Chapter 31: The Three Mage Sisters
Kirby was slightly bored on this sunny day in a Dreamland. He had no training scheduled with Meta Knight and most of his friends were unavailable for one reason or another. So, he decided to take a walk around town, see the sights and hopefully find something entertaining. That's when he saw a familiar blue haired woman run around in a panic.
"Oh, it's Francisca!" The puff exclaimed. He then began to run towards her while shouting. "HEEEEEEEEEEEYYY! FRANCISCAAAAAA!"
The icy mage turned around at the sound of her name being called. "Ah Kirby, bonjam." She replied, still seeming anxious.
"What's wrong? I've never seen you looking this worried and stuff before!"
"Well, it's nothing serious, just to put you at ease. You see me and the other generals have a tradition where every year we exchange gifts with one another. The issue is I have no idea what to get them."
"Do you want me to help you think of ideas?"
The mage looked surprised. "Oh, I couldn't possibly bother you with something so trivial."
"But what if I want to help?"
"Then, I suppose I'll take it."
"Ok! So then, what do you usually get for them?"
"Well, I always get them something different so that's a bit hard to answer. If it helps, last year, I gave Flam a new hair brush and Zan a new cap."
Kirby then sat down and thought. "Hmm... what are some things they like?"
"Flam loves collecting weapons even if she doesn't use most of them and anything to help her hair. Zan is tricky because she keeps her interest to herself most of the time. I know she has a fondness for accessories though."
"Hm... maybe we can find Flamberge a new weapon she hasn't seen before, and I know there's a nice accessory shop in the nearby village that we can buy something for Zan at!"
"It's worth a shot. Would you mind leading the way to the shop? I'm still not completely accustomed to where everything in Dreamland is."
"I'd love to!" The child exclaimed as he grabbed her hand and began to practically drag her there.
"You lived here you're entire life, right, Kirby?" Francessca asked out of curiosity.
"For as long as I can remember, yup!"
"Then you must know a lot about Dreamland. I'm a tad jealous if I must be honest."
"Oh, I'm sure you'll learn a lot about Dreamland if you live here for a while. Besides, I don't know everything about this place, actually!"
"That's true. Honestly, I'm glad you stopped us from doing something truly foolish. I'm quite fond of just living peacefully."
"Honestly, I'm just glad that all of you are happy now."
"Well, Flam and I certainly are. I think Zan is, but it's always hard to read her. And here I thought I was supposed to be the cold one." She joked.
"I think she's happy."
"She definitely will be after I give her a gift. How far away is this store we're going to?"
"We'll be there in five minutes!"
"How big is it? I'd prefer a large selection so I can take my time looking at it all."
"Massive! It takes up a whole block!"
"Juh? That huge? That's incredible."
"Yup! And you can take all the time you need to look!"
"Vun good." She replied with a smile that her coat could barely conceal. Kirby gave a giggle as he ran even faster to the store.
True to his word, the store was indeed huge. Everywhere you looked there was some kind of accessories. Headwear, Eyewear, jewelry of all kinds. It was almost overwhelming for the chilly general.
"Well, let's look around, shall we?" The puff asked.
"I assume you've been here a few times, so where do you suggest we start?"
"Hmm... well... I guess we should start in the jewelry section."
"Jes, that sounds good. Kirby, how do you know so much about this place? Don't take this the wrong way, but you don't seem the type to be interested in accessories."
"I shop here for friends all the time!"
"Now it all makes sense. It's interesting, I've traveled to many planets, but I've never encountered a place like this before."
"Oh, it's great! Come on!" He said, dragging her again.
The first stop was a section devoted entirely to rings. Rings with simple designs, rings with elaborate designs, even rings made of candy.
"There's so many beautiful looking rings here... I don't know where to start!"
"Well, what would look good on her? Ribbon and Adeline told me to pick out items that fit the person's aesthetic."
"So something that fits with yellow..."
"Or black." Kirby added.
"Indeed."
"Or lightning related! Maybe there's one shaped like a lightning bolt."
"That would be perfect!" Francisca almost immediately began to look for that.
"She's strangely energetic. Well, time to get looking!" The puff exclaimed as he began to search. "Hey, Francesca, why do they call them thunderbolts if it's actually lightning?" He asked wanting to make conversation.
"I'm afraid I don't know. I've asked Zan the same thing but she always told me to not ask such silly questions. Honestly I think she doesn't know herself and is just too embarrassed to say it." She laughed in her normal fashion.
"Might just be because it sounds cool or something like that."
"Who can say. Speaking of saying, Kirby who do think has the coolest magic between us mage generals?"
That was a question that Kirby honestly didn't want to answer.
"I see that question makes you uncomfortable. How about I answer first instead?"
"Ok!"
"Alright. Zan's."
"So then, why Zan's?"
"Well it's less her magic itself and more how she uses it. I need help from a water gun and Flam, bless her heart, doesn't have a hint of tact and just shoots flames wildly. While Zan, it's like watching a dance."
"Oh yeah, you're right! I noticed that when I was fighting her!"
Francesca nodded. "Yes, while I admit my magic is special and I would never trade it for anything else, there's just something admirable about how she uses hers."
"Yup, but the way you use yours is also pretty cool too!"
"I see, that's why you didn't want to answer initially. You like all of our magic equally, don't you?"
"Yup!"
"I probably should've expected that. Not like there's anything wrong with that."
"Yeah, I normally don't like playing favorites with most things." Kirby said bashfully.
"Oh, I understand that. You really do hate it when your friends fight, don't you?"
"Yup! Infighting is completely pointless as far as I'm concerned. I want everyone to be happy!"
Francisca nodded in agreement. "Thankfully, nowadays we don't really argue all that much. I think stopping with the Jamba Heart nonsense has lifted a weight from our souls."
"I'm glad!"
Kirby was at least happy about that, of course, his wasn't really from that incident. Especially with the appearance of their supposed god, Void. Francesca appeared to not notice this, but in truth she was quite aware of what the puff was thinking. She just didn't know how to go about talking about it.
"I should ask Zan later, she's better than me when it comes to this."
"Oh, I'm sorry! Let's go find something for Zan!"
That's when Kirby spotted something out of the corner of his eye. A gold ring with a black diamond in the center.
"Oh, what do you think about this, Francisca?"
"That would certainly look great on her! Let's get it!" His friend agreed and went to go buy the ring.
"Are you sure though? It looks really expensive..." The puff suddenly asked.
"Not an issue. We've come across a large horde of treasures during our...travels. I can afford this quite easily."
"Oh, I guess it's fine then!"
"Indeed. Besides, math is such a bore I'd rather not think about it." She said with her signature laugh.
Kirby himself laughed, understanding that sentiment.
"And for my sister's there's no such as too expensive. Just mildly so."
"Besides, it's the thought that counts, right?"
"Exactly. Which I'm buying two, one for each hand."
"That's a great idea!"
"Isn't it?" She said proudly.
"Yeah! Now let's buy it so we can start looking for Flamberge's gift."
The blue haired mage nodded and went to pay. As she said earlier, money was no issue, bought the rings without much hassle.
As they exited the store, Kirby once more spoke up. "Ok, then the weapon's shop is just the next store over!"
"My, that's quite useful. Though I wonder, why does such a peaceful place need a weapon shop?"
"Oh, that's in case Dreamland gets attacked. They usually provide spears and stuff to Dedede's army."
"I suppose that makes sense, but do you really get attacked that often?"
Kirby simply looked at her, as of trying to say "what do you think?"
"Ah yes, that's a fair point." She replied awkwardly, remembering that not too long ago she was an invader of Dreamland.
The puff silently nodded.
"Right, say Kirby. How many of your friends were originally enemies?"
"Oh, a lot of them were!"
While her expression didn't change, Francesca was a bit surprised. "..An uncanny ability to bring people together. You sure are a special individual Kirby."
The child gave a timid giggle. "Oh, it's nothing."
The mage shook her head. "I must humbly disagree. It's one thing to make people work together. It's another thing to reform and truly understand them. You have a gift Kirby."
The puff blushed in response to the complement. "Well... um... yeah... I guess... a lot of people have told me that..."
"Humble too. No wonder you're the rein-... really great hero of Dreamland." She said, stopping herself from saying "reincarnation". Thankfully it seemed that Kirby completely missed that, much to her relief. The last thing she wanted to do was make him upset.
"You think I'm that great? Well, thanks! Come on, we're almost there!"
The mage nodded and continued to follow him.
In a couple of minutes, they reached the location.
"Alright we made it! Isn't this place cool!" He said, urging her to take a look around.
The mage nodded and began to explore the store. Weapons and armor of all kinds were covering practically every inch of the store. It was truly an impressive sight, even if Francesca herself wasn't all too interested in weapons outside of her axe and water gun. She knew Flamberge would be having a grand time if she was here.
"So, what do you think Flamberge would like?" Kirby suddenly asked.
"That's a difficult question. The issue is she would be happy with anything, but I want the item I choose to have meaning."
"Hm... then how about you pick something that would remind her of you?"
"Of me? Well, she does think highly of me, so that could work. Help me look for an axe please."
"You got it!"
The pair split up and scoured the store, Francesca taking the left side and Kirby took the right side.
"Let's see, there's an axe! Oh there's an axe over there too! Oh and one right next to that one! Man where do I start?" Kirby wondered. He then gave a shrug. "Oh, I got an idea! I'll just take all of these and show them to Francisca and let her pick one she likes!"
Kirby scooped them all up, using his surprising amount of strength to carry them with ease.
Soon, he saw where his friend was.
"Heeeyyy, Francisca! What about any of these? Do they look good?"
"Kirby, did you carry all thirty of those on your own?" She asked in shock.
"Yup!" "Well... thank you, Kirby. Let's see here. This one looks nice, but so does this one... Wait, hand me over that blue one, please."
The puff nodded and gave it to her. The mage analyzed the axe, making multiple "hmms" as if she was in deep thought about it.
"I think she would like this one! Thank you Kirby."
"You're welcome! I'm going to go put the rest of these back now!"
"Alright, I'll see you outside then."
The child nodded as he wandered back to his according section of the store.
"Such a sweet kid. I should think of a way to repay him." Francesca thought as she went to pay for the axe.
In a short amount of time, Kirby stepped out of the store. Kirby was having fun helping her out. Though her face was obscured, he could she was smiling.
"Well, do you need me to do anything else today? I'm completely free!"
Francesca shook her head.
"No, I'm done with my business. But, I have a feeling someone else could use your assistance." She said, pointing at a red head running around the town square.
"Oh, ok!" Kirby happily said as he ran towards the familiar figure of Flamberge.
"I would go but I don't want her to see my gifts! Thank you again, Kirby! Jambuhbye!" She yelled at him while waving.
The puff waved back as he reached his other friend. "Hey, Flamberge! Whacha doing?"
"Hm? Oh its you pipsqueak. Say, you're not busy are you?"
"Nope! I have plenty of time today!"
The fiery woman smiled. "Heck yeah! You see I'm trying to get gifts for my dear Fran and Zan Partizane. Problem is, I have no clue what to get or where to start!"
"Well, do you know what they would like?"
"That's another issue. Those two have preferences yeah but they also aren't tied down to those preferences. I could get them anything and they'd be happy. I just don't know where to start."
"Well, what are some things they like collecting?"
"Collecting? Well, I know Franny likes collecting flowers and freezing them to preserve the beauty or whatever. And Zan likes trading cards."
There was a moment of silence, as if the puff was surprised by that.
"Yeah, I had the same reaction."
"Oooh, maybe you can get Francisca a pretty bouquet of flowers! And Zan... hm... I'll have to think about that."
"A bouquet? That when you have a bunch of flowers in a group? Yeah, that might just work!"
"Maybe in a milkshake or sundae like dish! I'll look even better when frozen!"
"Huh? Well, I'll take your word for it, pipsqueak. Now, you know a good place to get flowers?"
"Yup! Follow me!"
The redhead nodded, glad to finally get a start on her gift getting.
"So, besides cards, is there anything else Zan likes?"
"Hm... that's a good question. She also likes jewelry."
Kirby awkwardly chuckled, not wanting to let her know he already knew that. "Well, I think there's a card store in town."
"Well, let's go there as well!"
"Alright! Oh, there's the flower shop!"
"Great! Now let's go buy that bouquet for Franny!"
Kirby happily nodded and followed along as they headed in the direction of the store.
"You seem to be in a good mood Flamberge."
"I'm in a great mood now that you're helping me out!"
"Ahh well that's good!"
Kirby was usually fond of the red head, he didn't even mind being called pipsqueak because he knew it was just a nickname. So, he was glad to see her happy. Not only that, but he could sense that she was happy, too.
"So, do you know what of flowers she likes?"
"Yup. She loves all flowers equally, so I'll just pick what I think looks good."
"Ah, so we can get her a nice bouquet that looks like an ice cream sundae!"
"Yeah, I'll leave that part to you. I'll just pick out the flowers."
"Ok!"
The duo walked in and already Flamberge was impressed by what she saw.
"I'm not really a flower girl, but I have to say this is impressive."
"Yup! I think it's a nice store!"
Flamberge nodded. Truth be told she liked flowers, but due to her powers she tried staying away from them. Thankfully since she was in a good mood she didn't need to worry about accidently burn down every last flower.
"Well, let's get looking!"
"Let's!" The mage said as she picked up her pace.
Being used to needing to move quickly, she was able to get a good look of everything in just a minute.
"I'll think I go with these." She said, holding up nine flowers, three red, three blue and three yellow.
"Alright, so let's arange them then!"
"Uh... how do I do that?"
"Oh, let me do it for you!"
"If you don't mind..." She said, handing the flowers over.
Kirby nodded and then began to carefully arrange the flowers into a beautiful vase.
"Dang, you're pretty good with your hands huh pipsqueak?"
"Really?"
"Yeah, I'm not the type to compliment easily. Unless it's directed towards dear Franny. Anyway back to my main point, yeah you're very good at that."
"Well... um... thank you..."
"Don't mention it. Where'd you get that vase anyway?"
"Oh, this store has the option to give you a vase for a bouquet that you can buy."
"Oh well thats simple then. You come around here often?"
"Yeah, I do."
"Guess that means you like flowers, huh? Got any favorites?"
"I like all of them!"
"So like Franny in that case. I can respect that. It's nice just liking things. I'm the same way with weapons!"
"Yup! Nice things make people happy!"
"Yeah you got a good point, pipsqueak."
That was just Kirby's usual logic. He just enjoyed making people happy.
"You're a good kid, kid. Now let's go find those cards!"
The puff nodded as the mage paid for the bouquet and they stepped out of the store.
"So trading cards, is there a type of trading card she likes?"
"I think she just likes collecting any kind. She never plays the games associated with the cards, she just likes looking at them."
"Oh, so probably Kaadodasu cards would be good for her."
"Kaadodesu? What's that?" "They're a series of cards that are well known for their great artwork."
"Ah, then that sounds likw exactly what I want!"
"Yup! There's a store that sells them not too far from here!"
"Man, this town has everything don't it?"
"Well, it's the biggest town in Dreamland, so of course it does!"
"Fair point. You like living in a quiet place like this pipsqueak?"
"Yup! It's quite nice, don't you think?"
"It's better than how we used to live. Just traveling around, never sticking around long enough to really enjoy our time on a planet."
Kirby nodded in understanding. He had heard the same thing from his mentor, who had once lived a life like that with his mentor.
Suddenly, Flamberge spoke up again. "Being honest I'm still not totally used to this planet, but seeing as I'm a permanent resident at the moment, it's not so bad."
"Really? You'd think with how you act, you'd be completely used to it!"
She laughed at that. "I suppose that's fair."
"Maybe some day I can take you and the others exploring."
"I'd be fine with that. I like exploring. This place got any volcanoes?"
"Oh, there's a lot of them!"
The mage's eyes lit up, literally. The firey red head just could not get enough of hot areas.
"Sounds like a plan then! Oh yeah, gotta get cards first."
"Yup, thankfully, the store is right there!"
"Again, this town rocks." She said as she quickly floated towards it.
Quickly, Kirby followed after her.
Once they arrived Kirby decided to essentially be Flamberge's guide as it was clear she didn't know where to start.
"Now, follow me!"
"Yeah, sure thing. Sorry to make ya do this, pipsqueak."
"Oh, it's not a problem! I offered to help you, remember?"
"Fair enough." She said while patting his head.
Kirby gave a smile in response. "Right, so the cards we're looking for are in the back. I have a few friends that like this stuff, me included!"
"Lead the way." The young boy nodded, grabbing her hand and taking her in the right direction.
Shortly after, they reached the area where the cards were.
"Alright take a look around! Just pick whatever looks cool!"
The mage nodded and looked around. It didn't take long for her to find a set that caught her eye. Multiple cards depicting what looked like metallic knights and samurai.
"Oh, those are it!"
"You find something you like Flamberge?"
"These were those cards you were talking about, right?"
"Yup!"
"Let's get them for Zan then!"
The two high fived and quickly walked to the cashier.
After paying for it Flamberge was ecstatic.
"Thanks again pipsqueak. Couldn't have done it without ya."
"No problem! I'm glad that I could help!"
"Man, you're just way to kind. Anyway, I better get this stuff back home and ready to be presentable. I'll see ya 'round, pipsqueak."
"Yup! See you!" Kirby shouted as he waved to his friend. "Well, I'm glad both her and Francesca are happy. Hmm? I wonder if Zan is also around?"
With that new thought, he began to look around for the last of the mage sisters. While his first thought was to call out her name, he decided against it. He didn't want her to know he was looking for her.
"Hm... where could she be...?" He thought.
"Kirby? Out for afternoon stroll, I see?" A voice said from behind him.
"Oh, hey, Zan! What are you doing here?" He asked, upon turning around.
"Me? I'm here for a little shopping is all."
"Oh, do you need any help?"
The lightning lady smiled. "Why I would love the company. I suppose I should explain what I'm shopping for. Essentially, I'm getting gifts for my fellow mage sisters. Ordinarily I never have issues with this, but for some reason I'm having a bit of trouble this time around."
It was just as Kirby thought. "Well, do you know what they normally like?"
"Jewelry, hair accessories, flowers, weapons. They like those but for this year I would like to think outside the box and get them something unexpected."
"What would you consider "outside the box" then?" Kirby asked while tilting his head.
"Something they wouldn't expect me to get them, but would still like."
"That... sounds difficult..." The puff uttered, a slightly troubled look on his face.
"And that's exactly why I'm having a bit of trouble."
The child then took a moment to think about it. "Hey Zan, how often do you cook?"
"Fairly often."
"And do they like what you make?"
"They seem to like it."
"Then you should cook or bake something for them! They'll like and won't expect it!"
The woman took a moment to hum aloud. "You know what, that's a great idea! The only problem is... what do I cook?"
"That's a good question. Thankfully, I have some chef friends. You can ask them for advice!"
"I see. Could you show them to me?"
The child nodded happily and grabbed her hand. "First stop, Kawasaki!"
Shortly after, the duo arrived at Chef Kawasaki's restaurant.
"Ah Kirby! Here for your usual? Oh, I see you brought a friend with you." The jolly chef greeted them.
"Oh, not this time. This is Zan Parmesan and she's here to get ideas for what to cook for her two friends!"
"It's Partizanne." She corrected. "But everything else he said is accurate. Can you help me?"
"But of course! What were you thinking of making?"
"Well one of them loves hot dishes while the other loves colder dishes. I was hoping to find happy median between the two."
"Hm... it might take a bit of time, but I think I can find a recipe that fits that."
"Really? Thank you, kind sir. How much will I need to pay for this?"
"Nothing!"
The eldest mage was surprised by the chef's generosity. She admittedly wasn't used to being around such selfless people.
"Are you sure?"
"Why should you need to pay for advice?"
"I suppose that's a valid point. Thank you, Mr. Kawasaki."
"No problem at all! I'm glad I could help!"
Kawasaki left to go into the kitchen, leaving Kirby and Zan alone.
"So, Zan, have you been enjoying life on Popstar?"
The woman smiled. "Yes, it's quite enjoyable."
"I bet it's nice not having to fight every single day like you used to huh?"
"Indeed. It's relaxing, although I do sometimes find myself being bored."
"Yeah, I hear that. That's actually why I was in town in the first place, i just wanted to occupy myself."
"I see. I would expect someone like you to be able to keep themselves occupied on a planet like this..."
"You'd think so wouldn't you?" Kirby replied before giving a shrug. "But honestly I don't mind the boredom sometimes. It just means the planet is safe right?"
"You do have a point..."
"Yup! I think a bit of boredom in exchange for peace is a fair trade. Oh, how's Hyness?"
"Oh, he's doing quite well! While he occasonally spouts out some insane rambling, it's not happening nearly as often!"
Kirby smiled, glad that even someone like Hyness could change for the better. "Hey Zan, about Void. Do you think-"
"I'll stop you right there. The answer is no, you are not Void."
Despite this response, the child had a worried expression. "But... are you sure...?"
"Kirby, let me ask you something. Say a long time ago there was a evil man who spread chaos wherever he went. Then a thousand years later the soul of that man reincarnates and becomes a new person. Thus new person grew up to be a hero thar selflessly performed acts if kindness and fought evil. Now, would you consider the hero to be evil just because of his past life?"
"...no."
"Have you performed any actions that would be considered evil? Destroyed a planet? Wipe out a civilization? Laughed at the misery of others?"
"No, I haven't!"
"Then you aren't Void. Simple as that."
Kirby couldn't deny that logic, no matter what argument he proposed. However, it was clear that Zan wasn't done.
"Besides, why worry about it? From my viewpoint, you are the anti-Void. Void corrupts, you purify. Void destroys, you protect. Void brainwashes others, you befriend others. Everything you stand for is the antithesis of Void."
"I understand that, but I still can't help but worry for some reason."
"And that's precisely why you won't become Void." She said, confusing him even further. She then cleared her voice. "What I mean is because you worry about Void that means you make conscious efforts to avoid ever becoming like him, correct?"
"Yeah, I guess."
"Then as long as you keep being true to yourself, you'll never be like Void."
Kirby gave a massive smile in response to that. "...Has anyone told you that you're a kind lady, Zan? Because you are."
"Oh, no, I don't think so that much. Not because people haven't told me that, and I feel it's somewhat justified due to what I've done in the past."
"Well, let me ask you what you asked me. Do you like the misery of others?"
"Honestly, no."
"Then you're a kind person. So what if you did something bad? You're working towards making up for all of that right?" The puff could then tell that she was smiling.
"Yes, I am. Thank you, Kirby."
He smiled back, glad that he truly didn't need to worry about Void and glad that he could help his friend. "Say, I have another question. Are you actually blood related sisters?"
"We aren't related by blood, but I can understand why you would think that."
"But you still consider yourselves family. So like me and Meta Knight!"
"Yes, that's exactly it!"
"So, how long have you known them then?"
"For a long time."
"I'm going to guess since childhood?"
"Exactly."
"And I guess you've always been the leader?"
"Yes, since I was the first one to join Hyness."
"Do you like being the leader?"
"Of course I do!"
"I could tell, even when you're scolding them." He giggled.
Zan herself couldn't help but laugh as well.
"Glad to see you two in such high spirits. Your laughs are practically contagious. " Kawasaki said as he returned with the recipe.
"Is this the recipe? Thank you very much, Mr. Kawasaki. Are you sure you don't want anything as compensation?"
The chef just laughed. "Not at all. Besides you'll need your cash to get the needed ingredients anyway."
"I see. Thank you again for your help."
"Not a problem! Take care!" He said.
The duo waved back and stepped out of the resteraunt.
"Thank you for your help, Kirby." Zan said with a smile.
"You're welcome! Do you need help with getting the ingredients?"
"No, I should be fine. If anything, you can guide me to the grocery store in this town."
"Ah right, you're still new around here. Well, I think I've gotten pretty good at being a guide! Let's go!"
The mage nodded and began to follow after him.
While walking to the store, they decided to have another conversation.
"Given that you have lived here for your entire life, I assume you know this town pretty well?"
"Yup! I come to this town pretty often!"
"You mentioned being good at guiding. Do you act as a tour guide often?"
"Yup! I think it's fun!"
"You truly do like helping others for no reason other than it's good, huh? You have a good way of living, Kirby."
The child gave a timid giggle. "Well... thanks, but it's just something I like to do..."
"I know, and you should keep doing what makes you happy. For the longest time I just followed orders, believing that was all I need. But after being freed from that mindset, I do enjoy just having the freedom of choice."
"Yeah, that's the best!" The puff replied with a smile.
"Yes...it definitely is." She replied. Then she noticed Kirby was staring at her, or more accurately, her hat. "Do you like it?"
"Yeah, I think it's a nice hat!"
"I see, it is quite comfortable. I suppose it would make sense for you to have a fondness for hats, considering your Copy Abilities."
"I like wearing hats!"
The mage chuckled at his genuine excitement. "In that case, I can see if I can make one for you later."
Kirby blinked in suprise. "Really?"
"Of course. It's the least I could do to repay you for your kindness."
"Thank you so much!"
"You should save the thanks until after you get the hat, but you're welcome Kirby."
The child giggled. "I'll say thank you again when I get it, but I want to say thank you in advance as well!"
"That's very like you, Kirby. It's nice being your friend."
"I'm glad to be your friend, too!"
The mage only smiled at him in response to that statement. After a bit more walking around they finally arrived to the grocery store.
"Well, I guess I'll leave you to it, Zan."
"Indeed. Thank you very much for guiding me here, Kirby."
"You're welcome! Good luck with cooking!"
With a wave, Kirby ran off to go do something else.
"Francesca, Flamberge and Zan. It was fun hanging out with each of them! I hope they all like what they get." Kirby thought as he headed home.
Today certainly was a lot more exciting than he was expecting.
When he got home, he took a nape for a few hours before waking up to start working on dinner. That's when he heard three distinct knocks on his door.
"Hmm? Who could that be?"
Quickly, he ran to the door and opened it. Standing outside were the three Mage sisters. Each of them wearing the gifts they got. Kirby could also tell by Francesca's and Flamberge's expressions that recently ate something delicious.
"Oh, hey guys! What's up?"
"We're here to pay you back from earlier, pipsqueak." Flamberge said with a smile.
Kirby blinked for a moment. "Oh...um... I'm happy that you thought of doing that, but you really didn't need to!" He said with a timid giggle.
"Nonsense. You helped each of us and kept our gifts to each other a secret. You did a lot for us without asking for anything in return. We all feel as if you deserve something for your hard work." Francesca stated.
"Oh... well, if that's what you want to do, I can't stop you and I'll happily accept it!"
"Good. Now each of us got something for you. Let's start with something you already expect." Zan said as she handed over a hat similar to hers, but the yellow was replaced with pink, and the Jamba symbol was replaced with an image of Kirby's Warp Star in the same color.
The child's eyes sparkled. "Ooooh! It's one of your hats! I love it!" He said, instantly putting it on.
"Looks like a perfect fit. I had to make it smaller than usual so I was worried how it would come out."
"It fits perfectly!" Kirby nodded as he patted it.
"Alright my turn!" Flamberge said as she handed over a replica of her personal sword which, like the hat, was pink. Of course, the puff was equally excited about this.
"I love this so much! Thank you!"
"You're welcome, pipsqueak. Franny, your turn."
The blue haired mage nodded and handed over a outfit that all of the mage general's wear with, of course, pink being the secondary color.
"It might be a bit big for someone like you, but try it on anyway."
Kirby nodded happily and wasted no time putting it on. "So, how does it look?"
Francisca nodded with a smile. "It looks great on you!"
"Thank you so much you three! Oh, did you like your gifts?"
"Oh, we all loved them!"
"Awesome! Oh, I was about to make dinner. Would you like to join me?"
Zan looked back at the other mages, who nodded. "Well, if you're going to be kind enough to offer it, we'll join you."
"Then make yourselves comfortable! I'll get started right now."
The three mage-sisters nodded and stepped inside of the small dome house.
"Nice place you got, pipsqueak. Pretty comfy."
"Ehehe... thanks! I sometimes get a bit worried that it's comfy only for me, but I'm glad to hear that."
"It's well kept. More than I can sat for Flam's room." Francesca joked.
Flamberge seemed to grumble for a moment. "At least I don't misplace my hairdryer all the time."
"Oh, but I at least I don't misplace just about everything!" The blue-haired mage gave a huff.
"Enough of that, you two. No arguing at a friend's house." Zan said, stomping out the metaphorical fire before it could grow.
Kirby couldn't help but giggle at that.
"What's so funny, pipsqueak?"
"I just thought it was funny! I'm sorry!"
"Nah, you're good. Don't apologize. Seriously."
The puff then gave a nod. "Well, I'll just go work on dinner then!"
"What are you making anyway?" Zan asked. "And can I offer my assistance?"
"Oh, sure, feel free to help if you want!"
"I will, you two help as well alright?"
The other two mage-sisters nodded and joined them.
"I was just going to make burgers. So with four of us, it shouldn't take long."
"Well, that seems simple enough." Zan said.
"Heck yeah it is! I'm perfect at grilling!" Flamberge added.
"Leave putting the toppings and such to me." Francisca finished.
"What would you like to handle ,Zan?"
"Well, what do we have left to do?"
"Well, if I'm forming the patties and Flamberge is grilling them. You can make a side dish. I have plenty of stuff to pick from so make whatever you'd like."
Zan nodded and began to look through his refridgerator. "My... you weren't kidding. It's almost as if you stuffed an entire grocery store in here."
"I kind of eat a lot..." The puff giggled in embarrassment.
"Nothing wrong with that. You're a growing boy, a growing Star Warrior at that. I'm more so impressed that you have a fridge that can hold this much and be easy to search around in."
"Oh, that. Well... Meta Knight helped me organize it to make it that easy."
"Him huh? He still owes me a rematch." The red head mumbled.
"Oh, I'm sure you could get one if you asked him!"
"Yes but she's scared of him."
"Franny, you can't just say that!"
Kirby tilted his head. "Oh, Meta Knight isn't that scary if you talk to him!"
"I ain't scared of papa pipsqueak! I'll fight him later to prove it!"
The child smiled. "I'm sure he'll be happy to duel you."
"Um... yeah, sure. You got any tips for beating him?"
"Be fast."
"...Anything else?"
"Um... I dunno..."
"In other words, he has no real weakness and I just have to be stronger?"
"Yup!"
Flamberge sighed which made Kirby laugh in response.
After thirty minutes of cooking the meal was ready.
"Go ahead and sit wherever you'd like."
The three mage-sisters nodded and began to eat.
"This is great!" They all said at the same time.
Kirby took his own bite and squealed with delight. "I think food takes even better if you work together!" He then exclaimed.
They nodded in agreement, fully understanding how teamwork makes almost anything better.
"So, Zan, what did you make for the side dishes?" Francisca asked.
"Baked beans. They always work with burgers."
The puff tilted his head. "Really? I thought fries were also really good with burgers. But baked beans are great, too!"
"Multiple things work well with burgers yes. Chips, salad, almost anything. I just prefer beans."
"That seems to just be meat in general. I've had baked beans with ribs the one time and it was sooooo good!" The child uttered while drooling.
"Ok, pipsqueak, eat the meal you already have." Flamberge said with a chuckle.
"Ah! That's right!" The puff suddenly exclaimed, as if realizing it.
Kirby devoured his meal in 12 seconds, 2 seconds longer than usual. A sign of him slowing down. In response, the three mage-sisters gave a chuckle.
"Dang, you're faster than even Zan. She's the Jambastion's eating champion!"
"Hey, don't say that. I know how to take my time when eating!"
"Yes, but you're still the reigning food eating contest champion 20 years in a row." Francisca commented. The lighting mage groaned, as if she couldn't deny that.
"Wow, really!?" Kirby said, incredibly impressed.
"Yes, really." Francisca replied.
"We should have a contest later!"
"You say that despite knowing that you'll win?" Flamberge asked.
"It's not about winning; it's about doing something fun with friends! And eating great food!"
"That's a fair point. Very well, I'll be glad to." Zan agreed.
"Ok! Let's plan to do that tomorrow!" The puff quickly said.
"Sounds good to me. You two will join us, yes?"
Francisca and Flamberge looked like they were thinking, but they both seemed to know that was only for the sake of dramatic tension.
"Of course!" They both replied.
"Awesome!" Kirby cheered, then he noticed that the sun was beginning to set. "Well, I guess you guys should be getting back home. Thanks for coming over and for all of your gifts!"
"And thank you for helping us as well. You made our present exchange a perfect one."
With a nod and a smile, Kirby waved off his friends as they left.
"Today was perfect!" He exclaimed.
He was ecstatic that his friends were happy. To add on to his good mood, thanks to his talk with Zan earlier, he didn't think he would be having any Void related nightmares for a while.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Yeah, I know it's been over a month since I posted anything, but I've been pretty busy with college and another small art project on the side. I'm sorry about that.