The Dream Thief

Synopsis: A misanthropic warlock, King Oneiro gains great satisfaction in viewing mortal's dreams. Some he keeps for himself since he has none of his own. When a brave young dream traveler, Cassiopeia (Cassie) La Faye, bounds into the realm of dreams and confronts the King in his own domain, she causes the King to realize the error of his ways. But will the King repent for good ?

~*~ CAST ~*~

King Oneiro/Gabriel:

Cassiopeia "Cassie" LaFey:

Iris LaFey: (Cassie's mom)

Lance LaFey: (Cassie's dad)

Nicky LaFey: (Cassie's younger sister)

Fifa: (Yorkie Terrier)

Scene 1--Interrupted Dream

(To "Sashay/Shauntay", Nicky is showing off her flirtatious dance moves as well as her style. The photographers are loving her.)

Nicky: (blowing kisses) I love you all ! Thank you for coming to my fashion debut ! Really ! You're all too kind ! If you must have my autograph, stick around for the after session and I'll be doing a photo-op session.

(the dream begins to 'melt' and the music starts to become slower)

Nicky: Wait ! (becoming a bit frantic) It's just getting good ! Don't go !

No ! (loudly, waking up) NO !

Cassie: (rushing in to her sister's room) What's wrong, Nicky ?

Nicky: (trying not to cry) My dream. It simply, vanished !

Cassie: That's not typical. As far as I know you usually write all your dreams down.

Nicky: Or tell you about them.

Cassie: (nods) Is this the first time this has happened ? (hugging her and stroking her hair)

Nicky: Yeah, sis. I think so.

Cassie: I wouldn't worry about it then. (pats her on the head and kisses her cheek)

Go back to sleep, ok ?

Nicky: Certainly will, big sis ! (kisses and hugs Cassie) Love you !

Cassie: (nearly trips over Fifa in the process but Fifa doesn't wake up, quietly through clenched teeth) Fifa ! Jeez ! Must you always sleep in the middle of the hallway ? (groans)

Lance: (hearing Cassy sneak to her bed) Everything ok, pumpkin ?

Cassie: It's fine, dad. Nicky had a nightmare.

Lance: (concerned) That's not like her. Is she alright now ?

Cassie: She's sleeping soundly and all is right with the world.

Lance: Fantastic. (gently) Thank you for being such a help to your little sister.

You're her hero, you know. (goes back to sleep)

Cassie: (smiles and goes back to sleep)

(Scene quickly fades. Next day.)

Iris: (seeing Nicky's suitcase is almost completely packed) You certainly are an eager beaver, aren't you ?

Nicky: (bouncily) Yep. I can't wait to go to Disneyland ! I want to meet Minnie, Mickey and most especially, Princess Tiana and Princess Giselle ! (she squeals and turns around)

Iris: (laughing) Okay, honey. I know you're excited. I am too. It's been a while since we've been there ourselves, and we hear much has changed.

Lance: (looking into Cassie's room and seeing that she is already packed) Cassie, are you certain you have everything ?

Cassie: Yes, dad. I'm absolutely, positively certain.

Lance: We don't want another incident like we did back when we visited Grandma Maude.

Cassie: (embarrassed) It was an honest mistake. I didn't know Grandma was going to make me laugh so hard I peed myself.

Nicky: (stifles a laugh) Remember what mama says. Always pack an extra pair or pairs of underwear. You never know when you're gonna need them !

Cassie: (runs over to her and noogies her)

Nicky: Hey ! No fair, I was defenseless.

Cassie: Try and catch me !

(she runs out of the house)

Iris: Where are you going ?

Cassie: Playground, we'll be back in a few hours.

Iris: Fine, but be back in time for supper.

Nicky: Oh, you know that I won't be late, mom. Especially if you're making pizza casserole.

Iris: (surprised) Imagine that, I am fixing pizza casserole for dinner !

Lance: It's uncanny. I swear, our children are psychic sometimes.

(At the park)

Nicky: (nearly catches Cassie, breathing heavily) Dang it ! You totally cheat.

Cassie: I'm just older and faster than you are. (smart aleck smirk)

Nicky: (gives her a raspberry) Come on, let's swing !

(They start swinging on the swing sets. "Fireflies" by Owl City plays in the background but soon fades when Cassie overhears kids talking about dreams they used to have but aren't having any longer.

Nicky: (noticing Cassie comes to a sudden stop, typically she jumps out of the swing to make an impressive and dangerous landing) Why did you stop ? Where's your jump ? Where's the climactic, perilous finish ?

Cassie: These kids have the same problem you did last night, Nicky !

Nicky: No dreams ?

Cassie: Yes. But I have absolutely no idea what could be causing it. It's troublesome to me, because, I didn't seem to have any trouble remembering my dream.

Nicky: (frowns) And I look forward to dreaming…

Cassie: I know you do, Nicky and I am not really certain how I will do this, but tonight, I will transverse the physical realm into the realm of dreams.

Nicky: Has anyone ever done that before ?

Cassie: (smiling) Do you remember the story of Little Nemo ?

Nicky: (tries not to laugh) Yes, but that is strictly fantasy.

Cassie: I'm about to see if it truly is, Nicky, dear. (pats her on the back)

Nicky: Ok, but you'd better be careful. I've heard the dream realm is very unpredictable.

(Shift scene for supper, and everyone is savoring their meal. The whole family seems to be eager to go to Disneyworld.)

Cassie: Did we ever find anyone who would take care of Fifa while we were gone ?

Lance: Actually we did. Grandma Maude said she'd come over and dog-sit for us.

Cassie: Sweet. Fifa loves her.

Lance: (laugh) Indeed she does. We have figured out how…erm…particular she is about certain people.

Nicky: Yeah, like Norman the mailman. (chuckles) She hates his guts, even though Norm's a sweetie.

Iris: If we're going to get an early start before traffic starts becoming heavy tomorrow, we're going to have to go to bed before long.

Nicky: But, mom ! We just ate.

Cassie: I'm not really sleepy.

Iris: I know, but it's best we get enough rest. We'll beat the heat that way, make fewer stops and get to our destination much faster.

Both sisters: (groan)

Cassie: I'll read you a story. That always puts you to sleep.

Nicky: Can you make it 'Stardust' this time ?

Cassie: Certainly, my dear. It happens to be a favorite of mine.

Iris: Good girls, both of you. (kissing them)

Cassie: I'll help you clean up the kitchen, mom.

Iris: You don't need to do that, honey. Go read to your sister. I have everything covered out here.

Scene 2--Accidentally in Love with the Enemy

Nicky: (happily snuggling her bunny close to her) You always tell that story the best, Cassie.

Cassie: (not wanting to boast) I do what I can. You know, you're almost old enough to see that movie on your own.

Nicky: (effervescently) Without parental guidance ! I know ! I know ! I am so psyched about that !

Cassie: You'll adore it. I can quote that movie forward and backward.

Nicky: I've heard you quote it a dozen times, Sis. (pause) Hey, you remember what you said on the playground ?

Cassie: Yeah. (raised brow) What about it ?

Nicky: Just promise me you'll be careful.

Cassie: You know I will be, Nicky.

Nicky: (hugs her) Good, because I love you and I'm glad you're brave enough to (sounding like William Shatner) boldly go where no one has gone before !

Cassie: (sighs and rolls her eyes) You're nuts. But that's why I love you just as much. (kisses her cheek) Goodnight, Yvaine.

Nicky: Goodnight, Aurora.

Cassie: That's not one of the characters from 'Stardust'.

Nicky: No, she isn't. But I just feel you are most like Aurora with mixtures of Mulan, Pocahontas and Snow White.

Cassie: (surprised, and touched) Gee. Thanks.

(Nearly trips over Fifa again)

Cassie: Cheese balls ! (through gritted teeth) Fifa ! Do you mind ? Seriously.

(Cassie soon tosses herself into bed, closes her eyes and goes to sleep. By the time she does that, she travels into the dream realm. 009's 'Dreamscape' plays in the background.)

Onieru: All these reveries, each of them, different. Not one of them I can decide which to enjoy more for myself. (gathers another dream from his crystal scrything ball into his 'Dream Continuum', which is a long hall of kept dreams) Ah. (tsks)

Nightmares. These won't do. If I am ever to sleep, which I haven't done for millennia, I need dreams.

('My Secret Place' plays in the background)

Cassie: (a bit upset, and maybe a bit audaciously) Who are you ? What do you think you are doing ?

Oneiru: (starts to approach her) Well, well, well. This is interesting. It has been a long time since a human has come into my realm.

Cassie: (noticing the being's décor suiting him to his whims)

(Keiko Matsui's 'Dream Walker' plays in the background)

Oneiru: Sit. Make yourself comfortable.

Cassie: (looking at the cushy chair) Tempting. But I'll pass. Besides, you never told me who you are. What is…this place ? Your 'realm' you said ?

Oneiru: How foolish of me not to introduce myself. I'm Oneiru. King of this plane.

This is the Land of Nod, as you mortals call it. I oversee dreams. I already know who you are. You are Cassiopea La Fay.

Cassie: (dubiously, in disbelief) Ah. I see. You can simply call me 'Cassie'. I prefer it over my much larger, multi-syllabic name. (pausing momentarily) I take it you don't get many visitors here.

Oneiru: (a bit sadly) Tragically, no. I've seen mortals like yourself come and go. They all seem to have an issue with my little hobby.

Cassie: Overseeing dreams ?

Oneiru: Precisely. Clever one you are. I've watched your dreams, and that of your sister, Nicky. Both of you have pristine imaginations. Probably some of the finest I have seen in eons.

Cassie: (blushing, but dismissing Oneiru's flattery) I came to talk to you about what you're doing, actually.

Oneiru: (beginning to prepare himself with armor) Did you come for a fight ?

Cassie: No.

Oneiru: (armor disappears) Then, you are more interesting than any other mortal being who has come to the Land of Nod.

Cassie: (blushing again at his closeness to her, stepping back)

Oneiru: Why don't you sit ? You must be tired after your astral flight from the physical world to mine. Come, sit. (brings the chair closer to her)

Cassie: I suppose there is no real danger in sitting.

Oneiru: No. Not at all. (seats her, caresses her hand slightly)

Cassie: (pulls her hand away and blushes hotly, clears throat) How long have you been 'overseeing' dreams, as you put it ?

Oneiru: Since I can remember. The Morpheans are destined to this task, but we are few in number. I am the last of my kind.

Cassie: (horrified, but awed) That's terrible.

Oneiru: It can become desolate and lonely here. The dreams provide me company. There is a method out of it, but it will age me considerably.

Cassie: But you only look like you're my age !

Oneiru: I'll become more like one of you. And to be honest, I really don't wish to do that.

Cassie: What is this method of breaking the cycle of dream harvesting…ahem…

Oneiru: Don't correct yourself. What you say is right.

Cassie: I was being generous. I was going to say, 'stealing'…

Oneiru: As I said, one can pinch some of the sands from his own life glass in exchange to break the bonds and create a watcher of Nod. This watcher would be like me but would be completely obedient. The watcher would be eternal, never knowing sorrow, hurt, or any other dreadful emotion.

Cassie: It sounds perfect though.

Oneiru: It means I would have to dismiss Nod and become mortal. All I was wanting was a dream of my own and the chance to lose myself in that dream in blessed sleep. Do you know what it is like to be awake forever ?

Cassie: No. I don't.

Oneiru: It's pure hell. The dreams your sister has may be the key to help me achieve what I have been longing for.

Cassie: Wouldn't it be easier just to 'pinch sand from your life glass' and have real sleep on Earth ?

Oneiru: Preposterous. This is the best way.

Cassie: (nearly pleading) But it is wrong. You're being selfish, and even worse…spoiled.

Oneiru: (getting angry) How dare you speak to me in such a way !

Cassie: I do so because it is TRUE ! Think about the consequences of your actions !

Oneiru: (glass of red wine appears in his hand, sets it on a crystal table) I'll take it into consideration. But, answer me this question.

Cassie: Anything to help my sister and my fellow peers.

Oneiru: When you first saw me, did you love me ?

Cassie: (Flustered) What ? What kind of question is that ?

Oneiru: A simple, straight forward one, young lady.

Cassie: (blushing) Even though I found what you are doing to be awful, I must admit, I found you…handsome. (looks down at her shoes)

Oneiru: (takes her up into his arms and kisses her)

Cassie: (muffled)

Oneiru: You speak the truth and your heart speaks truth even louder. I must confess myself…I think I may be falling for you as well.

Cassie: It's a bit…soon though. I mean, I don't know if I am ready for this.

Oneiru: (takes her hand and kisses it) I know I am, and I will consider your proposition. If it means losing a bit of my life to come to earth and learn more about you, Cassiopeia La Fay.

Cassie: I hope that you are being honest and that isn't simply your charm and charisma wheedling your way into my heart.

Oneiru: Of course not. I've done enough to hurt innocent lives in the past. I didn't realize my wrongdoing until you corrected me. Thank you for that.

Cassie: You're welcome. (sees daylight from beyond the Realm of Nod)

(As she re-enters the theme from Stardust plays in the background and she reawakens…)

Scene 3--'Who's the Half-Naked Mystery Man in Your Dreams ?'

Nicky: (flinging herself onto Cassie's bed with a warrior yell) Wahoo ! Come on !

Let's go ! We're on our way to Disneyland !

Cassie: (beams) I can't way.

Nicky: (pulls her aside) By the way, who's the hot half naked mystery man in your dreams ?

Cassie: You could see him too ? (blushes hotly)

Nicky: I caught a glimpse only momentarily. But apparently, I can't travel in Dreamland like you can. I was in the Nutcracker last night.

Cassie: (awed) You can dream again !

Nicky: Yep ! (hugs her) Thank you. But what about you ? Hmm ? (nudges her)

You know what mom says about long-distance relationships…

Cassie: Even if it is short-lived, I don't think Oneiru would ever harm…

Nicky: Oneiru ey ? Interesting and exotic name. (fans self) And handsome !

Ooo, you are lucky, Cassie ! If only I were older !

Cassie: Nicky ! Youth is fleeting ! Enjoy it while it lasts ! (blushes hotly)

Nicky: (giggles) You don't mind if I harbor a crush on your boyfriend do you ?

Cassie: I…guess not. But it's kind of…weird if you ask me.

Nicky: But you still love me, right ?

Cassie: You're my sister. Of course I do.

Nicky: (gleefully) Yea ! (twirls around) Come on ! We don't have time to waste !

The princesses are waiting for me at the gates ! I can't keep them waiting !

Cassie: No, we most certainly can't.

(She runs toward the car, and everything is loaded in it. An extended version of the theme song from 'Stoked' plays in the background as the car rolls away and is shown driving from point A to point B)

Scene 4--Met in the Middle

(As the family begins to have fun in Disneyland, 'Walking on Air' plays in the background as they ride amusement rides, bump into familiar characters and laugh until their sides are sore. The music ends until Cassie bumps into someone accidentally. Then Mayuka's Theme from Tenchi Muyo: Daughter of Darkness begins playing.)

Oneiru: Oh, sorry ! Are you hurt ?

Cassie: (unable to see momentarily because of her Goofy hat) I'm fine. Not even a scratch ! (lifts up the visor of her hat) Oneiru ?

Oneiru: It is me. But I go by an entirely different name now. A more, shall we say, realistic one.

Cassie: (raises eyebrows, intrigued) The suspense is killing me ! What is it ?

Oneiru: Gabriel.

Cassie: (grinning) It suits you. I can call you Gabe for short.

Gabriel: Now that you mention it, it does have a pleasant ring to it.

Iris: Cassiopeia La Fay ! Where are you ?

Cassie: I'll be right there, mom ! (Gabriel takes her hands)

Gabriel: Don't worry, Cassie. This isn't the last time we'll be together.

Cassie: I know.

Iris & Lance: Cassiopeia !

Cassie: Commmmmiiiing ! (quickly kisses Gabriel on the cheek) Love you, Gabe.

Gabe: (touching his cheek momentarily)

Lance: Where were you ? We were looking all over for you.

Cassie: Just…(innocently) Catching up with an old friend.

Nicky: (all-knowingly) Ah, but you're blushing !

Cassie: Shush !

Iris: Do you have a boyfriend you want to tell us about ?

Lance: (nearly sputtering up soda) B-b-b-b…B-b-b-b… Boyfriend ?

Cassie: (exasperated sigh) Look, dad. I'll tell you all about him later.

Lance: My little girl. She's growing up so fast. (gets a bit emotional)

Nicky: Don't cry, dad. We're in Disneyland ! It's the happiest place on earth !

Come on, we have one more day to have fun here !

Lance: Nicky's right. I can't spend this final day here moping about.

Let's go to the beach and have a picnic. Cassie, I'm sure you'll fill me in on everything.

Cassie: (through gritted teeth) Thanks a lot, Nicky.

(scene fade)

Scene 5--Back to the Grindstone

('Summer Place' plays in the background while the family enjoys a picnic. After that, they play around in the ocean. Cassie masters surfing and Nicky tries surfing herself, fails numerous times and eventually surfs to the shore successfully. In time, the La Faye family returns home. Cassie and Nicky return to school and Lance and Iris return to work. 'Wake Me When September Ends' plays in the background.)

Cassie: (walking home, singing 'Walking on the Sun' while listening to her Ipod)

Gabriel: Hey, you ! Long time, no see.

Cassie: (seeing him, getting a little teary eyed, racing to hug him) Gabriel ! Oh, it's so good to be in your arms again.

Gabriel: Agreed. I'm sorry it took so long for me to find you. I had to find a job in order to make a living. I had no idea my life was so easy in the Dream Realm ! (laughing)

Cassie: Our earth can be a difficult place at times. I'm just glad you're fine.

The only thing I am concerned about now is how long you'll be here.

Gabriel: (taking her hand and walking with her) I am unsure myself, but don't fret over it. Whatever happens, I want to be near you.

Cassie: Same here, Gabe. (squeezes his hand) Do you want to meet my family ?

I've told them much about you.

Gabriel: You didn't tell them about my past, did you ?

Cassie: No. Not at all. (winks at him) That's our secret, and the past is past. All we have to concern ourselves with is the present moment.

Gabriel: (smiling brightly) All of these experiences are a bit frightening.

Cassie: You, scared ? (scoffs)

Gabriel: (a bit reluctantly) To be honest, yes.

Cassie: (looking at him directly in the eyes) Gabe, you don't need to be afraid. I'm with you. I know Earth can be scary at times, but I've got your back.

Gabriel: (ebulliently) Thank the stars for that.

(Fifa hops and jumps at Gabriel when he enters the house and opens the door for her.)

Cassie: That's weird. Usually she doesn't react to strangers so well.

Gabriel: (crouching down to pet Fifa) Maybe I have a gift with animals. (Fifa jumps up on him and licks his face) Ha, ha ! That tickles ! What's her name ? She's adorable !

Cassie: Fifa. She's extremely intelligent, but she has a very bad habit of sleeping in the hallways at night, so I tend to trip over her. But she never awakens. It would take nuclear warfare to wake her.

Gabriel: I see. (petting her) I think you're sweet, Fifa. You've got an awfully shiny coat, well groomed and coifed. You have a perfect life !

Nicky: (rushing out into the hall) Sis ! (stops dead center when she sees Gabriel)

Ooh, this must be…him !

Cassie: (a bit chagrined) Yes. It's him.

Nicky: What took you so long to catch up to her, Romeo ? (nudges him playfully in the ribs) Eh ? Eh ?

Cassie: Forgive my little sister. She can be a bit rude sometimes.

Nicky: Pardon me. But, I'm glad you have such a catch. (blushing)

Cassie: She has kind of a crush on you.

Nicky: (smiling blankly, but snaps out of it) Oh ! Mom and dad will be home soon.

They were talking about a surprise.

Gabriel: I hope I'm not imposing.

Nicky: No, if anything…You're making the evening a lot more interesting.

Lance: Hey, girls ! I'm home ! (stops dead in his tracks) Cassiopiea La Faye…Is this who I think it is ?

Iris: What's going on, Lance, darling ?

Cassie: Everyone, this is Gabriel Morphius.

Iris: Interesting last name ? Foreigner ?

Gabriel: (offering his hand to be shook by Iris and then Lance who has a look of consternation) You could say that, Mr. La Faye. My relatives are much more ancient than that.

Iris: Fascinating.

(Cassie gestures for him to stop talking but he doesn't listen)

Gabriel: They're Atlantian, actually.

Iris: (snickers) He's a real joker, this one.

Lance: (patting him on the back) A guy with a sense of humor. That's not so bad.

I think I'm going to like you, Gabe. (smacks him on the back hard, and then Gabe smacks back, nearly knocking Lance over)

Gabriel: I don't know my own strength sometimes… Heh.

(Scene fade. On screen "Years Pass")

Scene 6--Beginning of a Lovely Dream

Michael: So, that's how you met mom ? That tale is almost unbelievable, dad.

Gabriel: (sitting down with the children on his lap) It's true Michael. Ow ! Sarah, could you not pull daddy's hair ?

Cassie: (picking up Sarah) She's still young. She likes grabbing at things.

Michael: Yeah, you're telling me. (laughing) I love her to death though.

Hey, how's Auntie Nicky ?

Cassie: Last I heard she was finishing up college and she's going to be working for Pixar.

Sarah: (cooing as she is waltzed around in her mom's arms)

Gabriel: That's incredible ! I always knew she had a talent. She must be overjoyed.

Cassie: (grinning) Yep ! She says she's in paradise. Next Pixar film we see, we should look for her name among the credits. Oh ! (Sarah's asleep)

Michael: I've got her, don't worry mom. (takes her to the nursery, nearly tripping over Fifa) Fifa, you dolt ! Do you really have to sleep in the hallways ? (sighs a bit in exasperation) Some things never change.

Gabriel: And she still sleeps the sleep of the dead.

Michael: Gotta love Fifa though. She's a fierce guardian for Sarah !

(phone rings)

Gabriel: Got it ! Hello ? Oh, hello, mom. Uh huh. Sure. Of course.

Cassie: What's mom say ?

Gabriel: Oh, she was wondering if we could attend Nicky's graduation this weekend.

Cassie: Of course, sure we will !

(Flash forward. "Friends Forever" plays in the background. Cassie is congratulating her sister on a job well done, hugging her and shaking her hands up and down happily, dancing with her. Gabriel even picks her up in a bear hug and she laughs. Her boyfriend looks intimidated, but Gabe pats him on the back, again, nearly knocking him over. Awkwardly, Gabe laughs it off.)

(Snapshots of the family are shown, all jubilant and jovial.)

(The End. Roll credits.)