Episode 1,
Treading Familiar Ground


Whispers of the gathered crowd echoed in the bright blue sky over the sleepy little country known as Dream Land. Yes…I'm sure you've heard of it. A small, peaceful seaside land blessed with warm weather year round, scenic countrysides and bursting with nature. The village tucked away known as Cappy Town was full of your simple folk. Kind in nature, hardworking to tend their fields and livestock. And yet today there was a stir.

"Did you hear?"
"No way…Sir Meta Knight's return?"
"...After a few years! Why do you think he's come back?"
"Don't know but I heard there was someone new with him."

"Oh yeah, I heard about that too…Say…where do you think he's gone off to?"
"At Castle Dedede, I bet…probably an important meeting."

Within the walls of the ivy covered castle a meeting was indeed taking place that the townsfolk whispered about in secret and in interest. The throne room itself was rather large, spacious and grand with a rich red carpet leading up to where the King of this land sat along with his loyal retainers. He, a large, blue penguin sort, wore a yellow-orange kimono under his rich red robe. The obi was decorated with a red and white zigzagging pattern, and he wore a bit of an impatient look on his face.

Beside him stood a large purple anthropomorphic snail man, with a swirling green shell who also looked just as impatient as his king on one side of the throne. On the other side, a small Waddle Dee darker in orange than most, he also wore a dark blue bandana that was tied on the top of his head like a hat. While it was hard to explain what kind of face he was making as he had no mouth, it was easy to see that he looked excited!

In the dark corners of the throne room however, there were three kids hiding within the shades of the pillars. The tallest of them was a girl, with light blonde hair tied up into a ponytail and sharp green eyes. She couldn't have been no more than fifteen and wore a jumpsuit-like dress with pink and green zigzagging pattern.

Beside her was another boy, with dark green hair that had yellow highlights. It hid his face but he looked no older than thirteen, wearing nothing but an overall jumper with only one strap.

The last of them was a young Puff, a soft pink with cosmic blue eyes that glittered and glowed in the darkness. It was hard to say what this youngsters age was but he was really excited and practically shivering with glee. The girl practically had to hush the young puff as the trumpets sounded loudly heldardling the arrival of their expected visitor.

"Presenting, Sir Meta Knight and his company!" The helderding Waddle Dee called out with a tiny, scratchy little voice that was adorable all the same. A team of six or seven Waddle worked together to pull the massive doors open to reveal a small party four.

Wrapped in a midnight blue cape, with armor that sparkled and a mask that gleamed in the light of the castle leading the small party forward, was none other than sir Meta Knight. Along with his two vassals Sword Knight and Blade Knight following after their master as always. But…nobody had expected a fourth! The hidden children blinked at each other when the newcomer walked in, and was walking right beside Meta Knight no less!

She was a girl, a D'nno with soft pastel blue fur and a massive mane of sky blue hair that curled like summery clouds that was pulled back into a low ponytail. Wearing a dark blue mantle with a blue wave trim that matched Meta Knight's, a purple tunic, brown pants and black boots, and her pauldrons carried the same marking that Sir Meta Knight wore on his own.

A sword was strapped to her hip and her bright violet eyes shimmered with a strange fire. She couldn't have been no older than fifteen herself. A hush fell over the throne room as Meta Knight approached the throne, stopping just before the final step leading up to the platform. His companions stopped short and kneeled down on knee with their heads bowed in respect.

"Your Majesty, you are looking…healthy." Meta Knight spoke in a strange, if not strained tone.

King Dedede stirred for the first time on his throne, of course he wasn't exactly pleased with seeing the old Star Warrior here before him but he no less remained cordial. "Meta Knight, you old dog. Why have you returned to my lands when you boast about your own? Showing your face around here could be considered treason!"

The purple snail beside the throne crossed his arms, nodding his head in agreement.

If Meta Knight was annoyed he hid it well, then again his mask did a good job hiding a lot of his emotions with only his eyes or tone of voice to even indicate emotion. Yet he remained as steady and cordial as ever. "While it is true that I left your lands to attend to my own, it was not out of ill intent that I left much of my own status out. My main priority here was to see for myself whether this land would attract the remnants of Demon Beast energy and if Kirby was up to par in terms of power. Of course he has been more than capable so my services were not needed anymore."

"Humph, excuses like usual." Sniffed the snail in disgust, appearing not very impressed by Meta Knight's explanation. "It's been five years and now you suddenly have made an appearance when we've heard little to nothing about you and your crew? Why exactly are you here, Meta Head? Have you come to bother the king again with useless service?" Bandana Dee, (or Bandee) quickly tried to hush the snail for speaking out of line with nervous "shhhing" movements.

Sword Knight, and Blade Knight stirred from their bowed positions, but Meta Knight flicked his eyes to them as if to quell their outrage. The young girl that was with them lifted her face to look up at both the king and his assistants.

Of course the penguin king caught her eye and his expression softened from a hard scowl to one of puzzled curiosity. He shook his head and coughed, "Yes I'd like to know myself. Why are you here, Meta Knight? What reason have you returned to my great country? Or have you realized that you were better off in my services." He added with a terse snicker that made the old knight almost roll his eyes.

"Unfortunately," Meta Knight said smoothly, "Something has come to my attention in your lands and I was sent here by the order of his Royal Highness, the Sovereign Ruler of Popstar to investigate it. I have brought my two vassals as always. But it should not take long to discern the cause, I merely came by to announce my presence to you out of respect for my previous service to you, Your Majesty. We shall not be in yours or anyone's way and our stay will be very temporary at the most."

Meta Knight turned around looking at his two men and the young girl he brought with him. "Come, we must set up our camp."

"Yessir." All three said in unison as Meta Knight bowed and turned to make his leave. Suddenly Dedede stood up, a sudden motion that caught everyone's attention.

"Now hold on a moment, Metal Head!" He bellowed crossly. Meta Knight turned around, amber golden eyes squinting in annoyance.

"Yes? We do not-"

"Shut up for a moment and listen here you. I don't care who the hell sent ya, but these are my lands you metal wearing freak! You can't just waltz in here after five years then talk about how you are going to set up camp!"

"….You have a problem with my methods? I could not ask you to give us lodging nor would I-"

Dedede held up his mitt to silence the knight. "I ain't done speaking yet, you old blueberry tart. Besides, there's something here you haven't addressed." He pointed at the young girl dressed as a knight, and only now looking at her closely there was a large gnarly scar that stretched upon her cheek almost to her lip. It looked old yet the skin was still very pink.

"Who the hell is that with you? Don't tell me you are recruiting more children to your crazy Star Warrior cause! I've never seen this shrimp before in my life and yet you've brought her here with you for some reason."

"Ah yes I had nearly forgotten…" Meta Knight sighed and motioned for the girl to step forward. Wordlessly she did, though her bright eyes glanced over towards the shadows where the other three kids lay hidden. The other girl and her brother put their hands over Kirby's mouth and drew back more into the shadows as if hoping to hide themselves further. The knight dressed girl blinked and then turned her attention to King Dedede and clasping her hands together, offered a bow in respect.

"Please, go ahead and introduce yourself to his Royal Majesty."

"As you command." She rose up to face him. "My name is Myra Knightmare-Braivehart. I am a knight in training to be in the service of King Arthur but I am under Lord Meta Knight's instruction. My grandfather asked me to come with him for training as well, it is very nice to meet Your Royal Highness." She gave him a charming little smile that showed off some very sharp canines.

"G-Granddaughter?" Dedede and the snail gasped in shock. The two hidden kids also stared at each other in confusion, but the young pink boy seemed eager to get away from both their grips to go to Meta Knight's side for some reason.

"Training?" Bandee repeated. Meta Knight stepped forward and placed his hand on Myra's armored shoulder.

"Myra is indeed my granddaughter, but I have chosen to bring her along as her skills are very vital to this task. She may be young, but she has untapped potential much like Kirby. This trip will serve as a need to develop those skills."

"I know my grandfather's speech is rather rough but I do hope you won't mind us being here, Your Highness. I promise we won't be in the way of you or your affairs." the young Myra added softly, still keeping up that nice charm.

The king was taken aback. This girl was his granddaughter? He looked between the two as if trying to discern some sort of relation between them, yet he couldn't find any. And he was sure that his two assistants thought the same way.

Still yet a child to be left alone in the camp in the wilderness? Even though he didn't particularly like children…still. Dedede coughed, looking over his shoulder. "Escargoon, are their old quarters still available?"

"Well erm….yes but didn't you want to turn it into a storage room?" The snail responded, leaving the siblings in the shadows exchanging suspicious glances with each other. Dedede huffed, "Well don't just stand there you overgrown bug! Lead them to it!"

Escargoon blinked a few times, he surely was hearing things right was he? "S-Sire just to confirm…you…want me to take Meta Knight and co to his old room?"

"DID I STUTTER?" Dedede bellowed loudly much to the shock of everyone gathered in the room. Immediately the snail hopped to his task, "O-Of course Sire. I'll get right to it!" He hopped down off the throne platform with surprising speed given that he was a snail and all… and hurried to the side of the knightly company.

"Ri-right this way, please." He glanced back at King Dedede just to make sure he wasn't sick but the King penguin stood there with his arms crossed and glaring angrily like usual…maybe there was something he was plotting?

Meta Knight was silent about this new development but regardless he bowed to Dedede, his two vassals and granddaughter doing the same before they turned and followed the snail advisor out.

Dedede sat back on his throne with a grunt with Bandana Waddle Dee quickly tending to him. The trio in the shadows blinked in shock and decided to slip out of the throne room to follow the knight and his vassals down the hall wondering exactly what this new development was all about.

X

The girl, the boy and Kirby made their way down the halls where Escargoon was leading the knightly quartet towards the old room to board. It wasn't a long trip, and the door was unlocked. "Here you are." He told them, with a slightly annoyed expression as Meta Knight waltzed past him and took a look inside. It was the same three bedroom apartment that he shared with his men, slightly modeled with a homely eastern feeling.

The TV was still there as was the table and the back doors that lead off to the bedroom. The only thing that was the problem was the dust. The masked knight turned on his heel, nodding his head. "Thank you. We should be fine from here."

"Humph…I don't even know why His Majesty is bothering with you rabble anyways." The snail spat in disdain. "Well whatever, it's none of my business." He excused himself as Sword Knight turned on the lights. The door shut gently and Myra put her hands on her hips.

"What a rude snail. I bet he'd taste good roasted on an open flame with some mushrooms." She commented tersely when the door had been completely shut. Sword Knight chuckled.
"Not that one, Lady Myra. You'll find tastier snails in the jungles around here, besides you wouldn't want to ruin your palette with rotten food."

"True…" Myra sighed, and began to unclip her mantle to remove it and her pauldrons from her shoulders, they were aching after the long journey here. Meta Knight poked his head into one of the bedrooms and squinted at it. Nothing seemed to be out of place aside from the smell of moldy blankets.

"...Our sleeping quarters have been left untouched though the sheets need to be washed." He commented, eyes glowing green in thought waltzing off to check the master bedroom of the apartment. It was the same though slightly larger to accommodate for a larger bed. "Hmm…this will be a problem. There is not enough room in here for you, Bluebird."

"I mean not a problem?" Myra folded her cape over her arm neatly. "If worse comes to worse I can always-"
"No." Meta Knight shook his head. "We cannot afford for you to be seen in your other form. The people of this area fear Demon Beasts and those that look like them. If one were to catch sight of you then we would compromise our mission here."

Myra sighed, as much as she didn't like it Meta Knight was right. "Yessir…But it still sucks." The young girl sighed, and handed her cape off to Blade Knight who took it wordlessly. She also handed her the pauldrons too, just leaving her in her tunic and armed with her sword. Meta Knight placed his hand on her shoulder and stared at her intensely.

"I understand how you must feel, Bluebird. You are so used to the freedom of your forms without fear of rebuke…however Dream Land is nothing like our fair home up north, Peanut Province. Remember what I told you before we arrived in this land, you must be ever cautious and vigilant."

The masked knight gave her shoulder an affectionate squeeze even though his expression was hidden beneath it as always. "You must be careful here. Even the use of your magic could be very dangerous to the people if they saw it."

"But why though?" Myra asked, looking somewhat reproachful. "What am I supposed to do? I need to practice it still and it's apart of who I am, just like my-"

"It's because the people here are simpletons." Sword Knight cut in, gaining both of their attention. "They aren't used to anything that is outside of the norm, and technology is still quite a new concept to them. Magic and the fact you are half-immortal yourself, My Lady, is completely alien to them. For your safety and theirs, it's just best if we keep it on the down low for now."

"Very well said." Meta Knight concluded and returned his gaze to the teenage D'nno in front of him. "You must understand Bluebird, that the people here do not understand your kind. They would sooner throw you out of the village for fear of what you are, then understand you. As much as it pains me to say it, you mustn't transform…Only if the situation is dire enough, but other than that you cannot show your other side to the people here."

Meta Knight's tone was oddly cold and far away, starting the young teen a little.

" That's….kind of disappointing…" Myra visibly frowned, feeling a little discontented with the idea. No transforming? That means no hunting, or flying…which was a shame as the area seemed to have a nice airwind to it. With a heavy sigh, she felt like she couldn't argue. Something about Meta Knight's stance seemed….different than usual. "But what about during the day? The weather is a little warmer than what I'm used to… "

"Quite true…this area is far warmer than our homelands…and it gets quite hot during the afternoon. For a species of D'nno that thrives in arctic temperatures that could be a problem…" Meta Knight mused, once again his eyes glowing a bright green in thought, returning to his usual demeanor with the subject change. There was a knock at the door suddenly.

Blade Knight walked over to the door and opened it revealing the two other D'nno children from earlier and- "Myra! Grandpa Meta Knight!" came an excited squeal.

Next was a fast pink blur that nearly tackled Meta Knight to the ground. Nearly, of course, being that he barely moved. Kirby excitedly hugged Meta Knight and did the same for Myra who returned the hug, (Meta Knight's visor had gone blank with the sudden affectionate display.)

"Hi, Kirby. You are looking very well." Myra giggled softly and patted his head. "Have you been keeping up your training?"
"Yeah! But it's so good to see you-"

"Kirby?!" The other D'nno girl exclaimed, waltzing into the room with the boy who looked to be her younger brother behind her. "You know this girl?"

"Sure do! I sometimes visit Grandpa Meta Knight, and Myra's always there. She bakes lots of yummy snacks." Kirby explained excitedly, his cosmic blue eyes just shimmering in delight. He pointed his little paw towards the other D'nno. "Myra, that's Fumu and her brother Bun. She's the one who can call Warp Star when I need it!"

"Is that so?" Myra set Kirby down and bowed in a respectful manner like she did King Dedede. "You are the famous Lady Fumu and young Master Bun? It's very nice to meet both of you! Both Grampa and Kirby have told me so much about you and your adventures!"

"Erm…" Fumu blushed looking flustered but her brother Bun however seemed to burst with excitement!

"That's super cool that you've heard of us, but we're really not all that special." He laughed nervously. Meta Knight watched this whole exchange with silent eyes along with his vassals when an idea came to mind.

"Actually this is perfect." Meta Knight interjected, gaining the children's attention."Fumu, why don't you and Bun along with Kirby take Myra and show her around town? She hasn't seen much of the world outside of our homeland aside from the grand kingdom. Besides there are some issues I must make known to the King and I am sure Myra herself is tired of politics and would rather be outside."

"You don't have to say it like that, Old Man…." Myra sighed, but smiled anyway. "It sounds like a good idea though and I'd love to explore. I hope you will take care of me."
Kirby practically jumped for joy and grabbed Myra's hand with his tiny nubs. "Sounds good to me! Let's goooo!" He practically dragged the other girl out of the room.

"Wait for me Kirby!" Bun called and followed the two out leaving only Fumu and Meta Knight along with Sword Knight and Blade Knight. She glanced at him suspiciously.

"Is she really your granddaughter?" she demanded, placing her hands on her hips in annoyance. Meta Knight raised his hand and kept his tone even and steady.

"While we may not bear much of a resemblance, I can assure you she is without a doubt the child of my own daughter. Please Fumu…I understand your caution but try to be nice with her. You'll find that she is quite easy to handle once you get to know her."

"...Alright then, I guess I'll trust you. But something about her seems off." Fumu admitted to which the old knight chuckled softly, surprisingly to her.

"Myra has a way of being like that, but you'll find out soon enough. You of all people know how the villagers are in this place. I am counting on you to help her adjust accordingly." And with those words, Fumu turned and left the room leaving Meta Knight alone with his vassals and a brand new land ahead.