Okay, fellas, ready to find out what the kiddies think of what's going on? ;)

Micky: I KNEW I wasn't gonna like this story. *whimpers*

Mike: I'd like to know what's goin' on, and what the HELL happened to my wife! :p X(

Peter: I hope the kids are ok...because their daddy ISN'T. :(

Davy: I don't feel so good... :(

*We open in a fairly well-lit room in the desert hideout. Both of the twins lie on a bed, still snoozing...or so it LOOKS like.* ;)

"Little Mick: *peeks his eyes open* Hey, Shel, you awake?"

"Shelly: (Yawns and opens one eye) Huh? Yeah. (Sits up and looks around) Micky, where are we? This isn't our house! :("

"Little Mick: No, it isn't. I'm not sure WHERE we are. I DO know Mom’s here somewhere...along with some guy who looks kinda like Daddy. *grins* And they though I was sleeping!" ;)

"Shelly: We sure fooled that bad man, didn't we? ;)"

"Little Mick: You bet we did! Hey, wanna take a look around this place? Maybe we can find Mommy and see what's going on."

"Shelly: Sure! (Gulps) I hope that bad man didn't do anything to Mommy! (Frowns) I wonder where Daddy is? The bad man sort of looks like Daddy, but he has those ugly lines on his face. That's how I knew he wasn't our daddy. :p"

"Mick: I noticed those marks, too! I hope they're both okay. That's why I wanna see if we can find Mommy. Maybe she'll feel better if she's knows we're okay. :)"

"Shelly: Yeah! Come on! She's got to be around here somewhere!" (Climbs off the bed)

"Mick: *also climbs off the bed* We gotta get the door open somehow. *puts his arms in the air. Even from a distance away, it's obvious he's too short to reach and both are the same height* Any ideas, Shel?"

"Shelly: I wish there was a way for us to just go wherever Mommy is!" :(

"Mick: *grins* Maybe if we think about her real hard, she'll come to us! *grins* :D"

"Shelly: You think it could work?"

"Mick: It might."

*The twins close their eyes and concentrate really hard. They begin to fade out in a bright blue light. They reappear in another room, similar to the one they left.*

"Shelly: Where are we? I don't see Mommy! :("

"Micky: *scratches his head* I guess we didn't find her. This kinda looks like the room we left, except everything in here is mixed around, and there's a puppy on the bed over there. (Frowns and looks at the bed) A puppy?"

"Shelly: Let's go see the puppy! :D"

"Mick: Yeah! :D"

(The twins climb onto the bed and squirm over to the little dog. It has curly red fur and a heavy black leather collar. It looks up at the twins and whimpers.)

"Shelly: (Strokes the puppy) Good puppy. He's so cute! :D"

(The puppy makes a face at the "he" and shakes its head.)

"Mick: Awe, he is cute, but he looks kinda sad, doesn't he? (Frowns) Uh, maybe he isn't a he! Sorry! :P"

"Shelly: Yeah. I wonder why? Maybe he...um, she...can't find her mommy, either. :("

"Mick: Poor puppy! Maybe she'd feel a little better if we named her. :)"

(The puppy trots over to the twins and puts its head in Micky's lap. It looks at Micky with it's large, green-gold eyes.)

"Shelly: She likes you! :)"

"Mick: Awwww! :D"

"Shelly: Since she likes you, you name her. It's a shame we probably couldn't take her home, but I don't think Onyx would like her very much. :p"

"Mick: I don't think so, either. Let's see, um... *thinks* she's got red fur, so how about Strawberry? :)"

"Shelly: I like that name! She's pretty like a strawberry, too! :)"

(The puppy sighs and barks.)

"Mick: She likes it, too! :)"

"Shelly: Do you want to play with us, Strawberry?"

(Strawberry shakes her head. She points a paw at the door...then puts the paw on her head and groans. :p)

"Shelly: I don't think Strawberry feels very well. Maybe she needs to find her mommy to give her medicine. :("

"Mick: Do you have a headache, Strawberry? Should we find your mommy for you? :("

(Strawberry just groans and puts her paws on her head again. She once again points at the door.)

"Shelly: She wants to go. I don't blame her. This place is creepy. There's no toys or things to do, and there's something about it that sort of scares me. :p :("

"Mick: Really creepy! Something scares me about this place, too. Let's go find Mommy again."

"Shelly: We'll bring Strawberry! :D"

(Strawberry nods. :) )

"Mick: Yeah! Come on, Strawberry, we're gonna find Mommy and leave here! :D"

(Strawberry nods.)

"Shelly: Wanna do the blue light thing again? It's faster than getting up and down!"

"Mick: That blue light thing is fun! It kinda tingles!"

"Shelly: Let's go! (Takes Strawberry in her arms) :D"

(Another bright blue light envelopes the two children and the puppy. This time, they end up in a long hall lined with doors.)

"Shelly: (Holding Strawberry) Aw, nuts! We're not even in a room, and I still don't see Mommy! :p"

"Mick: Awe! This place is kinda like a maze! :P"

"Shelly: Yeah. Reminds me of the maze games in our coloring books. :p (Frowns as footsteps and voices are heard) Micky, I think it's the bad man! We've gotta hide!"

"Mick: Where do we hide? :P"

(Strawberry growls. X()

"Shelly: He's REALLY bad. Strawberry doesn't like him, and she's a puppy! :p"

(Strawberry shakes her head at the word "puppy." :( )

"Shelly: (Indicates the nearest door) This door is open a little. Let's go in here and hide!"

"Mick: Quick!"

(The twins duck into the room with Strawberry just in time. Alex and Shelia come around the corner. Alex carries Daphne, who's eyes are half-open. She has a small, rather stupid smile on her face.)

Shelia: So, the Huntress was no trouble to...persuade? She's now yours?

Alex: Completely. Matter of fact, I think she enjoyed it...eventually. ;) >:)

Shelia: She'll be a wonderful slave. I could make a collar and leash for you and Lauren to keep her on, to make sure she does your bidding and remembers her place. >:) ;)

Alex: That'd be great, Milady. Thank you. >:)

Shelia: Where are you going to put your pretty little slave?

Daphne: Master... (smiles and touches Alex's face) I belong to Master...

Alex: Let’s put her in one of the rooms. Such a pretty slave does deserve her own room. *smirks* She can't get enough of me now. ;) >:)

Shelia: What of the Mother? Where is she now?

Alex: *smirk turns more evil* She is in my room, making herself at home. She's 'fixing' herself up a little. ;) >:)

Shelia: And you're sure the Savage will...witness...everything that goes on tonight? ;)

Alex: *nods, smirk remaining* Absolutely everything. There's no way he will miss it. >:)

Shelia: We'll send the Huntress and the Mother to bring us the Savage tomorrow, perhaps after his...sleepless night. ;)

Alex: By then, he won't need much persuading, if any at all. ;)

Shelia: (Nods at the door where the twins are) You know, we're at the animal labs now. Perhaps I could whip up something for our slave here? ;)

"Shelly: (Holds Strawberry) Yikes! The Bad Lady and the Bad Man are coming here (frowns), and they have Aunt Daphne! :o :("

Alex: Good idea. She deserves a nice treat. ;)

Daphne: What are we doing now, Master?

"Mick: Oh no! We've gotta hide! :-O "

Alex: Shelia wants to make something nice for you. :) >:)

"Shelly: (Points to an alcove near a long table) Let's hide there!"

(Strawberry growls. Shelly puts her hand on the dog's muzzle.)

Daphne: She does? I would like something nice. :)

*Mick nods and the kids, still with Strawberry, duck into the alcove.*

Alex: And you WILL get something nice.

(Alex and Shelia carry Daphne into the room. The wall of the back of the room is lined with cages filled with small animals of all kinds. Puppies bark, kittens meow, birds chirp, monkeys shriek, lambs bleat, mice squeak, and piglets squeal. Alex lays Daphne on a table in the middle of the room. Shelia goes through various muzzles, collars, and leashes under a counter on one side.)

Daphne: Where are we?

Shelia: According to Alex, this is one of his labs. ;)

Alex: One of many labs. :D >:)

Shelia: She belongs to you. Help me pick something...pretty...for your newest pet.

Daphne: Make me pretty.

"Shelly: (Makes a face) I think Aunt Daphne is pretty enough! The bad lady isn't pretty at all! :p"

Alex: I'd be more than happy to pick something out for her. *joins Shelia to look through the assorted items below the counter*

"Mick: The bad lady's ugly and scary-looking! :P"

"Shelly: She has those really weird, big eyes that make her look like a monster from Daddy's horror movies! :p"

"Mick: And those movie monsters are scary enough! :P "

(Strawberry makes a face and nods. :p)

"Mick: Even Strawberry agrees! :P"

Shelia: (Mixing some potions as Alex goes through the things on the table) Found anything you like yet?

Alex: *puts out a long item* Ooooh, rhinestone collar! That's a keeper. *puts it aside and looks again* ;) >:)

Daphne: Master, what is this place?

Shelia: Yes, Alex, what is this place? You still haven't told me more about your...other...plan. ;) :p

Alex: *pauses in his search* This place is a sort of base of operations. And not a bad living facility, either. The labs... *grins* fit in with the other portion of my plan, Milady. *pauses, grin turns more evil*

Shelia: Which is? What's with all the animals?

Alex: Basically, I'm luring plain, frumpy, ignored workers desperate for glamorous careers and turning them into successes for six months...in exchange for their souls, which they, obviously, don't remember giving up. After the six months, I drug them, bring them here, torture them, and turn them into animals to sell to zoos and pet shops. *grins* Simple. ;) >:)

Shelia: Is that what...(indicates the cages)...those are?

Alex: Every single one of them. :D >:)

(Strawberry's eyes widen. She lets out a tiny gasp. :o )

Shelia: (Goes to the cages) They were all once human women? (Grins and turns to him) You are very GOOD. :D >:) ;)

Alex: What can I say? *pauses* I got really bored and needed something to do. ;)

Daphne: Master, what are you doing? Will you make me pretty?

Alex: *turns back to Daphne* Of course I will! I said I would, didn't I? ;)

"Shelly: Why does Aunt Daphne keep calling the Bad Man 'Master?' :-/"

"Mick: I don't know. Maybe she's confused. I know I am. :P"

"Shelly: Why would the Bad Man turn ladies into animals and sell them?"

Shelia: (Goes to Daphne and strokes her face and hair) There there, Huntress. We'll give you your first assignment tomorrow. (Softly) Now, Huntress, whom do you belong to?

Daphne: I belong to Master, Milady, and the Mother.

Shelia: You do what they tell you to.

Daphne: I do what they tell me to.

Alex: Excellent. (grins and goes to Daphne) You're going to have the night off, my lovely slave. I want to keep you safe, so I want to do something special for you. ;)

Daphne: Something special... :D

"Shelly: (Gulps; soft squeak) What is he going to do to Aunt Daphne? :("

Alex: Yes... ;)

(Strawberry growls softly. X()

"Mick: *fearful look* I don't know, and I don't think we WANT to know! :P :("

Daphne: I am a slave. I will do what Master wants.

Alex: Before you sleep, look at the lovely gift I'm giving you. *snatches the rhinestone leash and collar off the table and holds it out to her*

Daphne: Lovely. :)

Alex: And yours.

Shelia: Don't think of anything, Huntress. Listen to nothing but the sound of our voices.

Daphne: Yes. I will listen.

(Daphne's arms drop to her sides. Her eyes are half-closed, and her breathing is even.)

Alex: Excellent. Now, what should I turn her into?

Shelia: Make her something lovely...and passive. Keep her completely relaxed.

Alex: A rabbit. She'll make the perfect rabbit. ;) >:)

Shelia: (Runs her hands through Daphne's long, silky black hair) Yes, she will, won't she? Put the collar on her, then make her a sweet, fluffy little bunny. ;) >:)

*Alex puts the collar on Daphne, then concentrates on her. A black light surrounds her, and when it clears, it leaves behind a black-furred, long-earred rabbit. Alex scoops her up and holds her in his arms.*

(The rabbitt lays against Alex's chest, her eyelids still half-closed.)

"Shelly: Awww! Where'd the cute bunny come from? :X"

(Strawberry's eyes widen. :o )

"Mick: And where did Aunt Daphne go? :-O"

"Shelly: The Bad Man can do magic, like Mommy and Daddy and our aunts and uncles! He made the rabbit appear and Aunt Daphne disappear! :o"

"Mick: I really don't like that bad man! I don't like him more than I don't like the bad lady! :P"

"Shelly: I don't like them half as much! :p"

(Strawberry makes a face and sticks her tongue out. :p)

"Mick: Strawberry don't like them, either! :P"

"Shelly: (Cuddles Strawberry) You're a smart puppy! You know they're really bad people! :) :p"

(Strawberry sighs again. :p)

Shelia: I'll take the Huntress to my suite to sleep tonight, so you and the Mother will be very, very alone. ;)

Alex: *nods* Thank you, Milady. ;) >:)

"Shelly: The Mother? Do you think she means Mommy?"

"Mick: I don't know. I hope not! *gulps* :-O"

"Shelly: Do you think they'll make Mommy disappear, like they did Aunt Daphne? :o :("

(Strawberry frowns sympathetically at the toddlers. :( )

"Mick: Who knows what they might do? We should try to find Mommy and warn her!"

"Shelly: Yeah!"

Shelia: (Takes the rabbitt) I'm going to take a late dinner in my suites, Alex. You (grins wickedly) enjoy your night with the Mother. ;)

Alex: *matches the wicked grin* I certainly will. I'll make sure the Savage enjoys it, too. ;) >:) First, however, I need to check up on someone else. *grins* A red-furred puppy. ;) >:)

Shelia: Your newest catch? ;)

Alex: *nods* Yes. ;)

"Shelly: (Gulps) The Bad Man wants Strawberry! :o :("

(Strawberry lets loose with an angry bark, forgetting that she's supposed to be hiding. X( )

"Mick: No! Shhh! Strawberry! We gotta get outta here! :P"

Shelia: (Frowns) What's that?

"Shelly: Oh no, the Bad Lady heard us! :o :("

Alex: A dog bark. *motions around, especially towards the dogs*

Shelia: It didn't come from the cages. It sounded more like it came from that alcove over there. (Points to the alcove)

Alex: Don't tell me one of the dogs got loose. :P

"Shelly: The Bad Lady knows we're here! She knows Strawberry's here! :("

Shelia: All of the cages are locked.

Alex: Then we better check it out.

(Shelia and Alex peer into the alcove...and see the two children, one clutching an angry, red-furred puppy.)

"Shelly: They found us! :("

Alex: Well, well, what have we here. *smirks*

"Mick: Oh no! :("

(Strawberry immediately leaps onto Alex's leg and bites it as hard as she can.)

"Shelly: Run! :o"

"Mick: Let’s go!"

Alex: *screams* Getter off! X-(

Shelia: (Scoops Shelly into her other arm as she takes off) Oh no you don't, young lady!

"Shelly: Micky! (Pushes at Shelia) Let go, Bad Lady! I don't want to disappear! :p :("

Alex: *gritting his teeth, but scoops up Little Mick* Just what do you think you're doing? X-(

"Mick: *pounds his fists on Alex's chest* Lemme go, lemme go!"

(Strawberry climbs Alex's leg, aiming for a more...sensitive...spot. ;) )

Alex: *eyes bug out* YOWWWW! *drops Little Mick, who lands on his feet*

"Shelly: Nice landing, Mick! :D"

Alex: DAMMIT!!! *tries to get Strawberry OFF* X-(

"Mick: Thanks, Shel! :D"

"Shelly: Micky, help me! The Bad Lady has me! (Pounds Shelia) Let me and that nice bunny go! :p"

*Little Mick runs over to Shelia and pounds on her leg.*

"Mick: Let go of my sister and that cute bunny! X-("

Shelia: (Glares at Shelly) Oh, knock it off, you little brat! (Tries to push Little Micky away) Stop it!

"Mick: *goes back to Shelia's leg* Let them go!"

(Shelia finally drops the girl and the rabbit. The rabbit lands on it's feet, still dazed. Shelly lands on her bottom.)

"Mick: You okay, Shel?"

"Shelly: Ow! That hurt! Why can't I land on my feet like you can? :p"

"Mick: I don't know. We'll work on that after we get outta here!"

(Strawberry lets Alex go and nudges Little Mick, indicating the door.)

"Mick: Right! The door! Let’s go!"

"Shelly: (Picks up Daphne the Bunny) Strawberry's right! Let's take the bunny and warn Mommy about the Bad People!"

"Mick: We're taking Strawberry, too! *picks up the puppy*

Shelia: (Rubbing her leg) Alex, after them! X(

Alex: *tries to straighten, glaring at Shelia* If that mutt did any damage... X-( *pauses* You go after them! I've got a night to prepare for! *mutters, glancing down at where he was bit* I hope. :P

Shelia: I have an even better idea. (Concentrates. There's a black light, and the twins and the two escaped animals reapper in the lab.)

"Shelly: (Looks around) Huh? How did we get here?"

"Mick: Hey, that isn't fair! :P"

"Shelly: We wanna find our Mommy, before you make her disappear! :p X("

Shelia: (Picks up Shelly) There will be no more of that from either of you! You were both very naughty! X(

Alex: *gingerly picks up Little Mick* That was very naughty! :P X-(

(Shelia concentrates again. There's a black light around both twins, who reappear in a cage. Strawberry reappears in an empty cage on the wall with the other imprisoned animals. Daphne the Bunny remains in Shelia's arms. Strawberry barks angrily. X( )

"Mick: *frowns* Uh oh. :("

"Shelly: Hey! Let us out! We're not animals! X( :p"

Shelia: That should keep the lot of you. :p

Alex: *grumbles* Darn kids act like animals.

Shelia: I'll keep the kiddies and the Huntress in a room in my suites until we're ready to deal with them.

Alex: Good. *finally straightens, wincing slightly* :P

"Shelly: What's a Huntress? Is it the name of the bunny?"

"Mick: I guess so. *shrugs*"

Shelia: (Takes the cage with the twins) Come along, you naughty kiddies. You need to be punished. :p

"Shelly: Uh oh. Do you think she'll spank us? :("

"Mick: I don't know. :("

Shelia: I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow, Alex. (She takes the cage with the twins in one hand and Daphne in the other. Strawberry whimpers as she watches Shelia and the twins leave. :( )

Alex: *sighs* Better make sure I can still HAVE a fun night now. X-( :P :"> *black lights himself out of the room as we fade out* X-( :P :">