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Chapter Text

If you had asked the Aeon Hero what he had thought of the night sky centuries ago, you might've gotten one of three answers depending on the hero's mood and if he even wanted to answer you at all. One was that he marveled at the sight as he looked up at the sky and wouldn't hesitate to spread his wings to their max; the lavender feathers swaying in the wings before their possessor took flight just to get closer to the celestial bodies and sparks in the sky that stared back at him. Another was silence, staring coldly at you before turning away but you could tell in the magenta eyes that peeked out through the mask that there was some fondness before they turned away, almost as if their eyes were blinking with stars in them. 

The other would be a lance thrown to your head- or shield if you were lucky. 

Despite that, the warrior had always seen a warmth through the space that was occupied between the stars as he often found himself close by to a protostar or a supernova and just stood there, taking in the sight gratefully as his eyes would light up it almost every time. Washing as the blast of colors would almost send them back if he was just close enough to them, suffering a few burns here and there, or just slowly watching as a protostar was starting, either way, he was mesmerized by the experience nearly every time. 

Nearly every time. 

Now the celestial bodies he was so fond of, countless hours and years he had put sketching and writing down locations of bodies and how he would remember a distant constellation and when it would appear during the year. All of that joy that had previously been seen in his eyes had now been washed away. Annoyance and anger flashed across his eyes as he looked at the same old stars that surrounded his crystallized prison. Only a handful of times had a supernova happened during his time stuck in the prison, tye same amount could be said with a protostar but either how far they had been from each other; Galacta Knight doesn't quite remember. 

There were also no notable constellations of where he resigned, just clusters of stars that had no notable picture he could remember or identify now. It also cluttered together now and he could barely remember when they would come and go as if the days were repeating over and over again. So now, he would mostly resign himself to staring at parts of the crystal that weren't so clear and were just a shard of pink or magenta. 

As his wings felt heavy once more, he hissed in annoyance as he found himself staring a second longer than he would like now at a red giant, turning away from it when he did so. As his wings ached, he lowered himself down onto the uneven ground of the crystal, now feeling as if they were slowly being forcefully picked out one by one. Galacta Knight looked back at his wings, making sure no damage had been done. None but it still felt as if something sharp or rigged hit him there. 

Steadily he got his balance as he shifted at the curved bottom of the crystal for a few seconds before sighing and falling against a wall before sliding down a little and sitting down in the center. He brought his left wing up to the front of him, looking carefully at the feathers for any imperfection that might have happened. Stretching out the wing a little before noticing a few feathers out of place. Carefully, the Aeon Hero told hold of one feather before pushing it back into place, aligning it back but as he grazed the lilac feather he felt a tinge of anger surge through him for a moment before a sharp gasp registered that came out him, hadn't even realized he had plucked the feather out in frustration. 

The feather dropped out of their palm quickly as he clutched the base of his wing, it was quick but the pain lasted more especially with how he didn't even realize he had done it - that made it hurt more it seemed. Galacta rubbed at the base of his wings once more, trying to soothe the pain as much as he could as the crystal did as much as it could do. Specks of light fluttered around the injured area and began to work, a silhouette similar to a feather was already forming but the crystal could only do so much. He had learned quickly that the prison could only repair any scrapes and bruises he endured either from challengers or other means, but they couldn't heal them. 

The pain would still linger and last and nothing could be done. Same with the ever-lasting feeling of hunger and hydration and how it ate at him severely and often but hadn't got to him until he remembered just how alone he was in the empty vase of space. He sighed before putting his hand up to his mask where his palm rested on the smooth edge and his thumb laid before front before slowly taking it off his face with a lift due to the horns. 

The effect was immediate and how the coldness brushed to his face in seconds and caused him to shiver a little. Nova...He had gotten weaker, hadn't he? 

He felt old yet young, he couldn't remember how old he was now, somewhere in the millions he would assume or exaggerate at this point. It felt unnerving to think of that. That anyone or everyone that knew or betrayed him is dead, just making his imprisonment more bitter. This wasn't the first time he had thought of this, he figured he would live longer than the others but to this extent? They weren't quite sure. 

As Galacta looked outside of the crystal once more, his eyes lightened a little as he could've sworn they saw a split second of a yellow dash across the void but he quickly shook their head. Their mind was probably playing tricks on him, about time. Though he wouldn't admit the light in his eyes as a small spark of something lit inside it was quickly pushed down as he replaced his mask on top of his face. 

Kirby slowed down a little as he looked across the ocean of darkness that was space before him. Looking around one more time that there were no planets that could be in danger if something could go wrong. Though despite this, there was still a sense of pride in the young star warrior that this would go well after they explained what had happened, surely!

After one last look around the area in quick surveillances in a certain radius, Kirby let out a shaky sigh as he got the warp star to get to a halt. On top of the star with him were seven other stars on a small pile together. Kirby looked at the power stars one last time before getting to his feet and took hold of the stars in his stubs before throwing them up in the air. 

As soon as they were thrown the stars quickly got into the formation of them all rotating in a circular formation. As the pink puffball watched, they had a tinge of worry and fear hit him, remembering the wicked and wide smile of Marx as they sprouted out new wings from their bodies in front of him as they had wished to take control of Popstar. But the Dreamland Heri had little time to dwell on it as a flash of light brought his attention and quickly shielded his eyes. 

As the light died down, Kirby lowered his arm down from his eyes and opened them, and looked up at the mechanical body. The giant clock loomed down at the warrior, the same dull emotion as their first meeting. Purple eyes showed off a light glow as its gears turned as a distant ticking was heard but now there was notable damage to The Nova. Its left eye was notably half closed, and on that side of its face as well as a big gash hit into its metal that looked to be around ten to fifteen feet wide now but everything else was fine. 

Kirby felt a little intimidated by the clock for a moment before looking left and right at himself, almost as if someone would push him out of the way again. 

"I see that you have returned, " The puffball's attention was grabbed as he looked up at the nova. Its mouth not being able to move but its words were clear as day. " You have one wish. " 

It spoke very few words as Kirby learned but the words that were said felt powerful in some way as, despite the monotone voice, it felt great and booming to the star warrior. 

Kirby had to think for a moment, making sure his mind wasn't on anything else as he shook his head before looking up at the nova with a determined look. "Poyo!"

A full three seconds had passed before the Nova spoke once more. " You have wished for The Aeon Hero to be released from his prison, be warned that he is much more dangerous than what you might have encountered before. " 

A chill went through Kirby as Galactic Nova's eyes started to glow a shining white. 

" 3...2...1...Go!" 

Another bright shine blocked Kirby's vision but it was a more pinkish hue and wasn't as blinding as the last. This time, the Nova had vanished without much trace as the space it previously occupied was warped and small sparks of electricity were seen. It only took a moment for the waves of lightning to turn a magenta hue before the space was now filled with a crystal double the size of the warrior. Incased on the crystal was the deep pink warrior with magenta wings that were twice his size. A four-pointed star across his mask covered one percent of its golden horns. 

Kirby watched in amazement for a moment, finding the crystal a little pretty before they were brought back by a crack ringing through. Kirby's eyes widen a little as the crystal began more and more. Looking at the older warrior's face it seemed that they had not awoken yet which sent panic to the younger hero. As the crystal finally broke into hundreds of pieces the warp star had quickly flown below where the crystal was and just barely caught the winged puffball. Their shield and lance had fallen out of his grasp and his wings sprayed out against the star. 

It was silence for a few moments, not even the sound of breathing was heard, and that made Kirby worry. He waited another second before approaching the other warrior and placed a hand on the warrior's back just above the wings but as he did a pained noise game from The Aeon Hero made Kirby jump back and watched as his wing recoiled back into folds against his back before raising his face. 

He groaned."What the Nova?" Galacta Knight finally spoke, now just realizing how hoarse and dry his voice sounded and felt. It was like sandpaper with how it stung his vocals. He was confused, he was aware he was summoned but it felt different now. They were only more confused as they looked at where they landed, a smooth surface made out of compacted dust it seemed. 

"Poyo?" Galacta Knight flinched as he quickly got to his feet and widened his wings, ignoring the flash of pain that struck his back as he looked at his wisher. Magenta eyes ran over the blue-eyed child, confused as he took in the sight of the young star warrior. This has been the second of his kind that he has seen in years and it was a mere child that summoned him? "Poyo?" 

Kirby grabbed a hold of the platinum shield and lifted it over his head before walking back over to the Aeon Hero and gesturing to the hero to take the shield. Galacta Knight took another long look at the puffball, seeing no sign of weaponry on their person and that they were just young enough to have grown in wings if they were capable of that. Which intrigued him for a moment before washing away his curiosity and eyes quickly looked over to his lance. 

In a swift blur, a deep pink dashed over to the fallen happen at the end of the star before taking hold of the handle. Quick on his feet, Kirby held the shield up to his face as he felt an overriding force hit the center of the shield, having to press their heels up and push forward against Galacta Knight's attack as it pushed the star warrior all to an endpoint of the warp star. Kirby's eyes widen a little and waited for a second to where the pressure eased before jumping above the Aeon Warrior and flipping over to land on the other side of the star. 

"Po poyo po!" Kirby exclaimed, waving his arms in the air as Galacta Knight glared at him. His wings rustled up as he slid his foot against the star's surface and hooked in his arm back. 

"What do you mean you aren't here to fight?!" Galacta Knight demanded, eyes sulking as the child looked at them with concern and flinched a little. "You had summoned Nova to try and claim my title, The Greatest Warrior of the Galaxy, had you not?" He edged, voice seemingly getting a little faster with their emphasis. 

Kirby looked at the older warriors with a concerned looked, murmuring a weak "poyo..." under his breath before shaking their heads viciously. "Poyo! Poy, Poyo..." 

Galacta Knight stood there for a moment, seemingly taking in what the child had said. He eased his stance a little as he looked down at his hand. They were right, it felt like something different because it was. Not as before did he feel a little compelled to fight on someone else's accord, surely most of those fights were in their control but now...he felt as if strings were cut from his limbs and allowed him to fly once more. 

He looked up around his surroundings, noticing that there were a different collection of stars and constellations that surrounded the two of them. Even just a little he could make out a faint silhouette of a planet in the very off distant with clouds that surrounded it. The atmosphere somehow felt warmer now despite where they were, perhaps it was the star he had landed on? He wasn't quite sure. 

"Poyo!" Galacta Knight's pupils widen as he snapped back and tightened the hold on his lance, drawing the weapon to the child just a few inches away from his face. "Poyo..?" Kirby looked out from behind Lance's end, not noticeably holding something in their hands. 

Galacta knight lowered their weapon to take a better look, seeing the star warrior holding a small carton with a blue stripe all along its four sides. Galacta Knight looked on confused before he lowered his lance and let it drop to their side, allowing Kirby to walk a few more feet to him and hold out the milk carton before the other. 

The older warriors blinked at the star warrior confused, some anger still lingered in his eyes before the light pink puffball reached behind themselves and again, Galactic Knight found himself ready to spring into action in the next second if Kirby hadn't brought out a straw. 

"Stwaw!" Said the child, butchering their R's but could still very easily be made out.

Galactic Knight was hesitant still, turning their face as he looked over the child once more. From their speaking manners, he best guessed the child was a few hundred years old, maybe just around two or three by his estimate. But the child still had some brightness and cheer in their eyes he hadn't quite seen in any other of his challengers and the fact the child hadn't brought a weapon with them was also evidence. 

With one more second of hesitancy, Galatic Knight reached forward and took the carton from Kirby's hands. "...Thanks." 

Kirby smiled brightly and his blue eyes sparkled like the ocean reflecting stars at night before raising his arms and letting out a cheerful, "poyo!" 

Galactic Knight took his gaze to the carton, hesitant but he still felt a singe of enjoyment at the child's expression. Placing the lance on the warp star, Kirby joined him and carefully placed the shield next to it with care. The knight watched carefully, gazing at his shield to see if he had put any damage to it but nothing was there. At last, he sat on top of the star while Kirby took out a juice box for himself. 

After examining the carton for a second, Galacta stuck the straw into a weaker piece of paper where it was labeled insert here on the labeling. As he did so, Kirby was already drinking away at his juice happily. Galacta held back a sigh as he took a hand to his mask, lifting it up and carefully placing it onto his lance, and only then did he realize the gravity of what he was doing. 

Just a few minutes ago he had wanted to duel the child with no further questions but now that he was no longer confined to that obligation as much and was released from his prison, he was just fine with it and enjoying a small drink with them. Perhaps a strike of intrigue got the better of them, as they were very curious about why a child would go out of their way to summon Nova and wish for his freedom.

Surely the kid wanted something out of him, maybe a bodyguard or just someone to show off and help him in scuffles. Not enjoyable to the warrior, but it would be a nice enough break until he got bored or was eventually enclosed once again by whoever still feared him. 

"Poyo?" A second after the mask was placed did Kirby speak again, looking at the older warrior in awe and confusion. Deep magenta eyes there were wider than their own but were narrowed but still kept a fixated look on him. Kirby brought a hand to their face and tapped at himself. "Poyo?" 

"  No, I am not a Star Warrior. Nor was I ever. " Galacta Knight answered. " I don't think many of them are still around anyways. " He murmured to himself before bringing the straw to his mouth and taking a sip from the carton. 

It wasn't the best he would admit but after so long, it was still refreshing to have something to drink. He couldn't find themselves complaining. 

"Poy, poyo?" 

"...I don't have to answer that. " He spat a little, reflexing his wings, and didn't notice that the child had flinched a little but still marveled at the wings. "What's even your name, kid?" 

Kirby jumped back a little in surprise, hoping a little that the warrior didn't notice himself staring but still smiled a little nervous. "Po!" 

Gacta Knight hummed as he took another sip from the carton, now feeling a spark of warmth on his wing where the feather was plucked. Almost being bathed in cotton by how soft it felt for just that moment. Momentarily recognizing that the drink was healing his injury more properly than the crystal. 

He didn't even realize that the two of them sat in silence as time slowly passed by. Blinking at the sight of small twinkles around them a moment of anger flashed once more, it was getting annoying at this point, as they wished they could take their lance and destroy the light emanating off the celestial bodies so they couldn't see them as well anymore. All but their silhouettes remained in the distance and he would be satisfied. Then again, what if that Star inhabited?- 

He shook that thought off his head, the one he had his sights on didn't have any residents, that they were aware of. Never seen anyone go near it or got off it in the time spent. 

"Why did you free me?" Asked Galacta finally even if it bit as it head to wish for it to be revealed in time. He practically craved an answer now. 

Kirby looked at them confused for a moment for raising a hand to them. "Fwiends!" 

Galacta looked at the kid as if he had just turned into a blipper, blinking multiple times as he grew skeptical. Kirby blinked back with a smile on his few, none the wiser until a few seconds of tense silence came across them. 

"You..." Galacta searched for any ill intent in the child still, "Want us to be friends?"

Galacta nearly laughed, what a humorous idea- but as he looked at Kirby once more that idea drifted away as he saw the determined look on the star warrior's face with a firm nod, surprising the winged puffball greatly. 

"Sorry Kirby, that doesn't quite seem like a good idea, like at all. Summoning Nova wasn't a good one either... " They muffled against the straw. 

Kirby tilted their head, confused and worried before they took the last of their juice and placed the bottle onto the warp star temporarily. As they did so, they turned back to the Aeon Hero. 

"Poy...poyo po!" 

"Take it as this, kid..." Galacta sighed, "Last time I was summoned through a nova, I was summoned to fight through a machine activated by nova, or something similar to its powers. Though I barely remember my assailant then as well as many others before, I have a reason to suspect this won't last. " 

" Poyo!" 

So did they. Galacta scowled, looking at the carton for a moment before looking back at the younger child before rectilinear back. 

In so much time, they had not seen such a distraught face filled with worry to him. Sure, occasionally looks of fear and despair would be faced with him by his foes as they found themselves at the end of their spear, pleading for their lives or mercy. But this was different, so different that it pained him.

Only then did Galacta realize that they had said that aloud? Nova...

" One shot." Galacta finally said, was it guilt or curiosity? 

"Poyo..?" 

" I'll... give you one shot to see if you want to be friends. But if I expect anything..." 

Before Galacta could properly finish, Kirby let out a happy "poyo!" In their accomplishment. 

Chapter Text

"Poyo, po!" Kirby expressed, pointing to Galacta's wings and then themselves. 

Galacta simply shrugged, "Maybe..but you are still quite young for that. " He stated, his eyes drifting off as the warp star slowly drifted into the atmosphere. 

Kirby puffed his cheeks a little before touching a few of Galacta's feathers. Almost immediately their wings flared up and did the aeon hero get their feet in a swift motion. Galacta Knight turned to Kirby with a fierce look on their face as it was once again met with Kirby's look of concern. Galacta's eyes soften a little as he looked back to where the child was staring at, finally noticing a small shard of magenta stuck at the alula and looking behind themselves, they also noticed one at the scapula of their wing.

How come they did not notice this before? 

Galacta eased a little but still kept his injured wing laid out after trying to bring it back, now finding it painful to do so. They guessed it took a while for the pain to settle in, but he did think that any pieces that broke from the crystal prison would have dissolved in minutes but one was, stuck in the alula and scapula. This is a problem for numerous reasons, only the less problematic one being that his landings were rougher. The most was that he was starting to bleed out.  

"Poy..?" Kirby put a stub to his face and tilted his head for a moment. Awaiting a few seconds to get an answer from Galacta Knight, who was still staring at the shard with question, seemingly trying to figure out how deep the crystal was. 

A lightbulb appeared next to Kirby for a moment as they thought of something and spoke. " Poyo, poy!" 

Galacta Knight tensed at the suggestion, staring at the child with a bewildered look on their face before putting s hand out. " Do not pull it out, ya hear me?" 

It was already bad enough that their wings bled a little earlier, which was already dangerous enough for avian creatures at times, but with the additional information of his alula and scapula being injured was also tough. He was mildly thankful it wasn't a blood feather and just his incompetence but that didn't ease the issue much as his body still felt the pain and there was still mild blood on his feathers. He tried stretching out the wing a little, holding back a hiss of pain as the shard seemed to only have gone deeper. Now seeing the stain of red lining the shard.

Nova...

" Po..." Kirby looked at the wing, uneasy as the sight of blood a little and how distraught the older warrior seemed to be. This was supposed to be a rescue mission or the recruitment of Galacta Knight was forward with it! But they couldn't help but feel a singe guilty as they were the ones to wish the seal opened. "Poyo.." 

Galacta exchanged a look of uncertainty with the kid before back to the wing. " Do you have any bandages, clothes, or anything I can use to help put pressure on this?"

He asked trying to keep his voice down, but there was still a frantic line in it. Kirby slowly shook his head, seemingly uncertain. Galacta angrily sighed, starting to already regret his freedom and it hasn't even been ten minutes. 

"Poy. Poyo po!" Kirby suggested, waving their arms a little. 

" Right - and how long is that gonna take us? " Galacta forced back a spat, resorting to holding the injured spot with his hand for the time being. 

"Po Few!" Kirby informed, pointing out towards the planet silhouette which the older warrior had noticed earlier. " Poyo, po!" 

" And this...ship can get us there in that time?" Galacta questioned before getting a nod from the star warrior. 

" Wawp Star!" Kirby corrected. 

" Right, warp star... " Galacta murmured gazing his eyes off to his gear before tapping a step toward them. He momentarily let go of the injured alula, immediately regretting the sudden movement before taking hold of his mask. 

Swiftly he replaced it on top of his head and fastened it on his horns. Blinking a few times to get readjusted to the visor. The visor made the world just a little bit darker but that small difference didn't matter too much to the warrior at the moment as he had quickly returned his grasp to their injury. 

Meanwhile, Kirby looked at the former known hero one last time with a sad and concerned look before turning away. In only a few short strides did they get to an endpoint of the star and sat at the edge of it? 

" Po, poyo!" Kirby warned quickly as the warp star itself started to emit a light glow. Small sparks light floating off its surface just in time for Galacta to hear his warning. 

Galacta sat back down onto the star, looking at the floating sparks momentarily before he caught himself being flung a little forward and let out a sharp gasp of surprise, sending in a hiss of pain that struck their wing in the same second. 

"Sowwy..." Kirby said quietly, hoping Galacta heard him. " Po poyo!" 

"...How bumpy are we talking here?" Galacta said with a strained voice, rubbing his thumb against the wounded area, still looking down at the glowing sparks. 

"Poyo, po. " Kirby informed them, as long as they aren't attacked midair or if they lose focus they would be fine. 

Galacta knight forced a quick, "Mhm. " Before slowly blinking and shaking his head back and force as he felt something tug at his head like a heavy press but ignored it. 

Finally, Galacta Knight looked up, blinking a few times before their eyes widen a little at the sight before them. At a moderate pace, celestial bodies past them from the many stars slowly started to drift apart and become separated in his mind once more. Still, no noticeable constellation that he could recognize but he still felt a sense of warmth coming as seeing something just slightly different. 

It was soothing a little. Steady drifting across the stars as many more drifted past them. Even if the silence was suffocating and the pain still hurt like ever, the momentary peace that was given to them was taken gracefully. It had been a while since either of them has had this much moment of peace. 

Sure, Kirby loved interacting with his friends a lot. They were like family to him now, well most- and hangouts were just as great! Whether it be picnics, gardening, duels, or fighting the occasional eldritch god for the tenth time that month. They always found themselves happy and grateful to have them around but they couldn't deny the silent ride was a mid enjoyable as well. 

Galacta felt the same a bit. Not hearing the gang and clunk of metal was nice. Whether it be from a gear turning without any known stops or the blades of a sword and lance clashing together. Or the once soothing ticking of a clock had grown old and irritating. Being left with his thoughts for so long in the crystal had started to get irritated two hundred years ago now. With a distant but noticeable ticking occasionally in his ear. A reminder of where he was it seemed, a way to torture his mind of what he thought was his impossible freedom. But now? 

The Aeon Hero slowly turned to the other puffball, eyes gazing a little lazily at the kid as they remained oblivious to their stares. He had to hand it to the kid, they had something going for them or else they wouldn't have collected the power stars so easily it seemed. Not notice any scars, cuts, or bruises on the kid unless they waited for themselves to heal before summoning Nova. But that also didn't seem right with their earlier short scuffle. 

Even with how short it was, the child did still seem experienced a little. As Galacta struck their shield with the lance, they noticed that Kirby planted their feet against the ground and pressed their body against the shield, which would be a bit more optimal than holding it due to their size. But even then, the acceleration when the star warrior(?) jumped over them also seemed practiced and done many times before, and the fact they stuck the landing. The warp star thing was similar too...but his memories were fuzzy. 

" As you had mentioned earlier, star warriors..." Galacta phrased a bit off admittedly, "Are you one of them?" 

Kirby nodded, "Po!" Briefly turned back to the older warrior before he faced forward and their eyes lit up. " Poy, poyo!" They pointed a head of himself. 

Galacta Knight blinked before looking ahead, his good wing flexed as he saw the silhouette of an incoming planet. That must be their home then. 

Soon enough the planet came properly into view for the two heroes. A giant five-pointed star with a great yellow surface and glow emanating from the planet. Two giant circles were surrounding the planet in a cross, giving off a very light purple hue from the rings. 

" That's your home?" Galacta said, perhaps a little too hard but didn't catch it. 

" Popstar!" Kirby informed happily as they closeted in on the planet more and more. 

Quickly as they started to descend onto the star-shaped planet, waves of golden dust slowly started to part away the more they went down, even passing through some clouds that soaked his Galacta's wings a little but Kirby was none the wiser. As Galacta tried to dry off his feathers a little, the green and luscious fauna was getting closer to them. Feeling the rush of wind against them was something familiar yet foreign now, a little chilly but still felt nice. 

Galacta jolted up as Kirby directed the warp star up a little, now flying horizontally across the green plains that the planet provided. The warrior only thought for a moment about where Kirby was leading them before noticing a collection of buildings ahead of them. There didn't seem to be a lot of residences out from what they could see, ranging from small orange to red-orange round creatures or the occasional more humanoid-totem-like ones accommodating some hat or clothing. 

A collection of woahs! And greetings to Kirby were barely processed as Galacta ducked his head a little and didn't even both trying to double-check any faces that were gawking at him again. Though the few he did see were mixed. Ranging from mild fear, amazement, or curiosity. They didn't let themselves get carried away with it, even when a different face was mixed in with the rest of the town folks. 

The new face was as small as the orange one but donned a two-horned helmet of red and yellow. Under it covering their face was a skull mask that let two red dots look through, and let's not forget the axe attached to their back. 

Perhaps a guard. Galacta thought as they turned away and focus on the front of them. 

As the warp star floated off into the distance, the knight looked behind where he was as their pupils dilated a little at the sight of the avian warrior. Axe Knight stepped back a little from the ever-growing crowd as noon approached before dragging his feet behind the town folks. He swiftly made his way to the back of it where a small pile of boxes was on top of a dolly. 

" You don't seem happy, " Axe Knight looked to their left to the holder of the dolly. A knight donned a green suit and had a sword strapped to his belt. 

" You saw who Kirby was with, correct?" Axe questioned Sword quickly, a little snappy as a pinch of anxiety crept over him. Darting their eyes to two smaller boxes laid on top of each other. 

Sword hummed, "That I did. And they did seem mighty familiar. " He said as Axe picked up the small boxes, being able to hear the shuffle of the items inside.

" We should head back to the Halberd quickly then to inform Sir Meta Knight of The Aeon Hero's arrival, whether or not that is the real deal, and if he doesn't already know. " Axe instructed as they placed the two boxes on top of the doll's small tower. 

Sword snapped his fingers, " that's where I recognize him. Wasn't the Aeon Hero sealed away from the destruction they left?"

Axe shrugged, " I read where the hero was betrayed for a misunderstanding. " He voiced. " Either way, anyone that even had heard of The Aeon Hero knows power. I'm not even sure Kirby themselves could stop them. "

That thought made Sword queasy a little, a being stronger than a child that has fought countless celestial and interdimensional beings that had fought for the corruption of dreamland, self-gain, or any other reasons. The thought that an ancient being that was told to be a ruthless, and merciless warrior was with that child and could be stronger than him sent a chill down Sword's spine. 

" That won't be good. " Sword murmured, pushing onto the doll's handle. " We better get this supply load back to the Halberd then inform Sir Meta Knight as quickly as possible. " 

Axe nodded, "Right. " 

Okay, now this was getting a little concerning. 

Kirby had finally arrived at their destination on the outskirts of the town. A small hill with a single oak swayed off to the left and next to it was a marble or stone home in the shape of a hemisphere tipped over as well as a small chimney that popped out of it. 

When the warp star came off to its stop, Kirby slid off the end and faced the winged puffball. Waving his arms and he introduced the other to his home just before Galacta carefully go off the celestial body and watched as the warrior took in their surroundings of the great green plains and the occasional flowers that were in bloom around them. 

The smell of grass was strong as well as a very faint rush of water nearby sent the avian on edge. Such bright colors to the dim and near lifeless void he had grown accustomed to making this seem like he was trying to look directly at the sun but did twitch their wings as the sun did directly hit him and sent a wave of comfort through the feathers. 

" Poyo!" Kirby walked to the guest and got them out of their train of thought as the child raised their hand to the warrior before their home. " Poyo." 

"And you have medical supplies in there? " Galacta questioned, skeptical if the kid even knew some medical aid, nonetheless if they had anything to bandage their wing. 

The warrior doubted that Kirby had much medical experience as they did seem to want to pull out the shard as soon as they realized it - which was a terrible idea. 

Kirby nodded as they turned their back to Galacta Knight before pacing a few steps forward to the door. Raising to stand on the edge of their feet, Kirby turned the door knob and push open the door with minimal effort and walked in, waving a hand back to the warrior to follow inside. 

Galacta grumbled a little but didn't have much choice unless he wanted to steal some bandages from the town, which really wouldn't be too optimal. And so he followed the pink puffball inside the home and watched as Kirby shut the door behind them. The knight-named avian looked around at the small home, taking in the cottage-like decor in the home. 

A bed twice the size of the child with a deep blue sheet and a star pattern on top of it. A small table and chair set with quite drastic chair differences from one that could sit the child and a few bigger folks as well. On the opposite of the bed were a few counters and an oven, a mini fridge at the end of the row next to said counters and a strange box with a reflective black surface plugged into the wall sitting on top of a wooden stand and not too far from that was a small fireplace. 

As they silently looked over the furniture, they noticed a plentiful picture frame on top of the fireplace while Kirby pulled out a chair from the table. " Poy, poyo!" 

Galacta hummed as he faced the child who was directing them to the seat. "And you know how to bandage a wing?" They said on edge, shifting their arm a little as it had now grown tired and ached along with their wing. 

Kirby nodded, "Poyo before!" Kirby explained, still trying to instruct Galacta Knight onto the chair. 

A hit as their pride was there, having a child try and heal their wounds?- Galacta shook their head, this wasn't quite the time to dwell on that anyways. No one else was around anyways and doubted many knew who he even was anyways. 

Galacts stepped forward to the chair Kirby stepped away for a moment as he climbed into the seat with a hiss of pain. Kirby frowned a little as Galacta flexed his wings before their eyes turned to one of the kitchen cabinets. 

" Wait here! " Kirby requested a second before they turned away and quickly walked to the cabinet. 

" Not like I can move much...really. " Galacta Knight strained, a little glad his voice wasn't as rough as it was before as they were oblivious to the child behind them. 

Kirby walked up to a cabinet with a 3D purple star sticker plastered on it, a gift from Bandana Dee a while back. The young star warrior opened the cabinet by the handle and grabbed hold of a small container filled with small stars with various symbols on them. Kirby opened twisted it open and slipped the lid off from the container and placed it next to the jar as they looked inside the jar, brushing their stub against the star as their eyes grazed at the various symbols frequently and wasted a few seconds looking through them. 

It wasn't long however before Kirby's face lit up and smiled as they found the star they were looking for, one with a pill symbol on it. Said star was gone within a moment as Kirby swallowed it in the same second that they found it. Their body bounced and a swift pop came as the star warrior now wore a white coat that dragged across the ground, a handlamp that went around their head in a blue strap, and a pair of glasses. 

After quickly closing the jar and placing it back into the cabinet, Kirby reached back into the wooden space and grabbed a hold of a wrap of bandages and a white box with a red cross on its front. Leaning back and nearly falling but caught themselves quickly and closed the cabinet and turned back to the avian hero who seemed to be getting a little agitated now but was still handling themselves quite well. But not before turning and washing their hands just in case. 

Galacta Knight jerked back and faced the child as they put the med kit next to him, dumbfounded a little that the kid was now wearing a lab coat but kept their mouth shut and watched as Kirby went over to the table and dragged away another chair from it. The chair scratching against the floor was practically murdering their eardrums for the second it was dragged, but whether or not it was Galacta's psychical reaction to it of wincing and closing one eye in distraught or even Kirby got a bit irritated with the noise but whatever, Kirby instead just picked up the chair near-effortlessly before placing it next to Galacta. 

The Aeon Hero stared at the show of strength for a moment before just leaning back in the chair, deciding this was probably gonna be the usual now, and resigned his faith to whatever the kid was doing now. 

Kirby brought the med kit and bandage wrap onto the chair with them and opened the box up with a quick clap and he undid clips holding the front together. Inside the box were various medical instruments, a cloth, cotton,  bottles, and flasks. With smaller concealed chemicals next to the flask that made Galacta skeptical once more. 

" And you know what you are doing?" They asked, Galacta stared the child in the eyes with a sharp glare as Kirby nodded to them. 

Kirby picked up the cloth and also grabbed a pair of forceps with it, noticing the uneasy look on Galacta's face but trying to give the warrior a reassuring smile. " Don't ya worry, Galacta! Poyo po!" 

That didn't help Galacta's predicament of not knowing what the metallic tool was but still looked at it with a suspicious look and watched as Kirby pushed up the cloth and gently nudged Galacta's hand away a little as they turned onto the headlamp. 

Kirby carefully looked at the shard sheathed into the wing, it did move a little forward into the ring and more blood was drenched onto it. " Poyo...po," Kirby informed, pulling back.

They were not answered but shrugged it off as they replaced the forceps with a scalpel instead and reached back up to the shard but hesitated and looked at Galacta.

"Poyo?" Kirby asked, sure he can do this, of course, he could! But something still felt off as they hadn't gotten anything to help ease the pain. " Poy..." 

" Go ahead. " Galacta said sternly, "It is nothing. " He lied and bit the venom that stained their words. 

Kirby frowned at their words, a part of them just knowing the lie in the warrior's words. "Poy.. " 

" Yes, I am sure. " Kirby jumped back a little at the coldness in the tone, eyes widening a little before Galacta softened a little. " I just want to get this over with. " 

Pushing the cloth against the alula once more without a word, Kirby slowly cut at the skin a centimeter away from the shard. They heard a strangle of pain but continued as they lifted the scalpel a thin line of blood was now on the blade as well as dripping from the cut. Kirby quickly pushed the cloth onto the wound as they swapped the scalpel with the forceps. 

Pushing the forceps open, Kirby clamped them around the shard and let out an uneasy sigh. Sure, this wasn't the worst they have seen but might've been the hardest to swallow up close. They had helped someone with feathery wings, sure they had helped King Dedede once when the king, so graciously, got their wing stuck in a bee hive but this was still so different. 

Was it too late to call up one of the Waddle Dees from the medical wing or one of the Meta-Knights? They were much more experienced with these types of procedures and they would have more practice with wing injuries. 

Kirby shook their head, they caused this in some way, surely- And they were gonna help out the best they can for now! He can call the others once he tries to bandage Galacta up. 

"STOP!" A blood-curdling scream was then ripped out of Galacta Knight as Kirby pulled back on the broken shard, leaning forward as their eyes shut and wings sprayed out and nearly sent Kirby back off the chair. But despite this, the work was already done and one of the two shards was out but now there was a growing wash of blood pooling out of the wing and onto the floor. 

Quickly Kirby placed the forceps down and grabbed another cloth from the kit and leaped off the chair in a few seconds before dashing to the sink as fast as they could. Quickly leaping on top of the counter, Kirby turned on the faucet and drenched the cloth under it. Silent as they heard fast and frantic breathing from behind them that made their heart wrench. After squeezing and excess water, Kirby jumped off the counter and ran back, and got back onto the chair. Pushing up and applying the cloth to the wounded area, noting that one side of the white cloth wasn't gonna be white anymore after this. 

Kirby pushed onto the cloth as best as they could, occasionally turning it to the side to try and wash it off as well but their widen eyes didn't settle for a while as the constant breathing quickened and it looked like Galacta was starting to scratch at one's self or trying to push away something on their arms as if something was there. 

To Galacta, the pain was horrid. Like being stabbed even though it was the exact opposite of what was going on. As the shard was pulled, they could have sworn that something out was stabbed into them from the opposite end. Holding a hand to where their mouth would be on the mask and blinked as they could've sworn the ground turned to a pink mist above a lifeless abyss of darkness but shaking and realizing the ground was now a pale orange. 

Everything fell silent it seems as Galacta closed their eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply for a few seconds before two sharp breaths were taken out of them. This repeated two more times before they faced up to a giant T pattern on the floor and looked in front of them to the window. Seeing the colors of pink and orange mixed with a hint of yellow in there as well. 

Galacta's eyes soften a little, when was the last time they had seen a sunset? They thought to themselves, feeling something burn at the ears and face but held it back as the pain slowly eased and felt something else put onto their wing. Turning to the child, Galacta silently observed as Kirby wrapped the bandages across his wing. Ending at the bottom and wrapping it two times before securing it as best as they could. It still hurt, a lot. But could tell the star warrior was trying their best, even if it was probably the worst he'd seen. 

"...Kay?" Kirby asked, eyes looking up at the warrior concerned as their breathing was still quite heavy and the other was still scratching occasionally but had died down. But still held onto the Aeon Hero's wing with the bandages, as if wanting to know if this was okay work. 

Galacta looked back a little to see the child's work. " For now. " He said, turning away before the child's face lit up and pulled away from their wings. 

Now Galacta was dreading the shard in the scapula being removed. " Are you sure you don't have anything to numb, or just, downright knock me out at this point?" Galacta said, maybe just a bit on edge. 

Kirby thought for a moment before nodding with a small smile and off the chair they went. Galacta slightly shifted their body to watch as Kirby opened a cabinet with an orange star sticker plastered on it. It didn't take long for Kirby to open it and retrieve a spare green pillow with a case that was red with orange dots on it. 

" And that is supposed to help how?" Galacta asked as Kirby walked back over to them and held the pillow over their head. 

" It helps you fall asleep! " Kirby chipped in, trying to nudge the pillow behind Galacta before the knight just took it from it with a light tug before Kirby let go of it and let the headlamp flash almost directly into their eyes. " poyo..." Kirby said as they turned off the light. 

" I don't see how a pillow would help, as I would just wake up from the pain. " Galacta pointed out before Kirby shook their head. 

" Poyo, po! Deep sleep!" Kirby called it, " The Fountain of Dreams will help too with wonderful dreams!" 

Fountain of Dreams, huh? Galacta Knight knew that sounded quite familiar, perhaps somewhere he visited or heard someone mention it once. But as he recalled it, he guessed a 'wonderful dream' wouldn't be so bad after so long. 

" Right...and I just put this behind me?" 

" Poyo!"

Galacta hummed, examining the very fluffy pillow - reminded them of clouds a little before moving forward an inch and placing it on the back of the chair before leaning back against it. Steadily stretching out their wings and gently laid them against the stool of the chair as best they could in a comfortable position and the scapula would still be reachable. As they did just that, a weight almost inmedieltystarted to form as their eyes already grew lazy. 

Kirby smiled as the warrior relaxed before turning and grabbing the dirty cloth they had dropped on the stool earlier in the heat of the moment. Walking over to a wooden basket and placing it inside with other red and white checkered picnic blankets and some others. Making their way back to the center of the room, Kirby noted heavy breathing that echoed in the room. Not surprised at how effective the deep-sleep ability was even if Galacta didn't seem capable of copying it. 

Kirby also got a hold of forceps and scalpels to quickly washed them at the sink and dry them before picking up the med kit with it and moving it just slightly to reach anything when working on the scapula. Kirby put their hand up and turned on the handlamp, feeling queasy at the sight of the shard implanted into the wing that was practically stained with blood below it and tainted the lilac feathers to a deep magenta or crimson. Not to mention that this crystal shard was a tad bigger than the previous one - which had been placed in a small paper towel cocoon on the counter. 

The star warrior quickly got to work applying a newly retrieved wet cloth to the wounded, trying to clean up any excess blood or any that hadn't stuck to the feathers yet. But even then the feathers were still quite miscolored and would have to be worked on better later, likely by the avian themselves. 

Kirby put down the cloth next to the med kit before retrieving the scalpel, flinching back a little as Galacta stirred a little but continuing and carefully cutting around the shard enough as Galacta stirred once more. Deep sleep did great for anesthesia sometimes but they were still being worked through as, as far as some researchers in the kingdom have found, the receiver can still experience some level and pain at times. And boy did Kirby hope this wasn't one of those. 

Putting down the scalpel and taking out the forceps did Kirby take a glance outside, almost thinking he saw something fly past the window but took little note as went back to work. Clasping the forceps around the crystal before slowly dragging it, having to tug on it a little more than the other in short bursts and trying desperately not to ruin any other feathers. At last, after some time, Kirby managed to pull out the shard and placed it on a small set of paper towels they had gotten before and picked up the cloth. Once again going to the side to quickly dapen it again and applying it to the wound. 

They brushed against the wound as carefully as they could, running it up and down the area before retrieving the bandages. Kirby draped the end of the bandage at the top, putting his left stub there before pulling it under and taking it over and repeating this action at least four different times across the area before tugging at it and securing it before they picked up a pair of scissors from the kit and cut the bandage. 

After putting back the scissors and cleaning up the medical instruments thoroughly, Kirby moved the med kit once more but this time to the table. Kirby then took out a flash and a few containers with liquids in them and a small note they had Javelin Knight help them out with once. 

As they attempted to copy a jingle through what they knew of it, they got to work they looked over the note and held the flask above their head as they read the etched-out measurements. Kirby then grabbed a red bottle and opened the cork and put 1ML of it in the flask. Kirby out the bottle back and swapped it out with a blue vial, doing the same but with 30ML as well as putting in 20Ml of yellow. 

Now Kirby had a stirring rod in their stub, carefully rotating it to the left of the bottle. A thick smell of various plants from roses and mints filled the air as they did so. With a mix of plum in there as well somehow as the mixture slowly got its color of a light green with spirling bubbles that worked inside of it. Kirby then retrieved a medium-sized cup, filled it up with the potion, and was careful not to spill it. Kirby then picked up the med kit and pushed it back inside the cabinet with the roll of bandages. The last thing was removing the headlamp from their head and watching as it popped into a small yellow Stat in their hands and dissolved the lab coat and glasses away before it disappeared in their hands. 

"Poyo!" Kirby said to themselves happily before his attention was drawn to a knock at the door.