I can't help but hope that Meta Knight and Ike return!
Important Info: Um…I guess it's not needed since MK doesn't make an appearance? But what they hey…. This Meta Knight is based on the anime, Hoshi no Kaabii, where he is more of a father/teacher figure to Kirby.
Disclaimer: Wow…haven't written that in a long time! Umm…how about…no. I don't own anything. 'Cept plot ideas. I think. Do I ? Or don't I? Figure that out, yeah, and uh, let me know.
Hope
Sum: They say hope springs eternal.
~~~~~~~~MarthIkeMetaKnight~~~~~~~~
The day his wife presented him with that letter had sent a rush of exhilaration he hadn't felt in a year. The golden ink was like greeting a dear, old friend. He smiled at the seal on the back; the Smash Brothers Tournament symbol greeted him.
She watched his expressions change from, joyful to thoughtful, to a sad acceptance. She adjusted her hold on their niece before softly calling to her husband. "Marth…"
When his gaze focused on her, she smiled. "When is it?"
~~~~~~~~MarthIkeMetaKnight~~~~~~~~
He checked his bag once more.
Shiida giggled, obviously amused at her husband's nervousness. She rested a hand on his shoulder, startling him briefly. "I know you have everything."
"Yes, I know…" he glanced at his bag before giving his wife his full attention. "You'll be alright."
She nodded, inwardly laughing. "Jagen and Cain will always be near, and accommodations have been made for Merric, Elice, and Lilan in the western hall."
Marth nodded, embracing his wife with his arms. His chin nested on her head, and he breathed in her scent. "I'll miss you."
Shiida hugged him tightly. "I know, and I'll miss you, but…" she pulled back cupped his face. "No frowning. No sorrow. You have every right to pursue your own wishes like any other man."
He nodded, smiling softly and kissing her. "Thank you."
"I think your ride is here." She was gazing past him. Marth turned to see a portal of various colors mingling and interweaving.
"Yes…" He lingered, hands entwined with hers.
"Go…" She laughed, though it was soft and tinged with longing. He kissed her, long and lovingly.
"I'll write if possible."
"Of course."
"And maybe we can arrange another visit."
"I would love to come. Perhaps we can arrange it so Elice and Merric may accompany me."
"That would be nice…"
They released hands, as Marth needed to gather his belongings.
"You'll return soon." She stated, hugging him. "It'll be short for us."
"And another year for me…" The emperor replied, returning the embrace and with one last kiss and farewell he slipped through the portal.
Though he traveled through one four times before, twice to arrive and twice to depart, dimensional traveling never sat right with him. All direction was lost, as his feet took him straight. There was nothing but colors mingling and sifting through each other below, above, and around. His feet tread on something solid, but his eyes could see nothing, only adding to the lost and floating feeling he had. Up and down looked the same, as left and right. It left him disorientated and panic crept inside.
Marth took a deep breath closing his eyes momentarily, willing the terror away. The Emperor of Akaneia opened his eyes only to see a fogged circular opening ahead. That was his exit. As he closed the distance, the fog dissipated leaving a clear scene of his destination. At least it was a short trip. He shielded his eyes as his next step changed his environment abruptly.
Marth felt solid ground once more, and breathed a sigh of relief. The swordsman adjusted his clothing, brushing at his tunic more out of habit then need. The Emperor of Akaneia quickly noted his possessions where accounted for, and then someone called his name. A high voice, feminine, and very close called his name again. He barely had time to register who it was, before being embraced by one very happy princess. Marth adjusted his footing so not to collapse and take her with him, but once rebalanced he returned the hug. She hummed happily before pulling away, hands resting on his arms now.
"Oh, I'm so glad you returned!" Peach exclaimed, her blue eyes sparkling with unabashed joy. She hugged him again, and Marth laughed.
"It's good to see you as well, Princess Peach."
She giggled, before turning around and waving at two familiar people. "Mario! Luigi! Look who's here!" The Mario Brothers came over to greet him as well. Marth graciously accepted their welcome.
The swordsman smiled brightly, scanning the landscape. There was the mansion off to the side; Marth idly wondered if it had expanded or if it was a trick of the eye.
"Oh I can't wait to let the others know!" And with those words, Peach rushed off, but not before giving the emperor one more embrace. Marth smiled at her energy, noting that she made a beeline towards Samus and Pikachu. The pokemon was tailing the bounty huntress who appeared to be heading towards Fox and some boy decked out in blue. The Mushroom Kingdom ruler caught the other woman's attention and shared her news. Samus glanced at him, giving a short wave to which Marth returned.
He saw something pink and turned around to see Pit playing with Kirby. Not too far away from them, the swordsman saw a group of Pikmin marching off with some boxes in hand. "Has Olimar returned?" His gaze lingered as Donkey Kong, two crates in each hand, followed the colorful species.
"Yeah!" The younger plumber replied, grinning. "He's going to take care of the garden again, though this time he's requested a much larger plot. Pit got him excited about a hedge maze and he wants the chance to create one of his very own."
Marth chuckled at the idea. "How many are here?"
"Well, there's Samus, and Pit, and Bowser." The younger plumber began ticking off the Smashers currently there. Said reptile was currently chasing after someone. Marth took note of the small figure, with brown hair and a red shirt. A new Smasher?
"Oh! And we have a few new ones!" Luigi motioned towards the beach, where the swordsman saw a strange woman who was positioned in a strange pose. Toon Link and Sonic, one on either side of her, were attempting to emulate it, with some success.
"That's Wii Fit Trainer."
"Wii Fit Trainer?" Marth echoed. "Odd name."
The brothers nodded having the same thought. The elder nudged the Emperor of Akaneia. "Over there is Megaman and…there goes Villager."
The swordsman saw the figure decked out in blue, talking with Peach, Fox, and Samus while petting Pikachu, and to the right the same small figure Bowser was chasing earlier only this time he was strolling along with Olimar and a potted plant.
"Have you heard from anyone else?" He questioned.
Mario picked up on the hope the emperor had. He hated to say no, but there hadn't been any other notice of who would be returning and who would not. "I'm afraid not, Marth." The plumber replied, locking eyes with him. "The pre-tournament preparations have changed. Unlike before we don't have a list of names." The Italian began walking towards the mansion, the Emperor of Akaneia and Luigi following. "People are just appearing, we don't even know when they will arrive."
Marth nodded, slowly and a bit sorrowfully. Mario had mentioned last tournament that there had been some exhibition battles, and within the pre-tournament events, he and the others had come across a list of the participants. However, if Mario or any of the other Smashers had discovered one…
That meant there was no word of Meta Knight or Ike.
Let alone, whether they received an invitation.
"I'm sure they'll be here." Luigi supplied, offering the swordsman a small smile that was marginally confident. He could see the disheartened look the emperor had.
The Emperor of Akaneia mirrored the younger plumber's grin. "Yes…" He looked forward at the new mansion. "I hope so."
The 'random' appearnace is my own explainatino on the ever increasing roster. It's along the lines of each time a Smasher is announce they appear. By magic! Also, some of the announced Smashers aren't mentioned. That's because they're after Marth. So they show up after him. ...Yup.
…
Bah. Mild spark of inspiration!
If I do continue this into a 'new season' I would keep referring Marth as the Emperor of Akaneia.
Laters!
ZeroGravityDog
