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New Mode unlocked: Ribbon Road.
Ribbon, the fairy from Ripple Star, is here. With her trusty crystal blaster, she's got Kirby's back. Go it alone or play with a friend as you enjoy this new side story to Kirby Triple Deluxe. Go Ribbon and Kirby! Save DeDeDe!
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Kirby had a limited understanding of his own anatomy. His stomach was a literal pocket dimension, his body was also his head, and he had no hair. This was as far as his understanding went.
He could only assume that puffballs had a heart, or at least something similar, cause his just skipped a beat.
On top of that, it felt like he had an eel wriggling around in his stomach, which, on one hand, was literal, but he shouldn't be able to feel them.
Then there was the fact that his face felt like it was way too close to a flaming Leo's headdress.
Ultimately, it was a weird day.
It had started normal enough. Wake up, eat breakfast, visit the Dyna-blade chicks, have a second breakfast, then nap. All in all, nothing unusual.
Then he'd been woken up by the Halberd cruising through the sky. It's destination: Castle DeDeDe.
Meta Knight didn't often take the Halberd to Castle DeDeDe, prefering to fly there himself for any business. As such, Kirby thought he should check out what was going on.
"Hi DeDeDe, hi Bandana Dee," he called as he entered the throne room. The king and his attendant stood in front of his throne.
"Hey, Kirby," Dee called back. He waved, but stopped when DeDeDe glared at him.
"Hi, Meta," Kirby said as he approached the knight's position. Meta stood stoically facing the king. "You're not trying to take over Dreamland again, are you?"
The mood in the room didn't feel hostile, but Kirby could never get a good read on his mentor, so it was possible.
A sigh of relief escaped his mouth when Meta shook his head.
"Nothing so drastic this time," he said. "Our 'great king' here has called for my assistance as a Star Warrior."
"Yeah, so beat it, ya pest," DeDeDe said, stomping his foot. "I'm doin' royal work here."
"Kirby stays," Meta said. "He's here as my apprentice. Now, what did you need?"
DeDeDe looked like he was gonna argue, but shook his head and sighed.
"Alright, alright. Just keep your trap shut," he growled. He slipped his hands behind his back, trying to appear more regal. "So I've been talkin' with Queen Ripple of Ripple Star."
Kirby giggled. "DeDeDe and Ripple sitting in a tree."
"Shut up," DeDeDe growled. A blush darkened his cheeks.
"K-I-S-S-I-"
"I said shut up!" he yelled, taking a swipe at Kirby.
Kirby jumped back to avoid the swipe, and kept singing.
"-N-"
"Kirby," Meta scolded.
"Err, sorry, sir!"
Kirby stood at attention which DeDeDe used to actually land a swipe.
"Oww," Kirby groaned.
"Are you two done?"
"Uh, right," DeDeDe coughed. "So as I was sayin', I was talkin' with Queen Ripple, and we got to talkin' 'bout some of the stuff we've had to deal with."
" I've had to deal with," Kirby said under his breath.
"Kirby."
"Sorry."
"So I told her about the Dimensional Mirror, that thing with the Squeaks, Yin-Yarn, that kinda stuff." He rubbed the back of his head. "I, uh, think I mighta' spooked her a bit. Now she's all worried that somethin' will come outta nowhere and attack."
He turned up his nose. "Normally I wouldn't care, but Ripple Star is one of our most trusted allies. Anyway, she's worried cause Ripple Star don't got much of an army. So I said I'd talk to one of my most trusted knights and see if I could rig somethin' up."
Meta raised a brow. (though no one but the other three would be able to tell.)
"I'm not one of your knights anymore, DeDeDe."
"Err, well, yeah," he mumbled. "But you are doin' that 'knight of the people' thing, right?"
"Be that as it may, I will not be used in your attempts to woo another monarch."
"That ain't-" DeDeDe stopped himself and took a deep breath. "Look, I'm askin' for a favor." He grimaced on the word favor. "Just go to Ripple Star and talk ta Ripple. Work out some kinda patrol schedule, or somthin'."
He turned from his audience to look out the window. "It'd be helpin' both our kingdoms. Lately everythin' we've had to deal with has been comin' out of nowhere. Fact is we can't just keep waitin' for the big bads to come ta us."
"I've been able to beat back everything so far," Kirby voiced.
"Yah got lucky, puffball," DeDeDe said, rounding on him. "Necrodeus destroyed you. Only reason yah won, is cause the jerk didn't check if he'd really finished yah off."
Kirby let out a sad 'poyo'.
The king had a point. Necrodeus had known that he needed to take out Kirby and had tried to do so before taking over Dreamland. Only Kirby's own will, his 'Heroic Heart', had saved him and revived him, albeit in a vastly less powerful state. It had been a long slog to gain enough power to put himself back together.
"You raise valid concerns," Meta responded. "Very well. My crew and I will fly to Ripple Star. I will work out a patrol route with the Queen."
DeDeDe sighed. "Thanks, Meta Knight. I… I… I owe yah."
Meta chuckled at the King's struggle to admit it. With a flick of his cape he walked back to the entrance.
"I shall make preparations to leave."
"I got some things I'll need yah to take." He turned to his attendant. "Dee, have the waddle dees prepare the package."
Kirby followed Meta out of the room.
"I still think he's doing this more for Queen Ripple," he said out of earshot of the king.
"Most likely," Meta said with a nod. "But if that makes him a better ruler, I see no reason not to indulge him."
"Hey, Meta?" Kirby asked. "Can I come with you?"
"What if something happens?"
"I'm sure DeDeDe can handle it. Besides, I wanna go visit Ribbon. I haven't seen her in forever."
Which bugged him a bit, if he was honest. Though why was something he didn't understand. There were other friends that he hadn't seen for way longer than Ribbon. Gooey for one. The friendly glob of Dark Matter had gone on a journey to 'find himself' shortly after their fight against Zero. Kirby was kinda worried he'd gotten trapped in another bag. (the blob wasn't all that smart).
Then there were his animal friends, Rick, Kine, and Coo. Far as Kirby knew, they were enjoying their lives. Kine was about to be a dad, Rick and Pick were on vacation, and Coo was… somewhere (He got postcards from him but the owl had very poor handwriting so Kirby wasn't quite sure what he was up to.).
Adeline was off exploring the PoPoPo Islands, looking for inspiration. Kirby would have visited her, but she moved around so much, it was kinda hard to find her.
But above all of his friends, he wanted to see Ribbon the most. It… confused him.
"Hmm," Meta hummed.
"'Sides, you need a guide, don't you?"
"Very well," he conceded. "We leave in an hour. Go pack your things. If you are not here by then, we will leave without you, understood?"
Kirby hopped into a salute. "Yes sir!" He then grinned and hugged the knight. "Thanks, Meta."
Meta's eyes turned green with amusement as Kirby ran to go pack.
It didn't take him long to pack. When he returned, DeDeDe was handing Meta a note with the royal seal.
"This should get yah off on the right foot," he said. "I'll let her know what the Halberd looks like so yah don't spook em."
Meta nodded.
"Oh, one more thing."
He turned away from Meta and called for Bandana Dee. Said attendant soon arrived carrying a wrapped box above his head.
"Need yah to pass this onto the Queen," DeDeDe said with a slight blush. "Her birthday is comin' up soon. I'd give it to her then, but, uh, I got a very busy schedule and won't be able to."
Kirby rolled his eyes. He figured Meta must have rolled his too, though with the mask it was hard to tell. What action he did display was a nod followed by a disgruntled sigh.
A waddle dee wearing a sailor hat (Sailor Dee, if Kirby remembered correctly.) walked up and took the box from Bandana Dee.
"Put that in the cargo bay," Meta instructed.
"Yes, sir!" Sailor Dee responded, sounding rather feminin to Kirby.
It was hard to say whether Sailor Dee was a girl or just rather young as the differences between male and female waddle dees lie mostly in voice pitch and a few other small details Kirby was not privy to.
"Make sure ya tie that down," DeDeDe barked. "There better not be a scratch on it when yah get to Ripple Star."
"She will make sure it's secured," Meta said. "My crew is nothing if not compataint."
"Well, that answers that," Kirby thought. "Wonder why Bandana Dee is blushing though."
"Let's go, Kirby," Meta said.
He turned towards the ship with a dramatic flair.
"Right," Kirby said with a nod. "Bye DeDeDe, Bye Bandana Dee,"
Bandana Dee was the only one to wave back.
Kirby couldn't help but grin as he entered the bridge of the Halberd. Despite his history with this ship, he'd never been on the bridge.
"Are we ready to launch?" Meta asked, entering just behind Kirby.
"Just doin' the last few checks," Captain Vul responded. "Can't say I'm happy to have that ship wreckin' puff aboard. We just barely salvaged the original Halberd after the last time he was here."
"Worry not, Vul," he said. "Kirby is here as my apprentice. Long as we give him no reason to, he won't be destroying our ship."
"Hah," Vul squawked. "I'd just like to see him try and take down the new Battleship Halberd Ultra!"
Kirby ignored the squawking captain in favor of asking Axe Knight what he was doing.
"All cargo is secure, Sir!" Sailor Dee called as she entered.
Meta nodded. "Vul, prepare for launch."
"Aye, aye."
Vul proceeded to fiddle with the controls. Power hummed underneath their feet.
"Solar batteries charged," Axe Knight called out.
"Core temperature nominal," Mace Knight confirmed.
"All systems online," Sailor Dee said. "We're set for launch, Sir."
Meta nodded. "Beginning countdown to launch."
"Oh, oh," Kirby said, waving his arms. "Can I do the countdown, Meta?"
Meta chuckled and swept out his hand in a gesture of 'go ahead'.
Kirby's grin grew.
"Launching in, 5! 4! 3! 2! 1!"
He pointed forward in a dramatic fashion.
"Battleship Halberd, to the stars!"
The ship took off with a massive jolt. It quickly left the atmosphere and settled into an easy flight path.
"At this speed, we should be arriving at Ripple Star in ten minutes," Sailor Dee said.
"Wow," Kirby cooed. "This thing is really cool when I don't have to stop it. I should get my own ship, or maybe a fighting robot. That'd be cool."
Meta nodded at his crew and turned to the exit.
"Kirby," he called. "Come with me. We will use this time to see how your sword skills have improved."
"Okay," Kirby sighed.
"Attention, Sir Meta Knight, Kirby," the intercom blared. "We are approaching Ripple Star."
Kirby rubbed his head. Puffballs didn't bruise but it still hurt. Meta had hit him over the head with the flat of his blade when he had over extended. Kirby's base skill with a blade had improved but he doubted he'd ever meet Meta's skill without using his copy ability.
"Very good, Kirby," Meta said with a nod. "You have improved, but there are still things you could work on."
Kirby handed the sword back to Meta and followed him out.
"It still feels weird to use it without my copy ability," he said. "Like, I know the moves, but my body's not used to them."
"Yes," Meta agreed. "But learning to not rely on your copy ability will serve you well."
"Might be better to learn fighter moves," Kirby pondered. "I mean, if I have a sword, why not just eat it?"
"Even so, it never hurts to have more options in combat."
Kirby could see the point in that.
The two walked onto the bridge.
"Awaiting orders," Sailor Dee said.
"Status report," Meta called.
"We have settled into orbit around the planet," Axe Knight responded.
"Communication?"
"Negative," Mace Knight said. "There are no frequencies to hail."
"No communications array?" Vul scoffed. "These people backwards?"
"The fairies were isolationist until recently," Meta said. "Hold in orbit. Kirby and I will go down and find somewhere to land."
"Aye,"
"I'll call the Warp Star," Kirby said, pulling out his phone.
Kirby guided the warp star through the atmosphere. Meta sat next to him, preferring to take the warp star over his own wings. Between his masked face, glowing eyes and bat wings, he tended to come off as rather intimidating.
Kirby set the warp star down in the center plaza.
"Solid landing, Kirby,"
"Thanks," Kirby said, rubbing the back of his head. "I've been practicing."
Fairies peeked out from their homes while the ones on the street gawked. It was clear they recognized Kirby, but not the other person.
"Hi, Ripple Star!" he called out to the plaza. "Don't mind us. Official Star Warrior business with the queen."
His declaration did little to calm the crowd. Kirby just shrugged and pointed ahead.
"Come on, Meta. The palace is this way."
Meta nodded and followed after.
A few minutes later, they arrived at the gates.
"H-halt," the guard stuttered.
The green-haired fairy was practically shaking. Her helmet rattled against her skull as she nervously leveled a spear at them.
"Hi," Kirby said cheerfully. " I'm Kirby and this is Meta Knight. We're here to see Queen Ripple."
"D-do you h-ha-have proof?"
"Wha?"
"I believe she thinks you could be a copy or even possessed," Meta suggested.
"What? Why?"
Meta met his question with an exasperated look.
"Oh, right," he said sheepishly. "I guess you do come off kinda scary. Maybe if you take off your mas—"
"No."
"Alright, sheesh," he mumbled. "Uhm, oh maybe,"
Kirby quickly looked through his pocket dimension for a specific item. He materialized it in his hand.
"Will this work?" He asked as he held out his crystal shard.
The guard let out a sigh of relief.
"It is you, Sir Kirby."
"Sir?"
"And your companion must be a good person if the crystal shard didn't react. Still," she paused. "I can't just let you in. The Queen has us buffing up security."
Meta pulled out the letter with the Dreamland seal.
"I understand your concerns," he said, handing her the letter. "However, King Dedede has sent us to discuss these security concerns. This letter should vouch for us."
"Oh, you must be the emissaries the Queen was expecting," she said, opening the letter. "Okay, this checks out. I should have expected Sir Kirby would come. Head on in."
Kirby nodded.
"Come on, Meta."
Meta chuckled softly as he followed the excitable puffball.
The Queen of Ripple Star smiled as they entered.
"Hello, Sir Kirby. What a pleasant surprise."
"Hi, Queen Ripple."
A grunt from Meta snapped Kirby into a more formal mindset. He shook his head and dipped into a bow.
"Er, I mean, afternoon, your majesty," he corrected.
"At ease, Sir Kirby," she said with a giggle. She then turned to Meta Knight. "I assume you are the one DeDeDe sent?"
"Correct, your majesty," he said with a nod. "I am Meta Knight, knight of Dreamland and Star Warrior."
Meta wrapped his cape closer around him as he bowed.
"The Great King asked that I meet with you to discuss a potential patrol route. Kirby is here as my apprentice and guide."
She nodded.
"Yes. DeDeDe has informed me about some of the things that have happened as of late. I'll admit, it has spooked me a bit." She pushed up her glasses. "If we could establish a more stable line of communication and threat detection, it would put my heart at ease."
The two continued talking while Kirby stood there. He wasn't much for planning. Kirby was very much reactionary as opposed to preventative when it came to fighting. Not that he didn't see the value in it, but in his mind there was only so much you could potentially plan for. Try to plan for everything and you just end up paranoid.
"Sir Kirby?"
The Queen's call dragged him out of his head.
"Er, yes?"
A grunt from Meta.
"Your Majesty," he amended.
"I would like to have Ribbon here for this. She is currently training in the courtyard. Would you mind retrieving her for me? I'm sure she would be delighted to see you."
Kirby couldn't help but grin.
"I'm on it, Queen Ripp—"
Meta grunted again.
"Uh, I mean." He cleared his throat and bowed. "As you wish, your majesty."
"Don't get distracted, Kirby."
Kirby nodded and ran out of the room.
"Other way, Kirby," Queen Ripple called.
As Kirby changed direction, Queen Ripple giggled and Meta sighed.
The courtyard wasn't hard to find. When he arrived, he noticed that Ribbon was standing in the center with her eyes closed.
He quickly noted the targets set up around the courtyard.
"She's practicing," he said softly. "Oh, this should be good."
Ribbon had sent a few letters since he had left Ripple Star all those years ago. One letter had stated that she was practicing with the Crystal Blaster.
It seemed that Ribbon was the only fairy in the past hundred years that could even form the Crystal Blaster out of the Sacred Crystal. The fairies of Ripple Star were natural pacifists, so forming a weapon didn't come easily.
At some unseen signal, her eyes snapped open. The pendant around her neck glowed, summoning the blaster to her hand. She pivoted and blasted one target. She threw the blaster in the air and summoned another. The thrown blaster reverted to a crystal and floated next to her.
She turned and shot another target while the floating shard blasted another behind her. She formed another crystal sentry (Kirby's temporary name for the technique) and fired on more targets.
She flew up with a twirl, crystal shards spinning around her. When she reached a certain height she raised a hand. The spinning shards stopped and pointed outwards. Ribbon brought her hand down. The shards all let loose a blast.
"Woah," he breathed.
The sound caught Ribbon's attention. Their eyes locked.
" Her eyes are really pretty," he thought.
Before he could process where that thought came from, pain erupted from the top of his head and the world went black.
"I swear it was an accident!"
"It is alright, Miss Ribbon."
The conversation was the first thing he registered when he came to. He blinked to try and clear the blurry images.
First thing he saw was Ribbon kneeled beside him. She seemed to be looking elsewhere though.
"I assure you, Kirby has taken much worse hits. He'll be fine."
"Meta," he registered but his eyes stayed locked on Ribbon.
"She's pretty," he mumbled.
"Kirby?"
She turned back to him.
"Are you alright?"
Kirby nodded.
"Looks like she didn't hear me," he thought.
Though judging by the way Queen Ripple was trying to hold back giggles and the fond smirk Kirby could see in Meta's eyes, she'd been the only one that hadn't.
He jumped up and rubbed his head.
"I'm good," he said. "But what hit me?"
Ribbon sheepishly rubbed her arm and pointed next to him.
It seemed one of the suspended targets had come loose.
"My... my aim was off," she said with a massive blush. "I clipped the top of the target, and that caused it to fall."
Kirby examined the target. It seemed less of a target and more like a log with a target painted on it.
"I assume there is a reason they have to be so thick?" Meta asked.
"Uhm, well, if I use regular targets, they, uh, kinda just explode."
Kirby nodded sagely.
"I had that problem trying to practice laser. Can't work on your aim if you can't see where you hit."
She smiled at him and nodded. Her smile was soon replaced with a thoughtful look.
"But, Kirby, what are you doing here?" She quickly held up her hand and blushed.
"N-not that I'm not happy you're here," she stuttered. "I'm so happy to see you again."
She turned away slightly.
"I mean, I'm happy to see any of my friends."
Queen Ripple soon stepped in.
"Ribbon," she said. "Sir Kirby is here with Sir Meta Knight as the emissaries sent by King DeDeDe. "
"The meeting about the security concerns!" Ribbon gasped. "I'm sorry, your Majesty. I completely lost track of time!"
"It's alright, Ribbon," the queen said with a giggle. "I'm not mad since you're working hard to be Ripple Star's guardian. Just don't make it a habit."
Ribbon nodded.
"Your majesty," Meta said, stepping forward. "Before we continue, I would like to have a few of my men with us. Is there a place where we could land our ship?"
The Queen put a finger to her chin. "Oh yes, your ship. Dedede mentioned it. There is an old air field behind the palace. It may be in a state of disrepair, though. We haven't had use of it for centuries."
"It should be satisfactory," Meta said with a nod. "I will contact my men and have them land."
The Queen smiled. "Right, I'll prepare some tea. Kirby, Ribbon, would you two care to help me?"
"Of course, your majesty."
"Yeah."
Meta sighed."
"Er, I mean, at your service, your majesty."
The two fairies giggled.
With the Halberd landed, Meta had Captain Vul and Sailor Dee join the meeting.
The Queen, along with Ribbon and Kirby, served tea.
"So," Meta said while taking a cup from Kirby. "King DeDeDe tells me that you have some concerns?"
"Yes," Queen Ripple began. She took a seat. "As I said, DeDeDe has been keeping me updated on what you dreamlanders have had to face."
Kirby drooled at the slice of cake Ribbon set in front of him. She giggled as she sat next to the queen.
Queen Ripple sat at the head of the table with Ribbon to her left. On the other side sat Meta Knight, with Vul and Sailor Dee to his right and Kirby to his left.
Ripple took a sip of tea.
"It seems Dreamland has been a hotbed of activity since we last met," she said, nodding to Kirby. "I hear you even died in this last encounter."
"W-what!" Ribbon gasped.
"Oh, ne'rodius," Kirby said through a mouth full of cake.
"Don't speak with your mouth full," Meta chided.
Kirby swallowed.
"Anyway, Necrodeus didn't kill me, he just destroyed me."
"How is that different!?" Ribbon fretted.
"Er, I got better."
He rubbed the back of his head.
"I just… kindda got split into a hundred mini-mes and had to work to sortta pull myself together."
"You're okay now, right?"
He nodded. "Yeah, pretty sure I got all my bits back."
"Kirby," Ribbon groaned.
"I would not worry too much, miss Ribbon," Meta said. "It was not the first time Kirby has been split apart."
"Yeah," Kirby agreed. "Before I went to the Mirror World, Meta split me into 4!"
"That was not me, Kirby. That was my mirror counterpart."
"Oh, yeah," he hummed. "He really did look like you."
"So you've said."
"Oh, and one time I got turned into ya-"
"There will be time to regale Ribbon later, Sir Kirby," Ripple said with a giggle.
(Ribbon's face was bright red as she imagined 4 Kirby's.)
"Err, right," Kirby said, with a nervous laugh. "Sorry Queen Ripple."
"It's alright, Sir Kirby."
Her mood turned tense again as she steepled her hands.
"Needless to say, Dreamland has gone through a lot, and while that danger has been dealt with before it could get to my people," she continued with a sigh. "It would be incredibly naive of me to assume that this luck will continue."
Her eyes glanced over to her aid, specifically the crystal hanging around Ribbon's neck.
"For a thousand years, we assumed ourselves protected from all danger by the Sacred Crystal." Her eyes closed as she let out a shudder.
"And that sense of safety was shattered by dark matter."
Kirby noticed that the queen seemed to have dark bags under her eyes.
' She probably has nightmares about being possessed,' he thought. ' I know DeDeDe still has a few.'
"Don't worry, Queen Ripple," he said, patting his chest. He looked at Ribbon. "Me and Ribbon took care of that jerk Zero 2."
Ribbon smiled and nodded at him.
"And I am eternally grateful for what you've done, Sir Kirby," she said. "But we can not always depend on someone else to save us should something else happen." She pointed to Ribbon. "Even with Ripple Star finally having a proper guardian after so long, I believe we should be proactive rather than reactive."
Meta hummed.
"I see," he said. "And what do you suggest?"
"I have a few requests," she began.
Ribbon grabbed a paper out of a file and handed it to her.
"The first is a formal request I would like you to take to King DeDeDe. It's a request for a more formal alliance between us and assistance in bringing our communications infrastructure to a more equal level."
She passed the letter across the table.
"Aye, sounds acceptable," Vul said.
"I also have another request, for you specifically Sir Meta Knight," she began. "Ripple Star needs to be able to stand on its own against threats. To that end, I would ask you for a favor. I have asked for volunteers. Should you agree, they will leave with you to receive training."
She took a deep breath.
"I know I'm asking a lot," she said, eyes downcast. "We do not have much to offer in compensation but-"
"There is no need, your Majesty," Meta interrupted. "My men and I will train your fairy hopefuls."
The queen let out a sigh of relief.
"Thank you, Sir Meta Knight," she said, adjusting her glasses. "We are forever in your debt."
With a nod, Ribbon pulled out a stack of papers and slid it across to Meta.
"This is a list of our volunteers, their names, weapon choices, and level of skill," she said.
Meta gave the list a cursory glance before passing it to Sailor Dee.
"How soon can they leave?" Vul asked.
"They can leave today if you would like. I would prefer to get them trained as soon as possible," Ripple responded.
"I will go gather them while you finalize things here, Queen Ripple," Ribbon said hopping up.
"You had best prepare yourself as well, Ribbon."
"Huh?"
Ripple smiled sheepishly at her.
"I need you to go with them," she explained. "To act as a representative."
Ribbon rubbed her arm nervously.
"Are you sure, your majesty?" she asked. "If something happens-"
"You do not need the full crystal to summon the blaster, correct?"
"Well, yes, but-"
"If anything happens, the crystal will alert you," Ripple interrupted. "I know I am asking a lot, but the other volunteers will respond better if you accompany them."
Ribbon's eyes were downcast.
"This is great!" Kirby said, his eyes practically shining with excitement. "You didn't get to see much of Popstar the last time you were there. I can show you all the sights." He began counting points on his paws. "The sunset over the Orange Ocean, the stars from the top of Butter Building, even the Fountain of Dream!"
Kirby's excitement was infectious, drawing Ribbon out of her worries. She smiled at the puffball.
"Oh, I can introduce you to my other friends, like Rick, Kine, and Coo, Pitch and Nango, Chuchu, Gooey, err, if I can find him, oh, and maybe we can-"
"There will be plenty of time to plan your dates later," Ripple teased.
"D-date," Ribbon stuttered, her face heating up.
Kirby, meanwhile, didn't even register what she said, his mind too busy planning all the things he was going to show her.
"So, are you willing to go to Dreamland, Ribbon?" the Queen asked.
Ribbon took a steadying breath and nodded at her.
"Yes, your majesty," she said, a determined look in her eyes.
"Thank you, Ribbon."
It took a few more hours to get everything finalized, but after gathering the volunteers and packing, Ribbon now stood outside the Halberd.
"Try not to overwork yourself," she said to Ripple.
"Yes, Ribbon."
"And don't forget to eat regularly."
"I know, Ribbon,"
"Oh and don't-"
Whatever warning Ribbon was going to say was interrupted as Ripple swept her up in a tight hug.
"Oh, I'm gonna miss you so much," Ripple blubbered, tears leaking from her eyes.
"I'm just your aid, Queen Ripple," she said with a blush.
"You are not just my aid and you know it," Ripple scoffed. "The only reason you're not officially my daughter is because you won't let me adopt you."
Ribbon frowned. "Your majesty, I-"
"I know," she said softly. "Your mother was a dear friend and I'm not trying to take her place, but I know she would want me to give you all the love she can't anymore."
She released Ribbon from the hug but kept her hands on her shoulders.
"Regardless of whether it's official or not, just know I love you just as much as she did, okay?"
Ribbon's own eyes had started to water as much as Ripple's. She smiled softly.
"Okay."
"Now, no tears, my dear," she said hypocritically, as she wiped her eyes with her sleeves. "Be careful, watch over the others, train hard but don't forget to relax too, and most importantly." She leaned in close with a smirk and whispered. "Keep me updated on everything between you and Kirby."
"R-ripple!" Ribbon cried.
Ripple laughed and pulled her into another hug.
"I'm just teasing," she said.
Ribbon sighed and reluctantly hugged her back.
"Ribbon!" Kirby yelled from across the field. "Come on! There's a bunch of stuff I wanna show you."
"Kirby!" Meta scolded. "Patience!"
The two separated with a laugh.
"Quite the odd pair, those two."
"You said it," Ribbon giggled.
"Excuse me, your majesty?"
Sailor Dee approached with a large box held over his head.
"Yes?"
"King DeDeDe sent this for you," she said, setting the box down.
"Oh, how sweet of him," she said, opening the box. "He sent me some maximum tomato plants. I was just saying I wanted to take up gardening."
Ribbon rolled her eyes.
"Someone seems to be a fan of royal blue," she mumbled.
"Oh, hush."
Ribbon giggled at the light blush on the queen's face.
"We'll be departing in two minutes, Miss Ribbon," Sailor Dee said, walking off.
"Alright," Ripple said, dragging Ribbon into another hug. "One more hug. Call me as soon as you get to DeDeDe's castle."
Ribbon nodded.
Ripple released her from the hug and started pushing her towards the halberd.
"Now don't keep Kirby and Sir Meta Knight waiting. Love you."
Ribbon took a deep breath and boarded the Halberd. Like it or not, she would be living in Dreamland for a while.
Halfway up the boarding ramp, Kirby grabbed her hand and started to drag her inside.
"Wait, Kirby!"
"Come on, Ribbon! I can't wait to get back to Popstar and show you everything!"
His excitement made her smile.
"I guess," she thought. "It won't be all bad."