A/N: Hey. So, at last, Fawn takes on the Koopalings. Let's see how that goes...

PS: Thanks WhiteasSnowyhills!

Chapter 21: 1v8. Bring it on!

Fawn

"Okay, so we've already finished the pit last night. And I've already covered it up well..." I spoke to myself. "And I've already dealt with his room..." I addressed the guard who was helping me. "You said the cage was fireproof, right?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Okay great..." I took a deep breath to steel myself.

I need to do this...for Bowser. I've prepared for this...am I taking this to far? No, I don't think so. These kids won't listen unless you take some serious measures. This really won't be easy...they're all dangerous and intelligent. And they're all stronger than me, so I won't be able to stop them by force. But with all I've got planned, maybe I can do it. It's one versus eight... I breathed out and walked to the playroom, where they were waiting. Bring it on!

I walked in to the room to see all eight of them together. They all probably would've run away if it weren't for Kamek's supervision.

"Uh...thank you for watching them until I got here," I said to Kamek shyly.

"No problem. Good luck Fawn," he said kindly, walking to the door.

He stopped to turn around to the kids. "And if you all misbehave, I swear to stars, I'll turn you in to toads!"

"Ooo, I'm real scared of Dusty ol Kamek," Roy sneered. Junior and Larry both laughed cruelly in his face in response to Roy's joke.

He growled at them before turning to me and repeating, "Good luck," and leaving.

I nodded and turned back to the Koopalings. I began to scan them, rethinking their capabilities and potential threat.

Junior...ordinarily a trouble maker, he could've been a problem. But we're friends, so I'm sure he'll be obedient if I entertain him.

Morton. Follows his sibling' lead in to misbehaving, but since I'm here, and a few of his siblings will be too, he probably won't feel the need to.

Iggy. I'm actually not entirely sure how he'll behave, as he's very unpredictable. I'm sure if I leave him to think, or answer his questions, it'll be fine.

And then Lemmy. Such a sweet boy...he doesn't misbehave anyway.

These were, so to speak, my allies. They won't cause any trouble if I treat them well. So I turned to the other half; the troublemakers.

Larry. Stealthy, cunning, intelligent, and charismatic. With a thirsty greed and desire to steal, he will want to leave. With all his intelligence and maliciousness, he may prove to be the biggest threat.

Wendy. Another unpredictable one. If she's got a TV show on, she'll be fine. If not, she'll whine and destroy things...hopefully she has a TV show on. Otherwise I switch to plan B. And if that doesn't work...plan C.

Roy. In terms of strength, he's not to far off from his dad. This, plus his intense desire to bully people and cause general havoc, will make him a huge threat. He thinks I'm dumb and won't listen to me...or anyone.

Finally there's Ludwig. He's cocky and thinks he's to good for this. He'll most likely leave to go play I'm the orchestra room, which I can't allow. But...I know he believes in manners, including losing gracefully.

I kept all of this in mind as I began to act.

"Um...hello everyone," I greeted shyly. "I just wanted you to know in sorry that I had to escape...but I had to. Because of my family and stuff. But um...now I'm here! Babysitting you all. I hope it goes well..."

Roy scoffed, and rudely said, "I ain't puttin up with this bullshit. You're dumb as hell, I'm out."

He's acting up quicker than anticipated! I quickly tried to start my act, although it was terrible as usual. "Oh um...please stay?" I said pathetically.

"Nope. Move bitch," he sneered, shoving past me.

"U-um...oh no, please don't wreak havoc on the castle," I said awkwardly.

He smiled maliciously. "Dats exactly wad I'm gonna do."

"O-oh no...not when the um...the thing is out," I stuttered, trying to remember my lines. Charisma was not my thing, and he was scaring me.

"Quit bullying Fawn, pinkie!" Junior interrupted.

"Shuddup, ya lil snot!" He turned back to me and leered. "What thing?"

"O-oh...well, I heard that there's some sort of new weapon we're keeping in the dungeon...I got to use it. It's pretty fun...but dangerous! Oh, the um...the havoc one could wreak!" I said, desperately hoping he was buying it.

I was practically squinting my eyes in anticipation. But from the looks of it, he did buy it, as he smirked evilly. "Well...you really are dumb! Thanks for da info, later!"

He walked out the door as I weakly called, "Please...oh no..."

Once I confirmed he was gone, I let out an internal sigh of relief. I turned around to see a few of the Koopalings looking at me strangely. They probably saw through my poor acting.

To be fair to Roy, he's not an idiot. He was just cocky and assumed that I'm to dumb to be a threat, so he looked pass my bad acting. Well, that's one down. I'll have to check on him later...

"Sorry that Roy left," Lemmy apologized sincerely.

I smiled down on him. "It's fine."

"OMS, he can just leave!? That's totes unfair, why am I here!?" Wendy whined.

I cringed at her voice, afraid of her possible wrath. "Um...don't you have a show to watch?"

She growled. "Nothing's on today."

I panicked, gritting my teeth. Damn, why couldn't this be easy? I have to resort to plan B... "U-um...I'm sorry about what happened between us..." I apologized.

"You should be," she sneered.

"Yes, so...to make it up, if you behave and stay here, I promise I'll try again! I'll do girly stuff with you!" I offered, hoping she'd say yes.

She considered this for a while, so Junior piped in. "You don't have to do anything for stupid Wendy!"

"STFU, you brat!" Wendy screeched. She turned to me and her lip curled. "Fine. But I'm like, not going to make this easy. You thought what I did to you was bad? Well lol, like, we're going through the real works tomorrow. Clothes shopping, hair dos, waxing, like, everything. Deal?"

I cringed at this preposition, and considered switching to plan C. But I knew that would land me in hotter water, and I still felt bad for her, so this was the best course of action. "Um...deal."

She put her hands on her hips and said, "Fine. Guess I'll catch up on like, Teen Koopa or something."

"Thank you!" I said as she plopped on the couch, flipping the TV on.

Unfortunately, Ludwig approached me next. "You can't envisage that I'd tolerate such an insipid atmosphere. I demand that I'm allowed pardon to practice in the orchestra room."

I frowned, for I had hoped that he wouldn't act up too. I sighed internally, accepting it as inevitable now. I decided to skip the bad acting, as he'd most likely see through it. "Um...okay, I guess if you're quiet..."

He looked pleased with this answer. "You have my thanks. I'll only be as silent as my spirit's composition allows my music to be."

"Um...okay."

He began to walk to the door, but I grew nervous that he wouldn't act according to plan. So I asked him something. "Um...just wondering...you keep a key to the orchestra room in your room...right?"

He looked at me quizzically, most likely noticing the bizarre nature of my question. "Indeed...how does this come to your knowledge?"

I panicked. "O-oh, um...just thought it'd make sense for a good composer like you! Uh...wondering if you were that good that you get your own key."

He continued to scrutinize me for a time until, eventually, he seemed to shrug passed it. "Yes, well...thank you. Salutations."

He walked out of the door, now heading to his room.

I sighed in relief, glad that he didn't think to hard about my comment. I looked around me and noticed that a Koopaling was missing; Larry. As expected, he got away without me even noticing. "Oh...looks like Larry left." I wasn't to worried, as I expected this, and had already prepared.

I sighed, now hoping everything would go to plan.

Junior walked up to me, rubbing his neck. "I'm sorry they all left you..."

I smiled and said, "It's okay. I don't mind."

Morton frowned. "You don't? But isn't it your job to take care of us? I thought you wanted to do well...which you are! I mean better, you know, have everyone here, and-"

"It's okay Morton. I'm sure they'll be just fine," I assured.

"How do you know?" Lemmy asked.

"Uh...call it a hunch," I said mysteriously, not wanting to give away my secrets.

"Oh my, I wonder how you're brain is working...fascinating!" Iggy cackled.

"Listen...why don't we all just play a game or something, then we'll check on them. Okay?" I offered. They all looked very happy with the preposition.

We ended up playing tag, which was rather fun. We played until I was sure everything had fallen in to place.

Roy

I ran toward the dungeons, both because I was eager and because I didn't want to get caught. Most of the guards didn't make as much of an effort to catch me, but I didn't notice.

I rounded a corner and made it to a large stone door. I pushed it open and made it to the dungeons. It was a dark and moist place, with a few cages and several weapons.

Huh...guess it makes sense to keep the weapon down here. People have hid things down here before. No one really wants to go down here, anyway. Being honest, the idea of keeping a weapon down here made sense. But keeping a really dangerous one was a little strange…but I wasn't thinking.

I snickered as I thought about Fawn's carelessness.

What a dumb broad...she really just led me here, didn't she?

I stopped in place when I realized I called her dumb again.

She gets upset when I call her that. Wonder why, it ain't such a big deal. People call me dumb, but that's because they are and they don't know any better. But I wonder how upset she really gets...

I frowned in consideration before shaking my head. Ah, screw it! I don't care about her! Besides, she is what she is. Now, time to focus. Where is that thing...?

After searching for a time, I saw what looked like a technological gun, sitting on a bench in the back of the room. My eyes widened and I grinned in victory. Jackpot!

I sort of noted that it was in a cage, but I didn't think much of it, despite it being a little odd. I ran toward it, not noticing where I was headed. I ran to it when I felt my foot hit something and I tripped. I heard a door slam. I fell flat on my face, and I swore in pain.

Ow...what the hell? I stood up slowly, holding my head. I noticed my sunglasses were a little cracked on top. Damn it...these are my favorite pair! What the hell happened?

I turned around and saw that the cage door had slammed shut. Confused, I looked down and saw that I had tripped over some wire that blended in with the floor. I saw that it was connected to the door, which made it slam when I tripped. My eyes widened as I realized what had happened.

A...trap? I quickly got up and moved toward the gun, grabbing it. I realized up close that it was just one of my old expensive toys.

"No way..." I spoke aloud.

I ran up to the door and started to yank on it. It was locked.

No, you've got to be freaking kidding me!

I pulled on it as hard as I could; punching it, even breathing fire on it, but it wouldn't budge. I knew full well that the cage walls were virtually indestructible.

"Wad da hell!?" I yelled. I began to roar. "HEY! SOMEONE GET ME OUTTA HERE!"

I also knew that the walls were soundproof.

I continued to roar, finally realizing what happened, and who did this. "DAMN YOU FAWN!"

Larry

I quickly sneaked through the halls with my bounty; a few chocolate bars and some guard's wallet. I grinned, happy with what I stole from the kitchen. I paced quickly to where I stashed my stuff, as I was slightly on guard. Not only could I not get caught, as usual, but something about Fawn bugged me today.

Sure, I got away from her no problem. But the way she was talking to Roy, she was clearly acting weird. She knew something, and was maybe leading him on to something. I had a gut feeling that she wasn't as dumb as she came off, as she showed in the baseball game.

Hm...I should find Roy after this.

With that resolve in mind, I went to my hiding stash behind a tree in a courtyard. Upon walking right behind the tree the ground suddenly collapsed and I fell.

I fell for a short time before I finally hit the floor, which wasn't to far down. I groaned in mild pain. Argh...what the hell?

I looked over to my side to see a note, partially covered in dust from the ground falling. I could read a part of it.

To: Larry

From: Fawn

I blinked. "You're kidding me..."

Ludwig

I strolled upstairs to my dormitory to retrieve the key. I was vigilant as I walked, wary from my exchange with Fawn. Her behavior struck me as peculiar and equivocal.

I arrived at my floor, which was dark blue and contained various paintings of me involving my music and conducting, as well as an award for doing such. I paced to my room when I noticed that my door was slightly ajar. My eyes widened, paranoia setting in.

I cautiously entered my room, quietly closing my door. Did someone intrude? Could it have been Fawn?

I scrutinized my room, regarding any form of tampering. My room was also dark blue, with tacky music notes and staff line designs on the wall. Those textures had been in my room since I was a child, and I had no heart to be gone with it. There was a dark blue bed, a large closet, a desk where I wrote my music, and a grand piano. The grand piano, however, wasn't enough to fulfill my thirst for music, which only the orchestra room was capable of.

I walked over to my desk when I noticed that there was a cupcake on it. I raised a brow in curiosity. What in the world...?

I saw a note in front of the plate, which I picked up to appraise.

To: Ludwig

From: Fawn

I grew anxious, opening the note to read.

Dear Ludwig,

If you're reading this, it means you wanted to go to the orchestra room, and wouldn't listen to me say no. So I had to lock you in your room. I learned how to from my village. I made it so that the next time it was to close, it would lock, if you're curious...I kind of had to break it to do that. I'm really sorry! Really, I am! I hope you can forgive me...anyways, I left you some food in case you get hungry.

Again sorry, please understand!

Fawn

My eyes widened as my situation dawned on me. Impossible!

I ran to my door and attempted to unseal it. It wouldn't budge, remaining firmly shut. It was indeed locked.

She did that? She knew how to?

I stared on, flabbergasted by this girl's secluded ability. At first, I was merely awed, and slightly indignant. But eventually, I took it in good nature and chuckled.

Well...it appears I've been bested. By Fawn of all people. She's earnest in her task at least...

There was the possibility that I could breach the door through brute force. But I refuse to partake in such barbaric actions, like my siblings would. Besides, a gentleman never vandalizes, especially if it sullied his own room. A gentleman also knows when he's lost, and does so gracefully.

Grinning, I approached my piano, temporarily settling for it.

I feel like writing a song with a rather unexpected twist to conclude it...

Fawn

I stopped as the other three continued to run.

"What is it?" Junior asked, stopping in place.

"Hm...I think now would be a good time to check on them..." I mused.

"Okay, let's go!" Lemmy said enthusiastically.

I considered bringing them, but decided that if my plan worked, the three caught Koopalings may be a bit embarrassed. I decided not to humiliate them.

"Um...no, I shouldn't let you all out. Besides...I'm sure they want to be alone!"

"But-"

"I promise I'll be back soon. Just all of you stay here until I get back, okay?"

They all frowned, but eventually nodded.

I smiled and said, "I'll be going now." Before I left I turned addressed Wendy. "Um...please don't leave."

"Yeah, yeah," she dismissed.

I smiled and left to my first destination; the kitchen.

Larry

I growled as I read the letter.

Dear Larry,

If you're reading this, you snuck out. I've been observing you...sorry if that offends you! But I noticed you always come to this spot behind the tree...Bowser told me you steal, so I guess you come here to stash things. I figured you might not listen to me, so I asked a guard to help me make a pitfall trap. I made it shallow enough to not hurt you...I'm sorry if you were hurt! I'm really sorry I have to do this...I'll come by soon with food!

Please forgive me!

Fawn

I can't believe this...she really isn't an idiot! I...the Larry Koopa...got caught!? By some girl!? I can't believe this!

"Um...hi!" a feminine voice called.

I looked up to see Fawn, looking down on me from the edge. I growled.

"You..." I seethed.

"U-um...are you mad?"

I quickly composed myself, regaining my act. What's done is done, getting out was more important. I smiled as sweetly as I could. "Of course not. You did what you had to, for I misbehaved. But it was only to feed the birds! I understand it was wrong though...would you be kind enough to let me go?"

She seemed to consider this. "Um...are you lying?"

"Why, no ma'am!"

"Um...wait no. Someone can lie about not lying...so I think you're lying."

I twitched. "What?"

"Um...you're going to have to stay down there until dinner. Sorry!"

"Please ma'am!"

"I'm sorry!"

I growled in anger. "You little..."

She grew scared. "Oh please forgive me! It's my job! Um...here, I brought you food!" She pulled out a cupcake. "I didn't leave it down there because I thought it'd get smashed. Here!"

She threw it down to me before I could react. It hit me, icing first, right on my snout, sticking to it.

I blinked, stupefied, as she paled. "U-um...bye!"

She quickly ran away as I stood there, shocked.

I roared in anger, before eventually cracking up at the whole situation.

Roy

The note trembled in my hands. It basically said she tricked me in to a cage to do her job right. She left me a cupcake next to the note. I trembled, but not completely in rage. Part of me knew that she was just doing her job...but still, being locked in a cage is embarrassing!

I heard a door opened and Fawn entered the dungeon. My eyes flared.

"Um...are you okay?" she timidly asked.

I acted even angrier then I was. "Bitch! Wad gives ya da right to lock me in here!?"

"W-well...I'm supposed to make sure you don't get in trouble...but you don't listen! So I had to..."

"Screw you! LEMME OUT!"

"I'm sorry, I can't!"

I growled at her menacingly. "I'll kill ya when I get outta here."

"I-I'm prepared for that..."

"You little-"

"Enjoy you're cupcake!" she yelped awkwardly, quickly retreating.

"Hey! Get back here!" I yelled.

She turned around and faced me. She seemed just a little less weak. "Um...I hope you know that I'm not dumb now." She quickly left.

I sat there, actually silenced by her words.

So I did get to her...

Fawn

I heard beautiful music coming from inside the room as I knocked on it.

"Ludwig? A-are you in there?" I asked.

He stopped and answered. "Indeed," his muffled voice replied.

"Um...did you enjoy your cupcake?"

"I've matured pass the point of such sophomoric pastries."

"I...hadn't considered that."

"...Thank you for considering my possible needs."

"Oh um...you're welcome," I said, pleased with his behavior. I had expected it, considering his manners. It's also why I risked locking him in his room, which he could easily break out of if he chose to. "Well...I'll be going."

"Wait."

"What?"

There was a pause. "...Well played."

I smiled. "Thank you…" He didn't respond, so I went back to care for the other kids until their dinner.

"Did you find everyone? Did you find at least one? What are they doing? Are they in trouble? Are they all okay?" Morton asked.

"Um...they're all okay, and behaving."

Bowser

I sat at the table for dinner with my family, and Fawn as well. The atmosphere was very weird. Everyone was acting like their normal selves except for three. Ludwig looked like he was in deeper thought than usual, while Larry and Roy looked somewhat conflicted.

"So...how bad did you all behave?" I asked everyone.

Surprisingly, Lemmy and Morton were the only ones who answered.

"Great! We played super fun games!" Lemmy said.

"Yeah! It was super fun! We played tag, and board games, and battle, and charades!" Morton added.

"Oh...so you were all good?" I asked, half hoping they actually were.

"Humph...it wasn't like I was completely good," Junior pouted. I smiled, knowing he liked to act like he wasn't a good kid.

"Well...what about everyone else?"

"I dreamed of many things..." Iggy whispered.

"Eh. I just watched TV, totes bore," Wendy said irately.

"Hm...and the rest of you?" I directed it to the ones acting weird; Larry, Roy, and Ludwig.

When they answered with an uncomfortable silence, Fawn spoke up. "They were well behaved..."

"But they left!" Junior protested.

"They went straight to their rooms," Fawn countered.

I raised a brow. "They did?"

"Well...I'm aware that I did," Ludwig answered.

Larry snickered for whatever reason and Roy made a 'feh' noise.

I looked out at them all, surprised at whatever I was hearing.

They...behaved? Damn...whatever those 'preparations' Fawn did really worked. She really is...incredible. I was almost proud of her. But seriously...how does digging a pit help you babysit?

"Huh...so nothing happened?" I asked curiously.

Larry was actually the one to speak up, snickering. "I got a cupcake."

Wendy

I trudged my way to my room, actually tired. That day was, like, totally boring. But I did have a girl's day out with Fawn planned out...and that did excite me. Maybe how I reacted to her before was like, a little uncool.

I opened my door when a net suddenly landed on top of me, entangling me.

"AH! Like, wtf!?" I screeched.

Fawn

As I was watching TV, my eyes suddenly flared in realization. Oh crap...I forgot to take down Plan C in Wendy's room.

Hah, Fawn won 1v8. She kicked their spoiled asses :3 well, next time Fawn's with Wendy again. Poor her...byee!