#;; chromatic reflections ✨ swordsman headcanons

[bladesfromthedark]

Headcanon: True Form Differences

For the most part, the true forms of common Dark Matter were not visually distinguishable from one another. Multitudes shared the exact same appearance; rarely did even slight variations crop up. It was only those who were created with more specific purposes or capabilities that tended to possess more distinctive looks.

Swordsman, for instance, is a rare "elite" specimen infused with a Sword Copy Essence. In contrast to many of their kin, their petal/fin-like appendages are flatter rather than orb-like, and razor sharp along the edges. They don't necessarily need to be in their blade-wielding guise to slice foes, although using a sword is usually more effective.

Along with that trait, Swordsman's petals are violet instead of orange. Technically canon, if only in early official art.

One last contrast between Swordsman and the more common Dark Matter variant is their true form's size. Elite specimens are somewhat larger in general, and Swordsman is no exception in that regard. It is by no means too drastic of a difference, however; Swordsman still remains quite a bit smaller than their creator.

((Bonus under cut: the art with DMS's current appearance instead!))

[bladesfromthedark]

Headcanon: Elemental Augmentation

Dark Matter Swordsman/Blade has more than one trick up their sleeve when it comes to battles. Their kind are, in general, quite adaptable. In a similar vein to Kirby, some Dark Matter can utilize a multitude of Copy Abilities, with known individuals including Gooey and Miracle Matter. Similarly, Dark Nebula can call forth the powers of several elements.

Unlike those examples, Swordsman cannot freely change abilities. The Copy Essence they have been infused with has ensured the permanence of their sword ability. That, however, does not mean they have to completely lack variety.

Much like how Power Effects function in Star Allies, Dark Matter Swordsman can augment their innate sword ability with other elements. This cannot be done out of the blue—some type of elemental source for them to draw from must be present. Once an effect is gained, it is only temporary. The power will gradually be diminished as Swordsman actively utilizes it, or it will fade away on its own given enough time. The effect can easily be recharged if they remain near an elemental source, however.

These augmentations do not only alter their sword, but also their physical appearance. In the given example, which depicts Swordsman with a Fire/Sizzle effect, their apparel has gained a warmer palette, and the ends of their hair now resemble flames.

[bladesfromthedark]

Headcanon: Bad Ending

What was the fate of a world successfully taken over by Zero, never to be saved…?

The denizens of such planets were not outright killed, no. That was not Zero's intention. They desired to spread as much suffering as possible. As such, only those who interfered with the invasions were struck down. What happens to all of the others, then…?

…Many considered it a fate worse than death. Every last sentient being was possessed. Dark Matter entities fed off of their host's negative emotions, sustaining themselves and becoming stronger… Meanwhile, any being that was possessed for prolonged periods of time would gradually lose themselves. The host's memories, identity — their very souls. All ebbed away at, until there was nothing of the original individual left. In their place… a new specimen of Dark Matter, ready to serve Zero.

To give an example… N-Zs may have originally been something else. A species not all that different from Waddle Dees, perhaps. Their home(s) taken over, however, these individuals would find themselves corrupted, turned into a "fodder" unit of Dark Matter. Simple-minded things that followed a will not of their own…

…As for the planet itself?

The skies, constantly shrouded in dark clouds, would allow no sunlight through. By the time Dark Matter were done with a planet, most — if not all — remaining surface life was likely to have died out. Leaving little more than a desolate, often bitterly cold landscape…

The ruination of a planet. That was the end result of a successful Dark Matter invasion. There was always a chance the world could recover in some capacity after Zero's forces left, given enough time… but it would certainly never be as it once was again.

[bladesfromthedark]

Headcanon: Friendship.

Dark Matter is a very lonely person. So when he saw Dream Land, a place where everyone is friends, he became jealous. He's unable to say "be my friend." — 最新星のカービィ大百科 (The Latest Kirby of the Stars Encyclopedia)

...Contrary to what others might assume about them, Dark Matter Swordsman — with their newfound capacity for positive emotions — is actually not all that difficult to befriend.

Do they really know what to do with things like friendship? No. Would they dislike it? Also no.

In spite of their cold exterior and lack of social tact, anyone who genuinely tries to get to know Swordsman will be met with a more... awkward, yet curious side. Someone who, despite not knowing how to be a friend, is willing to try out new things with others. They might not quite understand what "hanging out" is all about, but... from their observations, it has always looked like something "fun." Something... better than being alone.

[bladesfromthedark]

Headcanon: Communication Error.

Like most of their species, Dark Matter Swordsman was tied to a hivemind. Zero was at the center of it, of course. From this, they were always capable of communicating with their kin when needed, and vice versa.

It was impossible to shut out. When not actively "speaking" with their kind, it was instead a constant background noise. Distant murmuring at all times... Nonetheless, Swordsman could ignore it, as one learns to ignore something like, say, mild tinnitus. Except for Zero. Zero's voice was too overpowering.

However, ever since their reawakening... All has been quiet. Nothing but their own thoughts. Swordsman initially thought it eerie, yet... the silence is not entirely unwelcome?

Still. That is one of the main reasons they have, on their own, deduced that the majority of their kin have been destroyed. Surely they would have heard something by now, yes? The shadowy warrior has wandered and wandered and wandered, and yet... nothing.

...

Their reasoning makes sense. It isn't necessarily wrong. Zero is indeed gone. But...

Swordsman fails to realize that, even if an incarnation of Zero yet lived, they would NOT be able to hear the hivemind. Not even if they tried.

The power they've absorbed from the Rainbow Sword has entirely disrupted that connection. Only a sliver of it remains, the remnants of which would allow them to somewhat sense the presence of other Dark Matter... but only those who are already in close proximity. Not helpful in most situations.

And in the event Swordsman attempted to communicate with a nearby Dark Matter, through thought alone?

The other would receive nothing but garbled nonsense.

[bladesfromthedark]

An extra thought in relation to the earlier headcanon post…

The reason why both of Swordsman's "copies" lacked their distinct appearance is mainly due to their incomplete natures. To give a quick breakdown of how these copies varied from the original Swordsman…

Dark Matter (Dream Land 3): After the events of Dream Land 2, Zero managed to recover a few fragments of Swordsman untouched by the Rainbow Sword's power. From this, they constructed an individual that shared some of Swordsman's memories, but entirely lacked a Sword Copy Essence. Regardless, this new Dark Matter knew enough of past events to crave revenge…

Dark Matter Clone (Planet Robobot): On the other hand, the Haltmann Works Company managed to gather a few particles that indeed contained whispers of Swordsman's Copy Essence. From this, they created a clone that could take on the blade-wielding guise, but didn't have a complete true form due to missing information. This individual's memories were perhaps even more scattered than the other recreation's, but it did recall the blade once used to fell it… Knowing how effective that power was, it attempted to mimic it in battle.

…And of course, both of these copies were not nearly as sturdy as the original. Have you ever fought Dark Matter in Dream Land 2? Even direct hits from the Rainbow Sword only noticeably chip away at their HP after a couple of strikes (with the faster way of dealing damage actually being to hit their own attacks back at them). Bastard was bulky as hell-

[bladesfromthedark]

Headcanon: Titles & Names

A name... That is something Dark Matter Swordsman does not consider themself to possess. Due to the nature of their existence, personal identity was never meant to be of any importance. Yet, they've found that some of the monikers they've been referred to over the years have stuck.

"Blade." For that is what they are, is it not? One of Zero's blades. A weapon. Not entirely unique to them, either... Any Dark Matter infused with a Sword Copy Essence could be known as such.

"Swordsman." A more recent development, relatively speaking. Typically mortals who referred to them as such, rather than others of their kind. Admittedly, they found the slight amount of added distinction interesting...

When introductions are in order, the Dark Matter will either state their titles, or what they are. They're not particular; they will respond to each all the same.

As for other things they might respond to...? Fiend. Monster. Eyeball. Any manner of insult that could be directed towards Dark Matter, really. They are very accustomed to it.

...What they are not accustomed to are nicknames of a more positive sort. Chances are, they would not be opposed to them. It may initially catch them off-guard, but Swordsman—in spite of themself—may in fact grow fond of new nicknames.

[bladesfromthedark]

Headcanon: Diet?

Dark Matter are an entirely inorganic species. They do not require food or drink, nor even sleep. It may be impossible for their kind to starve in the traditional sense... Still, something must keep them going, yes? Something that allows them to continue to function coherently, to utilize their powers.

So what do Dark Matter normally subsist off of, if anything? From an organic species' perspective, it can seem abstract. Typically... forms of negativity. Most simply draw in the darkness around them while within areas lacking in light, but some have been known to feed off of the fear and anger of their victims. Though not the primary motive, this does partially play into the reason for their past galactic conquests: by shrouding worlds in shadow and taking over the population, they created places more suited to their needs.

As for Swordsman...

Recently, they've found that in spite of their instinctive aversion to light, they... don't quite fare well if they avoid it. Should they not at least allow themself some time exposed to sunlight, fatigue will gradually overtake the warrior.

Presumably, they are now sustained by forms of positive energy, rather than negative.

[bladesfromthedark]

👻 - recall one or more times your muse has been the most scared or fearful

Questions For My Muse(s)

Aside from the moment they (initially) thought to be their final demise…

There is not much which spurs genuine fear in Dark Matter Swordsman. Being felled by any weapon their kind does not have a weakness to? Not a preferred outcome, but chances are they'll eventually reform. In the grand scheme of things, it's of little consequence to them… of course, excess pain would rather be avoided. If anything, anger is a more likely outcome for Swordsman when an opponent manages to back them into a corner…

So then, what else could have possibly incited fear during their life? Well, it's not so much a single event, but a collection of events…

When they were created, they were meant to be nothing more than a weapon.

...What if Swordsman wanted more from life? What if they wanted to experience the sense of freedom? In the past, some of their previous versions have gone against their "programming." No longer willingly obeying their master…

…but it never did them any good, did it? Tied to a hivemind, tied to Zero. Possessing abilities that made them too useful to simply discard. No. Their essence would be reclaimed. They would be recreated. Not allowed to leave, not even allowed to simply fade from existence. Again, and again…

A cycle. Their memory of such events was often lost, ripped away alongside their "flaws." Swordsman wouldn't necessarily recall anything specific about their rebellious phases. But, one thought would often persist. Echoes of a dreadful realization. An idea that, in a twisted way, aided in maintaining their loyalty to Zero…

THERE WAS NO ESCAPE FOR THEM.

[bladesfromthedark]

🙌 please?

Questions For My Muse(s) 🙌 - mannerisms that your muse has when they’re extremely happy

Being among Dark Matter Swordsman's recently acquired emotions, happiness remains something they do not quite know how to react to. It is not that Swordsman dislikes the feeling, it is simply... alien to them. An emotion that, under normal circumstances, they should have never been capable of experiencing. Yet, here they are.

Swordsman, for now, usually expresses their positive emotions in a subdued manner, if at all. The most common tell would be through their demeanor becoming relaxed, but even that is not always indicative of happiness. However, should one manage to make the warrior happy enough that their cold exterior cracks, they might catch a rare glimpse at a...

...smile.

[bladesfromthedark]

🤞 - what’s the most impulsive thing you can picture your muse doing

Questions For My Muse(s)

With their newfound capacity for positive emotions, and having freedom in general, Swordsman has definitely become more impulsive than they were previously. For the most part, this becomes evident in their methods of trying to ease their boredom. Like making a wooden carving out of a log... aaand destroying it as soon as it's finished for no particular reason.

As for most impulsive, however? Rather than boredom, this might be something led more by curiosity. For instance, Dark Matter do not have to eat. It offers no benefit to them. That doesn't mean they cannot, however. Swordsman has barely ever experienced sensations like taste before, so uh. If curiosity gets the better of them, they might... Do something like this:

Plate and all. Broken shards of porcelain. They wouldn't notice.

[bladesfromthedark]

👻 - recall one or more times your muse has been the most scared or fearful

Questions For My Muse(s)

It may be rather obvious, but...

Dark Matter Swordsman's defeat at the hands of Kirby is the most afraid they have ever felt. In the seconds leading up to being dealt that final blow, they had already realized this wasn't going to end how it usually did. Normally, they would simply reform after a loss, whether by their own will or their master's. Defeat is not the desired outcome, but it happens from time to time.

However, that Rainbow Sword...

It inflicted upon them a pain they had never experienced before. Swordsman was lucky to have gone as long as they did avoiding either direct or severe strikes from weapons of light and positivity. But finally, that had come to an end. They were now becoming fully acquainted with their kind's weakness. What's more, the energy unleashed from the Rainbow Sword was practically clinging to their wounds, like a parasite! It burned and burned and burned. Certainly, they put up quite a fight, but in the end... their fate was sealed.

In that last moment, as the Rainbow Sword sliced through them entirely, Swordsman was genuinely terrified about what was going to happen to them. Their thoughts at that time may have been something along the lines of...

It burns.

They've... failed. Completely and utterly.

It burns.

Will they be brought back again? Or...

It burns.

Is there... any coming back from this?

IT BURNS.

Is this the end?

IT BURNS IT BURNS IT BURNSITBURNSITBURNSITBURNS—

. . .

Swordsman had not expected to wake up, ever.

[bladesfromthedark]

👁‍🗨 - what is a secret that your muse hasn’t told or is hiding

Questions For My Muse(s)

... Dark Matter Swordsman does not normally speak about what they, personally, want. They were but a tool, an extension of their master. Attempting to be an individual would surely have resulted in them being remade, again. How much of "themself" have they lost over the years...? ...They can no longer say.

In spite of their recent acquisition of freedom, along with the capacity to experience positive emotions, Swordsman remains incredibly guarded about a certain desire of theirs. This in particular would be quite the challenge to get them to openly admit.

Throughout their existence, they have scouted many worlds filled with happiness. Happiness their kind would shortly strip away, as commanded by Zero. Still... during the observation phases, there was always something about how mortals interacted with one another that would spur feelings of jealousy in the Dark Matter. How mortals could be content in the company of one another...

. . .

Swordsman wishes they could have friends. But who would ever willingly be friends with a Dark Matter, of all beings? They have been used to cause so much misery and destruction. People are often terrified of them, and rightfully so. It would be pointless to let this desire be known, they're certain...

[bladesfromthedark]

50. Pretend!

Send me a number, and I will write a headcanon based on that word. 50: Pretend.

On their own, Dark Matter Swordsman isn't exactly... decent at pretending. Their role did not often have them directly interact with other beings, at least... not in any way that wasn't hostile. Striking down those who stood in their way? Par for the course. Speaking to their potential targets in a manner that wouldn't give away their uncaring, alien nature? Erm...

Fortunately for them, and unfortunately for other beings, they had a simple workaround: Possession.

When a Dark Matter takes control of another entity, it isn't only the body that is taken over—the mind, too, is ensnared. Dark Matter are capable of influencing their victims to act similarly to how they normally would, whilst they primarily wait and observe; only revealing themselves either when they decide to strike, or when they've been discovered. As an example, The Fairy Queen's behavior during the bad ending of Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards didn't rouse any suspicions from Ribbon, suggesting that nothing was obviously off about her (granted, the player is clued in to the fact something is wrong due to the queen's brief glare directed towards the camera).

Cracks in the facade mostly appear when the Dark Matter itself decides to take even stronger hold of the "reins," potentially acting in a way that is blatantly uncharacteristic of their host. Another possibility is for their control to briefly slip, whether due to carelessness... or their victim's will managing to power through their kind's often overwhelming grip. It is rather uncommon for the latter to occur, and the former is usually only done when the time comes to fully begin the process of invasion.

In any case, even though Swordsman may not be skilled at "pretending" by their lonesome, they just need a little bit of UNWILLING teamwork to become a pro!

[bladesfromthedark]

(( (For the headcanon meme) 156. Restrictions ))

Send me a number, and I will write a headcanon based on that word. 156: Restrictions.

Previously, Dark Matter Swordsman had never been given the opportunity to experience true freedom. Their existence has nearly always been marred with restrictions. As a creation and servant of Zero, they are expected to maintain certain behaviors. Always follow their master's will, and do not divert from the purpose they are given... Seeing as this was essentially "programmed" into them, it was practically impossible for Swordsman to betray Zero's ambitions.

...Had that always been the case?

Swordsman, in one form or another, has been alive for a long time. Would absolutely nothing about them change for eons? The answer is... no, they are not that stagnant. Not... willingly.

Perhaps at one point, an older "version" of theirs had started to view Dark Matter's goals as futile. What do any of them gain from these invasions? All they do is bring others down to their level. It never eased their pain. What is the point? Disobeying Zero went against their nature, but during those rare occasions, Swordsman questioned their actions...

But an entity tied to a hivemind cannot hide their growing dissent so easily. At the first signs of any development in their personality which "distracted" from their purpose, if not outright went against it, Swordsman would find themself-

TORN APART.

FLAWS REMOVED.

REMADE.

An eternally restrictive existence. Always a servant. Never allowed to change. Over and over and over...

...Until now.

[bladesfromthedark]

 ✭

Random Headcanon: Stargazing

In Dark Matter Swordsman's newfound state, one of the first experiences that would spur a glimmer of a positive feeling in them would be stargazing. As they take time to recover, resting on various planets and asteroids, they'd start to find themself becoming... transfixed, as they observe the skies and beyond.

At one time, they felt absolutely nothing looking upon constellations and nebulae. It was merely more space to eventually spread darkness to. Now, however... the twinkling lights, joined by dazzling colors... they cannot tear their gaze away quite as easily as before.

It's...

Calming.