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It had been about thirty minutes and Sword was still searching the beach for Sailor Dee. Blade sat on the beach in silence along with Meta Knight. The weight of what had happened was too much for them to stand. Sword ran in front of them.
"So that's it? You're just going to give up?!" The dark green knight questioned.
"Sword…it's too late…" Blade said quietly.
"He's probably out there! He needs us! We have to find him!"
"Sword…he's gone…and there's nothing we can do about it…" Blade looked up at his companion.
"…It is too late, isn't it?…If only we had known…" Sword sat down next to Blade in defeat, still clutching the ownerless sailor hat.
"I'm sorry…" Meta Knight spoke for the first time since the accident. "I'm the only one to blame…"
"Sir…this was an accident. No one was to blame. You couldn't have possibly foreseen this happening." Blade tried to reassure the guilt-struck blue knight.
"I should have. The moment the Halberd was set to crash, I should have forced everyone to evacuate. If I had paid closer attention…"
"Sir Meta Knight…" Blade sighed.
Several moments of silence passed by. Nobody wanted to speak, too wrapped up in their guilt to utter a single word. Their thoughts drifted to what could have happened if they had done things differently, if they had chosen to simply evacuate when the opportunity presented itself.
Suddenly, Sword stood up. He ran closer to the water's edge, peering out at the ocean.
"Hey, come look!" Sword said with urgency in his voice.
Blade sighed again. "Sword, we've been through this-"
"Just get up!"
The other two knights shook their heads solemnly, but stood up to look at what the dark green knight seemed so excited about. They peered at the ocean, but saw nothing.
"Sword, I don't see anything." Blade said.
"No, look closer! There's something red-orange in the ocean!"
"I know that this is hard to accept, but your mind is playing tricks on you." Blade said slowly. "You're getting your hopes up for something that's impossible."
"…Blade." Meta Knight wandered closer to the water. "I see it too…"
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The blue knight pointed in the direction Sword was staring, then Blade could see the red-orange object clearly. It took a few seconds to register what was in front of them, then at once the three knights dove into the water.
As they swam closer to the object, they realized it was definitely a Waddle Dee. They grabbed the unconscious Waddle Dee and made their way to shore at lighting speed.
The three knights set the unmoving engineer on the sand. Blade held Sailor Dee's wrist to check for a pulse.
"I don't feel a pulse…" The light green knight said.
"No! We can't be too late! We've found him, we can't lose him again!" Sword yelled.
Meta Knight squeezed the Waddle Dee around the stomach. Water spewed from around where his mouth would be. A few moments passed, then he began to twitch slightly. His eyes were struggling to open.
Sailor Dee was alive.
Drenched to the bone, but alive nonetheless.
The Waddle Dee's eyes were opened half way. He uttered a small noise.
"Sailor Dee! You're alive!" Sword grabbed the child in his arms and swung him around.
Sailor Dee whined in discomfort, then coughed up more water. Sword didn't seem to notice as he squished him close to his chest.
"Sailor Dee, I'm so sorry! I'm sorry I yelled at you! I'm sorry I said we didn't need you! I'm sorry I'm such a jerk and I'm sorry I always ate your sandwich on lunch breaks! Please forgive me!"
"Sword, you're making him sick!" Blade pried Sailor Dee from his companion's arms and set him down to prop him against a rock.
"Are you well? Do you need anything?" Blade asked.
"I-I'm really thirsty…" He croaked.
Meta Knight produced a water bottle from his cape. Sailor Dee weakly took the bottle, then drank almost all of it's contents.
"Aren't you cold? Do you need to dry off?" Sword inquired.
All Sailor Dee could do was nod at the moment. Meta Knight somehow summoned a towel from his cape. Normally Sword and Blade would question the possibilities of such a feat, but they were too occupied caring for their injured comrade.
After the weakened Waddle Dee began to recover his strength, they decided it was time to ask questions. Namely how the young engineer managed to survive such a dangerous crash in the first place.
"Sailor Dee…how did you survive?" Blade asked slowly.
"I mean, did you jump out of the ship or did you have a parachute we didn't know about or…" Sword began to trail off.
"The chair." The Waddle Dee replied.
"…Huh?" Sword and Blade said, dumbfounded.
"I fell from the Halberd with the chair in the office. I used the chair to break my fall when I hit the ocean."
"…"
"…"
"The chair? That chair you were holding onto the entire time?" Sword said slowly.
"You were planning to use it to break your fall the entire time? You planned to stay on the ship even after Sir Meta Knight told you to evacuate?" Blade said with the same awe.
"Yeah…"
"But…why? Why did you stay?" Sword asked.
"Sailor Dee, I would like to know as well." Meta Knight said. "You have put your own life at stake. It was by quick thinking and chance that you survived. What made you decide to take such an action?"
"…You." Sailor Dee replied in a quiet voice.
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Meta Knight stayed silent as Sailor Dee looked up at him.
"Sir Meta Knight, you've done so much for me. You took me in when I had no one to turn to. An outcast. Even more, you treated me with respect. I never had something like that before. So…I wanted to repay you however I could."
Meta Knight sighed. "Sailor Dee, that was still a very foolish decision-"
"Wait, please let me finish." Sailor Dee held his tiny arm up. "You've done so many great things. You're a knight, a war hero, an inspiration to others. To be able to help you in any way, even at the cost of my life, that's what I wanted to do. That's why I did it. That's why I stayed behind with the ship in it's final moments along with you."
The three knights were stunned into silence.
"I want to be brave like you…"
Meta Knight's eyes flashed blue for a moment. He took the sailor hat, then placed it on the Waddle Dee's head. The blue knight gave Sailor Dee a small pat, smiling slightly underneath the mask.
"You already are."
Suddenly, footsteps were heard from behind them. The three knights turned around to see a familiar pink puffball standing alone. The expression on his face was unreadable.
Sword stepped closer. "Kirby-"
"No." Meta Knight held up his hand. "I will speak to Kirby alone. This involves only the two of us."
Sword and Blade glanced at each other nervously, but allowed their superior to approach Kirby without any protest. They watched as Meta Knight and Kirby walked off to another area of the beach.
-
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The moment the two puffballs were alone, Kirby suddenly turned to face Meta Knight with an expression of slight anger.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Tell you what?" Meta Knight said, as if he didn't know what the pink puffball was inquiring.
"Everything, poyo!" Kirby shouted. "The invasion, the Halberd being fixed, you attacking me, the secrets…your face…"
Meta Knight stayed silent, not sure how to respond t the pink puffball for once in his long life.
"Well, poyo?! How long was this invasion planned?!"
"…Several months."
"…Why? Why would you do this, poyo? You're the last one I thought would try a takeover…" Kirby sniffled, then changed to a rare serious expression.
"Because…I wanted to protect everyone…" The blue knight responded.
"How is that keeping everyone safe, poyo?!" Kirby questioned.
"Kirby, please hear me out. It was shortly after Dark Matter's first attack…"
The young Star Warrior crossed his arms, but waited for the knight to continue.
"It has come to my attention that the safety of Dreamland, no, the entire planet of Pop Star, is still an issue. I realized this after the first attack from Dark Matter. There are still powerful forces from beyond that wish to threaten this planet's peaceful lifestyle."
"But the invasion was threatening the peace, poyo!" Kirby argued.
"Please." Meta Knight held up his hand, asking for silence.
Kirby grumbled softly, but allowed Meta Knight to explain himself.
"The self proclaimed king of Dreamland, King Dedede, obviously cannot properly rule this country efficiently. So, I decided to plan my own invasion so that I may be Dreamland's new ruler. It would have been a benevolent dictatorship. With the Halberd, my crew, and my leadership, we would have been able to ensure Dreamland's future safety."
"But…if that was true poyo…why not tell anyone?" Kirby frowned.
"You cannot tell someone you're planning an invasion. Otherwise others will get word of it and rise to take the opportunity as well. The invaders would fight amongst themselves, leaving nothing but senseless mayhem."
"You could of at least told me, poyo…and Fumu…" Kirby said, but he knew that what Meta Knight said was true.
If Meta Knight had announced his invasion plan publicly, word would have spread and other takeovers would have been attempted.
"You and I both know that wasn't an option, Kirby."
"Okay, poyo…Then why did you attack me?" Kirby continued questioning the knight.
"I thought it would be an easier way to say goodbye."
"…What?" Kirby frowned deeply.
"Kirby…this will most likely be the last time we will see each other. I assumed it would be easier if I were to leave as an enemy in your eyes."
The pink puffball felt a glimmer of panic. He was…leaving? He didn't understand the knight's logic at all, but he still didn't want Meta Knight to leave.
"…Why leave?" He asked in a small voice.
"I can't stay here anymore. There is no doubt that everyone in Dreamland knows of my invasion attempt. I will be seen as a traitor. So I must leave to a remote part of Pop Star."
Meta Knight turned away, trying to end the conversation. This was already very difficult for the blue knight, but looking at Kirby's disappointed face would only make it worse.
"So…you're running away?" Kirby said.
Meta Knight immediately turned around. "What was that, Kirby?"
"You're running away, poyo. You're not going to take respon-" Kirby fumbled over his words. "Responsibility…and face everyone for what you did?"
Meta Knight's eyes turned white for a fraction of a second. However, he stood still, waiting for Kirby to reply with something else.
"You're running away. You're being a coward, poyo." Kirby accused.
Meta Knight stepped closer to Kirby. "Kirby…"
The pink puffball looked at him in the eyes, as if daring him to argue. Meta Knight eventually gave an inaudible sigh.
"You are right. I cannot turn away from what I have done. I must stand by my actions."
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Kirby suddenly began to walk closer to him. Much too close for the blue knight's comfort. Then the pink puffball yanked Meta Knight's mask off unexpectedly.
Meta Knight's eyes turned white once again, but gradually returned to their yellow color. He tried to hide his face from Kirby's curious eyes.
Kirby smiled softly. "You look just like me."
Meta Knight tried to snatch the mask from the young Star Warrior, but Kirby was having none of that.
"Why are you hiding your face, poyo? Are you afraid of your face?"
Meta Knight finally succeeded in taking his mask back. Kirby pouted as the experienced Star Warrior covered his face once again with the metal.
"No, I'm not afraid…"
"Then why?" Kirby pressed further.
Meta Knight's face had always been a touchy subject. It wasn't that he was ashamed of the way he looked…well, it was. If everyone knew what he really looked like, the blue knight was absolutely positive he would lose what little fraction of respect he had left from this fiasco.
He was known as the stoic, frightfully strong knight that preferred to be alone. Everyone seemed to know and respect that, but it would all change should word get out…
Meta Knight could almost hear it now. The mocking laughter, the ridicule, the shame…
The pink puffball seemed to sense the older Star Warrior's extreme discomfort. However, he couldn't understand it at all. The great and powerful Meta Knight of the GSA suddenly becoming vulnerable and shy? It didn't make sense to the pink puffball.
"I…simply don't want anyone to know my true appearance." Meta Knight answered slowly.
Kirby didn't like that answer.
The young Star Warrior yanked the mask off Meta Knight. The blue knight tried to retrieve the mask, only for Kirby to dodge out of his reach. Meta Knight looked slightly frustrated. With the mask on, such an expression would have been somewhat terrifying, but without…
"But…but you're so cute, poyo!" Kirby cheered.
"I am not cute." Meta Knight denied, a small pink spreading to his face.
"Yes you are! Don't be ashamed!" Kirby desperately tried to poke the older Star Warrior's cheeks.
Meta Knight held off the excited pink puffball long enough for him to take the mask and put it back on. Kirby pouted again.
"I'm not ashamed…" Meta Knight gently pushed Kirby away.
Kirby wasn't buying it.
"Then why do you cover your face, poyo?" He asked again, getting tired of receiving empty answers.
Meta Knight sighed inaudibly. "When you are older, you will understand. I only hope that you will not learn in the same way I had…"
The blue knight began to walk away.
"Where are you going, poyo?" Kirby asked with a tone of suspicion evident.
"I, along with my knaves and Sailor Dee, will be returning to the castle. I cannot run away from what I have done. Such an action would be shameful."
Meta Knight took a moment to look at the Orange Ocean and the sunset that covered the and before speaking again.
"Kirby, what has happened today was an accident on my part. I will understand if you, along with everyone in Dreamland, no longer hold any respect for me. It was by a pure stroke of luck that no one perished today."
"But…that was my fault, poyo!" Kirby protested.
"No. My crew is my responsibility. This entire incident was my doing. Therefore, I take complete responsibility."
Meta Knight turned and began to walk back to his small group. Then he heard Kirby's little voice.
"Even if everyone is against you…I'll be on your side, poyo…I won't tell anyone your secret."
After all that had occurred today, Kirby was still determined to stand by Meta Knight. Still willing to give his trust to the older Star Warrior. Still willing to keep his secret safe.
The blue knight turned around, his eyes were that bright blue, which signified either happiness or pride.
"Thank you, Kirby. Thank you…"
The pink puffball watched as Meta Knight made his way back to his small crew. Kirby realized that behind it all, Meta Knight too was like him. He had inner hopes, insecurities, and good intentions that many may not understand. Today, he had seen a different side of the famed blue knight. A side he wondered if anyone else had seen before.
-
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Sailor Dee giggled, now in much better spirits than before. Sword and Blade were holding him up, each taking one of his arms, leaving him dangling slightly off the ground much to the Waddle Dee's amusement.
The four were walking home, the setting sun slowly transitioning into the dark of the night. They knew that they would probably have to face the music when they returned to the castle, so they might as well enjoy the time they had together. Everyone was alive and well, and that's what was important.
"Sword?" Sailor Dee giggled. "Will you tell me that story again?"
Sword and Blade chuckled, while Meta Knight's eyes glowed pink for the slightest moment.
"Hehe, okay. One more time." Sword cleared his throat. "Captain Vul is in the desert. He's tied to a pole. The sun in beating down without any form of mercy. He's covered from head to feet in honey. But what's this? An army of angry fire ants! They quickly swarm, leaving nowhere on his body safe from their wrath!"
"Even his eyes?" Sailor Dee asked.
"Even his eyes." Sword answered.
Okay, maybe they were still a little bitter over Captain Vul abandoning them. But still, at least they could turn it into humor now that they were safe.
"Ah, Sailor Dee…" Sword coughed. "I-I'm really sorry. For saying all those terrible things to you."
"Sword, it's oka-"
"No, no it isn't. I said you weren't an important member of the team and we didn't need you. You were the one to delay the ship's crash. You were the one that stayed on longer than anyone else. You stayed after we left. You went down with the ship. And you're alive."
The dark green knight used his free hand to pat Sailor Dee's head. "I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me."
"You don't even need to ask." Even though Sailor Dee lacked a mouth, they could still tell he was smiling.
-
They finally arrived at the castle. They entered, expecting to be ambushed by all the castle residents, only it seemed no one was here. That was very unusual.
Still, they headed to their rooms. Sailor Dee had fallen asleep on the way, and they decided he didn't need to be apart of their inevitable punishment. The three knights tucked the unconscious Waddle Dee in bed, then began to walk down the castle's halls.
"Sword, Blade. I want you both to return to your room. I will face his majesty's punishment alone."
"Absolutely not. We're going with you, sir." Sword said defiantly, Blade nodded.
"You're not facing this alone. We have just as much involvement in this as you do."
"That was an order. I demand that you both return." Meta Knight said firmly.
"Sir, we're not-"
"Hello, Meta Knight." A voice said from behind them.
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The three slowly turned around to see the king of Dreamland looking at them. King Dedede was sporting an unnaturally wide grin across his face, and the moonlight from outside was casting off on the penguin king. For perhaps the first time in their lives, they felt a sudden spark of fear for King Dedede.
"So, what have you three been doing today? I couldn't find you anywhere today…" Dedede leaned against the wall, his mock smile still as wide as it was before.
Sword sighed. "You know what we did, so you might as well hit us with it ad get it over with."
"Shut up!" King Dedede's friendly demeanor evaporated in an instant. "I can't believe it! Of all things!"
The penguin gritted his teeth. "Meta Knight, you swore loyalty to me didn't you?! So why did you betray your king?! Give me one reason I shouldn't throw you three and whoever helped you in your scheme out of Dreamland for good?!"
"Your Majesty, please." Meta Knight stepped in front of his knaves. "The entire takeover was my doing and mine alone."
"Besides, Sailor Dee is in no condition!" Sword argued. "He fell from the ship and survived by a miracle! He'll probably be sick!"
Blade nodded in agreement. "Punish us, but don't drag Sailor Dee into this. He's the hero that saved us."
King Dedede seemed to seriously ponder their words. "Fine. Sailor Dee is exempt from punishment. If he does get sick, we'll make sure he gets proper treatment."
The three gave sighs of relief in their minds.
"However!" Dedede raised his voice. "That doesn't mean you're off the hook! You three have committed treason! And that's a serious crime!"
"I understand, and I take full responsibility." Meta Knight nodded.
"No, we're responsible too! We encouraged this, so we're as guilty as he is!" Sword and Blade shouted.
"All three of you committed the crime, so all three will be punished. Besides, you two would just end up helping Meta Knight, even if I didn't punish you." Dedede pointed to the two knaves.
"So, I'm giving you two choices." The penguin king cleared his throat. "You can either leave this kingdom and all of Dreamland and never come back. Or…you all have to do manual labor for three months. Your choice."
The knights nodded. "We accept our sentence."
"Oh, and you're also demoted. Your pay is going to be docked. Meta Knight, for these next three months, your title of 'sir' is revoked. You're just gonna be called 'Meta Knight' or 'Meta' now."
"What?! Blade said in shock. "Your Majesty, please be reasonable."
"You can't take away Sir Meta Knight's title! You didn't give him the title of knight, so you can't take it away!" Sword barked.
"Oh, I'm sorry!" Dedede spat sarcastically and crossed his arms. "Would you three prefer if I call you Shirley, Edith, and Gertrud instead?"
"Why do I have to be Gertrud?" Sword sighed.
"I think you three aren't in the position to call the shots in this talk!" The king of Dreamland pointed. "So, are you three still gonna go through with it or are ya gonna chicken out and book it outta here?"
"No…we accept." Meta Knight responded.
"Good." Dedede nodded. "CAUSE YOU LOT ARE ON TOILET DUTY FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS!"
The king angrily stomped to his bedroom, then slammed the door.
"Well…that went a little better than expected." Blade said after a beat.
A Waddle Dee that happened to hear the conversation approached them.
"I remember when I was sentenced to toilet duty. It wasn't so bad. I mean, yeah, I had to go to therapy for a few months afterward, but I'm fine now. …I think."
The Waddle Dee absentmindedly wandered off down the halls.
Sword and Blade shivered.
They were really not looking forward to the next three months.
Author's Note: Oh, come on. You didn't really think I would kill off Sailor Dee, did you? He's alive and well, just a little soaked.
Yes, I'm still alive. I don't think I have a good excuse for my absence, but I'll list some things that have been keeping me busy.
-School
-Life in general.
-Mystery Skulls 'Ghost' music video
-School
-Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker
-School (Notice a recurring pattern?)
It seems as though Meta Knight, Sword and Blade have gotten themselves into king sized trouble. If anyone read my journal entry on DeviantArt about the Super Star Ultra arc information, that was one of the things on there.
Anyway, I promise it won't take so long with the next chapter(that's what I said last time), but the reason it took so long this time (besides the aforementioned excuses) was because this was a very difficult chapter to write.
Well, I'll see you next time.