STAGE 4: BUBBLY CLOUDS

"-and after that, I'll show you my favorite place to pick apples, and after that we'll take a nap, and after that we can play in the courtyard, and after that-"

Magolor nodded occasionally, playing along while simultaneously keeping a look out for the best place to make a run for it. So far their tense stroll through Bubbly Clouds yielded few opportunities. If he rushed, Kirby would drag him back to his own stride. If he slowed down, he was poked with the tip of the knight's sword just hard enough to cause pain. The Halcandran had few options other than calmly listening to Kirby talk about Castle Dedede. Thankfully, he dished out plenty of useful information. The castle was even larger than that of Lololo and Lalala. There would be plenty of chances there to hide or seek help. Okay, I can do this. I just have to play along for a while. If they can get me to the castle without dealing with knights or enemies myself, I suppose I can't complain too much. Magolor continued to listen to the excited puff talk and decided to get as much information out of him as possible without upsetting the knight behind him.

"-and I know we're going to have tons of fun, Mark! You're with us now, so we can do whatever we want! As long as we don't raid the fridge too often or break curfew."

"That sounds swell, but why exactly is there a curfew? Surely someone as tough as you doesn't have anything to worry about."

Kirby grinned wide at the compliment, but Meta Knight cleared his throat in a meaningful manner, and the smile vanished. He shrugged in response to Magolor's question, no longer looking as perky as before. This is no good. I have to fix this fast!

"So, since I'm going to the castle with you, Kirby, I'd like to know more about the king. It must be interesting to live with royalty."

The bright smile was back, accompanied by a look of triumph in his eyes. "You bet it's interesting! I'm sure you'll see him a lot so, you don't have to feel jealous. I know everything the king! He's like a really big pillow and just as soft! He likes hugs, so be prepared. Anyway, he's okay with letting us run around the castle, but he doesn't like it if the servants get picked on... but Daddy doesn't have to listen, right?"

"My title is Meta Knight. Don't forget that Kirby," the knight sternly corrected. He tried to lighten the mood with a chuckle that made Magolor's skin crawl. "You can do whatever you like, Kirby. Never mind the king... He won't be in charge much longer."

The emphasis of that last remark made Magolor worry. "Oh, is the king old? Or perhaps ill?"

Magolor turned slightly to look at Meta Knight. He did not answer, but the knight trembled slightly while biting back another bout of laughter. Bad sign. VERY bad sign. Is he... planning to kill the king? It sure sounds like it. Why? If the king suspects nothing, then why get rid of him? It doesn't make sense to get rid of an authority figure that can keep you out of trouble, and houses you. The king sounds like such a nice guy... He couldn't possibly deserve whatever this knight has in mind! I... I've got to tell someone. Who could stop him, though? Who's strong enough? Magolor was so caught up in his thoughts that he did not notice the change in their surroundings. Thin marble structures rose from the clouds beneath them. Just ahead of them were buildings of the same white material, decorated with flowing drapes and carefully sculpted columns. The location of this masterpiece baffled Magolor, unable to imagine how tons of metamorphic rock could sit perfectly on a floor of clouds. The others showed no surprise. Is this just normal on Popstar? I guess I still have a lot to learn...

Meta Knight drew his sword as they entered to building. Kirby began to drag Magolor behind the knight, clearly anticipating something. The Halcandran would have asked if it had not shown up a second later. From a large draped window flew in a strange creature with a single eye surrounded by what looked like tiny clouds. The creature shrieked and glared at them, clearly unhappy at their presence. All three ducked down as it began to attack, sending a barrage of explosives at an incredible pace. Meta Knight tossed Magolor his belongings and charged into the fight. There was just enough time to shield himself and Kirby from an incoming bomb with the parasol. Kirby wasted no time in joining the fight, demonstrating a... rather unusual ability. The little puff dived straight at a bomb and inhaled it. He held it in his mouth briefly before spitting it back at his opponent. Magolor froze in disbelief, which seemed to please Kirby. He quickly snapped himself out of his daze, and all three began working together. Kirby attacked it in the air, Meta Knight slashed at it when it dove at them, and Magolor flew about destroying the explosives before anyone got hurt. They fell into a rhythm, chipping away at their foes health until its protective clouds dispersed. With another angry screech, the eye flew off into the sky, leaving the three tired but victorious.

Magolor sighed with relief while Kirby cheered with joy. Meta Knight was quick to silence them both.

"Don't celebrated so soon. That was only the small one. That means Kracko is not far away. They are the guardians here, and they do not like trespassers. Expect another fight."

Kirby nodded in agreement, but Magolor seemed less sure. "Why don't we just explain the situation? After all, we're just passing through. The other guardians I've met have been very reasonable. I'm sure this Kracko will understand."

"I don't want to waste time-"

Meta Knight was cut off by another shriek. It was deeper and sounded more dangerous than the previous encounter. The cloud guardian, Kracko, emerged where the other had fled. It flexed its spikes, agitated by the intruders and defeat of its kin. Meta Knight prepared himself to strike at the beast when Magolor approached first, not so eager for another battle.

"W-wait! Just wait a moment! We didn't come here to fight! We're just trying to leave! If you're anything like the other guardians, surely you understand that! We'll get out of your way. We just need to get to the king's castle!"

Kracko focused its eye on the Halcandran, silently judging his words and searching for signs of deceit or malice. It only sensed Magolor's fear and desperation to continue his personal quest. The boss seemed to calm down, slightly retracting its spikes. Kirby watched in fascination, amazed that his new kitty could so easily tame such a foe. Kracko moved to the side of the room, allowing them to pass. Magolor smiled and sighed with relief. Thank goodness... I've had enough violence for one day.

Magolor gathered his things, ready to get back to the ground where he belonged. A horrific scream forced him to turn around. Sword held proudly, Meta Knight had struck the guardian right in the eye. Just as it was about to retaliate, he struck it again. Its screams tore at Magolor's heart and inspired rage. He thrust his things into a silent Kirby's arm and charged forward. Without much thought, he grabbed onto Meta Knight's arm and tried to pull him away from the guardian.

"STOP! It was going to let us go! Don't hurt it!"

He successfully dragged the knight a millimeter away before suffering the consequences of his actions. Meta Knight punched him square in the jaw, forcing his head back and at a painful angle. Stars danced in his vision, and the world slowed down as Magolor fought to concentrate. By the time he was able to stand, Kirby had joined the fight to end it quickly. Kracko was defeated, vanishing without a trace after a final merciless blow. Kirby looked back at Magolor with a worried expression, his pink face losing its color. Meta Knight turned abruptly and started a brisk pace towards Magolor, eyes barely concealing his rage. The pink puff tugged at his arm briefly and made a whining sound.

"Daddy, he didn't know! Don't break my kitty. I haven't even taken him home yet! Please calm down, Da- uh... Meta Knight. I'll teach him better. I promise! Please, I want to keep my kitty!"

Magolor held his breath as the knight finally stopped. In fact, no one seemed to breathe as they made eye contact. If something as simple as eye contact could kill, those glowing yellow orbs would have torn him to shreds. Meta Knight stared him down, glaring with anger and disgust before he headed towards the exit without a word. Magolor finally dared to breathe again, and Kirby handed over his case, bag, and parasol. The parasol was quite battered, and Magolor decided that it would be a good idea to leave it behind. Having his hands full was a hassle, not to mention unsafe. As they left the marble building behind, he set it up by the doorway and hurried towards Kirby. The child seemed disheartened but followed the knight's footsteps, Magolor hot on his trail.

Magolor's Warp Star was waiting for them ahead. Meta Knight seemed to shy away from its glow while Kirby stared at it in confusion, as if trying to remember something. Magolor did not like the idea of letting the others use it, but he doubted that he had a choice. It's faster anyway. The sooner I can get away from them, the better... Ah, wait. I have to do something about the king...

"Uh, we should be able to get the castle quickly using this. As far as I know, it should be strong enough to carry all of us."

Meta Knight merely nodded and grabbed onto one of the star's points. Kirby hopped onto the opposite side, followed by Magolor. As soon as the Halcandran had a decent hold, they shot downward through the clouds. Magolor closes his eyes automatically, before forcing himself to watch. Looking frightened and inexperienced would conflict with his previous lies about traveling and living nearby. From such an incredible height, Magolor got his first glimpse of several regions of Popstar. He saw the vast oceans dotted with islands, thick forests enclosed by mountain ranges, and even what looked like tons of sand. There was another area blanketed by something white, but he could not recall a word for it. Wow... I've missed out on a lot. I wish Marx could see this. Then again, he's probably seen it all already. It did not take long for the castle to come into view. The large structure was on a hill, surrounded by mountains. As they approached, Magolor could see tiny specks milling about, going in and out of the castle. The sun was beginning to descend, causing a growing shadow to appear behind the king's castle.

The Warp Star dropped them off at the main entrance past the draw bridge. Rather then disappearing as it had before, it shrank into Magolor's hand. He quickly tucked it into his bag, making a mental note to put it something safer later. Kirby ran inside to meet the king, gesturing for Magolor to follow.

"Mark, hurry! We're just in time for the banquet! Let's go before all the good food is gone!"

This is it. This is actually it. I actually made it all the way to the castle! Gosh, I half-expected that I would die before I got even close... Now if I can just get out of this mess... Magolor moved forward, but was dragged back by his scarf.

Meta Knight harshly whispered in his ear, "I'll let you have your fun for now, but don't forget that you owe me a favor... plus another for getting in the way of a fight. If you want even the slightest chance of receiving an ounce of mercy, meet me in my quarters tomorrow morning. We will discuss a deal then."

He roughly pushed Magolor forward and skirted around him, heading into the deeper parts of the castle. The Halcandran took a shaky breath. That threat made my fur stand on end. He gave himself a quick shake before catching up to Kirby. This food better be worth it...