Chapter 18: Minion Boot Camp R(emnant) Pt 1
"Now MOVE! I want to see those stubby feet marching toward the enemy's feet!"
- Goomba boot camp guideline.
The first day of the Beacon Academy's new semester began, signing another new page in the academy's rich history. Also, the first day for the Royal Koopa to attend an actual school that's not private tutors appointed by the Bowser Kingdom.
To say that the family is not excited would be a lie, well, for Prince Bowser Junior's own confession. While The Koopalings are more worried about whether they would blend in naturally, given their… unusual social status and natural behavior.
Look, they knew they were anything but normal, and they knew the definition of self-reflecting and aren't as prideful as Bowser. Okay?
- At the amphitheater
Due to the unscheduled change that took place yesterday, the first class on the first official day of Beacon Academy is not Grimm Study taught by Professor Peter Port. But the "Situation Managing Battle 101" (SMB101 for short) class teaching by the newest staff members.
Waiting in the audience seat in their school uniform, the Koopa family went ahead and arrived at the class beforehand, part of Prince Junior wanted to see what normal school's battle class is about; part of them wanted to observe how normal people roll in school life as students.
Among the many things that occupied his mind, the early morning report with the Boss Minions; pondering how their school life is going to be; while surveillance of the students to keep an eye on any potential allies. Ludwig, like all the students attending this class, can't help but wonder, what exactly is this class going to be?
Because in the center stage, lies a sleeping Petey Piranha, who was lying on the floor, snorting nose bubbles.
Not really the best first impression for a position that's supposed to act professional, if he were to be honest… But knowing the Piranha Plant mutant, if it comfy, he sleep. There's no stopping or changing that.
Ignoring the lazy man-plant, the rest of the Boss Minions were discussing among themselves, probably figuring out who handling what duties, topics, lessons, and whatnot. This may be just another day of executing missions they were appointed to, but it is their first time part-taking the role of educator. And they want to make an example.
Speaking of example, interesting enough, the door to the classroom was modified, fortified by a sliding gate built on the inside, effectively making the amphitheater a makeshift colosseum.
"They probably were thinking about making this class focus on battling." Ludwig guessed. That does sound like the conclusion the group could have made, since their whole marry-band consists primarily of the most well-known strong members of Kings and powerhouses throughout the Mushroom World. They're most familiar with strength and fighting. That and territory conquering.
Good, he wouldn't have it any other way, physical training is an important part of their life schedule, and Stars have mercy if Lord Bowser were to learn that their time spent in this different world is wasted on playing around.
Country to popular belief, despite being a world-famous brute, Bowser takes his child's education very seriously. Much to Prince Junior's own irritation.
Meanwhile, in the center stage, King Bob-omb checked his pocket watch. "Hmm, about time. Boo, will you do the honor?"
The ghost king perked up as he smirked. "With pleasure." He then takes flight toward the door.
Soon as he began to move, the bell of the academy rang, indicating the class to be in session.
The presenting students watched as Boo flipped what appears to be a control stick to the iron bar gate, as the metal chains holding the gate descended rapidly, locking everyone in the room.
"WAAAAAAAAAIT!" Suddenly, a meek cry can be heard, getting closer as the owner of the voice approaches in a speedy fashion.
*BAM*
Everyone winced as they watched a red blur smash into the iron bar, abruptly stopped by the gate.
Turns out, the red blur is non-other than Ruby Rose herself.
"Owwwww" Winced the poor red hood as she flopped on the floor, her eyes spinning swirls and face glowing red from smashing hard into the iron surface, the young huntress-in-training was seeing tiny flying Nevermore circling above her head.
Among the crowd that witness her misfortunate stunt, some looked concerned about her well-being, while most snicked at her failed attempt to get in class on time (one team made of boys laughed the loudest). On the first day no less.
"Aww, oops, did the little red oversleep?" Boo jested at Ruby's expense, while faking a concern cooing at the poor red hood.
"Aww man!... the door is closed?!" Out of breath, Jaune Arc exclaimed in deject, finally catching up behind the red blur, his responsible team JNPR and the members of sister team RWBY arrived at their destined class, albeit a little bit too late.
Shaking his head dismissively, Boo turns to face King Bob-omb. "It's your stage, try not to obliterate them. It's their first day."
The bomb monarch ignores the ghost king as he approaches the closing gate. "I'll be the one to judge that."
"Their funeral then." Snorted King Boo as he return to his fellow Boss Minions.
Facing the behindhand teams, King Bob-omb folds his hand behind and says nothing, silently staring at them. Instantly, the atmosphere of the room changed.
Glaring, King Bob-omb, under the anonym Professor Onix Bomu, stared at the students that were late to his class with great disappointment and condemnatory, as if he was glaring at an exposed criminal.
Seeing their teacher's intense glare, the two teams made a nervous gulp. They have raised their educator's irk, on the first day no less. Even the peepy Nora dares not to make any noise.
Guilty, Yang Xiao Long attempt to make a self expense joke to ease the intention. "Eh-he, ummm… I guess the school bell rings?"
...
"Really? Xiao Long? Reeeally?" Words cannot do it justice for the deadpanning scorn and murdering glare Weiss Schnee is making.
Meekly, Yang raises her hands in defense while avoiding making eye contact. "H-hey. Since our tech is showing us the cold shoulder. So I thought maybe I should crack some ice, you know?"
Behind them, a tumbleweed rolled across the courtyard of Beacon.
Including the other six members of both teams, all of them unanimously joined Wiess' campaign to shoot Yang a disdainful look, even Ruby who was still lying on the ground joined the movement.
Finally admitting that was a terrible attempt, Yang had the decency to shrink herself while looking apologetic. "I was stressed, okay? It's hard to make good puns right on the fly." Pout the yellow bombshell as she blushed.
If easing the atmosphere is what she's after, then Yang had done a terrible job as the situation just got even more awkward.
Still saying nothing, Bob-omb continuously intense his increasingly deepening glare at the late teams, shadows casting over both his eyes and mustache.
I'm surrounded by incompetent idiots. Thought Weiss infuriatingly. Knowing that she's the only one with a right head on the shoulder in her team, making a quick glare at Pyrrha Nikos, the SDC heiress displayed her honed skill of social etiquette. "My sincere apologies for our team's mistake of being late to attend the class, Professor Bomu, we've accidentally got too caught up in our process of unloading our luggage in our dorms. We did not mean to be late for the first day." Bowing in the perfect 90 degrees, Weiss took charge of the situation, if she played all her cards correctly, the school will soon realize she was the far better choice to be made the leader of her team.
Of course, all that takes, is for Professor Bomu to acknowledge her attempt at a sincere apology.
Any time. She thought.
The reply she was waiting for never came.
The mustache gentleman continuously glares down at the eight. The eerie silence continues on for another moment, that was, until a realization hits them.
He's mad.
Perhaps, very, very mad.
So mad, that, he had gone speechless.
Seeing that his silent message has finally reached them, the bomb man turns around, his back facing them. "I do not know the difference between a justified excuse and an unreasonable cause, but such a fact is irrelevant here. You may answer all you want, but you would be wrong." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a yellow watch.
"Two laps." He said, making both teams blink in confusion.
"As a penalty for being late for class, I want all of you to run laps around the classroom. Once you're done, we may begin the class." He then turned to the Bull Knight.
"Affirmative." Replies the giant as he proceeds to lift up the gate with bare hands. "Anon moveth, child, thou art burning daylight."
Embarrassed by the whole thing, both teams say nothing and quickly get to it. They run laps around the classroom, among their classmates, some grimacing for them, while many snickers at their humiliation, and few openly make remarks about their expenses.
"Yikes, to think that Pyrrha Nikos would be late for the first day."
"Her team leader must be pretty terrible, to drag her reputation down immediately."
"Ha, shows that snobbish Schnee her own place."
"What was Ozpin thinking, letting a child attend Beacon ahead."
The words were ruthless, and many dared not raise their heads during the run. Some tried to play it off, but it obviously didn't work. All but one, whose focus was on something else.
Shooting side glares, Weiss fumes in her mind. 'Ruby Rose, this is all your fault!' Her building grudge prevents her from feeling the shaming she's undergoing.
Seeing that everything is in order, the explosive expert cleared his throat. "Ahem! Alright, class, welcome to Beacon's newest class: The Situation Managing Battle 101!"
- (Time Skip) -
In the observation seats among the amphitheater, Ozpin and Goodwitch listen to the new class their newest employee is holding.
It is as simple as the name suggests, this class is all about testing the students in handling unexpected, unique situations and scenarios. To build up and sharpen their ability to adapt in handling any immediate occurrences right on spot.
The rules were simple too, perhaps a bit too simple. They will draw lots to pick the players (although volunteering is welcomed and encouraged), and then they'll pick one of the many randomized scenarios they have prepared, and the players will proceed to solve the issue with their own approach.
It is almost as if they're making it a game of roleplay.
The only difference compared to Goodwitch's combat class is the Aura condition, instead of closing the match when one side's Aura hits red, the match here is only over when one side is incapable of continuing fighting, yielding, the instructor determined the battle to be over, or by extreme circumstances, having their Aura shattered.
"Now, since this is the first class, we'll be doing a tutorial practice, so, is anyone feeling super today?" Asked the bomb-man.
Among the crowd of students, a hand raises. From a male student with a comb back hair of burnt-orange color that resembles Super Leaf, and sharp indigo eyes that has the edge of an avian predator. The man gave out a confident smirk as he voluntarily made his debut in class. "Don't mind if I do."
Eyeing their volunteer, Bob-omb recalls the student's name. "Mister… Winchester, was it?"
Said man in question rises from his seat. "The one and only."
Muse in satisfaction, Bob-omb gestured. "Excellent, proceed to the armory and gear up, then approach the arena, and make it quick."
"Sure thing, professor." Politely replies the young man.
In his mind, Cardin grinned delightfully. Who would have thought? The almighty champion girl of Mistral would be such a clumsy mess. Being late on the first day? Looks like it's about time the Winchester made a name for himself. Yeah, Cardin Winchester the new champion of Vale, that'll roll off the tongue very nicely.
Unfortunately for the little dreamer, he is in for a very rude awakening. One he wouldn't be forgetting for a while.
- (Fast Forward) -
With the player ready, Bob-omb resumes the class. As he pulled out a tablet and typed something.
Immediately, four giant holograms appear above the classroom, one that displays Cardin's Aura meter, one is in blank, one that displays an evil drawing icon (the Bowser symbol), and one screen that displays a timer.
"Class, as you can see, these four screens will display and show us the scenario that will be Mr. Winchester's test. Here we have his Aura meter, the scenario he's in, his opponent's Aura, and the time he has spent in the situation." Explained the bomb-man.
"Now, for practice, here is our scenario. Mr. Winchester, you and your team are in the middle of your patrols around the settlement outside the border for Grimm activities surveillance, you and your teammates have decided to split up to cover the ground. That's when you find yourself in the presence of a bandit, who decided to rob you of all your valuables."
With the scenario decided, Goomboss moves into the arena, a weapon in hand, but, instead of the Oni Club he wields during the professor initiation, he holds a normal scimitar in hand.
"Now, there's no right answer to the scenario, you're going to approach the issue with your own judgment, and solve the encounter." He then turned to the class. "And the rest won't be just watching, all of you that were not taking the scenario will evaluate the performance with your own judgment too, making your own fair judgment on how this situation can be approached, and how you would do in the situation. Write down your brief reports and upload them to the class server via your own scroll, I want to see all teams making their own analysis."
From the teacher's spectator spot, Glynda nodded in approval, the main core values of the class was a very well thought and planned simulation, although unlike the combat class she teaches that was more suited for the Vytal Festival tournament approach, this class is approaching the real-life scenario that the students will run into once they start going semi-pro in the second year. Prepare them for the more unsavory and unpleasant situation they will eventually face.
"Remember, there's no correct answer to the situation, so approach as you will. And, lastly, do not hold back." She does not like how that last part sounds.
"For we will not." Oh… Ohhh no.
And so, the tales of the newest, wackiest, toughest, and hardest class of Beacon, begin.
- (Time Skip) -
Lying on the floor, Cardin Winchester lay unconscious with his eyes rolled all the way up, his Aura meter had hit near the red zone, and he had also earned himself a new reputation among his year: "The unfortunate guy that got One-Shotted by the professor."
When the simulation started, the professor was very dedicated to the role and scenarios. Goomboss, as if he's a natural talent, performed like an evil outlaw as if he's actually one, making remarks about looting Cardin of everything he had.
And like the confident jock he is, Cardin approaches the issue with his aura of confidence and self-esteem, and has fallen for the professor's trap.
See, Goomboss made a bet, calling Cardin a wimpy kid, and would allow him to prove how much of a "huntsman" he is, if he can manage to strike him down. The old man simply sticks his neck out, gloating to the kid to strike him in the face.
And that's when Cardin's plan of making a name for himself falls apart. As all the young noob could see is an old coot giving him a free win.
Imagine the surprise across the class when they see Cardin smash his mace in Goomboss' face, only for the man to completely tank the hit like nothing, and his Aura dropping only a single digit of 1%.
Yep, that's when the whole classroom knows that Cardin is as dead as a sitting duck.
Dropping his blade, Goomboss grabs Cardin by the shoulder, and then bashes him in the face with his forehead.
The rest? Is history.
Poking the unconscious kid, Boo made his first evaluation. "I think you might have killed the kid."
The Goomba monarch snorted as he waves him off. "Ehh, I hold back, he'll be fine, the worst he might get is a slight concussion for the rest of the day."
Grabbing the limping body of the kid like a sack of potatoes, Bully proceeds to send the defeated to the infirmary. "I'll beest backeth sh'rtly."
"Now…" Approaching the center of the stage, the bomb-man calmly begins. His voice seemingly decimated all the bravery, and courage in the room, save for a certain Koopa family. "Class, in session." An absolute guilty pleasure glitters in his eyes, fueled by absolute mischievous evil.
It should be known that the randomized tablet in professor Bomu's hand would later be nicknamed by the whole school as the "Lottery of Doom".
- (Real Class, Start) -
With all the rules and policies laid out, and the given time for mental preparation up, King Bob-omb draws the first player of their Minion training.
And the lottery says. "Weiss Schnee"
Instead of being terrified, Weiss smiled inwardly, this could be her chance, the goal of the class is to improve their ability to solve issues, and as the future heiress to the SDC, it is within her responsibility and liability to resolve any negotiations.
This will be her chance to prove that she's the far better choice for leading their team, not a young… doofus who doesn't even register the importance of being a leader.
From the front row of the spectator seat, Ludwig Von Koopa inspected the SDC heiress with many thoughts. Among the thoughts that occupied his brilliant mind, one memory stood out from the clouds of notes.
The memory of her enchanting voice. That heavenly vocal that befitted an angel, and the soothing and mesmerizing melody she sang.
Just last night, after the party was over, Ludwig did some information digging, particularly on minor celebrities like Weiss and Pyrrha, to see what makes them tick.
That's when he stumbled upon the records of Weiss's concert. Mirror Mirror. Named the song.
All his info-digging came to a halt, and before he realize it, a seemly hypnotized Ludwig had been watching and replaying the video multiple times, it was until Wendy messaged him its time to sleep, that's when he realized that it was already past midnight, he had spent the whole time listening to the lady white's song.
To think he would discover his "muse" this way, in a different world no less. Life truly is full of mystery and wonder. 'What other surprises do you hold, dear muse…' He thought.
Approaching the arena with her Huntress attire and Myrtenaster in hand, Weiss gracefully enters the battlefield.
And with the randomizer choosing her opponent scenario, the fate of this test is sealed.
"Go get 'em! Queen!" Cheered Yang, with the irritating nickname.
"Fight well!" Cheered Blake as she pulled a flag out of nowhere, okay…?
"Go Weiss! Presenting Team RWBY!" And then comes the insufferable… dummy. Weiss Schnee ain't no some vulgar foul mouth.
Fighting off her irritation, Weiss chose to ignore all of them, she has a far more important priority at hand.
"So, Miss. Schnee, you'll be facing the situation of an emergency, you and your teams are on a holiday off-duty break, minding your own business in vale, when all the sudden, the downtown of Vale is under an attack, although separate from your teams, you try to approach the scene, when suddenly an unknown man shows up and tries to hinder you from approaching the crime scene, what will you do?" Explained Bob-omb of her terms and conditions, with her opponent being Big Bully, who brings no weapons but bare fists to the simulation.
The heiress adjusted her gear one last time, not showing any emotions on her face.
But inwardly, Weiss smirked. This class, as she came to understand, the goal was never about fighting, but settling the issue within her own judgment. Even if her words are likely to fail, with her own experience fighting the Arma Gigas, Professor Donku shouldn't be too much of an issue for her, especially if he chooses to handle this battle with bare hands.
Good, time to show them how exceptional she is.
- Playing Music: Super Mario Odyssey: Broodals Battle (extended) -
[Simulation begins.]
Playing into their respective roles, marched into the scene menacingly like a villain, Bully begins. "The path is off-limits."
"Sir, with all due respect, the city is under terrorist attack, as a licensed Huntress, I have a duty that needs to be attended to." The Schnee heiress begins, carefully moving her free hand behind her, prepared for her Glyph conjuring.
From the outside of the arena, Professor Bomu wrote down on his tablet. No doubt taking note of her approach to the scenario.
The Bull, however, repeated like a broken record. "The path is off-limits."
Carefully considering her narrating opinions, Weiss chose to fish for more information. "And who might you be?"
"This, path, is, off, limits." Yet the opponent continues to repeat the same thing, playing into the mysterious assassin vibe.
Weiss frowned, she was going to accuse the man to be working with the White Fang by his action's implication. It would seem that he's not gonna answered anything.
So this may be a situation where I'm against someone who's a hired gun, or someone who has a specific ulterior motive in mind and knows what they're doing. Weiss concluded. That means I may have little chance of baiting out any useful info.
With words becoming useless, hardening her glare, with a swift swipe, Weiss creates a path of glyphs in front of her, leading toward Big Bully, who looked surprised by her action. Aiming her rapier at the target, bending her knees slightly, and the heiress blasts off like a white blur toward the giant.
Clearly not expecting the speed, but expecting to be attacked all the same, Bully instinctively brought both arms forward to shield his front.
Myrtenaster grazed off the arm guards, chirping off small sparks as the metals clashed, with her body moving to the side into Bully's blind spot, Weiss punched her saber into the backside of his left knee.
Forcefully dropping to one knee, Bully maintains his balance, and twisted his waist, utilizing the burst of violent momentum, with a twist of his good right foot, positioned himself to rotate and extended out his arms for a tornado swipe, which the heiress have expected the close range retaliation as she hops away from the attack.
Seeing his swing have missed, following his own movement forward, Bully dropped on all four and dived toward Weiss like a literal animal on hunt, with the lady in white clearly not expecting him to go feral, the Schnee heiress barely reacts in time to bring up her weapon and cast a glyph to shield, the horn on Bully's head scrape against the glyph before Weiss using both feet to kick off the surface to get herself away from the Bull.
Backing to a safe distance while sliding across the floor like ice-skating, Weiss made a motion to draw more Glyphs around the arena, particularly surrounding Bully from all sides and angles, and switch to Thunder Dust and channeled the energy in Myrtenaster, casting her time-dilation glyph to boost herself up.
Then, faster than eyes can register, with the launching glyph prepared right below her, she bounces off like a pressed spring, zooming around the Bull Knight via her Glyph's reflecting path. Her experience against the artificial armor Grimm has given her immense knowledge on how to fare against heavy and giant opponents. With speeds, precision, and a raw burst of correct offense!
Unable to keep up with her speed, but keeping his ground and position, Bully moves his arms to cover his head. The blur that is Weiss Schnee stormed around him like a raging thunderstorm, hitting him from all sides, clear sounds of metal clashing echoed in the room, his whole body flinching and shaking with each strike against the armor.
"Yeah! Show them who's the boss!"
"You're doing amazing, Weiss!"
Cheered the Rose and Xiao Long siblings, seeing that their teammates have successfully obtained the upper hand and flow of the battle.
"This is concerning." Yet someone doesn't feel the same.
They turned, seeing Pyrrha observing the battle with a worried look.
"She may be taking the lead of the offensive, but that defense Professor Donku had is just... absurd." She hitched, almost as if she have find it difficult to agree to her judging.
Looking at where Pyrrha is pointed, they saw that the Bull Knight's Aura barely decreased, with Weiss' dropping to around to 84% due to the continuous fueling to her Semblance, while Bully's still stood at a healthy amount of 95%. The man, despite the obvious lack of agility, he made it up in the department of defense, by a wide margin.
The Schnee princess was barely doing any damage to the man.
Now looking worried, Ruby tried to reach out to Weiss. "Weiss! Try use Dust directly against him!" Unbeknownst to her, all the zooming causes winds to brush past Weiss's ears, making so much amplified white noise that blocked out the outside world noise.
The heiress stopped all her momentum for a split second after somehow recognizing a fragment of the annoying voice, she spare a split of a few seconds to glare hatefully at the child for attempting to distract her while she was in the middle of a battle. Before doubling up her efforts to resume her tempo.
This pause, however, is exactly a moment of opportunity Bully needs.
Putting all strength into his newly acquired muscles that are known as legs, Bully bent and dashed forward to engage Weiss's strike with an insane burst of speed, the knight brought up his shoulder and readied to collide with Weiss. Causing the heiress to widen her eyes, unable to stop herself, cease the attack, or even brought up a protection, the frail white blur collided with the sturdy black tank and was bounced off by the superior forces. Being the one that couldn't take the rebound feedback from the colliding.
Landing on the floor, Weiss bounced and rolled around till she stopped just a few inches to the edge of the arena, the head-spinning force causing her to lose grip on Myrtenaster.
And her Aura? It's now drawn near the cautious half zone, being 62%. The man had used her speed against her.
Getting back up, Bully menacingly cracked his neck that followed by a loud pop, making the audience wince, before dropping on all fours again, the knight grazed his feet on the floor, like a black bull that was ready to run loose at any given moment.
Holding her head to stop the spinning while getting back on her feet, Weiss Schnee scorned while proper herself up, to think she would replicate the same mistake twice, unacceptable. Forced open an eye to keep track of her opponent, she re-evaluated her own strategy, no more close-up engagement.
Seeing that the Schnee girl is not gonna make her approach, Bully took the turn and dashes forward to directly assault her.
Quickly dashing away from the bull, Weiss picked up Myrtenaster while she was on the run, the bull tried his best to keep on his track from behind, but his overall inertial force created over his heavyweight making it hard for making a sharp turn. Something Weiss quickly picked on.
Nodding confidently to herself, she switched to Ice Dust and lower the tip of her blade as Myrtenaster glowed blue close to the ground, creating a layer of ice floor right behind her.
Even though she can't effort to look back while on the move, she can imagine the shocked expression on her chaser, as she heard the Bull grunt loudly as he slide onto the ice. Too late to decrease his speed, Bull found his limbs slipped on the slippery surface and bellyflopped on the ice like a curling stone.
From the spectator seats, the students watched the giant stumble and fumble his footing as he keeps slipping his limbs, like a literal bull slipping his hooves on ice.
To add salt to the injury, his co-worker certainly doesn't want to cut miss the opportunity, as Boo points his finger and laughed out loud. "Pfff ha! BB! Looks like your skill are slipping away?"
Said Bull huffed annoyingly, before smashing his fist on the ground, cracking the ice.
Opposite from his spot, realizing what the Bull is doing, Weiss wasted no time and cast a glyph underneath Big Bully. Eyes widen, the bull tried to plunge toward her, only too late on his footing, as a thick layer of ice encase all his limbs.
"Yeah! Go! Weiss!" From the audience, Ruby cheered at Weiss' smart usage of Dust.
"I'm TRYING to FOCUS here!" Only to have the teammate snarl down at her neck.
Caught off guard, Ruby shrank in her seat as she meekly apologized. "So-Sorry!"
From the sideline, Ludwig and Bob-omb took note of her very specific direction of anger toward Ruby.
The heiress huffed annoyingly as she resume her attention on her opponent.
Continuing her change of strategy, Weiss conjured several glyphs around her, and took a motion of swings, launching several stone projectiles toward Bully, taking the long-distance approaching.
*Clank* *Thonk* *Dink* The stones bounce off Bully's armor harmlessly, making the Schnee narrow her eyes. Still not doing any damage? Quickly adjusting her attack, she combined all glyphs into one and launched off a stone spear.
"UHMM!" Hearing the man grunt as the attack smashed against him, Weiss knows that it was doing damage to him, she immediately tries to conjure a bigger glyph above Bully.
With every set, and a determined goal in mind, Weiss stabbed Myrtenaster down with a heavy swing, as her glyph shoot out a giant pillar to malleting the bull like a literal ground beef.
"Now that is how you make ground beef." In the audience, Team RB and JNPR shook their head at the blonde brawler's poor taste in puns, although Nora licked her lips as she wondered about having just that for lunch, hmmm, ground beef burrito using pancake as wrap. Tasty.
While the more serious members like Blake, Ren, and Pyrrha pay attention to the hologram. Although that heavy hit is a successful one, Bully's Aura is still above half, seating at the healthy amount of 79%, while Weiss' is lowered to the yellow zone of 51%.
Said Schnee too watching the hologram with her mind running miles per second, she has the man pinned, if she can't defeat him in combat, at least she can achieve victory by restraining him, and it is working.
However, it seems that her enemy does not plan to yield at all, despite having a literal pillar pressing on top of him, Bully tries to break free from the ice, the blue crystal that encases him cracks and shakes.
Seeing her enemy's indomitable spirit, Weiss answer back with a stronger one, as she took out the Dust vial that she tucked in her jacket. A vial of gravity Dust. The Schnee heiress cast multiple gravitation glyphs on the giant stone mallet, pushing the bull down further.
Unable to handle the weight, Bully smashes down on the floor with a loud *THUD*, completely pinned against the floor and in a hard place.
- Music Stops -
The room was silent after the loud smash, as everyone tries to register the scene in front of them. She did it, she restrained the professor.
Dusting her outfit, Weiss smiled as she leaned forward and bowed to the room, marking her end of performance.
From the audience, the Koopa family watched with impressed reaction, this certainly was an admirable accomplishment, to subdue a Bully is no easy task, especially considering one such as Big Bully. Ludwig finds the edge of his lips curled upward, dear muse certainly was something.
The Boss Minions find themselves nodding at the performance, that was a good.
Headmaster Ozpin and Headmistress Glynda watched with a small smile, the Schnee heiress certainly were gifted and talented.
"Ung-URGH!"
The celebration Team RBY and JNPR were about to throw was rudely interrupted, as the bull knight made a loud grunt.
A moment next, something completely shocking happened before everyone's eyes.
The man was rising up, despite being pinned down completely, he pushed back, and is making a steady increase with his rising. Steam blows from his nostril, and his whole body is flashing red.
'Ahh, so he had cast Vigor Up! on himself.' Realized by the Mushroom World citizens. The Bully has cast a common magic of buff-up on himself, something that the Boss rank Minion are required to learn and possess. Looks like someone doesn't want to take the defeat yet.
Ludwig watched with a frown, although he wouldn't mind if dear muse lose, he doesn't want the Minions to blow their cover, thankfully, nobody knows their power, so they could play this off as Bully's signature Semblance.
Unknown to the citizens of Remnant, this turn of the tide made multiple individuals gulp nervously, Weiss Schnee being one of them, as she take a step back in shock. How?
With a heave-ho, Bull breaks the ice underneath him, and swiftly pushes the pillar up, before grabbing it by the bottom with both hands, and then proceeding to smash it right onto Weiss.
Said target immediately dives out of the way, ungracefully rolling on the floor as the stone pillar split into smithereens.
Watching the outcome with disbelief and frustration, Weiss pouted. Of course, Semblance, how could she forget, the man kept his ace up the hold time.
- Playing Music: Super Mario Odyssey: Madam Broode Battle (extended) -
From the sideline, the Boss Minions smirked as they watched on without any intention to stop the simulation.
"Round two." The bull calmly declared, making the girl realize that this battle is far from over.
Swallowing down her nervousness, Weiss recover her serious look, before making dashes around her opponent.
Standing his ground, Bully observed Weiss carefully, he automatically wins the game with his strength and defense, but the only thing he severely lacks is speed and agility, something Miss Schnee excelled in perfectly. Gazing at the hologram, he saw that his "Aura" is remaining at 64%, while Wiess' lowered to 40%.
The bull knight mused, theoretically speaking, he could secure this win by stalling, the girl would exhaust herself first before she can even bring him down to knees, but that is irrational, as they have more students that need to be tested, best not to waste any more time. Focusing back on the battle, the girl had already disappeared from his view of vision, likely moving behind him, if his experience as a warrior served him well, she likely is going to attack him right in the back like the Red Plumber would. He paused for a moment, considering the best course of action he should take, he could try dodge, but at the same time, he was supposed to push these kids to their limits. Hmmm, what a choice to make indeed.
Changing the perspective, Weiss narrowed her eyes, the man made no movement despite she has moved out of his vision, what could he be planning? This can't continue on, she has wasted too much Aura. Shaking her head, Weiss draws a deep breath. You're losing your tempo, keep calm, analyzing the situation, what does the enemy have that you don't?
Superior defense.
Power boost Semblance.
Lack of control over movement.
That's it.
With a new strategy in mind, Weiss decides to take a page from the opponent, and use their strength against themselves. In Sir Donku's case, his size and strength.
As if on time, Bully slowly turns around, his lax movement and attitude put a pit in Weiss' stomach. This strategy has to work.
"I did suppose t's about timeth I taketh this m're s'rious then." He utters loudly, grinding his shoulders.
Hardening her glare, Weiss gulped, and readied her weapon in response.
Running forward to engage, Bully finally takes on the offensive lead, throwing punches toward Weiss.
Thankfully, his movement was wide and readable, as Weiss was able to dance around gracefully to avoid all of them.
From the audience, Yang watches the close-quarter assault with a wince. "Yikes, and he calls that serious?"
Turning toward the blonde bombshell, Jaune gave her a funny look. "What's wrong with it?"
"He's going easy on dear Ice queen." She pointed, as a brawler, she knows all the knack of how to throw a punch, and Bully is purposefully throwing it like an amateur. "He may be going easy on her, but considering the strength he has, getting hit by even one strike is no joke."
The boy immediately understands the meaning of this situation, they're not just underpowered, they're severely underpowered against their instructors. And if he got picked next... oh boy.
He can use nausea as an excuse for today, right?
Unknown to the students, Bully is still relatively new at throwing arms, as he literally got no hands in his previous body. This means he's literally winging it in the middle of the class. But no one needs to know that.
Dodging another punch, Weiss tapped her free hand to swat away the arm that went pass her head. She had been trying to hold on from using her Aura on her Semblance. Just a little more... She counted in her head.
Finally, the opposite hand swatted, Weiss initiated her plan.
As Bully is going for another punch, the Schnee heiress motioned her finger with an aim, immediately, a glyph appeared around Bully's arm, and the trajectory suddenly went off and causing him to punch his head instead, followed by another arm moved to punched the jaw.
Clearly not expecting the haywire, Bull was left stunned.
Smirking, Weiss immediately close in and tapped the knight right in the chest plate, motioning her arms, and striking Myrtenaster forward.
A gravitation glyph formed on the armor, and Bully suddenly found himself being yanked back by a crazy force.
*THUD* He lands at the edge of the arena, slamming into the wall, bewildered but yet amused at the same time.
"Hmm." He hummed. Taking in the situation. He underestimates, so Dust can do a trick like this, noted.
That should have done something, right? The Schnee thought, looking at the hologram to check her progress.
[Weiss Schnee]: 34%
[Obsidia Donku]: 59%
Apparently not as much as she had hoped. Big Bully, for all his worth, is a living fortress. Fortress that she lacks the proper power to stop or demolish.
In the audience, the students have begun to make their own analysis of the situation, and if Weiss Schnee were to make a guess, it's definitely not looking good on her part.
Weiss cursed inwardly, this is bad, she doesn't possess enough Aura to continue the long-distance approach, she would have to resort to getting close and finishing it quickly, but one hit and she is out.
Just as she's troubled by her dilemma. Bully slowly rise up from the ground, cracking limbs as he took his sweet time as he did. Her lips frown, Weiss made no sudden movement as she carefully regarded her enemy and his lax behavior.
What does she do now? Trouble writes clearly on her face, something that Bully took notice of.
"..." Solemnly, Bully made a decision.
From the seat of Team RBY and JNPR, they tried to write down their essay, but found themselves unable to put down the effort, as Weiss is losing the battle.
"Man, this isn't how I imagine the first day would go." Exhale Yang as she scratches her locks.
Miffed dejected responses were all she gets from her teammates and friends. Truly, none of them were expecting professor Bloo's promise to be serious, they thought he was just messing with them.
Apparently he's serious about kicking their arses.
Weiss would need some serious luck or a miracle to win this battle.
That's when Bully raises both arms up, exposing himself open. "Is yond s'riously the most wondrous thee couldst off'r? Yond couldn't beest t, c'rrect?"
"Doth, thy, w'rse." He, for the lack of a better word, taunts, and challenged Weiss to come at him.
Unsure how to decipher this message, but believing her educator to be acting in their best interest, Weiss guess that Professor Donku must want her to give her everything, even if she were likely to fall.
She couldn't ask for a better chance of opportunity, and for the record, she will excel in this challenge!
Nodding as if to reply to the will. Weiss adapts a confident look.
Struck yet another motion, Weiss drew a new set of glyphs toward the bull. If her experience against the Arma Gigas still applies, then this is where she finished this battle.
And instead of moving out of the way of damage, Bully stood his ground, his resolution standing firm.
Eyes never leave her target, following her course of action, she switch to Wind Dust, and channeled the raging element into Myrtenaster's blade, while casting a glyph underneath her, and immediately shoot off again like a bullet.
But instead of going right toward her enemy, she took a detour, and moved around the arena, casting more glyphs path as she speeds through the classroom.
In their seat, RBY seems to recognize the glyphs path as the same kind she used back in their plans to slay the giant Nevermore.
Excited, Ruby cheered. "GO! Weiss! You got this!" Thankfully this time Weiss didn't hear her.
With incredible speed and force build, the glyph path branched off toward Big Bully, channeling all the Fire Dust and Wind Dust into Myrtenaster's blade, and Weiss struck Big Bully right in the chest.
Immediately upon colliding, the combustion element detonated, creating a giant fireball that consumed the bull in the middle of the arena and caused an explosion, with Weiss gracefully using the explode shockwave to propel herself back away.
*BOOM*
- Music Stops -
With the students, Bowser Junior and Nora gushed at the big explosion that took place, their enthusiasm for thrill took over, completely unconcerned for the man that was engulfed by the seemly very deadly explosion.
In their seats, Ozpin sighed, knowing how much of a complaint Glynda is going to breathe down on both he and his new employees' necks, while said Deputy is already seething with anger from the recklessness of this development and having to repair all this damage. Just because they're pushing their students doesn't means she'll allow reckless behavior like this.
Yes, knowing how absurdly strong their new friend is, they're not really that concerned for his safety, it's the thing around them they should be concerned about.
The same can be said for the students, after realizing how tough their new teachers are, they believe only something to a degree like this can knock them down.
Drop to her knees, Weiss huffed, that had to be it, she had nearly emptied all her Aura for that attack, even if this doesn't work, this had better-shown everyone just how good she really is.
Dusting her outfit, Weiss leaned forward and bowed to the educators, marking her end of performance.
Although she definitely would prefer some vocal applause, the silences she gets certainly suit the mood better, shocking, she knows. To defeat the educator in their trial, this outta proven everyone just how expectational she is.
Open her eyes, Weiss then notice that something wasn't right with the expression her peers are showing. Instead of that awe shock, they looked, unnerved…
That's when she heard a heavy footstep from right behind.
Turning around, she immediately understands why. From inside the smoke, a silhouette slowly revealed, The man, the knight, the… the bull, was back on his feet. Then, her eyes drift toward the ceiling, onto the hologram of the class.
Her Aura? In the near empty of 4% left.
His Aura? Still near the quarter of 20%.
Slowly walking out from the smoke, Bully's body is covered by various embers, yet he doesn't seem to be bothered by it. Even casually lift his hand to extinguish the cinder on his horn.
"Wast yond all?" He curiously inquired as he approach Weiss, as if asking a genuine question, but his words effectively sent fear down the girl's spine, in that moment, Weiss feel small.
Before the heiress could properly react, Bully lightly jabbed her right in the gut. Exhausted and powerless to stop this from happening, the girl was pushed down, unable to nullify this damage, her Aura finally shattered, her hands let go of her weapon, and she finally tumbled on the floor and collapsed like a shattered mirror.
[Simulation finished.]
Shooking their head disappointedly, the Boss Minions each gave their own score to the battle.
In the spectator seat, Glynda was being held back by Ozpin, who give her a shook of his head, after everything they experienced last night, it was in Beacon's best interest that they let the Boss Minions train the student, to prepare them for the inevitable invasion King Boo's brother is going to commit, as far as his own experience goes, the future foretold by the Relic of Choice has always been unavoidable, no matter how they might try or alter the course, hence why he's so terrified to use the crown or let anyone get access to the relic.
If Beacon is going to be attacked, it is best that they prepared everyone the best they can, even if at the cost of students' trust and faith in them.
Stepping forward, Bob-omb announces the results of this battle. "Alright, that concludes this simulation, Miss. Schnee here has-"
"I can still go." Abruptly interrupted by the declaration from the Schnee heiress. She pushes herself up, teeth clenched and her footwork unstable, yet she refuses to let go of her chances to prove herself. Perhaps if she can make this unyielding act be seen as her undying spirit, anything to paint her in a better light, to get her elected as the leader. Then maybe…
The instructors looked at her, before Bob-omb shook his head. "Miss. Schnee, you did not let me finish, your Aura has shattered, and on top of that, your enemy is still standing and in a capable amount to finish you off, and you've lost your holding on your weapon, the simulation… is over." The gentleman regretfully informs her. "In the real field, the moment you land on the floor, your opponent is more than just likely to follow up with a finishing blow to take your life. You, would be, dead."
The heiress clenches her fists, nails digging into the palm. A shadow looked cast over her eyes.
She stood there for a second, before moving both hands to gently lift the edge of her skirt, bowing as she thanked the teacher. "Understood, Professor." She then recovers her blade, and shakily leaves the classroom without another word.
Sighing, Bob-omb turns to Bully. "See to it that she attends the infirmary."
"Affirmative."
Worrying, Ruby tries to go after Weiss, but is stopped by getting her name called. "Miss Rose, I did not permit you to leave the class." The instructor calls, preventing her from going after her partner. "You can check up on your teammates once the class is over."
Reclusively, Ruby sits down.
With the class resume, Bob-omb announces the next match. "Now, the next-" Only to be interrupted by Boo, who then whispered in his ear.
"..."
"Are you certain?"
"Don't worry, I'm serious about this."
The mustache instructor seems to be considering whatever request his ghastly friend just made, before nodding. "As you wish, your turn next, Pyrrha Nikos."
Looking at her own teammates, who looked uncertain and terrified about the class, Pyrrha gulped nervously.
To be…
Continued…
AN Time: (UPDATE: I don't like how the second part of the fighting is handled, so I made some changes to it, and tried to tone down the pressuring mood of the whole class, make it less traumatized.)
Alright, I made some adjustments to how the filler school episode would be, and while I was at it, an idea came to me, well, sort of, not really… I basically drafted into the territory of "what if" (Overused, I know, but it worked wonderfully in this line of fiction)
So the idea that hits me is to basically make RWBY face against the Bowser Kingdom baddies, but since I'm already making them play the role of the good guy, but I want to make them fight each other with seemly no proper reason available. Why don't I make them play it in the pretend category? And bam, SMB 101 comes to fruition, Pun entirely intended mind you and thank you.
So here we are, the SMB 101 class would be the filler where I place RWBY characters against Boss Minions as if they're actually antagonistic against each other. Without causing unnecessary drama that just divide people for no reason for the sake of it. Besides, the Boss were baddies that actually terrorize peace, so why don't I let them play their natural game and habitat?
I hope my writing on Weiss' fighting scene is satisfying to you all, it's really hard to grasp the right balance considering how the later Volume portrayed and butchered and nerfed her in comparison to her performance in White Trailer. The difference is day and night between the two.
AND, if we really considered the things that are shown in the trailers as part of the canon (Plus the recap of trailers' moment in Ice Queendom's first episode), then, technically speaking, the RWBY trailers are all part of the canon. So, I will proceed with my best to utilize everything that was shown in there.
The part of Volume 1 that always bugged me the most is how magically inconsistent Weiss had been in the whole V1. (Not to mention the ignoring of her logical side in Team RWBY's heist in V2, isn't she supported to be the voice of the logical reasoning?)
Oh no, I really don't like my situation, I loathe my childish leader, I want to be the leader instead. (Cue Port and his extremely short glory of wisdom) You know what? Maybe it isn't so bad at all? I'll suddenly be nice to her when just a few scenes ago I wish and want her gone. (The disputes suddenly don't exist anymore without the showing of two parties sorting it out) A common problem throughout the whole RWBY, if it's something that's shown to the audience, then every character will automatically know what's going on even when there's zero interaction in between or acknowledgment. No one never questions anything.
And don't get me started on the whole "I don't care about Blake being EX-White Fang anymore", the show never showed Weiss' side of thought process, she just magically comes to terms with Blake turning over a new leaf. And we audience are expected to fill in the gap with our minds. I'm no professional storyteller and far from it, but even I can tell that is NOT how you tell a story.
And, with the Ice Queendom over (And its massive extension on Weiss' character possibilities), I have some ideas on my mind for our Snow White, she's not gonna have her cold dead heart melt right away, no, she'll be quite a, ahem. "B*tch" for the foreseeable time. And she's gonna learn the consequence of her attitude.
Also, if you haven't noticed, yes, I purposely made the Boss Minions stronger, and tougher to beat (Plus the fact they won't play fair), I really want to emphasize on my personal problem that RWBY is supposed to be a classic (Shoujo/Shounen) anime. That this is their adventure to mature and become better (The sheer irony, consider how the later volume turns out. Nothing was risked, and nothing was gained)
So, yeah, the Boss Minions will serve as the exact obstacle RWBY and JNPR will eventually surpass.
And yes, as of now RWBY and JNPR are noobs, and you can't tell me otherwise.
Also, to explain what the heck happened with Big Bully, he used an enemy skill from the first Mario RPG: The Legend of Seven Star, a skill called Valor Up! that boosts an enemy's offensive value. Similarly, the Boss from Mario & Luigi RPG, starting from the game Paper Jam, and the remake that followed afterward, Boss will enter a boost mode of offensive and defensive Buff when they got near about 30% of low health. I merely combined the two elements together and made use of it here.
So yeah, the trope of "I get stronger as my stamina goes lower." RPG logic is working as intended on the Mushroom World characters.
And also (God I repeat these two words a lots.)
To answer Skeletalrepublic's review: That I'm not sure, I dunno why Koopalings gets focused in most in-depth Mario fanfiction, probably because they have more personality than the actual Nintendo intended Mario, idk. They do have versatile personalities compared to the funny Yahoo-Wahoo man. And certainly, more dialogue than Mario is ever going to have.
But that is not the problem I'm addressing, unfortunately, FF only allowed 4 characters to be displayed in the reviewing format, but in truth, this fic is focusing on (basically every enemy that is related to the Bowser Kingdom), which means all the Boss rank enemies. The Koopalings and Junior just happened to be the closest in age gap and RWBY team feature format.
