The sun was just reaching its highest point in the sky, warming the land below and covering anyone in sweat who dared wander too far from the safety of the shade. It was quiet through the streets as the children ventured back inside their homes to stay cool. Even in the courtyard of the looming castle above the village was bare, for the servants shuffled through the hallways, avoiding the blazing sunlight.

Among the busy lookalikes, one man stood out slightly, a sword hung from his hip and he wore an eye-patch over his left eye. He was the only source for anyone to be able to communicate with these mute men called Waddle Dees. At the moment he was leading the selfless servants, carrying plates of food, to the large dining room where their King impatiently waited. The food smelled amazing, even though it never seemed to please the King, but then again what did?

A low grumbling noise caught the attention of the Captain and he paused, turning toward the sound.

"Afternoon, Sword" he chuckled as the other man snapped his head away from the food passing him by.

There was a grunt, "Waddle Doo."

"I take it you haven't had lunch yet, huh?"

"No" hungry eyes drifted towards the last few plates that quickly dashed away.

The shorter man grinned before turning and stealthily lifting a plate from a passing Waddle Dee who didn't notice and never broke line.

"Here, my treat," the Captain passed the dish over to the tall knight, who in turn stared at the offer, most likely with a questioning look underneath his helmet.

"The King will never know... and I-," he stepped closer and lowered his voice, "I heard your master isn't very good at cooking."

Another grumble disturbed the now quiet hallway, followed by a groan and Waddle Doo held back a laugh as the knight took the plate.

"Thank you."

The Captain waved a hand as he walked away, "no problem."

Steam still rose from the dish and Sword's mouth watered at the delicious food he didn't think would ever be in the palm of his hands. He knew he had to share this with his partner or he would definitely get an ear full, so he hurried down the hallway towards his quarters.

"Blade!" The door slammed closed with a kick of Sword's foot as he walked around Meta Knight's chair and headed toward the small kitchen off to the side of the quarter's living area.

"Yea-" the knight answered poking his head out from their bedroom and saw the food in his partner's hands, "oh, what's that?"

"REAL food" he set it down on the table and walked over to get some utensils.

There was a laugh as Blade sat down, "don't let Meta Knight hear you say that."

"I know, I know," he chuckled and handed a fork to the other before sitting down as well and digging into the still warm pork fried rice.

The food was gobbled up in what felt like seconds and not a single grain was left, "that was amazing."

Sword nodded, "but then again if it wasn't, we wouldn't know the difference, because anything would be better than Me- ah, Meta Knight!"

"Be better than what?" The two knights were startled as their master had walked in without them noticing. They looked at each other and then back to the Lord who stood with his hands on his hips, a sight to see without his protective cape wrapped around his entire body.

"It would be better, better than... uh," Sword couldn't think of anything to say.

"Not eating anything," Blade finished.

Meta Knight narrowed his eyes, but said nothing as he turned and walked away.

The two knights both let out a sigh, "that was close."

Sword nodded in agreement as he put the dirty dishes in the sink.

Suddenly the room shook with a loud crash that echoed above them. Sword and Blade dashed for the door, their master already ahead of them, they all knew what that sound meant.

They hurried towards the throne room where all Kind Dedede's monsters came from, but as they came around the corner, the giant monster had already busted through the castle wall.

"Where's Kirby?"

The two knights finally caught up to their master and heard him ask the witty, young girl, Tiff who was already at the scene.

"He's in the courtyard with Tuff!"

"That's where that monster is heading," Sword turned to Blade, who nodded, before they both dashed off again.

In the courtyard, the four found Tuff backed up against the fountain and Kirby already battling the creature.

"Sword, Blade, protect the kids!"

"Right!" They yelled in unison, as Blade ran over to get Tuff and Sword pulled Tiff back towards the castle.

There was a loud screech and Kirby went flying and crashed into the wall. This monster wasn't as big as the usual ones the King requested for. This one was different, he was lean and stealthy. He kind of looked like a Griffin, with most of his body dark purple with crimson wings and eyes.

Blade watched his master from the safety of the arch way, he could tell he was sizing up the creature.

"What do you think is his weakness?" Tuff asked his sister.

"I don't know..." she trailed off in thought, but before she could say anything more the young warrior landed in front of them.

"Kirby!"

"Get back!" It was Meta Knight, he leapt forward and lashed his sword at the monster who had charged toward the group.

It screeched in pain and swiped its talons at its enemy, Meta Knight blocked the first blow, but the Griffin was quick and caught his side with his other foot.

"Meta Knight!" Tiff cried out as he fell to the ground.

They all stood still as the monster now looked at them.

"Tiff look!" Tuff tugged his sister's arm and pointed at the panting creature that now had a gash in its leg.

"He needs a sword," she turned and grabbed Blade's weapon.

"Hey" she ignored him and ran out.

"Kirby!"

The warrior was just getting up and turned in time to see the sword hurling towards him, he leapt up and caught it.

"Good thinking you two," Sword praised as the young warrior transformed into Sword Kirby.

"Wait" Blade's voice was filled with worry, "Meta Knight hasn't gotten up yet."

"Shit!"

The Griffin reared up and was about to coming crashing back down on the wounded warrior.

The creature screamed again as a sword met its foot, Sword Knight stood above his Lord, his weapon blocking the blow, "now Kirby!"

The young warrior charged forward to battle a now fair fight.

With the monster now pulled away, Sword quickly bent down and picked up his master.

Blade ran up to his side, "stay here and keep an eye on Kirby, I'm taking him back to our quarters."

Blade seemed hesitant at the sight of the limp warrior, but trusted his partner.

"Take my sword," Blade nodded and reached for his partner's weapon before heading back towards the children.

Sword dashed from the court yard and headed through the hallways as quick as he could. When he reached their quarters, he pushed the door open and headed towards Meta Knight's room.

His room was quite large with a king size bed in the middle. Sword approached it and laid his master upon the dark blue comforter and began to examine him.

There were three large slashes in his right side, they were deep and purple liquid oozed from the gashes.

"Sword?!"

"In here, Blade."

The shorter knight flew through the door, catching the frame to stop himself, he stood there for a moment catching his breath.

"The monster-"

"Dead" Blade cut off his partner's question, "Kirby didn't have much trouble."

"That's strange..." Sword trailed off as he settled on his knees beside the bed.

"First Aid kit!"

"Got it" Blade ran back out the door and was back in a flash, setting the large white box on the bed. He nervously hovered over the other warriors and watched as Sword began to remove some of his master's clothes.

There was suddenly a cough from the previously still knight as he lifted himself on his elbows.

"Meta Knight?" Blade rejoiced.

His hand caught one of Sword's as he was unbuttoning his shirt.

"You're alright" the tallest knight looked up at his Lord, "the Griffin is gone and we're just gonna take care of this wound."

"No" he pushed the other's hand away, attempting to sit up.

"Meta Knight" Blade watched as more purple liquid dripped down his side, mixing with bright red blood as he forced his body into a sitting position, "I think you should lay back down."

"It's nothing" their Lord grunted, "I can take care of it, you two should go back-"

"Tiff and Tuff are with Kirby, they'll take care of him if he has any injuries, and the Waddle Dees are already fixing the castle like they always do, there is nothing else to worry about... but you."

Sword nodded in agreement as the dark warrior gripped his waist.

"I'm fine" his body began to shake.

"Meta Knight?" They both watched as the other's fangs bared and he threw his head back, twisting the sheets tight in his fists.

Sword made a move towards his lord, but coal black wings shot out protectively, wrapping around their master.

"What's going on?" Blade gripped Sword's shoulder in worry.

The tallest knight shook his head, "Meta Knight, please let us help you! What if you were poisoned? We need to get it out!"

"No!" His voice was deeper and cracked as he spoke, "both of you leave... that's an order!"

They glanced at each other and back at the winged cocoon, before they could say anything else a growl echoed around the room, "NOW!"

Sword stood, turning for the door; Blade protested but was yanked outside by his arm, stumbling behind Sword.

"How can we leave," Blade objected, "he's clearly in serious pain, we hardly ever see his wings an-"

"I know."

"What?"

The two knights stood outside their quarters, "something else is going on and Meta Knight doesn't want us around."

"What are we gonna do?"

"I don't know," Sword turned and started down the hallway in a hurry, "but we'll get to the bottom of it whether he likes it or not."