DISCLAIMER:
Hello, Chapter 11 is here. It֦'s the day after the first team swap. What will happen with the team? What will Brick do now that he is in the foxes? And how will Mike and Zoey adapt to being in opposite teams? Find out right now.
And if you like the story, or at least curious what will happen next, please leave a review, or mark it as a favorite. That way, I know you are reading it and motivate me to continue. Now let me answer some of the past chapter reviews.
LovelyLuly: I can't thank you enough for the help with the typos. And About Max, I am not sure about him going quickly. He can float into 5th place if you don't pay attention to him.
PrincessGumballWatterson777: It's a good question, why Is not Bridgette in this season? We may found out in the future.
guest: I'm glad you liked the last chapter. This will be probably more light-weighted (maybe)
Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV, its creators, and associates companies. I don't own anything from the properties used in this fic.
Usually, almost the best is good enough Part 1
Last time on Total Drama, Tyranny of the Masses, we had the first blast from the past episode. This time the campers did an old challenge with a twist chose by the fans. Both teams had to go into the woods, survive the night, and at sunset, race back to the cabins.
The foxes again showed their experience and defeat the ferrets that showed us they didn't have any idea of what they were doing. Our fan team's had to fight the storm, especially the storm between the twins. Unexpectedly none of them was sent home.
The one that won the ticket to the chopper of shame was Max, not by votation but chosen by you, our public. And I want to thank all of you because I had enough of him and his EVIL schemes. Who will you choose next to leave the island? After all, you, our viewers, are the true masters of this season. This is Total Drama Tyranny of the masses.
Brick woke up the day after Max's elimination. It was before sunrise, but this time he was the first to get out of the bed. Not Dramaman nor Shawn, because they were not here anymore. He was not in the ferret's cabin anymore.
After putting his clothes, the cadet sighed sadly. There was some fate between him and switching teams. Last time, during the revenge season, he was glad to swap, but this time he felt bad about it. At last, he was doing some advancement guiding the ferrets and making some friends, and now he had to beat them in the challenges.
He took his sunglasses, put his jogging shoes, and went out of the cabin as silently as he could, not wanting to wake up his new teammates. Well, almost completely new teammates. The only male fox that was his past teammate was Lightning, and they were together only for a short time.
The morning cold air was refreshing, Brick stretched out and then looked at the ferrets' cabin. He left some good people there, Dramaman, Shawn, Sammy. He wished to help them much more, especially Topher. Even more after what happened yesterday.
Brick came back to the Ferrets' cabin after doing his daily jogging. As he slept in the woods, he couldn't do it earlier, and after their loss on the challenge, he had too many things to think about. And jogging always helped him.
But before opening the door, he heard an argument going inside.
"You said I would be eliminated in the past challenge, and I'm still here. You try to be a leader, but you are just a wannabe," said Jay in a mocking tone.
There was no response.
"You can ignore me, dude, but you don't have the votes. You are the next going home, and even if you have the votes, I will not go, hehehe" said Jay, snickering before going out of the cabin, ignoring Brick.
The cadet went into the room, inside Topher was lying on his bed looking at the wall.
"Are you ok?" asked Brick standing next to the pretty boy bunker.
Topher rolled and sat on the edge of the bed, looking tired, with his always perfect hair disheveled.
He looked at the cadet with a forced smile. "Hello Brick, I heard you saved Amy. I want to thank you and tell you that I'm sorry for all that happened," said Topher, his voice so rasp that he didn't sound like himself.
"No problem, anyone in my place would do the same," said Brick, saluting with a worried expression, "but why are you apologizing?"
"It was my fault. I tried to help the twins with their problems, and that caused Amy to run away. I tried to do the right thing for once, and as always, I messed up," said Topher, looking at the ground, frowning sadly.
Brick kneeled beside him. "You are too harsh with yourself, it was not your fault. I think that if you wanted to help them, you should be proud. It's too sad to see those sisters fight all the time."
"But I upset her, and it was not my place to butt in her business," said the host wannabe.
The cadet scratched his head."Look, I'm not the smartest guy, but you cannot blame yourself for what happened yesterday. You tried to help her and her sister, and you were looking for them last night with us. If you are not proud of yourself, at least I'm proud of you," He then put a hand on his teammate's shoulder.
"Proud of what, failing in every and all the things I try? Whenever I try to do something for me, or for others, I can never do it right. I should be proud of that?" said Topher hitting Brick's hand.
"Yes, right now, you may felt like you fail at everything, but you haven't failed." Brick looked at him in the eyes and sighed. He was not good at putting it into words. "You know, I always try to live by my code. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. But I haven't regret following it even once. You just follow your own code and don't worry about the results. Believe in yourself. That way, you may not be the winner, but you will be happy. And if you need help finding your code, I will help you."
Topher chuckled, grooming his hair with a hand, "You are a weird man, Brick."
"I hear that all the time," said Brick winking.
The cadet shook his head, memories will not help him. He is now a fox, and he should do his best to win. The feeling is totally different from the last time when he left the maggots for the rats. Back then, he was thrilled for the second chance. Right now, the swap felt like a burden, he really liked to be a ferret.
Confessional: Brick
"I want to use this opportunity to thank all my friends on the fans' ferrets. Even if we are now opponents, this past week with you was wonderful," Brick saluted at the camera, trying to not cry. "I hope after the show we can still be in contact. It was an honor to be part of your unit."
On the Ferrets' cabin, there was a man that was as nervous as Brick, if not more. He was sitting on the edge of his bed, rubbing his hands. This man was Mike, his ever-smiling expression was now a worried frown.
Back in the foxes cabin, He was one of the early risers, but now at least 3 of his teammates were already outside when he woke up. Only the blond newbie was still sleeping.
Seeing this was a reminder that last night wasn't a nightmare. He swapped teams with Brick, and now he was on the other team, and, worst of all, he was against Zoey's team. If he still had his alters, he would have changed into Chester right now.
Then he realized that maybe this was not a problem. He will go and wait for Zoey in the dinner hall. Then he will spend the day with her as usual. There would be no problems, right?
The spiked haired guy changed his pajamas, put his usual clothes, and went into the dining hall. There was no one there, he took his breakfast (that was the classic brown slug) and sat on the foxes table waiting for Zoey.
After some time, the next person to enter the cafeteria was Beth. She was smiling absent-mindedly until she saw Mike, looking at her, clearly disappointed to see it was Beth and not Zoey. The girl with glasses then ran toward Mike.
Beth looked nervously at the door and whispered to him. "What are you doing in this table? You are a ferret now, remember?"
"I was waiting for Zoey," said Mike rubbing his arm, "I was hoping to take breakfast together."
"You can't do that," said Beth. Then suddenly, she took him by his hand and ran out of the dining hall, hiding in the back of the building.
"Hey! What's your problem?" asked Mike, confused by Beth's actions.
"I am helping you," whispered Beth, frowning at him. "Don't you see? After swapping teams, our team will be looking at you and Zoey. And if you take breakfast with her, they will assume one of you is a traitor."
"N-Nobody would do that," said Mike, stuttering.
"Heather will. She did it all the time when Linds was with Tyler. And it also happened in Action, Trent threw some challenges to help Gwen. I am not saying you are a traitor, but if people see you being too close to her, they will vote you both off," said Beth, narrowing her eyes at him.
"But, but I need her," said Mike, sweating, "I really need her. Without her, I am not me."
Beth looked up at him, doing her best to put a hand on his shoulder. "Why don't you try to make friends in your new team, so you are distracted from Zoey? That way, you and her will not be eliminated."
Mike took a moment to consider what she was saying. He didn't want Zoey to be eliminated. After a brief moment, he showed a timid smile."You are right, Beth. But why are you helping me?"
"I don't know. Maybe I just like to help other people," said Beth shrugging and smiling.
Mike sighed, she was right, he didn't want to become a new Trent. He can talk with Zoey now and them, but first, he needs to make some new friends in the ferrets.
Confessional: Beth
"I am no expert, but after looking at Mike's despairing expression in the dining hall, I thought that maybe he needs some time away from Zoey. I mean, he may be becoming dependant on her. Also, I couldn't help Trent back then, so I hope to save Mike's relationship this time," said Beth, making a fist pump.
After taking breakfast, the teams were still adapting to the new teammates. Some were thinking how to use them, others how to greet them, and the last just plain ignoring them. In the female foxes' cabin, 4 girls were discussing this.
"So you want to make a welcome party for Bart? That sounds like fun, count me in," said Lindsay that was painting her nails.
Dawn frowned at the blond girl. "Why did you do that? Your nails are more beautiful without paint."
"What? Are you like serious? But they are totally more pretty painted. Come on, I will teach you how to do it," said Lindsay making gestures to the moonchild to come closer.
"I will not let you coat my fingers with that artificial substance," said Dawn, covering her nails.
"C'mon girls, don't get distracted. We were talking about Brick's welcome party," said Zoey in a tired tone.
Beth was rubbing her chin. "We can take some food from the dining hall, but there is not much we can do. I mean, there is no way we can get streamers or ribbons to decorate the hall."
"We can ask the interns for some confetti and some ballons. In other seasons, they gave it to us. They even gave us a cake," said Zoey with a timid smile.
Beth and Lindsay looked at each other and shook their heads, "Maybe in other shows, but not here," said Beth in a solemn tone.
"But was in this show, in the All Stars season, actually," said Zoey, perplexed at the other girl's reactions.
"If we can't welcome him with using external elements. Maybe we can welcome him showing our joy and appreciation," said Dawn, clapping joyfully.
Beth smiled at her. "That's a great idea! I am sure Brick would be delighted by a warm welcome more than confetti or balloons."
"Then it's decided. Let tell the others! We will make his welcome party this night," said Zoey raising a fist.
"You should not tell Heather. She will ruin it," said Lindsay in a worried tone.
Zoey smiled sadly. "I know what she did to you and Beth was horrible, but maybe she changed since then. We should give everyone a chance."
"She probably voted for Cameron on the elimination," said Beth, looking sadly at the floor.
"I- I cannot be sure of that. And also, I don't want to be resenting everyone on assumptions," said Zoey, biting her lower lip.
"Zoey is right. The hate and resentment consume the one who feels it, not your enemy. It's always better to forgive and forget. Although she had something sinister in her aura," said Dawn, putting a finger on her chin.
"Ok, let's invite her," said Lindsay sighing, "But do not say we did not warn you," she added, finishing painting her nails.
Confessional: Lindsay
"That Zoey is like so naïve and cute, she reminds me when I was younger, that's why I cannot allow that someone like Heather trample her," said Lindsay smiling at the camera.
On the ferrets' side, Sky was jogging across the island. She was out of breath. As she was distracted thinking about yesterday's events and jog more than she intended.
She was joyful, even if what happened with the storm was terrible. Shawn decided to give her a chance. Now, Sammy, he and she will work together as Jasmine wished.
But right now she had a big problem at hand, she didn't know where she was. Sky was so absorbed in her thoughts that she got lost while jogging. And to make things worse, it was getting dark.
"Great, and just today that I wanted to go to bed early," said the Cree girl throwing a stone into the trees ahead.
"Ouch!" shouted a person in the direction of the stone.
Sky was startled for a moment and then dashed toward the voice, "I'm sorry. I just threw it by accident."
When she arrived, she found Dramaman, the masked wrestler, rubbing his head.
Last night before the ceremony, Shawn introduce him to Sammy and her. He said he was an ally, but the gymnastic never had the opportunity to interact with him before.
"Are you ok?" said Sky kneeling at his side.
The wrestler stood up in a quick moment and nodded before going away.
"And again, I'm sorry, I really didn't intend to hit you," said Sky bowing.
Dramaman faced at her and nodded again before going away faster.
The Cree girl began to follow him, he was silent as usual, but she knew he could talk, he talked with Brick and Shawn.
"It's so weird, I mean we have been in the same team for three challenges already, and we never talked before," said Sky walking faster. She cannot let him go. After all, he's her only chance to go back to the cabins.
Again the wrestler faced her and nodded before continue walking, as fast as he could, without running.
Sky was starting to lose her patience. She thought he would be in his right to be angry after being hit by the stone, but c'mon it was an accident, he didn't need to run away. Or maybe he was escaping for another reason?
"I already said I'm sorry, you can stop ignoring me," said Sky in an exasperated tone, "or is that you are also one of those fans that hate me for what happened last season?"
The wrestler winced. The voice of Sky was full of sadness. He stood there and replied in his deep voice. "No, I don't hate you, and I don't think anyone should judge you or tell you how to feel about what happened last season. Also, I'm sorry, I'm not ignoring you, it's just that I am not the talking type."
She was touched by his words, since the last season, she received a lot of angry letters telling her that she was worst than Heather, other of support telling her that it was great she left that creep Dave on the island, but nobody cared about what she felt about the matter. Dramaman was a true fan, indeed.
"You know, you are kinder than you look," said Sky smiling.
The wrestler rubbed his arm, blushing, but thanks to his mask, she didn't notice it.
After that, both walked back to the cabins. Sky talking about herself, and her dreams of becoming a gymnast. Dramaman was still perplexed about why she was walking with him.
After exiting the forest, Sky walked in front of the masked man, "Thanks for showing me the way back. Next time you had to tell why you started wrestling."
Sky then ran toward her cabin, leaving Dramaman looking at her thinking about his response.
Confessional: Dramaman
"There is no story! I don't even practice wrestling! It's only marketing," the masked man is sitting with his back leaning against the wall, sighing.
Sky went to check on Shawn and Sammy, and found the twin making push-ups, coached by Shawn.
"And you call those push-ups? An armless zombie can do better push-ups than you," shouted Shawn at Sammy.
"Yes, coach," said Sammy putting her arms and her back straighter.
Shawn glared at her, shouting louder. "I didn't hear you!"
"YES, COACH!" Shouted Sammy in response.
"What are you doing?" asked Sky, surprised by the situation.
"Sammy here asked me to help her prepare for the upcoming apocalypse. I am so proud of her," said Shawn smiling at her.
Sky faced at Sammy, raising an eyebrow. "Is that true?"
"Yes," said Sammy, falling tired to the ground.
"Let's end here today, I will bring you some water," said Shawn clapping at Sammy before going.
The Cree girl helped the younger twin to stood up. "I never knew you also believe in Shawn's theories."
"That's not the only reason why I was training," said Sammy, blushing and in a low voice, "I also want to improve myself to beat Amy, once and for all."
Sky smiled at her friend. "Then, let me help you- I have been training all my life."
"Thanks Sky," said Sammy hugging her.
Confessional: Sky
"I'm really happy to see Sammy in a better mood. Yesterday she was so serious and moping around. It seems that whatever was worrying her, she is already over it," said Sky, then putting the finger on her cheek, "or maybe she is focusing on beating her sister to stop worrying about it? It would be best to watch over her, so she doesn't overwork herself."
On the foxes' side, Brick was going back to his cabin, when Zoey called him.
"Hey Brick! Can you come with me for a moment," said the redhead smiling.
"Yes ma'am, of course. How may I help you?" said Brick running toward her.
Zoey chuckled and led the cadet to the dining hall, which was completely dark.
"Zo-Zoey, ma-maybe, we can talk in another place with more light," stuttered Brick, trembling with fear.
"Welcome!" shouted Lindsay, Beth, Dawn, Lightning, Alejandro, and Courtney.
"AAAHH!" shouted scared Brick, jumping quickly under a table.
"It's ok Brick, it's just us. This is your foxes welcome party," said Zoey enthusiastically.
"Really? hehe, sorry about that," said Brick coming out from under the table, blushing and chuckling.
Lighting was the first one to come to greet Brick, giving him a hard slap on his back. "You are the same scaredy-cat as always sha-coward. I hope this time you don't sha-betray us."
"Ouch! Thanks?" said Brick, not sure if Lightning was welcoming or insulting him.
The party has some real food that Dawn and Zoey could get thanks to her popularity, and some decorations painted by Beth and Lindsay.
"Why did you invite Courtney?" asked Beth in a low voice to Lindsay.
"Because even if she is like my rival, we have been working well together," said Lindsay smiling.
Beth raised an eyebrow. "Did you forget all the things she did to us?"
"Beth, that was years ago, and I will beat her this time, just see," said Lindsay, smiling confidently.
"Well, that means we should also try to invite Heather?" asked Beth, amazed by Lindsay's big heart.
"OF Course NOT! Beth, what are you thinking?" said Lindsay with wide eyes. "I heard Dawn invited her, and luckily, she said no."
Beth blinked a couple of times, shocked by Lindsay's reaction. There was no way to understand her.
Some steps away, the former C.I.T was unaware of the drama she started between the best friends. She was just trying to enjoy the welcome party.
"Hello señorita, it's been a while since we have the chance to have a proper conversation," said Alejandro showing his charming smile.
Courtney narrowed her eyes at the Spaniard, "What do you want, AL?"
"Please don't be so cold. I know what I did to you was terrible, but believe me when I tell you I'm sorry, and I want to make amends," said Alejandro putting a hand over his chest.
"Sorry, I have no interest in talking with you or befriend you, you are the worst," said Courtney walking away.
Alejandro followed her. "Please, don't be like that. How can I prove to you that I'm really sorry?"
Courtney looked at him with icy eyes, "Is not me with whom you should be apologizing," leaving Alejandro standing there astonished.
Confessional: Courtney
"Why do people cheat on their partners? If it's over, why don't you just break with her? Looking at Alejandro, I can only think in poor Heather, and even if I don't trust her, I can relate," said Courtney, looking upset at the ground. "Even if he accepts he was a dick, and apologize for ignoring your feelings, how can you forgive him?"
Meanwhile, Zoey was attending the guests and trying to be sure everyone was having a good time, while looking at the door every now and then.
"Zoey, can we talk?" said Dawn looking serious at her friend.
Zoey smiled tenderly at her. "Of course, Dawn, how can I help you?"
The moonchild went out of the dining hall, the redhead following her with a confused expression.
After a moment, Dawn stoped and faced her friend. "Here we will be ok. Zoey, the idea of organizing the party for Brick was wonderful, but please be honest. Was welcoming him your unique goal?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Of course, Dawn, what other reason may I have?" said Zoey smiling.
"Well, you seem calm and happy, but also you seem like forcing yourself to be calm and happy," said Dawn, frowning worriedly.
Zoey looked at the ground with a sad smile. "Well, maybe I wanted Mike to be here, but you told me he couldn't make it."
"Sorry, Zoey, I lied. I didn't invite him," said Dawn avoiding her friend's eyes.
"What, WHY? It was the perfect chance to be together after the team swap. Why didn't you told him as I asked you?" said Zoey, looking furious at her.
Dawn pressed her lips firmly, twiddling with her fingers. "Because you seemed too anxious to be with him. I think you need to use this opportunity to learn how to be away from him."
"Don't be silly! Of course I am anxious. I mean, I love Mike, and I hate to be separated from him. But it's not as if I organize this to be together," said Zoey looking to the ground. Now she was the one avoiding Dawn's eyes.
The moonchild sighed and smiled tenderly, "Zoey, don't lie to me. I can see your Aura, and you see-"
"STOP LOOKING AT MY AURA!" shouted Zoey, glaring at Dawn. "Nobody wants to hear what is on their auras. For doing those weirds things is why no one wants to be your friend."
Dawn blanched, and after a moment, she looked ashamed at the ground, "I- I'm so sorry," she said in a broken voice, before running away.
Zoey watched her running and hesitated in following her, but decided that it was better to leave her alone. The indie girl then went back into the party alone.
Confessional: Dawn
(Dawn is only crying and sobbing while hiding in the confessional)
At night, in the forest, two members of the ferrets were still awake. One was kneeling with a strange tool connected to a rock, while the other looked nervously around.
"Charlotte, please let's go back. It's late, and we will get in trouble if someone finds you are messing with the island," said Lilly looking around, biting her nails.
"Don't be a quitter. I have been here for 6 hours and can't even beat the first level. But if we can get this power-up, we will have the advantage to reach the last level, and to find the secret code of Jasmine elimination," said Charlotte, trying to hack into the island. "Also, I already beat the cameras, they are not filming."
"Well, then I will go first, good luck with that," said Lilly walking away.
Charlotte looked at the redhead as she went away. "That girl needs to play in a true guild to develop guts."
Lilly was walking to the cabins. She took from her pocket the same small device Max used to block Charlotte's tool, but the treehugger didn't dare to stop her.
"Sorry, Max, I probably am not cut to be an evil sidekick," said Lilly looking at the device.
"*hiss* He_r m_ si_e_ick *hiss*," the device began to emit a sound
"AaaHHH!" shouted Lilly in a loud (well as loud as she could shout) voice, dropping the device into the ground.
"*hiss* Can you hear me? *hiss*," Max's voice could be heard clearly from the device.
"Max?" said Lilly picking up the device and talking to it.
"It's you, Lilly? It seems like this device work. GWA-HAHAHA*hiss*," there was some static, but Lilly could hear Max's voice perfectly.
"Please, it is forbidden to have mobile devices on the island. I can get in worse trouble talking with you than standing with Charlotte," said Lilly in a nervous tone, she was about to cry.
"Silence! It's not a mobile, it's a radio receiver. And stop whining! Don't you see you are the most fortunate camper on the island? Now I can use my genius to help you win the prize,*hiss*" said Max in a more calm voice.
Lilly smiled proudly. "Eh? Winning? Me? It's impossible, I'm glad enough to be here."
"NONSENSE! You should do it! You are the most appropriate to follow my orders. So stop whining, first of all, we have to wait. I have great plans, but we can't act right now," said Max in a lower voice.
"I will try. But please, don't shout me," said Lilly in a sad voice.
"Just wait for my instructions, I will show the entire world the extent of my power," said Max in an excited tone.
Lilly groaned. She simply wasn't good to say no to others.
She arrived at cabins, and before going to sleep, she entered the infirmary to check on the older twin.
"Hello, Amy, how are you feeling?" said Lilly in her lower and timid voice.
Amy was standing in the room, next to her bed, sitting on the ground, stretching one of her legs.
"Hello Lilly, where have you been?" said Amy, not stopping her routine.
Lilly tilted her head, too surprised to answer Amy's question. "What are you doing?"
"My daily routine, Since coming to this hellhole, I have lost my focus. Did you know that cheerleading requires using all the muscles in your body?" said the old twin, smirking.
"No, I'm sorry. I don't know the first thing about cheerleading," said Lilly, impressed that the usual lazy Amy was so focused on warming up.
Amy made a sadistic smile, looking at her friend. "You know Lilly, I haven't been this fired up since the competition to be a lead flyer on the cheerleader squad."
"I'm glad you are fired up and enthusiastic," said Lilly smiling, then her expression change to one of confusion, "Again, why are you fire up?"
"Lilly, you need to put more attention," said Amy shaking her head, "I will at last show that arrogant Samey what is her place once and for all. And this time, there will not be any giants to help her."
"Why are you so mean with her?" said Lilly looking worried at the ground.
"Excuse me?" replied the older twin, frowning.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to criticize you. It is just that Sammy, I mean Samey, seem like a good girl and all, and well, I just wanted to know if you-" Lilly's voice was becoming lower and lower and more nervous.
Amy shook her head again and sighed. "You would have to live with her to understand me. She was annoying before, but at least she was obedient. After meeting that Aussie giant, she became annoying AND rebellious. But at last, we found a way to resolve this. I will show that ungrateful second rate Amy the difference between us."
Lilly nodded, not wanting to make her friend angrier.
"Well Lilly, let's go back to the cabin. We need to rest. I will need your help to eliminate my sis," said Amy, overflowing confidence.
Confessional: Lilly
"I know Amy is in the wrong, but she is my friend. I personally don't have anything against Sammy, but if my friend needs me, then I will do what I come to help her," said Lilly with a worried expression, then adds, "Sorry Sammy, I am really sorry."
Before dawn, most of the foxes were sleeping. Heather wearing a white tank with a pink bunny and pink shorts. She was smiling peacefully until the sound of the airhorn amplified by the speakers woke her. The startled Queen Bee falling from his top bed.
"Are you crazy? The sun isn't up yet," shouted Heather in an irritated tone.
"Well, it's almost sunrise, so it could be worst," said Beth, who was already awake but still dressed on her pink pajamas.
"We are not all raised in a farm like you. Chris could be a little more considerate," said Heather, her voice full of disdain toward the girl with glasses.
"Do you always have to be so mean?" said Beth, angry.
Heather shrugged before taking off her top. "Is not mean to be honest."
"You are a sad and -" but before Beth could continue, she was hugged from behind by another person.
"Beth is not worth the effort. Don't fall in her game, or you will become as bitter as her," said Lindsay, glaring daggers at the Queen Bee.
Heather smiled, now fully clothed, glaring at the blond girl. "Some big words from you Linsiot, did you even understand what did you tell her?"
Lindsay only made a mocking smile at her and went back to change her nightgown for her outfit for the challenge.
Heather tossed her braid and went out of the room without saying anything else.
Confessional: Lindsay
"There is something off with Heather, like, I don't know how to put it into words, but she is totally hiding something. I may not look the part, but I am really great at resolving mysteries and stuff, so I will find out what is happening," said Lindsay folding her arms.
The ferrets' boys went out of their cabin. They seem drowsy, with the hair disheveled, except Topher, that looked as good as always, and Dramaman, that was using his mask.
Shawn was the last to go out, he checked the sides of the cabin before grouping with his teammates.
"It seems like the alarm was to announce the next challenge, not a zombie attack. So we can rest assured," he then looked at the sides, nervously, "at least from now."
Mike raised an eyebrow looking at the zombie expert, "Zombies, really?"
"What do you mean by that?" said Shawn glaring at the spiked haired guy.
"Nothing, I mean nothing. I was just surprised to see someone so cautious about zombies, that's all. I didn't mean it as an insult," said Mike rubbing his arm.
Shawn looked into the horizon with sad eyes. "Well, you are right. Thanks to their campaign of disinformation, most people are not prepared for the apocalypse to come. The day it starts, only a few of us will survive the first stage."
"Whose campaign of disinformation?" asked Mike, blinking a couple of times.
Shawn suddenly dashed toward Mike and covering his mouth with his hand, "Shhhhh, you cannot say that on international tv. They have the power to make you and your family disappear from the face of the earth."
Mike nodded nervously, looking at the scared expression of his teammate.
Confessional: Mike
"And I thought that Dawn was an interesting character. At Shawn's side, she seems like a normal and boring highschool girl," said Mike with a surprised expression.
Chris was waiting for the two teams in front of the cabins, already sat in Chef's jeep. He talked to them using his megaphone.
"Ok, campers, follow me. Today's challenge is timed, so you want to make haste," said Chris smiling, "Zoey, Dawn, Samey, and Charlotte can come with me if you want, because you are the favorites of the audience.
"What? How can Samey be more popular than me? You get us mixed again?" said Amy pointing at Chris.
Chris sneered, looking at his hand, "No, Amy, I don't. Look, I have it written on my hand," he then read from his hand, "mole is Amy, crybaby is Samey, and the favorite is Samey."
"Is not Samey is Sammy," said Sammy in an angry tone.
"Is not a mole is a beauty mark," said Amy in the same angry tone as her sister.
"And I don't care. Will you come or no?" said Chris rolling his eyes.
Charlotte and Dawn took Chris's offer and went into the jeep. Dawn looking at the ground without her usual mysterious smile.
"Well, the rest follow us and hurry up. Time is running out," said Chris as Chef speeds up.
The teams were following the jeep, but not as hasty as Chris wanted. After all, even if it was a timed challenge, both teams were right now in equal footing.
Alejandro began to walk alongside Duncan, trying to chat with him.
"Hello Duncan, bromigo, ready for the challenge?" he asked smiling.
"Hello Al, isn't too early to start sucking up?" said Duncan, who looked more drowsy than the others.
Alejandro looked at him with a concerned expression. "C'mon man, I was worried about you, why didn't you come to Brick's party?"
"It was a silly welcome party. I didn't know the guy, and I had more important things to do," said Duncan, rolling his eyes.
"What kind of things?" said Alejandro, showing a quizzical smile.
Duncan smirked at him. "I don't know, maybe flirting with Heather. She is so sassy."
Alejandro winced for a moment, then smiled. "What a coincidence, yesterday I was flirting with Courtney."
"Princess went to the party?" said Duncan, he was so shocked that just call her by her pet name.
"Yes, and is quite interesting you didn't know," said Alejandro rubbing his chin.
Duncan recovered his composure. "Well, good luck with her. She may be more than you can handle."
"Thanks for the advice," said Alejandro, also smiling.
Confessional: Duncan
"Ok, maybe Courtney and I are not dating. Ok, maybe we are not even friends yet, but I will not let that she fall in the hands of that Casanova wannabe Alejandro Burromuerto," said Duncan pointing at the camera, frowning.
Confessional: Alejandro
"Estúpido delincuente. ¿Realmente cree que puede ponerme celoso a mí? Mi chica no le daría ni la hora del día[1]," said Alejandro glaring at the camera.
On the ferrets' side, Jay was walking fast to try to talk with Sammy.
"Hey Sammy, can we go together to the challenge point," said Jay showing a friendly smile.
But before Sammy could answer, Sky took her by the hand and ran away with her.
"Sorry Jay, we are going ahead," shouted Sky, taking Sammy as fast as she could.
The skater only looked at them, stomping his foot in the ground.
"Why does everyone have to get in my way?" said Jay, adjusting his cap
The teams reached a big yellow building that appeared at the entrance of the forest. Two meters high and as large as a football field. Chris, Chef, Dawn, and Charlotte were already waiting.
"You are slow. It's already 6:30," said Chris, pointing at his clock.
"What is this building?" asked Zoey looking at the yellow walls.
Chris chuckled, pointing dramatically at the building. "This is the challenge room. Built in only one night thanks to the island technology and a great number of cheap intern work."
Logan, Steve, and a great number of other interns were heavy breathing, with dark circles under their eyes, resting at the shadow of the building.
"As you can see, there are four doors in the building. Two are for the ferrets, and two for the foxes. You have to go in there, girls in one door, and boys in the other. Then just follow the instructions," explained Chris, walking toward one of the doors.
"Is that the challenge or the first part of the challenge?" asked Courtney raising an eyebrow.
Chris shook his head. "Neither, it's just the preparation, but as I said, it is a timed challenge, so chop-chop."
Mike was about to talk with Zoey, but it was not the right moment. He gave up on the idea and entered the door for the ferrets' guys. But what they found inside was shocking.
The room was a big bathroom with small stools, buckets, and hand showers.
Topher took a paper sheet that was on one stool and read it aloud.
"As part of the challenge, you have to enter the room barefooted, and with your feet washed. Anyone that doesn't wash their feet will be eliminated from the challenge," said Topher, raising an eyebrow.
All campers found the same instructions, and all were as confused as the ferrets guys.
Author Notes:
[1] Tranlsation:
Estúpido delincuente. Realmente cree que puede ponerme celoso a mí. Mi chica no le daría ni la hora del día =
Stupid delinquent. Does he really believe he can make me jealous? My girl will not give him the time of day
And the challenge is starting. What will happen next? And why do they need to wash their feet? Well, you will have to wait to find out.
About this chapter, the focus is on the team swap. I really want to explore how does it affect the campers. Especially Brick and Mike, so if you think the spotlight was a little focused, it was intentional.
Immunity idols left: 3
D.A.M. Eliminations left: 6
Favorite Foxes: Alejandro, Beth, Cody, Courtney, Dawn, Duncan, Heather, Lightning, Lindsay, Mike, Zoey.
Fan Ferrets: Amy, Brick, Charlotte, Dramaman, Jay, Lilly, Sammy, Shawn, Sky, Topher
Eliminated: Cameron, Jasmine, Max.
As always, thanks for reading and I hope you like it.