Ok, everyone ready to find out more about Storybook Land? :)

Peter: I'm ready!

Mike: Cowardly wolf? :p

Davy: When do I get to jump in? ;)

Micky: And me?

Lauren: This is gonna be interesting. ;)

(Cut back to the Pad's living room. Mike makes a face.)

Mike: Wolf? You made me a cowardly WOLF, Pete? :p

Peter: It's original!

Micky: He could've made you something a lot worse!

Mr. Bennett: Why doesn't someone take Sir Michael's story? I'm sure it'll make you feel better if we all find out how Sir Michael became a wolf in the first place. :)

Debbie: Yeah. What happened to Sir Michael? How did he get hurt?

Emma: Who wants to introduce the Witch? Any takers? ;)

Lauren: *slow grin* I have an idea. ;) >:)

Micky: *quirks an eyebrow at her* Uh oh. I know THAT look. ;)

Emma: Go ahead, Lauren. You'll be our villian. ;)

Peter: Don't be TOO nasty, though! You'll scare the kids! :o

Valerie: (Mutters) I'm more worried about Lauren scaring HIM. :p

Lauren: *rubs her hands together* I promise, I won't be too nasty. ;)

Micky: *rolls his eyes* That's what she SAYS. *gets swatted by Lauren* Hey! :P ;)

Lauren: Sir Michael picks up his tale. He had been hiking through the woods, when suddenly... *fade back into the story*

(Sir Michael is Mike in his cobbler costume, higher leather boots, the covering from Peter's knight costume from "Fairy Tale" with the hood down, and his broadsword. He stops and looks around, clearly annoyed.)

Sir Michael: Damn it! The guys were supposed to meet me HERE! That stupid witch and her half-wit pork product biker gang could be on us any minute! :p

(There's a rush similar to what we heard earlier at the lake, and said "half-wit pork products" appear in the air around Sir Michael. He quickly draws his sword, narrowing his eyes at them.)

Sir Michael: Don't try anythin' cute, you walkin' footballs. Put a hoof on me or my men, and I'll shred the lot of you into pork sandwiches. :p X(

Pigsley: You're really scaring us. There seems to be a lot more of US than you. ;)

Sir Michael: My men are in the woods, and the moment I call them, they'll fall all over you like pineapple slices over ham. X(

Porker: I don't believe him, Boss.

Pigsly: I don't, either. I didn't see anyone else while flying in. ;)

Sir Michael: Oh, yeah? Believe THIS. (He sticks his fingers in his mouth and lets out a piercing whistle...but nothing is heard but the sound of some far-off bird. He whistles again, and again, then yells) Guys, where are you? Come on, this isn't funny! You know what the witch will do to us! She probably knows by now! :p :o

Pigsly: Well, whadaya know. ;)

Sir Michael: (Growls and looks up at the pigs as they surround him) You overgrown bacon slabs did somethin' to them! Where are they? They're my friends and my fellow warriors! X( :o

Pigsly: Maybe we did, maybe we didn't. ;)

Sir Michael: (Growls as the pigs take swipes at him; he keeps swinging his sword) Get away from me, before you all end up roastin' on a spit with apples in your mouths! X(

Pigsly: Okay, boys, let’s show this great Knight we mean business! ;) >:)

Sir Michael: You leather-wearin' creatons, I'm gonna...

*The pigs divebomb Sir Michael, which leads to a cloud of dust stirring about, filled with swirling stars, groans, waving fists, and such.* ;)

(When the dust settles, Sir Michael is bound and gagged in the arms of several pigs. Pigsly has his broadsword; he glares angrily at the flying pig and lunges for him and his lost weapon.)

Pigsly: Uh-uh! You don't have any need for this now. ;)

(Sir Michael struggles as hard as he can, but the pigs are big and strong and keep a tight hold on the angry knight.)

Pigsly: Let’s take our find back to Witch Grizelda. She'll be happy to have the entire set. ;) >:)

(The porcine flyers picks up the angry, wildly struggling knight, and carry him off into the sky. We see a long shot of the pigs and the knight flying over checkerboard fields bordered by long rivers and wide lakes. Gradually, the sky darkens. The fields become filled with grayish-brown, prickly grass. A jagged, rocky castle sits in the middle of a murky black lake. The pigs transport Sir Michael, who still struggles, into the ediface. The pigs land in a large throne room. The throne is made of jagged black crystal upholstered with blood-red velvet; the rugs and the tapestries are the same color. The dim light comes from deep red crystal chandeliers. The pigs laugh and drop Sir Michael on the throne on his knees. He starts to get up, but Pigsly and Porker hold him to the throne.)

*A dark shadow looms over most of the figure seated on the throne. All that can be seen is a diagonal portion of the botton of a long red, silky-looking skirt.*

Female Voice: *grin in her voice* What have we here? ;) >:)

(Sir Michael, who is still gagged, looks up and glares at the figure. He tries to pull away and reach for his sword, which is on Pigsly's belt.)

Porker: We found him, your ladyship!

Female Voice: Excellent. >:)

*The woman stands, the shadows fading away. It's Witch Grizelda. She has long, auburn hair, red highlights more prominent, surrounding her round face. Her blue eyes are cold. She folds her arms over her chest. Her long gown makes her appear taller than she is. She stands with a statuesque...and evil...air.* >:)

(Sir Michael narrows his eyes further and wiggles in the pigs' arms.)

Pigsly: Whatcha gonna do with him, your ladyship?

Flying Pig 4: Maybe he oughta talk.

Porker: Why ya so mad at him, anyway?

Grizelda: Why don't we let the Knight tell us that? ;) *removes the gag*

Sir Michael: (Growls) How could you do it? How could you order us to murder your own niece and bring you her heart? You said she was a powerful sorceress! She's just a scared kid...and one of the high princesses! (Shakes his head) We couldn't harm an innocent, so we let her go and gave Witch Griz a fake heart made of silk and sawdust and rigged to make pumpin' noises whenever someone squeezed it.

Porker: You gotta niece, lady?

Pigsly: Oh, that Snow White chick, right?

Grizelda: *frowns* Unfortunately. :P

Sir Michael: (Struggles) Griz, the boys and I aren't gonna do your dirty work for you. We thought you wanted to take out a sorceress and her army, not some little girl. :p

Grizelda: You don't seem to understand that she IS a sorceress with an army! I can't help it if she looks like a little girl. :P ;)

Sir Michael: I find that hard to believe. She was scared to death and alone when we found her! (Growls again) She said YOU'D sent her on some fool errand! X(

Grizelda: I did not! It was perfectly legit. :P

Sir Michael: She don't deserve dyin’, Griz! My boys and I have fought many armies...but we ain't about to cut open some kid who's never done anythin' worse than mismatch her eye shadow and her lipstick! :p

Grizelda: She is more powerful than she looks. She's capable of amazing feats and poses a large threat to everyone. (Sighs) If you won’t believe that and won't help me, I have no choice but to do you harm in turn. >:)

Sir Michael: Cut that out, Griz! (Growls and struggles as hard as he can, trying to free his wrists and get to his sword) Where are my men? What have you done with them? I know you musta sent the flyin' ham patrol to grab them. They'd never abandon me to these jerks in the middle of the woods. X(

Grizelda: How very perceptive of you, Sir Michael. Your men are now mice in cages, waiting to be fed to my hungry *ahem* cats...very LARGE cats. >:) ;)

Sir Michael: (Gasps in shock) NO! They're my loyal companions! They've fought by my side for years! We've never lost a battle together! X( :o

Grizelda: I have news for you. You just lost your first battle. >:)

Sir Michael: NO! Not to YOU! I'll take you out with my bare hands if you don't free my friends! I'll spread what you're doin' to the four corner squares of Storybook Land! (He suddenly yanks free of the pigs and, having worked his wrists free, lunges for Witch Grizelda, ready to tackle her and get her to set his men free.)

*We cut back to the pad's living room, where we see Micky giving Lauren a disbelieving look.* ;)

Micky: Wait a minute!

Mike: Hey, I was about to get the witch! ;)

Micky: Where's the fun in that?! :P

Emma: But you're not supposed to.

Peter: You end up as a wolf, remember?

Davy: A COWARDLY wolf, at that. ;)

Mike: You guys are gonna keep remindin' me of that. :p

Lauren: That wasn't what I was gonna let happen, Mick. :P

Micky: You're not being evil enough, babe! I can do a heckuvalot better than THAT! :P

Lauren: *folds her arms over her chest and gives Micky a dull glare* Oh, really? Would you care to PROVE it? :P

Micky: Yeah, I would, and I've got the perfect idea, too! ;)

Shelly: Daddy tell story! :)

Debbie: This should be good. ;)

Mike: Oh, man, I'm in deeeeep trouble. :p

Micky: Alright, now, the flying pigs latch back onto Sir Michael, before he can even get CLOSE to Witch Grizelda... *fade back to the story*

Grizelda: How DARE you! X-(

Sir Michael: (As the pigs drag him onto the carpet in front of the throne; he struggles and kicks wildly, growling at the top of his lungs) How dare YOU order knights whose job it is to protect the kingdom to murder one of it's innocent citizens! How dare YOU turn my faithful army into rodents! X(

Grizelda: I'm sick of listening to this. It's time for you to become less troublesome.

Sir Michael: (Tries to pull away to attack the witch again) No! I swear I'll see you behind bars in the Heart Palace dungeon by the end of the day for this! X(

Flying Pig 3: He's pullin' and growlin' like some wild dog! :o

Flying Pig 4: I don't think we can hold him much longer!

Pigsly: Darn it, I wish he wasn't so brave! Then he wouldn't be fightin' so hard! :p

Grizelda: I have just the thing to suit him. *steps up to Sir Michael and cups her hands together; a red sphere grows in her hands* >:)

Sir Michael: (Growls) What are you DOING? X(

Grizelda: *"throws" the sphere at him* I'm turning you into a cowardly wolf. >:) ;)

*The red glow slowly and fully covers Sir Michael. His struggling slows as his image fades into the glow.*

(When the red glow subsides, the pigs now hold a wolf with thick black fur and large brown eyes. It looks around and whimpers.)

Grizelda: Perfect. >:)

Sir Michael: Wha...what did you do to me? (Gulps) Why do I feel so scared? :o :(

Grizelda: Because you're a coward, silly wolf. ;)

Sir Michael: (Gulps; small voice) What are you going to do to me? Are you going to hurt me? :o

Grizelda: I think my cats would like meet you, maybe play a little "game." How would you like that? ;) >:)

Sir Michael: N...no! Please! :o :((

Pigsly: (Snorts) He's gonna join his men? ;)

Porker: We're gonna go feed the big kitties! :D

(The witch makes another ball of red light appear and sends it over Sir Michael. When it subsides, the frightened canine is now in a cage.)

Pigsly: Good. Easier transportation. ;)

Sir Michael: (Whimpers, sobbing) Please, let me out! :(

Grizelda: Now, my cats have been VERY good lately. I'd hate to disappoint them. ;) >:)

Sir Michael: But dogs chase cats, not the other way around!

Pigsly: You ain't seen these cats, Knight. ;)

Grizelda: My cats EAT dogs, my dear Knight. ;) >:)

Pigsly: (Mutters) And everything ELSE they can get their claws on, including pigs. :p

Grizelda: Goes without saying. ;)

(Sir Michael is transported to a large, dark room. The pigs set his cage on the floor next to two oversized blood-red velvet pillows. Two cages filled with gray, white, and brown mice are suspended from the celing.)

*Two rumbling growls are heard as the pigs back off. Grizelda flicks a light switch, revealing to large, black panthers. Both are still growling.* X-( >:) ;)

(Sir Michael gulps and lets out a whimper, pulling back in his cage. The mice all squeak and squeal. :o :( )

Pigsly: Hey, kitties, come and get your supper! We got a nice, juicy wolf for ya! ;)

Grizelda: Play nice! ;)

Sir Michael: (Pulling as far back as he can in the cage) N...no, I ain't juicy at all. (Holds up one paw) See? I'm skinny and tough. You'd probably break a tooth on me. I ain't got no dark meat. :o

Grizelda: You'd be amazed at how STRONG their teeth are. ;) >:)

Sir Michael: (As the pigs pull him out of the cage and dump him on the floor) No! You wouldn't eat me without vegetables! Once I bit my tongue and I tasted terrible! You don't got no gravy or utensils! (He backs further and futher away, occasionally looking helplessly at the cages with the mice hanging from the celing .)

*The cats advance on the wolf slowly, staring at him, even drooling slightly.* ;)

Sir Michael: (Backed into a wall) Come on, guys, there's better-tastin' things around than me! I got too much fur! You'll get hairballs! (Points at the pigs with his paw) Wouldn't you rather have a nice ham dinner than a wolf lunch? They're easier chewin' and taste great with a little pineapple and apple glaze. ;)

*The panthers do glance at the pigs and drool a bit more!*

Grizelda: *groans* The wolf, you foolish panthers! :P *rolls her eyes*

Pigsly: (Eyes widen) Uh oh.

Porker: They think WE'RE the Blue Light Special!

Grizelda: *glances at the pigs* Why don't you ham steaks get outta here, before you turn into REAL ham steaks? :P

(The pigs start to open the door, but the panthers chase them. Sir Michael takes advantage of the distraction to run out the open door.)

Grizelda: *groans loudly* Look at what you idiots did! :P

Pigsly: We'll get him...(a cat takes a swipe at him)...as soon as we can get these overgrown pussy cats of yours off our backs! :p

Grizelda: Why do I have to do everything myself? *sighs*

Porker: Yipes! (One cat almost straightens his curly tail) Call them off!

*Grizelda sends off another red sphere towards the panthers. The panthers stop, then sit * start licking their paws, cleaning themselves.* :P

Grizelda: Now, go get that wolf! :P

Pigsly: (Hoof across forehead in a "whew" gesture) Right, your ladyship! (They follow Sir Michael out the door.)

Grizelda: Why is good help so hard to find? *shakes her head* :P

(Cut to Sir Michael running across the fields and the Grickle Grass Plains to the Truffula Forest. He's obviously tiring, but he keeps looking over his shoulder, terrified of the pigs. He isn't watching where he's going and trips over a root on the ground, turning his right front leg as he falls. He looks over his shoulder again; voices are faintly heard. He tries to run, but he's tired and his leg obviously pains him. We see a repeat of the earlier scene of him limping to the beach and collapsing before fading out on the flashback and fading back in on Bennett and Peter's cottage.)

Sir Michael: (As we fade back in) And now you understand what's goin' on.

Peter: What happened to your men?

Sir Michael: (Nearly in tears) They're probably in a pair of panther stomachs by now. (Whimpers) I can't believe I ran and left them all alone, without even trying to help them or save them! That ain't like me! :(( :(

Peter: (Strokes Sir Michael's fur) You poor man...wolf. This is terrible! :o :(

Micky: Poor wolfie! :(

Shelly: Mean witch hurt wolfie! :(

Sir Michael: Yeah, kids, the mean witch hurt the wolf (sighs) but the wolf should have at least tried to help his men, who depend on him. I ran like a scared rabbit and left them to the mercy of the most evil creatures in Storybook Land! (Lowers his head sadly) I can't imagine they think much of me now.

Peter: That's why you're embarrassed and sad and ashamed. You're not used to running away from your problems.

Sir Michael: I've never backed away from a fight in my entire life, but now...(whines)...I'm too chicken to look at a CHICKEN the wrong way, much less fight Witch Grizelda and the Flying Pigs! :(

Coco: Oh, dear. :(

Shelly: Wolfie sad. (Kisses his muzzle) All better? :)

Sir Michael: Sorta, kiddo. Thanks. :) :">

Micky: *also kisses Sir Michael* We make better. :)

Sir Michael: (Spots of red can be seen under his thick black fur) Oh, man... :">

Debbie: What are we going to do now?

Sir Michael: We've gotta get back to the Witch's castle somehow. She may still have my men...and even if she doesn't, she'll probably get other people to go after Snow White and the remainin' high princesses.

Coco: How do we get back there?

Peter: (Eyes widen) Oh, man! That's a while from here! Sir Michael, you must have run for DAYS!

Sir Michael: Now you know why I was tired when I made it to the Truffula Forest. :p

Coco: I guess so! :P

Bennett: (Puts up a hand) I'm afraid none of you can make the journey on empty stomachs and at this hour. You're all welcome to stay here for the night. Sir Michael will have to; there's no other healing facility within a hundred miles of this one, and he needs to rest and to allow the medicine to work.

Shelly: (Puts her arm around Sir Michael) Stay with doggie! :D

Micky: *also puts an arm around Sir Michael* Yeah! :D

Debbie: Besides, there's really nowhere else we CAN go.

Gina: We don't know anyone here!

Coco: That's right.

Sir Michael: (Blushing again) Oh, man, you kids are really sweet. :"> :D

Bennett: We'll get you ready to go on your journey early tomorrow morning. Michael's leg should be healed enough by then. (Smiles and goes to the kitchen) For now, who wants dinner? ;)

Coco: Me! :D

Debbie: I am! I'm starved!

Gina: Me too!

Shelly: Dinner! :)

Micky: Food! :)

Sir Michael: I sure could use some grub. I ain't eaten anythin' but a few berries for days. (Blushes) They're the only things I figured wouldn't attack me. :">

Bennett: I should have some vegetable and bean stew ready.

Sir Michael: Got a nice, fat young rabbitt that won't try to hurt me?

Peter: (Shakes his head) Oh, no, Bennett and I don't believe in hunting game. They're our friends, not our dinner! We're vegetarians! :)

Sir Michael: (Lays back down, muttering) I was better off with the berries. :p

Bennett: We'll find something for you, Sir Michael. Now, the stew should just about be ready for the rest of you.

Debbie: (As the children and Peter sit down at the table) Bennett, have you ever heard of any mermaids living in these parts?

Bennett: (Nods) Yes. Truffula Lake is the home of Princess Laurette, the high princess of the Truffula Square, and her parents Posiedon and Alana. (Sighs) We don't see them much anymore, since their people started disappearing.

Gina: Are they (looks at the twins) passing away?

Peter: (Shakes his head) No. They just fade and, ultimately, disappear. That's been happening to many magical creatures, such as unicorns and ogres. Our scientists relate it to the Queen and her council's fading magic, and the high princesses' loss of control over the Squares.

Coco: That's awful! :(

Shelly: Mommy go bye-bye? :o :(

Bennett: If your mother is Princess Laurette, and she may be from your description, we can only hope not, young lady.

Coco: Let’s hope that's just a coincidence.

Bennett: I hope so too, for your sakes. (Smiles) Now, who's ready for some stew? ;) :)

(Lots of "me!"s. ;) )

Bennett: (Starts pouring stew in bowls) Good. You children must be hungry after your long day. (Starts handing the bowls out.)

(The camera pulls out, showing the softly lit kitchen and the children and the two healers happily eating dinner. Fade out on this gentle domestic scene; fade in on the next morning. Peter and the children now have leather backpacks and walking sticks. Peter also has his guitar case slung on his back.)

Peter: (Gulps at Bennett, who stands at the door) Are you SURE I'm ready to do this alone? Can't you come, too?

Bennett: (Shakes his head) No, Peter. I've got things to do here. (Smiles) Besides, I've said you've been ready to go out on your own for a long time. (A black, fuzzy nose pokes Bennett and whimpers) Oh, go on, boy! You won't save anyone just standing there! :p

Sir Michael: I'm too afraid. I don't wanna run into those flying pigs again! :o :(

Peter: Don't worry, Michael! We'll take care of you, and your leg is looking much better today!

Debbie: We won't let those old pigs or that nasty witch get to you!

Coco: Yeah! We can outsmart those stupid pigs easily! :)

Sir Michael: Really? (Bennett gently pushes him outside)

Bennett: Come now, Sir Michael! That's no way for one of Storybook Land's greatest warriors to behave.

Sir Michael: I ain't a great warrior anymore. (Sadly) I'm just a wolf with no courage. :(

Coco: That's not true! :P

Peter: Why don't we ask the Wizard to restore your courage? :)

Sir Michael: He won't...hurt me...will he?

Shelly: Wizawd?

Peter: He'll know how to turn you back into Sir Michael the Brave again! (Smiles) I think I'll ask him for some brains, too, so I won't be a dummy anymore. :p

Debbie: Maybe we could ask him how we get outta here and if he's seen Lauren around.

Coco: Good idea, Deb.

Shelly: (Tugs on Coco) Find Mommy?

Coco: *smiles* Yeah, kiddo, we're gonna go find Mommy. ;)

Shelly: Yay! (Claps her hands) :D

Micky: Find Mommy! :D

Peter: The wizard will help you find your mommy! I know he will! :D

Bennett: Farewell, good children, and may fortune's wind find you and keep you safe from all who would do you evil.

Peter: Bye, Bennett!

(The kids all say variations on "bye!" and hike off into the woods.)

Bennett: (Sighs) I hope they know what they're doing. (Goes into the garden...as a familiar leathery rustling is heard.)

Pigsly: (He and the other Flying Pigs appear from the Truffula Trees) What have we here? :D

Bennett: (Turns on the pigs and glares) What do you want here? I'm just an elderly healer who lives in the Truffula Forest with his apprentice. I've done nothing to Grizelda. :p

Pigsly: That's where you're wrong. Witch Grizelda knows you've been helping that wolf. She doesn't like that. :P

Bennett: Which wolf would that be? There's many in the forest, and we've healed quite a few. ;)

Porker: The wolf formerly known as Sir Michael. :P

Bennett: (Raises his eyebrows) Sir Michael? As in Sir Michael the Brave? Last I heard, he was leading his armies around the Southland Square...and as human as I am. ;) :p

Pigsly: Don't play dumb with us. Grizelda has ways of finding out what goes on. She saw you helping Sir Michael, now in wolf form!

Bennett: That's our job. We're healers. We heal the wounds of hurt travelers and forest animals.

Pigsly: You were also planning on seeing the Wizard and rescuing Sir Michael's army. :P

Bennett: How could I be doing that when I'm right here? ;)

*Pigsly sighs, annoyed.* :P

Porker: Well, the others went to see the Wizard and do the rescuing. :P

Flying Pig 3: Maybe we oughta take him to see the witch! That'll loosen his tongue! ;)

Bennett: Now, wait just a minute...

Pigsly: Good idea. Perhaps Grizelda can get a little more information, then keep him out of our way. ;)

Bennett: (Makes a sphere of golden energy appear in his hands, then throws it at the pigs) This is all the information I'll give you! (He takes off, but he's old and rather slow)

Pigsly: Follow him!

(The pigs easily grab the old man, carrying him over to Pigsly.)

Bennett: You and your insane mistress won't get away with this, Pigsly! X( :p

Pigsly: I think we already have. >:) ;)

Bennett: (Struggles) Let me go! (The pigs ignore him and carry him off to their mistress as we fade out on the pigs and the old man in the blue sky.)