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Marianne was merely practicing her sword fighting, when suddenly a yelp caused her to jump. Her sword dropped to the ground with a loud clang. She looked in the direction of the noise and narrowed her eyes at the Bog King.

"S-sorry. You can continue, Marianne..."

Marianne's face softened. He had been making strange noises all day today. She had no idea what his problem was. Finally, she sighed and sat next to him.

"Tell me what's wrong with you. You have been acting weird for a while now."

"N-nothing...?"

"You know I love you, but you make me want to punch you when you say things like that. Just tell me the truth!"

"Um... You wouldn't understand it..."

"Well you won't know until you tell me, now will you?"

Before the Bog King could respond, one his his minions came barreling in and didn't notice Marianne.

"Sir! How is your back? Is it still bothering yo- oh. Uh, hi Marianne..."

Marianne looked at the Bog King and raised her eyebrows.

The minion knew what was coming, so he whistled and walked away.

The Bog King rose and sighed.

"It is really nothing to worry about... It happens to me sometimes."

"Isn't that bad?"

"Not... really. You know about my exoskeleton, right?"

"Yes? What about it?"

"Well... sometimes it sheds a bit. Kind of like your wings."

"Oh... Well I hope it doesn't make the same mess a fairy's wings do. You know, sparkles everywhere."

He chuckled at the thought.

"No. It is not quite like that. I will admit though, it is a funny thought. Me sparkling like some kind of demented Christmas decoration."

Marianne laughed.

"So, what will happen?"

"Nothing really. I'll just be sore for a while, and then it will be over. It isn't really the exoskeleton that hurts, but more my back from preparing for it."

"How often does this happen?"

"It varies, but usually once a year."

"Oh, so it's like a-"

"Yes! Just not once a month."

The Bog King quickly interjected, not wanting things to get much more awkward.

Marianne laughed and shook her head.

"Well, here. Sit down."

The Bog King seemed confused, but he obeyed.

Marianne walked behind him and cautiously massaged his back.

She had to hold back a squee as his wings twitched. As she continued to massage his back, her mind wandered, causing her touch to lighten significantly, so it was barely touching him.

She then heard what sounded like a muffled choking noise. Looking up in shock, she saw the Bog King holding back a laugh and he jumped away with a slight hissing noise. Marianne couldn't help but laugh.

"I had no clue that you were ticklish! That's so cute!"

He shook his head desperately.

"I-I'm not!"

Marianne smirked.

"Oh, you aren't? So you wouldn't mind if i did..."

She leaped forward and pinned him down.

"...this?"

She began to tickle him ferociously.

He immediately began to break into hysterical laughter. Marianne couldn't help but laugh with him. After a while of this, the Bog King shied away and glared at her.

Marianne shook her head.

"No need to feel bad about it. It's one of the many things I like about you."

He seemed to blush a bit at that.

"With every new thing I learn about you, it's like it casts a spell on me. It's like...

Strange Magic."