Emma: So, everyone ready for our next adventure? :)
Lauren: You bet! ;-)
Mike: Yeah...waaaaiiiittt a minute. Isn't this the one you guys have been hinting around about for almost two months?
Emma: You'll see, dear.
Micky: Um, no?
Peter: Aww, come on, guys, it couldn't be that bad! I'm ready!
Davy: (Sighs) Famous last words, Petah.
*Micky makes a face.*
*And away we go. We begin at Lauren and Micky's apartment. They just finished breakfast. Lauren's still at the table, while Micky cleans the dishes.*
Micky: So, when you goin' to work today, babe?
Lauren: *checks her watch* About twenty minutes. I've learned I need to get moving quite a bit earlier in the morning. ;-)
Micky: I'm gonna go in a little later. I already cleared it with my boss. I have to look in on something this morning.
Lauren: Yeah? *nods* What about?
Micky: Oh, just a little something someone's working on.
Lauren: *makes a face with a hint of a smirk* Okay, that was about as clear as mud. Care to elaborate a little? *looks hopeful*
Micky: Something very, very special. :) (Kisses her on the cheek, grinning)
Lauren: *smiles* That wouldn't be what you were whispering about with Davy, would it?
Micky: (Tries to look innocent) Whispering? Who was whispering?
Lauren: *chuckles* You, Curly. I could hear you two whispering about something, but I couldn't make it out.
Micky: We were discussing...um, our next gig. Yeah, that's right. Nothing you need to worry your lovely head about, babe. :)
Lauren: *folds her arms the best she can* You know I'm not buying this, though. I was just curious.
Micky: It's a surprise, babe. (Takes her in his arms, despite still holding a dish) You'll find out soon. :)
Lauren: How soon? *grinning, but quirks an eyebrow*
Micky: Soon enough. (Smiles) Do you need anything at the store? I can pick some stuff up on the way home. Maybe something for your poor feet, (starts nuzzling her neck) or your sore neck, or...
Lauren: Or my stomach? All I seem to do is eat. I'm out-eating you!
Micky: You don't know how nice it is to have someone to eat with me. Lots with me. ;)
Lauren: *frowns* I know it's mostly for the twins, but I'm gonna have to work this off after I have them. It isn't gonna be easy.
Micky: Besides, you do more than eat! You've been working, and I know you've hung out with Em and Valerie. Everyone is dying to help with the twins. (Lays his ear gently on Lauren's stomach) Right, little Dolenzes? We're gonna help Mommy have you guys, then keep helping her when you come.
Lauren: *small smile* Thanks, Mick. I just...I feel huge! I can't get up from a chair without someone to help, or some good leverage.
Micky: You're even prettier now than when I first met you. You're the most beautiful girl in California, babe, you know. :D
Lauren: You're just saying that. *small smile*
Micky: (Puts the dish down and takes her hand) No, I'm not. We're gonna have these kids, and we're gonna be parents, and we're gonna make it work. (Under his breath) I hope.
Lauren: *quirks an eyebrow* You say that. But what about you? You've told the others a few times that you're scared.
Micky: Nawww... (sighs) ...no, you don't believe that. I don't, either. Yes, I'm scared. I don't know what kind of a father I'll be, and babies are a lot of work, and there's my "surprise," not to mention the whole deal with our powers and Miss Crystal.
Lauren: *sighs* I'm scared, too, for most of the same reasons.
Micky: (Lays his hand on Lauren's stomach) I just hope I can do these kids right.
Lauren: Of course you will, Mick! I know you will. It'll be tough, but we can do this.
Micky: And you'll be a great mom! Hey, you keep me out of trouble, right? Well, (winks) most of the time. ;)
Lauren: Yeah, except for when you get me in trouble. ;-)
Micky: Now, when have I done that?
Lauren: That list is a little too long. *grins* ;-)
Micky: (Leans his ear on Lauren's stomach again) Did you hear that, little Dolenzes? Daddy's being insulted again. (Grins) People love doing that to him. I hope you kids are nicer. ;) :p
Lauren: *swats his head* C'mon, Mick, you know I'm kidding. I don't know about the others, though. *grins*
Micky: (Stands back up and laughs) The kids say they'll stand up for their dad when their uncles start in on him. ;)
Lauren: You've got your very own line of defense. ;-)
Micky: How are they feeling today? Kickin' hard?
Lauren: Kickin', pushin' on my ribs. I swear they're playing tag or something in there. ;-)
Micky: (Chuckles) They may just be doing that. After all, they are Dolenzes. Maybe they've got drum practice going on in there. ;)
Lauren: *groans* Oh, man, so that's what they've been doing! *shakes her head, grinning*
Micky: They're our kids, after all. (Frowns) I wonder if they'll have the imagination powers, too?
Lauren: *eyebrows raise* I never thought of that.
Micky: No one's really discussed that with Miss Crystal.
Lauren: Maybe we should ask.
Micky: I ought to bring you over there. She'd know better than anyone else. (Looks at a cheap wall clock) Oh, would you look at the time? I've got to get going, and so do you.
Lauren: *checks her watch* I've still got a few minutes. What's the hurry? Didn't you say you were going in later?
Micky: Got to pick up some things at the store.
Lauren: For the surprise?
Micky: (Winks) Maybe. ;)
Lauren: *nods* I can't even think up a guess as to what you're up to.
Micky: Good. That's why they call it a surprise. (Frowns) You haven't heard anything from the guys or Em, have you?
Lauren: No. Should I have?
Micky: Just checking. I really want this to surprise you. You'll love it, I just know it! :D
Lauren: Okay. :-) Can you tell me how long you've been working on this surprise?
Micky: Since a couple of weeks after we got back from the honeymoon. (Kisses her nose) You look so cute in the morning light...
Lauren: Aw, Mick. *remembers something* Didn't you say something about blueprints around then?
Micky: (Grins) Maybe. (Looks at the clock again and gives her another kiss) Can't talk, babe. Gotta run. I'll see you after work!
Lauren: But, Mick... *sighs* Okay. *frowns*
Micky: (Looks into her eyes and sighs) I love you so much, babe. (Leans his ear against her stomach again) And I love you kids, too. :) (Heads out the door)
Lauren: *sighs* That went well. *grabs her purse & heads out the door*
(Cut to a bit later in the day. Micky is driving his and Lauren's car down the street, singing nervously along with The Fifth Dimension on the radio. He happens to pass by the Montgomery House on the edge of Malibu Beach going home from work. Shelia Saunders leans over the engine of her sleek black car, cursing lightly at it. She looks very much like she did in the end of "Origins of the Monkeemen," with short hair and huge, odd eyes, but she now wears old jeans and a frayed plaid shirt.)
Shelia: (Kicks at a tire) Damn thing. Wish I had Uncle's capabilities. He can put a car back together by just waving his hand... (Looks up and sees Micky passing by) Hello, luv! Aren't you one of the boys who lives down the street? (Smiles hopefully)
Micky: *slows, pulling up to the curb, then stops; nervously* Uh, yeah, I am. You...you've got a problem with the car?
Shelia: Yeah, engine's been makin' funny noises for days. (Waves her hand at the car) Would you like to have a look-see?
Micky: *small grin* Sure. I can't pass up a car in need. *gets out of his car; goes over to hers and takes a look*
Shelia: (Leans back against the front porch with a satisfied smile) You know a lot about cars.
Micky: *shrugs* Nahh. (Pause) Well, yeah, actually, I do. *smirks*
Shelia: I like that. I'm rathah fond of cars, too. My uncle gave me this one for me birthday a few yeahs ago.
Micky: Yeah? Groovy!
Shelia: I've seen you and the others around here, usually on the beach or at the local clubs. You're all good musicians. I'm surprised no one's snapped you up for a contract yet.
Micky: *gulps* Yeah, it took a while before we got a steady gig. *stands straight and brushes his hands off* There. That oughtta do it. Give it a try.
Shelia: Thank you! (Slides into the front seat and turns the ignition key. It sputters for a moment or two before starting.) Groovy, man! I owe you one! This thing is practically my child! (Smiles and indicates the porch) Would you like to come in and join me for some tea? I brought real tea with me from London, the kind that comes in tins.
Micky: Uh, no, I really shouldn't. I'm headed home.
Shelia: My housekeeper made some absolutely delightful goodies, too. Lemon cake, sugar biscuits, tea sandwiches, caramelized nuts, marzipan...
Micky: *eyebrows raise* Goodies? Well, I guess staying just a few minutes wouldn't hurt. *grins*
Shelia: I don't have anyone else to eat with. Don't want all the food to go to waste. There's starving children in Asia, after all! (Leads him into the house.)
(The main room is a bit musty and cluttered. Every inch is covered with antiques or Victorian knick-knacks. The Victorian furniture is dark and heavy. A small table is set with a teacup and a tantalizing array of snacks, from cakes to sandwiches to dainty-looking candies in the shape of fruits. The wallpaper is huge, muted cabbage roses. The windows are covered by thin ruffled organdy curtains. The air is heavy with a strange, sweet perfume.)
Shelia: (Gestures at one chair by the table) Have a seat, young man. (Laughs) You know, I just realized I don't even know your name.
Micky: It's Micky. *glances around the room and whistles* Man, this is some house!
Shelia: Took quite a bit of cleaning up to be liveable, and I'm not quite done yet. Some of the upstairs rooms need to be finished. (Pours tea) I'd get rid of the furniture, but it's part of my inheritance. Some of it has been in the family for years.
Micky: Wow.
Shelia: (As she and Micky sip tea) So, what do you do for a living, Mistah Micky? I've seen you going back and forth to that part of Malibu Beach where they've been doing a lot of constructing. The area out by the beach, neah Palm Drive.
Micky: *chuckles* Just call me Micky. Uh, well, I'd like to say I make a living out of making music, but I'm working as an architect's apprentice. I'm hoping to be an architect, soon. Yeah, that construction is actually something I came up with. It's supposed to be a surprise, if a certain someone can stop asking questions about it.
Shelia: An architect? That's quite interesting. You're a man of many talents, Micky. (Looks up from the tea and frowns) What certain someone?
Micky: Lauren, my wife. *sighs* She knows I'm keeping it from her, and she hates that. I hate to keep it from her, but I really want it to be a surprise. She'll absolutely love it. *grins*
Shelia: (Even voiced) Your wife. You must really love her to build a whole house just for her.
Micky: With every ounce of my being, even when she annoys me. ;-)
Shelia: It's not often you see that kind of love nowadays. Most people prefer short-term relationships, or none at all. (Puts her teacup down) Try some of the marzipan. My housekeeper used to work in the fine candy stores on the east coast. It's their specialty.
(She takes an apple-shapped piece and tantlizlingly bites into it, making "ummm" noises)
Micky: *raises an eyebrow* I guess it is good. *also takes a piece & tries it* Mm...hey, this is good!
Shelia: Yes, it is. (Opens a box and reveals more apple-shaped candies) Have some more, Micky? And then maybe you can tell me more about yourself. I haven't had the time to meet many people in the neighborhood, and these elderly folks can be so standoffish.
Micky: I'd love some more! *reaches for another*
Shelia: Have all the goodies you want. Tell me more about your wife and the band you play in. I'm a singer myself, but I've always been a solo act. (Smiles preditorily) Yes, dear boy, tell me more.
Micky: *with his mouth full, beginning to ramble* The band's called "The Monkees." I'm one of the lead singers. *rolls his eyes, but grins, then swallows* Lauren's gonna have twins.
Shelia: Twins? Goodness, that's exciting! You must be thrilled!
Micky: *takes another candy* Excited and scared! *shrugs, swallows* I think we'll do alright, though. *grins and takes another candy* These are really great!
Shelia: Scared? Whatevah for? (Nods at the candy with a barely perceptable smirk) Eat more, deah.
Micky: *mouth full again* We haven't even been married that long. *shrugs, swallows, and takes another candy* Never been a dad before. *mouth full* I jus' wanna be a good father. *swallows and takes another candy*
Shelia: Perhaps I could help you and that band of yours. What are your bandmates' names? They're all terribly handsome blokes, especially that dark, tall one in the tie.
Micky: *mouth full* Yeah? *swallows* Mike is the tall one with the tie, Davy is the little English guy,and Peter's the thoughtful, shy one. *takes another candy* I love these things.
Shelia: What else do you do with your spare time? Spend time with your friends? (Gestures to him) Why don't you move closer to me and tell me all about your handsome friends, especially Mike?
Micky: *nods, mouth full* We rehearse, goof off, then Lauren drags me out of the Pad so the two of us can spend time together. *swallows* Huh, oh, okay. *moves closer and takes another candy* Can't get enough of these! *mouth full* Mike's kinda our leader. He can be kinda a pain sometimes. *swallows*
Shelia: (Pulls him closer and begins to stroke his curls) How can he be a pain, Micky?
Micky: *shrugs, not noticing how close she is* He likes to have his way. If any of us have an idea he don't like, we might as well just forget it. *takes another candy*
Shelia: Sounds rather like a bounder to me. He ought to listen more to you.
Micky: *mouth full* That's what I've said! *swallows*
Shelia: And the shy one, Peter. What's he like, besides thoughtful?
Micky: *takes another candy* Pete can be real smart about some things and not really dumb, but naive about other stuff. Most people think he is dumb, but he ain't.
Shelia: Perhaps he's just afraid of things. (Runs her fingers through his curls) And the little one?
Micky: *grins, mouth full* He's a Brit. He sings lead, too. I think he's jealous of me. *grins wider, swallows* He's dated nearly every chick in town. His little black book ain't so little. It's bigger than an encyclopedia! *takes another candy*
Shelia: Quite amusing. Perhaps I'll get a chance with him. I haven't been on a date since I got gere. Shame you're taken. Do your friends have significant othahs?
Micky: *grins, mouth full* Whatta shame, huh? *swallows* Dave's goin' with a girl now. Mike has a fiancee, Emma, who's Lauren's best friend. Pete has a girlfriend, too, Valerie. *takes another candy*
Shelia: (As her fingers begin to slide onto his chest, beyond his shirt) Yes, quite a shame. I envy those lucky young ladies. (Grins) I can read your soul, you know, Micky.
Micky: *chuckles* Yeah? That's nice. *grins and swallows*
Shelia: It's like a book to me. You want more recognition for your talents, in music and architecture.
Micky: *gapes* Wow. *grins* You're good.
Shelia: You envy David's ability with women, Michael's leadership, and Peter's musical talents. You wish to have more input into the band, and are even just the tiniest bit angry that Michael hasn't paid more attention to your songs and drumming.
*Micky nods.*
Shelia: You love your wife, but you wish she would stop nagging you about the house you're building, and that she could spend more time with you before the children arrive.
*Micky nods again.*
Shelia: (Strokes Micky's cheek and leans him onto a Victorian couch) Most of all, you're scared to death of being a father. (Whispers into his ear) Isn't that right, Micky?
Micky: Yeah.
Shelia: You're afraid you won't raise them right, that you won't be able to handle them or give them all that they need.
Micky: *nods; quietly* Yeah.
Shelia: (Unbuttons his shirt and runs her fingers across the left side of his chest) Yes, I can read your soul quite easily, George Michael Dolenz. I know all about you, even your powers. Something about using your imagination, right?
*Micky blinks, then nods slowly.*
Shelia: Why don't you try it for me? Just once?
*Micky closes his eyes. A slightly darker blue light appears on the table. When the light subsides, a pair of drumsticks lay on the table.*
Shelia: (Smiles) Yes, you have the power. Your wife does, too, if I'm not mistaken, as do your friends and their significant others...perhaps I might say, even...soulmates?
Micky: *quietly* Yes, they all do.
Shelia: You've used them to defeat villains before, people who threatened your home or soulmates or friends, correct?
Micky: Of course.
Shelia: These powers... (Feels around his chest a bit more; he cringes) ...they've gotten you into situations that have caused all of you great pain, and you wonder if your children will have them, too.
*Micky frowns slightly, but nods again.*
Shelia: I could help you, you know. Give you powers beyond imagining, beyond even yours. Give you the means to help your wife and children, to make that new house of yours a home, and impress your friends...even that stubborn Michael. You hate how he always fights everything and wonder why he can't just give in. (Strokes his curls) What do you say?
Micky: *nods; quietly* Yes...help me...
Shelia: Good. You're perfect. Uncle was right. You would be the first to come to me, and the first to turn. (Sighs) You see, Micky, I must get to your friends Michael and Peter, but they won't come to me. Michael is always with his fat little girlfriend...what's her name...
Micky: *quietly* Emma.
Shelia: You must help me lure him away from her and the othahs. He is the White Knight, and he's already put many a dent in my uncle's plans.
*Micky nods.*
Shelia: Then, you will bring me Peter. He has a beautiful soul, one of the most innocent I've ever encountered in an adult human. I also want you to bring me your wife and her unborn children. When they are born, they will also have beautiful, innocent souls.
Micky: *nods* Yes.
Shelia: My uncle is a collector of souls, you might say. Will you help me collect souls, Micky? (Strokes his chest again, leaning close to him)
Micky: *eyes close* Yes. I'll help.
Shelia: With your help, we could bring the proud, haughty White Knight to his knees. You could even have him as a slave. You will be the leader. (Smiles) Or we could share him. I fancied his ancestor many years ago, but he rejected me in favor of that boring little Scholar.
Micky: *eyes open and look rather dull; as a grin spreads across his face* A slave...
Shelia: Yes, a slave. The little one, too. No more women for the Lord of the Manor!
*Micky's grin widens.*
Shelia: Uncle wants the Bard. He's wanted him for years, but you all kept putting his minions in their places right proper. (Makes a face) Uncle bungled the job both times he did it himself. He's getting old, my uncle.
Micky: Your uncle...
Shelia: You've met him before, my Savage. A right proper gentleman, my uncle. The story I told you about my inheritance wasn't quite a lie. I do have an uncle, and I will be inheriting his fortune when he dies, but as he's been alive for thousands of years, I don't think he's ready to kick the bucket yet.
Micky: Thousands of years...
Shelia: You and I aren't that old, of course. Your soul has only been around for five hundred years or so, and I'm about that as well. Yes, Savage, you will do what I say. You were the first to fall when my uncle ensnared your band, and you will be the first to fall again.
*Micky simply nods.*
Shelia: Now, come with me, Savage, and tell me more about your friends the White Knight and the Bard. (Stands.) What would be the best way to lure them here? I wish to...(smirks)...read their souls, too.
*Micky also stands, nodding again.*
Shelia: What do they love more than anything that would take them away from their soulmates, and to this house? Your wife and that dratted Scholar were terribly put-out when I tried to bring you all at once, so it might be best if I take them one at a time. (As she leads Micky to the stairs) Tell me all, my Savage.
Micky: Mike loves cars. Davy loves girls. Peter loves music.
Shelia: Cars (thoughtful)...Micky, do you think Michael would come see my car?
Micky: *nods* Yes.
Shelia: When we capture him, I will teach you how to read a soul, like I read yours. It will be useful in our line of work. (Smirks) But for now, Uncle wants me to show you how to use your powers. (Takes him into an embrace and gives him a deep kiss, once again fondling his chest) Your imagination will be able to do amazing things now, things only your soulmates could do before if they knew how. (Sits him gently on a chair in a room. The room is large and dark, with mustard-colored wallpaper, a huge dark wood canopy bead, and more heavy Victorian furniture and knick-knacks; she kisses him again) How do you feel now, my Savage?
Micky: *blinks, then grins evilly* Different. I like it!
Shelia: You'll notice many things are different with you now. You'll be stronger, faster, and more graceful than you ever were with the power of the crystal. (Indicates an ivory-handled brush on the dresser across from Micky) Give me a demonstration of your powers, Micky. Move that brush across the room, to the table next to me bed.
Micky: *still grinning* My pleasure. *simply looks at the brush; it disappears and reappears on the table* Too easy.
Shelia: That was the first test, my Savage. (Looks around) Why don't you move that bed across the room, to the empty spot across from the window? I've been wanting to move it, but it's an awfully big bed for such a small girl. ;)
Micky: Gladly, Milady. *looks at the bed, squints slightly; it disappears and reappears across from the window*
Shelia: (Laughs) You're better than a crane! (Smiles) Now, I want you to imagine the rest of the tea up here. I never did get to the sandwiches, and I'm rather hungry.
Micky: *closes his eyes* And this is hungry work! *grins; opens his eyes as the tea and sandwiches appear*
Shelia: Thank you, my Savage. (Leans over and hands him a sandwich) Do you know why I call you that? I don't know how much my sis...the crystal filled you in.
Micky: *takes a bite* A little bit. *grins* I'd love to hear more, though.
Shelia: Oh, it's quite a story. My uncle and my sister and I have collected souls for many years, but my sister finally got sick of it and rebelled. Don't know what got into her, really. Uncle had a fit ovah that. Ursula had always been his favorite. (Smiles, leans over, and strokes Micky's cheeks again) Where is my sister residing these days, anyway? Uncle was put out that you and your friends transfered her soul to that crystal before we could get our hands on it. (low whisper) Tell me, my Savage.
Micky: It's... *makes a face* It's...
Shelia: Now, you can tell me. I won't harm you, and Uncle's wanted to see my sister again. He's upset that she reawakened your powers.
Micky: I want to tell you, but... *makes another face*
Shelia: Why ever not? What's keeping you from telling me?
Micky: Miss Crystal. I can't.
Shelia: "Miss Crystal?" Cute name. Must amuse the hell out of Ursula. She's the one who plucked each of your ancestors out of their useless existances. You, for instance, were a half-breed Italian savage barely picking out food for his parents in the wilderness. Your friend the White Knight was penniless and widowed. (smiles demurely) I'm sure me sister wouldn't mind spending some time with her younger sibling. We might even be able to visit her, wherever she is.
*Micky makes a face.*
Shelia: (Sighs) We'll return to this subject later. (Hands him a slice of yellow-white cake) Try some cake? It's quite delicious.
Micky: Looks great! *tries it*
Shelia: Why don't you imagine us some more?
Micky: Sure thing! *closes his eyes; more cake appears* Even sliced it and put it on plates. *grins*
Shelia: You're very good, Micky. I'm surprised Michael doesn't appreciate you more.
Micky: *frowns slightly* He should.
Shelia: Yes, he should. A man of your talents should get the recognition you deserve.
Micky: *grins evilly* Damn right.
Shelia: Is there anything else you wish to know about your new powers or me or Uncle, Savage?
Micky: Who is your uncle? *quirks an eyebrow*
Shelia: Oh, he's known under many names. My sister still calls him "The Evil One." When he first approached your friend Peter, he went under the name of Zero.
Micky: Zero... *grins slowly*
Shelia: I see you're also aquainted with him. ;)
Micky: Oh, yes. ;-)
Shelia: He'd love to take your friend Michael and roast him over a spit with an apple in his mouth and let his boys eat him extra crispy. He couldn't believe Michael managed to find a loophole in that contract.
Micky: *chuckles* Michael can be rather annoying that way.
Shelia: I convinced Uncle it might be better to keep him around. I rather miss him. His ancestor was a fine man, tall and majestic. He may have been a knight, but he had the air of a king.
Micky: *grinning* Too bad. ;-)
Shelia: (Grins wickedly) Would you like to have Michael here? It would be good practice for you. He won't be collecting souls. He'll be more like a helpless puppy than a mighty wolf when we get through with him! (Smirks) I read that in your soul as well. You admire his ability to stay calm and never show feah, to be more like a strong wolf than a pup.
Micky: I'd love to see Michael like that, instead of the wolf. ;-)
Shelia: Then come with me, Micky. Where's a place we can pick him up in the car where he won't be around Peter or his (makes a face) fiancee?
Micky: He works at a garage. He's more than likely still there right now and alone.
Shelia: Good, that's perfect. (Stands) Will you imagine us and the car there, my Savage? I have no idea where the place is.
Micky: No problem! *closes his eyes; he, Shelia, and the car disappear and reappear with them seated in the car, right outside the garage* I'm still waiting for a challenge, Milady. ;-)
Shelia: (Smiles widely) You are a quick one! Now (peers out the window) where is Michael?
Micky: Inside *sneers*, probably under some wreck I could fix by snapping my fingers.
Shelia: Ahh, yes, you envy his talent with motorvehicles and wish you'd gotten to keep that lovely red car when you and your wife moved. ;)
Micky: *eyes narrow* Damn right. I saw that car first.
Shelia: (Indicates a figure in dirty blue overalls coming out of the building, walking around the corner, whistling what sounds like "Papa Gene's Blues.") Is that him? (Snorts) My, how the mighty have fallen! The ancestor of the White Knight is nothing but a common mechanic!
Micky: *nods, eyes still narrowed* That's him, alright.
Shelia: Lean out of the window and call him to us. He won't think anything of talking to a friend. Get him into the car.
Micky: *grins* Right. *leans out the window, calls* Hey, Mike! *waves*
Mike: Micky? (Turns around and sees him in the car) Hey, Mick! What's up? I thought you'd be home with Lauren by now!
Micky: *chuckles* She got another craving. Want a lift back to the Pad?
Mike: Sure. Probably better than walkin'. My stomach ain't been feelin' right all day. (Runs his hands over the front hood of the car) Man, where did you get a machine like this? She's a real beauty.
Micky: Ain't she? It belongs to one of the fellas that's helpin' me with the house. I asked if I could borrow it as a sort of "test drive." Lauren's been thinking about trading her car, anyway.
Mike: Don't blame her. That thing never ran right. You and I have worked on it for ages, and the engine could still run it's own symphony. But this... (runs his fingers along the window where Mick is) ...this is gorgeous. Lauren would be thrilled. Wish I could afford somethin' like this for Em and talk her into getting her license.
Micky: C'mon, hop in! *grins*
Mike: Yeah, might as well. Like I said, my stomach ain't been feelin' right all day, and Em wants to talk to me about more weddin' business. Her folks and brother are gonna be in town in a few days, and we've got about seven hundred and sixty-five things to finalize and even more people to call. (Gets in)
(Shelia is in the backseat, her grin predatory.)
Micky: At least now you'll have a few moments of peace. *grin turns evil as he steps on the gas*
Shelia: (Smiles at Michael as he settles back in the seat) Hello, luv. Remember me? I'm Shelia Saunders, the girl who lives in the old Montgomery House.
Mike: Oh, yeah, I remember you. You wanted us over for tea (makes a face) but the girls acted like idiots and wouldn't let us come. I don't even like tea, and I woulda gone!(Puts a hand on his stomach) Man, it's gettin' worse. Must be all this weddin' business. We've got so many things to do before the big day.
Micky: Nerves, man. Welcome to the crowd. ;-)
Mike: The last time I did this, it took about two weeks. Em and I want to do this right this time. It won't be like it was with Phyllis.
Shelia: (Frowns) Phyllis?
Mike: (Shrugs) My ex. I'm gonna make it last this time. I won't neglect Em. She understands me.
*Micky nods.*
Mike: (Looks around) Hey, Mick, where are we goin'? This ain't the way to the Pad. We're clear in the opposite direction! (Starts moving back against the passenger side door, concerned) What's goin' on?
Micky: *grins* You'll see, Michael. Don't worry.
Mike: Why does that not reassure me?
Shelia: He's dropping me off at my house, Michael.
Micky: Ladies first, man.
Mike: M... Michael? Since when did you start callin' me that? Pete's usually the only person who does that!
*Micky gives him a sideways glare, his grin still in place.*
Shelia: He felt like being more formal today.
Mike: How would you know? What the heck are you, his mother?
*Micky chuckles.*
Shelia: (Also chuckles) Not quite, Michael. (Strokes his cheeks) Relax, Michael. Just calm yourself. Everything will be fine.
Mike: (Throws her hands off his face) Which means it won't be. There's somethin' goin' on here. The last person I heard say those words was a mad scientist.
Micky: *sighs* You're always so paranoid, Michael.
Mike: Considerin' what's happened to us in the past few years, I don't plan on endin' up dead or with my lips glued together or seein' my best friend almost lose his soul to the Devil.
*Micky's eyes narrow.*
Shelia: (Eyes also narrow) Why on earth would you think we'd do something like that? Micky is your friend, and I'm just a normal young woman.
Mike: Yeah, well, seemingly "normal" young women have turned out to be spies, vampires, and former prostitutes bent on getting revenge on the entire male species. :p
Shelia: (Mutters) I ain't the one who wants revenge, boy. I want you out of your pants, before I drool all over the cahpet.
Mike: (Frowns) W... what?
*Micky grins widely.*
Shelia: (Smiles, but it's strained) Why would anyone want revenge on such a handsome group of young men?
Mike: (As they pull up at the Montgomery House) I think it would be easier to say why anyone wouldn't want revenge on us! We've defeated half the nasty, evil, insane, and just plain sick people from here to Mexico! (As Micky pulls the car into the driveway) Micky, what's goin' on? You ain't gonna be drivin' either of us home tonight, are you?
Micky: *grins* Bingo, Michael. You win a prize. ;-)
Mike: You're gonna scare the heck out of Lauren if you don't at least call, you know.
*Micky shrugs.*
Shelia: (Grins) Oh, he will call his wife, White Knight. She'll come to us. For now, we have business with you.
Mike: (Narrows his eyes) Maybe I don't want to have business with you, lady. You're creepin' me out. I'm gettin' outta here. Micky, if you want to come, fine. If not, I'll see you later. (Starts to get up, but the door locks.) Man, Mick, this ain't a joke! I've got... that feeling!
Micky: *grins* I know, Michael.
Shelia: (Sighs) You always were a problem, White Knight.
Mike: You've got it, too? Man, let's get the hell out of here then and warn the others! (Starts to struggle with the door)
Micky: What's the hurry?
Mike: You know what...that...feeling means! (Looks around) He's nearby! The Evil One! Satan! That him!
Micky: And your point is? *quirks an eyebrow*
Mike: (Takes a good look at Micky's eyes) Micky, have you been hangin' around with Nyles again? Your eyes don't seem right. Come to think of it, you ain't actin' like yourself, either.
Micky: I'm fine, Michael. *grins again* Maybe you're the one who isn't right.
Mike: I...I...I don't know what's right anymore. I've just gotta get out of here! You ain't right, and that chick... (looks at Shelia; his mouth falls open) she did this to you! (Starts to close his eyes) Quicker way of gettin' us both out...
Shelia: No, you don't, White Knight!
Micky: Not so fast!
Shelia: Micky, rub his temples. Lightly, in circles. (Takes his shoulders firmly)
*Micky nods and does as told.*
Mike: What the heck? (he frowns) Man, my thoughts...what's wrong with my head? What are you doing, Mick?
*Micky grins.*
Shelia: (Grins evily) He's muddling your mind, making it impossible for you to use your imagination power.
Mike: Oh, man, it's all chaos in there. I can't...think...
Micky: There's no need to, Michael.
Mike: (Tries to pull away) Micky, stop! Lemme go!
Micky: No!
Shelia: (To Micky) We must keep him disoriented and his mind fuzzy. He will fight the muddling.
Mike: No, let me go!
Micky: No chance, Michael.
Mike: You little bitch! You did something to him! Micky, fight her! Do something!
Micky: *grins evilly at Mike* Why should I fight? She's been nothing but good to me! *quirks an eyebrow*
Shelia: I could be good to you, too, Michael. I was good to your ancestor. (Smirks) Let's bring him into the house, Micky. You'll get your practice there.
Mike: Practice?
Micky: Have to practice to get better at using my new powers, you know. *smirks*
Mike: New...powers?
Shelia: I've made him stronger, Michael. He'll be of good use to me and my uncle. (To Micky) We must get him in the house.
Mike: The moment I get out of this car, I'm outta here.
Shelia: Remove one of his senses. It will further disorient and confuse him.
Micky: That's a snap. *closes his eyes; all three disappear and reappear inside the house, in the living room. Mike is seated in a chair. He opens his mouth to speak, but nothing comes out.*
Shelia: (Smiles evilly at Michael's silence) Quite brilliant, Micky, cutting off his primary means of communication. Where did you come up with that?
Micky: No need to keep trying, Michael. *to Shelia* Oh, I saw someone else use it. *smirks*
(Mike starts to get up to attack Micky, but Shelia pushes him back down again.)
Shelia: He's even more of a pain than his ancestor! Micky, keep him there!
Micky: *glares* Gladly. *He closes his eyes; rope appears around Mike, tying him to the chair. Micky grins evilly.*
Shelia: That's much better.
(Mike's mouth drops open. He narrows his eyes and opens his mouth to curse Micky out, but nothing emerges but silence.)
Micky: *grins; gets in Mike's face* Such a pleasant sound, hearing nothing from you for a change, Michael!
(Mike struggles furiously against the ropes that bind him to the chair. He finally spits in Micky's face.)
Micky: *slowly wipes it off* Shouldn't have done that *quirks an eyebrow,* shotgun.
(Mike narrows his eyes and kicks out at Micky's ankles...and connects.)
*Micky yelps, going down on one knee. Anger crosses his face to a level Mike's never seen.*
(Shelia practically beams. Mike's eyes widen. He pulls back a bit in the chair.)
Micky: *glares, still on one knee* Let's see what these powers can do.
*Micky stares intently at Mike; the chair raises in the air.*
(Mike looks around in horror, still struggling.)
Micky: Which do you like better, Milady, forward somersaults or backward?
Shelia: (Grins) Oh, your choice, my dear Savage.
(Mike mouths "Savage?")
Micky: *grins evilly, standing once again, cringing slightly* Backward it is!
*Micky stares at the chair again, his eyes widening. The chair slowly begins to spin backwards, increasing slightly in speed with each turn.*
(Mike closes his eyes, but no blue power comes.)
Shelia: Quite impressive, my Savage.
Micky: Thank you, Milady. *still grinning*
Shelia: Are you ready to read his soul now, or would you like to play with him a bit more?
(Mike's head is shaking this way and that, and his eyes are growing unfocused.)
Micky: I'm rather having fun playing with him for now. Let's let him spin a few more rounds, then read his soul. He won't be any problem at all by then.
Shelia: Very good. Carry on.
(Mike's shaking his head. He struggles, but more weakly.)
*Micky continues staring, the spinning really picking up speed now. After several more turns, the chair stops abruptly upright and lowers to the floor again.*
(Mike's head is lowered, and he's breathing hard. Micky leans over the disorented Texan, pulling the guitarist's face close to his.)
Micky: How'd you like the ride, Michael? Huh?
(Mike can only glare at him.)
Micky: *grins evilly* Thought so.
Shelia: (Claps her hands) Now, Micky, are you prepared for your lesson?
Micky: Yes, very ready.
Shelia: Good. We will begin. (Goes to Mike) Now, first of all, we need to get to his chest. (Loosens the ropes around the chest area a bit) Open his coveralls and shirt all the way.
Micky: *grins, opening the coveralls* Hope you don't mind, Michael.
(Mike glares daggers and tries to move back in the chair.)
Micky: Stop that, or I'll put you on the Tilt-O-Whirl again! *unbuttons Mike's shirt* There.
Shelia: Now, place your fingers on left side of his chest, underneath the heart area.
Micky: Got it. *does as told*
Shelia: Now, slowly slide your fingahs around the area, kneading them into his skin.
*Micky nods and does so, a slight grin crossing his face.*
(Mike cringes and opens his mouth to protest, but he is still voiceless.)
Shelia: Now, tell me what is in the soul of the White Knight.
(Mike tries to pull away, but Shelia goes to the chair and holds his shoulders firmly.)
Micky: *stares into Mike's eyes* He's scared. He's scared of me, and of what's going on. He's scared of his wedding, and being able to do the right thing by Emma. He's scared of the band never "making it." He's scared of "losing it." Seems the "White Knight" is just a facade. *grins*
Shelia: (Rubs Mike's temples) You're quite a student, Micky. Anything else there? (Takes a cloth from a drawer under the counter) Perhaps we should disorient him further. (Binds the dark cloth tightly around Mike's eyes)
Micky: *grins* He wants to be the "White Knight." He doesn't want to be scared of all those things. *pauses* He's jealous. *quirks an eyebrow* He's jealous of the relationship between me and Lauren. *eyes narrow* He's jealous of Peter's musical talent with practically every known instrument. He's jealous of Davy's way with women. *grins*
Shelia: He must be quite afraid of you, Micky. And what about his soulmate?
Micky: *nods, closing his eyes* Very afraid. *opens his eyes again* He's afraid of losing her. He loves her, but has trouble showing it.
Shelia: (Mutters) His ancestor was like that. Getting Robert (French pronounced "Rob-BEAR") to admit he was in love were like pulling teeth.
Micky: *grins evilly* Same with Michael.
(Mike bares his teeth at Micky.)
Shelia: Anything else in there? He has quite a soul.
Micky: Now, now, wolfie! *pauses* That's it.
Shelia: Very good work, Micky. Now (Smiles and strokes Mike's bare chest) what do you think we should do with our guest?
Micky: Any suggestions, Milady?
(Mike turns his teeth to Shelia.)
Shelia: You're quite adorable when you're a wolf, my love. (Kisses him, but pulls away - there's teeth marks on her cheeks) You...you...
(Mike grins.)
Micky: *eyes widen* What did you just...
Shelia: He bloody bit me on the cheek! That hurts! Punish him, Micky!
(Mike shakes his head in her general direction.)
Micky: *snorts* So you wanna be a wolf, huh, Michael? Try this on for size! *closes his eyes*
*Mike disappears, leaving the chair and rope behind. After a few seconds, a baby wolf reappears, seated on the chair. Micky walks up to the chair and picks up the wolf, grinning widely.*
Shelia: My, my, ain't he sweet? (Takes the wolf from Micky; it tries to bit her hand. She drops it back on the chair)
Micky: *wags a finger at the wolf* No biting!
(The wolf's eyes blaze. It still cannot make sounds.)
Micky: Say, I just had a wonderful idea. *grins*
Shelia: Yes, deah? ;)
Micky: Why don't we send the little wolf to the others? See what they make of the little fellow? *quirks an eyebrow*
Shelia: Why, that would be quite amusing! (Nods) And we'll keep it so he still cannot speak (chuckles) or growl, in this case.
(Mike tries to bite at Micky.)
Shelia: Oh, Micky, muzzle that little beast!
Micky: Right! *glares* Knock it off! *to Shelia* No need. He's going now!
*Micky closes his eyes; the wolf disappears.*
Shelia: Won't his fiancee be amused when she finds out she's marrying a wolf? ;)
Micky: *opens his eyes* He should be reappearing on the pad's doorstep right this moment. *grins*
Shelia: Would you like to go there? We could monitor the reaction of the othahs. ;)
Micky: I would love to! Should be good for a laugh! ;-)
Shelia: And, of course, the quickest way to get there is the imagination powah. ;)
Micky: Naturally.
Shelia: (Smiles evily) I just had the most delicious idea. Why don't you go in a few minutes aftah Michael? You'll be able to call your wife and reassure her that you're quite fine...and lure her to you and us. We'll bring her and the wolf back with us.
Micky: Even better. *grins widely*
Shelia: Shall it be your imagination or mine, my Savage?
Micky: Mine's had a good workout, Milady. Why don't you do the honors?
Shelia: You're quite right. I haven't traveled anywhere this way in years. It will be fun to do it again! (Closes her eyes. There's a black light, and she, Micky, and the car reappear on Beechwood Street, a few houses down from the Pad.)