To think a day couldn't get any worse… You mull over your life being turned upside down and then soon after, learn that one of your closest monster allies is simply missing! Star shook Marco frantically after hearing him utter the words, both shaking from worry. Across from them was an unamused Tom, instantly getting annoyed attention from Marco. "Hey! This is a big deal dude! Aren't you going to say anything?!"

"Uh, that you ruined a moment I was having with my girlfriend, Diaz?" Tom spat, folding his arms and glaring daggers at the boy. Marco marched to Tom's face, jabbing a finger in his chest. "Try me. I'm not afraid to get my fists filled with your ash." Tom growled, with Marco's fists clenched into thick balls.

"Maybe if you actually…" Marco was going to start but just paused, taking a breath and fixing himself. "No, this isn't my place." Tom was going to open his mouth, but Marco continued, his face showing a very tired look. "Just… Why don't you two check the monster village? I will explore the castle and see if maybe Kelly or Pony could help out."

"Marco, we should look…" Marco gave Star a look, brown eyes masking pent up anger and longing, something she only recently started picking up on. "…Fine. I will call you if we find anything." Marco nodded thankfully and with Glossaryck in his arms, he sprinted out of the room and slammed the door. Star only sighed, rubbing her arm sheepishly. It was going to be another Stump Day again… She mused, frowning at the thought. Maybe… No, not now. She looked back at Tom, who gave a somber look. "I'm not mad at you hotshot. Come on, let's pay that cool village a visit."

"Sure thing, Star," Tom said in defeat, making a portal with a free hand and walking ahead. Star? He never calls me that. Star thought as she followed into the portal. They landed in a very buzzing Monster Village, seemingly preparing for something. Banners in monster language could faintly understand thanks to Marco pushing her into learning some of it for peace relations, decorations of various swamp-like colors and even some odd balloons being tied to chairs & windows. Huh, guess a party or somethin's happening. Star smiled at the thought, feeling her nerves cool off a smidge. Turning to Tom he just had this downright bored expression, his third eye constantly rolling. "So… Where is this monster guy, Star?"

"Well… Buff Frog and his kids moved here a few months ago after he became the new 'Monster Expert', so maybe Boo-Fly might know." Tom raised an eyebrow. "Oh, just one of his friends. I actually beat both Buff Frog and him up when they worked for Ludo. Ah… Good times." Tom let out a weak laugh, earning a worried giggle from Star. "I know we are on a mission but you okay? I'm down but… You seem kinda… Sick or something."

"Oh, I'm sick of something, but we can talk about that later," Tom said evenly, walking ahead. Star followed and they found a monster couple, holding hands and giving a warm welcome. "So… You two know where this guy is?" Tom nearly shoved the poster Marco gave them in their face, making both Monsters back away. Star harshly grabbed the poster, giving a baffled expression to Tom. Yesh!

"Sorry about my rude friend, but we are looking for Buff Frog. Do you know where he is?" Star asked nicely, flashing her bright smile. They felt at ease and the husband gave them directions to a hut on the other side of the town. After giving some goodbyes, the couple asked around for more clues and gathered Intel. Star kept looking at her mirror phone for a lead from Marco but got nothing. Why isn't he sending anything? She sighed, looking at Tom, asking a monster kid something and they spat in his face. He had a hard time keeping his cool, flames leaking from his fingertips. The monster kid ran off, with Tom rubbing his third eye in shame, sighing in defeat and leaning on the wall. Star noticed his third eye drooped, something that she never saw from her boyfriend.

Walking up to Tom and putting a hand on his shoulder, she gave a worried look. "What's wrong?" Tom bit his lip, having a hard time meeting her blue orbs. "You are never this mopey. And I've seen you when you kept being obsessed with me." Tom let out a light chuckle but never leaving the wall.

"Just… Where are we in… Us, Star?" Star blinked at the question, earning a minor groan from Tom. "Come on! We haven't seen each other since Stump Day and… I wonder if our thing is even real anymore." Tom nearly mumbled the last part, but Star heard it all. She opened her mouth to try saying something but nothing wanted to come out. I can't answer him? But I am supposed to… She paused, surprised at the word choice. Supposed. As if, expected. Star for all her life as a princess, knew that both herself and Tom were pushed together by their families but this recent romance for the past six months has been nothing but a willing choice for the two of them. So… Why am I with him, if I feel forced… The answer that Star knew, but didn't want to admit, was on the tip of her tongue. "We can talk about this when our heads are cleared up. Sorry for making you all worried. I know your mind is on something."

Star inwardly thanked whatever watched her, shifting to a major issue on her mind. "Actually, I wanted to tell you that… The trial with Eclipsa didn't go well." Star kicked her heels, letting the cool air lightly brush her somewhat bear shoulders. "You know how I've been trying super hard to be the best princess I can be, right?" Tom smiled, kissing her cheek.

"Of course! You inspired me to actually get better." Star noticed the twinge of doubt in his tone but ignored it. "But how does that relate to a trial? From the little that you told me about anything, that Miss Heinous person is Eclipsa's daughter." Star nodded, folding her arms. Here we go…

"I'm not a real princess," Star said firmly, earning a blank expression from Tom. After a few moments, he finally opened his mouth to speak.

"That's nonsense! You are beautiful like a princess, you act like one at points and really are smart." Tom huffed out in annoyance. "Who told you this hogwash?! I will burn them to ash." Star smirked at Tom's antics. He's trying…

"Well, while that's sweet Tom. That isn't solving this problem." Star started walking, with Tom following. "I mean, being a princess is something I felt forced to be all my life. And while Marco said I shouldn't give up everything…"

"Wait, you told him about this first? And not me?" Tom asked with a hurt tone. Star bit her lip, not meeting his eyes. "Star... How can I help or be there for you if you never let me in? This is what I was getting at before Marco rudely interrupted us. You never let me be around to help you!"

Star turned on a time and gave a hurt, almost angry look. "Because he really is there for me, Tom. And this isn't even about him. That monster party I threw and spent a lot of time on, you did nothing to help me. Just tried sucking my face the entire time. I was stressed out and it had to be perfect. But you didn't care!"

Tom blasted a fireball on the ground, grinding his teeth. "Well, that is because the only real date we had was three months ago! Back then, you were more than happy to kiss me and let me hold you." Tom glared at Star, trying to take breaths to stay calm. "What changed? What made you not love me anymore?" Star just glared at him, as if he answered her question. I don't have time for this. Star marched onward, blasting the ground every few moments with her wand to unleashed pent-up gusts of pink magic. Tom huffed out hot air and followed in frustration.

The tense silence didn't last too long, with the duo eventually finding Buff Frog's hut, it looking quite shabby. Star would know, as she helped him design the place after working with the village after the 'event' with a waterfall going haywire. Walking toward the door, Star gently knocked. "Buff Frog? You in there? People saying your missing and…" The door just gently opened, the hut looking like an utter mess. Tables turned over, chairs were broken into pieces and even the Buff Kids named cups shattered. "Who would do this…" Star shook her head, walking around the house with her wand glowing a faint pink. Tom looked around the living room area, whistling at some of the torn up furniture. Star turned around and gave him a look.

"What? I like it when things are torn up." Tom scoffed. "You used to like me tearing into our couches on dates." Star inwardly groaned and held in the temptation to blast him with a Narwhal. Looking through the broken up kitchen, she found a note, in messy 'English'. Star waved her hand, getting Tom's attention and him walking over to her. "What's up?"

"This letter says…" Star coughed to mimic Buff Frog's accent. "Baby's, go with Boo Fly. Daddy out for business today. Food in the fridge. If emergency, contact Karate Boy and Star Butterfly. Daddy loves you." She felt her hands shake, worry about the Buff Babies coming to mind. As if on cue, her phone rang, with Star setting it to speaker-phone. "Marco! I found a lead! Buff Frog left for business stuff and the babies are missing! You find anything?"

"Well, I found the babies in his office, hopping around and tearing things up. Katrina said he might be in the Forest of Certain Death." Star narrowed her eyes, with Marco giving a look. But I need to save him! He just continued staring. Fine! I will wait for you. Marco smiled and coughed. "You guys stay around Buff Frog's hut. I will get back up and meet you both…"

"I think we got this, Karate Boy." Tom huffed, taking the phone and slamming it shut. Star yanked it from Tom but the call ended. You idiot! She huffed hot air and marched out of the hut. Can't believe him! Leaning on a tree, Star pouted, with Tom following. "Do we really need his help? He's just a human and…"

"Don't talk about him like that," Star said defensively, her words spitting out like acid toward Tom. "If you forget, didn't he chop your hand off? Or best you in deadly ping-pong?" Tom folded his arms, narrowing his eyes. "Don't insult him again like that." Her wand glowed a dangerous pink. "Or you might see a super cool spell."

"You act like he's your boyfriend sometimes." Tom spat, earning a loud gasp from Star. "You know I'm right. So are we waiting around for 'Prince Charming' or are we getting things done here?" Star growled in anger, with Tom matching.

"Listen here, Thomas." Tom flinched but held his ground. "I can do what I want and nothing is going to stop me. So we wait here so we can be ready to face those kidnapers or so help me I will…" Star felt woozy, the world going white "Whyz do yous haves five horns?"

Tom gave an equally woozy look, pulling out a dart from his neck. Before he could do anything, he fell on the floor. Star gave a faint smile, seeing a blurred object, before passing out on Tom's chest.

"Star!" Marco shouted from the other end of the mirror, her image gone. "Answer me! I wasn't done yet and…" He sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Great. Well, they are likely at Buff Frog's hut, saw them in there." Marco looked at his phone and was going to dial Kelly's number but paused. I can do this on my own. Putting the phone away, he instead took out his scissors and cut a rift into space. Hopping inside he landed outside the house, not seeing Tom or Star anywhere.

"Guys! You here?" No answer. "Don't tell me you are making out in there." Please don't be another Lava Lake. Please don't… Marco shivered at the painful memory, resigning his worries and opening the door. "…Guys?" No sound. Closing the door, Marco looked around the porch, rubbing his chin in thought. They wouldn't leave without me. Star might be with Tom, but she still respects my… He felt something touch his foot, looking down and feeling his blood freeze. "Oh… Oh no." Marco picked up Star's wand, it transforming into 'his' design. "If the wand is here…" Marco felt fear and rage course through his blood, his hold on the wand tightening.

"I'm coming." Marco somehow knew where they ran off too, dashing into the forest before him.

Darkness, such a lovely friend. We see it often but boy, is it annoying. Can't see anything through it! Star felt confused right now; her eyes were open, but she couldn't see anything but some very small rays of light. Squinting, she saw through a tiny hole over the apparent sack covering her, a small cluster of monsters.

"Can't believe we nabbed the future king and queen of Mewni!" One monster bear boasted, puffing his chest proudly. Another monster, looking similar to the dear-man that Star fought from Ludo's army in the past, gave an annoyed look. "What? We are going to make our boss happy."

"Really? She wanted the wand and Princess Marco. Not the Princess and some demon punk." The dear monster huffed. They… Want my wand still? Who is there boss… As if answering her question, a female voice, a familiar one came into the picture.

"You are all failures! I need the wand! Though…" The voice got closer to Star, touching her face through the sack. "I could drain her dry. Might make my magic stronger." Meteora?! Star tried shouting but her voice was muffled. She started squirming but Meteora just pushed her back, colliding into something. Ow! "Get the machine ready and…"

"AAHHHHH!" A booming demonic voice roared, burning through his bindings and sack. "You dare attack Prince Thomas Lucitor?! I will kill you all!" Star heard a loud skirmish and wished to join the fight but simply couldn't break through her bindings. Maybe it's time for Miss Butterfly to shine. Star focused on her inner magic but… It refused to work. I can't transform? Why?! I did when… She sighed. Right, when Marco helped me out.

The skirmish apparently went well, with Meteroa screaming and the monsters running off in fear. "Come back here you fools!" They refused to listen though, with Meteora sighing, rubbing her furry monster paw over her forehead. "Rasticore! Come here this…"

"HIIIAY!" Star heard shouting from the distance, kicking Meteora in the face and sending her colliding into a tree. A blast of magic struck Star and she saw Marco, his face glowing crescents and passing her the wand. "I think you dropped this." She smiled, giving him a loving look and seeing the magical artifact transform back to its normal form. Turning around and facing Heinous, she was surrounded by a cluster of people. Star noticed Buff Frog alongside Marco, with Tom right next to them. Star aimed her wand directly at Meteora, narrowing her eyes.

"What do you want with my wand?!" Star shouted, it glowing a dark pink. Meteora just huffed, jumping into the air and flying off with sickly monster wings sprouting from her back. Rasticore just ran back into the forest, leaving the four warriors alone. Star felt a crushing hug from Marco, hearing him mumble worried comments about her safety and never seeing her again. You dork… She gently patted his back, the two exchanging joyful smiles. A cough ended the embrace though, with Tom rubbing his neck. "Tom! You okay?"

"Yeah, I'm peachy. We didn't need back up, I could have faced them." Tom said evenly, earning a laugh from Marco. "You only did stuff because you used…" Tom paused for a moment, before continuing. "You… You used her wand. And your face… It glowed crescent marks. How?" Star was going to answer but Tom just shook his head. "Right, more things you share with him. Sorry."

Buff Frog just watched from far away, tapping his chin. "Children not worried about why I went missing? Learned much." Star and Tom never looked away from each other, earning a frustrated huff from Marco.

"Okay, that's it. You two, get the angries out and talk. Let me know when you get back home Star." Marco just laughed, shaking his head and walking toward Buff Frog. "Let's get a head start cleaning your place up dude." Buff Frog looked at Marco, nodding as they walked off. M-Marco? Star looked at where Marco walked off too, seeing him make a portal for himself and Buff Frog, not even looking back.

"We… We need to talk." Tom said firmly, snapping Star out of her thoughts. She dumbly nodded, walking toward a stool the monsters from before sat around. He flicked some fire into the pit before them, giving some much-needed lighting. So… This is it, huh? Star thought, looking back at Tom. His body language was just depressing; hunched over, shoulders lose and his face had a firm look of sadness oozing off it. "I… I will always love you, Starship."

"And I will always…" Star started but the L-Word couldn't leave her tongue. Tom just gave a weak smile, chuckling softly. Star sighed, picking up a nearby rock and tossing it into the pit of flames. "…I can't even say it, what kind of girlfriend am I?"

"One that's dealing with a lot right now," Tom answered, flicking another fireball into the pit. The embers rose up, particles hovering around the duo. "And I get it, you are too busy with… Important things for a relationship that I want right now." Star raised an eyebrow at the comment. "You know what I mean. I want someone that will cuddle with me, walk through parks on romantic nights, crush idiots at volleyball with style. You… You have a lot to do right now. Being the best princess you can be, trying to figure out this whole mess with your family stuff and finding out where you place Marco in your life."

"Hold the phone, this has nothing to do with…"

"He's a part of this," Tom said firmly, silencing her. "The jerk is the reason we got together in the first place! He helped me start my path of being a better guy, and him 'rejecting' you as it were, pushed you into my arms." Tom's lip quivered, having a hard time saying this next part. "…While what we had was real for a time, and it was wonderful, part… Part of me knew it wasn't going to last. But this has been my dream for years now, us being together, maybe even ruling kingdoms together." Star touched Tom's hand, with him accepting it, giving it a firm squeeze.

They just looked into the fire, slowly dying down, the flames reflecting off of Star's eyes. She bit her lip, pulling her hand away. Tom was going to light the fire again, but canceled his magic, just letting the embers finish their work. Now, all that was left was a patch of soot and burnt wood. Tom stood up and shook his arms, and started walking off.

"We spiraled high on a gust of love…" Tom froze, standing up and seeing Star sing in a soft tone. "And I knew right from the start…" She walked up to Tom, the two standing inches away from one another.

"Nothing could tear us apart…" Star and Tom shared a loving simile, slowly dying as they moved away from one another. "Til the day you broke my heart." Both still locked eyes on one another, each having a blank expression.

"And now it's... too little too late." Both finished in unison, each having tears come down their cheeks. Star sat back down, clenching her fists and letting the waterworks pour down. I… I hurt him. She pounded on the log so hard, her fist went through part of it. I… I used him. To get over my stupid hurt. Star didn't stop, covering her face. Tom just watched, as her form flickered from her normal appearance, to a beautiful golden glow. He reached out but paused, shaking his head and running off.

A red light shined down on Star, but she was too lost in her own sadness to notice. I can't do this again. I can't hurt someone I care about like that ever again.

"So, is that everything?" Marco asked Buff Frog, using some nails to hang up some fallen pictures. Buff Frog shot a thumbs up and Marco sat down on the now-fixed up couch. "Yesh… That was a ton of work. Wonder why your future wife just went all 'bonkers'. Congrats on getting with Skullneck but… Really?"

Buff Frog laughed heartedly and sat next to Marco. "You know better than anyone Karate Boy, love is tricky." Yep, you got that right. Marco numbly nodded. "Speaking of lovey-stuff, where is Princess and Demon Boy?" Marco laughed at the nickname for Tom.

"I think they are having a heated fight… They always have those. Hope they made up by now." As if on cue, the door opened, with Tom having a frown on his face. Oh boy. "You okay? I hope the angries are out."

Tom just gave Marco a baffled look, clenching his fists. I just fixed this place up… Marco entered a combative stance, earning a snicker from Tom. "Dude, it's over. Star is likely heading back to back to the castle soon." You left her alone in the… Marco calmed down his angered thought, remembering something. She has her wand… Phew, okay.

"Thanks for letting me…" Then what Tom said just clicked and the anger returned. "You did what?!" Marco grabbed Tom by the collar and huffed hot air in his face. "Bad enough she is dealing with so much right now but you have the nerve to crush her heart?!"

Tom just laughed, earning more confusion from Marco. This isn't funny! Before he was going to send him back to hell itself, Tom just pushed Marco back gently. "I know you like her. And now, go for it." Marco's body froze, locked in place and body shaking frantically. N-No. Nonononono… I didn't say anything! How did he find out?! "I'm not mad and your crush on Star isn't the reason things ended. Not at all." Tom sighed, rubbing his neck. "Look, we lost something dude in this whole mess of love and whatever. Just… Give me a call sometime. I promise to not kill you. Okay?"

Marco just crashed at this point, his eyes refusing to blink and no thoughts at all playing in his mind. They broke up. He knows my feelings. And he not only is he not mad at me but wants to be my friend again?! Marco only nodded, words not working. Tom smiled, giving one of the first genuine ones in many months. Walking out of the hut, Marco still was frozen. Buff Frog just patted his shoulder, giving an encouraging smile.

"Butterfly girl needs friend. I will finish up." Buff Frog passed a note to Marco. "Information gathered on Monster Lady. Will dig up more info. Come to the wedding!" Marco just nodded, walking out of the hut as if he got out of a war.

Looking up at the sky, he felt something call him, the red orb in the sky that taunted him in the past. Star… Marco frowned, kicking himself for recent events. She's likely sad right now. And with… He just rubbed his forehead. Maybe I can do something fun with her later, to get her mind off this mess. With that, he cut a rift into space and returned home.

Review Round-Up

zeldex72 - Thank you! I wanted to dive into how Marco would have reacted to the news and it was fun exploring that.

Guest - Tom wouldn't just break up with Star over her status, but this would be something he would logically prey on to some very minor extend. The guy simply wants to have some time with his girl but she's always busy 'being a better princess'. Some character logic on his part might consider playing with the concept of saying something dumb to vent his frustration retarding that. But I don't think the break up is going to be based on one thing, as you can see in this one shot.

OMAC001 - Considering how on-point I think I am regarding how canon's going to play out, I'm going to tell my own story while working with what the canon offers.

Budman - I can see why one would not like 'Butterfly Trap' but it's less of a specifics thing and more of the messages it was trying to sell and a new 'layer' to Star's current arc to explore. She's spent literally half a season (plus most of the series at this point) trying to be the ideal princess. But when that's a legit lie? It's going to really impact her a lot. So canon-wise, I feel it will have a heavy impact on her character for the rest of the show, more so if they dive into Meteora/Eclipsa trying to use this newfound knowledge to gain the throne.

allen Vth - The show is not having Marco around for two reasons; he's linked to the love triangle plot thread and they don't want to dive into that just yet (they will starting Week 3 with Tomar (very likely) ending and continue onward with Marco Jr through Booth Buddies for Starco development) + Marco's major development for his arc is starting soon-ish and might be somewhat removed from the main story thread. Point is, Marco's a puzzle piece and they aren't ready to place him down just yet. The show KNOWS Star/Marco dynamic is a powerful asset to the show itself. They never forgot that. And we know it (Deep Dive says hello).

imhere4svtfoe - The Guide Book directly has Marco referencing him and Star do that from time to time at the tail end of the thing. So this does happen officially, just never shown in-show. And I really do feel Tomar is ending Week Three (or at least being on death's door).