Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“AND YOU STAY DOWN-”

As they struck the Lion to his knees, his claws skidded to catch himself. He looked at the floor, panting. 

His mane fell into his face, and he knew he couldn’t fight much longer like this.

Not with the creatures closing in on him.

King Dedede held his hammer tightly, having dealt the last blow from midair as the beast tried to pounce from on-high.

Meta Knight took a firm stance at his side, Galaxia pointed sharply towards the Lion’s forehead.

Elfilis flew above them, eyes sparkling with anticipation to (once more) rush in to furiously scratch around the Lion’s face. 

The Lion was outmatched, outnumbered, and out-classed.

He closed his fists, and growled in a language that Meta Knight nor Dedede could understand, “If this is how strong these creatures are…how can that small one I rescued hope to match…”

He grunted, moving to a kneel, “No…they’ll match alright…I trust in my Queen more than enough-”

The lion stood, a towering stature that dwarfed even Dedede. He huffed as the trio tensed, and held his cape taut. “Stay alert, little ones.” 

With a dramatic swoosh, the caped Lion disappeared as if a magician in the finale. Puff of smoke and all. 

Dedede was the first to lower his weapon, with an astounding “That was it?? Wow, a couple roary grumbles and a…hm…Meta what's your number rating on this fight? Seven? Seven generous?”

“Seven is plenty generous.” Meta lowered Galaxia, but did not sheathe her. “Out of ten?”

“Nah out of maybe, six billion.” Dedede puffed a cheek to accentuate the joke.

He looked at Elfilis, who was blinking at the smoke. “What’s your rate, Elfilis?” 

“... Little ones?” They asked, flying over and grabbing at the dwindling smoke.

Dedede put his hand on Elfilis’s back, scratching their fur gently. “Bah, I wouldn’t worry about anything that showboat magician wannabe says. He’s probably full of hot air and lies like the rest of these beast pack cronies.” 

Meta stepped forward, amending for the king. “They are but footstones in our path to find our friends.” 

“And Family!” Dedede added on, pointing at Meta Knight. “Friends and Family.” He corrected, tapping Galaxia on his hip. 

Elfilis let the smoke go and looked ahead at their next location to journey towards.

A snowstorm brewed at the borders of Wondaria, flecks of snow barely filtering through the park’s exit. 

“...Family…”

Connections.

Pictures.

Attachments.

Bookmarks.

Fractals.

Endless links to a beautiful chaos that could either dwindle and fall with neglect or grow into the strongest force in the galaxy.

Elfilis shook their head and blinked, waving away the last of the smoke and getting out of their head. 

“Snow?” They pointed, and Dedede beamed. “Yep! That’s snow, alright.” He took a step off the stage, and asked Meta Knight.

“You gonna live, or do you need to hide in my coat already?” 

“Cork it.” Meta Knight said front and center, making Dedede and Elfilis both laugh. Deep in the gut and little hiccups made Meta smile despite his annoyance at the jape.

“The offer will remain open if you really start shivering.” Dedede snorted, wiping his eyes. 

---

The first one in Dedede’s coat was Elfilis.

They crossed the barrier and the wind chill startled them. Hearing the crunch of snow from Dedede and Meta’s feet made them curious enough to touch the snow.

They placed all four paws down as if they were going to lay down, and instantly regretted it. 

Snow. Is. Cold.

They flung themself onto Dedede’s collar and snuggled feverishly into his neck.

“Ahhhhaaha!” He laughed when the cold paws touched his neck. “Okay okay hold on!” Dedede pulled his coat’s collar and let Elfilis get comfortable.

The little one settled down, sighing as they shivered. “Man, I thought you’d crack first.” Dedede poked Meta Knight on the pauldron.

Meta Knight didn’t even look up as he spoke, “I may not be covered in dense fur or have the mass to withstand the elements but I have a temper that is not easily swayed. Unless you wish to try and change that, hm?” 

Dedede rose an eyebrow at him, and snickered, “Well, as one with fuzz and mass, I say I have the upperhand regardless of how cranky you want to act.”

“Keep your feathers straight and maybe you’ll keep them in the night.”

“Pff-” Dedede couldn't help but wheeze and laugh.

Meta Knight just kept walking forward, muttering something along the lines of “Ohhh, Este hombre me volverá loca en poco tiempo-”

They walked in silence for a while, the snow taking up most of the sound input. There were no signs of Bandee’s spears, and no signs of spear entry holes in the snow.

Unless a new dusting of snow recently passed, but that was difficult to know. 

The three of them eventually made it to a little town of sorts, but…

“It’s near desolate…eaten by the snow’s frost…” Meta Knight observed, running his gloved hands over the edge of a gate. The thinnest of the snow, hard and brittle, caked onto his hand.

He looked at it and rubbed his fingers together to let it fall, contemplative. “...Forgotten…” He looked on, eyes wavering as if he was getting lost in thought. 

“Meta…?” Dedede almost got concerned, but Meta was merely gazing ahead for threat. Analyzing. 

Because the beauty and sorrow of a land forgotten to winter was easily marred by light footprints giving way to bits of life.

Waiting to pounce. 

“Stay close and on guard.”

Dedede’s concern turned to determination to protect, and listened, “Got it.” His eyes focused and the look he gave his knight made Meta wish he could smile right then.

No fear, just pure grit. Ready to have his back and shake the heavens again if he so needs to. 

They pressed close to each other, not quite touching but ready to grab the other if need be.

Dedede drew his hammer and kept it light on his shoulder.

To Meta Knight, that was sincerely comforting.

Passing through gates, they were able to see a goal in the far distance. Meta tapped his king on the side to get his attention to it.

“A clocktower. We should climb there for a vantage point so we don’t have to spend too long in this cold. A good glide from high up would give us a shining chance at finding anything in this desolate waste…” Meta Knight started to plan with Dedede, pointing up.

Dedede nodded, giving him a short “Hm.” 

“Hear that, Elfilis?” Dedede spoke down into his coat, and Elfilis whined at him for letting in the cold air. “Oh, my bad.” He tucked the creature in, chuckling to himself.

Meta didn’t take his eyes off the tower, watching. 

Was it even still ticking? Did time exist to this land? 

Or even at all aside from the neverending rise and fall of the sun?

Dedede put his glove on Meta’s pauldron, and gave it a squeeze. Meta blinked, and looked up at him.

Dedede gave him a smile, and he knew this pondering would get him nowhere.

Time didn't need to exist when Dedede existed, when love existed.

As long as they lived, the world would strive to catch up.

He was content to let Dedede continue holding onto him…but they both heard the click. 

Then metal shifting.

And then a sharp BANG!

Shifting as quickly as he can in the snow, Dedede swung down his hammer to knock a large round bullet into the snow.

It melted a divot on contact, and Dedede’s eyes immediately followed it's nigh invisible against the snow smoke trail. 

“AY, YOU WANT TO SHOOT WHERE WE CAN SEE YA??” He yelled at a nearby rock, feeling Elfilis grip into his skin in surprise at the motion.

It stung, but Dedede was used to it from them always sleeping so close.

He straightened his hammer and pointed it at a large boulder that was nearly hidden in the snow.

Meta Knight drew Galaxia, pointing it at the boulder to shoot a beam of light.

It broke into rubble and a dog-like creature with a ridiculously small blunderbuss stood. It looked back and forth, before raising its gun into the air, and firing three times.

Meta Knight’s eyes wavered, and he looked up to see the bullets explode into colors. “It sent a flare!!”

“Good! Get it all out of the way at once, come at me!” Dedede held his arms open as more foes popped up from the alleyways and piles of snow. 

Meta Knight spun his sword, and nodded at him. “Let this be a fair and gallant battle.”

“Let this be a quick one!” Dedede smiled, gripping his hammer tightly as he ran at the little dog.

The little beast quickly reloaded, jumping to dash on the snow and get to higher ground. 

It shot again at Dedede, but the King was not about to let himself be defeated by someone so very small!

He swung his hammer and reflected the bullet down, continuing a pursuit just to be interrupted by Meta’s beam of light being shot right in front of his stomach.

“Hey!” He started to gripe but it struck a Poppy Bros whose bomb fell and exploded into the snow.

Dedede smiled as he nodded at his dear Knight. “I got the front! You watch the back!” Dedede ordered, and Meta Knight nodded, “As you wish. I always do.”

Meta Knight swung around and hit the first of the approaching foes with the hilt of his sword. 

It looked like Awoofies, Poppy Bros, and funny looking smaller birds with very fuzzy hats.

“Elfilis, you want in on this or do you want to stay warm?” Dedede spoke into his shoulder, and the creature only held tighter. “Well, I’ll keep ya safe!” 

Dedede swung his hammer gracefully, bringing it down amongst the charging foes.

It sent the Awoofies flying, a few immediately fleeing for the health of their heads and a few rolling over and getting right back up.

Dedede didn’t want to directly smack the poor little things, his heart probably couldn't take the bloodshed, but he had enough balance with his beloved hammer to hit in the perfect angle to disorient and repel.

It was all about the angles, and hoping for the best.

If Dedede was good at anything it was seeing angles, but even he has his blind spots. More often than not, that blind spot was the back of his head. 

One of those nicely dressed birds lobbed a frankly massive piece of snow at his back, and it smacked the king point blank. He growled and looked behind him while the little dog made its getaway.

Before he could smack the bird into the next hidden world, Elfilis sprang from his now wet collar and trained their eyes at the little bird before pouncing. 

“Haha!!” Dedede snorted as Elfilis beat the creature down with his very soft little paws. “Go kid go!” He beamed, turning back to focus on the hound. 

While Dedede chased his silver bullet, Meta Knight was making sure nothing would rush behind him to the King or Elfilis.

Using his sword and agility, Meta cut down foes with graceful ability. He spread his wings to jump backwards, causing two enemies to run into each other and bonk heads.

He grabbed one and used them to hit the other away, fending them off effectively.

“Get the target off of us and lead the caller away!” Meta spoke shortly, holding one arm up to catch a leaping Awoofy to throw back into the snow. “Then make for the Clock in the Sky!”

“On it!” Dedede smiled, chasing the dog down the parkway. “You can’t run far! Not at least until I Get! That! Gun!”

Dedede swung his hammer down, trying to make the dog lose footing but it was far faster in the snow than Dedede was! 

Meta called to Elfilis, “Follow Dedede! Stay close!” He shifted and led the battle and enemies in a circle so the King would not go too far. 

They could not get separated, not again.

Not in the cold.

The dog ran past the fountain, and leapt up a banner trying to climb on top of a building. It struggled to get a good grip on the wall in front of it, so it couldn’t go much further. 

This was the angle Dedede wanted.

He used his hammer to take out a pole below, making the banner above collapse. The dog fell with a yip, and Dedede caught it by the scruff.

Despite its daze, it pointed the gun right at Dedede’s chest, but the king was far from scared.

He yanked the gun out from its hands, and threw it towards Meta Knight.

Meta Knight caught it, and used it to hit an oncoming Poppy Bros before they could light a bomb. The gun broke in two, and Meta smiled back at Dedede. 

“Now…lets see-” Dedede looked left and right trying to think of what to do with the confused defeated dog. 

Meta landed by him, sword still drawn in case other foes wanted to try and assail from behind. “I think the fire starter needs to learn one more lesson.” Dedede smirked at Meta, and Elfilis flew by them, fluff of a hat sticking out of their mouth.

“Fire?” They asked, and Dedede was amused! “Nah nah, I think they need to just go cool off!” He tossed it far away into the snow, seeing it paff softly landing upside down.

“Dedede.” Meta Knight put his hand on the side of his face, trying so hard to not be amused with that action.

Dedede just brushed off his shoulder, as if he felt so cool and suave. 

“Dede!” Elfilis flew into Dedede’s neck and bundled back into his coat, making him laugh, holding them with one hand.

“Let us make for the clock before anything else tries to assail us.”

“Gotcha! Let’s blow this popsicle joint-” Dedede agreed, but that phrase made Meta crack a smile underneath the mask as they started climbing through the frosted buildings. 

Once at the top of one particular tall building, they saw the clock tower was a mere hover away. 

“I must do this carefully, mi rey. We need a bit of height, and I…distrust my leap strength in this wretched cold.”

Dedede looked down at his knight and saw him hold out his hand. “Oh you need yourself a boost, huh?” He smiled, taking the hand firmly. “Straight and true.”

“I can shoot for Diagonal and Deceitful.”

“I am not opposed to letting you fall and hover your own self back over.”

“I am not opposed to having Elfilis kick your tail for it.”

Meta Knight simply rolled his eyes and held out his hand for the king, he took it and grabbed him, holding him very firm. 

“You get on my nerves.”

“I’m happy to reach them.”

That made him want to smile, but he focused as Dedede jumped as high as he could off the railing, allowing for Meta Knight to get just enough height to get to the clocktower. 

The two of them climbed higher before the hands of the clock stood behind their backs. 

They could see the edge of the winter world from here. Bridges and empty homes as far as the eye could see. 

Frozen rivers…abandoned radio towers…no feedback…

“...So very desolate. I…” Meta Knight had no idea how to feel, but he had a warm hand on his shoulder.

“We got this. We won’t get lost in that tundra, if that’s what you’re worried about.” 

Meta smiled at him, and gave him a nod. “I see in the distance. Does this land have its own colosseum?”

He pointed, and Dedede squinted, “Looks like it could be. Either that or they’re copycats.” 

“I think we’d be best off gliding straight there.”

Dedede pondered it, watching their breathing wisp around them. “What if Dees are somewhere in the snow?”

Meta Knight put a hand on Dedede’s arm, standing up on the clock’s railing. “These crows wouldn’t have the foresight to hide the Dees in such a remote location. Plus, if we can find where all the Dees are going in the end, then think of it.”

Meta Knight tapped Dedede on the head. “We seize control, and force those birds to return enroute, and save them from there. All at once.”

Dedede could scream in joy at that wondrous idea. 

“Meta Knight, that is a solid plan. I can’t wait.” Dedede grinned, and heard Elfilis chirp in determination at the idea too.

Meta Knight nodded, and calculated it to the best of his ability. “Okay…here’s how we’re to do this.”

He pointed up to the clock, “I’d like you to jump as high as you can and kick off the clock’s glass. I’m going to fly to the very top and swoop down to catch you. With that momentum, I should be able to glide without completely exhausting myself.”

Dedede gave him another “Hm!” in understanding. “Want me to throw you up so you’ll have to use less energy to fly that high in the cold?”

“I would sincerely appreciate that.”

The king picked Meta Knight up, and held him close. “Y’know, I thought you hated being thrown?” He asked with a smile, and Meta simply closed his eyes.

“I do not dislike being thrown for a tactical advantage, I dislike being thrown as a weapon. There is a strong difference.”

“I see, I see!” Dedede hugged him for a moment, giving him a kiss of warmth before getting into a proper stance.

“Ready?”

“Always.” 

Dedede, with all his strength, threw Meta Knight into the sky. The knight flew up, snow causing quite the beautiful ripple effect from Dedede’s point of view.

He regarded Elfilis, “This is going to be a tough one, kiddo. Hold on tight if you don’t like this chill, okay?” 

“Tight!” Elfilis repeated, holding on tighter as Dedede. “This is my patented Super Dedede jump! So it’s a really big one! Tighter!” 

Elfilis held on as tight as they possibly could as Dedede braced himself. He focused, breathing in the cold air and blowing it out.

He took a big gulp of frosty air, holding that energy in his being. 

The element couldn’t stay inside him, but that was alright, he just needed to borrow it.

When he felt the cold reach his feet, he knew it was time to move.

He jumped as high as possible before turning and blowing the ice out, creating a massive gust of wind to push him further in the direction they needed to go.

It kept them from plummeting straight down.

“FALLING?? Too much falling!!!” Elfilis screamed, as Dedede flew forward. “It’s okay! Here comes Meta!” Dedede pointed up, holding out his hand.

Meta did a loop in the air and swooped to catch the two of them, settling his wings at the perfect angle to ride the gust of wind Dedede created.

“Ice and Wind to give us a horizontal boost…good job.” Meta praised, and Dedede could only give it back with, “Nice shuttle-loop! Right on time!”

They settled into the long glide, riding above the beautiful if not morose city for what felt like hours.

Then they saw the fields of emptiness, white and blue as far as the eye could see. 

The distance held an ocean, but it was so vast it was hard to make much out. Clouds burrowed around, as if lording over the colosseum.

As if taunting them, as the air grew colder.

Dedede took a deep breath, glad Elfilis was warm in his coat.

There was just one he had to worry about.

“Meta?” Dedede called up, and Meta could only say bluntly, “Be careful talking, you’ll freeze the inside of your mouth.”

“I ain’t worried about that- Is this wind getting to you?”

It was.

It was dreadfully cold and even having a thin liner on the inside of his mask didn’t aid in the cold metal of the mask burning into his skin.

He tried to use his disciplined mind to focus on other things. Like his wings. 

“If I keep my wings straight, I should be able to make it a few more miles without even needing to flap.”

Dedede hummed, looking around to see where their landing spot could be. “That’s fair, but untense your arm. It really makes me think you need a break.”

Meta tried to untense, allowing Dedede to do most of the gripping. It was hard, he couldn’t loosen up too much or he might lose focus.

He might fall.

He might fail.

He could doom them all to be forever lost and forgotten with the rest of the frost-

He could-

Meta Knight shook his head, and gave a small flap of the wings. “It’s alright. If I start shivering, I’ll move to start our descent. That is when I may require a short rest.”

Dedede nodded, not wanting to make the stubborn knight angry. They kept on the glide, noting the shifting colors around them.

Elfilis tentatively popped their head out, looking around. “Cold winds make it dark…Cold Wind Evil?” They asked, making Dedede snort as Meta answered, “Yes, el viento frío es malo y una perra.”

He tried to whisper that last part but Dedede could tell it was not an exclamation of joy.

He felt his grip tighter again, and heard him take another deep breath.

A sharp suck in as if he was trying to hold it in.

Steeling himself.

Hurting. 

“Cold yet?” Dedede tried to ask with concern but his voice didn't lend him any favors.

“Do not…mock me or I…will Grab Elfilis…and drop you…”

Repressing a laugh was very hard for Dedede to do, but he managed to blanket it to focus on his worry.

He looked around and saw an abandoned snowy rock quarry. A bit of cave curved upward, making what could be adequate shelter. 

“There! That quarry! Land!”

“I can make…a few more miles.”

“There might not be a better landing spot in a few more miles!”

Meta shook his head. “If I land now, we will have to…walk the rest of the way.”

Dedede looked up at him, and saw his poor wings shivering. 

He knew what he had to do.

“Sir Meta Knight!” He pulled out the dreaded full title. “You are to land effective immediately by my Order and allow me to let you rest and warm yourself!”

Silence cut through the cold air for a good minute before Meta Knight accepted defeat. Not without a long sigh.

He stiffened his wings and pointed them, slowly descending towards the quarry.

Dedede braced himself to touch the snow and start walking so Meta didn’t have to do much while slowing down.

Dedede could walk to the cave while Meta flew to it.

Meta was able to make it mostly there before having to let Dedede go. He swooped in and huffed. 

He threw his cape back over his wings, shaking his whole body to get errant pieces of snow off his armor.

Dedede rushed in with Elfilis, and opened his coat to let them out. 

This made them whine almost instantly. 

“Okay, okay time to let go for a minute-” Dedede encouraged Elfilis to get out. 

Elfilis continued whining, exiting the coat to sit on the stone floor. It was very cold, but not as cold as the wet snow.

“Mean…” Elfilis pointed his tongue out, and Dedede just shook his head. “You can't cling to me the entire time we’re here, kid. You’ll get squished, or you’ll get drool on my shirt from your snoozing.” 

“The K-king is correct, Elfilis. We cannot get too c-comfortable.” Meta stated, putting his hands behind his back. 

Dedede poked his frigid mask, and stated, “We can stand to get you more comfortable. Let’s start a fire and wait until daybreak before making our way to that colosseum.”

Dedede started grabbing rocks and handed one to Elfilis. “Create a circle for us to make a fire in. That will be almost as warm as the inside of my coat.”

Elfilis sighed, and said in their robotic voice “Task Acquired.”

Dedede smiled as Meta moved to help. “Ah ah, got a task for you too, stubborn knight.”

“What is it?” He perked up. Dedede pointed to the floor by where Elfilis put the first rock. “Park it.”

Meta Knight looked left and right as if Dedede asked him a tremendous ordeal.

When the knight hesitated, Dedede simply took him by the pauldrons and walked him over there, then sat him down.

Meta Knight took a deep breath, waiting for Dedede and Elfilis to finish the task so he could help start the fire.

Once the rocks were gathered, Dedede knelt down and felt the ground. “Dry enough, but we’ll need energy and kindling.”

“I can use Galaxia-”

“Nothing to light will just spark, not catch…” 

Meta Knight looked around, and simply stated with just a hint of sass, “Do you intend to go find firewood? In this tundra?”

Dedede put his hand on his chin, rubbing it. “Firewood…firewood…Ah!” 

He took out his hammer, immediately getting cut off, “Mi sol, we need not burn your precious hammer-”

Dedede shook his head. “Ah nah nah nah! Of course not! But it is an emergency, so-” He held the handle towards Meta Knight.

It was a thick and big handle, and Dedede looked at him with that utter trust. 

“Will you cut a small bit of it? Just to get us by?”

Meta Knight cringed at the thought.

He picked up Galaxia and figured he’d rather freeze than deprive Dedede of his weapon of choice, but he knew Dedede wouldn’t take no for an answer.

That trust melted his heart.

So, before he could talk himself out of it, swung the sword down on the hammer. The heat of the blade gave it a very straight, clean cut down the handle. 

It left them with the perfect chunk of firewood. 

Dedede placed it in the circle they created, and sat down next to Elfilis. “I wonder if I could try to use that power I channeled in that Ghosthouse…If I can harness that, we’ll stay warm for the rest of the time we’re here!”

“If you’d like to try, feel free-” Meta Knight held Galaxia close as Dedede took a deep breath. 

Maybe he had to channel the feelings he felt when that fire burst from his heart. He’s never been able to use the elements on his own, always having to use another's for a moment. 

It came in handy, but he wished it was more readily available to him. He put himself back in that moment.

“You wriggling creatures hold no place.” 

Pretending to be his precious Bandana Waddle Dee…

“No place to try and take me. No place in this world to lure others to join you in your gross little horror land.”

Trying to possess him and steal him away from his goals and loved ones.

“No place to scare my family.” 

The worry in Meta’s eyes, the fear in Elfilis’s voice.

“No place to PLAY WITH MY HEART!” 

His heart racing. His heart racing. His heart racing.

“YOU DON’T GET TO DO THAT!” 

Speeding up. Bottled down. Lava in a glass bottle scorching.

“YOU GET! TO GET! LOST!”

The fire within burst in a wild way out of his heart, spilling with no way to re-contain it-

Dedede blinked open his eyes and saw…nothing. No fire, nothing. He looked at his hand, and felt it. Not even any warmer. 

“Ah…heh…I guess it wasn't meant to be-” Dedede rubbed the back of his head, trying to not be disappointed. 

“You’ll get it. Would you like to make this smokeless?” Meta Knight offered his hand as he held Galaxia with the other and Dedede smiled.

A small bid to make him feel good when Dedede was trying to get him comfortable as well. 

He took his hand and focused, feeling the electric energy feed from Galaxia, through Meta’s arm to himself. He took that energy, and pointed at the Hammer.

With a small spark, a flame started on the handle. 

The flame grew quickly enough, the three of them sitting close to it.

It warmed them up, letting them all take deep breaths and relax. Elfilis put his little paws towards it, and knew to be careful. 

They’ve learned the hard way many times how badly fire can burn, so they simply hovered their hands.

Dedede watched them, giving them a little smile…before he noticed a little something off.

“Elfilis, did you cut yourself in that scrap? Is that a bite or a cut?”

Elfilis yipped, looking themself over as if they felt no pain from it. Dedede grabbed his paw and looked it over, parsing their fur to reveal a small little cut. 

Meta Knight gave it a look-see, and hummed. “Meagre, but should still have attention. Let me see if I have any bandages left, we may be out-”

Before Meta Knight could even finish thinking, Dedede grabbed the hem of his coat and ripped a bit of the red fabric off. 

“Mi rey!” Meta Knight scolded him as he used it to wrap up Elfilis’s hand.

He ignored his knight, tying it with a practiced motion. “We can't leave that like that for long. That's how dirt gets in there, and you get an infection.”

“Infection? From Dirt?” Elfilis asked, looking at their lovely new bandage. Dedede gave it a little tug, making sure it was snug.

“Dirt is, well, dirty. Wounds need to be clean. Cause if wounds get dirty, that lets in germs. Germs are the real enemy, attacking the inside of your body!”

That statement made Elfilis’s hair rise, and they stood on all fours to growl at the germs. 

Meta could almost laugh at the display.

Dedede went ahead and did so, gesturing for Elfilis to come sit in his lap. “Ohhhh, Elfilis you scamp. If you get hurt in the future, let us know okay? We need you in top health if we’re going to have any fun in the snow while looking for Dees.”

“Fun? In THAT?” Elfilis tilted his head, big ears flopping to the side. “There’s plenty fun to have in the snow when it's not ya’know…freezing our faces off.” Elfilis kept looking at him like he was crazy.

“There’s building snowmen, snow forts, snowball fights!!!” Dedede’s eyes sparkled at the idea. 

“There’s also…snow cones with fresh snow.”

Dedede rolled his eyes at Meta’s addition. “I wish we had the syrup for that, but you’re only saying that because last time it snowed in Dreamland I NAILED your face in the snowball fight.”

Meta Knight gave him a look as if cursing him to be his first blood in any snowball fights they’ll be able to have after saving everybody.

Elfilis looked down, and asked, “Other things?”

Dedede hummed, thinking. “Snow angels!”

“Angel…?” 

Dedede laid back on the floor and spread his arms, miming the motion. “We lay on the floor of the snow and do this! And it makes a big impression in the snow!” He sat up and laughed, putting a hand on Meta Knight’s back.

“Remember that time, when I went to make one and Kirby decided he wanted to do one right next to me?”

Meta Knight hummed, amused at the memory. “He screamed he wanted to make a “Dubba Angel” but in reality it looked like a blob kissing another blob.”

“Hey! I went too fast is all!”

Elfilis looked down at his little paw, and the red on it. That sounded like…fun. “...Elflis would like…to join…in snow fun…” He crawled over to Dedede and got onto his lap again.

He kneaded a little bit, pricking the king with his little paws as he got comfortable.

He loafed, and sighed as if he was tuckered out just thinking about it. He looked up at Dedede with those tired multi-colored eyes, and Dedede just held his face gently with his hand. 

“Elfilis, when I bring you into my kingdom, you will have as much fun with whatever elements you desire. I promise that.” He scratched his cheek, lulling the child to slumber.

Elfilis closed his eyes, murmuring something about feeling excitement.

Dedede sighed as Elfilis drifted off to sleep, warmed sufficiently by the fire.

Silence waved over the two adults, as their thoughts could filter. As Elfilis started drifting off into a deeper sleep, Meta Knight let out a deep sigh.

“Oh, mi rey. It’s storming…” He stared out of the cave’s exit, and found it beautiful if not anxiety inducing.

“That it is…should get some sleep to make it pass faster, hm?”

Meta Knight, despite the fire, could feel the chill of the snow pass by them. It might still be too cold for him to sleep. 

“You fought hard today, would you like to take second shift-” Meta Knight tried to ask, but Dedede stood and handed Elfilis to Meta.

Without a word, he took his coat off and with a flourish wrapped it around the two of them. “Luz de mi sol, wait-”

Dedede simply went, “Ap ap ap-” As he tucked the two of them in as snug as could. “You flew for miles to keep us from trudging in the snow for days. Rest.”

“We’ll be trudging tomorrow anyways…” Meta Knight sighed, letting Dedede sit by him. “Well, we’ll do it well-rested and sane, hm? Go on, try to sleep. I got this.”

Meta Knight looked at his coat, trying to find any way to stubbornly stay awake with him.

“You shouldn’t feel the need to sacrifice your comfort, mi rey. Your hammer and coat…”

To this, Dedede simply waved his hand down “Pshh, It’s nothing! The hammer is just a glorified stick I make cool with my Raw Talent-”

Meta Knight just gave him a look, trying not to smile, “And the coat is one of a million, when we get home I’ll just change and get this one fixed.”

Meta held onto the hem of the coat, thinking of his words. He knows the king will say anything to get him to do what he needs him to do.

“So you aren’t hurt?”

“Not a bit!” 

“And you’re comfortable?”

“As much as we can be!”

“And you are not cold at all?”

“This snow WISHES it was strong enough to make me cold!”

Meta gave him a smirk, “Go stand in it then, see what changes.”

Dedede sputtered, “I don't mind the cold but I ain’t about to hug it without a buffer-” 

Meta chuckled, settling down to rest. “Wake me up in three hours, if you can.”

“I will, you try and sleep well, now.” 

Meta watched his king smile at him kindly, before giving him his trust, and putting his vulnerable body into his care as he closed his eyes.

Once Meta closed his eyes, and enough time passed to know he’d not be seen, Dedede let his shoulders become loose and his smile faded.

He was able to be alone with his thoughts and they were immediately loud. Like a weight that was hovering above smacked right back down on his shoulders.

He stood up and walked to the cave’s entrance, leaning against the edge of the rocks.

He watched the snow fall in a hurry, as if it had places to be.

As if it was endless.

As if it was nothing, piling slowly onto the snow that had no time to melt. 

He held out his hand, and caught a few flakes. They melted on contact with his fur. This made him pull it back with a huff. 

It was cold. Lethal cold.

The biggest thing on his mind wasn’t Elfilis, or Meta Knight, or himself. He knew he could keep them warm and safe in this cave.

If he had to hug the two of them tight and use each ounce of warmth he had stored in his body to get them by, he would.

All he could think about was how he hadn't seen one of Bandee’s spears in this massive tundra. How he hasn't seen one since they left the beaches.

The one those Ghosts stole couldn’t count…So he had no clue where Bandee could be.

If he was in this land…if he was stuck somewhere out in this cold with nothing to keep him warm…

Dedede clenched his fist and smacked it against his forehead, perishing the thought.

He could not have that floating around his mind, his Bandee shivering in the cold struggling to take another step from exhaustion.

From being left alone.

It floated anyways, as Dedede paced the cave, giving it checks to make sure it’d stay a safe spot to sleep. Hunting for dripping water or loose pepples as his thoughts screamed.

He needed his family to all be okay. He needed them all to be safe.

He needed it like he needed air, like he needed water, like he needed to eat.

Like he needed to simply be.

What if Bandee was injured somewhere out there in the freezing temperatures?

What if Bandee was somewhere still in that park and they’re way out here?

What if Bandee was captured and the Beasts are using him as a mole to find out how Waddle Dees work?

What if Bandee got taken by the Ghosts in that Nova Blasted labyrinth??

Dedede stopped pacing, and grabbed his wrist as the next thought struck him like a ton of bricks.

What if he’s dead?

He immediately turned and sat behind the sleeping Meta and Elfilis, keeping an eye on them and the fire as he tried to not tear up.

It made his heart pound and he couldn’t have that. He promised Elfilis that if his heart started acting up, he was to sit and rest.

He could still see their bright eyes creased in angry worry, paws pushing on his chest as they made him promise.

For such a little thing, Elfilis sure did have a temper when it came to the things they cared about.

He and Meta were all Elfilis had in the world, why wouldn't they want to make sure they were feeling alright?

His heart beat loudly as he surveyed his loved ones. Elfilis wiggled deeper into the coat, and Meta’s mask looked dark with his eyes closed.

Dedede reached and gently tucked Meta in deeper to the coat, trying to warm him up more. He shivered, pulling it closer as he turned too.

“Oh…my poor partner, heh…” He whispered, a bit breathlessly. He made sure he was completely tucked in, before continuing to watch the storm.

What if he’s dead…

Dedede looked down at the fire, and how it wisped and burned with the heart of a land forgotten.

He could feel in his own fire, deep in his own heart that he wasn’t. 

He guessed that’s all he could believe in.

---

OPEN EYES INTO THE SPOTLIGHT ORANGE.

A PANE OF GLASS BROKEN.

A FAULTY PUZZLE.

A TREE FALLING.

A ROCK SMASHED AGAINST THE GROUND.

DIOSCURI.

A FRACTURE.

A CONNECTION.

A CHANCE.

WHERE ARE YOU-

WHERE! ARE! YOU!

COME BACK-

WE CAN'T BE ALONE!

-

Elfilis’s fur prickled as they shot awake, still wrapped in Dedede’s coat. They looked around, and saw Dedede slumped on the floor next to them with his eyes shut.

He was making a strange noise-

“DEDE-” Elfilis leapt onto his chest, pushing him onto his back. “URGH-” Dedede startled as Elfilis whimpered and cuddled into his neck. He grabbed Dedede’s head and checked around for injuries like he's done for them. 

They do enjoy copying, so they’ll copy care.

“Kid- I’m up, m up…” He lightly pushed Elfilis’s face away, head plopping back down with a gentle snore.

“Little one, let the king continue his rest for a moment. The storm is nearing its cease and we can carry on.” Meta Knight stood and grabbed Elfilis, but the child didn't stay in his arms for long.

They wiggled out and flew by Dedede, trying to grab his hand and tug him up.

Begrudgingly, Dedede sat up with a groan. He rubbed his eyes, and looked at the hovering creature. “What’s the matter?”

At this, Elfilis just hugged Dedede tight. “Dede safe, not broken.” 

Dedede gave him a small, tired laugh. “Ah, it takes a lot more than a rocky sleep to break me, kiddo.”

Meta Knight blinked, glad his own worry for the two of them could not shine through. He gathered up Dedede’s coat and handed it to him.

The fire was completely burned down, the cold was bound to swoop back in. So they had to get moving.

“It’s not going to get any warmer than it already is now. We should begin and continue to the north.” Meta helped Dedede stand so he could put on his coat.

Dedede appreciated it.

The three of them moved to the front of the cave, and saw the sun slightly shine onto the snow through the thick clouds. 

“It may be safer for us to continue to fly, we’ll be colder if we get wet-” 

“I don’t want you flying so much again today.” Dedede stated simply, and tried to think of a way he could at least keep Meta safe from the elements.

Elfilis was already sitting on his shoulder so he was covered.

Dedede knew Meta would object to being carried, so he drew his hammer and plunged it into the snow. He walked forward, and created a path with its drag. 

“Mi rey-” Meta tried to object, getting a tut-tut from Dedede. “Either walk this path or ride on my back if you’re so worried about getting wet. The snow will eat you whole at this height.”

Meta Knight wanted to cross his arms and trudge in front of him, but he had a point.

“Stubborn king.”

“Stubborn knight.”

They stared at each other for a moment, and eventually one had to relent. Meta Knight sighed and gestured for Dedede to lead the way.

He was happy to, despite his coat getting slowly soaked at the edges. Snow clinging to its hem.

They continued north, and eventually Elfilis chose to fly around on their own. They experimentally touched the snow, and picked up a bit of it.

“Still so cold…but fun too?” They asked, dropping it to plop down on the thick layer. 

Meta Knight, despite getting to walk on a very thin sheet of it, felt it. “It’s not as fluffy as our snow back home, but it could very well be played with. I’d advise caution, as we don’t have an adequate spot to warm up after playing-”

Dedede listened to this, mind wandering to the aftermath of snow angels and snowball wars.

Convening at his castle. Hot Chocolate served with marshmallows and rainbow sprinkles. Cookies soft and gooey to add to the warmth.

The fireplace roaring. Laughter making the room spin with joy as they all told stories of their days. 

He looked ahead, and didn’t see his loved ones eating snacks and feeling content after a good day.

He saw an empty field of snow with more looming storm clouds as they made their way to that Colosseum in the distance. He had no idea how long this journey would take to loop around to those days.

Elfilis saw that glazed look in his eyes, and picked up more snow to try and hand to Dedede. “Fun? Fun in snow for Dede.” 

This made the king blink, and he held out his hand to receive the gift. “Oh, kiddo, I know. Having fun is very important, but we really do have to at least try and stay dry-” He agreed with his knight, but Elfilis just handed him more snow.

“Kid-”

Elflilis blinked at him multiple times, as if giving him puppy-dog eyes. One of his weaknesses!

He just kept piling the snow into Dedede’s open hand, and eventually the king shook his head. “You want snow fun? You really do?”

“Dede fun!”

Dedede gripped the snow in his hand and tossed it at Elfilis, breaking it apart into a cloud of ice to shower them in the cold.

“EEP-” Elfilis flew forward, flicking some snow back at Dedede, it also covering him in powder.

“Oh you scamp!! This snow isn’t like the snow I know but I’ll still getcha! Come here!” Dedede ran ahead, still creating a small path for Meta.

He chased Elfilis, the two of them smacking the snow to create a flurry of the glittery white that gently coated the two of them. 

It was a snowball fight but the snowballs did not want to be.

Elfilis giggled as Dedede caught up to them, grabbing them by the ear to give them a soft tug into his arms.

He dropped his hammer to give them a noogie, and they tried to wiggle free but he kept squeezing them. Elfilis squealed, kicking their little legs. 

They played like that for a minute before a big wave of the snowy powder poured over the two of them, startling them both enough to look behind them.

They saw Meta Knight looking at the two of them, wings furling backwards, arms crossed. “If you both catch a cold, I will happily say how much I told you so.”

Dedede chuckled, letting the creature go. Elfilis sat right back on his shoulder and rubbed the cold snow off their fur onto him. He then rapidly shook his body, flicking the rest off.

“You rascal!” Dedede shoved their face again, and they only giggled little hiccups into their hands.

Meta Knight shook his head, and put his hand on Dedede’s back, stepping through the snow to be at his side.

“We’re nearing the colosseum. We must be ready if a foe stands inside. This land is abandoned, but it is not empty.”

Dedede gave his partner a pat on the head, and a smile. “Hey, we’ve faced worse together. Whatever’s squatting in that colosseum is no match for us. If they try to take us down we go through our checklist-”

He held up his hammer. “Hammer.”

He pointed at Galaxia, “Sword.”

And he picked up Elfilis and held him proud. “And sharp as heck claws!” Elfilis poked them out, as if ready for anything.

“Glad we’re tallied up then. Let us make way for its stairs.”

Dedede nodded, and the three of them picked up the pace to finish the long way there.

---

It looked like night fell again when they made it to the foot of the colosseum’s flighty stairs.

The storm clouds grew dark, an ominous feeling washed over all of them.

Elfilis scooted closer to Dedede, and felt apprehension deep in their heart.

“Here we are…?”

Dedede could see those crows holding cages circling the sky, and Meta followed his eyes on that one.

“They’re waiting for orders…something’s inside-” 

Dedede nodded, and wondered, “Is this where they keep the dees? It seems…” He looked at the building, stained glass windows cracking, part of the walls all sunk in.

It was a ruin.

A ruin in a ruin…

Was this even a colosseum? Or a place of prayer?

“I’m not sure.” Meta Knight didn't force Dedede to finish the sentence, taking the initiative to start climbing the stairs. “But if we’re to find out, we need to forge ahead.”

Dedede gave him that little “Hm-” that comforted him ever so, and followed him with Elfilis close. “Keep those claws ready, kiddo.” Elfilis hissed a bit, ready to throw down for his friends.

When they reached the top, Dedede and Meta’s hearts both dropped hearing little sobbing wah!! Wah-wanyas! From below!

Meta Knight held his hand out, keeping Dedede from rushing ahead. They ducked down and watched.

A Dee was pulled from a hiding spot and dragged to the cage, thrown inside and the claws of the cage are forced down. They cried, reaching for the one who put them in there in the first place.

“Nnnwanya!” The captor called, and a bird swooped down to grab the Dee and fly them away.

Dedede looked at this jailer and his eyes grew wide. “No…no no this can’t be-” He stood and ran as fast as he could to the floor of this colosseum.

Meta’s shock left him grounded for a moment, before Elfilis pushed him to follow.

Dedede’s heart beat hard against his chest as he really took in who he was looking at.

Bandana torn and ratty…a little awoofy ear sticking out of the side.

Red coat and fluffed collar…

Coated in leaves and mud, red feathers and war paint giving him whiskers…

“Bandee…” He whispered, eyes filling up with tears of both joy and immense fear.

The Dee looked at him with fierce red eyes, and held a spear tight. An anger they’ve never seen in the Dee pulsed from their expression.

“Are…oh, I’m glad you’re okay, but are- are you hurt? Why did you do that-” He gestured at the sky as the waddle dee he captured was flown further and further away.

Elfilis’s fur prickled and fluffed up, as they looked at the Dee with confusion, “Beast…and…Dee?” They spoke slowly, trying to control their emotions. They were starting to recognize that voice.

Meta Knight looked at the young Dee with his own bewilderment. Bandee would never betray his people like that…

Dedede simply approached and held his hands at a peaceful level. “I know this isn’t you…please, whatever is going on, just come home…we’ve missed you, and we need you to be okay-” 

Bandee kept standing tall, eyes boring into Dedede as if he was threatening him.

He growled as Dedede’s hand approached his head, and when he got too close the needle dropped. 

Bandee twirled his spear and swung at Dedede, making him scream and startle-

“OH WE WILL NOT HAVE THAT-” Meta Knight called, rushing ahead and giving a mighty kick to deflect the spear.

This pushed Bandee back as Meta Knight postured higher than him, spreading his wings as he drew Galaxia.

“Bandana Waddle Dee! Drop your spear and apologize to your king at once!”

“Meta, we can’t hurt him!” Dedede grabbed onto Meta Knight, but Bandee only growled, “...king?? Queen-Grrrrwanya!! WANYA!” 

“He shouldn’t get to hurt us either, this isn’t him!” Meta Knight tried to talk but Bandee charged at him again, swiping the spear and trying to skewer him. 

Meta Knight flew backwards, running to make distance between the flighty Dee. “If whatever part of him this is can dish it! Then it can take it! We need to get through to him!” 

Dedede shook his head, but the Dee did not give him time to think. Bandee kept charging at Meta Knight, trading blows left and right. 

Dedede couldn't hurt his Dee, but he couldn't let his Dee hurt his knight, either action would hurt his heart-

And his Dee needed help, so much help-

He sees it in his eyes, he’s had that in his eyes before. That pain. That fury…

Bandee and Meta kept parrying each other, Meta getting Bandee to take several steps back. He felt confident that he was on the offensive, hoping to get a notch into the wood and disarm the Dee.

In a fast shift, Bandee pulled back, making Meta copy.

With a skid, Meta prepared to lunge, intending to stab his bandana and get the child on the ground. All he had to do was pin him. 

As Meta leapt, Bandee struck his spear into the floor and used it to gain quick height.

He swung himself up and with a strength Meta didn't know he possessed he punched down onto Meta’s mask, sending him spinning to the floor. 

Meta could just feel that tell-tale crack on his mask, a shard of it slightly cutting his cheek. He groggily covered it with his hand, not seeing Bandee raise his spear, intending to drive it through his back.

With his impeccable accuracy, Dedede’s hammer came flying from their distance, the king running not too far behind it, calling behind him for Elfilis to stay back.

It knocked Bandee down, sending him and the spear tumbling as well. The damage Meta Knight did to it made the King's strike snap it in two.

“That’s enough!” Dedede yelled, getting in between the Dee and his knight. Angry tears fell down his eyes as he picked his hammer up and held it tight.

He looked at his precocious Dee and saw in those pinpricks that this was something he experienced time and time again. 

He had no idea what he was up against, but he knew he had to help-

“It happens so much, you know that! I can’t stop it, you can’t stop it! We just…wait until it finally is FORCED to SPIT ME UP!”

He shook his head, and held his hammer defensively. “You need to stop! Bandee-” Bandee simply growled, and grabbed the fragmented spearhead by its shortened bar and lunged at Dedede too.

He evaded, stepping back and swinging his hammer to catch his blows, but not landing any.  

He even brought his hammer down onto the floor, trying to break the ground to make Bandee lose balance.

All it did was drive cracks up the walls and make pillars in the broken windows fall.

Bandee went on the offensive, trying to find a way to drive the fragmented spear into Dedede like a dagger.

Bandee buckled down and tried to rush behind, but Dedede was fast enough to block his attempt to stab his back.

He didn’t know Bandee could be this quick, and knew if he hesitated, Bandee would not hesitate to try and stab him like he tried to with Meta.

He couldn’t afford such an injury, even if he didn’t want to hurt Bandee. 

He shifted his hammer to his left hand and when Bandee tried to use this opening to lunge, he grabbed Bandee’s little nub.

They tussled, with Dedede trying to yank the fragmented spear from the little one’s grip. 

He thought back to spars they’ve had, just the two of them. Where hearts beat steadier and hope kindled brighter.

If he tried to take Bandee’s weapon to make him take a break, the little one would let it go immediately.

Now, in this boost of power, the child yanked and fought to keep it in their arms. Dedede shifted his footing, pulling and trying to step back.

This change in balance combined with Bandee’s growling and tugging made Dedede trip over his own feet, giving Bandee an advantage in the tug of war. 

He pulled his spear free by yanking it down, leaving a deep cut on Dedede’s palm. “AUGH-” Dedede grunted as Bandee kicked him back.

For such a little thing he was still bewildered at how he hit harder than those bulls-

Bandee raised the spear again, getting ready to lunge. Meta Knight was just peeling his face off the floor, and saw an image he’d never want to see in his entire life.

His king on the ground, about to be killed by one of the people he loved most-

But before either of them could scream-

“WAYNA!!” The voices echoed each other as Elfilis swooped down, pouncing onto Bandee’s back.

Elfilis scratched at his head, and held the spear as he pulled the Dee away from the king.

He got the weapon out of the Dee’s grip, grounded himself and threw Bandee down to the floor. 

With a cyan glow, eyes flashing pink, Elfilis spun the spearhead, reforming it under their paws to a large ornate spear of their own.

Gold snaked around it like a caduceus, giving them a good grip to point it at the feral Dee. 

Words flew through the creature's mind, encouragement of sorts.

Destroy-

Conquer-

Chaos-

MAIM-

But one grew louder as they unfurled their wings to look bigger. Staring down at Bandee with eyes of pure rage.

The sharpest look they can muster. 

To threaten. 

To be the prey that fights the predator.

PROTECT-

PROTECT-

PROTECT-

Bandee just looked at them with a fear in their red eyes, before realization struck.

“Ancient eyes…ANCIENT EYES-” Anger rushed back through the Dee, and he sped towards the wall, leaping up to the broken stained glass window. 

He began scrounging around for new forms of attack.

Dedede, who had been staring with his mouth hanging open, shook his head as he tried to process what he saw. 

“Elfilis…That’s new!!” His brain was still moving a hundred miles a minute and did not know how to process this new ability for Elfilis. 

“Dee hurts Dede. Dee goes down.” Elfilis narrowed their eyes, holding the spear like Bandee did a moment ago. 

“Disarming him is the most we need to do, all we need to do is get through to him…” Dedede took in Elfilis’s new weapon, reaching to touch it as he thought of a plan.

How could they bring Bandee back to them…

How could something break the steadfast Dee…

How could one so broken fix one so lost…

“LOOK OUT!” Meta’s voice rang through the arena, making both Dedede and Elfilis look up to see a scene so shocking. 

Bandee had picked up a chunk of a pillar, holding it above his head. “GGGGRRRR-” He growled, as if angry it took them so long to notice.

Electricity surged through the chunk as Bandee threw it down. Meta Knight stood, rushing to send a beam to break it.

The electricity crackled through the air, sending dangerous whips of the power through the air. 

Dedede ducked, pulling Elfilis down by the ear.

He joined the two of them, holding Galaxia tight as Dedede quietly looked at his injuries. He wanted to stop and check on him but Bandee kept throwing pillar pieces as he came up with more ways to fight back. 

When they crashed on the floor, the bolts snaked along the floor, sending sweeps to try and zap the trio. 

Elfilis and Meta Knight took flight, but Dedede could only try to outrun it, missing Meta’s reach for his hand. 

Dedede realized he couldn't run faster than lightning, and steeled himself for what he was about to try. 

He lowered his hand, and caught the lightning. He tried to raise it and reflect it, but instead of going to his soul it struck the wound on his hand.

Pain shot through his entire arm in an instant.

He screamed as it shot out in all directions, causing the walls to crack further. Ringing filled his hearing, unable to tell that two voices called his name in fear.

It sent him flying back, curling up and hissing as he gripped his arm to his chest. 

Bandee just kept throwing the rocks, as Meta flew to Dedede as quickly as he could. He grabbed his king’s shoulder, trying to sit him up to check on him.

Elfilis, trying to keep the two safe, spun their spear. They held it almost like a baseball bat in their inexperience.

They struck down the boulders before their electric shock could fully form and hit the ground.

They did so without seeing the debris fall around the arena, falling towards the king and knight. 

Meta kept his wings out, using them as shields as he checked on Dedede. “It’s a burn- it's just a burn-” Dedede groaned as Meta used his thumb to spread his palm to look at his hand.

A burn around a thick wound-

Dedede gripped his fist, not letting Meta see anymore. He pointed to Bandee, who kept throwing all that he could.

“Get up there- Knock him down but don’t hurt him, please-”

“I will try, but I make no guarantees-”

“Just TRY-” Dedede’s sharp blue eyes startled Meta Knight, and he nodded despite his worry. Meta took a single look back before rushing back into the fray.

Elfilis struck one more pillar, and startled when Meta swooped past him. His hand was reached out, ready to snag the child by the scruff and pull him down.

Bandee saw him coming in hot, and moved like a twister, as if he was crafting something.

Meta got in close, and tried to grab the Dee by the cloak, wings furled out. Bandee reeled back.

With a flash of a rainbow, Meta felt something he didn't believe. 

He…he couldn’t...he couldn't believe-

Bandee had taken shards from the broken stained glass window and a chunk of an abandoned wooden support beam to form a new weapon.

A scythe, as bright as it is sharp.

And he used its curve to skewer Meta by the wing, straight in and straight out.

Dragging the knight, who was too shocked to scream, Bandee leapt off the window’s edge and did a flip to throw the knight back into the hard ground.

He skidded, a smear of his blood following him the whole way.

It made time stand still and move so fast at the same time.

The forces moved on impulse.

“METE!!!” Elfilis screeched, turning to dive with their spear scraping the floor. A strange light of orange glew from it as rage boiled deep in Elfilis’s heart.

They charged, ready to strike down the Dee that, for all they knew past stories and hearsay, was merely hurting their closest loved ones.

Their family-

NOBODY HURTS….ELFILIS’S FAMILY!

As they rushed, eyes full of tears, something swung and struck their spear out of the way. 

Dedede’s hammer spun, directing their spear’s light beam to the sky with a hard smack.

Elfilis could barely hang on as the sharp light struck down a crow, sending a cage barreling to the floor.

He did this unintentionally as he swung his hammer low to move into a side swipe. His eyes were wide and his frown was deep.

He didn’t want Bandee hurt, but he didn’t think Bandee would do such a thing to Meta.

So with a heavy heart, but quick hand, King Dedede of Dreamland brought his hammer down unto one of his own.

The feeling of the hammer connecting would never leave him.

He struck Bandee across the face, sending him careening into the wall.

Bandee's back smacked into the pillar and all the wind was knocked right out of the small thing.

Bandee fell from the wall, scythe falling too close for comfort, so Elfilis swooped down to grab it.

The Waddle Dee didn't move, face down and prone in the pointed rubble.

Dedede breathed heavily, tears falling down quickly as he looked at the little one. He did that. 

He took down his little one.

The one with the brightest eyes. The one who always took the front lines. The one who would hold Kirby’s hand in spots where nobody else was able.

When he was unable...

Bandana Waddle Dee was down. And he felt horrible about it.

Dedede turned and saw Meta try to spread his wings, making his bleeding worse, “Oh, Meta!!”

He ran to his knight, who was trying once more to grab his sword and stand, but his hands shook. 

“Meta, oh my Meta, oh stop- It’s over-” He took Meta’s hands, and tried to look at his wound. He adjusted his knight to sit properly, giving his hand a squeeze.

He hissed when Dedede touched his wing. “Hold on-” 

Dedede wanted to take more off his coat, but it was coated in dirt. Meta, despite the shaky hands, made the choice for him.

He took his own cape and tore into it, handing Dedede the scrap.

Dedede, without thinking, took it and wrapped his wound. “You did well, my knight, you did so well. Rest.”

Meta opened one eye and looked at his king, gripping the sleeve of his coat.

With a hoarse voice, he asked, “Mi sol…are you…alright…?” 

Dedede hushed him, “As much as I can be, save your strength while I figure out what we need…to do…” 

The king and knight both looked up when they heard what sounded like…sobs. Sobs coming from Bandee. 

A hiccup, and a wheeze. It did not sound good.

Elfilis turned, dropping Bandee’s scythe to hold up his new spear again, growling.

Meta and Dedede exchanged concerned looks. Meta let Dedede go, and gently motioned for him to do what his heart felt most right.

“Stand down, Elfilis. Despite it all…he’s a friend.” Dedede spoke boldly, despite the waver in his exhausted voice.

Elfilis looked down, a bit frustrated but understood. Bandee was still a Dee and he knew Dedede loved every Dee with all his heart no matter what.

And he was a little concerned too, he hit the wall pretty hard…but he also hurt Mete and Dede!

It made them want to growl and throw their spear at the wall, but they shook their head, and opted to float close to Dedede to check on him as well.

Dedede got on his knees, and gently put his hand on Bandee’s side. “Bandee? I’m so sorry, are you alright?”

He gave the child a gentle shake, brushing the debris off his cloak. He tried to lift the child up, but his little body went a bit limp, “I didn’t mean to hurt you, let’s figure this out, okay?”

Dedede’s brow furrowed in concern at this, trying not to cry further.”Bandee, please wake up- Bandee?” 

Elfilis floated in closer, spear pointed down towards the floor. He brushed up against Dedede’s head, comforting him.

Dedede almost smiled, but his concern for Bandee outweighed it. “Please…please, kiddo-”

Elfilis opted to get a little closer, and put his paw on Bandee’s forehead as gently as he could.

That made his eyes burst open, and everything moved quickly once more.

Bandee swiftly grasped Elfilis’s wrist, and as if their body was but extra weight to the weapon, Bandee swiped Elfilis’s spear at Dedede.

“AAAGH!!!” Dedede screamed as the spear sliced all too close to his neck, giving him a mighty gash on his shoulder.

“Gahhh-hah!!” He collapsed back, like the spear burned him. It was as if the tip was made of pure light.

With a hefty swing, Bandee forced Elfilis off of their weapon and the creature was slammed into the cage they felled. 

Their vision blurred as they watched Bandee run to snap the cage shut. The heavy bars fell quick, before they could even begin to process it.

They blinked in horror as Bandee climbed to the top of the cage.

He held up a nub and called “WANYA!!” As a bird came down and grabbed it, pulling both him and Elfilis into the air. 

“AAHHH!!” Elfilis shrieked, pressing his body against the cage in distress. They swiped with their claws, big tears falling down as they struggled.

Both Dedede and Meta Knight stared in terror as the cage raised further and further away. It made Elfilis's breathing speed up, as they could only try and pull at the bars.

“DEDE!!! METE!!! NONONO!!” They screamed for help, and Dedede could only scream in return, getting up as fast as he could despite the searing pain.

Panic overtook Dedede as he tried to leap to catch the cage, but Bandee just threw the spear down at Dedede.

It shattered into thin air, knocking him down with its burst of matter. 

The cage flew higher, quieting Elfilis’s screams but definitely not silencing them. 

“Wuh-wait wait wait come back! Bandee, come back! No no NO!” Dedede screamed, rushing back to his feet to chase. 

Pain bloomed all around his body but he couldn't let them get away. 

“COME BACK!” He leapt to the window, and jumped out to rush and follow in their same direction. 

Meta Knight shook his head, and despite his own pain, scrambled to follow. 

Dedede hit the ground hard, and started running as fast as he could. He focused solely on the sky, because he could still see Bandee and Elfilis flying towards the ocean. 

He could still hear Elfilis screaming for him. 

He could save them-

The snow was slowing him down, his feet fumbling over themselves was slowing him down, his wound sending stabs into his shoulder was slowing him down.

He was slowing himself down.

“No no no no no!!!” He pushed himself harder, trying to stall all other needs to will himself to go faster.

“GHHH PLEASE NO!!” He closed his eyes, baring the tears because if they fell that meant failure.

He had to catch up.

If he didn’t catch up, that was it.

Just like that.

Defeat.

He heard behind him, another yell. Mi rey! Mi rey! “MI REY!!”  

It made him open his eyes, tears pouring down as he kept running through the empty snow, not even realizing he was running up a hill.

He saw the cage becoming a dot in his vision, over the massive ocean crashing about. The king sucked in a pained breath, as he skidded to a stop.

“No- No no no-” He fell over himself as he climbed the hill a bit more, as if getting closer to the cliff’s edge would make it all stop.

“No…No NO NO NO NO NO!” The hot tears fell down the king’s face, and his footprints melted way to the grass below.

“BANDEE!!! Dedede screamed, echoing off the cliff's edge.

He held his chest with both hands, screaming ever louder, “ELFILIS!!!!” 

Neither answered, neither returned.

They were…

They were gone.

His breathing was so quick, his heart was pounding faster than he could process the feeling. 

Meta Knight caught up with him, huffing deep breaths of his own. He saw his king fall to his knees.

The knight delicately stepped closer, unsure what to say or do.

The king just kept breathing heavily, looking down at his hands. The wound on his hand, the burn around his glove.

Blood from his shoulder, seeping down his clothes. He gripped his fist and hit twice against his forehead, screaming a sob once again.

When he gasped for air, he could hazily see the ocean move. 

That was the only way forward, but he could not move, he could only look.

That vision blurred, spotted lights glowing around the sides of his vision as if they rose from the water deep down.

He couldn’t catch his breath as the darkness shot across his worldview, skewing it and sending it into the cold below.

“Ay! ¡Maldito infierno! Mi querida luz de sol!!”

And like that...

Nothing but shimmering stardust remained in the desolate land of the Winter Horns.

"...permanecer abajo."

Chapter Text

A beautiful spring breeze kissed his nose.

The smell of sweet grass waved over him. It gently poked him, the sensations. 

They lulled him awake, like they always have. Like they've always been.

King Dedede opened his eyes and saw that gorgeous bright blue sky. It seemed almost unreal, but after a blink he noted those clouds…

Swirls of various shapes-

He sat up, and beamed a smile so wide when he saw he was sitting in the middle of Green Greens!

“I’m home??? I’M HOME-” He gasped, scrambling to his feet to run down that little yellow path. He knew it like the back of his hand, running until he saw it.

In the distance, a castle. Bricks of yellow, banners of red. Towers built high and a spirit built for him.

By him.

His eyes welled with tears, and he kept running until he could fall at its gate.

The King burst through his front doors, and was barreled over with pure joy. He couldn't help himself from just laughing.

He was home…

“I’M HOOOME!!!” He yelled, as he rushed through his castle to truly take it all in. He spun around his throne room, grinning and giggling.

Already, he was imagining the gathering he was going to hold. 

The big throne room, tables full of food, baked goods, punches and drinks! Everyone on the guest list so he can hold them all!

Here, it was empty, not a soul in sight, but his heart was so full. 

It didn’t matter, as long as he was here.

The warm colors comforted him, but he had no time to rest. Tears fell down his face as he rushed through his halls.

He grabbed random things, holding them tight in his arms. Pictures off shelves of him and his Dees, art from Kirby he had framed, a stone Meta had brought him from a distant planet just because he knew he’d like the color.

Objects he missed, objects he loves.

Things he thought he’d never see again.

He held them tight as he climbed up stairs to his bedroom, eager to arrive. It seemed like the stairs went on forever, but he chalked that up to his excitement.

When he finally reached the top, he grabbed the handle and yanked it open. “Ah… Ah-” He breathed upon seeing his bed.

His own bed. His bed!! He hasn’t had a comfortable bed in what felt like an age.

If anything, he’s been the bed. Oh, Elfilis…

Dear Elfilis…

He placed his stuff down on the floor and just regarded his bed. It was cleanly made, as if waiting. 

Waiting for him to be home…

He ran his hand over the comforter, and couldn't even comprehend the texture in his bliss. 

He just knows it's where he's meant to be.

He pulled it up and crawled under the wondrous threads. The blanket fluffed perfectly, hugging his body in a cocoon of warmth.

“Ohhh…” he sighed in utter relief as he let his head fall against the pillow. 

He rolled to his side and adjusted the blanket to hug and sniff the clean linen. It was everything he ever wanted to have or to be.

Warm and loved within.

Wrapped in pure comfort.

He had almost forgotten this feeling.

There was just one little thing missing…One thing that happened each time he flopped into bed like clockwork.

Great King?

Dedede’s room dimmed a bit as he heard that. It echoed around the walls, bouncing like a bullet. 

“...Yes?” He answered, unsure if it was even a question.

There was no answer. No creak opening the door. No small “night-night!” or “rest well!” or “buenas noches.” 

Just a rustle of the sheets from far beneath him.

Great King?

The room dimmed once more. Dedede sat up, pulling his covers towards his chest as a lump formed at the foot of the bed. He pressed his back against his head board, looking around for any clues on what could be happening.

Where was his hammer?

Why could he hear his heart?

Why did he feel like something was burning?

Great King?

The lump approached him, and panic leapt up his chest, pinging painfully in his heart. He kicked the lump, trying to push it away with his blanket, gasping a scream when something grabbed his foot.

Claws dug into it, as it pulled itself up.

Great King!

Dedede screamed, but couldn't hear himself as the lump revealed itself from underneath the blanket. The blanket swished up to reveal Bandee, with gloves sharper than any sword, digging them into his king’s leg. 

A tattered and muddy cloak-

Feathers scattered over his head and little body-

Tears of orange dripped onto the bed-

And his eyes glew in insane hues of pink and cyan as he growled in a voice unfamiliar…

“Ancient…eyes!!!” Bandee pulled the king down to his back and pounced onto his body as if about to tear him in two right down the stomach.

“AAAHHH!!”

GREAT KING!

Darkness.

Nothing but.

No specks of light.

No forces of hope.

Dark.

The only feeling…was fear-

WAKE UP!

Dedede startled when he was smacked gently in the face, screaming as he sat up quickly.

“AH- OW-” He screamed into a hiss as pain shot up his body, hearing a quick little eep coming from…his bedside…?

Confusion fell over the king, as he blinked.  Where was he?

Was he still home? He thought dreams couldn’t exist here. He wouldn’t put it past the world to suddenly give him visions, but he figured it could be a manifestation of things that happened mixed with stress-

He definitely did not want that dream to reflect real events that will or have already happened.

As these thoughts floated through his head, he blinked a few more times and realized he was inside a building. A clean building.

With green grass and a blue sky he could see outside of a nearby window.

And the sounds of water…and not a fleck of cold remained in the air.

He looked down at his hand and saw his gloves were missing and his hands were both bandaged, one heavier than the other.

They ran out of bandages not long after leaving that mall, just because of that dang armadillo sending Dedede through a window. 

That didn't stop Dedede from feeling his chest and having a thick wrap on it, with his shirt covering most of it.

So they must be…

A gentle paff on the side of his bed alerted the king, and he saw a little flower. His pupils became pinpricks but his heart soared when he saw it get placed down on his bed. 

The placer was a small Waddle Dee with a big white hat, and his eyes welled with tears. “Daisee?”

“I am so greatly sorry for scaring you, Great King!” She took a few steps back, like she was about to flee. 

Dedede shook his head, and grabbed the flower. “No no no! It’s okay, I’m just- come here-” He patted the bed, encouraging the Dee to sit with him.

The Dee eagerly leapt into the bed with Dedede helping her despite his pain. She ran to him and hugged his side. He put his hand on the back of her head, petting her gently. 

“I’m glad you’re okay, Great King…”

Dedede shook his head, holding her little face. “Of course I’m okay. The bigger question is: What are you doing here?”

Daisee leaned into her king’s affection, but he could see confusion in her too. “What do you mean?”

He looked out that window again, and squinted, “The last thing I remember, I was-” 

Screaming bloody murder for Elfilis and Bandee. 

About to leap into the ocean and swim after them.

Fighting for life and to keep them all safe, contradicting each other. 

Running before looking with this Dee being the only thing keeping him from crying.

“...In…a snowy field of sorts. Looking for more friends.” He censored himself, not wanting to burden Daisee.

Daisee hummed, and took his hand to smooth down his bandage. “That’s what Sir Meta said. He brought you here because he said a beast hurt you really bad while you were protecting us.”

Dedede gathered where they were, but didn’t want to believe it. “Y-Yeah?” He raised an eyebrow, trying so hard to not give in to emotion in front of dear Daisee.

“Yeah! You’re in Waddle Dee Town! We made you and Meta this little house next to Kirby’s so you two could rest when you got back! I made sure to plant you the best flowers here and by the lake.” Daisee smiled at him, and the King could only give a pained smile back.

All the way back in Waddle Dee Town, he was so glad to see his Dees again but he couldn’t believe it. 

He ruffled Daisee’s head, making her hat askew. “Say, Daisee. I am parched after my nap. Can you go get me a glass of water?”

Daisee chirped, and leapt out of bed. “At once! I can bring you some food too, I’ll be right back!!” The Dee excitedly ran out of the room, rushing off to do whatever it took to take care of him.

Dedede waved her off with a smile before having to smack his hand down, grip the blankets and bring them to his mouth so he could muffle his scream.

Once he finished his scream, he threw the blankets down. 

He needed to talk to Meta Knight immediately. He had to go find him now.

He moved to get out of bed and realized he didn't have his coat or crown. 

Another thing he'd have to rush and find too?

When he stood to full height, his head spun a bit. He could feel his heartbeat, but refused to back down. He pressed on, leaving the room with ginger steps to avoid falling. 

He opened the door and stepped out, and despite his rage, he did have to admire the work the Dees must have put into this place. 

It was furnished, and had a pretty large living room, despite everything. He even saw a coat rack.

It had his symbol carved on the top…what a cute little detail. 

It also housed his coat and crown, which he found a lot more appealing. He grabbed them and put them both on, cringing as he moved his left arm, the bandages moving awkwardly.

As he smoothed out his coat, he noted a door they somehow painted purple, and knew it had to be Meta’s room.

He knocked on the door. “Meta Knight! Come talk to me at once!” 

No answer, he pounded on it harder, calling with a firmer voice, “Sir Meta Knight! Open this door immediately!” 

He tried to order, before trying to listen in. He heard no clinks of armor or snores of his knight at rest.

He wasn’t here. More than likely, he was out and about, then. 

He growled, and stomped to leave the little home to hunt him down. Right when the king grabbed the doorknob and started pulling, he heard an excitable voice. 

“Mety! Metymetymetymety!!!” 

…Kirby…oh it was Kirby- 

Dedede paused, waiting to hear any reply. “Yes, child?” The reply was so quiet, he had to strain to process it. Kirby was so loud in comparison. 

“When will Dedede be up? I got so much to show him!! That I showed you!” He heard the gentle swoosh of cloth, as if Meta was getting down to Kirby’s level. 

“The king is injured, Kirby. The best thing we can do for everyone right now, is wait.”

The moment that word came out of Meta’s mouth, Dedede swung the door open to storm outside.

Meta’s eyes grew wide as he startled, straightening for his king. “My king! You’re awake, how are-” 

His words cut themselves silent as he saw the fire of a rage in Dedede’s blue eyes, he simply huffed and stormed deeper into Waddle Dee Town. Not a word spoken. 

“Deddededededededede!!!” Kirby tried to call and chase, being stopped by Meta Knight grabbing him by the squishy back of his head.

“Ooah!” He cooed, trying to look up at Meta. He put him down, confusing the poor child. “...give him space. He's been through a lot.”

Kirby gave him one of his famous head tilts. 

“A lot to make Dededede mad at you?”

Meta Knight was shocked by that. He…Oh, the King was mad at him specifically, and not the world, wasn’t he?

He had to go talk to him, at once. Before he could rush off, Daisee returned with a plate and glass of water. She had a smile on her face as she held up a big piece of…cake?

“Kirby! I need the seal of approval before I serve this to the king!” 

Kirby squealed, rushing to admire the cake. Kirby kissed his nub, and smacked the plate, taking a small bit of cream.

“Made with love!!!” He tried to grab it, but she held it away from him. “Nooo Kirbyyyy, it’s for the king!” 

“Is that a cake…of Kirby…as a car?” Meta raised a brow, and Daisee smiled, “He used this form to defend us from that rotten armadillo so we decided to commemorate it. Charidee designed it themself!” 

Kirby snatched it, making Daisee whine, “Nooo, that one took twenty minutes!!” 

Kirby, instead of devouring the cake in a single lick, waddled over to Meta. “Mety delivery! Makes Dededede happy.”

Meta took the plate, and admired the cake. He nodded at the small but mighty child. “I’ll make sure it gets there safely.” Before trotting in the king’s direction.

When it wasn’t towards the house, Daisee got confused. 

“That’s…he’s going the wrong way?”

“Oh, Dededede left.”

Daisee’s concern splattered all over her expression, “Whuh- Why??” 

Kirby just sat down, and gnawed on their nub like more whipped cream would appear on it. “‘Unno, something about big mad and wait?”

---

Meta looked all around town. Asked the mail dee. Asked Charidee as they mixed pancake batter. And asked the Dees constructing further into the forest. 

None of them did the king stop for. He just kept passing until he made his way into the forest.

That did not bode well for the knight, he had to keep searching on foot after all. His wing had barely any time to heal. 

“Mi rey?” He called as he went into the unpopulated woods, walking until he heard the extra crinkle of grass and heavy deep breathing. 

He could see that bright red from a mile away, but it kept walking away from him. “Mi sol!” 

That made Dedede stop in his tracks, arms stiff at his side. He simply asked without turning around. “Why did you bring us back here?”

“Dedede, it was my only choice-”

At that, Dedede whipped around, glaring at him. “Only choice??” Tears pricked in his eyes, “Bandee and Elfilis could be gods know where by now and we!! We’re AAALLLL the way back here!”

Despite his injury screaming at him not to, Dedede raised his hands in anger to emphasize.

He waved down, and pointed at him, “We should have stayed there! We have to find a way to cross that forsaken ocean but we CAN’T cause we’re back where we started!!” He stepped closer to Meta, eyes feeling so puffy.

“Who knows what they’re doing to Elfilis!”

Tears blinked in the king's vision, “Who knows what they’ve been doing to Bandee!! Why’d you take us back? Why??”

Meta hesitated to answer, and Dedede didn't hesitate to refuse to let him, “SIR META, WHY?”

“You were HURT! That’s why!” Meta tried to start explaining, and Dedede just shook his head in disbelief, “Nothing I haven't weathered in the fray before!”

Meta swished his hand down, not having that, “Dedede, you were hurt, physically, and you passed out. I was not going to stay there with you when you passed out in the snow, especially when you didn't wake up until just now!!”

Dedede put his hand on his head, trying not to let the tears cloud his vision. “I could’ve handled it in that cold! Even if it was for a minute, it beats this!”

Meta pinched in between his eyes, sighing, “No, no, Dedede. It-” Dedede interrupted him again, “I could’ve! And I Should’ve! So we could be helping Bandee and Elfilis by now! We should have STAYED-” 

“DEDEDE-” Meta raised his voice, straightening as high as he could. “Fainting for ANY period of time in the cold is a DEATH SENTENCE! You were- WE were- It was not to be! We HAD to return and I HAD to get you help!” 

He poked Dedede in the stomach, eyes full of worried anger. “I do not CARE if you think you could've handled it out there! If you think we could’ve made it. I DIDN’T!”  

Dedede blinked more tears as Meta’s words sunk in, “I and only I had to make that decision! I could not have weathered our injuries in that kind of environment! It was out of the question and I will NOT be made to believe any other option would’ve been comparable! I had to make those choices and I did! End of story!”

Dedede just looked down at him with a look that told Meta that his words went in one ear and out the other.

Dedede straightened and turned his head, “When you gain a smidge more faith, then we can talk about what choices we’re to make.” He practically snarled, before turning and storming away again.

“Dedede!” Meta tried to follow his covered sun, but realized he was not going to get through to him just yet. He looked down at the cake in his hand, hiding just beneath his cape. 

He just…needed a minute. To cool off. Then Dedede could eat this dessert and they could figure out the next right thing to do.

So he gingerly settled himself down, and waited under a shady tree. He waited until the sun went from bright overhead to dimming just slightly.

The sky above curtains itself slowly in darkness. Dusk not set, but not far from view.

He could still hear Dedede, and knew he could wait to follow. As long as he could hear him, he knew he was close.

He knew he would not go far.

He knew he needed him near.

He knew better.

Then he heard a large THWACK! in the distance, making him sigh.

He knew what that was.

So he slowly stood, hissing under his breath as he rolled his shoulder back and adjusted himself. He held the cake close, and started making his way to his king.

He kept listening for any other strikes, wondering exactly what was struck.

When he saw the red of a loved coat, he saw a tree leaning at a seventy degree angle, the middle of the bark splintered. Dedede was curled onto the floor, crying into the grass.

“Ohhh…” Meta approached, and placed the cake on the ground nearby. He knelt in front of Dedede, and quietly took his hand. 

The king took a big sniff, tensing as he opened his eyes in a puffy-eyed glare. Meta looked at all the splinters lining the back of his hand, and plucked one out gently.

“Will you please talk to me, amado compañero?” He plucked out another, Dedede shifting into the aid. “One word at a time, if we must.”

Dedede gripped his fist, as it pulsed with pain. It only helped to equal out the ache he felt across his entire upper body. Meta kept gingerly removing splinters as he put his head down.

“...I…failed them, and I don’t…like being here.” He dug his forehead into the grass, not wanting to look Meta in the eye. “...I…I don’t know what to say…other than…mm-” 

“Blind rage?” Meta tried to be light with it, but it just made his king tense more. “I understand, mi sol. I do. I see you.”

Dedede just groaned as the last splinter was removed, a thumb moving its way over the small wounds to make sure no bleeding was prominent. “Just because it was the choice I had to make does not mean I am happy with its consequences, you know.”

Dedede listened quietly, mind foggy with grief. Meta just held his hand, slowly pulling him to sit up so he could hold it better.

“There’s nothing I want to do more than to gun past that ocean and save those two. The defeat we suffered left that rage in me too, but I need you to understand, Dedede.” He looked at him softly, as he got the king to simply sit next to him, staring at the vibrant grass.

“Our journey here cannot end with us rushing forward with no plan, with no words back to our people. Getting injured and set back is an action that requires us to step back, and rely on our people.” 

Dedede’s eyes shined with a bit of clarity at that, blinking slightly as he took back his hand. He felt it, and the bandage on his palm from the battle.

“...that’s…it's true, but…it hurts to be so far-” He tightened the bandage, not wanting to see what was still underneath. “...to know they could be hurting too. That hurts worse.” He put his hands to his eyes, and sighed deeply. “Ughhhh- Why does this always happen-”

“I wish I had an answer.” Meta sighed too, letting the two of them breathe. He looked at the sky, as darkness started to fade into the land. Galaxia glowed behind him, and he took her out to shine. 

“We will get ourselves there, I promise that much. There is no world so strange or forgotten that sees us fail to rescue everyone.” Meta put a hand on Dedede’s arm, and got him to look in his tired eyes.

“I promise. We will get there, no matter how long it takes.”

Despite the reassurances, two words fell silent but were never louder. They practically melted from the king’s soul.

“I’m scared…”

And three more words echoed from the knight.

“I am too.”

A gentle chirp of nighttime bugs. A deep breath from the king. A shuffle from the Knight. 

Dedede held his cheek, blinking as he thought about what to do. What was the plan? How did they move on from being so afraid on their knees in the snow-

After everything-

“...I’m still learning the star patterns of this land, but I’m starting to get an idea of them.” Meta suddenly started, confusing Dedede with the topic shift.

“...Yeah?” He asked, mind yanked away from the stress. Meta leaned back, but Dedede noticed a small twinge with him. As if he couldn't bend his back easily. 

He lifted one hand, and used his palm to line up the stars that slowly made themselves known in the sky. 

“There’s one that I can see, it looks like a spoon. I’ve named it “Cereal Kirby.” 

That made Dedede smile, shaking his head, “Cereal…Kirby?”

“How else will he eat it?” 

Dedede couldn’t help but chuckle at that, he had to give that one to him.

“There’s many stars I’ve yet to name, but here? They’re all so clear…” Meta gestured toward the sky as they started to glow. 

The two of them looked at the sky, admiring the new patterns. Tracing them with their fingers, finding themselves back in the moment of now.

Drawing connections, connecting the drawings.

Dedede wiped his eye, and pointed at one not too far from Cereal Kirby. “Look at that one. Two lines vertical one horizontal. Connecting with one straying to the bottom,” Meta found it, and traced it too.

“Looks like…” He sniffed again, heart sore but fond. “The perfect size bed for Elfilis. Call that one Elfilis’s Place.” 

Meta studied the constellation. To him, it looked like two people dancing, or maybe embracing. He’d call it something like “The Partner’s Dance.” or, in a different context, “Waddle’s Embrace” as if two waddle dees were joining in a snuggle. 

But he saw the tiredness in his king’s eyes, and nodded. “Elfilis’s Place it is.” 

Meta saw that small smile creep on the King’s face, as he turned back to this sky. Full of brightness against a backdrop of darkness.

Or more so a darkness peppered with infinite flashes of joy, some forever burning and some dead but their eyes won’t see it for ages. 

Dedede cut this time short, when he decided to ask, “Why are we doing this…?” without looking away from the expanse of little lights.

“All I wish to do is protect you and everything your heart holds dear, you know this.” Meta started, looking at more and more patterns.

Snakes by Knights by Arrowheads by Daggers by big pieces of cake.

“…but come to understand that I hold you dear as well. Your heart yearns for the safety of the Dees and of fair Elfilis, but mine yearns for your safety as well, and you need to acknowledge that if we’re to get anywhere in saving them together.” 

Dedede took this in silently, still looking up as Meta shifted, cradling his mask as if holding his cheek while looking down.

“It’s just…you and I, my king. In this land that knows not our names or our stories, we’re all we have to make this work…and all I want to be is home, too. What I’d give to just take this all away and make it as it was for you.”

This shocked Dedede into looking down, keeping his posture so his knight wouldn't notice. He looked at his knight, as he discreetly rubbed at his eye.

“Sitting under that spiral tree, cleaning Galaxia before settling back with a book…” He touched his precious blade, picking her up and settling her safely in his lap while he looked up.

“Just to watch the sky…I'd give anything to recognize our stars again. The entire map sleeping now in my mind, needing to double.” He looked at his king, whose posture softened to take in his knight. To see his weariness.

To see his pain.

To see him.

“Right now the only one I truly do is… you, so guide me, mi sol.” He held out a hand, an offering of acceptance and love in a vulnerable spot.

“Guide me, and let's face this together.”

Dedede looked at his hand, and his mind was so hectic but so blank at the same time. His eyes watered and he didn't quite take Meta’s hand. His hand, as it shook ever so slightly in hidden soreness. 

He grabbed it by the side of his wrist and held his arm down as he leaned in and almost bawled, “I’m sorry!!”

This truly startled Meta Knight as his king lowered his head to him, apologizing profusely in a way only seen to him.

He held Meta’s wrist in both hands, “I’m so sorry, I’m sorry- I…” He blinked at the floor and shook his head.

“This whole thing’s got me so mixed up- I’m sorry- for yelling. And ignoring you and being selfish and not thinking, and-”

“Hey, hey…” Meta tried to get attention back, but King Dedede just kept holding him. “And I promise, I will get you home to your stars, and we’ll do it together- I just, we- I’m sorry, Bandee…” 

“He needs us, I know. He needs us, and needs you. ” Meta Knight held his hand and Dedede just breathed, “You need me too and I screamed at you for it…”

Meta gave him a smile in his eyes, and a gentle shrug, “My liege, I knew it was in the nature of your big heart to think of those smaller before I. I do not hold scorn to you for it. I am glad you realized, but you need not my forgiveness. You’ve earned it in spades.”

“Still! I…oh-” He looked behind Meta, past his arms to the back of his cape, and he just shifted it to further cover himself.

“Are you okay?” Dedede finally asked, tears still dripping down his face as he felt glad Meta still allowed him to hold his hand. “...Getting back will be difficult. Without flight. We’ll need to traverse ground carefully, at least until this wound…fully closes.”

“...I’m sorry.” For sending you up there so quickly.

“Don’t be.” I’d do it again.

“I am.” I know you would.

“...thank you.” Meta Knight rubbed his thumb across Dedede’s hand, moving gently over the bandages as they shared a gentle embrace.

Touches so soft they may as well not be. But the compassion was there.

Once they separated, Meta remembered what he came here to do. “Ah, here.” Meta stood, and walked back to grab the cake.

The icing had melted, and Kirby’s face looked silly, but it was food nonetheless. Dedede’s eyes shined at the sight of it, as Meta placed it into his hands.

“A special delivery from Daisee and Charidee, blessed by the power of Kirby.” 

Dedede sighed a smile at it, and looked it over. It looked like it had bits of grass in it, flecks of lint, and the cake on the inside of the decorations was red velvet.

One of his favorites, next to angel food or strawberry shortcake. 

“...they need us.” He smiled, and took the cookie that made Kirby’s wheel to use as a fork. “...and I need them.”

He took a bite, and sighed in utter relief at its impeccable flavor, despite any imperfections.

He took the second wheel and held it out to Meta, who hesitated. “Sir Meta, please. Come eat with me.” 

Meta shook his head, and took the cookie. Together, king and knight dined on the same plate, seeing the same picture, under the same stars.

And thus, they formed a plan. A plan crafted with the glue of shared sugar and signed with X and O of cookies across a clean plate.

It had one means to start. One exception.

“I have to go address my Waddle Dees about what happened.”

“...I’m right behind you.”

---

The walk back to Waddle Dee Town was quiet between the two, but an air of determination pulsed through them like a light that could not be snuffed out.

Dedede marched to the town square, watched by Dees who had yet to go to bed. 

“Dees! Gather to me! My Dees!” He called once he saw a few, and this made them go wide eyed and all run inside their little homes, pulling more and more Dees out by the second.

“Gather! Everyone to your King!” He screamed as he stepped into the center of town marked by a lovely stone circle. 

“The king is awake! Great King! Oh, Dedede! The king! Everyone to the king! He has something to say!” All of this echoed around as Dees crowded to his court, giving him adequate space but looking up at him with eagerness. 

He quietly looked around, as if counting the crowd. “I think…this is everybody?” It had to be nearly a hundred and…eighty nine Dees.

…Okay. Deep breath, Dedede. A hundred eighty-nine…

One Hundred and Eighty-Nine Dees who needed to hear the truth. 

He looked from Kirby’s innocent trusting eyes to Meta’s supportive but tired glow.

He could do this.

“My humble Waddle Dees! These past few weeks have been difficult for us all, but we sincerely appreciate all of your love and patience you have gifted us! We hold you, and we see you as we stand here today with news good…and bad.”

Dedede stood as confidently as he could as he spoke with a sharpness he didn't know his voice could possess as of now.

He went with it, though.

“The good news is the fact that we’re still well on the search for all of our friends! That has not ceased and we will continue to work tirelessly until everyone is home! That’s a royal promise, there!”

He thought hard about what he needed to say next. About how it could affect his people and their morale, and how he wanted that happy sparkle in their eyes to remain.

One Hundred and Eighty-Nine, plus Kirby, looking at him with unbridled love and hope in those beautiful eyes. He had to break it, just for a moment. 

“And the bad news…” He paced, placing his hands behind his back. “We’re all aware of the actions of those little Beasties, capturing our friends, threatening our people and impeding our efforts to get off their soil. The Beast Pack, as Elfilis named them, have been nothing but detrimental to our efforts in returning home.”

“ESPECIALLY THAT PIRATE!!” Kirby interrupted with a scream, almost joyous with inflections of annoyance, “I’VE KICKED ITS BUTT LIKE A HUNDRED TIMES AND GIVES IT THIS FACE WHEN I SEE IT BORDER TOWN!!” Dedede looked at the loud child and saw him cross his itty nubs and pout his face.

“Then, it runs away. THE END.”

Dedede faltered for a moment, and then quietly went, “Thank- Thank you, Kirby. AHEM-” He cleared his throat, getting attention back on him as Kirby giggled to himself.

Meta Knight gave the child a pat on the head.

“In conjunction with this news…We have located Bandanna Waddle Dee-” This immediately garnered cheers from everybody, excitement shot through each Dees heart and Kirby squealed, trying to run to hug Dedede.

Meta stopped him, grabbing his little nub. 

Dedede’s heart beat loud as his heart broke for his people. They loved so much and he hated to take away their joy, but he couldn’t lie. He could not, not to them, not about this.

They needed to know, so they could take care of themselves.

“My people, quiet! Quiet, please! Let us finish!” He raised his arms, trying to elicit silence. The Dees slowly quieted when they noted their king was not smiling, and was not excitedly telling tales of Bandee’s scouting…

Dedede got the quiet he asked for, and it was so loud. He took another deep breath. “The Beast Pack has…somehow…coerced Bandee to…join their ranks.”

Gasps flew all around, as confusion and hurt filled the once joyful and light air. Dees looked at him with horror, tears in their eyes, anger for their friend, all the emotions he could feel beam into his heart. 

“We encountered him at the edge of this continent, and he captured our dear Elfilis before retreating across the vast ocean. Our beloved Bandee is lost to these beasts, but we must all act as one if we’re to be sure he will return safely to us! What is lost is always found!” He took a few steps, rallying his dear dees.

He put his hands together, gripping them. “We must hold much hope in this time! For health! For togetherness! For Dreamland!” He gestured to everyone, motioning for them to not let their heads droop.

“Fall not to despair, my people! Fall not, and rise with your king to shine a light so bright, those lonely and lost will return to us unharmed and loved!” 

The people were somber for a moment, before giving him applause. Loud and continuous. He kept his hands raised, continuing, 

“We are going to rest here, recover, and by the dawn of the third morning we will set off across the ocean to retrieve him! We will not let any of you down! I promise, in my good name! Bandee, and everyone we love, will return to us! Please, continue protecting this soil, and protecting each other while we’re away!”

He let his arms down, and bowed his head to his waddle dees as their clapping quieted, “At ease, my dear waddle dees! That ends my address! But-” 

At his ease, the Dees began to look at him with those sparkles in their eyes. The tired look of Dees up past their bedtime with news that would keep them up all night. Like they were all about to start crying.

He looked at Meta Knight, who simply took a few steps back to Kirby’s confusion. He held his arms out, and Dedede understood.

Dedede knelt down and held out his arms, to let himself be run over by One Hundred and Eighty Nine Waddle Dees crying for a hug from their dear king.

“Great king!! So brave!! Best of luck! Please don’t go! I’ll be strong and help!” Voices from the crowd rang out from different directions as Dedede tried to hug each and every one, peppering affection and little kisses as much as he could. 

“I’m sorry, please try and get some shut-eye okay? I’ll bring them home. It’ll be okay. You’re already so strong.” He said to each one, making sure each got a bit of love before he had to disperse this crowd.

It didn’t make it any easier as the crowd dwindled with each hug and forehead-smooch.

As the last Dee scampered off to the safety of their homes, Dedede looked down at his hand, feeling the bandage again. His dees take such good care of him. He’ll do the same in return. 

He had to.

Kirby slowly waddled to King Dedede, making him realize the kid had been very quiet. He had kinda expected Kirby to begin screaming at this kind of thing…

“...Kiddo.” King Dedede sighed, seeing the tears in his eyes. That just hurt his soul.

“Is that true…?” Kirby’s lip quivered as he approached slowly. “...Did Ban-Ban hurt you? …Is he hurt too?” Kirby grabbed Dedede’s coat, and Dedede just petted the child on the head before he could start crying.

“Ohhh, Kirby. You know…”

He knelt down and gave the child comforting rubs on the side. “You remember a while ago, when you got so mad about a rat stealing your cake you stormed my castle and bonked me on the head? And it wasn’t my fault?”

Kirby sniffed, not understanding but nodding anyways. “What’s going on with Bandee…it’s a little bit like that.”

“...Not his fault?”

“...Not his fault.” Dedede nodded. “It won’t mean he won’t get his head bonked, but it means when it happens he’ll get so many hugs, and so much cake after.” He picked Kirby up and gave him a small tickle with a single finger.

“And he’ll say sorry over and over-” He spun in a circle, making Kirby sniff and giggle as he was poked on the tummy. “And we’ll bring him home, give him a bandage on the nose and all go to my castle for hot chocolate and s’mores.”

Kirby tiredly giggled, “I hope so! Gotta…give big bonks before you can give big love!” 

“There he goes!” Dedede smiled, holding him out, “That’s the way! Whose smart boy is this? Anyone need a smart boy? I got too many, who needs one?”

Kirby squealed as Dedede bounced him in his palms, “Noooo, no giving me awayyyy!!”

“I’d do it for a corn chip, because you’re getting too strong, too much competition! Too smart!”

Kirby hugged his hand, refusing to be let go, “Nooo!”

“Then go be smart somewhere else and get yourself a nap! We’ll get it all figured out, weirdo.” Dedede put Kirby down, pretending to smear his hands in the grass like he playfully found Kirby disgusting.

“I’m not that sticky-” Kirby stuck out his tongue at Dedede, making a small “Pbht!” noise as his antics. “Sticky sweet, but still sticky.”

Dedede gave him a smile as Kirby giggled, scampering off back to his post. Dedede sighed when the crowd was all gone, and he was left sitting in the grass with both hands hurting.

His shoulder ached from all of his motions, and he could feel throbs from each wound he was given. 

But all he could do was look at Meta Knight, who simply quietly approached him. 

“Thank you.” He said, sitting next to him. “For what?”

“Not pulling me into your speech.”

“Hey, the rules still apply here. Those “We”’s are us.” Dedede held up his hand as if promising, and Meta just leaned into his side. “Thank you for being vague with them until I was ready.”

“I know. I’m glad. You're welcome.”

Dedede listened to doors close, saw the lights the Dees made dim, and slumber was befalling all of Waddle Dee Town.

“We should head inside…Three days of rest, are you sure you’re up for that, mi sol?” Meta looked up at Dedede, seeing that tired look in his eyes. 

“...We need it, don’t we? I need those wings in working order for part of our plan.” He flicked the side of Meta’s mask, making the knight chuckle. “Ohhh, that’s gonna be a stretch.”

Dedede stood and offered his hand to Meta. “We’ll do our best. That's all we can do.”

Meta took it, and the two of them started walking to the little home the Dees built for them.

“That's all we can do…” Meta repeated quietly, voice showing he’s more than ready for sleep.

---

Three days resting in Waddle Dee town seemed to speed by for the duo. The Dees made sure they ate well, Dedede so proud of Charidee’s ability to cook such wonderful food with limited supplies. 

Meta was never happier to sneak bites of the king’s dessert.

They sat at the square, listening to Wise tell them stories other dees had shared after they rescued them. It filled both of their hearts with pride and glee.

They loved seeing the Waddle Dees thrive even in hard times.

It made them so proud.

They were also proud of Kirby! As he showed them all around town, all of the fun they could have!

Kirby excitedly showed them games they made up, shoving Dedede towards a large wooden board.

“You tilt the WHOLE THING!! And oooo oh look what they did look look look!!!” Kirby held up the marble. Dedede took it, and observed it closely.

“I see, you little egomaniac, it's you.” 

Meta coughed into his hand “One to talk-” and coughed again. “Hey! Like you ain't!?” Meta just coughed more, making Kirby shocked. “Dededede, you guys play! And I’ll get Mety some juicy-juice!”

Kirby scampered off to a little store the Dees made, which was pretty much just a spot they gathered their supplies and traded little things for. A sense of normalcy.

“So, My king, you place the marble here and use these two knobs to turn the entire board. Then try and get dear Kirby over to the goal to win a prize!”

“Sounds easy enough.”

“Beat the high score time and win a second prize as well!”

Dedede blinked at that, too tired to want to do that much but he’d give it a few tries for his dees.

Meta stepped up to the second harder difficulty, a second marble already in place. 

“What, you want to race or something?”

“May the best man win.” Meta shot him a look, making the King excited. “Ohhh, it’s on!”

Three!

Two!

One!

Both marbles went flowing down the maze, and Dedede’s almost immediately sunk into a hole while Meta's continued steadily down the path.

“WH- UNFAIR-” Dedede blurted as the Dee running the game reset his ball. “Go go go!” They encouraged their king. 

Meta smiled beneath his mask as he carefully tilted his ball closer and closer to the goal, not making a single mistake. 

Dedede went slowly, carefully, to make sure it wouldn't fall again. But it seemed the slower he went the faster it went down the hole. 

“Sir Meta’s already almost at the goal!” The Dee announced, making Dedede think of something sneaky.

He leaned over and tried to blow on Meta’s game to disrupt his ball! Meta simply gingerly extended his uninjured wing and poked the king on the side without a word, “No cheating, my king.” 

“Aughhh!!” Dedede focused on his own game, steadying his ball. He was almost to his goal too but Meta just needed one little scoot to win! 

His ball almost went in, but then- “METY JUICE TIME!” Kirby ran up to his side and bonked into him, pressing a big blue juice box into his face. It made his marble veer off to the side and fall into the closet hole as Dedede got his into his goal!

“AAYYY, GOOD JOB KID!” Dedede cheered as The Dee handed him the prize. “What’s this?” 

“Oh, Smittee collects these treasures that can power Kirby up! He gives me shards to give to people as prizes and I give him materials to make more hats for Kirby.”

Dedede turned the pink sparkly shard over in his hand, and smiled. “Thanks! I know exactly where I’m going to put this!” He put it inside his coat, and gave the Dee a pat on the head. 

He’d look at it whenever he missed home on this tough journey.

“Do Cheaters even get to receive prizes?” Meta pointed at him, as Kirby tried to put a straw in the juice box.

He was stabbing it upside down, so Meta grabbed it, poked it and handed it back to him. He beamed and started sipping it. 

“Hey, you being so naturally good at the game could count as cheating. You’re too good at everythin’ for it to be fair.”

“I think unsportsmanlike behavior is far more frowned upon than “natural talent”, my liege.” 

“If I give you the prize, will you shush?”

“I have more prizes!” The Dee turned and grabbed one of the smaller prizes. He handed Meta a small bag, candy obviously inside. “It’s not as grand, but it’s something!”

Meta Knight could see the jealousy in Dedede’s eyes, and it was prize enough. He merely smugly hid it in his cape, shooting him a knowing look.

“Aaah!” Kirby breathed, finishing the juice box, obviously having enjoyed it.

Meta turned to him, and blinked. “Child, was that not for me?”

Kirby realized his mistake, and immediately sprang up to run back, “I’LL GET ANOTHER- GROCER-DEE- ”

Dedede immediately burst out laughing at his antics. “Ohhh Kirby…I already miss him.” He snickered as the kid banged on the counter to get another juice.

“I do too.” Meta nodded, picking up Kirby’s trash, muttering “Oh mi dulce bebe-”

---

King Dedede loved his waddle dees with his entire heart. Each and every inch loved each and every one as they gathered supplies for him and Meta Knight to set back out on their journey.

He watched them organize them by the square from a window in their little home. He watched his Dees prepare for their departure with grace and helpfulness.

He looked at his hand, and unbandaged it. It was scabbed over, so he was happy to finally put his clean gloves on so it’d be safe.

He could still feel the zap of the lightning pulse up his arm to his shoulder. He could still hear the sizzle of his skin from Elfilis’s spear slicing his chest.

...He decided to leave that bandage on for now.

“Those thoughts are loud, mi sol.” Meta joined him by the windowsill, watching the Dees discuss which snacks were best to send. 

Meta opened the candy bag, took two out and handed Dedede one. “Thanks.” Dedede sighed, eating it swiftly as Meta leaned on the frame. “You okay?” He asked his knight as he surveyed the Dees. 

“Are you?” Meta could only deflect, not meeting his gaze.

“Ah…A little nervous. I don’t know what we’re about to find. We don’t know how long it’ll take us to get across that ocean, especially since I don’t trust that blasted warp star to keep steady that far.” 

Meta nodded, giving him a gentle hum. He opened his candy and ate it, sliding it under his mask. He wasn’t wearing his cape, however. Dedede pointed, offering, “Wing check?”

“It won't be much different than the one we did this morning.”

“I’d like to see before we head off, in case we don't get a moment to stop.”

Meta nodded, and relaxed his wings. He lifted them both at the same time, but the right one paused at about half height. Dedede could just tell he was trying not to hiss in pain.

He examined the wound present on the right wing, and was still so glad when they were told no glass broke inside it. “Still closed, but I don’t like its color. I don’t want you flying for another few days if you can help it.”

“I’ll do it in emergencies.”

“I know you will. We'll try to not have emergencies then, hm?” Dedede smiled, letting him lower his wings. He pulled his cape off of their little coat rack and put it on. "Knowing our luck, we'd have to try very hard." That made Dedede shake his head, adjusting his crown in the process.

“Are you ready?” Dedede asked, not moving to get up no matter the answer. Meta shifted his wings and looked at Dedede’s bandage showing through how loosely he draped his coat on. 

He did not want them to get hurt like that again. He did not want to put them in potentially more danger.

Meta Knight did not want to drag him to a point of no return, but the second they start to cross that ocean that will be.

He barely made it, on that warpstar, he barely made it. He could still see it, and he wouldn’t talk to Dedede about it. 

Trying to gain height on it while holding Dedede tight, trying so hard to keep him in place as he slid and came in and out of consciousness. 

Their blood mixed as he used his wings to hold him tight before crashing with him in town. Passing him off to the Dees with a breathless explanation pouring from his mouth.

Another Dee having to push him to get medical attention as well, it was a bit adorable. 

They barely made it, and he doesn’t like thinking about it. Because he’s to protect his king, as he blinks at him in anticipation. 

He can see in those bright blue eyes that he wants to personally see to it that Bandee gets home safe. Meta wouldn’t dream of taking it from him, like he dreams of tearing apart whoever did this to all of them limb by limb. 

“Ready as I’ll ever be.” He walked over to Dedede and fixed his coat by the edges, pulling them to better cover his bandages. He smoothed it down. 

“Thanks.” He smiled, as the knight held his hand. “My pleasure.” Meta dusted the king off, as if he was getting ready for another big speech. 

“The Dees did a wonderful job fixing your coat, did you notice that?” He pointed out, trying to distract Dedede from the errant fear lingering in his heart. 

“They fixed my coat-” He blurted, as if he hadn’t noticed the past three days. “Oh man they did! See, I told you it wasn’t a big deal!” Dedede playfully pushed his knight by the mask, making him chuckle.

“Just no more using our clothes as bandages. It was hard to get the stain out of mine, I can imagine you’d hate the stain on yours.” 

Dedede opened the door of their home, holding it open for the Knight. “I make no promises.”

The two of them walked outside to face the call of adventure, Dees noticing them almost immediately. 

Cheers erupted from the Dees as they bounced and excitedly gathered to see their king and his knight off. 

Dedede waved to his Dees, putting on such a big bright smile for them. Meta nodded to the crowd, keeping straight and stoic.

The Dees gathered all the supplies into a bag, handing it graciously to King Dedede with a little bow. “Some food, cloth and bandages! To keep you two well!” The Dee handing it to him spoke, and Dedede bowed back.

“Thank you so much!” He straightened, holding the bag tight. “Thank you all for your kindness! I couldn’t ask for better people to call my kingdom, you’re all wonderful!”

He put the supplies inside of his coat, not knowing how long they’d last. Meta Knight raised his hand, and called “Warp star! To us!”

With a speed Dedede knows he’ll never see if he calls it, the warp star zoomed from the sky to the duo. 

“Here’s our ride.” Meta patted it, and waited patiently by it for Dedede. Dedede looked at his Dees, and saw in each and every one of them that they believed in him. He believed in them too, he wanted them to keep thriving and growing as much as they could!

He took a deep breath, and knelt back down while opening his arms. His Dees understood and all rushed into his arms.

He gave them the biggest hug he could imagine, hugging on every Waddle Dee that wanted one. They called his name, wishing him and Meta health and luck on the rest of their journey.

“I’m going to miss you all so bad, but I promise when you see your king again, it will be with all of your friends in tow with a way home! That’s a vow I do not intend to break.”

Dedede let them go, and heard a chorus of “Awww…” When he had to wave them goodbye. 

He tilted the warp star to the side, and let Meta hop on. He climbed on top, but it was clear both of them did not fit comfortably on this small warp star.

They only really had the one because of it being the one Kirby was flying on when they came to this world.

“Ready?” Dedede asked Meta, as he held on tight. Meta nodded, quietly ready.

Dedede smiled, and looked down to his Dees. “Farewell, my people! I’ll see you all again really soon!” He waved, before looking down at the warp star.

“Warp Star, take us to the edge of the snowy land!”

The star flew high above Waddle Dee town, and Dedede could hear the screams of his waddle dees. All wishing him well and hoping for the best, praying and pleading for him to come home safe.

He felt an ache in his heart. He felt he didn’t deserve them at the end of the day, far too kind for him.

He was pulled to the present by Meta Knight scooting closer to him so they kept their balance. They had to sit on it awkwardly, holding onto each other with one arm and the star with another.

With a yelp from the king, the star rocketed off towards the edge of the Winter Horns.

Meta glared ahead, ready to put this plan of theirs into action.

It was up to him to make sure it went smoothly and they both stayed safe.

---

Speeding ahead.

The smell of fire.

Red cloth tugged tight against their fur.

Hugging it to their chest.

Alone.

No large laughs. No gentle pats.

Cold Bars.

No stoic smiles. No sneaked treats.

Castor.

We can’t be alone!

COME BACK TO ME!

Chapter Text

The world they traveled on foot whizzed by at light speed thanks to the power of the Warp Star, despite it not being the steadiest of rides.

Meta was staring off as the warp star plunged them into the cold. He felt Dedede grip onto him tighter, making sure they didn't fall or get too shocked.

Dedede hissed as the warp star started shaking. “I hate this thing! I can’t wait to get off! Stay steady!” He pressed his hand down on it, trying to balance it properly.

The star spun them, making Dedede squeak.

Meta immediately instinctively stuck out his wing to try and slow them down at the sounds of Dedede's fear.

“AH-” Dedede reached over to swat it, to get him to stop. “My liege-” Meta Knight griped, lowering his wing. 

It was his uninjured one, so he didn’t see the problem. He was not going to put pressure on his injured side just by a simple extension of his uninjured one!

They flew over the colosseum, too focused on each other to look down on the dried mess they left behind.

The blood of their battle and the stain of regret in their retreat was ignored in favor of pressing forward.

“It’s almost time to land anyways!” Meta lowered his wings fully, making Dedede point at him, “Keep it that way! You can do all your fancy knight things without ‘em for a minute!”

Meta could almost roll his eyes but he knew that wouldn’t fly either.

The two of them pressed down on the warp star to start their descent, finally managing to slow them down.

They also managed to crash, but that's par for the course with a warp star. It had a swell habit of finding its landing spot and colliding with the ground instead of stopping.

It was only bad because of the snow.

The chill washed over them in an instant as they were dropped unceremoniously on that cliff where they last saw Bandee and Elfilis.

Dedede scrambled to stand, brushing the snow off of himself. He shook it off of his cloak before it could soak his shoulder bandage, "Augh, blasted star!" He shouted, not happy at the rough landing.

"Oh-" He looked around almost frantically for Meta Knight, before finding him pulling himself out of the snow further up on the cliff.

He smacked the side of his mask, getting the snow out of it as fast as he could. 

“Meta! Are you okay?” Dedede called as he rushed to him. Meta tried to stretch, but knew he was not going to get far with it so stopped at the apex of soreness. “Cold, but surviving. Let’s enact our plan and cross…this ocean-”

The two of them looked at the ocean, and were finally able to process its expanse. 

Meta Knight tried to strain his eyes over the bright ocean, to see any horizon in the distance. He…couldn’t see it.

No land even in the far distance. Even from this height. “Mi rey, m-may I admit something?”

“Go ahead.” He scooted closer, to give him just a smidge of warmth. “I do not think one could fly across this ocean, even with a healthy set of wings.” 

Dedede hummed, and was inclined to agree but he would’ve had faith in him. “We’ll need to find a vessel. Considering this is a colosseum, there may be boats at the bottom of this cliff.” Dedede pointed out, noting the position of the colosseum could mean visitors would come from the seaside.

Meta Knight moved to the edge, and Dedede followed, both looking down. They blinked at what they saw.

“....That’ll work.” 

---

“Careful, Careful!” Dedede griped at Meta Knight as they made their way down, leaping steadily down the cliff’s edge. Dedede touched the bottom and watched Meta Knight jump down with open arms ready to catch him if need be.

The king didn't know sand could be this cold, but frozen sand was still sand. He watched Meta leap from a much taller height than what was comfortable, trying to make for a clean, soft landing in the sand.

He slid to catch him, knowing the sand was definitely not as soft as the sand on the proper sunny beach. He collided with Dedede, knocking him on his rear as he held him tight.

“I said to be careful!” Dedede put him down, and Meta Knight shook his head. “I was being careful, you didn’t need to fall over catching me, mi rey.” He helped his king up, hearing him sigh.

“No, I did need to fall over, because this sand is ice cold and I didn’t want you to wind up taking a faceplant to it.” 

“I would not have "faceplanted", sire.” Meta said, making clear air-quotes to the King's annoyance.

“That's what they all say.” Dedede muttered, wiping the sand off of his coat. It was already getting dirty! “I hope we don't have to deal with too much sand on the other side of this ocean.”

“Let us try to not think so far ahead. Our vessel awaits.” Meta walked past Dedede, walking down the beachline. 

They were quickly met with a large cargo boat that clearly looked like it could transport many people at once from one spot to another.

For now, it would just need to hold them.

“It looked like it crashed, would this thing even hold water?” Dedede asked as they walked around it, taking notes of the hull and trying to see if it had any damage. 

“I see no large gashes in its sides. It’d hold well, if it runs.” Meta put a hand on the ship, feeling the cold metal. 

“If it runs?” Dedede tilted his head, and Meta ran his hand across it as they hunted for a way up. “This boat, from above, holds no sails and relies little on the wind. It’s likely electric. When we get on board I’ll see if it has a control panel, and…ooohh, It may run on fire-fuel, but electric would be best. We will have to look and consider our options.” 

Dedede found a rope thrown off the side of the boat, grabbed it and held out his hand. “Well, I’ll leave that to the captain.” He said, and Meta felt something in his heart. Something he didn’t think much of in the fervor and stress of the journey so far.

He’s Captain Meta Knight. He’ll get this ship running. He took Dedede’s hand and let him carry him on his shoulders as he climbed the rope. 

The boat was tall indeed, not quite half way up the cliff but close! Once Dedede reached the top, he lugged himself over and flopped onto the ship’s hull.

Meta rolled off him, and helped him to a proper sitting position. “Are you alright?” 

Dedede merely rolled his shoulder, rubbing at his bandages. “Ah yeah, just tender. He gave it a few more rolls before stretching his arm. “And you hound me to be careful.” Meta waggled his finger at him.

“Hey, you wanted to use your wings for no reason, I kinda can’t help using my arms sometimes.”

“My wings are limbs and I do enjoy using all of my limbs.”

“Shush. Let’s just find this control panel, you goober.” Dedede stood and pushed Meta by the face affectionately.

Meta rubbed his mask, shaking his head as they split up checking the perimeter. Dedede looked around the ship’s massive floor as Meta tried the large metal doors.

“There’s a lot of tires and barrels and big ole crates, but nothing much of use.” He said, turning to Meta to see him trying to push the door. Slide it? Maybe it was locked, he started fiddling with the knob more, pushing and pulling to the best of his ability. 

“It’s probably frozen to itself, Meta.” Dedede approached and offered his hands. Meta hummed, and gave the task to Dedede. “If I must, I’ll break its window.” 

That made Dedede chuckle, knowing he was ready to set sail to someplace warmer at any means.

Dedede was able to pull the door open with a punch of effort, allowing Meta to scramble inside to take a good look at what they’re working with. 

“This is exactly what I was looking for!” Meta smiled, putting his hands together and rubbing them. He approached the control panel for the boat, taking it in.

“Good, good it seems electrical…” He pressed one of the multitudes of buttons, flipping switches back and forth, pulling levers as if he knew exactly what he was doing.

Confident, it made Dedede smile a bit at him.

“No power…let’s see.” Meta looked under the control panel as Dedede approached, poking what seemed to be a big screen to the steering wheel’s left.

He watched Meta Knight knock on the metal sheets below, before one made a hollower thunk noise. 

“Ah-ha!” He pried at the warped corner, and with a strain he pulled at the metal sheet. “Want me to get that?” Dedede tried to ask, but Meta was one step ahead of him.

He yanked the loose metal out, it clattering behind him. Dedede was shocked. “I could tell it was loose since it seemed others have been down here many times before.” Meta spoke, mostly to himself.

He crawled slightly into the hole, and looked around. Torn wires were all around, but it was nothing he couldn't fix. Had to do it safely.

He pulled himself out to look at Dedede, and his shoulder and his hand. He held up one finger and said politely, “Excuse me.” As he left the control panel.

Dedede tilted his head, bewildered at his knight’s hurried pace.

He arrived back swiftly with one of the tires. “Hold this.” Dedede grabbed it as Meta offered, and was very confused.

“Hey, some intel on what you’re about to do would be swell!” He called but the knight was back under the panel before he could get a single word out.

He grabbed the similar colored wires and connected them back together with a few twists of the fibers. He pulled Galaxia out and used her power to channel a bit of heat into his fingers to seal it. 

He did that with every wire he could, cleaning up the entire panel. Then he got to the main circuits, and felt them. Wet from the ages of being snowed upon, but if it could still hold a current he’d try.

What other option did they have? 

So he braced himself, put his hand upon it and called for Galaxia’s aid.

Dedede was so confused, merely standing there with a tire in hand and seeing bits of light shine from below. 

Then the light grew, electricity zapping violently from below the panel. He saw a small bit of smoke start coming through, and heard Meta yelp. 

“Meta!!” He screamed, wanting to reach in there to grab him but realized the electricity was traveling around the entire control panel and around him.

That's why he was holding the rubber tire. 

“Come out this instant!” He hit the tire against the panel, it bonked against the screen.

The screen flickered to life, and lights of many colors started blinking on the panel. It was actually pretty mesmerizing the way they sweeped from blank to rainbows.

“Meta Knight! Get outta there!” Dedede ignored the beauty of the boat's revival to toss the tire at the hole, for it to bounce and roll away.

At these words, Meta came swiftly crawling out of the hole he made. “Are we on?”

Dedede was vaguely offended at that answer, “Don’t be reckless with electricity when it’s so wet!” He scolded him, giving him a gentle shove. The touch sent static electricity through the two of them, making them both jolt at the mellow shock.

The two of them blinked, and then broke into laughter at the scare. “Ohhh-” Dedede covered his eyes, wiping them. “Don’t do that again-” He gave Meta a firm pat on the head, and Meta coughed a bit, into his hand.

“Okay- I won’t-” He chuckled a bit, moving to assess the current state of the controls. He pressed the buttons a few more times. They did have labels but he couldn’t understand what any of them said. 

He held one big red button down, and then the ship began to shake.

“Ooohhh what’d you do??”

“Ignition!” Meta simply said, pulling a lever just to push it forward. “And set gear!” He looked at the screen, and saw a blurry version of- outside the boat! 

“Were people here allergic to windows or did their big ugly castles near Waddle Dee town take them all?!” Dedede said as Meta took the wheel and began to turn the boat towards the water.

“Come on, come on, tread water and hold it!” 

The boat jerked as it swished back and forth, frothing the water beneath it. Dedede didn’t know what to do with his hands as he watched Meta turn the wheel more and use his shoulder pauldron to press it in place.

“I’ll make sure you’re straight!” He said, running out of the control room, “Perfect!”

Dedede bolted into the cold, and tried to not slip with the boat’s erratic swaying. Dedede ran to the side of the boat and looked at the edge.

The boat was dipping into the water but a good chunk of it was stuck in the land.

He thought hard of the best way to go about this.

“Meta! You’re as straight as you can get! Forward!” With that, Meta let go of the wheel and let it spin back to neutral before grabbing another lever and slamming it forward.

Dedede ran to the edge of the boat and tossed little things off board. A few empty looking metal crates. Anything to get some weight off the boat’s top to get them going. 

With a sudden jolt, the boat started cruising forward at a high rate of speed. Dedede gasped when it almost knocked him off his feet, sending him rushing back into the control panel as the boat got on the water and stayed there.

The boat was floating. It wasn’t immediately sinking! 

“How’d you get it to speed up so quickly??” Dedede asked Meta Knight, who simply released his hold on another button. “I think that might be a booster.” He smiled, grabbing the wheel again to get a feel for it. 

It had a lot more force behind it, but it was a heavy vessel.

“We’re treading water, but we must be prepared for any possibility that the hull is compromised. Once you can, do a small check around the sides of the ship for any water entering.”

Dedede wanted to give him a look, a sarcastic remark, but he saw that look in his eyes. That look of confident focus.

"Aye, Aye, captain.” He settled on agreeable snark, and it made Meta roll his eyes but sigh in relief when Dedede did as told. 

He sat for a moment, and caught his breath. “Anything I can do, after? Or like, at all? We don’t really know how far this ocean goes, now that we think of it.”

Meta thought about it for a moment, testing his various buttons and switches just to give himself things to do with his hands.

“I know not, while you’re king of the land, I am a knight of the stars. The stars are an endless sea, like this ocean, so we should leave steering the vessel to me. Navigation and all that, it seems I have this handy screen for it.” Meta rubbed his thumb over it, and it didn't clear it any.

“Though, it seems malfunctional…Hmm…”

Dedede put his hand on his cheek, holding it while Meta thought. From Knight of the Stars to Knight of the Ocean, how quaint.

He wasn’t about to argue, he knew land best of all. As he knew that Meta knew the sky.

“I could be an outside look out. Sit by the railing and keep an eye for land. How's that?” He suggested with a lightness in his voice that made Meta give him a gentle nod.

“That’s perfect. Do keep close, in case anything happens and we must spring to action.”

Dedede smiled, standing up and giving him a pat on the shoulder. “Once you figure out how to get this thing on autopilot though, you are allowing me to switch out with you for a shift. You can go on about being leader of the Vessel and I’m keen to let you have that but no letting it get to your head!”

He poked his knight on the mask, “At the end of the day, we’re us. No doubt about it. Am I clear?”

Meta just focused on the wheel. “Crystal.”

Dedede smiled at him, and then made his way outside. He started from the edge of the control room and walked slowly around the borders of the boat.

It was a handful of ground to cover, so he was thorough to check and focus to make sure none of the water was leaking into the hull. The boat was actually surprisingly sturdy. It wasn’t perfect but it sure was getting the job done.

Dedede made a mental note that he’d do that every once and a while, just to make sure nothing changes.

“All clear! I’ll hop on top of the control room and bang the roof if I see land!”

“Got it!” 

Dedede hopped to the highest point of the boat and sat, keeping his eyes trained on the splitting ocean.

It was so blue, as they made their way out of the darkness that was the Winter Land.

Bright, gorgeous blue, gleaming off of the sun.

And the horizon was nothing but more and more of itself.

Dedede sighed, and decided to sit…quietly with his thoughts as he looked up towards the slowly setting sun. He wished that control panel had proper dang windows so he could sit with Meta and share the thoughts as they popped up.

He guessed he just had to keep it to himself.

The noise of the ocean filled his senses, and he found himself pondering. Pondering because it was just him and Meta right now, and he didn’t have to be a hundred percent perked up for the little ones.

He could process how he felt about this world without having to care for a small thing.

How… long have they been here? That was the first thing on his mind.

First he had to think about how many times they slept there, and he stopped keeping track of that a long time ago. At least a month or two worth of nights spent under these stars and a lot of other things on his mind making that count fuzz from his mind quickly.

What date was it when they left Popstar? Spring, he thinks. Early spring…

It's been two months since early spring, that was his estimate as he counted in his head.

A lot of things happen in mid-late spring! Dedede could make a mental checklist about it right now!

Ohhh, he has that Gala he likes to hold at the peak of the flower fields blooming. Then there’s his Pre-Summer picnic he has with Kirby so they can chat about good times to go swimming just to go swimming anyways.

There’s Magalor’s first quarter visit, he brings goodies and Dedede makes sure every time to check his cargo to make sure he didn't accidentally bring anything there he wasn’t supposed to, pests or cursing devices. Usually ends in a nice dinner.

Orrrr…Birthdays.

Dedede smiled, remembering his own birthday in early spring because he has to share it with Kirby. He really doesn’t, but it makes it easier!

He won’t admit it to him but he adores racing him to the big birthday cake and trying to outspeed the quick eater before leaving the party early to have a quiet get-together with Meta Knight so they could exchange gifts without him being in any kind of spotlight.

Meta’s birthday wasn’t until late winter…that just left…

A small well of guilt rattled the king, as he remembered what was left circled on his calendar not a few weeks before that portal tore open their skies.

He remembered doing it with a beam in his eye and a bright blue marker.

“Bandana Dee’s Birthday! Cinnamon Apple Cake!”

It had to have passed by now, it had to-

He wanted to yell, scream, fight the world about it, but he was alone on the ocean and did not want to scare Meta away from his focus.

So he put that information on the back burner of his mind, and focused on the ocean. He didn't even want to cry about it because of that, but his heart ached so deeply for his Bandee.

Once he brought him home he’s getting the best party, the best cake, the best hugs and the best everything.

Dedede won’t rest until everything is right in the world, and Bandee gets the help he needs and the love he deserves.

He scooted closer to the edge of the boat and looked over the railing. He grabbed that crystal shard from within his coat, and turned it over and over around his palm.

He sighed to himself, and the tears clinging to the corners of his eyes. He knew he needed this so it wouldn’t linger on him too long. He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

“Happy birthday to you…” He sang, mostly to himself, as he thought about Bandee. His little spearmint, as he liked to call him.

He still remembered giving Bandee that nickname, he’d exhaust himself after a sparring session with Dedede and rush himself to perform these little rituals he’d always do.

Spinning his spear an exact number of times before putting it away. Dedede would ruffle his head, making his bandanna askew. He’d fuss to straighten it.

Sharp and straight like a spearmint.

“Happy birthday to you…”

Great king, I’d like to continue training! He’d say with gusto, performing his last spin before hanging up his spear. I want to be just as strong as you! He adjusted the spear on the wall several times, before it was perfect.

Dedede just chuckled and touched its tip, making Bandee squeak and do it all over again. 

You’re strong in your own way, kiddo. You’re a tough little mint! 

“Happy birthday, dear Bandee…”

I’ll keep training though, because when I’m as strong as you there’s nothing I won’t be able to do! Dedede would chuckle at this, and pat the child on the back.

He walked him back inside, apple slices and juice ready on the counter. 

Yeah, yeah, kiddo. When you’re as strong as me, you can do whatever you want hehe!

Then he’d beam up at him with those beautiful little eyes, and Dedede knew he’d surpass him so quick. He knew it in his heart that his little spearmint had what it takes.

“Happy birthday to you…” Dedede finished, and was glad it seemed to ease his guilt. Someone sang for his birthday, that was all he could give him for now.

Until he was in his arms again.

Below, Meta gripped the wheel tighter, hearing echoes of this song beyond the metal above.

He promised to himself he’d keep Dedede safe and not let his heart hurt like that.

He would fix all of this, he would, he promised. Whatever it takes, he would give. For the kingdom. For his King. For his heart. 

Silently he searched for the autopilot on this vessel, knowing it had to have one if it was anything like the Lor.

He was accustomed to this. Settings of machinery, but he’s never had to pilot something he hasn't already piloted for decades.

So it frustrated him to know little about his new ship. The knight knew he just needed to press on in the quiet.

He was used to it. He had to be resourceful to survive and even more so to make sure those he loves survive too.

Knights before Nobles, as the noble put it before.

He’d keep him safe.

---

Dedede was nodding off, resting his arms against the top of his hammer as he settled his head down. Blinking slowly as the sun set against the endless water, making it such a beautiful color.

His eyes were fluttering close when heard a sudden “Clink!” behind him. He startled, sitting up and swinging around all too quickly. “AH!” He swung his arm, making Meta Knight leap back in alarm.

“Oh- Meta!!” Dedede blushed, and wiped his hand on his coat like he did not just almost strike him. 

“How’d you get up here? What are you doing here? Was I really about to doze off on shift-”

Meta held up one hand, trying to get him to calm down, “I climbed up here, I found the autopilot so I came to get you to get some rest and yes, I see now that I could’ve just left you in peace.”

Dedede blinked, and sighed, “You could’ve just hollered, climbing up here’s bad for the back.”

“Then why are you up here?”

“Oh, leave me be!”

Meta approached despite the jeer, and sat next to him. “The boats steady, go get some rest on the lower ground. I’ll keep watch for you.” 

Dedede looked at him, up and down. He could see something in his knight’s eyes, but didn’t know if he should pry. 

“Stay, for a moment. It isn't completely dark yet.” Dedede offered, patting the ground next to him. Meta hesitated, he could see it in his posture.

After a moment, he sat down next to Dedede, and the two of them looked out at the water.

Dedede kept resting his head on his hand, and hummed, “Do you think it’s weird?”

Meta hid his startle under his mask, “What’s weird, sire?”

“This is the first time in a long while that we’ve been away from children. ” Dedede chuckled a bit, and Meta realized that it had been a while since they’ve had time to themselves.

“Even alone in the castle or the Halberd, there was always a chance a kiddo was around, and right now…it really is just us.” Dedede mused, almost lightly. 

Meta just looked out on the ocean, and tried so hard to not think too deeply about it, but he did.

And it made him feel so small.

Just you and me in this big big world, never has he felt so small.  

He wondered where the Halberd even was when everything happened, he hadn’t had much of a shot to think about it.

He hoped his crew wasn't here, he hoped they were doing well and taking care of Dreamland and each other in their absence. 

He hoped they weren’t searching.

Oh gods, if they were searching…

Meta took a sigh, and opted to just fake a chuckle. “You could allow yourself to say curse words, mi rey.”

“Ohhh, don’t get me into bad habits now.” Dedede smiled, poking Meta on the side. “You’d find that funny, if I start cursing now I won't be able to stop when we do return to the kids!”

Meta nodded, “I would, sería bastante divertido, en realidad, verte retorcerte al darse cuenta…” He mumbled it mostly to himself. 

“Oh hush, I’m going to bed.” Dedede stood, patting Meta on the head. “Wake me up in three hours, you booger.” Dedede staunchly refused to swear, making Meta get a little burst of warmth and happiness.

Once alone, he could hear Dedede enter the control room and thunk his hammer down to use as a pillow, he presumes.

Meta sighed, and went into his head.

No children, missing children, a big world and all of his loved ones scattered.

He couldn’t help but still feel blessed that Dedede was so close by when they were separated. He didn't know how to feel about the fact that his crew could be on opposite ends of this land.

He had faith Vul would be alright, Axe would hunker down and move slow…Jave and Tri would find each other he believes. Mace would take it all in stride, trying to find him.

Sailor...he'd worry for, he couldn't think too much on that one without fear snaking down his spine.

Ah, they’d all try to find him, he was sure. He hopes they aren’t trying too hard, not wanting them to all get lost in that tundra.

He already felt so lost in this world, he didn't want any of his crew to feel the same way.

He just needed them all to be okay, and-

He was already hearing snoring below. 

Meta Knight sighed, and pulled out Galaxia to give him light and comfort as darkness spread across the land. 

He had to be all he could be, and protect Dedede to all of his ability. It was all he had, all he could do.

He hated it, but he wouldn’t have it any other way right then.

Even if he had to make sacrifices, even if he needed to give it all, he’d keep his loved ones safe. 

And hold so much hope in his heart that if anything happened…they’d keep themselves safe too.

---

It was about…four hours, since he sent Dedede to get rest and he was starting to get a little antsy. All Meta Knight wanted to do was stand and fly forward to see just how much longer this ship would sail. His electrical surge made the ship go quicker than he imagines it typically goes, but it still feels like a long time for a land vessel to him.

He stood, pacing around as if considering going to relieve Dedede until he saw land. They’ve been on this vessel for almost seven hours and no speck of land! In the Halberd he’d be on the next planet by now!

It was frustrating, to the Knight, to captain such a slow vessel.

He didn't know what he’d do if the vessel wasn’t charged up by him.

He rubbed the top of his head, and tried to unfurl his wings a bit. If he could fly high enough to see a speck of land maybe he wouldn’t feel this way any longer.

Maybe he’d feel less stuck.

Maybe he’d feel like he’s truly getting them somewhere instead of just leading them on endless chase after chase.

Maybe he’d save them. Like he wants to. To take all the strain and defend those he loves like his purpose truly is-

“Meta, it’s your turn-” Meta almost drew Galaxia, but he knew he needed to stop doing that whenever startled. He merely silently turned to Dedede, rapidly pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind.

“Oh- Oh I lost track of time.” He immediately defended upon seeing the King’s tired face.

“Of course you did, you have a penchant for letting me over sleep on these shifts. Any signs of land?” Dedede asked, holding his shoulder as he made his way to Meta’s side.

Meta helped him sit, wiping his shoulder off. “No, it’s been a long while too. Land may take longer than we expected to appear.”

Dedede gave Meta a small pat on the shoulder, “That’s alright, gives you time to sleep. I heard you pace for like, thirty minutes.”

Dedede sat down, and offered him an arm. “Come rest, goober.” Meta smiled a bit at the encouragement, and sat next to his king.

He allowed him to be in his embrace. Meta sighed, and looked out onto the water one last time. “Land should be soon…if it's not we’re going to have to ration our supplies.”

“That’ll come later! We’ll get to that when we get to it.” Dedede flicked Meta on the cheek. “Sleep, before I put ya to sleep.”

“Charming.”

“I try.”

Meta closed his eyes, huffing a gentle laugh. It made Dedede happy as he settled into his shift.

It was right when Meta reached a semblance of REM sleep when Dedede shifted, before reeling back. 

It annoyed Meta being placed onto the cold metal floor as if Dedede was standing.

Meta felt the boat's gentle rock. It was almost lulling, as his vision settled into the dark. He could almost see it in the distance. 

In the middle of his eyes, as if waiting in anticipation.

A flame.

Dancing with different colors.

Purple was the brightest…then a vibrant red flickered…and a teal swam around it…

...before it flourished into orange and was quickly snuffed into ember butterflies by a large gloved hand.

“LAND! LAND I THINK THAT’S LAND-”

Meta gasped shooting up in alarm. He can't know how long he slept, but did immediately stand and rush to Dedede’s side.

The king was excitedly leaning on the boat's railing pointing at what looked like an island, but Meta realized something important a moment too late.

He needed to figure out how to turn the boat OFF-

Meta rushed to the control panel, trying to get the boat into cruise control. He tried to push the ignition button again, grabbing the wheel and making a minute turn to try and slow the boat down. 

He heard Dedede go “Whoa-” from above, and moved to go check on him but turning the boat deactivated the auto-pilot.

So the boat lurched, making Meta rush to grab the wheel fully and pull to straighten the vessel so they wouldn't immediately lose sight of the land!

“We’re straight! We’re straight!” Dedede called to him, moving to hop down and join Meta in the control room.

Meta was frantically hunting for anything that even resembled the brakes for the Halberd, but he couldn't find it.

When Dedede approached, the Knight straightened himself and looked in a calmer fashion. “Landfall will be in approximately fifteen minutes, sire. I’d advise gathering our materials and bracing yourself, immediately.”

Dedede heard that classic Captain Snap in there.

“Okay, Captain, how about we slow our roll here before we stop though, I’d hate to see you flung overboard and all.” Dedede tried to jest but that just made Meta grip the wheel harder.

That mere action made Dedede’s eyes widen, and Meta noticed, “No panicking. You are to gather our supplies and brace yourself and I will figure this out, Dedede. Now.”

Dedede could merely throw his head back, and groan, “Oh Nova above, well okay! Okay let me help-” He tried to insist, looking around the panels too for things that could stop the boat.

“Did you try this one?” Dedede reached over and pulled a lever down, which did absolutely nothing but spike Meta’s stress.

“Do NOT-” He swatted at Dedede’s hands, and pointed, “Just do as told! I’ve done this countless times and don’t need you in harms way!”

“You’ve not with a vessel like this! Four eyes are better than two!”

“Arguing will get us nowhere right now! Supplies! Brace! Now!”

“Stubborn Knight!”

“Prideful king!”

Both of them glared at each other before begrudgingly springing back to their own actions. Meta tapped the screen and saw the land approaching.

Sand, a beach, he could work with that. He turned autopilot back on and ran out of the control panel to grab the rope they had used to get on the boat.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING-” Dedede asked as he collected their supplies in the corner of the control room so they’d stay put. 

“Ideally!” Meta said as he tied it to the handle of one of those big crates with the old lettering etched onto the side.

He drew Galaxia and blasted the railing apart, tying the other half of the rope to the boat by a big rusty barrel.

“Making an anchor!”

Dedede looked at him with concern, when he rushed back to the wheel. “Get down!” He called at the king, and Dedede listened. He got on the floor and made sure he wouldn't go sliding the best that he could. 

He turned the autopilot back off and spun the wheel as far as he could to the left, hoping to tilt the crate into the water.

He looked back and saw it didn't even budge. “Augh-” Meta groaned, and without turning the boat back he ran to the crate.

“META-” Dedede screamed when Meta slid and grabbed the rope by its slack. 

“META KNIGHT-” Rang out when Meta swooped overboard. He used the rope to hold on and run along the side of the boat as fast as he could.

His boots thunked against the metal as he held himself back from spreading his wings to stabilize himself with the tilting boat. He felt the boat continue to tilt, as he ran lower and faster to avoid falling.

When his rope reached a point of tension he tugged it as far as he could, obviously knowing he did not have the strength to fully pull this crate into the ocean.

The Boat would do half the work as it continued to move to an uncomfortable angle.

With a loud screech of the metal, the crate slid off the side of the boat and came crashing down into the water with a momentous splash.

Meta gasped when it yanked on his rope, and buckled to let go and scramble his way back to the top-deck. 

He leapt for the railing, heart pounding wildly as he began to fear he was about to flip the boat.

Oh Nova, the anchor was FLIPPING THE BOAT-

“AH!” Meta gripped the railing for dear life and made his way to grab his rope and tug on it like it would do anything.

And to his surprise, the boat started tilting back to a straight position. Barely.

“Huh-”

To the best of his ability, Meta Knight ran back to the control panel and saw King Dedede gripping the wheel for dear life. He had it spun as far as it could go but it was still trying to pull the king to the left.

The only thing keeping the boat from completely tipping over was the king’s balance and sheer strength. “Ghhhh!! Aah!” Dedede yelped at the wheel’s fight to break and send them to the plunge.

The boat was slightly slowing down but it mattered little if it was sitting at a crisp forty degree angle.

In the heat of the strain, Dedede forced one eye open to see Meta gripping onto the door. “OH-” His heart soared in elation that he was okay, but that made his arms loosen.

He grunted as he picked the wheel back up, spinning it a few more notches. 

Meta looked left and right, trying to figure out what to do before the boat could meet the land. They needed to stabilize the wheel. 

Meta’s eyes settled on Dedede’s hammer, which was with all their supplies slammed to the edge of the wall. 

“Try to grip the wheel with one hand!” Meta called, making a big leap to the supplies. 

“EASIER SAID THAN DONE, YOU RECKLESS FOOL-” Dedede screamed at him through the burning all the pressure of the massive vessel was sending to his arms and tender shoulder.

“Just for a moment! Stick out your left arm!” 

Dedede hesitated, taking a few struggling deep breaths. “Dedede, you must trust me! Close your eyes, and hold out your hand!”

Dedede pulled it two extra notches with another yell of pain, and gripped it with his arm, buckling it down so he could stick out his left hand.

Meta grabbed his hammer and thunked it against the metal, letting Dedede know exactly what he was doing.

With what felt like a burst of wind from below his hand, Meta threw the hammer as hard as he could up the tilted floor.

Dedede, as if on an instinct, caught the hammer and jammed the handle in between the wheel’s gaps. He shoved the head down and the hammer’s thickness acted as a wonderful stop.

Meta Knight scrambled to him, helping him hit the hammer down deeper into the crevice so it would keep the wheel in place.

Once taught, Dedede could remove his arms and look at the screen to see how close land was.

When Meta tried to as well, he was being grabbed and shoved a bit forcefully under the panel, with Dedede kneeling to protect him with his body.

“SIRE-” Meta tried to object to this protection but knew it was too late to, so he just yelled, “YOUR NECK-” 

Dedede, remembering the 101’s of bracing oneself for an impact, moved accordingly. He pulled Meta closer, hunkered down and threw his arms over the back of his head.

The boat shook as it hit the sand, the sound of the hull tearing apart on impact because of its mere brittleness sounded through the entire control panel.

The boat kept tilting as it scraped along the shoreline, but the two could hear it was coasting away from the water. They had to wait for it to stop before they would even think about moving.

With a BOOM- they could tell the boat hit rocks, with a small tink tink tINKTINKTINK- of smaller rocks pelting the outside from the shock. A few bigger rocks hit down too, making them very glad they were taking cover.

Once the storm of rocks passed, Dedede looked up and slowly uncovered his knight, looking him over for any injuries from that stunt. “That was crazy and you know it! You could’ve fallen in!” He harked, patting him all over.

Meta’s grip tightening doused the king’s anger, and a soft, “I know, I know…” calmed him down more.

Time and place.

Meta was clinging onto Dedede’s robe, immediately rushing to smooth it down and make sure he wasn't gripping his bandages.

“Move slow, are you okay?” Meta asked, fretting internally over each creak of the boat. Dedede's shoulder throbbed a bit, but Dedede knew it was just from strain, and not from anything reopening.

“Yeah, yeah I’m fine, nothing pierced-” Dedede looked up and saw a big rock had dented the top of the control panel room, trying to push through it. “Nothing fully pierced through the ceiling!” He said with an almost optimistic tone.

Meta sighed, gently moving to exit the control room. Each step from both men made the entire vessel creak uncomfortably, startling just a gasp from Dedede. Meta held out his hand, and Dedede took it. 

They carefully gathered their supplies and made for the door, pausing with each eRRR- of the boat’s poor metal straining under its new conditions. 

The two stepped onto the deck, and saw the boat’s angle was still askew, but at least a little better to walk without sliding off of it. 

Hundreds of rocks were peppered around the floor, and boulders created many fun dents for them to navigate around. The sky was dark with clouds of dust filling the air. 

It was like they sailed into a stilled storm.

Meta held onto Dedede, guiding him towards the railing to try and find their rope. If they held onto each other, neither of them would fall, surely.

“Welp, there’s the rope-” Dedede pointed to the cliff the boat was now a part of, and the rope was completely smashed into the side with rocks still slowly falling down.

“Ah, go no closer-” Meta pulled him back, putting his hand in front of him. “The rocks could fall on you even from here, we should-”

Dedede directed Meta away from the cliff and nodded, “We should make a leap from the other side, yeah. Let’s hop back up to the higher ground and see where the sturdiest sands are.” 

Meta blinked, and moved back to his side, to make sure he had an easy grab onto his coat if the boat decided it wanted to crumble. Dedede grabbed Meta and helped him up to the high ground they had been spending all of their time on this boat.

“Careful, Careful-” Meta advised as Dedede climbed up, grabbing him by the scruff of the coat to assist him up. Dedede slid on and slowly stood, both of them heavily disliking how the boat groans and shifts with each large movement. 

“Let’s go-” Dedede spoke, and Meta could only agree. They made their way to the edge of the railing, and both tried to make a mental plan. 

“Let me climb down, and when I’m close enough I’ll hop down and catch you.” Dedede offered, and it was a solid plan but… “I worry the boat will tear on you, I heard the hull crack…We should try and fashion some type of tether, did the Waddle Dees supply us anything we could use as a tether?”

“Other than fixing your cape which I will not let you shred on a forsaken boat, no.” Dedede made his way to the railing and climbed on the other side. “Give me a minute, I’ll call you to jump, okay?”

Meta wanted to grab him, pull him back on the boat and tell him to not be rash. He wanted to yell, and offer to climb down first and catch him instantly.

He wanted…to use his wings to make it all so much easier.

But he didn’t, he stood in worry and waited for Dedede to begin his descent. It was hard to grip, but Dedede merely had to leap from one panel to the next, keeping his footing on the side of the ship with it. 

It was like a slide without railings!

He heard the king grunt, as dust coated the ship’s entirety. “Careful, sire!” He called down, and Dedede just called back, “I got it!” 

He heard the metal squeak, and a humph- of feet hitting the sand. Meta looked down and saw Dedede on the sand begin to hold out his hands. “Leap to me, Meta! I got you!” 

Meta tried to unfurl his wings, but the twinge of pain pulled him back. 

Do not be weak, do whatever it takes to press forward and keep him safe.

Meta tucked his wings in, stood on the railing, wrapping his cape tightly around himself to decrease any chances of being snagged.

He closed his eyes, and had to take this leap of faith. He sprang forward, and let the air carry him to the ground. 

He hated hearing the wind be knocked out of Dedede when he caught him securely in his arms, falling back into the sand.

Dedede hugged him tight for a moment, before setting him down for both of them to inspect the ship. 

The hull was massively torn by the jagged cliff of the shore. There was no possible way this ship would make the return journey.

This was a point of no return.

The two of them just sighed, and Dedede tried to smile at his companion in an attempt to lighten their situation.

“Welp, that’s par for the course, isn’t it? Gotta break it in by breaking it. We should get a gold star just for that.” He rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, but Meta Knight just stared at its wreckage in a feeling of remorse. 

“How will we get back when we rescue all of the Dees? Will we have time to get them all on a single warp star? Multiple trips-”

He put his hand on the bottom of his mask, fretting louder than he thought he would. “Oh, it will be difficult-”

Dedede scared him with a gentle hand on the shoulder, “Hey, hey let’s not concern ourselves too much with that now. Let’s get to cleaner air for a cleaner mind, hm? We can’t unwreck this boat, so we’ll figure something else out.”

Meta sighed, looking up at Dedede with that worry still deep in his eyes. He saw the kings smile, despite the smog settling around them dimming the world.

“Only one way to go and it's forward.” Dedede pointed up, as if he was supplying the wisest of wisdoms.

Meta bowed, and gestured forwards. “Lead the way then, my king.” 

The pair gingerly climbed away from the shore, making their way to higher ground to see exactly what kind of land they found.

What they found was certainly not a kind land. Nor was it loved.

The fog made the air look muddy brown, and it was like dust storms were always blowing around.

Beasts slinked around the neglected soil, sniffing the thick sand for any scrap of food or shelter. King Dedede and Meta Knight scooted closer to each other, trying not to breathe the air more than they had to. 

Their eyes widened when they saw packs of Awoofies crawl their way through the desert expanse. These Awoofies looked…different, from the ones they’ve seen before. Darker grey fur and bushier whiskers and tails.

Bigger, too. Not quite the size of Meta but would surely best Kirby in size.

Meta Knight stopped Dedede and they observed the pack, not knowing if they were to strike first. 

The pack stopped, and sniffed the arid air before spotting them as if completely undisturbed by the gusting sand.

The pack began to growl, and it made both of them tense and ready themselves. “Move northeast of them and keep going in that direction. If we go towards the wayward light we’ll find a higher ground-” Meta Knight spoke while drawing Galaxia and using his other hand to guide Dedede to begin walking.

Dedede gripped his hammer and the two of them sidled that way as the pack growled, getting into a pounce position. Galaxia’s light glimmered, and shone brightly among the dust. It was pure.

It was a beacon.

And it angered all unused to the light above.

The Awoofies howled, alerting all nearby about the newest shiny to bite.

The pack charged at the duo, and Meta shot a sword beam in their direction to keep them from all leaping on them at once.

“Move! Off their solid ground!” Meta gave Dedede a gentle push towards the uneven terrain the beasts would likely have a harder time fighting on.

“We can take them!” Dedede tried to argue, but the two of them began moving away from the charging beasts.

“There could be more and we can’t afford to be buried in a close scuffle, we need to sweep and I cannot flurry so-” 

“Got it got it, augh-” Dedede spun his hammer, holding its head low to do a spin if need be.

The two ran down the sandy path, stepping (and leaping) up crates that caused the determined Awoofies to smack into them and climb up them slower. 

“Ha!” Dedede gloated, sticking his tongue out at the beasts. The Awoofies simply growled, backed up and leapt to scrape their way up.

“AY!” Dedede sniped, moving to swing down at them to shake the crates but Meta swung first. Sending more beams of light, making Galaxia glow brighter.

“Back! Stay back!” He yelled, moving back with Dedede.

 The Awoofies yipped, and another howled again, causing Meta to send a vertical beam of light its way. “Hush!” 

The beam of light traveled, and lit up the eyes of the Awoofies’ reinforcements. A large cobra-beast that was nearly as tall as the king.

Eyes of navy complection dilated at the glimmering light, and it curled downwards to rush with the canines.

They tippy-tapped on their paws in excitement as the cobra used its head to toss them onto the crates and slinked to the side to try and cut the duo off. 

“Ohhhh okay none of that!” Dedede swung his hammer down, shaking the crates to make the Awoofies unsteady as Meta tried to slice down the lunging snake.

The two of them ran down the side of the path the beasts had long since made on their journeys through this land, as the beasts gave chase, trying to just get a nibble of the light. 

They rushed past rickety beams that the sands of time had eroded to the point of near collapse. Dedede smiled, let Meta run further ahead and spun to give the furthest beam a harsh smack!

The beams fell onto the Awoofies, blocking them from their treatful chase.  Dust and debris blew all around, making them whine and retreat into the desert waste.

“Bite that, you mangy mutts and scaly scoundrel!” They could hear the angry hiss, but ignored it in favor of rushing to higher ground.

Dedede yelped when Meta gave him a small push, keeping him in front of him. 

He did it quietly.

Running up hills created by the corpses of ships not unlike the one that brought them here, they made their way ahead.

Anchors eaten by time, crates and coral growing from their creases. It was almost beautiful in its decay, but the two couldn't pause on it for long as they yearned for cleaner air.

“Up there! I see a brighter light!” Meta pointed to the top of a long ladder, as if a test of resolve to reach a prize at the top.

“Climb first, my king, I will watch the rear.” 

Dedede nodded, “Like you always do?” He grabbed the ladder, looking down at him with a gleam of trust in his eyes.

“Like I’m meant to do.” 

Hisssss-

A shadow slinking past the rubble. A clink of the king testing the ladder's durability. 

A knight standing guard.

Hisssss-

A shadow stalking closer. A king slowly climbed up, continuing to peek down at his partner.

A knight holding the light as tight as he could.

Hissss-

A shadow growing larger, baring slick fangs. A king spotting it and not knowing what noise to make as he let go of the bars.

A knight turning to that hesitance over what's truly behind him, yearning to merely make sure he doesn’t fall.

That's all he wants.

HISSSS-

A shadow bearing down. A king rushing down.

A knight-

AAAHHH-

Knight, a knight, the knight, Knight, Knight-

The colors of the world slammed shut in his vision, spiraling and tossing the knight into darkness. Like something caught his feet and yanked him to the floor.

It was as if he blinked and he was on his hands and knees.

His eyes opened quickly, he tried to focus on his breathing. All he could hear was ringing. 

All he could see was dimness. Then candles flickered to life around him, filling the room with a purple hue.

“Where…am I…?” Meta thought aloud, trying to look around but the room built itself oddly in front of him. This was not the desert he was once in. 

This was metal.

This was the closest thing this world has gotten to sterile.

He stood up, and walked down the twisting hall. His legs shook, his head ached, but he pushed on. 

He had to, he could not stop to mere confusion! He had his duties to uphold and he’d be damned if this is what kept him from it. 

Slumped against the electronic doors was a cage, bars that looked like a mighty (or panicked-rapid- trapped) bite gnawed it apart. 

Meta’s brow creased, and he opened the door. The giant, heavy metal door.

Computers once lined the walls, torn apart to use as nests.

Beeps and boops were the only noise outside of what could only be lava from beyond, threatening to seep through the walls at a single seismic incident.

Meta looked around what could only be an empty lab, wondering what was going on. He reached for Galaxia, only to find himself alone. 

His hand had nothing to grip.

He blinked, heart beginning to race as he paced backwards. 

He knew what this was! He was kidnapped wasn’t he- By those beasts! Oh, they must’ve dragged Galaxia off by the holster, but even then she’s smart enough to judge through it- He-

His heart sank.

Where was Dedede-

Meta put his hands together, holding them as if in prayer walking backwards as he internally fretted and planned for how he’d tread enemy territory alone.

How he’ll find his weapon, how he’ll find his king...

Until the purple hue of the world shifted to bright teal as he ran into a massive tank. His back tapped it and he whipped around in worry.

The mere tap caused a crack to form, catching the attention of whatever was around to see. 

The cracks formed a beautiful image, fractalling into what looked like the wings of a butterfly.

Meta took a few steps back, and saw a slender claw touch the glass, with a gentle touch. Regal.

It tapped at the crack, making it grow larger and brighter.

Meta blinked, shaking his head as he tried to figure out what it was.

Then in full view, an amorphous blob composed of beastly faces made itself known with a roar that shook the entire world.

The most prominent face a mournful leopard, tears streaking down its face.

Meta’s eyes widened as he couldn't even process what he was looking at? Was it a beast or something beyond-

“AAAUGHHHH!” The slender claw gripped a fist to the best of its ability and hit the glass, cracking it more as all of its eyes trained onto Meta Knight.

The tank's hue slowly turned to orange.

“I…CAN’T BE…”

The glass broke, and liquid poured out of it, as the blob reached to grab Meta. It encased him in a fist with little effort.

ALONE!!

The world shook at the beast-beyond’s cry, as if it was trying to tear the world apart for companionship.

Meta squeezed his eyes shut, the teal flashing rapidly around him as he curled into himself, trying to think of the best way to fight, but all he could hear was screams.

The pressure grew in his head as the beast of beasts squeezed, and he curled tighter, trying to pull himself away.

To break free, what was the action?

The world was being torn atwain, wasn’t it?

Like this beast took a seam-ripper to reality and was tearing open hole after hole looking for something it couldn’t hold. All while squeezing the life out of what it was.

Unevenly.

Crookedly.

Desperately.

Until something a gentle red touched his back, and he saw he was not floating in the hands of a deadly blob.

“What…?” He could only think as the colors of the world swirled again.

He was standing up right. In the desert. Swaying as if he was just helped up off the floor.

He looked left and right in utter confusion, and saw who was helping him stand.

Dedede was looking at him with a gentle smile, and merely said, “Well, here we are.”

It took all of his power to not jump into those arms of his.

Meta rubbed the side of his head, and realized, “Ohhh…one of those odd dreams of the inbetween-”

He held onto Dedede’s hands, “When did I fall asleep?” He asked as he steadied himself, and Dedede just gave him a pat on the back.

“Oh, right off the boat. You were conked out like a baby!” Dedede laughed, and Meta merely rolled his eyes.

He looked around, and saw that while the ground was hot like sand, the area surrounding them was those tall ugly castles, as they liked to call them. This area had more of them?

Where was the coral? Or the bones? Or the ships?

“Dedede, I must tell you of my dream, I believe-” Dedede waggled his finger, cutting Meta off, “What-” Meta said, in almost disbelief because they had come to a prior agreement after all to talk about this world’s dreams-

“We need to move forward, before we can talk, we can’t stay here.” Dedede held his hand, and moved him to lead the way. 

“But, this dream is important-I saw” Dedede merely gave him a tut to cut him off, “Move ahead, I’ll watch the back.”

Meta almost wanted to yell, but he looked ahead at the buildings, tall, towering, trying to intimidate. 

He still knew his goals, despite being frazzled. Keep Dedede safe no matter what, so he’d listen to him, surely.

“Whatever will make you feel safer, my king-” He relented, and moved ahead. The sand beat on the building's windows as the two moved past them.

Meta looked at the reflections of them in the glass, and startled when they didn’t look quite right.

They disappeared before he could even fully process it, but his looked like a shadow he was not going to tolerate seeing here.

A shadow that looked too close to his visage…cloaked in grey.

And…Dedede’s was gone. 

He turned and tried to look at him, but Dedede just turned him around again. “Let’s keep moving.” He kept his hands on his shoulders, gripping a tightness that felt unfamiliar to Meta.

It wasn’t how the King usually rested his hands upon his pauldrons.

“My king-” Meta could only look forward, at the sprawling sands, at the impressive buildings, at the growing shadows. 

“What do you yearn for, dear knight?” He heard Dedede suddenly ask, but his breath faltered in the answer. He could merely think.

He supposed that was enough.

Tell me what you yearn for…

“I’m…always trying to keep others safe. That, I suppose.” His chest began to tighten a bit, as he was led further and further. 

Is that…the truth? Is that…All of it?

“It can’t be more truth than it already is. I’m not sure what you expect of me-” 

One foot in front of the other. Hands gripped and ungripped, eyes scanning each corner of his vision for threats.

To keep them safe.

To try.

To…

Tell me…what do you feel?

Meta tried to turn his head again, but something of a darkness prevented him from looking backwards. Like a force would snap his body in two if he even dared, and take everything he loved away from him.

He felt a lot of things.

Worry, confusion, temptation, restlessness, pain-

But the word that came out of his mouth was, 

“N-Nothing, I am…fine.”

Is that the truth as well? All of it?

A heart beat loudly in his ears. It was not, but it was not something he enjoyed saying aloud. He could push through it. He could come out on top on his own as he does many times.

He stared at the dot in the horizon and kept moving forward. 

He tried to feel his metal boot hit the sand, to feel the warmth cup around his step. He was hurting, but he knew how to fix it.

“Let me just-” He tried to turn his head again, but it was pushed once more to look straight and keep walking.

Tell me, tell me dear Knight, tell..us…

“Whatever you need to hear, my king, I will tell, but please please-”

What do you see…?

“What?” Meta’s eyes dilated as he blinked and saw that shadowy effigy in front of him, and he immediately squeezed them shut, willing it away.

It was unreal! A figment of his rattled mind in whatever confusion this land was trying to give him!

“Nothing, nothing! Nothing but darkness! Please please-” He twisted his body, “I cannot have this, I refuse to sit through this!!”

What do you see?

“I see NOTHING, and I do not want to see anything else but you! I need to see you, I need to make sure you’re alright, I need to keep you safe!”

If you turn and see the king, you know not if that’s what you’ll see. He’s but a common bug compared to you and could vanish in an instant.

“No-” A growl bit in the back of Meta’s throat, as he ripped himself away from the grip of the shadows and turned around.

He tore his eyes open in hope to see the sun, and saw the world had disappeared around him, leaving nothing but darkness with the tinge of orange glitter in the air. 

The floor didn’t exist, and all Meta could do was breathe a sharp breath and let out a gentle, “Oh-” before gravity took a hold of him, plunging him into a freefall.

“AH-” He gasped, flailing his arms and trying to spread his wings but they simply wouldn’t.

The orange glitter turned to streaks as Meta braced for impact. He couldn’t feel how far he was falling, didn’t know what to do, or how long to brace.

It just kept going deeper-

And deeper-

And darker-

And faster-

And he needed to get out, he needed to break free, he needed to find his way, find his friends-

You need to stop.

He opened his eyes, and that's when the ground appeared. “AUGH-” He gasped as his mask took the brunt of impact, and he shakily used his speed to roll to his feet.

“What… whatever you are!! Show yourself!”

Meta, despite being unarmed, took a fighting stance. He glared around, “I know you’re here!! Watching, stalking…Show yourself at once or face my wrath!”

He heard…what almost sounded like a warm chuckle at that. He growled and lowered his stance, ready. 

The orange glitter composed itself, and the darkness grew bolder.

Meta gasped when from seemingly nowhere a simple little butterfly flew into his view, circling around him as if…looking for something.

A voice echoed through the world, and hung in his ears like an echo hooked inside.

Wrath comes from within, and builds on the strength we carry. We know what you carry, and it’s something we need.

The butterfly tapped on Meta’s chest, bringing forth from his soul three little flames that streaked across the darkness.

It made his stance falter into a kneel, as if it sapped his energy in an instant. The butterfly flew away from him before glowing and growing larger as the flames flew around, their colors slowly returning to them.

One of the flames floated back to him, glowing purple. Another got behind him and circled towards the ground.

Its color…he couldn't see-

The third kept floating within the air, observing but never stopping.

Meta’s eyes pin pricked as the butterfly turned from a simple little creature of nature to a form like his own.

Wings of a butterfly but the body of an astral. Orange horned helmet and a massive sword strapped to its back.

White eyes bore down, unblinking.

And an aura he knew…  

He could see it, behind that glare, that posture, that demeanor that this being let off.

He knew. In the back of his mind.

The flame above began to glow red as Meta’s heart beat faster. Like it could see it from above and grew fretful and concerned.

The butterfly knight raised a hand, and gestured with its fingers. A simple “Come.”  

The red flame came down, and slowly circled around the Knight. Hesitance, then fear deep within.

It tried to leap towards Meta, but the Knight grabbed it by the tail of its flame and pulled it closer to observe it. Its red sparked around their orange as they gripped it tightly.

Meta could see it. He knew who it was.

His Dedede, forcefully spun around, and dipped in front of this knight as if pulled into a judgemental waltz .

He could see him look at him, as if pleading. With those big beautiful blue eyes of his, wanting him, needing him, but he was stuck in the unrelenting dance of fate.

The knight looked his flame up and down. Then it simply dropped him. Like he was nothing noteworthy.

The flame dissipated into the air, immediately agitating Meta Knight. Anger boiled over his expression, making him grip his fist and hit it against the ground.

“Don’t you DARE touch or disregard him like that-” He growled, but his legs were too heavy to stand. 

He tried, but his body would not cooperate. Get up and defend him. Defend him, defend your light.

The earthly king’s soul is an interesting one, but not one that offers much. Bold flavor, small bites.

“Stop it, stop it-” Meta tried to take a step but fell back down, hands to the floor. “Leave him alone, leave him alone-” He bit upwards, as if ready to tear this knight to pieces.

He couldn’t stand hearing that after everything they’ve gone through.

We’ve no intentions with that one. We are not one to snack when they yield so little. You care for him, and we see that, so we allow him to foster what we want most.

The knight approached Meta, and he pushed backwards, protecting his face but ready to strike even if he had to fight with his bare hands.

The flame in front of him burned a brighter purple, almost lunging at the butterfly.

The butterfly jumped back, hand hovering as if about to draw their sword, but the flame sunk back.

Like a wounded beast baring its fangs with no energy to actually sink them in.

Hm. Ha. See, you have strength, but hidden deep below…

It approached again, and tapped the flame with a single little boop!

Even a touch sent Meta’s head spinning, like the knight grabbed him and threw his body into a twirl without even a single flick.

Insecure. Compensating…

Leaning in closer, a whisper that left Meta’s heart racing with its familiarity.

Weak…

Meta sucked in a rageful breath, wanting to stand and squash this knight.

…So not yet with you. Not yet.

The knight looked behind Meta, with almost a smile in its eyes. It wiggled its gloved fingers and snapped them. 

Ah, but you’ve both great use to us. You have what we’re after, after all. At least, part of it.

Meta hissed in surprise when the flame behind him rushed in front, as if raising their hackles and snarling in protective fury.

A small flame, beginning to try and burn a teal hue. But it kept flickering. Teal, purple, red, magenta, orange, red, purple, teal again. In popping bubbles around its core, like it didn't even know what it should be.

The flame looked back at him, and Meta could see it too. “...Elfilis…” He whispered, and the flame yipped, spinning around before floating in the air and blocking the butterfly from approaching Meta again.

The butterfly simply drew its sword, but its size wasn’t what Meta thought, instead of a mighty blade it was like it shrunk to but a dagger.

Little piece…there you are.

The butterfly rushed forward and before Meta could even blink it spun the flame around and pinned it to the floor.

The sword sunk into the darkness and the flame wiggled and screeched. "NO!!" Meta screamed, trying to step forward but simply falling more. The strength was oppressive, and he hated it.

“Stop! You’re hurting him- You vile mariposa, stop-!!” Meta pleaded as the knight picked the flame up- as it held Elfilis by the neck with a wound on his ear- and practically pet his head.

Squishing that adorable little face.

This is a mere piece of something larger we wish to see complete. We see you and that moth of a monarch trying to keep it separate. A cruel thing, at the end. A mere touch sent them apart...We’ve watched its progress back halt so many times now.

“...what?” Meta took a closer look at Elfilis, and thought about it. Was…was that the point of their journey? A reconnection Elfilis was looking for?

Or is something else looking for Elfilis, and they’re just absentmindedly delivering them to something they ran from?

Was any of this journey getting Elfilis what they wanted?

Was it what all of them needed?

Nothing personal, dear knight. We always enjoy seeing you, if not to see you fight and fight just to go back to squirming. 

The knight gripped Elfilis tighter, and that's when Meta realized…He realized it deep in his soul on who he was looking at-

The butterfly spread its wings and held Elfilis closer, the flame sparking and showing its pieces and cracks in full display. 

This poor soul needs to be whole, so we may do what we must with its potential. We’re all always starving to become stronger, you know that the most, don’t you?

It turned away from him, and the world could feel Meta’s breathing speed up as Elfilis cried out for him.

The soul cried and begged for freedom, for understanding, for just a moment to find out what they truly are.

Adiós, el llamado mayor guerrero de la galaxia.

With that, the purple soul sunk deeper into Meta’s chest and it burned, it burned him and he couldn't breathe.

He watched the butterfly take off into the air with Elfilis screaming for him and Dedede was gone and he couldn't do anything but sit in rage.

The rage, the love, the yearning, the fear, the stillness, the expectations, the ego, the overwhelming need to protect and serve.

He gripped his chest, feeling the burning in his mask touching his skin and he couldn’t handle it. He couldn't let this go, he had to do something.

This was not how he'd be defeated.

The screams grew distant but the words etched into his heart. That mournful METE!!! only added to his searing light. 

His chest glew, the purple seeping into his body and his heart turning to bright gold. “Ghhhaa!!” He pushed himself onto his feet, plunging his hand deeper into his soul.

His eyes glew red, streaking the ruby feeling of love into the darkness.

From deep within his spirit, he pulled Galaxia out from his soul and swung her down to send a wave of light all around.

He took a step back, gripped her handle like his life depended on it and straightened his back.

“GALACTA KNIGHT!!!” He swung back and as if from a miracle his wings flapped behind him. Not a speck of pain or a wound in sight.

An extra pair sprouted from the power within and he took off into the sky with a massive gust of electrified-wind behind him.

He saw that orange speck in the distance and it was coming down with him!!

The butterfly kept fluttering upwards, seemingly unbothered by Meta’s display. It didn't care, and it did not think it would.

Not until it felt lightning shoot from below, trying to knock it out of the sky. 

Meta quickly overtook them and spread all four wings in an intimidating visage. His red eyes bore down a picture of wrath.

“FACE ME!”

Knight-

Before the butterfly could utter another word, Meta cut them off with a slash to get it to release Elfilis’s soul. The soul quickly slinked away, relieved to no end.

The butterfly took a deep breath, white eyes shimmering and drew its own sword in retaliation.

Your grudge with our body will gain you no upper hand. You know this.

“I DON'T CARE!!” Meta screamed, lunging at the butterfly with slashes as fast as one could blink. He grunted as the butterfly parried him and grew its sword to try and slash through his mask.

He simply got close and kicked the butterfly across the face, using his foot to push backwards.

He swung right to keep the butterfly from landing a blow on him, the fire in his heart burning so bright with the power of the land.

The power of his love for Dedede and Elfilis.

He would not allow this figment, this insect, this thing to harm them!! So they traded blows, flying higher and higher across the darkness, their mutual light creating beautiful sparkles for nobody to witness.

Two celestial beings fighting for different purposes.

A comet barreling for destruction and consumption, and a moon hacking and slashing to retain its balance with earth and sun.

You will not win this battle, knight. You will fall to this cycle, just as everything else with the strongest soul! You are merely aiding us dig your grave!

“If this is digging my grave then I will let you lay in it WITH ME!” Meta spun Galaxia and shot forward. The butterfly tried to fly up but Meta pivoted in the air and was able to land his strike.

He stabbed the butterfly straight in the back.

Straight through the wing.

With a mighty yell, he pushed forward, swooped around and flew them both straight into the ground.

A dust cloud of light exploded around the two of them, sending waves of orange that faded into yellow.

Meta pressed his foot into the butterfly’s back, keeping it pinned by the wing like he was going to frame this moment.

This…means…little…you know this.

“You need to know this.” Meta spat, leaning down so the butterfly hears him loud and clear while heat starts to seep into the world.

“I have fought and defeated a mere FRAGMENT of whatever it is you are now." He stamped harder into the wound, emphasizing his words with shifts of his boot.

"If I can beat a single crumb of you, I will fight to the very end to tear you apart bit by bit, piece by piece for all of creation to see if you dare touch my Dedede or our fair Elfilis.” He got closer, hammering it home.

“No matter how much power you gain, you will always be beneath me , a mere shadow, a mere effigy of the power I hold and I will never let you forget that if you even look at anyone of mine the wrong way.”

Hhhhaha- ohhh, poor knight. Always thinking of others before even watching where his feet are. A trait that’ll lead you to that fate faster than you expect.

A push deeper, the orange glow fading. “Still your tongue and let go of your light already. You’ve lost.”

Are you lost, knight? Do you think?

The butterfly flashed white and disappeared from under his feet, leaving Meta to fall forward onto the ground. “Hhh!! Stop playing games and either die valiantly or face me again!”

We’ve faced you well enough. We know what we’re looking at, and where we are. Do you?

Meta gripped Galaxia, making her glow and holding her close to his chest. “You speak to confuse me, it will not work. I know I am in a strange land. I know I am on a quest to get home.”

Where? Here? But another stepping stone to the next slice of cake, no? We’ll see if you join us when you decide to stand from your picnic blanket.

The butterfly flew away, and Meta stood again. He could feel the heat shrinking the darkness, the light bouncing oddly on all corners. “Come back! Come back and face me for the honor of it all!”

You’re alone. You’ve left it all behind for a fight in the stars. To look at the sun and tether yourself to it.

“I have fought hard to feel as grounded as I do now! A feeling I didn’t have the luxury of knowing when I first faced you and my threats will ring true!” Meta walked forward and immediately ran into the pitch black wall.

He didn’t understand. He didn’t-

“Cease this trickery you devil! You…you spawn of Death!”

A trick? This is no trick, this is just you…Meta…you’ve left me alone.

Meta felt the wall, and felt the heat as if the world became an oven and he’s the delicacy inside.

He hissed and tried to unfurl his powerful wings but they touched the wall before he could even fully stretch his back. He looked back and forth, trying to figure out what was going on.

The walls were closing in. Closing in fast.

Don’t leave me alone-

He drove Galaxia into the wall with a scream as it continued to close around them, he pushed as far as he could.

Growling deep as it began to crush and burn him. His soul glew again and the light kept bouncing off the wall. It was all he could do as the light began to blind him.

Meta…

The wall cracked, but it did not shatter. The cracks simply spread, snaking up his sword. His heart beat wildly in fear for Galaxia faster than it did for himself as they snaked up his arm and body.

Meta…please…please-

He squeezed his eyes shut as the glowing cracks took him completely over, and he felt like if he moved an inch everything would shatter. He could not shatter, he couldn’t. He had people to get back to. He couldn’t break, he could not be broken.

Nothing could break him.

…wake up…please…

The echo made his eyes open gently, and look forward. He saw the glowing cracks spread over his mask, and he realized where he was.

“...oh…”

His mask shattered into a billion pieces, fracturing in time with the world around him. He was plunged into darkness.

He was broken.

…please…please…please…please…please…please…please…please…please…please… please…please… please…

...please…please…please….please…please…please…please…please…please…please…please…please… please…

...p lease…please…please…please…please…please…please…please…please…please…please…please…

...please…

Darkness swallowed all of the light.

Darkness was all it was.

Darkness is all it wants to be.

Then, a drip of water. Warmth all around, with the only noise he could hear is his own shallow breathing.

Senses slowly came back to him, as he noticed his eyes were shut. That was the reason for the darkness.

The drips of water gently pelted his mask, the noise barely processing as one fell down to his eyes. It ran down like a tear, and it made him pry them open.

“Ngh…” He felt like he was run over by the Halberd itself. Struck from the sky, incredibly sore all over.

But his heart leapt when his blurred vision took in someone hovering right above him.

Looking down at him with wide eyes full of shedding tears was King Dedede. He was fanning him with his crown-

“Whuh-” Before Meta could even breathe a word, Dedede gasped a wail of a sob while gathering Meta into his arms. “METAAA-”

The king positively blubbered as he squeezed Meta tight, babbling “You’re okayyyhayhay!!!” in a broken voice. “You’re okay- you’re okay!!”

“Iiii am?” He wheezed in confusion, making Dedede choke on his sob and release him, “Oh Nova, fuck- sorry sorry!”

He settled him back to the ground while he tried to catch his breath and all Meta could do was try to process where and when he was.

He was on the ground, but the ground wasn’t scorching…because he was laying on Dedede’s soft coat. Laid on Dedede’s lap like a blanket with him propped in the middle, protected.

He groggily looked to the right, and saw palm trees, stout buildings and pools of water all around. 

“...where…are we?” 

Dedede sniffed, wiping his eyes and under his nose with his hand as he gathered himself. “Augh- oh, this is an- oasis-Iiii think?” He snorted, trying to stop crying. It looked a lot easier said than done.

Meta shakily tried to raise his hand and cup his king's face. There was a scratch on it, like he fell down and scraped himself up. 

“Nnnooo, no stop, put your arm down- Ohhh oh you’re okay-” Dedede put his arm down and hugged him again, relief seeping from his body.

“...my dear…what happened-?” He groaned, shutting his eyes again as pain waved over his body. He felt the heat in his forehead and a sick feeling in his gut.

Dedede gently rubbed the side of his body, smoothing out a bandage. “...that snake got a hold of you. I…got it off of you, and we fled up here.” He felt what were a few wounds on Meta’s side. Bite marks.

He could still feel how tight he gripped his hammer as he wrestled him free. His hands still hurt from the effort.

“We got a few paces around this oasis and…and you collapsed, getting sick in the water.” Saying it out loud made him sniff again, bending forward.

Meta squinted up at him, not remembering any of that. “I’m…sorry…I should’ve been…more alert…for you-” Meta leaned into his touch, and Dedede just shushed him.

“No, no, Meta. I need you to be more alert for you. You can be so reckless-I just…I just need you to be okay- I do-” He held him close, and Meta took it in so sorely and groggily. His head hurt so badly and his body was heavy.

His dream floated around his mind, barely brought back to reality by Dedede’s touch. 

Did he have a fever? All he could do was sink deeper into his exhaustion as he tried to think.

It was…difficult to do.

 “I…don’t know…what to say-” Meta, despite Dedede’s words, lifted his arms to rub at his mask’s eye holes. He grabbed it and set his mask askew, since he could tell he had been sweating.

“You don’t need to say anything, just rest. Please, I can’t lose you here…You’re getting me worried…” Dedede’s tears welled back up, as he held the knight dear.

From the memories of his dream, and knowing what dreams in this world mean, Meta could only keep his hand on his face.

He could feel tears of his own begin to silently fall, knowing they’d collect on Dedede’s hands. “I know…I know, you must be in pain, I’m sorry, I tried-”

“ Stop…” Meta’s voice broke, and stunned Dedede into silence when he realized Meta was crying.

He wasn’t sure what to do. It was a rare sight, and not a welcome one to the king’s heart.

“It’s too much- I saw…too much-” He hiccuped, trying to sit up and turn towards Dedede, but it made the weeping knight cough into his hands. Dedede grabbed him and sat him down in the position he wanted. 

“Oh Meta! Shhh, hold on, drink some water-” Dedede grabbed the pouch the Dees had packed for him and offered it to Meta. He pushed it down and hiccuped, moving to rub his eyes again.

“I had one of those dreams and I couldn’t…I couldn’t protect you-” He coughed again, trying to steel his tears but the pain was too great, squeezing around him in ways he couldn’t fight.

Dedede’s eyes wavered at his knight’s sickly words, because he knew how dreams worked in this land. He thought of the dream he had when Elfilis was captured and Bandee attacked him with a greater ferocity…

It made him fear for himself, but that didn’t matter to him when Meta was in such a state from it.

He’d put him first. He needed him to.

Meta continued, small sobs shaking his frame in a way he’d find shameful if he wasn’t alone in the world with Dedede.

“I couldn’t protect you… I couldn’t protect Elfilis… Bandee, Kirby, Sailor, Vul, Axe, Mace, all of our people-” He hiccuped, still covering his face, leaning forward.

“I broke, in the end, and I’m breaking now-” That made him hiss at himself, gripping a fist and bending further. 

All Dedede could do is grab his hands gently. “Hey, hey, deep breath. It’s okay.”

“It’s literally not-” 

“And that’s okay too. Meta, look around you. It’s just you and me and the whole universe. Feel what you need to feel, and we’ll pick it up from there.” 

Meta hesitated, and just quietly melted into Dedede’s hold, crying near silently. Dedede rubbed his back, and moved up to his forehead to feel his temperature.

It was hot all around them, and all he could do was hold his shaky knight until the time was right.

After a few more minutes of tears, of gripping him tighter, of coming to reality, Meta took a deep breath, and accepted the water.

“It…must be odd to see me this way…it won’t…it won’t last long.” Meta took a deep gasp for air, still in Dedede’s embrace.

“If it makes you feel better, you’ve seen me in worse ways. You do not need to hide when it’s us, Meta. You know that.” He rubbed him gently, and it was like a grounding pulse down the side of his body.

It kept him sane, the feeling of his glove.

Meta knew he carried so much, he knew Dedede did too.

From his king in the winter wastes to all of their people’s lives on their backs.

This was inevitable.

“Now…tell me everything that happened in your dream, or don’t if it brings you too much pain now. I refuse to believe there is a reality that knocks me down hard enough to where something breaks you and I am not there to pick up your pieces so we’re missin’ something!”

Meta simply paused, and let out a shaky laugh. “Of course you’d see it this way…ohhhh Dedede…mi sol…la luz de mi vida...” He put his head back, and breathed a silent, “I love you-” 

Dedede looked down at him with a gentle care, holding him softly in his arms, gathering him delicately enough to rest his chin on his head. 

“Take your time.”

And so he did.

“I woke up in a lab…” He started to recount his dream, and it would horrify Dedede by the end.

Dedede would hold him tighter, and smother him with love and praise at his bravery for facing this dream with as much power as he could.

Meta tiredly gave him each detail, down to how the butterfly looked, and by the end of his tale Dedede was holding him so securely he worried that moving would startle the poor king.

“Okay okay okay, so first. That Guy is back?”

“Yes.”

“That guy you fought when we fought and you fled to space for a month to get out all your anger?”

Meta’s brow twitched, and he hissed at the memory. “Yes.”

Dedede held him closer, “Sorry sorry, just clarifying- And he’s after Elfilis?” 

“Whatever he is now, yes, is after Elfilis…and knowing the folklore…he’ll work his way through anything to get what he wants, so having this power behind him now…that void-like will to not only be the strongest in the galaxy…but to feed on the next in the food chain-”

Meta could only look up at Dedede in fear. “He disregarded you…and my rage boiled over. I don’t know what they’ll do- They’ll mow through anyone in their path to get to that…full soul of Elfilis? I don’t understand and I need to-”

Dedede clapped his hands, getting Meta’s attention. Despite his own fears, despite his own worries, he set them aside for his knight. “Stopping you there, Meta. Stop. Take a step back from this and look back at where we are now.”

Meta took a deep breath, and just focused on his king as he laid in his lap. “We’re in the middle of a dessert, and you’re sick plus hurt. We’re both worried out of our gourd.” Dedede rubbed the side of his head, pushing aside the feathers that wanted to puff up without his crown on, as he tried to reassure Meta.

“And one more step back to this whole mess entirely! We were thrown into this land with nothing but a few weapons and the clothes on our backs. We’re still lost, and that's sucks, but we're going to be okay!"

He adjusted Meta's mask, getting it to fit more comfortably for him while he tried to put together his thoughts.

"We weren’t expected to step in here and know everything about this world’s story if it don’t care to learn ours…and you don’t need to be the stoic lone knight who's always one step ahead and knows it all here. I don’t expect you to be.”

That hurt Meta, deep in his soul.  Dedede tapped him on the forehead. “This land has foes just like ones we knew back home, and we’ve stepped in at an odd time, and it stinks. But I refuse to let you beat yourself up over things we can’t control. I hate it, I hate that we can’t, but we can’t.” 

Before Meta could even think about piping up about any potential hypocrisy that statement could hold, the king hugged him closer, and Meta gripped onto his arm.

“Me and you, we persevere. We survive, and we fight the hardest we can. We do it together. That’s something that knight and everything after our boys will never be able to strategize against.”

Meta took a shaky breath, and held tighter. “I want to make sure you don’t get hurt…that that butterfly doesn't hurt you, or any of these beasts…I need to keep you safe.”

Dedede snuggled on him gently, almost tearing up at that. “You protect me well enough to know I’ll protect you too, no stopping that…that’s something we both are terrible with, but hey…you know what I think about all of this, Meta?” Dedede moved to take his mind off of the fear of each other getting hurt beyond repair.

“...what, sire?”

Dedede held him closer, and smiled, “I’m gonna sit right here with you until you feel good enough to stand, and craft my hammer into a big fat butterfly net.” 

“We should be serious…”

“And you should rest on up because when I make the butterfly net I need a big strong knight to poke his sword through the net to kill the scoundrel that’s trying to hurt our boys. My job is to make sure he feels good enough to do that, hm?”

Meta simply laughed, a breathless wheezy thing, as Dedede cuddled him closer. They would rest like that for as long as they required, snuggled close with Dedede placing gentle nuzzles onto Meta’s tiredly chuckling form.

"Can't be so powerful if you're main weakness is a child's toy and a parfait jar!" Dedede giggled in his ear, as his nuzzles turned to practically little kisses. Meta was too tired to process the difference.

Meta would trade the entire world for his smile.

Dedede would do the same just for that little chuckle to stay.

“We’ll find them before anything else can. We’ll win. I’m sure of it all.” Dedede assured him, trying very hard to believe it for himself.

“Your hope is infectious…I need it so much…”

“...I try. I’ll always try, for you.” Even if he never has all the words, and can’t get it all out.

It was all they could do before venturing further into the desert…into the cold windy caves, traversing to the brink of brimstone.

Before they had to face what truly lies beyond, at the top of the world, and test that resolve.

They knew, together in that oasis, that they’d face it as partners. For the good of all the ones they loved.

The Heavens already feared them.

The Underworld was a worthy next target.

---

The taste of metal ran down their mouth. 

“Why are we doing this to them?”

Their teeth hurt from the effort.

“LET MY FRIENDS GO!”

Their legs wanted to buckle from the strain of running as fast as they could.

“You’re…you’re exhausting them! Let them go! Let them go!”

Their heart beat rapidly in their little chest.

“Control yourself, little prince.”

Thoughts of Gemini whizzed past their mind as they remembered everything.

“I can’t- I can’t- I need to help them! Please-”

The cold metal burned as they yearned for the grace and embrace of love.

“The Great One would be displeased, come here. We need your guard.”

They squealed in pain when they ran face-first into a metal door. Breathing heavy.

“No!”

They could hear the bangs of paws rushing down the halls. Hunting for them.

"What do you mean? Get away from the glass!"

They started chewing and clawing once more.

"NO!"

Chew and claw and maim and fight and flee and run and try and-

“You defy your Queen?”

Despite the steel scraping their skin, they pulled themself into the room with the fear of prey.

“You’re…you’re not my royal! You’re not…you’re not!”

The blue is what they saw first. Then the glow of pink.

"Little Prince..."

They stepped through the chamber they found with a wavering limp on their back leg.

“...I did not want to use this, but the Great One decreed it in cases like this.”

Is it really you? Have my calls been answered?

“Get off of me! Get off me! Let me go home!”

The buzz of a recording came to life. Here we are! Here we are! Here we are!

"Take a breath and sleep, little one. Let the call do the rest for you."

Their eyes became pinpricks as they approached a tank larger than they’ve ever seen.

“NO! STOP! GET AWAY! AUGH!!”

Their breathing sped up as pink approached their blue, a paw touching the glass with the softness of a stuffed toy. Their ears went down as another's perked up.

"Let go."

Welcome back!

“Auughhwoooo!!”

No…no no no they can’t be here! They can’t be, they…they knew what this was.

“There, now take a deep breath and guard the lower sanctum."

Get ready to meet!

"The King and his Consort are nearing.”

ID-

       ID-

              ID-

                        ID-

                                 ID-F87!!

                                              87!!!

                                                      Here we are!!

                                                                 Here you are!!

                                                                                   ID-F86?

                                                                                           ID-F86?

                                                                                                     86?

                                                                                                           86?

                                                                                                                There’s no waking up!

                                                                                                                                          You’re home!

                                                                        Come to me!

We'll never be alone!