Hello again, everyone! Sorry for the longer wait, I kinda just never got around to starting the next chapter! For this one, I'm trying out a new kind of scene, so please leave a review and tell me what you think! Enjoy!
-Joost
Out There In The Dark
Chapter 7: Dark Mirage
About three years had passed since the final defeat of Dark Matter. 02, the fallen angel who accepted its fate, was gone, eradicated from the universe alongside the rest of its race. But that was simply what was assumed.
There were plenty of rogue drones and troopers out in the universe at the time of 02's defeat. They all were the outcasts, the ones left behind or who fled the clan when ostracized for taking on an individual form. While a sense of 'self' was uncommon for Dark Matter, it was far from impossible. Unkempt desires always flooded the minds of the drones, so much so that they became more than just extensions of Zero.
However, unbeknownst to the dispeller of the darkness, Kirby, or any of his allies, there was another realm plagued by the dark sickness. A mysterious gateway, forged from shards of glass, was the only way to and from such a place. It was formerly locked away, its creator terrified of the world behind it.
It was known as the Dimension Mirror. Deep within the sleek wedge of illusion was a plane of existence more baffling than breathing in outer space without a suit. It was Another Dimension. Things worked the same but looked different. Distorted and warped, but not without meaning. A wicked power had been instilled in the mirror, a corrupting spell that told terrible lies.
The mirror itself was pristine. A golden frame finely polished with virtually no imperfections. It was not convex nor was it one-way. Even though the gold plating stretched behind the object, it could simply be stepped through to view the other side and other dimension. Due to the dark power imbued in it, if one were to look at their own reflection through the mirror long enough, they'd slowly become a warped variant of themselves.
Deep within that web of terror and shadow was another figure. There, they peered through the looking glass and out to the world beyond, craving freedom. They wished to be able to look out into the sky and smile, but so long in the dark recesses of the Dimension Mirror caused their mind to become twisted.
Dark Mind, a form of Dark Matter hailing from Another Dimension, loomed within the mirror. Unseen, but always there, waiting. The creator sensed the presence of darkness and sealed the mirror away for quite a long time, but when a lone traveler came across its secluded hiding place, they took it along with them. They were in search of a different artifact, and when the mirror began to collect dust, they casted it away, coincidentally in a land bathed in light.
The Dimension Mirror slowly drew power from the light, and it grew the ability to branch. It reach out beyond its own realm and forced its way to others, opening portals from other lands to the one it now resided it.
With enough energy, Dark Mind was able to produce a copy of one of the heroes it had observed through the distant portals. It was perfect, however, it quickly rebelled. Escaping the confines of the Dimension Mirror, this bewildered copy of a squishy fellow just wandered around for a while, not knowing what to do.
Dark Mind tried again, this time copying one of the more promising heroes. A knight. A warrior with previously unparalleled capabilities in the art of sword fighting, was seemingly the best contender. The copy was crafted in his image, but differences were apparent. A torn cape and cloak, deep cut in its mask, and steely sword lacking the golden finish of the base.
Thus, Dark Meta Knight was born. Congealed out of shadow, the copy bore all the same attributes as the original. Blazing sword techniques, merciless fighting prowess, and a blade able to cut through flesh as if it were warm butter. A misshapen will reflected that of its master. It was perfect.
First order of business, make the portal to the Mirror World known to the warriors of the land. Then, the plan could finally be put into motion.
From the mirror high up in the sky, the dark energy swirled out and up into the clouds, causing a storm to start raging all across Dream Land. Chaos began raining down on the peaceful world, sending the public into panic. Along with that, it brought the attention of the intended target, Meta Knight.
Meta Knight, the lone swordsman who had returned from a much-extended leave just a year prior. Nobody, not even the king of Dream Land, knew what Meta Knight had been up to for the past several years, except for one person. His reemergence after so long was taken with joy, the king excited to catch up with all that had happened since the swordsman's departure.
However, today, he was called to action by the plague that tore through the sky. He brandished his mighty sword, Galaxia, and took off, flying towards the eye of the storm. When he discovered the mirror, he didn't hesitate to head inside, ready to face whatever was the source of the madness.
Off in the distance, Dark Meta Knight watched as his counterpart vanished into the mirror, gleeful that the distraction had worked. He turned and flapped his own wings, soaring down towards the fields, in search of a certain, pink boy.
Kirby was on a morning stroll, thinking about what he could have to eat for breakfast. All he had on him was his cell phone, which he kept close to him at all times. He usually didn't before, but after meeting a certain someone a few years back, he never went anywhere without it, just in case they happened to call him.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a figure resembling Kirby's mentor swept down and stood before the hero. In the blink of an eye, his gleaming sword slashed Kirby. When the dust settled, instead of seeing a defeated puffball, something more interesting came about.
Now, there were four Kirby's! The trademark pink, now alongside a red, green, and yellow variant. Shocked, Dark Meta Knight flew away, disgraced at his unintentional failure. He didn't even know what to make of the result. Had he just made things worse?
When Kirby and his identical cohorts came to, they were similarly puzzled at what they were met with. Quickly deciding that there were bigger things at hand, the Kirby's collectively hopped onto the incoming Warp Star and pursued the dark figure.
The four Kirby's did their best to see through the dense storm, but there was barely any viewing range. For a couple of minutes they were stuck in yellow-ish clouds, the smog almost overbearing. It lasted until the finally found a break, discovering the eye of the storm.
The portal to the Mirror World floated right smack in the middle of the madness. Lightning spouted from the clouds and thunderclaps ruled the air, nearly striking the Warp Star. The Kirby's all looked towards the portal with a shared, curious gaze. It looked so out of place, so alluring. Without any other ideas to go off of, they steered the Warp Star into the portal, crossing the edge of reality.
When the Kirby's emerged on the other side, some brief turbulence nearly knocked the red and green ones off the Warp Star. The yellow Kirby helped his two friends up as the pink took control of the aircraft. Once they were all situated, the storm conveniently cleared up, allowing the heroes to look at the new realm with awe.
Clouds made up the land, supporting the lovely crystal platforms that held all the ornamentation. One such ornament was an amazing mirror. Kirby nor his copies knew what such a nice mirror was doing in a land like this, but judging how they came here from a mirror, it shouldn't be questioned.
However, just over a short cloud hill, there were the distant sounds of clashing swords. All four Kirby's rushed to the side, peering over the edge to see a baffling sight.
It was Meta Knight fighting another Meta Knight! Maybe it was just the shadows of the above crystals and entryways, but one of them looked darker than the other.
None of the Kirby's knew who to root for. The battle seemed evenly matched, the swords meeting each other equally, as if in a graceful dance. Blades struck each other and sparks fluttered to the ground. It was exhilarating just to watch!
"Poyo!" The main, pink Kirby yelped.
Meta Knight made the fatal error of drawing his attention away from his opponent to look towards the source of the noise. He didn't expect to see his protégé present, let alone four of him! Then, Dark Meta Knight plunged his sword into his variant's chest.
A lone gust of wind rushed through the area as the Kirby's froze, shocked at Meta Knights' defeat. Victorius, the copy of Meta Knight kicked the other into the Dimension Mirror, leaving him for his master to deal with. Then, the shadow struck the mirror, shattering it, sending the pieces flying.
Dark Meta Knight gave one last look to the Kirby's, confident they wouldn't be able to interfere with Dark Mind's plan. He took to the sky, flying off and out of sight, leaving the four puffballs alone.
For a good minute, the Kirby's were speechless, unable to process what had just happened. Did they just see their mentor be defeated? Did their mentor defeat an evil double? Whatever had truly happened, they needed to get to the bottom of it all! If the storm surrounding the mirror they entered was any clue, the intentions of the world here were not entirely pure.
"P-Poyo?" The yellow Kirby asked.
"Poyo!" The green replied.
"Wha? Poy-poyo!" The main, pink hero interjected, stopping a heated argument before it could even begin.
"Poy… yo!" Pink Kirby pointed to the four areas that the arena branched off to. The red Kirby puffed up and flew above, getting a good look around the world.
"Poyo. Poyo!" The red one said as he went back to the ground. It was decided. Smiling courageously, each of the four Kirby's split up, heading off in different directions.
Meta Knight careened uncontrollably through the warbled mess of matter that his doppelganger kicked him through. He had lost grip of Galaxia and couldn't see it, his masked getting covered in multiversal gunk. When he finally hit solid ground, he fell unconscious, Galaxia falling so it stuck itself into the ground, handle pointing skyward.
When the lone swordsman came to, he hadn't a chance to pick up his sword, a deep chuckle emanating from all around him. He stood defensively, not sure what to anticipate.
"So… you're the hero." A voice commented, still unseen to the surviving guardian.
"Who are you?! Where am I?!" Meta Knight demanded, reaching for his sword. He pulled it from the stone floor and gripped it tightly.
"You are in another dimension, to put it simply. Please, sit," The voice seemed directed towards a spot just a few feet from Meta Knight. There, a fine chair was conjured up. "We have so much to talk about."
Meta Knight looked around, then inspected the chair. It seemed normal, at least from what he had seen of chairs. Cautiously, he put his sword away and sat down. The chair was leather, just the ones back at the castle. Hardly weathered and comfortable, but it was difficult to be at ease when inside another dimension.
"So, tell me… What do you know of a thing called Dark Matter." The voice asked. Immediately, Meta Knight was put back on alert. What did the darkness have to do with this, he thought?
"Alright, what is the meaning of all this?" Meta Knight kept his cool as he asked his question. The voice could sense a bit of tension within the knight, however.
"Here, let me join you. Let us talk like respectable gentlemen," said the voice. Then, Dark Mind made his appearance visible.
Dark Mind took on a humanoid form, just barely. He resembled a certain wizard that plagued Dream Land quite a long time ago, but Meta Knight brushed the fleeting memories away and examined the man. He wore a bright mask that seemed to be based off the skull of some animal, with large, golden spikes which concealed most of his face. He was wrapped in a large, fiery cloak, blue in coloration and appearing like it was burning.
Meta Knight reached down for his sword, not drawing it, but grasping the handle. The act did not go unnoticed by Dark Mind, who smirked at the idea of such a valiant knight being afraid.
"Perhaps next time you should stand on five." Dark Mind suggested, a hint of cockiness in his tone.
Card game terminology? Meta Knight raised an eyebrow. He knew his way around a game of blackjack. He was one to play when he was younger, when he had a far more cavalier attitude towards life. To stand of five meant to essentially just play it safe and stop asking for more cards, showing that you were satisfied with your hand. Underneath his mask, the knight smiled.
"People who wish to stay alive stand on five." Meta Knight could play this game too, releasing his grip on his sword. He gained some much-needed confidence. "I believe both of us may have gotten the hard hand."
Dark Mind floated back slightly. The hard hand is one without an ace, when the goal is to have cards that get close or completely add up to 21. Some of the ego in the darkness welled up, making the beast scowl.
"What makes you think that? I've yet to be 86'd out of any game!" Dark Mind snapped, proving to Meta Knight that the veil of ease around the man was a ruse.
"Perhaps… a game is in order, then? Winner will learn all that they wish," suggested Meta Knight. Dark Mind collected himself and huffed. There, he flicked his wrist and a table appeared. He conjured up a deck and held it firmly, hoping the cards would be on his side.
"Very well."
The pink Kirby ran down the Radish Ruins with a brisk pace. He just prevailed against a few towering Golems, having pummeled them into dust. In search of treasure, Kirby knew he was getting close.
Everything about the Mirror World seemed familiar, but also not. Complex places that were far more vast that most of the things found back in Dream Land. Kirby almost wished he could call a few friends and bring them here, just to show them what they were missing out on.
Entering a door, Kirby was caught off guard by what seemed to be Meta Knight, waiting for him. One-on-one battles like this were common from the swordsman, wishing to keep his student on his toes. But something was off. The teacher always left a sword for Kirby to take, making sure the duel would be fair. Here, there was no weapon waiting.
Kirby usually discarded whatever copy ability he had when coming across his teacher, but instinct made him keep his Fighter Ability. When he got close, Meta Knight drew his sword, a noticeably duller blade than Galaxia, and began to attack.
Kirby took notes of every odd thing about the battle. How Meta Knight produced Drop Stars, the more aggressive slashes, and the like. He could easily tell something was up with his mentor, all the signals in his head going off.
With one final uppercut, Meta Knight was defeated. His mask cracked and broke apart, revealing a darker skin tone than the real Meta Knights'. He wrapped himself in his cape and ran off, leaving a piece of the Dimension Mirror for Kirby to collect.
That made only one more shard of the mirror to find. Kirby hoped that his clones were doing well, wherever they were. He had bumped into them occasionally while running around, but they departed as quickly as they arrived. The urge to pick up his phone and call the others, just so he had another voice to listen to, was strong. Kirby wasn't used to going along all alone, at least not since his past few adventures.
Kirby previously had all his animal friends, Gooey, Ribbon, Waddle Dee, Adeleine, Dedede, or another friend to keep him company. Like all those times before, he had a mission to do. Now he was adrift, almost lost in a wonderful world that he couldn't take in. This time, all he had was himself and literally more of himself, but he still felt alone.
Deciding not to stay still and sulk, he pocketed the mirror shard and ran off to the next place on his map. If he was lucky, the other Kirby's will already be there, and they could take it on together!
Back inside the Dimension Mirror, the real Meta Knight and Dark Mind sat, preparing a game of Blackjack. They sat totally silent, ready to face the other. The goal of the game was to beat the dealer's hand as long as they added up to a total closer to 21, but no more. If a hand exceeded 21, that'd be the game.
"Tell me, what really are the bets for tonight?" Dark Mind asked.
"I'm feeling rather generous. Why don't you make the bet?"
"Then I'll take every scrap of information you've got." Dark Mind sneered, eager to play the best he ever had. Years on confinement lead him to play against him own creations often, and with their ever-growing knowledge of the game, it was often a challenge to win.
"I'll tell you when there's nothing left, then." Meta Knight replied. It was on! A private affair between two warriors.
Once the deck was settled, it was placed into a device called a 'shoe'. With the shoe, Dark Mind dealt two cards for both of them. Games of Blackjack go fast, a fact that both the player and the dealer can use to gain an advantage. If the cards are marked, the dealer can arrange them in such a way that they always win, clearing out their opponent's hand.
Dark Mind, while made of the vile Dark Matter, was no cheater. He had a sense of pride that wasn't overwhelming. He slapped down on the shoe and Meta Knight was given his two cards.
The dealer only shows one of their cards upon dealing, with the player having to show both of them. Meta Knight got a 9 and a 6, a fine hand, but with only one of Dark Mind's cards apparent, an 8, he decided to hit. He tapped his gloved hand on the table, signaling Dark Mind to deal another card.
A 3. That made 18. With the hit out of the way, Meta Knight chose to stand, meaning he didn't want another card. After his opponent waved his hand, Dark Mind revealed the extent of his own. A queen. That also made 18. A tie, or a push.
With nobody winning the first game, the cards were gathered up and reshuffled. After the shoe was ready again, the next game was on. Meta Knight stayed silent, musing about the cards. If he got an ace and a card that was valued at 10, either a 10, king, queen, or joker, that'd be an automatic 21, or a 'blackjack'. It'd be easy information that way.
The cards he got were an ace and a 3. Could either be taken as a 4, or 14, as an ace could be worth 1 or 11 points depending on how much it was worth for the hand. When Dark Mind showed his upward facing card, the knight got overzealous. It was a 4. Even if Dark Mind got an ace or a 10-value card, if he hit and got a higher hand, he'd win.
Meta Knight foolishly chose to hit. When he got his card, his heart sank. It was 10. It added up to 24. He had busted.
Dark Mind smirked and flipped his other card over, revealing a 7. No matter what, he had won that game. He looked Meta Knight dead in the eyes, showing off the unending pride he took in beating his adversary.
"Now, I believe its time to pay up." Dark Mind knew exactly what he planned on asking first. "How many other warriors are there in your world?"
Meta Knight reluctantly thought. He didn't want to just give away information about his home for whatever Dark Mind had planned. If he gave a flimsy answer, perhaps it'd work, and he would win another game. Unlikely. He could tell that the darkness was keen.
"Few, very few," Meta Knight began. "There are a few animals who have the power to help, but they are often led by my own student."
"Who might that student be?" Dark Mind asked.
Now there was a chance! Meta Knight had no obligation to share anymore! He stifled his excitement and remained composed.
"You'll have to win again to know," Meta Knight said cheekily.
"Hm… I'm game." Dark Mind replied, shuffling the cards once again.
After setting it up, the shoe was ready. Meta Knight breathed steadily, careful to watch his ambitions. He knew that ego could be the end of it, and he took some time to reflect on what he taught Kirby. Honor and respect amongst fighters. While you may aim to defeat your enemy, you are not above them. You have faults, just as they do.
"Ahem!" Dark Mind faux coughed, waiting for Meta Knight to signal him to deal. The swordsman snapped out of his recollection and sat up straight.
The next game went without a hitch. Meta Knight was dealt a 9 and a 9, a very lucky hand. If two cards are a pair, they could be split into two hands, both hitting for another card each. Meta Knight did so, now have one hand with a 9 and a 10, and another with a 9 and a 7. If both hands beat the dealer, that'd be double the bet.
Dark Mind, having only a 5, prayed for another 10-value card, or an ace. That'd shell out his opponent for good, and for double the wager. When he flipped his card over, he frowned. An 8.
Meta Knight won, with double the bet and a big smile under his mask.
"What are you?" Meta Knight asked bluntly, giving Dark Mind no time to react. His question followed so quickly after his win; it spooked the darkness.
"I… consist of something you may know." Dark Mind started ominously. His appetite whetted; the lone swordsman leaned forward.
"I am from Another Dimension," said Dark Mind with a crooked smirk. "I am… Dark Matter."
Meta Knight's eyes widened. He quickly stood up from his chair and drew his sword. Dark Mind opened his cloak and revealed the flaming eye that was his torso. From the retina, a beam fired from it, striking Galaxia and sending the swordsman backwards.
A threatening white aura came from the card table as Dark Mind slashed it away. Cards went flying and spun wildly as they descended to the ground, a standoff between to warriors on the horizon.
Meta Knight was not in the mood for battle. Instead, he had an idea. Remembering Kirby and his copies from before he was cast into this madness, he had a feeling that they were on their way. He turned and ran, using Galaxia to slash at the ground, making sparks and covering his escape.
"RAAGGH!" Dark Mind screamed, casting magic into the ether and trying to sent the swordsman to another realm.
Portals opened around them, one of them leading to a ruined, darkened arena. It seemed safer than here, so Meta Knight dove for it. The moment he was through, he swiped Galaxia through the filament of the gateway, making it shatter and collapse. Now, he was alone.
Meta Knight panted, his heart going a mile a minute. He thought he had nothing else to do, but with the sound of another portal opening nearby, he was drawn to it like a moth to flame.
The ruins of what seemed to be a temple were eroded and musty, clearly never having seen the presence of life in eons. When the distant sounds grew louder, he rushed over. There, under the platform he stood, he saw Kirby! No, the four Kirby's! They must've just arrived, as they looked as confused as he did earlier.
Just across from the group of puffballs was the fake Meta Knight. The one who had defeated the real one and left them to their master, Dark Mind. Without a moment to lose, the swordsman grunted, catching the Kirby's attention.
Kirby and his poyo pals looked between the two knights, baffled again. When Meta Knight held Galaxia up, the other knight ceased his facade. He ripped off his mask and his colors went more muted. All grey and dark, just like he preferred to be. Dark Meta Knight challenged the Kirby's with his weapon, and the real Meta Knight watched.
The fight was shockingly even. Dark Meta Knight was able to counter and keep the other Kirby's off him as he targeted the pink one. He kicked the yellow one away and draped his cape over the green one, all the while the red one helped the pink Kirby fight.
Green Kirby, going by the name "Korby", pulled back on the cape and forced Dark Meta Knight to kneel. The yellow Kirby, "Keeby", got back up and helped "Kirb", the red one, get the jump of the enemy. All four then joined and smashed the shadow into the ground, leaving him dazed.
When the dark swordsman finally fell, he staggered back and his form began to crack. Within seconds, his body shattered like the Dimension Mirror, leaving the heroes in silence.
Kirby, Keeby, Kirb, and Korby stood at the remains of Dark Meta Knight, happy to have defeated the imposter. However, they weren't given time to celebrate, as a massive vortex appeared and swallowed the puffballs up.
Meta Knight, knowing Dark Mind was behind the portal, threw his trusty sword into the whirlpool just before it closed up. Kirby and his copies would make great use of the weapon.
"WAAHH!" Kirby, Keeby, Kirb, and Korby yelled in unison as they fell through infinity.
When Galaxia soared past Keeby, Kirby reached out and grabbed it, now being granted the legendary power of the Master Ability. He yelped to the others and they calmed down, ready to face whatever was waiting for them.
Kirby and friends landed on a wide, floating island in the middle of a raging storm. Suddenly, laughter came from all directions, putting the heroes on edge. Then, the conductor of chaos, Dark Mind, flew down to greet the little pests.
"So you must be that hero… The one your mentor spoke of." Dark Mind said, arms crossed, and a long, toothy grin plastered along his face.
Kirby readied the sword in his hand, proving to Dark Mind that this little pink thing was a fighter indeed. He just inwardly boasted, thinking the spherical being was no threat whatsoever. He rose one hand and stars formed in his palm. When they were strong enough, he launched them at the Kirby's.
Dust and rock erupted from the ground where the Kirby's stood, and Dark Mind thought that was it. He turned to leave, but when a few stars were shot back at him, he groaned in pain and malice grew within his eyes. He flipped back around and saw his opponents standing there like before.
Kirby, Keeby, Kirb, and Korby were just fine! They didn't even look hurt, much to Dark Mind's amazement. He reached for a bomb and threw it, it being sliced in half by the pink hero.
The grand battle commenced! Using his manipulation of mirrors, Dark Mind fired a laser which bounced off the reflective surfaces and towards the four fighters. Each time he attacked, his body, the flaming eye, would be exposed. When hit, it sent the post pain coursing through the Dark Matter's body.
"I'll end you!" Dark Mind bellowed, teleporting away from the Kirby's and dropping a bomb.
None of the Kirby's responded, still fighting the darkness. They didn't know that they were facing Dark Matter again, but if they did, they'd be even more swift. Regardless, they countered the evil the best they could. Every time Dark Mind faulted, they were there to strike.
Dark Mind clutched his torso and abruptly flew away. Everything became engulfed in a blinding white until the terrain changed. The island became a simple bridge, the abyss of nothingness beneath it. In the sky, a tiny, sun-like object appeared, slowly getting closer and closer.
The blazing mass approached the Kirby's and halted when it arrived. Then, the eye opened, revealing Dark Mind's truest form. There, the puffballs felt a burning memory in the back of their heads, the form reminding them of Zero itself.
Just behind the four heroes, a shadowy Kirby ran up, threw a Maxim Tomato at the team, and scurried off as fast as he could. A fifth clone? Where did that come from? They didn't have time to worry about that, as there was a beast that had to be beaten.
Mirrors materialized around Dark Mind and the battle began. They spun around, reflected thin lasers, and cast illusions in an effort to stop the pink puffballs. His sense of fair fights was long gone by now, the lust for survival consuming him.
"Your crusade shall end here!" Dark Mind said somehow, his form lacking a conventional mouth.
As the Kirby's whittled Dark Mind's vitality down, he became more and more desperate. He used more lengthy power, more unfair abilities, all the while trying to keep away from the heroes. In a particularly cheap move, he altered the playing field and made the floor the ceiling, hoping to send one of the little annoyances plummeting down in the dark.
When it didn't work, he fired a wide beam and had it ricochet off a few mirrors. It was still in vain. The Kirby's were proving themselves to be too good. Dark Mind could feel that his fate would be intertwined with these four heroes, but he didn't want to accept it.
Dark Mind, in an attempt to escape the shocking might of the star warriors, shrunk in size and flew off. From there, four Warp Stars appeared and scooped one of the puffballs up and gave chase, speeding off towards the heavens for one last bout.
The Kirby's caught up with Dark Mind, and they began to fire away from their Warp Stars. The sparkling stars shot out and struck the Dark Matter, weakening it even further. He reciprocated the attacks with stars of his own, shooting them off in a long pattern, forcing the four to dodge. When the volley let up, they resumed attacking, getting closer to victory.
All four of the Warp Stars joined together for one big shot, and they all landed the final blow of Dark Mind. The parallel Dark Matter violently exploded, and the surrounding clouds began to shimmer.
And so, Dark Mind was defeated, and his dream of conquering Dream Land was shattered. The Kirby's all riding on their respective Warp Stars, beamed from ear to ear as they neared the Dimension Mirror, ready to go home. Even that mysterious shadowy Kirby rode on his own star to see them off.
Meta Knight waited by the mirror portal, glad to see that his student, or, students, had made it. Once they crossed the barrier and back to Dream Land, he joined them, waving goodbye to Shadow Kirby.