Chapter 24
Chris McLean's Law

Outside the mansion, that night, Percival, in his black suit and glasses, to throw off any suspicion, was on scene, during Chris's speech, which is in two hours. He appeared in a huge crowd of security, in which one of them had a black suit, as well.

It was a female figure, with long brown hair, braided over her shoulder. She had pale skin. She called to Percival, waving her hand. He approached her and said, "I see you got my message."

The woman removed her glasses and said in a British accent, "Heh. Not bloody likely. I got it, as soon as I arrived."

Percival asked, "Nice to see you, Michelle. Sorry, Agent Nevins."

Michelle Nevins, Percival's sister-in-law, is also an FBI Agent. (Remember – Feral Beauty)

She addressed, "So, I hear that you're going at McLean, alone."

"Right. As soon as his speech to the world is presented, the end of Chris McLean is at hand. He started this whole mess, and I'll be the one who can finish it."

"I see. Well, it's nice that these worlds won't hear from a wanker, such as McLean. He should go back to Newfoundland, in a body bag. But, I have my orders from the higher powers. Do whatever you want."

"Also, if you see this woman," he showed her a picture of Tohru Honda, "Notify me."

Michelle took the picture and replied, "I will. Any reason?"

He said, "Just because. She's one of his henchmen. Long story."

She snuffed, "I see. Well, on your bike. Feral Agent's work is never done."

He left, as Michelle glared at the picture. She then ripped it up and said, "Hmph! Sodding American… What does he take me for, a bloody fool?"

She headed back to the security, waiting for the speech to start.

XXXXX

Meanwhile, Tohru spotted Uo, who was arriving with Lightning and Dakota-Zoid. She then sighed, "She chose to come… I knew the moment was inevitable. Uo-Chan, I promise you that I'll explain everything, soon."

She got a call from Chris McLean. She answered it.

"Tohru, come at once," he said, "It is time. You shall be with me, for I will make my speech to the worlds."

Tohru was wearing her blue uniform, with a white mask.

This is the mask that she wore.

"Yes, sir," she said.

Chris replied, "Make sure that no one knows of your appearance. No one."

Tohru signed off, as she sent a text to Uo-Chan. It said: "Meet me after the speech, Uo. Love, Tohru"

Uo replied back: "Where?"

Tohru's reply was: "Outside the front gate."

Uo smiled, as Lightning huffed, "It's obvious that it's an audible trap!"

Uo said, "No. She's here. But, at the very least, we'll know exactly what's going on. Wait here."

She went inside, as Lightning and Dakota waited outside.

Meanwhile, Hanajima stayed in her vehicle, waiting for Tohru to come out. She was examined by Dawn, who was trying to fix her arm. But she couldn't.

Dawn remarked, "Miss Hanajima, I'm afraid it is a permanent situation in your arm. I will see if I can make it move again, as long as your arm is controlled."

Cameron asked, "May I make a suggestion? Mannequins never move their arms, fully. So, how about we install an elbow joint, so she can move it?"

Zoey asked, "But… But what if her arm is destroyed, in the process?"

Hanajima said, "I can take it. Besides, I can wait, until Tohru comes out. She doesn't know that I am still alive."

Dawn and B restrained her. Dawn beeped, "Allow me. Commencing operation on Miss Hanajima's arm!"

She stated, "Since you cannot feel pain, I'll have to remove your arm."

She covered her mouth and made Hana sleepy. She collapsed onto the floor, and was out like a light.

Zoey asked, "Was it necessary?"

Dawn spoke, "It must be a legit and delicate operation. I have some anesthetic, built in me, for medical reasons. We cannot have Hanajima scream in pain."

Mike said, "She's right."

Cameron said, "I'll help you, Dawn. It needs more brainpower to conduct a wonderful prosthetic, made from wood and paint… which was from a human body part, out of black arts."

Dawn bowed, "Assistance accepted, Cam. Now, strap up."

They began to work on Hanajima's arm. Cameron carefully removed the right arm from her body, as Dawn examined its contents and tried to find a way to carefully install some hinges, so she can move her arm and wrist. She scanned through her skeleton and tried to match her arm's movement.

"Confirmed!" Dawn dinged, "B, do you have any spare parts?"

B nodded and gave her some metal parts from his stomach. Dawn accepted them, as Cameron was disgusted.

"You know what, keep it, B." He sighed.

"No! Hanajima's life is at stake! We must rescue and/or stop Tohru! She owed her a favor, and gave us a second chance!"

Mike snuffed, "Yeah, Tohru has become a jerk."

Zoey said, "Maybe so, but we can rescue her… from him."

She sprouted a small buzz saw and prepared the operation.

XXXXX

Chris and Tohru were walking down the hallway, as they headed to the main stage. Michelle viewed the scene, as she was watching on. She then peered at Tohru, wearing her mask and cape.

"It can't be her…" she thought, "And I thought Percival was lying."

She called Percival and instructed, "I found your wench. She's with Chris McLean, on the way to the stage. Where are you?"

Percival called back, "Good. I'll deal with Chris, backstage. You, however, make sure that he is safely in his room. I'm on the west side of his estate. I shall deal with him, once he finishes his empty promises of slander and fabrications."

Michelle said, "I understand. See you then. Over and out."

She said, as she headed to the main stage, guarding the entranceway.

"I knew I should've stayed home," she muttered.

A person on a podium spoke:
"Ladies and gentlemen, host of Total Drama and a future leader of the world, Chris McLean."

The crowd applauded, as Chris appeared on the podium, while Tohru was standing in a black background. Her silhouette was shown. Uo saw her and thought, "Tohru? I recognize her body anywhere. I guess she owed him a favor."

"Sha-please," Lightning said, with white hair and shades, "He's obviously controlling her."

Uo whispered in anger, "What are you doing here?"

"Lightning ain't leaving you alone."

"Fine… But be quiet!"

Chris cleared his voice and began his speech.

"My fellow people, and fans, I call you today for this huge gathering. We will have less work, more work, less play, more play, and even extreme sports… TO THE MAX!"

They applauded, as he continued:
"We must throw off our oath of monarchy, and make our worlds safe from democracy, hypocrisy, insolence, hate and discrimination, and even high levels of extensions!"

The crowd cheered, as Chris smiled. He continued, "These worlds must expand. Without this fusion, how can we discover newer worlds? Every two to three weeks, you will see a new terrain, from the rocky shores of Alcatraz, to the sunny sides of White Rock! That's in Vancouver, Canada. As many U.S. and World leaders say, let there be peace! Of course, not everyone has a saying. We no longer say "Win for Winnie!" or "Give me Liberty, or Give me Death!" or "Vivá la vida!" or "Hail the NEW WORLD!" or even "YES WE CAN!"! No! This is one nation! One nation… under Chris! And I mean it, too; which is why I shall lead all of you to the newest life, by giving you a chance to help out! For those who wanted to experience peace, don't knock it, until you try it. However, for those who betray me, it's death. But I won't be the one who will kill the masses! I have my own agenda. Furthermore, this will be a day of a new world, all for one, all for amusement, all for entertainment! And above all… ALL FOR PEACE!"

He raised his hands high and cried, "So! As the future leader of all of you, I promise to make it my mission, along with fellow interns and hired hands, to make it what it is, today! If you see someone that you do not know, do NOT take action! That's the job of a mere form of losers. Namely, the crappy peacekeepers! They act like they are so bumbling, but they get the job done! But, yeah… in serious matters, it doesn't."

He then concluded, "And so, if you choose me to help out, I, along with my advisor, will make sure that they are safe for people like you, AND people like me!"

The crowd cheered loudly, as Chris smirked, covering the microphone, "Suckers."

Tohru thought, "What an honor. I've been a leader of the Resistance… and now, I'm an advisor to the man that helped me out."

As the crowd cheered, Aya whispered, "And that's how the peace will end. Something has to be done…"

Percival glared, as he left the stage. Michelle grew worried, as she followed him. Uo and her allies leave their seats.

XXXXX

Dawn said, as she finished the operation, "All finished!"

Hanajima woke up, as Dawn, covered in small shavings of wood, comforted her. She responded, "Can you move your arm, Miss Hanajima?"

Hanajima moved it, but very weakly. She then zapped it with her electric waves. It started to move like a real arm. She wiggled her fingers and said, "Impressive. You guys did it."

Mike said, "Well, she did try to match your inner arm layout. It looked so hollow."

Hanajima smiled, "Dawn, thank you."

Dawn said, "Thank Cameron! He suggested the idea. And look! No joints!"

She was right. Her arm was whole, without any hinges or axles on it.

Cameron said in excitement, "This is beyond scientific endeavors! We've invented the first human-like prosthetic arm!"

Not proven…

Hanajima smiled and said, "Now… Now I can find Uo and tell the truth. Where are they?"

Zoey said, "Bad news. The speech ended. Chris promised that he'll make it peaceful, even if it is messed-up… But…"

Mike growled, "He's lying. It's bad! Very bad!"

She got up and said, "Tohru Honda… She must pay! You five wait here!"

Dawn cried, "But… But, Hana! You cannot, at this condition!"

Hanajima said, as she turned away, "I can do it. No trying. There is no try. If I die, tell Megumi that I'll always love him."

He left, as Dawn asked, "Uh… Who's Megumi?"

Mike said, "Maybe… her father?"

Megumi Hanajima is her brother.

XXXXX

Elsewhere, Chris retired to his room, as Tohru waited outside the door. He proclaimed to her, "Onigiri, our time has come. Finish what you're doing and return here to my main room. I'll be relaxing in my hot tub, if you need me. Now… find your allies and bring them to me. We must salvage what is left of your former group."

"Yes, Master." Tohru bowed, as she kneeled to him.

"I have a proposition for them. If they agree, take them. If they don't… KTCH!"

"Understood, Master…"

She left to see Uo, as Chris went inside. Tohru disappeared, as Percival arrived at the door. He held up his gun and said, "Now, McLean… I can allow you making such bullshit, but when you hurt an innocent girl and make her a puppet for your work, that is going too far."

Michelle blocked the door and said, "No. I won't let you."

"Get out of the way, Michelle! I am ending this!"

"I know you wanted to, but our orders are to observe him! However, I don't believe that he has controlled Tohru Honda, that wench you mentioned!"

"I don't care! Chris McLean is a big asshole! I'm sick of this! All he did was control the worlds and ruin people's lives!"

"Percival, that is such bollocks! Like I'd believe your myth about McLean being a bad man!"

"STOP pretending that you don't care, like an uncaring shithead! You have no remorse over anybody! A friend of mine… lost her fiancé and wedding, because of him! And now… I'm gonna kill him! THAT FREAK WILL NEVER RULE!"

Michelle was astonished, but then sighed, "Percy. I'm sorry. If you told me so, I'd help you. I feel bad."

"I know…"

"Go on in. But you must give me the report on him. Besides, that's our M.O."

"Understood." He bowed, as he stepped in.

Michelle then got a call from her superiors. She spoke on the cellphone.

"Hello? Agent Nevins reporting…" She said, "Yes? Yes, sir. Permission to obtain Agent Gaynes. He has been in McLean's room, disobeying his order. … Uh, huh… What? He what? You mean you gave him the green light to him?"

She sighed, "Uh, yes, sir. I understand. I'll see that he returns, safely. I am older than him, you know. Oh, yes, sir. It won't be long. Anyway… I'm on it. Yes, sir. Returning to base. Thank you."

She hung up, and groaned. She heard that Percival gave permission to take out Chris. And his superiors gave it to him. Michelle turned to the door and smiled lightly.

"Bloody idiot," she said, as she walked away, "I hope you survive."

XXXXX

Uo then called to Lightning, as he and Dakota went inside. She said, "You two stay here. Tohru and I are to meet outside. Seriously, DON'T MOVE!"

She left, as Lightning said, "Well, as long as they are safe. Sha-blam! Let's beat it! We've seen enough for one day, monster girl!"

Aya appeared and said, "Allow me to do the honors."

Lightning smirked, "Sha-please! Would you say that Lightning has a plan?"

She grabbed both of the Antagony minions' shoulders and glared at them. She yelled, "You two… HAVE DONE ENOUGH!"

Dakota shouted, "BUT I NOT DO ANYTHING!"

POOF!
Aya made them vanish into thin air. She whispered, "You cannot be here… Not after what I may predict."

She snuck off, sensing Percival and Chris, about to confront each other. Will she make it, in time?

XXXXX

Tohru arrived and saw Uo, all alone in the middle of the boardwalk. She approached her and called, "Uo!"

"I got your message," she replied.

The sky began to grow cloudy, as Tohru smiled, "You saw the speech?"

"Yeah. But enough about Chris McLean… Let's talk about you."

"Why me?"

"Hana told me…"

"She's alive?"

"Yes. She said that you killed the Good Teens and Antagony, and even set up that excursion with those Fan Club girls. But, that's a lie. You'd never do that."

"No, I didn't. Well, partially, but, it was a count of revenge. And the Prince Yuki Fan Club wanted to help, but I never knew the sacrifices."

"I see."

Tohru held Uo and said, "Don't worry. You and I will continue the Resistance, and hopefully we can end McLean's tyranny. I mean, you should know by now that I had awesome powers. I can even make time stand still!"

Uo chuckled, "You're serious, aren't you?"

Tohru said in a cheerful voice, "It's fine! Whatever happens, we can make it through. Chris McLean gave me power. Power that even Aya can't match."

Uo gasped, as Tohru continued, "Why, I can even overthrow Chris and make him bleed in my shoes. We can fix the worlds, as it is… and we shall make it peaceful for everybody. And together, Uo-Chan… You and I… will rule the worlds."

Uo stepped back, as Tohru was worried. She asked her, "What's wrong, Uo?"

Uo replied in a shaken voice, "Oh, my god."

Tohru glared, "Why are you shaken by my presence?"

Uo responded, "I cannot believe what I am hearing… World domination? Tohru Honda would never resort to that. Hanajima was right!"

Tohru snuffed, "No. I don't wanna hear about Hana-Chan. The Fan Club girls turned on me, the Good Teens turned on me… Don't you turn on me, too. I'm doing you a favor, since I care for you. Both of you!"

Uo grabbed her arm and shouted, "What's gotten into you? Tohru! You've changed! I don't even know you, anymore! This is not what you wanted!"

Tohru shouted, "Let me go! I made my choice! I'm still siding with you! You think I care if he dies?"

"Listen to yourself! What has come over you? You're siding with him? What is wrong with you? You cannot side with him! He's an evil man!"

"He knew about you and Hanajima's future, likewise Aya. What choice do I have? I offered my life for him, only to protect you!"

"Tohru! No! You cannot side with someone evil… just for us! It's disappointing for you! You cannot hurt yourself, for something that is corrupt!"

"Because of Hanajima?"

Tohru turned away, as Uo shouted, "STOP! I can't let you do this… Tohru, listen to me… We love you, so much. Tohru, you must believe me. Chris McLean is evil! Please don't!"

She held her tight and hugged her. Tohru blushed in warmness, seeing that one of her friends is comforting her. However, she shoved her out of the way and glared at Uo.

She grasped her neck and shouted, "LIAR!"

Uo gagged, "Tohru… Listen to… me…"

"NO! You're with her, aren't you?" Tohru boomed, "You're with Hanajima!"

Uo was being choked, as Hanajima appeared from behind Tohru.

She shouted, "Tohru! Let her go!"

Tohru snapped, "YOU CAN'T MAKE ME! YOU WANT HER DEAD!"

Hanajima shouted, "TOHRU! LET HER GO! NOW!"

She let her go. Uo dropped to the ground, coughing, while holding her neck. Tohru lifted her up and said, "You brought her here, Uo? HUH?"

"She had nothing to do with it!" Hanajima called.

She shoved her down and stomped on her chest. Uo screamed in pain. Tohru pushed down hard, but Tohru got shocked by electric waves.

"ENOUGH!" Hana shouted.

She staggered a bit, as Hanajima glared at her. Tohru smirked.

"You did this… You made me do this! YOU MADE ME KILL UO!" She shouted at Hanajima.

"You did it to yourself!" Hanajima cried.

"YOU WON'T HURT HER!"

"Tohru! GET UP! And fight me!"

She glared at Tohru and said, "I'm afraid your lust for power and glory has made you what do what you just did."

Tohru turned away and said, "Hana… What am I becoming?"

Hanajima said, "You've become a hated deity. Aya Hoshino provided you the power… We provided the guidance… and Chris McLean provided the coup de grâce."

"Why should I listen to you?"

"Because Chris was using you… If you would've killed him, already, then this whole thing wouldn't have happened! And now, you have allowed this heinous man to twist your mind, until now, you've become the one person you swore to destroy, for all of us! You know I'm right."

"I don't need your pity, Hanajima. I see through the lies of the Resistance and Antagony. Don't you understand? I'm not afraid of the dark side of the AU, as you do. I am the great Onigiri! I have brought peace and joy to this world! Chris McLean is just a tool for my plan! All I need is to learn what he's really doing, and then I shall do away with him and demolish his new empire!"

"Tohru, you've changed!"

"Have I? If you think about it, my powers will end ALL factions that are in war, if these alternate worlds were in my empire! But it is only a dream."

"Your empire?"

"Don't make me kill you."

"Tohru, the Resistance isn't about war! Arisa and I always had represented the Resistance for peace… for love… for honor… FOR EGALITARIANISM! This world is corrupt in supremacy and oppression! People like Chris McLean should not be around! And people like you, cannot be succumbing to a powerful deity that is bent on the global sin of greed."

Tohru then turned to a red aura and said, "If you chose not to side with me… You are my enemy. I was to offer you a spot in McLean's cabinet… but now I see… that death is the only goal for you."

Hanajima glowed in a blackish aura and responded, "Only a person like Chris McLean can learn from maleficence and absolutes. Tohru Honda… this is where the battle must be decided. You hurt Uo, you turn Motoko and the others into mannequins, you even sided with Chris McLean… You're three things, Tohru… You're a traitor… a murderer… and a deceiver. This must end, but I promise… that you cannot survive."

She glowed in electric waves, as Tohru did the same, in bluish waves.

Hanajima said, "If we must end this… It has to be one of us. I knew this day would come, when someone we know would turn on us. I'm shocked that it's you."

Tohru sneered, "You will try. For the record, I wanted to be alone, for the greater good. And now… it's all wrecked… thanks to you. You don't deserve to live, just for my pity."

She boomed in a huge bluish aura and shouted, "DIE!"

Hanajima boomed in a huge violet aura and yelled, "NO! IT ENDS NOW!"

Both auras engulfed the entire courtyard, as they stared down.

Who will win this final showdown?

The end is near…

Dawn viewed from outside, "What's happening?"

Cameron yelled, "Hanajima and Honda! They're…"

Zoey cringed, as she held Mike, "I'm scared. Someone end this nightmare."

Mike said, "It's alright, Zoey. Whatever happens, let's hope Tohru survives…"

He glared, "Before it consumes her…"

Zoey asked in confusion, "Uh… … …What?"

Cameron said, "Keep the doors locked, until the fight ends! Plus, it's gonna rain, soon."

Dawn saluted, "Affirmative."

The kids hid in the vehicle, as the clouds began to grow dark.

To be continued…