Chapter 14
STATIC
The band was trying to practice again. After all, their big show was that night.
“All right, so it’s settled,” began Rayth. “The name of the band is Howling Thunder and Frightening Featuring Rayth and Deuce and the Rolling Bones…and Woolee.”
Woolee gave him a furry thumbs-up.
Silvi shook her head, disappointed. “You know there’s no way that’s going to fit on a T-shirt.”
“Hey,” Rayth said quickly, trying to keep the peace. “Howling Thunder and Frightening Featuring Rayth and Deuce and the Rolling Bones and Woolee isn’t about T-shirts and making money.” He placed his hand on his heart dramatically. “It’s about our message and monster alternative.” Rayth struck a chord on his guitar.
Deuce was just about to hit the drums when he paused, concerned. “Um. Monster alternative? I thought we were going to be playing heavy metal.” He let loose on his drum set to make his point.
Rayth was stunned “No. H-T-F-F-R-D-A-T-R-B and Woolee is a monster alternative band—”
“Guys! Guys!” interrupted Venus. “Doesn’t it make more sense for a monster band to play goth rock?”
Deuce threw up his hands. “Great, now we don’t even agree on the kind of music we’re gonna play? Bonesy, Skelly, what about you guys?”
Bonesy and Skelly exchanged a glance and began playing their instruments—the keytar and the bass. The easy sounds of smooth jazz filled the courtyard.
Everyone began arguing again.
“Only my mom likes smooth jazz!” Rayth said.
“Goth rock is totally now!” said Venus.
“Metal is the only cool music,” added Deuce.
A blaring cacophony filled the courtyard as everyone played something different. It sounded terrible—and it was only a few hours until the opening.
Meanwhile, Frankie and Znap were still on the hunt for Twyla. Frankie was getting more and more worried. Something had to be the matter. She couldn’t believe it when she heard footsteps—and saw Twyla running toward Monster High!
“Twyla!” she exclaimed.
“Znap!” said Znap excitedly.
Twyla was trying to catch her breath. She had run so fast.
“Twyla, where have you been?” asked Frankie. “I’ve been looking all over—”
“It’s Moanica,” Twyla interjected. “She had her Zomboyz dig a tunnel under the power station.”
“Znap! Znap! Znap!” buzzed Znap. He waved and smiled. He couldn’t wait to go to the power station!
Twyla stared at the tiny creature. “What’s that?”
“I’ll explain later,” Frankie responded. She was too worried about this news. “Why on earth are they digging a tunnel?”
“Because she wants to steal all the electricity, all the light, so she can—”
Clawdeen interrupted her. “Frankie?” she asked. She was all dressed up for the big opening.
“Clawdeen? What are you doing here?” wondered Frankie.
“I came looking for you!” Clawdeen was exasperated. The salon was about to open and she needed all her best ghoulfriends there with her.
“Oh no, you shouldn’t go back to the salon—” Twyla warned Clawdeen.
Frankie stopped her from telling Clawdeen. There was no need to frighten everyone…yet. “Clawdeen, your dream is becoming reality tonight. You go make sure everything is perfect. I’ll meet you there soon.”
“Okay,” agreed Clawdeen. “But don’t be late. Ah! I’m so excited. I can’t stop howling. Awooooooo!”
As soon as she was gone, Frankie turned to Twyla. “Now, where is that tunnel?”
Together, the ghouls marched across the clearing with little Znap behind them. There weren’t any Zomboyz at the pretend bake sale. All the treats were gone. The sign was torn down. It was completely abandoned.
“That’s odd; they’re usually here,” Twyla noted.
Frankie couldn’t see what the problem was. They just had to open the trapdoor. She and Znap tried to lift the table away, but Twyla stopped her.
“Frankie, I know you want to take care of this on your own, but listen. That cavern is swarming with Zomboyz.”
“I am more than capable of outsmarting a few Zomboyz,” Frankie said confidently.
“Znap! Znap!” added Znap in agreement.
“That salon means everything to Clawdeen,” Frankie explained. “I’m not letting Moanica ruin her big night.” She lifted up the trapdoor and began the climb down the ladder.
“Znap! Znap!” He did a somersault in the air and dove into the tunnel.
Twyla took a big breath. “Fine, then I’m coming with you.” She headed back underground.
Frankie peered into the darkness. “So how far down does this go?”
“A long way,” Twyla told her.
“It’s really dark. Good thing I have my own light source!” She fritzed and sparked, illuminating the passageway.
Znap floated before them, glowing.
What they didn’t notice was the two Zomboyz grinning in the darkness behind them. Moanica had ordered them to let the ghouls pass by. The ghouls didn’t know they were walking into a trap.
