DISCLAIMER:
Hello again, chapter 49 is here. Which team will win the immunity in this Chinese-like challenge? Who will be the unfortunate going home tonight? And what effect will have the challenge on the team's in the future? Find out now here in total Drama Tyranny of the Masses.
And as always, if you like the story, please leave a review with your thoughts about it, or at least mark the story as a favorite. That way, I will know you are enjoying it, and it will help me to improve this and future stories. Now before getting started, let me answer the past week's reviews.
Anonymous: Yes, you remember quite well, this is the second eating challenge, only that one it was a different kind of food, more appealing for the cast. Charlotte is a little like Eva with Bridgette, so being eliminated for it is completely possible. And about what's next is soon to know, but I have at least 4 stories I want to write after Tyranny.
Harmony735: I'm happy you are enjoying the former CIT in the fic.
Guest: Well it's already been a year. But you're right. Probably there is more behind Mike's attitude.
Aleheather: So far, they only have their clothes ruined, but anything can happen.
AmitAv: Poor Brick, he is really busy with Alejandro's issues, so he and Topher didn't interact much. About Sky and Lilly you will find it soon. And about Gwen and Geoff, I'm not sure if they will appear in the next Aftermath or in the next one, but it will be mentioned in one of those two.
And as always, a COLOSSAL shoutout and THANKS to Geofics, who help me proofread the episodes. I know I put it in all the chapters, but it is the least I can do to express my gratitude. 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.
Journey to the west of Canada Part 3
Last time on Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses, the 15th challenge started. This time the campers had to compete in pairs against traditional and ancient Chinese events. After each event, a pair is eliminated, the last team standing would get immunity.
Brick, Charlotte, Cody, and Duncan struck out after their lame performances at the first 2 events. With 3 events and 8 contestants remaining, it will be a battle of guts, endurance, and smarts.
In the 3rd event the Courtney-Heather team already stood 96 seconds in the traditional bear rodeo. Can the remaining teams best their record, or will they be one of the 3 teams to advance to the next challenge? Which team will ace the last 2 challenges and get the sweet immunity? And of course, who of the remaining losers will go home tonight? Find out here on Total Drama: Tyranny of the Masses.
The twins were standing next to the Scuba bear's pen. They were discussing who will be tied in front during the event. Meanwhile, the bear used a hairdryer to dry the paint on his fur to not stain the twin's outfit.
"I'm the older one, so I have to be in front. It's obvious," said Amy putting a hand over her chest.
"You're only 17 minutes older! And I'm stronger than you. It's better if I'm at the front and you're at the back," replied Sammy, deciding to not let her sister get her way.
But the older sister scoffed. "Are you joking? Because as usual you're not funny. I can endure longer than you on that silly bear."
The scuba bear looked at her raising an eyebrow but decided to not fall into her provocations.
"Please Amy, we both know I'm at least as strong as you, if not stronger. Can you drop your false bravado for once?" replied the younger twin. Amy wasn't weak, but she was lazier than her.
Amy clenched her fist. "I'll show you. I'll be at the front, and I'll hold longer than you. Just wait."
"As you wish, but I expect an apology after you fail," replied Sammy, narrowing her eyes.
The interns tied them over their skirts so the rope didn't burn them like it burnt Heather. Amy won the argument but she was frowning. She and Sammy climbed the stairs moving in perfect synchrony and sat on the bear's back.
"And now the second entry of the rodeo. GO!" said Chris as Steve rang the small gong.
As soon as the door opened, the scuba panda began to buck wildly, doing his best to throw the twins out of his back. He could buck and jump faster as the twins didn't weigh as much as Courtney and Heather.
To everyone's surprise, after some seconds the twins were still holding there. Both were leaning on the bear's back, using their heels to press the bear's side and their hands to hug the bear, but instead of holding the fur, they were holding the flesh.
But soon, they began to show signs of tiredness, sweating, and breathing quicker. Even then neither of them let go of the animal.
"You can give up if you're tired, Samey. Nobody would be surprised," said Amy in a mocking tone, breathing heavily.
"You're the tired one … Amy … So stop trying to blame me … for your own faults," replied Sammy in quick sentences, also heavy breathing.
The older twin wanted to reply at her sister's 'provocations' (even if she was the one that started,) but she was too busy trying to stay on the damn bear.
The contestants watching the spectacle began to get surprised, or in the case of Heather and Courtney annoyed. The twins seemed about to fall at any moment for a long time. Both were sweating buckets and clenching their teeth. Their small insults ended some time ago, and they were just there trembling and gasping now and then. But they didn't fall.
Sammy's hands and feet hurt, and she felt the rope in her hip pulling her more and more. But she couldn't give up. Doing it would be a step down from her goal of Amy accepting she was as good as her.
And in front of her, the older sister didn't want to give up either. Her arms and legs trembled, and she felt dizzy, but for Amy, her pride was on the line. Giving up now was losing against Samey, and she just couldn't let her.
After what seemed an eternity for them, both sisters were thrown off and fell on their butts some meters in front of the bear.
"*huff* I can't believe you endured that much," said Sammy making a small smile. "Well done."
Amy smiled, also huffing. "Of course! *huff* I'm the older sister after all, but you weren't that bad."
It was weird. Amy hated her, and Sammy knew she couldn't trust her. But there was something weird in them working as equals to reach the same goal. It woke up a warm feeling in both twins.
"And the twins did a surprisingly fine job. For a moment I thought Scuba bear didn't know we had already started," said Chris in a mocking tone, the bear flipping the bird at him. "And they made a new record 202 seconds. Congratulations girls."
Both sisters smiled and were about to cheer when they realized it was Amy/Sammy who was with them. Then each went their own separate way to watch the next team.
"And now it's the turn of the smaller team, Lilly and Sky please take your position," said Chris in a mocking tone. Sky glared at him while both walked to the pen.
"Lilly, just relax and hold on to the fur as hard as you can. I will try to do the rest. If you lose your hold don't panic and just try to grab it again," explained Sky while the intern tied them together, the small athlete at the front.
The treehugger nodded wildly. "I'm sorry because I'll be dragging you in this event."
"DON'T APOLOGIZE," shouted Sky making the treehugger wince, "And don't give up before trying. Just do your best."
Lilly's lips trembled, but after watching Cody her expression changed to a frown full of determination.
The scuba bear was stretching, then glared at the girls, pointed at his eyes, and then at them defiantly.
"Bring it on," said Sky cracking her knuckles.
Lilly put her hands on the Cree girl's shoulders. "Maybe it's not a good idea to provoke him."
"Don't worry, it's all about psyching yourself up," explained Sky, then both went and sat in the bear's back. Once ready, the interns gave a thumb up to Chris.
"And now the third entry of the rodeo GO!" said the host as he gave Steve the signal to ring the gong.
The bear went out of the pen at top speed, bucking wilder than before. Lilly screams mixed with Sky laughs as both girls held the bear's fur as hard as possible.
"AAAHHH! This… is m-more scary that … it seems," said Lilly terrified and stuttering.
"It's not that bad, just get a hold," said Sky showing a confident smile.
But in a second her confidence disappeared. Her lower back began to hurt again, an old wound from the quarry challenge. It stung so hard that her expression contorted in pain.
The Cree girl held became tighter, including her heels. The bear didn't notice it and buckled faster, which increased Sky's pain and made it harder for Lilly to hold up.
Sky endured as long as she could, but both girls were tossed from the bear's back after some more seconds. They hit the ground hard with their sides. The interns, Cody, Sammy, and Brick ran to their side.
"WOW! That hurts," said Chris while chuckling. "This is the best fall to date but the worst time, 78 seconds. With this, the twins and Heather's team are in the next event. And the disqualified team will be between Sky's and Mike's teams."
But the people with Lilly and Sky ignored him. There was a more pressing matter at hand. Sky was writhing in pain after her fall and couldn't stand up.
Sammy held her hand tightly. "Sky don't worry, you'll be fine. Where does it hurt?"
"I-I'm fine. J-Just give me a momen … ungh," Sky tried to stand up, but the stinging pain in her back made her collapse again.
Logan stood up and faced Chris. The intern crossed his arms in x and shook his head.
The host clicked his tongue. "It seems there was an accident. Take Sky to the infirmary while the last team gets started." Steve began to run toward them, but Chris interrupted him. "Steve, you stay here. I need you to play the starting gong."
The interns carried a stretcher and put the Cree girl on it.
Sammy was about to follow them but someone stopped her. She turned to find it was Duncan.
"What are you doing? I need to go with her," said Sammy, narrowing her eyes.
"The challenge is still going. So go with your damn sister. Even if you give up, it'll not help your friend feel better," said Duncan. His tone was harsh, but his grip on the twin's shoulder wasn't.
Even then, Sammy frowned at him. "But I can't leave her alone!"
The delinquent rubbed her head, messing with her blond hair. "I'll go with her. And I think G.I. Brick and the hippie will also come."
Sammy nodded and saw Duncan, Brick, and Lilly go with the interns. She stood there until they couldn't be seen anymore.
Meanwhile, Topher and Mike took their position next to the panda pen.
Scuba bear was sitting on the floor with an ashamed expression, facing in the infirmary's direction. Next to him, Topher was talking with Mike, both men ignoring the drama inside the bear's head.
"I think it's better if I'm at the front," explained the host wannabe, Mike listened with a thoughtful expression. "You have long arms, and you can hold the bear better."
The spiky-haired guy suddenly smiled. "Wait! I have an Idea. Why don't we tie ourselves back to back instead of you in front of me? That way, both can get a better hold at the bear without hindering each other."
"That is an awesome idea! I just wonder if Chris will allow it? But there is only a way to found out," said Topher smiling and grooming his hair with one hand.
They asked the intern to tie them together back to back, and Chris didn't say anything; instead, he was gazing at them with an amused expression.
The interns helped them to get on the bear. Mike was facing at the head and Topher at the tail.
The host raised his arms and spoke in a loud voice."And now the fourth and final entry of the rodeo GO!" Then he signaled Steve to ring the gong.
The pen door opened, and Scuba bear went out, but his spirit was broken. He ran around and jumped a little, but there wasn't any energy. Yes, Topher and Mike need to hold firmly, but it was easier than any of the previous ones.
"It seems our Scuba bear is feeling guilty," said Chris looking at him with an unamused expression.
"Mr. McLean, it's a robot. They're not programmed to have emotions," said Steve twiddling his fingers nervously.
The host chuckled. "You would be surprised. But anyway this is a TV show we can have such a boring event," said Chris pressing a button on his mobile.
The Scuba bear's eyes became red, and it began to jump and buck wildly, just like in Sky turn.
Topher and Mike screamed as the bear began to turn around the place moving them left and right. Mike then held the bear with a lock around his head, holding one arm with the other.
The host wannabe released the bear, but even then Mike continued to keep his hold on the panda-like robot. But the strength of Scuba bear and the weight of Topher was too much, and after some agonizing seconds, Mike let the bear go.
Both men fell on the Earth, but luckily they didn't hit the ground as hard as the Cree girl before them.
"And it's over!" shouted Chris in a theatrical way. "The final time was …" Chris remained silent for a moment, enjoying the nervousness on their faces, "85 seconds! So Sky and Lilly are out, the rest advance to the fourth event."
Mike and Topher hugged, Courtney and Heather looked at each other awkwardly, Sammy jumped joyfully while Amy gazed at her with a smirk on her face.
"Now everyone follow me to the royal bath. There we will have the next event," said Chris, entering again into his litter to be carried away by 4 interns.
Confessional: Lilly
"It was such a shame what happened to Sky during the challenge. I hope she's ok. She seems to be in so much pain. And I'm sure it's my fault." Lilly covered her face and sobbed.
On the infirmary Chef, dressed like a nurse, was looking at Sky vitals on a screen. The Cree girl was in pain, and her muscles were rigid.
"So tell me small girl, where does it hurt?" said Chef reading off a checkboard.
Sky made an effort to look fine but annoyed. "It was just a bad fall. I have a little pain in the back, but that's all."
"Ok, show me your back," asked Chef sitting on a stool next to the bed.
The Cree girl rolled her eyes, "I told you I'm fi…"
"TURN AROUND! It's an order damn it," shouted the big man glaring at her.
There was a small silence, but Sky obeyed. After all if she kept refusing it would be suspicious.
Chef examined her back. There were small bruises but nothing serious. Then he noticed something. The big man touched the base of the athlete's back. She winced from the pain but made an effort to not scream.
"Everything seems ok," said Chef in a neutral voice. "Are you sure you're not hurt anywhere?"
"I'm sure," lied Sky, her eyes misty after Chef touched her back.
The man in the nurse outfit nodded. "Ok, then take these painkillers and sleep a little."
Sky smiled and decided to rest for a while. Chef shook his head. They definitely didn't pay him enough for this.
Fourth Event: The Emperor's Bath (皇帝浴)
The contestants sans Lilly, Brick, Duncan, and Sky were in a new room inside the castle. It was a big and steamy place with a large Olympic-like pool in the middle and a strong sulfur-like smell, like in a thermal bath.
Cody and Charlotte sat on one side of the pool. Both looked disheartened.
"I hope Sky is ok," said Cody looking at the floor lowering his eyebrows.
Charlotte looked at him with a puzzled expression. "She'll be fine. Her stats are some of the best in the game. But I'm surprised that you care about her."
"I don't think it's really surprising to care about someone on the show," Cody then noticed Duncan walking into the room. "Even if some are more trustworthy than others."
The brunette boy still had some doubts about Duncan, who was entering the room. Cody knew either he or Heather betrayed him. And now that Alejandro was out, he just has to carefully consider which one he should trust.
But that could wait for later, now there were more important things. "Duncan, how is Sky?"
"She seems to be ok. Chef told us to not bother her while she sleeps," replied the delinquent. "Brick and Lilly stood behind to watch over her."
"That is great," said Cody, making a big grin. Charlotte at his side was also happy but tried to not show it. After all, Sky was her rival.
While this happened, Chris stood upon a stone pedestal and faced the 6 remaining contestants.
"Welcome to the emperor's bath, the place for the fourth event," said Chris in a loud tone raising his arms.
Courtney blinked a couple of times. "I don't know how to start mentioning all the historical inaccuracies in this challenge."
"And nobody CARES Courtney. Another comment about the Chinesey of the events and you two are out of the game," said Chris glaring at the team.
"Why me too?" asked Heather, putting a hand over her chest.
"Because you're a team. And now stop interrupting me. The rules of the fourth event are as follows. You have to swim under the waters of this giant Chinese bathtub, avoid the obstacles and get a key at the end. Then you need to swim back and test the key in one of these chests. The first team to open 3 chest wins," Chris showed them one of the bronze-colored keys.
Topher rubbed his chin. "How many keys are there?"
"10 keys, and you can only carry a key at a time. You chose who swims first, but you need to swap swimmers after each try," explained Chris, throwing a key to one of the interns. "Now chose your swimmer so we can get started."
After a moment the 6 contestants were in their swimsuits, only this time Topher had a swimming cap instead of using the hydrophobic gel to protect his hair.
"What happened, pretty boy? Did you run out of dressing for your hair?" Shouted Duncan, mocking Topher's swim cap.
"Of course not, but thermal water is really bad for your hair so it's better to use a cap. Not that you care about your hair," replied Topher, mocking the punk.
Duncan glared while most of the presents laughed and then clapped. "Smart comeback pretty boy, you win this round."
Topher made a charming smile and then got to his starting position in the middle line. At his left was Heather, and at his right was Amy.
"I'm the older one so I'll go first," said Amy, narrowing her eyes at her sister.
"Yes, I already said that it's ok. What's your problem?" Asked Sammy in a calm and friendly tone.
The older twin twisted her mouth. There was something weird in Sammy accepting her decision without a fight.
And she wasn't the only one wondering about why she was swimming first.
"I was sure that Courtney would fight me when I said I would go first. Since when she is so passive?" said Heather under her breath.
Unknown to the Asian girl, letting her go first after she asked was Courtney's strategy. She wanted to go first, but it was better to yield this time and do the last event her way.
"Then swimmers, the emperor's bath event starts NOW," shouted Chris as Steve, sweating a lot, rang a gong. The host continued, "Now start jumping into the bath tube."
"Mr. McLean, can I wait outside the room? Or at least take off my Chinese jacket?" asked Steve, his clothes too hot for the warm room.
Chris laughed, "Sorry but if you go out, who will ring the gong to announce the winners? So just wait until you sound the gong, and you can go out of the room."
The chubby intern dragged his feet back to the gong, as the rest of the contestants were already swimming as fast as they could, but the race was harder than they thought.
It wasn't just the moving walls under the water, nor the green tincture that obscures their vision. The water was also hot, almost 40C grades (104F), making it quite uncomfortable to swim.
But even then Amy was moving quickly, avoiding the obstacles and going forward with grace and speed. Only one thing filled her mind.
I have to make a better time than Samey thought the older twin. Even if she beat her younger sister in the Balut challenge, she knew that she was the first to let go of the bear and her pride forced her to beat her this time.
And also, it was a swimming challenge, and she was great at swimming challenges.
Predictable she was the first one to reach the other side of the pool, she took the rightmost key and began to swim back.
Meanwhile, Heather was swimming fast but not like the twin. She hit many obstacles and was getting irritated.
Stupid walls. I swear if one of them crashes against me again, I'll go out of the water and punch Chris on his arrogant mug, thought the Queen Bee as she reached the other side of the pool.
She was about to grab one of the keys when a mischievous idea crossed her mind. It was risky, but also it could give her an advantage.
Instead of swimming back, she went next to the middle line. There was a net dividing the lines. But as she suspected, there was enough space for her arm, so she quickly took one of Topher's 10 keys and put it on the floor on her line. Maybe it was just a waste of time, but it can also be her winning card.
Smirking evilly, she began to swim back.
Meanwhile, Topher was more worried about the wrong things instead of the race.
Thermal water is good for the skin, but hot water can cause rashes right? That Chris really made a sadistic challenge this time. Thought the host wannabe, taking a key unaware that there were only 9 instead of 10.
He then turned and began to swim as fast as he could.
But it wasn't fast enough. The first one to reach the other side was Amy. Her skin was red-colored, and her blue eyes reddish and irritated. She walked to the chest and opened it.
"FIRST ONE! Take that Samey," said Amy smiling smugly at her sister.
The younger twin blinked a couple of times and jumped into the hot water. She knows we're on the same team, right? Thought Sammy while swimming as fast as she could.
Heather glared at them as soon as she went out of the water. Her skin was also red as a shrimp. She went to try to open a chest and failed.
"C'mon! really. I'm sure Chris somehow messed with my key," protested Heather stomping a foot on the ground.
Topher, who was as red as the girls, went out of the water and ran toward the chests. As he walked, Courtney jumped into the water.
The host wannabe tried his key and it didn't work either. He sat on the ground.
"Don't worry man. I'll get it," said Mike making a perfect dive into the water and trying to swim as fast as he could. Chris smirked while watching his performance.
Sammy avoided the obstacles and swam quickly. She was so focused on her inner conflict that she swam between them quite easily.
What is HER problem? So far we have been doing fine in the challenges. Yes she was nagging as always but we got first place in the bear challenge. Why is she now showing off her first place? Ugh! I don't understand her!
Sammy swiftly took the key and began to go back to the starting point.
Meanwhile Courtney was advancing quickly, but she noticed Mike was a fast swimmer. She didn't want to go into competitive mode, but she couldn't lose against him either.
Courtney was distracted by Mike and didn't notice the wall coming down over her, squashing her against the bath's floor. After a few panicking seconds, the wall let her go, and she went to the surface to take a breath.
"Pushing us against the floor in a pool? Chris, do you want to kill us!?" shouted the former CIT while glaring at the host.
He chuckled at her. "Of course not. That trap is annoying but not mortal. We tested the challenge with some interns, and none of them got major injuries."
"Except Jon," said Steve in a sad voice, putting a hand over his heart.
"Hey! we promise to never talk about Jon again, ok? So there were no major injuries," replied Chris glaring at the chubby intern. Then he turned to face the Latin Girl. "Now Courtney, you can keep yelling at me or continue swimming. Your choice."
She sighed and went again under the water.
But that small distraction took enough time for Mike to overtake her.
The spiky-haired guy's long arms help him in this challenge. He was faster even if he sometimes needed to stop to avoid obstacles. In a moment he took a key and began to swim back.
This is easier than I thought. Yes the warm water makes you dizzy after a while, but the obstacles are not that… he was thinking when he saw something floating in the water.
Mike emerged and squinted at it. "Hey mate, why is a dead fish floating in the pool?"
"It's not a pool, it's an imperial bathtub. And that's just a piranha, please leave it there," said the host with a sad expression.
"But why is a dead piran…"
Chris interrupted Mike talking in a harsh tone. "It was just a great idea that went very wrong. DAM calculations had an error, and it seems they can't live in thermal waters."
Mike shrugged and continued swimming. PETA will surely say something about this.
Sammy went out of the water and ran toward the chest. She looked identical to her sister with her red skin and red eyes. She tried her key, and lucky for them, it opened the chest.
"YES! One more to go Amy, we got this!" shouted Sammy making a fist pump.
But the older sister didn't smile, just dive into the pool and swam as fast as she could. The younger sister just sighed.
After a moment, Mike went out of the water. His brown skin was only a little redder and he wasn't as tired as his teammate.
He tried the key on the chest but it didn't work. "Also a bust? Oh man." He didn't finish complaining when Courtney came out of the water. Topher jumped in trying to keep Mike's advantage.
The Latin girl also didn't look as red as the others, but her big black eyes were red and irritated.
"Courtney HURRY! You just lost our advantage," shouted Heather raising her arms.
The former CIT frowned but decided to not say anything, instead she went to the chests and tried to open them. Luckily she succeeded.
"Only two more, Heather. Now go," shouted Courtney in her classic authoritative tone.
"Yes I know," replied Heather jumping into the water and swimming as fast as she could.
Amy swam quick, quicker than before. She was burning and not by the water.
How dare she! Samey not only beat my time she also got a key just like me. How dare she overshadow me? I'll show her. Thought the older twin. On the surface the contestants, interns, and Chris looked at her swimming like a fish.
She took a key and began to swim back. Meanwhile Topher was just in the middle and Heather a little behind him.
Topher knew he was a weaker swimmer compared to Heather, but even then he tried to advance as fast as he could to protect the advantage Mike got.
At the same time, Heather was trying to go faster, afraid of losing just because they were too slow. But she didn't see the moving wall and slammed face-first against it.
The Asian girl went out of the water, her nose red, swollen, and bleeding a little.
"Hahaha, Heather seems to have found one of our traps face-first," laughed Chris while Heather glared at him.
"Bite me, you and your stupid traps," replied Heather flipping the bird before she went again under the water.
Amy went out of the water and tried her key against the chest, but it was a dud.
"Argh! Just my luck," shouted Amy, stomping her foot against the ground.
Sammy didn't say a word and jumped immediately in the water, not wanting to waste the advantage Amy got.
The younger twin was fast, but she wasn't obsessed with beating her sister. She was just trying to win. The younger twin had swum half of the pool when Topher was going back.
The host wannabe and the Queen Bee both went out of the water at the same time.
"YES! First one Mike! We can still make a comeback," shouted Topher making a giant grin.
"UGH! Another fail," scram Heather throwing the key against Chris.
The host avoided it and gave the Queen Bee a death glare. "HEY! be careful where are you aiming! Remember violence against the host is forbidden."
Courtney sighed and jumped into the water while Mike was making a big smile. The Latin girl knew she couldn't beat the tall guy in swimming, but she wasn't the kind of person that would give up without a fight.
Both contestants were neck to neck when Sammy went back with her key, the 4th for her team. She ran to the chest and opened it.
"YES!" shouted the twin, making a fist pump.
"Awesome, the twins took first place. It's a shame because I wanted to see Amy swim a third time. Anyway congratulations, now you only have to wait for the other finalist," said Chris opening his arms and smiling at the sisters.
Sammy looked at her big sister. The older twin rolled her eyes but offer a fist to bump.
"Don't do it if you don't feel like it," said Sammy, not wanting any misunderstanding.
"Yes, yes. I'm surely plotting something," replied Amy, folding her arms. The younger twin didn't know why but she felt guilty after not giving her the fist bump.
The competition then was fiercer than before, Mike was faster than Courtney, but Heather was faster than Topher.
Mike and Courtney went back with the 4th key. Both got the correct key. Now the first to bring the third key would be in the final.
"We got this!" shouted Topher jumping into the water. Courtney was annoyed by their attitude but used all her willpower to NOT make a scene.
"Heather go! And this time get the right key!" shouted Courtney. She tried to sound friendly, but her tone was harsher, like the good old Courtney from Action.
Heather jumped into the water and beat Topher, but sadly her key was a fail. The host wannabe also failed to find the right one.
Then Mike and Courtney jumped to get the 6th key. Mike returned first with the wrong key, but lucky for them, Courtney's key was also a dud.
Everyone was looking expectantly at Heather and Topher jumping their 4th time to get the 7th key. They went outside and tried them at the same time.
"YES! IT OPENED!" shouted Heather, hugging Courtney, both heavy breathing.
"And Heather and Courtney advance to the final challenge! The immunity will be disputed between them and the twins. Topher and Mike you're out," said Chris in a loud and theatrical way.
Topher remained seated on the ground defeated. Mike put a hand on his shoulder while Sammy stood next to him.
"Nice fight man, don't worry next time we'll win," said Mike, making a wide smile that showed the gap between his teeth.
"He's right. You were so cool down there" added Sammy blushing.
Topher took off his swimming cap, his hair falling wildly over his face. "Thank you. I really need to hear those words."
Chris's voice resounded in the room, interrupting them. "Now follow me to the Dragon Throne in which we'll have the last challenge." He then went into the palanquin and was carried to the other room by 4 interns.
"C'mon Samey let's go! Stop befriending the enemy," shouted Amy, glaring at her sister.
Sammy glared back at her, "Topher will never be my enemy! Stop trying to sow discord between us."
Amy blinked a couple of times. "You know something? You're really stupid Samey. Less talking, more walking." And saying this, the older sister began to walk behind the interns.
"Why does she always try to bully me?" asked Sammy as she, Mike and Topher followed her sister.
Confessional: Mike
"It was a shame to lose the event after swimming 3 laps in the pool. But the water was delicious. I wonder if Chris will let us use it after the challenge is over. It will be a shame if he doesn't," said Mike, his hair slick back after swimming.
Confessional: Topher
The host wannabe was brushing his hair. His skin was clean and smooth. "I feel bad because I know I slowed down Mike a lot in this challenge. I need to compensate him in the future. Also the thermal waters are so awesome, just look at my skin. I need to find a thermal bath near my home."
The Dragon Throne was the central room of the palace, in which the emperor met with his court. Next to the throne Chef was waiting for Chris.
"We need to talk," said the co-host in a serious tone contrasting with his Chinese woman outfit.
"Can't it wait until the end of the challenge?" asked Chris, rolling his eyes.
Chef shook his head and grabbed Chris taking him to the room behind the throne.
"It's about the shorty gymnast. Her lower back muscles are really swollen. It can be a muscular strain, but it can also be a lumbar problem," Chef said in a serious tone.
Chris shrugged, looking at the throne room direction. "So? Can't you just give her some painkillers and some analgesic so she can sleep?"
"If she forces that kind of injury it can cause her problems in the future. She is aiming to become a high-performance athlete." Chef shook his head. "As the staff's doctor, my recommendation is to medevac her."
"Hahaha, since when you're a doctor?" asked Chris with a mocking smile.
The big man gave him a death glare. "Since I'm the moron that had to see over the kids and interns injuries. Talking about that is about time you give me a bonus for doing all that work that it's not in my contract."
"W-We can talk about that later," said Chris shuddering. "But no, there wouldn't be any medevac, and that's it's definitive. We only have 3 DAM eliminations, and we will not waste one in a medevac."
"WHAT? Are you crazy? That girl can get seriously injured, and also what use are the stupid eliminations if we don't use them," Said Chef louder, spit falling over Chris.
The host took out a handkerchief and cleaned his face. "I don't owe you explanations. I need to keep the eliminations until we find some pesky rats."
"I thought the eliminations were about popularity?" asked Chef scratching his head.
"And I told you that I'll not explain myself. I already talked with the producers, and we'll keep it like this. It's more dramatic," the host turned his back at Chef and walked back into the room. "And I need to conduct a challenge, so if you excuse me."
Chef stood there looking at Chris. He didn't know what that jerk was thinking anymore.
Fifth Event: The Emperor's treasure room (皇帝寶藏室)
The interns and the contestants already eliminated sat at the room's sides (except Sky, Lilly, and Brick.) In the middle of the room were Heather, Courtney, Amy, and Sammy. Heather and Courtney glared at the twins, but only Amy glared back at them.
Chris walked into the room and sat on the throne. Next to him was Steve.
"Congratulations ladies. You 4 are the finalist in this ancestral challenge. After this event, 2 of you'll win immunity in tonight's elimination and the other two will get nothing," said Chris in a loud voice raising his arms.
The interns cheered loudly, but more than excited, they sounded bored.
"We'll need to add more cheering in post-production," said Chris under his breath. He then turned at the four girls in a louder voice. "The last challenge is the emperor's treasure room. The rules are simple: you will be tied to your partner by the shin, thigh, and hip. And you need to simply run across the room and reach the treasure room. Like an extreme 3 legged race."
The twins, Courtney and Heather rolled their eyes as the interns tied them together. The four knew there was a catch, but none wanted to ask.
On the side of the room, the remaining campers didn't ask either. Topher in particular struggled a lot because he really wanted to know.
Logan gulped audibly and said, "Sound simply enough. What's the catch?"
"I'm glad you asked," said Chris while the contestants sighed and groaned, "The path to the treasure room is full of traps that will surely slow you down. So do your best to avoid them while tied."
Behind the girls, the path was marked by a series of torches. The corridor was wide enough for the four to run at the same time and still had enough space to try to avoid the obstacles.
Heather and Courtney walked with some difficulty to the starting point.
"This will be tricky," said Courtney, letting Heather move her leg first and she followed. "The best way to go with one coordinating our steps. When I say one you step with your free leg, and when I say two you step with your tied leg. Understood?"
The queen bee sighed and shrugged. "It's not a bad idea, but I prefer to be the one saying the numbers."
"WHAT? But it was m…" Courtney then stood silent and sighed. She didn't want to start a silly quarrel. "As you wish, only be careful to keep a good rhythm."
The twins walked to the start point. Sammy made a sad smile.
"It's like when we were children. Do you remember when we used to wear one of dad's sweaters and played feigning we were a two-headed monster," said the younger twin.
Amy sighed, "I thought you didn't like to remember the past."
"I never said that I didn't like to remember the past. In fact, I miss the time when we play together and how much fun we had back then," said Sammy looking at the space with sad eyes.
"Hypocrite," Amy said under her breath, lowering her head.
Sammy didn't understand, but there was no time to ask her older sister to repeat herself.
"And the last event starts NOW!" shouted Chris as Steve rang the gong.
"One … two … one," Heather was saying aloud while she and Courtney advanced mechanically toward the corridor. They had their arms across the other shoulders, so none of them was in the way.
But for them and all the presents shook the twins, holding each other by the hip. Began to sprint across the corridor, moving as if they were a single person.
"Why?" asked Chris standing up, "Were they raised in a circus? This is supposed to be an exciting and hard challenge."
But the twins didn't slow down. In fact, they avoid the traps easily. Giving instructions at the same time.
"Right, dock, jump," said the twins at the same time and avoid the boulder, flames, and pit that appeared on their way.
Courtney and Heather, once they recovered from the shock, felt their blood burn.
"We can't lose against those kids," said Heather in a harsh tone.
"Then you need to improve your game. Let's go faster," said Courtney biting her thumb.
The Asian and the Latin girl went as fast as they could, but it was in vain. Even if both were fitter than the twins, they couldn't coordinate to advance like them. In a moment both twins were in the treasure chamber.
"YES! First place," shouted both sister's giving a big high five. Both forgetting their differences after their victory.
Chris stood up when the music and sound of gongs began to fill the room. He frowned as he announced the end of the challenge. "And Amy and Samey get immunity in the more anticlimactic event of the day. What happened with you Heather and Courtney? You're supposed to be veterans."
Courtney rolled her eyes as Heather glared at him.
"If you wanted excitement maybe you should put a better challenge," retorted the Queen Bee, putting her hand on her hip.
"The challenge was great. Anyway let's meet at the campfire at 8:00 for tonight's campfire ceremony. The challenge is over," said Chris bowing as Steve rang the gong one last time.
All interns and contestants began to go out of the fake Chinese castle as the twin's joy began to fade.
"Amy, Can't we go back to being like in the old days?" asked Sammy. The challenge woke up in her feelings buried long ago.
Amy sighed and looked at her with an angry frown, but her voice was cracking. "What? Now you're saying that after you were the one who ruined everything?"
"Ruined everything? Me? What do you mean? If someone ruined it was you with your constant bullying," shouted Sammy, holding her sister's shoulder.
But the older sister slapped her hand. "That's why I hate you. You always feign to be the saint and the victim, but you are only a big hypocrite."
Amy went away, leaving Sammy behind, trying to make sense of her sister's words.
Brick and Lilly went out of the infirmary, leaving Sky sleeping inside. The Cree girl woke up for a moment but fell asleep again after taking Chef's medicine.
Just as they went out, Chef was coming to the building, his signature frown scared Lilly, but Brick instead saluted him.
"Hello Chef sir, thanks for taking care of Sky," said the cadet, making a small smile while saluting.
Chef nodded but after a second he stopped. He was still angry after his discussion with Chris. It was clear they didn't pay him enough for all these problems, but if that small girl's injury worsened, it would fall on his conscience. So he made a decision.
"Hey Soldier, wussy, come here NOW!" said Chef in a loud and aggressive tone.
Lilly held Brick's shirt, scared by Chef, and both walked near the co-host.
"Yes, sir. But please try to don't be so loud. Our friend is sleeping right now," said Brick in a polite and martial tone.
Chef blinked and then whispered. "We don't have time for that! I have something to tell you but it's completely confidential. If I find you rat me out I will rip off one of your legs and club you with it."
"Yes sir," whispered Brick, who was used by that kind of warning thanks to his drill Sergeant. Lilly gulped audibly and nodded wildly.
"Good. The small girl in the infirmary had a lumbar swelling. We don't have the equipment to know if it's serious or not, but because it's not life-threatening, Chris doesn't want to medevac her," Chef looked at his right and left and then cupped his mouth. "But being a gymnast and all that I think it's better to eliminate her."
Lilly and Brick's eyes went wide. They never expected Chef would tell them this.
"But, but… that's terrible. Can't Sky just retire?" asked Lilly in a worried tone.
"No, she seems too stubborn to ask for her own elimination, and even if she does it, Chris has to accept it. And right now, I don't think he will do it," said Chef shaking his head.
Brick looked sadly at the ground, then he looked fiercely at the big man. "I'll do my best sir."
"M-Me too," said Lilly, trying to get courage in her answer. "Sky is my friend. I'll do my best to protect her,"
Chef saluted them. "Thanks soldiers. I wish you the best of luck."
The three then went their different ways.
Brick went to meet with Duncan and Sammy. If he was lucky they would be in the dock, and maybe Courtney would also be there.
Lilly went to talk with Mike and Amy. It would be easy to convince them. Sammy had immunity, and Amy would like to eliminate one of her friends if she has the chance.
Chef went to the infirmary, and after checking on the Cree girl, he went back to the DAM control room to be sure Chris didn't watch what happened until it was too late.
Confessional: Lilly
"I really want to help Sky. I know she's Sammy's friend and that Amy doesn't like her. But we have been together in some challenges, and I think we do pretty well together. It's a shame but if it's for her own good I'll do my best to convince Mike and Amy," said Lilly, her expression unexpectedly full of determination.
At the entrance of the forest, Charlotte was talking with Topher. The gamer girl was furious and shouting.
"WHY! It's the first time in the game since we merged that we can eliminate that traitor. Why are you choosing another option?" asked Charlotte, glaring at her friend.
"Because we're still in the top 12, so 2 votes will not do anything, even in a divided vote, we need at least 4 votes to have a chance. So either we try to gain more votes, or we focus on someone else instead," explained Topher grooming his hair.
The e-gamer kicked a stone. "You may be right, but still I want to vote for him. Maybe there is a secret path or something." She then sighed and looked at him. "Also, I wanted to invite a friend to our guild."
Topher looked at her with wide eyes. If he knew her language, that meant to share the device secret with someone else.
"Are you sure? If he talks with Chris we may be eliminated from the game," said Topher lowering his eyebrows in a worried expression.
"I think he's trustworthy and also tech-savvy. He can help us to access the last levels," said the dark-skinned girl, her serious expression changed into a grin. "I'm talking about Cody."
The host wannabe nodded in silence. "I think it can be a good idea, but it's possible he's already in an alliance with Heather. Sierra's blog mentioned that they've been good friends since World Tour."
"We'll try to recruit him, and if he's already in another party we will need to try with someone else," said Charlotte, shrugging.
"Maybe we can try to bring Sammy to our alliance. Sorry I mean to our guild," said Topher scratching his nose.
The e-gamer looked shocked, "The younger twin? Why? She isn't particularly good with electronics, and I'm not sure she is trustworthy."
"Oh I'm sure she's trustworthy," said Topher blushing. "And I want to bring her with us because she's my girlfriend."
There was a small silence. Charlotte looked at him with wide eyes, flustering and almost falling to the ground. "D-D-Dating? You two? Since when?"
"Since the day before yesterday, just after Alejandro's elimination," replied Topher with a beautiful smile.
"Oh…" The e-gamer took a moment to process what he said. "Well congrats on getting that achievement, gg. You make a wonderful couple. But why didn't you tell me before?" asked the e-gamer, still sweating and nervous about the sudden news. Love and romance was her worst playing genre.
"I just told you," said Topher, running a hand across his hair and smiling sheepishly.
Charlotte's jaw dropped. "Yes, yes. You're right. You just told me." She then cleared her throat. "Of course, you can tell her. Go ahead and talk with her. I'll do the same with Cody."
Both nodded, but it was already too late to talk with either of them.
Confessional: Charlotte
"Adding Cody and Sammy to our guild may be the best move. Both have over the average gameplay. Sammy dating Topher means her loyalty score is maximized, and none seem to have a great affinity score with Brick. I just hope we don't regret it," Charlotte's expression darkened as she nodded.
On the dock, Sammy was looking for Topher but found Duncan instead. She knew the delinquent must have been watching the sunset. So she decided to stop and greet him before continuing.
"Hello Duncan. Do you come here every day?" asked the younger twin standing behind him.
The delinquent turned and smirked. "Hello cheerleader. Are you looking for a quiet place to make out with your boyfriend?"
"What? Of course not!" replied Sammy blushing and putting her hands on her hips. "And who told you I'm dating Topher?"
Duncan chuckled and stood up. "You right now. Also, it wasn't that hard to find out after seeing you yesterday. If it's a secret you suck at keeping it."
"I can't understand why you're always like that. I know you can also be nice," said Sammy sighing and folding her arms.
"I'm just acting like I feel like. Worrying about being nice or being bad is useless. In the end you're just you," said the delinquent shrugging.
Sammy's smile turned into an angry frown. "That's a lie. People can change and improve themselves! You don't need to live always scared and worried about everyone else. You're more than just you."
"I think we're talking about different things," Duncan said with a big grin on his face. "I'm saying that you must be and improve yourself, without worrying about what others think or want. Of course, improve yourself, but do it for you, not for your sister."
The younger twin's jaw dropped. She was shocked by the delinquent words. It was something so simple but he may be right. This may be the piece of the puzzle she was looking for. This was what Dramaman meant when he said her goal shouldn't be Amy.
But before she could share this revelation, someone interrupted them.
"Good evening. May I have your attention for an urgent matter, please," said Brick. He was sweating after running all the way from the infirmary to the docks.
"Are you ok G.I. Brick? What happened?" said Duncan with a stern expression. It was clear by the cadet's tone it was bad news.
"Just try to breathe. If we can help you we will do it," said Sammy, running at his side and rubbing his back.
Brick nodded and straightened up. "Thanks, but the help it's not for me. It's for Sky. Mr. Chef told us she had an injury in her back that could become serious if she stays in the competition. So he requests us to discreetly ask for as many contestants to vote her out tonight."
"Oh my gosh, Sky," exclaimed Sammy covering her mouth. It wasn't fair.
"Are you sure Chef isn't messing with you just to vote her out? It wouldn't be the first time he interferes in the game," said Duncan folding his arms.
Brick shook his head. "I watched her at the infirmary, and it's true. She was obviously trying to endure the pain."
"Don't worry Brick, I'll try to talk with some of the others," said Sammy while running away from the docks. "You try to talk with Charlotte or Mike."
Duncan then began to walk to the cabins. "I'll do what I can, but with just us, it will be hard."
"But we need to do everything we can," replied Brick, before turning his back at the delinquent. "And thanks."
Brick and Duncan went their separate ways. Both wanting to talk with someone else. Neither of them knew that Sammy had a plan.
Confessional: Sammy
"I just need to find Heather and convince her to help me to convince Courtney and Cody into voting Sky out. I know Cody must hate me for voting him out of the game the last time, but Heather is her friend, so we have a chance. I just hope Sky understands us and isn't too upset about this," said Sammy, looking worried at the camera.
The 12 remaining contestants were already gathered at the campfire ceremony. There was a lot of tension but not like in the past nights. Sammy, Lilly, and Brick looked nervous, the soldier patting the ground unconsciously. Sky was on the back row stumps with a serious expression.
Chris was standing in front of them, he had a plate with 11 marshmallows. "It's funny, but somehow I don't feel the tension in the air. It's because the twins got immunity? Anyway, I hoped for the other 10 losers to be more nervous, more anxious. This is an entertainment show, remember?"
"Probably it's the host's fault. He doesn't know how to create tension among the competitors," said Topher, making a mocking smile.
Duncan rolled his eyes. "What the pretty boy said, stop yapping and let's finish this."
"Ugh, after so many episodes I hoped for you to improve your attitude, but it seems you're ruder and ruder," said Chris shaking his head disappointed. "Anyway, I have in my hand 11 marshmallows, the camper that doesn't get one of these sweets will have to put the vest of failure and get in the chopper of shame out of the island and can't come back EVER."
"Can we now start voting?" Asked Sammy trying to hide the tremble in her voice.
Chris was the one rolling his eyes this time. "Yes, you can go and start voting."
The 12 contestants stood and went into the voting cabin. Nobody was sure what would happen tonight.
Vote confessional: Charlotte
"Even with 11 opponents on the selection screen, only 3 deserves to be eliminated. So let's try this one," said Charlotte pressing a button in the pad.
Vote confessional: Lilly
Lilly took a deep breath and pressed the screen. "I just hope this is the correct option. I'm so sorry."
Vote confessional: Brick
"There are times when one needs to take harsh decisions for the sake of others. I just hope she will forgive us." Brick then pressed the pad lowering his eyebrows.
The host seemed upset for a moment, then his face turned into a smile. "I have the results and I'm not really sure what you're thinking, but let's get started giving these white treasures."
"First the lovely twins Samey and Amy, you get your marshmallows," said Chris in a mocking tone. Sammy glared at him for calling her Samey, and Amy glared at him for giving the marshmallow first to the younger one.
Without noticing their anger (or maybe enjoying it) the host continued, "Also I have a marshmallow for Heather, Mike, Duncan, Charlotte."
"And I also have one for Cody, Courtney, Topher, and Lilly," Chris threw the treats to the 4 campers, who caught them and then focused on the last two.
"And I have just 1 marshmallow and still 2 contestants. Brick you did really poorly in the challenge being eliminated in the first event. Sky, it seems you were unlucky, and some bird was messing with tonight's elimination. You had bad luck I guess," said Chris narrowing his eyes. "But it is too late anyway, the last marshmallow of the night is for. . ."
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"Brick."
"WHAT!? WHY!" Shouted Sky standing up. "How is that I was the one with more votes." Then she felt the pain in her back and winced.
Sammy looked sad at the ground, but before anyone could answer Chris talked. "It seems some people heard about your 'problem' and decided to vote you out of the game to protect you. Isn't beautiful people stealing your chance to get a million dollars for your own good?"
Sky blanched, and her face turned from a frown into a small smile. "So they find out. Then I understand. I'll take my leave."
"Sky, I'm so sorry," said Sammy hugging her friend. Her words were about her friend's injury and not about voting her off.
The Cree girl rubbed her back. "Don't worry Sammy, I did this to myself. But thanks to you, now I can focus on healing."
"This is so beautiful. But hurry up and come to the dock. Your flight is waiting for you," said Chris going first to make sure all was in order.
Heather, Sammy, and Lilly followed the Cree girl into the dock, where the intern gave the vest of failure to the gymnast. It was the same that Beth used.
"We brought the small size just for you," said Chris chuckling.
Sky glared at him and put on the vest while the other three girls advanced.
"I know we had our differences but it was a pleasure to meet you," said the Queen Bee hugging her.
"Yes, I hope if there is a next time we can know each other better," said Sky, a little confused by the Queen Bee attitude.
Then was Lilly's turn. The treehugger surprised the athlete giving her a tight hug. "Sky, thanks for everything. It was an honor and a pleasure to compete at your side.
"Mine too Lilly," replied the Cree girl blushing. She felt guilty about how much she hated being teamed up with her. "And I'm sorry for not being kinder with you."
"Oh no, please don't apologize," said Lilly, also blushing, "I know you did it for me. And compared with my friends back home you were really kind and polite while talking with me."
Sky hugged her tight a last time and then face Sammy, who also hugged her.
"I hope you get better soon. Thanks for everything," said the younger twin, sobbing.
"Now you have to win this competition Sammy, for the rest of us," said the Cree girl.
The Chopper of Shame then arrived at the dock, but this time it slowed down, and it had a stretcher hooked at the end of the cable.
"CHEF! What's THIS?" asked Chris shouting. "You're supposed to hook her! What is the meaning of this?"
But the big man just looked at him from the chopper and feigned he couldn't hear him, just shrugging and giving the host thumbs up.
Sky laid in the stretcher while Lilly and Sammy tied her.
"I hope they don't drop you in the lake," said Heather, who was watching them tie her to the stretcher.
The Cree girl looked at The Queen Bee and made a weird smile, "No, they wouldn't do that… right?"
"P-please, don't jinx it," said Lilly in her low and polite tone.
"Stop worrying about that. I'm sure if they wanted to dip you in the lake they wouldn't put a stretcher," lied Sammy, but she wanted to give her friend some confidence. "Good luck, please say hello to Jas, Shawn and Dave."
"I will, bye," said Sky as she was taken away by the chopper.
After a moment she went out of sight. The three girls at the dock smiled when they saw her go away without being dropped in the lake.
Chris narrowed his eyes. He would need to talk with Chef later. After a moment, he recovered his composure. "And now they're eleven. But as their numbers diminish, the alliances begin to tremble. Can the twins eliminate each other, or will their feud continue? Can Brick somehow earn Charlotte's forgiveness? And what will be Chef's excuse this time to interfere with the game? Find out the answers to this question in the next exciting episode of Total Drama, Tyranny of the Masses."
Author Notes:
And there are only 11 players left, and Sammy's allies are disappearing one after the other. What will happen next? Did Heather really have a change of heart and is now kinder? What happened between the twins so Amy hates her sister so much? And who will the unlucky one that will not reach the best 10? Find the answers to this and more questions in the next episode of Total Drama Tyranny of the masses.
And sorry to all Sky fans, as many already guessed her back caused her elimination. I had some plans with Sky, but after looking at the final 10 and some meditation, I decided to drop her second plotline and let her go. Sky I think, is a character who suffers a lot of Zoey Syndrome. Even if she had potential most people just ignore her as a bland nice girl at best or an evil manipulator at worst.
Votes:
Sky: 9
Brick: 2
Lilly: 1
Immunity idols left: all used
D.A.M. Eliminations left: 3
Remaining players: Amy, Brick, Charlotte, Cody, Courtney, Duncan, Heather, Lilly, Mike, Sammy, Topher.
Eliminated: Cameron, Jasmine, Max, Lindsay, Dawn, Jay, Lightning, Charlotte, Beth, Cody. Zoey, Dramaman, Shawn, Alejandro, Sky.
As always, thanks for reading and I hope you like it.