And now the moment you've all been waiting for, heeeeerrrreeee'sssss Chapter 4! Or should I say...The Chaper Of Mal!
I gotta say, this one really took a while and I had to make sure each part of the story is both realistic and believable to the readers. Even if it's only been 4 chapters, this happens to be the longest chapter I've ever done for this story.
And with this, hopefully it'll help you understand why Mal is who he is. He's not all bad, he's just misunderstood like Discord from My Little Pony or Plankton from Spongebob Squarepants.
I just hope this satifies all you Mal fans and I hope I didn't rush it or anything. Please don't hate me if I messed this up.
And this is unrelated to this particular chapter, but I want to say something to a couple of guest reviewers real quick.
#Haley, I'm glad you like Mal and I appreciate your opinions but I do want to clear something up. For your mixed feelings on Mal being spanked, think about this: When you feel like you're the top of the food chain and being all boastful, that can get you off guard and can be taken down even by someone weaker than you. And if you remember what Mike said in one episode, Mal was getting weaker anyway. But still, I thank you for your review. :)
#MedievalPearl, Thanks so much for the review! I'm glad you like it so far! :)
And for those of you who are confused on the parenthesis during the fake agreement of the personalities, that means they're lying to trick Mal. I just wanted to clear that up.
Also, there are a few songs I suggest for certain parts of this chapter:
My Little Pony "Big Brother Best Friend" reprise when Mike broke his relationship with Mal.
"Brother My Brother" from the first Pokemon Movie when Mike confronts Mal.
As for Mal being forgiven I've thought of:
Forgiven by Within Temptation.
Dear Friends from One Piece (Anime song).
10 Years After from Secret Base (Anime Song).
Yuuhi no Yakusoku from Digimon (sung by the character Rika) during the final flashback at the end. Only this time it's like a music box version, I can't find anything like it so try to imagine it that way.
And I want to give a big thanks to SailorMarble14 for all of her help and suggestions on this chapter. Thanks hon'! Also, if you find the ending is similar to any of her Mike stories, I did not copy her. Okay? I just immediately thought of it when she suggested the music box idea. I just wanted to clear that up before anyone pointed fingers at me.
Anyway, the next chapter will be Svetalana's first sleepover with her personality friends. :)
Until then, enjoy!
I don't own Total Drama or the characters.
WARNING!: This chapter contains violence, extremely long flashbacks, yelling between brothers, teary moments, and describing pain.
Quick reminder: This is not a yaoi ok? Just saying, it's all family and brotherly stuff especially the ending.
Chapter 4: Forgiveness
Ever since Mal was locked away, all of Mikes personalities felt a little more relaxed now that they don't have to worry about "the Malevolent One" anymore.
But one day, in the subconscious living room, Manitoba was quiet all afternoon which caught the attention of Vito. Mike was in control at the time and was hanging out with Zoey on the outside.
"Hey bro," Vito spoke up, "you okay? You seemed kinda spaced out for a while."
"I'm fine mate." he shrugged a little, "It's just I'm thinking about Mal."
"Why?" Svetlana looked up from reading a book.
"I don't know sheila. I keep having a sick feeling in my gut about it." Manitoba sighed deeply, "You don't think he got loose do you?"
Everyone else stared at Manitoba like he had snakes slithering out of his eyes.
"Now why on earth would you think that?" Chester broke the silence, "He's all chained up remember?"
"I know I know." he tried to calm his nerves, "But I just can't relax, not until I know for sure." he stood up from the couch and started to walk away.
"Vhere are you going?" Svetlana asked as she stood up as well.
"I'm going to see if that maniacal little hyena is still locked away." Manitoba said with determination.
"Ey yo! Are you freakin' nuts?!" Vito exclaimed, "What if he murders you or something?!"
"That's why I'm going alone. I'm not risking the safety of my family." Manitoba said firmly, "Stay here. I'll be back."
But before he could get further away, Svetlana grabbed his hand and squeezed it tight.
"Nyet!" she said making Manitoba turn his head, "You're not going without us."
"Look I don't want any of you to get hurt and-"
"We don't care about that sonny!" Chester interrupted, "You dang kids always thinking about yourselves! Mal's our problem as much as he's yours!"
"Chester's right! And if he so much as tries anything, he'll be getting the pounding of a lifetime!" Vito said as he smacked his fist in his palm.
"We're right behind you darling." Svetlana spoke softly.
Manitoba smiled and nodded at his family, "Alright dingoes, let's go!"
Everyone cheered as they started to walk but then Chester complained, "Oh, not all that dang walking again!"
"Would you come on?!" Vito groaned as he pulled Chesters arm.
They walked for nearly an hour, with each personality growing very concerned of what they might find.
"You don't think Mal has escaped do you?" Svetlana shivered in fear, "I don't want to think that. I don't want to sculpt butter fishies again!"
Feeling sympathetic for the girl, Manitoba placed a comforting arm around her shoulders and held her as they walked.
"It's going to be fine sheila." he said softly, "I won't let that dingo hurt you, Mike, or anybody. I promise."
"Yeah girl, don't sweat it." Vito reassured, "And besides, I bet you anything that he's still locked up in-"
"He's gone!" Chester exclaimed.
Everyone gasped in horror when they saw the chains lying on the ground but no Mal!
"Oh crikey!" Manitoba exclaimed, "He's out!"
"Ahhhh!" Svetlana screamed just like the first time Mal was free.
"Knock it off! It's no use screaming at a time like this!" Chester yelled and pointed his finger at her.
"Zen vhat do you want me to do?!" Svetlana snapped back, "Sit down und drink coffee like nothing happened?!"
"Well, screaming your head off isn't doing anything except making our dang ears bleed!" he yelled again.
"Leave her alone Chester!" Manitoba said in her defense, "Can't you see we have a bad situation here?!"
The three personalities argued while Vito closed his ears due to all the noise. After about a couple minutes, he has had enough.
"Would all of you just SHUT UP!" Vito shouted causing the others to stop yelling and stare at him, "We're wasting time here! We gotta head back and stop that dirt bag before he hurts someone!"
"Right!" they all agreed.
They all rushed back to their place, with Vito carrying Chester on his back, fearing what Mal could and would do to them and Mike. They stopped dead in their tracks when they saw, sitting at their card-playing table, was a teenaged boy with dark circles under his eyes and his hair covering his left eye. Said boy stood up to greet them.
"Hey guys." Mal said in a smile and waved sheepishly, "Good to see you. Long time huh?"
They could only stare at him with wide eyes.
"It's-" Manitoba started.
"Mal!" Svetlana shrieked.
"Get-" Vito glared.
"Him!" Chester finished.
Everyone glared and walked towards Mal, who stood up in fear and confusion.
"Wait! Wait a minute!" he pleaded as he backed away, "You don't understand!"
Vito ignored him and punched through the table, breaking in it half! At least the chairs survived. Mal ran as Chester quickly grabbed his cane and started chasing him.
"Get back here you evil punk!" Chester threatened as he swung at Mal.
"Watch the cane! Watch the cane!" Mal said as he ducked each swing.
"Come here you big jerk!" Vito clenched his fists.
Mal ran as fast as he could and kept tripping over things along the way. None of the personalities wanted to stop until Mal was dealt with and not causing any trouble. When they ran back to the broken table, Mal grabbed a chair and held it up in defense.
"Listen to me you guys!" said Mal both scared and determined, "I'm not here to hurt any of you! I came back to apologize and be with you again!"
The other personalities looked at each other in shock and glared at Mal again.
"Yeah right bud!" Vito scoffed bitterly, "What makes you think we're gonna believe you?!"
"Vito's right!" Svetlana agreed, "Why should we trust you after what did to Mike?!"
"Because," Mal paused for a moment, "I want to be part of our family again. I am really, truly sorry for all the bad things I have done to all of you. I realize now that it was wrong of me to hurt the ones I love the most and others around me." he gave a deep sigh, "I want to make it up to Mike."
"How?!" Manitoba interrupted bitterly, "By locking us up like rats and serving us up on the barby?!"
"No no no!" Mal shook his head, "I-I want to throw a welcome back party for him and you guys too. Do you want to come?"
Everyone stared at Mal with wide shocked eyes. Mal throwing a party?! That was highly unbelievable for them because Mal would never do something so nice for them.
"Could you excuse us for a sec' bro'?" Vito grinned nervously as he took his pals and pulled them aside away from Mal. Then they all huddled together to discuss the situation.
"So, what do you think mates? Think he's telling the truth?" Manitoba whispered.
"Are you kiddin' me? No freakin' way!" Vito raised his voice a hair, "It's obviously a trap! He up to somethin', I just know it!"
"Svetlana agrees!" she nodded, "He's only saying that to catch us off guard and bam! We're in chains doing those awful tasks again!"
"Well we're not going to let that happen!" Chester said, "And we can't tell him anything. So here's what we'll do."
The four personalities whispered their plan while Mal stood a far back, watching them and wondered what they're talking about. As soon as they were done talking, they turned around, placed their hands behind their backs, and faced Mal with small but fake expressions of happiness.
"So what do you say? Will you come?" Mal asked again.
"Sure thing bro'!" Vito "nodded" with a "thumbs up".
"Of course darling!" Svetlana "agreed".
"We wouldn't miss it." Chester "grinned" at him.
"We'll be there." Manitoba "nodded" as well.
"Wonderful!" Mal smiled with joy, "Thanks you guys!"
But unbeknownst to Mal, they all crossed their fingers behind their back.
"Okay, here's what I want you all to do." Mal said, "I need you guys to tell Mike to come around the party this evening. I should be done preparing by then, but don't tell him about the party. It's supposed to be a surprise."
"Sure. Yeah! No problem!" Everyone "agreed" to the comment.
"Oh man it's getting late!" Mal looked at the clock on the wall, "I still got some stuff to do before tonight! See you guys later! Don't be late!" he ran off to find party supplies.
Everyone waved and smiled nervously at Mal but as soon as he was gone, they stopped their charade and sighed in relief.
"Oh God!" Vito groaned as he collapsed in his chair, "I thought he'd never leave!"
"Me too." Chester sat down next to Vito, "I almost thought he'd be on to us."
"He'll be in for a surprise when none of us show up." Manitoba gave a smug grin, "His plan will sink quicker than quicksand on a scorcher."
"Tonight, we will hide in our rooms until this blows over." Svetlana said, "Und lock our doors so he won't find us."
"But what about Mike?" Chester asked worriedly, "We don't want to lose him again."
"Don't worry." Manitoba reassured, "If anything happens to our roo, we'll jump in and give Mal what for! Agreed?"
"Yes." everyone answered. And they all hid in their rooms until the party was over.
The evening followed and the place was decorated with balloons, streamers, cake, a banner that said "Welcome Back!" and anything else you expect from a party. Of course there was a new table added since Vito broke the old one.
Mal stood back to observe his work. "Not bad." he nodded to himself, "Not bad at all Mal. Now to wait for the others."
He sat down and tapped his fingers on the table, waiting patiently for his fellow personalities to arrive.
Nearly an hour later, Mal is still waiting but no one even came. No Svetlana, no Vito, no one. He started to think that it was all a lie.
"Why haven't they come?" he asked himself, "Do they really hate me so much? I thought they realized I've changed. Can't they see that?"
He felt the tears form in his eyes, feeling hurt and betrayed by his "family". Mal struggled to hold back the tears like he's done before, but it had proved to be quite a challenge.
Meanwhile,
Mike was coming back after a long day and he couldn't find any of his personalities anywhere.
"Svetlana? Manitoba? Vito? Chester? Anyone?" he called out but no answer, "Where is everybody? Why haven't they-"
Mike stopped when he saw a familiar face sitting at the table. His heart was beating like a steel drum and his legs started to shake in terror because he had not seen Mal since Total Drama and feared that he wanted revenge on Mike for sending him away. He also feared that something might have happened to the others while he was gone.
But one look at the "evil" alter and Mikes fear started to diminish. He saw Mal sitting with his head in his hands and it seemed like his shoulders were shaking just a little. It was unusual for Mike to see him this way because he had never seen Mal cry or be sad before.
"Wonder what's wrong with him?" he asked himself.
Despite the dangerous risk of getting killed, Mike found himself walking towards his personality feeling determined not to fall for his tricks or lies.
Once he had reached the table, Mike reached his hand to tap him but hesitated. "What if this is a trick?" he asked himself. He shook his head out of his thoughts and tapped Mal on the shoulder.
"Huh? Wha-" Mal turned around and saw Mike looking at him with a stern frown. At first he was happy to see Mike after being apart for so long, but one glance and he could tell that Mike wasn't exactly feeling the same.
"What are you doing here Mal?" he asked immediately.
Mikes sudden appearance and the absence of the others caused Mal to forget about the party for a minute. Realizing there's no point in hiding anything anymore, he began to tell Mike the truth.
"I-It was supposed to be a surprise," he took a deep breath, "but this is a party for your return. I've missed you for so long and I wanted to make up for all the awful things I've put you through."
Mikes frown dropped a little when he heard this party was for him, but he wasn't exactly sure to believe Mals good intentions. I mean taking over your body for weeks, ruining everything, destroying your friends belongings, and nearly killing your girlfriend weren't things you'd cheer for.
But at the same time, he missed the brother he used to hang out with when they were children.
"Do the others know you're here?" Mike asked him.
"Yes." Mal nodded slowly, "I told them I was doing this for you and they told me they would come, but I just realized that they lied to me." he growled softly.
Mike sighed and sat down next to Mal, "Well you did lock them up and forced them to do all that awful stuff for you so I could imagine why they wouldn't show up."
"But I've changed Mike!" Mal pleaded, "Can't you see that?! I'm not trying to hurt anyone! I swear!"
"I know and I can see that but your previous actions made us hard to believe that." he said softly, "After all the trouble you caused over the years, it's going to be difficult for us to trust you again. Not to mention you costed me some of my time after you got sent me to juvie."
Mal sighed in defeat and knew that what Mike said was true. He did nothing but cause pain and suffering to everyone he came across. The mere mention of juvie had Mal think of something he regretted for a long, long time.
"I know I know." Mal started, "But I only did that to protect you. You would've been killed if I hadn't intervened."
"What do you mean?" Mike asked in confusion.
"Don't you remember? Those bullies kept hurting you and nobody wanted to help." Mal replied sadly, "And I was the only one who stepped in."
That moment, Mike slowly started to remember what had happened those years ago.
Little twelve year old Mike was sitting by himself during lunchtime at school. Because of his disorder, nobody wanted to play with him or ever say a word to him. After finishing his sandwich and an apple, Mike was about to walk away when three tough seventh graders came by and towered over him. And these were the boys who teased poor Mike all the time.
"Well well well." said a boy black hair and gloves, "Look who it is fellas? It's the freak with the dumb personalities!"
"Leave me alone guys!" Mike spoke up, "I'm not a freak and my friends are not dumb!"
"Oh yeah?" replied a blonde hair boy with a backwards cap, "Anybody who calls useless alternate guys his "friends" is just plain weird!" he then took Mike and tossed him to the ground.
"Ugh!" Mike groaned as he stood to brush himself off, "You guys better stop it or I'm gonna tell on you!"
The bully leader with the blue jacket grabbed Mike by his shirt and pulled him up, "You ain't gonna tell nobody! Let's get him boys!"
He threw Mike on ground again and he and the other boys started pounding on the poor boy like no tomorrow! "Stop! Help me! Somebody help!" Mike screamed but everyone was already gone and no one even came to help him.
Each punch and kick hurt more than the last ones he received and his body was being masked in cuts and bruises. He was seeing stars when the leader, then, grabbed him again and threw him against the wall! The impact on his head caused Mike to pass out and blood trickled from his mouth.
"Ha! Some tough guy he is!" one of the boys taunted, "He's just a big fat sissy!"
Mike could barley hear the boys laughing at him, but inside, his personalities were yelling for him to get up.
"Mike! Don't give up!" Svetlana exclaimed, "Please get up!"
"You can't quit now mate!" Manitoba tried to get him going, "You have to hang on!"
"Get up bro!" Vito yelled loudly, "Are you going to let those noobs walk all over you?! You gotta fight back!"
"Come on sonny!" Chester yelled too, "Don't let these punks beat you!"
But poor Mike couldn't even stand up as he faded into the darkness. But not before hearing one last voice.
"That's does it! Nobody hurts my brother and gets away with it!" Mal said in an angry tone, "It's my turn now."
As the bullies stopped laughing, they see "Mike" struggling to stand on his feet. He wiped the blood from his mouth, lets his bangs cover his left eye, and glared fiercely at the bullies.
"You still standing?" said the black-haired boy, "You're tougher than I thought, but that won't be enough to save your neck!" he flew a punch but "Mike" caught it with his hand and clutched the boys fist tight.
"Ow!" the boy yelled in pain, "What the heck is that matter with you Mike?! Let go!"
"Oh. I'm not Mike." he said with devious smile, "The name's Mal and you dudes are in for a world of pain."
Mal twisted the boys arm, twirled him around, and slammed him against the wall and kicked his face so hard he nearly broke his nose. The boy with the cap charged at Mal intending to pummel him, but Mal got the upperhand and side-swiped him with his leg. Then, he took his elbow and slammed it on his stomach.
He got up to face the leader, who was backing up and looking absolutely terrified.
"Dude, you're nuts!" he pointed, "I'm getting outta here!"
He turned to run but Mal grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled him back.
"You're not going anywhere my friend." he whispered in his ear, "You are going to pay for what you did to Mike."
Mal flipped the boy over his shoulder and pounded him the same way he and his lackeys did to Mike. He punched and punched until the bully was so bruised you could barely recognize him. Mal dropped the boy and watched him and his friends writhe and squirm in anguish.
"Hahahaha." he chuckled to himself, "Boy did that feel good. I can get used to this."
But before Mal could gloat anymore, he gasped and felt himself going back into Mikes mind. Mike regained control but fell down and blacked out immediately. Then, one of the teachers came out to retrieve him for he wasn't in class.
"Mike?" he called out, "Mike! Mike-Oh My God!" the teacher ran over to the fallen children and tried to wake him, but to no avail. He called an ambulance and waited for the paramedics to arrive.
Meanwhile,
Mal got up and saw the others looking absolutely horrified for what he had done.
"What are you looking at?" he asked smugly.
"Mal..." Chester said in a low voice, "How could you do that?"
"What? All I did was teach those boys a lesson." Mal shrugged.
"You beaten those guys to a near pulp!" Vito pointed out, "Normally I'd be impressed but you went too far back there!"
"Oh come on!" Mal raised his arms, "It's not like any of you wouldn't do the same!"
"Well, ve vouldn't resort to violence the way you just did!" Svetlana snapped while fighting the tears and hiding behind Chester.
"Ah, forget you guys!" Mal stomped away from the group.
"That dingo is a real tiger." Manitoba said quietly, "We'd better watch out for him."
The others nodded in agreement and knew that Mal was turning over to the dark side.
Back on the outside, Mike was slowly starting to wake up.
"Uh...ahhh!" Mike moaned in pain, "Where am I?"
"You're in the hospital, sweetie." a female doctor appeared at his side, "You've been out for two days. Everyone was worried about you."
Mike turned his head towards the window and saw the sun was setting.
"How did I get here?" he asked in a hoarse voice.
"You had a minor head injury that knocked you out for quite some time." the doctor answered, "You have numerous marks and bruises all over your body and the other boys who followed you displayed similar injuries. But no one is in critical shape and neither are you."
Mike struggled to remember what happened, but it was such a blur he couldn't think.
"Now just try to take it easy." she said gently, "Your parents are here and the principal from your school is here to speak with you. I'll be right back."
The doctor walked out of the hospital room and left Mike alone with his thoughts.
"What happened to me?" he asked himself, "What did I do? I hope I didn't cause any trouble."
His worry increased when the principal told him that the school security cameras had caught the bullies beating him up and "Mike" fighting back. Mike claimed he doesn't remember fighting them and his parents said they saw him changing to a different personality when it happened. Since the principal knows very well of Mikes condition, he lets him off with a warning and only suspends him for a couple days while he's in the hospital.
The bullies, however, didn't get off so easily. For fighting Mike on school property, the three boys were suspended for two weeks and got into a lot of trouble with their parents at home but that didn't stop one of the boys from wanting revenge on Mike.
Once Mike was out of the hospital, he resumed his life at school but nothing has changed. In fact, ever since that incident, kids avoided him even more than ever. This made little Mike feel very sad and his depression continued to increase.
One day, while walking home from school, one of the bullies cornered him at the playground. It was the boy with the black hair and gloves only this time he had bandages on his arms, legs, face, and his nose was covered up from the fight.
"Hey! What are-" Mike tried to say before he was cut off.
"You are gonna get it, you little twerp!" he said in a threatening tone, "Because of you, me and my buddies got kicked out of school and we got grounded for months!"
"B-But what are you doing here then?" Mike asked fearfully.
"I snuck out to give you a some well deserved payback!" he replied as he balled up his fists, "Get ready!"
Mike tried to run away but the boy pounced on him and started to punch the poor boy harder than before! Mike started to black out again but guess who decided to come back?
"You! Dumb! Stupid! Kid!" the boy said with each punch, "Nobody! Messes! With! Me!"
Mike gasped and Mal took back control, kicked the boy off, sat on top of him, and twisted his arm to his back.
"You never learn do you?" Mal said as he pulled the arm even harder.
"Ahhh!" he screamed, "Cut it out! That hurts!"
"Oh this is nothing." Mal gave a malicious grin, "When I'm done with you, you won't even go to sleep without feeling pain."
With one final twist...CRACK! "AHHHHHHHH!" the bully hollered with all his breath catching the attention of some of the people nearby. But Mal was far from done.
He got off, grabbed a large stick, and beaten both of his legs so he couldn't run away! After that he pulled the boy up to his face, who was now crying and begging for mercy.
"Please! No more!" the bully cried, "We won't hurt you anymore! I'll tell them to stop, I promise!"
"Oh, I'm not done yet." Mal grinned again and resumed.
Mal started to punch the bully like last time and gave a punch so hard you could practically hear a small snap in the childs already damaged nose. By that time, someone already called the cops and had arrived just when Mal had started on the legs.
"Hey you kid! Stop that!" he cried as he rushed towards the boys.
Mal turned to run but he was already surrounded by more cops who came after the first one. He tried to fight them off but he was eventually obtained once he was outnumbered.
"Get the heck off of me!" he yelled in vain, "I'm not done with him yet!"
Even with his profound strength, young Mal was still no match for the policemen who took him away.
Back in the subconscious, Mike woke up and noticed that he wasn't in control anymore.
"What? What happened? Where am I?" he asked out loud.
"You're safe now, Mike." Mal appeared before him, "You don't have to worry about those peons anymore."
Mike stood up and saw his brother standing in front of him with an evil smile across his face.
"Mal?" Mike said in confusion, "What are you doing here? What's going on?"
"One of those awful boys tried to hurt you again, my dear brother." Mal answered as sympathetically as he could, "But don't you worry. I took care of him personally."
Mike couldn't understand what he meant and wanted to know, "What did you do?"
"Here." Mal grabbed a memory cloud and placed it in front of him, "I'll show you."
Mal used his finger to press down the cloud and it had shown everything he had done up to this point. From the bullies at school, the incident at the park, and it went all the way to his arrest.
It even started to show his parents looking absolutely worried and saddened for their son and berating Mal for what he did because they knew what Mal was capable of. The next image was a courtroom with a judge sentencing him to five months in a juvenile detention center. And the last thing the cloud presented was a jail cell complete with a bed and a sink with a mirror on top.
Mike shook like he was freezing in Antarctica, only he was scared that he was in this dreadful situation. And it was all because of the boy he had known for years.
"Oh my..." Mike froze before completing his sentence, "Why? Why did you do this to me?!"
Mal chuckled slightly, "Because those dummies never learned their lesson so yours truly had to teach them the hard way. And get this, you know that idiot who jumped you again? Well I broke his arm, confined him to a wheelchair for a few months, and I heard the doctors will have to perform surgery on his nose to get it back to normal again." he smirked proudly.
The little boy never felt so frightened in his life because he knew in his heart that this was not the Mal he knew.
"You-You're a monster!" Mike exclaimed as he backed away, "A cruel, heartless monster!"
Mals smile faded away and tried to reach out to his brother, "Mike no. Don't be afraid of me. I won't-"
"Don't touch me!" Mike shouted with the tears coming down his cheeks, "I don't want to be friends with a boy who does nothing but brutally injure innocent kids!"
The look in the evil boys eyes changed from sympathetic to insulted, "Innocent? Are you kidding me?! Mike, those thugs tried to hurt you! If I hadn't stepped in-"
"If you hadn't stepped in, none of this would've happened!" Mike interrupted, "I wouldn't be in that awful place away from school, my parents, everything..." he held back a sob as he continued, "As if my life isn't bad enough, now everyone will think I'm a bad delinquent kid who doesn't deserve to have any friends!"
"I'm your friend!" Mal snapped, "I tried to protect you!"
"Some protection!" Mike snapped back, "Your so called "protection" got me sent to juvie!"
Then Mal said something that changed everything, "Well maybe I wouldn't have to stick up for you if you would save your own skin instead of always relying on me or the so-called family of weak pinheads! You were weak and you always will be!"
"SHUT UP!" Mike shouted with all his heart making Mal stand quietly at his spot, "I can't believe you! You are the worst brother I ever had! And you know what else?! I HATE YOU MAL!" his throat nearly gave out, "Do you hear me?! I hate you and I never want to see you again!"
Mike got up and ran away in bitter tears while Mal stood looking bewildered, confused, betrayed, and angry. A single tear ran down his cheek as he glared at the direction Mike took when he ran and growled like a tiger in a cage.
"Very well." Mal muttered as he shook the tear away, "If that's the way you want it Mike, then this...means...war." and he left the subconscious to terrorize the people at the detention center.
Loud, agonizing, and heart-breaking sobs could be heard from Chester's room where the elder personality was trying to comfort a crying Mike who was on his knees and bawling onto the old mans lap. Vito rubbed Mikes back trying to calm him while Svetlana cried softly into Manitobas shoulder.
Each of the different alters felt very afraid of Mals new attitude and very sad for Mike for they knew, in a way, he had just lost a member of the family.
"It'll be okay Mike." Vito said trying to reassure his brother.
"No it won't!" Mike sobbed, "Mal is ruining my life and there's nothing I can do! There's no hope at all!"
Normally Chester would tell Mike to stop crying and get a hold of himself, but even he was at a loss for words. After all, how can anyone stop Mal now that he's become bad?
"I wish there was something we can do." Chester thought as he stroked his grandsons hair.
It seemed like the situation was hopeless, until Manitoba came up to Mike and placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"Listen to me Mike." he said, "You can't just sit here and feel afraid to face the Malevolent One. You have to lock him up for good."
"I can't. I just can't." Mike shook his head.
"Manitoba..." Svetlana tried to intervene.
"No. Let me handle this." he said firmly, "Look, I know this is tough for you right now, but giving up and crying about it isn't going to help mate. You have to be strong for us and for yourself."
After his other grandson finished, Chester took his hand and lifted Mikes head so they were face to face.
"Listen to your brother, son." Chester said sounding more parental, "You can't let Mal walk all over you and ruin your life. This is your body and you should have all the control. What good is having control of your life if someone else is walking all over you?"
Mike only sniffled as he listened to his friends and it was Svetlanas turn to speak.
"As much as we are afraid of him Mike, the others are right." Svetlana spoke softly, "We don't like seeing you in this much pain und we don't want Mal to do this anymore. It's time we put a stop to his evilness!"
Mike thought for a moment and realized that they were right. All he's doing is sitting around and weeping while his ex-brother is running around in his body causing all sorts of havoc and destruction. He stands up, wipes his eyes, and faces his friends with a new purpose.
"Alright." he took a deep breath, "Enough blubbering. It's time to finish this!"
Everyone smiled proudly as Vito gave his brother a firm pat on the back, "That's my bro! Let's get him! What's the plan?"
They all huddled together and discussed their plan on defeating their enemy.
Outside, Mal had done his job and was proud of it. He made everyone so scared of him no inmate or delinquent will ever go near him, including a young boy with a green mow-hawk on his head. Once he was done for a couple days, he went back into the mind to take care of something.
"Mike?" he called out, "Mike? Come out, come out wherever you are."
"Ohhhh." Mike moaned from far away.
Mal walked over to him and saw Mike lying on the floor with a few bruises and rips on his clothes.
"What happened to you?" Mal asked dully.
"The others...they all...beat me up." Mike said each word painfully, "They thought I was...too weak to have...more control than them."
"Heh!" Mal chuckled in a mocking way, "I always knew you'd fall. I told you you were too feeble to have control." he stood over Mike with an evil grin, "Anything else to say before I make you disappear forever?"
"Yeah." Mike raised his head and gave a grin of his own, "NOW!"
Before Mal could do or say anything, he was ambushed from behind by Vito! "You're going down you creep!" Vito yelled while holding him down.
"In your dreams!" Mal threw Vito off and charged at Vito but was held back by Manitobas lasso.
"Don't even think about it mate!" Manitoba said as he held his rope tightly.
"Agh!" the evil boy growled, "Let me go!"
"Not a chance!"
Of course with the rope being small, it was easy for Mal to get loose. Then suddenly, Svetlana and Chester came from the sides and grabbed his arms and legs so he couldn't run.
"Dang it!" he cursed at the alters, "Why are you siding with him?!"
"Because you have been a very bad boy and you're going to get what's coming to you!" Chester scolded him.
"You vill never harm us ever again Mal!" Svetlana added as Manitoba and Vito joined in holding him down, "Mike, now's your chance!"
Mike stood up and summoned four chains to come out of the wall behind him. The others dragged Mal to the chains, while he continued to struggle and thrash around, "Let me go right now!" he screamed.
After the other personalities set Mal down, Mike went over and chained his wrists first and then his ankles. Mal stood up and ran towards them, but the chains held him back preventing him from doing anymore damage.
"Mike, release me right now or else!" Mal threatened.
"Or else what? You'll kill me or something?" Mike asked bitterly.
Then Mal tried a different tactic, "Look buddy. You don't have to do this. If you let me go I promise I'll ease up on the violence and we'll have fun together like always. What do you say, huh?" Mal said in a somewhat nice voice.
Mike looked at his evil personality with an unsure look on his face. After the fight, he had thought about apologizing and giving Mal another chance. But then he remembered how much damage and fear Mal had done to him inside and out.
Slowly he approached Mal, while the others stood back looking worried for Mike. He raised his hand and...
SMACK!
Mike gave a big slap across his face leaving a red mark on his cheek. Mal was stunned and furious for this act.
"How dare you!" he growled fiercely at the boy, "How dare you lock me up and struck my face?! You are going to pay for this!"
"As long as you're here locked up, you're never going to hurt anyone ever again." Mike replied sadly as he turned away, "Goodbye Mal."
"No! Don't you dare walk away from me!" Mal yelled as he pulled the chains with no success, "I'll be back and you will all suffer my wrath! AHHHHH!"
The others followed Mike as they got further and further away from the screaming boy. They noticed that Mike looked very sad about what just happened only moments ago.
"Mike? Are you alright?" she asked while standing beside him.
"I don't know." Mike shrugged sadly, "I guess I'm just trying to accept the fact that Mal will never be a part of us again."
"Yo, don't sweat it buddy." Vito puts his arm around Mike, "You still have us."
"And we'd never betray you or hurt you in any way." Manitoba added.
"Everything's going to be alright, sonny." Chester gave a comforting smile.
Mike smiled warmly knowing the rest of his family will always be there for him when they need him. "Well, I better get out there and fix the mess Mal made."
"Okay Mike." Svetlana understood, "Ve'll be waiting for your return."
Mike left his mind and took back control for the first time in days. He behaved just like normal around the other inmates and the parole officers too. While everyone still felt uneasy around Mike, eventually they relaxed a little knowing that he wasn't going to cause anymore trouble. After showing no signs of malevolent behavior for the next three months, Mike was released for good behavior and returned home with his parents who were more than happy to have their son back. He told them that Mal wasn't coming out anymore and that made them even happier.
Mike tried to check on Mal, but he ended up pushing him away and shouted threats at him. Eventually, Mike stopped visiting Mal because he was too angry and spiteful. During his time alone, Mal waited and plotted until the time was right and he could exact his revenge on Mike and the others.
Months turned into years and when Mike went to Total Drama a second time, that's when Mals evil & angry feelings took control and everything he did led him to now.
Mike snapped back to reality and looked at the now shaking Mal, "Whoa. I can't believe I forgot all of that." he said in a soft voice, "I-I had no idea."
"I never meant to hurt anyone." Mal said as tears began to form, "I just wanted to help you. I wouldn't forgive myself if I just let you get hurt and all I did was destroy everything I touch.."
Mikes face went from confused to total sympathy when the former evil alter began showing signs of deep regret.
"I bottled up my anger because we never spent a lot of time together." he sniffed, "I let my actions take over and I caused you so much pain. I'm so sorry for calling you and the others weak and I take back everything I said! I know that you'll never forgive me for Total Drama, or hurting those kids, or anything, but please don't say we're not brothers anymore! I can't bear it! Please Mike! Please..."
Mal laid his head down on the table, folded his arms, and cried his poor heart out. He felt so ashamed and remorseful for his actions that he lets all his emotions pour out of him like waterfalls.
Mike felt sorry for Mal and finally understood the reason for all of his evil intentions. He regretted all the things he said about hating him and not wanting Mal as his brother anymore. Because of his neglect and misunderstanding, Mal grew very bitter and the only thing he really wanted was to protect his brother from harm.
He placed one hand on his shaking and heaving back and rubbed his hair soothingly. "There there Mal. Don't cry, it's okay." Mike comforted the best he could, "Oh, please calm down. Shhhh. It's alright, it's going to be okay." he wrapped his arms around Mal and laid his chin top of his head.
In a distance, four of Mikes other personalities watched the whole thing from the doorway and it was their turn to feel guilty because of the way they treated Mal before and after he returned. They came out of their rooms when they heard Mike talking and someone crying.
They looked at each other, unsure if they should trust him again or not.
"Wow." said Manitoba quietly, "I never realized the man was so sensitive. I can't believe I never saw why he was so evil in the first place. What do you guys think?"
"I'm not sure but he seems really sorry." Svetlana shrugged, "All he wanted was to be there for Mike und to protect him and all of us. Maybe we should give him another chance."
"Are you kidding me?" doubted Vito, "This is probably a trick so he could lure us in his trap and wait for the right moment to pounce! Well I ain't fallin' for it!" he crossed his arms.
"Now hold on a second!" Chester spoke up a little, "If Mike can forgive him and trust him again, then maybe we can too. We'll just have to keep a close eye on him just in case he turns on us again. Agreed?"
The others thought for a minute before making their decision, "Yeah. Sure. Alright." they all said individually.
Mals crying slowed down as he raised his head up and used his hand to brush away the tears as Mike handed him a box of tissues.
"Thanks." Mal sniffled as he took one and blew his nose, "I feel so foolish for my actions. If I just stayed out of your way, none of this would've happened and everything would be normal again."
Mike took a deep breath before he spoke, "Actually Mal, while it was still wrong I should actually thank you."
Mal looked at him in confusion, "Really? Why?"
"Because no one ever stood up to me before." he admitted, "While you've could've done a more different and mature approach, I'll admit that was pretty gutsy of you to take on three bullies by yourself." he chuckled slightly.
"You're just saying that." Mal looked away.
"No no! I mean it." Mike shook his head, "And I also wanted to say...I'm sorry for all the horrible things I said to you and slapping you on the face that day. I should've just told you what you did wrong instead of taking my own anger out on you."
"Don't be." he disagreed, "It was all my fault and I deserved everything I received from you and the other personalities. It doesn't matter anyway because no one is ever going to forgive "evil Mal" anyway." Mal laid his head down again in despair.
Mike waited a moment before saying something, "I do."
"What did you say?" Mal looked at him with wide eyes.
"I said I forgive you Mal." Mike gave him a gentle and comforting smile, "For everything. I know now that you are and will always be my brother, no matter what."
Mals lip quivered as fresh tears glistened his eyes. In a flash he wrapped Mike in a tight bear hug, not wanting to let go ever again. Of course, Mike nearly jumped at this sudden act of kindness.
"Thank you Mike." said Mal with his voice shaking, "Thank you."
Mikes smile returned as he hugged Mal back, "You're welcome big brother."
For the first time in years, Mike was very glad to have his brother back and Mal felt the exact same way.
Manitoba, Chester, Svetlana, and Vito came and stood behind them, letting Mike motion for Mal to turn around. He was surprised to see them all standing there and looking at him with blank expressions.
"You guys?" Mal said in surprise and stood up, "B-But...I didn't think you trusted me anymore."
"Well in all honesty mate, we still have some thoughts." Manitoba said neutrally, "At first we didn't want to have anything to do with you after all the heck you put us through."
"You may be reformed now, but that doesn't mean we won't keep a close watch for any tricks." Chester warned.
Mal looked down in shame.
"I agree. You might be more evil or less than evil Mal," Svetlana wrapped her arms around his neck, "but even Svetlana admits she is glad to have her dear brother back."
Mal felt taken back by her words, "B-Brother?" he asked as he briefly pulled away, "After everything I did to you guys, you still think of me as your family?"
"Well I still think you're a creep." Vito frowned then playfully slugged his arm, "But I guess you're cool with us bro'. And if Mike forgives you, then so can we I guess. Just don't go thinking that you can stab our backs again like you did last time."
"Don't worry, I won't." Mal raised his hand up, "From this day on, I will never act evil towards my family, friends, or anyone on the outside ever again and I will do anything and everything I can to earn your trust again."
Manitoba grinned as he placed a friendly hand on his shoulder, "Sounds good to me. Right mates?"
"Sure do." Chester patted his grandsons back, "Good to have you back sonny."
"Und ve're sorry for what we did earlier." Svetlana apologized, "We didn't know you vere actually telling the truth."
"That's okay." Mal shrugged, "I wouldn't trust me either after all my mischief. Like Chester said, I was a baaaaad boy."
Everyone chuckled at the boys joke as Mike placed an arm around his shoulders, "Well it looks like the old gang is back together again. Now how about we have that party to celebrate?"
"What?" Mal forgot and then realized what he meant, "Oh yeah! Sure!"
The rest of the evening was fantastic. Everyone danced, ate the food, and had a fantastic time. While the personalities still felt a tad uneasy around Mal, they feel that trusting him again is a very big possibility in the future. After the party was over everyone, except Mike and Mal, went to bed for the night.
Mal went to his room for the first time in years. The walls were navy blue and they were decorated with drawings and sketches he and Mike did when they were children. And there were two beds on opposite sides because Mike shared a room with him.
After Mal puts on his pajamas, which are similar to Mikes except in red, he heard a knock on the door.
Knock! Knock!
He turned around and saw Mike standing in the doorway.
"Hey." Mike greeted.
"Hey." Mal smiled.
"You tired?"
"Yep." he answered with a yawn and sat down on his bed, "It's been a while since I've been in this room. I missed it a lot."
"Yeah, I bet." Mike chuckled, "Hey Mal? Can I ask you something?"
"Sure. What is it?"
"I know we're not kids anymore but..." he paused for a second, "can I sleep in your bed tonight? Just like old times?"
Being full grown teenagers, Mal would've found it awkward but then he remembered some of the times they would bunk together whenever one had nightmares or felt lonely.
"Of course Mike." he nodded as he climbed in bed.
Mike grabbed his pillow and laid down next to his brother, "Thanks. This has been a crazy day huh?"
"It sure has." Mal sighed, "Oh! And look what I found." he leaned over to his drawer on the other side of his bed and pulls out a box they had not seen in years.
"Hey, it's our music box!" Mike said cheerfully, "Man, I haven't seen that in a long time!"
"Me neither. I was just looking around our room for a while and I came across this." Mal then remembered something from their childhood as he wound up the box, "Do you remember the times we used to play this before bed?"
"How can I forget?" Mike answered as he looked at the ceiling.
Five year olds Mike and Mal said their prayers and were ready to go to bed, but they weren't tired just yet. That's when Mike pulled out a music box and placed on the nightstand between their beds.
"What's that Mike?" little Mal asked.
"Chester helped me think of this the other day." Little Mike answered his brother, "He said music boxes helped him sleep back in his day and he said this can help us too." he turned the wind-up and it played a very soothing melody. It relaxed the two boys as they laid down and got comfortable.
"Wow." Mal said as his eyes were getting droopy, "That is really nice music."
"Yup." Mike yawned, "Well, goodnight Mal."
"Goodnight Mike." and the two boys were asleep.
Back in the present, the two brothers nearly drifted off to sleep while the music box played it's soothing melody. That's when Mike said one last thing, "Mal?"
Mal barely opened his eyes, "Yes?"
"Thanks for the party and I'm glad you came back." Mike smiled tiredly, "I love you big brother."
"I love you too little brother." Mal smiled back before closing his eyes.
And just like in the past, the two brothers slept peacefully together.
During the days that followed, Mike had informed his friends and family about the return of Mal and, of course, none of them were ecstatic about the news. But Mike reassured them that Mal has changed and won't be evil anymore. Some of his friends don't believe him, except Cameron and Zoey who were reluctant but also willing to give him another chance for Mike's sake. Mal never appeared outside as much as he used to and he prefers to give the real world some time before coming back.
And spending time with his family wasn't exactly easy either, but it made Mal a lot happier than usual and that's what he truly wanted. A little family time was better than no time at all. As for Mike, he and his relationship with his brother was slowly repairing and everything was the way it should be.
After all, no kind of friendship is greater than the one you can have with your brother or your family.
To Be Continued...