Mike: Ok, everyone, ready to talk to Mendrek and rescue Em and Dave?
Peter: I'm ready!
(Daphne growls. X( )
Micky: Yeah!
Valerie: Ready over here.
*Lauren also growls.* :P X-(
(We begin at the Pacifica Club, a small but ornate nightspot in Los Angeles. The group make their way to a table. It's the afternoon and not overly crowded.)
Mike: Man, cost an arm and a leg just to get all of us in here! :p
Valerie: But it's worth it if we can find out what's going on from Mendrek.
Micky: Definitely. I hope he actually knows something.
Peter: Maybe Shelia will be here, too!
Daphne: That's possible. She IS part of his act, as far as we know.
Mike: Bet she'll be surprised to see all of us here. ;)
Lauren: She'll be even more surprised when I jump on her. X-(
Micky: Down, babe. ;) :P
Valerie: Not here, Lauren. We don't need to be making a scene in a place this classy. :p
Lauren: Can I drag her outside? ;)
Daphne: Classy, smassy! I want a piece of her! :p
Peter: (Blushes) Um, guys, people are staring at us...
Micky: So? ;)
Mike: What, they never heard chicks make death threats while sitting with an heiress, a hippie, a musician, and an apprentice architect? ;)
Micky: What could be more normal than that? ;)
(The house lights dim, sparing the few other occupants of the room from futher speculation. A tall, skinny guy in a plaid suit comes out on the stage.)
Announcer: Ladies and gentlemen, the Pacifica Club proudly presents the most amazing wizard this or any side of the Rockies, Mendrek the Great!
(The whole room goes dark as the audience claps. Suddenly, a single spotlight falls on the stage. There's a tremendous cloud of smoke and glittering confetti, and Mendrek, Shelia, and Belinda appear. Shelia is back in her black wig.)
*Lauren growls. Micky puts an arm around her shoulders.* ;)
Mendrek: (As the crowd applauds) Thank you, thank you. My lovely assistants Belinda and Shelia are here to entertain and enlighten all of you on the fine art of illusion and artifice. (Bows low)
(Shelia does a double-take when she sees the kids in the crowd.)
Mendrek: My first trick...(but Shelia tugs at Mendrek's arm)
Mendrek: (Frowns; to Belinda) Bel, why don't you call on someone from the crowd and show them the Ace of Cards trick, while I confer with Shelia here? (She pulls him offstage as Belinda nods and goes to a small table covered with a glittering cloth.)
Mendrek: (Frowns) Shelia, what is it? We're in the middle of a performance! :p
Shelia: I know that. Those kids are back, the boys who made you lose your job at the Club Carasco.
Mendrek: (Makes a face) I know that, too, but I can't walk out in the middle of a show, and we don't have the Disappearing Act planned for the lunch matinee! :p
Shelia: They're obviously here for a reason, and I doubt that they only came to see the show. They may try to talk to you after the show...
Mendrek: Why me? They don't care about an old man.
Shelia: I think they care more than you know. :P
Mendrek: Why don't we finish the show and see what happens?
Shelia: *nods* Well, all right.
(Belinda watches them suspiciously as they walk back onstage.)
Belinda: (Whispers to Mendrek as she bows) Father, what was it? What's going on?
Mendrek: Nothing, Bel. I'll tell you later.
Belinda: (Looks at Shelia, who is setting up the next trick) Father, there's something about that woman I still don't like.
Mendrek: Don't be silly, darling. She got us this wonderful job and did so well at the charity show. She's a natural for magic!
Belinda: Still...
Mendrek: (Shakes his head) We'll discuss it later, darling. (He returns to Shelia)
(We see a quick montage of the kids and the rest of the crowd watching the show to the tune of "Tear Drop City." The montage includes magic-related bits from "The Monkee's Paw," "Too Many Girls," and "The Monkees Blow Their Minds." Mendrek and the two women take their bows as the montage ends.)
Mendrek: Thank you for your wonderful applause. It's so nice to be playing to such an appreciative crowd of true magic lovers. Those of you who enjoyed this afternoon's display will see even more that will amaze and astound you at tonight's performance, including Mendrek's Amazing Disappearing Trick! (The three bow again and walk offstage)
(Switch back to the kids, who all stand and put their chairs back.)
Mike: Ok, gang, let's go backstage and catch Shelia and Mendrek before they can take off.
Lauren: Gladly. X-(
Valerie: (To Lauren and Daphne) We'll get Shelia into an alley way somewhere. THEN you can tear her apart. ;)
Lauren: *nods* Thank you. ;)
Daphne: Sounds good to me. ;)
Micky: Until then, no rough stuff. ;)
Peter: Please! :o
(Mike frowns and puts his hand on his throat as the others head around back. He shakes his head and joins them.)
(Backstage, Mendrek is putting all of his magic tricks into his case. Belinda and Shelia emerge from the dressing rooms, both in street clothes.)
Belinda: Father, are you ready to go?
Mendrek: (Shakes his head) No, daughter, I've just got a few more things to put away before tonight's big show.
Belinda: Why don't you leave those out? We'll be using them again tonight, anyway.
Mendrek: I don't want them to get lost or stolen. I've lost things that way, you know.
(The group hurries backstage as Mendrek gets the last of the items into the case.)
Mike: Mr. Mendrek! We need to talk to you!
Belinda: (Grins) Hi, guys! (Her smile evaporates) Where's Davy?
*Shelia's eyes narrow.*
Peter: That's why we're here! (Points at Shelia) She has Davy and Emma!
Mendrek: (Frowns and turns to Shelia) You, my dear?
Shelia: *eyes widen* What? They must be mistaken!
Belinda: (Glares at Shelia) I KNEW I didn't like you!
Lauren: Lemme at her! X-(
Mike: (Crosses his arms and leans against the back wall) I'm NOT mistaken. You kidnapped our little buddy and my pregnant wife and are probably holding both against their will at the Hunter Royale Theater.
Shelia: You have no proof. :P
Belinda: (Frowns) That place has been condemmed for years!
Mendrek: (Eyes light up) Oh, the Royale! I remember the place well. It was so beautiful when it was first built. They had plaster cherubs on the balconies and there was a machine that could make tiny little lights light up on the celings like thousands of stars. All of Mammoth Studios' movies debuted there from the 20s until they closed down ten years ago.
Valerie: (Pulls several sheets out of her purse) We know you own the Royale, anyway. My father's secretary asked around about PPF Inc. It's not well known, but the President of PPF, Inc is a woman named Julia London. (Narrows her eyes) Also known as Julia OF London.
Mendrek: You must have the wrong person. This woman is Shelia Saunders.
*Shelia's eyes narrow again.*
Peter: Her sister said her real name is Julia!
Micky: And we have it on good authority to trust her sister. ;)
Mendrek: (Turns to Shelia) You have enough money to buy a movie theater that takes up an entire block? :o
Shelia: No...
Belinda: (Glares at Shelia) You WOULD kidnap Davy, and anyone else that comes along! I'll bet they got in your way! :p
Shelia: *takes a step back* I don't have to stand here & take this.
Daphne: Where do you usually go? ;)
Lauren: The Insultitorium? ;)
Mendrek: Shelia, dear, please tell me the truth. Who ARE you?
Shelia: No. *a black light surrounds her*
Mendrek: Shelia...(but she disappears in the black light before he can question her)
Daphne: (Shrieks) DAMN IT! X(
Lauren: CRAP! X-(
Mendrek: (Turns to the group) I don't understand any of this. What's going on?
Valerie: It's a long story, Mr. Mendrek, but that woman is the worst kind of bad news.
Mendrek: She's been so kind to Belinda and me. Why would she kidnap anyone? She seems harmless enough.
Mike: She's harmless as long as she's gettin' what she wants. :p
Micky: Exactly. :P
Lauren: And she'll do ANYTHING to GET what she wants. :P
Mendrek: But...why me?
Belinda: And what does she want with Davy...and all of you?
Mike: Mendrek, she heard you talkin' 'bout how you hate kids and decided to use that to convince you to go against us.
Peter: She hates us! We've defeated her and her late uncle before! :p
Micky: She doesn't lose well. :P ;)
Valerie: Did she make any kind of promises to you?
Mendrek: Only that she'd help us get our magic act back on its feet and work on the Disappearing Trick.
Mike: (Mutters) Oh, she worked on it, all right... :p
Micky: *also mutters* No kidding. :P
Belinda: She said she'd teach us some tricks we wouldn't believe and get us some new gigs.
Mendrek: (Nods at the Pacifica's backstage) This being the first.
Mike: Look, we need your help. Davy and my wife Emma are in danger.
Mendrek: Your wife?
Mike: Yeah. I'm married, Mendrek. I ain't just some long-haired kid smokin' weed and hangin' out. Em's gonna have a baby any day now (softer) if I can find her. :(
Micky: And we WILL, Mike!
Mendrek: (Eyes widen) Oh, come on, now! She wouldn't abduct a woman who is with child!
Belinda: Yes she would! :p
Lauren: Oh, yes, she would! It isn't the first time it's happened. :P
Peter: She put Lauren in a cage when she was pregnant with TWINS! :p :o
*Lauren nods, her fists clenching.* :P
Mendrek: (Eyes widen) Why would she do a thing like that?
Belinda: That's terrible! :o
Mike: We'll explain it on the way to the Hunter Royale.
Mendrek: ME?
Micky: Yes, you!
Belinda: How can we help?
Valerie: The more help we have in getting our friends back, the better.
Mike: Belinda, call the police on the pay phone outside. Ask for Sergeant Nielson and tell him the Monkees have a line on Shelia Saunders. He'll understand.
Belinda: Right. (Gives Mendrek a kiss on his cheek) Good luck, Father! (Hurries off. Mendrek smiles and touches his cheek.)
Mendrek: (Softly; to himself) She's so much like her mother. (Turns to the group) How can an old man help you? I still don't understand why Shelia Saunders would do this. If she really owns a big company, like you said, what does she want with a group of poor young musicians?
Mike: Our souls.
Mendrek: (Frowns) What? (Shakes his head) Come again?
Peter: She wants to take our souls...especially Emma's daughter's soul! :o
Micky: The more innocent, the better. :P
Mendrek: But, why? She's a businesswoman and a very good magician's assistant.
Mike: (Quietly) She's also the Devil.
Mendrek: (Raises his eyebrows) Now, I know you don't approve of Miss Saunders, but that's going a bit far.
Micky: But it IS the truth.
Mendrek: I always thought the Devil was male...or at least the stories say.
Peter: He was, until last year!
Lauren: That was Shelia's uncle. We defeated him for keeps. She took over.
Mendrek: This is crazy! You're all crazy! (Picks up his bag and makes for the door) I'm leaving! I'm a magician, and I'm not getting involved with any of your silly schemes!
(Mike watches Mendrek. As he starts for the door, a dark blue light surrounds the older man. When it subsides, a large dog with soft, thick white fur stands in his place. The dog's red collar looks like the sash on Mendrek's tuxedo.)
Micky: *whistles* Good job, Mike. ;)
Mike: (Leans over the dog, who takes one look at himself and howls) NOW do you believe us, Mendrek?
Valerie: Hey, that's not a bad idea. Why don't we ALL go to the Hunter Royale as animals? ;)
Micky: Yeah! ;)
(Mendrek's eyes widen. He starts to back up, but Peter and Valerie block the door.)
Peter: You have to stay here, Mendrek! We need your help!
Mike: We'd better turn into normal animals you'd find on the street. No tigers or lions or wolves. That would attract too much attention. :p
Daphne: Aw, I liked being a lioness! ;)
Micky: *snaps his fingers* Darn! :P
Valerie: (Nods) Mike's right. Not only would that attract attention, but Shelia would probably expect something like that out of us.
Peter: (Nods) She'll be looking for wolves and tigers, not dogs and cats! :)
(Mendrek howls again and scratches at Mike's leg.)
Mike: I ain't turnin' you back until we're at the Hunter Royale, Mendrek. You shoulda listened to us. :p
Daphne: Well, let's get going!
Lauren: Yeah!
Valerie: First of all (opens the door) maybe we'd better do this out in the alley. We can explain one dark blue light, but someone may question five.
(Everyone follows Valerie out into a small, fenced-in inclosure between the Pacifica and the building behind it.)
Mike: Ok, guys. Everyone who can, concentrate on bein' an animal. Pete, I'll turn you into somethin'. And we'd better be able to talk for this, too. We have to stay in touch with each other.
Micky: No problem. ;)
(Everyone closes their eyes or concentrates. Blue lights in various shades surround the entire group, including Mendrek.)
(When it subsides, a dark red setter stands with a golden retriever and a black retriever. Mendrek is still a white dog, but he clears his throat.)
Mendrek: I can speak again. (Looks at himself, then them) What in the name of Houdini is going on?
Mike: Magic, Mendrek.
*There are also two brown cats, one with curly hair, & a black cat with bright green eyes.*
(Peter's bright collar looks like one of his paisley shirts, Mike's is black leather, and Valerie's is gold silk.)
Mendrek: (Eyes widen at the cats) Oh, my...
Micky: Nice collar, Pete. ;)
Peter: (Beams) Thanks! Made it myself! :D
Lauren: *grins* A purple collar! Mick, how'd you know? ;)
Micky: Lucky guess. ;)
Daphne: (Grins) Ooh, pink leather. Davy would love...(frowns)...I wish he were here. :( (There's a meow, and she puts her paws over her eyes and sobs) I miss him so much! :(
Peter: Aw, Daphne! We'll find him! :)
Mendrek: (Pats her on the head gently with his paw) There, there, young lady. I'm sure your friend is just fine.
Daphne: You don't know Shelia. :p X(
Mike: (Looks up at some shadows coming around the fence) Don't look now, guys, but I think we're about to have company.
*"Gonna Buy Me A Dog* starts as the shadows get closer & the "animals" split up.*
(Two large dogs chase Lauren and Micky. Daphne grabs one by the tail and starts pulling at it.)
(Two more large dogs chase Mike and Mendrek in the opposite direction. Mike easily jumps over a low fence between buildings, but the older Mendrek has more trouble. Mike tugs him over as the dogs lunge for them.)
*Lauren jumps on a garbage can, followed by Micky. The other large dog stops in front of the can, looking for them. Both jump down & land on the dog's back, knocking him to the ground.*
(The final two dogs look around two more garbage cans. The cans suddenly come crashing down on them. Valerie and Peter emerge from behind the cans; they grin and let out two howls before moving on. ;) )
(Lauren and Micky walk along a fence, Micky yowling along with the music. Lauren puts her paws over her ears, making a face. :p ;) )
(Mendrek starts howling along, as does Mike. ;) )
*Daphne joins in with Lauren in putting her paws over her ears.* ;)
(Peter and Valerie sit on the roof of a house together. Peter puts his paw over Valerie's; she turns away, blushing under her auburn fur. ;) :"> :x)
(Cut to a brief scene of the animals "playing" the instruments. Peter and Mike run their claws over the guitars. Micky has a high old time jumping up and down on the drum set. Lauren and Daphne bat the tambourine back and forth. Valerie bangs her paws on they keys of the piano. ;) )
(Peter leans into a garbage can and pulls out a full-course dinner for two, including spaghetti with broccolli spears for him to push towards Valerie, since he doesn't eat meat. ;) :X)
(Daphne leans over another garbage can and only ends up holding her nose. :p)
*An old shoe goes flying over Micky & Lauren. Micky looks in the direction it came from and yowls even louder.* ;) :D
(More things are thrown at Micky, including a clock, a book, and a pie. He ducks all of them...and is finally knocked off the fence by a pillow. ;) )
*The pillow was swung by Lauren.* ;)
*Micky sticks out his tongue at Lauren.* :P ;)
(Mendrek and Mike are about cross the fence over to the roof of the Hunter Royale. Mendrek takes a flying leap and makes it. Mike also jumps, but misjudges the jump and grabs hold of the edge of the roof. Mendrek helps him up by his collar.)
(We briefly see the animals on the instruments again, Micky bouncing higher and higher, until he bounces into the camera...and we fade out on the romp and onto all six animals on the roof of the Hunter Royale.)
Peter: (Grins) That was fun! We've got to do animal romps more often! :D
Mendrek: I must admit, it was an interesting experience. :)
Micky: Wish I could've caught that pie, though. ;)
Daphne: How could you guys eat out of a garbage can? I don't want to know what they threw in there that smelled so bad. :p
Peter: You'd be surprised what you can find in the trash, Daph. ;) :X
Mike: Maybe we'd better find our way inside, guys. There's got to be a fire escape or a trap door or something.
Mendrek: Oh, dear. Can't we use the front door?
Mike: Nahh, Shelia's expectin' that, too. :p
Lauren: Yeah. We've gotta use subterfuge. ;)
Micky: Heh heh heh. ;)
Mendrek: I hope that won't end up causing more harm then good. :p
Mike: Nahh, we've been sneaky before. ;)
Micky: We're good at it. ;)
Peter: (Nods at a stairwell leading to the next floor) Hey, guys, there's a fire escape here...and it looks like there's an open window we can get in!
Valerie: You don't suppose she's set all this up, do you?
Mendrek: If she's as evil you claim, that's a distinct possibility. :p
Mike: There's only one way to find out.
Lauren: Let’s go!
(The group slowly makes their way down the stairwell and into the window. Mendrek has the hardest time getting in, as he's the largest animal.)
Mendrek: Oh, dear. Belinda was right about my having to cut down on the Russian tea cakes. I believe I'm a bit stuck. :p
Mike: Oh, man.... (the group tugs as hard as they can at Mendrek)
Mendrek: (Chuckles) Somehow, that expression doesn't seem appropriate at the moment. ;)
Micky: Oh, dog, then? ;)
(Everyone chuckles, including Mendrek, as they finally get him in. They look around)
Mendrek: I believe we're on the top floor, the storage area. (The room is filled with dusty boxes and old props.)
Micky: *grins* Look at all this cool stuff! Remind me to come back sometime & take a better look around! :D
Mike: Well, we're not here for the show at the moment. Let's go downstairs and see if we can find the stairs.
Mendrek: If my memory serves me correctly, there should be an elevator here.
Daphne: (Points to the far side of the wall with her paw at some buttons and a door split in two parts) There it is!
Mike: Maybe we'd better turn ourselves back into humans now.
Peter: We can't reach the elevator buttons! :(
Mendrek: Certainly not like this. :p
Micky: Not unless we climbed on each other. ;) :P
Lauren: Later, Mick. :P ;)
Mike: Nice try, Mick. ;)
Micky: Awe, darn. :P
(Several blue lights surround the group. When they subside, everyone is in their human form again, including Mendrek.)
Mendrek: (Pats himself in relief) I never realized how much I cherished the ability to stand upright. :p
Daphne: Where are we gonna look for Shelia?
Mike: Why don't we start on the stage on work our way up?
Micky: Sounds good to me.
(Mendrek gets in front and pushes a few buttons.)
Mendrek: I remember using this elevator as if it were yesterday. This was one of the first theaters with elevators in the area. (Sighs as the door opens) Has it really been so long since the last time I performed here? It was right after World War Two. I'd just gotten back from my second USO tour, this one of Japan and the Phillipines, and they were holding a big premiere here. Everyone was supposed to be seeing the new Mammoth Studios film "Major Ladd of Trinidad," but they really came to see the stage show beforehand. Judy Garland sang with Jose Iturbi and his Orchestra. Laurence Welk and His Orchestra performed "Sentimental Journey." I did my bit between the Flying Manelli Brothers and the comic piano duet. (Sighs) What days those were!
Mike: Wow, you really played everywhere, didn't you?
Mendrek: (Nods) Wherever I could. I did two USO tours during World War Two and another one during Korea.
Micky: That's really groovy! :)
Peter: (Looks around) And you got to play in great theaters like this! :)
Mendrek: I didn't always play in nice venues like this, young man. I've done my act everywhere from Buckingham Palace to the lowest dive in Topeka.
Mike: (Makes a face) Sounds like us. We ain't never played the Palace, but we sure know a thing or two about dives. :p
Micky: I think my dad was in that dive in Topeka once. ;)
Mendrek: I've played the Palace Theater in New York, too. That was the hub of vaudeville until it was converted into a movie theater.
Valerie: (Smiles) They turned it back into a legitimate theater a few years ago.
(The group files into the elevator doors, which close. Mendrek pushes a few buttons, and the elevator lurches to life.)
Mendrek: Does anyone know where Shelia may be keeping your friends?
Micky: Well, um, I think I might have an idea.
Mike: If you do, please enlighten us, Mick. I only know the stage area and the basement.
Mendrek: I've only seen the auditorium, lobby, and backstage.
Micky: *sighs* The stage. Shelia...seduced Davy. :P
Mendrek: (Eyes widen) Oh my...
Peter: (Wails) Oh NO!
Daphne: (Roars) NO!
Mike: She would. :p
Micky: I got to see that whole thing in my dreams last night. :P X-(
Mike: You...dreamed...it?
Mendrek: How is that possible?
Micky: *nods; taps his head* Shelia really loves getting in here. Wish she'd knock it off. :P
Lauren: It was a nightmare more than a dream. :P
Valerie: (Narrows her eyes) She'd want Micky to see it. Davy is his best friend.
Daphne: LET ME AT THAT BITCH! X( X( X(
Micky: *nods* That's most of it, but I think part of it has to do with the...ahem, real versus the imagined. :P ;)
Mendrek: But, seducing a young boy...
Lauren: Dave ain't THAT young. :P
Mike: She's made a pass at all of us at one time or another.
Valerie: (Looks at Peter) Some more successfuly than others. :p
(Peter whimpers and clutches Valerie's arm. :( )
Mendrek: (Eyes widen) You mean, she...
Mike: Yup. She's gotten Mick and me before. Tried Pete, but he knew better. :p
Peter: She promised to make me a famous musician, but I only want to play music. I don't care about fame. :p :(
Mike: Promised to take all my worries away. All she did was hurt Em and everyone else. :p
Micky: *nods* Promised me basically the same thing. She did basically the same thing to me, and I was the first to fall for it. :P X-(
Mendrek: Why all of you?
Daphne: She likes our magic. :p
Mendrek: How WERE you able to do the animal...(waves his hand)...thing?
Mike: You wouldn't believe it if we told you. :p
Micky: We just...can.
(There's a ding as the elevator jerks to a stop. The doors open into a dark area. A thin slice of light is seen coming from behind the slightly open curtains.)
Mendrek: (Looks around) The backstage area. Oh, how I remember it all!
Mike: We'd better head for the stage. At least they'll be more light there.
*As the group mills onto the stage, the first thing they notice is a very familiar cage hanging above center stage. The rest of the stage is cleared.*
Lauren: *groans; pointing at the cage* Oh, no. X-(
Mike: (Looks up at the cage) EM! :o X(
(Emma leans back in the cage, her eyes wide and scared. She gets on her knees when she sees the others and smiles weakly.)
Mike: Don't worry, darlin'! We're comin' for you!
(Emma shakes her head and indicates the rest of the stage.)
Lauren: *growls* Dammit, Shelia, show yourself! X-(
Micky: Babe, I don't think you have to do that. :P
*A black light appears. When it clears, it reveals a smirking Shelia and Davy, who stands with his arms folded.*
Daphne: DAVY!
Shelia: Welcome. >:)
Mendrek: What's going on?
Micky: I do NOT like the look on Dave's face. :P
Mike: Damn it, Shelia, what have you done to my wife? X(
(Emma watches helplessly from her cage. :( )
Shelia: I'm merely keeping her out of the way. ;)
Mike: You muted her, didn't you? My throat felt sore earlier. X(
(Emma nods sadly. :( )
Shelia: Of course I did. Couldn't stand listening to her anymore. :P
Mendrek: Muted? :o
Micky: Unable to speak. :P
Mendrek: I know what it MEANS, but how...
Micky: Just touches your throat, and *snaps fingers* voice is gone like that. :P
Mendrek: But why...
Mike: DAMN IT, SHELIA! LET HER GO! (Lunges for her)
(Emma holds the bars, leaning towards Mike, her eyes wide and unhappy. :( )
Shelia: David? *turns to him* >:)
Davy: Quite, Milady. (He snaps his fingers. There's a dark blue light under Mike's feet. A trap door opens, and he falls through it, disappearing.)
Davy: That gets rid of THAT nuisence. (Goes to Micky) Now for another one. ;)
Shelia: *nods* Excellent.
Micky: *holds his hands up* Waitaminute, Dave! :-O
(A dark blue light surrounds Micky. When it subsides, Davy holds a small, slender brown mouse by it's tail.)
Davy: 'Ere's Micky Mouse! Ain't 'e cute? ;)
Lauren: *eyes widen* Mick! :-O
Mendrek: Now, 'old on just a minute, young man...
Davy: Now, wot should we do wit' this little fellow?
Peter: Turn him back into Micky!
Lauren: No, Dave...
Valerie: Let him go, Davy!
Davy: (Turns to Shelia with Micky) Wot do you think, luv?
Shelia: *smirks* Your choice, luv. ;) >:)
(There's another dark blue light. Micky appears in a small cage on the other side of the stage from Emma.)
Lauren: *growls* Dave... X-(
Mendrek: Young man, this is hardly gentlemanlike!
Peter: (Gulps) What about us? (Clutches Valerie for dear life)
Davy: I ain't in chahge of the ladies. Milady don't want you 'armed, though, Petah.
Peter: (Puts his hand over his heart) I know why, too. :(
Shelia: I'll take care of them. ;)
*Shelia concetrates on the others, putting the others "behind bars" on stage left...all except for Lauren, who stands with wide eyes.*
Mendrek: (Looks around) What did she just do? :o
Lauren: *gulps* This was a better idea BEFORE all of this started happening. :P
Valerie: Let us go!
Peter: Don't hurt Lauren! :o
Shelia: It's time for the challenge. I am ready. >:)
Mendrek: Challenge?
(Emma's eyes become wide. She shakes her head in horror. :o :( )
Lauren: Couldn't, uh, couldn't we do this another time? Like a cold day in July? :-O
(Emma makes a face and puts a hand on her stomach.)
Shelia: I wish to fight the Mother. *smirks*
Lauren: I knew she was gonna say that. :(
Peter: Uh oh. :(
Valerie: Shelia, don't do anything stupid. :p
(Emma puts one hand on her stomach and another hand on the bars.))
Lauren: *glances up briefly at the cage Emma's in* Hang on, before we start here, what about Emma's child?
Shelia: What of it?
(Emma nods, looking at Lauren.)
Lauren: Is Em's child okay? As in, still Emma's? X-(
Shelia: She has not yet bore the child, if that's what you mean.
(Emma makes a face and puts her hand on her stomach again.)
Lauren: Then nothing's been done to her child's soul?
Shelia: Not yet. Not while it's still within her.
Lauren: *audible whew* Good. X-(
Shelia: I can't corrupt the child's soul until it's out of its mother.
(Emma shakes her head in horror, her hand still on her stomach. :o :()
Lauren: What're the rules, if any, to this little challenge of yours?
Shelia: Only one rule, Mother. You cannot use weapons. This is a magic duel.
Lauren: *nods* Fine.
(Shelia creates a ball of black light and sends it quickly to Lauren.)
*Lauren's eyes widen. She quickly makes a bat appear in a blue light & hits the ball, sending it out into the seats.*
Lauren: So much for no cheap shots, though, huh? :P X-(
(Shelia glares. She disappears, reappearing in the balcony seats. She sends a larger ball of light at Lauren from there.)
Shelia: You've spent too much time with that joker of a husband of yours. :p
Lauren: *looks around* Where the... *sees the ball; drops to the floor* Dammit, Shelia! *pauses* So what if I have? Micky's my joker & I can spend as much time around him as I want! *gets up*
Shelia: His...odd...sense of humor is rubbing off on you. :p
*Lauren makes her own blue ball of light appear & looks around for Shelia.*
Lauren: *smirks* I don't know if I'd call it odd... *finds Shelia up in the balcony; throws the ball--it goes over & stops above Shelia's head...& rains blue paint* ;)
Shelia: (Screams) Oooooooh! This is a new dress! X(
Valerie: I kind of like it that way. ;)
Lauren: *laughs* Looks better like that! ;) :D
Daphne: Nice one, Lauren! :D
(Shelia disappears again.)
Lauren: Are we fighting or playing hide & seek? :P
(A black ball of light suddenly comes hurtling out at Lauren, who finds herself surrounded by giant bowling pins.)
Shelia: (Steps from around the curtain) So, you want to play games, little Mother. ;)
Lauren: *eyes widen* This is so NOT funny... *jumps onto one of the pins, knocking it over & taking a couple others with it*
Lauren: *glares up at Shelia* Oh, man. X-(
*A blue light appears on a portion of the stage curtain. There's a ripping sound, and the curtain falls on Shelia.*
Shelia: (Struggles under the curtain) Do you know how much it cost to find a curtain to replace the old one? X( :p
Lauren: No, but you're probably gonna tell me, right? :P
(There's a black light; the curtain hovers over Lauren's head for a few minutes before it drops on her.)
Lauren: Hey!? *struggles to find her way out*
Shelia: Seven hundred dollars and eleven cents, you little brat!
Peter: Lauren! :o
Mendrek: How are you DOING all of these amazing tricks?
Lauren: *crawls out from under; mutters* I KNEW she was gonna tell me. :P
Shelia: (Throws another light ball at Lauren) Damn you! Damn ALL of you!
Daphne: Lauren, watch out! :o
Lauren: Huh?
(Davy sits in the main auditorium, smirking.)
(The light hits Lauren on the shoulder.)
Shelia: How good of a protector are you now, little Mother? ;)
Daphne: YOU BITCH! X(
Valerie: Lauren!
(Peter whimpers)
Mendrek: Now, young lady, that was uncalled for! :p
Lauren: *groans; tries to sit up* Dammit... *falls back over* :P
(Emma's eyes fill with tears as she watches. One hand clutches the bars, the other, her stomach. :( )
Shelia: (Laughs) You were such a fool to think you could defeat me, little Mother. You're not strong enough to save yourself, much less the Scholar and her child.
Daphne: Let her alone! X(
(Emma shakes her head in the cage.)
Lauren: *winces; tries to sit up again* Go back to Hell, Shelia! :P
Shelia: Not until the Scholar has her child. I'll be taking you all back with me then. ;)
(Emma draws back in horror, clutching her stomach.)
Lauren: What... *winces* What's your interest in Emma's child, anyway? :-/
Shelia: When the child is born, I will raise her. >:)
(Emma shakes her head violently, her eyes wide with total horror. :o )
Lauren: What!? :-O
Shelia: The daughter of the Scholar and the White Knight will become the next Devil.
Peter: NO!
Valerie: Don't you even try!
Mendrek: Oh, my...
Lauren: *winces* I don't THINK so! X-(
Shelia: I'll rear the child in my own image. When she no longer needs her mother's milk, her mother will be expendable. ;) >:)
(Emma sobs helplessly, clutching her stomach.)
Lauren: *spats* Bullshit! X-( :P
Shelia: The Scholar has been a meddling bitch from the start. (Smirks) Rather like you. I thought I could use you as a slave to help raise the children...
Daphne: No way!
Lauren: *winces* Forget it! :P
Shelia: Suit yourself. Here's a parting gift for you, little Mother. (Shoots another ball of energy at Lauren. Daphne screams; Mendrek gasps; Peter clutches Valerie; Micky squeaks in his cage above the stage)
*Lauren gets hits in the chest & falls back over, out cold.* :P ;)
Shelia: (There's a black light; Micky's cage appears in her hand) Now, let's make the game really interesting, shall we?
Valerie: We're tired of your games, Shelia!
Mendrek: Games?
Daphne: Enough's enough! X-(
Shelia: You must find the White Knight (smirks at Lauren) and the Savage. They will be within the theater. (Turns to Davy) Davy, darling, why don't you...handle...them? Make sure they're sufficiently prepared to rescue their little friends. ;) (She and Micky vanish in a black light. When she does, the bars around the others disappear.)
Daphne: It's about time! X-(
(The entire group runs to Lauren, surrounding her.)
Valerie: Lauren, are you ok?
Mendrek: What kind of a question is that, after that display? :p
*Lauren groans.* :P
Peter: Poor Lauren! :(
(Emma watches the group anxiously from her cage.)
Mendrek: (Looks up at Emma) Poor girl. Isn't there some way we can get her down from there?
Valerie: (Shakes her head) Mike's probably the only person who can do that.
Daphne: And we have to FIND him first. :P
(Davy saunters onstage. He wears black all over - black boots, a black shirt open to reveal most of his chest, and skin-tight black pants.)
Davy: Well, ain't this an affectin' scene? ;)
Peter: Davy, what did she DO to you? :o :(
Davy: 'Elped me, Petah. I don't know why you didn't want 'er 'elp.
Daphne: *clenches her fists* Davy Jones... X-(
Davy: (Puts up his hand) Now, luv, I did it for you. I'm strongah now. I won't run away from you.
Daphne: *points at Lauren, who's holding her head* You're partly to blame for this! *makes a face* I don't WANT you stronger. I want YOU! :P
Davy: I weren't worthy of you before, luv. I was just a weak litt'l pony ridah. (Grins) I'm ready for the stallions now. ;)
Valerie: How could you believe her lies, Davy?
Daphne: I'll give you stallions... :P
Davy: She's gonna make me a stah, luv. No more livin' offa othah people, beddin' down in everyone else's homes. No more bein' afraid of tyin' myself down. No more bein' bloody AFRAID! :p
Mendrek: Young man, fear is a part of life.
Peter: That's right!
Daphne: You're thinking some seriously twisted thoughts. *points a finger in his face* I suggest you reconsider!
Davy: (Reaches for Daphne's head) No, luv. You're comin' wit me. I want you to stay wit' me.
Daphne: *shoves his hands away* No way! *clenches a fist, pulls back, & swings at him, connecting neatly with his jaw; looks at her clenched fist* Wow... ;) X-(
(Davy hits the floor hard. Peter's jaw drops open; Valerie closes it. Mendrek's eyes are wide.)
Mendrek: Oh, my goodness!
Peter: (Runs to Davy and Daphne) Are you guys ok?
Daphne: *dusts her hands off* I'm fine. He wasn't. I made him better. ;)
Davy: (Eyes widen...and his eyes are now fawn brown instead of black) D..D..Daphne! That was amazin'! I think...I think...I'm gonna pass out. (Which he does. His eyes roll back in his head, and he falls back on the floor.)
Daphne: Umm...oops. I didn't mean to knock you out!
Peter: (Grins as he gently takes Davy in his arms) He's ok. His aura is a little shaky, but not dark anymore. :)
Mendrek: Aura?
Daphne: Good! *whew*
Peter: I can see auras around people that tell me how they're feeling.
(Lauren begins to groan; Valerie goes to her.)
Valerie: Oh, man, EVERYONE'S hurting here.
Mendrek: Miss, are you all right?
Lauren: *cracks her eyes open* Am I dead? ;)
Peter: You are? :o
Valerie: (Rolls her eyes) No, Lauren, you're fine.
Mendrek: Though I imagine a bit sore.
Lauren: *goofy grin* Oh, that's nice. :) *groans* Sore...oh, yeah. :P
Daphne: I think she's coming around. ;)
Lauren: Oh, man. What happened? Last thing I knew, there was a big black ball of light hurtling at me. :P
Peter: Shelia shot that ball of light at you, then disappeared and hid Micky and Mike! :o :(
Lauren: What?! *winces* Ow...oh, man. :P
(Emma leans back in the cage, clutching her stomach and sobbing. :(( )
Valerie: She's got both of them hidden somewhere in the theater.
Lauren: *sits up better* Wonderful. *glances up towards Emma* Oh, Em... :(
(Emma tries to reach around to unlock her cage, but ends up holding her stomach again. :( )
Peter: (Eyes widen at her aura) Guys, she's REALLY hurting. :(
Lauren: *frowns; nods* We've gotta hurry and find Mike to help Em! :(
Mendrek: (Shakes his head) How can I compete with magic like this? :( :o
Peter: You have a kind of magic we don't have.
Valerie: Experience. You've been everywhere. You've met everyone from royalty to cowboys in Topeka. AND you at least know a little bit about this theater.
Peter: (Looks down at Davy) What about Dave?
Valerie: (Grins at Lauren) You should have seen it. He got Daph angry and she knocked him cold. ;)
*Daphne nods.* ;)
Lauren: Geez... *grins* Good one, Daph. ;)
Daphne: Thanks. ;) Maybe we can wake him up.
Valerie: Nahhh, let him rest for a while. At least until the effects of whatever Shelia did to him have fully worn off. ;)
Daphne: *considers it* Good idea. ;)
Peter: We'll put him in a chair in the auditorium and let him sleep for a while. :)
Daphne: Well, let’s haul the body away & start looking! ;)
Peter: Ok! (Gently picks Davy up and carries him into the auditorium. He sets the unconcious young man down on one of the chairs in the front row.)
Mendrek: Do you think he'll be all right like that?
Daphne: *nods* Yeah, he'll be fine. He can sleep practically anywhere. ;)
Valerie: No wonder he and Micky are best friends. ;)
Lauren: Yeah, the only difference is Dave don't snore like a buzzsaw. ;)
Peter: That's one of the reasons I wanted to share a room with Davy instead of Micky. ;)
Mendrek: Belinda often complains I do the same. :">
Lauren: I've come to learn that earplugs CAN be your friend. ;) *starts to get up*
(Valerie and Daphne help Lauren to her feet.)
Peter: Do you think you're feeling well enough to help us find Mike and Micky? Your aura is still a little shaky.
Mendrek: (Shakes his head) Auras... :p
Lauren: *nods; then winces* Ehh, my shoulder's sore & the rest of me ain't feeling much better, but we've gotta find them, especially Mike... *looks up at Emma again* ...and fast! :P
(Emma nods and winces, holding her stomach again. :p)
Mendrek: (Looks around) I wonder where the best place to start would be?
Valerie: They could be ANYWHERE in a place this size! :p
Peter: Hey, mice like to eat corn, right? Maybe we could try the concession stand!
Lauren: With Mick, he'll be ANYWHERE where there's food, if he's able to get there willingly. ;) :P
Peter: (Rubs his own stomach) I could use something to eat, too. :p
Mendrek: I don't suppose there would still be food at the concession stand.
Daphne: Maybe there is. ;)
Lauren: Let’s check it out, then.
Peter: What about Emma? :(
(Emma watches them. She shakes her head and points to the swinging doors that say "exit" on the other side of the auditorium.)
Lauren: *glances up* Em will be fine. She wants us to go look for them. *sighs* Come on! The sooner, the better!
Valerie: (Nods) Right. (They go through the doors. Emma takes a last look at them, then leans back in the cage, holding her stomach and sobbing.)
(The lobby is huge and elaborate, with thick carpeting with a Medival motif. A mural depicting knights, dragons, kings, queens, and castles takes over one whole wall. Full suits of armor stand here and there. A huge, sweeping staircase leads back upstairs. The concession stand, however, smacks more of the Art Deco 1920s than the 1420s, with sparkling, curved metal trim. Candies and snacks are in one case. A popcorn machine and soda machine sit in the back.)
Mendrek: (Sighs) Just like the old days. :)
Lauren: Well, whadaya know. ;)
Peter: (Eyes widen; jaw drops; Valerie closes it) Wow!
(Something moves in the pile of popcorn in the machine.)
Daphne: Hey, I think I saw something in the popcorn machine. *points*
(A brown cat circles the popcorn machine, watching with eager yellow eyes. ;) )
Peter: Popcorn can move?
Valerie: I doubt it.
Lauren: *eyes widen* Oh, good grief... *glances at the cat* Erm...uh... :P
Mendrek: (Makes a can appear from under his cape) Here, kitty, kitty! Come have some nice tuna for lunch! (Takes a can opener from behind the counter, opens the can, and throws it out the main doors. The cat follows.)
Valerie: Nice work. :)
Mendrek: The cat shouldn't be in here, anyway. It's against health regulations. :p
Lauren: Thanks, Mendrek! *goes over to the machine & opens the back of it*
Peter: He must have snuck in. :)
Lauren: *searches through the popcorn* C'mon, Mick, I know you're in Heaven in here, but we've still gotta find Mike! :P
Peter: I hope he didn't drown in popcorn! :o
Valerie: Good thing the butter's out here. :p
Daphne: Or else he'd really be in Heaven. ;)
Mendrek: Have you found him?
Lauren: *eyes light up* I think I've got him!
Valerie: By the way, Mendrek, where did the can of tuna come from?
Mendrek: (Shrugs) It was going to be my lunch. I took it from the pantry this morning before I left. (Smiles) The cat and your friend needed it more than me. :)
*Lauren finally pulls out a brown mouse from the machine. The mouse holds a couple kernels of popcorn, which he munches on while resting in Lauren's hand. He sticks his tongue out at her.* ;)
Lauren: Even at a time like this, he's STILL eating! :P
(Everyone chuckles...even Mendrek.)
Peter: Maybe you should turn him back, before he gets sick on all that popcorn. ;)
Valerie: Even Mick can overdo it. ;)
Lauren: Good idea. *to the mouse* I'm gonna change you back, Mick. I'll make you popcorn when we get home. *sets the mouse on the floor and closes her eyes*
*A blue light surrounds the mouse & fades, leaving Micky sitting on the floor. He rubs his hands on his pants & stands.*
Peter: Was the popcorn good? ;) :D
Valerie: Have a nice time, Mick? ;)
Micky: *smiles sheepishly* Very. Did ya have to find me so soon? ;)
Mendrek: (Eyes are wide) Oh, my...
Lauren: Sorry, to ruin your fun, Mick. ;)
Micky: You will make me some later, though, right? ;)
Lauren: *sighs* Yes, I will.
Micky: Good. *grins; it fades, seeing Lauren wince* Hey, you okay, babe? I saw those light balls she was throwing at you.
Lauren: Ehh, not too bad, though a nice massage would be great later. ;)
Micky: *big grin* You got it, babe! :D
Peter: I guess you know Shelia has Mike and Emma now. :(
Valerie: (Grins) We saved Davy, though. Or, to be more specific, Daphne did. ;)
Micky: Yeah? *to Daphne* What'd you do? ;)
Daphne: *smiles* I decked him. ;)
Mendrek: The young lady quite literally knocked some sense into the boy. ;)
Micky: *eyes widen* You did? *laughs* Oh, MAN, & I missed it?! Awe! :P ;)
Daphne: Don't worry, I'd gladly do it again if I had to. ;)
Valerie: And I'm sure you will. Many times. ;)
Lauren: *shakes her head* I oughtta remember that. ;)
Micky: Hey!? :P
(Peter, Valerie, and Daphne chuckle.)
Micky: *frowns* Come on. Let’s find Mike and get out of this place. :P
Mendrek: Hopefully, Belinda will arrive with the police soon.
Peter: (Nods at the stairs) We haven't tried upstairs yet. Maybe we could go there.
Valerie: Mike fell through the stage, though.
Peter: You know how tricky Shelia is! She'll THINK we'll go down there...and not put him there. :p
Micky: Right!
Lauren: Let’s go, then!
Peter: (Nods at the stairs) Come on! (The group start up the wide, carpeted steps.)