Chapter 38: Ribbon

Ripple Star, a very peaceful and calm planet, home to the fairies, a race of peace loving beings that preach peace and harmony throughout the universe. One such fairy, a young girl with pink hair and a red bow stared at the starry sky above.

"You're free to leave for a while, young Ribbon." A warm voice said from behind her.

"Y-your majesty! I was just-"

"Thinking of visiting your friend. Ribbon, it's not exactly a secret that you wish to see Kirby again. You have my permission to go. Not that you really need-" The queen of the fairies tried to say, only to notice Ribbon was already flying away in the direction of Dreamland.

"-my permission. Ah, youth." The queen remarked with a smile.

Meanwhile, Kirby was doing one of his favorite past times: sleeping under a tree in Dreamland. He had just gone on a walk and fished earlier today and just wanted to rest a bit. Of course, this left him oblivious to the winged visitor now coming his way. Slowly Kirby opened his eyes, yawned and stretched. While had no idea what was about to happen, he had strange feeling that he should be awake, as much as he liked sleeping. He gave a stretch.

"Well, I might as well go walking..." The puff said, trying to shake off that strange feeling.

Occasionally, Kirby would look toward the sky, wondering if what he was feeling had something to do with it. It wasn't a bad feeling; it didn't feel like Dark Matter or any other monster he's dealt with. It was just a feeling; one he couldn't explain but one he wasn't too concerned about. Just then, he felt something impact him from behind. With a, not so mighty thud, Kirby fell to the ground. Strangely enough, he wasn't bothered by this at all. For he had a feeling that he knew who it was that crashed into him. Instantly, he picked himself up and saw who it was.

"Oh, hi Ribbon!" He exclaimed happily.

"Are you ok, Kirby? I hope I didn't crash into you too hard. I was so excited to see you I just, lost control a little." She said with an embarrassed smile.

The puff giggled in response. "I get it! That sometimes happens with me, too!" He then jumped up and helped Ribbon up. "So you just came for a visit?"

"Yes, I wanted to see you again! It's been a while since we've been together. I mean, since we've hung out." The young fairy replied, clearly flustered.

The child smiled, seemingly not minding how flustered she was. "I thought the same thing! I'm glad I got to see you again!"

Ribbon simply smiled, not trusting her own voice at the moment due to how excited she was.

"So what do you wanna do then?" Kirby asked.

"I don't really know. To be honest, I flew here without having any plans beyond finding you. Honestly, I'd be happy doing anything you'd like to do."

The puff scratched his head. "Hmmm... oh, did I show you my house?"

"No, I don't believe you have."

"Well, would you like me to show it to you?"

"Yes! I mean, please lead the way."

With a smile, Kirby grabbed her hand and ran off. While others would protest at how fast Kirby was running, Ribbon found it exhilarating. Kirby managed to make the mundane fun, and as much as she loved her home, it was a fairly safe place with very mild mannered inhabitants. Not exactly the adventurous type. Ribbon though, enjoyed the thrill she was feeling, even if all she was doing was being dragged around by Kirby.

Soon, they reached the puff's small domed house.

"Well, here we are!" He said happily.

"Wow it's...fairly small. It reminds me of the houses back home."

"It's a lot bigger on the inside. It was made for me by the people who live in Dreamland."

"That's awfully kind of them, reminds me of how us fairies. I'll guess that they made it for you as a reward for your kindness?"

"Yup! It was their way of thanking me for getting all the food in Dreamland back from Dedede!"

"Yes, I remember you telling me about that. I would say it's hard to believe the man that helped my people did something so selfish, but I suppose given his personality, it's not too surprising."

"Oh, that's just because he's gotten better as a person, even if he denies it!" The puff happily replied.

"Well, you are a good judge of character."

Kirby giggled in response. "Thanks! It means a lot to hear that from you!"

Ribbon blushed, surprised by that comment. "Me? Why's that?"

"Because you mean a lot to me!"

"I-I do?" While Ribbon knew he meant that in a purely friendly way, it still took her by surprise.

"Yes, you do!" He happily repied.

"W-well, so do you, Kirby."

"I'm glad! Well, how about we take a look inside?" He said, opening up the door to invite her in.

"Wow! It really is much bigger inside. I wonder how they did that?"

"Well, Dreamland is just magical like that, I guess!"

"I don't think architecture and magic go together like that, but then again, you live here so you would know more than I do."

"If you don't mind. Do you like reading?" She asked as she saw a bookshelf in the corner.

"Yeah, I do. I'm a bit of a slow reader though..." He giggled timidly.

"There's nothing wrong with that. Sometimes it's better to take things slowly."

"Yeah, I think so, too. Especially since sometimes Meta Knight reads to me when he visits!"

"Meta Knight. You've told me about him, but only that he's a like a mentor to you. What is he like?"

"He's really, really nice! Though he might look a bit intimidating to people at times! He's also really strong and helpful!"

"He sounds a bit like you, minus the intimidating part of course."

"Oh, but I'm not as cool as him!" The child giggled timidly.

"Not if you ask me. There's no one cooler than you."

Almost instantly, Kirby blushed, and he began to stutter. "I... I... am... uh... th-thank you...?"

"Of course. You're the brave hero who helped me and my people without a second thought. Without you, my planet wouldn't exist anymore. There's nothing cooler than that."

"Oh.. um... that's nothing really... heh heh... I just don't like it when innocent people get hurt!"

"That! That's exactly why I admire you. You don't care about appearances or trying to be cool. You help because you want to do the right thing. That is what makes you cool."

The puff blinked for a moment, but then smiled. "Um... well, thank you! I think you're cool, too!"

"Me? Why?"

"Well, not many people are brave enough to take a risk like you did to save your planet!"

"Oh, well, someone had to do something. Besides, I couldn't have done it without you. I'm not strong like you are."

"Yeah, but you're still cool and strong in your own way!"

"Really? Well, if you really think so." Replied the flustered fairy.

The child then smiled. "You wanna look around my house a bit more or you wanna do something else?"

"How about we walk outside? Or I suppose you'll walk, and I'll fly." She joked.

"Yeah, that sounds great! I'm sure you want to see more of Dreamland than you did last time you came!"

"Yes, we were rather rushed for time last time."

That was indeed true. The last time Ribbon was here was during the incident with the Jamba Heart.

"OK, let's go!" Without waiting for a response, Kirby once again took Ribbon by the hand and ran out as fast as he could.

As they walked around Dreamland, Ribbon was truly able to get a good look at the beauty of it. The more she looked, the more she understood why Kirby loved this place.

"This place certainly is beautiful, Kirby."

"I know, right!? I love it here!"

"Yes, I can see why." She replied in a happy but somewhat sad tone.

"What's wrong?" The puff asked, now looking concerned.

"Oh, nothing is wrong per say. Just...I feel like this would be a great place to live."

"Oh...well it is, but why do you seem sad about that?"

"...Well, I wouldn't mind living here, but at the same time, I don't want to leave my home quite yet. And I think you would love my home, but I'd never ask you to leave behind your home. I'm just...thinking."

"Ooh. Okay. Well, you know you don't have to make a decision to move here right now. Not only that, but I can still visit you at anytime, right? Then it's fine!" He replied with a carefree tone.

Ribbon smiled at his words. "You're right. You're really smart Kirby."

"Eheh heh! Thanks!" He smiled as he rubbed the back of his head timidly.

"I only speak the truth."

"Oh, I don't doubt that! You're always very honest!"

"I try to be. Lies make me sad, in fact it's a shared feeling among most fairies. It's not that we're incapable of lying, we just don't like too."

"That's why it's a good thing! If no one lies, then there won't be any trouble!"

"Yup. Feel free to ask me any question and I'll answer it to the best of my ability."

"OK then!" Kirby then took a moment to think. "What's your favorite part of Ripple Star?"

"The grasslands. It's so peaceful and the wildlife is so calm and passive. Well, usually." She said, remembering how things were less than pleasant back when Kirby first came to Ripple Star.

"Oh, yeah, the grasslands! Even with what was going on at the time, I thought they were pretty. They're probably even better now! You gotta show me to them!"

"I will. But first, any other questions you wish to ask?"

Kirby took a moment to think. "Hmmm... oh! I never asked what your favorite food is!"

"Peaches. Especially if they are juicy ones."

"Oh! Peaches are good! Have you ever had them in a pie?"

"Of course, though I prefer peaches as they naturally are."

"I understand! Peaches are good on their own, too! Hey, do you like apples? Dreamland has the best apples I've ever had!"

"I do love apples, yes. Not as much as peaches, but I can't say no to a good apple."

"Great! I know just where to go then!"

He took her hand and began to run off with her to the forest. As expected, Ribbon put up no resistance, knowing fully well Kirby always went at his own pace.

Soon, they arrived in the forest where, of course, Whispy Woods lived.

"I think he was around here somewhere..." The puff uttered.

"He? Do you mean that tree that attacked us?" Ribbon asked nervously.

"Whispy Woods? Yeah, but he's pretty nice when Dreamland isn't under attack, actually!"

"Well, I believe you of course. But, he doesn't seem to be here. He can walk...somehow, right?"

"Yeah, he likes to move to different places with his roots."

"Well, there's other apple trees we can pick from, right? Hopefully ones that won't fight us."

"Oh, he'll be fine if you ask permission first."

"Perhaps, but wouldn't it be easier to take from another tree instead of tracking him down?"

The puff tilted his head. "Why should I do that when he's right here?" He said, pointing to a tree with a face on it.

"Huh? But he wasn't there a second ago."

"That's because I wanted to go on a walk for a bit." The tree simply replied as if it was completely normal.

Ribbon sighed, deciding that it would be easier if she simply stopped questioning the oddities of Popstar. Perhaps that's why Kirby was so carefree all the time, because he didn't bother wondering how anything works. As she was thinking that, Kirby hopped down with the apples.

"Here, try it!" He said, handing one to her.

"Alright." Ribbon took a big bite, or as big as she could muster and her eyes widened as a burst of flavor entered her system.

"What do you think?" The puff asked, excited to hear what his friend thought.

"It's delicious!" She exclaimed with joy.

"I'm glad you enjoy it! Don't you think it was worth looking for him?"

"It certainly was. Though I'd say it's more like he found us."

The child giggled. "I guess you're right, but all that matters was that it was worth it!"

"Yes, that's very true, Kirby."

"So, what do you wanna do now? Is there anything else you wanna learn about Dreamland?"

"I... I don't really know how to answer that. I don't know too much about Dreamland, really. What do you suggest?"

"Hmmm..." He uttered, thinking aloud.

"Well, what do you like doing on Ripple Star? You can see if we do things differently in Dreamland."

"Well. I suppose I like baking."

"Oh! I got it! Two of my friends have a cafe and bakery! Wanna go there?"

"Yes, please."

Once again, Kirby instantly took her hand and began to run off with her.

While being carried off, Ribbon decided to ask something that's been on her mind. "Kirby, what baked desserts do you like?"

"Oh, that's a hard question! I love everything! I love pie, cake, cookies, brownies, tarts..." The more he went on and on, the more he was already drooling.

"Umm, could pick one just for now?"

The puff blinked for a moment. "Oh! Um... I think cake might be my favorite."

"Well, that helps narrow it down. I would ask you if you had a favorite kind of cake, but I think I know the answer to that."

"Oh, I can list them off if you want!"

"No, that's fine. I know the answer already. It's all of them."

"Yup!"

"Yes. I know you well enough to know that much."

The puff giggled, but then looked at her seriously. "You think I know you well enough?"

"Yes." She answered immediately, no doubt whatsoever in her tone.

This made Kirby smile. "I'm really happy to hear that!"

Of course, Kirby had no reason to doubt her, considering the fact Ribbon won't lie. Honestly, that made him even happier.

"Why did you ask about my favorite dessert, anyway?"

"Oh, well this might be a little embarrassing, but I wanted to know what I should make for you the next time you visit Ripple Star."

"Oh, I don't think it's embarrassing at all! It's really nice of you to do that!" He then looked up. "Maybe I should've made you something as well..."

"Only if you want to, Kirby."

"Then I'll make you something when we get to the bakery! Come on!" He then ran faster, now clearly excited.

Soon, the duo reached Cafe Chiffon.

"Hello everyone!" Kirby shouted.

Both Chilly and Burning Leo turned to him.

"Oh hey, Kirby. What's up?" The snowman asked.

"Can I use your kitchen to bake something for my friend?"

Both of them seemed confused. "Uh... ok?" Leo replied.

"Business is slow right now, so go ahead." Chilly added.

"Thank you so much!" The puff said before running into the kitchen.

While in the kitchen, Kirby quickly inhaled a pan to become Cook Kirby, and then began mumbling aloud. "Hm... what to make... what to make...?"

Admittedly, he didn't think ahead of time and that was probably why he was in this situation in the first place.

"Oh! I know!" He uttreed before getting to work.

Meanwhile with Ribbon, looked at Chilly and Leo. "So, you two are also Kirby's friends?"

"Yeah, we are. We've known him for a while. He's also one of our best customers." The snowman replied.

"Given how you to just let him cook, I'm guessing he helps you out from time to time?"

"Yup. His Cook Ability is really helpful for busy days. We've wanted to pay him for his hours, but he just keeps saying that he's fine helping us because we're his friends." Burning Leo said before sighing. "Then if we offer him food, he becomes excited."

"Helping because he wants to. That's certainly the Kirby I know."

"Yeah, he's a good kid." Chilly nodded in agreement.

"Done!" Kirby shouted from the kitchen, loud enough for Ribbon to hear.

"Oh, I'll go see what he made. Excuse me." She said.

"No problem."

The fairy then entered the kitchen to see that the puff had made her a strawberry shortcake, which he was showing off to her proudly.

"I made this for you!" He smiled.

"Oh my! How did you know this was my favorite kind?"

The puff giggled timidly. "I was just reminded of you when I thought about it." He then tilted his head. "Do you wanna try a piece?"

"Yes, I would love one."

With a nod in response, the puff put the cake down, sliced a piece, and served it to her, clearly excited. "Go on! Tell me what you think!"

Ribbon nodded and took a bite. Instantly, her eyes lit up.

"Well?"

"It's delicious! She exclaimed, doing her best to keep herself from taking another slice without asking first.

"I'm glad! You can have another if you want!"

"Well, since you insist." Kirby plated another serving for her and one for himself.

"I'm glad that you love it!" He smiled.

"Well, of course I do. You made it for me."

For a moment, the puff's face turned red, but then shook it off. "Yeah, I'm happy for that!"

To Kirby's own surprise, Ribbon ate every slice almost as fast as he would. If anything, it made him even more happy that she was enjoying it so much.

"I knew you could do a lot, but I didn't think you were that good of a cook, Kirby. I'm impressed."

"Oh, it's nothing much! I just used the Cook Ability!"

"Don't be so modest. I know I'm not that knowledgeable about how your powers work, but I know enough that in order to be good, you need to practice. It's clear to me that you practiced a lot with it."

"Well... um... that's because I wanted to make it perfect for you..." He uttered, slightly embarrassed.

Ribbon smiled back. The two of them seemed to gaze at each other in bliss for what seemed hours until they heard Chilly clearing his throat from the door.

"Alright, if you two are done in here, could you get going? We need to get ready for when we get more customers."

"Oh! Uh... sorry about that! Thanks a lot for letting me use your kitchen!" The puff replied while dropping his Copy Ability.

After thanking them and bidding the bakers farewell, Kirby and Ribbon left to discover the sun was starting to set.

"Huh? The day's already almost over? I thought we had a lot more time!" He uttered seemingly with a sigh.

"Well, you know what they say. Time flies when you spend it with good company."

"That's true! Well, I guess you have to get going then." He sighed.

"I suppose so. Ripple Star is quite awhile from here."

That was when Kirby thought of something. "How about I take you back with the Warp Star? It'll be a lot faster and safer than flying back!"

Immediately Ribbon clung onto Kirby. "Yes!"

"Ok then! Come here, Warp Star!"

Upon saying that, the star flew down from the sky and the puff hopped on, grabbing his friend's hand and pulling her on.

"Well, let's get going then!"

With those words, they flew off into the sky.

Sorry for taking so long to get out a new chapter of this.

I hope all of you enjoyed it!