Ok, everyone ready for the ceremony?

Mike: Um, no.

Peter: No! This is freaky! :o

Micky: Yeah!

Davy: We don't 'ave a choice, do we? :P

(We open with Valerie, Peter, and the Goodtimers in a small room in the temple. The room is bare of all things but a single stone table and the usual roots, bugs, rodents, and rock walls.)

Valerie: (Looks around) There's got to be a way out of here!

Peter: Val, I'm scared. They're going to do SOMETHING awful to Michael.

Sam: Maybe there's a trip switch for a secret passage around here somewhere.

Valerie: (Peers out the stone door...and quickly shuts it again) I hope so. There are five men guarding the door and more down the hall.

Peter: (Faint sound of drums in the distance) What's that?

Valerie: (Makes a face) Sheila's native ceremony.

Peter: (Whimpers) They're not going to sacrifice poor Michael, are they?

Valerie: That loony Mexican officer guy would just as soon use us for lizard bait, but you know Sheila's feelings about Mike. She'd never let anyone hurt him THAT way.

Peter: You don't think she’ll...take...his soul?

Valerie: What does she want from all of us, Peter?

Peter: Oh god, no! We've got to get out there!

Valerie: Boys, check the walls, the table, everything. Look for another door or a trip or a secret switch or something.

*The Goodtimers spread out and begin their search. After a few minutes, Sam leans against a wall.*

Sam: Well, so much for that... *a passageway opens behind him, and he falls in* idea. Um, think I found one!

Peter: Sam, are you ok?

Valerie: Nice job, Sam.

Sam: *gets up and brushes himself off* I'm fine. No sweat, kids.

Valerie: (Makes her flashlight appear in a muted blue light; Peter does the same) Well, shall we go, gentlemen?

Peter: (Gulps) For Michael's sake!

(They head into the passage. It's more of the same; dark, dank, and full of roots, bugs, and rodents.)

Valerie: We must be getting closer to the ceremony. The drum beats are getting louder.

Peter: (He shines his flashlight in another direction, discovering a path that branches off from the first one) Hey, guys, look! (He peers in as the others go on ahead) Anyone home?

(He walks down the path. The drums get louder and steadier the further he goes, and voices chanting in a strange language join them. He finally stops, wiping his head with the back of his hand.)

Peter: Whew, this is thirsty work. Val, I think we're almost there. The drums are louder, and I'm picking up some really nasty vibes. (Turns the flashlight to reveal an empty tunnel) Val? Sam? Chester? Charlie? Roy? Johnny? Guys, come on! This is really scary! (Yells into the darkness) ANYONE? (Starts to cry) Oh man, I'm lost! What am I going to do?

(He sobs for a few seconds before wiping his eyes with the back of his hands.)

Peter: I've got to find them, and poor Michael and the others, too! Sheila's gonna try to take their souls! (He stumbles along in the passageway, finally seeing light) There's the end! Guys, I'm coming!

(He comes out in the central room again. He ducks around a large pile of rock. The room is more crowded than when we saw it before. Demons and officers in hastily-created "native" dress of converted serapes and ponchos and feather-trimmed headbands and costume-store monster masks sit on stone seats or stand around the room, chanting and snarling. The people in the dark robes gather around the stone table, strewing it with flower petals and scrubbing the rust off the chains. Sheila, respondent in an elaborate, silken native gown [or her idea of it - it looks more like a Mexican peasant dress as interpreted by Bob Mackie] and huge golden headdress, sits on the largest stone seat in the front-center. Paramor, in nicer, if just as odd-looking, "native" costume, is on her left. Alex sits on her right, in an elaborate "native" costume that looks more like he swiped it from a very fancy hippie convention.)

Peter: This must be the "ceremony." What’s Sheila up to?

Sheila: (She stands and claps her hands as the chanting ceases) Good evening, my followers. Tonight, we will see the sacrifice of a man who has given me (looks at Parador) and you (turns back to the crowd) much grief. He will no longer be a troublemaker, for tonight, we will tame his wild spirit and bring the mighty black wolf to his knees! My second-in-command (indicates Alex), with the aid of the mystical Sun Stone, will reveal this towering gringo to be nothing more than a common slave, a vessel to be controlled. (Looks at Alex with a very evil smirk) Take it from here, dear.

(Alex stands and takes a long, feather-trimmed sash from one of the figures in the dark cloaks. He grins and turns to a man standing next to a rather rusty gong.)

Alex: If you be so kind, my good man? *motions to the gong*

(The man rings an understandably rusty but still fairly majestic-sounding gong. Several officers in their makeshift costumes come first, respondent in feathers and beaded-and-fringed loincloths over their pants, carrying smaller feather-trimmed staffs than Alex and looking slightly embarrassed. Next come rows of more of the dark robed figures. Two of them hold Emma, who screams and struggles as hard as she can. Emma wears a native "sarong," a silky long fringed scarf over a bathing suit and a flower in her shoulder-length golden brown curls.)

Emma: (Screams at the top of her lungs) Let me go! You're gonna be sorry you ever messed with me, sister! (She struggles angrily, but to no avail; the women push her before Sheila and Alex) Damn you two! What are you doing? This is insane, even for you! X(

Parador: (Grins and ogles Emma's round, plump body) Do not harm her. I would like her to be here.

Sheila: I would NOT like her to be here. Frankly, I could feed HER to the crocodiles.

Alex: Alright, alright, you two. We’ll compromise. Umm... *thinks a moment, then snaps his fingers* I got it. Men, tie her to one of the columns, preferably one close to Parador.

Emma: No! (She tries to get back to the main tunnel, but three of the men drag her to the column closest to the group at the stone chairs; she kicks and screams the whole way) Damn it, you idiots! You don't know what you're doing! They're using you!

Parador: (Reaches out and runs his fat fingers over Emma's exposed right thigh) If this is being used, use me, baby.

Emma: You're disgusting. Get off my leg.

(Another gong sounds before Parador's hand gets any further up Emma's leg. Demons come out now, the three largest dragging Mike. Mike wears nothing but a feather-and-bead trimmed loincloth and leather wristlets and anklets. The three demons pull him in on three heavy chains attached to a thick leather collar; Mike's wrists are also in chains. His eyes widen angrily when he sees Emma on the column. He starts to her, but the demons tug harder on his chain leashes, keeping him in line with them.)

Mike: Em...darlin'! :o

Demon 1: (As he and the others force Mike to his knees before Sheila and Alex; raspy voice) Here's the prisoner, Milady and Milord.

Mike: (Looks straight at Sheila; soft but dangerous) Sheila, let me go. Let Em go. Let the others go, includin' all these Mexican officers.

Sheila: (Lifts Mike's chin with a finger) Not when I finally have the chance to have everything I've ever wanted, my love.

Mike: I ain't your lover, Sheila.

Sheila: You will be.

Alex: And not when I have a chance to have some fun.

Emma: Alex, you stay away from him!

Mike: Like hell you will, you cloned fruitcake. (Spits right in Alex's face)

Parador: Are you SURE you don't want me to feed that son of a dog to the crocs?

Alex: *slowly wipes off his face* No, I have a better idea. *starts toward Emma*

Mike: (Growls) Alex, don't touch her!

Emma: Alex, go away. You're far from my type.

Sheila: Do whatever you'd like to her, dear...and more. (Smirks at the helpless Mike; Mike tries to stand, but the demons hold him to the ground by his shoulders)

Alex: *leans against the column next to Emma* Oh, come now. *runs his fingers across her cheek and down her neck* You SAY I'm not your type, but I don't believe that's completely true.

Emma: You know there's only one man for me, Alex.

Mike: Em...Alex, get away from her! Don't you touch my fuckin' wife! X(

Alex: Hm. We'll see about that. *his hand stops, resting over her heart; smirks* Well, well...

Emma: (As she and Mike both cringe) Ow...Alex, you know that burns... :p

Parador: What is he doing?

Sheila: Finding out some very interesting things about our prisoner's beloved spouse.

Alex: *growls* I know that. You think I care?

Emma: (Squeals; Mike makes a face and rubs his chest) Alex, if you must do this, keep your hands on the soul and NOT elsewhere! :p

(Mike growls and struggles; the demons hold him down again.)

Alex: Fingers slipped.

Emma: (Under her breath) Sure, and I'm Cher.

Mike: Well, Alex? Findin' out that she loves me?

Emma: And that's all he's GONNA find. X(

Alex: Hm... (Pause. Then, out loud) You're jealous. Jealous of your husband. You want him home, but you also want to sell your stories so you can be with him and be a part of his life. You feel left out, despite the vacations with him. *makes a face* And you do love him.

Mike: Em, are you really...

Emma: (Nods and sighs) Honey, I miss you. Even with the vacations, I almost never see you. Katie misses you something terrible, too.

Mike: Em, I love you so much...(struggles)...let me go! I'm gonna get us out of here!

Emma: Mike!

Sheila: She's not yours anymore, Knight. (Looks at Alex) Quite done, dear?

Alex: Finished with this part. There is a slight adjustment I need to make here before the ceremony progresses. *Runs his fingers across Emma's throat.* Much better.

(Mike growls; Emma struggles, but she can no longer cry out or curse. She and Mike exchange frustrated, longing glances.)

Mike: Restore her voice NOW, clone.

Parador: Why is she quiet?

Sheila: Alex fixed her throat. She can no longer speak.

Parador: Just by touching her throat? (Puts his hands on his throat) Stay away from me, boy.

Alex: No worries, Parador. I only do that to those who bother me, and you do not bother me.

(Parador settles back, relieved.)

Mike: (Growling and thrashing) Damn it, let her go and give her voice back! X(

(Emma nods, also struggling.)

Alex: Enough. Let’s get this show on the road. Fellas, chain him to the stone table. *motions to Mike*

(The officers and women in robes drag Mike over to the stone table and chain him tightly with the shackles. The women remain, forming a half-circle around the table but giving Alex his "breathing room.")

Mike: Alex, damn it, when I get outta this, I'm gonna send you so far down in your homeland, you'll get lost lookin' for your ass. X(

Alex: I doubt that, Knight. :P

Mike: Watch me. (He concentrates)

(Emma frowns at first...then, realizing what he's doing, concentrates, too.)

Sheila: No you don't! (She goes to Emma and rubs either side of her forehead in small circles, until she slumps, panting) Much better.

*Alex does the same to Mike.*

Parador: What was that? What you do?

Sheila: I muddled her. Made her too confused to escape. Michael is receiving the same treatment.

Mike: (Panting) Damn...you...Alex...you...bastard...imitation... (He looks at Emma, who manages to give him a little smile)

Sheila: Alex, just one thing. Do not mar his face. I would like him handsome when he is brought to my bed, a pretty, tame little wolf cub.

Mike: Like hell you would, Devil Bitch.

(Emma glares at Sheila.)

Alex: (Nods) Very well, Milady. First, let’s silence him. *runs his fingers over Mike's throat* Takes care of that. Now, let’s see...

(Mike opens his mouth to growl, but can't. Emma struggles, giving Alex a glare and exchanging frustrated looks with Mike.)

Alex: *runs his fingers through Mike's hair* The Knight needs a hair cut.

(Brief cut to Peter behind the rock. He gasps)

Peter: Oh, god! What are they doing to poor Michael? (Leans against the rock, panting) I've got to help him, do something...his aura is so frightened...

Alex: *makes scissors appear* Let’s give him a true Knight's haircut.

(Mike tries to pull away as Alex reaches for his thick black locks, but the handmaidens hold his head down.)

Peter: (Brief, behind the rock) He..this is like what Zero did to Mike's ancestor, poor Sir Robert! He's going to hack him and ruin his sword and make him a slave!

*Alex cuts off lock after lock, leaving Mike's hair extremely short and choppy.*

(Mike can only glare at Alex as the handmaidens let his head go.)

Sheila: Lovely.

Parador: A slight improvement.

(Emma frowns. She knows Mike likes his hair long.)

(The handmaidens caress Mike, stroking his cropped hair and running their fingers over his body. Emma narrows her eyes. She doesn't like the attention they're paying to him.)

Alex: Now, what else? *considers ideas for a moment*

Sheila: (Takes a glowing yellow rock from behind her) Perhaps it would be the right time to see if this really works. (Hands it to Alex.)

Alex: Yes, while he's conscious enough to know what's happening to him.

(Emma shakes her head, trying to loosen her bonds and stop them. Mike struggles as hard as he can, but the handmaidens hold him and continue to caress and finger him, running their fingers in sensitive spots.)

Paramor: I am most interested in this. The Sun Stone in action!

Alex: *holds the stone in both hands* Let’s see what this thing can do.

(Alex holds the stone over the struggling Mike. There's a golden glow as Alex moves the stone over Mike's body, until the glow consumes him. When it subsides, Mike shakes his head, his eyes a bit dull. Emma also shakes her head, though she looks perkier than he does. Alex leans over Mike's ear.)

Alex: (Whispers) Use your powers to escape.

(Mike tries to concentrate. There's a small, thin, dark blue light, but nothing happens. Emma's eyes widen, and her mouth opens in surprise.)

Paramor: It works! (Raises his arms to the air) It works! It has powers! I was right! All this time, I was right!

Peter: (Peeks out from behind his rock) What was that glow? (Shakes his head) It was evil, a dark power! Mike's aura is so hazy, so much weaker. It must have taken his powers or dulled them!

(Emma struggles as hard as she can. Paramor leans over and runs his fingers over her left side this time.)

Paramor: Why struggle so, Senora? When we are done here, I will take you to my compound and make you my mistress.

(Emma makes a face and resumes struggling.)

Alex: *runs his own hands over Mike; grins in his face* Do you like that?

(Mike shakes his head and struggles again, more weakly this time.)

Alex: Was that a no? *does it again*

(Mike makes a face and mouths "You're disgustin'," then tries to squirm away from Alex. Emma also makes a face.)

Alex: *smirks in Mike's face* Didn't know I picked up a new taste, did you?

(Mike tries to bring up his knee to hit Alex in his sensitive spot, but his ankles are bound too tightly to move his legs.)

Alex: Oh, so sorry about that, Knight. ;)

(Mike tries to squirm away from Alex, but the handmaidens hold him down as Alex's fingers trail to behind Mike's buttocks and under his loincloth. Emma shakes her head angrily; Mike opens his mouth in shock.)

*Alex's mouth opens in an "O," then grins.*

Sheila: Alex, don't go TOO far in...that...direction. Save a little for other people later.

Alex: You'll get your share, don't worry.

*Alex waggles his eyebrows. He has a little more fun, then straightens. He leans next to Mike, arms folded.*

Alex: Having fun yet?

(Mike glares, narrowing his eyes and mouthing Spanish obscenities.)

Peter: (Cut briefly to him; he looks a little green) Tell me Alex wasn't doing that.

(Emma gives Mike sympathetic looks, trying to calm him and cheer him. He gives her a small, weak crooked smile.)

Sheila: (Glares at Emma, who sticks her tongue out at her, then turns to Alex) Continue, Alex. Administer the drugs and put his mind and body under our control.

Parador: Do you need a ready supply?

Sheila: No, Alex makes his own, thank you anyway.

Alex: I think you'll like these better than yours, Parador.

*Alex produces his drugs in earthenware vessels supplied by the handmaidens, grinning all the while.*

(Mike slumps, his eyes losing their sparkle as "Daily Nightly" begins. Alex clucks around him, giving him various drugs. The handmaidens hold Mike, cooing in his ears, holding his hands, and stroking his face, chest, and chopped-off hair.)

(Peter watches in pure horror as the handmaidens reveal themselves briefly to be beautiful but bald and rather lifeless youngish women. Each wear a loose, opaque, short silk gown. They gets on Mike...and we cut to Emma struggling and noiselessly wailing as they violently make love to Mike, doing far more than Alex did.)

*Alex takes turns between watching and 'working' on Mike.*

(Sheila smirks, explaining to Parador that her handmaidens are merely "preparing" Mike for later.)

(All of the handmaidens return to their cloaks after they finish. Mike lays on the stone table, panting noiselessly. Several of them join the men at the far wall; others bring odd powdered potions in earthenware vessels, yanking Mike's head and nose. Sheila intones Alex to "take care" of Mike's wolf senses.)

*Alex nods and uses the powdered potions, forcing them up Mike's nose and down his throat.*

(Mike takes a small sniff...and turns his head away, not wanting Alex to see his dismay and anger. He can no longer smell or sense much of anything.)

(Peter continues watching from his perch, pale and upset. Emma also watches, feeling queasy thanks to her link to Mike.)

(The handmaidens bring a heavy dark powder. A pure cocoa dust, concealing a drug to calm and sedate Mike. Mike once again tries to pull back, but the handmaidens and the men hold him down. Emma watches, sad and angry at what is being done to her husband...and frightened for their future and that of their daughter.)

*Alex forces the cocoa powder into Mike’s mouth.*

(Sheila smirks in delight as Alex hands the earthenware cup to one of the maidens and the music ends. Mike lays on the stone table, his eyes black and vacant. He no longer moves at all. Emma and Peter are both in tears in their respective spots.)

Sheila: Read his soul now, Alex. Find if the wolf has been tamed, and then reveal the deepest secrets of the so-called White Knight's heart.

Alex: Gladly, Milady.

(Emma shakes her head, sobbing angrily.)

*Alex places his hand over Mike's heart.*

Alex: *grins* The wolf has been tamed.

Sheila: Excellent. He is completely under our control?

Alex: *nods* Yes.

Sheila: What else do you find there?

Alex: He loves performing, but he hates the touring. He loves making albums, but not the notoriety. *makes a face* He loves the Scholar, but wishes she could stand up more for herself. He envies the time she gets to spend working on her stories and with their daughter. *smirks* He kind of admires your guts, Milady, in constantly pursuing them, but would prefer we left them alone. *makes a face, then grins* And he really hates me.

(Emma frowns and looks at Mike. He only nods.)

Peter: Come on, Michael, fight them! Fight this! I know you can!

Sheila: Very, very good. (Stands and addresses the crowd) And now, my followers, the moment you all have waited for. We will conduct the sacrifice on our willing prisoner. (She nods at Alex)

Parador: No blood! I want no human sacrifice here! It is messy!

Sheila: Oh, don't worry, we're not going to kill him, and they'll be no blood. We want something else from him.

Alex: *smirks* No sacrifice. This is much cleaner.

*Alex flexes his fingers, revealing his long, sharp claws, then shoves them into Mike’s chest as he silently screams. There's a black blur, then a white light. Alex grins widely.*

(The demons and men hoot and cheer. The handmaidens chant. Emma thrashes, her face screwed up in pain, her mouth open in a silent scream.)

Peter: (Gasps; covers his mouth to hide his horror) No! No, not that! Oh god, not Michael!

*Alex removes Mike's soul completely, still grinning.*

(Emma cries in anger and horror, watching as Mike's eyes become completely blank and dull, then close. Alex turns the white light over in his hands. Sheila's smile is ear-to-ear.)

Peter: No! NO! I won't let them hurt Michael! I have to save him! (He closes his eyes; there's a blue light in his closed fist...)

(We cut back to Alex as he holds the light up for all to see.)

Sheila: Witness it, all! The soul of the mighty White Knight, the leader of the Guardian Warriors of the Light, is ours at last! He is nothing! Not a knight, nor a wolf, but a humble, silent slave! We...

(Sheila is cut off by a green blur whizzing through the air. An arrow flies into the stone chair, just barely missing Sheila and Parador...an arrow with a green shaft and feathers.)

Sheila: (As everyone turns to where the arrow came from) The Bard!