Light-years away, on a tiny star not visible from Earth, is the magical, peaceful place known as Dream Land. The beings that inhabit this wondrous world live a blissful existence that centers on eating, sleeping, and playing. Their carefree customs include the traditional after-lunch feast nap. After they awaken from their nap, the Dream Landers discuss their dreams and fervently hope that each other’s fondest wishes come true.
One day, a young Dream Lander named Kirby awakens from his after-lunch nap feeling terrible. “What happened?” he wonders to himself. “I didn’t have any dreams during my lunch nap!” This lack of dreams leaves Kirby feeling very uneasy. After talking to some of his friends, he finds that the problem is much more serious than he had thought, for they had not experienced any dreams either! “Something must have happened to the Dream Spring!” they exclaim in unison.
The Dream Spring is a magical well that is a reservoir for all the dreams of the inhabitants of Dream Land. Dreams also flow out of the Dream Spring and envelop Dream Land, granting all sleeping beings enjoyable dreams.
Legends tell that the Dream Spring was created by a magical artifact known as the Star Rod. The sparkling star on the tip of this scepter is a fragment of a star that landed in Dream Land in the distant past. The Star Rod now provides energy to the Dream Spring and serves as the very symbol of Dream Land.
The lack of dreams makes everyone in Dream Land feel restless and irritable. The joyful laughter that once resounded throughout Dream Land can no longer be heard at all. Things are bleak. Kirby, the roly-poly hero of Dream Land, boldly announces his intention to investigate the Dream Spring and find the cause of all the trouble.
Upon reaching the Dream Spring, who does he find but King Dedede, bathing in its magical waters! In the past, King Dedede caused mischief in Dream Land by stealing all the Dream Landers’ food and sparkling stars. Now, in the middle of the Dream Spring, in place of the Star Rod, sits Dedede, covered with bubble bath!
“So, you’re up to your old tricks again, eh, Dedede?!” Kirby accuses.
“What are you talking about, young pudge ball?” Dedede looks surprised. “I thought I’d do everyone a favor by—”
“No, no, no!” Kirby shook his head. “I won’t listen to your tricks! What have you done with the Star Rod?!”
“Oh, that old thing,” Dedede says nonchalantly. “I broke it into seven pieces and gave each piece to one of my friends…”
What was Dedede thinking?! Kirby wonders. Before hearing any more of what Dedede has to say, Kirby sets off on the long trek to gather the pieces of the Star Rod and return them to the Dream Spring. Hopefully, he can return the sparkle to the Dream Spring so that the people of Dream Land can again enjoy their happy midday naps.