Tall Man: (Looks at Robert, then at the unconcious Peter) Now, what would cause maximum suffering for both of them....especially that dratted knight?
(Robert tries as hard as he can to pull free from the chains that bind him tightly to the rock, rubbing the chains noisily against the minerals in the process.)
Tall Man: Would SOMEONE subdue him? The chains make the most ghastly noise.
*Georgi grins as a black light appears around Robert, paralyzing his limbs.*
(Robert slumps in horror, tears streaming down his cheeks.)
Tall Man: (Still looking at the green light, fascinated) Perhaps...maybe we instil it with anger....hatred...wouldn't that be lovely, my dear? Lots of anger. Anger for the friends who constantly treated him like a child, for the people who regarded him as strange because of his musical ability and naietivity and guile.
Julia: That WOULD be lovely. *smiles evilly, gazing at the green light*
(The Evil One rolls the light over in his hand, clenching it. It slowly turns darker and darker. Peter screams, even in his sleep; Robert shakes his head angrily, his lips open in a roar of anger he can no longer express.)
Tall Man: (Looks at Robert with a smirk) How do you like that, Robert? It's all your fault, you know. If you hadn't come here, he would not have followed you.
(Robert shakes his head in anger, wincing when tears and sweat hit the deep cuts on his cheeks.)
Tall Man: (The dark green soul throbs) I'll now return this to the Bard. Let's see how kind and gentle he is now.
(He shoves it back into Peter's chest; he shrieks once more and is left panting. His eyes open, but there's a furious fire that was never there before.)
Bard Peter: (As Julia removes the gag) That HURT, you bastard! Damn you! (Glares at the two young man who were once his friends) And you two...God damn both of you, why the HELL are you doing this? I can't believe you! I thought you were our friends!
*Georgi grins and shrugs.*
Bard Peter: (Turns to the slab, where Robert watches him in despair) Robert, why didn't you stop them? I saw you struggling. I know you could have blue-lighted yourself out of those chains. (Slaps the hurt man hard across his bleeding face) ANSWER ME! WHY DIDN'T YOU STOP THEM? YOU'RE A KNIGHT! YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT PEOPLE!!!
(Robert only closes his eyes and turns away.)
Bard Peter: Damn you, what's wrong?
Tall Man: I think we'll keep Robert. He's rather pleasant this way.
Bard Peter: No! You promised to let him go if I did what you wanted, you bastard!
Tall Man: Oh, you are both SO amusing! (Turns to Robert, almost in laughter) He asked you a question, Robert. Why don't you help your (sneers) FRIEND? (Grabs his cheekbones and pulls his face close to his) Why?
(Robert takes this opportunity to spit in his tormentor's face.)
Tall Man: (Thrusts him back on the rock, his eyes blazing) You...you...DAMN YOU, WHITE KNIGHT! (Gestures to Georgi and David as Julia has to hold a blazing angry Peter back) Give me his sword! I'll show him what happens to those who defy me!
Bard Peter: (Screaming and kicking) YOU BASTARD!!!
*Lord David hands over the sword.*
Tall Man: (Cuts Robert across the chest with the sword, not close enough to the heart to kill him, and slashes again close to his crotch; Robert opens his mouth to scream, but his voice is gone)
Bard Peter: YOU ASSHOLE! I HATE YOU! I HATE ALL OF YOU!! (Runs to the Evil One, but he plunges the blade into the youth's chest. Peter collapses.)
Tall Man: Shame that boy outlived his usefullness as a living soul. (Plunges his hand into Peter's chest; comes up with the dark green light and the sword blade. Robert his shaking his head, his eyes wide with shock, anger, and fear) His soul will still be useful, however. (Turns on Georgi and David) I want you to tell me where your wives and their children are.
Lord David: (Stammers) We...we honestly don't know.
*Georgi: *shrugs* Really, we don't!
Tall Man: Surely you must have some idea. (Coughs) And Ursula...my, ahem, "niece"....
Lord David: We're telling you, man, we 'ave no bloomin' idea!
Georgi: Not a clue!
Tall Man: Then you, too, have outlived your usefullness. Julia, darling, bring me their souls.
*Julia removes the souls of the stunned boys, grinning evilly, and brings them to the Evil One.*
Julia: Here you go, Uncle.
Tall Man: (Nods, smiling) Thank you, dear. You will follow well in my footsteps. (Closes his eyes; their weapons disappear and they both collapse on the floor, paralyzed) Now, they will be quite easy to dispatch. (Hands Julia the sword) You kill the curly-locked one. I'll take the arrogant little aristocrat.
Julia: *nods, taking the sword blade* My pleasure.
Lord David: N...no...Devvie...
Georgi: Laryen... no...
*Julia stabs to sword into Georgiano's chest. She smirks, then removes the blade.*
(The tall man takes the blade as Georgiano falls dead and Lord David looks on in horror. He finallly thrusts the blade into the young Englishman, who also falls dead.)
Tall Man: That takes care of those two. They were rather amusing, but we'll have more need for them dead than living. (Turns to Robert, who watches the scene, his eyes horrified) You have no more need of your precious blade now, Naysmythe. It's done it's work. (There is a black light around the sword as he cracks it into two pieces over his knee and throws it aside, useless, as Robert looks on in raging anger, horror, and despair) Now, what should we do with the great, mighty White Knight? His men are gone, his lovely voice is gone, and his Emmeline will never take him in that condition. (Smirks and turns to his niece) Julia, dear, weren't you...interested in him?
(Robert's eyes widen in stark raw fear.)
Julia: *smiles* Still am. I wouldn't mind using him for...fun. ;-)
Tall Man: He will suffer more if he survives.
(Robert shakes his head weakly.)
Tall Man: Finish breaking that damned will of his, then take him as one of your pets. He has no weapon, no men, no voice to command, and cannot move. He is worthless as a knight (evil smile) and as a man.
*Julia's smile is evil as she walks over to Robert. A black light covers him, breaking the rest of his will.*
Julia: He'll do anything I tell him now.
(Robert's head slumps, and his eyes become glassy and distorted. The pair remove the shackles from Robert, who doesn't look at them. The tall man snaps his fingers and the corpses of the other three boys disappear. He gathers the broken sword and blade in his hands.)
Tall Man: (Snarls, brandishing the blade) You're no great protector, White Knight. You're not even a knight without your men and your beloved blade. (Snarls) Release him from the paralyzing spell and take him. I can scarcely stand to look at the ugly creature.
*Julia covers Robert with the black light again, giving him use of his limbs once more. She beckons to him to follow her.*
(Robert nods, his body slumped and his movements slow and unsteady. He follows Julia obediantly, and the tall man goes after him with the broken sword halves. The four Monkees have been watching this entire scene in total horror. Mike's fists are clentched so hard, they're white. Peter is sobbing uncontrollably.)
Peter: Oh, my GOD, he...they....
Mike: (Snarls) That...that....that...
*Davy has tears streaming down his face.*
*Micky stares wide-eyed, slowly shaking his head.*
Mr. Bennett: (His eyes are wide, too) And I thought I saw some carnage in World War II. (Frowns) The tall fellow...I'm going to assume that was your Zero, once upon a time.
(The scene fades back into the basement. The four ghosts watch their ancestors and the older man.)
Sir Robert: (Softly) Yes, that was the people known in your time as Sheila and Zero. You saw what happened. You MUST be wary of Zero!
Lord David: He's tried many times to lure you like he did us.
Bard Peter: And he almost got you! He'll try again tonight!
Sir Robert: The challenges. Watch for tricks.
Peter: (Wails) I DON'T WANT HIM TO TAKE MY SOUL!!!!!
Micky: Oh, man...
Mike: (Puts his hand firmly on Peter's shoulder) I won't let him, good buddy. Not this time.
Davy: We'll all keep an eye out, man!
Mr. Bennett: (Grins) Don't forget an old man. I'm stronger than I look, and I studied some swordsmanship and martial arts during and after World War II.
Georgi: Just be careful out there.
Mike: Oh, trust me, we will. We want the girls back. (Closes his eyes) Em...I miss her so much...
Peter: I wish Valerie was here.
Mr. Bennett: You don't know how often I think of my Louise, even though she's gone.
Sir Robert: You, sir, have lost your soulmate?
Mr. Bennett: (Chuckles) Considering how long we were married, yeah, I guess she was my soulmate. Forty years. Don't worry, son, she died of natural causes, not an overzealous devil, as far as I know. It was just her time.
Georgi: *small grin* That is good. ;-)
Davy: Man, I JUST told Daphne how I feel about her! I don't aim on losin' 'er now!
Micky: I want Lauren back.
Mike: We'll GET them back, Micky. (Goes to him and puts his hand on his shoulder, then gives him a big, crooked grin) You can count on that.
Mr. Bennett: We'll get all of them back, son. You'll see.
Micky: There'll be some serious hell to pay if we don't! *clenches his fists*
Mike: (A hand goes to the hilt of his now-repaired broadsword) And you can count on THAT, Micky.
Sir Robert: (Nods at the others) We must leave you now. Aur revoir, mon ancestres. Don't let them separate you and blind you to each other's love and loyalty, like we were! Remember, my friends, love is true power!
Lord David: (As they fade out) I almost wish Michael 'adn't repaired 'is voice.
Sir Roberts: (As the four colored lights fly out the window, the white one twinkles indigntly) I HEARD THAT, LORD DAVID!!! ;)
Mike: (Laughing, shakes his head) Man, even in five hundred years, some things just don't change. ;)
Micky: *small grin* Ain't that the truth. ;-)
Peter: And I wouldn't have it any other way! (Throws his arms around Mike with a big, city-lighting grin. The other boys soon join them, and Mr. Bennett rests his hand on Peter's shoulder, smiling.)
(The camera moves from the Montgomery House over the tree tops to the Orange Grove Apartments, where Nyles, Maxine, and Kimberly are still watching the house, and the Four Martians, Amber, Jenny, and Tilly are eating junk food, clearing out the remaining pizza, and still watching TV.)
Maxine: Man, it's been HOURS? What's going ON over there?
Tilly: Satanic rituals, I'm tellin' you!
Nyles: Till... *rolls his eyes*
Marcus: I liked the idea of them stopping a mad scientist trying to take over the world. ;)
John: (Grins) Interesting. Not original, but interesting.
Nyles: Probably safer, though.
Tilly: Maybe it's something with the government!
Danny: What would the government want with a local rock group and an old man?
Tilly: Maybe an evil man is trying to take over the world with music, and they have to stop them!
Chris: Yeah, sure, Tilly. You gotta keep your nose out of those tabloids.
Marcus: Next thing you know, you'll be saying Big Foot, the Abomiable Snowman, and the Lockness Monster are living over there. 8-|
Tilly: (Reaches for a bag of pretzels) Well, who's to say they aren't?
Nyles: I think Big Foot and the Abominable Snowman are too BIG for the house.
Jenny: Maybe the mad scientist shrunk them?
(Everyone gives Jenny weird looks, including those on the balcony.)
Jenny: WHAT?
Kimberly: (Goes in the room) That's it, no more pork rinds, Jen. You get weird when you eat pork rinds.
Marcus: You should see Chris eating chili.
Danny: Or SMELL him. ;)
Chris: HEY, it isn't THAT bad!
*Nyles laughs.*
Maxine: Oh, this is crazy!
Tilly: What if it's an alien invasion?
Jenny: I hope they're friendly.
Chris: I hope they're female.
Nyles: You would.
(John bops Chris on the head with a pillow.)
Tilly: What if they've already sucked their brains out, and are on their way over here now to do the same to us?
John: Oh, please, don't have a cow and a half, Till. You've gotta stop staying up late watching "Twilight Zone" re-runs.
Amber: *mutters* Think I'm gonna have nightmares. :-P
Jenny: (Elbows Tilly) Knock it off! You're scaring the children!
Tilly: I STILL like my Satanic rituals idea.
John: Have you seen ANYTHNG out there, besides trees, houses, and Mr. Babbitt snooping around?
Maxine: (makes a face) We're getting to know the tops of trees very well. :p
Nyles: Very well. Man, I don't see anything.
Maxine: (Points; lights in various colors can vaguely be seen filtering from the basement) Hey, Ny, what's that?
Tilly: What's what? Hey, anyone got more nacho dip?
Nyles: A psychadelic light show...
John: In a VICTORIAN mansion?
Tilly: The rituals have begun!
Nyles: Geez.
Danny: Aliens are psycho-jello?
John: SATAN'S psycho-jello?
Tilly: (Shrugs) Who knows? These days, anything's possible! (The kids briefly return to the TV set. Nyles and Maxine continue to inspect the lights)
Maxine: Well, at least it's SOME sign of life out there.
Nyles: *nods* Just wish we knew if that's good or bad.
Maxine: Well, it's SOMETHING, and that's better than what we've seen for the past few hours.
Nyles: That's true.
Tilly: Hey, guys, what do you think Satan looks like? I mean, everyone says he looks like some guy with horns and a tail, but I sometimes think he might actually be kinda cute and chubby.
John: Never bought the horns-and-tail theory myself. Too pat.
Chris: Female.
Nyles: Chris! *flings another pillow*
(It hits Chris dead-on, and he falls over laughing.)
Tilly: What if he just looks like a normal human being, and he's walking among us right now?
Jenny: How normal could Satan be? I mean, he's only the baddest guy on Earth, right?
Nyles: But he could probably take on ANY form he wants.
Tilly: (Looks at them suspiciously) He could be ANYWHERE!
Chris: Hey, don't look here! I'm hormonal, not Satanic!
Jenny: (Groans) Tilly, you've known us for years.
(The light show has been vague but pretty at the house, changing from red to dark blue to light blue to dark green to emerald green to gray)
Maxine: Man, what are they doing, having the Fourth of July early?
Jenny: But it's February!
Nyles: REALLY early.
John: You think we should go over there and investigate?
Jenny: Hey, I'm watching the end of "Bewitched" here! :p
Nyles: They could be in TROUBLE over there!
Tilly: You think Satan lives in this building?
Maxine: Maybe we should wait. I don't see anyone, just a light show.
(The light ends with a soft burst of pure white.)
Maxine: Well, that was either something weird, or the most specific rainbow I've ever seen. ;)
Tilly: You know who I bet Satan is?
Marcus: I'm not sure I want to know. :p
Nyles: *groans* Oh, no.
Jenny: Guys, I can't hear Samantha!
Tilly: (Softer) I think he's Mr. Markaby in apartment 6-B! I've seen him plucking chickens, bringing strange, carved object into his house, doing weird chants late at night...
Danny: Till, Markaby's from the South Seas. That's not Satanic ritual, that's his religion!
Tilly: Or he might be Mr. Colby in 3-A. I've seen him bringing in bloody meat carcasses and brandishing knives over them!
Marcus: Tilly, he's owns a butcher shop on Fourth and Main! He brings home freebies and carves them up so they'll fit in his freezer! He only gives out leftovers to the whole building!
Nyles: Any OTHER guesses, Till? *rolls his eyes*
(There's a knock on the door. Marcus, who's closest to it, opens it. Three very tall young men pop their heads in.)
Joe: (holding up a bottle of Coca-Cola) Yo-ho-HO!
Marcus: Oh, hi, guys, come on in!
Tilly: Hey, guys!
Marcus: (Calls to Nyles) Hey, Ny, it's the Jolly Green Giants!
Nyles: *waves over his head* Hey, guys!
Maxine: Didn't recognize you with flesh-colored skin. ;)
Bobby: (As the other two step in) Well, if it isn't the Westminster Abbies! What brings all of you to this side of the San Fernando Valley?
Jenny: A rescue mission!
Joe: Awesome! (Plops more bags of junk food and a case of beer on the table in the small kitchen)
Cory: So, what's being rescued, a cat up a tree? (Smirks)
Jenny: We're helping the Monkees, Daphne, Mr. Bennett, and a bunch of their girlfriends combat evil!
Chris: Mr. Bennett has GIRLFRIENDS?
John: Hey, he could! He's old, not paralyzed!
Chris: I think Mrs. Horner has a crush on him. ;)
Nyles: No, man, geez. The GUYS' girlfriends!
Jenny: Daphne called us and said Mike and Davy were missing!
Maxine: Apparently, they disappeared yesterday and haven't been seen since.
Kimberly: Though we don't really think that's the whole story.
Joe: (All of the Giants have wide eyes) Wow, really? Mike and Davy are groovy, man! Davy's set me up with a couple of hot chicks!
Bobby: Yeah, and Mike writes great songs.
Maxine: The others, Micky's wife Lauren, Daphne, Pete's girlfriend Valerie, and Mr. Bennett went in the old Montgomery House looking for them this morning, and they haven't been seen since...and it's past sundown!
Tilly: The witching hour.
John: (Shakes his head) Till...
Nyles: Oh, come on!
Kimberly: Till's been on this Satanic kick.
Tilly: I'm just stating possibilities.
(Suddenly, there's another soft white light, followed by four small lights floating on the horizon in red, white, green, and blue.)
Maxine: Ok, now THAT'S just plain weird.
Nyles: *eyes widen* Whoa...
Kimberly: (Rejoins them) What's wrong?
Maxine: We've been seeing strange lights over there in what looks like the basement for a while, and then we see this white light and four little bright lights. Red, blue, green, white.
Kimberly: (Shakes her head) Man, normally I'd ask what you two have been smoking, but I KNOW no one's lit up anything more intoxicating than a cigarette for hours now.
Maxine: Whatever's going on down there, it's NOT normal, and it certainly ISN'T a cat up a tree.
Tilly: Maybe some kind of voodoo cult...
Marcus: Till, give it a rest!
Nyles: Please!
(Tilly makes a face and returns to stuffing her mouth with popcorn.)
Maxine: I hope they're ok down there.
Nyles: Me too.
(As Nyles' gaze travels over the tree tops, we pan from the balcony back to the Montgomery House and into the basement, where the boys and Mr. Bennett are holding each other.)
Mr. Bennett: I'm wondering if it's a good idea to send you kids out there alone.
Peter: What do you mean?
Mr. Bennett: Maybe it's time to bring in the "back-up."
Mike: (Frowns) Back-up?
Micky: *grins* Back up, man. *nudges Mike* We've asked Nyles and just about anyone he could get a hold of to come & "get" us if things got too hairy. ;-)
Mike: NYLES? Are you sure that's a good idea?
Davy: (Sighs) 'E may not be the brightest bulb in the burner, Mike, but 'e's good in a fight and a loyal friend.
Mr. Bennett: And I'd say "good in a fight" may come in handy if this Zero does decide to use some of those "tricks" the ghosts mentioned.
Peter: (Nods) Swords or no swords, this may be too much for even US to handle.
Mike: Somebody's got to get over to where Nyles is without Zero knowing and go get Nyles and whoever else he's managed to find that's sober enough to be of much use.
Mr. Bennett: I'll do it. I know where the Orange Grove Apartments are. Some of my students live there.
Peter: (Hugs the old man) Mr. Bennett, be careful!
Mr. Bennett: Zero won't pay any attention to me. He's not interested in an old man. He wants all of you. (Frowns) I do agree with the...ghosts...however. You must all be on your guard. This Zero will likely try ANYTHING to get what he wants. You saw what he did to those other boys.
(Peter whimpers. Mike puts his arms around him.)
Micky: No kidding. :-P
Davy: We'll be all right, Mr. Bennett. We're together now.
Peter: But Mr. Bennett...
Mr. Bennett: (Stands, shaking his head) Peter, life holds many roads. Your path is different than mine. My Louise is gone, but your Valerie is still out there somewhere. (Nods) I'll go out there myself. It would be too dangerous to use the phone, and there's not enough time to go to my house or someone else's house and use it. The Orange Grove Apartments aren't far from here. (Nods, then smiles and shakes his fist) You kids win your girls back for me...and for Louise. ;) (He heads out of the basement)
Peter: (Frowns) Oh, Mr. Bennett...
Micky: He'll be fine, Big Peter.
Mike: Yeah, like he said, Zero's not after him.
Davy: It's probably best if he DOES go. God only knows what they'd do to him while we're doin' the rest of the Challenges, anyway.
Micky: Good point. :-P
Peter: (Softly) Guys, what do you think the rest of the Challenges ARE?
Mike: I have no idea, Pete, and I'm not sure I want to. :p
Davy: (Nudges Micky) Do you think we should tell them 'bout the suitcases, mate?
Mike: The...what?
Micky: *makes a face* Daaaave...
Davy: (Shrugs) Couldn't hurt, mate, especially if it turns out they're supposed to be used in the challenges.
Peter: Suitcases?
Mike: What kind of challenge is this, carrying clothes?
Micky: No idea. We just saw them, that's all.
Davy: They were our colors, red, white and black, blue, and green. That's all we could tell.
Mike: (Frowns) What in the HECK does that mean?
Davy: We're not sure, but it cahn't be good.
(Peter whimpers again)
Micky: And we'll probably find out sooner than we'd like.
(FAR sooner than they'd like, as Zero and a hoard of demons march downstairs.)
Zero: Well, now, are you gentlemen well-rested and ready for your next Challenge?
Mike: Would you believe us if we said no?
Micky: It isn't like you've really given us any CHOICE in the matter.
Zero: (Chuckles) Yes, you're all VERY well-rested.
(Sheila glides downstairs, looking satisfied.)
Zero: Did you...prepare...the soulmates, Shelia?
Sheila: *nods* Of course, Uncle.
Mike: What do you mean, you asshole?
Davy: Prepare them for WOT?
Peter: (Whimpers) I don't like the way he said that.
Micky: *narrows his eyes* Now what do we have to do?
Zero: It's quite simple, my boys. We will test your devotion to your dear soulmates and your ability to solve mind puzzles.
Mike: Soulmates? (Eyes blaze) Man, if you've harmed ONE hair on their heads, I'll... (puts his hand to the hilt of his sword)
Zero: (Snaps his fingers - all of the weapons disappear) There will be no use of weapons or weapontry in this Challenge, gentlemen. The ladies are quite unharmed and will remain so...if you can find them.
Mike: What?
Shelia: They are, as Uncle says, unharmed, but that is your Challenge. You must FIND them.
Mike: You... (Peter grabs his arm before he can launch himself at Sheila)
Peter: Peace, Michael. You'll only make things worse!
Micky: *mutters* Better hold ME back, too. *clenches his fists*
Davy: (takes Micky's shoulder, though he's glaring at the two demons) Wot 'ave you DONE to them, you ARSES?
Zero: Like my niece said, they're perfectly safe, but you must find them first.
Micky: What is this, hide and seek?
Zero: In a manner of speaking, Mr. Dolenz.
Mike: Will you cool it with the riddles, Zero? Just tell us what the HELL we've got to do to find the girls!
Zero: Your beloved soulmates are hidden within the confines of the house and grounds. You must seek them out.
Mike: (Grits his teeth) Where, you jackal?
Zero: Now, it wouldn't be any fun if I told you that, Mr. Nesmith!
Micky: There's gotta be a catch.
Zero: Each of you will be sent to a certain area in the house and grounds to look for them. (Snaps his fingers - the four suitcases appear)
Mike: Um, and what are we supposed to do with those, pack clothes for the girls?
Zero: Oh, no, Mr. Nesmith. Your soulmates are in those suitcases. THOSE are what you must find.
Mike: (Roars) WHAT? EM! YOU... (Peter holds him back, crying)
Micky: *eyes widen* Holy SHIT!
Davy: You bloomin' ARSE!
Peter: Let Valerie go!
Zero: As you commented, there is one for each of you. Find your suitcase, and you will find your soulmate and her soul...(looks at Micky)...or souls, as the case may be.
*Micky is fuming. He'd be snorting smoke, if it was possible.*
Davy: (He's also about ready to snort fire) His bloody kids, too!
Zero: If you cannot find her within the preset time limit, than her soul (smirks) or souls are forfeit...and yours, too.
Peter: (Wails) NO!
Mike: Oh, man, when I get my hands on you, pal... (rolls up his tunic sleeves)
Micky: *practically shaking, he's so mad* F****** ASS!
Davy: I ought to pound you into the ground! X(
Zero: My, my, such language in a group of warriors!
Mike: Yeah, well, you'll be gettin' the full vocabulary book if you don't tell us where the girls are!
Zero: That's for all of you to find out. (Claps his hand - four demons appear behind each boy and grabs his arms)
Peter: (Wails) MIIIICCCHHAAEEELLLL!
Micky: *struggles; yelling* LET ME GO!
Mike: (Growls) Get off of us, you sawed-off mini-devil-prick!
Davy: Put me down, you bloody litt'l spawn of 'ell!
Zero: Now, to make the game even more interesting, we're going to cause it to be more difficult for you to...think clearly. (Nods at Sheila) Dear, will you proceed?
Shelia: (glides to them, Peter first; the young man whimpers) Gladly. *presses her fingers to Peter's temples and muddles*
(Peter's whimpers become softer, until his head slumps and he's panting.)
Mike: (Struggles as hard as he can) Get away from me, you evil-eyed BITCH!
*Shelia grins as she steps up to Mike and muddles.*
(Mike struggles more, trying to pull away, but his struggles eventually slow, until his head slumps.)
*Shelia moves to Davy next, still grinning.*
(Davy glares angrily at her and tries to kick her, but the demon pull his feet out from under him and almost knocks him down, then drags him back up.)
Shelia: Now, now. *presses her fingers to his temples*
(Davy tries to push away, but it eventually becomes slower, until his head also slumps.)
*Shelia continues to grin as she moves on to Micky, who's spitting some rather colorful words now.*
Micky: *narrows his eyes* What're you waiting for, bitch?
Shelia: Just thought I'd ENJOY this moment. *grins again, pressing her fingers to his temples, as he continues to struggle*
*Micky's struggles slow, but he gets out one last muttered curse before his head slumps.*
Shelia: All set, Uncle.
Zero: Now, you each have fifteen minutes in which to find your soulmates. If you cannot find her within this specfied time limit, both or (smirks at Micky again) all of your souls are forfeit. I will send each of you to the part of the house where she is. If you are truly linked with your soulmate, you should be able to find her easily. (Snaps his fingers - everyone disappears from the basement)
*Micky reappears outside the house.*
Micky: *looks around, holding the side of his head* What the HELL? *glances down the path he'd cut earlier when they got to the house* Great, she could be ANYWHERE! *frowns*
*He starts down the path, then decides to climb one of the trees to get a better look around the grounds.*
Micky: *sighs; grumbles* I wonder what kind of sentence I'd get for killing the Devil?
*He looks over the area, his frown deepening.*
Micky: *jumps down from his perch and continues along the path* A red suitcase... red suitcase... * He gets about halfway down the path when he hears a noise and stops.* Wha... *leaves the path and starts through the "jungle".*
Micky: *mutters* Maybe I could just LEVEL all of this not-so-lovely greenery...
*He pushes a branch out of his way and finds a clearing that wasn't there before. He spins around and finds all of the greenery HAS been leveled.*
Micky: *rolls his eyes* This is NOT funny. *holds his arms out* Great. NOW where'm I supposed to look? *He flops down Indian style on the sand that remains, frowning.* Lauren, where ARE you? *continues glancing over the sandy area*
*He hears the faint sound again. It almost sounds like the wind, but it's familiar. He makes a face, still glancing around. His eyes land on something odd. He squints and can make out a VERY faint red glow in the sand.*
Micky: *eyes widen* Dear God! *runs to where the light is eminating from*
Micky: *digs in the sand with just his hands* C'mon, c'mon... *continues digging; his hole is about three feet deep before his fingers scratch something hard. He starts scraping in the dirt and finds the red case! He shakes as he carefully pulls out the case and hugs it to his chest.* HA!
*He disappears, and reappears back in the basement, still hugging the case. His eyes open slowly, and he warily looks around the room. The basement is empty. He carefully puts the case down and sits in front of it. He tries the latches, but it doesn't open.*
Micky: Figures Zero wouldn't leave us the KEYS! *growls*
*Micky tries to pry up the latches, but it doesn't work. He leans back, staring at the case. As he stares, one latch opens, then the other. His eyes widen & stares as it opens. The red light gets brighter. Micky shades his eyes. The light finally dims.*
Lauren: *mutters, standing where the suitcase was* God, it was stuffier than HELL in that thing, and not comfortable at ALL!
Micky: *eyes widen* Lauren! *jumps up and hugs her*
Lauren: Mick, you did it!
Micky: Yeah, I did, didn't I? *grins* Would you mind terribly if I passed out right now? ;-)
Lauren: *pokes him in the stomach, nodding* Yes, I WOULD mind, Curly. *kisses HIM* ;-)
(We cut from Lauren and Micky happily kissing to the ballroom, where Peter appears. He looks around, horrified.)
Peter: (Puts a head on his hand) Oh, man, I can't think straight. Where AM I? Valerie? (Looks around; stumbles over a chair) Ow! Oh, I need light. (Suddenly, the lights go on, including the chandelier. He beams) Thank you!
Peter: (Sighs) I wish Mike was here. I'm no good at guessing games. (Starts checking under every object, even ones too small to hold suitcases, like instruments and vases) VAAAAALLLLLERRRIIIEEE, WHERE ARE YOU???? (He starts to cry, but shakes his head) I know I'm scared, but I have to be strong...for Valerie's sake! (The little pep talk cheers him. He sits down at the piano, blowing dust first. He pokes on a few notes) I only have fifteen minutes! Where could Valerie BE? (Leans his cheek on his hand) If I were a suitcase, where would I live? (Searches the bandstand area) Valerie? Val, are you here? Honey, if you can hear me in that hot, heavy suitcase, I'm coming for you! (Starts pushing aside instruments when he sees a greenish glow under the floorboards)
Peter: (Frowns) Huh? What's that? (Steps on a floorboard...and nearly trips.) Hey, this one's loose! (Pries up one floorboard, then another. He finally makes a hole big enough for him to stick his arm in) I hope the bandstand isn't hungry! (We see his face contort as his fingers feel around under the bandstand) Oh, man. There's got to be SOMETHING.... (fingers connect with metal and hard vinyl) Hey! (Ducks his upper body in and pulls out the green suitcase) Valerie! (Jumps up and down with the suitcase in his arms, giving it a big hug) I found you, honey! I found you!
(As he jumps, there's a green light, and he and the suitcase reapper in the basement. Micky and Lauren are there, still kissing. Peter blushes)
Peter: Um...I guess you found Lauren all right. :">
Micky: *as he and Lauren separate; blushes, but he's grinning* Party crasher. ;-)
Peter: (Now more excited) I'm sorry, Micky, but look what I found! (Holds out the suitcase) It's Valerie! (Frowns) But how do I get her out?
Micky: Alright, Pete! (Frowns) Umm... *glances at Lauren* Mine just kinda opened itself.
Peter: Well, how do I make mine do that? (Checks the suitcase all over) Are there any buttons?
Micky: Try it.
Lauren: Try the latches.
(Peter tries, but they're stuck.)
Peter: Oh, man! I'll never see Valerie again! (He starts to cry...but as his sobs subside and he stares at the case again, the latches open by themselves. There's a bright green light that finally subsides, and Valerie is on the floor, smiling.)
*Micky and Lauren cheer.*
Peter: VALERIE! YOU'RE ALL RIGHT! (Enfolds Valerie in a huge hug)
Valerie: Oh, Peter, I'm just glad you're here. That suitcase was GHASTLY!
Peter: (Frowns) I hope the others are ok. Do you know where the other girls are?
Valerie: No. They took us to some bedroom in the house and pulled out those suitcases. Shelia told us about the Challenge, and how you boys had to find us, then snapped her fingers. The next thing I knew, I was in a very small suitcase, barely able to breathe.
Peter: Oh, Val, that's terrible!
Lauren: You thought YOU couldn't breathe. *rolls her eyes*
Valerie: I'm here now, though. (Smiles and hugs Peter again) We're here now, and Micky and Lauren are here now, and I'm sure the others will find their soulmates soon!
Peter: (Grins as he finally breaks apart from Valerie) Me too, Val! Me, too!
*On that happy note, we fade out of the basement. Davy appears in a bedroom, which is an absolute mess. He looks around & makes a face.*
Davy: Figuahs. *scratches his head, glancing around* Looks like Mick's old 'alf a room on a GOOD day.
*He shrugs, then looks under the bed. He straightens, making another face.*
Davy: Maybe NOT so good a day. *turns to a dresser*
*Davy pulls the drawers open and flings around the contents. Finding nothing, he moves to a closet. As soon as he opens the door, everything in the closet falls out on him.*
Davy: Not AGAIN with the angry closet! *unburies himself, then plows through the contents; no blue suitcase*
Davy: *glances around* There's nowhere LEFT to look for a bloomin' suitcase!
*He looks around at the walls & finally notices a faint blue light from behind one of the paintings. He goes over to the painting & pulls it off the wall.*
Davy: *feeling along the wall* There must be somethin' 'ere... *His fingers finally slide across a loose edge & he starts to pry the board from the wall. As he pulls on it, the light gets brighter, until the board finally comes off in his hands. He glances in the hole* Ah ha! *reaches in towards the blue light, and after a slight struggle, pulls the blue suitcase out of the wall; he gives a it look* Daph, you in there, luv?
*Davy disappears with the suitcase in hand and reappears in the basement with the others.*
Peter: (Beams - Valerie is still in his arms) DAVY! You're ok! You've got Daph!
Micky: *crows* Alright, Dave!
Valerie: Where did you find her? :)
Davy: Yeah, found 'er, uh, in the wall in a bedroom. 'Ow do I get 'er out?
Peter: (Frowns) I'm not exactly sure. I was crying, and I looked at the case, and it just...opened.
Micky: And I was staring at it when it opened. *shrugs*
Davy: That 'elps a lot. *stares at it a moment... & the latches open--& as the bright blue light fades, Daphne appears in Davy's arms, grinning* Well, 'ello, there luv!
Daphne: You did it! *wraps her arms around his neck*
Valerie: Awwwww! ;)
Davy: Nothin' to it, luv. ;-)
Peter: (Cries) That's so sweet! :(( :x
Micky: Good job, Dave. *grins*
Lauren: Alright, Davy! :-)
*We fade out on Davy and Daphne kissing, to...*
(...to the study, where Mike appears, groaning and rubbing on the side of his head.)
Mike: Man, shoulda seen that one comin'. (Looks around) Where the HELL am I, some kind of really small library? Where would you stuff a suitcase in this place?
(Mike starts going through the contents of the desk, then checks the cabinets under the window seats, but finds no black and white suitcase)
Mike: (Grumbles) Man, when I get my hands on Zero for pullin' this crap in the first place, I'll make him play hide and go seek with his ass somewhere in South Dakota! (mutters) Ok, this is Em we're talkin' about. She's in here for a reason. She loves books. And a booklover would be... (turns around to the bookshelves; his face falls at the sheer volume) Man, this could take all day! The shelves are HUGE!
(He starts going through the bookcase, but makes a face.)
Mike: This is useless if I don't have any light. I can't see nuthin' for beans. (Goes to the nearest light switch and turns on the light, the returns to the shelves. He doesn't see it at first, but there's a grayish-white glow mingling with the soft gold of the celing lamp. He shakes his head as he finishes off a shelf) Man, this is a pain in the ass! I ain't never gonna find Em this way...huh? (Finally looks up...and up...at the celing light.) Nahh, it couldn't be...could it? Em? Darlin', is that you? (Groans) Oh, man, she must have REALLY done a number on my head. I'm talkin' to a freakin' SUITCASE! (Sighs) Ok, fine, but how do I get UP there? (He stands on the desk chair, then pulls a footstool on top of that. He manages to get the case, but the rickety perch finally gives out from under him and he and the suitcase land on the floor. He manages to catch the case before it hits)
Mike: (Grins) Gotcha', darlin'. (He disappears and reappears in the basement in the same position he vanished in - flat on his stomach with the case barely in his arms. The others break from their significant others to greet the newcomer. He gets on his knees, holding the case to his chest, and looks around) Hey, guys! (Grins) You all found yours, too! (Frowns at the suitcase) Now, how do I get her out of there?
Micky: *shakes his head* Just stare at it, man. ;-)
Mike: (Frowns) What?
Peter: (Grins) Trust us, Mike. It works.
Davy: *nods* Don't know 'ow, but it will.
Mike: Well, ok. If you say so. (Stares at the case. The latches open, there's a bright grayish-white light, and when it subsides, Emma's also on her knees, still in the red dress, shaking her head.)
Emma: (Smiles at Mike and hugs him) Thank you, honey.
Mike: (Embraces her) You're welcome, darlin'. You know I'll always come for you, no matter what.
Peter: That's so beautiful! (Bawls on Valerie's shoulder; she pats him on the back) ;) :((
Emma and Mike: (Laughing, in unison) Oh, Peter! :)
Micky: *grins* Aw! *Lauren elbows him*
Mike: (Stands and gets to his feet) We'd better get out of here. I'm not looking forward to seeing what ELSE Zero has planned for us. (Frowns and turns to the girls) What happened after Shelia took you girls out of the basement?
Emma: She took us back to Zero's bedroom.
Daphne: Told us WE were the prizes in the next Challenge...if you guys survived the first one.
Valerie: She said you had to find us and our souls in those suitcases, snapped her fingers, and the next thing I knew, I was sweating bullets in the dark in that case. :p
Lauren: And uncomfortable as all hell.
Emma: Speaking of the challenges, I'm assuming your first ones went well.
Valerie: What WAS the arena thing all about?
Micky: Oh, nothing much. We just got to fight our ancestors, is all. Well, it started out that way...
All four girls: (In unison) WHAT!!!????
Emma: Fight your ANCESTORS?
Daphne: Aren't they dead?
Peter: (Sighs) Yes and no.
Mike: In a manner of speaking.
Lauren: You fought GHOSTS, then?
Mike: Sort of...and not at all, in my case.
Peter: We had to convince them that Zero was the one who had tried to hurt them, not each other!
Valerie: What do you mean?
Mike: Our ancestors still had corrupted souls. I guess we freed them. (Frowns) Except for mine. That bitch Sheila and her uncle broke his will completely and destroyed his soul. X(
Emma: (Gasps) Oh, my God.
Micky: *shakes his head* It was awful. Poor guy. (Smiles) But once they were free, they could go back to their soulmates. :-)
Valerie: I'm sure they were waiting for them. :)
Emma: How, pray tell, did you free them?
Peter: I had an archery tournament with mine. (Frowns sadly) Zero made his soul angry and upset. He tried to save Sir Robert by trading his soul to Zero, but Robert was too hurt and broken to escape. They made his soul angry and unhappy, and I showed him that Robert was still his friend and that he'd done a good thing by trying to help.
Micky: Georgiano and I just about nearly beat the TAR outta each other. *grins* It just took a mention of soulmates and telling him that what happened WASN'T his fault to get him to lay off.
Davy: Same 'ere. Got into a fencin' match wit' Lord David. I got 'im to come around by tellin' 'im the same thing, that 'e still loved 'is soulmate and that it weren't 'is fault 'e and Georgiano 'ad been corrupted and 'urt Sir Robert. (Frowns) That Zero is a rottah. Georgi's soulmate Laryen 'ad four kids and anothah on the way, and Lord David's girl Devlanta was pregnant wit' their first child. 'E nevah even saw it. :(
Valerie: Oh, god...
Lauren: *eyes widen* Oh, my Lord, that's HORRIBLE!
Daphne: He used them!
Davy: (Nods) Right you are, luv. 'E used their jealousy of Sir Robert and Petah the Bard to turn them against them.
Emma: (Grins at her fiancee) Wish I could have seen you and your ancestor go at it, Mike! Knight against knight! ;)
Mike: (Shakes his head) Sorry for your bloodlust, darlin', but it didn't happen that way.
Peter: His ancestor was too hurt to fight...and his sword was broken!
Emma: What?
Mike: Sir Robert was captured and tortured by Georgiano, Lord David, Zero, and Sheila. They did a real number on him - cut him up, whacked off his hair, told him that he weren't nothin' without his men and his pride.
Lauren: God... *Micky wraps his arms around her*
Daphne: Holy shit! (Davy puts his arms around her)
Mike: By the time Pete the Bard got there, he was already pretty banged up. They'd muted him and sliced up his arms, and he got his haircut right in full view of Peter. Even with all that, he kept trying to escape, which didn't tickle Zero. He finally took Robert's sword and broke it, then used it to kill David, Peter, and Georgi.
(Peter whimpers - Valerie takes him in her arms and rubs his back)
Emma: (Quietly) And Robert...
Mike: (Growl) Was kept alive, at least for a while, as a plaything of Sheila's. From what I've gathered, he was killed later when Zero thought he was too much of a distraction. (Softer) I never fought him. They gave me the broken sword's hilt, then shoved him in, all sliced thin and neat...and scared shitless. He still didn't have his voice when he got to the arena. I gave it back to him.
Micky: *quietly* When they threw him in, the poor guy was afraid of us.
Peter: He hid behind Mike!
Mike: (Nods) All he knew was that his friends had betrayed him, and he had no idea why. I explained to him that they had no control over what they did and that everything that happened - including his Peter trading his soul for him - was NOT his fault. He told me to put the sword back together, so all their souls could be at rest. I...I did. I guess it was the imagination power. That sword meant the world to him, like what Black Beauty means to me.
Emma: Than it must be pretty important! ;)
(Mike elbows her and they both laugh.)
Micky: You touch it, you lose a finger. *grins* ;-)
(Everyone chuckles, except for Mike, who just smiles and blushes. ;) :"> )
Emma: What happened to Mr. Bennett? Is he ok?
Davy: Yeah, luv. We sent him for the "back-up" crew. ;)
Peter: He went to go get Nyles and the others!
Emma: (Laughs) Oh, man, won't Zero be surprised when he sees THAT crowd partying in his house! ;)
Lauren: This should be good for a laugh. *grins* ;-)
Mike: (Stands; Emma stands with him) Speaking of the devil...
Emma: (Nods and looks around) Yeah, it's too quiet around here. Where IS Zero?
Micky: Waiting to make a grand entrance, I'm sure.
Daphne: Probably lurking in corners, ready to brag about how we lost the Challenges. :p
Mike: Yeah, well, if I want a grand entrance, I'll use the main lobby door of the Hotel Caprice. (As he and Emma start to make their way to the basement, the door opens, and Sheila and the demons appear, blocking their way.)
Emma: You BITCH! Get out of our way!
Mike: Um, we finished your Challenges, and as you can see, we're all here and our souls are all here, so if you and your choir boys would just step aside, we'd be more than happy to leave with our sanity.
Micky: So just move it over and let us through... *motions with his hands for them to move*
Daphne: (Holds up a clenched fist) Before I hurt you.
Peter: (Wails) I WANNA GO HOME!!!! :(
Valerie: (nods) Wouldn't mind it myself.
Lauren: Me too.
Shelia: Not so fast. There's still one Challenge left. (Turns to MIke) It involves YOUR soul. *smirks*
Mike: (Steps back) M...ME?
Emma and Peter: NO!
Peter: Mike!
Emma: You BITCH!
Micky: *groans* Haven't we been through this ENOUGH yet?
Peter: Sheila, don't hurt Mike!
Shelia: And why not? *smirks at Peter*
(Zero appears in the basement in a puff of smoke and black light. He's trying to not show how angry he is that his Challenges have been soundly defeated.)
Zero: (Looks around the room at the couples, making a face) How DID you figure that out?
Mike: Maybe our connections to our soulmates are stronger than you think. :p
*Micky sticks his tongue out.*
Zero: (Looks up at Shelia) Did you tell them about the last challenge? (Makes the black and white suitcase appear)
Shelia: I was just beginning to.
Emma: Zero, what do you have in mind? (Takes Mike's hand in hers; he gazes down at her with a gentle smile)
Zero: You must find the soul of your dearly beloved (snarls) LEADER, within the set amount of time, or ALL your souls are forfeit...(nods at Lauren)...including the souls of Mrs. Dolenz's unborn twins.
Mike: You BASTARD! If you think I'm going in there...
*Micky sneers at Zero, wrapping his arms securely around Lauren.*
Emma: I won't LET you put him in there! (Squeezes his hand)
Peter: (Wails) NO! Take me instead! Mike's been through enough!
Valerie: (Gasps) Peter, you can't!
Mike: (Puts his hand on Peter's arm, concerned) Pete, please don't. You don't know what you're up against.
Peter: All I know is that I couldn't stand letting them hurt you anymore.
Zero: (His smile has been growing wider and wider throughout this entire exchange - he turns it to Shelia) What do you say, dear? Shall we exchange the soul of the White Knight for the soul of the Bard?
Shelia: I say we shall. *grins*
Valerie: NO! NO!
Mike: (Shakes his head) Pete, don't do this.
Peter: Mike, I WANT to. (Turns resolutely to Zero and Shelia) I'm ready. (Gulps noticeably)
Zero: (Smiles) You may place him in the suitcase now, dear.
Valerie: Not those again! (Clenches her fists)
Peter: I want to be brave, Valerie. (Smiles at her) I'll be ok, don't worry!
Valerie: (Quietly) Oh, Peter...
Shelia: My pleasure. *sends off a black light around Peter--Peter disappears & the green suitcase appears and is closed and locked*
Valerie: NO! (She starts towards the case, but Shelia stops her)
Sheila: That's cheating. *grins*
Mike: Damn her! (He also starts towards the case, but it's Emma who grabs him)
Emma: Honey, he agreed to go in your place. It's probably foolish, but he did it for you.
Mike: (Frowns, looks down) That's what I'm worried about.
Zero: Now, Sheila, dear, let's find a nice, safe hiding place for this dear, innocent soul.
Shelia: Right. *nods*
(The green suitcase finally vanishes in a blast of black light.)
Mike: (Growls) Ok, you asshole, what do you want us to do NOW?
Zero: Oh, just play a bit more hide-and-go seek.
Micky: *mutters* Goody. :-P
Mike: (Also mutters) I'd like to hide HIM somewhere where he'll NEVER be found...oh, say, up his ass?
*Micky grins.* ;-)
Zero: My, my, what language!
Mike: Yeah, well, I wanna see you try mass muddling on ALL of us!
Zero: Unfortuantly, that's not possible. But, perhaps, something else...
Micky: Sure, give him ideas, Mike. *rolls his eyes*
Zero: We will hide him in a part of the building none of you have been yet. There certainly ARE enough rooms in this house! (Thoughtful) Perhaps...(smiles)..yes, that will do nicely. (Closes his eyes, then opens them) Your dear friend is now well-hidden. You all have one hour and free reign of the entire house. If you cannot find him in one hour, you will lose the souls of everyone in the group, including the little ones in the Mother.
*Micky sneers again, still holding Lauren.*
(Zero claps his hands. The entire group reappears in the living room.)
Zero: Remember, children, one hour. (He vanishes)
Daphne: (Makes a face) I wish that guy would WARN people when he makes those quick exits and entrances!
Micky: Forget warnings! I just wanna kick his ass cross country. :-P
Mike: To HELL with cross country, I want to kick him clear across the Pacific! X(
Micky: We'll take turns. X-(
Valerie: (Sadly; puts her hand on her heart) I can still...feel him. He's in the house somewhere, very scared and alone...(frowns)...but trusting. (Falters; to herself) Oh, Peter, why did you do that?
Mike: No offense, Val, but that does NOT make me feel better.
Lauren: Where do we start looking?
Emma: Well, since we're here, we might as well start here.
Mike: We'll just search every room we can until we get to the top.
Valerie: (Thoughtful) The top...
Micky: Right. Let's tear this place apart!
Davy: That could take days!
Valerie: Didn't Zero say he wanted to put Peter in a place we hadn't been before?
Lauren: *nods* Yeah, he did.
Valerie: (Turns to the group) Has anyone been to the attic yet?
Micky: Not me.
(Everyone shakes their heads.)
Valerie: (Grins) Then THAT would be the most logical place to start. ;)
Emma: (Nods) Zero probably thinks we won't go up there.
(The group tramps up the many flights of stairs to a final, narrow, white-washed one. Micky and Emma help Lauren up the last flight of stairs. Valerie opens the door...to find a gloomy, dark room with two small windows that cast eerie shadows in the moonlight. Boxes, crates, chests, old furniture, dress dummies, and broken toys are everywhere.)
Mike: Oh, man, this place is a wreck!
Micky: Obviously they don't clean up here. :-P
Lauren: Where've I seen an attic like this before? ;-)
Valerie: I don't think a maid's been up here for DECADES! (Runs her finger over a chest) There's dust and dirt EVERYWHERE! :p
Emma: I don't think a maid's been in this HOUSE for decades, Val.
Lauren: *nods, sneezes* I can TELL.
Mike: He's got to be here SOMEWHERE! (Looks around) Ok, everyone, grab a box or a crate or a shelf or somethin' and start LOOKIN'!
Davy: And don't forget to check for loose boards in the walls, celing, and floors, too. That's 'ow I found Daph.
Micky: Or the floor! *starts running his hands over the floor boards*
Mike: (Nods) Everyone, check the floorboards! Val, can you feel him? Is he close?
Valerie: (Nods) He's in this room. He can hear us.
(Soon, boxes, crates, boards, and dusty, cracked, and weathered antiques are being thrown everywhere to the tune of "Salesman.")
(Kids try on antique clothes, much to each other's amusement, go through boxes and barrells and crates, and play with antique toys, including a tailess rocking horse Davy gets rather fond of before Daphne drags him off. ;)
*Lauren keeps sneezing, while Micky flings things left and right. He hands her a handkerchief, then resumes flinging things.*
Mike: (As the romp ends) Damn it! They've hidden him GOOD!
Davy: (Frowns) They want 'is soul, Mike.
Valerie: (Frowns; closes her eyes) Zero tricked him.
Mike: What do you mean?
Valerie: Mike, Zero never wanted your soul in that suitcase. It's Peter he's after.
Mike: (Angry) DAMN HIM! He KNOWS how Pete feels about me! He KNEW Pete would step in! X(
Micky: *curses with each kick to a cardboard box* Dammit! Dammit! Shit! *flings the box, then slumps down in its place* He's gotta be here SOMEWHERE!
Emma: (Kicks a box straight across the room) I'd say "Damn him to Hell," but he'd probably enjoy that, given he lives there.
Davy: (Sits back on the rocking horse) There's GOT to be somewhere we 'aven't tried yet.
Mike: (Frowns) Is it my imagination, or is there a little green light coming from that horse's ass?
Davy: (Turns around) Wot the...
Micky: *quirks an eyebrow* You've GOT to be kidding me! You DID give him an idea, Mike! Yeesh! :-P
Valerie: Peter! (Goes to the horse and peeks in the hole where the tail would be as a few nervous chuckles are heard in the room) Honey, we're coming!
Mike: We've gotta figure out how to open that damn horse. (Frowns) Sorry, Dave, but you're gonna have to get off of it. This will probably involve having to break it. :p
Davy: (Makes a face as Daphne pulls him off the horse) But it's a NICE horse!
Daphne: I'll get you a REAL nice horse in the San Fernando Valley somewhere.
Micky: Can I do it? Can I, can I? *grins widely* ;-)
Mike: (Indicates the horse) By all means, Mick. Just don't bring the rest of the house down with it. ;)
Emma: Are you sure that's a good idea? ;)
Valerie: If it gets Peter out...
Micky: I'd promise you that, Mike, but... *stares at the horse*
Mike: ...but you will if you don't want to see the underside of my newly repaired blade. ;)
*As Micky stares, the slightly darker blue light surrounds the horse. It breaks apart down the center at the seam and reveals the green suitcase.*
Valerie: PETER! (Gives Micky a very small kiss on his cheek, then gathers the suitcase in her arms ;) )
Mike: (Puts a hand on Micky's shoulder) I'd give you a kiss, but I think you get the point. Nice job, Mick. ;)
Micky: Nothin' to it. *waves it off* I could probably put it back together. *glares at Mike* It's the thought that counts, man. :-P ;-)
(There's a black light and a puff of smoke, and Zero appears in the attic, followed by Shelia and the demons.)
Micky: *groans* Not AGAIN!
Zero: (Narrows his eyes) Very good. I hadn't expected you to...(pause)...find your friend in such a short amount of time.
Valerie: (Steps back, holding the suitcase to her chest tightly) Or at all.
Mike: (Spits angrily) You TRICKED Pete! You wanted HIM in that suitcase all along, NOT me! (Goes to Valerie) Give me that thing! (Grabs the suitcase and stares at it. It clicks open, and Peter reappears)
Peter: (Big, BIG city-lighting grin as Zero's eyes widen in pure fury and Shelia's narrow) Mike! Everyone! You did it! You saved me! (Throws his arms around Mike) Thank you! You protected me!
Mike: (Grins) Aww, it was nuthin'. (Nods at Valerie) Your soulmate had a lot to do with it. She's the one who figured out you were in the attic.
Valerie: (Goes to him) Peter... (He takes her in a wordless, passionate kiss)
Peter: (Softly) Oh, Val, I love you so much...
(Zero is about ready to literally blow his top, and Shelia's not a whole lot better.)
Mike: (Frowns) Any MORE challenges, Zero-poo?
Zero: (Spits) YES! I want each of you to fight ME and HER (points) in turn! I'm ready to tear the lot of you apart!
Emma: (Growls and lunges for Sheila) My pleasure! (Mike holds her back)
Daphne: Lauren's in no condition to be fighting!
Micky: That's right! *holds on to Lauren again; narrows his eyes*
Emma: She'll fight me TWICE then! For Lauren AND for Mike!
Daphne: (Shakes her fist under Shelia's nose) How'd you like to see how a Huntress gets REALLY angry? X(
Mike: Emmmm...
Micky: If anyone gets Zero before me, just leave a LITTLE bit, PLEASE! *fumes* X-(
Mike: (Eyes practically spitting fire) I might save you a drumstick, buddy. X(
Zero: (Growls) The women cannot fight like that...and the Mother is in no condition to fight at all. Sheila, the ladies are your section.
Mike: (Gets in front of Emma, who is in front of Lauren and Micky) Now, wait just a minute here...
Daphne: (Glares at Shelia) What are you going to try now, Weird-Eyes? :p
Peter: (Whimpers) Don't hurt Valerie!
Valerie: Peter, I'll be all right.
Shelia: First, we can't have any interference. *snaps her fingers--there's a brief flash of black light and Lauren appears in a human-sized cage hanging from the ceiling* That should keep the little Mother out of our way. *grins*
Micky: *yells* DAMMIT! *makes an attempt to scale the wall*
Emma: (Shrieks) NO!!! (Lunges for her again - Mike once again holds her back.)
Shelia: Oh, you'll get your turn! *grins again*
Emma: (Struggling) God DAMN you, you evil-eyed monster, when I get my hands on you... X(
Mike: Em, you're not helpin' your cause.
*Micky's still futily trying to scale the wall and still cursing, tears trickling down his cheeks.*
Shelia: Now, who's first?
Daphne: Let me at her! I'll tear her limb from limb!
Davy: Daph...
Daphne: (Grins) Davy, I'll be ok. I've handled worse on dates! ;)
*Sheila holds a hand out a black light appears, leaving a bo staff in one hand. She beckons Daphne.*
Daphne: (Grabs the staff) Ok, bitch, how do you want it?
Sheila: *twirls her own staff* Just a simple fight is fine. *grins again*
Zero: First, I will get rid of a few more distractions. (Claps his hands. A black light surrounds the boys, and they reappear on the floor, bound, gagged, and berefit of their weapons. Emma and Valerie are also caged on the other end of the room.)
Emma: You... (puts up her fist, but Valerie stops her. Daphne's eyes nearly pop out of her head.)
Sheila: Much better. *smirks at Micky, who's STILL struggling & spouting muffled curses*
(Davy watches the two women in horror. Peter sobs and looks at Valerie across the room. Mike, too, struggles and curses.)
Daphne: You and your (spits) "Uncle" are going to pay for that! (Launches herself angrily at Shelia)
Sheila: *side-steps Daphne and lightly whacks her on the back with her bo as she goes past* Oh, we are, are we?
Daphne: (As Davy glares) Ow! (Turns and catches Sheila under the legs, knocking her to the floor) Yes, you are, Evil Eyes!
Sheila: Ooof! *sits up* You'll PAY for that! *lunges at Daphne*
Daphne: (Ducks out of her way and aims for her head lightly) Will that be American or foreign currency, Freak-Eyes?
Valerie: Daphne, don't get cocky.
Emma: Daph, be careful!
Shelia: Doesn't mattah! *swings her staff like a baseball bat*
*Lauren glances over the edge of the cage, whimpering.*
(Daphne ducks the staff, which misses her head...but manages to catch her in the elbow. She briefly staggers back, holding it.)
Daphne: (Sputters as Davy roars under his gag) You...you...that was foul play!
Sheila: *grins* It was fair. You moved. *grins*
Daphne: You want movement? (Shelia tries to take another whack at her, but she's ready this time; she rolls under the staff and uses her staff to knock the taller woman to the floor.)
Sheila: Oooof! *glares at Daphne*
(Daphne launches herself on Shelia, pining the taller woman down with her foot and the staff.)
Daphne: Give, Ugly-Eyes?
(Davy beams under his gag; Mike, Peter, and the girls cheer)
Sheila: *eyes narrow* Yes.
Daphne: Good. THAT was for turning Davy into a tiger cub and making him completely helpless! I'm not a Huntress for nothing, sweet cakes! ;)
Emma: Nice work, Daph!
Valerie: That was wonderful!
(Zero lets out a growl to match Emma and Mike's.)
Shelia: *stands* First round is yours. Who's next?
Valerie: Me. (Narrows her own eyes) Payback for that dirty little trick with Peter a while ago. X(
(Peter nods firmly.)
*Sheila snaps her fingers. Daphne and Valerie trade places. Valerie now holds the bo staff.*
Valerie: I've never used this before, but I'm a fairly good athelete. I've been playing sports all my life. (She and Shelia circle each other)
Daphne: She's tricky, Val! Watch out!
(Peter looks like he may cry.)
Sheila: *beckons her* Well, come on, already!
(She's more hesitant than Daphne. She goes for Shelia's side, trying to jab her.)
*Shelia spins away, slicing her staff at Valerie's side.*
(The staff connects, almost sending the tall girl to the floor. Peter lets out a strangled sob.)
Valerie: (Pulls herself back up) You'll get hurt trying crap like that!
*Lauren whimpers again, then moves away from the edge of the cage.*
Shelia: *scoffs* So? *swings her staff like a baseball bat again*
(Valerie, who saw her do that trick to Daphne, ducks around it easily and smacks lightly at her back.)
Daphne: Val, go for her legs! They're so long, they get tangled easily!
Shelia: No coaching from the sidelines!
Valerie: (Grins) Thanks, Daph, but I noticed that already! (Goes for her legs with the side of the bo)
(Peter whimpers)
*Shelia tries to jumps away, but the staff gets caught & trips her up, sending her tumbling to the floor.*
Valerie: Your legs are too long to be using this! (She once again goes for the legs, this time using her own legs to propell herself)
*Both of them go tumbling this time, Valerie coming out on top.*
Valerie: (Soft hiss) THAT was for tricking Peter into trading his soul for Mike's! Give?
(The guys grin; Daphne and Emma cheer)
Shelia: *growls* Yes.
(Zero jumps up and down in a fury.)
Shelia: *stands; spits* Second round is yours. *eyes narrow; snaps her fingers; Emma and Valerie trade places, but Emma holds her hockey stick instead of the bo staff*
Emma: (Grins widely) Oh, goody. I know this better. ;)
(Mike's eyes narrow.)
Shelia: We'll see about that.
Emma: This is for EVERYTHING nasty you've done to Mike in the past few days...and Sir Robert, too. (Spits) The guys told us what you and Zero did to their ancestors! (Growls) You DESTROYED them! All of them!
Shelia: Blah, blah... *beckons her*
Lauren: *glances over the side again; nervous twinge* Come on, Em!
Emma: (She weaves around Shelia, finally making a blow to her ankles)
Shelia: Oww...!
Emma: (Screaming) Did you hurt the women too? Did you make them suffer, because they were in love? They had CHILDREN, you know! Daphne's and Lauren's ancestors were freakin' PREGNANT! (Goes for her stomach) You took four fathers away from children who NEEDED them!
*Shelia gets hit in the stomach & staggers.*
Emma: (Snarls) You KNEW it would KILL Emmeline and all the women to be separated from the men. We all feel it. (Glares) And my ancestor...you hated her. Pure out hatred.
*Shelia growls and swings at Emma's head.*
(Emma pulls away...but though it misses her head, it connects with her shoulder. She staggers back with a hiss, cluching her shoulder. Mike roars through his gag and struggles as hard as he can)
Emma: You...you...
Shelia: *grins* Come on...
Emma: You couldn't STAND that she won Sir Robert instead of you! Did it ever occur to you, Evil Eyes, that maybe your time had passed? That maybe Robert had found someone he was truly in LOVE with...and not just infatuation? (Swings at the back of her legs this time)
*Shelia roars and falls to the floor, rolling.*
(Mike's eyes widen; Emma's panting as she holds the hockey stick up to Shelia's neck.)
Emma: (So sweaty and hot and angry, she's trembling) That was for trying to corrupt Micky, hurting Mike, destroying our ancestors' lives and almost destroying ours! Give?
Shelia: *growls* Yes. You win.
Emma: Good. (Lowers the stick)
(Zero roars and snaps his fingers. The boys and girls, except for Lauren, are released.)
*Lauren whimpers again, taking another peek over the side.*
Micky: *boiling mad* LET HER DOWN!
Zero: No, my boy. Not now. Shelia's right. She will be a distraction...not to mention possibly in the line of fire. Wouldn't want her to hurt those lovely little innocent souls inside her!
*Micky clenches and unclenches his fists.*