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He had visited many Places in his time on Li, but no place equaled the amount of comfort that the Hero-King felt here, at this Lobby, at the edge of danger and safety. It reminded him so much of a tavern back home, but sadly, this was the closest he would ever get to his home ever again. Why Akaenia? Why now?  he thought as he ordered a small plate of Steak and looked around the area. He hoped to meet new people, learn who sided with who, and most importantly, he wanted to make at least one friend on this day.

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Banjo and his ever so faithful partner Kazooie were perusing Busy Bee Lobby in search of a meal, as per usual, the two of them were almost always hungry. Nothing really prepared them for a grand adventure or an epic battle than a hearty meal under the comfort of a giant bubble that was The Life Sphere. Banjo could feel comfy and at home almost anywhere however, except for those nasty wastelands outside the safety of Life Sphere, then he would question how comfy he would truly be resting in a desert full of toxic air. He remembered though, ever so fondly, how much he loved to nap under a shady oak tree, or row along a floating log down a steady stream. He missed his home so much, even with the annoyances of the stinging bees and the constant return of his greatest nemesis Gruntilda, they were easily dealt with and ignored when he just wanted to relax and enjoy his landscape of beautiful nature.

Kazooie let out a sigh as if telling what Banjo was thinking, they were so incredibly connected like that. Banjo still couldn't figure out how his pal could do that, but she could. As the two of them were frolicking about the area Banjo used his trusty nose to sniff out the best spot to eat. There were various odors in the air, and his body wiggled with excitement and his mouth frothed with hunger in reaction to the smells. He must have looked like a rabid animal with rabies stomping about like he was with his jaw hanging open from wanting food so badly. He chose one of the many smells he had caught wind of, and decided to follow it. It seemed to be the smell of meat, definitely a kind of meat, freshly cooked, too! He licked his chops and picked up the pace heading towards that direction until finally it lead him straight to the meal. He was so hungry he ignored the blue haired gentleman sitting in front of it about to enjoy the juicy steak and because he wasn't entirely thinking clearly his nose kept leading him until it slammed him right into the plate nearly flicking the steak onto the ground. Luckily the steak managed to stay balanced on the plate but Banjo was now on his backside floored.

Kazooie pecked Banjo on the head signaling him to stand right back up not long after he biffed it to the ground. Banjo leaned upwards with his legs stretched now shaking off his hungry daze and acknowledged he was out of line with his mannerisms. He spoke to the man for forgiveness. "I am sorry mister! I just haven't eaten in such a long time and your steak looked so good. My nose kinda took control there as it does sometimes when I am famished." Kazooie nodded with big and bulbous sad filled eyes as if asking for the man's mercy in an adorable way. Banjo knew ofcourse that this man could react any which way, and whatever reaction he would receive, he deserved. All he could do was apologize and hope for the best, he always tried hard to be in everyone's good graces, especially since the two of them hardly had any pals.

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When a bear effectively faceplanted into his plate of steak Marth was admittedly surprised, but when he apologized with big, sad puppy eyes that his wife had been so good at, he smiled and laughed. Its alright, I know how it feels when you go hungry. Why don't you sit down? I have a bit of money left, you can get something, my treat. he said as he cut a piece of steak and ate it. He was being fully honest, he had enough money left for three meals like what he was eating, or one very large meal. He was curious as to who this bear was though, but he figured that introductions would come soon enough.

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Banjo was shuddering expecting anger from the stranger, but instead, he received kindness, this was not something Banjo and Kazooie were used to from others they didn't quite know. Then again, they didn't quite know anyone, they were too accustomed to life on their own hanging about in nature and enjoying the weather outside what once was their quaint cabin in a forest which is now nothing but sticks and rubble. When Banjo was invited to sit he hesitated, but Kazooie etched its neck out arching towards a seat next to Marth, motioning to Banjo that it was ok to be seated near this man, that he wasn't a bad dude and even still, food was coming their way! Banjo thought of the idea of food again and drooled, Kazooie pecked his nose and he straightened out sitting next to Marth happily. "I would like that very much if we're not a bother mister. My name is Banjo and this here bird is Kazooie, we've been pals for as long as I can remember." At this statement Kazooie nuzzled Banjo and it caused the bear to giggle being ticklish by the bird's soft and gentle feathers. "I hate it when she does that haha." If the bond between the two of them wasn't apparent to the man before, now it was crystal clear that they had a special connection.

Kazooie hopped out of Banjo's backpack which she rarely did and cautiously walked over to the man cooing near his arm and began to nuzzle him as well. Banjo was impressed that the bird so openly befriended the man in such a manner that affection was given. "Oh she likes you! And to think we don't even know your name yet." Kazooie rarely ever did such a gesture to anyone, Banjo supposed the steak eating mister had a good heart and a warm energy about him to cause Kazooie to open up. This, Banjo thought, was the start of a great friendship. A friendship that these three would further enjoy for many days to come. The future could never truly be told however, but Banjo and Kazooie knew one thing for sure, they were going to fill their growling bellies AND make a new buddy at the same time, today was going to be great.

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When the Bear and his bird interacted with each other Marth smiled, he could tell that those two had some sort of connection, and he was proven right when Banjo introduced himself and Kazooie. Oh it's quite alright Banjo, I don't like seeing anyone go hungry, so sit, eat your fill, I'll pay for it all. he said as Kazooie hopped out of Banjos backpack and nuzzled him, something that was a pleasant surprise, he had a pet bird once, but the detonation had taken it from him, along with all of his friends, and even his wife..No, he couldn't think about that right now.So instead he occupied himself by petting the birds head gently. My name is Marth, it's nice to meet you two. he said politely as he took another bite of his steak. So far the day was going quite nicely for him. He had found a place he was comfortable in, he had met some new people, maybe he'd even made some new friends! It wasn't much of a start, but it was a start, and that was good enough for the swordsman.

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Banjo saw Marth digging into the steak and just about burst into a teeth seething frenzy pawing at pieces of the steak and shoving it in his mouth with Kazooie strutting across the table pecking at the bits and pieces of the meat left. Within seconds the food was devoured and Banjo picked his gums clean with the pointedness of his claws. He then let out a giant belch while Kazooie jumped back into his backpack also stuffed from the food she was pecking at and began to lull herself into a comfy sleep. Her feathers were all puffed up as if providing a makeshift blanket and she cuddled against the warmth of the bag. Banjo smiled as his pal went into dreamland and looked down at his now messy paws rife with meaty juice and licked the juice all off with his large and spongy tongue. Once he wasn't hungry anymore he felt he could have a decent conversation without the thought of food or deliciousness crossing his mind. He saw as Marth was sitting that there was a kind of sorrow to him, as if something may be on his mind chipping away underneath. Banjo put a paw on Marth's back patting him lightly and showed concern.

"You seem a little sad there partner. What's on your mind? You share all this yummy food with us, yet I barely even know ya. So tell me more about yourself, cause if we're gonna be friends we gotta know eachother!" Banjo wasn't the greatest at comforting others, but he sure was a positive bear. He loved making others laugh and cheering them up, because he never liked seeing nice people get sad. He wanted to make sure if he could help Marth in any way, that he would. From looking at Marth he could tell the man was from royalty the way he dressed, and probably quite the swordsman with the fancy sword he had at the hilt. There wasn't a specific time where Banjo didn't go above and beyond to help others, that's how him and Kazooie became best pals, because Banjo's family was in danger, and Kazooie was the one who helped guide Banjo to rescue them from the evil Gruntilda. Had Banjo never met Kazooie, he wouldn't know what kind of a creature he'd turn out to be. The best things start from good actions, and being good is just great! And that's what he wanted for Marth, to be and feel great, to make the best out of a bad situation, and carry on.

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When the two of them tore at his steak Martha couldn't help but smile and laugh. I had meant that you could have ordered your own food, but oh well, I'll just get another. he said, freezing when Banjo asked him what was wrong. So he'd been caught. This was going to be awkward...Marth sighed, allowing his emotions to show on his face. So you noticed. Guess there is no point in trying to hide it. You have someone that you know from your old home with you, I have none of my friends, not even my wife. It saddens me very much, but some places of this town remind me of my old home, the memories are bittersweet. he said as he ordered a second plate of steak. What saddened him the most was that one of his most trusted friends, Ike, was nowhere to be found. Marth was all but certain he was the sole survivor of the destruction of his home...

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Banjo was so hungry just moments ago that he had forgotten to order food for himself and scarfed down Marth's meal. He felt truly bad about that thinking that he could have controlled his insatiable appetite just a little longer to wait for his own food, but alas, his stomach got the best of him again and he failed to resist temptation. He frowned. "Sorry friend, I guess I lost myself for a minute there in the delicious embrace of your juicy steak." But as he said this, Marth's mood quickly changed, Banjo supposed it was more like his true mood, what he was really feeling as opposed to what he was showing himself to be. This was great progress for a friendship, opening the doors of emotion and breaking down those internal barriers.

The bear wondered just how long Marth was putting on a facade of faking that everything was alright, when it really wasn't at all. But to be frank, nobody on the planet was really alright, they all missed somebody, almost all of them has felt what Marth is feeling right now, even Banjo who ponders sometimes about his family back in his world and where they are. He had Kazooie this is true, but he still longed for his other forest friends and darling family, he was slowly accepting the fact that he may never see them again and growing off of what he currently had, his best friend, and his good morals. That's what he had to focus on, the present, the here and now, and where to go next. Although guessing the future was a little too frightening for Banjo to grasp, he still tried to plan at least a little what he felt the next best move was at times to prepare for unexpected surprises.

The bear thought carefully about how to comfort Marth, then he struck gold in his mind with an old saying his papa used to remind him of when he was just a cub. "You know, this little phrase may sound kinda silly, but I always remembered it for occasions when I felt afraid, or lost, or uncomfortable....home is where your heart is. And right now your heart is in this conversation with me, giving it your all to talk about things that are hard to say, but I'm a real good listener, and I'd say you just made me enjoy your company that much more with your open honesty mister. There ain't nothin wrong with keepin memories." Memories were treasures of the past, experiences to forever be cherished, and everyone had their own unique ones. Nobody could take that away from them, nobody could erase those colossal learning moments one would feel in their lives to make them stronger later on. "You live and you learn. Now that's a phrase my mama would say. It's comforting to know, our brains are so strong, that we can get through anything if we think about the tough stuff we already been through, and if we haven't been through tough things, then we aren't really fully learning are we?" Banjo felt like some philosophical teacher at the moment, and he had no idea where all this strange wisdom was coming from, perhaps his brain was a little better than he initially thought. Oh yes, memories were indeed a very powerful thing.

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I am the king without a kingdom, but that doesn't change who I am. ☒ @tagged ✐ 000 ✉ notes MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

When Banjo told him that home was where the heart was Marth gave a sad smile. My Wife, Shiida, used to say that all the time too. I..I guess I should really remember that...he said with a thoughtful expression as his new plate of steak was placed in front of him. At any rate,  I do admittedly feel better now that I have shared my thoughts and feelings. He said with a genuine smile as he cut into his new steak. I guess I'm only bothered by it because I had already done so much, I thought that we finally had a chance to have a normal life...But then I was brought here. He explained as he took another bite of his steak.

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Marth continued to suffer like that of everyone else even after Banjo's attempt at cheering him up with nuggets of old wisdom. Everything Banjo said has helped him over the years through all his strife, but this planet, what it does to people, can be just too much to process and handle. Banjo looked at his little bird friend snoozing in his bag as if she was completely content wherever she was. This gave Banjo an idea. "Say, why don't we get you a pet! I mean you already got me as a friend, maybe we need to find you a companion that could go everywhere with you. It doesn't seem like just havin a friend is enough, you need family, a bestie that'll be there every second. A pet is the perfect solution!" Banjo was thinking about all the animals around the Life Sphere who could be perfect as his partner in crime. Ofcourse Banjo himself was an animal, and so was Kazooie, but they were more advanced, and Marth needed a loyal obedient and always available pet to be by his side for always. "I guess we can try looking around the Black Market, though I don't often trust the sales there. Or maybe...maybe we might get lucky and find you one in the wastelands somewhere. There's bound to be a few longing for help!" Banjo was getting so excited he almost woke up Kazooie with his bantering, but the bird remained asleep opening its eyes every so often just to make sure her bear pal is ok. Banjo ofcourse didn't know if a pet or an animal compadre was exactly the right remedy for Marth or not, but he thought it was a worth suggesting.

"I mean, holler at me if you think I'm off my rocker here, but it can only benefit you my friend." As a creature of habit and a critter himself Banjo always tended to stick with someone wherever he went because he always hated being alone and felt traveling in a group was much more efficient, much more safe, and much more fun. Banjo believed in strength in numbers, and the power that friendship had was never ending. A special bond with someone would be unbreakable, and often result into unprecedented team work efforts that lead to amazing abilities to do almost anything and an unmatched chemistry. "I can try to be with you for every mission, but I wouldn't always be there with you all the time. If you can find a sidekick, a pet that can always be available whenever your in need, you'll always have a comfort there and this planet won't be so bad." This idea was going to work, it had to, Marth had to cheer up and keep it together for everyone in the Life Sphere and to be an able bodied fighter in the right mindset to keep survival going. Marth was a promising warrior with alot of potential, Banjo knew this, and he wasn't going to let him waste it all on sulking. It was time to set him back on the righteous path and get him focused again.

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I am the king without a kingdom, but that doesn't change who I am. ☒ @tagged ✐ 000 ✉ notes MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

That sounds like a good Idea Banjo. Marth said with a smile. You know, I once had a pet wolf that shared my last name, Lowell. I think it would be a good idea to get another. Marth told the bear with a grin. You know what this means? Once this steak is gone, you and I are going to go out and try and tame a wolf! The Hero-King said with much enthusiasm, ordering one final steak, to go, and raw. This was to be used for help to tame the wolf....

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Banjo delighted at the idea. He was glad he could finally be of service somehow to Marth. And he was able to not only prove to Marth, but prove to himself as well that he wasn't entirely a half brained bear, he came up with something good and meaningful for the both of them to lighten the mood and escalate their friendship. Banjo didn't know, however, if a wolf would be the pet of choice, it could be any pet, sometimes the pets found people, people didn't find them. Sometimes people are chosen, and the bond is truly felt when the right pet is met. "Don't be too sad whatever your pet may be Marth, they say that man's best friend is someone who can instantly connect with you and give an endless amount of love and loyalty. I guess you could say Kazooie's my best friend, she cares about me and loves me as if I were her brother. Sometimes you're not the one who does the searchin...sometimes their the ones who seek you out friend." Banjo has lived out in nature long enough to know how all sorts of animals and species evolve and work. A few of them like being alone and in solitude, others enjoy companionship and packs, and many enjoy both at different times. It was the circle of life, and Marth was a big part of it just like Banjo and Kazooie were.

"Marth, you have to feel inside of you that the right companion for you is out there somewhere, and when you truly feel it, they'll appear at the right time. The creatures of nature know when they are beckoned and destined to help those in need. It ought to be exciting to see who finds you." Banjo smiled, excited to head out and help Marth find his new pet. He rubs his paws together with Kazooie still snoozing and grabs Marth by the arm dragging him away from his plate and starts guiding him to the ext of the lobby. "Let's get a move on and find out who's gonna be your new sidekick!" He was going to make sure Marth was gonna be content in the Life Sphere and have the confidence to leave the place with a buddy by his side, whether that be Banjo or his pet, Marth was going to be just fine.

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I am the king without a kingdom, but that doesn't change who I am. ☒ @tagged ✐ 000 ✉ notes MADE BY ★MEULK OF GS

Marth, you have to feel inside of you that the right companion for you is out there somewhere, and when you truly feel it, they'll appear at the right time. The creatures of nature know when they are beckoned and destined to help those in need. When this was said Marth looked over his shoulder with a small smile and an understanding look. I understand that much better than one would think, I spent many a year in the wilderness of my home, Akaenia. I have met many a companion, human and beast. I have the most intimate connection with wolves however, as my last name means Wolf Cub. he said with a bit of a chuckle. It's not for no reason it seems, as every wolf I have ever come across ends up becoming extremely protective of me. he said as they walked through town. But, I do understand what you mean, and I won't be upset if I don't come across a wolf, but I will give it an honorable name, my own last name, Lowell. he said with a genuine smile.

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Banjo was starting to see Marth perk up much more than when he first introduced himself. This was great news for both of them. "It's good to see you so thrilled my friend. It's gonna be such a fun time!"  Banjo happily continued to guide Marth towards the exit of the lobby until they finally reached the door. He decided to wake up Kazooie though because he'd need his bird friend's help in case they ran into any danger out there in the wastelands. He poked Kazooie's feathers and the bird woke up with a squawk. Banjo giggled at the bird's reaction while Kazooie looked displeased. "Well Kazooie, looks like we got an adventure to partake in. I hope you enjoyed your nap." Kazooie flapped its wings and yawned nodding slowly, but wishing it got a bit more sleep in. Banjo looked at Marth and placed a paw on his shoulder. "I hope you like lots of critters and creatures all over the place, because we are going to a cove along the shore called Pokemon Cove....it's said to house LOTS of animals of all kinds. I'm sure you'll find your familiar there."  Banjo didn't know next to anything about the type of creatures that resided in such a place, but he did know that he had heard somewhere such critters were able to be tamed and enjoyed companionship and the company of others.

But with it being so far away and so exposed to the Starvia disease, the bear could only keep his wits about him that the area would be safe enough. He'd hate to put him, Kazooie, and Marth in such heavy danger, especially since they all have grown so close. After motivating Marth and waking his backpacking partner,  Banjo began walking towards the exit with Kazooie, whom was gesturing Marth to come along. "I'll cya there pal!" And after a brief goodbye Banjo and Kazooie left the lobby to help Marth find his animal companion.

-End Presence-