Chapter 02 : Unexpected.
Yo hello again! New chapter for this story yayyy :D! Well, a quick fun fact about me : I'm a slow writer. I just take a lot of time to write my thoughts and edit them, so bare with me lol- This chapter came a little earlier than I had planned. Actually my schedule is a new chapter every week, so the next chapter might come a little late (you won't blame me when you see it) but heyyy let's not get ahead of ourselves. Enjoy!
In the dimly lit room, the heavy velvet drapes hung like shadows, obscuring the moonlight that attempted to filter in through the tall, ornate windows. The walls were adorned with fading tapestries. The grand black piano, with its owner's name craved on it, gleamed in the soft candlelight, its polished surface reflecting the flickering flames.
As deep, melodic notes filled the air, his fingers moved gracefully across the keys. His eyes closed as he allowed his mind to drown with the melody, deep down his soul. Everything around him was quiet, everything even the music he made was quiet to him.
•DANG..•
A sudden discordant sound broke the seamless melody. He missed up the note.
"Seriously!?" Ludwig slumped his fists onto the piano keys in frustration, making a loud mess of notes. And a heavy groan escaped his lips.
Turning his gaze towards the portrait resting atop the piano, Ludwig's eyes softened as he traced the lines of the figure captured in the frame. With a sigh, he raised a hand to his face, the weariness evident in his expression as he rubbed his face. "If only you were here. You would tell Father what to do." he murmured before a moment of silence enveloped the room as he stared at the picture.
"Right. He is a failure." The prince continued. "You would understand that me and him can not be in the same team. Never."
"Yes, a failure indeed." He closed his eyes, steeling himself to resume his playing. However, before his fingers could make contact with the instrument, a sudden commotion outside interrupted the stillness of his room.
What now? His eyes snapped opened as he darted his focus towards the dark curtains that veiled the window. "What is this mess all about!?" he muttered under his annoyed breath. He rose from the piano bench and strode towards the window but before he could reach it-
•knock knock•
A sharp, insistent knocking at his door brought his steps to a halt. Before he could answer, the door cracked open and a familiar shaky voice came from behind it.
"Prince Ludwig, it's an emergency!" Kamek stood there with terror etched in his features. Ludwig's brow furrowed in irritation, he was quiet annoyed by Kamek entering his room before he could give him the permission to do. In fact, no one actually dares to get in his room far than the threshold. Yet, his curiosity and confusion were stronger than his crossness.
"Why is there such a hubbub outside, Kamek?" Ludwig demanded, straight to the point. "This is what I came for. King Bowser ordered me to inform all of you to meet him in the throne room."
A confused furrow forming on Ludwig's brow. "A meeting? At this hour? It has pasted 2AM!" He protested in disapproval and disbelief. What could require to devote an entire meeting in this late hour of night? It may be nothing more than a Bob-omb or a Bullet Bill Blaster that was mistakenly activated.
"I'm not allowed to say more than this, my prince. You'll come and see." Kamek interjected, his expression unreadable behind his lenses as he gestured for the koopaling to follow.
Ludwig hesitated for a moment, as if he was about to argue but he relented with a resigned nod. "Very well."
. . .
As they made their way through the corridors of the castle, Ludwig couldn't help but notice that Kamek was walking in a swift pace and this wasn't his habbit. The prince couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that gnawed at him. This is all unsettling. Darklands is hardly a tranquil locale, anyway. So why all this concern and haste?
The eldest koopaling soon glanced five green koopa minions scurrying past in the opposite direction the two were heading. Minions? Now this is quite strange.. Father rarely orders the minions to shift position past this hour.
"Kamek, I am demanding you to give a clear explanation for what is-" he started as he glanced above his shoulder to the five minions but his words got cut off when..
"Luddy!"
Kamek and Ludwig stopped in their tracks as they entered the throne room and a familiar, high pitched voice beamed, greeting them. It was Lemmy, atop his yellow circus ball that was decorated with orange stars. He looked happy to see his elder brother. Or he just looks happy all the time for some reason..
Ludwig's gaze swept across the throne room, noticing that the throne chair was empty. He glanced his other siblings with Lemmy. Of course, Iggy was standing next to him, his hair was a mess though he didn't look sleepy or that he was asleep. In fact, Ludwig couldn't really read his face, it was .. too normal. Probably he has no idea what is going on, or perhaps he does not care? He is quite hard to read.
"I did as you asked. Brought them all here." Iggy smiled widely as he jerked a thumb to the two standing behind him.
I am indeed not curious about how he did this.. Iggy had his own ways to do ordinary things. Well, his very special ways if he may call it this.
Wendy was wearing her sleep mask, pushed up on her forehead and puffy slippers instead of her bow and heels, both pink too. She seemed too annoyed by disrupting her "beauty sleep". Meanwhile Morton, clad in his blue stocking cap and embracing a pillow with one arm, let out a loud yawn.
"What is the matter, Kamek?" Wendy inquired impatiently as she let a yawn after seeing Morton did. "Wait.. Where's prince Roy and prince Lawrence?" Kamek asked, turning to the tallest koopaling and ignoring the question which made the princess roll her eyes and let a slight frustrated groan.
"No idea, couldn't find them in their rooms." Iggy shrugged. "And it doesn't matter, what matters now is that I need to get back to sleep before I start getting black bags!" Wendy scowled with a pouted brow, crossing her arms and lifting her nose in the air.
They probably did not hear the commotion. Fair enough, all their rooms are in the west wing, in the other side of the castle.
"Oh comon, gimme a break!"
They all turned their heads to the tough voice. There, stood Roy. He snorted as he looked at the rest, crossing his arms with a smirk playing in his muzzle. "Yall be kiddin' me if yall afraid from those fireworks."
Ludwig caught sight of a smaller figure of a dragon koopa behind Roy. It was Lawrence, who seemed -due to his intertwined claws and uncertain looks- a little bit anxious or confused, or maybe both? He couldn't really tell, he couldn't care less anyway.
"Fireworks?" Wendy rose an eyebrow.
"Aww fireworks? I love fireworks!" Lemmy cheered excitedly as he waved his arms in the air and swung his body left and right over the ball. Ugh, I can not believe he got distracted, again.
"Hmmmm, it seems that we have no idea what's you're talking about, tough guy. Care to explain?" Iggy tapped a claw against his jaw, pretending to think before grinning widely as he eyed Roy again. Though, most of people find Iggy's smile creepy, even some in the castle. His siblings -except for Lemmy- find it just unsettling or as Larry thinks .. uncomfortable..
"Uh.. we heard a voice and-" Larry started, stepping forward to the scene though he looked unsure of what to say.
"It's no fireworks, kids." A harsh voice cut in.
"King Bowser!" Kamek gasped as they all turned to the entrance. Bowser was standing in the giant doorstep with his hands behind his back in a solemn pause. His children briskly stepped aside -And Lemmy got off his circus ball- , forming a path on either side of the regal red carpet trimmed with gold edges, leaving him the way.
"King Bowser, I responded to your call as quickly as I could, I am afraid that-" Kamek's panicked voice rose as he hastened towards the koopa king. But the words quickly died on his lips as Bowser raised a hand, his stern expression unmoved as he silenced him without so much as a glance in his direction. "Your turn is over. You can leave now, Kamek."
Kamek seemed about to argue, but he gave a firm nod and furrowed his brow. He pivoted on his heel and made his exit from the throne room.
Bowser strode towards the throne unhindered with big steps. His posture rigid, his head high and his gaze fixed upon the ornate seat. Stressful moments of unsettling silence fell on the royal family as they watched their father approach the throne. To their surprise, he didn't sit, but instead he remained standing, and turned to face them.
"That sound was.. an explosion."
— — — — • •
"Prince Bowser Junior?"
Knocking on the door.
No answer.
"Prince?" The voice called again, but no answer.
The blue koopa at the door glanced a group of minions running behind him, crossing the corridor in a hurry as their expressions tinged with worry. They've started the plan already.. Concern etched on his features as he glanced warily back at the closed door. "Prince!" His knocks repeated more forcefully this time. Finally, the door knob slowly twirled. The koopa took a step back bracing himself, and looked in anticipation at the door creaking open.
"Hmm.. What?" The said, groggy dragon koopa mumbled in a sleepy murmur, showing up from behind the door. His orange tangles of hair were disheveled, forming a small, wild ponytail. His bandana was wrapped almost backwards around his neck, the knot being on its left side. The remnants of sleep clung to his eyes, making them appear bleary and heavy-lidded. He rubbed them to get rid of the stubborn dust of drowsiness.
"Prince, we need to go."
"Huh? General?" Bowser Jr peered up, blinking rapidly several times. Once the fog of slumber lifted his eyes and his vision sharpened, he got able to see the owner of the voice clearly. Standing straight before him was a winged koopa in his official military armor and helmet, which were light blue just like his shell.
The prince's answer was nothing more than a single tilt of the head and a raised eyebrow. "We need to go? Where?"
"There's no time for questions." the general's unwavering gaze held the hint of a grim resolve, looking him at the eye. "It's king Bowser's command. I'll explain everything later."
Bowser Jr's brow pouted as he stared at the general silently in confusion. His gaze sweeping from head to toe only to fall on his left hand. He didn't notice that "travel" bag, clutched firmly in the general's grip until now. Though unassuming, the bag bore the signs of frequent use and wear. Its surface was weathered, a deep navy blue trimmed with silver accents, with sturdy straps and functional. Bowser Jr.'s eyes lingered on the bag. It looks heavy with stuff.
"I don't get-"
"Just follow me. I'll explain later." The general insisted in urgency and a hint of pleading, though he remained his calm and stern aura. Junior felt like he had no room to argue. If it's papa's order, then I have to follow.
"Okey.. do I need to bring anyth-?"
"No. Just follow me."
— — — — • •
"We're under attack." Bowser continued.
"Pardon!?" Ludwig's eyes widened in shock. Attacked? How this could be even possible? THEY ARE the ones to attack, not being attacked! How could this turn of events be possible, when they were the ones typically on the offensive, not the defensive!?
"Huh!? I'm 'bout to give them wack plumbers a lesson they ain't never gonna forget!" Roy growled as he held his fist, causing lemmy who stood next to him to instinctively take a step back, nearly losing his balance and stumbling onto Iggy's foot. I'm sorry! He looked up to Iggy who threw a quick, emotionless glance down at him before looking back at their father.
"No. Its not the Mario brothers." Bowser grumbled, shaking his head. "But I'm sure they have a very fair hand in it."
The Koopalings exchanged confused glances, they stood in silence as they waited for their father to continue.
Bowser's claws curled into tight fists, the sharp points digging into his palm as he spoke, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "It's Peach."
The moment the words left his lips, a collective gasp echoed through the chamber, the Koopalings' eyes widening in disbelief for the exception of Roy.
"Pfft, yeah right. Ain't no big deal then. Gonna go back to sleep." The second oldest koopaling jeered with a cocky grin as he waved a hand.
"No Roy. This is a serious situation. You ain't going anywhere." Bowser glanced at the said prince, making him freeze in his place. Roy fought the urge to groan audibly and roll his eyes, though he knew his father wouldn't see it behind his lenses. Old man be jokin' me!
"But.. why? What does she want?" Morton finally spoke up. His features were puzzled and a little scared. He gasped, as if he solved a mysterious puzzle. "Is she.. going for revenge!?" He clutched his cheeks in shock, his pillow slipping from his grip. "Oh no! Is she!? What if she wants to kill dad!?" His panicked words tumbled out in a rush, his scared gaze darted to his siblings. "What if she wants to kill us all!? We're doomed!"
Wendy let out an exasperated huff under her breath, while Iggy rolled his eyes. "Here we go again." He hissed with a hand on his hip.
"We'll all going to die! I'm too young for this! I still didn't-"
"Shut it, will ya!?" Roy snarled at his chatty sibling, making him flinch alongside with Lemmy.
"Boys!" Bowser bellowed, making them all fall silent, their eyes snapping to him. He heaved a deep sigh. He rubbed the bridge of his snout with two fingers, eyes closed. "This is what I'm not sure about." The koopa king muttered to himself, shaking his head again. He walked past the group with his full height and steady posture, his hands behind his back. His gaze drifted to the window, where the distant plumes of smoke were rising on the horizon. "But it seems serious. They're using airships this time. They're attacking darktown and now they seem to be heading to the castle. It's just a matter of time."
Princess Peach!? Princess Peach's attacking Darklands? What next? Kidnapping Pop!? Roy looked at his father's back/shell. His fists clinched tightly at his sides.
"I would suggest that we stop them before they do." Ludwig interjected, with his composed, formal language and confident accent.
"This is why I asked to bring all of you here." Bowser turned to his eldest son. Ludwig muzzle curled into a smile. Finally, His ears are now open to my thoughts again! "Understood, King Father. I will call the troop-"
"No. You're not." Bowser cut off. "Roy, Morton. You two will guide the troops with the generals to attack." He turned to the said koopalings.
"Uh-" Morton faltered, rubbing his arm nervously. While Roy gave a big confident smirk. "You got it, Pop. They ain't know what hit them in the tail!"
Ludwig's expression shifted to disbelief, He opened his mouth to speak but Bowser turned to him, muting all his questions when he continued. "Ludwig, you take an airship with the rest of your siblings and go whatever you want. Just leave the castle."
Just leave the castle!? What does this supposed to mean!? Is he instructing us.. me to flee!? To not fight for our kingdom!? "I-"
"You must protect them." Bowser cut off again, his gaze firmly narrowed at the blue-haired Koopaling.
"Just for your knowledge, my very dear father. We can fight for our shells." Iggy said with a matter-of-fact tone.
Yeah .. He is right, indeed. We can-
"I know you can fight, Ignatius. But you can't win. Roy and Morton can handle themselves and the troops just fine. But I can't risk the rest of you. I know what I'm doing." Bowser's response came swift and final, leaving no room for discussion. He already made his mind.
Larry glanced at Ludwig, he could see his gritted teeth as he looked down at the floor. His tail lashed in agitation, the sharp claws on his fingertips exposed in rage.. the younger koopaling gulped, this reminds him of that nightm- Ugh stop it!
"Now go." Bowser ordered.
"Wait- where is Junior? Isn't he coming?" Wendy asked, noticing that the heir wasn't summoned as they were.
"He'll be fine." Bowser replied briefly.
"What about you, Dad?" The smallest koopaling finally spoke up, making everyone turned down to him. He shrunk slightly under their collective gaze.
Bowser sighed, his tone soft yet commanding. "I'll be fine too. Now go."
lemmy could see the uncertainty in his father's eyes that he tried to hide, but he couldn't argue. His worried gaze stayed fixed on Bowser who turned again to the giant window. A gentle grip on his arm startled him. He looked up to Iggy. "Let's go, Lemmy."
PRINCESS PEACH
I won't say anything about that haha, you'll see what's going on next chapters!
And I won't ask for reviews every chapter. (because I'll probably forget) but just for this time, if you have anything to say, you're always welcomed in my little reviews space :D! ORANGES OUT
