Emma: (Moves back towards the bed) Stay away from me, you two! Just stay away!
(The brown-eyed bird tries to kick the cage, but it can barely move its legs.)
Emma: If you try anything on me like you did on Micky or Mike, I'll... (moves further back, trying to make her way to the bird cage again.)
Shelia: Oh no, you don't!
(The brown-eyed bird jumps and flutters to the side of the cage closest to the action.)
Zero: Shelia, my dear, do you want to subdue this lovely creature, or would you prefer I did it? Nothing harmful, of course.
Shelia: *grins* Allow me. *glares at Emma, causing her to freeze in motion*
(The bird's brown eyes widen in horror.)
Zero: Very nice, dear.
Shelia: Thank you, Uncle. They're always much easier to deal with this way.
Zero: Now, what will we do with these two?
(The brown-eyed bird glares angrily at the two Devils.)
Shelia: Anything in mind, Uncle?
Zero: How long has it been since you've read a woman's soul?
Shelia: *thinks* A long time. *smirks*
(The brown-eyed bird's eyes go wide once again.)
Zero: Perhaps you could tell me what's in the soul of my sweet Scholar?
(The brown-eyed bird shakes its head angrily.)
Shelia: It would be my pleasure. *walks over to Emma; places a hand over her heart, under her v-neck floral blouse* Ahh...
(The brown-eyed bird looks on in anguish. Zero notices the bird's distress with a small, satisfied smile.)
Shelia: She's afraid of losing her friends, especially Michael.
Zero: What else?
Shelia: She envies the relationship between Micky and Lauren. *grins* She's jealous of Peter's musical ability.
Zero: Oh, yes, the Scholar's musical apitude was minimal. I recall that.
Shelia: She envies Michael's control and leadership and how easily David makes friends...
Zero: All quite amusing. Anything else? She shares the Knight's desire for control, as I recall...
Shelia: She doesn't like losing control.
(There is pain in Emma's eyes, and bird Mike looks horrified.)
Shelia: She hates to see her friends in pain.
Zero: What of her soulmate and her feelings for him?
Shelia: She'd do anything for him. She'd do anything for any of them, but especially Michael. She truly loves Michael. *makes a face*
Zero: (Makes a face) Disgusting, even more than with the Savage and the Mother.
Shelia: *nods* And they seem to be tough to beat. :-P
Zero: We must get our hands on the Mother. Every time we try, she's always with the Savage or surrounded by one or more of the others. She has not one, but two completely innocent souls inside her.
Shelia: Very intriguing, and quite a find.
Zero: (Takes Emma's stiff hand) We do have one of her most ardent supporters, though. The Scholar is close to the Mother. Without her, she will have far less protection.
Shelia: *nods* A great coup for us. ;-)
Zero: Yes. We'll have a better chance of getting to those lovely, completely innocent souls...and the woman carrying them. (Strokes Emma's cheek) What shall we do with these two? You can't make love to a bird, you know, dear.
Shelia: No, you can't.
(The brown-eyed bird angrily glares and tries to break the binding on his beak.)
Zero: (Touches Emma's V-neck floral blouse, sandals, and jeans) And my mistress needs clothing befitting her station. You're a woman. You know better about fashion than me. You can dress her.
Shelia: Hm... *Thinks, then sends a black light over Emma, changing her normal clothes into a long, tight red gown, that's maybe a little too generous in the chest. Her eyebrows raise* Not bad.
(Mike watches, wide-eyed and sorrowful.)
Zero: (Kisses Emma's stiff hand) Lovely. (Turns to Shelia) Now, we must come to a compromise. I wish for the White Knight to suffer, and you wish for my sweet Scholar to suffer. What would cause maximum suffering to both...without any harm to her in particular? (Smirks) And you'll want to play with him a bit, I suppose, before his friends arrive.
Shelia: Judging from 'er soul, keeping them separated does a faiah amount of suffahring...
(Mike glares and continues trying to break the wrap on his beak.)
Shelia: I would like to play with him. ;-)
Zero: I'll take her with me to see the boys and prepare them for the Challenge. We must arrange it so the two are never in the same room or place, and cannot see or speak to each other.
Shelia: *grins* Right.
(Mike watches angrily and tries to scratch the wrap off his beak, but he's too weak to reach his beak.)
Shelia: Suppose I ought to change the little birdie back to 'is 'uman form, but what to do with him? *taps her chin in thought*
Zero: You've read his soul, I suppose? What puts fear in that noble heart of his...and what would allow you to enslave him?
(Mike falls over on his back, still trying to free his beak, to no avail.)
Shelia: Loss of control. He was beautiful when he was paralyzed. *grins evilly*
Zero: Strip him of his control, of his body and his mind. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to once more see him performing base menial tasks...and the occasional night of sexual pleasure with you, as long as he's not too much of a distraction.
Shelia: A wonderful idea, Uncle!
(Mike rolls on his side, his eyes practically spitting flame. Emma's too, are angry, despite her continued stiffness.)
*Shelia sends off a black light onto the cage holding Mike. He reappears in human form, dressed in a blue robe (the outfit from 'Head'), with his hands in his pockets, just gazing around the room. Nothing bothers him. He's just...there.*
Mike: Um...hello?
Shelia: Well, hello, there, luv. *winks*
Zero: (Smiles; Emma's eyes are horrified.) What did you do to him, take his mind? It's quite amusing to see him like this.
Shelia: Oh, he still has his mind. I just gave 'im the most carefree attitude possible. 'E'll go along with anything, and he can't use his powers. ;-)
Mike: Em? (Goes to her) Wish she'd move. I've been wantin' to make out with her forever.
Zero: No, dear boy, she's mine tonight.
Shelia: Forget her for now. *moves over to Mike; wraps her arms around him* You're spending the night with me. *smiles*
Mike: (Smiles dreamily) I am? Well, gosh, you're pretty, too.
Shelia: Why, thank you, luv.
Zero: (Takes Emma's hand) Come along, my Scholar. Come with me.
(Emma's eyes are a mixture of fear, anger, and abject sorrow, but she cannot move on her own. Zero leads her out of the room, leaving Mike in Shelia's arms.)
Mike: You're welcome. Say, what do you want to do here? Anything you want to do is fine with me. (Looks around; points at the bed) Hey, there's a bed there! (Goes to the bed) Big, too. (Jumps on it) And soft!
Shelia: *laughs* Oh, I do like that! *Grins and jumps on the bed. She drags Mike down and grins at him, then kisses him*
Mike: What do you want me for? I'll do whatever you tell me to.
Shelia: Well, how about... *whispers something in his ear and grins at him*
Mike: (Nods; touches her short hair) Whatever you say. I can't go against it. (He nods, his eyes unfocused) Would you...undress...me?
Shelia: With or without using my powers? ;-)
Mike: However you want to do it is fine with me.
Shelia: Without is more fun. *runs her hands over his chest, then begins to remove his robe*
(He closes his eyes and leans back, sighing contentedly.)
(Cut to the other side of Malibu Beach. Everyone but Peter is gathered in a group outside. He finally joins the others, his face a mixture of concern and worry, with a hint of amusement.)
Peter: (Sighs) Called Nyles. He has the Four Martians over at the Orange Grove Apartments, at the Martians' apartment on the top floor. He said they've got binoculars and are going to keep a sharp eye on the house and its occupants. (Grins) Or as sharp as Nyles' eye will ever get. ;)
Mr. Bennett: (Sighs) If nothing else, the boys could be a diversion if something goes wrong.
Micky: It's better than nothing. ;-)
Valerie: More likely they'll be eating pizza and smoking joints, but at least they're there.
Mr. Bennett: Speaking of being there, are we all here and ready to go there? :)
Micky: I'm here. *nudges Lauren lightly* You here, babe? ;-)
Lauren: *looks down at herself as best she can* I think I'm here. ;-)
Peter: I wouldn't be anywhere else! :D
Valerie: (laughs) Oh, you guys! I'm ready.
Daphne: Me, too! (She's smiling a bit dreamily.)
Peter: Hey, Daph, are you ok?
Daphne: (Nods) Just feeling a little light-headed. Must be the aspirin.
Mr. Bennett: Remember, kids, we're just an average group out for a walk and a chat on a nice California evening. Don't let on that something's wrong, especially to any local law enforcement.
Peter: No way on earth we'd be able to explain this to the cops!
Micky: They'd send us to the nut house before hearing us out completely.
Daphne: (Smiles) Oh, yeah, I called the other Abbies and Amber and told them to go over to the Orange Grove Apartments. I just gave them general information, basically what we told Nyles. Kim used to date Nyles, and they're still pals. They're gonna be over at the apartments, too. Even more back-up...these with actual brains. ;)
Lauren: Thank goodness. ;-)
Mr. Bennett: Before World War II, I would have asked what those young ladies could do. (Grins) But my Louise, God rest her soul, was in the Woman's Army Corps and a riveter throughout the war era, even agreeing to come out to the Orient with me for several years after the war. The women of the home front were no weeping willows...and thank heavens they seem to have begat women who aren't weeping willows, either! :)
Valerie: And thank goodness for that! :D
Lauren: Definitely! *grins* :-)
(Everyone splits into small groups as they make their way across Malibu Beach. Valerie and Peter walk hand and hand, laughing and enjoying each other's company. Daphne and Lauren discuss music and babies and TV shows they like. Mr. Bennett and Micky lag behind, the latter lost in his thoughts.)
Mr. Bennett: (Keeping an even stride with Micky, not easy for the older man to do with the thin youth) Penny for your thoughts, Micky?
Micky: Huh? *looks up* Oh, uh... *sighs* I think you could take a guess...
Mr. Bennett: What this Zero and his niece did to you.
Micky: *nods* Yeah.
Mr. Bennett: You're probably wondering why they chose you, all of you, really. And I know you're worried about your wife. I was on pins and needles every time Louise was pregnant, and we had four children. They're a gift, my young friend.
Micky: Very worried. I don't want anything to happen to her or the twins. With all that's gone on, I thought we've been lucky.
Mr. Bennett: You are lucky, son. Children are a special treasure, especially a rare event like twins. I wouldn't give up my four kids or the years Louise and I spent watching them grow for all the tea in China! :)
Micky: I can't wait. Mostly, though, I want everyone to help out. I'm just afraid of the outcome of this. I don't like our odds at all.
Mr. Bennett: Son, you have the support of all of your friends, your family, and this entire town. I know I'm willing to help out. I've got seven grandchildren I seldom see, and I regret every minute that I haven't spent with them. (Nods at the others) You're a close-knit group, aren't you? You, your wife, your three bandmates, her friend, and the other two young ladies.
Micky: *nods* Yeah, we are. One big family.
Mr. Bennett: How many tough scrapes have the lot of you gotten out of together, counting the time you helped Alice, Jody, and I out with the parking lot business?
Micky: *small grin* Seems like too many to count, now. A lot. We've made it out of every one fine, so far.
Mr. Bennett: This may sound like a cliche, Micky, but it's always darkest just before the dawn.
Micky: *grins* As long as the dawn comes pretty quick.
Mr. Bennett: I've literally seen hell, Micky. I was in the Battle of Okinawa. I was a prisoner of war in Japan for six months towards the end of the war. I thought I was a goner for sure, thought I'd never see Louise or our children again. Not only did I survive, but I got to know my captors. Some of them were bad men, though probably not as outwardly evil as your Zero. Others were just dedicated to a doomed cause. The more I learned, the more I came to appreciate them, even though they were different than us. The best things can come out of the most seemingly worst calamities.
Micky: *sighs* I wonder what kind of good can come out of what I...they did to Mike.
Mr. Bennett: More of an appreciation of your Texan friend. When we get him back, you'll have to talk to him.
Micky: *small grin* If he doesn't punch my lights out first. ;-)
Mr. Bennett: I'm sure he understands that you were not under your own control.
Micky: I want to talk to him. I'm sure he knows. I just can't help but feel bad for being such a sucker. :-P
Mr. Bennett: (Sighs) Peter told me when we were cleaning up after the shepherd's pie that he feels the same way. He blames himself for buying the harp that apparently caused the ruckus in the first place.
Micky: *frowns* I was the first one to tell him it wasn't his fault. And most persistent in continuing to tell him that.
Mr. Bennett: (Shrugs) Everyone's a sucker sometimes, Micky. She led you pretty well, from what you say. I probably would have fallen for her lines. I'll bet the boys have all been hoodwinked at one time or another.
Micky: Many times. *shakes his head* The girls told us she was trouble, but I just had to find out for myself. Guess I like to do things the hard way. :-P
Mr. Bennett: (Chuckles) Sometimes, that's the only way to get anything though our thick male skulls. (Grins) Or so my Louise used to say, about three or four times a day.
Micky: *grins* Lauren's told me that enough times. Still doesn't get through. *knocks on the side of his head*
Mr. Bennett: Doesn't get through mine, sometimes. (Nods at Lauren) Treasure that woman, Micky. She's a good girl. Smart, strong-willed, attractive, sensible, generous. You're not going to find another one like her in a million years.
Micky: *stares ahead at Lauren, smiling; nods* I will, I will. :-)
Mr. Bennett: Louise died four years ago, and not a day goes by when I don't miss her or remember something she used to say or do. (Shakes his head; sighs) But, enough rambling from an old man. Simply put, Micky, I know things seem bad now, but we'll get through it. You can't dwell on worst-case scenarios. I probably wouldn't be here if I had! Like you, I'm a local boy. Los Angelas is the only home I've ever known besides Japan.
Micky: *nods, sighs* Yeah. I just needed to talk. You'd think with all the talking I do, I'd occasionally let my feelings out. *lopsided grin*
Mr. Bennett: That's fine. (Smiles) You know, I'm around whenever any of you need to talk. Davy and Mike, too. Peter and I talk a lot. He's a fine boy, smarter than he thinks, and one of the most amazing musical talents I've ever met.
Micky: *grins* Pete's great. He helped me pretty good last night with talking.
Mr. Bennett: (Grins) Watching all of you reminds me of the band I used to play in. I was pretty close to some of those guys for a while. We were a house quartet for KMBR in LA in the 30s. We had to break up when we all got drafted at the same time. Most of those guys are gone now, but whenever I hear you play or see you all together, laughing and having fun with your music, I think of them. Jack was more like your Mike. Tough guy, little bit of a loner, could out-stare the Lone Ranger on a good day. (Smiles at Peter's back as he chats with Valerie) Peter is a sweet, gentle soul. There's something about him that makes you want to pour your heart out to him. Every child in Malibu Beach who takes music lessons absolutely adores him.
Micky: Doesn't surprise me one bit. *nods* It didn't take him much to get me talking, either. I'm glad he didn't time me. With how long he let me go on, it would've broken any stopwatch.
Mr. Bennett: (chuckles) Some people just talk, Micky. My buddy Allen who played the saxaphone could go on for hours. (Winks) And we did time him.
Micky: *chuckles* I just glad I'm the only one who owns a stopwatch. I don't let them use it, either. ;-)
Mr. Bennett: (laughs) That's something else I hope you treasure, boy. You have one of the great senses of humor. :D
Micky: Awe. Yeah, I guess I do, huh? *smirks*
Mr. Bennett: You kept Jody and Alice happy during the parking lot incident. I think Alice was in love. Marge won't stop feeding you. How many pies has she sent you two? ;)
Micky: *eyes widen* Don't tell Lauren about Alice! *grins* Let's see, pies... *starts counting on his fingers, makes motions in the air* Carry the one... *shakes his head* I lost count somewhere around fifty.
(Mr. Bennett gives as hearty a bellow as his thin frame can.)
Mr. Bennett: You've got to come over more often and trade bad jokes with me. I haven't had anyone to do it with since Allan got stationed in Europe in the 50s and ended up staying. Claimed he fell in love with Paris. If you ask me, he fell in love with the French women. (Smirks) Remind me to tell you the one about the Romanian Queen, the Elephant, and the 50 bucks someday.
Micky: *laughs* I'll brush up on the jokes just for you. (Grins) Oh, I will! I like the sound of that joke!
Mr. Bennett: I got a whole collection. Louise said she didn't appreciate me telling them around the kids (grins), but the kids aren't here anymore. Picked up some from the stage hands at KMBR, some from my infantry unit during the war.
Micky: Any joke that's funny, I'll listen to it!
Mr. Bennett: (Puts his arm around Micky) Boy, I think you and I are going to get along just fine. ;)
(He leads him back to the rest of the group as we fade out on a long tracking shot of the group hiking across Malibu Beach and fade in on the Orange Grove Apartments, where Nyles is watching the progress of the group through a pair of binoculars. Nyles leans out the balcony on his non-descript, simple apartment. The Four Martians, in normal clothes, are sitting in his living room, eating pizza and watching the news.)
John: Any news, man? Danny: Or anything?
Nyles: They're crossing the beach.
Chris: Where's that chick? I think she's hot! :X
Danny: (Throws a pillow at him) Man, didn't you hear Nyles? She's the bad guy, man!
Chris: But she's a chick! How can she be a guy?
Nyles: You're bad, man.
Marcus: Are they near the house yet?
Chris: Tell me when that chick comes out, and give me her phone number. ;)
(That gets three pillows thrown in his face as the door bells rings.)
Nyles: Gettin' there. Give 'em a few more minutes. *glares at Chris* You're nuts, man.
Chris: (Gets up, laughing) I'll get it. (Lumbers over to the door. Maxine, Jenny, Amber Stimpson, and Kimberly stand in the doorway, also in regular clothes and bearing snacks and drinks. Chris beams) Oh, man! (Looks over his shoulder at the guys) Hey, I think I just died and went to heaven! There's four gorgeous chicks standing right here!
Kimberly: (Puts her hand on her hip) Have you guys started in on the booze already?
Amber: Seems like it. ;-)
Maxine: Come on, guys! This is serious!
Nyles: *looks over his shoulder, grins* Maybe they'll listen to you chicks. *looks out again*
Jenny: Remember, Chris? We're the Westminster Abbies, and our roommate and bandmate is in dire peril!
Kimberly: Where on earth did you get a line like "dire peril?"
Jenny: (Shrugs) Heard it on "Batman."
Amber: *gives a sheepish look* I thought it'd be a safe show to watch. *shrugs*
Chris: (Puts his arms around Maxine and Jenny and leads them into the room) Oh, man, guys, party's started! Chicks are here!
(Maxine just rolls her eyes.)
Nyles: Man, party later! We're s'posed to be helping the guys and their chicks.
Maxine: Man, I hope Daph's ok. Good percussionists are hard to find. ;)
John: Yeah, man, this is nastier stuff than the news!
Maxine: What's going on? We didn't get a whole lot of details from Daph.
Kimberly: Yeah, only that the situation was bad, Davy was missing, and she wasn't feeling well.
Jenny: She said something about a haunted house and an evil woman...
Marcus: (Shrugs) The one across the street.
Nyles: Whom Chris thinks is cute. *shakes his head, still looking out the window*
Chris: (Shrugs) Who knows the ways of true love?
Nyles: Not you, man.
Jenny: (Giggles and plops down on a rumpled bean bag chair) That's for sure! ;)
Maxine: (Joins Nyles on the balcony) What are we supposed to be watching for?
Nyles: Trouble. Like if they don't come outta that joint any time soon...
Maxine: The old Montgomery House? (Makes a face) Some chick named Shelia Saunders moved in there a while back. She showed up at Em's bridal shower and practically harrassed her. Emma gave her a good pie in the face. Is she the "nasty evil lady?" (Grins) I hope so!
Nyles: That's her. Glad she got pied.
Maxine: (Laughs) What I would have given for a camera when Emma tossed the banana cream at her! It was better than the old silent comedies!
Kimberly: (From inside) The chick Emma tossed the pie at is the evil lady? I knew there was something wrong with her!
(Cut back to inside. There's a knock at the door. Everyone but Maxine and Nyles are now eating snacks and pizza and watching TV shows. A head ducks in. It's the nosy, hungry red-headed neighbor from "Sucess Story.")
Tilly: Hey, guys (grins) and girls!
Chris: Hey, Tilly!
John: What's up, lady?
Nyles: *waves* Hey, Till!
Tilly: (Waves) Hi, Nyles! What brings you across town? Food? (Looks at the spread on the floor and grins) Man, this place is loaded! What's the occasion, good gig?
Marcus: Fighting evil!
Nyles: *crows* With the forces of good and justice!
Tilly: Ooooh, who's evil? I'll bet it's Mrs. Knockendorfer in Apartment 5-E! I knew she was secretly plotting to convert everyone to Communism! :D
Jenny: (Grins) Even better!
Nyles: She is? Whoa...
Marcus: Oh, please, Till, you gotta stop listening through doors. Mrs. K is just a lonely old German lady who never really got used to the US.
Tilly: (Grabs a slice of pizza) Who's listening through doors? I use the air ducts! ;)
John: Hey, Till, remember the Monkees?
Tilly: (Grins as she munches) Yeah. Nice guys, too. Used to come over and borrow food from them.
John: Seems those guys have gotten themselves into a major jam with that chick.
Jenny: Daphne says she and her uncle kidnapped Mike and Davy!
Chris: They're gonna rescue them....and we're gonna rescue them. :D
Nyles: If they need us. ;-)
Tilly: Which chick?
Marcus: You know the tall chick who's livin' in the old Montgomery House now?
Tilly: The one with the legs down to (indicates the floor) here?
Chris: The cute one, yeah!
Nyles: Any chick is cute to you, man.
Tilly: (Rolls her eyes) Oh, please. I've seen snakes at the zoo who were cuter than that! That chick gives me the heebie-jeebies. I mean, just look at her eyes!
Marcus: We've looked. Not nice. Lookin' at those eyes are like lookin' at one of the villains in the Marvel Comics, man.
Maxine: (Excited) Hey, I think that's them!
(The two remaining Monkees, three girls, and elderly man appear from the beach and troop down the street towards the house, the pregnant girl panting a bit.)
Kimberly: (Joining them) Yeah, that's the gang, all right. (Frowns) And, hey, isn't that the old guy who lives down the street from the guys?
Marcus: Mr. B. He's groovy. He's an old musician, man!
Nyles: He's very groovy!
Chris: There's nothing about music that he doesn't know, and he was in World War II!
Maxine: Daphne did say he was coming along. Wonder why?
Jenny: He's old! He's got a lot of experience in fighting bad guys!
Marcus: Yeah, man, he was only in a war!
Nyles: Moral support, too.
Tilly: And he plays great music. He gives lessons to the Pelliman kids down in Apartment 2-C. Kids think he's the grooviest. :)
Maxine: (Shades her eyes) Ok, I see Pete and Valerie, Mr. B...
Jenny: (From inside) Is Daph there?
Maxine: Yeah, she's there. She's talkin' to Lauren.
Marcus: Guys, what do you think's really goin' on?
Maxine: Yeah. Daphne sounded scared shitless on the phone.
Tilly: (Eyes widen) Maybe it's a government conspiracy!
Nyles: Man, I dunno. They were really secretive about everything.
Maxine: Wonder where Em went?
Kimberly: I guess she's at work.
Jenny: Yeah, but Em's engaged to Mike...and the wedding's in a few days!
Amber: *makes a face* That's really odd.
John: (Shrugs) Who knows, man? Maybe she had to work late?
Nyles: She woulda called in sick or something, wouldn't she?
Jenny: I'll bet she would have!
Kimberly: Yeah, man, she and Mike are like (puts up two fingers reeeeeaally close) this!
Maxine: And if he's in trouble, she'd probably want to go after him.
Amber: You guys don't think maybe she went after him by herself, do you?
Maxine: (Sighs) Why would she do that? Take on that evil chick by herself? That's crazy talk, man!
Kimberly: Not if you're really in love, Maxie.
Nyles: *nods* Would explain why she ain't with the others.
Tilly: Man, I hope she pounded that crazy chick to dust! I've seen weird lights and heard noises and thumps coming from that house at night! I'll bet there's a cult of demon worshippers over there, and they're trying to induct Mike and Davy into their fiendish circle!
Marcus: (Rolls his eyes) That's the most ridiculous theory I've heard yet!
Nyles: I dunno, could be possible.
Tilly: It's not that ridiculous! I read about a cult of Satan-worshippers in Bakersfield who almost took over the minds of the entire town!
Marcus: Yeah, in what, the "National Enquirer?"
Tilly: No, the "Star," if you must know!
Nyles: Could be true.
Maxine: Till, that's made-up stuff. This is real.
Tilly: Man, I've heard stories about the kind of shows they do at night. Wild orgies, naked dancing girls, drugs everywhere!
Chris: Hey, can I join this cult? ;)
Nyles: Well, if they've got that kind of entertainment... ;-)
Maxine: (Indicates the window, where the small group has arrived at the Montgomery House) They're at the house!
Kimberly: Well, what now?
Marcus: We wait.
Tilly: And speculate.
Nyles: And hope they come out.
(And we cut from Nyles and Maxine on the balcony, watching the group, to the group itself. They come out from a group of palm trees near the Montgomery House.)
Daphne: Well, what now?
Peter: Maybe we should just ring the door bell.
Mr. Bennett: We'll go around back. And keep quiet. The last thing we want is them alerted to our presence!
Micky: No kidding.
Lauren: Great, more walking. *puffs*
Daphne: (Puts her arm around Lauren) Mick and I will help you!
Peter: (Nods) Think of this as the kids getting exercise!
Micky: *arm is already around Lauren* That's right, babe. I'd sing "Lean On Me" if we didn't have to be quiet. ;-)
Lauren: *chuckles* You owe me that one later, Mick. ;-)
Mr. Bennett: And if we want the rest of your band in one piece, we'd best get moving. (Herds the group around the back. They try to stay hidden behind overgrown bushes and palm trees.)
Daphne: Man, this place is like the Amazon!
Valerie: Ok, what are we looking for?
Micky: Anyone got a hacksaw?
(Peter closes his eyes and a hacksaw appears. He hands it to Micky.)
Peter: Suppressed the blue light. ;)
Micky: *grins* Thanks, Pete! ;-)
Mr. Bennett: (Shakes his head) I'm never going to get used to seeing that.
Peter: (His face falls) T...that's what Mike said when we first found out we could do it. :((
Micky: *puts an arm around Peter* Don't worry, Big Peter. We'll get them. :-)
Valerie: Everything will be fine, Peter. You'll see! :)
Mr. Bennett: But first, we have to get there. Micky, will you do the honors? ;)
Daphne: Let's track this trackless jungle! ;)
Micky: You got it! *glares at the hacksaw* Nah, I know an easier way to get through this jungle.
*Micky stares out into the greenery--a path wide enough for them to walk through appears, right up to the back door.*
Micky: That wasn't exactly what I was going for, but it works. *grins*
Peter: Groovy!
Valerie: I hope no one saw that.
Mr. Bennett: Nice gardening there, son. ;)
Micky: *scratches his head* I hope these are powers I already had, man, cuz I don't remembering doing stuff like that before. *shrugs* Valerie: It's this place.
Peter: It's making our powers weird!
Lauren: Mick's were weird to start with. *grins* ;-)
(Everyone chuckles.)
Micky: I'm being abused again. *sticks his tongue out at Lauren* Alright, forward march! *points ahead of them*
(We see the group in military gear ala the war sequence in "Head," even Lauren...and Valerie's are decidedly more "fashionable" than the others'. The group literally troops down to the back of the house to the tune of "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp" from the operetta "Naughty Marietta." They stop before a long picture window that looks into a new-fangled, modern, push-button kitchen that seems decidely out-of-place in the old-fashioned house. The room seems empty.)
Mr. Bennett: All quiet on the Hell front. ;)
Daphne: I don't want to know what a kitchen from out of "Better Homes and Gardens" is doing in a house that looks like it's from "Meet Me In St. Louis!"
Valerie: (As voices are heard) Shhh! I hear something!
(The entire group ducks down so we only see eyes and helmets. Shelia comes in with Mike. His robe is rumpled, and his eyes are glassy and unfocused.)
Peter: (Soft gasp) Mike!
Valerie: Oh, man, what did she do to him?
Mike: That was fun, wasn't it, Mistress?
Shelia: Quite, luv. *smiles demurely*
Mike: What do you want to do now?
Peter: (Whimpers) Why doesn't he fight?
Micky: He can't. *shakes his head*
Mr. Bennett: He's been drugged or made docile somehow.
Shelia: A snack would be wonderful. I'm always hungry aftah, well...you know. *smiles again*
Mike: (Dreamy smile) Yes, a snack. Do you want to get it, or should I?
Shelia: You could surprise me.
Peter: (Frowns) After what?
Micky: Don't ask, Pete.
Mike: Yes, Mistress. (Goes to the refrigerator)
Valerie: If Emma saw him like this, she'd have three litters of kittens!
Lauren: Or more.
Mike: I'll make...(frowns)...what should I make? I don't know.
Shelia: Just grab whatever's right in front of you, luv.
Mike: Yes, Mistress. (Goes to the refrigerator and pulls out bread, meat, and cheese. Shelia watches him, her preditory smile admiring his lean form swathed in the now-rumpled blue robe.)
Peter: (Near tears) I wish he'd yell at her, or hit her, or spit at her, or something! I hate seeing him like this! (Valerie puts her arms around him)
Mr. Bennett: She seems to have control over him.
Micky: *jaw's on the ground* Oh, my God!
Daphne: What, Mick?
Micky: Something from the soul reading. She uses a fear against you to make you docile. She's using his fear of losing control!
Mr. Bennett: (nods sadly) And using it to control him, it would seem.
Micky: Exactly.
Valerie: Peter can you...feel him? His aura?
Peter: (Closes his eyes) He...he doesn't realize...his aura isn't like Mike's at all! It's very soft, very quiet and helpless.
Daphne: That definitely is not the Mike I know!
Micky: *eyes narrow* If he was Mike, she'd be bedded in the wall across the room by now with a nice bruise starting to form.
Peter: And he'd be in Em's arms, not hers! :((
Valerie: Do you see Em?
Mr. Bennett: Not a sign of her.
Mike: (As he fixes sandwiches) Hey, Mistress, what happened to Em?
Shelia: Oh, Uncle wanted to show 'er around the house, luv. They're probably having a nice chat by now. *grins*
Mike: (Smiles dreamily and almost stupidly, not like Mike's normal crooked grin at all) Oh. I hope she's having a good time.
Daphne: (Hisses) And I'll bet he ain't showing her the light fixtures, either! X(
Lauren: I don't like the way either of them said any of that.
Mike: I hope she's ok. She's a nice girl. We're gonna get married, I think.
Shelia: *smiles* It doesn't matter, now, luv. ;-)
Micky: Doesn't matter?
(Shelia gets up and saunters over to the Texan. She gently places her hands on either side of his head and begins to rub his temples in that circular motion. He smiles dreamily again, his hands pausing in making sandwiches.)
*Micky's eyes widen.*
Mike: (Dreamily) No, it doesn't matter...
(She continues to rub his head, whispering words into his ear. He only nods, his eyes closing.)
Mike: Nice girl...you're a nice girl, too....
Shelia: Why, thank you, my Knight. *continues*
Mike: (Softly) Yes, I'm your Knight...yours and yours alone...yours to command.
Shelia: Yes.
Peter: (Whimpers) No!
Micky: *anger flashing through his eyes* She's muddling his mind!
Valerie: What?
Micky: She's confusing him, making him even more docile. *groans* Man...
(She finally turns him around, smiling. His smile is placid, his eyes out of focus.)
Mike: (Breathy) Command me, my mistress. I am at your beck and call.
Shelia: Just the way I like you, my Knight.
Daphne: Knight?
Peter: That's Mike! He's the White Knight! (Gulps) Or was.
Mr. Bennett: He's not much use to anyone besides her in this state.
Mike: (Breathy) Would you like to return up stairs? Master says we must prepare for the challenge. (Small smile) But could we do something fun first?
Shelia: What did you have in mind, luv? *grins*
Mike: Whatever you want, my mistress.
Valerie: (Mutters) I'll bet I know what she has in her mind, and it's pornographic. :p X(
Micky: I'd put money on that. *shakes his head*
Mike: (motions to the sandwiches) Maybe we could eat these upstairs, if you wish it.
Shelia: Yes, that would be nice. Let's go back up and have a litt'l fun first, luv. *starts out the door*
Mike: Yes, Mistress. (Follows her with the sandwiches)
Mr. Bennett: (Frowns) Someone's got to follow them and see if they can break her hold over Mike.
Peter: What about Davy and Em?
Daphne: We could split up!
Micky: *nods* We're gonna have to, I'm afraid.
Mr. Bennett: Valerie, Peter, and I will follow Mike and that woman. Micky, take Lauren and Daphne and search for Emma and Davy. We'll meet back at the living room at sundown.
Micky: *nods* Right.
(The group splits apart and revert to normal clothes. Valerie, Peter, and Mr. Bennett sneak into the now-empty kitchen. The camera then cuts back to Daphne, Micky, and Lauren.)
Daphne: Well, what to do now? We don't even know where to start!
Micky: We'll just have to search different rooms.
Daphne: (As they follow the house, she points to a wooden door embedded in the side) Hey, that looks like a cellar door!
Micky: Well, it's a start. *walks over to the door, grins at the girls* No, I'm not gonna say "ladies first." ;-)
Lauren: Good. ;-)
Daphne: I'll help Lauren down. You go first. You know the place better than we do, anyway!
Micky: *makes a face* I didn't exactly get the grand tour. *opens the door carefully & peeks in first, then steps in the doorway slowly and descends the stairs; he turns and waves on the girls* Come on.
(Daphne helps Lauren down a narrow set of wooden stairs and into a small room. They run into something solid when they reach the bottom, which happens to be Micky, of course.)
Micky: *whispers* Thanks, I needed that.
Daphne: Any time. ;)
Lauren: No problem, Mick. ;-)
Micky: *feels around* There's another door here.
Daphne: How can you tell? All I see is dark!
Micky: I walked into it. :-P
Daphne: That makes sense. :p
Lauren: Good one. ;-)
Micky: If I could find the doorknob...
Daphne: (Impatient) Well? Can you open it?
Micky: *mutters* It'd be a lot easier if it wasn't so damn dark down here. *on cue, a dim light comes on overhead* Um...I hope I did that.
Daphne: Well, it worked, didn't it? (Looks around) Man, where are we?
Micky: The basement. *shrugs, receiving an elbow from Lauren*
Daphne: It's cold down here, and so cluttered!
Lauren: Typical basement. *makes a face*
Daphne: Got the door yet?
Micky: *gives the knob a tug* Stupid door! *glares at it--a slightly darker blue light appears around the knob, and the door opens itself* Now I got it!
Daphne: Hey, your light is different than ours! (Closes her eyes; a tambourine appears in a soft blue light to demonstrate the difference)
Lauren: It's been like that since...
Micky: I know, but I don't know what's going on with that.
Daphne: (Tries to peek beyond Micky) Well, what's out there? Do you see Davy or Em...(makes a face)...or the two evils personified? :p
Micky: *opens the door wider; makes a face* A ping pong table? Oh, good grief. :-P
Lauren: Now, I've seen everything. ;-)
Daphne: (Laughs) I was just thinking that, Laur! ;)
Micky: *scratches his head* This is just too weird. Let's see if there's any other doors around here. *closes the door & turns, with the girls right behind him*
Daphne: (Her best announcer's voice) Let's see what's behind Door Number 2! ;)
Micky: Let's just hope it isn't something that'll jump out at us... *goes to the door & gives the knob a tug--this one's open; looks in*
Daphne: (Stands on tip-toe) I wonder if I could imagine myself taller?
Lauren: Try it. ;-)
Daphne: Any short, cute Englishmen yet? ;)
Daphne: (She does...and ends up hitting the celing) Ow! (Rubs her head and returns to her normal size) Um, maybe I'm better off small. :p
*Lauren chuckles.*
Micky: *shakes his head* Sorry, Daph. *He steps inside the room for a moment, then stops, hearing a noise.*
Daphne: What is it? Is it animal, vegetable, or mineral?
Micky: *eyes widen* Please tell me one of you imagined a maraca.
Lauren: Not me.
Daphne: (Gulps) I didn't!
Micky: Oh, crap! *turns and bolts out the door, slamming it shut behind himself; gulps* Ra...rattlesnake!
Daphne: (Jumps back) I hate snakes!
Lauren: Well, at least it didn't jump out at us. *Micky gives her a glare; she shrugs*
Micky: I think my life span just got shortened by a few years. *puffs*
Daphne: How about Door Number 3?
Micky: How much worse could it possibly be? *goes over to the door*
Daphne: Don't say things like that, Micky!
Micky: Sorry! *tugs at the door--this one's also open; peeks inside, then opens the door wide* Hey, there's a tiger cub in here!
Daphne: (Perks up) A cub? Awww! Maybe we can go in here. A cub wouldn't hurt us!
Micky: He's in a cage. *goes in the room, easing his way to the cage; picks it up and looks at the cub*
Daphne: That's not fair! Poor thing!
(The cub looks up and in the general direction of the voices. It growls pitifully.)
Micky: *squints* I think... I think it's blind.
Daphne: Oh, my God! (Waves her hand in front of the cub; it doesn't blink) I think you're right! Who would do such a thing to a poor, defenseless little tiger cub?
Lauren: Unless...
(The cub tries to make it's way over to them, but it still can't move it's paws)
Micky: *nods* ...It isn't really a cub!
Daphne: What?
(The cub nods and mews again.)
Micky: I think it's Davy!
Daphne: (Puts her hand out to the cage and takes its paws; she closes her eyes; her face pained) Oh, Davy! They...someone hurt you, took away the use of your legs and eyes! (To Lauren and Micky) He's so scared! We've got to get him out! (Takes the cub's stiff paws) Hang on, Davy, we're going to rescue you!
Micky: *frowns* Probably put up a struggle. *sets the cage back down* Let's see if I can pick the lock.
*Micky pulls a safety pin from where the button on his pants should be and glares at Lauren, who shrugs. He rolls his eyes and sets about picking the lock.*
Daphne: You did, didn't you? (The tiger nods slowly) Oh...(grins)...I'm proud of you, even if it got you hurt! I always knew you were a lover and a fighter! (Cuddles the cub, which growls gently.
Micky: *his tongue is hanging out in concentration* Almost got it.
Daphne: (Strokes Davy's head) Hang on, honey. We'll help you! (The cub nods and mews sadly again.)
Micky: *as the lock clicks open; crows* Yeah! *pulls the lock off & opens the door; reaches in and pulls Davy out; he shifts to sitting Indian style on the floor with Davy resting in both hands* Oh, Dave...
Daphne: Is he ok...other than the obvious? (Makes a face) Bet that Shelia did this, the same woman who turned Mike into a zombie!(Clentches a fist) Ooooh, when I get my hands on her...
Micky: I think that'd be a safe bet. He seems okay otherwise.
(Davy nods and tries to move his paws, but they remain useless.)
Lauren: We've gotta help him somehow, either change him back or give him his sight and movement back.
Daphne: (Sits) Give him to me, Mick. Maybe I can help him! (Smiles and scratches his ears; he growls contentedly) I am his soulmate, after all! :)
Micky: Go for it, Daph. *hands Davy to Daphne*
Daphne: Thanks! (Takes the cub in her arms. She closes her eyes, still stroking the cat, murmuring something indecipherable. Suddenly, there's a blue light, and Davy lays in her lap, very much human.)
Davy: (A little raspy) H...'ello, luv.
Micky: *beams* Groovy, Daph!
*Lauren cheers.*
Daphne: Davy! (Gives him a huge hug) Thank God! Can you see me? Can you move?
Davy: (Nods) Yeah, luv. Me eyes are workin' just fine now. (Grins at her bosum) And they couldn't 'ave a bettah view. ;)
(Daphne blushes.)
Micky: He's fine. ;-)
Daphne: Can you walk?
Davy: (Stands; he's shaky, but standing) Yeah, barely. Me muscles are still a bit stiff. I'm not sure 'ow long I were like that. (Frowns) I don't remembah much. That (snarls) devil woman grabbed me in the cave. All I saw was black light before I found myself in a room 'ere in that cage, walkin' on all fours and listenin' to 'er call me names. (Grins) Gave 'er quite a bit of a scratch wit' me claws before she finally took out me legs.
Daphne: Good work, honey! Show that bitch who's really boss! :D
Davy: (Closes his eyes) She...did something to my 'ead. Rubbed it in litt'l circles. Felt like total chaos in there, it did. I couldn't think straight. Then I was turned ovah on me back, and she stuck 'er fingers on me chest and...(frowns)...it was almost like she read my mind, all my deepest feahs.
Micky: That's what she did.
Daphne: (Narrows her eyes) She'd better not have plans to control you, too!
Davy: Control me? Why would she...
Micky: To get at the rest of us.
Daphne: (Puts her arms protectively around Davy) I won't let her!
Davy: (Shakes his head) There were...somethin' else. (Closes his eyes) Zero was wit' 'er, and they were talkin' about somethin', but I completely forget what at the moment. She went aftah me wit' the 'ead rubbin' again. I tried escapin', and she blinded me.
Daphne: The head rubbing... (Eyes widen angrily) She did it to you, too, just like she did it to Mike!
Davy: Mike? Is 'e out of the crystal? Last I knew, she were still wearin' 'im 'round 'er neck like a 'eirloom diamond necklace. :p
Daphne: Yes...(sighs)...and no.
Lauren: He's human again, but he's not himself.
Davy: Wot's wrong wit' 'im?
Micky: She's controlling him. Using him for...not so nice things. *makes a face*
Davy: That...that...bloody bitch!
Daphne: Em went after him a few hours ago. No one's seen her since.
Davy: Why in the 'ell would she come to a place of evil like this alone?
Daphne: She's in love and not thinking straight.
Micky: Now we've gotta find her.
Davy: And Mick... (puts a hand on Micky's shoulder) how are you and Lauren...well, how's everything? Are you guys ok? You were still out the last time I saw you.
Micky: *small smile* Lauren's fine. I'm better. Of course, I'll probably have nightmares for weeks after this. ;-)
Davy: We're all gonna 'ave nightmares that'll make the ones we 'ad aftah Manchestah look like bloomin' walks in the pahk! (To Lauren) And Lauren, the kids...
Lauren: They're okay. Moving around like crazy like they have been. ;-)
Davy: Probably just want attention, like their da. ;)
*Micky sticks his tongue out at Davy.*
Davy: And Petah and Valerie, are they ok, too?
Daphne: Last we knew of, yes. They're with Mr. Bennett, looking for Mike.
Davy: Mistah Bennett?
Daphne: We brought him along, too. Thought we could use his experience.
Micky: Then there's the back up crew. *grins* ;-)
Davy: (Arches his eyebrows) Back-up crew? Who else knows about all this?
Daphne: Nyles and my bandmates are keeping an eye on this place. If things get too hot and heavy for us to handle, they'll come in.
Davy: (Nods) Considering what's happened the last few times we've tried to do things like this all alone, that's probably a good idea. Besides, it'll get Nyles and the girls out of our 'air. ;)
Daphne: (She and Micky help Davy to his feet) We'd better get out of here. Do you remember where Zero or Shelia are?
Davy: I think Shelia mentioned that her room is upstaiahs, but that's all I know. (Looks at Micky) Any ideas, Mick? You at least know a little 'bout this place.
Micky: *nods* Her room is upstairs. She just went up there with Mike.
Davy: (Frowns) I seem to remembah Ursula mentionin' that 'er sistah 'as a (makes a face) thing about Mike, or at least 'is ancestah.
Micky: That she does. :-P
Daphne: Seems she can't tell the difference. :p
Davy: And she ain't got no love lost for Em, eithah. If I told you guys 'alf the things I 'eard 'er call Em, we'd probably be bleeped for the rest of this story set. :p
Micky: And we don't wanna have that. ;-)
Daphne: (Grins) A menage-a-trois! I think it's very romantic!
Lauren: *groans* Oh, good Lord.
Davy: Speakin' of romance, let me get somethin' off of my soul, before that bloomin' witch decides to use it against me. (Takes Daphne's hands) Daph I...I...
Daphne: Yes? :x
Davy: (Softly) I love you.
Daphne: Oh, I do, too!
Davy: I didn't think I was ready to settle down, but aftah all this...(sighs and smiles)...maybe havin' a soulmate ain't so bad. At least you've got someone to turn to when the chips are down. (Turns to Micky) You don't know how lucky you guys are.
Daphne: You're so happy! :x
Micky: *wipes away an imaginary tear* It's so beautiful! *pretends to bawl on Lauren's shoulder; Lauren rolls her eyes*
(Davy and Daphne just laugh, holding each other tightly.)
Daphne: (Sighs) As much fun as it is, I think we'd better get out of here, before Shelia or Zero or anyone else decides to come down here and check on Davy.
Micky: *immediately picks his head up; nods* I'd prefer to not be caught by them again.
Davy: I'm wit' you, luv. If I get me 'ands on that woman again, I will use my claws...and I'll do more than scratch 'er this time!
Daphne: (Looks around) So, where to next?
Davy: I don't really remembah much of the 'ouse, only this room and the livin' room.
Micky: Back upstairs. Maybe we can check the rest of the downstairs.
Davy: Right. We'll see if we can find Colonel Mustahd in the Lounge wit' the Wrench. ;)
Daphne: Or Miss Scarlet in the Library with the Lead Pipe! ;)
Micky: Or Mr. Green...in the hall...with the revolver. ;-)
Lauren: Mick, you took my favorite one! :-P
Daphne: (As the group walks down a long hallway) Where are we going? (Shivers) This place is so spooky!
Davy: I wish we 'ad Petah 'ere, so 'e could read it's aura.
Micky: I can tell you without actually reading the aura. It's bad vibes! :-P
Daphne: I feel like it's Halloween!
Davy: I 'alf expect to see bloomin' 'erman Munster come outta the next door. :p
Lauren: I'm still waiting for Scooby Doo and company to show up.
Micky: Or Cousin It.
Daphne: Or to find Sabrina the Teenage Witch cooking up something with her cat! (Indicates all the door) Well, which one should we try first?
Micky: Start with the nearest, and work our way down the line?
Davy: Might as well. This could take all day!
Daphne: And this place is HUGE! I'll bet there's hundreds of rooms! (Goes to the closest door) How about this one?
Lauren: Just take a peek first!
Daphne: (Peeks) Looks safe enough. Lots of books, no dead people or devils. (Sighs) But no Mike or Em, either.
Micky: On to the next one. *moves to the next door*
*Micky peeks in the next door. There's a faint sound. Micky pulls the door open wider, and all the contents of the closet fall out, practically burying him.*
(Everyone chuckles. Davy and Daphne help him out from under the clutter.)
Daphne: (Grins) Smooth move, Fibber McGee! ;)
Micky: Thanks.
Davy: We're gettin' nowhere fast, 'ere. There's got to be somethin' lurkin' 'round 'ere!
Daphne: I wish you hadn't used the word "lurk." :p
Micky: Before I just had the heebies, now I got the heebie geebies.
Davy: Should I ask wot the difference is? ;)
Lauren: *shakes her head* I wouldn't. ;-)
Daphne: They've got to be keeping Em and Mike somewhere. I'll bet we could find out more about the Challenge, too.
Davy: (Looks out the Library window - the sun is in a lower position than it was before) Oh, man, that's at sundown!
Daphne: Micky, did Shelia tell you what the Challenge was about, besides us against Zero and whatever I hope his "boys" are not? :p :(
Micky: *scratches the back of his head* I don't think she did. She only told me to give the challenge.
Davy: It would 'elp if we knew wot we were up against. (Peers in another door close to the hallway.) 'Ey, get a load of this place! It's 'uge!
(Davy leads them into the ballroom, a large room with a grand piano in one corner and huge bay windows.)
Micky: Whoa!
Lauren: What a party you could hold in here!
(It's obvious it hasn't been used in years. There's dust and cobwebs on everything.)
Davy: I'll bet this was the 'ome of many a grand affaiah when this 'ouse was originally built. :)
Daphne: Can you see it now, a real Victorian ball, with fancy gowns and everything?
Micky: That'd be groovy!
Davy: Yeah, man, wouldn't it be somethin'? :X
(As the group looks around, things get wavy, and we get a romp to "Sometime In the Morning." All four couples appear, dancing together in what looks like a waltz. The girls wear elaborate late Victorian gowns; the boys wear their costumes from the "Sometime In the Morning" video in "Monkee Mother." Each boy dances with and gently kisses his respective girl, watched faithfully by Mr. Bennett in a black suit and sullenly by Shelia in a too-busty black and red gown, a wig covering her short hair. We return to the present day and the dusty ballroom as the screen wavers again and the couples fade away.)
Daphne: It doesn't look like anyone's been in here for years.
Lauen: Such a shame.
Micky: Wonder how many bottles of Lemon Pledge you'd need to clean it...
Davy: Probably a 'ole bloomin' rivah. (Turns to the others) Shall we try again?
Micky: *nods* Yeah.
Lauren: There's gotta be something or someone in one of these rooms.
Davy: I think I'd settle for somethin' for now.
Daphne: Let's try the other side.
(Daphne grabs a door and opens it; she immediately flings it closed, white as a sheet.)
Daphne: (Gasps) I saw demons eating dinner in there! :o
Micky: Come again?
Davy: Wot?
Lauren: I didn't think this was the Hotel California.
Daphne: Well, they were either demons, or really short midgets with really big claws, reeeeally big teeth, and appetites the size of the Great Wall of China! :o
Davy: Probably Zero's "boys." :p
Micky: Let's not bother them, then.
Daphne: No, but...can I be sick? You don't want to know what they were eating.
Davy: Bet it were still movin'. :p
Lauren: I'm not gonna say it. I might offend someone. ;-)
Micky: *smirks* Cantonese Cuisine? ;-)
Daphne: Excuse me...(opens a door; closes it; sound of violent wretching; she emerges, smiling but still a little pale) Now I'm better. :)
Davy: Well, that answahs two questions. Where not to go, and who-or what-Zero's "boys" are. :p
Daphne: Hey, Lauren, why don't you take a turn? ;)
Davy: Maybe she'll actually find something useful. :)
Lauren: Heh. *moves to the next door, glances back at the others, then turns the knob and peeks in*
Daphne: (Gulps) Any demons?
Davy: Anythin' at all?
Lauren: Umm. *opens the door a little wider; looks a little farther in*
Daphne: (Tries to get around her girth) What did you find? Anyone in there? (Makes a face) If they have long claws and big teeth, I'm leaving. :p
Lauren: No, but... *moves a little farther and moves as quickly back out as she can around the doorframe* There's someone in there!
Micky: *makes a face* Lemme look.
Davy: Animal, vegetable, or mineral?
Daphne: Human, I hope!
*Micky goes in the room, then laughs. He comes back out, grinning, with his arms folded.*
Davy: Ok, wot did you two find? ;)
Micky: Sorry, babe, you found a full length mirror. It's a bedroom.
(The four step into the bedroom, looking at the mirror and chuckling.)
Lauren: Oh, man... :">
Daphne: This is a man's bedroom. There's no fancy knick-knacks or anything frilly, and those are definitely suits I see in the closet.
Micky: Fancy suits?
Davy: (Makes a face) Too familiah suits...
Micky: It's Zero's room!
Daphne: I think we hit the jackpot! :D
Davy: Always wondahed where the Devil slept at night. ;)
Micky: *puts an arm around Lauren* Alright, babe! :D
*Lauren just shrugs, grinning.*
Davy: Well, don't just stah at each othah! (Grins) Look for somethin' that could tell us more about this "Challenge" deal, or at least where Em and Mike are bein' 'eld!
(They do, everyone searching different parts of the room.)
Micky: *digging in a dresser drawer; mutters* There oughtta be an easier way to do this.
(Daphne goes into the closet, pulling out suit after suit.)
Daphne: This thing is a walk-in!
Davy: You know, this place looks a lot more modern than the rest of the 'ouse. Not a bit of Victoriana anywheah.
Daphne: And everything in here costs a fortune!
*Micky stops digging and steps back a moment, folding his arms again. He stares at the dresser and squints his eyes a little bit. One drawer opens and the contents start shifting about as though Micky was actually going through them.*
Davy: Not a bad idea, Mick. Reminds me of the "Spoonful of Sugah" numbah in "Mary Poppins." (Davy closes his eyes. The frameless bed with the immaculate yellow sheets and blanket disappears, revealing dust and luggage underneath.)
(Daphne closes her eyes, and all the suits empty anything that was in their pockets and disappear.)
*Lauren shrugs and closes her eyes. All the paintings on the walls disappear, leaving lighter colored spots in their places.*
Davy: All right, look for somethin' outta the ordinary - a spot on the wall or in the closet that may 'old a safe, somethin' in those suitcases, stuff in the piles out of the drawers. (He closes his eyes, opening each suitcase in turn.)
*Micky continues with the dresser, rifling through the contents now on the floor. Lauren checks the spots on the walls that she cleared.*
Davy: There's four. One's blue, one's red, one's white wit' black trim, and one's green. (Makes a face as he closes the last one) And they're all empty. (Frowns) I wondah wot on Earth 'e'd want wit' empty suitcases? I cahn't imagine 'e needs luggage to travel!
(There's the sound of things being thrown aside. Only Daphne's lower legs and arms are visable as she goes through the closet.)
Micky: *stops searching the dresser* Hang on, Dave... *goes over next to Davy to look at the suitcases*
Davy: There's got to be more to this.
Davy: (Frowns) Blue, red, green, white...Mick? Lauren?
Micky: The jewels we had way back. I had the ruby, that was red...
Davy: And I 'ad the sapphire. That's blue. Petah's was the emerald, which would be green, and Mike's was a diamond. White...(frowns)...but why the black?
Micky: *shakes his head* I don't...no, that does work.
Davy: Come again?
Micky: When we were in the Wild West, Mike was the sorta good bad guy.
Davy: (Nods) Right. The killah wit' a 'eart of gold.
Micky: Exactly. But why suitcases?
Davy: Do think Zero knows about our...adventures? We ain't seen 'im since the business in the Library until all this began!
Micky: *shrugs* He's Zero. Who knows... he could've been keeping tabs on us the entire time.
Davy: (Makes a face) No wondah some of the stories got so nasty. I'll bet 'e nevah wanted us to come out of them. :p
Micky: That explains a lot.
Davy: Edwin Lord...Lady Plaisir...The Potts...the Purple Flower Gang... (Growls) All 'is minions, I'll bet, like Oraculo and Zeckenbush.
Micky: All sent to try to "collect" us. :-P
Davy: Right. That would explain why they were always tryin' for one or more of us. (Nods at the girls) Mick, get Lauren ovah 'ere. I think we've found somethin' majah. I'll bet 'e intends to use the suitcases for somethin'.
Micky: Hey, babe! *waves her over*
Lauren: *joins the guys* What's going on?
Davy: Look at these suitcases, luv. Tell us wot you see.
Daphne: (Emerges from the closet) What's going on?
Lauren: Other than suitcases... *gasps* The colors!
Davy: Look familiar, luv?
Daphne: What about the colors?
Lauren: *nods* Very familiar. Those are the colors of each of your jewels from back when.
Daphne: Jewels?
Davy: We 'ad a little visit in our minds, luv. It's a long story, but it involved four powahful jewels we were able to use. Mine was a sapphire, and it controlled water. Petah's emerald could 'eal wounds, and Mike's diamond created windstorms.
Micky: Mine was a ruby, which let me blow up stuff.
Lauren: Easier than he usually can. ;-)
(Daphne and Davy chuckles.)
Daphne: What does Zero have to do with all of this?
Davy: It means 'e's been sendin' 'is bloody minions aftah us for months in our bloomin' minds!
Daphne: In your minds?
Davy: I'll bet the suitcases are for the Challenge. One for each of us.
Lauren: But why? What the heck would you need suitcases for?
Micky: *gulps* Maybe he thinks we'll be going somewhere?
Davy: On a permanent trip to 'is 'ome, if 'e 'as 'is way. :p
Daphne: (Points at a sliding door next to the bed) There's a door there, too. It's got to lead somewhere.
Davy: Maybe 'e wants us to put something in the suitcases?
Micky: *makes a face* God, I hope not.
Daphne: (Peers in) It's some kind of office or study. (Nods at the boys) How about Lauren and I check out the study while you guys puzzle over the mystery of the suitcases?
Micky: Fine with me.