Emma: So, is everyone who's still with us ready to get some answers from she who is known as Miss Crystal?
Valerie: You bet.
Lauren: Definitely.
Peter: (Wails) We've got to get Mike and Micky back! :((
Davy: Let's get some bloomin' answers 'ere.
Daphne: Would someone tell me what's going on?
Davy: We'll tell you on the way to the cave.
(Fade in on the early morning sunlight. The jeep and the MonkeeMobile streak across the desert to the MonkeeCave, the crystal hide-out first encountered in "Origins of the Monkeemen." The remaining members of the small band - Davy, Emma, Lauren, Peter, Valerie, and Daphne - slowly walk into the cave. Peter and Valerie are hand-in-hand. Emma has her arm around a still-upset Lauren. Davy and Daphne bring up the rear, checking for intruders.)
Davy: Don't think we were followed 'ere.
Daphne: What's going on? Why are we here? All I could get out of anyone last night was Micky and Mike were in trouble.
Peter: (Sobs) S...some mean lady t...turned Micky e...evil, and h...he turned M...mike into a m...mute w...wolf. :((
Daphne: Huh? Come again?
Emma: Daph, do you remember the woman who showed up at my bridal shower? The one I hit with a pie?
Daphne: (Nods, smiling at the memory) Yeah. Man, what a witch! You gave her what she deserved! If you hadn't pied her, Kim would have sent her flying out the door on her backside anyway! ;)
Lauren: *mutters* Should've given her that, too.
Emma: (Sniffs) If only Mike had listened to me...
Davy: Daphne, you girls were right all along 'bout that woman. She's evil, probably one of Zero's minions.
Daphne: Oh, man! No wonder my stomach felt weird! That wasn't cake!
Valerie: She seems to have done something to Micky's mind and powers.
Davy: Turned 'im against all of us, especially Mike.
*Lauren sniffs.*
Daphne: (Eyes widen) What?
Valerie: She tainted Micky's thoughts, turned them evil. She must have somehow convinced him that we're the enemy.
Daphne: You're kidding, right?
Peter: We saw it last night, with our own eyes! Micky wasn't acting like his funny, nice self! He kept yelling, and he was mean to the wolf!
Emma: He...(chokes)...oh, he practically bragged about it...
Davy: Stripped porh Mike of 'is ability to speak and turned 'im into a baby wolf.
Lauren: *mutters* Who knows what would've happened if I'd left with him?
Emma: (Softly) He tried to get Lauren to go with him, too, but we caught wise and managed to save her... (almost too soft to hear) but not Mike. Mike was in a cage, and he took it with him.
Daphne: (Jaw drops) Unreal, man!
Valerie: I only wish. That bitch Shelia Saunders came over and took Micky and Mike.
Emma: (Mutters) Don't think she likes me very much.
Peter: (Nods) Shelia really had it in for Emma! If looks could kill, Em wouldn't be here now!
Daphne: That's a little extreme for just a banana cream pie-damaged dress.
(The group finally arrives in the main cave. It's exactly how it was left in the Interview Tag Sequence of "Origins of the Monkeemen." The crystal still sits in the center of the room, glowing an unusually dark shade of blue.)
Miss Crystal: (Sadly) Come in, masters and soulmates. We have much to discuss.
Emma: (Makes a face as the group enters the caves and takes various seats) No shit, Sherlock.
*Lauren gives a small smirk.*
(Peter closes his eyes. A thick purple pillow appears. He places it on the crystal couch.)
Peter: Here you go, Lauren! This will be far more comfortable for you and the children!
Lauren: *sniffs; small smile* Thank you, Peter.
Miss Crystal: I feel I must apologize for what...my sister...did to your friends.
Emma: (Frowns) Your sister?
*Lauren's eyes widen.*
Miss Crystal: (Flares) The woman you know as Shelia Saunders is my younger sister. I knew her once as Julia. Born to the same mother, but different fathers from different countries. The Evil One...you call him Zero...adopted both of us and taught us his ways, how to collect and taint souls, the more innocent, the better.
(Peter gulps. Valerie puts a hand on his shoulder.)
Lauren: Oh, my Lord.
Miss Crystal: To make a long story short, I dropped out of the business. I hated it. I'd had enough of hurting people who never deserved the kind of pain they were given. Julia...Shelia...never left it. She remained with the man she calls Uncle as his second-in-command. My real name is Ursula. The Evil One and I had a kind of understanding when I was younger. He wasn't happy when I left him and vowed to capture my soul for eternity. Your ancestors kept him from this goal by sealing my soul in this crystal.
Daphne: Our ancestors?
Ursula: I found each of your ancestors languishing in various parts of Europe. Laryen, you came from Ireland, and Emmeline is from the German fishing villiages. You had all been neglected and ignored by the rest of society, much like you are now. I gave you the powers because I sensed the innate good and strength in all of you that others missed.
Davy: Miss Cr...Ursula, you told us that before.
Ursula: What I didn't tell you was that Zero eventually caught up with all of you. He tainted the minds of Georgiano and Lord David. The powers I gave them were blackened, their souls stripped of all love...except for the love of their soulmates.
Davy: (Gulps; squeaks) Me? My ancestah was...evilized...too?
Daphne: Oh, god, no!
Lauren: *frowns* Micky...
Ursula: (Blue light becomes even darker) I'm sorry, Laryen. Georgiano was the first to be turned.
*Lauren shakes her head, sniffling again.*
Ursula: My sister encouraged them to track down, capture, and torture Sir Robert. Julia was once Robert's lover, but he gave her up for Emmeline, his beloved soulmate. They must have forced Peter to give up his soul to rescue his dear friend Sir Robert. The women all felt their pain.
Emma: And Robert?
Ursula: (Sadly) We believe Julia kept him as some kind of slave. The other three were killed, probably by Uncle and Julia. That's all we know. Neither I nor the women and their little ones ever saw the men after the day Robert and Peter vanished. The women escaped with me, vowing to keep the powers that had caused them and their children nothing but grief hidden. These powers remained hidden until three years ago, when Zero resurfaced.
(The others all exchange looks. Emma clenches her fists angrily. Daphne and Davy sit on either side of Lauren, trying to calm her. Peter and Valerie hold hands for dear life.)
Emma: (Sputtering) That... that... that...
Ursula: I believe the word you're looking for, Emmeline, is bitch.
*Lauren nods furiously.*
Emma: No, I was trying to find a nastier euphenism. :p X(
Peter: I...I saved Sir Robert?
Ursula: Your ancestor did, or tried to. He did save the women, though. He hid them in his home in Bavaria until he went to make his deal with Zero, then arranged with friends of his to give them safe passage to England.
Valerie: Which is how the powers still exist.
Ursula: Though I was eventually separated from your ancestors, the women and their children must have all survived, some of them coming to America.
Emma: I want to hit that bitch so bad. She encouraged Micky to hate Mike and torment him. I know she did.
*Lauren sniffs again.*
Ursula: Emmeline, you're right. My sister turned Micky's mind against all of you, and he especially hates Michael now. That's why he's so eager to torture him. That, and Julia wishes to have Michael as her tame plaything once more.
Emma: (Roars again) OVER MY DEAD BODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ursula: There is one person Micky still loves, however. (Glows at Lauren) Laryen, did you notice how Shelia would not allow you to speak to Micky last night?
Lauren: *nods* Yeah.
Ursula: Laryen, he still loves you deeply. Julia managed to lock his love for you in the recesses of his mind. Had you spoken to him or shown your love, it might have unlocked and freed him from his prison.
Davy: No wondah she grabbed 'im out of theah so quick. She knew Lauren might be able to save 'im.
*Lauren's eyes widen.*
Emma: (Trembling with rage) Where are they now, Ursula? Do you know?
Ursula: Yes. She returned with both of them to the Montgomery House. Rather amusing little joke of my uncle's, to hole up in a house that's reputedly haunted. :p
Davy: Could we possibly get them on the monitor?
Ursula: (Sighs, the blue glow rising and falling with the sigh) You could try, Lord David. I'm afraid the ones who know more about the machinery than I are not here at present. :p
Daphne: Let's do it! We'll get the drop on them!
Valerie: It will make it easier to plan a strategy if we have some idea of what they're up to.
Emma: Lauren, did Micky ever tell you about this thing?
Lauren: Um... *scratches her head* If he did, I've forgotten, but we can try. I don't really want to watch, though.
Valerie: I don't blame you, Lauren. If it were Peter, I'd have a hard time, too. (Shudders)
Emma: Val, that won't happen. Not this time. We'll keep him and Davy safe.
Daphne: (Takes Davy's arm protectively) I would prefer he not end up hating everyone except for me. Much safer that way.
Davy: (Pulls away) 'Ey, Daph, I'm glad you're bein' protective and everythin', but me arm's goin' ta sleep!
(Valerie, Peter, and Emma fiddle with various nobs on the monitor. There's nothing but static at first, but finally, they get a reception. It's very weak at first, but it gradually comes in clearer and clearer. The picture is on the living room again at first. Micky and Shelia sit at the same table, once again drinking tea and eating the apple-shaped marzipan candies.)
Shelia: You did wonderful work last night, Micky, even if you were unable to convince your wife to join us. We'll bring her here sooner or later, and then, you will have all the time in the world to spend with her. No obligations, no meddling Knights or Scholars.
(Emma makes a face at the screen.)
Micky: Thank you, Milady. Too bad the others got in the way. *narrows his eyes*
Shelia: We'll take care of them soon enough. Lord David's mind was turned easily enough before, but perhaps, you'd like to play with him a bit as well? I know how you feel about his way with females and equestrian skills.
(Daphne and Davy glare so hard, it's surprising the monitor remains standing.)
Micky: *grins* I would rather enjoy a chance to play with him as well.
Davy: (Growls softly) If 'er idea of playin' games is wot 'appened to Mike, I think I'll pass, thank you!
Valerie: (Frowns) There's something weird here.
Peter: Micky's under some kind of a trance, like we were when Oraculo had us. Look at his eyes! They're all black!
Daphne: How on earth is she doing that?
Lauren: *squints at the screen* My God.
Shelia: As much as I'd like to allow you to play with the Bard, my uncle wouldn't like it. He's waited five 'undred yeahs to get 'is 'ands on a soul as innocent as the original Petah's.
Valerie: (Takes Peter's shoulder firmly as he gasps) And he won't get this one, either. X(
Peter: (Softly) Thank you, Val.
Micky: *shakes his head, grinning* That's fine. I've had a great deal of fun. Wouldn't want to do any damage to such a soul.
Shelia: (Sips her tea) Where did you put Michael aftah last night? I went to bed aftah we returned, I was so tired aftah our long day. (Smiles wickedly) I suppose he's still a wolf?
(Emma growls her "Mother Bear" growl.)
Micky: *grin turns more evil* Of course. I left him in the cage and kept him in my room. *shakes his head* I don't think he appreciated my snoring. ;-)
Shelia: Bring him down 'ere. My uncle will be arrivin' soon, and 'e'd like to 'ave a word or two wit' the White Knight, or wot used to be 'im.
Emma: (Mutters) I'd like to have a word or two with Zero, all of them unrepeatable in public. X(
Micky: Right, Milady. *closes his eyes--a very dark blue light fades as the cage appears on the floor near them* There's the little fella! *smirks*
(Mike, in his baby wolf form, paces angrily in the cage. He bears his teeth at the pair.)
Shelia: He remains completely mute and unable to make a sound?
(Peter whimpers and Emma growls again.)
Micky: Naturally. I did not feel like being kept awake by the little mongrel.
*Lauren's eyes widen.*
Shelia: As sweet as 'e looks like that, we won't be able to keep 'im a wolf. Me uncle wants 'im 'ole 'uman. Somethin' about revenge...
(Peter sobs and leans into Valerie, who rubs his back. Emma's growl is so forceful, it echos off the cave walls.)
(Mike scratches angrily at the cage, trying to free himself.)
Micky: *makes a face; sighs* Alright, I'll change him back. *stares at the cage; it disappears. Mike reappears in human form, once again tied to a chair*
(Mike glares at them once more and struggles.)
Shelia: I wish you'd stop trying to do that, Michael. You know you won't get away.
Micky: You were a lot less trouble as a wolf, despite trying to claw me.
(Mike glares angrily at Micky and tries to pull his hands free to claw him again.)
Micky: *grins* Should've declawed you, too.
Shelia: We have to keep 'im out of trouble and 'uman until my uncle arrives. What else is 'e frightened of that will disorient him?
(Mike shakes his head and struggles as hard as he can.)
Micky: Losing control, losing...*evil grin* Emma.
(Emma's eyes widen. Her growl could probably be heard across the Mojave Desert.)
Shelia: Since we 'aven't got 'is sweetheart, we'll 'ave to strip 'im of 'is control.
Micky: Works for me.
(Mike's eyes widen. He tries to kick Micky again, but Micky is ready this time and easily sidesteps the angered Texan.)
Micky: Didn't actually think you'd get me with that one twice, did you? *smirks*
Shelia: Subdue his lower extremities, Micky. He tends to use them too often for my liking.
(Mike kicks again, this time hitting Shelia's knee. She screams.)
Shelia: (Shrieking as Emma grins) PUNISH HIM!
Micky: *fuming* Gladly! *stares at Mike's legs, rendering them useless*
(Mike tries to move his legs, but they're paralyzed. He looks up in anger and horror.)
Emma: (Rubs her legs) Ow! What did he do to him?
Micky: Care to lose any other body function, Michael? *narrows his eyes*
Lauren: *moans; she has been listening* This can't be happening.
Shelia: One more thing. It worked last night. (Takes a cloth from the table and hands it to Micky) Would you care to have the honor of blindfolding the White Knight?
(Mike shakes his head, trying to struggle again.)
Micky: Why, thank you, Milady. It's a great honor. *wraps the cloth around Mike's eyes*
Shelia: (Laughs and steps back to admire their handiwork. Mike, though blindfolded and robbed of the use of his legs, tries his hardest to free himself) Not bad. Anything else to tame the mighty wolf?
Emma: If she tries anything else, that little...
Davy: We'll all take 'er... startin' wit' me! I cahn't believe she'd make porh Mick do 'er dirty work! 'E's not like that!
Micky: *considers* I don't know. I could think of a couple other things. *grins evilly*
Shelia: (Strokes Micky's cheeks) Would you try one or two of them for me, my Savage?
(This time, it's Ursula who growls.)
*Lauren whimpers.*
Ursula: Damn my sister! She's tainted his powers and turned them against Michael!
Micky: *grin widens* Anything, Milady. *stares at Mike once again...*
(Mike continues to struggle.)
*As Micky stares, Mike slowly loses the use of his arms, then his hands. Micky's grin widens as much as it possibly could as he paralyzes a certain other body part.*
(Mike cringes in horrified pain. Emma shrieks at the top of her lungs. Peter bursts into tears and flings himself into Valerie's arms.)
Emma: NO! GET AWAY FROM HIM! IT HURTS!!
Peter: She...she made Micky hurt Michael! He's in so much pain!
Ursula: (Softly) Indescribable pain, Peter.
*Lauren cries again, hiding her face in her hands.*
(Davy shouts every English curse he knows, some obscure. Daphne puts her arms around Lauren.)
Shelia: Good work, Micky.
Micky: Thank you, Milady.
Lauren: *through her sobs* No...no...no...
(Michael's body slumps in the chair. Micky yanks him by the hair and grins into his blindfolded face.)
Emma: No...damn you, Mick...
Micky: How did you like that, Michael? Huh?
(Mike does the one thing he can still do - spit in Micky's face again.)
Micky: *closes his eyes and gives Mike's hair another yank; he slowly opens his eyes, then wipes off his face; growls* I should kill you.
Shelia: But you won't. Uncle has...plans...for him. I think you'll like them.
(Mike falls back against the chair, exausted.)
Micky: *still fuming, breathing heavily* I hope so.
(There's a puff of smoke and a deep, black light, and Zero, looking very much as he did in "The Devil and Peter Tork," appears. Emma lets loose with another "Mother Bear" growl that fills the desert.)
Ursula: (Softly; angrily) Uncle.
Peter: No! He'll hurt Mike! (Buries his face into Valerie's chest)
Daphne: (With her arms still around Lauren) When I'm get my hands on that bitch, she's gonna be soooooo toast!
Zero: (Looks around the premises; his grin widens when he notices Micky and Mike) Shelia, my dear, you've done exemplarary work. Two of the eight in one day! (Goes to Micky) And you...you, my boy, will make one of our finest, shall we say, soul collectors.
(Mike shifts the best he can in his chair.)
Micky: *evil grin; folds his arms* Thank you.
Zero: You've brought me the one who has plagued my every plan, made mincemeat of my every attempt to capture the Bard.
Micky: I only wish he'd been more of an opponent. *grins again*
*Lauren sobs harder, muttering and hiccupping.*
(Zero grabs Mike's hair and removes the blindfold. Mike's deep-brown eyes are roaring angry; he glares at Zero, then Micky.)
Zero: (Places a hand on Mike's chest; he opens his mouth to scream, but nothing comes out) Oh...(laughs)...oh, my! The White Knight is almost completely paralyzed physically and mentally, despite his normal outwards appearance.
*Micky merely grins, proud of himself.*
(Mike glares and spits at Zero, but he catches Mike's face and takes his cheeks.)
Zero: Don't you dare try that with me, boy. You've interfered with me and my minions one too many times. (Nods at Shelia) Bring me the crystal pendant from the cupboard.
Shelia: Yes, Uncle. (Goes to an ornate Victorian glass-fronted cupboard and opens it. She removes a large, glittering clear crystal pendant on a gold chain from the top shelf)
Zero: Now, Micky, I will show you what happens to those who try to get in my way. (Hands him the crystal) Would you like to try it? It will get the White Knight out of your hair for good. You would have the band, the car...everything.
(Mike's eyes widen. He shakes his head furiously, then turns wide, pleading eyes to Micky.)
Micky: *nods, grinning* Yes. I'd love to try it.
(Mike mouths "Don't do this, Mick.")
*Micky's grin widens.*
Zero: Hold his head so he's staring straight into the crystal.
(Mike immediately tries to pull back.)
Micky: *moves behind Mike and places one hand on each side of his head* Hold still!
(Shelia holds the crystal in front of Mike's eyes and begins swinging it slowly.)
(Mike tries his hardest to pull free of Micky's hands.)
*Micky tightens his grip, his grin turning more determined and angry.*
Zero: Now, watch as Shelia swings the crystal. Tell him he must keep his eyes on the crystal.
(Mike closes his eyes and tries to turn away again.)
Micky: Michael, watch the crystal. *tightens his grip* Do not close your eyes!
Zero: Make his eyes stay open. Shelia, keep swinging the crystal.
(Mike tries to close his eyes even tighter.)
*Micky reaches around to hold Mike's eyes open, propping the back of Mike's head to his chest.*
(Mike opens his mouth to scream again, but still no sound comes out.)
Zero: Good. Now, swing a bit faster. Micky, keep a tight hold on his eyes. He'll try to break loose again. Tell him that he will become one with the crystal.
(Mike tries to move his eyelids, but Micky's grip is tight.)
Micky: *nods* Michael, watch the crystal. Become one with it. Don't fight it, Michael. Just watch the crystal.
(Shelia brings it closer and closer to him. Mike tries to pull away, but nothing moves.)
Zero: Stop fighting, Michael. You will never become free.
(Mike manages to mouth "No!" before his eyes finally lock onto the crystal, following its every movement. The others in the crystal cave watch the drama in the Haunted House with baited breath.)
Zero: Micky, whisper these words (whispers something to Micky) into his ear. It will lower his defenses and weaken his mind.
Emma: What are they doing to him?
*Micky nods, then leans over and whispers something in Mike's ear.*
(Mike tries to close his eyes, but they keep following the crystal, which is practically in his face now. He finally just allows his eyes to move in the same pattern as the crystal, his face becoming placid.)
Zero: Now, Micky, tell him that he must sleep. It will allow the crystal to work and envelope him.
(Mike's eyes still follow the crystal, becoming more and more dull with each swing.)
Micky: Michael, you must go to sleep. Go to sleep, Michael.
(Mike tries to struggle against the words once or twice, but his eyes flutter, then slowly close. A deep black light slowly spreads around his body, engulfing it. When it subsides, Mike has vanished, leaving the chair and ropes.)
Emma: (Shrieking) NO! WHAT DID THEY DO TO HIM!??
Ursula: (Gasps) No, god no, not that!
Zero: (Puts the chain with the crystal around Micky's neck) You will keep an eye on this, my good slave. You have proved yourself far more worthy of such an honor than the former Knight.
Micky: *grins* Thank you. It will be a great honor.
Davy: Wot just 'appened in theah?
Ursula: He...he placed Michael in suspended animation.
Emma: I can't stand this anymore! (Turns off the monitor)
*Lauren is still sobbing, nearly uncontrollably.*
(Daphne hugs Lauren, trying to calm her. Davy joins her.)
Peter: Oh...oh god... (Sobs into Valerie's arms. She holds him as hard as she can)
Emma: I don't know what just happened, but I do know we have to get them back. Now, before Zero decides he has any more tricks up his sleeve.
Davy: But 'ow? We don't even know wot just 'appened in there!
Ursula: (Softly) I do. He's placed Michael in suspended animation. He's alive, but asleep, possibly for eternity.
Emma: NO! NO! I LOVE HIM! We're gonna get married!
Davy: Not if Zero 'as 'is way.
Daphne: Ursula, isn't there any way we can save them?
Ursula: Yes. Emma herself can rescue Michael. Only love can break the crystal's hold over him.
Emma: Crystal? Is that what that was all about?
Daphne: (Rubbing Lauren's back) Lauren, this is probably a dumb question, but are you ok?
Lauren: *shakes her head* No... I can't believe...I... *swallows* I'm afraid...if I'm the only one...I can't talk to Micky...
Daphne: We'll have to get you two alone somehow.
Davy: We'll distract Zero and Shelia.
*Lauren's eyes widen.*
Emma: Let me have Shelia. I'll kill that little bitch for encouraging Micky to do all that to Mike!
Ursula: Emmeline, take care. Remember, she's also after you. She's almost insanely jealous of you.
Emma: Me? Why?
Ursula: Your ancestor won Michael's ancestor Sir Robert instead of her. She never forgave her for that, or for escaping her grasp several times when she tried to kill her. She will try again.
Emma: Not if I kill her first!
Peter: (Sobbing so hard, he's almost incoherant) Em, no! Enough...people...have been...hurt already!
Davy: I do agree with one thing, though. We've got to get to Micky and Michael, possibly when Shelia isn't around.
Ursula: (Turns red and blinks) Intruder! Intruder!
(A figure flies into the MonkeeCave, to the astonishment of the others. Micky lands in the center of the room, smirking at all and sundry and still wearing the crystal.)
Micky: My, what a sight this is!
Ursula: Georgiano, I demand that you release Sir Robert this instant, or I will detonate in your face.
Micky: *scoffs* Please. Like you can scare me. *eyes narrow*
Emma: Where's Mike? What did you do to him?
Peter: He has him!
Davy: Wot?
Micky: *grins* He's in a very safe place. *pats the crystal he now wears*
Davy: (Goes to Micky, quite friendly) Aw, come on, Mick. Let us help break you outta this. You can't be 'appy bein' a pawn.
Micky: *glares at Davy* Who said I'm a pawn? I'm very happy!
Ursula: Georgiano, The Evil One and my sister are using you to hurt your friends, just like they used you almost five hundred years ago. When they no longer need you, they'll kill you, and Laryen, too.
Micky: *blinks* Lauren... *shakes his head* No! You lie!
Valerie: (She and Peter both stand) What!?
Ursula: The Evil One is my uncle as well. I know him better than anyone except my sister.
Emma: (Gasps at the crystal) He...that...oh, Good Lord Allmighty! (Shrieks) You BASTARD!
*Micky's glare turns on Emma.*
Emma: Give me that! (Reaches for the crystal)
*Micky moves away from Emma.*
Emma: Micky, let him go!
Micky: No!
Valerie: What did you do to Mike?
Emma: (Reaches for the crystal again) I can make him whole!
Micky: *moves out of Emma's reach* I showed him who's boss! He isn't the great leader he thinks he is!
Daphne: Lauren, go to him!
Lauren: I don't know if I can.
Daphne: You've got to! He still loves you!
Lauren: I'm...I'm afraid...
Daphne: Don't be. Remember what Ursula said.
Davy: (Pleading) Micky, come on. This isn't you. This ain't the best friend I know and love.
Micky: *to Davy* So?
Davy: We all liked you bettah before, including Lauren.
Ursula: Why did my uncle and Julia send you here, Georgiano?
Micky: *expression softens slightly* Lauren... *shakes his head again*
Emma: Micky, you've got Mike in that crystal! I know it! Please, let him go, or let me free him! I want to make him my husband, not my science project!
Micky: *holds onto the crystal* I'm here to offer a challenge. Zero and his minions against all of you. Winner takes all souls. *smirks at Emma*
Emma: No!
Peter: All souls?
Lauren: Oh, my Lord!
Valerie: You must be crazy!
Davy: You've gone bloomin' crackahs, Mick!
Micky: *grins* Why, thank you.
Davy: I'm warning you, Mick. We ain't doin' no foolish things, so just let Mike go now...
Micky: *getting angry* NO!
Emma: Mike's in the crystal! I know it!
Ursula: Micky and my uncle and sister sealed him in it. :(
(Micky holds out the crystal to the horrified group.)
Micky: *grins* We had an audience, huh?
(Mike's body is slumped in the crystal. His eyes are closed, and he breathes deeply.)
Emma: You asshole! (Turns to Lauren) Sorry, sweetie, but he's really getting on my nerves!
Lauren: *shakes her head* It's okay. *with as much force as she can muster* Micky!
(Peter goes to Micky and puts his hand on his shoulder.)
Micky: *blinks; lowers his hand that's holding the crystal; glares at Peter* What?
Peter: Micky, you don't want to do this. You especially don't want to hurt Lauren. You still love her and the children very much. That's how Shelia got you. She promised to help your family.
Micky: *makes a face* No... *blinks*
Peter: Micky, fight this. Stay with us.
Davy: Before I 'urt you.
Emma: And I help him.
Daphne: And I help both of them.
Lauren: Micky, don't believe her! Shelia fed you lies!
Peter: Nothing she told you was true, Micky. You don't hate Michael. He's like a brother to you and all of us, and he loves Emma.
Micky: *looks confused* No... *puts his one hand to the side of his head*
Ursula: Fight the hold she has on you, Georgiano.
Lauren: *moves closer* You have to believe us, Micky. Please!
Davy: Mick...
Valerie: Micky, we're your friends!
Micky: *staggers slightly* I don't know what to believe...
Davy: Come on, Mick. You're not like this. I know it, and Lauren knows it.
Lauren: *moves right up in front of Micky* Please, Mick, believe us!
Micky: *tries to look away from Lauren* But...
(There's a black light in the middle of the group. Shelia appears triumphantly.)
Shelia: My, my, what a lovely place you have here.
Ursula: (Glows a brilliant shade of blue) Julia, let this boy's mind go, and free Michael!
Shelia: Micky, what are you doing? Issue the challenge and leave!
*Micky groans.*
Shelia: (Looks around) Would you like to have some fun first?
Emma: I'll have fun with you, you bitch!
Shelia: Ursula, where did you manage to find such wonderful vocabularies?
Ursula: I was thinking the exact same thing as Emmeline.
Emma: (Grins, nods at Ursula) See, she agrees with me.
Shelia: (Turns to Micky and begins stroking his curls and chest again) 'Ave some fun, Micky. Per'aps with (nods at Davy) the Lord of the Manah?
*Micky blinks, confusion still crossing his face.*
Lauren: No!
Davy: I don't plan on endin' up sleepin' in some crystal.
Ursula: Julia, let GO of him! You've already confused him!
Shelia: (Winks and whispers to Micky) I'll give you a whole batch of marzipan apples when we get home.
*Micky shakes his head.*
Emma: Wanna help me hurt her, Daph?
Daphne: My pleasure!
Emma: Which part do you want to kill, upper or lower?
Daphne: I like the legs myself. More dark meat. ;)
Emma: Good, I'll take the upper half. (Both girls jump on Shelia; all three struggle across the cave)
Peter: Val, we've got to stop her! (Closes his eyes; his arrow and bow appears)
Lauren: Mick! *moves back over to him and holds his head still; she gives him a kiss*
Shelia: (Looks up) No! No!
*After Lauren pulls away, Micky blinks several times, then his eyes close and he slumps to the ground.*
Ursula: Good work, Laryen!
Shelia: (Growls) You...if me uncle didn't want those innocent children of yours...
Lauren: *steps back* I hope this is a good thing! *looks down at Micky*
Emma: (Struggling with Shelia) Don't get near them!
(Shelia throws the girls off and starts towards Micky again, but is distracted by a green-tipped arrow whizzing past her face. Peter grins.)
Peter: Next time, Shelia, I won't miss. Let Michael go.
*Lauren sets herself down in front of Micky, holding one hand flat on his back, rubbing gently.*
Shelia: Not a chance, Bard. I had two slaves for me uncle, and I plan on keeping two slaves.
(Shelia goes to Micky and Lauren, but Davy and Daphne block her.)
Daphne: Oh no, you don't!
Davy: We prefered Micky the way 'e were before!
Shelia: She's broken the spell, the little blaggart. However...(there's a black light; the crystal containing Mike is now around her neck)...I can at least keep one of you.
Ursula: Julia, let the rest of them alone!
(Shelia throws off a black light. It surrounds Ursula. She flashes, but no sound comes out.)
Shelia: That ought to hold my sister until I get outta here. I can't get what I came for, but I might be able to get something better.
Lauren: *eyes widen* No...
Emma: You...you... (blue light - her hockey stick appears) YOU GET AWAY FROM THEM! I'LL HURT YOU!
Peter: (Holds up his bow and another arrow, his voice deadly calm) I will too, Shelia. Normally, I wouldn't kill anyone, but you are the only living creature I've ever met who deserves it.
Shelia: Not unless you want your friends to remain safe. I still have Michael, your beloved leader. Now, I wondah who else I should bring with me?
Emma: No one else is going with you!
Shelia: (Considers) No, not the Bard. Uncle wants him for himself. Maybe...yes, he'll do just fine.
Valerie: Who will?
Shelia: (Goes to Davy, smiling alluringly) Now, Davy, how would you like to come and spend an aftahnoon wit a lovely woman like meself? (Black light - she now wears a tight, strapless, skin-bearing red dress.) You would like it, wouldn't you?
Davy: (Shakes his head angrily as Daphne snarls) No, I would not! I'm not as easily led as ol' Mick!
Lauren: *makes a face* Oh, good grief... *turns and tries to wake Micky*
(She pulls Davy into her grip, tightening it. Daphne screams.)
Davy: Wot? Get off, you...(struggles furiously)
Shelia: (Whispering into Davy's ear) Don't struggle, Lord of the Manah. Don't fight it. Come with me.
Davy: (Still struggles, though not as intensely) No! You won't get me as easily!
Peter: (Sends another arrow, this time just barely missing Shelia's shoulder) Let him go!
Lauren: *still shaking Micky* C'mon, Mick, we could use your help.
Shelia: (Puts one hand on Davy's mouth, the other on his rear) My goodness, you've all got amazing wills.
(A black light consumes Davy. When it clears, the young Englishman is gone.)
Daphne: (Shrieks) NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!
(Ursula flashes violently in her black-light prison.)
Daphne: Where is he?!
Shelia: He's in a safe place.
Emma: Like hell he is.
(Micky groans. He shakily sits up, holding his head. Valerie joins him by Lauren's side.)
Valerie: Lauren, he's coming to!
Lauren: Micky!
Micky: *quietly* Lauren...*groans* My head...
Emma: Give me that crystal! (Lunges for it, but Shelia closes her eyes, and it disappears in a burst of black light) Nooo! Bring him back, you ass-ette!
Shelia: You will see him and the Lord of the Manor again when you come to my uncle's challenge.
Peter: (Lowers his bow and whimpers) He's really serious about that?
Shelia: Yes. (Glares at Peter) It's mostly for you. You, the most innocent of all.
Valerie: Peter?
Lauren: *frowns* No...
Valerie: (To Micky) Mick, are you ok?
Micky: *blinks, then shakes his head* I got one killer of a headache.
Valerie: Given what we saw earlier, I'm not surprised.
Peter: (Blinks) Me? Why me? Just because I'm innocent?
*Lauren hugs Micky; he wraps an arm around her.*
Shelia: My uncle hunted you for five hundred years, Bard. He wants you in the worst way. (Shrugs) Personally, I could take or leave you. I prefer (strokes her chest where the crystal once was) men with pasts.
Peter: Maybe I don't want him!
Emma: (Tries to calm herself) What will happen if we don't accept the challenge.
Shelia: (Wickedly) Lord David will die, and Sir Robert will remain in the crystal as my personal ornament.
Peter: (Gasps) I can't let that happen to them! (Stands up to Shelia and says, as calmly and adult as he can) All right, Shelia. We accept your challenge.
Valerie: (In horror) Peter, no!
Daphne: We've got to!
Emma: If it will get the others back...
*Micky nods.*
Shelia: That's if you win, of course.
Peter: (Low and as menacing as he can make himself sound) We will win.
Shelia: That, Bard, remains to be seen. (She closes her eyes and vanishes in a blast of black light. The light around Ursula also vanishes. Emma and Daphne run after her, screaming curses.)
Ursula: Damn her! Ooh, if I had a body....
Micky: *groans* Man...
Peter: (Gulps and joins Valerie, Lauren, and Micky on the floor) Guys, is he ok?
Valerie: Micky, Lauren, how do you feel now?
Lauren: Mick?
Micky: *looks up in horror* What did I do?
Valerie: Want the long or the short list?
Peter: You hurt Michael!
Micky: *frowns, looks down* I know.
Peter: (Puts his hand on Micky's shoulder) You're in great pain, Mick. Your aura is still a little dark, and very confused. Maybe we could meditate tonight. It might help you clear your mind. I could take you to Mr. Bennett, too. He knows all about different kinds of meditation.
*Lauren continues to rub Micky's back.*
Micky: *nods* Yeah. I can't believe what I did...Mike...
Valerie: Mick, you didn't know. You were under her control. It wasn't your fault.
Peter: You thought she really wanted to help you.
Micky: I did know what I was doing. It was like I was watching myself do...what I did. I couldn't stop.
Valerie: She controled you somehow, Micky.
Micky: She said she could read my soul.
Ursula: I don't know how, but she somehow managed to drug you enough that she got to your soul. I can read souls, too. It's part of our powers as demons, or former demons. Another few days, and she would have taken it completely.
Micky: *closes his eyes* The candies... *groans*
Lauren: *breathes out* God...
Valerie: (Softly) The marzipan. She must have drugged it.
Peter: That's how she got you, Mick.
Ursula: Apples. A symbol of evil since Adam and Eve. Figures. She has Uncle's odd sense of humor.
Micky: *shakes his head* I was so stupid!
Lauren: *quietly* Mick, no.
Peter: (Joins Lauren rubbing Micky's back) It could have happened to any of us. I'm lucky it didn't happen to me! Remember, Zero's lured me before.
Ursula: At least four times before.
Peter: (Frowns) Huh?
*Micky continues shaking his head.*
Ursula: My uncle sent those whose souls he tainted or bought to capture all of you, especially Peter.
Peter: (Gulps) You mean...
Valerie: All of the strange things that happened...
Ursula: He sent most of those people after you. (She goes playful pink as her voice lightens) Not all of the odd things that have occured were Uncle's doing! Things like the incident with Lord David and the horse and the farm, or the chaperone party, or the Christmas with the unhappy rich child, were just pure chance.
Peter: (Smiles) Melvin wasn't evil, just sad. He missed his aunt a lot. (Chuckles) And as much as Micky would probably like to think otherwise, General Vandenburg wasn't evil, either. Just too militant and overprotective.
Micky: Pete... *looks up with a slight grin*
Peter: How about Babbitt?
Ursula: (Chuckles) Just a lonely, middle-aged bachelor with too much time on his hands.
Lauren: Makes sense.
Ursula: He's the real deal, I'm afraid. Meeting Valerie was chance, too, even if her former lover acted like an ass.
Valerie: Good, you agree with me. Ronnie was a jerk throughout that whole incident. He couldn't stand that I was dating someone of a lower class than him. If my father hadn't been around, I would have reached for his shotgun and used it on Ronnie's tight ass.
Peter: (Puts his hand on his girlfriend's shoulder) Peace, Val. I know you're still mad at Ronnie, but don't let him upset you. We're together now, and soulmates, too!
Valerie: (Sighs and puts her hands on Peter) I know, honey. He just annoyed the heck out of me that whole time.
Peter: (As Emma and Daphne come back in - they'd been outside, looking for Shelia) Who else was after us?
Ursula: Oh, many, starting with Oraculo and Zeckenbush. Oraculo came very close to having all of you. The two art thieves made a complete bungle of their job. I think they were eventually deported for their troubles.
Emma: (As she and Daphne come back in) They're all gone. Shelia, Davy, and the crystal with Mike.
Daphne: We've looked all over the place, but she probably transported herself and the boys back to the Montgomery House.
Micky: Man... *sighs*
Peter: (Puts his hand on Micky's shoulder) I know you feel horrible, Mick, but there's one way you can make up for everything you did while under Shelia's control.
Micky: *nods* Yeah...
Emma: (Takes Micky's hand and squeezes it) Help us win this challenge, Mick. Help us get Mike and Davy back.
Daphne: Please? I don't want to lose Davy so soon after I've found him again!
Micky: *nods again* I'll do it.
Peter: Oh, thank you, Micky! (Throws his arms around Micky) We'll never let her hurt you or anyone like that again. We promise!
Emma: You bet!
Valerie: Right!
Micky: Oooof! Pete... *small grin*
Daphne: Lauren, are you up to helping, too?
Lauren: I'll do whatever I can. *nods*
Micky: *eyes widen* But, babe...
Emma: Micky, I promise you on my life, I will not let anything happen to her.
Peter: (Quietly) Em...
Emma: She's my best friend. I don't want you or me to lose her, too. I've...(gulps)...I've already lost Mike. I couldn't stand losing anyone else.
Peter: Em, you haven't lost him. We'll get him back tomorrow.
Micky: We will get him back, Em.
Valerie: (To Daphne, who looks like she may cry) And Davy, too.
Daphne: I never got to tell him how I feel.
Peter: You will.
Ursula: I suggest you all leave this place. Shelia knows about it, and very likely Uncle does now, too. (Blinks once) I was able to read her soul a bit. The challenge is at sundown tomorrow at the Montgomery House. You will meet Uncle, Shelia, and their demons in the front parlor.
Emma: Sundown? (Makes a face) I don't think I can wait that long.
Lauren: More time to rest. *smiles at Micky*
Emma: I want Mike back now. I miss him so much, my whole body hurts.
Ursula: This is natural, Emmeline. Your soulmate is in grave peril. You feel his pain as much as your own.
Daphne: And I want Davy back, if only to know where he stands on our relationship...
Emma: And we're...(closes her eyes and chokes back a sob)...getting married in a few days. My family and Aunt Kate will be in town! How will I explain this to them? How will I explain to everyone if there's no groom?
Peter: Emma, you'll get married. We'll rescue Michael. You have to be patient.
Micky: We'll do everything we can.
Peter: (Stands) Come on, guys. Ursula's right. We'd better get going. We'll all sleep at the Pad tonight, including Valerie and Daphne. I'll call Mr. Bennett. We could talk to him tonight or tomorrow. He's old, he's seen a lot, and he knows about spirituality and religion. Maybe he could help us.
(Valerie and Daphne help Lauren to her feet as the others stand.)
Valerie: Everyone ready to go?
Daphne: I sure the hell am. Emma's not the only one who wants her soulmate back.
Emma: (Softly, plays with her hockey stick) I'm ready. (Looks at Micky and Lauren) Mick? Laur? You ok?
Micky: *nods* I'm about ready to sleep for a week!
Lauren: *holds onto Micky* He'll be fine. *small smile*
Peter: (Nods) I'm ready, too. More scared than I've ever been, but ready.
Emma: Then let's go home.
(The group heads out of the cave, Lauren and Micky hand-in-hand, Emma angry and worried.)
Ursula: (Calls after them) Be careful, my warriors! Stay together, and remember to love!