Pink Puff, Green Fluff

Kirby hopped up and floated over to the podium, a stack of crayon artwork under one of his appendages. "Poyo!" he said cheerily.

"Hi, Kirby!"

Holding his crayon drawings out to the audience, Kirby began to narrate his tale. "Poyo, poyo, poyo, poyo, poyoyoyo, po-poyo, poy, poyo poyoy, po, poyo. Poyo, poyo, poyo, poyo, po-poyo, poyo…"


1999

"This game's winner is…Kirby!" announced Jeff as the audience cheered.

Kirby did a signature victory dance, saying "Hii!" when he finished. Once the confetti stopped, and he was presented with the usual spoils, he tottered over to his vanquished opponent.

Luigi, the opponent in question, stood a short distance away, applauding. He looked a little rumpled and banged-up, as did Kirby, but his face was full of warmth.

"Poyo," greeted the little puffball.

"Hey, Kirby. Nice fight," said Luigi.

"Poyo, poyo, poyo," said Kirby.

"I see your practice paid off," smiled Luigi. "Looks like I need to practice some more myself."

"Poyo, poyo, po-poyo, poy, poyoyo," objected Kirby.

"You really think I fought well? Thanks, Kirby." Luigi blushed, "but maybe if I practice, I'll be even better."

Kirby held out a stubby arm, and Luigi met him halfway with his gloved hand. Suddenly, he enfolded the pink puff in a hug. "Great job," he praised.

"Poyo!" said Kirby, a little surprised.

"It's fine that I lost," shrugged Luigi. "At least I'm having a good time here."

"Poyo, poyo!"

"Yeah. See you later!"

The two parted ways, headed for a nice shower and some relaxation.

Much later, Kirby was taking a nap when a familiar scent tapped him awake. He stretched. "Poyo…?" he yawned.

He sniffed deeply, and his mouth watered. He knew sweet, fluffy, sugary goodness that was being prepared in the oven! Cake! His favorite treat in the whole wide world! And he'd love a slice or two (or three, or four, or fifty…) after inhaling and copying so many people. But who in the world would be baking a cake right now?

Happily, Kirby bounded out of the room, toward the kitchen, the yummy smell growing stronger and stronger. And then, in front of him, almost ready for cutting and serving, was the cake. Five tiers, each one frosted and iced in alternating colors of pink and decorated with yellow Warp Star designs and candy shapes.

The master of this creation, an apron protecting his green getup, whistled a tune as he put the finishing touches on. An icing tube was in his hands, and he delicately applied it in an intricate design at the very top of the pastry. Satisfied, he picked up two toppers in his and Kirby's likenesses and placed them on top. Then, he stepped back and marveled at his handiwork.

"Kirby's going to love this," he said to himself.

"Poyo!"

Luigi whirled. "Kirby! You're just in time!" he cried.

"Poyo, poyo, poyo?"

"Yep, I made it for you. You earned it after fighting so well."

"Poyo! Poyo, poyo, poyo, poy, poyoyo, poyo, poyo!"

Luigi tossed aside his apron. "Like I said, I don't mind that I lost. And even if I did, I'm not that type of loser. True, you need to know how to win, but you also need to know how to lose. I guess being the second player taught me how to lose so well."

"Poyo, po-poyo, poyo," smiled Kirby.

"You're welcome, you little fluffy marshmallow," Luigi said adoringly, capturing Kirby for another hug.

Afterward, Kirby plunked himself down at the table, ready to slice into his cake. Then, he paused. Luigi deserved some of this, too!

Luckily, Luigi read his mind and smiled. "Wow, thanks for sharing," he stated.

"Poyo!"

It was the most delicious cake ever baked.


2013

Kirby held up the drawing of him and Luigi sharing cake together. "Poyo!" he concluded.

"Awww…" cooed the listeners.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in," said Master Hand.

A young girl with a blond ponytail stepped in, holding a round platter. Behind her was a boy with a mop of reddish-brown hair.

"Hii!" waved Kirby, recognizing the two as his friends Tiff and Tuff.

"Hi, Kirby," said Tiff. "Chef Kawasaki promised that this would be safely delivered. He sends his regards."

"Poyo!"

"Wow, this is Smash?" asked Tuff. "Why weren't we invited?"

Tiff rolled her eyes. "Kirby specially ordered this for a Mr. Luigi Mario. Is he present?"

"Here!" called Luigi, raising his hand.

Tiff walked over and handed him the platter. "Happy birthday, sir," she said.

"Thank you, miss," replied Luigi.

"You can call me Tiff."

"Thanks, Tiff."

Tiff nodded. "See you round, Kirby!" she sang out before she skipped away. Tuff skipped off after her.

Luigi removed the cover from the platter and gasped. A five-tiered cake, similar to the one he baked for Kirby! This one had mint-flavored frosting and dark green icing, decorated with shapes of Super Mushrooms, 1UP Mushrooms and Invincibility Stars. Figurines of him and Mario sat on top, and written between them was the message HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUIGI.

"Poyo, poyo, poyo," explained Kirby.

"Chocolate cake? Cream filling? Kirby, I—thank you so much! You're the best!" gushed Luigi.

Kirby did a cute little dance and then stepped off the podium.

"Let me put that on the table for you," said Master Hand.

Soon, the cake was safely on one of the tables, and generous sized slices were served to every last Smasher present.