The Secret of NIMH (Remake) Transcript

Chapter 1
(As the first opening credits start, Inside a dark room, a lit stick lights three candles, two that lit in a blue color, and one lit in a red color.)

Old Voice - Two years have passed since Our escape from NIMH. (His paw picks up a feather quill and writes on a book.) Jonathan has done So much for Us in the past... and now... He lives a quiet life to have a family of His own... (Puts away the quill and holds a red amulet.) Jonathan...? I hope You find what you’re looking for. (Puts away the amulet in a box.) Good Luck... and thank you.

(Scene changes to a dilapidated barn at Dawn, where a young field mouse is asleep on a hay bale. as The last of the opening credits come and go. The girl mouse gets up as She yawns.)

Girl Mouse - Ah... Morning. (Comes out of the barn and sees a few sunflowers.) Ah. (As She prepares to get the seeds from the sunflowers, She sees a gray mouse asleep on the ground.) Huh? (Comes to Him.) Who are You? and why are You here? (The gray mouse wakes up.)

Gray Mouse - Ohh... Huh? What happened?

Girl Mouse - I-- I asked who You are.

Gray Mouse - Oh. Sorry. I'm Johnathan Brisby.

Girl Mouse - Johnathan-Brisby...? Two names. how unusual.

Johnathan - Um, Johnathan is fine to call Me.

Girl Mouse - Oh. Ha. I'm... I'm Elizabeth.

Elderly Mouse - Johnathan? Johnathan! (Sees Johnathan.) Oh, Johnathan. This is not the time to rest in the sunflower fields. We need to-- (Sees Elizabeth.) Oh, No.

Elizabeth - Is He Your Dad?

Johnathan - No, just a friend. Oh, Mr. Ages, This is Elizabeth.

Mr. Ages - Johnathan, Like I said, We need a better hiding place. somewhere where They can never find Us.

Elizabeth - Um, the only hazard in the fields are snakes.

Mr. Ages - Madam, Compared to what We're running from, Snakes are harmless.

Elizabeth - What's... What?

Mr. Ages - Ohh... I said too much. Come along, Johnathan.

Johnathan - Sorry, Mr. Ages.

Mr. Ages - "Sorry"?

Johnathan - I'll stay with Elizabeth... (To Elizabeth) If it's alright with You.

Elizabeth - I... sure! I don’t get many visitors.

Mr. Ages - Johnathan, An open field, is not enough of a hiding place.

Johnathan - Please, Mr. Ages.

Mr. Ages - (Sighs.) Well, If that's Your choice, Johnathan, I won't try to change Your mind. And You did say "Please". (Runs off.)

Elizabeth - Um... Johnathan, If You want, We can harvest some sunflower seeds.

Johnathan - Oh. OK. (At sundown, Johnathan places the seeds on a leaf.) Whew! So, Where do You want me to place the seeds?

Elizabeth - Right there. (Points at the barn.)

Johnathan - OK.

Elizabeth - Johnathan, What’s your family like?

Johnathan - Well, I had a family. But... I don’t want to talk about it.

Elizabeth - Had a family...?

(At night, Elizabeth and Johnathan are looking at the night sky.)

Johnathan - Elizabeth, You’re right. Where I was born, the lights were too bright for Me to see the stars at night.

Elizabeth - Lights? By any chance, You were born in a city?

Johnathan - Well, I wasn’t born in the sewers like a rat.

Elizabeth - Ha Ha Ha Ha. Good one. But, why do You have the name Brisby?

Johnathan - Well, I was given that name by someone. and again, I don't want to talk about it.

Elizabeth - Sorry. But... have You wanted to have children of Your own?

Johnathan - Yes, I have. Um... Elizabeth, I know We met this morning, but... Will You marry Me...? (Places His paw on Elizabeth’s paw.)

Elizabeth - Well, Not right now, but after some time,  We'll see.

(Mr. Ages who was hiding in the grass, sighs disdainfully as He left.)

Chapter 2
(In a Montage, Elizabeth and Johnathan sneak past a sleeping snake, while carrying a few sunflower seeds in a forest, Johnathan shows Elizabeth a sign on the ground which says "No Trespassing", in a Clearing, Elizabeth and Johnathan kiss. Then, at another clearing, Johnathan and Elizabeth along with Their Two kids rest in a broken lantern.)

Elizabeth - Johnathan, This is a great place to look at the night sky for the summer. Don't You agree, Teresa? Martin?

Teresa - I agree, Mom.

Martin - Daddy, What reason is there to change homes?

Johnathan - Well, We need places for when It's hot or cold. And the lantern is a good place to stay for the summer.

Martin - Ha. I'm not afraid of some cold, or the heat, not anything.

Elizabeth - Martin, there's such a thing as too brave.

Mr. Ages - Johnathan?

Johnathan - Huh? (Sees Mr. Ages) Oh, No... Sorry, Elizabeth. Kids. I'll be away for some time, But, I'll return with something special. I promise. (Hugs Teresa, then Martin, and then Elizabeth and leaves.)

Elizabeth - Well, You heard Your father. (Later, at Night, just as dawn was about to rise, Johnathan, along with a few silhouettes of rats carry a book to the lantern.)

Johnathan - Thank you. I wish We wouldn’t have stooped to stealing, like Him...

Rat - Well, things can change, Johnathan. Things can change. You can thank Nicodemus in the future. (The rats disappear into the tall grass.)

Johnathan - Well, at least I can help my family tomorrow with this book.

(At sunrise, Johnathan shows the family a book.

Martin - A book? Humans read books, don’t they?

Johnathan - Yes, But not many mice could read.

Elizabeth - Your father taught Me to read, but... not from a book.

Johnathan - Well, I had hoped to bring you to a library, but it’s too far away.

Teresa - What’s a library, Daddy?

Johnathan - Well, It's a place where people read books. But, for now...

(In the afternoon, Teresa reads the book.)

Teresa - Hmm. "On their... travels... to Br-- Bremen... The Donkey... The... Dog... the Cat... and the... Chicken... see a... cottage in... the forest".

Johnathan - Very good. Martin, You're next.

Martin - Oh, Sure. Um... "Inside... the Co-- Cottage... They see... Four... Men... cele...brating their... ill-gotten... treasure...".

Johnathan - Take all the time You need, son.

(In Autumn, Inside the barn, Elizabeth watches over Two Young mice.)

Elizabeth - (Thinking) Poor Johnathan. He was so depressed yesterday, He just left and searched for sunflower seeds at night.

Young Male mouse - Dada...

Elizabeth - (Out Loud) It's OK, Timothy. Your father will see You and Cynthia. Don't worry.

(Johnathan With a slightly older Teresa and Martin look at the sky while on a rock.)

Teresa - What are those, Daddy?

Johnathan - They're called clouds. They come in any shape and size. believe Me or not, They're made of water when it disappears. But... (Becomes depressed)

Martin - Dad?

Johnathan - Sorry. While I was getting sunflower seeds for Timothy and Cynthia, I saw something malicious earlier this morning.

Martin - Malicious, how?

Johnathan - Well, I saw something that's tall as this fence, has eyes that glow, and faster than me. But... if You see anything like I said, You'll hide. Promise?

Teresa/Martin - We promise.

Johnathan - Good. (Hugs Teresa and Martin. then, a crash is heard.) Huh?

Voice - Run for it! A Monster has come to the field! (Johnathan sees a Shrew running for the forest.) Run!

Johnathan - Monster? (Sees a Bulldozer tearing at the barn.) Oh, No...! Teresa, Martin, hide somewhere safe with Auntie Shrew. (Heads for the barn as it is about to be destroyed by the bulldozer.) Elizabeth!

Auntie Shrew - Wait, Stop! That's suicide!

(Elizabeth is tending to Timothy)

Johnathan - (From outside) Elizabeth! Run for the exit!

Elizabeth - Johnathan? (The Barn shakes, startling Elizabeth.) Wha... What's going on? (Johnathan heads inside the bulldozer.)

Worker - Huh? A Mouse? (Tries to stomp on Johnathan, but Johnathan dodges and climbs up and turns the control stick to reverse.) What in-- (The Bulldozer goes the wrong way as Johnathan races inside the damaged Barn.)

Johnathan - Elizabeth, Are You and the kids alright?!

Elizabeth - Johnathan, What's going on?

Johnathan - The Barn's being torn down! You and the kids have to get out, and fast!

(Outside, a Few humans see the barn being torn down)

Man - Well, It will take a few weeks for the farmhouse to be constructed, but it will be worth it. Right, Beth?

Beth - Yes, It will, Blake.

Blake - Our kids will enjoy the peace and quiet. Right, Paul? Billy?

Paul/Billy - Right, Dad.

(Elizabeth along with a sleeping Cynthia and Timothy traverses the collapsing barn and reaches Johnathan as They exit the Barn, which They see being torn down.) Our home. It's... Gone. (At Night, The Brisby family and Auntie Shrew take shelter under the water Mill.)

Johnathan - Elizabeth... I'm sorry that the barn is destroyed.

Elizabeth - (Sighes.) I can always find another home, Johnathan. but... You’re irreplaceable.

Auntie Shrew - Hmph. Your husband tried to stop that mechanical beast. He would have killed Himself.

Elizabeth - Auntie Shrew, Be grateful. Besides, We still have the lantern for a home.

Auntie Shrew - Ohh... Alright. But... try not to be desperate.

Johnathan - I'll think of something. I'm sure I'll find a winter home, Elizabeth. At Dawn, I'll search. (Kisses Elizabeth.)

Elizabeth - Thank You.

Chapter 3
(In a montage, as the sun was about to go down, He sees a few rats.)

Rat - Johnathan, Nicodemus needs Your assistance.

Johnathan - What kind of help?

Rat - Look at the house. (Points at the house, and they see Billy holding a cat.)

Billy - It's okay, Dragon. You'll give those rats what for if They come.

Johnathan - A Cat. They'll eat any mouse or rat in a heartbeat.

Rat - Which is why We need Your help, Johnathan.

Johnathan - (Sighs.) Very well. I'll help. But I need to tell Elizabeth.

Rat - You won't have to. There’s a cinder block. It's quite a place to stay for the winter.

Johnathan - Oh. Thank You. I'll Elizabeth the great news, but I'll help You. (Runs off)

Rat 2 - You sure about this?

Rat - Believe in Johnathan. without Him, Us rats wouldn't have escaped.

(The scents changes to the Cinder block home.)

Elizabeth - So, the Fitzgibbons have a cat, huh? I’m glad You found this new home. Not even the cat can get us.

Johnathan - I know. But...

Elizabeth - What’s wrong?

Johnathan- My friends want Me to help them with something. And I don’t want to leave you.

Elizabeth - Well, You’re a devoted Husband and Father. I think You deserve some time for yourself.

Johnathan - You sure? (Elizabeth nods.) Alright. I’ll come back before too long. (Kisses Elizabeth and leaves the scene changes to Elizabeth looking out the window at a snowy field.)

Elizabeth - Ohh... Johnathan. It's been four days. (She hears a cat meowing and sees the farmhouse.) Oh, No... Don't tell Me Johnathan has... Ohh... (Sheds tears of Sorrow.) Johnathan... (The screen blacks out except for a falling tear which drops.)

(The Scene fades in to the farm, where Mrs. Brisby waits outside a shoebox. Then, an elderly mouse comes.)

Mr. Ages - Mrs. Brisby? Wha— Why are You here?

Elizabeth - Oh, Mr. Ages. I hope I didn’t come at a bad time.

Mr. Ages - You didn’t. First, I’m sorry about what happened to Your husband a few weeks ago, But, Why come here? Winter’s not over.

Elizabeth - Mr. Ages, I know You prefer to be alone, but Timothy is sick.

Mr. Ages - Timothy? Your youngest son? Hmm. Well, I have some Echinacea to—

Elizabeth - No! No, He has a fever. A spider bit Him a few days ago.

Mr. Ages - Fever, Huh? How high is it?

Elizabeth - Well, burning hot, and wet with perspiration.

Mr. Ages - Anything else?

Elizabeth - Well, when He breathes, He makes a raspy sound.

Mr. Ages - Raspy Sound? Well, it’s proof enough that Your son has Pneumonia. (Makes a medicine.)

Elizabeth - Is it contagious?

Mr. Ages - Yes. But to ensure You and the rest of your children don’t get sick, make sure He doesn’t sneeze any near the family. Also, Your son has to stay warm. Be sure He’s bundled up for three weeks time.

Elizabeth - Even as moving day is nearing?

Mr. Ages - Medical science only made it this far.

Elizabeth - Sorry. But, thank You.

Mr. Ages - Yes, of course. You’re very welcome. (Elizabeth rushes off.)

Chapter 4
(On Her way home, Elizabeth heads for home when She sees Inside a hollow log, to see a crow meticulously collecting foil.)

Elizabeth - Hmm. (She tries To sneak past the crow,, but He spots Her.)

Crow - Whoa! (Elizabeth hides behind a stone.) No! You can’t have My foil!

Elizabeth - Huh? (She slowly comes out from behind the stone.) I don’t want Your foil.

Crow - If You think a mouse like You can— Wait, You’re not wanting My foil?

Elizabeth - Of course not. But, why are You collecting foil, anyway?

Crow - Well, I’m hoping I’ll have enough foil so I can give them to a soulmate of mine.

Elizabeth - Soulmate? Oh, You mean girlfriend.

Crow - Well, I haven’t found Her yet, but in the near future, when I encounter Her, Our hearts a new chapter will begin for the both of Us. ah... (Falls backwards and falls on the grassy ground.) Sorry, You saw that. I’m Jeremy, by the way.

Elizabeth - Well I’m Elizabeth Brisby. And just as long as You’re not too noisy, Dragon won’t hear.

Jeremy - Dragon? This isn’t the medieval era. Besides, dragons are made up by someone’s imagination.

Elizabeth - It’s not that kind. Dragon’s a cat.

Jeremy - Well, in any case, It’d be a great story to my future younglings— Wait, did You say Cat?

Elizabeth - I did. I heard stories that Dragon is quite vicious, even as a kitten. He has seven claws on each of His paws, needle-sharp fangs, glinting yellow eyes... (Sees the crow outside the log.) Hey, get down! He’ll see You!

Jeremy - I think I see a cat attacking some small birds in the wheat field. (Sees a Maine Coon Cat chasing away some quails and starlings.)

Elizabeth - Is Dragon going fast or slow?

Jeremy - Try to be more specific. Slow as in a snail or fast as a dragonfly?

Elizabeth - What? I mean, slow like He’ll pounce at any time or fast like He’s chasing a mouse.

Jeremy - Wait... (Sees the wheat field empty.) the wheat stopped shaking. (Dragon sneaks up to the log, where Jeremy and Elizabeth are hiding.) Well, I’m glad that cat’s not here. If a Cat was within a few feet, I’d sneeze like tomorrow wouldn’t come. In fact... in fac... Ah, ah... (Sneezes at the ground as Dragon gets closer.) Sorry. I’m allergic to cats— (Sneezes at Dragon’s face.) Uh... I assume You’re Dra— (Dragon roars at Jeremy, who flies away.) Run for it! (Elizabeth manages to get the medicine packet and runs for dear life, as Dragon furiously pursues Elizabeth to a pond.) Hey! (Uses a few cattails as projectiles to hit Dragon in the head, distracting Him long enough for Jeremy to fly and pick up Elizabeth who is keeping still flinching.) It’s okay, Miss mouse. We escaped. That cat won’t get us in the air.

Elizabeth - The air? Jeremy, could You please get Us down?

Jeremy - What? And let that cat eat Us?

Elizabeth - I’m afraid of heights.

Jeremy - What? Just close Your eyes. (Elizabeth shuts Her eyes) Where do You want Me to go?

Elizabeth - Head for that lavender flower bed! Dragon will calm down there.

Jeremy - What’s lavender?

Elizabeth - Wha— Ohh... (opens Her Eyes and sees the flower bed.) head to the right. (Jeremy lands on the flower bed.)

Jeremy - Elizabeth, I don’t understand.

Elizabeth - Don’t worry. (Dragon goes there, and chases Jeremy and Elizabeth, but calms down after a few seconds, and then falls asleep.)

Jeremy - He... He’s dead. (Sneezes in Dragon’s face.) Sorry again.

Elizabeth - No, He’s just asleep. Lavender is like catnip. When any cat is around Lavender, He'll calm Himself for some time.. But, Jeremy, What do You mean “What’s Lavender”?

Jeremy - Well, I can only see three colors. I can see the color of grass, the sky when it’s daytime, and a Certain color of fire.

Elizabeth - But You can’t see any other Color?

Jeremy - No, sorry.

Elizabeth - Well, at least, I can get home faster. Thank You.

Jeremy - You’re very welcome. If You need me... um... You can visit Me in My tree.

Elizabeth - I will... I hope. (Runs off, heading for home in the night.)

Chapter 5
(Inside the cinderblock home, Three of the Brisby children are waiting for their mother.)

Martin - I hope nothing bad happened to Mom.

Teresa - We can hope Mom’s still safe, Martin.

Shrew - Brisby! Brisby?

Cynthia - Auntie Shrew’s coming.

Martin - Again...? (Teresa reacts.)

Teresa - She might wake Timothy. (Races up the stairs.) Mom’s not here.

Shrew - Brisby?

Martin - You know, I think She'd be more gentler, If She had a family of Her own.

Teresa - Martin, Please.

(The Shrew Walks In as Teresa helps puts down Her giant scarf.)

Shrew - Ah. Thank You. I’d like to speak with Your mother. I’ve been telling everyone on the field for quite some time, and all this time... Brisby?

Teresa - Sorry, But Mom’s not here at the moment.

Cynthia - Auntie, Timmy’s sick.

Shrew - S-Speak a bit louder. I’m a little deaf on the right ear. You said Your Mom isn’t here?

Teresa - Mom went to see Mr. Ages for medicine.

Shrew - Medicine? What’s that?

Cynthia - Auntie, Timmy’s sick.

Shrew - Again, speak a little louder.

Teresa - Timothy’s ill, so Mom’s getting medicine to heal Him.

Shrew - Timmy’s ill? I didn't realize.

Martin - Well, I’m not afraid of some sickness, I’m not afraid of Billy...

Shrew - This is hardly the time--

Martin - I’m not even scared of that dumb cat on the farm.

Shrew - You’re not even listening.

Martin - Speak for Yourself.

Teresa - Martin, No.

Shrew - beating that cat won’t bring back Your Father.

Martin - At least I’ll make sure that cat won’t hurt anyone else.

Shrew - That cat scares most of us in the field.

Martin - Well, Your scary face could unnerve Him

Shrew - Wha! Well, I don’t have to take this. (Teresa gives the Shrew Her giant scarf as She leaves.) Cowardice is not cowardice if You want to live to see another day. A lesson best learned to impish— (Slips on the stairs, making Martin laugh, Teresa stifle Her laughter, and Cynthia softly laugh.) Ohh! You... (Elizabeth comes in.) Go ahead and laugh, because I’m not—

Elizabeth - Martin, what did You do? Auntie Shrew, are You alright?

Shrew - I’ll say.

Elizabeth - Please, come on back inside.

Shrew - not for all the food in the field. But, I’ll say this. Your eldest son is quite intent on attacking that Cat.

Elizabeth - Well, It's understandable.

Shrew - Also, the warm season is nearing. so, be ready to move Your unusual family. Also... I hope Timothy gets well soon. (Leaves the house, as Elizabeth glares at Her kids.)

Elizabeth - Well, Kids, You didn’t have to go that far.

Teresa - It was Martin. (Martin shushes Teresa.)

Cynthia - No one likes a tattletale, Teresa.

Elizabeth - It’s understandable that You miss Your Father. (Readies the medicine.) I’ll tend to Timothy. But... don't get too close. (Walks in Timothy’s bedroom.)

Martin - (Softly) Mom, I... I’m sorry.

(an instrumental version of “Flying Dreams” plays while Elizabeth feed the medicine As Teresa, Martin and Cynthia watch. then Elizabeth leaves the room.)

Cynthia - (Quietly) What will happen to Timmy?

Elizabeth - Don’t worry. Mr. Ages said that it’s Pneumonia.

Teresa - Pneumonia?

Martin - Is it contagious?

Elizabeth - Yes, that means until Timothy’s cured, no one enters His room Without protection. You promise?

Martin - Promise.

Teresa - I promise, Mother.

Cynthia - I promise, too.

Elizabeth - Good. Well, it’s almost time for Us to sleep as well. good night. (The family go to their beds, as Elizabeth blows out the candle’s flame, and room is darkened in a black and blue color as Martin looks upward.).

(Outside the Fitzgibbons’ Farmhouse, silhouettes of a few rats make off with an electronic wire.)

Beth - Blake, someone from NIMH came to the farm this afternoon.

Blake - Huh? NIMH?

Beth - Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health. He asked Me if anything unusual with the farm rats. So, I said “Nothing unusual”. (The rat silhouettes retreat into the rosebush.)

Blake - Beth, I have to figure out why the Electric bills are high, first thing in the morning. And once Spring comes... (We zoom in to the dark interior of the rosebush.)

Chapter 6
(The screen fades in to the Brisby home at morning as the words “Three Days Later” appear and vanish from the screen as Elizabeth comes out of Her home and thinks about Timothy.)

Elizabeth - (Thinking) Timmy, I know it’s been four days, since You got sick, but after some time, You’ll be ready to move back to the lantern. I promise. (Sees the tractor in the distance.) Huh? (Runs to the Fitzgibbons farmhouse and sees Blake making final adjustments to His tractor.)

Blake - Well, I’m about to plow the field. Have You got Dragon?

Paul - Yes, Dad. He’s been very distracted for some time. Like He's in a staring contest.

Blake - Thanks. and make sure Your brother doesn’t throw any stones At anything, While I plow the fields. Your buses to school will be here in a few minutes. (Elizabeth Sneaks around and sees the tractor on. but a few seconds later, the tractor’s plow falls on the ground.)

Blake - What in— the plow fell? (Checks the tractor’s Plow.) oh. I see. The linchpin’s missing.) I guess I’ll have to get a mechanic to make repairs. (Elizabeth sighs of relief.)

Elizabeth - Ohh... at least, it will Give Me a few more days. but not enough for Timmy to recover. (She Sees Dragon who sees Her hide behind a fence post, But Dragon doesn’t chase Her.) Huh? Is He... (She Sees Dragon breathing.) He must be sleeping with His eyes open. (Runs back to Her House. Along the way, She bumps into The Shrew.)

Shrew - Brisby. I thought something was going on. Where were You when the tractor was on, just as I was about to warn the others to leave the garden?

Elizabeth - Well, I figured something was Coming, the second I saw the tractor in the Fitzgibbons‘ driveway. what I saw was unusual.

Shrew - Unusual, how?

Elizabeth - Well, just as the tractor was about to enter the garden the plow dropped to the ground. And more unusual, Dragon saw Me, but He didn’t chase Me.

Shrew - Really?

Elizabeth - But... it won’t enough time for Timothy to recover. If only Johnathan were here, He’d know what to do.

Shrew - We’ll find some way. Now, what I’m suggesting might be dangerous.

(In a dark room, a green sphere shows Elizabeth and the Shrew traversing a patch of grass.)

Elizabeth - Dangerous?

Shrew - The Great Owl might know.

Elizabeth - Great Owl? But Owls eat mice.

Shrew - Well, at least show some bravery. Timmy’s life is on the line.

Elizabeth - You’re right. I’ll head there in the afternoon.

Shrew - But, it will take hours for You to get there on foot.

Voice - Johnathan, I see that Your widow is in desperate need of help. But a visit to the great owl, would be a good idea. (The sphere sparks up.) I wish You the best of luck... (The sphere blacks out as the screen fades in to Jeremy landing in front of the Brisby home as Elizabeth was waiting.)

Elizabeth - Jeremy, I’m glad You came.

Jeremy - Hello. Brisby, what’s the occasion?

Elizabeth Well, first, These are My kids. (Teresa gets uneasy, as Martin beams and Cynthia hides behind Martin.)

Jeremy - Uhm... nice to meet you.

Teresa - Mom, can You trust Him?

Elizabeth - Of course, He helped Me escape from Dragon a few days ago. (Rides on Jeremy’s back.) Teresa, You’re in charge while I’m away. (Jeremy flies away as Elizabeth waves to Her children, Who wave back.)

Martin - Wow! Mom sure is lucky to ride on the back of a bird.

Teresa - I don’t know about that. Mom’s afraid of heights.

(Cynthia waves to Elizabeth.)

Chapter 7
(Hours later, Jeremy is flying toward a rotting tree in the forest.)

Jeremy - Are You grateful that I got You to the Great Owl in a short time?

Elizabeth - I think I’d Be grateful, if You weren’t so high up.

Jeremy - Miss B, It was the fastest way. Besides, We’ll be landing very soon.

Elizabeth - Oh, thank goodness. (Jeremy lands on a branch, then Elizabeth places Her foot on the branch.) Ohh... So, this is the Owl’s tree?

Jeremy - Yes, it is. (Checks the inside of the tree.) Hello? (Elizabeth checks around.) Hello? (Elizabeth gets slightly annoyed.) Is anyone here? (Elizabeth looks at Jeremy.) No...!

Elizabeth - Jeremy, This is serious. (Cobwebs and bugs come out of the tree.)

Scary Voice - Those Of You who wants to speak to Me, come in. (Elizabeth slowly comes inside the tree.)

Jeremy - Miss B, as much as I’d like to come along, I’m too big to follow You.

Elizabeth - Ohh... (sighs calmly) For Timothy. (Walks on Inside the tree. Elizabeth traverses The tree, and becomes panicky at a few bones and spider webs with bugs. Then, Elizabeth checks a few claw marks on the tree’s walls as a Spider was sneaking up on Elizabeth, but the spider is crushed by an owl’s foot, which spooks Elizabeth, who sees an intimidating owl with glowing yellow eyes.)

Owl - What reason do You have, coming here?

Elizabeth - Sorry, if I disturbed you. Are You the great owl? (Eats the spider’s remains.)

Great Owl - Again, what reason do You have coming here?

Elizabeth - I want to say first, that the plow will be repaired in a few days, but, not enough for My youngest son to recover From His sickness. What can I do?

Great Owl - I will not answer to anyone, not even a mouse. (Flaps His wings which partially covers Elizabeth in cobwebs.)

Elizabeth - But, Timothy has Pneumonia. He can’t even leave bed.

Great Owl - Unfortunately, There aren’t any solutions for Your son to survive. (Flaps His wings again.) You have 30 seconds to leave, Miss...

Elizabeth - Elizabeth Brisby... (Sheds tears.)

Great Owl - Brisby...? As in Mrs. Johnathan Brisby? (Looks at Elizabeth.)

Elizabeth - Y-yes. yes, He was My husband. But, how do You know about Him?

Great Owl - That’s beside the point. But, what I can say is, Johnathan Brisby has done so much for Us forest animals in the past.

Elizabeth - Please, I’ll do just about anything to save Timmy.

Great Owl - Well, there might be a way to save Your son. turn to the rats.

Elizabeth - I don’t know any rats.

Great Owl - Check the Rosebush. once there, ask for Nicodemus.

Elizabeth - Nico...demus...? But, how?

Great Owl - You can ask them to move Your house, to the Lee of the stone.

Elizabeth - No rat, no matter how strong,

Great Owl - The rats have other ways to move the house.

Elizabeth - Well, I don’t understand. But, I’ll take Your word for it.

Great Owl - Good. and Now, I must leave, for it is night. (Leaves the tree.) And most importantly, be careful, for not every rat would be willing to help. (Flies off into the night sky.)

Jeremy - Wow. What did He say?

Elizabeth - He said to find the rats in the Rosebush. But... He also said that not every rat will be willing to help... (The screen blacks out.)

Chapter 8
(At morning, in the Cinderblock home, Elizabeth feeds Timothy His medicine, then leaves the room.)

Teresa - Mom, is this a bad time?

Elizabeth - You can tell Me anything, Teresa.

Teresa - Mom... the second You left to see the Great Owl, I was worried You wouldn’t come back. Like Daddy...

Elizabeth - I know. I miss Johnathan, Too. Now, I’ll be away for the afternoon. And You’re in charge.

Teresa - Again? I... I couldn’t. Martin and Cynthia won’t listen.

Elizabeth - I believe in You, Teresa. I always will.

Teresa - Thank You, Mom. (Hugs Elizabeth.) And... return safely. (Elizabeth leaves the cinderblock and heads toward the Rosebush.) Hmm. I wonder where She’s going.

(Elizabeth sneaks past Paul Fitzgibbons who is painting a canvas of the open fields, and She manages to get to the Rosebush without being seen, but sees Jeremy asleep.)

Elizabeth - Jeremy, why are you...? (Jeremy wakes up.) Jeremy, why are you sleeping this close to the cats?

Jeremy - Well, I was looking for more foil.

Elizabeth - Jeremy, I’m trying to locate an entrance inside. But those thorns are sharp. If Dragon or Dipsa wake up... (points at Dragon and another cat.) it will more difficult.

Jeremy - Ah, Yes. Dragon’s to be avoided and Dipsa. Wait, Who’s Dipsa?

Elizabeth - Dipsa‘s a cat, like Dragon. But She’s not as malicious as Dragon. But in the past few days, She’s been irritable.

Jeremy - Well, is there any foil in the Rosebush?

Elizabeth - Not likely. Wait. You said You’re looking for foil, right? Well, chances are there could be some in the tall grass, but try to avoid the cats.

Jeremy - Oh. Good choice. (Flies off as Elizabeth continues searching, Dragon wakes up and sees Jeremy, but sees something at the Rosebush, so He slowly sneaks toward it.)

Elizabeth - Hmm. it’s not there... (pushes a thorn, which causes a passageway to open, which Elizabeth goes in, seconds before Dragon saw Her. Dragon thinking it was His imagination, goes back and sleeps beside Dipsa.)

Paul - Oh, Dragon. So, there you are. I don’t know why You were checking the Rosebush, but there’s nothing there. But, I want to tell You something. (Dragon slowly wakes up.)

(Elizabeth looks around and sees a live wire shooting out electric sparks and She carefully goes around them. soon, She creeps through a corridor, which has nocturnal flowers. As She sees the flowers closer, Elizabeth trips, and narrowly escapes being hit by an electric halberd held by an intimidating rat.)

Elizabeth - Wha— (Sees the rat.) I assume You must be Nicodemus. But, if You’re not— (The Rat tries to strike Elizabeth several times with His halberd, But misses multiple times. Then when the rat gets his halberd stuck, Elizabeth makes a run through the corridor and hides behind a Patch of brambles. the rat ran past.) Ohh. (Thinking) I better wait a few minutes until He gives up. I have to get to Nicodemus somehow. (She sees a dark shadow of the rat about to strike Her with the halberd, But She jumps out of the way, She continues running, but comes at a dead end. And the rat raises His halberd.)

Mr. Ages - Brutus, why are You attacking anything that moves? (He comes and with a leg cast.) Go back to what You were doing, guarding the entrance. And no arguments. (Brutus disdainfully goes back to His post.) Ohh. Some things just can’t be fixed.

Elizabeth - Mr. Ages, is that You?

Mr. Ages - Mrs. Brisby? Wha— I— How did— Why are You here?

Elizabeth - I’m glad You came. The plow came early to the field.

Mr. Ages - You’d best leave and fast.

Elizabeth - No! I can’t just give up after the Owl told Me to see Nicodemus.

Mr. Ages - Well, determination isn’t enough to— Wait. what owl? (Places His paw on Elizabeth’s wrist.) Explain.

Elizabeth - I came to see the Great Owl. He said I should ask for Nicodemus, who lives with the rats.

Mr. Ages - Hmm. Your pulse hasn’t changed. That means You’re telling the truth. But, no one ever saw the Great Owl, and lived.

Elizabeth - Please? I’m desperate.

Mr. Ages - Well, alright. come with Me. (They walk on deeper as the screen blacks out.)

(The screen fades in to a blue electric sphere. Where Elizabeth is shyly traversing the corridor.)

Old Voice - Johnathan, Now that Your wife has come, I can repay You, for all You’ve done For Us. Yet, Mrs. Brisby will help Us more than We can for Her. (The sphere changes to a vision of Jenner.) However, I have a feeling that Jenner might do more harm than good to Our cause. Fortunately, the amulet is safely hidden. But if He manages to acquire it, I can only imagine...

Chapter 9
(In the darkest corridor, Mr. Ages talks with Elizabeth.)

Mr. Ages - ...That’s why Brutus has been keeping outsiders from reaching this place. And if anyone knew of this place, I can't bear to imagine. (The interior lights up.)

Elizabeth - Wow. It’s beautiful. (Looks at the scenery, as a silhouette approaches. One of Mr. Ages‘ ears goes up, and glares at the silhouette.)

Mr. Ages - Justin, If You so much as cause Me to have a heart attack—

Justin - Ok, I’m sorry. I just want to say that the meeting’s starting. And who is she?

Mr. Ages - Oh, of course. This is Elizabeth Brisby. (To Elizabeth) and this is Justin, The captain of the guard.

Justin - The Mrs. Johnathan Brisby? (Bows to Her.)

Elizabeth - The lights are quite lovely,

Justin - Yes. We’ve had electricity for a Couple of years.

Elizabeth - Well, My husband told Me about electricity.

Mr. Ages - Sadly, We’re not proud of stealing It from the Fitzgibbons. But, it’s Going to change. (They all enter inside a jar with a small fern As it descends Like an elevator. And what’s the meeting about?

Justin - It’s Jenner, He’s before the council, and like always, He’s trying to convince the council to abandon the plan. But nothing will come of it.

Mr. Ages - Well, We’ll see. (The elevator stops at An inner sanctum, where they head toward a misshaped structure.) Wait. (Listens on the door.)

Harsh Voice - ...would have Us leave Our home, and lead us to starve to death in a wilderness.

Elderly Voice - Moving to Thorn Valley is better Than stealing what we need!

Harsh Voice - Lies! We’re safe enough here.

Elderly Voice - Jenner, The longer We stay, the more the chance that humans will find this place. (The voices argue.)

Justin - No one likes an eavesdropper, Ages. (Picks up Ages and they enter the structure.)

Jenner - Listen to Reason! The Thorn Valley Plan would only result in only a handful of Us, as everyone else dies from starvation or predators. Therefore— (Notices Justin.) Oh. I didn't Expect the captain of the guard coming here.

Justin - I have a name, Jenner. You should know, too, (the council laughs as Jenner notices Elizabeth.)

Jenner - Who is that? Justin, You should know that no one outside the colony is allowed.

Justin - I’d like to introduce Mrs. Johnathan Brisby. (The council react.)

Young Rat - I thought Johnathan Brisby died.

Council Rat - remove Her!

Council Rat 2 - Back to Business!

Mr. Ages - No! She went to see the Great Owl. He told Her that We could move Her home safely.

Justin - And We can’t turn a blind eye to anyone in Johnathan’s family in need of help.

Young Rat - We have urgent matters to attend to. At least, let’s finish the meeting first. (The council rats argue, as the head council rat bangs His gavel. Jenner then approaches the young rat)

Jenner - Racso, if I could speak...

Racso - What, Dad?

Jenner - You don’t have to add the “Dad” part. (Quietly) Maneuvers of moving a house is dangerous. Chances are that accidents might happen.

Racso - What kind of Accidents?

Jenner - I’ll explain after the meeting. (To Elizabeth) Mrs. Brisby, please excuse what My son said. We’ll do whatever We can to aid Johnathan’s widow.

Third Council Rat - Well said!

Fourth Council Rat - Agreed! (Jenner walks off.)

Mr. Ages - Hmm. If I know Jenner, He’s up to something. But in the meantime, Justin, show Mrs. Brisby to the library. Then, after the meeting, We’ll speak to Nicodemus. (The three leave the structure.)

Chapter 10
(Meanwhile, on the Fitzgibbons’ field, Auntie Shrew ties Jeremy to a fence post, with string.)

Jeremy - Hey, Lady What grudge do You have against Me? I was looking for foil!

Auntie Shrew - Don’t try anything funny, Bird.

Jeremy - Please, If You would listen to reason— (tries to bite off the string for two seconds, then stops.)

Auntie Shrew - Why birds like You would want foil, I don’t know. But, You’ll not get anything else while I’m around.

Jeremy - Please, don’t leave Me! There’s two cats here! (Chews the string for a few seconds, gets free and flies away.)

Auntie Shrew - Yes. No one will mourn a thief like You. (Sees Dipsa coming.) Well, as much as I’d like to tie You up tighter— (Notices Jeremy flying away.) Wha? How did He...? (Chases after Jeremy.) You get back here, You invalid! (Dipsa peeks through and leaves confused.) You’ll not escape punishment!

(Outside the Brisby Home, Martin, Teresa, and Cynthia are looking at the afternoon sky.)

Martin - Teresa, have You or Cynthia had any fun with Dad?

Teresa - Of course, Martin. He told Me that there are some food in the field that We shouldn’t eat. Like peanuts, onions, garlic.

Cynthia - Garlic? (Giggles, then stops.) We’re not vampires, are We? Like a book Daddy brought Us?

Martin - No, Vampires don’t exist. Dad told Me that some things in books don’t really exist.

(They look at a sleeping Timmy through a window.)

Teresa - I just hope Mom’s alright, wherever She is. (Hears Auntie Shrew’s raving.) Auntie Shrew’s coming. But She seems angry.

Martin - I... think We’d better head inside. (Martin runs inside as Cynthia and Teresa follow as the screen fades out and fades in to Mr. Ages guiding Elizabeth through a high corridor to Nicodemus’ Chamber.)

Chapter 11
Mr. Ages - Make sure not to be Hasty, ask all the questions you want, but be patient and brief, then leave.

Elizabeth - I won’t be a bother.

Mr. Ages - Probably not as much as Justin would. This is it.

Elizabeth - Thank You. (Comes to open the door.) One... Two... (The door opens by itself in a flash of blue and green light, which Elizabeth covers Her eyes. When the flashes stop, Elizabeth comes inside and sees a small radio and an elderly rat with glowing orange eyes on a throne.)

Elizabeth - Sir... Are You Nicodemus? The Great Owl... sent Me to You.

Nicodemus - Yes... He is an irreplaceable comrade. Please come closer. (Elizabeth comes closer.) Ah. The fabled Mrs. Johnathan Brisby. It’s an honor to meet You at last.

Elizabeth - The... The pleasure’s all mine, Sir. But, how is it that everyone knows Johnathan?

Nicodemus - He was a good friend to the rats of NIMH. He too, was from NIMH in the past. that book over there, (points at a book on a desk.) feel free to read the words.

Elizabeth - Well, I can read some. Johnathan taught Me and the kids. Of course, the kids are better at it... (The book opens by itself.) than Me. (Approaches and reads the book.) It says “Johnathan... Brisby, a... kind-hearted Mouse... made possible... for the... rats escaping... the... malicious cruelty... of NIMH.” Wow. I didn’t realize. “He was... last seen coming... in the... farmer’s house, but... was never... seen coming out.” Oh, No. I didn’t realize. He... Died? But why did He never tell Me or the children about You? Why?

Nicodemus - An excellent question. But to answer, I’ll have to tell You about NIMH, and the plan. Look over there. (Elizabeth looks at a globe Which is spiraling until it flashes green, showing a vision of normal rats going around a town street.) Years ago, We were once normal rats, stealing food anywhere We went. (People in Hazmat suits chased the rats and captured them in nets.) however, many of Us were captured and sent to a place called NIMH. (Transition to a laboratory with many cages, and inside them are rabbits, cats, hamsters, and dogs.) We were put through the most Cruel tortures, just for something the humans call "Scientific Curiosity". Their leader, Schultz, gave injections to 63 Rats and 45 Mice, including me. (The Rats and mice run in a maze to find an escape route but are cut off by the nightmarish visions of the scientists and everything blacked out.) Fortunately... I looked at a cage door which said how to unlock the cage. (A Rat's paw unlatches the cage lock.) As it turned out, It was a mixed blessing, that We could read and have higher intelligence. (The rats help free the other rats and mice) The Scientists were unaware of this miracle, and after a few days of planning, We made our escape to the ventilation system. of course, not all the mice were willing to come along yet.

Johnathan's voice - Sorry, Nicodemus. but to make sure no one else suffers like We did, there's something I have to do first. (Johnathan and a few mice head for a telephone and calls 9, 1, 1. then goes to catch up to Nicodemus who traverses the Dark Ventilation System, until They see light, from a screened panel.)

Nicodemus - Thanks to Justin and His memory of the Ventilation system's path, We managed to find an exit, to see it was blocked by a screen panel. (Johnathan squeezes through the screen panel and unlocks it for Nicodemus' group to escape NIMH as Johnathan sees the police arresting the scientists.) But, if it wasn't for Johnathan's help, We never would have escaped. (The vision changes to Nicodemus' group traveling the wilderness.) in the few months that passed after that, most of the mice and some of the rats went separate ways. But, as Winter was coming, We took shelter in a dilapidated Mansion. (Nicodemus' group goes inside.) Inside, We found a library with more than enough information to survive, and much more. (Inside the library, The rats and mice read the big books.) By winter’s end, all the other mice left for parts unknown, except Johnathan.

Justin‘s Voice - Johnathan, Why is it that You want to stay?

Johnathan’s Voice- Well, I’m just saying that as Long as there are evil people, NIMH might return.

Justin’s Voice - Not likely. The police arrested the scientists, including Schultz.

Nicodemus’ Voice - But, Johnathan is right about one thing, Justin. As long as evil people exist, NIMH will never disappear from this world.

Nicodemus - Johnathan, soonafter thinking things through, decided on a temporary home for the others to stay until We could find somewhere where the humans can never find Us. Soon, Johnathan met You, and We settled in the Rosebush. (The vision disappears as Elizabeth hangs Her head down.)

Elizabeth - I didn’t realize he went through so much

Nicodemus - Now... I know it isn’t much, but Johnathan wanted to give it to You, the day Us rats were to leave for Thorn Valley. (Shows Elizabeth an amulet) This amulet now sleeps. But if worn by a kind and brave soul, the stone will glows a crimson radiance. Remember, Courage of the heart is very rare, the stone has a power when it’s there.

Elizabeth - Oh! An inscription. It says “You can un... unlock any... door... if You only... have the key. (Nicodemus Places the amulet around Elizabeth’s neck.) I don’t know what to say, except... I’ll treasure it. Always.

Nicodemus - Johnathan couldn’t bring himself to tell you about NIMH or His past, because the injections slowed the aging process as did other mice and rats. But since We owe a great debt to Johnathan, We will move Your house. But there will be some things to do first. Come with Me. (Elizabeth follows Nicodemus as Jenner prowls with Racso.)

Racso - Dad, I don’t understand.

Jenner - Heh. With Nicodemus gone, What’s to get in our way of taking over the colony?

Racso - What do You mean “Our”?

Jenner - Ha. I thought as much. Listen, the Brisby home is a cement block, in the moving, What if it falls?

Racso - You mean...?

Jenner - Yes. We sabotage the equipment, and the house’s weight will be more than enough to crush His bones.

Rasco - That could be risky, even with Two cats inside that bigger house.

Jenner - Two cats?

Rasco - Yes, I did some checking last night, and I saw a second cat there.

Jenner - Hmm. You provided a back-up plan. Good work, Son. Here's what We'll do first... (echoes as the screen slowly fades out.)

Chapter 12
(the screen fades in to a dark area with rocks, skeletal remains, and black water, where Mr. Ages and Elizabeth are on a boat, rowed by Justin.)

Justin - ...So, in the event we have a project that takes us out in the open, Mr. Ages here would make a sleeping powder made of Lavender to give to Dragon.

Elizabeth - How is it possible?

Justin - Well, one of Us would go inside the farmhouse kitchen, and put it in His dish, and to get inside without being seen, is a small hole in the floor. Ages tried yesterday morning, so that the tractor wouldn’t work, and that the colony‘s tunnels wouldn’t be exposed. Of course, Ages broke His leg.

Ages - Hey, I was in a hurry.

Elizabeth - Oh. So, that’s why Dragon didn’t Come after me yesterday. I was also lucky Dipsa wasn’t here.

Justin - Who’s Dipsa?

Elizabeth - She’s another cat.

Ages - Well, at least it’s some information for the Thorn Valley Plan. I’ll make a few spares, just in case.

Elizabeth - by the way, what is the Thorn Valley Plan?

Justin - Well, to live without stealing. It’s bad enough that We’re stealing electricity from Farmer Fitzgibbons.

Elizabeth - In any case, I’d best head home and prepare the children for tonight.

Justin - We’ll start at 2 AM.

Elizabeth - Um, since Mr. Ages is injured, and I figured that I should take the task regarding Dragon and Dipsa...

Justin - What? It’s too dangerous. Mr. Ages was lucky to get out alive.

Mr. Ages - Justin, at least believe in Her. She wants to help Her children.

Justin - I... Very well. At 11, I’ll be under the farm house.

Elizabeth - Thank You, and... goodbye. (Leaves and heads for home, jumping on lily pads of the pond, until She Sees one moving with a hollow pipe. Jeremy resurfaces.) Jeremy, is that You?

Jeremy - Oh, thank goodness it’s you, Mrs. Brisby.

Elizabeth - Why are you hiding?

Jeremy - Well, I’m being followed by a crazy lady with a Scary Tone. She tied me to a fence post, so that I wouldn’t escape from Dragon or Dipsa.

Elizabeth - Auntie Shrew. I thought as much. (They see Auntie Shrew coming.)

Auntie Shrew - I don’t know where You’re hiding, but, When I do— Ah! (Attacks Jeremy) This time, I’ll make sure to tie your beak shut so you won’t undo the ropes.

Elizabeth - Auntie Shrew, stop! (Holds back Auntie Shrew)

Auntie Shrew - Brisby? What do You mean "stop"? That poor excuse of a bird was snooping around the field, definitely trying to make off with something.

Elizabeth - You’re not to hurt Jeremy. He helped Me escape Dragon and flew Me to see the great owl. And I think an apology is in order. Did You at least see Him steal something?

Auntie Shrew - (scoffs) Well, No. But, why should I apologize to such an invalid? (To Jeremy) You got lucky, bird. But, the moment I see You. (makes a slashing sound.)

Jeremy - Thanks, Miss B. And make sure You choose your friends carefully. So long! (Flies off.)

Auntie Shrew - I can’t believe You let that thief go.

Elizabeth - Makes sense why Martin didn't like You. but for now, I have to head home. (Races for home as the scene changes to Timmy’s bedroom, after Elizabeth feeds Timmy His medicine while Teresa tends to a quilt.)

Timmy - Mom, how long do You want Me in bed?

Elizabeth - Well, just for two more weeks.

Timmy - Well, if You want Me to stay in Bed, Mom, I will.

Elizabeth - Now, kids, Your Mom will be away for some time, as Our house will go to the sheltered side of the stone. but until I return, You'll stay in the house. You promise?

Teresa - I promise, Mother.

Cynthia - Me, Too, Mama.

Timmy - Well, I'll be in bed, anyway, so, Yes. I promise. (Elizabeth looks at Martin)

Elizabeth - Martin?

Martin - Huh? Oh! OK. I promise.

Elizabeth - And Also... I promise that I'll return home before Dawn. (Cynthia, Martin, and Teresa hug Elizabeth.)

The scene changes to Inside Mr. Ages' Shoebox home, where He prepared a packet of sleeping medicine.)

Mr. Ages - Whew. It took some time, but Two packets are complete. All that's left is to get more lavender to make more just in case. (Goes to look for some lavender as Racso uneasily sneaks inside and spikes one of the medicine packets with a few tiny pieces of onion and exits before Mr. Ages comes inside.)

Mr. Ages - Hmm. (Inhales.) How unusual. (Sighs as He goes into another room. Outside the house, Racso hides behind a tree, where Jenner is.)

Jenner - Heh heh. Well done spiking the powder.

Racso - Huh?

Jenner - Once one of the cats dies from eating the onion-spiked powder, the other cat will come and in a blind rage, will kill Nicodemus and His supporters. You keep watch and inform Me which cat will die. (Racso becomes uneasy.)

Racso - Very well, Dad.

Jenner - Good. (Goes off back into the colony as Racso sighs of grief as the screen blacks out.)

Chapter 13
Under the Fitzgibbons house just as a storm is about to start, Justin carries Three Packets. and brings them here as Elizabeth arrives as Racso is hiding.)

Justin - Ok, Three packets are ready. We'll start drugging Dragon and Dipsa very soon. but, You'll go one at a time.

(Racso sneaks toward one of the packets, and hides as Elizabeth climbs up the floor hole.)

Elizabeth - Ok. and Justin... I wish You and the other rats the best of luck making it to Thorn Valley.

Justin - Oh, Thanks. I'll tell Nicodemus that.

Elizabeth - Hold My cloak if possible. (Gives Justin Her cloak and Amulet as Racso grabs the spiked packet and runs off.)

Justin - Good idea. It might get caught in something. (Goes to get the packets.) Huh? Weren't there Three packets? Hmm. (gives Elizabeth the packets.) Here. Be ready. Mrs. Fitzgibbons will be filling Dragon and Dipsa's food bowls any moment. (They see Beth filling the food bowls.)

Elizabeth - I don't know if I can do it one at a time.

Justin - Don't worry about it. Just concentrate on the food bowls. (Elizabeth shakily approaches the bowls but stops.) No, not yet.

Beth - OK. Now, to get Dragon and Dipsa. (Beth walks off.)

Justin - Ok, run to the bowls in three... two... one... Run! (Elizabeth sprints with both packets.) Elizabeth, what did You-- (She runs toward Dragon's food bowl and places one of the packets in it and the other packet in Dipsa's. however, Dipsa spots Elizabeth and pursues Her.) No! (The exit is blocked) Oh, No... (Sheds tears, but wipes them off as He goes to assist with moving the house as a rainstorm started. the screen blacks out after a lightning flash.)

(The Scene fades in to inside the Fitzgibbons attic, where Elizabeth comes out and swiftly heads for the kitchen, to see a sleeping Dragon blocking the exit.)

Elizabeth - I guess I'll need to find another way out. (Searches for an exit, in the house, and when She goes in the basement, She sees food boxes and bottled water. The scene changes to Auntie Shrew tending to Timmy as the other children look at the night sky.)

Auntie Shrew - Ohh. Just as I was dealing with that buzzard, Your mom stopped me. ”You’re not to hurt Jeremy. I think an apology is in order.”

Martin - Well, at least they’ll be here any minute.

Auntie Shrew - They? Who’s They?

Teresa - They’ll move the house soon!

Auntie Shrew - Not likely. Not even a gang of rats is going to touch this house while I’m here. So long as those hoodlums stay away— (A clank is heard.) oh, my.

(In the basement, the loud thunderclap wakes Elizabeth, who Sees a black blur zipping through and enters a mouse hole.) Huh? What's that? (She enters the mouse hole and sees a scary-looking silhouette.) Who are You? (She looks at the silhouette.) It... Is it really You...? (the silhouette shows to be Johnathan, but is mentally shaken.) Johnathan! What happened? I thought You were dead! (Hugs Johnathan.) Ohh... (Sees the interior and sees messages that says "Elizabeth Brisby".) Johnathan, It's Me! Elizabeth Brisby!

Johnathan - E...liz...a...beth?

Elizabeth - Johnathan, I met the rats of NIMH. They're here now moving the house, where the plow won't hurt Our kids.

Johnathan - N... NI... NIMH? (Falls on the floor shedding tears.) Why... You... meet... Rats of... NIMH?

Elizabeth - Johnathan... (Hugs Johnathan.) Our son Timmy is sick, We won't have enough time for Him to recover.

Johnathan - Jo-- Johnathan want to be... with Family more...

Elizabeth - Unfortunately, Dragon's blocked Our way out. We need a plan.

(Outside, a Winch pulls the Brisby house from the ground and moves it upward, as the house is shaking up, the children try to keep Their balance. as the equipment moves the Brisby House, Racso is keeping watch as Jenner gets ready.)

Jenner - Hmm. The cats haven't come yet. something must have happened. Racso, You keep watch for the cats and once, the house is close enough, I'll cut the lines.

Racso - Dad...

Jenner - And I won't hesitate if You back out.

(In the Fitzgibbons House, Elizabeth and Johnathan still traverse the house for another way out, and when They come to the garage, They see Dipsa asleep.)

Elizabeth - Watch out, It's Dipsa.

Johnathan - Dip...sa?

Elizabeth - Wait. (Checks the garage for a way out, but couldn't find any.) No way out of the garage. (She sees Dipsa asleep, then quietly sneaks away.) Come on, Johnathan. (grabs Johnathan and heads back to the Kitchen, where Dragon is still asleep.) If only Dragon slept elsewhere, We'd have seen the house go up by now. Johnathan? (Sees Johnathan approach Dragon's paw.) Johnathan, What are You-- (The Telephone rings, which Johnathan and Elizabeth hide behind the kitchen table legs.)

Mr. Fitzgibbons - Coming. Coming! (Picks up the phone) Hello? What's that? NIMH? Oh, Yes. My wife told Me about Your visit a few days ago. We're enough having problems with the rising electric bills. The Rats? Well, I wasn't told of anything unusual about them, but the traps never worked. Really? Sure, I don't mind You uprooting that rosebush. But what's the cost? Huh? No Charge? Tomorrow? OK. I'll see You tomorrow morning. Good night. (Hangs up the phone.)

Elizabeth - Johnathan, We can't let Your friends be taken back to NIMH. We have to warn them. But how...?

(Outside, Jenner gets ready to sabotage The equipment. As the cement block was getting closer to Nicodemus.)

Jenner - Here it comes. (Racso turns and sees what Jenner is doing.)

Racso - Dad, what are you...?!

Jenner - Do not distract Me! (Sabotages the equipment, causing the block to narrowly miss Nicodemus, but the equipment buries Nicodemus. The cement block falls in the mud, causing the children to slide toward the wall, But knocks out Auntie Shrew.

Teresa - Martin! (Checks on Auntie Shrew.)

Cynthia - Is Auntie asleep?

Justin - Hurry! We have to help him! (He and a few rats dig through the ruined equipment, once done, they see Nicodemus crushed by a winch support.) Nicodemus. He’s... (Falls to His knees.)

(Back in the Fitzgibbons House, Johnathan approaches dragon’s paw and sees something blue.)

Elizabeth - Johnathan, not too close! What are you doing? (Johnathan points at a glass shard in Dragon’s paw.) Are you going to--

Johnathan - Elizabeth... Mu-must... warn rats... about... NIMH. While I...lead Dragon... away... from You.

Elizabeth - Johnathan, You can’t. I can’t lose you again.

Johnathan - I... believe... in You... Elizabeth. (Hugs Elizabeth.)

Elizabeth - Ohh... Johnathan... (tearfully Hugs Johnathan. then He approaches Dragon’s paw and yanks the shard out, causing Dragon to yowl in pain, half-asleep, and goes after Johnathan, as Elizabeth tearfully exits through the hole, grabbing Her cloak and amulet.)

Chapter 14
(The scene changes to the muddy field, where Jenner address the rats in mourning.)

Jenner - Everyone, It is no longer possible to move the Brisby home.

Mr. Ages - but... We can’t just leave it where it is, in the mud

Jenner - The equipment’s broken beyond repair. But, for now, We must return to the rosebush.

Elizabeth - (Faintly) Justin? Justin!

Mr. Ages - That‘s... Mrs. Brisby’s voice. (Elizabeth arrives.)

Elizabeth - Mr. Ages, I came as fast as I could. What happened? Are the children...?

Mr. Ages - They’re— They’re safe, Elizabeth. But, Nicodemus... died.

Elizabeth - Oh, Mr. Ages... I’m so sorry. (Mr. Ages softly cries as Jenner notices Elizabeth.) I have worse news. NIMH is coming.

Rat 1 - What are You saying?

Elizabeth - NIMH is coming in the morning.

Rat 2 - NIMH?

Elizabeth - And the first thing they’ll do is destroy the Rosebush.

Jenner - You lie.

Elizabeth - Please, listen. I overheard the farmer talking to them on the phone.

Rat 2 - Is She serious?

Jenner - Don’t say things you know nothing of!

Elizabeth - Please leave the farm, and fast! (Jenner strikes Elizabeth.) Aah!

Jenner - Enough of Your lies! (unsheathes His sword.)

Mr. Ages - Jenner, No! (Jenner shoves Ages out of the way, as He pursues Elizabeth as Racso sees what’s going on And warns Justin and the other mourning rats.)

Racso - Hey, Justin! Justin, Hurry! (Justin notices Jenner attacking Elizabeth and comes to stop Jenner.)

Justin - Jenner, have You gone insane?!

Jenner - Stay out of My way! (Strikes Justin at the at the arm, then focuses His attention on Elizabeth.) I WILL get that stone. (Attacks Elizabeth, As Justin tackles Jenner. Justin uses a piece of the equipment as a makeshift sword and fights off Jenner.)

Justin - You had it planned from the start, right? You planned to kill Nicodemus just so You can selfishly continue leading Us down to ruin.

Jenner - Ruin? Not likely. (The sword fight continues.) He was going to lead us to Our destruction, like that accursed Johnathan. Without Him, We can live in safety, away from the humans. Then, in a few generations, We rats will overwhelm the humans.

Justin - I see now, that You won’t listen. (The sword fight continues, and ends with Justin striking at Jenner’s leg, causing Him to scream in pain.)

Racso - Dad... (Looks to His right and sees something behind Him.)

Justin - Everyone... Tonight, We travel to Thorn Valley. We must move fast And remove every trace from the farm.

Racso - Everyone, Run! (The Rats and Elizabeth notice what Racso saw and run for cover.)

Jenner - Coward! Get back here! (He then turns around and sees Dipsa, who eats Jenner whole, surprising all involved.)

Elizabeth - That was... Dipsa. (Dipsa slowly returns to the house.)

Chapter 15
Justin - I can’t believe what I saw. (Notices Racso mourning.) Oh, I’m sorry, Racso.

(Johnathan comes out from the grass, which Elizabeth Notices.)

Elizabeth - Johnathan. Johnathan, You made it!

Justin - Johnathan? (The rats approach Johnathan.) He looks... Pale. We can celebrate later. Racso, tell everyone in the Rosebush about NIMH coming, and bring as much rope as possible. (Racso does that.) Everyone else, clear away... (Elizabeth approaches the cinderblock.)

Cynthia - Mama? Hello?

Martin - Mom, are You there?

Elizabeth - Cynthia. Martin.

Auntie Shrew - Brisby, what’s going on?

Teresa - Mother, What’s happening?

Elizabeth - Don’t worry, Teresa. the moving will be over soon. (Sighs of relief, then the mud starts to bubble, as the cinderblock starts to sink, which Elizabeth Notices.) What In...? It’s sinking? The cinderblock’s sinking down!

Johnathan - Sink...ing? (Johnathan and some of the rats hurry to save the cinderblock.)

Justin - Oh, No! It IS sinking!

Mr. Ages - There— There Must be a small sinkhole below!

Justin - Hurry!

(Inside the House, The mud starts to get in.)

Auntie Shrew - No...!

Cynthia - What’s coming in?

Teresa - It’s mud!

Martin - We have to keep above.

Auntie Shrew - For once, Martin, You’re right. I’ll get Timothy. (Swims to get Timothy.)

(Outside, The Rats, along with Elizabeth and Johnathan’s help struggle to keep the cinderblock from going down, But as the lines continue to break, The amulet around Elizabeth’s neck begins to glow.)

Rat - Hurry! There’s not enough lines!

(Inside the Brisby House, As Auntie Shrew holding Timothy is on half of a walnut shell, The rest of the kids are on a table trying to retain balance.)

Martin - Try to stay where You are! Try to be still! (Cynthia almost falls in the mud, but Teresa catches Her.) Good catch, Teresa!

Teresa - Thanks, But, The mud’s about to reach the roof! Mother! Help!

(Outside, the last of the lines break as the sinking House is almost submerged.)

Justin - Brisby, It’s no use! (Elizabeth and Johnathan still try to pull the ropes, then, when Elizabeth sheds a tear on the amulet, it glows to a bright crimson light.)

Johnathan - Elizabeth...?

Elizabeth - Wha...?

Nicodemus’ voice - Remember, Courage of the heart is very rare. The Stone has a power, when It’s there.

Elizabeth - The Stone...? (After a few seconds, Elizabeth grasps the amulet, and Her body glows in a red color. Then, She touches the rope, which causes it to glow red, all The way to the Brisby Home, where it levitates. Inside, the Mud Evaporates as the kids and Auntie Shrew are safe.)

Teresa - Look!

Cynthia - The mud's vanishing.

(Outside, Brisby, still envepoped in a red light, levitates the cinderblock to the sheltered side of the stone, and gently puts it in the ground. With that, The light from the amulet fades, and almost passes out, but Johnathan catches Her.)

Elizabeth - Johnathan, Thank You. (Falls asleep as Teresa, Martin, and Cynthia come outside to see Johnathan.)

Teresa - Father? (They see Johnathan.)

Martin - It's Dad.

Chapter 16
(The words “Ten days Later” appear and disappear as the scene fades in to a shot of the Fitzgibbons House with the Rosebush gone, and We zoom in to the Brisby House exterior as Elizabeth brings Timothy outside where the other kids are resting.)

Elizabeth - Timothy, I know it’s been two weeks You were in bed, but now, You‘re Free to play with the others.

Timothy - Thanks, Mom. (Hugs Elizabeth.)

Elizabeth - You’re welcome. (Sees something.) Timothy, I have something to tell You.

Timothy - What is it, Mom?

(Johnathan walks in the room)

Timothy - Daddy. (He gets up and hugs His Father)

(Later, as the Children play a game of tag, Elizabeth and Johnathan look at the clouds.)

Mr. Ages - Looking up at the future, huh?

Elizabeth - Mr. Ages?

Mr. Ages - Elizabeth, before I and the rats leave for Thorn Valley, could I speak to You and Johnathan for a moment?

Johnathan - Sure.

Mr. Ages - Now, Johnathan, You were afraid while the NIMH injections extended Your lifespan, Elizabeth would have grown old as You stayed young. But... (laughs softly.) That’s not the case, anymore.

Johnathan - It’s not?

Mr. Ages - Of course not. I did some checking on Elizabeth’s blood, and She has the NIMH formula.

Elizabeth - Really? But, how?

Mr. Ages - Well, because You have children.

(Elizabeth and Johnathan react, with Johnathan scratching the back of His Head, blushing.)

Johnathan - That means...?

Mr. Ages - Yes. Elizabeth now has an extended lifespan like You. Now, before We go, Do You want to come with Us and be leader of the Rats? Nicodemus would have wanted You to.

Johnathan - It’s a nice offer, But, I’m gonna have to turn it down. My family’s important to my life. Besides, Justin would Be a better leader than Me.

Mr. Ages - Very well. But, I wish You and Your family the best of luck. Farewell. (Leaves the farm as The Brisby Family wave.)

Elizabeth - Oh, Johnathan? I’ve been meaning to ask you. How did You escape Dragon?

Johnathan - Well, after I plucked that shard, Dragon did chase Me, but He calmed down, and He let Me leave. Turned out that shard had made Him irritable. But, without that shard, He’s playful as a newborn puppy.

Timothy - Really?

Johnathan - Really. Oh, and did Elizabeth tell You about Dipsa?

Teresa - Who’s Dipsa?

Elizabeth - Well, a Few days ago, Dipsa gave birth to some kittens, and from what One of Justin’s supporters, Racso said, Kittens are born blind until they are seven to Ten days old.

Cynthia - Wow. That Also means Dragon’s a Dad?

Johnathan - Yes. Also... (Scene changes to The Brisby Family heading for the Fitzgibbons Garage, along the way, They see Jeremy arranging the foil in His hollow log home, along with a female crow.

Jeremy - Oh! Good afternoon, Brisbys!

Elizabeth - Good Afternoon, Jeremy!

The Brisby family go inside the garage where They see Dragon sleeping alongside Dipsa, Who is tending to Her four kittens.)

Teresa - (Quietly) Aw... They’re adorable.

Cynthia - (Quietly) They look harmless.

Martin - (Quietly) Only when They're Young.

(Dragon wakes up and sees Dipsa’s kittens.)

Johnathan - Oh, The kittens are about to open their eyes. (Dragon and Dipsa look with anticipation as one By one the kittens open their eyes.)

Martin - I... (Sheds tears.) I had no idea.

Timothy - Are You crying?

Martin - (Hides His tears.) Sorry. Yes.

Elizabeth - It’s normal to cry, Martin.

(Scene changes to Johnathan riding on Dragon, Elizabeth riding on Dipsa, and each of the Brisby children riding on one of the kittens as They Head home.)

Teresa - Mom, You think the rats will make it to Thorn Valley?

Elizabeth - Who knows?

Martin - Will We see them again in the future?

Elizabeth - Perhaps.

Cynthia/Timothy - Really?

Johnathan - Ha Ha Ha. Really. Once You’re Older.

Auntie Shrew - Brisby? Where are... You? (Sees The Brisby Family riding on Dragon’s family, causing Her to faint.)

Johnathan - Oh! Look there! (The Brisby’s and Cats look up and see Jeremy and the girl crow making somersaults in the air and head for the horizon, as the Brisby’s wave goodbye to Jeremy and His potential Mate. The screen goes sepia, and the words “The End” appear.)