music monster adventure ii: search for the beginning

8/14/2019 Music Monster Adventure II: Search for the Beginning

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Believe it or not, music monsters havent been paired up with children for all thatlong. If you asked anybody, they would say that even the idea of a creature made from

jumbled-up melodies and sounds is ridiculous. If you think about it, anything in the

fabric of this universe is possible, we just dont know it.

It was 1982, over twenty years before Haruko and Will have met. We join a

young boy named Duncan Thatcher. He thought he was the master of allAtari videogames, and he owned an authenticAtari 2600 which he got that Christmas.It was Friday, December 10. The Thatchers were having a Christmas party in

their living room. They were playing disco music, and Duncan hated disco. To escape it,he went upstairs to hisAtari system to play a nice game ofAsteroids. He had just started

playing the saxophone a day earlier, though he wasnt crazy for the sound. His fatherwas a jazz musician, and he wanted to impress him, like he was a chip off the old block.

Fortunately, he didnt think anything scary or exciting will happen (or will it?).Another night, another battle with space rocks, he said. ZAP, ZAP, ZAP, he

was getting further and further into the game untilHI, DUNCAN!!! shouted Caitlin behind his back. Im sure I forgot to mention

that Duncan had a twin sister. That very moment, she was very, very hyper and wasshaking all over. She just loved anything that had caffeine and/or carbonation.

Why must you startle me?!I just got hooked to this beverage I like to call soffee!

Soffee? Whats soffee?

Its a new beverage I invented by pouring soda into coffee! Isnt that great?!

Do you know how much carbonation is in soda?!I dont know!!! She then found out after she burped. Duncan looked at the

screen and saw the two worst words that a gamer could see: game over. He felt as thoughhe wasted his time and that his accomplishment was long forgotten.

All twin sisters should jump off a cliff! Caitlin noticed that while Duncan wastalking to her, she saw a forming portal on the screen of the TV. It was white with music

notes in it. It was swirling, as if any person who looked into it would get dizzy.

Whats that?

Im not sure. Duncan bravely touched it. Nothing happened. Then, the screenstarted getting wavy. Duncan and Caitlin didnt know what to expect. It got wavier and

wavier until an error message appeared. The message said: ERROR REPORT:SOMETHING VERY STRANGE IS AFFECTING THE SYSTEM. PLEASE PHONE

THE ATARI HELP LINEI think you should get dad. Caitlin got up to open the door, but it was locked.

The doors locked! Duncan tried desperately to open the windowsSo are the windows! The portal in the TV got bigger and bigger to the point

where it was sucking the two children in like a vacuum. Aw no!Save me, Duncan!

Im trying, but the portal is sucking me in too! After two minutes, the portalfinally sucked the two children in. Their dog, Jimmi (named after the legendary Jimmi

Hendrix) awoke from his nap, only to notice that something wasnt right. He was moreold and tired than curious, so he went back to sleep.

It was a fast and scary trip through the portal. The next thing Duncan knew, hewasnt in the portal anymore, and he had fainted on the way to the next destination.


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Hello, asked a voice. Who is this?I dont know, said another voice, But I think you should hit it. Duncan slowly

opened his eyes. He was in a lush, green meadow with tall mountains in the background.A small, red creature that looked like a rabbit that stood on two tiny legs, had little horns,

a rabbit tail, and floppy goat-like ears was sitting on his chest about to slap him with his

tiny paw.AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! Duncan screamed.

AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!! the creature screamed back. The creature

was so surprised that he fell off Duncan. As soon as he shook his head, he came to hissenses. You must be a new musician.

How did you know?

We havent seen you before and if you werent a musician, you wouldnt be

here. The names Jack. Im a coniglio della capra. I practice magic and I brought youhere via portal Next to Duncan was a book of magic spells with the page turned to a

spell about dimensional travel.Where am I?

This is the Rhythm and Melody World. Its the World where music comes from.By the way, all the inhabitants of the Rhythm and Melody World are music monsters.

How old are you anyway?I am fifteen years old. The reason I stay small is because I cast a spell on

myself. It is magic that keeps me young and able to read printed text in the book.Duncan noticed another music monster that was also cute and tiny. It looked like a small

creature that had beady eyes, antlers, a round head, and a really round body.Im Jolie the Hearly, said the creature. Since she had big feet and barely visible

legs, she found it difficult to walk. Nice to meet you, friend of Caitlin.

How do you know my sisters name? asked Duncan confusingly.

Im her music monster partner. She plays the violin.I know that. Duncan saw that right in front of him was strange egg. It was

blue, and it certainly looked bigger than a chickens egg.

That belongs to you, said Jack the coniglio. Youre music monster partner

will hatch very soon.You meanIm a daddy? Caitlin then woke up right next to Duncan.

Im sure you learned all you need to know from these little guys here , she said.

Listen, said Jackthe coniglio. The reason you guys are here is becauseDuncan officially became a musician, but the other reason youre here is because youre

going on a mission.Yippee! cheered Caitlin.


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The legendary music monster, Cecelia, has kidnapped another baby human.Ugg, again? asked Jolie the hearly.

Except she didnt kidnap one baby, she kidnapped two. Shes been kidnappingbaby humans since the last decade, so we have to stop her again. Her castle is right up

this mountain. If Im not wrong, the babies are twins.

Just like we are, said Caitlin excitingly.Lets go up that mountain now.Duncan, Caitlin, Jolie the hearly and Jack the coniglio made their way up the

mountain ahead. Jack carried his magic book on his head with his tiny strength. Duncanhad to carry his egg holding a tiny monster life with him.

Wanna here a dirty joke? Jack asked Duncan.

Sure, said Duncan.

A guy took a mud bath! Jack started cracking up, but Duncan thought it waslame.

Haw haw. Duncans egg started wobbling back and forth and whimpers couldbe heard from inside of it.

I think its hatching!Im not sure if its ready yet, said Jolie. I think it needs a couple of hours or

daysThey climbed some more until they got to the top of the mountain, which took

them several hours.

Im so tired, complained Caitlin.

Save your complaining until after the mission, said Jolie the hearly, soundinglike a lieutenant. They slowly walked up to the castle. The distelium (a large creature

with ten tails) guards were on break, so this was a perfect time to sneak in. As soon asthey trespassed, they climbed up the huge, huge, huge flight of stairs leading to Cecilias

room.My egg is still whimpering, said Duncan.

Music monster eggs sometimes do that before they hatch, said Jacktheconiglio. Jack eagerly looked around the perimeter. Look, thats the secret entrance.

They hurried up what appeared to be a ladder that lead to a loft. When they peaked overthe side, they saw Cecilia suckling (or at least trying to) a pair of blond two-year-old

fraternal twins.Hey, theyre boy and girl, just like we are, whispered Caitlin.

Cmon, you two, suckle me! said Cecilia aggravatingly as she was putting thebabies up against her bare bosoms. They were making a fuss by whining and trying to

get their faces out of her breasts. What Cecilia didnt know was that she had to havegiven birth the babies in order to breast feed them.


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What does she think shes doing? asked Caitlin. Cecilia gave up and decided tofeed them with a bottle.

Stay right here, my little angels. Ill be right back. With that, she left the room.

A puff appear behind Jack that wouldve made him noticeable if only Cecilia didnt

leave.

Here, borrow this, said Jack. In his tiny paw was a device with a string attachedto it.

Whats this? asked Duncan.

Its a web slinger.Cool! Just like Spider Man!

Whatever. Just sling that slinger and rescue those babies! Duncan aimed theweb slinger as carefully as he could. He then shot the web at the ceiling. Here I go.

Duncan swung off the loft and was hanging onto the ceiling like a circus act. He loweredthe web so he could get closer to the babies. He whispered an optimistic message to

them. Cmon guys, youre going to be free. The babiesdidnt understand what hesaid. Dont you want to be free? The baby girl fell onto her back. Lets just go.

Duncan picked up the babies and shortened the web so that he would rise higher andhigher. Before he reached the ceiling, he accidentally touched an unnoticeable, little laser

beam with his shoulder. A loud alarm went off suddenly. Uh oh.Duncan! Hurry up! shouted Caitlin in a hurry. Duncan quickly swung back to

the loft. Jolie, with her superb noticing skills, spotted a window at the last second.

Lets go out there, she said. Caitlin opened the window and gave the signal that

everyone could escape. They jumped out the window and ran down the outside stairs.Their mission was complete.

The children ran from the castle as fast as they could and escaped into theseemingly diagonal forest of the mountain.

Can we stop running? asked Caitlin. My feet hurt.


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Sure, said Duncan. Duncan looked around him; nothing but trees. Birds filledthe air with their voices and the mountain was creating music to be played by future

musicians. Lets rest over there. Ahead was a group of logs that looked like greatsubstitutes for chairs. They ran over to the logs, happy to see that they were there.

Before their eyes lay nature at its prettiest. The scenery looked as colorful and

serene at Vermont in autumn.Wow, its like fall on this mountain, said Duncan. On the ground were acornsand leaves, but there wasnt a single squirrel in sight. The little boy began suckling on

Duncans sleeve, even though it didnt look like anything edible.I think the boy baby is hungry, said Caitlin.

Than feed him, its none of MY business.Ill give him some of my blueberries and cream, said Jack. With his magic, he

made an empty baby bottle and a container filled with blue cream appear. Caitlin openedit and poured it into the bottle. Open wide. She gave the baby the bottle, and he

delightfully suckled it.Where do we go from here, asked Duncan, not seeing any way home.

Behind the trees was a boy sitting on a log. Duncan and Caitlin could tell that hewasnt a regular boy at all. He was looking at the little music finches pecking at the

ground. They flew away when Duncan and Caitlin came into the scene.Is that a traffic cone on his head? Caitlin asked Duncan.

Is that a cape hes wearing? Duncan asked Caitlin.

Yes it is, said the boy. Greetings, I am a child who possesses every power

known to everything. I am the one who knows all and means all. I am Hikaru, wizardof the Outer Universe! Duncan and Caitlinjust starred at the strange boy.

Well I guess hes unique in his own little way, said Caitlin.

What planet is he from? asked Duncan.

For your information, Im from Earth, said Hikaru in his normal voice.Nice to meet you uh Hikaru, said Caitlin.

Id like you to meet my coniglio del antler.

A what? asked Duncan. A big rabbit with a huge pair of antlers on his head

came out of the bushes.His name is Dan. He helps me rule the Outer Universe. Caitlin thought for a

moment. She wanted to learn more about this area, so she decided to go exploring withher monster partner.

Can you watch the girl babyfor a while? she asked Duncan.Me? asked Duncan.

Its only for a little while. Caitlin gave the girl baby to Duncan. Now I wantyou to-- Before she could finish, she saw that Duncan and Jack had already run off with

the baby.

Duncan was in the woods with the baby girl and his egg. Why did she switch

babies with him? Was it because the things that Caitlin was going to explore would scarea baby girl? Duncan knew that there was no use pondering and walked the landscape.


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Cmon, guys, lets see what this whacked-out world has to show for us. saidDuncan. He sat down by a tree. It was almost the end of midday, and he could see it

from the treetops. Through the trees, he could also see white cats with big wings flying

over him. What are those?

Those are sugarpusses, said Jack. Theyre the most care-free music monsters

in the Rhythm and Melody World.Butterfly, said the girl baby.No, sugar puss. Duncan ignored everything else and looked behind the tree.

He saw the prettiest girl ever humming a comforting tune to herself. She took her snowhat off and started combing her light brown hair.

Wow, whispered Duncan. He was practically drooling over her. He told

himself to snap out of it. Cut it out, Duncan! Youre only twelve! Before he knew it,

he stood up and started walking toward her, even though he was still a little afraid ofgirls. He didnt know why he was doing this so soon.

Duncan, where are you going? Duncan sat on the same log as the girl, thoughshe still didnt know of his existance.

Dont let her notice you, he thought. A bee flew over and landed on his nose.Since Duncan was terrified of insects with stingers, he shrieked. Eek! The girl looked

up.Hmm? she asked.

Uh Im Duncan. The bee flew off and left Duncan alone.

Im Audrey. The girl spoke in a British accent, which let Duncan knew that she

wasnt from his part of the world.What takes you to this neck of the woods literally?

I come from England and I play the xylophone.My dad really wanted me to play the saxophone, so I did it to impress him. I

dont really like the instrument. A small, round cat with tiny paws and a lizard tailhopped onto the log. This is Dot. Shes a chocoki.

Hello, said Dot. Im going to mutate any day now!

I see you haveDominique. Duncan nearly forgot that he had the little girl on

his lap. She starred at Audrey like she had two head, or maybe because she was justcurious.

How did you know her name? asked Duncan.Ive just heard. The other ones name is Jonathan

The two conversed for fifteen minutes. Audrey then took out a pocket watch tocheck the time. My aunt gave me this as an early Christmas present. This watch was

golden, and it had a design of the Big Ben on it. She squeezed the watch a bit too hardand it slipped out of her hand. After it descended, it landed smack on the log.

Let me get it! Duncan and Audrey said simultaneously. They quickly reachedfor the watch on the log. Both their hands ended up touching the watch. They looked at

each other for a moment. Duncan couldnt believe that he was touching hands with agirl.

That one moment on the log was one MAGIC moment. Trying hard not to sound

clich, it nearly took Duncans breath awayDuncan and the new girl sitting in a tree, whispered a voice. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.


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Caitlin I know thats you, said Duncan.Aw, you caught me. Caitlin, Jolie, Hikaru and Dan walked out of the bushes.

Duncan noticed that Jolie had mutated.

Wheres Jolie?

She mutated to her middle level. Its called a unieye. A description of this

monster was hard to explain. It was pink and it looked hideous, yet cute. Dot came frombehind a rock. She had mutated too, into an arcobea. She looked like a purple pug withcrystal ears and a rainbow tail. Whos your girlfriend, anyway?

Shes not my girlfriend. We just met.Yeah, sure.

How did all you guys get here? asked Hikaru.

Well, my brother here was playing his dumbAtari system, and a portal appeared

in the screen. Duncan got angry at what Caitlin had called his favorite hobby.Did you callmy home entertainment system dumb?!

Yeah, thats because it IS dumb. That new system Colecovision is way better.NOBODY devaluesAtari!

I just did, and theres nothing you can do about it! Audrey and Hikaru couldtell that this argument had no signs of ending soon.

In the bushes, a pair of eyes was starring at the children. Those eyes were lookingfor those babies that had mysteriously disappeared.

After about five minutes of squabbling, the argument had evolved into somethingmore serious.

Im so sick of you trying to butt in to my life! said Caitlin. I have the right to! said Duncan. Im older than you are!

Only by five minutes!

It doesnt matter! The truth is, you shouldnt be existing! You should drop

dead! With that, Duncan took off his glove and slapped it across Caitlins face. Assoon as Caitlin put her hand on her face to feel the pain, she gasped. Jonathan was crying

from all the yelling that Duncan and Caitlin were doing.

Look what you did; you made the baby boy cry! This was a bad situation

already, but the children werent expecting what was going tojump out of that bush


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Suddenly, Cecilia the legendary monster jumped out of the bushes.Hello, thieves! she said. The group was very surprised by this encounter.

More like YOUREthe thief! said Caitlin, keeping her angry tone from theargument.

Silly children, you should never play with monsters. Pearl freeze! A magical

white force shot out of Cecilias hand and hit Daniel the coniglio. Before he could react,he turned white and froze.

Daniel! shouted Hikaru. Daniel, unfortunately, couldnt hear him.

Let me try! said Dot the arcobea. Rain blow! Dot jumped into the air and arainbow came out of her tail. It struck Cecilia, but no pain was induced.

Thats your idea of painful?! asked Cecilia. Youve got to be kidding! Sheflew down and slapped Dot, which caused her to slam into the wall. Dot, barely feeling

strong, got back on the ground.No! Jackthe coniglio shouted. Shes a super level! Youre only a middle

level!I cant fight resistance I have to do something!

Aw, is the little baby going to cry? asked Cecilia.This little baby sure isnt rain blow! Dot unleashed her rainbow attackagain,

and Cecilia still blocked it with her palms.Magical rabbit claw! shouted Daniel. Nobody noticed, but he had already

thawed from the pearl freeze attack. His claw glowed and he slashed Cecilia. He left amere mark on her stomach. This needs more work. Right then, he felt weird. Im

doing it, Hikaru! He glowed and started changing right there. Hikaru couldnt believehis eyes.

Hes mutating! shouted Hikaru, rubbing his eyes in disbelief. My coniglio isbattle-mutating! As soon as Dan stopped transforming, he looked different. He looked

like a pink dinosaur that stood on four legs, had a rabbits head, big claws, a stinger, andarmor on several parts of his body.

Cool, said Duncan. Hikaru jumped onto Daniels back and looked confident.Daniel ran toward his opponent like wildfire.

Maroon blaze! he shouted. He breathed pink fire from his mouth that cookedCecilia. You could say that the blast opened Cecilias eyes. Give the children back to

their owners this instant or youre toast.Okay, okay, I surrender, said Cecilia. The babies may go back!

Thank you. Cecilia flew away as fast as she could. The gang cheered at thesemi-bittersweet victory.

We did it! said Caitlin. Right then, they heard a rumbling in the ground.


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Whats that? asked Audrey. The ground began cracking and splittingunderneath the childrens feet. Hikaru, scared of almost anything in real life, panicked.

EARTHQUAKE! he shouted. A soon as the cracks opened up a hole in theground, a giant music monster popped up. It looked like a green elephant with purple

ears, long legs and a flower on its tail.

Wh who are you? asked Duncan.Greetings, said the music monster. I am Edelweiss. All the monsters wereflabbergasted.

I cant believe Im actually talking to you! said Jolie the unieye excitingly.Its such an honor. Jolie turned to Duncan to give a brief explanation. Edelweiss is

the legendary music of the earth. He makes plants grow and continents move.

What are you here for? asked Caitlin.

Im here for the babies, said Edelweiss. I have found their home, so now I canreturn them. These little ones shouldnt have fallen into the hands of that god-awful

Cecilia. Of course, Cecilia is only a mild threat compared to the things about to come.The children were intrigued.

Things about to come? asked Audrey.A violent monster is about to strike any day now. He is the first and only anti-

music-monster, a freak monster made of pure silence, and he wishes for silence to bebestowed across the universe. Things could get out of hand if he is not controlled. The

children felt scared at that moment, but we comforted by the presence of the music deity.

I hope you dont have to go anytime soon, said Dot to arcobea.

Im sorry, but I do. Im sure these kids parents are searching all across town forthem, and besides, I get all light-headed when I stay on top of the ground too long.

Farewell.

Bye! everyone said. Edelweiss buried back underground with the babies, and

pretty soon, he was nowhere to be seen.Does anyone have a portal? asked Hikaru.

I do, said Jack the coniglio. With his claws, he formed a portal with musicnotes dancing around in it, like the one that Duncan and Caitlin went through . Everyone

in the portal! Everyone, including the music monsters, jumped in and went through thewild ride. The portal closed shortly afterward.


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Saturday, December 11

Duncan woke up that next morning. He sat up in bed and thought about what hadhappened last night while starring at the inclined ceiling. Since he thought that it was too

good to be true, that gave him the idea that this whole thing was just a crazy dream. He

looked at his sister in the bed next to his. She was sleeping in her flat with the covers upto her knees. On the night table was Duncans egg from the day before with bubbledesigns and everything.

It wasnt a dream, he thought. Caitlin stretched and sat up. She put her legs onthe ground next to her bed. As soon as she scratched her eyes, she noticed Duncan. She

remembered that she was still angry at the one who slapped her.

Oh, said Caitlin. Its you.

Cmon, Caitlin, said Duncan. It was just a little argument we had last night!Oh yeah, like telling me to drop dead is just a little argument.

Listen, it was yesterday, so forget it.Yeah, like I will. Caitlin walked out the doorand into to the hallway. Duncan

sat there on the side of his bed thinking. He enjoyed his trip to a parallel world, but thiswas one part of his wonderful reality that he wished never happened. He almost didnt

want to get out of bed.Gee, maybe I was a little hard on her but she deserved it!


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At the end of the day, after Duncan and Caitlin did their weekend homework, theywent through the portal in their television screen and to the Rhythm and Melody World

with the help of their music monsters. They didnt speak to each other the entire time.They ended up in a huge field that stretched for miles. In the distance, they saw

two familiar-looking children.

Are they who I think they are? asked Duncan. Caitlin was so mad at herbrother that she couldnt stand to hear his voice.

Humph said Caitlin.

Audrey, Hikaru, Daniel,Dot! Were over here! Audrey, Hikaru, and theirmusic monsters went running to Duncan and Caitlin. As soon as Audrey got to that very

hill, she hugged Duncan.

Your sister looks awful grumpy, said Audrey. Whats bugging her?

Nothing, said Duncan. Shes just being a b-Youre speaking to a jerk, said Caitlin.

Shes never going to get the thought of yesterday out of her head.How are YOU doing? asked Audrey.

Fine, thank you, said Caitlin in a sarcastic tone. Jolie and I are going to pickflowers. Duncan can threaten people somewhere else. The two of them walked away.

Why are you and your sister fighting? asked Hikaru.Its about what happened yesterday, said Duncan. With that, he sighed.

Dont worry. Siblings are like that. Esperanza and I fight almost all the time.

I kind of wish music monsters had siblings, said Daniel. What ARE siblings

anyway?Theyre people that have the same mother and father, said Audrey. Duncan

didnt know why Dan wanted a sibling; he thought that he should be glad that the conceptof family has been lost to the music monsters. At the end of his thought, he felt

something cracking in his backpack.Whats that noise? he asked.

It sounds like something hatching.

The egg! Duncan took the egg out of his backpack and it was indeed hatching.

Gather round, everyone, and experience the miracle of birth, said Hikaru. Outof the egg popped a round, squishy blue blob with beady eyes. He also had a bubble

wand sticking out of his head.Aw, its a cute little elbub, said Daniel the coniglio.

Congratulations, said Audrey. What are you going to name it? He looks like acute little chap.

Thats it! said Duncan, Ill name him Chappie! Duncan was elated that hehad something cute and soft to distract him from his conflict. If only for so long


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Caitlin and Jolie the unieye were walking around in the small patch of forestlocated smack dab in the middle of the field. There was a bunch of colorful flowers

around a tree just waiting to be picked. What colors went well with each other? Yellowand orange? Blue and white? The possibilities seemed endless to them.

Would you like the red flower, or the white flower? asked Jolie.

How about both? asked Caitlin,Then we can make pink! Both of themlaughed. Out of the corner of Caitlins eye, she saw something running. What wasthat?

Hello! shouted Jolie. There was no answer. The boy who was running peekedbehind a tree. He wasnt very determined to meet other people, but he thought it was

worth a shot.

Hello! he shouted. Caitlin turned her attention to the tree, where she saw the

boy. Caitlin ran over to the tree to meet him.Whats your name? she asked.

Ethan, said the boy meekly. My name is Ethan. The boy was obviously shy,but did an okay job with communicating with a new person. I would also like to

introduce you to my almanole, Indigo. From behind Ethan came a blue rabbit with oddears and a pair of wings.

What instrument do you play? Before he replied, he sat at the foot of the treeand focused his head toward the ground.

I play the piccolo. Caitlin sat down next to Ethan so they could talk.

Why are you acting so strange?

You see, Im nervous. I was adopted and Im trying to see if I can meet my birthmother again.

Oh?

Allow me to tell you the story.


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My birth mother wrote her story on a piece of loose-leaf paper. Her relationship

with my father began in fourteen years ago. Because the baseball field at the park wouldfreeze over every year, everyone would bring their ice skates and have some fun. My

mom, Patricia Knowings, was thirteen at the time, and she loved to ice skate. She

whirled and twirled until she could whirl and twirl no more. In the middle of the frozen-over baseball field was a little snow island where kids would put their stuff. My momdecided to take her hat off and throw it on the island, but when she was about to throw it,

she fell over and ended up breaking her ankle.Help! she shouted. Along came a boy who was a little bit olderthan her.

Want me to help you? he asked. He took my moms hand and took her back tosnowy, non-slippery land.

Thank you so much. Whats your name anyway?My name is James. Ill call 911.

After that moment, Patricia and Jamess friendship grew. They didnt mind theirage difference; they would still hang out with each other. The friendship really got out of

hand when he invited her to a high school party. The party was at Jamess friendshouse. People were dancing and having loads of fun. While my mom was talking and

laughing with some older girls, someone tapped her shoulder.Yes? she asked.

James wants to see you in the closet, said the girl. My mom went upstairs tofind that James was indeed in the hallway closet.

Come here, he said. Patricia went into the closet. Close the door behind you.Oh boy, are we playing hide n seek? she asked.

Uh yeah said James. It was pretty obvious that he was lying. Two weekslater, my mom found out that she was pregnant with me.


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On December 12, 1969, I, Ethan Christopher Knowings, was born. After mymom gave birth to me at the age of 14, she had to quit school and get a job somewhere so

she could take care of me. When she asked the people atDennys if she could be awaitress, they turned down her idea. They said she looked too young and inexperienced.

As soon as she told them she was an underage mother, they immediately changed their

minds. For a few weeks, my mom was a waitress.One night, my moms parents had to talk to her. They came to the idea that shewas way too young to bring up a baby and that they wanted to give me to the orphanage.

They thought that missing school for so many days was bad for her knowledge. My momrefused by saying that she loved me too much. She had no choice, though. Her parents

made her give me away. The next morning, she dropped me off at the local orphanage.She asked the people at the orphanage if my new parents would keep the name I was

given so that she would see me again someday.Thats so sad, said Caitlin.

Yeah, but three month later, I was adopted by an older, more experiencedmarried couple. They gave me a new last name, but my first and middle names remain

the same.Would you like to meet my friends?

Sure. Caitlin and Ethan ran out of the woods and back into the field. Theirmonsters, in a playful mood, followed after them.


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Caitlins buddies were in the distance across the dandy lion-filled fields.Who is Caitlin with? asked Audrey when she saw Caitlin with Ethan.

Hey guys! shouted Caitlin from ten feet away. Meet my new friend!

Im your friend? asked Ethan. Caitlin and Ethan were huffing and puffing as

soon as they caught up with the other children.

Whos the new kid? asked Hikaru.Im Ethan Ethan told the other children how he came into the world.

That is quite the story you have there, said Audrey.

Oh yeah, and meet my almanole, Indigo. If theres something he doesnt think isfun to play with, he hasnt played with it yet!

Yeah, said Indigo.

For instance, let me give him this blade of grass. Ethan picked a blade of grass

from the ground. It made a D flat sound as he plucked it from the music-filled earth.Indigo was excited when Ethan gave it to him.

Oh boy! A blade of grass! I think Ill call you Bladey.Oh, goody, said Duncan. Caitlin finally decided to find ANOTHERthing with

the IQ of a piece of cardboard.You better shape up! shouted Caitlin. Dont say that again or else our

brother/sister friendship is going to be like this! Caitlin took the blade of grass fromIndigos hand and shredded it up.

Bladey! shouted Indigo.

Oh for heavens sake, it was only a blade of grass said Ethan.

Meanwhile, a plan was being created by an evil dog-like monster in another areaof the Rhythm and Melody World. His castle was near a swamp, where he didnt want to

be disturbed. As he looked at the giant piece of paper, he smirked.

Ah, hesaid. My plan is almost complete.

What plan, Silence? asked his henchman.My plan to destroy the Rhythm and Melody World. With my magical abilities, I

will kill every music monster and make this planet disappear off the face of theuniverse!

Thats some plan wait a minute, youre a music monster. Wouldnt that meanyou would die too?

No, but it means YOU will die! The henchman left the room in fear so thatSilence would do his job in peace.


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Duncan was on another hill sitting and watching the sunset. Looking at theorange and pink glow of the sky, he sighed to himself. Ethan walked over to him and sat

down. He had his own issues to deal with.

So, he started. I see that youre fighting with your sister.

Thanks for pointing out the obvious, said Duncan.

How did this start?You see, it all started a few days ago. Caitlin and I got into an argument. Theargument got serious and I told her to drop dead. I also sort of slapped her. Even when

told these things, Ethan still felt hopeful.Im sure you love her deep down inside.

No I dont. If she was dead right now, I would be dancing on her grave sofast Ethan lost his hope. He had never met anyone so mean-spirited.

You really do have a black heart. Youre like Ebenezer Scrooge, but worse.Ethan got up and walked away. Cmon, Indigo. Indigo left the scene with nothing to

say.Meanwhile, at Silences castle, he was making up a plan so evil and complicated,

it would make your mind hurt. He was gazing at his window, watching middle-leveledmusic monsters play in the forest. Needless to say, what he saw made him absolutely

sick.Those music monsters look so happy, almost as happy as those musician

children. he said. With his telescope and super hearing, he could see the monsters of themusician children talking about a possible threat to the Rhythm and Melody World in the

form of a giant puppy. Terrence! A music monster called a cascad (a furry beaver thatstood on two legs and had an arched back) ran over. I want to kill the musician kids of

Planet Earth, every last one of them. Theyre obviously out to thwart my plans.

How should we destroy them, oh master? asked Terrence.

Well, this is just one small plan. Silence then whispered something sinister inTerrences ear.

Thats may be your worst plan yet, Silence. Youre all powerful; you should beable to just disintegrate her with your magic.

JUST DO IT!!! His henchman ran away in fear from Silences booming voice.


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Sunday, December 12

Caitlin was in her room practicing her violin while Jolie was blissfully listeningfrom under her bed. Chappie the elbub was also under her bed, except he was blissfully

resting under a pile of blankets.

Caitlin! shouted her mother. Lunch!Coming! replied Caitlin.

Silences monsterhenchman was looking for the right address for Duncan and

Caitlins house. Silence managed to track Jacks portal back to this particular house,which is how he knew the address.

Aha, he said when he found it. We dont entirely know how he knew Caitlinate lunch at this time. He crept through the backyard and past the side of the house. He

sneaked past a rake and hopped over a sprinkler in the cold, wet snow. Showtime.Caitlin ran downstairs, like it was the last meal she was going to eat in her entire life.

The cascad henchman reached inside his bag and pulled out some day-old sushi. As fastas he could, he slinked through the open kitchen window and replaced Caitlins pasta

with the old sushi, knowing that it was only a matter of seconds before Caitlin would bein the kitchen. He jumped onto the counter and back out the window. As soon as Caitlin

got to the kitchen, she saw that her lunch looked different.Hmm she said to herself. She sat down and tried some of the raw fish. This

is delicious! She gulped down the entire meal within a few minutes. This sauce isexceptional too!

After lunch, Caitlin went upstairs to see that her mother was moving along to awork-out show.

Alright, girls, the woman on the TVsaid. One, two, three there you go!

Whats up, Mom? asked Caitlin.

Jane Fonda is getting me in shape, Mrs. Thatcher replied.The lunch you made was great. I had no idea I would like sushi that much!

Mrs. Thatcher paused her work-out in confusion.

Sushi? I gave you pasta!

Im pretty sure you gave me sushi. Hey! Want me to do my impression ofMr.Peabody the dog? Caitlin cleared her throat and started talking in a fake British accent.

Hello, there.Um thats very nice, honey.

This is Sherman, my pet hu-said Caitlin. Hu hu She began coughingand gagging like crazy.

Is there anything wrong? Have you lost it?BLEAG!!! Caitlin lost it alright, all over the carpet.

Oh dear. We should get you to a doctor. Mrs. Thatcher had a perfect excuse tobe worried.


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When Duncan came home from the arcade, he opened the door and saw his fatherreading the paper. As he looked around the red room, he noticed that there was no sister

in sight.

Hey, Dad, said Duncan. Wheres Caitlin?

Im sorry, Duncan, started Mr. Thatcher. But Caitlin has been diagnosed with

a major case of food poisoning. Shell have to be in the hospital for a while. Duncanlooked at his father with a smile on his face. Could his ears have been deceiving him?

Can you repeat that please?

I said your sisters staying inthe hospital. Duncans smile got biggeraCheshire cat smile.

Please tell me Im not dreaming!

No, youre not. Duncan jumped into the air with glee.

WAHOO! My wish is coming true more and more each day! He ran upstairsas fast as he could, taking his joyful expression with him. Mr. Thatcher looked as

Duncan ran up to his room to celebrate.Did I hear what I think I heard? Mrs. Thatcher looked up from her knitting.

Caitlin and Duncan are having trouble getting along lately, said Mrs. Thatcher.How?

All they do is fight.Well, brothers and sisters have their differences. Duncan thinks the band

Blondie is sub-par and Queen is cool, while Caitlin thinksBlondie is all that, and Queenis terrible.

Its not just pop culture, theyve been mad at each other for almost everything.Ive never seen them so mad in all their days on this green earth.

Oh, Jessica, Duncan and Caitlin have been fighting ever since they were twoyears old and they always end up forgiving each other. This feud will pass.


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Thursday, December 17

It had been five days and Duncan was still happy that his sister wasnt living inthe same house. He was taking his saxophone teachers advise and practicing once a day,

which made him even happier (something that he didnt expect). After a while, he started

enjoying the sound of the instrument and he could practice as loud as he wanted becausehe had his whole room to himself.Back in the Rhythm and Melody World, Chappie the elbub and Jolie the unieye

were warned that Silences attack was just days away and that they should watch out forany suspicious music monsters.

That night, they decided to stay in Duncan and Caitlins living room all night andkeep a look out. Jolie and Chappie were sitting on blankets, drinking can after can of

soda to keep themselves awake. Jolie put the binoculars up to her big eye and looked outthe window. Nothing much could be seen outside except darkness.

Someone has to be there, she said. She looked beside her and saw that littleChappie was fast asleep. CHAPPIE, WAKE UP! Chappie flinched and opened his

eyes. Tired he mumbled.

I know you are, but your job is to protect your partner from anything bad, sodrink more soda. A sudden crash was heard in that very living room. What was

that?! Jolie shined her flashlight around the room and saw nothing unusual. I guess itwas nothing. She then turned the flashlight off. As soon as she put it back on the

ground, a voice could be heard.Nothing, eh? it asked. A music monster had sneaked into the house. Jolie

looked toward the mantle and saw exactly who it was. It was a jigra (a round, light pinkmusic with big ears with three points on them). One of his ears was holding the lit

flashlight under his chin. Your worst nightmare has gotten even worse.What do you mean?

Not only has Silence confirmed that hes destroying the Rhythm and MelodyWorld, he also wants to kill all the musician children.

Good heavens! Thats most of this world! Jolie thought for a moment. Youknow, Caitlins mom said that she never remembered giving her day-old sushi for lunch

and that she really gave her pasta.That was the work of one of ourhenchmen. Great, huh? She was just an

experiment, but now we can do it to as many children as possible.Youre going to pay if Caitlin dies! Chappie, who was listening to the entire

conversation, got enraged.


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Chappie started to hop around. The jigra knew that he was trying to chase him, sohe hopped away from him as fast as he could. Chappie hopped and hopped to get closer

to that rotten music monster. Around the couch and under the side tables, he chased him.When the jigra hopped onto Mrs. Thatchers expensive vase she got from France, he

started teasing him.

Nanny nanny, boo boo! he teased. He stuck his tongue out to get Chappieangrier. It worked. The jigra hopped out of the way and Chappie ended up toppling thevase over when he landed on it. It fell to the ground in pieces with a crash!

Oh dear! shouted Jolie. She took a broom and dust pan and cleaned up theshattered bits. We mustnt be messy. Jolie then noticed that Chappie and that other

monster made another mess. This time, the lamp broke. My goodness! She went andcleaned up that mess also.

The jigra shook his ears twice. A portal appeared with shades of green andpurple. Apparently, he was taught magic by his master.

Sayonara! he said. He jumped through the portal and it closed suddenly. Assoon as Chappie stopped panting, he noticed that the living room was a mess.

Now look what you and that thing have done! Jolieremarked. How areDuncan and Caitlins parents going to react when they see this?!

Dont worry. Ill get that jig-thing so it can taste my Before Chappie couldfinish his sentence, he saw that Jolie was under her layers o f blankets fast asleep. Fine!

Quit! I dont need you anyway who am I kidding? I feel miserable. I need sleep.Chappie lay down near Jolie and rested his eyes. A long week was ahead of them.

Friday, December 18

Jolie decided to wake up at 5 AM so Duncan and Caitlins parents wouldnt

discover that there were monsters downstairs. The mess wouldve given it away.Wake up she said to Chappie. He turned over and groaned. Wake up!

Chappie got up shocked. He began shaking, like his body temperature wasnt normal.

Weird, he said. I feel so weird.

If youre going to throw up, theres a little bowl in the kitchen.Never in my life have I had a mixture between feeling sure of myself and

indigestion. His eyes glowed white and he shookeven more.Ill get the bowl! Before Jolie could do just that, Chappies entire body started

glowing. Whoa! The flash lasted for an entire three seconds. After he was done, Jolieturned around and saw a sparkly, pink fish. Its a good thing Duncan and Caitlins

parents didnt see THAT!


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Ethan, at his home in Cleveland, was looking in the Ohio phone book for anyonewith the last name Knowings. He had already practiced his piccolo for school band

and had nothing else to do. He looked and looked in the yellow-paged tome until hefound three people with his last name. He dialed the first number, which belonged to a

man named Paul Knowings.

Maybe this is her brother, thought Ethan. He heard a few ring tones and theman finally picked up. Ethan was a bit nervous, but he was determined to go throughwith this.

Hello, said the caller.Do you have a sister? asked Ethan.

Yes.

Then I might just be your sisters son she gave up. The man wasnt impressed

with Ethans choice of words. In fact, he took it as an insult.Are you suspecting that my sister was a hooker?!

Mr. Knowings, no! I just want to see if your sister is my mother!Hey, buddy, if this is all a part of a prank call, then you can kiss my ass!

No, sir, this is not a prank, Im just The man hung up before Ethan could sayanymore. He felt hopeless, but didnt want to give up.

Ethan tried to get the scoop on the second Knowings person, who happened to beLeo Knowings.

Maybe shes related to THIS person, he thought. He dialed the number and gota few ring tones. The man picked up.

Hello, he said nervously.Im Ethan, and if you have a sister or female cousin

Listen, Im trying to get this ferocious snake out of my house! So if your notanimal control, I suggest you hang up! Ethan slowly put the phone back on the receiver.

He obviously called that man at a bad time.Ethan couldnt believe what he saw when he looked at the yellow page again.

The third Knowings person happened to be named Patricia Knowings. He dialed thenumber right away and patiently waited as the ring tones were sounding. Someone

finally answered it.hello? asked the woman at the other end of the line.

Did you happen to loose your virginity when you were young?Why do you want to know? The woman sounded nervous a trait that Ethan

may have inherited. Could this be her?Well The woman interrupted Ethans explanation.

Whats your phone number? Ethan gave the woman his phone number. Thankyou. Ill probably call you back. Ethan put the phone back on the receiver with a smile

on his face.


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Duncan was starring out his bedroom window at the crisp snow that was fallingfrom the sky in large clumps. He was looking toward the sky and thinking about the fact

that his sister was ill. He felt emptiness inside. There was no one to talk to, no one totease, no one to help him with his homework. He felt like the other half of his life was

missing. Chappie the koiki came flopping right in. He managed to get up the stairs just

fine. A void, said Duncan, Theres a void inside me.

Face it, he said. You miss your sister.

No, I dont! replied Duncan. He looked at Chappie and saw that he looked verydifferent from yesterday. What happened to you?

I mutated. How do you like my new look?

Congratulations,buddy! Chappie hopped into Duncans lap and starred out the

window too. While were on the subject, you DOmiss your sister.For the last time, no! Duncan paused in between sentences. Chappie looked at

him like he knew that he was only telling a half-truth. actually, yes, I do.You shouldnt have wished her dead if you knew you would feel like this. It

wasnt your fault, though. I saw one of Silences henchmen sneaking bad sushi throughthe window.

Why didnt you do anything about it?!I was all the way upstairs.

Yeah, you have a point. Duncan looked at the snow outside and sighed. Hethen looked at Chappie again. Hey, Chappie.

Yeah?Are music monsters really made from music?

Yes, all of us.

What happens if you dont have your music anymore?

We get weaker and weaker until we die. Dont worry, though. There is novacuum cleaner that sucks the life out of a music monster. Both of them laughed.

Chappie made Duncan feel joy at this time of despair.

Hey, Chappie

What?I hope well always be friends.


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Saturday, December 18

Duncan decided to visit his sister in the hospital. He went to the Rhythm andMelody World and invited Audrey and Ethan to come too. Since Audrey lived in London

and Ethan lived in Cleveland, they had to travel through a few portals made by Jack the

coniglio della capra to get to the right place.Oh, Duncan said to Ethan. I didnt know YOU were coming along.

Cut it out, Duncan! shouted Ethan. Ive hated you since day 1! Duncan still

had a strong dislike for Ethan, and it was all focused around Duncans disliking ofCaitlin.

When they got to the hospital, which was many blocks away, they asked the nurse

where Caitlins room was.

Im sorry, said the nurse. Caitlin is sleeping right now. Youll have to waituntil shes awake. The children decided to wait in the waiting room. Duncan and

Audrey were sitting down and talking while Ethan was reading a book.Thirty minutes passed and the nurse told them that Caitlin woke up. They went

up to her room and opened her door. Caitlin was there with the front part of her bedraised up. She looked at her visitors with a lazy, yet happy look.

You came, she said. Duncan, Audrey and Ethan walked up to her.Im so glad to see you, said Duncan. Ethan stood there for a second and

pondered.

Hes proud to see his sister? he thought.

Im sorry about what you have, said Audrey. I thought that stomachache I hadlast summer was the worst of all stomachaches, but yours takes the cake. Caitlin sighed.

If you dont mind, I would like to be alone with Caitlin for a second, saidDuncan. Ethan and Audrey left the room and closed the door behind them. Duncan

noticed how pale his sisters cheeks were. He wanted to talk, but he didnt know what tosay. Well, Caitlin, I really want you to get better.

Me too.

I meanwhat if you die or something?

Dont worry. I doubt Ill die. But if I do die, you can remember the goodwinters you spent with me.

Yeah, like when you sang at the Christmas pageant when you were eight.And last year when Mr. Pendleton yelled at us for sledding in his back yard.

Duncan and Caitlin both laughed. Duncan was very close to tears, but he managed tohold it in.

GUYS! shouted Jolies voice. She came sliding down the hall with a blanketcovering her. She ended up sliding past Caitlins room and hitting the wall. When she

finally came to their room, she was out of breath.What is it?

I just heard the most horrible, bone-chilling news! It turns out Silence has begandestroying the Rhythm and Melody World this morning! Hes growing bigger and

stronger as we speak! Everyone gasped simultaneously.

You know, Im feeling quiet better. If I put my real clothes on, I can come stop

that ferocious anti-music monster.


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Duncan wasnt sure if Caitlin really meant what she said.Are you sure? he asked.

I havent thrown up since 8 AM, I must be better, said Caitlin. Besides, Ihavent practiced my violin for days!

Hey, guys, you can come back in now. Ethan and Audrey walked back into the

room slowly approaching Caitlins bed. Caitlin claims that she feels better and shewants to battle Silence with us.

I dont know, objected Audrey. Stomachaches can be pretty unpredictable.

But I havent thrown up since this morning, honest! whined Caitlin. Audreythought about it for ten seconds.

Alright, you can come. Get your regular clothes on and well be in the Rhythmand Melody World in no time.

Meanwhile, Hikaru was in Zimmi Valley with Dannys top level, MammiferoMega(which looked like a human-like rabbit with green armor). Silence was already

400 feet tall and he was destroying everything in his path. Thanks to him, the meadowwas transformed into a dreary badland.

Today, The Rhythm and Melody World, tomorrow, the universe! said Silencein his deep, scary voice.

Youre crazy! shouted Hikaru. Silence heard his voice, which he almostcouldnt hear because he was so big. He looked at him and opened his mouth. A glow

emerged from the back of his throat.

Inhalation beam! He released his powerful beam towards Hikaru. It looked

almost like a purple vapor trail. Hikaru wanted to move, but froze in fear.Help! Danny flew down and grabbed Hikaru before the attack could reach him.

Instead, the attack made a deep pit out of the ground that he was standing on. I hope myfriends are here soon.

In the deep woods, a magical portal appeared and flashed. Caitlin, Duncan,Ethan, Audrey, Chappie, Jolie, Indigo, and Dot appeared soon after. Duncan looked up,

then down, then side-to-side.

Nothing seems to be wrong here, he said. Just then, a bunch of little music

monsters ran past them for their lives.Run for your life! shouted a porkyuwing flying past. Silence is coming!

Where is he? asked Audrey. All of a sudden, the group felt the ground shaking.Over there! shouted Duncan. In the distance! The terrifying sight of the

giant puppy sent shivers up and down the childrens spines.Look! shouted Ethan. Someones come to help! Danny was still battling

Silence, but his attacks just werent effective enough.


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Look at them out there, said Ethan. Silence just wont settle down. Rightthen, Caitlin felt queasy all over again. Perhaps it was he anxiousness that made her

sick?

Ugg she complained. She fell to her knees and held her stomach in pain.

Pepto-Bismol please.

Are you okay? asked Audrey.I thought I was. As soon as Duncan saw his terribly sick sister, he rushed overto comfort her.

Are you going to regurgitate? he asked. Caitlin nodded her head. Youregoing to be fine, now that youre with us. Thatll be the medicine for now.

I just dont get it, thought Ethan. These two were fighting like savages before,now theyre getting along like friends. Caitlin was in so much pain, she cried into her

brothers shirt. Duncan couldnt bear to see his sister like this, but he cared about her.We have to put her in a safe place from said Audrey. Before she could finish

her sentence, Silence rose above from where he was hiding, which was right next to thatvery forest. He was looking down on those children with a grin.

From me? he asked. The kids, stupefied with fear, trembled as they looked upat the giant puppy. The monster had been absorbing melodies from all around him and

converting them into silence to grow to the ultimate size.We have to find that safeplace for Caitlin and get this guy! shouted Jolie the

unieye. Audrey spotted a little cave right next to the forest. Over here! The childrenran to the edge of the forest, where Silence could obviously spot them. They ran into the

cave, which was rocky and dark, but wasnt that dark.Youll be okay, wont you Caitlin? asked Duncan.

I need a bowl, said Caitlin.

Throw up in this big leaf. Duncan handed Caitlin a big palm leaf he found at a

shore in the Rhythm and Melody World. Caitlin was impressed at how nice Duncan wasbeing toward her.

Thanks.


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Were not letting Silence get away with this, said Ethan. Lets go!Everyone, except Caitlin and Jolie, ran out of the cave. Caitlin wanted to be part of the

fight but couldnt. Jolie the unieye glanced at her sick human partner with her one eye.

Here, she said. I brought this. Jolie handed Caitlin her violin case, along

with the violin inside. It made Caitlin wonder why she didnt notice it before.

Thanks, said Caitlin. Youre the best wha-cha-ma-call-it a girl could everhave.

Will you play me a tune?

Ill be glad to. Caitlin positioned the bottom edge of the violin on her chin andstarted playing. She spent that time playing Oh Come all ye Faithful.

Thats a pretty song.

Its a Christmas song, because Christmas is coming up soon.

We only celebrate Christmas in several parts of the Rhythm and Melody World.Duncan, anxious to fight this beast, ran into the field with Chappie the koiki on

his shoulder. Chappie had a sure look on his face.Ill handle this, he said. He leaped off Duncans shoulder and glowed brightly.

Duncan knew that his friend was battle-mutating. He was excited about what he wouldturn into. After he was finished, he looked like a little green sea monkey (not those

cheesy germ-sized ones, mind you).Wow, said Duncan. What are you?

Im a miniathannow. Because Duncan wasnt there to see Chappie mutatefrom his infant level to his bottom level, this was the first time he witnessed his friend s

transformation. Im just getting pumped up. Chappie aimed his horn at Silence andshot out bubbles. Silence was obviously unaffected. Im not finished yet! With the

wink of an eye, he started glowing again.

Are you mutating again? Chappie glowed once again and got bigger and bigger

until he stopped suddenly. Duncan was impressed with Chappies determination.Chappie now looked like a sea monkey/dolphin with long ears and a sharks fin.

Congratulations, Chappie, said Hikaru. He walked over and stood next toDuncan.

Was that Dannywho was battling?Yeah, no luck so far. Chappie began to repeatedly slap his tail on Silences leg.

Bubble bomb! he shouted. His cheeks swelled up as he leaned back slowly.Out of his mouth came a huge, dripping bubble that crashed into Silence. The result was

only Silence flinching.What do we do? Danny kept clawing at the freakishly huge beast and didnt get

anywhere.Its like hes the level after top, he said.

But thats not possible! said Hikaru, There is no level after top! Audrey wasconcerned about two things; the fight, and Duncan and Caitlin.

She ran over to the cave where Caitlin was to check up on her.Great heavens above, you look positively horrible! said Audrey in surprise.

The leaf that carries my spewed-up food is full, said Caitlin. Caitlin was on herknees with the most pathetic look in her eyes.

Duncan was really starting to regret ever saying those mean and awful things tohis sister.


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Your sister is dying, you know, said Ethan out in the field.I know, said Duncan, aggravatingly. Dont rub it in my face!

Youre a terrible brother.

Youre no goody-two-shoes yourself! Duncan tackled Ethan and the two

started fighting like stray cats.

Stop it, you two! commanded Audrey, who hated the act of two people fighting.She tried her best to separate them using force.On the big field, Danny and Chappie were getting clobbered by Silence. Jolie

hopped towards the battle in a manic fashion.Im going to help! she shouted. She glowed brightly and mutated to her jr.

advanced level, psyclops (a green bipedal dinosaur with long ears, a horn, and one eye).

Youre messing with the wrong music monsters! Hereye lit up and a red glow was

surrounding it. Out of her eye came a laser beam that shot out at Silence.That tickles! said Silence, who had absorbed more melodies from his

surroundings. Judgment arrow! A mysterious, giant arrow appeared in the sky. Assoon as Silence waved his paws, the arrow shot Jolie, knocking her out. Those three

monsters didnt stand a chance.Im stepping up, said Indigo the almanole. He glowed brightly and mutated to

his jr. advanced level, perl (which looked like a little white fox with a huge, fluffy tail,big ears, and black, oval-shaped eyes). Sugar rush beam! Out of his mouth shot a pink

beam with white specks in it. Fortunately, the attack hit Silence like a ton of bricks. Hewas still alive and kicking, though.

Youre pretty strong, said Jolie.If you think Im strong now, just wait till you see my next form. Indigo

glowed and started mutating again. When he was done, he looked like a green dog withbig ears, a rose on his head, and a rose on his tail. With his new look, he continued to

attack Silence.Ethan! shouted a voice. In the distance, a little boy wearing winter clothing was

running over. Ethan couldnt recognize who it was.

How do you know my name? asked Ethan.

Im your halfbrother, Cliff.I dont have a half brother!

Thats not true! My mommy says that she had you seven years before she hadme. Shes over at your house right now. There was a strange portal in your hallway, and

thats how I got here. It hit Ethan; if this boy was his half brother, this means his birthmother was at his house and he could finally get to meet her! This was the first that he

heard of his sibling, so he automatically feared for Cliffs safetyYou shouldnt be here! You should go home now! Ethans loud voice made

tears appeared in Cliffs eyes.Im telling mom that you yelled at me! Ethan sighed and held his stepbrothers

hand. He kneeled so he could get a closer look at him.Im sorry. Just dont get into trouble, okay?


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Duncan had two things on his mind: Caitlin and Silence. Both the world of musicand his fraternal relationship were being decimated. He had never been so panicked in

his entire life. Just then, he heard a loud banging sound. He looked to his right and sawthat all the music monsters that were battling Silence had been knocked out, including

his.

You cant defeat me! said Silence. Because I am Silence and silence isgolden! Silence, using his supernatural powers, then absorbed more melodies frominnocent monsters, turned them into pure quietness and grew even bigger.

Im scared! panicked Cliff.Dont worry, youll be safe with me, said Ethan. He wrapped his arms around

Cliff and pretty soon, he stopped quivering.

You should be scared, said Silence. Im going to get this over with! Silence

took a gigantic sword from his belt and raised it into the air. The sword shined in thegrey sky. He then quickly stabbed the ground with his sword. The action was so

significant that an earthquake could be felt.Whats happening? asked Audrey, who had just ran into the scene.

Silence has gone mad! said Dot the arcobea. Because of the earthquake, hervoice was vibrating. The other music monsters couldnt defeat him, so that means I

surely cant! The ground under the stuck sword started to disappearlittle by little.YES!!! shouted Silence. His plan for total annihilation was almost complete.

Dont destroy the world! shouted Cliff. He became so restless that he ran out of

Ethans arms and charged towards Silence.

Cliff! shouted Ethan. Duncan was watching the destruction of the Rhythm andMelody World until he felt a tugging at his pants. When he looked down, he saw that

Jack, the music monster from day 1, the young monster with magical skills, was there.

Hey, Jack, long time, no see, said Duncan.

Yeah Caitlin wants to talk to you, said Jack. She doesnt seem very happy.When Duncan got to the Caitlins cave, he slowly walked into it. He was afraid

about confronting his angry sister, even though he didnt know exactly if she was angryor not. When he saw Caitlin, he was even more unsure. She was crying in the corner.

Caitlin, you look just awful, said Duncan.You dont care, sobbedCaitlin. Ethan told me that you really DO want me

dead.Caitlin, its a long story. I dont wish that anymore.

You shouldnt have in the first place! Shame on you! I dont ever want to seeyou again! Duncan was heart-broken. He had never seen his sister like this. Go

already!Okay, okay. Duncan walked out of the cave ducking. He ran back into the

field and saw that part of the meadow had completely disappeared.


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Saying that this was a huge heap of catastrophe is putting it mildly. Little Cliffwas out in the field shouting to Silence. To Silence, he was just a tiny, annoying speck.

Stop this right now! shouted the brave boy. Silence looked Cliff in the eye. Hewas waving his arms so he could get Silences attention.

Im sorry, you dont know the rules: you cant live, said Silence. He opened his

huge mouth and a shiny, pink light appeared in the back of his throat . Cliff couldntunderstand what was going on, so he just stood there.

Watch out, Cliff! shouted Ethan.

Annihilation beam! Out ofSilences mouth came that beam of light, except itwas skinny enough to hit a small child. It was hurdling faster and faster towards Cliff.

Noooo!!!!! Ethan ran out to the field and jumped. In the short amount of time,he dramatically shoved Cliff out of the way, being true to his promise of protecting him.

Unfortunately, he was hit instead. His entire body was affected. He fell to the coldground unconscious. The children walked over to his body and were obviously worried.

Cliff was both thankful and traumatized from the experience.Is he okay? asked Audrey. Jack hopped over and felt his chest. Nothing could

be heard. Jack gazed toward the children with a sorrow-filled look on his face.Hes dead, he said. Duncan was stricken with sudden grief.

I cant believe it, said Duncan. Duncan paused for a second and fell on hisknees. Tears were filling his eyes. I cant believe it. Ethan, you were the best rival

ever, if not the shortest-lived. Duncan couldnt control himself. Audrey put her hand onhis shoulder.

He was doing it for his brother, said Audrey. He thought Cliffs life wasworth more than his. After all, Ethan was never meant to be born. Duncan kept sobbing

and sobbing into his hands. Silence, looking onward, lifted his paw and cast a spell.

I shall rid this planet and these monsters of their life power once and for all, he

said.Indigo, next to Ethans corpse, had blotches of white coming off him. A sweet song was

being emitted by the blotches.

Whats happening to Indigo? asked Chappie the dolphinathan.

My melodies are being absorbed by Silence! said Indigo. He collapsed onto theground and continued to weaken.

Indigo your melody sounds so beautiful.At least Caitlin is okay, Duncan sobbed. Dot ran back to the group panting.

She had heard some sad news that she just HAD to tell everybody.This is about Caitlin, she said.

Is she okay? Dot looked Duncan in the eye.She went real peacefully. Duncan had the worst feeling about what Dot said.

WHAT?!?!?!


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The children slowly approached the cave where Caitlin had dwelled. Duncan, onthe other hand, had second thoughts. There was enough turmoil going on in his life right

now.

Im not going in, said Duncan. Audrey felt sympathetic for her new friend.

Itll only look like shes sleeping, said Audrey.

Alright. As soon as the gang walked into the cave, they saw Caitlinsmotionless corpse on the ground. Right next to her was Jolie, who was loosing energy

from Silences spell, and her melodies could be heard.

This is so sad, said Jolie the unieye. She glowed and shrank down to herbottom form, hearly, and she continued to loose energy. Duncan took a good, long

glance at Caitlins body. He couldnt believe that he wished for this, and he couldntbelieve the girl he spent all his life with was gone. Tear after tear was dripping off

Duncans cheek. This time, he really did lose what made his existence complete. Hikarumade an attempt to comfort him.

Im sorry about your sister, he said. There was a pause for about five seconds.Inside, Duncan was filled with rage and calamity.

Leave me alone! shouted Duncan as he shoved Hikaru out of the way. Youdont understand! This isnt just a friend or a good companion who died, this was my

twin sister! That means if she dies, I die with her! Duncan dashed as fast as he couldout of the cave and into dangerous territory.

Come back, Duncan! shouted Audrey. Audrey ran after Duncan, trying to stophis thoughtless ways.

As soon as the two children ran out of the cave, they saw that half the meadowhad disappeared because of Silence. There was a big, purple and black ditch where the

meadow used to be. It looked like anybody could fall into oblivion.

Silence! shouted Duncan. Get me too! With a little time, Audrey caught up

with Duncan and managed to grab hold of him. What are you doing?!Duncan, said Audrey. Dont sacrifice yourself! Thats not the guy I fell for!

Ive never told you this but I loveyou. Duncan stopped being restless and thoughtabout what she said. Ever since I first met you, I thought you were the sweetest boy

ever. Dont die now. Duncan had never heard those words from a girl before.Im sorry, but if my sister dies, I die with her!

Fine, be that way! As long as youre happy, I wont butt in. Audrey let go ofDuncan and he kept running.

GET ME TOO!!! Silence noticed Duncan running and waving his arms,similar to what cliff did earlier.

Dont mind if I do he said.


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Silence aimed at Duncan and everything was quiet for a moment. Right then, heunleashed another one of his powerful annihilation beams and it hurdled toward Duncan.

Duncan closed his eyes and awaited his doom, but before the beam hit him, he wasimmediately taken away into the air by something. When he opened his eyes, he saw that

he was being held by a giant, pink sea serpent.

What happened? asked Duncan.Dont you remember me? asked the serpent. Im Chappie.

Why did you saveme?!

Because I dont want anything to happen to my best friend. Duncan lookeddown at the disappearing ground, and he couldnt believe that he wasnt dead.

Put me down! Drop me this instant!

Nope. Chappie set Duncan down on the ground by the cave. He was happy to

do a service to his partner, but his partner wasnt as happy.Silence, you win! Kill me like you killed my sister! Duncan began frantically

waving his arms again.I keep telling you, Duncan, said Audrey. This is the same fate that Romeo and

Juliet suffered! It took Duncan a second to realize that the girl that loved him was right.Youre right. I should just leave myself as I am. Besides, Caitlin is in a better

place. Duncan, looking aimlessly at the grass, walked away. Jolie and Indigo were stillloosing their energy. In fact, they were now at their infant levels, chublerand go-go.

Jolie, who now looked like a brown blob with beady eyes and tiny antlers, bounced overto Duncan.

You have to do something, she said in a sad tone. Silence is going to destroyour world. Jackthe coniglio felt very sorry for the two small music monsters. He

hopped over to Indigo to make a proposal.

Im willing to sacrifice the large amount of energy I have, he said, I knew a

day would come when I could use it for something and you clearly need it.Bring it to us! said Indigo. Jack raised his paws into the air and waved around

bundles of energy in white puff form. After he was done waving, he cast his energy ontoIndigosand Jolies weak bodies. The burst of energy flowed through them and they

immediately mutated to their bottom levels. Keep going! After that, they, as quick asa bolt of lightning, mutated to their middle levels, then jr. advanced, then top! Indigo was

a paggle (a green dog with a rose on its head) again and Jolie was a nexia (a pink dragonwith one eye)!


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The remaining children were amazed at what they saw, but as the two monsterswere growing stronger and stronger, Jack the coniglio was growing weaker and weaker.

Are you sure you can handle this, Jack? asked Duncan. Jack, now a squittio delbambino(a brown blob with black spots, dog ears and beady eyes) turned his head.

Its for a good cause, he replied. Duncan was still emotionally scarred.

Im getting stronger than usual, said Jolie.Me, too! said Indigo.Before Jolie and Indigo knew it, they each started glowing the brightest color.

The color was so bright, the kids had to turn their heads and close their eyes in order tonot be blinded. No one expected what would happen next. The strange glowing

happened for a whole minute.

Is it safe to turn around? asked Hikaru.

Wow, said Audrey. The energy transfer resulted in Jolie and Indigo mutating tothe next form after top (yay)! Jolie was now a glorygon (a light purple dragon dressed in

armor with a pair of dragon wings and a pair of angel wings) and Indigo was now a petitmeow(a tiny kitten with angel wings, a halo and a staff).

Youre the strongest level? asked Duncan.You better believe it, said Indigo. Even though the two music monsters were at

their highest stage, they were still loosing energy because Silences spell was still ineffect.

Hurry up! panicked Audrey. Finish off Silence before its too late! Itwasalmosttoo late. Silence made the entire valley disappear and now he was going to do the

same for the rest of the Rhythm and Melody World.Lets show that monster, said Jolie. The two music monsters flew up into the

air and surrounded Silence. They were doing what monsters only dreamed of doing.

Pure crystal! shouted Jolie the glorygon. A giant crystal appeared in the air and

slammed into Silence point-first.AAAAARRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH!!! wailed Silence. For the first time,

Silence was experiencing the real pain that he deserved.

Crimson staff! shouted Indigo the petit meow. A red beam came out of his staff

and plummeted Silence. Indigo kept unleashing the attack until Silence was at the edgeof the disappearing field.

Stop it! he cried.For my final attack Jolie was at the edge of the disappearing field ready to

trip Silence with her tail. Eternal miracle! A blast came from Indigos staff and hitSilence. He stumbled a little bit at the edge and then tripped. The two music monsters

plan worked perfectly. Silence fell to his doom, never to be seen again.


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Everyone was cheering for Silences defeat. Jolie and Indigo shrank to theiroriginal forms again and landed on the ground with a thud. Their work out there was

simply miraculous.Right then, something amazing happened. The grey clouds went away and the

valley started rebuilding itself again. Little, tiny pieces of the ground that appeared out of

nowhere were being put back together like puzzle pieces. The sun was revealed to besetting and birds were chirping. The children could tell that the planet was thankingthem, because its mystical song filled the air as it was being reborn. The children were

beside the cave and looking at the setting sun.Listen to that song, said Dot. The planet has accepted us as its saviors. Now

that she trusts us, maybe shell give music monsters to any musician child.

Its too bad Caitlin and Ethan are dead, said Audrey. If only this song could

revive them. The magical tome originally belonging to Jack sat on top of the fluffygrass.

You know, began Danny. Jacks magical book is right over there and itincludes a resurrection spell.

Thats great! said Duncan. Danny picked up the old book and wondered howsuch a little creature could carry it wherever he went.

Audrey and Duncan helped move Ethans body back to the cave where Caitlinwas.

In the cave, Caitlin and Ethan were moved onto a blue sheet. Candles were lit allaround them, because the spell wouldnt work otherwise. Danny opened his spell book

and flipped through the pages. As soon as he found the spell, he began chanting:

Tweddle-dee-dee, tweedle-dee-dum,

Blessed upon my loved-ones thumb

As my conscious is so sincere,

Let a slimy thing be here!

POOF!!!

As soon as the smoke cleared, the children could see that Caitlin and Ethan werestill as dead as doorknobs. I dont get it. It was supposed to work.

HEY!!! said a tiny voice. As soon as Danny looked toward the ground, henoticed that Dot was turned into a spotted slug. Sorry, wrong spell. Alakazam!

POOF!!! Dot was immediately turned back into an arcobea. Let me try this again.

Tweedle-dee-dee, tweedle-dee-dum

Blessed upon my loved-ones thumb

As my conscious is so sincere

Let these beings be alive and dear!

POOF!!!


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Smoke filled the inside of the cave after the spell was chanted.I have a question, said Duncan. If Caitlin died an hour ago, then wouldnt she

be an hour younger when she wakes up?

Dont worry said Danny. This spell restores the persons right age. When

the purple smoke cleared, Caitlin and Ethans bodies glowed a light blue color. The

children watched them for about five minutes. Duncan grew anxious.Why isnt this working?Be patient Caitlins eyes opened a little bit. She was slowly coming to.

Duncan peered over to witness this supernatural happening.Hey, Caitlin, its your brother, Duncan.

Do I know you? asked Caitlin in a tired voice. Duncan was a little concerned.

The person experiences some amnesia, but itll all come back to her. As soon

as Caitlin got her head all back in focus again, she recognized her brother. Tears filledher eyes. Duncan couldnt help but cry also, though he had already cried enough that

evening. The two siblings hugged each other real tight.Aw, said the other children and music monsters. Duncan and Caitlin tumbled

to the ground together and laughed.Thats so cute, said Audrey.

Im so sorry that I got mad at you, said Duncan. I guess I didnt know that Iwould feel this way when you were gone forever there.

I guess some people were never meant to be apart, said Caitlin.

This day will remind us to never fight again maybe. Jolie the unieye hopped

onto Caitlins stomach with a happy expression on her face.Do you remember me? she asked. Caitlins smile got bigger.

Now I do! Ethan opened his eyes and sat up. He had his hand on his head as ifhe had a horrible migraine.

I dont remember a thing, he said. In an instant, it all came back to him.Wheres Indigo?

Im right here! said Indigo the almanole.

So am I! said Cliff. Ethan was so glad to see his friend and his half brother

again. Duncan stood up and looked down at Chappie the miniathan. Chappie looked upat him with his big, shiny eyes.

It feels great having another chance, he said.Shes still looks sick, though, said Chappie. We should rush her back to the

hospital.


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So, all in all, this story had a happy ending. On Christmas Eve, Caitlin camehome from the hospital feeling much better.

When Ethan came home from the Rhythm and Melody World, surprise surprise,his birth mother was visiting his house. He saw that he had three half siblings (his

mother didnt know about birth control when she was younger). It turns out that SHE

was the shy woman who Ethan called. They had a fun time talking and schmoozing.Ethans birth mom told him that she still kept in touch with his birth dad and he couldvisit him sometime. Mother and son; reunited by the phone book.

Audrey was happy that she told her feelings to Duncan and felt like she gotsomething off her chest. In the future, she decided to speak her mind whenever she felt

like it.

It wasnt Duncans fault that he was incredibly mad at his sister; he was having an

extreme sibling rivalry. Living with someone for the many years can really get on yournerves. If you have a sibling, youd know what I mean. Mr. and Mrs. Thatcher watched

their two children grow up. Later, with the help of Chappie, Duncan learned to loveplaying the saxophone and not just use it to impress his father. Duncan and Audrey

eventually got married and had five kids together. Duncans friendship with Chappie theminiathan lasted a long, long time.

Some of the children kept playing their instruments all throughout theiradulthood, but some decided to stop and never see their music monster partner again.

Those who did remembered how they made strange, new friends, and how they all madea difference for music-lovers and strange-looking monsters everywhere.

music monster adventure ii: search for the beginning

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