Kirby: Star and Moon Warriors

Chapter 18: Searching for Answers (Taranza POV)

     I looked out at the lands before us. I let myself take in the sights, ignoring the sounds of confusion behind me. Was this the Land of Forgo? It was much prettier than I thought. I wondered how long the buildings had been there. They looked like they were made in a somewhat modern fashion, yet looked like they had been abandoned aeons ago.

Elfilin flew in front of everyone else, and turned to me.

"Welcome to the Lands of Alivel. We should be on the right path to find Void."

"How did you do this?"

"I found out through my dreams that I was created in a lab along with my Other Half, and it turned out I had powers, too. The power to open portals to other dimensions."

"How long have you had them?"

"I'm sure I would have been able to use them sooner, had I had the strength. Even now I can only hold a small portal open for so long, but I think I got everyone through."

Elfilin looked sad.

"Is everything alright?"

"I lived here before the incident. Whatever incident that sent me to your world and caused me to lose my memories. I still don't remember how or what happened. I'm pretty sure I have a family. Are they worried about me? How long have I been gone? Do they miss me? What if they don't? What if they're the reason I lost all my memories?"

I held one of his paws and tried to comfort him.

"I'm sure they miss you a lot. I'm sure they've worried every single day for you. We'll find them, Elfilin."

"But what if we're too late? What if they're dead? What if they died thinking I don't care about them?"

"I understand what you're going through. Before you arrived, I had a fight with my brother. He's a Moon Warrior. Afterwards I spent weeks wondering if he hated me, and if I would get the chance to talk to him again. I worry that I've lost him to Void, and that the last time I got to see him we split ways mad at each other. I wonder if he knows that I'm not mad at him anymore."

"But you're not going to give up?"

"Never. Even if I'm too late, I'm not going to lose hope until I know for sure. That's why I believe there's still a chance we can find your family."

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Elfilin had newfound excitement.

I looked behind me at the tired Warriors.

"Warriors getting their strength back," I told him.

"Oh, right. I vaugely remember these lands, so maybe I can still guide you to Void."

"You're doing great, Elfilin."

He smiled when I told him that.

***

After everyone had regained some of their energy, we started to travel through the lands of Alivel. I thought the grassy fields were pleasant. At the very edge of Alivel, there was a tall building.

"Oh, hey! This is Alivel Mall!" Elfilin told us. "I'm sure all the shops are closed, and probably not in very good condition, but I think I remember coming here with Kirby!"

He flew in the doors. I told everyone except the members of the Rebellion to wait outside.

The rest of us followed Elfilin.

"What's Elfilin doing?" Gryll asked.

"I don't know, but he's guiding us, so if he feels it's important, it's worth a look."