Ancestral Nightfall

Chapter 3- Missing Piece

"So...you sure you got everything?" Marco asked.

"I uh...I think so." Star said as she took her backpack off her back, zipping it open and looking inside, rummaging through it. "Yup. Mmm-hmm. Uh-huh. Yeah! I got everything." Star added as she zipped her backpack closed and slung it back on her back.

She and Marco stood in front of the Diaz residence on the sidewalk. Today was Star's first day back at Echo Creek Academy. This year was going to be a little different. Not only were monsters now included in the roster. It was also Marco's first day at Echo Creek Community College. Since he was able to get a G.E.D. early, he was able to jump ahead. This meant that he wasn't coming with Star. They were going to be separated most of the day.

"So...Marco...you uh...excited for college courses?" Star asked, trying to break the awkward silence.

"Yeah! I don't know exactly what I'm going to get a degree in so I picked a few different courses; culinary arts, psychology, national diplomacy. Maybe it'll help me decide what I want to do." Marco explained.

"Good idea." Star told him. Silence filled the air once again as they stood on the sidewalk, looking left and right, seeing if the bus would come soon. Marco bit his lip. They didn't enjoy the fact that they were now going to different schools. They've been by each other's side almost all day and every day for so long; fighting evil and exploring other dimensions. Now, things were changing, much to their dismay. But with all they have been through in the past, they know that there are times when you just have to move forward and accept the journey ahead of you, even if it was something completely new to them. Marco, however, couldn't help but worry about Star being without him during her days at school.

"Hey. Are-...are you sure you're going to be okay without me with you?" Marco asked.

"Pfft. Please. I'm going to be 17 soon. I'm a big girl." Star told him with a chuckle as she patted his head.

"Yeah. Guess you're right." Marco replied. "Maybe I'm just worrying too much." He added.

"It's okay. It's the boyfriend's job to worry." Star said as she lightly nudged his arm. Marco chuckled as he rubbed it. Star appreciated Marco's concern for her. It gave her reassurance of how much he loves and cares for her. Nevertheless, she knew Marco had to go to college at some point since he talked about it on Mewni with her many months ago. She didn't want him to blatantly give up his goals just for her. Star wanted what was best for him.

Suddenly, Star and Marco could hear a motor coming from the left, down the street.

"Well, here's my ride." Star spoke as the yellow and black bus Star and Marco knew very well came to a stop in front of them. The door opened, revealing a green slime-monster bus driver.

"Star Butterfly! Nice to see you!" The bus driver spoke happily.

"Heeeey!" Star replied, happy to see a fellow monster friend at the wheel. She turned to Marco before hopping inside. "Britta's after school?"

"Sure." Marco responded with a smile before Star kissed his cheek.

"See ya!" Star said as she walked up the steps into the bus.

"Marco!?" Two familiar voices exclaimed. Marco glanced at the windows of the bus, catching sight of Alfonso and Ferguson poking their heads out of one of them.

"Hey, guys! Long time no see!" Marco replied with glee, happy to see his buddies again.

"You're telling me! You're the one that left the planet for months!" Alfonso told him. Marco forgot how long he had been on Mewni. It felt shorter than it seemed.