Chapter Text
Frantic wings flap through the air with panicked motions, stray feathers flying off with each forceful jerk of the appendages. It was as if they couldn’t decide which direction to fly towards, plummeting a few feet before shooting right back up. Eyes stuttered between pink and red, a gloved hand nursing their head.
Spotting a clearing devoid of enough trees for a landing, they jerked their body downwards and dove towards it. Grass and flowers, slightly cushioning what felt like a meteor crash. Maybe they skid a little further than they wanted. Exhaustion gripped almost instantly, eyes struggling to stay shut. The wings splayed over them messily in a poor attempt as a blanket, Galacta forcing their eyes shut and letting fatigue take over.
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The morning came rather calmly with the chirping of birds and a pleasant breeze, Meta waking up extra early to scout out the area and make sure nothing was amiss. He stopped by the river to clean the wound again, smiling slightly as he saw it was already healed over; only a light blue scar remained, and it was to disappear perhaps by tomorrow night. Once satisfied, he waited for the rest of the group to wake up, surprised when Kirby was the first. The pink puffball yawned and rolled over, sleepily smiling and waving.
“Poyo!”
“Good morning to you too, Kirby.” He jumped up onto the tree branch Kirby slept on. They pawed at his cape where his bandaged hand would be, Meta showing that only a scar remained.
“Poyo poy pu?”
“I heal rather quickly. Do not worry, it should be returned to normal by tomorrow night.” Kirby still held his hand, giving a little booboo kiss and a big smile. He didn’t have the heart to take his hand back an interrupt the magic of a booboo kiss. Fumu and Bun woke up not long after, Kirby hopping down to greet them good morning. He jumped down as well, watching as Bun complained for five more minutes, Fumu regardless dragging him awake and patting Kirby’s head.
“How do apples for breakfast sound?” She offered, Kirby bouncing in a circle with joy. “Mr. Whispy, good morning!” She called. The old tree trunk slowly formed the two signature hollow eyes and mouth, Whispy smiling and taking a moment to let his apples drop. Kirby was all too happy to start inhaling away, Meta taking one with a nod of thanks.
“Ah, Fumu, Bun, Kirby. It is wonderful to see you three.” He slightly leaned towards Meta. “And if I am not mistaken… you are Sir Meta Knight, correct?” He asked, hollow eyes gazing down. Meta bowed respectfully.
“Yes, it is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Whispy. I have to thank you for offering protection to these children.”
“They have given me protection many times, so I am more than happy to give it back.” Whispy chuckled, shaking to let some more apples fall for Fumu and Bun. Kirby inhaled three more apples, making through the fourth with a content smile. Meta neatly cut his apple into four slices, almost feeling Galaxia rolling her eyes.
< I know you have a switchblade inside your cape. >
You’re sharper. After a breakfast of apples and catching up on recent news, Fumu decided to bring up the question first.
“Mr. Whispy, have you seen that winged knight around?” She asked, Meta looking up- he did not know if he looked up in fear or hope.
“I believe I have…”
~~~~~~
Stumbling towards the sound of water, everything was so unbearably bright, loud, god stars above it was so much . Their throat felt like it was rubbed with sandpaper; waking up in a field with a mouth unbearably dry was not a good start. And god, it was so blindingly bright, so stinging compared to the void. Their foot touched something cold and rushing past, their mind just together enough to discern it as a river - yes, a river. Sounds of a waterfall came from the left so they walked, the current not a problem.
Dunking their entire body underneath the crashing waters, they removed their mask to let some of the water flow into their mouth, gulping it down till they almost felt sick. They are so parched, mouth tasting like dust. Like they haven’t had drunk anything for years and years and years. Once the taste of dust was out, they slowly cracked open their eyes, breathing a little heavily as they adjusted to the sudden brightness.
Light. Water. Air. Trees. Rocks. A forest, perhaps.
Where are they? How did they get here? How long has it been…?
Galacta pressed their hand to their face, taking in a shaky breath. Retreating further into the waterfall, they were relieved to find a little cave behind, crawling in and collapsing on the cold stone ground. The darkness was a little more welcome on their eyes. The cold air didn’t help with their now-wet feathers, but a quick shake got rid of the excess. Staring out into the forest, Galacta tried to rein in their thoughts once more.
They were imprisoned in that blasted crystal prison and kept in a void for endless years- there was no way to discern time there. They gave up trying to count after who knows how many awakenings. Galacta sighed, trying to backtrack further into their mind.
Their name is Galacta Knight. They wield a lance and shield. They were sealed in a crystal prison because… because they were too powerful. Yes, yes that sounded correct. Something, or someone, or many someones have said they were very powerful; it was easy to see, Galacta slightly shivering at the tingles of electricity crackling through their body. But besides those facts… it was just fog. Trapped hopelessly alone and silent in void for stars know how long, then… then wake up lying against a tree at sunset on this planet?
… Something was missing, wasn’t it?
Last night, was it just another dream? No, it wasn’t a dream, because they can remember flashes of a field littered with scorch marks and sparking blades. No bodies, but their back and arm ached, the tip of the lance had dried blood, indicating they did fight. But against who? Who did they attack?
Galacta really, really hoped they did not kill someone.
Their stomach growled, reminding that they haven’t eaten in eons. The forest, it had some nice shade. Their wings still ached, so flying was not that high on the list. Galacta groaned and slowly stood up, wincing and putting their mask back on. Hopefully this planet was not scorched by the war and there was some edible food around. Though there were several questions swimming through their head, food came first. The cave will make as a temporary base.
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“A winged knight seemed to be heading towards the eastern side of the forest.” Whispy said, branches slightly tilting. “I would guess they are in Acore’s forest. Do you remember him, little ones?”
“Yeah! The old tree with Rick and the others!”
“Can you tell what they are doing?”
“Unfortunately not, my scope of the forest does not go that far.” Whispy closed his eyes, concentrating for a few moments. They all waited patiently. “However… I do not sense any danger coming from there. It seems rather normal.”
“Normal?” Fumu raised a brow, resting a hand on her chin. “I would expect a demon beast to be wrecking havoc by now… and why did they go so far? I thought they might be still circling this forest.” Meta stared up at the sky, half expecting to see a streak of pink fly on by. But only some soft puffy clouds drifted along, peaceful and quiet.
“Galacta… should have been circling. They might not like entering a forest, but flying above is still an option.” He still jumped up onto the treetops to take a second glance. No, only clouds and some birds. It was only in the far, far distance where the green hue of the trees became darker, signaling Acore’s forest. “Why did they go so far?” His eyes burned green, jumping back down. He didn’t inflict any serious injuries, definitely not enough for Galacta to fly away to recover. Majority of demon beasts did not put much thought in for care either, so to not even have a single disturbance?
“Didn’t you say that Galacta was real powerful?” Bun hopped off the log he was sitting on. “Maybe Nightmare can’t control them!”
“Nightmare has already harnessed enough power to bring Galacta out of the pocket dimension we-” It hurt to say, it hurt so much to say we . “-we protected them in.” Meta shifted his cape. “They are being controlled.”
“Perhaps it is only during periods of time?” Fumu offered, a hopeful smile on her face. “And it was only just when King Dedede summoned them! Maybe Nightmare’s control will loosen up over time!” He really wanted to believe them, to see in such an optimistic way. But even somebody as powerful as Jecra succumbed, and they all regarded him as one of the best warriors. No one was safe from Nightmare’s claws, especially when he was the bastard that sealed Gala- “Sir Meta Knight?” He blinked and raised his head. “Your eyes, they were turning red.”
“I… apologize. I was thinking.”
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A little stack of wood, some apples and berries, and an assortment of leaves to act as padding against the stone floor. Not the most luxurious of living spaces, but they never were picky.
It was high afternoon, Galacta sitting on top of a tree branch and listening to the birds below chirp and sing. The thick shade of the trees let their eyes adjust to the sudden brightness of the world. They haven’t heard noise in so long , never thinking that they would be brought to tears from just hearing birds sing.
The morning was half spent just… staring. Staring at this planet they found themself on, with natural fruit trees, crisp clean water, woodland animals, and more. Galacta almost thought it was heaven with how peaceful everything was. So many planets have been stripped of resources or simply scorched till all remained was rock; was this a planet that never got touched by the galactic war, or have they been sleeping for so long that a planet managed to recover?
How many years would that even be ? Would anybody they fought with be still be alive? What was the status of the war?
Leaning against the tree trunk with a sigh, Galacta took a deep breath, exhaling. Clean air, warm sun. The rays of sunshine that made it through the tree canopy was something they sorely missed, soaking every bit of it in. Whatever happened, whatever is happening, all they know was that they gained a second chance.
“‘ello?” Galacta blinked, looking down. A… giant hamster? “Oi Kirbs, is that you? What are you doing all the way out here?” Kirby? Who is that? Making sure their mask was secure and jumping down, the hamster almost dropped the food they were carrying. “Oh! You ain’t Kirby, sorry!”
“No, I am Galacta.” They extended a hand. “And you are?”
“Rick!” The hamster shook their hand with a friendly smile. “Didn’t think there be anyone besides us camping out here! Pupupu Village is quite a ways to go! You from there?” Pupupu Village? Is that the main society on this planet? “Say, you kinda look like Meta Knight!” Galacta froze. “He pretty famous there, I’d b’ surprised if you don’t know of ‘em.”
His golden eyes filled with desperation, fear, despair. Torn gloves outstretched, his sword slashing and tearing through every demon beast that got in his way with a fury they never seen him possess before. His golden eyes paired with silvery tears that scattered through the air.
Torn gloves outstretched. They felt his hand on theirs for a second. His golden eyes, those beautiful golden eyes, they flooded with relief. For a second. For a second, they both smiled.
Their vision flooded with crystal next.
“H-Hey, you good?” Galacta blinked, realizing they were staring at the ground. Rick tilted his head. “You zone out for a second?”
“W… Where is this Pupupu Village?”
“If ya head west, you should come across it!” Rick pointed towards deeper into the forest. “It’s kinda a long ways though, so might wanna pack some food! Whispy Woods is nearby there, once you see the trees become a lighter shade of green you will know you hit Whispy’s.” It was the best place so far to find some answers. They can figure out what year it is and what has changed.
And… And meet…
“Sorry, who did you say I look like again?”
“-! He wears a mask and these shoulder things too!” Rick gestured at their pauldrons. Galacta blinked as the sudden fog over their head cleared, only catching the second sentence. “You’ll know when you see him.” Rick picked up the rest of his food, waving goodbye. “See ya round’ buddy! Say hi to Kirbs for me! They look like you but no armor and more pink!” Galacta gave a polite wave back as the hamster strolled back into the depths of the forest. Galacta sighed and looked back at the sky. There was still a while before evening hit, but judging by how their wings still ached, maybe they will leave tomorrow.
Normally, they would stay and scope the area for a few days, but so far it seemed this planet was very peaceful and passive. This Pupupu Village and Kirby- a puffball, like them? And that other one, the one Rick said looked like them… What was their name? Didn’t Rick just say it?
“GALACTA!” His golden eyes, always shining with determination and bravery. The last expression they saw was his face smiling, two little fangs peeking out with how relieved he was. Perhaps it was a blessing they not see further. His golden eyes and bright smile, silvery tears shimmering in the air, how beautiful.
They chose to ignore the muffled blood-curdling scream that came afterwards.
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The day passed by rather peacefully. Fumu, Bun, and Kirby went to go fishing at the lake near the outskirts of the forest. He met up with Sword and Blade at the entrance of the forest for a brief report; nothing particular happened. Aside from the roof of the throne room being fixed and Dedede rather cheerful that Kirby has seemed to have disappeared from the town, nothing else.
“Good work. Report before evening patrol, though do tell Captain Waddle Dee you two are going out.”
“Yes sir.” Sword and Blade said in unison, doing a quick bow. They paused. “... Sir, may we ask something?”
“What is it?”
“Pardon if this is too personal to ask, but-”
“-is this Galacta Knight somebody close to you?” He tried to find any malice or tension from their voices, only detecting concern. Sword and Blade didn’t seem to be interested in hunting Galacta Knight down, even if they did stab his hand. They knew what battles they could and couldn’t take on.
“... Yes, they are.” Meta murmured. “It was before I met you two.” They gave a nod, already knowing he didn’t want to speak anymore. He was thankful they knew went to drop the conversation, the two waving goodbye to return back to the castle. The sun began to set behind the horizon line, Meta moving back to the clearing to get a small campfire started- with Whispy’s permission, of course.
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“Sir, it seems like Galacta Knight has left the premises of Castle Dedede.” Customer Service hummed, adjusting the telescope. “And Meta Knight… well, he is not seeking them out.”
“Patience. They will meet soon.” A low chuckle rumbled behind Customer Service, reverberating throughout the room. “I know they will.” He turned back to the telescope, raising a brow as the words processed.
“Is the target not Kirby?”
“Not this time.”