.:Kirby Cell Phone Friend:.
p1 of Kirby Days, Meta Nights

By IceBurgundy

Chapter One: Four Friends, Four Phones

Kirby anxiously peered out of his hidey-hole, seeing Batafire growl and prowl the other corner. He tapped out Green’s number as quickly as possible.

“Green? Green? You there…”

Long-distance call, said his phone snootily. Call someone else, press 1, or use more batteries, press 2?

“Oh, darnit… two!” He whacked two impatiently. “Green?”

“Yeah?” came Green’s voice. “What’s up?”

“It’s Kirby… I’m in Mustard Mountain, and Batafire’s got me trapped!”

“I’m on my way, Kirby! Call over Red and Yellow, too!” Kirby wiggled in his nook, right above Batafire’s line of sight.

“Okay… bye… come quick!” Kirby tapped in Yellow’s number.

“Hi! It’s Yellow! I totally can’t come to the phone right now. You can leave a message if ya want! Right after the…” Beeeeep.

“Yellow, it’s Kirby. Umm, I kinda need help… wherever you are… bye.” He shook his head. No use calling Red. He was a nice guy, but chances were he wanted to be alone. Luckily, a mirror appeared out of nowhere next to him, and Green phased through.

“Hi,” whispered Green. He had a lovely Cupid Suit - wings were growing from his round back, and a halo glowed above his head. “Take the power. I don’t want it.” He released it, energy star bouncing to Kirby, who gulped it eagerly, flying out of the crevice to face Batafire. Batafire looked like a furry cat of fire, bat wings flapping, orange and strong. Green slid out as well, floating to the floor. Kirby knew instinctively how to use the suit’s power - arrows, aim and fire. He did so, rapidly shooting a stream of arrows at Batafire, who screeched in pain. Green sucked in a bit of falling lava from Batafire, blowing it out as an energy star. Batafire collapsed easily from just one more arrow, well-placed.

“Great job!” cheered Kirby. “We did it!”

“Wasn’t that hard,” said Green. “Check out what I got.” He displayed three shining pieces of a mirror, beautiful, each fitting slickly into each other. “Uhm, King Golem in Moonlight Mansion, Moley, in Cabbage Cavern, and I came earlier to beat up Kracko, here in Mustard Mountain.” He put them away, proud. “Red’s gotten Mega Titan in Carrot Castle’s, and Yellow’s toasted up Gobbler in Olive Ocean. That leaves two shards!”

“Wonder what’s in the giant mirror,” said Kirby.

“No idea,” said Green. “I need to check my messages.” He tapped a couple buttons. “Here’s one from Yellow.”

“Hi… Green… there’s this spray-paint can over there, in this box, and I’ve gotta step on this stupid button to, like, get it… could you come and be my deadweight? It’s Red color, and then I could paint myself red, teehee, and it would…” Yellow was terribly nice, but her valleygirl, talk-too-much attitude got annoying. Red seemed to be able to withstand it, but Green and Kirby were particularly annoyed by her apparent lack of concern for grammar or stopping - she didn’t, not even to breath, it seemed. Yellow was also obsessed with spray-painting herself wild, exotic colors - a new hue every day. She was only missing one, red, which was now within her grasp.

“We better go help her,” sighed Green, pressing a button and forming a mirror. It showed Yellow, painted chocolate, bonking a red button and frantically trying to get through a wall, pulling up only when she was on the button. Green stepped through, pulling Kirby with him.

“Hi, guys!” Yellow gushed, spotting them. “Stand RIGHT there!” She positioned Kirby, bounced past the wall and opened a small red chest, hugging the spray-paint inside. “I got it, I got it!” she sang, spraying her top half red and flipping over the can to spray her feet magenta. “So… what’s up?”

“Uhh, nothing,” admitted Kirby. Yellow clicked a small button on her designer chocolate cell phone (she had one for every color), summoning the bright Warpstar.

“Let’s blow this joint then. C’mon.” Kirby and Green obligingly hopped on, the star zooming into oblivion. The world spun around for a few seconds, then became the now-familiar Hub Room. Clouds, acting as solid platforms, floated around, a kaleidoscope of colors in the late afternoon sun. The place was symmetrical, all clouds stopping at a certain point. In the middle was a large cloud platform, hovering above it, a golden mirror, missing six of its pieces. Green hopped off and slipped in his three. The mirrors acted as portals to other places, and had once granted wishes and shown only good things. Now, this Mirror World, high above Dreamland, had infected mirrors, that showed evil things. The Kirbys were trying their hardest to repair the giant mirror. Yellow floated off the Warpstar to rest on the center platform, flipping out a boxed lunch.

“Good, I’m hungry!” exclaimed Green.

“Too bad Red isn’t here to enjoy this with us,” remarked Yellow, starting in on a sandwich, and passing one to Kirby.

“Or Meta Knight,” Kirby said sadly. His mentor, ally, and sometimes, enemy Meta Knight had disappeared recently. Kirby was sure he was off alone on some misson - the noble knight helped most people in need with his repaired airship, the Halberd, and his Meta Army. Green and Yellow exchanged glances.

“Uh, Kirby, we have something to tell you,” said Green uncomfortably.

“We were walking along one day… and…” Yellow broke off.

“He was there, all shadowy, you know, and turned around and thwacked us with his sword, fighting us. We just barely won against him, and then he flew off, leaving…”

“A shard. In Radish Ruins.” Green displayed it hesitantly, placing it in the mirror.

“That’s not true,” said Kirby, aghast. “He’s always been honorable. No. I don’t believe you.” He ran off, leaving Green and Yellow alone.

Worlds away, a dark voice hissed in glee at Kirby’s despair.

“Yes, yes, this is good!” snarled the shadows. “Servants. Please, go and carry out the plan. I have other business to attend to.”

Another voice responded, belonging to two yellow eyes behind a ghostly mask, purple cape swishing out behind. “Of course, master.” The voice was lightly accented, such a vague vampire-esque drawl it almost sounded Mexican on some words. “It shall be so!”

Chapter Two: Shadow Intents


Kirby gazed at the evening sunset of Mirror World, normally a stunning sight, the numerous mirrors reflecting the rainbow sky and creating glowing globes of color across the land. But Kirby’s mind wasn’t on sunsets. It was on Meta Knight.

I don’t believe it, he thought bitterly. Meta Knight has never been anything but honorable to me and my friends. Was it not he who gave me a sword of my own to duel him with, pushing back his army so it could be a fair one-on-one fight? He’s courteous, and kind, and yet has that powerful intensity. I can’t believe it. I…

“I can’t believe that Meta Knight’s evil again,” Kirby said out loud.

“Who’s evil?” asked an accented voice, sounding for all the world like…

“Meta Knight!” yelped Kirby joyfully, running and hugging him tightly. “Oh, my friends said you were evil!”

“Well, do I look evil?” asked Meta Knight. He wore a mask, a V-shaped slice cut out to reveal two jewel-bright yellow eyes, two shoulder-pads sticking out behind it, and a dark blue cape swishing behind. He looked… a little darker than usual, though. Kirby didn’t care. He was just glad to see him.

“No,” Kirby said, releasing him. “But… why did my friends?…”

“Kirby, you realize Dark Mind has taken over Mirror World,” said Meta Knight gently.

“Yeah…”
“They’re working for him, Kirby.”

Kirby gasped. “But… they’re…”

“Sorry, Kirby, but why else would they be spreading malicious rumors about me?” he asked. “You’ve known me longer, anyway.”

“So what are we going to do?…”



Chapter Three: Shadow Master

Kirby looked through the fluffy wisp of cloud at the sleeping Yellow, snoozing in a small cumulus.

“Are you sure she’s working for Dark Mind?” he asked Meta Knight uncomfortably. “This doesn’t feel… right.”

“One hundred percent sure,” he said simply, accent faded in the whisper. “Just do it. I’ll be watching, don’t worry, Kirby.” Kirby nodded and grabbed for the sword Meta Knight had given him for the job.

“Wish me luck,” he gulped. “Last chance - you sure she’s a fake?”

“Yes, now go!” Meta Knight responded sharply. Kirby nodded and stepped through onto the cloud where Yellow slept.

This feels so wrong, Kirby thought. I don’t get it. Meta Knight would’ve challenged her head-on… so why am I doing this? Kirby shook his head and cleared his mind. He felt a strong urge to obey, enforced by those glimmering golden eyes… but… they were tinged a blood red at the sides? No. Meta Knight was fine… just… worried, that was it.

I've probably eaten too much at dinner, Kirby insisted. Everything’s… okay. Okay. Okay. Do it.

He raised his sword high above his head, and lunged with all his might at Yellow’s red-painted form. Kirby felt the soft thwop, and Yellow’s cry of pain as she woke up.

“What?” she shrieked, leaping up, bleeding from her arm - a small red cut, likely to become a scar. “Kirby - why - who could - ” She noticed Kirby’s eyes looked listless, white and colorless, as though he had little free will. “Stop!” she screamed. “Don’t, Kirby, it’s me - Yellow!” Kirby shuddered for a moment, holding his head.

“Yell - Yellow - ” he stuttered, lowering his sword.

“No!” commanded a strange voice. “Do it now!” Kirby’s eyes drained of any remaining shading or shine, just white holes. He lifted the sword - and -

“Unnnn,” Yellow grunted, blacking out.

Later that night, Green stirred in his sleep.

“Hmm?” he moaned, rolling onto his side. “What’s up, Kirby?”

“I’m sorry I have to do this - traitor,” he said robotically. “Nighty-night, Green.” Green’s eyes widened for a split second, then clamped closed.

“Kirby - no…” he groaned, passing out. Meta Knight stepped in to survey the area.

“Good. No mess this time. Just a good, clean knockout. Pick up the traitor, and throw him in the bag with the other two.” Meta Knight snorted. “Nice work.” Kirby never saw his sword coming at him.



Chapter Four: Dungeon

Meta Knight’s eyes blinked open as the bars of the dungeon slammed open and shut. Four new prisoners were thrown inside, each in a small bag. He struggled to his feet and untied the bags, dumping out the newcomers. He gasped, seeing their bodies.

“Kirby?” Meta Knight breathed. “No… no, no, no.” He sank to the floor again. “No, oh Kirby, no.” Meta Knight poked him. “Are you… awake?” Kirby strained his legs and got to his feet, slowly opening his lids.

“Meta Knight!” he gritted, drawing back. “You… you…”

“What’s wrong?” Meta Knight asked weakly. “Surprised?” He was but a shriveled prune of his former self, looking deprived of proper food or drink. His hand felt strangely empty without his trusty Master Sword. “You would be. I’ve been here ages now.”

Kirby stamped his foot. “I can’t find words to describe you anymore! I thought you were my friend, my mentor - your honor, your faith to the code of knight ethics - why? Why? Why are you now so vile, so cruel and calculating? So eager to kill, to rend flesh, to betray and hurt and steal!” Kirby lashed out with his arm, punching Meta Knight’s gaunt body. “I never want to see you again!”

“Kirby…” Meta Knight said. “Please understand…”

“There is no understanding for you!” Kirby shouted, unwrapping his three friends. “Go away and never come back!”

“Kind of hard, we’re stuck together in this cell,” Meta Knight answered dryly, but the point had hit home. Something inside him snapped, whether his mind or heart. He stopped resisting sleep in that instant, and closed his tired eyes. “I’m sorry for whatever I did.”

Kirby realized something. “Wait. If you were healthy when I last saw you, then… oh, no!” He ran back to Meta Knight’s side, stunned. “You didn’t even know what I was talking about - you can’t be the same one - Meta Knight! Meta Knight, I’m sorry, someone… someone else…”

Meta Knight opened his eyes again, sleepy and weak. “It’s okay, Kirby. I know. He’s right there.”

“Wha - ” started Kirby, but a voice interrupted him, exactly like Meta Knight’s.

“So, you’re having a sweet little reunion,” sneered the other Meta Knight. Kirby now noticed he was much darker, like a shadow. “So good to see every Star Warrior left is under our control.”

“I’ll die before I serve you,” growled Meta Knight. “Honor knows no earthly bounds.”

“Playing the samurai again, with your talk of honor and death for the good of others,” mocked Dark Meta Knight. “Bushido, the way of the warrior, so ever present in you, my bright clone!”

“You are the clone,” said Meta Knight, calm as ever. “Leave Kirby be. This is between us.” Dark Meta Knight peered through the bars at them.

“Oh, no, I think you’ll find another of the Dark’s subjects can - pun intended - mirror Kirby quite well. Presenting… Dark Kirby!” A small form, exactly Kirby’s double in every way but color, stepped out of the shadows beyond.

“Hi,” it said dubiously. “Um… um…” Dark Meta Knight whacked him.

“Speak, boy!” he commanded.

“Err, the genius of Dark Mind has brought you here,” said Dark Kirby, fiddling with its hands. “You are ours to guard.”

“Exactly,” sneered Dark Meta Knight. “And may you rot there forever, unless, of course…”

The serve-us-or-die catch, thought Kirby. Typical.

“Unless you give us the boy,” finished Dark Meta Knight.

“Whaaaat?” said all four Star Warriors at once (Yellow and Green were just waking up).

“Surely you have realized the lad is gifted,” continued Dark Meta Knight. “The ability to mimic perfectly a god-given power… not even the likes of you possess such skills, Meta Knight.”

“I have my sword, and that is all I need,” said Meta Knight. “And I shall not endanger Kirby. If you wish a life to take, make it mine, not the innocent’s.”

“No,” said Kirby bravely. “It is I who will go.”

“Shut up,” yelled Yellow. “Don’t be stupid, Kirby, they’ll kill you! I can’t let them do that! Take me instead, I can suck!” Dark Meta Knight’s cold, red eyes surveyed her.

“Hmm… no, her destiny is different. She cannot be trained like the pink child.” Dark Meta Knight looked at her strangely. “Her destiny is entwined with his, but… not the same.”

“And you know that how?” asked Yellow defensively.

“My master,” he said simply. “Dark Mind, lord of the mirrors!”

Yellow spat as response. “Lord of the crapheads, more like!”

Dark Meta Knight walked away. “Fine. We’ll take him by force, later. Goodbye.”

“Ohhhh,” whimpered Green. “You’ve done it now.” He shoved away Red’s bag, the thick potato sack shifting to reveal naught but a pillow. “Huh? Red?”

Meta Knight’s eyes gleamed. “Did they take your cell phones, when you were hurt?”

Yellow checked her fanny pack. “Naw, I got it. S’here.”

“Use it to call your missing friend. I can try to block their sensors with… what little power I have.”

“How?” asked Green, always the techno-maniac.

“The old way,” responded Meta Knight. “Distraction. HEY! DARK KIRBY!” The small shadowy fluff ball bounced down the stairs promptly.

“’Cha, what?” he asked impatiently.

“I’d… like to bargain with your master, if you please.” Meta Knight glanced at Kirby. “I might have changed my mind.”

“Fine,” replied Dark Kirby. “Your funeral.” He left.

“Now,” breathed Meta Knight, “we wait.” He huddled the three Kirbys in the corner of the cell. “Be brave. If I have to sacrifice myself, so be it.” It was just in time, too. A spectral form coalesced behind the prison door, murky and with a sinister aura.

“You wish to bargain, Meta Knight?” hissed the form, melting and shaping itself constantly, never forming into a solid shape.

“Yes!” he bellowed boldly. “Instead of this boy, Kirby - ”

“Aaaah!” said the darkness, chuckling. “So sweet. Trying to save him? You have nothing as valuable, ‘milord’.”

“Perhaps, if my life is not enough,” he said staunchly, “myself, my warriors, and the Halberd?”

“Hmmmm.” The shadow considered. “Your warriors… how many do you have?”

“Six,” he said confidently. “Luna Knight, Masher, Sword, Blade - many, many.” He paused. “And surely, the Halberd?…”

“Yes, it is a fine ship, and they are fine warriors… I could possibly duplicate them with my mirrors, as I have you…” The shadow chuckled evilly. “If I cannot train the young one to do dark magicks, then I can you! And duplicate you again, and again, and again, an army of Meta Knights!” It swirled around for a couple more lava-lamp-esque seconds. “No. Your life force would soon be drained completely, and the clones - although they are quite impressive - could never be as… how shall I put it? … well-trained as you. You have a special touch for battle, ‘milord’!” It paused again. “And the boy, if taught well, could decimate even your most powerful warriors in split seconds. Deal is void. Goodbye, and good riddance to bad rubbish. Dark Meta Knight! Finish him, and the other weaklings. Save the boy for me!” It vanished, and his servant appeared instead, opening the cell to do its cruel master’s bidding.

“How I have waited for your blood to stain my sword!” cackled Dark Meta Knight. “I am truly more powerful, as you shall see, Meta Knight and - Kirbys?” For the Kirbys were gone, naught but a small fading mirror left.

“Finish me quickly,” he said dully. “A warrior’s death.” Meta Knight bent over, what would have been a human’s neck exposed. “Do it. I am very tired of waiting to die, foolishly thinking of plans, trying in vain to foil fate. ‘Tis no to be so.”

Dark Meta Knight stood in stunned silence. “I can’t. Not until the others are dead, as well. I felt just a second ago that the only thing I wanted to do was slay you, but you are nothing at the moment. An empty husk. There’s no glory in killing one who won’t fight back.” He walked out, not even bothering to close the cell door.

Meta Knight stepped out. “Fine then. When we next meet, it shall be in battle!”




Chapter Five: Family Reunion

“Meta Knight, you’rebackyou’rebackyou’reback!” cried Kirby gleefully. “Are you gonna be OK? Are you gonna get better?”

“Of course,” he said, shoveling rice through his eye slit to an unseen mouth. “Good rice, Yellow.”

“Thanks,” she said brightly. “It’s, like, Kirby’s recipe. Just what you need to get all strong again!”

“And play Mr. Macho,” muttered Red. “Stealin’ mah title.” Red, despite his rough nature, was a good guy, with a very loud Texan accent and a bucket of insults. He also swore constantly (replaced by ‘expletive’ for the younger reader’s benefit) and generally acted tough, the loner of the group. “S’what’re we gonna do, now th’t we’ve got urselves n’enemy?”

“Get the rest of the mirror shards,” responded Meta Knight, mouth full of rice. “Only in the mirror will Dark Mind appear in a vulnerable form. You have… how many?”

“Seven of nine,” said Kirby. “So, where are we missing shards?”

“Peppermint Palace and Candy Constellation,” said Yellow, checking the floating mirror above them on the cloud platforms. “I think the bosses are Righty, Lefty, and Wiz, but in what order I’m not sure.”

“Three for two shards?” asked Kirby, confused. “Do two battle toge - oh. Duh. Righty and Lefty… they’re hands, aren’t they, like the Master Hand?”

“That would be the idea,” grinned Green. “I can hook you guys up with cameras, so we can check up on each other if we’re separated. I thought it would be good, since - since that guy wanted to take Kirby… two of us could guard him, and two battle.”

“I’m not helpless!” argued Kirby. “I can take care of myself!”

“It’s not a question of helplessness,” Meta Knight informed him. “Safety in numbers, Kirby, you know that.”

“Okay,” Kirby grumbled. “Hmfff.”

“Ah, it isn’t that bad,” said Green. “You get to hang out with us instead. Are we that bad?” he asked imploringly.

“No,” Kirby said grudgingly. “But I still want to fight.”

“Yeah, so do we,” chorused Yellow and Green.

“But we have other things to do sometimes, Kirb, n’this is one ‘a those times y’got to look out fer yourself n’not the team,” Red finished. “S’I’ll stay behind with ya.”

“So will I!” added Green. “If I’m needed.”

“And I!”

“And I’m still hungry,” burped Meta Knight. “Got any more rice?” Yellow giggled and gave him more.

Chapter Six: Icy Happenings

The next few days passed uneventfully, Meta Knight’s lost strength regained from the rest and food. Green decided it was time to get more shards.

“Let’s try Peppermint Palace first,” he said, pointing to his digital map on the phone “Who’ll be fighting?”

“I think I should,” Meta Knight said promptly. “You Kirbys can… guard Kirby. Dark Mind is planning something… I’m sure of it.”

“Aah, I thank you’re fulla hot air,” said Red. “But let’s go, ‘nyhow.” They leapt onto the pad for Peppermint Palace, its mirror rimmed with ice bricks, looking like a castle - a palace - of cold qualities. “Wish me luck.”

“Luck,” said Green promptly, Red vanishing. “And you guys, too.”

“Luck!” said Kirby, hugging him. “Be through in a moment. We’ll catch up.”

“Luck,” said Meta Knight.

“Lots of luck,” said Yellow. “Tell us what you find!” Meta Knight followed, leaving Yellow alone in the clouds with Kirby.

“Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea,” said Yellow fearfully. “I’m not sure you’ll be okay - ”

“Never mind that,” said Kirby. “I’ll be fine. Let’s just go.”

“Alright.” They dissolved through the mirror, finding themselves in a frozen palace.

“Where’re the others?” asked Yellow.

“Uh, like, around,” muttered Kirby, checking his map on the cell phone. “Want to catch up with Red and Green, go up. Meta Knight, right.”

“Let’s go right,” decided Yellow. “Meta Knight is alone. He might need us - ”

“Leave him that way,” said Kirby. “Meta Knight prefers to go solo, if possible, or with Sword and - oh. Sorry, forgot.”

“It’s okay. Sword and Blade’ll be okay, wherever they are… I hope…” Yellow trembled in the cold. “You’re right about him, though. Let’s go get Red and Green.”

They were greeted with surprise by Red and Green.

“What’d ya go’n come wit us for, Yeller?” demanded Red. “Meta-Dude’s all on ‘is lonesome, we coulda dunnit wit’ jest three! Come to us, dropped off Kirb, n’left!”

“Uhhm, yeah, well, too bad!” replied Kirby.

“I woss talkin’ t’Yeller, Kirby,” said Red.

“Ah. Err, like, sorry,” he apologized.

“I thought you might’ve needed help,” she answered. “Meta Knight’s more experienced than you two.”

“Mr. Sissy-Prissy-I’m-so-great-Star-Warrior-Meta-Loser,” grumbled Red. “I used t’be the best n’coolest.”

“He’s older,” corrected Yellow, “and if it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be your leader.” That got funny looks from Red and Green.

“Ain’t Kirby our leadah?” he asked. “An’ Meta Knight ain’t nevah trained ya, Yeller.”

“Uhh, sorry,” said Yellow, “I, um, wasn’t thinking straight?”

“Yeah, I’m, like, the leader,” added Kirby. “Meta Knight trained mua.” That prompted a jab from Yellow. “I mean me. Yellow’s French is, how you say, c’est rubbing off!”

“Heh heh,” said Yellow. “Umm, umm, oui?” The troop marched on, Red and Green equally baffled by the strange behavior of Kirby and Yellow, each gulping enemies ahead on the path while Yellow and Kirby took care of those behind. Soon they came to a shining mirror, Meta Knight resting in the corner of the arctic room. He opened one golden eye.

“Hi,” he said lightly. “What took you so long?”

Red clenched his hands into fists. “Oooooh, if you warn’t Kirby’s friend,” he said under his breath.

“You’d what?” asked Meta Knight. “Try to hurt me? I’d like to see you try. Now is not the time. You three should stay behind with Kirby, like we discussed before. This is the door to the boss, I’ve checked on my phone.” He displayed a phone, looking unused. “Previously I’ve had little use for it. It didn’t even have enough batteries to call you back in the cell.” The phone was unlike Kirby’s, sleek and rounded with painted blue flames streaking up its side. “I’ll go on to fight the boss. Green, you’ve already outfitted us with the cameras, so watch the fight and come in if necessary.”

“I want to fight with you!” Yellow announced. Meta Knight looked at her, she flashing a small smile. “I mean, you might need help, right?”

“Ohhh… kayyy…” said Meta Knight, confused. “But shouldn’t you go with Kirby?”

“No, he’ll be okay. Won’t you, Kirby?” asked Yellow cheerfully.

“Sure, like, whatever,” mumbled Kirby.

“You do understand I’m much older than you?…” said Meta Knight uncomfortably.

“Duh,” she chirped.

“And that I’m… not very romantically inclined?”

“Are ya done with Happay-Happay Sharin’ Circle now?” said Red impatiently. “Go already!” The two nodded and phased through.

“It’s probably just that I’m used to others challenging me,” confided Meta Knight. “I can’t find my loyal subjects, heaven forbid they be hurt, the Halberd, and the Master Sword - I promised them to Dark Mind in that one diversion, but I was bluffing all along. I’m terribly out-of-sorts, and I don’t usually battle with a partner.”

“Must be hard, losing all that,” observed Yellow. “But don’t worry about me. I think you’ll find I’m more like Kirby than you think.” She smiled again and looked about the room. It was snowy everywhere, even the platform they were standing on was sheer ice. Frozen faces of old enemies of the boss peered through the glassy surface at her - she shivered, thinking that the platforms must have been built over time as each of the challengers lost to the boss. Perhaps she and Meta Knight would become some new blocks for the boss’s room - a horrifying thought. The floor was hidden beneath layers of cold snow, more blackish-gray than white.

She quivered again at the vast openness of the ‘room’ - she shouldn’t have, knowing each of the rooms the mirrors teleported her to were infinite, little worlds in their own respects, just that everything that interested her ended at a certain point. So unlike Dreamland. The platform’s end hailed the end of their interest point, trailing off into snowcapped mountains. But where was the boss?

“Geez,” she shook, “cold enough here of what?”

“Peppermint Palace is very… icy, true,” agreed Meta Knight. “My cape and mask keep me warm enough for a good duel.” He shivered nonetheless. “Although the warmth and light of my regular sword would help.”

“Flaming swords aren’t my type,” joked Yellow. Meta Knight glanced back at her, feet struggling to keep steady on the slippery cubes.

“That’s just what Kirby would say,” he muttered.

Meanwhile, Kirby was observing on his cell phone, through Yellow’s live-feed camera.

“They’re waiting for the boss,” he said tensely. “Whoever claims rights to Peppermint Palace isn’t showing up.” Red watched suspiciously, blue room surrounding them, Green snoozing.

“Y’all ain’t been yourself latelay,” he said in his thick Southern accent (this is so far an unexplained phenomenon in Dreamland, accents, as sometimes residents have them, and they don’t live anywhere near the place!). “Ya been more like Yeller, with her valley-gal ‘like’s an’ such.”

“Shut it,” glowered Kirby. “She’s NOT a valleygirl.” He returned his attention to the screen, a gasp escaping his throat. “It’s a giant hat!” For indeed, a large silk top-hat was floating before Yellow, two bright eyes peeking from the shadows the hat formed, a cloak flapping in the snowy wind and two small white-gloved hands grasping a wand.

“No it ain’t!” shouted Red. “It’s Wiz!”

“Wiz?”

“Wiz - a top-hat-wearin’, son-of-a-Waddledee, non-flushin’, mama’s boy wizard!” gritted Red, so infuriated he was firing every insult his pea-brain could think up. “I took ‘im on nuttin’ but a week ago! He toasted-fried-a-blazed me!”

“Without US!?” yelped Kirby. “What were you, like, THINKING?!”

“Magic power,” replied Red truthfully. “An’ a shiny-pretty-glass-a-Mirror Shard all to my collection box, seein’ as Yeller dun took aller the spray-paint.”

“She did not,” bristled Kirby. “She’s a kind, sweet person!”

“Now run that by me again, boy?” Red asked, amused. “Y’all like Yeller, now?”

Kirby growled but made no reply, just an update on the battle. “Wiz is losing, trying to fire magic stuff at them. Meta Knight’s all, swoosh! Whoosh! Blast! Smack!”

“Aah, shaddap,” snickered Red. “Y’all jest fancy his pritty sword. An’ it’s a-jest his backup, eh, Green?”

Green jolted from his stupor. “Oh, oh, yeah. I’d… totally… love a sandwich.” He dozed back off again.

“Useless thang,” snarled Red. “Could be a halpin’ Meta Knight out thar. I wondah,” he mused, “why a low-class gal like Yeller is settin’ her sights on Meta Knight?” He peeked at the screen. “An’ by th’ way she’s fightin’, it’s tah impress, not to win.”

“She does NOT like him!” grumbled Kirby, twitching. “I’m sure Yellow likes someone else - like you! And who’re you calling low-class, Texan?”

“Y’all a-callin’ Texas low?” he asked dangerously.

“Maybe,” said Kirby, with the feel of one who is about to light a haystack on fire for the dangerous pleasure of watching the blaze. “Just perhaps.”

“Y’all ‘r makin’ stupid choices now,” growled Red. “Git back t’ the monitor, boy.”

“Fine.” He shot his eyes back to the screen and watched Wiz tumble, a shard falling from his hat. “It’s done. C’mon, let’s get them outta there.”

“Drag th’ lump-a-good-fir-nuthin’-son-of-a-Scarfie, wouldja, Kirb?” grunted Red. “He’s-a snoozin’ like a bahbay.”

“Sure…” frowned Kirby. “So now we’ve got a shard to go. Shouldn’t we have, like, you know, a plan?”

“Nah,” muttered Red, “ol’ Meta-I’m-so-(expletive)-smart is’a prob’ly gonna’ve thought ‘a somethin’.”

“Stop… cussing…” snored Green. He stopped faking and leapt up, giggling. “What’d I miss?”

“Nothing,” said Kirby, grinning. “Come on.” They phased through.

Meta Knight took the piece of shard in his hands, shaking.

“This is the second-to-last,” he said triumphantly. “One more. Just one.”

“Yeah,” said Yellow, eyes gleaming. “Let’s put it somewhere - ” Her sentence was interrupted by a scream from the mirror just above. Dark Meta Knight grasped Kirby, his powerful hands clawing his face.

“I have the one!” he called to a smudge of darkness against the blinding snowstorm. “Does this not please you?”

“Greatly does it please me,” hissed the dark, filling Meta Knight with hatred. “Leave the others. They have no use in our plans.”

“Kirby!” cried Meta Knight. “No!” He whirled aside his cape to reveal a pair of magnificent sapphire wings, batlike and powerful. They beat through the air, lifting Meta Knight off the ground, flapping and tumbling facefirst into Dark Meta Knight. “Get… off… Kirby!” he cried, thrashing and flailing.

“Yellow!” yelled… Yellow?

“Kirby, help!” Kirby said, struggling even as Dark Meta Knight pulled away, leaving the exhausted Meta Knight to fall like a rock, leathery wings folding back into a cape as if by magic, swirling behind him in a trail of pure blue.

“What the (expletive)?!” shouted Red. “Who’s (expletive) who!?”

“Watch it,” Green said, inflating and rolling into Meta Knight’s path.

“Ooof,” grunted Meta Knight. “I’ve failed Kirby!”

“Actually,” Yellow said, “I’m afraid you’ve all been duped.” She wiped her face with Meta Knight’s cape, revealing…

“Kirby!” Green gasped. “But…”

“Yellow worried for my safety, so she painted us the opposite color,” he explained. “Please don’t be angry.”

“But then… you endangered yourself by fighting Wiz!” Meta Knight said, livid.

Kirby blushed. “Sorry. I couldn’t stand it, watching you all do everything for me.”

“Aw, man,” said Red. “So I was jest insultin’ Yeller to her face?”

“Afraid so.”

“(Expletive) it!” swore Red. “Now I look lahke th’ world’s biggest jerk.”

“Making a plan is like weaving a delicate spiderweb,” said Meta Knight. “The tiniest tangle will break it.”

“Metaphoric-Knight,” joked Kirby halfheartedly. “I’m sorry, Red. I didn’t know you liked her.” Red got even redder.

“I nevah said that!” he blustered. “Yer readin’ too much intah it!”

“Oh,” Meta Knight said suddenly. “That’s why. I thought she liked me, because of your offer to fight with me and all…” He shook his head. “It was really just you trying to be yourself. What a relief.”

“How are we going to save her?” asked Kirby helplessly. “They’ve probably taken her into the mirror!”

“Ah’ll get th’ last shard,” said Red, surprising everyone.

“But… Red?” said Green.

“It’s gotta be Righty n’ Lefthay, right?” he asked. “S’ fer Yeller, I’m gonna get the last shard!” He clenched his fists. “They took ‘er ‘cos they thought she was Kirby. So I have to undo ahlla this, before they come back t’get Kirby fer real! Who knows what they’ll do t’her!” He turned to Kirby. “And I admit it - listen closely, y’all, ‘cos I’m nevah gonna say it agin - I love Yeller, (expletive) spray-cans n’all!” Finally, he swiveled to face Meta Knight. “An’ you may thank spiderwebs r’all delicate n’stuff, but in case y’didn’t know, pound fer pound, the stuff’s stronger th’n steel. So (expletive) it, let’s go make our web!”

“Well said,” applauded Meta Knight. “This time, everyone lets everyone know what they’re going to do.” He looked pointedly at Kirby, who flushed red. “Let’s go!”

Chapter Seven: Meditate

Where am I? Where am I?! The last thing I remember… Dark Meta Knight… Kirby! Is he okay? Please, be okay… Green… Meta Knight… Red, oh Red, don’t do anything stupid because of me… but where am I? I can’t see anything. Darkness. Just darkness -
Maybe because that’s what I am?

Who are you? Where am I? What are you -

I’m in your mind. Don’t worry.

How can I not? There’s some weirdo in my brain, I can’t see anything -

You’re asleep.

So… is this a dream?

No. It’s technically suspended animation, not sleep. You can still think. This is what your mind looks like.

Boring.

Yeah, just about.

So who’re you?

Shadow-Kirby.

Hey! You’re evil!

No, I’m not. Don’t worry, please, don’t. I’m just here to tell you something. I’m outside, in the chamber where you’re being held, talking to you telepathically. I’m gifted in ways Kirby isn’t, just as he is me.

Why should I believe you?

You have no choice.

Ah, okay, that makes all the difference! Riiight. I’m not stupid. I read comics and stuff, you’re going to give me the old ultimatum - “serve us or die.”

I’m not. I’m here to tell you why we’re here, what we’re doing, and why I’m good.

Start talking, creep.

Dark Mind wishes, as most evil people to, to dominate, crush, rule. He is no different. He wants to take Mirror World under his control.

Pffft. Knew that.

He can use mirrors for his own evil ends. Originally, the Mirror World was a beautiful and peaceful place, content with hovering high above Dreamland. But then, a shred of doubt and anger appeared amongst the people. Why should they not have Dreamland as well? Only a flickering thought, fading as quickly as it came. But that was enough. He seized it and infested the mirrors, using its largest as his home and fortress. Before, the mirrors granted wishes, and kept things in balance. He used them to hypnotize the residents into becoming his army, and duplicating any who gazed into the mirror above Dreamland into dark slaves for himself. Your friend, Meta Knight, always the Star Warrior, flew up to save this world, but looking into the portal, he suddenly split in two - Meta Knight and Dark Meta Knight. You four Kirbys came the same way - I was cloned from Kirby secretly. But it was too late. Meta Knight and his duplicate engaged in a fierce battle, but Meta Knight was tired from the endless flight and arguing with Dedede about going or not. Dark Meta Knight feinted and hit from the other side, knocking Meta Knight into the largest mirror, Dark Mind’s fortress, and breaking it as he went inside. He, myself, and Dark Mind can travel inside the broken mirror, but you cannot. It’s a shadow thing. That was where your cell was. When you called Red, he and the Warpstar jetted you out, without your knowing where you had been. Meta Knight left the same way, using what little electricity he could scrounge out of a discarded pair of batteries to call the Warpstar. It’s where you are now. I have your things, the things we took off of you. I was in charge of that job. Since I’m on your side, I… omitted some certain things. Your phones, for example? And the fact that Red wasn’t there I hid from Dark Mind.

Thanks. So… would you know where Meta Knight’s stuff, like, is?

Yes. If you wish, after I release you, you can find his Halberd in the hangar, his sword in the armory, and his soldiers brainwashed and right here.

Great! He’ll like that. Heh heh, so will Kirby! Brownie points!

Umm, you like Kirby?

Yeah, he’s cute. So is Red. Green I could care less about, and Meta Knight’s too old for me. Red’s the one for me, though.
… I wasn’t aware you were interested in each other.

Well, get with it. I’m very knowledgeable about this kind of stuff. For example, both Red and Green like me, but Red especially, Kirby’s a good friend, and Meta Knight’s indifferent. Except he likes my rice.

Rice?

Yeah, rice. I make it with… hey, you’re off topic!

As are you. Anyhow, Kirby is part of Dark Mind’s plan this way: Kirby, in case you didn’t notice, is the only one of you eligible to become an actual Star Warrior.

Don’t rub it in.

He… has an interesting fate. Dark Mind wishes to twist this fate to his advantage. We’ve proved hopeless at learning the dark magicks Dark Mind uses, but Kirby… he could swallow something related, and thus become a mini-Dark Mind. A successor, if you will, to Mirror World.

Oh, yeah, it would be kind of hard to have a son if you’re evil.

Indubitubly. And indeed, having an evil Star Warrior would be a big plus on taking over. Now, as for why I’m not evil. Is Kirby, in any way, evil?

Nope. Got less evil than a Jet-Puff marshmallow.

Meta Knight is not completely good. You know that. He obeys commands from his superiors (he has few, thankfully) whether they be good or bad, unless, of course, they are dishonorable, and sometimes does wrong when he believes it will lead to a greater good. He’s actually tried to destroy Kirby a few times.

Yeah, they got a weiiiird relationship. Friend, enemy, like, whatever!

Hmm, yes, but he’s more friend than not. Dark Mind had more time to work with Dark Meta Knight’s creation, so he molded that small duplicated portion of evil into Dark Meta Knight, until it enveloped him completely.

And with Kirby, he had to do it quick and couldn’t find any to work with!

Exactly. And, by the way, my name… I’d prefer it be something more like… Mirror World Kirby.

Cool! So… can I go now? Yellow’s eyes suddenly snapped open, and she saw only a bubbling green ooze around her. She gasped for air and found nothing, but the tube drained quickly, leaving her a clear view of the room. Hundreds more tubes of liquid surrounded her, filled with enemies. There was no floor, just darkness, and in the center, a patch of floor mounted with controls for the pods. Mirror World Kirby operated them deftly and speedily, opening her tube with a SWSSSHHHH!

“Go quickly, before they realize the pod’s opening,” he said urgently. “I’ve released Sword and Blade, they’re in the hangar. The rest of Meta Knight’s army never came, I’m afraid.”

“Those morons!” moaned Yellow. “Sword and Blade, loyal and true. Oh well, I suppose for Meta Knight it’s better than nothing!”

“I took the liberty of getting his sword, also,” added Mirror World Kirby. He displayed a beautiful sword, shaped like a flame, and indeed bathed in some crackling fire that burned only who you wished to hurt. Yellow knew from experience. Its hilt curved to fit a Warpstar Warrior’s hand, a small ruby stuck inside as well. All in all, it was a magnificent weapon. “Go to the Halberd and fly it out of here, please, go quickly, before anyone can come!” Yellow ran on a small pathway that appeared before her, past Mirror World Kirby - but not before thanking him profusely and grabbing the Master Sword. “It’s down the hall, to the left!” called Mirror World Kirby after her.

The hallway was dark and shadowy, filled to the brim with mirrors rimmed with grotesque sculpture… gargoyles, bats with sharp fangs, serpents. The cold stones offered no resistance as she ran across them, flying past until she saw a small mirror edged with wings.

The hangar, she thought, phasing through. It opened into another no-floor room, with naught but the magnificent Halberd in the center. It was a giant ship, a deep purple, enormous. A huge Meta Knight mask Yellow supposed was the controls center jutted from its rounded-rectangle shape, as well as two sets of humongous wings. Yellow knew instinctively that if the room had a ceiling, the Halberd would smash through it - it was nearly a hundred and twenty times as large as her.

Yellow wasn’t alone, however - she found Sword and Blade working on the ship. Sword was clothed in dark purply-black, a creased hood hiding all but his eyes, and a simple holster for his namesake - the sword. Blade wore green, elaborate emerald armor, a large rounded W-shaped piece going even further than Sword’s and hiding his entire face. In the back, a small plume hung out, crimson against the yellow-edged protective covering. He too had a holster for his weapon.

“Oy, Kirby thing!” called Sword in a predominantly English-accented voice, but with little trace of elegance. “Wot’s up? And why’ve ‘oo got Meta Knight’s sword?”

“Hi!” she greeted him, “I’m just here to get outta this freaky place, like you. It’s for him, duh, the sword, I mean.”

“But we’re fine here,” said puzzled Blade. “We’re just fixin’ up the Halberd for milord!” Yellow had only heard Meta Knight be called “milord” mockingly by Dark Mind. She seemed to recall that these two had sworn an oath of fealty to Meta Knight, him thus becoming their lord. Yellow would have to ask them why on the trip out.

“I understand you don’t remember a thing,” she said patiently, “but this is Dark Mind’s fortress. We have to get out A.S.A.P.”

“Dark Mind?” said Sword, surprised. “We’ve failed milord!”

“Aaaah!” screeched Blade. “Milord will chop off our heads!” They dropped their tools and ran around, terrified. Yellow looked at the two, confused.

“Would Meta Knight actually do that?” she asked the panicking knights. Sword stopped for just a second.

“No. We just overreact.” Then they went back to scampering about, flustered.

“Well, he’s okay! Just get in the stupid ship, so we can get outta this dump!” Yellow commanded.

“Alright,” groaned Blade, “but milord’s not going to like this, not a bit.” The pair grudgingly followed onto the craft. Yellow instantly felt at home within it, its interior roomy and mechanical, but with portholes along the side. There was a screen up front, showing the condition of the reactor and such. Sword and Blade sat comfortably at the control panels, flipping switches and pressing buttons in a seemingly uneducated way.

“Sit down, and make yourself at home,” Sword advised. “We’re going to ‘ave to fly out the back way, eh?”

“But…” Yellow stammered, confused. “Do you two actually know how to get back to Mirror World in this thing?”

“Nope!” said Blade gleefully, “But we’re going to try our hardest!” Yellow slumped in her chair.

“I am so dead,” she moaned. “Just don’t wreck the ship, okay? Meta Knight probably wants it back in one piece.” They nodded and started it up with a THOOOOOOOOOOM.

“Here we go!” shouted Sword, hanging onto his chair. Yellow felt the Halberd shake, powerful wings lifting it high into the infinite room. It turned toward the back, where a giant mirror rested. “We’re getting out!” The ship flew forward, knocking Yellow back into the seat, still grasping the sword. The Halberd phased through easily into a sapphire sky.

“The mirror took us to Dreamland’s sky, near the entrance to the Mirror World,” said Blade, “so we’re going to have to go there. According to the system, it’s got it on autopilot, so we can relax.” Yellow sighed and slumped back into her chair, relieved to be out of the wretched fortress.

“So… what’s your guy’s history with Meta Knight, ya know?” she asked sleepily. The swordsmen exchanged glances.

“I’ll start,” said Blade. “Well, long ago, before we were milord’s servants, we were thieves.”

“’Oribble thieves,” added Sword. “Instead of armor, we wore furs, and instead of our swords, we used clubs.”

“We tried to rob Meta Knight,” Blade admitted, turning bright red, “and got ourselves trashed. Trust me, it was the first time we’d seen swordplay like that.”

“It was beaut’ful,” reminisced Sword. “We could ‘ardly use our clubs before we were destroyed.”

“And then, out of nowhere, this ‘uge wolf appeared,” continued Blade. “Nuthin’ we could possibly beat. Meta Knight had been wounded in the battle wif us, ‘cos we’d got a few lucky shots in, and even then he beat it up. We were so amazed, we instantly bowed to him and asked for forgiveness.”

“He accepted, on one condition: we serve him fo’ever.” Sword sighed. “So we ‘ave, so we ‘ave, so far at least.”

Yellow was fascinated. “Wow! There’s actually a person, you know what I mean, underneath all that armor and legend and stuff. I mean, it’s just so nice to see a different side of people, huh?”

Sword glanced back at her. “Milord’s a very kind person, Yellow. Ev’n when he was tryin’ to destroy Kirby, he was very noble ‘bout it.”
“Really? Tell me.”

The pair sighed, but Blade obliged. “Alright. So, Meta Knight saw how Dedede was becoming all tyrannical ‘bout rulin’ Dreamland. So he commissioned all these Waddledee n’stuff to build him a warship. This ‘Alberd.” He patted it lovingly. “B’fore us, bless me, I woss prob’ly not even born. He’s a very old knight, that he is.”

“At least two ‘undred,” corrected Sword, “that’s maturity in Warpstar Warriors, ain’t it, girl? Kirby’s ‘bout an ‘undred I’d say, huh?”
“So, anyhow, he got ‘imself a crew - Masher, Luna Knight, all them - and flew it at Dreamland with the intent of war.” Blade shook his head. “Kirby destroyed the ‘Alberd and that seemed to be that. But Meta Knight ‘adn't the intent of real war. It turned out Dedede was really under the control of Dark Matter, ‘oo possesses people, you know? So then Meta Knight realized Kirby was an ally, and let ‘im off easy. But it was too late. The ‘Alberd woss ruined.” Blade sighed again. “An’ he decided to serve Dedede, as the leader of his troops, ‘oo know, and made up wiff Kirby. And all woss as it is today.”

“Cool!” cheered Yellow. “And then you guys joined him? Wait… but what about the Halberd?”

“We fix’d it up, eh? Wiff the rest of ‘is army. Easy as cake, ‘cept it needed lots ‘f new parts. And so, ‘ere we are. Servin’ milord like we’ll always do.” Sword clapped his partner’s shoulder proudly. “An’ now we’re off to ‘elp our lord and save th’ Mirror World!”

“Great,” exhaled Yellow. “Man, I totally thought you guys were idiots before this.”

“We are,” said Blade simply, and turned back to the window. “We’re in Mirror World, now. Rainbow Route, y’know.” Yellow floated to the porthole and pressed her face against it.

“Hey, Meta Knight! And Kirby! Hiiii, guys!” Yellow pushed open the porthole and squeezed through it, landing softly on the bed of clouds. Kirby was squiggling, hyper, and Meta Knight was just staring in awe. “Hey! You two!” They turned to see her gripping the Master Sword, grinning the famous Yellow grin. “This is yours, I presume?” Meta Knight’s eyes widened, and he dropped the shiny replacement blade to hold his shaking hands out for the Master Sword.

“MILORD!” chorused two voices. He spun around, just in time to have Sword and Blade hug him tightly, tears streaming out of their eyes. “Wemissedyousomuchpleasedon’tbeangryorchopusinhallllf!”

“You ninnys,” he said, small teardrops coursing down his face. He shook them off to face Yellow. “You have restored my sword, my subjects, and my ship. How can I ever repay you?”

“By letting me get the last shard,” she said proudly, “so we can go trash that jerk Dark Mind.”

“Done!” cried Meta Knight. “We head for Candy Constellation - now! Oh,” he added, “there’s someone who wants to see you.” Red and Green emerged from the distance. Red came up to her, grasping her hands.

“I was jest about t’go n’get ya,” he said.

“Well, now you don’t need to,” she said, smiling. “Let’s go! Candy Constellation awaits!”

Chapter Eight: Right Hand, Left Hand, Diddle Diddle Dumpling, My Son John

The troupe phased through to Candy Constellation, this time all in their proper colors, and Meta Knight with Sword and Blade at his heels.

“Cool!” exclaimed Green, seeing the place for the first time. It stretched into oblivion, stars dotting the sky, platforms stretching outward. Each of the Kirbys felt their way around, floating carefully above the neverending fall and avoiding enemies, namely the blue Haleys that coursed past. Soon, they reached a field of water suspended in midair.

“But that’s impossible,” complained Red. “Ain’t nevah seen watah in air befoah.”

“That doesn’t mean it’s not possible,” said Meta Knight, inspecting the water. “It’s safe. Just don’t fall out.” They all donned their water gear and forged ahead, Sword and Blade clinging to Red and Green’s backs, as they could not swim, whacking away Blippers at regular intervals. The waters subsided, and they fell upon a gold-and-silver platform, walking off into a strange piece of ground studded with stars.

“We’re close to the boss,” announced Meta Knight. “Yellow, are you sure you want to do this alone?”

“Positive.” She wiped away some of the water with his cape (which, amazingly, remained dry, it probably had something to do with his sword), leaving him looking annoyed. “So, if I phase through, what should I expect?…”

“They’re very like the Master Hand,” Meta Knight said gravely. “They’re incredibly fast, Righty and Lefty. I’m afraid you’ll just have to learn alone.” Yellow bit her lip and sucked up a passing Cupie, sprouting the wings and halo of the Cupid suit.

“I’ll be watchin’,” said Red, worried. “At th’ slightest sign of trouble, I’m a-comin’ in thar t’help.”

“Me too,” said Green.

“Three!” chirped Kirby.

“Not you,” Meta Knight said firmly to Kirby. “Sword and Blade, maybe you could go with Yellow?…”

“Oh!” said Yellow, delighted. “I hadn’t thought of that. I didn’t want to endanger you guys, but Sword and Blade are experienced, right?”

“O-o-okay, milord,” stuttered Sword. “Do we ‘ave to?”

“Yes,” Meta Knight said loudly. “Now go!” They bowed and stepped up to Yellow.

“Come on,” she said fiercely, “let’s go!” She phased through the mirror and waited, Sword and Blade following quickly. Two enormous gloves hovered at Yellow’s right and left, she on the strange starry ground in the middle, Sword and Blade at her sides. The two hands swerved into action, darting towards the swordsmen, who smashed them back with their swords.

“Watch out!” cried Sword, dodging a finger-missile, red and glaring, shot by Righty. It hit Yellow squarely in the face, and sent her spinning, energy-star floating and bouncing back with her. She gulped it again as quickly as possible and flew into the air, shooting arrows in all directions. Righty and Lefty soared into the middle, clapping her between them and squeezing with all their might.
“Nnngh! Help!” she cried, power falling away. The hands squeezed tighter, crushing her. But suddenly, they fell away - Sword and Blade had sliced at them from below! The two released her, and she swallowed the energy star again, flying into a corner and aiming. Sword and Blade hacked angrily at the hands, the hands occasionally falling to the ground like a stone or grasping and clutching the swordsmen. Yellow shot her arrows, the shafts jamming into Righty’s palm. It fell, defeated, leaving only Lefty. Lefty quivered, Sword and Blade advancing, Yellow aiming. It was over in an instant. The shard, shimmering and glittering in the starlight, appeared in the center of the room. Yellow drifted downward, grabbing it.

“Finally!” cried Red, phasing through the door. “Now all we have to do is put it in the mirror!” They hugged tightly.

“Let’s get out of here,” Yellow said happily.

Chapter Nine: Final Battle

Kirby took the shard in his hand, floating gently up to the golden mirror. The shard felt hot in his hand, as though it needed the mirror. It fit perfectly into the empty space, and the mirror let loose with a beautiful glow, lighting up the main room of Rainbow Route. The Kirbys below shielded their eyes. Meta Knight was no longer with them, or Sword and Blade. He had left in the Halberd just before, but not before talking to Kirby.

“Kirby,” he had said, “I want to tell you why I lost against Dark Meta Knight.” Kirby had nodded shakily, astounded. Surely Meta Knight would never want to speak of his loss again - it was so dishonorable. A loss, against evil! “You must understand that, in life, there are some who are stronger. Kirby, I admit that you are stronger than me. It’s true. I can no longer teach you anything, lest you wish to be a swordsman. You have exceeded me in strength.”

“But Meta Knight! You’re stronger,” Kirby insisted.

“No, Kirby. You are. Anyway, the hardest foe to defeat is truly yourself. Have you ever laughed at your own mistakes? Admitted you were wrong? That’s fighting yourself. It’s something almost no one can do. If you are pure of heart, and admit all, have submitted to other’s plans, are truly in tune with yourself, you should have nothing to fear from your shadow.” Meta Knight grasped Kirby’s arm with his own strong hand. “Kirby, I was too proud, too foolish to defeat myself. But I’m humbler now. I have eliminated Dark Meta Knight. He is no longer in your way. Go, and defeat Dark Mind, for I cannot. Take my sword. It will help you.” Kirby accepted it, the sheer power of it flowing through his veins. “Farewell. I shall meet you again - in Dreamland.” He had left with an elegant swish of his cape. The Halberd had soared away into the blue, leaving Kirby to take on Dark Mind, with his friends. Which he was going to do now. Kirby returned his attention to the mirror, its reflection a dark land, the outside of Dark Mind’s fortress. Yellow shuddered involuntarily, fancy jester cap on her head - Beam Suit. A mysterious room had appeared as soon as Kirby had gained the Master Sword, allowing his companions to pick any power they wanted. Red had opted for Flame Suit, fire spurting above a band on his head. Green, always the techie, had gotten Laser Suit, enjoying the ability to blast lasers from his head. And Kirby had the Master Sword. He motioned to the others, they obeying and floating to his side. Kirby took a deep breath and phased through into the cold, shadowy world.

“It’s really weird here,” said Green, laser at the ready.

“Ummm, I’m worried,” burbled Yellow.

“It’s okay, Yeller,” whispered Red, gazing at the dark landscape. It was foggy and murky, the ground a scary blackish-mauve.

“Dark Mind!” yelled Kirby. “Show yourself!” No sooner had the words left his mouth than the fog formed into a shape - manlike, but with a cruel face. His helmet had a bird carved into it, as well as two giant spiraling horns. Dark Mind had bumpy, spiked shoulder pads, and a large, eyelid-like chest. Two mirrors swiveled around him, acting as guards.

“You have some business with me? I seem to recall you escaped earlier. So you’ve changed your mind?”

“(Expletive) it! You ain’t takin’ Kirby nowhere while I’m ‘round!” swore Red, blasting flame onto Dark Mind’s mirrors. They melted, encasing him in a shiny shell.

“You will pay dearly for that,” hissed Dark Mind, suddenly shattering. Kirby looked upward.

“We… did it? We really did it? Woohoo! Celebrate!” Yellow cheered.

“Not yet,” said Kirby darkly. “That was just a reflection. Look.” For indeed, Dark Mind was back, just as evil and cruel-looking.

“I don’t think so!” he cackled. “Try again!” Kirby hefted the sword upward, closing his eyes.

“I will kill you,” said Kirby, clenching his open hand. “Now die!” He thrust the Master Sword upward into an unprotected area of Dark Mind.

“Aaaaaah!” he howled. “Curse that sword! I thought I’d taken it from Meta Knight!” He snarled, and opened the eyelid - it was a blazing, firey eye, red and malicious. Kirby saw his chance, and jabbed the sword into that.

“Attack his eye!” he shouted. “It’s vulnerable!” The other Kirbys understood immediately, and started blasting at him. Red spurted fire from his mouth, seemingly inexhaustible, Yellow twirling in midair like a ballerina and shooting electrical beams, and Green, tongue stuck out in concentration, firing lasers for all he was worth. Kirby stood back, sweaty, firing himself across the room and spinning, charging and shooting energy blasts, and swinging the sword, dicing and slicing his way across the room. Dark Mind threw off their groove every now and again by teleporting, but made little or no resistance to the powerful attacks. Dark Mind finally plunged to the floor, Kirbys gasping for air, fatigued. The eye slowly closed… but…

“My God!” screamed Yellow. The eye popped open, squeezing out of the socket. “That’s disgusting!” It grew, and grew, and grew until it filled their vision, an inferno.

“YOU WILL NEVER STOP ME NOW!” Dark Mind boomed. “YOU HAD A CHANCE, KIRBY - NOW DIE A PAINFUL DEATH!” Kirby gripped the sword harder, bracing himself.

“Bring it on,” he challenged.

“GOOD. GO!” Dark Mind’s new form was seemingly pointless. He swished mirrors around, hurting Kirby and his friends, spat enemies, and then -

“Arrrgh!” yelped Green, the landscape flipping itself upside-down. “Gravity’s been reversed!”

“Look,” pointed Yellow. “Mirrors - placed directly where you can bounce lasers off of them!” Dark Mind had already thought of that, though, and shot a beam of light from his eye that reflected off the mirrors. Green dodged and did the same, the unsuspecting Dark Mind getting zapped. Kirby slashed him, not wasting a single second. Red dropped the Flame Suit, swallowing a Laser Ball Dark Mind had thrown out, and following Green’s lead.

“AAAAARGH!” wailed Dark Mind. Kirby saw something behind him, and grabbed Yellow.

“Look!” he gasped. Mirror World Kirby had snuck up behind Dark Mind. Kirby, in a flash of inspiration, tossed him the sword. Mirror World Kirby grabbed it.

“Dark Mind!” he roared. “No longer shall you rule my life!” He plunged the sword deeply into the eye, piercing through the huge orb. Dark Mind howled and shrank, now just a tiny form of himself. He took off, flying instead of fighting.

Kirby was two steps ahead. He called the Warpstar, grabbed on, and zoomed into the sky, chasing Dark Mind’s fleeing form. Mirror World Kirby pulled up in the wake of his Warpstar, on his own dark star. They saw each other, nodded, and shot a final star at Dark Mind, created from their own energies. Dark Mind never stood a chance after that, and fell downward, spiraling into the darkness. The other Kirbys suddenly zipped in, full of questions.

“How’d you know he was good now?” exclaimed Yellow. “I hadn’t told you!” Kirby grinned a secret grin, Mirror World Kirby doing the same.

“Let’s just say… a certain bat told me,” he said secretly, gazing at the Mirror World’s beautiful sunset. And miles, worlds away, he was sure a certain mentor of his was smiling, too.


-Fin-