Disclaimer: Kirby belongs to Nintendo and HAL Laboratory.
Taranza didn't hesitate as he led Vesa and Elfilis towards the vault. Once the spider magician opened it, he took a step inside and examined the Dimensional Mirror sitting in the corner covered in white cloth.
"I wonder what could've been if I never took this," Taranza said to himself.
Elfilis stepped into the vault and removed the cloth, carefully looking over the runes which seemed to have degraded, or were tampered with.
"Well, do you have plans for it?" Taranza asked Elfilis, "the sooner I get rid of this mirror, the better."
Elfilis locked eyes onto the spider magician.
"I'll fix it," Elfilis answered with a frown, "the changes in its function are too great for it to be anything less than sabotage. The device was originally intended to allow entry to parallel universes…mainly the Mirror Dimension. But now, it's been changed to instead show toxic fantasies and cause feelings of inadequacy."
Elfilis produced ink from their finger and drew a seal on the glass of the mirror, temporarily ceasing its functions.
"I suppose you can have it," Taranza folded the white cloth, "I'm sure you might have some much better use for it."
"I will," Elfilis agreed, "and I'm sure you'll want to start looking into the source of the sabotage."
Taranza took a moment to process this information before he nodded.
"Of course," Taranza proclaimed, "I'll be happy to assist you with this investigation, for Sectonia's sake."
Taranza glanced over his shoulder for a brief moment as Vesa smiled softly. Now that Elfilis took a much closer look, they suspected the sabotage of the enchantments was deliberate. Elfilis picked up the mirror with both hands. They looked it over for a few seconds before stashing it into their pocket dimension. Taranza led Elfilis out before he closed the vault.
"Is there a way we can stay in touch?" Vesa asked Taranza.
Taranza placed a gloved hand on his chin as he thought for a moment.
"I suppose I'll create a messenger fly of sorts," Taranza suggested, "that way, we could keep each other in the know."
"That could work," Elfilis nodded in agreement.
"Excellent!" Taranza smiled.
Taranza, Vesa and Elfilis meandered through the palace until they reached the gate.
"Maybe next time you two visit," Taranza continued, "we can talk about where you two came from?"
Vesa scratched her head, giving an awkward expression.
"Well," she admitted, "it's a complicated story, but I'll keep it in mind."
"Certainly," Elfilis added with a nod, "I enjoy speaking about my home."
"Then you two have a wonderful afternoon," Taranza waved his six hands.
Vesa and Elfilis waved back before made their journey through the town. Leaving the floating, they started their trek back down the Dreamstalk. Elfilis simply floated down along the Dreamstalk carrying Vesa in their arm. By the time they returned to the surface, the sun was beginning to set over the horizon. Elfilis gave their girlfriend a gentle lick on the forehead before setting her onto the ground.
"I…was actually meaning to give you something," Elfilis said, "but I got a little distracted. Here."
Elfilis reached into their pocket dimension and pulled out a silver bangle with a star-shaped amethyst attached to it.
"I figured that since you aren't skilled to make your own pocket dimension," Elfilis continued, "so I imbued this with one. I'm sure it'll do."
Vesa's face lit up as she smiled, slipping the bangle onto her right wrist.
"Thank you, Elfilis!" she chirped.
Elfilis returned their smile and dropped to one knee, allowing Vesa to wrap her arms around them. After a moment, Elfilis began flying back home with their girlfriend in their arms. During the journey back, Elfilis spotted the Warp Star out of the corner of their eye as it flew towards them. Kirby and Elfilin rode on the Warp Star with seemingly frantic expressions on their faces.
"Poyo!" Kirby waved his arm.
Elfilis slowed down and simply hovered midair. The Warp Star soon stopped just inches from them.
"Kirby? Elfilin?" Vesa paused, "you're back already?"
"Hey, Elfilis?" Elfilin called over, "could you do us a favor? We need some help."
Elfilis twitched their feelers with curiosity. They didn't have much planned at the moment, so it wouldn't hurt to be helpful.
"I suppose so," Elfilis asked, "what do you need?"
Kirby and Elfilin exchanged glances for a brief moment before returning their gaze to Elfilis.
"Magolor was supposed to deliver a package to Waddle Dee Town today," Elfilin elaborated, "but he hasn't shown up yet. Even Kirby was wondering if he got lost."
Elfilin fanned out his ears for a bit.
"Anyways," Elfilin continued, "perhaps you can locate him and open a vortex to guide him? He would really appreciate it!"
Vesa placed a finger on her chin and raised her eyebrows.
"Did Magolor say he was delivering a package?" Vesa clarified.
"Poyo!" Kirby nodded.
Elfilis took a moment to process the information.
"I can track him in a moment," Elfilis proclaimed, "I memorize the magical signature of every mage I encounter specifically for targeted teleportation…except for Marx. His magic gives me uneasy suspicions."
"Ok then," Vesa agreed, "we're on our way."
"Thanks, Elfilis!" Elfilin chirped.
"Poyo!"
Kirby waved his arm, gesturing Elfilis to follow him. The ultimate life-form followed the Warp Star as they soared over Dreamland. They weaved past a flock of Soarars along the way. As soon as Kirby spotted the portal, the Warp Star descended onto the ground. Once Elfilis touched down on the ground, they followed Kirby and Elfilin through the portal, making landfall in the main plaza of Waddle Dee Town.
As soon as Elfilis set Vesa onto the ground, Kirby and Elfilin hopped off the Warp Star. Without warning, loud popping sounds echoed from all over the town, causing Vesa to freeze in her tracks as she gave Elfilis a confused look.
"Surprise!"
"Ehh?" Vesa warbled.
Vesa looked up and stared in awe as decorations were arranged neatly all over the buildings of Waddle Dee Town. A banner was attached to the roofs of the cafe and the weapons shop with the words "Happy Birthday Vesa". Elfilis quickly reminded themself the sound came from party poppers. Kirby waved his arms at the Waddle Dees who chattered back. Vesa noticed Hyness, the Mage Sisters, Meta Knight, Dedede, Bandee, Marx and Magolor were also awaiting their arrival. The Lor Starcutter sat at the outskirts of Waddle Dee Town as colorful decorative lights flickered on and off. Vesa let out a sigh of relief before she tilted her head towards Elfilis.
"Happy birthday," Elfilis blushed.
"I guess I almost forgot to keep an ear out for birthday wishes," Vesa chuckled nervously, "but this'll do."
Vesa and Elfilis approached the crowd. Kirby spun around and happily waved his arms, gesturing them to follow. Chef Kawasaki had set up a booth where he would make okonomiyaki for the guests. Elfilin floated over to his larger fragment, giving them a gentle affectionate headbutt. Elfilis allowed the small chinchilla to perch into their hand. While Marx was putting on a performance to entertain the Waddle Dees, Bandee was playing a game of bean bag toss. Elfilis wasn't sure why, but they were both fascinated and horrified by the idea Marx could juggle without his hands.
Waddle Dee Café displayed various foods such as chicken skewers, corn on the cob, takoyaki, corn dogs, soft pretzels, shaved ice, ice cream sundaes, assorted cookies and their signature Car-Mouth Cakes. They even distributed drinks such as lemonade, milkshakes, smoothies and fruit punch.
When Vesa and Elfilis stopped just before Magolor, he gave them a bow of respect.
"I'm so glad you two could come," Magolor smiled, "wanted to make sure you'd show up on time."
"So," Vesa tilted her head sideways, "about that package."
Magolor took a moment to reach into his pocket dimension and pulled out a wrapped present.
"I hope you like what I got you," Magolor chirped.
Vesa plucked the package out of Magolor's hands and tore off the wrapping. Opening up the box, she stared in awe at the sight of the Neichel single album she recognized from so long ago.
"I can't believe it!" she gasped.
"That's not all," Magolor quipped, "there's more underneath."
Removing the CD case, Vesa noticed a CD player which seemed to be in optimal condition.
"Thanks, Magolor!" Vesa smiled.
"What can I say?" Magolor shrugged, "I found these while surveying the Forgotten Land and gave the device some serious renovations."
Vesa set her present from Magolor onto a table probably reserved for her and Elfilis. She shifted her gaze towards her partner, noticing as they held a package covered in blue and pink wrapping paper.
"So, I got you something, too," Elfilis told her, their cheeks reddening, "I only learned about the party the other day, but I was planning on giving this to you for a while, anyway. I didn't really learn about the significance of birthdays until just last night."
"No worries," she reassured them.
Vesa took the package and didn't hesitate to unwrap it. She pulled out a sky-blue robe with silver embroidery in floral shapes around the hem of the robe and the sleeve cuffs. When she tried it on, it fit perfectly to her size and she could feel magical energy emitting from it.
"I was preparing this robe for your official apprenticeship under me," Elfilis explained.
Smiling, Vesa wrapped her arms around Elfilis.
"Thank you!"
"No problem," Elfilis smiled softly, "the robe is meant to protect you much more than you're currently capable of. The enchantments, however, are highly modifiable and can be changed if needed. It's meant to help defend against most physical attacks."
Elfilis scooped Vesa into their arms, allowing her to nuzzle their cheek. The ultimate life-form nuzzled back as they purred, only for a flash of light to snap them out of their thoughts for a moment. Turning their heads, they spotted Hyness holding the camera.
"Oh," Vesa blurted, giving the mage an awkward stare, "afternoon, Hyness."
"Good afternoon, Vesa!" Hyness replied, "I hope you're enjoying your birthday! I see you already opened your present. Personally, I'm enjoying this holiday myself. It's my first time experiencing it, but I have nothing but good things to say about it!"
"You could say I appreciate it just as much as you do," Vesa agreed.
Elfilis set Vesa onto the ground.
"Glad to hear it," Elfilis purred.
Vesa clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her head sideways.
"I wonder what they have in store for us," Vesa said.
Vesa and Elfilis began meandering through Waddle Dee Town. They noticed as Kirby and Dedede were playing a game of Whack-a-Mole while Elfilin floated on the sidelines cheering for the pink star warrior.
"Get him, Kirby!" Elfilin cheered, "you can do it!"
Vesa watched as Kirby and Dedede smacked mole dolls with their hammers whenever they popped out of any of the holes. Elfilin glanced over his shoulder for a moment and floated over to Vesa.
"Hey, Vesa!" Elfilin chirped, "I also got something for you."
Elfilin pulled a package from his pocket dimension. Vesa took a moment to unwrap it, revealing a soft navy scarf.
"Aww, thanks," Vesa smiled, "at least I got something for winter weather."
"It looks nice," Elfilis shrugged.
Moments later, the current game of Whack-a-Mole ended with Kirby being the winner. Dedede may have given a brief annoyed expression, but his eyes immediately softened. The king gave the pink star warrior a pat on the head before he shifted his gaze towards Vesa and Elfilis.
"Well," Vesa commented, "that game sure looks fun."
"So," Dedede offered, "you want to try it?"
Vesa placed a finger on her chin for a moment. She nodded.
"I'll offer moral support," Elfilis replied.
Dedede handed the mallet to Vesa and went on to activate only one Whack-a-Mole booth. She kept her eyes on the holes as a couple mole dolls emerged. When she struck one with a mallet, the mole doll lit up and retreated into the hole. While Elfilis watched from the sidelines, Kirby and Elfilin waved their arms cheering for her. Vesa may have missed some of the mole dolls, but it didn't take long for her to get the hang of the game.
Once the round came to an end, Vesa and Dedede checked the score on the overhead screen of the booth.
"Hey, not bad," Dedede commented.
"Thank you, sire," Vesa gave a bow of respect.
Vesa set the mallet back into its holster and waved her hand.
"Take care!" she added.
While Dedede waved his hand in response, Vesa, Elfilis, Kirby and Elfilin continued venturing through Waddle Dee Town. As the sunset was in full swing, Vesa stopped to try out a game of bean bag toss. She then led the others to the food stands. She stopped at Kawasaki's stand and examined the okonomiyaki on the flat hot surface.
"Oh!" Kawasaki blurted, "afternoon, Miss Vesa. Are you interested in trying out some okonomiyaki? I have one almost finished?"
"I would love to," Vesa nodded.
Elfilis stood back, wary of Kawasaki's subpar cooking skill and silently preparing a spell to remove most common poisons just in case. Kawasaki lifted a finished okonomiyaki with a pair of spatulas and deposited it onto a plate, drizzling it with sauce, mayonnaise, dried bonito flakes and seaweed flakes.
"There you go," Kawasaki said.
"Thank you," Vesa nodded.
Once Vesa got a plate of okonomiyaki, she went on to serve herself a chicken skewer and a glass of lemonade before she sat down at her table. Elfilis sat down across from her while Kirby and Elfilin set off to serve themselves some food. Even with Elfilis examining her with their enhanced eyes, Vesa took a bite out of the okonomiyaki, savoring its surprisingly excellent flavor.
"Ok, I admit," Vesa told them, "this one's pretty good."
"I wish I could believe you," Elfilis joked.
Vesa made a brief glance at Kawasaki, wondering if she should see if she could test her own telepathy now.
"Well," Vesa thought, "I didn't taste anything suspicious."
"That's good to hear," Elfilis spoke into her mind, "though you're thinking at me but not projecting your thoughts properly. No one else would be able to hear you unless they were also using telepathy."
"I guess I still need more practice," Vesa admitted with a shrug.
Kirby and Elfilin sat down at a nearby table each with a plate of food. They both didn't hesitate to chow down.
"Well, there's plenty of time to figure it out," Elfilis replied, "we can work more on it later."
Once Vesa finished her meal, she and Elfilis went on to chatter with the other guests. She happily accepted the gifts Dedede, Meta Knight, Bandee, Adeleine, the Mage Sisters and Marx offered.
Once the sunset made way for early evening, the Waddle Dees at Waddle Dee Café brought out plenty of Car-Mouth Cakes.
"Attention," the Waddle Dee Café manager announced, "we bring you a special order of Car-Mouth Cakes for this wonderful celebration for our guest of honor!"
The celebrating Waddle Dees immediately congregated near Waddle Dee Café, eyes focused on Vesa in some kind of eager anticipation. She took the hint and picked out the first Car-Mouth Cake with candles on it. Elfilis wasn't interested in participating, even if they couldn't help but admit the cakes were pretty cute and well made.
"So," the Waddle Dee Café manager, "are you ready to make a wish?"
Vesa nodded before she blew out the candle. The Waddle Dees waved their arms happily and chittered in excitement. From there, the remaining guests lined up to get their own Car-Mouth Cake, including Kirby and Elfilin. Vesa and Elfilis sat back down at their table. She took a bite out of her cake, relishing in its sweet flavor.
Elfilis was at least happy Vesa was enjoying herself. Her happiness mattered a lot to them.
Feel free to make some fanart related to this fanfic!
And leave a review so Kirby can use them to buy snacks for him and Elfilin.
