(We start off with a romp to "Magnolia Simms," with boys and girls in 20s costumes - boys wear fedoras, bowlers, or flat-brimmed hats with old-fashioned suits, while girls are dressed as flappers in low-waisted, bead-and-gauze dresses and cloche hats. Mike croons the song to Emma while Micky, Peter, and Davy vie for a blushing Lauren's attention.)
Lauren: *thinking, gazing at the three men* Damn, I'm lucky! *smirks*
Emma: (Sighs, leans against Mike, thinking) I'm luckier!
(The song ends after Mike kicks the Victrola playing it and finishes "crooning," much to Emma's amusement. Mike walks off with both girls, much to the annoyance of the other three, and we cut back to the dungeon, where a now-large group is shoving Jurrisson down the hall.)
Jurisson: (Still whining, as Mike and Lelita drag him down the hall by his arms) Stop that, you're hurting me, not to mention you're going to ruin my best suit!
Lauren: Oh please!
Robert: (Pushes his claws against Jurrisson's back) You wanna see how I can hurt you?
Micky: *raises his hand* I wanna see it!
Jurisson: Ow! When Master gets his hands on you, you mangy piles of walking garbage, he'll... (Robert pushes his claws into Jurrisson's back. Jurrisson lets out a girlish scream that can be heard across the Darkness plains.)
Thomas: (Grins) What that about, mate? He didn't even draw blood!
Micky: *turns to Lauren* Wish the creep hadn't sent the jewels ahead. I gotta deal with this. *points to his cut cheek* until we get to the King.
Lauren: Well, none of it got on your poncho. *Micky returns a pained grin*
Mike: You know, that's a good question. How ARE we going to get to the king?
Martha: (As they leave the castle) I have transportation hidden near the woods. It should get us to our home in no time. We'll go to the Castle of the Four Elements in the morning, when we're better-rested.
Corelle: (Groans) Not Black Beauty! Martha, that thing barely runs!
Mina: And it's so bumpy!
Emma: (Raises her eyebrows and exchanges looks with Lauren) Black Beauty?
Lauren: Oh my Lord.
Martha: (Grins) My carriage and my pride and joy. I built it myself. That's how I get to Halsten in the Green Forests so quickly.
Mike: What's so special about a carriage?
Martha: (Grins widely) You'll see!
Lauren: Hoo boy. *shakes her head, smirking*
Emma: It's...um, well, it's quite special, Mike.
(The large group exits the gloomy castle and hikes to a wall alongside the base of the mountain.)
Micky: *scratches his head* I thought you said it was hidden near the woods?
Martha: We hid her here. (Removes a blanket the same shade and texture as the mountain to reveal a very beat-up black carriage pulled by a large, hairy red horse and a shining black stallion. The horses nudge Martha and rear at the sight of the demons; Martha pets the horses and gives them crumbled sugar cubes from her pockets) Good Nightwing, good Chewbacca, waiting patiently for your owners!
Emma: (Groans) Oh good grief!
Lauren: I'm having major deja vu here!
Mike: (Raises his eyebrows) And this piece of junk is gonna get us outta here?
Carlotta: You never seen her in action, Senor Michael!
Emma: (Mumbles to herself) No, but I have.
Lauren: Me too.
Micky: *nudges Lauren* Mind letting me in on the big secret?
Lauren: Long story.
Emma: (Giggles) Let's just say it's a literal long story.
(Both girls burst into laughter. Everyone else looks at them funny.)
Micky: *blinks* Geez.
Emma: (Grins as she gets into the back of the carriage) I'll explain when we get back to the Long-Title Library.
(Everyone else climbs in but the demons. Martha and Corelle get in the driver's and passenger's seat.)
Robert: We're going to fly ahead to the Castle of the Four Elements and scout it out. We'll meet you there.
Lauren: It's a little crowded in here. *looks over her shoulder to grin at Micky*
George: (Slaps Micky on the shoulder and nearly knocks him out of the carriage) You take good care of her, man. You have something really special there.
Micky: Ow! Did ya have to hit me so hard? *mock-pouts* Think my legs're gonna go numb.
Mina: (Accidentally sits on Davy) Oooh, was this seat taken?
Davy: (Grins, eyeing her nice little rear end) Not at all, luv. Quite comfortable, really!
Emma: (Takes Robert's claw as Martha and Halsten hold claw-and-hand and Peter looks on sadly) You guys be careful. No telling what Alakazam will do to you if he knows you're not in his control anymore!
Jurisson: (Whines) What about me?
Mike: Yes, what about him?
Robert: (Takes him roughly over his shoulder) Don't worry about him. We know what to do.
George: (Wicked grin) We're close, personal pals with a few mud monsters who are REALLY hungry today. ;)
Micky: *laughs* I like that guy!
Jurrisson: (Whines) You wouldn't! Master would have...
Thomas: (Finishes) ....had our hides if he was here, but he isn't, is he mate?
Robert: (Thrusts his face into Jurisson's) And for the first time since I can remember, WE'RE the ones in control!
(The four fly off with the screaming, whining Jurisson. Martha flicks the reins on Chewbacca and Nightwing, and the full cart bumps and rumbles across the gray plains.)
Micky: *groans* Man, I'm gonna have three sore cheeks after this trip! *Lauren snorts, then laughs*
Emma: (Sighs, more to herself) Finally, after five years, justice is served.
Mike: (Frowns, to Lauren) What's she talking 'bout, 'after five years?'
Lauren: Long story, but it has to do with another one of her favorite shows.
Mike: And if she's as protective of everyone and everything else as she is of us, I'm almost pitying Jurisson. (Snickers) Almost, but not quite.
Emma: (Looks up as the carriage moves along the plains) What's that noise?
Mina: (She and Davy have been gazing into each other's eyes for the entire trip and not paying much attention to everything else) Hmmmm? There's a noise out there?
Lauren: *turns* Mick?
Micky: *holds up his hands* Wasn't me!
Corelle: (Looks over her shoulder) Um, Martha, we're being chased by Wild Hell-Beasts!
Peter: (Looks over his shoulder and screams) Yikes! Big, huge, hairy horses with sharp teeth and big, sharp hooves!
Martha: Shit! (Flicks the reins harder; to herself) Come on baby, hold together!
Lauren: *worried* And the chase is on!
Davy: (Finally tears his eyes from Mina and knocks on his head to clear out the stars) I guess I couldn't ride one of those beasts.
Corelle: Not unless you're really in the mood to be trampled on and eaten skin and all, shorty!
Micky: *shaking his head* I wouldn't even dare you to do that!
(Martha pushes the horses harder, but the Hell-Beasts only come closer, their mouths frothing and eyes flashing.)
Martha: Curlylocks, you wanted to know what was so special about this rig. Time to find out! (Pulls a lever on one side. The carriage spews black gunk. Some of the horses slip and fall away, though others avoid the spill and continue.)
Peter: (Gazes at Martha with more than a few stars in his own eyes) Wow, you built a carriage that's an oil well!
Micky: *gawks* I want that on the MonkeeMobile!
Mike: (Raises his eyebrows) Sure could come in handy with all the weirdos that chase us!
Carlotta: Senorita Martha, they're still coming!
Martha: That's not the only trick I have up my sleeve! (Peter pulls at her sleeve to check for more tricks, but Martha slaps his hand.) Watch this! (Pushes a button and releases thick smoke that envelopes more of the horses.)
Micky: I want that, too!
Mike: (The smoke clears. There's still more) Got any more bright ideas?
Martha: (Pulls a car steering wheel out from under her feet) I was saving this for a special occasion, but it we seem to need it.
Micky: *leans forward* Can I push a button or pull a lever?
Peter: (As a hell-beast rides right along in his face, foam dripping on his paisley shirt and love beads, he cries) Maaaarrttthhha, they're right here! They're gonna eat me!
Lauren: Duck down, Peter!
Martha: (Slaps his hand) There's no more button-pushing, Curly. (As Peter climbs between Martha and Corelle) Where are those keys?
Micky: *whines* Ow, hey, my hands still hurt from the ruby!
Mike: Keys?
Emma: (Puts her head in her hands) Oh, good lord allmighty, tell me she's not going to do what I think she's going to do.
Lauren: *nods solemnly* Yeah, she's gonna do what you think she's gonna do.
Peter: (Pulls a set of ordinary car keys from under his seat) Are these yours? They don't look like they're for the Monkeemobile.
Martha: (Takes them from him with a grin) Thanks! (Sticks the keys in a hole in the front of the carriage and shoves her foot down on a lever under her feet) Everyone sit back and hold on, because I haven't gotten around to putting in seat belts yet!
Mike: Seat belts? What's goin' on?
Emma: (Leans down in the carriage between Mike and Carlotta) Just sit back and don't ask!
Lauren: *feeling Micky's arms wrap around her waist and his head rest between her shoulder blades* You can hang onto me, but what am I gonna hang onto!?
(The carriage literally roars into action with the sound of a souped-up car engine and passes by the extremely surprised Hell-Beasts.)
Mike: This thing is a car!
Lauren: Oh damn. *ducks down as best as she can*
Lelita: Is that what you call it? (Grins) I call it a hell of a good time! I love it when Marthie pulls the engines out!
Mike: (Bumping between Emma and the back end of the carriage) Has she gotten around to putting shocks on this thing?
Micky: *groans* Kinda doubting it, Mike!
Emma: (Grins, tossing back her long, wavy hair) Woohoo, Ludicrous Speed! (As everyone stares at her) Sorry, had a Mel Brooks moment there. ;)
*Lauren laughs, despite holding her head between her knees*
Mike: (Ducks a pile of mud flung his way) Watch out for mud monsters!
Micky: *looks up momentarily* Yeeeeee haaaaaaawwww!!
(Martha skirts around the piles of mud, occasionally having to back out of some of the piles.)
Davy: (Points to a patch of green on the horizon) Hey, there's something besides gray!
Martha: We're nearing the end, folks!
Lauren: *sings off-key* Beyond the blue horizon...
Micky: *groans* Babe, you gotta work on your voice.
Emma: (Ducks more mud flung in her direction) Good, because these things are getting ugly!
Lauren: "Getting ugly"?
Micky: Man, they *are* ugly!
Corelle: Well, the mud monsters can't leave the Darkness Plains, so we should be able to lose them once we hit the Elementia Farmlands.
Emma: (As one grabs her) Martha, step on it! They're getting fresh!
Mike: (Hacks it off of her with his broadsword) They sure don't smell fresh! They smell like Micky's half of the room.
Micky: She's givin' it all she's got, Captain! *realizes, turns a glare on Mike* Hey!?
Martha: (As more greenery appears on the horizon) We're almost out, folks!
(They hack at a few more mud monsters as the car-carriage speeds out of the plains and onto a green plateau, then across a series of rolling hills.)
Martha: (Slowing the carriage and picking up the reins again) Everyone in more-or-less one piece back there?
Lauren: *groans* Maybe now isn't a good time to mention I'm prone to motion sickness?
Micky: Get her off me!
Davy: Micky, hold onto her so she can hang over the side.
Mike: You gonna upchuck, do it over the side, away from human bein's.
Emma: (Rolls her eyes) Gee, Mike, you're all heart. (Points at Mike) Barf in his hat.
Mike: (Grabs his hat) Don't you dare! I don't have my other ones here, and these things don't clean easy!
Lauren: *queasy, but holds up a hand* I can vouch for that.
Martha: Don't worry, the hills will flatten out soon.
Corelle: Yeah, we should be coming up on our place soon. We moved into an abandoned farmhouse near the edge of the Darkness Plains after King Bruce dropped us like year-old mashed potatoes.
Lelita: We'll rest there for the night.
Lauren: Eeewww... *hangs over the side*
Emma: (Looks over the side and turns green herself) Um, not a good anology, Corelle.
Micky: *glances over his shoulder, holding onto Lauren* Thanks, heaps, for that visual.
Mike: (Makes a face) What the HELL did she have for lunch?
Lelita: I'm not cleaning that off the side of Black Beauty!
(Thankfully for Lauren's stomach, the car/carriage pulls up at a large, rambling, Victorian-style farmhouse, complete with wrap-around porch and rickety swing. The house is in need of paint and repair, but still stands. It's surrounded by a large vegetable garden.)
Martha: (Pulls the horses to a halt) Ok, end of the ride! Everyone out!
Micky: *puffs out a breath and lets go of Lauren, who's still hanging over the side* Thank you, God! *jumps out*
(They all climb out. Davy and Mina have their arms wrapped around each other, while Mike and Emma glare.)
Lauren: *waves Micky off* Leave me here for a while.
Emma: (Puts her arm around Lauren) You ok, baby?
Lauren: I will be when everything stops spinning. *groans*
Martha: (As she and Peter climb off) We have chamomile tea in the farmhouse. Might help your stomach.
Micky: *raises an eyebrow* I'm gonna assume I gotta carry her inside?
Peter: (Jaw was open the whole time) You have to tell me how you made the carriage into a car! (He and Martha walk inside together, Martha chatting about engines and carriage.)
Emma: (Puts her arm around Lauren) I'll stay with her, Mickster. You go on ahead with the guys.
Micky: *mutters* I was hoping you'd say yes.
Carlotta: It's my turn to make dinner tonight, Senor. Tonight, I will make my famous bean and cheese enchiladas with home-made salsa and fresh lettuce and home-baked wheat bread!
*Lauren covers her head with both arms*
Micky: *motions to her* Lookit this!
Carlotta: (Realizes that what she said isn't helping Lauren any) Oh dear, maybe I change menu?
Emma: What is it, Mickster?
Mike: Mickster?
*Lauren waves one arm*
Emma: I like my little nicknames. I call you Papa Mike.
Micky: *sighs* I was hoping to carry her inside. She said she'd tend to my wound, and I can tend to her. *blushes slightly*
Emma: I guess it couldn't hurt. She doesn't look nearly as green as she did before.
Lauren: I'm getting there.
Mike: Just don't bump her head on the way in.
Micky: *salutes Mike* Yes sir! *smacks his own forehead; says something to Lauren quietly, then goes to lift her, picks her up, and makes his way to the door* Coming through!
Emma: (Gets out of Micky's way, then follows Mike and Lelita to the garden) It's kinda nice out here. You have a great selection, Lel. Beats the produce section at the Wildwood Acme.
Lelita: Well, we pretty much have to make do. We aren't exactly welcome in Elementia Town, not with Alakazam and all.
Mike: How did you girls lose your jobs, Lel?
Lelita: (Clenches her fists) King Bruce is getting old. It wasn't hard for Alakazam to take control of his mind. He started his own private army of nasty bodyguards and monsters. The bodyguards aren't much more than thieves, scoundrels, and bounty hunters, but Alakazam pays them very, very well, which is all they care about.
*A window on the second floor opens. A rather high octave yell is heard, followed by a groan*
Mike: (Eyes to the window) What the HELL are they doing up there?
Emma: (Raises her eyebrows) I thought that was my parents for a moment.
Lelita: (Grins knowingly) Sounds like they're busy.
*Micky barrels out of the front door, a band aid on his cheek. He joins the small group, but keeps his eyes on the ground.*
Mike: May I ask what the HELL you two were doing up there?
Micky: *glances up, then shakes his head* Don't ask.
Emma: Micky, are you two feeling better?
Micky: I'm fine. *Points at his band aid.* She's not. I had to put this sucker on myself.
Mike: She still green from the ride?
Emma: (Crosses her arms) Or is she green from something else?
Micky: Very funny, Em. *sighs* Yes and no. Seems I went running up the stairs too fast and she got sick again.
Emma: (Frowns) Oh dear.
Mike: She gets motion sickness from going upstairs?
Micky: Don't ask. *pauses* So, what's going on out here?
Mike: Lel's tellin' us how she and her friends ended up unemployed.
Micky: Ah.
Lelita: (Frowns) All thanks to that son-of-a-bitch Alakazam and his monsters and guards. It's an open secret that he and his freak show somehow managed to steal the jewels from under the Knights' noses. Lord Robert felt personally responsible, but the others wouldn't let him go off alone. They went after the jewels and haven't been seen since...(quieter) not as humans, anyway.
Mike: They apparently don't remember how they ended up looking like rejects from a B horror movie. According to them, all they remember is what happened after Alakazam got to them.
Carlotta: (From inside the house) Dinner's ready, everyone! Come and get them!
Lelita: (Groans) Oh geez, I forgot it's Car's turn to cook. She's always trying these Spanish dishes on us that turn our stomachs in knots.
Micky: Then it's probably a good thing Lauren is already sick.
Emma: (Makes a face) As long as it's not too spicy.
Mike: (Makes a face) Or cream of root beer soup.
(The four return to the farmhouse, where everyone else is gathered in the kitchen. Peter is dreamily listening to Martha talk about Black Beauty by a hand-pumped sink, Davy and Mina are gazing into each other's starry eyes, Carlotta is putting tortillas on the table, and Corelle is setting the table.)
Micky: You got any chicken broth or something plain?
Carlotta: (Takes a pan off the wood-heated stove) Martha suggested I make this for your friend, senor. It chicken broth with parsley. Make your breath smell nice. (Pours broth into a wooden bowl) Here you go, Micky. Take it upstairs to your poor girlfriend.
Micky: Thanks, Carlotta. *takes the bowl and heads for the stairs*
Corelle: Just don't spill it on yourself on the way up. That's hot stuff!
Emma: (Sighs as she settles down on the end of the table next to Lelita. Mike is on one side, Martha on the other. Peter immediately sits next to Martha. Davy sits next to Mina, the two of them still starry-eyed.) This really feels like home. All I need is for someone to start talking politics, steal my milk, mention horror movies, or kick me from across the table. ;)
Mike: You're from a big family, huh?
Emma: (Grins) Six of us at dinner almost every night until I went to college.
Carlotta: (Places a plate of steaming enchiladas on the table) Eat up, eat up! It is hot, and we have had long day.
Davy: (Finally breaks from Mina's gaze) You don't have to tell me twice, mate!
Mike: (Grabs an enchilada and some bread) Me either. Now I feel at home. I miss real Spanish cookin'.
Mina: And it doesn't smell as bad as Carlotta's food usually does!
Carlotta: (Makes a face) At least I cook! You such bad cook, you burn water!
Mina: (Blushes as the girls laugh) That's not true!
Emma: (Looks upstairs) I wonder when Micky's coming down?
Peter: (As he takes a slice of bread) He's usually the first one at the table.
Martha: I hope Lauren isn't too sick.
*Foot steps come from near the stairs*
Micky: *rounds the doorway* Man...
Mike: What took 'ya so long?
Micky: I had to wait for her to unlock the bathroom door so I could let her know I brought the soup.
Emma: (Worried) You ok?
Peter: Is she ok?
Micky: *plops in the vacant seat* I'm tired. I think she crashed from her adrennaline rush. *makes a face*
Emma: (Yawns) We all may end up doing that tonight. It's been quite a day, to say the least.
Davy: (Grins at Mina) I'm not sleepy at all!
Peter: (Gazes wistfully at Martha) Me either.
Micky: Davy, Davy, Davy... *leans over to grab some food*
Lelita: Hey, have some manners! Don't grab it before the rest of us!
Micky: That's what I usually do!
(Lelita leans over Micky and grabs more food.)
Corelle: Lel, you're not helping.
Martha: (Shakes a wooden spoon at the table) You girls be good, or I may be forced to use this!
Peter: (Frowns) Use it on what?
Martha: (Sighs) Never mind.
Micky: Don't ask, Pete.
Mike: (Between bites of beans) You DON'T want to know. (As he finishes his beans) So girls, where is this Castle of the Four Elements?
Corelle: A three or four hour's drive from here by Black Beauty. We don't go into town often, though, and when we do, we have to wear disguises. Alakazam's men are all over Elementia Town, the capital city of the Land of Sunshine and Beauty.
Mina: (Shivers) We've tangled with Alakazam's men before. They're rough, tough, mean, and don't care about anything but money. They'll start a fight just for kicks.
Carlotta: They bullies, like Jurisson, but unlike him, they do more than whine. They WILL back up threats.
Emma: (Shrugs) Doesn't sound too hard.
Micky: *swallows* Oh goody.
Davy: (Grins) At least they don't have big teeth. We seem to run into a lot of things with big teeth.
Mina: (Giggles at Davy) The better to eat you with, my dear!
*Micky drops his fork and starts laughing.*
(Mike smiles, and everyone else joins Micky in laughing. Mina and Davy blush the color of the salsa.)
Micky: *wipes his eyes* I love it when things come out wrong and I didn't say them!
Mike: Yeah, that rarely happens. (Frowns) How we gonna git past Alakazam's men?
Micky: Very carefully. *loads up his plate again*
Martha: We know escape routes and shortcuts all over Elementia Town. We've got to get to the Castle throne room before sundown, or else the King will make Alakazam ruler.
Emma: (Rubs her full stomach) This was a great dinner, Carlotta. I was a little worried about eating a complete Spanish meal, but I kind of enjoyed it. (Puts her plate in the sink) I'm going upstairs to check on Lauren.
Mike: Want me to come with you?
Emma: (Shakes her head) No, it'll be ok.
Micky: *looks up* Be careful up there!
Emma: (Grins at Micky, still shoveling food) I will!
Micky: *grins* I'll be up in a bit.
Emma: (Grins back) I'll be out before then, so you two can be (winks at him) alone. ;)
*Micky blushes slightly and looks only at his plate*
(Emma walks up the narrow wood stairs down a white-washed hallway. She notices that one door is closed and knocks on it.)
Emma: Hey, Lauren, you in there? Are you feeling better?
Lauren: It's open.
(Emma comes in. The room is simple but pretty, with curtains and quilts made from old scraps of fabric and very old and beat-up but comfortable wooden furniture. Lauren lays on one of the beds.)
Emma: (Sits next to Lauren, concerned) Are you feeling better? I would have told Martha not to put Black Beauty into neutral if I knew you'd get sick!
Lauren: That was just part of it. *folds her arms underneath her head* Mick probably mentioned I crashed.
Emma: He did say something about that. Are you tired, or is it something else?
Lauren: I was so worried about the guys. When we and the demons crashed into Jurrison's lab, I imagined all these horrible outcomes. (Makes a face) Mick only had a scratch on his cheek. *grumbles* The baby! He washed it off and it was barely noticeable!
Emma: Oh, that's what got you upset. (Sighs and sits next to Lauren) You know how Mickster is. He loves to be melodramatic. (Grins) I was wondering why he only came down with a Band aid on his cheek!
Lauren: I worried too much. When he found out, he wouldn't leave me alone!
Emma: Lauren, he's scared for you. He loves you.
Lauren: I'm still getting used to that. *sighs*
Emma: (Quietly) I almost wish Mike were more like that.
Lauren: Yeah, well, you weren't the one who found a jacket on the beach. *rolls her eyes*
Emma: (Looks up and grins) We've got the opposite problem. You can't get yours to leave you alone. I can't get mine to pay attention. (Blushes) I can't get mine...
Lauren: I'd ask if you wanted to trade, but I wouldn't mean it. *grins*
Emma: (Shakes her head with a smile) Um, no, I can barely handle Mike as it is. Mickster's a doll, but he's a little too energetic for me!
Lauren: You're telling me! I get tired just watching him.
Emma: (Gives her a squeeze) I don't think Micky's used to being in love either, Lauren. Give him time. You know how passionate he is about everything.
Lauren: Yeah. *pauses* I'll bet he'll be back in a little while, too. *glances up*
Emma: Um, Lauren, one more question. Um, what were you and Micky...um, when we heard that noise earlier, what were you...um, were you guys, um...(blushes)...um, busy?
Lauren: Heh. When he brought me up here, I had to bolt for the bathroom. I sorta stepped on his foot when I landed to take off running. *gives a nervous smile*
Emma: (Grins sheepishly) Oh. I guess Micky isn't the only person with the dirty mind!
Lauren: *chuckles* That's all it is, though.
Emma: What, dirty minds?
Lauren: *nods* Yeah, pretty much.
Emma: (Pats Lauren on the shoulder as the sound of feet is heard coming upstairs) Give him time to settle down, Lauren. When he loves, he gives his whole heart and soul. (Smiles) And never forget how lucky you are!
Lauren: *groans* Oh, you had to mention the song! *grins* Love that song...
Emma: (Grins) I hadn't even thought of that!
Lauren: That's okay, he doesn't even know he's sang it yet.
Emma: (Sighs) It's so hard to keep up with the time periods!
Lauren: Ain't it though?
Emma: (As the feet get closer to the room) Sounds like we're about to have company, Lauren. (Martha pokes her head in)
Martha: We're bunking down for the night. Lauren, you'd better stay up here. That bouncy boyfriend of yours wants to sleep up here with you, but I don't know how good of an idea that is.
Emma: (Shakes her head) I'll sleep up here with Lauren. I think she needs some time away from Mick.
Lauren: *nods* I wanna say goodnight, though.
Martha: He's downstairs, polishing off the last of the leftovers. (Sighs) He's the most amazing eater I've ever seen in my entire life! He must have downed more than half the enchaladas himself!
Lauren: That's all? Maybe he isn't quite up to par, either.
(Emma nearly falls off the bed laughing.)
Mike: (Pokes his head in behind Martha) You girls ok? Us boys are gonna sleep downstairs.
Emma: (Puts her arm around Lauren) We're ok, Papa Mike. Just girl talk.
Lauren: *smiles* I'm fine, Mike, thanks. You wanna send Mick up for a moment, though?
Mike: (Blushes at the "Papa Mike") Ok, Lauren.
Martha: (Nods and takes some blankets from a closet) Lelita and I will sleep with the other girls tonight. You two just call us if you need anything.
Lauren: Thanks, Martha.
Emma: (Gets up) I'd better leave you and Mickster alone.
Lauren: Okay, Em.
(Emma goes out as Micky comes in.)
*Lauren sits against the headboard.*
Micky: (Sits next to her) Hey, you feelin' ok?
Lauren: Better. *points at the band aid, smirking* You?
Micky: (Touches the bandaid) Yeah, I'm ok, now that I've had a little tender loving care. (Leans against the headboard) Were you really that scared for me?
Lauren: *blushes, turns away* Yeah...of course, I was. I didn't know what was going on.
Micky: I've never had a girl be scared for me who wasn't my mom or sisters. (Grins) It's a nice feeling.
Lauren: I've never had to feel that scared before.
Micky: (Sighs) How do we get ourselves into these situations? I mean, for a moment, I really thought that egotistical mad scientist reject was going to do to us what that weird hypnotist guy did, turn us into zombies! (Grins) We've all got hellova big imaginations!
Lauren: And it's only a fantasy! We'll be wondering what the hell we were drinking when this is over.
Micky: I'll bet it's Mike. He has a scary mind, when he opens up at all.
Lauren: *sighs* It's the worry thing again.
Micky: (Sighs) He worries about all of us, the rent, Babbitt pounding on the door, our gigs, buying food and supplies, trying to keep the band together. I know he likes playing dad, but one of these days, he's going to give himself a major ulcer.
Lauren: It'd be nice if he could get along with Emma.
Micky: Do those two have to be at each other's throats constantly? They're both so crazy in love, it's almost disgusting! Why can't they just admit it?
Lauren: *sighs* It's like they're the other end of the stick.
Micky: Yeah, we can't keep our hands off of each other, and they can't figure out how to get them on.
Lauren: *chuckles* Yeah, well, you're the one with the dirty mind.
Micky: (Chuckles, then shrugs) Em's a nice girl, um, woman, but it wouldn't kill her to be able to lean on someone else. Mike wants to protect her, but she won't let him.
Lauren: They're both too stubborn for their own good. They should be locked in a room together.
Micky: Yeah, we've had to stand them for this whole adventure! I wish I had my chemistry set! That way, I could whip up a love potion that would make those two admit how crazy they are about each other!
Lauren: *raises her eyebrows, then smirks* Think "chemistry set." *winks*
Micky: (Grins) You think it would work?
Lauren: *still grinning* Trust me.
Micky: (Nods) Ok, here goes nothing! Now, how does Em do it? (Closes his eyes. The chemistry set suddenly appears, looking pretty much the same as it did when it appeared at Hades Palace.) Hey, it worked!
Lauren: Told you. *winks again*
(Micky mixes a little of this and a little of that, cackling evilly the whole time.)
Lauren: Just don't blow up anything, please.
Micky: I know what I'm doing! (Shrugs) Most of the time. (Reveals a test-tube full of pink liquid. He's dressed as a mad scientist. Lauren is his lovely assistant.) Ha ha! I've done it! I've created the world's greatest love potion, Nurse Miller!
Lauren: *unenthused* Whoopee.
Micky: (Cackles again) This potion will make any person instantly admit their heart's deepest secrets! (Pushes the potion under Lauren's nose) Now, Nurse Miller, care to test our amazing discovery?
Lauren: *blinks* Micky, I love your pony tail in 1997. *blinks again* What's going on? *scratches her head*
Micky: It worked! (Puts down the tube in the rack and scratches his head) In 1997? (Runs his hands through his curls) Well, I could always grow my hair out, if you like it long!
Lauren: *snickers* Don't ask about after the pony tail, though. *tries not to chuckle*
Micky: (Raises his eyebrows) Don't worry, I won't. (Scene returns to the farmhouse; Micky and Lauren are back in their normal clothes) Now, how are we going to get Mike and Em to drink this?
Lauren: Well, Em said she'd bunk with me tonight, but I think for us to survive the rest of this adventure, now might just be a good time. How is something else all together.
Micky: (Grins evilly) Maybe we could arrange for some kind of secret rendezvous in the vegetable garden or kitchen or something. Something really romantic. (Thoughtful) I wonder if the girls have any champagne or pink lemonade?
Lauren: They might. Actually, I haven't even seen the rest of the house!
Micky: I haven't either, come to think of it. (Martha pokes her head in again)
Martha: Everything going ok in here? (Raises her eyebrows at the chemistry set) Where the heck did that come from?
Lauren: *points at her head* Up here.
Martha: Um, ok.
Micky: Hey Marthie, what's the most romantic spot in or around the house? You know, the best place for two people to break down and admit they like each other?
Martha: (Smiles) Probably the porch. Before Alakazam, the girls and I entertained any number of gentlemen callers on that rickety old swing! (Grins wickedly) I think Mina and Davy are out there now.
Lauren: No vacancies. *frowns*
Martha: (Thinks) There's the backyard. It's nice out there. A little damp after dark, but the night air can be very comforting. (Sighs) Halsten and I used to sit in wicker chairs in the backyard and just look at the stars together. (Sighs) I miss him so badly. (Looks up) Mike and Emma? Why them?
Micky: They're looney about each other, but every time they try to admit it, they either get interrupted or start a minor war.
Lauren: A minor war?
Micky: (Shrugs) Ok, they start their own personal Vietnam.
Lauren: Thank you. *nods*
Martha: They are terribly combative, aren't they? (Looks downstairs) Mike is out there already. Says he's working on a new song. Emma is downstairs, reading in the living room.
Micky: We gotta get Emma out there. (Grins and rubs his hands together) Do you have any pink lemonade?
Martha: (Startled) Yes, why?
Lauren: You'll see. *winks*