I awoke discombobulated for my thoughts were scattered into fragments, it took literally minutes to develop, process and piece together of what had happened. Yes, I remember it, somewhat. The returning memories still vibrant: the room, the awkward portal, the argument and then, nothing. I let out a disappointed sigh at the failure of recalling anything. I looked around to see if something, if anything could trigger any lost memory. For one thing, I noticed the room was clearly not my own. Though, I remember the transportation within my dream could be a plausible reason why nothing is recognizable to me. But surely, it's impossible, being stuck in some silly fantasy world. Taking my top hat off, I sensed a mild discomfort and then a searing pain when I attempted to inspect my head. I felt something uniquely different almost alien attached to my fabricated skull. Horrified, I palpated once again running my fingers around a smooth surface of what it seemed like a large button. My heart had frozen by the frigid grip of disbelief; this was obviously the evil, sadistic works of Amibo, that vile creature. I lightly put on the top hat, avoiding more pain; I was more concerned of how I got here. I soon came upon the conclusion of the dream that occurred to me was actually real since the accompanying pain I encountered in the dream still took effect in the present; it also makes sense why I'm here, even though it's extremely illogical.
I felt a surge of anger well up inside me, knowing that Amibo took full advantage of me, and I foolishly complied with the deal he proposed fully aware that I could die in the process. Yet, he tempted me, threatening my very own life and left me no choice but to join this alliance. I have no current knowledge of what specific assignments and tasks he wanted me to accomplish and he didn't even attempt to tell me any further information but I knew Amibo's main motive was to assassinate the two obstacles, dwindling his chances of successfully ruling over Dreamland. Still, I cannot fathom why possibly would something as ridiculous as a sock could have such significant power in Patchland. I've quickly learned it has the ability to transport it's wielder into different worlds and dimensions, in this case, the world of Dreamland where Kirby originated. Suddenly, I heard a booming knock emerge from the room's door and an unfamiliar voice was requesting me. An odd sound of metallic plates rubbing against another was clearly audible, along with , what it seems like, a sword being taken out of its sheathe. Another knock emerged, more forceful than before followed by a long, slightly irritated sigh.
"Who are you?" I irritably inquired, muttering under my breath trying to recollect my wits. Funny, I asked this simple question, where I should really question the reason why he's at my door wielding a weapon.
"Sir Meta Knight," a baritone male voice accented behind the door. His voice contained a hint of genuine grace and politeness with also a formal approach albeit, he had a sort of Hispanic enriched accent.
"Sir Squashini, I've been sent by Master Amore to inform you that he needs your presence immediately. I'll escort you to your destination at once."
Rather easily convinced, I approached the door, extending my hand to turn the knob and finally reveal the figure behind my door. I was surprised at my actions, opening a door to potential danger so haphazardly. It was almost automatic. My eyes immediately locked on a pair of bright yellow eyes that illuminated behind a fierce circular mask that came accustomed to his dark blue body, which was to, quite circular. Large armored pads lay on his shoulders where artistically designed cursive M's were labeled on each side. A long, flowing dark purple cape stood behind him, making the knight's appearance seem warily mysterious, completed with a white frilly lapel that connected with the cape. He had the odd yarn outline too and I was certainly correct to find him holding an intensely sharp golden sword within his gloved hand. It appeared long compared to the squat blue figure, standing two inches shorter than his weapon. Honestly, it was almost comical but this was no laughing matter since he could be extremely dangerous. I clutched my magic wand precauciously and proceeded to follow.
We started walking an all that was heard was the faint humming of the electricity's current in the lights. Already, I had an urge to start a conversation to stir away the tension but his uninviting appearance made it almost impossible, but somehow my overwhelming curiosity of this "destination" he was escorting me to eventually won over. I formed a couple of questions to ask as we went through the eleventh corridor of this place; it was almost like a maze for each room, I wondered how the knight eventually found his way. I snuck another glace at the shorter being instantly realizing that he had abandoned my side, leaving me in this unfamiliar place. I scanned around me meticulously, wondering how he slipped from my sight with such ease. Suddenly, an ever so recognizable voice protruded at my far left so unexpectingly, it caused me to stop breathing for a split second before exhaling once again. Meta Knight had opened the discussion room doors with an instant greeting from Amibo along with a few other henchmen staring at the strange Halloween themed monster as myself.
"Ah, it seems like Squashini has finally arrived! Care to take a seat will you?"
Meta Knight almost automatically took a seat and I, ever reluctant to do so, obeyed.
Amibo cleared his throat before he began once again, "I warn you, this information exchanged will be discussed only behind these doors and only in this particular room. Any violators will be…well, I'm sure you could figure that out for yourself." He cocked his head and darted his opal eyes at all of us, making sure there was no sort of disagreement.
I shrunk in my chair, as I listened to his lecture, rather disturbed. As being an experienced show performer, I should happen to know how to improvise and adjust to situations, well, mostly. There was no possible way that I could adjust to this alien environment, even though there were bright colors everywhere, promoting optimism, it just didn't feel like a homely atmosphere, especially with these strange beings amongst me but I knew I belonged here, I knew we all had a personal purpose why we even joined. I couldn't help the daunting memory at came across my conscious once again. The blood, the gruesome sight of the innocent woman's organs sprawled about the stage, the horrified screams, the overwhelming humiliation; it was all too much to bring up right now. I felt sick. I wanted to avert my thoughts to keep myself from truly losing it in front of everybody. I shifted in my chair uncomfortably and decided to peer over at the peaceful, well composed, Meta Knight for relief. He was listening very intently, jotting down information. It was then, that he glanced up at Amibo who called him to attention.
"You there, Star Warrior," all eyes shifted to finally land on the blue knight.
"Sir?" Meta Knight responded firmly, fully attentive to the yarn sorcerer. His eyes flashed a crude crimson for a moment before returning to his original eye color. He looked shaken, troubled or something might have gotten a hold of him but I couldn't accurately indicate his dissembled emotions behind the mask.
"Since you are rather experience in battle, and it seems that you obtain the fruitful ability to wield the sword of the galaxy, I assign you specifically, to guard the enchanted yarn of SpaceLand. I also lend you, with the support of my magic of course, four more powerful swords to make sure no living soul has a chance to challenge me." His voice was even more ominous than before, making one of the henchmen, an engorged light blue penguin, shudder.
The knight clinched his sword powerfully, as if he was receiving a great source of power before he was transported to his destination by the sorcerer's magic. The red gleam in his eyes grew a brighter fiery red before disappearing into thin air. It was quite a menacing sight.
"That went well as predicted," stated Amibo, self-assuringly feeling accomplished by his magic. He then fixed his eyes on the now frightened penguin who wore red and white royal attire. The piercing stare of the yarn sorcerer made him cower even more into his chair, obviously, too afraid to enter that awkward transportation. The sorcerer saw this and simply chuckled, gracefully levitating towards him and placed his utensils playfully on his shoulders, harassing the petrified bird. Immediately upon contact, the penguin sputtered about explosively, trying to escape from the clutches of the two fiendish utensils but was abruptly stopped by the towering source of evil before him.
"Hey-a, get dose things offa me!" the staggering being cried, only receiving a toothy grin from the tormentor.
"Oh, it seems like King Dedede, suppossively the ruler of DreamLand, is evidentially nothing but a huge coward. Tsk, what a pity that DreamLand doesn't require such an adequate ruler to rightfully guide his own 'sheep'." A few henchmen, influenced by Amibo's cruel, manipulative humor laughed, some simply observing, and others, a bit perplexed by Amibo's actions he awkwardly began to weave his utensils into Dedede's robe, wrapping himself around his body, gripping him once again and appearing as if he was an extensive cape attached to his robe. He began to whisper some sort of complex spell incantation in the king's ear. Dedede's expression was now off and vacant until his features gradually molded into a livid, sinister smirk. His eyes than began to loom a familiar crimson. I soon caught myself staring intently into those hypnotic ruby eyes, I shielded my eyes as it was extremely difficult to look away. But unfortunately, I was to slow as I felt power pulse through my body, neither of my nerves was overlooked and reflexingly, my muscles contracted, making me quaver. I fell, completely drained, his magic had stolen most of my energy; my head, collided with the amble wooden desk. I simply feel asleep.
It wasn't long before I gained my conscious. A distant sound I recognized to be of an impatient tapping of a hard surface had woke me up. I struggled to open my eyes that ached at the oncoming light. I saw nothing but a blur, as my eyes tried to automatically adjust the distorted picture.
"I can't believe you actually fell asleep in such an important meeting. Really, now, am I that boring to you, hm, Squashini? Do you need some sort of entertainment?" Amibo said, stressing each word with agitation.
I was too disoriented to respond. I was just now noticing there was no other being in the room but the two of us. A sudden tug was felt on my bowtie and then finally a strong pull shifted me forward, immediately forcing my full intention. My eyes widened by the sudden shift of my body as I was held in a stern grasp. It was then, I decided to finally speak up, and shaken by the sudden movement and the look of anguish in Amibo's eyes. I observed what he had done to the previous person. Evadingly, I had finally submitted.
"I-I'm sorry, Master Amore," I chocked out. "I apologize for- for my indolence." I couldn't believe want I was saying, submitting to that evil delinquent!" He loosened his grip, slightly, looking at me questionably. I'm sure someone even as 'omniscient' as him, wasn't expecting me to suddenly give in like this.
"Oh, ho, ho what is this? You finally abide by my rules and call me your master? Oh, this is simply amazing!" he smirked, while fixing my tie into an extremely tight knot, compensating for his rudeness.
He took my top hat off and placed it on the table, revealing the large button that was attached to my fabricated head. The sudden cool sensation of my now exposed button made me cringe, I had an impulse to put my hat back on immediately but my hand was pushed away, giving an admonished look from Amibo. I did what I thought I was told and kept quiet and let Amibo do what he had in mind. I flinched when he started to inspect his own insidious creation. The button was incrediblely sensitive to touch. I again retrained myself from inflicting a punch to his face for him, palpating the fragile button, was highly irritating. He began to knit slowly at the button, aiming to fix any errors, not focusing on the pain he was inflicting on me.
"You took quite a stumble last night, don't you think? I'm really starting to get the impression that you're fairly weak why, you practically fell right into the floor like a scared, feeble animal." He taunted finishing his task, sadistically, watching me flinch and recoil at the pain he produced. I hated him severely, though for some odd reason, I felt obligated to serve him in a way. I wasn't exactly sure. I gave up on talking back because it was useless and it wasn't exactly going anywhere. It'll just make things more complicated and it won't benefit me at all. Still, I being rebellious wouldn't allow him to call me a weakling so easily.
"I'm afraid you're wrong, Master Amore, I-I'm no pathetic weakling." I chocked out as I fought his potent spell that tried to omit any opposing retorts of mine. I briskly grabbed my hat from the table to cover the button once again, narrowing my eyes at the villain, still a bit dazed by the prior pain.
"So, I'm assuming you want to challenge me after you chose to fully obey me? Very hypocritical if you ask me; but I always love a challenge, Squashini, especially one who has a paranormal ability like I." He whirled, flaunting his poncho around, almost as if he was performing some foreign ceremonial ritual.
Walls and tiles began to melt from their borders, ridding every single detail of the room into darkness, the table gone, the floor disappearing from under me, revealing nothing but a pitch black. I was baffled momentarily as I thought I would fall into a never ending abyss; thankfully, I had the ability to levitate. The room was unrecognizable now, its bright colors and supporting floor replaced by swaying, almost moving in a circular motion, dark color; the floor, replaced by random textile platforms. My eyes were fixed on Amibo Amore and my expression towards him never changed with the haunting transformation of a completely normal room into some yarned hell.
"Challenge me, fool." He growled hungrily, anticipating on my first move.
I clutched my wand, ready to make the first attack and trying to think of a spell to cast to effectively damage him. I remembered one of my powerful hexes I once read from one of the black magic books I possessed in my library, luckily, I knew the appropriate chant:
"Damnarethostenocuitmihifassit super eummanusQuatuordecemdoloribusdestinatumvisitaveritmesuperREUS…"
A bolting force of fire shot out of my wand, the powerful spell almost pushing me back, my hands quavering violently. I wasn't used to it for, hadn't used this dark spell in years, because surely, this black magic wasn't allowed on my planet. I knew, I would be looked down upon and viewed as some sort of psychotic wannabe wizard. But, I knew in this world, I actually had a chance to finally experiment my knowledge on magic.
The stream of fire engulfed the sorcerer, incinerating him upon contact. I could hear a stressed grunt from Amibo, indicating that I had damaged him somehow, but the ball of ember soon ceased once he had extinguished it almost effortlessly with a swift lash of his knitting needle. Patches of burns were evident on his poncho and steam was rising from his body. He was shaking from pure rage and his toothy grin was no more. I chuckled at the sight of this, knowing that I had him while scolding him for underestimating me also.
"Looks like you can't withstand my first-degree burns, Amore, you might as well quit." I willfully mocked, tipping my hat, grinning with my twisted jack-o-lantern smirk.
"I wouldn't call that pathetic stunt, a challenge," Amibo nonchalantly stated, brushing off the remaining ashes. "You haven't even seen the capabilities I have in store for you, you imbecile."
He quickly began to knit a covering textile at such an exhilarating speed, I couldn't tell where he exactly was. The cover then dropped over me, preventing me from seeing anything. The material was so heavy, I couldn't remove it off of me either.
"NYA, HA HA HA HA HA HA! Try and dodge this!"
Suddenly, I heard a sound of zipping fabric coming closer and was approaching rapidly. I didn't know what to dodge to avoid getting hit. It was then, I felt two dozen or so sharp objects penetrate my body: the most unpleasant pain I've ever felt. I screamed and writhed at the horrifying ache. It lasted almost forever until the cover finally revealed some light. I groaned as my body went num, not at the least expecting him to use needles in battle.
"You look marvelous in that pose, I'd say, those needles look dashing in you." He said with his sadistic charm.
I did what I could to rid the needles from my body no matter how painful it was but there was no chance in hell I was going to pull these out one by one, time was of the essence and he could attack at any moment. I cast a spell on myself to make my body translucent, letting all the needles in me fall onto the platform. I grunted, feeling all the needles leave my punctured body simultaneously. I felt my energy melting away; I knew if I didn't hurry and defeat him, he would kill me easily. I stood up, my translucent spell wearing off, casting another powerful spell upon my foe. I knew this one would finish him off for sure or damage him immensely.
I wanted to show him what I, Squashini, was capable of…