Chapter 5
When they got to the edge of the Western Woods, they gasped in shock. Dr. Notrub's hearse was gone. "Where did it go?" asked Beetlejuice. "Maybe someone stole it," suggested Lydia. "Who would steal a hearse? Besides, the locking mechanism I installed in it makes it completely theft- proof," said Dr. Notrub.
"What's going on in town?" asked Beetlejuice pointing in the direction of Sleepy Hollow. They all looked at the town and gasped in horror. A cloud of smoke was rising from the town and there were the loud sounds of people screaming and cars revving and honking.
"What's happening?" asked Jack. "I don't know. But I have a feeling that Dr. Grim has unleashed some sort of Neitherworld monster into Sleepy Hollow. We've got to stop it. We can look for the hearse later," said Beetlejuice. "You're right, Beetlejuice. Lydia, let's get ready to suit up," said Dr. Notrub.
Beetlejuice, Lydia, and Dr. Notrub raised their left hands. On their wrists were the skull watches that Dr. Notrub had designed. Jack had a confused look on his face. "Give the word, Beetlejuice," said Lydia. "Right. Spooky Heroes, let's get spooky!" he exclaimed.
The three of them pressed the button at the same time and their bodies were all surrounded by an ethereal blue glow. Jack backed away. He wasn't sure what was going on.
"Beetlejuice! Ghost with the most! Fright Force Blaster!" yelled Beetlejuice. A few moments after Beetlejuice had said his words, the glow vanished. Beetlejuice stood dressed a suit of black and white metal armor. A black and white striped cape was attached to his neck. The Fright Force Blaster was on his back and his hands were in the fingerless gloves. A black and white striped hood covered the top half of his head. His green eyes gazed through eyeholes and tufts of his dirty blonde hair poked out of the sides. The small band was around his head with the red visor covering his right eye.
"Lydia Deetz! Creepiest girl in both worlds! Grip of Fear Gloves!" yelled Lydia. The glow vanished from around her revealing her wearing a purple version of her Neitherworld poncho. Black colored armor covered her body beneath the poncho. A purple broad brimmed witch hat was on her head and a black eye mask was over her eyes. The Grip of Fear Gloves covered her hands.
"Matthew Vincent Notrub! Paranormalist extraordinaire! Astral Projector!" yelled Dr. Notrub and the glow around him vanished. His body was covered in gray armor. The Astral Projector was mounted on his head and the goggles that were attached to it were covering his eyes. He held the handle with the red button in his hand.
"It's show time!" yelled Beetlejuice as he laughed crazily. "Dr. Notrub, I would say that the transport system is a success," said Lydia. "Thanks Lydia. Now let's go save the city," said Dr. Notrub.
"This is amazing. But what exactly is going on?" asked Jack. "No time to explain, Jack. There's trouble brewing in Sleepy Hollow and we have to stop it," said Dr. Notrub. "We'd never get there fast enough on foot. I'll have to zap us there. I can only hope I have enough energy to pull this off," said Beetlejuice. "Do it, Beej. It's the only way we can get there in time," said Lydia. Beetlejuice snapped his fingers and the four of them vanished in a flash of light.
Seconds later, the three Spooky Heroes and their new skeletal friend appeared in downtown Sleepy Hollow. They gasped at the horrific sight. "Something tells me that this isn't rush hour that's going on," said Lydia.
Monstrous automobiles were tearing up buildings and flattening everything in sight. "Sleepy Hollow's been turned into a giant monster car rally. What could have done this?" asked Dr. Notrub.
Then Beetlejuice let out an exhausted sigh. "Beetlejuice, are you okay?" asked Jack. "I'm fine, Jack. Normally, a simple teleportation wouldn't tire me out. But since I don't have most of my usual powers, it takes a lot out of me. I took a big risk trying to teleporting to a specified location. But I think I can still fight as long as I just use Dr. Notrub's technology," answered Beetlejuice. "Glad to hear that, Beetlejuice. But what did you mean by a specified location?" asked Dr. Notrub. "I used my powers to transport us to the cause of all this carnage," replied Beetlejuice. "Oh my gosh! Look!" exclaimed Lydia pointing ahead.
Amidst the chaos was a pale green car transforming another car into a monster. "It's Doomie!" exclaimed Beetlejuice. "Doomie? You know that car creature?" asked Dr. Notrub. "Know him? Beetlejuice and I created him. But he never had the power to turn other cars into monsters," said Lydia. "This must be the result of some sort of horrible experiment Dr. Grim has put him through. Whatever he has done, we will find some way to undo it. Let's get him!" yelled Beetlejuice as he floated toward Doomie. But Lydia grabbed him by the collar.
"Hold it Beetlejuice. Let's try to talk to him first. He's still our friend and we can't hurt him," she said. "You're right. Maybe Dr. Grim hasn't gotten complete control over him. Jack, find some place safe to hide. This might get ugly," said Beetlejuice. "Safe? I don't think any place is safe with these atrocious automobiles running amok," said Jack. "Just do what he says Jack. We're prepared to deal with this kind of stuff. Of course, this equipment hasn't had a full field test. But now's a good as time as any to test it. Let's get going, guys," said Dr. Notrub. Beetlejuice, Lydia and Dr. Notrub ran toward Doomie while Jack ran to a nearby alley to hide.
"Doomie!" called Beetlejuice and Lydia as they approached the pale green car. Doomie turned in their direction. "Well, well, well. If it isn't my creators come to see me do my master's work," he said in an evil voice. Beetlejuice's eyes widened in surprise.
"Since when did you learn to talk?" asked Lydia. "You mean, he doesn't talk normally?" asked Dr. Notrub. "All he usually does is honk, doc. But that voice sounds familiar. It almost sounds like Dr. Grim himself," said Beetlejuice.
"That's right. My master has given me orders to flatten this town and to bring you to him, Beetlejuice. You may have created me. But I have a new master now: the future ruler of this world, Dr. Gothic Grim! Perhaps I'd better slip into something more worthy of my master," said Doomie as he uttered a loud roar. "I think it's safe to say that he is fully under Dr. Grim's control," said Dr. Notrub.
Smoke started to surround Doomie. "Oh no! He's transforming!" shrieked Lydia. "Transforming? What do you mean?" asked Dr. Notrub. "Having an abnormal brain, anger or the sight of a dog triggers a horrible change in Doomie. But he has never transformed willingly. Ever seen the movie Christine?" asked Beetlejuice. "Yes, I have it in my video collection. I also have the book. Quite possibly one of Stephen King's best works," said Dr. Notrub. "In his transformed state, Doomie can cause trouble a hundred times more," said Beetlejuice.
The smoke started to clear and it revealed Doomie in a horrible form. He was now a hideous, hairy beast. Covered in brown fur, his front wheels had been replaced by black, clawed arms. His rear wheels had grown bigger and his grill mouth had been replaced by mouth filled with sharp green teeth. His eyes still remained pitch black. With a growl, Doomie charged toward the Spooky Heroes. The three of them jumped out of the way as Doomie sped past them.
"Doomie, stop! You don't know what you're doing!" pleaded Lydia. "But I do know what I'm doing, Lydia. And I'm really enjoying this. But why should I have all the fun? My brethren should have at least some of the action. Prepare for the ultimate demolition derby! Beetles attack!" yelled Doomie.
At Doomie's command, a trio of transformed Volkswagen Beetle cars crawled over the buildings. They all had faceted headlight eyes, antennae, six insect legs, and stag beetle pincers. "Now there's the most literal thing I've seen," said Dr. Notrub.
"Destroy the other two and bring Beetlejuice back un-alive," commanded Doomie. The Beetles crawled toward the three heroes.
"Time to test these weapons, doc," said Beetlejuice. He floated into the air towards one of the Beetles. The Beetle snapped at him and he dodged out of the way. "I am going to exterminate you, bug," said Beetlejuice as he thrust his hand forward and snapped his wrist up.
The jewel in the center of his palm glowed green and a thin beam of green light shot out. The beam hit the evil insect auto right between its eyes. The insect started to tremble just a little bit. Beetlejuice took this opportunity and flew straight at the Beetle. He pulled back his fist and slugged it. The Beetle went flying through the air and collided into the side of a building. Beetlejuice laughed hysterically. Then he heard a scream.
He turned around and saw Lydia running away from one of the other two Beetles. "Lydia! Use your weapon! Do anything but run!" yelled Beetlejuice. Lydia heard her best friend's encouraging calls and turned around. She was about to activate the Grip of Fear Gloves. But the Beetle was so close by now that her fist ended up slugging it in the eye. To her surprise, the Beetle staggered back stunned.
But it didn't last long because it soon lunged at her and snapped its pincers at her. Lydia jumped straight up. Then she realized she had jumped nearly nine feet into the air. The moment she landed on the ground, she tapped the palm of her glove.
A purple beam in the shape of a clawed hand emerged from the glove. It grabbed onto the Beetle and lifted it up into the air. Lydia waved her hand around and the beam released the car creature sending it flying through the air. It collided with the Beetle that Beetlejuice had knocked out.
"At least my weapon works. But how did I jump that high and hit that Beetle so hard?" she asked herself. "That's because Beetlejuice has added magical enhancements to the battle suits for you and me," said Dr. Notrub's voice from behind her. She turned around and saw an amazing sight.
Dr. Notrub was standing between the pincers of the third Beetle. Amazingly, he was holding the two pincers and keeping them from closing on him. In an even surprising twist, he turned the Beetle onto its back. Then he walked over to Lydia who had been joined by Beetlejuice.
"Beetlejuice has enchanted the battle suits for us live ones. They increase our physical strength and other factors. Beetlejuice didn't think he needed them because he's dead. Of course, these enhanced abilities can only be used when you are wearing the suit, Lydia," stated Dr. Notrub. "Ingenious, guys," said Lydia.
Beetlejuice then looked toward the three Beetles. They had all gotten up and crawled away not wanting to deal with the Spooky Heroes anymore. Beetlejuice cackled at Doomie. "Well Doomie, it looks like your Beetles didn't work. And judging from my fear detector, you've taken a little increase in fear. Looks like we psyched you out a bit by taking out your Beetles," said Beetlejuice indicating the red visor covering his right eye.
The monstrous car chuckled. "You think I'm quivering in my tires? Well, that was just round one of this monster car melee. Be prepared for round two!" yelled Doomie. "Bring it on!" yelled Beetlejuice as he, Lydia, and Dr. Notrub struck some battle poses. They were ready for whatever Doomie was about to attack them with.
In Dr. Grim's lair, the evil doctor raised from his chair in front of the TV monitors. He wore a look of absolute disgust. "Uh Master? Are you all right?" asked Mecha-Reaper.
"No I'm not all right! The destruction of Sleepy Hollow was going smoothly until those three showed up. And don't think I don't see through those ridiculous suits. That's Beetlejuice, Matthew Vincent Notrub and that girl who is always with them," said Dr. Grim in a tone of complete anger. "Calm down, Master. Watch your blood pressure," said Mecha-Reaper.
"Take a small army of Zombots and go help that pathetic excuse for a monster," ordered Dr. Grim angrily. "I hear and obey, Master," said Mecha- Reaper as he stood in front of the sliding wall. Dr. Grim pressed a red button on the wall and a small electric hum was heard.
Then, hobbling from the darkness came Dr. Grim's horrible Zombots. Fragile mechanical zombies that had the ability to reassemble themselves, the Zombots joined Mecha-Reaper. Dr. Grim pulled the lever and opened the sliding wall. Mecha-Reaper and the Zombots marched up the ramp.
As soon as they were outside, the mechanical monstrosities took to the air and flew off towards the battle scene. The Spooky Heroes would have a lot on their hands when the robotic servants of Gothic Grim entered the fray.
When they got to the edge of the Western Woods, they gasped in shock. Dr. Notrub's hearse was gone. "Where did it go?" asked Beetlejuice. "Maybe someone stole it," suggested Lydia. "Who would steal a hearse? Besides, the locking mechanism I installed in it makes it completely theft- proof," said Dr. Notrub.
"What's going on in town?" asked Beetlejuice pointing in the direction of Sleepy Hollow. They all looked at the town and gasped in horror. A cloud of smoke was rising from the town and there were the loud sounds of people screaming and cars revving and honking.
"What's happening?" asked Jack. "I don't know. But I have a feeling that Dr. Grim has unleashed some sort of Neitherworld monster into Sleepy Hollow. We've got to stop it. We can look for the hearse later," said Beetlejuice. "You're right, Beetlejuice. Lydia, let's get ready to suit up," said Dr. Notrub.
Beetlejuice, Lydia, and Dr. Notrub raised their left hands. On their wrists were the skull watches that Dr. Notrub had designed. Jack had a confused look on his face. "Give the word, Beetlejuice," said Lydia. "Right. Spooky Heroes, let's get spooky!" he exclaimed.
The three of them pressed the button at the same time and their bodies were all surrounded by an ethereal blue glow. Jack backed away. He wasn't sure what was going on.
"Beetlejuice! Ghost with the most! Fright Force Blaster!" yelled Beetlejuice. A few moments after Beetlejuice had said his words, the glow vanished. Beetlejuice stood dressed a suit of black and white metal armor. A black and white striped cape was attached to his neck. The Fright Force Blaster was on his back and his hands were in the fingerless gloves. A black and white striped hood covered the top half of his head. His green eyes gazed through eyeholes and tufts of his dirty blonde hair poked out of the sides. The small band was around his head with the red visor covering his right eye.
"Lydia Deetz! Creepiest girl in both worlds! Grip of Fear Gloves!" yelled Lydia. The glow vanished from around her revealing her wearing a purple version of her Neitherworld poncho. Black colored armor covered her body beneath the poncho. A purple broad brimmed witch hat was on her head and a black eye mask was over her eyes. The Grip of Fear Gloves covered her hands.
"Matthew Vincent Notrub! Paranormalist extraordinaire! Astral Projector!" yelled Dr. Notrub and the glow around him vanished. His body was covered in gray armor. The Astral Projector was mounted on his head and the goggles that were attached to it were covering his eyes. He held the handle with the red button in his hand.
"It's show time!" yelled Beetlejuice as he laughed crazily. "Dr. Notrub, I would say that the transport system is a success," said Lydia. "Thanks Lydia. Now let's go save the city," said Dr. Notrub.
"This is amazing. But what exactly is going on?" asked Jack. "No time to explain, Jack. There's trouble brewing in Sleepy Hollow and we have to stop it," said Dr. Notrub. "We'd never get there fast enough on foot. I'll have to zap us there. I can only hope I have enough energy to pull this off," said Beetlejuice. "Do it, Beej. It's the only way we can get there in time," said Lydia. Beetlejuice snapped his fingers and the four of them vanished in a flash of light.
Seconds later, the three Spooky Heroes and their new skeletal friend appeared in downtown Sleepy Hollow. They gasped at the horrific sight. "Something tells me that this isn't rush hour that's going on," said Lydia.
Monstrous automobiles were tearing up buildings and flattening everything in sight. "Sleepy Hollow's been turned into a giant monster car rally. What could have done this?" asked Dr. Notrub.
Then Beetlejuice let out an exhausted sigh. "Beetlejuice, are you okay?" asked Jack. "I'm fine, Jack. Normally, a simple teleportation wouldn't tire me out. But since I don't have most of my usual powers, it takes a lot out of me. I took a big risk trying to teleporting to a specified location. But I think I can still fight as long as I just use Dr. Notrub's technology," answered Beetlejuice. "Glad to hear that, Beetlejuice. But what did you mean by a specified location?" asked Dr. Notrub. "I used my powers to transport us to the cause of all this carnage," replied Beetlejuice. "Oh my gosh! Look!" exclaimed Lydia pointing ahead.
Amidst the chaos was a pale green car transforming another car into a monster. "It's Doomie!" exclaimed Beetlejuice. "Doomie? You know that car creature?" asked Dr. Notrub. "Know him? Beetlejuice and I created him. But he never had the power to turn other cars into monsters," said Lydia. "This must be the result of some sort of horrible experiment Dr. Grim has put him through. Whatever he has done, we will find some way to undo it. Let's get him!" yelled Beetlejuice as he floated toward Doomie. But Lydia grabbed him by the collar.
"Hold it Beetlejuice. Let's try to talk to him first. He's still our friend and we can't hurt him," she said. "You're right. Maybe Dr. Grim hasn't gotten complete control over him. Jack, find some place safe to hide. This might get ugly," said Beetlejuice. "Safe? I don't think any place is safe with these atrocious automobiles running amok," said Jack. "Just do what he says Jack. We're prepared to deal with this kind of stuff. Of course, this equipment hasn't had a full field test. But now's a good as time as any to test it. Let's get going, guys," said Dr. Notrub. Beetlejuice, Lydia and Dr. Notrub ran toward Doomie while Jack ran to a nearby alley to hide.
"Doomie!" called Beetlejuice and Lydia as they approached the pale green car. Doomie turned in their direction. "Well, well, well. If it isn't my creators come to see me do my master's work," he said in an evil voice. Beetlejuice's eyes widened in surprise.
"Since when did you learn to talk?" asked Lydia. "You mean, he doesn't talk normally?" asked Dr. Notrub. "All he usually does is honk, doc. But that voice sounds familiar. It almost sounds like Dr. Grim himself," said Beetlejuice.
"That's right. My master has given me orders to flatten this town and to bring you to him, Beetlejuice. You may have created me. But I have a new master now: the future ruler of this world, Dr. Gothic Grim! Perhaps I'd better slip into something more worthy of my master," said Doomie as he uttered a loud roar. "I think it's safe to say that he is fully under Dr. Grim's control," said Dr. Notrub.
Smoke started to surround Doomie. "Oh no! He's transforming!" shrieked Lydia. "Transforming? What do you mean?" asked Dr. Notrub. "Having an abnormal brain, anger or the sight of a dog triggers a horrible change in Doomie. But he has never transformed willingly. Ever seen the movie Christine?" asked Beetlejuice. "Yes, I have it in my video collection. I also have the book. Quite possibly one of Stephen King's best works," said Dr. Notrub. "In his transformed state, Doomie can cause trouble a hundred times more," said Beetlejuice.
The smoke started to clear and it revealed Doomie in a horrible form. He was now a hideous, hairy beast. Covered in brown fur, his front wheels had been replaced by black, clawed arms. His rear wheels had grown bigger and his grill mouth had been replaced by mouth filled with sharp green teeth. His eyes still remained pitch black. With a growl, Doomie charged toward the Spooky Heroes. The three of them jumped out of the way as Doomie sped past them.
"Doomie, stop! You don't know what you're doing!" pleaded Lydia. "But I do know what I'm doing, Lydia. And I'm really enjoying this. But why should I have all the fun? My brethren should have at least some of the action. Prepare for the ultimate demolition derby! Beetles attack!" yelled Doomie.
At Doomie's command, a trio of transformed Volkswagen Beetle cars crawled over the buildings. They all had faceted headlight eyes, antennae, six insect legs, and stag beetle pincers. "Now there's the most literal thing I've seen," said Dr. Notrub.
"Destroy the other two and bring Beetlejuice back un-alive," commanded Doomie. The Beetles crawled toward the three heroes.
"Time to test these weapons, doc," said Beetlejuice. He floated into the air towards one of the Beetles. The Beetle snapped at him and he dodged out of the way. "I am going to exterminate you, bug," said Beetlejuice as he thrust his hand forward and snapped his wrist up.
The jewel in the center of his palm glowed green and a thin beam of green light shot out. The beam hit the evil insect auto right between its eyes. The insect started to tremble just a little bit. Beetlejuice took this opportunity and flew straight at the Beetle. He pulled back his fist and slugged it. The Beetle went flying through the air and collided into the side of a building. Beetlejuice laughed hysterically. Then he heard a scream.
He turned around and saw Lydia running away from one of the other two Beetles. "Lydia! Use your weapon! Do anything but run!" yelled Beetlejuice. Lydia heard her best friend's encouraging calls and turned around. She was about to activate the Grip of Fear Gloves. But the Beetle was so close by now that her fist ended up slugging it in the eye. To her surprise, the Beetle staggered back stunned.
But it didn't last long because it soon lunged at her and snapped its pincers at her. Lydia jumped straight up. Then she realized she had jumped nearly nine feet into the air. The moment she landed on the ground, she tapped the palm of her glove.
A purple beam in the shape of a clawed hand emerged from the glove. It grabbed onto the Beetle and lifted it up into the air. Lydia waved her hand around and the beam released the car creature sending it flying through the air. It collided with the Beetle that Beetlejuice had knocked out.
"At least my weapon works. But how did I jump that high and hit that Beetle so hard?" she asked herself. "That's because Beetlejuice has added magical enhancements to the battle suits for you and me," said Dr. Notrub's voice from behind her. She turned around and saw an amazing sight.
Dr. Notrub was standing between the pincers of the third Beetle. Amazingly, he was holding the two pincers and keeping them from closing on him. In an even surprising twist, he turned the Beetle onto its back. Then he walked over to Lydia who had been joined by Beetlejuice.
"Beetlejuice has enchanted the battle suits for us live ones. They increase our physical strength and other factors. Beetlejuice didn't think he needed them because he's dead. Of course, these enhanced abilities can only be used when you are wearing the suit, Lydia," stated Dr. Notrub. "Ingenious, guys," said Lydia.
Beetlejuice then looked toward the three Beetles. They had all gotten up and crawled away not wanting to deal with the Spooky Heroes anymore. Beetlejuice cackled at Doomie. "Well Doomie, it looks like your Beetles didn't work. And judging from my fear detector, you've taken a little increase in fear. Looks like we psyched you out a bit by taking out your Beetles," said Beetlejuice indicating the red visor covering his right eye.
The monstrous car chuckled. "You think I'm quivering in my tires? Well, that was just round one of this monster car melee. Be prepared for round two!" yelled Doomie. "Bring it on!" yelled Beetlejuice as he, Lydia, and Dr. Notrub struck some battle poses. They were ready for whatever Doomie was about to attack them with.
In Dr. Grim's lair, the evil doctor raised from his chair in front of the TV monitors. He wore a look of absolute disgust. "Uh Master? Are you all right?" asked Mecha-Reaper.
"No I'm not all right! The destruction of Sleepy Hollow was going smoothly until those three showed up. And don't think I don't see through those ridiculous suits. That's Beetlejuice, Matthew Vincent Notrub and that girl who is always with them," said Dr. Grim in a tone of complete anger. "Calm down, Master. Watch your blood pressure," said Mecha-Reaper.
"Take a small army of Zombots and go help that pathetic excuse for a monster," ordered Dr. Grim angrily. "I hear and obey, Master," said Mecha- Reaper as he stood in front of the sliding wall. Dr. Grim pressed a red button on the wall and a small electric hum was heard.
Then, hobbling from the darkness came Dr. Grim's horrible Zombots. Fragile mechanical zombies that had the ability to reassemble themselves, the Zombots joined Mecha-Reaper. Dr. Grim pulled the lever and opened the sliding wall. Mecha-Reaper and the Zombots marched up the ramp.
As soon as they were outside, the mechanical monstrosities took to the air and flew off towards the battle scene. The Spooky Heroes would have a lot on their hands when the robotic servants of Gothic Grim entered the fray.