Everyone ready to explore the house and find out more about these ghosts?

Mike: I can't believe we're doin' this.

Peter: Yes! These poor people... :(

Micky: I am!

Davy: This is amazing!

(We open in one of the rooms. The room is one of the largest in the manor, done in a mish-mash of antiques from various centuries. Shelia sits on a bed on one side of the room, poring over huge, dusty old books. Alex fusses over a chemistry set set up under an open window on the other side.)

Shelia: (Sighs) Oh, this is ridiculous! I've checked every book I can think of, and there's no clues to where that treasure is! (Makes a face at Alex) What ARE you up to, luv?

Alex: *tongue sticking out one side of his mouth in concentration* Working on The Goo and a couple other fun things we can use if we run into any problems.

Shelia: (Makes a face) How on Earth did the Guardians manage to show up just as I was so close to convincing those two dimwit owners to sell? :p X(

Alex: They're like a bad rash. They always come back at the worst possible time. :P ;)

Shelia: Well, we have some surprises in store for THEM if they try to get in our way. Unless Ursula taught them how to communicate with the dead, I doubt they're aware I know this area quite well...or did, many, many years ago. ;)

Alex: *mutters so Shelia can't hear him* Just like how you know practically every other place and everyone.

Shelia: I used to be quite...intimate...with the owner of this manor when Uncle and I lived in this area, shortly after Ursula rebelled and went off on her own with the Guardians. He had a pretty little wife he'd basically bought, but she was a prissy wench who didn't really satisfy his needs sexually. (Smirks) Which is where yours truly stepped in. I gave him what he wanted in bed...and he gave Uncle and I what WE wanted. ;)

Alex: *still working on the chemicals* You sure know how to get what you want, Milady. ;)

Shelia: (Winks) It's my job, dear. ;)

(She smiles as a breeze from the rain-spattered windows and a few drops of water land on her shoulders...and then keeps smiling, a few groans escaping her lips, as she closes her back and moves her back and shoulders as if someone is massaging them.)

Shelia: Oooh...oooh, that's nice...yes... ;) :X

Alex: *slight frown* Literally. *glances up, annoyed* Uh, Milady, do you mind? I'm trying to WORK over here.

(That's when we finally see who is massaging Shelia's shoulders - the older man from the picture in the book, gray hair, lined face, and all. She turns to his big, gap-toothed grin.)

Shelia: Donald, you old reprobate! What are you doing up here? ;)

Sir Donald: (Bows) I could not refuse such a charming and (eyes her cleavage, considerably displayed in a loose-fitting peasant shirt and bell-bottom jeans) attractive maid. ;)

Shelia: If you were still alive, you'd probably have my pants off and me on the bed already. ;)

Sir Donald: You just mentioned one of the less appealing aspects of death. I'm no longer able to enjoy the simple pleasures. :p

Alex: *mutters* As if that's stopped her before. ;) :P

Sir Donald: (Looks up at Alex and growls) Who is this uncouth young creature? :p

Alex: *smirks* Who's the old man?

Sir Donald: Your young friend would be wise to keep his tongue to himself (hand moves to his sword), or he may lose it. X(

Shelia: Donald, stop it. You'll do no such thing. For one thing, you're dead. :p

Sir Donald: Oh, right. I tend to forget that. (Returns his sword to it's sheath)

Shelia: This is Alex. Alex, this is Sir Donald Kibbee, one of the earliest owners of this manor and an...ahem...old friend. ;)

Alex: I'd already surmised that. :P

Sir Donald: What ARE all of those odd items you're messing about with?

Alex: Chemicals. I'm working on a few little projects.

Shelia: Something that will hopefully help us find where that nephew of yours hid our money...and keep a few interlopers out of our hair. :p

Sir Donald: (Makes a face) I wish we could leave this place, but I'm afraid I'm stuck to the rules. We have to repeat our deaths until the end of time. Someone up there (points upwards) has a peculiar sense of humor.

Shelia: What DID you do to annoy (makes a face) up there?

Sir Donald: I guess they didn't like how things worked out. I say, why fuss? The boy was a simpering idiot. All of his nonsensical talk about peace and love and different kingdoms gettin' on!

Shelia: I'm afraid that kind of nonsensical talk has become quite popular of late among fashionable young people like your nephew. :p

Sir Donald: I KNEW they were all crazy. :p

Shelia: The treasure is only part of the reason we're here. As much as I'd like to have my jewels back, the REAL treasure is this area. It's near a rail line and ripe for development, but the current owners of the manor refuse to sell it to me.

Donald: Development?

Shelia: My company would pay a fortune to buy this land and turn the manor into what is known to people in our time as a "theme park." It would be like the enormous amusement area that just opened in a place called Florida last year, Walt Disney World, but entirely British. Everything would be English - the food, the decor, the people in costumes - and devoted to the history of England at war. ;)

Sir Donald: (Thoughtful) I have heard of Florida from Spaniards who pass through here. They say it holds the Fountain of Youth, that the climate is warm and sunny day in and day out, that the trees never lose their leaves and strange birds and animals with fabulous plumage abound.

Shelia: (Chuckles) I don't know about the Fountain of Youth, but you can still find strange humans in fabulously tacky plumage strutting around. ;)

Sir Donald: (Groans as a noise is heard) What IS that boy of yours doing? That contraption makes enough noise to...well, to raise the un-raised dead. :p ;)

*Alex is mixing chemicals. Small poofs of smoke, the occasional noise of chemicals either mixing or not mixing well. Alex continues right along, his tongue still sticking out in concentration.*

Shelia: Donald, I have a favor to ask of you.

Donald: You and your Uncle did me many favors. (Bows and kisses her hand - we briefly see the air lifting Shelia's hand) I am putty in your hands, Madame.

Shelia: (Giggles, then more seriously) I need you, Paul, and Violetta to help us find that treasure and get the people here out of the way.

Donald: (Eyes brighten) You mean... (makes a slashing motion with his throat)

Shelia: (Shakes her head) Not at all. No killing. We've tried that already with them, and anyway, we'll need most of these people later. We just need to get them out of the way while we search for the treasure.

Donald: Just a bit of a scare? Noises in the night, blood dripping, that sort of thing? (Makes a face) I'm all for it, but Violetta isn't permitted to leave her room and I doubt Paul would be. The silly ass is so stupid, he can't even bring himself to scare people! :p

Shelia: I suppose Paul hasn't told you the location of the treasure.

Donald: He claims he can no longer remember, that he left the only map with one of his friends who worked with him. (Snarls) The one who probably shot me! X(

Shelia: You didn't have to dispatch the boy before he told you where the treasure was.

Donald: I'd had enough of that brat and his gallantry. He stole thousands of pounds from me and every noble in this area for three years and annoymously gave it to the people of the village, through churches or local poor houses! He used MY money for those...those...serfs! X(

Shelia: Waste of good jewelry, if you ask me. :p

Donald: Why, that little bastard even stole an emerald necklace worth thousands of dollars I'd intended for you. (Touches her neck) It's a shame you never recieved it. It would go so well with that mountain of red hair of yours. :X

Shelia: You old flatterer, you. ;)

*Alex snorts.* :P ;)

Donald: I could work on Paul and do some scaring, if you'll help find this blasted treasure. (Looks at Alex) You too, young Alexander. You look like a strapping lad, if a bit skinny. A few good roasted pigs with apples should take care of that. ;)

Alex: *doesn't look up* Already had the roasted pigs. Quite tasty, really. ;)

Shelia: Do we have a deal, then?

Donald: Yes, we do. I want you to be able to use my treasure to prove the glory of the British warlord and make this manor worthy of the name Kibbee. (More quietly) By the way, Shelia, did you ever find out what happened to my...our son? He was out with his caretaker when we died.

Shelia: Grew up to be a fine lad...and had a pack of lads of his own. ;) (Shakes Donald's hand - we briefly see Shelia shaking air) It's a deal, then. ;)

Donald: (Looks at Shelia) Where's your uncle? I want to make sure he knows, too.

Shelia: He's gone. Died a few years ago.

Donald: I'm sorry.

Shelia: That's why I have Alex. He's my partner now. ;)

*Alex gives a little wave, still concentrating on his chemicals.*

Donald: Why don't I take you to my nephew, then? I'm sure he's moping around in the East Wing, wishing he could rescue his Violetta (mutters) who wasn't his to begin with. X( :p

Shelia: Smashing! (Jumps off the bed) Alex, come along. I'm sure your chemicals will keep.

Alex: One more moment... *pours something into a flask* There. This needs to sit for a while, anyway.

Donald: Right, then. Follow me. Perhaps we can make a bit of...chaos...on the way. Moaning, lifting things that shouldn't lift, that sort of thing. Unnerves the living. ;)

(Cut from where Shelia and Alex are to the East Wing, where Peter and Valerie step out of Violetta's room.)

Valerie: God, that poor girl. I feel so horrible for her. The things she told us about the way her husband treated her, Paul, and her son... :p :(

Peter: *nods* It's so sad. :((

Valerie: We have to somehow get those two back together, or there will NEVER be any peace in this house.

(As they head down the East Wing, the group from the library comes in the other direction.)

Mike: Hey, guys!

Valerie: Hello, all! Did you find out anything?

Mary: They're determined to go treasure huntin'.

John: (Shrugs) Couldn't be any harm in it.

Micky: Treasure hunting is fun. ;)

Valerie: Guys, we have to tell you something. Actually, I don't know how we're going to tell you...(looks and sees her husband moving down the hall in the other direction)...Peter?

Paul: (We see a human "materialize" on the other end of the hall, near the entrance to Violetta's room - the young blond man from the picture in the book) H...hello? Who are you? Please, if you're with HER, go away! :p :o

Mike: Pete, what is it?

Valerie: I don't know how to explain this, but...he can see ghosts.

Mary: That's impossible!

Mike: (Raises his eyebrows) WHAT?

Peter: *nods* It's...it's Paul...

Paul: (His large blue eyes raise) You can see me?

Peter: Yes, well, I can.

Paul: Have you talked to Violetta?

Mike: Pete, what's going on?

Mary: You've gone bloomin' mad, you 'ave!

Peter: We did talk to Violetta.

Paul: Then you know about me...about Uncle. (Looks at the group) Who are you? I have never seen you in these halls. Are you some of these strange new invaders?

Maxine: Pete, you're talkin' to the air.

Peter: No, we're friends. We want to help you. :)

Paul: Then you mean us and the manor no harm?

Peter: Right. :)

Paul: (Smiles) Thank you, kind sir. (Bows) I am Paul Lester, of Lancastershire. I was placed in my uncle's care when my parents died of smallpox during my childhood. My uncle was my only living reletive (sighs), but our relationship was temptuous at best. He did not like the ideas I formed after I went away to school. I hated to see our beautiful land destroyed and the people impoverished by his constant warmongering! And when he brought home Violetta...something inside of me just...snapped. He only thought of her as property, something to bear him a child to carry on his name and sometimes fufil his...needs. She meant nothing to him. He had a series of mistresses he lavished his money on when he wasn't spending it on this campaign against this rival chieftan or the other.

Valerie: Peter, does he know where the treasure is...or his uncle, for that matter?

Mike: Has he seen Shelia?

Paul: Shelia? That's a lovely name, but it is not familiar.

Peter: *thinks for a moment* How about a Julia?

Paul: (Narrows his eyes) Yes, I know a Julia. Julia of London, a scandalous noblewoman who lived with her uncle, one of my uncle's supporters. She was one of Uncle Donald's mistresses, and one of the people I took money and jewels from.

Valerie: Ask him if he's seen Julia recently.

Peter: Have you seen her recently?

Paul: (Nods) Yes. She's in the South Wing, near the back kitchen area. My uncle went to visit her, in fact. (Makes a face) I never liked her. There was something about her that always bothered me. Those eyes made my blood run cold.

Peter: Thank you. *nods; turns to the others* Shelia's in the South Wing, near the back kitchen.

Mike: Great. Anyone got any ideas for gettin' rid of her?

Mary: Paul, if that is you at all, is there a treasure 'idden on this estate? Me 'usband is an ancestor, and we and the villagers need that money.

Paul: (Nods) Yes, there is a treasure. (Frowns) But I never did have much of a memory. I gave a treasure map to Percy, one of my followers...but lord only knows where it would be now!

Valerie: (As Peter translates) We could give the castle a looking over today, but we may need to get more information.

Mary: If the weathah be'aves, we could all go into the village tomorrow. There's a small museum and library on the 'istory of the area that may 'ave some clues as to where this Percy may be or what he did with the map. (Frowns) Are you SURE you're seein' a ghost? I've nevah seen them!

Valerie: Peter, you must be able to see their auras! :o

Peter: *smiles; shrugs* I guess I can. :)

Mary: Auras?

Mike: Long story. Is Paul able to move around?

Paul: Violetta is the only one who cannot leave. Uncle Donald seldom allowed her to leave the castle at all when she was live, and now she's condemmned to that one room.

Micky: *shakes his head* That stinks. :P

Emma: Look, standing around with our mouths open isn't going to find anything or help anyone. Why don't we just go downstairs and work our way back up? Whether this is real or it isn't, it couldn't hurt to try.

Paul: You're willing to help me?

Mary: I don't know WHAT to think. This is CRAZY! (Narrows her eyes) And anyway, if you do exist, I 'ave a few things I want to tell you, you thieving, wife-stealing bastard! X(

Peter: Wait a minute!

Paul: (Eyes downcast) I deserve that. (His eyes fill with tears) I WAS a thief. I DID fall in love with Violetta. I couldn't help it. She was so beautiful and kind and sweet, with a real talent for the harpsichord...and she hated the things Uncle was doing, too, and how he ignored her and her son and abused them when he DID pay attention to them. I shouldn't have loved her, but I did (sobs), and everything went wrong. I was punished for what I did! (He cries into his hands) :((

Emma: (As Peter embraces the air) What's going on?

Valerie: (As a soft, sobbing breeze passes down the hall) Does he need a tissue, too?

Peter: No, thank you, Val. :)

Valerie: He's probably crying, right?

John: Ghosts can cry?

Peter: Yes.

Chris: Wow. They never do that in the movies!

Mary: This ain't a bloody movie! :p

Paul: (Wipes his eyes with his wrists) I'm sorry. That was unmanly of me. I shouldn't have done that. I just...I miss Violetta, and her adorable son. The child survived, was raised by a noble family until he inherited the manor...and his ancestors have taken care of it ever since.

Mike: (Approaches Peter, who has his arms around the air) Look, Paul, it's gonna be ok. We're gonna show that you didn't mean no harm.

(Mary "humphs." :p)

Micky: *nods* That's right! We're gonna get to the bottom of this!

Mary: Nature is callin' me, so why don't all of you who are livin' go downstairs? I'll rejoin ya at dinnah. Besides, I've got to talk to Lance about this sellin' business.

Maxine: (Nods) Yeah. Let's help poor Paul find his treasure!

Paul: You'll...help me? A thief?

Peter: Of course we will!

Mike: (Crosses his arms) We ain't helpin' a thief. We're helpin' a good guy who just wanted to make sure his neighbors had enough to eat and a home that wasn't destroyed by some senseless battle. :p

Paul: You're all truly wonderful! :)

Mike: (After Peter translates) Save your appreciation for when we actually find this trunk of yours. Come on, all. (They all head down the stairs, Peter's arms still around the air)

(Cut to the downstairs. Shelia, Alex, and Sir Donald are already there, arguing over where to begin. The others stop dead when they see them.)

Shelia: That's them!

Sir Donald: (Narrows his eyes) Them? A group of females and skinny children?

Shelia: They're more dangerous than you think.

Peter: That was uncalled for! :P

Shelia: (Raises her eyebrows) You...you know, Bard?

Sir Donald: The blond lad is a bard?

Peter: *nods* Yes, I am. :)

Shelia: How can you see them? Your...well, you aren't nearly strong enough!

Peter: I can see them. :)

Sir Donald: Are these the ones you were worried would interfere with us?

Shelia: (Nods, narrowing her eyes) Very much so. :p X(

Sir Donald: (Withdraws his sword again) Then I say we show them who is the rightful owner of this treasure AND this manor. X(

Shelia: YOU can't do anything to them but frighten them. I, on the other hand...

Mike: You ain't gonna do nuthin' to us. X(

Alex: Oh, no? >:)

Mike: (Looks at the others and grins) You can't do anythin'...if you can't CATCH us! Come on, everyone, let's do some treasure huntin'! ;)

(Everyone but Mary takes off in different directions as "I'm Gonna Try" begins. Mary hurries off to a room marked "Ladies." :p :D)

(Shelia follows Mike and Emma to a closet. She thinks she sees a pair of long, thin legs in the closet...but the legs prove to belong to a pimply teenaged guest and his girlfriend. :p )

*Micky goes into the kitchen and puts on a chef's hat. He goes to the walk-in freezer and looks for hidden compartments. Alex goes up to the counter and hits the bell, looking for service. Micky ignores the bell, while Alex leans over the counter, looking around the kitchen.*

(Sir Donald aims for Paul, intending to at least stop him, but the nimble ghost ducks under his sword, running for the hall.)

(Maxine and Kimberly also enter the kitchen, searching the cabinets.)

*Alex grins, seeing the girls. He saunters over to them. He says something as them pause in searching. He grins again, then the girls take turns slapping him.*

(Kimberly gives him one final karate chop as they storm out in a huff. Alex passes out, but he does it with a smile on his face. Micky steps over him as he continues investigating the kitchen...now with a tray of lunch leftovers in one hand. ;) )

(Sir Donald grins as the girls come out of the kitchen and runs for them...but he goes right through them, making a face. He really can't indulge...THAT...urge anymore. :p)

(Peter and Valerie end up in a music room, filled with several lovely antique instruments. They pick up a lute and a harpsichord and play along with the music. Paul joins them briefly with a second lute...though it looks like strings are picking up the lute and "playing" it. :) )

(Mike and Emma run through a room where the kids and the other members of the party who didn't go to the library play charades. Emma and Mike mime "running away" for the group and then do so, leaving Shelia to have to play the game, to the amusement of the others and the delight of the kiddies. ;) )

(Mary emerges from the bathroom...and is almost knocked over by Shelia chasing Mike and Emma, Sir Donald chasing the Abbies, and the Martians just chasing. ;) :p)

(Davy grabs Daphne and pulls her into a bedroom. We briefly hear giggling over the music. ;) )

*Micky walks down one hall & peeks inside a suit of armor. The "empty" glove of the suit picks an item of Micky's leftover tray. As Micky turns away, the other glove lifts the face piece and drops the item in, then lets the piece clang back down. Micky whirls around to look at it again. He walks away, confused. Nyles comes out from behind the armor and Jack from behind the drapes. They shake hands, grinning.* ;)

(Shelia runs past a tapestry...missing the just-visible pair of cowboy boots and suade loafers rubbing against each other. ;) :X)

(Tilly and Marcus are walking across the hall...but they see the girls running and Shelia now chasing Micky and the Martians running with liquor bottles in their hands, snickering, and Tilly jumps into the safety of Marcus' arms.

*Alex sits up after being knocked out. Nyles hands him a glass with a clear liquid. He takes a drink. His eyes widen. He sprays the liquid all over and jumps up, running for the sink. Jack joins him, holding an empty vinegar bottle.* ;)

(We cut to the front hall. Everyone runs into each other, screams, and runs in opposite directions...except Mary, who just looks around, annoyed. She doesn't get it. :p ;) )

(Cut back to the front hall. Shelia stops and flops in a chair, panting. Sir Donald materalizes and taps her shoulder.)

Shelia: (Screams; turns to Donald) Don't do that! :p

Sir Donald: No luck?

Shelia: No, with the treasure OR with getting the Guardians. :p

Sir Donald: I had no luck, either. (Makes a face) With anything. :p

Alex: *trudges over, still wiping at his mouth* You know, I REALLY hate them! X-( :P

Shelia: I'm assuming you had no luck, either... (sniffs)...and why do you smell like you're going to color Easter eggs? :p

Alex: Don't ask. :P

Sir Donald: Color eggs?

Shelia: Easter tradition. Very popular with children nowadays. (Looks at the two) I don't think we're going to get anywhere while they're all together. We're going to have to figure out a way to separate them.

Sir Donald: I'm assuming you have no idea of where the treasure is, either.

Shelia: No. All I found was dust. :p

Alex: I didn't find anything, either. :P

Sir Donald: Damn that impetuous nephew of mine! He's under their protection now! I wouldn't be surprised if that blond git won't let me near him.

Shelia; It's not the blond who worries me. We can easily get around him. It's the others, especially his wife, the White Knight, and the Savage...the boy with the black hair, the tall auburn-haired woman, and the boy who resembled Alex.

Sir Donald: That...that skinny, awkward looking git is a knight? He looks like he wouldn't be able to lead a toy horse brigade! :p

Alex: Looks can be deceiving. :P

Shelia: We're not going to get anywhere like this, with no information and with the damn Guardians hovering around this hotel. I say we go into town tomorrow. I've been wanting to find more information about this area other than what's in the library, and we may still be able to dig up that map. (Smirks) And they may be easier to catch when they're spread out in the village than holed up in here. ;)

Sir Donald: What of me?

Shelia: Keep an eye on your nephew and on the guests...and work on frightening the owners into selling. Do the whole nine yards - groans, moans, blood on walls, weird noises, all the ghost stuff.

Sir Donald: I wish I could go into the village with you, but while Paul and I have free roam of the house, we're not permitted to leave it. (Sighs) And some of the village lasses were so comely...

Alex: Maybe if you're good, we'll bring one back for you. ;)

Sir Donald: See if there are any still haunting the village. ;)

Alex: You got it. ;)

Shelia: Enough with the hormones, you two. We have work to do. (Grins evilly) We're going to take that treasure out from under the Guardians' noses. Those twits will never know what hit them. (She lets out an evil laugh as we fade out on the scene) >:)