Kirby: Right Back at Ya!

Odyssey of Dreams

Chapter 9: The Dark Colosseum Exhibition

*Tiff's Journal*

"For the first time, I actually think I saw King Dedede's 'good' side. I thought I saw Dedede's good side when Cappy Town was nearly destroyed by Phantom Star Geras, but it was only for a few moments before he turned back to his original self after the disaster was avoided. Maybe Ribbon was right though, everyone has a good side. What scared me most was what the Dark Matter did to Dedede shortly after. Dedede's body mutated into a horrifying monstrosity and took a puppet-like state. It gives me the chills just thinking about it… After we recovered Dedede, I seriously thought he swiped our Dream Stones and ran off with them, but when we caught up to him, I was proven wrong. For once Dedede told the truth without a fight. After getting Dedede to cooperate we all arrived at a witch's tower called the Butter Building. She reminds me of Ms. Rowlin's Pappy Pottey novel and her name is Grill. She told us the history of the Dream Stones and claims that my family descends from one of the sages that created them! I still have a hard time believing that, but I'll do anything to help Kirby!"

Tiff

*Grill's Laboratory*

Ribbon stood aghast at Grill's accusation, but now she realized that now was the time to reveal her side of the story. Ribbon sighed and took a deep breath, "Very well, I suppose its time to tell you everything," she said softly. "The Dark Matter is a physical manifestation of evil and it is ruled by the Dark Matter Overlord aptly named Zero. The Dark Matter despises worlds that are bright, vivid and full of happy inhabitants. The reason for this is because they themselves cannot be happy, or so we believe. The Faeries, being a race that knows nothing of sadness and turmoil have been the major targets of Zero and his minions. In all of written history, Zero had never stepped onto the battle field himself. However, it was believed that no weapon could bring him harm. Nearly four hundred years ago, during a war on my home planet, Ripple Star, the Queen Fairy called out Zero. Witness's say he had a hauntingly white colored body, completely opposite of his miniature cronies. After the Queen called him out, off in the distance, over a mountain range that overlooked our city it seemed as though the moon had descended. The large white sphere tore an unending, undaunted path from ground zero all the way to the Queen Fairy's front door. The belief that Zero could not be harmed by any weapon was confirmed on that day. As Zero tore through everything we held sacred the Queen recited a powerful forbidden incantation with the help of the most sacred of Fairy artifacts, the Heartstar Rod. When Zero cast his shadow over the Queen she continued to pray as Zero mocked her. An eyewitness claimed that Zero launched a powerful energy wave that was meant to destroy the entire city but just as Zero finished, so did the Queen with her own spell. The two powers clashed with a force that shook all of Ripple Star as the Queen thrust forth the Heartstar Rod and then finally, the entire planet was enveloped in a bright white light. When the light finally vanished, Zero and the Queen were nowhere to be found. We did not have time to grieve our loss as we had to finish expunging Zero's army. Now, the Fairy Council has become aware of Zero's re-emergence and is desperately searching for a way to finish him off. The Council was surprised when it was this planet instead of Ripple Star that was attacked. The Council sent us to investigate what they were after and as it turned out they were searching for the Dream Stones, but we did not know the name of these artifacts until I met you Kirby. I'm not a tourist from Ripple Star; I'm a Fairy Strategist and part time Medic that guides and organizes Fairy Warriors into battle. We suffered a surprise attack by Marx who killed my squad off and took me as a hostage…, I'm sorry I had to lie to you. The information was confidential…, and all this time, I was treating you guys like substitute soldiers that I could guide and find the Dream Stones…"

With the exception of Grill and Kirby, Kirby's party was stunned at Ribbon's words. "So that explains your actions and your rather strategic behavior," Waddle Dee realized.

"You've been using us as replacements?" Tiff asked astounded. "I didn't think I would make a good soldier…"

"I'm actually quite honored really," Adeleine added with a smile.

"Oh, Ribbon could you explain to them why I told them a year has passed since the Dark Matter arrived?" Grill reminded her.

"Oh, I got so caught up in my story that I forgot to mention that part!" Ribbon said with embarrassment. "The Dark Matter always surveys a new planet for strategic points of interest, the military strengths, economic strengths and even the resources, before they move in to attack."

"Did they find out about the Dream Stones that way?" Waddle Dee asked curiously.

"I'm not sure, but seeing as how they are here for them, I believe that's a safe assumption," Ribbon said glumly. Ribbon took an apologetic bow, "I am so sorry for keeping this from all of you! I just couldn't bare the thought of the Dark Matter attacking more innocent people!"

Everyone paused for a moment until Tiff kneeled down beside her and placed her hand on Ribbon's shoulder, "Its okay Ribbon, I'm not going to pretend to understand what you're going through, but we'll do everything we can to help!"

Dedede jumped in with anger, "Hello, didn'cha hear what she said? No weapon can hurt this guy and that means we are done for!"

Everyone suddenly, sunk into a gloomy state with a moan. "Listen to yourselves, how are we gonna save Pop Star with that attitude!" Tiff scolded. "If we collect the Dream Stones then we'll just have to dream up a weapon that can defeat Zero!"

"Tiff's right!" Adeleine said pumped up. "After all, he only appeared once so no one has had any time to find out his weakness, everything has a weakness!"

Waddle Dee followed, "Hey Ribbon, you said the Queen Fairy had a staff called the Heartstar Rod, maybe that weapon can hurt him! My people are great with learning how to make and use weapons of almost any kind, I mean heck we turned an umbrella into a weapon! Maybe my people can make us a new one!"

Ribbon chimed, "Thanks you guys, but forging a new Heartstar Rod is impossible with what little time and resources we have…," she finished glumly.

Dedede ranted with frustration, "So what! Just use the Dream Stones to wish for a new one!"

Everyone gasped, "Dedede actually said something useful!" Tiff said with utter surprise.

"What? I ain't no dummy!" Dedede claimed loudly. "I can come up with some pretty smart stuff when I want to!"

"Actually, we might be able to use the Dream Stones to make an entirely new weapon that could hurt Zero with a more stable guarantee!" Ribbon chimed.

"So then it's unanimous," Grill started. "The only way to defend Pop Star against Zero is to gather the Dream Stones before he or anyone else does."

"Okay then, so where did the Squeaks take the ones we already had?" Ribbon asked Grill with anticipation.

Grill flew to her crystal ball and peered deep into it, "The Squeaks are looking for what they call, 'Ultimate Power' but they won't find it from the Dream Stones they stole."

"What do you mean they won't find it?" Tiff asked confounded.

"You'll find 'that' out soon enough, but for now, if you want to find the Squeaks, they went to the Colosseum at the north of Citrine City to feed their greed with prize money," Grill explained.

"Well alright then, you guys better go I'll stay here and train with Grill…," Tiff said softly, still a little disappointed.

Grill giggled, "Not so fast, I have a little technique for Kirby to learn, it shouldn't take you long to master."

"You can teach Kirby a new technique?" Tiff said flatly.

"Yes Kirby, I take it that Meta Knight didn't have much time to teach you about Compound Abilities did he?" Grill asked cheerfully.

Kirby gave Grill a blank stare and then it suddenly hit him, "Kirby know, Kirby know!" he said with a smile.

"Good, so it seems you've been touching up on it for awhile now," Grill complemented. "How much have you actually figured out on your own?"

Before Kirby could speak, Grill shushed him and put her hand on his forehead, "Don't say a word Kirby, I'll understand more by reading your mind." Grill concentrated as she probed Kirby's mind, "Oh, I see it now, you figured out half the technique already on your own, fabulous Kirby, that makes my job easier!" Grill said happily as she walked over to a battered chest and opened it. Grill dug around in the chest and brought out a large iron shield and a basic sword. Grill approached Kirby, "Suck up these items Kirby, I can tell from reading your thoughts that you can hold onto five abilities in your stomach at once. One of these your all to familiar with, the sword. This other ability you probably have never used before."

Kirby did as he was instructed and inhaled the sword and the sturdy looking shield. Kirby now had Stone, Needle, Mirror, Sword, and an ability that was totally new to him, Shield. Kirby transformed into Shield Kirby, "Clank, clank, shield stronger than steel!" he said happily. Kirby had an old fashioned knight helmet and two halves of a shield mounted on each of his arms. When he smashed his arms together a complete shield was made. After having some fun with the new power Kirby suppressed it, ready for what else Grill had in store.

Grill began, "Okay here's how it goes, and I want you to focus on two of the abilities in your stomach that you think would make a good combination and I want you to squeeze the air bubbles together, that should fuse the abilities together if you do it just right!" Grill instructed. Kirby took a comfortable stance and began to focus. The walls of Kirby's stomach began to churn and he broke out in a slight sweat. Kirby's party watched intently as he focused on the task at hand. Finally, Kirby managed to make two of the abilities collide and fuse together in his stomach. "All right Kirby, it seems you were able to do it, so show us what ones you put together!"

Kirby popped the bubble in his stomach and allowed his body to absorb the power. Kirby's body broke out into an immense sweat and he quickly began showing signs of fatigue and pain. Grill now became unsure of the situation, "I was afraid of this," she thought. "Kirby might master the technique, but his body might not be able to handle the stress of holding a Compound Ability because he hasn't reached adulthood yet."

However, contrary to Grill's thoughts Kirby's new power was brought forth with a roar of light. Kirby wore a floppy crimson hat the seemed to sparkle despite not being made of a reflective material. The hat had a bright bluish white puffball at its tip and a zigzag gilded crown framed the top of Kirby's head. In Kirby's right hand was a shiny and glorious silver sword that cast the true reflection of anything that looked upon its blade.

"Shimmering Sword Kirby, reflect light, cut through shadow!" Kirby shouted with vigor. Kirby's team was astounded and they all rejoiced.

"Incredible, I really thought he would combine Sword and Shield together, but instead he chose to fuse Mirror with Sword and created a powerful light based ability," Grill thought to herself. Despite being filled with power Kirby seemed to be out of breath. "Great job Kirby, although I must say you made a great choice seeing as how you'll be up against the undead when you arrive at Old Citrine City," Grill stated.

Waddle Dee spoke as he tapped Kirby on the shoulder, "That was so cool, what other powers can you create Kirby?"

"I bet there all kinds of strange moves you can make with this kind of skill!" Tiff said confidently.

"There could be as many possibilities as there are shades of colors!" Adeleine stated.

"Darn it now he's gonna be even tougher to beat!" Dedede choked.

Kirby suppressed his new Shimmering Sword ability for later use. After doing so he began to repeat the process with two more of his stored powers. Same as before, Kirby brought forth another new ability. The helmet for this one was heavily armored and adorned with orange spikes, a chin strap and a visor. On each of his arms were two slabs of metal outfitted with three sharp spikes, the two slabs seemed as though they fit together just like Shield. "Spike Shield Kirby, best offense is defense!"

"Amazing, he combined Needle with Shield!" Grill said with astonishment. Kirby was now breathing very hard and seemed to overexert himself a little. "Don't worry Kirby it'll get easier the more you do it. Regardless, I have to say you made some interesting choices," Grill complimented.

"What do you mean?" Tiff asked with a little curiosity. "Were there better choices he could have made?"

"Heh, I just thought he'd go for a more obvious combination like Sword and Shield to create the Knight ability. However, he created Shimmering Sword and that ability that has the power to attack and defend at the same time. His sword beam can't be blocked or reflected and he can strike energy attacks with the sword and reflect them. Then he goes and creates Spike Shield which gives an otherwise defensive ability a much higher offense. Once he guards with that shield the spikes dislodge and home in after the source of the attack and secondly, this ability has very little weak spots in it. Shield all by itself isn't a very powerful ability, but it combines well with many others making it very versatile," Grill explained thoroughly. Grill walked over to one of her book cases and grabbed a tome from it. Grill then walked back to Kirby, "Here, this book holds a list of very powerful Compound Abilities that have been discovered by your people over the course of history, feel free to keep it and review it at your leisure. However, I give you one warning Kirby, many abilities can't be combined and those that can aren't always useful. Just because you can make compound abilities doesn't mean they are all useful, in fact, of the ones that can be combined a chunk of them are pretty useless. So just feel it out!"

Kirby took the book and suppressed his Spike Shield and stored the book safely away. Grill then cleared her throat, "Okay, then," Grill started, "Kirby, you can go to the Colosseum with your friends, but I want Tiff to stay here for a little while. As I said, I have a few things I want to teach her."

Kirby chose to stick with Waddle Dee and King Dedede and Adeleine stayed back to help Tiff, "Remember, don't forget about me if you guys get into trouble!" Adeleine mentioned.

"Please Kirby, stay safe and be careful," Tiff said with concern. "And try to keep Dedede out of trouble…"

Grill spoke up, "I'll warp you guys back town whenever you're ready. Just give me a holler when you're ready to go back."

Before asking to return, Kirby took out the strange coin he received from the Vegetable Village librarian and showed it to Grill, "Wha- woah, where on Pop Star did you find 'this'!" she said with utter surprise. Grill took a book from her shelf and opened it. "Yup, I'm only missing six of these then I have the entire collection!" Grill walked back over to Kirby and examined the coin, "Yes, this is one that I'm missing!"

Waddle Dee spoke curiously, "So, uh, what are those coins to you?"

"The coins are a form of ancient currency that was used by my people; however most of them were destroyed over time," Grill explained. "I'm making a coin collection and I'm missing six until it's completed. Hey, how about I make you a deal Kirby if you manage to find the others I will trade you some powerful magical artifacts that could really help your party! So, how about it Kirby, you'll give me that coin and I'll give you an artifact in return!"

Kirby liked the proposition and handed over the coin. Grill placed the coin in her book and wandered over to a large chest. She opened the chest and began searching, "Huh, now what could you use?" she mumbled as she tossed out unrelated items such as a red hat with the letter 'M' on it, a silver rupee, and a yo-yo with a logo that read 'Eagleland' on it. "Ah, here we go!" she cheered as she found a suitable item. Grill approached Kirby, "Here take this Caduceus Stick," she said handing over a small wooden totem with two snake carvings intertwining it with two wooden feathers at the top.

"What's the deal here," Dedede grumbled. "We get a wooden stick with two worms on it for a gold coin?"

"Not quite, this totem is a magical artifact that, while being in the hands of those who posses it will heal twice as fast! All medicines, food, magic potions, or healing spells will double in strength simply by having this!"

While Waddle Dee and Dedede were skeptical, Kirby seemed to enjoy his trade and happily accepted the artifact, "Thank you, poyo!" he said delighted.

"Are you ready to go back to town now?" Grill asked politely.

"Poyo, let's go!" Kirby cheered.

"Okay, be careful out there!" Grill said as she cast her spell. In a bright flash of light Kirby, Dedede and Waddle Dee vanished.

*Citrine City*

"Whew, that was some trip!" Dedede said surprised as he and the others arrived at the center of Citrine City. They arrived in front of the oasis that was at the heart of the city. Little ways to the right, a strange purple cloaked shaman was performing magic tricks for a surrounding audience. He wore long flowing garments that covered his feet and hands and his face was concealed by a hood with only two small yellow eyes shining through.

Curious, Kirby went up to him to see what was going on, "Oh, now here's a brave little volunteer!" he said with amazement. Kirby seemed puzzled, "Behold my good people, this child has come forth, I will use my mystical power to awaken his sleeping powers!" the strange shaman announced. He waved his hands in the air and covered Kirby in a soft blue light and recited an incantation. After it was done, Kirby automatically transformed into Shimmering Sword Kirby. The audience freaked and ran off with haste. However, the shaman seemed upset at something other than his frightened audience. "Hmm, I know that's not right, that isn't supposed to happen," he said slightly disgruntled. "According to my senses, you already found this power. Rats, I guess I could really use the Book of N'or for a refresher course. I must really be off my game."

"Excuse me sir," Waddle Dee asked. "What was your power supposed to do?"

"Let me put it this way, my ability can unleash the hidden potential of others, on average a kitten can become a Fire Lion, uh, metaphorically speaking," the shaman explained.

"Wow, that's quite an improvement!" Dedede said intrigued.

"I see that you three have much potential hidden within you, if I had the Book of N'or I could unleash it for you!" the shaman explained.

"Where is this book?" Waddle Dee asked curiously.

"I believe I've narrowed it down to the library in the Citrine Citadel," the shaman sighed. "However, no one has been there for a very long time…"

"Maybe we should pick up that book Kirby, we need all the power we can get when we face Zero," Waddle Dee whispered. The shaman sat under the shade of the palm tree and began to meditate.

Suddenly, a horn echoed throughout the city and a group of Waddlekin, Cappies, and even Ebbrians dressed in heavy shiny armor and beautifully flowing garments came bustling into town while riding on Nruffs. They passed as quickly as they came and seemed to be heading to the Mayor's residence. "Who were those people?" Dedede asked quizzically.

Waddle Dee was stunned with surprise, "Those were the followers of the Argent Crown Crusade!" Waddle Dee explained. "I wonder what they are doing here…"

"You mean like missionaries?" Ribbon asked in an attempt to understand.

"More like holy soldiers, but we don't have time to visit them to see what they're up to, we have to get to the Colosseum!" Waddle Dee said getting back to the mission at hand.

"Well let's get goin' then!" Dedede shouted as the party sped off to the north.

*Sandstone Colosseum*

The Sandstone Colosseum was a large circular structure that had a very aged appearance that said to those who looked upon it that it was quite old. The stands were filled with cheering people of all sorts of races; each hoping for their favorite fighter will win the brutal competitions.

Kirby and his party approached the railing that separated the crowd from the stadium battle field and Waddle Dee noticed one of the fighters, "Hey, that's Bruiser Dee!"

"Who, which one is he?" Dedede asked quizzically.

"See that rather muscular Waddle Dee out there, fighting that Golem?" Waddle Dee pointed out. "I'm a big fan!"

"Oh yeah, he looks tough; do you think he'll win?" Dedede asked.

"That Golem looks pretty tough, too," Ribbon added.

"Yeah, he's got this, that's no ordinary Golem though, that's Colossus, I'm a fan of his too!" Waddle Dee said with glee.

Something caught Kirby's eye and he tapped Waddle Dee on the shoulder, "What's up Kirby?" Waddle Dee asked as his eyes followed what Kirby was pointing at. Across the stadium a bipedal mouse with a red top hat and cape with an upturned collar watched the match intently from a luxury box. "Good eyes Kirby, that's definitely a Squeak and he looks like the leader too, I wonder what he's doing in this part of the world," Waddle Dee stated.

The announcer came on over the intercom, "Game! That's a knock out for Bruiser Dee! What an uppercut, folks, I do believe Colossus will feel that one in the morning!"

"Sweet deal, I wonder if I can get an autograph," Waddle Dee said out loud.

"Well, let's go get one then!" Dedede said. "I can get whatever I want since I'm a King and all!"

"Wait guys aren't we supposed to catch the Squeaks?!" Ribbon shouted.

King Dedede drug Kirby and Waddle Dee down into the arena with Ribbon flying after. This action caused quite a stir, "What's this, it looks like a couple of fans have run out onto the battlefield!" shouted the announcer.

King Dedede ran up to Bruiser Dee and addressed himself accordingly, "Hey, Bruiser Dee, I'm the great King Dedede sovereign ruler of Dreamland and I want an autograph!"

Up close, one could see the scars of past battles that Bruiser Dee had fought in that he proudly wore. On his head he proudly wore a gold bandana like the one Waddle Dee wore, but this one was outfitted with studs and a black strap with a gold star and wings on the forehead. It was his trademark bandana. "Certainly, your majesty but let me ask you a question!" Bruiser stated with extreme vigor. "Wouldn't a big super strong looking guy like you like to show off his strength to his subordinates first?"

King Dedede seemed slightly confused and he retreated deep into thought. Ribbon whispered to Waddle Dee, "What's Bruiser doing?"

"He's trying to politely tell Dedede to earn an autograph by calling him out. Bruiser and all the other fighters here don't simply hand out autographs. They give them out in exhibition matches," Waddle Dee replied quietly. "Since a king would be insulted by being told to simply earn it he's trying to see if Dedede wants to flex his muscles so to speak…"

"What's an exhibition match?" Ribbon asked as Kirby joined her cheek to cheek with curiosity.

"It's a friendly fight between a fan and the fighter they want an autograph from. It's sort of a custom around here," Waddle Dee explained. "And Bruiser Dee loves a good match!"

Bruiser rose his spirit even more, "Would you King Dedede, like to show these people what your capable of?! Show them why they call you King?!"

"Uh, I think Bruiser speaking directly to Dedede's ego now…," Waddle Dee said with worry.

Dedede could no longer hold his thoughts in, "You're darn right I do!"

"Hook, line and sinker…," Ribbon sighed.

*Colosseum Lobby*

Bruiser Dee escorted Kirby and his friends to the lobby for a chat, "Welcome all would be challengers," Bruiser said as he turned his attention to Kirby. "Hey, I think I've heard of you. Aren't you the little guy they call Kirby, the child Superhero that's always fighting monsters?" Kirby nodded with a hop and a cheer, "So you want to test your muscle in this arena huh? If you want an exhibition match there are only three fighters' here right now, Iron Mam, and this new kid Knuckle Joe haven't arrived yet. All you have to do is go to that nice lady at the front desk and ask to be registered in one of our brackets! Sorry I have to be so quick and all but I gotta go give the vultures, uh…, I mean paparazzi their story!"

With that, Kirby and his friends fought their way to the front desk where the Cappy clerk was trying hard to keep track of her work. However, King Dedede was so loud and boisterous, that he drew her attention away from everyone else, "Hey, I wanna fight in an exhibition match!"

The clerk spoke nervously as she adjusted her glasses, "Um, please choose the fighter whose bracket you want to face in the exhibition match."

"Dedede, do you really think you'll get in-," Waddle Dee said as he was cut off.

"Hey, I pick that guy, I wanna fight that guy!" Dedede said loudly as he pointed at the toughest looking guy in large the computer monitor behind the clerk.

Nearly everyone went silent in the room, "What, you want to fight Juggernaut?! You realize he's a Big Metalun, right? You know a large metal cyclops that's shaped kinda like an egg?" Waddle Dee asked surprised.

"Why what's the problem?" Dedede asked ignorantly.

"The only people who want to fight Juggernaut are those huge muscle heads who want to test their strength against a nearly invulnerable foe! He'll flatten you Dedede!" Waddle Dee warned.

"I want some practice I mean Ribbon said that Zero is nearly invincible so I might as well pick fights with other people like that! Maybe they have some weakness in common that I could look for!" Dedede explained.

Waddle Dee and the others seemed dumbstruck, "You know that actually makes sense to some extent," Waddle Dee said astonished. "How about it Ribbon, do you think if Dedede could effectively damage a Big Metalun, he would stand a chance against Zero?"

"I-I guess he could, I mean, very few people can deal a lot of damage to a Metalun let alone a Big Metalun. I say, what have you got to lose?" Ribbon agreed.

"Wait, what am I saying?" Waddle Dee said coming back to his senses. "Even if you try to register the chances of you getting a spot…, wow, he got a spot…," Waddle Dee said as he was once again cut off as the name Dedede appeared on the last slot.

"Congrats sir, um please step over here so we can take your photo!" the clerk instructed. Dedede stood in place and showed the peace sign with both his hands and smiled triumphantly.

"Well if he got in then I'm trying my luck too!" Waddle Dee said with excitement. "Excuse me ma'am are there any left open spots in Bruiser Dee's bracket?"

"I'm sorry…, oh dear, hold on someone just dropped out, do you want his place?" the clerk asked.

"Yes, that would be fine, thank you!" Waddle Dee said happily as he skipped away to get his picture taken.

Kirby looked a little upset, so Ribbon tried to comfort him, "I bet you want to fight to, huh Kirby?" Kirby pointed at Knuckle Joe's bracket and in big red letters it read 'postponed', but aside from that something else caught Ribbon's eye, "Oh my, that face, it's the Squeak we saw earlier, his name, its Daroach, he's fighting too?" Ribbon said astonished. "Um excuse me, is there a spot left in Knuckle Joe's bracket? My little friend here would love to take a crack at him!"

"Oh, yes, we have one slot left, what's your friend's name?" the clerk asked.

"His name is Kirby!" Ribbon said with a smile. The clerk typed in the name and it appeared under the last slot in Knuckle Joe's bracket. Kirby happily hummed a tune as he went to get his picture taken.

Suddenly, the word 'Postponed' that was over Knuckle Joe's picture disappeared, "Well, it looks like Knuckle Joe has returned!" the clerk said happily. "Attention all fighter's in Knuckle Joe's bracket, please do not leave the premises and report to the east wing locker rooms immediately."

Ribbon heard the voice of Adeleine calling her, "Hey, what about me can't I enter the tournament too?" Adeleine asked a little miffed. Just as she finished her sentence she appeared through a magical light. Everyone around the light was instantly spooked by her sudden appearance. Adeleine approached the clerk, "Is there a place left in Colossus' bracket?"

The clerk adjusted her glasses and checked her computer; just as she brought it up she noticed that four slots were left. "Yes, there are four slots remaining, please walk this way."

Waddle Dee approached Kirby, "It seems that we need to go to different locker rooms, but that's okay though. It's great to see Adeleine fighting by the way and from what I see, that Squeak and his three lackeys each entered a separate bracket. It looks like that thanks to Dedede we'll be getting more than autographs. This is a good chance to take back the Dream Stones!"

Adeleine approached the gang, "Sorry for making that decision on such short notice, I had Grill transport me here. I figure this way we'll cover more ground, as long as we keep the Squeak Squad from leaving the arena we should be able to take back the Dream Stones."

"Well, they might be using the Dream Stones and I hear his henchmen are no slouches either so keep your guard up!" Waddle Dee warned.

*East Wing Locker Room*

Kirby and Ribbon stayed quietly in a corner as they scoped out the sixty four competitors that hoped to take on Knuckle Joe. "I see you have your work cut out for you Kirby, there are all kinds of people here…," Ribbon whispered. Suddenly, Kirby gave a cold stare to someone across the room, leaning against the wall. Ribbon looked at who Kirby was staring at and seen that it was Daroach himself, but he did not seem to notice them. "That's our guy Kirby, keep your chin up!" Ribbon whispered again.

*West Wing Locker Room*

Waddle Dee stayed quietly on a wall and let the other fighter's trash talk each other all they liked, right now Waddle Dee had more important things to worry about. Using just his eyes, Waddle Dee spotted the shady bipedal yellow mouse he had caught a glimpse of in town earlier that morning. "There you are, well, someone's unusually calm," Waddle Dee thought quietly. Two burly Cappy fighters came up to Waddle Dee with intent to trash talk him into giving up. "Hey check this guy out," mocked the shorter one. "I didn't know they let kids in here!" he continued. "Yeah, I guess they'll let anybody in here these days it totally ruins the sport!" the taller followed. However, to Waddle Dee these two trouble makers were currently invisible as his full attention was on Daroach's lackey. The two Cappy creeps became a little unnerved at the fact that Waddle Dee was completely ignoring them and they quickly gave up.

*North Wing Locker Room*

Adeleine was surprised at the fact that she was the only female fighter in the room. Through the stone walls she could hear the voices of the male competitors. Further along the wall, Adeleine noticed a hole was carved into the wall and it was obvious it had no practical purpose other than spying on female competitors. Adeleine peeked through the hole and she caught the vision of a small Squeak with goofy, thick glasses and a bushy white mustache that was working on a crablike machine. "Heh, he looks harmless outside that robot, I'll get him, and I got just the thing for you!" Adeleine whispered. Suddenly, her own vision was blocked by another eye ball, "Hi there pretty lady!" an obnoxious voice said. Adeleine backed off and grew agitated enough to transform into Dullaheat and melt the hole shut.

*South Wing Locker Room*

King Dedede wandered around aimlessly in the locker room until he passed the biggest blue Squeak he'd ever seen. He wore a red shirt with a matching do-rag and an eye patch over his left eye. The two exchanged gazes for only a moment and then calmly continued walking away from each other. "I remember now, that's the big blue brute that knocked me senseless earlier today!" Dedede thought trying to keep his anger to himself. "When I get a hold of that guy I'm gonna pay him back ten fold!" Dedede thought angrily.

*End of Chapter*