A/N: Hey. So, here's the shortest chapter in a while. Whoops ^^'

Bowser: Is that why I'm here?

Me: Well, might as well. I've only got 1k+ words so far, so I might as well screw around on an A/N. So, thoughts on the story Bowser?

Bowser: Yeah, you're making me look like a confused jackass.

Me: Um...Fawn?

Fawn: Oh um...the plot is confusing me...

Me: Plot? How!? There is no plot yet!

Fawn: Exactly...that confuses me. Aren't stories supposed to...?

Me: Hey, why don't you two just go make out!? Or do you need ANOTHER 90k+ for that?

Fawn & Bowser: ...

Me: Thought so.

Well, me being dumb aside, thanks Angela and WhiteasSnowyhills! Oh, by the way. I realized maybe me thanking people for reviewing may make some people feel awkward..so if you don't want me to, just say so in a review. Or in a PM (I don't know how to do that lol) well enjoy!

Chapter 23: An intellectual game of class

Fawn

I had just eaten a breakfast delivered to me by Jimmy, who left once I finished. So I, too, left my room, wandering aimlessly for something to do. I was actually planning to look for a Koopaling or Bowser, when a voice called to me.

"Salutations, Fawn."

I turned my head to see Ludwig standing behind me in the hall.

"Oh...um, hello," I greeted shyly. I was scared if he was angry from when I locked him in his room.

"If you could entertain my curiosity, what activities do you plan to partake in this fine day?"

Activities...partake... I pieced together his sentence. "I um...don't have anything to do..."

He stroked his chin. " Well then…if you have no scheduled activities for today, perhaps you'd be interested in...better acquainting ourselves."

I blinked, once again slowly processing his words. "Um...are you asking me to hang out with you?"

He sighed. "In Laman's terms, yes."

I didn't know who that was, but I knew that he asked me to hang out with him, which made me happy. Maybe he won't hate me if I impress him! "Um...s-sure! I'd really like that...if you'd like."

"Yes. Where shall we hold this meeting?" he asked courteously.

"Um...how about your room?" I asked.

He frowned. "Are you sure? That is a peculiar choice for our first time formally greeting."

I backtracked. "S-sorry...the other Koopalings have been bringing me to their rooms, so I just assumed..."

He considered this. "Hm...very well. I suppose our social classes and occupation forbade this from being truly…obscene."

"Um...yeah..."

He held out his arm in a sort of triangle, or a loop. "Shall we?"

I realized what he wanted me to do. Finding it a little odd, I nevertheless looped my arm through his, wondering if it was some sort of custom. "Uh...we shall."

We walked off to his room, arm and arm.

"Chess?" I spoke aloud. We were sitting on his bed, a set chessboard between us.

"Indeed," he affirmed. "Are you familiar with the rules?"

"Um...yeah," I said, faintly recollecting the rules. You capture the king...

"Exemplary. Shall we begin?"

I nodded, and he made the first move. I observed the piece he moved, and I observed mine. The individual abilities of each piece were coming back to me. After analyzing each possible move, I moved a pawn.

After playing for a while, I formulated a good plan. I think Ludwig realized this, as his eyes flashed for just a second. The game became even, with me containing a seemingly natural skill, while Ludwig had intelligence and experience. It stayed even until eventually my concentration broke. Ludwig won in the end.

"Checkmate," Ludwig said, trapping my king.

I blinked at the board. "Oh...well, good game..."

Despite winning, he frowned. "I couldn't help but perceive that you're aptitude deteriorated as the game progressed."

I blinked, forcing myself to focus. "Um...I'm sorry...?"

He shook his head. "You're a peculiar girl, to be sure. Your attention is ephemeral." He sighed before actually smiling good naturedly. "But it is keen when lasting. It's rare that I've been equaled in a game of intellect."

I smiled at him. "Thanks..."

He hummed in thought. "Indeed, it appears I've judged you in a rather cursory manner. You are not insipid, as you may have come off. Forgive me for my lack of manners. It's an honor to have become better acquainted with you."

I took that as a cue. "Does that mean...we're friends?"

He blinked. "I wouldn't classify us in to such a rudimentary relationship...but if it pleases you, we could be considered such."

I grinned. "Thank you." I was, however, starting to become better familiarized with the world. I think he too was a more tentative friend.

He smiled politely. "So shall we consider this meeting adjourned? I must practice my music."

I considered leaving, but when I saw his piano beside him, a request came to mind. "Um...may I ask you for a favor?"

He quirked a brow. "What is it?"

"Would you...play for me?"

He looked slightly surprised by my offer, before regaining his cool. "I...could oblige."

I grinned. "Thank you."

He nodded before taking his seat at the piano. His claws brushed on the keys and began to play a soft, melodious music.

I sighed contently, greatly enjoying the music. I never got to hear much music back home, so just hearing a new piece was beautiful to me. I closed my eyes as I soaked in his amazing playing.

Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum.

Benedicta tu in mulieribus,

et benedictus fructus ventris tui, Iesus.

"You're acquainted with this piece?"

I snapped my eyes open to see Ludwig's inquisitive stare. I blushed when I realized I had sung.

"Oh uh...yeah," I awkwardly answered. "It's come on the radio back in my village, so it's one of the few songs I know...Ave Maria, right?"

He nodded. "Affirmative. I was just playing my favorite piano arrangement of the song because you seemed to have no qualms otherwise. It's a rather popular song, so I suppose it is not entirely unexpected for you to be familiar with the piece"

"Yeah..."

He looked at me thoughtfully. "You have a surprising amount of depth to your voice...a certain passion. Granted, the tone could improve, and there's a lack of any technique...but you surprisingly have that."

I took that all as a compliment, smiling. "Thanks...I don't know, sometimes if just feels good to sing."

He smiled back. I noticed that his face lit up with the most passion and love I'd ever seen him with. "Indeed it does. I wouldn't be able to tolerate and progress through daily life in the case of music's absence."

"Right..."

We sat in silence until he cleared his throat. "Well...it appears I must depart for supper."

I blinked dumbly, realizing the time. "Oh, of course. I'll um...be going."

"Thank you for taking the time to better know each other," Ludwig said courteously. "You are an...interesting individual, with a strong intellect. You have gained my...respect, to a shallow degree at least."

"Um...thanks! I'll see you later!"

"Yes, tomorrow, if I recall." He nodded.

I rose a brow. "Tomorrow?"

'Yes, if I recall, you are to be supervising my siblings and I once more."

My eyes widened. "Oh no!" Saying no more, I quickly bolted out of the room.

I quickly began to formulate a plan, rapidly gathering random materials to make traps. I was rather panicked, actually.

Oh damn, no one informed me! I don't have enough time to make a game plan! Crap, they'll destroy the castle if I don't think fast! Um...Larry and Roy are the only real problems. Maybe if I can pay one of Larry's tipsters...Fawn...and if I can lead Roy...Fawn...and maybe-

"Fawn!"

I quickly turned my head to see Bowser, yelling my name to get my attention. I sighed once I confirmed who it was.

"Bowser...you didn't warn me that if be babysitting tomorrow!" I huffed.

He raised a brow. "What's the mater with that? And what are you doing?"

"Making preparations! I told you, you can't keep these kids under control unless you're prepared!" I said exasperatedly, still searching for a good rope.

He crossed his arms. "How prepared do you need to be? And shouldn't you be prepared anyways? It's your job. And you won't have to do it long anyway; the day after tomorrow everyone's going back to school."

I blushed a little. "Um...I guess I didn't think about it, so I didn't make preparations beforehand. I was having to much fun..."

He laughed out loud. "Of course, sometimes I forget this castle is the pinnacle of fun."

"Don't see how you would..." I muttered.

"Geez, you forget a lot don't you?" he teased, not hearing me.

"Yeah...I do..." My eyes widened in realization. "How long have I been here?"

He raised a brow. "Two days and two nights. Why?"

"I think I may need to go home soon..."

He looked dejected for just a second, but he quickly got that nonchalance back. "Why? It's not like you've been here long."

"I know...but I promised my dad I'd be home soon, and I forgot about him last time, so I think I should go soon...besides, your kids are leaving soon, right?"

"Yeah." He shrugged. "Okay...I mean, if you want, whatever."

I nodded solemnly, feeling just as sad that I had to leave. "Thank you...I better get back to work..."

I was just leaving when he called after me. "Wait."

I turned back around. "What is it?"

He looked like he was thinking. "You know...we're both new to this, so I guess I understand why you're not ready...just don't do it again. But since you're not ready, and I have a free day tomorrow..." He cleared his throat. "Why don't we all just go out and do something?"

I blinked, confused by his preposition. "By something you mean...?"

He shrugged. "I don't know, I'll come up with something! But you, my kids, and I could all go out somewhere. If you don't want to, that's-"

"No!" I said quickly, shaking my head. The idea, now that I understood it, made me very excited. "That sounds great! Tell me when you come up with what you what to do!" I laughed and smiled largely. "Oh this'll be so much fun! You, me, and the Koopalings! I can't wait!"

He chuckled. "It is a good idea, isn't it? I mean, I came up with it."

"That's right!" I said, laughing. "Well, off to dinner with you! You've got to tell your kids!"

He chuckled. "Right, right. See you tomorrow."

"Bye!"

After Bowser left, I took off happily to my own room, eager for the day.

Sorry it was so short ^^' I just didn't feel the need to overindulge in Ludwig's chapter. But tomorrow, they'll all spend the day together. Hooray! Enjoy the next one, lol. Read, review, fav, whatever, byee