Okay, now this is the final part of the intermission. It's as easygoing as the rest, so I think you'll all like it. I think it wraps up quite nicely, though I do feel like I rushed it in some cases. I'm just excited to get the upcoming parts!

Without further ado, here's the chapter!

It didn't take a detective to know that Cleo was absolutely enraged. It had been plain on her face since the rally earlier, only restrained by Deuce doing his absolute best to calm her down. It was only luck that prevented a full-on melt down, according to Clawdeen.

"I'd say that I can't believe this, but this is up Toralei's alley." The mummy was sorting through a bag of cursed objects, throwing out any that didn't suit her tastes. "I should've figured that something like this would happen. We came in here too smoothly and didn't consider the one person that would be willing to cheat."

"Technically, there's two groups willing to cheat here. The Amityville Horrors did receive some help." Maddie was gathering the items without a care in the world, using a pillowcase as a buffer in case they backfired. "So, we've got two groups of cheaters. Plenty of people doing wrong here."

"That doesn't mean you need to go after them as targets, though!" Apple tried to divert the girl's attention away from immediate, painful revenge, nervously watching as Cleo glared at them. "We'd be seen as in the wrong here if you decided to attack them."

"Apple's got a point there. Cursing one of either team would just result in us getting disqualified." Ghoulia was able to guide the mummy away from the cursed objects, sitting her down before any more trouble could start. "We just need to find proof of their cheating. It'll be difficult, but not impossible."

"Isn't there, like, truth spells we could use?" Ed received some stares from the others, causing him to shrink back. "I guess we aren't allowed to do that?"

"Only the authorities that can use magic are allowed to learn truth spells. Another thing my mom got banned within the kingdoms." Raven rolled her eyes, sighing at the memory. "She always made sure to use them on every one of her citizens, making sure nobody could lie about any plans to usurp her."

"Yeah, so none of that would fly. Besides, I don't think Scary Murphy would let that fly anyway." Clawdeen was looking through the rulebook, not seeing anything they could use to help themselves. "Magic isn't allowed to be used against competitors. Helps prevent sabotage."

"Well, then we are in a bind. Ghoulia and Ed witnessing Purrsephone and Meowlody running around outside isn't really enough to cast suspicion." Double D perused the rulebook himself, trying to find any way to formally get the teams kicked off. "People can say anything, so eyewitness accounts mean nothing. Since there were no prior recordings, it's all circumstantial."

"We might need to hurry up with this, you know." Cerise took a peek outside the cabin, watching as the casketball players tried to help the rest of the fearleaders. "I think the others are about to call it quits if we don't speed things along. Frankie looks about ready to cry."

There was silence for a moment as they all contemplated what to do next. It would've remained that way until someone raised their hand.

"I think we're going about this the wrong way." Eddy steepled his fingers, legs crossed as the leaned back in his chair. "If we can't prove that they did anything now, then we go with the second option; we trick them."

"The heck are you talking about, dude." Deuce raised an eyebrow, rubbing circles into his girlfriend's back. "If you got something, just say it."

"Hear me out." Eddy moved out of his seat, raising his hands slightly. He moved around the room as he talked, deliberately keeping pace. "I'm not sure what you've heard about me and my friends here, but we do have a past dealing with this sort of thing. We know how trick people pretty easily because of it."

"Yeah, you guys selling fake lotion to rich people. I remember." Cerise received some stares of her won at the comment. She rolled her eyes, pointing at Double D with a raised eyebrow. "Ask him, he apparently made it. I only know what Eddy told me."

"It's complicated." Double D waved off the questions before moving forward, face contorting into one of interest. "I think I get what Eddy's saying, though. The Amityville Horrors seem very driven to win, which led to them cheating. It seems like we could use that to our advantage if we do this right."

"Okay, gonna touch on that fake lotion thing later." Clawdeen closed the book, mentally making a note to check on what exactly those three did before coming to Monster High. "That doesn't sound like a bad idea, but they've already done their routine. We can't really offer one better than the old one."

"Would it really be a good idea to stoop to their level too? Especially if Scary Murphy finds out." Raven pointed at herself, raising an eyebrow. "Then we'd be the ones getting kicked out. I don't know the term exactly, but I'm pretty sure that's just a pyrrhic victory."

"That is the correct term. And while you have a point, that implies we don't get her involved." Ghoulia adjusted her glasses, a glint of light reflecting off of them. "I propose that if we do this, we conduct it like a sting operation. With official permission, we'd be allowed to do anything."

"Oh, oh, does that mean one of us gets a wire!" Maddie grabbed her hat, reaching into it to pull out an electric razor. Turning it on, she looked around at everyone with a crazed expression. "Who wants to get their chest shaved?!"

"I will!" Ed raised his hand, already taking off his shirt. At the prompt shouts of the rest of the crowd, he stopped, putting his own hands up in the air. "Okay, sorry, just trying to help. I thought it would work."

"We can probably do something that doesn't require any body hair to be lopped off." Apple took the razor away from Maddie gently, putting it aside for now. "This does sound like a good plan, though. What do you have to say about this, Cleo?"

The mummy was silent, going over the plan in her mind quickly. Looking at Deuce for a second opinion, her boyfriend just shrugged before nodding along.

"It sounds like a plan to me. I don't see anything wrong with it." The gorgon squeezed her with a side hug. "If it works, it works."

Cleo eventually sighed, getting up. Moving to her bag, she opened it to find a compartment carrying a lot of papers.

"If we do this, that means us fearleaders are going to be working late into the night to come up with a new routine." She sorted through the papers as quickly as she could, giving a few to Ghoulia as she passed. "Legends will get the sting going while the Ed's do the sting. They have the most experience, especially with whatever that lotion thing is about."

The group agreed with the sentiment, some of them even getting up to start the plan.

They stopped, though, after Clawd opened the door with the most confused expression on his face.

"Can one of you explain to me why I heard yelling about shaving someone's chest?" He asked slowly, looking at all of them with confusion on his face.

Maddie, in response, stayed completely silent as she raised the electric razor, turning it on.

Clawd had no further questions as he hurriedly went back outside.

The outside of the Amityville Horror's cabin would've been intimidating if the Ed's hadn't been within their own element already. Sure, it was a bit different to the usual stuff they did, but it was a similar premise.

"Okay, how do you guys want to do this?" Eddy walked towards the place slowly, keeping an eye out for anybody else. "There's a thousand ways we can sell this type of act. They're probably not as dumb as certain marks, but they aren't creative if they need to buy a routine from somebody."

"As strange as it sounds, I think we should improv this one. That seems to be our strong suite lately." Double D adjusted his hat, making sure he was presentable for the scam. "It's not like we have that much to offer. Speaking of which, you still have it, right Ed?"

"Got it in my pocket." Ed patted something in his jacket, confidently strolling beside the two. It was surprisingly easygoing. "I feel like a secret agent right now. Or an undercover cop."

"Yeah, well, cops never committed crimes against the laws of physics, so we're better than them. Not exactly a high bar, but still better." Eddy jumped up the steps, raising his hand to knock. "From the one, to the two, to the three…"

Eddy knocked loudly on the door to make sure there was no issue with anyone hearing them. It only took a couple of seconds for one of the cheerleaders to open the door. Squinting at them suspiciously, her confusion was evident.

"Hello?" It probably hadn't meant to come out so questioningly, but it did. Guess she recognized them. "We're a little busy right now, so if you wouldn't mind…"

"Don't worry, we just need a few moments of your time." Double D smiled charmingly, disabling the tense mood. He was a natural at that. Must've been the gap in his teeth making him seem boyish somehow. "We were just wondering about something that happened at the competition today."

"Yeah!" Ed had gone full dumb voice at this point, getting somewhat louder to emphasize it. "We thought your routine was cool and wanted to know where you learned it!"

The cheerleader made a grimace, already beginning to close the door. "Look, I'm flattered, but again, we're kinda busy. Don't have time to for anyone asking us out so-"

Before the door could be fully shut, Eddy shoved his foot it, making it stop. His smile sharpened at the attempt to escape questioning, sighing deeply.

"What's wrong? Don't want to talk about how you got it from the werecat?" Eddy felt almost smug at the twist of the girl's expression. He titled his head curiously, as if he were stating something completely innocent. "Just wanted to clear some things up. That's all."

The cheerleader looked fearful, debating what she should do. She eventually raised a finger, signaling for them to wait.

Eddy narrowed his eyes slightly, taking his foot from the door easily. It closed, the boys waiting patiently as they heard the voices inside started arguing. They considered the possibility of trying this again later before the door opened again, the cheerleader motioning for them to come inside.

It didn't take long for the three to walk in, cautiously checking out the place. Some of the cheerleaders were trying to play it cool but failing somewhat as they could feel eyes all over them. Some of them didn't even bother trying to play it cool at all, openly glaring at them as if they were intruders.

They were, but that wasn't really the point. The nerve of these girls. Openly stealing a routine and then treating them like the bad guys? Just plain distasteful.

"So," The three took a look to the girl at the center, obviously the cheer captain. They'd dug up as much as they could before this, so it wasn't hard. "What exactly do you three want? If this is some kind of blackmail, you're all out of luck."

"Not at all." Eddy moved one of the chairs in the room with his magic, smoothly sitting in it while not looking directly at it. His smile didn't waver as the other two Ed's moved to stand beside him. "Just sending a little warning that maybe you shouldn't have went with that little deal."

"And why's that?" The cheerleader wasn't impressed by the little trick, though an eyebrow quirked at the mention. "I'm pretty sure someone who wanted us out of here and, y'know, had evidence, wouldn't be here to taunt me. Unless you wanted something."

"Oh, no, we're being completely honest here!" Double D rubbed the back of his neck, almost as if he were embarrassed by the accusation. "We wouldn't dare do something like that."

"Toralei would, though." Ed 'absentmindedly' added. He shrugged at the confused expression some of the cheerleaders sent their way. "Just saying. Toralei would gladly send anything she had in, especially with Cleo backing her. You did kind of hand them the win here."

The cheer captain started to look irritated, though a bit paranoid. Good. That was the point of all of this, to get her questioning.

"What are you talking about? Toralei said she hated Cleo." The captain's paranoia was rising every second, her posture changing to sitting upright. "She wouldn't pull that if she wanted to take her down."

"Okay, let me point something out here." Eddy brought his hands together; pointer fingers up in her direction. "They're from the same school. If they got you for cheating, that'd mean less work for them. I mean, they have the video they sold you, so they can use that, right?"

Eddy genuinely thought about bringing their A-game to this, but honestly? She was making this much easier for them by getting paranoid on her own. All the Ed's could see that she hadn't slept much the night before, evidence by the fact she was wearing her sleeping wear. The bags under her eyes were some indication of that as well.

She was as desperate as they came. A perfect mark.

"Luckily, we have a solution here. It'll cost you, but it's a solution." Double D produced a key from one of his pockets, smiling confidently. They had this in the bag. "This key here is Scary Murphy's skeleton key. Use this, and you can access the lockers of any of the Monster High fearleaders!"

"All for the low, low price of double what you paid Toralei!" Ed waved at the key himself in a cheesy fashion. "Not only will you find that video they used, but you'll also be able to sabotage their equipment! A fair deal, right?"

There was a moment of silence as the cheerleaders looked at the key, and then at each other. One of them swiped at the key within a second, causing Double D to toss it towards Ed. A metal tentacle came out, opening and closing rapidly to dissuade anyone else from trying anything.

"Never mind! Let's make that triple the price." Ed laughed in a way that sounded so cruel to their ears. His tone hadn't changed in the slightest. "Try it again, and we're doing five times that!"

"We would do that, by the way. We've done much worse than that." Double D's metal arm swayed across the room, having him eye the others with a bit of contempt. "Don't try it again."

"Why are you even doing this? Didn't you come from the same school too?!" The cheer captain waved at one of the girls to get something, most likely her wallet. "How do I know this isn't a trick either?"

"Please, you think we'd pull that off?" Eddy scoffed, leaning back in the seat confidently. A smirk formed on his face. "Let's just leave it at the fact that if there's a profit to be made, I'm there to get it."

Eddy continued to smirk as they were paid, the transaction becoming official as they confirmed everything about Toralei's deal. Now it was up for the second phase to start.

He hoped the girls were ready for that part.

It was late into the second night of the cheerleading camp when a rustling could be heard within the locker rooms. It was quickly hushed by several voices, silence following until movement could be heard once more.

Some of the Amityville Horrors, led by their captain, did their best not to draw attention to themselves. They didn't suspect any Monsters with advanced hearing to be nearby, but it was better to be safe than sorry. The captain herself had to fight the urge to count the numbers of the lockers out loud, having memorized them since they go here.

She eventually made it to the lockers that mattered, double checking to see that they were all in the right place. Fumbling with the skeleton key, she moved it around into the slot, opening it with careful ease.

Instant regret came along when a ball of magic enveloped the entire team, stopping them from taking one more step.

"I can't believe you all actually went for it." Raven teleported to a seat not from them, give a small tsk. "I get wanting to win something, but outright sabotage? That's just low."

"Well, the Ed's did give them the key, so they can't be held responsible completely." Apple moved to sit beside her roommate, crossing her legs daintily. She gasped. "Oh, wait, they bought it from them. Never mind, they have this coming."

"At least we got them here." Cerise moved out followed by another figure that was certainly recognizable. "Do you need any more proof, Scary Murphy, or is this good?"

"I'd say that this is enough." The Amityville Horrors felt their hearts stop at the voice, with the undead practically dying all over again. The figure of a cloak, witches' hat, and the decapitated head floating in glass sphere would send shivers down everyone's spines, but the fact she ran the camp certainly helped.

"Good, because I was about to say, if that wasn't enough," Raven let out a sigh, relaxing on the bench. She almost felt smug about all of this, considering just how easy this was. "We would've gone a little extreme with it if we could, but I think this was for the better."

"Wait, how did you know we'd be here?!" The cheer captain hit the wall of the magic bubble, hissing at the feedback punching back. "Did those guys sell us out?!"

"Oh, they were wearing a wire. Y'know, like they do in those crime shows." Cerise chuckled, pulling out the recorder they used. Playing it, the cheerleaders felt dread seep in as the conversation they had earlier began to play back at them. "I still can't believe they got that much money out of you. I thought that was insane."

"Considering the evidence, I do believe that is 'insane,' as you call it." Scary Murphy flitted around the lockers, counting things down as if she were looking for something. "I was skeptical of your claims at first, so I will have to apologize for that."

"It's fine, we were expecting some questions." Apple sent an apologetic smile towards the Amityville Horrors. It was hard to say whether it was actually genuine, considering the circumstances. "Ugly bit of business, all of this. Then again, this probably would've happened to someone else if they decided to go with Toralei, so…"

Every one of them shrugged. It was definitely mocking enough for every one of the caught cheerleaders to recognize it.

"What are you looking for, exactly?" Apple raised an eyebrow as Scary Murphy kept checking the locker numbers. She'd been doing so while remaining stoic the entire time. "I do believe we've caught them already."

"Quite soundly, as well, but I've dealt with cheaters before. Especially if two teams happen to be collaborating for whatever reason." Scary Murphy stopped at a trio of lockers, pulling out a key of her own and inserting it into the lock. "And usually, they're not as clever as they say they are. Ah, here it is!"

The counselor pulled a video camera out of the locker with ease, messing with carefully. She eventually found the video library, messing around with it until she found the exact video she was looking for.

"Oh, would you look at that. It's the routine you guys did!" Cerise sarcastically pointed out, faux enthusiasm in every movement. "Kinda looks like what you guys did at the competition earlier! I mean, maybe not as good, but definitely similar."

"I think they get it, Cerise." Raven wanted to poke the proverbial bear as much as the rest, but she was starting to get tired. Keeping up a magical construct was hard work and she earned a break after this. "Is this enough to get them punished for all of this, Mrs. Murphy? Do we need anything else?"

"No, I think this will be enough. I appreciate you all telling me about this. I certainly can't stand cheaters." Murphy snapped her fingers, a field of magic overtaking Raven's. It lifted up the cheerleader and moved them to their own lockers. "I'd suggest all of you who participated in this clear out your lockers fast. You'll be shipped home in the morning."

The girls almost felt sorry after hearing the moans from the Amityville Horrors. They could've sworn that the captain was sobbing while they were being escorted away. Of course, cheaters never prosper in a good world, so they didn't feel too bad.

"Hopefully the learn a lesson from all of this." Apple was trying her best to find a bright side to this situation. "I doubt they're school is going to be appreciative about being banned from the competition for cheating. Well, if that's the punishment."

"Highschool doesn't really last forever, so they should be fine." Raven got up and stretched. She started to head out, followed closely by the other two. "I don't know about you two, but I think I'll worry about that later. I need some sleep."

"I don't why you guys are worried. Clawdeen came back into our cabin earlier and slept through dinner." Cerise huffed, jumping ahead. "They got what they had coming to them."

The other two silently agreed, even if that was slightly cruel to think about. They didn't say another word, hoping tomorrow would go smoothly.

Maddie was not easily impressed. It wasn't because she was snobby or anything like that, but she'd seen some pretty crazy stuff during her time. It was par for the course of being a Wonderlandian.

She could easily say that she was impressed to see a fully good routine come from the fearleaders with only a day to plan and practice it. It certainly deserved the round of applause that came after the routine was done.

"Good hustle out there!" Maddie handed the refreshments out to them after they got off the stage, congratulating them one by one. "I hope you're all proud of yourselves! I was wondering what you'd all come up with."

"Thank you, it was all hard work and a lot more improv than I'm comfortable with." Cleo wasn't proud of how she guzzled down her own water, but she didn't care. She needed it right now. "Again, remind me to eviscerate Toralei when we get back to Monster High. She won't ever dare try to do something like this again."

"Duly noted, but let's wait until they're done with their routine to figure out what to do next." Ghoulia filed the video she took of the performance for later. Might as well have footage of what made them win. "I think we'll all like show that's coming up. I certainly will."

"Didn't know you had a sadistic streak." Clawdeen munched on an energy bar, watching as Toralei and her crew started to get their equipment. "I get it, but damn. Maybe keep it down a little."

"No."

The others chuckled, giving a suspicious side eye to the zombie of the group. Scary Murphy called up the three werecats, causing them to divert their attention.

Toralei, Purrsephone, and Meowlody didn't seem to notice the serious look from the camp counselor at first, but it wasn't long until they were made aware of it.

"So, uh," Toralei may have not been the only one to catch on that something was wrong, but she was certainly the first. "Do you want us to start or…?"

"Actually, I'd like to talk about something before we begin." Scary Murphy put on a smile, which somehow didn't make the three werecats feel any better. She rummaged around for something under her desk before putting something on the table. "There it is. Do you mind explaining what this is to me?"

Toralei gulped as she saw the video camera placed on the judges table. "A camera?"

"Yes." The counselor drew it out carefully, a small hum in her voice. It wasn't what she wanted to hear. "Do you happen to know who this belongs too? I'd suggest being honest."

Toralei gulped again, realizing that she was now in deep. "I-I think that's my camera. Right?"

"Good. Another question." Scary Murphy slowly opened up the camera, turning the screen to face them. "What do you think is on this little camera? Just give me a rough estimate."

Toralei shuffled where she was standing, obviously nervous. It looked like her cohorts were about to say something themselves but backed off at the last second. Silence on both sides ruled.

"Come on now. You did say this was your camera." Murphy pushed a few buttons, the small device turning on. "I'm sure you wouldn't mind telling me. I might not even ban you completely if you tell me."

Toralei almost jumped at the offer but saw how people were watching her. Especially the fearleaders, who couldn't help but eat this up. She shut her mouth with a growl.

"You already know." It was resigned, but still indignant. "It's a cheer routine. The other fearleaders team from Monster High."

Scary Murphy seemed pleased. She turned off the camera before it could start up completely, putting it below her desk once again.

"Good. Maybe there is some potential in there after all." The counselor seemed relieved at the admission, even if it had to come out like she was pulling teeth. "All three of you girls are not banned from future competitions. However, due to selling information to another team in order to sabotage another, you will be disqualified for this year. I'd suggest cleaning up your act before the next."

And just like that, it was over. Toralei and the werecats slumped at the news, dejected at having been kicked off, even though they got why. They started to head off, putting their equipment away when Toralei caught eyes with Cleo. The werecat sent a glare to the mummy before heading off, obviously cursing under her breath.

"I was almost hoping that she'd try and fight me for a second. I'd gladly put a few cursed charms on her while she wasn't looking." Cleo felt satisfied, though she really did want a bigger confrontation. "Then again, she probably knows not to push her luck. For once."

"She hasn't reached that part of her character arc yet to face you one on one. Just wait for it." Maddie shrugged, ignoring all of the stares. "Trust me. You hear narrators all your life, you can tell the story beats from one to another."

"You're lucky you're cute, otherwise I'd question what the heck you're talking about." Clawdeen finished off the energy bar, throwing it casually into a bin. "Let's hope the judging is quick. I really hate being left in suspense."

"Me too. Looks like we won't have to wait for long, though." Ghoulia, despite not being the superstitious type, crossed her fingers. "Let's hope our hard work was worth it, girls."

Scary Murphy, having finished talking with the other judges, turned on the microphone yet again. Standing up, she addressed the crowd.

"After careful deliberation, we've come to a decision." The counselor's voice reverberated across the crowd, quieting them. "With amazing hard work, dedication, and inventiveness, we announce that the Monster High Fearleaders have won this year's cheer competition."

Cheers immediately came from the crowd in waves, some voices familiar, but most not. The girls themselves had to restrain themselves from running towards the main stage. Cleo happily received the award from Scary Murphy, waving at the crowd regally as she did so.

"Well, that worked out surprisingly well." Ghoulia sighed, relief palpable within the zombie's visage. "I was almost worried for a second there."

"Seriously, you were worried about us?" Clawdeen laughed at the thought, patting her friend on the back. "We haven't failed yet, and I sure as hell would like to see what'd try to take us down from this."

"Me too." Cleo held the trophy closer as she looked at the adoring crowd, a genuinely relaxed smile on her face. "Me too."

Maddie stood apart, near the foot of the stage. She heard the comments and sighed openly, though she did her best to keep the smile on her face.

"Don't they know better than to say some red flags like that?" She mumbled to herself. The hatter eventually shrugged, deciding to join in the festivities for now.

The story beats could be damned for now.

"I can easily say that this weekend has been particularly fruitful, gentlemen." Double D put the last of his luggage on the bus before closing the back. Despite the relaxing sands of the beach, he couldn't wait to get back to his projects. "Hopefully, we can ride this atmosphere going forward."

"We better. We helped get that trophy." Eddy stretched, already missing the place. He wasn't looking forward to getting back to schoolwork. "Ed, you got any plans for when we get back? I sure as heck don't want to be the only one working on assignments."

The two didn't get anything from their tall friend, who was messing with his phone. The other two Ed's watched their tall friend type into it, with Eddy eventually nudging him.

"Huh?" The tall Ed boy nearly launched his phone in the air. "Sorry, I was trying to text Bloodgood the news. Make room in the trophy case."

"Looked like a little more than that." Double D got a look at Ed's iCoffin, squinting at the screen. "Has she been answering? It doesn't seem like her to just go off the grid like that."

"Nothing from her." Ed looked worried, checking over his messages again. He didn't see anything that could've offended her in them. "I thought she'd be jumping for joy on this."

"She's probably in a meeting, Monobrow. She'll congratulate us when we get back to the school." Eddy yawned, moving towards the bus entrance. The girls were already filing in, along with the others. "I'm going to take a nap. Nobody wake me up unless the worlds ending."

The other two Ed's looked at each other before shrugging, following their friend seconds later. They figured he was right, and they were worrying about nothing. Monster High was probably the same as it always was and Bloodgood was just dealing with bureaucratic stuff right now.

As the sun set on Gloom Beach, the bus moved away, heading towards New Salem without a care in the world.

And they had no idea what was waiting there for them.

Alright people, looks like that's over. I do have to say, this is where things get a little more serious and complicated. I have a lot planned up for the next couple of specials for both shows, so be prepared to see a lot of angst and other stuff.

Seriously, I'm not joking. I have a lot of stuff planned that'll make you hurt. And I am so excited to put you through it. (With fair warning at the beginning of each chapter, don't worry.)

Anyway, I'll see you at the next chapter!