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It hadn’t been long since Kirby moved into the castle. Dedede had been rather difficult to persuade, but thankfully, he was willing to let him stay a while, much to Meta Knight’s relief.
He had his reasons for this heavily needed arrangement.
The first night Kirby stayed in the castle, Meta Knight was certain he heard sniffles from inside the boy’s room, but hesitated when his hand reached for the doorknob. Would it be fine for him to simply walk in and speak with Kirby? It seemed like an invasion of his privacy, so he left it be.
Following this incident, he noticed Kirby’s sluggish movements during the rest of the week. Kirby would drag his feet across the floor instead of dashing through the halls. He’d take small bites of his food, not daring to inhale any of his meals. His eyes would droop like flowers without water and were devoid of the light that usually filled them. The change hadn’t gone unnoticed by the rest of the castle residents, but none of them were brave enough to ask their hero about what was happening. Kirby remained quiet and things continued as normal.
Meta Knight couldn’t take it anymore.
By the end of the week, he found himself standing outside Kirby’s room in the middle of the night. Rather than the small sniffles from before, Meta Knight clearly made out screaming. Taking a deep breath, he opened the door to Kirby’s apartment and searched for his room.
You are not okay. I know that.
When he opened the door, Meta Knight flinched at the sight of Kirby thrashing around in the star blanket given by the siblings. He quietly made his way over to Kirby’s side and gently shook him away.
“Kirby.”
It took a minute, but eventually he opened his eyes and saw the familiar mask he had become acquainted with. Kirby sniffled before launching himself at Meta Knight, sobbing into the knight’s arm pads.
“Meta Kni.”
“Are you crying?”
Kirby didn’t answer, but Meta Knight embraced him anyway, rubbing his back in hopes of calming him down.
You are too young to be dealing with this.
“Would you like to tell me what’s wrong, little one?”
“Nightmare.” Kirby shivered. “Scary dream, poyo.”
“Would you like to talk about it?”
He quickly shook his head, pulling himself free from Meta Knight’s hold and wrapping himself in the blanket. Meta Knight took a seat on the bed beside Kirby.
“Kirby, have you told anyone about this?”
“No, poyo.”
“Why is that?”
“Scared.” Kirby wiped away his tears with the blanket. “What if everyone thinks Kirby is…not strong, poyo?”
Meta Knight patted his head. “You don’t need to be strong all the time, little one. You are still a child and you are allowed to have weaknesses.”
“Does Meta Kni get scared?”
“Mmm, I still do.”
He lifted his mask and allowed Kirby to see his face. Kirby was mesmerized by the pure white eyes of his mentor. His gaze twinkled like the stars in the night sky.
“Do you know why I wear this mask, little one?”
“Nope.”
“It’s because I’m scared to show people who I really am. I do not like people seeing how I truly feel and taking advantage of that.”
Kirby pointed at Meta Knight’s eyes. “But Meta Kni’s eyes glow different colors.”
“It’s a side effect of something that occurred in the past. I do not have much control over it, I’m afraid, so people who understand those colors know what lies behind my mask.” He placed the mask on the bedside drawer. “However, those I trust most get the opportunity to see me as I am.”
“So Meta Kni trusts Kirby, poyo?”
“I do.”
He gaped, loosening his grip on the blanket. “Meta Kni, Kirby dreamt that Nightmare took you and everyone else away.” He coughed as the tears streamed down his cheeks again. “Kirby…couldn’t save anyone.”
Meta Knight wrapped an arm around him and pulled him close. “It’s alright. It’s over, Kirby. He can’t hurt us anymore.”
“But what if he comes back?! And Kirby can’t do anything?!”
“Shh, he’s gone. Do not worry.”
“But-”
“Shh, it’s alright. Should he return, he will have to deal with a much stronger and more experienced Kirby, one who knows his tactics.” Meta Knight smirked. “I think he would be wise not to fight you again. I believe you will be successful like the first time and I will still be with you every step of the way.”
“Promise?”
“Promise.” He rubbed Kirby’s head with a kind smile on his face. “I will do what I can to protect you as well if things ever go wrong.”
“Okay, poyo.” Kirby nuzzled against his cheek. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Just as he rose to leave, he felt a small tug on his cape. Kirby gazed up at him with sad eyes.
”Meta Kni stay?”
“If that is what you wish, Kirby.”
The young puffball clapped his hands and scooted over on the bed. Once he lay back down, Meta Knight tucked him in with the blanket before laying down beside him. Kirby went in for another hug.
“Good night, Meta Kni.”
Meta Knight smiled. “Good night, Kirby. May you have pleasant dreams.”
He chuckled as the first snores came from Kirby at lightning speed. The nights of lack of sleep must have exhausted him. Meta Knight rubbed Kirby’s back, humming a short lullaby to continue to help him relax.
”Meta Kni, stay.”
The words from the sleeping child made him blink in surprise, but he smiled, allowing himself to drift off and join Kirby in sleep.
I will be with you until you are ready to stand on your own.
Fortunately for him, Kirby did have pleasant dreams that night.
And, for the first time in years, Meta Knight did too.