Chapter 3: The test of a Knight
I was watching TV with my brother. Captain N, my favorite show was on. It went to commercial break. "You know Isaac, Uncle Johnson is really close to pulling the final straw," I said, "One of these days I am gonna run so far away that I will be able to brag about it." I looked out into the town. "I would…." I said before he gave me a wafer bar, "I would rather sneak out with Princess Toadstool, follow her to the nearest private area, and make out with her all night than go on living where I do now." "Wow," he said, "You must really want to get out of here." A commercial came on. "Hi there kids of the world," said somebody, "Is a family relative pushing you to the final straw?" "Yes," I said. "Do you wanna run so far away that you'd brag about it?" asked the person. "Yes," I said as I got closer to the TV. "Would you rather sneak out with your special someone, follow her to the nearest public…" said the person. "Private!" I said. "Private area and make out with her than continue living where you do now?" asked the person. "YES!" I said. "Then run to….." said the person. Isaac changed the channel. "Let's see what else is on until Captain N gets back," he said. "Gimme that!" I said. I changed it back. "….Orphan City," said the person, "Where happiness is just a footstep away."
My dad came in with his guitar. "When I came home a string was broken on my guitar," he said, "But somebody fixed it. Who was it?" "It wasn't me," said Isaac. "I fixed it," I said, "I'm sorry for touching what was yours." He clapped his hands. "Hey, why don't you come with me for a bit," he said. He was driving me to a music school where he was teaching at. "Wow," I said, "So this is where you go on the weekends." "That's right," he said. He brought me in. I saw some kids with different instruments. "Hello kids," he said. "Hello Mr. Shay," said the children. "Who's the little guy?" asked a parent. "This is my son Nicholas," he said, "I brought him here because he has a keen interest in music." "Hi," I said. "He fixed a string on my guitar, and apparently he's been playing with it and has some good knowledge," said my dad, "So I invited him to play for us." He gave me his guitar. "And don't worry about messing up son," he said, "Mistakes are to learn from." I started playing a little for the children and they were amazed. I did the intro to "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin.
A girl with a trumpet was listening to me and came to the front. "He's amazing," she said. "Someone likes him," said another student. "Shut up," said the trumpet girl. "Ok," said my dad, "One of the students is gonna play a note and you have to guess it." One of the students played a note on the piano. "That's F," I said. Another student played a note on a xylophone. "C," I said. Someone else with a guitar played a chord. "That's an A minor chord," I said. "Amazing," said one of the students, "He has perfect pitch." The trumpet girl was coming closer and she dropped her trumpet. I picked it up and gave it to her. "I believe this belongs to you," I said. "T-t-t-thank you," she said as she blushed. "So where did you learn all that stuff?" asked my dad. "A friend from school named Max," I said, "He's really talented." "Nice," said my dad. I saw him and a group of friends. "Hey dude!" he said. We spent the next few minutes having fun with music. "I think you should have this," said my dad. He gave me a CD and a how to play book by the band "Rush." "You mean I can have this?" I asked. "That's right," he said, "And this guitar." He gave me one of his guitars. It looked like a Fender Telecaster. "Thanks dad," I said.
"AHA!" shouted someone. My Uncle Johnson barged in the doors. "I knew I'd catch you snooping around here!" he said. "Johnson you have no right to be here," said my dad. "I have every right to be here!" said Johnson. He pulled him to the side. "What. Do you think. You're doing?!" he said. "Just teaching Nicholas the ways of music," said my dad. "I thought I made it clear that he is not allowed to become a career musician," said Johnson. "But he's really good at it," said my dad, "I'm thinking about having him as one of my students…" "Hell no!" said Johnson, "He has to study business!" He took the CD from me. "Hey!" I said. "That CD is his," said my dad. "I don't allow him to listen to rock music in this house," said Johnson, "Didn't you read Chapter 1?!" He grabbed my hand and took me to the car. "What the hell's your problem?" I asked. "The Devil's body count, that's my problem," said Johnson, "Don't you know what 'Rush' stands for?! Rouges Under Satan's Hellfire!" He threw the CD in the trash and pushed me in the car. "I had a nightmare that some crap like this might happen," said another kid, "If he misses Alex Lifeson's Guitar Solo, he won't be able to continue with his life." "Jack, don't jinx it," said Max, "Nobody's missing that concert."
"Why did you do that?!" asked the trumpet girl. "I am keeping him focused on business," said Johnson. "Its his life," said someone. "Yeah," said the trumpet girl as Johnson walked away, "You can't force him to do what he doesn't wanna do! You ain't got no right!" He turned around. "What did you just say?" he asked. "You ain't got no right!" said the trumpet girl. "Its time you learn some respect," he said. He snatched her trumpet from her. "Give it back!" she said. I saw what was going on. I reached and took off the child proof lock and got out. "You think you're gonna make a living with this piece of crap?!" said Johnson. He was taking it to the river. "Give me my trumpet!" said the trumpet girl. "This is what you get for talking back," said Johnson, "You lose your precious instrument." "Johnson!" said my dad. "Say goodbye to your trumpet!" said Johnson. He was about to throw it. "Give her back the trumpet you fat-ass!" I shouted. He turned to me.
"You want it?" he asked, "Go on. Take it." I looked down. "No?" he asked, "Then get your ass in the truck!" I went back to the truck. "It seems to me like your kids are forgetting their place," said Johnson. He gave the trumpet girl back her trumpet. "That was brave of him," said the trumpet girl's mother. "He brought this on himself," said her father, "And she's not allowed around boys and even to look at them." "Enrieo, she can be friends with her!" said her mother. He slapped her. "Show me some respect!" he said, "Do not disrespect me." "There you go," said Johnson, "Show your wife that you're in control."
He drove me back home. That would be the only time I ever got to see that school. Or…. So I thought. I was heading home and saw Toadstool at my house. "Toadstool?" I asked, "Hey." "Hi you," she said. "Your little friend came over to play," said my mom. "I knew you would be a little busy to come to my house so I decided to come to yours," said Toadstool. She gave me a hug. She noticed blood on my face. "What happened?" she asked. "My uncle threw me in the car and drove me back here," I said. She put a bandage on my head. "You're a sweet boy," said Toadstool, "Why would he treat you like this?" "Cause he's a jerk," I said, "He always makes me work and I never get to play or do what I want until its 100% perfect. That's why you see blood in some spots." "Well he clearly doesn't see the potential you have," said Toadstool as she hugged me, "But I do." "Sorry again for being late," I said. "Its ok," said Toadstool, "You mom is really nice." "Yeah," I said.
We spent the day together and the next few days together as well. I used some of my uncle's money to buy Rush tickets and was gonna ask Toadstool to come with us to the show. I was looking at the sky. "If only they knew what I could do," I said, "I just wanna show everyone what I'm capable of." "What's stopping you?" asked someone. I turned around and saw that old man from the market. "You're that guy I met at the market," I said. "Don't be frightened Nicholas, I mean you no harm," he said, "I'm Toadsworth." "How do you know my name?" I asked. He laughed and said, "I know more than just your name." He sat down in a chair. "As I heard you're friends with the princess," he said. "Yes," I said, "And you're her….. guardian?" "Close," he said, "I'm the chancellor of the Mushroom Kingdom." "Ok," I said. "You have great potential and you weren't able to use it completely," said Toadsworth. "Yeah," I said.
"Well what would you say if I were to tell you that you would have the chance to get noticed in our world," said Toadsworth. "What?" I asked. "There have been rumours of a giant terrorizing Kongo Jungle and none of our best knights could defeat him," said Toadsworth, "But if you were to go, we might stand a chance." "I'll do it," I said, "I don't have anything going on." "Before you go, take this," said Toadsworth. He gave me a staff. "What's this?" I asked. "The king's powerful weapon, the Lion Staff," said Toadsworth, "This bad boy won't break no matter how hard you hit something." "Cool," I said. I went in my room and got my lucky hat and hid the Rush Tickets I had in my jacket (actually somebody else's. SPOILER!). I was heading to the green pipe. Toadstool greeted me when I came down. "Hi Nicholas," she said. "Toadsworth sent me on a mission," I said, "I'm going to a place called Kongo Jungle." "You mean that place where the kongs live?" asked Toadstool. "How'd you know that?" I asked. "I know a lot of things," said Toadstool, "You should take me with you." "Huh?" I asked. "I wanna see this place for myself," said Toadstool, "I hear its really cool."
"So where is this really cool place?" asked Cloud. "Its in Kongo Jungle," said Toadstool, "Can I go with him?" "Hmmm," said Cloud. "Please?" said Toadstool with a smile. "Its ok with me," said Cloud as we were about to go, "As long as I go with you." We were heading to Kongo Jungle. "I like your hat by the way," said Toadstool, "Its really cute." I blushed and said, "Thanks." Cloud was listening to us talk. "Just look at you two little seeds of romance blossoming through the kingdom," said Cloud, "If mother and father were here, they'd be thrilled. With you being betrothed and all." Be-what?" I asked. "Betrothed," said Cloud, "Engaged." "In other words…." I asked. "One day you two are going to be married," said Cloud. We both blushed. "Can we move on?" we asked in unision. We kept going. We saw some houses in trees and tall branches. "The place looks deserted," said Cloud. "No, there's people here," I said. I went to a door and knocked. "Hello, is someone there?" I asked, "Hello?" "Maybe they're in trouble," said Toadstool.
I kicked the door down. Someone in the shadows was watching us. "Who's there?" I asked. I saw someone jump out. I pushed Toadstool out the way and he punched me on the forehead and it hurt. Like hell! "Its just as I feared," said the person. It was a gorilla. "What the hell was that all about?!" I said as I got out my staff, "That didn't tickle!" "Please forgive me Mr. Bully!" said the gorilla, "I know it was foolish to attack you." "But…. I'm Nicholas," I said, "Who's this 'Bully'?" Some other apes and monkeys came out. "Its just a little boy," said one of them. "Maybe it's the legend," said another one. Toadstool got a wet towel and put it on my head. "That'll help," she said. "Forgive me for the rude awakening," said the gorilla, "I am Donkey Kong, the future ruler of Kongo Jungle." "You're that gorilla that I read about," I said, "You fought an army of crocodiles and saved this entire island." "That's right," said Donkey Kong. "Donkey Kong!" shouted an old ape, "Who is it?!" "SHUT UP CRANKY KONG!" said Donkey Kong, "Anyways I…" "DONKEY KONG!" shouted Cranky Kong. "CRANKY KONG DRINK YOUR BANANA JUICE!" said Donkey Kong as he headed upstairs.
We heard rumbling. "What was that?" I asked. Footsteps were getting louder. We saw a giant turtle with a purple shell and one spike on it. "Its Bully!" shouted a gorilla. They all started running. "Alright," I said, "Finally some excitement!" I got out my staff and went out to face him. "Well well," said Bully, "A rat from the kingdom came to face me." "Stop babbling and let's fight!" I said, "I've been waiting for this my whole life." He tried to attack me and I dodged and jumped to the other side. "Over here turtle breath," I said. "You think you're tough don't you?" he said. He tried to punch me again and I grabbed his hand and pushed him back. "How's that?" I said. "I was fooling with you before, now I'm gonna kick your ass," he said. "We have to help him!" said Toadstool. She ran over to give me some support. "Toadstool wait!" said Cloud. She was running faster than he was. "Hey!" she said. She threw a pebble at her. He looked at her and she ran. "Get back here!" said Bully. She went to find somewhere to hide. A hand caught her. It was Bully.
"Help!" she said. "Don't bother, cause its not gonna help," said Bully. "Put my sister down!" said Cloud. He tried attacking him with his sword. It did nothing but dent him. DK saw what was going on. "Get on my back, kid," he said. I got on his back and he took me to where Bully was. "Here I come princess!" I said. I went charging at Bully and saw Cloud. "Cloud?!" I said. I jumped up so I wouldn't hit him and accidentally hit Bully in the jaw. He dropped the princess. I jumped up and caught her. "Are you ok?" I said. "You saved me," she said. "Yeah," I said. I was blushing. "Hey guys!" said Cloud, "AM I INTERRUPTING?!" I went over to fight Bully and DK joined me. I jumped up and down avoiding his attacks and DK performed powerful ground shakes with his hands. "Cloud, get outta there!" said Toadstool. "Just a regular guy with a sword," said Cloud, "I didn't ask for all these giants, and this fighting, and these earthquakes!" "Take this you big bully!" I said. I kicked him in the face and he fell into a river heading for a waterfall and fell down. "You'll pay for this shriiiiiiiiiiiiiimp!" he said as he fell down. A shrimp looked around and thought someone called him.
A bunch of kongs came out and saw everything. They cheered my name. "Excuse me, pardon me," said Toadstool trying to get through, "Best friend coming through, which would be me." "And her brother," said Cloud. Toadstool gave me a hug. "Look, don't make a habit of this," said Cloud, "There are other ways of getting attention." "I'll try to remember that," I said. Toadsworth came by and saw everything. "Toadsworth, I…." said Toadstool. "You wanted to guide Nicholas, and I understand," said Toadsworth, "Let's go home." A few minutes later we were riding home in a carriage from the castle. "Looks like my lucky hat did the trick," I said. "It looks like the legend is true," said Toadstool. "Come on," said Cloud, "Even though he defeated that giant monster, that doesn't make the legend true. He still has to take on this Reaper, whoever he is." "He will," said Toadstool. "Who is this reaper?" I asked. "A deadly spirit," said Toadsworth, "He terrorized many people with nightmares and demons. The chosen one gathered a team of heroes and defeated him long ago." "And I suppose, he returned from death somehow," I said. "No one knows," said Toadstool, "But I feel he just might return."
We made it to my house. "Thanks for the drop off," I said, "And for the staff." I started to walk in. "Wait," said Toadstool. I stopped. "There's something else I want you to have," she said. "What is it?" I asked. "Something a brave knight deserves for saving a princess," said Toadstool. "I'm not a knight," I said, "I'm just a boy." "Well, brave boy then," said Toadstool, "Close your eyes." I closed my eyes. She was leaning towards me and it looked like she was about to kiss me. Johnson opened the door to my house. "Its time to come in Nicholas," he said. He was obviously looking. "I'm in the middle of something," I said. "Get in here," he said. "Can't it wait?" I asked. "Nicholas you get in this house right now," said Johnson. "But I…" I said. "RIGHT NOW young man!" he said. I sighed in frustration. "I'll have to take your gift later," I said. I went inside. "As for you, there's one thing I'd like to make very plain," said Johnson as he turned to Toadstool, "No nephew of mine is going to be seen with any girl on this planet. Especially a…. a blonde haired princess!" He slammed the door. "Who spit in his tomato soup?" asked Cloud. "I heard that!" said Johnson.
I was putting some stuff down. "I have told you repeatedly to stay away from girls," said Johnson, "They're nothing but trouble." "Toadstool is nothing like the girls you faced," I said. "I didn't move our family outta the city and make the sacrifices I made just so that you could throw it all away on girls and rock bands, and all of this childish junk!" said Johnson. I was just about pissed off from his lectures. "Toadstool ain't nothing like those girls!" I said. "Listen here," said Johnson, "You are not friends with any girls. I will not allow you near girls and I will not allow them in this house! I hope we're clear on that." "The hell we're clear," I said. He smacked me. "You will show me some respect one way or another," he said, "And you forgot something." "No I didn't," I said. He pointed to a sticky note. "Oh," I said. "I'm glad to know you take sticky notes," he said, "You owe your mother an apology big time! Get in there and apologize!" I went to the living room. "Mom…" I said.
"Honey, you don't have to apologize," said my mom, "Its your…." "The hell he doesn't," said Johnson. "I'm sorry," I said, "I lost track of time because…." "Because you were flouncing around with that girl!" said Johnson, "Your mom had to wait at the bus stop alone and your dad had to take time off work to pick her up." "Johnson it is no big deal that Tristan had to get me home…." Said my mom. "You will not defend this boy!" said Johnson, "Your father is facing problems at work and its entirely your fault!" "Johnson that is enough!" said my mom, "You're not the parent. I am. And I say Nicholas is not in trouble." "I cannot believe you would consider raising this ungrateful mutant!" said Johnson, "You're a weak spineless fool!" "Shut up you fat piece of sh….." I said. "Honey please," said my mom, "He's still your uncle." "I don't give a damn!" I said. "Boy you better watch your mouth!" he said. "You watch your mouth before I shove my fist in it!" I said. He pulled out a "Rush" CD. "I also found this in your room!" he said, "What have I told you about listening to this satanic group!" He threw it on the ground and it broke. "Is this where you learned your bad language?!" "No!" I said, "I learned it from your dumbass mouth!" "That's it!" said Johnson. He pushed me down and was about to beat me again until he looked at the watch.
"I'm gonna be late for my meeting," he said, "That makes you the luckiest boy alive. But if you put another toe out of line, there will be consequences." "Whatever," I said, "Asshole." "What did I tell you about calling me that!?" said Johnson. "Liana," said Johnson, "You won't be able to get your son to respect you until you learn to control him with an iron fist, like your brother." "Don't you think you're…" said Liana. "Shut up," said Johnson. He got in a car. I saw him drive away. I turned on a computer. "He's gone," I said. "He seems like bad news," said Toadstool on the monitor. "I know," I said. "I guess I can give you that present after school tomorrow," I said. I saw the "Rush" Tickets in the jacket. "I have something to give you too," I said, "I think you'll really like it." "I'm glad," said Toadstool. "Heaven forbid I become a person like Uncle Johnson," I said, "A person who lies to kids, keeps them from the things that they desire, and smokes cigarettes."
Johnson was driving to a place called Blue Shell Business Boarding School. "So that's my situation," I said, "I have a boy who I want to be a business man and he just throws it all away on a girl." "Seems like you have a rodent problem," said the headmaster, "Maybe I can help with that." "I'm glad you see things my way," said Johnson, "I'm thinking about having him removed from that school and sent here until college so he can stay focused on his studies." "Now that's something we do here," said the headmaster, "Here at Blue Shell Business Boarding School, students do not stop until their work is 100% accurate. If they make even one mistake, we make them start all over." "And let me just say right now, that if there is one word about him acting up, I will punish him very severely and make him respect your authority," said Johnson. The headmaster turned around. "Well Johnson was it? If you're thinking that recklessness and disobedience can get a student expelled from here, think again," said the headmaster, "Now should you choose to send Nicholas to Blue Shell Business, it may punish him, even for the slightest mistake, but it will never cast him out, even for the largest one. So here are students, here to stay." Johnson shook his hand. "Its an honor to do business with you," he said.
Looks like Johnson has something planned to keep Nicholas and the princess separated for good. Will it work, or will Nicholas find a way out of it? Tune in and find out. And for the people waiting for Star Kids IV, I have some writers block and I am trying to think of new ideas. But Chapter 2 will come soon, I promise.