The store was filled with little odds and ends. The wallpaper was peeling and multiple light bulbs had blown out, so the light was dim and ominous.

The store looked sketchy, a place Mark would definitely have preferred to avoid. But his platonic husband Tubbo was dragging him in, saying the magic lady wasn't a hoax.

They went inside and were immediately hit with the stench of limes and peppers. It was a terrible smell, and Mark wanted to run out right then and there.

But Tubbo dragged him straight to the counter, where an elderly woman sat stroking a chihuahua.

"Ah, Toby," she began. "I sense you wish for something special."

"Yep! Plus I brought a friend!"

"It's a pleasure to meet you! A friend of Toby's is a friend of mine," the woman said with a sickening smirk.

"You sure this is a good idea Tubs," Mark asked, beginning to panic.

"Of course! I'm gonna go grab what I need, why don't you two go and chat?"

And with that, Tubbo was gone, leaving Mark with the creepy old woman.

"You know, I think I can help you with anything. Tell me, what is it you desire," the woman said in a sickeningly sweet voice.

"I don't think you can help me," Mark said. Then he got an idea. "I want adventure, but I want to get better at talking to people as well."

"I have just what you need," the woman claimed.

Then she waddled off into the depths of her decaying store, leaving Mark shocked. He took the two things he wanted that he felt were polar opposites.

Yet that crazy old woman still claimed she could help!

Now if she wasn't a hoax, that was impressive as shit. But he still doubted the womans credibility, so he figured that she was just going along with everything customers asked for.

She came back with some form of a claw on a leather string, and it was painted a dull blue.

"This is a claw from the largest lion to ever exist. It can bring you adventure, just as you seek," she said, handing over the claw.

"Why is it painted," he asked, inspecting the claw.

"That potion helps with the anxiety that comes with talking to people," she smirked. "And since you doubt my abilities, it's on the house. Wear it close to your heart as you sleep, and you shall feel its effects."

"Thank you," Mark replied, though it sounded more like a question.

Tubbo paid for his items, and the pair left.

That night, Mark put on the necklace. He doubted the woman was actually magic, and figured that she was just crazy and trying to get a quick buck.

But it didn't hurt to try, right?

As he tried to fall asleep, he had a pit on his stomach, and the anxious feeling that something bad was about to happen.

He ignored said feeling, and eventually drifted off to sleep.