Emma: Ok, ready to be evil? ;) >:)

Lauren: Of course! ;) >:)

Emma: You boys ready? ;)

Mike: Um, no.

Davy: I 'ave a bad feelin' about this.

Peter: What's going on? :o :((

*Micky just lies there.* :P ;)

Oh, c'mon, Mick, yeesh. He really gets into it. ;)

Micky: *peeks an eye open* I'm just staying in character. ;)

(Emma chuckles. ;) )

*We begin at a gate. The surrounding area is shaded in reds and blacks. A man in black stands at the gate, arms folded, looking rather bored. He perks up when he sees Alex and Shelia walking towards him. The two are practically dragging Micky, whose hands are tied behind his back. He’s doing all he can to get away.*

Gatekeeper: Hello, Your ladyship, (nods at Alex), lordship. What have we got here? >:)

Alex: *smirks* Another new inhabitant. This one is special, though. ;) >:)

Micky: *grumbles* Special, my... :P X-(

Gatekeeper: (Squints at Micky) Reletive of yours, your lordship?

Alex: Yes and no.

Micky: *struggles* But definitely unwanted. :P

Gatekeeper: What 'cha gonna do with him? Will he be a slave, or a collector, or something (looks at Shelia and smirks) else? ;)

Alex: Right now, he's going to be whatever we want him to be. We're going to give him the "grand" tour. ;) >:)

Gatekeeper: The others are waiting for you. There's been talk of uprising, but no one can figure out where the talk is comin' from.

Alex: Perhaps we can hold off the tour and see the others first.

Gatekeeper: Probably a smart idea, if you don't mind my sayin' so, your lordship.

Alex: *half grin* Thank you.

Shelia: (Nods at the gate) Come on, let's get in. I need some quality time with MY special friend. ;)

(The black and red clouds swirl around Micky as the gates slowly creak open. Alex and Shelia push Micky into a huge black carriage pulled by two large black horses and driven by a shadowy figure - their driver from "above." The carriage speeds through the swirling black clouds, down a dark, misty road to a huge black and red rock castle that's all black and red spires, thunder, lightning, stone gargoyles, and demons flying overhead. A passle of demons meet the trio in a courtyard filled with blood-red roses. Five figures in black silk capes with red lining and volumous hoods stand with the demons.)

Figure 1: (Deep, familiar voice) Welcome back, Milady.

Figure 2: (Much shorter, also speaks in a familiar voice...with a Northern England accent) You too, Master.

Alex: It's nice to be back. >:)

Shelia: I never thought I'd be so thankful for vacations. ;)

Figure 3: (Female voice) We've prepared your suites for you. We hope you find everything to your satisfaction.

*Micky's eyes widen. He recognizes the voices.* :-O

Demon 1: (Pulls Micky into the crowd) 'Ey, Mastah and Milady, ain't this one of them meddlin' topsidahs?

Figure 4: (Looks at the smallest figure, then at Micky) Holy... (catches herself)...you mean one of them actually died? :o

Alex: Yes, he's one of them. Technically, he isn't dead. A coma is the next best thing, isn't it? ;) >:)

Shelia: We'll do what we can to change that soon. ;)

Alex: *nods* Exactly. ;)

Figure 3: Why don't we take him to the slave's quarters to get him aquainted with your...other special favorite? ;)

Shelia: (Pouts) I was hoping to spend time with my special favorite! :p

Figure 5: He's napping. We'll wake him for you. ;)

Alex: Excellent idea. *rolls his eyes at Shelia* And you say I'M bad. :P

Shelia: Well, at least he's only ONE, not THIRTY. :p

Figure 3: (She and the smallest figure grab Micky's arms) Come on. We'll handle him, Milady. >:)

Micky: *grumbles* Great. :P

(The three figures pull Micky along the dim, dank corridors of the castle to a large door. They finally stop at the door. The smallest figure unties Micky's wrists.)

Figure 3: Are you all right? (Makes a face) Other than the obvious. :p

Micky: *rubs at his wrists* Yeah, about as fine as I can be. :P

Figure 4: We need your help.

Micky: My help? I thought all of you were with *jerks a thumb behind him* the devils on parade. :P

Figure 5: Micky, only Peter and Davy were corrupted. (Pulls off her hood...to reveal Lauren) We're fine.

(The other girls pull off their hoods, revealing Daphne and Valerie.)

Micky: *eyes widen* Whoa!

Valerie: We need your help to get through to Mike and find Emma.

Micky: Anything. I'll do anything I can.

Daphne: Micky, Alex hurt Mike. Hurt him badly.

Micky: *frowns* Figures. *pauses* How bad?

Valerie: (Sighs) Why don't we just show you? It'll be faster and easier than explaining it.

(They open the door. The room is dark, except for the shaft of dim light from the hall that falls on a slender figure huddled in one corner. Valerie goes to the figure and gently shakes its shoulder.)

Valerie: Mike. Mike, get up! Micky's here, and he's going to help us!

(The figure slowly gets to his feet...but almost falls, putting his hand on his back and cringing. It is, indeed, Michael Nesmith, but there are heavy gashes on his cheeks and forehead. His simple shirt and pants are in tatters, and his feet are bare. He doesn't blink when he looks into the light. He limps over to Micky, touching his face...and frowns suspiciously when he runs his long fingers over Micky's cheeks and doesn’t find scars.)

Valerie: Mike, it isn't Alex. It's Micky, a good Micky, and he's going to help us. He'll help YOU.

Micky: *nods* Mike...my God... :-O

(Mike runs his fingers through Micky's curls, then his lips and down his chest.)

Micky: *chuckles* Hey, man, that tickles!

Daphne: Mike, this isn't Alex. He's here to help us! You have to trust him.

Valerie: Any luck, Mike?

(Mike shakes his head. His large deep-brown eyes are full of despair. :( )

Daphne: Did you try the North Wing when you were cleaning Alex's chambers?

(Mike nods, making a face. :p)

Valerie: Damn! Mike, can you still feel her?

(Mike nods and puts his hand on his chest.)

Valerie: Is she close?

(Mike waves an arm to indicate the hallway.)

Valerie: She's in the castle somewhere?

(He nods.)

*Micky watches the exchange, his jaw hanging slack just a bit. Lauren closes Micky's mouth. She gives him a slight smile.* ;)

Daphne: He can't talk, Mick, or see. Alex blinded and muted him, among other things. :p

(Mike makes an angry face and nods. X( )

Micky: Damn. :P

Daphne: Shelia did something to Em, but we don't know what. We can only look for her when no one else is around. We don't know what they'll do to us, especially Mike, if they find out we weren't corrupted! :p :o

Micky: Like I said, I'll help out any way I can.

Daphne: Mike and Emma were both in prison when Shelia and Alex caught them. Their music and writing were causing disturbances among the citizens of the underworld, and they became bolder after hearing of the sucess of their topside counterparts in combating Shelia and her uncles. Shelia brought Alex down here, and they captured both of them and imprisoned them in the dungeons.

(Mike nods, indicating the door again; he goes out, trying to run...but stops and cringes as he bends over in pain.)

Valerie: (Puts a hand on Mike's shoulder) Mike, we'll tell him what happened.

(Mike sits back down, frustrated and annoyed. :p :( )

Micky: *runs a hand through his curls* Man... :P

Daphne: (Quietly) Shelia and Alex jailed them on trumped-up charges, but they wanted Mike and Emma to tell them what they knew about us...and where they kept the printing equipment that was putting out Mike's song sheets and Emma's pamphlets. They tried to escape before they could be tortured, but it didn't go well...

(Fade out on the slave's quarters; fade in on a dark hallway. Two faint figures hurry softly down the hall, sticking close to the walls and ducking into shadowy alcoves when demons troop past. Mike, looking like his old self, wears black coveralls. Emma wears red ones. Emma, who also looks like her topside counterpart is limping a bit. They hug close to the dark stone wall as a group of people in chains and and ragged clothing slump past, led by a large demon.)

Mike: (Whisper) Em, come on. We'll make it!

Emma: Mike, they probably already know we've escaped! You get out to the others! I can’t run fast enough!

Mike: Em, we're in this together. I ain't leavin' you.

Emma: Mike, one of us has to retrieve the equipment and talk to the ones Shelia hasn't enslaved!

Mike: Em, I'll carry you if I have to, but I'm not leaving this building without you. You'd do the same for me.

Emma: And you'd be telling ME to go. (Stands and winces again) Why, oh WHY did my stupid ankle have to turn NOW? :p

Mike: Darlin’, that looks pretty bad.

Emma: Mike, I've done this before. I'll be ok.

Mike: (Looks around) Did they tell you where they'd be?

Emma: I think they said they'd meet us in the alcove near the slave's quarters.

Mike: Damn, we're nowhere NEAR there!

Emma: You'll make it. (Winces as she stands on her foot again)

Mike: (Picks Emma up carefully) We'll make it together, darlin'. (Kisses her)

Emma: But Mike...

Mike: No buts. I'll get us both outta here if I have to carry you.

(He starts off down the hall, avoiding heavily-lit areas. He finally ducks into a small room, puffing.)

Mike: (Gently sets Emma on a black velvet couch) Here you go, darlin'. Ain't no one in here. (He checks her foot, taking off the boot and sock and probing it gently) Where does it hurt?

Emma: (Sucks in her breath as he probes her ankle) Oooh, there! :p :o

Mike: (Opens his coveralls and rips off part of the black shirt underneith to wrap around Emma's ankle) That'll hold until we get out of here.

Emma: (Groans and puts her hand on her stomach) Mike, I think we've been found! My stomach hurts, and no, it's not a woman thing! :p :o

Mike: Darlin', you're...(but Mike puts his hand over his stomach, too)...right. I think we're in trouble. :p

*The door swings open, and Alex steps in. He smirks at them and looks behind him, but no one's standing there. Moments later, there's a black light and Shelia appears next to him, also smirking.*

Alex: You and your entrances. :P

Mike: (Emma starts to stand; he gently pushes her back down and shields her as best he can) Get outta here, Alex. You and the Royal Witch ain't gonna get anything outta us. X(

(Mike notices Shelia and Emma staring at his half-naked chest and hastily pulls his coveralls back on. :">)

Alex: Oh, is that so? *rolls his eyes, ignoring the women* ;) :P

Mike: (Concentrates; there's a dark blue light, and his broadsword appears) Alex, I'm gonna cut you in two if you try anything nasty on either of us. X(

Emma: Mike... (she tries to stand again, but winces)

Mike: Em, I can handle it.

Emma: Honey, there's two of them and one of you.

Alex: I'm tired of these games! *makes his own dagger appear* >:) X-(

Shelia: Put that thing away! I have a bettah idea. ;)

Alex: *side-glances Shelia* You do? /:)

Mike: What'll it be, Devils? Fight...or flight?

Shelia: *makes Mike's broadsword disappear in a black light* How about somewhere in between? ;) >:)

Mike: You know I can make it come back...(holds out his fists)...and I'm pretty good with these, too. X(

Emma: Honey, don't! Don't let them get to you! :p :o

Alex: *snorts* Oh, please! :P

Mike: Alex, you've seen me brawl before. I could take you on without even breaking a sweat. :p ;)

Emma: (Rolls her eyes) Miiiiiiiiikkkkkkeeeee....

Shelia: Enough, BOYS. :P *sends out a black light over herself and Emma* I'm taking my half of this deal. ;) >:)

Mike and Emma: (In unison) WHAT? :o

Emma: (As Mike gently takes her in his arms) Shelia, what are you doing? :o

Mike: Don't! Shelia, let her alone! X( :o

Shelia: You'll see. *the two women fade out, leaving Alex and Mike alone* >:)

Mike: (Stares in shock at his empty arms, then screams at the top of his lungs) NOOOOOOOOOO!!!! EMMMM!!!! (Turns to Alex, a wild, raging look in his eyes) You...you... (takes a wild swing at Alex)

Alex: *easily ducks the swing* Down, boy! I'm not in control of Shelia's ideas! I can't help it if she had a really good one. ;) >:)

Mike: Tell her to bring Em back! I need her! I love her! X( (Swings wildly at Alex again...and harder this time)

Alex: *grabs Mike's fist in one hand and squeezes it* Watch it, White Knight. X-(

Mike: (Grinds it out) BRING. HER. BACK. X(

Alex: *smirks* No. *waves his free hand in front of Mike's eyes; a black light follows the movement of his hand* >:) ;)

Mike: Wha...(his eyes cloud over...and widen)...what happened? I can't see! Damn you, I can't see! X( :o

Alex: Very perceptive. You can't see because I just blinded you! :P

Mike: Give me my sight back, (smirks) little clone boy. You know I can get very, VERY rough with you, whether I can see you or not. X( (Swings again at where he thinks Alex is)

Alex: *side steps* And I can do whatever I damn well PLEASE with you! :P >:)

Mike: I'm not some toy, and I'm not your personal plaything...or the Queen Devil's, either. (Swings once again...and this time goes right into the wall) Ow. Who put that wall in front of me? :p

Alex: *slight snicker* I could watch this all day. ;)

Mike: (Wails) Alex, bring Emma back to me and give me my sight back! You know we ain't gonna tell you what you want to know!

Alex: I'm not bringing her back! I'm going to have a little fun with you. ;) >:)

Mike: You ain't havin' fun, 'cause I'm gettin' outta here. (He starts for the door...or where he hopes the door is)

Alex: *watches Mike walk into the wall* I could definitely get used to this game. *the door closes and locks thanks to a black light* >:) ;)

Mike: Ow again. (Rubs his nose, then says to himself) There's more than one way of skinnin' a devil. (Concentrates; a dark blue light starts to form.)

Alex: Oh really? *rolls his eyes*

(Several black and dark-blue lights form at once. Davy, Peter, and the girls are in the room holding torches when they disspate.)

Davy: (Indicates Mike) You found 'im, Mastah!

Peter: How did you do it? We looked everywhere!

Valerie: Where's his faithful sweetheart? ;)

Alex: With Shelia. ;)

Mike: You ain't findin' out. (The dark-blue light intensifies)

Davy: Mastah, 'e's tryin' to get away! :o X(

Peter: Let's grab him!

Daphne: (Gulps; softly) Oh, man... :o :(

Alex: Let’s show him my newest play room. ;) >:)

(The two young men grab Mike's arms; the blue light suddenly fades out as Mike is distracted.)

Valerie: (Waves her torch in front of Mike's face; he doesn't blink, or even look at her) What did you do to his eyes?

Daphne: (Frowns) They look...clouded.

Mike: (Mutters) Asshole blinded me. X(

Alex: *nods, smirking* Of course. It was more fun this way. ;)

Valerie: (As she goes past Mike; very faint whisper) Mike, where's Em?

Mike: (Soft mutter) Dunno. Shelia got her. Devil Jerk-off ain't sayin' where.

(Valerie just barely squeezes his hand before rejoining the other two women.)

Valerie: Master, why don't we search the castle for any remaining insurgents? ;)

Daphne: Can we have what we find to play with? ;)

Alex: Of course, go ahead, but don't have too much fun. ;) >:)

Valerie: We'll leave you a few to play with, too. ;)

Lauren: Maybe. ;)

(Daphne elbows her. There are very dark blue lights, and the girls vanish.)

Davy: (Nods at the struggling Mike) Can we play with Michael now, Mastah? ;) >:)

Alex: *mutters* If only they weren't so good looking. *normal* Let’s go play. >:) ;)

*A black light surrounds the men. They reappear in a very dungeon-like room, deep in the castle. Mike stands in the center of the room, his wrists held tightly over his head by heavy iron shackles and chains. He is stripped to the waist. Other...interesting...items of torture are scattered around the room.* >:)

Davy: (Grins, puts his torch on a hook on the wall, and rubs his hands together) Oooh, we're gonna 'ave a 'ot time in the old torture chambah tonight! ;)

Peter: (A rather nasty grin) Where should we start?

Mike: How about at the door, and you keep running until daybreak? You might get to Voorhees or even Myersville by then. ;)

Davy: There are so many wonderful little playthings in 'er, I 'ardly know where to begin! ;) :D

Mike: You know, dolls and GI Joes are always fun...

Alex: *takes the torch back off the wall* I think you had the right idea to begin with. ;)

Mike: What in the...

Peter: Oooh, start with a little fun with fire? ;)

Alex: You got it. ;) >:)

Mike: But you ain't supposed 'ta play with fire! You could burn this place to the ground! :o

Alex: Burn the place down? *scoffs* Highly unlikely. I could put any fire out with a snap of my fingers. :P ;)

Mike: Alex... (but Alex puts the fire to Mike's back. He growls, wincing) I ain't gonna give you the satisfaction, clone breath! X(

Peter: He won't scream! :p

Davy: 'E always was stubborn. :p

Alex: I have no problem with setting you completely on fire, but I don't think Milady would appreciate it. I'm sure a little scorching would be okay, though. ;) >:)

Mike: That's right, you can't hurt me TOO badly. Shelia would have a fit if the object of her affections was permanently damaged. ;)

Davy: I wish Shelia weren't so interested in 'im. :p

Peter: What does she see in him, anyway?

Mike: She has good taste in men? ;)

Alex: I think she's just infatuated. *shakes his head* It sure ain't because you're good-looking. *snorts* :P ;)

Mike: Depends on who's doin' the lookin', clone. ;)

Peter: Maybe we should try something else.

Davy: (Lifts Mike's chin with his fingers) I can't believe anyone would find ‘is plain mug 'andsome. :p

Mike: Em ain't got no problems with it. Neither does Shelia.

Alex: But who can figure out women? :P

Mike: I got more man in me than the three of you put together! :p

Peter: I was a man the last time I looked!

Davy: Oh, Petah. :p

Alex: *grabs Mike's chin* I REALLY doubt that, Knight. :P X-(

Mike: Oh, yeah? (Kicks out at whoever's closest to him...which happens to be Alex.)

Davy: Whoa, watch them toothpick legs! :p :o

Peter: He kicks like a wild Texas stallion! :o

Alex: *holds the side of his leg* I don't care HOW much Shelia wants him, I need to do SOME kind of permanent damage to him! X-(

Mike: Who wants to take on the stallion in the ring next? X(

Davy: I will. (Makes his rapier appear in a black light) Let's see 'ow manly you are now, White Knight! (Slashes his sword across Mike's cheeks and forehead, creating heavy gashes. Mike once again winces and sucks in a breath, but does not scream. Peter quietly goes to the back of Mike as Alex and Davy surround his front.)

Alex: *folds his arms* Still no screaming. :P X-(

Peter: Master... (runs his fingers down Mike's spine, but Alex and Davy are busy trying to decide what to do next)

Mike: (Shivers as Peter's fingers go down his bare back; struggles) I ain't gonna talk, and I ain't gonna scream like some little girl for your amusement. Go watch a Vincent Price movie or somethin'. :p X(

Davy: Alex, it's your turn now. If anyone can find out where that equipment is and who else is in with 'im and 'is little fat sweetheart, it's you.

Alex: *considers for a few moments* Perhaps the Knight would like to be muted. ;)

Mike: Like that ain't somethin' you haven't done before. X(

Alex: Permanently, though? *pats Mike's cheek rather roughly*

Davy: You rely on your voice, White Knight. You use it to give commands, rally the populace, and sing your little protest ditties.

Mike: (growls and pulls away) Alex, I'm gonna keep fightin' you 'till the end of time, and nothing you can do to me will stop that.

Alex: Well, the least I can do is make it so that I don't EVER have to listen to you again. *touches Mike's throat; a quick black light appears* >:)

(Mike opens his mouth to growl, but can only glare in what he hopes is Alex’s direction. X( )

Davy: Nice work, Mastah. It's much quieter in 'ere now. ;)

Alex: *nods* Thank you. Now, what else can we do to him to make him suffer?

(Mike struggles as hard as he can, trying to kick out again. His face is full of naked rage.)

Peter: Master...his back.

Davy: Wot is it, Petah?

Peter: He stands so straight and tall...wouldn't it hurt him if something happened to his back?

Alex: *eyebrows raise* Now, there's an interesting idea. ;)

(Peter grabs the chains on Mike's wrists, pulling him to his full height. Davy runs his fingers over Mike's spine. Mike struggles, but the two young men hold him firmly.)

Davy: (As Alex joins them) Look at that! (Indicates Mike's back) Straight as a steel rod, and less likely to bend.

Alex: Looks like I'll just have to put a kink in that rod then, hm? ;) >:)

Davy: (Moves away) By all means, Mastah. ;)

(Peter takes Mike's shoulders firmly. Mike struggles wildly; Davy kneels down and grabs his legs and ankles, binding them with chains.)

Alex: *looks at his hands* Just my hands aren't enough. I need something more... >:)

Peter: (Frowns) What do you mean?

(Mike nods in agreement, still struggling as hard as he can. Davy tightens the chains around Mike's feet, making him cringe again.)

Alex: I want him to hurt...really hurt, but not paralyzing...

Davy: That should keep you from playin' buckin' bronco again. This ain't no rodeo, John Wayne. ;) (Smirks and moves away from Mike)

Alex: *snaps his fingers* I've got it. *black light - a baseball bat appears in his hands* I've always had a fondness for baseball. ;) >:)

Davy: Do 'is legs too, while you're at it, or at least make 'im less able to run about the countryside, defendin’ the innocent. ;)

Alex: Hold him steady, boys. *chokes up on the bat; smirks* I'll start with his legs. >:)

(The two young men do so.)

*Alex pulls back on the bat and swings into the back of Mike's legs, just above his knees.*

(Mike's eyes fly open and his mouth opens to scream, though he can make no noise. His knees buckle, and he slumps in Davy and Peter's arms.)

Alex: Darn, looks like I took his voice away too soon. >:)

(Mike tries to move his legs, but winces. He once again closes his eyes, trying to concentrate amid the fog of pain, but Peter reaches for his head.)

Peter: Not this time, White Knight! (He rubs his head; Mike slumps, panting silently)

Alex: Excellent. This will be much easier. *swings the bat again, this time connecting with Mike's lower back*

(Mike spasms and opens his mouth for a silent, horrified scream. He tries to struggle again, but cringes when he moves his lower body. :( )

Alex: *moves around to in front of Mike and leans on the bat* Now, this is how I've always wanted to see you. Helpless. >:)

(Mike shakes his head, slumping in the arms of his former comrades. A single tear falls from his sightless eyes. There's a black light, and Shelia appears. She dusts herself off, pleased.)

Shelia: That'll take care of THAT little brat. I... (She gasps and runs to Alex behind Mike) Alex, what did you DO to him? I told you, I wanted him WHOLE! X(

Alex: *shrugs* He wouldn't cooperate. Listen, Shelia, I KNOW what you want from him, and you can still GET IT, okay? I had to do SOMETHING to teach him a lesson. :P

Shelia: Oh, yeah, how? How can we have fun if he can't move?

Alex: I didn't say he CAN'T move. ;)

(Mike nods in the direction of what he hopes is the door.)

Peter: (Squeezes Mike's shoulder hard) He's worried for his soulmate. He loves her with all his heart and really doesn't care what happens to him, as long as she's safe. :p

Alex: *looks to Shelia questioningly* Well?

Shelia: The Scholar is alive. The women convinced me that she'd be more useful in one piece. (Smirks at Mike) Howevah, White Knight, I hid her in a safe place, and even my three handmaidens don't know where she is...and if you or any of your fellow insurgents try to seek her out, she will recieve more gruesome tortures than anything Alex could dish out to you. I would LOVE to do a lot more to that oversized teddy bear than turn her ankle. X(

(Mike only turns away, nodding briefly and sobbing. :(( )

Alex: *nods* Very good. >:)

Davy: Wot are we gonna do with the mighty White Knight now, Mastah? ;) >:)

Shelia: I would like him for a pet, Alex, if I may. ;) :X

(Mike shakes his head. He cringes as tears hit his cut cheeks. :(( )

Alex: I'll let you have him as a pet, if I can use him as a personal slave. ;) >:)

(Mike mouths "No!", shaking his head in horror. :o )

Shelia: It's a deal. (Sighs) We can't do anything with him hanging there like that, though. :p

Davy: Who gets to make 'im a pet? ;)

Shelia: Alex, since torture is largely your domain, why don't you? ;)

Alex: Okay, but first... *makes his dagger appear once more and "cuts" the chains that Mike is hanging by; he slumps to the floor. Alex then removes the shackles on his wrists, while Davy and Peter take the chains off his ankles and legs* Now, Milady, what kind of pet would you like? ;) >:)

(Mike cringes and grabs hold of his damaged back as Shelia leans over and begins to stroke his hair gently.)

Shelia: I would like a very nice, obediant human pet who will know his place...and who is the master and who is the servant. >:)

(Mike shakes his head again, trying to move away, but he just bends over in terrible pain, holding his back. :(( )

Alex: *smirks* Works for me. ;) >:)

*Alex sends a black light over Mike. When it clears, Mike is exactly as Shelia asked him to be.* >:) ;)

Shelia: You may put the collar and leash on him now. I think he'll stay with his mummy tonight. ;) >:) (Mike nuzzles her leg...but cringes when he moves his back. Shelia absently continues stroking his black hair)

*Alex makes a black collar and leash set appear. He fastens the collar around Mike's neck.*

Shelia: Wonderful.(Tugs lightly at the leash) Come now, my pet. It's time for a bit of...fun...before suppah. ;)

(Mike only nods as she pulls him to his feet...but he almost falls to the ground again. He sobs, holding his back and limping.)

Shelia: (Runs her fingers over his spine; soft black light) There. It won't repair the damage, but it will make you at least able to walk somewhat. You'll be hunched over a bit, but that worked fine for Charles Laughton and Lon Chaney. ;)

(She once again tugs Mike into something of a standing position and leaves with him. The other two turn to Alex.)

Davy: What about us?

Peter: Want us to keep looking for the equipment and the other insurgents?

Alex: Yes. I know there has to be someone or something around here to tip them off.

Davy: What do you think Shelia did to Emma?

Alex: *shrugs* I don't know and I don't really care, either, as long as she's out of the way. >:)

Peter: But if Michael finds her, she WON'T be out of the way. I'll bet she can break all of your spells over him and repair the damage done to his body! :o :p

Alex: I rather doubt he'll ever be able to find her. He'll be lucky if he even remembers her. >:)

Davy: Not if Shelia 'as 'er way. ;)

Peter: Why don't we find the girls and search the castle again?

Alex: Why don't we? ;)

Davy: (Nods) Come on. (Fade out as they go to find the girls; fade in on the slave's quarters. Micky now sits next to Mike, who is hunched over and sobbing. :(( )

Valerie: That's all we know.

Micky: That's awful!

Daphne: No one's seen Emma since. Shelia did a damn good job hiding her.

(Mike looks up where the voices are coming from and puts a hand on his heart.)

Valerie: We've worked with Mike whenever we can, but we can't spend too much time helping him without anyone else getting suspicious. He knows Emma's alive. He can feel her.

(Mike nods and rubs his chest where his heart is. :) )

Lauren: That's a little comfort for all of us. :)

Daphne: (Looks out) Alex and the boys are coming...and they have Mike's leash. (Growls) I wish there was a way we could keep Shelia from taking him. He only forgets about Emma and us and everything when he's with her and for a few hours afterwards. It keeps getting longer every time she has him. X(

(Mike moves back in horror, limping and shaking his head. :o )

Valerie: Maybe we could talk them into letting Mike help Micky on the tour instead.

Micky: *eyes widen* Man, I forgot about the tour. I am NOT looking forward to that. :P

Daphne: We'll be there. We'll make sure nothing TOO nasty happens. :p

Lauren: *small smile* Right! :P

(Mike moves back as far as he can as Alex and the boys arrive. Alex holds a leash and collar in his hands and a BIG, nasty grin. Mike finally hits the wall and cringes, putting a hand on his lower back.)

Alex: Now, now, if you just cooperate, we won't have to FORCE you. >:) ;)

(Mike shakes his head, his clouded eyes wide and horrified. :o )

Valerie: Um...maybe we could bring him on the tour instead!

Davy: (Shakes his head) Nahh, Shelia's in one 'er moods. She don't get 'im, and we get about fifteen new fiahs around 'ere. :p

Alex: You don't mess with Milady when she's in a mood. :P ;)

(Mike tries to move against the wall, but he almost stumbles over several chairs. Alex takes this opportunity to pounce on him.)

*Alex finally stands, dusting his hands off, the collar now around Mike's neck.*

(Mike tries to undo it, but Alex slaps his hand.)

Davy: 'E's bein' rathah unruly today, ain't 'e?

Peter: I'll bet he's (points to Micky) the reason!

Alex: *glares at Micky* I'm inclined to agree. I think we need to get that tour started. >:)

*Micky gulps.* :P

Valerie: Why don't the boys take Mike to Shelia, and we help you with the tour? ;)

Daphne: After all, we know almost as much about the place as you do! ;)

Alex: *glances around at the girls* An excellent idea, and damn good company to boot. ;)

(Mike just turns his large, wet brown eyes in something like Micky's direction. :( )

*Micky looks at Mike sadly.* :(

Davy: Come on, White Knight. Let's go see your ownah.

Peter: Maybe she'll teach you a new game today! ;) >:)

(Mike tries to pull away, but they jerk him roughly to his feet and pull him down the hall, despite his slow shuffles and wincing in pain.)

Valerie: (Grins and takes Micky's arm) Ok, Master, I'm ready now! ;)

Lauren: *grabs Micky's other arm* Me, too! ;)

Valerie: (Whispers in Micky's ear) Don't worry, Mick, we'll make this as painless as possible. :D

Micky: *whispers back* I hope so...

(Fade out on the hall as the girls tug Micky after Alex and fade back in on the Pad. Lauren still sits with Micky. Emma is on the phone. Mike is between them in the entranceway to the living room.)

Emma: (On the phone) No, seriously, Peter, we don't know what's going on.

Mike: I'm sure he'll come out of it by morning.

Emma: We thought you and Val could talk some sense into Mike.

Lauren: I don't like this. :(

Mike: Look, he ain't hurt, just out. He don't need a doctor.

Emma: Mike, this isn't YOU we're talking about here! This is MICKY!

Mike: He's one of the three closest things I have to a brother. He's family.

Emma: But you're not his blood relation.

Mike: Emmmmm....

*Lauren watches Micky while the argument goes on. He's starts fidgeting and mutters something that sounds like "tour..."*

Lauren: Hey, guys?

Emma: (Puts the phone down) Peter and Val are coming over...(frowns) what is it, Lauren?

Mike: (Joins Lauren) Hey, I think I saw Mick move!

Lauren: He did! He muttered something, too. "Tour," I think.

Mike: "Tour?"

Emma: Maybe he's having a nightmare about your upcoming tour?

Mike: God, I hope not. We don't need nothin' to go wrong on this tour.

Emma: Honey, there won't BE a tour if we don't get Mick back on his feet! :p X(

Lauren: Forget the tour! There's something wrong going on NOW!

Mike: (Closes his eyes and makes a dark blue light appear around Micky; there's no change, but he's now smiling a bit) There. I couldn't wake him up, but I DID make his dreams a bit more pleasant.

Lauren: *quietly* Thanks, Mike. *runs her hand through his curls again, frowning*

Emma: Mike, we've got to call a doctor.

Mike: Em, he's fine.

Emma: Mike, we found him soaking wet and on our doorstep at two in the morning. (Voice rises) No, he's NOT fine! :p

Mike: Ok, then why doesn't he have a scratch on him?

Emma: Mike, god help me, if you don't stop being stubborn...

Mike: (Growls) Emma Redmer Nesmith, God help me... X(

Emma: Miiiiiiiiiikkkkkkkkeeeee... :p

Mike: Em, don't do that. :p

Little Mick: *from the top of the stairs* Mommy?

Shelly: *sits next to her brother* Got woke up. :P

Lauren: *glares at Emma and Mike* Guys! :( X-(

Mike: (His and Emma's eyes widen) Oh, man...

Shelly: Daddy? :-/

Emma: (Waves at the kids) Um, hi. (Glares at Mike, who glares back)

Mike: Um, yeah...

Emma: Well, he's...

Lauren: *forces a smile* Sleeping! Daddy was really tired from work.

Mike: Yeah. Aunt Em don't believe us. :p

Emma: Miiiikkkeee...

Little Mick: No snoring? :-/

Lauren: Uhh, not yet.

Mike: Your mom finally got sick of it and plugged up his nose. ;)

(Emma elbows Mike. :p)

*The twins chuckle.* ;)

Lauren: *gets up* Okay, you rugrats, you've gotta go back to bed. *heads up the stairs* I'll make sure that your noisy aunt and uncle don't wake you up again. *glances back at the pair in question and quirks an eyebrow* :P /:)

(They sigh and nod at her, then glare silently at each other as the camera fades out on them and the still-sleeping but now slightly smiling Micky. ;) )