Don't worry, people, I haven't forgotten about this story… I just got busy with a ton of stuff - and couldn't think of any ideas to throw into the next chapter. So, here's a new one at long last.

Also, I've thought up some new pairings, though I won't say just yet… but for those of you who figure them out, I need help turning them into love-triangles, so I'm still open for suggestions.

80808

Velma checked out every old newspaper article on all the serial killers, and what connections they might have about the legendary treasure. And after four hours of research… she found nothing. These psychos were more interested in killing than finding treasure, she thought. Why would they be after it, now?

Unbeknownst to her, a gloved hand holding a dagger stuck through a bookshelf above her head, ready to stab downward-

"Hey, Velma." Larry said, walking by.

The hand gave a shocked flinch and tried to pull itself back in… but was holding the dagger sideways and it got stuck between some books. It slammed, trying to force itself through, until finally it turned the knife vertical and pulled itself back in, just as Larry walked up. Neither of the teens noticed a thing.

"Hey, Larry. What are you doing here?" Velma asked.

"I was studying a few maps, and check it out," Larry said, holding up a book that included a map of the town. "It turns out Treasure Trove Cove was listed back in the 1960's…" he held up another book, which showed a newer map of the town. "But in 1997, the area was left out when the town added on and the maps were remade."

"Weird… I wonder why?"

"I might send the information to Dotty later. Maybe she can use her computer to find something out."

"I might meet up with my friends later, too. With everyone looking into it, something's bound to be discovered sooner or later."

They walked out of the library, as a dark figure watched from behind the shelves.

"My team and I might take a break, though." Larry said as they walked out. "We've been up half the night trying to piece things together. We were even thinking about going back down to the lake and finding out who knocked me out and stole that yearbook."

"I already took a break with most of the girls. Most of them are more interested in the prom." Velma replied.

"Oh yeah, that's next weekend, isn't it? Who are you taking?"

"I don't know yet. I'm more concerned about the mystery than some dance,"

Larry nodded. "That's understandable. Plus, it'll be easier to think about who to take, rather than what kind of psycho is after you."

Nail-Scalp was waiting in an alley, a clam-shell with a razor-sharp edge in his hands, which he held like a shuriken. He then threw it-

"Oops, shoe's untied." Larry knelt down, as the shell whizzed by his head, ricocheted off a stop-sign, and into a truck-tire!

Velma and Larry continued on, while the truck driver noticed the damage. "Alright, who's the wise guy?" he shouted.

Nail-Scalp bit his bottom lip, then casually walked off, whistling innocently, then broke into a sprint.

80808

Daphne went to the hospital to visit her uncle, just as his concussion had faded. "Hi, Uncle Maxwell. How are you feeling?" she asked.

"My head still hurts, but at least I remember my own name," Maxwell answered, smiling.

"What happened? Do you remember who jumped you?"

Maxwell shook his head. "I don't remember… I was just doing research in the area, hoping to gain some inspiration for my next horror-movie, when suddenly someone snuck up on me and knocked me out. I didn't see their face or anything." he arched an eyebrow. "And I have a feeling you and your friends did some of your famous sleuthing, am I right?"

Daphne shrugged modestly. "You're right, but we didn't find anything…" she handed him his journal and compass. "But we did find your journal and compass. Someone had snagged them after you were knocked out, but left them out in the woods."

The director arched an eyebrow. "Well, I'm glad to have my journal back… but…"

"What is it?"

"Well, I don't mean to disappoint you, Daph… but I didn't have a compass."

80808

Shaggy and Scooby sat at a burger joint, the lanky teen looking down, while the Great Dane looked hungry. "Like, what a bummer," The teen said. "I've spent all day searching the town for a date, but every girl I spoke to rejected me. …I'm not THAT much of a chick repellant, am I, Scoob?"

The waitress came by and put a platter of chicken-nuggets in front of them. The teen grabbed one and threw it upward to catch it in his mouth, but Scooby stuck his tongue out and caught it before he did.

"Like no wonder I can never catch 'em."

"Ree hee hee hee!" Scooby laughed.

Pepper walked in then, with Alexandra. "Hey guys, what have you been up to?" Pepper asked.

"The same thing they're always up to: eating themselves into a coma." Alexandra remarked.

"Scoob and I just decided to get a bite to eat to get our minds off those psychos." Shaggy replied.

"We were just shopping for prom dresses. Have you asked out anyone yet, Shag?" Pepper said.

"(sigh) Only about a dozen girls, and each one shot me down."

Alexandra rolled her eyes. "That doesn't surprise me. Not many girls want to hook up with a guy with a black-hole for a stomach," she said.

Pepper scowled at her, a little tired of her smart remarks. "I wouldn't mind. In fact, Shaggy, why don't you and I go to prom together?" she asked, dignifiedly.

Shaggy's eyes widened. "Zoinks, you mean it?" he asked, unable to hold in his surprise. "You're not just joking, are you?"

"No, really. No one's asked me out yet-"

"No one with a good eyesight, that is." Alexandra said under her breath.

Pepper ignored her. "And you need a date, so we can go together."

"Like, good enough for me! Thanks!"

Pepper smiled and shrugged, and she and Alexandra walked toward the exit. "Hard to believe you asked out that coward." Alexandra sneered.

"Hey, he's a nice kid… You're probably just jealous because I found a date before you did, anyway." Pepper remarked.

"Jealous? Ha! Why would I be jealous of you dating Shaggy? At least I won't rush and ask out some loser." Pugsy walked in, almost bumping into Alexandra. "Whoa! Watch it, half-pint!"

"Hey, I'm walking here, skunk-head!" Pugsy snapped back, walking inside. He noticed Shaggy and Scooby sitting at a table as two cheeseburgers were set in front of them, the lanky teen having a dreamy look in his eye. "Hey, Shag, what's with the loopy expression?"

"I just got a date, that's all…" Shaggy sighed, happily… not noticing Scooby snag his burger.