Author's Note: Woohoo! Season 2! Get ready for twice the drama, twice the fun, and twice the awesomeness! Twelve brand new houseguests are about to embark on the journey of their lives, so get ready for a chapter that's longer than last season's finale! Welcome to Big Brother: Chai Kingdom!
Plus, in the spirit of twiceness, I am aiming for twice the reviews with this story! Even though last season averaged around 120 review, I'm shooting for 200 this season! That's all I'm asking! I did the math, and last season got over 4,500 views! This means that if less than 5 percent of everyone who viewed my story left a review, we'd have 200 reviews! That's all I'm asking for, so help me reach my goal of 200 reviews!
"Welcome," Chen T. smiled, her ever-radiant teeth shining on the stage. Her green-speckled Toadette cap was fastened on her shiny black hair, and her fair skin radiated under the glow of the floodlights. They lights dipped backwards as she progressed up the vertical stage, and one by one they all clicked to shine on her.
"Last season, we kicked things off in the Mushroom Kingdom, but this time, things are a little more exotic. We've traversed the deserts of Sarasaland, and are coming to you from the Chai Kingdom! However, that's not the only thing that's changed. For tonight, twelve brand new houseguests will enter the house of their dreams, and compete for the grand prize of 500,000 coins! I'm Chen T., and this is Big Brother: Chai Kingdom!"
The crowd broke out into fiery applause, slapping their hands together to create quite the cacophony. Chen T. smiled as always, enjoying the attention and response.
"Well what are waiting for?" Chen T. raised her hands, "Let's meet our houseguests!"
The JumboTron next to Chen T. changed to a picture far away from the Big Brother house, but to the streets of various cities, ready to introduce the new houseguests.
The cameras flashed between images of an older wind spirit squealing as she held her key, jumping up and down on a stage amidst a few of her friends. The next image showed a burly man at a construction zone holding his key high, while several of his buddies in hard hats cheered for him. Then, a girl on a golf course clutched her key while several other girls in similar dress clapped for her.
"My name is Flurrie," The elderly wind spirit began, "I'm a famous actress! I've been dazzling thousands for years, but I sort of fizzled out. But now my time to shine has returned, and the houseguests will learn that despite my old age, I can really do a number on them!"
"Well, the name's Spike," the burly man told the screen, holding his key high, "I'm a construction worker and demolitions expert from the Mushroom Kingdom. I've been lifting and building things since I was eight years old, and these guns here," Spike proceeded to flex, showing his enormous biceps, "Are going to pound the competition in!"
"Hi! I'm Plum!" The golfer cried, swinging her golf club around in a dramatic display. "I'm a professional golfer, and I love being active, running around, and having fun!" She giggled a bit, obviously entertained by herself, "I can't wait to make new friends, and hopefully everyone will like me!"
The next string of images blurred by, showing a shadow siren composing a piece of music with her violin, only to find a big brother key on her sheet music. She held it happily, spinning around and singing to herself. The next screen showed a fit koopa kid shouldering a backpack, pumping his key in the air while his friends at the university cheered for him. A similar sight was shown in the next slide, it might've even been the same university, but a small toad with a red-speckled cap proudly displayed his key to his friends.
"Well, I'm Vivian, and I'm a musician!" The shadow siren explained, toting her favorite violin, "My favorite instrument is a violin if you couldn't tell. I've playing violin and piano since I was a small child and people tell me that my music makes them happy. However, I'm looking for someone in the Big Brother house, because I've yet to find anyone!"
"What's up Big Brother? The name's Junior, short for Bowser Junior! That's right! I'm the son of the world's most treacherous villain, but that doesn't stop me! I wanted to be on Big Brother to show everyone that I'm not like my father, and can shape my own destiny!" Junior proclaimed, holding onto his key like it was gold.
"Hello, I'm Toad!" Toad cheered, "I'm a full-time student at Shroomington University, and I've got a bit of a secret. My sister is last season's Toadette! But all of us Toads look alike, so no one should find out!"
The next series of images showed a koopa in a blue hoodie with a green shell sheepishly rub the back of his neck while he found his key in his mailbox. A blue fairy was standing in a news office, finding her key in place of her microphone, joyously jumping up and down. The third image was a monkey clapping his hands and stomping his feet because he had found his key in his banana pile.
"Oh…hi…I'm Koops," Koops awkwardly said, "I…I want…I want to win," Koops admitted shyly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Hey everyone! I can't wait to be star! I'm Jojora, and I'm a reporter for Channel 64 News! I can't wait to show the competition that my quick thinking and sharp mind are going to send them all packing!" Jojora squealed, positively delighted.
"Yo! It's me, Diddy Kong! Everyone thinks I'm related to DK, but we're just friends!" Diddy informed the world, "It's about time I was given the starring role, and I can't wait to prove myself!"
The final slide of images showed a red fairy twirling about, showing her key to a bunch fairies like her, but different colors. Then, a skeletal koopa with no skin and glowing yellow eyes proudly looked his key over, staring in disbelief. Finally, a beautiful woman exited a monolithic building, waving off cameras, key in her hand.
"I'm Diana!" The red fairy laughed, "But everyone calls me Di! I cannot wait to make new friends and use my deceptive charm and smarts to win the whole game!" Di's friends flew around her, positively giddy she had won a spot on the show.
"Well, my name is Dry Bones, and I cannot believe I was casted. I can't wait to show everyone my hidden set of skills, which I won't reveal now," Dry Bones cackled, "I can be a hero or a villain, so everyone better watch out for me!"
The final houseguests smiled, having escaped the cameras, "Whew, my name is Shokora. As you can see, I'm a political consultant, and all these cameras are following me! Quick, we must depart!"
"What? I only have an hour to pack!" Junior cried, rushing off to his dormitory to grab his belongings and stuff them in his black duffel bag. Dry Bones stuffed things inside of his bag, being sure to include his bone lotion.
"What? You think these bones get this shade of grey by themselves?" Dry Bones asked the camera, dumping several bottles into the bag.
"My goodness! My necklace, where is my necklace!" Flurrie cried, haphazardly tossing dresses and jewelry into her bag.
"Ack! Where's my shampoo! We've got hair under these caps you know," Toad explained, rooting through his shower, searching for the product in question.
"I think…I think I could be in a showmance," Koops admitted, smiling nervously.
"I am so ready to be in a showmance!" Vivian cried, "There were totally not enough last season!"
"I'm going to be a star!" Jojora cried as she raced out of her house, hopping into a cab and speeding off towards the airport, a ticket to Chai Kingdom in hand.
"Well, you've met the houseguests," Chen T. said, "So let's bring them out!"
One by one, the twelve houseguests stepped out onto the stage, taking their assigned place in front of the front door.
"This is the first time the houseguests have seen one another, and they have been instructed not to speak to one another until they enter the Big Brother house," Chen T. explained, "So, are you all ready for the second season of Big Brother?"
The houseguests nodded, excited to see the interior of the house. Chen T. smiled brilliantly, hoping to create quite a spectacle out of this.
"The first group of four to enter the Big Brother: Chai Kingdom house is, Flurrie, Di, Junior, and Diddy," Chen T. explained, and the houseguests named turned around and walked towards the door. Diddy hefted the door open for the other three, and as they made their way into the house, they gawked at how amazing it was inside.
"By crumbs! We're actually here!" Flurrie gasped, hugging Di, squeezing her a bit too tight.
"Hello!" Di cried, "Ah! You're crushing me!"
"So sorry dearie," Flurrie apologized, gently letting go.
"I've got to snag a good bed before anyone else gets here," Junior decided, bolting for the bedrooms. He entered the first bedroom, which was quite elegant. The house was twice as nice as last season, with the prominent colors being orange and white like a dreamsicle. The beds in this room were big and white, fluffy with gold trimming around the bed sheets. The walls were adorned with Chinese style paper lamps, and oriental masks and clay pots gave a cultural feel to it. Junior liked this house already.
"This one's mine!" Junior declared, plopping his bag down on one of the three massive beds. Dry Diddy soon followed him into the room, sizing up the place.
"I've never been to the Chai Kingdom," Diddy remarked, "Is this how it looks?"
"Just about," Junior nodded, answering his question.
"Hmm," Diddy replied, "I guess I'll take this bed then." Diddy then turned to Junior, "The name's Diddy, I take it you're Junior?"
Junior shook hands with the monkey, and looked him square in the face.
"That's my name alright," he flashed a jagged smile.
Diddy: It's not like I don't know who this Junior kid is. Come on, really? From a mile away you can tell he's Bowser's son.
"Darling, this room is SO my style!" Flurrie squealed, setting her crammed duffel bag down on one of the royal purple queen sized beds. This room just gave off a royal feel, with purple curtains hanging from the ceiling trim and black waves accentuating the wallpaper. The queen sized beds were feathery and relaxing, and Flurrie eased her way down onto it.
"Oh wow! These are super soft!" Di giggled, sinking into the bed next to Flurrie.
"What did you say your name was again dearie?" Flurrie asked, opening one eye slightly.
"Diana Sprixie," Di replied, extending her tiny arm, "But my friends and family call me Di."
"Flurrie," Flurrie replied, shaking hands with Di, "My friends and family call me Flurrie."
Both women laughed at the remark, and as they unpacked their things, a bond was already forming between them.
"The second group of four to enter the Big Brother: Chai Kingdom house is, Jojora, Vivian, Dry Bones, and Toad," Chen T. revealed, and the four houseguests called out turned around and entered the house in a similar fashion to the group before them. Toad held open the door for the other three, and he followed them inside right after. As the four of them entered the magnificent foyer, they couldn't help but be amazed.
"This is so different than last season," Toad smiled.
"I cannot believe we're here!" Jojora cried, "This is so awesome!"
"Quick!" Dry Bones instructed, "We must find some beds before the next group enters!"
Dashing off to find a place to sleep, the four new houseguests split up to go search for their quarters. Dry Bones bolted into the bedroom currently occupied by Junior and Diddy, and noticed them chatting.
"Hey guys," Dry Bones greeted, "Do you mind if I set my bag down here?"
"Be my guest," Diddy replied, extending his hand, "Diddy's my name."
"Oh, I'm Dry Bones," Dry Bones replied, shaking his hand.
"And I'm Junior," Junior filled the skeletal koopa in, shaking his hand and getting to know him.
"So I guess it's us three in here then," Diddy nodded, "Hopefully, we'll never have to give up our nice beds."
"Wow!" Dry Bones commented, feeling the plush mattress, "These are the nicest mattresses I've ever seen!"
"Tell me about it," Junior laughed, "I can't wait to go to bed!" The three guys laughed, a friendship blooming in their mirth.
Jojora walked into the royal purple room Flurrie and Di were sharing, and noticed one more bed.
"I must have this!" Jojora cried, setting her bag down on the queen sized bed.
"Oh, hello dearie," Flurrie smiled, "You are?"
"Jojora," Jojora introduced herself, "I'll save everything for when we all get to know each other."
"A bit of mystery," Flurrie laughed, "I like you already."
"Oh hello!" Jojora cried to Di, "You're so small! I didn't see you there!"
"Hehehe," Di giggled, "Thanks! I'm Diana Sprixie, but you can call me Di, everyone does!"
Jojora: I'm not a big fan of Di, she's all giggly and bubbly. Hehehehe, you can call me Di, everyone does!
Vivian and Toad found a small room that appeared to be hidden behind a drape of Kokkinos, and they parted the curtains made of shells to find a small room that was more beautiful in presence than size. Oriental floor mats graced the floor in front of each bed, and fusion style screens decorated the sides of the room. A massive bamboo plant rested in the corner with a small waterfall trickling down from it into a tiny pool.
"Look!" Vivian pointed, "There are koi in there!" Sure enough, three koi, each one a different color, swam in the small pool. There was an abundance of fish food resting behind the bamboo plant, and the two houseguests realized that they had been charged with taking care of the fish.
One of the koi was pure gold, with feathery fins. One was a mottled assortment of white, black, and orange, like a calico cat. The third one was silver and blue, with streaks of black running up its fins. Vivian and Toad smiled at one another, claiming two of the four small beds in this room.
"The final group of four to enter the Big Brother: Chai Kingdom house is, Plum, Shokora, Spike, and Koops," Chen T. stated the obvious, seeing as how only these four were left. The four houseguests made their way inside the house, and several of them shouted in glee.
"I'm home!" Spike bellowed, shouldering Koops in a manly gesture of warmth and then bolted for a bedroom. Rubbing his shoulder, the meek koopa gave Spike an uncomfortable glare and then looked for a room. Plum happily walked at her own pace, searching for a room.
"This house is phenomenal," Plum gawked, "I can't believe it."
"I've seen better," Shokora stated brusquely, dismissing herself in the search for a room. Plum looked a little offended.
Plum: How rude of Shokora, she should appreciate how nice this house is compared to last season!
Koops found his way into the beautiful yet tiny room that Vivian and Toad occupied.
"Hi…I'm Koops," Koops waved, smiling awkwardly at Vivian and Toad.
"Oh hello!" Vivian waved, "We were just unpacking our things! Why don't you join us?"
"Me?" Koops replied.
"Yeah!" Toad spread his arms, "Come on in! There's two more beds!"
"Did someone say two more beds?" Plum asked, finding her way into the room as well.
"Looks like we've found our two other roommates," Toad said to Vivian, who happily welcome Plum.
"I'm Vivian," Vivian introduced herself, shaking hands with Plum.
"And I'm Toad!" Toad cried, shaking hands with both Plum and Koops.
"Plum, that's my name," Plum smiled, returning the favor to Vivian and Toad.
"And you are?" All three asked, staring right at Koops.
"Oh, um…I'm Koops," Koops replied shyly.
"Blast! There's not another bed in sight!" Spike cursed, his search ending in vain.
"Come here you lummox," Shokora declared, "I believe you and I are destined for these."
"You've got to be kidding," Spike groaned, ignoring Shokora's comment.
They both rested their eyes on the card that rested on the table, both of them reading it thoroughly, twice.
"Dear two of the houseguests," Shokora read aloud this time, "You will only find ten beds in this house, meaning two of you will be without comfort. We're sorry for this inconvenience, but the couches make nice beds, if you don't move in your sleep."
"Perfect!" Spike bellowed, "I can't sleep on a couch!"
"I won't deign to such peasantry," Shokora stated, holding her nose up.
"Looks like you'll have to deign my lady," Diddy joked from behind her, "I'd say the couches are your best bet."
"Don't lecture me monkey," Shokora shot back, "I know full well my best option. I've calculated all of them."
Shokora: First I must sleep on these volatile couches, and now I must parley with a monkey!
After all of the sleeping arrangements were figured out, everyone gathered in the living room to meet up and get to know one another. Just like season, there were two couches and two nomination chairs. The couches were regal and white, with gold trim and orange cushions. However, the nomination chairs were made entirely out of stiff bamboo, even more the reason to not want to sit there.
For now, Spike and Dry Bones sat in the nomination chairs, while everyone else shared space on the couches or the ottomans.
"Well, I say we all get to know one another," Spike cracked the ice, "I'll go first." He took a sip of champagne from his crystal glass, and began. "My name is Spike Foreman, and I'm a forty year old construction worker from Rogueport. I've been living in Mushroom City for three years now, because I got offered a job as overseer of the new Sports Complex."
Spike: I decided to tell everyone the full truth of why I moved to Mushroom City so they would trust me. I know the pay raise I got may put a target on my back, but I'd rather have people know who I really am.
"I'll go!" Flurrie cheered, setting down her bubbly champagne glass.
"My name is Flurrie Windings, and I'm a fifty-five year old retired actress," Flurrie began, but Plum cut her off.
"Oh my gosh! I know you! You're the Madame Flurrie! Oh my goodness, I saw that move you were in! Here with the Wind!" Plum shrieked.
"Dearie, that's so kind of you!" Flurrie apologized, "But I've haven't been on the big screen for about twenty years now. I spend most of my time taking care of my grandbabies and playing gin rummy with my friends, so don't think I'm rolling in coins!"
Flurrie: I wanted to make sure everyone knew I'm not such rich actress! Most of my money from the glory days is gone, and what I have left is collecting interest in the bank. I need this money!
"Since I spoke up, I'll be the next to go," Plum smiled, "My name is Plum Pitcore and I'm a twenty-two year golfer! My goal is to become a professional golfer soon, but for now, I'm really training to become one!"
"Oh, I think I've seen you in the Junior's Tournament before," Jojora replied, "I covered that event."
"Covered?" Dry Bones scratched his bony dome in confusion.
"Oh sorry," Jojora laughed, drinking some more champagne, "I'm a reporter! My name is Jojora Teeheena, and I'm a twenty-three year old reporter from Mushroom City!"
"How interesting," Flurrie remarked, "What station do you work for?"
"Channel 64 News," Jojora replied.
Koops rubbed his hands together, they were sweating. He was so nervous to talk to everyone, and reveal information about himself.
"Well," Dry Bones spoke up, "My name is Dry Bones Skelexo, and I'm twenty-four years old. I'm currently an aspiring chef, but for now I work on the Royal Shroom Cruise Line as a cook."
"I'm Toad Kapino!" Toad cried, "And I think I'm going to get this out of the way. I'm Toadette Shrooman's brother, I don't want to hide this from you guys."
Everyone gasped, except for Shokora, who could care less. And Di, who was distracted by her red hair falling into her eyes.
Toad: I could've hid that for the whole season, but if it got out of the bag that I was her brother halfway through, everyone would've been mad at me.
"How…interesting," Shokora murmured, carefully assessing his claim.
"Well I don't think it changes anything!" Spike barked, "The kid's not his sister, so we should treat him like we would treat anyone else!"
"I concur," Koops nodded.
"Oh Koops!" Vivian cried, "Do tell us about yourself!"
"Um…ok…I'm Koops," Koops stammered, and everyone laughed, causing him to blush. "I live in Koopa Village, and I just broke up with my girlfriend, Koopie Koo."
"Awkward…," Di muttered, to which Flurrie slapped her arm in distaste.
"Ow…," Di rubbed her arm.
"Do you work anywhere?" Junior inquired.
"I work at the Post Office in Toad Town," Koops admitted, "I'm a letter sorter, so, I help organize everyone's mail."
"Now," Jojora began, "That may sound unimportant, but I bet without you, everyone's mail would be mixed up!" Koops smiled at her compliment.
Koops: Everyone here is so nice, especially Vivian and Jojora.
"Ok," Vivian began, setting down her glass, "My name is Vivian Umbrae, and I'm a twenty-one year old concert musician! I play the violin and piano!"
"I love the piano!" Junior cried out, "I can play as well!"
"Oh, we must compare sheet music soon!" Vivian said excitedly.
Junior: I'm looking to align with people who have similar interests as me, that way we'll be more cohesive as an alliance.
"I guess I'll go next," Junior began, "And I too have a secret," he said, looking at Toad. "I'm the son of Bowser Koopa, so my name is Bowser Koopa Jr."
"Knew it," Diddy breathed out, happy his suspicions were confirmed.
"I bet you're nothing like your father," Plum reassured him, "You seem so nice!"
"No judgment here," Spike reminded him, "We're treating everyone fairly!"
"You sure about that?" Shokora raised an eyebrow, speaking up, "If everyone here were treated fairly, you and I would have a bed now wouldn't we?"
"Oh that's not what I mean!" Spike retorted.
"I think some are born a little more equal than others," Shokora proclaimed, eyeing Junior with dubiety in her gaze.
"Moving on," Diddy whistled. "I'm Diddy Kong! I'm twenty-six years old and I'm a property appraiser from the Kong Jungle."
"And what about you Miss Smarty Pants," Spike scolded Shokora, "Tell us about yourself!"
"My name is Miss Shokora Aiko thank you," Shokora replied bitterly, "I'm a political consultant from the Golden Pyramid, and I'm thirty-two years old."
"Oh! Don't forget about me!" Di giggled, having her third glass of champagne, "I'm Diana Sprixie, but everyone calls me Di! I'm twenty-two and I'm from the Sprixie Kingdom! I'm a mechanical engineer, so don't let my bubbly and airy outside fool you!"
"You…you are a mechanical engineer?" Dry Bones gawked, a little stunned.
"Does that shock you?" Di challenged, fire brewing in her eyes.
"No, not one bit," Dry Bones smiled, and everyone held their champagne glasses high as they signaled the dawn of their competition, shouting, "Big Brother: Chai Kingdom!"
Welcome to…Big Brother: Chai Kingdom!
Name: Spike Foreman
Age: 40
Occupation: Construction Worker
Name: Flurrie Windings
Age: 55
Occupation: Retired Actress
Name: Plum Pitcore
Age: 22
Occupation: Golfer
Name: Jojora Teeheena
Age: 23
Occupation: Reporter
Name: Dry Bones Skelexo
Age: 24
Occupation: Cruise Line Chef
Name: Toad Kapino
Age: 23
Occupation: College Student
Name: Koops Shelle
Age: 21
Occupation: Letter Sorter
Name: Vivian Umbrae
Age: 21
Occupation: Musician
Name: Bowser Koopa Jr.
Age: 25
Occupation: College Student
Name: Diddy Kong
Age: 26
Occupation: Property Appraiser
Name: Shokora Aiko
Age: 32
Occupation: Political Consultant
Name: Diana Sprixie
Age: 22
Occupation: Mechanical Engineer
As soon as everyone had finished talking about themselves, the monitor in the living room clicked on, and Chen T.'s glamorous face appeared on the television screen.
"Hello Houseguests! I see you've all gotten to know one another!" Chen T. remarked.
"Oh my goodness! Hello Chen T.! Hi!" Everyone cried, ecstatic to be speaking with the host of Big Brother.
"Hello everyone," Chen T. smiled, her eyes nearly closing when she did so, "Have you all found somewhere suitable to sleep?"
"I don't know if you can call a couch suitable!" Spike voiced his opinion.
"Well, remember Spike, there's one bedroom that's yet to be claimed," Chen T. spoke with mystery in her tone. Everyone smiled, knowing what she was referring to.
"The Head of Household will sleep in a room on their own, with amenities beyond what everyone else has. However, in order to become the first Head of Household of the season, you must best the rest in our first competition! It's time to head to the backyard and see for yourselves!" Chen T. directed them, clicking off the monitor.
"It's starting!" Flurrie cried excitedly.
"Very well," Shokora nodded, "Let the games begin."
"I'm going to steamroll all of you!" Junior challenged in a joking manner, "Let's get this party started!"
As they all entered the backyard, they were amazed at what they saw. A large boxing ring, circular in dimensions, took up most of the backyard. High chain walls guarded the sides of the ring, making it look as if escape was impossible. Decorating the backyard, colorful balls and circus ensembles were everywhere, making it look like a carnival.
Dry Bones: We walk into the backyard, and it looks like boxing meets the circus, and I have no idea what to expect.
However, Vivian was the first to notice the twelve inflated balls that were inside of the ring, along with one massive ball covered in spikes. She also noticed the foam padding surrounding the exterior of the ring, and voiced her concerns to everyone.
"Hmm," Toad nodded, "Looks like we're in for more than we bargained for."
Toad: I like Vivian a lot. I think she's very smart and strong. Hopefully we can work together some time, because I'd like that a lot.
Koops: Vivian has been the only person so far who I felt like I really connect with. Maybe it's because she was so nice to me when I first entered the house?
Plum: I think Vivian is so sweet! She's just down to earth and everything, like me!
The twelve brand new houseguests assembled by the ring, and Chen T.'s voice came over the loudspeakers that were implanted in the backyard's decorative rocks, adding to the eastern theme of the house.
"Houseguests! In this game, you must all climb into the ring and enter one of the twelve bubbles. Your objective is to be the last one standing by bouncing around in your bubble in order to avoid the large spiky ball that will be rolling around. Be careful, because the ring is not balanced, and moving on one side will cause the other side to rise. When your bubble is popped, you will be shot in the air, but that's what the protective pads are for on the outside. Does everyone understand?"
Albeit a bit scared, everyone nodded and exclaimed their understanding.
"Then who is ready to play Hop or Pop?" Chen T. asked, and most of them cheered exuberantly.
Di: I don't know if I really understand this game…it seems hard.
Clambering into the ring, all twelve houseguests soon made their way into the bubbles, some having more trouble than others. Mostly everyone slipped right in, but Shokora and Flurrie were having their difficulties.
"My oh my," Flurrie clucked her tongue, "Where's the entrance?"
"It's on the bottom," Jojora explained, and Flurrie nodded thankfully, finding the entrance. Overhearing their conversation, Shokora tried to sneakily act like she found the chute on her own, but Spike called her out.
"Hey Miss Smarty Pants!" Spike called, "Not as smart as you seem?"
Shokora turned a deadly shade of red, but Spike simply laughed away.
Spike: It's Shokora's fault that she decided to get on my bad side! Now I'm going to make her life miserable!
Shokora: If that fat construction worker calls me Miss Smarty Pants one more time…
Once everyone was inside of their bubbles, the loudspeaker emitted a sound like a foghorn, and the game began.
"So," Jojora said, " I guess we all just run for our lives?"
"Sounds about right," Diddy nodded, and then panic broke loose. The spiky ball leaned to one side, and then started rolling towards everyone on the left. Diddy, Jojora, Di, Plum, Dry Bones, and Junior all scrambled, hopping to escape the ball. They soon learned their bubbles were surprisingly bouncy, and everyone flew into the air.
"Whee!" Di giggled, finding it fun.
"Oh Grambi!" Dry Bones cried, "This is terrible!"
All six of them landed on the right, causing all of the weight to be placed there. Rolling back, the spiked ball now barreled for that side, and all twelve of them had to hop for their lives.
"Go go go!" Spike ordered, and everyone followed his lead, bouncing away to safety.
"I say!" Flurrie yelled, "How do you control these?"
"Flurrie!" Di yelled, warning her to change her course. However, the once glorified actress couldn't control her bounce, and she flew straight into the spiky ball. Her balloon popped, and she went sailing across the yard, landing on one of the foam pads.
"Whoa! Did you see that?" Junior asked, stupefied by Flurrie's elimination.
"I'm alright," Flurrie spoke, "It was actually quite exhilarating."
Flurrie: Oh dear, I didn't think I was going to win that game, but I also didn't believe I would be the first person out!
The spiked ball showed no mercy, not even hesitating when it popped Flurrie's bubble. It continued to roll towards everyone, and Shokora got a bright idea. Lunging forward, she slammed her bubble into Spike's, causing him to rocket forward, right into the spiked ball.
"Hey!" Spike called, flying out of the arena and onto a foam pad, shocking everyone.
"Shokora!" Plum scolded, "How rude!"
"Oh can it," Shokora seethed, body slamming Plum in her bubble, sending the golfer to her doom.
"Everyone! Look out for Shokora!" Di warned, hopping away from the enraged politician. They all tried to balance staying from Shokora and the spiked ball. Keeping her distance, Shokora trailed the spiked ball so she wouldn't refocus its center of mass, and was picking out her next piece of prey.
"Change course!" Junior warned, "The ball is headed this way!"
"And so am I!" Shokora cried with venom, hopping for Junior. The son of Bowser jumped to the left, his bubble gaining maximum air. He landed on the other side with dramatic force, recalibrating the spiked ball's focus. It now shifted to his side, and caught someone off guard.
"Dang it!" Dry Bones wailed as he sailed out of the ring, landing on one of the foam pads.
"Nice work Junior!" Diddy called, and Junior slapped his forehead inside of his bubble.
Junior: I can tell Diddy wants to align with Dry Bones and me since we're all roommates, but I can't get allies if I knock them out of competitions!
Eight of them were left, and Shokora calmly stayed on one side while everyone scrambled around on the other, causing the spiky ball to roll every which way. Nimbly dodging the ball, Vivian cried for Koops to follow her, and the shy koopa obeyed. The jumped to the other side, causing the ball to roll towards them, as well as Shokora.
"Look out!" Koops warned, genuinely afraid for Vivian.
"Come here my pretty!" Shokora cackled, bouncing up to body slam Vivian. Knowing she was out of luck, Koops did the only thing he could for Vivian, and rocketed forward. He collided with Shokora, sending both of them bouncing off of each other. Flying straight into the spiked ball, Shokora cursed Koops as she flew out of the ring, but the koopa was dazed.
"Koops! Come on!" Vivian yelled, but the force of the collision with Shokora had fazed Koops. Not knowing where Vivian's voice was coming from, he dawdled about, and it cost him the game.
"No!" Vivian shouted as Koops flew onto the foamed pads, and soon she noticed the spiked ball headed her way.
"Vivian! Over here!" Jojora cried, and the shadow siren listened, hopping over to where the other five were.
"Let's split up," Diddy whispered to Junior, "If we both hop in different directions, the ball will roll in the middle, going after these guys."
Junior nodded, seeing the sense in his plan, and without warning the others they lunged for opposite sides, their impact causing the spiked ball to bounce high in the air.
"Why would you do that?" Toad cried out, rolling away. He was too slow, and the spiked ball caught him, obliterating his bubble. However, Diddy and Junior's plan didn't stop there, for the spiked ball gained momentum and clobbered Di.
"Yippee!" Di squealed as she sailed through the air, hitting the foam pads.
"That was so much fun!" Di yelled.
"Di, dearie, you lost," Flurrie pointed out.
"I know, but it was still fun!" Di smiled.
Di: Who cares about winning or losing! I just really want to have some fun while I'm here!
Four remained inside the ring, Junior, Diddy, Jojora, and Vivian. Knowing what the boys were up to, Jojora and Vivian hopped away from them, hoping to make ground. The ball rolled towards Junior and Diddy, who tried their best to avoid. Barely nudging Junior's bubble, it was enough to send him packing, and the college student flew out of the ring, worrying Diddy greatly.
Diddy: After Junior was defeated, I was all alone. Jojora and Vivian both had it out for me, but I kept my cool.
Diddy started bouncing in place, generating another idea in his head. The shockwaves of his dissent caused ripples in the canvas of the arena, and the spiked ball bounced up and down. The ladies on the other side panicked, and they slammed into one another by mistake.
"Jojora!" Vivian cried, but the reporter met her doom, and she flew out of the arena. Nervous, Vivian bounced towards Diddy, who rocketed to the other side. Taking a gamble, Diddy launched himself forward, hopping over the spiked ball and landing right next to Vivian.
"What are you doing!" Vivian shrieked, but Diddy smiled. The ball headed for them, and the monkey body slammed Vivian, sending her towards the ball.
"No!" Vivian shouted, and she met the spiky ball. Flying out the arena, she hit the foam pads, signaling her defeat. Rolling forward, Diddy performed kamikaze, and he too flew out of the arena. Landing next to Vivian, the simian rose, clapping his hands.
"Congratulations Diddy!" Chen T. cried over the loudspeaker, "You were the last one standing, and therefore are the first Head of Household of the season!"
"Alright!" Diddy cheered, and Vivian glided over to the podium to retrieve the Head of Household key. Placing it around Diddy's neck, they all cheered for him, some more enthusiastic than others.
Diddy: I can't believe it! DK is going to be so proud of me! He was never HOH, and I'm the first one! This is amazing!
Vivian: Don't get me wrong, I'm happy for Diddy! But shoot, I was so close!
As everyone filed back inside, Vivian stopped Koops, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"That was really brave of you," she commented, "You didn't have to sacrifice yourself for me like that."
"But…Shokora was going to get you," Koops justified himself.
"I know, but it was sweet," Vivian smiled, and with that, she bent down a planted a kiss on his cheek.
"You don't need that Koopie Koo," Vivian remarked, "Because if any girl would get rid of a guy like you, then they've got something wrong them."
"Oh…I…well," Koops tried to say something, but Vivian winked at him and glided away, leaving him stupefied.
Koops: She…she…oh Grambi…
"Shokora, what's the beef?" Spike demanded, "You've got a problem with me?"
"As a matter of fact," Shokora sneered, "I do!"
"Why, you think I'm dumb or something?" Spike retorted.
"Well, you're certainly making yourself look like a buffoon!" Shokora smiled.
"We've been in this house for three hours and you're already making enemies," Spike glowered, "Wise choice."
"My choices are of no concern to you," Shokora knit her eyes, "No why don't you go and play."
"You're going to regret making an enemy out of me," Spike breathed vehemently.
"Oh I'm sure I will," Shokora jeered, slipping her hands inside of her kimono and making her way towards the bathroom so she could take a shower.
Growling, Spike lumbered off to some other part of the house to cool down.
"That was like, so much fun!" Di told Flurrie as she slipped on some sweatpants and a loose top.
"I wish I had lasted a bit longer," Flurrie mentioned, lowering her head.
"Oh you did fine Flurrie," Jojora smiled, "You don't want to win the first competition. It'll only put a target on your back."
"I guess you're right!" Flurrie brightened, "Thanks Jojora, dear."
"I'm hungry," said Di, rubbing her stomach and tying her red hair into a tight ponytail.
"I think there's some chicken in the kitchen," Jojora replied, "I saw Junior fixing something."
In the kitchen, Junior had whipped up a fine chicken dinner for everyone to enjoy. Diddy and Toad were already digging in, and Dry Bones munched on some of the vegetables Junior had prepared as a side.
"I wonder when I'll get to see my HOH room," Diddy remarked.
"Probably tomorrow," was Toad's response, "I can't wait to see what it looks like."
"Judging by the house this season, it'll be nicer than last season's," Dry Bones commented, and the other guys agreed with him.
Soon, everyone else joined them in the kitchen, and after a night of revelry and friendship, they all tuckered out and drifted off to sleep.
"Who wants to see my HOH room!" Diddy called early into the next day, slinging the key around on his left index finger. Wide awake, having slept on the couches, Shokora and Spike grabbed their coffee and took long sips. Everyone else was still a bit sluggish, but they all shook it off, excited to see this season's HOH room for the first time.
Sticking the key in the door, Diddy smiled at everyone as he turned the knob, and soon they all saw the room. A king sized deluxe bed took up the right wall, facing a mounted plasma television that gave a view of every room in the house. A personal master bathroom was adjunct to the room, and the color them was red and white, with accentuating points of green trim. It looked like an emperor style house, common in the Chai Kingdom. Oohing and awing at the luxurious set up, everyone crowded onto the bed while they waited for Diddy to read the letter that sat amid his pile of goodies.
"Well, are you going to read it?" Plum asked.
Diddy: I sort of forgot to tell everyone I know DK, and with Toad and Junior already having Toadette and Bowser tied to them, I didn't know if I wanted everyone knowing I knew him.
"Ahem," Diddy began, choking on his words, "Dear Diddy, We are all so proud of you for becoming the first HOH of the summer. You did so much better," Diddy faltered here, with the real lines being, "Than I ever did," but Diddy instead read after a hesitant moment, "than we could've imagined, and we know you'll be there for a long time. Keep your head up and eat a banana every day, Love, Your Family."
Diddy lied, for the message was directly from DK, and he had changed much of the context. Folding the letter up and shoving it in his cargo shorts, the ape chatted with everyone, trying to steer conversation away from who he knew.
However, he hadn't accounted for the pictures, and Shokora saw her opportunity.
"Well, looks like someone else has a secret," Shokora murmured, hefting a photo with Diddy and DK in it.
"Holy crap!" Junior cried, "Is that DK from last season?"
"It certainly is," Flurrie confirmed, "What are you doing in this picture with him?"
"He obviously knows him," Shokora smiled, "Don't you Diddy?"
"That's why you sounded so weird reading that letter!" Dry Bones put two and two together, "Why didn't you tell us?"
"Yeah," Spike grumbled, "Toad and Junior came clean about who they knew."
Everyone seemed kind of disappointed in Diddy, and Shokora's blow had dealt some damage. Giving the politician an evil eye, Diddy snatched the photo from her hand and put it back on his bed side table.
"Well," Diddy responded, "He's my best friend, and we all said everyone would be treated equally."
"He's right," Di murmured, "We shouldn't judge anyone!"
"I can understand," Koops backed Diddy, "It's alright."
Everyone seemed ok with it, and Diddy breathed a sigh of relief. Furrowing her brow, Shokora knew she would have to work harder to undermine this house, and left the room with her hands in the cuffs of her purple kimono, departing without a word.
Later that day, Diddy sat in his HOH room with Dry Bones, Junior, and Spike. All of them were just talking about life back home and getting to know one another better, when Spike spoke up.
"Is anyone coming?" He asked Diddy, who looked at the television.
"Nope," the monkey confirmed.
"Good," Spike rubbed his hands together, "Here's what I propose. The four of us make a pact, a coalition to the final four."
"Whoa," Dry Bones breathed, "What made you think of this?"
"Well, we all seem cool," Spike answered, "I think each of us has an element that'll make us the perfect alliance."
"And what are these…elements?" Junior replied.
"So, I'm burly, I've got the muscle," Spike answered, "Diddy over there is quick and resourceful, he can do a lot of fast thinking and talking. Dry Bones here is friends with everyone, no one's got a reason to hate the kid. And you Junior, you're as sharp as a knife. We've got the brawn, the brains, the charm, and the wit. All of it."
"I didn't think of it like that," Diddy murmured.
"This is official," Junior smiled, "This is so official."
"What should we call ourselves?" Dry Bones asked excitedly.
"I had a thought," the mastermind, Spike, spoke up.
"What is it?" Diddy probed.
"The Wrecking Crew," Spike smiled, "We'll wreck everyone in this game."
"The Wrecking Crew," the other three said at the same time, loving the name.
"We can't talk much, and we need to socialize with others, but we can do this," Spike encouraged, and the others knew that if they played their cards right, this could be the greatest alliance ever.
Outside in the backyard, Koops and Vivian were sitting in the hot tub together, just talking.
"So, how is being a letter sorter?" Vivian asked.
"Well, it's just something I do for money," Koops replied with ease, finding it natural to talk to Vivian.
"Oh, then what's your real passion?" Vivian laughed.
"I'm going to Koopalski University," Koops whispered, "Don't tell anyone, make them think I'm strictly a letter sorter."
"What are you studying?" Vivian whispered excitedly.
"I'm working towards my master's degree in physics," Koops answered, and Vivian was impressed.
"Wow!" Vivian replied, "You're brave and smart!"
Koops blushed, not knowing what to say.
Koops: Vivian is so easy to talk to, like, I don't know what I would if she wasn't in this house. She's pretty cute too.
Inching closer to one another in the hot tub, the koopa and the shadow siren soon sat side by side, and both of them could feel the electricity. Ever since Koops had bit the bullet for Vivian during the Head of Household competition, Vivian had been feeling a bit of a liking for Koops. So, when he mustered up some more courage to go in for a kiss, she warmly reciprocated.
However, they were not alone in the backyard. And a presumably sunbathing Jojora had caught sight of the couple kissing in the hot tub, and she quickly made sure she controlled the information.
Jojora: Being a reporter, I am all about gossip! I can't believe Koops and Vivian just kissed one another! This is some juicy stuff!
Heading back inside, Jojora passed by Diddy in the kitchen, and asked to see him upstairs. The monitor displayed two words in the living room, "NOMINATIONS TODAY," and Jojora was about to make sure two people who could easily be cut out were put up on the block.
"You wanted to talk?" Diddy asked as he sat down on the bed while Jojora took up a chair.
"Yeah, I did," Jojora answered, "It's about nominations."
"I don't even know yet," Diddy sounded annoyed, "I don't know if we can make safety deals right now."
"Oh I'm not talking about deals," Jojora smiled, "I'm going to tell you who to put up."
"What?" Diddy gawked, "What do you mean?"
"I saw Koops and Vivian kissing the hot tub, and a showmance can only mean one thing," Jojora said, a disapproving tone in her voice.
"Grambi! A showmance is deadly," Diddy reminded her, "They'll work together and vote together, we need to nip this in the bud before it blossoms!"
"Exactly my thoughts," Jojora replied, and with that she took her leave, "Just think about it Diddy," she said, throwing the words over her shoulder as she left.
Diddy: Jojora just brought me some great news! I like Koops and Vivian, but I have to protect the Wrecking Crew, and a showmance spells trouble.
The backyard door slid open as Diddy called for the ceremony.
"Hey everyone, it's time for the nomination ceremony," Diddy said. Everyone filed into the kitchen, where Diddy placed the nomination ring on the large table. Nine keys stuck out of it, signifying that nine individuals were safe, and two would be up for eviction.
"One of my duties as Head of Household is to nominate two houseguests for eviction," Diddy explained, "I will pull the first key, and that person is safe. They will pull the next, and so on and so forth."
Diddy reached forward, removing the first key.
"Toad, you are safe," Diddy said, and Toad accepted his key.
"Thanks Diddy," Toad smiled. He reached forward for the next one, and removed it.
"Flurrie, you are safe," Toad said, and the former actress smiled, accepting her key.
"Junior, you are safe," Flurrie revealed, and the son of Bowser smiled, thanking Diddy and looping his own key around his neck.
"Dry Bones, you are safe," Junior revealed, extending his hand to the skeletal koopa. Dry Bones thanked Diddy, and then revealed the next houseguest safe.
"Di, you are safe," Dry Bones said, and the red fairy jumped for glee.
"Yes! Thank you so much Diddy!" Di spoke with jubilance, "Oh, and Shokora, you're safe."
"Thank you Diddy," Shokora smiled gratefully, reaching forward for the next key.
"Spike, it displeases me to inform you that you are safe," Shokora bitterly handed him the key, and Spike snatched it from his rival's hands.
"Plum, you are safe," Spike said with a little bit of leftover venom, extending his reach to the golfer.
"Thanks," Plum smiled at Diddy. Plum the noticed only one key remained. Vivian and Koops exchanged a worried look, knowing one of them was certainly nominated by Diddy. However, Jojora knew what would, and she was certain the final key had her name on it.
"Jojora," Plum said as she removed the key, "You are safe."
"Thank you Diddy," Jojora said quietly as she took the key from Plum, and Vivian and Koops were left without keys.
"As you can see," Diddy spoke, "I have nominated you Koops and you Vivian for eviction. Someone told me you two are in a budding showmance, and that can be bad for everyone's game, so I nominated you both to rid of the threat, sorry."
Koops seemed sad, but a wildfire blazed across Vivian's eyes, furious as to who told Diddy such information.
"With that," Diddy spoke, "This nomination ceremony is adjourned."
Diddy: I know I did the right thing, because they could ruin everyone's game.
Koops: Just when I was settling in and making friends, Diddy nominates Vivian and I…super…
Vivian: Jojora was the only person outside when Koops and I kissed! She must've sold us out! I'm getting to the bottom of this, and I'm going to personally make sure neither Koops or myself gets evicted!
Season 2 has started with a bang, as twelve brand new houseguests enter the Big Brother: Chai Kingdom house! Next time, six houseguests will compete for the golden power of veto. Will Koops or Vivian free themselves from the block, or will Jojora's plan to squash the showmance succeed? Will Shokora's mighty attitude ruin her chances at the 500,000 coins? Will Diddy, Toad, and Junior be haunted by their relations, or will they shine in the light of hardship? Find out next time on Big Brother: Chai Kingdom!
Also, there are three things I must give credit for! First, thanks to Princess Toady for this season's wonderful banner! Secondly, there are two tiny plot pieces I sort of stole. The first is the station Jojora works for, and the second is Jojora's last name. I read a lot of Kaiimi's stories, and the news stations in her horror stories are always Channel 64 News, and I can't imagine any other news station in the Mushroom Kingdom because of that, so credit to Kaiimi for that. Secondly, I think Toady gives Jojora the last name of Teeheena in his stories, but either way, I give credit to Kaiimi and Princess Toady for Channel 64 News and the last name of Teeheena.
-AdmiralBobbery