Wings of fortitude.

CHAPTER 10: Feelings, Two Star Warriors

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!)

The sun was nearing the hills while the once blue sky became a stained pink colour. Along the shore side where the waves gently rocked back and forth onto the rocks and sand, a small pink blur could be seen from afar. If one looked closer, they could see that that blur was Kirby. He was sitting close to the ledge, dangling his feet off the side of the rocks. They couldn't reach the water, but Kirby tried to imagine that they could. He had been sitting here for a while now. Hours perhaps. Ever since his training with Meta Knight, the puff couldn't bring himself to want to do anything. Whether it was going home, continuing to practice, or even finding the Knight to apologise. The puff couldn't stop thinking about what Meta Knight had explained to him sorrowfully. Concerning the matter of his wings being disliked by the Cappies. He couldn't shake the thought of having to run away from Dreamland if they didn't like him. It was a risk the puff couldn't take. One he didn't want to take.

He sighed, and the water below stirred. Kirby looked down at his reflection in the clear water and watched tiredly as a certain Bluefish peeked his head out from the water. It would have been the third time Kine had attempted to cheer the small puff up since he'd been there, but all of his attempts had sadly failed, much to his own dismay. Kirby had vaguely explained to the fish that he had been having weird dreams, and how he was feeling lonely, and how he wanted to go and see Meta Knight but couldn't bring himself to face his mentor since he was scared of what the Knight may say or do. Kine had listened to each and every time and had been trying to figure out what the big problem behind everything was. He noticed how Kirby talked of his mentor fondly, and despite Kine not really knowing Meta KNight all that well, he could plainly see that Kirby definitely adored him in a way he'd never seen the puff behave before. The Adoration in Kirby's tone was special, and he recounted to Kine how he was scared of showing something to the Cappies, and how Meta Knight was the only one who could understand.

"If Sir Meta Knight is the only one who understands Kirby, why don't you want to go and see him?" He questioned the small puff, who stayed quite a moment. It was odd, as Kine had never once seen Kirby behave the was he was. He even looked different, sporting a cape much like Meta Knight did and everything. The star warrior was definitely different than when he'd last seen him, which now that Kine thought about it, had been over a month ago. He really should get out often -erm well... He supposed he couldn't really do that since he was a fish and all. But it was the thought that counted.

"I don't know... It wasn't like this early this week, but Meta Knight makes me feel funny... I don't know why, but it's like I want to be near him all the time... I even asked to move into his headquarters so I wouldn't be lonely... but..." Kirby snivelled a little, and Kine couldn't help but feel sorry for the child. Kirby seemed to be going through a lot right now From his dreams he vaguely talked about, and that weird Warrior in them. Followed by his issues with being alone. The fish wanted to comfort Kirby as much as he could sense he was honestly quite fond of the little guy, but sadly his anatomy limited the help he could give. But, he could at least explain to Kirby what exactly he was feeling since well, Kine could see what the connection was quite easily, what with how he himself felt similarly about Fumu all those years ago.

"Kirby...? Could it be that maybe you're harbouring feelings for Sir Meta Knight?" He said gently, but Kirby didn't quite know what the fish meant by that. Sure he enjoyed being around Meta Knight all the time, and of course, the Knight was the only other being who could relate to what he was going through and understand the struggle that came with it. But well, wasn't that only because he was his friend? Was Meta Knight his friend even? Kirby always thought he'd felt a bit different about Meta Knight compared to everyone else somehow, but Kirby had never known why...

"Well, I guess? He's my mentor after all, and he knows me very well. He's a good friend..." Kirby tried, although didn't think what he said answered Kine's question if the fishes expression was anything to go by. "What do you mean by feelings?" Kirby then asked after a moment of silence. He saw Kine smile knowingly, and Kirby couldn't be more than confused.

"Oh, Kirby, I should have known you didn't have a clue." He chuckled to himself, and the puffs expression only twisted more. He wondered that if he was confused enough, then his eyes would turn orange like Meta Knight's? They didn't, and Kirby wasn't particularly surprised. Kine continued nonetheless. " I mean... well, how do you feel about Sir Meta Knight? truthfully? If there a reason for you're sudden connection to him? Since you said that it hadn't been like this a mere week ago." Kirby thought for a moment and came to what was most likely the most obvious conclusion. Most of this had happened when Meta Knight had first revealed himself to the puff. Kirby had consciously realised that he often thought about his mentor's complexion, and pictured him without his mask. Not to mention he had always felt nervous around the Knight more often than not ever since leaving the secret base. But... Why? Was it because of these feelings Kine talked about? Kirby hadn't been taught about such a thing ever. Fumu never taught him- although that was due to her not think Kirby would need to know since he was assumed to be the only of his species.

"Um... Well, I think he's..." His mentor's face came to mind and the red of his constant blushes heightened ever so slightly, Kine didn't miss it though. "He's.. cute..." Kirby fumbled, thinking of when he'd called the Knight those words in front of him, heck -directly to him. He could tell that Meta Knight hadn't been happy to hear himself being called that, and Kirby had mentally hit himself for distressing his mentor. But... That was what he thought if he were being honest.

"Cute huh? Well, I don't think his metal mask is anything of a sort. So I can only assume you mean what's underneath it aye?" Kirby briskly nodded, finding that the longer they talked about the Knight, the more flustered he'd get. But doing so also didn't make him feel so alone so he supposed that was a plus. "Interesting. Never thought he'd ever show anyone what he looks like. You're probably the first, in Dreamland that is." Kine smiled and felt relief wash over him. Somehow, Kine's positive and uplifting attitude was keeping him going. He wished that the Cappies were like Kine. then maybe they would understand his wings coming out, or even about Meta Knight's wings not being as demonic as so many other's had thought...

"Y-Yeah?" Kirby tried. He really didn't know what this conversation was leading too. He came out here feeling alone and unwanted by everyone in Dreamland, but now he felt that there were still people who cared about him. Kine did. If that was the case, then Rick and Coo probably did as well. And there was Sword, Blade and Sailor as well. Not to mention Meta Knight, who Kirby realised was the most important figure in his life. He adored him, and as Kine had recently explained, had feelings for him? Kirby didn't know, but he assumed that having feelings for someone was was a good thing. Honestly, this entire time that Kirby's wings had been both developing and healing, Meta Knight had always shown his concern and interest in the puff, much more often than he used to. Kirby wondered why he had continued to make himself feel so alone when there were others around him who did care for him, like Meta Knight. Did he really need everyone's acceptance? No... Only those who mattered.

"Of course! I think that if Sir Meta Knight was willing to show you something so special, then maybe he- ... Oh no." Kine hadn't finished, since his eyes had flicked towards the sky, making out a certain Knight flying down to where Kirby was. Weird, Kine didn't know Meta Knight had wings. Then again there was a lot he didn't know about the Knight so he didn't question it. Kirby's eyes followed where the fishes rested and felt a wave of anxiety wash over him seeing who it was in the sky. Especially since they were getting closer. Kine felt that it was his time to depart, so he bid Kirby good luck before submerging back into the water. Not that Kirby knew why he needed luck. He was nervous enough as is and wishes wouldn't calm him down. Especially not when his mentor landed, his eyes glowing their usual yellow hue. The pink puff sweatdropped, but then again he had known that he would need to face Meta Knight eventually.

"Kirby..." He said softly, wings folding back as he walked closer to the younger. His stride was, unsure. It was like he didn't know what to say or do, and according to Meta Knight that was exactly the situation. Sure he had spent much of his day training after what had occurred with Kirby in an attempt to rid his mind of what he'd said, and done... But that didn't mean he'd be ready to actually confront the smaller puff. It was truly odd. For once, Meta Knight was the one at a loss for words. It truly was unnerving Kirby thought. He turned towards his mentor nonetheless, who was silent for a moment longer. "I... Came to apologise." He tested his voice, trying not to let the fact that Kirby had been sitting here alone get to him. Meta Knight took a breath "I shouldn't have told you what I did, it was wrong of me to do so..." Kirby was if anything, a little surprised at Meta Knight's statement. He had told him the bitter truth and even though it hurt... painfully hurt... He shouldn't have to apologise. Should he? Kirby wondered that.

"W-What?" Kirby fumbled aloud, while his mentor only continued.

"Your wings. They're special Kirby, and I shouldn't have judged them based on my own experiences." The Knight's wings drooped behind him, and Kirby could tell that what Meta Knight had done apparently really unsettled him. Kirby didn't know what to think about Meta Knight looking so... Upset. Almost ashamed. He hadn't seen him look like that since he'd revealed his face to him earlier that week. But, he had good reason to be worried. But in this scenario... Meta Knight was in the right. He knew much more than Kirby concerning his wings and was always looked at as a brave, unmoving figure. He was Meta Knight after all.

Meta Knight was strong, mysterious, careful, knowledgable, and even more! And while all that was true, Kirby came to realise that the closer he got with the Knight, and the more he learnt about him, that well... There were aspects Meta Knight had that even Kirby never would have guessed. Like how he was playful when need be. Or how even he would make rash decisions every now and again. There was so much Kirby was learning, but he didn't know how much more he wanted to know. "I'm sorry for upsetting you..." Meta Knight clenched his gloved hands, looking down at the ground. For he had truly felt ashamed of his actions. Yes, he was warning Kirby of the dangers of his wings but... He could have gone about it a better way.

"N-No, please don't apologise. It's fine, really! It's not even a problem now." Kirby waved his nubs in front of him vigorously, as he was now feeling better courtesy of Kine, but could see that his mentor had not quite recovered from the experience. The small Star Warrior treaded his way close to the older Knight, who looked at him as he approached. Kirby could see the small tinge of orange stain his mentor's eyes. He was confused by all definitions, but it wasn't as if Kirby had known that.

"Not... a problem?" He asked slowly, unsure why Kirby would think of it to no longer be a problem. He had abandoned training, better yet, abandoned him because of what he had said to the puff. The Knight could remember earlier that day when his student had reacted to his words. How he went to reach out to him, hopefully, to provide any form of comfort. But... Meta Knight could also remember Kirby flinch back. How he took a step away from him. Because well, he clearly hadn't wanted the Knight to touch him. It stung. It really had stung Meta Knight, knowing that he couldn't help Kirby. To think e had sort out the young Star Warrior for so much of his life, waiting for Kirby to appear so the small puff could fulfil his role of being the Saviour of the Galaxy. One that would have been trained by Meta Knight himself. He thought that's what it was all about at first. Training Kirby. But it wasn't. It never had been. There had been a deeper meaning behind it, hadn't there?

"R-Right! Just cause well... I just realised that I don't need everyone's approval..." Kirby tried, not knowing how he could articulate himself. The words were right at the tip of his tongue but he didn't know how to use them. However, that was when Kine's words of feelings flew through Kirby's mind. Maybe he could use that new word to his advantage? He tried nonetheless, whilst Meta Knight's eyes rested their gaze on his. "I just have a feeling that... well, I only need and I only want your approval Meta!" The said Knight was taken back by that declaration, his cheeks deepening in colour underneath his mask while his eyes leapt from orange to white, to even green in such a short timespan almost no one would have known what it was the Knight was feeling. Kirby, however, decided to have some confidence in himself and took hold of the older's hand almost in an almost reassuring way. "And you've given it to me since as long as I can remember! So please don't feel bad for what you said!" The look it the puff's eyes were filled with determination, and Meta Knight felt himself to be breathless at the words of the younger.

"Kirby..." He breathed, looking down at the small pink nub in his hand. It was warm. Almost as if it radiated all the warmth and hope Kirby brought to those around him. In all honesty that most likely was the case. But Meta Knight never felt that he of all people would experience that ray of sunshine known as Kirby day in and day out. He should have known better. Kirby was growing, he was maturing too. And he was still as straightforward as ever. It made the Knight smile, and he brought his other hand up to rest on Kirby's cheeks, his thumb running over the constant blush marks on the other. The Knight could tell his actions caused the younger to hold his breath, nervously if he were to guess, and he couldn't stop the purple from leaking into his iris. Neither could he stop the pink hue decorating his own cheeks...

"I- I just want to stay with you Meta... That's why I asked you if I could stay in the castle..." Kirby mumbled to himself, finding it hard to look at the older for a reason unknown to him. Kirby truly had not known what had come over him, and he was starting to feel his actions catch up with him. He really had just run off from training, hadn't he? Meta Knight was devoting his time to teach Kirby how to use his wings properly, and yet... He really had just run off because of what he'd been told. That was so childish of him... He was still a child. Kirby came to that realisation once again and it caused his voice to die in his throat. He wanted to grow up. That was all he'd wanted. But it didn't feel like he'd changed at all. Had he changed? He didn't know since well... His past had always been foggy. The small puff looked at the ground in silence, then finally spoke. It was quiet, yet despite his quietness, Meta Knight could still hear his voice clearly. "I- If no one else accepts me, then fine. Because I know that you will always accept me."

It was then that Meta Knight grew quiet. His yellow eyes let blue leak into them, and slowly they shone that content expression the Knight had felt. He could see that his student's words were genuine. He could practically hear all the emotion that each word contained. It made him feel... well. He wasn't quite sure what he felt. He had always known that Kirby showed respect for him, and had recently learned of the adoration the puff had for him... But... He wouldn't have ever thought that Kirby would choose to be alongside him over anyone else. Although... Meta Knight supposed it did make vague sense. The Cappies would surely not be happy at Kirby's wing development, and his Majesty was definitely out of the picture. Although Meta Knight had indeed filled the Penguin in slightly on what was happening, he did not go into depth. But that aside, Meta Knight found himself smiling unknowingly. He noticed that he'd tend to do that around Kirby. It was nice, he concluded.

"I... Don't know what to say. Isn't that something?" He chuckled to himself, gaining Kirby's attention. The older Knight wasn't aware that his student had been picturing what his chuckle would look like, and instead placed his hand on the puff's head, patting him as he would when he'd reach a new achievement. "Kirby, I find it truly heroic for you, a Star Warrior, to risk living here in Dreamland. Your home... For an old Knight such as myself." His smile didn't falter, but he did notice a pout reach his student's face. Said puff reached out one of his nubs and gently smacked the top of his mask. The action really only caused another chuckle to be heard from the older, who couldn't help but think his student looked ridiculously cute with that expression plastered on his face.

"We're both Star Warriors!" Kirby explained, but a smile rested on his face nonetheless. He thought for a moment and wondered what he should do. Should he stay living on his own? Get Dedede to get him to stay in the castle? Would Meta Knight leave the castle? There were many options, some not very rational... "Even if I get kicked out, or have to run away, or even if Dedede doesn't let you serve under him anymore..." He tried, wondering if any of the following circumstances were to occur, where exactly he would go. Or anywhere his mentor would go for that matter. "Isn't there anywhere we can go?"

"Hm..." And for once, Meta Knight found himself thinking back to when Kirby's wings had first sprouted, and back to when he'd gotten Sailor to post a certain letter he'd written out to Sir Arthur. Perhaps his commander could be of some use to their predicament after all? "I do believe there is. But don't get ahead of yourself. We still don't know how the Cappies will react to your wings." Meta Knight explained. His eye's soon rested on Kirby for a reason the puff didn't know. Almost as if Meta Knight had been studying him? Said Knight soon swept off Kirby's cape which he'd been wearing since running off, and Kirby watched as his mentor touched the end of his wings. At first, Kirby didn't know why Meta Knight was doing said actions. But, the puff realised he'd known this feeling before, and he found himself tensing as Meta Knight's gloved hand ran across his feathers. It felt... good. The puff flinched when Meta Knight stopped suddenly, and then looked at him. "I want to know what's really on your mind. You can't hide it from me Kirby, but I can see there is one, if not several things you have yet to tell me about. The tension in your wings shows you're under some form of stress." He could only see that Kirby's expression had deflated for some reason.

"Oh uh..." Kirby realised that his current thoughts were a bit silly. Of course, Meta Knight wouldn't have done something like that without good reason. Kirby knew his wings were sensitive but well... He didn't know one could tell he was straining himself just by touching them. Maybe it was just a Meta Knight thing... Kirby wondered what it was his mentor was referring to when he said there were problems he'd been hiding, but then one particular thought came to mind. "Well, I guess... I have been having these dreams..." From the start, Kirby had wanted to ask the Knight fo his dreams and put off doing so several times. He supposed now was a good enough time to bring it up. Meta Knight seemed to be curious about what Kirby meant.

"Dreams?" This was the first Meta Knight was hearing of this. He couldn't remember Sailor ever mentioning Kirby having any weird dreams while he stayed at the headquarters, and although he could remember Sword vaguely mentioning Kirby waking up abruptly when he'd fallen from the sky, Meta Knight hadn't put much thought into it. He wondered what these dreams were exactly. Since well, they must be important if they were causing his student unnecessary stress.

"Y-Yes... But the-" Kirby tried, but wasn't able to get a word in over the sudden noise that was penetrating the sound barrier. Meta Knight felt a chill run down his back, almost as if he'd sensed danger, before looking up at the sky. There was the comet of a sort heading well... Right towards them. It was rather small for a comet, but nonetheless, it sped across the sky at high speeds and was heading right towards the ocean! Kirby soon looked up and saw the comet. He didn't know why, but it made the puff feel like his heart and dropped down into the infinite pit that was his stomach. "Meta? What's the-" He asked, but was picked up by the older, who took off to get out of the way. The comet came in closer, and Meta Knight landed a fair bit away. Kirby watched as the comet approached the sea, and ultimately plunged into the water near the coast. The shockwave was massive, and Meta Knight put his wings around Kirby, keeping the small puff safe while he suffered the brunt of the shockwave, and well... Heat.

"Arggh!" The older Knight winced, because well... A comet that was capable of breaking the hemisphere must have been at least 150 degrees Fahrenheit, even more perhaps. Kirby wasn't sure what it was making Meta Knight tense as he was, since the puff wasn't aware of how hot the comet really was. It hadn't been long before the heat receded, but Meta Knight's wings hadn't been left unscathed. Burn marks decorated them both not so nicely, and the ends tore, making Meta Knight look like a certain Dark Knight from another Dimension. Kirby usually would have been fretting over his mentor being injured for his sake, but well... His attention was elsewhere.

The comet.

In fact, it wasn't much of a comet at all, but instead a being. There was someone out in the water, flying up and towards them. As Meta Knight faltered, Kirby felt himself shiver, and his small feet grew weak as the figure became more and more visible. The first noticeable detail was the Angelic wings that decorated them. Much like Kirby's own wings. Kirby took a step back, while Meta only glanced a the intruder before standing in front of Kirby defensively. He tried his best to stay tough but it was more than difficult with his burnt wings. The figure approached, red eyes staring daggered down at the two, all the while Meta Knight couldn't help but sigh under his breath.

Right when he thought things were looking up, this had to happen.

Just great...

Author's Notes:

Okie Dokie! Here is the last chapter for 2020, and I'll be posting another chapter in early 2021! In January sometime most likely. Thanks, everyone for all your support and yes, of course, I had to leave it on a cliff hanger. So see you all in a few months! I'll also be writing one more chapter for "Together in Time" before truly taking my summer break, or winter break depending o where you live I guess. Plus Exams... Anyway! Cya later!