Check Out Nick Pitera

Hello everybody!

I'm always on the lookout for new talent, and a few months ago I discovered somebody AMAZING on Youtube. He is a singer named Nick Pitera.

Nick Pitera is a 26 year old man based in the Bay Area of California. He works as an animator for Pixar Studios, however, I think his real talent is in his Youtube videos.

Since I am a mega-fan of Les Miserables, I was browsing Youtube one day for different versions of songs from the musical. I stumbled across a video entitled, "One Man Les Miserables Nick Pitera Medley."
 At first I thought it looked strange, but I decided to click on the clip. What I saw changed my life forever.

The video opens with the musical intro for "I Dreamed A Dream" and shows a total of nine Nick Pitera faces. The spotlight shines on the center row, far right Nick Pitera face with a caption saying "Fantine." Pitera begins singing the song, naturally altering his voice to sound like a female singer. And he does a fantastic job at it! After about a minute and a half of singing as Fantine, the music easily fades into "Who Am I?" where Pitera changes his voice to sound like Jean Valjean. It is incredible! Throughout the video, Pitera changes his voice to match the various characters in the musical such as Javert, Thenardier, Marius, Cosette, Eponine, and more. Check out the video by clicking on the link below!

Les Miserables Medley 

After watching that video a few times, I decided to check out some of his other work. I was pleased to discover that he had also done a Phantom of the Opera medley. In this video, there are only three versions of Pitera, all of whom are wearing black and white suits. Pitera plays the role of the Phantom, Raoul, and Christine. His vocal capabilities were incredibly showcased as he reached the intensely high notes of Christine. This is a must see video! But Pitera's talents don't stop there. He is also an amazing actor, which is showcased by his "One Man Disney Movie" video where he acts as a hero, heroine, sidekick, villain, and two extras for the chorus. He combines Disney songs from various movies- again in a smooth and natural style. The best part of the video is when Pitera, as the hero, sings "Go the Distance" from Hercules, then transitions to the heroine to sing "Reflection" from Mulan. Pitera then combines the two songs for an unforgettable crescendo. It takes real talent to be able to do a duet all by yourself and sound so beautiful.

Now at first, I didn't think that Pitera could alter his voice naturally. I figured he probably used some form of technology to do the altering. But I was proved wrong when I saw him perform on The Ellen Degeneres Show where he sang "A Whole New World" from Aladdin. He sang both Aladdin and Jasmine's parts, altering his voice live to match the characters. Check it out by clicking on the link below.

Nick Pitera Live on Ellen

If you like Nick Pitera as much as I do, fell free to check out his other videos on Youtube where he covers many songs. You can also buy his original single "Better Days" on iTunes. So what are you waiting for? Go buy it!

-Shadow

Blaik's Kingdom Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Nik’s Loyalty

          Blaik approached a cottage in the woods and knocked on the front door.

Lady Sanoj answered the door, shocked to see the King at her doorstep. She bowed. “How may I help you, Your Majesty?”

          “Good evening Lady Sanoj,” Blaik said. “Is Nik busy?”

          “No,” Lady Sanoj said, “but I was not expecting Your Majesty this evening, so please excuse my mess of a house.”

          “With all due respect Lady Sanoj,” Blaik said as he entered the cottage, “I’ve helped you clean this cottage before I was king, so I know what it looks like dirty.”

          “Of course Your Majesty,” Lady Sanoj said. She closed the door behind her. “Nik is in his room, but a Xlair is on the way to check on his legs.”

          “Ok,” Blaik said as he noticed a portrait of Dann. He walked closer to the portrait. He examined Dann’s fearless face. “Lady Sanoj?”

          “What is it Your Majesty?” she asked.

          Blaik turned around. “Does it get easier?”

          Lady Sanoj walked closer to Blaik. She gazed at her son’s portrait. “I think about Dann everyday,” Lady Sanoj replied. “I feel like he is still with us to this day.”

          Blaik put his hand on Lady Sanoj’s shoulder. He gave her a warm smile.

          Lad Sanoj quickly wiped a tear from her face. “Well, I better start cleaning my home! I can’t let the King be in such a sty. I would be the laughing stalk of the entire kingdom! Why don’t you go visit Nik now?”

“I think I’ll do that,” Blaik replied. He gave Lady Sanoj a hug.

“Thank you,” Lady Sanoj said. “You know, your father would be very proud of the King that you have become.”

Blaik smiled as he turned away and began walking down the hall. He approached Nik’s room and knocked on the door.

Nik was lying on his bed with both legs elevated by pillows. They were covered in Strength Leaves- medically enhanced leaves to speed up the healing process of injuries.

“Who is it?” Nik asked.

“Your one and only friend,” Blaik joked. “Can I come in?”

          “Hmm…. Let me think about that,” Nik teased. “You can come in under one condition: you owe me half the kingdom.”

          “Very funny,” Blaik said as he opened the door and entered the room.

          “Eh, I wouldn’t want half of your kingdom anyway. I would have to share it with you, a guy who won’t even visit his best friend with two broken legs!” Nik complained.

          Blaik sat on the edge of the bed. “Sorry about that.”

          “It’s fine,” Nik said. “I understand that you’re all busy now trying to run an entire kingdom and what not.” Nik laughed.

          “Yeah…” Blaik started. “It’s been kind of stressful lately.”

          “Why? What’s going on?” Nik asked concerned.

          Blaik hesitated. “Nothing. You wouldn’t really understand.”

          “Try me.”

          “I don’t really want to talk about it,” Blaik said. “I came here to escape all of that. I just want to hang out with my best friend.”

          “Fine,” Nick said. “Is there anything else on your mind?”

          “I was looking at that portrait of Dann in your living room,” Blaik said. “I’m sure you miss him a lot.”

          “Of course,” Nik said. “After all he is my brother. Just like if you were to die. I’d miss you so much.”

          Blaik stared intently at the floor. “You are a very special friend.

          Nik could sense that something was troubling Blaik. “Hey, I think I know something that could help cheer you up. Would you like to see the Xlair take off my Strength Leaves tonight?”

          “Absolutely!” Blaik said as his face lit up. “Are your legs healed yet?”

          “No,” Nik answered. “My Xlair just wants to check up on it. And probably give me another lecture about running blind folded.”

          “Why would you even run with a blind fold on in the first place?” Blaik asked.

          “Why not?” Nik asked. “My brother was a stunt man, remember? I learned a few things from him.”

          Blaik laughed as someone knocked on the door.

          “Who is it?” Nik asked.

          “Xlair Pern,” a woman replied.

          Blaik looked at Nik. “So, your Xlair is a woman huh?” Blaik smiled as his eyebrows went up and down.

          “No, it’s not like that at all,” Nik said. “Trust me. She’s a troll.”

          “Oh,” Blaik grinned.

          “Come in Xlair Pern,” Nik said.

          Xlair Pern, a short and stout troll with tan skin, entered the room. She quickly noticed Blaik sitting at the edge of the bed and immediately did obeisance to him. “Please forgive me Your Majesty, I did not notice you sitting there.”

          Blaik looked perplexed. “It’s really not necessary to bow,” he said. “I just wanted to see Nik’s leg.

          “Yes Your Majesty,” Xlair Pern said as she stood, but keeping her head down. She walked to the end of the bed where Nik’s legs were elevated. She placed her hands on his ankle. Her hands went up the leg little by little, applying more pressure as she went up. She then moved on to the next leg. After that exercise, she put on gloves and began to take off the Strength Leaves. Both of Nik’s legs were purple with tremendous swelling.

          “Is his leg supposed to be purple?” Blaik asked.

          “No it’s not. And it’s a good thing I checked on your leg,” Xlair Pern said. “Have you been elevating your legs?”

          “Yeah of course,” Nik said as he looked away.

          Xlair Pern gave him a warning look.

          “Ok, not all the time,” Nik said. “But it is just so boring being in bed all day.”

          “Well unfortunately you now need to have your legs elevated for two more weeks. In two weeks I will come back and check ion them again,” Xlair Pern said. She took out new Strength Leaves and began to wrap them on Nik’s leg.

          “Yes ma’am,” Nik said. “Thank you for the check up.”

          “You can thank me by resting up your legs,” she said as she began packing her supplies.

          “Don’t worry Xlair Pern,” Blaik said. “I’ll order Nik to elevate those legs.”

          “Oh will you now?” Nik asked as he shook his head.

          Xlair Pern smiled. “Goodbye Nik.” She bowed before Blaik. “Goodbye Your Majesty.” She kept her head bowed as she left the room.

          “So, Blaik, since I have to stay locked up here for two weeks,”
 Nik started, “what should we do? Got any good stories for me?”

          “You have no idea,” Blaik replied. “But, I can’t now.”

          “What? Why?” Nik asked.

          “Because I have to go,” Blaik said. “I’m so sorry!”

          “Are you joking?” Nik asked. “I am going to be so bored and lonely!”

          “I know, and I feel horrible about it,” Blaik said. “But I really need to go tell Aimee something.”

          “Aimee?” Nik asked. His face lit as he smiled and sat up straight.

          “Yes,” Blaik said. “She should be waking up soon. I really need to talk to her before she gets breakfast.”

          “Ok,” Nik said. “Make sure you tell her that I say ‘hi’. And tell her to come out of the water and visit me.”

          “Nik, Aimee never comes out of the water,” Blaik said.

          “Just tell her for me,” Nik said. “It’s the least you could do since you are deserting me.”

          “Fine,” Blaik said as he stood up from the bed. “You sure are getting dramatic these days.”

          Nik laughed. “Well hopefully I will see you later,” Nik said as he watched Blaik head for the door.

          “Ok,” Blaik said. “Goodbye!”

          “Bye,” Nik said in a somber tone. As he reached over his bed to get a book, he heard a knock on the door. He smiled. “Forget something?”

          The door creaked open. Nik was surprised to see that it wasn’t Blaik, but a woman.

          “Who are you?” Nik asked.

          She slowly walked into the room and over to Nik’s bed. “It’s nice to meet you Nik,” she said seductively.

          Nik furrowed his brows. “How do you know my name?”

          She smiled as she ignored the question. “My name is Mikeez. I’m an old friend of Blaik and Syrain.” She got closer to Nik’s face.

           Nik nervously gulped. “I don’t remember Blaik ever mentioning you.”

          Mikeez raised her left eyebrow. “Blaik hardly tells you anything. Does he?”

          “What do you mean?” Nik asked.

          “What was he going to talk to Aimee about?” Mikeez asked.

          “It was probably none of my business,” Nik replied.

          “Oh that’s funny,” Mikeez said. “Because I know what he was going to talk to her about. And it just so happens that you are the topic of discussion.” She bit her bottom lip.

          “What are you talking about?” Nik asked. “Blaik and Aimee are both really good friends of mine. They wouldn’t talk about me behind my back.”

          Mikeez stood up and left the bed. “Well if you don’t believe me,” she said as she headed for the door, “you can always ask Dann.”

          “W-wait,” Nik said. “Dann is dead.”

          Mikeez turned around. “Are you sure about that?”

          “Yes I’m sure,” Nik said. “I saw him die myself!”

          “I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Mikeez said. “If I recall there were a lot of questions about Dann’s death. There were certain things that didn’t make a lot of sense.”

          “His heart stopped beating!” Nik exclaimed. “What else is there to it?”

          “What if I told you that if you join me, then you could see your brother again?” Mikeez asked.

          Nik paused. “Join you?”

          “Yes,” Mikeez said. “Come join me in Syrain’s army.”

          Nik looked baffled. “Whoa, wait. Syrain is stuck in The Endless Dungeon of Darkness.”

          Mikeez chuckled. “Not for long.”

          Nik was deep in thought. “H-how could I see Dann again?”

          “Syrain can communicate with Dann,” Mikeez said. “If you help me bring her out of the Dungeon, then she can help bring Dann back to the kingdom.”

          “Bring him back?” Nik asked. “What do you mean?”

          “Blaik knows Dann is still alive,” Mikeez said.

          “I doubt that,” Nik said.

          “Nik, Blaik is the ruler of this kingdom,” Mikeez said. “He knows all of the secrets. He knows that Dann is still alive. In fact… Blaik even knows where Dann has been all these years.”

          Nik looked down as he thought. He then looked directly into Mikeez’s eyes. “You are telling me the truth?”

          “Of course,” Mikeez said.

          Nik nodded. “How can I help bring my brother back?”

          “You can bring back your brother by becoming King of Kryo,” Mikeez said in an encouraging tone.

          “I-I couldn’t-” Nik said as Mikeez interrupted him.

          “The possibilities don’t end there,” Mikeez said. “As King, you could have anything you want! Like, for example, your mermaid friend.”

          Nik opened his mouth to respond, but stopped before any words could come out. He closed his mouth and took a deep breath through his nose.

          Mikeez stretched out her arm toward Nik. “Join us.”

Blaik's Kingdom Chapter 2

Chapter 2: The Building of Syrain’s Army

Unc Leaves grow on Unc Trees

Unc Trees capture a deadly breeze

A deadly breeze to put you at ease

Unc Leaves make the knees freeze

Unc Leaves make a sleepy disease

Unc Leaves to put you at ease

          How can a child’s nursery rhyme have such a dark meaning? Do the children remain innocent while singing about an illegal drug? The song is very accurate. Unc Leaves do grow on Unc Trees. The deadly breeze? Unc Leaves emit a strong odor of incense. When a wind catches the tree, the aroma reeks so strong that it slowly kills all other surrounding plant life. If a human is near an Unc Tree, it slowly numbs the nerves, causing the human’s knees to freeze. If an Unc Leaf is inhaled directly, you slowly lose all consciousness, a sleepy disease to put you at ease.

          Blaik could hear a thousand young children singing the nursery rhyme over and over in his head. The words slowly started to change, as the voices meshed into one wretched voice.

          “I rule, and everyone else in the universe is horrible association!” it sang.

As Blaik’s mind crawled out of a haze, the voice became ever more familiar. Even though Blaik was unable to open his eyes, he knew exactly who was singing; a wicked queen from a far off planet,

“Victoriama, why are you in my kingdom?” Blaik mumbled.

“Oh, so you’ve awaken,” Victoriama said. “Did you enjoy your little nap?”

“I-I was captured by someone, but I have no idea who it was, and I can’t open my eyes,” Blaik said.

“When Syrain said ‘Unc Leaves will knock him out,’ she was not joking.” Victoriama said as she chuckled with an evil smile.

“What are you talking about?” Blaik asked.

“Mums the word,” Victoriama answered. “Mikeez told me that I dare not tell you what is going on.  I just need to make sure you don’t go anywhere.”

“Mikeez?” Blaik asked. “I thought her and her family died eight years ago.”

“Well you’re a dumb boy so you don’t know that Syrain has created an army and Mikeez is the leader. Oh, and Madilk and Azrat are still alive. The only one that really died was Mitch,” Victoriama quickly spilled.

“Hello Blaik,” a girl said from behind Victoriama. She was covered in black clothes. Her long black hair framed her freckled face. She slowly walked closer to Victoriama until their faces nearly touched. “I told Syrain you were a bad secret keeper. If it were up to me, I would leave you chained on your planet to rot.”

“I hate you more than words can explain,” Victoriama said. “If you resided on my planet, I would have you arrested for not wearing pink. The color black offends me. You are bad association!”

As they were arguing, Blaik slowly forced his eyes open. His vision was blurred, but he was able to make out shadows. “Mikeez?” Blaik asked.

“Hello Blaik. Long time no see,” Mikeez said. “Have you been well these past eight years?”

“What happened to you? I thought you died with your family. What happened to your blonde locks? You have changed much since we were young,” Blaik said.

“I figure black suits me better,” Mikeez said. “But now is not the time for catching up. Now I must explain to you what you are here for. I remember liking you, so I’ll be blunt. Syrain formed an army three years ago, an army that assassinates kings or queens from different planets to take over their kingdoms.”

“What?!” Blaik yelled.

“Do not raise your voice with me!” Mikeez ordered. “Listen, you are an old friend, and I don’t want to kill you-”

“Then don’t!” Blaik interrupted.

“If it were that simple, I wouldn’t kill you,” Mikeez reasoned, “but it isn’t that simple. I didn’t want to help kill… never mind. Since you are an old friend, I will let you go, but only this once.”

“Well you obviously have the intention of killing me,” Blaik said, “so why not now?”

“Yeah! Why not!?” Victoriama asked.

“Because Syrain… I will leave the killing up to Syrain,” Mikeez explained. “Victoriama, untie Blaik.”

“Yes ma’am,” Victoriama said, and walked her thin body over to the chair Blaik was tied to. Her long skinny fingers untied the ropes as Mikeez continued to talk.

“Why are you doing this Mikeez?” Blaik asked. “Do you really want to go through with all of this?”

Mikeez ignored the question. “Expect war Blaik.” She scratched her face and revealed a scar on her left cheek. She pulled a red cloth out of her pocket. “Wear this cloth to cover your eyes. Someone will escort you out, Your Majesty.”

Mikeez tied the cloth around Blaik’s head.

Darkness. Everything has such an eerie feel in the dark. Complete darkness is a feeling of vulnerability. Vulnerable in the home of an enemy.

Victoriama lead Blaik to a door, where a small hand took Blaik’s hand.

“Hello Blaik,” a small voice with a British accent said.

As soon as he heard the voice, Blaik knew it was Madilk, a leprechaun, and also sister to Mikeez. “Hello Madilk,” Blaik replied.

They walked a few steps, and Blaik heard a voice from his left yell, “Madilk! What are you doing?”

“Mikeez ordered me to lead Blaik out,” Madilk replied.

“Or are you a trader?” the voice asked.

“Go ask Mikeez yourself,” Madilk said. “She’s in the interrogation room.”

“Fine,” the voice said, “I’ll go right over there n- oomph!”

“How do you trip when nothing is there to trip you?” Madilk teased.

“Gaineb?” Blaik asked. “You haven’t changed a bit. Still always tripping all the time.”

“Shut up!” Gaineb yelled. He lifted himself up and punched Blaik in the stomach. “What’s wrong? You can’t fight back?”

Blaik coughed. “I refuse to retaliate in an unnecessary situation.”

“That’s why your kingship will fail. But as for me, I will be king of the greatest kingdom in the universe!” Gaineb exclaimed.

“What makes you so sure Syrain will appoint you as the ruler of Kryo?” Madilk asked.

“Because she loves me,” Gaineb said with a hint of pride in his tone. He punched Blaik in the stomach once more. “See you around you worthless piece of life.” Gaineb angrily walked off into a room and threw a chair to a wall.

“That’s where Gaineb is wrong,” a voice said in front of Blaik and Madilk.

“What do you want Logmar?” Madilk asked in an irritated voice.

“I wanted to make sure Blaik knows who is taking over his kingdom,” Logmar said.

          “So that was you,” Blaik said. “You were the one who drugged me.”

         

          “That’s right,” Logmar said. “And I did it because you sister, Syrain, is in love with me and will make me King!”

           

          “Well I think both you and Gaineb are wrong,” Madilk said.

          “Oh what do you know you little leprechaun?” Logmar asked.

          “If you ask me, it seems logical that she will make Nik the King. You know Blaik, your best friend,” Madilk explained.

        “You are out of your mind,” Blaik said. “None of my friends would ever join your army.”

“Do you really think Nik would choose you over his own brother?” Madilk asked with a chuckle.

“What are you talking about?” Blaik asked. “Dann died last year from a stunt accident.”

“Did he?” Madilk asked rhetorically. “You might want to hear all the facts before you assume things.”

“Dann is dead. It happened right before my eyes.” Blaik said.

          “But did you see his body afterward?” Logmar asked. “Syrain was the only one to see Dann’s body after the accident. Haven’t you every heard the Myth of the Great Stunt Man? The greatest stunt is to swallow a poisoned leaf. and remain unconscious until something truly evil kisses them.”

          “The only way to wake up from a Poisoned Leaf is to be kissed by something truly evil,” Madilk included.

          “Are you saying Syrain is truly evil?” Blaik hesitated to ask, afraid for an answer.

“I’m saying Syrain convinced Dann into doing the stunt,” Logmar smiled.

          “Don’t you think that if Nik finds out his close brother is still alive, he would join us instantly?” Madilk asked. “Now come on! I must get you out of here before Mikeez has my head.”

“Wait,” Blaik said. “How are you communicating with Syrain? It is completely impossible.”

          “You would have to ask Mikeez,” Madilk said. “I’ve never spoken to her. Now let’s get a move on!”

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

          After an hour of walking, Madilk and Blaik stopped to rest.

          “My feet are throbbing,” Madilk said. “How about you?”

          “I’ve walked for longer periods of time before,” Blaik replied.

          “You haven’t said a word this whole time that we have walked,” Madilk said.

         

          “I’m blind folded, being lead by an evil leprechaun, and I just found out overwhelming news,” Blaik said.

          “Listen,” Madilk said, “I know I have a reputation as an evil leprechaun, but I’m not all evil. I actually feel bad for you.”

          Blaik stayed silent.

          “Well, let’s keep moving then,” Madilk said.      

          Madilk and Blaik continued to walk until Blaik could

see sunlight sneaking through his blind fold. Madilk walked him into the same forest where Blaik was captured the night before. They stopped, and Madilk untied the blind fold. It had been a long time since Blaik could see, so he squinted, letting the sunlight creep up on him little by little. He was surrounded in a blur of green.

          When his eyes were fully opened, Madilk was gone. A note was left on a leaf by Blaik’s foot. It read: Prepare for war.

          Blaik gazed up at the sun and could tell it was late afternoon. His heart was heavy from the overwhelming day. He knew he had to tell Aimee everything right away. She always gave him great advice. But seeing as mermaids are nocturnal, he decided to visit his other best friend, Nik Sanoj.