Chapter 28: Beetley

Kirby was taking an afternoon stroll through the forests of Dreamland. He always enjoyed walking through these parts. There was plenty of shade, plenty of fruit and a high chance of running into certain friends of his. As he was walking, he heard rattling from the nearby bushes. Just then a familiar beetle jumped out to greet the pink child.

"Beetley!?"

"That is my name last time I checked. And what's with the shouting?"

"Well, you surprised me. Anyway, what's up?"

"Not too much. I was just finishing my training."

"So, what are you up to now?" Kirby asked.

"Nothing really. I don't have any plans or duties or nothing at the moment." The beetle responded.

"Then you can hang out with me!"

His friend silently blinked. "What?"

" I want you to hang out with me!"

"I know that, but why?"

"You said you're not doing anything, right? Why not?"

She continued to blink. "I mean, I guess I don't have a reason not to hang out."

Kirby clapped his hands. "Great! Now let's go!"

"Where are we going?"

"I have no idea!"

Beetley faceplanted in response. "How do you not have an idea where to go!?"

"Who needs a destination when you're having fun?" Was Kirby's simple response.

The beetle sighed. "I guess you have a point. I just prefer having a set goal or destination."

Kirby nodded. "I get that, but sometimes it's more enjoyable to just go wherever your feet take you without thinking about it."

His friend seemed to give a slight sigh at that. "You're pretty carefree, Kirby. Though I guess that makes sense. Alright, I'll walk with you. Though we better return to the forest at some point."

The puff nodded. "Oh, here's an idea! We can walk around the forest instead! Forests are very pretty to walk around in!"

His friend nodded in acceptance. "Thank you. I just feel better about staying in the forest. I like making sure nothing bad goes on you know?"

"Yeah, I understand that. So, let's get going!"

The insect nodded and started walking after her friend.

"So, I guess you just felt like coming to the forest?" She asked, planning on making conversation on this absentminded trip.

"Yup, it's a nice place to be, isn't it?"

His friend gave a scoff. "Well, I wouldn't live here if it wasn't."

"That's a good point." Kirby skipped along the path. "I bet you have every inch of this place memorized don't you, Beetley?"

She responded with a slight chuckle. "Of course I do."

"That's amazing! I've been through these forests countless times, and I probably even haven't seen everything yet."

"Well, it's easy to know where everything is if you live here, I think. I'm sure you know the place outside the forest better than I do."

"Probably." Kirby shrugged. "I've been to every place in Dreamland at least once, so it's easy for me to get around even with my Warp Star."

"Well, how well do you know the forests then?" His friend asked.

The puff took a moment to think. "Well, I can get through it without getting lost. I know most of the important landmarks too."

"I can tell that much is true. It's actually pretty easy to get lost in this forest. Though considering you travel through a great cave every month, I suppose navigating this place is a walk in the park for you."

"Yup! But could you tell me more about the forest?"

Beetley looked at him curiously. "Like what?"

"I dunno. Something like how the day-to-day life in the forest is like, I guess."

His friend nodded in reply. "Well, living here is pretty different from living in a town. We don't have stores or restaurants. Any houses we have are made from the trees. Any food we want we have to search for it. That's not to say we don't understand the importance of stuff like restaurants, which is why a lot of us travel to town on a regular basis."

Kirby nodded but was curious about something. "What about jobs? You have to be making money somehow, right?"

"Well, it's not technically a job, but we sell wood and fruit from the forest sometimes."

"Ah... OK. So, I know you said the forest isn't the same as living in a town, but I assume you have some kind of community, right?"

"Oh, of course we do!"

"How do you communicate with everyone in the forest? I can't imagine you use mail. Then again considering how Birdon is it wouldn't be that surprising."

"We do have Birdon help us, but we also have our own mailing system, if that makes sense."

"I think that makes sense, yeah." He responded, nodding to indicate that he understood what she was saying. "So earlier you mentioned that it's up to each person to get their own food. Does that mean fights over food break out?"

"Once in a while."

"Do you ever break up those fights?"

"Of course I did! You think I was just gonna let them fight? I mean, if it was for stupid reasons, that's a different story."

"Fighting over food isn't a stupid reason... even though Meta Knight always says it is."

"He says that in relation to those silly races."

"Hey, the Gourmet Race isn't-... actually, it kind of is a bit silly now that I think about it. How did Dedede come up with it anyway?" Kirby replied with a slight giggle.

"Knowing him, he probably thought he could actually beat you in an eating contest. Probably thought he was faster too." His friend scoffed as she finished that statement.

"Yeah, I think I remember him saying something like that as well."

"Like he really could beat you in those two categories anyway. You're easily one of the fastest people I know, and nobody comes close to eating as fast as you either."

"Yup! That's exactly what I think as well! It's why I keep winning!" The puff exclaimed cheerfully as he hopped across some stones in a creek.

"Really the only thing Dedede's got going for him is his strength...is what I would say if he didn't have that mechanical hammer." Beetley uttered as she flew over the creek.

"I mean, he's still pretty strong with it or without it. He's helped me a lot on my various adventures." The puff replied.

"I don't doubt that. I just have a dislike for machines. I believe you should become strong on your own. Tools that you have to train yourself to become good with like swords or natural abilities like your Copy Abilities are fine. But if you need to use technology to become strong, then you aren't really strong. At least that's what I think."

Kirby looked at his friend curiously. "Is there a reason you hate technology?"

"Well, I don't hate all technology. Stuff like jets and ovens and what not are alright, and I have no issue with mechanical people like Gim. It's just the people who solely rely on technology that annoys me. Like that Susie chick."

"Ooooh..." The puff nodded. "I guess that is reasonable, considering how she mechanized the forest."

"That's the main reason. I'll never forgive her for that. But that's not the only reason. She acts all superior to everyone around her when fact is without that business suit and ray gun, she's weak."

"Well, that's true as well."

"I wish I could have been the one to undo the mechanization, but I'm glad that it was you who did it, Kirby."

"I appreciate that."

Beetley nodded at that reply. "I wish there were more people like us. The ones who use our incredible strength to help those who don't have that strength. Like yeah, there's other great people who do that like Sir Meta Knight, Bandana, Sir Kibble, most of our friends, actually. I just wish there were more."

"I sometimes wish that, too. Then everyone can help everyone else more easily!"

Suddenly, the two had to stop walking as they encountered a giant boulder that blocked their path.

"Uh... Beetley, I'm going to guess this isn't normal?"

His friend shook her head. "Nope. We're too far away from the mountains for a boulder to just roll here without anyone noticing. There's no doubt that someone put it here. But why?"

Beetley couldn't wrap her head around this strange occurrence. Kirby, on the other hand, could think of a certain someone who would pull something this random just for a quick laugh.

"Well, we should probably find a way around it." Kirby finally said, shoving those thoughts to the back of his mind.

"Why go around it when we can go through it?"

The puff blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"I mean I'm going to use my horn and smash that rock into pieces."

The child quietly nodded, now understanding. "Alright, then go ahead."

Beetley walked back a few spaces and then charged forward, smashing into the boulder and causing a crack to form.

"So, this'll take multiple strikes huh?" She said, staring at the rock.

"...hold on, let me help! I just gotta go look for a Copy Essence or Ability Item first!"

"Well make it quick!" She uttered impatiently.

Noting this, Kirby nodded and ran off.

In exactly three minutes, Kirby returned with the Beetle Ability.

"Hey, sorry I'm late!"

Beetley stared at him for a moment. "I won't ask where you got that from, just start smashing already!"

The puff nodded and began to help with smashing the boulder.

"One... two... three!"

The two of them charged at the same time, completely breaking apart the boulder and clearing the path.

"We did it, Beetley!" The puff exclaimed happily.

"We sure did! Unfortunately..." Beetley looked in front of them to see another boulder and looked even more annoyed than before. "We're not done yet."

Kirby sighed heavily. "Yup, this has Marx written all over it." He said.

The beetle gave an irritated grumble before speaking up once more. "Alright then, we'll just have to break this boulder and then him when he meet him!"

"That's if we can even find him. But yeah, let's go!"

After another minute of crashing into it, the second boulder was destroyed.

"MARX, WHERE ARE YOU!?" Beetley called out, anger and annoyance sounding prevalent in her voice.

They waited for a minute, not hearing anything.

"Great he's probably long gone by now." She grumbled.

"Here let me try... MARX, I'LL GIVE YOU COOKIES IF YOU COME OUT!"

More silence.

"...I don't think that'll work, Kirby."

The puff scratched his horn. "Well hopefully we come across him."

Beetley grunted in response. "Well, at least we can keep moving. I swear, once I find that twerp, I'll do something I probably shouldn't..."

Kirby looked at her in concern. "Now I know what Marx did was annoying, but I think you should stab him for it."

It only took the puff a minute to realize what he just said.

"Wait, I mean-"

However, he was cut off by his friend, who gave a huff.

"Hmph! I don't need permission to do what I already planned to do!"

"Oh, I meant you shouldn't stab him!" Kirby quickly corrected himself, but Beetley didn't seem to be listening.

"You said I should stab him for it! I'm going to stab him for it!"

"No stabbing unless he deserves it!"

"He already deserves it!"

Without another word, Beetley ran off to look for the jester. The child sighed. There was no reasoning with his friend when she got this fired up.

He ran after her, catching up in a couple of seconds. "Beetley, you need to relax."

"I'll relax after I stab him. Why don't you want me to stab him? He's a menace!" She replied with a growl.

Kirby tried to argue, but he really couldn't. Even though he was friends with Marx now, he knew not everyone on Dreamland would be so accepting of him. In fact, the only other friend Marx has that he could think of was Magolor, which nobody found surprising.

"Ok, fine. Let's just find him first, though."

"Of course! I can't beat him down if I don't find him first!" His insect friend shouted, stomping her foot.

Kirby nodded. "Well, if I know Marx, he likes to laugh out loud a lot, so keep an ear out for that."

"Any other tips?"

"He'll probably follow us around, so just keep an eye out, I guess."

"What do you mean?" The bug asked confused.

"Well, I'm pretty sure that the boulders were put here to mess with people. Now that he knows that he angered you, he'll keep trying to get you. Well... assuming that it actually is Marx, though I'm pretty sure it is."

His friend nodded in response. "Alright, then I'll just have to find him then!"

The puff agreed with this and walked ahead with his friend, not hearing the soft but recognizable laughter of a jester.

While walking, Kirby was thinking of different conversation topics, topics that could hopefully help Beetley relax.

"Sooo, what's your favorite thing about the forest?"

His friend took a moment to think. "...hmmm... I guess how quiet it is? It's very peaceful."

The puff then smiled. "Then let's stop and listen to nature! Searching for something is always easier when you're in good mood!"

Beetley looked at him for a moment, as if internally debating with herself about taking his suggestion. "Well then, let's try it."

They closed their eyes and tried to listen to the surrounding area. They heard the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and... the sound of a bouncing ball?

"Kirby, did you hear that?" His friend whispered.

"Yeah, that's definitely Marx. Sounded like it came from behind us."

"Alright, so what should we do? Corner 'em?"

"Hmm. He's pretty fast so I'm not sure if that'll work, but I do have an idea."

"Really? What is it?"

"He finds it funny when people are hurt in a goofy fashion. I want you to smack me up into the air. He'll laugh at me, leaving him open for one of us to tackle him."

Beetley looked at him with a look of disbelief. "Are you serious? What if I hurt you?"

"Oh, I'll be fineeee! Don't worry!" He said with a big smile.

"Well, alright..."

Beetley lowered her head and quickly raised it up, hitting Kirby into the air with her horn. While it hurt quite a bit, the child was able to quickly regain his composure and looked around, using the airtime to his advantage. From his point of view, he saw a familiar red and blue hat, knowing exactly who it was attached to.

"Right there!" He thought.

Kirby aimed himself at Marx and used his wings to dash at him. Before his target could even react, the puff caught him.

"Beetley, I caught him!" He yelled, keeping Marx pinned down, preventing any escape.

Almost immediately, he could hear the sound of his friend rushing towards him.

"Verdammt!" The jester shouted as he saw the angry beetle stomp over quickly.

"You! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't skewer you right this minute!" Beetley yelled at Marx, fire in her eyes.

"Uh... ich bin ein Berliner?"

"THAT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING!" She shouted, becoming even angrier.

"Well, it does actually. You see-"

"THE ONLY THING I WANT TO SEE IS MY HORN IN YOUR STOMACH!"

"Wait, wait, wait, wait, halt! I can explain!"

"You have one minute." She said, her eyes still burning with rage.

"All life is sacred, and it would hurt?"

"All life is sacred, that I can agree with. That's something we're taught in this forest the very moment we are born. However, why the heck should I care if me stabbing you hurts? Your little boulder prank could seriously hurt someone, not to mention you were obscuring the walking paths that people who don't live in the forest use so they don't get lost or hurt. So, since life is sacred, I won't kill you, but I will make this hurt!"

"AHHHHHH BUT WHY!?"

"What do you mean why!? I already explained it to you!"

Beetley charged forwards and smashed into Marx, sending him flying away from the forest completely.

"OH MEIN NOVAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

The puff looked on, not entirely sure of what just happened.

"Well let's keep walking, Kirby!" Beetley said, all rage she once had completely gone.

The puff silently blinked for a moment.

"O-ok!" He then ran after her.

"Hey, Beetley, I have a question. You said that all life is precious, so what about the lives of the monsters I've beaten? You know like Dark Matter, Nightmare, and even Marx that one time."

"Oh, that's simple. While all life is indeed precious, it becomes tainted the moment you do something like kill someone."

"I see... but since I killed them, wouldn't that make me tainted?"

"I don't think so, since they were already tainted when you did."

He tilted his head. "So basically, I did the right thing?"

"Yup, and I'm sure a lot of people would agree on that."

"Ok! Well, what about Queen Sectonia? Sure, she did some bad things but, well you know..."

Beetley looked at him. "Didn't you mention before that Taranza said that she was at the point where her old self would never come back? I'd honestly say that was more putting her out of her misery."

Kirby sadly nodded. "That's true. Hopefully she's happy wherever she is now."

His friend gave a smile. "She probably is and likely very grateful that you saved her."

"Yeah. And Taranza doesn't hold it against me so I guess I shouldn't either."

"Absolutely." Beetley then nudged against him. "Besides, it's not like you enjoy hurting others, right?"

"Yeah, I rather not fight if I don't have to."

"Then quit worrying about it. You're like the purest guy in the universe."

Kirby gave a smile in response to that. "Thanks..."

The puff then discarded his Beetle Ability.

"Don't really need that anymore." He said with a chuckle. "So do you enjoy fighting, Beetley?"

"If it's all in good fun, yeah."

"Yeah, I agree. Competitions can be really fun! Well until Joe does something to get us kicked out of one."

"I know, right? Why does he do that anyway?"

"I have no idea! I think he just gets too excited about fighting. Do you think he might be tainted?" Kirby asked in worry.

"Honestly, I don't think anyone as stupid as him could be."

The puff laughed. "Well, that's a relief. What about any of our other friends? I don't think any of them are personally."

"I don't think so either." He then tilted his head. "What about Meta Knight and King Dedede then?"

"Dedede is like Joe. As for Meta Knight, I wouldn't say he's tainted. He's a good man, if a bit distant. Yeah... he tried to take over Dreamland, but was because he wanted everyone to grow strong enough to protect ourselves. He went about it a stupid manner, but he cares for Dreamland. Plus, since then he's also one of the first to protect this place, so I can safely say he isn't tainted."

Kirby nodded happily. "Yeah, I think so too! Meta Knight's a good person even if he sometimes says he isn't! I just think that's his brain bullying him."

"He definitely seems to be the type to be hard on himself. Which means it's your job to take care of him when that happens."

"I always do! Thankfully, that hasn't happened in a while!"

"That's a relief."

"So, what do you mean by Dedede being like Joe?"

"...he's too much of an idiot to be tainted."

"Ohh. That makes sense. Besides I'll just beat him up if he ever does become like that!"

His friend nodded in agreement. Kirby then thought of something.

"Hey, do you ever help Como with her photography stuff? I did once and it was fun!"

"Yeah, I did as well when she had to take some photos of the forest. She was very good about the whole "take only photos and leave only footprints" rule."

Kirby blinked. "What's that rule? I don't know too much about photography."

"Oh, that's just a phrase people say when visiting places in nature. They tell you not to do anything to harm the wildlife or ecosystem. Like you shouldn't leave trash, of course."

"Oohhh. Well, that should be easy to follow."

"You'll be surprised how hard it is to follow for some." She sighed.

"Really? How can respecting nature be difficult? That doesn't make sense to me." His friend only shrugged.

"Some people simply don't care about their surroundings. Some people see nature as something to profit off of. Like that damnable Haltmann. Just make sure to never end up like those people alright?"

"I won't, so don't worry!"

"Good! Though thinking about it, what made you think about Como?"

"Hm... I guess you're both insects?"

Beetley laughed. "If it was anyone else that said that I would be mad. But yeah, we're fairly close friends with each other."

"That's also why!"

His friend shook her head. "I have to know. Where on Popstar do you get all that boundless energy from?"

The puff paused and took a moment to think. "...honestly, I don't know."

"It's just who you naturally are huh? Then as a protector of all things natural, it's my job to make you stay the way you are."

The child smiled at that. "Then I'll continue to protect all things natural and trust that you will."

The beetle smiled too. "There's one place I'd like to show you. It's supposed to be a secret to anyone that lives outside of the forest, but I trust you to not tell anyone about it."

Kirby looked at her curiously, but then nodded.

"Great, now follow me."

The puff did as told.

They arrived at seemingly normal Bush, but then Beetley pushed it away revealing a hole with a ladder. Understanding what this meant, Kirby followed his friend down the ladder. Once completely down Kirby looked around to some kind of drink stand and many other residents of the forests just relaxing, sitting at tables and playing pool.

"Welcome to the bug juice bar. The number one hang out spot for us."

The puff stared in amazement. "Wooowww! This place looks great! I can understand why it's a big secret!"

"Yup. We normally don't let outsiders in, but we consider you as an honorary member. Right, fellas?"

Everyone in the area cheered loudly.

"Of course! The kid has saved our lives countless times. He can come here as much as he wants!" One of the patrons said.

The child gave a timid giggle. "Well... I just did what I thought was right, but thank you, everyone."

"I would be surprised by how humble you are, but nah." Beetley uttered.

Kirby briefly pouted, but then gave a smile.

"Now come on, Kirby. Let's enjoy ourselves. I could use a drink after dealing with that clown."

The puff nodded. "Yeah, I'm getting a bit thirsty myself from walking around a lot."

They walked up to the bar.

"I'll have the usual." Beetley said.

The bartender nodded and then looked at Kirby.

"What about you?"

"Uh... what do you have?"

"We have all kinds of drinks, but I can give you a mocktail or soda."

"Mocktail?"

"It's a cocktail but without alcohol, so perfect for someone your age." The bartender replied.

"Ok, I'll have that then." Kirby said, not really understanding what any of that meant but was too thirsty to care.

Then he was given a drink menu, causing him to look slightly intimidated.

"Let me do it. You like pretty much everything, right?" Beetley asked.

He nodded.

"He'll have the strawberry orange."

The bartended nodded and left to make the drinks.

"Sorry about that. Beetley."

"Don't be. I was intimidated my first time too."

Soon they received the drinks and Kirby began happily drinking on his.

"Oh, this is really good!"

"I knew you would like it." Beetley grinned in satisfaction.

"What do you have Beetley?"

"Oh, the usual."

"What is "the usual" though?"

"The usual. That's actually what it's called. As for what's actually in it, a blend of blackberries and blueberries."

The puff nodded, looking slightly confused at that drink name. "Why do people give drinks such confusing names?"

"I dunno."

Kirby shrugged. "Well, I guess it's nothing worth thinking too hard about. Let's keep drinking!"

His friend laughed. "Alright then."

"So how do keep a place this a secret? I feel like something this would attract attention."

"People are better at keeping secrets than you think, Kirby. I think you should know that well."

The puff pouted. "I know that! What I mean is how do you prevent people from randomly stumbling upon it?"

"Usually someone scares people away from this area."

The child scratched his head. "I guess that makes sense. So how long has this place been around for?"

"A while. I'm not sure exactly how long."

"Ah ok. I suppose once you get used to something you don't really think about it. It's just a normal part of life. Like Kawasaki's!"

"Yup, that's exactly it." Beetley then got up and stretched her legs. "Have you ever played pool before, Kirby?"

"No, I haven't. Could you show me how?"

"Sure. Grab a pool cue. It's one of those sticks over there."

Kirby did so and returned to where his friend stood.

"Alright, the rules are fairly simple. There're two types of balls. Ones with white stripes and ones that are a full, solid color. Each player chooses what type of ball they want, then they take turns hitting the pool balls into the various holes. The player who gets all of the pool balls in first wins. Any questions?"

Kirby shook his head. "Alright, since it's you're first time playing you can choose what type of ball you want."

"Does what kind really matter?"

"Not really."

"Then the solid-colored ones."

Beetley nodded. "Alright so first we set them up into a little pyramid. Then after that, the person has to hit this white ball into all the other ones. Do you want me to go first?"

"Sure thing."

Beetley nodded and picked up a special pool cue made to be picked up by a horn. After looking at what angle to aim, she jabbed the white ball and sent the others into motion, with a few of them already going into the holes.

"Two of mine and two of yours. We're currently even."

"Did you do that on purpose?" Kirby asked, squinting his eyes.

"Nope. That's the fun with pool. Trying to get your pool balls in while trying not to get your opponent's in."

The puff nodded. "Ok, it's my turn, right?" He walked up to the table.

"That's right. Just pick any of your pool balls to aim and hit."

"Hmm..."

The puff stared intensely at the table, deciding which one he'd like to hit.

"I'll hit this one!" He exclaimed, jabbing at a blue ball which then hit a yellow ball. Thanks to the amount of force used, both balls were sent into the hole.

"Well done. Now it's my turn."

Beetley hit one of her pool balls which collided into multiple others, forcing them to scatter around. While none of her pool balls went in, Kirby would have a harder time positioning himself. The puff took a moment to look at this and thought about what he should do.

"Well, if I can't hit multiple, I'll just do what I can."

He then hit an orange pool ball and successfully got it in the hole.

"Nice job. I'm up next."

Before the child could blink, Beetley got two of her pool balls in, but also got one of his which he was thankful for. Knowing it was his turn, he thought about his next move.

"I don't think I can get more than one at a time... but what if I don't need to?"

Kirby gently tapped a green ball. While it didn't go far l, it was now in the direct path of all of Beetley's pool balls.

"Well, your turn!" He quickly said to his friend.

Beetley nodded. "Well can't get everything in now. But..."

The beetle then gently tapped one of her balls just like the puff did.

"Neither can he." She finished her thought.

The child immediately looked concerned, trying to think about what his next move should be.

"I think she's predicting my moves. Then in that case..."

Kirby closed his eyes and hit his chosen ball in a random direction. Surprisingly, he was able to get two of his pool balls in, leaving with just two more. With that, Beetley looked puzzled, not knowing what to do next. Beetley nervously hot one of hers but missed the hole entirely. Kirby's unpredictability clearly throwing her off her game. Then the puff stepped up once more. Kirby hit another ball and got it in, leaving him with just one left. He then looked at his friend, waiting for her move. The beetle was sweating and decided to ditch strategy, therefore doing instead what she does best: attack. Beetley jabbed one of her balls at Kirby's, which then caused a domino effect that ended with all of her balls except for one going down the holes. Both players now had one ball each. The puff was silent as he looked at the table, thinking about what to his next. Kirby hit his pool ball at Beetley's, the impact sending flying around the pool table, eventually ending with both of them falling down different holes at the same time.

"Hooray we both win!"

"Wow, was this what you were planning the whole time, Kirby?" His friend asked.

"Not the whole time. But I figured it'd be better if we got a draw!"

Beetley chuckled. "Sounds good to me."

"Thanks! But um not to sound rude but, were you going easy on me?"

The beetle shook her head. "Nah, I respect you too much for that. Though to be honest I'm not the best at pool."

"Oh. But did you at least have fun?"

"Well duh. That's a silly question."

"Then that's all that matters!"

"Yup. So, do you want to stick around for a bit longer? It's probably starting to get late."

"Maybe for a bit longer. I don't have any training tomorrow, so I don't have to get up early."

"Well, that's good to hear. How about we just sit down for a bit and chat?" The puff nodded and followed her to a table.

After getting comfortable, they continued their conversation.

"I'm sure Meta Knight is a pretty tough instructor, huh?" Beetley began, receiving a nod from Kirby in response.

"He is! But I know he's only tough because he's worried about me and wants me to be strong!"

"I don't doubt that. You know I've always considered challenging him to a duel. But I'm pretty sure he'd win."

"Oh, there's no doubt about that. No offense." The puff replied in a blunt manner.

"None taken. I'm sure I have the strength to hurt him, but strength is all I really have. He's way faster and more skilled than I am."

"Yeah, I've dueled him for training multiple times, and I can say that."

"So, what's your secret? How'd you get so fast?"

The child blinked, then timidly giggled. "I just trained with Meta Knight every other day. Like I feel like I wouldn't be as fast or as skilled with my Copy Abilities if it wasn't for him!"

"I see. So special training, huh? I don't suppose he'd be willing to take on another student, would he?"

Kirby took a moment to think. "Hmm... I'm not sure. Maybe I could ask him to give you some sort of trial run."

"Nah it's fine. Though maybe one of those Meta-Knights could help me..."

"If you want, I can ask Meta Knight about it when we have our next training session!"

"If you wouldn't mind. Which of his subordinates do you think would the best coach for me?"

Kirby paused to think. Many of the Meta-Knights preferred to fight a distance. Except for one.

"Maybe Axe Knight?"

Beetley shrugged. "Well, I'll just have to take your word for it then."

"Yeah! He's surprisingly fast considering how he carries a heavy axe all the time."

"I guess that's true. Definitely would be better than nothing."

"Then I'll ask Meta Knight about it! I'm sure he'll say yes!"

"Well, I don't doubt him, but will Axe Knight agree to it?"

"He'll agree to pretty much anything he orders, so yeah!"

"Well, if you're that positive then I have nothing to worry about. So, what's training with Meta Knight like? Like what does he have you do?"

"Well, we always do a sword duel at least once per month, but it's mainly just practicing with my Copy Abilities and figuring out new ways to use them. He also has me fight them with him, so that's another thing."

Beetley nodded. "So, he's the hands on kind of mentor. That explains how your skills improved so much in such a little time."

"Yup!"

His friend then gained a thoughtful expression. "What do you think is the reason that Meta Knight decided to train you? I know why you asked him, but not why he accepted."

The puff took a couple of minutes to think. "...honestly, I don't really know why he accepted."

Beetley nodded at the answer. "Well, I'm sure his reason is a noble one. Maybe he saw a bit of himself in you."

Kirby gave a timid giggle. "Oh, I don't think that's it. I'm not nearly as cool as him. Probably saw I had potential or something like that."

The beetle rolled her eyes. "I swear you are the humblest person in the universe. But I do believe he saw potential in you. That's basically guaranteed to be one reason."

"What do you mean by humble?" Kirby asked, confused by what she said.

"You do so many amazing things like kill literal gods, yet you say you're not that great."

"Well, I just do what anyone else would."

"Kirby, you're the best, no debate about it."

The puff blushed.

"Why are you so humble, anyway? You're literally one of the strongest beings on the planet. Then again... I'm honestly glad you're so humble."

"Heh, heh... that's just how I am..."

"That's for sure..." She then paused for a moment, as if realizing something and spoke up once more. "Want to get back outside? The forest is quite breathtaking at night."

Interested in seeing how the forest looked outside, Kirby nodded.

The first sight he saw as he climbed up the ladder was a full moon. He had seen it countless times for some reason it felt different this time.

"Wow...it's so pretty!" He exclaimed.

"Isn't it? Most people think the forest at night is scary, but when the moon is out like this it feels like the safest place to be."

"Yeah, it really seems like that! It looks so nice!"

"Yup. Well, let's get walking. It'd be easier to show you how pretty everything is if we keep moving."

The puff nodded and followed after his friend. As he walked, he couldn't help but feel a cool breeze run across his face. After being in a fairly warm location like that bar, it felt great. However, he was also starting to become a bit sleepy.

"Beetley, do you know why I feel so tired right now?"

"Well, it could be multiple reasons, though I'd say it's because you've had so much fun today. That and we're standing next to plants that make people sleepy."

"Wait really?" He jumped in alarm, only to hear Beetley laugh.

"Yes and no. The plants actually help people feel relaxed, which eventually leads to feeling tired." His friend explained, pointing to a meadow of small purple flowers behind him.

"...oh." Kirby gave a slight giggle. "I thought that I somehow exhausted from today."

"Well, you have done a lot today. Come on I'll walk you home."

"Ok then. Thank you, Beetley." He smiled, rubbing his eyes as he walked alongside her. "How do you not get lost when it's dark like this?"

"I actually have pretty good night vision." She replied bluntly.

"Ah, ok. I wish I had night vision. That would be cool!"

His friend chuckled. "Yes, it's very cool. However, you do need a bit of time for your vision to adjust if you're suddenly walking inside when there's a lot of lights."

"Ahh... yeah, I suppose that would be really annoying to deal with. I hate being dizzy!"

"Yup, it's exactly like if you're in a dark place and suddenly walk outside to bright sunlight."

"Yeah, I think I'll stick to my normal eyesight." Kirby replied with a giggle.

His friend nodded. "Yeah, I think your normal eyesight is much better for you."

Soon after that conversation they exited the forest.

"Alright, Kirby, this is where my knowledge of our surroundings end. Which way to your house?"

"Oh, it's about fifteen minutes east from here!"

"Ok then." Using her horn Beetley tossed Kirby up onto her back. "You seem pretty tired, so I'll carry you."

"Really? Well, thank you so much!" The puff smiled in response.

"Don't mention it. You helped me deal with that pest earlier so it's only fair. Besides, we wouldn't want to risk you falling asleep while walking now, would we?"

Kirby replied with a giggle. "Well, thanks anyway!"

With a nod in response, they flew off into the night.

The first new chapter in what feels like a while.

I've been slightly busy with classes, so I'm sorry it took so long.

Hope you enjoy it anyway.