Fantastic S5 Episode 12(10/11/23)

Its a new day in Fantastic City. Victor is outside Julia’s penthouse knocking on her door. “Julia, its me! Are you home?” Victor calls out. Lucas opens the door. “Good morning, Victor.” Lucas says. “What the hell are you doing here this early? Where’s Julia?” Victor questions. “Julia is taking a shower, she should be out any minute now. You’re welcome to come in and wait.” Lucas says. “I think I’ll do that.” Victor says. Victor walks in. “So can I get you anything? Some coffee maybe?” Lucas asks. “I’m fine, thanks. I can’t help but notice you seem awfully comfortable here. You and Julia haven’t even been dating for all that long and already you feel like you can invite people into her home? Offer people her coffee?” Victor asks. “I guess you haven’t heard the news then.” Lucas says. “What news is that?” Victor asks. “Julia asked me to move in with her...I said yes.” Lucas reveals. “Is that right?” Victor asks. “Go ahead, tell me what’s on your mind while Julia is in the other room.” Lucas urges. “I’m trying to have better control over myself, especially where I’m still working on my relationship with Julia.” Victor says. “I can hear a but lurking in that sentence.” Lucas says. “But it does seem like you’re moving a bit fast. Last I heard you and Julia were having some problems, now you’re suddenly moving in together?” Victor asks. “We worked through our problems. Besides, I needed a place to live now that I’m selling Lydia’s house.” Lucas says. “You’re selling the mansion? Since when?” Victor asks. “Since I realized living there might be preventing me from moving on with my life.” Lucas says. “From Lydia?” Victor asks. “That’s right.” Lucas says. “And you really think moving out is going to help you with that?” Victor asks. “I think so, yeah. That house is filled with nothing but memories of Lydia, I needed a change of scenery in order to let go.” Lucas says. “Well I hope for Julia’s sake you’re able to do that. I don’t want her getting hurt because you’re still hung up on Lydia, and I’m warning you, if that were to happen, you’d have to answer to me.” Victor warns. “Duly noted.” Lucas says. Julia comes downstairs. “Victor, this is an unexpected surprise. What brings you by?” Julia asks. “I was in the neighborhood and figured I’d stop by to invite you to breakfast.” Victor says. “Thanks but I actually already have breakfast plans with Lucas.” Julia says. “Yes, Lucas tells me that the two of you are living together now.” Victor says. Julia wraps her arms around Lucas. “And I assume you have a problem with that.” Julia says. “How I feel is irrelevant. Its your life and I’m not going to tell you how to live it.” Victor says. Victor turns towards Lucas. “Lucas, I know we’ve had our differences over the past several years, but I want you to know that as long as you treat Julia right, I’m going to try my hardest to accept you. After the way I treated Julia, I have no right to critique her choices.” Victor says. “That’s very gracious of you, Victor.” Lucas says. “It is, a little too gracious.” Julia says. “You’re doubting my sincerity. I suppose I’ve earned that. How about this, to prove to you that I’m serious, I’d like to invite both of you to breakfast. Of course, if you just wanted to spend the morning with each other I’d completely understand, I just thought I’d extend the invitation.” Victor says. Julia looks to Lucas. “I’m fine with it if you are.” Lucas tells her. “Okay, in that case...I accept.” Julia says.



At Bethany and Kaylie’s new condo, Bethany and Kaylie carry some boxes in and drop them on the floor. “Five boxes down, just about five hundred more to go.” Bethany says. “True, but one of the perks of living with other people is that neither of us had anything too big to move.” Kaylie notes. “Well you still have all the furniture from your old apartment in storage. Speaking of which, you called to confirm with the movers that they were still going to pick that stuff up and bring it over today, right?” Bethany asks. “Me? I thought you were doing that!” Kaylie says. Bethany’s eyes widen. “Seriously? You didn’t call the freaking movers?! Kay, this could be a DISASTER!” Bethany shouts. Kaylie starts laughing. “Its really easy to get you going sometimes, you know that? Of course I called the movers!” Kaylie says. “You know that innocent, sweet girl act you give everyone else? You can’t fool me! I know that you have ice in your veins.” Bethany says. “And don’t you forget it.” Kaylie says, before kissing Bethany. As they are kissing, Bethany pushes Kaylie away. “No, no, no! We can’t do this!” Bethany says. “Why not?” Kaylie asks. “Because we still have a cargo ship full of boxes to unload! No distractions!” Bethany says. “I think we could afford just one.” Kaylie says. Someone knocks on the door. “Careful what you wish for babe, sounds like we just got one. Who the hell could that be?” Bethany asks. “I’ll check.” Kaylie says. Kaylie walks over to the door and looks through the peep hole. “Its Kristina.” Kaylie says. “How did Kristina get our address?” Bethany questions. “I gave it to her!” Kaylie says. Kaylie opens the door and finds Kristina standing in the hallway. “Kristina, hey!” Kaylie says. “Hey, sorry for dropping by unannounced but I thought I’d come by to see the new place, check if you needed any help.” Kristina says. “We could DEFINITELY use the help!” Bethany says. “Come in.” Kaylie tells Kristina. Kristina walks in and looks around. “Wow, this place is great! You even got a balcony!” Kristina comments. “A balcony was kinda a must for Bethany.” Kaylie says. “Mmhm. I like to have a place where I can enjoy a good cocktail.” Bethany says. “That’s relatable.” Kristina says. Kaylie’s phone begins to ring. “Oh, its my Mom. She’s watching Issac so I better take this in case its important.” Kaylie says. “Sure, go ahead.” Bethany says. Kaylie answers. “Hey mama, everything okay?” Kaylie asks, as she heads into the other room. “You two must be really excited to finally have your own place.” Kristina says. “We are. So, what brings you by?” Bethany asks. “I told you. I wanted to check out the new place and to see if you and Kaylie needed any help.” Kristina says. “And it had nothing to do with getting away from the Stanpatos mansion for a bit? I know you don’t technically live in the mansion, but I’m sure you’d look for any excuse to get far away from Lawrence and Daisy.” Bethany says. “Maybe that’s a small part of why I’m here, but it’d just be to get away from Daisy. I don’t even know where Lawrence is.” Kristina says. “He’s not at the mansion?” Bethany asks. “Nope. I saw his car pulling out of the driveway last night and I don’t think he’s been back since.” Kristina says. “Huh...well hopefully Lawrence has slithered out of town and doesn’t ever come back.” Bethany says.



On Stanpatos Isle, Andropov is in the laboratory looking into a microscope. “Such wonderful progress I have made! It won’t be long now, I will soon be able to create the first two headed chicken! And then I shall keep one as a pet!” Andropov says. “Is this the supposedly important research you are partaking in?” A voice asks. Andropov turns around and sees Lawrence standing in the doorway! “Mr. Stanpatos! I had no idea you were coming!” Andropov says. “You weren’t supposed to know. So tell me more about this two headed chicken, Doctor Andropov. Is there some benefit to its creation?” Lawrence says. “Well...no, not particularly, but it will look really cool!” Andropov says. “I see. So rather than focusing on your more important project, our guest in this compound, you are trying to give some poor chicken another head.” Lawrence says. “Its just a way to pass the time. Besides, I am an excellent multi tasker!” Andropov says. “If that were true, you would have the location of that bracelet for me by now.” Lawrence says. “I’m...working on it.” Andropov says. “Have you made any progress?” Lawrence asks. “I spoke to Lydia about the bracelet yesterday.” Andropov reveals. “And how did that go?” Lawrence asks. “She claims to know nothing of the bracelet.” Andropov says. “Of course she is feigning ignorance! Lydia knows precisely what sort of object she is in possession of, she isn’t just going to hand it over to the likes of you!” Lawrence says. “I offered her the opportunity to go home! To reunite with the man she loves, reunite with her family! All she had to do was tell me the location of that bracelet! Unfortunately, she still pretended to not know anything.” Andropov says. “I expected as much. Despite Lydia’s determination to return to the people she loves, she also understands how dangerous the diamond jewels can be.” Lawrence says. “That isn’t too surprising given her mother tried to use them to destroy the world years ago. But even so, to put the world’s safety above the opportunity to reunite with her family…” Andropov says. “Its selfless, something you would not expect from the daughter of Madeline Masters.” Lawrence says. “Certainly not. So you are absolutely certain Lydia has the bracelet?” Andropov asks. “I wouldn’t have gone through the trouble of faking her death if I had any doubts. I have it under good authority that Lydia purchased the bracelet at an auction a few years prior to her untimely “death”. As for what she did with the bracelet after she purchased it, I have no idea.” Lawrence says. “What about the other two jewels? Do you have any idea what became of them? Do you even know for sure if they survived the explosion in Egypt?” Andropov asks. “I’m sure of it. As for where they ended up, I still have people searching for them. My guess is that whoever got rid of the bracelet is also the same person to dispose of the ring and the necklace.” Lawrence says. “Do you have any idea who that person is?” Andropov questions. “Not in the slightest. Regardless, I’d prefer to focus on one jewel at a time. Lydia has that bracelet, and its important we find out what she did with it.” Lawrence says. “That may prove to be easier said than done. As I said, I already offered Lydia the chance to go home and she still wouldn’t tell me anything.” Andropov says. “Perhaps she is concerned about the bracelet falling into the wrong hands, or perhaps she just simply doesn’t trust that you’ll return her home as promised.” Lawrence says. “I’m a man of my word.” Andropov says. “Except in this case.” Lawrence says. “I beg your pardon?” Andropov asks. “Oh come on Doctor Andropov, surely you didn’t think we would be letting Lydia leave here alive, did you? She already knows far too much!” Lawrence says. “She has no idea of your involvement!” Andropov points out. “But she does know someone is after the three diamond jewels, and I’m sure she realizes that person isn’t Mia. I can’t afford her returning to Fantastic City and telling people that the jewels weren’t destroyed 8 years ago like everyone thinks. Of course we can tell Lydia that she can go home once she tells us where the bracelet is, but as soon as that bracelet is within reach, I will have no further use for her.” Lawrence says. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable killing her.” Andropov says. “You won’t have to. I’m sure Mia will be more than happy to dispose of Lydia herself.” Lawrence says.



Lydia is pacing in her room when she hears the door opening. Mia walks in. “Good morning, darling! How are we feeling today?” Mia asks. “Homicidal.” Lydia says. “That’s a feeling I can certainly relate to.” Mia says. “So where’s Andropov?” Lydia asks. Mia shrugs. “In his lab working on something. Since he is preoccupied, I thought I’d drop in and keep you company!” Mia says. “Lucky me.” Lydia says. “By the way, I had a little talk with Andropov yesterday, and he had told me that you are being uncooperative! Is that true?” Mia asks. “Are you talking about the dumb bracelet?” Lydia asks. “Yes, I’m talking about the dumb bracelet. Now I know that Andropov can be a bit on the flaky side, so I completely understand why you wouldn’t feel comfortable confiding in him. But now that its just us girls, perhaps you’d feel better confiding in your dear old friend Mia!” Mia exclaims. “You and I aren’t friends!” Lydia points out. “Not yet, but we can be! All you have to do is tell me where that bracelet is, and I’ll bring you home to that handsome fiance of yours! I think that is a pretty fair trade, wouldn’t you agree?” Mia asks. “Go to hell!” Lydia snaps. Mia rolls her eyes. “How tedious, that’s nothing new with you I suppose.” Mia says. “Why do you even want this bracelet?” Lydia asks. “Because its very flashy and I just love flashy jewelry!” Mia claims. “Oh come on, we both know that isn’t why! I recognized that bracelet in the picture Andropov showed me, it isn’t some ordinary bracelet.” Lydia says. Mia gasps. “It isn’t? What kind of bracelet is it then?” Mia asks. “Not the kind of bracelet you’d be interested in, I know that for sure.” Lydia says. “And what makes you so sure?” Mia asks. “Because for as long as I have known you, your primary goal has been to make Lucas’ life a living hell, and then mine by extension. This is on a much grander scale than just tormenting Lucas and I which makes me think you don’t have any interest in the bracelet. Now as for Andropov, he’s a mad scientist but I don’t think he would have any reason to want the bracelet. He’s working for someone, isn’t he? Someone that ISN’T you! Who is it, Mia? Who else is involved in this?” Lydia questions.



Victor, Lucas, and Julia are sitting at a table inside the Slate Gray restaurant. “I’m surprised my mother isn’t joining us.” Julia says. “Your mom is actually baby sitting Issac today while Kaylie moves into her new place.” Victor reveals. “I forgot that was today. I should stop by later and give her a housewarming gift. Maybe you could come too, Lucas?” Julia asks. “I’m not sure that’s the best idea, given Lucas’ history with Bethany.” Victor says. “I think Victor is probably right.” Lucas says. “Right, I had forgotten about that.” Julia says. “Bethany definitely hasn’t.” Lucas notes. “Can you really blame her?” Victor asks. “No, I guess not.” Lucas says. “Lucas made some mistakes in his relationship with Bethany, but then I’m sure no one at this table hasn’t made mistakes. Well, except for me of course.” Julia jokes. “I’m not throwing stones, I would have no room to given that you were conceived when I cheated on my wife.” Victor says. “From what I’ve heard about that, it sounds like it was a complex situation.” Lucas says. “As was your situation with Bethany, but it doesn’t excuse either of our behavior, now does it?” Victor asks. “No, definitely not.” Lucas says. “Look at the two of you bonding over having cheated on your respective partners, its making me feel all warm and fuzzy.” Julia sarcastically says. “Lets not get it twisted, Lucas and I are not bonding.” Victor says. “Just relating, right?” Lucas asks. “Precisely.” Victor agrees. “Well whatever the case may be, I’m just happy to see that the two of you are capable of sitting at the same table together without throwing knives.” Julia says. “I’ve always been more of a gun person myself.” Lucas says. Victor glares at Lucas. Lucas smiles. “I’m kidding.” Lucas assures him. “Its hard to tell with your type, no offense.” Victor says. “And what type would that be?” Lucas asks. “The former gangster.” Victor says. “Ah, of course.” Lucas says. “Just when I thought the two of you were behaving yourself.” Julia says. “We are behaving ourselves! Its just a little bit of friendly banter, isn’t that right Victor?” Lucas asks. “That’s right. He and I have said much worse to each other in the past, so this is definitely progress.” Victor says. Victor’s phone begins to ring. “Oh boy...this is a client of mine, I have to take this.” Victor says. “Sure, go ahead.” Julia says. “I’ll be here when you get back.” Lucas says. “Thanks for the warning.” Victor jokes, before standing up and walking away. “I can’t tell if this is actually friendly banter or the two of you being passively aggressive.” Julia says. “Trust me, Victor and I are making progress, and its all thanks to us both caring about you. You’re a real miracle worker, you know that?” Lucas asks. “I have my moments.” Julia says. Lucas smiles and then leans in to kiss Julia.



Bethany and Kristina bring more boxes into the condo just as Kaylie comes out of the other room. “Sorry that took so long.” Kaylie says. “No problem. Everything good with Issac?” Bethany asks. “Everything is fine, its just he did something really cute and my Mom had to call and gush about it to me.” Kaylie says. “You’ve been on the phone for like twenty minutes!” Kristina points out. “My mom has a tendency to go on and on and on for a WHILE. So how many more boxes we got?” Kaylie asks. “Kristina and I took care of all of them while you were on the phone.” Bethany says. “I’m so sorry, I feel really bad for not helping much.” Kaylie says. “Don’t worry about it, you’re good.” Kristina says. “Besides, you have the pleasure of helping me unpack all this later.” Bethany says. “Ugh, don’t remind me.” Kaylie says. “On that note, I should probably head over to the boutique now. If you two need anymore help, let me know.” Kristina says. “Thank you for the help Kristina, I really appreciate it. Once we are settled in, we’re going to have to have you over for drinks sometime!” Kaylie says. Kristina smiles. “I’d love that. See you two later!” Kristina says, before walking out. “It was really nice of her to come by and help out.” Kaylie says. “Yeah, it was.” Bethany says. “You think she needed an excuse to get out of the house early so she could get away from Daisy and Lawrence?” Kaylie asks. “I asked her and that was part of it, at least to get away from Daisy.” Bethany says. “What, is she starting to warm up to Lawrence?” Kaylie questions. “Lawrence isn’t there. Apparently he left somewhere last night and hasn’t come home since.” Bethany reveals. “That’s strange. I wonder where he could’ve gone? I know Kristina mentioned Dylan was out of town, maybe he went to join him wherever he is?” Kaylie wonders. “Wherever Lawrence is, I hope he stays far, far away. Excluding Rebecca, this city would be so much better if the Stanpatos family would just fall into a sinkhole and disappear forever.” Bethany says.



“Before we make any plans for Lydia, we still need to determine the location of that bracelet. Clearly leveraging the possibility of returning home isn’t enough incentive for Lydia, which means we are going to have to utilize some form of force.” Lawrence says. “What do you have in mind?” Andropov asks. “You seem to be rather gifted at altering the human brain, perhaps you could put Lydia under your control and force her to tell you where she hid the bracelet.” Lawrence suggests. “I’m afraid that is out of the question. You see, the procedure I used to cure Lydia of her brain tumor significantly altered her brain.” Andropov says. “Meaning?” Lawrence asks. “The procedure I performed on her made it so that she cannot be mind controlled.” Andropov says. “You’re certain?” Lawrence asks. “I am.” Andropov confirms. Lawrence sighs. “That certainly complicates matters...but it doesn’t make anything impossible. If you can’t use mind control, perhaps you could use truth serum.” Lawrence suggests. “I’m not sure I trust the reliability of truth serum.” Andropov says. “I’m not sure I care. All I care about is determining the location of that bracelet, which you are going to make happen. Find out what Lydia knows, or else you will be the one that I dispose of.” Lawrence warns. “Mr. Stanpatos, you can’t…” Andropov says. “Oh but I can. Everyone is replaceable, even you Doctor. So don’t think for a moment that you are instrumental to my plans. Now the next time we speak, you better have some good news for me.” Lawrence says. “Yes sir.” Andropov says. Lawrence smiles. “Good man. I’ll be in touch.” Lawrence says, before walking out. Once Lawrence is gone, Andropov looks nervous…



Lydia and Mia are still face to face in Lydia’s room. “Someone else involved? Whatever could you be talking about? Its just Andropov and myself, the dynamic duo!” Mia claims. “I don’t believe you. Ever since I woke up, I’ve gotten the distinct impression that there is some mystery figure involved in all of this pulling everyone’s strings. Who is it? Do I know them?” Lydia asks. “You know what? On second thought, I think I’ll leave you to rest. Maybe you’ll be able to sleep off this concerning paranoia of yours.” Mia says. “So you’re just going to avoid the question, then?” Lydia asks. “I already answered your question, but you’re just so crazed that you are incapable of letting it go! I should really talk to Andropov about this concerning development, maybe your sudden break from reality is a result of the procedure he performed to cure you of that delightful brain tumor. In the mean time, I really do think you should get some rest, darling. Those dark circles under your eyes suggest you aren’t getting nearly as much sleep as you should be.” Mia says. “Maybe I would be able to get more if I were allowed to GO HOME!” Lydia yells. “You and your sick obsession with going home! Its getting really old, you know that?” Mia asks. “Let me go and you won’t have to listen to me complain anymore.” Lydia says. “Or I could kill you. You wouldn’t be able to do much complaining then either!” Mia says. “But then what would your mysterious boss have to say about that?” Lydia asks. “We’ll talk soon, Lydia.” Mia says, before walking out of the room. Lydia groans to herself. “This has gone on long enough! I don’t know how, but I need to figure out a way off of this God forsaken island.” Lydia says…



In the dining room, Mia walks in and makes her way over to the bar. “I don’t care how early it is! After having to talk to that woman, I need a good cocktail!” Mia vents. “Care for some company?” A voice asks. Mia turns around and sees Lawrence standing in the doorway!