Chapter 20: Face to Face with The True Void
(The Genie Realm)
Azra was looking through a crystal ball and watching the fight against Void Termina. Eventually, a pink glowing orb of light appeared behind her.
Azra- Oh, it's you! I'm glad you came. I believe the moment you've been waiting for so long is finally about to happen.
Pink glowing spirit- Really?! So then Kirby has…
Then Azra moved the crystal ball over to the glowing pink spirit.
Azra- See for yourself.
Glowing pink spirit- Then…it is time…there is something I must do when the time comes…
Azra- And I'll be here ready and waiting for when you give the word, my friend.
Glowing pink spirit- Thank you, Azra! Kirby…don't let me down…
(Back in outer space)
Void Termina punched the ground and made a large shockwave that was heading for Star Allies Sparkler. Luckily, Kirby managed to avoid it. Bowser spat out a fireball at Void Termina, but it just bounced right off of him.
Bowser- It did nothing?!
God Mario- He's an S-Ranked god like Tabuu and Kyrin are. Thankfully, not as powerful as they are, but he's still in the same ranking class as them. It won't be that easily. But even a giant has a weak point.
Then DeDeDe saw a strange eye open up on Void's chest.
King DeDeDe- Hey Kirby, move closer to that thing that just popped up on his chest.
Then Kirby moved the Star Allies Sparkler towards Void Termina and everyone saw the eye too. Void was about to swing his fist at them, but DeDeDe flung his mallet like one of Ty's boomerangs and struck the eye on his chest. This caused Void Termina to flinch and step backwards a bit.
King DeDeDe- And there's his weak point!
Bowser- Not bad. You're not as stupid as I thought you were.
King DeDeDe- And what's that supposed to mean, Bowser?
God Mario- Focus! He's already back up!
Then the eye vanished from his chest and reappeared on his right shoulder. Void Termina jumps into the air and attempts to land on them. Luckily, Kirby moved the Star Allies Sparkler out of the way, but Void made a large shockwave when he landed. Kirby managed to make the Star Allies Sparkler jump over the shockwave as well as God Mario took aim and shot a rainbow-colored fireball at the eye on Void's right shoulder. This made Void Termina cringe again, only Kirby noticed something was a little off about Void Termina. Parts of his body and his mask were starting to crack, almost as if it was all just a shell his real self was hiding in.
Void Termina- This is getting on my nerves!
Then Void Termina made two large blades appear from his hands and they were also on fire, similar to Flamberge's flaming sword. Void swung the flaming blades at them, but God Mario blocked with Marco's sword. However, God Mario was struggling to hold Void Termina back.
God Mario- Hurry and find that weak point! I don't think I can hold him much longer!
Bowser- We're trying!
King DeDeDe- But that eye isn't anywhere we can see from where we are!
Kirby- And if I try to move, those flaming blades might break through!
But then the Shooting Star flew up behind Void Termina and Shantae shot a bolt of lightning at Void Termina's back. Turns out that was where the eye had appeared that time.
Void Termina- What the…
Shantae- Don't forget, we're in this fight too!
Then Pit fired a light arrow from his Palutena's Bow and shot that eye one Void Termina's back too. The eye moves from his back and onto the mask covering Void's face as he turned around to face the Shooting Star. Void Termina changed those flames to ice around those blade as he attempted to swipe at the Shooting Star. Luigi, who was still piloting the Shooting Star, managed to avoid in time. Void Termina swung again, but Link blocked one of those ice blades with the Master Sword. Sonic transformed into Super Sonic and used his spin dash to block the other ice blade. But then the Lor Starcutter flew above Void Termina and Marx spat out a beam of energy right at the mask. This caused Void Termina to collapse to the ground and make the mask fall off. However, what was behind the mask was what appeared to be a blackhole. Kirby, God Mario, Bowser, and King DeDeDe were instantly pulled into this blackhole and into Void Termina.
Luigi- Mario, Kirby, NOOOOO!
(Void's core)
God Mario, Kirby, Bowser, and King DeDeDe landed in what appears to be an area of living tissue.
Kirby- What happened?
Bowser- Don't know, but does this whole area feel fleshy to you?
King DeDeDe- Guys…I think you might want to see this…
Then they see what appears to be a beating heart of some kind. It was attached to vanes connected to the wall, but in the background were Hyness and the three Mage Sisters hanging upside-down in strange flesh pods from the ceiling.
God Mario- This must be Void Termina's heart.
King DeDeDe- But what about them? Why are they here?
Kirby- It must be…to copy their abilities!
Bowser- What?
Kirby- Remember when Void was using powers similar to the Mage Sisters? He must've copied their power once inside of him. Just like how I can copy the powers of most of the objects I inhale. Guess my powers did really come from him.
Then the heart opened up slightly and dark energy was fired at them. Luckily, they managed to avoid.
God Mario- But it looks like this core can fight back.
Bowser- Then let's destroy this heart and kill that asshole!
Bowser spat out a stream of fire and hit Void's heart. It did catch fire a bit, but it was still in tack. Then God Mario used a rainbow-colored fireball to fire up Marco's sword and took a swing at the heart. King DeDeDe did the same with his mallet. Then Kirby created one giant Friend Heart and struck Void's heart with it. This time, they heart actually reacted all the vanes detached from the heart. Hyness, Francisca, Flamberge, and Zan Partizanne dropped from their pods and onto the floor. But the biggest surprise was the shell around the heart was opening up. A bright light was coming from the heart and Kirby could've sworn that he saw a face that looked completely identical to his own. However…
(Back outside Void Termina's body)
Void Termina spat out Kirby, God Mario, Bowser, and King DeDeDe. They landed back on the Star Allies Sparkler, but Void Termina also coughed up Hyness and the Mage Sisters.
Ribbon- Look! They're back!
Bandana Dee- See, I told you we had nothing to worry about!
Daroach- Then why is your bandana soaking wet from your sweat?
Then the mask covered Void Termina's face again as he got back up.
Void Termina- What is…what is this I'm feeling?! So strange…so warm…so…happy…?
Then Void Termina stood back up and made wings that look very similar to the wings on Marx and/or Zero2 appear on his arms. His legs were also changed into a tail that looked like a chain of spiked hearts.
Void Termina- (ROAR)
Then Void flew into the air above the Star Allies Sparkler.
King DeDeDe- What's he up to now?
Then Void Termina swooped down like a bird of pray and tried to slash at them with his tail. Kirby moved the Star Allies Sparkler out of the way, but part of DeDeDe's robe was ripped. Void Termina flew up again and attempted to swoop down again.
Ash- Ho-Oh, sky attack!
Then Ho-Oh rushed in and clashed with Void Termina and seemed to be holding him back. Meanwhile, Ash and Pikachu were riding on Mega Charizard's back as they flew underneath Void Termina to find the eye.
Ash- Pikachu, Electric type Z-Move! 10,000,000-Volt Thunderbolt! And Charizard, blast burn!
Pikachu- Pika…CHUUUUUUUUUUUU!
Mega Charizard- (ROAR)
Then Void Termina an intense pain from his chest as more of his body began to crack. Void tried to reach for Ash, Pikachu, and Mega Charizard, but Ho-Oh quickly pulled them away from Void Termina.
Void Termina- This body…this form…it's breaking? But how…why am I feeling so…so different?
Then Void Termina flew up higher and created several electric spears similar to the ones Zan Partizanne used and began making it rain lightning. But the lightning was not just aimed at the Star Allies Sparkler, but the Shooting Star, Lor Starcutter, and the Doomship as well. Magolor was doing his best to keep the Lor Starcutter safe, but he seemed to have forgotten the Dream Friends were still on board.
Dark Meta Knight- Watch it, you idiot! You're gonna get us killed!
Just then, several bolts of lightning were about to strike the Lor Starcutter, but Taranza was able to make a giant web to catch the lightning and bounce them back up like a trampoline.
Taranza- That was close!
But then more bolts of lightning were heading for the Lor Starcutter.
Giovanni- Rhyperior!
Then Giovanni called out his Rhyperior and all the lightning rushed towards the Doomship instead. All those lightning bolts rushed for Rhyperior's horn because of Rhyperior's lightning rod ability. However, Rhyperior was knocked out and collapsed to the ground after being struck with all that lightning.
Giovanni- I knew Rhyperior's lightning rob would attract the lightning away from everyone, but why did the lightning hurt Rhyperior if it's a ground type?
Eggman- Ground type Poke'mon are immune to electric type Poke'mon attacks, but I don't think that applies to electric attacks that aren't Poke'mon attacks.
Giovanni- Regardless, you were great, Rhyperior. Now return for well-deserved rest.
Giovanni returned Rhyperior to its poke'ball and Risky Boots got to the Doomship's cannons.
Risky Boots- Hang on…I seen an opening!
Then Risky Boots fired a cannonball and managed to hit Void Termina in the tail were another eye appeared. But then Void Termina did one of the most surprising things of all. A replica of the Master Crown, that once corrupted Magolor, made entirely out of Void's energy appeared right above his head.
Magolor- That can't be!
Void Termina- It can be alright! I'm the one who made the Master Crown. Who do you think was controlling your soul after you foolishly put it on?
Magolor- Well…that explains a lot…
Then laser blasts began to fire and spread all over. It wasn't easy for the Shooting Star, Lor Starcutter, and the Doomship to avoid all this. But then Kirby saw the eye appear on Void's mask again.
Kirby- This could be my one shot…
Then Kirby fired a star bullet from the Star Allies Sparkler and landed a direct hit to Void Termina. Void fell to the ground again and so did his mask. Another blackhole opened up and it sucked Kirby, God Mario, King DeDeDe, and Bowser inside like it did before.
(Inside Void's Core)
God Mario, Kirby, Bowser, and DeDeDe arrived in that area where they encountered Void's heart before. However, there was no heart to be seen this time. Instead, there was a large ball of swirling colors. Mostly purple with a hint of yellow, green, and blue.
Void Teremina's voice- Why…why does everyone hate me? I made a mistake that made Lord Arkness exile me…but I didn't ask for all that destruction. I tried to redeem myself…I helped the struggling inhabitance of Halcandra thrive when they were on the verge of extinction…but then…they betrayed me…after all I done for them. My wife…dead…my daughter…taken from me…my life…in ruin…then…I finally find my little girl…my dear Kimberly…after twenty-three years of searching…only for her…to reject me…said I was a monster for corrupting the souls of others…and now…
Then three black dots appeared on the ball of swirling colors, only they were spinning like crazy. Eventually they stopped and a face that looked exactly like Kirby's appeared on it.
Void Termina- You reject me like she did…why?
King DeDeDe- That straight up looks like Kirby!
God Mario- So that huge hulking Titian we've been fighting…it was all just an act. A shell to cover your true self.
Void Termina- Clever, just like your ancestor, Marco Mario. Yes, this is my true face. My true form.
Bowser- Why hide behind a disguise like a coward?
Void Termina- After what happened to by beloved Sakura and my daughter Kimberly…I just couldn't bare to face reality anymore. So, I took to just hiding behind a mask to cover up my pain from others to see. But Kirby, you didn't answer my question. Why do you reject me…?
Kirby- I don't really. Like I said before, I made a promise to Kimberly…so save someone she cared so much for.
Void Termina- Enough…
Then Void Termina fired several laser shots from his eyes that seemed to scatter all over the place. God Mario, Kirby, Bowser, and DeDeDe managed to dodge. But then Void Termina surrounded his body with spikes before shooting them like a porcupine…or a hedgehog (drumbeat). God Mario managed to block with Marco's sword, but it almost knocked the sword out of his hand. Bowser ended up getting a nasty cut to his arm. King DeDeDe tried to block with his mallet, but it shattered to pieces.
King DeDeDe- Hey! That was my favorite mallet! That tares it! I'm breaking out the big guns now!
Then DeDeDe pulls out a mask and an electrical mallet from under his robe.
Masked DeDeDe- Better arm yourself quickly, because Masked DeDeDe is in the house!
Masked DeDeDe hit Void Termina, but Void Termina began bouncing around the area like a pinball. Eventually, he ran over Kirby and knocked him to the wall. God Mario narrowly avoided it, but Bowser used his flame breath at Void was about to ricochet into him. The flames slowed Void Termina down, but he pushed through the fire and knocked Bowser into the wall. However, the flames did more damage to Void than he thought and he cringed in pain. God Marco took this opportunity to slash Void Termina in the back with Marco's sword.
Void Termina- You rotten little…
Then Void Termina opened his mouth so wide, you couldn't see the rest of his face. However, a giant eyeball appeared inside of it.
Kirby- Wait…Dark Matter!
Void Termina- I'm the true source of it. Not Zeroni, or as you know him by, Zero2.
Kirby- You…knew Zero?!
Void Termina- He was the one who killed Sakura while trying to prevent him from kidnapping Kimberly. I turned Zeroni into that monster as punishment and ordered him to find my daughter. Not my fault he somehow strayed from his original objective.
Then the entire area was filled with water as Void Termina was charging an electrical beam. With quick thinking, God Mario used the power sharing feature of the god powerup to help Kirby, Bowser, and Masked DeDeDe get out of that body of water before being electrocuted. But while Void Termina was surprised that they got out of that trap, Kirby used all the strength he could muster to create the most powerful friend heart he could and thew it at Void Termina.
Void Termina- What…what is this…what have you done…
Then Void Termina was engulfed by a bright light.
(Outside of Void's body)
Kirby, God Mario, Bowser, and Masked DeDeDe were launched out again and back on the Star Allies Sparkler. Meanwhile, the large titan form of Void Termina vanished, leaving Void in his real form.
Void- No…not…yet! KIRBY!
Then Void Termina flew just above the Star Allies Sparkler while taking the form of Dark Matter.
Void Termina- (ROAR)
Kirby- Yes…let's end this once and for all…for Kimberly…
Then Void Termina fired a beam of energy from the eye in his mouth while Kirby beam from the Star Allies Sparkler. The two beams collided and at first, it seemed like neither was giving in.
Masked DeDeDe- You got this, Kirby! Smack this chump right where it counts!
Bowser- Yeah! Teach that so-called Dark Lord to never defile the Koopa King!
Hearing them cheer Kirby on helped him feel stronger for some reason. Then Kirby's beam began to push through Void Termina's beam. But just as it was about to completely push through, Void Termina increased the power of his beam of dark energy, pushing Kirby's back.
Marx- Kirby! You believed I could change! Just like Kimberly believed that Jayx could change! Well now I believe you can beat this guy! I believe…BECAUSE WE"RE FRIENDS!
This filled Kirby with so much happiness, he managed to strengthen his beam again and push Void's attack again. This made Void Termina angry as he increased the power again and tried to push Kirby's attack back.
God Mario- We've beaten Tabuu…I'm sure we can beat Void Termina as a team as well! Marco always said to never lose hope…so don't lose yours, Kirby!
Kirby- Don't worry, I won't!
Then Kirby strengthened his beam and managed to push through Void Termina's dark energy beam again.
Void Termina- Enough…ENOUGH OF THIS I SAY!
Then Void puts in all the power he could into that dark energy beam and it nearly pushes through to blast Kirby and the others.
Kirby- Kimberly…it's time to keep my promise and save your father! This next one…is for you! Mario!
Then God Mario shared the god powerup power with Kirby as Kyrin's mark appeared on Kirby's right palm. This allowed Kirby to draw power from everyone supporting him. The Super Mario Brothers' Team, Bowser's Team, the Dream Friends, and more. With that power, Kirby blasted right through Void Termina's beam.
Kirby- POYOOOOOO!
The energy from the beam Kirby fired struck Void Termina and knocked him back to his original form.
Kirby- And now…for the finishing blow…
Suddenly, images of all of Kirby's friends appeared surrounding the Star Allies Sparkler.
Kirby- POYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Then all of those images of Kirby's friends launched at Void Termina and destroyed the darkness surrounding his body.
Void Termina- This feeling…what have you….AHHHHHHHHH!
Then Void Termina was engulfed in a bright light that seem to blind everyone watching it.
(Unknown area)
Kirby saw himself in what appeared to be a recreation of the Dream Palace.
Kirby- What the…what is this place? The Dream Palace?
Void Termina's voice- This…this was…Kimberly's room…
Then Void Termina appeared in front of Kirby, only now he was completely white instead of the swirling colors.
Void Termina- It's…not enough…have got…to destroy more…
But before Kirby could do anything, a female voice spoke out.
Mysterious voice- Just stop!
As soon as Void Termina heard that voice, his eyes widened. When Kirby and Void turned to look where the voice was coming from, there stood a female Star Warrior who looked similar to Kirby. She was a lighter shade of pink, a bow on the side of her head, and some light makeup on her face.
Kirby- You…
Kimberly- None of this makes any sense!
Void Termina- Destruction isn't supposed to make sense, my dear Kimberly! It's only fun when it's senseless!
Kirby- What is…
Kimberly- I thank you for what you've done so far, Kirby…but I will handle the rest from here. Please…let me save my father.
Kirby nodded and walked out of Kimberly's way.
Void Termina- Why create when it will only be destroyed? Why cling to life…knowing that you have to die? None of it will have meant anything once you do?
Kimberly- We live to protect what we hold dear. As long as you can find that…you can find the meaning on your own.
Void Termina- Meaning scheaning! The whole world's going bye-bye! Life…dreams…hope…where do they come from and where do they go? None of that junk is enough to fulfill your hearts! Destruction is what makes life worth living!
Then Kimberly walked up to Void Termina and gave in a hug.
Void Termina- Huh…
Kimberly- You might say that…but that's not what your heart is really saying! Please…father…stop this madness!
Void Termina- Kimberly…you…you called me…
Then Void Termina wrapped his arms around Kimberly and began to cry.
Void Termina- You have no idea how long I've waited for you to call me that!
Kimberly- Please…just end all of this…be the man you once were…before you lost your heart to darkness…the man that I can call my father…free your heart and soul from this darkness…and let's be a family again!
Void Termina- Very well…I guess it's time…for me to finally rest…
Then Kimberly turns to look at Kirby.
Kimberly- Kirby…thank you! And happy birthday as well!
(On the Shooting Star)
Kirby wakes up on the deck of the Shooting Star with Mario and the others surrounding him.
Luigi- Kirby, you awake yet?
Kirby- What happened?
Mario- You shot Void Termina with an energy beam fueled with everyone's hopes and dreams before you collapsed and passed out.
Kirby- What happened to Void Termina?
Pit- You don't need to worry about him anymore. He completely disintegrated after you blasted him.
Then Kirby attempted to get back up, but he almost stumbled backwards. However, Marx caught him before he hit the ground.
Marx- There you go, Kirby.
Kirby- Thanks, Marx.
Marx- Anything for a friend.
Then Kirby saw the Mage Sister on the Shooting Star, surrounding Hyness' body.
Kirby- What are they doing here?
Sonic- We couldn't just leave them.
Then Kirby approached them.
Francisca- Come to rub it in our faces, pink one?
Kirby- What makes you think that?
Flamberge- We failed Hyness. Just look at him!
Zan Partizanne- Truth is, he hasn't been the same Hyness we used to know. He saved our lives and helped us find our true selves, but he lost his heart after all these years of being betrayed and banished.
Kirby- Maybe I can help. I think I have just enough of Void's power to create just one more Friend Heart.
Then Kirby creates a Friend Heart and tosses it at Hyness.
Zan Partizanne- What have you done?!
Kirby- I purified him of the darkness that festers in his heart.
Then Hyness opened his eyes and sat up.
Hyness- Uh…my head…
Francisca- HYNESS!
Then the three Mage Sisters gathered around Hyness. At first, Hyness was confused as to what was going on.
(Later at Kirby's house)
Mario and the others were returning to Kirby's birthday party. All of the Super Mario Brothers' Team and the Dream Friends were there except for Dark Meta Knight and King DeDeDe. Also, Kyrin was there. Kirby and Kyrin were sitting at a table while everyone was watching Luigi try to break a pinata.
Kirby- Shame Bowser and his group decided to leave.
Kyrin- Well, I guess celebrating a hero's birthday isn't their thing.
Kirby- So…is Void's soul finally at ease?
Kyrin- That's something I can't tell. I can't cross over to the Overthere without dying myself. But I'm sure he's happy catching up with Kimberly and Sakura after all these years.
Kirby- I also wonder who the Mage Sisters are doing.
Then Kyrin pulls out a postcard with his mechanical hand.
Kyrin- Funny you should mention the Mage Sisters. They sent you this postcard.
Kyrin hands Kirby the postcard and sees the Mage Sisters relaxing on a beach while wearing straw sun hats. And there was a silhouette of Hyness on the ground, indicating who was taking the picture.
Kirby- I'm just glad things worked out. But am I really part of the Void?
Kyrin- Dark Matter, heart matter, dream matter…doesn't matter! What you are physically doesn't compare to what you are intrinsically…a friend. And that's all I say you need to know what you truly are, Kirby.
Then Luigi swung the stick and managed to break the pinata and all the candy spilled out.
Sonic- Hey Kirby, you might want to act or you'll miss out on your own birthday candy!
Kirby- I guess I better get to it before my friends take all the candy. Hey, leave some for me!
Kirby rushed over to grab some candy along with the rest of his friends. And as the heroes were taking a well-deserved rest, the future only seemed brighter for Popstar.
The End
Epilogue-
(Subspace)
Tabuu was sitting in a comfortable looking chair and putting his feet up on a foot stood. He was still bandaged us, especially around his right arm, as he poured himself a martini in a little glass before putting an olive into it. Tabuu took a sip while Fawful and Infinite were locked in the soundproof case with Zero2 as he continued to scream.
Tabuu- This is what you get for screwing it up again. But don't you worry, because I'll make sure Marx suffers worse for his betrayal.
Then Zero2 stopped screaming all together and Fawful and Infinite could let go of their ears. They tried to call for Tabuu to let them out, but they were still in a soundproof case.
Tabuu- Sorry, I can't hear you. You'll have to speak up.
Dimentio- That's a little harsh, don't you think, Master Tabuu?
Then Tabuu sees Dimentio and Vaati enter the room.
Tabuu- Hey, if you think that's rough, there's always room for the two of you.
Vaati- I'd rather not.
Tabuu- Now what do you want? And it better be good, because I don't' like to be bothered!
Dimentio- Of course. But first, do you know what happened during the last Origami Festival in the Mushroom Kingdom?
Tabuu- I remember. An origami craftsman used a forbidden folding technique called the Fold of Life and brought the Origami King to life. Then Olly almost turned the Mushroom Kingdom into an origami kingdom.
Dimentio- But did you also know that Olly and Olivia were not the first to be created by the Fold of Life?
Tabuu- You think I'm an idiot? The fact that the Empress folded the entire planet into her twisted origami paradise was the reason why the Fold of Life became forbidden in the first place. Though I was surprised that she was completely immune to the effects of Marco's sword.
Vaati- What?! Dimentio, you didn't mention that!
Dimentio- The history of origami book didn't mention that either. A bonus I guess.
Tabuu- Hold on…you're saying you want me to bring the Empress back? Hate to break it to you, but after Marco and his friends barely managed to defeat her, Palutena locked her soul away in an undisclosed location and that traitor Jayx booby-trapped the area around it. The Dead Possum can't work if their souls haven't crossed over to the Overthere or Underwhere.
Dimentio- But we can help create a new body for her with this.
Then Dimentio hands Tabuu a book.
Tabuu- The instructions for the Fold of Life…you know…this might just work.
Dimentio- Glad you think so, Master Tabuu.
Tabuu- Except I really can't do origami right now. Especially with my left hand still…
Then Dimentio sees the bandage around Tabuu's left palm where Marco stabbed him.
Tabuu- One of you will have to do it.
Then Hades appeared behind Dimentio and Vaati.
Hades- Would someone be needing my help?
Dimentio and Vaati (at the same time)- NO HADES!
Dimentio- Knowing you, you'll probably fold it into something stupid to get a comic relief. We need the Fold of Life to make our sacrifices and we need them both…to be exactly the way they were before they died.