The Good and Bad

Chapter 2 - Not That Bad, Not That Good (Part 1)

Outside of Bowser's castle, a group of 6 Koopalings recklessly chased after each other, smiling and giggling like simple minded children. Even if most knew the trouble makers were far from simple minded, they liked being care free time to time! Despite a loss against the Mario Brothers earlier today, the Koopa Kids seemed fairly cheerful! Except one of the bunch...

The group of shelled individuals decided to catch their breath for a moment, running clearly tiring them out.

Panting frantically, a light blue-haired Koopaling took a good look around the group, noticing someone was missing...
"Hey! I noticed Ludwig wasn't here!" Larry pointed out, now bringing it to everyone's attention.

"He's probably playing that stupid piano of his!" Roy said, quickly bursting into a fit of laughter, the others doing the same soon after. Except for one little guy.

"Don't talk about Luddy like that!" The smallest, but not the youngest, was quick to defend his older brother, Ludwig.

The others quieted down, as the small Koopaling continued to speak. "I'm going to go check on him! Maybe he'll want to join us!" With that, the little one dashed into the castle, knowing exactly were his brother would be!

°°°

Fire crackled in the large fire place, as wood disintegrated slowly. The smell of smoked wood flowed throughout the large room, the scent wasn't too strong, but very pleasant to the senses of a particular Koopaling...

Running a claw through his thick dark blue hair, the young male let out a light sigh, as his eyes scanned the large book he was reading.

He was surrounded by 4 walls of the large library within Bowser's castle. There were countless oak wood bookshelf's filling the room, while there was soft velvet carpet beneath the Koopaling's feet. This room was dedicated to Ludwig Von Koopa, the very villain that sat comfortably in a plush violet colored chair in front of the burning fire place.

Being Bowser's prized minion, and the eldest of all the Koopalings, it wasn't uncommon for the snuggle toothed Koopaling to receive preferential treatment from the king. The library was a room dedicated to Ludwig, which did well in satisfying his love for reading.

Aside from the trivia, today was an off day from any acts of evil, perfect for a bit of rest and relaxation. The evening was just beginning to roll around, making the sun light shine through the large windows of the library. Squinting his dark eyes, Ludwig let out a huff as he stood up from his seat.

With haste, Ludwig grumpily made his way towards the windows, in the process, eyeing his younger siblings running about in the court yard. "Humph..." Wanting to keep the sunlight from entertaining his 'domain', Ludwig pulled on the large curtains, shuting out the sunlight. He wanted no more lighting then what the fire place provided for his sight. Having the room dimly lit made it far more relaxing, in his eyes.

As Ludwig returned to his seat, he felt excitement rush over him at the mere thought of getting back to his beloved book; a romance novel. Who would expect Ludwig to be interested in something so... mushy? Nevermind that...

Placing his claw tips gently onto the book's red leather back, he let out a mellow-toned sigh as he slowly began flipping through the books many pages... So many layers to uncover... He thought.

All seemed well... he was relaxed, the fire place was burning, he was reading his favorite book, what could possibly go wrong? Ludwig was completely content, until...

"LUDDY! ARE YOU IN HERE!?" The library's large double doors came crashing open, causing Ludwig to dig his claws in the books cover with a cringe. He quickly regretted ruining such a work of art...