Wings of fortitude.
CHAPTER 9: Training, Thoughts.
Story synopsis: Nearly 10 years had passed since the downfall of Nightmare. Cappy town had settled into a somewhat ordinary fashion, with a certain pink puff learning the ropes around what it means to grow up. Kirby had always been absent-minded to a degree, carefree, and playful to top it off. However, when an unexpected change flings Kirby into maturity and causes the Cappy's, as well as everyone else's perspective of the pink hero to diminish. There is only one knight who can be there to comfort this winged pink puff now. And yet, it seems that lingering evil still breathes down Kirby's back. When will he get a break? (Based on subsequential events set years in the future to the finale of Kirby: Right back at ya!)
Up, up up! And then... Back down. Meta Knight could watch Kirby follow that recipe of training for several hours. Well, in all honesty, he had been watching the small puff train for that long. Kirby had become very determined to get his wings to function properly, and he was able to flap a few times to get lift-off, but each and every time that happened Kirby's wings would soon get exhausted and the puff would flop down onto the ground. It had been humorous for the Knight to watch at first since it reminded him of his younger days when he would also struggle to get his wings to co-operate with him, but... It didn't seem like Kirby really was trying to get his wings to work. Or rather, he would too often be distracted by what Meta Knight could see was, well... nothing.
There had been a handful of times over the hours where Kirby would fall to the ground, and just lay on the ground to catch his breath, its usually a normal reaction, but Meta Knight had come to know, that unlike Kirby's sword training, he was surprisingly very quiet at his failed attempts. Normally, if Kirby were to miss a sword technique, or be unable to land a solid hit, then he would verbally assault his sword or himself for being incompetent... among other things. Meta Knight had always thought Kirby was harder on himself than anyone else, which was true. So because of this Meta Knight simply assumed the puff would be shouting at his wings, or himself. Or complaining about how he couldn't do it, or that it was hard, or that he was tired. But no. Instead Kirby would stay quiet. He wouldn't even react physically, like hitting the ground in frustration. He was just... Silent.
Too silent for Meta Knight's liking.
And well, the Knight was now debating the option of asking what it was distracting his student, as it was clear Kirby wouldn't bring the subject up. Whether it was pride or shyness Meta Knight didn't know, but he did want to find out, being the concerned mentor he was. Was that really why he was so curious? Probably. And so, the said Knight made his way over to Kirby who was laying on the ground, silent as ever. He looked to be in another world and Meta Knight hadn't known what to think of that. It was like Kirby had seen a ghost or something. His expression was shocked and only flicked back to normal when Meta Knight waved a hand in front of the smaller puffs face, causing him to sit up.
"You're distracted. What's the matter?" Meta Knight finally did ask, finding that there was no other option than to asked Kirby himself. Kirby's expression seemed to lower at the mention of what could be wrong, and Meta Knight was now sure that there was indeed something wrong. He really should have asked Kirby right away, but he supposed now was better than never.
"Well, It's just... I've got things on my mind..." Which was true, since Kirby did indeed have much on his mind. A lot, if not all of it unbeknownst to his mentor. Kirby hadn't known for a fair amount of training how exactly he would approach Meta Knight on the topic since he had quite a lot to say. He could only be so thankful Meta Knight initiated the conversation. Kirby's answer seemed to pique the Knight's interest. It wasn't often that Kirby lingered on his own thoughts since he was outgoing and rather carefree. Unwanted thoughts hadn't ever before been an issue the puff would have to deal with, but Meta Knight supposed that after growing his wings that maybe Kirby's perspective had changed. He was growing after all.
"Oh? What sort of things?" Meta Knight practically hummed, trying to keep the conversation in good spirit. He was concerned, but also curious about what his student was thinking of, and quite frankly he wanted to do his best to ease the puff's thoughts.
"Well..." Kirby started, unsure of how to phrase his response. He didn't think Meta Knight was going to be so... Direct about it. But then his mentor also seemed to be in high spirits. Did he really want to wreck the Knight's mood with his childish problems? "Just questions... But I doubt they'll get any answers..." He said solemnly, very sure that the conversation would end there and that he would go back to failing to use his wings. It had been frustrating but Kirby couldn't bring himself to be mad at himself, not after he'd just been whisked away into a crystal for a moment. It had been the same as what had happened with Fumu. Just what was that place? Why was he seeing it? It was... scary.
"Is that so? Why not ask a few?" His mentor asked in return, and Kirby didn't know what to think. Meta Knight was willing to answer some of his questions? The thought brought relief to the puff, whose mind flicked over all his current thoughts. What would he ask first? His dream? N-no... He didn't want to think about it let alone talk about it... Maybe about how he wanted lessons? Yeah! That would do... But the thought of asked made the puff nervous, as looking at his question it was a little childish... No... it was really childish.
"Hn..." Kirby tried, struggling to want to ask anything. It was childish... But he did want to keep learning to read and write... He should ask anyway, and if he gets shut down by the older than at least he would have tried? "I guess, I was wondering if you'd be willing..." Then he took back his words, since asking Meta Knight himself caused a knot to form in his stomach. "...or not even you, maybe even Sword and Blade would teach me to keep writing and reading...? Fumu stopped teaching me..." Kirby saw Meta Knight's yellow eyes turn green for a moment, little did he know that the Knight was fighting to hide his frustration in thought. He really was appalled at the idea of Fumu actually quitting at teaching Kirby literature. Why would she do that? Surely she couldn't have been that busy? Or maybe there were other reasons? Either way, Meta Knight kept his cool, not wanting to show how upset he was at the Cappie, since she of all people should try her best for Kirby's sake.
"Ah, I see, well I don't see any problem with that. I'll have a word with Sword and Blade so they can teach you." He decided, finding that they didn't have much to do these days and that getting some experience teaching the puff would later prepare them for when they took on students of their own. It seemed to be a win-win situation in Meta Knight's opinion. That was until he noticed how his reply made Kirby's expression lower.
"Oh..." He sighed, and Meta Knight could see that his student wasn't happy with the outcome. That didn't seem right since he'd said exactly what Kirby had wanted to hear. Hadn't he? The older Knight was unaware that Kirby had been hoping that he himself would teach him literature, instead of his apprentices. Kirby took it as if he was a burden to the Knight, and that he too would run short on time and eventually, like Fumu, would be unable to spend time with him. Of course, this was not the case. But Kirby hadn't known that, whilst Meta Knight hadn't known that was what Kirby had been thinking. Either way he could see something was still wrong.
"What's wrong?" He asked knowingly, and Kirby's frown grew a little. He couldn't tell Meta Knight that he wanted him specifically to teach him. That was selfish and would only place more work on the older. What could he say to avoid explaining that? Kirby really was just becoming a nervous wreck under the gaze of his mentor. Meta Knight's eyes, for what he could see, held that concern and worry for him. And yet the were brimming with... pride? Joy? They were still only their casual yellow hue and yet Kirby felt as if he could see all that emotion in them... How could he make Meta Knight worry for him over something so silly... He's so childish. Wasn't he supposed to be growing up? It didn't feel like it.
"N-Nothing.., Just... I had a thought, but it's silly..." Kirby sighed quietly, knowing that he should just stop talking altogether. Maybe if he asked a different question then Meta Knight wouldn't press him to continue the current one... He was ready to tell the Knight that it was nothing, but Meta Knight's reply was one that he didn't expect, and quite frankly made him nervous.
"No thought is ever a silly one. Everything has a reason." He was so serious when he said that it seemed, and yet with the concern still hidden in his eyes Kirby couldn't help but think of his dreams. No thought was a silly one? Everything does have a reason? Does that mean... Does that mean his dreams have a reason? Is he seeing that crystal, and that Warrior for a reason? But why? He'd thought they really were only dreams but... Now he wasn't so sure, and yet Kirby's stubbornness didn't allow him to inquire his thought to the Knight any further, quite frankly wanting to forget the topic altogether. So, he switched to simply asking something else. Something he'd been hesitant to ask nearly just as much as his dreams.
"Right..." He didn't know how to word his question... It was a little weird, and maybe Meta Knight would take it the wrong way... But still... Kirby had realised he'd wanted this ever since waking up in his lonely house this morning. He had to ask. He didn't want to be lonely like he had been this morning. He had no one to talk to, and no one to comfort him that morning... He didn't want it to always be like that. "I was just thinking that cause it's really lonely at my house y'know? And well..." All he had to do was ask... Just get those words out, and if you regret them then, well, cry about it later he supposed. "I wanted to come live at your headquarters. M-Maybe even where you live in the castle, but-" He wanted to finish, as his tone started getting excited and even a little hopeful. But he was cut off by the older.
"Kirby, you know his Majesty wouldn't allow that." Kirby lowered his head. He knew. He truly did. Kirby knew that Dedede would never allow him to step foot in the castle as if he lived there. Dedede was too stubborn and prideful to allow such a thing, but... Kirby wanted to find an alternative. A solution. Anything the meant he didn't have to wake up each morning alone in his house, with no one around, and no one willing to give him the time of day.
"I know! B-But still..." Kirby wanted to find an answer. He didn't want to be lonely any longer! He simply could bare it. Why did it have to be a problem? Why couldn't Dedede let him live in the castle? It wasn't fair. It was never fair. It was one of the only things he's asked for, after everything he'd done when he was little. Kirby had saved the town countless times from what he'd been told, even if he had no recollection. And even so... He couldn't even live where he wanted to... "I just don't want to be lonely..." His voice cracked a bit, all his thoughts making tears well up in his eyes. He shouldn't cry. Not in front of Meta Knight. He was still being so childish... He hadn't changed at all. The said Knight watched as tears pricked at his student's eyes, as his voice sounded like it wanted to snap in two. Maybe. Maybe this was something that had been bothering Kirby all long. Maybe it had always been in the back of his mind. It wasn't like the Cappies made it hard to notice. Kirby's house being so far from town, Dedede's stubborn hatred for the puff, neither Fumu nor Bun spending time with him anymore. It was clear he was not wanted. Did not belong even.
Meta Knight didn't want that to be the case. He didn't like the idea of Kirby living all alone in that tiny house so far away from town. He was worried about what Kirby would think if he knew that it had been built there because no Cappies had wanted to look after him, or that the reason he was so distanced from the Cappies nowadays, was because of the grudge they'd held against the puff for utterly, and completely destroying their town all that time ago... Kirby really was alone as he claimed... Just the thought nearly caused the Knight's eye's burn red and he nearly wanted to go to the King and demand that Kirby be given a place in the castle... But... His loyalty continuously got in the way. It wasn't fair on Kirby... He couldn't be mad though, he had to comfort the puff, so Meta Knight took a few steps towards his student, who stared at the grass, upset. Hesitantly, the Knight's gloved hand reached out and caressed the puff's cheek. Kirby's eyes met his masked ones while shock spread across the puff's face as if he hadn't expected any contact. The Knight now wasn't sure what to do. What could he say? What would help? Could he be of any help? His eye's turned a soft grey, for many reasons...
"I know... I wish I could persuade the King." He tried, but it didn't feel like his words had really gotten through to the puff. His thumb went over was wiped away the few tears from Kirby's face. His grey eyes filled with concern and sadness shining down on the younger. He couldn't help him. He couldn't fill the hole of emptiness that had surely formed in the small puff. Even if he wanted to... Could he really go against his standard? He had to listen to his majesty, and if Dedede said no well, that was that. He was a loyal Knight and he couldn't go against the king's words. If he did... Dedede would surly kick him from the castle walls, and he'd once again not have a place to go. But here he was, concerned for his own well being when he should be putting Kirby's first. He had to do something... Anything! Maybe if he just tried Dedede would let Kirby stay? He wouldn't... Meta Knight had to make a choice. Kirby or the King... He thought he'd made his decision, but Kirby's face suddenly attempted to perk up without much success, and the puff was talking away excitedly, but not quite happily.
"I-It's fine... I think that once I can fly I'll show my wings to the Cappies and maybe someone will let me live with them? Then I won't be lonely, there will be lots of people to keep me company!" Kirby tried to smile at his mentor, but it truly was difficult, and while Meta Knight's eyes displayed that solum grey, Kirby couldn't hope to be happy. He really had upset the Knight with his silly little wishes. He should have kept them to himself... Especially when his response caused a darker shade of grey to show. Kirby was sure he didn't want to know what it meant. His mentor looked away, his hand slowly letting go of the younger.
"I don't..." He tried, without much success. Kirby... Kirby didn't know the history he'd had with the Cappies, or what the result of having wings could lead to... Yes, his wings were different, and yes Meta Knight had wondered if the Cappies would adore the puff's wings but... Looking at everything, Meta Knight saw a slim possibility."I don't think that's a good idea..." He mumbled slowly, taking a step back as his eyes glanced back at his own wings. His own... demonic, wings... Kirby looked at him with confusion written on his face. Surely he had said something wrong for Meta Knight to react that way. Why wasn't it a good idea? Kirby couldn't understand. He thought he'd found the little ray of light on the situation but... was there no light?
"W-What? Why not?" Meta Looked back at the puff, eyes glazing over his angelic white wings. They truly were beautiful. Very special. Just like Kirby he supposed. Meta Knight knew that protecting Kirby should be his highest priority.. but... The truth can sometimes be overbearing.
"People can... How do I put this...?" Meta Knight started, taking a step closer to the puff. He reached out a hand, and surprisingly Kirby took it. The older puff looked at the younger, noticing that they truly were similar heights now. Noticing Kirby's growth was probably one of the only things that kept the Knight going. He didn't want to see it all go away. But he also didn't want Kirby to have a hard slap in the face when reality finally hits him. He needs to be told. So, his grip on the puffs nub tightened a little, and as he looked into those bright blue eyes, he decided it was time. "Kirby, some people may not like your wings the way you think they will." Kirby was if anything, shocked by that statement.
"W-What are you talking about." Was really all the puff could muster.
"Well... It's why I gave you your cape. It's also why I wear mine." Meta Knight's glove reached out behind Kirby and slightly tugged on the puffs wing. Kirby winced when Meta Knight plucked out a small feather, whilst trying his best to ignore the growing amount of butterflies fluttering around in his stomach. If he hadn't been so concerned with where his mentor was heading with this, he probably would have been very flustered with all the closeness and all... It was very unlike Meta Knight. Kirby couldn't decide if that was bad or not... Either way, Meta Knight held out the feather he'd plucked. It was pure white. Beautiful to look at. Then he started. "I've lived, for a very long time. Centuries. In that time, my wings were... not liked very much. By anyone. Even our own species." He twirled the feather in his grasp, while Kirby wondered what he meant. People didn't like Meta Knight's wings? But they looked so cool. So powerful. What wasn't there to like? Kirby really didn't know where this was going, but then as he watched, he saw his mentor pull out several vanes from the feather, making it look munted and misshapen. "I got hurt a lot... People thought I was a demon..." His grey eyes had not changed whatsoever, and Kirby couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"B-But why would they d-do that?" Kirby felt his voice crack. Why would anyone ever hurt Meta Knight? Just because of his wings? Because he looked a bit different? And... he said that even their own species hadn't liked him... Did they hate him? Had he been discarded, and overlooked? Abused even? The thought was horrifying. It made tears well up in his eyes.
"I don't know Kirby... But those experiences have stayed with me for a long time. I've only lived in Dreamland these past two decades because, well... Because I'd kept myself hidden. I used to run away a lot since I was unwanted..." He paused, and the feather in his hand dropped to the ground. Kirby didn't know what to think. What was Meta Knight implying? What did this have to do with him talking to the Cappies? Did he think that they wouldn't like his wings? Because... They were different? Because he was different? "I just... Don't want that to happen to you. I don't want you to have to leave this place if you're not accepted..." So that was it... Kirby could finally understand his dream... or rather, his vision. It must have been of the future surely. It must have been true. All of it. The crystal, that Warrior... Him. What he did... Was that going to happen? He'd leave, wouldn't he? He'd be alone, wouldn't he? He wasn't supposed to have anyone... It had happened to Meta Knight, someone respectable and praiseworthy... To think, one small change could make everyone hate him. It was too much to bear.
"B-But if they don't like m-my wings... And t-they don't like m-me... Then I'll still b-be lonely..." Tears dripped down his face, and he saw Meta Knight reach a hand out towards him. But he took a step back. He didn't know why he did. He shouldn't be stepping back from him. Not from Meta Knight. The one person who understands. Who was the same as him... He shouldn't push him away, he shouldn't. But he couldn't take it. "Lonely..." he said to himself aloud, and before he could think his feet were moving and he was running off. He'd heard Meta Knight call his name once or twice before he'd gotten out of earshot, and he knew that if his mentor wanted to he could catch him. But he wanted space. Time. He had to think. He needed to figure this out.
So he ran. Even if he knew he'd regret it.
"Kirby..." Meta Knight had said to himself, eyes dull. He couldn't be happy. He shouldn't have said that. Kirby didn't need to know something like that. Why did he tell him!? He messed it up big time... He should have said that it would be different with Kirby, or that he would be ok. He shouldn't have said that. He kicked at the ground in frustration as he clenched his hands. He didn't know what to do. He knew Kirby needed space. But the thought of Kirby being alone hurt more than the thought of hi being unwanted by the puff. For once, Meta Knight didn't know what to do. He glanced down at the white feather he'd dropped, and soon after he took flight, finding that he too, needed some time to himself.
Crystals shined brightly, yet dimly at the same time. Nothing made sense. It had never made sense. Day after day. Year after year. Decades. Centuries. Those same crystals blinked on and off. He had grown tired of those same flickers of light. They truly were dull. Not beautiful at all. Not like the stars. When one had been gazing at them for centuries they tended to look so brilliant. Truly spectacular. Small energies of gas and fire, or so some said, but those stars were nothing of a sort. They were a goal. His goal. They were where he had wanted to be. Where he wished he could be. Where he would soon be. He wanted terror. The universe had not yet seen its share of it. He would ensure it did.
He needed strength.
He had acquired the strength he desired.
It had been centuries of power stocking. Preserving every ounce of strength he could. But finally, it had been time to shatter those Crystals. He would not be concealed a moment longer. His angelic wings shifted slightly, a sign that power was making itself known. His hand managed to move despite the thousands of years it had been stiff. He reached for his lance. It had floated in front of him for eons, and yet he could never reach it. Now he could.
It only took one strike from the lance before the bright pink crystal which surrounded him at all sides was broken. It was broken. Shattered into hundreds of tiny fragments, never to be pieced together again.
He was free.
"Kirby.." He said aloud to himself. That was the individual he'd seek out. The one who would grant him limitless power. Enough to show the universe all the terror and bloodshed it deserved. He couldn't waste time and didn't. Mere moments passed before he had shot from his current dimension, now in search of only one being. And he would find him.
That was a promise.
Author's Notes:
I only briefed over what's happening with Galacta, but I think it fits well. Short, sweet, and keeping lots of mysteries within. I think it's good, But oh boy, Galacta sure couldn't have worse timing with Kirby not doing so good. He can't even use his wings yet! Hn, I wonder what'll happen? I also plan to only release one more chapter this year, which will get us to the halfway mark, and then I'll take a break on this particular story and start it up again in January 2021. Won't that be exciting? Assuming I stick to my one chapter a month policy, it shouldn't be hard to get the whole thing done by the end of next year. And yes I know that sounds super far away, but it's paced. And consistent. So it'll do. At least I'm not abandoning this right? Anyway, see ya all in the last chapter for this year! Should be out sometime in November!