Three Cheers for the King

The King of Dees
King Dedede

“O-oh! There he is!”

The pattering of footsteps instantly grew louder as the large group of Waddle Dee scurry down the hall when they spotted the one they were looking for. Dedede had no time to react as over a dozen baby Waddle Dee swarm him. Many hug, nuzzle, and try to climb on top of him to get his attention.

“Thank you, Mister King.” The one in his arm speaks as it begins to hug him.

“You’re the greatest, Mister King!” Another speaks, as several behind him cheer and agree.

“Three cheers for Mister King!!” One calls out as the group chants in unison.

They all praise and thank him for his kindness, and Dedede was more than happy to allow them to show their appreciation until another, much older Waddle Dee, enters the hall. Sporting a blue bandana, and a spear in his hand, he begins to clank the head of his spear on the rock wall next to him to get their attention.

“There you are!” He tries to corral the group away from Dedede. “Go on, back to your quarters- you know you weren’t supposed to run off.”

A wave of disappointed whines fill the air. One by one, the Waddle Dee climb down, and huddle around the elder Dee. The all apologize in unison, and hurry back to their rooms. Once they’ve all left, Bandana Dee heads over to his comrade.

“Sorry, my King. Those little orphans scurried off before I could lecture them on proper etiquette, and castle rules. Are you okay?”

He gives the other a nod as he begins to stand. “It’s been a while since we’ve had such a lively bunch in these castle walls.”

“We haven’t had the need to resort to such a thing in awhile…”

He pauses for a brief moment- just enough for Dedede to take notice. Dedede remembers the last time he opened his castle to another. He knows his comrade well- Bandana Dee, along with many other Dees were orphaned in the midst of a Demon Beast attack. Kirby and Gooey are mighty, yes- but even someone as powerful as them can’t save everyone. All the Dees were quickly all taken in, but this specific Dee alone wanted to learn to fight and properly defend himself. So Dedede did just that. And, In return, said Dee has given him his utmost loyalty and respect.

This new group of Waddle Dee…He and Dedede were too late- seeing such a tragedy that left so many young Dees without family has certainly opened old scars of his past…

The Penguin heads towards him, and gently places a comforting hand on his comrades shoulder.

“They’ll be okay.” He reassures. “May them never know the feeling of loss ever again. Not while I’m watching over them.”

“T-thank you, my King. I have no doubt they will be well taken care of- as you have done the same with me, many years ago.”

In a world where many sees his species as insignificant and weak- something not worthy of time or protection, he knows he can trust the words of his King to protect all of Dreamland’s creatures- big or small.

-The End-

Artist Comment:

December 30, 2025

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Last illustration of the year. >v<

These little Dees are the next generation of the King's platoon! They're from another part of Dreamland where many of them have patterns/markings. They all adore their new King, but tend to wander off to follow him wherever he goes. ;v;;; Bandana Dee has to teach them the proper etiquette of the King's castle~

We also learn a smaaaall bit about Bandana Dee- he was orphaned long ago by a similar incident. Dedede took him in, and personally trained him. As a result, he has become Dedede's right hand man~ He is fiercely loyal to his King, and will always be by his side no matter what. Bandana Dee knows Waddle Dee's are quite weak and looked over. No one really gives such a weak species the time of day, and are often cast aside or forgotten. But Dedede knows every creature- big or small is important and has a purpose. Bandana Dee hold great respect for his King because of it. >v<;;