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!

6. Chapter 5

I'd like to thank everyone who had checked out the TV Tropes page made specially for this fanfic(thank you again, victortky), and many thanks for adding tropes there as well. To all those who never knew there was a TV Tropes page for this, the link is on my profile page. ;)

The song mentioned in here comes from an old Playstation 2 game I played when I was younger called Bust-a-Groove 2, the song is called 'Happy Heart in the Sunshine'(Shorty's theme). The link is on my profile page as well. ;)

Also, for anyone who has seen the movie, I'm sure you can recall the other frats and sororities that competed in the Scare Games other than OK and ROR. If not, let me inform you that other characters will play very important roles, it's not just Nadya from HSS and Naomi from PNK. There's Slugma Slugma Kappa(EEK) and Jaws Theta Chi(JOX, also known as George Sanderson's fraternity). ;)

And just wanting to bring this up for the heck of it...if anyone recalls chapter 1 where Terry was dancing with the Dean at the wedding, I started making a comic about that particular scene, and linked the first two pages from Deviantart onto my profile page. :D

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW! ;)
_

"Howʼs your finger doing, Monnie?"

Said monster turned toward the lizard whose emerald eyes consciously blinked with concern. Her finger was healing up well after the nurse tended to it with ointment and the swelling decimated, returning her small fingers back to its original state. She smiled, quite touched by his worry despite it was the fourth time he had asked her since retreating to the OK fraternity house on Greek row.

After the the Toxicity Challenge and EKO was officially eliminated, Oozma Kappa and especially Mrs. Carlton insisted that Exceeda Zeta come to their house for a little celebration party on their victory.

To the girls, it truly felt like a victory.

To Laura, said leader, despite overjoyed EZ had made it, was still beating herself up over her first ʻfailureʼ as a leader.

The Audio Music student shifted her gaze over to the president of EZ who was assisting Don in handing out cups of hot chocolate to everyone. Laura did her best to look calm and peaceful, but deep down the last-minute sorority leader was constantly at edge with herself, wondering what she could possibly do before the second event drew near.

Monnie(and everyone on that matter)couldnʼt understand why Laura would immediately take blame for something that wasnʼt her fault. When came to Colette, the fashionista openly stated that she had been distracted(Monnie had a hunch it had to do with one of the other teams)and clearly held herself responsible for the near loss; but Laura ʻpardonedʼ her by admitting she should have noticed she was missing while flying their whole team toward the finish line.

That panic attack had been terrifying, and no doubt it wouldnʼt be the last.

Randall followed her gaze and his eyes softened with sympathy as he spotted Laura, looking genuinely doubtful and pained. He immediately stood up from the couch, much to Monnieʼs surprise.

"I got to go talk to Laura," he said rather quickly, not even bothering to look at the yellow monster.

Before Monnie could say anything, he scurried on over to where Laura stood. She watched as he placed a hand on her back, nearly startling her before she turned around and realized it was him. They spoke, Randallʼs words being of absolute comfort as he stood quite close by the EZ leader.

"You were amazing," she heard him tell her. "Boy, you sure opened my eyes."

She heard Laura emit a small chuckle. "Theyʼre quite open enough as is." She casted her gaze toward his glasses, recalling how she had seen them in her first day of Scaring 101 when they met for the first time.

The yellow monster felt her red hair deflate, feeling nearly dejected as she watched Laura reach over and adjust his glasses, eliciting another laugh between them.

Monnie never even got to tell Randall about his glasses! And her own leader had beat her to it! What was she going to say the next time she would chat with the lizard? Tell him she liked his new glasses despite he already receiving the compliment from Laura?

Wait...was she getting jealous? Of course not!

What was there to be jealous about? Randall was just being very nice as he was with any monster (minus the ones of ROR), and he was just being as well with Laura.

Extremely nice by the looks of it...

How close he stood by her...

The way he played with his fingers nervously as she spoke to him in that soft, lulling tone...

His shy smile when she reached over and grasped his shoulder, bringing him to an arm-rubbing embrace...

"Hot cocoa, coming right at you!" Don said cheerfully, strolling over to Monnie with a tray of one last mug.

Monnie didnʼt even turn to look at him, her face slightly heating up as her expression began to distort with envy. She didnʼt realize, as she was reaching for the mug, her hand accidentally bumped the bottom of the tray.

And the mug of hot chocolate sloshed and some of it spilled on her arm. Right where her healing finger was.

"Ow!" Monnie cried, shaking her finger painfully before she gave Don a sheepish grin.

"Oh, donʼt worry," he assured her as he placed the half-full mug right on the table in front of her. "Iʼll have Sherry make more. Dinnerʼs still an hour away."

Her throat nor her stomach was on her mind before she turned back toward Laura and Randall. Much to her relief, the lizard had left her leader in the presence of Mike, and Randall was scurrying back to her.

"Hey," he greeted casually, resting himself atop of the couch again. "Whatʼd I miss?"

He blinked in confusion when he saw dried up hot chocolate on her arm, and his eyes widened even further behind his large lenses.

"What happened?" He asked rather worriedly.

"Iʼm a klutz with cocoa," she joked.

But the lizard wasnʼt laughing as he reached over and, much to her surprise, took her hand and inspected it.

"Is your finger alright?" He asked her.

He hardly noticed her face burning with embarrassment before he gently placed her hand down, realizing he had been holding it too long and looked away, looking just as embarrassed.

"I-Iʼm fine," she squeaked, the giddiest of smiles on her face which she tried to hide.

"Sorry..." Randall apologized. "I guess Iʼm just as big a worrier as Laura is, probably..."

Monnie laughed. "Itʼs really nice of you, though."

When she said that, he looked up at her, the sweetest of smiles on his face that made him look just as adorable. His four pairs of hands clinging each other with shyness, the slight arc in his posture as he sat, his tail curved behind him displaying his slight timid but calm nature-

CRASH!

"Ahh!" Randy gasped.

And all of that vanished in an instant, all Monnie saw now was his OK sweater and glasses which slightly shook from surprise.

"Sorry!" Both turned to see it was Sullivan, his large exterior having bumped into one of the display cabinets which Mrs. Carlton had decorated the OK house with. He gave a sheepish smile before he carefully picked up the photo frame that toppled over during his collision.

The big mountain of fur grinned at Randall playfully, his vanishing act quite amusing.

"Nice, Randy," he chuckled, "hey, youʼre doing really well with those blending skills of yours. Why, if I had a carpet with a human on it you could just copy it right away!"

Monnie laughed, but when she turned toward Randall, she was quite surprised when his expression appeared quite bitter, hostile even.

"Very funny, Sullivan," he muttered.

Sulley didnʼt notice the snarl in his tone as the large monster walked off, whistling to himself as he joined Mrs. Carlton in the kitchen. Monnie stared at Randall in confusion, wondering why his innocent expression was suddenly replaced by a foul mood.

However, the lizardʼs frown reverted back to its usual, cheery smile as he looked at her.

"Iʼm sorry, what were we talking about?" He asked politely.

She just blinked at him, but just shrugged off the earlier thought and resumed their conversation.

Laura, who had just finished her task of providing everyone with hot chocolate, had observed the lizardʼs switch of face from where she stood. She, too, was just as confused as Monnie. The way Randall looked at Sulley was quite questionable, but it had only been for a moment and maybe the lizard was just annoyed for being so startled easily.

She paid one last glance at the sweet monster before she returned to her conversation with Mike, who was going on about Professor Knightʼs class and special lessons he picked up when he used to be a student in the university.

"And my absolute favorite was the Zombie Snarl," Mike chuckled. "Knight was incredibly impressed by it."

Laura quickly re-directed herself back to the conversation. "You really know your stuff," she said with a smile. "You and Sulley are going to make Monsters Inc. the ultimate company, even more than Fear Co."

"Yeah, I know," Mike chuckled, feeling very pleased with himself on the matter. "I canʼt wait for when the day finally comes and all of Oozma Kappa live their scaring futures. But for now, itʼs the Scare Games."

As soon as he mentioned that, Lauraʼs ears lowered, her smile diminishing. "Yeah, the second event..."

Mike noticed her change of mood and regarded her sympathetically. "Youʼre still blaming yourself for what happened earlier? Laura, we told you, Colette told you; it wasnʼt your fault."

"Iʼm trying to believe that," Laura sighed, looking away. "Really, I know thatʼs the truth, but..." She winced. "Iʼm just not sure about this whole leading thing. I mean, Iʼve never been part of a team back in Fear Tech and my basics have solely revolved around just one monster standing." She looked at him sadly. "Itʼs just so difficult and the possibilities of really letting my team down are high."

"Letting your team down?" Mike said with distraught. "Laura, you helped those girls cross the finish line! You put your whole back into it! Literally!"

"And yet I failed to notice Colette was left behind," Laura swallowed. "Not to mention Monnie got hurt!"

"Oh, donʼt go blaming yourself on that!" He rolled his eye. "It was a tough challenge altogether. You saw one of the HSS members getting hurt, and Rosie didnʼt blame herself. She just helped her, just like you did when Monnie got stung."

He gave her a warm smile, his single eye gazing at her with the uttermost sincerity.

"You girls made it," he told her as-a-matter-of-factly. "You worked as a team. Like Oozma Kappa."

That statement seemed to appease as well as soothe Laura as the corners of her mouth twitched in a smile. "I just hope I can able us to do better in the next event..."

Mike laughed. "Trust me, Sharp. Itʼll be a piece of cake."

"Did someone say cake?" Both turned to see Mrs. Carlton emerge through the kitchen door, a cake appearing much larger than her carried on a wide tray as she happily entered the living room.

Everyone stared in awe at the special cake Mrs. Carlton had made specially for her team, having been completely confident all her little Oozmas would succeed in the first event. It was a large, triple- layered chocolate cake with raspberry and white mouse filling, the nuts and berries on top glimmering more than the jewels on Lauraʼs leadership scarf.

"Oh, wow..." Art muttered, eyeing the baked beauty with his mouth nearly hanging. "Yup, I want to touch that."

"I know itʼs basically dessert before dinner," the petite woman chuckled as she set the tray on the coffee table. "But you boys deserve it so much." She shifted her gaze over to Laura. "You too, girls."

The EZ president gave her a polite smile. However, a smile didnʼt cut it as the mature woman rushed over and hugged Laura around the waist, her blonde curls nearly tickling her chest.

Mrs. Carlton let out a murmuring squeal as she hugged her tighter, all of her motherly affection pouring into it the way she had held Randall earlier. This took Laura by surprise, but she patted the small womanʼs back, an unsure smile on her face. Finally, Mrs. Carlton loosened her grip and she gazed up at her, her five blue eyes staring at green/blue ones.

"Great job, Exceeda Zeta leader," she told her softly.

"Thank you, maʼam," Laura said, her confidence returning.

"Now could you do me a little favor?" She asked her cheerfully. "Could you grab the plates and silverware in the kitchen?"

"Sure," Laura nodded.

"Iʼll help out."

She turned her head and her eyes nearly widened when it was James P. Sullivan who offered his services. The blue monster stood behind Laura, eyeing the cake one more time before he threw Mrs. Carlton a smile.

"Oh, thank you, sweetheart!" The woman cooed before she stepped out of the way and allowed both monsters to enter the kitchen.

Laura stiffened as she felt Sulleyʼs presence behind her, the soft padding of his large feet in unison with hers as they trailed across the tiles in search of the utensils and dinnerware somewhere in the tasteful-looking kitchen.

"I got the plates," Sulley announced as he reached his large, bulky hands toward a nearby cabinet next to the sink and gathered the specific amount.

Laura remained silent, having discovered the drawer which possessed every utensil required in a home. As she gathered the forks, her back turned, she heard Sulley chuckle.

"I got a hand it to you, Laura," he said, "what you girls did out there was awesome. Better than what we did last semester. Boy, you should have seen Mikey and I after that whole toxic urchin thing. Not the prettiest thing to put on the school paper."

Laura stiffened when he mentioned his best friend, and Donʼs words from the meeting kept flowing back.

This was the guy who had butted heads with Wazowski, his conceited nature nearly that resembling most monsters she had met in her growing life, especially Fear Tech.

This was that kid that her father mentioned didnʼt entirely grasp the importance of what leads to becoming a good Scarer.

The jerk. Or was.

Yes, ever since Mike confessed the entire story about last semester before she or her girls had attended MU, Lauraʼs thoughts and feelings regarding James P. Sullivan have fluctuated from distraught to much more bitter. When Don spoke of Sulleyʼs time with OK in the very beginning, deep down she had been infuriated with the former studentʼs regard to the monsters who had welcomed him into their fraternity with open arms when no other would take him and Mike, especially after ROR outed him.

But long before the first event, Laura had time to think.

Don, and especially Mike, claimed he had changed for the better. And Sulley himself had been so nice since Laura had arrived.

It would be considered hypocritical of her to immediately just shun the monster openly just because he used to be something of a jerk before friendship and teamwork morphed him into the kind of monster her father would be right about all those years ago.

Her father was right. It just took a little longer than expected and, honestly, Sullivan did make a good impression on her the first time they met.

His change reminded her incredibly of Randall.

Sulley truly was a good monster, and he cared for his friends like they were his own family, especially to Mike like a brother. It had just felt overwhelming to Laura how so much last semester could change one, and many others, life.

Still, Laura needed to test him on this vital subject. Right now.

Lifting her eyes away from the drawer, forgetting the forks, she slowly turned her head in his direction.

"So..." She began, her voice deep with curiosity as she eyed him. "You and Mike were really rivals then?"

"Well, yeah..." Sulley responded quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I bit at him, he bit at me. Not exactly a good team that we were in the beginning."

"Really?" Laura asked, her voice deeply harrowing as she shifted her whole frame to inspect him more closely, her wings tucked.

Sulley started noticing the sudden change in her eyes as she regarded him that like of a police officer.

No...almost like how the Dean looked at him the day he and Mike were to take their final semester exams.

That thought suddenly chilled him to the bone as he watched Lauraʼs eyes knit with disapproval, the curve of her lips sinking to that of a scowl.

"And why..." She asked quietly with a low growl. "...were you not a good team in the beginning? Answer me that, Sullivan."

His last name flowed out of her mouth softly, but it held some resentment and despite being much taller than her, the blue monster suddenly felt himself shrink in her presence.

This was the same girl who was sometimes shy, a worrier who had panic attacks, timid and unsure especially in regards to leading her last-minute team...

And she was interrogating him.

A whole different side of her, he realized immediately. Her midnight appearance looked intimidating despite the kitchen lights shining on her, and he felt as if he was being grasped around the neck just by the look of her eyes as they burned into his, blazing with a type of malice that Sulley could have sworn she could strike him instantly hands-down. Or burn his face off since he recalled her behavior back at EZʼs initiation when Katy had gone too far with the ʻinitiation whackingʼ.

Laura looked scary right now, to be more precise.

"Answer me, Sullivan," she said in a much firmer tone, her eyes flickering like embers in a fire.

It took him a moment and a good amount of courage to find the right answer. He shamefully lowered his gaze to the floor, appearing like a monster child who was caught stealing from the cookie jar.

"I guess Mikey and I were just trying to one-up each other," he murmured. "Especially me."

"Yes," Laura snapped, hands behind her back as she regarded him with narrowed eyes. "Especially you."

Sulley lifted his gaze, wondering what her beef was on this matter, why she had to penetrate into a memory the blue monster wanted to place far in the back of his mind.

He would be a liar if he said he wasnʼt scared of her right now.

Before he could say anything, the discontented former Fear Tech student erupted like a volcano.

"Who do you think you are?" She demanded angrily.

Sulley, startled by the sudden change in her tone and the deadly fire in her eyes, leaned back, almost as if she had intended to bite his face off.

Laura stood firmly in her spot, wings having released in the matter as her hands tightened into fists, her green and blue eyes darkening as her frown deepened.

"Let me guess," she growled, "you were one of those kind of monsters who took absolute pride in being the child of a Scarer that you thought the whole world revolved around you, am I right?"

She didnʼt give the frightened beast time to answer as she resumed her diatribe.

"You thought you would receive the easy route just because youʼre the son of Bill Sullivan? That you you rarely cared about your studies, easy-talking with the professor, and vowing in the future to rack up the points with no need for a Scare assistant to guide you as you venture off into the human world?"

That last statement surprised him and Sulley regarded her in question, wondering how she knew of something he had said when he was just a kid.

As if reading his mind, Lauraʼs expression softened just for a moment.

"When I was a little girl, my dad told me about your field trip to the MI company," she explained bitterly. "It was Switcheroo that day and he traded spots with your dad. And let me tell you, I was not pleased when my father said that you, and it was right in front of his Scare assistant, that you could scare children no problem without one at all."

The color slowly drained from Sulleyʼs face and he almost looked as pale as a HSS girl while he stared at her with horrified eyes, unable to believe that words he merely spoke out of spite as a child could generate something so terrifying.

"I was just 6 when my dad told me that," she admitted. "And he said that if we ever did meet, you would mature from such a harsh critique and realize the importance of Scaring from all sides. Too bad he didnʼt see you last semester."

The ice in her tone was enough to freeze the entire aquatic institution of the university, and it was equally mixed with the fire blazing from her eyes and the venom that seethed from her mouth.

"Speaking of last semester," she went on, "you obviously had no desire to be with OK in the first place. Admit it, you were just thinking of yourself and putting Mike in his so-called place that you hardly paid any mind to Oozma Kappa."

That stung him, more than the toxic urchins that swelled his entire body last semester. And every word was like a spike puncturing him severely.

"You realize how lucky you were that OK welcomed you in the first place?" Laura demanded, wings flailing. "ROR dropped you like a rock and OK, despite not having been the most popular team last semester, appreciated you and Mike for joining regardless of how abrupt it was and what was at stake. And how did you treat them?"

Sulley felt as if the imaginary claw grasping his throat tightened its grip, inducing his inability to speak.

"You criticized them, you doubted them, you wanted little to do with them and wanted more with just getting the games over with so you could return to your own little self-perfected place," she barked. "And Mike..."

When she mentioned his best friend, the blue monster nearly pleaded for her to end the tirade, claiming that was all in the past. But he was unable to, the imaginary claw gripping him was too much for his voice to be heard in this.

"Michael, bless his heart..." Laura sighed with loving mental embrace as her eyes softened for a moment. "He had a little doubt, yes, but at least he wasnʼt giving up. He stood by his brothers, while you were just standing around being a jerk!" She pointed out angrily. "Hereʼs Mike Wazowski trying his best to make the worse of a situation more compatible and you had to throw salt in the wounds, didnʼt you? You openly doubted him, you judged him, and despite how much care and kindness OK had giving you more than any other team you just wanted them out of your sight, just like Mike. But you couldnʼt, because you wanted so badly to be back in the Scaring Program. I didnʼt have to be here last year to know what an absolute bully you were!"

He could have sworn she saw fangs seep from her gums as she snarled at him, looking terrifying enough to raise a scare simulator.

"You have no idea how many monsters like you Iʼve met in my life," Laura gripped. "Those kind of monsters think theyʼre above the rest just because they say theyʼre ʻborn with itʼ or hold their history and familial background like a trophy to the world. But let me tell you, Scaring is more than appearance, itʼs all about the basic knowledge, understanding, and seeing more to it than just scaring..."

Sulley regarded her in confusion and she let out a deep, aggravated sigh.

"Scaring, in my belief as well as my fatherʼs, is a universal term," she explained. "Not every monster can become a Scarer, but to scare relies on what he or she does possess instead of trying to possess. Let me tell you, Mike may not become a Scarer, but he has everything a monster, even perhaps Worthington and even Hardscrabble, wishes to have. Knowledge, confidence, and overall fearlessness." Her gaze hardened. "If it werenʼt for that, you guys might not have made it to the final event. Especially for you, Sullivan."

The imaginary claw still clung to him, making it hard for him to swallow. This was just too painful to listen to, but he couldnʼt refuse what he heard. Every word she spoke was rightfully truthful.

"Iʼm not even going to go into detail what you did, James P. Sullivan," she snapped. "Mike already told that story."

Oh, no...not that memory.

"Were you just so selfish that you bluntly lied to his face that you believed in him to win for OK?" She demanded. "So blind to the consequences in which Mike could have been killed? Or was that little, whiny brat my dad told me about when I was 6 still lingering in there despite everything he went through with a team that was now his friends and a coach who made him realize the error of his ways?"

Sulley was unable to answer that, the words sinking into him like teeth into an apple. It really hurt.

"Let me ask you something," Laura continued, "thatʼs all in the past. You got right where you wanted and thanks to you the Scare Games have repeated itself, landing me in a position Iʼm still trying to grasp around. You and Mike are now working at MIʼs mailroom, going to reach the top one day..." She paused for a moment, the fire simmering in her gaze and the frown diminishing. "How do I know youʼre not just using him?"

That did it. That one question broke through the wall of silence and Sulley stared at her, horrified she would ask such a thing. The imaginary claw released him and he finally spoke.

"Okay, look," he said desperately, "yes, I know, all those things you said, theyʼre true! What your dad said back then, also true! What I was like last semester, couldnʼt be more true and every word was completely true!"

He placed his large paws upon his face, looking distorted and swollen with pain as he stared at her with the most pained, regretful expression a monster of his kind could display.

He had been awful, no doubt, and treated his fellow brothers with disrespect despite they overlooked his fearsome facade and welcomed him like family. He had been a despicable being, all former thoughts of wanting to just rid of them altogether and return to the ʻcooler monstersʼ was agony to the redeemed monster as specific memories flooded back.

And Mike...oh, Mike...

The memory of nearly losing his best friend to the human world was something he regretted incredibly and severely, and it was all his fault. He had never meant for such a thing to happen, deeply and truly possessing some belief the green monster could manage their team victoriously. But the lingering doubts had succeeded his thoughts and albeit rigging Mikeʼs scare simulator was a complete disgrace to even his family name, Sulley had assumed he was doing the right thing for the sake of the entire team.

And he had realized too late what a stupid act he had performed...

He vowed he was a changed monster, no longer considering ROR as the top dogs but such jerks and his own fraternity was the number one on campus in his own right. He redeemed himself, letting go all egotistical character and regarding every monster with the uttermost respect. Especially Mike, the one monster who was truly the ʻbiggerʼ of the two, the reason for his new way of life, the one responsible for a silver lining; the monster he was proud to call his best friend and would do anything for.

Couldnʼt Laura see that despite being a late student?

For one who possessed severe anxiety and had just suffered a panic attack earlier, this serious, more complicated side of her was enough to reduce even a tough Jaws Theta Chi member to tears.

And Sulley was about to do just that, her poignant question overwhelming him.

"I would never do that to Mike!" He exclaimed frantically. "Weʼre a team and I would be nothing without him!"

Laura took a step back when he suddenly dropped to his knees, almost at the edge of sobbing.

"I swear, Iʼve changed since that semester!" He begged. "Please know that! What I did was stupid, wrong, and overall just plain stupid! I swear, Iʼm changed!"

Not more could be said on his part, he lowered his head, whimpering as the weight laid heavily on him, this one monster before him making him wish he could take back every harsh word and act he had done to make Mikeʼs college days a living heck.

"I know."

The sound of her voice suddenly spoke with softness, not bitter resentment or even firm chiding. He slowly raised his eyes, incredibly shocked to see her smile, that same smile she always gave.

Laura expected such a reaction after having gone severely fervent with him. But at least she finally got the long-awaited answer she pined from the blue monster and him only.

"Y-you know?" Sulley asked in confusion.

She smiled more apologetically, her eyes having softened and the lush green and blue returning in her irises as she looked at him the way she usually regarded every monster, especially Oozma Kappa.

"I mean I knew you were a changed monster, Sulley," she admitted, as if she was speaking to a child. "I believed so after Mikeʼs story...after that night I met you and all of Oozma Kappa."

The blue monster was bewildered as he slowly rose to his feet. Just moments ago he had been interrogated by Lauraʼs more serious, verbally brutal side; now she had immediately reverted to the same calm, serene Laura, minus the anxiety and panic attacks.

"Then why did...?"

"I was testing you, Sulley," she confessed, "I needed to hear the story not from Mike, but from the monster who was the reason for the story in the first place."

His eyes suddenly rose, realization sinking in as he stared at her.

"So you were just...?"

"Thatʼs one of the things about me," she informed him, momentarily averting her eyes. "I stand strong by monsters others look down upon. And then my inevitable curiosity makes me want to find the truth from its more precise sources." She regarded him with a respective glance. "Sorry it turned out like that."

The whole time Sulley had felt like a human child who knew a monster was lurking somewhere in his room. Now...now he felt like the weight was thrown off his shoulders, replaced by a comfortable pat that eased the tension that had occurred between him and Laura moments ago.

"So, Sulley," Laura said with a deep sigh, still smiling. "My father was right. You really did learn."

Hearing that declaration eased the anxiety he had felt since the female monster had verbally attacked him, decimating the sudden fear he had contained when she appeared as if she would bite his head off.

"Nice to know I pleased his daughter..." He muttered, holding back a chuckle as he was still slightly shaken from the ordeal.

Both turned to see the kitchen door flung open and there stood Mike.

"Hey, whatʼs the hold-up?" He asked. "Weʼre waiting for those forks and plates, people! Come on, Artʼs trying to grab at the cake and Mrs. Carlton can only restrain him for so long!"

Both Sulley and Laura glanced at each other, and they suddenly just laughed.

"Weʼll be there in a moment, Mikey," Sulley assured him. "Laura and I..." He shifted his gaze toward the draconic monster, a small smile tugging his lips. "We were just chatting."

Seeing the calmness revert back in his eyes, Lauraʼs smile widened, sending him a mental thank- you.

As Mike left to return back to the living room, Sulley and Laura gathered the rest of the plates and forks.

"You know," Sulley couldnʼt help but say, "you really scared me there."

Laura threw him a mischievous smirk. "Thereʼs more to Scaring than just a roar, Sulley."

That declaration emitted a comprehensive smile on his face as they entered the living room. "I know that now."

His fatherʼs friend raised quite the daughter...
_

Naomi leaned against the light pole, sadly gazing toward the OK house, knowing Exceeda Zeta was socializing with the second most popular fraternity in Monsters University. The PNK girlʼs swollen leg had healed up nicely after medical treatment and she hoped she would never come across a stinging urchin again. Last semester, she and her girls had made it through that first event swimmingly while OK had suffered the inability; this semester was a complete turnaround, and now she knew what it felt to be stung and swollen like a balloon.

Such pain was nowhere close to the emotional wound that had been inflicted on her just earlier today.

He hated her and her whole sorority. Every word he spat at her stung more than an urchin and the explosion was just as tragic.

Recalling their horrid encounter, Naomi held herself, sucking in the tears as she lowered her gaze toward the floor.

From when they first met, despite the competition, deep down Naomi truly saw Terry Perry and his whole gang as incredibly sweet monsters who could do no wrong, be as respective as possible, and show the uttermost kindness that relative to their ʻfrat motherʼ.

And every other Greek group had considered them a laughable cause, merely easy targets and the easiest form of beating around the bush. They had been wrong to consider so lowly of a team who stood together through thick and thin; love, patience, and determination their strategy as well as what truly defined them and implied them as a team like no other.

Johnny nearly broke them that one night and everyone present at that party had merely stuck to it because he was the top dog and monsters kissed up to him like would Chet, though unlike the crab- like brother they didnʼt always like it.

Naomi wondered what would happen if she and her girls didnʼt just point and laugh, forcing themselves to stand by Johnnyʼs demeanor while OK had felt emotionally destroyed by the prank. If she, as well as any monster, had a little more guff, one could have stuck up for the odd bunch.

But the damage had been done. And while every other team had been on easy street of forgiveness, Naomi and her girls were considered the avoidable on any state of mind...for Terry, that was.

Were they really just mean girls to him? A reminder of being bullied by popular kids in high school and a reminiscence of his first judgment about girls?

They donʼt try to be mean...they just try to induce they were a group not to be messed with. Like EEK and HSS.

But itʼs not like it would make any difference...

"Hey."

Lifting her gaze, she drank in the sight of Nadya as she stood beside her, same darkly expression but with a hint of concern in her three smoky eyes.

"How you doing?" She asked before leaning against the other side of the pole beside her.

"Fine," Naomi muttered. "That Toxicity Challenge was horrible."

"Tell me about it," Nadya sighed. "Man, was Sonia like a banshee while the medics worked on her legs. Hated to be in her situation." She inspected the PNK girl more closely. "But thatʼs not what I meant."

Naomi stiffened for a moment, then she let out a deep sigh.

"He hates me, Nadya," she murmured, her voice parched as the emotionally pain gripped her once more. "Heʼll never look at me or my sorority the same way again."

"Yeah, I think that was pretty much established after he scared the living heck out of the librarian back there," Nadya commented. Her eyes softened, lips curving with worry. "So I guess thatʼs it, huh?"

Naomi immediately wheeled toward her, nearly startling the HSS girl as her expression blazed with distraught.

"No, itʼs not it!" She insisted firmly. "Iʼm not going to give up on him!"

Nadya regarded her as if she had just become mentally ill. "What are you going to do?"

The mauve-haired monster hunched her shoulders, biting her lip. "I really donʼt know," she admitted. "But Iʼve got to keep trying one way or another. Maybe wait for him..."

The HSS girl raised her eyes, impressed by her determination. "Wow, things really have changed after last semester."

Naomiʼs look softened as she stared at Nadya, her best friend outside their sororities.

"Iʼm glad they did," she said softly.

Both immediately turned toward the OK house when a ear-splitting scream broke through the atmosphere. They barely had time to jump out of the way when an urchin was suddenly flung from the doorway onto the middle of the cul-de-sac.

"Oh. My. Gosh."

They watched as one of the EZ girls, Colette, stood at the front of the doorway, looking incredibly disheveled as she clung to her blouse. Katy joined her, looking a little regretful yet a smile tugged on her lips.

"I canʼt believe you brought one of those things with you!" Colette shouted at her.

"I was going to give it back to the Greek vice president," Katy retorted. "I just thought it would make the night a little livelier."

"Livelier?" Colette demanded. "We barely made it through a whole sewer of those things and you think they could make it more lively?"

"In college you do stupid and crazy things," Katy shrugged.

Nadya just shook her head chuckling while Naomi was unable to stifle a small giggle. They noticed that the lone urchin had ended up slightly dismembered from the landing as bits and pieces of its spikes lay scattered on the cement, transparent slime oozing from its body. Students immediately stood clear of the mess, not wanting to experience the same ordeal some of the frat and sorority members had endured.

As if on cue, Sherry Carlton emerged from the doorway. Dressed in latex gloves, a bandana that held her curls up, a broom and dustpan in hand, a cloth and disinfectant spray tied across her hip, and her cheery smile, the petite woman descended the stairs and made her way toward the mess, intending to clean it up as if it were a dust bunny she caught under her couch. Students and Greek members standing outside their houses watched the woman with interest as she neared the dilapidated remnants of the urchin.

"Oh, donʼt worry!" She said happily, holding that same doting, happy twinkle in her five eyes as she bent down and carefully swept. "Iʼll make sure no one gets swollen on sight!"

As she made sure every piece of broken spike was being swept and picked up, she peered over at the HSS house where stood Rosie Levin and her sisters.

"Hello, Rosie!" Mrs. Carlton waved happily at the sorority leader. "Oh, did you get a new piercing?"

Rosie regarded her silently, raising an eye with mild surprise; true, the OK mom had paid compliments to her and her sisters, long before her sonʼs team gained their house. She merely shrugged, indicating her answer.

"Well, it looks lovely!" Mrs. Carlton laughed. Her eyes loomed toward the JOX house where stood the team it represented. "Oh, Roy! Nice to know you and your team made it in the first event with my little Oozmas!"

Big Red and his brothers just looked at her, unable to say anything as the mature woman paid her usual compliments.

"Nice to know you sweeties learned your lesson from last semester," she said with a small giggle. Spectating monster students laughed at the slightly embarrassed Jaws Theta Chi as she resumed her cleanup.

She finished sweeping the rest of the urchin into her dustpan and cautiously made her way over to a nearby trash can. Immediately she spotted Carla and her girls lounging outside their house and enjoying the night air while they watched her.

"Oh, little Carly!" Mrs. Carlton cooed. "You girls just look so adorable with your jackets and sweatbands!"

Johnny, alongside his brothers who emerged from their house after hearing a scream elicit from the OK residence, snickered under his breath, finding humor with ʻlittle Carlyʼ.

"Oh, and Brynn!"

Said EEK girl quickly shot up to attention from her lawn chair when the curly-haired monster spoke her name. Others stared at her as Mrs. Carlton regarded her with loving respect.

"My, you seem to have gotten taller since last semester! You seem to to be growing quite fast especially since the wedding!"

Brynn averted her gaze, her cheeks exuding a faint blush. She didnʼt notice Debbie Gabler, the smallest in her sorority, slightly fume about the compliment.

"Oh, and Donna!" Mrs. Carlton lifted her gaze toward the furry-faced monster. "My, you look absolutely plush! A new shampoo, I presume?"

The armless EEK girl merely bobbed her head.

The petite woman just laughed before she removed her disinfectant spray and cloth before proceeding with the clean-up of the sticky mess the discarded urchin left behind. She spotted Carrie and her girls.

"Oh, Heather! Love the eyeshadow! Crystal, the blush is really complimenting your cheeks! Ooh, Taylor! My, are your lips looking absolutely shiny with a new gloss! Carrie, the mascara is simply divine on you! Britney, sweetheart, your hair has such a nice glow this evening!"

Each of Naomiʼs sisters drank in her compliments, appearing quite sheepish yet appreciative as the older woman concluded her cleaning and wiped the remains of the jelly-like substance on the floor.

"There we go!" She said happily, admiring the spot appearing almost spotless. She turned to all the students. "You may proceed with your evening, kids! But donʼt stay up too late! Class tomorrow!" She gave a playful wink.

Just as she was about to stroll back to the OK house, she spotted a tall, familiar presence that landed across the cul-de-sac.

"Abigail!"

Dean Hardscrabble nearly flinched but maintained her expression as her studentʼs mother rushed toward her, a bounce in her step as the deepest of smiles played on her cheerful lips. Students and Greek members watch with surprise once more as the frat mom greeted their well-respected Dean, the fact that Mrs. Carlton had called her by her first name again.

"Hello, Abigail!" Mrs. Carlton waved rapidly.

Before the Dean knew it, she had reached up and grasped her well-manicured claws, shaking it rapidly with greeting. Right in front of her students and especially Professor Knight who stood beside her.

Mrs. Carlton took sight of his presence and flashed him a smile. "Hello, Derek!" She greeted. "My, this certainly is becoming quite a semester for your Scaring class, is it not?"

The professor just chuckled while the Dean regarded her questionably.

"Oh, Abby," Mrs. Carlton looked up at her, not noticing the slightly embarrassed widening of the Deanʼs eyes from the given nickname. "These renewed Scare Games were a great idea! My boys are having so much fun than they had last semester! And Laura and her girls are really something, arenʼt they?" She turned and regarded the monsters around them, especially the frat and sororities. "Everyone is having fun, and nothing warms my heart more than that. Especially for my son and his friends, even Randy!"

Said lizard who poked his head out of the doorway of the OK house slightly blushed when she mentioned his name aloud, his emerald eyes blinking sheepishly under his wide-lensed glasses.

"Well, I must be going!" Mrs. Carlton said before she patted the Deanʼs hands. "Good night to you two!"

She gave the Dean and professor one last wave before she made her way through the crowd of students and back up the steps of her sonʼs frat house.

"Hello, Naomi!" She waved toward the PNK and HSS girls who had been by the light pole the entire time. "Nadya, sweetheart, hello!"

The girls just idly waved before the petite woman entered the OK house and shut the door behind her. Once she was gone and all amusement was over with, the night life resumed for Greek row.

"Mmm," Nadya murmured as she regarded the OK house once more. "Nice woman."

Naomi had to smile. Sherry Carlton was just an amazing woman to have around, and her speaking to them eased the emotional pain just a bit.

Dean Hardscrabble stood where she had landed, gazing intently on the mass amount of students that proceeded to Greek row for the evening. Her eyes fell on the OK house where no doubt Laura and her team were.

"Sherry Carlton, huh?" Professor Knight chuckled. "And she called you Abby!"

The Dean shifted her eyes toward the professor, a wave of annoyance seemingly displayed on her face before she just rolled her eyes. Professor Knight quieted down, aimlessly regarding his boss before something caught his eye.

A golden chain wrapped around the Deanʼs neck, and a charm of some kind draped down her slender neck but was easily guised by the high collar of her suit.

The professor raised an eyebrow, never having seen the Dean wear jewelry before. "New accessory to your appearance?"

The Dean quickly knew he was referring to her necklace before she casted her eyes downward toward said piece.

"Ever since these Scare Games had started," she said softly, "I couldnʼt help but feel I should wear it. The competition this semester has become a lot more interesting, especially for the addition of Lauraʼs team." Her look softened. "I guess you can say she has brought back some personal memories of mine."

Professor Knight analyzed her closely, then stared back at the golden chain. They had both been former students of their university, the Deanʼs years as a sorority member of HSS which gave birth to the Scare Games were some of the best years of her youth, especially when she had won them four years in a row.

Possibly, other than HSS, Lauraʼs team evoked such strong feelings of remembrance. That necklace was probably an old trinket from the earlier years of MU.

"I see," the professor nodded.
_

SCAR 306: Scaring Tactics II

Thatʼs what the board said as soon as Laura entered the classroom with a few other students taking the course. Bag slung around her shoulder and EZ scarf abandoned back in her dorm, the former Fear Tech student quietly but not purposely made her presence known as her new classmates regarded the newest addition to their lab as she handed the registration paper to her new professor.

Laura had been so lucky to have found this required course with an opening and at a good time despite her two-week late validation. She scanned the room before deciding to take a seat in the front row, behind her was no other than Carla Delgado, and behind the EEK leader was no other than Johnny Worthington.

Oh, great glop of goo...Laura thought with aggravation as she mentally smacked her forehead.

"Well, this is a surprise," the ROR president purred, eyes softening that he had the new sorority leader within his view and in his class. "Good to see you here, Sharp."

Laura didnʼt bother to turn around, feeling slightly embarrassed yet appreciative of his greeting.

"Whereʼs Archie?" Carla asked her. "Heʼs in the hallway, isnʼt he?" Slight humor evaded from her tone.

"Of course not," Laura answered. "Heʼs, uh, preoccupied somewhere else..."

She nervously shifted her gaze out the window. Carla followed and her eyes turned toward the green grass and other natures outside the lab room.

There stood Fear Techʼs mascot lying on his back, a peaceful expression on his face as he basked in the sun while awaiting for his caretaker to finish her next course of the day.

Carlaʼs eyes widened before she turned back toward Laura, who just shrugged.

"Oh, that is cute!" Carla couldnʼt help but laugh before idly patting the draconic-like monsterʼs shoulder with a tentacle.

"Yeah, I canʼt keep hiding him in my bag," Laura admitted. "And this isnʼt Knightʼs class."

"You bring him to Knightʼs class?" Carla gasped.

"Knight doesnʼt seem to notice," Laura said, "and neither does Hardscrabble."

"Oh, Hardscrabble..." Carla winced. "You watch out, Sharp."

Before Laura could reply, the conversation was interrupted when Johnny briskly slid beside her seat, resting a hand upon his cheek as he regarded her with a knowing grin.

"Oh, Worthington..." Lauraʼs tone immediately deflated at his sight though she did her best to sound mature and courteous.

"Hope youʼre feeling better after last night," he mentioned, his tone softer and sounding more mindful. "I was really worried when you started panicking."

Laura drew her eyes toward his, honestly touched by his concern. But the way he was breathing in her direction with such a glint in his eyes made her slightly shudder.

Carla rolled her eyes before taking hold of the now three-way conversation. "We all were," she spoke aloud to grab his attention. "Maybe someone should bring a paper bag just in case."

"Oh, no, thatʼs alright," Laura told her, directing away from Johnny and back at the EEK leader. "That only happens when my hyperventilation is incredibly bad. And the ones Iʼve had so far arenʼt too severe."

Carla looked unconvinced. "Well, if you say so..."

"I know I tend to freak out," Laura sighed, "but I assure you, I am fine."

"Thatʼs good to hear," Johnny mentioned smoothly. "Wouldnʼt want that pretty face of yours getting into trouble."

The compliment nearly struck a chord within Laura as she lowered her eyes, feeling incredibly embarrassed. Soon, the professor began his lecture and all students came to attention, especially Laura, whose head was held high with her wings tucked and her hands clasped atop of her desk (silently hoping her pig wonʼt stir up trouble in the campus during the hour). She hardly noticed Johnny glancing at her every now and then, his captivation and desire refraining him from barely hearing the lesson.

Carla rolled her eyes. There goes SCAR 306...
_

"I want to see scary feet! You call those scary feet? Give me scary feet!"

Oozma Kappa immediately obeyed as they stood firmly upon their toes, jogging in place while Mike paced back and forth, observing their progress. Wearing his OK cap and a stern expression on his face, he provided pointers on each member while issuing strategical advice.

Out in the courtyard of the university, despite the second event not occurring anytime soon, Mike was determined to train his friends to the fullest like that of the previous semester, and with the addition of Randall, the green monster needed to kick his expert training to high gear if he wanted OK to truly trample upon ROR and officially win the Scare Games.

"That would look great if you were a pot of noodle soup!" He barked at the Perry twins, regarding their tentacles. "Come on, pound that ground! What is this, a childʼ bedroom or ballet class?"

"Hey!" Terri retorted. "I like ballet!"

But Mike just ignored him as he reared his gaze toward Squishy, whose padded feet were stomping the floor to the best of his ability.

"Scary feet! Scary feet! Scary feet!" Mike repeated, his single eye narrowing in calculation.

Sulley stood behind his best friend, watching as the training commenced, every word Mike threw at OK was motivating as was slightly bossy.

"Hup! Kidʼs awake!" Mike exclaimed abruptly.

On cue, all the members dropped to the grass as if each were hiding beneath a childʼs bed. Randall had hit his skinny belly quite roughly on the ground, and he let out a small grunt, but he resumed his task.

"Good work, Randy," Mike encouraged. "Mix that with your invisibility skills and scaring the kid will be no problem!"

A tiny smile tugged at the lizardʼs lips, feeling quite elated despite tiredness overcoming him immediately. This type of training was unlike anything ROR had thrown at him; never was there any approval from his former brothers the way OK had showered him with. Always having been pressured to do his complete best to please Johnny, it still felt like an unusual change for the former ROR member despite having been under the guidance of OK through the first Scare Games event.

Yes, he and Mike had made up and were on good terms, but there was still just so much to become immune to. Luckily, his new brothers were giving him every lesson and tip available that made him the better monster he was. And there was especially Mrs. Carlton, bless her heart; he felt like his old self now that he had his glasses on.

Randall quickly adjusted them as he laid on the ground, awaiting the next order OKʼs coach would toss them.

"I canʼt believe weʼre doing the library event again!" He turned toward Terri, who looked annoyed unlike his brother.

"Itʼs not bad," Randall told him, "you guys made it out last time."

"Randyʼs right," Terry spoke up, looking quite calm for the moment being. "Besides, that librarian isnʼt as scary as she seems."

The younger Perry regarded him with a slightly perplexed expression. "Oh, you would know that."

His brother shifted his single eye in his direction, his lips curving in a frown.

"Donʼt you dare bring that up," he warned.

"Hey, you have to admit, no one, not even Naomi, expected that at all."

Terryʼs expression hardened, his fingers digging into the grass. "Will you not mention that name?"

Randall just blinked in utter confusion as he watched the twins bicker. For as long as he had known them, before and after he joined Oozma Kappa, he was aware of how much the conjoined twins constantly argued, whether it was about the simplest things or something that deserved to be argued about. All he knew was that this argument in particular seemed like a more personal matter, and he started to comprehend that it was centered around the older Perry.

Luckily, Mike broke the argument as he whistled loud enough it could wake up a whole dull class of slumbering monsters.

"Hey, hey!" He shouted. "Is this the Scare Games or the debate team? Everyone up, itʼs time for facial exercises!"

Laura watched the fraternity with amazement as she and her team stood a few yards away, intending to perform their own training in order for the upcoming second event. Her sky and forest eyes blinked with fascination as well as aspiration as each member of Oozma Kappa worked in unison, accepting orders as quickly as Mike gave them. The way their differently-proportioned bodies jolted to the sound of their coach and the impassioned yet vigilant expressions of their faces as they took their time to maneuver...Laura couldnʼt be more proud to consider them the true representations of what monsters are.

And Mike, oh, Mike...

She was astounded by how much strength and confidence such a guy possessed as he turned from left to right, providing great advice, standing by his friends 24/7, being the expert Laura always knew he was. She was immediately certain OK would triumph the next event, and foreshadowing the possibility of competing in the final Scare Game just as they had succeeded last semester; she was sincerely sure they would win.

That was why she sustained a more calm, constructive manner as she gathered her girls out on the courtyard, a few other teams having chosen the day to do training as well. She carried her gaze over to Carla Delgado as she and her sorority performed sit-ups, their grunts emitted in unison as each possessed a look of competitive aggression.

Recalling the meeting, Brock and Claire had mentioned that the first two events would be similar to the ones from the previous semester. Now that they had endured the improved Toxicity Challenge...they were now going to await the Library Challenge, aka ʻAvoid the Parentʼ.

Since arriving in MU, Laura barely had much to do with the universityʼs library, having possessed most books she brought from home as well as her former alma mater. From the discussions of the Greek council alone, Laura knew that this new event was not as easy as indicated. From Carlaʼs own words, having admitted that her team lost to Oozma Kappa in that event, the former Fear Tech student could only shudder, wondering what was worse: being stung by urchins that exploded or being violently grabbed by a scorning womanʼs giant tentacles and flung sky high.

Her team barely made it in the first event, and while Laura knew, and everyone assuring her, that what had occurred was not her fault, she was still pre-cautious; she didnʼt want any of her girls getting hurt, especially Monnie after having suffered a punctured wound the previous event.

Taking a deep breathe, Laura sustained the best smile she could muster before regarding her sorority.

"Alright!" She said cheerfully. "The event is still a long way to go, and I want us to be prepared! Now working out at the gym just isnʼt enough! And if weʼve seen Oozma Kappa..." She motioned to the fraternity not too far from them. "Then I think you all have a good idea what exactly I intend to do."

"And what exactly is the event, again?" Colette asked, folding her arms. The design she chose for today was a light red polo shirt and matching skirt with a yellow bandana wrapped around her hair followed by a pair of purple, transparent shades; she resumed wearing her signature pink heels.

"Avoiding the parent," Laura explained. "Last semester, Oozma Kappa had to keep dead silent to avoid the ʻparentʼ, which is analogized by the librarian, Ms. Margaret Gesner."

Katy barely held back a snort. "Whatʼs so scary about a little, old librarian?"

Her leader tensed, worry melding in her eyes. "Trust me, from what Iʼve heard, she is not to be messed with."

Laura bent down momentarily to pet Archie who was splayed on his legs before Exceeda Zeta, remaining perfectly in good behavior as he watched, his canine attribute of his tail wagging restlessly.

"We need to work on our stealth," she announced. "We have to be very quiet. If it really was a childʼs bedroom, the smallest bit of noise can result in the most dangerous of consequences."

"Duh, youʼre in a childʼs bedroom," Katy rolled her eyes. "But continue."

"Look, I know the first event was harder than any of us had expected," Laura sighed. "But Iʼm sure if you girls can just reach toward that special something you have and list it for later on, Iʼm sure this next event will be no problem. Like, um..." She tapped her chin. "Anything interesting about you girls?"

Coletteʼs eyes lit up. "Well, I got a wide assortment of heels, any kind for any occasion...if I wanted to exchange my favorite ones, of course," she added with a giggle as she smoothed the hem of her outfit.

"Trust me, I know," Dot said with a mild scoff.

"Oh, and check out my nails!" The fashionista said proudly, flashing her fingers for all to see. "I just filed them! Donʼt they look super sweet?"

Lauraʼs expression deepened with concern, not sure what to say at the moment. Finally, Dot stepped forward.

"Well, I guess I could stretch my arms a bit," she said. "In high school, I was quite a batter in the baseball team."

With that, she immediately thrust her teardrop-shaped arms forward, only to accidentally swing clockwise which resulted in loss of balance, toppling her backward.

"Sorry," she muttered. "I wasnʼt the kind to make a home run, though..."

"Well, for me," Katy spoke up, "back in high school, I was a cheerleader." She lifted both her arms, holding one leg up in the air as she guised a smile. "You ainʼt got no alibi!" She chanted. "ʻCause you ugly! Yeah, yeah! You ugly!" She posed once more after nearly performing a cart wheel. "Yeah, Iʼm currently taking a dance class as well..." She added sheepishly.

"Well, for me," Monnie said, trying to sound confident. "I have extra arms."

"Extra arms?" Colette asked. "Are they with you?"

The Audio Music student regarded her with a confused expression. "Uh, yeah..."

Laura lifted an eyebrow as Monnie extended her arms, and the dragon-like monster noticed two more holes underneath her sleeves.

And two arms slowly emerged.

Her jaw fell, completely flummoxed by the unexpected discovery; her arms suddenly reminded her of Randall. "How come you didnʼt tell me that before?"

Monnie gave a compunctious smile. "I thought I had mentioned it. Katy knows." She jerked her head toward the rapper.

"I thought it was that obvious," Katy said flatly.

"Yeah, I can exchange records on the DJ table if I wanted to," Monnie said. "And...thatʼs pretty much it." She shrugged her two pairs of arms.

"Oh, you could double the amount of bangles with those!" Colette squealed, design ideas formulating in her head as she regarded all of Monnieʼs hands.

"Girls!" Laura called.

All heads veered toward her, their leaderʼs ears flattened against her scalp as she released a deep sigh. Her team definitely needed some particular direction.

"I donʼt want to sound mean," she said calmly yet timidness flowed in her tone, "but if weʼre not careful in the next event weʼre goners."

Each member glanced at one another intensively, especially Colette, her brown eyes glistening with slight fear behind her shades.

"Look, I know this can work," Laura tried to sound confident. "And in order for it to work, you girls need to just dig deep and find your true instinct. Help me help you, and maybe follow-up on what I do, alright?"

"Sure," Dot agreed instantly, the others nodding.

"Okay, good," Laura managed a smile. "Now in regards to stealth, we all have to be very quiet. If even only one of us gets caught, weʼre all out."

"Seriously?" Katy asked.

"Iʼm serious," Laura said sternly. "So first order of business, follow exactly...as...I do..."

Wings tucked, she lifted one foot ever so slowly, then lowered it as softly as she could.

"I know I look like a image on TV thatʼs going slow-mo," she joked, "but itʼs for our own good, and we need to be careful. Iʼll alert you when itʼs time to move fast."

Obeying her order, the other girls mirrored her demonstration, each lifting a leg, then descending it gently onto the grass. They repeated the step a few more times before one of them suddenly tripped on her heels.

"Whoa!" Colette cried before she collided behind Dot.

The taller girl fell forward as well, crashing right behind Monnie who then bumped right into Katy, all four members tumbling to the ground.

"Sorry," Colette apologized quickly. "My heel got caught in some stupid root."

Laura sighed once more, closing her eyes with aggravation. These girls were doing the best they could, each of them giving their best effort and Laura couldnʼt be more proud of such a team.

Too bad she couldnʼt say the same for her leadership.

The late student wondered if she wasnʼt doing enough to motivate these girls, or was she simply not comprehending herself since she never had been part of a team before back in Fear Tech. She promised to be even more vigilant of her team, and after what happened at the first event, she would gladly put herself in front of them like a shield if the worst was to come.

"Okay, everyone up," she finally said. "Now that weʼve finished the stealth version of the course..." She forced a smile. "How about we just do a little jogging?"

"Jogging?" Katy repeated.

"Because I have a feeling weʼre going to be running for our lives in the event," Laura admitted regretfully. "You remember what Mike mentioned."

"Oh, yeah..." The rapper grimaced. "Oh, man! Why did Brock and Claire and especially Hardscrabble have to repeat that event?"

"Itʼs better than stupid urchins that explode," Colette muttered.

"Girls, please focus," Laura begged softly. "Okay, just jog around the area in place. Maybe do one or two laps over the troll bridge if you can."

"That seems about right," Katy agreed. "Whatever you say, coach," Monnie told their leader. "Weʼll do it!"

Lauraʼs eyes lit up with genuine relief. "Alright then!" She said proudly. "Scary steps! Now!" She paused for a moment, puzzled over why she proclaimed it like that; those words were of Mike Wazowskiʼs diction.

Her girls didnʼt waste another minute as they proceeded with her order, their differently shaped bodies and legs pumping. Laura remained rooted to her spot, simply surveying as her team did the best they could to appease.

"Uh, hi."

Slightly startled, Laura wheeled around, only to cast her gaze downward as it was no other than Squishy Carlton standing before her, a shy yet polite smile on his face.

"So, um..." He shifted his feet a little. "Training?"

"Oh, yes," Laura sighed, turning away for a moment.

He looked up at her with concern. "Whatʼs wrong, Laura?"

"Oh, nothing," she murmured softly, "unless you want to count me."

His five eyes widened. "Laura..." He was about to take a step forward, intending to try and at least lay a comforting hand on her side when he heard Mike approach them.

"Hey, EZ leader!" The green monster greeted casually, completely psyched with energy as the rest of his members resumed training. "Saw your girls taking those scary steps! Looking good!"

She turned toward him, eyes hopeful. "You really mean it?"

"Well, itʼs a start," he admitted bluntly, "but still, itʼs perfect for the next event. I mean, after all-"

"And you guys did immensely wonderful," Laura acclaimed. She retracted her gaze toward Squishy. "Even you."

The way she looked at him, her sky and forest eyes glistening with so much veneration, the little OK member could just faint on the spot, hoping his cheeks werenʼt too flushed in the warm sun.

"I just really want to do a good job," she conceded. "Because if compared to the other event, this is one where, to quote Claire Wheeler, ʻyou could totally dieʼ."

Mike and Squishy glanced at each other apprehensively, wondering how weighty Brock and Claireʼs words had sunk in for the timid, self-inflicted, last-minute president.

"I mean, yeah, all librarians appreciate a little silence and would like nothing more than students to follow the rules and not make noise," she rambled. "But great glop of goo! If what you said is completely true then what are the chances any of the girls could wind up caught?"

Both male monsters immediately realized she was breathing heavily, her chest heaving in and out as her eyes began to shrink with anxiety.

Oh, no...Mike gulped, sheʼs having another one of those...

"And if one of them gets caught...!" She cried, clutching her head. "Theyʼll get hurt, crushed by the massive weight of the librarianʼs tentacle and probably flung out of the library in a millisecond! And in that millisecond, any of my girls could wind up severely damaged, requiring immediate medical attention! And then weʼll be like that other team Brock mentioned that went to the hospital!" She panted excessively. "I donʼt want that to happen! Iʼll never ever forgive myself if any of the girls break an arm, a leg, a tentacle, or even get a black eye-"

Before either Mike or Squishy could try and calm her down, Carla Delgado suddenly rushed over, whirling the panicked sorority leader in her direction and grasped her shoulders.

"Laura! Laura!" She cried, shaking her. "Breath! Breath!"

Said monster resumed panting, her wings splayed outward like a crookedly-made pancake as she tried to keep her breathing under control.

"Breathe...breathe..." Mike instructed. "Let it out slowly..."

After a few moments and following his advice, Laura finally let out a soft gasp, wings lowering with relief.

"Okay...Iʼm okay..." She repeated hoarsely, her throat slightly tightening.

Carla regarded her with unease. "Youʼre getting yourself worked up over nothing."

"Oh, Carla, this is more than it seems to me," Laura groaned. "Back in Fear Tech I was merely just one of many players. Now here Iʼm suddenly a sorority leader with a group of girls who helped me back when they rarely even knew me. I owe both of us that much."

The EEK leaderʼs snail-like eyes knitted with even more concern. Then she swiveled toward the troll bridge.

"Well, youʼre owing them pretty well," she said matter-of-factly.

Trailing her gaze, Laura watched as the four other EZ members jogged behind one another, legs trampling against the cobblestone of the old bridge as expressions of persistence shone upon their faces. Seeing them work exceptionally well, a little confidence glinted in Lauraʼs eyes as a small, sanguine smile tugged on her lips.

Mike turned toward her, smiling warmly at the sight of the same, calm, respective Laura Sharp who was now at a peaceful level with herself. Adjusting the brim of his cap, he cleared his throat.

"You know, Laura," he began, "I had this great idea that maybe I could-"

"My nails are stuck!"

Startled, both he and EZ leader veered back toward the bridge. Atop the balustrade was Colette, who appeared quite distraught and grunting with frustration as her well-manicured claws were somehow implanted into the cemented material of the bridgeʼs surface. Katy, Monnie, and Dot immediately rushed to her aid and grabbed her from behind the waist. Even with the three of them, the task was surprisingly difficult. What kind of nails did Colette have? The ones that require a hammer?

Mike bit his lip, then shifted his eye toward Laura, and in an instant that familiar overwhelming expression resurfaced.

Finally, all the girls returned to her, looking quite exhausted after completing such a complicated job. Colette, however, looked incredibly frazzled, furiously fixing her nails with a file she usually brought with her on occasion.

"Well, jogʼs over with," Katy announced bluntly. "What now, coach?"

"Oh, donʼt we work on roaring or something?" Dot mentioned. "Thatʼs pretty much the take on what the Scare Games is about, right?"

Laura contemplated. "Well, yeah, I guess-"

"Check this out!" Katy said excitedly, firmly in stance before she lifted her arms as if she were a disjointed zombie. "Rawr!" Her ocean blue eyes flashed with as much menace as she could muster, her straight teeth bared which looked more like a wince than a ferocious seethe. She appeared like someone who just slammed her foot against the wall.

"Okay..." Laura observed. She turned toward Mike for approval.

"Itʼs a start," he admitted with a shrug.

"Rawr!" Dot gave, her teardrop-shaped arms flailing, appearing more like she was swatting flies than frightening a child. "How was that?"

"I can top that," Monnie insisted. Raising all four of her arms, she released a growl as vicious as she could produce and bared her non-sharpened teeth; she looked more like she was in pain and her four arms barely emitted much fear as her fingers twiddled.

"Laura, letʼs hear you roar!" Colette implored as she regarded their leader.

"Oh, gee, I donʼt know..." Laura said uneasily.

Mike, Squishy, and Carla turned to her in confusion, wondering why she seemed so apprehensive about performing something they had all witnessed back in Greek row the first night of Lauraʼs transfer.

"Itʼs a little amateurish," Laura confessed with a grimaced smile.

"Oh, come on!" Colette begged. "I want us to roar together! Then maybe we can both see what the other needs or whatever to improve."

"I wonʼt be surprised..." Mike muttered under his breath as Colette immediately stood by Laura.

"Okay, here I go," Colette inhaled. Just as she was about to let out the most fearsome roar a monster like her could eject-

"ROARRRR!"

The fashionista, immensely startled, clung around her chest as she let out a terrified shriek. Her scream was so loud it reverberated throughout the campus, even monsters around the area covered their ears to drown at the painful, excruciating nose that emitted from someone who could possibly fix the energy crisis if she were a human child.

"Ow!" Carla cried, tentacles wrapped around her head. "That was right in my ear!"

Stunned, Mike turned toward Laura, who looked slightly apologetic but with a shy, playful smile on her lips as Colette stared her with dilated eyes.

"Okay, you win!" The fashionista cried, disgruntled.

"Wow, Laura..." Squishy said in awe, gazing at the future Scarer. "That was...that was a great roar..."

"What, that?" Laura chuckled dryly. "No, it was a slightly reduced kind of roar that is basically ill- matured and could hardly generate much screams."

"It made Peaches over here scream," Katy pointed out, jerking her head toward the still frazzled designer.

"Oh, right," Laura stifled a guffaw. "Well, maybe take note of it."

"I got to get back to my team," Carla told her, placing a friendly tentacle on her shoulder. "Iʼll see you girls later." She gave the EZ leader a wink, which slightly surprised Laura before she ventured back to where her EEK girls were still training.

As she trailed across the grass, she nearly collided with a much larger individual, red and gold nearly blinding her as the figure shot past her. Swerving her head, she only frowned with disapproval as the monster made his way toward Laura.

Johnny Worthington held a confident smile upon his lips, eyeing the beautiful monster as the youngest OK member as well as Mike departed from her for the moment and her girls were busy with their own interests. Ignoring their stares, especially Monnieʼs which held slight malice, the ROR president stood closely behind Laura.

As soon as she turned around, she nearly gasped as she gazed into purple eyes that stared at her with a warm, affectionate, and slightly playful demeanor.

"So, Laura," he mused. "I see youʼre training for the next event."

Laura fiddled with her fingers, averting her gaze. "Uh, yeah, ʻAvoid the Parentʼ and stuff..."

He immediately sensed the anxiety in her voice and he gazed at her with concern. Reaching over, he grasped her hands, softly gripping them with as much comfort as he could bestow.

"Hey, donʼt worry about it," he said gently. "That old librarian has seen better days. Avoiding her will be no problem."

Laura had been quite stunned when he cradled her paws, the feel of his claws upon her skin and the tiny tufts of his fur idly stroking her fingers like cotton. She immediately ignored her discomposure before regarding him carefully. The way he looked at her was both intimidating yet somewhat riveting.

Johnnyʼs smile softened, drinking in the sight of those lush green and blue eyes and feeling incredibly stimulated. The feel of her hands was smooth, like the most incredible leather fitted perfectly into gloves.

Squishy, having directed himself away from the conversation with Mike for a moment, caught sight of Johnny with his crush and the small OK member felt his heart contract immediately. Mike monitored in his direction and he could only frown with disgust, single eye narrowing with bitterness, knowing Worthington was doing nothing but making the last-minute sorority leader more uncomfortable.

Laura sucked in her cheeks, not sure what to do as her hands were pretty much in his grasp. She didnʼt want to pull away without being rude, but the heated stare upon her was becoming too much for the already emotionally unstable monster.

Miraculously, Carla came over, placing a limp yet strong tentacle around Johnnyʼs shoulder, breaking the ROR president out of his affectionate trance.

"Sorry, I need to talk with Johnny," Carla declared, forcing a smile.

Despite being much larger in comparison, the EEK leader had quite a strong grip around his bulky neck as she dragged him away from Laura, his fingers slipping out of hers. As soon as they were out of sight and near her sororityʼs chosen training ground, Carla wheeled him around, both tentacles seizing his shoulders as she gave an intense expression that was nearly rivaled with Johnnyʼs which showed utter irritation.

"Are you trying to get another panic attack out of her?" Carla demanded.

"Whatʼs that suppose to mean?" He asked, purple irises darkening. "Hey, Iʼm just being a gentleman for her, Delgado."

"Oh, sure," she rolled her eyes. "The girl is not interested, Worthington."

Such words pierced him like a broochʼs pin, but the massive-horned beast just tapered his eyes looking incredibly piqued and frustrated.

"Youʼve seen the way she looked at me, Carla," he said quietly, his tone earnest with a hint of emphasis.

"With disgust?"

Deep down he was fuming like a stove left without surveillance, bitterness mixed with rage as he gave the nagging EEK president a hardened stare.

"You can say Iʼm just bugging the girl, Delgado," he snapped. "But honestly, she pretty much has my heart set."

Ignoring the incredulous look she was giving him, Johnny swerved his gaze to see Laura chatting with Wazowski. Though the larger monster was irritated the green cue ball nabbed at his opportunity, Johnnyʼs expression decimated, a small smile tweaking across his lips, and a slightly warm blush emitting from his cheeks as he gazed once more at the draconic beauty that had captured his attention ever since he first noticed her on campus.

Carla said nothing, merely stepping aside as Johnny marched past her to return to his fraternity. The EEK leader just sighed, shaking her head with aggravation and the least bit of pity. She still determined the belief that Sharp would have a better chance with Wazowski than Worthington if the former student didnʼt already have a girlfriend...

"Heʼs annoying, isnʼt he?" Mike couldnʼt help but ask Laura, single eye hardening with slight malevolence.

"Well, I wouldnʼt put it that way..." Laura commented idly.

"The guy is bad news, you already know that," he asserted. "I wonʼt lie that beating them in the Scare Games wonʼt be easy if you girls make it to the final events."

"Oh..." Lauraʼs ears lowered. "I can only wonder what the third event will be like if weʼll even succeed the second."

"I triggered your doubt nerve, didnʼt I?" Mike asked regretfully.

"How would you have guessed?" Laura sighed.

After resuming their conversation and Mike delivering one more state of encouragement to the lamenting sorority leader, he and Squishy returned to Oozma Kappa and Sulley, the single-eyed coach relentless to further their training and knock the conceited grins off RORʼs faces.

"Hey, Mike!" Said monster veered his gaze and smiled when the members of Jaws Theta Chi approached them.

"Georgie, hey!" The green monster greeted before he high-hived the furry orange monster. "Big Red!" He laughed as he regarded the JOX leader with a friendly gesture.

"Just to let you guys know," Big Red said gruffly, his row of teeth curved in a playful smirk. "We got a party going on tonight and you guys got to come!"

The members of OK grew excited. Ever since last semester and perspective of them as a whole changed drastically, they were considered good as any other fraternity, even Jaws Theta Chi, who were not the least bit surprised nor infuriated that their second-best spot had been knocked down to third on the popularity pedestal, Oozma Kappa sifting just behind Roar Omega Roar.

Despite the previous Scare Games and Big Red and his brothers regarded OK like eggrolls that would be easily devoured in one chomp, the JOX fraternity did hold some respect for them...even during the terrible experience in which they had mocked the friendly fraternity at the ROR party; what Johnny and his boys did to them was cruel, and Big Red and his brothers regretted ever being yanked on their chains because they were under the top leagueʼs roof. Just because Johnny and his boys were the most popular, it didnʼt necessarily mean everything they did was to othersʻ enjoyment.

Randall smiled shyly, pondering what his first-ever real college party would be like now that he would thoroughly enjoy it with his new, kind-hearted frat brothers. Maybe this time he could make cupcakes, and maybe monsters would enjoy, hopefully even HSS. The lizard shifted his gaze toward Exceeda Zeta, two girls in particular crossing his mind as he observed them with the uttermost admiration.

"Pizza Planet?" Sulley asked with calm yet hopeful expression, recalling how the JOX house was always like a wonderland of greasy fare, especially when a party was involved.

"Pizza Planet," Big Red chuckled. "Hey, uh, maybe you guys could, um..." He shifted a bit, appearing genuinely shy. "You know, bring your mom again?"

"Mrs. C?" Art asked. "Sure, like always."

"Tell her to bring some of her cooking!" Percy Boleslaw begged, his single eye of exotic green blinking with eagerness. "Man! A monster could smell it from miles away, even all the way from the city!"

"Oh, sure! My wife would love to!" Don gave a jolly laugh.

Mike circled from Big Red and noticed George Sanderson staring off into the distance, appearing quite distracted.

"Hey, what are you looking at, Sanderson?" The green monster asked before shifting his gaze.

The only thing he noticed was Exceeda Zeta discussing among each other. While Monnie, Katy, and Dot were eagerly listening to every word pouring out of their timid leaderʼs mouth, Colette momentarily broke away from the group to adjust her bandana, removing it and smoothing the top portion of her furry purple hair.

Swerving his eye back toward the orange monster, he took great notice of the look of complete awe in Georgeʼs face, a child-like smile tugging at his lips and appeal glowing in his eyes.

Realization dawned on Mike and the smaller monster was unable to contain the silly grin as he stare cheekily at the JOX member.

"Youʼre checking out that EZ girl, arenʼt you?"

"What?" George immediately wheeled toward him, his eyes widening and his cheeks looking quite flush under his fur.

"Oh, ho, Colette?" Sulley guffawed. "Really, George? You dog!" He nudged him playfully.

"Of course not!" George denied, averting his eyes and looking quite embarrassed. "Iʼm...Iʼm not interested...I was just curious is all..."

"Curious?" Big Red chortled. He slung an arm around his disgruntled JOX brother. "This guyʼs been talking about that girl with the heels since after the first event!"

"I was not!" George retorted.

"Uh, dude, you pretty much were," Percy cut in.

George simply stood there, watching as the EZ girlʼs heels clicked in the distance as she re-joined her team alongside Oozma Kappa. He had no idea how long he had been standing there, watching as the girl who had just fallen into his arms moments ago was now posing in front of MUʼs famed student photographer Lane Picca while her sisters urged the timid and nervous Laura Sharp to consider getting at least one photo of herself and refrain from hiding behind Terry and Terri any longer.

He suddenly knew from what Big Red mentioned when he returned from his Greek council meeting alongside Laura Sharp, that the girl was named Colette.

Said monsterʼs brightly brown eyes had stared into his amber ones, looking just as confused as he was when she had collided into his arms, the monster barely having had time to regard the situation as soon as he turned around, smooth skin brushing against his bristled fur and blinding sequin momentarily pressed against his jacket.

And the only word exchanged between them was a mere ʻhiʼ.

Both were quite embarrassed, Colette more so than him. And the unexpected contact broke off just like that, the back of her royally purple hair turned to him as she quickly trudged off, leaving him stiff and slightly disappointed.

Any monster would be a fool if one didnʼt agree that George found her awfully cute.

Amber eyes glistening like gold as he just stood there, heart pattering like a band memberʼs drum as his arms draped to his sides, the silliest of grins plastered on his face. He rarely noticed Percy standing beside him, who had been slightly concerned when he and the rest of JOX noticed their brother still as a statue and glued to his very spot.

"Uh, George?" Percy said, his single eye regarding the orange monster in question.

The single-horned frat brother said nothing, eyes tinted with awe as he grinned from ear to ear.

"Sheʼs so pretty..." He murmured softly.

It immediately dawned on Percy and the purple cyclops was unable to suppress the smirk upon his lips.

Georgeʼs orange cheeks nearly simmered to red as he lowered his head with heated embarrassment while his JOX brothers smirked at him.

"He hasnʼt stopped talking about that chick since we got home!" Percy guffawed. "Weʼve tried telling him over and over to talk to her."

"And why hasnʼt he approached her?" Sulley asked.

"Shy as a butterfly," Percy snickered, nudging his pal playfully.

"Thatʼs one of the reasons why weʼre having this party," Big Red explained gruffly. He casted his blue eyes toward the anxious orange being. "So I wonʼt be the only one in my fraternity with a girlfriend."

"Oh, none of you guys even came close to being a second Big Red and Flora Blob-Ghast?" Mike asked the other JOX members with a chuckle, recalling the frat leaderʼs girlfriend all too well.

The night of the ROR party last semester, as Oozma Kappa had first entered through the doors of the massive house, the sight of monsters dancing and the heart-pounding beats of the music blaring beyond its walls, the former student had made quick notice of a certain bulky female monster with spikes protruding from atop her fuchsia skin, her single eye wide with enjoyment as she danced close to Big Redʼs chest; before anyone had been aware of OKʼs existence, the JOX leader had been getting quite comfy with the female student, and Mike could only guess what he had whispered to her before both had taken sight of OK. Not only was she Big Redʼs girlfriend, she was also OKʼs Scaring 101 classmate, having been Mike and Sulleyʼs last year.

"Donʼt rush me," Percy mumbled.

"So tell Exceeda Zeta, will you?" Big Red asked him. "Will sure be a party with those girls around."

"Will do, Big Red," Sulley replied with a nod.

Just then, Mike felt a light tap behind him and shifted his gaze toward Terri and Terry, the younger retaining an excited grin on his face while the older appeared relaxed.

"Terri and I got to quit early," Terry announced.

Mikeʼs single eye widened with disbelief. "But training isnʼt done yet!" He protested.

"Weʼll make up for it!" Terri assured him hurriedly. "But right now, my brother and I got to practice for the upcoming talent show."

All heads turned when Katy McCrea trudged past JOX, her sorority leaders inches behind her. Her smile deepened as she regarded the Perry twins, dully-clawed hands in her pockets as she gave them, particularly Terri, a mild shrug.

"Letʼs get started," she said coolly. She peered over her shoulder at Laura. "Catch you girls later."

The rest of the sorority gave her a wave as she sidled beside Terri, the younger twin looking surprisingly giddy which he tried to conceal as he, along with his brother, carried off with the aspiring rap artist. Mike and the rest of Oozma Kappa watched as their members of one body left their post, the green monster unable to do anything to convince them to stay; he mentally calmed himself, reciting Sulleyʼs words that the boys were doing fine and needed a break every now and then, balancing especially outside of Oozma Kappa.

"This talent show sounds really fun," Colette said giddily as she adjusted her shades.

Her eyes suddenly fell on George Sanderson, and they immediately enlarged with surprise. The orange JOX brother flinched as he caught sight of the monster in pink heels, her gaze mesmerizing as was intimidating. He quickly ducked his head, trying his hardest to smile but it came out rather awkward. Everyone else took notice of the silent interaction between him and the EZ girl, and Big Red suddenly held his breathe, hoping his frat brother would man up and finally speak to the girl he had been constantly speaking of.

However, it seemed too much to hope for as George gripped the collar of his JOX jacket, veering his eyes away from Coletteʼs, who looked even more incredulous by the gesture.

"Got to go!" George blurted anxiously before be bolted right out of there, leaving Colette and her girls confused and his fraternity with heads shaking.

The shy monster had been so wrapped up in trying to guise his failing attempt of speech that he barely noticed a couple of the Astronomy Club members carrying telescopes and maps for their weekly observation. His side crashed straight into one of them, knocking over their materials. He made a quick apology as they regarded him with irritation, and he just ran even faster.

However, Colette was immensely mesmerized by the strong monsterʼs gorgeous orange fur and enticing eyes that she disregarded her disappointment. Legs slightly hunched together, her brown eyes twinkled with awe and longing.

What a hunk...she thought dreamily.
_

Terri flipped through all the CDs in Katyʼs storage wallet, his brother idly reading from his textbook knowing the younger had pretty much taken over a job for both of them. Katy sat beside Terri, ocean irises watching with anticipation and enthusiasm burning within her very core to begin their own practice that had nothing related to the Scare Games.

After bidding their teams goodbye, they had entered the amphitheater, fortunate that it was empty and no sign of any of the members of Katyʼs Glee Club. Nor any sign of Professor Heimlich. Sitting against the edge of the lit up stage, Katy had brought along all her favorite music and showed it to Terri, believing it would spark an idea of any sort, his particular talent show trait along with his brotherʼs that could hopefully mix with hers to make the performance even more interesting.

"Cassie Underbed...Spiked Girls...Chemi Crowbite-o..." Terri read as he searched through every CD, impressed by her taste in music, some of these artists personal favorites of his as well(though not for his brother).

His eye widened when he picked up one CD, no company design on its surface but a mere few words written in marker.

"No way..." He muttered. He looked up at Katy in disbelief. "You actually have this one?"

Katy shrugged her shoulders, surprised that someone other than her would constantly listen to a piece of work so rare and hardly recognized.

"You know about this song as well?" She asked, her blue eyes blinking in astonishment.

"Thatʼs the song from that one Bust-a-Groove game machine my brother and I played on," Terry remarked, casting his single-eyed gaze at the CD, looking just as impressed.

"How did you get this?" Terri asked Katy, unable to conceal his excitement as the fingers holding said disk nearly trembled in his grasp. "This song has never been installed in any music product."

"Well, I got a cousin who owns an arcade," Katy beamed, pleased by the child-like interest in the younger Perryʼs face. "He owns a Bust-a-Groove 2, and he copied all the songs from that machine no problem."

"Katy..." Terriʼs voice trailed off, regarding the CD. "You like this song?"

"Oh, itʼs my absolute favorite from the game," she chuckled. "Just listening to it is as good as dancing to it."

"Not for my brother," Terry snorted. "Every time we hit the arcade, and itʼs Bust-a-Groove, he spends nearly all his quarters playing that song."

"But now the song is here!" Terri said giddily. "We can dance right now, brother!"

Katy took great notice of the look of horror in his brotherʼs eye and stifled a laugh.

"Terri, I donʼt want to!" Terry seethed with discomfort.

"Come on!" His little brother urged. "You know you like this song as well! You dance almost as good as I do when it came to the playing that game!"

"Not when there are a lot of people around!" The older Perry hissed, momentarily glancing at the front doors of the theater. "What if someone comes in here and sees us dancing to this song?" He, and especially Terri, couldnʼt lie that such a song rarely heard of was especially cheesy.

"So what?" Terri rolled his eye. "Itʼs just Katy, and weʼre going to dance anyway, remember?"

"Yo, Y-man, seriously," Katy chuckled smoothly, slightly amused by their quarrel. "Listen to the fun brother, why donʼt you?"

Terryʼs eye flickered at her, incredibly offended. "Iʼm fun, too!" He whined.

His half of their single body immediately hauled him to his feet as his brother extended his pair of arms, a silly grin plastered on his face as he handed Katy her CD which she inserted into the radio she brought along as well.

The older Perry tensed for a moment as she pressed ʻPlayʼ on her device, hoping and praying no monster, especially anyone of Roar Omega Roar, would waltz right into the theater and witness the twins dancing like limp noodles to an obscure song.

However, as soon as the music played, the sound reverberated off the theaterʼs walls, coursing through the twinsʼ single body, hearts suddenly beating to the rhythm playing and Terry found himself swaying in unison with his brother.

He had to admit that he was slightly addicted to such a song as his brother was. Darn that Bust-a-Groove machine...

Oh, I missed you insanely everyday

And in my heart I'm longing for your love

"Letʼs tear this floor, brother!" Terri said giddily as he snapped his fingers.

Terry merely rolled his eye, but a small smile played on his lips as his set of fingers snapped as well.

I need to feel the warmth of you

Wanna be in your sunshine

Shine on me with your love

Katy gathered her lanky knees close as she witnessed the conjoined monsters, both brothers rocking their single waist to and fro. Smiles enlarged, eyes glistening with enthusiasm, their fists shook from left to right as they swayed, as if climbing a fence and then lowering down only to repeat the process once more with every pop of the artistʼs mouth.

Soft breeze is tickling me

I can't stand being alone anymore

I can't stay in this little town

I've got to get outta this place

Terry felt completely relaxed as he danced alongside his brother, the two heads bobbing as their fingers twiddled with every pose they produced. Terri, obviously, was more imbibed into the song as much as the older, though Terry was coming in close as they danced harder, allowing their one body to be controlled by such a cheesy yet hip song.

Katy could only smile, a twinkle in her eye as she watched the brothers dance, completely in tune with one of her favorite songs. She recalled how Terri was formerly a Dance major; somehow she had the feeling he had been passing such a class with flying colors, his brother serving as a great service despite their differed interests.

She wanted to just sing out the lyrics as well, but was too captivated by the younger Perryʼs strong enthusiasm and that expression of both thrill and victory in his single eye.

Her eyes widened and the fin protruding the back of her head nearly rose when Terri offered his hand to her.

"Dance with us, Katy!" He insisted happily.

The Vocal Music major was a little surprised by the request, having not actually danced with anyone before, usually having swayed her body just to herself and not with someone beside her.

However, the puppyish plead in his single eye with that usual excited smirk, and his brother sharing in his mood, it enlightened Katy so much. With a sly nod, her eyes lowering playfully as if she would beat both brothers in a battle of dances, she gripped Terriʼs hand, and was immediately pulled into the spotlight, wedged upon their chest between the two heads.

Her eyes regarded Terri playfully, her devious smirk expanding as she held firmly to his hand.

And the three of them danced.

Please send me your a signal of love

Your shine love in me

I wanna feel your love

Hand tightening around Terriʼs while his brother grasped her shoulder, in one swift motion, she was released like a top, twirling her long, skinny legs as the theater spun before her eyes. She heard Terri emit a laugh before he had finally reached out and took ahold of her hand once more.

Though slightly dizzy, she was impressed. Terriʼs professor must have been incredibly disappointed to lose such a fine student...

Yes, by rambling on I'm gonna get it

I know who you should be

She howled with laughter as she pressed herself against the twinsʼ chest once more, their combined voices echoing through the empty theater as they were having the time of their lives.

All thanks to a song someone other than her thoroughly enjoyed.

She gazed at Terri once more, her lips softening as her ovalur body shook to the music. The younger Perry smiled at her, feeling like a little kid in his heart at the moment as they prepared themselves for another twirl.

Someone who truly loves me

Terry smiled to himself, feeling completely at peace with the confidence that Katy McCrea would triumph the talent show. He knew such a goal would be accomplished.

Because of his brother.

He glanced at the younger Perry, chuckling and shaking his head softly as his brother slightly crowed to the music, his attempted beatboxing sounding more like a meat grinder full of nails. They were having fun, that was all that mattered.

His gaze suddenly veered toward the theater doors. For a moment he thought he saw one of them immediately shut on itself.

Anxiety clung to him for a moment, but that quickly vanished as he was too absorbed with enjoyment in the company of both his brother and their friend to care.

Naomi rested her hand against the door she had quickly closed before Terry had spotted her. A sad, longing gaze fell to the floor as she could clearly hear music echoing within the theater.

What kind of person would she be to barge in so unexpectedly when the guy she so desperately wanted to speak with was in lifted spirits?

Apparently worse than what she was considered. Terry would think so.

Releasing a deep sigh, the PNK girl trudged away from the amphitheater, searching for Nadya in hopes of venting out her frustrations to her best friend.
_

Johnny gazed from atop the roof of the ROR house as he spotted among various students browsing through Greek row a certain beast of beauty.

His eyes softened and he emitted a deep sigh, lips twitching in an infatuated grin as Laura Sharp trailed through the cul-de-sac, her beloved pig close by like that of a watch dog. Monnie was with her as well, but the fraternity leader hardly paid her much attention as he was completely focused on the winged monster that tugged at his heartstrings.

He frowned a bit, watching as she and her friends proceeded the steps of the Oozma Kappa house; thankfully, he was aware that the only ones present in that place were that of Randall Boggs and Mrs. Carlton, both preparing a few dishes to serve at the JOX party tonight.

Contemplating the party, he knew while it was barely close to the parties he and his ROR brothers threw, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to become closer to Laura Sharp, hoping the beautiful monster would consider a dance and just loosen up.

Really, she needed to chill...That panic attack she endured not too long ago had been frightening and he and everyone else in the Greek council, even among the university, had been very concerned, fearing another could produce at any given moment if a situation like having nearly lost the first event would occur.

Not the party. He could just picture himself gathering the timid sorority leader in his arms, holding her close and whispering sweet words of assurance and asking if she was having a good time.

Those gloriously colored eyes of hers staring into his...

Her wings lowering under his heated gaze...

One of his hands just reaching out to caress her cheek...

Faces inches away-

"Hey, Johnny!"

The ROR leader immediately snapped out of his thoughts and wheeled around to see Chet with his usual ridiculous grin. The crab-like monster was sipping tea from his special ʻCute-Ma Kappaʼ mug, his ROR cap worn backwards.

"You excited for the party tonight?" He asked gleefully.

Johnny merely just raised an eyebrow, knowing even the tiniest thing could excite his smallest frat brother. True, most times they would attend JOXʼs parties, even on nights they would throw their own; they usually attended to make small talk with the brothers of brawn who unfortunately lacked brains and perhaps even beat them at ping pong, Javier Rios being quite the master.

Now tonight he could actually relate to Chetʼs anticipation, though he kept up a strong, cool facade about it.

"Of course I am," Johnny replied smoothly before turning his head and staring down at the OK house once more.

His smile slowly faltered as Laura was nowhere to be seen, having entered the rivalʼs fraternity house. However, he could clearly spot her pig roaming around the living room from the doorway left carelessly open. The Fear Tech mascot scuffled across the carpet, sniffing for anything interesting that could perhaps satisfy his appetite.

He watched as Archie disappeared for a moment, and he heard Lauraʼs voice ring out.

"Archie, no! This food is for tonight!"

Overhearing the reluctant grunts of the scare pig, an idea slowly came to mind as a smile tugged on his largely-fanged lips. He turned to Chet.

"Say, donʼt we still have some leftovers from that barbecue?"
_

"It smells delicious in here, Mrs. Carlton," Laura said, sniffing the aroma of the OK kitchen before regarding the petite woman dressing one of her special dishes with gravy.

"Oh, thank you, sweetie," the kind woman told her before shifting her five eyes toward Randall. "Oh, honey, everyone is going to love your cupcakes!"

Said lizard smiled shyly, his upper pair of hands tediously icing his first batch while one of his lower hands adjusted his glasses. He glanced back at Laura, noticing a glint of hunger in her eyes, her mouth slightly agape with her tongue nearly hanging out like that of a dog.

"Want one, Laura?" He asked her, using a free hand to claim a finished cupcake off the counter.

The sight of the mini portion of chocolate cake with white frosting and heavily decorated in red was enough to make Laura drool a waterfall right onto the floor. But she refused to look like some ridiculous sugar-crazed savage and immediately shut her mouth, snapping out of her daze as she tried to appear as dignified and courteous to the best of her ability.

"You sure?" She asked politely while deep down her belly was screaming for sweetness.

"Iʼd really like your opinion on them," Randall said shyly. "Itʼd really mean a lot to me if you did try one."

Monnie glanced over her shoulder at the sight of Randall and a flushed Laura, and the yellow monsterʼs upper pair of arms gripped the icing tube rather aggressively. She offered her services to make the preparations faster, and Laura was left with the only job known as taste testing.

Itʼd really mean a lot to me if you did try one, the redhead mentally mimicked, fuming with envy.

Laura, unable to refuse much longer, reached over and accepted the pastry. Without paying mind to both the lizardʼs presence or her manners, she dove right into the cupcake.

Randall raised an eyebrow at the sight of the midnight-colored monster burry nearly her whole face in it, lips smothered with frosting and the small moans emitting from her mouth as she consumed like that of a little kid. He was unable to stifle a chuckle, wondering if his cupcakes were really that good from the looks of it or Laura was simply a sweet addict.

Licking her fingers clean, Laura produced a moan of satisfaction as the last of the cupcake trailed down her throat with ease, a blissful expression on her face. As soon as she looked at Randall, she immediately realized how ʻlooseʼ she appeared and her pupils nearly shrank into nothingness.

"Uh, sorry..." She immediately said, hands held firmly behind her back as her wings tucked in, grimacing a smile.

Randall just chuckled, inspecting her through his wide lens. "I take it was good?"

Laura blushed. "Oh, Randy, it was delicious!" She said, her voice protruding with passion. "I loved it! And I just know everyone else at the party will especially love it." She reached over and patted his back. "The monster confectioner you are, Randy Boggs."

Witnessing that blush that came across his scaly face evoked Monnie with even more heat to her cheeks as she gripped the tube harder, trying hard not to think horrible thoughts about her dear friend and leader.

SPLAT!

Laura, Randall, and Mrs. Carlton watched as icing suddenly splattered right on Monnieʼs glasses, the yellow monster emitting a shrill gasp before dropping the emaciated tube.

Randall, eyes widening, immediately rushed over with a clothe he yanked off the kitchen sink and, ever so delicately, wiped the mess off her lens until he could finally peer into those aquamarine eyes of hers.

Embarrassed yet smiling, Monnie let out a small chuckle as she blinked behind icing-covered glasses. Her cheeks warmed at how close Randall was to her, his I Scream for Cupcakes apron nearly pressing against her messy shirt as he regarded her with a relieved expression.

"Oh, dear," Mrs. Carlton said with a twinkling guffaw. "Oh, Monnie, sweetie, itʼs alright. Iʼm sure the JOX boys like their sweets a little messy."

Monnie and Randall just laughed before the lizard assisted cleaning her glasses further. Both reared their faces in Lauraʼs direction, the EZ leader having intended to sneak one more cupcake from the tray, Having been caught, the last-minute sorority leader smile nervously, abandoning the pastry.

"Uh, sorry..." She quickly apologized. "Theyʼre just so good."

Randall just laughed harder, his emerald eyes playful before he scurried back over to Laura and plucked a cupcake off the tray. Taking her hand, he gently laid it in her palm, closing it around the pastry in the process.

"Thanks," he told her softly.

Though surprised by the action, Lauraʼs sweet tooth was the main focus right now as she shifted her eyes hungrily at the cupcake.

Monnie, her humor having immediately diminished, just stood there with all four of her hands balled into fists, watching the pleased look on Randallʼs face as her leader consumed the cupcake, frosting nearly tickling her cheeks as she licked her lips.

What does he see in her that he canʼt see in me? She wondered bitterly.

Her thoughts were immediately distracted when she heard a loud thud and wheeled around.

It was no other than JOX member Omar Harris, the orange furball with spider-like legs and wings perched atop the kitchenʼs open window. Looking mildly embarrassed, the small JOX brother sniffed the air of Sherry Carltonʼs cooking, the bristles of his fur nearly sticking up on end from the deliciousness he and his frat brothers would soon endeavor at their shindig.

Mrs. Carlton smiled at him, placing the finishing touches on her roast which was drizzled with gravy. "Hello, Omar, sweetheart," she greeted kindly. "Are you here to sneak in a bite before your party?" She eyed him playfully.

The bat-winged monster stood up straight on all six of his legs, trying to appear more like a gentleman than a hunger-induced fool.

"No, maʼam," he tried to sound polite. "Just here to see how things are...doing..."

He eyed the roast, its aroma able to be smelled from all across Monstropolis. He licked his fangs, copper eyes glimmering with desire.

The petite woman smiled knowingly, then took out a wooden spoon before gently inserting it to the side of the dish before removing a reasonable amount that wouldnʼt ruin its appearance. She held out the piece of meat to Omar.

"Want a taste?" She asked.

Omar regarded the scoop of meat, its juices nearly dripping from the spoon as the sight made his his belly growl enough to scare an unsuspecting human child.

Immediately, he welcomed the offering into his mouth, nearly breaking the spoon in the process as the taste invaded his tongue.

He nearly fell of the windowsill, moaning with delight at the amazing cooking of Sherry Carlton. His frat brothers would be envious that he got first dibs. Squishyʼs mother chuckled, pleased that he liked her cooking.

"Well, Randy," she turned toward the lizard. "Looks like our cooking will be a hit. I just know those cupcakes will be gone before you know it."

The lizard blushed, turning toward the first tray of finished cupcakes while awaiting the next batch in the oven.

"I can tell," he admitted. He turned to Laura. "I know." He smiled at her.

Laura just smiled back, neither noticing the look of envy in Monnieʼs eyes as she resumed her work on icing the already ruined cupcakes.

Omar caught sight of the draconic-like monster and grinned, his row of sharp teeth gleaming. "Sʼup, Laura," he greeted. "You going to the party tonight, right?"

While he was aware that Oozma Kappa had informed Exceeda Zeta of the gathering, four of the EZ girls declaring their excitement for such an occasion, he hardly heard much from Lauraʼs perspective. Simply an ʻokayʼ from her lips.

Hearing the JOX member speak to her, Laura nearly flinched when he mentioned his fraternityʼs party. And her ears slightly lowered, trying to produce a smile back at him.

"Uh, yeah..." She responded, trying to sound enthusiastic.

Her eyes veered toward Archie as the scare pig suddenly rushed out of the OKʼs front door. Shocked, Laura immediately abandoned her post in the kitchen and chased after him.

"Archie!" She cried, flying down the stairs as her pig shuffled past students that quickly jumped out of his way.

She was completely unaware that Archie was chasing something. An ear of corn.

The Fear Tech mascot was idly roaming through the living room since the kitchen was off limits to him when he had noticed the juicy vegetable lying on the first step outside the fraternityʼs house. Hungry and vying for produce, Archie had lunged at the heavenly gift, only for it to somehow jump out of its reach. Every step Archie took toward it and the corn eased away like a frog hopping on lily pads. It then became a hot pursuit as Archie chased after it, more determined than ever to sink his teeth into the steaming vegetable that would satisfy him until the party(which he hoped Laura would bring him to).

Carla Delgado, along with Brynn Larson and Debbie Gabler, stood atop the rooftop of their sorority house, the EEK leader peering across Greek row through the telescope that belonged to Debbie, the single-eyed monster of turquoise being a member of the Astronomy Club. They decided to do a little ʻsight seeingʻ while awaiting the JOX party that would occur tonight.

The president of EEK squinted through the eyepiece as she caught sight of something down in the cul-de-sac.

"What did you find, Carla?" Debbie asked, doubtful anything would be as interesting in the daytime as was in the evening.

Carla remained silent, her tentacles grasping the focuser as she pushed the telescope downward, taking a closer look.

She spotted Laura chasing after Archie, who appeared to be chasing after what looked like corn as it was being jerked out of the swineʼs reach.

Raising an eyebrow is confusion, she peered deeper into the eyehole, regarding the piece of corn as it swiveled like a fish out of water. She analyzed close until she could finally make out a string tied around its husk.

Eyes widening, she motioned the telescope and followed where exactly the string was being led from.

She didnʼt need to guess why Archie was being baited as she caught sight of the string being directed from the ROR house.

Removing her face from the eyepiece, Carla could only sigh and shake her head.

Oh, Johnny, what are you doing now? She thought irritably.
_

Johnny smirked as he yanked back his fishing rod which he found stored under his bed, pleased by its good use as he stood from the rooftop, watching as the scare pig chased after the corn Chet found in the fridge for him.

His gaze flickered over to Laura as she tried to catch her beloved pet, not realizing she was being led toward the ROR residence.

Giving one last jerk, he dragged the corn and let it fall lifelessly to the grass straight into the backyard of the fraternity house.

"Archie!" Laura called out before she dropped to her knees, petting him softly as he greedily consumed his find.

Claiming his chance, Johnny immediately rushed past the confused Chet who had witnessed everything as he made his way down the stairs of the rooftop.

Laura scratched behind Archieʼs ear as the pig emitted a deep burp, satisfied from the finished corn husk that laid on the grass. He wagged his tail happily, tongue sticking out like that of a hound.

"Yeah, youʼre a real mutt, Archie," she chuckled.

She stood up, intending to head back to the OK house, turned around only to nearly collide into someoneʼs chest.

"Johnny!" She exclaimed, her wings bursting out with surprise as she nearly fell backwards.

The ROR president folded his arms, eyeing her pleasantly while ignoring the glare of her pig who stood firmly against her leg. His smile deepened, gazing into those lovely irises that reflected beautifully off the sunlight.

"So..." He began casually. "JOX is having a party tonight, and I heard Exceeda Zeta is going." He gazed at her, an eyebrow raising. "Canʼt wait to see you there."

Laura tensed up, recalling how Omar had told her the same thing. She tried to smile, but it came out rather awkward as her ears drooped.

"Uh, yeah..." She said through gritted teeth. "Canʼt wait..."

"You know, Laura," he began, "I never got to tell you how impressed I was by your actions in the first event."

Her eyes widened at the compliment and she averted her gaze, wincing.

"Are you kidding me?" She exclaimed frantically. "Yes, the girls did incredibly well, especially Colette, but I winded up nearly clipping a wing!" She raised one of them to prove her point.

Johnny chuckled at her sudden anxiety, shaking his head. "Your wings look fine. And so are you." He added deeply.

Laura felt her cheeks warm up, wings falling lowly to the ground. Despite feeling quite nervous, she regarded him with an expression of question.

"Youʼre hitting on me, arenʼt you?" She asked him in a tone that sounded as deadpanned as Claire Wheelerʼs.

He raised an eyebrow, smirking. "What else would it be?"

"Oh, gee, I donʼt know," she rolled her eyes, sarcasm evident in her tone. "Verbal irony, perhaps?"

"Verbal irony?" Johnny asked with confusion.

However, before Laura could explain in her textbook knowledge, a voice called out.

"Laura!"

Johnny wheeled around just in time to see Carla enter the backyard, Brynn and Debbie closely behind her in hopes of bearing witness to anything interesting.

"Delgado, what are you doing here?" Johnny said through gritted teeth, casting a quick glance at Laura.

"Iʼm sorry," Carla told him, sarcasm deeply enriching her tone as she placed her tentacles on her hips. "I saw Archie come over with Laura and wanted to see what, pray tell, was going on."

Those last words seeped out of her mouth like poison as she eyed him knowingly, her lips curved with even more disapproval than she usually gave Johnny.

The largely-horned fraternity president growled under his breath, eyeing her menacingly before Chet immediately appeared in the doorway of the backyard.

"Hey, you caught the pig!" He announced cheerfully, regarding Laura.

Brynn rolled her eyes at the crab-like monsterʼs lack of comprehension before eyeing him. Her gaze fell on the mug he was sipping from and she frowned.

"You still have that?" She asked, eyeing ʻCute-Ma Kappaʼ openly displayed across his cup.

"What?" Chet retorted. "This? That was a whole semester ago!"

Hands to her hips, Brynn tapped her foot repeatedly upon the grass as her three eyes regarded him which as much disapproval as Carla gave Johnny.

"I actually hope the guys get back at you for that prank!" She snapped. "Especially Randy."

"Hey, that guy used to be one of us, remember that!" He shot back, his single eye narrowing.

"Oh, yeah, heʼs about as close to you as cheese under a knife," she rebutted. "Completely cut."

"The cheese?" He asked in confusion.

"I was referring to Randy!" Brynn shouted.

Johnny scoffed, rolling his eyes as the two argued while Carla, Laura, and Debbie watched with mild interest.

Brynnʼs eyes softened as she reminisced on the innocent lizard. "Honestly, like Mrs. Carlton said, he looks much better in OK green than your ROR red." A small smile played on her lips as she recalled the night of the first event. "And he looks much cuter with those glasses of his."

Chetʼs single eye widened at the declaration, recalling how he and his frat brothers have always referred to Randy as the invisible dork and such.

"Um, I agree." Both turned to look at Laura, who appeared a bit shy at first for speaking up.

"His vision is a lot clearer and eye contact is incredibly compatible for his case now," Laura explained.

She was nearly surprised when Carla draped a tentacle around her shoulder, the EEK leader smiling.

"Come on, Sharp," she told her. She shot Johnny a deathly glare. "Letʼs get out of here."

That being said, Laura, with Archie trailing beside her, allowed the other sorority leader to take her away, leaving Johnny disgruntled and mentally kicking himself. Chet, however, watched as Brynn swayed beside Laura, the fins atop her head flickering with every movement she made.

He nearly flinched when said monster momentarily looked over her shoulder in his direction. When she shot him a mischievous grin, her eyes playfully mocking him, Chet merely frowned, folding his claws over his frame, holding his mug, as he glared at her with as much threat as he could muster.

"Boy, women, huh?" He remarked, casting a glance in his leaderʼs direction.

Johnny didnʼt reply, lowering his gaze and sucking in his breath before he stomped back into the ROR house through the back door, leaving Chet utterly confused.

Brynn returned back to the path before her as she and the girls walked toward the OK house. Her smile disappeared and her eyes casted down with reluctance.

Debbie, however, just walked alongside her, trying to appear as tall as she could possibly be. Being the smallest of Slugma Slugma Kappa had its downs but she knew every monster was to regard her as someone bigger than she appeared.

Slightly shaking the mane that dressed around her protruding single eye, she held herself high, basking with an expression of dignified character.

However, such posture couldnʼt alert her as she abruptly bumped eye-first into a pair of legs.

Startled, she lifted her gaze and her single eye met four of tinted fuchsia sclera. It was no other than Javier Rios, member of Roar Omega Roar.

The cockroach-signified monster with his four arms of claws carrying a few paddles he intended to bring to the JOX party tonight, his antennae flickering slightly with every movement he made, his strong chest of exoskeleton gleaming in the sunlight like window blinds made of metal, and the usual pokerface expression that was his trademark attribute.

Such a face irritated Debbie Gabler as she merely huffed, hands to her tiny hips as she regarded the ʻJohnny wannabeʼ with as much mocking malice as she could possess.

"Watch it, Rios!" She didnʼt mean to sound rude...but for as long as they had attended MU, she hardly heard a word out of him, his expressions doing most of the talking, and his pokerface, to everyoneʼs assumption, was like a thousand words able to be read.

She hoped her approach in such a manner could elicit a few words instead of grunts and a mere ʻfineʼ.

However, Javier Rios said nothing, casting his gaze down at the EEK girl who was as short as Mrs. Carlton, frowning a bit.

Annoyed, Debbie just let out a loud groan before pushing past him, fingers against his long, toothpick-like legs before she caught up with the other girls.

Javier just watched as the fuming monster of turquoise skin and hair stomped off, eliciting a small chuckle from his lips as he shook his head before proceeding toward his fraternity house.

"Laura!" Mrs. Carlton exclaimed cheerfully. "Did you get Archie?"

Said pig snuffled past his caretaker as they climbed up the steps of the OK house, his tongue lagging out of his mouth and his minus-shaped eyes glinting with playfulness as his tail wagged, appearing more dog than pig.

"Hello, girls!" Mrs. Carlton greeted the three members of EEK. "Oh, are you just as excited about the party tonight as I am?"

"Of course," Brynn responded as Debbie stood beside her. "Are you going to bring your delicious dishes again?"

"Oh, youʼre too kind," the petite woman cooed. "Iʼve prepared quite the meal for all the hungry kids at the party. And little Randy has, too."

As if on cue, the lizard with glasses emerged from the doorway, a plate of cupcakes in his top pair of hands as he smiled shyly at their visitors. Monnie stood beside him, having sampled one and licking her fingers which were coated in frosting.

"Uh, would anyone...?" He offered the plate shyly, praying he wonʼt suffer a repeat of last semester when he had tried to offer cupcakes to a couple of HSS girls.

"Ooh! Cupcakes!" Brynn grinned before she immediately reached over and grabbed one. "Nadya told us about these, Randy! They look even nicer than they would on your face!"

The humorous compliment summoned extreme redness upon the lizardʼs face as he smiled sheepishly, watching with anticipation as Brynn and her girls sampled his creations. His heart pounded with excitement as he witnessed the blissful expressions on their faces as the recipe coursed through their taste buds, frosting and cake mixed together like a match made in Heaven.

"Randy, this is so good!" Carla exclaimed, both her tentacles holding a cupcake. "I hope youʼre bringing a lot of these to the party tonight!"

"He will."

Randall looked up to see the smiling face of Laura, who had just grabbed a cupcake to give to Archie who was now greedily consuming it like he did with the corn earlier. Her sincere expression of encouragement induced the lizardʼs self-esteem, her smile sweeter than even a hundred cupcakes. Before he knew it, she placed a gentle hand upon his thinly back, rubbing it tenderly.

"Randy Boggs," she announced happily. "The best baker in MU. And he doesnʼt need to major in confection to prove that."

The compliment was enough to make his whole body turn red as a ROR sweater, but he managed to refrain from doing so as he merely smiled, glancing at Laura admiringly.

Monnie, however, could only watch, seething with jealousy as her own leader made the adorable lizardʼs emerald eyes twinkle with happiness once again; making him even more adorable if possible.
_

The lampposts lit up Greek row like a race track as the entire cul-de-sac flooded with students taking a break from their dorms and books and enjoying the evening as if there was no such thing as a school night. Music blasted from the JOX fraternity house as monsters either stood outside in the patio chatting or enjoying within its walls as it enthralled like a zoo that had no supervision.

Coletteʼs shoes clicked upon the pavement as she clutched her silver and gold sequin purse close to her chest, inhaling the nightly air as the fraternity house came into view.

She and her girls decided to separate for the rest of the day and pursue their own activities, promising to meet each another at the party and have a great time together. The fashionista had organized her time wisely, spending a few good hours alone in her dorm searching for the right outfit, shoes, jewelry, and even hairstyle while Dot was attending an open writerʼs workshop for her English class.

The outfit chosen for the particular occasion was a brown, woolen tube dress with a pleated belt wrapped around her waist. A dark brown, thick necklace with golden yellow jeweled buddings wrapped around her neck like a snake coiled from head toward its tail. Her furry hair had been tediously brushed, curled on end and dangled behind her head like a spring. She didnʼt wear her trademark pink heels, having chosen a pair of of oak-colored ankle-heeled boots.

She stopped near the frat house, whipping out a compact mirror from her purse and inspecting her face once more, hoping going overboard on her mascara wasnʼt too obvious to any observant monster.

"Hey, Colette."

Snapping her mirror shut, the Fashion Design major looked over her shoulder, only to lower her gaze at the sight of a female monster with three eyes, crystal oceanic skin, and a purple jacket that said ʻEEKʼ across its chest.

Brynn Larson smiled to herself, pleased she caught the EZ girlʼs attention. Despite having competed together in the first Scare Games event, the EEK girl felt that, like Carla Delgado to Laura Sharp, they needed to meet under better circumstances (she recalled so well how the fashionistaʼs heels had disrupted the first event), and the blue aquatic was quite eager to officially introduce herself to one of the girls of the last-minute sorority, hoping to strike up another friendship like EEK had with the others of the Greek community; just like Oozma Kappa.

"You might remember me. Iʼm Brynn Larson, member of Slugma Slugma Kappa. Just wanted to say hi and-"

But Coletteʼs squeal of delight cut her off and nearly startled the athlete as the fashionista stared at her with twinkling eyes.

"Oh, my gosh!" She exclaimed excitedly. "Iʼve been meaning to speak with you, Brynn!"

The EEK member took a step back, raising her trio of eyes toward the taller female in confusion.

"I just love your blush!" Colette said giddily. "It is just gorgeous!"

Brynnʼs eyes slightly widened at the compliment, and she averted her gaze, smiling sheepishly. She did wear make up, the main focus being her eyes, but the so-called ʻblushʼ on her face was actually part of her skin tone she had been born with; two tinted pink spots that had formed on the particular areas of her cheeks. It resembled the equivalent color of spots that decorated her legs, but hardly anyone noticed. Colette wasnʼt the only one who assumed Brynn powdered her face on a daily basis.

"Well, actually, this is all natural," she admitted, sounding a little shy.

"Oh, thatʼs even more perfect than perfect!" Colette squealed. "Oh, my gosh! You would look so cute in one of my designs!"

The shorter monster chuckled nervously, not sure what to think of engaging in a little dress-up. She wasnʼt one of those tomboyish kind of girls who preferred mud-rolling to manicures, but the mere thought of wearing something other than her sorority jacket sounded a little odd.

"Well, Iʼm not really the dress type..." She said uneasily.

"Oh, please!" Colette scoffed, reaching a delicate claw down and tapping the adorable pink scrunchies that held the EEK memberʼs fins up. "You look like you could model!"

That statement was enough to induce a brighter blush upon Brynnʼs ʻblushʼ.

Gazing through the open window of the fraternity house, George Sanderson nervously gripped the windowsill as he watched Colette Creouture chat with Brynn Larson. Despite the loud, deafening music of rock nʼ roll coursing throughout the house, the orange monsterʼs heart pounded just as loudly.

Standing by his side were his JOX brothers, Mike and Sulley were present as well, insistent on aiding their friend in the matters of the heart, Mike especially since he had Celia, his girlfriend socializing with the other girls present at the party.

The green monster glanced at George, fear apparent in the larger beingʼs face as he bit his lip, his eyes flooding with desire yet anxiety as he continued watching the Exceeda Zeta girl.

"What are you waiting for?" Mike urged. "Go over there!"

George hardly moved, his fur drowning with sweat that seeped from from forehead. "Whatʼll I say?"

"What do you mean whatʼll you say?" Big Red grunted. "Come on! Just do what I did when I first met Flora!"

He momentarily turned around and spotted his girlfriend among the crowd of dancing students. Said female ceased her dancing as her single eye caught his gaze. She winked at him, sending him mental thoughts of beckoning him to join her on the dance floor already like the night they first met at the ROR party. Big Red chuckled, sending her an aerial kiss, assuring her he would join her in a bit.

Turning back to his frat brothers and friends, he was regarded with surprised yet knowing expressions, holding their chuckles in that the big, tough, muscle-bound monster could be such a romantic. Big Red narrowed his snail-like eyes, frowning in warning.

"Thatʼs different!" George exclaimed frantically. "That was you and Flora! This is Colette and...and me..." He gulped.

"George, you sound as if you never talked to a girl before," Sulley sighed. He then squinted at him questionably. "You have actually talked to a girl before, right? Because if you never had, I can not guarantee how this could go on swimmingly."

His honest words serving no encouragement, Mike immediately stepped in before George could produce a panic attack that nearly relative (but not even close) to Laura Sharpʼs. His bodily head held high, his single eye narrowed in determination, Mike held his hands behind his back as he regarded the orange monster.

"Think of it as if youʼre going into the human world for the very first time," his voice whispered dramatically before he reached over and placed a hand upon Georgeʼs side. "As soon as you open that door, your heart pounds knowing itʼs a risky job..."

Sulley and the rest of JOX observed the green fellow as he coached George, as if preparing him for a far more dangerous Scare Games event. The little guy may not become a Scarer, but he was beyond fearless and possessed the bravery and knowledge most monsters wished they could have. After all, Mike had experience with the human world...

George leaned toward Mike, listening closely like a kid in class during lecture. His eyes never left the sight of Colette as Mikeʼs words flooded into his ears.

"Youʼre all psyched up to do it," Mike continued, "at first you just donʼt want to do it..."

Georgeʼs eyes widened before he glanced at him in confusion, but the green monster just smirked and continued his monologue.

"But deep down you got to do it. Not because you have to do it, but because you want to do it. You really, really want to scare that child."

"Yeah..." George said, his confidence slowly building up as he stared at Colette. "I really, really do..."

"And what monster wouldnʼt scare a child?" Mike encouraged. "You?"

"Of course not!" George exclaimed.

"Exactly!" Mike beamed. "You want to scare that child!"

"I want to scare that child!" George repeated enthusiastically.

"Youʼre going to scare that child!"

"Iʼm going to scare that child!"

Sulley smirked, folding his large arms with assurance that his best friend took the entire situation by storm, his amazing coaching skills performing yet another miracle before JOXʼs eyes.

"Go scare that child!" Mike ordered, slapping a hand upon Georgeʼs back.

By now the orange monster was fully-confident, determination burning beneath his fur as he gazed at Colette with a hopeful glint in his amber eyes and a wide grin.

"Iʼll scare that child!" He announced.

His JOX brothers cheered as he proceeded forward, their full support for him in landing the girl of his dreams just as Big Red had. George beamed at his friends, giving a thumbs up before he took the first step down the stairs of their house.

Missing it completely.

"Wah!" He cried as he slipped forward.

Mike and Sulley could only wince as his face struck the pavement quite roughly, the rest of his body landing with a painful thud. Big Red and his JOX brothers could only shake their heads with aggravation, Percy smacking the heel of his hand upon his closed single eye while Dirk averted his gaze, wondering how something that seemed to start off so well could just be ruined in the blink of an eye.

George lifted his face from the ground with a groan, his entire body feeling limp from the impact and his confidence diminishing.

A pair of pointy-toed legs in purple warmers stopped in front of him, followed by a pair of heeled boots and George quickly raised his eyes.

Standing before him were no other than Brynn Larson who regarded him with her three eyes in question.

And Colette...

The darkly purple-haired monster stood with her hands clasped behind her, looking shy yet very sweet as her brown eyes stared down at him, making his heart race faster than a Scarerʼs score.

"Oh, uh, hey!" He greeted nervously as he immediately picked himself.

His eyes never left the sight of Colette, who stared back at him with a cute smile.

Colette, however, was smiling like some lovesick moron, hoping she wouldnʼt tremble under the handsome monsterʼs gaze as she did her best to appear compatible yet hopefully attractive. Deep down she was screaming with excitement, mentally giving Brynn a thousand thanks for taking her so near her crush, the poor hunk having fallen off the stairs somehow.

She tried not to blush, those amber eyes gazing at her brown ones that nearly made her melt as she almost did that night she had unintentionally fallen into his arms.

Brynn, smiling as she regarded both knowingly, lightly coughed.

"George, you probably remember Colette, right?" She asked the awestruck JOX member. "Member of Exceeda Zeta? The one who saved the team from elimination?"

Colette averted her gaze, giggling with embarrassment. Such a giggle ignited even more adoration from the orange monster as he regarded her with tenderness.

"Uh, yeah," George said, nodding like an idiot, not breaking his gaze from Colette.

"Laura told me about you back at the event," Colette said casually. "Itʼs nice to finally meet you, George Sanderson." She refrained from just squealing out his name in delight.

"Yeah," he chuckled shyly. "You, too."

Brynn just smirked, before she placed a friendly hand on both and led them toward the JOX house where the party was already starting.

"Come on, letʼs go in!" She insisted. "Iʼm starving!"

Mike Wazowski watched with relief as the EEK girl led George and his crush up the steps of the fraternity house, entering the open doorway in which music erupted into the campus night life. The green monster sent the aquatic a mental thanks while the rest of JOX hooted and hollered, satisfied that their frat brother was at least starting somewhere with the EZ girl despite it was an incredibly slow process.

Mike smiled, happy George fought his little fear and would probably result as lucky as Big Red. Thinking of the orange monster he was proud to call his friend, Mike reflected back on the day he and Sulley officially met George Sanderson...

Sulley stared at the newspaper ad, eyes widening with realization at what his friend was indicating as the ʻHelp Wantedʻ description elicited a brand new plan for both of them.

"You really think...?" He asked carefully.

Mike just smiled, the ad witnessed in the sunlight. "You donʼt always need a diploma to get the job. Sometimes you just got to work a little harder..."

The blue monster shifted uneasily. He had never exactly applied for a job before and the thought of vying for one at Monsters Inc. seemed a little intimidating. However, with Mike Wazowski beside him, maybe it wouldnʼt be as difficult as it appeared. They just needed to walk up to the front office, show them the ad-

"Michael?" Called a voice. "James?"

Both immediately turned and were surprised to see standing at the front gate of the university was a tall, orange monster with a single horn atop his head. In his hands were a pair of binoculars and worn around his slightly bulky figure was the unmistakeable yellow jacket representing no other than the Jaws Theta Chi fraternity.

During their time as members of Oozma Kappa, the two former students hardly paid much attention to the rest of the teams other than Roar Omega Roar, they could recognize faces but never had the time to process names, save for perhaps Big Red, such a monster not hard to forget.

But the duo did remember this particular monster who was staring at them curiously, the same guy whose team had been disqualified in the first Scare Games event and suffered a poison urchin puncture in the process.

Taking notice of the confused yet questionable expressions of the expelled students, the orange monster stood up straight, lowering his binoculars.

"Oh, sorry about that," he quickly apologized. "Iʼm George. George Sanderson, you might know me from JOX."

"Oh, yeah," Sulley said slowly, the fraternityʼs name sinking in as he squinted at him. "The one who got his leg swollen up after being disqualified."

Mike punched the blue monsterʼs arm, such an impact surprisingly painful from such a little guy as Sulley was met with a hard glare from the other former student, indicating that he had said such a rude comment for a first impression; not the best way to start a job interview as well.

George smiled sheepishly, recalling all too well how excruciatingly painful that experience was.

"Yeah, I guess I deserved it," he chuckled. He looked over at them. "I, uh, heard you guys were expelled."

Now it was both Mike and Sulley to appear sheepish as that last word sank in.

"Yeah..." Mike sighed, clutching the newspaper that had them on the front page.

"What are you doing with those?" Sulley asked, directing the subject away from his buddy as he pointed at the pair of binoculars in the orange monsterʼs hands.

"Oh, these?" George asked. "Iʼm doing some bird watching. While the power is still out through the whole school, it gives me more time to do so."

Mike and Sulley regarded him with mild surprise. A JOX member? Bird watching?

From Georgeʼs appearance alone, he looked like such a big, weight-lifting fanatic who preferred pizza slices to textbooks as would the rest of his frat brothers. However, George Sanderson seemed to possess something that differed him from the rest of Jaws Theta Chi; his calm smile, the peaceful glint that shone in his eyes, and his polite manner in general.

Maybe it would have been great if the two former students had gotten to know their Greek community a bit more before being thrown out...

George regarded them sympathetically. "What are you guys going to do now?" He asked almost worriedly.

Despite having not exactly known the two well, or any of Oozma Kappa for that matter, he had quite the caring personality for each and every student, and having heard that these two in particular were expelled, he could only wonder how they were going to reach their purposes in life without diplomas. Unless they decide to attend Fear Tech, such a thought made him slightly shudder.

He was surprised when he saw Mike smile, and the green monster revealed the ad he showed Sulley moments before.

"Weʼre going to get jobs at MI," he sad rather proudly. "Trading the books for letters!"

George gazed at the ad, eyes slowly widening in astonishment. He beamed at the duo, immediately both pleased and relieved they had a plan. Especially Mike.

From the moment he first witnessed the green monster and his band of misfits, George admitted he did have his doubts about Oozma Kappa in general, but after the disqualification of his fraternity in the first event, the JOX member felt that maybe it was possible they could succeed with that immediate luck.

And boy did they impress the crowd during the ʻAvoid the Parentʻ challenge, he wasnʼt sure if his own frat brothers could perform the same skill all of OK had while avoiding that terrifying librarian.

And despite being among the monsters who laughed at OK that night at the party...deep down he thought Johnny and his crew were just plain mean.

Well, last laugh on them! Oozma Kappa may not have officially won the Scare Games(he heard about Sulley rigging the simulator) but at least they werenʼt a bunch of doormats anymore, and while Johnny and his boys were still attending classes, Mike and Sulley were steps ahead, and that was with the mailroom at MI.

An idea suddenly struck George before he raced over and took the paper from Mike, much to the green monsterʼs surprise.

"I know the guy who the manages mailroom," George said happily before he took out a pen from the pocket of his jacket and immediately scribbled upon the ad. "Heʼs a swell monster and always looking for new people to hire. Tell him George recommended you."

He handed Mike back the paper and the single-eyed monster gazed at the note George left.

Touched by such kindness, both he and Sulley regarded him gratefully, feeling those mailroom jobs closer than ever with his unexpected help.

"Uh, excuse me?"

All three turned toward the bus driver who impatiently gripped the steering wheel.

"I got a schedule to keep," she said gruffly.

Not wanting to test her patience further, both Mike and Sulley turned back at George with grins of gratitude.

"Thanks, George," Sulley told him.

The orange monster beamed. "No problem, fellas," he said. "Oh, and guys?" He fiddled with his fingers a bit. "I canʼt think of any other team who deserved to win the Scares Games other than yours. Even my own."

Such sincerity was enough to melt an iceberg as both Mike and Sulley stared at him in awe, a sweet guy such as himself making it a little more painful about their expulsion.

The driver honked her horn angrily.

"Better get going," George chuckled. "Those jobs are waiting for you." He gave them a salute. "I wish you well for your future jobs at MI, and perhaps one day we can meet again...on the Scare Floor."

Memory fading, Mike smiled blissfully knowing that despite the easiness of applying for their current jobs, he was eternally grateful for Georgeʼs act of kindness. He was a pretty compatible monster once one took the time to know him.

Same was pretty much said for the rest of Jaws Theta Chi. Even the entire Greek community(minus ROR).

And George deserved a girlfriend, and he hoped the lovable pile of orange fur wouldnʼt, like what happened on the stairs, stumble on his words.
_

Naomi scanned the array of students that had attended the JOX party, her dully-clawed fingers clasping together as a timid yet hopeful expression spread across her face. Her sorority having dispersed to pursue their own interests for the evening, the youngest PNK member had caught up with Nadya who was beside her as they stood in front of the refreshment table.

"Oh, look," Nadya pointed as she spotted one of her sorority sisters. "Looks like youʼre not the only one looking for Terry Perry tonight."

Turning in her direction, the mauve-haired student flinched when she caught sight of Sonia Lewis, the HSS girl of raven hair and ruby red lips swaying past other monsters with a darkly yet alluring air about her as she idly approached EZ member Dot as well as Art and Squishy of Oozma Kappa, obviously asking them where the twins were.

As if on cue, EEK member Maria Garcia approached them as well. Her fiery red hair bobbing with every movement she made, she stood beside Sonia, momentarily exchanging a nod. Although both were vying for the heart of the older twin, they wouldnʼt tear each otherʼs eyes out in the process, the two odd friends. Whoever won him first, the loser would accept it.

But that didnʼt mean they wouldnʼt try super hard.

After being informed that the twins were being wall flowers off at the corner in the JOX living room, both girls immediately left Dot, Art, and Squishy and conversed among each other while searching for Terry.

"No hard feelings, right, Lewis?" Marcia said with a playful smirk as she moved ahead of her.

"None for you, I hope," Sonia said with a snicker before she lunged in front of her.

It quickly became a race as both girls left the central area of the party and resumed search. Naomi watched, envy and despair gripping her heart knowing that Terry could choose either of them if some other random girl hadnʼt already won him over yet.

Nadya glanced over at her, lips curving in annoyance as the PNK merely just stood there looking like a lost puppy.

"What are you waiting for?" She urged. "Go after him!"

Naomi looked at her in surprise as the HSS girl gave a supportive shove behind her back.

"Iʼll follow behind," she told her. "Just find Terry and hopefully come back in one piece if he blows up in your face again."

Oh, that was really motivating...

But Naomi didnʼt bother to snap at her as her three eyes focused on the invisible path before her, hoping the library scene wouldnʼt repeat itself and she could be lucky to even catch him looking at her, hopefully with the least bit of remorse. Of course, that may have been pushing it.

Nadya watched as her best friend outside her sorority pushed through the crowd of partygoers, intending to follow Maria and Sonia as they were about to make their way out of the main section and into the living room.

"Thought you could use a drink."

She glanced beside her and to see a purple hand offering her a plastic cup with the scent of tropical punch sifting out of it before she looked up and her three eyes gazed into a single large one.

Percy Boleslaw smiled as she accepted the drink before casually sipping it. The JOX member had his own which he fiddled in his fingertips.

"Still mothering Jackson, I see."

Nadya ceased her drinking, regarding him closely. "How you figure?"

The largely-horned frat boyʼs eye of lukewarm green lowered in concern. "I was there at the library, Petrov. I heard people talk about it, even from Wazowski and Sullivan. And donʼt get me started on the librarian; I did not expect that."

The HSS girl sighed, averting her gaze. That Terry Perry had made quite a scene within the quiet halls of the universityʼs building of knowledge, she could only presume Oozma Kappa would obviously triumph in the second event now that they had an advantage. She casted her three eyes in the direction her best friend had ventured and anxiety shadowed her darkly face, emitting a larger look of concern from Percy.

"I got to keep up with her," Nadya told him. "Later." And she quickly rushed off, pursuing the PNK girl closely behind.

"Yeah, see ya," Percy raised his cup to her in farewell as he idly watched her faded rose-colored skin merge through the pact of partygoers.

He smiled thoughtfully as she disappeared in sight, and he hardly noticed his frat brother Dirk Pratt standing beside him.

"Sheʼs something," he commented with a sly grin.

Percy, just now noticing his existence, gave a shake of his head and laughed dryly.

"Nadya is as untouchable as Rosie Levin, man," he told him. "Iʼd be careful if I were you."

The fiery-haired monster regarded him in confusion. "Nadya? Iʼm talking about Violet."

It was Percyʼs turn to appear confused. "My cousin?"

He glanced over his shoulder and spotted the female monster of similar skin tone to his as she chatted with Exceeda Zeta girl Monnie Monstre at a nearby corner. Violet Steslicki, his cousin as well as member of Slugma Slugma Kappa, was a well-built monster who related to Percy from his motherʼs side of the family; usually the most brawn among her EEK sisters with horns that curled like cinnamon buns, though not as large as Percyʼs.

And if Percy didnʼt know any better, as he glanced at Dirk, whose mace-protruding tail was nearly wagging...he could have sworn he was checking out Violet.

"Dude, are you...?" The taller monster asked carefully. "You have a thing for my cousin or something?"

Dirk immediately drifted out of his captivation and averted his eyes sheepishly, hunching his legs and appearing ever the guilty one.

He wasnʼt sure how he had developed such feelings for the EEK girl, having been one to dedicate himself as forever single, but it could have began the previous semester after HSS lost to OK during the ʻHide and Sneakʼ challenge and his fraternity, along with the other teams who had lost in the previous events, began gossiping that OK would eventually triumph ROR. Carla Delgado and her EEK sisters were the first to admit that while they had been incredibly bitter that they had lost to OK during the ʻAvoid the Parentʼ challenge, they had grown to have faith in the band of misfitted monsters, openly stating that ROR had finally met their match.

First was Maria Garcia to state how how incredibly amazing they had progressed since the first event, even mentioning how completely hot Terry Perry appeared more so than he had been before. Then Brynn Larson added that Mike Wazowski was the kind of monster any fitness-loving monster would pray to have as a coach, whether rain or shine, he trained his team to do the impossible(and it was especially in rain). Then Debbie Gabler showed her praise that the two monsters, Mike and Squishy, that were around her height, could stand so tall, even more so than Johnny Worthington and Javier Rios.

Then when Violet Steslicki spoke, her accent rich and deep, she commented how strong such a team was, especially said for mature student Don Carlton.

The way she just spoke is what caught Dirk Pratt at first, and when he merely listened, he had taken the time to observe the bulkiest of EEK. They way her claws lifted and descended as she described things, the way her lips moved as she spoke with her heavy accent not hard to comprehend, and the twinkle in her eye that was the color of, like her name, violet.

After that, the Greek community started growing closer, members opposite of each other began to meet and greet, deeper friendships were formed, and supposed enemies became friendly rivals. All thanks to Oozma Kappa.

And on occasion EEK girls would drop by the JOX house just to hang out and probably grab dibs on last nightʼs leftovers, Dirk knew Violet did as she would share cold pizza with her cousin on some days and speak of home and how the other was doing, then she would leave and resume her 24/7 workout with her sorority sisters.

She worked out so well.

Dirk looked at Percy with a guilty grin, his saber teeth gleaming as a faint blush emitted in his golden fur.

"You mad?" He asked, trying to sound innocent.

"No," Percy admitted, chuckling. "But Iʼll feel sorry for you if you eventually ask her out and, like her other dates, be left in the dust while she jogs out of your sight. Trust me, itʼs been a fad among the EEK girls since last year. I am not sure if thatʼs changed since none of them had dates in a while."

Dirk just looked at him skeptically, then returned his attention back at Violet.

It seemed too soon, anyway...

Naomi was near the living room where it seemed quieter in comparison to the main hall as Sonia and Maria disappeared, having gone much further.

However, as luck would have it, there he was as he and his brother exited the living room, stepping into the main central where most of the party was occurring.

The usual composed expression was plastered on his face while his younger brother snapped his fingers to the music, standing beside him no other than Katy McCrea as she bobbed her head to the music blasting through the speakers. His brother, however, was making good conversation with both sorority girls that nearly clung to him like gum on quarters as they drank in every word he said.

The older Perry took no notice how they gazed at him, not even coming close to realizing the desirable smile oozing from Soniaʼs lips as she eyed him hungrily.

It almost sickened Naomi to imagine what Sonia could possibly do with Terry if he chose her...

But Terry appeared heedless as he was naive as he resumed his rambling, imbibing in the moment of sounding more like a college professor to admirable students.

Not wasting another moment, Naomi marched her way through the crowd, hoping to just be near him and possibly jump at the right time when Sonia and Maria were keeping their guard down. She was just a couple of feet away from him-

SPLASH!

"Oh, my!" Mrs. Carlton exclaimed as she clutched the lid atop her pot of roast soup, Randall standing beside her as he carried a large tray of cupcakes. He was thankful Naomi hadnʼt crashed into him as well or the results would have turned out worse as the JOX party two semesters ago.

Terry turned around and his single eye widened when he saw Naomi stand back from Mrs. Carlton, a brown spot of her cooking undeniably visible on her vibrant wool sweater. The PNK girl gasped before immediately hiding the conspicuous mess that resulted from the unexpected impact; she looked in Terryʼs direction, and was deeply pained when he averted from her sight.

"Oh, sweetie!" Mrs. Carlton cried in dismay. "I am so sorry about that!"

"Oh, no, itʼs okay, maʼam," Naomi assured her as she furiously tried to wipe away the brown spot, only inducing it further upon her sweater. "Iʼll...Iʼll just wash it off."

She quickly darted in Terryʼs direction once more, the older twin not even paying her the smallest of glances as his single eye landed on the floor, his lips in a tiny frown. Dejected but not daring to show it especially in front of the OK frat mom, Naomi immediately darted into the living room, intending to go upstairs toward the bathroom. Nadya joined behind her, offering to soap it down and hope it wouldnʼt wind up a dried up stain when it hit the washer later on.

Seeing that the PNK girl was fine, Mrs. Carlton returned her attention back to the hungry monsters before her.

"Hope youʼre still hungry!" She said cheerfully before removing the lid of her steaming soup. "Third dish is here!" She had been astounded that her other two dishes had been finished so quickly and the party had just begun.

"And cupcakes!" Randy said hopefully, bringing out his tray for all to see.

Before he knew it, he was being flocked by students all around him, grabbing a cupcake from left to right and that made the lizard beam with pride, grateful that things had definitely changed since last year. A few monsters had even given him compliments on his baking skills, and that was more than enough for Randall to hear even though hardly anyone noticed the message the cupcakes had intended to make.

He smiled as a familiar yellow slug with brown spots slowly made his way over to his tray. Providing some assistance, Randall just took a few steps forward and leaned the tray toward him.

Theo just smiled nervously as he regarded the OK member...the one that had resulted him and a few other students in paramedic help after the lizard had turned an exploding sea urchin right on them, the results so traumatizing Theo was surprised his roommate Marbus wasnʼt as affected.

"I heard about you from last year," Randall told him as he used one of his lower hands to offer the slug student a second cupcake. "Youʼre doing alright now, I hope?"

"Uh, yeah," Theo said uneasily, fearfully looking at him. "Got my roommate helping me out, and my classes are a breeze."

"Good to hear that," Randall said, giving him a wink before walking off to pass off his cupcakes to other students.

Theo let out a sigh of relief, just about to take a bite out of both his cupcakes when Marbus stood before him.

"Heʼs not going to kill you, you know," he told him bluntly.

"Did you see the way he threw that urchin back at me back at the first event?" Theo cried. "I could have died."

"It was a defense move," Marbus informed him. "Heck, even that Katy McCrea girl would have done it if she had sleeves."

Sephira joined them, licking her fingers after sampling one of Randallʼs cupcakes.

"He should major in Baking if the whole Scaring thing doesnʼt work out," she commented.

Randy smiled as his cupcakes began disappearing while Mrs. Carlton was being complimented by the JOX members about how grateful they were for her dishes. From the corner of his eye, he could spot the kind woman reaching over and embracing Big Redʼs overly large figure, having him bend down to apply a gentle kiss to his cheeks, making him appear even redder as his frat brothers snickered.

"Hey, Randy."

He wheeled around and nearly collided into Monnie. Stepping back, he smiled apologetically as the yellow-skinned monster merely giggled.

"Oh, hey, Monnie," he greeted shyly. He held up his tray. "Cupcake?"

"Was there some sort of message here?" Monnie asked as she saw each piece with a letter written in icing.

"Yeah, there was," he sighed. "It used to say ʻLetʼs be friends!ʼ, there had even been cupcakes for the apostrophe and exclamation point, but seems my cupcakes are as popular as I thought."

"Well, they should be," Monnie complimented. "Theyʼre awesome."

Randall nearly blushed, praying his entire body wouldnʼt resort to red as he drank in the sight of the sincere EZ girl before him. Just then they were immediately flocked by the rest of Oozma Kappa and Exceeda Zeta.

"Oh, yeah, cupcakes!" Katy said excitedly as she reached down and grabbed one.

"Make way!" Art exclaimed as two hands reached over and grabbed an ʻBʼ and an ʻSʼ. "Hey, check it out..." He murmured as he placed the two together. "Doesnʼt that spell-"

"WHOO!"

They all turned around after hearing the undeniable outburst of the Greek councilʼs vice president and witnessed him sharing a high-five with Big Red. Claire just stood beside him, her usual expression appearing more sullen as she rolled her eyes.

"Best. Party. Ever." Brock commented excitedly.

"You say that about every party," Claire droned.

Brock barely heard her as he and Big Red caught sight of OK and EZ and approached them.

"Oozmas!" He greeted cheerfully. "Exceedas!"

"Brock, there is no mistaking your voice," Mike chuckled as he reached over and playfully shook the vice presidentʼs hand. "Glad you could be here."

"I know, right?" Brock laughed. "Iʼm just so pumped! The next event of the Scare Games will be a real killer!"

"Itʼs just a repeat of the one last semester," Claire rolled her eyes once more.

"Oh, sure!" Brock chuckled. "But how interesting will it be now with our last-minute team here?" He gestured to the four girls before him.

Wait...four?

Brockʼs smile slowly vanished as he took in the sight of Monnie, Katy, Dot, and Colette. Raising an eyebrow in confusion, he realized one was definitely missing.

Where was EZʼs president?

"Um," he turned toward Oozma Kappa. "Whereʼs Sharp?"

"Laura?" Big Red asked in confusion. "I thought she was already here."

Squishyʼs five eyes widened in surprise. "Sheʼs not here?" He looked around the room. "But I thought-"

"We thought she was with you girls," Mike cut in as he turned to the rest of EZ. "Didnʼt she arrive with any of you?"

"No, Mike," Monnie answered. "We all came here at different times."

"We thought Laura was with you guys," Colette pointed out. "Especially you, Don."

"Well, sorry," the mature student apologized, "but I havenʼt seen Laura since this afternoon."

Mikeʼs single eye knitted in confusion. "Didnʼt she say she was coming?"

"She did," Katy said slowly. "At least, I think she did..."
_

Laura looked up from her books on Scaring Theories as she heard a knock on the door of her dorm. Archie, who was sleeping soundly in his own small bed, woke up and began to snort, as though he was trying to acquire the identities of the monsters at the door with his sense of smell.

Looking at the clock that was on the table beside her Fear Tech cap, she was reminded of the party at the JOX fraternity house that Katy mentioned hours earlier when the Exceeda Zeta sorority gathered together for a meal and a chat.

The former FT student winced, sensing that the others had probably become aware that she had not attended the party near the same times they had and were wondering where she was. Closing her notebook and pushing herself off the chair, she walked across her dorm briskly with Archie's rectangular irises following her every movement.

"Laura? Are you in there?" She heard a small voice that sounded distinctly feminine, like one who was able to sing many songs in various different tunes. It had to be Katy.

Laura turned the knob and pulled her dorm door open, expecting to find Katy alone, but she was apparently wrong as someone else was with the Vocal Music major.

Mike Wazowski stood beside Katy, his single eye grazing at Laura's own as he and Katy both regarded Laura in question. He had offered to follow Katy back to Lauraʼs dorm and hopefully get the EZ leader to eventually attend the party many had hoped she would be present at.

"We thought you forgot about the party event at JOX tonight. So we both decided to come and get you." Katy explained as her blue eyes focused on Laura. "Aren't you going? Everyoneʼs wondering where you are, even Brock."

Archie ran toward Laura's legs and snuggled fitfully between them as the draconic creatureʼs wings drooped with apprehension, her sky and forest eyes shrinking as the thought of the party invaded her mind.

"Uh, gee..." She murmured before leaning against her doorway. "Iʼm not too sure. I mean, I got a lot of studying to do and, really, and I donʼt think Iʼm much of the party type-"

"Oh, come on, Laura!" Mike urged. "Studying can wait!" How ironic that sounded coming from his mouth when he, as a former MU student, had studied immensely every waking moment. "And not the party type?" He scoffed. "Remember when you said you werenʼt the sorority type?"

"You got to go," Katy encouraged. "Come on, Sharp, lighten up."

"Um, I donʼt know..." Laura said uneasily, nearly hiding herself behind her doorway as she thought it over.

"Mrs. Carltonʼs cooking and Randyʼs cupcakes!" Mike chirped. "Remember that?"

The thought of party food immediately grabbed Lauraʼs attention, but she was slow to respond as doubt seeped into her mind once more.

However, after seeing the pleading looks of both Mike and Katy, the EZ leader eventually gave in, and she stepped away from her doorway with Archie close behind her.

"O...okay," she said timidly, swallowing the lump in her throat.
_

Johnny glanced around the room, drinking in the sight of the party. While his fraternity brothers were socializing among the other students, Johnny had stayed put at a nearby corner, having no intention of making small talk with the rest of his classmates.

Unless one of those classmates was her.

Where was Laura Sharp? He had overheard Big Red and Brock mention that she had never showed up, and one of the EZ girls and Wazowski had decided to go back to the dorms and retrieve the missing monster.

He barely had time to get out of the way as Mrs. Carlton passed him, a couple of bowls of chips in both her hands and a container of her homemade salsa laid atop her head of curls.

"Excuse me, Jonathan," she told him politely.

He raised an eyebrow, no one even years above him had ever referred to him in that nickname. Of course, this woman referred to most by their full names; she had called Dean Hardscrabble ʻAbbyʼ on occasion.

He looked up and immediately smiled when he spotted a pair of familiar wings that ascended the steps of the JOX house.

Laura Sharp tensed even more as Mike and Katy stood at each side, wondering why she was so nervous about a party. Maybe she hardly partied much at Fear Tech due to her constant studying and possibly choosing more alone time than one would want. Archie trailed beside them, snuffling the air of pizza and good drink and the sound of music exciting him.

Both monsters were incredibly surprised when Laura just stopped right in front of the open doorway, anxiety evident in her face as she clung to the side of the door, as if intending to hide herself in other monstersʼ views despite that a number of them were scattered out on the patio.

"I changed my mind!" Laura squeaked, wincing painfully. "Iʼll just see you guys tomorrow and you can tell me how it goes-"

Just as she was about to turn to leave, Mike reached over and grasped her hand, squeezing it gently.

"Come on, Sharp," he spoke assuringly. "You just took on a whole sewer of poisonous exploding urchins, and youʼre afraid of a little party?"

Laura looked up him, ears lowering.

Mike just smiled softly at her, giving her another hopeful squeeze of her hand.

"Look, take a deep breath," he instructed.

Laura slowly accepted his instruction before she inhaled, something she usually did when she felt so close to a panic attack.

"And here we go!" Mike said cheerfully before dragging her, surprised that he could pull someone who was much stronger than him, into the central room.

The EZ leader immediately released the breath she had been holding in as the loud music invaded her ears. Archie had long left her sight as he ventured across the room, hoping to find scraps and possibly anyone who was careless enough to leave his or her refreshment plate.

Laura swallowed yet another lump in her throat as she tucked in her wings, drinking in the sight of the JOXʼs home interior.

It looked like a home mixed with a sports stadium as the walls were plastered with various posters of JOXʼs past victories, some years representing their win of the Scare Games and the times in which the trophy laid within their home. She stared at the photos held behind glass panels that decorated across the room, former students and members smiling in front of the camera as good sportsmanship and competition shone on their faces.

Literally everywhere she looked, banners displaying the words JOX rules! hung from the ceiling, brightly yellow-colored Christmas lights lit up around the room to induce the party mood. She even caught a glimpse of some random monster dangling from a chandelier, hooting and hollering like a maniac.

It was a lovely home, and the party did honestly appear pleasing...yet Laura was still as nervous as the day she realized she was now the president of a last-minute sorority.

"Hey, guys!" Mike called as he patted her from behind. "Look who we brought!"

She was immediately swarmed by familiar faces as her sorority sisters and OK greeted her affectionately, followed by a hug from Colette, her fuzzy tube dress tickling Lauraʼs bare chest.

"Good to see you, Laura," Don greeted happily, reaching up and grasping her shoulder gently. "Boy, we almost thought you decided not to come."

"Uh, yeah..." Laura winced, trying to smile.

"Cupcake?"

She looked down and she really did smile as Randall held up a tray of leftover cupcakes before her, his emerald eyes gleaming behind his lenses.

"Oh, I thought I missed them already!" Laura laughed before she reached down and grabbed three.

"Saved the special ones," he said shyly. "Because of how darn special you are."

Such a compliment warmed Laura as she consumed her three portions in a matter of seconds, yet such infuriated Monnie who stood beside the lizard as she twitched, trying not to show her envious expression.

"Oh, Michael," Celia cooed as she wrapped an arm around her boyfriendʼs frame. "That was so sweet of you to bring Laura over here."

Mike merely blushed as he leaned into his girlfriend, her snakes nearly draped over his head.

"Yeah, thanks," he said, "I donʼt know what Lauraʼs so nervous about. Itʼs not like she could wind up getting a panic attack just partying."

He and Celia remained silent for a few moments, his comment striking them uncomfortably.

"But just in case..." He said slowly. "I know where Big Red keeps his first-aid kit."
_

A few minutes into the party, Laura began to relax a little more as she unwittingly socialized among her Greek neighbors and classmates. She shared small talk with Rosie Levin as the HSS leader mentioned the new piercing she applied to her horns after winning the first event; she was warmly welcomed by Big Red who was greatly pleased she had brought along Archie, the hog eating off plates without any monster realizing; she accepted the compliments of Carrie when it came to the scarf that itched around Lauraʼs neck like barbwire; and Johnny merely just winked at her from across the room, such a gesture implying more than words could, which made the draconic-like monster feel incredibly embarrassed.

Squishy, taking a deep breath, slowly approached her as the EZ president walked out of Johnnyʼs sight, the youngest OK member hoping to strike up a conversation with her the way the others had, even Mike.

He watched as the usually timid monster idly turned her head, clasping her hands together as if looking uncertain about something. She just looked so beautiful and attractive and she wasnʼt even trying...

Heart pounding, Squishy slowly inched beside her.

"Uh, hi..." He greeted quietly.

Laura nearly gasped before she looked down and smiled with relief to see it was only him.

"Oh, you startled me," she managed a chuckle. "Gosh, someone should get you a bell..."

Squishy giggled at her little joke before he shuffled his feet, gazing at the floor shyly. "So, uh, how you enjoying the party?"

"Honestly, Squishy," Laura said carefully. "It is wonderful, and maybe I shouldnʼt have tried to skip out on it."

He looked at her in question. "You donʼt like parties?"

"Oh, no, nothing like that," she assured. "In fact, I love college parties, especially when thereʼs food involved."

As if on cue, an unsuspecting student with his plate held out behind him strolled past them, and he hadnʼt notice Laura pluck a chip right off his plate.

The EZ leader smiled sheepishly before consuming her find, indicating her growing hunger to the OK member.

"I really love what Big Red and his brothers did for tonight," she said sincerely, "itʼs just that, well, sometimes I can just worry about what I might wind up in with these parties."

"What do you mean?" Squishy asked her, concern evident in his tone. "Is this...is this like when the Scare Games first started?"

"Well, something like that..." She murmured. "Back in Fear Tech-"

Their conversation was intervened when Colette and a fuchsia-colored monster with spikes came over to them.

"Laura!" The fashionista greeted, motioning to the other beside her. "Meet Flora. Flora Blob-Ghast."

"Iʼm Big Redʼs girlfriend," the introduced said, her tone nearly as gruff as the JOX leaderʼs from Lauraʼs ears. "Weʼre in Scaring 101 together."

"We are?" Laura raised an eyebrow. "Oh, come to think of it, I do sort of recognize you."

"Most of our classmates already recognize you," Flora chuckled. "Crashed right through the doors on her first day, mentioned to be the daughter of a renowned Scarer-"

Lauraʼs ears lowered at the mention of her father, grimacing a smile; praying Flora didnʼt immediately create interest in her just because of status and family background.

"And made this semesterʼs Scare Games quite interesting," Flora added smoothly. "My money may be on Oozma Kappa, but Iʼm adding my two cents for you, doll." She gave her a playful wink. She shifted her gazed toward Squishy. "No offense, shorty."

"None taken," Squishy said, a thin line of a smile upon his face.

"Royʼs girlfriend, you said?" Laura asked her.

"Just call him Big Red, alright?"

"Of course," she said quickly. "It was very nice of Big Red to invite us to his party." The EZ leader smiled a bit. "I wish him the best of luck in the next Scare Games event, heʼs a great fraternity leader to his brothers and a very sweet guy from how Iʼve interacted with him."

Flora raised her single eye at her. "You hitting on my man?"

Lauraʼs eyes widened in horror by such a question, her pupils shrinking nearly to specks as her wings unfolded and drooped with immediate despair.

"N-no!" She stuttered, surprising the larger monster. "I-I would never!"

Both Flora and Colette as well as Squishy watched as Laura began rambling apologies, her entire body shaking with fret.

"I am so sorry!" Laura exclaimed frantically. "I never meant to make it sound like that! I was just giving a compliment, I swear! Please donʼt think that Iʼm trying to make such moves on him because I would never-"

"Whoa, easy there, Sharp!" Flora cut in, hands held out in front of her as if she was nearly backing off. "Relax! I was just messing with you! I thought youʼd get the joke!"

The color returned in Lauraʼs eyes as her wings raised a bit, regarding her in surprise.

"Oh, a joke," Laura chuckled nervously. "Right...right...sorry..."

Squishy watched her breath slowly, incredibly confused by why she seemed so timid by mere humor. Behind him, Mike and Sulley had witnessed Lauraʼs outburst, instantly questioning her anxiety-prone personality and quick infliction on herself, taking immediate blame. Mike raised his single eye, grazing the sight of the Laura as the former Fear Tech student reverted back to her steady breathing and appeared calm once more; he could have sworn she was near another panic attack.

"Sorry," Laura winced, her ears lowering like that of a troubled hound.

"Thereʼs nothing to apologize, Sharp," Flora assured her. "Geez, relax! Why you so edgy all the time?"

"Edgy? Iʼm edgy?" Laura painfully smiled. "Sorry, I try not to be edgy but merely not thinking of being edgy is the turning point of what makes me edgy!"

Her fingers shook as her arms fell to her sides, and she tried to smile once more.

"Yeah, sorry again..."

Sulley leaned toward Mike, watching Laura. "Iʼm worried whatʼll happen to her when the second event comes."

Mike raised his eye at him, frowning a bit. "Come on, Sulley, so she nearly needed paramedic help at the first event. But you remember seeing how confident she was as she flew her team to the finish...right before she realized Colette was left behind and she suffered a panic attack." He muttered. "But the point is, Iʼm sure Laura Sharp can get through this. I mean, come on, she did the Scare Games by herself back in Fear Tech. So sheʼs not exactly confident about being a sorority president and constantly worries something bad will happen and sheʼll quickly blame herself..." He gave a shrug. "Itʼs a work in progress, and itʼs only the second event. Look what happened to us last semester."

"Well, Lauraʼs not exactly you, buddy," Sulley pointed out.

"Yeah, thatʼs kind of obvious..." Mike murmured. "But still, itʼs not like she has an extreme phobia with teamwork or something like that."

"But she has a fear of failing her team," Sulley mentioned, "and after that, we learned at the night of the first event that sheʼs afraid of getting her picture taken."

"Yeah, Atychiphobia and Fotografizophobia..." Mike sighed. "But you have to admit, Lane Picca was being so demanding for that shot!"

Sulley rolled his eyes. "I wonder if sheʼs afraid of heights as well..."

"Youʼre kidding, right?" Mike regarded him with a stern look. "Acrophobia? Laura Sharp? Who flies?"

"Sheʼs a textbook waiting to be read from what Iʼve seen so far," Sulley couldnʼt help but say. "Iʼm not saying she stinks, but she really needs to relax if she wants to get through this. I mean, come on, her dad was champion during his time at Fear Tech."

"I know, I know," Mike sighed. "Things were different for her at Fear Tech than they are here and Laura wasnʼt exactly here on the first day if you recall. Look, give her a bit of time, and her confidence will rise by this much." He raised the palm of his hand which exceeded his own height. "Even half an inch will do wonders!"

Sulley merely frowned, doubt seeping into his thoughts before he shifted his gaze back at Laura, who was now fully calm and appearing the same as the night they had all first met her in Greek row. The blue monster felt that such a monster as Laura Sharp possessed that nearly of a split personality, though one side of her was dominating the other; he recalled too well that night in the OK kitchen the way she had interrogated him about his former actions and the previous Scare Games, any trace of anxiety vanished from her completely as she verbally assaulted him like that of the Dean before she raged on, nearly scaring the fur right off his body.

As ridiculous as it sounded, he hoped for more of that side of Laura to emerge, seeing as her worrisome side was really hurting her and she needed a confidence booster to even it out.

What it was like for her in Freshman year back in Fear Tech, Sulley would like to know...

"LAURA SHARP!"

Both Mike and Sulley nearly jumped at the booming voice but immediately calmed when they realized it was no other than Brock Pearson as they watched random monsters move out of his way as he and Claire approached Laura Sharp(the girl having obviously been startled by his booming voice. Who didnʼt?). The EZ president stood straight, giving off the most sincere smile she could produce as Brock and Claire stood by her while Flora, Colette, and Squishy stood on the opposite side.

"Mr. Pearson," Laura greeted, sounding so casual now. She nodded at Claire, and a hint of worry shone on her expression. "Ms. Wheeler."

Both president and vice president raised eyebrows at her overly mature way of saying hello, no one but the university professors and especially Hardscrabble herself having referred to them in the manner of last names.

"Uh, just Brock and Claire, alright?" The president issued her.

"Yeah, no need for formalities!" Brock laughed, despite using his indoor voice it was unsurprisingly loud. "Weʼre all friends here!"

Laura looked incredibly surprised, and she clasped her hands together, trying to appear casual once more but incredibly curious with child-like question.

"F-friends?" She asked quietly. "Really?"

"What, donʼt tell me like the Scare Game rules you donʼt now what that is!" Brock chortled, eyeing her closely.

"Uh, no," Laura quickly answered. "I do know what it is, itʼs just that, well, youʼre the president and vice president of the Greek council and weʼre merely just teams you organize in preparation for upcoming events, and I never assumed anything could further up from being mere acquaintances-"

"Seriously, I donʼt know what goes on in Fear Tech," Brock cut in with a playful smile, "but thatʼs not how it goes down here at MU."

Before Laura knew it, he reached over and lifted her into the air, hugging her.

Letting out a startled cry from the unexpected contact, Laura immediately relaxed though was having a slightly hard time breathing due to getting the life nearly squeezed out of her as he embraced her tighter a like a bear to a tree. Brock just laughed as he idly shook her above him, always one to give hugs to unsuspecting students; he tried it with Donna Soohoo and despite it looking incredibly awkward, the EEK girl had been quick to comply and had wrapped her worm-like tail around his waist, making it appear more like Brock was trying on a new belt than performing a hug.

"Oh, this is a surprise," Laura couldnʼt help but comment as she was lifted up in the air, nearly losing the feeling in her arms as the hug tightened.

Claire rolled her three eyes, folding her arms as she glanced at Brock excitedly embracing the last-minute sorority leader, the big lug being his enthusiastic but loving self; last time he had given an overly affectionate but brotherly hug to Don Carlton...nearly broke the old manʼs back in the process.

From Mike and Sulleyʼs perspective, both former students could have sworn they saw a flicker of something in her usually apathetic trio of eyes.

Was she just that annoyed with Brock at the moment for being overly affectionate once more? Or was it jealousy?

The latter...yeah, right.

"Put her down, meat head," Claire ordered, her deadpanned tone sounding a bit firmer than usual as she regarded the vice president sternly. "Youʼre going to break her wings off."

"I canʼt help it!" Brock chortled, shaking Laura in his arms that of a big brother. "Iʼm a bigger hugger than even George Sanderson!" He gazed up at Laura. "Bet your vice president at Fear Tech never hugged you like this!"

Reminded of her former alma mater, the tender smile slowly vanished from Lauraʼs lips and that recognized expression of doubt returned once more.

"Put her down!" Claire said a bit louder, going far as to shove him rather roughly, her lanky arms quite effective to his muscled ones.

"Alright, alright..." Brock rolled his eyes before gently placing Laura back on her feet.

The feel of flooring was temporarily foreign to the draconic monsterʼs legs, feeling all the weight slowly seep down to her toes as she brushed herself off, smiling shyly.

When she turned to Claire, watching the president fold her arms and her trademark sullen expression resume, the EZ president lowered her ears, wincing once more.

Sulley raised an eyebrow, observing the manner Laura was in as she appeared to be leaning away from Claire Wheeler, almost as if the president was carrying human child toxicity on her and the sorority leader was doing everything in her power to avoid it.

Laura looked almost frightened of Claire.

"Hey, Mike," he nudged his best friend. "Whatʼs a phobia for someone who might have a fear of their universityʼs Greek council president?"

Mike glanced over at him, looking a little dismayed that he would use that type of definition for a new term.

"I believe the more appropriate statement would be fear of politics," he explained intelligently. "And thatʼs Politicophobia."

He swerved his gaze back in Lauraʼs direction, immensely confused by the incredible shyness she showed toward Claire Wheeler while Brock stood between them, that usual excited expression vibrant on his face. The former Fear Tech student looked incredibly intimidated by Claire, while the president merely regarded her the way she usually regarded any monster.

This confused Mike to no limit.

Claire may be an odd monster at times, but she certainly wasnʼt someone to be scared of...
_

Squishy nervously entered the game room, a couple of drinks in hand. For the longest time since he had observed her, the youngest OK member was worried that maybe the party wasnʼt exactly in Lauraʼs best interest.

Sure, she seemed to be having a swell time, a good conversationalist and showing the uttermost respect to everyone around her, even Johnny. But he had noticed she appeared quite edgy a few times, more edgy than she was when it came to the Scare Games or her teamʼs safety.

Like when it came to Floraʼs joking around, Laura immediately took fault when she immediately assumed the other Scare student was accusing her of desiring Big Red; she had been near a panic attack by the looks of it. And when he witnessed her incredibly shy demeanor in front of Claire, greatly opposing to her surprised but compatible response to Brock squeezing the life out of her, Squishy wondered if Laura harbored ill feelings with the Greek president...or was Claire Wheeler just that ʻintimidatingʼ that Laura was so easily afraid of her?

Afraid? Of Claire Wheeler? Laura really needed to calm down and relax...

He spotted Laura sitting beside Carla Delgado in one of the larger furniture chairs as the girls engaged in conversation, Laura appearing more her usually calm self and that smile Squishy secretly adored laid upon her lips.

Doubt slipping away, the little monster approached her. "Brought you a drink in case you were thirsty," he said shyly, offering her a cup.

Laura smiled at him, and that elicited more pounding in his little chest as she accepted the cup, drinking it in one entire gulp.

"Thanks, I needed that," Laura said gratefully, wiping a hand across her lips.

"Oh, here comes Javier, one of the ping pong champions," Carla said before rolling her eyes.

"Javier?" Laura repeated as Squishy took a seat on the chair beside hers. "Javier Rios, you mean?"

"Thatʼs him," Carla nodded.

The cockroach-dignified member of ROR stood proudly before the new ping pong table that had been purchased last year(Sulley having broken the first one due to chasing a certain pig), holding a paddle in each of his four hands, his quadruple of four eyes bore into the monster across from him; the other champion, more particularly the King Kong of Ping Pong, Zane Xiao.

At the blink of an eye, the two started the game.

A crowd gathered around the room as the two hard-sported players maneuvered with every shot, the ping pong ball flashing before everyoneʼs eyes, neither Xiao nor Rios even remotely worn out as both were determined to best the other.

"Wow," Laura said in astonishment. "Theyʼre good."

"I know, right?"

She immediately whirled around and there leaning against the wall beside her chair was no other than Johnny Worthington, that same charming smile displayed across his lips as he regarded her with his richly purple irises.

"ROR material, I tell you," he chuckled casually. "And he has a scare to match his hand-eye coordination."

Carla scoffed and rolled her eyes, completely aware that he was obviously flirting with the EZ president. Squishy pursed his lips, his multitude of eyes blinking worriedly as he witnessed Johnny once again working his charm on his secret crush.

However, Laura just regarded him, raising an eyebrow.

"Are you flirting with me again?" She asked in an inquisitive yet puzzled manner.

Johnny merely chuckled, sensing her intellectual side was taking over and she would throw confusing terms like ʻverbal ironyʼ into the mix. It was pretty cute.

"How would you define that in the textbook?" He asked humorously.

Before Laura could answer, a whistle sounded and all heads turned toward Zane Xiao.

"Iʼm taking a break," the blue cephalopod announced before lowering his paddles. "Anybody want to take it from here?"

"Oh, I would!"

All eyes turned toward the open hallway, and there standing proudly was no other than Sherry Carlton, her five eyes twinkling with enthusiasm as she placed her petite hands on her waist. Beside her stood Randall, the frat mom having pleaded he join her in a round of ping pong against the ROR member.

"Mom?" Squishy exclaimed with surprise.

"Hi, sweetheart!" She greeted cheerfully before she and Randall made their way over to the other side of the table. She flashed Javier a sly grin. "Oh, I do love ping pong. Itʼs like tennis with no use for sports shoes."

Johnny and the rest of ROR snickered, staring at the frat mom if she was really serious about playing against their champion. Same especially said for Randall, who was inspecting the paddle he received with tediousness, his green eyes squinting behind his large glasses.

Before Laura and Squishy knew it, the rest of Oozma Kappa, Exceeda Zeta, along with Mike, Sulley, Celia, and even Archie immediately entered the room and squeezed into their seats beside the two students, the scare pig landing on Lauraʼs lap and snuggling against her lower belly.

"Be careful, dear!" Don said, casting a worried gaze in RORʼs direction.

Chet smirked, claws to his sides as he watched Mrs. Carlton stand in front of the table, her height barely reaching above its edge while Randall stood to the side, allowing himself to wait the next turn (when it wasnʼt Javier).

"Javiʼs got this game in the bag," the crab-like monster said knowingly.

"Oh, really?"

He shifted on his six legs and his single eye narrowed as Brynn stood beside him, her arms folded and her three eyes casting down at him with a playful grin.

"I think Javier has met a better match than even Zane Xiao," the EEK girl stated.

Chetʼs eye widened, then he scoffed. "What? The OK momma? Come on!"

Brynn regarded him closely, lips deepening in a devilish grin.

"How about a bet?" She asked mischievously.

"Youʼre on!" The ROR member answered without a second thought. "Ten bucks my buddy will wipe mommy off her curlers!"

"Twenty." Brynn challenged, hands in her pockets.

"Deal!" He said, wryly grinning before both returned to the game.

"Hey, fast arms," Johnny whispered as he patted Javierʼs back. "Take it easy on Grandma."

Javier smirked, chuckling under his breath as he awaited with his paddles in hand.

Sherry steadied for a few moments as she held the tiny ball in her hand, then swiftly she struck it and it bounced across over to Javierʼs side of the table. It seemed to start out like simple childʼs play as the bug-like monster struck it, taking it easy on ʻGrandmaʼ as he was sure the mature woman would tire out so easily after a few hits.

However, after the sixth hit, it appeared as if Sherry Carlton was moving faster, striking the ball as if it were actual tennis. Her petite frame moved that of an acrobat, her colored dress dancing with every attempt she made as she idly struck the ball, almost as if she didnʼt need a lot of strength to do it because Javier himself was using a lot of his right now.

Johnny and his fraternity watched in shock as the older woman lunged faster than even Javier, her curls bouncing and she didnʼt appear the be breaking a sweat as her smile deepened, enjoying the game to its fullest.

Javier refused to be beaten by someone old enough to knit him a sweater as he extended each of his arms, striking the ball back at the sparkly-eyed mother.

"Yeah, go, Mrs. C!" Carla cheered as she and the rest of the spectators regarded the suspense, everyone now placing their bets on OKʼs frat mom.

"Oh, Randy?" She called, not breaking her eyes away from the game as she resumed striking the ball. "Could you be a dear and throw in another ball in here?"

The lizardʼs eyes widened in surprise, but he did as he was told and found the bucket full of ping pong balls. Ever so slowly, he tossed it right into Mrs. Carltonʼs section, and the woman immediately hovered it across Javierʼs side, the ROR member nearly missing it as he lunged and caught it just in the nick of time.

"Throw in a few more, please, dear," she said sweetly while continuously playing, bouncing on her feet as she thoroughly enjoyed the energy coursing through her body.

Incredibly stunned, Randall obeyed and picked up three to four more and tossed them onto the table, Mrs. Carlton striking each of them so gracefully, and she was only using one paddle!

Javier gasped, his confidence being tested as he immediately struck the incoming ping pong balls like bombs being reflected off him. How utterly humiliating right now!

Johnny just stood there, jaw unhinged and his eyes nearly shrinking. Don laughed, satisfied that his wife was showing these ROR boys that she wasnʼt just a good cook and cleaner, she was also an incredible player.

Javier grunted, the sweat pouring down the side of his cheek as he struck every single one with determination flashing in his eyes, fuchsia darkening to a shade of crimson that nearly dominated his fraternityʼs trademark color.

In a fit of rage, he struck one incoming ball with as much force as he could emit. However, he created a misstep in his aim and the ball flew to his side.

And struck Laura right in the forehead.

"Laura!" Squishy cried as the EZ president let out a cry of surprise, clutching her head before she fell straight to the floor.

Johnnyʼs eyes widened in horror, then he gave his obviously defeated frat brother a deadly glare before he rushed over to the fallen sorority leader.

"Oh, sweetie!" Mrs. Carlton exclaimed as she pushed through OK and EZ and gazed down at Laura. "Honey, are you okay?"

She reached down and gently lifted the palm of Lauraʼs hand away from her eyes. The usually timid monster blinking up at her as she looked mildly embarrassed from the impact.

"I...Iʼm fine," she assured everyone before she slowly lifted the upper half of her body. She rubbed her forehead shyly.

"Well, that move proves obvious," all turned toward Zane Xiao, who smirked. "Sherry Carlton wins!"

With the help of Mike and Celia, Laura got to her feet and joined in the applause for one of MUʼs newest ping pong champions. Roar Omega Roar merely stood there, flabbergasted that Javier Rios had been beaten by the mother of an OK member.

The bug-like creature gripped his paddles, fuming with humiliation. He tried to convince himself that the woman was merely just lucky, such fortune usually brought upon the rest of OK like that of the Scare Games. He refused to believe that someone Don Carltonʼs age had taken him down so easily.

He heard a small giggle and whirled around, then lowered his gaze at the source.

Debbie Gabler held her hands to her mouth, trying her hardest to stifle her guffaws at the sight of big, tough, pokerfaced Javier Rios having just been defeated by small, doting, starry-eyed Sherry Carlton.

He glared down at her, four eyes burning into her single one, which only elicited her giggles further.

After a few moments and her laughter was erupting through the fingers of her closed palms, he finally spoke.

"Not. Funny." He growled, his voice rich with a heavy Hispanic accent.

Debbie just grinned beneath her palms, satisfied she at least got two words out of him.

Brynn shifted her gaze toward Chet, his large mouth nearly hitting the floor, his eye of mint green merely appearing that of a speck created by the jot of a pencil. In his claw was the twenty dollars he intended to count alongside the amount he thought he was going to gain.

The EEK girl reached over and yanked her prize out of his unmoving claw, the stunned ROR member not even flinching.

"We should bet more often," she giggled before pocketing the cash.
_

Terri yawned as he and his brother entered through the doors of the science building. They had certainly partied very hard last night, the music and watching ROR getting their tails handed to them by Mrs. Carlton having elongated through the long hours after midnight. The twins were surprised they even managed to make it back to their fraternity house and not pass out right in the middle of Greek row.

They almost didnʼt leave their bed, not many hours of sleep resorting in lethargy; still, they fought their hardest to remain awake, their science teacher expectant of them to follow instructions for the lab they were doing today.

Walking down the familiar hallway toward their destination, Terry soon let out his own yawn, clutching their textbook as they neared their room.

He was immediately wide awake when he spotted a familiar face occupying the same hall.

Naomi nearly lowered her head to drape the locks over her eyes as the older twin came into her view. Clutching her books, she stood closer to Nadya as the two-headed body neared them. Their science class always ended around the time Terri and Terryʼs was about to start; Naomi had noticed that since the first two weeks of the semester.

She wasnʼt going to avert her gaze, staring forward and slightly shuddering at the sight of Terryʼs immediate scowl. His little brother merely watched him, a worried expression displayed his face as he took sight of both her and Nadya.

Their paths finally crossed, and Naomi was unable to break her stare with Terry as the older twin merely regarded her as if she was trash off the street.

"Good morning, Nadya," he greeted politely, his voice possessing a mature, serious tone before he whipped his head forward, purposely ignoring the PNK girl.

Naomi bit her lip, sucking the tears that threatened her trio of eyes as she and Nadya moved forward. The HSS girl merely grunted in greeting before the twins were far ahead from them.

Terri peered over his shoulder, his eye full of sympathy for the poor PNK girl before he turned back to his brother, the older Perryʼs eye narrowed in a deeper scowl before they reached their classroomʼs doors.

Taking their seats, they listened as their science professor went over the lesson for today, explaining the cautions of the materials and chemicals they were to use and what course of action one was to take in case of emergency.

"Luckily, I have hired two very brave volunteers who will be handing you your materials for the lab," the professor explained.

The doors flew open and two familiar faces entered the room with boxes of the needed items.

"Mike?" Terri said with surprise. "Sulley?"

"What are you guys doing?" Terry asked.

"Making some extra money," the green monster said flatly before he and Sulley stacked the boxes beside the professorʼs desk. They were off mailroom work at the MI company for the day.

"Pay attention as to what our volunteers are placing on each of of your tables," the professor continued as Mike and Sulley placed on rubber gloves before cautiously removing the chemicals the class was going to work with.

The twins observed as Mike slipped a small bottle of some type of fluid to their desk, the warning label so red it could be seen from outside the window.

"Hydrofluoric acid," the professor explained. "One of scienceʼs most dangerous chemicals. It is also rumored to be the substance that lies within human children."

That last statement brought his entire class to immediate attention, even Mike and Sulley carefully listened as they continued passing out the bottles.

"True, if you were one of those students who had participated in the first Scare Games event," the professor went on, "youʼd probably have already understood what pain could feel like if a human child were to touch you."

Theo, he and his roommate Marbus sitting in the back row, let out a scoff, rolling his eyes. It had been an absolute nightmare that evening at the first event; he nearly got killed from such an explosion.

"Luckily, I have ordered these non-breakable flasks for everyone to use."

The professor motioned for Sulley to placed the curved glass container on his desk. Giving it a light tap, the professor smiled before he nodded for his assistants to resume passing them out.

"On each of your desks are your bunsen burners from the previous lab," he went on. "Turn them up to the lowest temperature. Afterwards, please, and be meticulous about it, fill up your flask until it is half-full."

After Terri and Terry placed on their gloves and protective eye gear, they resumed their professorʼs instructions, the younger twin flinching at how once the bottle of fluid had been opened it felt as if his skin was crawling.

The tasks having been completed, the students idly watched as their half-filled flasks began bubbling upon their bunsen burners while the professor began writing down information on the board for them to take notes on.

Terri rested his hand upon his cheek as he watched the fluid resume boiling, feeling quite bored at the moment while his brother was taking notes for the both of them.

Glancing at the older twin, seeing him so absorbed in getting the lab done and prepare for any upcoming pop quiz, the younger reflected on earlier today before they had started class.

Naomi had truly looked like a sad sight indeed when they had passed by her and Nadya back in the main hallway. And his brother just had to throw salt in the wounds...all because he himself had wounds that had never faded from that night at the ROR house.

He wished Terry would just forgive Naomi and the rest of the PNK sorority like they had with every other monster that had been present that night, even EEK. But, of course, their high school days had not always been pleasant, the popular crowd, mainly the stuck-up prissy girls, would poke fun at them. Having been the only two-headed monster attending the specified high school, the cheerleaders would often laugh and point at them, saying cruel things like ʻHey, Twin-dledee and Twin-dle-dumb!ʻ or even ʻHey, look! Itʼs the noodle-legged double-growth-rhubarbs!ʼ

Such names had stung, and it made it quite difficult for the odd conjoined pair to make any friends long before they met Squishy and the others in college. While Terri kept a stiff upper lip and accepted the insults with stride, his older brother had been deeply pained by the ordeal, which had completely changed his view of possibly thinking a girl could win his heart like Mike.

How unfortunate that right when Terryʼs perception had changed, it had reverted back with a more callous view to it. All because of those Roar Omega Roar jerks...

Deep down he knew his older brother still harbored feelings for Naomi Jackson, but the cynical twin was denying it at every turn, being a stubborn fool than a heartfelt romantic, much like Terri himself.

Seeing as not much would be done for the lab, this felt like the opportunity for the younger twin try and coax his brother about the PNK girl.

He quietly tapped his fingers against the polished table, glancing at his brother nervously. Finally, taking a deep breath, he spoke.

"So..." He began. "What a coincidence that Nadya and Naomi have a class in this building before us, huh?"

He received no response from the older twin, Terry continuously taking notes. But Terri could see his single gaze harden, just trying to focus on his work and ignore him. Terri bit his lip, thinking up another hopeful conversation starter.

"You know, I bet those girls wonʼt need a bunsen burner like we do," he tried to joke. "On account of Naomi has that fire breath of hers. I think the rest of her sorority have it."

He flinched when his brother slammed his notebook and pencil upon the table, turning a few heads toward them in confusion. The older twin wheeled toward him, his eye burning just as much fire as the that served their flask.

"Will you stop?" He said angrily.

Terri gulped, trembling under his heated glare, but the younger twin would not cease.

"Iʼm just trying to point out the positive aspects about Naomi-"

"Will you quit bringing her up?" Terry snapped. "There are no positive aspects about her!"

"Whatʼs going on?" Marbus asked his roommate and lab partner as he jotted down notes on their experiment.

"The twins are fighting again," Theo said flatly, resting a hand upon his jelly-like cheek as he watched the recognizable quarrel with some interest, completely bored by their lab.

"Oh, boy..." Marbus rolled his eyes.

Sulley nudged Mike and they both watched the twins argue. True, they had witnessed them quarrel before over the simplest things, but this was particularly on a personal matter, and they could only worry what the results would be or if the argument would even finish before class ended.

Terri narrowed his eye at him, having quite enough of his brotherʼs denials and negative rants about the girl who was not only incredibly remorseful but who would possibly travel the human world just to receive his forgiveness.

"You keep telling yourself that!" Terri remarked. "But the way I see it, youʼre just afraid with love!"

"Love?" His brother cried with disgust. "There was never any love to begin with!"

"Bro, you should lighten up and then maybe you can find true love."

"Lighten up would best be directed at Laura, little brother," the older twin growled. "I'm a different case, alright?"

The younger twin pouted, refusing to turn away from the argument no matter how ridiculous they both appeared in front of their classmates; this wasnʼt the first time they had argued in class.

"Thou is stubborn not to let love be given one more chance," he said poetically, recalling his brother had formerly been an English major before they had returned to the Scaring Program.

Terry balled his hands into fists, face as hot as their bottle of hydrofluoric acid.

"I am not talking to her," he growled. "Ever."

Terri frowned, and both twins immediately got up from their single seat, glaring at each other eye to eye, the taller against the slightly smaller.

"Come on, bro, you know she obviously has feelings for you," he said defensively. "You should be embarrassed on how you treated her in the library!"

Terry fumed, his yellow skin darkening to a sunburnt orange.

"Brother, you should wake up embarrassed!" He spat.

"I should wake up embarrassed?" Terri demanded. "You should feel embarrassed every waking second!"

"And pray tell why should I feel that way, brother?" His brother challenged him.

"Your bedside manner whenever we wake up in the morning, the absurdly clean way you eat your breakfast, the unspoken agreement that we must both agree to do something together..." The younger twin rambled, counting off his fingers as he glared at him with mass disapproval. "That's not mentioning whenever you yawn I get gas bubbles in the stomach...and let's no forget how you treat the ladies!"

Terryʼs eyes blazed furiously. "I treat every girl with respect! Itʼs the PNK girls who donʼt even deserve the time of day, especially Naomi Jackson!"

"Oh, there you go again!" Terri argued. "Youʼre once more in denial!"

"I have nothing to deny!" Terry shot back. "Really, youʼre being ridiculous, little brother!"

"Oh, Iʼm being ridiculous?" Terri demanded, throwing his hands in the air. "At least I drink from a can, unlike you who prefers to drink out of tiny China cups!"

"Tea is good for the soul!" Terry shouted, gaining more attention from their classmates as they were becoming quite a sight. "Blort will just ruin your teeth!"

"You should work on your relationship skills, brother!" The younger spat, sizing up to the other.

"My relationship skills are much more maintained than you, thank you very much," Terry shot back.

"Whatʼs that suppose to mean?" Terri demanded angrily, seeing his brother just ranting on and on and failing to recognize the whole reason for the argument in the first place. "At least I treat all girls right! And for the record, I really disapprove of how you treated Naomi!"

"Look how she and her sorority treated us last semester!" Terry erupted. "If anything, they're the complete opposite of Laura, Katy, and all the rest of Exceeda Zeta!"

"Oh, boy, the girl problems are getting out of hand right now..." Sulley muttered shaking his head as he and Mike watched.

"Have you ever wondered if that was due to peer pressure?" Terri argued. "You know how the RORs exert their influence on other frats and sororities. Maybe Naomi and her sisters had to do it so as not to lose face..."

Terry scoffed, seeing his brother act like a total ʻPNK girlʼ as he played the innocent one.

"Brother, they're the female version of ROR. You heard what I said back in the library."

Terri was silent for a few moments, simply gazing at his brother.

"I am having serious doubts about that if you ask me," he said, his voice steady and almost calm.

Terry turned away from him, lips curving in a upset frown.

"Say what you want, I'm not talking to Naomi. Ever."

Terri continued staring at him, eye saddening. "So youʼre really just not going to give love a second chance?"

Terry wheeled toward him, his expression darkly terrifying.

"Will you just shut up about love and second chances?" He shouted, bringing the entire room to attention.

As unusual as it appeared, the older Perry shoved the younger, which just resulted in making Terryʼs half of their body slightly stumble forward as Terri held himself up from falling.

"Honestly!" Terry snapped. "These are one of those days I wish we were separated!"

The younger twin froze, his single eye widening, horrified by such a statement produced mainly out of rage.

"Oh, thatʼs cold..." Mike gulped, never having heard such a comment from either of the twins before.

"Then maybe we wouldnʼt be arguing and just focus on our stupid lab assignment!" Terry furthered, angrily swatting his hands to prove his point.

However, before he could think, the older twin knocked over the flask of hydrofluoric acid.

And it shattered as soon as it landed on the table, both the liquid and shards mixing into the flame of the bunsen burner. Seemed the professor had ordered defectives...

Some of the fluid had splashed right onto the center of the twinsʼ OK sweater, the liquid seeping through the material and immediately making contact with their skin.

"Terry!" The younger twin cried in horror, furiously trying to rub away the chemical with his own gloved hand.

The older twin realized his mistake, but before either could alert the professor, the hotchpotch they had accidentally created began to boil at a surprising rate.

Mike and Sulleyʼs eyes widened as the fluid began foam as fire fed it, resulting in droplets spurting out and began to spark like lightning as the mixture bubbled.

"Terry!" The younger twin exclaimed with fear. The effect of the fluid that had landed on their skin began to induce and he was furiously trying to itch it away.

His brother scratched at their center, just as frightened as the boiling substance began to drip off the table, large amounts landing at their feet as they tried to move away.

The professor, having witnessed the worse, immediately grabbed his walkie-talkie, demanding science officials and paramedics to arrive on the spot.

Terri began to whimper while his brother did everything he could to rid the mess they had started, but it was no use, and soon their classmates began to run for cover, even Mike and Sulley as they raced behind the professorʼs desk along with the elderly monster himself.

The mixture grew, the bubbles hissing like the poisonous urchins that had been flung at them in the first event. Fire consumed its partner and flames danced across the fluid, eliciting more to the mixture that began to shake, rattling the table it stood upon. The entire chemical reaction began to brighten like a lamp being turned on in the middle of the night, nearly blinding the twins that they hardly realized that some of it had spurted more of its substance right on their single chest.

The pain became unbearable.

"Terry!" The younger twin screamed.

BOOM!
_

For anyone who either didn't see the movie or didn't exactly remember everything to detail, Flora is not an OC and she really was in Mike and Sulley's class. If you recall the beginning of the movie where Mike and Randall attend Scaring 101 for the first time, she's the student who said, "You got to be kidding me." And she really did dance with Big Red at the ROR party right before Oozma Kappa made their presence known.

I thank my Deviantart friend and fellow MU fan victortky for informing me of her name; he has the Fearbook. ;)

Zane Xiao is also a character from the movie who made a small appearance during the pig chase scene when he was playing against Javier Rios; he was featured in the Fearbook, truly referred to as the 'King Kong of Ping Pong'. ;)