#((and here he's relying on swordsman being preoccupied with the projectile attack while he prepares to teleport))

[abyssembraced]

Meta Knight watched his opponent's actions with a careful eye as he awaited their counterattack, seeking to figure out their intentions and how best to counter them. The Dark Matter's decision to take flight was of no issue to the other swordsman. He was more than happy to take their duel to the air.

It was something he would need to keep in mind for later, however, as the speeding bullet then hurtled down toward him, much faster than he anticipated.

The attack came too quickly to dodge out of the way. So, instead, Meta Knight caught his opponent's sword between the prongs of his own, blocking it from impaling him. Still, he found himself pushed back from the sheer force of the impact. He spread his wings to steady himself as he skidded through the earth.

Impressive speed and power, he did have to admit.

But he would not be felled so easily.

Using his Dimensional Cape to teleport out of harm's way was too risky a maneuver at this moment. Rather than attempt it, he waited for his opponent's charge to slow down as it met with his resistance, and, seizing the opportunity once it arose, slashed forward to dislodge the two blades and dodged to the side with a quick dash.

As a result of these actions, however, Meta Knight was willing to bet that the other would not need much longer before they’d recover from their attack. Charging in right away would likely not prove to be a fruitful endeavour.

So, the masked swordsman launched yet another of Galaxia's projectiles from where he now stood. It was merely intended as a distraction, though. As the single wave of energy made its way toward its target, Meta Knight called the Dimensional Cape back to his side, enveloping himself in its magical fabric and using it to teleport to the opposite side of his opponent. Ideally, he would charge in and strike from this position, but he was prepared to follow the other into the sky as well, should that be how they react to the projectile once again.

A battle it is, then. If nothing else... This gives Swordsman both an excuse and something to take out their stress on.

Seeing the three waves of energy hurtling towards them, the Dark Matter launches themself into the air, preventing any of the projectiles from hitting their mark. There's not a chance in the world they'd remain grounded during combat.

As they reach the height of their maneuver, they hold their blade horizontally in front of themself, aiming it outwards. To begin, they'd execute a rather "straightforward" attack. Figure out the manner in which their target may tend to react, especially when they close the distance—dodge, or counterattack? Of course, if all goes well for them, this challenger will simply be skewered before then.

Sword shining particularly bright, the warrior promptly charges at Meta Knight. Given their kind's space-faring, planet-hopping habits, it shouldn't be any surprise that their acceleration to high speeds would be practically immediate. Almost as if they were an arrow that had been let loose.