(The study is dark-panneled and gloomy. The only light comes from the waning sun shining through the window. The walls are surrounded by heavy shelves with dark, leather-bound books. The furniture is all dark wood and heavy leather. Emma sits by the window, still in her red dress and bawling her eyes out. A book is in her lap, but it is unopen.)
Emma: Oh, Mike... (turns as Daphne and Lauren enter the room) Guys? (Smiles, wiping her eyes) I knew that was you! (Groans) I feel like such a fool...
Lauren: Em!
Daphne: Are you ok?
Emma: (Indicates her dress) Other than feeling like a fat Jayne Mansfield, yes, I'm fine. He hasn't...(shudders)...tried anything yet. (Gulps) And Mike...(chokes back a sob)...oh, my poor Mike, she...she...
Lauren: Good, or else he'd be seeing next Tuesday before everyone else.
(Emma laughs through her tears at the "Next Tuesday" line. :) )
Emma: (Looks at the other two) Shelia did...something...to Mike. The last time I saw him, he was wearing nothing but a robe and she had him in her arms, and he was so...unlike himself. :((
Lauren: *nods sadly* We saw. :-(
Emma: (Gulps) He's still...like that? :(
Lauren: Unfortunately.
Emma: They're trying to keep us apart. Zero ordered his (makes a face) creatures that we're not even to be in the same part of the house at the same time. (Falls against the window) Just to make us suffer, because Zero hates Mike and Shelia hates me.
Lauren: *makes a face* Man...
Daphne: Oh, God, that bastard! That's horrible!
Emma: I've tried to use my powers to get out, but I guess I'm still not thinking straight, because it isn't working. Shelia did this weird head-rubbing thing, and everything started to get fuzzy. Mike said (chokes back another sob)...M...mike said that she did it to him, too.
Lauren: *nods* Mick said the same thing.
Daphne: That seems to be their way of temporarily rendering our powers useless.
Emma: What about the others? Peter, Micky, Val...
Lauren: Micky and Davy are out there... *jerks her thumb behind them*
Emma: (Grins) Are you sure it was a good idea to leave them alone? ;)
Lauren: They're pondering suitcases. I think we're safe. ;-)
Emma: (Thoughtful) Zero mentioned something about suitcases and the Challenge earlier, after he brought me down here. He didn't mention any details.
Lauren: Too bad, because I think the fellas are gonna hurt themselves out there. *winks*
Emma: Is Davy ok? Where did you find him? Shelia and Zero wouldn't tell me what happened to him.
Daphne: (Beams) He was a tiger cub, and I turned him back!
Emma: (Frowns) What?
Lauren: We found him in the basement, caged. Daph changed him back to his charming self. ;-)
Daphne: (Growls) He was not only a tiger cub, but blinded and paralyzed! I'll bet I know who did it, too!
Emma: (Growls herself) Shelia. That's her style. She likes making her own human menagerie. :p
Lauren: No kidding. :-P
Emma: (Grins) Maybe we'd better check up on the boys, before Zero comes back and finds all of you and one human Lord of the Manor. :)
Daphne: (Nods) Yeah, they've been awfully quiet in there.
Lauren: I hope they didn't keel over from thinking too much. ;-)
(Daphne and Emma chuckle, and the three girls walk into the bedroom.)
*Davy holds one of the suitcases, turning it over in his hands, looking for anything that would give them an idea as to what they might be used for. Micky has the other three turning about in mid-air. He watches the cases with his arms folded and a small frown on his face.*
Micky: *shakes his head* Wonder if the chemistry set would help?
Emma: Oh, good grief. What are you boys doing?
Lauren: Other than juggling, that is.
Daphne: I don't think the cases are going to attack you.
Emma: (Frowns) Red, green, blue, white...
Micky: Huh? *all three of his suitcases fall* Oh, man, you broke my concentration! :-P
Daphne: Yikes! (She and Emma get out of the way of falling suitcases.)
Emma: (Grins) It's raining suitcases! ;)
Lauren: That's it, Mick, no more using your extended powers indoors! *chuckles as Micky sticks his tongue out at her* ;-)
Emma: (As the others laugh) I think the suitcases are for the Challenge. I got that much out of Zero. I don't know the details.
Daphne: What kind of challenge is this, carrying luggage to the airport or something?
Micky: Seeing who can pack and unpack the quickest? *lopsided grin*
Emma: Something tells me it's a lot uglier than that.
Daphne: I wish you wouldn't say that. :p
Micky: *covers his ears* I did not hear that! ;-) :-P
Emma: Well, did you find anything?
Daphne: Other than ways to give us headaches? ;)
Micky: *rests a hand on one of the cases* These are it. One for each of us, too, if you note the colors. *makes a face*
Emma: Swell. I don't like the sound of that.
Daphne: What do you think they want to put in there?
Emma: (Makes a face) I can take a couple of wild guesses, but they might gross you guys out. :p
Lauren: And with that, I'll say that I don't want to know. :-P
Micky: I already thought of those guesses.
Emma: Maybe try to get US in them.
Lauren: *eyes widen* What?!
Daphne: (Gulps) I hope this doesn't involve pain. :o
Emma: Or at least, our souls.
Micky: *frowns* That does not make me feel any better.
(Suddenly, there's noise from outside. The familar sound of a not-happy Devil comes down the hallway.)
Lauren: Oh, crap!
Emma: Zero! Oh, great. I think he's coming to the study, not the bedroom. Stay in here and don’t move! I'll try to head him off.
(Emma ducks back into the study and sits in the exact same posistion she was before. The others open the door between the rooms a crack and peek in.)
Zero: Blast it! Jones somehow got loose! The cage is open, and he's nowhere to be found. Someone must have returned him to his human form. He would never have gotten anywhere as a crippled, sightless tiger cub! (Turns to Emma, his anger becoming a smile) Now, my dearest Emmeline, would you know anything about this?
Emma: (Makes a face) No, I wouldn't. As I recall, you wouldn't even tell me where Davy was. And my name is "Emma," not "Emmeline."
Zero: You're very much like her, though.
Emma: But I'm not her. How often do Mike and I have to tell you that?
Zero: (Makes a face and sits next to Emma at the window seat) Why do you have to constantly mention that man's name? He's lost to you.
Emma: (Shakes her head defiantely) I can't help it. I still love him.
Zero: Why? He's so scrawny and boring, too serious and bumpkinish and so very poor. (Leans over to put his hand on Emma's chest, but she moves back)
Emma: Oh, no, you don't! I'm not letting you play that game again!
Zero: Never mind, darling. I know your mind. You hate your job, hate your boss and the demanding customers. You want more time to write. (Pulls her into his arms) I could give that to you, Emmeline.
Emma: (Struggles) Don't call me that! I'd rather give it to myself, thank you!
Zero: What could Nesmith give you? You fight like cats and dogs. He doesn't understand your writing or reading. His idea of a good, long book is a car manual.
Emma: (Glares at him) He can give me love, which is more than you can!
Zero: Oh, but I can give you other things. I can show you places beyond your wildest dreams, places that are not New Jersey or California. I can give you all the books you want, and all the time to write your own. (Strokes Emma's cheeks; she still struggles, trying to push him away) Why do you fight me? I know you want these things. You don't want to work in a grocery store all your life.
Emma: (Her struggling weakens) No, I don't, but...
Zero: (Reaches up at Emma's temples before she realizes it and rubs them) Yes, I can give you all those things and more, my Emmeline, my Scholar. Naysmythe couldn't give them to you five hundred years ago, and he can't give them to you now.
Emma: No...not my name...Mike...
Zero: Forget him. Forget him, dear. You'll never see him again.
Emma: (Her eyes are closing) No...
(As Zero reaches over to kiss her, a group of demons run into the room.)
Demon 1: (With an odd Cockney accent) 'Ey, Mistah Zero, somebody cut a swatch through the garden out back the size of the Amazon, they did!
Zero: (Makes a face) Can't you see I'm busy?
Demon 2: Mr. Zero, there's intruders here! We've heard noises...and they're not the ghosts or Shelia!
Zero: (Sighs) Very well. (Gives Emma's temples another rub and sets her down on the window seat; she's conscious, but her eyes are glassy) We'll continue this later, my sweet Emmeline. Fare thee well. (He kisses her hand, then turns to some of the demons) Watch over her. Make sure no one tries to free her. I don't want her finding the White Knight.
Demon 3: (Nods) Right, Mr. Zero!
(Some of the demons follow Zero. The others remain in the study, guarding Emma, who lays on the window seat, panting heavily. Cut to the four in the bedroom, exchanging worried and wild looks.)
Lauren: Great. Now what?
Davy: We've got to get 'er out of there some'ow!
Daphne: If only we had weapons of some sort!
Micky: *smirks* I think we could find us some weapons. ;-)
Davy: (Grins at Micky) You thinkin' wot I'm thinkin', Mick? Remembah the fantasy? ;)
Daphne: Ok, I'm lost.
Micky: *nods* Great minds think alike, man. ;-)
Davy: And we've got some of the greatest. (Closes his eyes - a rapier appears in his hand.)
Daphne: (Grins) I always thought you'd make a wonderful Errol Flynn, Davy! :) :x
Davy: (Grins, blushing) Yeah, well, I took fencin' in school.(Shrugs) And it seems to be paht of this "Lord of the Manor" business. No wondah we got on so well wit' our doubles.
Micky: *stares at his hand; a sword appears through the same slightly darker blue light* Whoops. That wasn't exactly what I was going for, but it works. ;-)
Daphne: Groovy! I want one, too! (Closes her eyes - a short sword appears in her hand; she grins) Ok, then, call me a brunette Maureen O'Hara.
Davy: Don't go arguin' wit' John Wayne, though. ;)
Daphne: Wouldn't dream of putting up a fuss with the Duke! ;)
Lauren: *makes a face* Oh, man... *looks down at her stomach* I think I'll stay behind you three.
Daphne: Well, you ought to have something, just in case.
Micky: *swishes sword around* No problem, babe! I'll protect ya!
(Davy and Daphne laugh.)
*Lauren shrugs; a sword of her own appears. She glances at Micky. He grins.*
Micky: Always thinking, babe. *taps the side of his head* ;-)
Daphne: Ok, everyone ready?
Davy: Let's go take them ‘ell-buggahs down!
Micky: Yeah! *swishes his sword again*
Lauren: Oh, goodness...
Daphne: You said it!
(The three burst into the doors, scaring the heck out of the demons. Lauren goes to Emma, who is still laying groggily in the window. The three fight, chase, and and are chased by demons to the tune of "Looking For The Good Times." Every time a demon is dispatched, it disappears in a blast of black light.)
Emma: (As the romp winds down, Emma looks around) Wh...what happened? (Frowns) They did it to me again, didn't they? That muddling thing...
Lauren: Yeah.
Emma: Oh, man, I thought I was more prepared this time!
Davy: (Wipes the demon-blood off his rapier with a cloth) I'm afraid so, luv.
Emma: (Grins) Been borrowing your weapons from the Land of Sunshine and Beauty? (Notices Micky's sword and raises her eyebrows) Um, Mick, I think your dagger grew up. /:)
Micky: *grins* Uh, yeah. *scratches his head* My powers are still screwy, but it worked.
Daphne: (Frowns) His powers have been acting strange ever since we got here!
Davy: Yeah, 'e keeps gettin' a darker blue light 'stead of a light blue one.
Micky: *makes a face* Side effect, probably.
Lauren: I'm curious about the different color light. :-/
Emma: (Rubs the back of her head) Maybe it comes from the contact with evil. He was, briefly, in Shelia's employ. (Frowns)
Davy: Or maybe 'e just needs to dispell all 'is demons 'fore he can be bright blue again.
Micky: *makes a face, then sighs* Well, whatever it is, I just hope it behaves. ;-)
Emma: (Rubs her bare arms) Let's get the others and get out of here, or at least find a place to hide until it's time for the Challenge.
Lauren: *nods* Sounds good to me.
Emma: (Makes a face) I'd love to know what the asshole has against Mike. This has to go further than the harp incident.
Davy: Probably anothah ancestah thing. :p
Daphne: (Opens the door that looks out on the hallway) It's empty, guys. Come on.
Lauren: Good.
Emma: I think Shelia is keeping Mike in her room, or so I gathrered from Zero. (Growls) And when we get there, I'm going to launch every single last claw I have on that short-haired bitch!!! X(
Micky: And we'll stay out of your way. ;-)
Davy: Faaaar out of your way. ;)
Daphne: I heard China's nice this time of year. ;)
(The four walk out, all chuckling accept for Emma, who makes a face, as we fade out on the group downstairs and in on Peter, Valerie, and Mr. Bennett, who search upstairs. The hallway looks more or less the same as downstairs, only more narrow and less well-lit. Peter shivers, staying close to Valerie.)
Peter: (Whimpers) I don't like this place! The aura is evil and meloncholy.
Mr. Bennett: It's giving me the creeps too, boy.
Valerie: *shudders* It’s very creepy.
Mr. Bennett: Maybe we should split up. I know I saw Shelia come up this way, but not which door she went in.
Peter: Maybe she can walk through walls! :)
Valerie: *quirks an eyebrow* I hope not.
Mr. Bennett: Not likely. She's a demon, not a ghost.
Peter: (Gulps) I think there's a few of those around, too.
Mr. Bennett: (Nods at three doors) Valerie, take the door on the right. Peter, take the one across from her. I'll go in the one nearest to the landing.
Valerie: *nods* Got it.
Peter: You bet! (The group splits up, and we follow Peter, who opens the door to the room he was directed to...and stops in pure shock. Shelia and Mike stand in the middle of her room completly naked, though we only see enough to avoid an ugly rating. Peter's jaw drops open. Shelia is kissing Mike, running her fingers across his chest.)
Peter: (In total shock) M...mm...michael? Um, mm...maybe...wrong...r..room?
Mike: (Turns and gives his best friend a rather stupid grin) Oh, hi, Pete! We're having fun.
Peter: Coudn't you do it wearing clothes?
Shelia: *eyes wide* What?!
(Peter is the color of Jersey tomatoes.)
Peter: Michael, what's wrong?
Mike: (Frowns) There's something wrong?
Peter: (Pleading) Mike, this isn't you! You'd normally be fighting and making a lot of noise by now!
Mike: Why?
Shelia: *mutters* Didn't know we'd be putting on a show.
Mike: Pete, we're busy.
Peter: Um...maybe...I should...go? (Shakes his head; to himself) No, I can't! Everyone's counting on me! (Goes to Mike and takes his arm) I've got to imagine you some clothes and get you out of here.
Mike: Aw, Pete, why ya wanna leave so fast?
Peter: (Points at Shelia) She's got an evil aura!
*A black light flashes around Shelia; when it dissipates, she's covered in her psychadelic robe, her arms folded, glaring a hole through Peter.*
Peter: (Steps back, swallowing hard) Please, let him go! He's my best friend, and I don't like seeing him like this!
Mike: Seeing me like what? (Turns to her, puzzled) What's wrong, Mistress?
Shelia: *grins* Nothing, my Knight. This poor boy is confused.
Peter: (Pleading; goes to Mike and puts his hand on his shoulder) Mike, this isn't you at all! Your aura is all confused. I can make you right! We'll go find Em, and we'll get out of here!
Mike: (Dreamy) Em...
Peter: Your fiancee! She's missing, too!
Mike: (Smiles) Yeah, her. I love her.
Shelia: No!
Peter: You still love her, no matter what this lady did to you! She's your soulmate, just like Valerie's mine!
Mike: (Nods) Yeah, I do, Pete.
Peter: (Gets closer to Mike) You're so confused. You want to fight, but she's done something to block your defensive instincts.
Mike: Defensive...
Shelia: Don't listen to him! He doesn't know what he's talking about!
Mike: (Looks from Shelia to Peter, his face in agony) I...I don't know what to think anymore...
Peter: (Nearly in tears) Michael, you've got to believe me! That lady has a nasty evil aura. She's using your fear of dependance and loss of control to control YOU!
Mike: N...no...she's been good to me...
Peter: (Sobs) She's using you!
Shelia: I am not!
Peter: (Turns to her in tears) Yes, you are! You're using him just for...fun.
Mike: Fun...
Shelia: He likes fun!
Peter: He's not Sir Robert, and I'm not Peter the Bard. I'm Peter Tork, and he's Michael Nesmith, my best friend. He likes cars, and music, and quiet nights at home with Em!
Mike: Em...my Em...
Peter: (Nods) Yes, your Em! You love her! You're getting married in a few days!
Mike: Married...
Shelia: No!
Peter: (Turns to Shelia, as angry as he's going to get) I don't want you to hurt him anymore! Let him go! Your aura is so black, you could use it to pave roads! :o
Shelia: *grins* Thank you! ;-)
Mike: Pete... (Puts his head in his hands and sits down on the bed)
Peter: Michael, you have to believe me! We've been best friends for three years! Have I ever lied to you?
Mike: No...
Peter: (Scoops up the blue robe and drapes it around Mike's shoulders, covering...certain spots) Come on, Michael. I'm gonna get you out of here. (Closes his eyes)
Mike: Where we goin'?
Peter: Wherever she isn't!
Shelia: Oh no, you don't! You're not going with him!
Peter: (Opens his eyes; for once, they're defiant) Yes, he is! I'm not going to leave him here to be some toy for you! X(
Mike: (Looks up at her) Shelia, have you...lied? Where is Em, anyway?
Shelia: Lie, me? *smiles* She's quite safe.
Peter: I'll bet she isn't! You don't like her! (Sees Shelia coming at him) No! I don't want to be a toy, too!
Mike: Pete...
Peter: (Gets up) I'm going to go tell the others! (Closes his eyes...but Shelia reaches for him as he does)
Shelia: Not so fast, my Bard... *grins*
Mike: What are you going to do to him?
Shelia: Nothing harmful. *reaches for Peter's temples*
Peter: (Wails) MIICHAAAEEELLL, HEEELLLP!
(Mike continues to stare with confused eyes as Shelia starts rubbing Peter's temples.)
Mike: Whatcha doin', Shelia?
Shelia: Just helping your friend calm down a little. *smirks*
Peter: (Sobs) W...what are you doing? My head feels funny.
Shelia: It's called muddling, my dear Bard.
Peter: Oh, god, this is what you did to Michael! I...I feel so weird...
Shelia: *grins* You are a smart one.
Mike: (Frowns) What's wrong with him?
Shelia: There's nothing wrong with 'im. ;-)
Peter: (Whimpers) Wh...what are you going to do to me? Are you going to make me a toy, too?
Mike: You could have fun with him. :)
Peter: (Sobs) N...no...
Shelia: No, as tempting as it is, we have other plans for the Bard.
Mike: Maybe he should sit down. He looks like he's gonna fall.
Shelia: Uncle has plans. *shakes her head* He'll be okay.
Peter: U...uncle?
Shelia: *smiles* That's right. ;-)
Peter: W...why m...me?
Shelia: Such an innocent soul is hard to find.
Peter: (Turns white as a sheet) Z...zero...he said that...when I bought that harp...
(Shelia leads the blond over to a Victorian padded chair near her bed.)
Peter: Michael? Why don't you do something?
Mike: What?
Peter: (Slumps down in the chair) Scared...so scared...
Mike: Me, too.
Peter: Michael...Valerie... (his eyes are getting unfocused)
(Mike watches from the bed, fascinated.)
Mike: What 'cha doin' to him?
Peter: Can't...think...
Shelia: Muddling, my Knight. It... relaxes the mind. *smirks*
(Peter finally falls against the chair, reduced to soft whimpers. His long gold hair swings almost hypnotically around his face.)
Shelia: Much better.
Peter: Scared...want teddy bear...
Mike: Still sleeps with that old thing. :)
Peter: Valerie...
*Shelia makes a face.*
Mike: His girl. He digs her.
(Peter's whimpers are becoming softer and softer. He finally falls, panting, his eyes blank.)
Shelia: Finally. *smirks again*
Mike: You gonna play with him?
Shelia: No. I'm going to let Uncle decide what to do with him. ;-)
Mike: That's good. Where is your uncle?
Shelia: Preparing for the Challenge, more than likely.
Zero: (Appears in a puff of smoke, mad as a pit bull) My dear, we have intruders! The Scholar has vanished, and someone cut a path in the garden that the special effects people on "The Ten Commandments" would envy! :p
Shelia: I've already noticed, Uncle.
Zero: We... (sees Peter and grins very evilly) Well, well, well, what do we have here? (Lifts Peter's chin with his finger and looks into his confused and frightened eyes) How on Earth did you get your hands on the Bard before the Challenge?
Mike: He came in here and didn't like us having fun.
Shelia: He came right to us, Uncle.
Peter: (Gulps) Zero...n...n...no...you'll take me away...
Zero: Not now, my dear little Bard. For now, we have fun.
Mike: Fun?
Zero: Another kind of fun. (Smiles) Shelia, dear, since you have been enjoying it of late, how would you like more practice reading souls? After you read his, I'll prepare him and Nesmith to have their souls removed.
Shelia: Hm. Sounds enjoyable. *smirks*
Zero: Unbutton that dratted Nehru shirt he's so fond of. I don't know how he can wear those without getting headaches from the colors. :p
Peter: N...no, p..please...
Mike: He likes bright colors. Makes him happy.
Shelia: *unbuttons the shirt, making a face* I have no idea, rather disgusting if you ask me. :-P
Zero: Now, what's in the soul of our innocent music-maker?
Peter: (As she puts her fingers on his chest) Ow, that hurts...
Shelia: *smirks* He's afraid of what we'll do to hem. He's afraid for his friends.
Zero: He's afraid of everything, I imagine.
Mike: He gets scared sometimes. We watch him.
Peter: (Whimpers softly) M..michael...V...v...valerie...
Shelia: *nods* Would appear that way. He's... *makes a face* he's not jealous of any of the others.
Mike: Pete likes everyone.
Shelia: How lovely. He's quite content with everything. His soul doesn't have the intrigue the others' did.
Zero: Innocent souls are like that, Shelia. I suppose he feels the same way about the Aristocrat.
Peter: No...no aristocrat...Valerie...
Shelia: *nods* He's likes her very much. Even loves her. ;-)
Zero: (Also goes to Peter) But he's a bit frightened of her, too, of her wealth. (Peter screams when Zero touches him) It intimidates him, as does Nesmith at times.
*Shelia nods.*
Mike: I don't intimidate him. We're pals.
Peter: M..michael...you...scare me...sometimes...
Zero: What really frightens our sweet Bard? (Prods into Peter's chest - he once again screams) War. Fighting. Hatred. He can't stand them.
Shelia: Any sort of violence.
Zero: He hates the things that are going on in the world, all the violence.
(Peter screams again.)
Zero: Subdue that boy's mouth, Shelia. He'll wake every dead creature in this house.
Shelia: Gladly. *takes a cloth and gags Peter*
(Peter looks on, his light brown eyes wide with horror.)
Mike: (Makes a face) He got scared.
Zero: (Finally removes his hands) Very good, Shelia. He's a perfect soul.
Shelia: *smiles* Thank you, Uncle.
Zero: So sweet, so gentle... (strokes Peter's chin as the boy looks on in horror, sobbing through the gag) ...so easily corrupted, like his ancestor. (Probes Peter's chest again; Peter screams through the gag) He hates that he's always so easily captured. He wonders why he can't be strong, like his friends. (Makes a face and rubs Peter's temples; his eyes lose focus again) Oh, do be quiet, Bard! We're causing no harm to you. Just a bit of soul-reading. ;)
Mike: Pete's harder to take care of than an aircraft carrier.
*Shelia smirks.*
(The door flings open. Valerie and Mr. Bennett pokes their heads in...and Valerie gasps at Peter.)
Valerie: Peter!
(Peter looks up at her, his eyes still glassy.)
Mr. Bennett: Peter?
Zero: Well, well, well, if it isn't the lovely Aristocrat, and... (frowns) who on Earth are you, old man?
Mr. Bennett: (Narrows his eyes) A friend, pal.
Mike: That's Mr. Bennett. He lives down the block from us. He teaches music, and Pete helps out.
Zero: You've come for your innocent little lover, I suppose.
Valerie: Of course!
Zero: He won't be going with you. He has a lovely soul, you know. It's innocent, gentle, caring, childlike...and ripe for total corruption.
Valiere: *gasps* No!
Zero: And what about your soul, fair Aristocrat? (Starts towards her, but Mr. Bennett blocks his way) Get away from me, old man! This doesn't concern you!
Mr. Bennett: Nasty businessman or evil devil, I'm not going to let you harm these kids any further.
Zero: You’re of no interest to me. Get out of my way.
Mr. Bennett: (Stands solidly in front of Valerie) Try me.
(But, fortunately for Mr. B, he doesn't have to. There's a dark-blue light in the hallway, and the door is flung open again.)
Davy: (Peeks in, his eyes wide) Oh, my god, I think we found the pahty, guys!
Micky: I'm starting to like these new quirks in my powers! *grins widely*
Daphne: That was great, Micky! We just wanted to go upstairs...and you took us straight to the others! (She steps into the room, followed by the others.)
Emma: (Gasps) Mike! (Joins him on the bed)
Mike: Em?
Emma: (Strokes his hair) Yeah, baby, it's me.
Zero: Damn all of you! Where did you come from?
Daphne: Downstairs.
Davy: We just took the quickest way up. ;)
Micky: *grins* We took the Expressway. ;-)
Davy: (Grins) Or the Micky-way!
Lauren: Whatever works. ;-)
Emma: (Holds Mike) I'd like to see you two try to muddle us all at once! :p
Mr. Bennett: (Crosses his arms) That's what you did earlier to control that boy. (Indicates Mike) I know he's usually a fighter, tough and taciturn, not some plaything.
Zero: Emmeline, how did you escape? (Takes Emma's hand, but she pushes it away)
Emma: Didn't you hear me before? I don't want fancy things! I want to earn my own way in the world!
Daphne: (Gets in Shelia's face) And how about you, Weird-Eyes? I'd like to see you turn all of us into animals at once! That was a dirty trick you did Davy!
*Shelia glares.*
Davy: Daphne, don't antagonize 'er. That's wot I did, and look wot 'appened to me!
Zero: The Huntress always was a feisty creature.
Daphne: (Distracted) The...what?
Emma: Mike, before something else happens and we're separated... (takes him and kisses him gently, then grins)
Mike: (There's a blue light, and his eyes come back into focus; Emma now wears her regular clothes again) E...em? W...what in the heck...
Micky: *whoops* Alright, Em!
Zero: No! Emmeline...
Mike: (His eyes finally come to life) Her name ain't Emmeline, jackass! It's EM-MA, and my name is MI-CHAEL NES-MITH!
(Peter smiles weakly.)
Davy: (Notes Peter) We'd bettah get 'im undone. Looks like they may 'ave gotten to 'im, too.
(Davy, Valerie, and Lauren get the gag off Peter and help him to his feet.)
Peter: T...thanks, guys.
*Valerie hugs Peter.*
Mike: (Looks into Emma's eyes as they stand) Oh god, Em, I missed you. Even when she really had me confused, you were always there at the back of my brain.
Emma: I missed you, too. When she did that to you and I couldn't stop her, my heart felt like it was being ripped to shreds and burned into ashes.
Zero: This is getting disgusting. Those two are so sickeningly in love...(the clock in Shelia's room chimes six o'clock. The sun is setting into the sea, and the light beyond Shelia's window is getting fainter.) Since we're all here, this would seem to be an appropriate time to begin the Challenge. (Nods at Shelia, who is staring at Emma and Mike with pure naked hatred) How do you think we should start it, my dear? Something simple?
Peter: (Whimpers) Will we get hurt?
Davy: (Makes a face) Probably. :p
Shelia: *nods, still staring* Yes, Uncle.
Mike: (Pulls the robe around him so he's something close to fully covered) Ok, Zero, what do you have in mind?
Zero: (Makes a face) We can't do it here, though. We must have a far more appropriate arena.
Micky: *mutters* Don't like the sound of that.
(Zero claps his hands. The entire group, sans Mr. Bennett, re-appears in what looks like a huge basement area refitted as a kind of arena. Demons stand around a circular area lit only by a single naked bulb and a heater making sputtering noises.)
Peter: (Looks around; wails) Where's Mr. Bennett? What did you do to him, Zero?
Zero: Just left the old fool where he was, in Shelia's room. He's quite safe. (Gazes at the group) Now, we'll need the males for this. Shelia, you can (smirks) prepare the ladies for the next challenge.
Shelia: It would be my pleasure! *grins evilly*
Mike: Yeah, what the hell do you do in the basement, challenge the plumbing?
Davy: Maybe we're 'ere to put down a cement floah. ;)
Micky: Check for drafts?
Peter: And what are you going to do to the girls? :(
Emma: They'd better not do anything!
Daphne: (Gets in Shelia's face again) What do you have in mind, Evil Eyes?
Shelia: *smirks* You'll see. ;-)
Micky: No you don't!
Mike: If you hurt these chicks, I'll...
Zero: Take them away and get them ready. They'll distract the men.
Mike: (Pushes Emma behind him) I just got her back. I'm not about to lose her again!
Micky: No way! *stands in front of Lauren*
Peter: Don't hurt Valerie! (Stands in front of her)
Davy: Um, Daph, I don't think she likes you lookin' at 'er like that.
Daphne: (Sticks her tongue out at Shelia) I don't care! She's got no right to be turning innocent cute Englishmen into tiger cubs!
Shelia: *narrows her eyes* We'll see about that!
(Davy pulls her behind him...despite her being taller.)
Zero: This is very amusing, but the ladies cannot remain, no matter how hard you gentlemen protect them.
Shelia: That's right. *black light surrounds the group, when it clears, the ladies and Shelia have disappeared*
Mike: (Looks around in horror) NO! EM!
Peter: (Bursts into tears) Valerie! What did you do to her?
Micky: *spits* You asshole!
Davy: (Glares at Zero) Now, I know Daph was gettin' on 'er nerves, but that's no reason to...
Zero: You'll see them again later, my fine warriors...if you can defeat your opponents.
Mike: And just who, pray tell, are our opponents?
Zero: (Grins wickedly) Oh, you'll know them when you see them. Quite well, in fact.
Mike: (Grumbles) Could you not speak in riddles? This ain't no courtroom!
Micky: Yeah! What the hell are you talking about?
Zero: You'll find out. But first, none of you can fight like that. You'll need the appropriate clothing and weapons. (Claps his hands, and a black light surrounds the boys)
(Mike wears a simple, pure white tunic with skin-tight black trousers. He has a scabbard on a plain belt, but when he pulls it out, all he finds is part of what was once a broadsword.)
Mike: Huh? How am I gonna fight with this?
Peter: (He wears a green jacket not unlike his Nehru jacket, slightly looser golden brown trousers, and soft leather boots like his moccasins without the fringe. He holds a bow and has a quiver of arrows behind his back.) Groovy! :D
Davy: (Looks down - he's wearing a fine blue velvet blouse, tight blue hose, and blue and navy velvet doublet. His rapier peeks out of an elaborate leather scabbard and belt.) Oh, man, you would put me in tights! :p
Micky: *mumbles something; his dagger is being held in his mouth; he looks at it cross-eyed then removes it, spitting* Blah! *glances down at himself; he now wears a tight red short-sleeved shirt, with a dark blue vest, and tight dark blue pants that flare at the bottom* Not EXACTLY what I'd choose, but it works. ;-)
Zero: Now, you're prepared. I supposed you've heard about what happened to your ancestors.
Davy: Yeah, you killed the lot of them, 'cept for Mike's.
Mike: No, he just waited to do mine, 'til Shelia had her fill. :p
*Micky makes a face.*
Zero: Now, the first test is of skill, dexterity, and emotion. I never really killed your ancestors, you know. Oh, their bodies are dead, but I kept their souls with me, all wonderfully corrupted (looks at Mike with a smirk) or broken.
Zero: You will each fight your ancestor in turn. If you win, the soul will be released. If you lose, your soul and that of your soulmate is forfeit.
Davy: WOT????
Mike: How can we fight with a soul?
Micky: Oh, shit.
Peter: I don't like fighting!
Zero: The first person to get the other on the floor is the winner. You may use your weapons (smirks at Mike again), or not use them.
Mike: I'd still love to know how you plan on me fighting my ancestor with a sword that ain't all there!
Zero: Your test is different, Naysmythe.
Mike: MY NAME IS N-E-S-M-I-T-H!!!!!
Zero: And to answer your earlier question, Naysmythe (Mike glares), there's a reason I chose to live in a haunted house. (Turns to Micky) You, my dear Savage, will be the first. Your weapon is the dagger and your cunning animal instincts. (Snaps his fingers; Micky's now in the middle of the "arena.")
Davy: Mick!
Micky: *looks around* Aw crap.
(Davy starts towards him, but Zero snaps his fingers again. The other three Monkees reappear in a large cage, berefit of their weapons.)
Zero: Oh, and did I mention that this is one-on-one? Your friends can take no part in the battle.
*Micky's eyes widen.*
Mike: Now, see here, Zero...
Zero: (Eyes blaze) One word out of you, Naysmythe (Mike glares), and I'll make that mute spell permanent.
(Mike clentches his fists, but says nothing.)
Zero: And now, I give you the challenger, George Michael Dolenz Vs Georgiano Dolenzia. (Snaps his fingers. There's a black-red light...which eventually becomes brighter and brighter, until it becomes the faint outline of a young man who very much resembles Micky, with wild brown curls reaching to his shoulders and a slender frame. But his eyes lack the laughing spirit of Micky's, and his mouth is curved in a defiant sneer.)
*Micky gulps.*
Georgiano: (Italian accent) So, you're my ancestor? Shame we couldn't have gotten bigger over the years. (Holds up his wicked-sharp black dagger) This thing will go straight through you. (Peers into him) You're so thin, you're practically invisible!
Micky: *grins* Good, that'll make it harder for you to find me! *sticks his tongue out*
Georgiano: (Rushes straight at Micky, dagger raised) Let's see how well you use that tongue if it not in your mouth!
Micky: *darts around Georgiano* Man, you're slow! Are you sure you're related to me?
Georgiano: How many times do you eat a day?
Micky: Whadaya mean? I never stop eating! *grins widely*
Georgiano: I don't, either! (Holds up the dagger again) And you know what, Skinny? I'm feeling hungry today! (Whips out one slender leg and knocks Micky's legs out from under him) I might have a little rabbit and ancestor stew!
Davy: (Gasps) Micky, be careful!
Peter: (Wails) Oh no!
Micky: *yells* SHIT! *catches himself before he hits the ground* Dammit! *growls* Now you're really getting on my nerves! *launches himself at Georgiano*
(The two tumble across the stage before Georgiano throws Micky off of him.)
Mike: Keep goin' for the legs, Mick!
Micky: *rolls into a crouch* I'm tryin’!
Georgiano: Yeah, because there no chest to hit! (Tries to leap on Micky's back and stab him, but Micky rolls out from under him and bounces back up)
Micky: Ha ha! *fakes a leg sweep & lands a punch to Georgiano's jaw instead* How'd ya like that?
Georgiano: (Puts his hand to his jaw) I'd like it better if it were more like this! (Takes a swing at Mick's stomach that knocks him across the arena.)
Davy: (In horror) NO!
Mike: (Screaming) YOU BASTARD!
Peter: (Cries) Poor Micky!
Micky: *staggers... finally hits the wall, bent over; holding a hand over his stomach* That hurt!
(Mike tries to bang at the cage bars, but to no avail. Zero glares at Mike. There's a black light, and Mike's hands are swiftly bound behind his back with metal strips.)
*Micky growls, seeing what Zero's done to Mike.*
(The others try to free Mike, who struggles angrily. Georgiano takes advantage to grab Micky's hair and drag him back into the arena.)
Micky: *yells* Oooowww!!! Le'go! *lands an elbow into Georgiano's gut*
(Georgiano doubles over, giving Micky the advantage now. The remaining Monkees in the cage cheer.)
Georgiano: You got a hard elbow, like my Laryen. She did that to me when I not behave.
Davy: Laryen?
Peter: (Frowns) His soulmate.
Micky: Being skinny does have its advantages! *aims an uppercut at his chin*
(Georgiano, caught off-guard at thoughts of his long-gone soulmate, gets hit on the chin. He almost ends up in the crowd of screaming demons.)
Mike: (Thoughtful) Soulmates... (Shouts) Micky, his soulmate! He still loves her!
Micky: *eyes widen* Ah... *grins*
(Zero's eyes narrow at the mention of soulmates.)
Georgiano: (Comes back a bit slower) I suppose you have one, too? (He thrusts his dagger at Micky's arm, but it's not as fast as before)
Micky: *side steps; nods* Of course. *grins* Lauren knows how to keep me in check, too! *aims another punch towards Georgiano's chin*
(Georgiano ducks, but he's smiling.)
Georgiano: And yours, does she (aims a punch for his shoulder) have an Irish temper? I had an Irish colleen, my little Laryen.
Micky: *also ducks* You'd better believe it! You don't wanna be around her when she gets mad. *aims a kick at one of Georgiano's legs*
Georgiano: (Ducks away with a familiar grin) My little Irish colleen didn't get mad often, but when she did, it was like Mount Vesuvius blowing her top off! Is yours a little Irish colleen?
Micky: *chuckles* That's Lauren, too! I don't know, actually, she's never mentioned it. I'll have to ask her. *aims a punch at one of his shoulders*
(The punch connects; he staggers. The other Monkees cheer. Georgiano looks up at him with inquisitive eyes.)
Georgiano: Do you...do you miss her? I miss my Laryen. We were devoted family.
(Zero looks ready to spit rusty nails.)
Micky: *nods* Yes, I miss her. Whenever she isn't near me, even if she's only in a different room.
Georgiano: I could barely stand to be away from her. (Takes a swipe at Micky with the dagger, but it's half-hearted) I loved her and our children with all my heart.
Micky: *quirks an eyebrow* Children...how many did you have? *aims another punch toward his other shoulder*
Georgiano: (Wicked Micky grin) When I (face falters somewhat) went, we were working on our fifth. The others would tease us about how often we were in bed. ;)
Davy: (Rolls his eyes) Oh, great, it runs in the family.
Peter: Aww, that's sweet! :x
Micky: *matches the grin; glares briefly at Davy* The guys tease me about the same thing all the time. Lauren's gonna have twins. I can't wait!
Mike: (Grins) Bet you could beat his record, Mick!
Micky: *grins wider* I'd love to try! *crows happily*
Georgiano: Twins? That is exciting! (He looks at himself) Why do I do this? Why did I ever do this? We had no money. She promised me help...(glares)...then told me that I would get help if I had leadership, like Sir Robert.
(Mike's eyes widen.)
Micky: *nods slowly* I was told the same thing. *small grin* But Lauren helped mel, instead.
Georgiano: (Closes his eyes) Lord David and I...the things we did to Sir Robert... (tears fall)
Micky: I know, man. I know. *frowns*
Georgiano: We made Peter trade his soul for Robert's, when it was already broken into pieces.
Micky: God...
Georgiano: Peter was such a sweet man, but very naieve. He'd believe anything. (Sobs) My Laryen...our children...
(Peter's eyes are wide now, and Davy's jaw is on the floor.)
Micky: *eyes are beginning to water* Pete's the same way, but he's a great friend. Lauren's just wonderful!
Zero: That's enough!
(Georgiano gets on the floor on his knees and bows before Micky.)
Georgiano: I lose, ancestor. You are a better man than me. You returned to your soulmate, allowed her to help you, when I did not.
(Now three Monkee jaws are on the floor.)
Micky: *puts a hand Georgiano's shoulder* You realize what you did is wrong. That’s what matters, man. *small grin*
Georgiano: (Also grins) At least it not take you almost five hundred years to figure that out! (Shrugs) Live (looks at his increasingly faint form), and not let live, I guess.
*Micky nods.*
Zero: (Roars as Georgiano disappears in a blue-red light) That will be more than enough! The winner (he's obviously reluctant to say it) is George Michael Dolenz! The soul of his ancestor has been released and returned to his soulmate, Laryen of Dublin Mill Country!
(The Monkees cheer, the demons hiss and roar)
*Micky crows and jumps in the air, waving a fist.*
Zero: (Rolls his eyes) I thought Georgiano and Lord David were uncured hams. (Claps his hands - Micky is now in the cage in place of Davy and Davy is in the arena. Micky, of course, is minus his dagger.)
Mike: (Grins) Good work, Mick!
Peter: (Hugs Micky) You did great!
Micky: Thanks, guys. *grin faulters, eyes widen* Except I think I'm gonna pass out now.