(We begin a few days after the adventures at the Montgomery House, in the cave that houses Ursula the crystal. Mike sits there, playing Black Beauty intently.)
Ursula: Penny for your thoughts, Michael.
Mike: (Shakes his head) Wha...sorry, Miss C. Guess I'm still out of it.
Ursula: You're about to be married to your soulmate, and you just went through one of the most trying times anyone could endure. I'd be surprised if you were IN it.
(Mike chuckles as another figure flies in, landing just outside the entrance to the main cave.)
Micky: *comes around the corner* Oh... *grins* didn't know there was a party here. ;-)
Mike: (Grins) That's ok, Mick. (Indicates the crystal seat next to him) Sit down. I'm just...hiding, I guess.
Micky: *nods* Yeah, that sounds familiar. *takes the seat Mike indicated*
Mike: Em's folks took her and her brother out to breakfast, Pete and Valerie are working on the music for the ceremony, Davy's off somewhere with Daphne, and Aunt Kate's hagglin' over the food with Millie. ;)
Micky: *nods* Lauren's taking a nap. She got up long enough to have breakfast. ;-)
Ursula: (Warm smile in her voice) Hello, Micky. How are you feeling...considering. (Mike pulls away and goes back to playing, his face indecipherable.)
Micky: *makes a bit of a face* Better than I WAS. It still bothers me, though. *glances at Mike*
Ursula: You would be a fool if it didn't, Micky.
Micky: Well, that's a plus. *small grin*
Mike: Mick...
Micky: Mike...
Mike: Mick...I don't blame you. Not now.
Micky: *sighs* Thanks, Mike. I just feel like a great big sucker, though.
Mike: It could have been a hell of a lot worse, man. Look at what happened to Sir Robert. (Winces at the mention of this and reflexivly pats his hair.)
Micky: It probably WOULD'VE been worse if she hadn't sent me to give you guys the challenge!
Mike: Micky, I...don't know what to say, except that I'm not going to wait five hundred years to tell you that you're still my friend and I don't blame you for what you did while you were under HER control.
Micky: *looks away* I KNEW what I was doing. That's what bothers me most. I just couldn't STOP myself.
Mike: That's how she messes with your mind. (Cringes and looks away, muttering) At least she didn't use you for some kind of sex slave. I don't really remember much about that, and what I do remember...(looks down)...I'd love to forget.
Micky: *small shrug* Yeah, don't blame you there.
Mike: She used you, Mick, and me, too. Tried to use Davy. Used all our ancestors so badly, three ended up dead and one a shell of his former self.
Ursula: (Small sob) I...I often wondered...what became of them. I know they died and Robert was hurt or cut somehow. The women all felt their pain. Emmeline yelled about feeling cuts on her arms and face, and Laryen, Valrea, and Devlanta all screamed bloody murder at one point or another. Valrea...(sad flicker)...said she could feel Peter's soul being taken.
Micky: *shakes his head* God...
Mike: To make a long and painful story short, Georgiano and David were turned against Robert. They betrayed him and tortured him, scarring his face and arms and hacking off his hair. Peter was forced to give up his soul in exchange for Robert's life, but Robert was beyond saving by that point. Zero did...something to Peter, made him angry that Rob hadn't come to his rescue. Zero broke Robert's sword, then turned on the other three and killed them and had Shelia take away Robert's remaining will.
Ursula: (Sobs, and would probably cry if she could) Oh...m...my b...beautiful...b...boys....I...I n...ever..wanted...them...to be...hurt...like that....
Micky: It wasn't their fault, it wasn't your fault. *eyebrows raise, small grin* Listen to me. *rolls his eyes* ;-)
Ursula: I wanted to help them...to help you. You all have so much potential, such wonderful, dear souls. I wanted to show you your true worth. (Sad sigh) I'm afraid it all went wildly out of control.
Mike: Miss C, sometimes life throws us curve balls we can't catch.
Micky: Or we get hit by the pitch. *lopsided grin*
Mike: Micky, we've ALL been suckers at one time or another. I'm still kicking myself over the incident with Bernard Class, and YOU were the only one who had enough sense to figure out how get out of Oraculo's slave act. I still can't believe I fell for that jerk and his potions. :p
Ursula: (Sighs) Oraculo was one of the many people contacted by Zero. He would have never hurt any of you, just turned you over to his master once he'd had enough of you in the act.
Micky: Which probably wouldn't have taken very long. :-P
Mike: (Grins) And need we mention those dance lessons? We actually owe Dave one for getting us out of those contracts! ;)
Micky: Hey, I never needed dance lessons in the first place. I just kinda got caught up in the moment.
Mike: (Blushes) Oh, man, if Em ever finds out how I got involved with those lessons...
(Ursula chuckles)
Micky: I ain't tellin' her, that's for sure. *holds his hands up* She gets mad, Lauren gets mad. I do NOT want to be on the wrong end of Lauren's wrath! ;-)
Mike: And I don't particularly want to end up whacked on the head with a hockey stick by one or both. ;)
Micky: I don't even wanna THINK of what Lauren could come up with for a weapon.
Mike: She's as much of a comic-book nut as you. I'm sure it would be imaginative. ;)
Micky: Oh, I'm sure. ;-) :-P
Mike: (Sets Black Beauty down and puts his hand on Micky's shoulder) Micky, it's gonna be ok. You were turned back, and you were AMAZING both with Zero and your ancestor. You've proved yourself to be a worthy friend ten times over. We've just got to be more on our guard from now on. (Grins) You have Lauren to keep you in line, and Dave. :)
Micky: *nods* Yeah. *grins* :-)
Ursula: Yes, you must be careful, my warriors. Evil has not been fully vanquished. (Sighs) Don't tell the others yet, but, if my feelings are any indication, my sister escaped destruction.
Mike: (Growls) WHAT?
Micky: *jaw drops* You've gotta be kidding!
Ursula: Our uncle was destroyed by the force of the love your music created...but she was far enough away from it that she managed to use her powers to escape. She's very weak, and it will likely be a while before she returns, but she WILL return.
Micky: Wonderful. *groans*
Ursula: She remains infatuated with Michael...and now, with the idea of destroying all of you, especially Emma.
Mike: Oh, that's just great. :p
Ursula: Just be on your guard. You know what to look for now, and how to avoid falling into her traps.
Mike: (Frowns) Micky...do you really want more say in the band?
Micky: Well...I guess...maybe a little bit more. *shrugs*
Mike: (Sighs) I really should let you guys grow up a little, all of you. It's just...(sighs)...I'm just a big ol' control freak. Not a whole lot I can do about it. (Smiles) I'm gonna try to be better, though, starting with this wedding. Would all of you like to choose the songs for our wedding? :)
Micky: *grins* It's YOUR wedding, though, Mike. *nudges him* If there's anything particular you want, speak now... or else you ain't gonna hear it. ;-)
Mike: (Smiles) Just good stuff, nothin' too kiddie. (Crooked grin) I trust you guys. :D
Micky: What IS the definition of that, anyway? ;-)
Ursula: His own music, I suppose. Robert was terribly fond of his French folk songs. ;)
Micky: I figured that much. ;-)
Mike: Aww, I guess...(sighs)...you read my soul. You know how scared I get when I'm not in charge.
Micky: *nods* Yeah.
Mike: I'm not a White Knight or a warrior or anything. Just a very frightened musician who loves what he does.
Micky: *grins* And I ain't a savage, no matter WHAT you guys or Lauren say! *pokes at Mike* ;-)
Mike: (Grins) You SURE about that? That last scream you gave to Zero when you sliced him up good...man, that was pure animal! ;) :D
Micky: Hey, I got INTO the moment! *blushes*
Ursula: (Sighs) There's far more of the warrior in both of you and ALL of you than you think. You're still learning about your roles now. Take your time and practice your skills...ALL of them. :)
Micky: *quirks an eyebrow* That reminds me... I've been wondering about something. *holds a hand out and stares; his drumsticks appear after the same slightly darker blue light fades* My light's darker now. *makes a bit of a face*
Mike: Yeah, and he can do things he couldn't do before. Stuff any of us couldn't even ATTEMPT doing!
Micky: Like wiping out a jungle. *grins* I don't even have to close my eyes anymore!
Ursula: When Julia had you under her control, she heightened your powers. It seems to be permanent.
Micky: Yeah? *eyebrows raise* Wonder if I can still read souls? *grins*
Mike: (Quietly) Read mine, then.
(He starts to unbutton his shirt. Ursula turns red.)
Micky: You sure, man? I wasn't actually serious.
Mike: You never know when it might come in handy.
Ursula: I believe that is also permanent, thought it should be less painful when Micky does it. I could do it, too, when I (sighs) had digits to do it with.
Micky: Well, okay. *reaches over and rests his hand on Mike's chest; eyes raise* Holy crap!
(Mike raises his eyebrows)
Micky: *eyes widen; he grins slightly* You ARE scared, man. :-P
Mike: (Smiles and nods) Extremely.
Micky: *removes his hand* That is so freaky... *grins widens* but groovy all the same. I'll have to try that on Lauren. ;-)
Mike: (Nods and buttons his shirt) That's right, no one ever tried reading her. No one did Val or Daphne, either.
Micky: That's okay. I just wanna practice on Lauren. *grins very widely* ;-)
Mike: (Grins) Wish I could be around to see that. ;)
*Micky sticks his tongue out at him.*
Mike: It's just...(sighs)...I'm scared to death of this wedding business!
Micky: *puts an arm around Mike* Welcome to my world, man.
Mike: Em and I fight like cats and dogs, we don't have much money, and what ARE we going to do when we have kids? After everything that's happened, I can't lose her.
Micky: You won't, Mike. Don't worry, it'll work out. *pokes him lightly* Didn't I say the same things not long ago? *small smile*
Mike: Yeah, but you and Lauren...you're so happy together. We're ALL jealous of you two! (Smiles) Except for Peter who, god bless that innocent soul of his, doesn't know the meaning of the word.
Micky: Awe, man... me & Lauren, I dunno, we're just...best friends. And I think the constant teasing has a good hand in it, too. ;-)
Mike: Em and me...I don't know WHAT you'd call us.
Ursula: I believe we'd call you "in love," Michael. ;)
Micky: I'd call it difference of opinions, too. ;-) :-P
Ursula: You're stubborn and strong-willed, Michael, but you love each other and truly care about one another.
Mike: I don't want to see her leave me, like Phyllis did.
Ursula: Michael, Emma feels the same way. She's afraid you'll walk away when things go wrong.
Mike: I...I guess...we're both rebels in our own way. She's so passionate and artistic and smart. She's only the damned Scholar! What good is a knight for a Scholar?
Ursula: Michael, you mean a great deal to her. On the outside, you're both different, but you have much in common on the inside. You use your intelligence differently than she does.
*Micky nods.*
Mike: (Softly) I want her to be happy. When I argue, I don't really MEAN it. It's just...she's so STUBBORN.
Micky: Yeah, well, so are YOU, Michael. *grins, poking him lightly again* ;-)
Mike: (Laughs) Yeah, well (looks at his watch), we'd better BOTH be getting back. If I'm late, my stubborn fiancee will give me a good, solid whacking. (Grins) I wonder if I could hide that damn hockey stick somewhere? ;)
Micky: Probably could, but she'd make it reappear again anyway. *shrugs* Even if I'm on time, Lauren might give ME a whacking. Darn mood swings. ;-) :-P
Mike: (Grins) I don't WANT to know what Em's gonna be like when we finally have kids, if that's what Lauren's like! ;)
Micky: Maybe Em will be better.
Mike: Man, Em's got crazy mood swings on a NORMAL day! Can you imagine what she'd be like with a kid or two in her? ;)
Micky: She might be more evenly tempered. *shrugs* That's why Lauren's driving me crazy. She isn't LIKE that normally. ;-)
Mike: Aw, don't worry, Mick. In another few weeks, it'll all pass, and you'll have two beautiful children. :)
Micky: Yeah... *eyes widen* God, I hope I don't pass out. She wants me to be there with her. *makes a bit of a face*
Mike: Read her soul, Mick. I'll bet she's just as scared as you, if not moreso.
Micky: Like I NEED a reason to? *shakes his head* I already know she is, she's said so. *sighs, nods* We'll be fine. :-)
Mike: (Smiles) I think so, too. And one more thing, Mick. It's gonna be a little painful, but I've been wanting to do it for a while. ;) (Rolls up his sleeves)
Micky: *eyes widen* Huh? Wha...
(Mike decks Micky clear across the cave. ;) )
Micky: *leaning against the wall; shakes his head* Ow... ;-)
Mike: (Grins) THAT'S for decking ME in the western...and what I'll do to you if you EVER pull crap like that on me again! ;)
Micky: *nods a bit dazedly* Gotcha. *groans* ;-)
(Mike goes across the room and helps Micky to his feet.)
Mike: Even (crooked grin), shotgun? ;)
Micky: *lopsided grin* Even, man. ;-)
(Ursula chuckles as the two boys walk out of the cave with their arms around each other. Mike holds Black Beauty in his other arm; Micky's still cradling his cheek. :) )
(Cut to Emma's basement room in the Pad. She sits on a bed covered with a faded but much-loved quilt and at least twenty or more stuffed animals. Her mother is sewing the last of the alterations on her dress, a simple yellowish-white gown trimmed with a small amount of lace.)
Mrs. Jackman: (Muffled; she has pins in her mouth) Emmie, hold still! I don't want to stick you!
Emma: (Whines) Mom, I've been standing here for HOURS!
Mrs. Jackman: (Takes the pins out) Emmie, quit being melodramatic. You've been here for 45 minutes.
(Lauren peeks in as Mrs. Jackman starts adjusting the daisy-trimmed veil headpiece.)
Emma: Moooommm, it looks fine!
Mrs. Jackman: It isn't sitting right, Emmie!
Lauren: Hey! :-)
Mrs. Jackman: (Warm smile) Hello, Lauren! How was your nap? :)
Lauren: *comes in* Much needed. ;-) *goes to sit on the bed* Em's not putting up TOO much of a fight, is she? ;-)
Mrs. Jackman: (Grins at her daughter) How many times have you been stuck now, honey?
Emma: (Grumbles) TOO many.
Lauren: *chuckles* Gotcha. *grins* ;-)
Emma: (Gives her mother a kiss on the cheek) Mom, I'll be ok.
Mrs. Jackman: (Smiles, but there's tears in her eyes) Honey, I'm a mother. I'm SUPPOSED to fuss, especially over my oldest child on her wedding day! (Hugs her hard) I'm so happy for you, sweetie! Mike's a nice guy. He'll make you very happy. :)
Emma: (Blushes) Thanks, Mom. I love you.
*Lauren's tearing up, but smiling.*
Mrs. Jackman: (Laughs and wipes her face, straightening her simple off-white blouse and skirt) I'm going upstairs to make sure Daddy hasn't been sampiling all the hors 'd ouveres or Keefe hasn't been annoying anyone. ;)
Emma: Good luck, Mom! Especially getting Dad away from the food! ;)
Mrs. Jackman: (Goes to the stairs as Lauren comes down) I'm proud of you, honey. I'm proud of both of you. I just want you to know that. Willie is, too. :)
Emma: (She's starting to cry now, too) Thanks, Mom. I appreciate everything you guys have done for me. :) :((
Mrs. Jackman: (Nods at the two young women) Well, I'll just leave you two alone and go up and talk to Kate. The ceremony begins in twenty minutes, honey. (She goes upstairs)
Emma: (Moans) Like I could forget!
*Lauren grins.*
Emma: (Sighs) What in the HECK am I doing?
Lauren: I'm STILL waiting for an answer to that. *winks* You'll be just FINE, Em. :-)
Emma: (Takes her friend's hand) God, Lauren, I'm so scared! I've never done this before. Mike has.
Lauren: It's okay to be scared, Em. Hey, Mick and I were scared out of our minds, or we would've been. *makes a face, then shrugs*
Emma: I just...(gulps)...when that...that...WOMAN...had him in her arms...I thought I'd...(sighs) I don't know WHAT I would have done if I could have moved! I want to make it so he's never hurt like that again.
Lauren: *nods* I know the feeling, Em. I'm sure Mike feels the same way about you. You two can protect each other like you have been. *winks* Whose turn is it anyway? ;-)
Emma: (Laughs) I'm not sure anymore. We're probably even by now.
Lauren: Well, there you go.
Emma: It's just...we fight so much...
Lauren: So? You're both strong-willed and have different opinions about some things, but that doesn't change the way you feel about each other.
Emma: No...I...I love him.
Lauren: That's what matters.
Emma: But you and Micky...you get along so well. (Lowers her head) I know so little about music, other than what I like, and it's his whole life. I can't even play any instruments all that well.
Lauren: *sighs* Yes, we do, usually. *grins* ;-) There's more to living your lives together than music. There's gotta be other things you two can share.
Emma: We're artists. Writers. (Grins) I know damn well he writes SOMETHING in his spare time that he keeps trying to hide. He says they're songs, but I think it might be more than that. ;)
Lauren: There you go! *gives her a light nudge* You could always ask him to teach you to play the guitar, too... ;-)
Emma: (Smiles) Maybe I will! I wonder if he'd let someone other than him use Black Beauty. ;)
Lauren: I don't know if I'd push that right away. ;-)
Emma: (Chuckles) I was joking. I know how he feels about her. (Sighs) I know how he feels about a lot of things. (Puts a hand on Lauren's) And you and Micky...and the kids? Are you two ok?
Lauren: We're fine. Well, if you ask Mick, he'd probably say I'm driving him nuts. He thinks I'm having mood swings. *grins, then winks* The kids must know it's nearing time for them to come out. They're moving around something fierce, and I almost need a forklift just to get up! *pauses* I was thinking of having a little chat with Mick, though, mainly about what's going on with his powers.
Emma: His powers? They HAVE seemed...odd...lately.
Lauren: His light is darker. *makes a bit of a face* I noticed where all of us have to close our eyes to use our Imagination Powers, he just stares. I'm wondering if it's leftover from what happened.
Emma: That's a distinct possibility.
Lauren: *frowns* That's why I wanna talk to him. We haven't had the chance yet.
Emma: It's been a couple of days since...(softly)...everything happened. I guess you've been working.
Lauren: *nods* For as long as I possibly can. Wish I had the chance by now, because when I get home, I'm sleeping ten minutes later. *sighs, then grins* As long as I'm not woken up by any type of explosion, I know he's fine by himself. ;-)
(Emma laughs.)
Emma: (Takes Lauren's hand) I'm scared...but I'm happy, too. I mean, look at me! I never thought I'd make a man even look my way and say something besides a nasty comment on my size or "Why is it so COLD in this store?" ;)
*Lauren chuckles.* ;-)
Emma: And Mike...god, he's wonderful. Caring, gentle, sweet, strong...
Lauren: *nods* You two will be just FINE.
Emma: He was AMAZING with Zero the other night! :D
Lauren: I'm gonna have to ask Mick about what happened since I was stuck in that stupid cage. *shudders* And I'm afraid of heights! I didn't hardly see ANYTHING that went on! ;-)
Emma: Oh, I wish you could have seen it! They were ALL amazing! You at least heard everything, right?
Lauren: *nods* That's why I kept trying to look over the side. I wanted to know what was going on, but I just couldn't keep looking down. :-P
Emma: (Shrugs and puts her hand on Lauren's shoulder) Honey, everyone's afraid of something. Mike and I both have what my psychiatrist would call "control issues." Davy's afraid of death and of commitment. Peter's afraid of hatred and anger.
Lauren: *nods* Mick's afraid of being alone, which ain't gonna happen. (Shrugs) It's just a stupid little fear. Trust me, I've tried fighting it. Sometimes it's been better, and sometimes my stomach has told me otherwise. ;-)
Emma: I don't think it's fighting it so much as acknowledging it and making sure it doesn't control YOU.
Lauren: That's why I kept trying. :-)
Emma: (Puts her arm gently around Lauren) I'm just glad you're here. That we're ALL here.
Lauren: *puts her arm around Emma* Me, too. I'm glad everything turned out alright.
Emma: (Grins) Thank the good LORD Peter came up with the idea to turn the music against Zero and Shelia, like the Knights did with Alakazam! :D
Lauren: Yeah. *nods* That was a FANTASTIC idea!
Emma: Had it been anyone but them, it might even have healed. (Shrugs) I doubt you can heal the Devil. :p
Lauren: I'd say he's too far gone. :-P ;-)
Emma: Oh, and this little adventure dispels, for once and for all, the idea that Peter is stupid. Anyone who came up with the idea of using music in the attic and downstairs is no dummy!
Lauren: Darn right!
Aunt Kate: (Pokes her head in; she wears a white crinoline dress trimmed with swiss-dotted lace and a hat with white daisies) We're going to be lining up shortly, girls. Ya'll ready down there? :)
Lauren: You ready, Em? :-)
Emma: (Grins) No, but I'll go through with it, anyway. ;)
Lauren: *chuckles* You're gonna be just fine! (Grins) Gosh, that sounds familiar.
(Emma laughs; Aunt Kate does, too.)
Aunt Kate: I'm inclined to agree with your friend, Emma. (Nods upstairs) Now, come on. We're almost all set up in here!
Emma: (Stands and takes a large bouquet of daisies from her dresser) How do I look? Do I look ok? Is everything where it should be? Is my makeup running?
Lauren: You look beautiful, Em! Really!
Emma: (Smiles dreamily) Really?
Lauren: Yes, really! *grins*
Aunt Kate: (Taps her foot) We're waiting, ladies!
Emma: (Grabs a pair of low-heeled yellow shoes) Now I'm REALLY ready. :)
Lauren: We'd better get moving, especially me. Could take a few extra moments to get back up there. ;-)
Emma: (Smiles and puts her arms around Lauren) And I'm with you all the way!
Lauren: *smiles* Thanks, darlin'. ;-)
Emma: Any time (winks), babe. (She helps Lauren upstairs, and we cut to the living room of the Pad, which is set up for the wedding. Mike stands at the front near the bandstand with Peter and the other boys, looking just as nervous as his bride.)
Mike: (Indicates his white "Circle Sky" outfit) How do I look, guys? Do I look ok? Is everything where it should be?
Micky: You look fine, Mike. *rolls his eyes, grinning*
Peter: (Laughs - he wears a yellow Nehru jacket and trousers with his moccassins) We've only told you that five times in the last ten minutes!
Mike: (Looks at his watch) Man, where ARE they? Shouldn't we have started already?
Micky: *nervous grin* Lauren went down to talk to her. Could take a little while. ;-)
(Guests sit on folding chairs, among them Mr. Bennett, Valerie, the Westminster Abbies and Amber, Nyles, the Four Martians, Mrs. Jackman, and Aunt Kate, now emerging from downstairs.)
Aunt Kate: (To the crowd) They're lining up outside, folks. Everyone get ready.
(The priest, a small, plump fellow, stands on the bandstand in front of the drums. Millie and Larry stand behind a buffet, both beaming with pride.)
(Valerie sits down at Peter's piano and starts playing "Here Comes the Bride." Micky's sisters, in pretty ruffled yellow dresses, carrying small baskets of daisies, come in first and eventually join their mother in the seats. They're followed by Keefe with the rings on what looks like a couch pillow, then Lauren carrying a single daisy.)
(Emma finally comes out on her father's arm. He wears a brown jacket with a pin-striped shirt, jeans, and no tie. She wears her yellowish-white dress and shoes and bouquet...and a look of absolutely radience mixed with nervousness. Mr. Jackman joins his wife in the front row, next to Lauren and the other boys. Mrs. Jackman sighs and hands him a Kleenex, which he gratefully accepts.)
(We have a montage of Emma and Mike's temptuous relationship to the tune of Mike's "I've Just Begun to Care (Propinquity)," from fights in "Dream World" and "Origins of the MonkeeMen" to rescues in "The Devil and Michael Nesmith" and "Wild West Monkees.")
Priest: (As the music winds down) Robert Michael Nesmith, do you take Emma Kathleen Redmer to be your lawful wedded bride?
Mike: (Looks into her eyes, rubbing her hands gently) Yeah, I do.
Priest: And do you, Emma Kathleen Redmer, take Robert Michael Nesmith to be your lawfully wedded husband?
Emma: (Softly; looks into his eyes) I do. With all my heart.
Priest: I now pronounce you man of wife, in the state of California, Los Angelas County, city of Malibu Beach. (Grins) You may kiss the bride. ;)
(And they do as the entire room arupts in happy cheers.)
(Peter bawls onto Valerie's shoulder. She takes his hand and squeezes it.)
*Micky starts doing wolf whistles, grinning.* ;-)
(Keefe joins Micky's wolf whistles.Mr. Jackman's is even louder. ;) )
*Lauren rolls her eyes at the wolf whistlers.*
(Mrs. Jackman elbows her husband, but she's smiling and crying. Aunt Kate dabs at her eyes with a calico handkerchief.)
(Mike leads Emma down the "eisle" as Valerie plays "Here Comes the Bride" again. People crowd around the two, congradulating them. Emma and Mike finally make their way to the other Monkees setting up the bandstand for the instruments.)
Mike: (Grins, his arm around Emma) Hi, guys.
Micky: *grins* Alright, neither of you fainted!
Emma: (She and Mike both laugh) No, we're still standing. ;)
Mike: Though I think if that priest went on for much longer, I might have. ;)
Emma: At least you're SOBER this time! ;)
Micky: I made sure of that. ;-)
Mike: (Rolls his eyes) They haven't let me touch a drop of liquor since yesterday! :p ;)
Emma: So, what do you guys have planned to keep our guests hopping?
Mike: (Grins) I dunno, guys. (Gets on the bandstand) What do we have planned?
Micky: Well, Mike, we had a little chat, and we think you'll like the set we decided on. *grins* ;-)
Peter: (Shoos him off the bandstand) But WE'RE going to play it for YOU! This is YOUR wedding! Let the cubs have fun! :)
Micky: That's right! ;-)
Emma: (Takes him in her arms before he can protest) He's right, honey. Let them play for us, just for once. (Snuggles against his chest; he sighs)
Mike: (Looks down at Emma and sighs) Oh, man... (shakes his head) I ain't never gonna win with those eyes. :p ;)
Micky: *still grinning, sits at the drumkit* Ready, guys?
Peter: (Strums the lead guitar) Yeah!
Valerie: (Nods from the piano) I'm always ready to play. :)
Davy: (From behind the bass) Let's give them the gift of music. :)
Micky: *nods* Then a one, two...one, two, three, four!
(And the group leads into "I Won't Be the Same Without Her." Emma and Mike smile and sit on the psychiatrist's couch, in each other's arms.)
(Peter's sunshine smile could light up the whole San Fernando Valley as he watches his happy friends.)
*Micky winks at Lauren, and she waves wildly back at him.* ;-)
(Davy winks at Daphne with the Abbies...and she winks right back. ;) )
(As the song comes up to an end, the happily united couple walk up to the bandstand, grinning.)
Mike: Hey, that was really nice guys!
Emma: You did a GREAT job!
Micky: *waves it off* It was nothin'! ;-)
Peter: Thanks, guys!
Mrs. Jackman: (With her arms around her husband) You guys really are a talented group. That was excellent.
Mr. Jackman: (Makes a face) MUCH better than that crap Keefe brings home sometimes! :p
Keefe: (Grumbles) DAAAAADDDDD...
*Micky laughs, nearly falling off his stool.*
(Emma chuckles; Mike grins.)
Mr. Jackman: (Turns to the happily married couple) And you two... (slaps Mike hard on the back; he staggers) You two are just TOO cute together!
Mike: (As he gets to his feet, a bit stunned) Uh, thank you!
Emma: (Groans) DAAADDDY!
Mrs. Jackman: Willie, don't hurt the poor boy!
Mr. Jackman: (Puts his arm around Mike) Aw, Cheryl, I'm not HURTING him!
Micky: *between chuckles* Much! ;-)
Aunt Kate: (Shakes her head) Seems to me, sir, you don't know your own strength. You're not exactly a small chicken, you know.
Mrs. Jackman: No, he's the definative rooster. ;)
Mr. Jackman: (As Mike and his children chuckle) And what's THAT supposed to mean?
Mrs. Jackman: You strut like one and you're noiser than an air craft carrier.
Mr. Jackman: That's because I like to be KNOWN. (Elbows Mike; he puffs) Right, boy?
Emma: Daddy!
Lauren: leans on Micky's shoulder, grinning* Hear that, rooster boy? *Micky sticks his tongue out at her*
(That gets a laugh from all the Monkees. ;) )
Millie: (Calls from the table) Hey, are you guys ready for the cake-cutting?
Mike: (grins) Yeah, as long as it doesn't turn into a food fight. ;)
Lauren and Micky: Cake! ;-)
(That gets another round of laughs from the crowd.)
Mike: Are the twins outside or INSIDE Lauren? ;)
*Lauren and Micky grin at each other.* ;-)
Emma: Yeah, I'm ready to cut the cake. Gotta keep the family fed. ;)
(The pair, hand-in-hand, walk over to the cake set up on one side of the living room. Millie hands them the cake-cutter. They each cut a slice, then, blushing big-time, feed small bits to each other.)
Emma: (Murmuring) Oh, honey...
Mike: (Murmuring) Darlin'...
(They give each other another kiss.)
Peter: (Bawls again) They're just so BEAUTIFUL! :((
(Mr. Jackman and Keefe argue over camera angles.)
*Micky pats Peter's shoulder, grinning.*
Mike: (As he and Emma cut cake slices for the crowd) So, you all know my instructions about the Club Fairview gig while I'm gone. :)
Micky: *grins, then winks* Yes, Chief. ;-)
Peter: Of course, Mike! :D
(Mike and Emma get hugs from everyone; her folks, her brother, Aunt Kate, Millie and Larry, Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Purdy, Mrs. Filcheck.)
(Mr. Babbitt, in a scene taken from "Monkee Mother" lays on a table tied up. Suzy Parker and the Dolenz Sisters run around him in Cowgirl hats. ;) )
*Lauren and Micky exchange looks, seeing what Micky's sisters have done, then laugh.* ;-)
Mrs. Jackman: (As she sniffles) Have a nice time on your honeymoon, baby!
Mike: Don't worry, Mrs. J. I'll take good care of her. (Puts his arms around Emma)
Emma: (Grins) And I'll take good care of HIM. ;)
*Micky starts snickering, but Lauren elbows him.* ;-)
Mrs. Jackman: (Takes Mike's hand) "Mom" will be fine, Mike. Everyone else call me that. Or Miss Cheryl. :)
Mr. Jackman: (Shakes Mike's hand) And, hey, you can call me Bill. Maybe we'll see a John Wayne double feature together some day!
Keefe: Maybe we can watch John Wayne movies on TV!
Mike: (Nods at Keefe, kneeling down) Sure, cowpoke! That would be fun! :)
(Emma mutters something about her husband being corrupted. ;) )
Peter: (Flings his arms around Emma and Mike) You have GORGEOUS auras, really nervous...but very, very happy. (He nearly knocks them both over.)
Mike: (As he and Emma gasp for breath) Thanks, Pete. ;)
Valerie: Youlook like you could light up the entire state of California! :)
Micky: *steps up to Emma Mike; grins* Alright, you two, not so fast. We got a little gift for ya. *holds out a wrapped box*
Mike: (Pokes at the box) Does this bite?
Emma: Oh, you guys! :)
Lauren: That's the FIRST part of the gift, and I had NOTHING to do with this one. ;-)
Davy: (Winks) Open it!
Micky: *rolls his eyes* Oh, just open it, Mike! *grins widely*
(The two open the box together. Mike pulls off the ribbon, Emma rips the paper.)
*Micky's grin couldn't get any wider.*
*Inside the box is a book with a scrap of paper lying across it. The paper reads, in scrawled handwriting, "Joy of Sex."*
(Mr. Jackman roars with laughter.)
*Micky cackles.*
Mrs. Jackman: Oh, good grief! ;)
Emma: Oh, man!
Mike: Hoo boy.
Lauren: *covers her face* Dear God, I was HOPING he was just joking about that.
Micky: *wiping tears from his eyes* What? *howls again*
Davy: (Elbows Micky) We NEVAH joke about the important stuff, right, Mick? ;)
Micky: *still laughing, his face is red* Never, man, never! ;-)
(Valerie just puts her hand over Peter's eyes.)
Keefe: Can I see?
Mrs. Jackman: No.
Emma: (Grins) You're BAD, Micky! ;)
*Micky is doubled over.* ;-)
Lauren: *holds out another package to the couple* And now for the REAL gift. *glares at Micky, who's STILL laughing*
Mike: Hope this one's safer. (They both open it again)
Lauren: Trust me on this one. ;-)
Emma: (Nods at Lauren) YOU I trust. (Nods at Davy and Micky doubled over) THEM I do not. ;)
*Inside this package, there's a pile of gift certificates to housewares stores, and ANOTHER scrap of paper, folded in half. The paper, in the same scrawled handwriting, reads, "If somethin' needs fixing, just lemme know. I'll grab a hammer and do my best. Just don't go around breaking stuff to get me to come over, alright? -Micky."
(Emma and Mike double over laughing.)
Mike: (grins and squeezes Micky's shoulder) I'll break something just for you, ol' buddy. ;)
Micky: *still chuckling* Gee, thanks. ;-)
(The message is passed around. Soon, EVERYONE is laughing, even the Jackmans and Keefe. ;) )
Emma: And we could really use these. This place is going to need fixing up if we're going to buy it from Babbitt.
Mrs. Jackman: (Raises her eyebrows) Buying it...
Mike: We're hopin' to buy this place off of the owner after we have enough saved up.
Keefe: (Whoops with delight) Groovy! Can I visit? Can I visit A LOT? You've got all those instruments and you're right next to the beach! :D
Emma: (Sighs) We'll see, Buddy.
Mike: Yeah, cowboy. Right now, just let your sister and me go on our honeymoon and get settled.
Mrs. Jackman: And I hope you two like OUR present. :)
Mike: I'm sure we will, Mom. I've never seen Cape May before.
Emma: That was a great idea, getting us a week's stay at one of the Victorian hotels. Just right for us historic people. (Squeezes Mike's hand)
Mr. Jackman: Yeah, nice place, and REAL quiet at this time of the year. You'll have all the time in the world to...well...do stuff. ;)
Mrs. Jackman: (Glares) Willie, MUST you be obvious?
Mr. Jackman: Aw, Cheryl, I'm teasin'!
*Micky starts snickering again.*
(Emma and Mike are the color of Jersey tomatoes.
Mike: Well...speaking of our honeymoon, maybe we'd better get going. :)
Emma: I'm going to go change into something a little more appropriate for a motorcycle ride. :)
(Emma goes downstairs and Mike goes upstairs. They come downstairs quickly, Mike in his "Head" duster, sunglasses, turtleneck, and boots, Emma in a green jacket and simpler brown jumper and yellow blouse. Mike carries suitcases. He mischieviously slips the "Sex" book in his. ;) )
Emma: (Hugs Lauren) Have a nice week, honey. I'll call you when we get back.
Lauren: Have fun. *winks*
Mike: (Hugs Peter, then Micky and Davy) You boys be good. Don't blow the place up. ;)
Micky: *tries to look innocent, not easy with his still red face* Who? US? ;-)
Davy: (Also tries for innocence) Would we do THAT? ;)
Peter: I wouldn't!
(They get hugs from Valerie, the Abbies, Emma's folks, Millie and Larry, Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Purdy, and Aunt Kate before finally making their way to the front of the Pad, where Mike's bike sits outside with a "Just Married" sign. The pair get on it, Mike tying the suitcases to the back. Everyone throws rice as they take off down the street. The group slowly begins to break up, the three remaining Monkees, the Abbies, and Lauren and Valerie going back inside to the Pad.)
(Micky wanders onto the veranda, watching the sky. Lauren joins him.)
Lauren: Hey, Mick. *grins*
Micky: Oh, hi, honey. (Smiles) Well, they did it. They're finally hitched, and they didn't kill each other doing it. ;)
Lauren: I had faith in them. 'Bout time, too. ;-)
Micky: (Grins) Yeah. Took them long enough, those two slowpokes! ;)
Lauren: *smirks* As opposed to the two speeders. ;-)
Micky: Yeah. (takes Lauren's hand) Laur, you never regretted...doing...it...so fast, did you?
Lauren: *shakes her head* Never, Mick. *raises a hand to his face* Never. *moves her thumb* Are you you wearing makeup again? *quirks an eyebrow*
Micky: *slight grin* Mike and I had a nice little chat earlier. *winks* Let's just say we're even now. *Lauren chuckles as he grins wider, but it falls* Babe, can I...can I try something?
Lauren: *curious look* Try what?
Micky: Um...soul reading.
Lauren: *blinks* How...
Micky: *shrugs* Can I try?
Lauren: *nods* Okay. Do I need to do anything?
Micky: *small smirk* I just need to be able to touch your skin *reaches a hand and touches just above her heart* here.
Lauren: This isn't just a ruse you're making up just to touch me, is it? *grins*
Micky: *removes his hand; holds out both arms* Babe, why would I need a ruse? ;-)
Lauren: Good point. Alright. *unbuttons the first couple buttons of her blouse* ...Good thing I chose the button-up shirt. *nods* Okay, I'm ready.
Micky: *reaches over again, but hesitates for a moment, then places his fingers* ...You're scared about the twins being born.
Lauren: *eyes widen* Y...yes. I'm scared of what's going to happen, and what could happen.
Micky: *frowns slightly, then brightens* It'll be okay, babe! *pauses* You're afraid something might go wrong. *Lauren nods* You're worried about what we'll do after they're born. *frowns again* You're envious of me?
Lauren: *shrugs slightly* You know I can't sing worth a darn, Mick. I've PROVEN that. The only instruments I can play are the tambourine and maracas!
Micky: ...But that's also why you love to hear me sing.
Lauren: *nods* You've got a excellent voice, Mick.
Micky: *small smile* Thanks, babe. *pauses, then removes his hand quickly; Lauren's eyes widen; quietly* I'm scaring you.
Lauren: *shakes her head* No...not YOU, your powers. You couldn't do THIS before.
Micky: *nods* I know. I asked Miss Crystal about it earlier. The powers that that *growls* WOMAN gave me are permanent. That's why my light is darker. *sighs* Because the powers were evil to begin with, they made my light almost black when she turned me, but after you brought me back, it went almost back to the color it was. But the powers stayed, along with the sign that they were initially evil.
Lauren: So the soul reading is one of those powers?
Micky: *nods* The most powerful one.
Micky: Man, you think YOU'RE scared? I'm not even sure what all these new powers can do! (Grins) And everyone gets scared, babe. You should have seen Mike this morning!
Lauren: Yeah, I know...
Micky: Poor guy was about to have three cows and a calf over this wedding.
Lauren: *chuckles* I believe that! ;-)
Micky: Lauren, there's something else. When we're in trouble or something's wrong with us boys, can you girls....feel it? Valerie seemed to be able to feel Peter in the attic, and Miss Crystal said this morning that all the women could feel our ancestors when they were...(softly)...killed and, in Robert's case, tortured.
Lauren: I was wondering about that. I did feel something, but I thought it was part of the pregnancy. I didn't really think much of it.
Micky: When you were in the suitcase (takes her hand), could you feel me?
Lauren: *nods* I could! I wanted so bad to call out to you. I DID try, actually.
Micky: (Holds her) God, babe, you don't know how scared I was when I was looking for you out there! I thought I'd never see you again (rubs her stomach), or our children at all.
Lauren: *small grin* I had faith in you, Mick. :-)
Micky: (Grins) You did, Babe?
Lauren: Of course!
Micky: (Smiles) You know, I wonder if the ancestors ever DID find their soulmates again? They were all missing them something terrible.
Lauren: *smiles* I hope they did. After all they went through...
Micky: (Grins) Georgiano and his soulmate Laryen had FOUR kids...and she was pregnant with another when he (brief frown) went. (Winks) You think we could beat that, Laur? ;)
Lauren: *eyes widen; small grin* Don't push it, Curly. *pokes him in the chest, grinning* ;-)
Micky: (Laughs) Ok, I won't, Babe! (Crosses his fingers) Well, not today. ;)
Lauren: *grin widens* Mick!
Micky: Oh, Babe... (starts to take her in his arms, then sees something out of the corner of his eyes) Huh? What's that?
Lauren: What? What's what? *tries to follow where he's looking*
(Four little lights - one red, one blue, one green, one white - flit across the blue horizon towards the empty beach. Emma and Mike, who are passing by on the motorcycle, also stop to watch the lights.)
(One by one, each light flickers and brightens until it becomes the outline of a human - Georgiano, Lord David, Bard Peter, and Sir Robert.)
Sir Robert: (Looks around him) It is time, mon amis. They agreed to meet us at this place.
Bard Peter: (Timidly) Do you really think they'll forgive us?
Georgiano: *bouncing on his heels* Manohmanohmanohman...
Lord David: (Juts a finger at Georgiano) I 'ope so. Georgi's dyin' to get back in bed wit' Laryen and make five more kiddies. ;)
*Georgi shakes his head, grinning widely.* ;-)
Sir Robert: (Makes a face) Georgiano, mon ami, please control your hormones.
Georgi: Sorry.
Lord David: (Points at the sky) There they are!
(Four more lights - purple, pink, yellow, and coppery brown - flit across the wide, blue sky. They land, flicker, and become the outlines of four familiar-looking women.)
Sir Robert: (Goes to Emmeline, a small girl with long wavy brown hair and wary gray eyes, wearing a simple German peasant woman's dress) Ma cheri Emmeline, I have missed you so...
Emmeline: (Eyes blaze) Damn you, Robert! I'd smack you with my stick if you weren't already dead! Why did you run off like that without barely leaving a word?
Sir Robert: (Frowns) Emmeline, I have been wanting you in my arms for five hundred years, and you greet me like THIS?
Emmeline: Do you know how WE'VE suffered, too?
*Georgi runs to Laryen, who wears a simple Irish dress, and scoops her up in a hug. She returns the hug, but then breaks it to smack the back of his head, grinning.*
Georgi: *rubs the back of his head, still holding Laryen up* Ow!
Laryen: *jabs an index finger in his face* You can be so gullible sometimes... *expression softens* ...but I'm glad you finally came back. *She plants a kiss on Georgi that makes his eyes widen.*
(The small, black-haired girl in the colorful Polish peasant dress slaps Lord David across the face.)
Lord David: (Shocked) Wot on EARTH, luv...
Devlanta: Damn you, David, do you know what rumors I heard in the village? And with me pregnant, too!
Lord David: Luv, I was under the control of the Devil Woman!
(Valrea is a lovely girl with almost waist-length auburn hair in a long braid. She wears a fine yellow gown made of silks and satins with gold trim. Bard Peter takes her in a huge, wordless hug, sobbing.)
Lady Valrea: (Shakes her head) Oh, my Peter...I've missed you, missed our music...
Emmeline: Robert (gently puts her hands on his cheek, then runs her fingers through his long, raven hair), what happened to you? I felt...cuts on my face...my arms...something jerked my hair...
Sir Robert: (Puts his arms around Emmeline) Someday I will tell you. It is not important now. What's important is I finally have you again. We will not suffer anymore.
Lord David: (Takes Devlanta's hand) Devvie, wot was...our child like?
Devlanta: (Smiles dreamily and rubs his hand) Oh, David, he was a boy. He was so beautiful! He had your lovely features and my black hair. He was such a sweet child, really no trouble. I wish you could have seen him.
(Bard Peter and Lady Valera continue to just stand in each other's arms and hold each other.)
*Georgi and Laryen are STILL kissing.* ;-)
Sir Robert: (Strokes Emmeline's hair, shaking his head at Georgi and Laryen) Those two are DEAD, and they still try to make enfants. ;)
Devlanta: (Softly) We KNOW you died. I felt it (taps her chest) here. A tearing in my chest, like a sharp knife was going straight through it. Valrea and Laryen felt it, too.
Lady Valrea: (Puts her hand on Peter's heart) Aye, and Peter, I know they must have taken your soul, too. I felt a fire in my heart, like someone was ripping my chest out.
Bard Peter: (Nods and whimpers) It was so scary, Val! Robert was so hurt, and they did something to the others...
Laryen: *as she and Georgi finally break* We're gonna have a nice long talk, you KNOW that. *grins*
Georgi: I know, I know. Could we kiss a little more first? I've really missed you. :x
Laryen: *rolls her eyes* We WILL talk. *smiles, kisses Georgi again*
Devlanta: (Grins) As will we, my Lord of the Manor. ;)
Lord David: (Grins) Talk latah. Catch up on five 'undred yeahs of lost time first. ;) (Grabs her, dips her, and kisses her, too)
Devlanta: (Grins) Mrrrow! (She pulls David so hard into the kiss, they almost fall over)
Emmeline: (Frowns) Robert, I KNEW it! You WERE hurt! The Evil One must have hurt you!
Sir Robert: (Nods) I was hurt badly, my Emmeline. I did not lose my soul until much later, but it truly died the day they killed the others. He (softly) damaged me so badly, I could not rescue the others...and then killed them in front of me with my sword.
Emmeline: (Tears spring to her eyes) Oh, my Robert, my poor White Knight...
Sir Robert: (Shakes his head) Non, ma cheri Emmeline. Please don't cry. All I've wanted for five hundred years is to hold you and argue with you and love you again.
Bard Peter: (Nods) V...Valrea, I still love you. I've always loved you.
Lady Valrea: (Takes him in her arms) Aye, my dear Peter. I've always loved you, too. (Pulls him into a deep kiss)
Emmeline: (As Robert gently lifts her chin) My White Knight...
Sir Robert: Ma cheri....(as they kiss, the entire group fades back into lights, and each light - brown and white, pink and blue, purple and red, and yellow and green - float into the horizon.)
(Micky and Lauren grin, wave, and go back in the Pad hand-in-hand. Emma and Mike also grin and wave. They get back on the motorcycle. Mike starts it up, and as they're going down the street, a blue light flashes, engulfing motorcycle and riders, leaving the "Just Married" sign floating on the wind.)