The Awakening

~Chapter One~
The Capture
“Sir Meta Knight! Over there!”
A small, armored blue creature stopped in his tracks and turned his yellow eyes to look upon his newest student. “Where?” he asked in a deep, commanding voice.
The young pupil shivered under Meta Knight’s sharp gaze, his completely violet-armored body shaking. “Uh—under the tree.” He lifted his gloved hand and pointed.
“Good. You are doing well, little one,” Meta Knight praised, though he had already spotted the pink ball beneath the oak a mile earlier. The Sword Page bobbed his head, extremely proud of himself, Meta Knight assumed.
“Now, do you see the other knights?” he questioned.
“Sir Meta Knight, the trees are too dense to see through,” the Sword Page complained.
“You will learn soon enough, Sir Ivory Knight will teach you while I teach the newest addition to our clan.”
Meta Knight thought he heard his apprentice protest, so he said, “Sir Ivory Knight is a great teacher, and if you want to keep your status as a page, I suggest you not argue with me.” He drew the Galaxia, a sacred golden sword, and twisted it calmly but intentionally in his hands. Sword Page did not say anything else.
“Stay here, and wait for my signal. This is an ambush, however, I don’t want our target to get hurt. Please keep your sword sheathed.”
“Yes sir!”
Meta Knight then moved silently through the undergrowth to get closer to the pink creature he was planning on capturing. He heard a brushing sound close to him, and he turned both quickly and gracefully to see which knight it was.
“Ah, Sir Star Knight,” Meta Knight greeted in a hushed tone. Star Knight simply nodded. Star Knight looked exactly like Meta Knight, except for his colors (which were yellow) and his preferred weapon of choice (a battle ax).
Both Meta and Star Knight moved in unison through the bushes, getting closer and closer to the target. The pink ball, with its red feet and blushed cheeks, was cute in a way. Meta Knight secretly felt peaceful and happy when he saw this face. Some of the last of the true star traveling race existent…
Meta Knight watched Longshot, one warrior who preferred a bow and arrow over a sword, thread an arrow. Longshot was also one of the only warriors who would not wear a mask. He told all who questioned this that he could not aim properly with a mask in his line of vision. Meta Knight knew that Longshot planned to pin, not kill, the pink ball to the ground and make it easier to capture.
One other knight stalked in the treetops, his spindly green wings capturing the sunlight and glowing. The only other knight that could rival Meta Knight’s flight was this one, Sir Masahiro Knight. ‘Green as the treetops, Masahiro Knight can triumph even over Dyna Blade’s speed,’ an older warrior had said. Meta Knight found himself envying Masahiro once, but he soon forgot of it. Masahiro Knight could fly well and fast, but his combat skills on land needed much work.
The pink creature closed its blue eyes. Star Knight rose his axe to the sky. The sun reflected off of it. That was the signal, because Sword Page and Masahiro Knight leapt out of their hiding spots.
The pink thing opened its eyes and squealed in surprise. Longshot fired an arrow just above the top of its head to bewilder it. “NOW!” Meta Knight bellowed, and he and Star Knight rushed toward the goal.
The ball, frightened, cried, “What the heck is going on?!” It rolled out of Sword Page’s grasp. “Who the–” it broke off when it saw Meta Knight. “You…” it whispered. “you stupid piece of sh–” it was interrupted by Star Knight diving through the air at him. It dodged, but did not take its eyes off of Meta Knight.
“Kirby… I apologize…”
Masahiro Knight grabbed Kirby’s arms and tied him impossibly fast. Kirby’s blue eyes sparkled with hate, but he could not voice his pure despising of Meta Knight with his mouth gagged.
“Let’s go, we can explain why we were here later,” Meta Knight said. Kirby’s eyes squinted with blind fury.
***
~Chapter Two~
Explanations
“Meta Knight, where’s the hostage going?” Sword Page asked, walking slowly because of Kirby’s weight.
“He is not a hostage, Sword Page, he is soon to awaken. We cannot allow him to awaken without guidance,” Meta Knight answered. “You can help me carry him to my hut.”
Masahiro Knight and Star Knight nodded toward Meta Knight and filed away to their own homes. The coven of warriors was large and filled with dwellings spaced evenly from each other in the clearing. The homes themselves were simple wooden structures, with some form of a door and roof. It simply depended on the warrior’s preferred method of living.
“See you, Lord Meta Knight,” Longshot said silently, drifting away like a ghost. Sword Page let out a puff of air.
“You did well, my student,” Meta Knight finally said to break the silent walk. “I will inform Sir Ivory Knight of your progress. You are closer to becoming a Sword Knight, rather than a page.”
Sword Page grunted, and shifted Kirby to his right shoulder in order to see Meta Knight better. “Thanks…”
Meta Knight strode forward and swept back the large fur covering the entrance to his abode. Sword Page paused, then stepped inside.
It was noticeably warmer inside of Meta Knight’s home. A carpet with a star pattern was spread on the floor, and in the far corner, there was a chest and blankets. Meta Knight reached for his lantern and lit it, before hanging it on a hook situated on the center of the ceiling.
“Where do I put him?” Sword Page groaned.
“Just lay him on the rug.”
Sword Page dropped Kirby onto the floor and gasped. “Damn, that thing is heavy,” he sighed. Meta Knight smiled under his mask for a moment, before he said, “Sword Page, you are dismissed for the day. Rest now.”
Sword Page looked at Meta Knight. “Thanks, Sir Meta Knight!” He didn’t hesitate at the door, he ran out.
Meta Knight stared after him for a few minutes, before he turned to Kirby. He closed his golden eyes for only a moment, before he took a step toward the ball.
“Mmf…” Kirby grumbled from his gag.
“You must promise me please, not to run away,” Meta Knight said sternly. Kirby did not acknowledge him. “I will untie most of your body then,” he growled, and he stepped behind Kirby and set to work on the knots.
Then, Meta Knight removed Kirby’s gag, and prepared for the worst. It came.
Kirby threw as many insults as there were words for, and then he used words that didn’t exist. Meta Knight was glad he had left Kirby’s hands and feet bonded. Kirby continued on for a minute longer, before Meta Knight simply ignored him and turned toward his trunk.
The warrior removed his metal shoes and laid them into the box. Then he took off his shoulder guards. He thought about removing his gloves, but he wasn’t comfortable with Kirby seeing him like that yet. When he turned again to look at the pink creature, he was surprised that Kirby was watching him silently.
“Are you all right now?”
Kirby glared at him. “I want to know why I’m here. Then I want you to let me go. But maybe after I kick your sorry a–”
“Kirby, I will explain why you are here, but I’m afraid after that, you will not be able to leave.” Meta Knight gritted his teeth.
“What?!”
“Kirby, may I tell you our story?” the masked knight asked with more courtesy than Kirby deserved.
“Fine.”
“Thank you.” And Meta Knight took a deep breath, and he began.
“Many millennia ago, there were great warriors who were the most powerful things that roamed the galaxy. They had powers that were unbelievable to many, power unimaginable today. And with that power, the warriors could never be beaten, never destroyed.
“Now, many tried to defeat them, but they were far too strong, far too great. They had all the powers of a god, and then some. So the only way to keep them from destroying the entire galaxy was to seal them away.
“The greatest magicians used their powers to transform each warrior into a star, and to rid the universe of these conquerors. However, some of the warriors escaped transformation, and fled to far corners of the galaxy. For the only thing they could not prevent with their power was this magic, and that scared many of them.
“But the magicians hunted each one down, and turned him into a star. The warriors became known as the Star Warriors, and were legendary.
“However, this is simply the beginning. Before the Star Warriors had died out, one figured a way to keep their legend alive. They would find someone they figured would be a worthy warrior, and touch them with novfa, a forbidden magic of that time. The novfa would spread into the creature’s veins, and do a strange thing to their warrior mind. It would put the mind “to sleep”, so to speak. And when the novfa wore off, the warrior inside of the creature would “awaken”, and a new warrior would be born. The Star Warrior would transfer some of his power into the creature infected with novfa, so the bloodline never ended.”
“What does this have to do with me?” Kirby snorted, interrupting Meta Knight’s next sentence. Meta Knight looked into Kirby’s eyes, and what he saw frustrated him.
“You don’t believe me.” It wasn’t a question.
“Of course not!” Kirby rolled his eyes. “This is complete nonsense.”
“Then you are a fool, Kirby. Even more so than I thought.” Meta Knight closed his golden eyes and tried to calm himself. His hand itched to hold his sword…
“Kirby, you are one of the few descendents of the novfa and the Star Warriors. You will awaken the day after tomorrow.”
Meta Knight eyed the pink ball, watched his skeptical expression shift from disbelief to surprise to realization. The masked knight was interested to see Kirby’s pride-filled blue eyes close and brim over with tears. It’s too much for him… Meta Knight understood almost immediately.
“Kirby…” Meta Knight crept near the shaking pink body. “It’s… okay…” He placed a gloved hand on Kirby. “Ssh…” He leaned down cautiously, and hugged Kirby to his armored body.
Kirby didn’t shrug him away.
***
~Chapter Three~
Morning Duties
Meta Knight awoke to Kirby lying as close to him as possible. He pulled away quietly, and went to his chest.
As soon as he was completely armored, he wrapped his cloak around himself and stepped around Kirby out the door and into the frosty morning air.
The majority of the clan was awake, though it was still silent. Knowing Kirby though, Meta Knight assumed he would be asleep for another half an hour. In that time, he could at least make his morning rounds.
The knight treaded lightly on the soft dust trail, each step causing a puff of it to fly up. He took quick peeks into each housing, checking to see if any of the newer additions to the clan were still snoozing. If there were, he would have to discipline said student. And there was.
Lying flat on his face was a chocolate-colored puffball. Meta Knight examined the unkempt household; mask tossed to the side, one shoe resting six feet away from the other; and was both angry and amused. The masked knight took action.
Leaping forward, he landed on top of the young ball. He squealed, and Meta Knight jumped back. “Wha–” the puff asked, bewildered. Meta Knight ran forward and pinned him to the ground, sword held to his neck.
“And that is how easy it would be to kill you,” the masked warrior growled, sheathing his sword. The brown ball looked frightened for a moment.
“You have to keep your home clean, and your sword close. And you need to get to training this morning. Get up.”
“Y-yes sir…” the student mumbled uncertainly.
“What is your name?” Meta Knight gazed intently at the boy.
“Ignavus, sir…” Ignavus blinked his mint-green eyes.
“Very fitting name for you, I see,” Meta Knight laughed. Ignavus lowered his head.
“Ignavus, you should prove your birth name wrong. You can change it when you become a great warrior.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Now go to sword practice, after you get dressed.”
Meta Knight turned and left Ignavus to his duties, feeling pleased. He looked up into the sky, and realized the time. He started to sprint toward his home.
Bursting through the door, Meta Knight saw Kirby sitting up, eyes closed. “I guess you had work or something, huh?” he murmured, one eye opening.
“Yeah, sorry to leave you…” Only then did Meta Knight notice Kirby had no bonds on his body. “How’d you get free?!” he exclaimed.
“Eh? Oh, that was nothing. I’m a mushy ball, you know. I can squeeze out of anything.”
Meta Knight face-palmed. “Then why didn’t you try to escape?”
“Hadn’t really crossed my mind, you know.”
This is unusual, Meta Knight thought to himself. “Well, if you aren’t planning on any escape routes, I need to talk to you about your awakening.”
Kirby nodded. “Okay, I won’t try anything, I suppose. I’m pretty much outnumbered out here anyway.”
“Good. Now, get up.” Meta Knight twisted around, and walked outside. But when he looked for Kirby, he still was inside. “Come on now, Kirby.”
“You know, it’s kind of freezing out there, and I wouldn’t mind a coat or something.” The muffled voice from inside was sarcastic. “No, wait. I’ll just strut on out and freeze my butt off! That sounds fun!”
Meta Knight rolled his eyes and strode back inside. “I’ll give you a cape.”
“Oh joy.” Kirby crossed his arms.
Meta Knight leaned over his chest, and started to dig through its contents. Kirby looked over his shoulder. “Why not this one?” Kirby asked, lifting out a light blue cape. “It matches these gloves!”
“No,” Meta Knight growled, snatching the fabric out of the pink puffball’s hands. “you’ll wear this.” He handed Kirby a black cape with golden embroidery.
“Why can’t I wear whatever color I choose?” Kirby pouted. “Black is a dumb color.”
“Black is warmer than light colors. Now, put it on.”
Kirby grumbled under his breath, as he unwillingly wrapped himself in the cloak.
***
~Chapter Four~
Warrior Stories
“Sit, Kirby.”
Kirby eyed Meta Knight speculatively. “Why do we have to be outside in order to talk?”
“Sit,” Meta Knight repeated.
Kirby crouched, then finally sat.
“What are you thinking, Kirby?”
“That this is a stupid place to be talking,” the puffball muttered.
“That is not what I want you to be thinking about, Kirby.”
“Well, you know what?” Kirby stared angrily at the knight , and Meta Knight couldn’t help but think of the phrase if looks could kill. “I can think whatever I want, and you can just deal with it.”
Meta Knight sighed. “You need a more open mind.” Then he spoke more to himself. “Where to start…”
Kirby shifted. Meta Knight watched him glance around at the scenery. The place that Meta Knight had chosen to talk to Kirby was quite beautiful. The pair were sitting on soft grass, on a cliff overlooking a crystal river and great waterfall. Cherry blossoms fluttered through the breeze, and butterflies were just starting to awaken, floating around the flowers lazily. The sun was starting to warm the frosty morning air, and Meta Knight could tell that today was going to be a warm one. They would have no need for their cloaks soon. Finally, he broke the silence.
“Do you understand why you exist, Kirby?” Kirby looked at Meta Knight from the corners of his blue eyes. “You exist, because you are needed. Soon, you will be needed even more, for something that you have never heard of.
“For centuries, our kind, our… race, has been divided. And why? For, when a newly awakened one is discovered, they are more powerful than they will ever imagine. And with the power, there comes a choice. Not all of our kind are good, Kirby, you must understand that.
“Almost a millennia ago, there was a young creature with no life or abilities. His friends were not his friends, they hated him, laughed at him. The village elders sent him into exile, and the poor creature was left to fend for himself, and with no abilities, this was a fate that meant death. Little did the villagers know that, in fact, this young one was to awaken.
“Only one elder had foreseen this, and he tried to help the young, nameless soul. But because of his beliefs, the village’s men beat the old man to death. The elder could have protected himself, but because of old age, and hatred of killing a brother, he did not. And this brought a terrible curse to the village.
“The young one was dying, he pulled his mangled body across the grass, leaving a red trail behind him. He could not carry on. But then, the setting sun showed from behind the trees, and flashed across the soon to awaken’s body. Suddenly, he felt power pulse through his veins. Something he had never experienced. It healed him, sucking the good blood back into closing wounds, and draining him of his bad blood. And he felt stronger. Crying out, blue wings burst from his deep pink body, feathers drifting to the ground. And then, he heard a voice.
“ ‘Young awakened one,’ it said to he. The shaking body of the once weak creature pulsed with raw power. ‘What is your choice?’ The young one did not know what this meant, and he looked into the setting sun. Wind whipped around him, as if a storm was about to hit. ‘What is this?’ he questioned. The deep voice answered. ‘You must choose now.’
“ ‘What does this mean? What am I choosing?’ he shouted, squinting his light blue eyes.
“ ‘Good. Or evil,’ was the response he received.
“And the young awakened one immediately thought of the power he had now, the strength he could use. He approached a tree and hugged it around its base, and attempted to lift it. With a tearing sound, the tree came up by the roots. He was strong. Stronger than his fellow villagers. He thought of the cruelties they inflicted upon him, the torture he had received.
“And Galacta Knight’s eyes turned red.”
Meta Knight realized Kirby was staring at him openmouthed. “Uh… you’re… some storyteller…” Kirby sucked in a breath of air.
“The story isn’t done. Galacta Knight spread his wings, and leapt into the air. He flew to the village, and set fire to the huts. He stole the sacred weapon, Univice, from the hands of a dead comrade. He killed everybody on the planet, and became the most feared warrior of the galaxy. Naturally, he became our enemy as well. He is still alive today, and a war has been fought between our kind for centuries since.”
“Um…” Kirby was still shocked. “What does this have to do with me?”
“Kirby, do you now understand the importance that is you are awakened under proper guidance? This whole story, in fact, it is more than just a story, is explaining why you need to be here now!” Meta Knight stood up. His shadow fell over Kirby. “My purpose is to make sure you do not fall into Galacta Knight’s hands! That you do not become one of them!” Meta Knight grabbed the hilt of the Galaxia and stabbed it into the ground with emotion.
Kirby scooted away three feet. “Are you okay, Meta Knight? ’Cause you’re freaking me out…”
Meta Knight froze, his eyes burning like golden flames. He realized how he had been acting. “I’m… I’m sorry, Kirby…” Cherry blossoms fluttered around them, and the sun glinted off of the ruby set in the masked warrior’s sword as he sheathed it. “I… you have much to learn… The peaceful life that once was yours is going to change tonight–”
“TONIGHT?! What do you mean, tonight?” Kirby stood up, drawing up to his full height, which was two inches shorter than Meta Knight. “You said, ‘you’re going to awaken the day after tomorrow’, or at least, something like that!”
“Kirby,” Meta Knight murmured, sitting back down again. “you are showing signs that say otherwise.”
“Oh yeah? Like what?”
“Even though your temper hasn’t improved much,” Meta Knight eyed him deliberately, “you were much more relaxed when I returned to my home this morning. You also did not run away, and I know that you would have, even if you were aware of the fact that you were outnumbered.”
“That proves nothing on your behalf. I’m awakening tonight?!”
“Actually, it does. You feel comfortable among your blood relatives. Your unconscious mind is telling you not to flee, as you are at home with brethren.”
“Oh, no. Oh, no no no.” Kirby put his face in his hands. “No, no, no…”
Meta Knight watched a crystal droplet stain the stone Kirby was leaning over, followed by many more. “Kirby. You will be fine.”
“Meta Knight, I don’t understand any of this. YOU HAVE NO IDEA!” Kirby roared, glaring at him through his tears. “How can you put me through this?! I had a life! I’m not meant to be here! I don’t want to be here! Why?!”
“Kirby…” Meta Knight said hopelessly. “Please… calm down…”
“NO! I don’t want to calm down! Don’t tell me what to do!” Kirby screamed at Meta Knight. His cries echoed off the trees, and birds flew out of them.
“I understand, Kirby! I went through this too!” Meta Knight said as a last chance to stop this.
Kirby rubbed his hand over his face, smearing away tears. “…really?”
“Yes, Kirby. Yes, I did.
“It was over one hundred years ago. My name was not always Meta Knight. It used to be Hoshi-kun, meaning stars. When I was just starting to mature, I was ambushed and taken to a strange and secret camp. I struggled and fought, and nearly escaped.”
“What happened?” Kirby asked.
“Well,” Meta Knight thought for a moment. “I remember clearly, I had convinced them I was okay with everything. They left me with a young page, and I tricked him. I was a quarter mile away before they realized I was gone and ambushed me again.” He smiled.
“Ha, what idiots,” Kirby snorted. He fell silent as Meta Knight continued.
“They convinced me of my awakening, of the bloodline. They told me Galacta Knight’s story. And then they told me I was awakening a day earlier than supposed. Naturally, I was upset. But it was true. For that evening, I changed.
“Wings sprouted from my back, and to my surprise after hearing Galacta Knight’s tale, it did not hurt. And I heard the voice, thousands of voices as one, ask me the same question. ‘Young Awakened One,’ they said. ‘what is your choice?’ I did not know what to do. The power tempts you like wine tempts the soul. I almost chose evil.
“But then, the Knights around me spoke clear and true, ‘Young Hoshi-san, do not choose evil. Hoshi-san, you must choose good.’ And I chose. My eyes remained pure, untainted white. And the warriors chose a name for me then and there, for it was sensed by some that Hoshi-kun no longer fit. My name became Meta, meaning critical turning point. I was happy.”
Meta Knight smiled. He remembered his old name, Hoshi. It had fit him well, at least until he became an awakened one. He was a descendant of the star travelers, anyway.
Kirby spoke. “So, you used to be Hoshi-kun? I always knew there was something about you… But…” Meta Knight watched Kirby lower his head in submission. “I am ready to awaken. I believe you.”
“Kirby,” Meta Knight walked over to the pink ball, and placed his gloved hand on his shoulder. Just then, the sun rose brilliantly over the trees, and made the armored knight shimmer. “You are more than ready.” Kirby looked at him, and his blue eyes shined. “Do you wish to return to camp?”
Kirby nodded. “Yes. Thank you, Meta Knight.” Meta Knight and he stood, and walked together down the hill. “…Hoshi-kun…”
***
~Chapter Five~
Walking Through Camp
“AARG!”
The page’s sword struck the wooden target with a resounding crash. “Good job, Sword Page. Keep going!” Sir Ivory Knight instructed, waving his own sword in the air. Sweat ran down his white body.
“This is the training area,” Meta Knight told Kirby. “Do you see the white armored knight?” He gestured at Ivory Knight.
“Yeah,” Kirby murmured, eyes on Sword Page. “Am… am I going to train here too?”
Meta Knight knew the answer, but he said a different one. “Yes, alongside your fellow pages.” He grabbed Kirby’s hand. “Come on, let’s go.” But Kirby didn’t move. “Kirby,” Meta Knight said sternly.
“What’s the knight’s name?” he asked.
“His name is Sir Ivory Knight. Sword Page was my student, but Ivory Knight is taking him over for me.” Meta Knight tugged on Kirby’s hand. “Come on now.”
Kirby allowed himself to be pulled away, but he didn’t stop watching the page, who was now furiously hacking at his target.
“This,” Meta Knight beckoned at a small fire being tended to by two large warriors. “is where our clan gathers at night.”
Kirby stepped toward the fire tenders, and said, “Hi! What’s your name?” The larger one, dressed in soot covered grey clothing, eyed him curiously.
“Kirby, you shouldn’t interrupt them.” But to Meta Knight’s surprise, the warrior answered, “It’s Rook. That be my name. Nice to meet you, little one.” And Rook patted Kirby’s head, leaving a black hand-mark on him. Kirby giggled.
“Is he yer student, Lord Meta Knight? I be hearing you was gettin’ a new on’.” Rook bowed.
Meta Knight answered quickly. “No. No, he isn’t.”
“Oh. Well, ’tis be a shame. I’d like to get to know ye better, Kirbeh, is it?”
“Yeah!” Kirby laughed happily. Meta Knight didn’t understand Kirby’s new mood. He was cheerful, as if he wanted to be a part of this clan. He finally decided he wouldn’t be hard on Kirby for the rest of the day. It was as if he finally understood…
“Well then, I be seein’ you, won’t I? I tend to this here fire every day ‘cept when I’m not, which shan’t be happenin’ soon!” Rook laughed a booming laugh, and hit his comrade on the back, causing him to drop his log on the fire harder than he intended. Kirby snorted, and all three of them laughed. Meta Knight just watched them quietly.
“Kirby, we must prepare for tonight,” Meta Knight said finally, and Rook blinked. “Oh, you’re awakening, now aren’t ye? Good luck, Kirbeh, you’ll be turnin’ into a fine warrior.” Kirby bowed, and Rook grabbed him into a bear hug. Kirby hugged him back.
Meta Knight cleared his throat. “G‘bye Kirbeh,” Rook whispered, waving at Kirby as he set him down. Kirby smiled. “Bye Rook!”
“Come on,” Meta Knight said quietly, grasping Kirby’s hand. Kirby looked back at Rook as Meta Knight pulled him along.
“Rook seems nice,” Kirby started to say. “I like him a lot. Is he a knight or something?”
“No, Rook was one of the two who happened to stumble in on our coven a couple of years ago. I can tell you his story later.” Meta Knight kept walking swiftly to his home.
“Stumble in? Tell me the story now!”
“No Kirby. Rook actually might want to tell you it himself.” At this, Kirby nodded. “Yeah, you’re probably right. I’ll ask him later!”
Meta Knight smiled to himself, but it was only a brief one.
“So, what do I do to prepare? Do I have to wear some kind of clothes or something for the occasion?” Kirby inquired, looking for answers.
“Um, not really. I just need you to know who will be helping us. You see, if you don’t know who is speaking to you in your awakening, you might attack them. I actually nearly killed one of the knights during my awakening. I didn’t recognize him,” Meta Knight explained. “We don’t want you to kill a comrade, Kirby.”
“Oh. Okay, I get it.” Kirby shrugged off the black cloak he had. “It’s getting hotter today.”
Meta Knight let his cape flutter out behind him (he had it wrapped around him earlier). “Yes, I told you that you wouldn’t be needing a cloak.”
“So anyway, who am I meeting? What are their names?” Kirby stopped walking. Meta Knight followed suit.
“Well, you will be meeting five other knights. They should be inside my house, so let’s get there before I tell you their names and such.” Meta Knight started to walk again, and Kirby jumped forward to keep up.
***
~Chapter Six~
The Other Knights
“Lord Meta Knight.”
Meta Knight nodded to each of the four knights. Kirby looked at them in awe.
“We came here to introduce ourselves, as you said to do, Lord Meta Knight.” The white colored knight stepped forward.
“Aren’t you Ivory Knight?” Kirby asked, looking at Sir Ivory Knight hard. Ivory Knight’s pinkish eyes narrowed under his silver mask. He pulled his white cape around himself, and then drew his sword.
“Yes, I am, young awakening one. Sir Ivory Knight, descendant of the Star Warriors.” He leaned on his sword and bowed his head for a moment.
“Wow, you’re so cool.” Sir Ivory Knight looked at Kirby uncertainly, but Meta Knight could tell he was grinning under that mask. “Who are you guys?”
“Young awakening one, I am Sir Star Knight.” The knight lowered his golden battle ax face-down on the ground and leaned on the handle. His blue eyes were fierce, and his cape swirled, transforming into a pair of feathery golden wings. His silver mask was inlaid with gold.
“Oh yeah, I remember you from the ambush!” Kirby smiled, like he was fond of that memory. This was very strange, Meta Knight thought.
“I am Sir Aquarius Knight.” The light blue body of this knight was armored with silver, and he carried a silver staff with a large sapphire inlaid in the handle. He blinked chocolate eyes. “Young awakened one–”
Just then, there was a crashing noise outside, and a green knight ran through the door. He heaved in a breath.
“Nice of you to join us, Masahiro-kun,” Aquarius Knight growled.
The green knight, who wore a copper mask and carried light weaponry, hissed, “Don’t call me Masahiro-kun, or I’ll rip your throat out tonight. Oh, hi there oh great awakening guy,” the green knight said happily to Kirby, blinking his violet eyes. “I’m Masahiro Knight!” Masahiro Knight folded his spindly green wings hastily.
Kirby looked at the group. “So, is that it?” he asked.
“No…” a warrior sitting in the shadows rasped, red eyes glowing viciously. Meta Knight watched the knight step into the light slowly. Kirby stared at the dark creature. “I am the Darrira Knight.” Darrira Knight’s silver mask caught the light, and he drew a red-bladed sword. His black body, cloaked with gold, quivered.
“Um… hey?” Kirby spoke unsurely.
“Hello, little one,” Darrira Knight said warmly. “I don’t bite as hard as you think.” Darrira Knight sheathed his sword. “I’ll have to tell you my story sometime.”
“But not now.” Meta Knight put his hand on Kirby’s shoulder. “Kirby, we believe your awakening is going to be triggered by the stars.”
“Whatcha mean?” Kirby asked.
Meta Knight thought of how to explain. “Well, you remember Galacta Knight’s story?”
“Yeah…”
“Well, his awakening was triggered by the setting sun’s light. When the stars rise into the sky, you will awaken too.”
“Oh! That’s cool!” Kirby started to babble. “So I’ll be like a nighttime Knight! This’ll be so awesome! We’re going to be doing this here, right?”
Aquarius Knight cleared his throat. “Actually, Lord Meta Knight has made it clear we not be in the camp at sundown. When you awaken, Kirby, you will not be very well in control and could easily kill a comrade on accident.” He twirled his staff around, before holding it with both hands.
“Oh, that makes sense. So, where are we going to be?”
“Kirby,” Meta Knight looked at the pink ball. “would you like to awaken at Rainbow Falls?”
Kirby blinked his blue eyes. “Rainbow Falls?”
“That’s the name of the place I took you earlier today.”
“Oh!” Kirby’s face brightened. “Yeah, that’d be great!”
“Then Rainbow Falls it is!” Masahiro Knight cried. He twirled a kunai on his finger. “Now, I’m hungry, and I don’t know about you guys, but I’m going to go get some grub. See you at the falls!” With that, the green warrior spread his scaly wings and rushed out the door.
Each of the other knights nodded respectfully to Meta Knight before leaving. Darrira Knight winked a red eye at Kirby, Meta Knight noticed. It seemed that everybody was going to get along well with their latest addition to the clan.
When everybody was gone, Meta Knight walked toward his trunk. Kirby followed him. “So…” he mumbled. Meta Knight deposited the black cloak Kirby had worn earlier into the box. “What do we do now? It’s maybe an hour ’til sunset…”
Meta Knight closed the lid and turned to look at the puffball. “Kirby, I need to meditate for this.” Meta Knight felt awkward as he said this, for some reason. “You may go outside and talk to Rook, if you wish. I will be with you before sunset.”
Kirby nodded. “Okay!” And with that, he turned and ran out the door.
Meta Knight drew the Galaxia, and sat down. He rested the blade across his legs, and closed his eyes, hands gently lying on the hilt and golden blade. He took a calming breath, and prepared himself for what was to come.
***
~Chapter Seven~
Praeter
Meta Knight was tired, but he knew that he couldn’t sleep that night. Kirby was to awaken, he couldn’t miss it, and he couldn’t bring himself to leave Kirby in the other knight’s hands. Meta Knight loved Kirby, he had to admit that now, as he sheathed his sword and wrapped himself in his cape. Yes, Kirby may not be his son, but Meta Knight felt a pull like that. Kirby was his apprentice, and he would never be anyone else’s. Kirby was his to teach. And Kirby was a warrior he could not let fall into the wrong hands…
“Sir Meta Knight,” a light voice called from the entrance. It was shaky, unsure. Meta Knight turned to see who it was.
“Sir Meta Knight,” the masked brown warrior whispered again. He blinked mint eyes uncertainly. “I came to ask of you…” Meta Knight realized that this young character was Ignavus.
“Ignavus, what do you need of me?” Meta Knight questioned. Ignavus flinched in response, but said, “Um, I wanted to ask you… do you have an…” He broke off, looking at the ground nervously.
“Yes?”
“An… apprentice?” Ignavus lowered his head, embarrassed of asking such a high-ranking knight.
Meta Knight was taken by surprise, but he knew the answer. “I’m sorry Ignavus, you will have to find a different teacher.”
“You’re teaching that pink kid, aren’t you?” Ignavus looked at Meta Knight.
“His name is Kirby, and his awakening is happening tonight. I actually have to meet him now.”
Ignavus looked at Meta Knight, and Meta Knight was sad to see that his expression was one of hurt. “Okay, Sir. I’m… going to leave you, I suppose.” Something else flickered in Ignavus’s eyes. Hatred? Meta Knight couldn’t be sure however, because Ignavus had turned and left.
I just know I’m going to regret that. One way or another, that always happens to me… Meta Knight waited a moment, before he followed and left his hut for the last time that day…
Kirby was sitting by Rook, who was taking a break with his friend on a rather large log smoothed from so many sitting on it. Kirby was covered from head to foot in soot, to where he looked like Shadow Kirby. Meta Knight smiled only once, before he walked over and Rook spoke in a booming voice.
“-And I’ll be tellin’ the story tonight. ‘Course, you won’t be bein’ here, so I’ll be tellin’ it tomorrow so ye don’t be missin’ it. Oh, and here be Lord Meta Knight!” Rook reached over to shake Meta Knight’s hand, but Meta Knight shook his head.
“Sorry, but your hands are quite sooty, and Kirby is already in quite a mess.”
“Oh, I be sorry, Lord Meta Knight. ’Tis bein’ my fault of this. I shoulda cleaned up before I be playin’ wit the youngin.” Rook hung his large head low, before he wiped his hands on his cloak and put on some clean gloves. “How be this? ’Tis it bein’ to your likin’?”
Kirby giggled. “You should’ve did that in the first place, Rook.” He laughed again, and Rook joined in.
“Yes. Kirby, we should clean you up. We can do that at Rainbow Falls, but we should leave now if we want to be ready for your awakening.” Meta Knight lowered his cape, and reached out a gloved hand. “Come,” he said in a low voice.
“Okay Meta Knight, just wait a sec. See you later Rook!” Kirby had to yell, because Meta Knight had grabbed his hand and started to drag him along. Kirby would never stop talking if Meta Knight didn’t intervene, he had learned that earlier.
After they were out of the coven’s hearing distance, Kirby growled, “Why the heck did you do that?! I was just saying goodbye…”
“Yes,” Meta Knight said slowly. “but last time you started doing that, it was drawn out into a five minute ordeal. We have no time for that, Kirby. Don’t you realize the Star Warriors will be rising into the sky soon?”
Kirby pulled his hand out of Meta Knight’s and grumbled, “I didn’t know the guy before, I couldn’t be rude!”
“Yes, but I do. In fact, I know every single warrior of the village. Kirby, did you ever think of who leads this coven?” Meta Knight glared hard at the puffball.
“You…?”
“Yes, I am the sole leader of the True Star Warriors, the Last of the True Star Traveling Race, the Leader of the Awakened Ones. I became leader when the other was killed.”
“What…?”
Meta Knight paused. “The death of Lord Praeter Knight almost ended our organization. Galacta Knight sent many warriors to kill our coven.”
Kirby’s blue eyes widened, and Meta Knight knew he had said something that he couldn’t make Kirby ignore for the time being. “Galacta Knight is still… alive?” Kirby whispered, disbelieving yet still listening.
“Yes,” Meta Knight sighed. “he is.”
And as they walked to Rainbow Falls, Meta Knight started to tell the story.
“Many centuries ago…” Meta Knight stopped when Kirby looked at him in a funny way. “Kirby, I am older than you think, but not nearly as old as Galacta Knight is. May I continue?” When Kirby stopped with the strange look, Meta Knight continued on. “Many centuries ago, I had become one of the few knights that are chosen to be in the inner circle of the Knightship and become Lord Praeter Knight’s adviser. I was honored, for I had just become a knight but a month before so.
“Kirby, to become an adviser to the Lord Knight, the leader of an ancient formation of warriors, it’s an honor you can’t imagine! I was so surprised. But then I learned what came of that job, and I wasn’t so sure I wanted to do it. Lord Praeter Knight had made some mistakes, and somehow, Galacta Knight knew where we were. Lord Praeter Knight and the others explained to me, ‘Sir Meta Knight, Galacta Knight is not merely a legend. His story is as true as the novfa that awakened you.’ I was scared. Galacta Knight had been trying to track Lord Praeter Knight for centuries, in order to kill him and make the True Awakened Ones vanish all together. This would be great for him, for then Galacta Knight could take over the Galaxy, and destroy the planets of our section of the Galaxy that had eluded his grasp for too long.
“But, Lord Praeter Knight was sadly not a good leader. He had grown old, and weary of his job. He didn’t care for the fact that he was near immortal; he wanted to be done in life. And with this, he did not listen to his advisers as much and an important piece of information slipped out of his mouth and into the ears of the enemy.
“Galacta Knight was coming for us. Our base from the Eternal Planet Half Moon told us he had two million warriors at his disposal. At the time of that century, there were at least a million knights in our control, and we had enough to spare for some extra bases on different planets. We ordered the base there and on Planet Mekkai to hold them off as long as possible.
“Though reports told us Galacta Knight’s forces had lost five hundred thousand, they also told us that we had lost a severe amount ourselves. Lord Praeter Knight did not care, and he told us to do as we wished. The orders that came from the central ring of Knights were simple; all warriors from all bases were to fall back to Pop Star, and protect the main planet of our system.
“And Galacta Knight came.
“Bringing all his forces.
“We stood not a chance.
“Galacta Knight killed all he met.
“But suddenly, the attacks stopped.
“We had no idea what had happened, and we were glad he was gone. But we did not celebrate just yet… for then, in the starry night sky, we saw him. Alone.
“With power beyond all of our own, he drew strength from the stars and called fire from the depths of the earth. He burned our land; all life in the forests was nearly destroyed. We had to escape, but several knights and pages had been severely burned or trapped in the fire, dying a painful death.
“Our numbers had been severely shortened, only a mere two thousand were left. Galacta Knight came to us, his great lance Univice raised against all attacks, ready to strike and kill. We attacked, and several died. He cut each in half with his great weapon, before he turned and saw us.
“‘Huh,’ he snorted, red eyes gleaming. ‘Great knights, I think not.’ He brought the Univice down upon my comrade’s head, but merely sliced his mask in half. It fell to the ground, a perfect cut mark across it.
“‘Weak, that is what you mortal knights are. Foolish and weak. True power cannot be found in good.’ Galacta Knight then looked behind us, at the destruction was what I thought at the moment. But then I heard Lord Praeter Knight’s voice, raspy and dry, asking us for help, begging for it.
“My fellow knights and I looked, to find the burnt and crippled body of Lord Praeter Knight at our feet. ‘Water… please… Meta Knight…’ he said my name.
“Galacta Knight snorted once again. ‘I will grant you eternal peace, Praeter.’ He spat, before lifting the Univice and bringing down on Lord Praeter Knight’s head, and cut the flesh halfway.
“Praeter’s screams were terrible, and all the knights flinched. But I was the first to respond. ‘We must kill Galacta Knight!’ I cried.
“All the knights gave chase to Galacta Knight, who had launched himself into space, away from us. ‘No!’ I had bellowed. ‘He must not escape!’
“But he did, and still roams the galaxy to this day.”
Meta Knight looked at Kirby, yellow eyes glistening in the setting sun’s light. The sounds of Rainbow Falls were just ahead of them. “But,” Kirby asked, blinking his blue eyes slowly. “How did you… how did you become the leader?”
“When we came back to Pop Star after a chase across the galaxy, the inner ring of knights told me that it was my destiny to lead. I accepted, unsure, but they told me I would be fine. And here I am today. Though some of my advisers are different…” Meta Knight started to walk faster. “It’s almost nightfall. Come.”
When they reached the base of the waterfall, Kirby leaned over and surveyed his reflection in the crystal clear water. “I look like Shadow Kirby,” he murmured. Meta Knight found it amusing for a moment that they had thought the same of Kirby’s appearance. Kirby stood at the water’s edge, unsure of stepping in to wash himself.
“Go ahead,” Meta Knight whispered. Kirby leapt in at his words, washing away all the soot and ash from his pink skin.
“Brr… Meta Knight, why didn’t you tell me how cold it is?” Kirby complained, though he wore a playful look on his face. Meta Knight smiled.
After a few minutes though, Meta Knight said, “Kirby, it is almost sundown. We must get to the top of Rainbow Falls. That is where we’re meeting the others.”
Kirby floated out of the water. “Can’t we just fly up there? I don’t want to walk.”
Meta Knight nodded. “Fine.”
***
~Chapter Eight~
The Awakening
“Greetings, Kirby; Lord Meta Knight.” Sir Aquarius Knight nodded to both of them.
“’Bout time you got here, Meta-kun, it’s almost nighttime. Did you want the awakening guy to awaken underwater?” Masahiro Knight grumbled, violet eyes taunting.
“You usually are the one who is late,” Meta Knight countered. Kirby floated down to the ground and exhaled a puff of air.
“Meh, I decided this was important.” Masahiro Knight stretched like a cat and yawned. “But all you knights are so boring…” He put a hand to his masked face, and yawned again dramatically. “Especially you.”
“Shut up.”
All of the knights present, even Darrira Knight, looked at the pink puffball, surprised. Kirby’s blue eyes were dark.
“Don’t ever talk to Lord Meta Knight like that ever again.” Kirby took a step toward Masahiro Knight, who took a step back in response.
Meta Knight was extremely surprised by Kirby’s response to his honor being sullied like that. He has to be close to awakening, Meta Knight thought to himself.
“If we are all ready then…” Star Knight stepped forward.
“I believe so,” Meta Knight responded, though he was still lost in his thoughts.
“Lord Meta Knight.”
“What?” Meta Knight blinked golden eyes.
“Are you ready?” Ivory Knight studied him closely.
Meta Knight was taken aback. “You’re asking me? Kirby is the one awakening!”
“Yes, Lord Meta Knight.”
Kirby sighed impatiently. “The sun is down, now what? I don’t want to wait anymore!”
“Somebody’s getting antsy…” Masahiro Knight said in a sarcastic tone, shaking his finger to boot.
“Masahiro Knight…” Ivory Knight warned.
“Bleh! I can’t take this anymore!” Kirby stamped his red foot angrily. “We’re here because I’m awakening, supposedly. But I don’t see anything happening right now! So why don’t you all just kindly shut your traps, okay?”
Meta Knight and the other knights were very surprised by Kirby’s rude attitude, but then Darrira Knight whispered, “The first Star Warrior has risen to welcome a new awakened one.” And as he raised his hand to point out a bright star twinkling in the fading sun’s light, Kirby fell to his knees.
“It is beginning!” Star Knight cried. Kirby coughed, as if he had nearly been drowned. “Make ready!”
The knights shifted to form a circle around the shaking body of Kirby. Meta Knight was at the head of it, and he watched leaves start to twirl in a burst of wind around them. “Aaugh!” Kirby screamed, as if he’d been stabbed with a burning blade. Meta Knight flinched at every cry, every whimper. The wind picked up in speed.
Right now, Kirby was awakening. The novfa was drawing out of his veins, and revealing to his mind a vast amount of power that had earlier been cut from his life. An overwhelming amount of pain comes from this, though in spasms that are less severe than it sounds. His mind was finally gaining control of the power, and didn’t know what to do with it.
Suddenly, Kirby let out another screeching cry, and looked up. Meta Knight had to keep himself from screaming.
Kirby’s eyes were pure black.
“Something’s wrong!” Meta Knight shouted over the high winds. “Something was done wrong!”
The closest knight to Meta Knight, Darrira Knight, had seen Kirby’s dark eyes too, and was looking intentionally at Meta Knight. “Get over there and help him with touch! We’ll try our best to influence his decision!” He then yelled above the winds to everybody, “Kirby, the time has come for you to choose good…!” and the others started to join in the ancient speech.
Meta Knight stepped forward, but with the winds around them whipping at almost fifty miles per hour, it was quite hard to advance fast. He reached out and tried to touch Kirby’s body.
Kirby set his black eyes on Meta Knight, then opened his mouth, seeming to make an expression like a feral cat would if it were to bare its fangs at an enemy. “Kirby…” Meta Knight murmured. He managed to touch Kirby’s body.
This was the wrong thing to do. Kirby sprang up into the air, and in a burst of brilliant bright light, a long light blue pair of wings materialized. Meta Knight felt himself do a double take. The wings… they looked just like Galacta Knight’s… an exact copy…
Kirby let out an inhuman cry, and started to beat his wings up and down. He’s unaware of what he’s doing, Meta Knight realized. His ancient novfa instincts have taken over!
“NO!” Meta Knight bellowed. His own cape changed into leathery purple wings, and he launched himself into the air. Grabbing Kirby around the waist, Meta Knight pulled the struggling warrior to the ground.
“Kirby, you must not choose evil,” came the chant from the other knights around them. “Kirby, you must choose good.”
“Kirby, listen to me!” Meta Knight urged desperately. “You’re awakening, but you aren’t choosing it right! You have to choose good, now! Ignore the power!” Suddenly, Meta Knight couldn’t take it. He wretched off his mask, and hugged Kirby as hard to his chest as he could.
He could feel Kirby struggling. Meta Knight closed his white eyes, and hugged harder. Evil would not take Kirby away from this knight. Never in a million years. And suddenly, Kirby’s pink body went slack against the blue one. His light blue wings fell to the grass, and he slumped weakly against Meta Knight.
The wind stopped whipping around them. It was over. Kirby had awakened, and he had chosen right.
“Lord Meta Knight…” Darrira Knight murmured nearby. Meta Knight didn’t hear him. Darrira Knight repeated himself.
Suddenly, Masahiro Knight whistled. “Kirby and Meta Knight, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!” he chanted, clapping his hands.
Meta Knight turned his head to look at the outstretched hand of Darrira Knight, which held a silver mask. He suddenly felt the warm night breeze on his mask-less face. “Oh.” Meta Knight felt his cheeks go warm. “…thanks…”
“First comes love, then comes marriage, then- OW!” Masahiro Knight was going to go on, but Aquarius Knight poked him with the sharp end of his staff. “I was just joking! Seriously!”
Meta Knight slipped the mask over his face, as Star Knight said, “Kirby has awoken on this day, before the eyes of his ancestors. May they bless him with wisdom and kindness.”
“Amen,” all the warriors said out of sheer habit, though Masahiro Knight said “Heck yeah!”
Meta Knight looked toward Kirby’s near unconscious body. “He is almost a mirror image of Galacta Knight,” he muttered under his breath.
“Yes, but that will not taint anyone’s liking toward him,” Ivory Knight whispered.
“Lord Meta Knight,” Star Knight announced. “Kirby will be taking a vigil tonight, as custom. Are you going to be his guidance?”
“Yes,” Meta Knight whispered. It was custom of the awakened warrior to stay awake with the warriors of the past. “We are adjourned!” And he drew the Galaxia, and rose it to the sky as custom to end an awakening ceremony.
The knights bowed, and then it was over.
***