72Third Person View
The Internet is considered to be the best thing to be ever created to some people. It is used for communication, digital archives storage, or just a place to watch funny cat videos. However, not everything can turn out to be perfect. For example, the Internet can be plagued by pesky viruses and bugs that can ruin your systems.
Whoosh!
Though, not all problems can be in the form of viruses. In this instants, it is in the form of very bright individual who is currently soaring through the cybernetic world of the Internet.
"Come on! It has to be here somewhere!"
They said as they continue to fly. A few moments later, they have come across a large golden door that leads to a server. Although, it wasn't just any server, it was the server to the Network of the infamous company, Nightmare Enterprises.
"Yeah. This is the place."
The mystery figure forces their way into the NME server and starts breaking a few panels that covered the small room.
Beep! Beep!
Click~
However, their little redecorating did not go unnoticed as the system's cyber security went off. The door the stranger used closes and all the panels came to life as a familiar NME employee shows themselves.
"You have entered the Nightmare Enterprises' Webserver, and I would like to know why." Tim the salesman demanded.
The stranger scratches their nose as they face the NME business man.
"There's a powerful Star Warrior somewhere out there in Dreamland, and I'm here to destroy them!"
This suddenly made Tim very interested. This intruder is trying to track down their enemy? Tim could not let this potential opportunity go to waste.
"In that case, then perhaps I can be of an assistance." Tim smiled. "Good luck with your journey."
The room shined a bright light as the stranger was suddenly transported through NME's delivery system that lead all the way towards Pop Star.
"Get ready!" They said as they soar in the cyber stream. "Because I'm coming to get you!"
Toby's POV
You know, before I arrived to the land of Dreamland, I always thought that there was never such a thing as "Too much of everything.". I'm sure there are other people who thought of the same thing. Now, however, I'm starting to see that. Why? Well, it's because my little predicament I'm currently in.
"Ugh... I feel like these Cappies can be a little too generous sometimes."
My little predicament that you're wondering is that I'm carrying a HUGE load of fruits and vegetables. It was given to me from the local Cappy farmers. It was their way of saying thanks for keeping Dyna Blade off their crops. They had plenty of spare produces to share with. Fortunately, I was not alone in carrying the package.
"Oh, it isn't so bad, Toby." Miku grunts as she also struggles to hold her load. "Look at it this way, now we don't have to worry about food shortage in the future."
"Well, can't argue there. I can make a huge salad, or maybe some stew for us and our friends."
"That's fine. However, can you make sure you don't add any pepper- huh?"
"Hmm?"
I look back to see that Miku had stopped in her track as she stares up into the sky. I look to where she was staring at and found nothing. I raise a brow.
"Uhh… Miku? You alright?"
My soulmate blinks before shaking her blue head.
"It was nothing."
"That didn't seem like it was nothing. What's up?"
"Well... It just that... I kind of felt something. Like something was flying in the sky for a moment there."
"I didn't see anything."
"Ah, it was probably nothing. Maybe I'm training a little too hard."
I smirked. "Didn't you berate me for overworking myself last time."
"Oh hush." Miku rolled her eyes.
I chuckled. "Well, let's just deliver this back to the house and we can go visit Tiff and Tuff at the castle."
"Sounds like a plan."
A little while later, we finally made it to our house. It took us a bit of more time in getting the food inside our home as our load was bigger than our door.
"Kirby! This place is starting to look like the produce department!"
It seems my neighbor, Tokkori isn't liking the view of our newly acquired grocery.
"You and Miku better eat all this up because I ain't cleaning up after ya."
I grunted as I hefted two watermelons.
"You don't clean up anything in our home to begin with, Tokkori. Plus, it isn't like we're going to leave everything out in the open."
Miku suddenly comes up the ladder that leads under the house.
"Are we almost done, Kirby? I'm getting tired of all this climbing."
"Just a few more fruits, Miku."
"Aren't you glad I've talked you into building a new pantry?"
I roll my eyes at this. True be told, I did ended up building a pantry room. It was about a week after my little sleep fever that Miku started playing more with her Animal Form (Which I thought it looked cute.), and started digging tunnels under the house. At first, I was against it as it would only cause a mess, but that went away when we started decorating and fixing up the place. We were able to carve out three new rooms with the combination of her Animal and my Stone Forms.
One was the hangout room as we set up our TV and a couch I bought from a catalogue I borrowed from Mayor Len. It isn't much right now, but once I get more money, I'll buy some more decorations and other cool stuff to fill it with. Next, we made the pantry room as I mentioned before. We were starting to run out of room in the mini fridge on the top floor. So we decided to make more room to store our food. Which was good as we gotten quite a bit to store up.
Lastly, we finally built an actual kitchen with a small dining area. That was my idea as I was getting tired of eating outside on the ground. I didn't bother in buy a stove as I just crafted another grill set with some bricks and a fire pit. Though, it was a real pain to install the ventilation as I did not want Miku breathing in smoke for when I cook something. She may like the smell of my cooking, but I'm sure she doesn't want to suffocate from it.
All in all, we had a very busy week, but we were rewarded for our efforts with an even more awesome home. Yet, I haven't gotten the chance to invite our friends over to show them. Though, that is about to change.
"Alright... that's the last of them." I said as I put some apples away in one of the cabinets.
"I seriously can't stop thinking about how cool our little hidey hole is." Miku smiles.
"Well, we did a great job at building the place. I'm pretty sure we could pass off as Vault Dwellers."
"Vault what?"
"Oh, nothing. Just a video game reference."
"Well, since we're done, can we go over to Tiff's place like you said we would?"
"Yep. We're all set to go. Just need to grab some power-ups before we-"
Knock Knock Knock
I was interrupted by the sound of someone knocking on our door. A bit roughly if I must say.
"Huh, who could that be?" I ask myself.
I go over to the ladder and climb up to the first floor. I head over to the door to open it.
Crash!
Though, just when I was going to reach the doorknob, the whole thing slammed opened as the Warp Star suddenly floated in to my surprise.
"What the hell- WHOA!"
I was suddenly scooped up by the star and carried out of my house. Soon, I was soaring into the sky as I see both Tiff and Tuff outside my house.
"Sorry, Kirby, but we'll explain later!" I faintly hear Tiff shout as the distance between us grew.
'What's going on? Why did Tiff and Tuff look frantic?' I thought.
I look down at my ride. I haven't figured out how to drive the Warp Star before. Most of time when I rode it, it was like it was on autopilot or something.
"Hey, uh... Warp Star? Could you please stop flying and turn us around?"
The Warp Star doesn't listen to me as it continues to fly us to who-knows-where. I shake my head.
'Talking to a star, now that's weird even for me.'
After a while, my sudden flight trip ended as I was dropped off in a cave at the rocky plains. It is actually near the place where I fought Blocky last time. Ah, memories. Anyway, I get up from the ground that I was rudely thrown to and watch as the star flies into the direction of Kabu's Canyon.
"What the hell is going on?" I ask myself.
"Kirby!"
Just when I was about to head back to the others to get some answers, I see Rick the Hamster come running towards me.
"Rick? What are you doing here?" I notice something about him. "Woah, what happened to your eye?"
There was a bruise forming around my furry friend's eye.
"Oh, this? Some bloody bloke came into town and started harassing Cappies left and right. I went up to him ask why he was causing a fuss. I ended up getting punch in the face. He demanded to know where you were."
I blink at that. There was someone looking for me?
"Wait, why were you in Cappy Town in the first place? Not to mention, how did you find me?"
"Well, I went to visit that Cappy friend of yours, Katherine. She invited me to have some of her herbal tea. For how I found you, I saw that flying star of yours soaring in the sky and followed behind."
I couldn't help but sigh in delight. I had some of Kat's tea when I visited her family's Inn. Sorry, mom, but looks like you got competition.
'Toby! There's some guy attacking people around here! Focus!'
I shake my tea thoughts away.
"Rick, do you know why this guy is trying to find me?"
Rick scratches his head.
"Nope. Sorry, Kirby, I didn't hear him mention why he's trying to find you. Though, by the way he's been acting, I say he's gonna settle a score with you or something."
"But I never met the man before."
"Actually, you'd be surprised. It's actually some kid that's looking for you."
I pause. Did I just here that correctly?
"What?"
"Yeah. Seems to be around Tiff's age I think."
Rick goes on and describes the person looking for me. Short, purple, white hair, pointy ears, and seems to have a big temper.
"Where is he now?" I ask.
Rick shrugs. "I'm guessing he's still running around and beating up Cappies to know where you are."
I nod as I narrow my eyes.
"Well, I might as well pay this guy a visit."
"Be careful, Kirby." Rick warns me. "He's tougher than he looks."
"Duly noted."
I turn and ran off to the direction of Cappy Town. Hopefully, I can resolve this situation before it escalates further.
A while later, I make it to Cappy Town. Though, everything was nearly wrecked as my pursuer has already made some property damage.
"Where is everyone?" I mutter as I scan the empty streets.
"Pst! Kirby!"
I hear someone whisper my name loudly. I turn to see Katherine hiding behind some bushes.
"Kat?" I said as I go over to the young Cappy. "Where is everyone?"
"They're hiding from this purple stranger that's looking for you."
"Did he hurt anyone?"
"Only just a few that were brave enough to try to tell him to leave."
I grumbled. I don't care if it's a kid I'm dealing with, I have to put a stop to him.
"Do you know why he's looking for me at least?"
For some reason, Kat flinches as she looks nervous.
"Well, yes... he did."
I raise a brow.
"What is it then?"
"...he said that he was looking for you because... you... you..."
"Come one, Kat. What's the reason?"
"He's looking for you because you killed his father!" Kat squeaks.
My mind stop working for a second as I comprehend on what the super-naturalist said.
'I. Killed. WHO!?'
"What?!" I shouted.
"I know. I was shocked too." Kat said as she fidgets with her ponytail.
"But I never murdered anyone! The only things I've killed where the monsters Dedede sends me."
"I don't know, Kirby. Maybe he's mistaken you for someone else or something, but he's not going to stop disturbing the peace until he finds you."
I sigh. "Alright, where is he now?"
Kat points. "I've seen him heading over to Samo's place."
I nod. Time to pay this punk a visit.
"Okay, Kat. You go find some place to hide while I go have a little chat with this stranger."
"Just be sure to be careful, Kirby. He seems stronger than he looks."
CRASH!
Well, not only is he strong, but also very destructive. By the time I made it to Samo's bar, the whole place shook violently as clouds of dust pours out of the establishment.
"I'll tear this whole crumby town apart if you all don't tell me where Kirby is!"
I hear my target yell from inside. They definitely sound young as Rick mentioned. I growl in frustration.
'Alright, tough guy, play time is over. You wanted me, well you're going to get it. Nobody trashes my town.'
I sprinted forward and ran right into the building.
"Hey! Why don't you pick on someone your own-"
My eyes widen in shock when I took a look at the trouble-maker.
"Knuckle Joe?!"
I couldn't believe who was in front of me. It was another one of Kirby's enemies/allies, Knuckle Joe! He is a fighting type foe. Though, he didn't look like his usual self. Instead of having his signature tan-colored skin and blue clothes, he wore purple shoes and dark red pants. Along with a green headband. Not to mention, his hair was indeed white instead of golden blonde.
"And who are you suppose to be you little gumball?!" Knuckle Joe glares, snapping me back to the present.
"I-I'm the one you're looking for." I said straightening myself. "Leave these Cappies alone!"
Knuckle Joe does a double-take.
"Wait, you mean to tell me that you're Kirby?" He said in surprise and disbelief.
"That's right. Whatever problem you have with me, leave the innocents out of it."
The purple Elf continues to stare at me for a moment before facepalming.
"I look for a Star Warrior, and all I get is a pink beachball." He groans.
"Hey! I'm tougher than I look!"
Knuckle Joe removes his hand and looks at me in a serious expression.
"Hmm... if that's the case, then do you know why I'm here?"
I sigh. "From what I've heard, you think I'm the one who killed your father."
Knuckle Joe growls. "I don't think! I KNOW it was you! And you're going to pay for it! VULCAN JAB!"
POW!
Before I could react, I was shot in the face with some energy ball and sent flying out into the streets.
'Should of seen that coming. Ow!'
I get up and dust myself off. Just in time to see Knuckle Joe coming right at me.
"Smash Punch!" He shouts as he shoots a bigger energy ball.
I manage to dodge out of the way this time as it soars past me and right into a Cappy's house, destroying the frontal structure like it was nothing. I can see a family of Cappies huddling fearfully together in the corner of their used-to-be living room. I turn back towards the damn brat.
"I said leave these people out of it, Joe! Let's take this fight outside of town!"
Joe rubs his nose with a mocking grin.
"What's the matter? Worried I might break something important?"
I couldn't help by stare in disbelief. He seriously had no regards to other's safety! I growl angrily.
"You want to fight so badly? Well, lets rumble!"
I charge towards my foe as fast as I can. Joe sees this and starts firing multiple energy shots at me, but I dodge them easily. When I got within range, I spin and gave my own karate kick in his face. Joe stumbles back as he rubs were I kicked him.
"Huh, not bad for a pink plushy. Let's see if you can handle this! Smash Pound!"
Joe jumps up and smashes his fist into the ground. A wave of energy explodes around him like a tidal wave as I get thrown into the air.
"Rising Break!"
Joe runs up and sends a powerful uppercut that launches me out of Cappy Town and right towards the open plains. I groan in pain as my body aches.
'Well, at least we're out of populated area. Though, I've got to try a different strategy. Offense isn't working for me right now.'
"Kirby!"
I hear someone yelling my name. I turn to see both Miku and my friends running towards me.
"Guys!" Said as we get together. "What are you doing here?"
"We came to help you, dummy!" Tiff nearly shouts to my face. "Why did you go looking for Knuckle Joe?!"
"He was terrorizing Cappy Town, Tiff! I couldn't just let that happen on my watch." I blink. "Wait, how do you know him?"
"We were at the castle when Knuckle Joe came and started attacking everyone."
"Yeah! We overheard Dedede telling him about you and where to find you!" Tuff adds.
I sigh in irritation.
"Figures. Leave it to that fatso to take any opportunity to get rid of me."
"There you are!"
We all turn to the new arrival. It was Knuckle Joe as he stood a few distances away.
"Think you can hide from me, did you?!"
Before I could speak, Miku beats me to it.
"Look here, Mr.! I don't know what's your deal is with my brother, but leave him alone! Whatever it is you think he did, he probably didn't do it!"
Joe glares at Miku. "That ain't going to happen! He's the one who destroyed my father!"
I hear my friends gasp. I however just shake my head.
"I didn't destroy your father, Joe. I wouldn't kill an innocent person."
"Liar! I know it was you! Now, your going to pay for it!" Joe then looks at my friends. "Starting with your friends!"
"Wait, what?!"
"An eye for an eye, Kirby! Smash Punch!"
Knuckle Joe shoots a big ball of energy at us.
BOOM!
We weren't fast enough to move out of the way as it collides us and explodes on impact. We all were sent flying from the blast before we landed roughly back down. I groan as I look up. My eyes widen as I see the current state of my friends. Miku looked to be fine, but Tiff and Tuff were not faring better as they were covered in bruises. I can hear Tiff whimper in pain as she clutches herself.
"TIFF! TUFF!" I shouted as I jump up and run to them. "Are you two okay?!"
"Ugh... Kirby..." Tiff moans.
"...everything... hurts..." Tuff replies.
At that moment, I look at the little purple elf in rage as my vision turns red.
"YOU BASTARD!"
I sprinted forward towards the one who dared to hurt my friends!
"Finally, things get interesting!" Joe smiles arrogantly. "Vulcan Jab!"
Joe send another ball of energy at me. However, instead of dodging it, I inhale it down my gut as I changed forms. My pink skin turn a tad bit darker as a red headband appeared on my head. I was now Fighter Kirby!
"Get ready for the pain train, Joey!" I shouted.
I conjure up my own energy balls and began bombarding them against Joe. He dodges them as he was surprised by the sudden fury attack. I took the opportunity and made a direct hit with an uppercut, sending him flying. Though, I didn't stop there as I jump up and sent a barrage of punches to his face. I then dropkick the little fucker right back down to the ground. As for the finishing touch, I dive down and drill kick Joe on the way down. I jump back as I dodged a fist.
"Ugh... You think... you could... defeat me!" Knuckle Joe panted as he struggles to get up.
"I don't think, I KNOW I could." I replied with narrowed eyes.
Joe grunts more as he gets back up to his feet.
"I won't lose to you! I will avenge my father! Smash Punch!"
Joes send another one of his big energy balls at me. Though, I just stood there as I simply backhanded the weak attack. I hear it explode in the distance.
"For the last Galaxia damn time, Joe. I didn't do anything to your father! I'm sorry that he's dead, but I have nothing to do with it!"
Knuckle Joe growls before shouting. "SHUT UP! I KNOW IT IS YOU! I WILL MAKE YOU PAY FOR TAKING AWAY MY DAD!"
Before I could say anything else, Joe's entire body flashes as he was now glowing a brilliant bright light.
"What in the world- GAAHH!"
In the blink of an eye, Joe appears right in front of me and throws a very strong and painful uppercut to my face. I try to regain my footing, but Joe didn't let me as he flies up and roundhouses me in the direction of a forest.
(A few Minutes Earlier...)
Miku's POV
I watch as Knuckle Joe and Toby fight each other furiously out in the open grassy plain. I've recovered enough of my strength to get both Tiff ad Tuff out of the way of the carnage happening a distances away. Both siblings were slowly regaining their strengths as I heal them in my Leaf Miku form.
"Ugh... where's Kirby, Miku?" Tiff asks me as she sits up.
"He's still fighting against Joe." I answered. "Don't move so much. I still need to heal you two."
"But... but Kirby-"
"-will deal with Knuckle Joe. Right now, we need to recover from that blast."
I sigh as I glance at the battle that was taking place. I soon see Joe glowed a bright light before launching Toby off into a forest in the distance.
"I've never seen him so mad before."
I look back at Tiff as she is staring off into space.
"I mean, we've seen him get angry back during the whole Onix incident. Now, though... I've never heard so much fury in his voice."
I sigh once more as I am nearly done with healing her and Tuff.
"Well... he just really cares about us three. I think out of everyone he's met here in Dreamland, we are probably the best things that ever happen to him. At least in his eyes. So, I wouldn't be surprise if he would go into rage if someone would to try to get rid of us."
That gets Tiff's attention as she glares at where Joe and Toby went off to.
"Speaking of which, I can't believe Joe did that to us. He is really taking this whole stupid revenge thing too far!"
I finally finish healing the two as they were now a picture of good health. Suddenly, Tuff finally spoke up.
"Yeah! If it were me, I would show Joe what for!" He shouts.
"That's another thing I'm worried about." I said. "What are we going to do with that elf kid when Kirby deals with him? He's already caused a lot of damage to Cappy Town, harassed innocent Cappies, and went as far as attempted murder to the three of us. Knuckle Joe is just too powerful to keep around in a simple jailcell. At this point, I think Kirby might have to take him down for good."
"Perhaps we I could prevent that."
We all turn to see Meta Knight standing a few feet away from us. How did we not notice him till now?
"Meta Knight, where have you been?!" Tiff exclaims. "Kirby sure could of used you help a few minutes ago!"
"...I am sorry... but I need confirm something before coming here." The dark knight replies.
"What about?"
Meta Knight pulls his hand out of the cape he's draped with and holds out a locket of some kind.
"I was afraid that something like this would happen one day." He looks at the locket as his eyes flash green. "I know Knuckle Joe."
Me and my friends gasp at this.
"What do you mean, Meta?" I ask.
Meta Knight didn't say anything for a moment before he puts away the locket.
"I will explain everything in due time. For now, we must put an end to this madness."
We all look at the direction of the forest where we see clouds of dust in the distance.
(Present)
Third Person View:
CRASH!
Toby landed very roughly into the middle of the forest as a few trees were knocked down. The human-turned-alien groans as he picks himself up. He did not notice many of the surrounding forest animals fleeing to the soon-to-be battlefield.
'Okay... Knuckle Joe can suddenly turn Super Saiyan in this world... WELL THAT'S NOT FUCKING FAIR!' Toby thought as he sees his opponent come flying into view.
"I see your still in one piece." Knuckle Joe sneered as he floats down to ground level.
"Please~ I've fought worse." Toby taunted.
Joe 'hmphs' as he rubs his nose.
"We'll see about that."
Time seemed to the slow down as both combatants stare down at each other. Both waiting for the other to make the first move.
'I don't know anything about Joes'... new power. This was not in the game.' Toby that as wind gently blew against his waving headband. 'I'll probably start off cautiously before-'
"AAAHHH!"
Toby was taken out of his thoughts when Knuckle Joe finally had enough and immediately charged forward. Toby barely managed to dodge in time as the glowing menace grazes him. He doesn't waste time as he counters with a few rounds of energy spheres. However, Joes sees this and punches the ground like before and creates a wave of energy, dissipating the oncoming projectiles. Toby couldn't react in time as he was knocked down from the wave. Seeing this, Joe grabs the base of a very large tree and completely rips it out of the ground with remarkable strength before throwing. As an added bonus, Joe shoots out a large ball of energy. Toby looks up to see the large tree and ball coming straight towards him.
'Oh, this is going to hurt!' Toby thought as he braces for impact.
BOOM!
The whole area explodes into a huge cloud of dust. Knuckle Joe floats over to the fallen Star Warrior as said hero was laying within the rubble. His Fighter form completely disappeared.
"Heh, thought you could pull a fast one on me, did you?" Joe says sneering. "Well, your little trick isn't going to save you now."
Joe raises a fist as it glows in a bluish aura.
"The time has come, Kirby! It's time for you to for destroying my father!"
Toby's only reply was a cough as he tries weakly to get up.
"Goodbye, Kirby!"
Joe shoots forward as he reels back his arm to deliver the final blow. Toby could only close his eyes as prepares for the worst.
Slash!
Clang!
For a moment, time seems to slow down as a new figure appears out of nowhere and blocks the oncoming punch.
'Meta Knight?!' Toby thought with wide eyes.
It was indeed the dark knight as he held back the Joe's attack with his golden sword. This surprises the purple elf.
"What the-"
"STAY AWAY FROM MY SOULMATE YOU BRUTE!"
Just then, a pair of razer sharp leaves come flying by. Though, Joe manages to dodge them as he jumps back. He looks ahead to see his enemy's friends running towards them.
"Oh, not you three again." Joe says annoyed.
However, the three ignored him as they run towards the fallen hero.
"Kirby, are you okay?!" Tiff asks alarmed.
Toby groans as he picks himself up.
"Not really, but I'll manage." Toby answers aching all over. "What about you guys? How did you heal so quick?"
"I healed them with my Leaf form." Miku said as her hands glowed a light green aura. "Though, the better question is, what do we do now?"
Everyone looks over to where Meta Knight and Knuckle Joe having their little standoff as they remain completely still. Waiting for the other to make the first move.
Toby's POV:
Both the dark knight and the purple stubborn elf kept silent for some time know. Though, after what seems like forever, Meta Knight was the first to speak.
"There is no reason to battle with Kirby, my friend." Meta Knight said trying to reason with Joe. "The one you seek is me."
"Oh yeah? And exactly just who you are?" Joe questions.
"I was the Star Warrior... who defeated your father!"
Knuckle Joe, including the rest of us gasped at this.
'Wait! Meta Knight was the one to kill Joe's dad?!' I thought in complete shock. 'Why would he do that? What was the reason?!'
However, Joe shakes away the shock and immediately charges forward to punch his father's apparently real killer. Only... he stopped just a few inches away from Meta's facemask. The knight didn't even flinch.
'Why did he stop?'
A few seconds later, Knuckle Joe grits his teeth before stepping back.
"Prove it to me!" He demanded.
Meta Knight sheaths his golden sword.
"Your father and I were Star Warriors who once fought together side by side."
Meta then starts explaining that him and Joe's dad, Caliber where brothers-in-arms during the Monster War.
Author's Note: I don't really know what Knuckle Joe's dad's real name is. I tried looking, but couldn't find it. So, I'm just going to call him 'Caliber' for present and future references. Also, I am seriously getting tired a just saying "Knuckle Joe's dad" over and over. (T_T)#
Caliber was pretty much one of the strongest, bravest, and honorable fighters among the Star Warrior rebellion. Many of his fellow soldiers worked hard to be just like him. Both Caliber and Meta had been through both hardships and good times together for many years. Though, all that changed one night as the duos and their other fellow Star Warriors were caught in an ambush by NME's monsters. Many fighters lost their lives that night, including Caliber as he was taken away far off into the night by the dreaded monsters.
Many weeks later, when Meta Knight was sure that his friend was gone forever, Caliber return. Meta and his other fellow warrior were very happy that their member was coming back to them. However, little did they know until it was too late, Caliber was corrupted by the rebellion's sworn enemy, Nightmare and has joined him.
"You're a liar!" Knuckle cuts in. "I'll never believe that my father was a... monster!"
"I know that this story is a painful one, but I swear by the sword that what I tell you is true." Meta goes over to Joe and gives him a locket of some kind. "Perhaps this will convince you."
Joe looks at the locket before opening it. His eyes widen at what he sees. It was a baby picture him.
"You father gave that to me." Meta nods. "At the end, something stopped him from surrendering entirely to NME. It was the love he had for you."
I couldn't help be look at Joe in sympathy. No one should ever lose their parent. Especially from something foul like Nightmare corruption.
"He was a good guy." Tuff smiles.
"Knuckle Joe, you father loved you to much to become a monster." Tiff adds.
"I couldn't agree more." Miku happily said as she finishes healing me.
Knuckle Joe was silent as he looks at the locket. For a moment, I thought he would finally see reason and call off his vengeance for this misunderstanding. However, to our surprise, Joe starts chuckling as he smirks at all of us.
'What the hell?'
Joe then scowls before throwing the locket to the ground to our complete shock.
"He wasn't a father! He was a, a... A WEAKLING!"
"In that case, I am glad that he is gone." Meta Knight said very disapprovingly. "So that he doesn't have to see the monster YOU'VE have become."
"What?! I ain't no monster!"
"Anyone who abandons their reason and only live by hatred IS a monster!"
I then stepped up to the elf as I glared dangerously.
"What you've done today also confirms that. I mean, look what you've done to Cappy Town! All those homes you destroy! Those scared innocent Cappies you terrorized! Not to mention, what you've done to my friends just to get back at me for something I didn't do! That's what a monster would do!"
"You're wrong! I Am. Not. A Monster!" Joe argues.
"I wouldn't be so sure." Meta said. "You live on hatred, and THAT'S what NME loves."
"I don't care! If I'm suppose to be a monster, then prove it to me!"
"Kirby is the proof."
This confuses the others, but not me. I know what Meta means. It's time to do what I do best around here, and settle this dispute once and for all.
It was night time now as we were all out in the open plains. The moon and stars were the only thing providing light as me and Knuckle Joe were settled in the battlefield. The others are on the sideline a good distance away to keep away from the crossfire that is about to come.
'I really don't want to do this. Even though Joe could potentially be a monster now, I don't want to have destroy him. Not after what's he's been through. Growing up without a dad, that's terrible.'
"Joe, please. Just turn around and walk away. This isn't worth it." I tried to plead peace.
"Your not going to talk me out this, Kirby!" Joe refused.
I sigh in dismay as I take a stance.
"If this what you want, then I won't stop you."
"Enough, talk! Let's finish this!"
Joe send a volley of energy balls at me, but I just inhale them and turned back into my Fighter form.
'Joe... please... stop. Your dad cared about you. Don't throw your life away!'
I retaliated with my own energy assault, but Joe dodges them and counters back as well. We go at it for who knows how long as we both try to outwit the other and try to land a shot. However, it seems Joe is starting to get more and more tired by every passing minute as he is starting to show fatigue. I guess he does have his limit.
"Grr!" I groan as I deflect another ball. "Joe, stop it already. It's over. You are starting to get tired. You can't continue this. It's still not too late to surrender."
Joe huffs tiredly as he gives me a scowl.
"I don't care what happens now! I just want to destroy you- GAH!"
Joe stops midsentence as he clutches his chest all of sudden. As if he's in pain.
"W-What... is this?" He said breathing rapidly.
"Joe?"
Flash~
Suddenly, Joe flashes in a bright light as electricity sparks all around him. At first I thought he was going to turn into his super form again. However, what happened next made me stare in horror.
"Knuckle Joe?!"
Joe has transformed into a actual monster! Instead of his elf self, he was a spiky purple ball with arms.
'No... it can't be!'
Monster Joe tilts his head and launches a barrage of spikes at me. I barely had enough time to dodge as one of the spikes grazes me, giving me a cut. I wince before take a battle stance.
"I'm sorry, Joe." I sigh quietly as I get rid of my Fighter form. "This must end."
I pick up one of the spike that are stuck to the ground and swallow it. I then turn into Needle Kirby. Joe sees this and sends another round of spikes at me, but I counter with my own round of orange needles. They knock his spike out of the way mid-flight and impales him from all sides. Monster Joe gives off gurgle-like growl in pain as blood trickle around his form. Just then, Meta Knight steps up.
"Kirby is a mirror. His form copies that of your own! Stop before it is too late!" He yells almost begging for Joe to stop.
I didn't stop as I summon more needles around me and charge forward with them following me like missiles. Monster Joe's eyes widen as he sees me coming towards. Though, he's doesn't move a muscle.
"I-I don't want to be... a monster!" He suddenly yells out as he clutches his head.
Just when I was a feet away from him... I smile as I canceled my needles. Instead of stabbing him, I kicked him in the face and sent him flying. He lands with a thud as he flashes another bright light. He has turn back to his normal self again. Only now he has smaller versions of my needles still picked in him. He had lots of cuts all around him, but nothing but a good first aid can't fix. We all walk over to his downed form.
"Joe..." Meta Knight spoke.
"I-I told you... that I was... a... monster..." Joe said weakly with one eye slightly open. He turns to me. "T-Thank you, Kirby... for... sparing me..."
I nodded. "Deep down, I knew you wouldn't give up hope and join the dark side."
He chuckles before finally losing consciousness.
"I'm finally glad all this is over." Miku sighs in relief.
"Is he going to be okay?" Tuff asks concerned.
"Don't worry, just a quick healing from me and Miku, and he'll be 100% percent again in no time." I said as I look up to the sky. "Come on, let's take him back to our house. It's been a long day. Plus, me and Miku wanted to show you what we did to the place before all this has started."
After having a good nights sleep, and showing off our renovation to my friends, we all we headed towards Castle Dedede. It was still morning as we all were in the throne room with Nightmare Enterprises' Delivery System all primed up and ready to go. We gather around as we wish our new friend, Knuckle Joe farewells.
"I'm glad you came Knuckle Joe." Tiff said.
"Yeah, me too." Joe replies. "And it's good to finally know the truth. Also, I'm sorry for everything I've done since I came."
"It's all alright, Joe." I said with a smile. "However, if you really to make it up to us, then you can help us fight against NME. The rebellion may be gone, be we can still fight the good fight. It would be an honor to have you along side me and Meta Knight on the same side one day when the time comes."
Joe give a toothy smirk as he scratches his nose.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Kirby. Though, keep an eye out for me. I still want to rematch when we meet again. This time, on more fair grounds."
I give my own smirk as I too scratch my nose, well... if had one that is.
"Right back at ya, buddy."
Meta Knight goes over to the control panel on Dedede's throne chair and activates the teleporter. Joe gives us a mix between a salute and wave ever disappearing.
"He sure was something." Miku commented. "Can't wait for him to come back."
"Me too." I nodded.
"Hey! What's you all doing here?!"
We turn to see both King Dedede and Escargoon in the doorway.
"Oh nothing, just borrowing your teleporter to send our friend off."
Just then, the giant screen that was in the room lights up as Tim the MNE salesman appears with a calculator. To my relief, Nightmare wasn't in the background this time.
"Speaking of 'borrowing' your highness." Tim said as he types on his calculator and show it. "There's a little Service Charge after that special uploading."
When the numbers game, I just crumbled to the ground in laughter and surprise. I have never seen that many nines before.
'Ohhh! This really makes up my morning! Hahahahah!'
"Kirby?"
I stop my laughing as I see Tiff trying to get my attention.
"Yeah? What's up, Tiffy?" I chuckle, wiping away the tears.
"We still have to go fix up Cappy Town."
I pause as I give a sigh.
'And, there goes my fun. Oh, well. I wanted to stop by at Samo's bar anyway.'
_Author's Notes_
Hey, everyone. It's me, The EnderPony Master.
So... yeah... I'm sorry for the LONG wait. I just had a HUGE Writer's Block as I was stuck with this chapter. Also, and don't get mad, but I may or may not of... forgot about this story-
*Barely manages to dodge flying brick
*Audience starts booing
I know! I know! I shouldn't of done that, but when you get a new Xbox and start playing nothing but 'Dead by Daylight'... well, you too would get sidetracked.
*Audience = (T_T)…
But seriously, I'm sorry. I'll try to stay focus and work on this on my free times for now on.
Anyway, with that out of the way... What is up for our hero? What other adventure awaits? Will I keep my promise? Find out next time on "Toby Right Back At Ya!"!
*Didn't manage to dodge a second brick and gets hit in the head
GAH! F***! I said I was sorry!
