Last one . . . tear. Well, I hope you enjoyed the story, and thanks for
your support. Please excuse any grammatical errors. Thanks, and enjoy . .
. one last time.
I own none of the characters in this story except for Dana, Sky-Anne, and the occasional extra or two. Other characters are all owned by Telescene. In other words, not me!
CH. 26: WAKING UP
(Pleasantville Hospital. Camera pans out to show Dana still asleep in her hospital bed. Her eyelids start to flutter and finally open. She looks around confused. She takes the needles and equipment off and heads into the hallway. Everyone seems to be upset and fast-paced)
Dana: (Catching a nurse) Excuse me, but, what's going on?
Nurse: The medication hall is down to your left.
Dana: No, wait. I don't need medication. I just want to know what's going on.
Nurse: All patients are supposed to be in their rooms this time of the day. Now come with me and-
Dana: No! Why won't you tell me?
Nurse: Where is your room?
Dana: (Pointing to her room) Over there, but just answer m-
Nurse: (Surprised) Wait, you came from that room? (Dana nods her head) But they were sure you wouldn't- you couldn't- I mean. Wait right here.
(The nurse rushes off. Dana waits impatiently. She goes back in her room and puts a coat on. Camera changes to her walking out of the hospital. She looks around but everything seems to have changed. Pleasantville looks tattered. Wooden frames of houses stand, but they look burnt and charred. Everyone looks gloomy as Dana passes them by.)
Dana: (Stopping a man) Excuse me, please, can you tell me what's happened here?
Man: Great, not another tourist. Look missy, just leave us alone and stop taunting us. We're not crazy you know! We're not crazy!
Dana: No. I live here. Can you just tell me what happened? This place used to be well . . . pleasant, and everyone used to be so . . . well, stupid, but they were all cheery and bright.
Man: You must be crazier than I am lady. Pleasantville hasn't been all cheery as you say for five years.
Dana: Five years?
(Camera changes to a burnt and abandoned Pleasantville high. Dana walks through the halls, although they are charred and scorched.)
Dana: How could this all happen in five years? It just doesn't make sense.
Voice: Nothing makes sense when you don't know what's happened.
(Dana turns around to see a hooded figure)
Dana: (Rolling eyes) Why do people have to hide their identity so much?
Voice: I wish I could reveal who I am, but the time is not right. You must arm yourself well and get out of this town fast Dana!
Dana: Wait . . . you know me? Tell me then, where is everyone else? Where's Merton, Tommy . . . where is everybody?
Voice: You are better off not knowing. Please, you cannot run into anyone. Just arm yourself and then get out of here!
(The figure disappears)
Dana: Creepy much.
(Camera changes to Dana walking into a paranormal-looking store. She notices the clerk behind the register. He's bald with tattoos over his muscular body. His facial expression looks annoyed.)
Clerk: (Watching Dana look around) Are you going to buy something or not?
Dana: (Caught off guard) Yeah. I was just looking.
Clerk: Well hurry up then. I haven't got all day.
Dana: Right. Sorry.
(The clerk goes on to talk to another customer. Dana walks around still browsing when she notices a room behind two red curtains. She starts towards it, but the clerk steps in front of the curtains.)
Clerk: You wouldn't be wanting anything in there.
Dana: I might. What's in there?
Clerk: It doesn't matter. He's already been sold.
Dana: He?
Clerk: What?
Dana: You said he.
Clerk: Umm, well, I meant it.
Dana: Sir, I would like to see what's behind those curtains.
Clerk: No you wouldn't. Now just stay here. Look, I'll give you a special. Buy two daggers get the third free, just stay here, alright?
(Dana nods. The clerk goes back to attend his other customer. Dana waits until he isn't looking and runs through the curtains, closing them behind her. Dana looks around; her back turned to a silver cage. All of a sudden someone jumps up inside the cage, scaring Dana.)
Dana: What the- Merton?
Merton: (Hair down and messy with a very dark five o'clock shadow) Who are you?
Dana: What are you doing in that cage?
Merton: (Shrugs) Got caught. Hey, could you possibly get those keys over there and let me out?
Dana: Yeah. (Unlocking the cage door) I was worried that I'd never see you again.
Merton: (Stepping out of the cage) Awe that's sweet. Now, uh, who are you again?
Dana: Merton, it's me! (Merton looks at her confused) Dana?
Merton: Dana? No, she's been in a coma for-
Dana: Five years I know.
Merton: You look different.
Dana: So do you. I guess grooming hasn't been an option lately.
Merton: Nope. The bad thing about being imprisoned in a cage is that you have no connection with any electrical equipment.
Dana: (Smiling) But you're still the same Merton.
Merton: Heh, sure.
(The clerk starts yelling in the other room.)
Dana: Uh oh. We've gotta get out of here.
Merton: Come on, exit's this way.
(He grabs her hand and takes her to an exit as they both escape just in time. Camera changes to an alley as they leap out of the door and run down the street. After a while, they stop.)
Merton: (Feeling the breeze) Fresh air is vastly under appreciated.
Dana: He said you were being sold. What did he mean by that?
Merton: Well, uh, you've missed out on a lot Dana.
Dana: So I've seen. (Looking down at what she's wearing) You know we could sure use a new wardrobe by now.
Merton: Wha-
(Dana grabs him and quickly rushes into a store. Camera changes to a nicely dressed Dana walking out of the store with Merton who seems to be a little embarrassed)
Merton: (Wearing a baby blue shirt) I don't know Dana, wearing this kind of makes me feel like a traitor.
Dana: It's been five years Merton, live a little. But what's happened around here? No one's been able to tell me.
(Dana and Merton continue to walk)
Merton: We should get somewhere safe before the sun sets.
Dana: (Stopping Merton) We'll do that Merton. Just, what's happened?
Merton: (Sighing) Alright. Follow me and I'll fill you in.
(Pleasantville Woods. Merton and Dana walk around the dead trees.)
Merton: After you fell into a coma, the gang split up. I went my separate way, and so did Tommy and Sky-Anne. They tried working together, but then Tommy just stopped caring. The evil in this town got to be so huge, that not even Tommy could keep up with it. So, he bailed.
Dana: He just quit?
Merton: Yeah. You could say that. Sky-Anne however, she didn't give up. She still tried to fight the evil. She organized a group of hunters but eventually-
Dana: What happened to her?
Merton: She's dead. Killed by some maniac demon.
Dana: Merton, where were you when all this happened?
Merton: Funny you should mention that.
(Merton looks up at a dark castle. Dana looks up at it too.)
Dana: Merton, please tell me this isn't the place you're taking me.
Merton: Do you trust me?
Dana: (Looking back at him) Of course I d-
(Merton pulls her into a passionate kiss. Dana is pushed back onto a tree. Merton starts to move towards her neck. All of a sudden, he bites into her.)
Dana: (Struggling) Merton? What are you doing? Stop it! Stop!
(She pushes him off of her.)
Merton: (Laughing) Hey now just having some fun.
(Dana punches him in the face.)
Merton: (Grabbing his nose) Hey that hurt.
Dana: Don't you ever touch me ever again!
(Dana runs back into the woods.)
Merton: Come on now. Be a sport. (Dana keeps running) No? Dana comeback! The woods aren't safe at night. You'll have to come back sooner or later.
(Merton smirks while he watches Dana run deeper into the woods. His eyes glow red as he growls. Camera changes to deep inside the woods. Dana stops at a tree stump trying to catch her breath. She notices a wooden cabin nearby and goes inside.)
Dana: (Looking around at the dirty room) Well, I know the housekeeper is either dead or on vacation.
Tommy: (Coming out from behind the shadows) Was that supposed to be funny?
Dana: (Surprised) Tommy! Oh, Tommy . . . umm, you still don't bear that little grudge between you and me, right?
(Tommy growls)
Dana: Look, I know you hate me. I'm sorry. I truly am. But you got to take a look around. You got to help these people.
Tommy: Why should I? They never thanked me, even after I saved them countless number of times. What thanks do I get?
Dana: Tommy, you know you weren't a hero because you wanted all the glory. You did it because it was the right thing to do.
Tommy: Yeah, a lot of good that did. Still, a little appreciation would help.
Dana: What happened between you and Merton?
Tommy: You.
Dana: No, really?
Tommy: He's evil, or haven't you noticed?
Dana: I admit he was a little forward, but that doesn't make him evil.
Tommy: Hey, weren't you in a coma?
Dana: Yeah, I woke up, and all hell broke loose.
Tommy: Well, while you were in dreamland, our world was turning chaotic.
Dana: I know, Merton told me all about it. You couldn't hack all these monsters, so you gave up.
Tommy: Is that what he told you?
Dana: Yeah. Is it wrong?
Tommy: No, he just left out the part about him leading all those monsters.
Dana: He also said Sky-Anne was killed by a maniac demon.
Tommy: Well, there he was telling the truth. HE was the maniac demon.
Dana: He killed Sky-Anne? But he couldn't. He's-
Tommy: E-VIL. Did you not hear me before?
Hooded Figure: I told you to get out of here as soon as possible. These two are not to be trusted.
Tommy: Who's that?
Dana: The way it's acting I think my Fairy godmother.
Hooded Figure: (Laughing) No, not that.
(The figure takes the robe off. Sky-Anne appears all shiny and see- through. Dana and Tommy watch amazed.)
Sky-Anne: Umm, boo?
Tommy: You're . . . not dead.
Sky-Anne: Oh no. I'm dead, just, umm, not all dead.
Dana: Is there such a thing?
Sky-Anne: Look, ever since my death I've been stuck on this plane.
Dana: Unfinished business?
Sky-Anne: You could say that. But I think it's because someone isn't quite finished with me.
Dana: Sky-Anne, please, just tell me everything that's happened. I don't know whom to trust anymore, and you're the only one that seems to care.
Sky-Anne: Wow, I feel like I've won the Oscars or something. Okay, I'll give you the highlighted version. When Merton became, umm, whatever he is, he started changing. He started to become evil. After you went into a coma, he left the group. A couple months later he's all big bad with his ugly demon friends. (Pointing to Tommy) Then this guy here stopped fighting for (Makes quote gestures with fingers) "personal reasons."
Tommy: Sky-Anne you know-
Sky-Anne: Don't interrupt. I have the floor, even though I don't need it anymore. See? (Points to her floating above the ground) No gravitational pull.
Dana: That's nice, but-
Sky-Anne: Okay, okay. So, then I started rallying other citizens. Big shock for them. I mean, who would've known that demons and such exist? Yada, yada, yada . . . then there was the big showdown, kind of.
Dana: And Merton killed you?
Sky-Anne: Yes, but the things I've been hearing in limbo, he wasn't supposed to do that just yet.
Dana: What do you mean?
Sky-Anne: Your kid showed up, remember? I think he's the one who's been protecting Merton and drawing all these evil things to Pleasantville.
Dana: Why doesn't he just take over? I mean, he is the Master's human form is he not?
Sky-Anne: That's just the thing. Something happened to him that I don't think the Master counted on happening.
Dana: What?
(Camera changes to Danny sitting on a thrown, still as a child.)
Sky-Anne's Voice: His eternal youth.
Danny: Where is he?
Merton: You mean me? Hmm . . . mentally or physically?
Danny: It took you long enough.
Merton: Well, SON, that demon you sent to meet me decided to become a traitor and sale me to the highest bidder. Luckily, I escaped before I ended up as the evening's main course no thanks to you.
Danny: Very well, you may go.
Merton: Wait, wait, wait . . . that's all I get? No, "thanks Dad!" No "I appreciate that effort Father"?
Danny: You know I am always gracious for your allegiance.
(Merton start laughing)
Danny: What? What is it?
Merton: (Clearing his throat) Sorry, it's just . . . you being you and then you talking all professional-like.
Danny: You find my seriousness amusing?
Merton: Well, yeah. I mean, you were all spurts with the growth, but now, I mean, you're lucky if you grow a few centimeters.
Danny: I've told you, until she awakens my plan cannot commence.
Merton: Oh, right . . . hmm, well, then I should probably tell you that she has awoken.
Danny: She's conscious?
Merton: Yeah . . . pretty much. Although she's kind of dazed about what's happened.
Danny: Then you've seen her?
Merton: Yes.
Danny: And you didn't bother to bring her along?
Merton: I did . . . but, we got a little sidetracked and she ran off.
Danny: You have to find her. Everything shall be ready when you return. You know what to do.
Merton: Right . . . I'll be back shortly.
(Merton walks out of the room. One of the advisors leans over to Danny.)
Advisor: His humor is most annoying sire.
Danny: (Grinning) Don't worry. As soon as the ritual takes place, we won't be seeing him any longer.
(Tommy's cabin.)
Dana: So, if you're stuck here, then, what do we do?
Sky-Anne: Nothing. You should go about your business. Go to another town. It's too dangerous now that you're conscious.
Tommy: But, doesn't that mean you're stuck here forever?
Sky-Anne: It's a small sacrifice to pay to keep the Master where he is.
Dana: This isn't right. You should be able to go on. It's not fair.
Sky-Anne: It's life.
Tommy: Yeah, but . . . you're dead.
(Dana's head starts to throb in pain)
Tommy: What's wrong?
Sky-Anne: Dana, are those bite marks on your neck?
Dana: Yeah.
Sky-Anne: Merton didn't by any chance bite you did he?
Dana: Umm, yeah, is that bad.
Sky-Anne: Well, it means that you're turning into a creature like him, and he can sense you wherever you are.
Tommy: I'm guessing that's bad.
Dana: Sorry.
Sky-Anne: We have to keep you moving. C'mon.
(The three run out of the cabin and into the woods. Before they can go anywhere, Merton stops them in their tracks)
Merton: Oh, we wouldn't want to do that now would we?
Dana: You know Merton, with you it's kind of hard to figure out where the evil ends and insanity begins.
Merton: What can I say? You drive me crazy.
Sky-Anne: Yuck, Britney is so five years ago.
Merton: (Surprised) Sky-Anne? Huh, I guess nowadays you kill a person, they just keep coming back.
Sky-Anne: Because of your stupid mistake.
Merton: Don't make me kill you again. I know tricks that can even destroy a soul. Of course, it wouldn't be as fun as jamming a stake through you like I did your boyfriend.
Sky-Anne: Eat sh-
Merton: Hey now, let's not get suggestive.
Tommy: Leave her alone Merton.
Merton: Ah, buddy. Long time no kill, correct? I find it interesting we use to be best friends . . . now, we're like . . . best enemies.
Dana: (Taking a silver cross out of her pocket) Get away from us.
Merton: And this is supposed to stop me how?
Dana: It's silver, and a cross . . . that ought to take care of your split personalities.
Merton: Oh yeah, except one thing. (Takes out the amulet from under his shirt) Looky what I got!
Dana: Damn!
(Something shocks Merton making him fall to the ground. Dana looks behind him to see a bunch of men with bayonets charging straight for Merton.)
Dana: It's those guys.
Tommy: Guys?
Dana: Merton was captured in a cage when I first saw him.
Sky-Anne: And you let him out?
Dana: I didn't know he was evil.
Tommy: Here's our chance to get the hell out of here then.
Dana: Wait, we just can't leave him here. They'll kill him.
Sky-Anne: Hopefully.
Tommy: Do you want him to kill us Dana?
Dana: I'm not letting them take him.
Sky-Anne: He's evil Dana. He might look like the Merton we used to know, but he's a demon. The old Merton is gone.
Dana: No, I don't believe that. He still has to be in there . . . somewhere.
(Dana starts to fight the men.)
Sky-Anne: No Dana! (Looking at Tommy) Aren't you going to do something?
Tommy: What? She's a big girl.
Sky-Anne: (Rolling her eyes) Men.
Tommy: Fine.
(Tommy joins in on the fight. After they defeat them, Dana kneels down to an unconscious Merton. She brushes his face with her hand)
Dana: This is all my fault. I should have never turned you into this . . . this monster.
Merton: (Eyes flash open. Grabs her hand) Now don't say that. I owe all my great victories to you. And now, I've returned the favor.
Tommy: (Picking up Merton by his shirt collar) Change her back!
Merton: You know as well as I do there hasn't ever been a cure. Or at least, no one's ever had the guts to kill me, right Tommy?
(Tommy and Merton start to fight. Tommy gets pummeled but then backhands Merton sending him flying to the ground. Tommy picks Merton up by the shirt and takes a dagger out of his pocket. Merton braces himself, but Tommy hesitates. Seeing the moment of weakness, Merton kicks Tommy, sending him flying into a tree.)
Merton (Dusting himself off) I knew it. You could never finish what you started.
Dana: What's that supposed to mean?
Merton: Oh, he hasn't told you? Now I feel like a Scrooge for spoiling the revealing moment. Of course, I wasn't trying to steal the spotlight.
Tommy: (Still on the ground) Stop it.
Merton: But it's the truth. Wolfboy here gave up the fight because he couldn't kill his best friend. Oh, how touching, right? Of course, that just shows you how different we really are. See Tommy can't kill someone he cares about. (Picking Tommy up by the throat, and grabbing a silver stake from his belt) But I can.
Dana: No! Stop.
Merton: Sorry, but I'm not giving him any last requests.
Dana: No. Please. If you don't kill him, I'll go. I mean, I won't put up a struggle or anything.
Tommy: Don't Dana.
(Merton drops Tommy. He faces Dana.)
Merton: You'll come with me . . . no sudden moves?
Dana: Yes.
Sky-Anne: Dana . . . no!
Merton: Too late. She's given her final answer. Time to fly.
(Merton grabs Dana, and they both vanish.)
Sky-Anne: (Looking down at Tommy) No one ever listens to me, nope.
(Evil castle. Danny sits at his throne, waiting impatiently. The doors open. Merton walks in.)
Merton: Great, umm, now that I held up my part of the deal, we can get this over with right?
Danny: Of course. However, the ritual won't take place for a while. I trust that you will entertain our guest until then.
Merton: (Growling with an evil grin) my pleasure.
(Tommy walks through the woods while Sky-Anne . . . umm, floats)
Sky-Anne: Tommy, I didn't know the reason you gave up the fight was for-
Tommy: I don't want to talk about this Sky-Anne.
Sky-Anne: Well, I do.
Tommy: You know how much I regret it? Because of one stupid decision, I screwed up the fate of several good people . . . even you.
Sky-Anne: Really, it's not all that bad. Being translucent has its perks.
Tommy: (Smiling) That's very, uh, bright of you.
Sky-Anne: All I want to do is stop the Master. Believe me Tommy, if there was ever a time to make up for past misdeeds, this would be it.
Tommy: So I guess we're going in?
(Tommy and Sky-Anne look up at the castle.)
Sky-Anne: Not much of a choice.
Tommy: There's always a choice.
(Dungeon cell. Dana wakes up and realizes she's chained to a wall.)
Merton: (On the other side of the cell) He said I could have you before the party.
Dana: You'll never have me Merton.
Merton: I already have, remember?
Dana: Get lost.
Merton: Afraid I can't. I have to make sure those two don't come and save you.
Dana: If you didn't want them to come, then why didn't you kill them?
Merton: You didn't want me to, remember?
Dana: Don't tell me that sparked some humanity in you.
Merton: Nope, actually, we need them for the ritual as well. I just wanted to sound all noble-like. Did it work?
Dana: What do you think?
Merton: Good isn't my style, as you may have noticed.
(Loud bells start ringing.)
Merton: Show time.
(Merton moves toward Dana.)
Merton: Now come with me without a fight, and I promise I won't use the chains.
Dana: Whatever will get me away from you.
(Outside the woods. Tommy and Sky-Anne look confused)
Sky-Anne: I feel something; it's pulling me away.
(Sky-Anne disappears.)
Tommy: Well that was predictable.
(Tommy starts to vanish as well.)
Tommy: Great, my turn?
(The scene fizzles from the woods to inside the castle. Tommy lands on one of the corners of a darken symbol. Sky-Anne hovers over another corner)
Dana: (Standing on a corner) What the hell?
Merton: Not quite.
Danny: Hello mother.
Dana: Danny?
Tommy & Sky-Anne: Danny?
Dana: It seemed right at the moment.
Danny: Thank you all for attending our little get together. Now if you'd be so kind as to move to your personal positions we can begin the ceremony.
(Automatically the three are forced to stand in a triangle position, with Danny in the middle. Merton laughs but is drawn in to make the fourth point, forming a diamond.)
Merton: Hey, what gives?
Danny: You didn't think I'd leave you out on something like this, do you? (Gesturing up towards the ceiling) I can feel the power now.
(A giant crystal hangs from the ceiling. All of a sudden lightening bolts come flying through the four. A powerful line of light connects them all to the crystal. Then another light from their chests surges to Danny.)
Dana: What's happening?
Sky-Anne: He's taking our power. That's what he wanted. It'll make him stronger and break him away from his child-like form.
Tommy: We have to stop him.
Merton: You can't stop him, he's evil.
Dana: Which makes him stoppable. Guys we have to forget all the bad between us, it's the only way to fight him. Fight evil with good.
Merton: Spare me the Cornfest.
Sky-Anne: She's right. We have to forgive each other. All the pain, it has to go away.
Tommy: Okay. So, start thinking positive thoughts guys.
(All of a sudden the light beams start to flicker. They eventually die down and disappear. Danny looks upset but cannot react fast enough. A dark beam comes from the diamond and hits Danny straight on. With an explosion he disappears. The remaining four stand in silence, taking in everything that just happened.)
Sky-Anne: Well that was co-
(All of a sudden the four are engulfed in bright light. The light fades and they find themselves back in Merton's Lair.)
Dana: We're back.
Sky-Anne: (Now solid) And alive!
(Merton sits on the floor a little surprised)
Dana: (Kneeling down beside him) Hey, are you okay?
Merton: Yeah, I just can't believe I did all those horrible things.
Dana: It wasn't you Merton. It was the demon inside. It had nothing to do with you.
Tommy: (Flipping the pages of a calendar) Hey look! We've gone back to when everything started.
(Tommy heads toward the group and trips.)
Tommy: Ouch.
(Tommy gets back up.)
Merton: Wait Tommy, did that hurt?
Tommy: Yeah . . . a lot. I'm surprised I didn't wolf- wait a second, I didn't wolf out.
Merton: Tommy, you're human!
Tommy: Wow, umm, wow . . . it feels really weird.
Merton: And I must not be a demon anymore either. I'm human again!
Sky-Anne: When he took our power source he must have taken your demon sides as well.
Tommy: Excuse me guys, I got to go talk to the hottest chick I can find.
(Tommy almost skips as he runs out the door.)
Merton: I swear if he had a tail-
Sky-Anne: Well, I'm going to go see Gabrielle, if you guys don't mind.
(Sky-Anne exits out the door as well)
Dana: (Helping Merton up) So, how does it feel to be normal again?
Merton: It feels good.
(They pull into a kiss, then pull away.)
Dana: I love you Merton.
Merton: I love you too . . . Lori.
Dana: (Surprised) What?
(The camera starts to get fuzzy as everything turns bright. Merton's voice still echoes out "Lori")
Lori: (Opening her eyes) Huh?
Merton: Lori? Are you okay?
(Camera pans out to Lori lying on the sidewalk. Merton and Tommy are bent down observing her.)
Tommy: Yeah that ball kinda hit you hard.
Merton: I told you NOT to go long.
Tommy: Who ever says that?
Lori: It was all a dream?
Merton: Umm, sure, if you could have had a dream for five minutes.
Lori: But it was so vivid.
Tommy: Aren't dreams usually vivid?
Lori: Yeah, I guess so. But it was kind of us. I mean, I wasn't there, but you two were. And these other girls.
Merton: Girls? Were they hott girls?
Lori: (Hitting him in the arm) Merton.
Merton: Heh heh . . . ow.
(Merton nurses his arm as Tommy helps Lori up.)
Tommy: You were saying it was a dream like us? What do you mean?
Lori: Well, it was different . . . like, a different tale to tell.
Merton: Tale to tell? Heh, what kind of idiot thought that up? (Seeing Lori's expression) Okay, okay, no hit!
(The three teenagers start walking off as they chat about. The camera zooms out.)
THE END
Well, I told you Lori wouldn't appear in the story . . . you know, because it was her dream! Hah, fooled you! Thanks for your support! Okay, I'm done . . . and that's a wrap.
I own none of the characters in this story except for Dana, Sky-Anne, and the occasional extra or two. Other characters are all owned by Telescene. In other words, not me!
CH. 26: WAKING UP
(Pleasantville Hospital. Camera pans out to show Dana still asleep in her hospital bed. Her eyelids start to flutter and finally open. She looks around confused. She takes the needles and equipment off and heads into the hallway. Everyone seems to be upset and fast-paced)
Dana: (Catching a nurse) Excuse me, but, what's going on?
Nurse: The medication hall is down to your left.
Dana: No, wait. I don't need medication. I just want to know what's going on.
Nurse: All patients are supposed to be in their rooms this time of the day. Now come with me and-
Dana: No! Why won't you tell me?
Nurse: Where is your room?
Dana: (Pointing to her room) Over there, but just answer m-
Nurse: (Surprised) Wait, you came from that room? (Dana nods her head) But they were sure you wouldn't- you couldn't- I mean. Wait right here.
(The nurse rushes off. Dana waits impatiently. She goes back in her room and puts a coat on. Camera changes to her walking out of the hospital. She looks around but everything seems to have changed. Pleasantville looks tattered. Wooden frames of houses stand, but they look burnt and charred. Everyone looks gloomy as Dana passes them by.)
Dana: (Stopping a man) Excuse me, please, can you tell me what's happened here?
Man: Great, not another tourist. Look missy, just leave us alone and stop taunting us. We're not crazy you know! We're not crazy!
Dana: No. I live here. Can you just tell me what happened? This place used to be well . . . pleasant, and everyone used to be so . . . well, stupid, but they were all cheery and bright.
Man: You must be crazier than I am lady. Pleasantville hasn't been all cheery as you say for five years.
Dana: Five years?
(Camera changes to a burnt and abandoned Pleasantville high. Dana walks through the halls, although they are charred and scorched.)
Dana: How could this all happen in five years? It just doesn't make sense.
Voice: Nothing makes sense when you don't know what's happened.
(Dana turns around to see a hooded figure)
Dana: (Rolling eyes) Why do people have to hide their identity so much?
Voice: I wish I could reveal who I am, but the time is not right. You must arm yourself well and get out of this town fast Dana!
Dana: Wait . . . you know me? Tell me then, where is everyone else? Where's Merton, Tommy . . . where is everybody?
Voice: You are better off not knowing. Please, you cannot run into anyone. Just arm yourself and then get out of here!
(The figure disappears)
Dana: Creepy much.
(Camera changes to Dana walking into a paranormal-looking store. She notices the clerk behind the register. He's bald with tattoos over his muscular body. His facial expression looks annoyed.)
Clerk: (Watching Dana look around) Are you going to buy something or not?
Dana: (Caught off guard) Yeah. I was just looking.
Clerk: Well hurry up then. I haven't got all day.
Dana: Right. Sorry.
(The clerk goes on to talk to another customer. Dana walks around still browsing when she notices a room behind two red curtains. She starts towards it, but the clerk steps in front of the curtains.)
Clerk: You wouldn't be wanting anything in there.
Dana: I might. What's in there?
Clerk: It doesn't matter. He's already been sold.
Dana: He?
Clerk: What?
Dana: You said he.
Clerk: Umm, well, I meant it.
Dana: Sir, I would like to see what's behind those curtains.
Clerk: No you wouldn't. Now just stay here. Look, I'll give you a special. Buy two daggers get the third free, just stay here, alright?
(Dana nods. The clerk goes back to attend his other customer. Dana waits until he isn't looking and runs through the curtains, closing them behind her. Dana looks around; her back turned to a silver cage. All of a sudden someone jumps up inside the cage, scaring Dana.)
Dana: What the- Merton?
Merton: (Hair down and messy with a very dark five o'clock shadow) Who are you?
Dana: What are you doing in that cage?
Merton: (Shrugs) Got caught. Hey, could you possibly get those keys over there and let me out?
Dana: Yeah. (Unlocking the cage door) I was worried that I'd never see you again.
Merton: (Stepping out of the cage) Awe that's sweet. Now, uh, who are you again?
Dana: Merton, it's me! (Merton looks at her confused) Dana?
Merton: Dana? No, she's been in a coma for-
Dana: Five years I know.
Merton: You look different.
Dana: So do you. I guess grooming hasn't been an option lately.
Merton: Nope. The bad thing about being imprisoned in a cage is that you have no connection with any electrical equipment.
Dana: (Smiling) But you're still the same Merton.
Merton: Heh, sure.
(The clerk starts yelling in the other room.)
Dana: Uh oh. We've gotta get out of here.
Merton: Come on, exit's this way.
(He grabs her hand and takes her to an exit as they both escape just in time. Camera changes to an alley as they leap out of the door and run down the street. After a while, they stop.)
Merton: (Feeling the breeze) Fresh air is vastly under appreciated.
Dana: He said you were being sold. What did he mean by that?
Merton: Well, uh, you've missed out on a lot Dana.
Dana: So I've seen. (Looking down at what she's wearing) You know we could sure use a new wardrobe by now.
Merton: Wha-
(Dana grabs him and quickly rushes into a store. Camera changes to a nicely dressed Dana walking out of the store with Merton who seems to be a little embarrassed)
Merton: (Wearing a baby blue shirt) I don't know Dana, wearing this kind of makes me feel like a traitor.
Dana: It's been five years Merton, live a little. But what's happened around here? No one's been able to tell me.
(Dana and Merton continue to walk)
Merton: We should get somewhere safe before the sun sets.
Dana: (Stopping Merton) We'll do that Merton. Just, what's happened?
Merton: (Sighing) Alright. Follow me and I'll fill you in.
(Pleasantville Woods. Merton and Dana walk around the dead trees.)
Merton: After you fell into a coma, the gang split up. I went my separate way, and so did Tommy and Sky-Anne. They tried working together, but then Tommy just stopped caring. The evil in this town got to be so huge, that not even Tommy could keep up with it. So, he bailed.
Dana: He just quit?
Merton: Yeah. You could say that. Sky-Anne however, she didn't give up. She still tried to fight the evil. She organized a group of hunters but eventually-
Dana: What happened to her?
Merton: She's dead. Killed by some maniac demon.
Dana: Merton, where were you when all this happened?
Merton: Funny you should mention that.
(Merton looks up at a dark castle. Dana looks up at it too.)
Dana: Merton, please tell me this isn't the place you're taking me.
Merton: Do you trust me?
Dana: (Looking back at him) Of course I d-
(Merton pulls her into a passionate kiss. Dana is pushed back onto a tree. Merton starts to move towards her neck. All of a sudden, he bites into her.)
Dana: (Struggling) Merton? What are you doing? Stop it! Stop!
(She pushes him off of her.)
Merton: (Laughing) Hey now just having some fun.
(Dana punches him in the face.)
Merton: (Grabbing his nose) Hey that hurt.
Dana: Don't you ever touch me ever again!
(Dana runs back into the woods.)
Merton: Come on now. Be a sport. (Dana keeps running) No? Dana comeback! The woods aren't safe at night. You'll have to come back sooner or later.
(Merton smirks while he watches Dana run deeper into the woods. His eyes glow red as he growls. Camera changes to deep inside the woods. Dana stops at a tree stump trying to catch her breath. She notices a wooden cabin nearby and goes inside.)
Dana: (Looking around at the dirty room) Well, I know the housekeeper is either dead or on vacation.
Tommy: (Coming out from behind the shadows) Was that supposed to be funny?
Dana: (Surprised) Tommy! Oh, Tommy . . . umm, you still don't bear that little grudge between you and me, right?
(Tommy growls)
Dana: Look, I know you hate me. I'm sorry. I truly am. But you got to take a look around. You got to help these people.
Tommy: Why should I? They never thanked me, even after I saved them countless number of times. What thanks do I get?
Dana: Tommy, you know you weren't a hero because you wanted all the glory. You did it because it was the right thing to do.
Tommy: Yeah, a lot of good that did. Still, a little appreciation would help.
Dana: What happened between you and Merton?
Tommy: You.
Dana: No, really?
Tommy: He's evil, or haven't you noticed?
Dana: I admit he was a little forward, but that doesn't make him evil.
Tommy: Hey, weren't you in a coma?
Dana: Yeah, I woke up, and all hell broke loose.
Tommy: Well, while you were in dreamland, our world was turning chaotic.
Dana: I know, Merton told me all about it. You couldn't hack all these monsters, so you gave up.
Tommy: Is that what he told you?
Dana: Yeah. Is it wrong?
Tommy: No, he just left out the part about him leading all those monsters.
Dana: He also said Sky-Anne was killed by a maniac demon.
Tommy: Well, there he was telling the truth. HE was the maniac demon.
Dana: He killed Sky-Anne? But he couldn't. He's-
Tommy: E-VIL. Did you not hear me before?
Hooded Figure: I told you to get out of here as soon as possible. These two are not to be trusted.
Tommy: Who's that?
Dana: The way it's acting I think my Fairy godmother.
Hooded Figure: (Laughing) No, not that.
(The figure takes the robe off. Sky-Anne appears all shiny and see- through. Dana and Tommy watch amazed.)
Sky-Anne: Umm, boo?
Tommy: You're . . . not dead.
Sky-Anne: Oh no. I'm dead, just, umm, not all dead.
Dana: Is there such a thing?
Sky-Anne: Look, ever since my death I've been stuck on this plane.
Dana: Unfinished business?
Sky-Anne: You could say that. But I think it's because someone isn't quite finished with me.
Dana: Sky-Anne, please, just tell me everything that's happened. I don't know whom to trust anymore, and you're the only one that seems to care.
Sky-Anne: Wow, I feel like I've won the Oscars or something. Okay, I'll give you the highlighted version. When Merton became, umm, whatever he is, he started changing. He started to become evil. After you went into a coma, he left the group. A couple months later he's all big bad with his ugly demon friends. (Pointing to Tommy) Then this guy here stopped fighting for (Makes quote gestures with fingers) "personal reasons."
Tommy: Sky-Anne you know-
Sky-Anne: Don't interrupt. I have the floor, even though I don't need it anymore. See? (Points to her floating above the ground) No gravitational pull.
Dana: That's nice, but-
Sky-Anne: Okay, okay. So, then I started rallying other citizens. Big shock for them. I mean, who would've known that demons and such exist? Yada, yada, yada . . . then there was the big showdown, kind of.
Dana: And Merton killed you?
Sky-Anne: Yes, but the things I've been hearing in limbo, he wasn't supposed to do that just yet.
Dana: What do you mean?
Sky-Anne: Your kid showed up, remember? I think he's the one who's been protecting Merton and drawing all these evil things to Pleasantville.
Dana: Why doesn't he just take over? I mean, he is the Master's human form is he not?
Sky-Anne: That's just the thing. Something happened to him that I don't think the Master counted on happening.
Dana: What?
(Camera changes to Danny sitting on a thrown, still as a child.)
Sky-Anne's Voice: His eternal youth.
Danny: Where is he?
Merton: You mean me? Hmm . . . mentally or physically?
Danny: It took you long enough.
Merton: Well, SON, that demon you sent to meet me decided to become a traitor and sale me to the highest bidder. Luckily, I escaped before I ended up as the evening's main course no thanks to you.
Danny: Very well, you may go.
Merton: Wait, wait, wait . . . that's all I get? No, "thanks Dad!" No "I appreciate that effort Father"?
Danny: You know I am always gracious for your allegiance.
(Merton start laughing)
Danny: What? What is it?
Merton: (Clearing his throat) Sorry, it's just . . . you being you and then you talking all professional-like.
Danny: You find my seriousness amusing?
Merton: Well, yeah. I mean, you were all spurts with the growth, but now, I mean, you're lucky if you grow a few centimeters.
Danny: I've told you, until she awakens my plan cannot commence.
Merton: Oh, right . . . hmm, well, then I should probably tell you that she has awoken.
Danny: She's conscious?
Merton: Yeah . . . pretty much. Although she's kind of dazed about what's happened.
Danny: Then you've seen her?
Merton: Yes.
Danny: And you didn't bother to bring her along?
Merton: I did . . . but, we got a little sidetracked and she ran off.
Danny: You have to find her. Everything shall be ready when you return. You know what to do.
Merton: Right . . . I'll be back shortly.
(Merton walks out of the room. One of the advisors leans over to Danny.)
Advisor: His humor is most annoying sire.
Danny: (Grinning) Don't worry. As soon as the ritual takes place, we won't be seeing him any longer.
(Tommy's cabin.)
Dana: So, if you're stuck here, then, what do we do?
Sky-Anne: Nothing. You should go about your business. Go to another town. It's too dangerous now that you're conscious.
Tommy: But, doesn't that mean you're stuck here forever?
Sky-Anne: It's a small sacrifice to pay to keep the Master where he is.
Dana: This isn't right. You should be able to go on. It's not fair.
Sky-Anne: It's life.
Tommy: Yeah, but . . . you're dead.
(Dana's head starts to throb in pain)
Tommy: What's wrong?
Sky-Anne: Dana, are those bite marks on your neck?
Dana: Yeah.
Sky-Anne: Merton didn't by any chance bite you did he?
Dana: Umm, yeah, is that bad.
Sky-Anne: Well, it means that you're turning into a creature like him, and he can sense you wherever you are.
Tommy: I'm guessing that's bad.
Dana: Sorry.
Sky-Anne: We have to keep you moving. C'mon.
(The three run out of the cabin and into the woods. Before they can go anywhere, Merton stops them in their tracks)
Merton: Oh, we wouldn't want to do that now would we?
Dana: You know Merton, with you it's kind of hard to figure out where the evil ends and insanity begins.
Merton: What can I say? You drive me crazy.
Sky-Anne: Yuck, Britney is so five years ago.
Merton: (Surprised) Sky-Anne? Huh, I guess nowadays you kill a person, they just keep coming back.
Sky-Anne: Because of your stupid mistake.
Merton: Don't make me kill you again. I know tricks that can even destroy a soul. Of course, it wouldn't be as fun as jamming a stake through you like I did your boyfriend.
Sky-Anne: Eat sh-
Merton: Hey now, let's not get suggestive.
Tommy: Leave her alone Merton.
Merton: Ah, buddy. Long time no kill, correct? I find it interesting we use to be best friends . . . now, we're like . . . best enemies.
Dana: (Taking a silver cross out of her pocket) Get away from us.
Merton: And this is supposed to stop me how?
Dana: It's silver, and a cross . . . that ought to take care of your split personalities.
Merton: Oh yeah, except one thing. (Takes out the amulet from under his shirt) Looky what I got!
Dana: Damn!
(Something shocks Merton making him fall to the ground. Dana looks behind him to see a bunch of men with bayonets charging straight for Merton.)
Dana: It's those guys.
Tommy: Guys?
Dana: Merton was captured in a cage when I first saw him.
Sky-Anne: And you let him out?
Dana: I didn't know he was evil.
Tommy: Here's our chance to get the hell out of here then.
Dana: Wait, we just can't leave him here. They'll kill him.
Sky-Anne: Hopefully.
Tommy: Do you want him to kill us Dana?
Dana: I'm not letting them take him.
Sky-Anne: He's evil Dana. He might look like the Merton we used to know, but he's a demon. The old Merton is gone.
Dana: No, I don't believe that. He still has to be in there . . . somewhere.
(Dana starts to fight the men.)
Sky-Anne: No Dana! (Looking at Tommy) Aren't you going to do something?
Tommy: What? She's a big girl.
Sky-Anne: (Rolling her eyes) Men.
Tommy: Fine.
(Tommy joins in on the fight. After they defeat them, Dana kneels down to an unconscious Merton. She brushes his face with her hand)
Dana: This is all my fault. I should have never turned you into this . . . this monster.
Merton: (Eyes flash open. Grabs her hand) Now don't say that. I owe all my great victories to you. And now, I've returned the favor.
Tommy: (Picking up Merton by his shirt collar) Change her back!
Merton: You know as well as I do there hasn't ever been a cure. Or at least, no one's ever had the guts to kill me, right Tommy?
(Tommy and Merton start to fight. Tommy gets pummeled but then backhands Merton sending him flying to the ground. Tommy picks Merton up by the shirt and takes a dagger out of his pocket. Merton braces himself, but Tommy hesitates. Seeing the moment of weakness, Merton kicks Tommy, sending him flying into a tree.)
Merton (Dusting himself off) I knew it. You could never finish what you started.
Dana: What's that supposed to mean?
Merton: Oh, he hasn't told you? Now I feel like a Scrooge for spoiling the revealing moment. Of course, I wasn't trying to steal the spotlight.
Tommy: (Still on the ground) Stop it.
Merton: But it's the truth. Wolfboy here gave up the fight because he couldn't kill his best friend. Oh, how touching, right? Of course, that just shows you how different we really are. See Tommy can't kill someone he cares about. (Picking Tommy up by the throat, and grabbing a silver stake from his belt) But I can.
Dana: No! Stop.
Merton: Sorry, but I'm not giving him any last requests.
Dana: No. Please. If you don't kill him, I'll go. I mean, I won't put up a struggle or anything.
Tommy: Don't Dana.
(Merton drops Tommy. He faces Dana.)
Merton: You'll come with me . . . no sudden moves?
Dana: Yes.
Sky-Anne: Dana . . . no!
Merton: Too late. She's given her final answer. Time to fly.
(Merton grabs Dana, and they both vanish.)
Sky-Anne: (Looking down at Tommy) No one ever listens to me, nope.
(Evil castle. Danny sits at his throne, waiting impatiently. The doors open. Merton walks in.)
Merton: Great, umm, now that I held up my part of the deal, we can get this over with right?
Danny: Of course. However, the ritual won't take place for a while. I trust that you will entertain our guest until then.
Merton: (Growling with an evil grin) my pleasure.
(Tommy walks through the woods while Sky-Anne . . . umm, floats)
Sky-Anne: Tommy, I didn't know the reason you gave up the fight was for-
Tommy: I don't want to talk about this Sky-Anne.
Sky-Anne: Well, I do.
Tommy: You know how much I regret it? Because of one stupid decision, I screwed up the fate of several good people . . . even you.
Sky-Anne: Really, it's not all that bad. Being translucent has its perks.
Tommy: (Smiling) That's very, uh, bright of you.
Sky-Anne: All I want to do is stop the Master. Believe me Tommy, if there was ever a time to make up for past misdeeds, this would be it.
Tommy: So I guess we're going in?
(Tommy and Sky-Anne look up at the castle.)
Sky-Anne: Not much of a choice.
Tommy: There's always a choice.
(Dungeon cell. Dana wakes up and realizes she's chained to a wall.)
Merton: (On the other side of the cell) He said I could have you before the party.
Dana: You'll never have me Merton.
Merton: I already have, remember?
Dana: Get lost.
Merton: Afraid I can't. I have to make sure those two don't come and save you.
Dana: If you didn't want them to come, then why didn't you kill them?
Merton: You didn't want me to, remember?
Dana: Don't tell me that sparked some humanity in you.
Merton: Nope, actually, we need them for the ritual as well. I just wanted to sound all noble-like. Did it work?
Dana: What do you think?
Merton: Good isn't my style, as you may have noticed.
(Loud bells start ringing.)
Merton: Show time.
(Merton moves toward Dana.)
Merton: Now come with me without a fight, and I promise I won't use the chains.
Dana: Whatever will get me away from you.
(Outside the woods. Tommy and Sky-Anne look confused)
Sky-Anne: I feel something; it's pulling me away.
(Sky-Anne disappears.)
Tommy: Well that was predictable.
(Tommy starts to vanish as well.)
Tommy: Great, my turn?
(The scene fizzles from the woods to inside the castle. Tommy lands on one of the corners of a darken symbol. Sky-Anne hovers over another corner)
Dana: (Standing on a corner) What the hell?
Merton: Not quite.
Danny: Hello mother.
Dana: Danny?
Tommy & Sky-Anne: Danny?
Dana: It seemed right at the moment.
Danny: Thank you all for attending our little get together. Now if you'd be so kind as to move to your personal positions we can begin the ceremony.
(Automatically the three are forced to stand in a triangle position, with Danny in the middle. Merton laughs but is drawn in to make the fourth point, forming a diamond.)
Merton: Hey, what gives?
Danny: You didn't think I'd leave you out on something like this, do you? (Gesturing up towards the ceiling) I can feel the power now.
(A giant crystal hangs from the ceiling. All of a sudden lightening bolts come flying through the four. A powerful line of light connects them all to the crystal. Then another light from their chests surges to Danny.)
Dana: What's happening?
Sky-Anne: He's taking our power. That's what he wanted. It'll make him stronger and break him away from his child-like form.
Tommy: We have to stop him.
Merton: You can't stop him, he's evil.
Dana: Which makes him stoppable. Guys we have to forget all the bad between us, it's the only way to fight him. Fight evil with good.
Merton: Spare me the Cornfest.
Sky-Anne: She's right. We have to forgive each other. All the pain, it has to go away.
Tommy: Okay. So, start thinking positive thoughts guys.
(All of a sudden the light beams start to flicker. They eventually die down and disappear. Danny looks upset but cannot react fast enough. A dark beam comes from the diamond and hits Danny straight on. With an explosion he disappears. The remaining four stand in silence, taking in everything that just happened.)
Sky-Anne: Well that was co-
(All of a sudden the four are engulfed in bright light. The light fades and they find themselves back in Merton's Lair.)
Dana: We're back.
Sky-Anne: (Now solid) And alive!
(Merton sits on the floor a little surprised)
Dana: (Kneeling down beside him) Hey, are you okay?
Merton: Yeah, I just can't believe I did all those horrible things.
Dana: It wasn't you Merton. It was the demon inside. It had nothing to do with you.
Tommy: (Flipping the pages of a calendar) Hey look! We've gone back to when everything started.
(Tommy heads toward the group and trips.)
Tommy: Ouch.
(Tommy gets back up.)
Merton: Wait Tommy, did that hurt?
Tommy: Yeah . . . a lot. I'm surprised I didn't wolf- wait a second, I didn't wolf out.
Merton: Tommy, you're human!
Tommy: Wow, umm, wow . . . it feels really weird.
Merton: And I must not be a demon anymore either. I'm human again!
Sky-Anne: When he took our power source he must have taken your demon sides as well.
Tommy: Excuse me guys, I got to go talk to the hottest chick I can find.
(Tommy almost skips as he runs out the door.)
Merton: I swear if he had a tail-
Sky-Anne: Well, I'm going to go see Gabrielle, if you guys don't mind.
(Sky-Anne exits out the door as well)
Dana: (Helping Merton up) So, how does it feel to be normal again?
Merton: It feels good.
(They pull into a kiss, then pull away.)
Dana: I love you Merton.
Merton: I love you too . . . Lori.
Dana: (Surprised) What?
(The camera starts to get fuzzy as everything turns bright. Merton's voice still echoes out "Lori")
Lori: (Opening her eyes) Huh?
Merton: Lori? Are you okay?
(Camera pans out to Lori lying on the sidewalk. Merton and Tommy are bent down observing her.)
Tommy: Yeah that ball kinda hit you hard.
Merton: I told you NOT to go long.
Tommy: Who ever says that?
Lori: It was all a dream?
Merton: Umm, sure, if you could have had a dream for five minutes.
Lori: But it was so vivid.
Tommy: Aren't dreams usually vivid?
Lori: Yeah, I guess so. But it was kind of us. I mean, I wasn't there, but you two were. And these other girls.
Merton: Girls? Were they hott girls?
Lori: (Hitting him in the arm) Merton.
Merton: Heh heh . . . ow.
(Merton nurses his arm as Tommy helps Lori up.)
Tommy: You were saying it was a dream like us? What do you mean?
Lori: Well, it was different . . . like, a different tale to tell.
Merton: Tale to tell? Heh, what kind of idiot thought that up? (Seeing Lori's expression) Okay, okay, no hit!
(The three teenagers start walking off as they chat about. The camera zooms out.)
THE END
Well, I told you Lori wouldn't appear in the story . . . you know, because it was her dream! Hah, fooled you! Thanks for your support! Okay, I'm done . . . and that's a wrap.