Chapter 01 : As Usual.
Hello Everyone! This is my first story here as you can see. Well, it's still on going and I can't give any promises to finish it any soon lol. But hey, as long as you enjoy the reading and I enjoy the writing, other things don't matter, right?
Anywayyyy, I'm using full uncanon names for some of the koopalings because I saw some people do it in many platforms and I was like hmmm why not! (But well, worth to mention that I found a wiki referencing to them with those "full" names, I tried to do my researches to see if they're canon or not, but found nothing.)
Another thing you should put in mind that the way the characters will be acting is 99% my headcanons, you may have a different point of view, a different imagination, and that's totally okay! Also I may change some canon stuff here and there, I'll make sure to mention that.
Rated T for : mention of blood, death and violence so please be careful. (But there's no swearing, even for Roy lol.)
Disclaimer : All rights go to Nintendo. I'm just a fanfic writer.
In the depths of the dimly lit cave, shadows danced as the flickering light of a lantern illuminated the ancient, rough-hewn walls. Nestled within the heart of the cavern lay aprecious jewel, glinting in a deep blue glow.
As the silence of the cave was disturbed by a low, guttural hum, tendrils of a sinister purple fog began to seep from the facets of the jewel, curling and twisting as if alive. The fog crept along the rocky ground, snaking its way towards the figure frozen in fear at the sight. With a muted clatter, the lantern slipped from trembling fingers, its flame extinguished upon impact with the stony floor.
The small figure took a hesitant step back, heart hammering in chest. The ground beneath feet seemed to shift and writhe and a chill filling the air as the fog thickened. With wide eyes filled with a mixture of awe and terror, the figure's steps stumbled, falling to the ground.
The tendrils of the purple fog coalesced and swirled together and a sinister, chilling laugh echoed through the place, sending a cold shiver down the figure's spine.
Slowly, the swirling mist began to solidify, shaping into a towering figure bathed in an eerie purple glow. "Finally, the sweet taste of freedom!" the entity's voice boomed with a malevolent laughter. The figure gasped in fear, crawling back. Heart pounded as turned and bolted towards the cavern's entrance, into the Darkforest, leaving behind a lantern and weathered tome.
— — — — • •
Under the dark, cloudy night sky of the Darklands, the royal family of the King of koopas, Bowser, gathered for dinner after a long week of conflict with their rivals, the brothers Mario and Luigi.
Of course, they lost again.
The long table groaned under the weight of the evening's meal, the flickering candlelight shimmered as the royal Koopas took their seats. Meanwhile Bowser, the formidable King of the Koopas, sat at the head of the table, his feirce eyes glinting in the dim light.
His children, the Koopalings, sat in silence around the table, their usual banter and laughter replaced by a sense of nervousness.
The only sound that punctuated the stillness was the sharp clinking of metal spoons and forks against their porcelain plates. Even Morton Jr who used to babble a lot, and Lemmy whose giggles used to fill the air, were as if someone had taped their muzzles shut.
Bowser's frustration reached a boiling point. With a thunderous roar that shook the very foundations of the chamber, he slammed his massive claws against the polished surface of the table with a resounding thud, causing the koopalings to startle in fear at the sudden outburst. "WHERE IS LAWRENCE!?" he bellowed, his booming voice ringing across the chamber.
Lemmy swallowed hard and glanced nervously at the empty seat in his left. As no one dared to speak, or even look up from their plates. Oh no.. Dad is getting angry.. Oh, how he dreaded his father's wrath.
Bowser repeated his demand with even more ferocity. "WHERE. IS. THE. BRAT. OF. LAWRENCE?" His gravelly voice rumbled, his gaze sweeping over the table.
"I think he is in his room, my dear father." The tallest koopaling spoke up after clearing his throat, in the most casual tone of his as an odd smile hang on his lips. Idiot! You just got yourself in trouble! Wendy, the only female Koopaling, turned to her older brother with shocked eyes while Bowser Jr and Morton Jr exchanged worried glances.
Bowser's burning gaze shifted towards the green-haired Koopaling, his fierce eyes narrowing as he fixed his son with a stern look. "And why is he in his room!?" the King of Koopas questioned calmly but in impatience. "Doesn't he know that it's time for DINNER !?" he snapped with his tune rising once more.
"I have zero guess on this, father." Iggy replied, his calm demeanour and strange smile unwavering. Bowser's eyes felt on the koopa princess nedt to Iggy as slight smoke puffed out his nostrils. "Who has, then?"
A cold shiver crept down Wendy's spine, her mouth dried up, and her tongue felt heavy with fear. She wanted to look away, to shrink back from Bowser's intense gaze, but she felt her father's stare piercing her. She has no escape. Gulping nervously, Wendy struggled to find her words, her mind racing as she searched for anything to say.
"Sure he's trainin' for that dumb tennis tourney." Roy murmured under his breath as he skewered his steak with a forceful jab of his fork, his eyes didn't even waver from his plate to meet his father's. A slight gasp escaped Bowser Jr's lips, good for him it didn't reach Bowser's ears. Dumb!? How dare he talk to papa like this!?
"What was that, Roy?" Bowser fumed as he glanced the pink muscular koopaling from the corner of his steady eyes.
"Maybe he lost track of time... sure he didn't mean to miss dinner." Before Roy could say anything, Morton hurried to reply, his voice quivered slightly. Bowser's gaze turned to chatty koopaling. He stayed silent for a few moments, making all of them even more nervous especially Morton whose brow damp with a sheen of anxious perspiration.
But the koopa king's eyes bore into his eldest son who had not moved or uttered a word since the beginning of dinner. Rather, he was immersed in eating his food without even looking up from his plate. "Tennis huh?" Bowser asked sarcastically, "and you're letting him go with that, Ludwig?" His tone grew in volume and wrath.
Though His siblings couldn't know what he was feeling because of his indifference and calm facade. Ludwig looked up to his father with a raised eyebrow, knowing that the question was directed to him. He wasn't sure about what his father meant by these words.
"You know why we lost today?" Ludwig remained silent. He didn't answer, instead he carefully put his fork and knife aside and took the napkin to wipe his muzzle.
"Not because of Lemuel's health condition. Not because of Ignatius' failing inventions." A hint of amusement flickered in the tallest prince's eyes at the mention of his infamous contraptions, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"Not because any of your siblings was weak." Bowser's tone was firm and harsh. He turned his piercing gaze towards Morton Jr, who shifted uncomfortably under his father's looks.
"I had a genius plan by teaming you all up, and all the duos worked together greatly." Bowser continued, before he directed his angered sight back to Ludwig, his features rage darkened."Except for you and Lawrence. We lost because of YOU, BOTH."
The other koopalings sat in heavy silence, their eyes steadfastly fixed on their plates, not daring to continue eating or even meet Bowser's gaze. Even Roy halted his eating and clenched his fingers tightly around the fork. Iggy also set his fork aside, he was the sole koopaling to lift his eyes and watch his father's expressions.
Ludwig flinched at the sharp sound of Bowser's yelling. A million thoughts ran through his head, a flood scenes of memories swept through his eyes all at once, like an old cinematic tape. A cinematic movie for their pathetic defeat.
"Sorry for being late." A familiar voice broke through, causing them all to turn to the entrance of the dinning hall. The seven siblings' eyes widened in shock.
And There.. their second youngest brother, Lawrence, stood in the doorway.
Bowser Jr and Morton turned back in unison to see their father's reaction. And he didn't look any pleased with that apology.
"Where have you been?" Bowser's voice thundered, his eyes fixed on his son as he took his place beside Lemuel. "Practicing." Lawrence replied coldly and briefly as he hold his fork. He began to eat, seemingly unfazed, under the horrified looks of Lemmy. What is he trying to do? This will make dad even more mad!
Ludwig's gaze followed Lawrence as well, he felt a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. He knows his brother isn't as composed as he claims, he knows that his inside is trembling right now. He can even notice the tremor of the fork in his hand. What game is Lawrence playing at?
Bowser's growl rumbled through the hall, his rage surging. "When I talk to you, LOOK AT ME!" He slammed the table once more, causing the other koopalings to flinch, even Larry and Ludwig.
"Oh-uh, this ain't going any good." Iggy whispered to Wendy, his eyes fixed on his father as his lips curled in an excited grin. "Shut up." Wendy whispered back.
When Larry looked up, meeting Bowser's seething gaze as his eyes narrowed. Bowser's lips suddenly twisted to a mocking smile that showed up his fangs. "You think that you're so good at tennis, huh?"
Huh? The younger koopaling rose a puzzled eyebrow. He could surely sense the tang of mockery in his father's tone. He pouted his brow, unsure of how to respond to the question.
"Well then, I think you need to focus on something else to be as good as it." Bowser continued, his voice carrying a hint of scorn before his expression hardened. "You're not going to that competition."
The other koopalings, with wide eyes reflecting varying degrees of surprise, all turned towards Larry. His own sight widened in shock too, the words hitting him like a thwomp to the head. W-what.. He can't be serious! His fists clenched on his lap, under the table. But he couldn't say anything.. It was a familiar feeling, the fear of speaking up, of standing out, that left him silent and passive again. Yeah.. too afraid to say anything.. as usual.
"And Roy is the new leader of the koopalings."
"Wh- what?!" Ludwig and Roy exclaimed in unision with disbelief as they both turned to their father. Morton and Junior's jaws dropped open while Lemmy only frowned, as if his mind was trying to make any sense of all of this.
"Ohhh drama!" Iggy whispered with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Just shu-" Wendy began under her gritted teeth but swallowed her words the second she caught sight of Bowser's gaze trained on them both. Iggy cleared his throat, adjusted his posture and threw his dad a smile.
Bowser emitted a low groan before redirecting his attention towards Ludwig. "You're just like your brother. You two think that you're so good at what you're doing, but the results.." He paused as his gaze turned to Larry, his expression shifted to one of disdain. "Are nothing." He continued as billowing smoke escaped from his snout, scowl deepened on his face even more.
"But king father, you can not be serious! I-" Ludwig began.
The koopa king grimaced in offence. "I AM serious, Ludwig." He turned to him, asserting firmly. "You're the one who's not being serious, if you were, then you would've dealt with those plumbers a long time ago!"
"King father, I am certain that you are aware of my past victory over Luigi, achieved single-handedly. Teaming me up with Lawrence was slowing me down. I tried to inform yo-" Ludwig continued, his words rushed breathlessly as he casted a nervous smile, his eyes darting nervously from one corner of the room to the next. His composure cracking..
"ENOUGH!" Bowser's thunderous roar reverberated through the room, making his elder son fell silent. "A good leader can work with anyone. And If there's someone to blame. It's you. Not Lawrence. You should guide him but no, you think you're best than everyone."
"But-" Ludwig tried to interject. "NO BUTS!" Bowser roared. The sheer volume of his voice startled all the koopalings on the dinning table in addition to Ludwig who shrank and winced. "This is a final decision."
When the eldest son didn't reply, and he only lowered his eyes. The koopa king took a deep breath, regaining his composure, but the edge in his voice remained razor-sharp as he turned to the second youngest prince. "Tommorow I'll contact the competition administration personally to withdraw your entry." he declared in a lower but sharp tone. "Do you understand, Lawrence?"
Larry was taken off guard. He stared at his father as he felt his a lump growing in his throat. When Bowser didn't receive a response he repeated his question. "Do you understand?" He pressed on every single word, gritting his teath as he narrowed his sight at him.
Larry's mouth gaped open slightly but no sound escaped his lips. He lowered his gaze helplessly as his shoulders dropped. His fists pressed on his knees until he felt a slight pain because of his claws. "Yes.. I understand, King." He whispered finally, his voice barley audible.
"Good." Bowser gave a curt nod before resuming eating again. The koopalings (and Bowser Jr) took some time to glance at each other before going back to eating too. Larry looked down at his plate, feeling the lump rising more even that he tried to swallow it. He bit his lip bitterly. Again.. You couldn't say anything.
The sound of a chair being pulled, and.. "Where to, Ludwig?" Bowser raised an eyebrow as he watched his eldest son stand up.
"I have no desire to eat." Ludwig replied coldly. His gaze were fixed on Lawrence, filled with undisguised hatred that sent a shiver down the younger's spine. Oh no.. He's looking at me! He swiftly and nervously averted his eyes down and focused intently on his plate.
Ludwig turned, leaving the room. "Ludwig." Bowser called after his son, but Ludwig didn't seem to care as he walked out of the dinning room. "Ludwig!" The king's voice rose in frustration, but in no avail. Soon, they could hear his steps fading in the corridors.
There was silent moments that passed by the dinning table. "Whatever!" Bowser roared in anger as he waved his hands towards the door. "Don't eat! I don't care!"
Larry glanced at the door anxiously before looking down to his plate again.
— — — — • •
"This is all because of you.."
"W-wait.." His hesitant steps were stumbling back. His voice quivered with terror, his hands raised in a gesture of surrender. Larry's body trembled with a sense of dread as his gaze met the figure steadily approaching him. "P-please.."
He gasped, his heart raced his quick breaths as he glanced over his shoulder, only to see the edge of a precipice looming behind him. His foot teetered at the brink, the ground crumbling beneath him as dark crimson fragments tumbled into the depths of a massive, bubbling lava pit below.
"You ruined this family.."
Larry whimpered as he stared back in horror at the Koopaling standing before him. "L-Ludwig, please—"
"You.." Ludwig's features darkened into a mask of rage, his pace quickening as his sharp claws glinted in the dim light. "YOU RUINED MY LIFE!" He roared, barring his fangs as he launched himself towards Larry in a sudden and violent motion. The younger koopaling closed his eyes. His heart leaped into his throat as he instinctively stepped back, only to lose his balance and feel his body plummeting into the abyss below and ..
•GASP•
His chest rose and fell. His breathing was heavier, harder and audible to his ears. Larry's eyes moved around his room that was dark now only from the dim dead moonlight that seeped through the window. With a slow movement, his gaze drifted to his trembling hands. Not that nightmare again .. Ludwig was trying to hurt him in his nightmare, again. He clinched his fists. It's only a nightmare Larry. It's only a stupid annoying nightmare that comes back. Always comes back. He turned to the window again, to the few glimmers of starlight that dotted the night sky behind the thick clouds. He took a deep breath. "I should go back to sleep." He murmured to himself as he lay his back against the mattress and closed his eyes.
Darkness..
Stillness..
Minutes of stillness..
He felt his eyelids get heavier. He allowed himself to be enveloped by the silence of the night, his mind drifting towards the embrace of sleep.
"Where are you?"
"Huh?" His eyes snapped open. It was a giggling, soft feminine voice. It sounded playful and .. somehow scary .. He could be almost certain that this voice sounded .. so real.
For a moment, Larry lay frozen, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as if waiting for the mysterious voice to speak again, to confirm that it was real. But as the seconds ticked by, the room remained quiet. Nothing happened.
"Ugh, stupid mind!" He groaned as he rolled onto his side, burying his face in the pillow as if to drown out the unsettling thoughts that swirled in his head. It's just another dream. This voice wasn't real, Ludwig won't hurt you. It's all in your unclear head! Stop mixing things up! Well, yeah. He is used to be plagued so often by nightmares of Ludwig's wrath, but this strange voice was a new thing... it sounded so evil somehow and .. Forget it!
With a frustrated huff, Larry pushed the pillow away and kicked the blanket with a swift movement of his foot. He pushed himself to sit up on the edge of his bed before sighing in defeat. I need some water.
— — — — • •
When Larry says that he needs some water in the middle of the night. Then for sure he will be going eventually with a whole late-night snack.
The golden black clock in the kitchen, with its sharp ticking, displayed the time as 2AM.
"Hmm let's see.." Opening the massive refrigerator in the royal kitchen, Larry's eyes scanned all the different foods only to fall upon a lone coke can nestled in the left door. "Oh what do we have here?" Oh sure.. Lemon coke. It was definitely Iggy's coke. Sure he wouldn't mind me borrowing it. A grin tugged at the corners of his lips as he reached for the can before pouring a generous amount into a glass. He took a sip from the refreshing drink. Woah! This is pretty good! But It's missing something..
A playful glimmer in his eyes sparkled as he set the glass on the table. "And sure Wendy wouldn't mind the same for her biscuits too." He leaned over slightly and then opened a nearby drawer. His smile grew wide. Exactly where I expected it to be. His fingers deftly navigating through the drawer until he unearthed a medium-sized box hidden behind a mountain of utensils.
Lawrence had always been good, no, an expert at retrieving anything that 'wasn't his', but his eye fell on it. He knew all the places his siblings (and anyone in the castle even his father) would hide their stuff in no matter how hard they tried to change them.
Blueberry biscuits! Great choice Wendy. Better than Morton's ginger cookies. Seriously, I don't know how people eat ginger stuff. He straightened himself and began to open the box as he walked back to the table, taking a biscuit out.
However, before he could take a bite, his attention was drawn to the circles appearing on the surface of his coke cup. "Huh?"
In that moment, a loud sound similar to an explosion rang out as Larry could feel the floor shake slightly beneath his feet, causing him to stagger backward in surprise. "Woah!" He instinctively moved towards the window. His brow furrowed further as he spotted a mysterious glowing light in the distance, nothing like the glow of the nearby lava pits.
"Ya know what was that?" A voice came behind him. He turned to see Roy in the doorway of the kitchen.
oooo mysteryyyy. Who do you think the figure was in the beginning? Though guessing is not fair since I gave no hints hehe-
Anyway! Sorry not Sorry for it being kinda long, and maybe slow too.. but hey I assure you the next events will go as a SPINY SHELL AFTER YOUR KART YOO. If you want, leave a review and tell me what you think, I'll be so happy to know your thoughts :] !
See you next chapter, ORANGES OUT!