rubbed her chin, staying still for a good minute. She just shrugged her shoulders and took a bite out of food. Marco felt his jaw drop, right eye slightly twitching. "What? I'm still thinking. I was in that hell before I came here."

"Star, you are getting an iPod," Marco said firmly, shaking his head in shock. "I'm flooding thing with all kinds of music. Tell me which song you like, and I can get more."

"Thanks," Star said with a smile, playfully pointing her fork at Marco. "So Diaz, what are our plans for today?" Marco held back a snicker, taking a bite out of his food. "Remember your promise from last night?"

"Yeah, taking you to that store." He folded his arms, raising an eyebrow. "You want to get anything there? I will be sure to…" Star waved her hand, leaning on the table.

"I just want to see the designs, could be cool." Star took a sip of her coffee, wincing at the taste. "Yesh! This is waaaaay too strong." Marco laughed softly, grabbing some creamer out of the fridge. "You drink it so dark like this?"

"Yep." He poured some in before closing the bottle. "Want to be wide awake for classes today." Marco let out a small yawn as he sat back down. "Stayed up a bit late to get some last-minute homework done."

"Work-for-home? Sounds so dumb…" Star pouted, harshly biting her remaining pancakes. "Wait… I had this 'homework' too, huh?" Marco smirked, sliding over a folder. Star opened it, seeing various math problems marked up. "You… Did it for me?"

"Considering recent events, only fair." Marco wagged his finger, giving a stern expression. "Though after school, we will work on our other homework together." Star nodded, gratefully smiling back. Marco relaxed in his seat, letting out a sigh. "I didn't expect our date to be so crowded last night."

"You mean Jackie and Oskar showing up?" Marco nodded, noticing Star picking her plate up. "It was nice chatting with them though." Standing up, he met Star at the sink. "You wanted it to be an 'only us' thing, huh?"

"Yeah, as it was our first date." Marco truthfully admitted. "Maybe after school, we can watch a movie with my special treat." Star raised her eyebrow, noticing the grin on Marco's face. "Ever eat Nacho's before?"

Star leaned on the counter, tapping her chin. "Not really. Are they like, triangle thingies?" Marco let out a small laugh as he washed the dishes. "Don't tease me silly."

"I'm not Star, just… You are going to love them." Star let out a smile, kissing his cheek before walking to her room. "Where are you going? We gotta leave soon."

"And go out like this?" She points to herself. "Nope, gotta put something else on. Make sure you…"

"I know, I got lunch for us ready." Marco winked, watching Star nearly skip up the stairs. Drying the plates, she gently put it down, lightly laughing to himself. "Can't believe things are fine now when a storm is coming soon." Pulling up his sleeves, Marco looked at his hands, knuckles slightly glowing. "One step at a time Diaz."

Lying down on his couch, Marco blankly stared at the TV screen, hoping something would speak out to him. After a good two minutes of silence, he sighed, relaxing his body. 'Can't believe it's another day of school. Felt like so much happened recently...' His mind went back to yesterday, recalling much; the heated encounter with Moon, training with Pete and his date with Star.

Slightly laughing to himself, Marco shook his somewhat drained head. "Wonder why her mom was so against me." Marco pondered, folding his hands together. "She had to be aware of what Star went through at that school. And Tom is a Prince, right? So maybe…" The longer Marco thought, the more rage coursed through his body. "No, she couldn't do that to her. She is Star's mom for crying out loud!"

Folding his arms, Marco continued thinking. 'Mmm… I wonder…' He closed his eyes, trying to focus on Star. He was surrounded by a red haze, slowly morphing into various colored blobs, forming into physical beings. Star and Moon were present, the former sitting quietly on a royal chair. The later was seemingly looking through royal documents.

"Mom… I told you I am NOT interested in being courted!" Star shouted, earning a raised eyebrow from Moon. "Did you forget what that demonic jerk did to me?" Moon sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Star, sweetie… The Lucitors didn't do anything to you." Smoke huffed from Star's nostrils, not going unnoticed to Moon. "You need to listen to me, bad enough our connections are ruined with them after your incident but if you don't accept the hand of another kingdom, we will lose power."

"So what, I'm just this 'object' to you?" Star spat, glaring coldly at Moon. "You wasn't shipped off to Dad, so why are you doing this to me?" Moon shot out of her seat, eyes icy cold.

"I had to go through a lot to be with your father!" Moon shouted, surprising Star. She stood up, hands clenched tight. "Please, just… Listen to me. As Mewni's Queen, we need to form powerful bonds with other kingdoms. It will ensure peace continues across the land, something your father and I worked very hard to maintain." Sitting back down, Moon gave Star a somber expression. "You need to be ready for this one day Star, as…"

"When will you care about me," Star said quietly, but it was loud enough for Moon to hear. Moon didn't finish her thought, growing silent. "I mean… You don't get it. It was painful being with Tom. I... I… Lost a lot of myself. But you never understood that." She pushed her seat in, walking off.

Moon coughed, getting Star's attention. "I got the paperwork ready for…" Star turned around, having a blank, soulless expression. Moon was deathly silent at the sight of Star in this state.

"Saint Olga's School for Wayward Princesses. I know. I suck at magic, so… Training me to be proper so I can control it. I get it… I can't be myself after all. Just a Mewni's Princess." She continued her blank expression, her blue eyes shifting to a shade of purple. Moon looked back at the paperwork, signing her name. Marco watched the entire display, feeling his heart ache for Star. Trying to walk after her, he felt the red haze return, snapping out of the vision. Jumping up out of the couch, he looked around in confusion.

"How the heck…" He shook his head, sitting back down. "I don't know but Moon is definitely someone to worry about…" Looking at his nearby backpack, Marco took out a book and started reading, getting his mind off the painful vision.

Star looked through her closet, tapping chin in thought. "Maybe something with red might look nice…" As she opened the door, a small blue man warped next to her. "Hey! You spooked me…" She took a deep breath after mild shock. Glossaryck only laughed, smugly folding his arms. "So, what do ya want? Kinda getting ready for school here."

"Just checking up on you Princess." He casually answered, thoughtfully looking around the room. "How are you feeling?" Star took out a striped red top and white skirt from the closet, tossing the clothes on the nearby desk chair.

"I'm fine." She aimed her wand at the clothes, zapping them before striking herself with magic. Walking toward the mirror, she studied her appearance while bushing flowing blond hair. "If you mean that dinner… Why did you suggest I visit Mewni?" Star put her brush down, giving a slightly dark expression toward Glossaryck. "You are the 'all knowing' guy. What happened last night, you knew was going to happen."

"And?" He answered back, casually sitting on her desk. "Moon needs to realize she can't control you." Snapping his fingers, a pudding cup appeared out of thin air. "She gets the message clear now, so that's why we went." He got up, taking some pudding with his hand and eating it. "But I need to say something."

"Okay? Look, I'm not mad at you about anything." Star gave a warm smile. "Out of all those magical jerks, you trying helping me. I mean, kinda late… But you are trying now." She stood up, straightening out the white skirt. "Dad falls into the same place. You two care about me, and I'm happy about that."

"Did I prevent those things from happening?" Glossaryck comments, folding his arms. Star shook her head, sitting down. "Yes, I didn't. River failed as well. We won't again princess." He warped away, leaving Star slightly confused.

"They feel guilty?" Star said aloud, no answer being given to her. "Well… They are better than Mom. That jerk tried setting me up." Leaning arms on her lap, Star looked worried. "And Tom coming back isn't helping." Staying silent for a few moments, she patted her cheeks. "Stop worrying! Things will be fine. I got Marco." She stood up, having a confident expression. "They have to be okay." Star took her backpack off a nearby hangar, walking out of her room.

Marco fixed his shoes and grabbed a blue helmet he had hanging up. Star slid down the railing and landed gracefully on the ground. "Someone's in a joyful mood." Star giggled and noticed the pink helmet lying on the counter. She looked at Marco, slightly tilting her head. "Yep, taking the bike to school." He holds up his phone, showing it's 7:40 A.M. "Walking might make us late."

"I'm going to ride." Star sternly said, but Marco folded his arms unamused. "What? You let me do it last night…" He opens the door, pointing to the bike, wheels seemingly stitched back together. "I didn't cause that." Marco raised his eyebrow, Star trying to look away. "Okay, the odd squirrel did it. Those things are evil."

"It's fine… But I got that bike from…" Marco was going to finish but his mouth snapped shut. Star looked into his eyes, feeling his thoughts finishing. She nodded in understanding, sending a warming smile and skipping outside. Jumping on the bike, she strapped her pink helmet on. Marco saw something for a brief moment while watching Star but shook the thought off. Throwing on his helmet and backpack, he hopped on and started kicking peddles. The duo started moving, going at a soothing pace. Star held on to Marco tight, feeling his calming heartbeat and warm body. Her nerves felt relaxed and at peace, not unlike before.

Marco himself felt very calm as well, enjoying the warm sensation of Star hugging him so tight. He took a quick glance behind him, feeling slightly awestruck. Star's hair flowed in the wind as if her hair was a literal golden trail of light. Her eyes were closed, soft voice humming contently. Taking this all in, he felt his heart grow. "I'm so lucky."

"About what?" Star asked softly, in an almost slurred tone. Marco looked away, not hiding his proud expression.

"That I have you," Marco answered back. Star only hugged Marco tighter, the duo riding through the cool fall weather. Eventually, they got close to the school, but still a few feet away. Getting off the bike, Marco studied the wheel, sighing in defeat. "Great, the wheel is all busted now..."

Star cracked her fingers, holding out two hands. Blasting light from her fingertips, it hit the wheel… Making more tears in the leather. "Oh boy, uh… Sorry?" Marco let out a sheepishly laugh, giving Star a kiss on her cheek. "You aren't mad?"

"Nah, Jessica busted this bike often." He started wheeling it, Star following along. "I remember one time where we jumped over a huge ramp and the wheel just popped! Jessica was so happy but uh… I had to spend a lot of money to repair this." Marco laughed loudly at the memory. "Oh boy, that was something else."

"Huh…" Star tapped her chin, also chewing her wand. "Well, I can try casting some spells on it later." Marco held up his finger. "You aren't saying no to this buster." He dropped it, putting his arm around Star's shoulder.

The cool breeze passed, making Marco shiver slightly. Fixing his open red-hoodie, he lightly tugging on a strap of his backpack to get a better grip. "Thanks, Star… Kinda off topic, but can't believe it's almost Halloween." Star raised her eyebrow, something Marco snickered at. "Just a day we can dress up as other people."

"Mmm…" Star had a sly smile, eyes narrowed to Marco. "We wear matching costume thingies. Got it?" Marco laughed, nodding in agreement. "When is it anyway? I want to have time to get our costumes ready."

"In like, two weeks." Marco took out his phone, checking the date. "Yep, two weeks on the dot." Putting the phone away, he tightened his hold on Star's hand. "We will make it through things." Star blinked at the comment, before thinning her lip, nodding in agreement.

"You know, I could train you in combat," Star said quietly, causing Marco to stop in place. "I'm serious, I don't just know magic. Besides, us knowing some team-up moves or something can be reaaaaaally useful when…" She shook her head, looking away from Marco. "Yeah, could help a lot."

"Sounds great," Marco said with conviction. He placed both hands on Star's shoulders, looking into her blue eyes. "How about, we take today to not think about… That topic, trying to just have some peace. Besides, we can take him." Marco rolled up his sleeves, showing his glowing knuckles. "I got a power boost and you can blast magic out of your hands now!"

Star giggled. "Okay hot shot, I will take your word for it." They shared a playful wink, resuming their walk. "But I wonder something… Can I cast spells without the wand?" Marco rubbed his chin as they passed some gusting leafs in the wind.

"I remember you shouting spells before casting them when holding the wand," Marco answered, making Star hold her right palm out. Aiming it at a nearby bush, she closed her eyes. "Hold on, don't set that on…" It was too late, with a golden ray escaping Star's hand, setting the bush into blazing flames. "…fire." Marco let go of Star, rushing toward the fire and throwing his water thermos over it. "Phew…" He turned around, giving a slightly irked look toward Star. "Try training on things at home Star."

"Hehe…" Star nervously laughed, rubbing her neck. "Still working on that." Marco sighed, giving a somewhat strained smile. "Seriously, I won't set anything on fire again."

"You sound just like Janna," Marco said deadpanned, fixing his backpack. "Come on, we are running late as is." Star dashed toward his side, the duo walking at a faster pace. Having some more idle chatter, they finally arrived at the school.

Before walking in Star stopped Marco, tightly holding his hand. "Uh, what's wrong? I think we took lunch with us today…"

"Silly Marco, we need to make something clear." She let a mischievous smirk dance across her lips, making Marco's body slightly shiver. "We don't have too…" Marco kissed Star, letting the embrace linger for longer than she expected. Marco felt the many eyes around them bore into their skulls, but he didn't care. Letting go, Star's marks glowed a vivid red. "I guess that answers that."

"It sure does," Marco said with a proud grin. Throwing his arm around Star's shoulder, the duo walked into the school, both overhearing various echoes and chatter. Leaning by their lockers, was one beanie clad girl. Shaking her head, she walked up to the duo.

"So, seems the princess charmed the fabled quiet boy?" Janna teased, snapping Marco out of his thoughts. Star only snickered, elbowing Janna. "Hey, girl, glad you two are official now." They exchanged hidden smiles, almost silently saying something through just their expressions. Jana coughed, getting the attention of an annoyed Marco. "So, take the princess on carriage ride across the pumpkin patch?"

"Oh knock it off." Marco opened his locker, putting some books away. "But yes, we went on a date. It was… Really nice." He couldn't help but release a smile. "You tease me a lot, but thanks for asking."

"No prob… Dude." Janna said in shock. She looked at Star, seeing her morph the wand into a hidden dagger. "You plan on cutting someone?" Star put the wand in a hidden holster within her stockings.

"Nah. Best to keep the thing hidden." She sighed, holding one of her books. "People know I can use magic, so best to keep it under control." Marco leaned on his closed locker, nodding in agreement. "Where's your books?"

"I got it all in here." She holds up her smartphone, having various walls of text sliding across it. "My special guide of wisdom." Marco sighed, giving a 'are you serious' look to Janna. "What? Don't want to lug around tons of crap with me."

"Just an excuse to not care about class," Marco said slyly, earning a sharp elbowing to the gut. "So you're the only one that can crack one-liners?" Janna huffed playfully, walking backward.

"You know it. Don't steal my gig, you hear?" Before he could say anything, Janna left into a cluster of students. Star poked Marco's arm, making his head turn in her direction.

"Want you to see something." Marco looked at what Star pointed at, which was her locker. "Like the look of this but needs some more color…" He folded his arms, studying the interior. The walls were colored in purples and pinks, various hearts of many colors coating the backgrounds. He noticed the second shelf, having a heart-shaped mirror with some spikes sticking off it. Finishing it off, was a picture coating the locker's inner-door. His eyes went wide, noticing on himself and Star cuddling.

"How did you…" He gently touched the picture, feeling a warm smile grow. "I didn't take any pictures of us together yet. I'm sorry…" Star blinked at the response, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"What? It's good. We just started dating and a lot has been going on Marco." Star reinsured. He nodded, looking at the picture again. "But I took it with my mirror phone. Like how it looks… Though you are cute when you snore."

"So are you." Before Star could answer back, he walked ahead, gently closing her locker door. She ran after him, not noticing the wide grin on his face.

Marco was inches away from Skullnick's classroom, just about to touch the door. "Hehe… Got here before…" He felt something tap his shoulder, turning around. Star was grinning, playfully folding her arms. "…Dang it, lost our race."

"Don't keep a girl waiting." Star teased, walking into the room. Marco shook his head, laughing to himself. The duo sitting in their seats, they spotted Alfonzo and Fergson talking about something in their seats. Marco raised an eyebrow at them, the duo waving hello.

"Hey, guys. Uh… How are you?" He asked half-heartedly. The two looked at one another before smiling back. Marco noticed them looking quite happy but shrugged the thought off. Taking out some paper and a pen, he leaned back in his wooden seat.

Star blankly looked out the nearby window, seeing the warm sun shining brightly. "So, how does it feel dating Diaz?" Looking behind, Star noticed Janna leaning inches away from her face. "Mere weeks here and you wormed your way in, huh? Congrats girl." Janna held out her fist, which Star shook. "Uh… Ever heard of a fist bump?"

"It's a song Marco likes a lot but that's it I think." Star honestly answered. Janna snickered, kicking her feet up. "Thank you for being cool with everything." She blinked in slight confusion. "I know you like Marco too."

"So what?" Janna casually answered back. "The kid is happy now. Not much else to say really." She playfully pointed her finger at Star. "Now, you better not mess with him." Star folded her arms, giving a smug smile.

"It's all good, don't worry." Star turned around, looking at her paper. "Thank you." Janna only snickered to herself, throwing the beanie hat over her eyes. Jackie and Oskar soon walked into the classroom, finding their seats in the back. Jackie noticed Star, waving hello joyfully while Oskar tried getting Marco's attention but he was busy staring at something on his desk.

Soon, a bunch of students entered the classroom, sitting down and chatting away like buzzing bees. Skullnick walked into the classroom, yawning loudly and slamming some papers down. The class outside of Marco and Star continued speaking. Groaning in annoyance, she loudly coughed. Everyone soon went silent, making Skullneck proudly smirk. "You can listen to instruction. That's nice to know. Today, we are going to be going over some new material but first, grades from your last math test."

Sorting through the papers, she started passing them around. As the graded papers landed on each desk, Star just rubbed her neck in confusion. "Star, you don't remember the last test from a few days ago?" She gave a blank expression, causing Marco to sigh. "Right, I get it. Well, it wasn't so bad and…"

"You might want to study more Diaz." Skullneck comments, walking away. Marco picked up the paper, intensely glaring at it. A fat 'C' was on the paper, various questions marked up. Before he could get up and question anything, Star just gave a somber smile. Looking back at the paper, so many thoughts raced through his head.

'I did study! I remember spending all night getting ready for this one…' He rubbed his chin, looking at some of the marked questions. Many of them were half-finished, baffling him. 'I didn't even finish this right! What the hell distracted me that…' Marco shot his head up as if he heard something. Looking around like an owl, he was intently glaring at the whiteboard before looking back at his paper. Laying down, Marco covered his head with tired arms.

Janna felt a loud thud hit her desk, getting an annoyed expression from Skullneck. Tilting her beanie like a cowboy's had, the teacher went to Jackie and Oskar, passing them their grades. "C+, my favorite." She kissed the paper before looking at Marco. "Bet Diaz aced it." Before letting out a slight snicker, her body froze. "No… She can't be here now." Janna slowly got up, walking out of the seat. Skullneck looked in her direction but so did Oskar and Jackie, both having horrified expression.

Janna just intently studied the figment before her, a semi-bald girl in a red hoodie. "High school is soo cool! Surprised Marco never took me here." The girl looked at Janna in confusion, seeing her ghostly expression. "You can't be dead too! Are you wearing too much make-up again sis?"

She simply stood like a stature, everyone staring at her. "Why are you here?" It was a mere whisper, only Jessica seemingly hearing it. She folded her arms, throwing up the red hood. "Please… Now's not a good time."

"Sis, I'm not leaving." She walked toward the door, having a weak smile. Janna touched her face, feeling wet cheeks. Rushing back to her desk, Janna closed her eyes. Tightly holding the wooden framework, she took a few deep breaths. Star looked at Janna in confusion, wanting to go up to her. But she looked at the door, seeing the figment of a little girl.

'I thought this was high school…' Star mused, noticing the girl playfully waving at her before vanishing. 'Guess the school is haunted or something.' She relaxed her nerves, not noticing Jackie and Janna's troubled expressions.

Skullneck bit her lip, recalling something similar happening a few weeks ago. "Before I start, does anyone need air?" Janna raised her hand, eyes never leaving the wood desk. Skullneck gave her a nod, Janna leaving the room quickly. Walking back to the front, Skullneck fixed her glasses. "Now, today we are going to cover advanced fractions."

Tapping the whiteboard, she started writing various numbers and shapes, students frantically copying down the information. Marco locked his vision on the paper, never looking up. Jackie and Oskar, on the other hand, never let their eyes leave the front door. After a few minutes of class, Star noticed Marco never getting out of his slump, head locked on his paper. Lightly tapping his shoulder, Marco jumped up and nervously looked around. Glancing at Star, he blinked a few times. She opened her mouth, but closed it, looking back at the board. Marco sighed, diligently resuming his work.

Janna stood in-front of a door she hated; the office of Echo Creek High's Psychologist. Folding her arms, Janna wondered if it was even worth coming here. 'I could just chill in detention or play with my phone…' Her body stayed still as if she was a tired statue. Taking a deep breath, Janna clenched her right fist. Turning the doorknob, she entered the room. It was a neat location, shelves with various books lined up and a faint dark blue hue emitting from painted walls. Sitting in a semi-large office chair, was Mr. Candle. He noticed Janna, giving a wide smile toward his guest.

"Hello, Janna. How are you today?" He asked in a friendly but slightly monotone voice. Janna sat noticed a beanie-bag in the corner, dragging it toward the room's center. Plopping down, she folded her arms, having an annoyed expression. "You are welcome to sit here. Take in the calm atmosphere and relax that busy mind."

Janna looked toward some smoke, seeing candles and incense lit. It released a calming aroma, a mixture of odd scents that Janna smirked at. "Order your candles in bulk, huh?" She leaned forward, looking at Mr. Candle's amused eyes. "The black scented candles work the best. Good for relaxing and…" She was going to continue but soon grew quiet. "...nevermind."

"Please, continue Janna." Mr. Candle asked earnestly. "Anything said in this room, never leaves it." He slightly frowned. "I can tell you are dealing with a lot." Janna laughed bitterly, looking away from him.

"I just want to relax a bit man. Let me…" Janna closed her eyes, feeling something watching her. "No, I will fess up. But I hope our guest doesn't mind." Mr. Candle looked confused, raising an eyebrow. "Come out Jessica! I know you're here."

A faint shadow of Jessica appeared before Janna, giving a weak smile. "Sis, I'm not here to bother you. Why are you so mad?" Janna glared at the figment, letting a puff of smoke escape her noise.

"Why? You remind me of everything! All those happy moments, us teasing Marco together…" She wiped her face, holding back some tears. "I miss everything…" Jessica walked up to Janna, giving her a hug, before vanishing into the air. Candle stood out of his desk, feeling utterly confused.

"So… You have a second personality?" Candle asked with worry laced in his voice. "Or are you seeing something I cannot?" Janna looked in his direction, nodding her head before sitting back down. "You mentioned a person named Jessica. That is Diaz's sister."

"Yep." Janna quietly answered. "But it's not just that. I… I died for a bit. Through using something I love doing." She curled up in a ball, letting herself feel weak for once. "Because I was too stupid realizing summoning a demon could hurt people, chaos happened."

"The incident from two weeks ago." Candle folded his arms, intently looking at Janna. "When we all learned that magic is not just fantasy, but a reality." Janna nodded, sitting upright. "We all make mistakes. But never let that prevent you from doing things you love." He let out a weak laugh. "I almost didn't become a counselor but I pushed onward. Don't let the past chain you down, Janna."

"Thanks." She gave a smug smile, standing up. "I feel a lot better." Before she walked toward the door, Janna heard a cough. "Uh, what now? I fessed up about my feelings." He grinned, folding his arms. "I'm serious."

"I walk around the halls here missy. You have a soft spot for that Diaz boy." He leaned forward, giving a blank expression. "Janna, don't let him push you away again."

"Why would I?" Janna harshly asked. "The kid was a damn mess and..." She looked at her shoes. "He clammed up, even ending things with his girlfriend. Part of me… Misses us being so close. But I'm afraid everything will go to shit once I do anything." Candle got out of his seat and put an arm around Janna's shoulders.

"You two were very close, but you let him drift away, like the wind gently blowing the fall leaves." Janna raised an eyebrow at this, folding her arms. "In order to repair things with him, you must re-form your missing bond."

"But what if I don't want that." Janna locked her vision on the ground, glaring at brown shoes. "Do I even deserve being his best friend again? I wasn't there for him." She turned toward the door, wondering if Jessica was watching. "I wasn't around for my little troublemaker."

"In life, people lose much. But when they realize people love them, recovery is all the faster." He looked right into Janna's eyes, giving a bright smile. "If you need help, I'm not the only one here."

Janna waved the comment off. "Yeah, spiritual 'everyone is family' talk. I hear you. Thanks for the advice brain doctor." Candle saluted, watching Janna walk out of his room. He laid back down in his chair, sighing in some annoyance.

"Seems the passing of Jessica still lingers on." Taking a sip from a cup on his desk, Candle chapped his lips. "Expecting Diaz to show up soon, so better get his file ready." As he fixed his files, Janna slid down the walls outside Candle's office. Curled in a ball, she just took out her phone, blankly scrolling through some pictures.

Janna came to one, a treasured photo. It was of herself holding Jessica over her shoulders, as Marco chased after them in an angered fit. She lightly chuckled at the image, feeling a rush of memories come over her. The small smile on her face morphed into a frown, swiping to the next photo. She saw Jessica making an action-hero pose in a hospital room, wearing a warrior-princess costume. Marco held his hand up in the air, as he was taken out while Janna stood right next to Jessica, holding a witches broom. Clenching the phone tight, she chucked it across the hall before her.

The only sounds were light sobbing and the rattling of a black thin phone, sliding across the ground.

Review Round-Up

Miguel - Thank you for the review! Marco has some self-control issues for a good reason; he has an issue with losing people. Regarding Tom, well, they had a history before the whole 'mind control' situation happened. Toffee is on Star's side for a key reason too.

JoyArchive - Thank you for another awesome review! Yeah, I want to see Pete and Rasticore interact more, so going to have a lot of fun down the line :).

Nina - Thank you! More is here now :D.

Momijifan Low-Ki - It really was some dinner, huh? But things got resolved for Marco, Jackie and Oskar. All's well, it ends well, am I right :)?

PacificaPines - I'm a major Starco guy too, so I get you completely. Thank you for reading! Starco is always fun to write.

RobLebron - Glad you enjoyed the Starco bits and I explained things at lengthy via PM. Starco fluff will be quite common for the next chapter or so following this one, so hopefully, it makes up for the date getting ruined. And your character will show up quite soon, but not yet.

Bedrock Armor - Thank you for sharing that track. It is like a melody that matches a lot of characters in my story.

Starcofan09 - Thank you :D!

If I Could Begin to Be - Marco is fixing the bridges he burned bit by bit. Glad you enjoyed the last chapter!

Kuriyan BBQ - I remember when we brainstormed that ending. It was a nice moment indeed :).

Guest - I've been waiting for this one... Look, I have a clear focus for this project and below is a text blurb my buddy BBQ wrote.

"Marco admitting he wishes things didn't go wrong between them is healthy too. Nobody genuinely doesn't miss a great relationship that fell apart. Moving on isn't learning to not give a rats ass about your ex, it is learning to carry the good things they left behind everywhere you go and make yourself better for them, but not trying to revive that which is dead. Even Star misses the times where she thought she could trust Tom when they were first together.

Bad relationships generally consume any good memories" which is why they are often unwanted memories. But good relationships which went south due to poor circumstances were still a valuable part of a person's life. Marco is just embracing this. Because he is happy with Star, he can be happy for Jackie and make amends. His memories will only make his life better."