DISCLAIMER:
Hello, here is episode 54. The first top 10 challenge is here. How will Sammy react to Topher's elimination? What will happen between Brick and Charlotte? And what will be the next challenge? Find out now here in Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses.
And if you are enjoying the story so far, don't forget to mark it as a favorite, or if you feel fancy, write a review. This not only helps to motivate me but also lets me know you're enjoying the story and help me to improve this and future ones. And before starting, let me answer the past episode reviews.
amit .avrashmi: Totally right, Bridgette is in a Surf competition, but Scott was in a different Reality show ;) .About Blaineley and Topher you will have to wait to find out.
quinnietftw: I wonder if you're right or not, but I guess we will have to wait to find out.
Guest: I'll not make comments about what Alejandro said, but I think it's quite obvious :D
And as always, a COLOSSAL shoutout and THANKS to Geofics, who helps me proofread the episodes. I know he is quite busy these weeks, but he has helped me a lot in the past, so it's 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.
Let it Frost Part 1
Last time on Total Drama, Tyranny of the Masses, the contestants faced our 5th Blast from the past challenge, the ranger challenge from Island season. But this time our campers had to capture their designated animal and brought it to the island's center to win immunity.
And it was an excessively easy challenge because 8 of our 11 contestants got immunity after capturing all kinds of animals, from the small squirrel to a crocodile. I admit that these kids had guts, even if some were too slow in the end. (The screen then showed scenes of Lilly losing the challenge seconds before her bear entered its cage.)
But in an unexpected turn of events, the one going home was Topher, as the 5th victim of our audience, in a dramatic DAM elimination. That's why people should never date on TV shows.
Brrrr. And today, the temperature is dropping on the island. It seems that a cold challenge awaits. What will happen with Sammy now that Topher is out of the game? What will Cody do in his multi-alliances game? And who will be the next one to go home? Find out next here in Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses. And now I will go find a coat and some hot chocolate.
It was a little after 7:00 a.m. when she woke up. She was proud of her internal clock. It was one of her main passives. Her team members always said it was just training and conditioning, but she knew it was more than that. It was a skill.
In the cabin, Amy and Heather were still sleeping while Sammy and Courtney were already out. It was impressive, when she was on the fan ferrets only Jasmine waked up earlier than her, and then Sammy after she had her level up and began training with Shawn.
Charlotte put on her clothes and began her daily routine. She ran across the beach and did some basic exercises, then hit the showers and went to take her breakfast.
The E-gamer was anxious. Some weeks ago she almost blew her chance, and for cheating nonetheless. Damn Chris he surely did it to humiliate her. There was no way she was the character with the lowest popularity score in the game.
But now the e-gamer got an extra life, a new opportunity to win, to show them how good she really is. And this time, she won't fail. Even if the game just passed from hard to hell difficult in a single moment.
With Topher's elimination, her guild's strength was diminished, and she was in problems. Without him, she no longer has the requirements to complete Sammy's recruit quest. Now her best option was to get Cody into her guild.
So she had an idea, create a scenario to improve her relationship with Cody. After some consideration, her best chance was to wait for him in the Mess Hall and try to convince him to join her guild. It was a rate S plan.
But the game was glitched, and instead of Cody she encountered some people she didn't want to meet.
"Hello Charlotte, how weird to see you in the Mess Hall. Usually, you just eat and go," the greeting was from Amy, who can be called Charlotte's secondary enemy.
The e-gamer smirked, "I didn't know you paid so much attention to me. But my path had many fork roads depending on the choices I made. Now please leave. You know I don't like either of you."
"As you wish, I just wanted to be kind as we were former allies, bye," said Amy, but her harsh expression betrayed her polite words.
But Lilly cared more about Charlottes's words than her friend. "But why you hate us? We vote together to eliminate Jay."
"Because you're selfish," said Charlotte hitting the table with her hand, her voice becoming louder. "You put your interests before the team. You can't be trusted. The only person worse than you is-" She suddenly stopped and shook her head, talking in a normal voice. "Nevermind, we just can't work together."
"Just leave her alone Lilly. Let's hope she doesn't regret her decision," replied the older twin. The treehugger hesitated, looking at Charlotte with a sad frown before following her friend.
The dark-skinned girl clenched her teeth. This conversation brought some memories of her time as a professional e-gamer and how it ended. The way her team 'conquerors' lost their first place in the world's ranking.
But that was already something way back on her archived logs. She waited there, hoping Brick didn't come before her target. But she was lucky, and it wasn't the case.
"Charlotte? Hello, fancy meeting," said Cody carrying his bowl over-filled with the strange green substance that was today's breakfast.
"Hello Cody. Yes it's a random encounter, but a pleasant one. I just arrived too," she lied after waiting more than an hour, but her pride stopped her from telling the truth. "I didn't know you enjoyed breakfast so much."
The brunette guy chuckled. "Chef said I was too skinny, and the best breakfast was for Brick and Sammy, so he gave me a double ration."
"EXACTLY SO BE GRATEFUL!" Shouted Chef from the kitchen. "The wimpy twin didn't come to ate her breakfast, even when I slaved myself making these perfect sunny-side-up eggs."
"He really has a good perception skill," said Charlotte, blinking a couple of times.
"Yes, so never insult him," whispered Cody, looking nervous at the kitchen. "And how are you doing?"
Charlotte and Cody had a small conversation, talking about games and the challenges so far.
"And yesterday was the worst day since my elimination because he was my best friend on the island," said Charlotte in a stern tone.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know you and Topher were so close," said Cody rubbing his neck.
"Yes, but don't worry, I'm fine," she then smiled. It was her chance. "Can you come with me for a moment? I have something I want to show it."
He took a moment to think about it. Right now, he owed Heather almost 300 dollars and wanted to try winning some games to reduce his debt, but he also wanted to befriend Charlotte.
"Ok, I have a little time to spare," replied Cody smiling.
"That's perfect. I'm sure this quest result will surprise you," said Charlotte standing up and going out of the mess hall and into the forest.
Cody followed her, not sure what did the E-gamer wanted to show him. After walking a little, she leaned toward a tree and put her hand inside its trunk, pressing a button on Max's contraption.
"Before proceeding to the next stage, I need to be sure we're in the same party, and you won't tell anything you see here to anyone. Do you agree?" asked Charlotte, looking fiercely at Cody.
"Of course girl, ladies' men lips are sealed," replied Cody, not realizing the importance of his words or the consequences they'll have.
The e-gamer smiled and took out the device from the tree. Cody then listened about how the piece of junk worked as an access point to hack into the island supercomputer.
Confessional: Cody
The brunette guy was sweating and rubbing his neck. "Oh my, I never thought things would be so … wow. I can't even say it here, but I may have underestimated my friend, and now I'm not sure what to do or what I should do." Cody shook his head, knowing he couldn't talk about the contraption in the confessional.
Confessional: Charlotte
"Now I have a new ally. Sadly with Topher out of the game, my party is back at two, and I need at least 4 more party members to win this game," said Charlotte, with a thoughtful expression, looking at the ceiling. "But who? Heather is too dangerous, but I need to consider her. Because from the rest, Duncan and Courtney aren't trustworthy, just look at their past playthroughs, they may be a team, and Mike is Amy's ally. This game is without a doubt in hell difficulty."
It was already dark. Today was a horrible day. Sammy woke up and tried to focus on her routine, but she couldn't. All she could think was about Topher and how he was eliminated.
She didn't take breakfast or lunch, just roamed aimlessly around the island, sighing sadly. It was so unfair.
Topher helped her a lot during her time on the island. He saved her during the 12th challenge when Ezekiel kidnapped them and again during the paintball challenge, carrying her when she was unconscious near the river. He even used an immunity idol to save her.
She wanted to repay his kindness during the game, but he was eliminated before she could do it, and not in an ordinary way. He was eliminated by the island computer. But it didn't make any sense! He was so kind, there was no way he would be the least popular, right? But there was no use in thinking about that.
Somehow she ended walking into the docks. She turned away when she realized where she was, not wanting to talk with anyone.
"Look who we have here, what a coincidence, Samey," said a familiar voice. She was the last person Sammy wanted to see.
"Leave me alone Amy, I'm not in the mood to deal with you right now," said Sammy in a cold tone.
The older twin also had a cold and serious expression. "Are you moping because your boyfriend was eliminated?"
"I told you to leave me alone," Sammy glared at her, with tears in her eyes.
"So I'm right." Amy rolled her eyes and sighed. "You know, your friends are worried for you. Shouldn't you look for them?"
Sammy faced her. "I can say the same. Shouldn't you be with your friends?" Sammy question sounded more like a plead to leave her alone than an actual question.
"Sadly, Lilly went to find Cody and Mike disappeared after a raccoon gave him some trash, so I was walking around the island when I found you," replied the older twin, shrugging. "It's a coincidence. I wasn't looking for you."
"And you couldn't pass a chance to make me miserable!" shouted Sammy, her sadness turning into anger.
But her sister just shook her head. "There you go aga-"
"Don't try to avoid it saying I'm playing the victim." Sammy pushed her sister by the shoulder. "That is what you always do! You bully me, insult me, and when I try to fight back, you just say I'm feigning. That's a lie. You abuse me and play the drama queen every time!"
"A lie? You act like I'm some kind of monster, but if I mistreat you was because you betrayed me first!" Amy then pushed her sister by the shoulder.
"Betray you! I was basically your slave all these years, and if I dared to go against you, you would take revenge, lying to our parents, or hitting me," Sammy pushed her sister again harder.
Amy clenched her teeth and pushed her again, "I just did that because I knew you hate me and was just feigning to be the good sister to betray me, just like how you poisoned me!"
"YOU DIDN'T SAY THAT!" Sammy temple vein was pulsing. She then jumped over her sister, slapping her face. "I did everything you wanted, too afraid to act against you, and you say I was acting? That I was scheming against you? I was terrified."
After the third slap, Amy held her sister's arm and pushed her down, rolling in the dirt. She then began to slap her sister. "Don't lie to me! You hate me since we were little. That's why you leave me to die during the storm in that damn challenge. That's why you went with Mom when our parents almost got divorced."
Sammy held her sister's arm and pushed her away. "I didn't try to kill you! It was an accident, and-"
"STOP RIGHT THERE!" someone shouted, interrupting their discussion.
"It seems your friends are here. I'll go before you gang against me," said Amy, turning her back and running away.
"Are you ok, cheerleader?" said Duncan, offering her a hand.
Sammy nodded, rubbing her cheeks, reddened by the slaps.
"Wait a moment," Duncan ran toward the dock, wet a handkerchief, and give it to her. "Put it against your cheek. It'll be better in the morning."
"Thanks," she said making a small smile. "How weird, you don't seem like the kind of carrying a handkerchief around."
"What are you saying? A handkerchief, a lighter, and a knife are the basic kit of a delinquent," said Duncan, smirking.
The younger twin shook her head. "I'm sorry you have to watch that."
"I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't see anything," said the delinquent rubbing her head. "So don't look so sad."
"I'm not sad. I'm just angry. Why is she so unfair to me? And why did she bring our parents-" at that moment, Sammy remembered. It was something she just forgot, or more like she wanted to forget. But that explained everything. "Sorry. I have a lot to think about."
Duncan shrugged and looked at her. The younger twin's expression was a mix of sadness and confusion. So he did the only thing he could think.
He put a hand in his pocket, took out a small package, and offered it to her, "You seem really down, so take one."
"Are these cigars? Where did you get them? Also, I'm underage," replied Sammy forgetting for a moment about everything else.
"Yes, it's forbidden to sell them to teens, not to give them for free, so take one. Be grateful is one of my last six," He said, smirking, before taking a cigar out from the package in a quick movement.
The twin looked at him, lowering her eyebrows, "But smoking is bad for you."
"It's only one to help you relax. You'll feel better, believe me," Duncan then took another cigar and put it between his lips.
Sammy wasn't too sure and examined it one more time. "It's tobacco, right?"
"HAHAHA, what the hell, cheerleader!" said Duncan laughing so hard he almost fell. "Of course it's tobacco. But thanks, now I see what you think of poor me."
"Don't laugh!" shouted Sammy blushing, "you're so unpredictable that it was a fair question."
He lightened his cigar and puffed a line of smoke, "Ok, don't get mad. Do I light yours?"
Sammy doubted for a second and put the cigar in her mouth, "yes, please."
"Remember, don't inhale too quickly and don't take too much smoke at first. Let it rest on your mouth before inhaling it on your lungs," said Duncan as he lightened the cigar.
"Don't worry, this will be my first and last," the younger twin said, but she tried what he said, not inhaling too much.
Even then, the taste of the smoke was bitter, and it irritated her throat.
"Cough, Cough, do you really enjoy this?" said Sammy putting out her tongue with an expression of disgust.
"That's because you inhaled too fast, don't worry is just practice," said Duncan while puffing his cigarette. He then blew the smoke out from his nose, a small trail escaping through his piercing.
"Hahaha, that was weird," Sammy laughed, "you're too much Duncan."
He just shrugged, "I know, now let's go back to the mess hall while we finish our smoke."
Both then went to the Mess Hall, with Sammy in a better mood thanks to Duncan and, even if she didn't realize it, Amy.
Confessional: Sammy
"Topher, if you're watching this, I miss you. But I can't be moping and worrying my friends. I need to stand on my own feet if I want to improve myself. I hope next time we meet I have grown a little more," said Sammy smiling at the camera.
Confessional: Duncan
The delinquent is looking at his cigarette box with sadness. "Damn cheerleader, I hoped she wouldn't smoke the whole thing and return it to me after the first puff. Whatever at least she seems to be in a better mood. Sometimes being so nice is hard."
"Welcome Mr. Mike, please follow me," said Steve, the chubby intern, making a bow and then walking inside the elevator.
"Please drop the mister. I'm just Mike," said the spiky-haired guy in a tired tone while following him.
Here he was again. Chris sent another message asking to meet with him. He didn't want to come, but he couldn't refuse. Mike was a nice and good-natured guy who gave everyone a chance. So against his best judgment, he came again.
But that doesn't mean he needed to be a jerk with the intern. "You have been working in the show for some years, right? I remember you from my first season, Revenge of the island."
"Oh, I'm quite honored you remember me," said the chubby intern, blushing. "That was my first season too. I entered to work here with another 29 interns, from them only Emily and Micheal are still working here, but Micheal is on medical leave after an accident and Emily is working at mihtâtamowin resort."
"What is Mitata town?" asked Mike, not sure what the intern was saying.
Steve smiled for the first time, "mihtâtamowin yikâwiskâhk is the name of the island and the resort where the eliminated contestants are resting right now. It's in the Cree language, but I don't know what does it mean."
"Wow, I don't know how you can memorize such a long name. You're awesome, man." said the spiky-haired guy making a wide smile.
"It's just practice and repeating it a lot, but thanks for your kind words," replied the intern, his face beaming. As the elevator stopped both men entered the underground facility.
"And you never thought about competing?" Asked Mike, putting his hands behind his head, "after all, you have been watching us for 2 years."
The chubby intern shook his head, "Oh no, of course not. It's dangerous enough to be an intern, I would die in the actual show. Especially with Mr. McLean hosting it," Steve then blanched, "please don't tell him I just said that."
"Don't worry, I won't," replied the thin man, "And didn't we just pass Chris's office."
"You have a good memory, yes, we already pass his office," said Steve, nodding and then pointing at a door at the end of the hallway. "But this time Mr. McLean is waiting for you at the Trophy room."
"Trophy Room?" asked Mike, but as soon as they reached the door, Steve opened it and let him go inside.
"Here we are. It was a pleasure to guide you," said Steve making a big smile.
The thin man patted his shoulder, "Same here. I hope to see you again, but not here, of course."
Mike then entered the Trophy room. As the name indicated, it was a big room filled with Trophies, prizes, figurines, and all kinds of tv and movie prizes. Some were for Total Drama, but most were for Chris McLean.
The man turned his face and opened his arms to receive the spiky-haired guy. "Mike, welcome! I'm so glad you came again."
"Yes Chris, drop the act," said Mike in a neutral tone, unusual to him. "If it's about spying on my friends, forget it."
"Oh," said Chris, looking sad at the ground, "even after one of them eliminated Topher?"
Mike blanched, covering his mouth. "Wait, you don't mean…"
"Yes, that is what I'm saying. Yesterday elimination was manipulated by the person accessing DAM," said Chris in a serious tone.
"But, but that doesn't make sense…" replied Mike absentmindedly, because if what Chris said was true, it was his fault Topher was out of the game.
"Just the opposite, what doesn't make sense is Topher being the victim in a DAM elimination. Do you really think the newbies, Amy or Heather are more popular than him? Was he the least popular from the remaining 11?" Asked Chris, walking next to Mike.
All was going too fast for the thin guy. "But if you were aware, why didn't you stop it?"
"The producers didn't allow me," said Chris with a pained expression. "They force us to make DAM eliminations using the data and can't question it. That's why we need to catch those cheaters soon. But I can't do it without your help."
"I don't know, this is too sudden," replied Mike confused, he didn't want to do it, but if he didn't, the next DAM elimination will also be his fault.
Chris patted his shoulder. "Mike, I don't want to ask this to a contestant. I really don't want to, but you're our only hope. Please don't do it for me, do it for Topher".
"Ok let me think about it," replied Mike, lowering his shoulder. Mike was debating between what he wanted to do and what he needed to do. The spiky-haired guy then exited the room.
The host smiled smugly after Mike went out and began to watch the trophies again. "38 awards for a life of acting and hosting, but this is nothing compared to what I'll achieve in the future,"
He then walked to the door. "But I need to talk to Steve. We can't let any person access the Trophy room."
Confessional: Mike
"If only I had helped Chris in the last challenge, maybe Topher would be here. But who would eliminate Topher like that? I'm too confused right now. I'm sure if it was…" Mike then looked at the camera and shooked his head. "Nevermind, I'm just under too much stress. Please forget what I said."
Courtney woke up. She was trembling from the cold. She surely took off her blanket during the night. Luckily it was still dark outside, so she could just put on her blanket again and go back to sleep.
But to her surprise, she still has the blanket over her body. But the room was cold, too cold for a summer night.
Then a loud screech from the camp speakers woke up everyone else. "Good morning, campers," said Chris in an excited tone, making the situation even more annoying for her. "Come to the foot of Mount Chris now so we can start today's challenge. I recommend you to put warm clothes."
There were a lot of groaning and curses as the campers stood up and changed for the challenge. Courtney was the first among the girl's cabin. She opened the door and couldn't believe what she saw.
All the field turned white. The trees, the road, all she could see was covered in snow.
"This is impossible! How can there be so much snow in summer?" asked the former CIT to no one in particular.
"Court, after so many years, you should know that anything can happen in this damn show," said Heather patting her back. "Now, where did I leave my thermal bodysuit?"
The Latin girl sighed defeated, Heather was right, there was no use in complaining. She then went back and looked for her jacket.
Meanwhile, the boys were already on their way to the mountain.
"I wonder how he did it?" asked Cody, wearing white earmuffs and blue handmade gloves, beanie, and scarf.
"Maybe they took us to the southern hemisphere while we were sleeping," said Brick using white camouflage pants, jacket, and a white toque.
Cody blinked a couple of times, "the whole island?"
"Ok, if you ask it like that, it sounds like a foolish idea," said the cadet nodding and blushing a little.
"Hahaha, well, with Chris at charge, everything is possible," added Duncan, wearing a black plum jacket, denim pants and green earmuffs. "But if I have to bet it has something to do with this being a mechanical island."
Cody and Brick nodded. It sounded plausible. "Duncan, I can't believe you say that. You're probably right, man. You're smarter now than back in the day."
"Do you want me to punch you in the face, Codemeister?" asked Duncan in a snarky tone.
"Hahaha, I didn't know you were so close to each other, soldiers," said Brick, who wasn't sure if they were joking or not.
There was a small silence, it was just the opposite. Even if they somehow respected each other, there was no trust among the two veterans. Cody didn't forget how cunning Duncan can be. And the delinquent believed Cody was Heather's puppet.
So the Brunette boy changed the subject. "Hahaha, we just like to clown now and then. And you Brick, you aren't cold in that uniform?"
"Oh no, this is my winter uniform, It is 100% cotton, so it's really warm," said Brick pulling his jacket. "Also, I have a cotton t-shirt and underwear, so I'm fine."
The three laughed, and then Duncan noticed that Mike was dragging behind. He didn't like Mike after his experience with Mal, but he was Zoey's boyfriend.
At the same time, the former multiple personality guy was too immersed in his thoughts. In the end, he decided to help Chris, but who was the traitor? And how did they access DAM? And why they focused on Topher and not Brick or Duncan, who were more dangerous? So many questions and no answers.
Duncan's loud voice took him back to reality. "Hey, are you all right? With your long legs you should be ahead by a mile, unless you're stalking us."
"Eh? I'm sorry I was distracted," replied Mike timidly, walking faster and catching up with the rest of the guys. He was wearing a long cyan jacket like those used by Russian spies in old movies and handmade gloves.
Cody chuckled. "Duncan are you jealous of Mike's long legs? Because if what you said about leg's length is true, you should be dead last."
"Fuck you Codemeister," replied Duncan, making all the presents laugh.
Mike smiled and walked with them. The light-hearted mood helped him to relax and forget about all his problems, at least for now.
Confessional: Brick
"I know what Alejandro, Courtney, and Duncan say about playing the game to win, and that everyone's your enemy. But I still think they're wrong. We can do this in a fair way and still compete against each other," said Brick folding his arms and nodding. "The only problem is that I don't want to vote for any of these guys."
After a moment, all the campers were with Chris at the mountain's foot. But Mount Chris defied all common sense. The big mountain, which grew in the middle of the night occupied at least half of the island and raised over 3000 meters (9800 feet).
"Welcome and congratulations to everyone. You're now in the top 10 of this competition. After beating 14 opponents, you're the best of the best," said Chris making a big smile and opening his arms.
"Mph! Of course, it seems you're becoming like Harold and enjoy saying what's obvious," said Heather smiling and tossing her braid. She was wearing a white thermal suit under her skimpy outfit and earmuffs.
Mike looked sadly at the ground. It wasn't true. All of the others also made their best effort. It was the truth behind this game. You need skill and luck to reach the top 10.
"And quite the awesome best 10, half of you were in the top 5 of at least another season. So I recommend the newbies to improve your game, or these veterans will pass over you," said Chris in a mocking tone enjoying the expression on the contestants.
Courtney sighed and glared at the host, "Can't you stop trying to sow discord among us and start telling us what is this challenge about?" She was wearing a plumb gray jacket and gray gloves.
"Oh Courtney, you're always so boring. Ok let's get into it," said Chris making a condescending smile. "The challenge is a climbing challenge. Every one of you'll start at a different point in the mountain and have to climb to the summit. The first 3 to reach it'll gain immunity."
There was a small silence, the cold wind blowing from the top of the mountain.
"That's all?" asked Sammy. She was wearing a red jacket with white thermal legging.
"That's all. It's a simple survival challenge. Of course, there are many routes to the top, some more dangerous than others," Said Chris chuckling. Some campers smiled while others groaned. "But to make things interesting, the most dangerous paths are the shorter ones, so choose wisely which one you'll take."
"Will you give us some gear or special items for this quest?" asked Charlotte, raising a hand. She was using a pink Eskimo jacket and hoodie identical to the ones used by some videogame characters.
Chris snapped his finger, and then Steve, Logan, and another intern gave each contestant a backpack.
"Inside this, you'll find climbing gear, ropes, and a compass," the host then waited for a moment to create suspense. "BUT you don't have any food or rations inside it, so if you want to eat, you can either finish the challenge or try to find food in the mountain. But being covered in snow, I doubt you can find anything edible."
"Sir, a question. How much time we have to complete the challenge?" asked Brick, saluting, with the backpack already strapped at his back.
Chris shrugged, "Brick, I think it was obvious. There is no time limit in this challenge. Today is a special episode so you can spend all day in there if you want." He then chuckled sinisterly. "But I wouldn't recommend spending the night in the mountain. It seems the temperature can drop a lot."
"Are you crazy? This is dangerous. Professionals die doing this every year," said Courtney stomping her foot in the ground.
"Don't worry, DAM executed many simulations, and using the easiest path will take you to the top in 9 hours." Explained the host pointing at the summit.
Mike scratched his head. "Simulation? You didn't test this challenge with real people?"
"Pffft! We don't have that kind of manpower," said Chris shaking his head. "But if you have time to worry, it's better if you use it to go to the starting points. Your challenge starts as soon as everyone is in place."
Amy, who was wearing a white jacket and red thermal leggings, walked toward Sammy.
"What do you want?" asked Sammy in a harsh tone.
Amy just huffed. "It seems you're fine if you can talk like that. I'll win this challenge, so don't take unnecessary risks."
"I won't lose against you," replied Sammy glaring. But Amy ignored her and walked away.
The 10 campers began to advance toward the starting points. The 17th challenge had started.
Confessional: Chris
"Dangerous, isn't it? We noticed that in the last challenges our contestants had become indulgent and friendly. So we decide to raise up the stacks with a more dangerous challenge in which cooperating may cost them their immunity," Chris then laughed evilly. "But don't worry, the challenge is completely safe. There is nothing to worry about."
Heather was adjusting her gloves. The cold wind hurt her cheeks, she didn't know how much Chris spend in creating this challenge, but it was a lot. And worst of all, it seemed dangerous.
"What the hell? He could do the climbing challenge without all this snow," protested the Asian girl under her breath. "At least it's not as cold as Yukon."
Then the loudspeakers interrupted her monologue. "Ok Campers, you can start climbing NOW! Good luck and see you at the summit."
She then began to advance quickly through the mountain, going up while thinking a plan. So far, she had only 2 options.
One was to climb the mountain alone, which meant forget about climbing and focusing on hiking to the top. This was the easier option, but also the slower one.
The second was to wait for someone and team up to climb the mountain through the rough face. This was the fastest route, but she needed a partner, and after Cody abandoned her in the last challenge, she wasn't sure if she could trust any of these morons.
But as she advanced she found one of the morons. Maybe the second option was the right one.
"Hey! Wait for me!" shouted the Queen bee.
"Shhhh! Stop shouting, or you will cause an avalanche," said Brick in a low tone. "What do you want ma'am?"
"Sorry," said Heather rolling her eyes, not really sorry about it. "Hey, are you planning to climb this alone?"
Brick tilted his head and nodded, not stopping for a moment, "Yes, that was my idea. I didn't think I would meet another contestant so soon."
"Then let's team up. It'll be safer with two of us," said Heather making a small smirk. "And can you stop for a moment? at least until we're done talking."
"Sorry ma'am, we can't stop right now. It's dangerous with this weather," replied Brick, who then offered her a hand.
Heather smiled. He was a good man like her friend mentioned, which made him the ideal partner for this challenge.
Confessional: Heather
"I must confess that I would prefer to team up with Cody, Samantha or Courtney. But if life gives you lemons, you make lemonade," said The Queen Bee tossing her braid. "Sadly he's extremely loyal. If not, I would try to poach him from Amanda's alliance.
Mike was on the steep side of the mountain. He looked at it and smiled, thinking how perfect this was. The thin man adjusted his gloves, tied the rope at his waist, and began to climb.
He against the mountain. This was just what he needed, without worries, without schemes, without disorders, nor Chris nor hacking dramas. Just him trying to accomplish something by himself.
And like that, he was ready to climb.
Was it dangerous? Of course it was, climbing always has a risk.
Could he found an easier route? Probably, Chris said that there were all kinds of paths, some harder than others.
Did he want to find an easier route? No, he didn't.
Because even if he was using Svetlana agility and Manitoba experience, none of his personalities specialized in climbing. This was something he could try for himself, HIS accomplishment.
He practiced a little in the mountain's foot, placing and removing a piton in the wall. It wasn't as easy as it seemed, but after a moment, he got the knack of it, and he began to climb.
The cold rocks began to hurt his fingers, and the wind felt like it could cut his skin. But the excitement motivated him to keep going.
Can he win the challenge? Who knows, at that moment, the challenge, the prize, and everything else seemed irrelevant. For the first time in a long time, he felt alive.
On another part of the mountain, Courtney had problems walking in the snow. Her feet slipt, and she stumbled a lot. This wasn't how things should be.
"Stupid snow and stupid challenge, if Chris mentioned there would be this kind of obstacles, I would bring some winter boots," protested the CIT, kicking some snow.
"Hahaha, don't get angry, princess. You should be used to these kinds of developments after taking part in 5 seasons," said a familiar voice, chuckling.
She turned annoyed, "Duncan? What're are you doing here?"
"It'll surprise you, but I'm climbing a mountain," said the delinquent in a snarky tone.
"Hahaha, you're so funny," replied Courtney, not amused by his joke. "I think it would be better to team up, don't you think?"
Duncan went silent for a moment, something which surprised her. They were in an alliance, right?
"Ok, but please don't betray me this time," he said in a neutral tone.
Courtney was offended by the comment and glared at him. "What? Tell me ONE time I betray you."
"You won't call it betrayal, but just 6 days ago you eliminated me from the paintball challenge, remember?" Said Duncan, stopping to look her in the eyes.
"It was a game, and there were only four remaining players. I would have to shoot you sooner or later," replied the former CIT putting a hand over her chest.
He shook his head, "Yes, it's always a game. But even then, no one likes to be thrown under the bus."
"OK, I'm sorry," she replied, but her voice wasn't her usual tone, there was something else, but Duncan couldn't be sure of what it was.
He nodded silently, and they both began to climb the mountain, or more than climb, began to hike their way to the summit.
Confessional: Courtney
"I can't believe he can hold a grudge over something so silly. I mean, anyone would do the same in my position," she said in a harsh Courtney-like tone. She then covered her mouth, shocked. After a moment, she recovered her composure, frowning sadly, "Ok, I just sounded like her. Maybe Duncan's right, and I need to reconsider my position about the whole situation."
Sammy was walking around rubbing her arms. She didn't like cold weather in general. But in that moment, there was something that worried her more than the harsh climate. And it was the weird situation she was in right now.
"It's really cold here, and my feet hurt. I wonder if the psychological pain is part of the challenge?" asked Lilly in her polite tone. She was wearing a thick yellow sweater and a long cyan skirt.
"Knowing Chirs, it surely is. I wonder why they let him host the show if he seems to hate the contestants," replied Sammy, trying to be polite.
Lilly chuckled, "you're right. I just hope the challenge ends soon."
"You mean that we win the challenge soon, right? It sounds like you don't really care about winning," said the twin, still with a polite tone.
Truth be told, Sammy had a problem with Lilly. Her attitude and personality bothered her. Even then, the younger twin tried to be polite and kind.
"Well, it's because I actually don't care that much, I mean, as long as we can go to our rooms and escape the cold," she replied with a small smile. "If we can win, it would be wonderful, but I wouldn't get angry if we don't."
Sammy blinked a couple of times. "I don't know if my friends Jas or Sky would agree with you, but you're right. There is no use in getting angry after the challenge."
"Hehehe Miss Sky would shout that I'm not trying hard enough, but believe me, I don't plan on giving up. I want to win," said the treehugger in an unusual display of confidence.
"Like everyone here. But I won't make it easy for you," replied the younger twin, smiling.
Lilly blushed and looked at the ground. "Being honest, I'm really grateful to your sister for that."
"What!? Are you crazy? But she abuses and pushes you around like a slave!" shouted Sammy. This was exactly what bothered her about Lilly.
"I don't think so. At first, I was afraid she would bully me, but she's just harsh enough to push me forward. In fact, she helped me a lot during the season," replied Lilly showing a tender smile.
Sammy huffed, walking faster. "Well. It's heartbreaking that she can be kind to a stranger when she just bullies her younger sister."
"I know Amy bullied you, and it's fine if you don't forgive her. But believe me, she sometimes talks really fondly of you," said the treehugger, walking faster as well.
"Sorry, but I don't believe you."
"It's true, isn't that usual, but she sometimes talks about when you were kids and how close you were," replied Lilly, "I think if you have a heart to heart talk, you can-"
Sammy glared at her. "Don't say it. You don't know how much she abused me. Amy made me her servant, shaved my head. I had such low self-esteem that I wouldn't dare to talk back. And all thanks to her."
"I know she's a horrible sister. But she also thinks she's in the right. She suffers because people hate her, your mother prefers you, and because you hate her," Lilly's voice was low but full of determination.
"That's a bunch of lies! Even in my worst moment I never hated her. And she always had friends and lackeys around her," Sammy confronted the redhead, turning to look her in the eyes.
But Lilly faced her as well. "You may be right, but even if she's lying, I don't think her feelings are a lie. She's really hurt." Lilly took a deep breath and glared at Sammy. "Neither want to keep hurting the other, Why don't you try to talk? A real heart-to-heart talk, without prejudices."
There was no response from Sammy, and Lilly decided to not pursue the matter. Sammy resented her sister. After all, she hurt her for years, but a part of her wanted to go back to the time they loved each other more than anything. Was it Stockholm syndrome? Anyway, even if she wanted to try to make a truce, she knew Amy would never accept it.
As they continued the path forked, they could climb a steep rock wall or continue ascending through a flat road that surrounds the mountain.
"We should climb. Chris said that the harder paths were a shortcut," said Sammy, opening her backpack to take out the climbing gear.
Lilly looked at the sky, "I don't think it's a good idea. It seems a snowstorm is coming."
Sammy looked at the ground and found some familiar tracks that disappear on the steep rocks. "Sorry Lilly, but I'll take the risk. But you can go through the other way if you want."
"But, but-" Lilly tried to stop her, but she couldn't. Sammy tied the rope and began to climb the wall. Lilly just smiled. "Good luck Sammy."
The treehugger continued through the plain road while Sammy began to ascend. At that moment, neither knew which one took the right way or who would reach the goal first. But then Lilly started to hear some beeping from her bag.
Confessional: Lilly
"I know both Sammy and Ma-" She panicked and blushed, "ma..my other friend told me I needed to climb through the wall, but I'm sure I can't do it and much less if there is a storm coming. I don't think I can win, but I just hope I can arrive at the summit without issues."
On the opposite side of the mountain, another pair of contestants were hiking their way up to the summit.
"It's really a coincidence we meet like this," said Cody making a big smile. "Luck seems to be on our side."
"I think we just emptied our luck gauge," replied Charlotte sighing. "Chris mentioned we could use shortcuts, but we seem to be in the wrong zone of the map."
Cody rubbed his chin, "probably the mountainside he was talking about is on the opposite side, but there is no use in worrying about that right now."
As he talked, snow began to fall, and the wind started to blow stronger.
"It's snowing? Chris is making this stage more bothersome by the minute," said the e-gamer while shielding her face with her hand.
"I don't think this is really planned. I mean it's a mechanical island and he can make a big snowy mountain in the middle of it, but control the weather? I think that's too much," replied the brunette guy, his breath visible thanks to the cold.
Charlotte chuckled, "You would be surprised. As we talked, this island is OP as hell. I'm sure this snowfall is provoked by them."
She knew that there was a whole section for weather control in the deepest part of DAM's system, but she didn't intend to say that in front of the cameras.
"If you say so," replied Cody not too sure about that, "We should hurry. It'll be dangerous if we're trapped in the mountain with a snowstorm."
"You're right, and we would also lose the challenge," replied Charlotte nodding.
Cody just looked at her raising an eyebrow.
Confessional: Cody
"Maybe it's my imagination, but it seems like Charlotte needs to sort out her priorities. I mean, winning is important but not everything." He said, putting a thoughtful expression. "She reminds me of Heather in more than one aspect, but don't tell Heather. She would be furious."
The wind and the snow began to hit the mountain harder than before. The snow obscured the vision, and the wind was so cold that it felt like it could cut the skin.
But for Amy, none of those things mattered. She was just focused on keep climbing.
"I can't believe that Samey is catching up with me," said the older sister under her breath.
She had some difficulties while climbing, but her sister seemed to climb quickly like a damn koala. Probably it was something to do with spending too much time with that bitch Jasmine.
Amy resented her sister but hated the Aussie. She was the one to blame for everything. Without her influence, Samey would still be her loyal sister.
Or at least she told herself that lie. Because deep down Amy knew Samey hated her. But it wasn't Amy's fault. Her sister deserved all that after betraying her.
The wind blew fiercer, and it was harder to keep climbing. So, why was Samey still catching with her? How could she climb so fast?. It didn't mattered, she also began to go faster.
The cold wind hurt her cheeks, but she didn't slow down. She can't lose, not now. Maybe if she wins the bet…
If she wins the bet, then what? Mike's words resounded inside her head. She and Samey would still fight, and she would still hate her. Maybe he was right, and she should talk with her one last time.
"NO! There is no way I'll humiliate myself. She's the one that never apologized," Amy said, trying to convince herself she was right.
Amy was focused and climbing faster, but things changed in a moment. Her fingers slipped from the rock.
And as in a movie, she could see the bolt holding her rope came off the wall.
Maybe I should have talked with her thought Amy, as she fell off the mountain.
Author Notes:
And the challenge is on. What will happen next? The twin story will end in tragedy? Find out in the next episode of Tyranny of the masses.
And an announcement, as we have only 10 campers, I'll reduce the number of chapters per episode from 3 to 2. So next one is the final part of Let it Frost. Stay tuned.
Immunity idols left: all used
D.A.M. Eliminations left: 2
Remaining players: Amy, Brick, Charlotte, Cody, Courtney, Duncan, Heather, Lilly, Mike, Sammy.
Eliminated: Cameron, Jasmine, Max, Lindsay, Dawn, Jay, Lightning, Charlotte, Beth, Cody. Zoey, Dramaman, Shawn, Alejandro, Sky, Topher.
As always, thanks for reading and I hope you like it.