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!

7. Chapter 6

Yes, it's been a while since I updated.

And what better day to post Chapter 6 then on December 6? Also known as my birthday. :)

I'm 21 today, guys! :D

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW! ;)
_

Naomi nearly let out a terrified gasp as the interior of her and Nadyaʼs classroom violently shook, the near inaudible sound of an intense boom drifting from outside their department. All her classmates emitted gasps and mutters in surprise as materials toppled off desks and hanging items dropped from the walls that appeared as if the hand on an enormo-monster had struck it.

"What the heck was that?" Nadya exclaimed, her desk beside Naomiʼs.

The PNK girl said nothing, noticing the impact felt incredibly potent from a nearby source...and their department was straight across from the Science building. Where the twins were taking their next class.

A sudden feeling of terror erupted within her and a sickening thought invaded her mind, the imaginable too horrible to imagine.

She immediately bolted from her seat, ignoring the surprised stares or her professor demanding she remain in the classroom. She was straight through the halls of the department by now, fear powering every step that supported her lanky legs.
_

Dean Abigail Hardscrabble had just been in her office sorting through her studentsʻ files, and one in particular had been removed and placed carefully upon her desk.

Laura Sharpʼs.

Although the head of Scaring was uncertain she could discover much on the transfer student, she assumed maybe there was a reason behind her constant panic attacks(although she doubted it was much a condition as it was severe low self-esteem); and perhaps learn a little about her former Fear Tech studentʼs parents.

However, the serenity of her well-maintained office had been disrupted, and she barely had time to rescue Lauraʼs file as coffee suddenly fell forward, sloshing the steaming liquid upon her organized desk, soaking her previous paperwork and materials.

The former Scarer nearly jumped from her seat as the sound of an explosion caused her walls to vibrate, and her eyes widened in disbelief, wondering what had transpired upon her campus.

She hadnʼt witnessed an explosion since Michael Wazowski...
_

Ten thousand high definition video screens that constantly cycled images from every known video camera (and several unknown and hidden ones) in Monstropolis day and night dominated the curved wall of the large black room which purpose could only be described as the information empire. Row upon row of monsters dressed in smart yellow hazard attire with customized headsets monitored the images with the skill and care of war veterans, their fingers and tentacles dancing across keyboards of varying shapes and sizes while seated in front of their consoles, their eyes never leaving the flashing computer screens in front of them. Each of them knew their duty and assigned tasks by heart, which was why they were there in the first place.

Chatters of coded information filled the room, either directed at seated individuals at different places or into the microphones coordinating agents in the field. Fresh information that streamed in were carefully analyzed and dissected for any peculiarity, and then filed away for future reference or transferred to the relevant agency personnel whose knowledge is better suited for the task at hand.

There was no sign of laxity, only due vigilance. That was the only quality that existed in all the personnel present in the room. After all, they were the masters of monitoring Monstropolis for any possible and potential intrusions.

At the back of the black room sat an individual that was the nerve centre of the organization that was monitoring Monstropolis with the carefulness of a doctor in a life-threatening operation. She saw every image in perfect detail, heard every codeword spoken in faultless tone and pitch, and she was...exhausted of it all.

The Director of the agency sighed as she looked upon the stacks of paperwork awaiting her review and signature cluttering her desk. Ever since she took the position of Head of Agency, her life had been...interesting to say the least, as she has been thrusted head-first into situations most monsters would think the personnel involved would have to be insane to be there at all. Perhaps the term "interesting" was too kind a word to use.

"Death-defying" would be a better and more accurate term.

She reached for a cup of stale gloopy coffee that was sitting on her desk, beside her clipboard and blue pen which she always carried around with her, and took a mouthful of it. As the dark gloopy liquid slid down her throat, the Director wondered why in the Great Glop of Goo was she thinking of when she took on the post of Director of the Agency.

Other than a scattering of minor incidents around Monstropolis, and a major incident that happened half a year ago at Monsters University involving two students pulling off a dangerous stunt that led them to nearly being trapped in the human world, nothing seemed to be worthy of the agency's notice in the past few weeks. There had been no intrusions, and hence there was no need to deploy the agency's resources in trivial matters, which led to a monotony of viewing constantly updating video screens in the Command Center.

But she had placed some of her best agents on monitoring the two monster students involved in the 7423 incident, just in case. And from the intelligence filtered back to her, she knew that they had been expelled from the university, and had gotten jobs as mailmen at the company Monsters Inc. The Director's emerald green eyes moved downward and focused on the report on that particular incident, which sat snugly in the middle of her desk. The grinning faces of Michael "Mike" Wazowski and James P. "Sulley" Sullivan stared back at her, and with one swift motion she closed the file, stamped it with a serial number and then dropped it into her drawer, before turning to other matters that required her undivided attention.

She was about to reach for a particularly thick blue file on her desk with the insignia of Monsters Inc. on it when in-built alarms in the Command Center began to wail, bathing the whole room in red light. A targeting reticule moved across the video screen showing the entirety of Monstropolis, stopping at grid 1321-13 and highlighting it in red, while the big red words of EMERGENCY dominated the screen.

"What's happening? Talk to me, people!" The Director drawled monotonously as she stood up from her customized chair, nearly knocking it askew in the process.

"Director, we have a Code 1905 at Monsters University. Contamination undetermined." One of the hazard personnel stood up from her own console, turning to address the Director eye-to- eye.

The Director's face frowned as her mind processed the information relayed to her. Another incident at Monsters University? This was unprecedented, but nevertheless, she had contingencies prepared for incidents such as this. Stabbing an intercom on her desk, she slid into her voice of leadership and addressed the agency personnel required for the incident.

"Delta Team, prepare to deploy. Code 1905. I want that area secured and decontaminated. Green light to go approved."

The reply was instantaneous. "Orders acknowledged and received. Code 1905 confirmed. Delta Team en-route to contamination site. ETA 5 minutes."

"I want on-site coverage and situational report every ten minutes, is that clear?"

"Yes Director. Crystal clear." The Agency agent answered and shut off the communicator.

Roz, Agent 00001 of the Child Detection Agency, sat back on her seat and pulled the thick blue file out of her stacks of paperwork. Flipping it open to a particular page, she was greeted with the image of Henry J. Waternoose III, and she steepled her fingers while reading his profile taped underneath the photograph.

According to reports from the Scream Energy industry, things werenʼt looking well for Monstroplis, and expert analysts have put a potential energy crisis coming in a few decades. While other scream energy companies have been alarmed by the fact, Monsters Inc. seemed apprehensively quiet and calm about it, and that in her point of view, warranted severe suspicion.

As various potential plans formulated in her mind, one particularly stood out. It seems that it was time for her to take a more...personal interest in her investigations.

But first, she needed another cup of dark and gloopy coffee, and fast.
_

Katy did her best to avoid the stampede of students that evaded the halls of the Liberal Arts department as she narrowly escaped through a side doorway and merged into the sunlight of the university.

Such an explosion emitted throughout the entire campus, and students left and right immediately abandoned their seats in either fear or inevitable curiosity that served as their only excuse to ditch class.

Immensely certain that her sorority sisters and various friends had heard the loud eruption, the aquatic made a dash down the main street across the sci-tech parkway, wondering what had suddenly transpired upon the usually peaceful school.

Legs aching, heart pounded with fear-ridden anticipation, Katy was immediately stopped by a crowd of students that appeared to be surrounding near the Science department.

A sickening feeling overrode her thoughts as she recalled that the particular building was where the twinsʼ first class occurred...

Anxiety gripping her like a crane to a lone stuffed toy in a machine, Katy furiously wrestled her way through the monster-filled barrier, the sound of intense vehicles suddenly drowning her hearing.

Sirens wailed as Delta Team of the CDA arrived at the science labs of MU within their trucks and helicopters, and hundreds of CDA personnel deployed and rushed about carrying gadgets and water hoses, each with their own task to accomplish. Cordon areas were set up, and students within the science lab were evacuated in quick order.

"I want decontamination hoses now!" One CDA member ordered.

The CDA personnel suited up in heavy rig suits, and began to pick their way through the debris of the science lab, while other personnel extinguished fires and sprayed the surroundings with decontamination foam. Many called in rescue vehicles to clear away the exterior debris while others tended to wounded students who were injured in the explosion.

Naomi, her best friend far behind her, managed to ease through the crowd of students that watched the CDA and paramedics perform their work in mass quantities, aiding the injured and ridding the foul contamination that had nearly disintegrated part of the Science department.

The PNK girl momentarily ceased in her tracks, her trio of eyes widening in horror as the immediate appearance of what used to be a classroom came into view.

The explosion had ripped through the entire science lab, shattering its windows and blowing the doors off its hinges. Bricks and mortars were scattered on the slightly charred grass beside where backdoors used to be, and flames roared angrily and consumed oxygen greedily, but were immediately hosed down by CDA personnel. Shards of glass shimmered in the sunlight as working monsters in combat boots stepped over them, fighting the grueling task of re- establishing order to the dilapidated classroom.

Left and right, Naomi witnessed students being tended to by the paramedics that had arrived on the scene just as quickly as they had been summoned. She cautiously trekked through the prohibited area, avoiding CDA members who were trying to keep the crowd of students back as they resumed their severe cleaning operation. She paid a quick glance toward one student who had soot smeared all over his face; he appeared perfectly fine, his injuries only minor, as a paramedic checked his temperature while another searched through a kit for minuscule supplies.

She spotted Mike and Sulley among the tended, and her eyes widened as she gazed at the much darker blots upon the formerʼs upper body and arms, bits of charred classroom coated around the top portion of his massive eyeball; the latterʼs fur appeared much darker, dirt and debris plastered to the bristles like cacti flowers. Despite their disheveled state, both looked perfectly fine and not even close to severity.

But that was far from a comfort as Naomi grew desperate, her feet now pounding upon the demolished grass as she scanned the area, her heart thumping like a first-time Scarer having awoken a human child.

Mike and Sulley had spotted her as she began to run, both immediately knowing her intent.

"Naomi!" Sulley cried out, the name of the PNK girl among five others finally sinking into his memory.

But she ignored him, refusing to allow anyone or anything keep in her way as she sought out for the twins, praying their injuries were just as minor as everyone else that had been victim to the explosion.

"Move it, maʼam!"

She drew back when a paramedic jumped in her direction, his multitude of eyes not regarding the PNK girl but something else in particular. Naomi watched as his lanky arms stretched out, beckoning for something to follow him.

Out of nowhere, an ambulance suddenly merged behind him, its lights flashing angrily and impatience shone on the driverʼs face, her eyes knitting with determination that they finish the task and resume their hard work. Seemed someone needed major medical attention and fast.

Confused, Naomi wheeled around just in time to witness two other paramedics speed over with a stretcher; she saw nothing but a blanket with a large lump occupying it from within. Concern and fractured hope was evident on both their faces as they halted the bed-like base right in front of the ambulance, all three scrambling to set up the interior.

The PNK girlʼs eyes loomed over the stretcher, trying to make out who was underneath the carelessly tossed over blanket, fear suddenly gripping her heart as she prayed harder that her assumption was completely false.

"Naomi!" She didnʼt break her gaze away from the form within the stretcher, her screaming thoughts drowning out the shouts of both Mike and Sulley.

"Donʼt go over there!" Sulley pleaded for her sake. "Donʼt look!"

But actions betrayed her as she reached her trembling hand toward a loose flap of the material. She bit her lip, hardly blinking as she fearfully grasped the blanket. Slowly, she began to peel it like one would with a bandaid...

She suddenly ceased her attempt as she emitted out a horrified gasp.

Part of the blanket she removed revealed two slightly charred horns atop a layer of yellow skin that appeared more like a banana that reached its limit, flakes of dust and various other messes scattered upon the scalp.

She didnʼt dare remove the rest of the blanket, frightened to see the face of the one who fell victim to the worst of the incident. She didnʼt have to.

"Terry...!" Naomi sobbed, hands upon her mouth and barely stifling her cries as she realized the worst had become reality.

Immediately, she was grasped by the arms and forced to turn away from the traumatizing site. Sulley and Mike, followed by Nadya, had finally reached her.

But the damage had been done as the PNK girl let out more agonizing sobs, her tears glistening upon Sulleyʼs furry chest like diamonds as she leaned into him, her cries carrying over the campus. Sulley sadly held her close, his eyes glancing once more at the stretcher that was shoved into the interior of the ambulance.

Pain plowed into his heart as he miserably watched the vehicle sped off, taking with them two very special friends he could only pray would be alright. Mike stood beside him, his single eye blinking back more tears in which Naomi failed to do for herself. Somehow he felt fate wasnʼt playing a fair game; he, Sulley, and everyone else in class had survived miraculously with little injury. Yet the twins received far worse than any of them could imagine, university medical officials not serving enough as Terri and Terry needed intense treatment. They were the ones who stood right in front of the explosion, of course...

Naomi continued sobbing, her dainty hands gripping the fur upon Sulleyʼs chest so tightly that the former student had to bite back the urge to produce a painful groan. He just patted her back and allowed her tears to drench his chest, knowing out of any of them, Naomi was the most devastated.

Seeing her best friend completely broken by what she witnessed and what had induced her fear, Nadya reached over and placed a gentle hand on her side, rubbing it gently before her trio of eyes caught sight of the ambulance once more, the vehicle a mere speck now as it desperately focused on returning to the hospital where, hopefully, they wouldnʼt be too late if that was the case.
_

"I have to see them!"

The CDA member sighed, although his face was completely hidden by the hazard suit he wore on a daily basis, the rest of Oozma Kappa as well as the EZ girls joining them could define exasperation evident through the yellow material as he regarded the petite woman whose blue eyes shone with fresh tears.

Mrs. Carlton had just returned from the market with new cleaning supplies to labor through the kitchen when she had heard the abrupt sound of the explosion. She had spotted the smoke emerging from the School of Science from Greek row, and she had immediately grown worried since she knew that was where two of her boys were attending their first class.

As soon as she had arrived on the scene, she was struck with horror as paramedics informed her that the twins were on their way to the hospital.

Critical condition beyond critical, they had told her.

Anguish and devastation filled her heart as Mrs. Carlton sobbed into her husbandʼs chest while the remaining OK members, including Mike and Sulley, tried to console her, promising they were going to visit the twins immediately.

They did just that, straight after Mike and Sulley returned from their medical check-ups in the other rooms; however, CDA officials littered the brightly lit hallways of white as doctors and nurses rushed left and right, the fate of the twins resting in their hands.

Two bulky CDA members, with their weapons, secured themselves in front of the closed room where the twins laid, refusing anyone who wasnʼt a hospital worker or CDA official to enter and risk receiving something by the unconscious pair.

And that, the annoyed CDA official had informed the distressed Mrs. Carlton over a dozen times, but the woman would rather be touched by a thousand children than not see her beloved monsters.

"Iʼm sorry, maʼam," he told her once more. "Unauthorized personnel are prohibited beyond this point."

"But my boys...!" Mrs. Carlton sobbed, immediately held back by both her husband and son as she nearly tried to make a dash for the door. "How do I know theyʼre alright?"

Once more, the CDA member sighed. "We can neither deny nor confirm that," he stated automatically. "But weʼre doing the best we can."

Tears struck the floor like raindrops on a carʼs window as Mrs. Carlton merely stood there, her golden curls looking deflated as fear grasped her heart ever so severely.

Randall gazed at her through his wide lens, his heart practically breaking at the sight of Mrs. Carlton. Of course, everyone was just as devastated as she was; Randall couldnʼt imagine a far worse situation then what the Perry twins were in. The lizard could only pray they would be alright, caring so much about his fraternity brothers as such affection was equally returned. When he had been with ROR, he had shown care and concern for his former brothers...despite such feelings werenʼt exactly reciprocated but slightly altered in return.

But for OK, such an array of familial love was a bond that could never be broken no matter what stupid act one did. Another reason Randall felt like the luckiest monster in the whole university to be part of it.

And to lose someone he had grown close to over the course since joining OK, it made him want to shed tears as well.

He felt a light touch on his shoulder and shifted his gaze, his emerald eyes staring into just as concerned aqua green ones.

Monnie couldnʼt smile, faking one would just induce the sadness even more. She could only look at Randall, knowing how much he loved and adored his new fraternity brothers; more than he had ever possessed for Johnny and ROR. And she knew how much he loved Mrs. Carlton, her grief just as effective on the usually sensitive lizard.

Laura clung to Katy as the aquatic stepped forward, her eyes red from the small amount of crying she had tried to hide from everyone as she regarded the CDA member miserably.

"When can we see them?" She demanded hoarsely.

"Iʼm sorry," the CDA member sighed. "But visitation is strictly off limits. We canʼt risk any of you getting infected."

"Infected, my fins!" Katy growled, startling everyone. Laura immediately held her from around the waist, fearing the emotional singer would attack the official. "How do we know youʼre even doing a good job? They could be in danger right now!"

"Miss, please, we are trained for this sort of matter," he assured her impatiently. "Best leave it to the professionals and allow us to do the best we can."

"We need this area empty right away," the other CDA member informed him.

"But...my boys...!" Mrs. Carlton cried as she was practically dragged across the corridor through the exit doors by not only her husband but Sulley as well.

"Come on, Mrs. C..." Sulley told her gently. "The doctors are on their way."

"Letʼs go, Katy," Laura told the distressed Vocal Music major gently as she took ahold of her arm, leading her behind the others.

Randall and and his fraternity brothers took one last glance at the room that held their beloved others, before finally they trod away with heavy hearts.

As soon as they emerged outside the buildingʼs doors, they were greeted by the sight of practically the entire university.

A rainbow of students stood around the facility, concern evident in each and every face as they awaited any kind of news for the two-headed member of the fraternity that had worked very hard to earn their universityʼs approval. They had been ordered to remain outside as the waiting rooms within the building would become overcrowded and the twins were not exactly the only patients the medical staff had to work with today.

Among the many students present, all came from their classes around campus, to either provide their condolences or wait in silence for any news regarding the Perry twins. Students from various fraternities and sororities, the Greek Council, even the Dance, Drama and English classes the Perry twins attended, crowded the exterior area of the medical facility.

Mike managed a small, painful smile, touched by the concern of his alma mater as he spotted George Sanderson and his fraternity standing under a few trees, fear evident on their faces as they could only hope their the two members of their friendly rivals could make it.

The former student could especially make out Slugma Slugma Kappa sharing a nearby bench, Donna Soohoo having resorted to lay her worm-like physique across her sorority sistersʼ laps to create more room for both Violet and Maria; the latter looked especially crestfallen, her vibrant red hair unable to conceal her other eye as Mike could make out a fresh tear slide down her cheek.

He spotted HSS leaning against some random monsterʼs car near the parking lot, all appearing as their tough, ineffective selves...but deep down Mike could tell they were concerned, trying to conceal it behind their dark, angry expressions. However, he noticed their own Sonia Lewis with her head bent down, her snail-like eyes closed as she took deep breaths that sifted through her lips like an air vent. He didnʼt see Nadya among the darkly sisters, but he had a hunch she was with a certain someone.

His assumption proved correct as he scanned a nearby hedge on the lot beside a few snack machines where said Goth was busy consoling no other than Naomi Jackson along with Carrie Williams, the rest of her sorority sisters sitting nearby, hardly taking any comfort in the snacks they purchased to both ease and distract them from the overwhelming situation the university had been cursed with.

Mikeʼs heart broke at the sight of the PNK girl as she laid in the HSS girlʼs arms, her sobs carried throughout the campus and could possibly be heard from even the highest floors of the medical facility. Her tears glistened in the glaring sunlight, her mauve hair nearly in tangles from lack of smoothing it as she was a wreckage upon learning what had become of the twins, especially Terry.

The green monster recalled too well the recent occurrence in the library, many others having the memory emblazoned in their minds that Terry Perry was not a monster one would want to provoke; that especially said toward the librarian for her sake. Mike would never forget how angry the older twin appeared, his single eye blazing with so much fury, which only served as a guise to hide the pain of last semester that reverted into his mind every time he saw her.

Mike couldnʼt understand why Terry Perry could prolong such a grudge against not only Naomi Jackson but the entire PNK sorority as well; they werenʼt ROR. They were actually nice girls who were incredibly chirpy yet proved to be a sorority who were more than just pink sweaters and matching faces. The green monster greatly respected them as he did for EEK and HSS, and it was a relief to see they were all on good terms now, every frat, sorority, and student providing the former OK member with so much guilt they harbored that night at the ROR house when his fraternity ran out after being humiliated, Squishy the first to be in tears.

It was especially nice to see that Oozma Kappa was so forgiving to each of them, and, surprisingly, they had taken ease about ROR enough to "let them off the hook"; proving them wrong was actually worth the paint and stuffed animals they endured.

However, both he and Sulley painfully realized that while Terry had shared the kindness and tender nature the other brothers provided upon those who had ridiculed them last semester, he would not let PNK go easy, especially for Naomi Jackson.

It was hurt, a broken heart even. Terri had mentioned he and his brother had been not only unpopular but bullied in high school by girls the PNK girls greatly parodied. Mike could only wonder what kind of girl had trampled upon his dear friends all those years ago before college, what made the older twin take no regard for dating or possibly even love.

Mike had hoped that, like him and Don, each of OK would gain a half; he knew Squishy was trying yet seemingly falling, but it was a start. Laura Sharp almost seemed like an untouched flower...

As soon as he and his friends made their presence known, worried eyes fell on them and it was Celia who immediately stepped forward, surprising Mike.

"I came as soon as I heard," she said timidly as her snakes regarded the green monster just as worriedly. "Are they okay?"

"Are they alive?" Brock asked aloud, standing beside Claire, who quickly shoved him due to his lack of positive words.

Mike regarded everyone sadly as Celia came over, wrapping her arms around her boyfriend in comfort.

"They donʼt know yet," he announced sadly. "No visitors, they said. Itʼs that bad."

"Oh, Michael," Celia moaned sadly, her snakes sharing her devastated expression.

"Dude, thatʼs harsh," Brock commented, his eyes wide with shock.

"The doctors arenʼt sure how long the twins will need to rest," Don sighed sadly, wrapping his arm tighter around his grief-stricken wife. "We donʼt even know if theyʼll recover before the next Scare Games event." He looked at both Brock and Claire. "If they arenʼt fine by then, you can pull us out of the competition. Itʼs completely fine; we could always go for next semester."

Both president and vice-president regarded the OK president closely before turning to each other. Small, sad smiles shifted on their lips before turning back toward Don and the rest of Oozma Kappa.

"See, thereʼs the thing," Brock said stiffly. "We arenʼt going to start the next event until the twins finally recovery."

As soon as those words deserted his mouth, OK, EZ, and especially Mike and Sulley stood with their mouths hanging open, staring at the Greek officials in disbelief.

"Are you serious?" Mike asked breathlessly, fearing they were sickeningly being toyed with.

The rest of Oozma Kappa looked at one another surprisingly, having earlier, that if the twinsʼ recovery took much longer, mentally made the decision to drop out of the Scare Games altogether. The news the Greek council brought made them suddenly feel at ease while anxiety and concern still lingered in the air for them.

"Weʼre dead serious," Claire answered. "Every frat and sorority took a vote. Hardscrabble even brought it up first."

Mikeʼs single eye widened even further. Maybe there were those times the Dean of Scaring could pay an easy hand to her students, even to former ones...

"Seriously, dudes," Brock said, his usually booming voice simmering to a surprisingly soft tone. "It just wouldnʼt be the Scare Games without you guys."

Don fought his best to create a smile, though it came out more like a painful wince as he stared at the Greek council.

"Well, thanks a dandy..." He said, his voice unable to produce that usually cheerful tone of his. "That...that really means a lot..."

Claire managed a small smile, her trio of eyes softening, giving her that rare expression so highly differed from her usually sullen face. Her gaze drifted over toward the facility, concern evident as she bit her lip.

"Forget about the Scare Games right now," she said quietly. "Whatʼs important right now is that those guys are alright."

Mrs. Carlton regarded her pleasantly despite the tears dripping from her multitude of eyes. "Thank you, sweetheart. I just really hope to see two of my little Oozmas again."

As soon as those words left her mouth, she placed her face in her hands and failed to stifle her sobs in front of the two students, unable to contain her grief as thoughts of what could possibly be occurring within that restricted hospital room drifted through her overwhelmed thoughts.

Brock and Claire glanced at each other as Don and Squishy reached over and held her close, doing their best to comfort her once more every agonizing moment. While the president and vice president never exactly showed ultimate favoritism for a frat or sorority, they believed Oozma Kappa was unlike any team part of their council.

These boys were different. They were goofy. They were fun-loving. They made Monsters University feel like the proudest university of all universities.

Now two of them (though Brock considered them as ʻone dudeʼ) were on the thin line between life and death. While Brock and Claire had thoroughly expected that sooner or later in the Scare Games some monsters would wind up in the hospital, they had never expected this. Even stinging urchins that explode were mere mousetraps compared to what the Perry twins had endured, and how they were suffering.

Brock Pearson, the usually cheerful ham who found the positivity in any situation...right now he couldnʼt think of one thing that would provide comfort in this given disaster; slight fear he would say the stupidest thing which would induce Mrs. Carltonʼs grief further.

Claire Wheeler, usually sullen with the least bit of enthusiasm that was a rarity, felt extremely bad for how Oozma Kappa, especially their frat mom, was coping. It chilled her to the bone the mere thought of experiencing face-first into an explosion with deadly fluid nearly mirroring a human childʼs touch. And for two of the most unlikely monsters she had ever witnessed become victims to such an ordeal embedded further nightmarish thoughts of what procedures needed to be done to, hopefully, save them.

Don rubbed his wifeʼs back tenderly as she leaned against his shoulder, her tears soaking onto his sleeve.

"Excuse us," the mature student bid both president and vice president with a nod before he led his grieving wife away, the rest of OK and EZ following behind them.

Brock and Claire watched sadly as the tightly-knit group sought to find a comforting spot to wait for news.

"Hey, Claire," Brock muttered, eyes not breaking away from Mrs. Carlton.

The president shifted her trio of eyes over to him, surprised he had managed a more softer tone for once. As she stared at him, she was shocked at how completely lost he appeared in his eyes, his beak curved in a distinguished frown and his hands tightening every now and then.

"Remember when you said ʻyou could totally dieʼ?" He asked in a distant tone.

Claire immediately bit her lip, recalling her words so well. She had only said that to induce the buzz the Scare Games had to offer to sing-ups and permeated attention.

"I hope youʼre wrong," Brock said finally.

I hope so, too, Claire thought depressingly.

Both immediately turned just in time to see a panting female monster rush beside them, in her hands a camera and slung around her shoulder was a tote carrying her photographic supplies.

Claire had the decency to roll her eyes as the light purple monster with three eyes, two braided fins and a mouthful of sharp teeth shifted her gaze back and forth desperately.

"What are you doing, Picca?" The president sighed.

"Where did OK go?" The other female demanded.

Brock gave her a stern look. "You seriously thinking of bothering them just for a photo opt? At this time?"

Lane Picca countered the expression, clutching her camera protectively. "I just need at least one photo to make it in the paper! I could sneak into the hospital if I could-"

"That would be beyond stupid," Claire snapped.

"Not to mention you already got enough restraining orders as is, Picca," Brock added. "Be lucky Laura Sharp didnʼt land one on you as well. Especially after what happened the night of the first event."

The photographer raised one of her three eyes. "You donʼt think she was exaggerating with the whole photo-phobia-whatever thing?"

"Youʼre talking about a girl who just suffered a huge panic attack!" Brock exclaimed disapprovingly.

"Yeah, I canʼt believe I missed that shot..." She muttered under her breath as she recalled the night all too well.

Hanging by her two legs on the branches of the large trees around the plaque platform, Lane Picca steadied herself as she took several photographs of each fraternity and sorority that emerged from the poison urchin obstacle course in the largest sewer on campus. The light purple monster smiled as she hanged in an elevated position to catch the entire event, all the while her trusty camera was flashing continuously nonstop, consuming her extra-large roll of film at a frightening pace.

She had ran ahead of the various fraternities and sororities competing in the Scare Games, all for the purpose of capturing the most exciting shots of the event for the Campus Roar Special Scare Games Report (CRSSGR) and the yearbook of MU. Lane Picca was especially well known for her unconventional methods of getting photographs of every single student and faculty member in MU, and she would stop at nothing to get the perfect shot. A dreadful thought ran through her mind as she thought back to the various restraining orders issued by the discipline master of the University, but she managed to still past them so as to indulge in her photography habit again.

Lane Picca just photographed the HSS sorority coming out of the sewer when she spotted something happening under the plaque platform. A new transfer student, specifically Laura Sharp, was having a panic attack while her friends and sorority team members were trying to get her to breathe normally. Referee paramedics on-site were rushing towards the scene, but the place was so crowded they had difficulty getting through the crowds.

Seeing an interesting moment in the Scare Games with regards to the latest newly formed sorority, she couldn't pass up that chance for a photograph of the entire scene. Her journalistic senses were screaming at her to take the photograph shot, and it was too tempting to let this choice pass by.

That was when Lane saw a red light blinking on her personal camera, along with the words: Film roll finished...please replace film roll to continue on its screen.

Fumbling into her sling bag for a fresh roll of film, Lane dropped it in her haste. Watching it tumble away into a drain, she searched for another one, but by the time she slotted the fresh roll of film into her camera, the incident was already over, the new student having finally calmed down with the assistance of breathing techniques provided by the former student Mike Wazowski. The photographer let out a curse from her lips, grinding her sharp teeth in frustration.

A pity it was. But as a journalist, there would be other chances to take pictures of Laura Sharp having a panic attack. All she needed was to be there at the appropriate moment to take the shot. Shaking her head, Lane Picca of the Campus Roar unlatched her feet from the branches of the tree and dropped down onto the soft grass underneath the canopy, her trio of eyes searching for further interesting shots to take for the first event of the Scare Games.

Luck arrived all too soon as out of the sewer drain emerged the last member of EZ, the described fashionista who earlier halted the event before it even started due to her heels disapproved as an intention of cheating. Colette Creouture she was named, and because of her, the last-minute sorority was able to compete once more in the Scare Games.

Seeing the Exceeda Zeta girls being congratulated by the Oozma Kappa gang for narrowly winning the last position of the first Scare Games event by the elimination of EKO, Lane grinned happily and bounced off on the heels of her long legs, intent on getting a picture or two of the members of the two cute-looking teams.

Memory fading for the moment, the campus-renowned photographer remembered the first-time difficulty she had when she sought to take the picture of both OK and EZ.

More importantly, Laura Sharp.

"Alright, everyone, now...smile!" Lane Picca quipped as she made the adjustments on her specially customized camera.

Oozma Kappa (along with Sherry, Mike, Celia and Sulley) and Exceeda Zeta all gathered together, intending to make this photograph a memorable one in a long line of photographs of the new semester to come.

"Wait, hold it!"

Everyone looked around and at each other, clearly confused at her sudden exclamation as the photographer lowered her device, eyeing the group in confusion, particularly a certain winged president.

"Um, Laura? I canʼt see you." Lane said as she beckoned her with a four fingered hand. "Can you come a little closer, please, so you can get in the shot?"

All eyes fell on the Perry twinsʼ shadow, in which Laura Sharp herself was trying to blend in from behind. Her ears slightly lowered as her wings tucked in ever so abruptly, feeling the heat rush to her cheeks as she realized she was caught.

"Who, me?" Laura chuckled nervously as she tugged at her light blue scarf.

The Deanʼs eyes raised at the last-minute sorority leaderʼs discomfort with mere photo-taking. Yet another surprise about the former Fear Tech student...

"Come on, Laura, it's just a picture!" Don smirked as he placed a tentacle around the timid leaderʼs shoulder and pulled her out of the shadow of the Perry twins, who were grinning as usual; more for Terri in this case. His brother had a rather forced grin while trying to avoid the glance of a certain PNK member a short distance away.

Laura tried to force a smile on her face, but it wasn't really working. "Um...Iʼm sorry, but can I just not have my picture taken?"

Rosie Levin glanced from where her sorority stood, quite surprised as anyone that the new leader would refuse a chance to be featured on the Campus Roar, especially since they had almost didnʼt make it in the first event. True, Lane Picca was that of an annoying nuisance and it was frustrating every chance she got taking photos of her own sorority without their consent or even their acknowledgement, but this was one of those moments it was incredibly fine to have oneʼs photo taken. Why would Sharp refuse such an offer? It was as strange as Carrie Williams refusing a modeling job for the intention of gaining a position in a crematorium; something all her sisters vied for.

Lane Picca regarded Laura with even more confusion as anyone, wondering if what she heard was right.

"Wait...what?" She questioned. "Donʼt want your picture taken? Are you kidding me?" She let out a dry laugh. "You can not be camera shy! I mean, you and your little team are going to be in the next event! And trust me...Every. Photo. Counts." She added idly as she fiddled with the camera functions, her eyes narrowing a bit with the determination that she would get that intended photo.

Laura grimaced at the expression of the serious photographerʼs face, feeling her wings nearly droop to the floor as her ears joined them. Her sky and forest eyes blinked rapidly, her cheeks hotter than oneʼs own fire breath as her sorority sisters regarded her in question. Don had a gentle hold on her shoulder, as if fearing another one of her panic attacks could occur just due to how much pressure she was feeling under everyoneʼs gaze.

The draconic monster swallowed hard, realizing she couldnʼt hold the truth back any longer.

"I fear I might have a bit of..." She gulped. "Fotografizophobia." Laura managed to force that word out of her mouth, all while trying to calm herself as she immediately felt utterly embarrassed by the confession.

The rarely heard word hung in the air, and the two teams of diverse monsters all looked at Laura Sharp with puzzled looks. Same went for every other monster who overheard such an unusual word, as frat and sorority members, even the Greek president and vice president atop the plaque platform, regarded the last-minute leader with confusion.

"The heck is that?" Brock muttered to Claire who merely just shrugged.

Art scratched his chin. "Uh, guys? Anyone know what foto...finish...thingy is?"

Squishy just shrugged his shoulders as he gazed at Laura with concern, while Terri was looking at his brother in confusion, clearly clueless as everyone else.

The Deanʼs eyes rose even further, the mention of the obscure term sinking in. Such a phobia was rare for most monsters, and one to possess it was far rarer. Not exactly a term Professor Knight had ever informed his Scaring class, other phobias more significantly vital to study in comparison. Only immensely studious individuals could be incredibly familiar with a phobia no monster Hardscrabble had ever met to contain such.

"Fotografizophobia."

Everyone turned and looked at Mike, whose single eye was staring at Laura, the latter suddenly feeling a little fearful under his intense gaze. Mike gave her an understandingly sympathetic look as he stepped forward, years of intense studying kicking in as his mind immediately grasped the obscure term like bait to a hook.

"Meaning the fear of photographs or of having your photograph taken," he explained. "That's the simplest term I can come up with for you all to understand."

His eye never left Lauraʼs sight as he watched her avert her gaze, sucking in her cheeks as realization dawned on the whole group, comprehension came to light that she, indeed, actually feared getting a photo taken by Lane Picca.

Mrs. Carlton shifted her multitude of eyes toward the timid EZ leader, Mikeʼs information sinking in as she recalled not too long ago that she had taken Exceeda Zetaʼs picture alongside OK. And Laura had been incredibly fine with it.

Of course, perhaps the girl was just being polite...or maybe Mrs. Carltonʼs photo habit was much different in comparison to Lane Piccaʼs. Said photographer was, after all, seemingly always getting herself into trouble with various monsters, and her methods of getting the perfect shot were both questionable and troubling.

Like paparazzi.

Celebrities usually broke their confident facade when it came to intense photo opting, and one would crumble under the pressure because that photo would be on several magazine covers.

Lauraʼs face was going to be featured on the Campus Roar. And considering what she had just endured not too long ago, Mrs. Carlton could immediately determine what shyness and pressure the former Fear Tech student had upon herself. The poor dear...

"So...will this affect Laura's health in any way?" Celia Mae asked softly, turning to her boyfriend after glancing at Laura with concern.

"No...it's just an affliction of the mind. It won't cause any health issues, if that's what youʼre wondering," Mike insisted assuringly, regarding Laura once more.

"That's true," Sulley grunted with affirmation, his blue eyes watching Lauraʼs vibrant ones staring down at the floor, knowing too well his buddy remembered all the theories of phobias like the back of his hand as he demonstrated during the last semester's various Scaring Theories exams.

The blue monster watched Laura questionably, just as curious as every other monster why the last-minute sorority leader could ever possess such a fear. However, one couldnʼt blame her trying to avoid Lane Piccaʼs intimidating camera flashes; he recalled last semester too well how the perky yet irritating photographer had been pestering the rising Oozma Kappa gang for a picture on every page of the Campus Roar. It had been slightly overwhelming for Squishy, having formerly been unwanted and unwelcome since his Freshman year; and the bright flashes of her light had given Art some unhealthy mesmerization every time it shone in his eyes.

It wouldnʼt surprise the former student if Picca had the nerve so boundless to push Laura deeper into her anxiety and cause a panic attack right on the spot; he knew so well the photographer desired such a shot.

Randallʼs eyes loomed over at Laura. "Youʼre really afraid of getting your picture taken for the Campus Roar?"

Laura grimaced, breathing through clenched teeth. "Iʼm sorry but do I look like Iʼm meant for the papers?"

"Is she serious?" Brock whispered to Claire, eyes not leaving the former Fear Tech student.

"Sharp!"

Piccaʼs bark nearly startled the wings off Laura as said sorority leader shifted her timid gaze toward the impatient photographer, the three-eyed monster regarding her with a grim expression.

"Look, at least try to look confident!" She rolled her eyes. "Seriously, Iʼll follow you to your dorm room if I have to take the shot while youʼre sleeping!"

That comment produced Lauraʼs eyes to shrink into periods as her wings fell even lower than her ears. Her fingers began to shake uncomfortably, taking the other girlʼs words too seriously.

"Oh, Picca, you dimwit..." Carla groaned, placing a tentacle to her cheek in frustration. She had experienced such aggression coming from the photographer, her own Violet Steslicki wishing to just pummel her out of their sight and smash that camera across her face.

While Carla Delgado had never met another monster to possess the complicated phobia, she felt extremely sorry for the situation Laura was unfortunately dragged into. She could just see it in her eyes that the Sharp girl wished to just disappear...

Carrieʼs arms were crossed as she lowered her eyes at the photographer, showing no appreciation for how she was treating the poor Sharp girl. The PNK presidentʼs three eyes had met many misfortunes with that camera of hers, and considering this was Laura, well...no surprise if the girl would soon be seeing dots if Picca pulled a fast one on her...

Big Red had his bulky hands to his sides, his snail-like eyes regarding the troubling situation, perhaps showdown, between Picca and Sharp. Recalling the panic attacks from both the meeting and moments ago before EZ was announced the last surviving team, he knew right away the photographer was messing with a bomb in the depths of explosion if pushed to the limit. Lane Picca had no idea who she was dealing with...though, she probably wouldnʼt care; her habitual ambition always came first.

Rosieʼs lips curved with disapproval at Piccaʼs rude intention with getting some mere photo. Not to say she was a bad monster or anything like that, but this was exactly why she had so many restraining orders. The HSS president wouldnʼt be surprised if Sharp gave her umpteenth soon after; the photographer was harassing her so much she was sure the last-minute leader would produce a panic attack, lose her breathing, then faint on the spot, all while Picca would just cherish the moment and take as many photos as possible without even the slightest bit of concern helping the fallen monster.

If she tries that...the camera would be joining the poisonous urchins along with her.

Brock and Claire appeared especially peeved with Lane Piccaʼs pressuring on Laura Sharp. So much about said sorority leader was still a mystery, but they knew too well the outcome if Picca got right in Lauraʼs face and flashed her horrid camera straight in the eye. It wouldnʼt just be another restraining order...they hoped Laura would sue her sorry behind if she ended up getting hurt from the incoming ordeal.

Mikeʼs single eye narrowed at Lane Picca, seeing she had not even the slightest bit of remorse for what she had just said nor had even the lease bit of consideration that she was, indeed, overwhelming Laura that it seemed almost scary.

Taking a step forward in front of Laura, the green monster intended to throw a few words right back at the photographer. However, someone else had beaten him to the rescue.

"Picca, seriously!"

All turned to witness Johnny Worthington stand between said monster and Laura, the latter regarding the ROR president in both question and relief. The largely-horned monster shifted his gaze to the head of EZ, a flirty yet sympathetic smile played on his lips before wheeling back toward Picca, his expression immediately darkening.

"Youʼre one step closer to going to jail, you know that?" He told her bluntly.

Three eyes flashing, Lane pouted, trying to appear tough as she clutched her camera.

"Itʼs just a few stupid restraining orders," she countered. "No big deal!" She veered back toward Laura. "Look, just close your eyes and Iʼll just-"

Finally, Mrs. Carlton jumped in as she stood between her and Laura. "Lane, honey, look," she spoke tenderly. "Keep in mind that the recent events of this night havenʼt exactly been well- anticipated by Laura..." She gave said monster a motherly smile. "But in your right mind should you never threaten a photo out of someone with telling them youʼll actually stalk them right into their dorm room."

Despite the words spoken with kindness and maternal affection, Lane could just feel the ice in the frat momʼs tone. Mrs. Sherry Carlton was an amazing woman who treated all students of MU like her own boys...but then there were times she meant business that even Rosie Levin was a mouse compared to her.

Her blue eyes courteous, she gave the photographer a hopeful smile. "How about just one photo, and call it a night?"

"One photo?" Lane exclaimed, hoping to grab dozens of the timid leader from every angle to make up for missing out on her big panic attack scene.

"Shut up and just take the dang photo!"

All eyes turned toward Debbie Gabler, the smallest EEK girl fuming with impatience. Of course, she was pretty cranky on account of not having much sleep the night before. Her sweatbands had been lost in her sororityʼs house, and, after hours of searching, had been discovered somehow placed in the freezer; she bet Violetʼs cousin had done that, mistaking them for ice packs and having them mixed up.

"Calm down, Debbie, sweetie," Mrs. Carlton called out to her kindly before she turned to Laura. "Honey, I understand your little picture phobia, but think of it like a band-aid!" She gave a cheerful smile, hoping to lift Lauraʼs spirits. "Quick and painless!"

"It actually hurts!" Chet muttered under his breath, watching from the corner of his single eye and not noticing Johnny give him a deathly glance.

"The sooner you get this over with, the sooner little Lane can have her photo and everyone is happy," the petite woman informed Laura like one speaking to a child. She reached over and grasped Lauraʼs hand, squeezing it gently.

Laura bit her lips, before shifting her gaze toward Lane Picca, who was eyeing her with exasperation.

"Tick tock..." The photographer droned. "Give me an answer already, Sharp."

"Lane, will you quit it?" Sulley snapped at her. "You want to give her another panic attack?"

"Why not?" She mused. "I missed that shot."

"You stink!" Big Red shouted at her, receiving a roll of the photographerʼs eyes.

Mike immediately turned to Laura, who was holding Mrs. Carltonʼs hand rather tightly as her ears flickered. Up and down they went like a planeʼs slats, being placed between a rock and a hard place. He had to help her and fast before Lane Picca did something even more stupid.

"Laura, Laura..." He came over to her. "Calm down, itʼs just one shot."

"Listen to Mike," Katy told her. She nodded to said monster to continue.

Mike mentally thanked the aquatic before turning back to Laura. "Look, just breathe..." He pretended to inhale.

Laura slowly followed as she sucked in her breath. "And breathe out..." She followed, releasing the air trapped down her throat. "And everyone stand close to Laura!" Mike suddenly exclaimed.

Before Laura knew it, all of OK and EZ gathered around her, squeezing in with playful smiles on their faces all while Katy had one arm on Terriʼs shoulder as the other rested behind Lauraʼs back. Don on the other end grasped Lauraʼs arm tenderly, making sure she was able to stand and in case she ever did fall from the pressure; his stepson stood in front of her, being the shortest. And Laura continued holding Mrs. Carltonʼs hand, the petite woman finding a place right beside Randall who found himself being squeezed between Katy and Monnie.

Laura was incredibly surprised by the little stunt Mike pulled upon her, but it was a good one and she actually didnʼt feel so nervous right now. Her face among others, she was sure no one would focus on her once the picture hit the front page. She slowly relaxed, her ears at their usual level as she awaited the photographer.

"Take the picture!" Mike urged Lane. "Take the picture right now!"

Immediately, said monster grabbed her camera and angled it right in front of the whole group.

FLASH!

Laura let out a startled gasp before she quickly shook her head, the flash not being as bad as she predicted but still quite bright.

"Laura!" Don exclaimed, looking at her worriedly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah...yeah..." Laura assured him as she breathed repetitively. "Iʼm okay...Iʼm okay..." She gave a small, sincere smile. "Just startled is all..."

As Lane Picca savored the shot she finally acquired, the Dean slowly came forward, placing herself as a barrier between the ambitious photographer and the anxious leader.

"That shall conclude this night," she announced to everyone with her usual composed tone. She turned to Laura. "I do hope you rest well after what had just transpired for you."

Laura stood motionless, incredibly stunned that the head of the Scaring program was actually speaking to her; of all situations!

However, she managed to finally find her voice as she swallowed the lump down her throat and gave the Dean a polite nod.

"Yes, maʼam," Laura spoke, her voice nearly inaudible.

A hint of a smile remained subtle on the Deanʼs lips before she clicked away from Laura and her group. She glanced over at Brock and Claire as she passed the plaque platform.

"Please inform me if Ms. Picca protrudes like this again," she spoke imperatively. "I can honestly presume her intentions have only grown now that Ms. Sharp is in the Scare Games."

The low growl in her tone nearly intimidated the heads of the Greek Council, but both Brock and Claire knew it was just the Deanʼs way of professing her concerns regarding privacy and verbal threat.

And Lauraʼs hyperventilation.

Watching said monster from where they stood on the platform, the sorority leader looked absolutely calm now, her beloved Archie in her arms as she was being congratulated by fellow Greek members and other random students.

They could only wonder how the second event would play out...

Flashback concluded, Lane Picca merely rolled her eyes, the same as she had done when Big Red called her out for not taking the slightest bit of pity for Lauraʼs ridiculous phobia. Seriously! What monster in the monster world could be afraid of being photographed? She would expect human children would contain such fear, but a monster? A Scare student?

Brock regarded her sternly. "Donʼt think James P. Sullivan will totally trash your camera if you try anything. Trust me, he almost did last semester when you went crazy on OK after the ʻDonʼt Scare the Teenʼ event."

Again, Lane rolled her eyes, having been immune to such quips that mocked her beloved hobby.

"Fine," she spat with a turn of her subtle nose. She wheeled her back to the president and vice president with a huff. "But donʼt think Iʼm giving up just yet. I will get a shot about this!"

And with that final say she left their sight, deciding to just photograph all the students that had come to pay their concerns and condolences regarding the Perry twins.

Watching her braided fins disappear among the crowd, Brock and Claire glanced at each other before shaking their heads.

Somehow, they had to believe her.
_

Having returned to the waiting room inside the hospital, granted the liberty because they were declared the twinsʼ "immediate family", Don did his best to console his wife while everyone else, including Exceeda Zeta and Celia, sat around and awaited any news.

However, Mrs. Carlton wasnʼt the only one dripping fresh tears as both Sulley and Dot sat with Art, comforting the usually serene pair of legs as his face laid in his hands, sobbing uncontrollably.

"I donʼt know what Iʼll do if the twins donʼt make it, man..." He whimpered, his sniffles so loud they could be heard through the hospitalʼs closed doors.

"Hey, hey..." Sulley said soothingly, placing a giant paw atop his friendʼs head. "Donʼt say that. Theyʼll be fine."

Dot regarded the purple monster sadly. "The doctors said theyʼre comatose as a result of the incident. Progress is going slowly but nothing bad from what they just said."

Archie laying soundly in her lap, Laura gazed sadly at the emotional wreckage that was Art as she sat across from him, having seated between Squishy and Katy, the EZ leader comforting the latter.

Katy had grown quiet since the earlier news of the twins condition, and it worried Laura just how much their condition was taking its toll on the proud singer. She was very close with the twins, Laura knew, and while said aquatic favored the younger twin, she adored them both; after all, she shared Drama, Dance, and especially English class with them; the first one was a GE requirement Katy presumed would bore her out, but realized the fun of it due to how aspiring Professor Henrietta Foster was and that the twins made even a long lecture feel like an adventure. There were times she did find their arguing entertaining...

Laura continued patting the salmon pink monster every now and then, watching as her eyes would close for long measures of time before slowly opening to gaze at the floor. No more tears were shed from the EZ sister as she resorted to a limp, dejected state of mind. The sorority president feared how long this would last, depending on how long the twins would have to remain in medical confinement.

Everyone in the university was extremely worried for the duo(perhaps even ROR), and if her father could just see the mass union for two individuals, he would provide them the uttermost praise for showing the concern of one another like a tight-knit community.

She nearly flinched when Katy slowly released herself from her comforting touch as she crouched on her seat, resting her head against the uncomfortable cushion tapered to the headboard as she tucked her legs in, completely turning away from Lauraʼs eyes as she closed hers, the intention of perhaps trying to sleep it off.

Regarding her sadly, Laura could only send her comforting mental words before she turned to Squishy, the sight of him nearly breaking her heart.

He sat with his hands on his little lap, bending his head low as his five eyes stared at the floor, face looking unusually more pale.

These were his brothers they were talking about! Despite having not exactly known Oozma Kappa too long, Laura knew how they always leaned on each other for anything. As friends, as family, as the whole world to one another.

And, sadly, Squishyʼs world was crumbling every passing second the twins were in confinement.

"Squishy?" Laura spoke quietly to him.

The youngest OK member was nearly startled when he heard the soothing tone of his secret crush. Nervously raising all five of his eyes to meet hers, the small monster felt the heat rise in his cheeks as he was regarded with that mesmerizing face of hers, those concerned irises making his heart nearly pound right out of his little chest.

He was unable to form any words, his throat suddenly dry as Laura looked at him, her gaze holding him captive and completely depriving him of any real conscious.

The EZ leader stared at him with so much remorse, hoping her words could comfort him like Don and Sulley were trying to do with the remaining OK members.

"If thereʼs anything, and I mean, anything you need me to do..." She spoke softly, her voice like a dove as she did her best to ease his pain. "Really, this is a very difficult time for you and your family, and I just want to do what I can to make things the least bit easy..."

Her eyes could melt even the coldest snow cone as Squishy nearly became a puddle in her presence, enraptured by angelic beauty with a heart to match.

"T-thanks, Laura..." He finally found his voice, having the urge to tug at his collar on account of the room suddenly feeling hot. "T-that really means a lot..."

Laura gave him a warm smile, inducing the heat burning within the small monster. Feeling his insides dance giddily, Squishy attempted the best smile he could form, which came out rather shy and awkward before he finally shifted his gaze away from her mesmerizing eyes and loomed over at Katy; the aquatic appeared to have already drifted off to sleep.

"Is Katy okay?" He asked worriedly.

Laura shifted her gaze toward her sorority sister, her ears lowering with remorse before she turned back to Squishy.

"Sheʼs just as worried about the twins," she informed him sadly. "Especially the younger one. But other than that, Iʼm sure sheʼs fine." However, deep down her doubts seeped further.

Squishy watched Katy with a sympathetic expression. "She and the twins were suppose to be practicing today," he recalled.

"Well, like the next Scare Games event, thatʼll have to be on hold," she sighed. "It feels like the whole university just stopped because of this."

The small monster stared down at the floor. "I wonder, though..." He murmured. "Would they even care if this had been last semester?"

Laura looked at him questionably. "What do you mean?"

"Well, Iʼm sure you remember how we werenʼt exactly the most popular fraternity on campus..." He explained, eyes still glued to the floor. "Nobody didnʼt like us and all before the games started..." He bit his lip. "If we were still who we were, and the incident had happened, would anyone really care?"

She looked at him, eyes enlarged by such a question. While she may not have attended MU in her Freshman year, she was well aware what treatment Oozma Kappa had received before Mike and Sulley had entered their lives...but she fought against the mere idea that the monsters of this particular university could be so shallow for a pair who were in critical condition.

"Of course they would care," Laura insisted, her voice straining.

Squishy looked up at her, witnessing a more strong, fervent side of her personality as she regarded him with the uttermost determination not even Carla Delgado could possess even in the depths of severe workout.

"Yes, I know they had given you maltreatment before I arrived," she said, "but theyʼre not heartless. And Iʼm sure if this had proceeded last semester, even ROR could possibly hold sympathy, despite youʼre not exactly in friendly territory." She gazed at him, her eyes even more gentle than possible. "Youʼre the nicest Greek group in MU, and every monster in existence should return the feelings."

Her voice holding sincere passion, Squishy stared at her in awe, completely touched by her intensive monologue.

"Wow..." He uttered breathlessly. "That...thatʼs really nice of you to say..."

"Of course," Laura gave a small smile. "I mean, what monster wouldnʼt?"

That last sentence nearly turned his face as red as a ROR sweater before he gave an awestruck smile, his fantasies nearly consuming him as he stared adoringly at the girl he was hopelessly smitten with.

"But forgetting last semester," Laura intervened, "putting all the hardship in the past, look how much of an example youʼve made for the other teams. For all of MU." Her smile deepened. "For the Dean." She added quietly. "Donʼt you just feel even more proud of yourself, Squishy?"

He contemplated his feelings, and he gave a child-like smile in return. "I will admit...at first, it did feel kind of overwhelming. I mean, since Freshman year, Iʼve always been unwanted and unwelcome, except at my momʼs house..." He added hastily. "Now my brothers and I are gaining more attention than we had ever dreamed of having, and all the frats and sororities really admire us now."

Laura looked at him with a twinkle in her eye. "Maybe because they had admired you from the very start?"

He looked at her in confusion, and her earnest smile nearly consumed his eyes as they stared at such a feature.

"Itʼs hard to believe, I know," Laura stated, "but Iʼm sure deep down they had hoped that you guys would come out of your shells. Once you walked out of your uncomfortable zone, they did. Now thereʼs nothing holding any of you back; youʼre finally one whole."

Her philosophical intellect was so appeasing, and for the moment it drove out Squishyʼs thoughts of anxiety about the twins. Maybe deep down the other frats and sororities did hold some respect for Oozma Kappa since its founding; maybe even ROR if one looked hard enough. Perhaps the image of a "victorious team" was far too great that interaction with a simple fraternity was too much of a hassle; that was probably a particular reason why they all had laughed at them during their humiliation at the party last semester...other than standing under the roof of the universityʼs top Greek team.

However, Squishy didnʼt want to think negative about any of the teams. Each of them was a slice of heaven to the proud university, each like sisters and brothers to a family of thousands; and to Oozma Kappa, they wouldnʼt exchange such monsters for anything.

"Gosh..." He managed to hold back a childish giggle. "You and your compliments..."

Laura chuckled. "I am being sincere."

"Well, I do like monsters who are honest," Squishy said. "Y-youʼre very honest..." Again, he was trying to fight down his blush.

"And you are very considerate," she responded. "I will admit I donʼt often meet monsters like you."

Squishy wasnʼt sure whether that sounded like a good or bad thing. But the look in her eyes when she said that made him believe it was a really good thing.

"And I donʼt meet girls who...girls who...uh..."

Squishyʼs eyes widened, his mouth becoming wordless as he was unable to project even a simple sentence to hopefully mirror the round of compliments the beautiful monster had provided him.

Realizing she was staring at him, confused by his sudden silence, Squishy did his best to give her an apologetic smile, sweat suddenly dripping down the side of his neck as he immediately found himself appearing like a complete moron in front of his secret crush.

He nearly fell out of his seat as he hopped off, sweat glistening on his pale skin as he regarded her nervously.

"I...uh..." He gulped, shifting away on his little feet. "I...got to go to the restroom!"

And before Laura could even say anything, he bolted off down the hall, leaving the female monster even more perplexed.

Mike, having witnessed the whole thing, could only sigh and roll his single eye. That kid really needed some coaching in other than Scaring...

Resting against his seat, his hand clasped around Celiaʼs as his girlfriend leaned her head atop his, Mikeʼs single eye left the sight of Laura before it grazed over the waiting room, OK and EZ both sitting amongst each other while awaiting any news of the twins.

Thinking of Terri and Terry made Mikeʼs heart drop once more. Those two, like all of OK, meant the world to him. Having been lonely most of his life since he was six, the feeling of knowing he had real friends was something he held more proudly than any academic trophy or ribbon he had won since elementary; the closure of being among monsters who accepted him for who he was, the excitement always buzzing after every work day when he realized who he was coming home to, the fading remembrance of what loneliness used to feel like...

He would be nothing without the group he was proud to call his brothers despite no longer being part of their fraternity. He would gladly travel the human world again if it meant never losing them.

But such loyalty could not help the twins right now or even speed up their recovery as Mike stared up at the clock, feeling like a mere minute had become an hour.

He prayed they would return to them soon, their presence having always shined upon them like the brightest star at night.

Thinking of the affectionate duo, Mike reflected back to the day of his and Sulleyʼs expulsion. Right after they got their jobs at Monsters Inc...

"We did it!" Sulley hooted, raising his shaggy arms up in triumph as he and Mike exited the doors of the company, their bags in tow.

Mike beamed, feeling like the proudest monster in all of Monstropolis. In all honesty, claiming those mailroom jobs had been easier than they thought! The manager was an extremely nice guy with an attitude that made him immediately so lovable and compatible to any monster, and he was willing to hand them the jobs as soon as Mike and Sulley approached him; he admired Mikeʼs intelligence and organizational abilities, greatly combined with Sulleyʼs strength for heavy lifting.

And when the duo revealed the note George Sanderson had given them, the full recommendation that they were the monsters for the job, that had been the final motive that officially landed them the jobs.

"Okay, I got this planned out..." The green monster dropped hit suitcases before spreading his arms in a enthusiastic gesture. "Next week when we start our jobs, we get there an hour early and sort the top row at two minutes each slot-"

"Calm down, Mikey!" Sulley laughed as he leaned against the trunk that possessed all his stuff. "Work is a week away!"

"Which means we have no time to lose in training for the job!" Mike argued.

Sulley rolled his eyes, the vigorous side of his best friend overcoming him that nearly duplicated his skills as a coach when it came to Scaring at MU.

Recalling their alma mater, the blue monsterʼs scanned the parking lot of the company, a heavy feeling rupturing his happy mood as he realized that it would be a while before the next bus to the university would arrive. And walking would take forever!

They wanted to see their OK buddies immediately, knowing too well they were, by now, on campus grounds despite the power outage was still being under construction. They wanted to see the looks on their faces when the told them the news that they wouldnʼt be going back home to their families. They were going to go back home to Oozma Kappa.

So what if perhaps every monster in the university hated them for destroying the power and nearly endangering the monster world (although George Sanderson was an exception)? All that mattered was that they reunited with their friends.

Mike caught on his friendʼs sudden silence before his large eye lowered at the pavement. "Yeah, going back will be a while..." He tried to keep himself uplifted, the reminder that they did get their jobs and soon they would be back with OK.

He could just picture him and Sulley surrounded by happy faces, sharing the room that took time to adjust despite the poor size of it, eating hearty meals provided by the loving Mrs. Squibbles (soon to be Mrs. Carlton as he recalled Donʼs announced engagement)-

BEEP! BEEP!

Both nearly jumped at the sound of a car horn before their eyes directed back to the parking lot. A familiar vehicle veered toward them. In it was a just as familiar face.

"Mrs. S?" The duo exclaimed in unison.

"Hello, sweeties!" The petite woman greeted happily as she steered her van to a halt right in front of them.

Mike and Sulley were both surprised as she exited out of her vehicle and stood before them, the sun making her golden curls almost as vibrant as her smile as she regarded them lovingly with all five of her eyes.

"How did you know weʼd be here?" Mike asked in complete awe.

"I had a hunch," she giggled. "After all, this isnʼt the first time Iʼve come here, remember?"

The memory of their little ʻfield tripʼ came to mind and the duo nearly blushed with embarrassment. That was thoroughly induced when Mrs. Squibbles rushed over and gathered them both in a hug; one arm around Mikeʼs round frame while the other barely made it across Sulleyʼs chest as she buried her face between them. Both were quite taken by the gesture, but they immediately accepted it, believing that more than one miracle had occurred today.

And they presumed more would just keep arriving.

Breaking her embrace, the single mother regarded both as if they were her own sons; of course, every member of Oozma Kappa was like a son to her, save for Don Carlton who would soon become her husband.

"I really missed you two," she cooed softly, "and, oh, the boys really miss you as well!"

Her gentle words were like a blanket draped over oneʼs body on a cold night as Mike and Sulley gazed at her adoringly. For as long as they had lived under her roof, both had taken the time to realize how much her presence shone light on them; she was like each of their own mothers. And that was another thing that made Oozma Kappa so special.

Recalling their former fraternity brothers, Mike jumped into question.

"Where are they now?"

"At the university," she explained. "We better get going."

They looked at her with surprise as she turned to open the passenger doors and helped Mike with his bags.

"And donʼt worry," she said sweetly as the boys sat themselves in her van. "Iʼll call your mothers and let them know about your change of plans." She turned away from the steering wheel and regarded them happily. "Iʼm so proud that you two got your mailroom jobs. I just knew youʼd get them as soon as you applied!"

Mike and Sulley could do nothing but smile as the petite woman started her engine and exited the parking lot. Looks like they didnʼt have to ask if they could stay at her house again
_

Frat Row was overcome with students as everyone stood before the assembled platform where the president and vice president of the Greek Council were present. Monsters, either enraged or concerned, threw them questions about the power. Many demanded what to do about classes for the day, or what could possibly be done about the university until further notice; that being mentioned due to CDA officials still secured all over campus grounds due to the incident that occurred last night.

Oozma Kappa stood among the crowd, right beside a table that was handing out water in plastic cups, trying their best to avoid the stares they were receiving every now and then. Obviously, they had nothing to do with the incident involving near contact with humans and blowing up the door lab; but they were the closest friends to the ones who did.

Terri and Terry glanced at each other nervously while Claire Wheeler and Brock Pearson did their best to placate the crowd; it was very difficult to do so without the power of microphones (completely ironic since Brock didnʼt even need a microphone with the frequency of his tone; yet the overwhelming crowd was louder even than him!). Don rubbed the bits of sweat that rolled down his balding head every now and then, anxiety hidden behind his batwing mustache; Squishy stood beside him, his hands nervously clasped together, not sure what to think of the growing situation; Art stood besides his frat brothers with his hands hung before him as usual, an expression of worry claiming his usually serene features.

They wished, more than ever, Mike and Sulley were with them. However, they had to be glad they were miles away right now; showing their faces in this disrupted university might cause a bigger scene.

Word immediately got out about Sulley rigging Mikeʼs scare simulator, and many werenʼt sure what to make of it. Monsters who had grown to worship Oozma Kappa since the second event had a hard time accepting that their heroes didnʼt officially win the Scare Games, while some had assumed they wouldnʼt even make it to begin with.

As for the other frats and sororities, OK steered clear of any of them, including ROR. While over time they had gained their respect, the green-sporting fraternity feared all of that had immediately vanished now that the truth came to light, and the perception that they were a bunch of losers probably resurfaced.

But they didnʼt care. All they wanted were their two friends back, hoping maybe theyʼd receive a call as soon as either made it home.

All discussion and shouting immediately ceased as Dean Hardscrabble landed on the platform, her large wings tucked behind as her apathetic gaze met her students. Her eyes momentarily fell on Oozma Kappa, nearly having Squishy hide behind Don as the latter swallowed hard, his tentacles feeling just as sweaty.

The Dean broke eye contact with them before she loomed over the distraught crowd. With a deep sigh, she finally spoke.

"Students, as a renowned university, our historical accomplishments have come from grace, integrity, and, above all, honor."

Her voice flew among the quieted crowd, grasping every eye in her direction as her stern yet soothing tone projected like one belonging to a motivational speaker. While the Dean had expected their earlier reactions when Brock and Claire announced the stunt James P. Sullivan had pulled, she hoped to adjust things to the best of her ability while CDA were still roaming campus as well as the reconstruction of the former door lab.

After all, no monster, not even Brock and Claire, was aware that the remaining Oozma Kappa would return to her program next semester.

"While last night had been one of the universityʼs greatest offenses in our proud history," she went on, "we must look past this now and resume for our future." Her eyes fell on Oozma Kappa once more, the most subtle of smiles on her face before she resumed her speech. "For Michael Wazowski and James P. Sullivan, though no longer with us, are highly-"

"-the biggest mistakes in our alma materʼs history."

The Dean, frowning that she had been interrupted, scanned the crowd for the one responsible. Her eyes caught sight of Johnny Worthington with his four ROR brothers standing behind him, all appearing calm and unconcerned.

The proud future Scarer folded his arms as all eyes fell on him. He barely hid his smirk before he resumed his statement.

"I mean, really?" He gave sarcastic laugh. "Was there even any hope for them in the first place? While I had expected the green billiard ball to fail as soon as he got here, I had assumed olʼ Jimmy had some of his fatherʼs skills." He shook his head. "Boy, was I wrong..."

Oozma Kappa just stood there as Johnny went on, his degrading making them tense and above all infuriated, especially for Terry as his pair of arms tightened in fists, his single blue eye narrowing at the pompous ROR president.

"I just knew something bad would happen if we actually gave those guys a chance," Johnny snorted, eyes scanning Greek members and fans among the crowd. "A chance for what? Turn the whole university upside down just so they could prove theyʼre something theyʼre not?" He rolled his eyes. "I will admit, James has some hope for himself because, well, heʼs Scare material and all...but Wazowski?" He chuckled and shook his head. "I hate to think how heʼll turn out."

Terryʼs knuckles grew white as his fingers dug into his palm, all while his brother and Don were trying to comfort Squishy, the most innocent of OK nearly at tears due to the harshness Johnny was ranting on about their friends.

"Letʼs all be honest here, people," Johnny continued. "You all thought he wouldnʼt make it as soon as you saw him. Thatʼs pretty normal; there was absolutely no way he would become a Scarer. And just when we thought we were wrong...we were more than right."

Popping his collar as he shrugged his shoulders, he merely frowned.

"Letʼs face it," he said, his tone serious. "He never belonged here."

The Dean, as well as everyone else, was appalled by such a statement in regards to a student who (not even Worthington could do) changed her perspective on certain aspects of Scaring her. But before she could speak out and chide the overly proud frat leader-

SMASH!

All eyes immediately turned, including Johnnyʼs. He had just realized that Oozma Kappa had been standing behind his fraternity the whole time.

Terry stood beside the water table, his fist having slammed upon it so hard that all the cups spilled over and the table nearly broke a leg from the impact. His single eye blazed with fury as he gave Johnny Worthington a deathly glare; Terri hunched his head, fearful by this completely different side of his brother while the rest of OK stood behind them, suddenly becoming fearful.

"SHUT UP, JOHNNY!" Terry screamed angrily.

The rising tone of the usually calm and cynical twin erupted throughout the campus, even louder than if Brock Pearson screamed.

The ROR leaderʼs eyes slightly widened, never one to assume any of OK had buttons that could be pushed to a limit. He stood in place as Terry marched over to him, dragging his brother along while OK stood close by as if fearing the older twin would do something unthinkable.

Everyone watched in fear and anticipation as Terry stared Johnny dead in the face.

"Mike Wazowski is ten times the monster, you, or anyone else here, could ever be!" Terry spat.

Johnny remained silent, his chest held high while he tried to keep composed as he was slightly getting intimidated by the older of the scrawny, two-headed monster.

"You know, I used to think that we could never measure up to you guys," Terry said, "or any other team for that matter." His eye momentarily glanced around, spotting certain faces among the crowd before resuming his tirade. "And you know what? We had accepted it. That no one liked us just because weʼre not you..."

Though neither Oozma Kappa or ROR had noticed, that last sentence did feel like a jab among the monster witnessing the scene. Big Red and Carla Delgado looked at one another for a moment before both turned to Rosie Levin and Carrie Williams; the members on each of their teams looked at one another as well, remorse overcoming every one of them. And the memory of that night at the party followed by the publication of ʻCute-ma Kappaʼ induced the remorse...

Among the PNK girls, a certain mauve-haired member watched painfully as Terry Perry yelled at Johnny, her heart wrenched with so much guilt as her blue eyes nearly reduced to tears. She had never seen him so angry like this before. No one had ever seen the more angrier side of any of Oozma Kappa before...

Of course, like the Scare Games, OK was full of surprises...some absolutely terrifying.

Terry just stared at Johnny, slowly shaking his head. "Now I realize that Iʼm glad weʼre not you. Not even close."

Johnny stared at him with surprise. Every monster on campus wished to be ʻROR materialʼ; each member came from the most famous (and richest) families know to monster existence. And these wannabes wanted nothing like that? To just be classified as ʻsimple materialʼ?

"When Mike and Sulley came into our lives," Terry explained. "What mattered to us most wasnʼt that they help us get back into the Scaring program, what we mostly cared about was that we had two guys to add to our circle of OK brothers." He smiled bitterly. "Once a brother, always a brother. And even if we had really failed that first event if JOX hadnʼt been caught cheating..."

His eyes flickered over to where Big Red and the rest of Jaws Theta Chi stood. Despite being regarded as fearless and overall intimidating, said frat leader actually shied away when Terry looked at him. The bulky president bit his enormous lip, shuddering with even more shame at both laughing at OK and cheating in the Toxicity challenge.

Terry turned back to Johnny. "...what mattered most was that we failed together. As a team. We would never put it against them."

His wise words carried over every student, so powerful and mesmerizing even the Dean leaned in to listen more closely.

"Over time, Mike made us believe in ourselves," Terry continued with a heavy heart. "That we were more than what was thought of us."

Rosieʼs usually callous eyes slowly softened as she watched the older twin. Not many things could actually move her. But this...this was something so touching and emotional...

Her sorority sisters stood close by her, each of them regarding the older Perry with so much respect, and mentally rooting him on to tell off Worthington. Sonia Lewis stood a little from her group, keeping close eyes on Terry, her heart thumping rapidly as she was completely enraptured by this new side of him. It was pretty hot...

"And just when you thought youʼd broken us with that stupid prank..." The glare in Terryʼs eye returned as his voice hardened. "Mike was there to make us realize that we shouldnʼt give up. That weʼd show you...that weʼd show everyone...we can do it."

Johnny merely stood motionless alongside his frat brothers, although Chet was becoming even more intimidated by the angered OK member.

"He helped us see ourselves for who we truly are," he went on. "That we donʼt need crooked teeth, long tails, or even muscle to show that weʼre scary. What we do have is what truly makes us scary. Because, like Mike said..." His eye lowered sadly, wishing his friend could just see him now. "Thereʼs no one type of Scarer...that we should be proud just the way we are."

George Sanderson watched, nearly welling up with tears as the powerful message Mike Wazowski gave his former fraternity brother before leaving was being heard among the entire campus.

Johnny Worthington was a real jerk! Saying someone doesnʼt belong where was completely uncalled for! Mike, and especially Sulley, were two of the nicest guys he had ever met, despite that they had only officially met for a few minutes before they had to take the bus to Monstropolis to, hopefully, get those mailroom jobs.

Terry, having been silent for a few moments, continued as his eye blazed with determination.

"Mike Wazowski is the best coach any group of monsters could ask for," he said. "And itʼs because of him that we, Oozma Kappa, feel even more proud of ourselves. And Iʼm proud to call him our coach, our silver lining..."

He swallowed the huge lump in his throat, fighting back tears as he yearned even more for the green monster.

"And our friend," he choked.

Carla Delgado could see how close the older twin was to crying. In fact, all of Oozma Kappa were in even more dejected states as each missed their expelled friends badly. Yes, in the beginning, Carla and her sorority had immense doubts OK would even make it past the second event. But over time, and with a lot more understanding, they realized just how much of a team they really were. Save for lack of workout because not one of them (with the exception of Sulley and perhaps Art) could perform even one push-up, they always leaned one one another for support, much like her team. And Mike had been the sole reason OK realized its true purpose. Among its students, its Greek community...

Among future Scarers everywhere.

Such feelings induced the guilt more about how much of a hard time, since its founding, everyone had given OK. And that prank was really the last straw. She never had expected Johnny Worthington to stoop so slow as to do something so cruel and stupid. Of course, he was a conceited jerk whose ego was nearly as big as his jaw; sometimes pride came with a price tag.

Carrie Williams watched, her lips pursed with remorse before she glanced over at her sorority, her mauve-haired sister looking just as guilty as all of them. Since their sorority had formed into a group of six and earned popularity among its Greek community and fans, each girl had cherished their moments with pointing and laughing, teasing and mocking, but all just for a little fun. Nothing serious...

Oh, how wrong they were...

As much as Carrie refused to believe so, she feared it wasnʼt exactly the end for them. Like soon enough they were going to receive something far worse in return...

The Dean processed every word as like one printing them into a soon-to-be novel. She was incredibly impressed by how much Oozma Kappa had changed over the course of the semester, their newfound confidence overriding any disregards they once had about themselves. Terry Perry was especially a surprising case, taking the situation by the reins and speaking like a true monster.

As hard as it was for Dean Hardscrabble to expel both Michael and James, what they had done had been both a disgrace and an endangerment to the monster world. While Jaws Theta Chi had been an exception, their disqualification merely a warning to students who might consider becoming future frat or sorority members, Michael and Jamesʼs stunts were above and beyond. If they only received a meager punishment, then the Dean feared her campus, or even future students, would believe that any profanity or misdemeanor could be pardoned so easily.

But if last nightʼs experience had taught her anything (and it really opened her eyes), then she was sure the former students, especially Michael, could succeed beyond what even her university could provide them.

And now she could save herself the trouble of scolding Johnny for still holding the same feelings the Dean formerly had when she first witnessed Michael Wazowski. The older twin was doing a fine job making the Worthington son take a second thought about his own words.

However, what Terry did next was something she did not expect.

Much to everyoneʼs fright (and perhaps even Johnnyʼs if one were to look more closely), Terry suddenly reached out and grabbed the ROR president by his sweater, fingers buried deep within the fabric as he pulled Johnny near his face.

"And if you ever, I mean, ever talk about Mike or Sulley that way again...!" Terry hissed threateningly. "I will take you down!"

The fire blazing in the older twinʼs single eye was absolutely frightening as he glared menacingly at the monster whose fraternity gave OK so much grief during the Scare Games. If this had been last semester before the second Scare Games event, everyone would immediately presume such a lanky two-headed figure like the twins could be brought down easily by someone as large and strongly-built as Johnny Worthington. However, things had changed so much during the time, and most placed bets that Terry Perry was not lying.

The younger twin wanted to say something, anything, to prevent his older brother from doing something he would regret later (or maybe not). The rest of Oozma Kappa stood close by, completely overtaken with fear by this much newer side of Terry Perry.

True, as the second most mature member of the team, Terry could have a temper at times, but it usually simmered down because he held a much joyous demeanor as did his younger brother. When he got angry, he could usually let it go and act snarky about it.

But this was beyond letting go.

The fierce, almost psychotic look he possessed was enough to raise a scare simulator without even producing a roar. If that was how a human child felt when a monster came through his or her closet, then Terry Perry, along with his brother, would definitely make quite a Scarer in the future...

Johnny said nothing, completely muted as the much skinnier monster glared at him, hands probably greasing his personal sweater that if he dug too deep it could create a hole. Though he was showing no fear, he knew Terry could sense it, his single blue eye staring at his purple ones that had widened the entire time. The ROR president could easily just pry his lanky arm off him; but the grip was too strong for such a skinny guy and even if Johnny asked for Terry to remove it, being the proud Worthington he is, the twin would refuse.

Looking at his fiery blue iris, Johnny almost assumed Terry wanted to kill him on the spot.

He was dragged out of his thoughts when Terry violently shook him.

"You hear me?" The older twin practically roared. "I will tear those stupid horns off...! Shove them under your tail...! Jab them in your eyes...!"

The frat leader was right.

Every word projecting from the older twinʼs mouth frightened everyone, especially a certain mauve-haired PNK girl who was carefully held back by her sorority leader. Everyone was afraid right now, even the Dean was rather worried Terry would inflict overly severe physical harm on Johnny.

Immediately, Don raced over and placed a gentle yet shaking tentacle upon Terryʼs arm, trying but failing to loosen the grip he had on the ROR president.

"Hey, hey!" Don tried to coax him, placing his other tentacle on the older twinʼs back. "Terry, calm down...We donʼt want want to get too rational..." He gulped.

However, Terry hardly heard him as he stared at Johnny. Memories of high school suddenly flooded back as he stared at the frat leader that bullied his own friends for his amusement.

The taunts...the pointing...the rejection...being mostly cast aside by those considered popular...being hurt by a former crush...

Terryʼs other hand tightened, forming into a fist that was determined to strike something to ease its tension.

And Terry would do just that no matter how much Don or his frat brothers were pleading him not to do so. Nothing was going to stop him from making Johnny Worthington wish he never-

"Terry?"

His fist suddenly loosened, and so did his grip on Johnnyʼs sweater as an oh-so familiar voice called out to the older twin.

The fire suddenly disappeared in his single eye as Terryʼs temper began to slowly die down.

Turning ever so slowly, he looked behind Johnny, the frat leader peering over his shoulder as well.

All eyes suddenly fell on two recognizable faces as they stood before their former university. Mrs. Squibbles stood beside them, smiling proudly that she had brought them at the perfect time.

Terryʼs jaw dropped immediately as he found himself gazing into the other monocular monster; all of Oozma Kappa were a loss for words as well.

"M-mike?" Terry whispered, almost tearfully. He turned toward the towering blue monster beside him. "S-sulley?"

The bigger monster merely smiled, giving a playful shrug of his shoulders while Mike managed a small smirk.

"Hey," the green monster greeted warmly.

In a split second Johnny was nearly pushed to the ground as Terry shoved him out of his way, the rest of OK following behind him as they lunged at their former brothers and dearly missed friends.

And, right in front of the entire university, Sulley was tackled to the ground by Squishy and Art, while Mike was picked up by both the twins and Don and held so tightly he could burst like a fudge-filled Easter egg.

"Yeah, you too..." Mike chuckled with a wheeze as the hug was nearly cutting off his circulation.

It was a touching moment, honestly, as George Sanderson watched, an entirely giddy feeling embedded deep within his gut that Mike and Sulleyʼs presence werenʼt the first surprise they had for their OK family, or for everyone else for that matter.

Gazing around, the JOX member mentally sighed with relief as no one took a verbal jab at either of the expelled, grateful no one was thinking about the events of last night that led to the eventual power outage as well as CDA personnel roaming the campus.

He could see Rosie Levin and Carla Delgado exchange a quick glance, both showing sincere looks of relief and the smallest hint of a smile from even the HSS leader. Both women turned back to witness further embracing of OK and their former brothers, seeing something theyʼve never seen before. It was beautiful.

Carrie Williams and her sorority watched the heartfelt moment of such a reunion, seeing the immediate change of mood Terry Perry had as soon as he found his friends standing before him. There was no bigger relief than seeing the older twin revert back to his calm, serene self, with the addition of near the brink of tears as he held Mike so close just after defending him against Worthington.

Said frat president merely just stood there with the rest of his fraternity, looking incredibly surprised yet confused as to why the two former students had suddenly returned. If they had just come to give one last goodbye to their former brothers, then Johnny couldnʼt deny that it seemed like a poor move, no doubt triggering more pain when they would have to leave for real after all the hugs and gooey exchange of words were over with. But he was relieved to know Terry wasnʼt nearly ripping at his sweater anymore with all the threats and stuff...

Terry sniffed loudly, painfully sucking in his cheeks as the biggest of smiles spread across his face as he hugged Mike, embracing him so hard that he just didnʼt want to let go.

"Uh, Terry?"

He kept hugging, feeling as if everything would be just fine now.

"Terry?"

He didnʼt care what the "cool monsters" thought of at this moment...

"T-terry?"

If they thought what they were doing was completely babyish, well, they can all just go-

"Terry!"

The older twinʼs eye immediately opened before he stared down at Mike, he was being muffled in his hold, his lips nearly covered by the arm of his sweater.

"Oh, right!" Terry chuckled apologetically before quickly placing him down. He coughed loudly, feeling quite embarrassed before tugging the brim of his collar; his brother just smiled at him.

"What are you fellas doing here?" Don asked happily as he and the rest of OK gathered around their friends.

"Are you not ready to say goodbye just yet?" Squishy asked, his voice carrying a hint of sadness.

Mike smiled warmly at the smaller monster, then glanced at every face of OK he was proud to call his friend. He broke into an even bigger smile, excited to give them the big news.

"Squishy, my friend," he said proudly. "Every goodbye is merely a hello for later!"

He was regarded with confusion and Mike merely chuckled before he nudged Sulley.

"We got the job!" The green monster announced.

"Alright!" Art cheered immediately. However, his expression of enthusiasm quickly died down before it was overcome with confusion. "Wait, what job?"

"At Monsters Incorporated!" Sulley added. "Mikey and I just got hired this morning!"

They had expected wide smiles and applause from their former brothers, but OK, as well as every other monster, was staring at them with even more confusion. Surprise, mostly.

"What?" Terri said in disbelief. "But, guys, I mean...you donʼt have diplomas, and despite the power crisis and all, I donʼt think MI would just-"

"Oh, yeah, that didnʼt come out right..." Mike rolled his single eye at his own naivety. "What I mean to say...Sulley and I got jobs at MIʼs mailroom!"

Now the expressions they were given now was what they truly expected.

"You did?" Squishy cried.

"Dudes, that awesome!" Art exclaimed.

"Never been more happy for you fellas!" Don said as he patted Sulley on the arm.

"So...does that mean...?" Terry looked at them hopefully.

Mike and Sulley glanced at each other with knowing grins before turning back to their former brothers.

"Still got that spare room at home?" Mike asked playfully. "Or is someone already asking for it?"

Squishyʼs smile was so wide it could make a rainbow envious as he gazed at Mike with so much zest.

"Weʼd reject even the mayor of Monstropolis if it meant you guys can live with us again!" He howled.

"Thanks, guys," Sulley said gratefully. "Itʼs nice to be back."

He almost fell forward when Art jumped and wrapped his legs over his shoulders, his head nearly pressing against his as he displayed his usual excited grin.

"Man, this semester has been off the chain!" He guffawed. "I can only wonder what next semester will be like!" He turned to Mike. "Look, even though you guys arenʼt students anymore and all, and work will probably be a drag...what job wouldnʼt?" He added with a snicker. "But maybe, from time to time, you guys can stick with us on campus when class is done; we can cry, laugh, or even break into some place like before-"

"That is highly doubtful."

All eyes immediately turned to Johnny, the president having gotten over his surprise and dismay before he regarded the group of misfit monsters.

"Wazowski and Sullivan are expelled," he reminded them, his voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "They donʼt belong here..." He caught Terryʼs eye with a challenging expression. "...anymore."

The ROR president didnʼt notice the disapproving looks from George Sandersonʼs face, nor even the the frown on Carla Delgadosʼs; he especially didnʼt notice the furious looks from the other Greek members. Not only was this frat president conceited...he was pretty blunt and insensitive to say the least. Although, Johnny neither noticed nor sensed any negativity directed at him.

But he did suddenly realize as Terry, dragging his brother, marched toward him; his anger was so strong he could have left a reign of fire in his path if he wanted to.

"I will murder you, Worthington!" Terry barked, nearly spitting in his face.

However, before the ROR president could respond, another voice spoke out.

"And who says they do not belong in my university anymore?"

All eyes turned toward Dean Hardscrabble as she descended the platform, her appearance looking as apathetic and unflappable as ever. But the glint in her eyes as she regarded Johnny with disapproval was far from inconspicuous as she stood between him and Terry, her form standing much closer to the latter.

"Youʼre an intelligent student, Mr. Worthington," she told the larger monster. "Surely you have enough sense to accommodate every word Mr. Perry here has been telling you moments before, correct?"

Johnnyʼs eyes widened in disbelief. Hardscrabble, the Dean of the most renowned program of the university; beyond strict and hard to please...she was defending them?

The Dean turned away from him before regarding both Mike and Sulley. And there, for everyone to witness, she displayed a small yet recognizable smile as she nodded to the two former students.

"Despite the troubles they have caused this university," she announced to her students, "and although they are no longer attending classes, that should not refrain them from walking among our alma mater."

She glanced over at OK, her eyes genuinely soft with a hint of kindness in them.

"Although expelled," she continued, "they are as much important to this university as we are." Her gaze loomed over at the two said monsters. "And as a former student myself, I must admit...they are unlike anything the university has ever had for as long as Iʼve been here. Especially Mr. Wazowski."

The green monster was vividly surprised at the mention as eyes turned to him in astonishment. However, he had not been the only one surprised today, recalling so well the Deanʼs final words before he and Sulley discovered the ad in the newspaper she gave them. He mentally sent the Dean a word of thanks.

In the Deanʼs eyes, he could sense she was returning the thought before she loomed over to Johnny, who appeared as overwhelmed and shocked as ever.

"And besides, Mr. Worthington," she told him with a click of her tongue. "Iʼm sure Michael and Jamesʼ services will be greatly required by their former fraternity once Oozma Kappa returns to my Scaring program next semester."

As soon as those words exited her mouth, it all suddenly sank in.

And the look on Johnny Worthingtonʼs face was absolutely priceless!

"Theyʼre what?" The ROR president cried in disbelief.

Murmurs and whispers emerged from the crowd as all eyes set on OK; although said fraternity paid no mind. Indeed, they were more than happy to be back in the Scaring program, but that was nowhere as special as the two monsters that returned in their lives.

Terry smiled happily at Mike and Sulley, mostly the former.

"Thanks, Mike," he told him. "For everything."

Mike returned the expression. "Thanks for sticking up for us. Especially me."

The older twin blushed with embarrassment. "Oh, you saw all that?"

"Like the scary monster you are," Mike said encouragingly. "Although, violence wasnʼt something Iʼd expect..." He added nervously.

They both shared a laugh before Mrs. Squibbles walked over.

"Oh, this is simply wonderful!" She cooed happily before she reached over and placed a motherly hand on Mikeʼs cheek.

The gesture made the green monster nearly become red, as she was coddling him right in front of the entire university. But somehow, he didnʼt entirely care.

"Now all my little Oozmas are together again!" She added affectionately.

"Little Oozmas..." Chet snickered under his breath.

The petite woman turned in the Deanʼs direction, her eyes twinkling even more before she raced over to her.

And, right in front of her students, she hugged Dean Hardscrabble.

A few gasps emitted from the crowd as the Deanʼs eyes widened while her lower torso was held by small arms and a headful of golden curls nearly tickling her exoskeleton. She tried to keep composed as she usually did, although he eyes darted back and forth, feeling slightly distorted by the way everyone was looking at her.

Squishy and the rest of OK tensed a bit, watching the frat mom as she stepped over major boundaries and did the impossible.

But Sherry Squibbles paid no mind before she loosened the embrace and gazed at the Dean happily.

"Thank you, Abigail."

Again, the Deanʼs eyes widened even further as she was referred by her first name.

Finally, Sherry broke away leaving the Dean overwhelmed and even more perplexed as she rejoined her boys.

Don, both relieved and amused, simply smiled and laughed. "This is the happiest moment of my life," he said blissfully.

Mrs. Squibbles looked at him with an innocent stare. "What about our engagement?"

Again, more surprises! Every student and even the Dean turned to Don in amazement.

"Holy cow, the president of Oozma Kappa is getting married!" Brock whispered to Claire, although even his quietest voice could wake up a mansion-sized household.

"Heʼs getting married!" Brynn Larson squealed to her EEK sisters as they stared at Don with excitement.

Said president blushed with embarrassment before he looked at his future wife apologetically.

"Well, one of happiest!" He added quickly.

Mrs. Squibbles-soon-to-be-Carlton just smiled and rolled her five eyes before she came over and embraced her future husband. Don hugged back, relieved she wasnʼt one to be so upset over something so simple. Squishy did his best to smile, though deep down he was still slightly discomforted that his mother and his own "frat brother" were set on getting married very soon.

Mrs. Squibbles loosened the embrace before she beckoned for the rest of OK, and especially Mike and Sulley, to join in the union.

And the monsters did just that.

They formed a circle as they pressed their bodies close against each other. Arm to arm, thought and touch, and the mutual feeling that everything was falling into place.

If the earlier hug had been a touching moment, this one was enough to make even a tough monster cry.

And Big Red of JOX did just that as he tried to stifle his cries but failed miserably. He was immediately comforted by his frat brothers. As George patted his arm, he turned back to OK.

Mike caught his gaze. The twinkle in his eye saying so much to the orange monster that had become officially his friend.

Youʼre welcome, George thought.

Finally, after the hug finished, Mrs. Squibbles reached over and rubbed the twinsʼ back affectionately.

"We should probably get out of here," she insisted. "I donʼt think thereʼs much to do here today. So why donʼt we all go home and provide Michael and James a brand new "re-welcome", and perhaps go out for something to eat?"

Terry smiled, not bothering to look at any of the other students.

"Yeah," he said quietly. "Letʼs get out of here."

And with that being said, Mrs. Squibbles led her precious boys away from the crowd, although every monster made one last observation as OK left their sight.

Those guys had definitely changed over the course of the Scare Games. They were so lucky to have had two particular monsters part of their team.

And they were beyond lucky to be blessed with such a woman who would do anything for them and vice versa.

They werenʼt just OK. They were special.

Memory fading, Mike sniffed, unable to stop the tear that slid from his large single eye as he recounted how much Terry had stuck up for him and Sulley, willing to pummel Johnny Worthingtonʼs face into the dirt just to defend his friends.

Before, the older twin probably wouldnʼt even dream of acting all tough because of inferiority and afraid to discover what strength he could possess. But now, after so much has changed, Terry, along with the rest of OK, was strong beyond compare.

In mind, body, and especially soul.

Mike only hoped he could see those attributes again soon as he leaned against Celia, his girlfriend comforting him as he silently cried in her arms while her snakes rubbed the top of his head soothingly.
_

Dirk watched from across the lawn toward the unopened glass doors of the hospital, his expression deepening to a much more crestfallen state. Standing beside him was no other than EEK girl Violet Steslicki; in front of them was a soda machine the fiery-haired JOX member was just searching quarters in his pockets for.

Every single concerned student and Greek member stood outside the medical institution, wondering how Oozma Kappa, let alone Mrs. Carlton, were coping within the waiting room while they remained outside. CDA personnel still roamed the courtyard, vans parking everywhere and the sound of a helicopter could be heard every few minutes.

It was terrifying to imagine how badly injured the twins were. After all, the chemical he overheard about that had been in the science departmentʼs possession was incredibly deadly.

Like a childʼs touch.

Dirkʼs tail nearly stood up on end, trying to keep up a strong, steady guise as he fished his pockets for more loose change, eyes leaving those seemingly lifeless doors before he turned his attention back to the soda machine. He shifted his eyes over to his frat brotherʼs cousin, her exquisite eye downcast as she folded her arms. She somehow just wanted to stick by his side while their teams were on their own lamenting the supposed aftermath of the direness.

Even in the most depressing and worrisome situations, Dirk could not help admiring her beauty. The way her lips pouted when she was either annoyed or upset, how her head lowered to allow her cinnamon bun-like horns to glisten in pure daylight, the well-built and voluptuous curves she was given...

Dirk stopped right there as he desperately erased fantasies and desirable thoughts before he finally found a good amount of change and inserted the last of them into the slot.

"How long have they been inside?" He finally spoke, shifting from her back to the soda machine as he made his choice of beverage.

Violet lifted her gaze, peering over the crowd of students and toward the building. "Perhaps an hour...maybe even several hours..."

Dirk sighed as he made his selection. He momentarily raised an eyebrow when his purchase resulted in somehow receiving two cans for the price of one. Casting a quick glance toward Violet, he reached down and grabbed one of them.

"Soda?" He offered.

Violet turned to him, slightly surprised yet appeased as she accepted it, popping it open moments after Dirk had done with his.

"Well, nice to see Mrs. Carlton has stopped crying," he commented quietly.

"Same for Art," Violet added with a nod. "Our sororityʼs Maria has just ended hers."

"Doesnʼt Maria...?" Dirk pondered for a moment. "Doesnʼt she have a crush on one of the twins?" Since last semester nearing the conclusion of the Scare Games, he recalled the public discussion with various other frats and sororities regarding OK.

Violet chuckled at the mention. "She does. The older one."

"Why am I not surprised?" Dirk rolled his eyes. Oozma Kappaʼs triumphs last semester had not only earned them their mark in the university, but especially with the women...mostly the twins; mainly Terry.

"And if you noticed for a moment..." Violet added playfully. "HSSʼs Sonia Lewis vies for him as well."

Dirk nearly choked on his drink before looking at her. "That...I did not know." He eyed her carefully. "How come youʼre not tripping over heels for Terry like nearly every girl in the university?"

"Oh, please," Violet scoffed. "Heʼs not really my type. But I will admit he's quite attractive."

The mace on Dirkʼs tail stood up on end, and he fought to hide his envy as he downed more of his drink while Violetʼs thoughts momentarily focused on the older twin.

"Yeah, I guess so..." He murmured after a gulp.

"Girls adore the older twin," she informed him. "With such a highly-refined personality that woos the ladies, yes?"

"Of course," he nodded in agreement. He thought for a moment, contemplating Terryʼs popularity with the women; yet, as the JOX member recalled, the older Perry had not even made a move nor taken into account how much the ladies nearly faint in his presence. "How is it the guy hasnʼt picked up a date yet since the semester started?"

Violetʼs small smile slowly inverted as she lowered her gaze. "I donʼt think heʼd want to..."

He stared at her on confusion. "Why would you say that?"

"Right, you werenʼt there at the library..." She sighed.

"Wait, what happened at the library?" He raised one of his bushy eyebrows.

The bulky purple monster sighed once more. "The day of the first event...Naomi Jackson had found him and his brother at the library. And Terry...well, he yelled at her. I was there; I saw everything."

Her single eye closed, her heart riding heavily in her chest as she thought back on the day the Scare Game first began. Violet had been standing on one of the upper sections of the library searching a book for Scaring class when she had heard the sound of an angry voice. Terry Perryʼs.

Having a good view of down below, she had seen the anger emerging from said twinʼs face while Naomi Jackson had stood there, motionless and crumbling ever so slowly with every verbal attack he inflicted on her.

The look in Terryʼs single eye had been so terrifying, and the anger just induced it as he ranted and yelled while his younger brother clung to him while trying to keep some distance out of fear. Violet had never seen such anger before...save for that one moment on the day he stood up to Johnny Worthington when he had insulted about Mike and Sulley; but this newfound anger was far more scary than before. Violet never even knew any guy in Oozma Kappa could ever get angry, being a cheerful fraternity that always looked on the bright side of things and reacted calmly to more frustrating situations. While Terry was the second oldest after Don Carlton, he did carry a more emotionally aggressive side not even the mature student possessed. And when those emotions were toyed with, it would be utter disaster.

And thatʼs exactly what Naomi had brought herself into as Terry continuously jabbed her, all eyes on them both as he made her feel the same humiliation he had endured that night at the RORʼs.

Reminded so heavily on that cruel prank, it pained Violet to see how much Johnnyʼs infliction had drilled a hole through Terryʼs heart. What that conceited jerk did was downright terrible and stupid, and Violet regretted, with every fiber in her body, having laughed at OK.

While it had been so relieving that OK was quick to forgive and forget and still make peace and friendship among their Greek community (and saving Randall Boggs from ROR), Violet still had a lingering feeling that someone among the university was not going to be taken lightly to.

And that was Naomi Jackson and her whole PNK sorority.

To this day, Violet had seen how much Terry would avoid any of those girls, including the one that just wishes to hold him close and never let go. And when the Scare Games began, his drive to "rip them to pieces" became his more competitive side; and this not only frightened Carrie and her girls, but Violet as well.

True, not many monsters knew the so-called "relationship" between the older twin and PNK, but many knew that he preferred his time with sororities such as EEK and HSS, a plus for both Maria and Sonia.

Terry was still the sweet, kind-hearted, and cynical monster he had always been, but deep down, Violet knew there was a part of him he would never let go.

"What Johnny did to him and his frat brothers really destroyed something in him," she finally said.

Dirkʼs eyes widened, then he looked away, the emotional toll suddenly upsurged as he reflected on that specific memory.

True, it seemed funny at first...but after a few laughs, it really wasnʼt. Dirk could have sworn he saw Squishy hold back his tears as he wiped the paint from his eyes.

For Mike and OK, they could put that behind them and lead on with their lives and victories and continuing triumphs, but For Terry...now that he thought about it, the older twin had been so set on perhaps asking Naomi Jackson out after the party. But then stupid Worthington ruined the poor PNK girlʼs chance...

"So youʼre saying heʼs pretty much avoiding girls?" He asked sadly.

"Irony can be a real drag, no?" Violet commented with a pained smile.

Dirk gazed down at the ground, then lifted them up and regarded the mass crowd that had arrived just for the twins. They all cared about OK, such a fraternity being so original and incredibly spirited that each member could make a horrid day go right. It just took this long to realize that now...

"I...I canʼt believe we treated OK like dirt last semester," Dirk muttered.

Violet bit her lip. "Not all of us did. Some of us did pity them."

"You know," he clutched his can. "We were set on apologizing to them for, you know, the prank...but then they just ran off."

"Back to their motherʼs," she added regretfully, unable to imagine how the loving former Mrs. Squibbles might have reacted to seeing her "little Oozmas" in such a depressing state of glitter and flowers.

Dirk swallowed the lump in his throat. "Y-you know..." He nearly choked on his words. "I bet Mrs. Carlton was really disappointed with us during that time..."

"Yes, but look how she sees us now," Violet tried to sound cheerful. "She likes us, sincerely and openly."

"S-sheʼs always been so nice to us," Dirk sighed. "Even during the Scare Games last semester. It just makes me feel even worse about what we did to her boys..."

Violet gazed at him pitifully. While JOX wasnʼt exactly the smartest fraternity in the Greek community (their cheating at last semester Scare Games was incredibly disgraceful and stupid), they had big hearts. Big Red, George, Omar, her cousin Percy, and especially Dirk...

"What matters now," she said finally, "is that everything is much better than they had been before."

Dirk looked up at her, seeing the twinkle in her single eye as a sincere smile played on her full lips. His heart was practically throbbing by such beauty, but he immediately hid it as he tried to share her smile, though it came out rather awkward.

Violet gazed back at him thoughtfully. For some odd reason, she felt her whole body reacting with incredible warmth.

"Feeling better?" She asked softly.

That accent of hers was just so alluring as Dirk fought to keep his drool within the limits of his mouth.

"Uh, yeah..." He said with a lovesick chuckle.

From a distance, Percy Boleslaw watched as he frat brother and his cousin continued conversing through drinks of soda before he shifted his gaze back to the hospital. Hours felt like days and he wondered how long it would be before those twins finally returned.

If they returned...

Such a dramatic, movie-induced thought chilled his bones as he tried not to think about the possible outcomes from such an explosion with a chemical nearly similar to a human childʼs touch.

They just have to make it. Everyone was waiting painfully on them.

Especially one certain monster whose tears shed for the older twin.

His single eye caught sight of Naomi in the arms of her best friend Nadya. The PNK girl clung to the HSS girl like a little monster unable to leave her motherʼs side; the latter stroked her hair as she held her close, her three eyes regarding her every now and then while Naomiʼs dripped tears onto the pavement.

At a time like this, Percy knew Naomi needed Nadya more than ever. After all, she was the "mentor" to Naomiʼs troubling want for Terry Perry. Every time the PNK girl failed miserably to be near said twin, Nadya was there to mend the emotional wounds.

While Nadya and her sisters were of darkly nature, Percy knew how pure their hearts were, especially for others.

That was just one of the things that made Nadya Petrov so amazing...
_

Dean Hardscrabble sadly gazed down at every student standing outside the hospital where two unfortunate souls were hopefully laying peacefully as medical staff made an effort to revive them sooner than expected.

Never had such an incident as the one the twins suffered ever occurred within her university (with the exception of the one caused by Michael and James last semester). She felt partially blamed for it, mentally screaming at herself as to why the university had even allowed hydrofluoric acid to be purchased for the science department when every monster knew how deadly the chemical was to their young students. She kept thinking someone would do something ridiculous and wind up making a mess or someone would go to the nurseʼs office.

What transpired was an accident followed by a trip to the ER outside the university.

She became alert as she spotted the remaining OK, EZ, and especially Michael and James, exit out of the hospital. Her heart about plummeted further downward than her wings as she witnessed the sobbing Mrs. Carlton in her husbandʼs arms. That wasnʼt a good sign.

Eyes widening in concern, her usually unflappable appearance molded into distortion because of this wrenching situation, she quickly swooped down from her position atop one of the hospitalʼs light poles before making her way to the front of the crowd as several familiar monsters approached the despaired Oozma Kappa.

Before either Brock or Claire could question them, she immediately spoke towards Mr. and Mrs. Carlton.

"What has happened?" She asked, sounding surprisingly for someone as stern and impassive as the Dean. "What have the doctors said about the twins?" Her eyes never left the sight of Mrs. Carlton, seeing the overly cheerful womanʼs tears was painful to regard.

"Are they okay?" Big Red asked.

"How long are they going to be in there?" Carrie Williams asked.

Comforting his wife, Don answered for all of them.

"The doctors said theyʼre fine," he announced, which elicited great relief among the crowd. "However, theyʼre in a bit of a coma."

Naomi, standing beside her sorority leader, felt her heart hit rock bottom as she stared with a horrified expression. She was unable to utter one word as the Dean spoke up once more.

"A coma?" Hardscrabble exclaimed. "How long?"

Don swallowed hard, trying to remain strong for the sake of his whole team. "Probably days, weeks..."

"They said the twins are fine," Mike added sadly. "However, their condition needs to be dealt with. Whatever that condition is..."

Before the green monster could resume, two CDA agents followed by a doctor exited out of the hospital and regarded the crowd.

"Attention, students and immediate family," one of the CDA agents shouted through a megaphone. "We ask that you clear this area immediately. The patients will remain here until further notice, so I suggest you all leave now. Child Protection Agency business will continue, we restrict all visitors for the time being. Thank you."

Katy, who had been leaning on Laura for support, could only stare at those CDA agents with anger. First they wouldnʼt explain what exactly has become of the twins, and if they were even entirely sincere about being "fine"; now theyʼre telling them to leave? Leave, while no monster, other than the hospital workers, has a clue about the given state of the twins, let alone how long the stupid coma could really last.

However, she said nothing as the crowd began to disperse as more CDA personnel arrived in front of the hospital, surveying the entire institution and running data 24/7. They act as if a human child had been loose in the monster world!

Naomi couldnʼt move, her trio of eyes gazing at the hospital where, she hoped so desperately, the twins were resting and healing.

Her first instinct told her to just run in there, avoid the CDA, and just find them. Find Terry. To tell him everything. And much he meant to her.

She felt a light grasp on her hand and she turned around. Nadya gave her a concerned look before she gently tugged on her to move it, seeing as everyone was now leaving the premises.

Biting her lip, Naomi glanced at the hospital one more time as her best friend slowly dragged her away.

The soft cries of Mrs. Carlton served no comfort as the PNK girl tried her best to hold back her own.
_

Randall sadly glanced over at Mrs. Carlton once more as he placed the tray on the living room table, the smell of hot chocolate enticing no oneʼs nostrils.

An hour after they were ordered to leave hospital grounds by the CDA, the remaining Oozma Kappa, with their good friends of Exceeda Zeta, returned to Greek Row and within the comforts of their frat house. Monsters University resumed its normal basis, although for most students it was difficult to continue classes and various studies when two of MUʼs most popular students were in solitary confinement with no given news of when they would eventually wake up.

But a promise was a promise, and Dean Hardscrabble validated that the Scare Games would be postponed until Oozma Kappa was reunited once more. After all, the events would mean nothing without the fraternity that made it all more special.

The competition was far from the minds of the OK members as each reached forward to claim a mug, sipping silently and making light of whatever conversation could be created at the tip of oneʼs tongue. But the cheerful atmosphere just wasnʼt there as the frat mom sat on the couch between her husband and son, staring at her mug that was beginning to cool down.

"Mom?" Squishy looked at her sadly. "Still thinking about Terri and Terry?"

The golden-haired woman glanced over at her son, painfully trying to draw a smile on her lips. "Of course, sweetheart. Iʼm just thinking that any moment the doctor will call and tell us we can bring them home." Her multitude of eyes fell, sighing.

Randall, heartbroken of seeing the loving woman in such a depressing state, decided to speak up.

"Is...is there anything we can do while theyʼre still resting?" He asked her hopefully, adjusting his glasses.

"I could make them a new dream journal," Art volunteered.

"They already have two," Squishy reminded him.

Laura decided to speak."Why not make something special for when they come back?"

"Like a ʻWelcome Backʻ sign!" Dot interrupted, trying to lift their spirits.

"Hey, thatʼs a great idea!" Art exclaimed, his cheery demeanor suddenly returning as he turned to the orange gelatinous monster. "A big sign! Hang it one the house where the whole university can see it!"

"Good thinking, Art," Laura nodded. She turned to Randall. "Hey, Randy, why not make something special? You know, bake something?"

The lizard looked at her, his eyes becoming even much larger than what his glasses produced before he shyly smiled at her; Monnie pouted as she glanced away, deeply fuming.

"Well, I could make a cake..." He said. He turned to Mrs. Carlton. "Maʼam, what do you think of the idea?"

By now, the petite woman appeared almost like her usually bubbly self as she gave him a sincere smile.

"I think itʼs a wonderful idea, dear," she told him.

"Hey! The guys and I can do house for you if you like, Mrs. C.!" Mike said enthusiastically, waving a hand in the air. "Weʼll do all the chores!"

"Chores?" Sulley repeated in confusion, such a word sounding foreign to the laid back monster.

"Weʼll do your chores for you, mom!" Squishy said excitedly, willing to do anything to keep the woman in high spirits.

"Of course," Don added. "In fact, Iʼm sure you kept your chores list around here somewhere..."

Just as he was getting up from the couch, there was a knock on the door.

"I got it," Sulley volunteered as he stood from his seat and walked over to the entrance.

Mike watched curiously as his best friend opened the door. He was mildly surprised to see it was one of those EKO girls whose sorority lost to EZ in the first Scare Game event; but despite their fall, they rooted for the remaining teams, and, not so surprisingly, EZ.

He watched the backside of Sulley as he conversed quietly with the EKO girl, his bristles of fur slightly shaking as the big monster nodded his head.

"Yes, thank you," Sulley finished before turning back to the others after closing the door. In his large hands was a tray of scones.

"What are those for?" Mike asked.

"A get well present for the twins," Sulley explained with a chuckle before he placed the dish on the table.

"Already?" The green monster laughed. He was well aware how much the ladies were intrigued with the twins, particularly the older one, he just didnʼt expect theyʼd get presents so soon after just a few hours in the hospital.

"Oh, thatʼs so sweet of the darlings," Mrs. Carlton cooed.

"I want..." Art murmured as he stared at the dish of powdered scones that smelled faintly of lemon.

Randallʼs eyes loomed over the pastries meant for the twins, a little worried he might not be able to bake after all. However, it was just one dish, he and Mrs. Carlton could still make a cake and they would share it amongst each other-

Another knock came to the door.

"I got it," Sulley hollered with a sigh as he got out of his seat seconds after just laying his furry bottom on the cushion.

Mike raised an eyebrow as he opened the door once again. It was merely a few seconds of Sulley speaking with Brynn Larson from EEK before he finally closed the door; in his paws was a plate of muffins.

"For the twins again," he announced before he placed it beside the tray of scones.

"Okay, I want that..." Art was nearly drooling a puddle onto the carpet as he stared at the muffins.

Randall stared at the muffins, his glasses nearly sliding off his snout.

Again, another knock on the door, much to Sulleyʼs frustration just as he was about to take his seat.

This time, it was a box of chocolates.

The knocking continued, and Sulley was receiving quite the workout walking from the living room toward the door and returning with whatever new treat was made specially for the twins.

Mike could hardly cease the smile from spreading across his face as there was no longer any room on the coffee table while Sulley answered the door every minute or two. So many good treats...coming from so many good monsters who gave their condolences and wishes for the twinsʼ recovery.

"Oh, dear!" Mrs. Carlton giggled as she stood up from her seat. "Randy, Squishy, could you help me make some room in the kitchen table for these presents?"

"Of course, Mrs. Carlton," the lizard was quick to assist. Maybe his baking would have to wait a while...

"Sure mom," Squishy said as both boys followed her through the kitchen door.

"Yeah, yeah, thanks..."

Mike turned once more to see Sulley holding a basket that was nearly the green monsterʼs size.

"Maria Garcia sent it," Sulley muttered before he placed the basket right atop his seat now that the coffee table was overly occupied. "Apparently, she knows how much Terry likes to drink tea out of China cups. So she brought him a complete tea set. Imported teas included."

"Suddenly I wish I was the one in a coma..." Art commented blandly, staring at all the presents the twins were to receive; they just kept on coming.

The door knocked once more, eliciting a low growl from Sulley as he turned to it in frustration.

"I got it," Mike laughed as he got up from his seat. "Take five, big guy."

He opened the door and there stood EEK president Carla Delgado, in her tentacles was a large box of pizza. Mike stared at it in astonishment before looking up at the cephalopod monster. Carla merely grinned from fin to fin as she handed him the box.

"I take it you already got the tea set from Maria?" She asked.

"Can you tell?" Mike joked as he pushed the door aside to allow her witness to all the gifts the household was being overflowed with.

"Oh, okay," Carla commented, eyes slightly widening, though she was not too surprised. "Anyway, JOX ordered pizza for you guys in case, you know, Mrs. Carlton wouldnʼt be able to make dinner-"

"Really?" Mike asked in amazement, staring at the box in his small hands. "Wow, that was really nice of Big Red and the guys-"

"No, actually, that pizza is from my sorority," Carla corrected. "The pizza ordered by JOX will arrive in a bit."

"Wait, what?" Mike exclaimed in shock.

Carla just smirked at him before turning around and descending the frat houseʼs steps. Just as she was about to head back to her sorority house (most certain Maria was going to send another condolence gift in a bit), she caught sight of a certain someone sitting on the stairs of the ROR house, leaning against one of the concrete railings as he watched OK being showered with attention. Again.

The EEK leader sighed and rolled her eyes before she reluctantly approached Johnny Worthington. The frat presidentʼs expression showed irritation, followed by a hint of envy as Carla knew too well thatʼs exactly how ROR felt deep within since the semester. Though no way in time or space would Johnny ever admit to being jealous to a bunch of mamaʼs boys, Carla could read the signs; and, as always, she would try her best to make light of the situation despite it wasnʼt exactly helping.

Perhaps she had been too hard on him about vying for Laura Sharpʼs attention, but she was being right. If Johnny were to take things slowly, then maybe there was a chance Carla just might help him out...even though Mike Wazowski could have it faster than him if he didnʼt already have Celia.

She stood before the ROR leader, tentacles on her hips as she eyed him disapprovingly as his face demonstrated his fuming.

"I wouldnʼt expect you to go over there and give them something," she snapped.

Johnny slowly lifted his gaze, suddenly taking sight of her presence. He narrowed his eyes at her, but said nothing. Carlaʼs lips pursed in even more disapproval before she turned away from him and began walking back to her sorority house.

"But would it kill for you to show some pity for what OKʼs going through right now?" She called over her shoulder, voice firm but not hostile.

Again, Johnny remained silent as Carla momentarily stopped in her tracks to look at him.

"At least show a little bit that you can actually care," she gripped before finally leaving him be.

He watched as she left, his stern eyes softening just a bit but still held a bitter expression.

"I do care..." He mumbled irritably, turning back to the OK house.

Mike smiled to himself as he smelled the pizza from within the box. Turning on his heel, he approached the coffee table where the rest of the twinsʼ goody gifts laid. He immediately stopped in his tracks and his single eye widened in shock by what he was just witnessing.

Both Sulley and Art had purposely opened one of the gifts, a decorated box of cookies as a gift from a member of the PNK sorority, and idly began eating its contents as they leaned on the couch, leaving crumbs everywhere.

"Guys!" Mike scolded as he gently placed the pizza atop of a set of pies. "Those were for the twins!"

"Ah, relax, Mikey," Sulley burped, shoving another cookie into his mouth.

"They got like twenty more of these," Art added. "Whoʼs going to notice?"
_

Darkness...

All that could be seen was darkness...

But every few moments, if one were to squint directly into it, there was a chance of seeing phosphorescent lines of gray wriggle into the supposed existence.

That was all Terry could see right now. All he could feel right now.

Staring. Staring at nothing but darkness.

Was it a dream? Or was his semi-consciousness sinking further the more he was unable to move? He really couldnʼt move...

No, maybe he was unconscious and somehow a part of his brain was still lingering while his entire form remained inactive and lethargic...

It was hard to even think when one moment you look at something, then forget it in a millisecond.

Was it a different form of sleep paralysis? Possibly, every mental struggle was difficult and left him even more bound to the darkness.

He felt himself slipping away once more, the heaviness that the dark came with weakening his abilities again.

He was losing touch with what he could possibly see, sinking further back to when he could not see anything at all, even the dark.

Like his entire brain would resume pause.

However, for a split second, before Terry surrendered to his mind, he had seen faded color.

Yellow.

Before he reverted back to his dull, inactive state, he could have sworn he had seen someone.

Someone just as unconscious as he was.

Laying across from him.
_