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Dreamland had never been more festive. It wasn’t for a national holiday, or a scheme of the King for once. This, was truly a victory for everybody.
Nightmare Enterprises, NME or whatever other name it could have been given, had finally been defeated, and that alone was enough to put a smile on Meta Knight’s face. And, cherry on top, the very young Kirby had been the one to terminate the monster.
Everyone had made it home safely in the end, and it was really everything Meta Knight could ask for. Now the town was getting ready to host the biggest party it had ever seen, and everyone (even the King, though it took a lot of convincing) was invited.
In the end, the winning argument was that the choice was between having him crash the party and probably ruin it, or pulling on his pride and getting him in anyway, hopefully destroying any plan he might have had for revenge.
Meta Knight had made it his personal mission to make sure the self-proclaimed monarch wasn’t doing anything bad, but for once he seemed to have learned his lesson.
It only took him two long years and counting, after all.
So the trio had turned back to their room, discussing what to do while waiting for the party.
“You think we should put on more festive clothes?” Sword pondered while keeping the door open for the other two.
“You ‘ave different stuff to wear?” Blade retorted, looking at himself in a mirror. His green armour had lost its initial shine after their last mission.
“You two could certainly give your armours a polish.” Meta Knight playfully scoffed. Then he felt the edges of his own cape and scowled. “I’ll have to clean this one too, it still smells like explosion.”
“Looks like we ‘ave a full afternoon.”
All the Waddle Dees were busy decorating Cappy Town (and the castle, the king had insisted), so they weren’t all that surprised when they found themselves walking along empty corridors. They got to the sinks, took of their armours and began polishing and scrubbing various bits and pieces.
They always wore something underneath, mainly to prevent skin irritation considering how long it stayed in contact with the metal. Yet, after both Sword and Blade had finished their upper armour, they looked to the older knight. He had finished polishing his shoulder straps and his lower armour, and the cape was drying by the window. It looked like a completely different colour now, it made everyone in the room wonder when was the last time he’d really cleaned it.
The two shared a glance.
“You’re not gonna take the mask off?” Sword asked.
“It could use a good wipe.” The other retorted. Just by the way they had said those words, Meta Knight knew he was going to walk out of the wash house with a clean mask, whether he liked it or not. So, he did things the easy way and popped it off. The other two smiled in their victory and shared a fist bump.
“I’m only doing this because you two won’t stop pestering me about it otherwise.” His tone was stern and seemingly annoyed, but the younger knights looked right over that façade. “And I’m only doing it be-”
His sentence was struck in the middle as a whole bucket of water hit him square in the face. He blinked a couple of times, before turning his eyes to the two.
Blade had the incriminating bucket in hand, but Sword looked just as guilty. In any normal circumstance, this might have upset Meta Knight.
… but they were in the wrong if they believed he was unarmed without his armour.
“Oh. You’re on.” He threatened. Less than a second later, he had grabbed another bucket and had poured its contents directly on the two’s heads after a jump made even more nimble by the lack of extra weight on him.
In that moment, Sword got another bucket already filled and attempted to shove it in Meta Knight’s direction, but the warrior quickly evaded it.
“Too slow! Try it like this!” Just barely the time of the sentence, that he was already with a bucket dripping in hand and used one clear motion to hit both Sword and Blade. They were pushed on their backs, but quickly regained their footing.
“Ha! Your rain of terror won’t last long!” Sword screamed, trailing right after the warrior.
“Was that a pun? Are you making puns in the middle of combat??” He asked, regaining his composure after he badly slipped on the now damp floor.
“What, are you more a fan of dry humour?” Blade supplied. Meta Knight fought to hide his now completely visible grin, but he got tossed a bucket of freezing water instead.
“I. Will. Destroy. The both of you!” He retailed. But not even he believed fully in his threat.
“Yeah, before you become sea nile!”
They played like children for a couple more minutes, and all of them, faces now visible, had been smiling and laughing as the makeshift water battle went on. Meta Knight felt pure joy for a while, a feeling he’d evaded for as long as he could remember. Something in his chest felt light, very light, and no matter how much he fought to regain his composure, the laughter bubbled in his throat like soap. He found himself laughing with the two’s jokes.
Meta Knight won in the end, of course, but he wouldn’t gloat. It would just make another battle start, and they were all already in need of a towel.
The noise of droplets of water falling from pieces of armour and their now damp clothes filled the air as they finished their scrubbing. While Sword and Blade polished their blades accordingly, Meta Knight asked Galaxia if she needed the same treatment. The sword shrugged it off, and instead advised him to get started on the mask he’d overlooked.
They idly chatted for that time. The conversation always brushed Nightmare, the galaxy finally being free of his influence and the GSA’s past. But they never quite delved into it, because today was a day for celebration. There would be plenty of days to remember the past.
So instead they talked about their journey. How they had started, the very rocky beginning that it was, and how they had instead left their differences aside and found companionship within one another. Meta Knight smiled fondly at those memories. How far had they all come…
Tiff and Tuff had come to formally invite them, even if the town had already made it very clear they wanted the knights to attend, even putting up a giant banner for them. After all, Nightmare’s defeat had been thanks to their battleship. And everyone’s safe return was assured by Meta Knight’s quick thinking.
“There will be cakes, and rice, and anything you can come up with.” The kids explained. The knights nodded, asked whether they were expected to bring something, but the children had dismissed those questions. They, like Kirby, were going to be like heroes to the town. Although it was also everyone’s party.
...Unfortunately, by the time the celebration actually started, Meta Knight remembered why he usually avoided gatherings like these.
There were a bit too many people eager to talk to him, and everyone was offering him food (which looked absolutely delicious!) but he couldn’t eat it and still cover his face, so he could only decline and watch with a broken heart as the delicacy got taken away.
The music was loud and the people were erratic and enjoying themselves. While they certainly found the atmosphere captivating, it wasn’t really Meta Knight’s cup of tea. He’d stay there an hour or so, then he’d make his leave and nobody would be able to tell where he had gone off to.
Sixty minutes. He could do that, right?
At least Sword and Blade seemed to enjoy themselves. That thought brought him solace.
They had joined the kids and adults in a weird line dance they had tried to coax Meta Knight into as well. Needless to say, the Knight had disappeared from the dance floor after the first two steps.
He’d really enjoy dancing with them, though. There just were too many people for him to feel comfortable.
So instead, he’d found a nice little spot under the protecting leaves of a tree, just outside of the main plaza. Everyone was enjoying themselves around the bigger tree, so he’d figured he could take a break. After all, he might be becoming too old for stuff like this.
After a while, Sword and Blade joined him.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Blade asked, crossing his arms. Meta Knight nodded.
“I assure you, I’m having enough fun. There simply are too many people, and too much delicious food, for me to handle. I’m not used to big crowds and parties anymore.”
“A shame. Can you hear this?” The bass notes of a known, yet old, song began to play. It used to be one of Meta Knight’s favourites with its slower rhythm, but great melody. He loved it very much. In the past, he thought this would be the song of their win against Nightmare. Although, now that it was-
“We thought you’d like to dance with us to it.”
Meta Knight turned his gaze up, surprised. Was this another of their jokes? It… seemed unlikely. And he couldn’t simply ignore the happiness in his chest as Sword said that. He hoped his eyes hadn’t shined blue, but he could see the hue on the reflection of the other’s armours. He ended up nodding, but he was torn on what to say.
“I’d like that. However, the dance floor is too crowded right now.” He felt bad, seeing how eager they seemed. “But don’t let me keep you, you two go and enjoy yourselves. You earned it.”
“I’ve got a better idea.” Blade popped in again. “Can’t we just dance ‘ere?”
The first notes began to play.
“Here?” The older knight asked.
“Well, there’s plenty of space, and the Cappies are paying attention to anything but us.” Sword continued. He leant a hand to Meta Knight. The older warrior couldn’t believe it, but something swelled in his chest.
“Then? What do you say?” Blade did the same gesture.
His mask hid the delightful smile that crawled on his lips, or the way his eyes had begun to shine.
… who was Meta Knight to deny his two knights?
You’re troubled.
Galaxia’s voice was like a light beacon to a ship lost in heavy storm. Meta Knight gazed from his spot on the roof, and sighed. The sound of the party in the distance had just died down, and against his better judgement he had also just got back after a night of dancing in their hidden spot, along with Sword and Blade.
Still, he knew no cappy would be seen before midday, just like he knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep at all.
“I’m… confused.” He revealed. Had he been with anybody else, those words would have never left his mouth. But he was with Galaxia, his trusted sword, the being he shared half his mind with. He wouldn’t be able to hide them even if he tried.
I can sense that. How can I help?
The sword’s tone was gentle as always. She was so kind, so careful in everything regarding him. Hearing her voice alone, you’d never guess for her to be a sword whispered in legend. A sacred weapon. And he, her sacred knight.
“I… don’t really know where to begin. I suppose… it started the day after we defeated Nightmare?”
The celestial sword hummed, casting her warm glow. “After having spent my whole life fighting… I never really thought we’d beat him. What might have come after his defeat… I never really contemplated it.” She seemed to grasp the issue.
Are you feeling lost on what do now?
Meta Knight let out a very dry chuckle.
“If only it was that.” He felt Galaxia’s light surprise creep from the hilt. He gently petted the red ruby.
What is it, then?
He sighed, weighting his words. “It’s… a lot. But now that I don’t have to focus all of myself on fighting, I… I think there’s something.” Silence crept further.
Something what?
“Something wrong with me.” The warrior exhaled.
Don’t say that. I haven’t sensed anything wrong within you. And Nightmare didn’t even get close to you, he couldn’t have put you under a spell or a curse.
“This… I don’t think has anything to do with Nightmare, curiously enough.” Meta Knight fidgeted with the sword in his hands, trained fingers caressing the sharp edges and admiring the way the gilded weapon reflected the starlight. “Maybe it was always there, and only now I’ve had the time to notice it.”
Galaxia’s questions were leading her nowhere, so she simply waited. She encouraged the warrior to speak his mind further with her warmth.
“I… I’m feeling something new.” He said after a long silence. “It’s not unpleasant, but… it’s making me feel weird.”
Remember the way you feel is never wrong, my beloved.
“Yeah, you say that a lot. Yet…” His mind danced around the issue once more, but then his thoughts finally settled on it. “I think I might be feeling something for Sword and Blade.”
If Galaxia had eyebrows, they would have shot through the air by now. Meta Knight appeared stoic on the outside, but sharing his mind she knew he had deep thoughts, and even deeper feelings he tried his best to ignore. Hearing him express something like that out loud, while unexpected, was not something that scrambled her thoughts in a bad way. If anything, she would have been smiling.
Dear heart, that’s wonderful.
“No, it’s not. Not at all.” He replied. His voice wasn’t angry, just… beat up, if anything. “It’s all wrong.”
Your feelings aren’t wrong, dear heart.
“That’s not what I meant. I… understand I have these feelings. I can accept them.” He replied, voice growing softer, hand trailing to his mask. “However, I… don’t know what they are.”
A questioning aura emanated from the handle.
“I… I’m not sure what I’m feeling. I’m pretty sure it’s not… mere friendship anymore. It’s become too powerful. It makes me feel incredible, but… I wouldn’t give it the name ‘love’." His heart, when he said that, ached. It carried over to his soft tone. “Although I’m not exactly okay with that idea either.”
Galaxia hummed quietly.
What makes you think it’s not love?
“I… I’m not sure. But I do know I don’t want to do… that kind of stuff.” He explained. “Disregarding the fact that there’s three of us and that we are all different species, there’s just some things I… simply don’t want to do with them.” He stared off into the horizon. “The idea of… kissing them is…”
His stomach didn’t exactly revolt, but if a person would have felt beautiful butterflies while thinking about kissing their crush, he felt pure nothingness at best, and a marsh inside of him at worst.
“…Not what I’m looking for.”
Galaxia smiled warmly. The knowledge about love had probably been lost in all the years of fighting, but she remembered when the universe was more understanding and intrigued by the numerous facets of feelings. Perhaps, it had never even reached Meta Knight. She’d take it on herself to guide him on this journey of understanding.
My dear heart, love isn’t solely that.
The knight turned to face the sword with a brow knit in confusion.
It can be kisses and touches, but love comes in many ways, and they are all equally beautiful in my opinion. Think about the love a child has for their parents, or the carefully built relationships inside of a family. Wouldn’t you call that love, too?
“Well, yes. But… this is different.”
I understand. I would like you to speak your mind about what you’re feeling, so that we may figure it out together.
The warrior couldn’t resist a sardonic comment. “If you’re so informed on the concept of love, why don’t you just take a peek inside my feelings and tell me?”
Galaxia ignored the tone. Clearly, this question was upsetting her beloved champion, so she took no offense from his words. Instead, she offered comfort to his soul.
I could. But then, you wouldn’t know truly what it means. Besides, if it becomes something you want to share, you’ll have to say how you feel. Consider this a training ground.
The wall of annoyance Meta Knight had put up crumbled in a matter of seconds. “I… I don’t think I’ll ever speak one more word about this. Especially to them.” His spirit was torn between two, but they would take time to focus on each part of the issue.
Very well then. Could you tell me what you’d like to do with them?
The warrior sighed. His mind worked for a bit, but eventually gave up when it found no easy solution. “It’s hard to pinpoint.”
Let’s try going from what you wouldn’t do then. We’ve already talked about kissing, haven’t we? I suppose any more contact beyond that line wouldn’t make you comfortable.
“Exactly.”
She smiled encouragingly again.
That’s a good starting point. I’ll tell you actions, you answer me how those would make you feel. What about cuddling?
Meta Knight shuddered as he imagined the scene. “They’re nice to be around, don’t get me wrong. But a quick hug is very much enough.”
You’re not a very touchy person, alright.
She said, and small hilarity came to her voice.
Hand holding?
“I’d much rather hold you.” His hands clasped around her hilt, but became gentler as the shock quickly died down.
I see. Then… try imagining this. They both find a special someone for themselves, and decide to get married to that someone. How would you feel?
Meta Knight pondered on it. His eyes became green in thoughtfulness, and Galaxia let him imagine what he needed without tampering with anything.
“I suppose… I’d be a bit concerned in the beginning. If it’s a bad person trying to take advantage of them, I’d do anything in my power to make them open their eyes.” He let out a huff. “But, if it’s someone they’re truly happy with…” His mouth turned into half a smile, while a feeling of fondness made its way into his soul. “I can’t hide that I’d be truly happy for them. I… hope they’d ask me to be their best man. And I hope they’d still find the time to hang out with me.”
Had Galaxia had an actual body, she would definitely be giving him a hug right now.
Would you say you’d be jealous?
“When they’ve found the love of their life? …No” He turned questioning to the sword. “I can only hope they’ll be able to find someone who truly loves them.”
Your love is valid.
“I still don’t believe it’s worthy of that title.” It was meant as a dismissing phrase. Unfortunately, Galaxia took it as a challenge.
We’ll see. What are your best memories with them?
Meta Knight pondered, and the sacred spirit felt his consciousness brush her own like a gentle breeze.
“I’ve made many pleasant memories today.” He replied, for the first time in the evening letting a true smile turn his mouth up. “They made jokes, and… I couldn’t stop laughing because they were there, and their laugh was so contagious, even if we were dripping wet. Then, at the party Cappy Town improvised… when we danced together, in our hidden spot, I was…” His voice turned as soft as a puffy cloud. “I was truly happy. And relaxed. Like I haven’t been in a long time. I suppose it would be also because of their presence.”
Galaxia bathed in the warm feelings the sensations brought with them. Her champion was happy recalling those moments, and she couldn’t deny it. Her body had grown warmer with the pleasant sensations. When the recalling stopped, and the chilliness of the night graced them again, she spoke up once more.
Would you like to do it again?
“If I could live those moments again, it’d be the next happiest day of my life.” After this one, of course.
So, this feeling. What changed from the years you spent with them?
Meta Knight bit the inside of his cheek in thought.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with them, you’re right. I guess I only found out now how much I enjoy their company. How… how much I want them to be happy. And to be part of said happiness. I feel as light as a feather when we do something we love together. Like- like training with our swords. Sparring has never been as fun as with them.” He finally admitted. “But even cooking, just watching TV or casually chatting. Even the things I used to consider a chore, like cleaning. They’re so much better with them around. I… hold those moments very close to my chest.”
So you love the time you spend with them?
His brain munched on the word. She felt him shift a bit more into her ideas. “You could say that is the right verb.”
Galaxia beamed.
Could you pinpoint… how is that different from how you felt before?
“You mean how this is different than us being friends?” She hardly suppressed a grin.
Even best friends, I’d say.
He chuckled, and Galaxia swore she could have ascended with finally hearing that sound. It’d been so long since she’d heard it, just the two of them together. It vibrated inside his mouth like the string of an antique instrument.
“It is different. I feel… like on a cloud, just drifting away in the gentle breeze. They are like the wind, they push me forward by simply existing and being themselves. When we’re happy, we soar higher. When we laugh, we reach for the stars. There are harsher moments, when the sky gets cloudy, but we manage to pull through them together, and after those we gently enjoy the calmness of our closeness. Even if we don’t see each other all the time, we treasure the moments we spend together. And, I can’t exactly put it into words. Yet there’s a deeper connection than with friends. Deeper than best friends, even. But not… that love.”
The image forming in Meta Knight’s head gently cleared.
Would you want more?
As always, Meta Knight measured his words before speaking. And for once, he brought a hand to his heart. To feel what it was trying to say.
“…No. And I wouldn’t want to change a thing.” He replied. “But, for some reason, I do feel different. Although it is a good feeling, I can’t shake off the though that… nobody else feels this way. That I shouldn’t be feeling like this.”
Why is that?
Meta Knight turned to her with a confused expression, turning sour. “I… this is not the love you hear screamed in love songs or ballads. This isn’t even like the affairs of the books of old. I can’t say what it is, I’ve never felt it before. Perhaps then, I’m the only one.”
Meta Knight made a gesture to almost curl up on himself. Galaxia’s words turned softer.
Have you ever heard of the term ‘platonic’, dear heart?
Meta Knight flinched barely. He took a steadying breath before continuing. “I… I might have read something about it in the king’s library. But… it was mostly about philosophy. I don’t see how that could be related. Is it the fellowship of the mind? The fact we think in the same way?”
Not necessarily, although you’re right to say it’s connected to philosophy. The term was coined when talking about a person. He believed that there was another world, where the perfect ideas resited.
It made the warrior rise a brow.
“That’s certainly a peculiar way of seeing it.”
It is.
“But, ignoring that. Is it like… loving the idea of someone? A perfect image that takes their form?”
You might see it like that. Then, of course, that in itself is quite the ideal.
Meta Knight sighed, leaning even more back on the roof. The sky was beginning to get lighter, and the sun would grace them with their rays in a matter of minutes. It was oddly comforting. It made him feel calm.
The same may apply to witnessing a sunrise. Galaxia spoke again. You wouldn’t think romantically of the sun dawning, would you?
“But you could platonically?” He asked. Galaxia smiled in her mind.
Now you’re getting it.
But her warmth wasn’t enough to console her champion.
“I see, however I don’t think it’s that, either. I… I don’t have an idea of them.” He replied, tone swaying. “If anything, I… love, maybe you could say that, the reality of them. Their closeness with me. I enjoy the moments when we are together. It’s… it’s not the idea of them being with me. It’s the truth about them being by my side that I find solace in.”
Galaxia hummed again. The very first rays of sun light made her shine brightly.
Then, maybe alterous.
Meta Knight scowled, a feeling of incredulity coming to his soul. “What is that supposed to mean?”
The sacred sword giggled.
It’s a weird term. Know that it might mean everything and nothing depending on who you ask. It’s an emotional connection, a closeness. But it’s not necessarily romantic in nature, or even platonic. Sometimes, it can be something in between these two. For other people, it might be something completely different.
“Then, if it’s used to define what is not defined, how good of a word is it?” He replied, tone a bit more stern.
It might help people give a name to a feeling they cannot understand themselves.
Meta Knight’s heart raised.
“Oh.”
Which means other people felt this way before you, by the way.
Silence fell, as something inside of Meta Knight shifted, like a piece of a puzzle finally finging its rightful place in the bigger scheme. “I… see…”
Of course, you don’t have to use the word if you don’t want to. But it can help. If you’re not quite feeling mere friendship anymore, but don’t think it’s platonic, romantic or even sexual, and feel the need to know what it is, then you might resource to give it that name. ‘Alterous’.
“Alterous.” Meta Knight rolled the word on his tongue. “It… doesn’t have a bad sound.” Galaxia felt herself smile again. Finally, his spirit seemed to be resown together.
Does it feel like a good name for what you’re experiencing?
“It… may be.” He admitted. Yet now, his heart seemed heavier.
…You don’t seem too excited about that.
“Is… is it love, then?” He asked. “Am I just going to ruin our friendship with this feeling?” Galaxia pouted in their shared mindspace.
Don’t be so pessimistic. They are still your friends, I’m sure they’ll understand. Besides, you have something like a crush, but not romantic. They used to call it a ‘mesh’. Which, if that’s what you’re worried about, might simply go away with time. And, didn’t you say in the beginning you weren’t going to tell them a thing about this?
“It’s true. But…” He sighed. “Talking about this made me realize… how much we rely on each other. Our whole relationship is based on trust and not holding secrets. They know what my face looks like. And I know about their past, they do of mine.” His spirit split in two again. “Now that I know this, I think I should tell them. But I am simply… too terrified to do it. What if I can’t get my point across, what if I mess up and they get a completely different and wrong idea? Yet it wouldn’t be right to keep them in the dark about something that concerns them this directly. And… I can’t stop thinking about this. All of this.”
You fear it will change what you have?
The warrior swallowed. “Yes.”
Yet, fundamentally, nothing should change.
Meta Knight stopped. “But… if they know how I feel, then maybe they’d… they’d feel forced to reciprocate, considering I am still technically their boss. And I definitely don’t want to push them into feelings they don’t feel! On the other hand, if I don’t say anything, they will eventually notice something is off, unless I steer clear of them.” His voice turned down once more. “I… do not want to do that, either.”
Galaxia tried to weave calmness in his soul, letting him known she would be close to him should anything happen.
I see, dear heart. This is quite the mess.
“Why does such a wonderful feeling have to bring so many more nasty ones…” He let out. Galaxia leaned her calming soul into his.
Feelings are never quite easy. But just know, I think you’re doing great. And I think you’ll find a way out of this, just like you do every time. And they’ll help you, if you do so much as a nod in their direction.
“… I know. They’re wonderful people.” The faintest glint of hope sparkled into Meta Knight’s will.
So will you tell them eventually?
“I suppose there isn’t really another choice. Unless it might really go away with time.” He turned his gaze fondly to the sword. “I hope you’ll help me rehearse what to tell them so I don’t mess up?”
The ruby on the hilt twinkled, just as the sun began shining its rays on a new day.
You can count on me, my beloved knight.