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Chapter Text

"As far as I've known,

On and on,

The wind stands the same.

The wind:

It blows,

Irreverent and without cause.

Time,

As it is,

Will do the same:

Blow,

Whistle across the land,

Without single attention to what it could break. 

A dream;

A faint dream,

No,

Not a dream,

But rather a memory.

A memory,

Which befallen very lately,

Which holds more memories inside of it.

That faint feeling of justification—

Which dost singe the edge of a prison—

Finally impacts a single blow,

Upon which freeing a dove,

A fallen warrior.

Upon which leads me here.

Here:

A place,

A place with a sharp strategist,

A place with a cunning disaster,

A place with a bold king,

A place with a kindhearted servant,

A place with a young hero,

A place with a hero's shadow,

A land with Dreams."

A miniscule sunset coloured butterfly flutters with such thoughts. Efficiently, effortlessly, never changing. After all, time itself is nothing without its keeper...

Chapter Text

At least the castle is safe... 

Flurries of whispers filled the halls. "There are intruders outside! We have to be careful," one waddle dee spoke. "Are all the walls guarded? Is everything locked up," another servant interrogated. Everyone was running around disorderly, and nothing could get done because of it. The whispering was more of a hushed clamouring, the quiet noise was so very overwhelming. 

"Is everyone safe," the king yelled as he ran through the hall, as if he had been searching for someone or something. There was no response to that question, they had all been too busy with their own rambling thoughts. It was comforting to see the usually jubilant king, but the stress getting to him too made the presence unnerving. 

The incessant clattering outside was more than too much for the little waddle dee. It felt like he couldn't move, only reason being the destruction of all of their homes. Bandana almost wanted to cry, but the cruel sounds of mutilation echoed throughout the once-joyful palace. Inside the commotion, even purely thinking was incredibly difficult. It felt suffocating, in reality. 

The sky went grey as every single memory crumbled to dust in his own little, round hands. 

But that was months ago. Why do I still think about it? 

Now he was alright, sitting in a recently saved Dreamland. But the scars on the land never healed, it still stuck around. Bandana Dee had been stuck to King Dedede's side like super glue, being the only thing that safeguarded him from getting hurt besides his spear. The grass was green again, the sky became bright blue with fluffy clouds once more. And he could breath.

Chapter Text

Why must everything that happens be set in stone? "If I could change it now, I would take every chance." 

Why must the scars sting this badly? Why would he have let that happen? He did not know anymore, he couldn't even bear to think of it. 

That place truly was like hell, the Access Ark. And the hallways, the scent, it would never leave. Although he attempted to block it out, it always came back. 

"Meta Knight!"

Dull echoes in an empty mind can never get anything across. He was stuck, he could no longer think, it was if all he had ever had was never his. A sharp inhale, a rapid exhale— it couldn't change the circumstance. All he could hear was yelling of a voice that possibly belonged to Kirby. 

Had they just fought? 

He couldn't tell. He knew nothing now, he could do nothing, held hostage. Was he even alive anymore? All he could "remember" was all the things she had done. "For the greater good" is what Susie called it, but it did nothing but harm both sides of the issue. 

Perhaps this was the end, the final line. Maybe there was nothing left of him but the spiteful remarks at none other than Susanna Haltmann. 

He shuddered at the thought, even if he was unable to move. It disgusted him, knowing what happened. But he could take no action, stuck on the sidelines inside himself. The feeling was— for a lack of better words— worse than disgust. 

Was it fear? Hatred? Was he being overdramatic? But none of that came near to how violated he felt. He couldn't have done anything to stop it, yet, he convinced himself that the fault was his own. 

Perhaps Meta Knight was not okay, maybe he did not want to talk about it. The pain from the happenings themselves dug into this moment of physical pain and silence, creating a whirlwind of problems that couldn't be solved. The partially mechanised orb despised his own state. Worse than such, as if the last bits of his own innocence left him. 

The last thing he clearly remembered was hearing himself scream, but being so exhausted, he struggled to recognise that it was he who was in distress. Why?

Chapter Text

It was all over now: the fight, the Access Ark. It was all gone, obliterated into nothing by Star Dream and Kirby. Only if it had never happened. 

But it was all okay now! With Star Dream gone, the world could evade doom once more, and Dreamland could return to its blissful peace. Except something felt off.

---

He awakened in a green, lush— albeit empty— field. "Oh, how great it is to look at the ground and no longer see cogs," his thoughts exclaimed. The only thing missing was... Everyone else. 

Kirby knew where all of them were— with the exception of Meta Knight, who seemingly disappeared after the final battle— they were at the castle! The pink orb mused on if he should go find Castle Dedede from wherever he was, or if he should wait here and enjoy the scenery. 

One pondering made it through his positivity: is Meta Knight okay?  Are they all okay? Did we lose anyone? Eventually, the sad thoughts all got blocked out by more optimistic ones, but it still bothered him. 

"At least everything's all pretty again," the pink puffball warmly breathed, "this is really nice, it's probably better if I stay here for a bit..." A nice, gentle, peaceful lull of wind blew across the grassland that was studded with big trees, bushes, and little wildflowers. It was his happy place. In reality, he wasn't quite sure if he'd been here before, but it was picturesque either way. 

He picked up a tiny, red flower, and stared into it. He looked at it as if to say, "wow, I have missed so much, I miss all of this, now I get to have it back now!" 

He hated to admit it, but he was very exhausted, the more energetic he tried to be, the more he just wanted to take another nap. The battle was so tedious, but they won. 

Maybe it was time he should look for the castle, maybe he should go look for his friends. 

Suddenly, or rather not, voices. 

It sounded like Bandana and Dedede, they found him. Needless to say, although he had been very happy before, it didn't get anywhere close to comparing to this. 

"Dedede, Bandana, it's you!"

—— 

Bandana Dee's eyes lit up as soon as he could barely even see the pink sphere. They were the best of friends, after all. Kirby survived, he was right there. The planet was saved, no one got hurt or passed, but there were still tiny, nearly imperceptible scars left from the Haltmann Works Company. But that didn't matter. 

He tackle-hugged Kirby, trying to express how happy he was to seem him okay and alive. The king lagged behind ever so slightly, giving the "little ones" their moment. 

"Hey, at least the castle isn't completely blown to bits," Dedede laughed, then gesturing towards Kirby, "we have you to thank for that, right?" Kirby looked up at the regal penguin, "of course! What else could I have done but help, how could I just stand back and watch everything get destroyed! I had to do something!" 

He laughed, then he realised, they were missing someone. Meta Knight. There's no way he was dead, not in any shape or form, he wouldn't fall that easily. But he still wasn't here. And that upset the pink hero. "Hold on, have either of you seen Meta Knight? He's been gone for what I think has been hours!" 

Both the waddle dee and the king looked at Kirby with a look of conflict. "No, I haven't, have you, Sire?" 

"Me neither. Although, he is a tough person to look for, so maybe we just missed him." 

"Oh, okay!" 

They all went back Castle Dedede, together again. With all of their hopes and dreams, they wished that the invasion would never happen again. But sleeping is so hard when you have everything, at once, on your mind. Kirby struggled to find rest that night, and only in his dreams is it merely a fantasy. He never forgot the things he saw, or heard, or did, it was all too much.

Chapter Text

Black...

The darkness covered every single pin prick of light, a blanket over a gentle sky. The darkness could have been rather kind, or was it always uncouth and demeaning to all? He may never know what it truly intends. The prison of a crystal was a lonely shell, yet he could not perceive it. It had been centuries since he felt the touch of reality, hidden beyond the borders of it. The dove-like knight never seemed to pay much mind to the outside world, knowing he was incapable of doing so.

Tapped inside a "dream relm", Galacta Knight became unable to hear outside of his own mind. Every single dream remained the same, duel after duel, resealing after resealing, time after time. Forever doomed to remain in a cycle of nothingness was the fallen warrior. For what seemed as an eternity, every moment and every feeling was fictitious, unrealistic, nonexistent. 

With the exception of once. 

An intense event was this one, a realistic scenario amongst a sea of bland, tasteless battles. Although nought but a fantasy in the unconscious mind, it appeared to be so very, very real. Cold metal against cold metal, strength against strength. Nothing could beat this sensation that he had been lacking for ages. Movement, grace, strategy, focus. As for his opponent, the person was of the same kind as he. The being having been deep blue, with wings appearing to look of the stars, and piercingly gold eyes, matching that of the individual's own blade. 

By no means was the dream-battle brief, for it had dragged on for an indeterminate amount of time. A similar strength he had to the Aeon Hero's own, and a rather persistent will to match. It was the perfect pairing for a duel, though all things come to an end. 

Unlike most, this dream ended with defeat— a rather sour taste in the mind — becoming more evident this was no ordinary swordsman. No, his opponent was far too skilled to be such a thing. This was a lifelong survivor, a true warrior. Though the Aeon Hero did not know, this was none other than Meta Knight, a well renowned mercenary. 

Suddenly, one day everything stopped.

At the sudden halt, there were no more dreams, no more flashbacks, no more void, just near blindingly pale light. The light was overwhelmingly pure, thick like water, and filled with incredibly potent magic. Illumation spilled through the cracks in the glass-like crystal, throwing his mind into a dizzy spiral filled with resplendent radiance and gleam. 

Just what could this be? Is this truly what death tastes of? 

Waiting for Galacta Knight was not the release of death, but rather his release from crystalline encapsulation. Close by to the lance-wielder was a phoenix-like butterfly. Oh, how its wings seemed to glitter in the very starlight of space, seemingly lingering to watch the dove-winged warrior. 

Am I free at last? An eternity of struggle is finally gone? A weight lifted off of my shoulders? I now have the chance to mend my mistakes, see light, turn back and- 

The butterfly appeared to signal to him with a beat of its wings. Just what could such a soul need of him? Surely, this was a mistake. Nay, not a mistake, but the work of justice himself.

The butterfly gently flew to nearby planet, one known as Popstar. As Galacta Knight thought, he only repeated one thing, "perhaps the butterfly's name shall be mercy."

Chapter Text

It was a serious matter, dragging the Aeon Hero away from a proverbial prison. Only, disaster was stopped by simple thought. 

Galacta Knight wandered, guided singly by a small orange butterfly. Something was still missing. Oh, that's right, he still had no clue how long it had been. 

Together, the butterfly and the Aeon Hero stumbled across a rather large, star shaped planet. If only his mind could remember where this place was or what it had been called. It was familiar; every part of it sounded and felt like home. Was it? If it was, surely it has changed since he was last here. 

He still couldn't remember anything. He had a faint idea of who "he" was, of course, he was Galacta Knight! Or was he? Even when thinking incredibly deeply, he was unable to conclude what was real and what wasn't. 

No, this isn't another dream. Is it? I would hate it to be... 

The butterfly continuously corrected their path, carefully watching as to not let Galacta fall too far astray from the planned course. As always, he walked a pace behind the fluttering crimson creature.

-------

Aimless as the trek was, the butterfly had a larger picture in mind. In and of itself, it was nothing but a gentle butterfly. Yet, the butterfly facade was slowly falling in favour of the true Morpho Knight. 

It was a matter of time before both had arrived at resting place. Looking up at the sky, the moon had begun to rise. 

"We must stop here now," the butterfly seemingly spoke. Galacta Knight chose to acknowledge the strange words from the chilling voice of the butterfly. Although it should not be able to speak, it did, and more pieces of the puzzle aligned.

------

He was tired. He was exhausted. Being the Aeon Hero, it would seem a simple walk would be just that: simple. Yet, centuries of forced rest created a sort of rust in his mind. Perhaps the real reason he was so weary was because of all the pondering he had done. 

"No conclusions, huh? How pitiful..." He stared up at the ceiling, this place felt familiar too. He began to think this all might have happened before, but he could verify with himself it hadn't. "This cursed butterfly must know more than I do. It is quite the shame it cannot speak," he whispered. Hearing Galacta, the butterfly turned as if to face him. Although distance separated the two, the room suddenly felt suffocatingly small, as if a soul much larger than the butterfly could hold occupied the room. 

Staring out of the window, he watched as time passed on, and the moonlight grew. Shutting his eyes tightly, the magenta orb blocked out the light in order to sleep.

-------

Tick, tock... 

The small clock in the room ticked, matching the butterfly's approaching impatience. It, or rather, he slowly became tired of being trapped as the butterfly. 

"Perhaps now might be the time I have finally earned back my own self," he seemed to deliver excitedly. Without warning, he thought of it. For the most recent century, he kept yearning to write, to physically speak, to walk, to experience life once more. But he couldn't, fixed in his butterfly form. He rued his role as a shape shifter. 

Endlessly musing, the thoughts finally aligned. 

"I have done it. I have found the missing piece. Is this what the universe wanted? The hero of aeons set free once more? May I return to mine own form?" He fluttered slowly to the ground, taking care as to make little sound. "The only thing I may do is try..." 

A bright flash of luminance overtook the room. Thunk. He had done it. Looking to his yellow-gloved hands, he silently thanked anything that could reach him. He stood discreetly, lest he awaken the ruby-pink sphere across the room. 

"Prithee, let my ability to change be permanent," he muttered. Being able to truly take in the rays of the moon was an entrancing spectacle to him. It had been at least a hundred years, had it not? He gingerly stepped closer to the window, sliding the thin curtains out of the way. Peering through the window, Morpho Knight saw the world once more.

-------

Slowly, Galacta arose and sat up in the small bed. He blinked, once, twice, thrice, possibly thousands of more times. Could he believe what he saw? 

"What-" he began to stammer. Appearing just ahead of the window, a being with the same height and shape as him stood. Only, the sphere was as dark as the night sky, and had broad butterfly wings at its back. The silhouette in front of the window pivoted, and looked at him. 

All he saw was eerily gorgeous white eyes, as pale as the moon itself. He was speechless; just who or what was this? The pearl eyed figure turned back to face out of the window, they began to lean against the wall. 

"This must be a dream," Galacta stuttered as he looked at the creature, "w-who are you? Why are you here?" A chill spread through the air, no response. 

"None of this can be real," he said in defeat, "unless--" The shadowy figure cut him off with a hush. Still thinking he had been in a dream, Aeon spoke, "you must be the fabled Morpho Knight, correct?" The butterfly-winged orb twisted back, only to meet Galacta Knight's eyes with his snowy, ivory coloured eyes. After they met eyes, Morpho Knight merely shook his head (or rather, whole body).

Chapter Text

"Am I seriously not kidding myself? I found a person in the forest... Stars, I must be dreaming again." He paced, the deep indigo cape trailing after him. Thinking it was a dream, he pinched himself. Not a dream. 

He sighed, realising what he had gotten himself into. Looking out the window, he thought about the dove-winged fool of a warrior he seemed to have met. 

"Could someone really be so stupid? So clueless as to get himself into a middle of a pine grove with no discernible way out?" He groaned, reconsidering the intelligence of the individual. 

But something about the creature he found seemed heroic- or perhaps the sphere had been a hero? Meta couldn't put a finger on it: what made this newcomer so special? 

It clicked. It all reminded him of a dream he had around half a year ago. He thought... 

"What was that about again? A dream where... Ah. Something about some sort of wishing star- or at least that might have been what happened. Oh, a wishing star— no — clockwork star... named Nova? Sounds familiar..." He strained to recall all of the strange fever dream, there was no way it was prophetic. 

"Yes, that was it! A pointless dream I had where I searched for a clockwork star named Nova, wished on it, fought him... Wait- Was the person I found in the forest the greatest warrior in the galaxy?" Meta Knight recited the whole concept with hidden hysteria. "The greatest warrior in the galaxy, Galacta Knight, lost in a silly little forest? It couldn't be!" 

He glanced at the bookshelf in the corner. As usual, it was filled with many books, only if he could find the one he had been looking for. 

"Ah, this is it," he called, as he picked up the rather heavy book in his small, gloved hands. He scanned urgently through the pages, searching for the only marked page. Aha! "The legend of Galacta Knight, hm... Let's see." His eyes scrolled through the page, glancing at every little word to find some semblance of answer. 

"He was sealed, yes... But could he have been unsealed?" The pieces slid into place, he figured out what had occurred. His eyes opened wider, in veiled horror, "have I come across the Galacta Knight, unsealed?" 

It was the truth. The white-winged, seraphic, dove-like sphere in the next room over was Galacta Knight. How dangerous could this be? How hazardous could he be? It send Meta Knight into an organised panic. Hastily setting the book back into the shelf, he couldn't help but think back to the duel in that dream. Ah, so he was that strong. Has he lost his memory? Maybe... But he knows who he is? Shocking. 

He attempted to return to the next room over, where the magenta warrior stood.
----
Perched upon the warrior's left horn was a curiously bright orange butterfly, it seemed out of place. 

"Gah... Where is this place? Do you think you might know," Galacta Knight mused in the direction of the butterfly, expecting a response. "Stars, I've gone insane, haven't I?" 

"Are you alright," the navy knight questioned, noticing him speaking to the strange butterfly. Loony and incredibly strong? How will I ever find a way out of this situation? 

"Oh, my apologies. I am, thank you," Galacta's voice trailed off, attempting to distract from his odd behaviours. He took a moment to analyse the caped orb in front of him. He recognised the person from his dreams, before he was freed. Piercing gold eyes, pale grey metal mask, blue skin, it was him... He took in the accent belonging to Meta Knight too: strange, delightfully foreign. Realising who he was, he took a jarring step back in his mind, "you're a fighter, aren't you?" 

Meta Knight's gaze snapped onto Galacta, "what do you mean by that?" Silence chopped up the strange panic between the two, unease cutting through the air. Any longer and Meta would have noticed the other's shift in eye colour. 

"You wield a sword, yes?" Galacta Knight left the question plain in the open, begging for an answer to serve as his conclusion. Such repetitive hush followed, it vaguely reminded Meta Knight of the harsh sting of being kicked into the mirror, his counterpart not all too far away. Weird memory after weird memory came to Meta in the silence: Dark Meta Knight, he lives here now doesn't he? That's a new problem, I better get used to arguments. 

"I do. Why ask?" No silence followed after, only a rushed reply. 

"I was merely thinking about it. I do as well. Ah, not exactly- I still have my lance, do I? Perhaps, huh," Galacta Knight fumbled with his words, getting used to hearing his own voice out loud once more. 

Studying the magenta eyes before him, Meta Knight spoke once more, "so you are Galacta Knight, is that correct?" The magenta eyes narrowed at the question, finding the answer idiotically obvious. 

"Aye, I am." Well that clears up a lot of things, I've a world of trouble ahead of me... 

The butterfly that had been resting on the magenta warrior's golden horn flitted onto the ground. Bright light overtook the place at which it landed. A deep obsidian coloured sphere stood where the butterfly might have. Pearl eyes stared back at the other two. 

"That had not been a dream? I..."
"Who are you," Meta Knight forced out sternly, hiding his frantic thoughts. So he isn't crazy, the butterfly is a person? 

"You need not worry. I am simply Morpho Knight," the ebony orb with butterfly wings spoke clearly, a silvery, cool tone painting the importance of himself. They may ask of my business here, and I will reply gently, as I always should. 

"Morpho Knight, as you have called yourself, you are here for no harm, is that right?" Meta Knight's words took an edge of dismay, worried for the possible second issue standing before him. 

"I would never cause any harm. Besides that, I am only really here for one of you..." The break in Morpho's speech caused Meta Knight to waver, considering pulling out his blade. "It is necessary to teach Galacta Knight how to live anyways." The calm demeanor of the butterfly knight's voice caused a sigh of relief to echo around the room. He was here to help, not to hurt or disrupt. It was a miracle. 

Galacta Knight locked eyes with Morpho Knight in familiarity, " you... You were him? This entire time? No... You freed me, how do I thank-" Galacts cut himself off, shaking his head, then resumed speaking. "I will discuss that later, now is not the time. Meta Knight— or at least I think that's what your name is— are you doing well? You don't look well." 

He stammered, "yes, yes. I am fine. I have work that I must attend to." Without much of a sound or fuss, Meta Knight exited the room, swiftly returning to his stack of books. 

"The blue one, he's familiar. In an odd way," Galacta Knight gently spoke, "it's almost endearing in a way. Besides, wouldn't it be wise to settle in now." 

Morpho Knight scanned Galacta's face for some sort of expression, then moved on. "What a grand, new adventure in such an unsuspecting place..." Morpho Knight thought to himself.

Chapter Text

Kirby paced about the room, not out of anxiety, but boredom. He quite literally had nothing to do, and no way to make up something to do. To him, being idle was so boring; it was more tedious than actually having something to be busy with. 

Hm... But he could go on a walk outside, that would be fun! A walk would do the trick to fill the time, even if it was so very cold outdoors. 

The pink ball stepped out the door, "I should probably get started before it gets too chilly," he exclaimed to himself. Even if the leaves started falling already, it was still so gorgeous and vibrant in Dreamland. Small lavender flowers dotting the hills, laying underneath a comfortable tree, he knew he now had planned what he could do all day. 

He looked up from the grass, noticing a small orange blip running seemingly towards him. The speck on the horizon started moving faster. "Kirby, Kirby! I just got something, and I think you need to read it," the fast approaching orange dot yelled. That orange speck was Bandana, who was carrying a small opened envelope with him. 

The waddle dee halted, "here! Read this!" Bandana Dee shoved the letter quickly into Kirby's hands. 

"Oh, well hi Bandana," Kirby happily spoke as he took the opened letter from the dee. He unfolded the letter, looking to see who it was from. "From Magolor? We haven't gotten anything from him for years," he voiced, confused. 

"Yeah, I know! He doesn't talk to us anymore, but he wrote that it was urgent!" Bandana pointed with a nub at a specific sentence, making Kirby read the parts of the letter before it faster. Kirby gasped. 

"Some of the energy spheres got stolen again and now the Lor won't work properly," Kirby shouted in disbelief. He immediately knew they had to do something. "I already told the others, poor Magolor has no one else to help!" Bandana Waddle Dee almost began to rush off before Kirby opened his mouth, "we have to help!" They ran off to the others together.

-----

Kirby shoved the door of the meeting room open, Bandana following suit. "We've gotta go see Magolor," he exclaimed, "we've gotta go help him!" 

Dedede and Meta Knight quickly turned towards the two standing near the entrance of the room. Meta Knight sighed, "are you two sure you have planned and thought this through, we do not need another situation like-" 

"Meta, right now is a really bad time to be skeptical and cautious! Someone needs us," Kirby energetically blurted. He exhaled then spoke again, "Magolor promised us after we helped him get better that nothing like that would ever happen again. Shouldn't we trust his word?" 

"Hm..." 

"Meta Knight, he's got a point. We should give 'im the benefit of the doubt, y'know," Dedede suggested, "I agree that we should go. All four of us." 

Bandana Dee broke the silence, "even though I understand what Meta thinks, three of us agree, so that makes a majority! It would be really late once we'd get to him though..." It wouldn't be too safe to go that far in a half-functioning ship with there being little time left in the day. 

"Alright, if you three are so inclined that we must go, then we will leave early in the afternoon tomorrow," Meta Knight grumbled, merely tolerating the idea of being with the one person who betrayed all four so awfully. 

"Lighten up, Meta! It could be a really fun adventure!" Kirby waved his little nubs as he cheerily spoke. 

"Then what should we do for the rest of the day," Bandana mentioned, the anxious feelings slipping through his voice. He didn't exactly trust Magolor either, but he wanted to trust that Kirby's gut feeling was right. Besides, he had helped us make sure Popstar was safe after the incident, so they should give Magolor a chance and do him a favour. Right?

---------------

Morpho Knight walked through the door of the room with a purpose. A proposition for Galacta Knight, a quest to get both of them more familiar with each other. 

As of recent, a place called the Abyss had been brimming with issues stemming from entities known as dark matter. In a strange way, he could sense the discourse from there, it causing him immense amounts of panic. None of it felt right, something had happened, and Morpho would solve it. Possibly even solve it with aid from the Aeon Hero. 

"Hm? Oh, hello," Galacta began then stopped, realising now that his own voice sounded exhausted. What exactly could he want now? He thought it would take an eternity for him to stop being uncomfortable once the strange butterfly orb stepped into the room. Something was so familiar about Morpho to him... He snapped out of it, realising Morpho had walked closer, then sat on the floor. 

Morpho Knight's silvery voice spoke, "perhaps there might be a chance I am worried about a certain something." The words felt odd coming out of his mouth. The butterfly knight, afraid of something? Blasphemous! Even so, the state of the Abyss frightened him to the very core. Morpho began frantically shaking. 

Galacta Knight's gaze softened, realising he shouldn't be a stranger in this situation. "I have a proposal, if you are so inclined to take it," Morpho voiced, "I have a concern I must attend to. If you so wish, you may accompany me." He used the words to anchor himself, awaiting Galacta's response. 

"That would be very exciting, and new," Galacta Knight mused, "sure, I will come with you. It could be an interesting adventure!" Morpho examined every tiny word and inflection in his speech, seeing that he would be genuinely glad to go with. 

"I must warn you, it will be dealing in something serious. Something you may be... 'familiar' with. You've heard of dark matter, yes? It's akin to void, but not quite..." 

"Void, where have I heard that," Galacta thought in panic. He knew what void was. Void... Void termina... 

Ah... I should have backed out when I could've. But now I can't, shouldn't. I have experience, so it shouldn't be hard right? Yes? 

"I assume you mean yes, Aeon Hero," Morpho announced, quelling a panic attack as it set in that it was the same reason why Galacta wore a stunned expression. He should leave before it gets worse... 

The ethereal butterfly-winged ball silently stood, walked over to the door, then left.

-------------

"We should all stay here. Ooh!- And maybe we should go to the fountain of dreams so we could sleep super well too. Ah, so much we can do!" Kirby eagerly paced as he listed all the possibilities, getting excited at just the thought of being with the four people he cared about the most. What a grand time! Admittedly, they hadn't seen each other very often after what had happened with Haltmann Works. It was refreshing to see everyone's faces once more, and they were all so happy too. 

"I like that idea," Dedede chirped, "it's a really pretty place, perfect to set the scene for an adventure!" 

"A breath of fresh air sounds lovely," the fluttering of his own cape followed Meta Knight's words. 

"So we all think we should go? Good, I'll take that as a yes!" Kirby's gaze turned nostalgic at the realisation that he could return to the magical fountain again. He felt that it was silly how excited he was, but deep down inside he knew it was warranted. 

"It's been so long, I wonder if it has changed at all..." 

Dedede laughed. "No way! It hasn't been that long has it?" 

"It has! Kind of... So, we'll head over there right after sunset!" Excitement filled the room as anticipation for the sight of the majestic waters awaited them.

Chapter Text

The sky was deep black, filled with the many stars of space. The water falling down the elegant stonework. It almost seemed as if the liquid itself wasn't water, but instead starlight, the pure light of the cosmos. It was the perfect place to slowly lull oneself into sleep.

The air surrounding gave off a feeling of safety and warmth, which seemed so intense that it was nearly specific to the fountain. It was beautiful. All that had ever happened to it before— when the Nightmare Wizard had taken over its powers— was now erased. The Star Rod was whole, and with it the amazing abilities of the Fountain of Dreams. Although the sights are stunning, there has never been much to do here except take in the air.

Not a single soul as ever been allowed to touch the water of the fountain, but its very presence and existence will cause feelings of drowsiness. The side effects of visiting the Fountain of Dreams were perfect for the team's intentions: get good rest to go help Magolor by morning.

The light it cast was a brilliant, royal blue, painting the scene various shades of the colour. The colours of all four looked as if they had been draped with a fine layer of blue stained glass.

"Woah," Kirby whispered, "the water is glowing! How cool is that?" The water was bright and glittery, filled with the awe-inspiring powers of the Star Rod.

Dedede laughs, pointing out and almost mocking Kirby's amazement. "You act as if you've never seen the thing, but ya have! I was there too, you know. We've both seen it!" He glances at the water, "I mean, I guess it's still cool. It's glowing brighter than when we first fixed the Star Rod, I think."

Bandana's eyes lit up with joy. He'd never seen the fountain in person before, had he? If he ever had, it must have been too long ago to remember. "Amazing! The water even glitters too! I've only ever seen pictures in books, I thought it was pretty then too, but now it's even prettier! Thanks so much for taking us here!"

Kirby felt so overjoyed that his friends and teammates enjoyed the wonderful display. It was just four friends under a star-studded sky, experiencing the view of their lives. Surely, they would all have very sweet dreams tonight.

Chapter Text

Beautiful gold light in such a radiant throne room, newly occupied by a new king, too young to truly understand his duties. For such a seemingly skilled person, he couldn't help but paranoid. Or so it was, years back. He was used to it now, the halls filled with the waddle dees, and those who has been summoned to meet the crown, it was the usual. 
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"Your Highness! We seem to have received word that a citizen has come to settle down nearby the capital, should we send for them?" 

"Yes, yes! Those who saw them assumed them to be skilled in some way, maybe with weaponry! Could they be a threat?" The little servants continued to chatter about their findings, it looked as if it could be a situation of dire consequence if it wasn't handled correctly. Then again, could a newcomer really be that strong? This pushed Dedede deeper into thought, why would someone like that be here? What could they want? Were they even originally from Dreamland? 

"Assuming this could be an issue, I'll put out an official summons later. Could you two remind me what they look like so I can relay this information to Bandana?" 

"Of course!" They both obliged. 

And the two dees explained away, were there any details of this persons appearance they didn't know?
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With the request put in place, he was only to wait. There was no actually reason for the person to even show up if they hadn't wished to, if they were as intimidating as he was told. Who could they be, what was their name? Were they well known, a nobody? He should stop asking questions that don't have answers. 

The door squeaked open, a little waddle dee wearing a bandana stepped into the study he was waiting in. 

"Sire, the visitor has arrived. He is awaiting your arrival in the throne room." 

What had he gotten himself into? The stranger hadn't put up a fight, but none could tell if it was all a ruse or not. 

"Thank you, Bandana. I appreciate the notice." In truth, he didn't, he dreaded the very moment it would happen. What if Dreamland would fall only in a few weeks of his reign? He stepped out of the study, and made his way to the throne room.

Every step felt like a lifetime, the echoey halls justifying his quick steps to either be met with destruction, or a rather helpful stranger. He entered through the door, only to be met immediately with the newcomer's piercingly gold eyes. 

"Greetings, Your Highness," the voice spoke nearly immediately, "my deepest apologies if I seem to be late." As the creature spoke, Dedede further convinced himself of an imminent threat. 

"Exactly who introduces themselves like that if they haven't done something," he repetitively thought to himself. He slowly examined every part of the orb in front of him, the way his gold eyes seemed to glow menacingly, the pale gloves covering what the King assumed to be his hands, the mask obscuring all defining features of his face; all of the details looked like the perfect climate for crime. 

"Good sir, may I ask you what your name is," Dedede formally spoke, putting himself in the role of King of Dreamland once more. He expected no response, he expected the worst— he expected a stab after the moment he spoke, he expected death. But the stranger was benevolent, and continued to answer every question thrown at him. 

"Since you have asked, I am Meta, and I will kindly ask as to why I may be here." A direct response, another deep look from the gleaming, gold eyes. Dedede thought he would be asking the questions here, but in another thought he found that it would only be fair for the blue other to come with inquiries too. 

"We— no— I ask of your business here. Why have you come to the capital? Meta Knight, if you are as honourable as you look, good sir, I would assume you must be here for valid reasons. I still must ask why you have come." The navy sphere shifted at the odd, new name, with a title that wasn't his.
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A huge pause filled the room. Every word was delicate, and every word could heighten or lower the other's suspicions. The bright, yellow-ochre eyes flicked from floor to ceiling as deep purple eyes saught to meet them to bring out an answer to his question. 

"I am here only to work, I look for a place to fulfill myself, and I believe I have found it," a smooth voice came from the deep blue orb. Suddenly, the King's hand was placed out to meet that of the smaller swordsman's. 

"Do you swear, on your honour, that you are here to be no harm, and aid a valiant cause," the abrupt strength in King Dedede's speech made the room seem to lightly shake. The only thing he could think of was to rush to the need of Dreamland's safety, only wishing to keep his people out of war, and inside peace. 

A white gloved hand faintly grasped the yellow one, turning the outstretched palm into a handshake. "Your Majesty, I will do my best to keep the land away from harm, as long as I am seen as no threat to the people," this time, the heavily accented speech became slightly timid, but incredibly sincere in delivery. 

"Very well then..." Dedede's thoughts were allowed to slow down at the sheer seriousness in the no-longer-stranger Meta Knight's words. Perhaps Dreamland is safe once more, maybe it is even safer than before. As he looked away, the orb seemed to bow as a sign of acknowledging the status of the King in front of him. 

"You are dismissed, Meta Knight."

Chapter Text

The Lor Starcutter was a large ship, really. Even while missing some of the energy spheres, the Lor ran incredibly well. It was an amazing sight to see, although very anxiety inducing considering what Magolor did. 

...But that was in the past. Now, Magolor was a friend, right? A friend in need. A thought remains quiet at the back of Kirby's mind. 

He's changed since then. Everything is alright, and we can all just get along! ...Right? 

The sound of footsteps resound from the floor of the Lor. 

"Wow, Magolor, you really have been taking care of it... It looks so nice!" Magolor turned and waved to Kirby while he was walking in, but he seemed to just keep talking, filling the silence without acknowledging his greeting. The Starcutter really was clean and tidy, a testament to how much time Magolor had without planning world domination. The others followed after Kirby, not speaking much, but silently waving hello to Magolor. It was a tense situation. In all honesty, it felt awkward to even talk in any way, shape, or form. 

"Oh, thank you so much for offering to help me out here!"  His voice drops to a whisper. If he was to lie, he would say that he just thought it was embarrassing. But it was more than that. He didn't want to set Kirby off at all, knowing what happened the last time they met. "You know... I thought you would consider saying no..." 

Bandana heard what Magolor said and dismissed the thought. "Why would you think that?" 

"Because of the incident, I was thinking that-" 

Meta Knight catches on to what he had been saying, the "incident" being a painfully obvious and hard to avoid topic with Magolor. "Perish the thought." Dedede chimes in. It was only natural that all of them knew exactly what event Magolor had been talking about. "Of course, we'll help you at any chance we get!" 

"I thank you all so much for your trust! I promise, this is a completely innocent request... Truthfully, this time." 

The only word that could be said wasn't even a word, it was a huge sigh of relief. There would be no more conquering the world, no more manipulation, just compliance to a journey. And it felt good. It felt good to go on a small little journey after all that had happened. Now that Haltmann Works' tyrannical conquest had been taken care of, everyone could wipe that "stain" from their conscience. 

Without much of a loud start, the Lor blasts into the sky. It was immediately obvious how much those few missing energy spheres meant to the ship. It moved unbearably slow, having taken several hours to even finally leave Popstar and plunge into the depths of space. 

The stars were so beautiful up close. So shiny and bright like specks of glitter in the sky. It was a peaceful thing, calming, quiet. 

After a while, Kirby wished he could touch them. He could if he wanted to, but he generally told himself not to forget that this was a quest of sorts, and not just a silly jaunt around the galaxy. So he opted to just stand near a window, hoping to see the stars pass by as the Lor Starcutter drifts through space. 

He wasn't alone for very long, though it wasn't like he wanted to be alone at all. Bandana quietly approached the window, standing beside Kirby, both watching as little points of light shimmered in the distance and planets sped past.

Chapter Text

Bandana and Kirby stood there for a while. In all honesty, there wasn't much to see, save for a few stars and planets zooming past. 

To think of it, the Lor wasn't moving very fast. They would be there for a while. 

"We might as well make the best of this…" Kirby glanced over at Bandana, expecting a response, like always. 

He got no response, but smiled as if there was one. There was one, in a way, suggested in the quiet between them. Words failed to describe their situation, so only the silence could mean anything worth considering. 

Bandana Dee watched Kirby grin, smiling in return. It was nice to know that they could still all be happy, even if the new task weighed down everyone's conscience to the point where no one could think of anything but it. 

"We've got this handled, don't worry." 

It was enough to keep Kirby positive for now. Maybe it would keep him positive later too, maybe not. It was a matter of moments, not of the long term. 

Bandana smiled back at Kirby before exiting the room quietly, leaving him by himself. 

"Oh well..." Kirby glanced at the door, almost expecting someone to come through it. 

They didn't, of course. But he still waited, hoping someone might. At a certain point, it got too quiet for too long, especially for someone like him. 

Kirby stood there still, looking out the window, occasionally looking back at the door to see if anyone was there. He felt like something was off. Something was wrong, and he couldn't tell what. 

"Hm… Hello?" 

No answer. No one was there waiting for him behind the door. He felt alone. He knew the others were there, but he still felt like no one was there. 

"I'll be fine on my own... Yeah! There are plenty of things to do here..." 

He looked around the room, and there was nothing to do. 

"Like... Staring out the window! There's plenty to...look at out there!" 

There really wasn't anything to look at: the stars passing by, maybe a few planets here and there. 

He lost track of how much time had passed since he started staring at the window. Everything looked the same anyways. 

The door opened with a small click, though Kirby didn't turned to look at the door to see who was there. For a moment, he even thought that he was imagining things and that the door never even opened and no one was there. There was, however, someone walking up to the window to stand next to him. 

"Oh, haha, it's just you!" 

"Just me." 

At least, Kirby originally thought he would have walked up to the window, but he just watched as Meta Knight stood in the middle of the doorway. 

Does he expect me to say something? What do I say? Uh... 

Silence splits the space between them. An empty conversation or two wouldn't hurt, right? Just to pass the time. It's not like Kirby to just say nothing, he's gotta say something, right? 

Meta Knight's hand reached for the door as he turned around. 

"Wait! Wait!" 

Curious gold eyes flick back to look at him. 

"Just stay, alright? We can talk for a bit, you know. You don't have to just leave!" 

Leave. That word made Meta Knight uncomfortable. Were his actions perceived as rude? He could only hope not, considering he didn't mean it that way. Or did he? Did everyone always think he was trying to be distant? 

"Don't just leave," he repeated, hoping Meta Knight would take his hand off of the door and just talk to him.

Everyone had been oddly silent since this began. Why was everyone quiet? He was tired of everyone being quiet. He was sick of it. Done with it. 

"Just talk, for once!" 

That definitely wasn't as soft as Kirby wanted it to sound.