There were voices calling for help.
The air reeked of spilled oil and something metallic.
Everything was red and grey yet unclear.
A familiar voice urged him forward desperately.
They left the redness and hid somewhere silver and blue.
An engine started, and darkness resumed.
Magolor opened his eyes, expected the undefined colors and shapes of his dream rather than the guest room ceiling. He slowly sat up and rubbed his eyes. These dreams are getting weirder and weirder. Maybe all this worrying is messing with my head... He shook himself out of his daze, fluffing up his short brown fur and proceeded to get cleaned and dressed. He frowned when he spotted several tears and small holes forming on the edges of his cape. Yeesh. At least this journey is almost over. I need to get new clothes. Once he was ready, Magolor sat down again, suitcase in hand. His thumbs absently toyed with the buttons that locked it, flipping from number to number. He was not sure if he would ever see what was inside, seeing as the only one with information on it was the Lor Starcutter. Perhaps he could seek a locksmith when he got to the castle.
There was a knock on the door, and a Broom Hatter servant let themselves in to inform him that breakfast would be served soon. Magolor followed eagerly, knowing that it may be a while before he had a good meal again. The small servant easily leads him through the endless halls to a large room filled with tables already served and occupied by other inhabitants. Lololo and Lalala waved him over, and they all ate together. They were careful with their words and overly cheerful, probably trying to make up for freaking him out the night before. Pretending their conversation about dangerous knights did not happen was just fine with Magolor.
He lingered and prolonged as much as possible, but breakfast eventually ended, and it was time for Magolor to head to the beach. Lalala reiterated her previous instructions to get to the king's castle while Lololo gave Magolor some extra food for his bag. With a suitcase in one hand and a parasol in the other, the Halcandran mentally prepared himself for the next big step of his journey, the step that would take him straight to his goal. Soon enough... I can find a home and start looking for answers. The two hosts surprised him with warm hugs and wished him good luck. Magolor smiled and expressed his gratitude before two Broom Hatter servants lead him to the castle's exit. He hesitated there until a servant impatiently gave him a nudge with their broom stick. Taking a breath to collect himself, Magolor headed towards the beach.
Seeing the ocean from the top of the fortress was one thing, but it felt entirely different up close. It was beautiful, of course, but also intimidating. There were so many new things to take in: tall trees baring large round objects he supposed were fruit, an uncountable number of islands, and a strange type of dusty soil surrounding the islands and the beach. He approached the terrain with care and tried to touch it. Magolor watched in fascination as his hand sank through it with ease and slid between his fingers when he tried to pick it up. It dawned on him that he had seen pictures of this substance before. It was called "sand." He could not find the willpower to stop playing with it until he realized how uncomfortable it was inside his gloves. Ugh... That feels awful. How did it get in my clothes already? Is it in my face, too?! Dang it, I'm wasting time! No more messing around. Magolor hastily dusted himself off and proceeded to the first patch of land. However, upon leaving the grass, he almost immediately sank into the ground. I guess hovering over something this unstable isn't very easy. He picked himself up and launched himself up and over onto the first island. After an unsteady landing, he followed an almost straight path across the ocean, hopping from one land mass to another.
It did not take long for Magolor to realize that something was wrong. There was no one around. No inhabitants, wild creatures, not even fish in the water close by. The only sound was the crashing of the waves and salty sea breeze in his ears. Are they hiding from me... or something else? Rather than finding out, Magolor hurried forward, looking for openings in the ground that would lead him under the islands. He was briefly startled by the explosive fruits that fell from the trees, but Lalala'a parasol protected him from getting hurt. Thankfully, he soon found an opening straight ahead. He peered into the darkness for only a moment for going in, as a creeping sensation crawled up his spine. If something is after me, I might be able to lose them in here.
The cave was dark and humid, but Magolor assumed that it would be the least of his problems. There was no straight path to follow, only a sudden drop down deeper into the chasm. With no other choice, he allowed himself to float gently to the bottom. Strange wooden creatures hastily vanished in his presence, sometimes reappearing to attack. With the metal suitcase and sturdy parasol, such enemies posed little worry. He took note of the stalactites hang above him, meaning he would have to be careful when he jumped to a higher spot. The Halcandran slowly made his way through the small passageways, avoiding enemies, explosive fruit things, and the ever present Gordos. Magolor's heart swelled when he found what appeared to be an exit. Already? Wow, that was easy! Now I just need to find that boat and get to Bubbly Clouds. I'm almost there! With a burst of energy and big grin on his face, he flew through the doorway that lead to freedom. However, sand and blue sky did not await him.
When Magolor got to the other side, he fell. He glimpsed the rocky walls of yet another chamber of the cave before he hit the water. Icy liquid seeped through his thin robes almost immediately. In a panic, he tried to take in some air only to have water burn his throat. What should I do?! I'm sinking! How do I swim?! He dropped his belongings and attempted to claw his way to the surface, only to find himself sinking faster. His aching lungs could wait no longer, and Magolor gasped in an attempt to receive precious oxygen. The sea water burned his insides worse than any fire or poison he thought possible. His heart hammered in his chest as he struggled, salty tears mixing with the sea as he finally reached the bottom. No! I was so close! I can't die yet! Not yet! With fading strength, he felt his way along the cave floor, desperately hoping for an escape. Something grabbed the back of his scarf and heaved him upwards. He felt himself reach land, but his lungs were too full of water to take in air. Another spasm of pain wracked his body, before he stopped struggling. A far away voice asked him a question and shook him. He wanted to scream, cry, or do anything to express his fear and frustration. The pain began to fade, being replaced by the cold and a desire to sleep. This is it. I failed... I won't get a home... I won't see Marx again... I'll never learn... the truth... about... me...
-
Another paranoid glance into the forest. Nothing was there.
Marx berated himself for being jumpy and trudged forward, a scowl adorning his features. He could not afford a break if he wanted to catch up to Magolor. The jester was almost two days behind now, and his competition could fly faster than he could run. The burned bag on his back weighed him down, but he refused to stop and rest.
After seeing the symbol on the tree, he gathered his important stuff and left his home behind. A spare hat, food, and his priceless books that had taken him years to track down and get the money to purchase were all he took with him. He knew exactly what a burned "M" stood for, and he could not allow his collection to be destroyed. Of course, Marx had been forced to leave most of his heavy volumes behind for the madman's bonfire. It pained him to lose them, but sacrifices had to be made. Yep. He sacrificed his books to get to Magolor. That ass-hat owes me big time. If he's alive. But of course he is! Stop it, Marx. He's out there. Probably doing something stupid.
Marx looked up at the mountain ranges ahead, weighing his options. He could go straight up to reach Castle Lololo quickly and ask about his friend, or he could follow along the base and go through the desert to reach the far side to the king's castle and hope that Magolor was there or close to it. Both had pros and cons. With a sigh, he sat down, the rim of his hat falling over his eyes. He jerked his head back to fix it to a comfortable position when he took notice of a Waddle Dee ahead of him. It was carefully making its way down the mountain, though it was not paying as much attention as it should have been. They slipped, sending them into a pit below. Marx thought little of it, got up, walked back a few paces, and came back. Once again, the same Waddle Dee was making its way down the mountain side. It hesitated this time but eventually continued the same way, chalking up its unease to imagination. Marx watched it fall a second time. On the third round, the Dee suddenly changed direction to avoid the area.
This was continuing. Marx had witnessed it (and experienced it) many times. Someone could die a hundred times and get another chance as long as they had the desire to keep going. Otherwise, they can quit and stay dead. Most people on Popstar were blissfully unaware of this. It would be like a bad daydream. It's no game, though. Repeating the same mistakes wastes time, and losing progress was beyond inconvenient. There were very few that understood this ability. Some simply understand it without being taught. Others learn from experience. Marx had known for a long time that he was different. As far back as he could remember, he had a feeling in his gut that told him that there was more to life than just wandering around aimlessly as so many here do. Those who did not fear a few deaths could find adventure, treasures, and magic! He sought these things feverishly, always eager to prove himself. Yes, Marx would prove that he could be strong. Not even death could stop him. A giggle escaped him as he lost himself in his thoughts. He wished Magolor was there to tell his thoughts to. It would be more fun that way.
A thought struck the jester like a brick to the cheek. I didn't tell Magolor about continuing. What if he doesn't know? Who am I kidding? He doesn't know anything! Marx bolting from his spot in the grass and resumed his half-run half-jog to find Magolor. Damn it, why didn't I say anything? What if he quits by accident? I gotta find him before he does something stupid and permanent! Without much thought, Marx began climbing up the mountain path. He could not take a chance at trying to meet Magolor. He needed to follow him just in case he needed help.
Please, let me find him before something dangerous does. Please. Is one friend too much to ask for?
-
Magolor was surrounded by stars. The specs of light flashed around him in various colors. Where am I? Where is the cave? D-did I die?
"Hello? Is anyone there? Where am I?"
CONTINUE?
"What? I don't understand."
YES OR NO
"Huh? Y-yes! I want to live! Am I not dead?"
YES OR NO
Hot air pushed its way into his lungs followed by pressure on his chest. His thoughts were slow as consciousness resurfaced. Something pleasantly warm pressed against his face and more air was forced into his heavy body. Magolor groaned and began to cough up water, more than he thought his body could possibly hold. He closed his eyes again, focusing on breathing and nothing else. Stars, I'll never take air for granted again...
"Hm. Just when I was about to give up on you. You are very lucky that I happened to see you. Can you get up?"
"N-nuh... Not yet..."
"Well, at least you can talk. Can you move at all?"
Magolor opened his eyes and took in his surroundings. The first thing he saw was islands. Off in the distance was a wooden structure that looked a bit like the Lor Starcutter. The boat... I'm out of the cave. Someone dragged me all the way through to the end! He soon realized that he had been placed on a smooth rock warmed by the sun. It felt heavenly on his cold, sore muscles. His bag, suitcase, and parasol were sitting not far away, damp but unharmed. He moved his hands and tried to turn towards his rescuer, but a hand immediately shoved him back into the rock.
"No, I'd rather you did not see who I am. Where are you going?"
In his light-headed state, Magolor thought little of the strange behavior. "B-bubbly Clouds?"
"I see. I assume you're taking the usual route. I can get you there quicker, if you like."
Magolor smiled and mumbled some incoherent thought that left as soon as it came. He was so exhausted, anything sounded just fine to him. The other laughed, a rather deep and enchanting sound. Magolor fell in and out of awareness as he was picked up and carried. He briefly felt the cold return as wind rushed in his ears, making him shiver. By the time the wind stopped, he felt more aware and focused. He gasped when he was suddenly dropped, more surprised by the softness of the ground than being dropped. This looks... just like clouds? Are we actually standing on clouds?
"Welcome to Bubbly Clouds. Now that we have that out of the way..."
There was a sliding of metal. Before Magolor could react, one gloved hand grasped the front of his clothes while another held a golden sword at his throat. One of them was shaking, but it was impossible to tell which, if not both. Magolor dared not to struggle, for fear of upsetting the assailant behind him.
"Listen carefully. I just saved your life and helped you out. You are in my debt now, yes? Normally I could think of plenty of tasks for you, but today I have something else in mind. I'm going to ask questions, and you are going to answer each and every one of them. Do you understand so far?"
Magolor nodded slowly as realization dawned on him. This... This is a knight. This is definitely a knight, and I've been caught defenseless. What should I do? I don't want to give him the truth, but lying could have bad consequences. The sharp metal at his neck made him nervous, causing him to twitch occasionally. Maybe half of the truth can save my hide?
"What is your name?"
"Uh... Mm... Ma... Mark."
"Why did you want to come here, Mark?"
"I'm traveling. I'm just going home."
"You live here?"
"Close to here."
"I've never seen your species before. Where did you come from?"
"Central Popstar."
Magolor's monotonous answers did not satisfy his captor, who tightened his hold on him. "I think you are lying to me. I don't like hearing lies, Mark. Start telling the truth."
"I am telling the truth! I've been lost for... a while. I finally found the right directions, but I got into trouble in the caves."
"Where exactly are you headed?"
"The...um..."
He hesitated too long. Magolor did not have a good excuse ready. He was about to let the truth out when a youth voice called out from somewhere ahead.
"Daddy! Hello? There you are!"
Out of the clouds came a little pink creature with bright blue eyes and a big grin. He had a round body and feet like Marx, though he also had stubby hands. The child eyed Magolor with excitement and wonder.
"Whoa... Who is this? Tell me now!"
The child did not wait for answer, and grabbed both Magolor's hands and easily pulled him out of the death hold. The small boy ran a small circle around the Halcandran, occasionally tugging at his cape or scarf.
The knight whom Magolor was still too frightened to look at clarified, "This is Mark. Don't touch him, Kirby. You don't know where he's been."
Kirby hardly payed him any mind, too busy petting on Magolor. "He looks like a kitty... Can I have him? Please, please, pretty please? I'll feed him and play with him every day! I promise!"
Magolor's obvious protests were cut off by another dangerous chuckle. "That's... quite convenient. Sure. He's all yours... unless Mark wants to object."
The tip of the sword pressed against his back, making Magolor's insides turn to jelly. Any objections died, and he shook his head quickly.
"N-no, not at all. N-nice to meet you, Kirby."
Kirby squealed with delight and hugged his forced companion. The little puff grabbed his hand and began leading him through Bubbly Clouds with the knight watching from behind. Magolor finally dared to look back, catching a few glimpses of a intimidating mask, yellow eyes, an elegant cape, and his belongings being carried in gloved hands. He released a heavy sigh, now both mentally and physically exhausted. The endless warnings and pep-talks had prepared him for a possible fight but definitely not getting kidnapped by children. At least I'm at Bubbly Clouds. We'll be right above the castle soon. If I time it right, I might be able to grab my stuff and make a break for it. Then I can get help... I sure do need it.