Chapter 4: Improve, Improvise, and Adjustment.
"I don't make mistakes, I have unintentional improvisations."
Incorrect Bowser quote (Can't find a fitting quote from Mario Wiki)
The setting sun illuminates like a tasty sunny side egg yolk on the horizon, coloring the sky in a warming red glow, the prestigious castle-like Beacon Academy Looks particularly dazzling under the shiny ray of the sunset, many that had finished today's business is enjoying the gentle breeze and nice weather.
Ahh, another peaceful evening at Beacon Academy, listen to the magical tranquility. Basket in this moment of peace.
Bam* Until the gate to Ozpin's tower bust opened, interrupting the peace, with a fuming Glynda Goodwitch storming off in annoyance. Mumbling something between: "That's it, I'm quitting." or "It had to be intentional."
Many tried to stay out of her way, definitely not wanting to get tangled up with her business, and mostly, wrath.
What's making her angry? Well, the answer is simple, it had to do with a certain caffeine addict immortal in green. Who likes making unintentional decisions that make her job difficult on purpose.
Among the crowd that witnessed the commotion, a certain fashionista asked. "Sheesh, who tick off Goodwitch today?"
Her teammate could only shrug as they watch the fuming witch stomping her way to the teacher's lounge.
- (Earlier…)
"Would you like to join my school?"
"Huh?"
You probably could imagine how this entire deal goes. But wait, there's more.
"Gentlemen, before we find a way to return you to your homeworld, would you like to work as teachers in my school?"
Yep, things got super wild on Glynda's end, and the saddest part is that this is her life she had no saying over the matter.
And with the massive amount of other similar crossover fic being there, let's just skip the usual trope route and speed things up to the unique part, shall we?
- Skip Over -
We changed the scene to Beacon's dorm section, the teacher's dorm, and the spearing dorm for other academies' teachers for the upcoming Vytal Festival in the future.
It was a simple room decorated in a wooden logging house aesthetic, with simple warm household furniture for living, table chairs, wardrobes, and five beds for them to sleep. It was quite a fresh air for the Bowser Kingdom henchmen, in contrast to the usual living space built with gray stone, torches, and spiky aesthetic decortation to Lord Bowser's liking.
Currently, the henchman of Bowser is making their bed as they're preparing to go to sleep. Petey, like the slothful he is, was already snorting and blowing nose bubbles inside a giant flower pot that he emptied a potted plant for. (Don't ask how he got one.)
"You would think that we'll need to fend for ourselves, but apparently we got lucky." Goomboss remarks, still doubting all these as a weird fever dream.
"Well, better sleep on a soft mattress than a hard floor eh?" King Boo gleed as he lay afloat on his bed, his fancy white jacket taken off.
"Says you, you're a ghost, you don't need sleep" Goomboss shot him deadpan.
"But it's relaxing and comfortable." Replied Boo who then received a pillow to the face.
"Ha, jokes on you, more pillow for me!"
The Goomba king rolled his eyes at the ever-scheming ghost. Star gives him strength, he needs those power to handle living under the same roof with a guy like Boo.
"Still, I can't help but wonder… what's going to happen to our life." King Bob-Omb asks, while looking in the mirror to maintain his magnificent mustache before sleep.
The idea of the worst scenario that they will never be able to return to their own world isn't lost on them, but they tried to not thinking about that possibility, nor thinking too deeply into the matter, after all, it's still too soon to say what's happening next, and if anything, the one making the final call on the matter is Lord Bowser himself, so until they reunite with their lord and get the direct order from him. The Henchmen will play along with whatever the life here in this Remnant throws at them. Assuming the situation doesn't get desperate enough where they're forced to make decisions on their own without their lord's consent.
The earlier talk with Koopalings resurfaces in their mind. Who informs them of the details of why they're half-human all the sudden. (A freaking Prankster Comet.) Combine with the knowledge of Remnant they learned from Ozpin. Needless to say, both sides did not take things too well.
- (Quick flashback)
They exchanged both sides' info, with Koopalings and Junior leaving out the part about why they attempted to use teleport magic in the first place. Replaced with a magical experiment gone wrong as a lie of course. Also, neglect the part where their King is an evil overlord that wants to conquer the world. No one needs to learn that yet.
"Wait, what?!" The Koopalings and Jr. yelled upon learning that they were on a different planet.
Ludwig, despite being the most mature and foresight one, was taken back by the absurdity of the situation.
"An entirely different planet, just how far off through the galaxy did the spell send us..." Cried Roy as he hold his head, oh boy, this is worse than they initially thought.
"Assuming we're still within the same galaxy." Replied Ludwig, for all they know, this planet could be located in a totally different universe, which might be the exact case, as it may explain the appearance change they've gone through.
"Ok, so, how are we going to return home?" Ask Lemmy.
"Well, at least Lord Bowser had experiences traveling through galaxies..." Assured Ludwig, recalling Bowser's scheme of galaxy empire building. Although jumping through galaxy would require something like Grand Star, which is going to be a resources lacking problem.
Do the sky of Remnant have Power Stars anyway?
"So what now?" Asked Junior.
"I'm afraid, as things currently are, we're stuck on this planet." King Bob-Omb informs them gloomily. Feeling rather hollow that their grand plan backfires so badly.
And needless to say, Ozpin seems to take their misfortune a bit too well.
- (Quick flashback ends)
The four that are still awake looked down, concerned about how this entire situation is going to affect their life. And, worst case scenario, they can't return to their home world.
Huffing, Boo comments as he lays down, his body floating just a few inches above the mattress. "Well, we'll just cross the bridge when it comes, maybe burn them down I dunno? Grinding those headgear isn't gonna do us anything at the moment." Easier say than done.
Hanging his jacket nicely in the closet, Goomboss rolled his eyes again at their carefree member. "And you wonder why people consider you arbitrarily."
"Heh, yet our king is the exact same, if not worse." Boo quipped back. Which Goomb just grumbles in annoyance because it's true. The amount of times where Bowser wings everything from the get-go was basically countless at this point.
"Well, we can worry about that tomorrow, now it's better if we sleep and save energy for tomorrow." Bob-Omb cut in, playing the peacemaker. "As I'm certain tomorrow is going to be exhausting."
"We shall hast to wait and see." Bully says, laying down with his armor still on wear, there's no telling when an emergency will arise, plus, the weight feels natural to him.
They said nothing after and went to bed, wondering what the tomorrow may hold.
- Student's dorm room section.
The Koopalings and Bowser Jr. currently were using a backup room in the Student's dorm room section of the Academy. With not much things to do, many had already hit the hay… except one.
Ludwig can't go to bed yet, he finds himself unable to sleep, there are still too many things that have yet to be answered. The Headmaster of this academy, he seems far too nice, far too understanding.
Ludwig hardened his eyes as he replayed the earlier conversation in his head.
- (Another flashback)
After they exchange the information of their arrival and the common knowledge of Remnant, all that is left is what to do next, the Koopalings, Royal Koopa Prince, and the Henchmen don't belong to Remnant. Of course, that is if the others also teleported to Remnant, then the most important task is to regroup as they have planned. But in the meanwhile…
"Why don't you guys attend my school, until you regroup with your Kingdom?" Ozpin suggest.
"Huh?"
"After all, it is a Huntsman's duty to help those who're in trouble, otherworldly people or not. Although... A world different than ours that exists, it's quite intriguing..." He then frowns. "But if we suddenly announce a different world that exists beside ours, the sudden unknown would no doubt unnerves some, and people tend to act hastily and recklessly against the unknown due to fear, and for all we know, fear that could draw in and cause some panic."
"And panic would attract Grimm, which would be bad for Remnant." Port follows, with the Beowolf caged behind the bar let out a low growl, as if supporting the claim.
"Exactly, which is why I wish to ask you all to keep things in a low profile." Ozpin continued, he then looked very serious. "But more importantly… Here at Remnant, Magic doesn't exist unlike yours."
This topic surprised the Mushroom World folks. They thought this world had magic just like theirs, with those unnatural black monsters around and minerals that have magical elements. Apparently not.
"So, if suddenly, people realize that Magic exists, it would cause some serious problems, while I believe our world isn't that terrible, I can not deny that Remnants have several power-hungry individuals." He paused, letting the information sink in before continuing. "And you can imagine what would these people do if they desire to obtain magic for themselves?"
So in the end, they reached a deal, they would keep their identity a secret, and Ozpin will provide them with fake identities for the time being, and help keep a lookout for the rest of Bowser's Kingdom, using his influence and network over Remnant. Until they can finally return home as they hoped.
- (Another flashback ends)
While Ozpin did raise a good point, Ludwig cannot help but wonder if there's more going on behind the headmaster. Don't get him wrong, being treated nicely is all well and good, but the condition Ozpin provided seems too good to be a mere act of kindness. Something is definitely up.
It was as if he was actively trying to keep them close to his reach, supposedly that is a rational and logical way of thinking if Ludwig was in Ozpin's position, as they do possess many unknowns to Remnant, keeping them close means a better chance to understand them. But Ludwig feels like there's an ulterior motive.
'He's definitely keeping some secret, for important individuals like him, he had to have some sort of secret.' But what is it, Ludwig does not have an answer to that at the moment…
… or does he?
There are no rules saying he can't pray what Ozpin's secret is after all.
Knowing your enemy, or, in this case, knowing your ally.
Walking aimlessly on Beacon's campus while clearing his mind, Ludwig had decided to scout their surroundings a little more, after all, they were going to live at this place for who knows how long. Might as well get familiar with this place first.
As for why would they so easily accept Ozpin's suggestion? well...
- (Yet another flashback)
"So let me get this straight… Huntsman are like superheroes of some sort, that is super strong, correct?" Junior asks.
"In a sense, yes." Ozpin replies.
"And they also have this thing that acts like a damage nullify shield called Aura unlocked for them?" Junior continues.
"Indeed."
"Which led to the development of this unique superpower called Semblance?"
"Correct."
"And you're the headmaster of the best academy across all four Kingdom?"
"Not that I wish to brag. But yes."
"Annnd, the Huntsman graduate from this place is also considered the best among the best, correct?"
"As a matter of fact, yes."
"I'm in."
"Huh?" Everyone besides Junior and Ozpin exclaimed.
- (Another flashback ends)
In Bowser Junior's logic, this Huntsman Academy trains warriors, strong warriors, and Jr. want to be strong, so he can defeat Mario. So, in the meantime of regrouping their Kingdom, if he attends this school, he can get stronger, and then become strong enough to defeat Mario, and defeating Mario makes his dad proud.
By the Koopa Prince's mind process, finding his dad is currently put as the second priority and can wait, dad doesn't need others to take care of him, after all, if it was his dad, Bowser would not say no to a chance to become stronger. Something that no one from the Bowser Kingdom can deny. Although Kamek would argue the amount of dupe Bowser has fallen for because of his... fixated way of thinking.
Like father like son, there's not much fault in their king prince's logic, but by this decision, that means the rest of them had to tag along. Willing or unwilling.
Honestly, Ludwig and the rest of his siblings don't have objections, and neither are the loyal henchmen. Anything for their King and Prince apparently. Still...
Ludwig can't be helped but wonder if this development is all according to the headmaster's master plan. The man was definitely playing a game, he goes out of his way to keep them close to his side, which definitely should indicate something. He's seeing them as something of great importance and perhaps great influence, an influence that may benefit him directly or indirectly. Call him paranoia, but Ludwig knows a scheming when he sees one.
Ludwig sighed, life around the Mushroom World has always been filled with surprise, and odd. But teleported to literally another plant? Well… there's bound to be a first for everything he supposed.
"Having trouble sleeping?" Suddenly, Ludwig found himself accompanied by someone, who almost make him jump.
Turning toward the source, he found Ozpin standing there, hand on his cane, and his mug in another hand.
"Mr. Ozpin..." Ludwig acknowledges Ozpin's presence politely, but immediately stays on his guard, this man rubs him off just the wrong way. Not exactly malicious, but not nice either.
What game was he playing?
"I imagine there must be so many thoughts on your mind." The academy headmaster start the conversation nicely.
"That would be an understatement." Ludwig crossed his arm unimpressed, trying to read the man in front of him. But much to his disappointment, he couldn't get a good grasp of the sheet he was reading. Although he had hair that was turning white, he still appears to be in his prime for a human, yet the way he holds himself reminds Ludwig of Kamek or Kammy, people who have lived longer than any normal individuals, people who've experienced a lot.
"Feeling uncertain about the situation you're in?" The man in green suggests, definitely an attempt to lead the conversation.
"Something like that." Ludwig shrugged, no reason to answer truthfully. Not until Ozpin proved his trustworthiness that is.
The man just nodded his head seemingly understanding. "I understand, I'll be off then. Just be sure to not make it a habit, even though you and your family were not students of this academy yet, Professor Goodwitch does not take wanders after curfew kindly." He then proceeded to leave to somewhere.
Only for Ludwig to halt him in place. "Mr. Ozpin."
Said man looked back, the mild expression still presenting, but the eyes were curious.
Ludwig however, holds an opposite expression. "I do not know what game or plan you're committing, but let me warn you just once." He then narrowed his eyes and hardens his glare, looking at Ozpin dangerously. "You do not wish to make an enemy with us."
Ozpin just looked back, now his eyebrow raised slightly. Amber orbs meet azure orbs, both sides trying to pray through their deepest thought.
Seeing the man not saying anything, Ludwig continued his speech. "There have been people who tried to manipulate our King in the past, and they all meet the same fate in the end. Trust me, you do not want to be the next who joined the same end."
Ozpin stares back, with equal amounts of vigilance at the human-ed Koopaling. He takes a moment to sip his mug, before speaking back. "Is that supposed to be a warning?"
Ludwig hardened his stare. "No, it's a promise, our King does not go against his word. So do us. Although I personally couldn't care less, considering the amount of help you have provided us so far, I'll give you this as a token of appreciation."
Both standing still in place, neither side made any movement, forming a delicate balance of terror.
On the inside, Ludwig gulped, this was a terrible gamble, and while he had no doubt about their own fighting prowess against the unknown world, should this conversation and their current relationship fracture, such a result does not seem beneficial for their stay in this world. Yet he can't be helped but want to stand above the likes of Ozpin. The man definitely saw some value in them, a value that could be exploited. Something he want to prevent.
After what feels like an eternity. Ozpin breaks off the stare, and walks away.
"I'll keep that in mind."
…
…
...
Looking at the silhouette that is getting smaller and smaller in the distance. Ludwig came to a decision.
They need to make their foot in this world, if they want to have an upper hand.
Yes, they need to re-establish their influence in this world, to make the word Bowser Kingdom known to every corner.
Suddenly, it hits him. A simple idea.
How could he not think of this earlier?
This is a world different than theirs, yes… a different world.
A world where Mario isn't around…
A world with no Mario…
No Mario…
A wild grin forms on Ludwig's face, barely able to contain his own excitement, he knows exactly what they should do now… this failing plan of conquering the Mushroom Kingdom may still be scavenged.
Yes… visions of their success appear in Ludwig's mind, plans and strategies forming in his brilliant mind, tomorrow he'll present his plan to Lord Junior, and the young Prince will find his plan unlike anything they ever saw.
Yes, he was certain, this plan could definitely work.
Ozpin says the age of the monarch has ended for Remnant already. Well?...
He says a new age is about to come…
An Age of Koopa
To be
Continue:
Bowser Kingdom Boss Minion Profile: Prompous Prodigy - Ludwig Von Koopa
"But enough talk. It's time to face the music, lady. And my piano's all tuned up."
Ludwig Von Koopa, the eldest of the Seven-Notorious-Koopalings, the self-proclaimed leader of their anarchy merry band. Being the cleverest of the Koopalings, he was easily recognized by his big tufts of hair and his cunningness, his magnificent blue hair is backed by the magnificent intelligence and cunning scheming tactics that lies underneath it. He's got a mature air about him, but likes to show off and can sound a bit pompous from time to time.
Despite the Koopalings being the high-rank minions of the Bowser Kingdom, Ludwig is the one who directly receives orders from and gives status reports to Bowser, thus making him the status quo leader of the Koopaling, although the rest of the siblings often argue about the legality of this leadership. Much to Ludwig's displeasure and annoyance.
Although Ludwig possesses many talents and potential, his big ego is something that is just as relative. With him often naming his inventions or works with his name 'Lud' in it. (A inside tip from the rest of the Koopaling: Ludwig is terrible with names.)
