Chapter 13: Calm before the party.
"Whaaack-hoo! I'm Whacka! Just another picture-perfect day here in Crag! Wooo! Makes me feel like nothing bad could happen on a day like today, whack-a-do!"
- Whacka the Mole (Adorable creature of an endangered species that is near extinction, please do not attempt to hunt this precious boi. Even though the Whacka bum is super delicious and can fetch a good price.)
The scene starts with the perspective of someone, who was looking at the aftermath of the battlefield from the brutal beatdown between 5 men and an elder Grimm.
The person mused to himself, taking in the outcome as not only a surprising, interesting, but ultimately amusing development. While this result is a far cry from what he intentionally had hoped for, he would be lying if he said he disliked this turn of the plot, after all, what's a good show without its fair share of attention-luring twist? Ohh the anticipation, the suspense, that's what makes good attention gluing receipts for a show. You can only watch destruction played so many times before it gets old, a somewhat constant back-and-forth struggle between order chaos is way interesting. But the best form of art would be the despair of the good guys, once the reality of realizing that they have failed crushed onto them.
Yes, such take was very based. But for Dimentio, he doesn't care, after all, he enjoys watching the heroes squirm in torment. However, before that inevitable moment come, let the good guy rise. The higher they are, the heavier that fall is gonna shatter them.
And Dimentio can't wait to see how the next chapter of this reality show would turn out in the future. Living in the dreams, life is a show!
Looking to his side, the jellyfish-looking Grimm companion was taking in everything as he did, well, he hopes it does see things the same way as his own pair of eyes do, anti-matter biology is not his strongest suit and probably never would, but hopefully, this Seer Grimm would transfer everything that had transpires earlier to his new employer and employees.
At least being a jester gives you the rights and privileges to openly talk and mock freely without being punished. Good, time to make like a good o' jester does and soothe a possible livid monster queen over the bad news that one of her precious secret weapons is destroyed. After all, distress or not, long as he lived, Dimentio always gets the last laugh. And this time would be no different…
Happily after all shall be damned.
With that, the jester of chaos takes his leave with his companion and flips out of the scene.
- (Time Skip) -
On the first day of Beacon Academy's new semester, an epic battle between five new staff members and an Enmity was witnessed by the whole academy, this day would later be known as the legendary tale of the Enmity slayers. A team of 5 huntsmen successfully take out a dangerous elder Grimm unexpectedly while they were taking the staff initiation. And this whole story would soon spread to the whole Vale by many students, and later become a topic of many in the afternoon tea or late-night drink.
To quote one Ludwig Von Koopa: "I can work with this." Work with this indeed, as this could be used as a public image advertisement.
- At the parking apron.
Right after the Bullhead got back to Beacon, the five henchmen were immediately met with a swarm of passionate welcome on the apron, the whole school was eager to greet them after their triumphant victory as everyone basically rushed to the outside to welcome them. Sadly for the five henchmen, they didn't have the time to change their clothes, as they were met with a massive crowd cheering for them and blocking their way in their tired and battered form.
But the satisfied expression on their face stated that they didn't mind if they were attending a ceremony while disheveled. Maybe not for King Bob-omb, but he can tolerate just this once.
"Congratulations, gentlemen. Not only did you complete your initiation, but you also managed to defeat a dangerous rare Grimm, which is no small feat at all." The headmaster of the academy greets them, before apologizing for the hiccup in today's plan. "And allow me to give my deepest apology for not knowing there's a dangerous Grimm in the forest."
"Thank you, headmaster. And of course, please be careful and mindful next time. Here, the objective you instructed." Replied King Bob-omb as he handed over the suitcase to Ozpin.
"Just don't slip up again, insurance won't work until we're officially employed." Grumbled Goomboss.
"We took work conditions and the work environment very seriously. If working for you proves to be a hassle and not worth the risk, we're quitting immediately."
"Consider today's job as an act of community service, you're welcome for that by the way." Remarked King Boo, totally rubbing it with salt with his words.
"Of course." Replied Ozpin knowingly, while hiding a wince. He got out of this situation from sheer luck, otherwise, he is definitely in deep water already with his own authority as a huntsman academy headmaster questioned. He will be damned if the council doesn't use that as a chance of getting rid of him. Politics, the worst thing mankind ever invented.
Steer himself straight, the headmaster asking for everyone to make way, with the combined orders from both Goodwitch Goomboss, effectively making the students part ways for the Henchmen to return to the ceremony hall.
On their way, the cheers and congratulations from the students follow them as they walk. Truthfully speaking, it was a fresh air experience for the Boss Minions, they did have their fair share of moments of shine even their own fan base back in Mushroom World, but nothing quite as huge as an audience like this.
Was this how Mario feels all the time in their world? Well… It does feel nice being praised as heroes.
No wonder why Mario always tries to trash their operations or villainous plans.
Shortly after, everyone gathered at the auditorium, eagerly waiting for the Headmaster himself to make it official for their new members to become staff. The five stars of the show line up behind Ozpin on the stage.
Smiling to himself, Ozpin walks up to the mic, as every student automatically quiets down. Nodding as if thanking the cooperation, he began. "Welcome, students, teachers, today in the initiation ceremony of Beacon's newest staff, it is with great pride and honor that I should be the headmaster of this glory academy at this time, as having such capable and elite men in the art of combat as these fine gentlemen here…" He gestured back to the five men. "... is one of the highest honors Beacon has had in its long history of making huntsmen."
The crowd applauded, as Ozpin turned around to look at them. "Gentlemen, please step forward and kneel."
Shooting a quick glare at each other, the five Boss Minions come to the same reaction, knowing they couldn't effort to mess up in now of all the moments, as Goomboss answered while grumbling. "Just for the sake of etiquette, we kneel to no one but our lord. Today is the one and only exception. Do not get the wrong idea."
A knowing look on his face, Ozpin nods as Ludwig's words from earlier echo in his mind. They are Our people, not Yours.
With the formality out of the way, the five kneel down, with Petey having much more difficulty than the others due to his costume getting in the way, earning snickers from the crowds.
From the side, Glynda Goodwitch approaches Ozpin with a fine craft single-handled sword in sheath resting on a cushion in her hands. Thanking the deputy, Ozpin takes the sword in his hands, the familiar sensation of the hilt brings back fond memories to the headmaster. After all, this very sword was the heirloom of the King of Vale, the very same weapon the King used as he put an end to the Great War, marking the beginning of the Huntsman Academy system, and bringing forward the age of Huntsman. The lingering remnant, symbol legacy of his previous life. And now, he shall grant these men the title and honor as the new guidance mentor for future generations.
And hopefully, the savior this world needed.
It should be noted that among the sea of students, one excited girl in a red hood gushed and geeked furiously at the public appearance of the historical blade, much to her friends' embarrassment.
"Broun Kuri, Onix Bomu, Obsidia Donku, Bloo Teresa, and Petey Venus." The headmaster began as he proceeded to unsheath the blade, the sword made sharp shirk that resonated through the hall, signaling the absolute silence in the room.
Walked up to each man, Ozpin began to pat their shoulders with the flat of the blade. "By the power, authority, and the legacy of the King of Vale, his royal highness who paved the path and the foundation for the Huntsman Academies, with his sword in my hand, I, Ozpin, Headmaster of Beacon Academy, do hereby dub thee, Knights of honors for the Beacon Academy, defender of peace, mentors for the future generations of the huntsman, may your courage and devotion become a shining beacon to the people of Remnant."
"Rise, gentlemen." Soon as he finished, the Boss Minions were met with a standing ovation from the crowd, the cheer louder than the one they received at the parking apron.
This really is going to be an interesting year. Watching the scene, Ozpin drifted into his own thoughts, both interested, excited, and scared about what the future holds.
- (Time Skip) -
The hall had been emptied out soon after Ozpin dismissed the students, seeing now it was their chance to enjoy the unscheduled free day, the students quickly scattered away, leaving the newly titled employees with their new official employer and new workmates.
"Ozpin, do you mind?" Spoked Peter Port, who was approaching the group as he had a joyful smile on his mustache, with Oobleck followed behind.
After years of working with the ever-jollyful man and enthusiastic doctor, understanding what the two want, Ozpin simply nods his head in permit, not even needing to hear their request, the headmaster already knows what's going to happen next.
"Well lads, now that you're officially enrolling in our wonderful institute, I think the first order would be getting you all to your living quarters and fresh up."
The Boss Minions looked at each other, finding the suggestion very much agreeable. They really do start smelling like… dark energy? eh whatever, at least they're not covered in animal blood. (White suits like King Boo's sure are a heck of a task to stay stain-clean.)
"After that, we should've thrown a party to celebrate your success!" Port raised one arm up triumphantly, completely ignoring the exasperated look of Goodwitch from behind.
"Dude, Now that's what I'm talking about!" King Boo immediately hooked his arm around Port's shoulder in approval. Party? In the middle of the day? Heck YES!
"GLABORK!" (Party!) Cheers Petey as he hooks his arm around Port's shoulder too, finding the porty-man to be a potential new buddy buddy in this new world.
"Well, I supposed we should rest and unwind a bit, we do have earned that right, as long as we don't excessively, I supposed this wouldn't hurt." Mused King Bob-omb, as he took out a notebook to adjust his personal schedule for today.
"As long as I don't get interrupted in my zen time. Sure, whatever." Says Goomboss.
"Now onto a more important matter, Garden or Banquet?" Asked Big Bully. The four Boss rank minions thought for a moment, before Goomboss, King Bob-omb, and King Boo answered Garden unanimously, much to Petey Piranha's disappointment.
"For crying out loud. This is the first day of the semester." Goodwitch deadpanned while trying to bite down a seething annoyance, not liking the development where this entire school year is going. It should also be noted that the sympathy shoulder pat Ozpin gave did not help settle down her volcanic-eruption-like annoyance at all.
- A few minutes later, after the Boss Minions arrived in their new living quarter getting cleaned up
Playing music: Inside the Castle - Mario Party 3
Here we see a fortress, piled up by equally sized light-gray bricks into walls that were carefully crafted with the traditional craftsmanship, colorful pointy domes covered with royal purple roof tiles that enhance the atmosphere of the building, the tiles sparked as they reflect the sunlight, accompanied by flag poles standing at top of each dome.
At the front, a giant wood gate stood tall and proudly as the gateway to the building, the entrance protected by a sliding gate guarding right above the door frame, led by a rock-paved road leading up to the entrance. Complete the theme of powerful yet elegant design.
If we zoom out, we shall see the main building of the house is also surrounded by stone-built defense walls. (NA: the look is taken on the appearance of New Super Mario Bros Wii's Big castle.)
Since the Mushroom World residents willingly donated some of their… Otherworldly fortune to the Beacon Academy, the school is… perhaps to the eyes of Remnant, for no reason particular, not short on money... for like forever perhaps? Yeah?
As such, Ozpin sees no reason to deny the request to build them their personal living quarter, after all, there's enough land space on the academy campus, besides, after a few days of living in the spare room in the teacher's dorm, the Boss Minions encounter the inconvenienced problem, things like Petey Piranha making soil stain track every morning he got up from his pot, Goomboss bust down walls to chase King Boo for his pranking, Big Bully accidentally damaged the door frame because of his imposing size, or that King Bob-omb is storing his own stash of explosive material in the room.
Yeah, them living in the teacher's dorm had apparently made them the dangerous hazard to the original Beacon staff. And Glynda looks dead inside every time she's there to fix everything back to normal.
So moving them out to an isolated place is the best most rational option.
Luckily for Ozpin, the construction of the new living space goes very smoothly, perhaps a bit too well, because apparently the 5 of them possessed excellent construction repairing skills, as they end up building their own living quarters without others' help. Again, because apparently, reconstructing repairing their own lord's castle is considered a weekly affair in their own world.
Needless to say, Ozpin has a lot of difficulties in trying to wrap his head around the idea that their king is someone who demolished his own castle every week because he goes all out in military training with his son. Every soldier followed the order in tearing each other down until they either run out of manpower in condition to fight or finally reach a tiebreaker… usually with the best out of 800 wins in a single day as their normal stander?
Again, just where did the common sense and logic go in their world?
Unfortunately for Ozpin, what he doesn't know is the fact that the occurrence rate for the destruction to their lord's castle should be doubled up, just so it'll be the actual real correct data, no thanks to a certain plumber in red of course.
Regardless, the Boss Minions build their house in the image of Bowser's sub fortress over the world from Mushroom World.
Thankfully for Beacon's own castle-like aesthetic appearance, nobody questioned the design choice of the Boss Minions' house… err… castle. Although a particular fashionista does find the color theme a contrast to Bacon Academy's style.
Still, Ozpin can't be helped but sweatdrop at the presence of the black flag with the Bowser emblem waving freely together with the Beacon Academy flag at the top of the castle, it is really not helping the whole keeping it low profile deal at all. But Goomboss, King Bob-omb Big Bully absolutely refuse to budge over this aesthetic decision.
Somehow, Ozpin had a feeling this sort of action is an authority challenge from them, that they have made a territory of their own in Remnant, but he has no proof to testify, nor reason to openly question. Either way, he'll allow it, since people would automatically assume the Bowser symbol as their huntsman team emblem.
If only they realized their world is slowly being invaded… but that's a story for another time.
In the Boss Minion House, soon after they cleaned up and started making their grand party, a certain royal Koopa family came bargaining in to check on them, a public image strategy meeting as Ludwig would put it.
The phase 1 of roll-in as a professional has been dealt with, the next phase will be handling this new job as they've actually owned a teaching degree, which is something Ludwig put a lot of mind and great effort into over the past few days in planning. Heck, he even has their working schedules planned out for them.
So imagine his annoyance when he realizes that they're going to prioritize celebrating over working… Sitting in the chair, Ludwig buries his face in his hands exasperatedly, with Wendy patting his back to comfort him like when he just accidentally stained his music sheet by knocking over a cup of coffee. (It was the most traumatic tragic experience ever for Ludwig btw.)
As for the others, they see no reason to say no to a party, so they immediately went to help the Boss Minions to set up the celebration party. That was until they heard a knocking on the door.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
Playing music: Inside the Castle Wall - Super Mario 64
- Right outside the Boss Minions' castle
Perhaps it was the work of sheer coincidence, or maybe the intervention of some higher being, the newly formed Team RWBY, along with their sister team, Team JNPR, decide to use their unscheduled free day to familiarize themselves with their new home that they're going to stay for the next four years, also get to know each other better while they're on it. At least, that was how they planned.
When they wander pass a certain castle-looking house, a certain red hood decides it would be nice and polite to get to know their future teacher a little bit better, not to mention one of the new teachers just saved them yesterday, plus, since they're here, it's only in nature well manners of them to give their future teachers some well-deserved congratulations and greetings.
When the door opened, instead of one of their new professors' greeting them, they were met by the members of Team BLMI, the big guy with a star tattoo on his face.
They meet eyes, with RWBY JPR wondering why he's here, but before any of them could raise their own voices questions, someone beat it to them.
"It's you!" Nora beamed in, recognizing the big turtle Faunus that wielded a jackhammer hammer from before.
"PINKY!" Replied and lightened up from Morton, immediately recognized Nora as a familiar face. "WHAT IS PINKY DOING HERE?"
"I could ask you the same question!"
"MORTON HERE, HELPING PREPARE PARTY."
"(Gasp) DID YOU SAY PARTY?!"
"You heard that right!" King Boo's voice spoke from behind suddenly, startling both teams. "Cause we're throwing a party!" The leader of both teams then finds themselves being swayed into a hug by the elbows of the ghastly man from behind.
WBY PR looked inside and saw that both Team BLMI LLRW are somehow in the teacher's house, preparing for what appeared to be a celebrating party set up, with a banner saying: [Cheers for the new staff members!] hanging on the wall.
"Back off, back off! This is for the guest! You peanut brain glutton!"
"GLABORK GLA?" (Just a little bite?)
"Your definition of one bite is the whole tray you buffoon! Now back off and sit! Don't make me get the water gun!"
Looking further, they saw Goomboss wearing an apron with the slang [Kiss the Goomba.] was hissing dangerously while repelling Petey, who was trying to snatch a piece of cookie from the tray of baked goods in his hand. Further inside, Big Bully was gently carefully applying frosting icing on cupcakes as he too is wearing an apron (albeit too small for him for obvious reason), with the slang [All toasters toast toast.]
"Here, take this. Annnnnd… Alright! That's the last batch, bahaha!" Before either huntsman-in-training could ask what was going on, Iggy showed up out of nowhere, slid in, and shoves flyers in their leader's hands.
Both Ruby Jaune looked at the flyer as they read it out loud. "Come celebrate the newest staff member's enrollment in Beacon Academy here at the newest staff house, starting from 4 p.m. we're raving all the way to 4 a.m. in the morning."
It was at the last part of the description the other Boss Minion stopped what they were doing, all eyes on King Boo and Iggy.
Goomboss shifted his head to face King Boo angrily, at the expense of the baked goods being snatched by Petey successfully. "What the?! You bastard! I thought we all agreed on ending it right when midnight hits." He deadpanned hard, knowing that Boo had again found a way to create problems with his own brand of shenanigans.
It was then King Bob-omb's turn to look offended. "Hold your fuse, gentlemen, this is a school, we have curfew rules that need to be followed, it was supposed to end at 10:30 p.m."
Roy then piped in. "Wait, don't tell me you guys just automatically took preparation without prior discussion first." The brawner Koopa completely missed the glare of irony his siblings were sent to him. (Consider that most of the time any celebration party is either started by him, Jr, or Larry, as the three of them had the least self-control when it comes to having fun. Emphasizing the part on "without" asking or notifying anyone.)
…
…
…
After a long deafening silence, Big Bully then jabbing a thumb at King Boo, the knight finally voiced his option as he replied to Roy's question. "To be frankly, 'i hindsight, we belike really shouldn't let him, of all the people, handle the word spreading 'i the first place."
"Ho-ho! Quite a crowd we've attracted here eh?" Out of nowhere, Professor Port and Oobleck showed up, arriving at the doorstep with what appeared to be boxes and boxes of refreshments and beverages in hand.
Now everyone turns their face to look at the Beacon Professor duo.
"What? Not fond of tea? It's alright, we're not one to judge, as we have brought juice soda. But NO alcohol allowed on the school ground if I may strictly remind you all." Oobleck answered after Port's words received silence.
Massage his forehead, King Bob-omb sigh. "Oh dear, it would seem that we have made a terrible misstep, on the first day of the semester no less, Goodwitch is probably gonna have our mustache for this."
"Then it's a good thing I don't have mustaches." Gloat King Boo, who smirked hauntingly and victoriously.
"Not so fast, Mr. self-righteous, we'll just tell her to shave your eyebrows instead." Goomboss remarked venomously with absolute confidence, which made all the smirk and color drain on Boo's already pale white face. Making the never-scared ghost lose all his composition.
To the ghost monarch's ultimate demise, even with a humiliating face of dread, and disbelief, along with an apologizing pleading look of 'spare me', it did not manage to win him any mercy from Goomboss. The Goomba was out for hairs and wounded pride.
Needless to say, the slightly raised opinion Weiss had for them was dropped all the way back to the bottomless pit after witnessing this conversation.
- (One quick explanation to RWBY JNPR later) -
Seeing that the new teachers are going to hold a celebrating party, like the ever dutiful individual Ruby is, the young girl decides to help the Boss Minions to prepare their party, as a way to repay the help she received from both Mr. Bloo in the dust robbery execute by Roman, and Mr. Petey's rescuing in their initiation.
Her volunteer eventually evolved into a ballot of team activity, which in the term, included their sister team's opinion to determine the final verdict, a poll result of 7 [Yes] against 1 [No]. Needless to say, that 1 against vote is from the future CEO of Schnee Dust Company of course, to nobody's surprise.
- At the drinking table.
"Excuse me Professor Bomu? Do we really need these much for the fruit punch?" Pyrrha asks King Bob-omb as she finishes mixing up the 3rd bowl of alcohol-less fruit punch. Being a somewhat well-known social celebrity, Pyrrha had her fair share of experience at celebrating parties, but the amount of refreshment they're making seems rather excessive.
"Of course, believe our judgment, we'll need 3 bowls, because dear Petey here would without a doubt, drink up the first bowl, and perhaps the second bowl if he's feeling thirsty." Said the old man as he took a spoon of the beverage to do a taste check. "(Slurp) Hmm, exactly how I want it, good work by the way."
"Such… drinking habit doesn't seem remotely healthy at all for a body." Pyrrha hesitatingly raised a finger with mild concern, that is not how hydration works.
Her concern was, however, immediately brushed off by King Boo, who was setting up music equipment. "Nan, he's a mutant, so his diet is abnormal, he'll be fine." He shot a quick glance toward Petey, who was helping set up tables outside of the castle. "As long as nobody punches his belly after he consumes a large amount of liquid… he should, by all means, be fine… I guess."
The red-hair champion girl could only sweatdrop at the not so assuring words.
- In the kitchen.
"This is sooooo good! What are these made of?" Asked a very ecstatic Ruby, who was on cloud nine after taking a bite of the dessert cakes.
Beside her, Goomboss stares at the girl with an examining look, recalling her identity as the special enrolling student by Ozpin's own recommendation.
So she is one of the many special cases, two years younger than the standard requirement, so she must be somewhat of a talented soul then. Thought the Goomba man, seeing some high expectations being placed, and potential from the little girl.
Her reaction to the sweets brings an amused smile from Goomboss. "First time having a chestnut cake?"
The red hood gives a nod in response. "I usually either have strawberry or chocolate cake, so this is a first for me."
The old Goomba man mused as he replied. "Well, if you can perform great with your academy grade and keep it, then, maybe, I'll reward you with the recipe, provided you manage to get good grades first."
"Really?" Ruby's eyes lit up with sparkles.
"Yeah, if you achieved something good, I see no reason why it shouldn't be rewarded. So, sure, why not? Are you up to the task or what?"
Hearing the offer, Ruby had a look of determination burning intensely in her eyes. Good, at least that's one less student he needs to worry about. Motivation, you just need to find the right one and use it wisely to move the minions, or in this case, a child.
On the side, Jaune was helping Big Bully make the pastries for the party, currently stirring dough for the muffins, thanks to his experience back at home, Jaune was like a fish in water, a drastic contrast to how he performed yesterday in the initiation.
Additionally, Ren was helping make cookies while keeping a look out for the presence of an energetic redhead.
Gathering his courage, Jaune asked. "Umm… sir, I didn't take you two to be the kind to… you know, cook."
The towering bull man tilted his head as he mused at the blonde's question, while his hands continued their work to knead the dough. "Doest our outward extern behold p'rhaps too barbarian to thee?"
Thinking that he may have offended his teachers, Jaune lowered his head. "S-sorry, sir, that was a dumb question."
But the bull-man carries on with his word, ignoring Jaune. "In the field, one wilt possesseth the ability to filleth their owneth belly in order to operate, those yond cannot survive art doomed to beest eliminated by nature. As such, thee can beest sure we'll beest testing thee all in the art of surviving out in the field."
Goomboss however, huffs from seeing Jaune's reaction, finding the young man's totally lacking of confidence to be disappointing. "You would be surprised what we can do. Cooking is just one of the many skills that we benefit greatly from." He continued. "Taking care of the basic needs is just as important as fighting, you better not forget that."
Nodding his head, Jaune sighs in relief in his mind, at least there's something he can contribute to his team in the long run.
Looking down at the dough in his hand, Jaune hardened his grip on the stir stick, he still has to get stronger, otherwise…
Unbeknownst to him, the troubling expression he had was all seen by Goomboss. Sighing, the Goomba had a good feeling this child is going to be a problematic recruit very soon.
- In the living room.
Sitting on the couch, the member of Team RWBY, Weiss, and the leader of Team LLRW, Ludwig, the two sit in silence as they both work on pumping up balloons for the decoration in soundless rhythmic tranquility, much to Ludwig's preference delight, as he makes use of the silence to compose a few new works in his brilliant mind.
Although… the note played by the Schnee heiress is a bit too rigid if he were to give his honest opinion, as there's too much redundant force behind the note produced by the air pump.
Sneaking a glance, the oldest Koopaling noticed Snow White is grumbling to herself about being dragged into many irrational situations since stepping foot in Beacon.
Hands not stopping the task, the Koopaling mused to himself, pondering his opinion on the situation at hand. Should he try to interfere with whatever is bothering the little heiress? If all goes well, he might be able to build a good impression on the heiress, which he could definitely exploit once they start an energy business in Remnant, but if not, it's going to be tricky to establish trust when the supposed future CEO of the said company that controls basically the whole energy business market is being wary or holding bias grudge against them.
Plus, he had also learned that it's considered common knowledge that, the Schnee Dust Company does not even try to be subtle when it comes to racism. Plus the fact that considers himself now taking on the identity of Faunus, one wrong move, and this girl is going to hold a grudge till the end of time. Her stereotypical energy tells him everything he should know from the brief encounter and observation.
Perhaps another day, she's clearly in a foul mood, and if I know any better, she's like Wendy in the early days, a ticking Bowser Bomb that could go off if you pulled the wrong lever during Mario Partys. (How is such a heart-health-damaging mini-game allowed at a party, Ludwig will never know.) Suppressing a shiver at the PTSD-triggering memory, Ludwig made a mental note to hold a conversation with the Schnee heiress at the later date.
On the opposite side, Blake Yang together, with the members from Team BLMI, Morton, and Members from LLRW, Larry, was helping place the plate and silverware.
"Sooo… you guys took the special enrolling program huh?" Hesitantly, Blake began the conversation, despite being somewhat anti-social, her curiosity took the better of her. Two Teams worth of people enrolling via recommendation, at the same time with a group of veteran Huntsman working as new teachers in Beacon? You bet your Mature Literature stash that something fishy is going on here.
"Well, yeah? It's not like we have much choice on the matter." Turning to face the cat Faunus in secret, the turtle Faunus teen with blue cockscomb mohawk answered. "Given that we didn't exactly receive proper education in our life, we make do with what we can get, and this offer is just too good to pass down." That much was a lie, a well-crafted one, since they're going to blend in, Ludwig, along with King Bob-omb decide that if they're going to do this, then it MUST be a thoughtful job done perfectly.
And so, their family back story goes like this: They grow up in the content of Sanus, living on the outskirt of Vacuo with their father, and has been living as wandering nomadic herdsmen for most of their life, trying their best to survive, until some time later the Henchmen meet them. Long story short, the Boss Minion saw potential in them and decided to take them in and train them up as real Huntsman, and so, of all four Kingdom, Beacon could provide the best conditions & environment for them to learn, with the Henchmen taking the job here as the exchange agreement. Something like that.
To quote as Ludwig & King Bob-omb would put it: A perfect story. With this, they could safely use their real life-story to fill in the blank (As long as they don't slip up they're from another world and ever mention magic), since they don't exactly have an actual birth record that could be traced, given Vacuo's rough nature and somewhat loosen government system and poor executive rate when it comes to administrative. If ya survived in this land, then it means you're a Vacuan. That kingdom principle was perfect enough to leave a lot of free space they could work with.
Best to stick with what you're familiar with, pretending you're someone else could only work far until you slip up and contradict the story you're trying to imitate.
And regardless, since they're already enrolled because they're not native to this world, their textbook and paperwork are going to be handled at an easier level than their normal peers. Whether they take the route of enrolling as special students. (A plus in Larry's book, homework suck.)
Seemingly accepting the answer, Blake nodded. "I see."
"Name is Larry Koopa by the way. The big loud mouth oaf here is Morton." The youngest Koopaling introduced while jerking a thumb at his brother.
"HELLO! I AM MORTON KOOPA JR!" The ever booming and energetic reply from Morton made Blake wince from her sensitive hearing, loudmouth, looks like she'll be keeping a safe distance whenever Morton is in the presence, that or buying earmuffs.
Not wanting to be seen as rude, quickly recovering from the ear ringing, Blake introduces herself. "I'm Blake Belladonna."
Her own interest peaked, Yang joins the conversation, curious about the deal behind their extra batch of classmates. "The name is Yang Xiao Long, call me Yang. The red hood pipsqueak is my little sis, Ruby Rose. And then there's the ice queen over there."
"Excuse me? I'll have you know I have a name! And it's Weiss Schnee!" From the opposite end of the room, said queen snapped at Yang with an intense glare as she heard the nickname.
"You see what I mean?" The blonde bombshell whispered to the Koopa duo with a smirk.
"Gee, that's rough." Said Larry as he watch the team dynamic with a sweat drop.
"Anyway, so I'm the youngest, Morton is the sixth, Wendy is the fifth, Iggy is the fourth, Roy is the third, Lemmy is the second, and Ludwig is the eldest." The youngest sibling introduces his family as he points at the corresponding individual.
"What about your leader? The one with the giant paintbrush?" Asked Yang.
"Oh, Lord Junior? He's not related to us." Larry pointed at Junior, who was helping write a party banner with his brush. "You see, his dad adopted us."
Both Blake & Yang were bewildered in place for a second, until their brain fully processed what Larry had just said. "Lord?" "Adopted?"
"Yeah, since as far as we start remembering things, none of us can remember our parents, so the gist is that we were abandoned on his dad's doorstep, and Lord Bowser kindly adopted us." The Koopaling shrugged, there's not much he can add here, being the youngest at the time, his own memories of said event are either in literally fragments of pieces, or just drawing a blank. Only Ludwig remembered most of what happened on that day, but even then the eldest brother could only recall shattered fragments.
Whoever their real parents are, they had done an excellent job erasing any trace or trail that could be tracked.
As a King, protecting all his people & subjects is Bowser's duty. Since his Kingdom's own motto is "leave no Koopa behind", whether Lord Bowser sheltered them out of pity, duty, or commiseration really didn't matter to Larry, he was alive, his sibling was alive, and they were happy. In any case, Larry really didn't care who his real parents are, the whole Bowser Kingdom is basically his own family, and he's fine with that.
Both cat Faunus in secret & blond brawner share a look of surprise, not really expecting their classmate to come from such a background, don't get them wrong, they sort of figure that the shared family name indicates them to be the same family, but they weren't expecting 7 out of 8 to be orphans.
Although, in Yang's reaction, there's a resentful look in her color-flickering eyes as she processes the information.
Gathering her composure, Blake gives her honest opinion. "He… must be a great person to take you all in." Raising a family is no easy job, as a Faunus, Blake has seen the harsh life for her own kind when a family returned to Menagerie to seek a stable shelter, the last safe haven for Faunus, as living in the four kingdoms have their own risk and danger, often times Faunus children were sent back to Menagerie because their parents can no longer raise them safely, or… being there to raise them.
Apprehensive with the tale, one figure resurfaces in Blake's mind, a certain girl with curly long hair, who suffered the fate of losing her parents.
Recalling the memory of Lord Bowser, Larry chucked. "That's because he is… tho he can be too much of a goofball sometimes." Unbeknownst to the Koopaling, both girls can relate to that statement from a personal experience, as they both thought of their own father with a fond smile. Although in Blake's case, that pleasant memory didn't last long as she immediately remembered her last interaction with her parents.
Something she will have to fix one day…
Throwing those thoughts behind, Blake continues her previous question. "So what's with the Lord title with your leader and your father?"
Hearing the question, Larry gave a weak laugh, knowing that he sort of slipped up there. "Oh that, well… you see, Ummm… Junior's dad, Lord Bowser, he is… an interesting individual, he has a big dream, a dream of building his own kingdom…"
…
"A what?" The two residents of Remnant were dumbfounded simultaneously, the only proper reaction to the statement.
"Yeah… that's about the reaction I'm expecting." Sweatdropping, Larry went on explaining. "It's still a work in progress, Lord Bowser is still trying to seek out & gather strong and capable individuals to achieve that dream. You see, the five new professors? They were our father's subordinates, employees, or followers if you will."
Hearing this, an answer clicked in Blake's mind. "So the huntsman that recommended you guys in Beacon are…" Her sentence was cut off when a chill crawled up to her spine.
"You got that right, it's us!" Said King Boo as he jumpscare in from nowhere, startling both girls. How did he keeps doing this?
"Gee, would it kill you to not scare someone for like five minutes? Actually, wait, that's a dumb question, cause you never." Deadpanned by Larry. In which King Boo had the gall to shrug innocently with a cheeky smile hanging on his face.
"So… sounds like you guys have a history." Ignoring Blake, who looked like she just lost yet another life, Yang inquired about the ghostly man, curious about the relationship between him and this Faunus family.
"That we do, mostly with their father." Answered the ghost man with a fond smile.
Seemingly content with the questions and answers they received, Blake & Yang went back to their task. There's no need to rush things by preying on their privacy, after all, they have plenty of time in the future to get to know their new classmates better.
- (Time Skip) -
With the help of 8 pairs of extra hands, the preparation was soon complete in a blink of an eye.
The students soon found themselves relaxing in the living room, talking with each team while waiting for the party to start. Their conversation mostly revolves around knowing each other's name and talent, or weapon in Ruby's case.
As such, the Koopa family learned a few things about their new friends? errr... Pawns that day.
Ruby is a weapon dork; Weiss is just as cold as her name and attire suggest; Blake is a bookworm; Yang loves and thrives on telling terrible puns whenever there's an opportunity presence; Jaune is spineless; Nora is a female and human version of Iggy (Oh stars there's two of them now); Pyrrha loves saying sorry before starting any sentence; Ren spoke very few unless he wants or is involved in the conversation.
"So what was the test you guys took? I don't recall seeing you guys anywhere during the initiation in the forest. How strong were the professors?" Nora asks as she munches down her own plate of pancakes, after several heists with Petey Piranha trying to snatch the baked goods that were supposed to be guest served. A stressed & tiring Goomboss ordered Ren to make something to subdue them.
Needless to say, Ren had never seen someone with an appetite bigger than Nora's love for pancakes.
"Well, for starters, we were dropped in the opposite end area of the forest where you guys take the test." The youngest Koopaling replied, before stopping and turning to look at his eldest brother for confirmation, before continuing. "Then we were to face three professors with the challenge of retrieving specific objects from their possession. And then return to the school ground."
"Huh, that's not that much different from what we do, except the part against the teachers." The blondie bombshell mused as she stroked her chin. "So how did you guys do it? Since you guys are here, you obviously passed." Professional Huntsmen are no joke, her father & uncle being primal examples, so if their peers succeed in the test against 3 professionals, then it must mean something about their skills.
"Well, it was definitely not easy for sure." Answered Wendy. "Even when we tried to gang on them all at once, Goodwitch is really good at keeping track of opponent, and has excellent accuracy in controlling her Telekinesis to attack or defense."
Ludwig takes over the lead, wishes to keep their own personal information at a minimum. "It took the combined effort of us and some risky plan to win the battle." Nodd Larry and Lemmy to back up his statement.
"Oh Cool! So what did you guys do? Some sort of super team attack?" Then there's the pursuit from Nora, the thing Ludwig was fearing for. Curiosity.
"Well…"
"Describing won't do it justice! Let me show you!" And then Prince Junior came crush-in to stealing all the attention and spotlight. Bowser style no less.
"Watch this!" By scribbling on the carpet in front of the group, making quite a mess.
Save for the teens that weren't aware of Junior's ability, even though it's hard for Ludwig to admit, the reaction from them was priceless, he'll give it that, watching a guy just apparently scribbled on their teacher's carpet with an overwhelming amount of paint, definitely not something you would expect over a normal conversation. (If the definition of normal here is the same as theirs that is.)
Before either the members of team RWBY & JNPR could register, the puddle of goop rises up like a flooding geyser, slowly taking a solid form.
In the blink of an eye, the brown goop took the shape of a familiar figure, a guy who wears a plant monster mascot suit.
"Mr. Venus?" Both teams claimed curiously, but soon realized the false nature of their statement.
Upon casting another close inspection, especially since they're face to face right now, the absence of the human face in the oral cavity in the mascot's head is really difficult to not notice, or rather, the lack of a person inside the suit.
"RARW!" The man-less suit then started automation on its own like a possessed object, and roared in their face, startling both teams. With Ruby & Weiss subconsciously clenching onto others for comfort comically; Blake holding her head in pain as her sensitive hearing got assaulted yet again; Jaune jumps into Pyrrha's lap in search of protection, much to the redhead's embarrassment and delight.
Eyes open wide, the more sensible minds such as Blake & Ren question the display they are witnessing. "Is… is this your Semblance?"
Playing along with the lies they now live with, Junior holds his head high as he pats his chest proudly. "Exactly, I can create life with paint! I called it Life Graffiti!" Too bad he couldn't brag about every aspect & trait of his own impressive (Totally not stolen tech from a certain quirky weird doctor) ability, but he supposed this will suffice. There's no ability quite like this back at home, and Bowser Junior intended to make that statement stay true in Remnant.
Piping in to prevent their hyperactivate prince from causing more information leaks, Ludwig butt his way in to damage control. "Sigh… it is as you can see, our brother's Semblance allowed him to create temporary life from the graffiti he painted." In his premeditated mind, the Koopaling recalls every detail he worked on to create the cover story. "Since our brother is a very creative and imaginary… kid." Ignoring the "Hey!" from the said kid, Ludwig continues. "As such, he can bring creatures from his imagination, or something from his own memory into life, long as he can keep the identity and image clean… for a period of time, the time length depending on the size and scale of the painting."
Hearing that, Yang brought a thumb to her chin, seemingly interested in the power. "Huh, that's a very unique power he got right there." Life imitates? You sure as heck don't see or hear that every day.
"Oooooo~ Do you mean anything? Does it include real animals? Or foods? Can you make Sloth? Or Pancake?" Her eye glinting with a spark almost as intense as electricity, Nora zoomed into Junior's face, very much demanding the possibility she mentioned to be true.
Much to Nora's disappointment, Junior's first reply is… "The heck is a Sloth?"
And much to the resigned fate he finds himself in, Ren sighed tiredly as they watched Nora start mimicking a Sloth's behavior, while making her self-assuming noise of a Sloth in order to show her enlightenment knowledge to the Koopa Prince.
Ren doesn't even need to look up to know what looks his newly made fellow students are having.
Shooting strange looks, Wendy whispered, with a strangely newfound awkwardness & query. "Was she always like that?"
"Only when it comes to Sloth & Pancakes relate stuff." Ren sighed.
Much to Ren's relief, the rest of team BLMI & LLRW's semblance doesn't get a reaction as strong as Junior's from Nora. It should also be noted. Yes, Junior can produce a plate of pancakes from his graffiti, but the taste is not as good as the real deal, and the thing is not as satiate as Nora had hoped.
Although Iggy theorized that it is because the stuff is created from… well… metamorphose watery substance. So by logic, you're only consuming liquid.
Much to the self-proclaimed musical maestro's favor, thanks to Nora's unorthodox behavior like Iggy, this pinky ginger-head had helped divert the topic and attention away from Junior's magic paint.
Good. Ludwig believes it is in their best interest to keep this music sheet about their life as simple as possible. You never know if someone might spot that unusual note that doesn't work well with the melody. That being said… What was left unsaid or answered about Junior's power is the capability to create items that could be used as the real physical material, especially magical items, items like the Power-Ups…
- (Flashback) -
"You do realize that Goodwitch is gonna house arrest you once she finds these graffitis, Lord Junior?" Asked Ludwig, seeing that their young lord is once again, up to his mischief mood & antic, if the stylish graffitis laying around isn't enough evidence already.
"She can't arrest me if she can't prove I'm the one that paints these." Remarked confidently from Junior, hands not stopping the work.
'That certainly explained the lack of camera, remote location, and absent of popularity in this section of the school grounds.' Ludwig thought as he watch Bowser Junior work on his latest mark of visiting. A Super Mushroom graffiti.
"Seems reasonable, but the issue is that you have missed several important details, my Lord."
"What?"
"One, Thanks to Dr. Oobleck's persisting attempts, all teachers in this school have learned what common stuff in our world looks like. Two, you always leave an 'M' signature mark. Third, the fact that you're the only person in this whole premise who had a giant paintbrush. And fourth, you have a record of scribbling everywhere, which I'm fairly certain Ozpin or Goodwitch is already aware of by now."
"Urg." The Koopa Prince's shoulders stiffen up, which tells Ludwig all he needs to know, the kid definitely did not think thoroughly or properly. Like father like son.
'Ever the handful.' Ludwig thought as he shook his head. But alas, you reap what you sow, and Lord Junior still has yet to learn the lesson and importance of thinking properly before acting, which includes doing criminal activities. As the loyal servant he is, in order to let the prince learn the lesson, Ludwig will leave Junior alone to face the consequences.
"Ummm…"
'Learn from it, my lord, once you do, I have no doubt you'll be able to pull a perfect crime in no time soon.'
"Ludwig?"
Ahh, he could almost picture it perfectly, time and time again, with the Toad town running amok thanks to the consistent prank heist by Lord Junior & the Koopalings, a series of crimes with no trace or evidence behind it. Meaning that no one would be able to track or suspect them.
"Hey! Ludwig!"
Then, with the constant incident happening in Toad Town, everyone will surely be on alert and fearful, which would no doubt lead to the need for Mario to investigate, protect & "save" the day, which would no doubt be time-consuming.
"Ludwig! I'm talking!"
Then, using the moment that Mario is not looking, we can kidnap Princess Peach, and once the princess is captured, they can-
"Snap out of it!"
(*Smack*)
And Ludwig was abruptly yanked out from his future fascinating, by having his handsome face slapped by Junior's small palm.
"..."
"Oh good, you're finally back."
…
…
For some reason, a tumbleweed came out from nowhere and rolled past them.
"I… apologized, Lord Junior, it seems that I got carried away in my thoughts."
"Uh-huh?" The young lord raised a doubtful glare but did not press further. "Anyway, I think we have a problem."
"What might it be my lord?"
"This." Answered the Prince as he hold up a Super Mushroom. "I honestly didn't think this would work or happen."
… to be… continued.
AN: Ohhhh, what's this, foreshadowing? What could a paint Super Mushroom possibly means?
