Disclaimer: Kirby belongs to Nintendo and HAL Laboratory.
After several minutes, the entourage began entering the building, but Vesa, Fecto Elfilis, Taranza and Meta Knight remained outside. The tall alien rodent sat down on the steps while their girlfriend sat next to them. While the spider mage was conversing with the veteran knight, the human pulled out The Elfin Seraph in the Dew Garden and read it quietly.
Vesa noticed as their fur was more pale than usual, and the rings in their eyes have slowly turned red over time. Dread seeped in her nerves as the intense warm air caused sweat to bead in the back of her neck. Reading the text in her book did little to calm her. Her fingers trembled when she turned the page. She attempted to ground herself by balling her hand into a fist, her index finger tracing the next sentence.
"When she entered the garden one night," she repeated to herself, "she saw the moth again, but its wings shone like stars."
Taranza paused in his conversation with Meta Knight to glance over his shoulder.
"I'm growing more concerned about Elfilis's mental stability," Meta Knight warned with narrow eyes, "some action will need to be taken before things go much further."
"I suppose," Taranza agreed with a sigh, "now if you'll excuse me…"
Taranza floated towards Vesa and Elfilis, which caught her attention as she placed the book on her lap. The spider mage tilted his head when he caught a glimpse of the strange text.
"That's a curious book you're reading," Taranza commented, placing a hand on his chin.
Vesa gave Taranza a confused look.
"What do you mean?" she paused.
Taranza felt a chill down his spine, but took a few seconds to recompose himself.
"W-What I meant to ask was," Taranza blurted, "do you mind me asking what the book is called?"
Elfilis twitched briefly, unable to remove their gaze from the pillars of lava and fire that shot into the air as magma gushed from the inside of the drifting fragment of their home planet. Vesa took a moment to place her hand on their shoulder.
"Easy," Vesa whispered, "easy."
Vesa returned her gaze to Taranza.
"I'm reading The Elfin Seraph in the Dew Garden," Vesa told him, "it's a childhood tale from my home."
Taranza brushed a few hairs out of his eyes.
"A…children's book?" Taranza paused, "I don't think I've read one for a long time, not even back at the Dreamstalk."
Taranza plucked the book from Vesa's hands and began reading it. She simply shrugged before locking eyes onto Elfilis.
"Elfilis," Vesa asked softly, "how are you feeling right now?"
Elfilis paused to gaze into her eyes.
"Honestly? I don't really think there are enough words for exactly what I'm feeling," they confessed, "some of the emotions I'm feeling are certainly alien to the human mind, but I'm not well. I'm wondering what I could have done to stop this from happening had I been aware of it…if I would have been enough in my prime. Thinking of hundreds of different strategies for stopping what Galacta Knight must've done."
Vesa winced as Elfilis's fur flickered white again from the spike of intense emotions. Yet, they seemed to realize what they were doing, as they pulled in another short breath as if they were trying to reign themself in.
"You can't understand what I'm feeling," Elfilis continued, their body lightly shaking, "I had the power to stop this from happening. In your own world, you wouldn't have been able to do anything. But me? I-I had and still have the power, I could have done something."
From there, Vesa took a moment to think. The wedding ceremony wouldn't be starting until at least half an hour later, but already she was seeing her alien lover as a complete emotional wreck now. She remembered Fransisca telling her of their battle with Elfilis when they were Chaos Elfilis. They may have resisted the brand's power so far, but she still had a nagging question in her mind. Would Elfilis lose control to Morpho Knight's power at any point?
Vesa may not have been terrified of Elfilis ever since she met them, but losing them actually scared her even more. She will have to make up her mind fast.
"Elfilis," Vesa suggested, "would you like to return to Dreamland?"
"Yes please," Elfilis answered immediately.
As Elfilis lowered her head, Vesa made a brief glance at Meta Knight who simply returned his gaze. She sighed and gave the tall alien rodent a pat on the head.
"I-I mean," Vesa stammered, clasping her hands together, "it doesn't seem fair to keep you here even for a celebration of happiness and love…especially one of simply a pair of acquaintances."
"I'm glad you agree," Elfilis nodded.
Vesa took a few steps towards Meta Knight.
"Should we send someone back with Elfilis," she requested, "to look after them? To give them a shoulder to cry on when needed?"
"I feel it would be best to leave them be," Meta Knight shook his head, "to grieve alone. It was a mistake to bring them here at all."
Vesa raised her eyebrows at the change of tone in the veteran knight's voice.
"Your partner is incredibly dangerous to everyone around them," Meta Knight continued bluntly, "and even more to themself when they tap into those powers. If they had to come here, it should've been on their own, to take it at their own pace."
Vesa's eyes widened suddenly as Meta Knight's eyes flickered red.
"This wedding, however," he concluded, "is the equivalent to performing a wedding on top of a mass grave."
Vesa couldn't bring herself to say some kind of response as Meta Knight turned his back on her and trudged into the capitol building. She and Taranza shared confused glances as Elfilis slowly rose to their full height.
"Mass…grave?" she repeated to herself.
"My entire race died here," Elfilis clarified, a haunted tone in their voice, "down to every last man woman and child, except for my father and siblings, we're all that's left."
Vesa didn't make a comment as she sprinted towards Elfilis and gave them a gentle embrace.
"Please take care," she whispered, "alright?"
"I will," Elfilis blushed slightly, "I just need some time."
For a brief moment, Elfilis leaned into her embrace. After a short minute, they gently let go and opened a portal. They glanced briefly upon the scarred remains of Halcandra before turning back to Dreamland and stepping through, the portal snapping shut behind them. Vesa closed her eyes and took in a slow breath as she turned back to Taranza. After a moment of silence passed, the spider mage held out the book before the human.
"You want this back?" Taranza asked.
Vesa took her book from the spider mage's hand and carefully stashed it into her pocket bangle.
"I'll give you a copy when we get back home," she told him.
Taranza sighed in relief as he slumped his head.
"Thank you!" he exclaimed, "I'll be happy to translate the text and let you know if it reminds me of anything."
Vesa gave Taranza a soft smile before she began climbing the stairs.
"Let's just go."
Taranza followed Vesa up the steps as they entered the capital building. Once inside the foyer, she tilted her head upwards to survey her vast surroundings. The sheer size of the interior allowed mages who could fly do so without restriction. Slash marks were engraved across some walls and there might've been banners on the walls at one point, though they were burnt beyond recognition. A large stone desk sat on the other side of what appeared to be a lobby. Ruined chairs scattered the floor as Vesa and Taranza ventured deeper into the capital. Stepping into a large round chamber, they took notice of two seating areas facing one another on opposite ends and a circular platform sat in the center. Perhaps this was a conference room where they would look down at the speakers and presentations could be given?
Vesa smiled upon seeing Kirby and Elfilin sitting next to Fransisca, Flamberge and Zan Partizanne in a row behind her. Nearby, she noticed Dedede and Bandee sitting in the same row while the entire Squeak Squad sat in the other seating area. The human slowly approached the penguin king, which caught his attention while Bandee gave Taranza the stink-eye. The spider mage let out a sigh.
"If you'll excuse me," Taranza blurted.
Taranza headed off to sit somewhere else while Vesa sat down next to Dedede.
"So," Dedede awkwardly rubbed the back of his head, "sorry that things haven't been goin' too smoothly today with your pal there. Haven't had to go through nothin' like that myself, thankfully. But, I didn't start out as a king like I am now, and there's a good reason you ain't seen another penguin like me out there. Ah've been through a simil'ah situation to your big blue friend. If I were them, I wouldn't wanna go home either. Nothin' left for us there. Nothin' but bad memories and new nightmares."
Vesa tilted her head as she noticed Dedede shuddering.
"Sorry I'm ramblin' a bit," he frowned.
Vesa placed a hand on her chest and lowered her head briefly.
"It's alright," Vesa admitted, "I let Elfilis return home on their own…for their sake."
A silent moment passed until Dedede slumped his shoulders.
"I know. It's really for the best. They never have been quite…all there," he said, "not that I blame im' for it. They've been through tougher times than most people can attest to."
Vesa nodded in agreement as she watched Hyness float onto the central platform. Spinni placed a CD player on the floor near the platform and pressed a button, and music began to play. While the rodent ninja returned to his seat, Vesa straightened her spine and perched her hands on her lap. Hyness, fully dressed in his formal priest garb, approached the altar, seeming distinctly uncomfortable despite his best effort to stay professional. A few moments later, doors from both sides of the chamber swung open.
At one door, Marx stood in a black dress with rainbow colored frills. He seemed to enjoy himself even if the dress was too large for him. He chose to keep the bowtie, but he forewent his hat which made his Scarfy-like ears on full display.
At the other entrance, Magolor wore a proper tux, though he had a nervous expression on his face. His hood was black with the golden gear trim still a part of the design.
As the music continued to echo throughout the chamber, Marx and Magolor made their slow stroll towards the platform in the center. As they got closer, they both climbed the steps to the platform and stood before the altar. With a flick of his mana-charged hand, Hyness shut off the CD player and cleared his throat.
"Ahem, welcome everyone," Hyness announced, "we are gathered here today, to join two individuals in matrimony."
Marx and Magolor took a couple steps towards one another, the jester sprouting his wings.
"I will be frank," Hyness admitted, rubbing the back of his head, "I have never officiated a wedding before, but I'll be doing my best today. Have either of you prepared any vows?"
Upon cue, Marx grasped Magolor's hands with the tips of his wings.
"I, Magolor," Magolor proclaimed, "swear an oath of loyalty to you as your mate. I'll be there for you at the best of times and the worst of times."
Marx giggled as he blushed.
"I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me…me," he declared, "I will stay utterly loyal, will be with you in health and sickness, and should the gates of the abyss open to you, I will gleefully fly in after you! I am committed to redeeming myself by your side, so that potentially that doesn't happen."
Hyness nodded in agreement and fetched a pair of wedding rings from the pillow on the altar. Marx leaned over and gave Magolor a peck.
"M-Marx," Magolor stuttered, "you're doing things out of order! We—"
"Don't worry too much, it's about us loving each other!" Marx grinned, "that's the important part, right?"
Hyness coughed politely as he held up the rings.
"Now, if you don't mind," Hyness interrupted.
Marx and Magolor paused for a moment before they retrieved the rings out of the wizard's grasp.
"Now," Magolor told Marx, "watch what I do and you do the same for me, ok?"
Magolor slid the wedding band he held onto Marx, which perfectly fit around his wing. Marx took the ring carefully into his mouth and slipped it onto Magolor's hand, making sure to lick his entire palm as he did so. The crafty mage let out a startled squeak and waved his floating hand around, giving Marx an annoyed expression in his eyes. Hyness slumped his shoulders with a brief facepalm.
"You may kiss the bride…again," he sighed, glancing around.
Magolor immediately jumped into Marx's embrace as they kissed. Seconds later, the entire crowd erupted into a round of applause, including Taranza and Dedede. Vesa clapped only a few times while she noticed Meta Knight didn't react. Once Marx released Magolor from his embrace, they both waved to the crowd.
"Ok, the reception is over this way," Magolor announced, "follow us!"
As everyone rose from their seats, Kirby and Elfilin were the first to follow Marx and Magolor closely to the exit. The jester giggled to himself as he bounced on a tastefully colored black and white ball, only for his dress to get caught on the bottom of it and causing him to faceplant quickly.
"Oh dear," Magolor blurted, forehead sweating nervously.
Magolor rushed to his husband's side and helped him to his feet. Marx may have felt a little dizzy, but was fortunate he sustained no injuries. His ball soon exploded into black and white confetti. The Squeakers immediately applauded as all the guests continued to follow the newlyweds into the reception hall. Though, the tiny rodent only did so shortly after Marx fell onto his face.
"Thank you," Marx cheered with a little snark at the Squeaks, "you're all too kind!"
Stepping through the large archway, Vesa took note of tables arranged in one half of the large room while the other half of the room had no furniture…almost like there would be dancing. In the center of the room stood a long table holding a buffet of different kinds of food in the form of savory dishes. Kirby made one look at the buffet and immediately started drooling from his mouth. Magolor paused and turned to face the crowd, clearing his throat politely.
"Everyone, feel free to help yourselves," Magolor announced, "but try to eat in moderation. I didn't buy enough to feed Kirby, Dedede or even Marx entirely. So use your head and please be polite."
Kirby sighed before he and Elfilin set off to grab a couple empty plates from the adjacent cart. Everyone else took turns to grab their plates and carefully picked out foods from the buffet. When it was Vesa's turn, she took some time to examine the food arranged on the long rectangular table. She soon picked out a serving of paella and a cup of matcha tea. She meandered between the tables until she sat down next to Fransisca.
"So," Fransisca asked, "how are you feeling?"
Vesa gave the ice mage a brief glance.
"I'm alright," Vesa assured her, "I'm just a little worried about Elfilis, that's all."
Vesa took a bite of her food and washed it down with a sip of her matcha tea.
"How about you?" she continued.
"I'm…ok," Fransisca awkwardly lowered her head, "I didn't really grow up here for a majority of my life. It hurts to see it in this state, but I'm not as affected as Zan or Flamberge. I suppose my more relaxed temperament might be the reason for that. Zan bottles up her emotions until they explode and Flamberge is always heated for one reason or another. They're taking it worse than me. It's not the first time we've been back though, so it's not…as bad as it was for Elfilis either. Elfilis grew up here, it was their home from the start since they were born here."
Vesa simply nodded as she and Fransisca continued eating quietly. Dedede sat next to Meta Knight while they dined. Kirby and Elfilin shared a table with Bandee while Marx and Magolor dined at a table reserved only for them. During that time, Vesa noticed four Waddle Dees entering the room and setting up their instruments at a raised platform at the far side of the room. She raised her eyebrows when she made a brief glimpse of the electric guitar in one Waddle Dee's arms, a realization hitting her like a ton of bricks.
"Wait," she paused to herself, "how did they get here from Waddle Dee Town?"
Fransisca turned her head towards the Deedly Dees.
"I presume they were invited," Fransisca commented, "it seems the portal between our worlds is still standing strong even with Magolor's portal knowledge and technology coming into question."
Vesa simply shrugged as she took the last bite of her paella on her plate. Once everyone else finished their meals, another Waddle Dee rolled in the wedding cake.
"Thank you, everyone," Magolor announced, rubbing his hands together, "for being here. We are thrilled to have so many people here wishing us well for our future."
While Marx drooled from his mouth at the sight of the ornately decorated cake, Magolor grabbed an ornate cake knife and began cutting out a couple slices. Using a pie spatula, the floaty mage transferred two cake slices to each small plate. The jester just opened his mouth wide. His new husband sighed and simply dumped the two cake slices into his mouth, and he munched on them happily.
"Could you not?" Magolor sighed, "just for today?"
Vesa chuckled nervously while she placed her hand behind her head. Magolor went to take a slice of cake for himself, and from there, the caterer Waddle Dee proceeded to cut the cake into slices, serving them to each guest at a time.
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