Hi Everyone... Sorry I was side tracked by another story that I felt compelled to complete... I hope it was worth the wait. This chapter was fun to work on and I'm hoping it will quicken the pace again.

Disclaimer... King Koopa's awesome. Who can own someone so awesome anyway? Not me...

Day 136-

Started with me apologizing to King Koopa once again while he slowly stretched out his joints, the blanket fell into his lap uncovering his torso. His feet moved from the floor to my back.

"You made up for it footstool by keeping my little tootsie wootsies warm and comfy last night," King Koopa wiggled them. "How come you were late again?"

I had to think of a reason. An honest and truthful reason I was late. Telling King Koopa-it's because Master Kamek hates me-will just sound like a student complaining about a teacher.

"I disrupted class again," I answered which technically was true. I mean I destroyed Kamek's whole method of teaching (a method he's been using for years) in only a few days and to think all I did was ask a couple questions. "As punishment, Master Kamek kept me late again."

"How did you disrupt class," King Koopa eyed me suspiciously, "And what do you mean again?"

I went with vague honesty this time, "I questioned Master Kamek's teaching method. I told him I didn't understand what he was saying."

"That's because of your blockhead footstool," King Koopa joked.

"The class sort of revolted asking their own questions. Master Kamek kept me after class for the disruption," I answered.

"You questioned Kamek's boring lesson plan," King Koopa erupted into laughter. "No one's ever dared ask a question in his class before. I don't even ask a question during his progress reports.
"I try to get those over as soon as possible," his majesty leaned forward lowering to a whisper for some reason. "Sometimes I start falling asleep in my chair. He's just so boring."

I tried very hard to suppress a laugh. "The subject matter isn't boring. It's just his delivery."

"What were you learning," King Koopa asked.

"Politics, I think." My eyes rolled into my head trying to recall the lesson plan. "He said your ruling is law."

"It is."

"My question was how you came to those decisions," I told King Koopa. "He said it didn't matter since your rule is law." I looked at my king. "What factors influence your decision sire?"

King Koopa put his claw to his chin as if thinking very hard about it. "Good question," he muttered. "I don't know." I laughed then a bit harder when I saw my king's half smile.
"It ultimately comes down to one question I ask myself," his majesty said. "Do I want it? If the answers "Yes", I take it. If "No" then I take it anyway."

I couldn't suppress any of my attempts to deny my laughter with his response. "That's… very… benevolent… of… you… your… majesty," I said between breaths.

"There's more to the "No" decision," my king continued. "If I can replicate or find a copy of it, I'll give each party one to settle the matter."

My laughter subsided and turned sincere. "That's very benevolent of you, your majesty."

"Of course," he answered smugly.

"Um, sire, I really am sorry I missed our conversation yesterday," I said. "How are your dinners with Morton?"

"Interesting," King Koopa didn't deflect or shoot down the question. "During our first dinner, he asked me for some fighting tips."

"Fighting tips," I responded surprised continuing in my head. 'Mort never mentioned that.' Truth is I suspected it considering the condition my king would return in but I wonder why Mort would keep that a secret from me.

King Koopa smirk speaking with a hint of pride, "He said he found a punching bag willing to have the stuffing knocked out of him."

"Who is it," I asked trying not to smile.

"Don't know. Morton won't say," King Koopa shrugged. "But as much time as we've been spending together training after dinner it'll only be a matter of time until I beat it out of him."

I laughed watching King Koopa punch his claws together. Then a thought occurred, 'What if Mort does tell King Koopa? Will I be in trouble since slaves aren't supposed to be fighting with royalty?'

There was only one thing that can help me prevent that scenario. 'I'm going to have to get one of his other children to eat dinner with him.'

In the meantime, I attempted to change the subject, "Has Princess Toadstool accepted your invitation to tea?"

"No, cause I haven't sent it yet," King Koopa tapped his chin. He continued reading the question on my face. "I kidnapped her a couple weeks before you got here. I'm going to give it some time before I ask."

"That is an ingenious plan," I smiled. "Besides being the coolest being alive, you're the smartest too. I see why you're king."

King Koopa laughed at my compliment. I know it was corny but my king likes flattery though he won't admit it. "Don't sound so surprised, footstool," he answered with a higher level of smugness than usual. "But it's true.
"Time for school," my king rose while I finished laughing.

"Awe," I said hearing my king chuckle. He tossed the blanket on his bed and it unfurled and conformed to the mattress's design. If the mattress is anything like the chair's cushion it must be like floating on air. "Thank you for telling me about your dinners with Morton, sire."

King Koopa changed and readied to leave. "Yeah well I didn't think I'd get to tell you late," he chuckled opening the door.

"My king, who taught you to become the coolest and smartest king in the world," I asked as the thought occurred to me.

"I did," he answered. It was void of any sarcasm until he added. "I'm a genus, duh."

I laughed when we stopped by the door. "Thank you for walking me to class sire. It was an honor to be graced by your presence all morning."

"Naturally," he responded then wagged one of his fingerlike claws. "Be good today, footstool."

"Yes, sir," I laughed. "Have a great day."

I entered the classroom and found a surprise. Jimmy was standing by the front desk. The mushroom looked worn out with dark circles under his eyes and tattered clothing. Even his once red and white plume turned a dingy brown instead. What has Kamek done to him? Poor Jimmy, no, it was my fault that he was stuck like this not Kamek's.

His appearance zapped the cheeriness from my mood. I was reminded that not all slaves live happily in the castle and some masters are cruel and abusive. I got to live in the luxury of my king's company and by extension his wealth. Heck, I'm even being educated as if one of his Kooplings. It's no wonder I'm not liked by any persons in the castle.

"Hi, Jimmy," I said.

The mushroom's eyes narrowed on me the rage the fungi felt toward me rekindled. His lust for my bloodshed boiled over. Who could blame him? Knowing my company wasn't wanted, I took my seat by Morton.

Suddenly a blue puff of smoke billowed around the front of the room revealing the instructor once it dissipated.

"Well everyone, I realized yesterday's class was quite energetic and personally I found it enjoyable," Kamek spoke. "Wouldn't you agree?" All seven of us nodded our agreement. "That's why I've come up with a new lesson plan.
"Instead of all of you being taught a different class at the same time, I've decided to teach you all the same class at one time," Kamek fixed his glasses. "It is the genus of the epiphany I had last night.
"Our first class," Master Kamek flicked his wrists and the desks cleared to the walls "is Magical Arts. Everyone come to the front and line up to my left," Kamek pointed. "Except, Footstool, stay where you are."

'Uh-oh' I thought. 'This isn't good.' I had a feeling where this was going and something told me it's going to hurt.

"I'm going to teach you a fire spell that will protect you until you all learn to use your flame," Kamek pointed a red ball scepter at me. "Burning heat singe the hair, scorch the flesh, and torch the robes, FIREBALL!"

A condensed flame came hurdling at me at a blinding speed. It slammed into my chest grinding my feet along the ground but didn't knock me over. "Ohs" and "Ahs" came from all the Kooplings.

"When you master this technique, you'll be able to perform the spell just by reciting it in your head while holding the scepter," Kamek fired three more balls that slammed into me even faster and harder than the first one.

My shoes grinded further along the floor thanks to the blasts. Checking over my shoulder I was a few inches from making contact against the back wall. At least I didn't fall down or slam into the wall. However each blast felt like I got hit by one of Ed's kicks.

I staggered back to my spot feeling winded. I wondered why Master Kamek had me as the test dummy. There had to be a reason other than him hating me then it occurred to me. He enchanted my armor with lava resistant magic. Apparently, its benefit extends to fire as well.

"Footstool, stand up straight," Kamek commanded handing the scepter to Wendy Koopa. "Now, Wendy, repeat after me. Burning heat…"

"Burning heat," she repeated.

"Singe the hair…"

"Singe like the hair…

"Scorch the flesh…"

"Like Scorch the flesh…"

"Torch the clothes…"

"Torch the clothes…"

"FIREBALL!"

Wendy finished with a smile. "Like FIREBALL!" I closed my eyes anticipating the impact but nothing happened. I reopened them when I heard Wendy ask, "Like what happened."

"Perform the incantation straight through without using "like"," Kamek instructed.

Wendy pointed the wand, "Burning heat singe the hair, scorch the flesh, and torch the robes, FIREBALL!"

The scepter delivered a fireball not nearly as powerful as Master Kamek's but hot enough for me to feel its heat. I couldn't help smile as the turtle instructed Wendy to give the wand to Morton. The wizard was actually teaching.

All the Kooplings had a turn and all of them produced some kind of blast except for Morton. I think his accent was mispronouncing the incantation aloud.

Ironically enough, the most powerful attacks came from little Bowser Jr. The small son of King Koopa sent blasts hard enough to send me flying into the back wall with and without the incantation for support. I wonder if that's because of his legitimacy to King Koopa's bloodline or if he's just naturally gifted.

I was getting back to my feet when something strange happened. "When footsie's turn," the little tike asked Kamek.

The wizard wasn't expecting that question. "Slaves are not allowed to use magic wands," Master Kamek said matter of fact. "Now pass the wand to Wendy."

"But a like daddy said Footstool was one of us," the female koopa kid retorted.

Master Kamek was beside himself. Heck… I was beside myself. I mean to have two Kooplings (three if you count Mort) consider you part of them was unheard of. I was just happy being a punching bag for Morton.

"I don't care what King Koopa said," the instructor pointed at me. "He is still a slave and I won't give him a weapon."

"He awe-weady has weapons," Morton looked at Jimmy for confirmation, "Wight?" Jimmy nodded his murderous glint ever present.

"Exactly, I'm not giving him another weapon," Kamek answered looking at the clock. "Lunch time."

He waved his hand and the desks returned to their original position. Bowls of stew appeared on the Kooplings' table tops but I got my normal cold bowl of porridge.

The wizard disappeared behind the stacks of papers. His servant knelt down while the turtle's blue shoes extended past the pile. They rested on the mushroom's canopy. Poor Jimmy, it looks like Kamek decided to make his own footstool.

"Thank you guys for saying something to Master Kamek," I thanked Wendy, Morton, and little Bowser Jr.

"Like don't worry about it," Wendy said drinking her whole bowl of stew at once. Wendy continued, "Class was like fun so far. What do you like think we'll have like next?"

"Good question, I think science," I answered.

Wendy crinkled her nose, "I hope not."

"Me too," I laughed. "What do you think Morton?"

Morton stared at his stew. "I don't know Bawdo"

I looked around. Nobody looked as if they heard Morton use my nickname. Truth is I don't think Morton realized it either. Something was bothering him. I wonder what.

"Hey Mort," I whispered drawing the turtle's attention. "If I don't manage detention, do you want to spar?"

Morton smiled. Clearly I used the magic words to bring my friend out of his thoughts. "Yeah, I got ta new mooves."

I smiled back. I bet they're King Koopas. "I can't wait to see them."

"Lunch is over," Kamek removed all the plates. "This afternoon we're going to do shop." Snapping his claws, blocks of wood landed across our desk tops. "I want you to use your claws to carve a Yoshi."

I sat watching my classmates start working and frowned. Slaves aren't allowed to use magic and I doubt Master Kamek will allow me to use a knife to carve the block of wood. Looks like I'm going to fail this class assignment.

"Master Kamek, may I have a tool," I asked.

"No."

"But I don't have claws, sir."

"Then you'll fail another assignment," Kamek answered.

He caught me off guard. 'Another assignment?' I thought back to today's lesson and realized he's using my slave status against me. Since slaves aren't allowed to use magic scepters, I failed casting the fire spell.

"That's enough class. Let's see them," Kamek flicked his wrist displaying each Yoshi.

They were different colors ranging from blue, green, yellow, red, and black. Morton's was fat and three times bigger than everyone else's.

"Well done class," Kamek smiled pleased with himself. "For tonight's assignments…" The class froze in surprise. "You can thank Footstool for this…"

Suddenly, I wanted to disappear as all the Kooplings' eyes fell upon me. I never brought up homework yesterday.

"Assignments," Wendy questioned.

"Whut yo' do Bawdo," Morton whispered.

"Tonight, I want you to practice the Fireball spell and come up with some ideas for shop projects," the instructor responded. "Class dismissed, Kooplings take a wand on your way out."

I hurried out of the room just so I wouldn't get in trouble. I actually avoided detention today. Walking with Morton, I rotated my block of wood in my hands.

"Whut yo' bwing dat fo'," Morton asked.

"After training I want to try and carve a Yoshi out of it when I get back to your dad's room," I answered. "I'll have some time since you two will be having dinner again."

We arrived at one of the gymnasiums and started sparring. It's as if we never had time apart albeit Morton's punches have gained serious pop. Morton knocked me hard in the jaw. I landed on my butt.

"Hey Mort, how are your dinners with King Koopa," I asked getting back up.

"Weally fun. He taught me t'is," Morton rushed me and slammed me with his short little tail. It was like getting your finger caught in a mousetrap which I don't recommend.

His new strength is going to take a little while to adjust too. "I'm glad you enjoy having dinner with your dad," I told him. I countered his left jab with my own left hook. His head bounced back.

"Tanks fo' making me go," he replied.

"Thanks for continuing on your own," I answered. "Um… Mort, do you think we can review what we went over in class? Something tells me Master Kamek isn't going to teach me much during classes."

"Sho' Bawdy," Morton answered rushing me. "Wight aftwerd twaining!"

I countered his rush with my own. "Why wait?"

Trading punches both of us jumped back. "Here Bawdy," Morton tossed me the wand. "Yo' go first. See if yo' can hit me."

"Burning heat, singe the hair, scorch the flesh, and torch the robes, FIREBALL," nothing happened when I pointed at my opponent. "Your turn."

Morton took the rod and pointed at me. "Buwing heat, singe ta hair, scworch ta fwesh, and toe'ch ta wobes, FIWERE BALL," Morton recited.

"Hey Mort, I think your accent is messing up the incantation," I crossed my arms. "Maybe you should try the spell in your head?"

Morton held the wand at me shooting a fireball at me before I knew it. It slammed me against a wall. "Bawdy?"

"Nice shot Mort," I got up. "At least I'll pass the resistance part of Magic class."

The rest of the day we sparred and practiced our incantations. Morton insisted that he should be able to recite the incantation aloud but he only succeeded after saying it in his head when he got frustrated. His blasts rivaled that of Bowser Jr.

I, on the other hand, had absolutely no success at producing a single spark. I guess I don't have talent with magic. It didn't really matter to me. Truthfully the only spells I want to learn are the time and space ones my king knows anyway. I mean how does the kitchen statue teleport food to his bedroom?

Plus I have an idea for what I want to get King Koopa for Bowser Day. I've decided my shop project would be the gift. I just hope I have enough time to complete it before the holiday.

I returned to my king's room and immediately showered after training. The water felt very good against my bruised body. Even though the rock armor was resistant to the flame, the stone chest protector slammed into my torso forcefully after every hit.

When I finished redressing, I asked the Princess Toadstool table for a wood carving knife and a mushroom. I quickly downed the fungi feeling my bruises lessen. Sitting down to carve the Yoshi figure, I realized I still don't know what a Yoshi looks like.

I couldn't come up with any better ideas so I started whittling an image of my king. Time passed quickly distracted by my little art project, I didn't even remember to eat dinner.

Oh well at least my king will get to travel with me to class tomorrow. I stuck the wooden replica of my king in my shell. King Koopa arrived and we spent the night listening to music until he decided to go to bed. It was a nice night.