(We open early the next morning in the Pad's garage.)

Mike: (As he opens the door into the garage) Those sure were good pancakes, darlin'.

Emma: (She follows) Thank you, dear. I make mine from scratch.

Peter: Thanks for letting all of us sleep over.

Valerie: Jordan loves being around the other children.

Davy: Yeah, besides, it were fun playing with the kiddies.

Lauren: *looks weary & tired* I'm just thankful that the kids were occupied.

Daphne: *puts an arm around Lauren* Anything to help out.

Mike: I'm glad the Abbies and Martians agreed to watch them again. They're lucky the Martians just came back from their tour.

Emma: I'm surprised they agreed to it on short notice.

Peter: I think they just wanted to spend time with the Martians.

Davy: They'll take any excuse for that.

Mike: It's gonna be a little cramped, but I think we can all fit in Urse. (He climbs in the front seat as everyone else gets in and turns her on) Hey there, girl.

Ursula: Hello, Michael. What's the problem? It's Micky, isn't it? He's not with you.

Mike: Yeah, it's Micky. He's...uh...

Davy: *frowns* Well, Urse... 'e's not exactly one of us anymore.

Emma: He's a vampire.

Ursula: Oh, dear. How did that happen? Vampires aren't what you'd call commonly-seen creatures.

Daphne: No, but one of them came looking for us & found Micky the hard way.

Davy: Mick stepped out the veranda door & got buzzed by the bat.

Ursula: Something tells me my sister is involved in this. She WOULD consult with the undead.

Daphne: *nods* The vampire DID mention the Devils.

Ursula: (As Mike starts the car) She probably encouraged him.

Mike: No, he defeated her and Alex in some kinda duel.

Ursula: I always knew she wasn't as good of a fencer as she claimed...and unless he's been gulping potions again, Alex can barely pick up a sword.

Mike: Apparently, what he wanted was which one of us would make a good apprentice...and they pointed at Micky.

Ursula: Alex just wanted to get on his "brother"'s nerves again.

Davy: *nods* As well as the rest of us.

Ursula: Do you know where he took them?

Mike: We were hopin' you could tell us that.

Ursula: That's right - the radar. (She pops her radar screen open as they make their way onto Beechwood Street.) I'm not getting....wait! (Excited) I have a lock on him! He's on Elvira Street, right outside of Malibu Beach!

Mike: (Frowns) That's out in the hills. It's kinda remote. Lots of trees and land around there.

Davy: Wot could 'e be doing out there...?

Emma: That's the Count's home, I'll bet.

Ursula: And god only knows what he's doing to Micky there. Vampires are not known for living sedate lives.

*Lauren whimpers.*

Daphne: *hugs Lauren* We're trying to not think about that.

Ursula: I'm sorry there, Lauren. I should learn to watch my circuits.

Daphne: Don't worry about it, Urse. Lauren's just... not taking this too well.

Ursula: (Sighs) I can't say I blame her.

Peter: (He leans over and pats Lauren's shoulder) It'll be ok. We'll help him. After all, you all helped ME.

*Lauren nods.*

(The camera pulls back to a long shot of MonkeeMobile driving down Beechwood....then fades in on another long shot of the MonkeeMobile driving across rolling hills and green fields. It's started raining again. Mike pulls up in front of the "mansion"...the same stock footage we saw earlier.)

Mike: (Shudders) Why does this seem strangely familiar?

Davy: *mutters to Mike* Stock footage, mate.

Emma: In that case, none of the boys are allowed to touch any large necklaces or small female vampires when we're in there.

Mike: And if a woman vampire opens the door...we find another way in.

Peter: (As Mike pulls up the long gravel driveway) Should we all go in?

Ursula: Considering what happened the last time all of you handled vampires and the Aristocrat's current condition, I think it would be safer if you went in two groups.

Davy: *nods* We'll be able to search quickah, too.

Mike: Ok, I'll take one group. Dave, you can take the others.

Emma: (Takes Mike's hand) I'll go with him.

Daphne: I'll go with Davy.

Davy: Obviously, luv.

Peter: We'll go with Davy and Daph. Lauren, why don't you go with Em and Mike?

Emma: (Smiles) I'll help cheer you up. That's what best friends are for!

Lauren: *nods; quietly* Thank you.

Peter: We're going to go around back and see if there's another entrance.

Emma: We'll just try going through the front.

Mike: Right. Urse, you keep a watch out. Vampires can't hurt you...but you can be stolen out here.

Ursula: I'll pull over closer to the mansion and stay out of sight.

Mike: You do that, Urse. (He, Emma, and Lauren go right up to the front door) Ok, who's brave enough to knock?

Emma: Oh, good grief! I'll do it. (She knocks on the door and keeps knocking...not realizing after a moment or two, she's knocking on a very tall, Frankenstein-like fellow in a good black suit)

Tall Man: Don't do that.

Mike: Uh...hello, sir. Is your master in?

*Lauren's eyes widen.*

Tall Man: If you mean Count Damian, yes, he's in. What do you wish of him?

Mike: We need to talk to him about a friend of ours, Micky Dolenz.

Tall Man: Ahh, the new master. You must be the Guardians the Count spoke of. (He opens the door) Come in.

Lauren: *whispers to Emma* Why is he actually letting us in...?

Mike: Why are you lettin' us in?

Tall Man: The Count thought you'd like to join the party.

Mike: (Raises an eyebrow) Party?

Tall Man: To celebrate the arrival of his new apprentice.

Lauren: *mutters* I don't like this...

Mike: Do you know where his apprentice is?

Tall Man: He's in the North Wing, but my master says he's not to be disturbed. He's quite tired after his long night.

Lauren: Tired... after a long night... of what?

Tall Man: Why young miss, he was just turned today, and then the master held this party. That's enough to tire anyone out.

*Lauren frowns.*

Mike: Take us to him, sir.

(Emma puts her arm around Lauren's shoulder.)

Tall Man: Wouldn't you rather go to the party first?

Lauren: No, we wanna see him!

Tall Man: It's against my orders, but...

Mike: Now, Frankie. I wanna have a talk with your master and his apprentice.

Tall Man: Master won't approve, but...very well.

(Cut to Micky's room. There's a knock on his door.)

Tall Man: (From behind the door) Master Michael, there are humans here to see you.

Mike: Mick, it's us!

Lauren: *makes a face* "Master Michael?"

Micky: What humans?

Tall Man: They say they're the Guardians. Master spoke of them.

Micky: *pauses; low tone* Send them in.

Tall Man: Very well. (He opens the door and lets the trio in the room.)

*Micky spins around in his leather desk chair. He wears the same maroon suit as before. He has his fingers steepled & glares at the trio over his hands.*

Lauren: *eyes widen* Micky...?

Micky: To what do I owe this visit?

Mike: Hey man, what's goin' on?

Emma: Micky, are you ok?

Micky: I'm fine. *settles back in his chair*

Tall Man: Is this all right, Master Michael? Shall I take them away?

Mike: Micky, no, you're not! What's goin' on?

Micky: Let them remain. I will tell you when I've had enough.

Lauren: *takes a step forward* Mick...?

Tall Man: Very well, Master Michael. (He leaves the room)

Mike: Mick, come on. We're here for you. We're going to get you outta here.

Micky: Perhaps I don't wish to leave. *removes his fedora & fingers the brim*

*Lauren takes another step forward...*

Mike: Mick, you're not a vampire! You have a wife and kids. You have to come back with us!

*Micky pauses a moment, then grins, showing off his fangs.*

*Lauren screams, then ducks behind Mike.*

Mike: (Gulps) Oh shit...

Emma: (Gasps) Micky...

Micky: What were you just saying?

Mike: Mick....there has to be SOMETHIN' we can do....

Micky: *shakes his head* There is nothing. *sets the fedora on the desk, then stands*

Mike: Micky, we want you back! You can't be happy like this. You're not Dracula!

Micky: No, I'm not Dracula. I'm BETTER than Dracula. And I am VERY happy like this. I partied all night... *aims a look at Lauren as she peeks around Mike* in more ways than one. *half smirk*

Lauren: *whimpers* No...

Mike: NEVER! (He flings himself in front of the women) You'll have to get through me to get them...and I sure as hell ain't lettin' you get through ME!

Micky: How noble of you, Mike.

Mike: Well, I like my blood in my veins, and I'm sure they do, too.

Micky: *shakes his head, clasping his heands behind his back* Michael, Michael, Michael...

Mike: Mick, we want you to come back with us.

Micky: No. I'm not "Micky" anymore & I never will be again. I would suggest that all of you leave before I get hungry. >

Mike: We're not gonna let you go. You ARE Micky, and we're gonna get you back. What did that jerk DO to you?

Micky: You don't seem to understand, Michael. I am no longer human & there is no way to return me to that form, even if I wanted to be. Now, leave.

Mike: No, Mick. I'll send the girls away if I have to, but I ain't leavin' you.

Micky: *slides his jacket off, then begins to roll up his sleeves* Send them away.

Mike: Girls, get outta here. Go find the others.

Emma: Honey, NO!

Lauren: Micky, don't do this!

Mike: (Hisses softly to the girls) Get the others! Tell them to blue-light up here!

Micky: Impossible, Michael. I will let the girls out, but no one can enter.

Mike: I don't want them here if we're going to fight. We'll get the others in when I get you back.

Emma: Mike, I don't like the idea of leaving you alone!

Lauren: And I'm not leaving Micky...

Mike: Fine, ladies. Call the others and tell them to get upstairs as well as they can. Even if they can't get in the room, it might help to have them here.

Emma: Right. (Turns to Lauren) We're staying...but we're going to back up.

Micky: *turns to Emma & Lauren* I wish for both of you to leave. I still respect what I was to you & don't wish to harm you.

Lauren: I'm not leaving...

Emma: And I'm not leaving Mike and Lauren.

Micky: I should have realized you wouldn't leave. I'm afraid I'll have to do something with you so you aren't harmed...

Mike: Mick....

Micky: *glares at Mike* Call me Michael. And I'm not going to harm the ladies... *eyes narrow* but I warn you NOT to piss me off.

Mike: Fine...but I ain't callin' you Michael. For one thing, I don't wanna confuse our readers.

Micky: *sighs* Fine. *pauses & turns to the ladies* Ladies, there is now an invisible barrier between us. However, it is only solid on our side. You may pass through from your side, but I would suggest against it.

Emma: I have no intention of doing so. (She puts her arm around Lauren)

*Lauren just shakes her head.*

Micky: Now, Michael... you may have the choice, weapons or no?

Mike: (Pulls out his sword) Weapons. (Smirks) If I hit you, I might hurt you.

Emma: (Groans; under her breath) Watch the ego, Baby.

Micky: *makes his own sword appear* Somehow... *smirks* I rather doubt that.

Mike: Mick, you know I'm gonna kill 'ya. You're lousy with longer swords.

Micky: There's one minor problem with that, Mike... vampires can't be killed with swords! >

Mike: I ain't aimin' to kill you, Mick. I know my goofy buddy is in there somewhere. When I said "kill," I meant "make you look like a three-year-old."

Emma: (Mutters) Baby, don't provoke him.

*Micky spins his sword... & doesn't drop it!* >

Lauren: Either Mick's been practicing or...

Emma: It must come with the vampire thing.

Mike: I can still take you on, Mick! (Smirks) Besides, I may have blood, but you won't be able to get through this thick wolf hide easily.

Micky: Oh? *slashes at Mike*

Mike: (Pulls back) Fine, Mick. If that's how you want to do it. I really don't wanna fight you, but... (He matches Mick's thrust)

Emma: Careful, honey!

Micky: *snorts* Sure you don't, Mike. That's why you always enjoyed arguing so much.

Mike: Physically fight, Mick.

Micky: What's the difference? *swings at Mike's legs, but Mike jumps away*

Mike: I never touched your body, Mick. Well, not with intent to hurt. (He defends himself as Micky swings and parries)

Micky: *pauses, leaning on his sword* Take a free shot, Mike. >

Mike: Mick...I don't want to HURT you. I just want you to get the general idea that you should come with us, and this seems to be the only way to make you listen.

Micky: What part of "you can't hurt me" don't you understand? Take a swipe at me!

Mike: Well...all right... (He starts to take a swing...but stops.)

Micky: STRIKE ME, DAMMIT!

Mike: Mick...I just...I can't. You're my friend, no matter how many fangs you have at the moment. I couldn't hurt Pete when he was corrupted, and I can't hurt you, either.

*Micky lets his sword fall to the floor & goes over to Mike. He grabs ahold of Mike's shirt & lifts him off the floor.*

Micky: *grins, showing off his fangs* You never did listen to me, Mike. You never will, either.

Mike: 'Course I won't. I never was good at listenin' to directions.

Micky: I'll have to make you listen. *suddenly lets go of Mike, dropping him*

Mike: (Lands on the floor) Ow! Couldn't you have given me a pillow or somethin'?

Emma: Mike!

Micky: The invisible wall has moved. Mike, you can guess where it is. *starts to walked toward Emma & Lauren* >

Mike: Mick, what are you doin'? (He starts towards them...but runs right into something solid but unseen) D

amn! Mick!

Emma: Don't even, Micky. (She gets in front of Lauren)

Micky: *shows his fangs* I'd suggest you come along willingly. I'm not too hungry yet & I don't want to get my fill from either of you.

Emma: Mick, where are you taking us?

Mike: Em, no! Don't let him do anything to you!

Micky: Just come along.

Lauren: *steps in front of Micky & rests her hand on the left side of his chest; eyes widen* Micky, please... I... I'm falling apart without you... please, just come back with us, please...

Micky: *sets his jaw* You're trying to heal me. It would've worked... if I was still technically alive.

Emma: She needs you, Mick. (She puts her hand on his shoulder) We need you.

Micky: *removes Lauren's hand from his chest & slow raises it to kiss the back of her hand* I'm sorry... Lauren... I can't.

*Lauren's lower lip starts trembling... then she starts crying & falls forward against Micky's chest. His hands move, but he doesn't seem to know what to do with them.*

Micky: Don't, Lauren...

Emma: Micky, we will change you back. We'll make that creepy Count change you back!

Mike: Hell YEAH we will!

Micky: *sighs* He can't change me back. *looks to Emma* Emma, please help me with Lauren. *shakes his head* I... don't know what to do.

*Lauren continues to cry into Micky's chest.* (

Mike: Take us to Damian. We WILL make him change you back. I don't care what you say or what he's told you. There HAS to be a way!

Micky: *ignores Mike* Emma, please help me with Lauren. I need to take you two out of here.

Emma: All right Mick, but... (She takes Lauren gently in her arms)

Micky: Follow me, please. *opens the door for them*

*Lauren continues to sob, & now beginning to hiccup.*

Micky: *turns to Mike, who's still trapped behind the wall* I meant what I said about not hurting them... but I can't promise those still at the party won't. >

Mike: The party? Mick, no! What do you mean? (Pounds on the wall) Let me go!

*Micky gives his fangy grin & closes the door after him.* >

*Micky catches up with Emma & Lauren in the hallway.*

Micky: We do have to be careful. There are some in here that are not overly friendly.

Emma: Some what? Vampires?

Micky: Vamps, yes, as well as others.

Emma: Others?

Micky: Wolfmen & woman, mummies, monsters, anyone in the undead classification.

Micky: *sighs, glancing at Lauren who's still crying* I wish I could feel... something to help Lauren, but I just... don't.

Emma: Cuddle her, make jokes. Just don't...bite...her.

Micky: I can't... I can't do either of those. Em, I have no feelings.

Emma: Pretend you do! Look at her! (She indicates her sobbing, hiccuping best friend)

*Micky raises his arms, looking like he's going to take Lauren in his arms... but he doesn't seem to know how or really where to put his arms.*

Micky: *drops his arms* I don't know how.

Emma: Like this! (She wraps his arms around her waist) Man, the vampires on "Dark Shadows" were always smarter than this...

Micky: That... usually comes after "eating" & then is followed by a quick loss of clothing. *shakes his head* No, I can't do that to Lauren.

Emma: You will soon...without the "eating" part. (Nods at the large swinging doors) Is that where the party is?

Micky: *nods* In the ballroom, yes. *pushes the doors open*