Life's a Scream!

by cartuneslover17

Post-MU. A new semester at Monsters University, with the OK gang now back in the Scare Program and Mike and Sulley, despite expulsion, close by them every second of the way, it feels like it'll be a good year. Actually, it becomes interesting: the RENEWED Scare Games. That's not all, when a student transfers from Fear Tech, Squishy's life changes even more. PLEASE FOLLOW REVIEW!

4. Chapter 3

May I introduce...the chapter that welcomes the birth of MU's newest Greek group. As well as Oozma Kappa's newest member. :)

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW! ;D
_

Squishyʼs eyes immediately opened as soon as his alarm beeped. A wide grin spread across his face before he slapped the device off. Stretching, he looked over the side of his bed.

"Todayʼs the day!" He exclaimed.

Laying on the floor were no other than Terri and Terry, having abandoned their bedroom to slumber in Squishyʼs like they always did at his motherʼs house. The twins quickly slipped out halfway from their blankets and beamed just as much as their youngest member did.

"I know, can you believe it?" Terri said happily.

There was a knock at the door and Mike and Sulley entered.

"Hey, hey!" Mike greeted cheerfully.

"Todayʼs the big day," Sulley mused. "Glad we ainʼt working today."

Both former students turned just in time to see Art and Don race down the hall toward the kitchen.

"Breakfast!" The furry pair of legs shouted excitedly before the rest of the boys followed in pursuit.

Sherry hummed to herself before flipping the next batch in her pan before piling them onto the plate at the center of the table where the boys were happily consuming.

"Todayʼs the day!" She beamed as she rubbed her sonʼs shoulder affectionately.

Mike took out a flyer and placed it on the table for all to see.

Scare Games! Happening this semester!

"Wowee!" Don whistled enthusiastically. "Whoʼd have think Hardscrabble would immediately start them as soon as the first semester began?"

"Uh, maybe because the Scare Games last semester doesnʼt count anymore," Art answered blandly, drowning his pancakes in syrup. "On account of the final event having been called a disgrace or whatever because Sulley messed with the-"

He was immediately silenced when Terri shoved a stick of butter into his mouth. As Art nearly choked, the younger twin, as well as everyone else, turned to the big, blue monster whose eyes were downcast as he slowly swallowed the pancakes he had just been eating.

Mike winced, recalling the previous semester all too well as he shifted his gaze from Art to his best friend. Finally, he cleared his throat rather loudly before pushing the flyer closer to his OK friends.

"Well, then," he announced boldly, hoping to drive the uncomfortable subject away. "the kick-off is later, and from what Iʼve heard a lot more teams are competing."

Sulleyʼs eyes knitted in confusion when he read over the details. "Wait a minute..." He reached over and grabbed it, analyzing it closer.

"What is it, Sulley?" Squishy asked.

"Any team is allowed to enter..." He read. "...as long as there are at least five members now."

The color drained from Mikeʼs face before he wheeled over toward Oozma Kappa.

"What?" Don asked in confusion.

"What do you mean what?" Mike cried, startling everyone. "The flyer said five members!" He grabbed the paper from Sulley and shoved it in Donʼs face. "Five, Don!"

"And so?" Art asked nonchalantly.

"So?" The one-eye monster repeated with distress. "Sulley and I arenʼt in OK anymore! And look how many members are in your team now!"

"And like Brock Pearson said," Sulley added dejectedly, "they count bodies, not heads." He pointed toward Terri and Terry.

"Youʼre one member short!" Mike wailed.

However, none of the members seemed at all concerned. In fact, they looked rather calm and even more so confident.

"Is that all?" Don asked with a chuckle.

"Why are you guys smiling?" Mike demanded. "You have only four members! You need a fifth!"

"Donʼt worry, Mike," Squishy assured him, "I think we might be able to get our fifth before the kick-off." He didnʼt notice the apprehension in his friendʼs face as he sipped his glass of milk.

"You serious?" The green monster asked doubtfully, wondering how in the world they could manage to claim a fifth member before sign-offs closed. He doubted they would turn out as lucky as last semester when he and Sulley came to them at last minute before Claire Wheeler could remove them; he couldnʼt think of one monster that OK could possibly recruit in little time.

"Trust us, Mike," Terri answered, "weʼre okay."
_

The music blasted from Monnie Monstreʼs computer as the dinosaur-like monster adjusted her glasses sleepily.

If only the DJ at the ROR house had played them last night...

She shivered, recalling that humiliating ordeal all too clear. It had taken a good amount of time to remove all that cream from her hair!

She turned from her desk when the door of her dorm opened and in walked her roommate who just returned from the showers.

"Another day," Katy McCrea spoke unenthusiastically, now dressed in her daily attire. She walked over to her side of the room and gathered her books. "Hopefully, I donʼt get landed on my butt again while singing Sla$ha..."

Monnie sighed. Yesterday when they had met up to venture into Greek row, Katy had told her about some girl who knocked her straight into a trash bin, while Monnie confessed someone had pushed her off the tree branch she had been resting on.

Coincidence? No, when both admitted it was some flying monster, they knew they had each been victim to whoever she was. And last night was no better as each suffered embarrassment with pride having temporarily been crushed.

"Think anyoneʼs ever going to listen to my beats?" Monnie couldnʼt help but ask. "I mean, last night, I was so close..."

Katy smiled supportingly at her roommate before rubbing her back with a dull-clawed hand. "Something will happen soon enough."

The semi-aquatic turned her head and looked over at the flyer on her desk before picking it up.

"Scare Games," she read. "I heard they decided to renew them on account of something happened last semester. I donʼt know what but I think it might have had something to do with a scare simulator or whatever."

"I hate to be that guy," Monnie rolled her eyes. Her gaze fell on the flyer, a disappointed smile on her lips. "Scare Games, huh? It sounds pretty fun." Her expression became slightly more crestfallen. "But weʼre not in a sorority and we donʼt even have five members to make a team...and I guess this pretty much implies mostly to Scare majors."

"Scaring," Katy rolled her eyes. "Not for me, no thank you!"

"See you at the kick-off, anyway?" Monnie asked, turning back to her computer.

"Yeah," Katy responded nonchalantly as she exited out their dorm. "All we non-Scarers can do is offer our support."
_

Dot Presslerʼs gelatinous stomach pressed against her bedsheets as she doodled in her sketchbook, having woken up much later than her roommate who was sorting through her wide range of clothes and accessories.

"Okay, new day," Colette Creoutureʼs gaze hardened as she dug through another huge trunk of dresses and blouses. "This ʻkick-offʼ is happening later today, and I want to look my best! Like I always do!" She added sweetly.

Dot rolled her eyes, shaking her head as she watched her roommate toss away another article of clothing onto the floor.

"Do you even know what this ʻkick-offʼ is about?" She asked with slight apprehension in her tone.

Colette paused for a moment, trying to decide between a glittering gray sequin top or a white upper-dress with spots.

"Uh, no..." She admitted sheepishly. "Remind me?"

"Itʼs for the Scare Games," Dot explained, "according to some students, the games last semester no longer counted because..." She tapped a fingerless hand to her head, trying to recall the information. "...because someone cheated in the final event and the Dean wants to renew everything."

"Scare Games, huh?" Colette didnʼt even look away from her large, mirror stand. "What are they about?"

"Um, Scaring?" Dot couldnʼt help but chuckle.

"Oh, yeah," Coletteʼs eyes lit up in realization. Then they reduced to a look of confusion and slight disinterest. "Yeah...I doubt we could make it."

"Not even close," Dot agreed sadly, "we need to be in a team of at least five, and weʼre not even in a sorority." She held up the flyer that was in her sketchbook. "Roar Omega Roar qualified once more."

"Iʼm sorry, who?" Colette asked confusingly.

"One of the fraternities," Dot explained, "their biggest rival is Oozma Kappa."

"Oozma Kappa...Oozma Kappa..." The double-horned fashionista tapped a manicured nail to her chin in wonder. "Werenʼt they those guys who hosted that huge wedding back in the beginning of the semester?"

"Thatʼs them," Dot nodded.

"Yeah, I didnʼt get a good look at them," Colette shrugged. "I was too busy admiring the beauty that is the brideʼs dress. Oh, my gosh!" She smiled with elation, recalling the woman Sherry Carlton in her beautiful gown. "Even Bridezilla Monthly never showed a dress that good!"

"I didnʼt see them either," Dot admitted, "except the president who was, obviously, the groom."

"Still," Colette flipped her short fur-like hair as she turned back to her mirror, "we should go to that kick-off. Weʼre not Scarers, of course, but we are supporters."

In a flash, before Dotʼs eyes, Colette had transformed from her sleeping wear into a yellow blouse with white floral printing.

"Fashionable supporters!" She beamed before posing.
_

Laura gathered her books before turning back to Archie, who rested atop her bed. No doubt pets were against dorm policy but Laura had hoped that if her little friend was discovered in her room, an exception for ʻrival mascotsʼ was given.

After the events last night and Laura flew Archie back to her lone dorm, she had made sure he was in the comforts of home, like back in Fear Tech. There was simply no way she was allowing her former alma mater to claim him back; talk about true Mu spirit as well as true love.

Archie whined softly as the draconic-like student reached for the knob.

"I promise to come back, Archie," she assured him. "This isnʼt Fear Tech, remember?"

But the pig just kept squealing, as if begging her not to leave him all by himself.

Laura let out a defeated sigh.
_

All students filed into Professor Knightʼs class, Oozma Kappa taking their usual seats at the front row.

Squishy tucked part of the flyer into his textbook before he searched for yesterdayʼs notes, his mind clouded with excitement for the kick-off later today.

"Hey, Squishy."

He froze, all fives eyes widening when he heard that voice.

Slowly turning his head, he looked up in those brilliant sky and forest irises, followed by a smile.

Heart pounding violently as Squishyʼs jaw unhinged, he was an immediate loss for words as Laura Sharp stood beside him, books in her arms and bag slung over one shoulder.

"Uh, h...h...hi..." He sounded hoarse, unable to blink.

Laura resumed smiling before she motioned toward the empty seat beside him. "Can I...?"

He turned to the empty desk and his eyes widened even further. However, before he could manage a response, Don answered for him.

"Well, sure thing!" The mature student said cheerfully. "Good to see you, Laura! And on time as well!"

Laura chuckled sheepishly before she slipped into her seat, items placed atop desk. She gently placed her surprisingly overlarge bag beside her feet.

"So howʼs Archie?" Terry asked her. "Obviously, you didnʼt take him back to Fear Tech, so where is he now?"

Laura flinched for a moment at the question, then she lowered her gaze, a nervous smile playing on her lips.

"Oh, heʼs fine," she responded with anxiety in her tone, "and donʼt worry, heʼs safe."

All five Oozma Kappa members nearly jumped when her bag started to move. And oink?

Terry wheeled toward her, single eye widening in shock. "You brought him to class?" He whispered with disapproval in his tone.

Laura winced. "I couldnʼt leave him by himself in my dorm," she whispered, "back in Fear Tech, he usually followed me to my classes."

"Just donʼt let Knight catch him!" Terri added worriedly. "What more if the Dean finds him in her own school?"

The former Fear Tech student gulped, then reached down and stroked her bag in hopes of quieting the pig inside.

"Good morning, class," Professor Knight greeted as he walked over to his chalkboard. "Hope you all read the required text last night, for we now are going to review pages 11-13..."

As the professor continued his lecture, Laura slowly turned her head and lifted her gaze up toward the top row. As usual, no one seemed to have taken a seat up there.

Save for one certain monster...

Lauraʼs eyes knitted with curiosity as well as slight concern. She wondered if said monster had either pulled his invisibility skill again or simply didnʼt come to class. She would never forget the way he looked at her when she first discovered him yesterday.

He looked shy, cautious, and overall probably intimidated that she had spotted him when it must have been insured that no one would even bother to look in his direction as long as he remained invisible.

She sighed sadly before turning back to the professor. As she listened, she shifted her eyes over to Squishy, wondering if he had taken any good notes she might have missed.

However, her eyes fell on something sticking out of his textbook. Careful as not to alarm him that she was looking in his direction, Laura squinted as she made out a couple of words on what appeared to be a flyer.

Scare Games

Immediately, Lauraʼs eyes widened, astounded.

Then an elated smile spread across her face.

The Scare Games? So soon? Maybe she didnʼt miss everything after all!

Seeing that the Scare Games were going to occur this semester, regardless that she had been two weeks late, elicited the draconic-like monster fond memories of the Scare Games back at Fear Tech last year.

Any student brave enough would sign up for any event they wished to participate in. For Laura, she decided to sign up for all of them, to receive the feeling her father had when he was a contestant and finally met her mother.

Students would race a grueling array of obstacle courses toward the finish line, swim through a pool of human childrenʼs toys, aerial contest(this, unfortunately, only implied for those who can fly), and even combat.

Every monster was competitive, never one-for-all but all-for-one, and Laura did her best to be a good sport while vying for the prizes that came with every event.

She recalled the ribbons and little trophies she had succeeded that still laid somewhere in her dorm room.

Now was her chance to live those moments again! She couldnʼt help but wonder what monsters would sign up for what events, let alone what the prizes for each was going to be! She hoped if she won the first event, she would get another tiny trophy instead of another ribbon.

She shifted her gaze over to Squishy and the rest of Oozma Kappa. Each of them looked like they would certainly succeed, even Art looked like he would do well in the racing event if MU had one.

She just hoped sign-ups werenʼt impacted, so sure a lot of students were just as ecstatic as she was to participate in friendly competition.

After class ended, Laura smiled at Oozma Kappa as they exited out of the room.

Friends. She had friends. Not just Archie.

Speaking of which, said pigʼs head popped out of her bag as soon as they were out of Professor Knightʼs classroom.

"Oh, hey there, little guy!" Don cooed as he reached tentacle out to him, petting him softly. He flinched back when the pig snorted. "Now donʼt go sneezing on olʼ Don again, you hear?"

Laura laughed before she slipped Archie out of her bag, holding him in her arms.

Squishy just watched adoringly, amazed by such kind-hearted passion she had for the pig. The way she held Archie in her arms, allowing him to press against her chest, that sparkle in her eyes as she smiled...

The small OK member couldnʼt stop the goofy smile from forming on his pudgy face as he gazed at the beautiful monster. And she had sat next to him in class!

Terri directed his gaze somewhere else before he shifted, alerting his twin. Terry got the message before he turned to the rest of Oozma Kappa.

"Uh, guys?" The older Perry twin jerked his head in another direction.

Donʼs eyes widened in realization. "Oh, yeah!" He turned back to Laura. "Iʼm sorry, Laura, but Oozma Kappa and its president need to take care of something!"

Though slightly confused, Laura gave a comprehensive nod.

"Itʼs alright," she said, "I guess Iʼll see you guys later."

Squishy watched as she headed off, his arms to his sides as he couldnʼt refrain the blissful expression on his face, his pale cheeks becoming slightly crimson as he watched her leave.

"Squishy!" Art called, he and others having walked in the opposite direction. "Come on, man! We got to do this before we head to the kick-off!"

Immediately drawn out of his mesmerization, Squishy quickly followed his team, setting out to complete an important task first.
_

Mike and Sulley walked down the courtyard, waiting for their Oozma Kappa buddies to return from Scaring 101 so they could all head to the kick-off together.

"Hey, look, itʼs Laura," Sulley pointed as he made out a dark silhouette that flew in their direction. "And look who she brought with her!"

"Archie?" Mike asked with mild surprise as Laura landed before them.

"Hey, Mike," Laura greeted, nearly bumping into Sulley. When she turned to him, a ghost of a smile laid on her lips. "Oh...hi, Sulley."

The blue monster greeted with a friendly wave, failing to notice the slight change in her tone all of a sudden.

"Have you seen Oozma Kappa?" Mike asked. "We were suppose to meet them here."

"Oh, well, they said they needed to do something quick first," Laura explained, expression brightened up once more as she turned her attention back to Mike. "But Iʼm sure theyʼre on their way right now." She clutched Archie tighter, feeling suddenly both anxious yet excited. "And I need to hurry as well!"

"Wait! Wait! Wait!" Mike called out as Laura dashed off. "Where you heading?"

"Kick-off!" Laura called over her shoulder happily. "Iʼm going to sign up for the Scare Games!"

"Oh, is that all?" Mike asked casually as she was out of sight. "Well, donʼt want to keep you waiting. After all, sign-ups are about to clo-"

His single eye widened, realization suddenly sinking in.

"What?" Mike cried out, Sulley looking just as shocked. "Sign up for the Scare Games? But you need-"

"Mike?"

Both he and Sulley turned around just in time to see Oozma Kappa by their side.

"Whatʼs going on?" Squishy asked.

"Sharp said sheʼs going to sign up for the Scare Games," Sulley immediately explained.

"She joined a sorority that fast?" Art asked with surprise.

"I donʼt think she did!" Mike wailed. "And I donʼt think she knows what the Scare Game requirements are in order to sign up!"
_

Naomi Jackson idly turned her head, wondering where in the world Oozma Kappa was. If they were unable to join the immediate and renewed Scare Games, she would be both disappointed and miserable. Not only that, irritated because Roar Omega Roar would have a better chance at winning unless Jaws Theta Chi could catch up.

"Mike Wazowski made it clear to the whole campus that his buddies would compete."

The mauve-haired monster turned to see no other than Nadya stroll over to her, HSS standing a few inches from where PNK was.

"Hey," the darkly beauty greeted gruffly but with a sincere smile, "still thinking about the guy with the Y?"

She smirked as Naomiʼs cheeks slightly flushed in her purplish pink face, grasping her hands together with embarrassment.

"Tell me you were kidding last night when you said I had competition..." She gulped.

"Sorry, sweetie," Nadya shrugged, "but it ainʼt no lie. Terry P. has girls eating out his hand left and right, and he doesnʼt even know it."

Naomiʼs three eyes widened, then held herself tightly. The memory of last night rushed in as she recalled that single encounter she had with the older twin. Though it was unintentional, the way he had somehow linked his hand around her waist, how she had grasped part of his sweater, almost as if she didnʼt want to let go...

Nadya could sense her distress and reached over and patted her back.

"Think of it as a slightly altered version of the Scare Games," she joked. "Maybe like last semester, youʼll at least make it to the third to final round."

Naomi stiffened, then gave her an unimpressed look.

"Hey, I said it was a competition," Nadya shrugged.

They slowly moved out of the way when some female monster in a yellow blouse with floral printing eased through their direction.

Colette scanned the mass crowd, slightly disappointed she wasnʼt turning heads with her newest design like she had last night.

Thinking of the ordeal she had suffered at that JOX place made her slightly squirm, but she quickly relaxed as she combed her nails through her hair as her pink heels clicked against the pavement. Seems she couldnʼt find Dot anywhere in the crowd.

Katy McCrea slowly pushed past a group of girls wearing identical purple jackets with the word ʻEEKʼ written across each as she scanned the crowd for Monnie.

She took once glance at the wide platform that both the Greek president and vice-president stood atop of and whistled with astonishment.

"One day Iʼll sing up there..." She murmured with determination as she stood among the array of students, watching longingly.

Dot nervously walked through the crowd, her gelatinous body swaying back and forth as she quickly apologized to anyone she bumped into. She walked past a redheaded girl who was busy adjusting the volume on her headphones.

Monnie fixed her glasses as she tried to search for her roommate, but to no avail. She decided to best she could do was stay in one place and hope Katy could find her. She was immediately brought to attention when the Greek vice-presidentʼs voice echoed throughout the campus.

"HELLO, MU!" Brock Pearsonʼs voiced boomed, emitting deafening cheers from the students. "Welcome to the kick-off! The beginning of the new, I mean, the re-newed SCARE GAMES!"

Claire Wheeler rolled her eyes before it was her turn to speak. "This comes as slightly unexpected but better yet anticipated because itʼs a semester early," she announced, "last semester may have been exciting enough, but this semester, no doubt itʼll be even more terrifying."

Everyone cheered, even the sororities and fraternities that had signed up. Unlike last semester where only a given few were able to participate for the Scare Games, the new semester was able to gain all teams. Because the Dean herself had granted the exception that with at least five members was any group able to qualify.

Johnny Worthington smiled confidently as he stood by his members. At least there were five of them, no need for that sixth one from last semester. They immediately posed when a student with a camera clicked away in their direction; they were always getting their photos taken. While posing, Johnny scanned the crowds, wondering where that midnight beauty was, hoping she was watching him among the spectators.

While no doubt going after trophy was their one goal, the big-top Scarer was vying for the better prize.

His eyes were mid-narrowed as the second most popular team Oozma Kappa, along with Mike and Sulley, pushed through the crowd, gaining cheers from their fans and supporters as they scanned the area.

"Do you see her?" Mike asked worriedly.

"Nowhere in sight," Don answered. "Maybe she already found out about the rules and turned back-"

They immediately silenced when they saw Dean Hardscrabble make her way up onto the podium.

Laura flew across the campus, able to pick up the large crowd. Archie tucked in her arms, she swooped down, though as gracefully as possible as to not drawn attention. Landing behind the end of the crowd, Laura was about to rush over to perhaps the platform, but immediately stopped when she noticed the Dean was about to speak.

"Hello, everyone of Monsters University," Hardscrabble said with a low growl, "as the former student of our alma mater who had created these games, I am pleased to know that to have them once again, not only renewed but to reclaim the honor that they stand for as well as this university."

She gave a faint smile as she gazed on every fraternity and sorority able to compete. Her eyes particularly fell on Oozma Kappa, alongside their friends Mike and Sulley, and her gaze softened.

"To win home the trophy of the Scare Games is no small feat, as it puts each of your individual team's strengths, abilities and cooperation among the members to the test. I am hoping to come across certain surprises that these new Scare Games will provide us," she added softly, "thank you, and good luck to all the teams. And may the best monsters win."

As cheers erupted for their proud Dean, Laura took this chance to push her way through the crowd, Archie squealing softly as she tried to call out over the loud voices.

"Wait!" She cried, though her voice seemed almost inaudible. "Hold on! Wait a minute!"

Feeling hopeless, her eyes scanned for any opening that would help her. She suddenly spotted a nearby mini-van; why it was there, she may never know.

She quickly muscled her way through the crowd, holding Archie close.

Brock Pearson beamed as the enthusiasm grew among his alma mater. "Thanks, everyone!" He called out cheerfully. "Well, I guess itʼs time to say that sign-ups are now-"

WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Katy nearly jumped when she heard the sound; Colette nearly stumbled over her heels from the sudden outburst; Dot had been so concentrated on a piece she was idly sketching that the noise took her by so much surprise that she unintentionally scratched her pen right across her sketchbook; Monnie could especially hear it no matter how loud her headphones were.

The high-pitched squeal immediately grabbed everyoneʼs attention, and all eyes turned toward Archie just standing above the mini-van.

Standing beside him was Laura, who shrank a little at the sudden attention she was receiving. However, she had requested Archie to get it, now was her opportunity.

"Oh, there she is..." Don gulped.

Johnny Worthington smirked, eyeing the midnight beauty from where he and his fraternity stood.

"Uh, sorry..." Laura apologized sheepishly. "I...I...I want to sign up!" She spoke out rather boldly, a confident smile on her face as she stood strongly before the Greek council.

Students murmured among each other and Mike, as well as his friends, could only watch in despair as the uninformed new student was regarded by both the Greek council and the Dean herself.

"Oh, boy..." He sighed.

Claire Wheeler stared at the unexpected arrival, looking rather confused.

"Um, you need to be in a team," the president said aloud through her microphone.

Laura raised her eyes, confidence slightly diminishing as her posture slowly faltered.

"W-what?" Laura choked.

"Sorry, babe!" Brock called out. "Rules clearly state that you need to be in a team of at least five to enter the Scare Games!" He looked at her with surprise. "Everyone knows that. How come you donʼt?"

The color slowly drained from Lauraʼs face as her wings drooped to her sides, eyes shrinking in horror. She swallowed hard as everyone looked at her in question.

"I...I...I didnʼt know," Laura admitted, voice straining. "I thought it would be like the Scare Games at Fear Tech, where anyone could sign up for any event they want to participate in."

Murmurs arose once more, and Laura could only stand there atop of the mini-van, feeling utterly humiliated.

"Wow, Iʼd hate to be her..." Art commented blandly.

"Uh, well, sorry once again," Brock called out, "but MU Scare Games rules are a whole lot different from FT."

Suddenly, the Dean stood up.

"Iʼll handle this, Mr. Pearson," she told him quietly before she descended down the steps toward Laura.

The draconic-monster froze as students cleared out of the Deanʼs way as her centipede legs clicked across the pavement. Now here she stood, right before Laura who remained firmly atop the mini-van, Archie having remained silent as well.

"I am sorry you were ill-informed of the particularity of what the Scare Games require," Dean Hardscrabble said. "As your registration had taken two weeks away from your first semester here at Monsters University."

Laura remained silent, simply listening to the Dean, heart pounding and slight fear chilling to her bones. However, confidence reigned upon her suddenly when she thought of her father, his reason for her interest in the Scare Games in the first place.

Standing with as much bravery as she could show, Lauraʼs wings raised a bit, a determined expression on her face.

"I...I still would like to compete. My father was in the Scare Games during his time at Fear Tech, now Iʼd like to be in the Scare Games of Monsters University."

The Dean regarded the young girl closely. She wasnʼt stubborn, just strong-wiled and dedicated. She seemed to remind her a bit of Mike Wazowski last semester, though from the Deanʼs eyes, Laura Sharp was certainly different so to say.

Laura could have sworn she saw something glimmer in the Deanʼs stern eyes, but she remained firm, appearing as confident but mature as possible.

"I admire your determination, Ms. Sharp," the Dean finally spoke with a sigh, "however, if you truly want to compete in the Scare Games, I insist you join a team."

The young girlʼs eyes fell as the words sank in. She never been part of a sorority, always having been a one-monster team during her first year at Fear Tech. She slowly lifted her eyes, gazing at every sorority that was present today.

Rosie Levin and her HSS members stepped up, feeling rather confidant the young Sharp would join them now.

"Weʼre here for you," Nadya called out smoothly.

"No way!" Called out Brynn Larson as she and her EEK girls stood before the other sorority. "Sheʼs going Slugma Slugma Kappa!"

"Oh, dear..." Laura sighed, rubbing her forehead in aggravation.

"Um, hello?" All eyes turned to see one of the PNK girls, Heather Olson, come over with her arms folded. "Sheʼs totally for the PNKs!"

Other sororities called out, demanding that they be granted having Laura Sharp join them. This was becoming too much for Laura, who was feeling a headache coming on.

Finally, she couldnʼt take it anymore as her eyes flashed open, wings slightly flailed.

"Hold it!" She yelled.

Silence reigned once more, and, despite being irritated, Lauraʼs expression appeared apologetic as she slightly shied from her outburst.

"I appreciate the offer, girls," she said through gritted teeth. "But I...um...I...Iʼll make my own team!"

Her eyes widened, having spoke before she even thought as gasps emerged throughout the quad.

"Your own team?" The Dean asked rather doubtfully, raising her eyes toward Laura.

"Uh, sign-ups are ending really quick," Claire Wheeler called out. "I donʼt think youʼll be able to make a team by that time."

"Yeah, itʼll take a miracle for that kind of thing to happen," Brock pointed out.

Lauraʼs wings fell once more, wincing as she realized how much more embarrassment she had just given herself as all eyes looked at her expectedly.

"Oh, man..." Art cringed as he and his buddies watched her.

"Poor missy..." Don said sadly.

"There has to be a miracle somehow!" Mike couldnʼt help but add, feeling anxiety cling him even more so than Laura Sharp was.

Katy stared from where she stood on the crowd, eyes widening at the sight of Laura. But it wasnʼt because of how bold and determined she was.

That was the girl who knocked her over twice yesterday!

Dot watched worriedly, not sure how much humiliation hurt for the poor former Fear Tech student, trying to appear confident but pride easily swallowed.

Yes, she somehow knew that was the girl from yesterday, but she had nothing against her whatsoever. She could only feel sympathy, wishing there was something she could do...

Colette gripped her blouse, eyes widening as she stared at the strange girl that had spoke up in front of everyone.

No, not strange. She looked gorgeous. Yet she didnʼt seem to wear anything...

But beside that, she immediately grasped that this was the same girl who not only wrecked her lipstick but also made her fall face-first into the pool last night.

She would scream, but she just couldnʼt. It wasnʼt like this girl had done those things on purpose, she was just at the wrong moments.

Colette wasnʼt sure if this was considered the worse moment for that winged girl right now...

Monnie slowly removed her headphones, eyes widening behind her glasses as she watched the former Fear Tech student begin to crumble under the pressure.

No doubt this was the girl that ruined her chance to publicize her music last night. But no grudge against her, only concern.

That girl needed help and fast.

Katy McCrea couldnʼt hold back any longer. Dully-clawed hands tightened into fists as she marched her way through the crowd toward the mini-van where Laura stood.

"Hold on!" She called out, all eyes turning to her.

Lauraʼs eyes widened in surprise as an aquatic-like monster in a cobalt purple sleeveless jacket and yellow shorts stood beside the van, eyes flashing with determination.

"Iʼll join!" Katy said aloud. "Iʼll join her team if itʼll get her into the Scare Games! As for me!"

Everyone murmured at the sudden volunteering, even the Dean was quite taken by the unexpected surprise. Laura just stood there, eyes widened and jaw dropped.

"I did not see that coming..." Sulley murmured to his friends as they watched with anticipation.

"Uh, thatʼs real nice," Brock called out. "However, you still need three more members."

"Then count me as number three!" Monnie called out rather confidently as she eased through the crowd for all to see, headphones held at her side.

"Wha...?" Laura muttered in astonishment as the yellow monster with glasses stood beside Katy.

"There you are..." Katy whispered to her roommate. Monnie just beamed sheepishly.

"Okay, okay..." Brock admitted. "Maybe weʼre getting somewhere here. But you still need two more members."

Dot watched with slight apprehension. Finally, she took a deep breath, then made her presence known as she slipped from behind the van and neared the two other girls.

"Iʼm one of the two," Dot called out, jelly-like arms at her sides as she smiled with embarrassment.

Mikeʼs single eye widened in amazement. Then a smile spread over his face, and he prayed that a miracle would, indeed, happen right there on the spot.

"They need one more..." He whispered hopefully.

Laura gazed down at the newest arrival, slightly overwhelmed by what had just happened. Still feeling rather tense, a wave of hope overcame the draconic-like monster, and those Scare Games felt closer than ever.

"Oh, man!" Brock hooted, seeing four girls standing before everyone. "This is intense!"

Claire rolled her eyes. "They still need one more member in order to qualify."

Laura bit her lip, then gazed down at the three girls that had gotten out of their way to help a mere stranger. She hoped they hadnʼt done this for nothing, praying there was one more girl out there among the crowd that would offer to be recruited for this last-minute sorority.

However, the seconds passed and Claire had to speak up.

"Well, sorry about that," she apologized, "but I guess despite your three members, you are unable to qualify without one mo-"

"Wait! Wait! Wait!"

All eyes immediately turned at the source of the voice and Colette shoved her way through a few students, ignoring the glares as her heels clicked against the pavement. She smiled apologetically before she rushed over beside Dot, slightly poised as she held her hands behind her back, trying to show off her blouse.

"Sorry," she turned to Dot then toward the Greek Council, "I was putting on my make-up." She raised her arms. "Iʼm joining!"

"Holy moly!" Brock Pearson boomed with astonishment as he turned back to the crowd. "Itʼs a miracle!"

"Oh, thank goodness..." Mike sighed with relief.

"Oh, thank goodness..." Laura breathed, clutching her chest with relief.

"Everyone, may I introduce, at totally last-minute..." Brock Pearson said excitedly. "The newest addition to the Scare Games!"

Wide applause erupted around the campus as all four girls stood, waving shyly and looking rather please. Oozma Kappa, Mike, and Sulley cheered happily for not only Laura Sharp but for the four other girls that had stepped up to help her.

"Hello, boys," Sherry greeted as she pushed through the crowd. "What did I miss?" She caught sight of Laura Sharp. "Whoʼs that standing on my car?"

Laura slowly slid down from the van, taking in the cheers with slight uncertainty before she turned her gaze toward the four other girls.

She was both overwhelmed as well as incredibly touched that these four random girls came to the aid of a total stranger. Now, thanks to them, they were a team qualified for the Scare Games.

It suddenly hit Laura that she was now a sorority leader.

"Congratulations, Laura Sharp."

She turned around just in time to see Johnny Worthington himself make his way over to her, paying no mind to the four other girls as his eyes only focused on her.

"With you in the competition," he said smoothly, "no doubt the Scare Games will be a lot more interesting."

"Uh, thanks..." Laura said rather cautiously. By now, Archie had joined her on the pavement, glaring at Johnny rather threateningly.

"Laura!" She wheeled around and there stood Mike along with Oozma Kappa and especially Sulley. "You did it! Youʼre in!"

"Hey, Mike," Laura greeted cheerfully, happy to have finally found them. "I...I guess weʼre going to be competing against each other."

"Heh, donʼt worry, itʼs just friendly competition," Don assured her. "Weʼre just happy you managed to make it in."

"This is our second Scare Games!" Terri said excitedly. "We canʼt wait for the first event!"

"Maybe you might want to wait a little longer," all turned to see Johnny approach them with an arrogant air about him. "If I recall correctly, you need five members in order to qualify."

He turned to Brock and Claire and especially the Dean before motioning to Terri and Terry.

"You said you count bodies, not heads."

"Oh, yeah," Brock scratched his head, "how could I have overlooked that?" He turned to Oozma Kappa. "Sorry, youʼre one member short. I guess you guys-"

"Oh, donʼt worry, Brock!" Don called out cheerfully. "We have a fifth member!"

"You do?" Johnny asked, stunned.

"You do?" Mike asked him, surprised.

"Well, sure!" The OK president chuckled. "In fact, I think I just spotted him right over there!" And he pointed with a tentacle.

All eyes turned in the direction he was pointing, only to stare at an overflowing trash bin. At this sight, Johnny let out a chuckle before shaking his head.

"I think your age is starting to get the better of you, grandpa."

Don gave him a frown, looking quite stern behind his glasses.

"Hey, man!" Art called out toward the trash bin. "We need you over here! Pronto!"

For a moment, nothing happened, and Johnny was starting to think OK was just messing with them.

However, before everyoneʼs eyes, a figure slowly emerged from behind the bin.

But all they could see was a floating green sweater with the OK initials on the front side.

It took Johnny a moment to realize what exactly was going on and his eyes widened in horror.

"No way..." He muttered. "Boggs?"

Laura turned to Johnny before looking back at the figure who was using his invisibility skill. No doubt this was the same student who always sat alone in the top row of Scaring 101.

Already caught, right before their eyes, said monster materialized, his skin now combined with his OK sweater. Finally, Laura could see what he looked like.

He was a slightly shorter monster, a few feet below her height. He was of reptilian descent, his purple scales glistening in the sunlight with the tip of his tail a vibrant blue. Those same emerald eyes Laura had seen on her first day of Scaring class blinked at them rather shyly, his four hands clutching each other with some tensity.

Randall Boggs tried to smile, but all the stares just intimidated him that it came out rather awkward.

Mikeʼs single eye widened in surprise. "Randy?" But the lizard-like monster hadnʼt heard him as he slowly moved toward Oozma Kappa.

His new team.

By now Johnny was over being flabbergasted before his eyes narrowed at his former fraternity member furiously.

"Boggs!" He roared, nearly causing everyone to tremble as he glared down at him. "What are you doing with these wannabes?"

Randall gulped, almost afraid to look him in the eye.

"I...I joined Oozma Kappa," he spoke quietly.

"Are you kidding me?" Johnny demanded. "We had offered you to re-join our team last semester!"

Randall just stared up at him, lips pursed with a hint of doubt.

"I said no," he managed to say, "I quit, remember?"

"Whoa..." Artʼs eyes widened before turning to the ROR president. "He quit on you guys? The top fraternity league of MU?"

Everyone stared at Johnny, who was slightly uncomfortable at the moment as whispers emerged from every student, surprised that someone had actually quit on Roar Omega Roar.

Randall lowered his gaze, recalling last semester all too well, the night of the Scare Games...after Mike and Sulley had been apprehended by the CDA.

Randall gazed out the window of his lone dorm. Some nights Mike Wazowski would stare longingly through it, toward the School of Scaring.

Thinking of his little green monster friend who was probably just now his former ʻbest chumʼ, the reptilian monster turned away from the moonlight and painfully walked over to his bed.

Most of the power in the university had been wrecked thanks to Mike and a certain big, blue monster.

When Randall thought of James P. Sullivan, he felt enraged.

Angry...

Bitter...

Jealous...

...saddened...

Randall really wanted to hate Sullivan, he really wanted to. He blamed him for ruining his chance at the scare simulator at the final Scare Game event, which resulted in utter humiliation in front of the whole school.

And ROR blamed him for their loss to OK. Randall had said nothing to try and explain what had happened. He could tell they already saw that he wasnʼt worthy. Wasnʼt ROR material.

As soon as Johnny was up against Mike for the final round, Randall had high-tailed it out of that stadium without anyone noticing. It wasnʼt like anyone would care, not even the fraternity he thought he could call his friends.

Friends, his tail...

He couldnʼt believe he had chosen to be with those guys, especially having turned down Mikeʼs plea when he needed him to join OK in order to compete, with high hopes he would get back into the Scaring Program.

As if that hadnʼt been painful enough, he had allowed Johnny to walk all over him, pressuring him to go along with the prank they had inflicted on Oozma Kappa, just when the oddball team was doing well in the eyes of the university.

He made too many mistakes in his first year, and despite how much he blamed Sullivan for the incident, Randall couldnʼt help but feel itʼs what he had deserved.

Deep down, he couldnʼt exactly hate Sullivan.

Much rather Randall hated himself.

For being so easily pressured...for being a bad friend...for being so weak because how honestly scared he really was...

Now he was alone. And he felt that it was probably for the best. Mike was with better monsters that he wished he had been with in the beginning, better yet the new champions of the Scare Games.

Turning away from the window, Randall walked over to his desk where lay a tray of cupcakes he had managed to make in the cooking department after leaving the stadium unnoticed.

Baking was one of few things he did to comfort himself when he was either having a bad day or feeling downright miserable. When he was with ROR, such skills were NOT to be used, overlooked as something completely un-ROR-like. Same went for his glasses, which stood by his nightstand, not only did they give him away when he was in his invisible state, they made him look extremely nerdy.

As he picked up his icing tube and began filling the top of each cupcake, a knock sounded on his door. Confused, he slithered over and opened it.

Standing right outside the hall was no other than Johnny Worthington as well as the rest of ROR.

"Johnny?" Randall blinked in confusion.

The president merely smiled, holding up the sweater Randy had abandoned back in the stadium.

"You left this," he said, handing it to him. "We were going to re-recruit Sullivan, but, nah, youʼre pretty much one of us."

"Welcome back, Randall!" Chet cheered.

Hearing all of this at once completely overwhelmed the emotional lizard as he grasped the sweater in his upper hands. The word ʻRORʼ gleamed in his bedroom light, welcoming him back.

However, unlike how the ROR brothers had expected Randall to accept the offer back with tears of joy, they were incredibly surprised when the young Freshman looked at the sweater with bitter resentment.

And he gently pushed it back into Johnnyʼs hands.

The ROR presidentʼs eyes widened as he turned to Randall.

"What?" He asked in confusion.

Randall just shook his head. "Iʼm done Johnny," he said simply. "Iʼm not going to keep being a jerk just to look cool. Iʼm not going to continue acting like you guys." His green eyes stared at his purple ones, almost hostile. "I quit."

And before Johnny could say anything, Randall slowly closed the door in his perplexed face.

Turning away, feeling somewhat better about his decision, Randall returned back to his cupcakes.

"Heʼll come back," he heard Chetʼs voice outside, "who else is that loser going to turn to?"

Randall breathed dejectedly, then grabbed his icing tube and began working on his cupcakes once more.

After that night, Randall did his best to avoid anyone he was familiar with, especially watching our for any signs of Oozma Kappa; he had been sure those guys hated his guts after what happened at the ROR party.

He had been distressed when he read in the newspaper about Mike getting expelled along with Sulley; he couldnʼt help but call that blue moron a total jerk after hearing murmurs about how he had cheated in the last event. He could only hope those two would be able to make something of themselves without the aid of MU...

For the rest of the semester, Randall had resorted to using his improved invisibility skills to avoid anyone, sitting way back in the front row where not even Professor Knight could spot him. After the year ended, he had been so relieved to go home for the summer.

And when the new semester approached, and he learned that the president of Oozma Kappa was getting married...Randall just had to attend the wedding. Invisible, of course.

He had stood right below the stairs where the groomʼs men stood, nearly close in direction to Mike. Despite the fact Randall was awaiting another semester of loneliness, he had smiled, feeling happy for not only Don Carlton, but for the fact Mike was still welcomed to MU, not only that, able to work at MI through mail sorting.

After that night, invisibility became a daily routine for Randall, every morning he would immediately put his skill to work and be the last one to enter through the Scare class door, nights he would sneak through the Greek row just to enjoy the evening buzz. For the last two weeks, no one had picked up on his absence nor his little trick.

Until that Laura Sharp came along.

He had been startled when she had suddenly crashed right through those classroom doors. And when she had been recognized as the daughter of a famous Scarer and having transferred from Fear Tech, Randall was quick to assume she would be as conceited as Sullivan was when he first arrived to Scaring 101.

However, this Sharp girl seemed rather uncomfortable about the slight praise she received for being the child of a Scarer, and seemed to have tried her best to push that aside and hoping to resume the lecture she had missed. Even Hardscrabble had declared she was ʻnot like Sullivanʼ just from one glance.

Maybe Randall had been too judgmental(or maybe slightly envious), but either way, he had mentally slapped himself when he had sneezed right behind her. And when she had noticed his pencil being written from an invisible hand, Randall couldnʼt hide himself and had to at least show she wasnʼt seeing things.

The first contact had been awkward for the both of them, and Randall wasnʼt sure how to act, having avoided the social life since the Scare Games.

Yet Sharp seemed curious about him, offering a friendly smile.

And what did he do? Hide away and hope she would leave him alone.

Talk about a rude first impression...

When he heard that the Dean had decided for a ʻrenewedʼ Scare Games do-over, Randall wasnʼt sure what to think. The honor of MU was all that mattered, and Sulleyʼs cheating had nearly cost it last semester. At least Oozma Kappa wasnʼt a bunch of doormats anymore, and ROR could go on ahead being conceited jerks for all he cared.

Though deep down, Randall had wished there was some way he could join in the Scare Games once more.

And, unexpectedly, something amazing had just happened today after Scaring class ended...

As soon as Scare class ended, Randall made sure most of the students in front of him had gotten up to leave. Then his invisible eyes fell on Oozma Kappa, chatting it up with Laura as they gathered their belongings. He could have sworn he saw her bag move...

Right after they had made it out the door, Randall quickly gathered his belongings, grabbed his glasses, and bolted right out of the classroom, his backpack ʻfloatingʼ for those who might have unfortunately looked in his direction.

He had nearly crashed right behind Laura, who appeared to be holding Fear Techʼs pig, but kept his breath still, grateful Oozma Kappa hadnʼt spotted his bag as he cautiously slipped away while they continued talking with the Sharp girl.

Easing around the building, Randall blew a sigh of relief as he materialized.

"Howdy do there, Randy."

He froze, eyes widening in horror. He slowly turned around, tail twitching dangerously.

Before him stood no other than the current members of Oozma Kappa.

He nearly flinched, stumbling on his feet as he found no words to speak. He didnʼt even have the will to run, merely he just stood there. He waited for anything: yelling, insults, better yet, call him out for what a huge jerk he was.

However, none of that came. As he stared at them more closely, they were actually smiling.

The youngest member approached him happily, his five blue eyes wide and cheerful as he looked up at Randall.

"Hi," he greeted.

"Man, weʼve been trying to look for you for the last two weeks!" Art exclaimed with a laugh. "Seriously, how jealous I am of your invisible technique, man!"

"Now thatʼs what I call ʻmisdirectionʼ," Terri chuckled.

Randall regarded them all in confusion, not sure what to make of the smiles or the light-hearted humor.

Don stepped forward, taking something from behind his back. He beamed at Randall before he showed it to him in full view.

It was a green sweater. He noticed the OK initials were sewn on its side.

Now the shy lizard was even more confused as he simply stared at them.

"Weʼve been trying to look for you, Randy," the president admitted. "We were wondering if, maybe, youʼd like to join Oozma Kappa."

"This time," Art added with a laugh.

The lizardʼs eyes widened, even more perplexed and confused.

"W-what?" He stuttered.

Don placed the sweater in his his hands, smiling proudly as the lizard regarded it with incredible surprise. "What do you think? Sherry made it especially for you."

"I helped sew in the OK," Squishy added shyly.

Randall didnʼt know what to think, or feel for that matter. Looking up from the unexpected gift, he regarded Oozma Kappa, wondering if this was just some prank to get back at the former ROR member.

But their expressions held sincere, anticipating his answer.

"But...but..." Randall swallowed hard. "After what I did to you guys last semester-"

"Oh, donʼt go pinning yourself on the tail of blame, Randy!" Don cut in.

"We can tell youʼre not like Johnny and those other ROR guys," Squishy assured him.

"Youʼre totally OK material," Terry added. "From the start."

Green eyes only widened, overwhelmed by how easily they had forgiven him for something he had paid his part in. His body slightly shook, so many emotions overriding the nervous lizard.

"But I...the prank..."

"Sir, I may be older than some professors in this university," Don spoke as he came over and wrapped a tentacle around Randallʼs thin frame. "But take this from a veteran of college education: I know what peer pressure is like. Trust me, Iʼve done some things even during my middle adult years that Iʼm not proud of."

Randall could only stare at him, feeling just as overwhelmed.

However, it felt as if a great weight had been lifted off his shoulders, followed by a touch of hope.

He noticed that the rest of OK were staring at him with desperate expressions.

"So, uh..." Squishy scratched the back of his head. "Does this mean youʼll join OK?"

Randallʼs eyes fell once more on the sweater he had been given, then looked up at the members of Oozma Kappa.

A small smile crossed his lips as he tearfully nodded.

The fraternity cheered with joy before they came over and congratulated him, shaking his four hands as well as giving him pats on the back. This was all so completely new to him. When he had been with ROR, all he got were cold, hard, expectant glares and that usual ʻpep talkʼ to not let the top fraternity down. Never a thumbs up, never any ʻgood jobʼ in the conversation, just perpetual demand to resume success.

With the OK brothers...Randall never felt more welcome. Even more so himself.

"Weʼll see you at the kick-off, alright?" Terri told him.

Randall said nothing, merely nodding as he clutched his new sweater.

"Alright a dandy, Randy!" Don laughed as he and his fraternity left the lizard to his own devices. "See you in a bit!"

As Oozma Kappa walked off, Randall stared once more at the sweater.

Then he slowly put it on.

Gazing at the green sleeves made for all four of his arms, Randall felt even the OK sweater was more welcoming than his ROR one had ever been.

Thinking of ROR, a dark thought came to mind.

What would happen when he came face-to-face with Johnny?

Apparently, Randall received his answer as his former leader glared down at him, looking even more menacing as his large teeth bared, claws tightening in fists.

The shy lizard gulped, unable to move as he simply stared up into the angry eyes of Johnny Worthington.

"You traitor!" Johnny growled.

Randall immediately shielded himself with all four of his hands, eyes tightening with fear, frightened that the bigger monster might just jump him. He even de-materialized on the spot.

He suddenly heard the sound of running feet.

Squinting one eye open, Randall was surprised when one of the girls that offered to join Laura Sharpʼs last-minute sorority stood protectively in front of him.

Monnie glared at Johnny through her glasses, her fists tightening as her eyes looked like they could pierce through glass.

Johnny regarded her in confusion, but Monnie kept her ground, as if daring the so-called big shot Scarer to take one more step toward the poor, scared lizard she was defending.

"Mr. Worthington!" Both turned to see the Dean approach them, a look of disapproval clear on her face. "That is enough!"

Suddenly, Oozma Kappa gathered behind the now visible Randall, Don reaching over and placing a protective tentacle around the younger student as he gazed at Johnny with a stern expression.

As if on cue, the student with the camera that had taken RORʼs picture earlier rushed over and snapped away at the sight of Oozma Kappa, especially Randall.

Unable to defy the Deanʼs orders or even challenge the no-longer-doormats Oozma Kappa(especially the strange girl with red hair), Johnny merely scoffed before walking out of their sight, his fraternity following behind him.

He momentarily stopped beside Laura, though. "Good luck at the Scare Games, sweetheart," he said with a wink before strolling off.

Squishy just watched, feeling slightly deflated, but he was grateful Johnny had finally left Laura alone as the former Fear Tech student gazed at the sorority she was now suppose to lead.

Each of the girls stared at one another questionably, wondering if they could pull it off despite not being Scaring majors like the Sharp girl obviously was.

Monnie looked over her shoulder, noticing the lizard-like monster gaze at her with amazement. She gave a shy smile, her aquamarine eyes sincere behind her glasses.

Randall realized how long he had been staring and quickly blinked. He tried to smile but it came out rather awkward as he shyly waved at her.

"Okay, alright, everyone!" Brock Pearson called out. "It looks like itʼs totally official now! Good luck to everyone at the SCARE GAMES!"

I might need all the luck I need, Laura thought worriedly as her wings lowered.

While she was sure these girls had what it took to compete...Laura wondered if she had what it took to be a good leader.
_

Katy picked up a photo off the desk, staring at it with interest. In the photo was no other than Laura Sharp herself and that pig she loved so much.

Said pig snuffled past her, nearly making the semi-aquatic jump before she placed the picture back down.

After the kick-off ended, Laura took all four girls back to her dorm where they could introduce one another, share, and, hopefully, work as a team despite having been created at last-minute.

"Donuts?" Laura offered with a nervous smile, holding out a box of them which she had purchased the night before.

"Iʼm good," Katy said politely as she came over and sat on the bed right beside Colette.

"May I say," Colette said with a grin, "that you are very lucky, Laura Sharp! A whole dorm to yourself? Oh, my gosh, so lucky! No offense." She added quickly, eyeing her roommate who sat on one of the chairs Laura provided right beside Monnie, who sat cross-legged on the floor.

"None taken," Dot said with an unimpressed smile.

Laura put down the box of donuts. Then she let out a deep breath before finally turning to her team.

"I just want to thank you girls for earlier," she said sincerely, "I never would have expected something like this to happen. But like my mom always said, expect the unexpected." She gave a nervous chuckle.

"You think your mom would have predicted yesterday as well?" Katy asked.

"Yesterday?" Laura raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"Yesterday, early morning," Monnie spoke up, "were you flying across campus, by any chance?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"I donʼt want to come off as hostile," the monster with glasses said in a slightly begrudging tone, "but you kind of...knocked me off a tree."

Lauraʼs eyes widened in horror.

"That happened to you?" Dot asked in surprise. "I was knocked right into the fountain."

"You did?" Laura cried. "I caused that?"

"Fell bottoms-down into a trash can," Katy added dryly.

"And me!" Colette exclaimed, sounding rather dramatic. "My lipstick! It was all over my face when she crashed right behind me!" She pretended to faint. "Oh, a beautified disaster!"

Laura just stood there, mortified and stricken with guilt; she hardly felt Archie rub against her leg as she gazed at each of the girls.

"You guys arenʼt severely hurt, are you?" She asked, sounding timid and almost child- like.

"Donʼt worry, Sharp," Katy assured her with a small smile, "heck, even last night didnʼt damage me."

"Last night?" Laura cried, eyes shrinking. "Wait...are you the ones that I...when I was chasing Archie..."

"Right as rain," the semi-aquatic nodded regretfully. "But donʼt worry, all you did was drop a radio on my foot."

"Kind of, um...made me hit my head right into a pole," Dot added apologetically.

"Caused me to fall face-first into a cake at the ROR party," Monnie added with reluctance.

"Pushed me right over the JOX house balcony!" Colette cried, becoming even more dramatic as if the memory was that haunting. "Right into one of those little pools! My outfit was soaked! My purse was soaked! And my make-up, oh, my make-up..." She sniffled as she recalled the embarrassing ordeal.

Laura felt her chest tighten, color draining from her midnight-colored face as her wings fell to the floor in despair.

She really felt like a complete moron...

"Oh, my gosh!" Laura exclaimed, hands clutching her face sorrowfully. "I am so sorry! I didnʼt mean to! I mean, yesterday was my official first day at MU because Fear Tech took two weeks for me to finally become valid! I wanted to go to class on the first day I moved here, and I lost track of time and just needed to hurry because I was already late for Knightʼs class and I missed orientation so I donʼt know my way around here yet and I was wasting seconds while Johnny-"

"Dude!" Katy reached over and grasped her arms, slightly shaking her. "Breathe!"

Laura panted, eyes smaller than pennies as her chest rose up then fell down as she stared at Katy.

"I am so sorry..." She breathed.

"Itʼs alright," Katy assured her, "We know you didnʼt mean to."

"Yes," Colette sighed, "despite the humiliation of two fashion disasters in a day, I donʼt hold anything against you."

Dot just shook her head before she showed off her sketchbook. "I have to admit, the experience did bring some new drawing ideas."

"Oh, still..." Laura sighed, shaking a bit. "I just feel so bad..."

She paused, then regarded each of them closely.

"And yet you guys helped me out," she added quietly. "Why?"

"You were in deep water out there," Katy spoke with a smile, "I couldnʼt let you go down after bravely standing up for what you wanted."

"You looked so worried," Dot added sympathetically, "and you looked like you were really hoping for something to save you."

"You really wanted to go to those Scare Games," Monnie said, "and, honestly, in some little way, each of us wanted to as well."

"Okay, first I was drawn in by how absolutely gorgeous you are and thought about what outfits would best look great on you," Colette said rather blandly. "But yeah, same thing as girl with glasses over there said." She gave an innocent smile.

Laura stared at all of them, heart rising tremendously and she could have sworn she was near tears. A touching smile painfully crossed her lips, warmed and overjoyed that, as Brock Pearson had put it, a miracle had, indeed, happened.

"T-thanks..." She spoke softly.

"No problem, former FT," Katy chuckled, sharing a smile. "So..." She pushed herself back on the bed, leaning against the headboard. "Looks like youʼre our leader."

Lauraʼs ears lowered. "Oh, yeah, I had nearly forgotten about that..." She said nervously. "Okay, Iʼm not exactly sure how a sorority leader works, but since weʼre all pretty new on the subject..."

She clasped her paws together, searching her mind for an idea.

"I think maybe now we can introduce ourselves," she added, sounding like a guidance counselor. "You all know my name, but we donʼt know each of yours."

"Sounds good," Katy agreed as she sat up straight. "Okay, well, Iʼm Katrina McCrea." She gave a humorous wave. "Friends call me Katy. This is my first year in MU, and Iʼm a Vocal Music major. And I plan to be the next Sla$ha!" She added heartily.

A few chuckles emerged from the other girls and Laura nodded, pleased by what she was receiving.

"Iʼm Darla Pressler," Dot spoke up, waving a gelatinous hand, "most just call me Dot, on account of the spots on my sides." She jerked her head toward her three stubby legs, tiny circles of a darker shade were clearly visible. "First year, too, and Iʼm an Art Major, I love to draw as you can already tell." She held up her sketchbook, smiling proudly.

Monnie held up her hand, smiling. "Iʼm Monroe Monstre, just call me Monnie," she added with a wink. "Iʼm an Audio Music major having transferred from community college and in second year as Laura. I want to become a DJ." She reached into her pocket and took out the same disk she had hoped to publicize at the party last night. "I got some beats here if anyone wants to listen to them. Oh, and Iʼm Katyʼs roommate." She flashed a smile at said monster.

"Yoo-hoo!" All eyes fell on Colette, who gave a dainty wave of her nails. "Iʼm Colette Creouture! This is my first year and Iʼm majoring in Fashion Design! I love fashion!" She sat up straight, hands on her lap as she gave her best model-like grin. "The outfit Iʼm wearing is one of my designs!" She added proudly.

"And weʼre roommates," Dot added.

Laura was quiet for a few moments, a small smile playing on her lips as she absorbed in what had just been shared.

"So none of you are in the Scaring Program," she said finally.

All four girls stared at her, then fell silent, feeling slightly ashamed that the truth had come to light for the Scaring student.

"Weʼre really sorry," Colette said remorsefully, "weʼre obviously not exactly the Scaring type..."

"Yeah, I rap," Katy admitted, "not scare."

"You must be really disappointed," Dot sighed sadly, "you managed to get a team just in time for the Scare Games only to find out none of the members are majoring in Scaring like you."

However, Laura didnʼt appear perplexed or upset. Instead, she simply gazed at each girl, drinking in their appearances.

Katy was a semi-aquatic monster of vibrant oceanic pink skin, her lanky legs and oval-shaped arms providing dull-sharpened nails; eyes the color of the sea followed by her brownish-red hair that actually served as a circular top fin, complimented by her attire of a sleeveless jacket, shorts, and mismatched socks.

Dot was a tall, gelatin-like monster of bright orange, her three little legs as her support and her long, fingerless arms stretched at her sides. Green eyes and wearing nothing more than a blue shirt and a black bandana tied around her head, holding up the back portion of her ʻhairʼ.

Monnie had her red hair, lanky arms, slightly-built legs, and a tail with a few spikes protruding from it. Well-dressed in a simple striped shirt and shorts with aqua green eyes behind glasses.

Colette, the fashionista had short, dark purplish hair with round, cone-shaped horns atop; and same color represented the fur that served as a collar around her neck, just as the same design had one wrapped around below each of her her cone-like legs, complimenting her bright, pink heels. Her reddish brown eyes shone upon her bluish purple skin, no doubt her lashes slightly heavy with make-up she admitted she had applied earlier. Laura took great notice of her yellow blouse with floral printing, though not as much as her sharp nails.

True, maybe these girls never had much Scaring experience, perhaps never even set foot in any scare factory when they were children. They probably werenʼt meant for the Scaring Program if they ever applied...

But Laura Sharp kept the strong belief about how scary was ambiguous in its term, and she could clearly see how each girl could possibly possess something that would serve as a ʻscare-inducingʼ advantage. And benefit greatly to a team.

The sudden sorority leader just needed to find those skills.

"Iʼm not," she said sincerely. "In fact, Iʼm pretty glad."

"Say what?" Katy exclaimed. "Laurs, weʼre not like those other teams where all them got the same thing going on!"

"Thatʼs exactly what I like about this team," the draconic-like monster said.

"What?" Dot asked.

"Look at each of us," Laura motioned to every girl with a paw, "look how different we are. Itʼs diversity."

"Oh, I know diversity!" Colette jumped up. "Last year in high school, I attended this event call ʻFashion Diversityʼ, and I looked so cute in my design and-"

She immediately stopped when Katy, Monnie, and Dot glared at her, Laura being the only one with an awkward expression.

"But continue," Colette added quietly, lowering her eyes.

"Diversity," Laura resumed, "from what Iʼve seen in MU since yesterday, every frat and sorority is made up of the same members that only grasp one particularity. Itʼs like looking at one monster simply leading a one-monster team."

"Alright..." Katy tried to grasp at what the Scare student was implying. "And we are?"

"Weʼre diverse," Laura said simply, "weʼre different. Each of us actually have different interests, such as our majors." She smiled, recalling a certain other team she had met last night that made her feel proud of her transfer. "And with different interests, we each also have different types of advantages that can support us. Even in Scaring."

"Hold on," Katy spoke up, "youʼre saying my singing can scare a kid?"

"Uh, thatʼs not what I meant," Laura chuckled. "But I have held the strong belief that scariness is universal, and that each monster can demonstrate that term in his or her own way." She smiled softly. "Like Oozma Kappa from what Iʼve read."

"OK?" Colette asked curiously. "Oh, werenʼt they those guys with that one lizard boy who that big boy with the red sweater was almost going to punch?"

No one noticed Monnieʼs discomfort as her hands gripped at the floor.

"That was them," Laura said admiringly. "And look how different they are from each other." She beamed. "I may not have been here last year to see what happened, but I can tell, from little words alone as well as having just met them...that they are the representation of what true monsters are."

She pondered quietly.

"My father always told me that every monster is special, always having that special something and that each has a little of anything."

"Youʼre dadʼs a famous Scarer, right?" Monnie couldnʼt help but ask.

"Yes, he is," Laura sighed, "and taking into what he had taught me..." She smiled at all of them. "Diversity is what makes us stronger, what truly makes us work as one."

"Wow, that is deep," Katy said in awe. "Most Scare students act totally conceited!"

"Yeah, I know..." Laura said quietly. Then she quickly brightened up. "Well, hope I was able to inspire you guys! I canʼt wait to start Scaring with you!"

"Wait, wait!" Katy spoke up. "What about initiation?"

"Initiation?" Laura repeated, raising her eyes in question.

"Yeah, every frat and sorority does it," the semi-aquatic said excitedly. "We should do one to make us truly official!"

"We were made at last-minute," Laura pointed out, not sure how to feel about the idea.

"Still no reason not to go along with an initiation," Katy argued.

"Oh, that reminds me!" Colette exclaimed. "We need something to represent our team, outfits or something!"

"We need a name as well," Dot added with little ease. "I think the Greek council is waiting on a name, Laura."

"Okay, okay..." Laura rubbed her head with a sigh. "Iʼll see what can be done, and Iʼll think of a name, donʼt worry."

"Does that mean we can go with the initiation?" Katy asked hopefully, ocean eyes bright.

The Scare student regarded the Music student with slight apprehension. Then, with a deep sigh, she reluctantly nodded.

"Yes!" Katy cheered. "Letʼs do it now!"

"Iʼll provide some of my music," Monnie offered.

"Iʼll grab one of my trunks and see what I can take out for each of us," Colette added. "Hey, Laura, whatʼs the team color, though?"

"I think I know how the initiation is going to work," Laura said, smiling confidently as she reached the knob of her door. "Oh, and blueʼs always been my favorite color. I guess that can represent our team. Iʼm still thinking on the name-"

As soon as she opened her door, all five girls nearly jumped when five monsters piled down to the floor.

Squishy rubbed his head, laying flat on his stomach against the wooden planks before he looked up. He froze as his five eyes met the ones of sky and forest.

"Uh...hello..." He greeted nervously, smiling awkwardly.

"Art, get off!" Terri cried before pushing one of his legs off his head.

As the younger twin rubbed the back of his neck, his single eye turned just into time to a pair of salmon pink legs with mismatched socks. Trailing his gaze up, he was met with a semi-aquatic monster who stared down at him in confusion.

"Oh!" Terri said with surprise then chuckled nervously. "Uh, hi..."

"I told you guys not to lean on the door!" Mike scolded, he and Sulley standing outside in the hallway. "You could have just knocked!"

Randall slowly picked himself up, standing on both hands and feet before he rubbed his head. He looked up and his eyes widened when he saw Monnie sitting on the floor across from him, looking surprised.

Monnie stared at him, aqua green eyes blinking in confusion as they stared at emerald ones. The lizard shied away, smiling nervously before he immediately got up and stood by the OK president.

"Well, hey there!" Don greeted, waving a tentacle. "We werenʼt sure which one of these dorms was Lauraʼs so we had to check out each of them!"

"One of dorms had a student who threw a textbook on Canister Design at us," Terry sighed.

"But now we found yours," Don laughed, "we Oozmas just wanted to see how Laura was doing, you know, having suddenly become a sorority leader and all."

"Oh, well, Iʼm doing exceptionally well," Laura said, touched by their concern. "Just got to know each of my members." She motioned to the other four who stood to attention. "Oozma Kappa, this is Katy, Dot, Colette, and Monnie."

When Monnieʼs name came up, she waved a delicate hand to them, particularly a certain member who nearly went invisible at sight.

"Girls, this is Oozma Kappa," she introduced, "President Don Carlton, Art, Randall, Terri and Terry-"

"Iʼm the one with an ʻiʼ," the younger twin notified.

"Iʼm the one with a ʻyʼ," the older added.

"And finally," Lauraʼs eyes fell on the smallest member, "this is Squishy."

When he met her gaze, hearing her say his name, the youngest member couldnʼt stop the smile from forming on his pudgy face, feeling his heart throb.

"Who are these guys?" Colette asked, pointing toward Mike and Sulley who joined them in the room.

"Mike and Sulley," Laura explained. "They were...um...former students."

"Yeah, making it clear, Mikey and I got expelled," Sulley said flatly.

"Itʼs a long story," Mike added with muse as all four girls appeared shocked. "And weʼll tell you about it some other time."

"Well, now that introductions have been cleared," Laura coughed. "I think now would be-"

"Weʼre having our initiation right now!" Katy exclaimed. "You guys want to watch?"

"Watch an initiation?" Don questioned. "Gee, itʼs nothing too harsh now, is it?"

"Weʼd love to!" Terri interrupted, sounding a little too excited as his twin regarded him with a raised eye.

"What is the initiation?" Art asked curiously.

"Well, Laura here said she had something in mind," Monnie said before turning to the draconic-monster. "What is it?"

Laura thought for a moment. Then she smiled.
_

Johnny turned away from the conversation he was having with his fraternity brothers when the sound of music blasted near his direction. He then noticed a certain midnight beauty carry a case of some kind as she and her supposed sorority walked over to the fountain, Oozma Kappa following behind them, looking excited.

His expression darkened when he saw Randall walk beside the rival fraternity, looking curious like the moronic nerd he had always been. However, he ignored said traitor before shifting his gaze back to Laura, who bent down when Archie the Scare-Pig hauled what appeared to be her shoulder bag.

Katy had brought her radio, which was playing Monnieʼs custom music, its beats booming from the speakers so loud Fear Tech could hear it as passerby students stopped to attention to see what was going on; Colette had dragged along an overly glittered and decorated trunk with promised material to represent her sorority; and Dot had brought along merely her sketchbook and pencils, just in case there was that given moment in which she really wanted to draw.

"Well, look who it is!" Called a voice.

The ROR president watched as the president and vice president of the Greek council approached the last-minute sorority, a few papers in hand.

"Hey, check it out," Nadya pointed out as she and her sorority casually noticed something going on at the fountain, having heard the music from afar.

"Must be some quick initiation," Rosie said gruffly as she and her sisters stood a great distance, getting a good view.

They didnʼt notice that the EEKs were standing beside them, having noticed the little gathering that Lauraʼs team was having with Oozma Kappa after hearing music from the spot where they had just begun their daily exercise.

"Whatʼs going on?" One of the PNK girls asked as the sorority stood beside HSS.

"Sharp girlʼs having something of an initiation," Nadya responded flatly. "Looks like Oozma Kappaʼs got the best seat in the house."

Naomi Jackson turned from the HSS girl and looked over to see Terry and his brother standing by the fountain, helping one of the new sorority girls with her radio. The older Perry looked so calm, pleased even, as he stood to attention while Laura said something to him. The mauve-haired girl bit her lip, not daring to call out to him.

Lauraʼs team and Oozma Kappa were getting the attention, Naomi didnʼt want all eyes to suddenly fall on her.

"Oh, hello," Laura greeted with mild surprise as president and vice president approached her; she barely notice a few sororities and ROR watching her as well. "Uh, Brock and Claire, right?"

"You know it, winger!" Brock said overly enthusiastically.

"Calm down," Claire rolled her eyes before she showed the new leader the papers she brought. "Weʼve got everything sorted. All we need is your sororityʼs name and your signature, Laura."

"Oh, the name..." Laura smiled apologetically. "Iʼm still thinking on that, although I have been reading up on Greek alphabet and other things relative to the subject." She took out said book from the bag Archie had brought for her. "But-"

She suddenly let out an immense yelp, dropping her things, as something struck her bottom.

Laura placed her paws behind her, she, Brock, Claire, and every other witness, turned to see Katy with a pleased smile. In her hand was a long, thick branch.

"What is that?" Laura demanded, trying to keep her temper under control as she rubbed her bottom.

"Initiation tool," the singer responded simply. "What? You canʼt have an initiation without some serious butt-slapping to make sure a member pledges to her team."

"Now that is considered a fact," Brock pointed out.

Terri and Terry smiled, turning to Sulley who merely rolled his eyes.

Laura rubbed her bottom, frowning in disapproval before she turned back to the other girls.

"Alright, hereʼs how the initiation will go," she explained. "Itʼs nothing too fancy, itʼs just something that popped into my mind."

As if on cue, Archie carried her bag over to his friend using his teeth. The draconic-like monster picked it up and dug into it before taking out what appeared to be a coin purse.

"Oh, are we going shopping?" Colette asked eagerly.

"Shopping?" Carla Delgado repeated as she and her sorority continued watching the new team. "Is she serious right now?"

Laura shook her head. "No, no shopping." She opened the coin purse and dropped a few coins into her paw.

Squishy watched curiously, then found his voice. "Um, what are you doing?"

"Itʼs a little something my mom taught me when I was little," Laura responded with a smile before she handed each girl a coin.

"Wait a minute," Terry spoke up, "youʼre going to toss those coins into fountain and make a wish?"

"That sounds pretty fun," Chet commented, standing beside Johnny as he watched with interest.

"Somewhat like that," Laura explained, grasping her own coin. "My mom told me that, sometimes, for something to be officially made, like maybe a club or perhaps even a special bond, tossing a coin into a fountain will provide luck and strength and, above all, confidence."

"Your mom is cool," Art commented.

"Hereʼs how it works," Laura continued.

Before Katy knew it, the Scare student grasped her arm, pushing her to the center of the fountain.

"You state your name," Laura informed, "pledge yourself to the sorority and any other words you want. Then close your eyes and throw the coin into the fountain."

"Thatʼs it?" Katy asked, a little disappointed, her other hand grasping the branch.

"Thatʼs it," Laura nodded.

As soon as she turned around, Katy struck her bottom, making her leader yelp once more.

"This is different," Brock stated as he and Claire watched. "You know someoneʼs probably going to be swimming for those coins later."

"Itʼs not illegal from MU standards," Claire said dryly.

Katy just stood there, back to the fountain, coin in her hand. Finally, she closed her eyes.

"Iʼm Katy McCrea," she said aloud, "and Iʼll do what I can to help my new sisters, whether itʼs for Scaring or any other matter. May my voice and talent not only help them but help me make my dreams come true."

And with that, she flung the coin over her shoulder. The sound of it hitting the water was a relief to her.

"Alright," Don said cheerfully as he and his team clapped supportingly.

"Yes!" Laura cheered quietly. Then turned her attention toward Dot. "Youʼre next."

"Alright then," Dot told herself as she walked over to the center.

The fountain. She only hoped she didnʼt fall back when she tossed her coin.

"Iʼm Dot Pressler," she stated in a nervous tone while closing her eyes, "Iʼll be the best sorority sister I can be. Hope itʼs like a picture with a thousand words that we display our gifts."

And she tossed her coin back, legs planted firmly on the ground before she heard that familiar ʻplinkʼ.

"Nice," Sulley commented as he clapped his big paws.

"Youʼre up, Monnie," Laura told the yellow-skinned monster.

Said monster smiled anxiously before she walked over to the center. She turned toward her sorority sisters, then her eyes fell on Oozma Kappa, particularly a certain member whose emerald eyes had unintentionally found themselves staring at her aqua green ones. She stifled a giggle when the owner lowered his head, looking embarrassed.

She closed her eyes, smiling warmly. "Iʼll be there for my new friends, even those outside my sorority," she said sincerely. "Hope my music opens a lot of opportunity, not just for me."

And she tossed her coin over her shoulder before it hit the fountain.

Randall just stood there watching. A small smile crept its way onto his lips and he played with his fingers rather timidly.

"Colette," Laura called.

The designer was already standing at the front of the fountain. However, she was busy checking herself in her compact mirror, examining her lips.

Brynn Larson, standing just beside her EEK leader, watched with irritation at how much time the member of Lauraʼs team was occupying. Hands on her hips, lips tightening, her three eyes narrowed.

"Any moment now!" She couldnʼt help but yell out from where she stood, gathering some attention from the other teams and various students who were watching Laura and her group, the music blasting from Katyʼs radio.

"Wha...?" Colette looked up from her mirror in the direction of the voice, paying witness to Brynnʼs steel glare and impatient expression. "Oh, right..."

"Well, looks like you got an audience..." Mike mentioned with surprise as his single eye caught sight of not just Rosie Levin but especially Carrie Williams.

"Donʼt look now," Sulley murmured to Laura, "but Johnnyʼs watching you."

The new leader stiffened a bit, then she let out a sigh as her wings faltered. Her cheeks were slightly warmed as well.

"Okay, here I go!" Colette said in a cheerful tone as she posed, one leg bent upwards as she stood on one heel. "I want to dress my girls in any way possible! May fashion be part of anyoneʼs passion!"

And with that, she tossed her coin, giving a sweet, model-like smile to her new friends.

"I think thereʼs something to dread about that pledge..." Art couldnʼt help but say.

"Alright, perfect! Looks like thatʼs a wrap!" Laura beamed. "Ow!" She wheeled around to see Katy standing beside her, branch in hand.

However, before Laura could say anything, Squishy had nervously walked over to her.

"Uh, wait, Laura," he said aloud, nearly startling her. "What about you?"

"Me?" She asked. Then her eyes widened. "Oh, yeah, of course. Sorority leader must make a sincere pledge, entrusting herself with such a job."

All eyes watched as she slowly made her way to the center of the fountain; Johnny smirked, eyes lowering in amusement as the midnight beauty stood firmly, coin in her hands.

Laura let out a deep breath, chest slightly rising as she held the coin close to her. Finally, she closed her eyes.

"Iʼm grateful for what has happened these past two days," she said aloud, "Iʼm thankful for a new university, a new chance...a new beginning."

She was quiet for a few moments, drinking in her own words before she breathed.

"Despite it becoming so sudden, I promise to be a good sorority leader and never let my team down," she stated.

Then her eyes tightened, a hopeful smile on her face.

"Please let MU change my life," she whispered quietly to herself.

And with that, she tossed her coin. It landed right on the fountainʼs top tier.

Theo and Marbus watched from a good distance, the two roommates feeling they, indeed, had a new team to root for other than Oozma Kappa.

"Wow, will you just look at Sharp?" Theo said admiringly. "Leading a whole team of cute girls for the Scare Games." He nudged his friend playfully. "Huh? How about it? If I donʼt get lucky, what about you, eh?"

Marbus stiffened for a moment as he watched Laura. Like her, he had some draconic features, though far different in comparison with said girl who possessed some fur. His strong-built body consisted of reddish yellow scales, and spikes atop his head. Adding more to the difference was possessing four golden eyes, and a long, spiked tail.

"Yeah...no," Theoʼs buddy said uneasily. "Not really my type."

"Oh, come on!" Theo whined. "What other girl can you have your eye on?"

"Hey, whatʼs going on?" Theo turned around while Marbus just froze.

Seya Sephira briskly stopped beside them, her slight draconic features of azure color complimenting her sea-like appearance.

"What did I miss?" She asked, eyeing the spoken-of Laura Sharp and her new teammates from where they stood.

Marbus was unable to say anything, so Theo spoke.

"Lauraʼs team just got initiated," he said as they continued watching. "Oozma Kappa seems pretty close with them. After all, they had been looking for them in the wrong dorms...

Terry Perry quickly shut the door before the thick book on Canister Design thrown by rather irritated occupants hit him and his brother full force in the face.

"Guys, I don't think this is the right door." Terri said as both brothers turned and faced the rest of the Oozma Kappa gang, who were squeezed into the narrow corridor, with their faces and limbs stuck at awkward angles and locations, in addition to having Mike and Sulley being tangled with them.

"Yeah, we noticed." Art mentioned dreamily, with his hands dangling underneath his mouth, grinning widely like a monster child who just discovered the world was made of chocolate gloop as usual.

Don Calton, who was pouring over a notebook on the names and numbers of the students and their assigned dorms, tapped a pen on his chin while looking down the corridor of dorms, quipped. "RA Ray told us that Laura Sharp's dorm should be just around the corner...number 919, if Iʼm right."

Mike, who was stuck with Sulley and Squishy, mumbled in an exasperated voice. "Good, because the sooner we get out of this cramped corridor, the better." Sulley and Squishy agreed with grunts of approval.

"Why don't we try this door instead?" Terri and Terry walked over on their tentacles to the door labelled 1020 and the younger Perry placed his hand on the doorknob.

"Haven't you heard the numbers clearly? Don mentioned 919, not 1020!" Mike chided as he tried to pull himself out of Sulley's bulk.

The warning came too late, and with a soft click, the door to 1020 opened wide, revealing the occupants within and what they are doing.

Marbus and Theo were hunched over a makeshift table fashioned out of a board and a stack of books, with a Monster Chess board set between them, several cans of BLORT on the floor, and stacks of Scream Theory and Scream Canister Design filled their dorm. They were apparently in the middle of a hard fought Monster Chess Game.

Both monsters noticed the door was opened and turned to see OK who looked back with slightly embarrassed expressions. The chest players glared at them, having hoped not to be disturbed while each was planning his next move.

"Now that is amazing!" Brock commented loudly to the newest sorority leader. "Good words, Sharp! MU is proud to have you with us!"

Before Laura knew it, she was flocked by her members, her new friends. She was surprised by all the cheers and hugs she received from each of them.

"Canʼt wait to start this whole Scaring thing!" Colette said dreamily. "However possible we can scare..."

"Congrats, ladies," Don complimented. "Congrats to you too, Laura. Youʼre going to be a great leader." He offered her his tentacle.

Laura smiled, then reached over and shook it.

"That means a lot, Don," Laura said happily. Just as she had let go, her palm got caught in his suction cups.

"Sorry about that," he apologized, "these things can be a hassle sometimes."

"Okay, the initiation is done," Colette announced. She hauled over her big trunk before opening it. "Now itʼs time for what to wear!"

"If itʼs anything like what youʼre wearing, Iʼd rather dress in Fear Tech," Katy muttered, eyeing her floral blouse.

"Speaking of Fear Tech," Mike spoke as he turned toward Laura. "What were the Scare Games like in your old school?"

Laura smiled. "Well, they probably were like yours. Like I said, any monster could sign up for any event. And winners get prizes."

"Prizes?" Terri asked excitedly. "Every event? Like what?"

"For the Scare Games here," his brother explained, "we get only only prize, and thatʼs for whoever wins the final event."

Laura reached over to the small case she had brought over, opening it. She removed what appeared to be her slightly bent Fear Tech cap, then gathered the said items in her hands.

She showed off a few of her ribbons that dangled from her fingers, one of her tiny trophies in her other hand.

Everyone stared at them in disbelief.

"You got to be kidding me!" Sulley couldnʼt help but say. "You nearly risk life and limb and all you get are those?"

"Our trophy is a lot bigger than that," Brock mentioned. "Sorry, but anyone brave enough to channel through deadly obstacles gets more than just some dinky ribbon."

"Yeah, the Scare Games at Fear Tech are pretty different," Laura admitted, "itʼs kind of like Field Day in elementary."

"Wasted potential," Johnny couldnʼt help but say as he listened from where he stood.

"Well, here at MU," Claire explained, "where the Scare Games originated, itʼs more than just Field Day."

"Itʼs like war," Brock concluded.

"War?" Lauraʼs eyes widened, wings falling to the ground as she took the words in. "What do you mean-"

"No time for that!" Colette said before she took out materials from her trunk. "I think I found our true blue!"

Before her teamʼs eyes, the designer pulled out four brightly glittered scrunchies, light blue sequins shone in the sunlight.

"What do you think?" Colette asked excitedly.

The girls stood there in silence, taking in the sight of something that seemed...too little yet too much for their taste.

"Itʼs lovely..." Laura managed to say, trying to smile.

"Oh, Laura, I found the best one for you!" Colette beamed before she reached into her trunk and pulled out something long and silky.

"A scarf?" Laura questioned, eyeing the item.

"Wear it!" Colette begged as she pushed it into her leaderʼs hands. "Itʼs 100% cotton, and bedazzled with whitish-blue jewelry!"

Laura stared uneasily at the scarf, the jewels glimmering. While the scarf did appear lovely, the new leader wasnʼt sure if it was the kind of accessory she had been hoping for. Oozma Kappa had their green sweaters and matching caps, and she hoped maybe her team had something similar to that while each possessing it differently, somewhat like HSS.

However, with a sigh, Laura managed a smile before she wrapped the scarf around her neck, eliciting cheers from her members that had placed their scrunchies on like bracelets. Despite feeling slightly impassive to the new wear, the feeling of being part of a team and surrounding by monsters who cared made her elated.

"Thanks, everyone," she said, from her team to OK. "Iʼm still so inundated by the income of an immediate serendipitous union!"

Everyone became silent, staring at her rather confusingly.

Terry sighed, rolling his one eye. "Sheʼs happy sheʼs a sorority leader," he explained.

"Yeah, Iʼm not a lover of English," Katy said.

"Trust me," Terri told her with a smile, "my brother is, but Iʼm not."

"Congrats, new team," all turned to see Claire idly clap her hands. "However, we still need a name."

Laura smiled, knowing the name was just at the top of her head. She picked up the Greek book she had dropped, it having fallen on the page for the letter ʻZʼ. She closed it before she turned to her members.

"When I first realized I was suddenly a leader," she confessed, "I wasnʼt sure what to think. But after some time, I realized that we most definitely arenʼt going to be like the other teams in MU."

Her eyes fell on Oozma Kappa, the team that was so inspirational to her.

"The way I see it, the way I feel it..." Laura said passionately. "I know we can exceed beyond what we seem."

"Now those are some deep words there, Sharp," Mike said.

She turned to Brock and Claire. "I, Laura Sharp," she announced, "am proud to be the leader of the team I now call..."

She motioned to the other girls, her wings extended.

"Exceeda Zeta."

As soon as the name was announced, the girls cheered while murmurs and whispers arose from all who were witnessing them.

"Not bad," Art commented. "Sounds like an easy name to remember."

"Because their initials are EZ," Terry told him.

"Yeah, thatʼs what I meant," the pair of legs said, not fully-grasping what the older twin was implying.

Laura quickly signed the papers, then handed them to Claire. Her friends cheered. Then Katy slapped her bottom with the branch once more.

In one swift second, Laura grabbed the branch from her, immediately breaking it in half as if not much strength was required. Her eyes flashed at Katy in warning, her frown deep and quite terrifying.

Then, without breaking her infuriated gaze from the aquatic, she spurted flames from her lips, completely incinerating the two halves.

"Okay, whoa..." Chet muttered, single eye widening.

Another smile crept on Johnnyʼs face as he saw the annoyance in Lauraʼs eyes while glaring at her teammate. "Nice..."

"I didnʼt know she could breath fire..." Squishy muttered, he and his team gazing at the flames with startled expressions.

Katy chuckled nervously, easing away from the Scare student.

"Alright..." Laura said through gritted teeth, calming down. "Initiation is over."

Seeing her relax, the soft glow of her face returning, Squishy dared to take a step closer, swallowing nervously.

"Uh, congrats again," he managed to say, his five eyes staring up at her.

Laura looked down at him. She smiled, quite touched.

"Thank you," Laura told him with a sigh, "I just hope I can do this job."

Heart pounding, Squishy eased a sincere smile. "I...I think that was pretty much established when you made the name..." He tried not to blush, feeling slightly embarrassed.

Laura gazed at him thoughtfully.

Johnny took notice of this and his expression darkened once more.

As if...he thought bitterly, heʼs so out of her league.

The rest of Oozma Kappa, as well as Mike and Sulley, came over and congratulated the new team known as Exceeda Zeta.

As Terry shook hands with the leader, just as he turned around, he froze.

He hadnʼt realized that among the teams that had been witnessing Lauraʼs initiation and birth of her team name, that PNK was one of them.

Meaning also Naomi Jackson, who was gazing at him longingly with those three eyes of hers.

Said sorority girl stiffened as he caught her gaze, and she clung her hands together, biting her lip.

Maybe now was her chance...

As soon as he saw her about to take a step, Terry grimaced before he unthinkably reached over and hugged Laura.

"Congrats!" He said with a forced chuckle as he clung to her, just his own arms as his brother stared at him in confusion. "We canʼt wait to compete with you!"

Laura was quite surprised by the action, but she let it slide as she awkwardly patted his back. "Uh, thanks?"

"Uh, brother?" Terri questioned.

But then he was dragged once more, this time it was he doing the hugging as he found his arms wrapped around what felt like a slick jacket.

Katyʼs, actually.

Eye widened, Terri found himself gazing into the confused ones of Katy, not expecting the hug at all.

"Congrats!" Terry muttered as he added himself to the embrace.

Terri was unable to break his gaze from Katyʼs, feeling slightly unusual. However, the trance was broken when his brother dragged him over to hug yet another EZ girl, congratulating her as well.

Naomi just stood there, dejected as ever. It was the wedding all over again.

It was bad enough the older twin had resorted to dancing with the Dean just to avoid the PNK girl, now he was just hugging around with the girls of Exceeda Zeta to avoid any real contact that might have occurred between them both if Naomi had just taken a few steps ahead.

"Sorry about that, sweetie..."

She looked beside her to see Nadya glance up at her, the usual dark apathetic expression softening just a bit for her misfortune.

Naomi just sighed and sadly continued watching Oozma Kappa welcome Exceeda Zeta.

"Hello!" Sang a voice.

Both OK and EZ turned just in time to see a petite monster with blonde curls and blue eyes make her way over to them, a camera in her hand.

"Sorry Iʼm late!" Mrs. Carlton said cheerfully as she stood beside her husband. "I was busy cleaning up the kitchen back at the fraternity house and had a hard time looking for my camera."

She looked up at Laura, her smile widening and her five blue irises sparkling with amazement.

"Oh, this must be Laura Sharp!" She squealed softly. "Hello, sweetheart, Iʼm Squishyʼs mother and Donʼs wife."

Laura was unable to stifle her chuckle as the smaller woman reached over and shook her hand vigorously, having quite a grip for someone of her size.

"Itʼs nice to meet you, maʼam," she said politely as soon as she got her hand back.

"Hello, girls!" Mrs. Carlton said with glee as she turned to Exceeda Zeta. "Oh, donʼt you all look simply adorable?"

"Adorable..." Rosie scoffed, folding her arms as she and her sorority resumed watching them just for the heck of it.

After Mrs. Carlton smiled at each of the girls, she glanced over at Oozma Kappa. Her eyes then fell on Randall.

The mature woman let out an astonished gasp, her multitude of eyes brightening.

"Oh, Randy!" She cooed, dropping her camera and reaching over to him. "Youʼre wearing the sweater I made you!"

Randall wasnʼt sure what to think, completely surprised as his new fraternity brotherʼs mother embraced him the way one held a pillow. He felt a bit awkward as Sherry Carlton smothered him with kisses. Right in front of everyone, especially Roar Omega Roar.

Johnnyʼs fraternity brothers could hardly hold back their laughter as their former member was being held and kissed like some toddler.

However, after Mrs. Carlton kissed the lizardʼs snout, Randall couldnʼt help but smile a little, still surprised yet touched by the immediate welcome he was receiving.

Mrs. Carlton patted his cheek before adjusting his sweater to make him appear even more fitting.

"Look how handsome you are!" She murmured. "Handsome like all my other little Oozmas!" She flashed a grin at her husband and son.

Randall idly played with his fingers, hoping his skin hadnʼt resorted to red with embarrassment. "T-thanks...you know...for the sweater and all..."

"Oh, sweetie," she cooed as she held his face in her little hands, her blue eyes gazing up at his innocent emerald ones. "Youʼre welcome, anything for a sweet lizard monster like you." She patted his arm, the smoothness of the material she had worked on making her smile deepen. "You look much better in OK green than that dreary ROR red."

"Dreary?" Chet exclaimed, he and his brothers having heard every word from the dotting university mom. "Who she calling dreary?"

"Chet, calm down," Johnny rolled his eyes, though deep down he was just as offended. Moms...

"Iʼd like a photo," Mrs. Carlton announced happily. "Iʼve taken a picture of every single frat and sorority team here at MU, and Iʼm excited to take one of the newest addition." She turned to Laura, beaming. "Now where did I put that camera...?"

As the mother bent down, wondering where she had dropped it, a loud squeal emerged and she turned around.

Archie had it in his mouth, wagging his tail playfully.

"Archie, no!" Laura chided. "Put it down, boy!"

The pig immediately did as he was told, dropping it to the floor. Then he rolled over on his back, sniffling soundly.

"Arf! Arf!" He responded.

Everyone, minus Laura, looked at the pig in disbelief.

"Did that pig just bark?" Sulley muttered.

"Oh, yeah," Laura chuckled, "I taught him that last year, along with a few others tricks." She bent down to her little friend, holding out her hand. "Shake, boy!"

With that said, Archie placed one of his tiny legs into her palm, shaking it gently.

"Good boy," Laura laughed. "Now speak!"

"AROOOOO!" Archie responded.

"Holy cow!" Brock Pearson exclaimed. "That is totally mind-blowing!"

"Iʼm impressed," Claire droned.

After Mrs. Carlton wiped the drool off her camera, she angled it and smiled at the two teams.

"Alright, everyone get together," she said. "Thatʼs right, in the center. Right in front of the fountain."

As both teams posed, Sherry adjusted her lens. As she was about to click her device, no one had noticed Lauraʼs Greek book still on the floor.

Especially Sulley...who tripped over it and fell backwards into the fountain.

Not before accidentally dragging Mike as well as Oozma Kappa(thankfully Randall was out of reach) along with him.

Sherry managed to get the picture; the photo featuring Exceeda Zeta as they raced over to help their new friends out of the water while onlookers watched and laughed.

The petite woman smiled as her eyes fell on one portion of the photo: Laura pulling her son out by the hand.
_