Chapter Four: I've Got No Strings
It was dusk as Gwen finally found Phineas Mason's wagon, and she saw that a stage was set up in front of it, and a tall well built bald man was talking.
"Ladies and gentlemen," The man, Phineas Mason, said. "To conclude the performance of this great show, Phineas Mason, master showman, yours truly, and by special permission from the management, yours truly again, presents something you will absolutely refuse to believe!"
"Talk about a sell-out." Gwen said as she looked at the crowd.
"Introducing the only marionette who can sing and dance without strings, at least I hope." Mason said, and everyone laughed. "Now, I present, the one, the only, Scarlet Spider!"
"Yeash." Gwen sighed. "What a build up."
Suddenly, the curtain lifted, and Benjy was standing on the top of a disconnected stair way as music started.
"I've got no strings to hold be down-" Benjy said before he tripped on his feet and fell onto the ground as everybody laughed.
"That's right!" Gwen shouted moodily. "Make a fool of yourself, and maybe you'll listen to me next time!"
Mason picked Benjy up.
"Cute kid, huh?" Mason said after an angry look at Benjy. "A singer and a comedian."
The music started again, and Benjy stood still.
I've got no strings to hold me down.
To make me fret or make me frown.
I had strings, but now I'm free.
There are no strings on me.
Benjy then hopped across the stage as he made sure he didn't trip again.
Hi-ho, the-me-ri-o!
That's the only way to be.
I want the world to know,
Nothing ever worries me.
Scarlet Spider then hopped so hard, one of his legs turned all the way around, nearly tearing the knee part of his jeans.
I've got no strings, so I can play.
Unlike the other puppets hung all day.
They've got strings, but now I'm free.
There are no strings on me.
Benjy then waved at the people as a background of a farm appeared, and a puppet Dutch girl appeared.
You have no strings, your arms is free.
To love me by the Zuider Zee
Ja, ja, ja, if you would woo,
I'd bust my strings for you.
Then several Dutch girls came down and started dancing as Benjy looked around and starred.
"I gotta admit that's nice choreography." Gwen said as she watched.
Suddenly, a French town background appeared, and a can-can girl showed up.
You've got no strings comme ci comme ca.
Your savoir-faire is ooh-la-la!
I've got strings, but entre nous,
I'd cut my strings for you.
Then several puppet girls appeared and did the can-can.
"Oh… This is gonna ruin him." Gwen said as she blushed at what the can-can girls were doing.
Just then, a painting of a Moscow appeared as the background, and a Russian girl was dancing around.
Down where the Volga flows,
There's a Russian rendezvous.
Where me and Ivan go,
But I'd rather go with you, hey!
Then several Russian puppets appeared and danced as Benjy watched them and began to imitate them.
"Oh, this won't end well." Gwen gulped, and it didn't.
The puppets began spinning, and Benjy imitated them until he ended up spinning into them and getting twisted up in their wires until the song ended and Benjy called out, "There are no strings on me!" Before covering his mouth, believing it to be a lie since he was covered in the other puppets' strings.
Everyone laughed and cheered at Benjy managed to free himself as the puppets were pulled up, and several gold coins were thrown up.
"Oh…" Gwen said. "Well I guess they love him. He's a success. I guess I was wrong."
Gwen then walked away as she began to cry a little.
"I guess he doesn't need me anymore." Gwen said as she plopped down on the sidewalk, not sure what to do now. "What does an actor need with a conscience anyway?"
()()()()()
It was starting to rain at the house as Ben and May looked out of the door as Webster looked out as well. All three wondering where Benjy was.
"What could have happened to him?" May asked as her voice broke. Benjy was her son, and she didn't want to lose him. She also wondered where Gwen was since she figured that Gwen would stick close to Benjy.
"Where could he be at this hour?" Ben asked. He'd looked all over town for him. "I better go out again and look for him."
"I'll go too." May said, and they both took their rain coats as Webster looked at his full food dish and shoved it away as he howled at the window.
"Shh." May said. "Don't worry Webster. We'll find them."
As they left, Webster howled for his new friends, Benjy and Gwen. He hoped Ben and May found them. They were probably scared out there all alone.
Me: No Gwen, don't give up! You've gotta get to him! Who knows what'll happen?!
Gwen: Shh, shh. Easy Doug, easy.
Doug: But- And-
Penny: Don't be sad, Doug. Be happy.