Monster-Bumps 2: Dead and Dazzling

Dead chewed on the book of the flap trying to open it. The Dazzlings and other monsters just stared impatiently at him as he struggled to open the book with the rest of the monster army still trapped. But the lock prevented any further monsters from being released. How the six were the only ones who managed to escape remained a mystery. Regardless Dead poured his stubborn determination into opening the locked book. But everyone tried, it was no use. The book wasn't being open without the key.

Arachnida sighed, watching Dead struggle continuously, "Forget it boss, we need the key."

Dead brushed off her words and continued to attempt to pry open the book like before, trying to recreate whatever it was the Dazzlings did to unleash all six of them, "Damn! Damn! This book!"

"THE KEY, THE KEY! THE KEY" ZapTrap repeated, "KEY!"

"I....know....that!" Dead said between grunts as he continuously struggled to release his remaining army, the book refused to open, "Stupid.....lock..."

The Monster Truck let out a series of honks from its horn beeping profusely while shifting side to side as it to communicate with the skeleton.

"Shut up!" Dead yelled, not even glancing at the red vehicle, "It's harder than it looks!"

One of Arachnida's smaller eyes glanced back at the Dazzlings. They were just standing there impatienlty. Adagio had her arms crossed waiting for them, while Aria was doing the same thing leaned up against the wall. And Sonata was rocking back and forth on her heel.

"Eh, boss?" Arachnida whispered.

"What!?" Dead yelled, still trying to rip the flaps open with brute force.

"Can we talk?" She asked, suspiciously peering over her shoulders to the three girls.

Dead huffed and finally gave up, before hiding the manuscript in his hoodie, saving it for later. Hoping to unleash his army later. He then focused his attention on the spider princess.

Dead, Arachnida, the Wendigo, and ZapTrap all huddled together like a football team and spoke softly to one another. While the Dazzlings, minus Sonata, narrowed their eyes suspiciously at the quartet huddled.

"Are we really working with those humans to get revenge on Ralph?" Arachnida asked, raising a brow on the left row of her multiple eyes.

"Awwww!" Dead crooned mockingly, "That's so cute, you think we're exclusive." Dead personally didn't care what quarrel those girls had with the Rainbooms. And he didn't care why or how, all he wanted was to get rid of Ralph's 'friends' so they wouldn't get in his way.

"WELL I WANNA DEEP FRY DEM GIRLS AS MUCH AS DHEY DO, SO ANY ENEMY OF OUR ENEMIES IS A FRIEND OF OURS." ZapTrap cackled, orange electrcity churning in his body.

The Wendigo just grumbled something as if speaking to them, to which the three other monsters seemed to understand. His voice was deep and scratchy as he growled animal like sounds and other noises.

"Hey! Good idea Windy!" Dead grinned, "Those three losers can help us until we find Ralph and get that key. You guys can do whatever you want to them afterwards. All I want is that key and Ralph in my arms so I can hold him close to me and never let go."

The other three just stared at him incredulously with their mouths slightly ajar, their eyes intently fixed on him. Still reeling from that last part of what he said about Ralph. After a long pause of awkward silence Dead spoke up, looking both embarrassed and annoyed.

"Yes! I realized it the moment I said it! You know what I mean though!" Dead called out angrily, a bit embarrassed, "Let's just help these 'Blazzlings' until we have both the key and Ralph."

"I think they called themselves the 'Dazzlings'" Arachnida corrected, looking up, remembering the name.

Dead didn't seem concern with this information, "You can call them the 'Fruity Tooty Pop Tarts' for all I care! Let's just help these girls out. For now."

The others nodded understandingly before retracting away from the huddle.

"CAN I HAVE A POPTART NOW?" ZapTrap asked looking hungry. Discerning his hunger at the mention of carbohydrate fruity snacks.

"Shut up." Dead muttered softly, "And no."

"DAMN." ZapTrap whispered disappointment evident in his voice.

Dead rolled his eyes and sighed, "Fine, maybe after we kill Ralph you can have 'A' pop-tart." Dead said with emphasis.

ZapTrap pumped his fist into the air excitedly, "YEAH!"

"Let me see that book," Adagio said, intrigued by the book.

"Good luck." Dead said sarcastically before pulling the book out of the safety of his hoodie and tossing it in an arch-motion towards the leader of the Dazzlings. Deads aim was a bit off, rather, about ten feet to the left.

"Oops." Dead said awkwardly.

Arachnida scoffed, looking unimpressed, crossing her arms, "Nice one."

Adagio strolled over to the book with a happy sway in her hips. She bent over and picked it up, gazing at the lock. It was the only obstacle in her way of vengeance. She narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth, angered at this development. No matter what, they would get their revenge. A monster army could definetly help them against the Rainbooms.

"So, where’s this key?” Adagio asked, glancing away from the book, and at the group of monsters.

Dead looked up at the taller girl, he rolled his eyes, “Where do you think, muffinhead? With the damn writer. My daddy.” He said with evident malice in his voice. He was so close to revenge on his former ‘friend’, but those girls had to help him. Even with an army he managed to beat them.

“Then,” Adagio turned around, holding the book behind her back as she walked towards Aria who was still leaning against the wall, arms folded, a unamused look on her face. How she managed to look that way with horrifying monsters in the room was beyond everyone. “We find this writer, take the key, and unleash the rest of your friends in this book.”

“That’s easier said than done,” Arachnida said, not swayed at all by the sirens empty promise. “Besides, we failed once, who’s to say it won’t happen again?” The spider princess lowered her head in defeat.

Adagio leaned against the wall next to her friend, a wicked smile spread across her face, “Yes, but this time you have three beautiful girls to help you out. We can get your key. Right girls?” Adagio looked at Aria, who nodded. She went to look to her right for Sonata, but she was nowhere to be found. “Where’s Sonata?”

The eccentric girl was hunched over near the Wolf Boy, holding out her hand. “Who’s a good doggie?” She said with a smile, attempting to pet the werewolf.

Wolf Boy bared his fangs, growling at the girl who was treating him like a dog. He slowly backed away, snapping at her finger.

Sonata recoiled her hand, holding it as if it would fall off, “Bad Doggie! No treats for you!” She scolded the werewolf.

Adagio facepalmed, “Sonata get away from the WEREwolf, it’s not a normal dog.”

Sonata dropped her head in defeat and walked back over to her friends. “I just wanted to pet him.” She whispered under her breath.

Dead cracked a sadistic, menacing smile, “We’ll get that key. Daddy's in for one hell of a surprise! HA-HA-HA-HA!”

With that, the entire room erupted in maniacal laughter. They were determined and had new allies in their quest for revenge. There simple wish would come true as if a genie had granted it for them. The determination welling up inside each and every one of them would motivate them forward. The Rainbooms and Shiverribas were going to have an unexpected blast from their past.

Besides, revenge is a dish best served cold. Even if the Wendigo was breathing rather loudly, making the rooms temperature drop a few degrees below average.

"Damn it Winter!" Dead yelled making everyone shut up in the room, "Close your mouth when you breath! This rooms cold enough with you in it already."

The Wendigos eyes widened for a moment as he closed his mouth, and scowled at Dead. He growled softly something that would probably best not be translated for the sake of younger readers.

"WATCH YOUR FILTHY MOUTH!" Dead yelled loudly, interpreting what the canibal winter spirit muttered.

Rays of sunshine beamed down upon the dew-ridden grass of Canterlot High. Buses came and went, dropping off students who were ready to start their day of education. Students crammed into the school, some conversing whilst others walked to gather their supplies for the day from their lockers. Birds chirped as squirrels scurried along the front lawn, finding a tree to climb on. It was a beautiful day and Ralph Shiverriba couldn’t be happier.

Ever since he met the Rainbooms, his life had become brighter. His sister, Aiden, walked next to him, holding one strap of her backpack.

“Ready to meet the new student?” She asked, glancing at him.

“Yeah,” he nodded, wearing a smile on his face, “I hear she’s really smart.”

The hallways bustled with activity. Students conversed near their lockers, meeting up with their friends. Some were gathering things out of their locker, preparing for the day of learning ahead of them. Kids walked up and down the hallways, a few entering classrooms.

Ralph and Aiden strolled toward Sunset’s locker where they always met up with all their new friends before class started. As they approached, Sunset waved at them.

“Hey Ralph! Hey Aiden! Over here.” She smiled, ushering them to come over with her hand.

“Hey everyone,” The two siblings greeted their friends at the same time.

Standing to the right near Pinkie was a girl with large glasses that always seemed to falling down the bridge of her nose. She wore a dark purple button up shirt with light blue undershirt, a multicolored purple skirt, long socks that went up to her knees, and black sneakers with a small crystal heart near the laces. Her hair was purple with a pink stripe in it. She wore it up in a ponytail, two small strands of hair hung on the sides of her face.

“This is Twilight Sparkle!” Pinkie said, pushing her friend forward. “Say hi!”

“Ummm… hi,” Twilight said awkwardly, giving a small wave.

Sunset smiled, pointing to Ralph, “This is Ralph Shiverriba,” Then, she pointed to Aiden, “And that’s his sister, Aiden.”

“Pleased to meet you.” Ralph said with a smile.

“What he said,” Aiden added.

Twilight smiled, “It’s nice to meet you both.” She pushed her sliding glasses back up. “I heard about all that crazy monster stuff. I just transferred here from Crytal Prep from the next town.” She explained.

“Nice.” Ralph said with a nod. “Yeah, my monsters almost destroyed the entire town and everybody in it. Believe it or not, it’s not the first time that happened.” He said with an awkward chuckle.

“Your monsters?” Twilight asked, taken aback at his words.

“Didn’t the others tell you?” Aiden tiled her head and cocked a brow.

“Yeah,” Rainbow rubbed her neck, “We kinda forgot.”

Applejack rolled her eyes at Dash, “Ya mean you forgot.”

“I created those monsters. It’s a REALLY long story.” Ralph explained.

Then, the first bell rang, filling the hallway in blissful chimes. The group parted ways, waving goodbye to one another. Each set off to their respective classrooms. Little did they know, watching from the janitor’s closet was the Dazzlings.

Adagio peered through the slightly cracked open door with one eye, her other closed. Aria stood behind her trying to get a look for herself. Sonata was messing around with the cleaning objects in the room and looking through the drawers of the janitor’s steel desk.

“There he is girls.” Adagio said, pointing to the short, black spiky haired key holder.

“Him? That pipsqueak?” Aria smiled, “Follow my lead.”

“My lead!” Adagio snapped, turning to glare at Aria who backed off, her eyes wide in fear.

Sonata was giggling at her expense. Aria rolled her eyes, folding her arms, and turned away from Sonata.

“All we have to do is seduce that little brat, and we’re on our way to getting back at those filthy Rainbooms.” Adagio explained the plan, closing the door so no one would overhear her.

A green haired, glasses wearing student walked by, stopping as he heard the door close. He craned his neck to see if anyone was there or maybe it was just his imagination. The door was shut, no sign of anyone peering out at him. He shrugged it off and continued walking toward his destination.

The day went like any other for the Shiverribas. Class, class, and more class, until finally the sweet melodic bell of lunch called them from their seats. Ralph stood up, placing his hands in his hoodie pockets as he strolled out of his Math classroom. Aiden followed behind, luckily for them, they did have some classes together.

Rainbow and Rarity stood outside the classroom waiting for their friends. “Hey, guys!” Rainbow greeted them.

“Ready for lunch darlings?” Rarity asked.

“You bet!” Ralph exclaimed, “Class can be so boring.”

"Yeah," Aiden chuckled, "I was ready to doze off before the bell rang."

With that, the four began their trek to the cafeteria. Some students greeted them along the way. Posters hung on the walls depicting upcoming events or top-graded projects which hung over some classroom doors. Music filled the hallways as they passed the music room, students practicing various instruments inside. Tall green lockers lined most of the hallways, save small gaps in between a set of ten or twenty for classroom doors.

As the group approached the set of double doors, Ralph pulled it open, gesturing for the girls to go first. After they had entered, he proceeded into the room, the door closing behind him. Immediately, the smell of multiple different foods wafted through the air, impacting their nostrils. As if on cue, their stomachs growled, ready to partake in the feast that is lunch. Kids from different cliques sat together at the cafeteria tables conversing with one another. Canterlot High was much different from your average high school. No matter the differences between students, they were all friends here and the Shiverribas wouldn’t have it any other way. Ralph grabbed a tray and the others followed suit.

“So,” Rainbow looked around to make sure noone was listening, “Did you hide that… thing good?”

Ralph nodded, “Trust me, nobody will ever find that book again. I hid it somewhere no one would think to look.”

"Is it under your mattress?" Aiden grinned, raising an eyebrow. Followed by a few giggles

"NO!" Ralph retorted, looking slightly embarrassed by the question, "I don't hide all my secrets there."

"But it is somewhere safe? Right?" Rainbow asked.

Ralph nodded again, "Don't worry it's hidden somewhere else."

“What a relief, dear. I don’t think I could deal with those icky monsters anymore.” Rarity sighed in relief, snatching a bowl of fruit salad from the line.

The group collected their food and headed to their usual table. All their friends were already seated, digging into their meals and chattering amongst themselves. Ralph greeted them and took a seat next to Twilight.

"So what happened here," Twiligt asked, "I noticed a few of the buildings destroyed, I'm guessing some monsters from Equestria invaded?"

Aiden shook her head, "Nope. Your right about the monsters, but they weren't from cute and sparkling pony world."

"Equestria." Sunset corrected.

"Yeah that." Aiden nodded, "Anyway let's just say my little brother is really good at making his books come to life."

Twilight tilted her head, reeling in from the vague statement, "What?"

"To put it in short-" Ralph was abruptly cut off as Pinkie inhaled deeply and let out a long wind of explanation.

"RalphherehasamagicpenthathasmagicinkthatbringsanythinghewritestolifebutwedidntknowaboutthebookshekeepshiddenandRainbowreleasedthisevilmeanieskeletonthatlookedexactlylikeRalphexcepthewasmeanandevilandhehatedsurprisepartiessoweandtheShiverribashadtofightlikeabigarmyofmonsterssowecouldtrapthembackintothisonebook."

Pinkie began breathing rapidly, her lungs recovering as she gasped for air from both her nose and mouth. She stared back at everyone in the table, all giving her a perplexed look. After Pinkie recovered, she beamed up with her eyes closed.

"And that's what happened." Pinkie finished, smiling.

Twilight mouth was open in surprise as her brain tried processing everything the eccentric party girl just elaborated. She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose, still gawking at Pinkie.

Ralph was the first one to recover his demeanor, "So yeah, to recap: magic ink, magic books, army of monsters, and magic pen."

Twilight shook her head, recovering, "I'm not sure I'll ever get use to all this magic stuff."

“So,” Sunset spoke up, “Where did you end up hiding that book?”

Ralph took a spoonful of fruit salad to his mouth, “In some old mausoleum, inside a coffin. Nobody would be crazy enough to search a graveyard for a book.” He finished, taking a bite of his food, the flavors of various kinds of fruit dancing on his tongue.

“Well, ain’t that a relief.” Applejack said, “We’re lucky ta have bested those critters of yours tha first time around.”

Rainbow nodded, “Yeah, but I totally would of whooped their butts no problem!” She exclaimed, puffing out her chest. She earned a few glares from the rest of her friends.

Aiden took a bite of her sandwich, chewed it up, and swallowed before speaking, “AJ’s right, we were lucky to get out of all that in one piece.”

“I don’t even want to think about it,” Fluttershy said, sinking in her seat, eyes wide in fear of the memory of those monsters invading their beloved town.

“Itwasntdatbad,” Pinkie said between a mouthful of food.

“Pinkie, chew before you talk,” Sunset said with a giggle.

The eccentric pink haired girl gulped her food down and gave a big smile. “I thought it was kind of fun! We should release them again!”

"NO!" Yelled the entire table in unison, alarmed.

Ralph went silent, eating his food. The thought of those monsters he had created being unleashed once more always burdened him. After all, it was his fault the town was almost destroyed in the first place. The thought danced in his mind to a wicked ballet, always tormenting him, reminding him that one day it could happen again.

"What’s wrong?” Sunset asked, concern in her voice.

Ralph shook his head, feigning a smile, “Nothing, Sunset. I was just thinking.” He took another spoonful of fruit salad to his mouth, taking a bite.

Sunset placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder, “If anything like that ever happens again, we have your back. So don’t worry about it so much, okay?” She gave him a soft smile.

Ralph nodded, chewing up his food. However, it still lingered like a parasite leeching at his mind. He couldn’t undo what was already done. It would never go away and he would never be able to stop worrying about such things. His eyes wandered over to a table where only three girls sat, hoods up so their faces were entirely covered, not eating a thing.

“They kinda look familiar” Ralph said, pointing to them, "I feel like I've seen them."

Sunset placed a finger on her chin, “Now that you mention it, they do look a little familiar, but I can’t put my finger on it.”

"They look kinda fishy." Rainbow agreed.

"I don't know any fish that look like that." Pinkie raised an eyebrow.

The group shrugged it off, continuing their meals. The bell sounded meaning they had to return to their classes. All of them got up, disposing of their trays and utensils. With a goodbye wave, they were off to their respective classrooms. Ralph took one last glance back to the table where the three girls had been sitting.

Not a soul was seated at that table as if the girls had vanished into thin air. He simply shrugged and continued his trek to science class.

School had ended and Ralph was strolling down the sidewalk, heading home for the day. He was sure Aiden had already made it home and was cooking dinner for them. The short boy passed by some stores, a bakery, a supermarket, and a fast food joint. Cars passed by him on the street, speeding to and fro to reach their destination. Some people passed him by on the streets, a few he knew from school greeting him. It was still quite the beautiful day, the sun shining down brightly upon the world. Ralph looked both ways for any oncoming vehicles, proceeding to cross the street when he deemed it safe enough. He turned right and continued his journey home, hoping Aiden was making her famous spaghetti.

Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine. He swore someone was following him, this feeling was distinct and he couldn’t shake it no matter how hard he tried. The boy whipped around to see some pedestrians passing him by, one glancing at him with a look like he was crazy for stopping so abruptly in the middle of the sidewalk. No one was across the street, not a soul walked by or exchanged a glance with him.

Maybe it was just his imagination. He shook his head, trying to move the thought to a deeper confine within his mind. Slowly, he resumed his trek home, glancing behind him every now and again to make sure there was in fact nobody following him.  The feeling wouldn’t shake though, making the hair on the back of his neck stand up.

As he turned a corner, he noticed a tall, orange poofy haired girl leaning against the wall, sucking on a lollipop. He couldn’t quite place it, but the girl looked rather familiar. Like he had met her once before, but he just couldn’t place his finger on where or who she might be.

“Hello, there, cutie,” Adagio said, pulling the lollipop slowly out of her mouth, winking at him.

Ralph blushed, whipping his head in every direction to confirm she wasn’t speaking to someone else. It wasn't everyday a hot girl just talked to him like that out of the blue. “M-me?” He asked, pointing a finger at himself.

“Of course you, stud, who else would I be talking to?” She asked, walking towards him.

Ralph gulped as she got closer and closer, “Y-you think I’m a stud?” He didn’t know what to say, he didn’t have much experience in this matter.

Adagio nodded, seductively responding with, “Yes I do, I’ve seen you around and always thought you were just so adorable. What’s your name, cutie?”

“R-ralph Shiverriba.” He said with an awkward smile. “Who are you?”

Adagio leaned in closer, whispering into his ear, “Adagio Dazzling. Pleased to meet you.” A menacing, sadistic grin grew on her face, hidden from Ralph.