DISCLAIMER:
Welcome, episode 25 is here. The teams still need to choose all their acts for the challenge. What will the ferrets perform? And can the foxes convince Courtney to play? Find out next here in Total Drama, Tyranny of the Masses.
And remember to leave your thoughts, what you like and what you hate of the story on the reviews, or at least mark the story as a favorite. That way, I will know you are enjoying it. Now let me answer the past chapter reviews.
Aleheather4ever: It's soon to know, but I'm sure they will not fall without a fight.
GimmeSomeDuncney: Good user name. I wonder if we will have Ducney on this story.
DuncneyFan: I am glad you liked. I hope we find her reasons sooner than later.
Qwertyjik19: I'm trying to release as soon as possible ;)
And as always, a BIG shoutout and THANKS to Geofics, that is helping me with proofreading of the episodes. I said it in the past because it's true. These words can't express all my gratitude for your help.
And lastly, an announcement, a friend is organizing the 2020 Gwent Week, from October 18 to 24. Any interested can participate. The information is on withjust-a-bite dot tumblr dot com. You can write stories, or make art, or yous spread the word about it. Remember liking a ship doesn't mean hating others. We are only one community.
Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV, its creators, and associates companies. I don't own anything from the properties used in this fic.
More than quite famous Part 2
The third blast of the past challenge is here. And the teams have to participate in a talent show. But this time, they must present 5 acts that can be performed by one person or in pairs. Right now, the teams were struggling to choose the 5 best acts. Which team has the talent and skill to be famous? It's still too soon to know.
The ferrets were gathered at the entrance of the woods. Mike was already chosen to perform a monologue. Now they need another 4 acts to perform.
"Does someone else have a talent that wants to show the audience?" asked Topher, who was conducting the audition.
Hesitating a little, Shawn raised a hand. "I can perform the overture of the Barber of Seville with my armpit."
There was a moment of silence, anyone that had watched the Pahkitew season knew that.
"It had some great scores when he performed it on the show, 27 over 30," said Sky. She remembered that day perfectly, as she almost lost the challenge for the finals.
Topher put his fist under his chin with a thoughtful expression. "But Chris will surely remember it. And he will give us a lower score for performing an old act."
"There is no problem," said Shawn shrugging. "I just have to choose another song from my repertoire."
"Wait," said Sammy, with a disgusted expression. "You can play more than one song with your armpit?"
"Of course! An armpit serenade is about performing classical songs with your armpit. Not performing only ONE song with your armpit," replied the conspiranoic as if it was the more obvious thing in the world.
Sammy blinked a couple of times. "Oh, yes, of course." In moments like this, she had problems understanding what Jasmine saw in him.
"With that, we already have two 2 acts. Who else wants to show us their talent? C'mon, don't be shy." Said Topher trying to warm their team.
Sky raised her hand enthusiastically. "I... I have a talent. You know, thanks to my training as a gymnast, my abs and diaphragm are ridiculous strong so-"
"NO! rejected," Said Topher, shaking his head.
Sky glared at him. "But, I didn't even say what my talent was."
"Let me guess, you are talking of the routine of the belcher sheriff. The same act you performed in the past talent show, right?" Said the Host wannabe, grooming his hair and narrowing his eyes at the gymnast.
"Maybe?" said Sky with a sheepish smile.
Topher shook his head again. "Then forget it. It's not only an old trick that Chris already saw. But also he didn't like it the first time. There is no way we can use it a second time."
"Then I'm sorry, that is the only trick I know," said Sky folding her arms and turning her head at the host.
Sammy looked at her, smiling. "Sky, why don't you perform some gymnast movements that you use on your floor exercise. As a future Olympian, they must be awesome."
The Cree girl looked at the twin with wide eyes. "I can't do that! I have been training those routines for years. Using that kind of skill in the challenge would be unfair for our opponents."
"You don't have to perform the routine. Only dance a little and do some jumps, somersaults, and rollovers," said Mike grinning.
The Cree girl shook her head. "No, there is no way I am performing gymnastic moves on the stage."
"Cluck, cluck, cluck. Leave that quitter alone. She is too afraid to fight the final boss," said Charlotte with a smug expression.
"Don't be childish. Why would I be afraid?" asked the Cree girl, glaring at the e-gamer.
"Because you know your gymnastic level is not high enough to get a good evaluation. You are a low-level trainee and know that your routine is not good enough to win this challenge," said Charlotte, glaring back at her.
Sky stood up and pointed at her. "Repeat that again! I am a great gymnast, and I will prove it. I will perform and get a better score than anything you can do."
"Keep barking. I have beaten mooks bigger than you," answered Charlotte cracking her knuckles.
"Stop right there," shouted Topher, standing between them. "Remember we are competing against the foxes, not against each other. Save that energy for the actual competition."
The two girls glared at each other and then turned their faces.
"Charlotte, now that you challenged Sky. Will you show us your talent?" Asked Shawn, frowning at the e-gamer.
"Sure," said Charlotte standing next to the host wannabe. "But I need a TV and a Nintendo console or a PC."
"What? You can't use that on a talent show," said Topher, narrowing his eyes at her.
"That's nonsense! How can I show my wonderful gaming skills if I can't play a game?" Asked Charlotte with an angry expression.
Topher blinked a couple of times, not sure if she was joking or not. "It's a talent show. You are supposed to dance, sing, or perform any talent you got, but videogames are not that kind of talent."
"How dare you say that? Videogames are a valid and more challenging way to show your talent than other simpler tricks. Do you know the level of compromise and cooperation to beat a raid boss with other 39 players in a mythic dungeon?" Charlotte kept lecturing Topher about the greatness of videogames.
Sammy chuckled and then noticed that Dramaman was even more silent than usual. Was something bothering him?
Confessional: Charlotte
The dark-skinned girl was folding her arms and glaring at the camera. "I can't believe the nerve of Topher. Videogames are a way of life. In a videogame, you develop skills and reflexes that are as good as those of any other sportsmen. That's why Esports are so demanding. I can't believe I can't show my VJ skills as part of this challenge."
Back with the foxes, all eyes were fixed on Courtney. Everyone remembered that she used to play the violin, thanks to Heather.
The Latin girl sighed. "Sorry, but I don't think I can do it. I haven't practiced the violin in months."
"Don't be shy, Courtney. We want to listen to you." Said Zoey in an excited voice.
Courtney bit her lower lip. "I'm not sure. I don't think it will be good."
As they were arguing, Heather returned from the cabins in her usual attire, with Courtney's violin in her hands.
"Here it is, Court. Now show us what you got," said Heather with a big grin on her face.
"Only my friends call me Court," replied the Latin girl in a cold tone.
"I know, Court," said Heather, winking. "Now, go there and play whatever you want."
Duncan kept looking at the L.I.T. maybe it was his imagination, but there was some hesitation in her.
She took the violin out of its case, tuned it, and began to play. The piece was Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. Courtney played beautifully, the melancholic tune filling the air. The 7 foxes were amazed by her skills, but there was something off.
Her face, Courtney's expression, was one of pure sadness as she performed. A pained expression that couldn't be feigned. After 2 minutes of playing, she stopped abruptly. "Sorry, guys. I can't do it."
"What are you saying? It was wonderful!" said Heather, visibly moved by the tune. "With this, we have at least a perfect score."
Courtney bit her lower lip again. "Heather. I-"
"It was boring. We can't win with something like this," said aloud Duncan, scratching his ear with his pinky.
"Are you deaf?" said Heather scowling at the delinquent. "Or are you so crude that you're unable to appreciate this?"
Duncan smirked. "The second, I'm a crude man, just like Chris, who's the judge. That man doesn't have a heart to be moved, and this performance will not do the trick."
"So, if you know Chris so well, tell us what would work?" asked Heather, folding her arms.
"A duet. Let me perform with her. I can play the guitar after all. That would be better than just the violin," said the delinquent, his smirk seemed like challenging Heather.
"If that's the case, let Cody perform with her," said Heather pointing at the brunette guy. "He was a professional musician and can play the keyboard. He is a better accompaniment for her than you."
The delinquent shrugged. "Ok, if Courtney is fine with him. I have no problem."
"I'm totally on board. Who would not want to play with such a beauty?" said Cody winking and making finger guns at Courtney.
Courtney blinked a couple of times, trying to follow what was happening. For some reason, Heather and Duncan were discussing HER performance without taking her into consideration. This was getting more absurd by the moment. Before she knew it, she was on one of the five acts and had to perform with Cody. It would be a long day.
Confessional: Duncan
The delinquent was smoking a cigar, smirking at the camera. "I don't know what happened in these years with the violin. I always thought there was nothing personal between her and the instrument. It was only an extracurricular activity that her mother chose." Duncan then puffed his cigar and exhaled a long line of smoke. "Either way, I'll have to ask her later."
Back to the Ferrets, after almost half an hour, it was decided that Charlotte couldn't perform. She took her Game Guy and finished Super Marco brothers in less than 5 minutes. But was not as impressive as she said and was rejected.
"Helloow, we're back!" said Amy in an excited voice, followed by Lilly.
"You took your sweet time," Shawn frowned at her.
Amy looked down at him but decided to ignore him. "And Topher, did we already have the other 4 acts decided?"
The pretty boy shook his head. "Right now, we have Mike, Sky, and Shawn. And your act is still to be chosen, we need to watch it first."
"Of course," said Amy standing at the front. "Please Lilly, start the music."
The treehugger put play, and the song 'girlfriend' by Avril Lavigne started to sound. The older twin began to dance in front of the other ferrets, and even Sky and Shawn had to admit she was great.
Jumping, twirling, and smooth movements at good times were the main features of the twin's performance, including a summersault. Amy seemed to have a great time, smiling all the time.
In the end, the rest of the ferrets clapped, the twin bowing at them.
"It was wonderful," said Topher, smiling. Then, as usual, the handsome host wannabe added something he shouldn't. "But, would it not be even better if you and Sammy performed together?"
"WHAT! With her?" said both twins in unison.
Topher was startled by the reaction of the sisters but quickly regained his composure. "Yes, I mean, it would be wonderful to see both of you on the stage. Just think about it, with the same face and the same outfit making the same moves. It would be an awesome show."
Amy sneered. "That if Samey can keep up my pace, and she can't."
"Of course, I can. I have always kept up with you in the cheerleading club," said Sammy glaring at her sister.
"Of course not. You always fail in the most important steps," said Amy stomping her foot.
Sammy folded her arms. "That's a big fat lie. Tell me one time I have failed in a routine."
"Our first year in middle school, during the cheerleading semifinals. You stumbled during the routine, and I had to catch you and improvise a cartwheel," said Amy raising her head.
"We were only 12 years old. And I was so grateful that I gave you my dessert for one week," said Sammy putting a hand on her chest.
"Even if you have your differences. It would be great seeing you performing together," said Mike smiling at the twins.
Amy cursed her luck if she wanted to keep her alliance with Mike, she needed to pamper him. But then the older twin had an idea. "Ok, if all of you want it, we can try. But only if Samey can keep with me during the rehearsals."
"Of course, I can." Replied Sammy looking at her sister's eyes.
Confessional: Amy
"This is great. If Samey can't keep with me and we lose, I can ask the others to eliminate her. And there is no way she can keep with me. I am the captain of the team for something. We win, I win, we lose, I win. I love this kind of game." Said Amy smiling confidently.
Topher was happy with the decision. "Then we have 4 acts. If you may, I would like to make the fifth one."
"Wow, really Toph? You have a talent that can show in the challenge?" said Mike surprised.
"I want to see it," said Sammy showing a broad smile.
"It's not that good, so just tell me your honest opinion. If you don't like it, we can choose another act," said Topher, taking a deep breath.
What followed was completely unexpected for the ferrets. In seconds, many were laughing so hard that Topher had to stop his act altogether.
"What the hell is that?" said Sky laughing, grabbing her stomach.
"No more, no more. Man, I don't know how you did that, but it's awesome," said Mike taking deep breaths to stop laughing.
Even Dramaman was laughing so hard that he had to adjust his mask.
"That was the silliest thing I have ever seen, and I live with Samey." Said Amy, smirking. "we have our fifth act already."
While the ferrets already had their 5 acts and were rehearsing, the foxes still had some problems choosing the remaining three acts.
Beth was standing in front of her teammates, juggling some fire batons, but at the moment of catching them, she failed, and the batons hit the ground, making a big scorching hole.
"YOU FIRE HAZARD! After so many years and you still didn't learn how to catch those?" Shouted Heather clenching her fists.
Beth made a sheepish smile and bowed. "I'm sorry. I bought a manual with the catching lessons, but somehow I botched them again."
"I can teach her how to catch the batons," said Alejandro, smirking.
"You are supposed to dance with me, remember?" replied Heather looking daggers at the Spaniard.
"And I will," said Alejandro, showing an apologetic smile, "But we need 5 acts, and I know Beth has what it takes to perfect the baton juggling," he then winked at the brunette girl.
Beth blushed, looking at the ground. "If Alejandro is the teacher, I'm sure I'll learn fast."
"Do what you want. I only hope that her performance and ours are a success, for your own good," Heather said, tossing her braid and then turning to look to Brick, Zoey, and Duncan.
"Then we have three campers for two acts. I hope you three can do something." Said the Queen Bee glaring at them.
"I can play the guitar," said Duncan, looking down on Heather.
"We already have a musical act, something else?" asked the Queen Bee, already angry thanks to Alejandro.
The delinquent smirked, showing the tattoos on his forearms. "I made this myself. First with ink and after leaving prison with professional equipment."
"We don't have time for you to tattoo someone on stage." replied Heather tapping her foot on the floor. "something else?"
"I can set fire to a building pretty quickly," said the Duncan, winking, with an evil light in his blue eyes.
Heather rubbed her temple. "If you aren't taking this seriously, just get lost."
"Ok, don't lose your head like that," said Duncan putting out his knife in a swift movement. "I can carve wood."
"Really? Is that not also very slow?" said the Queen Bee, raising an eyebrow.
"I can sculpt a basic figure like a skull or a fox head in under 3 minutes." Said Duncan while twirling the knife in his hand.
"WOW! That's very fast," said Zoey, raising both eyebrows. "And will it look good?"
The delinquent shrugged. "Not a masterpiece but good enough."
"If Zoey and Brick don't have anything better, we will have to go with that," said the Queen Bee, turning to look at them. "Ok, you two, what's your deal?"
Brick looked to the ground with a sad expression. "I'm good at tailoring, but I don't think I can show it on a talent show. I also can dislocate my arm, and-"
"Enough! Stop wasting my time. Zoey? Please tell me you have some kind of talent," said Heather, looking at the redhead with (fake) pleading eyes.
Zoey began to rub her arm. "I'll not call it a talent, but maybe I can perform an act with Brick. You know I'm good at archery."
"What did you say?" said Duncan looking at her with wide eyes, "You mean shooting arrows? Like some kind of discount Robin Hood."
The redhead chuckled. "Yes, more like a younger and prettier Robin hood."
"So you'll be shooting arrows at Brick," Heather said, playing a moment with her braid. "Great, let's go with that."
"Yes, ma'am, and don't worry about me. I trust completely on Zoey," said Brick, who then gulped while lowering his eyebrows worried.
"Well, then let's go and start rehearsing," said Heather clapping. "We have less than 5 hours until the show, and the others are already practicing, so get moving."
Confessional: Brick
"Well maybe I'm not so sure about helping Zoey with her act. I only hope we can find some way to do this without, you know." The cadet gulped again. "Shooting apples on my head or something. Was it Robin Hood, the one that shoots the apples on his child's head?"
Back with the ferrets, the 7 contestants that will participate in the challenge were practicing. Meanwhile, Dramaman wanted to help them with their preparation, and after some hesitation, he decided to start with Sky.
The wrestler looked at her. She was sitting on the floor stretching, a warm-up before starting her practice. She was still frowning, not too happy to show her skills in a talent show.
Dramaman waved at her. "Hello, Sky. Do you need help?"
"No," replied the gymnast, in a cold tone.
"Are you sure? I don't know about gymnastics but can help you with your warm-up." Said the wrestler, tilting his head.
The Cree girl looked daggers at him. "I can't train with someone that doesn't trust me."
"Are you still angry because I asked you to give up the past challenge? Seriously?" said Dramaman in his deep voice.
"Of course! I told you I could do it, and I did it. If I had heard you, we would have lost," said Sky in a louder voice, standing up.
The wrestler sighed. "We won because the opponents' bridge collapsed."
"See! There is again. You didn't believe I could win," she turned away from him, fuming.
"It's not a question of believing. It was a question of your own health. Why are you so stubborn in showing you could win?" said the masked man, in an alarmed tone.
The cree girl sat on the floor again, stretching. "I'm not stubborn. You only say that because you're just annoyed that I won in the end."
"Think what you want. If that is gonna be your attitude, just forget it," said Dramaman, going away.
Sky looked at him, going away. She couldn't believe his nerve, especially as a fellow sportsman. After a moment, she resumed her warm-up, trying to forget what happened right now.
Not wanting to bother Sammy (she had enough having to practice with her older sister), Dramaman decided to watch Shawn. The conspiranoic was in a white tank top, practicing many melodies.
The masked man sat there. He wasn't sure if this was disgusting or awesome, maybe a bit of both. He kept there hearing the act, but after a few melodies, Shawn stopped playing (well, if that could be called playing).
"I'm losing potency," said Shawn trying to make some sound with his armpit.
"What? Excuse me, I don't understand what you are saying," said Dramaman covering his mask with his hand as if he was dizzy.
The zombie expert looked at him, raising both eyebrows. "It's pretty easy. My armpit is not sounding as good as before. I'm afraid that maybe it's not a good idea rehearsing with it."
"But you will be ok for the performance, right?" said the masked man. He hated his act but it's not as if they had anything better.
Shawn folded his arms, putting a thoughtful expression, and shrugged. "Maybe. You know it's not as if I play music with my armpit all the time, only now and then. There are many things I don't know about this. "
Dramaman shook his head. "If you can't play, we're in big trouble."
The conspiranoic was still looking at the space with the same thoughtful expression, then his face beamed. "I have an idea! But I will need your help. It will be a joint performance."
If looks could kill, Shawn would be dead at that moment. Fortunately, he couldn't see the eyes of Dramaman behind his mask.
Confessional: Dramaman
"Well, we have a talent challenge, and I can't show my talents. Sky hates me, Sammy is busy with her sister, and now Shawn wants me to perform with him in the show." The masked man sighed, putting his forehead against his fist. "Fine, I already embarrassed myself on international TV by using this outfit. How bad can perform with Shawn and his armpit musical be? Please don't answer." Dramaman added, covering the lens of the camera with his hand.
Meanwhile, on the foxes' side, the auditions were going smoothly, except for Courtney and Cody. The former Drama Brother and the former C.I.T. were trying to perform together, but for some reason, she couldn't play any song.
"Do you want to take a rest?" asked Cody, looking at how tired Courtney looked.
"There is no need. Let's try again. Do you know how to perform Dvorak's Sonatina?" said the Latin girl, looking at his companion.
Cody cracked his knuckles. "Of course, but just wait a moment while I go for a glass of water. You may not want a rest, but I really need it." He then stood and went away.
"And you, how long will you keep snooping? If you want to hear, you can sit on the grass over there," said Courtney in a cold and harsh tone, not hiding her frustration.
From the shadow of a tree came Duncan, smirking as usual. "You've impressed me! How did you know I was there?"
She looked at him with half-closed eyes. "Your green hair is not exactly discreet you know?" she said and then smirked. "And what do you want? Don't you also have some kind of performance to practice?"
The delinquent shook his head. "No, I'm ready for the show. And you? Did you already decide on what to perform?"
Courtney glared at him. He always had a way to get on her nerves. "We are working on that right now. So go away and bother someone else. Maybe you don't care about the challenge, but I do."
"Then why are you not doing your best?" asked Duncan, his blue eyes fixed on Courtney's eyes.
"I AM DOING MY BEST. Are you deaf?" She shouted, stomping her foot on the ground.
Duncan narrowed his eyes, his smirk disappearing from his face. "C'mon Courtney, I've heard you play a lot. And this is not your best."
"That was years ago. Don't dare to say that you know me, Duncan," she sentenced, glaring at him.
The delinquent raised his hands defensively and walked back. "Courtney, relax. I'm just saying that you used to perform differently, with a pompous attitude and a smug smile. Now you seem like you're forcing yourself to play."
"I'M NOT FORCING MYSELF. IT'S YOU WHO ARE FORCING ME," Courtney shouted, putting her hands around on her head. "You and the rest of the team. Nobody asked me if I wanted to perform. You just decided that I should perform." She then sat on the grass, with her head leaning on her knees.
"Then don't play," Duncan added, sitting in the grass near her.
She blinked a couple of times, raising an eyebrow. "Are you out of your mind? I have to perform. We don't have any other acts. Everybody is expecting me to play."
"I'm not." He answered nonchalantly. "I'm just expecting you to enjoy yourself. You used to love the violin. If you don't like it anymore don't play it."
She chuckled, turning her face to him while still leaning on her knees. "I don't know. I didn't want to study the violin. I'm not sure if I like it or if it's just that I was raised to like it."
Now Duncan was the one blinking. "Is there a difference?"
"Ugh! That's why I hate talking with you." She said, hiding her face again on her knees. "It's completely different. Like a lot of decisions in my life, they were not my own, they were made for me, and they convinced me that I was deciding myself."
The delinquent just sighed. Courtney was carrying some heavy stuff right now, and he wasn't sure if he could help her. But he wanted to.
"Then why don't you sing instead of playing." Said Duncan, smirking. "You loved to sing, and you learned by going to the chorus alone, after your violin lessons."
"Are you crazy? I can't-" Courtney tried to find the words to rebuke him, but for once, he was right. "But even if I sing instead of playing, there is no time to prepare a song in so little time."
Duncan stood up and looked at her. "What are you talking about? This is a talent show. You just sing one of those 80's songs you loved to perform in the karaoke. I'm sure that pipsqueak knows how to play some."
The Latin girl was astonished. In a moment, her stress disappeared. He was right. She didn't have to play if she didn't want to. It was a simple answer, it was her decision.
She took a deep breath and looked at him, walking away. "Duncan," he turned a moment to hear her better, "Thanks."
"Anytime, Princess." Duncan raised his hand as he went away. He needed to prepare some things for his own act.
Confessional: Cody
Cody is standing in the Confessional with a bottle of water in his hand. His eyes were wide with surprise. "I heard Duncan and Courtney talking, and if I didn't know better, I would think he's trying to fix things with her. But knowing him, he may want to make her lower her guard and then eliminate her. I'll keep an eye on him to protect her. I mean, we were on bad terms, but now she's like friendish with me," he then took a sip of his bottle.
While the foxes began to pull together their acts, on the ferrets' side, they were already rehearsing. Lilly was sitting watching the sisters' practice, which was more intense than she expected.
"Samey, it was three spins, and you have to raise your leg more. Like this," The older twin began to spin graciously with her leg almost as high as her hip.
The younger sister glared at Amy. "It would be easier if you didn't change the routine every time I learned it."
Then Sammy made the side step, 2 spins with the leg bent, and 3 spins with the leg as high as her sister.
"Wrong, you have to keep smiling all the time. Weren't you watching?" Amy frowned for a moment, then took a stance and smiled. "This time, pay attention."
The older sister repeated the routine, this time ending with a backflip. Sammy shook her head as her sister just made the routine a lot harder again.
"I am surprised. In school, you usually are lazing during practice, but this time you are very enthusiastic." Said Samey, even if she didn't like her sister, looking at her doing her best like that warmed her heart.
The older twin rolled her eyes. "I didn't need to give my all because I was always great. So be grateful I'm doing this so we can win this stupid challenge."
"You would be better if you practiced earnestly. Why do you always have to be like that?" said Sammy, her shoulders sinking in disappointment.
"It's because struggling is useless. In the end, nobody cares if you struggle or not once you are good." The older twin said while grabbing her pom-poms for the next routine.
Sammy raised an eyebrow, not believing her sister's words. "That's not true. Everyone always supports me when I practice and improve. Struggling only makes the goal more enjoyable."
"That's because you had no talent, so you could improve. Everybody loves an underdog's story," said Amy, looking down on her sister.
"That's not true! I'm as talented as you," replied the younger twin, tired of her sister's insults.
"Prove it," without saying another word, Amy began the routine. This time, she put the more complex movements she could do.
Lilly watched, amazed how every time Amy increased the difficulty, and then again, Sammy could perform it as well as her sister. There was no doubt both have been practicing cheerleading for years. If she tried some of her movements, she would probably hurt herself.
Then she heard a small beeping. She walked away from the twins and picked up the strange and small tool made by Max.
"Yes?" answered the redhead in a shy voice.
"You are late? How dare you keep me waiting." Lilly winced at the loud voice of Max, scolding her.
Lilly pressed her lips together, trying to not cry. "I'm so sorry, but I was with some friends. And you said no one could know-"
"SILENCE!" she was interrupted by the loud shout. "I'm not interested in your pitiful excuses. I need you to do something for me. It's related to that traitor Charlotte."
"I already tried to get her voted out, but it's not possible." Said the treehugger, who didn't like the idea of eliminating someone like that.
Lilly looked with sad eyes at the tool, her voice cracking. "Can't we just forget about it? She may end up eliminated regardless of what we do."
"NO! This is the most important moment! We have to make sure she doesn't interfere, and for that, I need you to follow her." said Max in a harsh tone.
"Bu-but I can't," stuttered Lilly, trying to reason with him. "I'm helping with the challenge. If not, they could eliminate me."
There was a small silence, then he talked again. "You're right, go back to your team. But after the challenge, I need you to do as you are told."
Lilly nodded, even if it was useless because he can't see her, and then returned with the twins. She wondered how she got involved with him in the first place.
Confessional: Lilly
"What can I do? I don't want to do that, but Max will get angry if I ignore him and will shout at me again. And I hate when people shout. What should I do?" said the redhead, putting her hands over her head.
One hour before the challenge, all the contestants were practicing hard. On the foxes' side, the atmosphere was heavy.
"No, No, No, no seas bruta. Estás poniendo atención a lo que hago[1]?" Said Alejandro, while Beth failed to catch the baton for Nth time.
The girl with glasses rubbed her neck and smiled sheepishly at him. "Sorry, Alejandro, I missed again. I just don't get how you do it."
Sitting nearby was Heather, smirking and enjoying the young man's suffering.
"It's easy just pay attention. You twirl the baton, elbow close to your side. And launch it, just let it go high into the air, so it goes directly over your head." Said Alejandro tossing the baton high into the air.
As the baton came down, he easily caught it. "Don't try to reach it, wait for it to come down, your palm upwards and it's done. See, I will do it again. Just wait with your arm a little under your belly." Explained the Spaniard.
"Hahaha, maybe you should do the tossing act instead of her, Al. You are doing it great," shouted Heather, smirking.
Beth scowled at her. "Shouldn't you be practicing your ballet instead of being here spitting your venom? Or maybe watching Zoey's practicing archery there." Near them, the Indie girl was practicing for her and Brick's act, bow in hand.
"It's more amusing being here looking at you failing miserably again and again," replied Heather, with a big smile on her face.
"Just wait," Said Beth, twirling a normal baton quickly and with great skill, but when she tried to throw it into the air, the baton instead went at high speed right off her hand.
"CUIDADO!" shouted Alejandro as the baton went flying directly against Zoey, hitting her in the butt.
"OUCH!" Zoey didn't expect the treacherous baton, and she released an arrow that went flying directly toward Heather.
In a fraction of second, the arrow hit the wall so close to Heather's face that she fell backward from the shock.
Alejandro, Beth, and Zoey dashed toward her.
"Are you ok? Did it hit you?" said Alejandro in a distressed tone.
Heather was white as a sheet, she nodded while gulping. "Yes, yes, I'm ok. It was close but not enough."
"Thank goodness! I'm so sorry, Heather," said Zoey, sighing relieved.
"Yes, it was my fault," said Beth looking at the ground. "I'm sorry, I must be more careful."
After a moment, Heather recovered from the shock and scowled at them. "You are lucky I'm ok, or you would regret it the rest of your insignificant life, Beth." She then stood up and went away. Staggering a little while walking.
"I'll go with her, wait a moment," said Alejandro, running behind her.
Beth looked at him, confused, but somehow she understood his actions. He wanted to confirm she was ok. If she was not Heather, Beth would also be running behind her.
"Also sorry, Zoey, I didn't want to hit you," said the brunette girl, with her hands behind her back and looking at the ground.
Zoey smiled at her. "Don't worry, Beth, I know it was not on purpose." Then she rubbed her butt. "But Ouch, it really hurt. I wish Mike was here."
There was an awkward silence, and the indie girl noticed that Beth was looking at her with wide eyes, blushing.
"I don't know what you are thinking, but it's not like that!" said Zoey blushing. "I wish he was here because he always saves me, he would have taken me out of the baton's path."
"Yeah, of course," said Beth, nodding and giving a flirty smile.
"It's true," said Zoey out of frustration, stomping her foot in the ground.
"HEY ZOEY!" shouted Brick, from a distance. "What's happening? Did you shoot the arrow already? Can I take the blindfold off?"
The redhead covered her mouth. "Oh no! I forgot about Brick" she then rushed toward him, shouting. "Yes, Brick, take it off."
Beth shook her head. "Zoey has to get her act together. She gets distracted too easily. Now, what was I doing?" It would be some time before Beth realized that she needed to continue practicing her baton catch.
At the same time, Alejandro caught up with Heather, the Queen Bee, still a little dizzy after the shock.
"Heather, are you really ok? Don't you want to go to the infirmary?" said Alejandro with a worried expression.
"Don't talk to me. And stop worrying, I was scared, but it didn't touch me." Said Heather, who seemed calmer. "Now, go back to your new girlfriend, Beth."
Alejandro nodded. "I will, but I don't think we can win this challenge, not like this."
Heather scowled at him. "What are you saying? We cannot lose another challenge."
"Don't worry chica, I have a plan." Said the Spaniard smiling. "But tell me, did you bring your short red dress?"
Confessional: Zoey
The redhead is frowning at the camera. "I just want to clear any misunderstanding that Beth could cause about Mike and my butt. Mike has always been a gentleman and has helped me and my butt on many occasions. So there is no weird or hidden meaning when I wish he was here. Thanks for your understanding." Zoey bowed at the camera.
And some minutes after that incident, it was the time for the challenge. The 17 contestants arrive at the scene, sitting each on the stands of their team. On them, there were some interns in order to help to keep the feeling of a bigger audience.
On the stage, Chris was standing dressed in his blue suit, behind a podium with the letters ToM on it.
"Welcome once again to the 7th edition of the traditional Total Drama Talent show. I am Chris McLean, your handsome and loved host and judge. In this edition, we have 10 awesome acts that will thrill you, surprise you, or make you laugh. Or maybe the 3 at the same time, anything is possible with these guys." Said Chris wiggling his eyebrows.
On the stands, the campers were not amused.
"Have there been 7 talent shows? I don't think we had this challenge on our season," asked a confused Zoey to Courtney.
"I have no idea. Only a freak like Sierra would know that piece of trivia," replied Courtney, shrugging.
On the other stand, Topher looked at Sammy."It's a lie. On the complete series, there are only 2 talent show challenges. this should be the 3rd edition, not the 7th."
The twin giggled. "You are really a fan, don't you? And pretty smart to memorize all that information."
"It's not that impressive," said Topher blushing, while playing with his hair.
"AHEM" Chris cleared his throat loudly to silence the whispers in the crowd. "The format of the contest is simple. The participants will come into this stage and show us their best performance. Chef Hatchet, the supercomputer DAM, and I will judge it and add out three evaluations each round. The team with the highest score at the end wins."
"Now, our first star is a favorite of the fans, or maybe not so favorite because he was demoted from his team." Said Chris chuckling. "Give a big hand to our 5th season runner-up, Simple and boring Mike."
The ferrets and Zoey clapped enthusiastically as Mike went into the scene, waving at both sides.
Mike walked onto the stage with trembling hands, he had practiced a lot but never been on a stage, but as soon as he saw Zoey, his fears vanished.
"Hello, My name is Mike. But maybe you already know that. I come here to talk about summer camps."
Mike started with his monologue as before, but as he was warming the public, he also became more relaxed and confident.
"And of course, you had the chick, the island, and the other 11 interlopers that get in your way every time you want to be alone with her," Mike said, waggling his eyebrows.
"And then BOOM! You felt like an explosion in your heart when you see her until you noticed you felt a REAL explosion, and your boat is sinking. Not the best way to start a relationship, or a season, if you know what I mean." said Mike winking, many people in the audience laughed, and especially Zoey was cracking up.
"Back in my years, boats were built to endure more than one or two flashy explosions. Now they sink if you step too hard on them." Added Mike closing an eye and making his voice like an old man.
The thin man then looked with wide eyes at his side, as if he was looking at a ghost. "And then you are in the water, with many people drowning, and stuff. So your first instinct is to help the others. So I saw this girl drowning, and I said to myself, `Not on my watch' and swam to save her." he then began mimicking swimming, giving exaggerated strokes in the air.
"Then, when I reached the girl, the redhead of the boat also was swimming to help her. What a coincidence! So you put on your best face." Mike then put his hair slicked back and smirk. "And tell her, 'No, you first.'
"But she's not only beautiful, but she's also polite and replies, 'No, please go ahead, I insist.' So you keep watching at her like" Mike then put a goofy face again, blushing and chuckling. "She can't be real, but you are happy anyway."
Mike continued with the story for 2 more minutes. "And that's only the beginning, but if you think summer camps are bad. Don't let me start with highschool travels. Those are worse."
The audience was still laughing while Chris clapped slowly. "Not bad, not bad. Judges, are you ready?"
Chris gives the act an 8, Chef a 6, and DAM a 9.
"I like it, but you didn't talk enough about the summer camp handsome organizers," said Chris, smiling mockingly.
"And also the food isn't as bad as you said, little worm. Think of the feelings of the one cooking damn it," Shouted Chef, hitting the table with his fist, with tears on his eyes.
"Hehehe, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings when I said it was an unpalatable mix of pancake batter and paint," said Mike rubbing his arm.
"Ok, thanks, everyone. With this Mike gets 23 points for his team. Can the foxes do better?" Let's see, the next performer is the Total Drama second season winner, Duncan. Let's hope is nothing illegal." Said Chris clapping.
"Is Duncan's trick a good one?" asked Zoey to Courtney, clapping excitedly.
Courtney shrugged. "I don't have any idea."
"Well, let's hope it is," said Heather, who was sitting in front of them, frowning. "If not, we will have a candidate for elimination."
Courtney sighed. She lied to Zoey, she really had an idea about Duncan's trick, but if it really was carving wood, there was no way he could receive good punctuation.
The delinquent walked slowly to the stage, smirking. The 8th challenge had started. And he needed to get closer to Mike's 23 points if the foxes wanted a chance to win this contest. But he had a trick or two under his sleeve.
Author Notes:
[1] From spanish: No, No, No, no seas bruta. Estás poniendo atención a lo que hago = No, no, no, don't be careless. Are you paying attention to me?
Brute is really more like rough, but in the context, careless is more appropriate.
CUIDADO = Watch Out
The challenge has begun, and the teams are already performing. The ferrets are ahead. Can Duncan make surpass Mike's performance? And who will win at the end, foxes or ferrets? Find out in the next chapter.
The chapter is on. I hope you enjoy the talents and the performers. There will be some surprises, but I hope you will enjoy them. There were other ideas for the performances, but this seemed like the more natural for them. And yes, passing Super Mario Bros 1 in less than 5 minutes is an awesome skill, sadly Charlotte can't use it.
Immunity idols left: 3
D.A.M. Eliminations left: 5
Favorite Foxes: Alejandro, Beth, Brick, Cody, Courtney, Duncan, Heather, Zoey.
Fan Ferrets: Amy, Charlotte, Dramaman, Lilly, Mike, Sammy, Shawn, Sky, Topher
Eliminated: Cameron, Jasmine, Max, Lindsay, Dawn, Jay, Lightning
As always, thanks for reading, and I hope you like it.