Chapter Ten

The New Age

A soft wind sang its calming song into Christine's ears as she slowly opened her eyes and came out of the blackness. How long she had been out she couldn't say. She could not say where she was, either. It looked like a void of dark colors.

Suddenly, Christine realized something...there was nothing underneath her! She felt under her shoulders, her back and her hips, but there was nothing there! She looked around, but there was nothing to grab on to! She was simply floating...floating in a strange darkness.

Then something else struck her! "Myotismon!" she cried. Quickly, Christine rolled over onto her tummy and began to swim her way through the darkness in search of her beloved.

"MYOTISMON?!...MYOTISMON, WHERE ARE YOU?!...MYOTISMON?!...MYOTISMON!...MYOTISMON?!...Myotismon?!"

But each time, Christine received no reply except the echo of her own voice. Tears filled her eyes as she looked around in desperation. "Myotismon!" Christine cried out weakly. She began to cry.

Suddenly, she saw him and gasped. He was suspended a few feet away from her. "Myotismon!" Christine cried out, and swam her way over to him as fast as she could. Soon, she reached him. "Myotismon? Myotismon?" she said tearfully. But Myotismon did not respond. He lay completely still, seeming to be completely devoid of life.

"Oh, no...no! No, please!" Christine begged, tears streaming down her cheeks. She shook the vampire. "Come on, stay with me! Myotismon, please wake up...you've GOTTA wake up!"

No answer.

Christine began to cry harder. "No...NO! Don't go, Myotismon! Please...I can't go on without you!" The girl threw herself down on Myotismon's chest and sobbed. "No...please...please don't leave me! Don't go away, Myotismon...I love you!" Christine began to softly sob. 'My Angel of Darkness...I love you."

But Christine was so busy crying, she didn't notice Myotismon's arm rise up and his hand come to rest on her back. "I'm not going anywhere, Christine...at least not without you...because I love you, too...my Sun, Moon and Stars." said a familiar voice. There was some weariness in it, but there was definitely love there too. Christine froze in surprise and looked over. Joy and relief swept over her as she saw Myotismon slowly lift his head and open his eyes to see her sweet face. He was tired, but managed to smile.

"Myotismon!" Christine exclaimed softly with a look of great happiness, "The Autobots be praised! Are you all right?" Myotismon struggled a bit to get into an upright position. "I'm tired..." he admitted, "...but don't fret for me...a little rest, and I will be well."

Christine was overjoyed, and hugged Myotismon snugly. "I love you...I love you." she said softly. "Oh, Christine..." Myotismon whispered happily as he embraced her back. Then Christine asked, "What happened?" Myotismon gently pulled away from Christine, looked into her eyes, and smiled. "...we won." he answered.

A look of surprise came onto Christine's face at this. "We...we did?!" she asked in anticipation. Myotismon nodded. "Yes, my love...victory is ours. At last...both our worlds are within my power. And yet, it is nothing to fret about. No...it will be all for the better. Never again will you or I have to put up with being outcasts."

Christine smiled in joy. But it dropped into a frown of concern. "But...but my family and my friends...they won't understand. Or will they?" Myotismon smiled comfortingly. "They will, Christine...they will understand...someday." he assured her gently, "When they see how much of better places our two worlds will be...they will understand...and will be very happy. You'll see."

For a short moment, Christine pondered that. Then she smiled contentedly and said, "Yes...you're right. They'll thank you for this." And again, the two lovers embraced each other. As they did, the darkness began to fade away. Myotismon and Christine were up in the air, high over the city of Los Angeles. The sun was showing signs of beginning to rise, but there were still traces of darkness.

Myotismon and Christine looked at the brightening horizon and smiled. "With that rising of the sun comes the dawn of the New Age of Love and Acceptance." Myotismon proclaimed, "No more will anyone be cast out for being different or "not good enough". All who want to show the world what they can do will be given the chance. And should the disabled wish to be well...that will be possible. Atlanteans did come up with cures and surgical techniques for mental and physical disabilities, great beauty...and the body of one's dreams. Why, they even have water from the Fountain of Youth and other means of keeping youth...but they were reluctant to share all of this with the outside world. I don't know why...but now that the world is mine, I can have them brought out. And...any bullying will be deemed a crime."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful, Myotismon!" Christine exclaimed. Myotismon looked at her and smiled. "Well...would you perhaps like to be cured of being autistic?" he asked her. Then he added, "Not that I'm forcing you to. It would just be kind to ask."

Christine grinned. Then she said, "Well...probably not yet. There have been upsides to my mental state. However, know that your offer is very kind...and if I think I will ever need it, well...we'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Myotismon softly chuckled and cuddled Christine. "And what of the bond between you and me? Do you still wish to be bound to me in eternal love?" he asked. Christine nodded. "Absolutely!" she replied, "I have made my decision. You are the one I belong with."

Myotismon looked a little pensive for a while as he turned Christine so they were face to face. Looking into her eyes, he added, "Perhaps I could ask that question in another way...you could live forever, be eternally young and beautiful, without any water, surgery or medicines...and have heightened senses, strength and speed. You can even pass all that on to someone who would want it. Again, I do not force this upon you. I offer you this choice out of love. Do you wish to be bound to me in love...while embraced in the dark cloak of vampirism?"

Christine frowned pensively and pondered this. She had not thought of that at all. But finally, she looked back at Myotismon and nodded. "Yes." she answered. "Yes?...you are certain that is what you want?" Myotismon wanted to know, just to be sure. "If it means I can be with you for all eternity...and possibly help someone else...having to shun sunlight doesn't mean a thing to me." Christine said with finality.

Myotismon looked at Christine for a short moment, then smiled. "Then if that is your desire...and might I add that you'll have the wings you wanted...I will gladly fulfill that." "But wait..." Christine added, "...before you turn me into a vampire, there is one thing else I would ask. I've...I've dreamed for a long time about having a wedding...walking down an aisle in a beautiful white gown, pipe organ music, and in a beautiful cathedral with bells...could we do that first?"

Myotismon smiled a little wider this time. "Of course we can. Truth be told...it would make me so happy if I could place a ring on your finger...a ring that symbolizes everlasting love." "Oh, I would love to place a ring like that on YOUR finger, too!" Christine said happily, "Just say the word, and I'll become Mrs. Myotismon!"

Chuckling softly at that, Myotismon hugged Christine. Then he said, "Well...in that case..." He reached into one of the pouches on his belt and pulled something out. Then he continued, "...I suppose now would be as good a time as any to give you this...what I had forged for you." He opened his hand to reveal a beautiful golden ring with a big, glittering diamond in the center. Christine slowly and softly gasped. "Oh, it's beautiful!" she exclaimed. "Then it belongs around your finger." Myotismon replied, taking Christine's hand and slipping the ring onto her fourth finger.

And the two of them began to gently sing:

Myotismon:

Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime...

Christine:

Let me save you from your solitude.

Myotismon:

Say you want me with you here beside you.

Anywhere you go...let me go, too.

Christine...that's all I ask of you.

Christine:

Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime...

Myotismon:

Say the word, and I will follow you.

Christine:

Share each day with me...each night, each morning...

Myotismon:

You alone can make my song take flight.

Myotismon took Christine in his arms and spoke this time: "It will have no end...the Music of the Night." Joy flowed like a rapid cascade of water through both Christine and Myotismon as their lips met in a passionate kiss...and as they flew over the city...and the world...both of which were now theirs!

"All right, dawgs!" Randy Jackson announced, "This concludes auditions for this year's season of 'American Idol', and we thank you all for auditioning. Now...if your name is on this list, you have been chosen for this season. If your name is not on this list, don't despair. We have plenty of other seasons coming up, and you are more than welcome to try again."

Having said this, Randy posted a big sheet of paper up on a billboard. Soon, everyone was moving in eagerly, looking to see if they made it or not.

"Awww, rats...we didn't get in this time." T. K. said sadly. "That IS a bummer. But don't worry. We'll try again next time." Matt told his brother.

Just then, Tai ran up to them excited. "Hey, guys! I didn't get in, either...but maybe that's just as well! Our auditions for Lost Boys in 'Peter Pan' have been accepted!" Matt and T. K. gasped in surprise. "You mean it?!" cried T. K., overjoyed. "Really?!" Matt exclaimed happily. Tai nodded. "Yes, really!"

"Wow! This is awesome!" T. K. cried exuberantly, "We didn't get into one performance, but we sure got into another!"

Lois took a drink of the fresh, cold water. "Mmmm! This is so good!" she exclaimed, for she had never tasted any water like it before. "Isn't it good? Okay...now you just have to wait a bit." said the shopkeeper. A moment later, Dan's eyes opened wide in amazement. He pointed to a mirror and said, "Honey...look at yourself!"

Lois walked over to the mirror...and was also taken by amazement. Looking back at her was a woman who looked as young as a teenage girl in high school! "Ohhh!" Lois exclaimed as she ran her fingers across her face, "I can't believe it!"

Then Dan took a drink and waited a while, too. Soon, he found a handsome young man staring back at him from the mirror. "Wow!" he exclaimed. "Wow, indeed!" Lois agreed, "And hey...now all that's left is to get my cosmetic surgery, and I'll be as skinny as a rail!"

The shopkeeper smiled. "Myotismon has certainly done some amazing things for our world, hasn't he?" "Oh he has!" Lois agreed, "I can't believe we judged him like we did." "Our dear Christine was right all along." Dan added, "And now...she has someone to love. It's not someone we were expecting, but who cares? Myotismon loves her."

"No, no, no!" Richard said angrily, "This is MY production of 'Carmen', and I say that Mr. Nicholas DeMarco is going to be my Escamilo! I don't care if he hasn't done opera before! Now is as good a time as any for him to get some experience of said performing! And that...is...FINAL!"

Nick smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Whitman." he said politely. Charles shook his head. "No problem at all, son. I just don't get what it is with some of my other performers. There is still such a thing as taking turns...and the less experienced must have their chances as well."

"I promise...I'll be the best Escamilo I can!" Nick declared. "That's all I ask, my boy." Charles replied, "I'm sure you'll do splendidly!"

Scott was selecting people for a production of "Annie". "Okay, gang. Here's the deal: Erin, you are Pepper. Mimi, you are Duffy. Sora, you are Kate. And Kari, you are July." he instructed. Then he said to Angelina, who was in the form of Angewomon, "Angelina...perhaps you would be up for the role of Grace?"

The angel smiled. "I would be happy to, Scott. It sounds like fun." "Great! You're in!" Scoot declared with a grin.

"You've really changed, Scott." Erin stated. "Yeah, you sure are different now...trying new people in roles." Kari added. Scott nodded. "I should have done so in the first place. Myotismon has taught me a valuable lesson. Just because someone may not have a lot of experience does NOT mean that person is good for nothing. As a matter of fact, I did a production of 'Peter Pan'...and my Peter had just been a ballet dancer. But she was amazing!"

"Way cool!" exclaimed Mimi, "You must have been surprised!" "Oh, I was! I couldn't believe I'd been so blind...and so cruel." Scott replied, remorse in his voice.

"Well, don't worry. That's all the past, now." Kari assured him lovingly. Scott smiled and nodded. "You're right. And hey...if anybody else acts like Alana did...not in MY group! They'll be sent packing!"

Brian and Rex watched in amazement and delight as they saw retarded people and people with other mental impairments getting up from wheelchairs, taking steps across the floor, grasping things in their hands, and reading words. The thing was, they weren't mentally impaired anymore!

Just then, a cute little girl ran up to Brian. She looked very excited. "Mister! Mister! Hear what I can do now?!" she said excitedly. Taking her time, she recited the whole alphabet. Then she said, "The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain...she sells sea shells by the seashore!"

Brian and Rex applauded. "All right!" exclaimed Rex. "Wonderful!" Brian praised, "Good job!"

Then a little boy carrying a book came up to the girl. 'Where have you been?" he asked, "I'm about to get to the exciting part." "Oh...sorry." the girl apologized, "I guess I got carried away. I'm just so excited about what I can do now."

Brian nodded. "Things have gotten fantastic for mentally impaired people like us ever since Myotismon had that medical stuff from Atlantis brought to our world, huh? I can't blame either of you for being so happy. And I'm really happy, too. I still love to write stories, but I no longer feel the urge to talk only about them. And finally, I can talk WITH people instead of AT them. I wish I'd listened to Christine. She's my best friend...so I never had reason not to trust her."

The kids smiled. "Well, that's okay, mister. I'm sure she forgives you." the boy said kindly. "She sure does. She's his best friend, after all." Rex pointed out.

"Well, what say we get back to our story?" the boy asked. "Right!" the girl agreed. She turned to Brian as they walked away. "Nice meeting you guys. Thanks for your time. Bye!" "Have a good time!" Brian smiled, waving.

Sitting down on a bench, the boy continued with the story he was reading: "The roller coaster came slowly to the top, cranking and grinding. Then delighted screams of riders filled the air as..."

Brian smiled. "Oh, boy...lesson learned, Rex. Myotismon HAS done a lot of good for the human and Digital worlds...just like Christine said he would. Christine is indeed my best friend...and I NEVER had reason not to trust her. I've gained some more wisdom...and I'm good with that." "I'm proud of you, Brian!" Rex said happily, hugging his friend. Brian hugged his little friend back. "Thanks. Never again am I going to jump to conclusions about someone before I have all the facts. I'll try to be more accepting...like Christine."

Brian stopped to think for a moment. Then he said, "Christine...I wonder how she's doing..."

Christine sat quietly upon a velvet cushion in a flowing, sea-foam green gown, golden, jewel encrusted bracelets, and a shimmering golden tiara with diamonds. Her hands were delicately folded on her lap, and she looked very happy as she glanced at the beautiful diamond ring upon her finger.

"Christine?" came Myotismon's voice. Christine looked up to see him standing over her and looking a bit down. "What is it, Myotismon?" she asked, standing up. Myotismon sighed and said, "I only wish to bid you farewell. It seems my audition for that action film was so good, the director has given me the role. And unfortunately...we must travel to make the film."

"Aww, Myotismon...it's okay." Christine said comfortingly, hugging her husband, "Busy, busy...that's what stars go through at one time or another. As a matter of fact, I have to sing tonight. The Hollywood Opera is attempting their failed production of 'Antony and Cleopatra'...and I must play Cleopatra."

Myotismon chuckled. "A queen playing a queen. Who would have thought?" Then he frowned again and said, "But when you get back...I won't be here." "Hey...it's okay. This is only temporary. You're not going away forever. I know this. Don't worry about me. Yes, I'll miss you...but I know that you'll come back. Then we can both see your movie." Christine said lovingly, and smiled.

Christine's smile looked very different now. Her canines were longer and sharper than the rest of her teeth, and they went well with her skin, which was much paler in appearance than it used to be! Yes...Christine was one of the Un-Dead now. Yet, she didn't care. She could be with Myotismon forever and possibly be of help to some people. In addition, she looked more beautiful than ever before.

"And besides..." she added, "...I won't really be alone." She looked toward a cradle draped in blue cloth, a mobile of bats and ghosts hanging from the top of it. Both Myotismon and Christine walked quietly over to the cradle and looked in. Laying down on a soft little mattress was a black, grinning, plush bat and a bat design pacifier. And wrapped in a purple, bat pattern blanket, gently kicking and cooing, was a baby boy.

Christine smiled in awe. "Ohh...look at him! He looks just like you!" she said endearingly. Myotismon also smiled in awe. "Doesn't he, though? Just like his father. And perhaps someday..." Myotismon paused to reach down and take hold of the baby's tiny hand, "...he'll be a big star as well."

Myotismon grinned endearingly at the baby. "Is that right, little Vlad?" he asked affectionately, "Are you going to be a big star just like Daddy? Are you?" The little baby grinned and cooed happily.

Myotismon and Christine laughed softly. "Well, maybe that's 'yes'!" Christine chuckled. "Well..." Myotismon sad as he took hold of Christine, "...I'll just have to teach him everything I taught you about singing." Christine smiled. "I couldn't think of a better instructor for him." she said, putting her arms around Myotismon, "Now then...you go ahead and film your movie...and Vlad and I will be waiting. We'll manage." "I shall...and you sing like a siren tonight and make me proud...my Sun, Moon and Stars." Myotismon told Christine, who nodded and said, "I'll do my best...for my Angel of Darkness."

Myotismon and Christine embraced each other closely and locked their lips in a kiss. Just then, a soft cry came from the cradle. They looked over at the baby, and Christine chuckled. "I get it. 'Mom, Dad, PLEASE! Not in front of the kid!'!" Myotismon laughed. "Well, if that be the case, Vlad needn't worry. He won't feel that way forever."

Myotismon leaned down and stroked Vlad's little head. "Oh, there, there, my little bundle of love. Don't cry. We'll finish our movie sooner or later. And once we do, I'll be right back. And who knows? Perhaps someday, we will ALL be in a film together." "Hey, now THAT would be fun!" Christine agreed.

Vlad still didn't seem to be calmed by all this. Smiling in a loving, motherly way, Christine reached down and gently gathered the crying baby in her arms. "There, there, my little snuggle bunny. Shhh...Mommy's got you...Mommy's here..."

As the baby calmed down a little, Christine sat down and told him, "Here, Vlad...let Mommy sing you something. Your daddy used to sing this lullaby to me, and now I'M gonna sing it to YOU." Slowly rocking her infant, Christine began to softly and sweetly sing:

"Sleep, my sweet child.

The night is upon us.

But there is no need to fear.

Your Angel will hold you, embrace you and love you.

Dread nothing. I will be near."

Myotismon smiled in joy, happy tears coming to his eyes as he turned to go. To know that Christine still recalled that lullaby and even wanted to share it with their offspring...it just really touched his heart somehow. But what touched the vampire even more was that he finally had what he had wanted all along: to be loved and accepted. And there was even a bonus: not only did Myotismon have friends now...but he had a family again...and never again had to suffer through the hatred he had been through.

Well, well...he thought to himself, ...looks like this time, the Phantom of the Opera is the one who ended up with Christine!