(And welcome back. This chapter goes out to a movie I saw last year and it really inspired me to make a new bunch of enemies. Hope you enjoy.)
It was Friday night and in front of the TV sat Lola, Lana, and Lily. On the TV was a show featuring four anthro animal mascots dancing around and having fun. One of them was a mouse wearing a red vest and sunglasses, the second was a tiger wearing square lensed sunglasses, a dalmatian dog wearing a blue necktie, and a bear wearing sunglasses and a blue vest.
"Tra-la-la! Tra-la-la-la! Tra-la-la! Tra-la-la-la!" the three sibs sang along.
Watching from the dining room was Lincoln who spoke to the viewers, "This is the twins and Lily's favorite show as of late. The Bopper Bunch. There's Monty Mouse, Boomer Bear, Rico Tiger, and Danny Dalmatian. Children love these guys, and I got to admit they have a catchy theme song. And guess what? Those guys aren't people dressed in costumes. They're walking animatrons. The wonders of technology. But let me share a secret with you. Luna got us and them tickets for tomorrow's show recording. We're gonna surprise them tomorrow, and they're bound to be excited." he smirked.
He walked into the living room, "Ok, you guys, time for bed."
"Alright, Lincoln." the three sighed, as they turned the TV off.
As Lincoln watched his siblings go up the stairs and winked to the viewers knowing they were going to be in for a treat tomorrow.
Meanwhile at the TV studio in town, it cut to a workshop where a dark haired man was on his phone, "Don't worry, Ms. Ledger, the boys will be ready for the show tomorrow. Yes, I assure you they'll be better than ever. Ok, Goodnight." he hung up and heard robotic footsteps approaching.
He looked and saw the animatronic mascots standing before him, "Evening, boys. That was the producer Ms. Ledger on the phone. Tomorrow she wants you to be as the top of your game because we're getting a full house tomorrow. I promised her you'd be ready. And with this new upgrade I came up with you'll be ready to give the fans a show they'll never forget. Come on now." he beckoned them forward.
They walked forward and into these pods where he connected a charger in the back of each of their heads. He went to the control board and typed up some stuff before speaking, "There we go, upgrading commence. I have to go now, but I'll be back in the morning. Sweet dreams." he turned the lights off and locked up.
As the mascots were busy receiving their upgrade, the computer sparked and bit and glitched. Suddenly all the green numbers on screen started turning red, which made the mascots eyes glow red beneath their rubber eyes. On the screen a phrase flashed reading 'The Show Must Go On'.
The next morning at the Loud House, the twins and Lily were enjoying Bopper Bunch cereal, until Lincoln and Luna entered, "Hey, dudes, what's up?" Luna asked her younger sibs.
"Morning, Luna." they greeted.
"You guys got any plans today?" Lincoln inquired.
"Other than going dumpster diving, not so much." Lana answered.
"Why do you ask?" Lily wondered.
"Well, Lincoln and I was wondering if you guys like to go with us someplace really special?" Luna inquired.
"Dairyland?" the three gasped.
"We had something different in mind." Lincoln smirked.
"Different?" Lana asked curiously.
"How about coming with us to a live taping of... The Bopper Bunch Show!" Luna announced while whipping out the tickets.
The three girls eyes lit up with excitement, "You mean it?!"
"Oh, yeah." Lincoln confirmed.
"This is awesome!" Lana cheered.
"It's perfect!" Lola hugged Lily who spoke up.
"We get to see the Bopper Bunch!"
"Better hurry and get cleaned up." Luna instructed, and the three raced to get ready.
"Thanks again for this, Luna." Lincoln told his rocker sister.
"No sweat, bro. Having done stage work and a few musical performances for the studio in the past has its perks."
"I'm glad they do." Lincoln smiled.
Later on, Luna was driving her sibs up to the studio where a line was formed outside. In the line was a mess of people lucky enough to get seats at the Bopper Bunch Show's recording.
"The show's a sellout." Lincoln gasped.
"No kidding." Lana agreed.
Luna parked the car, and they all got out and took their place in line, "Lola!" came a voice.
Lola looked and saw in the line was her friend Meli Ramos, "Meli!" she cheered.
"See even your friend is here, Lols." Luna said.
Suddenly coming out was a young man dressed in a suit, "Good morning everyone, and welcome to KGT Studio for the recording of the Bopper Bunch Show!" he announced, "Hello, everyone, I'm Jerry Madison, your host with the most! Now before we let you in make sure you have your tickets ready, and all cellphones are to be handed in during the recording. You understand we can't let any live streamings of this get leaked before we put it on air."
A security guard walked around and started collecting cellphones. As Lincoln put his phone into the bag, he made sure to keep his sleeve down so the guard wouldn't notice the Omnitrix. Suddenly a car honking sound could be heard.
"Oh, looky here, boys and girls!" Jerry sounded excited, "It looks like the Bopper Bunch is coming our way!"
They saw driving their way was the four mascots riding around in a little car, "The Bopper Bunch!" Lana cheered, as she stepped out in front to see them, but suddenly the mascots started driving faster as if they were ready to ram into Lana, only for Lincoln to pull her back. Suddenly the mascots came to a grinding halt.
"Whoa-ho, there little one, you can't just jump out like that. It's dangerous," Jerry began, "Right, boys?"
Danny answered, "He's right, little girl. Playing in the street is dangerous."
"Yes, Danny." Lana answered.
"Remember, folks, always watch out for traffic." Rico instructed the crowd.
"Thank you, Rico. Now you guys better hurry along, it's gonna be show time soon." Jerry told the mascots who drove off.
"Lana, that was dangerous." Luna scolded her.
"I couldn't help it."
"Did you guys notice, they sped up as soon as Lana stepped out before deciding to slow down?" Lincoln noted.
"Probably just needed to pick up the pace to get to the studio." Lily suggested.
"Yeah, it'll be showtime soon." Lola reminded him.
"Good point." Lincoln confirmed, but felt unsure.
"Ok, everyone, right this way. Single file now." Jerry showed everyone inside.
As everyone was being seated, backstage a blonde haired woman was walking around, "Where is Chester? He told me the Bopper Bunch were supposed to be better, but they almost ran over a kid?" she sighed.
"Ms. Ledger?" came a man who caught her.
"Yes, Martin, what is it?"
"What you haven't heard? I've just been promoted to vice president of the studio."
"Well, congratulations. I'm sure you'll make a wonderful new boss." the woman said.
"Indeed I will, Karen. Because I got big plans for this studio."
"Like what?"
"Well, for one. I'm canceling the Bopper Bunch show."
Karen stopped in her tracks and was shocked, "You what?"
"That's right. Today is the last show."
"But, Martin, the show's a hit, we have so many episodes set for taping in the next two months." Karen argued.
"Ah-ah," he stopped her, "See, despite the popularity of this show. It's old news. We need something fresh and dangerous. And this just doesn't fit the bill."
"So you're willing to disappoint kids and fans of all ages just because their favorite show isn't yours?"
"Precisely. And without this show that means you'll have to find other work." Martin continued to act smugly.
"You can't do this!" she argued.
"Actually. I can." he smirked, "Have a nice day. It'll be your last here." he walked off feeling so proud of himself, while Karen was just distraught.
With the audience, Jerry spoke up to the crowd, "Listen up, everyone. The Bopper Bunch will be here soon. But before that we have a special treat for select few. Those of you who have stars on the back of your tickets, will get a special meet and greet with the Bopper Bunch after the show!" the crowd got excited, as they looked at the back of their tickets. Many didn't and felt dismal, while those who did were excited.
The Louds checked there's and saw the stars, "Yes!" the twins cheered.
"We get to see the Bopper Bunch!" Lily cheered.
Lincoln looked to Luna who winked, until Jerry spoke up, "Ok, everyone, quiet please. And let the show begin!"
Jerry walked aside, as an announcer spoke up, "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. Give it up for the Bopper Bunch!" lights shined onto the set, as one by one the mascots came on and danced around while everyone sang along with their theme song.
Everyone watched the show until the brief intermission, allowing everyone to get up and stretch. Meli's mom spoke to Luna and Lincoln, "Could you two watched Meli. I need to go and check something."
"Sure thing, ma'am." Lincoln replied, as she stepped aside.
Backstage Martin was walking around until he saw the Bopper Bunch, "Well, hello, boys. Enjoying yourselves? Good. Because I hate to say this, this show is going to be your last. That's right. I'm canceling the show and replacing it with something knew. Meaning you guys are going to be out of work. But don't worry. I'm sure plenty of theme parks would love to buy you off us." he laughed obnoxiously, before walking off, unaware of Rico's eyes glowing red.
When the show resumed, Meli looked around, "My mom's not back yet. I hope she's ok."
"Don't worry, if she's not back we'll look for her when the show's over." Lincoln promised.
And so they enjoyed the rest of the show, as Monty Mouse spoke, "Well, folks, that's all the time we have today. Now it's time to say so long."
"But why don't ya join us all in singing our song?" Boomer requested.
"Hit it!" Danny announced, as the mascots went to their instruments with Danny on keytar, Boomer on guitar, Rico on drums, and Monty on keyboard. As they rocked out, everyone sang along with their song.
Soon everyone was clearing out, but Meli looked around, "My mom's still not back yet."
"We'll handle this." Luna assured her, as they spoke to Jerry.
"Excuse me, sir. This girl's mom went to the bathroom, but she hasn't come back yet." Lincoln explained.
"Don't worry, I'll have security check around to see if anyone's missing," Jerry answered, as he made a call, "Don't worry they're looking around now. In the meantime, I see you guys are some of the lucky winners who get to see the Bopper Bunch."
"We sure are." Lana confirmed.
"Well, come right this way." Jerry escorted them backstage.
Soon the five Loud sibs, Meli, and a young couple were standing around, until the five mascots approached, "Everyone, meet the Bopper Bunch." Jerry introduced them.
The young couple cheered, "Come on, we gotta get a picture." the young man said, as he and his girlfriend posed with the mascots while getting their pictures.
Jerry checked his phone and sighed, "Excuse me, everyone. I need to step away for a moment, but I'll be right back." he hurried off.
When he as gone, the young man spoke t his girlfriend, "Come on, Candice, let's go explore the set."
"You read my mind, Mike." Candice said, as the two hurried off.
"Hey, you can't..." Lola called.
"Forget it, Lola," Lincoln replied, "They'll get caught and escorted out for breaking rules."
Suddenly there was a screaming sound which got their attention, and even the mascots turned their heads in the direction it came from.
"What was that?" Lily asked.
"I don't know. But I'm gonna check it out. Luna stay with them." Lincoln instructed, as he rushed off.
"Is everything ok?" Meli asked Luna.
"Don't worry, little dude. I'm sure everything's fine. And we got the Bopper Bunch here all to ourselves."
They looked and saw one member short, "Hey, where'd Monty go?" Lola looked around.
"He was just here." Lana recalled.
They heard a crashing sound, as they jumped in fright, "What was that?" Lily asked.
"Don't know. Stay here. I'll check it out." Luna said, as she followed the sound.
The four kids looked up at the mascots who tilted their heads at them, "This would be so much better if I knew where my mom was." Meli sighed.
"I'm sure security will find her." Lana assured her, until Danny approached, and offered his hand.
"Wait, do you know where she is?" Meli asked the dalmatian mascot, who nodded.
"Can you take us?" Lana asked.
"Hold on, we're supposed to wait here for Lincoln and Luna." Lola reminded them.
"I think we'll be back before they do. Plus we're with Danny. What could go wrong?" Lana replied.
"Good point." Lily agreed.
"Lead the way, Danny." Lana said, as Danny escorted the kids off.
Meanwhile Luna wandered backstage seeing no sign of anyone, until she heard the sound of mumbling, "What the?" she followed the sound and saw Candice and Mike bound and gagged together with rope, "Dudes! Who did this to you?" she raced over and tried untying them, only for them to scream frantically through their gags.
"Don't worry, I'll have you out in a moment." suddenly she was smacked in the back of her head. She fell down and through her blurry vision could've sworn she saw Monty standing above her.
Lincoln had followed the screaming sounds before seeing Jerry and Karen looked horrified, "I heard the scream, what happened?" he asked, until he saw they were looking at the corpse of Martin who had drumsticks jabbed into his eyes, "Oh, God!" he gagged.
"We found him like this." Jerry began sounding horrified.
"Who is it?" Lincoln asked.
"It's Martin, the studio's new vice president." Karen explained.
"More like was." Lincoln noted, "I'm Lincoln, by the way."
"Karen Ledger, producer of the Bopper Bunch show." she introduced herself.
"Who could've done this?" Lincoln asked.
"I don't know, but those are Rico's drumsticks." Jerry noted.
"Wait, you don't think..." Lincoln began.
"No way. The Bopper Bunch aren't programmed to attack people. Just to entertain." Karen assured her.
"Still we better check security footage." Jerry insisted, as they hurried to the control room and checked security cameras only to see the monitors were all smashed up.
"Looks like someone doesn't want us finding out what happened." Lincoln suspected.
Jerry pulled out his walkie talkie, "Security come in. Come in! Where is everyone?"
"Oh, no. My sisters! I left them alone back on the set!" Lincoln gasped.
"What?" the adults gasped.
"I gotta get back there!" Lincoln ran off followed by the two.
When they arrived, they saw the whole place was vacant, "They're gone." Jerry gasped.
"I don't like this." Lincoln said worried.
"We have to find them now." Karen instructed, until they saw walking in from the dark was Boomer carrying a sledgehammer.
"Boomer?" they asked.
"Why is he carrying a sledgehammer?" Lincoln asked not liking this.
Boomer brandished the sledgehammer, before speaking, "Let's take things down to hammer town!" he started walking forward.
"Boomer, stop! Drop the weapon!" Karen ordered.
"I don't think he's listening." Jerry replied.
"So what's wrong with him?" Karen asked in confusion.
Lincoln looked at the two and the approaching rogue animatron knowing what he had to do, "Leave this to me. You guys take cover."
"What're you going to do?" Jerry asked.
"Trust me. I got this." Lincoln promised, as the adults took cover behind some crates. Lincoln stared the mascot down, before rolling up his sleeve, "Alright, bear boy. It's hero time!" he activated the watch, and slammed down on the dial.
"Chromostone!"
The adults gasped, as they watched the alien her attack Boomer who swung the sledgehammer at him. Unfortunately for him, Chromostone was able to take the hit and fought back using his raw strength. The mascot took the hits, and the alien ended up tearing off some of his costume off to reveal part of the exoskeleton underneath it.
"Yikes. Makes me glad nobody's underneath this rug." Chromostone said, as he continued to pummel Boomer before landing a blow so hard he not only broke off Boomer's arm, but shut him down.
The adults gasped, as Chromostone changed back to Lincoln, "How, what, who?" Jerry began.
"What, you gonna ask why and when?" Lincoln asked rhetorically, "The Bopper Bunch have gone crazy!"
"This shouldn't be possible," Karen said, "We need to talk to Chester. He's the one who built the Boppers for this show, he might know how this happened."
"I can't leave my sisters alone here with those jacked up robots on the loose!" Lincoln argued.
"We'll find them, but right now we need to find someone here to help us." Karen promised.
"Come on!" Jerry ordered, as the three hurried off.
(And there you go. The Banana Splits movie while it may not be a fave to everyone. I enjoyed this take, never in my wildest dreams imagining a hanna barbera made group could be used as the stars for a horror movie. And inspired me to make this version of them. Each of the mascots are voiced by Eric Bauza who did similar voices for the Splits in the movie. Don't miss next time where Lincoln has to find his sisters and save anyone else captured by the rogue robots.)