Hello everyone! New project a'coming! This takes place right after the 'Battle for Mewni' so spoilers aplenty. I wanted to dive into this...largely due to the rest of S3 not airing until November. Dang :'(. Hey! This will be another 'Quest for a Falling Star' in that case I guess, my take on what S3 might offer.

Hope you guys enjoy and I will try to update this often...but my goal is this to be a weekly story once I post the next to chapters. Want to finish more projects I have (mainly Quest for a Falling Star, Crushed Hearts, and The Song of Friendship), so I promise this is the last 'new one' I will be working on.

Anyway, enjoy!

Updated - I added a new scene at the end to dive into Star's mind, as we never did that early in the story.

Darkness…swimming in a thick liquid tainted black. You feel the intense heat burning your very bones. Trying to swim and find your bright light, you spot a dying star, burning out slowly. Your heart begins pumping dark magic through your nerves, trying to fight through the black liquid. But it only makes you heavier. Sinking into the dark abyss, you hear a soft, angelic voice saying 'It's going to be okay'. You feel tears scaring your face, as you sink into the depths of darkness.

Alone in this dark pit, you spot a lizard, dressed in a sleek suit. Next to him, is a friendly looking woman, having a warm smile on her aging face. You feel compiled to come closer, but a soft touch on your shoulder tells you to stay put. Looking behind you, you see no one however. Unsure what to do, you just sit down, waiting for something to happen.

Both sides of the room slowly get overwhelmed with light. Behind you, is bright golden light. In front of you, is tinted purple glows. Before you can even make a decision, you feel the ground beneath you vanish, falling down.

Despite cries for help, you are all alone, waiting for your own life to end. As you fall, a bright red balloon hovers around you. In a desperate move to escape you grab it. But the moment you do, it vanishes into smoke. Closing your eyes, you feel hopeless. But you feel something catching you.

'I'm here for you, my king.'

"AHHH!" A young Latino boy screams as he falls out of a bed. "What the heck was that?!" He rubs his head and slowly gets up. Looking down at his body, he notices all kinds of bandages over his body and…right hand. Feeling intense pain radiating as he opens and closes it, bitter memories dance across his mind. "I used this to punch Toffee…when Star died." He rubs his head again, trying to push down the somber memory. "She is alive now…don't be down Diaz." The boy throws on his red hoodie and black skinny jeans, slightly torn up. He does notice something odd though. Looking at a nearby desk, he spots three things; a folded up cape, steel gauntlets and a letter. Reading the letter, the boy's eyes grow wide.

Dear Marco,

Ah, Marco my boy! I was busy repairing the castle and having my wife…accept my new eagle wife. She doesn't understand our deep bond yet…ANYWAY! Heard from Moonpie how you took down Toffee. I am…very proud of you. When my wife was at her lowest point…you was there for her. As you was for me. I don't know where you stand with my daughter, but know this, she is fond of you. Much so.

I placed a few things on the desk in a guest room we set up for you…rather what pumkin set up for you. She wanted to make you feel at home, even though she knew you likely would go back to Earth soon. Moon and I have two special gifts for you. A royal cape and magical gauntlets. If you accept them, we will explain their purpose when you wake up.

You TOOK GETTING THROWN AT A WALL LIKE A CHAMP! …Anyway, rest up my boy and hope to see you up and about soon. Much is going to be discussed.

- King River

P.S.: That cereal you brought was amazing my boy! …Please bring some more to Mewni soon. CORN IS AMAZING…but it gets boring after a while.

Marco put the letter down and felt his head hurt. "Great…I'm reminded of Earth now." He sat down at the desk, looking intently at his gifts, he feels deeply confused on whenever or not he should accept them. "How can I accept these…when I don't feel worthy of facing Star." The boy felt torn up after she left Earth, fully blaming himself for her leaving. "I'm sure me being with Jackie only is going to hurt her more." Marco notices his scissors laying gently on the desk, glowing softly. Picking the blades up, they show an image of an older version of himself…and Star. She mirrored herself of course, but she had a more mature face and her smile was even brighter. Marco felt some tears come down his face before putting the scissors down. "I need to visit Earth and make amends soon. Doesn't feel right…" He looks at his gifts and touches the cape. The fabric mirrored the kingly outfits River wore, making Marco gulp. "Hope they don't think…" Marco only sighed and put it on. Same with the gauntlets, as he made his way out of the room.

Looking around the castle, Marco felt quite bad; it was still tarnished after Ludo's invasion of Mewni. But it was looking better, with pictures of the Butterfly family hanging up tall and proud once more. One new image that stood out was one of…him?! Marco race toward it, seeing himself fight Toffee. Alongside him was Moon using Star's old wand and Buff Frog. Marco was front and center, landing a deadly punch through the lizard. Buff Frog was fighting off rat monsters and Queen Moon was towering over the picture in her Butterfly Form. Next to that…was Star. Marco felt his heart race, as this was her breathtaking Golden Butterfly form. Light radiated vividly across the picture, with her bright smile contrasting with the deadly light shooting Toffee, wearing some war attire. 'He was wearing a dumb lawyer outfit though…' Marco mumbled to himself.

Seeing Star in her new form made Marco…happy. He felt as if she was reborn, reminding him of all the suffering she went through. Losing her wand to Toffee months back, fighting Ludo in that graveyard, leaving Earth…they played in Marco's mind as he watched the image. "Star is so much…"

"Cuter? Smarter? Attractive? Playful? Stronger?" Marco hears a bubbly voice shout at random.

"Yeah…all of that." Marco said confidently but soon his head snapped in the voices direction. Star was blushing and giggling loudly. Marco sighed, feeling really stupid. "Uh…sorry."

"About what? Handsome…" Star cooed. Marco felt oddly happy at this, but also slightly irked. Star noticed, so she coughed. "Glad you're up buddy. Had your sleepy sleeps? I slept for two days…while you did for a full week."

Marco's eyes grew wide as if he heard a horrific truth. "WHAT?! Do my parents know I'm okay?!"

Star placed a hand on his shoulder, patting is softly. "Take it easy Diaz; your mom and dad know you're okay. Daddy and I talked to them. They were really mad with you for leaving like that. You didn't tell anyone you were coming to Mewni?" Marco shook his head, making Star sigh.

"I thought it was only going to be for a few minutes. You know, us talking over some cereal…" Marco said defensively. Star snickered and threw her arm around his shoulder. "Glad they know I'm okay. Will face dad yelling at me later."

"Nah, they are proud of yah. Told them about how you punched Toffee through his chest and helped my parents out here. Your mom was crying tears of joy." Marco was confused by this honestly; he left without telling anyone…and his parents don't want to kill him? He was shocked by this. "Though…you did tell…" Star let go of Marco, looking away in slight anger.

Marco didn't answer this, looking away from Star. He didn't tell Jackie, as he thought, he would be back to Earth soon. Star noticed his silence and started walking away. "I'm sorry…"

"What?" Star said in slight anger. "No…tell sorry to her. I accepted things. You need to accept things soon too." Star grew a slightly bitter smile. "I know you like me too." Marco felt his heart freeze and just locked his vision on his feet. Star stayed still for a moment, feeling bad. "I'm sorry too."

"Don't be…I'm a jerk." Marco took off the cape he put on and passed to Star. She looked confused and he just turned his back toward her. "Don't let me wear this until I make my choice."

Star said nothing, only nodding and walking off. Marco looked down at his scissors, opening and closing them softly. "I hate this…" He put them away and after Star walked away, slowly fallowed her. "Need to talk with her parents about something anyway."

Sitting in the Butterfly dining room, Marco sat far away from the Butterfly family, just locking his vision on a bowl of corn flakes. Slowly munching on them, he felt gazes lock in his direction. Star wasn't one of them, mirroring Marco and only focusing on her food. River and Moon were slightly confused at this, assuming the boy cared about their daughter deeply.

"So." Moon said softly, getting Marco and Star's attention. "Good to see things slowly get back to normal again. Repairing the kingdom is…very tiring."

"I know Mom!" Star shouts, putting her spoon down roughly. "Using that new Butterfly form to pick up buildings and junk tuckers me out."

Marco just felt worse hearing this; Star and her family has worked on fixing things while he slept like the 'loser' he felt he was. The table noticed the downcast Marco, with River standing up. Patting the boy's shoulder, he smiled. "Boy, you are a human. You don't recover from being thrown at a wall like we do. It is okay, you rested. Now, you can help if you want." Marco gave a small and grateful smile, which the king nodded too. Moon noticed Marco's small smile and felt she was looking at a young River for a brief moment.

'They really are alike…' Moon thought to herself. She looked at Star, who was slowly eating her food. "Dear, why don't you visit Earth with Marco for a brief time? I know you love the place." Star dropped her spoon and looked shocked at her mother.

Marco felt similar, with his eyes wide like saucers. "Is…is that a good idea Queen?" The boy asked shamefully. "I…I can't protect Star." Star looked visibly angry, which Marco noticed. "Sorry but you died for a short while! I was devastated when you were lost. If you stayed on Mewni, you would be safer."

"I should be telling you this Diaz!" Star shouted, slamming the table. Marco only narrowed his gaze. "You could have been killed by Toffee! But no, you came and tried to be a hero."

"And what about you?!" Marco hissed, making Star's eyes grow wide. "You left without telling me anything! I thought you left Earth because of ME!" He was huffing with tears coming down his face at this point, wiping them away. "Sorry…I…I don't think it's a good idea. I will just visit Earth to get some things and come back."

"I don't want you to come back." Star hissed, making Marco grit his teeth. "You have…"

"NO! You are not leaving me again like that!" Marco slammed his scissors into the table, earning shocked looks from Moon and River. "I spent sixteen years earning these blades. I have the right to visit Mewni. Whenever you like it or not Star." Star only glared at him, with Marco shooting a similar one right back.

Moon felt the fire between the two friend's gazes, both feeling deep hurt and anger. River was shocked at the fact Marco, a mere human, completed the trails of Heckapoo. Moon finally stood up and everyone grew silent. "Marco, you have the right to visit Mewni. If you want to go alone, I respect that. I…agree with you honestly." Star looked shocked but earned a glare from Moon. "I was alongside the boy when you died sweetie. If he doesn't feel worthy of being your guard, than I respect that. Though I think you are wrong too Marco. I know you care about my daughter and would give your life to protect her. When you get back, I will speak with you about something."

Marco only bowed, showing his thanks. Not giving Star another glance, he got up and made a rift through space. Jumping into the rift, he left for Earth. Star looked in anger and rage, slamming her fists into the table. "I defeated Toffee! I can do whatever I gosh darn want to!" She turned into her Butterfly form and tore a rift to Earth with her bare hands, but was stopped by Moon. "Let me go Mom!"

"…He wants to go alone for a reason, I think dear." Star only sighed and her skin turned pale once more. Sitting back down, Star looked at her bowl, slouching forward. "The boy likely wants to resolve personal matters."

"Sure he does…" Star mumbles, shoving food in her mouth without any care. River and Moon give worried glances before sighing, continuing to eat their own food. Star was wondering if Marco was venturing to Earth alone…to talk with her again. The question on Star's mind was a selfish one, but one she would hopefully get the answer too when Marco comes back.

After having a tense morning, Star was pacing around in the castle court yard, largely repaired after Ludo's 'rule' over Mewni. The trees were growing back, with them having various Butterfly formations and the plants were a canvas of colors. Star stat down near some of them, picking a small yellow Lilly up. "You are so pretty." She noticed the flower was alone though, with the other colors growing away from it. "But alone. I'm sure you will find a friend. I can be that." Star put the flower in her hair and smirked proudly. The princess sat calmly near the other flowers, taking in the cool breeze in the air.

"Can't believe I really died for a while." Star thought back to that horrible memories from days ago, trying to fight her way out of Ludo's wand. "My magic...was that evil. I know it wasn't just Toffee being a jerk. I let it get that way." She takes out her new wand, carefully studying it. The one feature she was surprised by, it the amount of hearts covering it. "Why does the wand have so many hearts? I mean, I'm a nice person and junk. But still..." She places the wand gently on the ground, rubbing one of her cheeks softly. A silent humming sound is heard, with one of them glowing faintly red. "Guess it's because of those thingies."

One thought was in her mind though when thinking of hearts; Marco. A storm of emotions started swelling inside her. Anger for him being so against her coming to Earth with him. Longing for having a deep desire for him to love her back. Sadness at knowing he watched her die. That really bothered her, as she knows Marco is protective. Recalling every fight with Ludo and Toffee's forces, Marco jumped before her, landing the first blows. He never wanted her to get hurt... "He can't be my hero. He could die if he tries that." Star looked at her wand again, feeling the bright summer light shine down on the golden crystal inside. "But I was a hero, dying to protect the ones I love."

She sighs and throws herself on the ground. "Why can't things be simple!" Star shouts in an annoyed tone. Birds were spooked from her shouting, flying away. "Sorry birdies! Didn't mean to spook you!" She spotted one blue bird, tilting it's head sideways. "Hello little guy. Come here." It flew closer to Star and sat on her head. "Uh...my hair isn't a nest." The bird seemingly ignored her, cuddling inside her long blond hair. "Awe, can't be mad at you new buddy. I can make you a house!" Star zaps her hand using the wand and a small tiny house appears. Placing it gently on her head. the bird goes inside it. "Can you talks with me for a bit?"

The bird chirped happily, making the princess smile. "Thanks. See, I like this guy and he's dating someone. He knows I like him..and he is my best bud. I think 'Oh, he should be with his dream girl' but part of me is like 'But he's your best friend! Take him for yourself!'. Know what I'm saying?" The bird chirped. "You are a smart fella, huh? Anyway, I spill the beans and now things are all odd. What should I do?" The bird got out of the house and landed on Star's finger. She gives it a firm glare, trying to piece together the creatures thoughts. Soon the bird just peeks her noise. "Ow! I made you a dang house! Don't poke me like that."

The bird gave a small chirp, which Star thought was it saying sorry. "It's okay buddy. Sit in my hand." The bird hopped Star's hand before flying away. It was joined by a swarm of other blue birds, chirping a sweet little tune. Star felt the leaves from nearby trees fly alongside the birds, making her feel calmer. "Let my worries fly with the wind...poetic." She smirked and stood up tall. "I will let him do his thang on Earth. I'm sure he will share his thoughts soon." Star walked out of the court yard, having a clearer mind.