Donkey Kong burst through the brush, panting for breath. His eyes adjusted to his surroundings: a jungle. But not just any jungle.
His jungle.
But changed.
Donkey Kong turned to see his hut just off to the side. Among the massive trees, a path lay ahead of him. And up ahead rested a building with the words "Cranky's Cabin" on a banner.
Shrieks of a monkey rang through the jungle. Steeling himself, DK pressed on. He knew his little buddy was here somewhere, and he'd venture across the whole jungle to find him if he had to.
The big ape stopped in his tracks when he heard a loud booming sound come from nearby… and reacted too late when a cannonball rocketed from the bushes, smacking into his chest. DK jolted back, holding his torso in pain. When he looked straight ahead again, he had his teeth bared readily.
A King K. Rool puppet emerged from the trees, laughing to itself and placing a crown on its head. It cracked its knuckles, snarling at DK. The gorilla replied by beating his chest… and breaking into a charge.
He jumped over a toss of the crown, slamming the croc into the ground. Nabbing the crown on its return trip, the ape bashed the puppet on the head with it thrice before tossing it away. The reptilian clone lashed out a claw, grabbing DK by the face. With his strong arms, Donkey Kong hoisted the puppet from the ground, slamming it behind him.
Taking the clone by its feet, the ape heaved the puppet (who snapped at his head too late upon release) away. It smashed right into a tree, sinking to the ground. It growled, starting to get back up… when a pineapple bonked off its head. Followed by a second and a third fruit, the croc fell, reverted to its trophy form, and popped. The spirit of the real king's minion, a Kritter, floated away.
Donkey Kong snorted, continuing down the path. That building up ahead was worth a quick peek; maybe it could give the gorilla a sign or two. Giving a curious hoot, DK approached the entrance to the cabin. As soon as he reached the door, he could faintly hear a primal noise of surprise… and it wasn't coming from him.
The door burst open in a shower of splinters, causing Donkey Kong to throw up his arms, shielding himself from the debris. Something roared loudly, charging from the hut and tackling Donkey Kong to the path.
Punch after punch met DK's head, prompting the gorilla to snatch an incoming fist and hold it back with all his might. Slamming that hand against the attacker's own face, he scrambled back a short distance. The attacker, a white-furred copy of himself, shook out its fur, releasing a bright pink mist that floated into the air like steam. Some bubbles formed, one popping close to the confused ape's face. He sniffed in some of the mist… and let out a huge yawn. His eyes grew heavy, his body swayed side-to-side…
...and he snapped awake, shaking his head wildly as if Cranky Kong had caught him dozing off to another long, boring story. The other DK walloped him from overhead, nearly burying his head in the dirt. From his downed position, DK rolled forward, knocking the other ape back and into some crates. The gorilla tried to advance, but a good look at the sleep-inducing mist made him back off.
How was he supposed to beat this thing now?
His eyes spotted a tree off in the distance. And at the top of that tree sat a bunch of delicious golden fruit…
His pupils cartoonishly matched the shape of those fruits and his jaw opened wide. He had an idea.
Donkey Kong ran over to the tree, giving it a hard punch to make it wobble in place. One single banana fell from the punch, landing in the ape's open palm. He held the banana high in the air, waving it above his head. The fake Donkey Kong stepped from the mist, its nose picking up the scent of something scrumptious…
...and when its eyes locked on the banana, it just couldn't resist. With some excited howls, it charged for Donkey Kong. The gorilla simply unpeeled the fruit, squirted it down in one gulp, and tossed the peel onto the ground…
...where the fake ape stepped on it.
Suddenly losing its balance, the false Donkey Kong crashed to the ground. Jumping high, Donkey Kong gave a howl of dominance and smashed down onto the ape's back. Trophy, spirit, done.
DK paused for a moment when he saw the familiar figure inside the spirit. No wonder he felt so tired from that mist as if listening to one of Cranky's stories: that puppet had the soul of the old monkey himself. With a smile, he held out a fist… but was struck by the realization of the spirit not having a physical form and pulled back with a sheepish grin.
DK moved on down the path, rounding another bend. Instead of a building this time, he saw an entrance to a tunnel (with a conveniently-placed sign that read "Caves"). Deciding the best way to progress- as well as the only way- was through the cave. So he went.
But just a few steps inside the dark, damp tunnel, a yellow flash streaked in and out of sight. "Huh?" the ape grunted, squinting through the dim cave. He scratched his head with one giant finger… and shrugged.
It was probably nothing.
But a few more steps later, the flash zipped past again. DK was positive he wasn't seeing things this time. He stood on-guard, waiting for the yellow streak to show itself again.
But instead of seeing something again, he heard something. A short, electrical buzzing… that from out of his sight, came from a lightning-shaped tail.
"PikaCHU!"
DK was slapped in the face with the tail, which sent a small shock through his system. He stumbled, his eyes turning to meet the tiny yellow creature whose electricity was acting as its own form of illumination. Holding one arm high, he slammed the yellow Pokemon like a bug.
At least, he thought he would.
In the blink of an eye, the Pokemon zipped to the right. Then, quicker than Donkey Kong could track him, the Pikachu puppet hopped on top of the furry arm and lashed out with the tail again. It struck in an upward arc, hard enough to send the heavyweight crashing to the rocky floor of the cave. Shaking his head from the impact, DK picked up a medium-sized boulder under one arm… and chucked it at the Pokemon with a mighty roar.
"PiKA!" it cried, blowing the rock to smithereens with a single electric pulse. But what it didn't expect was for Donkey Kong to ambush it right after the rock blew apart, and a furred fist smashed it hard enough to send it flying. The Pokemon bounced off the rocky walls, enabling Donkey Kong to chase after it until the end of the tunnel was in sight.
Quickly, Donkey Kong grabbed its tail, forcing himself to endure the shock that followed… and slammed the Pikachu puppet on the ground over and over. Flinging it into a wall, he followed up with a series of strong punches that didn't stop until he realized he was walloping a trophy. It shattered into fragments, and Donkey Kong could almost hear the excited buzzing of the freed Zinger spirit within.
"Oooh…" Donkey Kong exited the cave to see a fresh, sparkling blue lake just below the left turn the path took. He ran up, taking a quick peek inside. Hopefully, all those battles didn't rough up his fur too much, and he'd certainly like to go for a dip when this business with Galeem was all said and done…
Wait, what was that in the water?
BROOSH! Something erupted from below the surface, sending water drops raining down on the ape. He turned and faced the creature with clenched fists. The creature roared, its appearance resembling an armored dragon. Briefly hovering in the air, it snarled at the gorilla… who roared back at it in response.
Donkey Kong jumped for the dragon, his fists ready to pound its head in. The dragon was quicker, lashing out with its tail and snapping DK back to dry ground. The beast soon touched down, its form shifting into that of a human with a bladed sword: a clone of Corrin.
The puppet held out its weapon in a challenging manner before drawing it to its side. Beckoning Donkey Kong to come and face it. Pounding the ground with a huff, Donkey Kong charged with a roar.
The puppet ducked a swing, easily sidestepped more punches, and twirled to avoid a ground smash… slicing his blade across Donkey Kong's upper arm. The ape yowled, tufts of brown fur fluttering to the ground. The clone of Corrin stepped back, suddenly thrusting forward with a spinning stab attack.
A single punch from the ape interrupted this attack, sending the copy stumbling. Seizing the clone's cape with a massive hand, Donkey Kong spun the puppet around. He released, sending it smacking into the top of the cave entrance. The puppet collapsed, its ears ringing from the impact.
And when its senses returned, a massive roar cut through its head. The puppet's eyes flashed open… and the last thing it saw was Donkey Kong smashing a chunk of earth on top of it.
The only thing that emerged from the rubble was the spirit of the swordfish Enguarde. Bidding the spirit farewell, DK pressed on. He moved down the path to a right turn at another building. This one looked more like a shop, with two banners by an open window. They read "Barrel Flights". DK approached the building, taking a peek inside.
He hooted in awe. The place was full of mechanical parts, especially in the back. He could see all kinds of travel methods, from the classic minecart to a barrel rocket. DK could also recognize chassis parts for the Barrel Train and Off-Roader, vehicles made specifically for him and Diddy in the Mario Kart circuits. And on the back wall, he could see a blueprint for something. On the left was a barrel-built bike with some kind of lever on the left-hand side. And on the right was a similar vehicle strapped from minecart pieces, two Barrel Cannons on the back for thrusters, and a miniature wooden cannon for a sidecar.
BONK! Something whacked Donkey Kong in the face, making him stumble back while holding his nose. A helmeted figure vaulted from behind the counter, gesturing for him to come. A copy of Donkey Kong burst from behind some bushes, and a fake Diddy Kong hovered down from the rooftop. With a face of annoyance, DK cracked his knuckles.
The Captain Falcon puppet charged first, springing up for an overhead assault. It let loose a flurry of kicks, which met the fur of DK's locking arms. He swiped the phony bounty hunter away… and was instantly met with another foe.
The fake Donkey Kong locked hands with the real deal, pushing him back and growling in his face. With a determined look, DK dropped to the ground, planted his feet on the imposter's chest… and shoved him off. The false gorilla howled as it was sent plummeting down to the lake below.
With a startled shriek, the fake Diddy flew in with his rocket pack… but didn't get very far. DK nabbed the monkey's tail, grabbed the rocket pack, and ripped it off. The barrel contraption spiraled away, exploding against a tree. Keeping his grip on the tail steady, he began to spin the phony primate over his head. The fake Diddy was growing dizzy in moments, yelping in alarm.
He heaved the fake Diddy at the Captain Falcon puppet, knocking him into the counter. A charging double-kick was enough to knock it right over the counter… and smashing through some metallic parts.
Donkey Kong heard a brief explosion, making him flinch. "Ah! Whoa! Ooch, ouch! Yowza!" someone cried. "I'm awake! I'm awake! Did I have too much banana juice last night or what?!" Another spirit floated into view, zipping to various parts of the shack. "Oh, snap. Must've been WAY out past surfing time, yo. Wha-huh?" Suddenly, the spirit flew right up to DK, nearly making him fall to the floor in surprise. The ape stared at the spirit… something about that spirit seemed familiar.
"Oh, yo, yo, yo, what is UP, big dude! Long time no see!" the spirit shouted. Now that DK could clearly see it, the appearance of a shade-wearing gorilla with a bandana rested within the spirit. "Everything a-ok in the land of DK? Funky's got your back if it ain't! ...Hey, where's the little dude?"
DK just fell silent.
"Oh, that's harsh, man," Funky answered. "Real harsh. Respect, bro. Hey, if it helps, come take a look around. I think I got something for ya." The spirit flew off to the back of the shop…
…
"That's what I'm talking about! Give 'em the old banana slamma, dude!"
Donkey Kong let out a farewell hoot to Funky, charging down the path along the lake. Another building looked not too far away. This one's sign said "Candy's". The ape squinted, moving in for a better look at the place…
...and got a faceful of banana.
He licked the fruity gunk off in no time to see a figure in black somersault from up top. DK grabbed it by the leg, smashed it to the ground, and raised a fist. The figure dissipated into a swarm of bats, momentarily confusing DK and making him swat at the creatures in annoyance.
The bats reformed together, revealing a puppet of Bayonetta that tossed a banana peel away. With a smirk, she sprinted forward at high speed. DK quickly moved his arms to block, protecting himself against her kicks and a few bullets. The ape spun wildly, hammering the false witch with a whirlwind of fists. The last hit was an uppercut that sent her flying into the air.
Grabbing the barrel from the nearby building's counter, Donkey Kong heaved it with all his might. The Bayonetta copy quickly aimed her guns at the incoming object… but was too late to fire. The barrel smashed into it, leaving only a trophy to land among splinters of wood.
DK brushed his hands together as the spirit of Candy Kong was released. The end of the path was up ahead, Donkey Kong could smell it.
Now that it was mentioned, Donkey Kong really could smell something. Something big… and delicious. Intrigued by this, he picked up his pace and ran on all fours through the jungle. He sniffed the air continuously, the scrumptious scent drawing ever closer…
DK burst into a daylit clearing, where the only sounds that could be heard were of local wildlife. And at the center of that clearing… was a sight Donkey Kong hadn't seen in a long time. His jaw dropped and his eyes went wide at the sight of it.
A big, huge pile of delicious yellow bananas. His old hoard. Donkey Kong could barely contain his excitement. After all this time of smashing and bashing puppets into the dirt and into the sky, he was feeling a little hungry.
He approached the pile, taking one of the fruit from the mass. He slowly peeled it, opening his mouth and moving the banana closer…
"EEEEEEE!"
Donkey Kong dropped the banana in a startled manner, spotting something small and furry popping out from the top of the pile. Something with red eyes, a red hat, and a mean face smacking a banana against its palm in a threatening manner.
Donkey Kong dropped his own banana. He'd found his little buddy at last… but he looked anything but happy to see the gorilla.
Then again, Diddy Kong would fly into a rage too if someone tried to steal from the banana hoard. But this was Donkey Kong's hoard: something he wouldn't take back without a fight. This was for both the bananas and for Diddy.
Picking up another banana, Diddy threw them both like boomerangs at the ape. DK expertly caught them both in his hands, squirting the fruit inside into his mouth. The moment he swallowed, the sound of a rocket cut through the jungle.
Launching from the top of the pile, Diddy Kong soared through the sky and whipped out his twin popguns. Peanuts flew with loud bangs, exploding and popping on the ground. A few hit DK, who managed to block some of the nuts with his bulky arms. He tossed one banana peel right into Diddy's face, blinding the monkey. With a screech of alarm, the primate overshot DK and dug into the ground.
Scrambling back up with limbs flailing, Diddy hopped into the air just before DK could throw himself onto the monkey. DK looked around wildly for any sign of his friend… and felt something land on his back.
He was shot airborne, screaming with alarm as something carried him up into the air and on a wild ride through the clearing. Diddy slightly descended, digging DK's face into the earth below. When he sharply turned right, DK spat out the dirt in his mouth and scowled. The sharp turns were making him dizzy and the speed was too much for him.
With one elbow, DK thrust his arm back to nail Diddy. The monkey was knocked off, causing the gorilla to hit the ground rolling. He transitioned into his Kongo Roll technique, barreling right for Diddy. The monkey looked behind him, screamed, and took off running. Before long, he dove to the side and DK uncurled himself. Like a cowboy at high noon, Diddy whipped out his popguns again.
Donkey Kong swerved around the blowing peanuts as they kicked up dirt and dust around him. He charged for Diddy, who tried to kick in his rocket pack again.
DK quickly grabbed Diddy by the tail, his feet digging into the ground as he refused to let the monkey fly away. Diddy pushed his rocket pack to its limit, desperately trying to flee… and the pack gave out with a cough of smoke, and DK's force on Diddy's tail slammed the monkey to the ground.
The monkey aimed his popgun again… but DK clamped his hand around it. Diddy, despite his weapon being blocked, still attempted to pull the trigger. The weapon backfired, making it explode in Diddy's face. Grabbing the monkey, DK hurled him right into the banana pile. He vanished inside… and the pile of fruit collapsed right on top of him.
Donkey Kong grew with concern, racing to the pile and digging through bananas with frantic breaths. Soon, something grey stuck out from the sea of yellow. His eyes widening, DK grabbed it and pulled it out. He took a moment to study the shape of his little buddy before setting the trophy on the ground. Taking two bananas in one hand, he tapped the base with his other one…
The sudden flash made him wince, but his heart warmed when he saw the body of the monkey laying in the dirt. Slowly, the primate sat up, shaking his head of grogginess. Tightening the cap on his head, Diddy Kong opened his eyes… and stopped when he saw the massive figure of Donkey Kong.
Diddy screeched with joy, leaping up and hugging his big pal. With a smile, DK hugged the monkey back and held him in his arms. Diddy pulled back, allowing DK to offer him a banana. With an excited face, Diddy snatched it, hopped away, and started to peel it.
Both Kongs had their appetites satisfied in moments. Tossing the peel away with a contented sigh, Donkey Kong stood and began to backtrack down the path towards the jungle's entrance… when something landed on his back.
He looked over his shoulder. There stood Diddy, with a proud grin on his face. His barrel-rocket pack was primed and ready, and his popguns dangled at his waist. He held his arms up in the air triumphantly, letting out a series of happy hoots and high-pitched cheers.
Donkey Kong couldn't resist smiling on his own… and joining in with the celebration by howling and beating his chest wildly. The howls echoed through the jungle, carrying on into the World of Light outside the trees.
(A/N: There's a little Easter Egg I put in Funky's shack. Can you guess what the vehicle in the blueprint is?)
