Chapter 20: Kong Liberation
The day became hotter. Despite the occasional shade provided by the trees, the group couldn't escape the sun's overbearing rays. Still, they moved forward through the humid jungle, stomaching the heat through their determination alone. Suddenly, DK came to a halt. A strange sensation had shoved its way into his nostrils, like an unwanted guest. It reeked of sweat and body spray.
"What's up?" Sora asked, curious.
DK responded with a loud grunt, and ran deeper into the jungle, startling Sora in the process, forcing him to clutch on tightly to DK's shoulders. Everyone else hurried after the two. It wasn't long before DK came to a sudden halt, which almost sent Sora off him.
"A little warning next time!" Sora said. "You're not equipped with seatbelts!"
DK hushed Sora and gestured towards a tree nearby them. When the others arrived, they looked in the same direction as Sora and DK. Leaning against the tree was a muscular Kremling with light blue skin, wearing camouflaged overalls, and had four horns on his head. Upon hearing Sora shout, he stood up and started an intense scan of the area.
Everyone ducked behind some long grass and maneuvered themselves around the Kremling, making sure not to be within his line of sight. When they were facing him from his side, they peeked out of the tall grass.
"Who that?" Yoshi asked.
"Krusha," Diddy said. "One of K. Rool's muscle. Must be on patrol." His eyes brightened in excitement. "Hey! Maybe he knows where the others are! Let's capture him!"
Sora grinned and summoned the Keyblade. "Good idea! We'll all jump him at once."
"Hold on," Luigi said, hesitant. "We should be furtive in our approach."
Sora winced upon hearing Luigi's cautious tongue sting his ears. "Why? It's five against one. We can easily take him."
"You never learn, do you?" Luigi asked, annoyed. "Once again jumping into a situation without thinking things first."
They started arguing over the plan. A painful match of volleyball was going on in Yoshi's head; the pounding seemed to intensify with each hit. It was tiring, and he started to become doubtful of Isabelle's encouragement from earlier. Ignoring the inconsequential noise, DK walked out from behind the tall grass.
"Think you know better?" Sora asked. "Fine! What's the plan?"
Feeling a breeze of victory brush across his moustache, Luigi said, "Simple. First, we have Diddy hide off in one of those trees."
DK walked back towards the group, holding an unconscious Krusha over his shoulder.
"Then we'll have Yoshi…." Luigi's words trailed off as he noticed DK and Krusha. He was left in stunned silence as DK walked up to Diddy, high fived him, and moved onto another part of the jungle.
Luigi turned back to Sora, who had snatched the victory away, and was staring at him with a smug expression. The plumber responded with an exasperated sigh. Yoshi rolled his eyes at this frivolous display. How was the youngest member of the group acting the most mature?
Sora and Diddy tied Krusha up to tree in another secluded part of the jungle. They made sure no other Kremlings were nearby. While the two finished up, Yoshi was distracted by a distinct scent. He sniffed the air, which was loud enough to catch Luigi's attention.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
Yoshi continued sniffing, making sure his suspicions were correct. "Dixie following us."
Diddy felt every part of his body become numb, not wanting to believe what he heard. For a moment, he thought Yoshi's words were jumbled through the random sounds of animal noises.
"She is?" he asked. "Are you positive?"
"She hiding in that tree," Yoshi said.
To his surprise, a familiar monkey wearing a pink beret poked her out of it, left in complete bewilderment.
"What!? How did you know I was here!? I thought I was being sneaky."
"Yoshi's nose doesn't lie. Me smelled a banana scented perfume."
Dixie smacked her forehead. "Aw, why did I even put that on today?"
Dixie leaped out from the trees and landed in front of the group. Diddy hurried over to her; panic started to drill against his chest.
"What are you doing here?" Diddy asked. "Cranky told you to stay put!"
Dixie placed both hands on her hips. "Since when have I ever listened to Cranky? I'm not just going to stand around while my baby sister is being held captive! It isn't right! Plus, I get worried about you, Dids."
"Don't worry about me." While giving a reassuring smile, he gestured the others. "I've got DK and my new pals to back me up."
"It doesn't matter." A sincere, worried glare clouded her once sparkling eyes. "You're my world. If something happened you, I could never forgive myself. Please! Let me come with you!"
Diddy rubbed his head, skeptical. "I don't know. It's just…I don't want anything to happen to you, either."
He felt Dixie grab his hands, holding them with a gentle, warm grip. A reassuring light in those emerald green eyes pushed away the smog of concern. Something about those eyes put him in a state of peace. Once, he had to rescue DK from King K. Rool. The task was overwhelming. An entire army of Kremlings stood in his path.
At first, he doubted himself; he didn't have the immeasurable strength or courage that DK possessed. But Dixie stood by his side throughout the whole journey. She encouraged him through the tough times, not once letting her positive attitude waver against the Kremling crew. When Diddy looked into those eyes, he felt like he obtained the same courage that beat through DK's heart.
Given the situation right now, maybe he needed that strength again.
"C'mon, Dids," Dixie said. "You and I are unstoppable together. With the six of us, those Kremlings won't know what hit them!"
He still heard a skeptical sound buzz through his ear like a fly. But those thoughts were interrupted when he felt a strong hand grip his shoulder. He turned to see DK smiling, and them mumbled something to him.
"You sure?" Diddy asked. DK nodded. He turned to Sora's group, looking to see if they were accepting, too.
Sora placed both hands behind his head, grinning. "It wouldn't hurt. The more the merrier, I say."
"Dixie a lot of fun, too!" Yoshi said.
Feeling better about the situation, Diddy felt himself relax. Perhaps there was no harm in bringing her along. Although the buzzing lingered, it wasn't as loud. He had confidence in everyone.
"Alright," Diddy said. "You can come along!"
Dixie hooted in exuberance, removed Diddy's hat, and kissed his head with relentless appreciation. Diddy responded with hysterical laughter.
"Hate to interrupt," Luigi said, "but we should probably wake this guy up if we plan to find the other Kongs."
Diddy smirked. "Leave it to me!"
He said something to DK in his native language. A mischievous grin appeared on DK's face, and he walked over to Krusha, maintaining that happy expression the whole time.
"What you tell him?" Yoshi asked.
"Just watch!" Diddy said.
DK stretched out his arm, as if preparing to slap the Kremling. Then, he shouted right in his face, waking the Kremling up from his forced slumber. After stammering for a moment, Krusha shook his head, regaining his consciences.
"What's going on here?" Krusha asked; he had a heavy Austrian accent. "Who caused my beautiful ears to ring?"
He soon noticed the group. But more importantly, noticed DK's hairy face right in his personal boundaries.
Unfazed by the gorilla, Krusha said, "Well, well. If it isn't that puny monkey Donkey Kong and his friends. You think you can scare the mighty Krusha with your ugly mug?"
He tried to move, but felt the restraints around his wrists.
"A prisoner now, am I?" He laughed. "Don't insult me. My muscles can break through boulders. I cannot be contained."
"We know," Diddy said, giving him a smug look. He pat DK on the arm. "But this big guy's a whole other story. Tell us where our friends are!"
Krusha laughed harder. "That's a good one, little monkey boy. Your threats are just as empty as your brains. I can take anything you throw at me. Specially those sissy fists from that dumb Kong."
Enraged, DK was prepared to prove Krusha wrong, but Diddy grabbed his arm as it started winding up like a jet propeller.
"This isn't going to work," Diddy said. "We need him conscious."
Disappointed, DK lowered his arm.
"We need to think of some other way to get the information out of him," Luigi said.
"Oh, please," Krusha said, undaunted. "Nothing will work. This bod of steel can take anything."
Luigi glared at him, annoyed. "You know what? Maybe DK's method isn't a bad idea, after all."
The jungle grew silent as everyone brainstormed ideas. Unfortunately, they were about as smart as Krusha's educational background. Krusha watched with an arrogant smirk as the group continued to struggle with a plan.
"I got it!" Dixie said, beaming in excitement.
"What is it?" Diddy asked, feeling the same ecstatic energy swirl in his stomach.
Dixie whispered the idea in his ear; that ecstatic energy solidified into an icy sheet of horror.
"Oh, Dixie, no!" Diddy said. "Not that!"
Dixie pushed his cheeks together with her hands, looking straight at him with an intense glare.
"It's the only way," she said, in a melodramatic tone. "No one can withstand something so horrible."
Diddy blushed. "Oh, come on. It's not that bad. I was…just going through a faze. Also, I don't want our new friends to bear witness to it. It's still embarrassing."
"Listen, something that embarrassing may end up saving the lives of our fellow Kongs." Dixie placed her arm around Diddy's back. With her free hand, she waved it in the air. "Future generations will look back and recognize you for being a hero."
"Why is Dixie cleaning the air?" Yoshi asked, confused.
Diddy sighed in defeat. "Okay, fine. But this is the last time, okay? I'm burning that tape after this is done."
"What are you talking about?" Sora asked.
Dixie smiled with confidence. "Oh, you'll see. Keep Krusha tied up while we run back to Diddy's treehouse. Be right back!"
Before anyone could inquire further, the two Kongs left in a hurry. Shrugging, the group decided to wait. Their well of ideas was dry, so they would accept anything; Dixie seemed confident in this plan of hers.
Krusha, however, remained unfazed. "Go on! Try anything you like! Nothing you do will destroy the spirit of the mighty Krusha!"
"Shut up!" Sora and his friends shouted.
The so called mighty Krusha remained quiet, shrinking back into the tree like a shriveled flower. And he remained silent as DK kept an eye on him. The others were on the lookout for Diddy and Dixie's return. During their moment of leisure, Luigi started to reflect on everything that transpired.
Frustration was a dominant emotion. He felt that time had been lost because of Sora's irrational behavior. The grudge refused to scurry back into its squalid hole. Sora shared those same feelings. Yoshi could feel it hover over his forehead like a dark cloud; waiting wasn't going to work, he thought. There had to be some way to mend this broken relationship. The longer it stagnated, the less likely it would heal.
Luigi had to stop lingering on the issue. It'd only reignite his anger. He needed to focus his mind elsewhere. Sure enough, he found a thread to follow; it was one that filled him with intrigue.
"Donkey Kong," he said out loud. "That names rings a bell. Where have I heard it before?"
"Maybe Luigi imagining it?" Yoshi asked.
"No. I swear I've heard that name somewhere." He continued pulling on the thread. Then, he found the end, and was greeted by an avalanche of awoken memories. "Oh, now I remember! When we were younger, my brother dated this girl named Pauline! She's currently the mayor of the city we grew up in. One day a giant ape escaped from the zoo and kidnapped her. Naturally, Mario saved her, but he told me the ape was named Donkey Kong!"
Sora was in shock. "That's a crazy coincidence!"
"I know!" Luigi said. "What are the odds?"
He looked back at DK, who was in the middle of having a staring contest with Krusha. Soon, it escalated into a competition of muscle, as the two started flexing.
"Is that all the muscle you got, monkey boy?" Krusha asked. "Let me show what a true beefcake can do."
"But this can't be the same Donkey Kong…" Luigi eyes widened in a startling realization, as he remembered the person who ignited the idea in the first place. "Unless Cranky was…"
"We're back!" Dixie said.
Everyone turned to see the Dixie holding a boombox in her hands. Diddy was trailing behind, staring at the dirt beneath his feet.
Sora was perplexed. "Music? That's the plan?"
Never losing her confident spark, Dixie placed the boombox on the ground. "Oh, this is no ordinary music. Krusha's gonna wish he had gone deaf after he hears this. Diddy, tape!"
She outstretched her hand as Diddy – with reluctance – handed it over.
"Please don't judge me," Diddy said with a dispirited tone in his voice.
Diddy flinched as he heard the slot of the boombox close. Krusha thought this was a joke. His confidence brightened the jungle.
"Bring it on, wimpy Kongs!"
Dixie hit the 'play' button. Out of the speakers came the lonesome sound of Diddy beatboxing.
And then, he started rapping: "So they're finally here, performing for you. If you know the words, you can join in too. Put your hands together, if you want to clap. As we take you through this monkey rap! Huh!"
The sky shuttered in fear from Krusha's cries of anguish. "NOOOOOOO!"
Three minutes later….
With the rap nearing its end, everyone had a different reaction to what they were hearing. Diddy was embarrassed, covering his eyes with his cap. Dixie and DK gave him a supportive pat on the back. Sora and Luigi were doing everything to suppress their laughter. And Yoshi – well, he was surprised to see his foot tapping along to the rhythm.
"Why me like this song!?" He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.
But it was apparent that Krusha had lost his composure. The cheesy lyrics were unbearable. One of King K. Rool's most stalwart of minions had devolved into a pathetic mess, unable to withstand the atrocious lyrics any longer.
The rap: "Walnuts, peanuts, pineapple smells. Grapes, melons, oranges, and coconut shells!"
"OKAY!" Krusha said, having a nervous breakdown, on the verge of tears. "OKAY! OKAY! I'LL TALK!" He broke into sobs. "Just make it stop!"
Content, Dixie stopped the tape, and she and DK walked over to interrogate Krusha, whose miserable crying was display for everyone in the jungle to hear. Diddy sighed, relieved he didn't have to hear it again.
"So, what was that about?" Sora asked, trying to keep a straight face.
Diddy adjusted his cap, still ashamed. "It was a faze, alright!? I thought I could be a rapper. Didn't pan out so well."
"Well, it was a good attempt," Sora said, "I guess."
"Me actually liked it," Yoshi said. Diddy, along with everyone else, turned to him in surprise. The dinosaur had an earnest smile. "Diddy spitting hot rhymes."
Feeling elated from the compliment, Diddy gave Yoshi a high five. "See? This guy GETS it!"
Sora turned to Luigi with an incredulous expression.
"Good taste grows with age," Luigi said.
"That's true," Sora said.
After obtaining the information they needed, DK untied Krusha, and he sprinted into the tall grass, blubbering all the way back to K. Rool's lair.
"What's the scoop, Dixie?" Sora asked.
"Well, Lanky is being held in Fungi Forest," Dixie said. "While Chunky is at Angry Aztec."
"And Candy and Tiny?" Diddy asked.
Dixie closed her eyes. Just saying the words sent a sharp pain into her abdomen. "They're being held at K. Rool's lair."
Diddy lowered his head in dismay. DK remained silent. Rage started to build in his chest. But it wasn't like any he felt before. It didn't feel primal; this anger went beyond anything his simple mind could comprehend. It felt like something was squeezing every positive feeling out of his heart; in its place was nothing but despair.
"Why specifically there?" Luigi asked.
"Candy is DK's girlfriend," Diddy said. "Probably using her as bait. Same for Tiny."
DK hated being reminded that everyone he loved was being held captive. He didn't know who to blame. Himself? K. Rool? Everything started to become incomprehensible. Unable to contain the anger, he let out a fierce howl that echoed throughout the jungle. The chattering animals grew silent with fear as their ruler expressed his fury.
Before he could let it consume him, a voice pulled out from the gutter of anger. "DK, don't worry! We'll get her back!"
DK looked to see the voice belonged to Sora. Once again, DK focused on those blue, trustworthy eyes. They were determined; they were courageous; and would never back down from a fight.
"You're not alone," Sora said. "Just look around you. We're all in this together. There's no way K. Rool is going to stop us from saving them."
The squeezing sensation loosened. Everything seemed transparent. Sora's calm words had silenced the livid beast inside. Sometimes a ruler's greatest asset are the people they trust with their life. Taking a deep breath, he deflated into a sense of peace. This put Sora's mind at ease, too.
"We should focus on finding Lanky and Chunky first," Diddy said. "We don't know what to expect from K. Rool."
"Then let's split into two teams," Sora said. "That'll cover a lot more ground."
"Are you positive that's a good idea?" Luigi asked.
Sora winced; he did everything to restrain the grudge. This wasn't the time for another meaningless argument.
"The quicker we rescue them, the quicker we can go after K. Rool," Sora said, remaining composed. "I know we've been at each other's throats, but I thought this one through."
For once, Luigi concurred. "Alright. I'll take your word for it."
Yoshi started to feel excited. Were they starting to warm up to each other? This seemed like a good indication. He had to keep the momentum going. But how? Another game of volleyball took place in head. Although, this time, it was an argument with himself. He had an idea, but was worried of the consequences.
Still, the feeling to proceed yelled the loudest; this might be his only chance to fix their relationship. He strolled over to Diddy and Dixie, and called them into a huddle.
Luigi raised a suspicious eyebrow as the kids discussed Yoshi's plan. "What are you guys doing?"
The three broke out of their huddle, and turned to others with wide, guilty grins.
"We've made a decision," Diddy said. "The three of us are going to Fungi Forest. You guys go Angry Aztec with DK. We'll meet up at Cranky's."
"Huh!?" Sora asked, startled. "Wait a minute!"
Mustering the most innocent smile, Yoshi said, "Bye-bye."
The three left in a hurry, leaving everyone else in utter confusion.
"Yoshi!" Luigi said in anger. "Come back here!"
"Me can't hear you!" Yoshi said. "Me have no ears! Sora knows!"
Luigi and Sora turned to each other in shock. Everything happened so fast, like an unexpected strike of lightning. DK, however, was overjoyed to be traveling with his new friends. With a hoot, he brought them into a giant hug.
"Something tells me this was Yoshi's idea," Sora said; his cheeks were scrunched together from DK's massive arm.
"What was your first guess?" Luigi asked, sarcastic. "Look, let's just try to cooperate for now. At least until we get our ship back."
"Fine by me," Sora said. He looked up at DK. "Okay, big guy! To Angry Aztec!"
Still holding the two in his arms, DK hurried off to rescue Chunky.
"Hey, you could put us down!" Luigi said.
"What's wrong, Luigi?" Sora asked with a grin. "You're not expecting to get 'monkeysick,' are you?"
Luigi gave him an evil glare. "You know, an encore of that rap sounds pretty good right about now."
K. Rool sat on his throne, watching the monitor in front of him. His secret project was near completion. He wiggled his fingers in delight. Everything was coming together without any hindrances; and it kept him occupied from the fact that the Blast-O-Matic was in a stagnant state (no thanks in part to the incompetence of his subordinates).
"Donkey Kong will never be able to stop me now," K. Rool said. "Victory will soon be mine."
A flash of white static filled the screen, which soon turned into an image of Krusha. He was a nervous wreck. Sweat poured down his scaly face like a rainstorm. His body trembled; the speakers picked up his pitiful whimpering.
K. Rool was startled by his sudden appearance. "You numbskull! This isn't a horror movie! Don't pop on screen like some cheap jumpscare!"
"S-Sorry, y-y-our nastiness!" Krusha said, struggling to form words from beneath his anxiety. "But this is an emergency!"
"Krusha, you look pale. What happened?"
The memories returned with a vengeance. "It was terrible! Those horrible monkeys tied me up. T-Then, the rap! O-Oh, the rap! I can still hear it. 'If he shoots ya, it's gonna hurt.' Well, it hurts me alright." He pointed at his head. "Here!"
"Get on with it!" K. Rool said, becoming furious.
"They got the information out of me," Krusha said. "They're on their way to save the other Kongs."
K. Rool sat back in his chair to absorb this information. He appeared rather calm. "Do not concern yourself. Not only do I have you dimwits, but I have the Heartless. They will never succeed. Even if by some miracle they save the two out there, my machine will be ready before they can infiltrate my lair."
"But these three strangers are helping them," Krusha said.
K. Rool's composed demeanor dispersed into fragments of panic. He didn't expect Sora and his friends to join forces with the Kongs. It may expedite their efforts in stopping his plans. He squeezed his fist in aggravation; his weapon was nearly finished, and he wouldn't let those meddlers dismantle it – to watch in helpless agony as your greatest achievement turned into a pile of scrap.
"Quickly, alert our troops to search the island for them!" K. Rool said. "Then, tell our robotics team to work double time on the project! We're going to need it!"
Krusha saluted. "Yes, sir."
K. Rool switched the video feed to the control room. Most of the Kremlings appeared lethargic. This didn't bode well. The pain in his chest started to return. Taking slow breathes, he tried to quell those feelings.
"Chief Technician!" K. Rool said in a commanding tone.
One of the Kremlings stumbled into frame, anxious to look into the bloodshot eye of his king.
"I trust that the Blast-O-Matic will be ready soon?" K. Rool asked.
The technician gulped, feeling his legs turn into mush.
K. Rool frowned. "Is that silence I hear? Not a good conversation starter. You better start talking, or I'll make sure you never speak again."
"We've had a few technical problems, your majesty," the technician said. "We're still figuring out how to extract the darkness from the Heartless. And my men haven't been any help! They're lazy!"
One of the Kremlings peeked out from behind the computer. "He's lying, sire. He's not only been playing Super Kremling Sixty-Four, but he beat your high score!"
"What!?" Furious, K. Rool slammed his fist onto the throne. "It's one thing to be lazy, but beating my high score!? That's a travesty!"
Now a nervous wreck, the technician dropped onto his hands and knees. "Please forgive me, oh great one! That game's too addicting! We'll get the Blast-O-Matic done! We've worked so hard!"
"Let's make sure no more time is wasted, hm?" K. Rool said with a sinister smirk. "Guards! Make sure no one leaves until my machine is ready!"
Little crocodiles that appeared akin to K. Rool's pet entered the control room. The sounds of their snapping jaws reverberated throughout vicinity. Knowing the danger these little creatures possessed, most of the Kremlings scrambled to their positions and resumed work on the machine. They felt the creatures' putrid breath brush against their skin; one blunder could be fatal.
One of the Kremlings, however, was not intimidated, and just started laughing. "Are you serious!? These little things are guards? Ha! Ha!"
Insulted, one of the crocodiles bit his tail, releasing a tremendous amount of pain. The Kremling ran around the room, desperate to loosen the crocodile's grip. K. Rool sighed in annoyance; his men were inept, but knew that their undying loyalty would never waver. They would finish the job.
He turned back to his screen and brought up the jungle. Although excited to finally rid himself of the Kongs, a small shard of sadness floated in his eyes.
"Sorry, old friend," K. Rool said. "This is the way it has to be."
Unbeknownst to K. Rool, someone had been spying through the window, and heard every horrific detail of his plans. Not wasting any time, he flew back to the jungle.
Back in Cranky's Hideout, Isabelle watched the group's progress. After spending the stressful morning traversing a dangerous jungle, she was content with chronicling the journey again. Although she felt the time spent did strengthen her courage. Sometimes you had to put your foot forward in certain situations and act. She felt humbled by the whole ordeal.
If only she found that courage sooner. Maybe Digby would be—stop! This isn't the time to dwell on the past. Sighing, she wrote in her journal. The sounds of scribbling gave her comfort. It put her in a better state of mind.
And Cranky had his own form of relaxing. He shuffled through his records, picked one out, and walked over to the player. The whole while he was grumbling about Dixie.
"That naughty little Kong," he said. "She's gonna get it the next time I see her."
"I wouldn't worry too much, sir," Isabelle said. "She seems to be doing just fine with the others."
"Hopefully that bumbling grandson of mine won't mess things up," Cranky said. He lifted the needle, placed the record on the player, and sat back in his chair. "In the meanwhile, it's time to put on some more classics."
"As much as I enjoy listening to your eight-bit soundtracks," Isabelle said in a polite tone, "I need to focus on my journal."
Cranky glowered. "My house, my rules. You will come to appreciate the good old days of video game music. Not like what they have now with their full-blown orchestral scores. Yoko Shimomura can't compete with the classics!"
"Who's that?" Isabelle asked.
Cranky looked at the fourth wall. "No one in particular."
Their discussion was interrupted by an urgent knock at the door.
"Young lady, would you get that?" Cranky asked. "I would but…I refuse to stand up."
Least he's honest in his excuse, Isabelle thought. She stood up, opened the door, and was greeted by a giant green parrot. He flew into the room in a panic, crashing right into Cranky's record player.
"No!" Cranky said, horrified. "My eight-bit melodies! I will preserve you!"
He picked up the record, scrutinized it for any scratches, and then sighed in relief. With an angry glare, he turned to the parrot, who had stood up, and shook his ruffled feathers.
"This better be important, Squawks!" Cranky said, irritated.
"Squawks!" the parrot said in teror. "We've got a big problem! Our whole island is in danger!"
Fungi Forest was like something out of a fairytale – a place only imagined by the most proficient of dreamers, whose minds have dug deep into the realm of surrealism. Lush green grass traveled as far as the eye could see. Giant mushrooms the size of buildings stood tall over the forest.
Some mushrooms were not only tall, but wide in size. They were inhabitable, as they had doors and windows. In the center of the forest was a giant Cuckoo Clock. A giant pendulum hung below it, swinging back and forth.
Nearby, three Kremlings were guarding one of the Kongs residing in a cave with metal bars: an orange orangutan named Lanky, who wore blue overalls and a small white shirt that couldn't cover his navel. He had long arms, a stretchy face, and a red nose. Right now, he was exhausted from two of the Kremlings clamoring at him.
"Hey, Kong," one of the Kremlings said. "Make some more funny faces."
"Aw, c'mon, fellas," Lanky said. "My cheeks are getting numb."
"As the King's lackeys, we deserve our entertainment! Hop to it!"
With a reluctant sigh, he stretched his cheeks wide. The two Kremlings started howling with laughter, while the third rolled his eyes at their moronic display of amusement. Meanwhile, two more Kremlings were patrolling not too far from Lanky's location. Diddy made his grand entrance by hanging upside-down on one of the trees; his tail was wrapped around one of the branches.
"Hey, Tweedledumb and Tweedledumer!" Diddy said. The two faced him. "Bet ya can't catch me!"
He retracted into the tree.
"It's a Kong!" one of the Kremlings said.
"No kidding! Come on, Tweedledumer! Let's get 'em!"
"Hey!"
The two hurried over to the tree. Unfortunately, Diddy was nowhere to be seen. Their only option was to climb. One of them started to ascend the tree…only to slide straight down onto his backside.
"Um, I got this," the first Kremling said.
The second smacked his forehead. Before he could assist, Dixie snuck up from behind and tapped him on the shoulder. She clasped her hands together.
"Aw, poor Kremling," she said in mocking tone. "Can't even catch one little Kong!"
She kissed the Kremling on the cheek and hurried towards another tree, escaping before he could capture her. Aggravating for being outsmarted by a Kong, the Kremling ran over to Dixie's tree, and through pure adrenaline, started climbing without an issue. Dixie was relaxing on a branch towards the top of the tree, holding a coconut with her hands.
She sang: "Say 'one banana' and 'zing-zang-zote.' Then say 'coconut' and it should float."
The Kremling appeared out of the bushes, shouting, "Aha!"
Dixie dropped the coconut on his head, sending him plummeting to the ground, and he entered a state of unconsciousness. The Kremling who was enduring the endless, inane laughter from his comrades, heard the commotion, and spun around to see what was happening. Before he could assist, an egg hit him right in the face.
While trying to wipe the yolk off, he was defenseless from the incoming, rocklike strike of Yoshi's head. The two remaining Kremlings turned around, and went on the offense. Yoshi kicked one aside, then slammed his head into the other one's hip. Neither Kremling stood a chance against the dinosaur.
The last remaining Kremling continued in a vain attempt to climb up after Diddy. With each attempt, he slid back down, growing more irritable by the second. Focusing every ounce of strength, he made one last attempt, and climbed to the top of the tree.
Only to slide back down again.
Exhausted, he pressed his hand against the tree. Diddy descended from above, still upside down, smirking.
"Good try," Diddy said. "Here's a consolation prize for your efforts." He leaned his fist backwards. "Banana Slamma!"
With one punch, the Kremling met the same fate as his companions: knocked unconscious. As Diddy landed on the ground, Dixie hurried over to join him, basking in his victory.
Diddy smacked his hands together. "That wasn't too hard."
"Seriously!" Dixie said. "These Kremlings are a joke." She then glared at him in confusion. "By the way, Banana Slamma?"
Diddy smiled with pride. "My new catchphrase! You like?"
"About as much as your rap," Dixie said with a soft giggle.
Diddy's pride descended a staircase of displeasure. But then ran back up them with a new catchphrase.
"Okay, how about 'Monkey Muscle?'" Diddy asked.
Dixie patted his shoulder. "No, honey. Just stop before you even get started."
The spider monkey pouted and crossed his arms.
"Aw, don't worry, Dids." She wrapped her arm around him. "I still think you're the coolest!"
Diddy blushed, feeling his confidence return. "Y-You do?"
"Of course, you silly monkey!" Dixie said. "Wouldn't have it any other way."
Yoshi got the two's attention. They turned to see the damage he caused – three crocodiles forced into a painful slumber; and when they awoke, their self-esteem would suffer a huge blow, knowing they were trounced by children.
"Nice work, Yoshi!" Diddy said. "Looks like you did a number on them."
"Well, me just use my head," Yoshi said.
Diddy chuckled. "Sounds like something DK would do."
"Hey, one of those Kremlings is holding the switch to this gate," Lanky said.
The group rummaged through every Kremling until they found the item in question. Upon hitting the button, the metal bars descended into the earth below. Overjoyed, and relieved, Lanky ran out of the cave, and met up with the group.
"Are you okay?" Dixie asked.
Lanky exhaled the tension out of his throat. "I'm fine now. It was terrible. They were treating me like a sideshow freak. My face can only stretch so far! Ain't made of silly putty, ya know?"
"Why don't you go rest?" Diddy said. "Leave everything to us."
"Sounds like a good idea." Lanky got into a handstand. "You kids take care now."
Yoshi watched in shock as Lanky walked up a short mountain using his hands. He shook his head – here he thought the heat was painting a false picture in his mind.
"How he do that!?" Yoshi asked.
Diddy scratched his head. "Good question. I keep forgetting to ask him. He's an…interesting Kong. Least he's okay."
"I just hope Tiny's okay, too," Dixie said in concern.
"No worries, Dixie," Diddy said with an encouraging smile. "Once we're with DK and the others again, we're going to take that butt ugly King down! Nothing can stop us!"
Diddy's confident tone seeped into Dixie's fur, reigniting her spirits. "Yeah! Of course! I know we will!"
"Let's head back to Cranky's," Diddy said. "Hopefully the others will be there."
Diddy left for Cranky's hideout. Dixie started to follow, but she came to a halt. Someone was missing. She looked over her shoulder to see Yoshi staring at the sky. His thoughts soared through the clouds, lost in a state of regret.
"You okay?" Dixie walked over to him, concerned. "Whatchya thinking about?
"They going to be mad at Yoshi," Yoshi said, dejected. "Me wanted them to work together so they stop fighting. Me no like it."
"Well, it wasn't the most direct way to get them together, but they won't be mad at you."
"Dixie think so?"
Dixie smiled. "I know so. You're coming from a good place. You just want to help them. Seeing two friends fight like that wouldn't make anyone feel good. I'm sure they'll understand. If they don't, tell them how you feel straight from your heart."
Yoshi took a moment to let her words linger, like a tide slowly drifting back out to the sea. She was right. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. But other times, words can exemplify one's actions. He needed to pour his emotions into those words – tell them how much the fighting hurts.
"Okay," Yoshi said; he felt a small elbow of encouragement nudge at his arm. "Thanks."
Dixie pat his head. "You're welcome. Now no more moping around. We've got work to do."
Stepping into Angry Aztec felt like someone turned up the heat in a furnace. The afternoon sun was hot enough on its own; wandering through an arid desert only made things worse. At least the sights were pleasant: large ancient temples stood tall throughout various sections of the vicinity, refusing to deteriorate with the passing of time.
Stone pathways and stairs were built to allow easy access throughout the desert. Scattered around those pathways were pools of quicksand glowing in the sunlight, like an ethereal trap waiting to devour a hapless tourist.
Sora would've loved to take in the sights, but he was too busy avoiding the sharp nails of a monkey-like Heartless (which were called Power Wilds). With a fierce slash, he managed to knock one down a flight of stairs. Luigi, who was fighting another one, noticed the incoming Heartless; he side stepped, allowing the Power Wild to collide with its brethren, and they both fell into the hungry jaws of the quicksand.
While the two dealt with the Heartless, DK found himself engaged in battle with a horde of Kremlings (and yet, he felt this fight would barely count as a warmup exercise). Watching from a giant metal cage was Chunky Kong; he was a robust baboon that wore a red backwards cap, a blue vest, white shirt, and a belt.
His size was comparable to DK's. However, despite having the might of a tank, he had the spirit of a timid rabbit. He watched the ensuing battle, shivering in trepidation.
"This is too scary!" Chunky said. "I don't see how things could get worse!"
A dragonfly flew by his cage, and he let out an effeminate scream of terror.
DK delivered an uppercut to one of the Kremlings, sending him soaring into the sky. Another one charged for him, but he tripped the Kremling, grabbed his tail, and swung him into a few more, knocking them all over. He smirked, pleased with his efforts.
However, misfortune can grace the overconfident. An orange exploded right near the gorilla, causing him to hoot in dismay. Looking up at one of the temples, he saw a muscular Kremling responsible for the attack. DK tried to climb the temple, but the Kremling's pitching speed was lightning fast. All DK could do was run around, dodging the incoming oranges.
Sora swept a Power Wild off its feet with his Keyblade; then, he stabbed it in the chest. Glancing over his shoulder, another one prepared to pounce.
"Freeze!" Sora shouted.
A powerful blue mist coated the Heartless in a sheet of ice, and it collided with a nearby pillar. Sora hurried over, delivering the finishing blow. He heard DK's distress hooting, and turned to see the him being bombarded with oranges.
"Hang on!" Sora said. He hurried over to DK's location. "Give me a boost! I got this guy!"
DK nodded, cupped his hands together, placed them on the ground, and pushed Sora into the air. The Kremling held up another orange, but before he could throw it, Sora shot a fire spell. Upon colliding with the orange, a huge explosion erupted, sending the Kremling screaming over the horizon.
Luigi finished off the remaining Heartless from a raised platform. As he stopped to catch his breath, he heard a faint running sound, which was mixed with an odd wood-like noise. And it was getting louder. And faster. And louder. And faster. He turned around to see a Kremling wearing a red barrel. Written on the front were three letters that filled him with dread:
TNT
With little time to move, he launched a fire spell, which caused it to explode; and it knocked Luigi off the edge, making him fall into the quicksand. He stood up, feeling the weight of sand push against his body. The particles seeped into his hair and clothes.
Sora, who had landed back on the platform, noticed what happened, and gasped in shock. "Oh, no!"
"Don't worry!" Luigi said. "It's not like the movies! Quicksand isn't that dangerous!"
"No, behind you!"
Luigi turned to see three flying Heartless head straight for him.
He gulped. "But those guys are a different story! Help!"
Sora hurried over to Luigi's location, and fought off the Heartless, using every spell and ability at his disposal. Once they were defeated, Sora stuck his Keyblade out for Luigi to grab. Although it was a struggle at first, he was able to free Luigi from the desert's bloodstream. The two fell onto the ground to catch their breath.
Everything seemed still. The sky was peaceful. Clouds drifted by at a slow pace.
Luigi sat up, catching his breath. "Close one. Thanks."
"There's no way I'd let those Heartless hurt you," Sora said as he sat up, too. "We gotta stick together, right?"
"True that," Luigi said.
They both turned to each other, smiling. For the first time in a while, the resentful fissure that kept them separated was starting to reform. Sora knew that, while he saw the flaws in Luigi (which were sometimes grading), the positives outweigh the negatives. He was loyal, trustworthy, and sometimes, his honesty held Sora's thoughts from soaring too high.
Luigi, meanwhile, always felt encouraged by Sora's upbeat attitude. Something about it kept him going, no matter how many times he tries to run away from the situation. There was this admiration they held for one another; in a way, those strengths were what inspired the other to keep searching for their loved ones.
Before Sora could open his mouth, he saw DK run over to them.
"How'd it go, big guy?" Sora asked.
DK pointed to a giant hill of battered Kremlings, moaning and groaning from the pain.
Sora chuckled. "Ask a stupid question."
DK grinned with pride in his eyes. His expression changed to concern when he noticed the sand covering Luigi.
"I'm okay," Luigi said as he tried brushing the sand off his clothes. "Never leave home without an extra pair of overalls. Too bad it's on the ship."
"We'll get it back," Sora said. "First, let's help DK's friend."
Once the group arrived at the cage, DK bent the bars wide open, allowing Chunky to exit. He was filled with such elation that he picked up Luigi and gave him a bear hug. Every bone in his body started to feel like crushed seeds.
"Oh, thank you!" Chunky said, as happy tears streamed down his face. "Thank you, mister! That was so scary!"
"Lungs….getting…crushed…." Luigi said in agony."
"Sorry." He placed Luigi on the ground. Covered in sand and almost crushed – today had been nothing short of miracles.
"You okay?" Sora asked.
"I'm fine," Chunk said. He whimpered. "Those Kremlings are so mean. I thought I'd never get out of here."
Luigi, who was loosening his torso, glared at him. "With a grip like that, you could've escaped. Why didn't you?"
"Oh, no, no!" Chunky said. "Breaking out sounds incredibly frightening."
Luigi's jaw dropped from that ridiculous answer. Sora couldn't help but chuckle.
"Wow," Sora said. "Never thought I'd meet someone who's more afraid of things than Luigi. You're a dime a dozen."
Luigi frowned. "Hey, I'm not afraid of EVERYTHING. Sometimes I just get a nervous tic."
Sora narrowed his eyes at him.
"A giant nervous tic that mostly affects my legs," Luigi said with in an awkward, nervous tone. "They always want to move towards the nearest exit for some reason."
Ignoring Luigi, Sora turned back to Chunky. "Anyway, do you want us to walk you home?"
"No, I should be okay," Chunky said. "I'll manage. Don't know who you are, but you must be good friends with DK. Thanks, again!"
Sora and his friends began their long trek back to Cranky's hideout. While they felt accomplished, there was no reason to relax. A shadow in the form of a vile crocodile continued to trail behind them, causing an immeasurable amount of grief.
And if they didn't vanquish this shadow soon, it would consume the whole jungle in a cloak of eternal suffering.
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