Audience appears
First attack by Audience
Audience glares at Kracko64
Kracko64 dies a little on the inside
Kracko64 casts excuse
"I had school, big 15+ page paper. Leave me alone."
Audience is not affected
Audience casts insult
"Your lazy!"
SMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSHHHHH!
It's Super Effective
Kracko64 plays dead
FINISH HIM
Audience casts demands
"Update faster!"
"I will...oh dang!"
Kracko64 is spotted by audience
Kracko64 begs for mercy
"Oh please, I promise this won't happen again. Just please don't kill me.
Audience is indecisive
Kracko64 bribes audience with cookies
Audience accepts bribe
MASSIVE DAMAGE
Audience is defeated
Kracko64 has defeated all enemies.
You've earned 384 Experience Points
You've earned 5 Procrastination Points
You've earned 3 Hurt Feelings Points
You've earned 6 Excuse Points
You've earned 1 Sly Point
You've earned 3 Saddy Sad Points
You've earned an inexplicable amount of Hello Kitty Points
Hello Kitty? Wow, that came out of nowhere, anyways, as I have already explained in my battle simulation thingy, school was a real pain this past month. 15 pages on Soft Money in Campaign Financing is no picnic believe me (that's what I get for being a poly sci major though)! But guess what? I'm out of school...after this week...then I'm out of town until the 20th because my college singing group is going on tour (money is fun! And I like to sing, so it's all good!) Anyways, thank you listening audience! Now to express my gratitude to my two reviewers!
Shining Riku: Kirby does seem to have it pretty rough...just look what he has to go through this chapter!
Xanxi: As always, thank you for the review. And I appreciate that you think so highly of my story!
Anyways, after this month, I PROMISE more consistent updates...in other words, more than once a month. I hope you enjoy this chapter, I put a good couple of hours into it...btw happy belated birthday Kirby!
Disclaimer stuff: Kirby and all characters that happen to fall under that franchise are owned by Nintendo and Hal. I don't care if you use any original characters that I make, however, it'd be nice if I get some credit for them. Enough legal junk, let's get on with the story.
Chapter 20
Kirby of the Stars
Kirby sidestepped again, almost being crushed as Kabu span right by him for what had to be the tenth time. The pattern of Kabu's attack was simple, but it wore out Kirby quickly. Kirby flattened his body as Kabu's spinning caused another wave of sharp rocks to fly over him. Kirby quickly unflattened and sidestepped Kabu's attack again. Kirby still had a lot of energy, but he knew he couldn't keep up with Kabu forever.
Kirby ducked as more rocks flew above him. He looked quickly into the eyes of Kabu. The eyes showed no feeling, no emotion; and yet, Kirby could sense something about them. It was almost as if Kabu was peering into Kirby's soul. He shivered as he dwelt on that thought. Kabu span rapidly at Kirby again, Kirby jumped out of the way. There has to be some other way…I can't just play defense with him...and I can't go at him with just brute strength…this room is completely empty…no…of course! The rocks! I can play defense! Instead of ducking as he usually did, Kirby inhaled the stones that Kabu sent at him.
Kirby jumped into the air and felt himself change again. Kirby turned a brownish color. A blue, gold-lined, samurai helmet formed above him. The helmet had a gold star on the front and a red ponytail coing out of the top. Kirby jumped up to the helmet and put it on. He had now become Stone Kirby.
Kabu stopped spinning and stared blankly at Kirby. "So…you truly are one of them…but…are you the one who will stop them? This is a question even I cannot answer."
Kirby looked confusedly at Kabu. "No part of what you just said made any sense to me…is the trial over now?"
Kabu didn't move, but Kirby could feel as if Kabu were chuckling sinisterly, though his monotone voice gave nothing away. "The trial ends when I am defeated. You have merely passed the first part of your test. You have obtained great protection…but you will find that powers sometimes have great disadvantages. Always be wary of this, for you still have much to learn. If you can overcome the weakness of stone while using its advantages, then you will see victory.
Kirby took it in, but still didn't understand it all. "Okay…then let's finish this!" Kirby charged at Kabu and transformed his entire body into a stone statue of himself. He slammed with great force into Kabu. The entire cave shook as Kirby's stone body impacted with Kabu's wooden one. Kirby fell to the ground. The wood that Kirby had struck broke off. However, Kirby soon realized that he had done little damage to Kabu himself. The fallen wood revealed Kabu's true protection: a golden medal.
Kabu did not budge. "You still have much to learn." Kabu spun much faster than before, and soon, the rest of Kabu's wooden shell came off. Kirby began to stand up and charge Kabu again. However, he quickly realized that his new bulk slowed him down immensely. He was moving about half as fast as he normally walked. Kabu took advantage of the situation. He leapt high into the air and crashed down on Kirby, causing Kirby to sink into the ground. Eventually, Kirby was completely below the cavern floor. Kabu was heavier than Kirby.
As Kabu leaped into the air to squish Kirby again, Kirby transformed back to his normal form (though still carrying the stone power) and jumped out of the hole just as Kabu crashed into the ground again. Kabu span around quickly facing Kirby. "You are learning…" Kabu span at Kirby and Kirby ran at Kabu. Just before Kabu's attack connected, Kirby jumped into the air and made a kicking motion as he turned into stone again. The impact knocked Kabu on his side. Kirby quickly turned back into his normal form and leaped into Kabu's mouth. The interior was completely empty save for a single clear, shiny stone. Kirby jumped above the crystal, turned into stone and smashed the crystal. A blinding light came after the crystals the destruction.
After a moment of silence, Kabu vanished, and Kirby fell out to the cavern floor. After a moment, the room began to reset its original form. The steps that had led to Kabu's resting place reformed. The torches rose out of the ground. Most importantly though, Kabu rematerialized back onto the platform he originally rested on, looking as if he had never been damaged. "You have done well Kirby. Come forth." Kirby approached Kabu and stood before the large statue. "I had promised you answers once you defeated me. I shall now tell you what you need to know. What do you truly desire to know? Consider this question carefully, for I will only answer it once."
Kirby thought for a few moments. What do I want to know…I suppose I could ask him about Meta Knight…but I only have one question…I guess…I should ask him about me…why did Meta Knight choose me…why do I have these powers…I know what I'll ask him. "Kabu…what am I?"
"You have chosen your question…I know much…but not all…certain secrets are kept even from me. What you are I do not know completely. However, who you are I can tell you. You are Kirby of the Stars. You are a Star Warrior, a member of a group of soldiers who hold mystical powers far beyond those of most others. They banded together to fight the ferocious demon known as Nightmare in days of old. You are one of these warriors."
Kirby couldn't believe what he was hearing. "…But that's all just legend. And, besides, just because I may share blood with a star warrior, doesn't just make me one."
"The Star Warriors still defend those who seek peace and defeat those who seek destruction. There is not much time left. Soon…events will unfold that only the Star Warriors can hope to hold back. And in the end…only the Warrior of the Stars can stop it…you are that warrior, Kirby. When the time comes, you will hold the fate of all in your hands. You will either protect the denizens of this universe…or you will destroy them. You will either free them from darkness…or you will enslave them in darkness."
Kirby sat on the ground. It was too much. I'm no warrior…what am I saying…ever since I've gotten the Warp Star…that's all I've been. Meta Knight…you knew about this…what do you know Meta Knight?
"One more thing…" A platform rose in front of Kirby. On it was a blue star. "Take the Sparkling Star and return it to its resting place. The final two are in the possession of your king. Yes, two. Dedede had left one behind accidentally; however, his minions have retrieved it. You must take them back soon, for you have only a short time left. I have opened a passage that will lead you to the other side of the island. Now go Star Warrior, go and save Dreamland, save Popstar…save us all."
Meta Knight walked out of the cave and rested against the mountain side. He took out a transmitter and activated it. A holographic form of Masher appeared. "Meta Knight. We've just had some extreme weather conditions and tremors…sir…please tell me that's not why you're contacting me…"
Meta Knight solemnly nodded. "We need to control it. Get the containment equipment and bring the rest of the crew to the Fountain of Dreams…time is of the essence." Meta Knight changed the frequency of the device and Meta-Droid's form appeared. "Meta-Droid. Activate your cloak, head for Castle Dedede and keep close surveillance on that place. Don't do anything else unless I tell you."
Meta Knight. Meta Knight heard the voice just as he deactivated the communications device. It is as you thought…the child is the chosen one.
"Very well…where is he?"
He has gone to the other side of the island…there he will face a new challenge. It is as you wish, correct?
"Yes…thank you Kabu. This next test will show us…if Kirby truly is ready."
Escargoon and Capsule J arrived to Castle Dedede about an hour before sunrise. The sky was a dull grey color, a signal that morning was not far off. Escargoon had his hands on the Sparkling Star, but the power in it seemed to have a need to burst. It was as if there was a power in this Sparkling Star that dwarfed all the others. Escargoon and Capsule J walked into the throne room. Dedede was snoozing at the time, Waddle Dee collapsed under the palm frond he had been holding. Escargoon looked at Capsule J. I'm not waking him up."
Capsule J sighed, took his gun out of its sheath and fired a blast into the air, making a loud enough noise to wake Dedede and Waddle Dee. They both sat up startled. Dedede jumped so hard that he rolled out of his throne and landed on Escargoon. "Oh the pain! Please your highness! Your…presence is too much for me to handle…Ack!"
Completely unaware, Dedede jumped up, standing on Escargoon. "Capsule J, I need my here beauty sleep, I can't have my minions comin' into my throne room place where I dun' sometimes choose to soonze at, ya know?"
"…Not really, Sire, no…but the doctor and I do have some rather good news for you."
"'Bout time…where's Escargoon at anyways?"
"OH DEAR LORD, JUST KILL ME NOW!" Dedede looked down and saw the…exasperated snail flailing about underneath him.
Dedede walked off him then proceeded to bonk him with his hammer. "Escargoon, ya idiot. Next time someone's standin' like that on you, you tell 'em!"
"…Yes…Sire…" Escargoon said, still on the floor.
Capsule J shook his head. "Sire, we have retrieved the final Sparkling Star. In addition…we found a spy. I've used maximum stun to keep her out cold for as long as possible. We have taken away her weapon and are locking her in a maximum security cell. I shall interrogate her once she regains consciousness."
"Good work Capsule J. Now all that's left is to get those other three Sparkling Stars!"
Capsule J nodded. "Of course sir." Capsule J took out his walkie talkie and activated it. "Status on Kaboola repairs."
"We're testing the last pieces of equipment. We'll be ready to take off within the hour. The damage was not as extensive as we first thought. In addition sir, we've received an S.O.S. from Sir Kibble. They've run aground, and are stranded. They've sent us their coordinates."
"Alright, prepare to take off as soon as final repairs are complete. I will be there within minutes. My king, I must go and ensure that we receive the Sparkling Star. I take my leave, your majesty."
After Capsule J left the room, Dedede lifted Escargoon off the floor by his eyes. "Escargoon, the morning broadcast starts soon. Me and Waddle Doo came up with a plan for it. In case Sir Kibble and Capsule J fail in gettin' Kirby's Sparkling Star, were gonna have a news broadcast showing Kirby to be a terrorist and enemy of the…county or somethin'. It's also the perfect way ta advertise my new Triple D Bodywash!"
"Sire, the last time you tried to sell that, we went in debt over 10,000,000 Deden!'
"Yeah but I got it figured out this time. It's all written out in this fail proof four part plan!" Dedede handed a piece of paper to Escargoon. The handwriting was terrible but Escargoon could make it out:
"1. Find ways to cut costs, even if it lowers quality.
2. Advertise your product on the only tv station in the country which you control.
3. Sire...there are a bunch of question marks here...
4. Profit?"
Escargoon sighed. It's going to be a long day…
Kirby finally walked out of the cave, the third Sparkling Star in hand, or more precisely, mouth. The sun had just risen over Orange Ocean, giving the sky a soft pinkish color. A few clouds received a golden tint because of this. It was a nice contrast to the dark blue of the damp cavern he had spent the entire night in. Kirby breathed deeply as he began to make the trek back to the other side of the island.
As Kirby walked away from the cave. Sir Kibble reached the top of the cave. He caught eye of Kirby just as he was about to disappear behind the side of the cave entrance. "Halt there!" Kirby turned around to see Sir Kibble approach.
Kirby knew who he was. Sir Kibble, head of palace security. One of the most feared warriors in all of Dreamland. But Sir Kibble was also an honorable man and a reasonable one. Kirby hoped that he could reason with him. "Sir Kibble…you don't need to do this."
Sir Kibble spoke, showing no hint of emotion. He was set on what he was ready to do. "For the past few days Kirby, you have mystified me. You are little older than a mere child…you have never shown any sign of strength before…and yet…you now posses a strength as great as any in Dreamland. Aside from the fact that you are the enemy of my king, I have longed to see what you are capable of in combat. No stalling, Kirby. No more talk. We fight now." Sir Kibble pulled out a scimitar.
Kirby got into a fighting stance. He wasn't going to take Sir Kibble lightly. He was dangerous, easily the most dangerous foe he had faced yet. Sir Kibble lunged forward. Kirby jumped out of the way and spat out the Warp Star. Kirby jumped on it and flew high above Sir Kibble. He then began to descend toward him at a rapid pace. After gaining massive speed, Kirby decided to try a new move with the Warp Star. Kirby jumped off it, the Warp Star still flying slightly ahead and kicked it toward Sir Kibble. Sir Kibble dodged the star as it hit the ground. However, the Warp Star's impact with the side of the cliff caused it to break off the rest of the island. Both Kirby and Sir Kibble tried to get back onto stable land, but the land mass fell with both of them, breaking in midair. Sir Kibble grabbed onto a piece of debris and clung on, until the last second, when he jumped onto a larger portion of what was left of his ship. Kirby grabbed onto the Warp Star before he hit the ground, but a medium sized rock hit him in the head knocking him of the Warp Star into the water. Kirby surfaced and was nearly hit by a cannonball. He looked over to see the intact turrets, known as Shotzos, of the wrecked ship all pointed in his general direction. The Warp Star quickly swept him up before the next volley of cannon fire could connect with him. Sir Kibble was quick though, the cannons began to fire into the air almost immediately. They weren't leaving an opening for Kirby at all. Wait…why am I fighting him. I could easily get away now and still have all three Sparkling-Kirby's thoughts were interrupted by a direct hit from the cannons. The pain and heat were intense as Kirby was knocked off the Warp Star and crashed onto the boat. Kirby's mouth opened and the Sparkling Stars fell out.
Sir Kibble quickly leaped over to Kirby and knocked him aside as he took the Sparkling Stars. Kirby stood up weakly. "No…" Kirby fell back down, too weak to fight on. That was it. He couldn't do anything else. Dedede had won. All five Sparkling Stars would be in Dedede's hands and Popstar would be doomed.
Suddenly, a Maxim Tomato fell to Kirby's side. Kirby looked at the tomato then looked up to see Meta Knight standing at the cliff edge. Kirby took the tomato and ate it. Kirby stood up, revitalized. Sir Kibble turned around to see Kirby, full of resolve. "Sir Kibble. I was recently told a lot of things that I didn't know. One of those is that someday, something I do is going to affect everyone else for better or for worse. I won't let today be the day when everyone suffers because of me…Sir Kibble, you may be the mightiest knight in Dreamland, but I am Kirby of the Stars! I fight to defend those to weak to defend themselves. I fight against those who would put their own schemes and greed before the well being of others. I fight against those who would release darkness on the world. Sir Kibble, you fight a Star Warrior now!"
If you could see his face you would see a hint of surprise on Sir Kibble's face. "A…Star Warrior…this is quite a surprise. Kirby, the Star Warriors are renowned as the saviors of our universe in legends of old. As a child, I had always wished to be a Star Warrior. It is what led me to become the man I am today. If you truly are a Star Warrior…it is an honor to meet you."
Kirby didn't really no how to react. "Well…I guess, thank you…so does this mean I can have the Sparkling Stars back now?"
"…No," said Sir Kibble. "You misjudge your enemy Kirby. We are not evil, not even his majesty. He may not be very intelligent, and he may be self-centered, but he does not wish ill on the people of Dreamland."
Kirby shook his head. "Dedede has shown nothing but contempt for those who would try and protect Popstar. He's misguided, but that doesn't change the fact that he would be dangerous with the power of the Sparkling Stars…I can see that we won't get anywhere with talk. Sir Kibble, you and I will battle here. The winner takes the Sparkling Stars. Agreed?"
Sir Kibble nodded and pulled out his scimitar. "Let us do battle...Star Warrior."
To be Continued
Review please. I personally think this is one of my better chapters, and I'd like to know what all y'all think about it, ya know? kthnxbai