It was another good day here in Dreamland as usual. With the nice weather outside and the friendly citizens of Cappy Town all out and about in the streets doing their usual routines. Things have been calm again after the whole incident with the volcano a week ago. Not much has change since then. Well, except for Miku's training of course. That's right. My soulmate is still trying out to be an official police officer of Cappy Town.

For the past few days, Miku has training herself to be more athletic. Her little shy nature actually started to falter and become more energetic. She would do a few laps to Wispy Woods and back every morning. Not to mention, she did some odd jobs off her own to save up to buy some books on being a police. I offered to by some for her, but she told me that she would rather earn them herself.

I was surprise by this sudden change to Miku's personality. When I met her when we were... split in half, she was a shy individual that would be intimidated by the smallest of things. Now, I see a young girl who is filled with determination and life. Miku was serious about making a difference and becoming a hero like me. She is starting to remind of Mary.

...Mary...

Yeah. In case you haven't noticed before. I still miss my friend. I miss the times that we would spend time together playing video games and watching our favorite movies. If anyone would of told me that I would end up as a temporary anomaly for a real life video game hero from another dimension, I would of called the crazy. Well, look were I am now. Though, if I really knew that the day that I was warped to this world would be the last time I heard or seen my friend, I would of spend my last moments with her.

I know that there is a copy of me filling my life back on Earth, but it wouldn't matter. As far as I'm aware, my future battle with Nightmare seems to be taking its time as it has been a month or so. By the time I would get back to Earth, or IF would survive long enough to get back, Mary would be long gone by then as she would have graduated from high school. Some nights, I would stay up and wonder would her reaction be if she knew where I was. Boy, wouldn't that be a sight.

...

Hopefully, after all this is over, I will be able to see her again. Aside from my new friends here in Dreamland, Mary was the only person that was there for me when I was alone in school. No matter where she ends up when I return, I will always treasure our time together. As there is a saying, "A friendship will never die.".

It was around noon as me and my friends where having lunch at Chef Kawasaki's restaurant. Tiff and her family have invited me to join them when they spotted me taking a stroll in the streets of Cappy Town. Right now, we were all seated in our table as our food was already cooked before hand. I figured that they ordered it by phone from the castle.

"Welcome back to Kawasaki's." The orange chef addresses us. "I haven't seen you or your lovely family here in years, Sir Ebrum."

"And it appears that you have't seen any much customers here either." Sir Ebrum said taking a look around.

"Well, the food has been always what it used to be."

"Oh?"

The said food appears to be... well, I have no clue as to what it was. It just looks like stew mixed with ramen. Though, the ingredients looks like they have been throw in as they were all looked raw and uncut. The minute they all even try a bowl, they dismiss their serving.

"It is the same, isn't it?" Sir Ebrum said after taking one bite.

"Once you tasted this wonton soup, you don't want it anymore." Lady Like sighed with apparent displeasure to the taste.

'This is soup?'

"She is quite right my ol' boy. No wonder the place is empty."

Tiff then spoke. "Mom, if the food is yucky, then why did you and dad brought us back here then?"

"Oh, Tiff, darling, you know very well that the microwave is on the frits."

"I ought to call the authorities on you, dear boy. This salad is a public menace." Sir Ebrum said to the faltering chef. "I heard of roughage, but this is too rough."

'Wait, didn't your wife said it was soup a minute ago? Also, dramatic much, Ebrum?'

Kawasaki sighs sadly as he held his beloved pan in his arms.

"Hey, Kawasaki, what's with that frying pan?" Tuff asks.

"Oh, this? I had this since cooking school." Kawasaki answered. "It has great sentimental value. It belonged to my teacher."

I indeed remember my occasional boss telling me about this before during my shifts. He had that piece of cooking ware throughout his training in cooking school. His teacher was some guy name Chef Shiitake. Which was surprising since I recognize him from the game Kirby Mass Attack.

"Wow, somebody actually taught you to cook like this?" Tiff questions.

"Yep. He took one small bite of my final exam, and whacked me on the head with it." He smiled.

"From just one bite, huh?" Tuff looks at his bowl. "Well, you're lucky he didn't each the whole thing. I roll my eyes as I chowed down on my serving in one go.

"I honestly don't get why you all think it's bad. Sure it has some weird aftertaste and can be bland, but it doesn't take poisonous anything like that." I said wiping my mouth.

"Egh! Kirby, if you can eat this stuff, you can eat anything!"

"While that is technically true, I refuse to eat garbage. Even I have boundaries."

"Whatever, have my bowl." Tuff said handing me his serving.

Click~

Just then, the sliding doors at the front opens. In the archway was the annoying goons of this land known a King Dedede and Escargoon.

'Ugh, what do these clowns want now?'

"Howdy." Dedede greets.

Kawasaki took notice. "Oh, your Majesty. What do I owe the pleasure?"

"Listen up good, Kawa-yucky."

"We want you to be the King of the kitchen of Castle Dedede." Escargoon finishes.

Kawasaki smiles widely as he loses his footing and falls on his behind in disbelief and joy. I guess it would be every chef's dream to serve a ruler.

"It's...It's like a dream come true!" Kawasaki says excitedly.

He quickly gets up from the floor and goes into the kitchen. He comes back with brown bag and his cooking pan still in his hands.

"I ready when you are!"

"Good, because we are going now." Escargoon said.

Soon enough, the three left as it was just me and the yellow family left in the restaurant. Kawasaki didn't even bother to close the restaurant as the sign was left outside.

"Well, that was unexpected." Sir Ebrum spoke.

"Yeah, why would King Dedede need Kawasaki all of a sudden?" Tuff questions.

"Well, it wouldn't matter in the long run. He is not going to like what Kawasaki has cooking for him." Tiff giggles.

"Oh, what are we to do now?" Lady Like asks.

I sigh as I get up from my seat and started gathering everyone's bowls including the stew pot from the table to their confusion. I go to the kitchen and dump all the stuff away. I peek out from the kitchen window.

"No need to worry, everyone. I'll cook up something for you guys. Don't worry, it's on me." I said.

"What are you going to make, Darling?"

"Well, how do you guys feel about spaghetti with some garlic bread?"

An hour has past after my generous lunch save, which they both appreciated and loved, we went to Castle Dedede to check out how Kawasaki's position as royal chef is going. Though, from where we're standing, it is not going so well as Dedede kept rejecting serving after serving with very coloful criticism.

"This stinks!"

"This too!"

"Lousy!"

"Putrid!"

"Rancid!"

"Treason!"

"Kawa-yucky, I ought to fry you up like a fritter!" Dedede shouts displeased.

Escargoon took a bite too. "I know this came out of the over, but this tastes like it came out of the sofa cushion. Bleh!"

"There's a word for this stuff and it ain't 'food'."

We couldn't help laugh quietly at the scene before us.

"Gee, King Dedede sure looks mad." Tuff grins.

"Would you be happy if you were eating Kawasaki's food?" Tiff adds.

I playfully roll my eyes as I focus back onto the scene.

"You're a disgrace!" Dedede insulted. "How can I serve this junk to Shiitake?!"

That certainly got Kawasaki's attention, me and the other's included.

"Shiitake? Shiitake the master chef?"

"Oh, no. Shiitake the mushroom." Escargoon said sarcastically. "Or course the master chef, and he's coming to taste our food!"

That puts Kawasaki into hyper-drive as he starts to panic that his teacher his coming.

"He's on his way here?! Well, why didn't you say so?!" Kawasaki yells as he runs out the room, nearly ramming us. "The master is coming!"

Me and my friends just look on in confusion as we see the orange chef run down the hall. Though, I was a little surprise to find out that Chef Shiitake was coming here in Dreamland. I do wonder what he looks like in person. Well, until then...

"So, do you two want to go play a game or something?"

And that's what we decided to do next as we were all outside playing kickball with Fololo and Falala. Hell, even Tokkori joined in on the fun. Were were all playing in the courtyard as we run with the red rubber ball.

"Watch this one!" Tuff said reeling in his foot for a kick.

However, I was unfortunate enough to trip over and roll right into Tuff's kicking range.

Pow!

I was sent flying into the air as I was very small and light.

"Ah! Sorry!" I hear Tuff hastily apologies.

Even though I was a little sore where he kicked me, I was not bothered much by the situation as I face myself downward and swan-dived into the courtyard pool. Though, the splash radius was not impressive. Lol.

"Wow, nice landing." Tuff compliments.

"Ah, it was nothing." I bowed. Just then, I noticed Kawasaki was here. "Oh, Kawasaki. What brings you here? Found anything to serve your teacher?"

"Hmm, I sure did. Though, I was wondering if I could ask you a favor." He said.

"Huh? Uh, sure. What is it, Kawasaki?"

"Would you like to help me in the kitchen?"

"Oh, sure. I would like to help. Though, why do you need my help all of a sudden? Last time you tasted my cooking, you said it was antiquate."

For some reason, Kawasaki became somewhat nervous all of a sudden.

"Uh, well, I mean... you see... flavors are important and I realized that you might have good taste."

"Well, if you think I could be of help..." I turn to the others. "Do you guys mind if I..."

"It's fine, Kirby. We'll play again later." Tiff said. "Besides, I think that sounds like fun."

Kawasaki nods. "Mmm-hhmm. I know I can count of Kirby to spice things up for me."

I raise a brow a little on that comment, but didn't think to much of it as it was just usual Kawasaki being... well, Kawasaki.

After a little walk, Kawasaki lead me to royal kitchen. It wasn't anything fancy to be honest. Just a simple set up you would find in a medieval style kitchen. Right now, I was setting up the cutting board, along with some spice, veggies, and flour. Kawasaki was currently preparing some boiling water over a large pot.

"So... this Shiitake... he's quite the idol to you." I said trying to make conversation.

"...Yeah, he really is..." He replied.

There was a moment of awkward silence as we just worked.

"Well, how long have you been Shiitake's student in the academy?"

"I've been learning for 16 years."

"Oh, that's interesting." I look over at the set up. "Say, what exactly are we making for your teacher anyway."

"...Well, I've been looking in the royal library for anything I could make for my master. I actually founded something. Something my master has been looking for."

"Is that so?"

"Yes... it's called Zebon."

"Zebon?"

"It's supposedly the most delicious delicacy that Shiitake has long searched for."

"Really, how did you get the stuff?"

"I... uh... ordered some."

"That fast?"

Kawasaki just nods.

"Okay... well, where is it?"

"It's in that cover over there. Could you go grab it for me, Kirby?"

I look over to the cabinet before I shrugged and go as directed. Though, I had a nagging feeling.

"Kawasaki, what does a Zebon even looks like-"

BONK!

I was suddenly hit in the head pretty hard as I was beginning to get really dizzy.

"K-Kawasaki..." I try to speak as my vision is wavering. "What are you-"

"I'm sorry, Kirby, but like I said before. My master has long been searching for the perfect ingredient that is the key to all delicacy, and you chock full of the stuff."

What was left of my working mind begins to panic. No... he wouldn't...

"Kawasaki...I'm not... made... of..."

Before I could speak any further, my vision finally turns dark as I blackout. The only thing, I hear last is the sound of a door being slam open and my friends distress.

"...tastful list..."

...

"...it can't be..."

...

"...Kirby!..."

It like forever as I finally started to regain consciousness. I hear voices in the background. That last one sounded a lot like Tuff.

'Ugh, wait, I'm not dead?' I thought as I open my eyes.

Though, what I saw was a strange and startling sight on my part. I was in a cooking pan about to be served to a buck toothed creature that I recognize as Shiitake. I look all around me to see my friends, the goons, and Kawasaki looked at me in surprise. Well, except for Kawasaki as he has what looks like a face of shame.

"Kirby!" Tiff yells in happiness and utter relief.

"Gah! I asked for rare not raw!" Dedede said in shock.

"He's alive!" Escargoon joins in.

I turn to face Shiitake as he too looks at me uncertain.

"Err... this is extremely under-cooked." He then picks up his for and knife. "However, I must do my job and try a bite.

The beaver-like creature raises his utensils. My eyes widen as I was about to get cut open for a bite. Just when I was about to get the fuck out, Kawasaki intervened.

"Please, master! NOOO!"

Kawasaki runs up to us and knocks me away from his teacher's reach. Also, shocking said teacher in the process for such behavior.

"What!? How dare you?!" He shouts.

"Scold me all you want, master... but I couldn't bring myself into cooking this Zebon."

"But I'm not made of this Zebon!" I shouted in protest.

Though, they ignored me.

"You couldn't, huh? And yet you call yourself a chef!" Shiitake yells with disappointment.

Kawasaki just closes his eyes as if trying to stop himself from crying. His teacher wasn't done though.

"Imagine my surprise when I came to this castle, only to find that YOU'RE the royal chef! Some chef you are!" Shiitake points at the frying pan on the floor near me. "Go learn to cook! Take that filthy grease-pot and get out! I'll handle Kirby."

Kawasaki eyes snap open as he suddenly had a look of both shock and... realization? He goes over to the fallen pan and picks it. Though, instead of leaving, he glares at the mini master chef.

"Y-You're not... the master."

Shiitake raises a brow. "What was that?"

"Impostor!" Kawasaki points his pan at his apparent fake master angrily. "The REAL master would never ever EVER call this pan a filthy grease-pot!"

"This is no chef. It is a monster sent here from Nightmare Enterprises, and Dedede tricked Kawasaki into thinking Kirby was made out of Zebon."

Well, it seems Meta Knight has also decided to join in on the party. Though, besides that, everyone in the room was shocked to hear of what the dark knight has informed.

"What's that you say?" Dedede spoke with suspicion. "You telling me that this chef is a sham?"

"I thought it was odd that he didn't smell like garlic." Escargoon concluded.

'What kind of logic is that you weird snail?'

The fake Shiitake on the other hand just chuckles darkly.

"It seems you fools have found me out. Now I will reveal the real me!"

The monster in disguise starts flashing a purple light as they shook. A cloud of smoke was release as it blinded us all. When it clears, where stood the fake Shiitake is now replaced by 20 feet tall light lime green slender monster. It looked like a bunch of balls fused to together to form a caterpillar. It also as a set of goofy dopey eyes.

Me and my friends stood together as we look at the towering monster. Meta Knight then jumps in front of us.

"This is the monster, Popon." He said.

"Popon? That's a wacky name." Tuff commented.

"And a dreaded one."

Kawasaki points his pan at it.

"How dare you impersonate my master?!"

My eyes widen as I knew what he was planning to do.

"Kawasaki, NO!" I shouted.

It was too late as the orange chef charges straight at the monster in an attempt to attack. However, Popon just whirls around and smacks Kawasaki away as if saying, "Get the fuck out of here you joker.". Kawasaki lands back to his previous as he drops his pan. The monster was suddenly radiated in a golden aura.

"It's about to strike!" Meta Knight warns us.

He was right as Popon reels its head back and flung its head right at us as another replaces it. We all jump out of the way as the thrown body part hits where we stood. It exploded as gallons of sizzling grease was splattered all over the floor.

'I burnt myself once on the fryer back home. I DO NOT want to be burned alive!' I thought as I stare at the sizzling mess.

"Hey, you!" Dedede shouts. "Quite goopin up my carpet!"

Popon's reply was another grease bomb thrown at them, which they barely dodge out of the way of. Me and the others were hiding behind a pillar.

"I don't know if Kirby can suck that up." Tiff said.

"Heck to the no I'm planning on eating that thing anyway." I replied.

"What do we do?" Tuff asks.

"We must find something to give Kirby an edge over that monster." Meta Knight answered.

He was right. Though, my satchel containing some emergency power-ups was nowhere to be seen when I was in the kitchen with Kawasaki. I look around for anything that could help me.

"Maybe Kirby could use my frying pan." Kawasaki points out.

We turn to see that his pan was a few feet away.

'Wow. Is today the day that I turn to Cook Kirby? Yes!'

Just when I was about to jump into the battle field, Kawasaki did it first to our surprise.

"Kawasaki!" Tiff tried to stop him.

The orange chef didn't listen as he ran for his cooking utensil. Popon saw him as it tried to attack, but Meta Knight jumps up and gives a fury attack with his sword. Popon was a mess of pieces on the floor. My friends cheered, thinking it was a quick victory, but it disappeared as Popon begins to put itself back together.

"It can repair itself! Quickly, you must hurry!" Meta Knight said.

Kawasaki grabs his pan. "Kirby! Catch!"

"I've been waiting for this day to come!" I shouted excitedly.

I open my mouth and inhale the kitchen hardware. I flash a bright light as I changed form. I am now wearing a chef's hat and carrying my own frying pan.

"I am now Cook Kirby!"

Like the rest of the previous before, Popon didn't seem to care for my new transformation. It launches another batch of body parts at me. I swing my pan and sent the large projectiles back at the monster, coating it in it's on sizzling greasy mess. Popon actually glared as it brings its whole body down. I jump out of the way as it slams down. It recovers and starts chasing me around the room.

As we run, I change my frying pan into a large butcher knife. I turn around and caught it by surprise as I gave my own fury attack like Meta Knight. Popon was once again.

"Time to serve it up!"

I gather in my power as I summon a large golden cooking pot as it appeared in the center of the room. I raised my arms up as they both held a pan and a spatula. I clink them together as the pieces of Popon magically floated up and was thrown into the boiling pot. I jump on top of it as I threw in some spices and other ingredients. I jump off in time as the pot begins to shake. Soon, just like a volcano, hundreds upon hundreds of food erupted from the golden pot as they flew all around the room. I do a little whirl as I twist my non-existing mustache.

"That's a spicy meata-ball!" I said comically.

"Wow! That was amazing!" Tuff said as he looks at my work.

"Another good job once again, Kirby." Tiff smiles.

I rub the back of my head sheepishly.

"Oh, well, you know. Just doing my daily routine."

Meanwhile, Dedede and Escargoon came out of their hiding spot as they look at the large pile of delicious looking food. Dedede was the first to go as he picks up a burger and gives it a bite. His eyes shined like stars as he takes in the taste.

"Whoo! This here is tasty! Kirby, you are a sure-fire chef!"

Everyone looks surprise by Dedede complimenting me as they too pick out a food of their choice from the pile. They all had the same reaction as they melt into the flavor.

"This is delicious." Tiff purred.

"My mouth feels like it is paradise." Tuff adds.

"I never knew this level of cuisine even existed." Escargoon wipes away a tear.

I even saw Meta Knight sneak a piece of sushi into his cloak when he thought no one was watching. Dedede comes over to me.

"Kirby, starting tomorrow, you will be in charge of gourmet grub at Castle Dedede!"

Kawasaki heard this and steps forward.

"B-But, what about me, Sire?"

"Give me that!" Dedede snatches the metal Kawasaki was wearing and gave it to me. "Starting tomorrow, you will be in charge of dish washing!"

Kawasaki did not like the news one bit as he breaks down and starts crying. Everyone else was too busy eating me creations to care for the groveling chef. I could just rub my head sheepishly at the little situation. I really didn't want to steal Kawasaki's used-to-be job, but lets face it. Compare to his cooking and mine, I win by a mile.

'I know this position isn't going to last long like my TV segment, but at least I could always use the money extra money. Plus, now I could always throw a feast for Cappy Town if Mayor Len allows it.'

_Author's Notes:_

Well, another day is saved by Chef Toby. What other adventures await for our hero? Fine out next time on "Toby Right Back At Ya!"!