(We open back in Damian's ballroom. Peter stands in a corner, Valerie pushed behind him.)
Valerie: Peter, come on, can't I get a drink or something?
Peter: I don't what to know WHAT they have to drink. I don't want vampires hurting you or our child!
Valerie: Peter, I can take care of myself.
*Davy & Daphne join them, holding hands.*
Davy: This place is giving me the creeps.
Daphne: We blame it on the creeps in here.
Valerie: Peter won't let me walk around.
Peter: I don't want the creeps eating YOU!
Valerie: Maybe we should call the others and see if they've had any luck with Micky.
Peter: I hope he's ok. He WAS bitten. He may not even be human now.
Valerie: Oh god, poor Lauren...
Davy: *shakes his head* I dunno wot to think. Lauren were an absolute wreck earliah.
Daphne: Hey, I think someone's coming in. *points* Look over at the doors.
(Emma, Micky, and Lauren make their way into the ballroom, passing various "creeps" on their way.)
Emma: (As they walk around) This is scary. Look at all this!
*Lauren just looks around, her arms wrapped around herself. She shudders as Micky's hand bushes her shoulder, guiding them.*
Micky: Just stay with me & you'll be fine. They know who's in charge here.
Emma: I still don't like this... (She grins when she sees the others) Hey, guys! It's us! We found Micky!
Davy: *as the trio joins them* We can see that. *looks at Micky* Nice outfit, Mick.
Micky: *sighs* Thank you, David.
Peter: (Eyes widen) Oh NO! Micky...Mick...
Valerie: Peter, what's wrong?
Peter: Other than he's pale as a sheet...and it's not make-up! Val, he's not HUMAN! That's not a human aura!
Micky: *glances over the others* Peter's right. I'm not human anymore. I am a vampire.
Daphne: That would explain Lauren's silence. *reaches out & pulls Lauren over; Lauren leans into Daphne's embrace* Poor dear...
Davy: *looks to Micky, who doesn't bat an eye* Mate, your wife is practically in pieces & all you do is stand there!?
Peter: It's all he can do, Davy. (Turns to Micky) You can't feel anymore, can you?
Micky: *shakes his head* No, I can't. *sighs* Finally, someone who understands.
Davy: That blaggart Damian...! *continues to mutter under his breath*
Peter: I don't exactly understand, but I did some reading on the supernatural after our encounter with the ghosts in England.
Micky: I wish you hadn't come for me. There's nothing you can do. If it weren't for me now, the rest of the guests here would be absolutely ecstatic over all of you. *sighs* And I'm only doing this for you as a courtesy to what I was to you. Frankly... I really don't care what happens to any of you.
Davy: *frowns* Don't care?! I'll give you "Don't care!" *shakes a fist*
Daphne: *hisses* Davy, stop it!
Peter: Guys, no! He can't help it! (He gets between Micky and Davy) Micky, where's the Count?
Micky: He's out currently, but he'll return shortly.
Davy: Okay, then where's Mike?!
Micky: Michael wouldn't cooperate so I left him in my chambers. He is unharmed.
Emma: Couldn't you let him go? He may bite his way through that barrier anyway. He's THAT mad.
Micky: Michael will only upset the guests here. We can't have him down here while there's excitables in here.
Peter: What did you do to poor Michael? He's gone through enough lately!
Micky: I didn't do anything to him! *sighs* I left him behind an invisible wall.
Davy: Wot 'appened?
Micky: We ended up fighting. Dueling actually & gave him a run for his money. I gave him an open shot, but he wouldn't strike.
Peter: Of course he wouldn't! You're our friend. He wouldn't hurt a friend. (Sighs) And you're still our friend, even if you don't feel it right now.
Micky: Even if he struck, he wouldn't have hurt me, but he didn't want to hear that part.
Peter: (He puts a hand on Micky's shoulder) That's not what he meant. Even though you don't understand...he just couldn't strike someone he loves as a brother.
Micky: You're right, Peter, I don't understand. I--
*Micky is then interrupted by the woman from the other night, that he'd turned. She wraps her arms around his neck & plants a HUGE kiss on him.*
Davy: *wide eyed* Bloody 'ell, wot...?
*Lauren tries to turn to see what's going on, but Daphne holds onto her so she can't see.*
Lauren: *faintly* Daph, what...?
Peter: Uh, miss, I'm sorry, but he's already taken...
Valerie: Peter, I wouldn't try.
*The woman separates, but continues to hang onto Micky. Micky is grinning, showing off his fangs.*
Micky: I'll be back shortly. *takes the woman's arm & they walk off together*
Davy: Who was that & why was she 'anging offa Mick like that?
Lauren: *screeches; eyes wide & blazing* What woman?!
Valerie: Nothing, Lauren! (She tries to turn Lauren back around)
Lauren: *shakes off Valerie's arm* I already saw them!
Peter: Lauren, you can't kill Micky. He's already dead!
Lauren: *eyes still blazing* Can I kill HER?!
Peter: Um, she didn't look too living, either...
*Lauren grabs a cup off the nearby food table & heaves it. The cup shatters against the wall.*
Davy: Uh oh...
Peter: (Pushes Valerie behind him) Val, stay away from her.
Valerie: Gladly. I think she could do more damage right now than the vampires.
Peter: Uh, Lauren, I guess you don't need a drink...
Lauren: *whirls on Peter* No! I don't need anything but my husband! And some floozy's got her hands on him!
Peter: (He tries to put a hand on her shoulder while pushing Valerie behind him with the other) Now Lauren, calm down. I'm sure we could do something...
Lauren: I don't WANNA calm down! I will personally tear through everything & everyone until I get Micky BACK!
Davy: Petah... let 'er go. I think she's past the listening stage.
Peter: Uh, yeah. I think you're right. Let's see if we can find Micky and get out of here...and keep ourselves from being victims, either of the vampire or Lauren's flying fists.
("Never Tell A Woman Yes" begins as the group scatters around the ballroom. A tuxedoed gent offers Peter and Valerie a drink, but Peter takes one look at the thick, dark-red liquid and pulls Valerie away. The man in the tuxedo just looks at the drink and shrugs. What's wrong with ordinary Bloody Mary?)
*Davy & Daphne are looking for where Micky headed off to. Davy taps the shoulder of a suited man to inquire. The man turns, licks his lips & bares his fangs. Davy waves him off & pulls Daphne away...*
(A woman cuts in with Peter while he dances with Valerie. He's about to...when Valerie taps his shoulder and points out her fangs and hungry expression. She pulls Peter away. )
*Lauren asks one gent where they saw Micky go. The gent points... then leers at her & bares his fangs. Lauren clenches a fists & decks him. He sags to the floor, out cold.*
(Several male vampires who were eyeing Lauren take one look at the man on the floor and scurry away.)
(Peter and Valerie are cornered by a tall vampire with bared fangs. Peter finally pulls Valerie away and ducks around him, letting him run into the wall and knock himself out.)
(A female vampire eyes Peter. She tries to hypnotize him, but Valerie stamps on her foot before she gets too far. She yanks Peter away, and they hurry off while she's jumping around.)
*Lauren walks around steamed. One unlucky fellow gets in her way & she shoves him aside. He bounces off the nearby wall & sag to the floor, out cold.*
(Everyone gives Lauren a WIDE berth after that.)
(Peter and Valerie huddle in a corner. Two vampires, male and female, are admiring them. The female vampire takes Peter's head into her hands, ignoring Valerie's screams.)
*The two vampires are suddenly pulled away. Lauren is revealed pulling them by the back's of theirs shirts. She clunks them together & they crumble to the floor in a heap. Lauren dusts her hands off.*
Peter: (As the music ends) Wow, Lauren.
Valerie: Nice work.
Lauren: Thanks. Anyone seen Micky?
Peter: (Shakes his head) No.
Valerie: We haven't seen Dave and Daphne in a while, either.
Peter: I hope they're all right.
*As if on cue, Davy & Daphne emerge from the crowd with Emma.*
Emma: Are you guys ok? I was looking for a bathroom in this place.
Davy: What'd we miss?
Peter: Lauren's fist.
Daphne: Oh dear.
Davy: *slight grin* 'Ow many?
Lauren: *still steamed* I lost count.
Peter: Uh, maybe we'd better leave and find Micky.
Emma: I have an idea. Instead of chasing Micky all over, why don't we see if we can bring him back here?
Davy: It just might work.
Lauren: And without HER!
Peter: Let's all do it together. Maybe all of our powers at once will be enough to get around the Count's powers.
Daphne: It can't hurt to try.
(Everyone concentrates. There's six soft blue lights in various shades. When they subside, Micky appears.)
Micky: That wasn't funny.
Lauren: Neither was leaving with that bitch!
*Lauren tries to sucker punch Micky, but Davy manages to grab her arm to stop her.*
Davy: Luv, stop!
Peter: Whoa, down Lauren! (He grabs her other arm.)
*Lauren tries to wriggle out of their grip, but the guys hold her tight.*
Emma: Micky, take us to Mike and to the Count.
Micky: *sighs* Alright, fine--
*Micky is interrupted by the ballroom doors opening to reveal Damian's entrance.*
Emma: (Growls) Damian. Where's my husband?
Damian: *looks at Micky* I haven't done anything with him. I believe that is Michael's doing. *puts a hand on Micky's shoulder*
Emma: Release him!
Lauren: *growls* Let me at him!
Emma: No, me first!
Peter: (He lunges for Emma; Davy lunges for Lauren) Girls...
Damian: I think it's time we disbursed the party...
*As Damian speaks, the ballroom empties until they are the only ones left. Then, Mike appears not far from them.*
Mike: (Looks around, then at himself) Huh? Where am I?
Emma: Mike! (She runs to him) Are you ok?
Mike: Yeah. Micky just left me behind that invisible barrier. He didn't hurt me. (Frowns) Are YOU ok? I could feel some fear...and irrtation...
Emma: Uh, I got that out, Baby. (Points to Damian and Micky) There's our real problems.
Mike: (Growls) You asshole! I don't care if you can't feel it. I want to tear you to ribbons!
Damian: It would seem I've riled your former friends, Michael.
Micky: He's always like that.
Mike: I ought to bite you in the butt. (Smirks) I'll bet you didn't know I have a little supernatural in me, too. I can go wolf if you get me pissed enough.
Damian: How very interesting. However, *a sword appears in his hand* I prefer the duel.
Mike: Good. (He pulls his broadsword out of it's sheath) So do I.
Emma: Mike, be careful! He has thousands of year's experience!
Mike: You forget, darlin', if you wanna get technical, so do I.
Damian: En garde! *points the sword at Mike*
Mike: Up yours. (He points the sword at Damian)
*Damian thrusts his sword as the others back away. Micky watches the duel like a hawk.*
Damian: It would seem that you do not just talk a big game.
Mike: No, I don't. I ain't a bad fighter, Damian. You ain't the only one who can lick the devils. I defeated The Evil One in a duel before he passed away.
Damian: In that case, I'm pleased to have a competent opponent for a change.
Mike: (Thrusts his sword at Damian) Likewise.
Davy: This is a lopsided duel though. Mike can't really 'urt 'im with that sword.
Emma: No. Not with the sword, anyway. He needs a stake.
Daphne: Or atleast something wooden with a point...
Mike: (Pulls away) Damian, why did you do this to Micky? He has a family who needs him. I know you don't care, but...isn't there ANY way we can restore him?
Damian: Perhaps... but I wouldn't tell you. Michael is the exact type I'd been looking for to pass my teachings onto.
Mike: (As he and Damian get close to each other) Why don't we make a deal?
Damian: What kind of deal?
Mike: If I win this, you tell me how to restore Micky.
Damian: And if I win... you leave me & Michael be. Agreed?
Mike: (Nods) Agreed.
Damian: It is a deal. *swipes at Mike with his sword*
Mike: Not that you'll win, mind you. (He makes a leaping thrust at the vampire)
*Damian dodges, then swipes at Mike's back.*
Mike: Ahh! (Cringes as the sword rips his shirt) That hurt.
Damian: That is the idea... Knight, I believe your nickname is.
Mike: Yeah, that's what it is. (He jumps onto a table, then onto Damian, sending them both to the floor)
*Damian comes out on top, pinning Mike to the floor.*
Damian: Your little trick didn't work, Knight.
Mike: (Struggles) Damn, you're heavy for someone who ain't alive...
Damian: It's all muscle, dear boy.
Emma: Baby, push him off!
Lauren: Punch him out!
(Mike hits Damian on the nose with the handle of his sword.)
Lauren: *crows* YES!
Peter: Good work, Michael!
Damian: *holds his nose* Damn you... *shoves Mike away*
Mike: (Grabs Damian by his cape) You lost this. (He hands Damian his sword) Let's finish this. I just had to get you off me.
Damian: *raises an eyebrow* Thank you. *points the sword at Mike again*
(They take the fight from one side of the room to the other. Mike is breaking out into a sweat that we can clearly see...but he's also wearing Damian down.)
Emma: Come on, Baby, you can do it...
Peter: You can win, Michael! I've seen you defeat worse!
Lauren: Come on, Mike! Get him!
Davy: Get 'im, Mike!
*Micky continues to watch silently from where he stands, leaning against a wall.*
Mike: (Finally knocks the sword from Damian's hands after a particuarly hard series of thrusts) AhHA! (Points the sword at the vampire's neck) Ok, Damian, it would seem that I win.
Damian: *sighs, nodding* Yes... you have won. And I must uphold my end of the deal. To return Michael... your Micky to his human form, you must kill me.
Mike: And I know just the way to do it. (He makes a stake appear in a blue light)
Damian: I have met my match. *closes his eyes*
Mike: Yeah, you have. And now, we release the spirit of every man and woman you have ever turned into a vampire from your cursed spells! Farewell, creature of the night! (The camera turns to the others as Mike thrusts the stake at Damian. We see their horrified reactions...and the camera cuts back just in time to see Mike step away from a black mist that slowly vaporizes into the early morning dawn.)
Davy: Wow...
Micky: *blinks* Noooo! *runs at Mike* How COULD you?!
Mike: I did it for you, Mick.
Emma: Mike! Watch out!
Peter: Michael! Micky!
Micky: *stops nose to nose with Mike; shakes his head* I oughtta... I oughtta... *clenches his fists*
Mike: You ought to what? Bite me?
Lauren: I thought Micky was supposed to be released?!
Micky: *eyes narrow* I-- *starts to swing a fist, but slows, his eyes starting to blink* I oughtta... *his fists drops as he starts to fade* I...
Mike: Micky? (He takes Micky's shoulder...and ends up having to catch Micky when he passes out in his arms) Whoa!
Lauren: MICKY!
Davy: *as he & the others reach Mike* Is he...?
Peter: Micky! (He joins Mike and gently takes Micky, feeling his pulse) No, he's alive! I feel his heart beat, and his aura is his regular blue-red again!
Lauren: He's back! He's BACK! *pauses* He's out cold.
Davy: Per'aps we oughtta take out leave, then. 'E probably just needs to rest.
Mike: Yeah. Let's take him to the Pad to rest in the guest room. We'll relieve the Abbies from child-sitting duties while he naps.
Lauren: *smiles* Lets go, please.
(Everyone heads into the early morning sunlight. Cut to the Pad. Mike, Lauren, and Emma make their way down & into the guest room, where Micky is still napping.)
Mike: I hope he's ok. Peter said his aura was a little wavery, but very alive.
Lauren: All I know is I feel like a weight's been lifted since you rid us of Damian.
Mike: Thanks, Lauren. I had to do it. It was messy, but it was the only way I could bring Micky back.
Lauren: It had to be done.
Emma: When do you think he'll get up?
Micky's voice: He's up... kinda...
Lauren: Mick? *leans over him*
Micky: *cracks his eyes open* I have such a headache...
Mike: Welcome back to the livin', man.
Emma: Need some aspirin?
Micky: *groans* Literally... & yes, please.
Lauren: Judging from your response... you know what happened, then.
Micky: Yes. *rubs at his face with one hand, then tries to sit up; he manages finally*
Emma: I'll get that aspirin. (She heads upstairs)
Mike: I take it you're feelin' like shit then, Mick. Wanna stay here for a few days, or at the Montgomery House? Valerie said earlier that she wouldn't mind.
Micky: *nods, his head dipping down; starts sniffling* Yeah... either is good, thanks.
Micky: *sighs & stops sniffling* Why me?
Mike: The Devils pointed him at you. He seemed to think you were the best man for the job. I guess he liked your energy, or somethin'.
Micky: *mutters* Lucky me.
Lauren: Mick...
*Lauren sits next to him. Micky leans over, hiding his face in the crook of her neck, full out crying.*
Mike: I'm glad you're cryin'. Means you're feelin' stuff again.
*Despite the crying, Micky does chuckle. He lifts his head & palms both eyes.*
Lauren: And it means you're not holding it in, either. *smiles* You're doing great, Mick.
Mike: Yeah, you're gonna be just fine. We got rid of that vampire for ya.
Micky: Thank you... Mike.
Mike: (Pats Micky's shoulder) You're welcome.
Emma: (Brings in two aspirin and a glass of water) Here you go, Mick.
*Micky nods, accepting the aspirin & water, then downs the pills & gulps the water. Lauren takes the glass, then he leans back, sighing.*
Emma: Feel better?
Micky: About as good... as I can... I guess.
Mike: We're gonna have to talk to Val and Peter, but between what happened tonight and what happened a month ago, I think we need a short vacation. Maybe we could all get some rest at the Montgomery House. It's big enough that we can all get sleep without driving each other crazy, the kids love the grounds, and it's quieter than any of the other houses, thanks to those gardens of Val's.
Micky: *nods; takes a deep breath & lets it out* I think that's a good idea.
Emma: So do I. Maybe you guys can work some things out if we all stay together for a while.
Lauren: I like that idea.
Mike: (Nods) Yeah. Why don't we leave Lauren and Micky alone and see if we can throw the idea out to the others?
Emma: I think the adults are all in the kitchen, including the Abbies.
Lauren: *grins at Micky* With all the yacking going on out there, I'm surprised they didn't wake you.
Micky: *slight grin* Who says they didn't?
Emma: We're going to see if we can get them to quiet down. (Smiles) You have a nice rest, Micky.
Micky: *nods* Thanks.
Mike: Yeah. You can join us when you feel up to it. The kids are all in bed, so you won't have to worry about bein' climed on.
Micky: *smiles* You guys are so thoughtful.
Emma: Thanks.
Mike: Enjoy yourself, Mick. You deserve it. Celebrate bein' all livin'.
Micky: Yeah.
(Mike and Emma head upstairs, leaving Lauren and Micky alone together.)
Micky: *sighs & turns to find Lauren gazing at him* I wouldn't blame you if you wanted to beat me up.
Lauren: *shakes her head* I wouldn't do that, Mick. You weren't thinking straight. *takes his hand* I'm just glad to have you back.
Micky: Me, too. What's with this me almost dying crap? That's twice now! No, wait... three times now I've come within an inch of actually... keeling over. I think... if I didn't have such a great sense of humor, I'd probably lose my marbles.
*Lauren tries to not laugh.*
Micky: Is that a smile? Are you laughing at me? I almost DIE & you're laughing at me? *pauses* I'll have to fix that. *starts to tickle Lauren*
*Lauren laughs, trying to wiggle away, but Micky ends with wrapping his arms around her waist. She turns to find he's got tears in his eyes again.*
Micky: *whispering* The worst part of all is the possibility of losing you. THAT would make me go insane. I love you, babe.
Lauren: *hugs him* I love you, too, Mick.
*We fade out on their embrace... & catch a brief glimpse of Lauren tickling Micky before fading completely to black.*