Chapter Text
A typical day in Pupupu Town was peaceful and quaint, sheeps baaing in the fields as residents went through their daily routines. Waddle dees patrolled the castle, washed the laundry, and tended to the garden faithfully. Kirby slept the day away, dreaming of sweets and watermelons with a happy smile. The sun had just set beyond Whispy Wood’s treetop, the moon making its way up the starry sky.
But alas, peace never was a permanent option.
“That last demon beast was a complete bust! I don’t want Kirby in this town for another day, you hear me?!” King Dedede hollared, flopping down onto his throne with a huff. Escargoon sighed and followed behind, a little bummed out as well with their failed attempt. Whatever they do, Kirby always manages to gain a copy ability and beat them in the end! It was an annoyance! Dedede hit the button to summon forth a giant screen, it only taking a second to flicker to life. “Customer Service!” He yelled.
“Ah, your Majesty! How have you been?” Customer Service greeted with his trademark smile.
“I want a demon beast! A good one this time! The last one was a damn failure!” Dedede complained, rambling off for another five minutes of how he wanted a refund. Customer Service coughed to get his attention back, Dedede crossing his arms and glaring at him. “I ain’t paying until there’s a beast that actually does it’s job!”
“Well, if his Majesty wishes for something so capable, we do have an… option.” Customer Service grinned, the penguin tilting his head slightly in interest. “It is not part of our catalogue, consider it as a secret product.” The sound of such a label already had both Dedede and Escargoon leaning forward in interest. “I must warn you, this one is particulary destructive; it is known for destroying entire planets and conquering galaxies.”
Oh, how brightly the king’s eyes shined. It stretched the smile further across Customer Service’s face.
“It has the nickname of being the ‘greatest warrior in the galaxy’.” Oh, there was the spark he loved so much. Dedede was grinning listening to the product, Escargoon equally entranced with the words. “They were trapped inside a crystal prison for thousands of years because their power was said to be too great. You understand how significant that is, yes?”
“SOLD!”
“Your Majesty, we should list-” Dedede slammed his hand on the button, the delivery system rising out of the throne room floor; however, no power surged through, the pedestal remaining empty.
“Don’t be so impatient now! We will need a day to prepare for this product. Like I said before, this one is very, very dangerous. But rest assured, they will dispose of Kirby with ease!” Customer Service promised with a big grin, clapping his hands together. “You will get your money’s worth!”
“I better!” The screen turned off, Dedede laughing heartily and clapping in joy. The greatest warrior in the galaxy was going to be under his command! Kirby doesn’t stand a chance! “Escargoon! Tell the waddle dees to prepare a celebratory dinner! I’m going to be rid of Kirby once in for all!”
“Yes, your Majesty!” Escargoon ran off to find the nearest waddle dee, equally cheerful. In their excitement, they did not notice the shadow behind the columns slinking away, golden eyes fading into the shadows.
Meta hurried away from the throne room and found his way to the main castle hallways, walking down the corridor in his usual stride. The waddle dees waddled past, the birds chirped away their songs, his footsteps clicked across the stone floor. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky, the stars faintly twinkling. It was so peaceful, so wonderfully peaceful, but he has never felt more troubled in his life. The cape that wrapped so protectively around him felt more restrictive and suffocating, each breath coming out in pants.
“You!” Meta froze in his steps, just barely recognizing Escargoon’s voice behind him. “Tell the dees the King wants dinner now! And make it a feast!” A waddle dee hurried on past him towards the kitchen, Escargoon huffing and brushing his hands. “Oh, good evening, Sir Meta Knight!” He responded with a curt nod. He didn’t trust his voice, sucking in oxygen as if his lungs kept on deflating. Thankfully, Escargoon turned and headed in the opposite direction.
Unfortunately, it still left him with his thoughts.
No, it cannot be. It cannot be… He cannot be talking about them, how? His heart pounded even louder in his head, a heavy lump growing in his throat. No…. no no no…. It was in a damn alternate dimension! How?! Nightmare, has his power…?! Opening the door to his room, he almost slammed the door shut, mask beginning to feel far too tight on his face. He couldn’t, he couldn’t have-!
“Sir, are you alright?” Meta nearly choked on his spit in the shock, looking up to see Sword and Blade running over. Their swords were on the table, in the middle of polishing. He swallowed and forced his heart to stop pounding in his head, taking in a deep breath and exhaling. “Did something happen?” Blade asked, Sword grabbing their swords in preparation.
“... Sword. Blade. Listen to me very carefully.” He whispered, the two standing by his side to hear. “Dedede ordered a deadly opponent. Under no circumstances can I have Kirby fight this one.” The cape was getting too restrictive, Meta letting it fall to his sides. “Warn Fumu and Bun. They have to get Kirby to safety. I do not care what they say, Kirby is NOT ready for this one.” He raised his head. “Go. Now.”
“Yes Sir!” They sprinted out, Meta hearing them making way for the minister’s room. He exhaled, suddenly feeling the weight of thousands of years beginning to press down onto his shoulders. Taking the mask off and letting the cool night air wash over his face, he gazed down at the mask surface; he could barely make out his own expression. It has been a while since he has done maintenance. It was all scratched up, the metal left unpolished for quite some time. Glancing at the mirror, he felt his throat tighten up as it only reflected back silvery eyes.
Please… please, stars above… do not let it be them…
Somehow, he knew it was a hopeless wish. The stars never were kind to him.