Inktober - 15 - Weak

Day 15 - Weak

Meta Knight heaved an unhidden sigh as he slumped his way through town, his step heavy. Cicadas were crying in the distance, so loudly they seemed to be echoing in his head, and the sunโ€™s rays were so strong, one could see heat waves emanating from the stone pavement. The knight stopped for a moment and looked around; just off to the side of the road, he spotted a large tree with a bench in front of it, and he couldnโ€™t lie, the treeโ€™s shadow suddenly appeared very enticing. Deciding to take a much deserved break, the Kiridan dragged himself over to the tree, and found himself comforted when he stood under its shade. With another sigh, he gladly hopped on the bench and took a seat, his sigh turning into one of relief when he finally relaxed his back.

For a moment, he sat there, his head raised to the leaves hanging above himโ€ฆ not finding the strength to move. He simply had none left. Whatever remained only barely sufficed to keep him breathing. For a moment, he felt confused, and wondered why he was even out here in this burning heatโ€ฆ Oh yes! Kirby was waiting for him in townโ€ฆ Yes, Kirbyโ€ฆ Of courseโ€ฆ

The tired knight realized he had been holding his breath, so he consciously started taking deep breaths again, forcing himself to relax. He couldnโ€™t start doing that now, not while in townโ€ฆ With a groan, Meta Knight brought his hand under his mask and rubbed his face. This was absolutely ridiculousโ€ฆ He had fought armies of demons single-handedly and faced against the most vicious foes this side of the Universe had ever seen and came out victorious! He was the strongest Star Warrior of this age! And yet, here he was, falling victim to a sickness. He had no enemies to fight, no foes to conquer. Only himself, and the darkness eating away at his insides.

โ€œItโ€™ll be alright, Metanyo.โ€

Surprised, he lowered his gaze from the treetop, and though at first he saw naught but a blurry wave, the image eventually cleared, and what appeared before him was a friend he hadnโ€™t seen in a long time. Hailan smiled sweetly at him, and he smiled back, though tiredly. She was wearing a white and golden yukata, whose long droopy sleeves were decorated with pink leaves. Her eyes shone like starsโ€ฆ

โ€œYouโ€™ll make it,โ€ she said.

โ€œSheโ€™s right.โ€

He turned his head to the side, and saw, seated next to him, his dear old friend Arthur. He smiled at him as well, his eyes kind, and though Meta Knight knew both of them were but figments of his mind, brought forth by the strength of their stardust living in his Core, they felt very realโ€ฆ real enough that he unconsciously held his hand forward a moment, only to drop it again.

โ€œWhat if I donโ€™t?โ€ he answered them, his face dropping as well. โ€œI am much weaker than I thought Iโ€™d beโ€ฆ I donโ€™t knowโ€ฆ how long I can hold like this.โ€

Hailan stepped closer and leaned forward, making him raise his eyes on her again.

โ€œNo,โ€ was her reply. โ€œYouโ€™re stronger than you think you are. I just know youโ€™ll hold on.โ€

She extended her hand and gently put it on his; her touch was that of a ghost, but warm and filled with energy instead of cold. Arthur did the same on his other hand, and Meta Knight sighed again, closing his eyes as he let their comforting warmth take over him.

โ€œAlrightโ€ฆ Iโ€™ll try. You two will stay with me, wonโ€™t you?โ€

โ€œAlways,โ€ they both replied.

He raised his eyes. They were both gone from his sight, but still he could feel their presence. By himself, he was weak. But he never was truly by himself, even if he tried. Even if they were actually light years away from himโ€ฆ it didnโ€™t make a difference, really. It never did.

This happens somewhere during the first act of A New Age. Hope you like!