Who doesn't love baseball? The competitors won't, by the end of this chapter. Oh well. They're just sour grapes who don't know a good sport when they see it.
Then again, Chris is the one making them play. So it evens out.
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Chris' recap: "Last time on Total Drama Everything 3, our newly assembled cast of newbies and veterans immediately sought out to prove their worth to their teams in our super insane obstacle course. That's where we learned just how hard the game can be for even those with the most incredible of powers. Their sheer hatred of water got the better of Toph and Sonic. Ruby somehow lost all her balance on a dime and fell into a pool of jellyfish. Surprisingly, our youngest competitor Webby turned out to be the ace in the hole the Powerful Penguins needed. That is, until Vicky sabotaged her run on the course to make Webby look bad in front of her team. See, that girl just tried way too hard to be a villain. Unfortunately for Vicky, no one on her team fell for her scheme one bit, and she ended up the first boot of the season. I'm not sad; good riddance. But before everyone else could take a break, the Fiery Falcons were forced to choose somebody to spend some alone time on Boney Island. But they didn't have to choose, as Rukia volunteered to take the night off, a move that was not left unnoticed by some of her teammates. Will Rukia find the Chris Head that could potentially save her one day? How will her timeout affect her relationship with her team? And who will be the second person to say goodbye to an easy million dollars? All you can do is sit back and watch the fun, on Total. Drama. Everything 3!"
*theme song*
Considered the most dangerous island in the entire lake, anyone's first greeting of Boney Island was a giant skull in the cliff face. Not exactly the most welcoming of first impressions.
If that weren't unsettling enough, the forests were also filled with flora and fauna you couldn't find anywhere else on the planet, the most ferocious being the woolly beavers. Quicksand and sasquatches everywhere, thick forests easy to get lost in, and even a curse that could befall any foolish traveler who took something from these forbidden grounds. It was an island seemingly stuck in the Stone Age, and definitely not somewhere you wanted to spend a full night in.
Unless your name was Rukia, because then you had no choice.
As she walked through the dark trees, Rukia couldn't help but admire the haunted feel the place even gave her. She thanked her lucky stars that she had all the abilities befitting a Soul Reaper. She had amazing senses and orientation, which meant she would never get lost. And if anything did come out and attack her, it would be dead before it even touched her.
Still, if a location could be unsettling to a person who spent most of her time near the dead, it was clearly doing a good job.
"This place would make a good Soul Reaper rest stop," Rukia told herself. Needless to say, as unsettling as the place was, she felt right at home.
As she walked, she spent a fair amount of time looking at the ground. "It could easily be in plain sight, since it's so dark out here." Of course. She was searching for signs of the Chris Head.
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"I'm not concerned for my standing in the game at the moment," Rukia explained. "But at the same time, it wouldn't hurt to have the Chris Head in my back pocket. There could be anyone willing to take me out and I wouldn't know it, so that thing can be my shield when the time comes."
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Unfortunately, it soon became too dark to search, even for her. So she decided to turn in for the night, finding an empty cave and making sure nothing lived in it.
Anyway, even if she didn't find it, all she needed to do was stick to her strategy. Be useful in challenges, don't make friends, and don't make enemies. Especially those she can't beat.
All this reassured Rukia as she settled in for the night. As long as she did well in the challenges, she would be fine.
(The next day…)
"How long until they get here?" Sly asked.
"Didn't they only just start?" Webby asked.
"Yeah, but with their powers, it won't take long anyway," Deadpool pointed out.
"Still can't believe you actually agreed to be the referee," Webby told Deadpool.
The mercenary shrugged. "I'm not gonna turn down anything for five bucks. Besides, no way I was gonna miss this."
Sly laughed, then looked in the direction of the beach. "Here they come," he said.
Running across the beach in the distance were two figures. One was Dante, but the other appeared to be a black panther made entirely out of hair.
"Give up, kitty!" Dante exclaimed. "I got this in the bag!"
The panther said nothing as the two raced on. Finally, they reached the dock, their destination, where they both stumbled and fell on top of each other at the laughing Deadpool's feet.
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"All this AND five bucks?" Deadpool cackled. "I've hit the jackpot!"
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"HA! I WIN! NO, I WIN! I WIN! I WIN!"
Dante and Bayonetta were screaming this at each other simultaneously. Deadpool, Sly, and Webby watched and laughed.
"At least I didn't have to turn into some panther made of hair."
"At least I know how to transform into animals in the first place."
Dante shook his head. "Deadpool, just say who won."
"Actually, it was a tie."
"WHAT?!"
Now both the demon hunter and Umbra Witch faced Deadpool with fury.
"What do you mean we tied?" Bayonetta asked. "I get it, you're scared. Since you and Dante have history together, you're assuming he'll tear you to shreds if you tell the truth and say I won."
"You're even more delusional than I thought if you believe that," Dante stated. "Lady, you and I know well that he's too lovestruck by you to admit that I won, for fear of you breaking his poor heart."
Deadpool laughed again. "I'm not scared of Dante, I'm not in love with Bayonetta, and the race was a tie. I did my job, you guys gave me my five bucks already. My work here is done."
With a wave, he walked off. The two rivals glared at each other.
"Just you wait, pretty boy," Bayonetta seethed.
"Fine by me, sweetheart," Dante snarked.
They walked off in separate directions, while Webby and Sly laughed behind them.
Just then, Wakko walked over. "Hey Webby, here's a good-luck message for you. Don't spend it all in one place."
Sly walked away so Webby could watch the message in peace.
(Webby's message, submitted by FireFlamerx9z)
(Fire is in a bedroom, with the boy from Vicky's video, Timmy talking to her.)
Fire: I still wish Webby got to beat up Vicky.
Timmy: Easy for you to say! Vicky's had a big pole stuck up her butt ever since she got kicked off.
Fire: Which you still enjoyed. (Notices the camera) Oh! Right! This is rolling. Anyways, hi Webby. Great job on indirectly getting Vicky kicked off.
Timmy: I knew she wasn't gonna last.
Fire: Anyways, don't let the others underestimate you. You may be small, but you are strong.
(Shere Khan wonders in.)
Shere Khan: Roar? (Didn't Story say to warn her about something?)
Timmy: Yeah, but it was about that Nagito guy. What can he do?
(Fire crosses her arms and scowls.)
Fire: Story said he was an...interesting guy, but won't tell me anything beyond "spoilers". Either way, keep an eye on him!
Male voice from downstairs: Timmy! Do you have a girl in your room?
(Fire and Timmy look at each other before Fire blocks the camera)
*end*
Webby giggled as she set the device down. People were counting on her, and she wouldn't let them down. As for what they said about Nagito, that confused her. In her eyes, Nagito was just a little shy, maybe a bit subservient, but still a nice guy.
Still, not everyone could be what they seemed. That's what Vicky learned about her, after all.
(Meanwhile…)
Nagito walked into the losers' cabin to find Sebastian sweeping the floors.
"Oh, hello. Didn't mean to disturb. Looks like you're busy."
"No worries, Master Nagito," Sebastian said. "I was just hoping to tidy the place. It absolutely appalls me that the very place we're supposed to call home is this filthy pigsty."
Double D walked in. "Sir, you are finally reading my mind. May I help out a little?"
"Of course, Master Eddward. I could use a little assistance. Perhaps you could start with cleaning the windows?"
"Alright."
Double D grabbed a squeegee and began wiping down the windows.
"Nagito, are you willing to help?" Sebastian asked. "This cabin is meant for whatever team loses the coming challenges. Whether it's our team or not, we can make this place a bit more livable at least."
Nagito nodded. "Sure, I would like to be helpful. Tell me what I should do."
"We'll have to make sure this place is rid of cockroaches and other vermin. Could I ask that you do a thorough search?"
"Sure thing, Sebastian." Nagito crawled under one of the beds to begin searching.
"Not many people actually agree to do that last one," Double D admitted.
Nagito shrugged, though it was hard to see with his head underneath a bed frame. "I'm helping out, so I can't complain."
As the three cleaned, Po poked his head inside the cabin to watch Sebastian, Double D, and Nagito cleaning. Before he could be roped into the job himself, the panda retreated.
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"There's something you don't see everyday," Po said. "A demon leading the charge to clean a cabin."
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At the edge of the forest, Sonic and Ruby were sitting together, watching a good-luck message Ruby had received earlier.
(Ruby's message, submitted by TheLizardKing)
Qrow: (Drunk) Hey, pipsqueak! It's me, your ole' favorite uncle Qrow (HIC!) Excuse, but I've just...I've just... (Word became more slurred as he talked) ...I've just had one amazing drink, hehehe. (BURP!)
(After Qrow burps, the older huntsman grows a serious face even though he is still drunk.)
Qrow: Listen, kiddo! I just want to give you a warning and take this seriously from a man who has been through hell and stuff! You have to keep a close eye on that Nagito kid. I don't know about him, but there is something with him that I don't like and I want you to be on guard in case he tries something suspiciously.
(Letting out a sigh, Qrow shakes off his drunken dizziness, and now shows a supportive smile, while holding his almost empty bottle of whisky.)
Qrow: "Now that I gave you my warning, I just want to let you know that me, your sister, your dad and everyone of your friends are here to support you to the end and hope you will win this. Cause I sure know you can do it, Ruby...You are my niece after all!
(He suddenly remembers something and his face turns serious again.)
Qrow: Oh, yeah, almost forgot...Hey, Sonic-guy...You're watching this aren't you?!
(Qrow's face suddenly turns threatening and his glare becomes so terrifying that it would make anyone scared if they were in Sonic's situation (which he is doing a good job at, despite being drunk).
Qrow: (Drunk, yet threatening and scary tone) Now, I want you to listen here, boy… Since you are Ruby's boyfriend, I will give you this warning, since I didn't get this chance since you visited Remnant last time… You hurt Ruby in any way or make her cry in any way...I'll hunt you down to the ends of the World and make sure you never walk again… And that is not a threat... It's a promise!
(Suddenly, it becomes normal again and Ruby's uncle acts as though he hadn't just given a threatening warning to Sonic.)
Qrow: (Releases a relaxed sigh) Well, sure felt good to get that out the system. Good luck now, Pipsqueak...And I guess you too, Spiky! (That's Qrow's nickname for Sonic!) Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to get myself another drink!
(Qrow drunkenly walks out of the room to get himself more booze.)
*end*
Sonic's jaw dropped as he processed everything from the video.
"He's not serious, is he?" he asked. "Is your uncle always like this?"
Ruby shrugged. "Don't be fooled. He cares about my sister and I dearly, and was always there to protect us as kids. He trained me in combat himself."
"Okay, but is he serious about hunting me down?"
"I wouldn't assume he couldn't."
(Meanwhile…)
Deadpool walked into the dining room of the luxury cabin, still laughing.
"So which one are you gonna have to hide from?" Mikey asked.
"Both."
"It was a tie, wasn't it?"
"Yep."
"Ha!"
Mikey dove back into his pepperoni pizza. Outside, he and Deadpool could hear the sounds of someone slicing at a target of some kind. They looked out the window and saw Snake Eyes, using his swords against a makeshift training dummy.
The two waited until Snake Eyes had not attacked for five seconds, implying he was relaxing. "Hey, Snake Eyes!" Deadpool exclaimed. "How's the training going?"
The ninja looked up at the two and gave a thumbs up.
"That's it?" Mikey asked. "Come on, don't be shy! Looks like the dummy's toast, huh?"
Snake Eyes looked at the dummy and shrugged.
"Aww, you can at least try and vocalize your feelings about it, right?" Deadpool asked.
This time, the ninja ignored them and went back to his training.
Then Connie walked by and noticed the boys' heads sticking out the window. "The heck are you guys doing?" she asked.
"Having some fun," Mikey replied.
Connie looked around. "Have you guys seen Noodle? I wanna see if I can have a quick sparring match with her."
"On the beach, I believe."
Nodding, Connie ran off towards the beach.
After she left, Deadpool and Mikey went back inside. Once he noticed they were gone, Snake Eyes stopped hitting the dummy and sheathed his weapons. Then he pulled out a message device, given to him earlier. He turned it on to watch the video.
(Snake Eyes' message, submitted by 1602jaw)
(Cobra Commander is sitting on his throne.)
Cobra Commander: Sssssssssso Storm Shadow has told me about this show, which I have seen your actions within so far, and I am quite amused. But ssssooner or later, Cobra will attack G.I. Joe and there's nothing you will do to stop us, hahahahahahahahaha!
(Then, Destro enters the room.)
Destro: Cobra commander, what are you doing?
Cobra commander: I am doing something personal, Desssstro.
Destro: Commander, are you doing some kind of foolish recording for this game?
Cobra commander: Yessss, why does it bother you?
Destro: Because you are wasting your time on this pathetic, piece of junk. We don't have time for this!
Cobra commander: You know nothing about my greatest idea, Destro. Look at the camera, the ninja has a fearful expression on his face.
Destro: He doesn't remove his mask, moronic hog.
Cobra commander: Oh shut up. Let me do my thing, first class buffoon.
Destro: You will pay for that insult.
(The Baroness enters the room.)
Baroness: Destro, we need to-Commander, what are you doing?
Cobra Commander: I am doing something personal here, fool!
(Dr. Mindbender enters the room.)
Dr. Mindbender: Commander, I have inv- what is he doing?
Baroness: He's possibly doing one of his tantrum rants, again.
Cobra Commander: I do not do such a thing! Get out! Or-
(Firefly, Metal Head, and Overkill all run into the room.)
Metal Head: Commander! Firefly stole my lunch!
Firefly: Would you shut up?! It's just lunch!
Metal Head: It is not an ordinary lunch, idiot!
(While these two argue, Overkill has a complaint.)
Overkill: Commander, a filthy, organic creature has broken into my laboratory! You must do something about this now!
Cobra Commander: I don't have time for this, fool! All of you, get out! GET OUT!
Metal Head: But Commander!
Cobra Commander: I said, GO!
Metal head: Awww.
(Everyone leaves the room, leaving the Commander in great peace.)
Cobra Commander: Where was I? Oh right, you will be guilty for leaving your pals, fool! Because now, Cobra will-
(He then notices noises coming from the vent directly above him.)
Cobra Commander: Huh? What the? What is going on with tha-?
(A figure lands on him, making him scream "Ahhhhhhh!". The figure is Aisling from Secret of Kells, landing on him without any injuries.)
Aisling: Hi, Snake eyes. You might not recognize me, but I do know about your team. Thanks for trying to save my forest from these goons, I appreciate that. Anyways, I hope you make it through the rest of the competition.
Cobra Commander: Guards!
Aisling: Gotta go!
*end*
Sometimes, Snake Eyes would question how Cobra could have ever been a threat to G.I. Joe, and now those doubts had returned in full force. The people Cobra Commander tended to surround himself with were lunatics.
He figured that was why he wasn't entirely bothered by the likes of Mikey and Deadpool, especially since they were all on the same team, as opposed to the members of Cobra.
(Meanwhile…)
"Noodle? Are you around here?" Connie asked.
"Hya! Ha!"
*thump*
Maybe she wasn't as good at feeling vibrations as Toph, but Connie could still tell the dock was vibrating. And those cries were coming from right below her. To confirm her suspicion, she poked her head below the dock.
Sure enough, Noodle was practicing her martial arts on one of the wooden dock supports. Connie looked down so that her head poked out from atop the dock.
"Hey there."
The unexpected voice made Noodle flinch, and she almost ended up punching Connie in the face. Good thing Connie's training with the Gems had given her good reflexes.
"Sorry, Connie-san."
"Don't worry about it, I should've waited. Wow, you're pretty good at this, aren't you?"
Noodle smiled, though Connie sensed something else beneath her facade.
"Noodle, is something wrong?"
The guitarist stared. "No, why?"
But she saw Connie wasn't convinced, and she sighed. "I'm worried about Rukia. Ever since she came, she hasn't even made an effort to get to know the rest of the group."
"She only just met all of us though."
"Yeah, but I think it stems from more than just unfamiliarity. I think she's just a solitary person normally. Thing is, I thought she would become one of my closest friends on the island."
"How so?"
"Well, we actually have quite a bit in common. We're both Japanese, neither of us have lived conventional lives, same weaponry, stuff like that. She seemed like the person I could trust the most in the competition. But she won't even talk to anyone. I think she volunteered for Boney Island just to have some solitude."
Connie shrugged. "Could be. But we all just need to give her a chance. And it would definitely benefit her if she gave us a chance. Our standing in the game can definitely depend on our allies."
She sat down on the dock. "We just need to give her some time. She'll warm up to everyone once she's sure she can trust everyone."
Noodle nodded. "I guess so."
Five seconds later, the loudspeaker came on. "Attention, competitors. It's time to see how well you can do playing a good ol' classic tradition. Everyone, please follow the Warners through the forest."
"I never get used to that," Connie admitted.
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"I have no idea what 'tradition' he's talking about, but knowing Chris, it can't be good," Connie said.
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"Can someone please explain why Chris decided to build whatever crazy thing he's got now this far into the forest?" Sonic asked.
"Speak for yourself," Po said. "All you need is a second to get there."
"Touché."
Carmen waved away a branch that was in front of her face. ""Still better than being on a mountain or something," she muttered. However, Sly heard her.
"Why?" Sly asked, whispering to keep the conversation private. "Are you afraid of heights?"
Before she could answer, everyone heard a thud. The group turned to see Nagito sprawled on the forest floor, rubbing his head.
"Are you okay, dude?" Mikey asked.
"Sorry," Nagito said. "Tripped on a tree root."
"Who the heck trips on a tree root when most of the ground is clear?" Dante asked. "Either you're blind as a bat, or you have the worst luck ever."
"Probably the second one," Nagito admitted as Sly and Carmen helped him up. Once that was cleared away, the group resumed the walk, Nagito following Sly and Carmen close behind.
Sly whispered to Carmen, "So are you actually afraid of heights?"
"Not really, but I don't have a lot of experience being high up. Because of this, I get altitude sickness. It can get so severe that I pass out."
"Ouch. Must have had a sheltered life."
"You don't know the half of it."
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"Sly and I have already become close friends," Carmen explained. "Both of us are world-renowned thieves in our worlds who operate like Robin Hood, and who also just so happen to be chased by some form of law enforcement. While I am slightly bummed that Sly has a girlfriend, I'm not gonna complain. Being his friend is enough, and so far I couldn't have asked for better."
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Before long, the group reached the end of the path. Snake's jaw dropped. "Whoa."
Everyone stood before a fenced-in area with what appeared to be a baseball diamond within. Off to the side of what could be assumed as home plate was a dugout area. A few feet from the edge of the diamond was a set of bleachers, where Chris and Chef were sitting.
"Open the gate, Yakko!" Chris called. "Everyone come inside and stand in front of the bleachers
The toon opened the gate, and everyone did as Chris asked. Within a few seconds, everyone stood before Chris.
"Before we get to the challenge, there's some business to take care of with the Fiery Falcons," Chris. "Your teammate has returned from Boney Island. Rukia, come on out."
Everyone looked at the dugout, and out emerged the soul reaper, looking slightly dirty but otherwise none the worse for wear. She gave a small smile as she walked towards her team, who all welcomed her back.
"How was it?" Ruby asked.
Rukia shrugged. "Not the most pleasant place in the world, but I've been to worse."
Dante looked at her. "And did you find any trace of the Chris Head?" he whispered.
"Dante?!" Connie exclaimed, though only loud enough for her team to hear.
"I just think if she has it, the rest of us should know. If she does and she tries to hide it, that makes her untrustworthy."
Rukia rolled her eyes. "Since you asked, no. I don't have the Chris Head, and I never found it."
"She's clear," Toph told the group, having used her excellent sensory skills to tell whether or not Rukia told the truth.
Dante nodded. "All I needed to know."
"But let's agree that if anyone on this team does find it, it's their choice whether or not to reveal it to anyone," Noodle said.
"How does that make it fair?" Dante asked.
"Because if someone DOES have it and reveals it to the rest of us, that will give us all reason to vote them out so they have no choice but to use it, and then get them out for good next time when they don't have that protection anymore. It stacks the odds against whoever has it. A system like that doesn't seem fair to me."
Sly smiled. "She has a point."
"Works for me," said Mikey.
"You guys done over there?" Chris asked over their heads; apparently the Falcons forgot they were about to do a challenge.
"You couldn't let us pow-wow in peace?" Deadpool asked. "Shame."
Chris shook his head. "Not that I have everyone's undivided attention, let's get to today's challenge. Although, if any of you have noticed what you're standing on, you probably already know what it is."
"A digging competition?" Sam asked.
"Another fashion show?" Rarity guessed. "I need redemption here."
"Dancing?" Mikey asked.
"You guys are idiots," Chris said, already aggravated. "It's a baseball challenge."
"We all knew that," Mikey said. "We just wanted to mess with you."
The host facepalmed. "Yeah, your joke was SO funny. Anyway, today we're gonna play an American classic sport, baseball. To give a brief summary of the game, you simply hit baseballs across the field with a wooden bat, then circle around the bases on the diamond to reach home plate again without getting taken out. Simple.
"So here's how our game is gonna work. This challenge will consist of three innings, instead of the nine you usually see in professional games. One team will bat until they have suffered three Outs, then they'll switch positions with the other team. Once THAT team has three Outs, the inning ends. Your team will score a point for every batter that reaches Home Plate. At the end of three innings, the team with the most points will win invincibility. The losers will have a date with me at the bonfire ceremony. Any questions?"
Everyone raised their hands.
"No questions? Excellent. Oh, and to make things fun, everyone's gonna look the part. Wakko, the blaster."
"You got it, boss."
Wakko aimed his blaster at Double D, who tried to back away.
"Wait, what are you-"
BANG!
Everyone watched as a baseball uniform, cobalt blue with black pinstripes and a matching hat and shoes, was instantly blasted on Double D. In fact, the uniform had managed to put itself on him so he was wearing it when the smoke cleared.
Double D waved the smoke away, coughing. "Surely there was a safer and more sanitary way to do this."
"Yeah, but this is more fun," Chris explained. "Who's next?"
Before anyone else could complain, Wakko fired the uniform blaster at everyone else. The Penguins all wore the cobalt blue uniforms, while the Falcons were bright orange.
Sebastian looked down at his uniform after being blasted. "Such garments are unbecoming for a butler."
"Too bad," Chris said.
Bayonetta kept looking at every part of the outfit. "This is really the type of outfit people wear when they play this game?"
"Take it or leave it, sweetheart," Dante retorted.
"You guys look like baseball players now," Chris said. "Also, please note that a baseball team typically consists of nine players. That means the Penguins will have to sit one person out each inning, while the Falcons will sit TWO people out each inning. Dot, I'll need the coin."
Dot tossed Chris a coin. Both sides were plain, but one side was orange and the other was cobalt blue.
"I don't know how this is decided normally, but the team that wins the coin toss will get to decide whether they want to go up to bat or take the field for the first half of the first inning."
He flipped it, caught it, then put it on his hand. His other hand was moved to reveal the coin had landed on the blue side.
"Powerful Penguins, it's your choice."
The Penguins gathered together and talked briefly. After about a minute, Snake turned to face Chris.
"We're gonna bat first."
"Excellent. Then the challenge will begin in five minutes, giving the teams enough time to strategize and decide where they're standing on the field, when they'll go to bat, who's sitting out, stuff like that. And if you need any help with what the positions are, here's a diagram."
He threw both teams a rolled-up piece of paper for them to read. The teams gathered to their own spots to discuss strategy.
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"This reminds me of that one song," Deadpool said. "What's it called again? Something about taking us out to the game, buying peanuts and crackerjacks, and rooting for the home team because it'll be a shame if they lose. Ugh, why can't I remember that one? It's on the tip of my tongue here."
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The Falcons were all talking in hushed tones.
"We need to decide who's sitting out," Carmen said.
"I'm gonna throw out a suggestion and say we sit Toph out for all three innings," Rukia said.
"Hey!" Toph exclaimed.
"Talk about blunt," Connie said.
"She has a point," Dante said. "Your skills are incredible normally, but they're not gonna help you when you have to hit, throw, or catch a baseball flying through the air that you can't even see."
Toph sighed. "Alright, I'll sit out for the good of the team."
"Okay, who else is sitting out for the first inning?" Ruby asked.
Connie raised her hand.
"You sure, dude?" Mikey asked (I like to assume he calls everyone "dude" no matter the gender; let me know in the reviews if he doesn't).
"I was never allowed to play a lot of sports," Connie explained. "Probably wouldn't have any physical strength if not for the Gems. I'll play in the other innings to make it fair, but I think we should get as many points as possible for this first one."
"Sounds fair," Carmen said. "Everyone in agreement?"
Everyone nodded in assent.
(Meanwhile…)
"We're gonna probably face a heavy force from the Falcons," Snake said. "Most likely they'll make Dante their pitcher. So I suggest one of the weaker teammates opt to sit the entire challenge out. We can't afford to take risks here."
Double D and Nagito raised their hands shyly. "I'll sit out," they both said.
"Okay, we got a problem," Po mused.
"I think it's obvious I'm terrible at sports," Double D said. "I sometimes can't even lift Plank. And he's a piece of lumber!"
"Yes, but let's face it," Nagito said, rubbing his neck. "If I play, I'm only gonna slow you guys down. I'm not a good runner or athlete."
"Both of you can't sit out," Webby stated. "We won't have enough players otherwise."
"You guys need to decide which of you will sit out on all three innings," Snake told them. "One of you has to play, no questions asked."
Nagito nodded. "I don't want this to escalate, so I'll play. I ask you guys not to expect much out of me, but I'll do my best."
"And your best is all we need out of you," Snake told him.
"You sure withdrew from that quickly," Sonic told Nagito.
"I'm not a big fan of confrontations. They disrupt the whole harmony thing we have going on with our team. If preventing something ugly means resigning myself to possible humiliation, then so be it."
Bayonetta stared. "You're quite the strange boy, aren't you?"
"Sometimes we could use a bit of strange," Sebastian responded.
"Maybe so."
(Later…)
Both teams eventually finished discussing strategy, and they both began to take their positions on the field and in the dugout. On the bleachers, the Warners had set up a station where they could do commentary.
"And good afternoon, folks," Wakko said in the microphone. "This is shaping up to be an exciting game of baseball. The Powerful Penguins vs. Fiery Falcons in a three-inning showdown to decide which team will win invincibility and bragging rights."
"As a refresher to the audience, let me go over what this game is all about," Dot announced. "This is gonna be three games only, and the team with the most points at the end will win the challenge. The crowd is going crazy!"
Chris scoffed as he sat nearby on the bleachers. "Not for the commentary, I'm not. Why did I let you guys do this again?"
"And it looks like the teams have all reached their decided stations," Yakko continued. "As the winners of the coin toss, the Powerful Penguins chose to be the first team up to bat while the Fiery Falcons take to the field. In case you're all curious, here's the teammate and their locations."
Penguins Batting Order
Snake
Webby
Po
Bayonetta
Sam
Sonic
Rarity
Sebastian
Nagito
Falcons Field Positions
Catcher: Mikey
First Base: Sly
Second Base: Noodle
Third Base: Carmen
Shortstop: Deadpool
Left Field: Snake Eyes
Center Field: Ruby
Right Field: Rukia
Pitcher: Dante
"That pretty much covers it," Dot said. "Everyone is in their place in the batting order, or they're standing at their spots on the field. Let's get this game underway!"
Chef, in the role of umpire, stood behind Mikey. "Play ball!"
Dante picked up the baseball as Snake walked onto the mound, bat in hand.
"So are you as good a ball player as you are a spy?" Dante called.
"Guess we'll find out," Snake responded.
The demon hunter laughed and got into his stance, while Snake did the same. After five seconds, Dante threw the ball.
WHACK!
Snake had hit the ball directly and sent the ball flying. Snake immediately started running as the ball finished its flight and landed next to Carmen, who quickly picked it up. However, before she had the chance to throw it to Sly, Snake had reached the base and secured it.
"And Snake starts things off well with a single," Yakko announced. "Let's see if the Penguins could keep up the momentum."
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"I forgot all that supernatural strength Dante has," Snake admitted. "It was like hitting a brick. Pretty sure if that ball had been thrown by someone of normal strength, I would've hit a home run. Those guys made a good choice making Dante the pitcher."
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Next up to bat was Webby, who immediately held the bat up. However, she was holding it upside down. Deadpool laughed out loud.
"What the heck is she doing?" Snake asked himself.
"Uh, you do know it's supposed to be the other way, right?" Mikey whispered from behind Webby. She didn't respond, but she turned the bat so she was holding it correctly.
Dante smirked. Easy out. Unlike his previous throw, he put a bit less power this time, already confident.
WHACK!
The ball went soaring off Webby's bat and down the length of the field, all the way to the bleachers. Chris and the Warners ducked as the ball went soaring over their heads before finally landing. The Warners were beside themselves with excitement.
"HOME RUN!"
Snake ran the rest of the bases back to home plate, followed quickly by Webby. They both high-fived.
"You did the thing with the bat just to make Dante loosen his throw, didn't you?" Snake asked.
"I actually didn't think it would work."
The Falcons looked furious. Webby had just scored her team two points at once.
"Did I just get suckered by that duck?" Dante asked incredulously.
"I think you just got suckered by a duck," Deadpool called back.
"Shut up! Who's next?"
In fact, next up was Po. He held up his bat (correctly), ready for the ball to fly.
Dante threw the ball, but this time, Po swung his bat around as the ball landed in Mikey's mitt.
"Strike one!" Chef called.
"Dang it," Po seethed. He readied the bat again, but it was once again a swing and a miss.
"Strike two!"
"Don't worry about it," Sonic said. "Just focus on the ball."
Po nodded. Once again, he readied the bat, and Dante threw it.
WHACK!
This time, Po made contact. Unfortunately, before he could reach first base, Deadpool caught the ball before it hit the ground.
"Booyah!" Deadpool yelled.
"Po's out!" Dot cried out.
The panda sighed in defeat and walked back to the dugout.
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"We put Deadpool on shortstop because with Dante on pitching duty, we needed a good bet who wouldn't have much trouble catching the ball," Ruby explained. "Deadpool's one of our strongest teammates, we figured he wouldn't let us down."
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"That was totally NOT awesome," Po sulked.
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"Sorry, guys," Po said.
"Don't worry about it," Sonic said. "We have a ton of game left."
"Heck, up next is someone who's not gonna miss a ball Dante throws even if it kills her," Snake added.
Indeed, the team watched as Bayonetta left the dugout and took her spot on the home plate. She stared at Dante with daggers in her eyes.
"Think you can even see this baby when I throw it?" Dante asked mockingly. "You have to wear those glasses for a reason, right?"
"I wear them because they are part of the Umbra Witch's signature look," Bayonetta retorted. "I assure you my eyesight is 20/20. Yours must not be if you see yourself as the better one."
Dante smirked. "I'll show you who's the better one."
"I'm sure you will."
Still confident, Dante threw the ball.
WHACK!
Much to the demon hunter's shock, Bayonetta had hit the ball dead on. Just like Webby's, it soared across the field, looking like a home run.
"Ruby! The ball!"
"But wouldn't that be cheating?"
"Just do it!"
Startled by Dante's demands, Ruby activated her Semblance and hurried to the ball, which she managed to catch with merely a foot to spare. Bayonetta watched, unable to say a word.
"You have got to be kidding me," Sam said.
"How was that even fair?" Webby asked.
Finally, Bayonetta found the strength to speak again. "YOU CHEATING LITTLE (censored)! Time Out!"
Chef raised his arms. "Time!"
The Penguins all hurried over to Chris. "That shouldn't be fair at all," Webby said. "Dante made Ruby use her Semblance. There's no way he was gonna let Bayonetta reach home."
"No one said she wasn't allowed to use her speed," Dante pointed out, having walked over to argue back. "I just wanted her to make sure we got another one out. Is that such a crime?"
"You forced her to use her speed to catch that ball," Sonic argued. "You shouldn't make anyone do that just to take out someone you hate, especially my girlfriend!"
"Hold it!" Chris exclaimed. "Let me talk it over with the Warners."
Everyone stood in front of the bleachers, waiting. Finally, Chris looked at the group again.
"We have all decided that Ruby catching the ball was a fair play. The decision stands, and Bayonetta's Out. However, we're putting in a new rule. Speed-based abilities are no longer allowed. That goes for Sonic too. Now everyone return to your spots so we can keep going."
The Penguins all screamed in protest. "But he-"
"No 'buts', Sonic. Everyone, move it."
With no other choice, the Penguins walked back to the dugout while the Falcons claimed their spots on the field. Bayonetta hung back walking over to Dante.
"You'll pay for that," she growled.
"Cry me a river."
Dante walked back to the mound, but the rest of his team glared at him.
"That was uncalled for," Sly said. "You shouldn't have forced Ruby to cheat just to take out Bayonetta."
"I didn't see you try to stop me."
"Play ball!"
The Penguins still had to bat, and next up was Sam.
"You got this," Snake called out.
Sam nodded and readied the bat. Dante then threw the ball towards her.
WHACK!
While Sam had managed to hit the ball, she ended it up sending it directly past her left side, away from the fair area.
"Foul."
Annoyed, Sam readied the bat again. Dante smiled and threw.
WHACK!
That time was a legitimate hit, which soared before landing a few feet behind the diamond; an honest double. Sam hurried over to second base and reached it before the ball could touch her.
"Nice one," Webby cheered.
Dante shook his head. "Hmph. Lucky shot."
"Sam manages a nice double for her team," Yakko announced. Next up to bat for the Penguins is the Blue Blur, Sonic."
Sonic stepped up to the plate, annoyed. Thanks to Chris' ruling, he wouldn't be able to use his full speed. Oh well.
"Swing, batter batter," Dante said as he threw the ball.
WHACK!
Sonic's bat hit the ball dead on and soared before it hit the ground next to Deadpool. Unfortunately, Deadpool then picked it up and threw the ball to Sly, who then tapped Sonic with it before the hedgehog could touch first base.
"You're out! Change sides."
Since the Penguins now had three Outs, the teams had to change sides, so the Falcons would now bat and the Penguins were on the field. The positions were thus:
Falcons Batting Order
Deadpool
Noodle
Carmen
Dante
Snake Eyes
Rukia
Mikey
Sly
Ruby
Penguins Field Positions
Catcher: Po
First Base: Rarity
Second Base: Webby
Third Base: Sonic
Shortstop: Snake
Left Field: Bayonetta
Center Field: Sam
Right Field: Nagito
Pitcher: Sebastian
"Second half of the first inning is underway," Wakko announced. "Mercenary Deadpool steps up to the plate, ready to bat against Penguin's pitcher Sebastian."
Deadpool gave his bat a spin. "I didn't think butlers played baseball, particularly not demon butlers."
Sebastian was intrigued. "I wouldn't consider myself as a demon. Rather, I see myself as simply one hell of a butler."
"So I've heard. Hurry up and throw that thing already."
"If you insist, Master Wade." And he threw the ball.
WHACK!
Deadpool cheered as the ball soared across the field and landed in the field halfway between Bayonetta and Sam, an easy "HOME RUN!" The mercenary practically skipped across the bases before arriving back at home plate.
"Guess we forgot Deadpool has superhuman strength of his own," Webby said. "Of course."
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"I scored a home run!" Deadpool sang. "I scored a home run! And against Sebastian, no less. I beat a demon butler!"
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The next two runs passed by. Noodle hit a single, and she reached first base without incident. Carmen also hit a single, but while she made it to first base as well, Webby managed to tap out Noodle before she could get to second.
Batter number four was Dante. He looked ready to kill as he took the bat.
"Demon against half-demon who also hunts demons?" Dante asked. "We might as well be cousins."
"You never know," Sebastian mused. He threw the ball.
WHACK!
Once again, the ball went soaring across the field and headed towards the outfield and Bayonetta, who smirked.
"I wouldn't touch that fury with a ten-foot pole," Chris observed.
The witch moved to her right, then jumped and caught the ball in her glove. Landing safely, she held up the ball in her baseball mitt for all to see.
"Sweet revenge, Dante!"
"Are you kidding me?!"
Dante was beside himself. Sulking, he walked back to the dugout and sat down. Everyone looked at him, but he only glared, and the rest of the team scooted far away from him. The only bonus was that Carmen still made it to home plate and scored the team another point.
The next batter was Snake Eyes, who took the bat and stood at home plate.
"Not much of a talker, are you?" Sebastian asked. "I respect that." Then he threw the ball.
WHACK!
"HOME RUN!"
Sure enough, the ball soared across the field and even over the fence. Sebastian stood, impressed, as Snake Eyes ran around the bases.
"Not bad," the butler said.
The Falcons cheered, since this gave them a 3-3 tie so far. Rukia was next up, taking the bat and readying herself. Sebastian said nothing this time as he threw the ball.
WHACK!
Rukia had hit a single. She hurried and made it safely to first base. Mikey was the next batter.
"Alright, ready to score a home run over here. Pay attention to me, butler. This hit's gonna be spectacular."
"I'm sure it will," Sebastian responded as he threw the ball.
Miss.
"Strike one!"
Mikey shook his head. "I wasn't ready that time. Now I am." Sebastian threw the ball again.
Miss.
"Strike two."
"Oh, come on!"
"He's a demon," Noodle called from the dugout. "Of course he's gonna have insane strength."
"Whatever. Just throw it at me again." Sebastian obliged.
Miss.
"Strike three. You're Out!"
Defeated, Mikey walked over to his team, who patted him on the back, or shell.
"And that concludes the first inning," Dot announced. "Both teams are currently tied 3-3. Both teams are gonna relax for a few minutes before moving on to the second inning."
"But first," Yakko added, "a word from our sponsor."
(Please stick around for this fun ad from the Mystery Shack.)
"You wanna see some of the most incredible artifacts ever? Remnants from the supernatural world? Then come visit the Mystery Shack in Gravity Falls, Oregon. Also, be sure to check out the new Total Drama Everything exhibit. We've collected tons of interesting objects from the first two seasons, including Dante's ketchup bottle from the paintball challenge in Season One, the suit of armor that Dave guy used to attack the competitors in Riftstone Manor, and even Plank's tuxedo in the Niagara Falls challenge. All this and more, at the Mystery Shack! See you there."
(Back to the show…)
"Can't believe she actually caught that," Dante huffed.
"It's just a game, dude," Mikey said. "Besides, you weren't exactly fair while you were on the mound."
Dante glared at him. "When you have someone who remains furious because you disintegrated them into dust, I think you would wanna put them in their place. Just saying."
"Seriously, you need to chill," Deadpool said. "Sheesh, you sound like Mandy right now."
"Do I care? No. In fact…"
He then ran out of the dugout and walked over to where the Penguins were grouped together.
"Hey! Bayonetta!"
The witch turned around. "Careful there, now. Anger can be detrimental to your health."
"Save it, missy. You and I both know why I had Ruby use her Semblance to catch that ball. There's no way I'm letting you get the upper hand on anything."
"Based on that last catch I made, you are doing an excellent job. I'm shaking in my boots. Besides, I made that catch myself and didn't force a teammate to do it."
Hearing the sarcasm only made Dante angrier. "I was the pitcher, not a catcher. And that ball was already too far for me to catch. So I would appreciate it if you dropped the topic."
"Says the man who can't drop the fact that I caught a ball YOU hit."
Now Dante was truly furious. "You're pushing it, witch. You're the one who can't drop Death Battle, so there's that."
By this point, the rest of the Falcons were standing behind Dante. "Come on, don't lose it here," Sly pleaded. "It's not worth it."
"He's right," Rukia agreed.
Snake Eyes nodded.
"I suggest you both sit down now and talk about your issues," Deadpool told them. "I can actually make a really good therapist. Don't believe me? Ask that one woman I talked out of suicide in one comic book issue of mine. Volume 4, Issue 20."
Bayonetta turned, her back to her rival. "I'm not gonna give you the satisfaction. So I suggest listening to your teammates."
She began to walk away. Nearly everyone from both teams seemed to give a sigh of relief.
BANG! BANG! BANG!
Everyone from the Penguins ducked for cover as the gunshots rang out. Well, except for Bayonetta. She stood there as a large fist seemingly made of hair appeared in front of her and blocked every bullet. Dante also stood there, his guns smoking.
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"Did that really just happen?" Po asked.
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"Dante's anger at Bayonetta was so great that he didn't even realize he was risking the lives of everyone on her team," Snake explained.
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"Why couldn't you just listen to me like that woman did that night?" Deadpool moaned.
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"And he thinks I can't let it go," Bayonetta said.
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"What was that for?" Carmen asked in shock.
"Are you insane?!" Webby yelled.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Deadpool cried.
"That was uncalled for, you baka!" Noodle exclaimed.
"Enough! All of you!"
The competitors watched as Chris walked over them, Chef and the Warners in tow. He looked furious.
"What did I say about you two lashing out at each other?" Chris asked Dante and Bayonetta. "We get it. You guys competed against Death Battle, and there's still bad blood. But this is an entirely different competition, one that's NOT supposed to result in death."
He then turned to Dante. "You're the one who started it. You began the argument, and then you tried to shoot her. Did you forget you could've hit any of the Penguins?"
The demon hunter rolled his eyes. "She was asking for it."
"I don't care if she was asking for it. What you did was totally uncalled for. I'm pulling you out of the challenge. You're not allowed to participate for the rest of the day."
Dante gasped. "I'm one of the Falcons' best shots. You can't do this."
"Too bad. It's already done. So how about you go sit at the bench, and hope your team wins. Otherwise, I'm fairly confident who they're gonna vote out."
His point made, Chris turned to walk away. "Let's get to the second inning. Falcons, you're batting this time. Also, you need to pick someone on your team from the bench to replace Dante."
"We'll choose Connie," Ruby said, still a little spooked.
"Very well. Connie, get over here. Also, to prevent the chance of further issues today, I'm shortening the challenge. This next inning will be the last one. Make it count."
The sword wielder ran over to her team. Chris walked away, and everyone took their respective spots. Dante walked over to the bench, but as he did, he caught a glimpse of Bayonetta giving him a smug look.
"I'll show her," he said as he sat down.
"I'm sure you will," said Double D, who scooted several feet away.
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"Just perfect," Dante said. "Now I'll probably get voted out if we lose. It's all HER fault. I hope she gets voted off soon."
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"Fantastic," Bayonetta complained. "Now I'm likely on the chopping block if my team loses. They won't want to keep a person who brings tension over a rivalry.
"At least Dante proved just as difficult to get over our issues as I."
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"I really hope this doesn't end badly," Connie said.
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Before long, everyone had taken their spots in the dugout and on the field. Since the Falcons were up to bat second in the last inning, they were up first this time.
"It's amazing how you manage to put up with the demon hunter, is it not?" Sebastian asked from the pitcher's mound.
"He's far from the scariest person I've met in my life," Deadpool said.
"Play ball!"
Five seconds later, Sebastian threw the ball. Deadpool swung the bat, but he missed.
"Strike one!"
Deadpool huffed in frustration as the ball was thrown back to Sebastian.
The butler then threw it again.
WHACK!
This time, Deadpool made contact, and the ball went soaring to the bases, an easy single. He ran over to first base and made it there safely.
"Not bad," Sebastian said.
Things went smoothly for a while after that for the Falcons. Deadpool reached third after Noodle hit a double. Carmen hit another single, and she and Noodle reached the next bases safely, but they finally reached a snag when Sonic was able to tag out Deadpool before he could reach home plate.
Everyone watched as Connie stepped onto the mound. "You got this," Sly called out.
Connie nodded as she readied the bat.
"I hope you're as good a batter as Dante is," Sebastian said. "Otherwise, this will not be entertaining for either of us."
"Just shut up and throw the ball," Connie responded.
Smirking, the butler threw the ball. Connie swung, but the bat swished around without making contact.
"Strike one!"
From her spot on the field, Bayonetta smirked. "Just makes Dante look even worse," she muttered.
Connie sighed and got the bat ready again. Sebastian smiled and threw the ball once again.
WHACK!
The ball soared right down the left side of the field, going all the way across the area and over the fence marking the boundary.
"HOME RUN!"
Connie cheered as she ran around the bases. Noodle and Carmen did the same thing as they ran to home plate. In just one move, Connie had given the Falcons a 3-point jump!
"You have got to be kidding me," Bayonetta muttered.
"Wow," Sonic said.
From the sit-out area, Dante's jaw dropped. And his heart gave a leap. Maybe now his team won't lose, which was good since he was now on the chopping block for his little stunt.
The next few batters (Snake Eyes, Rukia, and Mikey) did well enough, though they each only got singles, and Webby managed to strike out Snake Eyes.
Next up was Sly. "Okay, no pressure," he muttered. "Just can't get another Out and the pitcher is a demon."
Sebastian threw the ball. Sly swung the bat, but missed.
"Strike one!"
Sebastian threw again. And Sly missed.
"Strike two!"
One pitch left. Sebastian threw, Sly readied the bat, and…
WHACK!
The ball soared right across the field, this time towards Nagito.
"Uh oh," Nagito said.
"Catch it!" Snake exclaimed.
Still surprised, Nagito nodded and moved to where he figured the ball would land, holding up his mitt into the air.
Double D sat on the bench and watched. "There's no way," he muttered.
Then…
Nagito's mitt closed right around the ball. He had caught it.
"Wait...I actually got it!"
"Nice one," Snake said.
"Good job," Webby called.
Sly's mouth gaped. "You have got to be kidding me."
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"Luck is on my side," Nagito said. "Heck, if I could make that catch, who knows what I could accomplish? I think it's time for a little experiment."
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The raccoon returned to his team. "Sorry, guys," he said.
"Don't worry about it," Rukia responded. "We're still ahead. Besides, if we do lose, we already know who we're voting off."
The Falcons all looked at the sit-out bench and glared at Dante.
(Meanwhile…)
The Penguins huddled up to discuss their strategy for the last part of the challenge.
"We're gonna have to really think this through," Snake told the team. "The Falcons are ahead by three. That means we somehow need to get FOUR people to reach home in order for us to win. If anyone is willing to make a change to the current batting order, speak now."
Sonic looked up at Double D. "Still time to jump in if you want to take Nagito's place," he said.
"Thanks, but I'm seriously not good at baseball. Nagito will do a far better job than I ever could at this challenge."
Nagito raised his hand. "For some odd reason, I feel a lot more confident than I did when this challenge began."
"Really?" Webby asked skeptically.
"Sure. Maybe it's Dante being benched. Or it could be that catch I did, I don't know. But I'm starting to really think I can do this. So I would like to be moved up a few spots in the batting order."
Sam looked at him. "Are you sure about this?"
"Absolutely."
All Snake Eyes could do was shrug. "Alright. If you think you can do this, who are we to deny your request? We'll have you bat right after Sonic."
"Thanks, Snake. I won't let you guys down."
Snake smirked. "I hope not."
Soon, it was time for the teams to keep going. The Penguins waited in the dugout, while the Falcons took their spots on the field.
"I hope you're as good a pitcher as you are a batter," Snake said as Connie took the pitcher's mound.
"I've already surprised myself once," Connie pointed out.
"Play ball!"
Connie waited a few seconds, then threw the ball.
WHACK!
Snake had sent the ball down the middle of the field, stopping just beyond the bases. He hurried over to first base and claimed it before anyone could tag him Out. Sam cheered loudly from the dugout.
Next up was Webby. She also scored a single, moving her to first base and Snake to second.
Po tossed the bat around as he stepped up. "Not a lot different from kung fu," he said. "Still a lot of hand-eye coordination."
"Whatever works," said Connie as she threw the ball.
WHACK!
Another single. Po reached first base, moving Webby to second and Snake to third.
Dante smirked as Bayonetta stepped up, bat in hand. He pretended to cough in his hand. "*cough* Sore loser. *cough*"
"I can hear you," Bayonetta called.
"I know!"
"Don't concern yourself with him right now," Sebastian told the witch from the dugout. "Just focus on the game."
Bayonetta sighed and readied her bat. "Do me a favor and throw that ball with everything you have. I would hate for this next shot to be less than satisfactory."
"Will do," Connie said.
Determined to own up to that promise, Connie threw and actually managed a nasty curve ball.
WHACK!
"What the f***?" Dante exclaimed.
The ball had reached the middle of the outfield - a double!
Snake, Webby, and Po ran down the field as fast as they could. While Snake and Webby were able to reach home plate, Snake Eyes got the ball to Carmen, who tagged Out Po before he could reach third. Bayonetta still made it to second regardless.
"Of course, she would," Dante mumbled. "If that team wins, I'm screwed."
"Your fault," Toph said without even "looking" at him.
Sam batted next. She readied the bat, and Connie threw the ball.
WHACK!
Double!
Sam ran as fast as she could. Thankfully, she reached second base safely. Bayonetta, however, was not as fortunate, and before she could reach home, Deadpool tagged her Out (an event that made Dante cackle loudly). It took every ounce of self control for the witch to not throw a bat in Dante's direction.
Next was Sonic. Connie tried another curve ball, but Sonic, even though he was limited in how much speed he could use, still managed a single, bringing him to first and Sam to third.
"Well, looks like it's you," Snake told Nagito.
Nagito nodded, knowing where the game stood. The Falcons were still leading by one. If he hit a single or double, the challenge would keep going. If he hit a triple or home run, the Penguins would automatically win. And if he, Sam, or Sonic got taken out, the Falcons would win.
Still, Nagito felt confident in his experiment. He felt particularly lucky today.
"You can do this," Webby encouraged.
Nagito nodded as he stepped up. Now you could hear a pin drop in the entire area.
Connie nodded. "For what it's worth, good luck to you," she said. Coincidence.
After a few seconds, she threw the ball.
WHOOSH!
"Strike one!"
The former Hope's Peak student sighed. "Dang it."
"Everyone strikes Out once in awhile," Webby said. "It's nothing."
Connie got the ball back. After a few seconds, she pitched again.
WHOOSH!
"Strike two!"
From the bleachers, Yakko announced, "And this whole challenge could come down to this last pitch. I'd hate to be in Nagito's shoes right now."
"Or the rest of his clothes," Dot added. "He has poor fashion sense."
"Still far from the worst insult I've heard in my life," Nagito called back before readying the bat.
"Go Nagito!" Rarity cheered.
At the sit-out bench, Dante started pacing. "You're not actually afraid, are you?" Double D asked him.
"I don't fear anything."
"Really? The way you're acting now, you sure could've fooled me."
Nagito readied the bat one last time. He and Connie locked eyes for a split second. In the span of two blinks, Connie threw the ball.
…
…
WHOOSH!
"Strike three! Out!"
The Falcons cheered.
Chris stared. "Well, that was anticlimactic. Oh well. A challenge is a challenge. The winners are the Fiery Falcons!"
Connie kept jumping up and down, as did Deadpool. Most of the team high-fived each other, while Snake Eyes gave a thumbs-up. Even Dante couldn't hide his jubilation as he and Toph walked over to them.
"You got off light," Toph warned him.
"She has a point," Sly added. "Pull another stunt like that again and you WILL be voted off so fast that even Sonic won't be able to keep up."
Dante was surprised. "That's a new threat."
By this point, Chris and the Warners had joined Chef and the competitors on the field. "Congratulations, Falcons. Invincibility and the luxury cabin are your once again. Powerful Penguins, what can I say? Luck was just not on your side. See you tonight at the bonfire ceremony."
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Dante sighed in relief. "I just dodged a huge bullet today. Do I regret trying to attack Bayonetta? A little. But that's what she gets for being a sore loser. Looks like I'll have to remind her WHY I won our Death Battle."
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"Can't I catch a break?" Bayonetta asked. "Bad enough he attacked me out of the blue, but now he's being let off with a warning. If that Nagito hadn't cost us the competition, that insolent demon hunter would be gone. At least now I know who to take my frustration out on tonight."
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"Okay, so you might believe my experiment was something of a failure and it will ultimately cost me the competition tonight," Nagito explained. "But there's still something else to it that I hope you'll all pay attention to."
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Half an hour later, both teams were back at camp. The Penguins were all sitting on the porch of the regular cabin. Nagito held his head down.
"Guys, I want to apologize for costing us the win," he said dejectedly.
"And he's back," Po said.
"I'm serious. The whole game was riding on whether or not I would hit the ball, and I failed. I blew it for us. And if you all decide to vote me out tonight, I won't blame you in the slightest."
Snake looked at him. "A little soon to be thinking of that," he said. "We're not voting yet."
"Besides, there's still stuff to consider," Sam added.
Nagito looked at her. "Could you tell me honestly right now that I'm not on the chopping block?"
Sam apparently had nothing to say about that.
"That's what I thought."
Bayonetta rolled her eyes. "If he thinks he deserves to go, who are we to argue?" she asked coldly.
"Really?" Webby asked in exasperation.
"Think of it. He's not wrong, because he DID lose for us."
"You're just angry that Dante's not going," Po told her.
"And what if I am?"
"Pretty sure whatever issues you have with him could make YOU an easy target," Double D reminded her.
The witch stood up. "Whatever. I'm going for a walk." She stalked off.
"Elimination doesn't even faze her, does it?" Po asked.
"It seems the only thing capable of getting under her skin is Dante," Sebastian mused.
Rarity giggled. "Must have been a humiliating moment for her."
"At least she's actually useful to you guys," Nagito moped.
"Will you stop that?" Snake asked. "Physical strength isn't everything. There could be mental competitions in the future, you know."
Nagito shrugged. "I could say I'm pretty smart. Not a fool, at least. Still, I have about as much athletic ability as Double D over here."
"He's not wrong," said Double D. "Now, I'm gonna go read a book by the lake."
"And I'm gonna go eat some food," Nagito said, heading to the mess hall.
Snake sat thoughtfully for a second. "To those of you still on this porch, I wonder if you're willing to come to a consensus. Just hear me out on this one."
Sebastian looked at him. "What are you suggesting?"
(Later…)
The Falcons sat on the spectating seats as the Penguins took their own seats for the bonfire ceremony. Chris walked in, holding a tray of nine marshmallows.
"We've decided that giving you guys gummy bears wasn't the same," he explained. "So we're going back to using marshmallows. I don't think we could ever go without these."
"Unless you do a competition on a plane," Double D pointed out. "Then you get barf bags."
"Whatever, Mr. Smartypants. Anyway, you guys know the drill by now, so let's get to it."
(A few moments later…)
Most of the marshmallows had been taken, leaving two on the platter. The teammates who had gotten them were standing on the side, leaving Double D, Bayonetta, and Nagito.
"Looks like it's down to you three," Chris told them. "Double D, you didn't participate all in the challenge, which is admittedly understandable. Do you think your team values your brains?"
"Not to sound arrogant, but I believe they do," Double D replied.
Chris smiled. "Let's hope they make up for your physical weaknesses. Bayonetta, you're equal parts brain and brawn, and hey, you're easy on the eyes. Too bad for your recent tensions with another competitor. Do you think your team sees your bitter rivalry with Dante as a liability?"
Bayonetta took a second to glare at Dante as he sat pretty with his own team. "If they do, I'll deal with it," she said.
"Indeed. And Nagito, you cost your team the challenge today. Props for owning up to it, but do you feel you deserve to go tonight?"
"It's in the team's hands. If they feel I should go home, I won't blame them in the slightest."
The host nodded. "Well, let's see, shall we? The next marshmallow goes to…"
The bottom three all looked calm as they waited for the name to be called.
"...Bayonetta."
The witch smiled. "I expected as much," she said as she claimed her marshmallow. From the Falcons' seats, Dante swore colorfully.
"Nagito, Double D, it all comes down to this. The final marshmallow goes to…"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"..."
"...Nagito."
Nagito looked shocked, but then relieved as he claimed the marshmallow. "Thanks for giving me another chance, even if I don't deserve one," he told his team.
Double D rested his head in his hands. "Gaz's gonna kill me."
"Sorry, man," Snake said, and he meant it.
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"Most of the team was willing to agree," Snake said. "Sebastian was adamant on voting out Nagito, not gonna hold that against him. I think Bayonetta voted for Nagito as well, and Double D voted for Bayonetta.
"But here's the thing. Nagito DID manage that catch. Also, he stuck around to play through the whole challenge, while Double D sat out the entire time. Not knocking him for that, we know he's not a strong guy, but you could at least try to help. And while Double D's a really smart kid, some of us on the team are just as smart. Maybe even smarter. Combine all that, and then ask again if we really need Double D right now."
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"I can't say I'm not relieved, because I DO want to stay here as long as possible," Nagito explained. "But I should point out some of this was my doing.
"Luck is a powerful thing. Just a little can change so much. It can even change the way a team thinks about one of their own after a little mention. Mentioning Double D was that nudge. It got the team thinking about him, the coin flipped, and I call heads. I had already decided Double D WASN'T the ideal beacon. Guess I'll have to keep looking. Don't worry, though. It's someone on this island. I'll find them. Count on it."
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"Are you sure this is safe?" Double D asked. He was standing at the dock and wearing a bicycle helmet with a large magnet attached to it.
"You don't have to worry about a thing," Chris reassured him. "We tested this on a few others, and the worse that happened was some whiplash."
"You do know how harmful whiplash can be, right?"
"No. Chef, bring in the chopper!"
A helicopter flew in over the dock and hovered, lowering itself. The magnet started shaking.
"Uh oh, looks like this is it," Double D said. "Good luck, guys."
DONK!
The magnet attached itself to the helicopter, pulling Double D along with it. The poor kid screamed as the chopper flew away.
"Glad I didn't have to face that one," Mikey said.
"Meh, there are worse ways to transport people out of here," Chris said. "Now, before I let you all leave, it's time for another order of business. Falcons, as today's winners, one of you must now go to Boney Island to stay until the next challenge. Have you decided who that will be?"
Sly nodded. "We all agreed that Dante needs a bit of a timeout after what happened today, so he's going. He needs time away from...a certain someone I won't name. For their sake as well."
Hearing this, Bayonetta snorted indignantly.
Dante rolled his eyes. "Don't forget, I only agreed to go for some peace and quiet."
"Fair enough," Chris said. "Dante, bon voyage."
The demon hunter boarded the boat and headed off.
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"At least now I can relax for a bit," Bayonetta said. "No Dante to worry about for a day or two."
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"Now that I think of it, that elimination shouldn't be a surprise," Sebastian admitted as he and Bayonetta walked back to the cabin. "Double D wasn't going to contribute much anyway."
"I still think it should've been Nagito," Bayonetta said.
The butler shrugged. "Leave it behind, Miss Bayonetta. That was then, and this is now."
Bayonetta shrugged. "Well, Dante's out of my hair for a bit, so I can relax. Always a good thing."
"For what it's worth, I am truly sorry for what happened to you on Death Battle. Must have been a horrible experience."
"You tell me. I still get nightmares over it."
"That's nothing to be ashamed of, ma'am. We all have our own memories, some bad, some good. We must all bear them in our minds and our hearts."
The witch shrugged. "You know you're talking to someone who once had no idea who they were thought the little red stone they carried was one of the two most powerful objects in the world."
"Just life experiences, miss."
They both laughed as they headed inside.
(Meanwhile…)
Rukia sat on the porch of the big cabin, polishing her sword. She was apparently all alone.
Or so she thought. "You're not just going to eavesdrop on me all season, are you Noodle?"
The guitarist poked her head out the window. "I wasn't eavesdropping. I just wondered if we could chat a little?"
The Soul Reaper stared at her. "Maybe later."
"Oh, okay. Uh, sure. No problem."
Noodle moved back inside. "That didn't work," she said.
"Just give her time," Connie said. "She'll warm up."
"I hope so."
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Freaking finally!
This chapter has been weighing on me since I started it seven months ago! It feels so good to finally get it out of the way.
Sorry, Double D fans. He may have had decent runs in the first two TDE stories, but this one wasn't Double D's to win. I felt I had already done a fair amount with the character, particularly in TDE2, so that's why he's out early. A weak physique combined with the powers of luck proved a fatal combination for Sockhead.
I hope you guys liked my attempt at a baseball game. One issue I had was that I am not a baseball fan in real life, so I had to do quite a bit of research in order to get it right. I'm sure I got the number of players per team right, and I know I got the field placements correct. Still, I apologize to all baseball fans out there if I did something wrong.
Nagito is certainly beginning to show just how complicated a character he really is. When I discovered Danganronpa, Nagito was the one I thought of the most. To me, he was equal parts sweet and caring, and homicidally insane. That's what led me to choosing him for this story, and I think you guys are beginning to see why.
The feud between Dante and Bayonetta escalated to the point where Dante got benched and nearly got eliminated over it. He is SOOO lucky his team lost. His punishment? He must now sit on Boney Island and think about what he has done. Will he find the Chris Head? Who knows?
Other little plots, such as the friendship between Carmen and Sly, Noodle attempting to bond with Rukia, and Deadpool's plan to get Snake Eyes to talk, no need to worry about those. They will get more development soon.
Unfortunately, some of your good-luck messages didn't make the episode, including one that was made for Double D and I can reasonably explain. By the time a large bulk of them were sent to me, I had already typed up a huge portion of this chapter. If I had tried to add them in, it would've led to a ton of overhauls on this thing, and I had already been stuck on it for months. I'd like to leave this chapter behind me, wouldn't you? So I ask that you NOT send me anymore good-luck messages until after the next chapter so I can get them in order. As for the Double D one, if anyone has ideas for that, let me know.
Of course, with Double D eliminated, he is now eligible to appear on my Whose Line Is It Anyway? story. While I have already decided the four performers for next time, there's no harm in suggesting Double D in the future. Also, please assume that the events of this chapter take place BEFORE the first WLIIA chapter. I feel it makes more sense that way. Speaking of which, something I didn't say when I released that chapter earlier this week: anyone is certainly able to appear on WLIIA an indefinite number of times, but no one is allowed to appear twice in a row.
That about covers all bases, so let's get to talking about next time.
Both teams are given the ultimate test of their teamwork and puzzle solving prowess with a trend that has become popular in this country: escape rooms. Little tasks in these rooms range from the simple to the type of confusion Deadpool would be proud of. Some parts, the teams do well. Others, not so much. And while some people excel, others are ill-equipped to the point where their standing in the game could be in jeopardy.
All that said, remember to read and review, fave and follow, send in challenge ideas, and be sure to read my other stories while you're at it in this hopeless case of self-promotion. See you soon, as we all hope I don't take ages to write another chapter.
TheMasterKat out!
