Interlude 3: A kingdomless King and his kingless subjects.


"The name is Bowser, and you will bow to me, now Kneel!"

Bowser - (Awesome) King of the Koopa


Time period: no sooner after Bowser conjured a black hole in Mountain Glenn.

Playing Music: The Evil King Bowser (Super Mario World) - Fortune Street (intro skip)

"!" Her eyes widened, one Raven Branwen who was clutching her aching stomach rolled to the side to avoid a burning metal spike ball that was the size of an Ursa Major hurling toward her way. Soon as she moved away from her spot, narrowly avoiding being grazed by the sharp tip, the spike ball smashed in causing the ground to collapse. Almost succeeded in sandwiching the woman in between a rock and a hard place in the literal sense.

As she regains her footing, the bandit leader bites down a curse as she was forced to be on the move again as yet another burning ball of spiky flame bowled toward her, this time smashed into a nearby ruin of a building, setting it ablaze and collapsing. But the danger wasn't done yet, as Raven gets fast on her footwork to dodge an intense stream of fire blast that tries to catch her from behind, the scorching flame melted down everything in its path, leaving nasty burn marks and molten rocks behind its relentless rampage. Switching to the ice Dust chamber for Omen, the bandit chieftain slices horizontally to unleash a wave of ice tsunami to cover her escape. Which seems to do the trick in stopping the laser-beam-like flame from reaching her.

This effect didn't last long however, as the color of the blue iceberg quickly morphs into a glowing orange liquid as it proceeded to be deconstructed and melted down by the flames, creating a path and an open for her enemy.

Retreating herself to a safe distance, Raven recompose herself, she might have underestimated her opponent, seeing as he immediately improvised his attack as soon as she sliced through the cluster of projectiles made of brown bricks and green spikes. The burning metal spike ball was… for some reason, surprisingly sturdier than Omen, which she was honestly not expecting. She sneered, a critical mistake on her part. Fortunately, the damage the blazing spike ball did to her was kept to a very minimum as that was the first damage she ever took since this battle started, her Aura was in high condition as it nullified most of the harm. Still, that doesn't mean she's gonna stand there like a goose and take another damage.

Around her, burning remnants and wreckage lay everywhere, all results from the man's power in its overly exaggerated striding glory, the Faunus was surprisingly deadly as an elite elder Grimm, possessed inhuman strength, and unorthodox methods of attacking you wouldn't expect from Huntsmen, or any man so to speak.

The man was, for the lack of proper adjectives, a walking disaster.

Hardening her gaze on the opponent, Raven gave a silent compliment, a feat she rarely does, so rare she can actually count with just one hand on how many occasions she did through her life. The man, despite showing to be a brute who favors bashful, powerful, and overly-glorified hand-to-hand boxing style, was seasoned enough to be able to catch up with her agile swordsmanship and fight style, not only was he flexible and fast enough to move that giant frame of his to parry her strike in time, but he was smart enough to use that steel wrist band of his to block her strike, sloppy as it is, he IS somewhat fast on his foot and frames. The brute even manages to grab Omen by the blade in an attempt to disarm her, which indicates he had experience facing fighting styles similar to hers.

However, the man was not as good as she may have described, his slightly ruined outfit covered in cuts being the physical proof of her counterargument, Raven was able to deliver a lot of strikes to his frame, mostly located on his shoulders or low waist. What's perhaps the most abnormal part is that giant blurry shell behind his back, the thing was in a sense, both a handicapper and a somewhat surprising defense guard wear that for whatever strange reason… worked, as it holds a surprisingly sturdy hardness, thus denying all her attempts at backstabbing strikes.

Strangely, Raven does not identify any Aura activity from her opponent, whenever she successfully lands a strike, the man's aura does not flash across his body, yet his body suffers no open wounds on the places where Omen lands, only the clothes were harmed. Strange indeed, but not enough to warrant further focus from her at the moment.

Despite all the trading of blows in prying other's strength the two did, the man was, in every sense, still in perfect condition, considering that he just finished fending off a horde of Grimm all by himself earlier. Yet shows no sign of exhaust fatigue even after the obvious act of performing magic power on a grander scale that rivals Maiden Power.

Appeared out of nowhere.

Experienced enough to keep up with her.

Not using Dust in battle.

Fire breathing that is as lethal as a laser beam turret gun made by Atlas.

Possessed magic that was strong enough to affect the weather like the Maiden.

Not having any sign of Aura activity.

Raven furrows her brows, just who exactly is this mix-breed Faunus man? Claiming himself to be a king from a kingdom she had never heard of; asking for the direction of a fungus-based kingdom she had never heard of either; ordering her to lead him away from Mountain Gleen because he said so.

But most suspiciously… showing no recognition or acknowledgment of any Kingdom's name, nor anything that is considered common sense, or, in her opinion, Ozpin's name, either he's good at playing dumb or really has no clue who the hell Ozpin is. Of course, Raven will not believe that unless she gets physical evidence.

Everything just spells suspicious about this mysterious individual.

Too bad her plans to invite this man to her tribe were immediately denied, and she was the one who tries to be nice and civil. Guess some people just love to do things the dumb way.

"Alright, mask freak, since I am in a slightly good mood, and I'm also in a hurry, I'll give you two options. 1: Tell me where I can leave this middle-of-nowhere stinking hole and return to Dark Land; Or, 2: You continuously waste my time, and I beat the answer right out of your mouth. And let me be frank, I would prefer beating the answer out of your mouth." Speaking of the dumb, there he is, arrogantly making yet another empty remark as if he owns everything.

Seeing that she was not gonna get what she seeks easily, Raven readjusted her stance, hand placed on Omen's handle tightly, and drew a silent breath behind her Grimm mask, guess she had to slightly… step up her game.

The brute, who seems to understand her intention, snorted loudly as he cracked his knuckles while grinning evilly. "Fine, have it your way then, it changes nothing!"

With both combatants ready, they rush toward each other, both sides intended to strike others down.

Music Stop.


- Earlier today, around the other part of Remnant.

Maria Calavera often considers herself the type that has seen enough, so much that she often wishes she could take it all back, to undo the mistake in her life. Alas, she's now but an old, cranky, frail old lady who no longer resembles her glorious former self. The ultimate price of the life decision she made.

A decision she had long since regretted.

No matter how much one regrets their mistake, reality and time together gave no such a damn, as both wait for none, and treat everything as none. You would be a fool to believe that there's always a second chance after messing up big time.

There actually is, second chance does exist to some form and to some degree, but it does not come from the likes of Reality or Time, so stop wasting your breath and wishing for some impossible miracle to happen. Instead, use all those energies to focus on the present. Live in the present.

It's… easier said than done.

"You reap what you sow." Such a to-the-point saying, ruthless and cold-blood, but the bitter truth nonetheless. What makes such a sentence even more insulting is the fact that her previous identity. The Grimm Reaper. Ha! Life truly couldn't be more ironic.

It was an identity she once wore with pride, joy, confidence, and stride…

Too much confidence and stride apparently, because someone deliberately wants her dead. By hiring a group of killers to end her.

Thanks to her assassin who happens to be an arrogant piece of work, terrible luck was the only reason she managed to walk away alive from the encounter, but it wasn't without a price.

Two prices perhaps, if she were to be honest. One physically, and another mentally.

In order to continue her life, to fill the emptiness, one replaced by hideous prosthetics, and another one replaced by cowardy.

And the rest, for better or worse, remains in history.

An old lady in a blue cloak stirred in her seat, before awakening from her restless short nap, her neon cyan orbs opened up, the delicate machinery that mimics the natural human body engineering blinked a few times to adjust to the lights. Her lips smacked a few times to moisturize the dry surface, then her mouth opened up to let out a yarn.

It should be about time, time for her ride to arrive at Mistral Central Station.

As if her sharp sixth sense is still in touch, right on time, the AP system of the train announced. "[We will soon be arriving at terminal station Mistral Central Station, please make sure you have all your personal belongings with you, and mind the platform gap when alighting. Doors will open on the right-hand side.]" Ha, glad something that never changes.


- (Time Skip) -


As Maria walks her way to her old shack, Preflexes suddenly kicks in, informing her that danger is around the corner, a level of mild danger approaching.

As if she suddenly becomes a different person, the old lady drops her groceries, her cyan optics lens adapts a hard look, and readies her walking cane as if wielding a weapon. Despite her shrinking state, her experience, sense, and skills were still in touch, meaning she isn't as defenseless as many would think or believe. Plus, she was a kickass back in her young days. And she still is, mind you.

The artificial eyes gaze around carefully, trying to locate where the danger is coming from. Strangely, Preflexes couldn't give her a clear answer, something that rarely happens, that something is coming her way, but she couldn't tell what exactly it is. Regardless, Maria braced herself for anything that is approaching.

Simply put, says that in her brain, although in reality, years of experience were rendered useless when a white vortex opened up in the sky in front of her. And puke out a man in blue, who was falling down toward a tree.

The man's body hit the branches, descending while hitting the branches from below, all the way from the top of the pine, to the bottom ground. Taking nasty hits as his body parts slammed onto the solid tree branches, back, elbow, shoulder, jaw, waist, head, and face. Yikes.

Maria cringed inside as she watched the man slamming his way down. Ouch. That had to hurt, Aura or not.

How she wished she still has her real eyes, the prosthetic doesn't do it justice to the puzzling look she's trying to perform.


- (? ? ? ?) -


- The Legion of Stationery Enters - Paper Mario: The Origami King OST -

"Young master! You mustn't! Please stop! That enemy is way too dangerous for you!"

"Gerrr! No! Nobody messes with Dad and gets away with it! I'm trashing this table tool!"

"Heh. How amusing, a child who's clearly way over his head. Alright. If it's game over you're asking, then… it's a GAME OVER you shall receive!"

"Watch out! Young master!"

*SNIP!*

"Hu-huh?"

"Annnnnnd, finished."

"Kamek? I-I don't feel so good."

*Split*

"Ignorant pest, you think you hold any chance against a blade that can cut through anything in the world? Don't make me laugh. Your fate was decided the moment you raised your hand against me."

"NOOOOOOOOO! YOUNG MASTER! ! !"

"Alright, now, what kind of new pets should I make with the confetti remains of the royal family? Hmm? I'm sure they would love it, knowing that their body is remade into a hideous monstrosity feared by the world."

"You-you sick bastard! Who do you think you are? You'll pay for this!"

"Hoh? And how exactly do you plan on achieving that? Your puny magic is no match for my reality-bending cutting. Face it, you have lost you old thing. You failed."

"..."

"So much for being the loyal servant. That's right, you're out of service, now join your lord and die!"

*SNIP!*

Music stops.


One Kamek suddenly jerks awake from the haunting nightmare in cold sweats. The old Koopa sat up on his tail. Blood pumps in his system and adrenaline spikes high, in order to bring every intelligent cell within his educated brain to maximum performance. Of course, such a natural body reaction was redundant as it didn't take long for the arch-wizard Koopa's brilliant mind to realize what he experienced was but an illusion of a nightmare. A nightmare that started sometime after the Origami Incident settled down. The specific memory flooded his mind unwelcomingly.


- (Flashback.)

"Because we might be able to use that very clown car to reach the cloud, you see?" Said Kamek, as he tried to lead a duo of plumber and Origami girl past a not-so-safe passage to an Origami occupied Bowser's Castle.

Perhaps it was karma trying to get back at him on pulling a fast one on Mario, as Kamek was busy discussing with Mario and young Olivia how to approach the folded Sumo-Bro soldier without being lightening to crisps, out of nowhere, young master Junior come barging into the scene recklessly, trying to help take back his father's castle.

And then the terror happened. In the blink of an eye. A giant pair of Scissors launched from the destroyed roof of Bowser's Castle, and headed straight forward Lord Junior!

Faster than their eyes can register, the three of them watched Bowser Junior being cut into a pile of confetti in front of them.

And then Kamek's brain finally registered what terror had just unfolded before him.

"NOOOOOOOOOO!"

- (Flashback ends)


Signing inward tiredly, Kamek lay on his shell. This again, the same nightmare that would come haunting him every now and then, where the oversized Scissors would tauntingly and mercilessly one-shot through every minion, including his royal highness and then the young master, separating their body mess into equal-sized slices of scraps. It was terrifying to watch and experience every time. The Green-handled dual blades cut through everything like a hot knife to butter, instantly granting everything on its path a swift game-over. If not for the plumber's persistent nature and efforts plus young Olivia's marvelous folding power, their world would no doubt end at the hands of Origami.

Perhaps he does owe Mario more than just a thank you. Although the truce they formed during the whole Origami episode was enough for etiquette, they could easily get rid of Mario the moment he out-lived his usefulness since they rescued Lord Bowser, but they did try to hold back on the thought, as tempting as it is.

However, it would seem that the incident left a much more impactful mark on Kamek's life, scared even. The death of Lord Bowser and Lord Junior had become something he couldn't shake off from his mind, while it hasn't occurred yet, it doesn't mean it couldn't happen.

Yes, Bowser has survived many terrible things, such as a bath of melting lava, falling down a bottomless pit, sending straight into a bomb, being crushed by his own castle, blast sky-high and then exploding like a firework, or falling into a black hole.

Yes, their King is nearly indestructible, emphasized on nearly, but it does not mean he can't die. Same for the much, much vulnerable young master.

The old Koopa breathes, trying his best to push away the horrible image of Master Junior being sliced into a pile of confetti, the terrible image still remains fresh to this day.

He almost believed the young master had died that moment. Alas, thanks the Star Spirits, it was not the case, turns out, the stationary tools can only separate anything into pieces with their reality-bending power, not killing them, but the fact that one couldn't do anything after being sliced into confetti basically means the same as death. Again, thanks the Star Spirits and his luck, his mistake of pushing the wrong button and causing the castle to crush onto Shangri-Spa had proved to be the key component in saving Young Master Junior's life, coincidence as it is. Thanks to young Olivia's point out of the Magical hot spring's rejuvenating power, a simple soak in the hot water manages to attach the young master's body back together without any medical sequelae following. Yet again, thanks the Star Spirits and his incredible luck, imagine Lord Bowser's wrath if he were to learn his son was crippled for life. No one in Mushroom World is allowed to enjoy peace anymore. No one.

The old mage shivered. Lords know their king's fury holds no bounds.

Anyway, what was he doing again?

Playing Music: Goomba Village - Paper Mario (N64)

The malevolent blue wizard then realized he was lying on his back, slacking when he should've assisted Lord Bowser in conquering the Mushroom Kingdom!

"Ack!" Ack indeed, the realization hits him in full force. What has he done?! Slacking off in the middle of the job!? Lord Bowser is totally gonna have his shell over this!

Wait.

Why did he fall asleep? Hold on, that couldn't be right, he was there to help lead the casting of the teleportation chant. That's right, he was in the middle of…

"Where?..." The Magikoopa's voice trailed as confusion took over, his eye drat around in the room he was currently in, and he himself was laying on what appeared to be a simple sofa

Where am I? He scanned, the room appears to be an old shack that was clearly age-old but well-maintained, the fireplace was ignited, meaning someone other than himself is here. How did I get here?

"Oh good, you've finally awakened." An unfamiliar voice calls to him, one that he never heard of, but was reminded of Kammy.

Turning, Kamek saw a human old lady walking from what appeared to be the kitchen into the room, a bowl of soup in her hands.

"How are you holding? That was a rather nasty fall you took."

The Magikoopa tilted his head in puzzlement, fall? What is going on?

"Fine, I guess? Umm…"

"Maria, Maria Calavarie." The human lady introduced herself, it was then Kamek realized that something didn't look right with her.

That extremely out-of-place high-tech-glass that rests between her eyes and nose bridge.

"Umm, I'm Kamek." Although awkwardly, Kamek replied, still confused about his own situation, but holding back on his identity as a member of Bowser Kingdom, although in retrospect, his own name should have carried some nasty reputation already.

"No family name?"

"Just Kamek."

Maria blinked her mechanical eyes, just that? Kamek? No family name? Strange name, but she ain't one to judge. And judging by the man's face, she realizes the man before her likely hasn't seen prosthetic eyes before, and was probably feeling uncomfortable by the ugly design. "Oh, this? Just your good O' Atlas technology, not the prettiest thing, but it sure gets the job done"

Atlas? The Magikoopa thought as he raised an eyebrow. Never heard of that brand before. Since when does a high-tech glasses company like that exist?

"Ok, so… where am I?" The high-arch-wizard begins, choosing his word wisely, hoping to gain more information.

The old lady approaches the sofa and hands over the bowl of soup to the bedded man. "Well, my house of course, in Mistral."

Her answer seems to be not what the man was seeking, as Maria watched Kamek's face morph into a look of pure confusion.

"Mistral? And which Kingdom does it belong to?" It was Maria's turn to be confused. Does this man not know about Mistral? Or worse, hit his head too hard?

Kamek brought a hand to his jaw, how strange, just what exactly had happened?

It was at this point he noticed something a little different about his own hand.

Again, Maria thanks the god for her Semblance, as she was able to catch the bowl before it was dropped on the floor as the man in blue freaked out. Oh well, whatever it is, it's far better than a stained carpet. Do you know how exhausting it is to wash a carpet?


- Right now, back on the other side of Remnant.

Playing Music: Bowser's Theme - Mario and Luigi Dream Team

Raven painted as she staggered, sweat dripping down from her neck, her outfit had dirt on, her mask was cracked, and her hair was stained by dirt, this was certainly not how she had imagined today would go.

Around her, the abandoned streets of Mountain Gleen were in more ruins and waste than ever before, and there were particularly fires everywhere.

Scratch that comments about a walking disaster, this man was a walking calamity, in every sense literally.

She may have both underestimated her enemy and overestimated her own power.

It took way longer and way more firepower than she had thought to take down this brute.

This man, what…ever he is, he definitely isn't ordinary at all, anything but that.

Abnormal and absurd, that's the fitting term to describe, this man, despite having taken a series of lightning strikes from her Maiden Power directly on, was still standing, what's even crazier, her display of power only seems to make him all more excited.

A battle hunger maniac. Great. Just her luck.

Omen still in her hand, Raven carefully approaches the brute, it would be extremely foolish for her to assume her opponent is incapable of fighting, the last time she assumed so, she nearly paid with her own pride… and hair.

Seriously, who yanks people by the hair?

"Had enough?" She calmly called. They said "Second time the charms", let's see how this second conversation would go.

"Huff… huff… don't act so cocky, woman, I could say the same to you. Once I'm able to feel my limbs, I'm going to smash that puny face of yours. And you will be begging for mercy!" Bowser grunted, his head and body laying down on the floor, despite his fancy attire being ruined, it seems that his spirit and mood is just as pumping as ever.

"Charming." The bandit leader rolled her eyes.

"Lord Bowser!" Suddenly, three voices called in unison.

Raven turned around sharply to see who dared to approach her.

From the sidelines, the Elite Trio finally gathered enough courage to come to Bowser's side to aid him.

"Sir, are you alright? Quick, how many fingers am I holding?" Called Sargent Guy concernedly.

"Sir, are you still alive? If so, before you meet your game over, can you at least restore our job and title rank?" Called Corporal Paraplonk, concerned… not for the correct objective.

"Foul woman! How dare you humiliate his royal Highness!" Cried Private Goomp, pointing a finger at the bandit leader angrily.

For a once in a blue moon occasion, Raven feels the need like her drunken brother, she needs a drink, a cold drink, cause this is stupid.

"Really, that's the best threat you could come up with? When we were clashing, you lots were hiding underneath the rocks like a coward. And now I have subdued your leader… what makes you think you stood a chance against me?" She rests an arm on her waist, deadpanning.

The three shared a look of awkward silence. Busted.

"…"

"..."

"…"

"Wait, paused, time out! STRATEGY MEETING! We need a second." Paraplonk raised his hand.

Unm… Music… Paused?

The trio quickly huddles together behind Bowser's body, completely oblivious to the mood at hand.

Raven, on the other hand, felt a strong urge to slap her forehead at the stupidity as her eyes twitch in annoyance.

Music Change: Bowser's Minions - Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga + Bowser's Minions

"Ok, look, we can all agree that the scary lady there is strong, right? If she can make Bowser stand down on the floor." Once they got into a comfy position, Paraplonk whispered.

"I'm right HERE, you morons!" Grunted Bowser, obviously not happy being bad-mouthed, and for clearance, he's just having a sudden episode of jelly limbs, he hasn't lost!

"Apologies, sir, just stating the fact, but she DID roast you alive, literally." Pointed out by Sargent Guy with a straight face, referring to the lightning strikes Bowser took, making the king grumble in frustration.

"Not to mention that scary mask and sword! Guys, are we sure about this? This might get nasty…" Private Goomp meekly voiced his concern. He knows they were at the very least, a cut above normal Minions, but… he's not sure if they're that good.

"About that, look. Normally, I would say we just grab Bowser and hightail outta here." Paraplonk explained as Bowser growled, obviously disapproving of the plan. "But she's been worn out by Bowser, right?" The Goomba and Shy Guy shared a look, then slowly nodded.

The Parakoopa went on. "If we can defeat her right here, guys, we might earn enough credits to get our job back!" This seems to finally click the convince into both Private and Sargent's minds.

"GASP!"

"This is it, brother, this is the chance!"

"You know…" Their Boss chimed in, face still down. "I might consider it if you would just start DOING YOUR DAMN JOB!" He particularly explodes, turning his head side and shooting out a massive stream of fire that sets a poor building ablaze. His raging anger and the explosion of the building startled both the Trio and Raven. (Although she would never admit it.)

The three looked at each other, before nodding in agreement, they hastily came forward and faced Raven, battle stance ready.

"Ok, where were we?" Private Goomp took a deep breath to calm his nerves, picking up where they left off. "Ahem, it's called technical-by-stand, and to answer your untrue slander, we're not to interrupt his Highness' fight and his fun, official Kingdom guidelines."

"Damn right, nobody steals my fight!" Bowser growled from behind.

"You may think you're all high and mighty, but I'll have you know that we're the Elite Trio, Lord Bowser's personal honor guard!" Corporal Paraplonk came forward, forming a fist in both hands.

"And you! You are standing between us and our promotion!" Sargent Guy bellowed, stating the most important fact as he pulled his wand.

"Prepare to feel the might of the Elite Trio!" The three yelled in unison as they strike a battle pose.

"Are they morons?" Raven slowly turns to Bowser, she feels the need of asking. Please say no, please say no. please say no.

"Yes, they're, but they're loyal. Loyalty is hard to come by, you know." Signed the monarch on the floor, trying to save his face and dignity, though obviously failing.

The bandit leader could only pinch her nose bridge, already feeling the headache from all the stupidity. "Can't say that I disagree." For once, Raven has to agree with the logic, it's really hard to come across loyalty these days.

Too bad all the smart and loyal ones choose to side with Ozpin. She sneered in the back of her mind.

Regardless, she readied Omen, as the Trio jumped at her.


- (Time Skip) -


The Trio of Goomba, Paratroopa, and Shy Guy lay on the ground in defeat. Their bodies are aching and pain everywhere. Even The Mario Bros weren't this brutal… (Ahem, cue the Luiginary Attacks. Being hit by a giant ball constructed with men; being stepped on by a towering amount worth of feet; being smashed by a giant mallet made with men, and lastly, being bombarded by a rain of fires.)

Ok, maybe that's debatable…

Raven pats the dirt off hands, not even worthy to be cleaved by Omen's blade, a simple bash with the dull side, and they're already calling mommy. But for a bunch of weaklings, they're quality punch bags, she'll give them that.

Slowly, she places Omen back into the shelter, this is just pathetic, doesn't even count as a warm-up. "Huff, what a joke."

"Agree to disagree."

Music Change: Bowser Appears - Super Mario Galaxy ost

"!" The prideful bandit turns around sharply, her just-sheltered blade immediately drawn out once again.

"They're idiots, but they're MY idiots, and since you've attacked them, now…" Grunting, but pushing himself up nevertheless, Bowser stood on both legs once again, feeling his body listening to his command once more. "You will answer to ME!" Good, he enjoys being in control.

Raven hardens her glare, with a swift motion, she swings her arm down, summoning another lightning strike.

The history tries to repeat itself once more, but instead of hitting Bowser, the thunder went over him and struck a random earth spike, absorbing and redirecting the energy like a lightning rod.

As the wild energy dispelled, Bowser's evil grin surfaces as he faced Raven.

"What?" Surprised and massively confused, Raven's face morphed into disbelief.

"You're good, I'll give you that, but if this is seriously all you're capable of, simply… disappointing." The Koopa King made his comment, blessing the bandit with his extremely rare and precious regards, something he so rarely does.

"Now, I believe it's about the part where I smash that puny face of yours, several feet below." He tightened his knuckles, making loud pops.

His glorious speech, however, was met with silence.

"Too speechless to talk back? Understandable. I know I tend to have that effect on people!" Bowser gleed, guessing his Koopa charm is still as lethal as ever.

Soon as his taunt ends, Bowser aims the hand he's holding and snaps his finger at Raven.

Faster than she could ever react, a colossal earth spike erupted right underneath her, the tip nailed right into her gut, sending her flying.

She flung and sore through the air like a ragdoll, the unexpected pain and the shock stun made Omen slip away from her fingers.

She landed heavily on the ground with a thud, grunting as her world spun, pushing through the killing pain located in her belly, she tried to force herself back on foot.

Only to have a suffocating feeling that forms around her throat interrupting all her planning. She felt her legs leave the ground as she was being held by the brute in a throat lock. Raven opened her eyes alarmingly with anger and nervousness.

"You know…" Orbs of frightening glowing red predators glared at her soul piercingly, a primal malice that put the Grimms to shame. "You're not the only person who can use Magic."

Bowser tightens his grip just slightly, making the woman gasp, but mercifully giving her enough room to breathe. He had needed to use her fear and cooperation, but not her death, not yet. Not after he preyed all the useful information out of her anyway.

Despite her best attempts, Raven couldn't prey off the strong grip that was choking her. This leaves her with very few options left.

"Now then, do you yield?" She heard the brute gloat.

With all her might and fury, Raven stuck her palm right into Bowser's face.

"You c-can… kiss… my a-as-"

"!"

A fiery explosion tore through the ruined remains of Mountain Gleen, the ravishing blast demolished everything that was in its devastating range, a strike that pushes the limit of its own property.

And Raven had blasted Bowser right in the point-zero range.

Blasting back by her own magic explosion, Raven crushed and rolled on the ground not so gracefully, through the dizziness and ear deaf, she coughed as she gasped ugly for airs, while propelling herself up, clutched her hand in pain.

Despite having Aura for protection, recoil from a point-blank range was likely something not even the Aura could just magically shrug off. In doing so, this trade-off has dealt some damage to her hand, regardless, nothing she couldn't recover from.

Pushing through her dizziness, Raven sits up. 'Ugh, definitely need that cold drink.' She thought.

Looking at the center of this mess, Raven saw the brute is finally down for good, the remaining of his frame laying motionless underneath a pile of rubbish. What a shame. There goes her plan of recruiting another powerful individual under her tribe, but such is life, she rather eliminates a potential enemy than allow them to become her problem.

One Ozpin is already enough for her, she definitely doesn't need a second. And speaking of the devil… Still, a new magic user appeared, what was Ozpin's part of play in this? Did he grant another person magic? She thought she and Qrow had received the last proportion of his magic.

Of course, unless Ozpin had lied about that too. Knowing the man, she wouldn't put it past that.

Looks like she might have to visit Vale again, this is not something she can overlook. After getting her deserved rest that is.

Faltering, she pushes herself up, although clearly staggering, she begins searching for her missing blade, once she recovers everything, it's time to high tail the hell out of here. Even though this is a god-forsaken wasteland, her stunt from earlier would no doubt draw attention. Attention from likes she had been trying to avoid since that day.

"Urrrg." Someone grunt.

"!" Raven turns to the source, within just a single second, she feels her blood dropping cold. Impossible.

Across the ruined street, unearthed from the ruins and up on his butt, Bowser massages his slightly charred handsome face. "Ok…"

One ominous red glow peaked through the finger gap. "You… have really… pissed me off."

Unconsciously, Raven took a step back alarmingly. What is happening? How did he… She had blasted him right in the face! And he had no Aura!

Snapping out of it, she quickly sent a huge stream of flame on the man, setting the spot on fire, and engulfing the man a whole.

Yet the results she received still yielded the same terror.

Slowly, a towering silhouette walked out from the flame, unfazed and untouched by the scorching temperature, Bowser brushes it off as he made another advance, each step making a loud thud that echoed across the ruins and shook the very ground.

"You know, you're really reminding me of a certain someone, someone whom I hate passionately with every fiber of my being. And let me tell you something, he wears red, just like you. And this situation is making my blood boil, it's quite funny actually." He begins, playfully quipped with an inside joke only he would understand, not that he cares if the woman across would ever understand, all he cares is taking delight from the woman's obvious confusion and distress.

Not giving up, Raven sneered and made one more attempt to strike him down, using both arms, she conjured the strongest lightning strike she could measure.

Seeing that his opponent was not giving up, Bowser scoffed. Great, all the characteristics of the damn plumber.

"I don't have time for this game!" Just like that, he tightened his fist, popping a few vines as he growled under his breath.

*Boom!* The defining sound of lightning explosion tore through the dense mountain lines, causing all wild animals within the radius great distress.

Eyes widening, Raven couldn't believe what she was seeing, with a single raise of hand, the brute held her magic attack in place.

All the electric energy is concentrated toward Bowser's palm as if a force has taken control of them, slowly forming a ball of dense electricity.

With a mighty warcry, Bowser crushed the lightning ball in his palm, a loud bang was heard as the magic attack was utterly destroyed and dispelled into nothingness in his hand.

This action sealed the outcome of this battle.

"I've had enough of your stupid little stunt!" He roared, the sheer volume of his voice created a deafening shockwave that deterred the world around, causing the world to go silent in fear. "Tell me where I am and which direction leads to Dark Land this immediately!"

For a moment, Raven froze and hesitated, this… this man, no. Monster, this monster is out of her league.

She can't win this battle, not even with Maiden's power.

And she wants nothing more than to get the hell out of here. Immediately!

And the existence of such thoughts terrified her.

The dominant presence of Bowser continues to grow and evolve, as the man-beast stood still, arms crossed, glaring at her with intentions of unspeakable terror.

"So? What's gonna be?" He snarled. "Are you going to talk or am I going to do the deed?"

Raven frowned, it's over, there's nothing she could do to change or gain from this situation.

With a swing of Omen, she opened up a portal and disappeared from Bowser's sight.

"Hmph, coward."


- Back to the other side of Remnant.

Music Change: Let's have a nice talk - Mario and Luigi Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr's Journey

Seating across the man in blue, Maria scratched her wrinkled cheeks. "So… let me get this straight. You… are not from here."

"Yeah." Nodded the Magikoopa.

"And judging by your explanation… you're from a world... Where Magic flourishes and stuff exists… as a daily norm."

"Un-hu."

"And you were also a… if I understand it correctly, I quote: anthropomorphic turtle species with genes of outstanding intelligence and affinity of learning and wielding magic."

"It's called Magikoopa. And yes."

"And you're sure you didn't… you know. Hits your head too hard?"

"No, although my neck and back still sour a lot, I'm pretty sure the things I did were already enough proof." The man in blue gestures his arm to the space around them.

The old lady looked at her side, where a bunch of creatures that resemble… lizard? Turtle? Hybrid? Wearing thick glasses and red hoods with a… blue propeller that somehow spouted on top of their heads. What were they called again? Toady? They were summoned by the wizard that sat across from her of course, doing house chores for her to prove a point.

Beyond the weird creatures, there's the fact of these… yellow metallic boxes that contain… giant gold coins. Which is the mainstream currency of their world, seriously, what kind of economy is this?

She's getting too old for this. For sure.

Maria sank in her seat and sighed, where do she even begin with? The fact this man comes from another world? Has magic? Claiming to be one of the best sorcerers in his world? Has proven her doubt with amazing things that should be considered nigh impossible all things considered? Or the fact that all these are real and not a crazy dream?

She takes a sip from her tea, letting the warm liquid and soothing aroma calm down her nerves.

"Well, if everything you've claimed so far is true, then… what do you plan to do?" A genuine question, one with an amount of curiosity Maria Calavarie didn't know she still had all these years along.

The blue wizard stroke his beak-, ahem, chin. "Assuming the fact that I'm indeed transported to a different universe. And with my calculations, I… suspect that my fellow subordinate, subjects, and his royal Highness must have ended up somewhere on this planet."

With a snap of a finger followed by a puff of purple smoke, a paper scroll and a feather pen appeared in his hand. A feat Maria has yet to get used to.

"First, I would like to acquire the general knowledge of this world's content, geography, population area layout, and maybe the basic function of the governor system. Then, I can begin searching for my fellow compatriot." The Magikoopa-human concluded as his mind drift, it was the simplest and most straightforward strategy he could come up with at the moment, with everything being completely unknown, never before seen, it was bound to be a blind search for Bowser and everyone else for that matter. And in that endeavor, knowledge is the best insurance.

Besides, knowing their Kingdom and their style, if there's unusual overly extravagant distress and commotion going on, chances are, it's bound to be their own work. Aka, destruction follows everywhere Bowser went. That and fires, lots and lots of fires. So paying attention to local news is a must too.

The old lady shrank into her seat. "Well, that's quite a lot of work to do." Quite a lot, it says, which was still putting it lightly. Yet Kamek legally couldn't complains due to the life oath he swore.

The Magikoopa dropped his shoulder in defeat. "How unfortunately." The amount of work and dedication he does for the Kingdom…

After this is all over, he needs a vacation, for sure. After he manages to survive his lord's wrath first that is.

The prosthetic-eyed granny immediately bounced back, cheerful and peppiness returned to her voice. "Oh well, sulking in will get us nowhere, besides, you need a place to stay."

The blue wizard fiddles with his wand. "That's certainly true…" Although sleeping in the wilderness isn't that much of an issue to him, still, he would prefer a proper architecture to rest under.

"No worries, you can spend the night here, tomorrow, I'll bring you to the city library, you should be able to find everything you're looking for in there." The old lady offered, showing hospitality.

Surprised at the gesture of kindness, hearing this, Kamek bowed. "Then I'll be in your debt, ma'am."

"Nonsense! It's just a simple gesture of kindness, anyone can do that." Maria waves him off.

She may be old, self-retired, and is living a low-profile life, but that doesn't mean she has given up on the basic meaning of being a good person.

If anything… maybe… maybe this can be her final act of doing good, before she finally kicks the bucket.

Helping an interdimensional traveler reunite with his people? Sounds like quite an adventure.

Good, because she would hate to leave any more regrets behind.


- In a castle in a land mostly dark… and hot.

Music Change: Bowser's Stolen Castle - Mario and Luigi Bowser's Inside Story + Bowser Jr.'s Journey

The aftermath, these were always the hardest time of the job when it comes to the Bowser Kingdom. As the hour most revolting around the subject of recovery, reconstruction, and replanning. Mostly on reconstruction.

Fighting Mario was painful, that much is undeniable and straight fact, but sometimes, one really questions the difference between fixing the damage done by the plumber to the castle or rebuilding the massive proportion ruined from the friendly fire by Bowser's all-out assault on Mario.

In all honesty, the survey among the Minions says an even 50/50.

Still, it's honest work. Just… paid with blood, sweat, tears, mental patience, loads of resources, and a ridiculously high insurance premium backing it up.

But defending the castle from never before seen creatures that come from nowhere?

This has to be a first. Someone needs to look into the legal issue and paperwork, and maybe add yet another new insurance to the Minions, ASAP.

Inside the castle of evil, in a chamber of knowledge and wickedness, a room filled to the brim with notes, books, scrolls, grimoires, magic runes, flask bottles, magic trinkets, and all the magic related thingamajig kinds and likes that you could imagine, one great Kammy Koopa sighed tiredly as she finished another stack of paperwork related to today's unusual ordeal.

The UFC (Unidentified Flying Creature), as the now humanized General Guy has named it, they have comes in wave after another, harassing their Kingdom's territory and living hood. Their persistence is making the Minion unsettling and restless, plus their unknown nature and biology, making it all more stressful and headache.

Squadron has been assigned, schedule has been picked and packed, and the whole Dark Land is now under high-security lockdown, not a single place unguarded or unprotected, yet the Minions don't feel safe. They're still missing a king without a leader.

Luckily, since Bowser had gathered basically every sub-force over the Mushroom World for his grand scheme. This much manpower has made the tedious process of taking shifts, a much easier deal to handle and sort out. As the livings take the day shift, the undead takes the night shift.

Despite this evened assignment, all is not well, not so much for the morals… a kingdom without a ruler is but invalid, meaningless, a folly, incomplete.

They may have all the powerful Boss Rank Minions around, but none of them are Bowser, none of them can speak in the king's place, nor lead, they can only scrutinize his will and desire. And despite her being the right-hand woman, there's only so much and so long the Minions will listen to Kammy before some decide to act on their own.

The human-ed Arch-Magikoopa sank into her luxury chair in exhaustion, this should be the last of it, no more paperwork, it is her time to relax, and maybe rethink a few life choices she had made along the way that lead to this very moment. If she has time, she'll probably perform a fortune telling…

Summoning her favorite teapot and cup with telekinesis, the witch pours herself a fine cup of Turtle Leaf tea, the Koopa species' all-time favorite, can't beat the classic. Although on today's occasion, she applied a spoon of Maple Syrup for that extra kick of flavor.

"Ahh, that's the stuff." She savors the relaxation in contentment.

*Knock knock!*

"Army Hammer Bro report, permission to enter. Lady Kammy."

The granny witch raised a brow, what now? "Sigh… Come in."

The door to her comfy private chamber opened, with the Hammer Bro Honcho walking in, looking worse for wear, meaning that he probably just finished his turn of guard duty, and likely have faced the UFCs horde, a can of Ultra Shroom Shake in his hand speak of his tiredness. "Hope I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" The Hammer Bro asked tiredly.

"No, no. The only thing you interrupted is my break time." Kammy deadpanned, fighting back the urge to roll her eyes. "So what is it?"

The human-ed Hammer Bro opened his energy drink while answering. "Well, ma'am, it took some effort and struggle, emphasis on struggling, but we got one." This got the witch's attention.

"Come again?"

"It wasn't an easy job, but we managed to capture one bird." Replied Army, who took a swig of his drink.

"Really?"

"Yeah, now, about my paid leave that I submit two weeks ago…"

"Excellent!" Just like that, the energy returns to the old witch. Commanding her signature custom-made broom to her side, she hopped on the flying broom and flew down the hallway, leaving the hammer bro in the dust.

"And she didn't even let me ask for a vacation…" Sighed the Hammer Bro exhaustedly, both physically and mentally, without better choices, nor caring about the consequences, he took the witch's comfy seat and downed his supplement, not gonna budge, you'll have to drag him away to stop him from taking his break.


- In the strategy meeting room of Bowser's Castle.

As a king of evilness and fellow final boss with a sense of appreciation for classics, Bowser does not take it kindly to aesthetics done without his consent or acknowledgment. Still, even then, he had to admit that he had taken a liking to the theater hall modified by that damn pest Fawful, although he refuses to show that to anyone. The Bean Bean man had done a good job in setting up a proper stage for a beat down, a proper stage for a glorious rally speech, and a great spot for holding Saturday movie night also.

As such, once the mad bean is gone from existence for good, and the order returned to Bowser's Kingdom after the Blorb shenanigans, Bowser keeps the room around for his nefarious Mushroom Kingdom conquering strategy meeting.

In the very same theater room, many humanized Boss Rank Minions had gathered at the usual strategy meeting, although they were not here to plot against the Mushroom Kingdom, nor watch movies, as they were here for something else entirely different, something that draws all their attention and focus, and their curiosity too had reached a never before seen new high.

Drowning at the center of all the noises and commotions, there lies a metal cage made from cold metal, shaped like a bird cage, housing a beast made of pitch black.

It was a strange sight indeed, as on any normal day in this kingdom, this very cage would house a certain princess in pink, should the king of evil demand the mood of the stake to be staged that way, or just purely out of spite to provoke the red plumber.

Knowing their king… it was usually the latter one.

Either way, the caged beast in question is a creature that resembles an avian-like bird, sprouting blackness from head to toe, with a ghastly pale white bone-plate mask and talons, and a pair of glowing red eyes that perceived the world hatefully. Now reduced to a caged bird on display, the hateful glare it's sending is twice as strong as ever, and the muzzle strapped on its beak certainly didn't help the mood either.

It was a Nevermore as Remnant had come to name them to be precise, but it's not like the Bowser Kingdom knows about that.

"What even is that thing?" Among the many high-rank members that gathered here, Captain Goomba(4'6") asked, his voice filled with puzzlement, and one can actually hear the gears grinding in his hard head.

"Well… it's a bird alright, a big bird alright." Says Boom Boom (6'3"), the seasoned Minion that belongs to the veteran rank, albeit a bit hesitant, as he isn't quite sure what to make of the creature.

Now transformed into a humanoid big guy, this big Koopa has retained his iconic round head, now resembling the style of an orange butch haircut, his iconic outward vampire fangs spouted out from the lip line, now combined with his always furrowed eyebrow and black iris, make of an intimate appearance. His attire certainly didn't shy away from the stereotype either, as he was dressed in a brown-red trench coat with spiky shoulder guards and a Bowser Emblem pin; underneath the coat was a fancy black suit with a blue tie; in his hand was a pair of black biker-gloves and metal chains on his wrists; black belt with his name "BOOM" engraved on holding onto his waist; his lower body wears corresponding black pants accompanied by a pair of metal knee guards and metal shoes; on his back, his polished red shell rested firmly on as it should. (His outfit is mostly inspired by the real-life-action Mario Movie's Goombas.)

"That definitely ain't a Crowber, that's for sure. Those birds don't grow this hideous and gloomy, it's giving me the creeps." Beside the brawly brawler, his younger sibling, Pom Pom (5'7"), commented with disgust and unnerved.

Now transformed into a humanoid ninja. Aside from her iconic yellow ponytail tied by a green pearl hairband, her sparkly red eyes are the only part of her that emerged from the historically accurate classic Japanese ninja outfit that concealed her real identity well (with a silver plate headband engraved with Bowset Emblem), although it was a full suit of outstanding red and pink fabric that fails miserably in hiding her presence and goes against everything about being stealthy; aside from the eye-catching color, her protected real facial appearance resembles greatly to her biological brother, thus confirming that they're indeed siblings, and as her brother, her ladybug-polka dot-like pink shell rests firmly on her back too.

"Sinister, you mean." Comment by Captain Boo (5'3"), one of the four legendary captains of Bowser Kingdom.

Now resembled a man with a hair of pale white manes in a left-over cut, a cute face with thick black eyebrows and lavender eyes; present in a sleek white shirt with silver hands, arms, elbows, and shoulders guards; black belt pants and black shoes; a badge of Bowser emblem pinned on his shirt, and an attention gluing red flag tied behind his back.

Captain Boo's rise in rank can be considered the definition of pure luck and coincidence, as he just happened to be in the right place and at the right time, but for all the wrong reasons. (He wanted something to cover the sunlight, and he got the captain flap handled to him) Regardless of his unwanted fame, he does live up to the duty of a responsible captain. (Although he often complained about being the only sensible and rational member of the crew.)

"Maybe they're a more primal variant from the evolution of the avians? The bone plate does strike some similarity to the Bone Goomba's skull-wearing culture." Theories by a humanized Magikoopa that dressed like an ancient Egyptian Pharaoh, Tutankoopa the Wizard(5'6"), the immortal Chain Chomp Charmer that swore allegiance and loyalty to King Bowser due to his fearsome status.

Different from everyone, due to himself being a mummified immortal, his sclera had turned black, leaving only two glowing blue dots that add to the mystifying vibe, although contrary to popular belief, instead of the dehydrated mummies known by the mass, Tutankoopa managed to stay healthy and hydrated, his well maintained luxurious golden hair being the testimony to his effort and care.

Adorned in a white long robe with blue cuffs and rims that sewed with runes, his most signature icon would be his golden Pharaoh helmet with a Chain Chomp head, now with new additions of gold wrist and neck guard, a pair of sandals, and a golden craft neckless of Bowser emblem. Underneath the robe is simple black underwear, and his blue Koopa shell.

Unlike most Magikoopa that wield a magic wand to perform spell casting, Tutankoopa instead uses spell enchanting as his method and signature style. Although some may argue that his magic spells are more unstable than most Magikoopa, due to not having a medium to stabilize the arcane energy.

"Let's not forget the fact that we're in a literal new dimension. Besides, never heard of any undead species still possessing muscle tissues. I don't think we can call this thing undead." Replied Captain Shy Guy(5'6"), raising a valid point here.

"So, does that make it just a big wild animal?" Inquired Captain Goomba as he use a stick to poke the caged bird, earning him a hateful glare in return.

"Probably. I don't know, ain't no biologist." Replied the stoic mask as he shrugged.

"Are we really sure we're in a different dimension? I mean, this is all too crazy to stomach!" A Boomerang Bro doubts. Not just him, many Minions still couldn't wrap the idea that they're strained in an unknown dimension. (Although ironically, this wouldn't mark the first time. But it is still very strange it happened twice.)

"The moon would beg to differ with your doubt. My fellow brother in shells that lash out. I'm afraid. It is as the evidence has stated, we're all lost and strand." Rhymes poeticly and sedate, Captain Koopa Troopa(5'4") made his debut.

Like many humanized members, he gains a head of eye-catching blonde short-cut hairs, the front bang forming the curvy Koopa-beak; green emerald colored eyes; a smiling V-shape lip; clawed nails in hands, the green Koopa Shell resident firmly on his back; and a short yellow tail sprout right behind his pelvis.

Dressed primarily in green and yellow as all common Koopa Troopa, the now humanized turtle wears a full-body black thermal suit underneath a Koopa belly chest plate; an easily recognized Koopa-green long pants with a utility belt; a pair of yellow arms and legs armor guard; with green fingerless protection glove and Knee guard that has Koopa-shell pattern; the iconic green puffy shoes how has green metal plate add on for extra protection; and finally a green helmet with Koopa-shell pattern strapped on his neck accompanied by a red flag.

Originally just a cleaning janitor of Bowser's Castle that lacks the self-confidence to go on the frontier to face Mario, during the chaotic episode of the Beam Beam Kingdom conquest, like the many scattered Minions that get a chance to shine in the bean-based territory, Captain Koopa Troopa lucked out by meeting up with Captain Goomba (CG), Captain Shy Guy (CSG) and Captain Boo (CB), thus marking him as the last Captain of the squad, and the birth of the legendary Captain Squad. (Including Scout Lakitu as an honorable member.)

Across the room, about half of Minions cringed and shivered in the cold as a random breeze blew pass them, Captain Koopa Troopa, also known as the "Walking Awkward Silence", and "Bringer of Shivers" every time he opened his mouth, the quirky dude that just somehow weaponized poetic rhyme, a hobby that he originally picked up to relief the stress from duty. But it was even worse when he tries to transfer to comedian, the puns are somehow nastier than the frostbite from the Ice Bro's Iceball. (Admittedly, many utilized his cold zone as a means to cool off in the summertime.)

"Awkward literature aside. I hate to bring this up, but… this bird thing here isn't alive enough to be called a living animal." CB called.

And now many turn to the humanoid ghost, causing said ghost in response to get extra bashful from all the eyes and turn invisible to hide.

"Umm, you okay?" Asked CG.

"I'm fine, just… not used to all the attention, you know how us Boos are."

"Stay strong." CSG simply encouraged.

"Thanks… Ok, I'm good." CB took a few breaths to control his nerve. "So… Whatever this… thing is, it's definitely in no way, shape, or form… alive."

"Elaborate pretty please?" Inquiry CG as he titled his head.

CB put a hand on his forehead. "Urg, this is the hard part, ok how do I…? Ahem, so, you know how everything all has a soul, right?"

"That's what makes us alive. Yes." Replied CSG.

CB gesture a hand to Tutankoopa and then several Dry Bone Minions. "To further point out, undead still possessed a soul in order to allow them to linger in the realm of living."

"Yes, that's what keeping us going forward." The Pharaoh Koopa testify the claims.

"Vice versa, us ghosts also do possess a soul to exist." CB continues on, pointing at the caged bird. "But, that." He paused, looking for his word. "Is where things become murky."

The ghost captain scratches his head. "So, simply put, us ghosts can sense souls if we look hard enough, a seventh sense if you would. That's how we're able to sense our target and maybe other ghosts." He then directs his finger to the bird. "And that thing there doesn't have a soul. Because I'll literally burn a hole in it if I continue staring on."

"Wait, so you're saying that this thing is dead?" Exclaimed CG.

"Well, yes? No? I don't know?" Shrugged the ghost, clearly at a loss. "This is a first for me. And it is all so confusing."

Murmurs erupt from the room, and the claims from their fellow ghost friend made everyone fall into discussions. Each throwing their own theories and guessing.

"How strange, it's not alive by definition, but it's also not dead either. Very strange indeed." Pondered Tutankoopa, the mystery nature of this non-classification specimen piqued his curiosity as a fellow Magikoopa.

"Makes you wonder how this thing came into existence." Beside him, Kamella joined the conversation. "Consider there's so many of them, maybe they're like summons, there must be a source of power, or maybe the energy that's animating this thing."

"Possibly. Just like my Stone Chomps."

"Might be similar to the Shadows?" Behind her, the Magikoopa Mob team already entered a heated discussion.

"Disagree. Those are phantom-like creatures like the Boos, this thing is leaning toward physical beings."

"What about the Shadoos?"

"Those are just boogieman legends from the past. Although the pitch-black appearance is a match, we still have the white bone plate need to be to explain."

"Maybe we should extract a sample."

"Yes, Alpha Team with collect samples from the specimen, Beta Team will hold the thing in place. And make sure we minimize the damage, this thing vapes upon death, so we have to keep it alive."

"Then it is decided, we-"

"Boys, we'll need Lady Kammy's authorization before we act." Kamella turned to remind them.

"So… assuming Boo's assumption is correct, what exactly do we count this thing as?" Asked CG, now feeling uncomfortable by being near the caged abomination.

"Probably a brand new category I supposed." Suggest CSG.

The creature before them was really an enigma. All creatures have a soul, a will, a spirit as some would call it, point is. Anything that's basically animating in an alive way is technically counted as living beings, as ambiguous as it is, the definition stand. Whomps, Thwomp, and their relative family are stone-made objects come to life; Bob-omb, Amps, and Bullet Bill are man-made weapons given life; and lastly with the Dry Bones and Bone family being the perfect example of undead, as their lingering soul allows them to live as immortal, that's why Dry Bones are still considered living beings, dead but very much alive.

So, whatever this strange creature is, it definitely isn't alive, as it lacks a soul, a soul to indicate as its spirit, a spirit that counts as a alive being.

"So what do we call them?"

"Skull Bird?"

"Nan, that spot is already taken by Skeleton Goonies."

"Birdface?"

"That's an insult, brother."

"How about Dark Talon?"

"Too ominous and edgy."

"How about Skurow? Skull and Crow?"

"That might work."

"COMING THROUGH!" Behind the doorway, the loud declaring of Kammy Koopa can be heard.

*Pwp pwp pwp pwp pwp…* The signature noise from the magic broom followed as she flew, the Right-hand Witch flew into the stage, stopping right in front of the cage.

"Finally, a living specimen!" She exclaimed gleefully, an unfriendly glint flashed from her glasses.

Although gaged, the bird seems to be intelligent enough to realize that the woman in front of it is bad news, really bad news.


- Earlier today, somewhere around the dense forest beside the ruins of Mountain Gleen.

Vernal was worried, all those explosions and tremors, a violent battle had definitely occurred somewhere in the ghost city.

Something had happened to Raven.

The Maiden Power, something the bandit leader took extreme care in handling. There's no way nor reason for her to flaunt those powers like that, all flashy and attention-drawing. not to mention that the bandit leader had already lectured her ears off so many times about the importance of keeping this secret hidden. Something dangerous had happened, danger enough to warrant the usage of such force.

Today was supposed to be a simple day of supplement hunting, getting some games, processing them into preserved rations, and then returning to the camp to prepare for their next hideout migration.

And then that weird flash happened. From the direction of the abandoned city. A place that should be, by all means, ceased of human activities.

Raven Branwen, as the cautious great mind she is, went and scout the scene herself.

Not so soon after that, explosions and sounds of battle occurred, followed by a sudden cloud of lightning and storm.

Judging by the way things seem, it must have been one helluva craziness.

Still, Raven should be fine. Right?

As if the Bandit Chieftain had heard her doubt, a familiar swirl of red and black appeared in front of Vernal, proving that her worries are redundant.

It was Raven's portal.

Vernal perks up at the appearance of the portal, if Raven returns, that means things are over. Whatever trouble it was, the leader had dealt with it.

How she thought.

As soon as Raven stooped out from the portal, Vernal's smile faded.

The Bandit Leader was in a rough state, something Vernal never thought she would see her in, like ever. Her outfit was torn and stained, her mask cracked, and her hair was messy. Not to mention the amount of pride and care Raven took for her hair every day is something only Vernal knows.

To see her like this… what happened?

A look of sour mood and un-amusement plastered on Raven's face, she staggered past Vernal, ignoring her concerned glare, moving toward the luggage she brought for today's hunt. "Change of the plan, Vernal, we're done hunting supplements for today."

Agaped, Vernal snapped back to the order she just received, although very confused. "Raven? Wha-what happened to you?!

The leader pays her concern no mind, storing all the stuff she needs, with an objective that has occupied all her mind and focus. "Trouble, one big enough that would affect our tribe, or this whole world for that matter."

The look of concern shifts into uncomfortable fear. "What?! What's going on?"

The bandit chieftain paused what she was doing, and turned around to glare at the apprentice, with a look that made Vernal feel tiny.

"I've just discovered a new uncertain factor, and I refuse to let that be my downfall. Tomorrow at dawn, you'll join me in scouring the area over Mountain Gleen, we have a target to hunt. I expect you to treat this with utmost seriousness. No slacking, no joking, no foul play, no distracting, and most importantly, absolutely no underestimating."

Obviously overwhelmed, Vernal found her own voice leaving her. "I…"

"And one last thing." Oh dear, she does not like the look in Raven's eyes.

"Y-yes. Ma'am?"

"Once we return to the camp, bring me a bottle from my personal stash over my tent, lowest roll, oldest year you can find, and a bucket of ice. I'm going to take a shower, do not bother me until I'm done."

Instinctively, Vernal followed her muscle memory. "Umm, Roger?"

The bandit leader said nothing, only letting out a content hum. With a clean swing, she opened yet another portal. "Good, we're moving."

Bowser, was it? She'll remember that name. Mark her word, one way or another, she'll figure him out. Whether he's an ally that could benefit her, or an enemy she needs to eliminate before he becomes a problem.

If there's anything Raven absolutely hates, it's the unknown. Unknowns that might control her from the beyond.

Good thing she had plenty of experience spying on info from her prey.

If there's one thing Ozpin ever did right.

It's letting her realize there's much, way much more conspiracy going on in Remnant.


AN: Some of you probably know me for hating Raven for being a hypocrite cower. But did I ever mention that I don't like Vernal? No? Well, she's a type of character that I just don't like, and here it is, me venting some personal cruel amusement on them. And no, I do not feel sorry or ashamed for my actions of abusing my power as a fiction writer.

And Funny how this interlude turns out. Originally I was split between keeping Bowser's Bowser Crush skill from SMRPG in for this story, but after that legendary Nintendo Direct, I decided to keep it in since the remake is coming. Yeah baby, according to Nintendo approval lore, Bowser can use Earthbend.


Random short OMAKE that I couldn't fit into the chapter due to the story's tone and mood.

When the Moon hit your eyes, like a big pizza pie, Mama Mia~

After a whole afternoon of having their time wasted and being stranded in a land of unknown, a lost king and his subjects had no choice but to camp and sleep outdoors as the night draws in.

Seating around a campfire, they stuff themselves with whatever edibles they were able to scavenge from the ruins, just simple long-lasting rations that haven't expired. (Spoiler, Bowser absolutely hates it because there's no fresh meat, just jerky, but it's not like he had the leisure to be picky.)

Tomorrow at dawn, they'll make it out of this star-forsaken land. But before that… There's a very important matter that needs to be addressed.

"Why is the…" The gruff voice of Bowser begins, only for the owner to immediately stop himself.

"Umm…"

The Koopa King enters a long silent, arms crossed, eyebrows furrowed, his surprisingly tidy and well-organized brain trying to find the correct word to use.

After a while, he found what he was looking for.

"!"

"Ok" Bowser begins, again.

Drawing a deep breath, the human-ed Koopa King clapped his hands. "So."

"THAT." He pointed a finger toward the night sky, where a broken Moon was showing its full remaining glory. "Can't be my fault, right? I mean, I don't think my plan would cause a backfire that results like THAT."

Across him from the fire camp, the Elite Trio looks among themselves, before giving their opinions in unison. "No? But… Yes? Maybe?" "Yesen't?" "Doubt."

The Koopa King can only look hurt and baffled.

Was that really his fault? That can't be right. Right?

Hopefully Princess Peach won't be mad at him for blowing up the moon. Bowser can only hope. Cause where else are they going to hold their weddings?