BANNER MADE BY @CASTORR!!!

The sun was setting over the peaceful landscape of Mt. Daylight Pass. Crickets could be heard chirping away in the leafy autumn canopies around the rest stop, and the smell of fresh coffee and warm food tickled Marx's senses as he approached. His machine - a heavily-plated Bull Tank with the most random bells and whistles plastered all over it - was parked on the side of the road nearby, its engines calmly whirring as it waited for its Rider.

Marx didn't intend to stay here long. He was hoping to get a quick snack to calm his rumbling tummy and get back on the road as soon as possible. But as he sat down on one of the stools - with some difficulty due to his small size - and took a peak at the menu, his mouth started watering at all of the options. And seeing the manager of the rest stop, a hard-working Waddle Dee, busily preparing the food on the menu, Marx realized he might be here longer than he anticipated.

His stomach growled loudly, a clear sign he was starving. The sound alerted the Waddle Dee, who turned towards him in surprise.

"Oh, hello!" the Waddle Dee said, approaching the counter with a smile in his eyes. "What can I get for you today?"

Marx glanced at the menu, a soft "Um..." escaping his mouth as he considered the options. There were quite a few that interested him, but one in particular stood out to him.

"A loaf of bread, please!" he said, raising his foot with a friendly smile. "The biggest one you've got!"

The Waddle Dee nodded, turning back towards his kitchen to search for Marx's order. While he waited for his food, Marx turned to look out towards the open road ahead, thinking about where he might go next. It'd been a few days since he'd started his journey, and at first, all he really cared about was seeing just what was up with his machine. The strange sense that it wanted to go somewhere specific compelled him to start this journey in the first place, and he hated being away from home for too long. But over time, as he travelled across Popstar, he came across many familiar faces he hadn't seen in a while, and the sights of places he'd never been to before caught his eye in ways he'd never thought possible.

He had to admit he was enjoying this trip so far, even if he did miss home.

A voice called out to him, startling him out of his thoughts.

"Hey! Marx!"

Speaking of familiar faces, Marx could recognize that voice from anywhere. He turned towards where his Bull Tank was parked, and sure enough, perched atop a beautifully-decorated Chariot, was the face he missed seeing the most.

"Hey hey, Mags!" Marx called back, raising his foot and smiling once more. "Good to see you again!"

Magolor hopped off his machine and made his way over, Marx hopping off the stool to give him a hug. It'd been a while since the two last saw each other, their respective Road Trips taking them on very different journeys, so it was a surprise to them that they'd run into each other here. The two embraced for a good minute before pulling away, Magolor smiling with his eyes and clasping his hands together, clearly happy to see Marx again.

"So, how's life on the road been treating ya?" he asked, his voice holding that same happy energy that Marx always loved to hear.

"Not bad!" Marx replied, gesturing toward his Bull Tank with his hat. "Me and my machine over there have seen some pretty cool stuff out on the road. I'd love to tell you all about it if you want!"

"Of course! I wanna hear about all the places you've been!" Magolor glanced over at the rest stop, noticing the loaf of bread the Waddle Dee had left for Marx. "Oo, plus, I need a snack. I'm starving!"

The pair sat down next to each other on the two stools, Marx rambling away as the Waddle Dee prepared Magolor's order. They laughed and conversed throughout the evening, Magolor taking great interest in the sights Marx had seen while also talking about his own journey. By the time they'd finished their meals, the sun had disappeared beneath the horizon, the sky a brilliant gradient of colors dotted with stars. Normally one would have gotten tired by now, but Marx was still full of energy. He tapped his feet on the ground impatiently as Magolor paid the Waddle Dee for their food. As he turned away from the counter, the lights at the rest stop shut off, signifying that it was closed for the night. Magolor held his hand out to Marx.

"So, ready to head back out?" he asked, giving a playful wink.

Marx blinked at him, confused. "...You're coming with me?"

"Yeah? Why wouldn't I be?"

"Well, it's just that..." Marx trailed off, eyeing his Bull Tank which was still seated next to Magolor's Chariot. "I thought our machines were leading us to specific places..."

"So?"

"So... what if it isn't the same place?"

Magolor blinked at Marx. "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is... what if our machines are taking us different places? We might have to split up down the road, y'know?" Marx paused for a minute, tapping his foot out of habit. He frowned, a troublesome thought crossing his mind. "Do we even know where they're taking us? It seems so specific, and yet... I don't recognize it at all. It could be something really bad, and I don't like the sound of that..."

Magolor came forward, patting Marx on the head in reassurance.

"I don't recognize it either," he admitted. His ears flopped down sadly as he spoke. "In fact, I barely recognize half the places I've been. I don't know where the road might take us next... and you're right, it could be something bad." He trailed off, then perked back up as he turned back toward Marx, smiling. "But that's okay, 'cause you're here! And even if the road does split us up, I'm happy that it led me to you at all! As long as I know you're still around, I feel much better going on this journey. Doesn't matter if we can't be together for all of it!"

Marx pondered Magolor's words, still tapping his foot. He still felt a bit unsure, but he had to admit he agreed. Knowing that he wasn't going on this journey alone, even if it didn't lead to the same destination, was far more reassuring. And he was glad it was Magolor sharing this journey with him. If there was anyone who made Marx feel safe and happy while away from home, it was Magolor.

"Alright, you got me!" Marx said, perking back up. He raised his foot as he spoke. "Let's get back on the road then!"

"Awesome!" Magolor exclaimed, clasping his hands together again. Then, to Marx's surprise, he moved forward and gave Marx a kiss on the cheek, making him blush. "Let's go!"