Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sure enough, Magolor and Susie are waiting for Taranza in the entrance hall. Both of them have a pensive look on their face, although as soon as he approaches, their heads jerk.

“Taranza!” Magolor shouts. “Oh, thank the stars it’s actually you! Do you know how spooked you had us!?”

They hurry over to him, meeting him midway down the hall. 

Magolor reaches for a hand, almost as if to determine that Taranza is really there.

Taranza can tell something’s wrong, because he’s actually addressing him by name instead of by ‘my guy’ or some other equally inane nonsense. Dedede was telling the truth, wasn’t he? These two were worried sick.

Why, though?

“Of course it’s me,” he says. “Why wouldn’t it be?”

Magolor stops.

“...Dude,” he says. “You know your castle was burned to the ground, right?”

“Burned to the-” Taranza just about chokes. “Pardon!?”

He knows they were driven from it, but all the same, hearing it described in such a state makes his head spin. The home he spent with Nia for so many years both before and after she went mad… the Floralians burned it!?

“‘To the ground’ is an exaggeration,” Susie says, “But yes, it was quite ravaged. When we stopped by it smelled like smoke. The windows were smashed and the place had clearly been ransacked. We…-”  a slight waver to her voice, “thought something bad had happened to you, genuinely.”

A lump in Taranza’s throat. Suddenly, he feels awful. He didn’t mean to make anyone worry… he just didn’t think anyone would be coming by to visit so soon. Letting people know where he was didn’t even cross his mind. He was so occupied with Nia. 

“I- I’m so sorry,” he sputters. “I didn’t intend to frighten you. I’m alright, though. There’s no need to fret. Everything’s fine… or, well, better than fine, actually! I did it, you two!”

“Wait,” Magolor says, “And so it’s true? The Mage Sisters told us what happened, but I almost thought they had to be playing a prank on us. I just couldn’t believe it.”

“Well, you’d better believe it,” Taranza says, perking up slightly as the conversation switches to a marginally more positive topic. “It’s true. She’s alive. I brought her back. She’s home!” 

On second thought, perhaps ‘home’ isn’t the right word to use, considering they’ve been expelled from the castle, but it’s just what slips out of his mouth. It feels right, he thinks. Even if they’re somewhere unfamiliar, isn’t home anywhere they’re together?

Susie gawks.

“How, though?” she asks. “Are you insinuating…- you actually fought that thing!?”

Her worry is palpable. Magolor’s, too. Her eyes narrow and his ears pin back as they look over Taranza’s wounds.

“Well, yes,” Taranza says, “But there’s no need to fuss over me! None of the injuries you’re seeing right now are from Morpho Knight. This is all thanks to Floralia.” 

He holds out a bandaged hand, as if inviting them to take a closer look. Even as they peer at it, though, they don’t seem entirely convinced.

“The fight with Morpho Knight was a cinch, if I’m being completely honest. I got the sense it was more aiming to test my resolve than my actual combat ability, and I had more than enough determination to show it how badly I wanted this. It didn’t take too much battle before it was willing to yield.”

Susie looks ready to say something, brow furrowed, but Magolor speaks first.

“Wow…” he says. “Guess the grim reaper’s way more chill than I thought! That is not the vibe I got from any of the research I’ve done, but it wouldn’t be the first time the Ancients have been wrong about something. I’ll have to update my records!”

Taranza chuckles, tugging at his scarf.

“Indeed you will,” he says. He’s eager to change the topic, though. He’d rather not dwell on lying to them for any longer than he has to. “But- um, enough about me! There’s no need to fret. We should be celebrating! Nia’s back from the dead. That’s what matters most.”

“...Nia?” Magolor repeats. He tilts his head.

“Ah, yes,” Taranza says. “That’s what she’s going by now. She decided she’d be much more comfortable with that than ‘Sectonia’ or ‘Joronia,’ and so that’s her name for the foreseeable future. Please don’t call her anything else.”

“Of course,” Magolor says. He pantomimes taking notes. “Got it. Nia it is.”

“And so if she’s not going by ‘Sectonia,’” Susie says. “Does that mean…-?”

“Yes, she’s herself again,” Taranza confirms. “The queen I remember. And, oh, thank the stars! You’ve no idea how much I missed her. After so much suffering, she’s finally been returned to her right mind.”

He means that, too. Things are… a little hard right now, but, for all of the difficulty, he’s still unfathomably grateful. Even if she’s melancholy, at least she’s his Nia. The person he loves so much— no ifs or buts.

“She… actually said she’d be alright with being introduced to you all,” she continues. “If you’d like to get to know the real her. Why don’t you come with me and say hello? She really is lovely. I just know you’ll adore her.”

“Oh!” Magolor says. “Well, I guess that would be pretty neat. I was actually surprised to see you arrive without her… I half-expected you to be attached at the hip! Given the opportunity, though, I’d be honored to have a chance to meet your oft-talked about queen, don’t you agree, ‘Suz?”

Susie’s quiet for a moment. Still, eventually, she nods.

“I’d like to see this for myself.”

Her tone is… different from Magolor’s. Whereas his is casual and open, hers is more cautious. It’s not entirely unusual for Susie, but something about it gives Taranza pause. He can’t help but get the sense something about this is bothering her. What? Does she not believe him about Morpho Knight? Or… is there another thing on her mind? 

He can’t quite tell. As well as he knows Susie, she can be hard to read sometimes.

Regardless, he shakes off his unease for now. It’s not the time to be worrying about any of that. Ideally, Susie will forget any hangups she has once she’s gotten to meet Nia, and if not, then that’s something he can deal with later.

Taranza claps his hands.

“Great!” He says. “Although, if you’re going to be meeting her, we need to set a few ground rules first. This is rather imperative, actually.”

“Ground rules…” Magolor repeats, ear twitching. “Such as what?”

“Well, first of all, I need you both to be as polite as possible. Be kind to Nia, please. This has all been very hard on her. She’s going through a lot, and she’s still getting used to being alive. Use a soft voice. Don’t ask her any questions you think might upset her. Compliment her, if you can.”

For a brief moment, Magolor looks confused, but he soon nods.

“...Okay,” he says. “Can do.”

“Second of all— and this is even more important, please treat her normally. No matter what you do, don’t stare.”

“Don’t stare?” Susie asks, incredulous. 

Magolor blinks.

“Why would we do that?”

Taranza tries to think of the best way to explain. 

“She… might not look like what you’d expect her to look like,” he decides on.

“What? And so she’s still a Sectra?” 

“Something like th- listen, it doesn’t really matter, alright? I… I don’t quite know how to explain it, and so just…- just be prepared for anything. Just promise me you won’t stare. I don’t want you to make her feel weird.”

Magolor and Susie are quiet for a moment. When they realize he’s waiting for a response, though, they nod.

“We won’t stare,” Susie says.

“Promise,” Magolor agrees. “Whatever it is that’s going on, I’m sure we’ve seen weirder.”

“Good,” Taranza says, turning. “I’ll take you to her, then. Follow me. Dedede has us situated in the west wing.”

There isn’t much conversation as the three of them make their way down the hall. Magolor and Susie are far too focused on what’s up ahead, and, admittedly, Taranza is nervous.

He hopes that he’s making the right decision in bringing them here. He hopes that they and Nia will get along. If something were to go wrong or they were to hurt her feelings or not like her, he doesn’t know what he’d do. He could never forgive himself, he thinks.

He just as soon reminds himself that he shouldn’t be worrying about things like that, though. He… trusts Magolor and Susie. He knows they wouldn’t harm Nia. They’re his friends. They’re going to be her friends, too. They’re going to adore her. He won’t believe anything else.

A deep breath as he reaches their room. He knocks on the door.

“Nia!” he calls. “I’ve brought Susie and Magolor! Is it okay if we come in?”

A moment passes, but then a soft, scratchy voice responds.

“...It’s okay.”

“Great!” Taranza says, reaching for the doorknob. His hand feels just a little bit stiff. Still, he twists it, forcing an awkward smile, then pulling open the door.

Inside, Nia’s standing just in front of the bed. Her hood shadows her face and her hands are pressed close to her body. She doesn’t look directly at them— head low and slightly turned. 

A pang of sadness. It’s clear she’s trying to hide as much of herself as she can, and it breaks Taranza’s heart. She doesn’t need to stay out of sight! His friends aren’t going to judge her. They…-

…They’re staring.

Why are they staring? He told them not to.

It’s just for a split second— they tear their gaze away just as soon, but he sees it: the way their eyes widen just slightly. Magolor’s fur bristles. Susie’s shoulders tense.

And Nia catches it. He knows she does. She’s not stupid. She bites down on her lip as a streak of brown fur burgeons from her face.

That, too, earns some sort of silent reaction. They realize collectively she’s not stagnant. Fingers, curled against her side contort. The glowing white eye that Taranza was so glad to see starts to cloud with purple.

And then, just as soon as it began, it’s over.

The moment of restless silence comes to an end.

“Oh!” Magolor says, “And so you’re the Queen Nia I’ve heard so much about! It’s wonderful to finally meet Taranza’s beloved best friend! I’m not sure how much you’ve heard about me, but I’m Magolor: renowned interdimensional traveler and Taranza’s coolest bro. Pleased to make your acquaintance!” 

As he saunters towards Nia, all of the tension fades from his body. He holds out a hand.

That really is like Magolor, isn’t it? To try and change the mood as swiftly as possible. 

Nia clearly can’t tell what to make of his sudden friendliness— staring at his outstretched hand, taken aback… but Taranza, at least, is grateful. The sooner they move on from Magolor and Susie’s initial reactions, the better.

He makes his way over to Nia’s side.

“Nia, this is Magolor,” he explains. “Or… well, I suppose he already introduced himself, but he’s a very good friend of mine. You can trust him. He’s eccentric, but very, very kind. I’m sure the two of you will get along.”

Nia still seems apprehensive, but takes Magolor’s hand nevertheless.

“It’s… a privilege to meet you, Magolor,” she says, grip tight. “I’m glad to see Taranza has other friends.”

It’s a moment before Susie joins them, but as Taranza motions his hand, she makes her way over. He gestures to her, then to Nia.

“Nia, meet Susie. Susie, meet Nia,” he says. “Susie is another one of my very best friends. She is so, so smart and talented. Remember that ‘television’ I told you about? That was made by her! She’s always inventing amazing things like that.”

“Technically, I did not invent the television,” Susie is quick to clarify. “But I appreciate the admiration.” Then, she turns to Nia. “It’s good to meet you. Magolor is correct when he says Taranza has discussed you quite a bit.”

“And only had good things to say, of course!” Magolor adds on. “He’s really, really, really talked you up. It’s honestly been kind of excessive. Maybe it’s a little embarrassing, but you know what I think?” He leans in towards Nia, lowering his voice to a stage whisper, “I think he might actually have a crush on you.”

Nia makes a face. Taranza startles.

“M- Magolor!” he sputters. “ Cut it out! Don’t say things like that! You’re going to make her uncomfortable!”

“What?” Magolor asks, snickering. “I’m not being serious. I’m just trying to lighten the mood a little! And it’s not wrong to say you’ve talked her up.” He looks towards Nia, speaking in a more earnest tone. “Taranza likes you. A lot. I’m sure he’s over the moon now that you’re back.”

Well, Magolor is right about that much. Taranza reaches out for Nia’s hand.

“...Right,” she says, nodding. 

“How has being alive been treating you? You getting used to things? Enjoying yourself?” Magolor asks. “Surreal, isn’t it? The perspective going through something like that gives you? Not that I’ve ever died, but I came close, once! Messed with some stuff I shouldn’t have, ticked off the wrong guy, got sent straight to the abyss, had to claw my way out… y’know, the usual. Not a good time, I’ll tell you that!”

Of course he’s somehow found a way to make the conversation about himself. And in any other situation, Taranza would shoot him a sharp look and ask “Is now really the time!?” But just this once, it may actually be for the best. Taranza sees the way Nia’s shoulders relax ever so slightly.

She probably doesn’t want to be the focus right now.

“I’ve been… getting by,” she says. “Taranza has been a very big help. That illegitimate royal friend of his, too.” A pause. “I’m surprised to hear you’ve been through something similar.”

“Yeeeeah, I learned the hard way not to mess with Kirby,” Magolor admits with a laugh. “Little guy’s a powerhouse.”

At that, Nia stops. An antenna twitches.

“That thing killed you, too?”

A moment passes. As Magolor squints, it seems to sink in she’d said something wrong.

“That…- that person,” she rectifies. “‘Kirby.’ You’re telling me he also eviscerated you?”

“‘Eviscerated’ may be a bit of an exaggeration,” Magolor says finally. “I already told you he didn’t kill me, but yes, we fought. I kind of swindled him… it’s a long story, really— way too complex to explain all in one sitting, But the long and short of it is he cleaved me in half.”

“Cleaved you in half?” Sectonia repeats.

Her breath hitches, and, just slightly, her grip on Taranza’s hand tightens. He feels roots creep beneath her skin.

It’s not difficult to tell where her mind wanders. 

“Magolor,” Taranza says firmly. “Don’t. You’re giving her the wrong idea of who Kirby is. You’re going to scare her.”

“What? Seriously?” Magolor asks. It’s only then that he seems to realize what he’s doing. He shakes his head. “Oh, no, don’t worry about that,” he tells Nia. “Don’t let me get to your head. There’s no reason to be scared of Kirby. Dude’s a little marshmallow. Sweetest guy around. Even ripping me in half was basically for a good cause— saving me from myself or whatever. He’s good. The two of us are, like, besties now. Built him a theme park to atone for my sins and everything!”

Taranza can’t see him grin, but he just knows there's an insufferably proud smile hidden behind his collar. Magolor’s never exactly been a humble person, but he’s at his most boastful when it comes to bragging about his latest endeavor: the extravagant ‘Merry Magoland.’

Not that Nia seems particularly convinced. She frowns.

“‘...Besties?’” She asks. “There’s not bad blood?”

“Nah. Maybe I was tilted for a bit, but I got over myself. And even if I were still mad at him, it’s not like there’s anything I could do about it. Not going to make that mistake twice! Trust me when I say you don’t want t-”

“That’s not what I mean.”

Magolor pauses.

“...What do you mean, then?”

“Surely he despises you, yes?”

At that, Magolor deflates some. 

“...I’m not sure what you’re getting at,” he says.

“If you ‘swindled him’ and this upset him enough for him to make an attempt on your life,” Nia says, “Then there must be animosity. Are you telling me you legitimately believe he’d consider you a friend after doing something like that? I’m not sure I buy it. Don’t you think that’s a tad naive?”

Magolor’s eyes narrow, and he looks half-ready to legitimately argue, but Taranza steps in before things can escalate. 

“Nia,” he says. “Don’t say things like that. I understand your skepticism, but it’s true that Magolor and Kirby are friends. Kirby is a very forgiving person. You’ll see that for yourself once you get to know him. I already told you that Kirby and I were also friends, didn’t I? Don’t you think that wouldn’t be possible if he were the type to hold a grudge? King Dedede is someone he’s very close to, and I kidnapped him.” 

“Not to mention even he and Dedede were enemies once upon a time,” he continues. “Like I explained earlier, he stole all of the food in Dreamland and Kirby stopped him by force. They wouldn’t be friends in the way they are if Kirby was vindictive. He’s just not the type to get hung up on that sort of thing.”

Magolor nods, letting out a huff. 

“I mean, like half of Kirby’s friend group are redeemed baddies. You’ve got Dedede… Meta Knight— who started a whole coup, Daroach— who will steal just about anything that’s not nailed down, Marx— the delightful little menace… heck, even Suz’ messed with him once! I am not that bad in comparison.”

“Stating I ‘messed with him’ is putting it lightly,” Susie says dryly, “But, for once, the imbecile is correct. Half of the people Pinky spends his time with are certified degenerates. Like Taranza said: he simply doesn’t know how to hold a grudge. Trust me when I say it bewildered me at first, too… objectively, it doesn’t make any sense, but it is what it is. Foolish as it is, he’s quick to forgive.”

“I don’t see any point in psychoanalyzing it, personally,” Magolor responds. “After all, we’re lucky, aren’t we? That he’s so eager to let all of that stuff be water under the bridge? You know what they say: don’t check a gift Wheelie’s treads. He’s not walloping us. For that alone, I’m grateful.”

Nia still clearly doesn’t get it, though. Her brow furrows and she frowns. She thinks that Magolor, Susie, and even Taranza are being gullible about this, doesn’t she?

…Taranza supposes he can’t blame her. She’s only met Kirby before in a very, very unfortunate context. All she knows of him is his sheer, overwhelming power. She no doubt can’t shake the memory of being bested by him, then burned to death. Who in the world could?

Even Taranza was scared of Kirby for a brief period of time. When that thing started chasing him, trying to get King Dedede back, he was mystified… even moreso when he realized just how persistent his pursuer was. It was one thing for the Dreamlander to follow him to Fine Fields… but for him to make it past Flowery Woods? Paintra? Coily Rattler, too? By the time Taranza reached Royal Road, he was legitimately afraid.

Even moreso when Kirby defeated King Dedede without issue… when it sunk in that he was the true hero of the Lower World and that Taranza had grabbed the wrong person. There was a reason he’d cried out to his queen for help.

It hadn’t been until after what happened on that awful, moonlit night that he truly began to understand Kirby. Even after Kirby freed Floralia, Taranza was still unnerved by him for quite a while. How could he not be when he’d seen Kirby kill the person he loved so effortlessly? Even if it was their only option… even if she was just a shell of herself at that point, that didn’t make it any less disturbing. A small part of Taranza worried Kirby was going to come for him next.

(At the time, an even smaller part of him likely would have welcomed it.)

But Kirby never once threatened or attacked Taranza. Instead, it was Kirby who accompanied King Dedede to make sure he was alright during the darkest period of his life. He’d come check up on Taranza— bring gifts and offer condolences. And, slowly, it began to sink in for Taranza that he was legitimately just a child.

…A child who’d been forced to make an extremely difficult decision. A child who’d had to do something no child should have had to do. An earnest, kind-hearted, good kid who just wanted to see people happy and didn’t understand why that wasn’t always possible. 

Needless to say, Taranza isn’t scared of Kirby anymore. He’s still well-aware of his strength, but he knows he’s no monster.

“Kirby is kind,” he agrees. “There’s no reason to doubt his friendship with anyone here or fear retribution from him. Before you even know it, he’ll be trying to win you over too.”

“And he will, by the way,” Magolor adds. “You might go ‘this is weird. What is this guy thinking?’ at first, but before you even know it, you’ll also be a member of his fan club. Dude’s got a certain je ne sais quoi to him.”

“...Right,” Nia says. Awkwardly, she clears her throat, “But enough about the child. How did you all meet Taranza? You seem… close.”

“Oh, yeah, we totes are,” Magolor says, slinging a hand across Taranza’s shoulder. “We’re also besties. Fellow wizards. Brothers in arms. We first got to know one another just a little bit after Taranza decided to turn over a new leaf. I heard there was a new ex-baddie on the scene and decided to check it out… y’know, invite him to my ex-baddies book club. He wasn’t exactly open to it at first, though.”

Taranza shifts his weight, awkwardly shaking Magolor off of him. He lets out a hesitant laugh.

“Mmmmm… yeah, I was feeling a tad antisocial at the time,” he admits.

He hopes that the implications as to why aren’t too obvious. He doesn’t want Nia worrying about his mental state in the immediate time after her death.

“Talking to you was like trying to nail jello to a tree,” Magolor says. “I never gave up, though… y’know, since I was so cool and charismatic, and eventually you started to come out of your shell. Especially once you were put on babysitting duty.”

“Babysitting duty?” Nia asks.

Susie’s cheeks flush pink.

“I believe that’s a derisive comment directed towards me,” she mutters. “Following my own… mild wrongdoing and confrontation with Pinky, there was a brief period wherein I was stranded. The vessel I used to arrive on this planet was destroyed, meaning I had no way to return to my company’s headquarters. I was forced to seek temporary asylum, and Pinky ended up placing me with Taranza.”

“It was the most sensible place for my house arrest,” she continues. “Not only did it mean I would be far from Dreamland, where I’d caused the most issues, but Pinky knew Taranza was responsible enough to prevent me from getting up to any trouble.” A pause. “Not that I intended to, of course. But I hadn’t exactly earned his trust yet, at the time. And I can’t ultimately complain too much. It all worked out.”

“Darn right it did!” Magolor says. “Somehow you— the most misanthropic person I know— were able to get Taranza to come out of his shell. I could hardly believe it. Still can’t, sometimes! It was like things just clicked.”

“Well,” Taranza says, tugging at his scarf. “Susie and I had a lot in common. It might not have seemed that way on the surface, but… it’s true. And it helped. Knowing I wasn’t alone. I’m very grateful to her. And to you, Magolor. It means a lot that you didn’t give up on trying to get through to me.”

“Of course not! Evildoers turned goodboys have got to stick together!”

Taranza gives a smile. For as ridiculously as Magolor is wording it, he’s telling the truth when he says he’s appreciative. 

“I… see,” Nia responds. “It seems he’s very lucky to have you both. It sounds like he was suffering a lot before you came into his life.” 

A pang of guilt. And so the implication did sink in. Taranza supposes it only makes sense. All the same, though, he’s hurried to try and alleviate her concern. 

“W- well, I don’t know if- suffering probably isn’t the right word for-“

“It’s true,” Susie interjects. “Taranza was in a very bad state when I first met him. He’s doing much better now, though, and I hope that’s something that will continue. He’s important to us, you know. We never want to see him like that again.”

It’s unlike her to cut him off, and even more unlike her to expose him like that. Taranza’s surprised. 

The way that she’s looking at Nia… there’s a slight intensity behind her eyes. Is that supposed to be a warning?

‘No,’ he decides just as soon. ‘Susie wouldn’t do something like that.’ He’s sure she believes him when he tells her Nia wouldn’t do anything to hurt him.

Still, there’s an uneasy moment of silence as Nia meets Susie’s gaze, and it’s only disrupted when Taranza speaks up in a stilted tone.

“You don’t have to worry about anything like that,” he promises. “Even if I… wasn’t at my best when we first met, it’s like you said— I’m doing much better now. And there are only reasons for that to remain true. The future looks bright. Nia’s alive again, plus, now I have you all. It’s true I’m a very lucky person. I mean… just look at what’s happening at this very moment. At long last, I’m finally introducing my most treasured friends to one another. Why wouldn’t I be over the moon?” 

And that, barely, seems to diffuse the tension. Magolor nods.

“It’s as if each and every one of your dreams has come true. We’re happy for you. We really are.” A pointed look. “…Right, ‘Suz?”

“Of course,” Susie says, shoulders relaxing. And from there, things seem to go back to normal. The group returns to small talk, and in time Taranza is able to forget his worries.

‘See?’ He thinks, holding Nia’s hand the whole time. ‘They’re nice. You have nothing to worry about.’

Susie and Magolor can’t stay forever, though. Just a little while later, Susie’s phone goes off. 

“Uh-oh,” she says, letting out an exasperated sigh. “Seems I may have to go. I forgot I delayed a meeting until 11AM. I really shouldn’t push it back further.”

Admittedly, Taranza is a little bit disappointed to see her leave so soon, but he understands. She’s a busy woman. It’s fortunate she was able to come by at all. He probably shouldn’t hold her up, especially considering the fact that the reason she had to push the meeting back in the first place was likely due to his poor communication. 

And besides…

“That’s probably for the best. As nice as it’s been having the two of you here, I don’t want to overwhelm Nia. You can get back to your lives.”

“Boo! You’re kicking me out, too, just ‘cause the workaholic has to go?” Magolor asks.

“Well, not kicking you out. I just-”

“I know,” Magolor interjects, letting out a laugh. “I’m just messing with you. You don’t have to justify yourself to me. I get it. Really, it’s a good idea I duck out, too. I can clown on her for being on the grindset all I want, but I’ve got a business to maintain, too. Merry Magoland’s been closed all morning, and that’s a lot of happy customers I’m letting down. I should open the gates.”

Taranza nods.

“I’ll be seeing you around, then. I’ll keep in touch, though, okay? I’m sorry again for making you worry. I well and truly didn’t mean to.”

“...It’s fine,” Susie says. “We’re just glad you’re okay.”

“Maybe unsilence your phone for once, though,” Magolor suggests. “We were blowing it up. I can’t believe you didn’t hear anything.”

“Oh- uh. My phone,” Taranza says. “I’m… not actually sure if that’s charged? Or if I even have it on hand. I believe it may have been left in the castle when I was driven out.”

Call him careless, but oftentimes he struggles to even remember the perplexing device exists. It’s nice to be able to have a way to communicate with friends from a distance and all, but actually using the thing may as well be rocket science. There are so many strange menus and it’s weird how often he has to plug it in. He didn’t have anything like that growing up in Floralia.

“My guy,” Magolor says, disbelieving.

“No. It’s okay. I’ll get him a new one,” Susie says. “About time he upgraded to the latest model anyways. And I can get one for her, too, while I’m at it.”

Taranza isn’t necessarily looking forward to explaining how to use a cell phone to Nia considering he himself barely even knows how to do so, but he appreciates the thought. He gives a smile.

“Thank you,” he says sheepishly. “I really didn’t mean to lose it.”

“It’s not as if it’s your fault,” Susie says with a shrug. “You couldn’t have known you were going to be driven out. Besides, replacing one or two cell phones is hardly an expense the Haltmann Works Company can’t afford. My accountants won’t even notice.”

“Ah… well, I suppose that makes sense,” Taranza responds. “You are pretty wealthy.” 

“Wealthy’s downplaying it. Girl’s a trust fund baby,” Magolor says before giving a wave. “But we’ll be seeing you around, ‘Ranz! And you, too, Queen Nia! Know that my offer to join the ex-baddies book club is always open to you as well. Taranza may have been too stuffy to say ‘yes,’ but I’ve no doubt you’re cooler, so give it some thought, dude!”

A pair of finger guns as he makes his way over to the door. Nia’s face bunches, though.

It takes Taranza a moment to even realize why.

“Oh. Uh. Nia’s not a ‘dude,’ for the record. Please don’t call her that. She’s a girl. Just a girl.”

For a brief moment, he’s terrified Magolor is going to insist it’s a gender neutral term and that he ‘calls Susie that all the time,’ but to his relief,  he doesn’t. Instead, ears perking, he simply gives a nod and responds:

“Right. Got it. Sorry, dudette!”

Taranza pinches his brow.

You can get Magolor to correctly gender a person, but good luck getting him to stop talking like a lunatic in general.

Doesn’t he know that that’s no way to refer to royalty? How can he seriously use the word ‘queen’ and then that linguistic abomination in such short succession? Doesn’t he realize there’s a bit of a dissonance th-

…No. Taranza shouldn’t dwell on it too much. He’s learned better than to question what comes out of Magolor’s mouth 95% of the time at this point. Nia no longer looks uncomfortable— just bewildered, and that’s all that matters.

Magolor and Susie make their way towards the doorway. Although as they do, Susie turns back.

“Mind leading us out?” she asks.

“Oh!” Taranza says. “Not one bit.” Although he does turn over his shoulder to look at Nia. “Would you like to come with?”

She shakes her head.

“...I believe I’ve had enough. You can see your friends off.”

“Alright, then. I’ll be right back, though, okay? Don’t worry. I won’t be gone for long.”

He gives her hand a reassuring squeeze, then pulls away. He leads Magolor and Susie out into the hall.

There’s a bit of an awkward energy as they proceed through the castle, making their way out of Nia’s earshot. Taranza fidgets with his hands.

“So,” he says, forcing a smile, “What did you think? Amazing, yeah? That went well.”

“Sure did,” Magolor says. “It was good finally meeting her after all this time. Not exactly what I expected from the way you described her, but… she seems nice, if a little shy.”

“Ah, yeah, usually she’s a little more self-assured,” Taranza admits. “But she’s still getting used to interacting with people again… being herself and all. It’ll take a little bit for her to come out of her shell.”

“Right, right,” Magolor says, nodding, “Makes sense.”

Susie doesn’t speak right away, though, and so Taranza addresses her directly.

“What about you?” he asks. “You also liked her, yes?”

Slight nerves. The fact that she doesn’t respond immediately doesn’t fill him with confidence.

Still, eventually Susie nods, too.

“Of course,” she says. “Provided she’s actually gone back to being the person you say she was before her corruption, I believe we’ll get along just fine. I will admit I have a few questions, though. About how this seems just a little too good to be true, as well as her… state.”

That last word comes out just a little bit strained. 

Taranza shifts uncomfortably.

“I suppose I should explain that to the best of my ability, shouldn’t I?” he admits.

He was going to have to address the Phan Phan in the room sooner or later.

“Yes,” Susie says, “You should. You understand why it’s a tad concerning that she's still a Sectra, yes? Or… something like one.” She tilts her head. “Her body was fluctuating as we conversed. Why?”

“Well, I don’t know for certain,” Taranza admits, tugging at his scarf, “The Mage Sisters’ Hyness seemed to believe that it could have to do with her ‘parasitic’ genetic makeup, but even he wasn’t one-hundred percent sure. He suggested that her form could be clashing with itself, reflecting both her body-stealing past and whatever… identity-issues she may currently be dealing with.”

“She’s not always a Sectra, though,” he goes on. “Sometimes she’s much closer to an Arachnid. It’s… um, varied, really, based on exactly how she ‘perceives herself.’” 

His brow furrows. His mouth feels dry. Discussing it seems wrong, somehow. Like he’s judging her. Or at least making Magolor and Susie think that he is.

“H- hopefully it’s something that’ll resolve itself soon!” he says, as if to ease their concern. “As she comes to understand herself better and accept that what happened wasn’t her fault, ideally, she’ll stabilize. Although, of course, even if she doesn’t, that’s okay, too! However things end up, we’ll find a way to make it work. She’s beautiful no matter what she looks like, and besides, I’m just glad she’s here.”

“Thank you for being… kind to her,” he continues, bowing his head. “She’s been struggling with everything. When Dedede first saw her this morning he- um- screamed. Which…- I’m not mad at him for, of course! It’s just- this has all been…” He lets out a sigh. “This has all been a lot.”

“Sounds like it,” Magolor says. “There’s no need to thank us, though. I just wish you’d explained all that to us before we went in there. We probably would have been better prepared.”

“I know,” Taranza says. “I guess I just…” he bites down on his lip. “I don’t want to think of Nia as something people have to prepare themselves for.”

The thought alone makes him feel sick to his stomach. That would be admitting that she’s strange— scary even. That would be validating her fears. And she’s neither of those things. She’s not abnormal. She’s no monster. She’s his queen, and she shouldn’t have to come with a disclaimer. If people can’t handle her, then that’s their problem!

But… would a warning prevent people from staring at her the same way Magolor and Susie did earlier?

He doesn’t know what to think.

“Fair,” Magolor responds. “I can’t really blame you for that.”

But Susie, once more, seems to be deep in thought. There’s a troubled look in her eyes.

“Is something wrong?” Taranza asks.

“Not necessarily,” she answers. “I’m just thinking. If what’s happening to her is truly based on how she perceives herself, then that could have some bothersome implications.”

Taranza frowns.

“In what way?”

“Well, it’s simply…” Susie hesitates. “Looking the way she looked just now— so much like a Sectra… does that mean she still sees herself as Sectonia? Maybe I’m just overthinking this, but it’s hard not to worry that something is still wrong.”

“...Still wrong?”

“With her mind. Are you certain she’s been made herself again? That she doesn’t have ill intent and isn’t still fixated on self-serving things such as beauty?”

Taranza’s heart skips a beat.

“Yes, I’m certain!” he sputters, eyes wide. “I saw the corruption burned away myself. Morpho Knight made sure to remove the blight on her soul. I can’t even believe you’d ask me something like that!” 

Despite himself, his eyes narrow. He’s hurt and offended for Nia’s sake. Is… is Susie sincerely doubting the sincerity of her character?

He gestures back towards the bedroom.

“Did that seem like a self-centered person to you?”

“Well… no,” Susie says, voice faltering slightly. “Listen, I don’t mean to upset you, but you get why I’m worried, right? Sectonia really, really hurt you.”

“Even so, Nia’s not Sectonia!” Taranza argues, glowering. “Sectonia is the person she was when she was very, very sick. When she was being warped by forces beyond her control. But she’s finally well again. I know she is! I’d recognize her anywhere, and I remember what Sectonia was like.”

With a pit in his stomach, he continues, “When I first brought Nia back, she broke down sobbing. She panicked when she remembered what she did to me. S- she didn’t even start to look like that until she processed everything.  Until she felt more guilty than she could possibly put into words. She started saying all of this awful stuff about how she was a monster and she didn’t deserve to be alive, then her body changed. That’s not the self-perception of someone with ill intentions! That’s the self-perception of someone who feels awful!”

“And ‘Sectonia’ wouldn’t have felt that way. Sectonia never apologized. Sectonia never felt bad. Not by the end, there! I knew her better than anyone, and this isn’t her. This is my friend. The friend I had before she got sick. The friend who already feels horrified about everything that happened… so don’t you dare accuse her of that and make her feel even worse!”

He doesn’t even realize he’d raised his voice until he’s panting for breath. His body trembles. 

Still, he doesn’t break eye contact. He stares at Susie, unwavering.

…And eventually she averts her gaze. 

“Very well then. I see. Perhaps I crossed a line. My apologies I… didn’t mean to come off as disparaging. Like I said: I just don’t want you getting hurt. But I suppose you have a point when you say you’re the one who knows her best.”

“I am,” Taranza says. “And so please… just try and believe in her. She’s a good person. I know you’ll see that soon, too.”

He’s a little bit tempted to be angry at Susie, and maybe some part of him is. Hearing Nia talked about like that… it makes his blood boil. At the same time, though, he understands she’s just worried about him. She simply doesn’t know what she’s talking about— doesn’t get Nia yet.

“I’m… sure I will,” Susie says. “Don’t worry. I’ll give her a chance. I merely wanted to bring up my concerns, but if you’re sure it’s nothing to worry about, then it probably isn’t.”

“It’s not,” Taranza says, breaths finally slowing. “Thank you for standing down. Just, please… never say anything like that again. Especially not in front of her.”

“Of course,” Susie says, bowing her head. And then, once more, “...My apologies.”

The energy is uncomfortable, admittedly, as they reach the castle doors. Taranza doesn’t feel bad for standing up for Nia, but he hopes this won’t cause too much strife between him and Susie.

“I’ll- uh, be seeing you two, okay?” he says. “Feel free to come by at any time. Things have been hectic lately and your presence is always welcome. I know Nia wasn’t exactly the most sociable today, but I bet it would make her happy, too, if you were to keep dropping by. She could use some good friends.”

“Oh,” Magolor replies, “Don’t worry, we definitely will. Didn’t you hear what I said? I’ve got to cajole her into joining my book club! Maybe then you’ll also finally sign up. Bit amusing, though, for you to invite us to come by as much as we want. Last I checked this was still King Dedede’s home, wasn’t it?”

“Oh! Well, of course!” Taranza says, cheeks warm. “But I didn’t get the impression…- he’s not the type to mind that sort of thing! If I were to ask him, he’d probably just laugh and respond ‘the more visitors the merrier.’”

“You say that,” Magolor remarks, “But he might not feel the same way if I show up with the Lor’s engines blazing at 3AM in the morning.”

“Well, of course he wouldn’t…- d- don’t you dare!” 

“Why not?” Magolor asks, snickering. “Didn’t you say we were free to come by at ‘any time?’”

“You are mincing my words and you know it! Stop this at once!”

Taranza glares. He’s so annoyed he doesn’t even bother to point out that ‘3AM in the morning’ is a redundant statement. 

“Okay, okay. I’ll cut it out. You know I’m just messing with you, though. I wouldn’t dare try something like that. You’ve gotta remember it’s not just Kirby who whooped my butt and sent me halfway to death’s door way back when. It was his whole little posse, Dedede included, and I am not raring for another hammer to the face.” Glowering, he rubs at his ‘nose.’ “That thing hurt.”

“Oh, and so you’re not on my best behavior for my sake?” Taranza asks. “Just because you’re scared of Dedede? Gee, thanks.”

He says that snidely, but for all his exasperation, he can’t help but smile. Magolor really does know how to lighten the mood.

“What can I say? It’s not like I’m going to be scared of you. You’ve got to weigh approximately sixty pounds soaking wet and I’m still not convinced you could throw a punch if your life depended on it. You’re about as threatening as a Beanbon, dude.”

“Pardon?” Taranza asks. “You’re talking to the person who just bested Death in a fight!”

“Yeah, for a girl he liked. Even when you’re doing something cool it’s inevitably for some sort of adorable reason. Not doing much to change my mind.”

“Well, excuse you,” Taranza huffs. “If you ask me, there’s nothing cooler than doing something for the sake of someone you love!”

Magolor looks ready to retort, but before he can, Susie flicks his ear.

“Didn’t you say you had a theme park to return to?” she asks. “Are you going to get on that, or would you rather stand here tormenting Taranza all day? As funny as I’m sure you think you are, there’s probably an angry mob forming outside of your establishment. I’d get to placating them before they start tearing things apart.”

“Tearing things apart?” Magolor says with a scoff. “I’m not sure what kind of customers you have, but my patrons are CHILL. They wouldn’t do something like that.” A pause. “I probably should get back to them, though, you’re right. Sorry, Ranz’! Picking on you more will have to wait.”

“What a pity,” Taranza says, rolling his eyes.

Although, after a moment, he tacks on:

“Hey! Uh, actually, before you go, could I ask if one of you could get in contact with the Mage Sisters for me? I’d like to let them know I need more cloaks for Nia. The one they gave her is the only thing she’s comfortable wearing right now, and I’d really like to get her into something nicer. I feel bad leaving her in one that’s all torn up. I’d let them know myself, but…” he hisses in through his teeth. “Kind of lost my cell phone, and I don’t want to travel right now while Nia still needs me.”

“Oh! Of course,” Magolor says. “Can do, my guy. I was actually wondering why she was all bundled up in something like that.”

“...Yeah,” Taranza mutters. “Like I said: it’s got to do with her comfort zone. Thank you, though. It’s appreciated.”

“‘Course, dude,” Magolor says. “Any other requests? Or will I be seeing you on the flip side?”

“I think that’s all.”

“Great. I believe I’m outie, then. You coming with, ‘Suz?”

“In… one second,” Susie says. “I was actually wondering if I could have a moment alone with Taranza.”

“A moment alone?” Taranza asks.

“Yeah. There’s something I want to talk with you about, but I’m not sure I want to do it with the imbecile around.”

“Yeesh!” Magolor says. “That’s harsh. ‘The imbecile?’ Seriously?” he turns, wiping at his eyes, then starting to slink off. “Fine, then… I’ll go. I can tell when I’m not wanted. You two have your heart to heart. I’ll be outside bawling my eyes out like the poor, innocent, needlessly-persecuted angel that I am.”

For as much of a show as he’s making of it, it’s more than evident he doesn’t actually mind. His voice is dramatic and over the top. He feigns a sniffle and bats his eyes.

“Don’t have too much fun gossiping without me. Stars know my fragile heart couldn’t take it. When you’re ready to apologize, I’ll be waiting for you. Don’t take too long. I may just die of sadness.” 

And then, with one last, “Boo-hoo!” he’s gone. He makes his way out the door and shuts it behind him.

Susie rubs at her temples.

“What is his problem?” she asks. “Can’t he see this is exactly why I asked him to go?”

“Well… you know Magolor,” Taranza says with a chuckle. “He’ll never turn down an opportunity to get attention. Sometimes I think he’d be great on the stage.” A pause. “But… um, what was it you wanted to talk about?”

A prickle of anxiety. He bites down on his lip.

“It’s not Nia, is it? Because if you’re intending to insult her again-”

“No, no,” Susie is quick to interject. “It’s not that at all. Please don’t worry about that. It’s not anything so serious. I suppose I just wanted to…” she hesitates. “Well, I wanted to apologize to you.”

“Apologize? For what?”

“For, well…” Susie hesitates, then says, voice softer, “For underestimating you. While everyone else was doubting you, I joined in. I also told you that you couldn’t defeat Morpho Knight, but you did. You went out and accomplished what no-one thought you could, not even your ‘best friend…’ and I’m sorry for that. We must have made you feel really alone.”

“W- what?” Taranza asks. “No! I mean, perhaps I was upset at the time, but everything worked out. A- and it’s not like you had any ill intent. You just didn’t want me getting hurt. I get it. If it were the other way around, I’d have been worried about you, too.”

“Mmmm,” Susie says, scratching at her arm. “I suppose, but all the same, it only felt right to give a proper apology. You did it. We were wrong about you.”

If it were anyone else, Taranza would be tempted to rub it in. He’d puff out his chest and say, ‘Yeah. You were. I told you so, didn’t I?’

But not with Susie. Instead, he simply responds, “...Indeed, I did it. Somehow I got what I wanted. Now that the adrenaline’s worn off, I kind of can’t believe it myself. It all sounds far fetched… that I accomplished something like that. I suppose I just… couldn’t not? With what was on the line, failing wasn’t ever an option. I had to succeed, and so I did. And, ultimately? I’m proud of it.”

“You should be,” Susie says. “You’re a good friend. Nia’s lucky to have you. To have someone who wasn’t willing to give up on her. Who would have paid any price for her sake.” A pause. She averts her gaze. “...You’re a good person in general, Taranza. You’re selfless. I’ve always respected that about you.”

Despite the kind words, there’s a strange intonation to her voice. Her robotic antennae pin back, betraying some level of unease.

Taranza wonders why. Is she onto him? When she calls him ‘selfless,’ does she even begin to understand just what that means?

That Taranza did pay a price heavier than the risk of losing his life? That he didn’t just fight Morpho Knight, but offer himself up to it? To Nia?

He’s not sure, but either way, he’s acutely aware of the empty cavity in his chest. Can Susie tell just how tired he is? 

If she can, she doesn’t comment on it. Simply straightens her posture and says, “That’s all I wanted to discuss.  Perhaps it was a little unnecessary, but it was eating at me, and so I wanted to say something.” 

A deep breath, and all at once, the restlessness leaves her body. Whatever worries Susie had are banished to the back of her mind. 

“I’m - uh, glad you’re okay, by the way. I know Magolor already told you we were worried about you, but I almost feel as if that wasn’t enough. We were terrified, Taranza. For a moment, I seriously thought…-”

She doesn’t dare say it, but Taranza knows the words resting on the tip of her tongue.

“No,” he says. “No, I’m just fine. You never needed to be concerned about something like that. While I was fighting Morpho Knight, you all… you also gave me drive, truthfully. I knew I had to win, that way I could come home to you. Even your doubt made it clear just how much you cared, and so I didn’t want to put you through something like losing me. That was also never even an option. I’m… sorry I didn’t get in contact sooner. Thank you, though, for letting me mean something to you. It means more than I could possibly put into words.”

“Of course,” Susie says. “You’re our friend. Why wouldn’t you mean something to us? You’re important. We don’t know what we’d do without you, and so thank you for coming back here in one piece.”

Then, she pulls Taranza into a hug. He’s surprised, because that’s unusual for her, but he supposes it makes sense. It’s just another sign of the anxiety he put her through… of the relief she’s feeling now.

He returns her hug, squeezing her reassuringly.

“I’m not going anywhere anytime soon,” he says. “And so don’t you worry.”

“You’d better mean that,” Susie says, pulling away just as quickly as she pulled in. “But- uh, I should probably be going now. I just wanted to make all of that known first. I’ll be seeing you around?”

“I’ll be seeing you around,” Taranza promises. “Thank you again for stopping by. As I said, you’re always welcome.”

But as Susie makes her way over to the door, turning back just briefly to look at Taranza, his smile falters ever so slightly. A pit forms in his stomach.

‘I’m not going anywhere.’ 

How can he say that with a straight face knowing what he’s done?

Morpho Knight told him, point-blank, what he was giving up with half of his soul. It warned him he was sacrificing his strength, his vitality— his lifeforce. It warned him he’d probably die young. But Taranza hadn’t cared, and he still doesn’t, mostly.

It had been necessary. He owed it to Nia. He stole her life away, and so sacrificing half of his was his only option. If it were a decision made in a vacuum, he wouldn’t feel an ounce of regret.

But it gives him pause, admittedly, to hear Susie and Magolor say things like ‘I care about you.’ What will they think when he’s gone? Will they resent him? Will they suffer because of him? Lie, curled up in bed, wracked by grief, the same way he did when he first lost his queen?

It’s a harrowing thought. One that almost makes him wish they didn’t care. Things would certainly be easier, then. But they do, and one day, they might hate him for his decision.

Susie’s already experienced loss before. How will she react if she’s forced to lose him, too? And what about Nia? Will Susie hate her? Blame her for it? Will Nia blame herself, too?

A pit in Taranza’s stomach. He forces himself to take a deep breath and tells himself that that’s not something he should be worrying about right now. 

Even if he gave up half of his lifespan, he still has a very long existence ahead of him. It’s not like he’s going to disappear tomorrow. He should focus on the present, and right now, he’s here with all of the people he cares about.

He couldn’t possibly ask for a better sort of life. 

He decides it’s best he makes his way back to Nia as quickly as possible. She’s probably worried about him, and the sooner he gets to her, the sooner he can banish the troubled thoughts from his head. Seeing her will make him feel better— he just knows it.

And as he makes his way towards her room, he feels it. Slowly, some ounce of strength returns to his body. His eyes still feel heavy and his body frail, but breathing comes easier. That void in his chest is filled.

It’s as if they’re complete when they’re together.

He stops in front of the door, giving a knock and saying, “I’ve returned. May I come in?”

Once more, it’s a moment before Nia responds, but eventually she answers, “Of course.”

Taranza pokes his head into the room, and thankfully, Nia is right where he left her. He makes his way over to her side. 

“So,” he says. “What did you think? Did you like getting to meet Magolor and Susie?”

Nia shrugs.

“They were fine, I suppose.”

Admittedly, that’s not the answer Taranza was hoping to receive. There’s a lack of enthusiasm in Nia's voice.

“Just fine?” he asks. “Why? Was there something you didn’t like?”

“I’m not certain. I suppose it felt as if…” Nia hesitates. “Well, as if their courtesy was forced. It was clear they didn’t particularly want to be there communicating with me.”

“What?” Taranza asks. “Don’t say that! They thought you were great!”

Nia shoots him an unconvinced look.

“Doubtful,” she says. “That ‘Magolor’ individual was clearly putting on a show; his flattery couldn’t have possibly been more insincere, and as for ‘Susie…’” she glowers. “Truthfully, she barely even tried to hide it. She sees me as contemptible, doesn’t she?”

“No! Nononono,” Taranza insists. “Not at all! You’ve gotten the wrong impression, Nia. They want to be your friends. They really do.”

A pause. He sits down on the bed, patting the spot beside him. Perhaps she’ll feel better if she takes a seat.

She hesitates, but does eventually join him. The mattress creaks slightly with her weight.

“Taranza,” she says, “There’s no point in lying.”

“I’m not lying, though!” Taranza insists. “I mean that. I really do. I know they may have come across that way, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like you. They’re like that with everyone.”

“You’re right,” he continues, “Magolor is a showman. He’s dramatic and over the top, but he’s not a liar. Even when he’s exaggerating like that, there’s a shred of truth to it. He’s just the sort of person who…- he doesn’t like to be earnest. So he hides his feelings behind big words and a mellow demeanor. He still manages to get across what he actually means, though. It’s just obfuscated by an air of aloofness. And then as for Susie…”

That, admittedly, he has to give some more thought. Can he really tell Nia Susie doesn’t have any hard feelings with the conversation they just had? She was worried for a moment there. Afraid Nia was still corrupted. She couldn’t help but wonder if she was something Taranza had to be protected from.

But he doesn’t want to think of that as Susie disliking Nia? She doesn’t dislike her. She just… 

“She can’t trust easily,” he decides on. “Susie is a very, very guarded person. She’s been… hurt a lot in the past, and she doesn’t really like to open up. Sometimes this can make her seem harsh, but she’s not ill intentioned— not really. She’s just fiercely protective of herself and the people she loves, and she’s inclined to see everyone around her as a potential threat. But that doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. She just… needs a little more time to warm up, that’s all.”

And that’s the truth. He believes that. He won’t be dishonest with Nia and say that Susie is enthusiastic about any of this, but he’s also not going to say that he thinks she hates her. Because she doesn’t . She just cares about Taranza, and because of that, she’s inclined to see threats where there aren’t any.

But eventually she’ll open up. Soon enough, she’ll see the real Nia, just like she came to see the real him. And then Nia will be someone she wants to protect, too.

“...Right,” Nia says. “If you say so.”

But it’s clear she doesn’t believe him. The words come out forced.

“Nia,” Taranza says. “I mean that. You need to trust me on this. These people are my friends. You don’t think I’d be friends with anyone who would hurt you, do you?”

“Well, no-”

“Then please. Just try and believe in Magolor and Susie. It would mean a whole lot to me.”

Nia’s quiet for a moment. But eventually, averting her eyes, she relents.

“Very well then,” she says. “I will try my best. I… apologize if it feels as if I’m insulting your friends. It’s not that I intend to be disparaging. I appreciate all that they’ve done for you. I just…” A pause. “I don’t know. Either way, I’ll stop.”

“Hey, it’s okay,” Taranza insists. “You don’t need to apologize. You haven’t done anything wrong. You’re just scared they won’t like you, yeah? But you and they both deserve more credit. They’re good people. And you’re someone more than worth loving. Just give them a little bit. Things will feel more natural with time.”

He reaches out for her hand, giving it a squeeze.

“It’ll get better,” he says. “I promise.”

Nia doesn’t respond right away as he runs his thumb over her knuckles. She stares down at her lap.

“...I’ll try to take your word for it,” she says finally.

“Good,” Taranza says, pressing up against her side. “That’s all I’m asking. You’ve got this. And I’m sorry if I stressed you out— If I introduced you too soon.”

“No, it’s okay,” Nia says. “It was only natural you wanted me to meet them. They seem important to you.”

“They are. But no-one’s as important as you,” Taranza says. “Your comfort will always come first. So let me know if I’m pushing you too hard.”

“...Yeah. I will.”

“Wonderful. Then now that that’s dealt with, why don’t we take a little bit of time to unwind? We don’t have to do anything special for the rest of the day. We can spend the rest of the morning in here… read some. Have a nice, quiet lunch. Maybe sit in the garden for a bit. Doesn’t that sound nice?”

“Mmmm,” Nia says. “That… sounds nice. I’d like that.”

And so that’s just what they do. They stay in the bedroom for the next hour or two, sitting side by side. Then, once it’s afternoon, they have lunch. Dedede doesn’t approach them telling them the food is ready— Taranza can only imagine he’s too busy for that, but when they start to get hungry he ducks out of the room and makes his way into the kitchen. There, the Waddle Dees are willing to provide him something, and once he’s acquired their meals, he takes them back to Nia.

They go to the same terrace where they ate breakfast, although, of course, Dedede isn’t there this time. It’s just the two of them overlooking Dreamland.

Taranza tells Nia all about what they can see. He points to a nearby village… to a lush forest and even to Kirby’s home. He talks about a beach a little ways off and about all of the beautiful fauna and flora nearby.

He’s sure to emphasize that Dreamland is a really, really nice place. He says he’s been here quite often and that he really likes it. He supposes more than anything he just wants to make sure Nia doesn’t feel homesick… that this feels like a vacation as opposed to an exile. 

He’s not sure how well it works, though. There’s still a melancholy glint to her eye.

So, after they’ve eaten, he takes her out to the garden to try and raise her spirits. Like he said: it’s nowhere near as impressive as the garden they had in Royal Road, but it’s still nice. The air is fresh and the flowers are beautiful. They sit in the grass and Taranza talks and talks.

He’s not even really sure what to talk about. He just isn’t comfortable with the silence. So he rambles about plants— about other times he’s visited Castle Dedede, and he hopes it’s enough.

Once or twice, they bump into other people out there— Waddle Dees just trying to work. Each and every time they stare, wide-eyed, at the unexpected visitors. It’s clear they don’t know what to think.

Taranza is always quick to explain, though, saying that they’re temporary guests at the castle. He introduces himself, just in case the Waddle Dees aren’t familiar, then introduces Nia. He explains she’s a queen, that she’s a very special person, and that it’s imperative everyone treat her with respect.

And the Waddle Dees try their best. They’re inclined to be polite, serving as attendants and all. But it’s clear they feel out of their depth. The entire time they’re working, they send uncertain, sideways glances towards Nia. They whisper amongst themselves.

It reminds Taranza a bit of when he first started visiting the castle. By now most of its residents have grown used to him, but at first, he put them on edge. They’d murmur about how he was the “person who kidnapped King Dedede, wasn’t he?” and remark on how he was just “a little bit unnerving.”

At the time, he couldn’t really blame them. Waddle Dees are skittish by nature. But now that the unease is being directed towards Nia, he’s just a little more peeved

She’s not a threat! She’s not going to do anything. Why make her feel worse than she already does?

And she notices. Taranza tries his best to distract her, but Nia’s hyper aware of the way people gawk at her… how they react with something that’s a mix of fear, confusion and repugnance. They’re careful to avoid her side of the garden.

Her features shift, and as they do, they gawk at that, too.

It’s something that never really seems to cease as she goes throughout the day— the metamorphosis, that is. Sometimes there are reasons for it. The Waddle Dees watch her and wings poke from her back. Taranza presents her with a flower and her left horn burgeons from her head. Other times, though, he can’t quite tell why it’s happening. Her face rounds out, then eventually sharpens again as she sits deep in thought. One moment she has six pairs of hands, the next two.

Her one eye never goes back to the way it was that morning. It doesn’t fully change, though, either. Instead, it stays in that in-between state: vibrant white clouded by purple.

He wishes he could tell what was going on in her head.

Regardless, he tries his best to comfort her, both about her body and about the way people react to her. He doesn’t address it directly, of course— doesn't dare point out when a patch of fur creeps across her cheek or the Waddle Dees hurry out of the garden, but he tells her everything will be okay. That she’s a good person. That he cares about her. That she’s a sight to behold.

“...I’m sure I am,” she mutters.

It doesn’t seem to do much, but he still feels a little better than he did this morning. Even if Nia seems a little listless, he reminds himself she’s only been back for one day. Things will get better. He’s sure he’ll see her smile and hear her laugh again soon.

He just has to stay strong. Be there for her.

And so, even though it hurts when her gaze flits to the ground, he smiles. He presses his body against hers, tells her “I’m here,” and he talks and talks. He tells her stories, even if she’s not quite ready to talk back.

And she relaxes some. She seems slightly less antsy than she did after the conversation with Magolor and Susie. She still doesn’t come across as ecstatic, of course, but more than anything she just appears tired as opposed to anxious or agitated, and tired Taranza can deal with.

He figures they’ll probably start to wind down a little early.

It’s dusk, and the sun is just starting to set when he suggests they grab dinner. He asks her what she thinks.

“I’d be fine with that,” she says.

As he helps her from the ground, he asks if she’d like anything specific. He’s sure the Waddle Dees could make her something special if he asked.

But she responds she’s “Alright with whatever,” and Taranza figures he probably won’t get much from pushing.

“Very well, then,” he says. “We’ll see what they’ve made.”

The two of them begin to make their way inside, although they don’t actually get there. The moment Taranza cracks open a door, he hears something echo from within.

And as recognition hits him, he freezes.

Because he’d know that voice anywhere. 

It’s Kirby’s.