A/N: Once again, I have returned with an update. I started and stopped at so many parts, but I got there in the end. Hope that it's to your liking, and have fun reading. I tried to bring the humour back but...meh.
/\/\/\/\ Episode 18 – Pink Ball of the Sleeping Forest /\/\/\/\
Despite Meta Knight ordering his two knaves to keep watch on the neighbourhood, there was absolutely nothing to do. Dedede's plan to put Kirby out of action was already underway, and there was no sign of danger.
Nevertheless, the two kept a keen eye out and stayed out of sight so as to not worry the others. They patrolled, they listened out for any thunderous roars, they even resorted to spying on Dedede (who only eyed at his riches and laughed at Escargon for the whole two hours). But everything was exactly how an average day should be. Even though nothing had happened, the two were extremely exhausted.
As the day drew to a close, the two made a detour to the Cabinet Minister's chambers for their final mission.
"Blade, Sword. What a surprise!" The Cabinet Minister himself was flustered, offering a crooked smile that suggested that it wasn't the best time for conversation.
"We apologise for the inconvenience," Sword began automatically. He looked past Parm to the living room. It seemed ordinary just like the town. Nothing was out of place except for one thing. "We have something to say regarding Fumu and Bun."
Parm exhaled as he brought a hand to his chest. "Do you know where they are? Fumu said she and Kirby were going on a picnic, and Bun has gone missing all day. Even Lololo and Lalala have gone." He glanced over his shoulder. "Memu's getting very agitated."
The shorter knight nodded sympathetically. "They all went to Bababagahara. Since this morning, Kirby's been in a deep sleep. It so happens that the only cure is obtained from the forest." He refrained from adding 'conveniently' under his breath.
Sword was quick to notice Parm's worry lines. "Please rest assured that your children are fine. Our lord is with them as we speak, and he will ensure nothing befalls them." He smiled reassuringly. "He gives his word that he will guarantee their safely."
"Who is it dear?" Memu's head popped round the doorway, and gave a kind smile when she saw the knights. "Good evening. Where's Sir Meta Knight?"
"It seems he's with Fumu and Bun," Parm clarified. His expression matched perfectly with his fidgeting fingers. "They won't be back for…a while?" Here he gave an uncomfortable look to Blade as he continued to feign knowing what was going on.
Unsurprisingly, it was Sword who elaborated. "They currently have some urgent matters to attend. I must stress that trying to anticipate when they will be back won't make them return any sooner." He had a habit of being heartless during his reports – his phrasing didn't help a tremendous deal either. All he wanted to say was along the lines of 'keep your head up' and 'there's nothing to worry about'.
The shorter knight shook his head. "He means they'll be back before you know it."
Memu exhaled sharply. "I do hope so. If Sir Meta Knight's with them, then I'm sure they're all okay." She turned on her heel to leave them, then stopped. "I'm preparing a meal for four, but I think it's going to get cold before the children get here. Would you like to join us for dinner?"
The suggestion lingered in the air for a few seconds. Parm was the only one expressing some sort of joy as he babbled about his wife's amazing cooking. The knaves simply repeated the question again in their heads and exchanged looks.
Blade shrugged. "It would be a waste of food otherwise."
"We have to decline the invitation," Sword said in an undertone. "I know it's rude, but there's no way we can eat in front of them. We don't eat in the presence of others."
"Maybe it's time to change that," Blade mused as he lowered his head slightly. "We should be more social, hear things from the civilians, so to speak."
As the discussion grew more intense, it was clear that Parm didn't feel involved and knew he had nothing to contribute. Instead, he opened the door wider. "Feel free to come in if you're staying."
The knaves both gave their thanks and silently waited for the Cabinet Minister to be out of earshot. The two rarely disagreed with each other, and it was admittedly embarrassing. The only thing where they often clashed was when the Halberd had to go through various updates and repairs, and even then they ensured that Meta Knight couldn't hear them.
But now they were fighting over dinner?
"You said yourself that our lord will be back at any moment." Sword looked up at the ceiling in thought. "Right now, he's either fending off creatures we can't imagine or returning home exhausted after fighting said creatures."
The shorter knight acknowledged the statement with a sound of approval. "So…what's your point?"
"We can't stay," he replied, quicker than Blade had anticipated. "What we've done today is nothing compared to what Sir Meta Knight has done. Dining here would make us lose sight of our mission."
Blade shrugged. "True, but we never really had a mission in the first place. To me, this is the closest to a day off we've had for some time." He inched a foot forwards, solely to annoy his colleague. "If you think about it, it all works out rather nicely."
Sword couldn't disagree to that. Not only was it a tempting idea of different company, but it was a gesture to show that they were more than bodyguards. Parm and Memu were missing their family, just like they were missing theirs. They were all stuck in the same boat, forced to wait at home and only hope the others will return safely.
And with Sir Meta Knight elsewhere, they were more than capable enough to make their own decisions. All it asked was one thing: whether they valued social standing more than their jobs.
They could always take the food out and eat in their own room, but that didn't make any sense. They usually had food prepared by Waddle Dees, which was naturally varied but at the same time mundane after eating it for the past five years.
The green-clad knight sighed after a few minutes. "Fine. I won't eat anything, but I see no harm in joining them for dinner."
And, despite the helmet, Sword knew that his comrade's beam was broader than ever.
"Sir Meta Knight, welcome back."
The puffball smiled inwardly as he closed the door behind him. "I'm back." Evidently, his subordinates had anticipated his arrival, for one of the beds was set out in the middle of the room. It was also likely because of the fact Fumu and the others came back by boat, where there was hardly enough room for him to accompany them during the trip.
He had walked the whole way back, and he had no idea what the time difference was between their arrival and his.
Blade followed his gaze to the lone bed. "We thought that you would be tired. Bababagahara isn't exactly the number one spot to have a picnic or take a quick nap."
Meta Knight lowered his head as he silently agreed.
"What happened?" Sword pointed to the puffball's cape in horror. It was frayed at the mantle, and there were numerous holes to be seen at the back as Meta Knight brushed past the waiting knights and perched himself on the tatami mat. A content sigh was barely audible.
"It's nothing," Meta Knight said offhandedly. "With all things considered, it's a small price to pay. There are a couple of spare ones in the cupboard."
As if on cue, Blade busied himself with finding a replacement whilst the puffball unfastened the one round his body. The mask wobbled dangerously, but it only slid down his face slightly.
Sword folded his arms as if to show he was unconvinced. "That doesn't answer the question."
Although Meta Knight was aware of the knave's point, he didn't care to elaborate. The cloak had been damaged during the fight with the Pyukii flower, of which the battle was still engraved in his memory. Looking down the plant's mouth and being close to dinner wasn't exactly the plan he had in mind. The smell of its breath was still on him and he could still feel the stings of its teeth on most parts of his body.
But, if he hadn't made himself the bait, it was likely Bun would have received injuries far greater than he had. Perhaps Kirby would never have woken up, and perhaps the flower would have targeted the others next.
On another note, Bun had expressed signs of courage and heroism that had only amplified as the various obstacles unfolded. Traits that couldn't have been brought to light unless they were all in the face of danger.
All in all, they were lucky to be alive.
"It was just a fight." That was all he had to say to keep his subordinate quiet. "I stayed awake the previous night to keep watch, and I succumbed to carelessness. That's all it is."
Blade didn't have to look to know that Sword was giving him a look saying "I told you so". They were bickering only an hour ago (the second argument they had in less than 24 hours) whether their leader would be tired. It wasn't a secret that there were some nights the puffball couldn't sleep, but for him to injure himself as a consequence only showed that Bababagahara was just like the stories said.
He didn't want to say it out loud, but Blade was disappointed that Meta Knight admitted that he was caught off guard. Compared to the war, the creatures in the forest should have been a piece of cake. They could have all gone for days without food and restless nights – easily. Why was this one night any different?
Even as the knight handed over a new cloak, he knew that the gloved hand was not one of a warrior anymore.
Meta Knight laughed softly as he put on the cape. "I know what you're thinking." He gave a small smile to Blade as he readjusted his mask. "Before you contemplate about our capabilities further, consider the fact none of us were meant to survive for this long. We've lived through the hardships where others were not so fortunate." He looked down minutely. "To ensure that they didn't die in vain, the three of us made an oath. Thus, to this day, we have to hope and believe we will see our mission through to the end."
He looked at his subordinates in turn before getting onto his feet. "I think I'll take a short siesta. You're both free for this afternoon."
Sword, who had more respect for him, gave an understanding nod. "We will report back in a few hours." He left the room very swiftly, and Blade had no choice but to follow.
However, he paused at the door. "Sir?"
The puffball's eyes turned a fraction. "Yes?"
"It was wrong of me to doubt you." He bit down on his lower lip. "I'm sorry."
Meta Knight shook his head. The fatigue was finally getting to him, where the bed a few centimetres away was suddenly more inviting. "There's nothing to apologise for."
Blade had more he wanted to say, but he simply looked at Meta Knight the way he was. Not an ex-soldier or even his leader. Simply a man living each day to the fullest. Embracing what limited days he had left and making the most of them.
He didn't know what came over him. Sword undoubtedly wanted to train in the courtyard, and Blade had the feeling that he was waiting for him.
"Sir…Once you rest up, would you be willing to spar with us?" He was determined to be better, strong enough to protect those who were important to him. To make the most of today in order to make a brighter tomorrow. A small chance that if his superior was injured, they would be capable enough to protect and help.
Meta Knight blinked. "Two against one sounds interesting. Don't wear yourself out before then."
/\/\/\/\ End /\/\/\/\
A/N: And there we have it. Tension between Sword and Blade throughout the chapter until they have to work together to beat up Meta Knight XD Nah I'm kidding – Meta Knight will definitely win.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed it and let me know what you thought! Next chapter will be Episode 19: Knuckle Joe Arrives! Requested by Casiana1…ages ago.