Let It Beat

Her head tipped below the water. She kept her eyes closed at first, for the sound of it all was good enough for her at first. The rush of water, dragging across her ears, filling into her nostrils, it was an exhilarating feeling, one she could easily say she never felt before. It was so natural, this feeling, as the warm, sun-kissed water, smoothed across her skin.

In the darkness of her closed eyes, she saw visions, images of days passed. All the shadows were taken away, being replaced with sandy beaches, and sunny skies. She could smell the ocean salts, and hear the sea drag against the golden sands. Gazing down, she saw her naked toes, as she stood on the edge of this forest. The caws of birds overhead echoed, so did the far off cries of the many denizens of the forest. She suddenly began twirling, as those naked toes of hers brought her from the forest's edge. Briefly, she danced her fingers in the long golden strands she called hair. Yeah, that hair that had gotten her so much recognition, the hair that fell far beyond her body, and down to her feet.

This all came to a crashing stop however, when her verdant eyes fell upon the frame, of a young man whose age was comparable to his. He had this red cap on, one that matched the red attire of his shirt and pants. His long chimp tail swung low, as he gazed above the oceans with his arms crossed. He seemed to not notice the girl behind him, for he was so preoccupied with the waters ahead, his mind was left blank. She used this time to pounce.

On all fours she crouched, her but sticking in the air. Slowly, through the sands, she crawled, leaving tracks from where she walked. In pure silence, she got even closer, for her movements were so perfectly covered by the crashing waves. She heard him mumble something, describing a castle or something, but she didn't care. She got closer, and closer, and closer. She was behind him now, still unknown to the man before her. Her lips curled into an insidious smile, for her prey was still in the darkness.

She stood up tall. Still in silence. He finally uncrossed his arms. She pounced him.

Rampant giggles echoed out from her lips, while confused yelps left his own. They crashed into the sands, where he immediately began trying to get an upper hand on things. Somehow, he slid to his back, and peered up to her. This golden-haired beauty, with the greenest of green eyes. The pink shirt, the blue cut-off jeans.

"Dixie?" he inquired.

"Diddy!" she answered.

His confused glance, slowly turned into an annoyed one, before his eyes traveled down. She sat atop him, her legs parted thanks to his torso and waist. The sight of it made this warm red blush come to his face, and forced him to look off. She cocked her head at an angle toward the sight, as she was truly unsure of what to make of it. The relationship they had, was still new to the both of them, to put it lightly. His embarrassed demeanor didn't help it, either.

Her face slowly transformed though. Gone was that giddy, happy face she had, only to be replaced with this crestfallen one. The young man before her seemed to notice this, as his brown eyes slowly turned back to meet her green ones.

"Dixie..." he whispered.

She pouted her lips, making it quiver, an action he couldn't say no to. But, to her surprise, he didn't change his face. It made her so annoyed and unhappy. She began pounding on his chest, garnering calls of minor pain from him. He finally grabbed her hands, stopping her from continuing her childish tirade.

"Dixie!" he groaned, minorly annoyed.

"You can't leave!" she instead barked, her tone that of an unhappy child.

"What?" he asked, "What do you mean I can't go? Donkey Kong and I have already made the plans!"

"Why do you have to leave me though?" she asked next, "You and Donkey always get to have fun! I'm always staying here, doing nothing!"

His face changed into this innocent look, as if he had been caught in the act of lying. That only served to make the blonde before him angrier, causing her to start pounding on his chest again. He allowed this to happen for a few seconds, before that pain returned, forcing him to grab her hands once again.

"Dixie! Please stop! That's starting to hurt!" he stated, whilst rubbing himself, "Ouch... my chest..."

He peered up to after a few moments, seeing that same quivering lip, and bubbling eyes. He hated that look on her, because she was the only one who could do it. But that wasn't the only reason why. He was always hard to tell if her emotions were genuine, or acted, whenever she put on that face. When it came to Dixie, it was always a hard tell.

But he would not be defeated, not by that face, not again. She could be as 'persuasive' as she wanted to, he wasn't going to let her stop him, again.

His mouth opened up. He was prepared to put her in her place. It would be the first time he would ever do such a thing. He could feel that bravado enter him, forcing him to end her and her ways. But the sand started shaking, and all that courage he held faded immediately.

The two young ones peered away to the edge of the sands, seeing the King step down. His single red neck-tie, with the golden letters 'DK' signed upon it, swung around, as he made his way down the beach. He appeared to be ignorant of their existence, but that was only for a short while. Once his brown eyes moved down, and came to their frames, his lips parted, showing the pearly white teeth he held beneath. His heavy muscular hand lifted, and started rubbing the back of his head, while that smile of his continued to grow.

"Well, well, well!" the King said, still smiling, "What do we have here, little buddy?"

It didn't take long for Diddy's face to grow red with embarrassment. Upon doing so, he quickly lurched up, knocking the blonde onto her bottom. She rubbed it, as he turned to face the ape behind him.

"Oh, DK!" he yelled, "It's not what you think!"

"Oh yeah, yeah," the King said, laying his hand on his buddy's hat, "I know! You and Dixie were just having some 'quality time' together!"

He began laughing aloud, an act which made the red hat wearing chimp angry. He started stomping his feet up and down, while he hopped in place. This showing of childishness only served to increase the King's laughs, as he continued to do so. After a while, his friend ceased his anger, while he instead shot the greater ape a glare. And after a while, the King stopped his laughing, so he could focus on the reason why he were here.

"So Diddy!" he said, smiling, "Ready to go?"

The chimp's earlier demeanor faded away, as his head cocked to the side.

"So soon?" he inquired, making the King nod.

"Yeah! No time like the present!" then his face melted into a haggard stare, "Besides, Candy kicked me out again. I think it's because I kept trying to eat her instruments..."

That statement only made Diddy cock his head in confusion. Then again, knowing DK, accidentally eating an instrument was the least of his problems. Still, he wasn't expecting the King's question. Especially with her there. He turned to face her, the blonde girl with the green eyes. Gone was that pouted lip, and bubbly eyes, instead replaced with this hard stare that cut through him like diamonds. Her arms were crossed, and her eyes were a squint. This pose was worse than the last one, if he could say, for he had only rarely seen her perform this glare.

But his mind was made, and he showed her this when he swallowed his spit. That action made her face break, as her mouth opened, and her eyes grew wide.

"Diddy..." she whispered, but it was low, and covered by the waves.

Slowly, he turned to face the King, but his gaze lingered on her for quite some time.

"Yeah, DK," he stated, while he still looked at her, "Just, how are we getting there?"

That made the great ape smile.

"Using one of Funky's planes of course!" he announced, smiling, "I don't think he'll mind!"

Suddenly he turned, his great body aimed for the forest. The oncoming venture would be long, but the vacation the two were looking for would be well worth it. Two adventures they suffered, the great King more than his younger ally, but that was all over now.

"Now let's get a move on!" he announced, "The sooner we leave, the better!"

His heavy footsteps started marching off once more, but Diddy remained still. Slowly, and begrudgingly, he turned to face her sight. And that new face she had, was still there. Mouth open, eyes wide, waiting for the answer for him to give. He didn't like it. He didn't like how she was looking at him.

"So where are you going?" she inquired.

It was the least he could do. Even if he told her, he was sure she wouldn't follow. It was a far ways away.

"The Northern Kremisphere..." he answered, "Its kind of boring, from what I've heard."

She knew what he was trying to do, and it wasn't working. In fact, it only made her want to come along more. But she knew what he was insinuating. He didn't want her to come. For whatever reason, she did not know. She thought they were closer than this, close enough for him to at least tell her the truth. Why didn't he want her to come? Was it personal? Did she do something wrong?

Diddy's cutie of a girlfriend. Yeah right. Right now, she felt more like his associate.

"Diddy!" the King called.

"I'm coming DK!" he answered, scurrying forward a few yards.

He stopped, as soon as he reached the forest. Turning around, he gazed at the blonde. She just stood there on the sands, gazing back.

"See ya later, Dixie..." he whispered.

"Yeah... see ya later, Diddy..."

That was four weeks ago.

Her eyes opened. She stared forward through the vast lake she currently swam through. The golden strands she called her hair was floating up and around her. Somehow, that reminded her of one very important think. Her lungs began to scream. How long was she down here, in the lake? That flashback wasted more time than she originally believed.

Her green eyes aimed to the lake's surface. She could see the sun peer through, sending down rays of light. Her arms and legs started to work in tandem, pushing her forward. She got closer, and closer to the lake's surface, and upon reaching it, her head and body lunged through. She gasped for breath, as she stared up to the skies above. The clouds were moving slowly, as the sun peered down upon her.

The small lake she swam in was cupped in what could only be described as a natural bowl, with mountains on one end, and a nice landing on the other. She swam up to the beaches of the lake, squeezing water from her hair as she took dainty steps onto land. She wasn't sure what to do now. Her heart was racing, half from the thought of drowning, the other from her pure confusion. She really didn't know what to do now. What if the two she came to find were alright. The thought of her, running up all wet and frantic, while they were enjoying a time of leisure and fun, wasn't a thought she wanted in her head. It would make her feel stupid. But from what she felt, it wasn't like that. Something was wrong, she could feel it.

A week, maybe, but four? That was too long. Too long.

But how does one begin? She had never stepped foot in the Northern Kremisphere before, and was of course unsure of how to deal with the landscape. This adventure game was still so new to her, and it frustrated her somewhat. How to begin, how to begin?

She turned around. This land was big, and expansive. The thought of what lied within was a terrifying one, to put it lightly. She wasn't sure what to do. And that made her swallow her spit. But like a trooper, she headed off. Her feet, bringing her into this land which she was starting to know.

…

The heat in this area was unbearable. He twisted slowly on the bolt regardless, wondering when it would all stop. Who would've thought making boats would be so hard? Planes, easy. Just use the perfect barrel, and voilà! But a boat? That takes wood, and an engine, and some energy, and this and that, and some of that! It was mind-boggling. Right now, he wished he still had his surf board. But that's right, that idiot DK broke it.

Sorry dude! He said, so uncool! And boy, was that baby not making it easier.

His rampant screams echoed out loud. And whats worst, he had no way of dealing with it. If he faced that toddler again, there was no telling if he'd come back with his life. Yes, he was that bad. Curse him and his family. They were a bunch of muscular apes. Well, save for her.

The door opened. Not expecting visitors at this time, he was understandably confused. Turning to face the exit, he saw the flash of sunlight come it. Footsteps echoed in a moment later, as water dripped onto the wooden floors. Then he saw her. Even in the darkness of his workshop, her green eyes still shined, and so did her blonde hair.

"Hello?" she called out, "Anyone here?"

She grew silent upon seeing him. The ape bigger than her, wearing the black bandana, shades, white muscle shirt, and blue jeans. It actually made her blush at first, while this childish giggle escaped her lips.

"Funky!" she called, "Is that you?"

Slowly, the ape she was talking too pulled up from his job. The final bolt had been screwed in, taking off a load from his shoulders, and allowing him to pay attention fully to the young lady before him.

"Hello, Dixie girl!" he said with that surfer dude tone of his, "I wasn't expectin' to see you around here!"

She chuckled, but that was short-lived, before her face bent into sadness.

"I was just wondering, Funky," she stated, "Have you seen Donkey and Diddy?"

She prayed he would say yes, but deep down inside, she knew better. She was just hoping for anything. What she got instead, was one angry monkey.

"DK and Diddy?" Funky yelled, increasing the hold he held on his wrench with both hands, "Those two banana brained fools borrowed one of my planes! And I haven't seen it since! It was my last one too! Now all I have to work with are these darn boats!"

"Oh..." Dixie answered, crestfallen, "I was hopping for something..." she turned around, "I guess I'll start looking somewhere else then... Thanks Funky..."

He nodded, but that anger gained from thinking about Donkey Kong remained. That, however, was soon replaced with another thought. That toddler began screaming again, something that stopped Dixie dead in her tracks. It also served to remind Funky of something important. He began smiling, though he hid that behind one of his many objects.

"Dixie girl!" he called.

"Do you have a baby in here?" she responded.

"Not just any baby!" Funky responded, running away toward a door, "Your baby cousin!"

Dixie stepped back, while her head cocked to the side in confusion.

"My baby cousin? Wait... no not!"

The door he stood beside opened slowly, revealing this toddler. It was hard to explain. His size was easily greater than any child his own age. His arms were big enough to put a body builder to shame, and that went for the rest of his body. If a child could have steroids, then that child would be him. The sight of the very young boy, screaming his eyes out, was a terrifying sight indeed. It was enough to make Dixie step back. But it was too late. The moment he noticed her, he was coming forward, ending the time of escape.

"Dixie!" he called out, with his baby voice.

His arms wrapped around her, pulling her into this hold so tight, it took all the air the blonde had.

"Hey -ACK!- Kiddy -URGH!- Kong!" she answered.

Her hand smoothed down the hair on his head, soothing him, and making him release the grip he had on her. He released her, and sat down, making spit bubbles and giggling at the same time. While he was pleased with himself, Dixie turned to face Funky. The surfing ape just stared back with a sickening smile.

She wasn't expecting this. Looking for two monkeys alone was enough, but did Funky really expect her to take Kiddy along with her? He may have been her cousin, but he was only three. And to make matters worst, picking him up was like picking up a boulder.

"Funky!" she growled.

"Hey, Dixie girl!" he answered, "Your family dropped him off, but I wanted to have no business with him! Then Chunky got all sad, and when he gets sad, stuff breaks, so I had to keep him!"

"But that doesn't explain why you gave him to me!" she countered.

"The boy likes you, obviously!" he countered back.

She groaned, and face palmed herself, images of her family entering her mind. She'd rather have Tiny with her than this boy. Well, maybe that's not completely true.

"Let me make it up to you, Dixie," Funky said, laying his hand on her shoulder, "You can take my boat over to Lake Orangatanga! I'm sure Diddy and... ugh... Donkey, are there."

"Are you sure..." she replied, eying him.

Suddenly, he placed keys in her hand. When she glanced up, he was smiling and nodding.

"Yeah, I think so, Dixie..."

She eyed him closely, while he stared back with that darn smile of his. A boat would be nice, for the thought of swimming around this place while also tugging Kiddy around, wasn't a thought she could accurately complete. So, sighing, she grabbed a hold of Kiddy's hand. He giggled and smiled, ceasing his spit bubbles, as she lead him to the boat in Funky's workshop. Upon arriving to it, she used all of her strength to lift up the baby monkey, and place him into the vehicle. As soon as that happened, Funky handed her Kiddy's baby pouch, and he did so with that same darn smile. It made Dixie want to snap, but she remained strong.

"Lake Orangatanga is right over there, Dixie girl!" he called, "You can't miss it..."

Dixie eyed the steering wheel of the barrel made boat, before sliding in the keys. It cranked on almost immediately, and the sudden jolt and sound, made Kiddy cry. Dixie wasn't going to enjoy this, she could tell. Still, she started pressing on the boat's gas, making the vehicle jerk briefly.

"And Dixie girl!" Funky called, "If you find a patch, be kind enough to give it to me, please?"

She gave him an annoyed glare.

"I'll think about..." she snarled, as her foot pressed on the gas.

The boat jerked forward again, before it began to glide across the water. Dixie pulled out of the dark garage, parting the waves of the massive lake that was the Northern Kremisphere. Staring forward and around, she wondered what this, Lake Orangatanga, would look like. Truly, this would be a very interesting day. Hopefully, it would be over soon, with her discovery of Donkey and Diddy, A-OK, and enjoying their vacation. But she knew better. It was never that easy. Never.

So, with Kiddy behind her, he started off through the lake, making her way deeper into the Kremisphere.

…

The lake was silently toiled. The fish within were bothered briefly, going left and right, as this darkened mechanical beast appeared. It swam from the lake's bottom, going at such a slow pace. Then it got faster. Then it got faster. Then it got even faster. The mechanical beast, which at first was so unnoticeable, was now ripping through the lake at speeds to hard to quantify. It zipped left, tearing through water with sound and speed. It dashed right, severing the waves and parting fish. Finally, it dashed straight, ramming through anything, and everything, that got in its way.

After a while, that, thing, disappeared, leaving absolutely nothing in its wake.

Maverick Talks

And so begins another story by me. After so long in Sonic land, it feels good to get into something else. And boy, do I love me some Donkey Kong.

First of all, you have to excuse me. This is the first time I've ever written a story like this. You know what I mean, this is the first time I've ever translated a game into written format. All my stories before have come from my own mind, but this will be the first in which I try to put down something that isn't technically all mine. Well, you know what I mean. Besides, I think I'm the first to ever write down Donkey Kong Country 3, so that's a win, right?

Well, I don't have much to say, other than let's have some fun! I'm going to be listening to the Ocremix of Donkey Kong Country 3's soundtrack while I write this. You should do the same, I think you'll enjoy it. I know I am!

And so, lets start down the Road to Double Trouble!

Maverick Kay Prime