Chapter 3: Kirby's Duel Role

One early morning at Kirby's new house, the little star Warrior is sleeping in the nest of the tree next to his house. Suddenly there is a loud knock. Torkori who is sleeping in Kirby's bed wakes up with a groan,and the knocking continues.

The one who is knocking is Tiff who is calling out, "Kirby!"

Tuff and Emmy are with her too

"Well maybe he's still sleeping," Tuff says.

Emmy turns her head to see the little warrior in the tree. She giggles to see Kirby likes to sleep there like a bird.

Just then, Torkori opens the door, flies out, and says, "Whatever you're selling, I ain't buying, so put an egg in your shoe and beat it!"

Then lands on the door.

"Torkori…" Tiff replies

Tuff asks, "Hey, what are you doing in Kirby's house?"

Well, your little pink pal and I made a trade. I moved into his house and he moved into ma tree" Torkori answers.

Torkori flies to Kirby in the tree and says, "Rise and shine. You got company!"

Torkori pecks him with his beak causing Kirby to fall from the tree and rolls to his friends. Emmy helps him up making Kirby smiles. Emmy smiles as well

But the moment when Tuff says, "Wake up Kirby! Trouble's coming."

"We just came from King Dedede's castle. You see, this morning," Tiff says.

But Melman the mailman walks over, and says, "Well, there's the fella I'm looking for."

The kids turn to see Mr. Melmen

"We're kinda busy here Mr. Melman," Tuff says.

"Sorry Tuff. Just doing my job. Got a special delivery letter here from, uh, from uh, let's see…" Melman says, taking out a white envelope with a seal on it.

"Here," Tiff says taking the letter.

She turns it around and reads it. Then becomes shocked, "It's from Meta Knight!"

"Poyo?" Kirby asks, confused.

Emmy says in thoughts of concern, "Uh oh, I think I remember this episode I watched from home."

She then hears Tiff reading the letter, "Honorable Kirby. As a fellow Star Warrior you are required to accept my challenge. I hereby request a battle with you."

"Poyo. Poyo!" Kirby happily says.

"What are ya so happy about? Meta Knight challenged you to a duel!" Tuff questions.

"Poyo?" Kirby replies, confused.

Emmy worriedly says in thought, "I was right. This is when Meta Knight challenges Kirby and Dedede orders, but i think Meta Knight has his own reason for challenging Kirby. I'm also worried what's going to happen next."

In Town Square of Cappy Town, Torkori spread the work of Kirby and Meta Knight's challenge to everyone in town.

"A challenge?" Bookem says confusing.

"From Meta Knight?" The Mayor adds with the same expression

"For a duel?" Hana replies.

"I don't believe it," The Mayor says.

"Believe it Blustergas. I saw the letter with my own eyes," Torkori says.

The Mayor asks, "But why would he want to battle Kirby?"

Then Bookem asks, "And where's Kirby now?"

"Tiff and Tuff took Kirby and his girlfriend to Kabu Canyon," Torkori answers.

In Kabu Canyon, Tiff, Tuff, Emmy, Fololo Falala and Kirby reach Kabu Canyn and look at the great Kabu. He sees all and knows all, possibly.

Tiff turns to Kirby, and says, "Kirby, there's something we have to tell you."

"Poyo?" Kirby says, confused.

"We know why Meta Knight challenged you," Tiff says.

Flashback:

Tiff explains, "Tuff, Emmy, and I were leaving the castle to come visit you, when we saw Meta Knight going up to King Dedede's throne room. So we decided to stay and see what was going on."

Like how Tiff explains, the three see Meta Knight walking up the stairs and follow him to the throne room. The three follow him into the throne room and hide behind the pillar to see Meta Knight with Sword, Blade, and King Dedede sitting on his throne while Escargoon is standing beside him

Hearing the order, Meta Knight asks, "You want me to challenge Kirby to a duel?"

"That's right. Beating Kirby oughtta be a piece of cake for you," Dedede says.

"Just make sure you give that little crumb his just desserts," Escargoon says.

Meta Knight asks, "But if you want to eliminate him, why don't you order another one of your monsters?"

"Monsters? What makes you think I've been ordering monsters?" Dedede asks, feeling uneasy.

"I have heard rumors Your Majesty. I have even heard that the delivery system is located in this very room," Meta Knight answers.

Emmy has to admit, she's impressed on how much he knows even those that Dedede and Escargoon don't.

But Escargoon says, "Keep your nose outta the king's business, if you even have a nose."

"It's a knight's job to do what I say and I say get rid of Kirby!" Dedede says.

"I understand, but-" Meta Knight says.

But Escargoon interrupts, "Forget your butt! Why don't you just do what the king orders?! Listen mister. If you're in cahoots with this Kirby, that's treason!"

"Treason?!" Meta Knight asks.

Dedede hits Escargoon and asks Meta Knight, "Are you gonna take care of Kirby or not?"

"If you command it, I must obey," Meta Knight answers.

Flashback Ends:

Kirby blinks his eyes a few times to hear what is really going on. Emmy wonders if Kirby fully understands about his fight. Then again, she knows Kirby is determined for someone of his age."

"You're in a lot of trouble Kirby," Tiff says.

"Poyo…" Kirby says.

Then Tuff says, "There's no way you can beat Meta Knight."

"Maybe he could?" Emmy asks.

"I don't know Emmy, Meta Knight is strong," Tiff says.

"Well, maybe Meta Knight has his own reason to challenge Kirby besides King Dedede orders," Emmy replies.

"Nah. Kirby can't beat Meta Knight. The best thing to do now is to run and hide someplace," Tuff says.

Suddenly, they hear Meta Knight's voice, "It is too late for that."

The kids turn round to see Meta knight along with Sword and Blade on top of the cliff.

"If you wanted Kirby to escape, why did you come here?" Meta Knight asks.

"Well, because we wanted to talk to you," Tiff answers.

Meta Knight jumps down from the cliff and lands on a pedestal rock.

Tiff walks over to confront him, "We thought you were on our side, and Kirby's side too!"

"We heard you tell Dedede you'd get rid of Kirby," Tuff says.

"I am his Majesty's servant. I cannot disobey his commands," Meta Knight says

"Traitor!" Tiff says in anger that she runs to him.

But Sword and Blade stop her.

Emmy walks over to Tiff, "Tiff, Meta Knight's right."

"But Emmy," Tiff worriedly says.

But Emmy says, "Meta Knight has to obey Dedede no matter what, even if he has a different opinion about the king's plans."

Tiff thinks for a bit and believes Emmy has a point. Meta Knight has to obey him.

Just then, Meta Knight draws out his sword that creates electricity and a glowing gold sword appears with three curved points on each side of the sword.

Meta Knight raises his sword, "Kirby. My king has commanded me to challenge you to a duel. Prepare for battle, and prepare to be defeated!"

Meta Knight runs to Kirby and smacks him with his sword on his right cheek. Kirby rolls over and has trouble getting up. Then hits him with the sword again. He bounces off the rock and lands on the ground.

Meta Knight stands on the rock and points his sword at Kirby, "This duel is about to end."

At the same time, Emmy and the others are hiding behind a large rock

"That's what you think!" Tuff shouts.

"Kirby! You can win, Kirby! Just use your suck-up power!" Tiff calls out.

Kirby jumps away and begins to suck rocks and dust, but Meta Knight stands. The kids look to see Kirby is sucking everyone else but the knight himself, and creates a twirling wind where he stands.

Meanwhile, Dedede is watching Meta Knight through the binoculars.

Escargoon asks, "Who's winning, sire? Meta Knight or Kirby?"

"I can't tell. There's too much stone and sand sailing around," Dedede answers.

The kids continue to hold on as so do the other knights as Kirby sucks up rocks and sand. However, Meta Knight still remains on the pedestal. Soon, Kirby becomes tired and stops sucking things up as he takes deep breaths.

"Kirby is very powerful, but he cannot suck up opponents who are extremely large and heavy," Meta Knight says

"But you're not big or heavy, Meta Knight," Tiff days.

"I have other ways of defending myself," Meta Knight says.

Emmy says in thought, "He's really mysterious."

"You know way more than Kirby does. He can't beat you. How can you pick a fight with him when he can't even defend himself?" Tiff asks.

"Sword Knight, give him a way to defend himself," Meta Knight says.

Sword Knight then throws a sword down and it hits the ground with the blade standing up.

"There. Now we can battle as equals," Meta Knight says.

Tiff cries out, "Kirby! It's a trap!"

"Run Kirby!" Tuff screams.

Meta Wait patiently as Kirby looks at the sword with determination. Making his decision, Kirby runs up to the sword and grabs the handle, but falls over with him on it. Then Kirby picks it up

"Now, the battle begins!" Meta Knight declares.

Meta Knight springs into action and begins to have a sword fight with Kirby. Kirby tries his best to fight Meta Knight, but the knight is able to hit him with the sword. And bounces back. Then Meta Knight charges at Kirby as the small warrior swings his world all over the place. The two swords hit each other and Meta Knight lands a distance away from Kirby.

"Fine then. I will save enough power to defend myself, but still move on to more intense attacks," Meta Knight says.

Meta Knight then attacks Kirby as he says, "Keep your wits about you!"

Kirby then defends himself with his sword.

"The best offense is a good defense, my friend," Meta Knight says.

Meta Knight then bounces Kirby with his sword.

Kirby then gets a hard bash from Meta Knight's sword. He then hits the wall and falls to the ground. And then, a large amount of stone falls on kirby, making the kids gasp in shock.

Meanwhile, Dedede and Eacargoon are seeing what is happening.

Escargoon is celebrating, "Kirby loses by a landslide!"

"Come on. Let's get to the castle," Dedede says.

Then he drives the tank away.

Escargoon says, "Now we know what Kirby's weakness is."

"Aha! Kirby's no swordsman, and that gives me an idea. Haha!" Dedede says with laughter.

Meta Knight walks to Kirby with the sword and out of the pile.

"A true Star Warrior would stand up and fight," Meta Knight says.

But Tiff shouts, "Kirby don't listen to him!"

"Run away Kirby!" Tiff adds.

Kirby ignores them and begins to get up. Kirby and Meta Knight begins to fight again.

"Your spirit is willing, my friend, but your pink flesh is weak." Meta Knight says.

Then continues to fight.

"Look Tiff. Kirby's fighting back. If he keeps this up, maybe he can beat Meta Knight," Tuff says.

But Tiff says, "Or maybe Meta Knight's just acting like Kirby has a chance to win the duel."

Emmy finally says, "Unless meta Knight is just using the duel as an excuse."

"Excuse?" Tiff asks.

"Maybe Meta Knight is using this to train Kirby. Kirby seems to start fighting a little better," Emmy says.

"Why do you think that?" Tuff asks.

"I don't know. I think he really is on our side, and is training Kirby," Emmy says.

Then says in thought, "Either way, Meta Knight is on our side, even though he works for Dedede."

Meta Knight and Kirby continues to fight.

"Not bad," Meta Knight says.

He takes deep breaths, "You have a lot of heart. Unfortunately, you don't have a lot of reach. With those tiny arms you cannot touch me."

Kirby then attacks, but Meta Knight jumps in the air and on the pedestal

Meta Knight says, "But, if you truly focus your powers, nothing is unreachable. And I will prove it to you. The steel of this sword is hard, but the steel of my will makes it harder."

Meta Knight jumps up making electricity admit through his word and creates an energy slash at Kirby. Kirby quickly dodge out of the way as the slash creates a slash on the ground and admits electricity.

"If you allow your power to flow into your sword and then release it, you create the Sword Beam," Meta Knight says.

Meta Knight does it again and attacks Kirby. Kirby dodges out of the way.

Meta Knight lands on the ground, "Sword Beam allows you to use all of your power in one concentrated attack. When the spirit is focused, energy leaves the body and enters the sword. If you focus, perhaps you can defeat me."

Then Meta Knight points his sword at Kirby, "Try it. It is your only hope. If you fail, my sword will defeat you."

Emmy worriedly says, "Kirby."

Just then, Emmy's hands begin to glow again and the Warp Star glows from her pocket. Kirby blinks a few times for a little bit. Meta Knight begins to approach him. Suddenly, Kirby becomes drowsy making Meta Knight comes to a halt. Soon Kirby falls asleep with the sword in his little arm. Meta Knight knows exactly what Kirby is doing. He then see a yellow aura around him. Meta Knight turns to the children to see Emmy's hands glowing.

He says in thought, "That girl, could that girl be helping Kirby gain strength. Could she be the one?"

At the same time, Tiff and Tuff are confused to see Kirby asleep in the middle of a battle.

"Kirby just fell asleep!" Tuff says.

Tiff calls out, "Kirby!"

However, Kirby continues to sleep peacefully and Meta Knight knows what. So does Emmy.

"Kirby is free of all anxiety. That is how he focuses his power. He will be difficult to defeat, but for the sake of honor, I must try!" Meta Knight says.

Meta Knight then charges, jumps up and raises his sword. Kirby wakes up to see Meta Knight about to strike. But then, a giant boulder is falling to where they stand. The look up to see what is about to happen.

"Look out!" Meta Knight shouts, and pushes Kirby out of the way.

The boulder hits the ground creating a lot of smoke. Meta Knight looks around to see Kirby has disappeared.

Meta Knight coughs, "Where are you?"

Meanwhile in the smoke, Emmy is able to find Kirby and picks him up.

"Kirby, are you okay?" Emmy asks.

Tiff reaches them, and says, "Kirby got knocked out."

"What are we gonna do?" Tuff asks.

"Let's get him out of here," Falala says.

"Yeah. Come on!" Tuff says.

Emmy and the others hurry out of the canyon before Meta Knight can find them

Meanwhile, Dedede and Escargoon drive the tank to the castle. The drawbridge goes down and Dedede drives on it. Sadly, Escargoon is thrown out and hits the ground

Escargoon cries out, "I'm okay…"

Dedede runs to his throne with a mischievous giggle and hops on his throne. He presses the button to the system and activate the monster delivery system. On the screen the Salesman appears.

Dedede says, "I know how to beat Kirby. I need a monster that's good with a sword."

"We've got just the thing you're looking for, King. But unfortunately we haven't received payment for the other monsters Nightmare Enterprises sent you already," The Salesman says.

"You'll get the money just get me a monster!" Dedede sternly says.

"No problemo Triple D. We always give credit where credit is due," The salesman says.

Just then, the delivery system turns on and begins to send over another monster to thrash Kirby.

Escargoon comes in, and says, "I landed on my-"

He stops to see a monster appearing before them. The monster looks like a beetle.

The Salesman introduces, "Allow me to introduce our Swords Model Extraordinaire! The Big Beetle Bugzzy!"

Then this monster raises the club and the sword together. The monster is a giant blue bug and has the two weapons, and a pincer.

Dedede laughs, "Ahahahaha! That's one ugly bug. Now go get Kirby Beetle-boy, along with that little friend of his."

Meanwhile in Kabu Canyon, Tiff and tuff are watching to see Meta Knight, Sword Knight and Blade are searching for Kirby.

"Kirby!" Sword calls out.

"Kirby, where sue marrin Meta Knight," Blade calls out.

Then says to Meta Knight, "There's never been a sight of Kirby."

"With a little more time, you could have taught Kirby to master the Sword Beam," Sword says.

"Yes, and now I feel King Dedede will order a monster skilled in swordplay. Kirby's in danger. And so is that girl, Emmy. We must find them," Meta Knight says.

Then the three knights leave the scene.

"Huh? Now they sound like they're trying to protect Kirby, and what does he mean Emmy's endangered?" Tuff asks.

"Boy Tuff. This is really confusing," Tiff says.

Tiff then notices the shadow that belongs to Kabu

Tiff turns to the stature and asks, "Meta Knight came here to see you, didn't he Kabu?"

"He came here to consult with me, about the threat to our planet," Kabu says.

"Threat to the planet? What do you mean, Kabu?" Tiff asks.

Kabu explains, "There is a secret empire of evil, ruled by one known as eNeMeE. It is his plan to control the entire universe. He creates monsters and delivers them to customers like Dedede, who does not know their true purpose. But eNeMeE made one grave mistake. One creature was produced that would not obey his orders, and eNeMeE fears it may defeat him."

Kabu shows that eNeMeE has a chess board with statue version of his monster. However, this one black piece with a sword make eNeMeE angry and crashes the board.

Tiff and Tuff are surprised to hear the story

"The creature must be…Kirby!" Tiff suspects.

"Yeah, that must be why NME's trying to get rid of him," Tuff says.

"That is the likely explanation," Kabu says.

"Well we better get going Kabu. Thanks for the information," Tiff says.

Then they begin to leave.

Tuff turns back, and asks, Hey Kabu. How'd you find out about all this stuff?

"I learned it long ago from Meta Knight," Kabu answers.

This shocked Tuff, "Say what?!"

"From Meta Knight?" Tiff adds.

"Yes. also, he has suspicions about your other new friend," Kabu says.

Tiff becomes concern, "Emmy."

Meanwhile Dedede and Escargoon drive the tank with Bugzzy flying beside them

Dedede laughs, "This job's gonna be a walk in the park."

"Yeah, and Kirby's been bugging us, so now we're gonna bug him big time," Escargoon says.

"Buuuuuuh," Bugzzy replies.

In the shrine of Kabu, Emmy is sitting next to Kirby who has an ice pack on his head and still sleeping. Tiff and Tuff tell Emmy what Kabu has told them.

"Meta Knight is suspicious about me?" Emmy asks.

"Yes. We need to talk to Meta Knight and find out why," Tiff says.

"You're right," Emmy says.

Then asks herself in thought, "What could Meta Knight be suspicious about me for?

She hears Falala says, "He's still very weak."

"Hang in there Kirby," tuff calmly says.

"Come on. We gotta try to get him outta here and back to his house," Tiff says.

Tiff peeks out to see no one is around. Emmy picks up Kirby and they all secretly walk to reach the exit of the canyon. Suddenly, bright headlights appear and it's the tank of King Dedede

Dedede laughs, "Heheheha! Now you're in the spotlight!"

"But it's curtains for your little friend," Escargoon says.

"What do we do?" Tuff asks.

Tiff screams, "Run!

The kids runs away, but Escargoon drives after them. They all continue to run away for their lives in the other direction. Emmy trips on the rock and Kirby flies and hits Dedede's tank. Then hits the wall. Finally bounces on the floor.

Emmy runs and kneels to Kirby, "Are you okay?"

"Poyo," Kirby replies.

Kirby and Emmy look up to see Bugzzy standing right in front of them/

Bugzzy buzzes, "Buuuh!"

Tiff and Tuff gasps in shock. Bugzzy slices his sword and club together. Then the monster stomps his foot to the ground. Kirby and Emmy quickly stand up and move backward. Bugzzy then tries to strike his sword at the two, but quickly dodge. Bugzzy tries to hit Kirby with the club, but the little guy dodges. Soon, both of them try to dodge the monster's attack. Emmy falls to the ground and Kirby runs in front in concern.

Meta Knight walks to the tank and asks, "What is that, Your Majesty?"

"Haha. It's my new monster, Bugzzy," Dedede laughs.

"I do not understand. I thought you wanted me to do battle with Kirby," Meta Knight says, pretending to not be aware of his plan.

"You found Kirby's weakness. That's all we wanted," Escargoon says.

"So, you were only using me to find the right monster to order," Meta Knight says.

Then turns his head to the fight, "Kirby's new power will now be put to the test."

Kirby continues to dodge Bugzzy's attack. At the same time, he is making sure they are away from Emmy. Emmy continues to watch as Kirby is being attacked. Just then, someone quickly carries Emmy away from the scene.

Tiff runs to a cliff and calls out, "Kirby, do something!"

"Kirby, try to suck it up!" Tuff adds.

Kirby puffs up his face and wiggles his legs, then begins to inhale. Kirby tires to suck Bugzzy as hard as he can. So far, Kirby isn't able to suck the monster up and is tired. Bugzzy then begins to come for Kirby cornering him

"Hurry Kirby. Try to suck it up again," Tiff says.

But Meta Knight comes over and places Emmy on the ground.

Tiff turns, "Emmy, are you okay?"

"I think so," Emmy answers.

Then turns to Meta Knight, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Meta Knight says.

Meta Knight turns to Tiff, "His opponent is too large to defeat that way."

"You're right, Meta Knight," Tiff says.

Bugzzy then begins to attack Kirby again.

Just then, Tiff has an idea, "Kirby, one more time. But this time suck up his sword!"

Kirby then begins to inhale again, this time for the sword. Meta Knight then uses his sword to hit the monster's sword out of its hand. Finally, Kirby is able to swallow it.

Tuff cheers, "Yeah! Kirby did it!"

Kirby then jumps in the air and begins to transform. He then gains a green hat with a yellow ball on the end and a yellow lace where his head it. Then lifts his arm up so a yellow sword appears.

Meta Knight says, "He is now Sword Kirby."

"Kirby…" Tiff says.

"Sword Kirby?!" Dedede and Escargoon say in shock.

Kirby then swings his sword

"A master swordsman, if he has learned any attacks," Meta Knight says.

"You can do it Kirby," Tiff says.

"Yeah. Teach that monster who's boss," Emmy says.

Then her hands begin to glow again. Meta Knight looks to see Emmy's hand glowing.

Just then, Kirby lands on the ground and facing Bugzzy in a battle. Using its power, Begzzy makes two large swords appear.

Dedede laughs, choking Escargoon's neck, "Ahahaha! Yeah, alright! That Bugzzy sure is one sharp looking monster, ain't it."

Kirby then uses his power to length his sword. Soon, Bugzzy does the same. Kirby runs over and the two begin to fight. Kirby is able to push the monster back. But Bugzzy is not done, and fights hard against Kirby.

"Yeah! A few more sweeps and its goodbye Kirby!" Dedede says.

"Touché!" Escargoon replies.

Meta Knight look at the battle and says, "Kirby, if you focus, you can defeat it."

Kirby then remembers the day he is sleeping in his ship. Kirby yawns. The two gasp and see Kirby falls asleep.

Emmy says in thought, "Don't worry Kirby, I know you can do it. Just rest and strike when you need to, just like what I saw.

Dedede laughs, "Hey, what's that little pinky dinky going to sleep for?"

"Hurry Bugzzy! Finish him off!" Escargoon says.

"Buuuuuuuuhhh!" Bugzzy stands over Kirby and begins to strike.

Kirby then remembers the day he is waking up. Emmy clutches her hands together and glow brighter. Just then, Kirby wakes up and jumps in the air. Kirby raises his sword and focus all his energy. Then with one strong slash, he performs Sword Beam. Bugzzy tries to block it, but it's too strong. The sword beam slices through the sword breaking it and slices him in half. Then the swords break into pieces. Then Bugzzy explodes in a tail of smoke.

Soon the kids cheer happily.

"Yay! He won!" Tiff cheers.

Tuff chants, "Kirby! You! Rule! Alright! Awesome!"

Kirby lands on the ground and no longer Sword Kirby. Just then, he hears cheering and turn around to see all of Cappy Town gather on the cliff cheering for him. Emmy runs to Kirby and holds him in his arms.

She kisses him and says, "Thank you for saving me. You were great."

"Poyo," Kirby happily says.

However, Dedede is not pleased, "Well, that pink hunk ain't gonna make a munk out of King Dedede!

He then drives forward, but stops to see Meta Knight in his way.

Dedede demands, "Outta my way Meta Knight!"

"Sire, it is my duty to warn you. Kirby has great power now," Meta Knight calmly says.

"Yeah, well who's the king around here, you or me?" Dedede questions.

"Move it or lose it!" Escargoon adds.

"It pains me to do this sire, but I am afraid I must," Meta Knight says.

Then Meta Knight kicks the tank and it rolls away.

Dedede and Escargoon scream as they roll away, "What's happening?!/We're going backwards!.. I know that! Hit the brake!/I don't know. We're gonna crash!.. Do something!/Like what?!.. Break my fall!"

Then the tank explode on the bottom of the hill with Tiff, Tuff, Emmy, and meta Knight watching.

Emmy crosses her arms, "I saw Dedede and Escargoon deserves it."

"You can say that again," Tiff replies.

Then Emmy walks away to see Kirby again. Once Emmy is gone, tiff can get on to the questioning.

Tiff firmly asks, "Hey Meta Knight. Who you trying to protect here, King Dedede or Kirby?"

"I am a loyal subject of the king. Why would I help Kirby?" Meta Knight questions.

"That's just what we're trying to figure out," Tuff says.

Then Tiff says, "Kabu told us about Nightmare Enterprises, but I bet you could tell us a whole lot more."

"Like why are you suspicious about Emmy?" Tuff asks.

"Someday," Meta Knight answers.

Fololo and Falala fly with Kirby in their arms. Tiff and Tuff turn back to see Kirby with the pair.

Tiff says, "Well then. We'll find out about Kirby and Emmy, one way or another."

Fololo and Falolo hold Kirby up and the little Star Warrior smiles with glee.