DISCLAIMER:
Greetings, Episode 44 is released. How will the campers react to last night's elimination? What will Cody and Charlotte do now that they are back on the island? And what did Duncan discovered talking with Brick?
Find out now on Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses.
And remember if you like the story so far mark it as a favorite, or leave a review (or even better, do both ;) ). This is the only way I have to know what you think about it and improve both this and future stories. Now before starting let me answer last week's reviews.
Harmony735: Sorry, I really tried but this week was impossible to write the chapter before Saturday. I hope you enjoy it ;)
Aleheather4ever: I really love this theory. I wonder if it's true ;)
WhatTheHeck23: Well Amy has been kind to Brick during all the game, so there is no reason for him to not defend her. (now if she is in love or is just gratitude after he saved her is something I will not say ;)
Also thanks to Trygve11, Sammie050301 and sbktd for their reviews of older chapters. I hope someday you will read this message :D
And as always, a GIANT shoutout and THANKS to Geofics, who helps me proofread the episodes. These words can express all my gratitude but it is the less I can do. Thanks a lot.
Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV, its creators, and associates companies. I don't own anything from the properties used in this fic.
Battlefield Pakhitew Part 1
Last time on Total Drama, Tyranny of the Masses, we visited the Total Drama Carnival of Pain, the Awesomest fair on the planet. It was full of dangerous challenges and surprises. The biggest surprise was that we're now on the merge and that 2 former contestants, Cody and Charlotte, returned for a new chance to be eliminated from the competition.
The carnival was fun and with a wide variety of games and attractions that pushed the campers to the limit. Each one had to beat another camper on 3 games to get that sweet immunity. In the end, only Brick and Samey could get it, which says a lot of the other contestants.
And in a close elimination ceremony, Shawn, the zombie nut, is out of the game. What will happen with the Heather alliance after losing one of their best men? Will the Alejandro/Amy alliance live on, or will it be a one-time event? And what is Duncan planning to do? Find out here on Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses.
He woke up a couple of hours after the sunrise. He didn't have the best biological clock, but at least he could wake every day before 9:00 a.m. His arms and legs hurt, but there was no time to lose.
He sat down on the border of the bed immediately. If he kept lying under the blanket, he would fall asleep again. After all, yesterday was a hard day. Yes, he lost in the first round. But even then, his plan was a good one. He just underestimated his opponent.
Topher took off his hairnet and groomed his hair before changing his pajamas. It seemed he was the last one of the boys to get up. Two days ago, there were only 4 of them, and now they were 6 again. But none of the former foxes were in the cabin.
After putting on his blue sweater, Topher went to the communal bathroom. There he washed his face, carefully shaved, apply lotion, put an exfoliating scrub over his face and a pore strip in his nose. He still has enough strips for another 35 days, and the competition will be over in 27, more than enough.
He then groomed and applied a little water to his hair. After his hair was ok, he took off the strip. Topher was ready to start the day.
The host wannabe morning ritual was over. Yes, it takes a little time doing it every day but he needed to do it to look his best. He then went to the cabin, tied a cloth around his hair and was ready to clean. Mike wasn't there but it wasn't unusual that the former multiple personality guy to be late. So he rolled up his sleeves and was ready to begin. But before starting, he found something over his bed - a letter.
What was a letter doing there? Topher took and read it. Please, meet me today at six at the forest entrance.
It wasn't signed, but the calligraphy was beautiful. Could it be from … No, it was impossible. It was probably from Charlotte, or maybe Amy trying to get him to vote against Sammy. There was no use in think about it. He took a broom and first sweep the floor. After that, he took a bucket and began to wash it.
"Good morning Toph," said Mike entering the cabin. He was carrying a bucket of water with him.
"Good morning," replied Topher, washing the floor. "How are you Mik?"
The thin guy took off his shirt and began to wet a cloth in the water. "Fine, lucky for us after the merge, we stood in our old cabin."
Topher smiled, "yes, it may be old and dilapidated. But still, I'm somehow fond of it."
"I totally agree with you," said Mike wringing the cloth. "I can't believe how many things happened yesterday."
"It was a day full of surprises. Sammy must be sad after losing Shawn," replied the host wannabe, lowering his eyebrows.
"Yep, it's hard when your friends are eliminated," said Mike, sighing. Then he looked at Topher with a big grin. "Maybe this is your chance. You should go and comfort her."
Topher blushed in a moment, "WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?" he then lowered his voice, avoiding his friend's gaze. "I'm not that close to her. It would be weird."
"But you want to become closer to her!" said Mike, his grin was so wide that you could see the gap between his teeth. "Man, you should take your chances. You never know if you will have an opportunity once you're eliminated."
There was a moment of silence. The thin man looked at Topher, expecting his answer, but the host wannabe wasn't sure. He began to clean the floor with a serious expression before talking again.
Topher twisted his mouth. "I don't know. After all, that happened…"
"Man, you two escaped together from Zeke's challenge," Mike interrupted him, "you need to be brave and take your chance. What's the worst that can happen?"
"Mik, you're right. Maybe I'll do it," replied the host wannabe. Somehow when Mike said it, he felt confident in doing it.
The thin man gave Topher a thumbs up. "And if I can do anything to help you, just tell me. Except if you plan to give her a serenade, I can't sing to save my life. "
Both men laughed and kept cleaning the cabin. Without Dramaman they were a lot slower, but none of them would stop. It was like a weird secret tradition between the three of them.
After cleaning and washing the floor, Topher took off the cloth on his head and groom his hair again. Applying water and a little gel to keep it the way he liked. He and Mike were talking about what to do next when someone knocked on the frame of the door.
They looked at the visitor, and there was Charlotte, squinting at the interior of the boy's cabin
"Sorry to interrupt your playtime, but I need Topher in my game server for some matches. Can you join right now?" asked Charlotte, pointing behind her with a thumb.
"Of course, see you later Mik," replied the host wannabe before following the E-gamer out of the cabin.
Charlotte, she was one of the 4 new fans that joined the fan ferrets team. The dark-skinned woman was a professional e-gamer and a very competitive and fierce contestant.
If she and Topher weren't friends, they were at least close to being friends. They talked a lot during the first days, joined forces to eliminate Jay, and when she was eliminated, she left him the strange contraption to access the supercomputer DAM. But he never expected her to be one of the returnees. In fact, he thought the returnees would be Jasmine and Lightning.
"Welcome back. It seems you still have one continue left," said Topher, winking.
Charlotte smiled, "I just press start in the last second. Now that I'm back, I will show everyone that I'm here to win."
"Oh," exclaimed the host wannabe, making a playful smile. "Good luck then. But I'm also planning to win. No hard feelings."
"Of course. If you had selected another option, I would stop talking with you. A team without ambition will not win any game," said the E-gamer, patting him hardly in the back.
"Ouch, thanks," said Topher, that almost lost his balance, "that means you want to form a team with me, right?"
She nodded, "Many people think you're only a high charisma stat, but you also had good mental stats." Now that they were far enough from the cabins, she stopped, leaning against a tree. "You're right. Now that we're in the merge is every person for themselves, but that is only half of the play mechanics because the eliminations are still done via a direct vote."
"Ok, I accept," said Topher, but then he looked thoughtfully at the ground, "but only the 2 of us isn't enough to protect ourselves."
"You're right, and we can't trust the ones like Amy or Brick. So our alternatives are Sammy, Sky, or the former foxes," said Charlotte, her eyes cold as ice.
Topher felt a little concerned with his partner's expression but decided to ignore it.
"We can go one step at a time. For now, let's keep a low profile and hope they don't target us," explained the host wannabe.
The e-gamer nodded again, "You're right, that seems like the better strategy," she then leaned toward him, almost whispering. "And one more thing. Do you still have THAT item I left you?"
He hesitated because that piece of junk was probably more problems than it was worth it. "Yes, if you have time, we can go and retrieve it."
The e-gamer made a big grin and nodded. This time her gameplay was going as she planned.
Confessional: Charlotte.
"The plan is simple, form a small but trustworthy party, and win challenges. At first, voting the worst player, and when the numbers are better, targeting our enemies. Now that it's pure PVP it must be easier for us to find allies in the NPC pool. And having a trusty second in command is always helpful," said Charlotte, folding her arms and smiling smugly in front of the camera.
On the back of the cabins, two former foxes were playing cards. But even if things seemed the same on the surface, the situation and games weren't as before.
"And full house, I win again, now you owe me 234 dollars," said Heather showing 4 jacks and a joker.
Cody smiled, but it wasn't a big grin as always, "Darn, If we keep like this, I'll have to give you my million once I win the competition."
"A pleasure playing with you, as always." Said the queen bee. Then she looked at him frowning a little. "And why the long face? You're back into the game. You should be happier."
The brunette guy shook his head. "It's nothing. I'm just tired." He lied as he began to shuffle.
It was one week ago when he was eliminated when there were still 8 foxes in the game. He had 5 votes in his favor. Heather, Courtney, Duncan, and Sammy would vote for Alejandro. Even if Sammy didn't vote with them, he would have a tie with the Spaniard.
But instead, he was blindsided. They not only didn't get enough votes to eliminate Al, it wasn't even a tie. So it meant either Cody had 4 votes against him Alejandro 3, and another person 1. Or Alejandro had 3 votes, and he 5.
Either way, it meant that at least one of his allies betrayed him. Heather and Sammy, or Duncan.
Cody dealt 5 cards to his friend and 5 to himself while thinking about the possibilities.
The delinquent was the best option. He never liked him, especially after what happened in the World Tour season. But did he really lied to him? Was keeping a snake-like Alejandro in the game better than keeping him?
And on the other hand, Heather was acting rather suspiciously. They had been friends for 2 years, and she told him she was living with a roommate and dating Alejandro. But she never mentioned her roommate WAS Alejandro.
He had a pair of 4s, 8, 9, and 10 of hearts. He needed to make a decision, either keep the fours or trust his gut feeling and keep the riskier but stronger straight?
"I want 3 cards," said Cody, keeping his 4s. And receiving 5 and 7 of hearts and the ace of clubs.
That hurt. He should have trusted his instincts.
"Fold or raise," asked Heather, oblivious to the drama that was happening inside her friend's mind.
"Raise," he said, putting 1 dollar on the table.
"I take you dollar and put 4 more," said the Asian girl putting 5 dollars.
Cody shook his face, defeated, "I fold."
The Queen Bee smiled triumphantly and took the dollar. "Thanks my friend. I appreciate your money." She then showed her hand, "High card queen of spades."
Cody's jaw dropped, "No pair! You win with a no pair?"
"Don't get angry. It's only a game, don't take it personally. I value your friendship even if I play the game a little roughly," said Heather, her gray eyes locked in Cody.
The brunette boy felt something warm inside his heart. It was weird hearing Heather saying something like that. "Of course no hard feelings. But I'll win in the end."
Heather laughed a little, but then both hear a sound and see someone walking away from the cabins. Even if he was walking away, they recognize him for his green lime hair.
"That delinquent! I'm sure he's plotting something," said the Queen Bee scowling at him.
Cody looked at him for a moment before facing Heather, "Really? This season he has been laying low."
"Don't be naïve. Yesterday he targeted me to warrant I didn't get the immunity. And I think he's trying to get Courtney on his side," replied Heather tossing her braid.
"Courtney? After what happened on World Tour? I don't think that is possible," said Cody rubbing his chin.
But also, it was true that Courtney was different now. He even considered the Latin girl his friend. He may need to talk with her later.
Heather rolled her eyes. "That rotten criminal was her first love. And you know how special first love is. He may even be lying to her in order to manipulate her."
Cody just remembered Gwen and immediately understood the meaning of Heather's words. "You're right. Maybe we need to talk with Courtney about that."
"And also eliminate that scoundrel as soon as possible." Said Heather raising her head and looking down at the punk that was almost out of sight.
Confessional: Cody.
The Codster was looking with thoughtful expression at the camera. "Heather made some good points, but I need to be cautious, or I'll be blindsided again. Maybe I should focus on Alejandro instead of Heather or Duncan. At least he's a person I can go against without any doubt."
Sammy was training in the entrance of the woods along with Sky. Both were disheartened after Shawn elimination yesterday, but none had talked about it until now.
"Now is just us Sammy. We need to take care of ourselves and try to reach the finale. Not only for us but also for Shawn, for Jasmine, and for Dave," said the Cree girl while doing some sit-ups.
Sammy was sitting next to a tree, resting a little. "I know what you mean, but we alone can't do it. Right now, between Heather and us, we only have 3 votes. It's not enough. We need at least 2 or 3 votes to be secure."
"Are you talking to make alliances?" asked Sky in a distressed tone, "I don't know Sammy. I don't like alliances. They feel unfair."
"But you have been in an alliance with us all the season," replied Sammy looking at her friend with wide eyes.
"NO! I have been voting with you when we agree because we're friends. But I never agree to be part of any alliance." Replied the gymnast standing up. "That's why I didn't like you brought Heather yesterday to the cave."
Sammy felt a shiver run down her spine. "What are you saying Sky? We're an alliance, and also Heather's my friend. I owe her a lot for helping me when I was in the foxes. She's completely trustworthy."
"Sorry, I never thought of us as an alliance," said the Cree girl, looking at the ground. "I need to think about this for a little."
"Of course, n-no problem. We're friends after all. Take the time you need," said Sammy smiling awkwardly.
The Cree girl smiled, "thanks Sammy, once I come with an answer I'll let you know. Sorry for being selfish, but this is the kind of person I'm. I prefer to lose than to cheat."
Sammy waved at her friend, trying to show a big smile, but actually, she was worried. This was just the last thing she needed.
All was so weird, first with Amy. She still resented her sister but couldn't understand her. Lying so the cheerleaders club could go on their summer trip, or the things she said about her poems. It was as if Amy was another person.
Heather told her it's a trick and that she should focus on taking her down, that she's the enemy, and Sammy must show her who is the best twin. But somehow things instead of improving were worsening.
Dave and Shawn were eliminated, Jasmine wasn't one of the returnees, and it seemed that Amy has more votes than her. And worse of all, she supposedly beat her in yesterday's challenge, but she can't remember any of it. All about the house of mirrors seemed like a dream. And now Sky…
"Wow! You're thinking so hard that I almost can see smoke come out of your ears," a voice interrupted Sammy's thoughts. She turned and find it was Duncan.
"Duncan?" asked Sammy absentmindedly.
"You never stop to amuse me. That is the silliest greeting you have done," said the delinquent nodding. "Yes it's me. No other guy has green hair on the island."
Sammy blushed a little angry, "I know it's you. It was just that I was surprised you were around here. I thought we would meet at night."
"Eh? Nope, there is nothing to talk about," said Duncan sitting under the same tree as her. "I just look at you trying too hard and decide to mock you a little."
"That's is not something nice to say," replied Sammy frowning
The delinquent just shrugged, "Whatever, if you don't want to talk about it don't do it. But if you need an ear, I can lend you one for a small fee."
"I'm fine, thanks. Also it's kind of weird that you try to be nice with me," said Sammy raising an eyebrow.
Duncan tilted his head. "How is it weird? They used to call me Mr. Nice man."
"Mr. nice man? I thought you hated to be called nice," said Sammy chuckled. Today was really a weird day.
"Think what you want, but at least you're laughing right now, so my job here is done," he said, standing up.
Sammy looked at him, walking away, and then looked sadly at the floor, "Duncan, can I really trust you?"
"That is something you need to decide by yourself, cheerleader," said the delinquent, waving his hand.
Sammy stood there thinking, she still had things to do, and maybe she should talk with Heather about Duncan. But in the end, decided to not do it.
Confessional: Sky.
"I really don't like the idea of forming alliances with Heather. To be honest, I don't trust her. I know I'm petty, but she reminds me of an old rival. She was the meanest gymnast I ever met and did everything she could to win, even betraying her own teammates. But I don't want to leave Sammy alone with her. What should I do?" Said Sky looking concerned at the floor.
Alejandro and Brick were going back after their usual routine around the island and were going to the mess hall to eat lunch. But today, the cadet was immersed in his thoughts, especially after what happened yesterday. This was something that didn't pass unnoticed by the Spaniard.
"Are you ok amigo? It's something troubling you?" asked Alejandro lowering his eyebrows.
"Eh!? Oh, no, don't worry. I'm just tired sir, that's all," lied the cadet, speaking in a higher pitch than normal.
Brick was a bad liar, and in fact, he felt guilty about yesterday. Of course he wanted to save Amy from elimination. But in this kind of game, it's fair that the one with more votes goes home even if they don't deserve it? And also, was Alejandro honestly helping them, or was he using them as puppets? From what Duncan said, it was the second.
But even if the Spaniard hadn't a way to know Brick's inner thoughts, he was more social savvy than the cadet and knew that he was lying.
"Even if you don't know it, you probably have merge blues," said Alejandro making a charming smile. "It's normal to felt lost the first time you make the merge and have to play against your former teammates. But don't overthink about it. You knew that sooner or later, we have to play against each other, and in the end, only one can win."
Brick nodded, "Yes, I know that, but I would prefer that the winner is decided fair and square."
"Brick, is there something you want to tell me? Because your words hurt me," asked Alejandro, his smile being replaced by a sad frown.
The cadet panicked and shake his hands, "Oh no, Alejandro. I wasn't trying to say…" but then he fell silent. Brick McArthur was proud of his integrity, so he decided to be honest. "Alejandro, are we really friends? Or are you just using me to advance into the game?"
Alejandro looked at him shocked. He never expected THIS was the thing that Brick has in mind. Both entered the mess hall, but before they could say anything, someone greeted them.
"Hey, hello! Why don't you come and eat with us?" said Amy, waving at Al and Brick.
Alejandro looked at the soldier with icy eyes. "Let's continue with this conversation later."
Both took their trays with some unknown slob on them and sat with Amy and Lilly, who were in the middle of taking their unappetizing food.
"And how are you doing on this day, bellas damas[1]? And how rare that you're eating without our friend Mike." Said Alejandro smiling again, acting as if the last exchange with the cadet never happened.
Amy looked at them and then smiled, "Mike was here just a moment ago, but he has some things to do. So I was here taking my time eating…" The twin then looked at her plate, crinkling her nose, "this thing and then talking a little with Lilly. By the way, it may sound a little sudden, but what do you think would be a nice present for a guy you admire."
Lilly blushed and began to look at the floor while Alejandro and Brick looked at each other, not sure how to answer.
"It depends on the person you're giving the gift, but something you baked is usually a good one. At least if you are good at baking," said Alejandro sitting across Amy.
The older twin rolled her eyes, "Ugh! No, we need to do something here in the show, so we don't have access to the kitchen. And even if that savage and bald Chef let us use it, I don't know if we can bake."
"I can bake cookies," said Lilly in her low and shy tone.
Brick smiled, standing up in a moment. "I think that handmade gifts are the best way to show appreciation, ma'am. Let me see if I can get us the authorization to use the facilities."
The cadet then swiftly walked to the kitchen, Alejandro looking at him. "That Brick is too good for this game."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Amy, her pitch a lower than she intended, giving a death glare to the Spaniard.
Alejandro put his hands in front of him in a defensive gesture. "I mean he's really good-natured and loyal, and that made him a target for other ill-intentioned people."
"Don't worry about him. Brick may seem naïve, but he's smart and a good tactician. Even if someone can deceive him for a short time, he would realize it sooner than later," said Amy trying to pinch her slob, until at last she did it.
"You're right señorita. Maybe I'm overthinking," said Alejandro making a charming smile. Lilly looking at him with dreamy eyes. But neither the treehugger nor the twin knew the real meaning behind the Spaniard words.
Meanwhile, Brick was at the counter, saluting Chef.
"Hello Sir, I came here to make a request," said Brick, looking serious at the dark-skinned cook.
Chef returned the salute. "You're a polite and fine man, soldier. Your momma should be proud. What is your request? If it's about the food, I can't do anything. The whinny twin and the skinny womanizer are the favorites today so they got the best food."
"No sir, I'm fine with the rations you give us," replied the cadet, making Chef smile. "I wanted to ask authorization to use the kitchen for personal reasons. And also some butter, flour, sugar, eggs, and if possible some vanilla."
Chef scratched his chin, "What's this? Are you baking a cake or something?"
"Yes sir, actually cookies, sir," replied Brick, his eyes lock in the big man.
"Sorry boy, can't do that. They said I can't let anyone in my kitchen." Said Chef. Brick lowered his unibrow, disappointed. But he was too fast in drawing conclusions, "but if it's for you, I guess I can forget to lock the back door and leave the ingredients over the table."
Brick face beamed and saluted again, "Thanks, sir, you're the best."
"Don't mention it, only if someone enters the kitchen, I hope they leave everything clean before dinner time. And also, the temperature of the oven is off by 20º, so if you want to cook at 175º, you need to preheat at 195º."
"Sir, I don't have words to express my gratitude," said the cadet with a big grin on his face.
"I don't remember doing nothing for you, soldier. I'm just talking to myself. So just wait 10 minutes or so after I go away," said Chef, while looking in the shelves for the vanilla.
Brick returned to the table with Amy and the rest. It seemed they would be busy this afternoon.
Confessional: Lilly.
The treehugger was blushing but making a small smile. "I want to thank both Amy and Brick for this chance. I want to give Cody something as a welcome back gift, but there are few things I'm good at. I'll do my best to make the best batch of cookies for him, Amy, and Brick, oh and a few for Mister Chef as well."
Confessional: Chef.
"That young soldier is without a doubt my favorite this season. He's humble, polite, and strong, just like me when I was younger. And also he likes my food. I hope the cookies he's baking are for that small gymnast or the girl with dreadlocks. All the rest are horrible persons," said Chef nodding
After the sunset, at the forest entrance, Topher was waiting for the mysterious person that left the note on his bed. The letter was beautiful, maybe a girl? It would be awesome if it was from Sammy. But of course, there was no way she would call him here.
Or so he thought. The host wannabe's eyes almost fell off their sockets when he saw Sammy walking down the road. She seemed to be looking for something, but her face beamed when she saw him and immediately ran in his direction.
"Hello Topher, sorry, have you been waiting long?" asked Sammy, making a nervous smile.
Topher groomed his hair with his hand, "No, no, I just arrive."
She nodded, talking a little faster than usual."Phew, I'm glad. I was afraid that you could think I'm some kind of irresponsible girl that forgets her appointments. But, I mean, I'm sometimes a little clumsy but not irresponsible. Ups, I don't mean clumsy, I mean… ugh sorry about all my blabbering."
"Don't worry, I know what you mean," said Topher smiling, at least she was as nervous as him, "by the way, congratulations on winning yesterday's challenge. You were awesome!"
"Really? you think I was awesome?" Sammy smiled was so big it almost went out of her face. "Thanks, I just tried my best, and somehow I end winning. It's a shame you lose against Courtney."
Topher rubbed his neck, "I underestimate her. I thought in a height challenge Courtney would be weaker, but it seems you need more than some hundred feet to beat her."
"I think you did a great job. You were so manly up there." Said Sammy blushing.
The host wannabe also blushed at her comment, then he realized that it may improve the mood to change for a better scenario. "Want to walk around the beach? I mean, we can talk while walking."
"Of course! I love to walk. In fact, I walk everyday…" said Sammy trying to sound casual, but she soon realized how weird was what she was saying.
"Then let's go," said Topher trying to cover for the awkward moment, offering her a hand. Sammy took it timidly, and both began to walk toward the beach.
The night was a beautiful clear night. Even if there was no moon, the summer stars illuminated the sky. Topher ignored why she called him, but this was the perfect chance for him to become closer to the younger twin.
"I really missed you when they switched you to the foxes. I really enjoy our time together in both the kinosewak and the ferrets," said Topher scratching his cheek.
Sammy nodded, "To be honest, I was so nervous when I went to the foxes. I thought I wouldn't fit in the team. But Heather received me with open arms and helped me to survive the eliminations. And also Duncan helped me a lot."
"Duncan?" asked the host wannabe looking at her with wide eyes, "That is surprising. It seems like the rumors of him being a nice guy are true after all."
"I wouldn't call him nice, more like not as rude as he seems. But in his own way, he seems to be worried about me and …" she took a moment to find the right words, "I can't thank him enough for going back to look for you during Ezekiel's challenge."
Topher nodded, "Yes, I must say he was really cool. I still owe him that time. And I'll repay him sooner or later."
"I'm sure you will. I still owe you for helping me escape with Chris while you become the bait," she said, her eyes filling with tears. "I was so scared at that moment that I…"
And without thinking, Topher just hugged her, a strong and kind embrace. Sammy could hear his heart's beats.
"Sorry, I'm sorry for worrying you. You were really brave down there," said Topher, caressing her hear and trying to comfort her.
The young twin sniffed, "Sorry, you must think I'm weird, crying like this without warning. I'm so sorry."
"There is nothing to apologize. You were worried, but in the end, we're fine, so dry those tears," said Topher, letting her go a little to look into her eyes. "You're more beautiful when you smile."
Sammy blushed, stuttering, "D-Don't tease me like that. Y-You surely say that to all your g-girlfiends." She then blanched. Somehow she was so nervous that she was just talking nonsense after nonsense.
He made an awkward smile. "Even if it's hard to believe, I never had a girlfriend."
"Never? But you are so handsome and polite," said Sammy looking at him surprised.
He sighed, "I was too vain and also obsessed with becoming a TV star. So I mistreated and ignored my friends and schoolmates. I thought that was the path to fame, but in the end, it was just the path to be completely alone."
She held his hand and looked into his eyes. "But it's not too late to go back and make amends. I'm sure they'll forgive you. And don't say something so sad like you're completely alone. I'm sure Mike and Dave are your friends, and of course me too."
Topher suddenly began to cry, he didn't realize it, but Sammy's words were something he wanted to hear for a long time. It was true. He wasn't alone anymore.
"Topher? I'm sorry, it was something I said?" asked the younger twin holding his hand tighter.
The host wannabe shook his head. "Don't worry Sammy, it was just that your words touch a fiber, but believe me, I can't be happier."
"Then you should be laughing. You look more beautiful when you smile," repeat Sammy, blushing, looking into his eyes.
He smiled a wonderful and charming smile that became engraved in Sammy's heart.
Both then walked a little more and laughed, talking about their time outside the island while someone else watched them from some nearby bushes.
"Zoey would be ashamed if she finds out that you become a peeping tom," said someone, startling Mike.
The guy with spikey hair walked out of the bushes, frowning at his visitor. "Courtney? Don't do that. You scared me. Also, I was just watching over them."
"Really? It seemed like you were peeping their date," said Courtney raising an eyebrow.
"Hehe, nothing like that. Topher really liked her, but he needed a push to talk with her. So I just push him," replied Mike smiling proudly.
The Latin girl shrugged, "well, don't stay up until too late. And good luck with your watching."
"Of course, thank you, Court. See you later," said Mike, looking to hide again in the brushes.
Courtney made a small smile. She was younger than them when she started dating that ogre. That thought would be revolting a few weeks ago, but now it was a bittersweet memory. But enough of that, she needed to get ready to meet again with him tonight.
Confessional: Mike.
"I just want to tell my friend Draman, that the plan was a success. It's a shame you couldn't be here to see it. I hope you're enjoying the time out on the island or wherever you are now. I'll keep looking over them, so don't worry. I mean, I'm Mike, after all, and Mike is a good friend," said the guy with spikey hair, smiling and pointing at himself with a thumb.
It was already around 11 p.m. Duncan was sitting in the campfire. There was something magical in the warmth of the fire dancing before his eyes. He was smoking one of his cigarettes. He needed to be careful when smoking, he was almost out of cigarettes, and if all go according to plan, there were still 20 days of competition.
"You should stop smoking, it's bad for your lungs, and you reek of tobacco," said Courtney, scowling at him.
"I know, but smoking helps me to calm my nerves," replied the delinquent, releasing a long line of smoke from his nose, a little escaping through his piercing.
Courtney also smirked, "Are you nervous? It must be your first time."
"What are you saying? I'm always nervous when I'm meeting you," said Duncan, winking.
"Stop trying to mess with me, Duncan, and let's get to the point. You said you have something important to tell me," Courtney cut the chase. She didn't want to be too personal with him, especially after what happened in the underground.
He signaled her to get closer. "Typical Courtney, not wasting time. Ok, but come here. These are things I don't want to say too loudly."
The Latin girl walked to his side and sat in a stump next to him while Duncan put out his cigarette and threw the butt into the fire.
"First of all, a gift with all my love," said the delinquent, winking again. It was a bunch of sheets of paper.
Courtney examined them, and there was a map of the island forest. All the trees were marked with an X or an O. She looked at them with wide eyes.
"Is this a map of all the real and artificial trees on the island?" asked Courtney, not believing he could have something like that.
"Exactly, I'm glad you are as smart as ever," replied Duncan smirking again.
The island also became a natural habitat for some animals, so not all the trees were artificial. That meant that even if Chris could change the forest's shape or the mountains, he couldn't touch some trees.
So if you somehow could know which trees were real and which weren't, you could plan your strategies for outdoors challenges, like the camping one or the race through the woods.
"How long did it take to do all this?" asked the Latin girl while examining the notes.
Duncan leaned toward her, enjoying her surprised expression. "Not as long as you think. In fact, I finished the day before yesterday, but I just didn't have the chance to tell you."
There was a small silence. Courtney was processing all this. It was impressive, but Duncan wasn't the type to just do this for free.
"So I guess you want to propose an alliance in exchange for the map?" she asked, frowning at the delinquent.
He raised an extreme of the unibrow. "What are you saying? I already told you, I'll make you the winner of this season."
"I know what you say, but I'm not so naïve to believe that," replied the Latin girl in a harsh tone folding her arms.
"And I also told you that I don't care. I'm doing this because I want to do it. Why you have to make everything so hard?" asked Duncan rolling his eyes, trying to make fun of the former C.I.T.
But instead of a harsh reply, she stood there quietly, her face cold and emotionless.
Duncan lowered his unibrow and ran his hand across his mohawk. "Sorry, it was just a silly joke. I didn't mean it."
"I didn't care, so don't worry about that," Courtney replied, not looking at his face. "So it was this everything you have to say?"
"No, I have something more important to tell you. Something that can change the game in our favor," said Duncan, his expression becoming a smug smirk again.
She didn't reply. Courtney just looked at him with an annoyed expression, making a pause waiting for him to reveal his discovery.
"You know in this show there is an important game with alliances, right? People that will vote with you no matter what to try to minimize the chance to be eliminated," said Duncan drawing in the dirt with a branch.
The Latin girl rolled her eyes, "Wow, alliances, what a discovery. It's not like people have been making those since the first season," she added in a snarky tone.
"Don't be impatient, princess. I'm getting there." Said Duncan drawing small circles in the sand. "Basically, the main objective of the alliance is getting many votes, so you can eliminate someone else. Or use your votes to join other contestants outside the alliance and vote someone else."
She nodded, tapping her foot. Right now, Duncan's theory was nothing new.
"But what is the problem? That you can't control the votes of people outside the alliance, so your few votes can't control the game. But what if you can somehow warrant where will be the majority of the votes?" asked Ducan, smirking.
"Then you will win the game, but there is no way you can do something so convenient." Said Courtney in a harsh teacher-like tone. "You can only negotiate with people in your alliance to vote the way you want."
Duncan nodded, erase what he had drawn on the earth, and made 2 circles. "Let's say then that 2 players make 2 alliances in the same team. But secretly, they agree to vote the same players."
Courtney blanched. "You don't mean…"
"I see you are catching up. Of course, first, you prioritize the teammates outside the alliance. And then you focus on the more rebellious elements in your alliance. That way, you warrant that you and your accomplice are safe." Said Duncan making the circles bigger. "And what's better, you have two candidates for elimination, so you and your partner just need to agree which one to eliminate and try to keep both alliances balanced."
"I can´t believe it. Even if what you say could be true, Heather is incapable of such subtle manipulation." Said Courtney, biting the inner side of her cheek.
The delinquent shook his head. "Maybe in the past. But what if she learned how to lie? After all, she was dating Alejandro, right?"
"Let's say you're right. How can you know the alliance will not betray you? This whole plan depends on both alliances working as they should," asked the Latin girl, folding her arms.
"Easy, just be sure the alliances will be quarreling against each other. That way, they will vote with you only to eliminate the 'enemy'" Duncan's eyes seemed bluer, his smirk illuminated by the campfire.
For Courtney, this realization made sense. First in the foxes and then in the merge. That would explain Shawn's elimination. But that also meant that the story about cheating was a lie. A lie to manipulate Courtney. And it worked…
"That two-faced snake! I suspected that she was keeping some secrets, but this is going too far." Said the former C.I.T hitting her palm with her first. "she'll pay for this."
"Calm down princess. Don't let your emotions dominate you. This can be a great chance for us," said Duncan, throwing the branch into the fire.
Courtney was fuming. She glared at him. "So, what's your idea?"
"Let's use their plan against them," replied Duncan smiling, "so we'll do this…" The delinquent explained his plan to the Latin girl.
"I understand, but what if you're wrong?" asked Courtney, still frowning angrily.
The delinquent shrugged, "Then one of the twins or I will be eliminated instead. But there is no use in worrying about that at this moment."
The Latin girl stood up, making a small smile. "Then we'll try your idea. Let's just hope they don't get an immunity tomorrow."
"You worry too much. Let's just play by ear until the end of tomorrow's challenge." Replied Duncan, also standing up.
Courtney nodded and began to walk to the cabins, but she talked one last time with the delinquent before going. "Duncan, thanks."
"Any day, princess." He replied in a more serious tone.
Duncan wanted to ask her about the university again, why did she drop out? But it wasn't the moment, maybe after tomorrow's elimination.
Confessional: Courtney.
The now counselor was frowning at the camera. "I admit it. Duncan sometimes can be pretty smart. And maybe he really wanted to help me win the game. But that Heather, if she really was just using Cody and me, she will pay for it."
The next morning Brick went out of the cabin, ready to start his daily routine. Yesterday, after all the baking and the dinner, he couldn't talk again with Alejandro. That or maybe the Spaniard avoided him. Either way he needed to settle things with him as soon as possible.
"Good Morning. Augh! I can't believe you get up so early every day. Don't you get bored?" asked someone behind Brick.
The cadet turned around and found that the voice came from one of the twins, that looking closer was Amy.
"Good morning, ma'am, did you sleep well last night?" asked Brick, saluting at the older twin.
"Yes, yes, I sleep quite well," she replied, rolling her eyes and then offering a small red bag to him. "Here, I bring this for you."
Brick took and opened it, inside it was full of cookies, " Are this for me?"
"Of course, they're for you! How dense can you be? It's a token of gratitude for helping us to get the authorization to use the kitchen," said Amy trying to not show she was blushing.
"Then I accept them with utmost gratitude," he said saluting and eating one. "They're delicious."
Amy face beamed, "Really? I mean, of course, I hope you enjoy them."
The cadet decided to keep for himself that the cookies were a little overcooked and bitter.
But before the older twin could go back to her cabin to get a little more sleep, the annoying but familiar sound of an airhorn filled the loudspeakers.
"Good morning, campers. Please come to the entrance of the forest so we can get started with today's challenge," said Chris in an excited tone.
"That idiotic slavist. It seems that today we'll not get breakfast," said Amy scowling at the airhorn.
Brick smiled. He was sure that slavist wasn't a word, she wanted to say slaver, but he decided to not correct her. "Don't worry, maybe today's challenge is an easy one, and we can get it done in a couple of hours."
"Knowing that clown, I doubt so. But I guess we'll find out soon," said the older twin shrugging, before going to get Lilly.
The 13 remaining campers got up and walked toward the forest entrance as the host told them. There he was waiting, dressed as a military general in greens. Chef was at his side, dressed like Brick, but with a combat helmet. Near them was a big white sheet covering something.
"Welcome. I hope you're ready for today's challenge," said Chris showing a big grin.
"Yes, epic introduction, but did you have to do this before breakfast? Even if disgusting is better to eat something than nothing," said Courtney, glaring at both Chef and Chris.
Chef scowled while Heather and Cody looked at her with surprise. They didn't understand why she was so angry.
Chris instead only smiled. "Yes it was necessary. I want you in the correct mood because today's challenge will be brutal and deadly."
Saying this, the host revealed what was under the sheet. All the campers blanched, some shocked and others shaking their head in disbelief.
Under the sheet were 13 assault rifles with 13 magazines.
"Today's challenge is WAR. So I hope you're all ready to take your weapons. Welcome to your battlefield soldiers," said Chris, making a sadistic smile.
What will happen next? In what consist this war-like challenge? And who will win the immunity? Find out the answer to this and many other questions next, in Total Drama, Tyranny of the Masses.
Author Notes:
The challenge is ready again, and the campers need to arm themselves (literally) to compete. Who will survive the war? Who will lose? And are those real assault rifles? Will the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission really allow this? Find out in the next episode of Total Drama Tyranny of the masses.
In the first chapter, now that the merge is done, the players need to start to think outside the old team alliances. Also, Topher x Sammy plot advanced. I hope you enjoy it.
Immunity idols left: 1
D.A.M. Eliminations left: 3
Remaining players: Alejandro, Amy, Brick, Charlotte, Cody, Courtney, Duncan, Heather, Lilly, Mike, Sammy, Sky, Topher.
Eliminated: Cameron, Jasmine, Max, Lindsay, Dawn, Jay, Lightning, Charlotte, Beth, Cody. Zoey, Dramaman. Shawn
As always, thanks for reading and I hope you like it.