Shades of Grey - Chapter 5
Tiff was sitting in her room, studying the textbooks on biochemistry and physical science. They were moderately difficult for her to read, but nonetheless she found them very interesting and as time went on she began to have a better grasp of it. Suddenly, Lololo and Lalala flew in.
"Tiff! Tiff!" Lololo cried, hysterical. "Meta-Knight! It's Meta-Knight!"
Tiff lifted her head to regard the distraught twins. "What about Meta-Knight?! What's going on?"
"S-Something's wrong with him!" Lalala stammered. "H-he's turned into s-some kind of monster!"
"We have to find Sword and Blade! Tuff told us to look for Sword and Blade! Do you know where they are?" Lololo clamored.
"Calm down you guys!" Tiff commanded sternly. "What do you mean Meta-Knight's turned into a monster?" The duo stopped to take a breath.
"He was training us when suddenly he started looking sick," Lalala began.
"He grew these giant bat wings, and his eyes…" Lololo shuddered.
"His eyes were frightening! We don't know why this is happening! Tuff told us to find Sword and Blade, that maybe they being close to Meta-Knight would know what's going on!" Lalala explained.
"Alright. C'mon, we'll all go look for them," Tiff sprang out from her seat and ran out of the room, Lololo and Lalala floating above her…
"Joe!" Tuff cried, excitement and relief evident in his young voice. "What are you doing here?"
"I was spying on Nightmare and saw the whole exchange," Joe answered, rubbing his nose. "I saw what Dedede and his thugs did to Meta-Knight! Once the N.M.E. executive left I used the monster teleportation device to get here. Afterwards I was able to sense Meta-Knight's and Kirby's energy signatures and followed them here."
"You know why he's like this?" Tuff asked.
"King Dedede made a serum that turns ordinary people and animals into monsters," Blade explained from his place behind them. Tuff turned to regard the loyal soldier. Kirby looked at Meta-Knight, who slowly and shakily began to push himself onto his feet. He growled deeply with rage as he turned to regard his children and their new ally. There was a large crack in the mask just above Meta-Knight's right eye. Temporarily crippled wings twitched as the fine bones began to reshape themselves. Despite Meta-Knight's transformation, he continued to have the quick-healing capability that was granted to all star warriors. Meta-Knight's sword flickered violently, his eyes matching the same spastic pattern.
"Blade! Where are Lololo and Lalala?" Tuff asked.
The young soldier tilted his head slightly. "I haven't seen them."
"But I sent them to get you and Sword…" Tuff said softly as worry engulfed him. He dearly hoped that nothing happened to the little twins.
"Sword is back at the castle with Escargoon," Blade explained. "They're making a cure. Lololo and Lalala might be there."
"Escargoon?" Tuff asked. "Can we trust him?"
"Probably not, but we really don't have much of a choice at the moment," Blade answered.
"Right now I think we have something more important to worry about…" Joe said softly, his eyes never leaving Meta-Knight. Slowly the young fighter took a step forward. "Meta-Knight! It's me, Joe! Wake up!" The disturbed creature responded with a fierce growl. Joe's words appeared to evoke nothing from him, as if Meta-Knight didn't recognize him at all.
"He looks pretty awake to me…" Tuff mumbled, questioning his friend's choice of words.
Joe shook his head vigorously, "His consciousness is being squelched by the serum, but I think he can still hear and see everything." the young fighter's eyes narrowed with determination, "I lost my father to Nightmare, I won't let the same thing happen to Meta-Knight. Even if I have to beat sense back into him!" With that resolution, Joe dashed forward. Meta-Knight strafed aside and retaliated with a swing of his blazing sword. Joe jumped back in an attempt to dodge the assault, but was caught in the chest by the tip of the blade. With a frustrated growl, Joe staggered back as Meta-Knight continued swinging his sword in violent arcs. The Behemoth Serum had bestowed the old soldier not only with necromantic prowess, but also enhanced physical speed and stamina. Meta-Knight relentlessly continued his attacks, which Joe bravely evaded and blocked. Yet Joe and the children knew this could not go on much longer and soon his adversary would have the upper hand…
Sword stood in silence as Escargoon continued to sluggishly work on the cure. The young subordinate was beginning to really lose his patience.
"Are you ever going to finish?!" Sword snapped irritably. He felt as if Escargoon was taking as long as he possibly could. Likely it was to give the serum time to take effect.
"I'm almost done, keep your helmet on…" Escargoon grumbled.
"There you are!" Lololo cried as he, Lalala and Tiff abruptly ran in.
"What's going on?" Sword asked.
"What's Escargoon doing here?" Tiff asked.
"Something's wrong with Meta-Knight!" Lalala cried. "He's…turned into some kind of monster!"
"Oh no…" Sword gasped. "I didn't think it would have happened this soon…!"
A smiled played Escargoon's lips. "Looks like the serum's taken affect…"
"What serum?" Tiff's eyes narrowed. "I should have guessed it was something you and King Dedede did!"
"You better keep working on that antidote, or I won't hesitate to gut you like a fish and use your own damn toxin on you!" Sword threatened.
"I'm finished with it!" Escargoon muttered, "Now I'm leaving!"
"You're not going anywhere!" Sword warned.
"What's more important? Me, or the antidote?" Escargoon suddenly hurled the vial into the air. As Sword and the children scrambled to get it, he took the opportunity to retreat out of the room. Lalala flew up and caught it.
"I got it!" Lalala held the vial tightly, and flew over to Sword to give it to him. Tiff ran out after Escargoon, but upon exiting through the door found that Escargoon was already gone…
Meta-Knight continued his multiple assaults on his new antagonist. Despite his strength and stamina Joe couldn't keep this up much longer.
Blade didn't want to fight his commander. Despite what anyone might think he didn't follow Meta-Knight simply because he was strong. Meta-Knight was also wise, determined, compassionate and did whatever he could to ensure the safety of everyone. Even when he and Sword tried to rob him, he risked his own life to protect them. He would sacrifice his own comfort, health and honor to provide it to those less fortunate. That was the Meta-Knight he knew, not this deranged monstrosity. Yet he was aware that Meta-Knight could not currently control his actions, and that he would want Blade and Joe to stop him.
Joe blocked yet another blow and staggered back. His breath came in short gasps, yet his opponent wasn't even slowing down. The young fighter never imagined how much stronger Meta-Knight had become. However while Meta-Knight's rage induced attacks granted him enormous strength, it also caused him to be more reckless and Joe began to notice openings in his assaults. During one such opening Joe sent a kick to the center of the veteran's mask. A large crack resounded and Meta-Knight reeled back. Before he could regain his bearings Blade reluctantly charged at him. The young knight sent a barrage of sword attacks at his leader, who deflected the blows and returned with a heavy blow of his own. Blade was knocked down onto his back, but before his commander could take advantage of the situation Joe sent a vulcan jab in his direction.
Meta-Knight raised his sword to block, and counteracted with a bolt of his own. Before the beam could connect, Kirby sucked it up.
The little star warrior jumped into the air and transformed into "Sword Kirby." Meta-Knight stepped back as Kirby landed before him.
Kirby is a mirror.
Meta-Knight's eyes flickered.
The form that he has copied is your own.
Shaking his head, Meta-Knight raised his sword threateningly.
It is what you do that makes you a monster.
Kirby too raised his sword, but in a more defensive position.
I will protect Kirby, no matter the cost.
The little star warrior could see the internal war that raged in the mind of his predecessor. It was reflected in the spastic glow in his eyes and sword. Suddenly, his eyes flashed persimmon, and he dashed forward. Kirby and Meta-Knight clashed swords.
Kirby broke the clash and blocked another sword assault.
Kirby is the last of the star warriors…
Meta-Knight jumped back and raised his sword up. The weapon began to glow brightly. Kirby tensed, bracing himself.
"Meta-Knight, no!" Joe cried. He sent a vulcan jab at the old soldier, who blocked and deflected the beam back at him. The young fighter jumped out of the way, but the beam struck a nearby boulder. The boulder exploded, sending both Joe and Blade sailing. Finally, Meta-Knight's glowing eyes met Kirby's onyx eyes and he aimed his sword at his former disciple.
Kirby is our last hope…
A huge beam shot from the sword. Kirby held his own blade in front of him and braced himself for the pain that was likely to follow. Yet it never came…
The little creampuff opened his eyes and looked behind him to see the remains of burned and ravaged trees and boulders. Meta-Knight had missed, albeit barely.
Meta-Knight's aim was always accurate, a miss from this close range couldn't have been an accident. Kirby looked back over to his former mentor. A muffled clang resounded as his glimmering sword struck the dirt. His eyes were flickering violently as his consciousness fought for control.
"Lord Meta-Knight?" Blade said softly, stepping closer. "Are you alright sir?" There was no response. Slowly the young lieutenant reached his hand forward. Abruptly Meta-Knight's eyes glowed red, representing the lost battle against the newly developed malevolent side of his psyche. Meta-Knight raised his hands and sent a bolt into the breastplate of his loyal subordinate. The impact sent Blade reeling into Kirby, knocking them both down. A demonic red glow resonated from the old soldier's eyes as, the physical representation of the serum's success in burying his consciousness.
He reached down to pick up his fallen weapon, when Knuckle Joe shot it away with a vulcan jab. As Meta-Knight turned to regard the current threat, Knuckle Joe sent another vulcan jab in his direction. Meta-Knight reacted by flapping his wings violently, but instead of granting him flight they sent a jolt of agony through the creature's back; a painful reminder that they had not yet healed. The chi projectile hit its mark, and Meta-Knight's previously damaged mask now did little to soften the blow. With a frightening cry, Meta-Knight stumbled back. Joe took this opportunity to charge, and taking hold of his adversary's shoulder pads he shoved him against one of the few large boulders that was scattered around the terrain. Violently Meta-Knight struggled, and it took all of Joe's strength to contain him.
Kirby ran forward to help, but Tuff grabbed onto the little star warrior.
"No," Tuff said sternly with a shake of his head. "You're staying here!"
"Meta-Knight!" Joe cried, "It's me, Joe! Listen to me! You've got to fight the serum's control! Remember my father? Remember what happened to him?!" His words failed to stimulate a response.
Kirby struggled against Tuff's hold, but was incapable of escaping.
"Look!" Joe quickly reached into his shirt and pulled out his necklace with a locket containing a picture of himself as an infant. "You were his best friend! Do you remember what you told me? He too was turned into a monster, but his love for me allowed him to fight against it! Love saved his soul, even if it couldn't save his life. But it can save yours, a cure's being made even as we speak! You've got to hold on until then! Think, there's got to be someone you want to fight for! Someone you want to live for!"
Kirby flattened himself, slipping from Tuff's grasp. "Kirby, no!" The little star warrior ran to Joe and Meta-Knight before Tuff could catch him.
"Medanigh!" Kirby cried. Both fighters turned to regard the little star warrior.
When Joe looked back at Meta-Knight, he noticed that Kirby's gentle voice had affected the old soldier. The struggles had ceased completely. His eyes were still crimson, but they no longer lacked spirit. In fact, it looked as if the sound touched something that had forcefully been buried deep within him. It was the first word Kirby had said other than his own name.
"That's right…" Joe said, looking back at Kirby. "Kirby, say it again."
"Medanigh! Medanigh!" Kirby repeated. There was no fear in his voice. Despite the thrashing that Meta-Knight gave to him, Joe and Blade the little star warrior felt no apprehension. In Kirby's eyes Meta-Knight was the gentle old soldier who guided, nurtured and protected him, even when his actions spoke otherwise. All Kirby cared about was the current distress of his mentor, and the want to help.
"G…Get him away!" Meta-Knight stammered. Joe looked back to him. His crimson orbs were now flickering emerald as his consciousness fought once again for control. "D…don't let me…hurt him!"
"It's ok," Joe said soothingly, "I'm not going to let you hurt Kirby."
The little pink creampuff walked over to his predecessor and hugged him. Meta-Knight cringed, but Joe held onto his arms.
Tuff and Blade watched from their respective places, not really sure what to do at this point. Neither could decipher whether or not he was still dangerous.
Meta-Knight's eyes were glowing a soft green as he watched Kirby's open shows of affection. "Y…you said an antidote was being made?"
Blade nodded, "Yes sir. Sword's forcing Escargoon to make a cure. He should almost be done. All we have to do then is test it." Joe slowly released the old soldier's arms. "Please sir, just hang on until then…"
"I…don't know if I can…" The old soldier admitted. "We can't…afford such a risk…"
"Try telling Kirby that!" Joe gestured to the little creampuff, who was still cuddling Meta-Knight's side. "It looks like he thinks the risk is worth it."
The elder star warrior tenderly rubbed Kirby's head. "Yes, but…if it fails…?"
"If it doesn't work we'll make another cure!" Sword answered. The others turned to see him, Tiff and the twins approaching.
"Lololo, Lalala!" Tuff exclaimed, relief washing over him. "You're alright!"
"Sorry, it took us awhile to find Sword," Lololo explained.
"Now that I think about it, we never saw King Dedede," Lalala murmured thoughtfully as she crossed her arms. "He's pretty big to miss…"
"We have the cure!" Tiff cheered. "We just need something to test it on!"
"Blade, did you ever find the Behemoth Serum?" Sword asked. His partner searched through his armor and pulled out a crumpled piece of paper from one of the hidden pockets.
"Yes I did, in a sense. I could only find the formula," Blade answered.
"Don't worry, I'll make some of that serum," Tiff said. "Then we can test it."
"See?" Knuckle Joe stated, looking back at Meta-Knight. He rubbed his nose. "Hold on just a little while. We'll get that cure ready before you know it!"
"Alright…" The old veteran said with a nod. His wings folded against his back as he returned Kirby's embrace.
Suddenly, the sky began to darken considerably.
"What's going on?" Lololo asked as he looked up at the clouds.
"Storms don't come this quick in Dreamland…" Meta-Knight said as lightning streaked across the skies. As a thunderous boom reverberated through the skies, Kirby shuddered and the old knight tightened his grip. "This kind of weather isn't normal."
"Oh no…" Joe gasped as realization struck him.
"What is it?" Tuff asked upon seeing the stricken expression on the older boy's face.
Joe's voice was barely audible, "The war has begun!"
Author's Notes: Finally the war against the ravages of writer's block has ended in my favor! ::Evil laughter:: This chapter was immensely difficult for me to write. I guess it was the emotional charge and the fact that so many people were now involved I had to make sure no one got left out. Keeping everyone IC was also difficult. I'm sorry it took so long, I hope this chapter was worth the wait! Hopefully the next chapter won't be so difficult, and I'll have it up and running as soon as possible!