Code Total Drama
Disclaimer: I don't own Total Drama or Code Lyoko.
Chapter 24
The time was 9:00 the following morning. Gwen had an irritated look on her face as her alarm clock woke her up. She reached out and turned it off before sitting up to stretch her arms out. After yesterday's challenge she immediately went to her room and fell asleep. After all she and the others ended up ended up going through XANA's virtual simulation of nearly everyone's worst memories, facing a crazed XANA-possessed Alejandro, and then when they saved everyone they ended up doing Chris' crazed up wrestling challenge.
Needless to say she and the others had a long day yesterday. Adding to that list was the memories of some individuals on the show. Heather's past as an outcast because of her previous looks, Alejandro's past with his brothers, Eva's past before she became the muscular hot tempered young woman, Courtney and Duncan's relationship issues . . .
'Oh right.'
Gwen rubbed her head. Courtney and Duncan's relationship/conflict, in the all the excitement she nearly forgot about that.
'When we went back in time we erased the memories of everyone who was in the simulation bubble except for me, Cody, and the others. So now since Duncan and Courtney don't remember we're back to where we started.'
Which could make things difficult for her since she now knows the truth. She was just a replacement to Courtney because Duncan got angry at her attempts to change him and cheated on her to get even. Knowing it would definitely make thing awkward.
'Great. What the hell am I supposed to do? Just dump him like that? It would make things suspicious if I did it right out of the blue.' Gwen rubbed her eyes. 'Damn it. I shouldn't have let him kiss me from the start. Now I'm tangled up in this dramatic soap opera. Cody was right, ignorance is bliss.'
She had to let her feelings override her common sense and in that one moment of weakness she got caught up in this. Not to mention breaking Courtney's heart in the process. Yeah, Gwen mentally kicked herself for doing that.
'Well, Gwen, you've been in more difficult situations before . . . Can't recall any but there must be a way out of this.' Gwen got out of bed to get dressed. 'But on the bright side, if there's a XANA attack today you can forget about when you're running for your life.'
Xxx
A helicopter landed on the helipad of an abandoned oil rig somewhere in the Pacific. A man in a dark coat stepped out. He walked through the facility and found an elevator. They entered it and pressed the button for the sub-basement.
The elevator went down and then opened when it reached the level. The room had a large computer with an assembly.
"What is this?"
Dr. Lyon went and looked at the computer. It seems that it had shut down as well and the logs were destroyed.
"Not necessarily a dead end. This computer's internet connection was severed so there is something here." Said the scientist to himself.
He brought up an image of a line of codes.
"This data is unlike anything I have ever seen before. But it is similar to something I have seen before."
He looked them over and smirked with glee.
"Oh yes! It is here!"
He brought up an image of a strange eye symbol.
"This is Schaeffer's work. There's no doubt about it now."
He looked at the codes. They were more advanced than anything he had seen before.
"No. Not him but his creation."
The creation that destroyed Project Carthage and cost him his job.
"An AI who left an imprint of itself inside the computer. It's been damaged as if something tried to destroy it. These are its remains." Said Dr. Lyon looking over the data.
What could have destroyed it? Schaeffer's AI had been more than a match for any kind of software which means deleting should have been impossible.
"Not exactly a waste though. That would made it sentient was destroyed leaving behind this left over data like a corpse. But what made it work is here." He said pointing at the data. "The red codes function like a virus allowing it to reach out and infect any program it wants, while these codes." He said pointing at the green codes. "Function as its brain. It allows it not only analyze whatever equation it has and allows it to multiply to accomplish more than one tasks worthy of hundreds of intelligent individuals."
He looked around the lab and picked up a motherboard. It was truly a masterpiece and more advanced than anything he had seen before.
"Yes! I found him! I have found XANA!" The scientist said in a happy tone.
The scientist pulled out a disk that downloaded the data.
Xxx
"Well that was a bust."
In the depths of Sector 5 of the Carbon Copy of Lyoko Shadow glared at Ryder for his comment.
"We go through all that trouble just so the boss can get those keys and we get squat." Ryder scoffed.
"Silence." Shadow spoke.
"Or what? Another round? Bring it, Shadow. I'm bored anyway." Ryder pulled out his sword.
Shadow shook his head at Ryder's stubbornness. Just as he was about to summon his own weapon a red spherical barrier with a black cloud appeared in front of them. It began to fluidly, shaping itself. The generals watched as the cloud began to condense and form into a familiar shape.
The cloud continued to thicken as it took a humanoid shape, becoming more solid and dense. Eyes flashed red, blinking through dark red streaked hair and pointed ears were seen under the figure's hair. The Eye flashed red on the figure's chest as the figure was now solid. The generals watched as XANA restored his avatar and floated peacefully inside the barrier.
'It seems the game is not quite over.' XANA thought as the barrier dissolved and he landed on his feet.
"XANA." Shadow spoke.
XANA ignored Shadow as he lifted his hand, moving his fingers experimentally before tightening them into a fist.
"XANA, what happened?" Shadow asked, his voice a little louder.
XANA dropped his fist and looked at Shadow.
"My creator left a protection program encoded within Aelita's keys. Anything belonging to me that touches her will be destroyed instantly. "
"Franz Hopper." Shadow said.
XANA didn't reply as he turned around.
"Hey, where are you going?" Ryder asked.
XANA did not answer as he vanished. Ryder grunted in annoyance. As he walked XANA replayed the last battle in his mind.
'If the program allows Aelita to learn how to wield the power her keys can give her than the battle will be harder than ever. I'll have to once again concentrate on removing what protects her.'
Xxx
"Listen, Carlos," Kurt sighed, exasperated. "Nine PM, Kit-Kats, Pop corn, Coca-Cola, and free non-refundable movie tickets."
"No, no, Kurt!" Carlos shook his head. "Aero Bars, Chicken, Seven Up, Salt & Vinegar Chips. Six PM on Monday Night."
"I got a date with Sarah on Monday!" Kurt protested. "And quite frankly I'm more afraid of disappointing her!"
"Kurt, I can't go to the theatre with you to watch the A-Team with Sarah," Carlos said. "Melissa can't go out because of the triplets and she isn't into guns and explosions like you and Sarah are."
"Hire a baby sitter!"
"Can't."
"What happened?"
"Well..the only people willing to baby sit were my mother in law among other unsuitable people. The last time she came she had a shotgun which she is no doubt planning to use on me."
"Okay, how about Tuesday, six-thirty?" Kurt asked. "It's so simple! Free time, Melissa will be at home with the kids, and you can go with us to the theatre!"
"Can't."
"What now?"
"Well Six-Thirty on next Tuesday is when Chris goes to court with Ezekiel. And guess who's representing him? Sierra's Uncle, who happens to be a lawyer and has Chris up on a ton of charges. I ain't missing the chance to see him get kicked across the court room!"
"Well I guess there's only one thing to do..." Kurt sighed, and then grinned. "Bye Carlos!" He turned to walk away.
"Wait, that's it?"
"Yep, that's it!"
Carlos looked at the chalk board they had filled up with Kurt's opportunities for visiting the theatre and Carlos' busy month of family and law business. "Hm...he's right, it is the only way. Plus if I go to that theatre those weird guys with the bad Sopranos accents might find me again."
Xxx
A few weeks ago...
Carlos sat in a chair, looking around a dimly lit room.
"So, you survived our first...encounter Mr Carlos." The Sopranos Wannabe from before stepped out of the shadows. "And now you insult me by flashing your wallet?"
"It's not my fault I only had a couple fifties left!" Carlos whined.
"Either way, you don't go flashing your green on my lawn," The man growled.
"Wait, what?" Carlos blinked. "Flash my who on your where?"
"You don't go bragging about your good fortunes where only I get to make fortunes!"
"Ooooohhhhh..." Carlos nodded. "But seriously, is this necessary?"
"You have no idea. Boys, take care of him!" Two men came into the room, cracking their knuckles.
"Uh oh...wait, why am I worried? I've had worse with Melissa and I'm the freaking king of British fist fighting!" Carlos leaped to his feet and cracked his knuckles.
All three men realized their mistake far too late before Carlos was on them.
Xxx
"And that was the easiest fist fight I ever had." Carlos grinned.
Xxx
Ray Parker opened the door to the apartment he was renting and sat down on the couch. It was 9:00 in the morning he had spent most of the night working on the case of the missing students. He was also looking at Aelita's file. He pulled out his cell phone and dialled.
It rang for a few moments before it was answered.
"Yes?" asked a female voice.
"Lucy, it's me."
"Ray, how's the investigation going?"
"So far nothing. Did you look up Aelita Stones for me and look at anything about what the strange eye could mean?"
"Well, Aelita Stones is supposedly Odd Della Robbia's cousin from Canada but so far nothing seems out of the ordinary. However the eye I have found something strange." Lucy replied.
"What is it?"
"The eye was seen used in something called Carthage conducted by a group that has almost everything restricted I could lose my job if I were caught prying. The eye was specifically used by a man named Waldo Schaeffer who was recruited to take part in the project but left due to unknown reasons. Here's where it gets interesting, after his wife was killed he and his daughter disappeared when agents were sent to apprehend them." Said Lucy.
"Were they caught?"
"No. Disappeared as in vanished into thin air."
"I see."
"That's not even the strange part. Here's a picture of him along with his wife and daughter."
Lucy sent the picture to his cell phone and he looked at it. He saw a young woman with long pink hair and a small four year old girl.
"That looks like Stones."
"The girl should 28 years old by now. Maybe this is her daughter."
"Possibly and she might be adopted. That means that the group could have abducted her like her father and Stones could have been adopted by another family."
"So she could have no idea about this as well." Said Lucy.
"Maybe. See if you can dig up anything on Carthage. That'll be helpful."
Xxx
Gwen sat in the common room of the studio. Since there were no challenges today mostly everyone was sleeping in.
'So boring. I have no idea what to do for the day. I guess Bridgette and the others are still sleeping from yesterday's challenge and fight.'
"NO!"
Gwen sat up when she heard a scream.
"That sounded like Lindsay."
She walked over to the Victory Dorm and found Bridgette hugging a crying Lindsay in her room while seeing a few of the others starting to come out of their rooms.
"What's going on?"
Bridgette looked up and saw Gwen at the door.
"She's upset that Tyler was eliminated." She replied as she patted Lindsay's back.
"It's ... Not fair. I don't want to be here without my Tyler." Lindsay cried.
"It's okay. You'll see him again." Bridgette comforted her.
"Lindsay!"
Gwen turned around and saw Beth running through the hall in her pyjamas.
"Hey, Beth."
"I heard Lindsay screaming. What's wrong?"
"She found out Tyler was voted off."
"Oh." Beth put a hand over her mouth when she heard that.
Gwen noticed she had a tired look on her face and could tell that Lindsay's crying must have woke her up.
"She's just finding out about this now?"
Bridgette nodded.
"She went over to Team C's dorm to see Tyler but she found his room was empty and Duncan slipped out that Tyler had been voted off."
Gwen sighed at Duncan's thick headedness. She gave Lindsay a sympathetic look before turning around and walked out. Walking towards the cafe to get herself something to eat she found a few people already were up. Noah was sitting a table with a book along with Heather and Cody.
Cody had no doubt helped wheel Heather into the cafe. She smelled something good and saw DJ was actually making breakfast.
"Hey, Gwen." Cody waved at her.
She smiled and nodded at him.
"What's going on?"
"Well, since we've rarely had any good food from Chef DJ decided to cook up breakfast."
She looked at DJ who was smiling as he brought out the food.
"So what was that?" Cody asked.
"Lindsay found out that Tyler was voted off last night." Gwen replied.
She grabbed a fruit and started eating it.
"And she's just hearing it now?" Heather rolled her eyes. "Unbelievable."
"Yeah, hard to believe that there are some people that lack your keen observation." Noah said.
Heather glared at Noah but the bookworm ignored her.
"Bridgette's looking after her. I'm guessing she woke you guys up too."
"It was hard to go back to sleep when the scream was in my team's dorm." Noah replied.
"I was already awake." Cody said.
"Who could sleep after that?" Heather grunted.
"Hey, go easy on her." DJ said putting the food on the table.
"Yeah, at least her boyfriend's not in a robot suit and likes kissing pineapples." Noah said.
"He's NOT my boyfriend." Heather growled.
"Whatever."
Eva walked into the room, a scowl on her face.
"Morning Eva." DJ waved.
Eva grunted as she sat down.
"So what was Barbie screaming about?"
"She found out that Tyler was the one who eliminated after yesterday's challenge." Gwen replied.
"And she's finding out about this now?"
"Let's not go through that again." Cody said.
"Yeah. Once was enough." Noah agreed.
Eva grunted.
"On the bright side we won't have to worry about jock boy accidently killing himself or anyone in the gym." Noah said.
"Like you do any better, Bill Gates Junior." DJ pointed out.
"Said the jolly giant who can't hurt a fly." Noah shot back at DJ.
"He actually has a point Noah, you have your head in a book more than I do," Cody stepped in.
"Whatever."
Gwen had finished her food and was watching as the conversation continued. Of course she froze when a familiar figure walked into the room.
"Hey there, Pasty."
Cody's face soured as he saw Duncan sit down beside Gwen and had an arm around her shoulder. Gwen kept a calm look on her face as she faced Duncan.
"Good morning, Duncan. I heard about what happened with Lindsay."
Duncan shrugged.
"I didn't say much. I just said the jock was booted out."
Gwen raised an eyebrow.
"Where those your exact words?"
"Yes." Noah said.
She sighed and looked at Duncan with an exasperated look.
"You realize that you probably woke up everyone with that stunt?"
"Did it wake you up?" Duncan asked.
"No."
"Then I don't have to care."
Gwen rolled her eyes. That was when her blackberry vibrated. Mentally thanking the universe for a distraction she stood up.
"Sorry, Duncan. I got to take this."
Duncan shrugged as Gwen walked away from the table and made sure she was out of earshot before answering the call.
"Hello?"
"Gwen, it's Aelita. I need to talk to you and the others. You don't have to come to the factory if you don't want. I just need you all to hear some news."
"Okay." Gwen nodded.
She looked over to the table.
'Better not ask Cody or DJ because it'll look suspicious. I'll come back for them.'
Gwen walked out of the cafe and back to the Victory Dorm. She found Bridgette's door and knocked on it.
"Who is it?"
"It's me."
"Gwen? Come on in."
Gwen opened the door and found Bridgette reading a book.
"What's up?" Bridgette asked.
"Aelita has some news for us. We don't have to go to the factory since it's still morning but she wants us to hear it."
"Okay, I'll get Geoff and LeShawna. I heard DJ is in the cafe."
"I know. I didn't want to grab him and Cody yet because the others might get suspicious."
"Okay, that's understandable." Bridgette nodded.
Gwen walked out of Bridgette's room and sent text messages to Cody and DJ.
Xxx
Ten minutes later
Everyone was back in Cody's room with Cody pulling out his laptop. Aelita's face appeared on the screen.
"Hello, everyone. How are you all feeling?"
"Pretty good this morning." LeShawna said.
"Well, I'm sorry about calling but I believe we may a situation in the studio." Aelita said.
"Another attack?" asked DJ with an alarmed look.
Aelita shook her head. "No. It concerns Alejandro and how his injuries were healed. Gwen, you and Cody were there. Did he mention about how he was healed?"
"He said he was led into a pod of some sort." Cody said.
Aelita was silent as she considered what she had heard.
"He couldn't have been healed inside one of those virtual pods that are used on the show. And XANA couldn't have healed him without activating a tower so that means . . . That he would have had to have been inside a scanner."
"Okay, now when you say scanner, you mean like the scanners at the factory?" asked Geoff.
"That's exactly what I mean." Aelita nodded.
"But how? It's not like he went into the factory and got into one of the scanners . . . Did he?" asked Bridgette.
Aelita shook her head.
"He couldn't have. His DNA would have been scanned into the supercomputer and I would have known even before the attack."
"So where could he have gone?" asked DJ.
"I looked at the surveillance tapes that Cody showed me. It's possible, not very possible that there could be a scanner in the studio."
"Here? How? If those things were here they wouldn't bother with the pods." LeShawna said.
"Not if it's not open to public access. Are there any basements or closed off areas in the studio?"
"Not that we know of." Gwen said.
"Well, whether or not there is an actual scanner in the studio I am starting to become suspicious of RealiTech. I'll be taking a look at their financial records. In the meantime just go about your day and I'll alert you to any updates."
"Got it." Everyone replied.
Xxx
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" asked a familiar voice.
Just as the group was leaving Cody's room Courtney came into view. Most of the group suppressed a sigh since none of them were in the mood to deal with her.
"Hi, Courtney." Bridgette said, hoping to avoid any tension.
"Bridgette, sneaking around with them again?"
"And why are you sneaking around, Courtney?" Gwen asked. "Trying to make someone else's life miserable?"
"I could, but I'm not in the mood for it today. I just saw you all coming out of Cody's room. So, what's going on? Having a party?"
"Courtney, if you'd be so kind as to drop it we won't have any trouble." Gwen said nicely.
"I don't think so." Courtney replied, narrowing her eyes. "There's no way I am loosing the chance to bust you, Gothie."
"Of course." Gwen innocently said. "Being kind is not in your nature."
Courtney glared, making an angry noise. Bridgette stepped between them, trying to diffuse the situation.
"Come on, Courtney. We don't want any trouble today. Me and the others here are going back our dorm." Bridgette said.
"Fine. But remember, Gwen." She spat out Gwen's name. "I'll get you one way or another. Don't forget."
"I won't, Miss Crazy in Training."
"Say that again."
"Miss Crazy in Training."
"Okay, you asked for it!"
But before Courtney could attack her LeShawna stepped in front of her.
"You better be ready to fight me before you throw that punch, rich girl."
Courtney lowered her fist and stomped away.
"Thanks." Gwen said.
"No problem. Can't be distracted right now."
"I know. Right now, though, I'm not sure how to proceed with Duncan. I mean I know the truth but I can't just dump him right out of the blue." Gwen said.
"Why not? I mean the guy's a jerk who's just using you. He doesn't deserve you for that." Cody said.
He really hoped that now with the truth out Gwen would see Duncan as the punk that he was.
"I mean if I dump him like that it'll look suspicious." Gwen said.
"How?"
"It might cause Duncan to start spying on us if I just dump him. Think of what could happen if he follows us to the factory in the middle attack."
"That is something to consider." Geoff said.
"Right. So far Duncan hasn't asked what's going on because he trusts Gwen but if she dumps him for no reason . . ." Bridgette said.
"Right. And what would I say? 'Hey, Duncan, sorry to do this but I know your using me to get back at Courtney because you told everyone in a simulation run by a crazy AI and you can't remember because we went back in time.'" Gwen said. "He'd look at me like I was Izzy's twin sister."
"So what do you do?" DJ asked.
Gwen shrugged.
"I don't know. Guess all I can do is wait and see if Duncan does something that I can use to break up with him." She sighed.
"Be careful, girl. Courtney will be gunning for you." LeShawna said.
Xxx
Duncan whistled as he walked out of the wash room. He took a quick peek around, and after making sure nobody was around decided he'd put his plan into action. His target: Chris' personal stash of junk food.
Snickering, the mischievous young man snuck through the main studio. Approaching the door marked 'Employees Only'-which he knew led to Chris' room he slowly pulled out a bobby pin and screw driver. He slowly inserted the bobby pin into the lock and began to push the tip up. Upon hearing a slight 'click' he grinned and continued on with this, making sure to keep the pin up until the lock opened up.
Opening the door, he wringed his hands together and let out a low evil laugh. Finally, after years of torment, revenge was HIS! MWAHAHAHAHAHA-
"What are you doing?"
Whoops, he laughed maniacally out loud. Damn! He spun around and came face to face with an older man who was extremely hairy and had tanned skin and muscles beyond belief. He was glaring down at Duncan. The word 'Security' was on his chest.
'Wow...this dude is ugly ,and I thought chef took the cake.' Duncan thought.
"Who are you?" He snapped, not backing down.
"I'm the security chief!" The man growled.
Duncan saw a white badge on his shirt that said 'Hello, my name is Roberto'
"Okay then...Roberto, how about you move along and I'll be on my way-"
"To trespass into the employees only section?" Roberto asked.
"What? No-no-no!" Duncan said innocently. "I was just passing by!"
"With a bobby pin and a screw driver?" Roberto raised an eye brow.
"...Yes, that is exactly it." Duncan nodded.
"Smart guy...I know you, the delinquent with the over sized ego," Roberto growled. "Chef warned me about you."
"Oh, great, let me guess, another military wannabe drill sergeant." Duncan sighed.
"I used to work in a federal prison as a guard, smart ass." Roberto growled. "You do NOT want to mess with me!"
"Just like I DON'T want to mess with the Master Chief?" Duncan snapped.
"Keep running that mouth of yours and let's see how confident you are after I shut it!" Roberto snarled before he felt a hand on his shoulder.
"Roberto, do I have to remind you what happens when you threaten OUR contestants with physical violence?" Carlos asked in a WAY too happy tone.
"Carlos," Roberto growled. "In case you haven't noticed, I just stopped him from getting into the 'Employees Only' section!"
"What, that? Are you kidding me? It just goes to Chris' private stash. Hell, me and Kurt steal from it all the time." Carlos said.
"Yea, you and Kurt may be above punishment since you're both producers, but not HIM." Roberto looked at Duncan...who had vanished so fast that if it was a cartoon he would have left a puff of clouds in his shape where he had been standing. "Gah! You see what you made me do?"
"Calm down man." Carlos said. "Seriously, you need to take a chill pill...and a haircut."
"I'm taking my job seriously! Something you are incapable of doing! I heard about your ADVENTURE with Kurt back in America." Roberto snapped.
"Hey, there was no physical evidence to support that I had anything to do with those seventy four people and that giant mutant alligator being hurt." Carlos said. "It was a coincidence!"
Roberto growled. "You may not take your job serious Carlos, but I do, and it's my job to keep order in this studio!"
Carlos scoffed. "Roberto, let's review a few things. Number One, what did I used to do? What did I serve in? Oh yes, British SAS, as in people who have to keep order in all of England. And you? You had to carry around a stick to beat up convicts. And next, who got their ass handed to them the last time you insinuated I am incompetent? Oh yes, he's got no idea what a hair cut is, does not understand the definition of Shampoo, and has a big piece of chicken in his hair." He pulled the offending object out and tossed it away. "Seriously man, take a shower why don't you? At this rate you'll be the only hazard in the studio!"
Roberto scoffed. "Your time will come Carlos!"
Kurt came out of the 'Employees Only' Door, eating from a bag of chips marked 'Property of Chris McLean. "In the mean time Roberto, why don't you concentrate on real time instead of 'Cave Time'? Now would you please, I think I hear your pet Saber Tooth Tiger calling from the nearest man hole."
Roberto growled. "Oh just you two wait, one of these days I'll find a reason to put you behind bars, and when I do, you will both be seeing me standing outside with the keys!" He began to laugh maniacally.
Carlos and Kurt exchanged a look. "Kurt, may I?"
"Go ahead, but make sure you erase any evidence."
"Excellent."
Xxx
"DAMN YOU CARLO-GLUGHGLUGHGLUGH!" Roberto shouted as he was dunked into a tank of hair remover ,suspended upside down by his feet.
"Well what do you know, this industrial sized tank of hair remover came in handy!" Carlos said.
"Look and behold!" Kurt proclaimed as Roberto was pulled out of the tank with most of his overgrown hair falling off. "It is a man! And here I had twenty bucks on it being a walking fossil." He grumbled as he handed Carlos twenty bucks.
"I'LL GET YOU FOR THIS! DO YOU HEAR ME! I WILL GET Y-GLUGHGLUGHGLUGH!"
Xxx
"Pompous British smart alecky overgrown, pea brained, muscle bound moron and his fiery haired scatter brained idiot of a friend!" Roberto cursed after taking a trip to Chris tank of 'Instant Hair Growth' formula, which restored him to his hideously hairy form.
He paused as he came out into the dorms and saw Duncan pouring something into a vent. Upon spying on the young man, he found that it had been a series of mechanical mice that went out into the vents. Screams were heard from nearby as Duncan chuckled evilly.
"Oh you are SO busted this time." Roberto smirked.
Duncan spun. "You again? Aw man are you everywhere now?"
"Come with me," Roberto said and dragged Duncan along. "I have just the idea for you."
Xxx
Duncan growled. "He. Will. PAY!"
Duncan was dressed in an apron over his usual clothes and was forced to clean off every inch of graffiti that he had left on the outer wall of the building a few hours previously. He looked and saw Roberto parking his car after getting back from a coffee break.
"Enjoying the summer day?" Roberto sneered.
"Bite me!" Duncan snapped.
"No thanks. Now keep cleaning! And don't think about running, the cameras will catch you." Robert pointed at a nearby security camera before walking off.
Duncan scoffed. "Like that would stop me."
Duncan looked at Roberto's car and an idea formed. He began to chuckle evilly, wringing his hands, and then laughed maniacally...until Geoff and Bridgette came around the corner and stared at him. "Whoops- uh...hi."
"Uh...hi, are you okay?" Geoff asked.
"Oh yeah, fine, but could you do me a quick favour?" Duncan asked.
"Sure."
"Put this bucket over that camera." Duncan said. "And make sure it doesn't see you doing it, I have a plan for uh...Chris."
"Alright man, I'm in." Geoff grabbed the bucket and snuck in away from the camera's sight.
"Geoff, is this a good idea?" Bridgette asked.
"Aw what's the worse that Chris can do?" Geoff held the bucket up to it blocked the camera's lens.
"Okay, now we need to get to the kitchen and get a bag of sugar and a cup." Duncan snickered. "Cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war! MWAHAHAHA- Er uh...sorry, I had a bowl of those Sugar Flakes today."
Xxx
Later...
"This is wrong," Bridgette rolled her eyes as she watched Duncan pour the sugar into Roberto's gas tank.
"Relax, Chris will never know about it." Duncan assured her. "And if he does, what can he do? He 'needs' us on this show or his ratings plummet, and with Carlos and Kurt he'd never do anything during a challenge."
"Hey dude!" Geoff greeted the massive and hideously hairy security chief.
Duncan spun and watched as Roberto's eyes went from Geoff to the bucket, to the cup of sugar in Duncan's hands, back to Geoff, and going between the three a few times.
"Oh mister, YOU are in trouble!"
"Aw crap."
Xxx
"You poured sugar into a guy's car?" Noah raised an eye brow. "That's...actually pretty awesome."
"Noah!" Bridgette said.
The genius shrugged and got back to reading his book.
"Why were you guys even doing that anyway?" Gwen asked.
"Duncan tricked us into helping him get back at that guy for forcing him to wear an apron and cleaning up the graffiti." Geoff said.
"Oh man," Bridgette glared at Duncan. "This is your fault!"
"Geoff didn't have to give us away by shouting to him RIGHT when he came outside. I made the plan after I plotted his movements. If he hadn't Roberto would have turned LEFT, and gone around the corner for a full three minutes and twelve seconds and allow me to finish up and get you two back on your merry way." Duncan said, somehow displaying what seemed to be intelligence-on some level to the astonishment of the group.
"Why you were pouring sugar in that guy's in the first place?" Gwen asked.
Duncan shrugged.
"The guy had me wear an apron while cleaning graffiti."
"Graffiti that you painted?"
"Still, the apron was too much."
Gwen sighed.
"You know, Duncan, trying to nag you about any kind of vandalism or pranks is the last thing I want to do since I don't want to turn into Courtney. But bringing Bridgette and Geoff into this was too much." Gwen said.
"It's not my fault. Geoff shouldn't have said hi to him."
"He shouldn't have been there in the first place." Gwen raised her voice. "Bridgette shouldn't have been there either."
"I hate to say it but for once I actually agree with Gwen. I don't care about Geoff but Bridgette is my friend and getting her into trouble just so you could get even with some hairy security chief is too much." Courtney crossed her arms over her chest.
"So..." Carlos came over. "What's this we hear about you three getting into trouble with Roberto?"
"Duncan poured sugar into the security chief's gas valve, and fooled us into helping him." Geoff explained.
"I see...I have this to say you three days grace reject..." Carlos looked angry at first...but then a grin broke out on his face and he shook Duncan's hand. "Welcome to the club man!"
"Carlos," Kurt sighed.
"What? Don't tell me you weren't thinking about doing it!"
"Carlos, we have a problem here." Kurt said.
"Oh what can Roberto do? If he tries to hurt them he knows I'll just dump him in Hair Remover again." Carlos said.
"Well according to him he has the legitimacy on this one, and because the cameras were covered nothing can disprove it."
"Yeah, but I still have one small tiny way to weasel my way in." Carlos said.
"Your fist?"
"Close, but it's this." Carlos held up his contract. "In the event that the actions of any employee, intentional or otherwise causes harm to a competitor in any way regardless of circumstance, I may take authority on the situation and solve it as I see best...meaning breaking Roberto's jaw and bringing you three home if his little Power Trip causes you to get hurt."
"So in other words you can't stop him." Gwen said.
"But we can bring them back if they get hurt in any way," Kurt explained. "And as for anybody finding out about this on TV...well the cameras are only playing Live during the challenges. In between them they're recorded and edited to avoid things like this. So we'll make sure nobody knows you are paying a visit to the big house. I'll stay here and make sure of that while Carlos is on look out."
"What is with that guy anyways?" Duncan asked.
"Roberto?" Carlos scoffed. "The guy's a cave man...actually cave men smell better than him. Seriously, I do him a favour by getting rid of all that hair and he goes and grows it back! Seriously man, what kind of man worth his balls decides to do that intentionally."
"Carlos and Roberto go way back, back to high school." Kurt explained. "Apparently he was Melissa's boy friend before Carlos moved in...the problem is, Melissa dumped Roberto due to him...well Carlos was on the spot, he's a cave man, but he had been a slightly less mean cave man up until Carlos moved in. He didn't like the look of him and got a little uh...defensive. Anyways, after Carlos resigned from the British SAS Melissa got him a job here on the Total Drama Executive Board. The Director was so impressed with his record that he decided that Carlos would keep a leash on Chris."
"And the cave man mentioned he worked in the prison as a guard ,right?" Carlos sat down.
"Yeah," Geoff nodded.
"Well according to him, he 'resigned'," Kurt made air quotes. "And signed on as the security chief here. If you ask me he wants to get back at Carlos for the Melissa Fiasco."
"And he has had yet to successfully do a thing to me," Carlos chuckled. "And he has no problem telling everybody how mad he is."
"I had been hoping you kids would avoid conflict with him," Kurt sighed. "Why am I not surprised that it was the delinquent who set him off?"
"Hey, if he didn't do it, I would have done it eventually." Carlos said.
"Yes Carlos, there's a difference. I was hoping it would be after the show's over, that way there wouldn't be anybody in danger when you two blew up the studio!" Kurt rolled his eyes. "This would be much easier if you could bury the hatchet."
"Dude, I tried, but he's trying to bury me!" Carlos said. "Believe me I tried to sincerely apologize a few times, no joke. But after he punched me in our college graduation...well his picture came with a black eye on it and a charge of assault against him. Man, I barely got off that one with self defence."
"The point of the matter is that Roberto is ticked that he lost another round against me and Carlos, so he's on an intimidation trip with you three."
"Intimidation trip?" Bridgette and Geoff asked at the same time.
"Sounds like a trip to juvy." Duncan said.
Bridgette was panicking. "Oh my god, he's taking us to a jail!"
"That doesn't sound so bad." Duncan shrugged. "I've been there plenty of times so I know the ropes."
"Aw great ,way to make us feel better!" Geoff said.
"I've never been to jail!" Geoff had to hold his girl friend close to calm her down.
"Attention please," Roberto's voice came from the P.A system. "Due to unacceptable behaviour, Duncan Matthews along with Bridgette Andrews and Geoff Williams will be going on a field trip with me."
"Saw that coming." Duncan said.
"Duncan, don't you get it? You got Geoff and Bridgette into a trip to jail!" Gwen said.
"Okay now relax," Duncan stood up.
"Relax? If it was just you I wouldn't worry!" Gwen snapped.
"Gwen," Duncan silenced their shouts. "Now look, we all know that Roberto can't keep us in jail here. It's obviously just an intimidation trip that will last barely a day. He's probably got some Drill Sergeant Wannabe friend up there to open a cell for us to keep us in for a few hours and then bring us back here. If it was harmful to us then the British version of Chuck Norris and Kurt would have stepped in and will step in if we're going to get hurt. So it's obvious that by the end of the day we'll all be back here again without so much as one scratch on us."
"Oh what will my mom think of this!" Bridgette, having not heard or acknowledged Duncan's wisdom.
"Oh relax, I can show you how to handle juvy. Just do this, on day one, a guy comes up to you, you show him you're better, you are dominant. So just do the smart thing and kick his Junior in." Duncan said. "After that, people will understand you're no push over ,be a little wary, and if you keep quiet and don't do a thing besides show that you don't take shit from them, then you can ride out your time in juvy being the queen or king of the whole place."
"Oh man," Bridgette sighed.
"However, since one of you has already been to a Correctional Facility, we'll be doing something different." Robert said as he walked in.
"Say what?"
"Instead we'll be taking a trip to the mountains."
"That doesn't sound so bad." Bridgette sighed in relief.
"There you'll be forced to endure horrors as we climb up the fierce mountains of France." Roberto snickered.
"Wait, I thought France didn't have any uh...memorable mountain ranges to speak of." Cody said.
"It's a SECRET, so secretive the French government won't let anybody know. Since for obvious reasons they'd just get a lot of American tourists here if it happened." Roberto explained.
"So how do you know?"
"I broke into Carlos' diary from when he was back in the SAS, turned out he had to investigate them when he was a soldier. Well goody for us because he even left the precise coordinates."
"You over grown, cock eyed, gutless flea ridden-" Carlos started forward.
"Carlos, I know you're mad and I might not be able to stop the upcoming explosion!" Kurt got between them. "But a murder is still a murder and it even counts for cave men!"
"Oh come on, I can just stuff what's left of him into the catacombs, nobody has to know! We can even skip the field trip!"
"IO say we let him do it." Duncan whispered.
"What's wrong, punk, don't know how to climb a rock- UGH!" Duncan, sick of Roberto's voice, had kneed the man in the groin. "YOU LITTLE-!"
"Eh, might as well get a kick out of this." Duncan crossed his arms.
"Attention everybody!" Chris came into the room.
"Oh great, it's the human mop." Kurt said.
"IT has come to my attention that Roberto is taking three of you on a field trip." Chris said. "Now even though there are no challenges I have a wicked idea on how to get some more funding for the show to replace several things, including my snacks since my stash seems to have been RAIDED several times this week."
Carlos hid the bag of chips behind his back, and swallowed the chip he had in his mouth.
"So, the idea is...WE'RE ALL GOING ON THE TRIP TO THE FRENCH MOUNTAINS!" Chris said.
"Seriously though, how do they hide an entire mountain range?" Noah asked.
"Noah, if I told you that, by my solemn oath to her majesty and England I'd have to kill you so that information couldn't get out." Carlos said. "Retired or not ,the oath stands."
"Riiiigghhhttt..."
"Anyways, everybody better pack up because we're leaving in half an hour!" Chris said. "Be sure to thank Roberto and Duncan for giving me this awesome idea! And even better, Mactavish and Carrot Top get to go with us to 'keep an eye on me'." Chris made air quotes.
"What are you up to Chris?" Carlos asked.
"Nothing!" Chris said defensively. "Now excuse me I have to answer this." He pulled out his phone and turned ,whispering into it. "The birds will be leaving the nest in thirty, prepare the net?"
"What?" Chef asked on the other end of the call.
"The jelly is out of the donut."
"Say what now?"
Carlos suddenly shoved him, took the phone, and said in an exasperated tone. "The hippy said we're leaving in thirty, numb nuts. And if you have any traps set up for us, you can go die in a hole, because I'll personally make sure that happens to you if I find any up there. Got it, Master Chief?"
Chef hang up.
"I think he got it." Carlos crushed the phone in his hands and tossed it away. "Trying to get rid of me already , cuz?"
"No, no, no, this is a surprise for everybody!" Chris chuckled sheepishly. "Now if you'll excuse me I'll have to return several unrelated items to their places of origin." He walked off. "And by the way, its twenty nine minutes now!"
Carlos sighed. "Okay people, thanks to Hulk, The human Mop, the Three Day's Grace Reject and that no good scum bag who had the nerve to rip off Halo and call himself the Master Chief, we're going on a trip, so grab your crap and meet me at the bus." He paused and turned. "And Chef...YOU SHALL PAY!-!-!-!"
Xxx
"You're going camping?" Aelita sat on the bench with her books sitting by her as she held her phone to her ear.
"Yeah. Duncan got us into trouble with the security chief and now he's taking them to wilderness to try and scare them." LeShawna replied through her phone.
"This is bad."
"Don't worry, Aelita. Kurt and Carlos said they would be coming and we would be back by the end of the day and they'd make sure no harm would come to us."
"And what happens if we have a XANA attack while you're there?"
"I don't know. You think you can handle it?"
"I'd prefer that we wouldn't have any attacks at all today."
"We'll just have to risk it, girl. You haven't seen the chief. He's crazy and more hairy than a sasquatch."
Aelita sighed.
"I guess we'll have just have to hope we won't have an activated tower while they're gone. Tell them good luck from me."
"No problem."
Xxx
I know you were all expecting a big XANA attack but don't worry. I have a plan and we might have some new Lyoko warriors in the next chapter. So just be patient with me as I decide who in the cast should join them.