Key Dee[1] (known asCarry Dee andWonkey in internal game data) is a brightly coloredenemy that resembles aWaddle Dee and sports a small tail and red swirls on its cheeks. It first appeared inKirby's Return to Dream Land, and has appeared in most main series installments (and some spin-offs) since then. It is almost without exception seen carryingitems, usuallykeys.Kirby or another character is often tasked to collect the item in hand before the Key Dee gets away.
Reprises its role fromKirby's Return to Dream Land.
Kirby's Return to Dream Land /Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe[edit]
Key Dee can be found in many stages inKirby's Return to Dream Land and itsremake, usually inside a closed chamber—starting in a place where Kirby cannot reach it. From here, some mechanism can usually be tripped to set the Key Dee free, where it will then run off with its key. Kirby will have to chase down the Key Dee and intercept it before it falls into abottomless pit or other hazard, taking the key with it. Other times, Kirby will have to stop the Key Dee from using the key on the wrongdoor.
Key Dees can move at various speeds, and have the ability to jump over certain obstacles when their path is blocked. They tend to fall off cliffs, though, so Kirby may have to make them a path in some instances. InExtra Mode, Key Dees generally move faster, making it harder for Kirby to keep up. InMagolor Epilogue: The Interdimensional Traveler, some Key Dees can be seen carryingMagic Points.
Key Dee returns inKirby: Triple Deluxe, performing the exact same function as in its previous appearance. However, the Key Dees found inDededetour are white instead of gold and move even faster than their regular counterparts. Key Dees can often be seen in the background, being a natural place where Kirby and Dedede would not have immediate access to them.
Key Dee makes a few small appearances inKirby: Planet Robobot, serving the same function as before, though instead of keys, they carrybatteries. In one particular instance, Kirby andMeta Knight have to guide an aspiring Key Dee through heavy traffic. When encountered inMeta Knightmare Returns, Key Dees are found with the same color scheme and move at the exact same speed as that of its Dededetour appearance.
InKirby's Blowout Blast, Key Dee appears in certain stages holding agolden coin and will attempt to run off an edge, either if Kirby gets too close or takes too long to dispatch it. Defeating it will automatically confer the coin upon Kirby.
Key Dee returns inKirby Star Allies, where it carrieskeys, as per usual. To help Key Dee reach its destination, in some stages, Kirby and his friends can form aFriend Bridge and guide it across gaps. This title features Key Dees who do not have items at first, and is actually the first time they are seen being able to pick up items, instead of just starting with one in their hands, as demonstrated inGabbel Moon.
Key Dee's internal data and Japanese name, Wonkey, is a portmanteau of "Waddle Dee" and "monkey". It may also involve "wonky", describing something which is odd or unusual, and "key", referring tothe item it is often associated with.
↑"Here are two more locations where you can find Warp Holes in Dededetour: - Level 5 (stage 5-1 in Story Mode) - the room which you need Key Dee's key to enter"--Satoshi Ishida,Kirby: Triple DeluxeMiiverse post from October 1st, 2014 (Archive via Wayback Machine)
↑"Lo prometido es deuda, aquí tenéis otros de los lugares en los que podréis encontrar agujeros portal en la Aventura de Dedede: - Nivel 5 (etapa 5-1 del Modo historia) - la sala para la que hace falta la llave de Dee Llave"--Satoshi Ishida,Kirby: Triple Deluxe SpanishMiiverse post from October 1st, 2014 (Archive via @kirbydevpostarchive on Tumblr)
Model fromKirby's Return to Dream Land
Screenshot fromKirby's Return to Dream Land
Screenshot fromKirby: Triple Deluxe
Screenshot of a white-colored Key Dee wearing skis fromDededetour
Screenshot fromKirby: Planet Robobot
Screenshot fromKirby Star Allies
Story Mode credits picture fromKirby Star Allies, featuring Kirby and co. forming aFriend Bridge for a Key Dee to cross
Heroes in Another Dimension credits picture fromKirby Star Allies, featuring Kirby and co. forming a Friend Bridge for a Key Dee and Waddle Dee
"Okayama / Momotaro" keychain from the "Kirby's Dream Land: Pukkuri Keychain" merchandise line
"Oita / Monkey" keychain from the "Kirby's Dream Land: Pukkuri Keychain" merchandise line
