"It is... true.."
That was all Meta Knight said before he swiftly turns around and marches out of the shed. Me and others just stood there wondering what had just happened. I thought for a second I was going to fight the dark knight in a duel like in the games. Then again, both him and Kirby weren't always enemies and end up mutually helping one another on some occasion. Maybe this Meta Knight is the good one. Anyway, Tiff was the first to recover from her confusion as she runs out of the shed with me and Tuff following suite. Meta Knight was just standing motionless looking out at the horizon.
"Please, Meta Knight." Tiff spoke.
"Don't tell the King." Tuff also pleaded.
"The King is not the problem, for now." Meta Knight said still not facing us. "Now, we have to fine the real monster."
I was a bit confused. Does he know about the giant sea monster too?
BOOM!
A loud explosion sounded off in the distance. We all turn to where it. Everyone, minus Meta Knight, gasps as we saw a big cloud of smoke was rising from the large castle on the mountain. What the heck was that? Was that King Dedede or the monster? Curiously, I started to make my to a trail leading to the castle.
"Kirby, where are you going?" Tiff asks.
"I want to see what was that all about." I reply as I continue on my journey.
After a while, I finally made it to the castle. I looked up the really high wall and saw where the smoke was coming from. It appears to be at the top of one of the towers on a balcony.
'How am I going to get up there?'
I look around and saw a crow pecking the ground nearby. That's when I got an idea.
'I know I'm going to regret this later in the future. Sorry little birdy.'
I open my mouth wide and started inhaling. Sure enough, I felt a powerful gust of wind blowing towards me and into my mouth. The crow senses danger as it tries to fly away. Unfortunately, it couldn't get away as it was caught onto the wind's current came hurdling right into my mouth before I swallowed.
"Ah, gross!" I say out loud as I rapidly brush my tongue. "I hope I don't get a disease from this!"
Suddenly, the same power I felt from before appeared again. On instinct, I jumped high into the air and landed an a giant feather that appeared out of nowhere. I then jumped on the soft fabric two times before a flash of light shined. When the light died down, I was wearing a cool looking feathery warbonnet. The same kind a Native American Chief wore in the movies. On the side of it though were 4 beautiful wings that flapped softly in the breeze as I floated in the air.
"This is so cool!" I say as I did a flip in excitement. "Now, let's see what King Dedede is up to."
With that, I flapped my wings and took flight over the wall and straight up the balcony. As I get closer, I start to hear voices that sounds all too familiar.
"Sire, we might need that!"
"You just take care of business, and I'll handle this star."
I was right. It was King Dedede and Escargoon talking. Though, what was it about a star Dedede mentioned? I guess I'm about to find out. Anyway, I finally made it to the top of the balcony where I see to my surprise, my/Kirby's starship was sitting at the edge of the balcony with a bunch of tools nearby. Are they trying to fix it, or salvage it?
"Why does he have to be so abusive? Self-esteem anyone?" Escargoon says as he turns around.
The moment he saw me, he gives a startled yelp.
"Well, isn't this the surprise." He say sheepishly while fiddling with his hands. "I was just trying to fix your starship for you."
I wasn't sure if I should believe him. Though, my attention was caught by a little dark blue box casing that laying on the ground opened. I picked it up and saw that it had a star-shaped hole in it. That must of been the star Dedede was talking about.
"Hey, Escargoon?" I said lifting the tiny box up in view. "You wouldn't happen to know where the star-piece for this is, do you?"
The large snail waved his hands around. "Not my fault, you see-"
I didn't let him finish as I turn and made my way down a hallway. I don't know what this star was for, but they took it from my starship. So it must be important.
After wandering around the hallways and encountering a couple of guards, who happen to be Waddle Dees, I finally found what looked like to be the throne room. I see in the center of the room was a green and golden chair with a fish tank nearby. Though, standing near the fish tank was the one I'm looking for.
"Dedede!" I yelled.
He didn't say anything as he gives a sideways glance at me. When he did, I saw that there was a small pink octopus outside of its tank.
'No way. It couldn't be.'
The octopus had the same angry face that the sea monster back at the Mayor's sheep farm had. There was also a piece of bone laying on the ground near the tank. I don't know how it become small, but I'll deal with it in a moment. King now, monster later.
"Alright, fatso! The jig is up! I know you took the star-piece from my ship! I also know that you're the one who sent that sea monster to- WOAH!"
The large penguin suddenly let out of low battle cry before he charge straight at me while wielding his big hammer. I swiftly started dodging Dedede's attacks as he continues to swing wildly at me.
"Kirby!"
I turn to see both Tiff and Tuff come out of the hallway and into the throne room.
"Guys!" I yelled back.
However, that was a mistake to let my guard down for a moment as King Dedede is able to get a good shot at me. I was launched across the throne room and into a wall before falling down to the ground. I tried to get up, but the rampaging King sends me soaring across the room and hitting a wall again. This went on four more times before Dedede gives one more final hit at me and sends me hurdling and crashing at a column at the side of the room. Okay, that hurts even more than the others!
Gasp~
I lift my head of the ground to see that Tiff and Tuff's parents have arrived at the scene.
"It's Kirby!" Sir Ebrum, who's name I learned from Tiff, exclaims.
"And he's getting beaten by the King!" Lady Like, who's name was also mentioned, added.
'Really?! What gave that away, Sherlock?!' I thought as I pick myself up.
Just then, I see Dedede coming straight towards me again to deliver another round of hammering. Luckily, I was able to dodge out of the way just in time as the King slams right into the column I too crashed into and gets knocked out.
'Serves you right!'
Though, the little gloating has the wait as the column Dedede hit started to crumble down. Just right on top of Tiff and Tuff.
"Oh no! Guys!" I shouted.
"Get away!"
I turn to see Meta Knight come running in and knocking both siblings out of the just in time as the column came crashing down.
"Way to go, Meta Knight!" I cheered.
"You're really on our side." Tiff smiled.
"Look out!" Meta Knight pointed across the room.
I turn around to see right by King Dedede was the octopus from earlier growing really big and it's skin was turning from pink to velvet red. I can hear the others scream as the sea monster was returning to its colossus stage. I look up at it and felt a bit intimidated by it's size. I was fine when I was far away from it. Now it was literally a few feet away from turning me into seafood.
I turn to the others. "Tiff, Tuff, come on! We got to get to lower ground!"
The two siblings seem to agree as they run out of the thrown room and into the hallways. Before I could leave too, I stopped and looked at Meta Knight.
"Are you going to be alright up here?"
"I'll be fine." Meta Night says as he pulls out his golden sword. "Besides, I'm not alone."
As he says that, both Sword Knight and Blade Knight came running into the room ready for battle. I give Meta Knight a nod before started to follow my friends.
Everything was in going into chaos. I can see through the hallway windows that the sea monster was wrapping its huge tentacles all around the whole castle. It felt like an earthquake was rumbling in here.
"Guys, where are you!" I say as I search through the barely lit hallway.
AAHH!
Just then, I heard screaming. I made a turn around a corner to see not only Tiff and Tuff, but also King Dedede and Escargoon running away from a large tentacle that was chasing them. The two goons made it over and hid behind a column besides me. My friends on the other hand was blocked by the appendage. The slimy arm rises up and was about to smash the two. Something within me snapped. I must protect my friends!
"NO! Leave them alone!"
As if it could hear me, the tip of the tentacle shifts from them to me.
"Feather Gun!"
I swiftly summon a load of sharp feathers and started shooting at the monstrosity. The feather bullets pierced its skin, making the huge thing back off. I quickly flew over and land between it and the siblings.
"Kirby!" Tiff says happy to see me.
"Guys, are you two okay?" I say with urgency.
"We're fine now thanks to you."
"Look!" Tuff shouts.
We look as the tentacle spread itself on the ground. I was confused as to what it was doing. However the next thing it did nearly made me barf. The suckers on it started to pop out small version of the sea monster itself.
"Eeww!" Tiff says in disgust.
"You and me both." I joined.
The mini monsters all look at us before they began flying towards us.
"Oh no you don't!"
I run forward and try to gun down the little fish sticks. However, these pests were coordinated as they dodge each feather fired at them. Soon, I was overwhelmed by their number as they start to smack me around. They came left and right, back and forth. I was getting more hurt by the level of aerial attacks they were giving me.
"Kirby! Watch out!" I heard Tiff yell.
I look up to see that the nasty little buggers were carrying a large chunk of rock that was from the rubble.
'Ah, shit-'
Smash!
The fuckers dropped the stone right on top of me. I've got to say, it hurts like fucking hell! The hammer beating from earlier was nothing compared to this. I shakily pull myself out of my rocky tomb and lay on the ground. I felt so weak and tired. Like I could pass out. My pink little body was aching in so much pain.
Flash~
Suddenly, a flash of light shined the room for a moment. When it faded, it revealed that I was myself again. My Wing Kirby power have disappeared. Guess taking a lot of damage can disable whatever ability I gain.
"Just like in the games..."I say to myself weakly, as my body was ready to give up.
'You cannot give up, my child.'
My eyes widen. That's the same voice I heard before I came to this world!
'Who are you? Where are you?' I ask the voice in my head.
'I will explain everything in due time. However, right now, you must stay determine and protect your friend.'
'I'm not sure if can.' I thought sadly. 'I'm not strong enough.'
'Then allow me to aid you, my child. Reach to the highest point of this structure.'
'But what will you do?'
'You must hurry, young one! There's not much time!'
I decided to listen to the voice in my head and tiredly get up before turning to the others.
"Go! Get out of here!" I yelled. "Get to some place safe!"
"Kirby, wait!" Tiff calls out.
I ignored her as I turn and ran down the hall to which lead to a spiral staircase. I can feel the mini octopuses chasing after me in hot pursuit. As I go up the steps, my body was screaming to me to stop, but I stayed determined and ran as fast I could go. Soon enough, I reached to the top of the castle in a tower. Before I could catch my breath, the walls around me crumbled to pieces as another tentacle crushed the whole thing, leaving me stranded on a pillar.
BOOM!
Just as things couldn't get any worse, the sea monster itself burst out from the center of the castle. It was bigger than ever! It looked up at me with I assume was anger. I'll be honest, I was not liking my odds here. There was a humungous eight-armed sea creature the size of a castle with an army of mini octopus monsters surrounding me. Not to mention, I am too tired and had no powers available.
Right and then, I knew that this wasn't a game. There was no restart, no extra lives, no checkpoints. This was real life. I could actually die for real. I will never see my mom or my closest friend, Mary ever again. A lone tear flow down my little pink cheek as I start to crumble. This was it. This is where I die in a painful death. It is... Game Over...
"KIRBY!"
I look up to see something bright shining from the other tower across the monster. It was Tiff, and she was holding the star I was looking for! Just then, the voice from earlier spoke again.
'Now, my child! I will lend you the strength to vanquish this horrid monster! Fight for Dreamland, and send this beast back from which it came!'
Suddenly, didn't felt so tired anymore. I felt so much stronger than I felt before. I can also feel the pain from before going away. I was now filled with determination! I reeled back and started inhaling. Soon, all of the mini Octopus monsters were caught in the wind current and were sucked up into my gut.
"Take that you side dishes!" I taunted.
The main monster was not happy at the sudden development and raised two of its tentacles before sending another wave of mini Octos.
"Not this time!"
I jump into the air and start doing a rapid spin kick as I knock away every Octos out of sight.
"HOORAY!" I hear both Tiff and Tuff cheer from their tower. I also see Meta Knight in the background as well watching.
Meanwhile, the sea monster growls in anger as it tries the same tactic again. This time though, the mini Octos were on fire.
'Yes! Just what I needed!'
The stupid sardine made its mistake as I open my mouth and began sucking up the little pests. Once I gotten every one of them, I swallowed. Then I jumped high into the air and flash a light once again shined. When it was gone, it revealed a new me. My skin turn to a shade of red, but that's not all. On top of my head is a golden headband with a shiny emerald in the center. Though, the awesome part was that I had a literal flaming mane on my head. It flickers as ash was starting to rain around me like a volcano.
"I am now Fire Kirby!"
The monster though had enough of my childish games as it releases a wave a fire onto me. However, thanks to my new power, I was unaffected by the hot temperature. I then started inhale the flames before I release it back. The monster flinches back in pain from its own fire.
"Can't stand the heat? Then get out of the kitchen!" I taunted.
If it was mad before, it is now definitely pissed as it floated into the air and stared down at me. I glared back at the beast.
"Kirby!" I heard Tiff shout my name.
From where I am, I could see Tiff throw the star she was holding at me. The star itself grew larger as it transform into Kirby's personal ride.
'The Warp Star!'
When it was near, I jump right on top of it and rode it away from the oncoming giant Octo. It tried to get me with one of it's tentacles, but I out flew it and circled around the tower it was near, catching it off guard.
"Now, let's finish this!"
It was my turn as I shot my own fire cannon back at it in the face. The intense heat was enough to drive the monster back. Wanting to finish this, I put more power into my flamethrower and pushed the Octo further way. In a desperate attempt to save itself, it wraps its remaining tentacles around the tower of the castle. That made me blow even harder. Soon, the heat was so strong that it made the monster's face exploded.
The force of my intense flame sent the corpse into the sky and made it disappear. Once it was gone, I took a moment to catch my breath. I felt like I emptied my lungs 3 times over. I couldn't believe it. I took that thing down. I felt so happy of my accomplishment that I did a mini Kirby victory dance you would see at the end of a level. When I finished, I jump down from the Warp Star and landed onto the balcony that everyone was at.
Both Tiff and Tuff were cheering for me. I could see King Dedede crying in the back while Escargoon tried to comfort him.
"There goes my refund!" Dedede cried.
I then look at Meta Knight, who was silent the whole time. We looked at each other in the eye as we both gave a nod to one another.
"That was amazing, Kirby!" Tiff says to me. "You did it!"
"Yeah..." I reply as I look up at the sky where I see a lot of stars shining tonight. "I guess I did."
Later that night, me and my friends decided it was a good time to get some well deserve sleep after the incident we've been through. While we slumber, the adults were working to sort everything out that has transpired. Right now, I was sleeping peacefully in Tuff's bedroom as he decided to let me bunk with him for the rest of the night until morning. I've got to say I was pretty tired. While I am a Night Owl, that fight made me exhausted. Though, there was something else that happened while I was sleeping. I've finally got to meet the one that was talking to me in my head.
I open my eyes as I stare straight up into the darkness as I lay flat on the ground. I groan as I pick myself up. Though, while I did, I felt something odd about me. Something very familiar. Once I got up, I look at myself and to my complete surprise, I was me again. My normal teenage self again, wearing the same clothes before I went to Dreamland.
"What is this place?"
I look around where I am. All I saw was nothing but darkness that goes on forever. However, the only thing that is illuminated as floor was standing on. It glow white as it gave a nice shine to it.
"My child..."
I yelp as I turn around and came face to face with a women. She was human just like me. She had long thick wavy blue hair that reached down her back. She wore a beautiful looking white toga that was made of well folded sheets. I blushed as I can also she that she had an hourglass body and had curves on all the right places. She was absolutely beautiful.
"I thank you for the compliment, young one." She giggled.
Wait, she can read my mind?!
"Indeed I can. My, my. You have a way of describing a women."
I blush even more as I tried to look small.
"U-um... are you the o-one who was talking to me before?" I sheepishly ask.
"Yes. I was the one you have heard from back on Earth."
My eyes widen a bit. I knew it was her, but I had to make sure.
"Who are you, if I may ask."
"I am known by many others in the past. However, my true name is Galaxia, Goddess of the Cosmos."
I was left speechless. I was in the presents of a real Goddess. Thinking quickly a start to get on my knee and Kneel.
"There is no need to do that, my child." Galaxia giggles again. "You are free to act as us normally do."
I nod in respect and got back up.
"Okay... Galaxia." I respond with a bit of confidents. "Can you tell me why I'm here in Dreamland?"
This seems to drop her mood as she frowns.
"Indeed I will."
Galaxia then waves her hand and the whole scenery changes before us. The whole place changed from it's mysterious black and with room into a what looks like a battlefield. I stare in shock as I see many different people in armor and creatures that look like monsters laying dead on the ground everywhere.
"Along time ago, there was a terrible war that went on for too long throughout the galaxy. These soldiers you see before you are the fallen members a rebellion called the Star Warriors. This rebellion have fought with armies of terrible monsters that were sent throughout the cosmos."
I look at each body in both sadness and sympathy.
"Where did the monsters come from?" I asks looking back at Galaxia.
"Tell me, have you ever heard of the name, Nightmare?"
I nodded. I know Nightmare. He was Kirby's worst enemy in the game. Both combatants have fought each other on the moon over Pop Star. Kirby defeated Nightmare and restored order to the Fountain of Dreams, thus saving Dreamland.
"That is what he in his past life. However, he is different this time."
I did a double-take. "Wait, what do you mean, 'past life'?"
"I mean that there was once a timeline where Nightmare had tried to destroy the Fountain of Dreams. You see, after one dies in their timeline, they start over somewhere new and try to redo the things they've worked for. Kirby for example has been to many other timelines before as you may already know."
I blink. "Wait a second, you mean that-"
"All of those video games you play that is about Kirby are the windows that show the event that have happened."
I look down in shock. All those games were real?! I didn't know that.
"If that's the case, then do they remember their past? Not just Kirby, but Meta Knight and King Dedede? They were in games or timelines as well."
"Kirby is just too young to remember such events. King Dedede is well... not the smartest individual. As for Meta Knight, he only sees these glimpse if his previous life as nothing but dreams. He also chooses to dwell in the past and keep going."
"What about... Nightmare?"
Galaxia sighs as she waves her hand again. The gruesome battlefield changed back to mysterious room from before. Though, right in front of us was Nightmare himself. Let me say that he was freaking tall! The game didn't show how exactly big he was during the final boss fight.
"Nightmare is a different story. He is a mysterious creature. An entity made entirely out of every nightmare put together. He does indeed remember his past life before he was defeated by Kirby. Since there is no Fountain of Dreams in this timeline, he had to find another way in conquering the universe."
"By creating and sending monsters to wreck havoc." I finish.
"Precisely."
I look back up to Nightmare. I felt a chill as I look a his skinny skeleton like body underneath his starry cloak. I swear I could hear his bone chilling laugh.
"Okay, so now I know what's going on. However, there is one more thing I like to know. What do I have to do with this? Isn't it Kirby's turn to going into this timeline or something?"
Galaxia looks down as she waves her hand and made Nightmare disappear, leaving just the two of us alone.
"As I said before, Nightmare is a mysterious creature. When he was this time, he somehow figure out how to manipulate another timeline than his own. Only but slightly. Yet, he took that chance and decided to sabotage Kirby's transfer from his old one. So now, our little pink friend is somewhere lost in time."
"Is he okay?" I ask concerned.
"He is alright, my child. I can feel his soul still wandering. I will also say, he is having the time of his life exploring new places in whatever he is."
"Can you bring him back, though? Isn't he suppose to be the hero his world needs at the moment?"
"I have tried to seek the heroine myself, but Nightmare's power is keeping him lost. Not even I am strong enough to bypass his dark barrier."
Galaxia then summons a puffy cloud near us. She proceeds to walk over and sit on it. She pats the left side of it. Indicating that she wants me to sit with her, which I complied. Something tells me she was about to tell me something I didn't like.
"Indeed I do unfortunately." She confirms it. "The reason I have brought you here is because I need an anomaly to substitute this world's heroine in his place. Nightmare does not know you are here. At the moment, he believe that his plan has failed and proceeded to continue with his original plan in conquering the universe itself."
"Why me of all people though?" I ask curiously.
"I sense great courage in you, Toby." She says my name for the first time. "I believe that you were perfect to play this role and become the hero that Dreamland needs."
I sat there in silence. This was a lot to take in all of a sudden.
"I know it was wrong of me to make you carry this huge burden without your say, but there wasn't enough time to choose."
"...I see... so... if I'm here in someone else's timeline, then what about mine?"
Galaxia once more waves her hand and a view of my house appeared. On the screen, my mom was currently having a bit of trouble getting the groceries out of the car. Just then, ANOTHER ME shows up from the house and offers the help bring in the stuff.
"While you remain here in this timeline, there will be a substitute taking your place as time goes on. It will be as if you never left." Galaxia explains.
I silently look down at my hands before clutching them.
"I understand if you don't want to-"
"I'll do it."
This got the goddess by surprise.
"What?"
"I said I'll do it." I answered again. "I will stay here in Dreamland and fight Nightmare. You could of chosen a million other people in my world, but you went for me. I am honored to be your anomaly and will carry out this mission to save the world's universe."
I look down a bit.
"And ever there is the slightest chance that I don't make it, I at least know that there is another person taking my place back in my timeline. I don't want to leave my mom alone."
Galaxia was surprised by my act of courage before she gave me a smile.
"You are very noble, Toby. I see I did make the right decision in picking you."
"Thank you, Galaxia."
Suddenly, I was starting to feel a bit sleepy as I yawn. Without thinking, I laid my head right onto the Galaxia's lap. She however did not protest as she starts rubbing my head. It felt nice, calming even.
"I'm afraid out time together has passed. However, we will see each other again later on in the near future. Until then, good luck, Toby, Dreamland's newest hero."
Before darkness can take full hold on me, I felt Galaxia kiss me on the forehead. I smiled as the dream world around me faded.
Kirby
Kirby~
I grumble as I shift in my sleep.
"Hey, Kirby!"
"GAH!"
I was startled by the sudden volume. I look around to see that I was back in Tuff's bedroom. I then looked at myself to see I have too returned to having Kirby's body. All that I experience was something I won't forget.
"Hey, Kirby. It's breakfast time. Come on and join us in the living room. My mom made some bacon and eggs." Tuff said as he hurries out of the room.
I smile as I can smell the tasty meat candy getting cooked. Might as well enjoy myself.
It was still morning as me, my friends, and the Cappies were outside town in a field. With us is my starship all fixed up and ready to go. Everyone was giving me their goodbyes as they think I was leaving. Well, that's going to change in a moment.
"I wish you could of stayed a little longer, Kirby." Tuff says sadly. "But I guess you have other places to go."
"I hate long goodbyes." Tiff says as she crosses her arms and turns away from me. "So just get on your ship and go."
I gave a small grin. Even though Tiff sounded like she wanted me gone, I can tell she didn't want me to leave. Well, let's make that happen, shall we?
"Actually, Tiff." I spoke. "There was something I needed to tell you."
This got her attention as she faces me again.
"I actually have something to tell all of you people!" I address the crowd. "I've thought long and hard, and I've decided I will be staying here in Dreamland!"
The crowd were surprise at first, but then they shifted into a full on cheering. I guess they too didn't want me to leave so soon.
"Wait, you're really staying?" Tiff asks.
"Yes. You welcomed me with open arms and treated me like I was part of the community. As a matter a fact, I have been planning on settling down. I think that Cappy Town would be a good place to live."
Without another word, Tiff suddenly leaps forward and gives me a hug. Tuff also happily joins in. I just smiled as I am surrounded by so many friends.
Boom!
The was a sudden big explosion. We turn to see that my starship was completely destroyed to bit.
'What the fuck?!'
"Sire, you missed."
I turn to the source of the voice to see that it was King Dedede and Escargoon in their tank. You got to be joking. Way to ruin the moment. I look down and picked up a rock before throwing it. It landed inside the cannon just a Dedede pushed the button trigger. There was load clanking noise before they exploded with bits of their own ride scattering to pieces.
"That's one way of going with a bang." Dedede wheezed.
I look back at my destroyed starship with a sigh.
"Welp, NOW I'm really staying in Dreamland."
My friends just laugh at my little predicament. Soon, I too joined in the little group fest. So, this what I will be doing during my stay here in Dreamland. I'm going to have to train myself to handle my powers better if I'm going to face another monster. Something tells me that Octo is not going to be the last. I will protect my friends and Dreamland from any threat that comes in our way.
'Alright, Dreamland, let's see what else you have in stock for me on my new adventure.'
_Author's Notes_
Well, now that was something! What will our anomaly, Toby do now that he's on a mission? What is King Dedede's next plot to destroy the little Star Warrior? What does Dreamland have to share with the little human turned alien? Find out next time on 'Toby Right Back At Ya!'.