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Marx sighed as he walked along the trail, effortlessly balancing a box on his head. It was a gift from Kirby to Magolor. He wanted Marx to head over to the magician's place and give it to him for some stupid reason. He was meant to give Magolor the gift when he came over, but that never ended up happening, which made Kirby worried about him. So he sent the jester off to deliver it, hoping it might help him feel better.
"What a waste of my time. He could have just waited until the next time he'd visit. It's not like he desperately needs a plushie right away."
Kirby could be so dumb sometimes. But that is what Marx likes about him. Makes it easier to mess with him. But he most likely also worried about Magolor and wanted to make sure he was fine, because he's way too mushy and caring.
That is, unfortunately, also why Marx likes him. And why he bothered doing him this favor.
He approached the cottage at the end of the path, being dwarfed in size by the large ship parked behind it. He was going to knock on the house door to see if he was in, but could quickly tell that he wasn't. The lights were off and everything was quiet inside, meaning he wasn't home.
But that just meant he was inside the Lor StarCutter. Those are the only two places he would ordinarily be. Marx could only assume he was working away on another one of his little projects again. If not another amusement park game, it was probably a spell or something dumb like that.
He walked around the house towards the big ship, looking up at it with slight annoyance on his face. "He probably got so wrapped up in his work that he forgot he had plans. Typical Magolor. Always losing track of time when he's in the zone."
He huffed with a good-natured head shake and chuckle, heading up the ramp towards the door. He was a little surprised that the door opened as he approached. Did he forget to lock it? He'd have to knock most of the time, but this was one of those times when he's really distracted. That made him feel only the tiniest bit concerned. He walked inside and set the gift down beside the entrance, turning around right after to see what was going on.
Boy, was he surprised to find the big computer monitor on the other side of the room, displaying a massive spiral that took up the entire screen. Marx was so confused at the sight, especially since he didn't see any frantic mages rushing around or hammering away at the keyboard. Where was Magolor? And what was with this weird new screensaver?
He was then startled by the sound of a recording coming from the computer. "Now let's do that again. Breathe in… slowly… deeply… Now hold that breath. And then… let it out. Let the last remaining shreds of stress and anxiety leave your body as you release your breath. Your body is purged of any and all negativity, leaving you so very relaxed and happy."
That sounded like a recording of Magolor talking. He was so confused, for so many reasons. Why was that playing right then? Why would he record himself saying all that hippy nonsense? And why the spiral?
It was only then that he noticed the flick of an ear from someone sitting in the chair in front of said spiral. He ran over to take a peek and was greeted with, shocker, Magolor sitting in it. But… he looked strange.
The mage's posture was completely slack, leaned back into the chair as if he was melting into it. His ears hung low and only gave a slight twitch every once in a while. His hands were resting heavily on his lap and his eyes were unfocused and distant, gazing blankly at the screen in front of him. He looked totally gone.
But as the jester processed the sight, he heard the recording start talking again.
"You are doing so well. You're sinking so effortlessly deep into calm and tranquility. And knowing that you are is only helping that trance to become much more enjoyable. Just reaffirm it to yourself and feel the change. Say 'I am doing well'."
As the last part played, he then heard Magolor take a short breath before mimicking the phrase back in a soft murmur. "I am doing well…"
That made Marx realize what was happening.
Oh my god. Don't tell me he missed the meet-up because he was zonked out of his dang mind from hypnotizing himself. What a freaking dork.
"There you go. You are feeling so wonderful right now. There's no stress, no anxiety, no worries or cares. You can feel at peace like this. You can feel happy while you're taking a break. You deserve to have a break. You deserve to feel happy."
Those were some… interesting affirmations. We're they maybe… something that Magolor felt insecure about? He had never really indicated having those types of thoughts before to Marx's knowledge, but then again he wasn't exactly the type of friend you'd confide in about your insecurities. It made him feel… bad.
He shook his head to dispel those thoughts, feeling silly for getting so sentimental. That wasn't like him. He should just wake up Magolor and tell him off for flaking out on Kirby. But he didn't really want to. The idea of shaking him out of this peaceful state only to make him panic and feel guilty didn't sit right with him. He didn't like it.
Then an idea struck him. He remembered that one time Magolor made a bet with him, saying that he could definitely hypnotize him after Marx had been saying how hypnosis was nonsense. It had somehow worked and Magolor had embarrassed the hell out of him by… actually being very supportive and gentle with him. It was humiliating! Especially because of how much it had helped him feel better and how nice the mage was about it afterwards. He hated it!
But now… Magolor was very much in a trance, relaxed and receptive. Maybe he'd be able to give some suggestions of his own to the fool while he was like that. And better yet, he'd make him feel just as embarrassed as he was last time! He'd do the same type of thing back to him, if not worse! A bit of revenge for how nice and fuzzy he made him feel!
Yes. Definitely revenge. Nothing to do with him being concerned about his friend and wanting to help. That's not like Marx. Not at all.
… … …
He leaned over to the control panel on the computer and pushed a button, muting the recording in the middle of its sentence. It caused Magolor to tilt his head in confusion with a puzzled whine.
"Just relax, buddy. It's fine. You're fine. No need to do anything or look away from the screen. Just keep watching. Keep on… um… sinking. Feeling comfortable with your friend Marx."
"M-Marx…???" He grumbled as he seemed to stir from his daze, shaking his head slowly.
"Yes yes yes. Marx. But don't worry about it. I'm not here to judge or anything, I just came over because I was worried about you, alright? Just wanted to make sure you were doing well."
"D-d-doing… w-well?" That seemed to gain a reaction from him as he paused in his movements.
Oh yeah. That was in the recording, wasn't it? "Yes. Came to see how well you were doing. Check if you're feeling good. You look really relaxed, breathing so deeply and letting loose and all that. Are you feeling good?"
He sat quietly for a moment, his eyes still watching the screen as his brain was struggling to pick between climbing up to consciousness and falling back down to pure calm. He blinked a couple times, trying to wake up but also not trying enough. Marx decided to help him out, standing in front of him and leaning him back in his seat.
"There we go. Much better. Like I said, don't worry about it. Just take another deep breath and let go. I got you, pal. I'll… I'll um… hm…" he wasn't sure where to go from there.
"... … … Help me out…?" Magolor asked softly as he allowed himself to be guided back into a lax position. He did take another breath, like he was told, and went back down into trance a little more.
"Yeah! I'll help you out with whatever's bugging you. So chill out. Sit back. Relax. You're ok." The jester then stood off to the side, watching his friend for a reaction. It took a few seconds, but he eventually gave a slight nod and whispered a content, "Ok…"
Marx beamed at the results, happy seeing him getting comfortable after he had barged in and disturbed him. That meant he could go ahead with his idea. But first…
"Hey, buddy. Mind if I give you a little suggestion? Kinda like you did that one time to me."
"Hm… … I uh… sure… go ahead."
Perfect. Permission. The first step in embarrassing him and totally not helping him out. Then he'd just need one more thing.
He turned around towards the box by the door, smiling mischievously before going to retrieve it.
*~*~*
"Hmm… huh?" Magolor felt himself stirring as he sat up in his chair, wondering why he was waking up. It felt so nice being hypnotized, so why would he wake?
"Heeeey! Magolor! You in there?"
Was that a voice? He found it kind of familiar. It sounded like… like…
As soon as he recognized who it was, his brain kicked back into motion and he shot out of his seat.
Marx! Crap! Why's he here?!
"Come on! Don't shut me out! I just came to check on my buddy!"
He took a moment to collect himself, turning off the recording on the screen before pressing the unlock button for the door. It then opened to the jester with a gift box on his head. He walked inside with a big sigh.
"Finally. What took you so long? Were you spacing out or something?"
He stiffened at the comment, but quickly managed to shake it off and compose himself. "I was just distracted. You know how I am when I get in the zone."
"Sure sure. You get so 'in the zone' that you forget about prior plans you made with people" Marx said in a teasing tone, giving him a smirk. It immediately made Magolor remember what he was supposed to be doing that day. He gasped and gripped his head.
"Oh no! Kirby! I was supposed to meet up with Kirby today! How long has it been?! Is it too late to go see him?!"
Marx just laughed and walked in further, putting the box down casually beside him. "Calm down, egghead. It's fine. Kirby ain't mad or anything. He was just worried about you. Yeah, it's kind of late now. Little man needs his naps, ya know?"
Magolor hung his head sadly, disappointed in himself for getting distracted and missing their hangout. What a lousy friend he was.
"Hey. Don't make that face. The puffball didn't send me over empty-handed. Or… empty-hatted. Here!"
Marx shoved the box over to him with a big smile, being met with a confused, surprised look in return.
"A… gift?"
"Yeah! He was planning on giving it to you today, but since you didn't show up… I brought it to you!"
"... Couldn't he have just waited until the next time we met?"
"I know! That's what I said! But he was adamant. Maybe he thought the present would make you feel better."
"Well… thanks for bringing it… I guess."
"No problem! Now… open it!"
He was still confused. Why was Marx sticking around? Did he just want to find out what was inside? Sounded like a Marx thing to do. So he wasted no time and grabbed the lid of the box, tossing it aside and reaching in to pull out the contents.
In his hands was a cute and round little teddy bear in a hood with a cape, holding a magic wand that was also a stuffed toy. He stared at it for a long moment, getting lost in his thoughts as he examined the small details. Like how soft and fuzzy it was, or how cute those button eyes looked, or-
"Is that a toy?" Marx asked, snapping Magolor out of his head. He turned towards him and sputtered briefly before composing himself again.
"Y-yeah. Seems like it. Don't know why he got me a… stuffed bear…"
"I bet he saw it and thought it reminded him of you! Dorky and magical!"
"Hey! Watch it!"
"Ha ha ha! Calm down. I'm just teasing you. I actually think it's really cute."
Now that he mentioned it, yeah. It was very cute. Something about it was just irresistibly adorable. Like a playful puppy or a little Chip. It had a very round shape with stubby little arms and legs and a small, delightful smile that made him feel like smiling too.
"Yeah… super cute."
"Kirby knows how to pick 'em, don't he?"
Magolor hummed and nodded, continuing to examine all the small little details. The heart shaped paw pad and tiny toe beans were so precious and felt nice squishing. The pattern on the cape was simple yet pleasing with varying sizes of stars in a slightly paler color, both outlines and filled in. The star on top of the wand was made of satin, making it both shine in the light and feel smooth to run his fingers against.
"Heh. Uh- buddy? You good?"
He didn't realize how swept up he had gotten with his gift until Marx brought him back to reality, making him realize that he was sitting on the floor and just running his hands all over this plushie. He immediately felt a blush bloom across his face and scrambled to get back up.
"H-huh?! What?! I-I-I was just-! I uh-!"
Marx smiled in amusement at him before walking over and nudging him nonchalantly. "Heh heh! Wow you really like Kirby's present, huh? I'm sure he'll be stoked about that. Anyway, let's head back to your house. This place is such a bummer."
"Uh- s-sure! Yeah, let's get out of here."
"By the way, you don't mind me crashing, do you?"
Magolor looked down at him with a squint, as if he wasn't too keen on that idea.
"C'mon! I promise I'll be on my best behaviour! Honest!"
He hummed doubtfully as he thought it over, still squinting. It took a couple of seconds before he sighed and shrugged. "Yeah, sure. As long as you don't raid my fridge."
"I would never!"
*~*~*
The two had made themselves comfortable in Magolor's home, just talking and hanging out. Even if he was annoying sometimes, Marx was still his friend for a reason. He sometimes questions what that reason is, but that's neither here nor there.
But he couldn't help but to feel a little off. He was still feeling guilty about missing his meetup with Kirby. He'd been trying really hard to be a better friend to him ever since the whole world-conquering incident. Which was… actually what had caused him to miss it to begin with.
He had been pacing around and thinking about how much he really had hurt Kirby and the others, how much pain he had been planning to cause Dreamland. He felt very anxious and like he didn't deserve such kindness from someone like Kirby, even if he would insist on giving it.
So Magolor decided to listen to a recording he made for himself to help when he's spiraling. A little self-hypnosis to calm down and get out of his own head for a bit. How should he have known that he accidentally left it on loop?
"Hey! Are you even listening?"
He snapped back to attention and looked at Marx, realizing he got lost in thought again. Gosh, what was up with him that day?
"Sorry… I was just… … you know."
"No, I don't. Not everyone is a nerd like you."
He huffed softly, amused by him calling him a nerd instead of just saying smart. "It's just my brain overworking itself and getting stuck on something. Not able to let go of certain thoughts. That kind of thing."
"Geez, 'lor. Ya gotta learn to unwind a little bit."
"Easier said than done."
"Guess that's just one thing I'm smarter at than you" Marx claimed victoriously.
"Ah hah! You just called me smart! Checkmate!" Magolor smirked as he pointed that out, pleased by the surprised look on his friend's face.
"Wha-! N-no-! I mean- Yeah, but whatever. Don't have to get a big head about it."
"Oh I'm savouring this win for a while!"
"Fine! Then I'm savouring something in your fridge!" The jester huffed and jumped out of his seat, marching off towards the kitchen.
"BETTER NOT TOUCH THE CUPCAKES! THOSE ARE FOR KIRBY!"
"GOT IT!"
Magolor sighed and sank back into his seat, letting the silence left behind linger for a moment before his prior guilt resumed. It was hard to not think about it some days. To think about what might have been if things went slightly differently. What if Kirby never found his crashed ship? What if he failed to stop his plans? What if he was defeated after the master crown took over, leaving Magolor stuck within its control?
He shook his head and looked down beside him on the couch, just trying to redirect his attention to something else. That's when the plushie from earlier caught his eye, sitting leaned back against the armrest. He stared for a moment, thinking about how nice of a gift it was. Maybe even too nice…
His hands absentmindedly wandered over to pick it up, holding it in front of him for another look. It really was a wonderful gift, wasn't it? The make of it and the attention to detail was very standard for any other teddy bear, yet there was something about it that just made it seem more valuable. It radiated with some sort of comforting energy, an aura that attracted Magolor to it. Maybe Marx was right earlier about the likenesses between him and the bear; maybe that's what was drawing him to it.
He gave it a slight jostle, feeling the weight of whatever it was filled with swing its little body back and forth. Sounded like some sort of beads or pellets. But it also clearly had cotton in it, like most every plushie does. Wasn't that special, but it just made it feel so… surprisingly pleasant to hold. The weight was a nice addition to the softness, along with the texture of the fur. It was just so downy and fuzzy, feeling so smooth against his hands.
And the colors. It was a caramel-brown with the hood being a soothing tone between blue and purple; a soft cornflower hue. The wand stick was a pinkish white with a bright yellow, glittering star on top. Its button eyes were also yellow and they shone gently in the lamplight.
He found himself leaning back into the couch as he pulled the plush closer to himself, giving it an experimental squeeze. That small action sent a sudden and strange wave of bliss through his entire being. His brain completely blanked out for a second and he gasped softly from the surprise. When he recovered from that he held the toy out at arms length and gave it a frantic look over.
What the heck was that?! What just happened?! Was that… the bear doing it or…?
Magolor stayed frozen in that position for a moment before he relaxed again and hesitantly brought it back towards him. He hugged it slowly and leaned his head against the top of its hood, resulting in a pleasant shiver that made him purr quietly. It wasn't as sudden this time, letting him adjust to the feeling and allow it to take full effect. His body untensed completely and he sank further into the couch, slouching more as he wrapped his arms around his new stuffed friend.
"Mmmm… sooooo… soft. Feels really nice. So nice~."
His voice softened as he curled up around it, pressing his face against it to nuzzle that cozy fur. It was so pleasant that he couldn't concentrate on anything other than the bear, becoming his sole focus. But not only that, his thoughts also became so cloudy and fluffy, like his brain was made out of pillows and steam; feeling soft and warm.
"Hmm hmm~! You're so cute! Li'l cutie patootie~. Hahhh hah ha…" he laughed dizzily as he swayed from side to side, shifting around from pure giddiness at how wonderful his little friend made him feel. But he swung a little too far and ended up falling onto his side, making him break out into a fit of giggles while squishing his pal into his chest.
"Heeheeheehee! Oopsie! Hahaha! Ha ha… ahhhhh~. This is so comfy. Wanna snuggle?"
He didn't wait for an answer and just laid his head down, pulling his bear buddy up to his face again. He lazily trailed his hand over its arm and down to its paw to squish the little toe beans. He sighed heavily as he melted into the couch.
"Got a sandwich. You didn't want one too, di-" Marx came wandering in while eating a sandwich, looking over towards the mage he left in the living room. But he stopped as he noticed him lying on the couch and cuddling his gift, snickering gently as his eyelids were drooping down and fluttering back open unevenly. He also purred once in a while, giving the toy a particular affectionate nuzzle and squeezing it weakly.
Marx started smiling proudly as he saw his suggestion working perfectly as intended. A stressed magician, made into a snuggling, empty-headed, dopey mess thanks to his new little animal friend. Completely enamoured by the stuffed animal and unable to think of any of his anxieties or doubts, as his brain would be filled with thoughts of soft, happy, cozy adorableness.
He walked over to sit beside his friend, watching him play lazily with the toy like it was laced with catnip. He chuckled to himself before speaking up. "Hey. You good over there?"
"Mm hmm! I feel all happy and comfy! Thank you for bringing me my new buddy!" He spoke in such a carefree voice, unfocused and lost in the euphoric sensation. Marx just smirked and took another bite of his sandwich.
"Youuuu're welcome, 'lor! But you should be thanking Kirby, really. Nah! Who am I kidding? I deserve the thanks too. After all, I was the one who brought it here and made you love it so much."
Magolor completely glossed over the last part of what he said and simply agreed, sitting up so he could lean against Marx gratefully. He just jolted in response, not expecting that.
"You're right! Thank Kirby and you, Marx~. You're so nice to meeeeee~."
"Ehhhhh… n-no- no problem. Anyway, remember what we were talking about earlier?"
He sat up and tilted his head at him in confusion. "Hmm? Talking about?"
"Yeah. You know, about being in the zone and thinking too much and all that?"
Magolor looked like one big question mark, lowering the plushie as he tried to remember whatever they were discussing before. "Nghhhh… um… wasn't it… about forgetting- uh- about… todayyyyy…"
Marx noticed the cogs turning in his head and was quick to redirect his attention to the stuffed animal in his hands. "Hey! I never noticed that the bear had stars on the cape! That's very cool."
He immediately looked back down to the toy and felt his smile return, pulling it up to rest his chin on its head. "Yeah! I love it so much! It's the best present ever! Thank you!"
"You already thanked me."
"I did?"
"Heh heh! Nevermind. How about I go get a blanket for us? We can take one end each. Sounds good?"
Magolor nodded before swaying forward, then backwards until he fell onto his back on the couch, exploding into another giggle fit. Marx laughed too and went to fetch that blanket.
*~*~*
As night drew closer, Marx had already conked out on one end of the couch, snoring softly. Magolor was still awake, just quietly caressing his stuffed bear and staring at it. He felt so enamored by the sheer adorableness, he couldn't look away. It just made him feel absolutely amazing as he cuddled up underneath the blanket.
The moment was so perfect. He was tucked in snuggly and warmly, had the company of his good old friend, nothing in his mind and another, wonderfully soft friend in his arms. It was just really soothing. He felt so calm and pleased.
As he stared into the plushie's face, he was brought back to earlier that day. He vaguely remembered the spiral that he was watching for hours on end and how relaxed he felt whilst listening to Marx talking softly. He couldn't remember exactly what he said, just that it made him feel good and that he didn't feel like it was necessary to pay attention.
Maybe something about getting fixated on the plushie and forgetting. Then something about not wanting him to be upset and forgetting again. He really couldn't be bothered to recall fully. The words just went in one ear then out the other and he was fine with that. It felt good to have words and thoughts pass through his mind like hot air.
But the image of the spiral was the only thing that actually managed to stick and he found that strangely calming. The plushie in front of him filled him with joy and ditziness while the phantom spiral emptied his brain completely and drained his muscles of power. It felt like two beings joining forces to try and fully captivate him. He was powerless to do anything other than stare and rest his face against the bear's chest.
His mind was being thoroughly soothed and his body was utterly loose and limp. He couldn't find the strength nor desire to do anything as he was entranced by his own imagination and the soft fur pressed against his face. He sighed dizzily as he let himself drift off into la la land and forget everything; everything aside from his new fuzzy friend and the hypnotic spiral screen.