Magolor lost track of how long he had been talking, nor did he realize that he was basically pouring his heart out to the first person he met on his journey. However, confiding in someone that did not respond in a predictable way felt better than he could describe in simple terms. Marx listened patiently to his guest's life story, which did not consist of much. Though, a hidden past and a sentient ship were intriguing. He had read about things like advanced technology and magic before but had sparsely had the opportunity to witness any himself. Dreamland was pretty simple and boring, after all. After deciding that Magolor was not someone to be threatened by, the jester allowed him to know a bit about himself. Likewise, Marx did not have much to tell. He had lived in many places across Popstar but eventually opted to stay in a more permanent place, namely, the safest area possible. He occasionally left the forest, but usually stayed relatively close to his house. Naturally, Magolor asked how Marx had traveled so far unharmed. With a triumphant grin, he replied that he often spread horrific rumors about himself to keep aggressive beasts and prying eyes out of his way. His favorite lie was when he told the forest natives that he regularly performed ritualistic sacrifices involving innocent victims and a plate of spaghetti which he worshiped feverishly. His absurd humor was lost on his companion, but it still made him giggle just thinking about it. Marx was surprised that he had never noticed the Lor or Magolor before. He liked keeping tabs on anything interesting, and this definitely qualified as interesting.

The sun had set long ago, and fatigue was starting to take hold of the Halcandran. After gratefully accepting a meal, he practically passed out in his chair. Technically, he had not traveled that far, but it was the most he had traveled in his life. Running, fighting, and constantly looking for safe places to hide was also mentally draining. Not to mention getting kicked out of the Lor. Finding someone to talk to helped quite a bit, but he needed rest more than anything else.

Unfortunately, nightmares plagued his rest. At first, his confrontation with the Lor Starcutter repeated itself once or twice. Eventually, the memory distorted, becoming slowly more violent as monsters were thrown into the mix. Magolor could not move or defend himself; he could only call for help that would never come. He had no one to call. Everything was out to get him, and there was nowhere he could hide from them. He was certain that his heart was beating loudly enough to to be heard by his assailants. Mocking laughter made his ears ring.

Then it was over.

Fleeting images of bright lights and blurred faces slipped just out of his grasp.

Star flickered in the night sky.

Concerned voices repeated his name.

Magolor jolted awake. At first, he had no idea where he was. He then recalled his ongoing dilemma and sighed with relief. He was free of the sentient ship and staying in a safe place for now. As soon as the word formed in his mind, it stuck with him. He sat up straight, and his gaze flitted to the window in time to see the first rays of daylight filtering between the trees. Free. Free. What does that really mean? For me? It suddenly struck him that, now that he was on his own, he could plan out whatever future he wanted. Getting a place to live came first of course, but after that was said and done, what would he do? Now that he had his freedom, he did not know what to do with it. He had never been on his own long enough to make or understand long-term independent goals. Perhaps that would a question for his strange companion. Marx knew more about Popstar than he did after all. Magolor got out of his chair and glanced at his host in the back of the room. He was still snoring softly, his upper half engulfed by his jester's hat. Marx had not even bothered to take off his shoes either and apparently just collapsed into bed at some point. Magolor decided he was not surprised. With nothing else to do, the Halcandran decided to step outside for a moment for some fresh air. Perhaps that was what he needed to clear his thoughts and get a rough plan together before he headed out again.

Because the forest was so dense, the light of day had not reached the tiny cottage, save for a few rays peeking through the foliage. There was just enough light to see but no more. Magolor did not dare to get too far from the house, having left his makeshift weapon inside. He wondered if he should ask Marx if he can open it later. It would be nice to know what the Lor gave him. With a sigh, Magolor sat down in front of the door. He almost closed his eyes and fully relaxed, but movement among the trees caught his attention. He wasn't willing to believe that it was a harmless bird, not after getting attacked by nearly everything until he met Marx. Magolor scanned the treeline for further movement and saw none. He dared to move a little farther from the house. Still, there was nothing. Holding his breath, he hovered within hands-reach of the nearest tree but close enough to turn back if needed. The forest was unnaturally silent now, the only noise being Magolor's shallow breaths and pounding heart. He poured over the area once more and found nothing but plant life surrounding him. He finally let go of air caught in his lungs. Maybe I was just being paranoid? Maybe... But something just doesn't feel right...

The Halcandran almost turned to go when he noticed something odd about the tree in front of him. Part of it seemed to be a shade of black, and a thick, ashy stench lingered in the air around it. He went to its other side and found a strange symbol burned into the bark. It was unlike anything he had seen before. As a whole, it appeared to be the letter "M," but after studying it closer, the letter seemed to be impaled by a sword. Magolor had not run across this symbol before, but something about it made him feel... interested? Dread?

"MAGOLOR! Get your furry ass back inside right now!"

A very displeased Marx was standing in his doorway, gritting his teeth and barely containing his rage. Magolor was jolted out of his thoughts and hurried back to the house. The jester glared daggers at him the entire time and kicked the door shut behind him. Surprisingly, he chose to lock it this time. Marx glanced through the windows several times in a frantic manner before addressing his guest.

"What the hell were you thinking? Did I not tell you about it being dangerous outside in the dark?! Do you know who prowls around at night?! People you don't want to mess with, that's who!"

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't think-"

"Damn right, you didn't think! How can anyone be this stupid?!"

Magolor was not sure how to respond. He's right though. I got curious and I could have made a fatal mistake... But I'm not used to all this! I still don't know what I'm doing! He let his gaze drift to the floor, unwilling to meet his companion's eyes. He began to wring his hands together nervously, trying to think of something to say and finding no excuse to appease Marx's anger. Thankfully, he did not have to. Marx sighed, still looking irritated though noticeably less deadly.

"Alright, alright. Don't make that sad puppy face anymore. I've never met anyone who didn't know all the basics so I assumed you knew what was what. Just remember to never go out until the sun is completely up. Not a single tiny ray over the hills, got it?"

"B-but... why? Why is it so terrible to be out when the sun isn't up?"

Marx adopted a thoughtful yet worried expression and rocked on his heels a bit. He cast one more glance out the window and then took a seat in the sitting area. The jester waited for Magolor to do the same and took a deep breath.

"Alright... Where to begin? Um... Oh! Okay, I got it! Have you ever heard of a knight before?"

The question clearly baffled Magolor.

"Uh, do you mean like 'stars out at night' or something else?"

Marx groaned and muttered a string of expletives under his breath that Magolor was not familiar with.

"No. I mean a k-n-i-g-h-t. It's a person. People? Whatever. Yeah, they're whatevers. I'll put this in simple common words that you will understand. Knights are very, very bad. They wear tons of armor, carry big weapons, and hurt people that get in their way. Do you follow me so far?"

The Halcandran frowned, but nodded slowly. I hope I don't meet any knights while I'm traveling...

"I can tell what you're thinking. You might see the occasional knight during the day, but they are weaker ones that usually don't cause too much trouble. As long as you don't make eye contact or talk to them, you should be fine. What you have to watch out for are the tougher ones that show up as it gets later. You know the old saying: 'The freaks come out at night?' That's pretty much what happens. Now, since you're destination is King Dedede's castle, your chances of meeting one of these super bad knights is ridiculously high, especially since this is your first time out. Knights might want to talk to you, ask questions, maybe try to recruit you. Don't buy into any trash they give you, okay? Give them fake names, stories, whatever you have to do to end the conversation. You don't want your name getting back to their leader, the worst of the worst."

Marx's dark tone sent a shiver down Magolor's spine, and his ears were pinned back.

"W-who is their leader?"

"The worst of the worst. A cruel, heartless, cunning, scumbag called Meta Knight. Normal and charming on the outside, completely wicked on the inside. Damn, the stories I've heard... If you think I'm crazy, you haven't seen anything yet! This guy doesn't mess around. If you get on his bad side, consider yourself dead already. Because nothing you do can save you; your ass is done for! And the rumors! I've heard tons of crazy stuff on this guy! I heard not too long ago that the king is in the dark about what he does. He goes to the castle all the time, I hear. Comes and goes as he pleases. Poor king, blissfully unaware that he shares a roof with a killing machine. It wouldn't surprise me at all if we woke up one day with that creep on the throne and the king rotting in the dungeon!"

"I-I don't want to hear anymore..."

The jester began to slightly regret adding so many details. Magolor felt sick to his stomach. He clutched his abdomen and stared at the floor, wishing he could just disappear and not process the new information. However, the realization that his journey was even more complicated than he originally thought was already setting in. The warnings of the Lor Starcutter were coming back to bite him now. He wanted freedom and information so badly he threw his only security away to get it. The ship had been right. I can't do this. I'm going to die out here.

"Hey, hey, hey... Are you okay, Mag? You look like you're about to be sick. Damn, I don't have a bucket with me. Do I need to roll you over to the toilet? I'll try not to kick you too hard."

His joke was met with a humorless chuckle. Marx frowned, unsure of what to do. He was only telling Magolor the truth. If he could not handle it, he did not need to be out on the road anyway. It seemed like a solid statement to Marx, and he almost said it when he recalled that Mag had nowhere to go. No family or friends to crash with. The jester briefly considered letting him stay here, but quickly dismissed it. The tiny house did not have much room, and renovations would take time and resources, not to mention attract attention. Nope, nope, nope. He's got to go. No other options. If he can travel fast enough and not get caught, he should make it. He could. But with no experience? He's doomed!

He glanced at the despairing Halcandran, still lost in his thoughts. There's still a chance he'll make it. I mean, a weird limbless cat with no family history and a sentient space ship on a planet with mostly boring people and minimum technology... That has to mean something! Something big, just like in the books I read. It occurred to Marx that he was getting too invested in the life of a stranger who would likely be dead soon. He learned long ago that having friendships in Dreamland was fairly pointless. Yet, he thought it was nice to act friendly with someone again, telling jokes and stories to pass time and earn a laugh or smile.

Marx practically jumped out of his chair, startling his companion. He wore a look of renewed determination and perhaps even hope.

"Yeah, knights are big, bad, and scary, but you know what? We can do that, too! Screw them! You're getting to that castle, and that's that!"

He ran to the opposite side of the house and returned with a small, worn satchel.

"Take that. I'll give you a map and some food. Then, you're going to get out of my house and follow the map, got it?"

Magolor was struggling to keep up with what was happening and carefully picked the bag up off of the floor. The brown bag was a bit worn but still usable.

"I don't understand... I mean, I really appreciate it, Marx, but I don't think I can do this..."

"Blah, blah. Don't give me those excuses! Of course you can do it! You know why? I'm rooting for you, that's why! You have to get out there, and you have to live! You're never going to get answers sitting in that chair... feeling sad and alone... So you have to get to the castle and find a safe place to go!"

"But you said that knight stayed at the castle..."

"So what? Bash his skull in with your briefcase! Make him rue the day he messed with the Magnificent Magoroo!"

"Where is this enthusiasm coming from?"

"Holy Spaghetti! AHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

Magolor finally managed a smile as Marx found a pen and a map of Popstar. The jester began listing off paths and resting points which Magolor hastily drew and marked. He also accepted two days-worth of food to carry with him, which should last until he reached another area where food was available. The sun was above the trees now, signaling safer travels for the creatures of Popstar. Marx practically shoved the briefcase into his hand and pushed Magolor out of the house and back onto the well worn dirt path that he started on. Surprisingly, the jester stayed with Magolor until they reached an abnormally large apple tree in the forest. He looked up at it in awe, transfixed by its size powerful aura.

"Wow... This tree is amazing!"

As if responding to his words, a branch above him shook, dropping a perfectly shaped apple right into his hands. Marx watched his delighted reaction and chuckled.

"Of course he's amazing. This is Wispy Woods. He's like a guardian of sorts, but everyone just calls them a boss. He takes care of the forest. Each area that you go into has someone like that. They're helpful for travelers as long as you don't cause them any trouble. If you see a boss, it means that you are at the end of an area and about to enter the next one. They'll point you in the right direction if you ask nicely. I... I think that's all the information you need so... um... I guess this is-wHOA What's that?!"

Magolor followed Marx's gaze to the other side of the tree. A bright light was radiating off either side of the massive trunk. A sense of familiarity washed over him as he approached the source of the light. The star object that he assumed was gone for good appeared to have been waiting here the whole time. Magolor sighed with relief that he had not lost it and wondered if he could learn to use it to travel faster. Meanwhile, Marx was staring at the object open-mouthed, a million thoughts and ideas running through his head.

"Is... Is that yours?! You have a Warp Star?! A real Warp Star?!"

"Warp Star? Is it something special?"

"Special?! Try legendary! These things are beyond rare! The stuff of folklore! You can hop from place to place on these things. Even fly around through space free of harm!"

Why would the Lor have something like this, hide it, and then give it to me? It's perfect for what I plan to do, but something just doesn't sit right. Marx cleared his throat, getting Magolor's attention.

"Well, since you're good to go, I guess this is goodbye... There's something you have to do for me, okay?"

One of Magolor's ears drooped, and his head cocked slightly to the side. After receiving so much help, it was only right to return a favor.

"Sure. What is it?"

"Just make sure you get where you want to go, okay? And let me know you're still alive when you do. I uh... don't keep many friends, so I'd like to keep tabs on one. Come back whenever or send me a sappy letter or something. Just... get what you want. For the people who really can't."

He had not expected anything heartfelt from Marx, and for a moment he was speechless. Eventually, he put on a brave smile and nodded.

"I'll keep you up-to-date. I promise. Thank you so much for your help, Marx. It means a lot to me that you believe in me. I won't let you down! After I find somewhere to live, I'll let you crash at my place this time, and I'll tell you everything I did. You're my first friend, and I won't disappoint you. Let's always be friends, Marx!"

Magolor waved to the jester as he jumped onto the Warp Star and held on tight this time. Marx watched as it shook vigorously before blasting off into the sky, taking the Halcandran to another part of Popstar. He sighed, knowing the rest was up to Magolor. He just hoped that pep talk would be enough to get him through the journey to the castle.

Marx walked slowly back to his house, occasionally glaring and a passing Dee or Doo to keep them away. Now that Magolor was gone, he was a bit reluctant to return to his empty house and voiceless books. Perhaps he could pass time by searching for things that Magolor had mentioned. Though he did not recall ever seeing mention of sentient ships or Halcandrans. In his distracted state, he almost missed the burn marks on the tree in front of his house. It took less than a second for the symbol to register in his mind, instantly setting it ablaze with horror. Now it's my turn to be sick.

He turned swiftly on his heel, darting back into the forest to Wispy's area. He called out Magolor's name in vain, hoping that he would somehow hear it and come back. The roots of the great tree shifted, sensing his growing distress. Barely keeping his composure, Marx responded:

"He was here... Nonononono... He's not going to... Already to late!

MAGOLOR! MAGOLOR, COME BACK! PLEASE!"

Before it's too late...

Don't die...

You promised me...

Please...

STAGE 2 CASTLE LOLOLO