It had now been approximately three weeks since Blade's return to the world of the living, and his body had finally come to resemble something… more natural. Testing it out, he found that using magic no longer made him want to keel over and vomit from vertigo. In fact, he found himself filling the air with illness, cracking out Dark Lightning, and summoning his sword, all with as much ease as ever. He was just out of practice with the motions. But in turn, his body now held a strange solidity to it that he had just now gotten used to. Though he was still made of Darkness, that Darkness coalesced into a form more resembling and functioning like any other sapient on this planet. He had organs, bones, keratin, and all sorts of vital functions he had to keep an eye on now. His sibling was sure to help him remember things on that front though.

Perhaps to the surprise of no one, Blade decided to spend most of his time with Gooey from the day after the festival onward. He chose to continue staying at Kirby's house, even when Kirby was over at Castle Dedede instead, because Gooey almost always stayed there. He rarely left his sibling's side for the next few days after the Yume Festival. Though he looked rather happy, and more full of life than at any point before, he still seemed rather caged off. Gooey had to wonder if there was anything he could do. It's not that he didn't enjoy spending time with his older sibling, far from it. But he wanted Blade to experience more than what he, as a single, small child, could give him.

He didn't have to wait long though. Three days after the festival, Blade walked up to him as he was relaxing on the floor, playing with his old game console. He wore a somewhat… nervous expression, causing Gooey to immediately sit at attention.

"Sibling? Wrong?"

'Nothing's wrong I just… don't… want to say this.'

"Huh? Why?"

'...Embarrassing…..' And Gooey really could feel that sensation emanating off the elder Matter.

"Won't embarrass. Promise." Gooey rolled up one of his excessively large sleeves and stuck out his pinkie finger as a sign of trust. Blade didn't extend the gesture, but he did nod in understanding.

'This may sound strange but… I wish… to… get myself a new outfit…'

"Oh, okay."

Blade was a bit taken aback by Gooey's quick acceptance. 'Because I- you know how it was in the Dark Core, you were there- we all just wore the same robes- I want to- I would like to be my own individual with my own specifically chosen- I wish to- You know what I mean, yes?'

"Mhm! Made changes few years. Smile, not eye." Gooey pointed to the symbol on his chest, which he had asked Nago to help sew into a cute little smile after dying it blue. Ironically, it still resembled 02's eye(?), but Blade decided not to mention that. Instead, he simply smiled and nodded.

'Yes, so… would you like to help me find some new clothes? I'm not exactly certain where I'm supposed to go or how I'm supposed to pay or… what I'm supposed to pick. I'd like you by my side, please.'

"Yes, yes! Bring Chuchu too! Great taste!"

Blade couldn't hold back the excitement in his chest as he gave a small hop. 'Then it's decided!' He grabbed Gooey's wrist and practically blew the door open with his telekinesis.

"W- wait! SAVE GAME! SAVE GAME!"

...

Chuchu was still only half awake when Nago knocked on her door, calling her name. (To be fair, she'd made the absolutely amazing decision to stay up all night reading all those old comics she found in the back of the library.) He said that Gooey and his brother were waiting for her outside, and that they wanted to go out shopping with her. She moved as slowly and drowsily as possible until he mentioned something about Blade wanting to go clothes shopping, and then she bolted out the door as fast as a bullet, still buttoning the overalls on her dress.

"I heard someone needed fashion advice?!"

Gooey pointed to his sibling, who waved nervously. 'Ah, yes. Gooey informed me that you might be able to help? I just want to know where to go and what… might look good on me…' His face darkened with blush and he turned away at that last statement. Chuchu smirked at his shyness. Kirby was right. This guy really was exuding gap moe.

"If anyone's gonna be an expert on what looks good on a person-" she pointed her finger at the two pridefully- "it's gonna be me~!"

...

As Chuchu was dragging the two Matterborns through the market square towards the clothes shop, a wandering Bandee out on a relaxing morning walk happened to spot them. Though he was aware that everyone had, for the most part, come to accept Blade as a resident of Dreamland, that didn't stop anxiety from coursing through the kid's veins every time he saw the Dark Matter. He stared in their general direction for a few moments even after they'd left the premises, turning an idea around in his head.

A part of him wanted to follow them. Probably just to satisfy his own agitated curiosity, but he could say that it was for the sake of keeping an eye on them. On HIM really. He was never worried about anything Gooey or Chuchu could get up to. But what if they turned him away? That would be embarrassing… Well, no, he was their friend. There was no reason for them to be suspicious of him wanting to come along. So there wasn't any reason for him to hesitate, right?

Ah geez! They've already almost left the square! Bandee raced to catch up to them.

"HEY! WAIT UP, GUYS!"

The three turned around, and Gooey and Chuchu's faces broke into smiles upon spotting him.

"Hiya Bandee! How's it going?"

The boy stuttered, trying to sound as casual as possible even as his gaze kept flitting back to Blade. "I- uh- nothing- I mean, I was just walking but I saw you three and- um- what're you guys up to?"

The two kids smirked to each other as Blade buried his face in his hands. Chuchu then casually said, "We're going to go give Blade a total makeover. New outfit and everything~ He'll be toootally unrecognizable when we're done with him!"

"Haah?"

Gooey waved his arms loosely. "Not true! Well, part true. New outfit sibling, just."

"Mhm! He said he wanted to get his own look now that he's a, y'know, person!"

Blade's face was still hidden, but he somehow managed to look even more embarrassed than before. It was almost enough to make Bandee grin. Almost.

Still, that was a surprisingly wholesome idea. There was still the sliver of doubt that he was faking for whatever reason. But there were easier excuses to make, so he couldn't see that happening. But he still wanted to tag along just in case. (And not at all because he wanted to see what Blade would pick out. It's not like he wanted to one-up Kirby by knowing that before them.)

"Um… do you guys mind if I come along?"

Chuchu shrugged. "Sure! If you're not busy."

"I'm not. I was just walking around, wasting my time away. So it's nice to be spending that time with friends instead."

Blade's eyebrow noticeably twitched at that statement, but Bandee pretended not to notice it. Chuchu and Gooey both nodded in agreement though, and Gooey grabbed his hand, already prepared to drag him along. Bandee realized he may have gotten himself into more than he bargained for when Chuchu started pulling them all through the town at mach speeds though…!

...

The cashier greeted them with a casual, distracted smile as the four walked into the clothes-shop. He was busy reading some sort of magazine with his legs kicked up on the counter. That, combined with the soft music playing over the speakers, gave the air of a relaxed locale where you didn't have to rush or worry about the clothes you picked out. It helped ease Blade's meekness.

Chuchu was already zipping throughout the aisles, analyzing every item she passed within the millisecond it took to glance over them. Gooey was a lot more casual in his search, constantly glancing back and forth between his sibling and the different options laid in front of him. Bandee opted to hang back, keeping his eye on everyone without really searching himself. Though, if he did end up seeing something, he might point it out.

That left Blade to wander about, unsure of where to even start. What did he even want to look like? Truthfully, he didn't NEED to purchase himself a new outfit. He could always just manipulate his Darkness until it resembled something new, but… he didn't trust himself to make something of value. He wanted something… of this world.

Did he want something similar to what he was given so long ago? Or did he want something completely new? Maybe something resembling his knightly disguise from when he first arrived..? Ah, that might not be a good idea. It might drag up bad memories… for a lot of people involved. Still, he did sort of like what he looked like back then. He wouldn't have made himself look like that if he didn't.

Just when he thought that, a particular color made itself known out of the corner of his eye. He turned to see a folded up, sleeveless turtleneck that was nearly the exact same color as his cape had been back then. That… would probably be quite nice..! He picked it up and awkwardly walked over to Chuchu, thinking so that only she could hear.

'I… found this item. I think it may look… nice. Do you agree?'

Chuchu tilted her head, squinting at it. For a moment, Blade thought about backpedaling, but she soon snatched it from his hands and nodded.

"Alright! This is what I'm working with? Okay, I'll find something that looks good with it!"

'Oh… Thank you…'

She shook her head. "No problem! OH, but that does remind me!" She pointed directly at him, nearly tapping his nose. "Do you want a skirt or pants?"

His mind went blank, but his heart answered for him. 'Skirt. It's what I'm used to moving in. If you please.'

With no hesitation, Chuchu nodded, then turned on her heel and bolted down the aisle. Blade tilted his head down. It wasn't like him to feel so… shy. He knew it was merely because he was fully out of his depth, but the fact that he'd clammed up so much for something so simple was almost as embarrassing as the mere fact that he wasn't experienced. He shook his head, unable to decide if he should deride himself or just try and calm down.

At some point, Gooey managed to sneak up on him. He tugged on Blade's gloves, causing him to nearly jump out of his skin. Snickering, Gooey said, "Out of practice! Too easy."

'I am not! You are just a very quiet creature.'

"Not quiet!" he screamed to prove a point. "Anyway, question. Gloves." He pointed directly at them. "Keep? Or not?"

He lifted his right hand, staring at the patterning on it that he'd so adamantly decided to keep, even back when he was hardly a person…

No one had to know why except him. No one had to know why he treasured this familiar pattern so much.

'I think I shall keep it. But… I might change it up a small bit.' He smiled slightly to himself. 'In fact, I have an idea for it already… But it's a surprise~' He pressed a finger to his lips and grinned at Gooey. In turn, the boy gave a light hop of excitement.

After precisely two minutes and 23 seconds, Chuchu returned with another piece of clothing folded under the shirt. She shoved it in Blade's general direction and pushed him towards the changing room, rambling about how she hoped she got the colors right.

The three kids waited outside on one of the benches while Blade tried to configure himself. Bandee sighed, setting his chin in his hands.

"He seems… nervous," he pointed out. "Do you think something's bothering him?"

Gooey shook his head. "Not nervous. Very happy. Can feel… in soul…"

"...How do you do it, basically sharing your emotions with him?"

The boy let out a low grumble. He glared at the floor with irritability. Bandee had to wonder if he'd gone too far.

"Um- You don't hafta tell me if-"

"Sorry-!" He spoke suddenly, sticking his arm out. "Nothing… nothing…" Gooey leaned over, covering his head as he tried to block out noise. That left Bandee and Chuchu to awkwardly glance between each other. Hmm…

Maybe Gooey was still upset with him for being so rude to Blade before. He thought he'd gotten over it, since the kid didn't tend to hold grudges for long. (Having the same attention span as Kirby tended to lend itself to that.) But… maybe he'd pushed a bit too much.

Perhaps he should make up for that. If Blade really was happy like he said, then… he shouldn't be messing around with that feeling. Bandee stood up, excusing himself, and headed back to the shopping area. Chuchu shook her head and sighed. Rubbing Gooey's head, she spoke placating words.

"He doesn't mean it. He's just a bit of a scaredy-cat. He'll get over it eventually."

"Eventually."

Before Gooey's upset could fester much longer, the zhip of the curtain being pulled back drew the two's attention.

Blade stepped forward in his new outfit, still adjusting his waistline and gloves… which he DID indeed change, Gooey noticed! Rather than covering his whole arm, they only went up to the elbow, and the tips of the fingers were uncovered as well! The outfit was an excellent fit too! He still wore his scarf over the turtleneck, which tapered well to his body, while the skirt Chuchu picked flared out wildly, almost as far, or maybe even farther than his original robes.

It was a multilayered skirt with three different sections, all a different color. Gooey's smile stretched wide across his face as he leaped forwards, wrapping his arms around Blade's torso and crushing his internal organs.

"Gh—!" 'I'm glad you like it Gooey but I-'

"But I need to adjust something real quick!" Chuchu interrupted, shoving Gooey aside with surprising strength. She pulled Blade's head down and stared directly into his face.

"Hmm… yes, yes, this has been bothering me ever since I met you! Your hair's off! It's not going the right way!"

'What in the world are you talking about?'

Chuchu didn't answer. Instead, she darted in and out of the aisles at near lightspeed. When she returned, she held a brush in one hand, and what looked like some sort of metallic headband or visor in the other. She instructed him to sit down, and he instead kneeled, which she supposed also worked. She walked around his back and began brushing his hair to one side, changing the location of the part and moving a few of the more bothersome strands out of his face. Then she placed the headband on his head, adjusting it until his bangs were just the right size. Present, but not impractical.

"There, perfect!"

Blade felt around on his head, readjusting to the odd sensation on his scalp. Still, he had to assume it looked good. He'd check in a mirror soon enough. As he moved to stand, Bandee rushed back up to the three, carrying something in his hands.

"Uh- um- here- I thought I might- I mean, this'll probably look good too, if you want it. I- I get it if you don't want it though, since I've- but I still thought-"

Gooey gingerly grabbed the item from Bandee's hands and smiled reassuringly. Maybe it was partially the telepathy, but Bandee could feel a small appreciation and understanding emanating off the boy. Then Gooey turned around and placed the item around Blade's shoulders.

It was a large necklace with a few large jewels placed strategically. Blade's heart pounded as Gooey closed the latch around him. This felt… too nice almost.

'How… am I to pay for this..? I don't wish to leech off of you any further, sibling.'

Gooey giggled and replied in telepathy. 'It's a bit difficult to explain, so I'll just tell you like this. The universe likes to reward us for our good deeds. That gratification is crystallized in our Cores. We call them Sparkling Stars, and people like to use them for payment. Check, and you should have some! You did just save some people after all!'

Blade quirked his eyebrow, a little skeptical. He'd never seen DEDEDE do that. Then again, he already had plenty of money as it was. He didn't ever NEED to do that… Still, it sounded rather strange, even for Pop Star standards. Even the universe itself was sentient enough to reward do-gooders? How absurd..!

"Go! Try it!" Gooey urged.

Blade sighed and gave in. He focused in on his Core, searching for some sort of… 'essence' or unfamiliarity… And… to his surprise… something sparkling and warm and… undeniably grateful lay there. He scrunched his eye shut and focused even harder… and before he knew it, a small collection of coin-like objects lay in his open palms.

The children oohed and ahhed at his pithy little pile of gold stars, with a single, significantly larger blue star at the top.

"Woah! That's a BIG one!" Bandee exclaimed. "I don't usually get blue coins unless I do something HUGE..! Where'd you get that?!"

Somehow, Blade knew exactly how he got it. It was probably the first ever one he'd acquired…

Back when he did the right thing for the first time in his life. When he let Gooey live.

Blade shook those thoughts away. 'Would this be enough to pay?'

"Oh, totally," Chuchu replied flippantly. "Just half of that pile should cover it!"

Good, because he didn't want to spend the big coin just yet. Blade nodded and drew the stars back inside his core, then turned to look himself in the mirror for the first time. To see his 'new self' for the first time.

This is what just 'Blade' may look like from now on. He hoped he liked it...

At first… he didn't even recognize himself. His body hadn't changed, but… somehow he seemed completely foreign. Not in a bad way though. If he saw someone like this, he would easily assume they belonged to this star. He leaned forward, tucking a strand of hair out of his face, and observing himself even closer.

Yes… undeniably… he was the same, but different. This was what 'he' looked like, and he… liked it..!

For the first time in his life, Blade liked himself. He was happy with who he was in this moment. Not just happy with what was happening to him, but with his own existence..!

A small, yet fully genuine smile spread across his face, and he heard the kids let out sighs of relief in response. No doubt they'd worried whether he'd like it or not. He turned back to them, grinning wider in appreciation.

'Thank you… very very much…'

Though the words were unreadable, the feelings curled around them were more than enough to be understood.

After paying, the kids chose to go out and grab some popsicles since it was getting pretty dang hot out and they just happened to pass a stand. The four of them plopped down on a bench in the shade of a tree near the town's park. It felt as if the dramatic, scorching heat waves of midsummer had arrived a few weeks early that year. Someone needed to tell Mr. Bright to back off.

Blade leaned his head back, resting the crook of his neck against the edge of the bench, and stuck the popsicle in his mouth sideways (like a psychopath).

After a few minutes of comfortable silence, Blade wondered aloud vaguely.

'I feel as if I'm… missing something. Not necessarily forgetting, but…'

The other kids hummed vaguely, not really understanding but still 'agreeing.'

"Can help," Gooey offered. "Search in head? Mind?"

'Sure, go ahead.' Blade closed his eye and prepped his mind to be probed, making sure to bury the One Thing before Gooey could hop in.

After a few moments of preparation, Gooey honed in his focus on Blade's psyche and began wandering about his recent memories and the emotions tied to them. A few things were still clearly under wraps, but if it was that important as to be hidden, then Blade wouldn't have forgotten about it, so he ignored it.

After a little while, he managed to piece the puzzle together, and refocused on reality.

"King."

'Hm?'

Bandee shot a concerned look at Gooey as well.

"Say sorry. Haven't."

'...Oh. You're right.' Blade shot to his feet. 'YOU'RE RIGHT!' His popsicle fell out of his mouth and splattered on the ground, almost instantly melting in the heat. 'How could I have forgotten to do that? We've had several conversations and I- how could I- what is WRONG with me?!'

Chuchu shook her head in exasperation. "You're a silly billy, Blade." She swept the popsicle stick under the bench. "So, what are you gonna do about it?"

'Well… I am going to apologize to him..!'

Bandee narrowed his eyes. "Like, right now..?"

'Ah…' He was initially just going to race off to the castle and say sorry, but standing here now, he realized he needed a bit more tact. 'No. I mean, I certainly will by the end of the day. But I need to prepare myself. This… has to be just right.'

Gooey nodded in understanding and smiled up at him. "Take time. Will great."

'Yes… I think…' He gazed at Castle Dedede, looming far off in the distance. Stretching its shadow wide with the still-morning sunlight behind it. It was a decent walk away from the town, but not so long that it would be troublesome. 'I will begin heading there now. But I'll take the scenic route.'

Bandee eased himself to his feet. "In that case, I'll go on ahead and let Dad know you're coming. Wouldn't want you sneaking up on him…" With the casual tone despite the strained words, it was as much a dig as it was a joke. Blade merely nodded and waited for Bandee to fly off.

The Dark Matter waved goodbye to his young friends, then began the quiet walk towards the castle. He had a lot to think about.

I have to apologize, no doubt. I have to express my full and utter regret such that he can understand and acknowledge it. He already knows I regret it. But I need to say it fully, with my whole being. For his sake and mine. It needs to be removed from my chest.

But… what if he just brushes it off, like he always does, no matter how hard I emphasize to him the importance of this? I know how he is… He'll say something like 'It ain't no big deal kid, really. You don't gotta worry 'bout it anymore.' No matter how hard I press. Idiot.

Well… no, it's more than that. He's trying to move past it. Reasonable, all things considered. Maybe it's like Adeleine. Being reminded may be worse in some ways when you're trying to just move on. But I'm… selfishly… doing this for myself as well. I need to put a final end to the Blade of Dark Matter, and this is the best way to do it.

…..Uh….

Hm….

Maybe… no, I… absolutely should.

I should tell him what I did. I should tell him about living in his heart. He deserves to know, and I want to put the last pieces of my old self to rest. I want to expose what he, what I did, and place that in a coffin once it's done.

He may hate me. He may wish to destroy me, even.

No, he won't. He's not like that. I've known that all this time, really. I only hesitated because I really do value his opinion of me. How could I not? But… I shouldn't keep holding myself back because of that. This is the right thing to do. And-

And…

If he never wants to see me again after that… I guess I'll… I'll just have to accept the consequences of my actions….

Blade suddenly halted his walk, staring down at his hands.

It was easy to say that he'd accept whatever happened, but the thought still frightened him. He'd JUST become pleased with who he was and what he'd become, and now he was already risking it just because it was the 'right thing to do' or some nonsense like that. …How do these people stand it?

Caught up in his thoughts as he was, it took him just a second too late for him to notice the small scampering of little feet heading towards him. He spun around and pivoted out of the way, but that just gave his little stalker just the opening they were looking for.

One of Daroach's minions, a Squeaker, hopped right past him, grabbing the necklace Bandee had picked out for him, and dragging it right off his chest. It rolled smoothly against the ground and started zipping through the tall grass. If Blade stood around being stunned any longer, he'd lose them!

Blade's face sharpened into a violent glare and he dashed towards the little pest. His feet tapped against the ground just as lightly as the thief, and with his greater height, he was able to catch up within a few seconds. He reached his hand forward, prepared to grab them by the hair when-

The Squeaker suddenly disappeared..! Blade, in his surprise, nearly tumbled forward, but managed to hold his ground. Huh? How'd it vanish like that?!

Blade kneeled down and peered closely at the area where they disappeared… Yes! There, cleverly disguised by the long fronds of grass! A tiny tunnel, just large enough for a Squeaker to fit in. Any normal Dreamlandian wouldn't be able to follow… but he wasn't a normal Dreamlandian.

Blade grit his teeth and slipped into the shadows, spinning through the tunnel with ease. He actually managed to reach the exit before his thief, spitting himself back into reality and tumbling into what looked to be a much larger cave system! He spun in the air and floated himself down to the ground, landing gently on his feet. He looked up at the ceiling where the small tunnel led out and he crossed his arms, waiting for the Squeaker's arrival.

When the tiny creature popped out from the ceiling, it took until about halfway to the ground before they realized it had been caught. They let out a tiny shriek and tried to flap their arms to slow their descent, to no avail. Blade's mouth split into an eager grin and he stretched his arm out, ready to fire a small blast of Dark Lightning at it.

Just as he fired, he felt someone grab his arm and push it upwards, sending the lightning flashing harmlessly against the rock ceiling. It left little more than a scorch mark.

"Now now, I know you're our guest, but that's no way to act!"

Blade flinched and pulled his arm back, staring up at Daroach's cocky face. The Squeaker landed behind the man and hid under his cape, still clutching the necklace.

'I… apologize. I wasn't- rather, I didn't have any intent to harm them. I was just going to stun them for a few moments.'

Daroach lifted an eyebrow. "Really now? And shooting lightning at one of my dear Squeakers was the best way to do that?"

Blade's hair curled up in irritation. 'It's not my fault! They stole from me! I- I JUST got that necklace. You can't expect me to just let them take it!'

The man chuckled. "If it was that easy to steal from you, then perhaps you should keep a better eye on your valuables~" He lifted his cane and tapped under Blade's chin, much like he did when they first met. "Regardless, I'll let you off easy this time. But I won't catch you attacking my little ones again, alright?"

His voice held a certain weight to it that Blade couldn't ignore, even behind the charm. He simply nodded, and Daroach's smile grew much wider and more relaxed in response. "Excellent! Glad to know we're on the same page! But pray tell, how did you manage to get here? We don't usually have people wandering about these parts, let alone ending up in our passages."

'I was taking the scenic route to the castle… And I managed to fit in the tunnel after THAT ONE-' he pointed accusingly- 'led me to it.'

"Tsk, classic mistake." Daroach lightly chastised the little Squeaker, waving his pointer finger. "You mustn't lead someone to the tunnels during their first plundering! You never know if someone has a way of sneaking in!"

The Squeaker nodded shamefully and bunched up his cape in their little fists. Daroach could never stay mad at them for long though. Those Squeakers were like the Waddle Dee's to his King Dedede. He smiled reassuringly and ran a hand through their short hair, before dragging his hand down their head and placing his upturned palm in front of their face. They let out an adorable little sigh before reluctantly placing their stolen item in his hand.

"Very good. Now," Daroach looked back at Blade, "How would you like me to show you a shortcut to the castle?"

Blade hesitated. He wasn't exactly trying to get there in a hurry, but he certainly didn't want to turn the man down. Besides, this very well might be his chance to have a proper introduction and get to know him like the other Allies. He eventually dipped his head in agreement and Daroach's ears twitched in anticipation.

"Excellent! Then we're off!" He beckoned Blade to follow, so he hitched up his skirts and began trailing the man as he navigated the cave system.

It was a far more complicated network of tunnels than he'd anticipated, though maybe that shouldn't be a surprise for the Squeaks. It seemed to be quite well carved out too, with several sets of steps perfectly formed out of the dirt, so solid that they may as well be stone. There were a few places where tree roots had been repositioned to resemble pillars or ceiling embellishments. Ever so often, he spotted a few Squeakers dashing about, though they were often by themselves or in very small groups. He was surprised. Blade thought the Squeaks was a much larger organization than that.

'...How large is this place?'

"Oh, it runs throughout all of Pop Star, my dear! The entire planet holds a secret network just beneath its surface. Quite the feat, if I do say so myself. I'm very proud of everyone for contributing."

'Indeed, that is rather impressive, if true. How have you not been caught yet?'

Daroach smirked and tapped Blade's chin again. "You may be an attractive young fellow, but do you really think I'd give away our tricks that easily?"

'I suppose you're right…' It took Blade a few more steps before he realized something. 'Wait, do you really think I'm attractive?'

"Of course! I am a man with eyes, yes? I could say much the same about many of our Allies." He spun around and sidled up behind Blade. "However, I don't know terribly much about you, do I? You wouldn't mind having a simple chat to get to know you, hm?"

Blade blushed and walked a bit faster. This was perhaps the farthest thing from his area of expertise. 'Well, what is there to say? My name is Blade. I am a Dark Matter that has been turned to the side of Pop Star. I don't know if you'll find me terribly interesting.'

"Hmmm…" Daroach took his time walking up the next set of steps, making sure to tap his cane against each step as he moved. "I don't know all that much about your kind. Although… I was acquainted with one in particular for a very short time. Tell me, have you ever heard of Dark Nebula?"

Blade furrowed his brow in confusion. 'In passing… Lord Zero—I mean, my past leader, he rarely brought him up to me and Gooey as an example of a failed anomaly. He didn't seem to like him very much. But that's all I know…'

"I see."

'...'

Daroach spun his cane when he reached the top of the steps and stuck it through one of his belt loops. "Well, I don't know what I expected. I was under the impression that he was a figure of importance, but I guess not." He clapped his hands lightly. "But that's all in the past~ Tell me, dear boy, how are you finding Pop Star?"

'Very enjoyable. I've never been happier. Though I don't think that's a very high bar to clear,' he added in self-derision. Daroach couldn't help but chuckle at his unexpected joke.

"Well, that's always good news! I dare say if anyone found this place disagreeable, I wouldn't find them right in the head! Haha!"

'Right…'

"And how did you find the festival? I know it may have been interrupted, but there was still plenty of fun before that, yes?"

'It was wonderful… I didn't know life could be… this wonderful…' He clasped his hands in front of his chest and closed his eye. Daroach gave him a mildly intrigued look.

"You… didn't live the best life wherever you were before, huh?"

Blade shook his head. 'Of course not. I wasn't even a person.'

"Ah…" Daroach glanced uncomfortably between the Squeak that had been clinging to him, and the upcoming tunnels. Somehow, he felt like he had spoken on something he shouldn't have. "Well, I'm sorry you had to go through that sort of thing."

'There's nothing to be done. It's all in the past~' Blade sent out an exact mimicry of Daroach's line from a few minutes ago, causing him to startle at hearing his own voice.

"Woah- I didn't know you could do that!"

'Anyone can remember what someone talking sounded like. I can just make you hear it too.'

"Fascinating…"

'Going back on topic, where were YOU at the festival? How did YOU find it? I hardly got to speak to you?'

"Ah, haha~" Daroach spun the necklace around his finger. "Just acting as the Squeaks' eyes. I didn't do anything illegal that night!"

'How in the world do you get away with this? How has no one stopped you yet?' This was something that had been bothering him for some time now.

"Well, it's not worth the effort! There's no reasonable way to catch us for long, and besides, we're a valuable intelligence operative asset when the world is at stake! So letting us do whatever we want seems like a perfectly fair deal to me."

'But don't the others hate that you keep stealing from them?'

"We take what isn't needed any longer~ What people have no use for. What they surely wouldn't miss. Call it remote cleaning. Besides, it's not as if we're much worse than that scamming mage's little escapades." Daroach rolled his eyes at that. "His excuse is much the same as mine. If they got tricked, they should have known better. It's not as if we're terribly inconspicuous most of the time."

Blade grit his teeth. 'So you're saying I should have expected that little brat to take my necklace? I just received it as a gift today. I can hardly call that unneeded.'

"Hmm~" Daroach suddenly halted and stared up at the ceiling. "We've arrived at our destination. Do you see that little hole right there? It should take you right in front of the castle gate." He then turned back to Blade and looped the necklace around him, clicking it shut. He lifted his chin up slightly, with his hand this time.

"I suppose I'll let you off easy this time. You DIDN'T know any better. So you can have it back. But I can't catch you slipping next time, alright? Think of it as my little 'welcome gift.'"

'Oh. Alright. Thank you, I suppose.'

"Of course. Now," Daroach swept his cape open and called for the Squeaker to come forward. "Why don't you apologize and say goodbye to Blade now, Sici?"

The Squeaker let out an incomprehensible little noise that Blade could only assume was a 'sorry.' He bowed and apologized for trying to electrocute it as well. Then he waved farewell to Daroach and spread his fins, lifting off and sending his body slamming right into the shadows. Daroach half expected the ground to start crumbling with how much force he'd crashed into it, but he simply vanished without much noise at all.

"What an intriguing creature…"

...

When Blade was spat back into reality, he found himself standing just beside the path leading up to the castle gates. They weren't lying. Those tunnels really do lead everywhere. Before he could even take a step, he heard the barely audible sound of something crumbling, far away.

He looked down, only to find the tunnel he'd exited from missing.

So that's how they did it…

Somewhere very far away on the complete opposite end of the world, where the Squeak tunnels were composed of an entirely different soil, another Squeaker was wandering about without a mission. They were on their day off, so they just felt like checking on some of the lesser used passages.

They found themself in one of the more secluded tunnels, deep in the ground and far away from the main path. It was dark, cramped, and lonely, but they didn't feel afraid, because this was their home. It was like being afraid of a random corner of your house. There shouldn't be anything unexpected there, right?

But… if that was the case… why was that weird thing there?

Yeah, what WAS that anyway? Some sort of staticky fuzz… It almost looked like a cluster of those weird spiders that weren't actually spiders even though they literally looked like tiny balls with spider legs. How was one supposed to deal with those again? If you just tapped them, they would fall apart and scatter, right?

The Squeaker pulled their protective box cutter out of their pocket. Everyone in the Squeaks, even down to the smallest ground work, was supposed to carry SOME sharp object on their person, just in case something really bad happened. They didn't flick open the cutter though. They just stuck it forward, poking it against the fuzz.

And then… the fuzz… latched around the box cutter. And then it 'walked' up the cutter and grabbed the Squeaker's hand.

And they could say the fuzz grabbed them because that… undeniably… with total certainty… looked like someone else's hand.

A piercing, sunset-colored eye opened out of the mass of Darkness and stared straight at them.

And then they suddenly felt their body being snapped backwards, like someone playing too roughly with a doll.