Once upon a time, in the heart of Dream Land, a bustling town adorned with festive decorations and shimmering lights, there resided a figure of both wealth and discontent – King Dedede. a wealthy and rather cantankerous ruler He was known throughout the land for his gruff demeanor, disdain for the holiday season, and penchant for hoarding gifts meant for others. The grandeur of his castle towered over the lively town, yet its halls echoed with the solitude of a ruler who reveled in his riches but scorned the joyous spirit that enveloped the holiday season.
On a frosty Christmas Eve, as a soft blanket of snow adorned the cobblestone streets, King Dedede treks through the snow, dirt, and rocky cobblestone road as he grumpily walks through the town while the habitants of dreamland happily and merrily celebrate, He frown continues. Waddle Dee’s and Doo greeted the King and the Cappies happily play in the snow wishing their king a merry Christmas, Chef Kawasaki is having a special 50% off deal at his restaurant for the holidays, and the homes of Dreamland we’re decorated head to toe in Christmas memorabilia yet despite it all, “Bah, Humbug…” Dedede ignores, A scowl on his face as people greet him with a Merry Christmas.
He continues to go up to his castle, located on Mt. Dedede, all by himself.
He finishes his trek as Waddle Dee, an employee he hired who was placed to act as a treasurer and a caretaker of the castle finally notices King Dedede and opens the gates as he proceeds to go inside. Finally entering his castle, He notices Waddle Dee using one of the few furnaces to warm themselves.
“G-g-g-good morning, my king.” The Waddle Dee greeted noticing their King only to be shouted at. “Waddle Dee! What are you doing with that furnace?!” Dedede questioned. “I was trying to warm m-myself, I t-thought to grab a p-piece of coal, use the f-furnace and it’s quite cold in here, my k-k-King.”
“You used a piece last week, Do you know how much is spent on using one piece!?” Dedede criticized the Waddle Dee “I know you cold and sniffling, but you have a job to do, get on with your work!”
“Yes, m-my Highness!” The Waddle Dee got to work on the task it was given “R-regarding work, So, C-Can you believe tomorrow is Christmas already? R-Right? I was wondering if I could have… h-half a day off. Is it possible? Would that be okay with you?” Waddle Dee stammers
Dedede struck his chin in thought as he thought about words he heard, “Yeah you should spend half a day off from Christmas.” Dedede says which shocks the waddle Dee “You will!?”
“Yeah, maybe you should consider taking a day off, or even a longer break such as a week or a year because guess what, you're fired!” King Dedede said sarcastically before ending the sentence with a bitter shout. “W-what!? But I can’t be fired!” Waddle Dee starts begging “Please oh king why! Let me fix this!” Waddle Dee begged, “Well unfortunately for you, you had your chance, You were nothing but trouble, you better prepare to pack it.” Waddle Dee looked down in defeat it filled with sorrow as it left the room while King Dedede went to their throne room. “Y’know what I changed my mind” Waddle Dee looked up in hope “Wait really?!” Waddle Dee said in surprise and glee in his heart “Yup, I'm going fire you tomorrow instead, after all, you still need to do your job tonight.” Dedede said to the Dee. “Oh, I see…” Waddle Dee said with a broken heart “Now then I suggest you do your job and once tomorrow comes, You have to train your replacement then you fired ok, now then I suggest you do your job.” Dedede explained “Ok, my King…” Waddle Dee said as they soaked and proceeded to leave the room.
“Good riddance to them, Nothing but trouble. They are not as good as Escargoon I tell you. Now then who would be his replacement, I’ll worry about that later, It’s future me’s problem, for now, I’ll just relax” The King said as he went to the throne room and sat down on his throne, “Now then time to enjoy some good TV, hopefully, channels without that humbug Christmas junk!” Dedede was prepared to watch before a noise heard throughout the castle was heard as it notified that someone was at the door “Bah, Humbug, who is it now?” He said in annoyance, He went through the castle to the front entrance to confront the disturbance
At the outside entrance were a couple of dreamland residents with bags and cups looking to collect something with Chief Bookem and Professor Curio leading them “Yes chief and Curio, what can I do for you?” King Dedede forced a polite image “Hello King Dedede, We are an organization that is soliciting funds for the indigent and destitute, and you being the great King you are, we are hoping you can spare some to help.”
“For who and what!?” Dedede said in mild confusion “We are collecting donations for the poor.” one of the volunteers reiterated. “Oh! I see what you are doing, I feel so bad for them.” Said Dedede in a forced emotion shedding crocodile tears “Y’know I spare if I could but if I did then people would rely on me, and they’ll start getting lazy, If the poor are that helpless, then maybe they should get a job and maybe a buy home!” King Dedede justified “B-b-but! C-christmas!” One of the volunteers tried to say before being interrupted “If you want to help them on Christmas Eve, Then I suggest you give this to the poor” King Dedede tossed a small piece of coal to them “Now then get out of here and be gone!” Dedede shouted as he slammed the castle doors
“Bah, Humbug…” King Dedede went to his throne room and got ready to watch TV until another person was at the door “A second one! Really! Who is it now?” King Dedede went to the front entrance and he forced a polite smile. He got to the front entrance to encounter Mayor Len Blustergas “Hello, My King, Merry Christmas!” The mayor greeted the King while Dedede forced himself to greet him similarly despite his disdain in a feeble attempt to keep calm “Merry Christmas to you mayor Blustergas.” He forced the words through his mouth “What are you doing here?”
“I came here to wish you a merry holiday, give you a wreath, and invite you to the Christmas meal party.” The Mayor explained, “I see, Is this party going to have a plump goose with chestnut dressing?” King Dedede said
“Yeah”
“And will you have plum pudding and lemon sauce?”
“Yeah! Deliciously cooked by my wife Hana.”
“And candied fruit with spice sugar cakes?”
“Yeah! Are you coming my king?”
“Hahahahahahahahahaha! It all sounds delicious that I could gobble it up, there’s just one problem, come here and listen.” King said as he motioned the Mayor to get close and put his ear next to the king as if his going to whisper something quietly. “IT’S CHRISTMAS!!!!!” He shouted right at his ear as the shout pushed the mayor away from the entrance. “GET OUT! OUT! OUT!” He shouted at the mayor “Er… merry Christmas?” The mayor awkwardly said “AND A BAH HUMBUG AND A SORROWFUL NEW YEARS TO YOU!” He shouted as he slammed the castle doors shut and returned to his throne room to continue what he was doing.
“Bah, Humbug…” He said as he watched the television, He was watching one of the few programs on his giant Television which reminded Dedede of his old assistant, “This TV program, reminds me of my old assistant Escargoon, Hah he always helps me out in my schemes, We terrorize good ol dreamland, of course that was a long time ago, He has been dead for 7 years, I learn in his will he left enough money for his old mother, Hah, It’s a good thing I took it all!” Dedede chuckled at the old memory of his old assistant.
He continued to watch the program, just enjoying the show and movies, laughing at the comedy and just having a good time watching overall. But then all of a sudden the television became static, which baffled the king he changed channel after channel but it was still static, “Bah, I was tired anyway…” He reasoned as he got off his chair and proceeded to go upstairs, As he went up the stairs, he heard a familiar moan “Escargoon, That can’t be, must be inside my mind.” Dedede reasoned.
He continued going up the stairs until he heard chains rattling behind him, He looked back only to see nothing, suspicious of the situation, He decided to keep going up the stairs, that is until he heard the clanking chains, He quickly turned around trying to see where the noise is, with nothing in sight, Soon, dreaded thoughts entered his mind as he continues to walk up these old castle steps, and soon the clanking chains return, He slowly turns around and found a ghostly shadow of a familiar snail being cast from nowhere, and soon one thought entered his mind, ‘A dead subject of mine returned to haunt to get revenge on me!’ He thought, His mind, heart, soul, and body full of fright he quickly ran and ran like his life was on the line, screaming throughout the snowy night
“AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!”
He screamed until he reached his room, he quickly locked the door, shivering in fright as he hid behind a chair, until a…
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
Three knocks were heard, It tried opening the door, and Dedede's heart was now filled with frightful anticipation, Until the door opened and Dedede screamed, “YOU WILL NEVER EVER TAKE ME ALIVE!!!” He screamed until a familiar Waddle Dee shouted “Wait it’s me!”
“Huh?!” Dedede looked down to see a familiar Dee he was planning to fire tomorrow. He quickly fixed himself and tried to make himself as he asked the question “What were you doing, trying to play a prank on your king?!” He shouted, “Sorry, just wanted to let you know that since this is technically my last day on the job, I just want to bid you farewell.” The Waddle Dee reasoned
“Well, now you did, Goodnight!” He shouted as he shoved the Waddle Dee out of the room “And a Bah- Uh I mean Christmas to you” The Waddle Dee said sadly
“Hoo-ey, Maybe it was just my imagination” Dedede reasoned Little did he know that the echoes of his solitude would be disrupted by a spectral visitation – the ghostly apparition of his former partner and loyal servant, Escargoon.
“Dedede… Dedede…” The moans of the long-gone servant moaned while Dedede himself was full of fear and dread within his soul.
Escargoon appeared before King Dedede, draped in ethereal chains that clinked with the weight of remorse and missed opportunities. The ghostly figure bore a grave expression, a testament to a life unfulfilled and deeds left unrectified. Escargoon's voice, though faint, carried a solemn warning, painting a vivid picture of the dire fate that awaited the cantankerous ruler if he continued down the path of callousness.
“My King… My King…” The ghost moaned, King Dedede looked closely and recognized the figure “Escargoon!?” King Dedede was surprised to see his old partner. “Took ya long enough, to recognize me!” Escargoon angrily said, Escargoon then remembered what he was here for “My King! Remember how we both terrorized the kingdom of dreamland when I was alive?”
“Ah, Remembered them, Good times Escargoon… Good times…” He nostalgically looks back on his memory. “Well as punishment, I’m forced to carry these heavy chains, through eternity! There’s no hope for me. I'm doomed to pull these chains up endless mountains and push down to start all over!” Escargoon shouted and presented the chains to make a point “I have come back from the grave to warn you the same thing will happen to you, Dedede of Dreamland!”
“NO! I can’t I don’t want that! It mustn’t, Help me Ecargoon!” Dedede shouted in fear and denial to Escargoon “Luckily there is a way to help you, so listen carefully my Highness.” Ecargoon instructed, Which Dedede nodded fast as he listened intently, “Tonight, You will be visited by three spirits. Listen to them. Do what they say, or your chains will be heavier than mine.” He instructed as Dedede quickly wrote down the instructions to avoid such faith.
As the ghostly apparition faded into the shadows, a glimmer of hope lingered in the air. King Dedede, despite his hardened exterior, felt a shiver down his spine – a profound realization that the chains he wore were not only tangible but also bound to his very soul.
The promise of redemption hung in the frigid air, and King Dedede's journey toward transformation had only just begun. The ghost of Escargoon had foretold the arrival of three spirits that night, each carrying the potential to thaw the icy heart of Dream Land's discontented ruler and lead him toward the true essence of Christmas.
Stave One: The Dedede of Christmas Past
Dedede was in his bed chambers, already finished his bubble bath and now in his sleeping gown and cap on him, He anticipated the three spirits but saw none in his sights, “Maybe… Maybe it might be just my imagination…” He reasoned as he fell into a deep sleep.
In the stillness of the night, A soft radiance enveloped King Dedede's grand chamber, cutting through the cold darkness of the still night. The Ghost of Christmas Past is a luminous figure bearing the appearance of a short alien with no feet and detached hands with cream mittens. He is clad in a regal Dark green suit, complete with a black coat, a dash of purple, and silver-trimmed cog designs, along with a Red scarf that has a green belt interwoven. On this belt is a gold buckle. His face is brown with oval-shaped yellow eyes. The rest of his head is covered by his hood, with his cat-like ears underneath, causing his hood to poke out at its sides. The protrusions covering his ears have a silver line circling them and have black tips. He wears a black top hat, which features a silver and red hatband. He also wears a red bow tie that has a silver energy sphere symbol in the middle. He carries a dark greenish umbrella with him as he shimmers in the air, casting an ethereal glow. Its translucent form appeared to dance in the twinkling light, filling the atmosphere with nostalgia and timeless magic.
He opened the grandfather clock and quickly used the handle of his umbrella to hit the bell to wake the grumpy King up. “Wu-What? Is it morning already?” Dedede sleepily said “Well, it’s about time. Haven’t got all night, you know.” Dedede looked at the figure and asked “Who are you?”
The ghost answered, “Why I’m the ghost of Christmas past.” He proudly said “But call me Magolor…” Magolor looked at the mirror and quickly fixed his image, “Now then, Dedede, Listen, If people were measured by kindness, You’d be no bigger than a speck of dust.”
King Dedede quickly defended “Well, sorry… But kindness is of little use in this world.”
“But always didn’t think this way, c’mon follow me…” Magolor gestured to King Dedede who hesitated at first but remembered the warning from Esacrgoon as he soon followed behind him, He quickly opened a star-shaped portal, “Spirit Wh… Where are we going?”
“We’re gonna visit your past.” The spirit said. the Ghost invited King Dedede to step into the luminous portal it created.
“Now, I suggest to hold on this is gonna be a bumpy ride.” He warned as they stepped through the portal.
As they traversed through the corridors of time, the scenes unfolded like pages from a long-forgotten storybook. Dream Land transformed into a canvas painted with the hues of bygone years.
They come out of the portal and Dedede looks around, “Where are we?”
“You mean, when are we? Get it because… ahh, It’s funny to me…” Magolor chuckled to himself, “When you mean that, you don’t mean…” He looked around and recognized the place, “I can’t believe it, yes I recognize this place…”
He checked the nearby windows and saw inside, “It’s the old bar me and Meta Knight hang out at, We both were the old heroes of Dreamland back in the day…” He nostalgically says.
“Back then, I and Meta Knight and all of our other friends hang out here every time we good ol’ whopping to every villain and celebrate here, especially around the holidays. Where our joy and cheer were the loudest” He smiled as they witnessed a young King Dedede, clad in the innocence of youth, partaking in the festive revelry of the holidays. His boisterous laughter echoed through the corridors as he shared joyous moments with friends, the bonds of camaraderie evident in every shared smile and hearty cheer.
“Out of every partner I have worked with over the years, Meta Knight was the best, almost serious and grumpy at times but eh Knights, but also the kindest, He may have taken these jobs seriously giving him these scary intimidating looks, but his heart was kind and in the right place…” The spirit guided him through images of festivities adorned with decorations, the air filled with the melody of carolers, and the aroma of holiday treats.
Amidst the memories, a tableau of generosity unfolded. Young Dedede, his heart unburdened by the weight of wealth, generously shared his bounty with those less fortunate. The scenes painted a vivid picture of a ruler whose benevolence knew no bounds, a stark contrast to the miserly figure he had become.
“Back then I was a King loved by all with many friends by my side, where did it all go wrong…”
As the journey through time continued, the warmth of companionship radiated from the scenes, each one capturing moments of genuine connection. The Ghost guided King Dedede through images of shared meals, laughter-filled gatherings, and the simple pleasure of being surrounded by those who cherished him.
“Maybe where it all goes wrong is that you got the power in your head…” Magolor said as they both were in the throne room “My throne room! What are we doing here!”
“To show what did go wrong…” Dedede saw himself enjoying a great dinner while he ignored his subjects, “You let the power of king get in your head and abuse it and because of that, you became the very thing you fought against…” He saw his memories as he terrorized dreamland throughout whether it was a machine he built or a Demon monster he ordered from NME. “Because of that, your friends left you, You became selfish and abused your power and now you own your own…”
“Spirit, I can’t take these memories, Take me back home.”
Now caught in the currents of time thanks to the spirit, King Dedede felt a profound stirring within his hardened heart. The pang of remorse transformed into a yearning for the genuine joy and connection he had once known.
The Ghost of Christmas Past, with a serene presence, taught him a lesson that the pursuit of wealth and power had led him away from the very essence of happiness – the joy found in the company of friends and the warmth of selfless generosity.
“Now then, Looks like my job here is done, farewell…” Magolor bowed
As the twinkling light dimmed, returning the room to the quiet darkness of the present, King Dedede stood in contemplation, softened by the tender memories that had illuminated his path. The journey through his past had planted a seed of change, a flicker of hope that would guide him through the transformative night that lay ahead.
Stave Two: The Dedede of Christmas Present
Dedede upright in his bed contemplated the memories, “Why was I foolish, Why did I get it to ma head, Why? Why?”
Soon another spectral glow was seen, He looked out of his bed but saw no spirit in sight “Spirit! Spirit? Where are ya?” He questioned till he heard a clanking sound downstairs, He carefully went down the stairs quietly, He heard more clanking sounds more and more, He quickly grabbed his trusty mallet from his hammerspace and got ready to clobber someone, He continued walking through the castle halls until he heard clanking sounds and soon see a light under the door that leads to the dining room with more clanking and swallowing and eating “Whoever ya are, I am not afraid to clobber ya.” He grabs the door and quickly opens it as he quickly swings his mallet
“TAKE THIS INTRUDER!”
“AH!!!” The supposed intruder screamed as they went up high and crashed somewhere
“That takes care of- Whoa, what the,” He finally noticed as he looked around and saw what was in front, He saw mountains and mountains of food decorating his dining room from cakes to turkey, pork, pies, beef, apples, and beer, probably could fit in a pizza here and there and mountains more, This much food could solve world hunger. “Mince pies, Turkeys, suckling pig… Where does this much food come from?”
“And don’t forget the chocolate pot roast with pistachio, and yogurt, with a mixture of honey!” Someone shouted
“What the! Who said that!” Dedede shouted “Me! The second spirit you're supposed to meet, The one you clobber your hammer with!” they shouted out of a hole in a large scoop of ice cream, covered in chocolate fuzz, sprinkles, and marshmallows.
“Sorry about that let me get ya out of the ice cream you.” Dedede offered “No need I can handle this.” soon a large gust of wind was felt as the ice cream was inhaled by the second spirit, “That was some good ice cream…” They said as they emerged from the large bowl, radiating an aura of merriment and benevolence. The spirit looks like a small pink spherical being with two stubby arms, two red feet, and two oval-shaped eyes with black pupils with a faint shade of blue at the bottom with noticeable cheek-blushes draped in a fur-lined evergreen robe of shimmering light adorned with a festive crown of holly wreath.
“Hi, I’m Kirby aka the ghost of Christmas present.” The spirit presented itself “You must be the second spirit right?”
“That's a right,” Kirby said in confidence “I think, I get lost in the eating you know…”
“So tell me spirit, where did all of this food come from?” Dedede asked confused about where all of the food he saw in his dining room was coming from “From the heart, love, friendship, and kindness, Dedede. It’s the food of generosity, which you have denied your fellow man.”
“Hah! Generosity, Hahaha! Nobody has ever shown me generosity!” Dedede defended himself “You’ve never given them reason to. Yet despite all of that, some still find enough warmth in their hearts even for the likes of you.” The spirit said to make a point
“Humph! No acquaintance of mine I assure ya!” Dedede said in absolute confidence “Trust me, There is, Now then, WARP STAR!” Kirby shouted but nothing happened “It takes a few seconds I assure you, It will arrive” Soon a bunch of crashes and clanking are heard throughout the castle “Any second”
“Is something supposed to happen- WHOA!” He was surprised as Dedede was picked up by the warp star which Kirby quickly hopped on “I suggest hanging on tight” With a flourishing gesture, the Ghost and King Dedede are on yet another ethereal journey, this time into the heart of the present. The pair traversed the starry night sky, arriving in Dream Land, where the vibrant celebrations of the season unfolded beneath them.
The bustling markets were a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, with vendors offering an array of festive treats, trinkets, and decorations. The aroma of roasted chestnuts and hot cocoa filled the air, creating a sensory tapestry that echoed the joyous spirit of the season. Carolers adorned with colorful scarves and hats sang harmonious melodies, their voices lifting the collective spirits of the townsfolk.
King Dedede, observing the jubilant scenes below, couldn't help but be captivated by the infectious joy that permeated every corner of Dream Land. The Ghost of Christmas Present, with an expansive sweep of their luminous hand, showcased the cheerful gatherings where friends and families reveled in the camaraderie of the holidays.
Yet, amidst the revelry, a poignant shift in the spirit's demeanor became palpable. The luminosity dimmed as they guided King Dedede toward a humble abode, tucked away in the quieter corners of Dream Land.
“And here we are!” Kirby announced as they slowly landed the warp star “I think I’m about to be sick” Dedede commented, Dedede looked around, confused about where he was “Why did you bring me to this old shack?” Dedede asked in confusion and anger
“This is the home of your overworked, underpaid employee, Waddle Dee.” This was the home of Dedede's loyal servant he recently fired, An unlucky Waddle Dee who angered the king.
Dedede sees that Waddle Dee has a wife and two kids inside the home, The two kids are decorating the Christmas tree, while Waddle Dee, unfortunately, breaks the news to the wife whispering, agreeing to stay quiet about it. Soon the door to the shack opens with Kirby pushing Dedede inside.
As they entered the cozy dwelling, the contrast between King Dedede's lavish castle and Waddle Dee’s modest home became starkly apparent. The wife was going to the kitchen to get tonight’s Christmas dinner. “What’s she cooking, a canary? Surely they have more food than that.” Dedede was surprised at how little food there was since there was only a small roasted bird that could barely feed a single person yet despite all of that, The warmth emanating from a crackling fireplace cast a soft glow on the faces of Waddle Dee and his family. Their humble feast, though modest, symbolized abundance in the shared laughter and love that filled the room. “I mean surely there must be something, I hear something going on in the kitchen”
King Dedede entered the kitchen only to see a barely functioning washing machine doing its job, It looked like it came from the junkyard which it probably was. “What the… What this…”
“It’s your laundry, despite all of the abuse you put that Waddle Dee through, Waddle Dee still stayed loyal to you, and even gave kindness despite you giving none, even after firing him, He still saw a light in you, and even bothered to do one last job for you before leaving” The spirit explained to Dedede
King Dedede, an unseen observer in this intimate scene, felt a surge of conflicting emotions. The somber realization of his solitude was juxtaposed with the genuine joy radiating from Waddle Dee’s home. The loyalty and camaraderie shared by the modest household stood in stark contrast to the opulence of the castle, highlighting the hollowness that lurked within the ruler's heart. The two children got on the table ready to eat
“Wait children, we must be patient for Tiny Tim.” Waddle Dee said reminding them “Wait who’s Tiny Tim?” Dedede asked
“Just watch and see,” Kirby said
“Tiny Tim, Dinner’s ready.” The wife called out “I'm coming mother, I'm coming.” Soon came out the third Waddle Dee child handicapped with a misshapen foot.
Waddle Dee assisted their child to the dinner table as they got ready to eat.
“Tell me, spirit, what’s wrong with that kind lad?” Dedede asked in concern “Much, I’m afraid. If these shadows remained unchanged, I see an empty chair where Tiny Tim once sat.” The spirit sadly answered “Then that means… Tim will…?”
But then the shacks room darkened and soon the family disappeared from the darkness “What the- Where did they go? Spirit! Where are you?”
“Sorry, but I promised a certain fairy I’ll be home for Christmas, I’ll let Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come take over.” Kirby the ghost of Christmas present said “Don’t go! You must tell me about Tim!”
A spectral glow enveloped Him once more, King Dedede, now bearing a pensive expression, prepared for the revelations in the shadows of the future.
Stave Three: The Dedede of Christmas Yet to Come
The great glowing light dimmed as huge waves of fog and smog surrounded Dedede “What the, where am I?” Soon Dedede was in an old dilapidated castle, A world without color surrounded Dedede, Yet despite that one thing stood out, An orange butterfly was seen flapping around “Is that the? Are you the third spirit? The ghost of Christmas future?” Dedede asked, yet the orange butterfly ignored the king as it continued flapping through the halls of the old castle “Wa-wait!” Dedede shouted
As Dedede and the butterfly went through the hallways, Dedede started to recognize the castle and soon realized what this place was. “What the Is this my castle!?” Indeed it was, The once opulent halls were now draped in a shroud of neglect, the windows shattered, and the once vibrant gardens reduced to an overgrown wilderness.
Dedede was led out of the castle by the butterfly but before he kept going, he looked back and saw his former home, a looming structure that had become a mere shadow of its former grandeur. As King Dedede observed this grim tableau, the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come gestured toward the town below the castle.
He soon kept going down what was once Mt.Dedede where his castle once stood. Led by the butterfly he traversed through a dark and foreboding landscape. The once lively streets of Dream Land now lay in a state of desolation. The cheerful lights that once adorned buildings were extinguished, leaving the town enveloped in an oppressive darkness. The bustling markets were replaced by an eerie silence, and the joyous laughter that had once echoed through the air had been replaced by an unsettling stillness.
A sinking feeling gripped King Dedede as he realized the profound impact of his selfish actions. The absence of joy and the decay of Dream Land mirrored the emptiness that had pervaded his own heart. The consequences of his choices were laid bare before him, and a heavy weight settled upon his shoulders.
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Ghost led King Dedede to a solitary gravesite, the cold wind carrying the echoes of mourning. As he walked through the grave site, he came upon a familiar Waddle Dee and his family and soon saw them mourning the grave of Tiny Tim.
“Oh, no! Is that Tiny Tim? Spirit, I didn’t want any of this to happen. Tell me, please tell me is there any way for these events to be changed” Dedede's heart was filled with regret and remorse for what happened, yet the orange butterfly kept going, “Spirit where are ya going!”
The butterfly soon led Dedede to an empty grave, As they approached, the ruler's eyes widened in horror. The gravestone bore a familiar name – his own. The realization struck him like a thunderbolt, and he recoiled at the sight of the finality that awaited him.
Terrified by the prospect of an empty and mournful future, King Dedede fell to his knees, a plea escaping his lips. "No! This can't be my fate! I beg you, spirit, show me a way to change! Spare me from this desolate end!"
Soon the orange Butterfly landed on the ground then all of a sudden out of nowhere, a whole swarm of orange butterflies came to surround the single butterfly. Out of the swarm, the group of butterflies transforms into a singular being, a spherical creature with black skin, white glowing eyes, and no mouth. It has yellow shoes and gloves. Its armor is red with black ornamentations and white shoulder pads with a red swirl on both of them. Its mask has horns that resemble antennae. It has red sparkling butterfly wings on its back.
The being never spoke, not saying a single word, yet it didn’t need to, spread its warning to the king. For it, the spirit known as the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come remained silent, speaking of nothingness out of its mouth, its form unmoving amidst the darkened landscape.
The weight of regret and the fear of a joyless existence hung heavily in the air. King Dedede, now humbled and desperate for redemption, awaited the spirit's response, knowing that the key to altering his fate lay in the choices he would make in the wake of this haunting revelation.
Soon a swarm of butterflies came out of the spirit and surrounded the King covering him till it covered the light and bringing nothing but pure black darkness.
Stave Four: The Dedede of Redemption
As the first light of Christmas morning bathed Dedede's castle, Dedede finally awoke from his deep slumber, He reflected on what happened last night remembering it all. “What the I’m back in my room.” He soon hurriedly rushed to the window and checked outside. “IT’S CHRISTMAS MORNING! THE SPIRITS HAVE GIVEN ME ANOTHER CHANCE!” He heard a bell chiming soon he quickly rushed to his grandfather's clock and checked the time. “I HAVEN’T MISSED IT! WHOO! I know just what I’ll do. They’ll be so surprised! What a wonderful day.”
He quickly dressed up as he hurriedly went down the stairs “There’s so much to do! There’s so much to do! There’s so much to do! What should I do first? What should I do first?” Dedede excitedly said as he rushed through the empty halls of his castle and into the garage hopped onto his Limousine and proceeded to drive out of the castle and into town.
As Christmas morning hit Dreamland, Professor Curio greeted Chief Bookem, “Hello Chief, Merry Christmas!”
Chief Bookem greeted back “Merry Christmas to you Professor Curio, How are you?”
“I’m good, I just feel guilty since we didn’t raise enough funds for the charity.” Professor Curio said in sadness “You are not the only one, But it is, what it is, maybe only a miracle could save this charity.”
That is when King Dedede arrived and greeted the two “Merry Christmas to one and all in this great world of Dreamland!” He happily shouted as he hopped off his limousine before going to the back and grabbing a huge bag before he confronted them. Both cappies are afraid of facing the wrath and anger of the King as they nervously greet him “Good Morning, King Dedede.”
“Chief! Professor! Good morning to you too gentlemen. Is it too late to donate to the charity?” Dedede happily said, “N-no sir, my royal Highness, We’re still busy distributing and organizing. Why you asked my k-king?” Curio nervously said
“Good, Because, I have something for you.” He soon gave a huge amount of money to the duo, which surprised them due to the huge amount of money. “Oh, no, no, no, Are you okay my sire?” Bookem asked since usually, Dedede was always never nice to anyone “Hah! Not enough, Well alright, all right. More from my vault.” He gave even more money to them. The two had never seen such a huge amount of money in their lives. “My king, It’s…”
“Still not enough? HAH! You drive a hard bargain, I’d admit. Here you are.” He proceeded to give so much money than they could even do with it. “Uh.. Thank you, King Dedede! Thank you and a Very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you!”
King Dedede then left the two with the money as he continued to haul the huge sack he skips through the town filled with Christmas cheer which fills the townspeople with confusion, relief, glee, and fear of the King being filled with so much Christmas joy and cheer as happily carols Christmas songs loudly and greeting everyone a merry Christmas and especially that huge sack with the towns folk imagining it’s one of his schemes. One of those people was the Mayor who was driving with his wife “Ah, Mayor!” The Mayor put a full stop to the breaks only barely stopping before the King
“King Dedede!?” The mayor beside his wife in the car, now confused exclaimed “What are you doing here my Highness!?”
“Isn’t it obvious? I’m looking forward to that wonderful meal of yours.” King Dedede said in a happy and cheery tone “My the King truly has gone insane…” The mayor whispered to himself. “Wait you mean you’re coming?!”
“Of course I am! You know how much I like candied fruits with spiced sugar cakes.” King Dedede said, “With plump goose with chestnut dressing?” The Mayor's wife Hana proceeded to join the conversation
“And don’t forget the plum pudding and lemon sauce.” King Dedede added “I’ll be there at 2:00. Keep it piping hot! Will ya!”
“We will my King, We will! And Merry a very spectacular Christmas to you!” The Mayor waved goodbye as the King merrily skips through town carrying the huge sack “And now for Waddle Dee.”
King Dedede soon arrived at the home of his recently fired employee, King Dedede had an idea at the back of his mind, “I want to surprise him, Maybe if I acted grinchy and angry, he wouldn’t suspect a thing” He soon looked at the reflective window as he tried to look as grouchy as possible before knocking on the door before a certain Waddle Dee answered “Why, My King! Merry Christmas!” He pretended to grouch and anger his way inside “Won't you come in?”
“Bah! Merry Christmas…” He pretends to be angry before stopping at Waddle Dee’s wife and his three Kids the wife trying to take the Kids away from the King but Tiny Tim stays behind to watch the scene before him. “Before I fire you, You have one last bundle for you to open.” He pretended angry said to him as he dropped the sack to the floor. “But, my King, It’s Christmas day.” Waddle Dee sadly said “Christmas day, Indeed. Bah! Just another excuse for you lazy lot to hang around and not do anything.” He pretended to be angry with the Waddle Dee to drive the point home. “And another thing, I want to say to you, I am tired, No! Enough… NO! Angry about this half-day off stuff and not just that but you as an employee in general, I will not just fire you, no, You leave me with no alternative, Firing you will just be mercy…” He growly shouted to the Waddle Dee “As the King of Dreamland, I have no choice but to give you…” King Dedede was about to say but he didn’t pay attention as Tiny Tim investigated the huge sack he dropped and he found…
“Toys!”
“Yes, Toys. No, no, no, no, NO!, I am giving you the raise you always wanted, but better yet 10 times higher than that! And even better! A PROMOTION!” He reached into his coat and pulled out a blue bandana “Here is your new uniform as a sign of your new job! Because I am making you my partner!” He happily said as he tied the blue bandana around Waddle Dee’s head “Parther?!” Waddle Dee heard the words, he could not, NO! He would not believe he would hear throughout his life. “Congrats, Partner…” He pauses, making a point about the word partner. He happily shook the King's hand before joining the rest of his family in celebrating. “Oh, Thank you, King Dedede.”
“Merry Christmas Waddle- NO! Bandana Dee.” King Dedede said before picking up Tiny Tim as Tim proceeded to continue right afterward “And Void bless us and everyone here in Dreamland.
Word of King Dedede's astonishing transformation spread like wildfire throughout the town. Whispers of disbelief gave way to jubilant cheers as the townsfolk witnessed the once-miserly ruler embracing the true spirit of Christmas. Dedede's actions spoke louder than words, mending relationships that had long been strained and forging new connections based on the principles of generosity and goodwill
In the heartwarming glow of the Christmas season, Dream Land witnessed a remarkable transformation. King Dedede had not only redeemed himself but had become a beloved and generous leader, forever etched in the annals of Dream Land's festive history. The tale of Dedede's Christmas metamorphosis became a cherished story passed down through generations, a reminder that even the most unlikely hearts could be touched by the magic of the season.