Sooooo.....everyone ready to believe in magic? ;)
Mike: Yeah, darlin'. ;)
Micky: You bet! :D
Lauren: Ready! :)
Peter: I can't wait to play for the charity show! :)
Davy: It'll be groovy!
*We open in the Pad, two weeks later. The guys are rehearsing "Mary, Mary." Emma, Lauren, & Valerie are seated on the psychiatrists' couch, while Daphne sits on the floor. The twins are playing in a playpen next to the couch.*
(Emma is still quite huge...and looks even less happy about it.)
*Halfway through the song, Micky's drumkit disappears, but he continues to "air drum."* ;) :P
Peter: (Frowns) Hey, something's missing!
Davy: (Turns around, rolling his eyes) Micky, now why did you go and do that? :p
Mike: (Makes a face) Micky, what happened?
Micky: *folds his arms* We've been rehearsing day in & day out! I know this song backwards, practically. I'm tired of practicing. :P
Mike: Mick, we're going to be playing for the charity show tomorrow! And not only are we playing as a group, but we have solo acts, too.
Micky: I know that! I'd rather practice my act, since I already know how to play this song.
Mike: Mick, look, if we're going to be good for this show, we need to know the songs backwards and forwards and every other way.
Micky: And diagonally! :P ;)
Emma: Honey, Mick's right. How many years have you been together...and playing that song?
Davy: Why don't we all take a ten-minute break, then decide what to do?
Peter: (Nods) I already feel bad vibes. Mike and Micky's auras are upset. The last time they looked like that, we all ended up having a nightmare. :p
*Micky sticks his tongue out.*
Lauren: Mick...
Mike: (In annoyance) Fine! We meet back here in ten minutes. And I mean TEN MINUTES!
Emma: Mike, calm down.
Peter: Michael...
Micky: *stands; salutes* Yes, Sir! :P
Mike: Knock it off, Mick. :p
Lauren: Mick!
Micky: What?
Emma: Let's do what my parents used to do when my sisters misbehaved. (Takes Mike's arm) Everyone go to separate rooms for ten minutes, and DON'T come out until those minutes are over! :p
Lauren: Sounds good to me! *goes over to Micky*
(Pulls Mike slowly down into the basement, where they still sleep.)
Davy: (Nods upstairs) Wanna go to my room? ;) :X
Daphne: (Sighs) Sure, Davy. We're going to use those minutes to talk, however.
Davy: Can't we do both? ;) :X
(Daphne just rolls her eyes and troops upstairs.)
Davy: (Grins at Micky) She's wild about me, man. ;) (Follows Daphne)
Micky: I can tell! ;)
Peter: (Takes Valerie's hand) Maybe we'd better go in the guest room. It has a better aura.
Valerie: Sure, honey. (Peter pulls her into the guest room, his old room)
Lauren: *glares at Micky* That was lovely. :P
Micky: What? We KNOW how to play that song. We've only played it I don't know how many times. We sound GREAT! But we've all got solo acts, too, and I'd really prefer to practice that than the music right now.
Lauren: But was the disappearing act with the drums really necessary? And what IS your solo act, anyway? You never told me.
Micky: *grins* Magic, babe. And YOU get to be my lovely assistant. ;)
Lauren: Oh, Lordy.
Micky: Oh, c'mon, babe, you know you wanna be a part of the act.
Lauren: If I'm in the act, what, pray tell, will I be doing?
Micky: I was thinking of making you disappear. ;)
Lauren: Is that all? :P
Micky: Babe, I'll make you reappear if you're good. ;)
Lauren: I could swear I was mad at you earlier. :P
Micky: I'm good at changing the subject and sweet-talking. ;)
Lauren: No kidding. All right, I'll be your "lovely assistant." Just make sure you don't forget to make me reappear. ;)
Micky: It's a deal, babe. :D
Lauren: So, uh, you gonna make the drums reappear?
Micky: Huh? Oh, yeah, I almost forgot! *concentrates on the bandstand; the drumkit reappears in a muted darker blue light* I need to practice muting my light for the act to work, too. :)
*Lauren smiles, shaking her head.* :)
(Mike comes up with Emma at that point. Emma nudges him towards Micky.)
Mike: Mick...(he looks at the returned drums)...I'm glad to see you brought back the drums. We do need them, you know.
Micky: Yeah, I know.
Emma: (Glares) Ahh HEM. :p
Mike: Oh, yeah, well (sighs) sorry I blew up at you, buddy. You know how much my songs and playin' them mean to me. I mean, I'm gonna be doin' one of my songs for a solo act.
Micky: Yeah, and I'm sorry for making the drums disappear. I could've waited until after the song & told you.
(Peter and Valerie come out, both smiling. Peter looks up at his friends and smiles.)
Peter: I guess you guys are ok now. Your auras are less shaky. (Smiles) Val and I want to rehearse our double act. We're going to play a classical piano piece together. :)
Valerie: We've been wanting to do something onstage together for months now. :)
Micky: Cool! :)
(Davy and Daphne come out next, both looking slightly dazed. Davy's grinning. :D ;) )
Micky: *grins at them* Uh huh... ;)
Mike: (Raises his eyebrows) You guys musta had a nice talk. ;)
Peter: Wow, their auras are bright enough to light up Sunset Strip! :D
Davy: (Dreamily) We're going to dance a duet together, a twenties parody.
Daphne: (Sighs) "Tea for Two." :X
Valerie: Looks like you two were doing more than having tea. ;)
Davy: Yeah.... :X
Daphne: Oh, man...
Mike: Well, is everyone ready for the show?
(Various nods from around the room.)
Peter: What if Shelia tries something?
Mike: Why would Shelia interfere with a charity show?
Davy: (Makes a face) Two words, Mike. We're there. :p
*Micky nods.* :P
Emma: (Looks down at her oversized stomach) And me... :(
Mike: (Rubs Emma's back) Honey, don't start again. The kid'll come out when she's ready.
Emma: What if Shelia tries for me again?
Mike: (Gently puts his arm around her) I won't let her.
Davy: And if she does, we'll all come aftah you and kick 'er reah back to where she came from. ;)
Lauren: Damn straight. ;)
Micky: *grins* All right, babe! ;)
Daphne: We WON'T let her take your child, Em, so stop worrying!
Emma: I...I can't help it. She's really overdue now. It's like she'll never come out...(she whimpers and starts sobbing. Mike just hold her, rubbing her back)
Mike: She's just bein' onery, darlin'. She'll come out, and she'll be beautiful. :)
Peter: Maybe we could put on a practice show to cheer Emma up. :)
Micky: Yeah! :)
Davy: Why not? :)
Emma: (Looks up from Mike's chest, wiping her eyes) S...sure, guys. :)
(Mike settles Emma down in a chair across from the bandstand.)
Mike: Who wants to go first? ;)
*Micky grins.* :D
Lauren: *chuckles* I think he does. *jerks a thumb at him* ;)
Valerie: I'll announce it. What's your act, anyway, Mick?
Micky: Okay. I'm doing a magic act, with a disappearing trick as the main attraction. ;)
Lauren: And guess who's gonna disappear? *points at herself* :P ;)
Emma: (Makes a face) You'd better make her come back, George Michael Dolenz! :p
Micky: *holds both hands up* Trust me, I will!
Davy: Of course 'e would, luv! Who would he have to get in bed with if she didn't? ;)
Lauren: *grins* I already threatened him about that. ;)
Mike: Who else tolarates his snoring so well? ;)
Micky: Hey!? :P
*Lauren chuckles.* ;)
Valerie: (Throws out her arms announcer-style) Introducing, the Amazing Dolenzio and his Assistant Laurena! ;)
Micky: Thank you, Val! :)
(Valerie gets off the stage as Micky hops on it, followed less enthusiastically by Lauren.)
Micky: Now, I really just need to practice the disappearing trick since I just told Lauren about it, so, first allow me to make the cabinet appear.
*Micky concentrates on the area next to the bandstand. A tall cabinet appears in a muted dark blue light.*
Mike: (Rolls his eyes) Oh, brother. :p
Peter: Wow, Micky! :o :D
Emma: (Smiles, still sniffling) Very nice, Mick. :)
Lauren: Anything to show off, huh, Mick? ;)
Micky: Of course! And thank you, everyone! *bows* And now, for my main trick, I will make my VERY lovely assistant, Lauren-A *winks at her; she rolls her eyes* disappear. Now, if you'd be so kind as to step into the cabinet, babe? ;)
Lauren: *shrugs* Sure, why not? *steps into the cabinet; Micky closes the door*
(Peter looks genuinely worried. Mike rolls his eyes. Everyone else watches with interest and amusement.)
Micky: And now I will say my magic word...Mijacogeo! And, poof, Lauren should be gone. *goes to the cabinet & opens the door wide; the cabinet is empty* Voila! :D
Peter: (Jaw drops open; Valerie closes it) Wow!
(Davy and Daphne clap.)
Davy: Groovy, Mick!
Mike: Where does she go when you make her disappear?
Emma: And could you bring her back, please?
Micky: *quirks an eyebrow* Umm, I'm actually not sure where she went. Okay, okay, I'll bring her back. Geez, it's like you guys don't trust me or something. ;) :P
Mike: Gee, I wonder why? ;)
Micky: *closes the cabinet door* And my magic word again...Mijacogeo! And Lauren's back... *opens the door*
Lauren: *steps out* Gee, I always wanted to see Hawaii. ;)
Micky: Hawaii? :-O
Peter: Can I go next? :D
Valerie: No, honey. I'd rather you stay here. We'll travel by plane or boat. :p
Peter: Awwww! :p
Emma: Nice work, Mick! :)
Mike: Not bad. (Nods at Emma with a slight smile) Got her grinnin', anyway.
Lauren: *chuckles* Hey, I was somewhere in limbo, so I used my powers & steered myself to Hawaii. Actually, I don't think Hawaii's good for my skin. I'd be toast in mere minutes. ;) :P
Micky: Thanks, everyone! *wraps an arm around Lauren* And thank YOU, babe, for letting me use you for my trick. :)
Lauren: I came back. That's what matters. :)
Emma: (Nods) Right. :)
Mike: Come on, guys. Let's get ready for the show. ;)
Peter: Yeah! :D
Micky: All right! :D
(As the boys start to gather their instruments and Lauren returns to chatting with Emma, we fade out on the Pad and fade in on the Malibu Concert Hall, sites of the inadvertant Monkees/Abbies concert in "The Record Company Scandal" and the charity rock concert in "Just Like All Of Your Toys." Emma sits up front with Janelle, the twins, and the O'Malleys. The camera then moves to the boys, who are playing "Mary, Mary" in a general performance video.)
(The boys all wear their cream-colored six-button shirts and gray trousers. Peter, of course, sports his beads over his. Mike has his sunglasses on his head.)
Announcer: (As the song winds down and the crowd claps and cheers) And that was one of San Fernando Valley's favorite rock groups, those madcap mischief-makers, the Monkees! Let's give them a big round of applause!
*Micky bows.* ;)
(Davy pushes him out of the way and bows deeper. ;) )
*Micky pushes him away & bows again.* ;)
(Mike bows shortly, rolling his eyes at the antics of his younger friends.)
(Peter just laughs. :)) )
(Mike grabs both boys by their collars and leads them backstage, followed by Peter, as the next act sets up.)
Mike: Enough, you two. :p
Micky: We're just messing around, Mike. We aren’t hurting anyone. ;)
Peter: Aw, Mike, they're just having fun! We've gotten the most applause of anyone in the show so far! :)
Davy: Yeah! We were pleasin' our vast public. ;)
Micky: Darn right! ;)
Mike: Yeah, well, don't kill each other doin' it...or fall off the stage and land in said vast public's lap. ;) :P
Davy: We wouldn't kill each othah! It's just friendly competition! (Nudges his friend) Right, Mick? ;)
Micky: Ouch. :P ;) Yeah, right, Dave. ;)
(Valerie, Daphne, and Lauren come up to the boys as they quickly take their instruments offstage. Valerie wears a long, elegant black ballgown. Daphne wears her flapper costume from "Monkee Masquarade.")
Valerie: Hey, guys! You sounded great! (Hugs Peter) Ready to play? We're on after the other magic act. :)
Peter: (City-lighting grin) I'm always ready to play with you, Valerie! Just let me get into my tux. :)
Lauren: *wears a purple robe over her "lovely assitant" outfit* That was great, guys. *turns to Micky* And I'm STILL gonna kill you for making me wear this get-up. :P ;)
*Micky just grins like the cat who ate the canary.* ;)
Davy: Wot's wrong with that get-up? ;)
Daphne: Depends on your point of view, dear. ;)
Lauren: *glares at Davy* Sequins & tights? Are you KIDDING? *sticks her tongue out and pokes Micky* Major revenge is coming your way, pal. :P
Micky: I'm in trouble. *snorts* ;)
Davy: (Grins and takes Daphne in his arms) Luv, you look smashin', like somethin' outta one of those early talkie musicals. :)
Daphne: Just call me Clara Bow. (Grabs him and gives him a big kiss)
Davy: No wondah they called 'er the "It Girl." You've sure got it, luv. :D ;) :X I've gotta get dressed meself. Hey, Mike, wot are you doin'?
Mike: Just gonna sing some of my own songs, like we did on the Hack Amatuer Hour a coupla years ago. (Before Micky can open his mouth) And I'm doin' it under my own name this time, in one of my own suits, (grins) Locksley Mendoza. ;)
Davy: I'm just glad we talked 'im out of doin' impersonations for this show. ;)
Micky: And what's WRONG with my impersonations? :P
Mike: Micky, some of those jokes pre-dated Charlemange. :p
Micky: *shrugs* So? :P
Peter: You can only do ONE impersonation, Mick - James Cagney!
Micky: But I do it well! :)
Davy: People like variety in their variety shows, Mick. ;)
Micky: Picky, picky, picky. :P
Stagehand: (Comes out with a clipboard and a nasal voice) Ok, folks, if you're not going on soon, move 'em out.
Peter: Hey, Mick, when are you and Lauren going on?
Daphne: Bet they'll wow the crowd with that disappearing trick! ;)
Micky: After intermission, towards the end. :)
Micky: I think Lauren'll wow the crowd with her outfit alone. ;)
Lauren: *rolls her eyes* Oh, gimme a break, Mick. :P
Peter: Awww, that's sweet!
(Mike and Davy grin widely. :D ;) )
Lauren: That's it. I'm not taking the robe off. *folds her arms over her chest* :P
Davy: 'Ey, luv, we were sayin' you look nice!
Micky: *whines* Awe, babe! *pouts* :P
Mike: Don't mean nuthin' by it, little darlin'. ;) :)
Lauren: *frowns* It's embarrassing. I'm not used to it.
Micky: *slings an arm around her* C'mon, babe, I chose that outfit 'cause I knew it'd look good on ya. :)
Lauren: *sighs* Well, all right. :)
Valerie: I don't usually wear vintage ball gowns, either (smiles and indicates her ensemble) but here I am! :)
Peter: (Kisses her cheek) And you're the most beautiful woman here, Val! :X
Valerie: (Blushes) Oh, Peter... :X :">
Davy: (Grins) You're gonna wow the crowd like that, Daph. I cahn't wait to show them our moves. :)
Daphne: Davy, quit kissing up. ;)
Davy: That's not 'ow you kiss up, luv! (Kisses her neck lightly) THIS is. ;)
(Daphne giggles)
Valerie: Um, Peter, you need to get dressed. (Pulls him away as he gawks.)
Mike: Could you two take it to the back alley or somethin'? :p
*Micky grins.* :D ;)
(Davy puts his arm around Daphne and the two walk off, whispering sweet nothings to each other. :X)
Mike: (Looks wistfully towards the closed curtain) I wish Em coulda done an act with me, but I didn't think it was a good idea for her to be onstage in her condition.
Micky: She's got a great seat in the audience, at any rate. :)
Lauren: I know she'd love to be on stage with you, Mike, but at least she can still watch. :)
Mike: Yeah, that's true. She can help Janelle with the twins. Saw the O'Malleys out there, too. Guess it makes sense, since they're one of the sponsors of the event. (Smiles wanly) Guess I should go get dressed. I'm on after Val and Pete. (Goes off to the dressing rooms)
Lauren: And we can go grab a seat. :)
Micky: *nods* You got it, babe. :)
(Lauren jumps and grabs her rear. ;) )
Micky: You said "grab a seat!" ;)
Lauren: Mick! Very funny! :P :">
Micky: (Puts his arms around Lauren as they walk backstage) I was just pointing out how you have one of the best-looking seats around, babe! ;) :X
Lauren: Awe, Mick... :"> :x :)
(Lauren leans on his shoulder as they walk off together.)
Mendrek: (Shakes his head as Belinda, wearing a navy blue, sleeveless outfit trimmed with black beads, joins him) Kids these days! He barely said more than a "sorry" before he took off! How much more rude can you be? :p
Belinda: I'm sure he didn't mean it, Father.
Mendrek: (Wears his magician's tux from "The Monkee's Paw") He should have watched where he was going! :p
Belinda: We're on after the Four Martians rock group, Father.
Mendrek: And there you go? What kind of name for a music group is "The Four Martians?" In my day, music groups had sensible, enjoyable names, like the Sunshine Boys and Four Lads.
Belinda: (Sighs) In your day, Father, most music groups were either proceeded by "and his Orchestra" or named for their radio sponsor. :p
Mendrek: Even THAT is better than "The Jolly Green Giants" or "The Monkees!" They can't even spell correctly!
Belinda: It's a play on words.
Mendrek: (Looks around worriedly) Where IS my other assistant? Have you seen Miss Saunders, Bel?
Belinda: No, not here, anyway.
Shelia: *comes through the stage door; she wear a long black gown & a black wig of shoulder-length, wavy hair; she also wears a fair amount of make-up, enough to disguise her exact appearance, but not too much* I'm here, Mendrek. I wanted to make sure my outfit was perfect. ;)
Mendrek: I thought you were a red-head.
Belinda: (Suspiciously) So did I.
Shelia: *nods* I am, but this goes better with my dress.
Mendrek: (Nods, admiring) Ahh, well, we're due onstage in a few minutes. Do you know our act, Miss Saunders?
Belinda: Father, we've only rehearsed it night and day for two weeks! :p
Shelia: Yes, Mendrek, I certainly do. *smiles demurely* ;)
(The Four Martians, in full stockings-over-the-head-and-orange-and-gold-spangled regalia, come offstage as the announcer comes back on.)
Announcer: That was the Four Martians, folks! Let's give a big intergalatic hand for them!
Belinda: That's our cue! Father, is the equipment ready?
Mendrek: Of course, daughter! (Pats her head) Don't you worry about a thing, my little Belinda. Father knows best. He's only been doing this for more than forty years by now! ;)
Announcer: Next folks, it's our great pleasure to reintroduce an old favorite, recently roused from retirement for your enjoyment, and to help the children of the Starlight Home! Here he is, Mendrek the Great!
Lauren: *leans closer to Micky* Isn't that the guy that sold you the Monkey's Paw?
(The curtain opens with just Belinda and Shelia on either side of the stage. They put their arms out, and Mendrek appears in a dazzling puff of smoke and glitter.)
Micky: *nods* Yeah, that's him *narrows his eyes, looking at the tall woman* He's got a new assistant.
Lauren: *follows his gaze* Oh, yeah...
Mendrek: Hello, all of you magic lovers out there! I'm so happy to be returning to performing after being away from it for several years. My daughter Belinda and our new friend Shelia and I have worked up a wonderful new act. We hope you are appropriate mystified and dazzled by a display of illusion and beauty unrivaled by any magician since Houdini. (He bows with a flourish)
*Micky snorts.*
(Micky and Lauren sit back suspiciously as Mendrek runs through a barriage of typical tricks, ranging from card tricks to him and Shelia sawing Belinda in half to making flowers, punch, and a rabbit appear from a hat.)
Mendrek: (As Belinda pulls the rabbit offstage) Thank you, my darling daughter. (Turns to the audience) Now, for my last trick, I'll need a little audience participation.
(Two stagehand wheels in a long, simple rectangular wood box.)
Micky: *jaw drops* Awe, no...
Lauren: Uh oh.
Mendrek: (Looks over the audience) Hmmm. Now, who among you would like to try Mendrek the Great's Amazing Disappearing Trick? May I see some hands, please?
Micky: There goes my trick. *considers* Hmm...think I got an idea, babe. *raises his hand*
Lauren: Mick, what're you doing?
Micky: You'll see. ;)
(Cut back to the stage. Shelia leans over Mendrek with a demure smile.)
*Shelia whispers something in Mendrek's ear.* ;)
Mendrek: (Points to Micky) How about that young man in the third row, the one with the curls and the almond-shaped eyes?
Micky: *grins* All right! *gets up*
Lauren: Mick?
Mendrek: Yes, young man, you will help us demonstrate the greatest magic trick in thirty years!
Micky: Cool! Thank you! ;) *goes up to the stage*
Mendrek: Now, what's your name, young man?
Micky: *grins* Micky Dolenz. ;)
Lauren: *rolls her eyes* Here goes the ham. ;) :P
Mendrek: Now, my lovely assistant Shelia will guide you into the disappearing box.
*Shelia smirks as she takes Micky's arm. He gives her an odd look.*
Mendrek: (As Shelia leads Micky into the box) Note how my assistant is locking the box. There is no way for Mr. Dolenz to get in or out of the box without assistance from me or Shelia. (Knocks on the door to the box) Are you ready, Mr. Dolenz?
Micky: *calls out* Do your worst! ;)
Mendrek: (Nods) Very well, young man. (Raises his wand) We'll say the magic words. I learned these words from a man in Indian when I traveled there as an apprentice to a British magician in the 30s. (Chants strange words which could be Indian...or any Asian language. He then waves his wand.)
(There's a dark blue light from the box that startles even Mendrek. He opens the box to show that it's empty.)
Mendrek: As you can see, the box is empty. The young man has completely vanished. (He starts to bow) Thank you, thank...
*Shelia concentrates, freezing time. Everyone but Shelia stops moving. She smirks evilly & disappears in a black light.*
*Shelia reappears in the basement of her movie theater hideout. Two "beds" are set up. One already has Micky strapped to it, looking around wildly. There's also a machine set up next to the bed he's on.*
Micky: (He’s shocked) Huh? What's going on? Where am I? :o
Shelia: You're in the basement of my current place of operation, my dear Micky. *smiles demurely* ;)
*Shelia walks over to the machine that's set up.*
Micky: How did I end up here? What am I doing here? Where IS here?
Shelia: *smirks down at him* Now, I'm not going to tell you where you are. That's no fun. You came here because I made you come here, despite the fact you tried to sabotage "Mendrek's" disappearing trick. You're here to help me out.
Micky: (Frowns) How did you know...
Shelia: I have my ways. *smirks; runs her hand through his curls, then refocuses her attention on the machine*
Micky: (Glares) Damn it, Shelia, why won't you just leave us alone? I wouldn't collect garbage for you, much less souls!
Shelia: I've since figured that out, my dear boy. I have no intentions of making you a collector. I've had an even better idea. I AM going to use you to help CREATE someone who'll collect souls for me. ;) >:)
Micky: (Eyes widen) WHAT? How? No! You're crazy! You can't! (He struggles wildly.)
Shelia: This machine says I can. *pats the machine; glares at him* Would you stop that struggling before I have to muddle you? I was so hoping to keep you lucid during this. ;) :P >:)
Micky: What, gonna stuff me with drugged candy again? :p
Shelia: No. I have a much better idea. You know, Marcovich was on the right track with his personality-splitting drugs and mind-control machinery. Unfortunately, the drugs didn't completely split the subject, as you noticed with your friend. I've been working on this device since then. This machine will make an exact, completely independent copy of any individual. A clone, if you will.
Micky: (His eyes are almost triple their size) WHAT? YOU'RE NUTS! Do you know what that splitting crap did to Mike? To Em?
Shelia: *smirks* Yes. That's part of the reason I've made alterations. It was too obvious that he had been split. This way, no one will know, as I'll be taking nothing away when I use this on you. ;)
Micky: You're insane! You can't clone me!
Shelia: Oh, no? I think I can. *flips a switch; the machine hums to life*
(Micky watches in horror.)
Micky: Oh, man, this is WORSE than drugs!
Shelia: But it's so much easier. Don't worry, this won't hurt. Much. ;) >:)
(Micky gulps hard.)
*An "arm" on the machine stretches out over Micky. There's a a glowing bar of red light coming from the arm, which acts as a scanner, passing over Micky's body. It starts at his head, moving to his feet, then comes back up. The arm retracts to the machine. Shelia rolls the machine over next to the other bed, where the arm moves out & scans over the empty bed. It starts at the head & moves to the foot of the bed. On its way back to the head, a figure starts to appear. When the arm reaches the head, an exact duplicate--clone--of Micky is revealed. The arm retracts & Shelia flips the switch again.*
Shelia: Perfect. >:)
Micky: (Gasps, eyes even wider) Holy SHIT! You...he...that's me! (Frowns) I don't FEEL any different...a little tingly, but not like what Mike said...
Shelia: Yes, very good. That's as you should feel. Like I said, I made alterations. *smirks*
Micky: (Narrows his eyes) What kind of "alterations?" (Frowns at his clone) Hey, are you ok?
Shelia: He isn't awake yet. He is missing a personality, if you will, which is something that only I can create. And I have my ways of doing that. Because you were so good though all of this, you get to watch. *smiles demurely* ;) >:)
Micky: Wha...what do you mean? :o
Shelia: Just watch. ;)
*Shelia moves the machine against the wall, then returns to the clone. She leans over him & plants a kiss on him, running her fingers through his curls.* ;)
Micky: (Grins) Boy, is HE gonna have an amazing view when he gets up. ;)
*Shelia unbuttons some of his shirt buttons, enough to reach her hand to rest above his heart. She continues kissing the clone as she kneads her fingers into his skin.*
Micky: Um, maybe I shouldn't be seeing this. You two really ought to get a room of your own. :p ;)
*Shelia ignores Micky's comments & continues her kissing. Finally & abruptly, she stands again, smirking. She uses her other hand to continue kneading his skin.*
Micky: Giving him a massage? ;)
Shelia: I'm shaping his soul. *removes her hand* Finished. Would you like to see the result? >:) ;)
Micky: Would you listen if I said no? :p
Shelia: No. ;) *leans down to the clone* Alex. Alex, you can wake up now. ;)
Micky: Alex?
*The clone, Alex, opens his eyes.*
Micky: Hey, nice to meet you! (Stretches out his hand as well as he can) How does it feel to kind of be me? ;)
Alex: *sits up & glares at Micky; smirks* Well, well, well... ;)
*Shelia folds her arms & merely watches now.*
Micky: (Gulps) Um, hi.(Grins) Guess a game of cards is out while I'm like this. ;)
Alex: *laughs coldly* Yeah, I'd say so. Say, I kinda like seeing you like this. You missed out on something great. I'm glad Milady picked me to help her out over YOU. :P >:) ;)
Micky: (Frowns) Milady? But...(eyes widen)...oh, man! You...you...
Alex: By jove, I think he's got it. *smirks* ;)
Micky: She...oh, god...
Alex: *nods* I'm the evil you that she created by use of those candies. *grins at Shelia* Not a bad idea, by the way. *turns back to Micky* And I've got a bit of news for you, too.
Micky: (Shakes his head) Don't touch me! I ain't in the mood to be tortured today! :p
Alex: *shakes his head* No torture. However, you're not going to remember ANY of this. Sorry, bro. *moves over to Micky & places his fingers to Micky's temples & begins to muddle*
Micky: Wha....
Alex: *continues to rub* It's time for you to reappear from the trick, Micky.
Micky: (Dazed) The trick...
*A black light appears around Micky & consumes him. We fade out on the basement & fade back to the charity event.*
(Shelia reappears in the black light and concentrates. Everyone and everything starts moving again, including Mendrek.)
Mendrek: Now, to make the young man reappear. Wouldn't want him gone forever, now, would we? ;)
*Shelia smirks slightly.* ;)
*Lauren is on the edge of her seat...*
(Waves his wand over the box and says the strange words again.)
Mendrek: Now, Shelia will unlock the box, and we'll see how that young man felt about his trip. ;)
Shelia: Certainly. *unlocks & opens the box; smiles knowingly at Micky* And how do you feel, Mr. Dolenz? ;)
Micky: *grins; blinking* Well, other than it being a little dark in there... *pauses* I've never felt better! :D
Mendrek: Wonderful! Thank you, Mr. Dolenz! (Turns to the audience) And thank you! (He and Shelia bow, joined briefly by Belinda. Micky heads offstage as the stagehands carry the box away and Shelia, Belinda, and Mendrek go behind the curtain.)
Micky: *rejoins Lauren* Wow, that kinda fun! *grins again*
Lauren: *looks at him like he's got two heads* Have you gone silly? Mendrek just used your best trick & you feel great? :-/ :-O
Micky: Oh, crap, I forgot about that. Oh, man, babe, what'm I gonna do?
Lauren: *sighs* Isn't there another trick you can do?
Micky: *pauses, thinking* How do you think the audience would take a light show? ;)
Lauren: Fine, as long as nothing gets blown up. ;)
Micky: *grins again* Whew! I’m glad I thought of something. ;) :)
Lauren: *shakes her head* You have gone silly, Mick. *sighs* :P
Micky: *shrugs* No, I haven't! :P
Announcer: And now, we have Mr. Peter and Mrs. Valerie Thorkleson to play for you one of Chopin's finest and most elegant piano pieces.
(The curtain rises to reveal a grand piano. Peter and Valerie come out, Peter now in his tux, and bow. They both sit at the piano and start to play the piece.)
Micky: *grins at the piano playing* We've heard this already. Let’s go get set up for the tricks and light show. *grabs Lauren's hand and pulls her towards the stage door*
Laurne: *chuckles* Okay, Mick, okay. :)
(Fade out on Micky and Lauren making their way backstage and in on the backstage area. Peter and Valerie are talking to the remaining Abbies. We hear Mike onstage, playing "St. Matthew.")
Kimberly: You guys did GREAT!
Peter: (Blushes) Awww... :">
Valerie: Thanks! :D
Maxine: Davy and Daphne are on after Mike, then Micky and Lauren. :)
Announcer: And that was Michael Blessing! Let's give a big hand for him, folks! (Mike quickly ducks back behind the curtain. He wears his blue suit with the huge lace trimmed sleeves and his sunglasses.)
Mike: Well, how did I sound?
Peter: (Hugs Mike) You were WONDERFUL, Michael. You write such meaningful music. :)
Mike: (Blushes) Aw, Buddy, I just pulled one of my old ones out of the closet. :) :">
Announcer: And now, we have a rare treat for you, ladies and gentlemen. Two talented vaudevillians show off the best of yesterday with their unique rendition of "Tea For Two." I give you Jones and Morgani, Dance Specialists Extrordinare!
(Briefly cut to Daphne and Davy, Davy now in his striped suit-and-straw-hat outfit from the "Cuddly Toy" videos, as they hoof out onto the stage in each other's arms.)
Mike: (As the camera returns backstage) Embellished themselves a bit, didn't they? :p
Kimberly: You think those two egos wouldn't? ;)
Micky: *as he & Lauren emerge from re-preparing their act* Embellishment? Yeesh, that's major ego-building. :P
Jenny: How's your act coming?
Mike: Especially since that jerk Mendrek stole your best trick. :p
Micky: Finished again, thankfully. *shrugs* Ehh, he didn't know, and he was up first.
Maxine: I hope Daph can dress quick. We're on last after Micky and Lauren. :p
Lauren: You'll have a couple minutes. Mick's decided on a light show for the finale. ;)
Peter: Micky's got lots of great tricks! I'm sure he'll be much better than that mean old Mendrek! :p
Kimberly: "Mean old Mendrek?"
Micky: Thanks, Pete. :)
Jenny: He seemed nice enough to me backstage.
Mike: We had a run-in with him before when we got a job at the Club Carasco and the owner fired him. He'd been workin' there for twelve years as a magician, and he wasn't too happy 'bout bein' dumped.
Peter: He gave Micky a magical monkey's paw from Tibet that brought bad luck! :( :p
Maxine: What?
Micky: *nods* It's true. I accidentally wished away my voice with that thing. :P
Mike: We paid our union dues with it, too...at an interest of a 142 percent! :p
Kimberly: You're kidding?
Peter: Micky did get us a spaghetti dinner, though. ;)
Micky: Even though it was served ON me. (Makes a face) Then again, I didn't exactly say how to serve it. :P
Mike: Just be glad you didn't ask for sauce and cheese, too. ;)
Micky: I don't want to think of WHERE those would've ended up. :P
Lauren: I'll think about that. ;) O:-)
(Everyone chuckles.)
Kimberly: Why would he give you guys something like that?
Mike: He was jealous.
Peter: The manager was mean to him because his magic act didn't draw as many people to the Club Carasco as it used to, and he got mad at US for getting his job and being newer than him!
Maxine: "Being newer than him?"
Micky: Younger.
Mike: And playin' music that seems to have supplanted his trade. :p
Kimberly: (Shakes her head) Oh, he's one of THOSE people.
Jenny: The kind who blame rock for all sorts of stupid stuff.
Peter: We met a little circus who felt that way, too. They thought all the clubs and discotechques were taking their business away.
Micky: *sings quietly* It's great, it's terrific...
*Lauren rolls her eyes.* ;)
Mike: That circus ending up having one of their best shows ever, thanks to us!
Peter: And we got to be seen by a more family-oriented audience than usual. :)
Micky: That brought back such fond memories. ;)
Jenny: It's a shame so many people feel that way. If they'd work WITH the changing times, instead of against them, they'd be happier.
Mike: Some people really can't adjust to how quickly things have changed, Jen.
Maxine: Sounds like Mr. Mendrek is one of them. :p
Lauren: I'd say. :P
Stagehand: (Comes up to Micky and Lauren) Two minutes, folks!
Micky: Oh, thanks!
Lauren: *frowns* Oh, man... *gulps*
Mike: You guys'll be fine, Lauren.
Peter: Just do it like you did for us!
Micky: Yeah, babe, you can do it! :)
Lauren: Tell that to my stage fright.
Valerie: Pretend the audience is us. :)
Maxine: Or that they're in their underwear. ;)
Lauren: *eyes widen* Uhhh...
Peter: Stand on your head! Helps me! :)
Valerie: (Sighs) Oh, Peter. ;) :)
Micky: *shakes his head* Babe, pretend I'M in my underwear. ;)
Lauren: *grins slightly* That's better. ;)
Mike: Poor girl's scared enough as it is, Mick. ;)
Micky: What? It's helping her! *motions to Lauren, who's got a dreamy look on her face now* ;)
Micky: Funny, man. *elbows Mike* :P
Maxine: I think it's doing a little TOO well. (Waves her hand in front of Lauren's face)
*Lauren sighs.*
Stagehand: (Nods at Lauren and Micky) Thirty seconds! (Frowns at Lauren) Miss, are you ok?
Micky: Oops. :"> Uhhh, she'll be fine, don't worry. :)
(Davy and Daphne dance backstage.)
Davy: Well, wot did you think?
Daphne: Shame they don't really have vaudeville anymore. That was fun! :)
Mike: You did nice, Dave. You're a good dancer.
Maxine: You are too, Daph.
Davy: Thanks, Mike. :)
Daphne: Oooh, thank you, Maxie! :D
Stagehand: Mr. and Mrs. Dolenz, you're on!
Micky: Okay! *puts an arm around Lauren* Okay, babe, time to snap out of it & have some fun! *kisses her cheek*
Lauren: *smiles* We're on?
Micky: Hey, there you are! ;)
Mike: We're gonna go out in the audience.
Maxine: We'll be listening from the dressing rooms. :)
Daphne: Oh, man, I have to get dressed! (Gives Davy a quick kiss on the cheek) See you later, honey!
Davy: (Grins) Tonight, eight o'clock at the mall?
Daphne: Definately! (She hurries off to the dressing room with the other Abbies. Davy watches her)
Mike: (Nudges Davy) Come on, man. Let's get changed and catch the tail end of Mick's act.
Davy: (Slightly dazed) Uh, yeah, right, mate. (They head backstage, followed by Peter and Valerie)
Announcer: And now, a magic & light show, brought to you by... *makes a face at the card* Locksley Mendoza & his lovely assistant, Zelda!
(Emma bursts out laughing in the audience. Janelle chuckles. The babies giggle.)
*Micky pulls Lauren out on stage before she can question their names. He grins & plays up to the crowd, performing cute tricks & anything else that Mendrek hadn't already done.*
Micky: For our finale, I need the stage lights dimmed, please.
(The remaining Monkees and Valerie make their way out to the audience, stepping over people. They sit down next to Emma, Janelle, and the babies.)
Micky: *as the lights are dimmed* We are now going to amaze you with a fantastic light show, the likes you've never seen before! *grins*
(Mendrek, Belinda, and Shelia watch Micky's act from the audience as well.)
Micky: Just to let you know, there are no mirrors, no props, nothing. *Lauren stands across the stage, now just watching--& she's trying to hide from the gawking guys in the audience* ;)
Mendrek: (Frowns) Light show?
Shelia: *mutters* Interesting...
Belinda: (Grins) Oooh... :D
*Micky stands center stage. He cups his hands together & concentrates on them, a bright blue ball of light appearing. His eyes widen with surprise at the color, but resumes his concentration. The ball grows larger until it's the width of his hands together.*
(The other Monkees' eyes also widen in surprise, as do Emma's and Valerie's.)
*Micky moves his hands up to eye level, then tosses the light ball in the air. It flies up, then explodes like fireworks.*
*Lauren's jaw is practically on the floor.* ;)
Belinda: (Claps) Bravo!
Mendrek: (His eyes are wide, too) But...how...
(The others are also amazed.)
*Micky holds up one finger & makes another light ball appear. He concentrates on it. The color of the ball begins to change, rotating through rainbow colors until it's a psychadelic mesh. He then tosses this ball straight up. It also explodes like fireworks.*
(Now Mendrek's jaw is on the floor.)
*Shelia's eyes are narrowed.*
Mendrek: How in the WORLD...
(Belinda continues clapping and whistling.)
*Micky takes a short breather & makes one last light ball appear. He just holds it in front of himself, looking into it. The ball begins to consume him. In a burst of bright light, Micky is gone from the stage.* ;) :D
(There's wild applause from the audience. Davy wolf-whistles. ;) )
Mendrek: But that's impossible! :o
Shelia: Hmm.
*As the stage lights are brought back up, Micky comes out from the opposite side of the stage that Lauren was on. They meet center stage & bow, with Lauren having to nearly keep Micky from falling over.* ;)
(The Abbies run over to him, delighted. They all now wear the black beaded dresses and sparkly hose.)
Maxine: Holy SHIT, Micky! Where did you learn to do THAT!
Daphne: (Whispers to Lauren) Powers, wasn't it?
Micky: *waves it off* Weeeell...
Lauren: *nods* Yeah. Wiped himself out, too.
Jenny: That was the most AMAZING thing I ever saw!
Micky: Awwe... :">
Kimberly: Beat the heck out of Mendrek's disappearing act! ;)
Micky: Just what I hoped for. :)
Jenny: Shh! They're announcing us! :D
Maxine: How on EARTH are we going to follow-up THAT?
Daphne: We'll think of something. (The girls go to their instruments as Lauren helps Micky backstage)
Lauren: Come on, Mick, it isn't too far...
Micky: Good. Think I'm gonna fall over.
(Cut to the dressing room, where we see Micky, mostly back in his street clothes, sitting in a chair. The other three Monkees cautiously wander in.)
Mike: Hey, Mick, you ok?
Micky: *small grin* Yeah, I'm fine, just tired. :)
Davy: (Smiles) That was some performance you put on out there, mate. Musta taken a lot out of you.
Micky: More than I'd intended. ;)
Peter: You did a great job! Much better than Mendrek!
Micky: Thanks! :)
(The door opens at this point. Mendrek, also now back in his street clothes, comes in.)
Mendrek: (Frowns) Oh, I didn't realize this room was occupied.
Mike: Naw, man, it's ok.
Mendrek: I just left my box of magician's tricks here. (Makes a face) But you being such an amazing magician yourself, I suppose you have no need for such things. (Goes to get the black box of tricks.)
Davy: (Narrows his eyes) Wot's that supposed to mean?
Micky: Well...
Peter: We're not going to buy anything from you, Mendrek! :p
Mendrek: I'm not selling anything, young man. I just wanted that thing off my hands.
Mike: Yeah, well, why put it in ours if you knew the dangers?
Mendrek: I thought you deserved it. I'd had that job for twelve years, and then you young upstarts come along and just take it over like it was nothing!
Mike: Did it ever occur to you that you're not the only person struggling? That we didn't even make enough to pay the rent at that point?
Micky: And that wasn't even the current rent.
Mendrek: I'd been playing theaters for forty years, long before any of you were even thought about! It was humiliating to be just thrown out like that!
Mike: Blame that nasty jackass of a manager, not us!
Micky: Yeah, it wasn't our fault!
Mendrek: It IS your fault. You and everyone like you. No one wants to see magicians like me go through ordinary tricks where people just disappear or rabbits come out of hats. They want to see spectacle, something to dazzle the eye.
Micky: I liked your disappearing trick.
Peter: I thought some of your tricks were pretty groovy!
Mendrek: It was nothing like that display you put on, young man.
*Micky shrugs.*
(Belinda, also now in her street clothes, sticks her head in.)
Belinda: Father, we're ready to go now. (Smiles) Hi, boys. That was some light show you put on, Micky! :)
Micky: *smiles* Thank you. :)
Mendrek: (Nods) Oh, yes. You all remember my daughter, Belinda?
(The boys all nod. Davy watches Belinda with interest; Mike elbows him. :p )
Belinda: We're going to go out to lunch, Father. I know a wonderful little place down the street that makes the best cheesecakes in California! :)
Mendrek: What about Shelia?
Belinda: (Makes a face) She said she had business she needed to take care of. :p
(The four boys all exchange looks; hands go to stomachs.)
Mendrek: Oh, well, that's too bad. (Nods) It was...nice...seeing you boys again. (He and Belinda leave)
Mike: (Rubs his stomach) Oh, man, there's something seriously wrong here.
Davy: Yeah. My stomach says there's devils at work again. :p
Micky: No kidding... *makes a face* :P
Peter: I think Shelia was the other lady on the stage. :(
Davy: Disguisin' 'erself. :p
Micky: That was when the sinking feeling started. :P
(The other boys nod in agreement.)
(There's another knock on the door.)
Emma: Hey, guys, you decent?
Mike: How decent do you want us? ;)
Emma: MIIIIIIKKKKKKKEEEE.... :p
*Micky chuckles.* ;)
(Davy shakes his head and opens the door. Emma, Daphne, Valerie, and Lauren stand on the other side. Valerie, Lauren, and Daphne are now in street clothes. All four look worried.)
Emma: (Puts a hand on her stomach) Guys, Shelia's back.
Davy: We know. We're gettin' the same feelin'.
Peter: Mendrek's assistant's aura was totally black!
*Lauren goes over to Micky.*
Emma: Even my pregnancy never felt like this... :(
(The others all get together.)
Mike: (Gently puts a hand on Emma's shoulder) Darlin', are you ok?
Emma: Other than the devil warnings, yeah, I'm fine.
Davy: More to the point, Mick, are YOU ok?
Micky: I feel like I could fall asleep right here and now. ;)
Valerie: She DID have you in that box all alone and made you disappear.
Mike: Maybe we'd better just all go home and get some rest. I have the feeling we're in for a couple of nasty days.
Micky: Sleep... *grins sleepily* ;)
Lauren: Oh, brother. Good thing Janelle said she'd take the twins for tonight. :)
Davy: The way he looks, you might want to have her take the kids for a little while longer. ;)
Lauren: I'm definitely considering it. I'll give her a call tomorrow. ;)
*Micky's head falls forward. He starts snoring.* ;) I-)
Lauren: Figures. ;)
Mike: Come on, gang. I'll drive Peter and Val home.
Peter: (Yawns) I could use some sleep myself.
Davy: Daph and me are goin' out.
Daphne: Far out. ;)
Lauren: I can handle sleepy head here. ;)
Emma: (Smiles) You guys did a great job tonight. (Turns to Mike) I wish I could have sung with you, honey. You do so well with those songs of yours...
Mike: (Takes her in his arms as she turns to him) Another time, Em. You ain't up for bein' onstage right now. :)
Emma: I hope I will be soon. :( (Emma leans her head into Mike's chest)
Mike: (Nods) Ok, guys. Have a great night, and we'll see you tomorrow.
Lauren: Night!
Emma: Bye, honey! See you later!
Mike: Tell Mick we’ll see him later, too. ;)
(Emma and Mike and Peter and Valerie leave arm in arm.)
Davy: (Takes Daphne's arm) Come on, luv. The Club Cassandra is havin' a cast party for the Charity show. ;)
Daphne: Oooh, mix and mingle with the amatures! Sounds like fun! ;)
Davy: Don't wait up for us, kids. ;) (Winks at Lauren as they leave)
Lauren: Bye!
Lauren: *turns to Micky* Okay, you dead weight, gonna make me use this trick on you again, huh... *leans down & whispers something into Micky's ear*
*The blue light surrounds Micky, who turns into a sleeping kitten.* ;)
Lauren: *picks up the kitten* So much easier to drag him outta here this way. *collects their stuff & heads out* ;)