Musical Duet
A/N: This story focuses on the unexpected duo of Ludwig and Pauline. They're my favourite characters as well!
Disclaimer: I don't own them. They belong to Nintendo
Pauline, the vibrant mayor of Donk City, strolled through the bustling streets, enjoying the urban rhythm. Suddenly, a melodious voice echoed from the city square.
Ludwig von Koopa, Bowser's eldest minion, stood on stage, his keyboard shining. "Vacation time means showtime!" he exclaimed.
Her eyes sparkled in shock. "You must be one of Bowser's minions, right? If you are here to cause trouble, I want you gone from this city, young man."
The royal blue-shelled Koopa chuckled. "I'm not here to cause any trouble at all. Besides, I'm on vacation, visiting this beautiful city to perform one of my songs."
Pauline sighed in relief. "Well, then. It seems like we are on good terms. My name is Pauline, what about you?"
"My name's Ludwig von Koopa," he replied, kissing her hand. She was amazed by his gesture.
The two introduced themselves and now spend the time finding a place to perform one of his recent songs. He was the first to speak up throughout the whole trip.
"I was wondering if you could join me for my performance?"
Her hesitation vanished. "Why not?"
Ludwig smiled at her. "Glad to find someone to sing with me. My siblings are horrible singers, except for Wendy. She's talented."
Pauline looked at him, "Why didn't you bring her here with us?"
"Well, she was going to come but Pom Pom took her out on a girl's shopping session for almost the entire day!" he replied, remaining calm.
The mayor giggled, "Girls these days, am I right?"
He giggled as well until he coughed, remaining to stay focused on his concert.
The duo finally arrived at the nearest arena and found themselves warming up their vocal cords.
"Ready, Pauline?" he asked.
She nodded her head in agreement. "Ready."
For the duration of the concert, they harmonised equally, causing everyone to feel hypnotised by their lyrics.
"Lost in Donk City's beat,
Where music meets the street,
Our voices rise, a perfect treat,
In this concrete retreat!"
Everyone was in pure bliss: Toads tapped their feet, Yoshis swayed to the rhythm of the music, Donkey Kong looked interested, nodding to the beat, and Wario and Waluigi whistled.
Next, Ludwig performed his solo:
"Koopa's Lament",
"Shell Shock",
"Bowser's Blues"
Pauline joined in, blending voices:
"City Nights",
"Starlight Serenade,"
"Urban Oasis"
This received thunderous applause from around the arena! The crowd cheered for encores and begged for more songs from them. Both Pauline and Ludwig bowed, smiling.
"Unexpected duet, coming from an intelligent Koopa like you," the mayor exclaimed, highly impressed with him.
"Thank you. Your rhythmic inspiration and the energy surrounding me have made me perform excellently!"
Pauline blushed at the comment. "Thank you. I've never had anyone compliment my singing skills like that before."
"What do you mean?" he asked, looking confused.
She explained the whole thing and Ludwig comprehended, acknowledging her special talents.
Outside the arena, the eldest minion thanked her for everything and prepared to head back into Dark World, where all his siblings and Bowser were waiting for him to share his overall experience at Donk City.
"Ludwig, let's collaborate more often, it was such a joy to sing with you," Pauline said.
He grinned, "Definitely. Here, I hand you this sample sheet of one of the songs I composed from the past."
She looked at the sheet, amazed at how it was well written. "Thank you, Ludwig. With this sheet, I can make my cover of this."
"Anytime! Feel free to do it. I am sure will be proud of me."
They wave each other goodbye and the newspaper on the following day, pulsed with renewed energy, awaiting:
"Pauline and Ludwig's next performance
Coming Soon in Donk City
Be there or Be Koopa'd!"
The rhythm of a friendship comes to a start.
The End!