Ok, honey. Everyone ready to find Ursula and the kids?

Lauren: I'm ready! :)

Peter: What's going on? :o

Mike: We'll tell you in a few minutes, Pete.

Davy: Let's get those devils!

Micky: I want them back! X-(

(We open in a room in the Montgomery House. Valerie and Peter sit there, awaiting word. There are two large desks in the room, which is surrounded by walls of books. It's painted soft green, with yellow curtains and yellow flowers in a vase on the mantel over the fireplace. One desk has nothing but a very modern typewriter, pencils in a simple pencilholder, and a few pictures in silver frames on a leather desk blotter. The other is neat, but filled with piles of papers, teaching textbooks, pictures in tie-dye frames, containers of beads, sheet music, and books on religion and philosophy. Valerie sits in a large chair near the fireplace, looking half-dazed. Peter sits at his desk and looks worried.)

Peter: What could have kept them? Val, they should have called us by now! :o

Valerie: (Looks up) Huh? (Shakes her head) Oh, yeah. I'm sure they just got to chatting with Ursula. They'll probably be back any minute now.

Peter: (Takes Valerie's hand) Val, are you ok? You've been acting awfully strange.

Valerie: (Smiles) Oh, I'm fine, Peter. (Rubs her stomach) I couldn't be better. :D

Peter: It's not like you to be so...well...spacey.

Valerie: (Puts her head on Peter's shoulder) It'll be ok, honey. I'm not spacey. I'm just getting ready for the baby to come. :)

Peter: I am too, Val, but you've really been in and out. Sometimes you'll focus, and sometimes you'll be like you were now, a million miles away.

Valerie: Peter, don't worry. (Squeezes his hand) I'm ok. Our son will be beautiful. :)

Peter: (Squeezes it back) I think so, too.

*The door to the room opens & the rest of the group trudges in, all looking worse for the wear.* :P

Peter: (Stands, frowning) What happened? What's wrong? What did Ursula say?

Lauren: We had a devil problem. :P

Peter: Oh, no! :o

Micky: Yeah, and they didn't want to leave empty-handed. They took Urse, but not without seemingly paralyzing her first, which in turn sapped therest of us. *flops down* God, I'm tired and mad. :P X-(

Valerie: Whoa, wait a minute. WHAT happened to Ursula?

Davy: They did...something...to 'er, covered 'er with some kind of black magic goop and stuck 'er in a box that did somethin' to 'er powahs.

Emma: And by extension, to OUR powers.

Micky: We did everything we could to stop them. That damn Alex had a few new tricks up his sleeve. :P X-(

Peter: Where is she now?

Daphne: They stuck her in some kind of box and vanished.

Valerie: What happened to our powers?

Emma: They must have paralyzed Ursula, or something of that nature. Alex put her into some kind of box filled with black magic, and I think he said it drained her...and by extension, us...of our powers.

Mike: We can't do nuthin'. (Concentrates - nothing happens)

Micky: Hense the reason we look like something the cat dragged in. *pauses* No offense to the cats.

Peter: (Concentrates - his banjo appears in a faint blue glow) My powers are ok, but the light is kind of weak.

Valerie: (Closes her eyes - a baby rattle appears in a similar faint blue light) They must be doing something to her.

Davy: (Eyes widen) And I know why. When Alex and Shelia captured me in the cave last yeah, they tried to get Ursula, too. They wanted to read her soul and get it out of the crystal!

Lauren: So what can we do?

Mike: We've gotta figure out where Shelia and Alex are now.

Peter: How? They haven't left any traces.

Valerie: We could always ask people where they've seen a very large, faintly glowing jewel and a bunch of kids recently. ;)

Emma: This is Shelia and Alex we're talking about, Val. They're VERY good at hiding.

Daphne: Didn't Ursula say her sister was in the southern California area?

Lauren: *nods* Yeah...

Mike: Aw, geez, Daph, that could be ANYWHERE! This is a big area!

Emma: Not just anywhere.

Daphne: What do you mean?

Emma: Shelia and Alex always wind up somewhere old. It's what Shelia does for a living. So far, they've holed up in an old abandoned house, an old abandoned ghost town, and an old abandoned movie theater...all of which were restored or partially restored and purchased by PPF.

Valerie: Micky, you're an architect. What's been the odd thing about all three of those afore-mentioned "restorations?" (Grins) Other than they were financed by the Devil, her apprentice, and her late uncle. ;)

Micky: *thinks* Well, for being old places, two of them had at least one modern room, while the other hides an entire modern complex.

Valerie: Exactly. The kitchen the the otherwise well-restored Montgomery House was completely modern and really clashed with the rest of the house.

Emma: And the entire basement area of the Royale Theater was done in a modern style, too. Not a speck of Art Deco anywhere.

Lauren: Don’t forget the entire complex underneath the ghost town. :P

Peter: I think I know what Val's saying. We need to find an old property that's been restored or partially restored recently.

Daphne: And see if any of them have any "modern" additions that don't fit the rest of the property.

Micky: And that's where they'll be.

Valerie: I'm going to call Dad's secretary for another list of what PPF's been buying recently. (Takes the old-fashioned brass-trimmed phone on her desk) Hello, Aggie? Yes, this is Valerie. I need to ask you a question. Remember when I asked you to find all of the pre-World War II movie theaters purchased in the last six months? (Nods) Yes, well, this is something like this. I was wondering if you'd know anything about PPF...yes, that one. (Pause) You don't...but you will? Great, thanks! (Puts the phone down) Aggie's going to call back. She can't get to them...but she has a friend who works for PPF and can get us a list of all the properties they've purchased and added onto in the last six months. :D

Peter: That's great! Nice work, Val! :D

Valerie: (Smiles) Anytime. We have to get Ursula and the kids back.

(The phone rings. Valerie smiles, nods, and jots down notations and doodles on a notepad.)

Valerie: Thanks, Aggie, you don't know how much of a lifesaver you've been. (Frowns) Um, yeah, I'll tell Chrissy you said hi. She's...out with Sarah and her parents. Yeah, thanks again! (Puts the phone down) Here's the list, gang. Any likely canidates? (Passes the list around)

Micky: *eyes widen* I think I see one.

Mike: (Shakes his head) Couple of houses. They're too small to be holding a bunch of kids without people catchin' on, and she's done that before.

Emma: What, Mick?

Micky: *points* It's gotta be the amusement park. I'd bet all the tea in England on it! ;)

Davy: Wow, Mick, you that sure? ;)

Micky: I know I'D wanna spend a lot of time at an amusement park... ;)

Davy: You're sure. ;)

Mike: (Nods) Now THAT has possibilities.

Valerie: Definately Shelia's style.

Emma: And it has lots of torture possiblities to amuse Alex's warped mind. :p

(Peter whimpers. :( )

Mike: (Nods at the list) It's in Southern California, just outside of San Diego, and according to this, several buildings and rides were added recently for a possible re-opening.

Valerie: (Grins) Oh, the old Midway Fun Park. I remember that. They had great rides. Castle Dracula used to send Chrissy out screaming! ;)

Emma: (Thoughtfully) Castle Dracula...

Lauren: Sounds perfect for a couple devils. :P

Valerie: Great ride. Kids would take you on a trip through the castle part in full Universal Horror Monster costume, and then you'd go on a ride underneith on water that was made to look reddish.

Peter: We've got to find them!

Mike: First, what we've got to do is confirm that there are people in the park other than construction workers or such.

Emma: We don't want to go just barging in if we're wrong.

Micky: 8slight grin* Well... ;)

*Lauren rolls her eyes.* ;) :P

Valerie: I could go downtown to PPF and find out if anyone's there.

Peter: Oh, Val, no! I don't want you going there! :(

Valerie: Peter, someone has to find out! I can only ask for so many favors from Dad's secretaries.

Mike: Why don't you go with her, buddy? You can keep an eye on each other, just in case Shelia's in the area. :)

Peter: Sure! (Smiles at Valerie) When was the last time we went on an outing to Los Angelas together that didn't involve business with Headquarters or the album or its promotion? :)

Valerie: You know, I can't remember. ;)

Peter: We'll just have to be extra careful. (Gently puts a hand on Valerie's stomach.) I don't want Shelia to try to take you and our son! :(

Valerie: (Looks up - she was spacing out again) Yes, dear?

Peter: (Sighs) Come on, honey. (Looks at the others) We'll call you and give you updates.

Mike: That sounds good.

(Peter takes Valerie's hand and heads out with her.)

Emma: I hope they'll be ok.

Lauren: I think so.

Davy: They're just goin' downtown.

Micky: And Pete can take care of Val. :)

Mike: Yeah, but PPF is Shelia's company. She might show up there and recognize them.

Davy: And do what, show off 'er powers in front of the pages and secretaries?

Lauren: Not exactly something I think she'd want to do. :P ;)

Micky: Yeah, we aren't THAT lucky. :P ;)

Emma: (Sighs) I just hope you guys are right. Val and her child were already threatened once, and I don't want her to go through what Lauren and I did with Shelia when we were pregnant. :p :(

Daphne: They'll be ok, Em.

Emma: (Looks out a window as the others talk amongst themselves) I just hope you're right.

(The camera fades from Emma and in on a lonely desert road. The spires of an amusement park stand between more desert and what looks like the construction of a mall or some large building. Dust swirls against ancient, unused rides. A merry-go-round sits desolately in the center, it's stripped tent ripped and it's horses faded. A few are even broken. What was once a large stage stands next to a group of very modern early 70s bungalows. Bright tie-dye curtains are even seen in some of the windows. One bungalow is less sedately decorated and is closest to a group of construction equipment. The camera wanders into the first and largest bungalow. The furnishing are thouroughly Brady Bunch-era, from the shag carpets to the "mood lamps" and burnt orange and brown living room set. Chrissy is still gagged and tied to a chair. Katie sleeps on the couch under a knitted orange and ivory blanket.)

*The twins are still asleep, sitting back to back, on the other end of the couch. Little Mick even snores lightly.* ;)

(Shelia and Alex come in. Alex carries an octagonal black box.)

Shelia: Good work, Alex. (Grins) Why don't you bring her out, so we can ask her some questions I've wanted to know for a long time? >:) ;)

(Chrissy frowns, watching the two devils.)

Alex: *nods* Right, Milady. *sets the box on a table and presses a button, opening the cover*

Shelia: (Pulls out the crystal, which is still covered with black) Finally, after five hundred yeahs, I've found you again, big sistah. I'm going to make you regret the day you rebelled against our mission and gave those brats the power to fight Uncle and me!

(Chrissy looks at the two like they've BOTH flipped their lid. They're talking to some rock covered in black stuff! ;) :p))

Alex: Any specific in mind for your dear sister, Milady? ;) >:)

Shelia: We've got to get her up. I want her to finally tell us how she got in there and how we can get her out. (Grins) We might not be able to touch her soul, but we could probably read it. (Grins) By the way, what is this stuff you used to short out her defense mechanism? ;)

Alex: *grins* Let’s just call it a sedative for now. ;)

Shelia: Would you like more practice reading a soul? I know a little bit of what's in there, but you haven't done as many as I have. Besides, if we do this right, I could have her soul to read whenever I want. ;) >:)

Alex: *nods* Sure, why not. ;) >:)

(Chrissy watches them, intrigued by the idea of "reading a soul"...and worried at their nasty tone.)

Alex: *looks over Ursula* Just clear some of the goo off. *wipes at the crystal, just enough to rest his hand* There we go. *eyes widen* Interesting. She doesn't remember how she ended up the way she is. She has quite a fear of losing her current Guardians and their kids in the same manner as the previous ones. *smirks* Shame. Let’s see. She's rather lonely, despite having them around. *makes a face* She loves being able to watch them and their families grow. She's also a bit nervous whenever the Savage comes up with a new creation, as she thinks that someday it may backfire on her. ;)

Ursula: (Groan from under the black goo; it's a bit slurred) Wha...why...burn....

Alex: It's heartburn, my dear. ;) :P >:)

Shelia: (Rubs the top of the crystal) Calm down, sister darling. We're just reading your soul.

Ursula: No...please...

Shelia: Alex, take her to your labs. ;)

Ursula: No...no lab...

Alex: you got it, Milady. *picks up Ursula and places her back in the box, which he closes and tucks under his arm* What will you be doing in the meantime? ;)

Shelia: Oh, I have all of these lovely children to play with. You're welcome to join me after you put Ursula away. ;)

Alex: I think I'll do just that. ;)

(Chrissy scowls at Shelia and struggles and kicks. X( )

Alex: Don't have too much fun without me, now, Milady. ;) >:)

Shelia: Oh, I won't. ;)

(As Alex leaves, Shelia walks over to Katie and takes her in her lap. She shakes the little girl gently.)

Shelia: Get up, Young Scholar. Aunt Shelia wants to...play with you. ;)

*Little Mick tips over on the couch and hits the cushion, waking him up and causing Shelly to fall over onto him.* ;)

Shelia: What's that?

(Chrissy watches worriedly as Shelia crosses over to the twins with a still-sleepy Katie in her arm.)

Shelia: Well, hello there, Young Savage and Young Huntress. Welcome to your new home. >:)

*The twins right themselves up, glance at Shelia, then each other, and make faces, sticking their tongues out.* :P

Little Mick: Don't like it here! Wanna go home! :P

Shelia: Why not? Isn't this a lovely home? (Indicates Katie and Chrissy) And look, you have friends here! ;)

Shelly: No! Not home! :P

(Katie turns away from Shelia. :p)

Shelia: You're in an amusement park! We're going to fix it up, and you'll have a lovely merry-go-round and roller coaster and lots of hot dogs and things right outside your door! Won't that be nice? ;)

Little Mick: No! Want Mommy and Daddy! :P

Shelly: Want aunties and uncles! :P

Katie: Ma! Da! :(

Shelia: (Gritting her teeth) You HAVE Aunt Shelia and Uncle Alex...and Aunt Ursula is here, too. Uncle Alex is...busy with her. ;) :p

Katie: No! Ma! Da! :( :p

Little Mick: Take Aunt Ursula home! Not here! :P

(Chrissy watches the group angrily, struggling.)

Shelia: Well, hello there. (Smirks) Don't worry, Christina, you and these lovely little br...(sticky sweet smile to the children)...darling children are all a part of my plan. (Grins and puts her hand on Chrissy's chest) Well, my goodness, what things I read in your soul, dear! (Chrissy cringes at the burn) You don't like a lot of the girls in your class. You don't mind dresses but don't think fashion should be harped on, like most girls you know do. Boys are cute, but they're for playing ball with, not mooning over. You love your father, but you feel lonely at the mansion, even with all of your activities, and as much as you like your nanny you wish he'd dispense with her. She makes you feel childish. You wish you could see Peter and Valerie more often. You truly love your sister, and you admire her and Peter. You like their active and exciting lifestyle.

Katie: (Tries to push away) Bad! :p

*Alex re-enters, stops, and folds his arms, watching.*

Shelia: (Takes her hand off of Chrissy, who is surprised and shocked) Interesting. (Makes a face at Katie) I'm not hurting the girl, Young Scholar. I'm merely reading what is in her soul. It's quite amusing for one so young. (Grins and looks up) Hello, Alex.

Alex: Interesting? I'll assume you're getting something good out of these children, other than a headache? ;) :P

Shelia: Alex, these children are the next generation. (Smirks) Have you chose your successor yet? ;)

Alex: *glances at the twins, slight nod* I've narrowed my choices down. ;)

*Both of the twins blow razzes.* :P ;)

Shelia: The Young Savage, I suppose. Wouldn't THAT be a kick-in-the-pants to your "original?" ;)

Alex: That was my line of thinking. ;) >:)

Shelia: (Scolds the twins) Now, now, children, that's no way to behave. You be good to your elders. We're going to give you the power to do whatever you want...even eat ice cream BEFORE dinner! What do you say to that? ;)

*The twins exchange looks again. It takes them a few extra moments. After all, ice cream was mentioned. They finally both stick their tongues out again.* :P

Alex: Milady, I think you may be going about this the wrong way.

Shelia: How is that, Alex?

Alex: Well, being twins, they have a certain bond. What if we split them up? I could take the Young Savage over to my labs and work on molding him. You can keep the Young Huntress here. This way, they won't be so quick to respond in a negative manner. ;) >:)

(Chrissy shakes her heady angrily. Katie frowns.)

Katie: No! :(

Little Mick and Shelly: No! :-O

Shelia: (Nods, a nasty smirk coming over her face) Yes. Yes, I like that. I'll start work on these two young ladies. (Turns to Chrissy, her smirk becoming even nastier) Miss Cartwright will be their first project. >:)

Alex: *also smirks* Excellent. *goes to the couch*

(Chrissy's eyes widen. Katie tries harder to pull away.)

*Little Mick starts to climb away, but Alex picks him up easily.*

Little Mick: *wails his arms* No! Bad man! :P

Shelly: *frowning, puts her arms out* Micky! :(

Katie: Nonono! Bad! X(

Shelia: Stop that, Young Scholar! Obey me! X(

Katie: NONONO! X(

Shelia: (Puts Katie on the couch and picks up Shelly) Don't worry, Young Huntress. Your brother will be just fine. You're going to have some time just with us girls. Won't that be fun? ;)

Shelly: Not fun! :P

Katie: (Continues to scream) NONONONO!! X(

Alex: *wraps an arm around Little Mick's, pinning them to his sides* Have fun, Milady. ;) >:)

(Chrissy struggles hard to help the kids, but her bonds are very tight.)

Katie: No go! X(

Shelly: NO!!! :( :((

Shelia: Oh, Alex and the Young Savage aren't going far. They're just going to do some work in Uncle Alex's labs. ;)

*Alex grins as he turns and heads for the door, little Mick wailing VERY loudly. We hear Alex say "Oh, would you be quiet?" as he leaves.* :P ;)