#gonna quietly act like i don’t have more drawings of the fella i drew in a skirt. but they are all silly and dumb and maybe with a certain

[mybrothershands]

MBH/Dumpling 2

second installment, same art because otherwise you'll be waiting on it all day tomorrow. Characters by myself and @diddlesanddoodles and editing by @thundering-susurrus

The giant pinched up his face as if he smelled something bad. He then prodded the lump in his chest-pocket. "Get up, you lazy fool."

Several emotions crossed Yale face all at once, from anger to confusion to relief. Now that he knew where to look, Yale could see a distinctive lump in the man’s front pocket and heard the smaller voice emanating from within. Well, if he had a human companion of his own, that was a welcome relief. But he still kept his hand on Nenani. Grinning, he jerked his head to indicate the lump on Ka's shirt. “Ah, well I suppose that answers that. He yer assistant then?”

"Parasite, more like," he said, fishing around in his pocket until he caught the man by the shirt and pulled his shoulders over the lip of the pocket.

"Why you little two-ton son of a hog-bellied cob, I ought to--" The human smacked the hand away.

A nervous laugh escaped the giant, and he clasped his hand over the smaller man's mouth. "Er, this is my brother. He took care of me when I was small," said Ka.

Yale had been watching Ka fish around in his pocket and smirked at the human’s grouchy reply. The human’s snark immediately reminded him of Farris, but upon hearing Ka call him his brother, Yale gave pause. His curiosity was piqued.

“Wha –? Really? Can’t say I’ve ever heard ‘a that. That must be one hell of a story,” he said and jerked his head towards Ka. “Ye must’ve had a time of it keepin’ ‘im fed and clothed proper.”

The giant paused, then seemed to draw back within himself and looked away. Cairo, however, had no such loss for words. "Got that right. Ungrateful, too. You should see the spot in my side where he--" The massive hand clamped over his mouth again.

"I, erm," Ka cleared his throat, worry painted on his face. "I was old enough to work when he took me in. I cleared land for a human farmer in exchange for food. Cairo paid for my clothes and gave me a place to stay."

Polly then decided to use his leg as a scratching post and began rubbing her face up and down the side of his pants, leaning into him. "Woah, hey!" Ka said as he was knocked off balance. Once he found his feet, he pulled her bridle back over her ear and straightened her forelock. "But yes, I'm," he waved his hand in a circle, "I can work with humans just fine. They just need to let me know they're there and keep away from my feet."

“Ah, well no worries there,” Yale said with a light laugh as he pulled his apron aside to reveal Nenani at his hip. “You know better than to be underfoot, ain’t that right Dumplin’?”

Nenani nodded while she observed the new giant and silently marveled at his height. Despite the way in which he towered over them, he had a kind face, and she was not afraid.

“Farris doesn’t like it if I’m on the floor,” she explained. “He doesn’t trust the footmen to keep a look out.”

Ka's expression softened. She was a little thing, even for her kind, with auburn hair that shone in the sunlight. Somehow she met his gaze without fear, and it gave him pause. "H-hello there," he said quietly. "I am Ka. It's nice to meet you, miss."

It took the giant a moment to realize that the young man must have been hiding her, and why he had questioned him so. Come to think of it, he had not seen a single small person, nor chest pocket since he had entered this town. Pieces began to fall into place, and he decided he should not stay here for long. Not with Cairo. Absently, his hand found its way to his pocket.

“Hi. I’m Nenani,” she replied back, trying to look friendly. He looked so nervous, she thought. Yale easily scooped her up and sat her on his leg. After getting comfortable, she gestured up at the cook and said, “And he didn’t say so, but this is Yale.”

Looking confused, Yale looked down at her. “I didn’t introduce myself at all did I?”

“Nope,” she replied. “That was very rude. Lolly would swat you.”

“Ah, well,” he said, giving Ka and Cairo an apologetic shrug. “She wouldn’t be too pleased with me bringin’ the lil’un on this errand either. So there’s that.”

Cairo grumbled as Ka fawned over this little girl. She seemed unafraid and even kind towards his brother, which he respected. Still, he regarded Yale with a critical eye. Hooking his elbow over the frayed lip of the pocket, the human raised his voice. "What kind of kitchen is this anyway, boy? It's a bit late in the day to be fetchin stuff. What are you doing out here now?"

“Best kitchen in Vhasshal,” Yale fired back with a smug grin. He pointed over his shoulder towards the castle behind them. “That being the royal kitchen.”

“But Gjerk didn’t clean the chimney and it ruined the luncheon roasts,” Nenani supplied with a frankness that made light of the true disaster. “Almost caught the whole kitchen on fire.”

Yale frowned and, blushing just a bit, agreed with a muted nod. “Aye. Well, even the best kitchen in Vhasshal can fall victim to inattentive tenderfoots. So we’re needin’ to shuffle things ‘round a bit. Headin’ to a merchant who raises and sells field rocs.”

Ka's face became a smiling mask with a blank stare. Royal kitchen? Was this boy not worried that some stranger picked off the street could poison someone Important? Even the king himself? What if something went wrong and he was blamed for it and put in prison? Even he himself was not sure he deserved such trust, and yet kept his mouth shut in hopes that there was something he did not know.

Cairo, meanwhile, looked the man up and down, and then the girl in turn. They seemed easygoing and honest, if not a bit frank. At last he nodded. "We will accept your offer."

The giant balked. "Cairo, I'm not sure--"

"Shut up," he said, waving a hand. "Your belly's been a'growling all day, and I'll have no more of it. This is an easy job, and you're gonna take it," Cairo barked.

Ka paused, a hint of frustration on his face. Still, this was Cairo. The giant seemed to let go of his worries and nodded. "Just tell me what to do," he said, fixing Yale in his gaze, "and I'll help as much as I can."

He seemed eager enough, Yale thought. And even if his kitchen skills were minimal, so long as he could hold a knife, he could find something for him to do. Ka’s human companion was clearly the more dominant of the two, which Yale found to be quite amusing. And even a bit refreshing. He was so used to humans reacting to him with fear or at the very least nervous suspicion. Not that they did not have a valid reason of course.

He decided he liked Cairo.

“Well, first we gotta go collect them rocs and scurry on back,” Yale said with a grin. “So if we just wanna follow along we’ll go get that done and we can get ye to work.” He paused as he considered Ka. “And get ye somethin’ t’eat. Farris might gripe at me fer it, but believe me. He’s gonna be thankful fer yer help. Even he don’t show it. Or say it. Or yells at ye.”

Yale flicked the reins to usher Polly forward, bringing a hand up to hold onto Nenani when she almost fell off his lap.

“Ah!”

“Oh, sorry there, Dumplin’.”

"Oh," said Ka as he backed away and let the animal slip past until he could walk beside the cab. This Farris fellow seemed a bit crotchety. "Thank you," he said above the creaking wheels. The mention of food set his mouth to watering. They had had so many good things down at the market, maybe now he could get his hands on something. "I can pay you, but I'm afraid my coin may just be trinkets to you."

From his pocket, Cairo squinted one eye, adjusting his position to better watch the small giant. "Why you call her 'dumpling,' anyhow?"

“It was a joke,” Nenani explained with a flat look. “Wasn’t a very funny one.”

“I dunno, I thought it was a pretty good one,” Yale replied with a knowing grin. He poked her belly and the girl squealed and laughed, batting at his fingers. She lost her balance and almost fell back off his lap, but Yale was quick enough to catch her and place her safely down on the bench beside him. He ruffled her hair into a bushy mess. “Anyway, I caught this one here after she’d nicked some fruit. And right in the middle of the King’s weddin’ feast too. Don’t think I’ve ever been that stressed in my life.”

“He threatened to eat me...” Nenani said with the same flat expression.

As lovely as he found the girl's laugh, Ka's smile quickly faded as the girl voiced the joke. He made a sound half way between a choke and a quack. "Hmm?"

Cairo looked more surprised at the noise his brother made than Nenani's admittance. "Oh he did, did he?" He sat up, eyeing Yale. "He looks like a pansy to me."

Yale could not help the smirk of satisfaction at seeing the way Ka reacted. But his focus drew to the man’s pocket and the human within. Leaning towards them and planting his hand on the other side of where Nenani sat, he grinned at the human man.

“Big words fer a fella who travels by pocket,” he challenged. “Why not come on outta there and I’ll show ye how much of a pansy I am.”

Nenani glared up at Yale and grabbed onto his sleeve and gave it a firm tug. “No fighting.”

Cairo merely laughed at the girl's reaction. "I ain't stupid. Think I'll stay in the pocket, eh?" He slapped Ka's chest.

The giant rolled his eyes. He kept pace with the cart fairly easily, even as the Svaldifari trotted. He cleared his throat. "Keep acting like that and I may just let him have you."

"What!" he exclaimed, clutching a hand over his heart. "He might skin me, don't you think? You brute, you should protect your poor old brother."

Ka sighed, plodding along. "You can take care of yourself just fine."

“Smart man, your brother,” Yale said to Ka. “With him taggin’ along, ye might just survive a day in Farris’s kitchen.”

There was something very comforting about watching Cairo and Ka banter. It was all too easy for Yale to be drawn back to the horrible memories of the war and the way it seemed to him at the time that the bloodletting would never cease. Yet before him was a man who openly and easily called a human his brother.

“As fer skinnin’: nah. Too much of a hassle. Much easier to just toss ye into the stew and pop the lid on.”

Beside him, Nenani rolled her eyes. She had become nearly desensitized to all staff’s banter about eating and cooking people. Cairo didn’t seem like the sort to take Yale seriously. But Ka, she observed, seemed to not care for the jokes at all.

Ka lolled his head back, exasperated, then clamped his hand back over Cairo's mouth. "Ne- Nena-nani, er..." he chewed on his tongue for a moment, still trying to decide how many syllables the girl's name had. "Nenani," he said decisively. "He... Yale. He said he found you stealing?" said the giant, desperate to change the subject.

There were a few shoves and knocks on his hand before there at last came a double-tap and Cairo's mouth was freed. However, he kept his mouth shut for once and watched the road ahead. The mare seemed to need a bit of guiding, unused to going this way, but Yale was not quite paying attention. He peered ahead. Was this the way they had come before? Where was the market?

“Oh. Yeah,” she replied as she fiddled with the hem of her skirt in slight embarrassment. “But it’s not like what Farris and they all thought at first. I’m not from the Hill Tribe, I’m from the Southlands. They were loading a bunch of carts near the docks and I tried to sneak in and grab a persimmon before anyone noticed, but the basket was really big and I just...kind of fell in. And got stuck.”

Yale stifled a snicker as he corrected Polly’s path. She whinnied at him in annoyance. “I remember all them peels, lil’un. It was certainly more than one.”

“I was in there for three days,” she said and stuck her tongue out at Yale. “What else was I gonna eat? The basket?” When Yale only shrugged at her, she continued. “I grew up being told stories about Vhasshal and I was really scared. So as soon as the caravan stopped, I tried to run.”

“Caught her tryin’ to make a run fer it,” Yale added lightly pinching her arm. “Didn’t get all that far. Like...a half a dozen yards maybe before I got ‘er.”

Ka frowned. He did not like the way that last bit sounded. He steered away as they passed another cart on the road. He wanted to ask the stories about Vhasshal, and why she had been so frightened, but the girl had not seemed a bit embarrassed about that point in her past. Come to think of it, maybe he did not want to know. "Persimmons... have peels?"

The edge of the village was approaching, and Yale could hear the sound of the rocs long before their pens came into view. Their destination was a handsome little cottage just at the end of the tight clusters of row homes. Though was an older building and had but a thatched roof, it was well maintained and clean. Behind it were the roc pens. There were a dozen or so of the birds loose in the larger space, and Yale felt relieved. He was only going to need ten for the luncheon service, and he’d be able to get a few extra just in case anything else went horribly wrong today.

“Well, I think they’re actually husks,” she was saying. “They’re from overseas somewhere. But you’re not supposed to eat the outsides because it’ll make you sick.”

“Ye did get sick though. Just not from eatin’ fruit,” Yale pointed out. His eyes trailed after the other cart as they passed, having seen the way they had been gawking at Ka. Poor guy must get that a lot.

“Yeah, I had the red reap,” Nenani said. “It was terrible. But Farris took care of me and gave me medicine and watched me all night while I had the fever.”

Ka blinked, trying to make sense of this new information. He had no idea what red reap was, but then again, he was not familiar with most diseases. "It sounds terrible," he said, worry on his brow. The way she had explained it, it sounded deadly. He could not imagine having to care for someone through the night, not knowing if the little thing would make it.

Though he had not yet met the man, Ka found himself reconsidering this Farris guy. If he was the type to yell at someone new, it seemed a bit backwards that he would worry over a thief. He shook the thought away. He had not met him yet. Maybe he would understand later.

It was then he heard some bird-like squabbling, and looked up to find a pen with some frighteningly large feathery beasts. "What... are those?" He felt a bit stupid for asking, but then again, nothing was familiar to him here. Nothing at all.

"What, you never seen a chicken before?" Cairo butted in.

“Oh them ain’t no chickens,” Yale answered, giving Cairo an amused sideways glance. “Those are common field rocs. Those beauties eat chickens fer breakfast. Literally. They’re birds of prey. And they’re what we’re here fer.”

Yale maneuvered the cart towards the pens and when they were close enough, he pulled the reins lightly and Polly came to a gentle halt. She turned to her head back at Yale, expectation in her eyes. With a chuckle, he reached into his apron pocket and pulled out a pressed oat cake. Turning to Ka, he held out the treat. “Wanna give Polly her reward while I go spend the king's money?”

A grin spread across Ka’s face, and he chuckled. "Seems she's in good hands," he said, gently taking the biscuit from him.

~~~

Twelve common field rocs were in the back of the cart, their wings tied down to their sides and hemp sacks placed over their heads to keep them docile. Nenani hung off the back of the driver’s bench, looking down at the immobilized birds. They were as large as cows, and it was a little daunting to think that there were birds that big in the world.

The trip back was fairly uneventful, except that news of Ka seemed to have made its way around the village, They seemed to be getting more stares than before, but Yale made a point of staring down whatever gawkers he noticed. But he did not have the same presence as Farris did, and mostly, the people just kept on staring.

Nenani found it to be pretty rude, and to several she stuck out her tongue.

As they approached the back gate that led to the kitchen courtyard, the guards stationed there did double takes as Ka came into view, but Yale was quick to head off any questions. “He’s here to help out for the day. If you have a problem with that, take it up with Farris.”

There was enough of a threat in those words that they were allowed to pass without any form of harassment.

“Don’t let those guards make ye nervous none, lad,” Yale said to Ka. “Most of ‘em are real decent fellas.”

Yale was still looking towards Ka as he directed Polly along the road, around the last bend, and into the courtyard. He pulled the reins and was about to say something else when felt a tug on his sleeve and he looked down at Nenani. “Hm? What’s it?”

Nenani merely pointed further ahead of them and Yale’s gaze followed along. A large fire pit had been lit in the middle of the yard, and the largest of their cooking pans was placed over the top, with a sizable pile of pumpkins next to it. Saen and Avery were in the middle of carving a few up but had made little headway.

But what had caught their eye was none of them, but the solitary figure just a short distance away. Standing with his arms akimbo and looking very displeased was Farris. His green eyes narrowed at Yale.

“Yer fuckin’ late.”

Ever since the border guards, Ka had gotten increasingly fidgety. As soon as Yale quieted down, he slowed up and walked behind the cart. The castle ahead was bigger than any he had seen, especially this close up. He ran his hand up and down his sleeve, trying to create some warmth as his breath crystallized before him. Upon hearing the voice, the giant's first impression was how gravelly and frayed it sounded, possibly from overuse. The second was that it did not sound happy.

"What's it to you?" Cairo muttered under his breath. It was more of a knee-jerk reaction, than anything, but it was enough to remind Ka to keep an eye on him. The human's left arm and legs lolled out of the pocket. He picked at his teeth as the giant walked. "Move over, Ka, I want to get a look at this meathead."

Ka merely shook his head, hand straying up to cover the man. "Be careful here. We don't know for sure if it's safe yet." There came a grumbling and a shove at the fingers, but for the most part he kept his mouth shut.

Before Yale could even begin to explain himself, Farris caught sight of Ka, and the kitchen master’s eyes widened as his gaze traveled up and up and up until he met the taller giant’s eye. “And just who in the Seven Hells are ye?”

Ever since the border guards, Ka had gotten increasingly fidgety. As soon as Yale quieted down, he slowed up and walked behind the cart. The castle ahead was bigger than any he had seen, especially this close up. He ran his hand up and down his sleeve, trying to create some warmth as his breath crystallized before him. Upon hearing the voice, the giant's first impression was how gravelly and frayed it sounded, possibly from overuse. The second was that it did not sound happy.

"What's it to you?" Cairo muttered under his breath. It was more of a knee-jerk reaction, than anything, but it was enough to remind Ka to keep an eye on him. The human's left arm and legs lolled out of the pocket. He picked at his teeth as the giant walked. "Move over, Ka, I want to get a look at this meathead."

Ka merely shook his head, hand straying up to cover the man. "Be careful here. We don't know for sure if it's safe yet." There came a grumbling and a shove at the fingers, but for the most part he kept his mouth shut.

Before Yale could even begin to explain himself, Farris caught sight of Ka, and the kitchen master’s eyes widened as his gaze traveled up and up and up until he met the taller giant’s eye. “And just who in the Seven Hells are ye?”

Before Ka could answer, though, Yale jumped in. “Came across him on the way to get the rocs. He was lookin’ fer some work, and I offered to let him help us today.”

All through Yale’s explanations, Farris sized Ka up with a critical eye, pausing at the distinct bulge in the tall man’s pocket. His eyes narrowed suspiciously before turning their vitriol onto his assistant. 

“Oh ye did, did ye?” he demanded. “Are ye fuckin’ daft boy?”

Yale hopped down off the cart. “We need the extra help, and as mad as ye are, ye can’t deny the big fella could be of some help. Hell, he’d make short work breakin’ down the pumpkins.” Yale leaned around Farris to yell past him towards his fellow cooks. “A whole lot faster than them two knobheads!”

Saen and Avery looked up from their work to glare back at Yale. Avery waved his knife in the air, calling back, “Go fuck yerself, Yale.” 

Yale was still grinning when Farris drew his attention back with a growl. “And ye think I’d let just anyone off the street come in and cook in my kitchen, do ye?”

Yale glanced over his shoulder at Ka and then back to Farris. With a shrug, he said, “Honestly boss, I don’t think he’d fit. Be a bit tight.”

Farris’s ever-present glare faltered as an amused smirk crossed his lips. With a grunt he looked back at Ka. “Ye have any experience in a kitchen there, son?”

The giant clutched his fists against his chest, shoulders hunched and brow scrunched with worry. Though the man was half his height, he scared Ka. He looked like someone who knew how to fight and just might if aggravated.

"Y-yessir, just a bit, sir." Ka stuttered, coming out from behind the wagon. "Look, I promise I mean no harm, sir. I just, well I- I- I was looking for some work is all. He was nice enough to give me a chance. I promise I'll do my best if you'll only let me help."

Farris was silent for several moments, eyeing Ka once more. “Where ye from?”

The giant straightened up a bit, a slight hope welling in his chest. "Benhyke, sir. I'm... trying to find my way back there, actually."

“Never heard of it. So ye mean to tell me yer as tall as a fuckin’ house with no proper sense of direction?” The kitchen master didn’t give Ka a chance to answer before walking over to the cart where Nenani sat. He laid his arm across the drivers bench and looked at the girl. “What say ye Dumplin’? Think he’s some sort of secret assassin tryin’ to worm his way into the castle?”

Nenani blinked and shook her head. “No.” 

“Well, if yer so sure,” he said with a small smile and scooped her up. Tucking her into the crook of his arm, he turned back to Ka.  The warmth he had spoken to Nenani with was gone and the harsher tone returned. “Ye got a name?”

He scratched his head, still harboring the initial insult in his mind, and had not quite heard him speak to the girl. "What? O-oh I am Ka. And this is--" he paused. At first caution took over, but once he saw the way he cared for Nenani, the fear melted. "--Cairo," he finished.

Upon hearing his name, a single hand came out of the pocket and gave a dramatic wave. "Evening to you, you motherless goat," he called, then the hand disappeared again.

Farris’s expression darkened and, behind him, Yale was making a frantic motion with his hands at Ka that translated roughly to “Bad idea. Stop.”

“I’ll give ye fair warning now, boy,” Farris warned as he walked towards Ka. Pressing further into his space, he stared up at the taller giant and pointed towards his pocket. “Keep that one’s mouth under control or I’ll be doin’ it fer ‘im. I’ve had plenty of humans toss out insults at me and, one way or another, they learn not to. If ye wanna work, I’ve got work fer ye. And you’ll be paid fair wages fer it. But if that one skulking in yer pocket don’t watch it, he’s gonna become intimately acquainted with the inside of a roasting pan.”

Ka's face paled and he backed away, clutching one hand to his pocket. "No! No, please, he's my brother. Y-you can't--I won't..." He seemed to get ahold of himself then, squared his shoulders. "Take that back," he said, regaining his ground. If it were not for the girl in his arms, Ka was not sure what he might have done.

Farris did not back away, and his only movement was to use his free hand to cover Nenani as though to shield her. He met Ka’s eyes with a firm unwavering stare. “I don’t take it back. This is my kitchen and my word is law.” Farris let a small smirk come to his lips. “Just keep in mind though, I didn’t say nothing about actually cookin’ ‘im.”

The giant blinked, relaxing a bit. "What?"

At this point, Cairo heaved a dramatic sigh and pulled himself up. He looked the man up and down and came to a conclusion. "Ugly lump."

Nenani poked her head out from behind Farris’s hand. “No fighting.” 

At Nenani's word, Ka took a step back. There was still anger in his blood, and he elected to stay on his toes, but any hostility was snuffed out by the girl's voice.

Farris only adjusted his hand to ruffle her hair.  “Well ye ain’t no Blue Thorn Beauty yerself,” Farris shot back at Cairo, then raised an eyebrow at him. “Ain’t ye a bit old fer being carried ‘round like a babe?”

Cairo raised a brow, then patted the chest behind him. "This one here's the baby when it comes down to it, little man. Now--" He cut himself off as if he had heard something. "Alright already," he grumbled at apparently nothing. "What do I have to do to get your sorry bag of bones to do something decent, eh? This boy's half starved."

"Cairo..." Ka hissed through his teeth. "I haven't done the work yet."

Farris huffed and rolled his eyes. “Yale,” he called without taking his eyes from the pair. “Go grab this one one ‘a the leftover meat pies.” He paused, reconsidering the man and his height. “Make that two.”

“Will do, boss,” Yale replied, flashing Ka a wide grin before running off towards the stairway that led into the kitchen proper. 

“I don’t run a charity here,” Farris told him sternly. “But if yer gonna be any use to me at all today, it wont be with an empty belly. Ye’ll eat and then ye’ll work. Understand?”

"No," Cairo said blatantly before Ka had a chance.

#crossover with doobdles

[friendship-ended-with-pokespe]

Kirby: Meta Knight and the Strongest Warrior in the Galaxy Chapter 4

Energy Sphere, produced by an advanced civilization of Halcandra in the remote past. Released from the music box, it sparkled more and more strongly. With it, the space around Energy Sphere began warping. Meta Knight stood on the ground and was glaring at the warped space.

Kirby and the others don't know what to do at this point. Everyone gasped and watched. A star-shaped hole opened on the distorted space. Spreading on its other side is endless darkness. King Dedede groaned. “So that’s the extradimensional road......!” Simultaneously, something jumped out from the star-shaped hole. It is a purple creature with a round head and wings grown similar to a bird. Dwelling in Another Dimension, a Sphere Doomer has already sniffed out the presence of an Energy Sphere. It then forced opened a hole to this side of the world and trespassed into here. Giving no glance at the Sphere Doomer, Meta Knight shouts at the hole leading to the extradimensional road. “The sealed warrior, Galacta Knight! Open your eyes once more and fight me!” “O......Oi......this isn’t good.” King Dedede is flustered and shouts. “We close that hole before Galacta Knight is resurrected! Hey, you meathead.” The king calls out to Sphere Doomer. Sphere Doomer is excited about finding an Energy Sphere which it’s fond of. It tries to swallow the Energy Sphere, but its body being too small, it cannot open its mouth fully and appears to be having difficulty. “Close up that hole this instant and go back!” King Dedede’s hollers don't reach Sphere Doomer. Captain Vul said. “I think that thing’s still a child. It’s so small that it can’t swallow the Energy Sphere.” “Dang it, you’re so useless! Just swallow the thing and go back!” King Dedede grabs Sphere Doomer and skates it. Sphere Doomer flapped its wings as if in a panic. Kirby stopped him. “Stop it, I feel sorry for it.” “But if we don’t hurry up......!” “We won't make it!!” Captain Vul yells aloud, and almost at the same time: A remarkably strong light illuminates the surrounding, and everyone involuntarily shrank away. As it revolved slowly, something similar to a large crystal fell from the hole leading to the extradimensional road. It is light purple and sparkles like a jewel. Its beauty and dazzle left everyone at a loss for words.

With the appearance of the crystal, the star-shaped hole closed up. Meta Knight was the first to come to his senses. “Galacta Knight......!” Simultaneously as he shouted, the light purple crystal split into pieces. Emerging from there is a warrior wearing a white mask. Two gold-colored horns are on his head, and pure white wings are grown in his back. It’s even bigger and more robust than Meta Knight’s wings. His eyes below his mask are crimson like flames. It was devoid of any emotions whatsoever. Emitting an overwhelming aura, the strongest warrior in the galaxy was at last released from his seal and landed on the ground. “Galacta Knight, we meet again.” Meta Knight’s voice was shrill from his delight. Galacta Knight quietly turned to Meta Knight. On its right hand is an enormous rose-colored lance. Its left hand is holding a white shield with a cross-shaped crest engraved on it. “My apologies as you just awoke, but if you could have match with-” Before Meta Knight could finish his words, Galacta Knight was starting the battle. Readying its enormous lance, he charges right at Meta Knight in a straight line. His speed is too fast for the eyes to notice. Meta Knight was doing all he can to dodge by rolling. The Meta Knights trembled. “W-What an incredible speed......!” “He won’t stand a chance if he gets stabbed by that huge lance!” “My lord......” Having regained his stance, Meta Knight unleashed a quick series of attacks. Galacta Knight held up his shield high, however. It isn’t to only defend against the attacks. A shockwave was fired from the cross-shaped crest engraved on his shield. Meta Knight lost his posture from such an unforeseen attack. His rose-colored lance strikes at Meta Knight who stumbled.

Meta Knight jumped aside by the skin of his teeth. Where Meta Knight was at was bored by the tip of the lance, and the ground cracked with a ripping sound. The Meta Knights were overwhelmed and stood bolt upright. King Dedede shouts. “We’re gonna get caught up if we stay here. Stay back and protect yourself!” As soon as he shouted, he grabbed Waddle Dee’s hand and darted to the crumbled palace. The Meta Knights wavered. “But we have to bear witness to this battle......” “I can’t believe that our lord would have this much of a hard time.” “We need to stay close so that in case he gets seriously wounded, we can treat him right away!” “Aye, well said, you lads.” Captain Vul nodded. “That's what I expected of Lord Meta Knight’s men. Of course we don’t run away!” However, a sudden gust of wind blew just then. A whirlwind was created from the impact of Galacta Knight swinging his lance. Everyone who stood stock still was hit by the gust and fell down. Kirby rose up and said. “Owieee......it’s dangerous here. We should run, everyone!” “Blast it......regretful, but there’s no choice! It’s not like we’ll be of any help to our lord by staying here. All members, take cover for now!” Kirby and the others began running toward the palace.

Scorched by the lightning, the palace’s ceiling has collapsed, it’s pillars broken, and was desolated. But for now, they can protect themselves from the impact of the fierce battle held outside. The group plopped down on the hall of the palace and finally caught their breath. “So that’s Galacta Knight. He isn’t praised as the strongest in the galaxy for nothing.” Said Sword Knight, trembling with fear, and Blade Knight nodded as well. “His strength is beyond imagination. Our lord is so cool to be able to fight on par with such an opponent!” “But I’m worried.” Said Trident Knight uneasily. “Say what you like, but Galacta Knight is just way too powerful. On the chance that our lord......” “Hmph, like I give a crud. He can receive the worst injury there is, but that’s what he wished for.” Said King Dedede with a displeased look. “Setting that aside, we have a big problem.” “What?” “It’s about what happens if Meta Knight were to lose.” The Meta Knights raised their objections in unison. “What did you just say!?” “There’s no way our lord would lose!” “Galacta Knight may be a formidable foe, but our lord is sure to be stronger!” “No, wait.” Sword Knight stopped his cohorts and said. “It was a draw last time. That is to say, the two are almost equal in terms of skill. I don’t want to think about it, but the possibility of our lord losing isn’t zero.” “Then no one can stop Galacta Knight now.” To Dedede’s words, everyone present exchanged looks. Captain Vul said. “Galacta Knight holds the power to easily destroy a star......” “Right. And I guess he also likes to battle. That’s why it was feared all over the galaxy and sealed.” “In the worst case that Lord Meta Knight loses, Galacta Knight will begin rampaging all he wants......” Holding his breath as if spooked by his own words, Captain Vul began shouting in a choked voice. “O-O-Oh no!! The galaxy is going to get completely destroyed!!” “That’s why he shouldn’t have done something so stupid as removing the seal on Galacta Knight! That maniac!” King Dedede waved his fists in a fit of anger​. Waddle Dee said while shivering. “Lord Meta Knight is a deep thinker. There’s no way he wouldn’t have known that unsealing him is incredibly dangerous......why on earth would he......” “Hmph, he’s just pretending to be smart and is in fact an idiot. He becomes narrow-minded once he starts acting rashly.” “The heck did you just say!? Don’t you insult our lord!” The Meta Knights were roused up once again and lashed out at King Dedede. However, Captain Vul said in a stern voice. “Our lord thinks more deeply than anyone. I have no doubt about that, but......it’s true that his wish to become stronger is way too great. That’s why he went this recklessly far without considering the danger at hand......” Hearing him, the Meta Knights were crestfallen. “......It’s all because Moa was there.” “This isn’t our lord’s fault.” A heavy silence came. King Dedede was the one to break it. “Grumbling ain’t gonna do anything. Let’s think of something in the event that Meta Knight loses. In any event, the galaxy will be annihilated unless we find a way to seal him again somehow!” “But exactly who could bring down a warrior that can defeat even Lord Meta Knight......” Said Javelin Knight in a gloomy voice, but suddenly broke off. Everyone thought of the same thing simultaneously and lifted their face. Everyone’s gaze roamed the surroundings, where Waddle Dee then said. “H-Huh? He’s gone again. “He sure gets lost a lot. Is he still remaining outside?” “No, I’m sure he rushed into this palace with me......” At that moment, Mace Knight found Kirby in the shade of a fractured pillar. “There he is. What’re you doing there, Kirby?” Everyone drew closer to Kirby. Kirby is sitting in the shade of the pillar. He isn’t alone. Next to him is that strange purple creature, Sphere Doomer. It looks to have somehow managed to swallow the Energy Sphere, and the inside of its mouth was shining brightly. “What, it’s you. You’re still here?” Said King Dedede. They all forgot about Sphere Doomer as the impact from Galacta Knight was far too great. Kirby said. “It’d be dangerous for it to stay outside. I guess Sphere Doomer ran here to not get caught up as well.” “Hmph, what’s with that carefree look of yours. It’s all because of you that Galacta Knight was unsealed!” Shouted King Dedede at him, but Sphere Doomer is floating with an insouciant look. Captain Vul said. “This fella was only drawn to an Energy Sphere and came into this world. We can’t really blame it, can we?” “You’re right. Besides, the Sphere Doomer I met before was really violent and attacked me right out of the gate, but this kid feels different. It’s still young and is only shivering since it doesn’t know much about this world.” “......Wait a minute.” King Dedede pondered. “The extradimensional road that this thing forced open has been closed. So does that mean that we need to open the hole with this thing’s power one more time in order to send Galacta Knight back to that world?” “Yes, exactly.” Captain Vul nodded. “There are two procedure in sealing Galacta Knight. First, you defeat him and confine him in the crystal. Second, you send that crystal back to Another Dimension. We need Sphere Doomer’s power in opening the extradimensional road.” “Okay, got it. Sphere Doomer thingy. With your power, open an extradimensional road and take Galacta Knight back with you.” Sphere Doomer is floating.

“Got it? You have an important role.” There is no response. King Dedede threw a tantrum. “Are you listening to me!? You do know what to do, don’t you!?” “You’re too hard on him, Dedede.” Said Kirby. “I was talking to it for some time, but it doesn’t really understand me. It doesn’t know what I’m saying since it’s a creature from Another Dimension.” “Wha......it just has to be in a crucial time like this!” “But it’s ok-ay!” Said Kirby in a cheerful voice and spun once. “It doesn’t get what I’m saying, but I understand its feelings. This Sphere Doomer is still young, so its strength is also weak. It was drawn to an Energy Sphere and came to this world. But it seems to be in a pickle because it doesn’t know the way back.” “Wha......” Captain Vul turned pale. “What the heck are you saying!? It doesn't know the way back? You mean to say that it can’t open an extradimensional road!?” “Uh-huh. It must’ve forgotten itself when it came here. But I guess it forgot the way back.” “Then we can’t send the crystal back to Another Dimension!” Captain Vul’s face stiffened. “Not good. Not good at all......the crystal for sealing doesn’t last long in this world. Even if we defeat Galacta Knight and successfully seal him, it’ll be for nothing as long as we can’t send him back to Another Dimension!” Everyone held their breath and fixed their eyes on Sphere Doomer. Sphere Doomer is only floating, whether he understands what he heard or not. Kirby thought about it a little and said. “Hmmm......I don’t really get it, but we need to find a way for Sphere Doomer to return, huh.” “That’s right! It means annihilation for the galaxy if an extradimensional road can’t be opened!” “Okay, I get it now!” Kirby unfolded both his hands and nodded. Waddle Dee’s eyes sparkled. “So you do know how? That’s Kirby for you!” “So what should we do?” Everyone pressed Kirby. Kirby said merrily. “Mmm, I don’t really know how, but everyone should do their best!” “........................” Everyone’s face turned dismal. Only King Dedede flew into a rage and roared. “It’s not “do your best!” We can’t open no road no matter how hard we try!” “You have a point, but......Sphere Doomer can help us out!” “What and how is it going to help us out!??” Captain Vul stopped King Dedede who tried to strangle Kirby. “Wait. The extradimensional road is important too, but we need to defeat Galacta Knight and seal him back in the crystal first. Although it won’t be a problem if my lord wins......” Captain Vul cleared his throat. “I do believe that Lord Meta Knight will win, but Galacta Knight is an incredibly formidable foe. We need to think of a plan B in the unlikely event of our lord being defeated!” “If it’s Kirby......” Said Waddle Dee. “If it’s Kirby, I’m certain that we’ll win. Hey, Kirby.” “Huh? Me?” Kirby opened his eyes widely in surprise. King Dedede said. “I’d rather not rely on you, but the galaxy is in a big pinch. It’s the only choice.” “I’m supposed to fight Galacta Knight~?!”

Kirby shouted out loud. “NO! I don’t wanna fight!” They all held on to Kirby who was ready to flee. “Kirby, please.” “You’re the only hope of the galaxy!” “Kirby! No, Mr. Kirby! Lord Kirby! Grand Sovereign Master Kirby!” “It doesn’t matter what you call him~!” Kirby was in a fix, being seen by everyone with eyes filled with expectations. “I don’t wanna fight......” Said Kirby quietly, where Sword Knight pressed him. “Of course we know how scared you are. Seeing how powerful the opponent is. But you’re the only warrior that could stand against Galacta Knight.” Blade Knight said in addition. “Of course, we’ll support you with all our strengths as well. I ask you, Kirby.” “I’m......” Mumbled Kirby. Doesn't wish to fight because the opponent is too strong; it wasn’t because of that. It is because he cannot find any reason to fight. He knows that it is dangerous to let Galacta Knight rampage as he wants. But it was Meta Knight’s wish to begin with for Galacta Knight to be unsealed. He wished to become much stronger. Kirby didn’t understand. To be much, much more powerful; such a wish could never end. Just how strong is enough for Meta Knight? Meta Knight’s wish must've emerged from the pure desire to protect his men. But that wish is too great, where he might’ve become incapable of thinking anything else. How could he wish for a battle solely to become stronger, lending no ears to the heartfelt words from Captain Vul and the others? -Kirby couldn’t understand. He feels sorry for Galacta Knight who was unsealed for something like that. Unsealed only to fight and sealed within the crystal a second time once defeated. He didn’t want to fight such an opponent. But none of them understood Kirby’s feelings. “You’re the one who can fight, Kirby.” “We have plenty of Copy Essences too!” “What’re you gonna use? Is it Fire? Ice? Pick the one that you’re most confident with!” Hounded by everyone, Kirby hung his head. “I......don’t wanna......” It was when Kirby was about to insist feebly. There was a large impact all of a sudden and the floor shook. The palace which had crumbled from the start was unable to withstand it. The hardly remaining pillars broke with a cracking sound. “W-What is it!?” “The battle between the two at last......” Everyone was flurried and ran for cover. To a cavity alongside the wall for Captain Vul and the rest from the Halberd. To the back of a rubble for King Dedede and Waddle Dee. To the shade of the fractured pillar for Kirby and Sphere Doomer. Once everyone took refuge in their shelter, a large hole opened on the wall and Meta Knight came tumbling in. He took a direct hit from the series of attacks by Galacta Knight. Galacta Knight came after him immediately afterwards. He isn’t the slightest short of breath even while battling this intensely. Standing ready with his massive lance once again, Galacta Knight charged at the collapsed Meta Knight. “SIR!!” Shouted Captain Vul and the Meta Knights in one voice. The moment it seemed as though he would be impaled, Meta Knight leaped to his feet. His treasured sword, Galaxia emits gold-colored lights. He steps his one foot forward and swings Galaxia hard. Galaxia repulsed the attack from the lance and directly hit Galacta Knight. It is an enormous force, where Galacta Knight held out barely and still stumbled. He drew back unsteadily and fell with his back facing down. He tumbles down to the other side of a platform where a throne once was. “He did it!” Yelled Captain Vul and the other men in joy, and rushed out from the spot they were hiding in. “I expected nothing less, sir!” “I can’t believe that you won against Galacta Knight!” “You really are the greatest swordsman in the galaxy!” Meta Knight didn’t respond even as he heard the joyful voice of his men. His subordinates that were about to rush over to him suddenly paused. His body was still brimming with thirst for battle and blood. So much so that if they approached him carelessly, they could be cut to shreds. “Not yet. This isn’t over.” Muttered Meta Knight and jumped onto the platform. He peers into the spot where Galacta Knight tumbled down to. “......Not there!?” Meta Knight looked around with eyes lusting for blood. Kirby calls out to him, having come out from the shade of the pillar. “Meta Knight......are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?” “Kirby......” As if struck with an idea, Meta Knight jumped down from the platform and stood in front of Kirby. “I see. This is you doing.” “Huh?” “You disapprove of me fighting. So you hid Galacta Knight?” “Huh? Huh? I didn’t do anything......” “Quit screwing around. Where is Galacta Knight!?” Meta Knight is so enraged that he is on the verge of slashing at Kirby “I don’t know~!” Pleaded Kirby, flapping his hands. “He has no relation to this. I saw for sure that Galacta Knight rolled down to the other side of the platform.” Said King Dedede. “But he’s nowhere to be seen.” “Didn’t he ran away?” To Dedede’s words, Captain Vul nodded. “He probably ran away in surprise of your immense strength. I expected no less in scaring off the strongest warrior in the galaxy!” “Absolutely not!” Meta Knight swung his sword in vexation. “The match hasn’t been settled yet. In no way would he flee!” “But......” Said Kirby. “It can’t be helped now that he’s gone. You should have some snacks and take a rest, Meta Knight.” “......Kirby.” Meta Knight turned back to Kirby. “Then you be my opponent.” “Eh?” “I’m not satisfied with the curtain falling like this. I want to fight a powerful opponent.” “You mean that you’ll fight me!?” Kirby jumped up. “No. I don’t wanna be your opponent.” “Copy one of my men. Whether it be Sword Knight or Blade Knight.” “I said I don’t wanna! More than that, you should return to the Halberd and have snacks with everybody!” But Meta Knight didn’t try to lend any ears to Kirby’s words. Having his Galaxia at the ready, he slashes at Kirby with nothing to persuade him otherwise. “KYAAAAA!” Screamed Kirby and made a run for it. “Wait, Kirby! Fight me!” “Didn’t I say that I don’t wanna!?” Meta Knight chases after Kirby skedaddling. King Dedede said as he saw the two running around the palace. “Something’s wrong with him. That punk, I never knew that he likes to quarrel that much.” “What my lord desires isn't to quarrel. It’s to train.” Captain Vul talked back, but the king shook his head. “Now that it has come to this, it varies to neither training nor quarrel. I may not like Kirby, but attacking him one-sidedly is even more obnoxious than quarreling.” “Guhhh......” Captain Vul folded his arms and moaned. Sword Knight said. “Our lord’s adherence to the sword is greater than anyone. I admire how he wishes to become stronger when he’s already strong enough, but......” “He’s going off the deep end. Looks like I have no choice but to cool down that heated head of his!” With his favorite hammer in his hands, King Dedede made his way toward the two running about.

Trident Knight said. “Even King Dedede is participating in the battle! Just what is this coming to?” Waddle Dee mumbled as he followed the three with his eyes. “It’d be great if no one were to quarrel......”

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#kirby novels #kirby of the stars #light novel #translation #Grand Sovereign Master Kirby #meta knight #king dedede #waddle dee #galacta knight #captain vul #meta knights #sword knight #blade knight #sphere doomer