Bright yellow sunshine filtered through the curtains as Lily held up a beaded bracelet towards her visitor. It had varying shades of pink weaved in a pattern, with some various golden charms hooked on as well. She gave her visitor a bright grin.

"See, it's pink just like you! I even added some star and feather charms! I made bracelets for everyone, but I made yours extra special!"

Her visitor gave her a small smile as he accepted the bracelet, though Lily could sense that it was strained. His sapphire eyes were pooled with a deep sadness that she didn't quite understand. Why was he sad?

"Thank you, Lily," her visitor's voice was soft, and he lowered his gaze to admire the jewelry in his paws. "I'll take very good care of it, I promise…"

Lily tilted her head in confusion as her visitor's voice wavered ever so slightly. Lately she had noticed her friend was sad, and she wondered why. It seemed everyone around her was sad, and it made her sad, too. Even her friendly shadow didn't know why everyone was acting this way.

Her visitor lifted his gaze as she let loose a small yawn and he got up, giving her hair a gentle ruffle. "You look tired, Lily. I'll let you rest. I'll bring some chocolate next time I visit, alright?"

Lily giggled softly, making a slight effort to fix her hair as her visitor opened the door to leave. "Bye, Kirby! See you soon!"

Kirby looked back and gave her another small smile. The sadness in his eyes intensified, but he kept his smile unwavering as he waved goodbye and closed the door.


"It's noon," Galacta observed the sun, which had risen to its highest point in the sky. A few white, puffy clouds lazily drifted as a warm breeze lulling them along. Though, as Galacta perceived, a wave of heavy gray clouds loomed on the horizon. The scent of approaching rain hung in the air.

In his studies, Galacta found that this area of the planet had weather like this through a majority of the year. Warm tropical seasons, though with a wave of cold through the winter and rainy in the spring. It was all so fascinating; in his many, many years of exploring planets, very few were as lush as this. There were many planets of which were barren and arid, those that had lost all life within endless sheets of ice, and those that had been choked and consumed by all matters. But Popstar? It was, by all accounts, a perfect planet.

How unfortunate for Dark Matter to target a planet like this.

"Kirby should arrive shortly," Meta Knight, who had been silent beside Galacta up until now, spoke up. He was wrapped tightly in his cape, eyes narrowed as a particularly harsh gust of wind breezed past. "There is some rain approaching. We best make this meeting quick."

Galacta nodded, breathing out a slight chuckle at Meta Knight's tense body language. "I had forgotten you weren't fond of stronger winds, Meta."

Meta Knight ignored that comment, shifting his glance away as the gate to the castle courtyard opened. He seemed to tense up a bit further as Kirby made his way into the courtyard, closing the gate behind him.

Galacta observed Kirby's body language as he made his way towards them. He appeared to be just as tense as Meta Knight, the feathers in his wings ruffled. He had a sour, yet exhausted expression on his face. His azure eyes were pooled with a deep despondency that made Galacta frown himself. Has this child gotten proper sleep? He couldn't imagine he had, all things considered. Poor kid.

"Good afternoon, Kirby!" Galacta greeted with a smile, though Kirby wouldn't be able to see it beneath his mask. "How was your morning?"

Kirby hesitated, shifting his feet uncomfortably as Meta Knight glanced at him. "It was… fine," he mumbled, not making eye contact and staring at his feet. Galacta could tell just how much he didn't want to be here.

"That's good to hear." Galacta chose not to press. "I'm sure you're wondering why we're meeting with you today."

Kirby slowly shrugged, still not making eye contact. He didn't seem to be all that interested.

"If I may," Meta Knight stepped forward, making Kirby tense up, his feathers ruffling with anxiety. "There is a danger befalling Planet Popstar, Kirby."

That seemed to slightly pique Kirby's interest. He lifted his head, looking over at Galacta with a puzzled glance. "Danger? But I defeated Nightmare years ago."

"This is a different kind of threat, unlike any you have faced before." Meta Knight paused, as though thinking of how to describe this threat to Kirby. "It is called Dark Matter."

Kirby blinked, slowly tilting his head. He had not heard of such a monster, that was for certain. "What's… 'Dark Matter'? Never heard of it."

Galacta stepped forward. He could explain Dark Matter better than Meta Knight could. "Dark Matter is a being that corrupts planets and its inhabitants. In fact, its presence is why I am here. It's… kind of what I do for a living." He chuckled in a vain attempt to lighten the tension slowly building. It wasn't successful.

Kirby narrowed his eyes, nodding his head slowly. Galacta could see that Kirby was not entirely convinced of the danger. "Okay… so how do I help? Do you guys even… need me? If you're here?" He gestured to Galacta, his gaze slightly falling as he stared at his feet once again.

"We need you to help us search for and hunt down Dark Matter. Have you seen anything dark, with a single eye?"

Kirby blinked, his expression perplexed as recognition sparked in his eyes. "I haven't, but I heard Chief Borun mention something like that a while back… is that what he was talking about?"

"Sounds about right."

"But… he said it was just a weird critter, nothing to be afraid of…" Kirby seemed doubtful, now. "What am I needed for…?"

"You're strong," Meta Knight spoke up again. "Dark Matter works in such a way that the more people available to fight it off, the better." He paused before speaking again. "We will need to intensify your training in order to combat this new threat."

Kirby's face slightly scrunched in defiance; though he chose not to say anything, instead choosing to fiddle with his paws anxiously.

"Do you understand, Kirby?"

Kirby grimaced, but gave a slight nod. "Yes, sir."

Meta Knight accepted that, nodding his head as well and turning away. "Very well. Your training begins tomorrow at dawn." Without another word, Meta Knight began to make his way back into the castle.

Kirby slowly lifted his head, noticing his mentor was gone. His face contorted to an expression Galacta could only read as perturbed, eyes pooled with a deep resentment before he turned and made his way out in the opposite direction.

Galacta waited until he was alone before heaving a deep sigh of annoyance. The feathers of his own wings ruffled in irritation, though he swiftly smoothed them back down before heading in the direction Meta Knight had left in.

There was a very tense rift forming between Kirby and Meta Knight, Galacta could see it clear as day. He didn't understand what relationship they had prior to his arrival, but he knew from their behavior alone that what was going on now was not typical. Were they close?

Regardless; Galacta concluded, the two needed to talk before the rift between them got any bigger. He knew from… experience, how a large rift like this ruined relationships. Though he wasn't sure if it was his place to interfere.

I have to try, at the very least.

Galacta wandered the halls of the castle in hopes of finding Meta Knight. His old friend was swift in his leave, and he couldn't understand why. This meeting was the perfect opportunity for Meta Knight and Kirby to talk things out, but instead he pushed the poor kid away! Galacta shook his head and muttered to himself. Just like when we were young, you run from your mistakes instead of facing them. You haven't changed one bit.

"I'm right here, Galacta." Meta Knight's sudden voice made him jump. He turned to see Meta Knight standing a distance away, wrapped tightly in his cape. So tightly, in fact, Galacta could feel the tension from where he stood. "Is there more for us to discuss?"

"Yes." Galacta nodded, crossing his arms and giving Meta Knight a kurt glare. "You should have talked to Kirby."

"There is nothing more for him and I to discuss," Meta Knight replied bluntly. His voice was cool and steady, though Galacta could read the faintest stiff undertone. Did he know, deep down, that wasn't true?

"But there is," Galacta objected. "You know just as well as I that Kirby is hurting. His wings are still bothering him."

"I understand that he is still hurting, but that is his burden to bear."

"While that's true, you know very well that you are a part of the problem."

Meta Knight's eyes flashed, but he said nothing.

"He's just a kid, Meta. He isn't going to understand things the way you and I do. He's hurting. You caused a share of that pain by not being honest with him, and by not talking to him when he clearly wants to." Galacta placed a paw on his forehead, letting out an exasperated sigh. "You don't expect this to blow over that easily, do you?"

"I do not."

"Then why…?"

"It won't be easy. But he will heal with time."

Unbelievable. "Do you have something in your ears, Meta? Time isn't the solution to these kinds of problems!"

"It was when you left all those years ago."

The feathers along Galacta's wings stood on end at those words, and he narrowed his eyes furiously. "Do not compare what happened between us to what you've done to that poor child," he spat. How dare he! "You know fully well what happened to me-"

"And you, in turn, know what happened to me. I understand you care for Kirby because of your relations, but this is not your problem. Time heals all wounds. This conversation is over. I will see you at dawn." Without another word, Meta Knight turned on his heels and began to walk away.

"Time heals all wounds," what a load of garbage that is! The hypocrite can't even follow his own words!

As much as Galacta wanted to run after Meta Knight and give him a piece of his mind, he chose instead to take a deep breath and calm himself, staying put as he smoothed his feathers down. He knew Meta Knight was stubborn as a mule; always so peculiar in his ways, but he didn't expect this. He felt a somber ache in his heart, making his wings quiver. He knew leaving Meta Knight's side all those years ago may have been the wrong thing to do. There was a rift between them, built and reinforced by centuries of pent up repentance and resentment. The guilt and shame of his actions over his many years of living tore him up all too often. It tore him up right now.

One day I will mend these wrongs. And I hope Meta will do the same for Kirby.

At the thought of Kirby, Galacta pursed his lips. He didn't know Kirby very well, but maybe changing that would help? Perhaps giving him someone to talk to would boost his confidence. With a newfound resolve, he decided to track Kirby down and talk to him. Talking may not have worked for Meta Knight, but perhaps it would work for Kirby.

Galacta took notice of the gentle patter of rain coming from the ceiling, and sighed softly. The pleasant sound soothed his riled up nerves. A walk in the cool Popstar rain sounded pleasant. A good change of pace from having to hide from the deadly weather of other planets, he thought with a light chuckle. With that thought, Galacta found the nearest exit from the castle to begin his search for Kirby.


As the small rain storm cleared and the sun was setting, Galacta had finally found Kirby, beside a sheer cliff overseeing the ocean.

The faint hum of the Warpstar reverberated the surrounding air as Kirby laid on top of it on his belly, levitating a little ways off the ground. He was still, save for the faint breeze ruffling his feathers. As Galacta approached, he saw that the child was staring off into space, a deep longing pooling his azure eyes as they sparkled like stars with the setting sun. His wings were loosely spread, the feathers loose and free from their tension earlier in the day.

Is he daydreaming? Galacta pondered, steadily approaching. A small frown creased his lips, looking away briefly. I imagine about flying.

"Ah," Galacta awkwardly began, stopping beside Kirby. "Do you mind if I watch the sunset? I don't get to see sunsets like these often."

Kirby blinked, silently shifting his gaze to the elder. He hesitated, but slowly shook his head, looking back at the setting sun. He gingerly folded his wings back with a soft sigh.

Galacta smiled gently, sitting and making himself comfortable beside Kirby. He opted to sit in silence, unsure what to say. He didn't know Kirby well, but he knew the teen could possibly use some company. He needed support, all things considered.

The sunset was truly magnificent; the sky painted in various shades of pink and gold. The dark clouds from the rain storm earlier in the day were retreating towards the horizon, painting dark streaks across the sky. The sun was shining in such a way against these dark clouds, as though it were a masterpiece by Nova Herself.

After several minutes of silence between the two, Kirby finally spoke. Galacta noticed the Warpstar had slowly lowered to be level with him.

"Why did you come and find me?" Kirby asked, voice quiet and despondent.

"You looked like you needed someone to talk to," Galacta explained. "I hope you don't mind me, I'd like to get to know you better."

Kirby didn't move his gaze from the setting sun. "You don't have to."

"I don't," Galacta echoed, turning his head to glance at Kirby. "But I want to." He paused, humming in thought. "Are you feeling alright? I know you've been through a lot."

Kirby didn't answer, though his gaze shifted downward ever so slightly.

"It's okay to hurt. Sometimes life will throw a curveball at you, and all you can do is get up and keep going." Galacta hesitated, unsure what to say next. "And… I know Meta can be stubborn in his ways. He can be difficult to talk to, he's cold as ice," Galacta noticed Kirby flinch ever so slightly at the mention of Meta Knight. He closed his eyes as a gentle ocean breeze caressed his feathers. "but I can tell he didn't mean to hurt you the way he did."

Kirby's expression soured. "I don't believe you," he muttered. "He won't even talk to me anymore. It's like…" His voice wavered slightly. "I-it's like he stopped caring about me when he found out I-I couldn't…" he scrunched his face up, turning his head away from Galacta. He was making a vain attempt to hide his tears as he rubbed at his eyes.

Galacta frowned, furrowing his brow a bit. "Look, Kirby… I can't pretend to know what kind of relationship you two had before I came here, but I can guess. You two were close, I presume?"

Kirby sniffled, slowly nodding his head.

"Meta has… difficulties with these kinds of situations," Galacta explained. "He always has, even when we were young in the GSA. He is a master of the sword, but ask him to talk about his problems? He'd sooner shrink away into nothing." He let out a soft chuckle, smiling as Kirby's expression loosened a bit. "However, what he did to you was wrong. He should have told you about your wings from the start. I'm sorry you had to find out the way that you did."

Kirby didn't reply once again, staring at his paws as he fiddled with them anxiously. His small wings were tense and ruffled as he shifted his gaze back towards the sun. It had dipped below the horizon by now, the sky darkening as day made way for night.

Galacta sat in silence for a few moments longer before standing up. "Remember what we talked about earlier, alright? I'll be able to help you learn how to combat Dark Matter properly. You're young and I won't expect you to know a lot, but it's important to know what to look for."

Kirby adjusted himself uncomfortably on his Warpstar. "But… how am I supposed to fight against something that isn't even real?"

Galacta tensed. "It does exist, I can assure you."

"Why now, then?" Kirby clenched his paws into fists. "Funny coincidence. Meta lies to me… then right after that there's suddenly some big bad monster I have to fight? Even before I got my wings, Meta kept training me for fighting and I don't understand why. Like all I can do for Meta i-is fight." His voice splintered at that sentence. "I don't wanna fight anymore. I don't wanna train anymore. It's all I've ever done my whole life! All I ever wanted after beating Nightmare was to be happy and live my life! And I can't even do that. Meta won't let me." His voice was dripping with bitter resentment at this point. "I care about him… I kind of thought of him as a father I never had… and I thought he cared about me, too." His voice trailed off, and he leaned his face against his clenched paws, eyes narrowed and glazed with tears as his wings fell limp in defeat.

"He does care about you," Galacta said this, though he wasn't entirely convinced of this fact himself after what he witnessed between them so far. "and I don't know why Dark Matter came here. But I do know that the planet must be cleansed of it before things get worse. Dark Matter is capable of horrors beyond our imaginations. It has taken many… many lives." He felt his heart ache as losses came to mind. "You're just a kid, I can't expect you to face something like this," he paused briefly, choosing his next words carefully. "I'm here if you need me, alright? I'm here to help, and I'm sure Meta will be, too."

Kirby didn't respond, angrily glaring at his clenched paws as Galacta turned to leave.

"Take care of yourself, alright? That's what's most important. I hope to see you soon."

As Galacta began to leave, he turned to give Kirby one last concerned glance. The child was still and silent, wings laying limp at his sides as he watched the last traces of the light of day vanish beneath the horizon. The Warpstar beneath him gave a faint, steady glow as the sky darkened. Galacta faltered, however, when the faintest of flickers dimmed its golden surface. It had not lasted longer than a fraction of a second, he thought he had imagined it. He paused, staring for a few moments longer, not seeing the flicker again before shaking his head and turning back again to leave.

Just a trick of the light, he concluded.