Chapter 5: Of Merry Men and Phony Kings
As the group neared their next destination after their adventure in Agrabah, Jaqulin was raving about the last big battle.
"Man, that Jafar guy was tough!" she exclaimed, stretching her arms. "I never want to fight an 'all powerful genie' ever again."
"Me neither. And if we ever do, we have to make sure we have a lamp handy, Carter responded.
"Hold on, amigos! We're going in!" Panchito announced. The Gummi Ship descended slowly into a very green area of the world they were coming up on and finally landed. When Jaqulin stepped out, she immediately noticed that her hands were blonde and furry. Carter followed after and he paused when he saw Jaqulin.
"Whoa, Jaq! Nice makeover!" he remarked.
"Oh-hoh, really? Well, you're no basket of fruit yourself, wolf boy," Jaqulin replied slyly. "What's with you and black wolves, huh?"
"Stop calling me 'wolf boy.' You're a wolf too, y'know."
"Very good, Carter. I think I've noticed." Jaqulin pointed at her newly-acquired tail. Stitch bounded to her side.
"Wait," Stitch said. He tilted his head, his ears flicking every direction. "Me hear something."
Jaqulin, Carter, and Panchito listened carefully for a moment, then exchanged glances. Carted listened for a little while longer before coming to a conclusion.
"I hear music," he said.
"And singing and laughing," Jaqulin added. "So what is this place, some magical wood or something?"
"Ah, sounds like a fiesta!" Panchito said.
"Then let's check it out. I love a good party!" Carter suggested, walking forward.
Jaqulin sighed in exasperation. "Oh, boy. There's times when I think that those 'bare necessities' rubbed off on him," she grumbled. But even so, Jaqulin treaded behind Carter along with Stitch and Panchito.
As they got closer, the words being sung became clearer:
Too late to be known
As John the first
He's sure to be known
As John the worst
And they call him that phony king of England!
Carter and Jaqulin peeked over a hedge and found a bunch of different animals dressed in medieval clothing, dancing to the music.
Jaqulin glanced at her modern day clothing, then at her partners. "Are you sure we'll fit in? This is probably just as bad as us showing up as humans," she said.
"You just worry too much," Carter said with a smirk. Jaqulin frowned in annoyance.
"And you've taken bare necessities to the max," she muttered. Just then, Jaqulin slapped Carter upside the head. "Idiot! I'm thinking logically. We have to fit in or else we're breaking the ground rules!"
"She's right, senor," Panchito sighed. "We have to make our true identities unknown."
"I know, I know…but did ya have to hit so hard?" Carter asked while rubbing his sore spot.
"I was going easy on ya, just so you know," Jaqulin said rather cheerfully. She grinned smartly at Carter. "Hey, I thought I had made it clear that you don't mess with me…friend or foe." Jaqulin stepped through the bushes to investigate the scene.
"Wait up, Jaq!" Carter called, hurrying after her. Panchito looked at Stitch.
"Those two are like two ninos pequenos, no?" Panchito said. "They're going to lead us into some real trouble along the way."
"Ih," Stitch agreed with a quick nod of his head.
Jaqulin confidently approached a short, fat man. She guessed he was a friar AND a badger, judging by his looks. He was watching the people dance merrily.
"Hiya!" Jaqulin greeted. The badger looked at her.
"Oh, I haven't seen your face around these parts before," he said good-naturedly.
"Uh…we're new arrivals," Carter responded when he appeared at Jaqulin's side. "What's going on?"
"We're celebrating the future dethroning of that no good Prince John," the friar explained. "Oh, but please. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Friar Tuck and this is Sherwood Forest.
"I'm…" Carter began before Jaqulin smacked her hand over his mouth.
"Let's speed this up, shall we?" Jaqulin interrupted. "I'm Jaqulin, he's Carter, and the red rooster and the blue dog are Panchito and Stitch. Got it memorized?" She released Carter, then folded her arms.
"Gee, thanks," Carter grumbled.
"So, Friar Tuck, who's this 'no good Prince John' you're talking about?" Jaqulin asked, ignoring Carter's small complaint.
"He's King Richard's younger brother. He's been taxing the poor people of Nottingham while his brother is away," Friar Tuck responded. "But, with Robin Hood on our side, I'm sure we'll be fine."
Carter and Jaqulin looked around.
"Robin Hood, huh?" Carter wondered, scratching his head. "Who's Robin Hood?"
"Umm…how bout that guy?" Jaqulin asked, pointing at a fox in green clothing. "Robin Hood sounds like a smart guy and foxes are smart. Let's found out."
Jaqulin and Carter eased their way past the happy folk of Nottingham to the Jaqulin believed to be Robin Hood.
"Weird there's no Heartless yet," Carter whispered.
"They can't really reside here, though," Jaqulin replied. "The people can't possibly have darkness in their hearts at this point."
"But I bet there's plenty where this Prince John guy lives."
"I wouldn't doubt that."
Jaqulin and Carter approached Robin Hood with confidence. The fox glanced up at them.
"Hi.You Robin Hood?" Carter asked.
"The one and only! Are you new around here?" Robin responded in a charming, yet cheerful British accent.
Jaqulin sighed in exasperation, rolling her eyes. "No, we're just visiting. Can I spare you the trouble? I'm Jaqulin, he's Carter, and there's Panchito and Stitch," she said, clearly irritated.
"Senor Robin Hood," Panchito said, "what are you planning on doing with Prince John?"
"Dethroning him, of course. For the sake of all the people of Nottingham," Robin Hood replied.
"Mind showing us where he's at?" asked Carter.
"Not at all. Follow me."
The group followed Robin Hood away from the celebration and to the outskirts of the woods. Robin pointed ahead at a castle in the distance.
"Wow. Nice getup," Jaqulin remarked. "Looks like one of those castles you see in storybooks."
"But it's far from magical," Robin said. "Prince John has been taxing the folk when they really have nothing to give."
"That's horrible!" cried Carter. "We hafta stop him!"
"You'll help me, then?"
"We're in, Robin," Jaqulin replied confidently. "You can count on us."
"Brilliant!" Robin smiled. "Then follow me, fellas. We're going to see what good ol' Prince John is up to." He gestured to Carter, Jaqulin, Panchito and Stitch.
"Why don't I have a good feeling about this?" Panchito said mostly to himself.
"Panchito, your feelings and instincts need to chill out," Jaqulin remarked. "Those two things can save you, but most of the time, they just get in the way."
"Maybe you're right, senorita."
Following Robin's lead, Carter, Jaqulin, and the others snuck past the castle walls and the guards. Once inside, they flattened themselves against the wall in the shadows.
"Ol' Johnny Boy's up in that high tower," Robin whispered, pointing to the highest tower. "Probably counting his gold, that evil bloke."
"Let's head up, then," Jaqulin suggested. "The sooner we bust him, the sooner the citizens can get their lives back." She started inching towards the tower while keeping to the darkness. Robin grinned, then looked at Carter.
"That's some girl you got there, lad," Robin said with a quick wink. Carter felt his cheeks burning.
"Oh yeah, she's somethin'," Carter responded. "But she's not my girl. Jaq's just a really good friend of mine."
"Ah, I see. Well, Carter, don't let go of her at any costs. A fella like yourself needs a friend in a time like this." Robin followed Jaqulin without another word.
Carter sighed deeply.
"Senor? You okay?" Panchito asked.
"Yeah, Panchito. I'm fine," Carter answered. He grinned reassuringly at his faithful friend before hurrying after Jaqulin and Robin.
Meanwhile, Jaqulin and Robin were figuring out a way to reach Prince John.
"I have an idea," Jaqulin said when Carter, Panchito, and Stitch caught up. She looked at Robin. "Got any rope I can borrow, Rob?"
"Always handy," Robin said. He handed Jaqulin a neatly looped rope.
"Okay." Jaqulin drew her hand across her face and with a bright light, Guardian Soul appeared. With skill and fast-thinking, Jaqulin tied the Keyblade to the end of the rope and started twirling the rope rapidly. She released it and it soared above everyone's head. Guardian Soul latched onto the edge of the wall. Jaqulin gave it a good tug before sending a thumb up to her friends.
"It's secure," she said. "Let's hurry." Jaqulin climbed the wall with Robin and Carter right on her tail. When Panchito was helped up, the 15-year-old girl yanked her Keyblade out of the stone.
"Golly, what kind of weapon is that?" Robin questioned as Jaqulin swung the Keyblade onto her shoulder.
"It's called a Keyblade," Jaqulin answered simply.
"Come on!" Carter called, running to the lit window. The group of friends peeked inside curiously.
There, standing in the midst of many large stacks of gold, was a lion dressed in royal purple robe. The crown atop his head was much too large and it slipped every once in awhile over his eyes. Jaqulin and Carter guessed that was Prince John. But what really caught the friends' attention was the enormous black cat-looking man standing next to him. He wore a blue and red outfit with big shoes to match.
"Whoa, who is that guy?" Jaqulin whispered in awe.
"Ay carumba! It's that no good Pete!" Panchito shouted in a whisper.
"Who?" Carter asked.
"Pete," Stitch responded. "Bad guy that work for Maleficent."
"And who's that?" Jaqulin questioned, becoming anxious.
"We'll have time for explanations later, amigos," Panchito said, trying to calm down himself. "Pete is up to no good!"
Everyone drew nearer to the window to listen to the conversation below.
"So you're saying that a little boy with a key is coming to get me?" Prince John asked Pete, who nodded.
"Yep! And word on the street is there's two more brats runnin' around these parts with Keyblades too!" Pete explained. "Don't underestimate them though, princey. Them kids know what they're doin' with those blades!"
Prince John snickered. "I'd like to see them try."
"Well, let me offer you somethin', PJ, that don't ask for nothin' in return." Pete brought his fingers to his mouth and whistled. At that moment, black, rat Heartless wearing medieval clothing sprang up from the ground, their beady eyes seeking combat.
Jaqulin gasped. "Heartless!" she breathed.
Prince John jumped back and landed on his bed, grabbing his covers. "W-What are those things?" he stammered.
"Theys nothin' but Heartless, Your Majesty," Pete responded. "They're under your control now! Use 'em against those Keyblade kids and their little buddies too!"
Carter drew back from the window. "I've seen enough," he said. Jaqulin glanced up at him. That didn't sound like the Carter she knew; he sounded troubled.
"Carter, what is it?" Jaqulin asked.
"Uh-oh! Jaqulin! Carter!" Robin called. Jaqulin and Carter whipped around and found themselves surrounded by Heartless and guards. Robin had his neck in a metal clasp connected to a chain held by a guard, his hands tied behind his back. Panchito was in the same situation. Six guards were struggling to keep Stitch down and under control.
Four more guards aimed arrows at Jaqulin and Carter, who raised their hands high above their heads. The friends were led back down to the courtyard of the castle. A big gray wolf dressed in pink and purple clothes approached them when they arrived.
"Well, well, well," the wolf chuckled. "What have we here?" His eyes landed on Robin Hood. "If it isn't the sneaky Robin Hood! We've got you at last, eh?" He looked at his guards. "Take them to their cell!"
The heroes were dragged into a musky jail cell and chained to the wall by their wrists. No word was spoken amongst the friends as they sat there helplessly.
Pretty soon, Pete and Prince John came moseying in. Both seemed rather surprised, but Pete was the first to recover.
"Well, if it ain't the new Keyblade brats!" Pete spat, walking up to the five friends and getting a good look. "Shoulda known you'd be here soon!"
"These are the Keyblade kids?" Prince John asked.
"You bet we are," Jaqulin snarled, glaring venomously at Pete and John. "And we're gonna kick your…"
"Jaq, calm down," Carter whispered.
Jaqulin calmed down, but she continued to stare with deep hatred at the enemies in front of her. Pete chuckled heartily at Jaqulin's reaction.
"Ha! You kids ain't nothing like that other Keyblader," he said, placing his hands on his hips. "He's too nice for his own good!"
"Other Keyblader?" Carter questioned, raising an eyebrow. "Who's the other Keyblader?"
"That's for me to know and for you to find out."
"Sheriff," Prince John ordered the gray wolf. "Do away with these…things. Especially those Keyblade ones."
"Will do, Your Majesty," the sheriff responded.
"Good choice, Your Majesty! Might I suggest you get rid of them Keybladers first?" Pete suggested hopefully. Prince John become thoughtful, then he grinned manically.
"Very well. Sheriff, dispose of those kids. Immediately." Prince John left the room without another word. Pete followed behind, but didn't leave before waving teasingly at the five heroes.
"Now then," the sheriff sneered, "which one of you wants to go first?"
No answer.
"No will to participate, huh? Well now, the pleasure's all mine!" The sheriff rubbed his hands together, thinking about who he should take first. Finally, he approached Jaqulin; apparently she seemed weak and meager to him due to her femininity.
"If you take another step near me, I'll pound you into the ground!" Jaqulin threatened in the scariest voice Carter had ever heard. Yet the sheriff wasn't shaken by her threat; he removed her from her chains, then tied her wrists together tightly with rope. Carter gasped.
"What are you doing?" he asked, becoming frantic. "What are you going to do with her?!"
"I'm just doin' my duty, kid," the sheriff said. "If Prince John says so, justice must be served."
Carter didn't understand at first, but when he stared long enough at the sheriff's evil grin, it hit him.
"Oh, you're kidding me!" Carter yelled, pulling against his chains. "Let her go or you'll be the one who's sorry!"
"Carter!" Jaqulin snapped. Carter flinched. "Just shut up, okay? This guy can't do anything to me. Trust me." Jaqulin gave her friend a half smile as she walked towards the door. The sheriff was about to push her when Jaqulin whirled on him. "Keep your filthy paws off me!" Jaqulin walked herself out of the jail cell with the sheriff following closely behind.
Carter was silent as he stared coldly at the door, still straining against his chains motionlessly. Panchito, Stitch, and Robin watched him sympathetically. Just then, Robin's head shot up.
"Wait a minute, lads!" he exclaimed. The other three looked at him curiously. "Carter. How bout giving that Keyblade a try?"
"Ah, yes, senor!" Panchito cried, smiling widely. "The Keyblade may just be our only hope in saving Senorita Jaqulin!"
Carter grinned broadly at his friends. "Got it." He extended his fingers the best he could with the clasps around his wrists and concentrated. His Keyblade flashed into his hand obediently and confidence washed over him when he felt the handle in his grip. He skillfully aimed it at Robin's clasps and waited patiently. A thin, radiant beam of light shot out of the tip, entering the keyhole and freeing the witty fox.
Oo-de-lally, lad, you've done it!" Robin exclaimed with a wide smile. Carter released Panchito and Stitch in the same fashion and Stitch in return pried open Carter's clasp.
Rubbing his wrists, Carter smiled at his friends. "Alright. Let's save Jaq!"
The sheriff fitted a noose around Jaqulin's neck after much trouble and back-talking. Jaqulin merely glared at the big wolf when he stepped away inspecting his work.
"There," the sheriff chuckled. "That looks like a mighty fine rope there, Keyblader. I'm thinkin' we should try it out."
Jaqulin laughed once. "And I'm thinkin' you got the wrong impression," she smirked. "Oh yeah, and this rope is REALLY irritating."
"Well, then you're in luck, girly. 'Cause you won't be feeling nothin' for a LONG time." The sheriff grabbed the rope, grinning with pleasure.
Had I known my adventure would be ending here…, Jaqulin thought sadly, I never would have come. If I had known it wouldn't be worth it in the end…I never would have left Twilight Town. Ever.
"JAQ!"
Jaqulin's head lifted abruptly and she looked around. She saw Carter, Panchito, Stitch, and Robin Hood were sprinting fiercely toward her. Jaqulin smiled in relief.
"Hey, guys," she said casually as if nothing was wrong. "Long time no see."
Carter leaped into the air and came down on the sheriff with the Kingdom Key. The gray wolf collapsed to the ground, groaning. Heartless leaped from the ground threateningly, but the young Keyblader destroyed them all without a care. Carter glared at the sheriff, then stepped onto the gallows.
"Hey, Jaq, you alright?" Carter asked as he slipped the noose off from around the girl's neck.
Jaqulin scoffed. "Eh…I toldja he couldn't do nothing to me," she said. She punched Carter's arm playfully. "You need to learn to start listening to me more often."
"Alright, fellas!" Robin cried. "What do you say we go teach that old Prince John a lesson?"
"Stitch ready!" Stitch yelled, baring his fangs.
Robin led the others up the stairs to Prince John's tower, all of them ready to take on the "phony king of England." They found him surrounded by his gold as usual, not seeming to care about anything at the moment.
"Hello…Your Majesty," Jaqulin greeted sarcastically, bowing in a mock humble gesture. Prince John glanced up and yelped in surprise.
"You! Y-You're supposed to be…!" he stuttered, pointing at the group with a shaking finger.
"Dead?" Carter growled. "Heh. You honestly thought that sheriff you got could pull off something as big as that? I think you're in need of rehiring."
"C'mon! Let's do it, team!" Robin ordered. Jaqulin whipped out Guardian Soul while Carter readied Kingdom Key. Panchito and Stitch pulled out their individual guns and Robin set his arrow on his bow.
Prince John stared at them in fright before beginning to laugh evilly. A dark purple aura appeared around him, throwing everyone off guard.
"Gosh, what on Earth is that?" Robin asked in surprise.
"Heartless!" Stitch snarled.
"I thought he was too much of a nutcase to become one!" Carter remarked.
"No more talking!" Jaqulin spat. "Just fighting. Let's get this over with so we can move on!"
Prince John lunged for the teens and their friends in a manner they never thought he'd have the ability for. He missed, of course, making it easier on the heroes.
Panchito, Stitch, and Robin kept the prince down with their own special attacks of bullets, lasers, and arrows. Prince John whacked them away easily. Robin was back on his feet and shooting arrows, moving about the room with ease. Prince John was in such fury, he knocked one of the candles off a table to the floor. Flames began to grow quickly around them.
"Senor! Let's finish this!" Panchito cried, eying the fire nervously.
"Right!" Carter responded. "Jaqulin!"
"Yep! I'm here!" Jaqulin said, stepping up beside her friend.
"I'll keep Johnny Boy down!" Robin called. "You finish him off!"
Jaqulin and Carter caught each other's eyes, nodding once. Together, they held their Keyblades in front of them.
"Long live the REAL king of England!" the two Keybladers shouted in perfect unison.
"I'M king!" Prince John roared. "Me, me, me, ME!"
"Not for long!" Jaqulin teased. She and Carter jumped high into the air and slammed their Keyblades onto Prince John. The evil aura disappeared instantly and it was over.
The group of friends joined in a round of laughter.
"A pox on that phony king of England! Oo-de-lally!" Carter, Jaqulin, and Robin chanted happily. Just then, the crown of Prince John sparkled and lifted into the air.
"What the…?" Carter mumbled.
"The Keyhole!" Panchito exclaimed, holding down his sombrero as he jumped into the air.
Jaqulin and Carter twirled their Keyblades skillfully when the crown made the keyhole appear. The beam appeared from the blade tip yet again and entered the hole. A locking sound was heard.
"What was that about?" asked Robin Hood.
"Sorry, Rob, but we gotta run," Carter explained hurriedly. "Other worlds need us."
Robin grinned. "I understand. You'll come back soon, won't you?"
"Count on it, Robin," Jaqulin said. "As soon as all other worlds are saved and freed from Heartless, we'll be back to hang out in Sherwood Forest with you again!"
"Adios, Senor Robin Hood!" Panchito smiled, waving.
"Bye!" Stitch exclaimed.
"Whelp," Carter sighed, folding his arms behind his head in the Gummi Ship seat, "another world down…and who knows how much more we have to go."
Jaqulin shrugged. "I'm actually beginning to enjoy myself," she said. "I have a feeling this adventure is FAR from over."
A/N: Okay...so maybe it's not the BEST chapter in our story. But hey, I've been working on it for months!! Hopefully Papa T's will be better!! R&R!!