Hello everyone for this special episode of Total Drama Cruise.
Let's check on review, first. And it's pretty quick.
TheMasterKat: Alastor is one convincing dude, I'll give him that. And boy, is my Chris in hot water right now.
Memeking the Third: Guess you didn't expect Sammy and Yuka to be the two of them getting booted out. I felt bad for Reg, but at least you have a awesome vintage phone...and once again, Chris Mclean is totally in hot water now. With two Deadpool from different Total Drama fanfics knowing each other, I'm not surprise, either.
Anyways, let us begin!
"Last time on Total Drama Cruise!" Chris recap, "from last challenge, it was all about putting our fellow losers to the test, by military training! They had to go through everything such as obstacles and the Joes themselves. And who to put them in shape is by Sgt Slaughter! Things turn to the worst when Cobra return to get revenge on my contestants. Nice. So anyways, they beat them, two beloved characters are vote off, and I am getting tons of angry phone call from the universe I just prank on".
As Chris was narrating, Copperhead came holding a phone up to his ear and hears ramble again. This seem to irk him, and grab the phone to simply throw it into the ocean.
"Yeah...", Chris resume, "who will survive? Who will begone? Found out now on Total! Drama! Cruise!"
In a normal day as usual for the show, everyone was seated in the cafeteria. And everyone was bored, like literally bored out of their mind. Brendan draw, Ryuko taste a popsicle, Aqua drink some booze, and Sanji smoke. But it was pretty much a relaxing day, nothing to do, probably due to the challenge wary them off.
Except for Eva. She was listening music through her earplugs and was lifting dumbbells, all while whistling.
"You seem happily, lately", Sanji comment to her, "What's uhhh with that?"
"Oh, haven't you notice? Yuka is gone!"
"Oh really?"
"Yeah, because without that little brat around, I don't have someone more tougher than me to beat", Eva said, continue her routine, "So yeah, I'm really living it".
Statics, cut to Eva.
"For the record, I am aware of Starscream, Ryuko, and Alastor. That's why I come up of a plan. You see, I need someone who's good enough to sabotage the votes; and who's better job fit the role is none other than Aqua. She manage to stay on the game much longer because of her strategy".
Statics.
As for the remaining Screaming Sponge, none of them ( Except for Aqua ) have any idea what to do now.
Because of Sammy being eliminated, Ryuko had no idea what to do. Should she continue as leader? She wanted to leave, getting rid of the main problem such as her; But now that she's still competing, she hasn't had the slightest idea. Even Brendan doesn't know what to do.
All she could do was at least try to get rid of Aqua. Of coarse, she knew the consequence of her action, for allowing the hatred and anger of Aqua clouding her judgement.
Still, she was at least relaxing a bit, trying to get her mind off and come up of a different strategy.
While everything seem pretty silent for the most part. Suddenly, Alastor was hit by a pizza, then another. Starscream decided to rid of his boredom, by fooling around at Alastor, throwing near by food plates at him.
"Anyone want to do food fights?" Eddy asked, very unmotivated, after what he been through.
"Eeeeh, I'm not much in the mood", Ryuko replied.
"Food fights? Aren't they wasting food?" Brendan asked.
"Kid, it's Starscream. I'm sure he wouldn't give a single damn about human food".
It didn't took long, until Alastor retort by throwing a chair at him, plundering him down.
Starscream growl and Alastor laugh, as he throw another food at him. Alastor return with more food to throw, also. They both began a food fight, which ends with Armin frustrated over this in fighting and got up, immediately, "That's it! I had it! I'm out of the deal, here!"
"WHAT?!" Sanji and Starscream said, both shock to hear that. The others were a little surprise, but shrugged it off.
"Yeah, You heard me".
Statics, cut to Armin.
"Ok, I wasn't thinking that clearly, but I had to say it. I was getting extremely tired, annyoed, and really red up with this whole mess. So I decided to not be part of any alliances or be supportive".
Statics,
"What the spark, Armin?" Starscream asked, "Seriously, you are backing down from my deal?"
"Yeah Armin, Seriously?" Sanji asked, too, "I know Starscream can be a real douche".
"Hey!"
"But are you willing to risk it?"
"Sorry guys, it just my choice", Armin replied, sitting back down, all crossed arm, "Your better off without me".
Starscream really burst out at him, but he knew if he did, Armin will just vote him anyways, and he can't risk that. So he kept his mouth shut.
"Hold up, if your not going to join any alliances, does that include me?" Sanji asked.
Armin nodded. Sure, he was his friend. However, he knew when the merge come, Sanji friendship will likely never last long because of their differences, even if he is his only friend, "Sorry Sanji, it's my choice; and I'm keeping that promise".
Instead of anger, Sanji simply sigh and said, "Alright then, it's your choice. But don't think of voting me off".
Armin was glad to hear, expecting a argument to happen.
Now things became awkward now, as everyone sit and yawn, scratch, and tap.
Starscream try to break the silent, by nudging Alastor next to him, all while chuckling to himself. Alastor retorted again, by simply punching him through the wall, creating a dent.
"OW!" Starscream exclaim.
Still, this did not broke the silent entirely, as they all yawn out of boredom.
The sound of vents bringing the cold air, flys buzz around, and flickering light shine onto them, making this experience much more...depressing.
Ryuko decided to broke the silent, sighing, "Sooooo...how's everyone day-?"
Before she could finish, CRASH! The Cruise Ship hit at a near by bolder, which was located near a cave. The cave was huge, almost reaching the height of a mall. Inside was dark, hallow, and the ground was mostly the sea itself, containing only rocky platforms.
"LOSERS! TIME FOR SOME CHALLENGE TIME!" Chris announces, with everyone groaning from the impact.
Statics, cut to Ryuko.
"So Ryuko, what are you going to do now that Sammy is gone?" Senkestu asked.
"I don't know, I didn't even expect her to be gone. Guess I''ll try focusing on the game and maybe try getting rid of Aqua...not in a passive aggressive way".
Statics.
Standing on the rocky platform, Chris approaches them with this week challenge, "Welcome to random cave that I barely name. Is everyone excited for this challenge?"
No one dare answer, of coarse.
"Good. Today challenge is pretty simple and easy".
"Pfff, easy", Ryuko sarcastically said, crossing her arm.
"Teams must race inside to retrieve back a sphere from the last other challenge", Chris began, "Whoever came first with the sphere will win a reward of...ummm...uhhh".
Phantasma appear, holding a suitcase up her face and opening up to reveal fries, a chocolate milkshake with whip cream, two o rings, and three stack of juicy, well grilled burger.
"This reward, free Chris Mclean burgers", Chris shows, "Complete with ketchups and mustards".
This made Eddy and Aqua drool over it, looking at the fresh display of it. The others don't seem to care that much.
"Wow Chris, you manage to found a reward that sounds pretty worth it", Ryuko sarcastically remark, "How long did that took, fourty, no wait, fifty days!"
"I didn't really feel it", Chris said, closing the suitcase, "Plus, the producers were pretty concern about me being a huge jerk and all, so I'm gonna give you guys a actual reward this time".
"By junk foods?"
"Yep", Chris continue, "Anyways, inside these caves contains a maze, a wall that must be destroyed, and a lava platform. The cave itself is really brittle, meaning the slightest punch will cause the cave to collaspe. Don't want to do that. Also to note, the cave is probably, sort of, contain magical, supernatural stuff in it".
"What does that mean?" Brendan asked.
"I don't know. Just wanna to point that out. Get going!" Chris blow a whistle, starting the challenge.
"Get out of the way! Losers!" Starscream shove his team outta the way.
The others follow suite, before some of them began shoving one another. First Sanji, then Eva, and Alastor, all makomg their way into the cave.
Armin sigh and simply to follow them with a blank expression.
"Come on, guys. Let's get this over with", Ryuko gesture them with little emotion. But before she could go first, Aqua rudely and intentionally shove her away and ran into the cave.
"Move outta the way!" Aqua shouted.
Eddy just stood there, all while Brendan came to Ryuko help.
"Gggrrr, When I get my hands on her, I'll-" As Ryuko was pull up by Brendan.
He said to her, "Focus on that later, Ryuko. It's not long until we get to the merge".
"Hope so. I'm getting sick of tired of staying a team with her".
The Shrimp Raiders stood in front of two entrances, leading into a maze tunnel, with the only visible light showing are the torches between the walls. Though even that won't help, as they will be blown up, allowing the darkness to consume.
"Ok leaders", Sanji glance over Starscream and Alastor, "Any idea which way we should go?"
"I say we pick left", Starscream suggest.
"I say we pick right", Alastor suggest, too.
"Pick left",
"Pick right"
"Pick left!"
"...Pick left".
"Pick right!"
"Pick right!"
"Pick-" This realization hit Starscream, as he facepalm from saying that, "Darn it!"
"Good choice, Starscream for agreeing with me", Alastor sarcastically gave a thumb up at him, which irritated him.
After the Shrimp Raiders took right, the Screaming Sponge took left. The tunnel was wet, with every green slime slittering on the floor and webs filled up in the ceilings of the tunnel.
They walk for a bit, preparing to go which way that would lead them to the next part of the challenge. The reason they cannot run was due to Chris stating that the entire cave is fragil, so the ground, the wall, and the ceilings will broke down if one uses it's body more roughly contact to the cave.
As they walk on, Aqua try to think of some way of getting away from her team, especially Ryuko. now knowing that her acceptance with them has already been diminish.
"Hey Ryuko, I was wondering when we get to the merge, what should we do afterwards?" Brendan asked her.
"I don't know yet", Ryuko replied, "Like you said, I think we should focus more on the game thing, okay?"
"Hmm, I see", Brendan then ask Eddy, "What do you think?"
"Oh, you asking me now?" Eddy replied, a little surprise as he didn't expect for his team to acknowledge him, considering he hasn't been invovle in anyone affair.
He nodded, and Eddy gave a simply reply, "I don't know. Do you have anything worth while for me?"
"Uhhh, no".
"Then that's a no".
Statics, cut to Eddy.
"I just realize I'm literally the only one who hadn't done anything. No drama, no nothin! I'm not sure if I should feel lucky or not".
Statics.
While Aqua was thinking, a spider fell onto her face, which freak her out, "Eeeeeeeee! Spider! Spider! Spider!"
She ran in circle, all while Ryuko gave a annoyance sigh, "Gotta deal with her crap, again".
"Make sure to not act very ill temper about it", Brendan told her.
"Don't worry, I'm not gonna let my anger get a hold on me".
Ryuko approaches her, trying her best to calm her down, even without a single care, "Ok Aqua, you can stop acting like a pussy now. Stop running around and-"
A splash of water hit her face, making her soak wet. The reason, Aqua try to get rid of the spider by her magic, which may accidentally splash to her without knowing it.
Aqua froze, with her mouth open. Even Brendan and Eddy froze there, as Ryuko started to shake and mutter, calmly, "You know what...I HAVE ENOUGH WITH THIS! COME HERE!"
"Ah!" Aqua scream and ran, with Ryuko chases right after her.
Brendan gave a sigh of disappointment and follow suite, as well of Eddy.
Statics, cut to Ryuko.
"Fine, I may had been too pissed off from a single mistake. But hey, at least it explain how I end up in some weird world".
Statics.
"Please stay away! I'm very sorry!" Aqua exclaim, crying. All while Ryuko is chasing her with a anger look.
"Ryuko! Stop! She said she's sorry!" Brendan told her, following her direction while Eddy just walk.
After running and running! Turning and turning! She heard...no footstep following her, not even a huff. She turn and see Ryuko has suddenly fallen into a deep hole.
Brendan and Eddy manage to catch up and see the hole infront of them, both gasp at what they see here.
"What the?" What happen? Where's Ryuko?" Brendan asked Aqua, across from each other.
"I...I don't know", Aqua stutter, "For a minute ago, she was chasing me".
"Isn't it obvious, she fell into that hole", Eddy pointed it out, with him, Brendan, and Aqua looking down in the hole, very worry.
"Hello! Ryuko! Are you alright down there!" Brendan called out, echoing the voice into the dark abyss.
No respond.
"Oh great! What are we going to do?!" Eddy asked, panicking as well, knowing full well she is the only strongest member in their group, "She's probably dead down there!"
"Yes!" Aqua shouted, "I mean, oh no!"
Her eyes open. Gaining her conciseness, she rubbed her head from the impact, landing on something hard.
She stood up and groan, looking up above her, "Ugh, what the hell happen?"
Up there, she sees nothing, pure darkness instead. In fact, she realize everything around her are in pitch blackness, not even a single rock is visible.
She began to feel worry, calling out to her team, "Brendan? Eddy? Where are you guys?"
As she look around, she figure she may have been drop down into a hole by accident, possibly due to stepping on a hollow floor without realizing it.
"Damn it, where the hell am I?" Ryuko said to herself, "I gotta found a way out here
She look down her cloth, saying, "Hey Senkestu, would you mind wake up".
He awoke, confuse and startle, "Wha-what's going up? Where are we?
"Long story short, there's a challenge, I chase Aqua, and I'm stuck down here".
"Oh right", Senkestu then asked, "Where the hell are we?"
"No idea, pal", Ryuko replied, "I was wondering if you can help me out here".
"What do you expect me to do? Use my eye as a radar? I don't do that kind of stuff, you know that".
"Fine", She rolled her eye, now with no help of figuring a way out.
After looking around and such, she spotted something in the distance. A glowing blue, white light, illuminating over in the distance.
"What the hell is that?" Ryuko asked.
"Guess we should follow it", Senkestu replied.
"Are you sure?"
"Look, it could lead us out, you know".
"I don't know...I'm having some doubts".
"Hey, do you want to stay here or not?
Agreeing what he just said, she walk toward the light, and the light became bigger and bigger.
She began to hear voices, getting louder and clearer. These voices include these:
"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to a new season of Total Drama".
"Some nature loving guy and a good friend, I guess".
"I've meet some of those guys. Rick's right, their pretty intense".
"I'm more than aware of what Roman is planning to do".
"So I guess that's how we're starting off this game?"
"Oh no, Tikki isn't an alien. She's a Kwami"
"Sky dragon's roar!"
"She reminds me of my little sister. Though from what I saw, she's quite a capable fighter".
"Well, I think it's terrible!"
"My parents gave new meaning the word, 'overprotective'. Especially since I can't see".
There, she stood what appear to be many blue stars, spreading all over the pitch darkness. Some of them flickers, others move around like shooting stars. It was everywhere, with no end at all like the cave suddenly made itself massive. Or simply, disappear.
But these aren't stars. They're a flock of butterflies. There are many of them, flying everywhere, leaving dusts wherever they go.
She was at awe, including Senkestu. Never seeing anyhting like this. Then came the voices. These voices puzzle her. There were many of them, each being distinguishable from each other. Some disappear and others repeat. They were all coming from the butterflies, as they all move around freely.
These voices ranges from vague, clear. Some are sad, anger, distress, happy, joyful, and many others.
The voices she heard were something she isn't familiar with, as she can only hear some clearly, which include:
"This is all my fault".
"Oh, whatever am I going to do with you?"
"My swamp is better lookin than tha".
"Lammy? Lammy, can you hear me?"
"Yusei?"
"Love. A worthy motivation".
"That place bring me so many memories".
"To the white Lotus!"
"Would it be okay if...I called you big bro?"
"I'M DRAGON RIIIIIIIIIIIICK!"
"She's come so far. Seem's like I'm a big brother and a teacher".
"You guys really crack me up".
"DON'T. HURT. THEM!"
"I'm sorry I'm so weak".
"What the hell are these voices?" Ryuko asked, looking around, "Where are they coming from?"
"You thought younger me had the last laugh. But it was I! Wendy!"
"M-me!? You're gonna kill me, are-aren't-"
"What in Mewni?"
"I have no idea", Senkestu said, confuse as well. They both continue making their way, still hearing the many voices that are unknown to them.
"This is all a dream. This is but a nightmare".
"AH, SH*T! IT'S THE FUZZ!"
"Note to self, go to his world first".
"Ninjas, Thieves, Demon Butlers?! Awesome!"
"I know she can handle herself, but I hope she's okay".
As Ryuko walk, she stop to hear a voice, speaking to her.
"There are other realms like this. One without a universe".
As she kept walking around, she saw it. A living being. It resemble a fox, with no body or furr, only the silhouettes. It has eyes, no mouth or anything. It's body is made up of black lines, with it exception of the eyes itself.
"She...made a mistake".
"Eh...not too shabby these days".
"Doofen-whatnow?"
"What does Thanos have to do with this?"
It stood there, as it stare at her with a deadpan look. Not moving an inch.
"What is that thing?" Senkestu asked Ryuko.
She replied, not getting her eye contact away from it, "I...don't know".
"Maybe you should ask something".
"Like what?"
"I don't know. You wearing me. You figure that out".
More bewilder than ever before, Ryuko ask, "Uhhh excuse me, Who are you?"
The creature replied in a rough, but calm male voice, "I see you came down here by accident, is that correct?"
She nodded, slowly. As the creature continue, "I see...many refer to me as Torrica, the cosmic one creature of the universe, existence from both time, life, death, and the universe as a whole. I am the watcher of everything, the guidance of everything, and an advice to many".
( Note: This is a OC of mine on Devianart. So check it out, if anyone is curious ).
"Well...I'm Ryuko", She replied, "And I'm trying to found a way out of this, since I accidentally fell down here. Whatever this place is".
"You are unique, in some way. And I sense you are in a hurry".
"Of coarse I am", Ryuko said, " I don't have much time to waste around. Do you know how to get me out of here? Or at the very least, know a way out?"
"I might, but it will take us through a trip".
"A trip?"
"A trip from the past to the future", He said, "One that could lead you to see the events behold before that day comes".
"I don't understand what your talking about".
Torrica begin to get up and move toward a straight direction, turning his head around to look at her, "Follow me".
Ryuko is a bit doubtful about this, even Senkestu, who isn't trustworthy of this being.
"I don't know we should trust this guy". He said to her.
Ryuko replied, "Oh, now your having some doubts now?"
"There something fishy about him and this whole, trip".
"I agree with you", Ryuko replied. However, she knew there was no other choice, as she need to get back up there, before the other team wins, "But we don't have a choice, here. Better follow him, anyways".
Filled with uncertainty and weariness, they decided to follow it anyways, wanting to get out here as soon as possible.
"Sorry master".
"Okay, so I might have been distracted a little bit by the vampire Girl".
"Ridonculous Race, baby!"
"So, you guys want to be in an alliance with us?"
"You monster! Now you're restorting to hurting children?!"
While following the Torrica, she ask him, "Hey, I have some questions".
"Hmm, please, speak".
"What are these voices? Some of it sound just like me and Mako".
He replied, "These are voices from different parallel worlds, different from one another, including yours. These voices are collective from the past and the future".
"I will not refuse any dare. I'm winning this".
"It's fine! Because I'm going to win! For us!"
"Give the girl a bit of a break, Lord Beerus".
"Gee Shadow, it sure is boring around here".
"Dude did you really ask him to call you that?"
"Ugh, shut up. I thought it was cool alright".
Still not comprehending what he meant, she ignore it and kept following him into the path, leading far from the area or voices, as it became much more quieter and quieter.
She saw a raft in the distance, along with the dark, misty sea. Torrica hop on it and gesture her to get on, as well.
Not questioning it, she got on it and the raft move to the sea, wherever they will go.
"This raft will lead to our next direction", Torrica said, laying down, "For now, we must let the raft do it's job".
"Ok then".
Ryuko began to feel dreary, feeling the little coldness all around her. It warmth made her somewhat tired.
"I believe you must lay down".
"No thanks. I don't need any rest".
"Are you certain?"
"Yep, totally".
"Ryuko! Ryuko!" Brendan called out, again at the hole where Ryuko fell.
After a long while of hearing any cries of help or anything, Aqua and Eddy felt the need to continue onward, without her.
"There's no response, already", Aqua said, "Let's face it, she's probably dead, and we need to continue onward".
"But she can't be dead", Brendan told her, "Chris wouldn't allow that".
"Uhh, are you dumb? He literally left us in a forest for an entire four weeks!" Eddy mention.
"Yeah, let us just assume she's alright down there, just knock out from the impact", Aqua said, "Beside, We need to go, already! Fast!"
"Eddy?" Brendan asked him, hoping he and him could stay longer for a respond, but he was quickly decline.
"Uhh, I don't know. I gotta agree with the blue chick".
Statics, cut to Brendan.
"I wasn't willing to abanonded Ryuko down there. She's my friend...However, we do have a challenge to do. I just hope she's alright".
Statics.
Meanwhile, the Shrimp Raiders were still proceeding through the pathway, turning toward left and right direction, with not a single path leading out. Each time they expected to lead to the next challenge, it's dead end.
"Gggrrr, I wish I could shoot through these walls", Starscream moan, "This is why I hated mazes".
"I wish the exact same thing, if Chris hadn't chosen this cave as part of the challenge", Alastor said, for once agreeing with him with no sarcastic tone.
"You know I wonder why don't you just use your demon power to get ourselves there?"
"It's complicated".
"Complicated? Your a powerful demon".
"Yeah, so? If I use my power, I would've win the entire game. But that wouldn't sound fair, right?"
"I...guess so".
"Soooo Armin, your sure you want to be left alone? Like even when the merge come?" Sanji asked him, "Because I'm a bit-"
"Don't worry about it, Sanji", Armin replied, "I'm perfectly fine, determine actually. Beside, I don't have any real intention of voting you off".
"Phew, thank god. For a second there, I thought you were having some kinda grudge against me for leaving you to die for magazine".
Statics, cut to Armin.
"Just for a record, I am still iffy about that part. Seriously, for dirty photos?!"
Statics.
Back with Ryuko and Torrica, they were still on the raft, with Ryuko wondering how long they're gonna see something besides pitch darkness.
Feeling the need to rest a little, she lay there and felt a little warmth from the wood. Then she saw something in the water
As she look closer and closer, clearly seeing what it is, the creature look down as well, with no respond.
It was a huge hall of some sort, showing the middle of a round platform. Everything was metallic, clean and shiny. There were four statues surrounding the room. Four of them seem to represent animals as warriors or goddess of some sort.
The screen that hang on the wall has a prymaid shape, illuminating the room from it's darkness.
But there was one thing that caught her attention. The screens. It show's three things. At the top shows an army raiding a near by village. The bottom left shows what appear to be a Cybertronian, with the head of a cyclop. The bottom right shows a old man sitting near a camp fire, in what appear to be Africa. There was no sound, meaning what's going on in there are probably just mute, for unknown reason ( Note: In bottom left shows Shockwave from Transformers and at bottom right shows Old Man from TDE2 ).
"What is this?" Ryuko asked Torrica, "What's going on here?"
He replied, "This is many years ago in the past, my friend. It is showing us the inside of the Black Pyramid, a spaceship from long ago. In our trip, the sea will show us the past for us to know and remember".
"And the future?"
The creature simply shook it head as a no, which seem to puzzle Ryuko as she expecting it to be the right answer.
Four beings enter the room. One was huge, has wings, and bore armor similar to the Egyptians. It also resemble a mummy of some sort.
The other was also huge, with long, spiky, black hair, wearing tons of armor and a cape, and is 25 feet long.
The rest of the two were female, but are quite different. One was also dress in a egyptian style, robes. She is holding a staff, has a neckless on her, and has a cobra circlet on her head.
The last seem to be dress in robes as well. However, her style seem Cambodian like, with the cape, and long black hair.
They were discussing something, which Ryuko ask Torrica again, "And who are these guys?"
"Those are the four powerful beings", He answer, "Four from different universe, with different powers and ideals. Those fours include Mumm ra, Gjira, Namora, and Cherieng".
"My army has search everywhere for the stone, Mumm ra", Gjira told him, "We have raided countless worlds, bringing little mercy to anyone. Unfortunately, none seem to have any info about the stone, nor they seem to have one".
"How unfortunate", Mumm ra said in a disappointed voice, looking at the screen, with the others joining him, "With all those destruction and war, I would've expect some bendfits of founding the stone".
"Not all is lost", Gjira told him, "At least the many war still pleases me. Plus, I manage to require a patch of land, all destroyed because of me. And they could be very useful for your expansion of order".
"And you found joy in that?" Namora asked, a little disguested by the fact he never bother of using the land for his emprie. Instead, he usually steal it's material and just abanonded, only using it as a resting ground, "No single land interest you?"
"War is the only thing that interest me, madam".
"It seem's our alliance is making some progress ", Mumm ra said, remark by his excuse for the many battles and bloodshed he had committed, "With all our efforts and power, we will bring order to the entire world. One that could expand our influence".
"May I asked?" Cherieng asked him, a bit curious on that certain subject, "What are the purpose of these four Stones? Why do you need it? And what power does it posses?"
"That is something only personal to me, Cherieng", Mumm ra answer, not willing to give out his true intention, "Sooner and later when the Stones are withen my reach, the entire universe will know my- I mean, our power".
"There is something I must confess, Mumm ra. One that could greatly support our expansions", Gjira explain, "Me and my commanders have travel to a lost temple and discover drawings of a being more mysterious and powerful".
"Oh really?" This seem to peak Mumm ra interest, moving his head awat from the screen to him, "Who is this being you speak of?"
Althouh he await for an answer. The answer itself is disappointed to him, however.
"Unfortunately, I am not certain. As you can see, this is merely an early research of mine, but I am determine of founding more info about it, sooner or later. I only got interested of it just the thought of it's great power".
"Are you certain this being is important to our access?", Namora asked in a doubtful manner, "To me, it sounds like you wanted something to give you more satisfaction".
Gjira, not wanting to be seen as selfish, replied, "I assure you, my dear. This being could benefit to all of us, not just me".
As his reveal of Gjira personal project interest Mumm ra, he began to ask the other two, believing they have something to confess.
"Cherieng, Namora, do you have anything to say?" Mumm ra asked, wanting to move on with a different subject.
"My influence manage to form a cult of some sort in a different world", Namora replied, "I was hoping to expand on, in my conquest".
"I am already working on a war machine", Cherieng explain, "One that is more advance and greater, Mumm ra".
"Your reports intrigue me", Mumm ra comment, then staring at Cherieng with a uncertainty, "But there is one I have some doubts. Cherieng, I suspect some kind of treachery, by your weapons alone.
"Treachery? Nonsense", She said, in a calm manner, "I have no real intention of using the weapon for my own personal gain. Just like Gjira".
"Hmmm, good".
Just then, a man in a blue suit and red hair came in, bowing down to him and his guest, "Lord Mumm ra, we have manage to track down two power stone".
This surprises them, as their efforts seem to be useless now that Mumm ra crew were the first to found it.
"Oh really, Leo?" Mumm ra asked.
"Yes, Soul Stone, my Lord", He replied, "We manage to retrieve it without any damage. It was located somewhere on a island".
"Good", Mumm ra said, "The other power stone?"
"We manage to track down another, my lord", Leo continue, "Someone is bidding off the Spirit Stone. We believe this certain individual is name Mon*star".
"Mon*star, hmmm?" Mumm ra knew of this man, before.
"Shall we send in your enforcers?" Leo asked, requested to get the enforcers to get the stone for.
Mumm ra see no problem of handling this bider and replied, "No, I will retrieve it myself".
"Who is this Mon*star?" Namora asked.
"Someone who is below me", Mumm ra told them, "For now, you all must leave. I have some buisness to take care of. We will discuss of this, later".
They did just that, and left the room, leaving Mumm ra to leave as well to confront the bider.
Before this scene would continue on, the sea suddenly turn into black.
This puzzle Ryuko, "What the?"
"We are moving onto the next scene", Torrica explain, "As you must know, the sea can only show limited of what it can offer. Meaning, it will only show what you need to know".
The next scene, show some what of the same location. This time it took place in the hallway, where Cherieng, Namora, and Gjira are discussing a certain subject.
"This take place after the four stones were retrieve", Torrica explain, "A moment before a event happen that changes everything".
"I have some doubts on our business with Mumm ra", Cherieng said to them, "He had not told us anything about the Stone for a while. Not a single bit. All while we did the dirty work for him".
"Maybe he's not certain what they posses", Gjira said.
"That's impossible. If he doesn't know, we wouldn't be here, teaming up with him".
"Let's not get too fixated on that", Namora told her, "I'm more curious on our clear objective here, expanding our influence and army throughout the galaxy".
"I don't care about some influence crap", Gjira said, "My objective to create the biggest war ever, with some support by Mumm ra. I only did his work, in return for more lands to raid that fits my interest".
"Of coarse you would care more about your own ego". Namora replied, in a spiteful way, "I'm surprise with all this chaos and war, you never made a single smile".
"I never do, my dear. Never".
"I believe a event is going to happen, my friends", Cherieng words made them stop, listening in curiosity as what she meant, "I suspect a rebellion, someone with a treachery mind".
"Oh really?" Namora asked, some what uncertain about it. This poke the curiosity in them.
Gjira has his doubts on that too, asking, "What are you talking about?"
"I sense the downfall of him", Cherieng told them, "Not just him, but all of us as well. I have a feeling after he's gone, we will all fall along with him".
"Heh, that's complete nonsense", Namora shrugged it off.
"And how would you know that?" Gjira question her beliefs.
"Simple", She pulled out from her cape a golden sphere on her hand, and hold it out to them, as Gjira was more bigger than them.
They were intrigue. Ryuko saw the sphere and was struck with familiarity. This caught Torrica attention, "Is there something the matter?"
"That sphere...I know that thing", Ryuko replied, "It was some random object my host use in a challenge".
"What is this?" Namora ask, lookig closely at it.
"This is a sphere that allows anyone to see their fate in the future", She explain, "My personal goddess has given this to me as a way to predict anything. Only the strongest and powerful one could wield this thing".
"And why are you telling this to us?" Gjira asked, still doubtful.
"Because I knew what is going to happen to all of us", Cherieng continue, "I seen one of us will fall and be trap inside a neckless, with only the slightest hope of getting out is by someone weak enough to wear it".
"Who is this someone?" Namora asked, too.
"I cannot tell", Cherieng replied, "As you must know, I don't give out information for free, my friend".
"I knew it", Gjira said, knowing there was something fishy about her, "You were baiting us to make a deal with you".
"Of coarse", Cherieng cackle a laugh, "That's the reason I'm showing this to you. If you want to know your future, you need to give me half of your power".
"Half?" Namora asked, already offended.
Gjira, still remaining calm, despite his aggressive nature, asked, "Why? You already have enough power? What more do you want?"
She cackle another laugh, more evil than ever, "Everything! Death and life itself, even your Haki! I want control of everything!".
"Never!" Namora shouted, "I would never in my life time give my power to someone like you. Give me the sphere!"
Before she could reach it to grab it, Cherieng pulled it back, but not back into the cape. It is still expose to them, wanting the sphere for itself, "You fool! You think it will be that easy to take it away from me?! I am half goddess, you imbecile!"
"Enough of this!", Gjira shouted, "I must know more about my destiny and what my research would lead to".
He was stop by a staff, by Namora.
"Get outta my way".
"And let you have the sphere for youself", Namora replied, "Not a chance".
Without predicting it, Namora was ejected at the wall by the single punch of Gjira fist!
Before he could make his move, he was struck by red lightening! Getting electric shock! From Cherieng! Who was laughing more and more, seeing Gjira on his knee. This is happening, all while Ryuko watch on at awe, with Torrica not changing any expression.
"Gggrrr, you b*tch!" Gjira scowl.
"Hahahahahahahahahaha! Let's see how a giant lizard taste like, all burn up!"
Although he has been struck down to his knee, a bolt of fire struck Cherieng! Causing her to be push on the ground.
Namora manage to got up with her staff and shot another energy ball at Gjira!
He dodge and open it mouth, revealing atomic flames coming out of it. Flames that scorch out of it and fire atwas Namora, deflected it with her staff!
"Your lucky I am not in my true form!" Gjira said, "Back down, or else you will be part of my trophy".
"You want trophy! Here's your trophy!" Namora retorted by shooting dozen of energy balls at him, with him covering himself with his arm as his skin is very durable.
Cherieng manage to got up, still holding the sphere and snarling.
She then struck the both of them with her same electric power at them! Causing them to stop and fall on their knee!
"I gave you two a chance to see your fate! And now, you will finally see in death!"
She zapped shackles chains at Gjira hands, pulling him down on the ground. She did the same thing with Namora, wanting to enjoy their suffering.
Cackling another laugh, Cherieng struck more and more on them! Until Finally, Namora manage to use her staff and struck her!
This ended the torture and Namora gain the upper hand to shoot more energy balls at Gjira! Who ripped the chains from the ground.
As expected, Gjira delfected it and charge right at her, pinning her back on the wall! Creating another huge crack and dent!
Before Gjira could finish his move, suddenly! They were all shook by the force of the ship, causing them to fall back down as it seem as though the ship is crashing down.
The sphere rolled next to Gjira, who saw the chance and grab it, now running away toward the hanger where his ship is located.
Namora got up and chases after him. Cherieng, meanwhile, knew the time had come to escape and she did that, disppearing in a cloud of smoke.
Reaching at the hanger bay, as his ship awaits, which resemble a dark, giant dragon with wings out and windshields all in blood red.
"Kogus! Get the shuttle ready! We're getting out of here!" Gjira shouted.
The hanger was beginning to fall part, so he was making his way much more quicker, until a energy ball strike his hand, dropping the sphere and rolling near the edge of space.
Namora begins to fire more and more energy blast at him, as he retort by opening his mouth and blasting another atomic blast at her, creating a blue, white, and red spark! Blinding anyone who dare see it.
Their attacks clashes, one trying to push their power to another and another doing the exact same thing.
Eventually, their beams were so strong, they accidentally let go and shot the sphere out into space, ejecting it lightyear away.
"NO!" Both of them shouted, seeing their only hope for success was gone.
Another rumble hit! Now they must retreat, as Namora tap her staff and black portal appear, escaping in there out of sight.
Gjira ran toward his ship and before he got in, he said, "Cherieng and Namora will pay for this!"
After he got in, the shuttle float up and ride off into space, going through light speed after leaving the hanger bay, never to be seen again.
Ryuko stood there, trying to comprehend what just happen.
"It seem we're moving with the next one", Torrica said, "After the fall of Mumm ra, his closest allies, most of them, have fallen with him. And the sphere float into space, becoming a shooting star for eon, until a unexpected guest would found it".
"And whatever happen to the stones, anyways?" Ryuko asked.
"The stones were given to four different beings. With one split into five more, hidden away to somewhere else".
The flashback seem to interest Ryuko a bit. She wonder how the sphere came to Chris. However, she knew not to dive herself into these kind of stuff and tried to remain focus.
"Waaaah! This is literally hell!" Aqua cried, cuttle to herself like a feeble, "We are never gonna found a way out because of this stupid maze!"
Not surprisingly, Brendan and Eddy approach her as they don't seem to panic. Eddy was pretty bored right now, yawning. And Brendan wasn't having it.
"Aqua, it's only been one hour", Brendan told her, "Plus, we haven't gone anywhere, yet. You just kept running, thinking you could found a way out more quickly".
"Well excuse me, at least I'm active here".
"You know I'm willing to think the other team are literally winning right about now", Eddy said, not caring for the slightest.
"Have hope, you guys", Brendan convince them, "We can still win this. We just need to think and try to come up which path leads to".
"I would show some hope", Eddy told him, "If it wasn't the fact: One, there are three of us now. Two, the other team have more chances to win! And three, RYUKO IS GONE!"
Statics, cut to Eddy.
"With all this whole conflict and stuff, I'm just out of it. Like seriously, I'm barely knowledge by my team, except for one instance! And small couple of instance! Heck, I been through everyhing like getting kidnapped, reliving that awful bet, and get beaten by some feral guy! At this point, I'm willing to bet I'll be eliminated sooner or later".
Statics.
Suddenly, the maze begin to rumble, as a giant laser was shot through them, making them duck down!
After the blast, it created a path for the next challenge. They lifted their head up to see the impact and immediately gotten up, now glaring at the other team, bewilder by what just happen.
Starscream manage to penatrate the maze, without a single concern for his team.
"Hey! Are you insane?!" Eddy shouted, "You could've blast our head off!"
"Well excuse me! At least I manage to make this challenge go quicker!" Starscream replied.
Statics, cut to Sanji.
"We decided since Starscream can't shut up about wanting to blast through the maze, we allow him to do so".
Statics.
"Ugh, let's just get this over with", Brendan said, with the entire team heading to the second part.
There was a wall. On the wall was a mine, showing a screen and several buttons that contains numbers. A note was near it, with Brendan grabbing it and reading it, "One way in, by two numbers. Those two numbers are hints; pocket and nothing".
"What kind of rhyme is that?" Eva asked, quite dumbfounded by it's writing alone.
"I think it's meant to reference something, but what?" Brendan replied, a bit confuse by the meaning of it.
"Can we just blast this wall and get it over with?", Starscream moan, aiming his blaster at the wall.
"Now now, we already allow you to use your blaster for that maze", Alastor told him, "Don't bother try doing it again. This might be the perfect time for the cave to collapse".
"Well I don't see the problem of doing it again".
"Look, it's our only way in", Brendan told them.
"Well I am not doing some stupid word thing. I rather-"
"Would you shut up!" All of them said to him, making him groan much more.
Statics, cut to Starscream.
"I don't know how long I am going to put up with this! They're all beginning to annoyed me! But hey, at least I don't have to be beaten or smack by my questioning...like Megatron".
Statics.
"Hey, wait a second", Sanji notice something off, "Where's your team captain, Ryuko?"
Returning to where Ryuko is at, the sea shows a open field and a road, at night time, as a passing by car is going in extreme speed.
"What is this now?" Ryuko asked, again.
"This is Earth, from the past", Torrica replied, "This is where you will see the events playing out. You wonder what did happen to the sphere?"
"Uhh yeah".
"Then look closer, my friend".
Inside the car was Chris Mclean himself, possibly in his early years. He was wearing a suit, mostly messed up. Next to him was a bag of money, possibly stolen, "Phew, man it so good to get out of there. Note to self, never meet your old rock band. It's a good thing I stole all their money for payback, though. I am not going back to my old business root. NEVER!"
As he was driving, not expecting a single thing to happen. CRASH! A metor of some sort crashes in front of his car, causing him to stop.
Surprise by what just happen, Chris got out of his car and look down to see the sphere, "Holy moly! What is that thing?"
"Wait a minute, that's Chris Mclean!" Ryuko pointed out, "I know that face and voice before. That's him!"
"Indeed it is him", Torrica told her, "But watch closely, as we continue onward to the present soon".
She look again, this time the scene has change. It goes from a crash sight to New York City, where Chris is sitting on a bench and reading a newspaper, all while traffic is going on, and the early season of the Ridonculous Race is happening.
He put down the paper, sighing to himself with stress, "There got to be a way for my show to be renew for another season. I'm going to be bankrupt, sooner or later!"
Chris limp down on the bench, out of any idea to pull in any viewerships because of his show not getting renew, if he have one interesting idea that could save the show, "If only I have something that could help me out here".
Then it hit him, with a sudden realization that made him open a glimmer of hope in his mind. Pulling out the same sphere, he look at it, "Hmm, maybe looking at this might help get my stress out the way".
As he glare at it, a flash of ideas hit him in his mind, a vision of what to come, "Oh my god, that's it! I'm gonna bring in dozen of weirdos from different world and make them compete in my show! That will show them that stupid Don show!"
"Oh so that's how we manage to get in this mess", Ryuko remark, "By that stupid sphere".
"This isn't the end of it", Torrica explain, "As when Chris holds the power of the sphere, he can see what happen. The reason he barely he use it was out of boredom".
"How do you even know these stuff?"
"I am the watcher of the universe", Torrica continue, "I know you, your team, and the show. I have full knowledge of everything, my friend".
"If that's the case, can you see the future?"
"Unfortunately, I cannot be told of that, as I must not intervene too much".
"Seem's like your intervening right now".
"Hush my friend", Torrica said, calmly, "You will understood, as we are now near the present".
Suddenly, a huge wave appear in front of them! Ryuko react with fear, while Torrica has no reaction. The wave grew bigger and bigger until it finally splash onto them.
Ryuko was caught up underwater, and before she could swim right back up, she saw something. There, it shows her team and the Shrimp Raider, all in the cave near the second part of the challenge.
"Brendan..." Ryuko mutter, bubbling.
"What do you mean you lost her?" Armin asked the boy, unable to answer that question as he wasn't sure if Ryuko is stil alive. He hope she is, but the others seem to think so.
Some of them like Armin and Sanji were fully concern.
"I...uhhhh", Brendan was unable to answer that, as he isn't he sure if he should tell them more.
"What he means is", Aqua intervene, wanting to play the victim here, by adding more negatives on Ryuko, "She fell because of her clumsy and vulgar attitude. By that, I mean she literally tried to kill me".
"What? No!" Brendan said, "She didn't do that. Aqua got scare of a spider and spill water on her. That's why she chases her. It's not her fault".
"Uhhh no! She was being overreacted and got herself killed!"
"She is not killed! She's still alive, and I know it".
"Well I for one agree with Aqua", Eva said, as both Armin and Sanji look at her, "What? She has some...evidence".
"Wait, I'm confuse" Sanji scratch his head, "Is Ryuko dead or..."
"No! Well...I'm...not sure", Brendan replied.
Seeing what she saw, Ryuko felt a urge of sympathy and pity, remarking, "Poor kid".
After she swam back on the surface, she hang onto a log, where Torrica lay on there, knowing full well she would survive.
"Are you alright, my friend?" Torrica asked.
Coughing out water, tasting no salt in it, she replied, "Yeah...I'm fine...it just...I saw something down there".
"Really now?"
"Yeah, I saw...my team...I saw my friend, Brendan defending me, and Aqua, a pain on my a**, trying to blame me, and..."
This made Ryuko rethink her decision before. She wanted herself to be eliminated; And seeing her only friend trying to maintain what left of her team made her realize the choice she made was a awful decision.
"Calm, my friend. I see some regrets in you after what you had seen so far".
Ryuko sigh, as the sea turn black again, "It just...when one of my team got injuire, I blame myself for that mistake. I was willing to allow my team to vote me off for being a terrible leader. All because of my anger issue".
"Regret is something we all must face, sooner or later", Torrica said.
"I guess so", Ryuko continue, "But here's the thing, I wanted to go. I let my team lose. Wendy, Mako, Mikey, all my other friends are gone, all because of me".
"Even with those issues, there are still some good things you did. Brendan wouldn't be the person he is now because of you, is it not?"
"I..." Ryuko had no words.
"From what I seen", Torrica began, "You have help them in any needs. Help in their troubles. I see that without you, they won't be who they are, right now".
Torrica words made her realize why she need to continue. Why Brendan was not only important to him, but also important to her as well. Her help to make Brendan continue onward without Aqua, and helping Sammy cope with the lost of her friend is a deed worthy enough for her to stay much longer.
She hang there in silent, as Torrica continue on with his saying, who understood her thoughts right about now, "Brendan needed you. That is why you want to return. He needed you as a friend, and a friend to you".
He was right. But her thoughts were clouded, as she felt tired.
Torrica notice and told her, "Rest, my friend. We will be there, soon. I promise".
With no time to question it, she finally submit to the sleep, feeling no coldness from the water and no sense of danger, as she fallen to sleep.
She awoke! picking up head up and looking around. There up in the sky were dozens of butterflies, forming a cloud of some sort.
The log landed on shore, finally reaching to their next destination.
After getting off it, Torrica said to her, "You are near the end, my friend. The future. But you must know, I cannot join you for this journey, as this is further enough I could go".
"Huh? Why?"
"The future cannot be explain. It can only be shown. And as such, you will see glimpses of what to come in the future", Torrica explain, "Stay on track, and you will make it out".
Before he embark, Ryuko stopped him to asked so many questions.
"Hold up, I still have some questions", Ryuko ask, "Like why are you doing this for me?"
A long silent, until he finally spoke, "Because you have a purpose to do. And that purpose will come soon".
"Well that some load of nonsense", Senkestu remark, getting smack in the eye by Ryuko, "Ow!"
Before he start to disappear, by his lines becoming distorted, he gave her one last goodbye, "Farewell my friend. good luck, and we will see each other in due time".
After he disappear, Ryuko was left alone now, looking at the darkness infront of her.
She felt cold, but confident enough to get back to her team. She can only hope Brendan will be okay.
The teams are arguing. Starscream and Alastor are throwing insults to each other, mostly because their ideas are refuse to be use. As such, this resulted them pushing each other around and around.
Aqua and Brendan are arguing over Ryuko, and Sanji, Eddy, and Eva just stood There, watching.
With all of that happening, Armin seem to guess what the two number is and type it in on the mine. After typing it, the mine begin to make a beeping sound.
"EVERYONE! TAKE COVER!" Armin yelled, and before they could react.
BOOM! RUMBLE! As the cave once again was shook by the impact. Everyone fell and took cover, until it finally stop.
The wall was destroyed. And behind the wall was the final challenge. There were tall, rocky platform that leads to the sphere, located at the back. In the pit was hot, boiling lava for anyone who dare slip and fall into the abyss.
"Woah! What and how?!" Sanji asked Armin, cannot comprehend what just happen, along with the others.
"Simple, pocket and nothing", Armin explain, "It's a reference to a movie saw name, Hobbit".
"So in other word, it want a date?!"
"Yep".
Statics, cut to Armin.
"Those movies were pretty helpful for me to know these kind of stuff. Though it was pretty obvious",
Statics.
As Ryuko made her way through the dark, Senkestu was still not getting over it by Torrica meanings.
"Hey Ryuko, have any thoughts what Torrica guy meant by purpose?"
She replied, "I don't know. I just wanna to return back to my team. I just hope Brendan is doing alright".
"Still though, I am a bit scare what we might see".
"Eh, it's probably won't be that bad".
"Yeah, 'bad' probably shouldn't have say that. Just saying".
Just then, they see a light of some sort in the distant. The light was white and blue. She wonder if this lead to a way out. However, she reserve her judgement and walk toward it to see it.
Walking and walking, she can hear voices. She thought she was back to the same location, but the voices themselves are different. They are more connected to each other, like a conversation. She can hear a female and a male voice, talking. But what they're talking about is confusing.
With the female voice, in a calm, soft, weak tone, was saying, "I'm not sure if this seem...right. I don't know if I did the right thing. Is this even good?"
The male, more gruff, strict, and calm, replied, "Come now, it will be a huge benefit for the both of us. I assure you. The stone will provide us anything, if you are willing to cooperate with me".
"I guess that's helpful to hear. Still though, I can't get my mind off from that boy".
"What boy?"
"I met him long ago, when I was enslave. Ever since then, I thought I would never see him again until now".
"And who is this boy name?"
"I guess his name is-"
As Ryuko got closer, the voices were gone. She can make out behind two individual standing and watching over something, that is making a clashing and banging sound.
On the left was some kind of tall man, wearing a tall helment and a cape. The most odd feature was his white beard.
On the right was a woman, with black armor, black hair, and a brown tail.
She can't make out what's going on, as she can only see their behinds.
As she was getting closer, the sound of her foot was heard and the two individual began to turn and look at her.
Suddenly, Ryuko was thrust back away, far from them as the they are becoming smaller and smaller, until they're gone.
She stood there, stunnded on what just happen. She look around and saw a red light shinning above her.
Looking up, she see four figures, resembling animals. One was a Monkey, one was a Jackel, one was a Lizard, and another was a Vulture. four of them beam down a light on her. She then heard voices, sounding like chants:
"Noam khnhom mk! Noam yk prolug robsa nam rea mk aoy khnhom noam neang chohkroam daembi krobkrong! Daembi neamk nouv kar banhcheatinh thmei! Noam prolung robsa neang mk rk pheap tnkhsaaoy nih!"
( Note: This is actually in Cambodian. For anyone who know this language or use google translate, it is a hint to what to come ).
Then a silhouette of a shadow was form infront of her, forming into a dark, mysterious being, as Ryuko quickly back away from it, only to get interrupted by a voice.
"GET DOWN!"
She was tackle down on the ground by a boy, having a distress look to it. He was wearing a cape, a helment, and has raggy pants. He is shirtless, has brown hair, and has four mechanical limbs. Two for his legs, and one for his arm, though it seem as though his other arm was cut off.
He was breathing heavily. Ryuko lay there unable to get up because of him. She wasn't sure if he can see her or not.
Before Ryuko could react, a figure came out from the side, who was all in red, had spikes on his head. He fly out from dozen of flames, as this huge figure tackle down the boy, causes Ryuko to roll and get knock out conscious.
"Huh...well then", Sanji remark to the Screaming Sponge, seeing one of the platform tilt over and fell into the lava pits. The heat was hot enough for someone to remove their clothe and pulled out a fan, "Guess, uhhh...we'll be going".
"Yeah...I guess", Brendan replied, "Thanks for-"
"Hahahahahahaha! First there is a rotten spark!" Starscream laugh, transform into his jet mode and flying over there. The distant it takes to reach there will be similar to crossing from New York to Canada.
"See ya, suckers!" Alastor said, hopping onto the ceiling like a spider and making his way toward the sphere on all four.
"Not on my watch!" Sanji added, using his high jump to leap from one platform to another.
"Well, at least I manage to bring my own gears", Armin said, pulling out his grapple equipments and ejecting himself in the instant.
Eva sigh, as she simply jump on the platform and decided to do that over and over again, "Wish I have some power""
"See I told you they were league better than us", Eddy told Brendan, still retaining some hope.
"Ok team! Let's go! We don't want to get behind, so let's do this!" Aqua back up and ran, leaping over the cliff...until she half made it on the platform, holding onto the edge and crying, "Help! I can't pulled myself back up!"
Brendan sigh, facepalming to help her again for, what, the third time, "Coming, Aqua".
"Do you really need to help her?" Eddy asked.
Brendan sigh, again, "I have to do it'.
Regaining her consciousness, Ryuko awoke to see someone holding out a hand for her. Rubbing her head, she immediately took it and got up, with the blurry vision disappearing, once she can see what happen.
"You seem...lost", a voice was spoken, "Need any help?"
"Ow, my head", Ryuko groan.
"You should take it easy".
She turn and see what appear to be a boy, possibly around twelve years old. He has black hair, shirtless, is blindfolded, wearing red pants, and has a weird, iron belt, along with combust arm pads. In the center of the vest was a crane. In fact, the pads include two for both arm, indicating he has steam inside of him, or he's not human.
"Uhhh hi...who are you?" Ryuko asked, looking bewilder.
"The names Steam Lad", The boy replied, "I'm came here because there was alert. I assume you came here by accident, right?"
Ryuko had nothing to say, only to respond in a minimum way, "Umm yeah".
The boy than began to observe her, looking all around her body, which made Ryuko a bit uncomfortable.
"What are you doing?" Ryuko asked.
"Nothing...just checking if your a shapeshifter".
"A shapeshifter?"
"They usually appear randomly in this place", Steam Lad then asked, "You want out of this place, correct?"
"Umm, of course".
After a short moment of silent, he finally spoke, "There's a way out of this. A open crack short mile away. I could take you there if you want?"
She was uncertain to trust him, but after meeting Torrica, she has a feeling the boy wouldn't do any harm as well: "Sure, I guess. The names Ryuko by the way".
"Ryuko...nice to meet you", He smile and walk pass her, allowing Ryuko to follow.
Both made their way into the darkness. Ryuko was still bewilder by the fact a random boy with weird feature is helping her get out. For what reason? She don't know. All she can do is just follow, remain shut, and try to hope for the best of her team.
Indicating by his gesture, she can see the boy seem pretty shy and nervous, like never expecting someone to be here. She wonder why, though? Did he came here for a purpose?
It wasn't until he finally spoke, "So how did you end up here?"
"Uh like you say just by accident", Ryuko replied.
"What kind of accident?"
"I...don't want to talk about it".
The boy shrugged, "Alright then".
Ryuko don't know why, but his attitude remind her of Brendan a little, "You know kid, you kinda remind me of someone I knew".
"Really?"
She nodded back, which seem to peak the boy curiosity. The reason why Ryuko said this because after what she experience with Torrica, she somewhat have the only friend, who supported for her and try to retain her stasis his best way. It remind her of brother she could've have.
"Well, if that's the case. Maybe I might meet him some day".
Just then, a light was flashing behind them. And before Ryuko could turn, Steam Lad quickly push her to outta the way, along himself as the light flashes pass them, making a motor noise.
It steer and stop, with the smokes covering disappearing to reveal a alien biker, with black, long hair, a beard, a jacket, and has pale skin with red eyes. He is equip with guns, guns, TONS of guns.
He was smirking as they got up, "Well, Well, Well, didn't expect for me to encounter two lame'os".
"Hahahahahahaha! Nobody is gonna beat me! Starscream is victorious!" Starscream laugh, swooping through above.
As he was flying, Alastor manage to crawl quickly at him and jump onto his cockpit, slamming his fist and staff in the hatch, very violently.
"HEY! Stop that! I just replace that hatch before!" Starscream yelled.
"Why do you need it?" Alastor asked, sarcastically, "Land down! And I might not ruin your paint job!"
"Never!"
It wasn't Alastor that attach to him. Sanji jump ability manage to land on the back end, managing to keep himself still on the jet, as Starscream try to swirl, tilt, and turn to make Alastor fall.
"Ah, so your going to protect Starscream from me, Hmm?" Alastor asked, refering to their deal.
"Nah, I'm just here to kick your a** and possibly kick his too", Sanji causually replied.
"WHAT?! You turning your back on me, too?!"
"Yeah, I realize this whole deal thing isn't going to work, since Armin is out. So I'm out too".
Statics, cut to Starscream, slamming both of his fist on the table, harshly.
"Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Damn it! Great! Now I gotta found a different solution to escape elimination!"
Statics.
Alastor whip out a sword and hold it out to ready to duel, "Say, how do you like your death? Slow or...slow?"
"Yeah, I'm not much of a sword person", Sanji said, "That skill goes to Zoro, the sh*tty swordsman".
"Oh really, how are you even a pirate, if you don't use guns or swords?"
"I don't know. I may or may not use swords more often. Mostly the weapons we have are crap like that hammer gun".
"Are you two going to fight or argue?!" Starscream asked, getting increasingly annoyed, "Or better yet, get off me!"
"Okay, Okay, Okay, swords, out", Alastor toss the swords out, "How about a good old fist fight?"
"Not a fist fight, either. That's pretty much Luffy thing".
"Look, I am trying to make our fight seem interesting here", Alastor said, "What other thing you are good at, besides doing crappy cooking".
"Hey! Do not call my cooking crappy!"
CRASH! Starscream was so distracted by their argument, he didn't pay attention that much, as he crashes on the ground, near the sphere, now made it to there first.
Armin overlook it and was surprise, "Huh, guess another victory I guess".
As he is ejected to himself over there and Eva running and leaping, the other team were...struggling.
And by struggling, Aqua was being slow as ever and weak as ever, only to be carry by Brendan, who didn't want to deal with Aqua whinning and just want to get this over it.
Eddy simply follow, and that's it. He just have a pretty bland look to it. Probably dead inside.
"Oh thank you for carrying me", Aqua said, "I thought I would never make it, consider lava is like...my total weakness. But seriously, thanks you for carrying me".
"That's it!" Brendan throw her off, "I had it! I just, just had it with you!"
"Woah! More carrying, less complainer".
"You know what, Aqua", Brendan begin, "Your a jerk. You don't care for anyone. You care only for youself. Your lazy, ungrateful, and can't even try to be useful. Even when you try, it's more for selfish reason. And even when you do care, you quickly ignore it and go back to your selfish root".
"Hey!" Aqua got up, begining her explaination, "I been through crap, kid! Do you know how great it would be, if I win that dozen of so dollars?! I could use those to get my act together! And built my way up, again!"
"By acting like a jerk?
"Uhhh yeah!"
Brendan sigh out of frustration, out of pure and pure frustration from her. He resorted back to be calm, trying to remain somewhat civil about this, "Aqua, to tell you the truth. With all the things I been through, everything I have to help you, stop you, and be against you...I don't hate you".
This perplex Aqua, "I'm sorry, what?"
"I don't hate you, alright", Brendan confess, "I don't hate you at all. Even after all the shady, terrible thing you did...I don't hate you".
Silent, as they look at each other. With Aqua having nothing to say, and Eddy simply just watch. She was baffle. After what she did, she expect him to snap and kill her, but no. He did not. He just simply did not do it.
"So...if you don't hate me...why were you willing to help me?" Aqua asked.
He sigh, again, "Because I...still consider you my friend".
She does not gasp, nor show any shock expression. She stood there, as Brendan turn and tell them, "Come on, guys. We still have a challenge to do".
Statics, cut to Aqua.
"Dang, I didn't really expect him to say that. I didn't really think he still have a friend in me...guess...maybe I was a huge jerk".
Statics.
Eddy sigh, walking back, "I'm going back to the ship. Tell me you guys win or not".
"Wait!" Aqua called out, raising her hand toward Brendan, before he leap onto another platform.
He turn around, expecting some kind of retort.
Instead, Aqua confess, "Kid...I..."
He stare at him, ready. She gave a single sigh and began, "I may not be the kindest, overall good person that I am. But I just...wanna to say...can you give me another chance?"
"A chance?" Brendan asked, "Is this one of your tricks, again?"
"No, not at all", Aqua continue, "I just want...you know...a chance of redemption, some what".
At that moment, Brendan see some glimmer of hope. Maybe his word manage to get in her head and change her into a better person.
Ryuko and Steam Lad stood there, as the biker was still there, clicking the handle to make the sound of rooming!
She pulled out her scissor blades and demanded, "Who the hell are you?!"
"Just a professional mercenary, that's all", He replied.
Droving at them, Ryuko was ready to position herself and fight this biker, telling the boy who was behind her, "Stay back, Kid! This is mine!"
The lights flicker, as to indicate Lobo is ready to kill some head off by the heat of his biker, laughing it off.
But what Ryuko did not know, was that the boy steer his wheel on his vest, making some steam noises. Then, the rest of his wheel begins to turn and his entire boy glow in yellow, which caught Ryuko attention.
"What the hell?" She mutter.
Before she could react, The biker suddenly transform into Ravage from Transformers!
Without the time to comprehend it, she is quickly tackle down by Ravage, trying to take a bite on her! Sneering spits at her!
Fortunately, Steam Lad came to the rescue and kick him off from Ryuko.
It got up and growl, ready for another fight to commence.
Steam Lad position himself in a fight pose, with his left arm back, clecnhing his fist and his right arm gesturing Ravage to come near him.
Ravage did just that and ran at him, only to get punch and smack down! Then He swiftly grab it and spin it, until finally throw it into the darkness, never to be seen again.
Ryuko lay there, awestruck. She didn't expect the kid to do that. What more puzzling, he was blind folded, meaning there's no way he would be able to beat him, even if he has somekind of daredevil senses.
Steam Lad breath heavily and return back to pick Ryuko up, "That's the last time we'll see of that thing. Are you okay?"
"I'm fine...Kid", Ryuko then asked, "What the hell was that thing?"
"Shapeshifter. They are usually shape shift into any beings, base off from the past or future beings. Luckily, they're are rare",
"Oh, you don't say", Ryuko said to him, "Say, how did you manage to beat that thing?"
"Oh, that", He replied, "It my body. I use these cranes to increase my strength. I don't have bones, so my entire body is made out of a special steam".
"Okay then", Ryuko said, ignoring the special steam part, "But how did you manage to fight it, while blindfolded?"
This question made Steam Lad somewhat uncomfortable, not wanting to answer the following question, "That...something I can't reveal".
"Why?"
"Let just say, I'm not too comfortable of showing it", Steam Lad said, then pointing at a light in the distance, "Hey, there's your way out".
She turn and saw it, "It is!"
A flow of relief came to her, as now she can return back and get back to her team. She ran toward it, with Steam Lad following her.
The light was shape as a door. Next to it was a surprising face, again. Torrica, who awaited for her to come.
"Torrica! Never expect to see you again", Ryuko said, stopping half through.
"Like I said, we will meet again", Torrica replied, then remarking of the boy next to her, "It seem you made a new friend"
"Oh yeah, that's Steam Lad. Weird Kid, but he kinda help me through some weird stuff".
"I see", Torrica said, "You may proceed out, as you wish".
Before Ryuko could reluctantly go, Steam Lad stop her by a grab of the arm, "Wait, hold on a minute".
"Huh?"
"I'm not sure if it seem right to enter", He told her, as Ryuko is confuse by what he meant.
"What do you mean? He said it leads me out, anyways".
"Yeah, But...I have a bad feeling about this".
"Come on, I'm sure it nothing", Ryuko said, patting him on the shoulder, "Beside, thank you for helping me out back there".
Ryuko ignore his suspicions and kept going, reaching to the light door leading out. As she reach her hand out, almost touching the flares of lights, illuminating at her finger tip, she stopped. She wanted to get out, she wanted to return to her team. But there was still one question. One that Torrica had mention earlier. What was her purpose to all this?
"What're you waiting for?" Torrica asked, "Go on".
She turn back to the open portal, thinking about it. Should she go in? Or not? The boy sense something is wrong here; And although she shrugged it, the doubts do came to her. There was something wrong with this, something she cannot answer, but felt. Why would Torrica let her go, without any word to say. Surely he must said something, before she go, like the whole purpose for her to endure?
Her finger tip did not touch, as her hand reach back from the light, and Ryuko began to back away.
"What's wrong? Is there something the matter?" Torrica asked, again. This time, sounding less calm and more...aggressive.
Steam Lad notice it and shouted, "Get back, Ryuko!"
Without realizing it, she was push away from a huge, black whirl wind around the portal and Torrica.
She got up quickly, backing away with no idea what's going wrong. All she knew there is something wrong here. Then a familiar voice is heard:
"Goddness of Madness! Bring down the darkness! Bring down the atrocities! Bring down the terror of CHERIEEEEEEENNNNG!"
A mighty scream shook the realm, as the smoke clear to reveal Cherieng! But in her grotesque form, with ripple capes, exposing bones and sharp teeth. Half of her face expose the top half of her skull, revealing those dark, socket eyes.
"You!" Ryuko pulled out her blade, ready to fight again, as well as Steam Lad, already pump up to fight.
"Hahahahahahaha! I have been watching you, Ryuko!" Cherieng cackle, "I have sense great power withen you! More power than the boy himself!"
"You know her?" Ryuko asked him, nodding with a yes.
"Indeed! He was responsible for my downfall for many years ago", Cherieng explain, "I have try numerous time to control time and predict my future! And try changing it! By entering this realm, I would've attempt to control it! Unfortunately, you two just had to foil my attempt. Now it seem I must resort to a different plan. That being, draining the power from both of you!"
Both of Cherieng hands power up, revealing electrical, red power balls, ready to aim and shoot.
"Get out of here, Ryuko", Steam Lad told her, stepping in front to take on her, alone, "I'll take care of this!"
"What? I'm not gonna leave you behind".
"I came here to stop her by myself", Steam Lad said, "That's my task. I'll be fine, now go!"
Ryuko didn't have time to speak, as Cherieng shot several electric bolts at him, managing to dodge the attack and charge right at her.
With no time, Ryuko ran far away from the battle, trying to figure a way out of this. She wanted to help him, but she knew she has somewhere to be, someone to help.
She ran quickly as possible, ignoring the fight from behind.
"You want...another chance?" Brendan asked.
"Yes, look I'm sorry I acted such a huge jerk", Aqua confess, "I-I just wanted to win, Okay. I thought with everyone against me, I thought maybe going all out dickish would be a best chance of staying on the show. I guess I didn't realize someone like you, still don't hold any grudges against me".
"So you want to be reform?"
"Yes! I promise, I will never do any sh*tty things ever again".
"Never?"
"Never!"
Brendan thought about this. He knew deep down Aqua will eventually go back to her wicked way; But after what she told him, he wasn't sure.
Meanwhile, Starscream transformi into his normal cybertronian form and got out from the rubble. There, he saw the sphere, just simply across to him, all shiny and golden.
"Yes, the sphere! It's mine!" Before Starscream could try to get it, he was step down by Alastor running toward sphere, until eventually getting step on too by Sanji.
They both trip and slip, until eventually fighting each other in a puff of clouds. Armin had enough of this, and shouted, "Would you three stop fighting! God, We all made it first!"
They stopped and look at him, seeing the anger boiling up into Armin, who has now reach the limited of getting increasingly annoyed by them.
"Ugh, I am sick and tired of this...this...conflict! Yeah, conflict!" Armin said, as Eva tirelessly climb onto the last platform, "God, can you guys just please get over with your difference and try to be a team! For once!"
"Well, it his fault for trying to-" Before Starscream could continue, Armin interrupt with his rant.
"Oh, it's his fault! His fault for-What the f**king hell are you saying?! Don't you guys get it, we manage to win every challenges!...except for some".
"Really?!" Both of them asked.
"Yes! And all you guys care about is destroying each other! For a single backstabbing reveal! Do you guys even care about winning?! Did you guys forget about that?!"
All of them stood up, look at each, and some what realize...he was right.
"Huh, I guess the kid right", Sanji said, "We been fighting together without realizing that we literally won several more victory because of us".
"Yeah, and to think all our fuzz led us here to the finish", Starscream added, "Guess we just didn't knew we actually won".
"I kinda forgot we're even in the same team".
"Come now, chaps. Let us not stand here with shame and get this sphere back to our sadistic host, and have a cheer for our victory", Alastor said, "What do you men, say?"
"Yeah...Yeah! Let's do it!" Sanji replied, with him, Alastor, and Starscream finally giving up their difference and decided to work together as a team.
Statics, cut to Armin.
"Huh, well that was surprisingly fast. And quite abrupt".
Statics.
With that, Starscream took the sphere and raise it in the air, with his team celebrating in victory. After all their conflict, all their hardship, they can finally enjoy their victory as a team.
That is, until Chris Mclean drone flew by and turn on the loud speaker, "Attention losers! It seem's to me the time has come! So after those looooong wait, the merge has finally begun!"
"WHAT?!" Both of them were shock by this news.
"Yep, meaning it is every man to themselves! I would've say this earlier on, buuuuut I don't want to. So whoever return the sphere to me will win immunity! And they will have this briefcase of delicious Chris burgers to enjoy! Good luck!"
After the drone fly away, they all stand there, not celebrating, nor a team.
"Well...guess this is it", Starscream said, calmly.
"Yeah, guess that means it every man for themselves", Alastor said as well, looking at him with his stare, along with everyone else except Armin, who back away.
"Mmm hmm, Yeah", Sanji said.
Dropping everything what they did, all of them quickly jump onto each other, fighting for the sphere, creating another cloud fight.
Fortunately for Eva, she manage to slip through without notice and quickly got the sphere, getting out of there.
Statics, cut to Eva.
"So this is it. We're finally in the merge. Gotta admit, as the only Total Drama veteran making this so far into the game, I'm actually proud for myself. Hope I don't get vote off".
Statics.
The others did not pay attention, as their anger for each other resume and fought, now that their team dissolve.
For the other dissolving team, Brendan and Aqua heard everything from the loud speaker.
"What did Chris just said?" Brendan asked.
"I think he said our teams are now dissolve", Aqua replied, "That means I don't need you!"
She pushes Brendan off the edge, but manage to gran a root, clenching on it and almost close to the edge. Aqua, who once want to reform, now took that back and quickly run off toward the sphere, all while laughing.
All that redemption is gone.
Statics, cut to Aqua.
"Okay, wasn't really thinking too well of pushing Brendan off the cliff. But it is every man for themselves. So no more giving a single crap for anyone!"
Statics.
Ryuko drop down to catch a breath. She has been running for unknown of time.
"Damn it, where is the way out of here?" Ryuko thought, "How long have I been stuck here?!"
Right before she could break down and sob, not knowing if she's going to get out of here, she saw over in the distance a light.
Which means, she is almost there. Almost out of here. She got up and approaches it, quickly. Before she can finally enter, she saw someone near it.
This someone is Torrica, who was sitting here, likely waiting for her.
"Torrica! It's you again", Ryuko said, "Wait a second, are you-
He replied, "A illusion. I am not. I am real as possible, my friend. No deception".
Ryuko sigh in relief, expecting him to be another shapeshifter, "Thank goodness. For a second there, I thought you were going to attack me".
"I never attack, my friend", Torrica said, "Now then, you can leave".
Ryuko step near the light, glimmering in her face. She was ready to take one step and two step into the light, wanting to rejoin her team. However, another feeling hit her, which made her stopped.
Confuse, Torrica asked, "What is it, my friend? Is there something wrong?"
She look at the light, grabbing her attention. Then she look back at him. Ryuko wanted to go, get out and never return. But then, there's Steam Lad. She was worry, concern. She still didn't want to abandoned him, just like what she try to do by wanting to leave her team. It felt like a chance for her, to redeem what she tried to do and redo that mistake.
Ryuko replied, "Torrica...there's someone in need of help back there".
"Is this someone who you felt concern?"
She nodded back, wanting to return to help Steam Lad.
He understood and replied, "Very well then, go. The light will remain here, until you come back".
"Thanks you", She ran back, as quickly she can. Torrica stood there, knowing full well what she is going to do.
Back at the fight, Cherieng throw some electrical fist at Steam Lad. But every throw and shot, he swiftly dodge, or deflected it!
After throwing several bolts at him, he jump and did a double flip, until finally landing away from her.
"Coming here to this place, and seeing my past bring me such memories", Cherieng said, throwing several more lightining at him, deflecting it with his fist, "Oh how naive I was to bargain with those fools! I wonder how they been doing?"
Steam Lad charge at her with great speed, but was shot by the lightning, rolling on the floor and holding himself, ignoring the pain struck by her.
"Nonetheless, I'm sure their dead already", Cherieng raises her hand up in the air, powering up a huge lightning bolt, "Just like you, Boy!"
Throwing it at him, it strike a huge blow! With a huge dust cloud covering the entire scene!
As the cloud vanish, the boy lower his cover from the blast and Ryuko stood, blocking the attack with her blade.
Both of them were shock!
"What?!" Cherieng exclaim, floating up in the air out of pure fear and anger.
"Ryuko?" Steam Lad mutter, she turn and nodded back. He then asked, "I thought I told you to go?"
"And leave you behind, not a chance", Ryuko said, fully determine to beat Cherieng. She knew nothing about her, but she knew Cherieng is not easy to be defeated.
"Hahahahaha! So you decided to return back to die, huh?" Cherieng mock, "Too bad your heroic action will be forgotten, as I will unleash every pain on you!"
Ryuko retort, 'We'll see about that!"
Cherieng open her mouth with a screeching voice, as a loud, booming lightning bolt fire at her! Ryuko Steam Lad quickly dodge it by jumping from different side!
Then, Steam Lad launch in the air and punch her in the face, plundering her down onto ground.
He land back down, as Cherieng quickly spin and got up, shooting more and more bolts at him, only for them to be delfected by the single punch by Steam Lad.
One through ten he deflected!
With Cherieng distracted, Ryuko quickly ran and stab her in the back! Cherieng laugh and turn, then was upper kick by Ryuko, releasing the blade and swinging the blade at her, only to get electrocuted by her!
Kneeling down from the shock, she felt every ounce of torture, now knowing the pain those two must of felt.
She laugh, manically, "Let see I can make your entire skin turn bloody red!"
"Gggrrr, can't...let you...win", Ryuko clench her teeth and tried to get up!
Before Cherieng can give her the final blow to destroy her entire organ, crisp and burn. She is quickly kick by Steam Lad, flunging her in the air and roll on the floor, only slightly gotten up with a snear look.
Ryuko was badly burn up. Her back has smoke, she can feel her blood almost exploded. Whatever she withness was pure torture. It wasn't no ordinary shock, it was something more painful.
"Are you okay?" Steam Lad asked, helping her up.
After recovering from that attack, Cherieng simply laugh and got up, with a grin, "Heheheheheh, no one is going to get out of here alive. No one!"
"She's too strong. How the hell are we going to beat her?" Ryuko asked Steam Lad.
"There is two option", Steam Lad replied, "Her weaknesses are any drawings of her. Unfortunately, I don't see any laying around here".
"Second option?"
"We could use all our force against her. That's how I usually beaten her".
"Sounds like a bit of a risk", Ryuko said, "But if it means getting rid of her, fine by me".
Cherieng power up once more. Only this time, she uses both her hand and her mouth to shoot a swirl of red lightning at them, with bolts of sparks and fire coming out of it!
Steam Lad uses both of his arm to form a x shield and Ryuko uses her blade as a shield as well.
The lightning hit! Pushing them almost and trying to push them again and again! Trying to loosen their protection and break them! Electrocute them! and torture them!
Ryuko grip her handle, desperatly and hardly trying to stand. The preasure of the power was too much for them to handle! As Cherieng cackle a laugh once more, now gaining the upper hand.
As hope seem lost, Ryuko took one glance at Steam Lad. She saw a boy, fully determination to not give up! She knew the struggle of it all, but knew she must not stopped, until Cherieng is down! She think of Wendy, Mako, Brendan, Mikey, everyone back at home that she care most dearly!
Ryuko once more grip her blade tightly, and walk fourth. Steam Lad notice and follow, both making their way through the thousands of lightning hitting at them.
Cherieng notice what they were doing, and gasp! Expecting one of them to be weaken down and die!
She was panicking; And before she could make another move, Ryuko and Steam Lad deflect! This time back at Cherieng, who hurl a screeching scream!
A BLOW! A blow was hit, as the fighting stopped and both Ryuko and Steam Lad huff from their strength alone of beating her.
Both of them look at each and were relieve, then look back at Cherieng, who was on the floor, all smoke up and coughing. Her grotesque form is gone, and there she is back to her normal form. The form that Ryuko saw a past vision of her.
"You...may have...defeated me", Then a dark cloud of smoke risen and began to consume her, "But I will return! You hear me! I will return!"
She was gone. The issue has now disappear. Defeated by her own attack.
"She's...gone", Ryuko remark.
"Yeah, for now", Steam Lad said, helping Ryuko up.
"Well done, my friend", Torrica appear behind them, walking toward the both of them with some satisfying remark, "Now that she is gone, the realm will remain in peace".
Then suddendly, the ground began to shake for a few second. The light across in the distance begin to crack.
Startle and confuse, Ryuko asked, "What the?! What's going on?"
"It seem your time has come, Ryuko", Torrica said, turning toward her, "It seem the realm deem you ready to go back home".
"Thank god, finally", Ryuko said, sighing, "I hope I can make it in time".
"But before you must go, there is something I must tell you".
Her relief was soon stopped, as her attention is focus on Torrica, continuing, "Those vision you saw will be important later on. The purpose is for you to spread the word, but not to everyone. Only for one, single individual".
"What do you mean?"
"When the time comes, you must tell him about this, the past and the future. The realm without universe. Everything that includes me, your trip, what you saw and what you witness".
"Who? What? What are you even talking about? Who am I suppose to tell? And why? Why everything?!" Ryuko cannot comprehend everything. She still have so many question and little to answer.
Even Steam Lad was confuse as well, but he knew it wasn't his part to participate.
Torrica understood this and reply, "In time, you will understand. Until the right time, the right path, the right person, you will tell him of this event".
"But wait, if what you saying is true, why am I chosen to do this?"
"That is something you must found out on your own. For now, I bid you farewell. Remain in the path, and remember to relay this event to him. Goodbye, my friend".
"Wait, I-I don't-" Before she could finish, Torrica disappear, leaving her and Steam Lad alone in the darkness.
Then they saw the white light becoming bigger and bigger, until finally it shatter! And every darkness around them turn into bright whiteness, as her vision is now consume by it.
She awoke! Getting up from the ground, she realize where she is in, the same maze where she got drop down. The ground was not a hole anymore. it is still a normal, rocky floor as Ryuko once step on.
She was finally back.
Pressing her hand on her head, she felt a headache. Ryuko then look down to her arm, realizing her wond has suddenly disappear. She has so many question, so many to ponder over. But there was something she must do first.
Getting up from the ground, she see Steam Lad, laying next to her. She came toward him, crouching down and patting him to see if he's alright, "Steam lad! are you alright?"
The boy moan a little, until finally waking up. He too press his hand on his head and rub a little, until finally stooding up.
A sigh of relieve came to her, "Thank goodness your alright".
"Yeah...I'm fine", Steam Lad replied, smiling, "Just a little scratch, that's all. Are you, alr-"
"I'm alright, too", Ryuko then asked, "Guess that fight may have screw us over, huh?"
"Yeah, I presume so".
"So what now?"
"Guess we should part way", Steam Lad said, "After all, you do have somewhere to be, right?"
"Oh yeah!" She got up fast, now remembering what she was doing and ran. But before she could ran to her team, Steam Lad called out to her, "Wait!"
She stopped and turn, who gave a thumb up to her, "Thanks for the help back there. I will repay you back, some day".
She smirk and replied, "Maybe later, Kid".
Brendan was clenching tightly on the root, beginning to almost be ripped as the heatness of the lava made Bredan sweaty, unable to called out for help as one voice could probably be the last.
He tried and failed to grab the ledge. Each time he did, it was further away from him reaching it.
With all hope seem lost, he didn't want to die. He didn't want to die like this.
As the root begin to ripped, it snap! Making him fall!
He closes his eye, awaiting for the aftermath, knowing the pure death of lava.
Just then, he felt a hand grabbing his hand. He open his eye and saw her. Ryuko, pulling him out from the fall and onto the platform.
"Ryuko, your here", Brendan is surprise and puzzle. He always know Ryuko was still alive, but he didn't comprehend how she came here, from the fall alone.
They both took a little breather, as they lay there from what they been through, with Ryuko going through a lot from that whole thing.
She replied, "Like I said, Kid. I'll always stick with you, no matter what. No matter what happen to me, understood?"
Without expecting it, Brendan hug her. Tightly and softly, she felt a warm comfort after what she been through. After a long moment of hugging, Brendan let go and said to her, "I'm just glad your alright, Ryuko".
"Thanks", Ryuko replied, stooding up and holding her hand out for him, "Now come on, we still have a challenge to do".
Statics, cut to Ryuko.
"Torrica said something following the path, and I think he meant for me to keep competing. If that's what he meant by, then I'm determine of doing so...still don't know what he still said".
Statics.
"Guys, would you three stop fighting!" Armin shouted at them, still fighting in the puff of clouds, "Eva took off with the sphere! And we need to get her!"
"Wait a minute, where is the sphere?!" Sanji asked, now starting to realize it, stopping the fight at the result.
However, Sanji is quickly zap by Starscream blaster, telling him, "Who care's about a sphere! I been waitng for this moment for an entire...ummm...time!"
Starscream aim his blaster canon at Alastor, who quickly dodge every blast from him. Then he transform into a more threatening appearance, all demonic like.
He then proceed to grab Starscream and swing him at the wall, smacking his head into it eight time! Until finally shooting him in the stomach, causingh him to scream and let go.
Before Starscream can continue, a crack sound can be heard. They all stopped and look behind to see a crack forming the entire wall; Not just the wall, but everything around them started to crack.
With all their damage to the cave, it is now starting to collapse. And before they could do anything, a huge flood break out, consuming them at a result.
Statics, cut to Alastor.
"Okay, I'll say it. May have not think this through, when beating the absoulute sh*t at him...but damn was it worth for an entire episode!"
Statics, cut to Starscream.
"Now that the merge is here, I'm no longer going to deal with that fool. Once he's gone, I will win this show!"
Statics.
"Hahahahaha! Yes! Victory is mine!" Eva exclaim, running and leaping onto another platform, all while holding the sphere near her arm. She was also not paying attention to her path, "Now I'm going to really win, and shove it to those losers that I have some potential! Ha! How do you like that?! Courtney! And Duncan! And...uhhh...the nerd! And Bridgette. Especially you, Bridgette! Or should I say, TRAITOR!"
Eva then got bump into Aqua by accident, "Hey! Where you going!"
"Ah! You got the sphere?!" Aqua pointed.
"Uhhh yeah, so?"
"Quickly, you got to give it to me!"
"Ummm, why should I give it to you? You do know this is every man for themselves, right?"
Aqua began to kneel and beg for it, then begin to bow and cried, "Please! Please! Please! I'll do anything for you! If I don't have that sphere, I'll surely be voted off!"
Statics, cut to Eva.
"I was going to tell her to f**k off, but considering I do need from her help, I gotta accept it".
Statics.
"Ugh! Fine, you can have the sphere".
"Really?!"
"But you gotta do something for me", Eva explain, "I want you to not vote me off, got it?!"
"Uhhh, Yeah", Aqua replied, getting up, "Don't worry, I would never vote off you".
"Good, now take it and scram", Eva said, as Aqua took the sphere and run off, with Eva looking back and got slam by the flood.
"Quickly, Brendan! We can't let the others get to the sphere first!" Ryuko shouted, running and leaping over the many platforms.
"I'm trying, Ryuko", Brendan replied, following her, "It just-"
They both suddendly stopped, as they see Aqua desperately running for her life, away from the giant flood.
She passed by them, ignoring the fact Ryuko is still alive, "Move outta the way, suckers!"
Meanwhile, Eddy is still trying to figure out which direction to take by two passage in the maze, "Darn, really wish we have a map some how".
No time to say anything, as Aqua pass by Eddy and flood quickly go through the maze. She didn't have much time to stopped the watering wave, since she's busy of winning.
Outside, Chris Mclean was waiting for the contestants to return. He yawn and check his watch, getting pretty bored right now.
Right in cue, Aqua ran out of the cave and right in front of the host shoes, raising her hand up with the sphere, as the abrupt into a huge, giant water explosion, raining down the contestants into the war or on shore, where Sanji land on his balls...really painfully.
"I got the sphere!" Aqua muffle.
"Great job, Aqua", Chris Mclean said, grabbing the sphere, "Because you made it first with the sphere, your reward is the Chris Mclean burger!"
He pointed it at Alluro, holding the briefcase containing the reward of junkfood.
Aqua, not giving a single care for the others well being, came to the briefcase and start chowing down like a wild animal, muttering, "Worth it!"
"As for you losers, time for some voting".
Statics, cut to Ryuko.
"Well, we may have lost, but at least me and Brendan are still a team. Maybe I could count Eddy, but...kinda think of it, I just realize he's still in the game".
Statics, cut to Alastor.
"Well finally, the merge has finally came. This mean, I could put my skill to the test, as I no longer need to deal with that robot loser".
Statics, cut to Armin.
"Man, I can't believe I made it this far. I actually thought I would get vote off sooner or later. Guess I should probably keep going. So far, I don't have any enemies".
Statics.
At elimination night, everyone were seated together, no longer a team anymore.
Chris stood on stage, looking very pleased for tonight, "Welp, this is our first elimination night in the merge. I assume evryone is excited, right?"
Ryuko: "Eh, I guess".
Alastor: "Really don't have much to say".
Sanji: "I'm fine with it".
Eva: "Get on with it, already!"
"Alright then", Chris continue, as a flat screen TV roll down, "But for tonight elimination, let's see who vote off who, shall we. To make things more interesting".
Statics, cut to Ryuko.
"Isn't it obvious...Starscream. Sure, Aqua is a b*tch, but she's annoyingly weakling, compare to Starscream. So I'm voting him off".
Statics, cut to Brendan.
"I'm going to say Alastor. He seem more powerful, so it better off voting the demon one out".
Statics, cut to Sanji.
"I would vote off Alastor, but I'm gonna say Eva. She literally got the sphere behind our back, so yeah".
Statics, cut to Armin.
"I don't know who to vote for. I guess I could vote off...uhhh...Eva, maybe. She does sometime scare me".
Statics, cut to Eva.
"They better not vote me off! Anyways, I'm voting Starscream out. He always pisses me off".
Statics, cut to Eddy.
"Yeah, I'm going to vote off Eva. I don't know, guess she tougher or something. I really don't care at this point".
Statics, cut to Alastor.
"STARSCREAM! GETTING OF HERE, BABY!"
Statics, cut to Aqua.
"Well I was going to vote off Ryuko, I decided to eliminate Eva. Probably because she just too ugly for me to join a alliance with. So Sorry Eva".
Statics.
"WHAT?!" Eva exclaim, looking down at Aqua, who lower her head, "You voted me off?!"
"Heheheheh, look Eva, no harsh feeling, Okay?!" Aqua told her, "Brendan! Quick! Protect me!"
Instead of assistant, Brendan just gave her a stern glare.
"Uhhh, hello Brendan, need some help here".
Still no replied.
"Come on, Kid! Don't leave me hanging!" Her begging did not catch on with Brendan, as she is quickly tackle down by Eva, screaming in anger.
Statics, cut to Brendan.
"It's offical. I'm no longer going to trust Aqua anymore. At this point, she's on her own".
Statics.
On the deck, Eva was strapped in a coat, all buckle up and ready to be dropped into the portal, all while she begins to swore everyone who are there, "THIS IS BULLCRAP! I'M NOT DONE! I'M NOT DONE WITH THIS DUMB SHOW! I'M NOT DONE! YOU HAVE NOT SEEN THE LAST OF ME!"
"Yeah...nope. Bye, bye", Chris wave, as she is plundering down into the portal, never to be seen again.
"Wow, thank goodness she's gone", Aqua pointed, all bruise up, torn up, and is pretty much in a mess, "Am I right, guys? Heheheheheh...heh".
After Aqua collaspe on the floor, Chris wrap up it, "Welp, that wraps up tonight episode Who will be next to be eliminated, found out next time on Total Drama Cruise!"
As they all head back to their cabin, Ryuko and Brendan decided to struck a conversation.
"Man, can't believe we're in the merge", Brendan remark, "I didn't expect myself to get to this far".
"I'm surprise as you are, Kid", Ryuko said, "Guess that mean, the both of us could make it to the final two".
"Yeah".
As they stroll along on the deck, Ryuko felt the need to tell him about what she had gone through, "Hey kid, there's...something I want to tell you. About the cave back there".
"Oh yeah, how did you manage to get out of there, without any damage?"
"That's where I'm getting there", Ryuko began, "After I fell, I saw something in there that you won't belive.
"What is it?"
She wanted to tell him about Torrica, Cherieng, Steam Lad, and many others. She is eager to tell these event to him, as it coud spark some curiosity to him. But then, she remember what Torrica told her, about not telling anyone, until the right time. She doesn't know what that mean, she felt like it somewhat important. So she replied, "I saw a...butterflies...and a fox".
"That's it?" Brendan asked, a bit puzzle.
"It a long story", Ryuko wrap her arm around Brendan, smiling at him, "Let just get some nap, Okay. I'm really tired, right about now".
As the Cruise Ship set sail, leaving the rubble of the cave at sea. Steam Lad sat on the rocky platform and wave a goodbye, thanking the deed Ryuko did.
WOW! What a way to start the merge!
Well, we finally made it. We finally in the merge. It took us like several more chapters to get to this point.
I hope everyone enjoy this chapter. This one was the most interesting to make, as it contain a lot of stuff that I'm sure everyone might be curious. Like who were the figures that appear in the future section. Well, I will say one of them is a contestant name, Reg from Made in Abyss. But for others, they are more side characters that are gonna play a important role. here are the list:
General Modula ( Sym Bionic Titan ).
Gine ( Dragon Ball ).
Ancient Spirits of Evil ( Thundercats ).
Mon*star ( Silverhawks ).
Lobo ( DC comic ).
Now what does this mean, you may ask? I have some interesting plan for these side character for next season, which I won't reveal until we get 's going to be exciting. As for the rest, they'll be important as well and are kept in secret. Great thanks to TheMasterKat and Memeking the Third for allowing me to use Namora and Gjira in this chapter.
The voices that many of you read are quotes from these TD crossover fanfics:
Total Drama Everything 1, 2, and 3 by TheMasterKat.
The Ridonculous Race: Multiverse Mayham by TheMasterKat.
Total Drama Infinite 1 and 2 by Memeking the Third.
Total Drama Crossing Trunk by thenewsubwayguy.
Total Drama Neo by Monkeybot54.
Total Drama: Operation Phoenix by Omega5342.
Total Drama Ulitimate crossover by Mastersaxious.
Total Drama Revival! by NeverSafeFromWalugi.
Total Drama Endless by NonedescriptNorbert.
If anyone recognize these quotes from any of these fanfics, type it in the review.
Also, this isn't the last time we will see the realm without a universe again, as I have some plans with it in my other TD fanfic.
Anyways, Here's a preview for next chapter. We are gonna take a little break from all the stuff happening, and go back to those simple says. Our first challenge for the merge invovle each contestant getting handcuff by one another to endure several activity. It's like that one challenge from Total Drama Island.
So I hope everyone enjoy this chapter. Leave a review, vote for your favorite character for next season, and give me some ideas.
Stay tune for more Total Drama Cruise!
