Shades of Grey Chapter 9, a kirby fanfic

Shades of Grey - Chapter 9

Darkness.

Everything was darkness.

A nightmare that ceased to end.

Meta-Knight, Tiff and Kirby plummeted through the emptiness. Debris descended with them. Meta-Knight frantically looked around for the other two, his own glowing eyes providing the only light source. He couldn't see the bottom or walls of the chasm, and his wings were not strong enough to carry the combined weight of himself, Tiff and Kirby. Leaving them behind was out of the question.

He especially needed to find Kirby. If Kirby could puff up, it would decrease the weight Meta-Knight would have to carry and at the very least he could glide to the bottom of the chasm as opposed to hitting it at full speed.

After what felt like an eternity, he found Kirby within the descending debris. Grabbing onto him, Meta-Knight did a quick examination - Kirby had been knocked unconscious.

"Kirby!" the elder star warrior cried. "Kirby! Wake up! You've got to puff up! Kirby! Kirby!!!" There was no response. The young star warrior also no longer possessed his fire ability, as he must have lost it sometime during the descent. Fury threatened to overwhelm the old knight. Rage at his own helplessness. After all this, after all they went through, death at the bottom of this underground hellhole was not the proper end!

"Kirby! You've got to wake up!"

Meta-Knight's entire life had revolved around war.

Thousands of years of war.

Finally the end was so close the old soldier could see it.

"KIRBY!!!"

Meta-Knight had never expected to survive the war, still didn't. The only wish the veteran had was that at least in his final moments he could have the comfort of knowing that he did his best.

That the children would survive.

That the war would finally end, even if he wasn't alive to see it.

But to die at the pit of this wasteland…

…If only he could still inhale…

Suddenly he was pulled from his thoughts by a gentle touch on his shoulder. Meta-Knight turned around to see Tiff. She too had been injured during the descent, as she had an enormous bruise on the side of her face. Hair blowing back in the wind, her eyes were barely opened and she was barely conscious. "You…can do it…Meta-Knight…"

At first her words baffled him. Suddenly, as if her words had served as a trigger, he remembered their conversation just the night before. "Tiff…you know why I can't…it's impossible for me…"

"If… if anyone… can do…the ..impossible…" Tiff murmured, her voice weakening. "…I know you can…" Her eyes closed and her grip loosened.

"Tiff!" Meta-Knight cried, but his cries fell on deaf ears. Tiff had lost consciousness. The veteran's eyes shut tightly.

In the darkness he could still not see the bottom of this massive pit.

But they could not fall forever.

How many years had it been?

How many years had passed since his first battle with Wolfwrath?

How long had it been since he lost his inhale capabilities?

He couldn't remember, as he had long ago lost track of time.

After so long…there was no possibility that he could have regained any of his previous abilities…

…Or was there?

If anyone can do the impossible…I know you can…

He had to try.

With a quick motion he removed the mask. With the object still in hand, he wrapped one arm around Tiff and the other around Kirby, making sure both were secured. Meta-Knight closed his eyes tightly, trying to remember…

Inhaling was much like blowing into a balloon. It took a bit of strength, but eventually the pressure would force the balloon to expand and it would become easier. He could feel his skin stretch as his body began to distend slowly. The old veteran felt his skin tightened, as it was no longer used to the demands currently bestowed upon it. Meta-Knight nearly let out his breath from the pain. It wasn't that he unaccustomed to pain, but this was of a completely different kind. Despite the torture he continued inhaling until he could no longer. Afterwards he clenched his teeth shut, holding his breath. The old veteran spread his wings out, using them like a parachute. He could feel that their fall had slowed dramatically, and he tried with all his will to hold his breath as long as possible. Numbness began to course through him, starting in the center and working throughout his limbs and out to the fingers that held his mask in a white-knuckled clutch. Stars danced before his closed eyes and he continued to hold Tiff and Kirby with a shaky grasp.

Seconds felt like hours.

Minutes like days.

Suddenly he felt solid ground beneath his feet. Letting out his breath with a tremendous heave, he ungracefully dropped Kirby and Tiff and fell forward. Breaths came in short gasps as the dark void of unconsciousness finally overtook him…

Tuff and Blade ran as fast as their feet could carry, Lalala flying just before them. The fireball was right on their heels. They could hear the clanging of their own feet on the hollow floor of the air vent but didn't care about the noise they made. Escaping the blistering heat of the fireball was more important. Finally the group came across an intersection. Lalala turned left and the others followed suit. The fireball continued going straight ahead. Upon its passing, Tuff stuck his head out and watched as the fire sped further down the air vents, the bright orangish glow illuminating the way. After a moment Tuff let out a sigh of relief and pressed his back against the wall.

"Finally we're safe…" Tuff breathed as he slid down to a sitting position.

"I wouldn't feel too comfortable yet," Blade warned. Lalala landed softly next to Tuff and looked up at the hardened warrior. "Someone sent that fire after us-"

Before Blade could continue his statement a growl echoed through the vents. Lalala turned to look back towards the intersection but instead found herself looking into the glowing sapphire eyes of Wolfwrath…

After the laborious journey Joe, Lololo and Sword's patience and endurance finally bared fruit as they neared the end of the hallway. The three couldn't imagine what would possess N.M.E. to build a secret passageway so long. More than once the group openly questioned whether or not the hallway had an end at all. That perhaps the hallway twisted and turned for eternity. Now their questions were answered, and to their favor! The hallway opened to a huge chamber. Besides the opening the three entered through there appeared to be no other exits.

"This doesn't look like the inside of a fortress…" Lololo concluded. The three stepped in and examined their current surroundings. The room was completely empty except for a pedestal that stood in the center. Sitting upon the pedestal was a small, glowing object.

Joe walked over to the glowing object and examined it. Suddenly a gasp escaped him.

"What's wrong?" Sword asked, his hand straying to the hilt of his weapon.

"This…" Joe breathed as he picked up the object and held it before them. "…Is the star rod!"

The entity of evil, the source of all pain stood before Meta-Knight. Its glaring crimson eyes reminded him of the tainted clouds that swarmed around the wretched keep.

The horrid creature's lips stretched into a grin, exposing sharp and yellowed teeth. This monster was Meta-Knight's source of life and death, love and hate, serenity and pain. The demon was his beginning, and likely his end. Meta-Knight closed his eyes tightly. He could feel the wretch's voice in his mind.

You dare to shut out your own essence?!

You are a monster.

No less a monster then I am.

No less a monster than your brethren.

The brethren that you've slaughtered!?

Tremors coursed through his wings. Meta-Knight felt his lips move, his own warm breath held against his face by the confines of his mask. But no sound would come.

You so cherish the few friends you've managed to maintain.

They don't know you.

They don't know the monster they've let slip within their ranks.

Meta-Knight clutched his head with his hands.

Your words mean nothing!

Fighting against your own making is futile.

I'm not that way.

When your friends see the monster you are...

I've never been that way!

They will abandon you without a second thought.

I'm not a monster!

"Medanigh!"

Like the whisper of a dream the auditory torture ceased. The entity faded away, and he realized that he was laying face-down on a dirt floor. Pushing himself into a sitting position, Meta-Knight turned to see the little pink puffball to whom the voice belonged. Right next to the little star warrior was Tiff, who was kneeling over Meta-Knight with a look of concern.

"Kirby…Tiff…" Meta-Knight sighed as he pushed himself onto his feet. It was then he noticed the worried expressions on the their faces convert to looks of surprise. That's odd, what would they have to be surprised about…

A gasp of horror emanated from the old soldier as realization struck him like a physical blow. His hands flew to his face, only serving to conform his affirmation. Quickly his wings wrapped around him, shielding him from the prying eyes of the children. Meta-Knight backed away with a frightened cry; He had to find the mask before he further scarred the children with his hideous visage!

With his wings still wrapped around him, he quickly felt along the ground for his mask.

"Meta-Knight!" Tiff's voice fell deaf to his ears. All he cared about was finding the mask. The scars represented his failure, his shame, his inabilities. He couldn't bare the thought of ones as young and innocent as they laying eyes on something so ghastly, so ravaged…

"Medanigh!" The soldier felt a tug on his wings, stopping him from his blind foraging. The appendages had been worn during the descent and there wasn't enough strength in them to hold. Meta-Knight stiffened as Kirby pushed his wings aside and looked upon him.

Time stood still. In his mind's eye, the old veteran could see his young disciple mewling in disgust and running away. The mere thought sent a bolt of chill through the old knight. Despite his knowledge that emotions can prove to be a weakness, he loved Kirby and the thought of instilling fear into the little puffball horrified him worse than his own visage. But Kirby didn't run away. Suddenly breaking into a wide smile, the little cream puff lunged forward and hugged his elder with surprising eagerness. This was the last reaction Meta-Knight expected and could only stand there in stunned silence.

Tiff watched the whole exchange with a mixture of surprise and empathy. She remembered the soft and sorrowful tone of his voice when he explain how he had acquired the scars. Come to think of it, looking upon his features, she could see where he had been burned… but they weren't nearly as severe as he made them out to be. In fact, due to his dark complexion, had she not known to look for them she wouldn't have noticed them at all. If anything he looked kind of cute. His eyes glowed gently and his features were soft. Nevertheless she and Kirby had apparently found a tender part of his psyche, a wound that had failed to heal. She had a feeling that his internal scars were much more severe then his physical counterparts had ever been. Finding his mask on the floor, Tiff picked it up and walked over to the two. Kneeling down she gently laid her hand on top of Meta-Knight's head. "Shh, it's ok. Look, I have your mask."

He looked up at her, almost appearing to see through her. "I don't… Kirby…"

Tiff smiled tenderly. "Kirby hasn't even noticed your scars. You know what? He wouldn't even care if he did. In fact, I think Kirby just truly realized that you and he are the same."

Meta-Knight looked back down at the little puff ball. Kirby on some level may have suspected that there was some link between himself and his elder. However seeing him without the concealing mask did more than just confirm the previously held belief. It fulfilled Kirby's subconscious yearning for belonging - the psychological need to have a beginning from which they came, an answer to their many developing questions. Like when a chick is born, the first thought that enters the creature's mind upon seeing the world is "where's my parent?" The answer had always been the first creature it lays eyes upon. Until that moment Kirby had never laid eyes upon anyone to whom could be labeled as such. Upon seeing Meta-Knight's visage, Kirby truly realized that they really were the same - that Meta-Knight was not only a father figure, but as close as Kirby will probably ever have to a real, biological father. The little star warrior could look upon his elder and have an idea as to what he will grow up to be. There were so many questions that Kirby could not translate into words, but for that moment all he cared about was that he was no longer alone. With that newfound understanding, the little creampuff nuzzled his newfound father, cooing with content.

Meta-Knight, to a point, finally understood Kirby's previous reaction. However he couldn't dispel the fog of terror that clouded him whenever his mask was off and continued to stand frozen. Tiff handed the damaged-yet-wearable object to him, which he quickly took and slipped on. Kirby let go and stepped back. Anxiety finally dissipated, only to be replaced by an overwhelming sense of chagrin. He had made a complete fool of himself in front of both Kirby and Tiff. Attempting to gather up what was left of his dignity, Meta-Knight folded his wings against his back and looked around the chasm.

The cavity was massive in size, as Meta-Knight couldn't even see the ceiling. While it was still dark, there were a few torches lined up against the walls that provided a minimal amount of light. Despite the lack of a ceiling, there was a wall on all sides except for one. With a small cough, Meta-Knight turned to face them. "This appears to be the only way out…"

Tiff watched him, understanding his apparent remorse. While she didn't think there was anything he should feel ashamed of, she could empathize with the situation. He was supposed to be a steel-nerved soldier, as the war would not allow for less. Meta-Knight was one of very few weaknesses, so for she and Kirby to stumble upon one of his deepest vulnerabilities must have been disgraceful to him. Tiff wanted to offer a few words of comfort, but there was none that she could think of that would suffice. So instead she too looked around. "Looks like we fell into some kind of secret chamber…"

Meta-Knight nodded. "I wonder if this is the secret passageway that Joe previously spoke of?"

"I don't know…" Tiff looked up. "I don't think this leads to the headquarters." she shrugged her thin shoulders. "We might as well go and find out. There doesn't seem to be any other options…"

Upon laying eyes on Wolfwrath, Lalala shrieked in terror and flew behind Blade.

The young soldier steadied his sword and glanced over his shoulder to the frightened creature floating behind him, "Wolfwrath lives only through the device. Tuff and I will hold him, you go. Find the device, and destroy it."

Lalala swallowed nervously. Never had such pressure been bestowed upon her. How she wished her brother was here. Not that he was more qualified, but at least she would not have been given this mission alone. Nonetheless she nodded in understanding, turned around and flew down the air vent.

Upon watching Lalala's departure, Blade looked over to Tuff, "Are you ready?"

Wolfwrath's eyes glowed brightly as he watched the exeunt of the creature who possessed only a minute source of heat. The heat levels of the two who stood before him were much higher, indicating that they would make better prey.

Tuff returned Blade's look, while still keeping an eye on their adversary. Despite the fear that threatened to overwhelm the boy, there was also a tinge of excitement. Finally he would have the chance to prove himself. "Ready!"

"What is a star rod?" Lololo asked, looking upon the glowing staff in awe.

"When I was little, my mom used to tell me stories about the war," Joe explained. His hand hovered over the gleaming object. "She said that there was some kind of legendary 'star rod' that was supposed to mark the end of NME. She also said that, in order to protect himself, Nightmare himself attempted to locate and destroy the rod. He succeeded in finding it, but couldn't destroy it. So he had hid it somewhere, only trusting his greatest monsters to the knowledge of its location. I never believed it, I didn't believe in legends…still wouldn't, if the star rod itself wasn't sitting here before me."

"What else did the legend say?" Sword asked as Joe gingerly picked up the small glowing object. The illumination immediately died upon the fighter's hand.

"It also said that only a star warrior could wield it…" Joe answered. The star rod now looked no greater than a decorative stick. "…That only a star warrior could call upon its true power."

"Then we need to get this to Meta-Knight and fast!" Sword concluded. Lololo and Sword nodded in resolute and with that concluded the three ran out of the secret passageway as fast as their feet could carry them…

Meta-Knight, Tiff and Kirby treaded silently down the vast cave.

With the commotion over and nothing but silence in the air, Tiff's mind began to wander…

She could still hear Escargoon's hideous wail.

Could still feel his thick blood on her hands…

Tiff placed one hand over her mouth as her stomach turned painfully. Shaking her head, the young girl tried desperately to clear her thoughts.

Think of something else…anything else… Tiff could feel her head throbbing. Apparently she must have injured herself during the fall. Placing one hand on the side of her face, she could feel a large bruise. With a shudder of pain she tried to deter her thoughts once again, and listened intently to the pattering of her feet on the soft soil. Tiff could hear the small squishes, as the soil was moist.

Squish…

She could smell the musky scent of the cave…

Yet despite the squishes and the scents she couldn't rid herself of Escargoon's horrendous wails.

The cries that would be Escargoon's last.

He would never smile again.

He would never laugh again, cry again.

What was his mother going to do when…

…When she finds out that he was never going to send her another letter?

When she finds out that he was never coming home again.

When she finds out that her son was dead?

Escargoon was dead.

King Dedede was dead.

She was never going to see them again.

Yet she could still feel the snail's blood on her hands.

Abruptly breaking away from the two, Tiff ran a few feet away as her stomach heaved. Grabbing onto one of the few stalagmites that littered the walkway, she started vomiting. There was little in her stomach to begin with, so it wasn't much more than dry heaves. Yet she couldn't stop.

Tiff suddenly felt a soft touch on her back. Coughing, she glanced over to see Meta-Knight gingerly rubbing circles into her back, his eyes glowing gently with understanding. Finally her hacking eased, and the girl could feel her cheeks heat up with abashment.

Thousands of battles Meta-Knight fought.

Thousands of deaths he had witnessed.

Yet she was the one heaving.

"I'm sor…"

"Don't be," Meta-Knight said tenderly. "This kind of reaction is expected."

"But…you and Kirby have seen much worse and yet…"

"Don't compare yourself to us," the veteran spoke sternly. "We were created for war. You were not."

A small smile tugged at Tiff's lips. "I… guess that makes us even now?"

"Ah, so it does," Meta-Knight's eyes flickered with amusement. They had both witnessed each other in a vulnerable moment. It was a small comfort, as if the two scenarios counterbalanced each other, similar to a "I won't say anything if you don't" type of situation. The old star warrior glanced over at Kirby, who watched the scene with confusion. "Hm, the little one here could blackmail us both."

"I don't think he's going to tell anybody," Tiff's smile widened slightly, although no laugh could come.

Meta-Knight's eyes brightened, yet he too did not laugh. "Are you feeling ok now?" His voice was tinged with true concern.

Tiff replied with a nod, ignoring the numbness that remained in the pit of her stomach. "Yeah…lets go."

Lalala flew aimlessly through the air vents. Finally finding an opening to a room, Lalala pushed the latch open and slipped through. She found herself floating in what appeared to be the armory. Landing softly on the ground, the little pink creampuff pushed the door open and watched as a large beetle-type creature walked down a large hallway.

It was Bugsy, the monster that Kirby fought not long after he had first landed in Cappytown. He was obviously a revived monster. Lalala figured that since he was a resurrected beast that he would know the location of the device. Not having any better ideas, she ultimately decided to follow him.

Blade slammed heavily against the walls of the air vent from the force of Wolfwrath's massive claws, a loud bang resonating throughout. Tuff charged forward and stabbed his dagger into the side of the beast. Wolfwrath howled and hurled Tuff into Blade. The two slammed into the wall again. A large crack sounded, and the duo fell through and into a large cafeteria. Landing heavily on the ground, Blade looked up to see a horde of monsters swarming around them.

Tuff too noticed the mob, "Oh no…"

Joe, Lololo and Sword ran out of the secret passage and around the side of the keep itself. The two guards that stood before the door before were no longer there. The forest that surrounded the headquarters appeared to have suffered some grand scale attack. While the forest had already looked gnarled before, it now looked completely ravaged. Hoping that they could find Meta-Knight and Kirby, the three followed the trail.

After a dozen minutes of searching, the trio stumbled upon a ghastly sight.

A gaping hole was opened in the center of a clearing. Nearby a huge monster laid sprawled on the floor, blood still trickling from a mortal breast wound. Laying a few feet away was the husk of Escargoon. Joe knelt down and felt the snail's pulse. After a moment he silently shook his head.

Lololo paled visibly as frantic thoughts coursed through his young mind.

What happened?!

Where were the others?!

What if Lalala was laying somewhere like this?

What if she was dead?

What if they were all dead?!

The little creature was startled from his thoughts by a gentle hand on the top of his head.

"Don't worry. I'm sure everyone else is alright," Sword said tenderly. He could read the look of apprehension on the little one's face. It mirrored his own questions, his own worry for Blade, Meta-Knight and the others.

Joe looked over the massive chasm, "I wonder what's down there?"

"I don't know," Sword answered as he stabbed his sword into the wall of the hole and used it to climb down. "But I'm willing to bet Meta-Knight and Kirby are down there."

Nodding with the same resolution, Joe took hold of the ledge and climbed down. Lololo floated down between him and Sword…

As the trio continued to walk silently through the massive cave, Meta-Knight wrapped his wings around him as a sudden chill began to course through his veins. He began to have a feeling of dread, a numbing sensation that they were walking towards something horrendous. His mind began a fierce mantra:

Leave now.

Never come back…

The old veteran shook his head vigorously. Not even in his thoughts was Meta-Knight so cowardly, it was not within his character. Someone, something was playing with his mind, twisting his thoughts and playing on his anxieties. That also could have explained the strange dream he had earlier. With that in mind, he was beginning to wonder if the cave they fell into was some kind of secret underground roost. Despite his reigning leadership over NME, Nightmare himself was rarely seen and did not live in the Headquarters. Perhaps…this cave was the secret domain of the vile and heinous monster overlord.

Meta-Knight's suspicions were confirmed when the walls of the cave opened up into a huge chamber. Within the chamber stood the massive hellion, its form cloaked in darkness. The only visible part of the demon's body were his burning crimson eyes, which brightened with sadistic glee as the prey walked into his domain - and to their apparent doom…

Author's Notes: It was a little bit hard trying to keep up with each group, and timing everything so that it all happens in the right sequence (which will be especially important for the next chapter.) However I think everything went well. This chapter is also dark, as will the next one. I think the next chapter will be the last, (however it will probably be massive - maybe even more so then Chapter 8.) as I plan to have everything fall into place. It was also difficult trying to get into the right state of mind while writing Tiff's vomit scene and MK's unmasked scene. I was trying to convey Tiff's innocence and horror of her exposure to the war, and MK's anxiety of being unmasked. I've been trying to link the anime to the game as many ways as possible. Since MK freaks out every time you unmask him, I wanted him to act the same way in the fic. Of course, MK in the game doesn't bare scars. So in order for this to make sense, I had MK's scars be much less severe than he imagined. In the end, this actually helped me more because it showed how deep his internal scars were. For the last year I have also studied psychology (among other things) and have been trying to use it in my writings in order to give the characters more dimensions of their respective personalities. I hope you liked it, and that it succeeded to convey the emotion I was hoping to get across.