DISCLAIMER:
Hello and welcome to episode 33. The challenge is on, and even if the foxes are losing, there is still a chance for a comeback. Can the foxes do it? Or will they be the team sending someone home tonight? And what secrets will reveal the last 6 questions? Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses.
And remember to leave a review, anything you like about the story or the chapter you enjoyed. It doesn't need to be a deep analysis, with a few words is enough. Or if you are too shy, at least mark the story as a favorite, so I can know what you like about the story. Now before whet started, let me answer the past week's reviews.
Harmony735: I'm really happy you enjoy it. I also have fun with many parts of the story.
Guest: Totally True. Answering Cody would also be a correct answer for that question :D.
WhatTheHeck23: I'm glad you are catching up little by little about chapter 13, yes Lightning was a little rash, but it wasn't only his fault ;).
Aleheather4ever: Yes? Well maybe she was worried about him. After all, they lived together 1 full year ;). I wonder if Brick and Sammy can succeed.
And as always, a REALLY BIG shoutout and THANKS to Geofics, which always helps me proofread the episodes. I'll say it again. Thanks a lot.
Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV, its creators, and associates companies. I don't own anything from the properties used in this fic.
The Best from Brains and Brawns Part 3
The 10th challenge is at its climax. A challenge of knowledge and physical prowess, where the contestants had to reveal their intimate secrets and beat extremely dangerous physical challenges to gain that sweet immunity.
Currently 14 of the 20 questions have already been asked, and the ferrets are winning against the foxes 35-20. But right now, Mike and Duncan will have to confront each other in the Chrisdome for 15 points. And then, we still have 6 more questions to ask. Who will win and who will have to eliminate a teammate? Find next here in Total Drama Tyranny of the masses.
In the Chrisdome's arena, Mike and Duncan were facing each other. The delinquent was shorter than the guy with spiky hair. But Mike knew that the height advantage didn't really mean anything in a fistfight.
"Nothing personal toothpick. But anyway, Good luck," said Duncan stretching.
"Same," replied Mike sheepishly. He didn't expect Duncan to insult him or wish him good luck, and much less both at the same time. So he didn't know what to reply.
But instead of a boxing ring, there was a big circular metal cage. In the middle of it was a big moose with bells attached to its antlers.
"Duncan and Mike, your challenge is not a direct battle. You have to enter the annihilation ring and take 2 bells from Mad Mousse, our local angry moose[1]. Of course, it's dangerous, so if you want to back off, do it now, but you will lose the points earned on the question," said Chris showing an impish smile.
Duncan clicked his tongue and began to walk toward the cage. "I hoped to fight against you, but it seems we will have to deal with a heavier contender."
"I'll also do the challenge," said Mike walking to the cage. The thin man smiled. At least he doesn't have to fight Duncan directly.
Inside the cage, the large moose with 3 bells attached to its antlers walked around slowly. It seemed to be looking for an exit. Once inside the cage, the campers had no place to protect themselves from the moose, so they will have to act quickly. Each contestant was in front of a door at opposite sides of the cage.
"When you're ready, enter the cage. The challenge starts NOW," shouted Chris, immediately Mike and Duncan entered the enclosure.
The moose pinned his ears back as soon as both men entered, looking at them cautiously. Duncan watched at the animal and then at Mike while sneaking around the moose's blindspot.
Mike stood still gazing at the delinquent. Duncan was getting closer to the big animal, and it didn't seem to notice him. If Mike didn't act he would lose. So the thin man licked his lips and glared at the moose.
"Sorry, friend, but I will get the gold and the bells at the same time," whispered Mike to psych himself up.
Suddenly Mike made some cartwheels toward the moose and, in an instant, took a bell from his antlers. But Mad Mousse got angry, and before Mike could take the second, he tried to kick and trample him.
The guy with spiky hair graciously avoided the attacks with a black flip and a jump, just before the angry moose charged against him. But just as the animal was attacking, Mike noticed Duncan approaching it with great speed from its blindside and picked a bell, going back as soon as he had it.
The animal crashed against the cage and quickly turned to look for Mike, while the delinquent kept surrounding it, avoiding its eyes. Mike had become the bait on this challenge without realizing it, and right now, it was too late to go back.
But the moose will not give rest to Zoey's boyfriend, and with surprising speed charged against him. The thin guy has half a second to make a decision, play safe, or take the risk. And he decided to take the risk.
Instead of backflipping again, Mike jumped toward the moose and, with awesome reflexes, put a hand on the moose's head and jumped over it. Not only avoiding the charge but also taking the bell just moments before Duncan could do it.
The animal hit the cage again as both Duncan and Mike ran out, while Chris shouted excitedly.
"And both are unscathed, I can't believe it. The ferrets win now with a score of 50-20. The situation seems grim to the foxes," said Chris in a joyful voice.
Duncan kicked the wall with frustration and then snarled at the former multiple Mike. "Are you crazy? If you failed that stunt, you would be crushed by that ugly cow."
"But, if I didn't take the risk, you would have won the challenge," said Mike looking fiercely at Duncan's eyes.
The delinquent tilted his head and smirked. "Yes, that's true. You have more guts than I thought toothpick. But don't make Red cry with those stunts," said Duncan before walking back to his platform.
Confessional: Mike
Mike was rubbing his arm, looking at the camera while lowering his eyebrows. "I know what I did was risky, but I was sure it would be fine. I mean, it was a split-second decision, but I knew that I could do that jump. It's hard to explain, but I was just sure I could do it."
"There are no more ferrets, so for the next question, the fortunate person who will repeat as a contestant is Sky. Please come to the front again," said Chris looking at the gymnast.
Sky hit her fists together and walked to the side of the platform. This time, she must answer correctly. "All good numbers are already taken, so I chose 8."
"Eight it is, so for the next question. Which contestant started their own business with money scammed from one of their older brothers," asked Chris, enjoying every aspect of this question.
What? Why? First, the anxiolights[2] question, and now this? How was she supposed to know which contestant scammed a relative? And especially, isn't it illegal to say that on TV without evidence? Anyway, for her, it was still a problem.
So again, Sky tried to define the answer via elimination. Brick said he was an only child, and Sammy doesn't have older brothers. That leaves Heather, Alejandro, Duncan, Courtney, Zoey, and Cody. Zoey was too kind to do that, and Courtney had the type of an only child, right? Damn it, at that moment, she was just guessing.
"Heather," replied Sky, a moment after the wrong buzz sounded.
The gymnast began to stomp her foot against the platform, angrily, "No, no, not again."
"Yes, yes, yes. The correct answer was Alejandro. Haha, man, did you really scam your own brother? That's truly low," said Chris showing a big grin.
Alejandro shook his head and shrugged. "It was in self-defense, just don't try to outsmart your brilliant younger brother, and his beau-" then the Spaniard kept quiet for a moment, "Nevermind."
"That was strange," said Chris, narrowing his eyes, but then decided to not pursue the matter. "Now is the turn of our dear L.I.T. Lawyer in training Courtney. Please come to the border of the platform and choose a number," said Chris, waggling his eyebrows.
Courtney stood up and walked swiftly to the border. She needed to answer this question no matter what. "I chose panel number 4. Why did nobody pick the number four after 16 rounds?"
"I don't have any idea. Now for question number 4, which ferret sent over 50 audition tapes to the show, only to have a chance to meet their favorite TD contestant?" asked Chris while looking at her.
The Latin girl smiled. At least it was an easy question. From the 7 remaining ferrets, Mike didn't mention being so obsessive of Trent when they talk. Amy, Shawn, and Sky didn't seem to know about the show. That left Dramaman, Lilly, and Topher. Topher was obsessed with Chris, who isn't a contestant. That left Lilly and Dramaman.
Dramaman was more obvious, but would Chris really turn down a freak like him? It wasn't more logical than the alternative? And logic thinking was always Courtney's ally.
"The answer is Lilly," said Courtney smiling smugly, luckily the bell sound confirmed she was right.
Chris clapped. "That is the right answer. And honestly, if she hadn't sent that number of auditions videos, we wouldn't pick her. I mean, she went under our radar until DAM showed us a list of the fans and their audition tapes."
Lilly just looked at the ground red as a tomato, saying something in a low and unintelligible mumble.
"That's true, Lilly. Now Courtney, please choose-" Chris then looked at the former C.I.T that was going down into the Chrisdome. "Well, it seems you already choose to bet your points."
"We need all the points just to tie the score, so stop narrating the obvious and tell me what my challenge is," said Courtney stretching while glaring at the host.
Chris rolled his eyes. "You really have to learn to enjoy the moment. Anyway, we have prepared for you a dam hard challenge, Venatio II."
While Chris spoke, from the floor appeared a boxing ring, identical to that in which Zoey fought against the bear.
"The challenge is easy, using a pugil stick, you have to survive inside the dam ring for 3 minutes. If you go out of the ring, surrender, or fall unconscious, you lose the challenge and the points you earned from the question," said Chris, raising his arms and speaking in a grandiloquent way.
Courtney tied her hair in a ponytail and took the red colored pugil stick before jumping into the ring. There she put the stick resting against her shoulder.
"Ready? The 3 minutes start NOW!" shouted Chris, as three cages here put around the ring.
From the cages, beavers began to jump into the ring. The critters seemed angry. In a moment, at least 7 big male beavers were surrounding Courtney. The former C.I.T looked at them with curiosity.
"I hope production will take responsibility for this, Chris," said Courtney, taking the pugil stick with both hands.
"You signed a contract where you exempt the production of any liability caused during the challenges, remember?" replied Chris with a mocking smile.
Courtney frowned, gripping the stick tightly, "I wasn't talking about me."
Then the first beaver jumped over her, but the Latin girl hit him with the pugil stick and slammed it against another beaver knocking both out of the ring.
The beavers began to hit the mat with their tails angrily and jumped over her, but Courtney just continued smashing and slamming them violently against the mat or the walls of the Chrisdome without hesitation. After 1 minute, the remaining rodents didn't dare to come close to her.
"Are you crazy? Those are living animals! You can't treat them like that," shouted Chris with wide eyes.
"Pardon me? You're the one that put the beavers against me! I'm just acting in self-defense," replied Courtney, pointing at him with the stick. Somehow she had become the evil guy here.
"It's over, you win, the poor beavers are too scared to fight," said Chris in a fake sad tone. "The foxes win, now please go back to your team."
Courtney jumped from the ring, throwing the pugil stick aside. She won, but, for some reason, wasn't happy about it.
Confessional: Lilly
Lilly was sobbing on the confessional. "I can't believe she could hit the poor little ones like that. They were just trying to defend themselves. Some people on this show are real monsters."
"Well, the score is 50-30, and right now, all the contestants already had a chance at the tile board to answer a question. So from now on, it's BONUS TIME." Said Chris in an excited tone. "All rewards are doubled, so any question is worth 10 points, and you can bet them for 20."
There was a pre-recorded gasping all around the arena while all the contestants were shocked by the news.
"THAT'S NOT FAIR!" shouted Sky, glaring at the host.
"Sorry, the rules are decided from the beginning of the challenge. So now the ferrets' score doesn't seem so big. Let's continue." Said Chris, ignoring the ferrets' protests and curses. "Now for the ferrets. It's the turn again of the hero of the children, my favorite contestant, Dramaman! Please step forward and choose a tile."
The wrestler stood up and walked to the border of the stage. Why does he have to have two turns? "I chose tile number 6."
"That's why we love you, Dramaman. Show that confidence. Question number 6, which two foxes were exchanging letters while one of them was in prison?" said Chris, a sadistic smirk appearing on his face.
Dramaman was grateful to be using a mask because that way, nobody noticed his jaw-dropping. He at least knew that Duncan had been in jail. Anyone that watched the franchise or worked for the production knew that. But with whom he exchanged letters? From the other remaining foxes, there was only one that made sense.
"The answer is Duncan and Courtney," said Dramaman, but the wrong buzz quickly announced it was the wrong answer.
Chris looked at him with wide eyes. "NO! the correct answer is Duncan and Zoey. Dramaman, you're supposed to be a super fan! You can't fail like that," said Chris shooking his head, then he turned to Mike, "And Mike, how do you feel to find out Zoey was writing to Duncan behind your back?"
Mike rubbed his arm, smiling sheepishly. "ehm, it wasn't behind my back. Actually, we talked about it every time she wrote or received a letter."
"What? You knew?" said Chris, his smile disappearing from his face, "then why didn't you write any letters?"
"Duncan and I weren't that close, and I think it would be awkward, but I always told Zoey to tell him that I wished him the best," replied Mike nodding.
Duncan rolled his eyes while Zoey nodded just like her boyfriend. "That's true, Mike always sent his best regards, and of course he knew about the letters. We never kept secrets from each other," said Zoey, but actually, she was still shocked about Mike not telling her that he lived in a shelter home.
"Boring!" said Chris rolling his eyes. "And as a side note Courtney NEVER wrote or visited him while in prison. Anyway, now for the foxes Duncan's turn again. C'mon, hit the iron while it's still hot."
The delinquent stood up to the corner of the platform, sighing. "I choose number 17."
"I hoped to hear more enthusiasm, anyway, for the question. Number 17, which ferret was the founder of the Chris Mclean young fans, and possesses Chris McLean's merchandise valued in more than 200,000 dollars." Said Chris smiling proudly.
Duncan rolled his eyes. How was he supposed to know that? But looking at the ferrets, not many gave the feeling of being fans of the series. The twin, toothpick, the stoner, the small girl were out of the question, so it was the pretty boy, the wrestler, or the crybaby. But looking at them, it was obvious who was the correct answer.
"Do you know the answer? You have 12 seconds left to answer," said Chris, impatient as the delinquent took his time.
After waiting 8 or 9 seconds, Duncan replied, "it's that one, the dirty blond pretty boy."
The bell sounded. The delinquent was grateful for the pretty boy's bothered expression after hearing the question, which let him guess the answer.
"Then Duncan, you want to bet your points or keep them? Remember that now is a Bonus round, and every point is worth double." Said Chris leaning forward to look better at the guy with the green mohawk.
"Stop barking when the answer is obvious," said Duncan going down into the Chrisdome. That was again configured to look like a boxing ring.
"You don't need to be a jerk. Ok, just for you, we have quite a special challenge, the Venatio III. Please put on your boxing gloves," said Chris enjoying the spectacle as the audience pre-recorded cheering filled the arena.
"I just hope isn't that savage one-eyed ferret," said Duncan. That was one animal he hoped never to have to meet again.
Chris chuckled. "Sorry, but no, that would be fun, but for this occasion, we have prepared a better encounter. To win, you have to beat or defeat your opponent in 3 minutes or less. Ready? Your 3 minutes start NOW!"
The delinquent looked around the ring in the middle, sitting on a cushion, was a big blue bird with three eyes. Duncan raised the extreme of the unibrow that wasn't hurt, "Really?"
"Yes, that is your opponent," said Chris chuckling.
The foxes were cheering for him, but Courtney, Zoey, and Alejandro watched the scene with a worried expression and wide eyes. This wasn't looking good.
Duncan walked to the bird, picked it up, and carefully put it out of the ring.
"Ready, ring out, something else?" said Duncan shaking his gloves.
Chris glared at him. "What? No! you have to either knock it down or lose the challenge."
"How? My opponent is outside the ring. I can't hit it there. And I don't think it will come back," said Duncan leaning on the ropes and smirking at Chris.
And just as the delinquent said those words, the bird looked around and didn't seem that it would move from its cushion, much less come back into the ring.
"Intern, please put back the bird into the ring," said Chris in an annoyed voice.
Quickly an intern went into the Chrisdome and tried to grab the bird. But as soon as he went closer to the bird, he was almost kicked in the face by Duncan.
"Sorry boy, the ring is slippery. I would recommend you to not come any closer," said the delinquent, smirking.
The intern looked at Chris and shook his head.
Chris was about to talk, but then the ring signaled the end of the three minutes. The host looked at the decision of DAM on his phone.
"Ok, the match is over, Duncan wins," said Chris in an annoyed tone, "now go back to your team, smart guy, but I will remember this."
"Yes, yes, you scare me," said Duncan shrugging and going back into the platform.
Confessional: Duncan
The delinquent was smoking a cigarette and leaning against the confessional wall. "Being honest, I still can't beat a small and helpless animal. Yes, I'm soft like that. But to win, you don't have to beat them. So sorry McLean, This time, I'm the one laughing."
"With that, the score is 50-50. We have a tie! Now for the Ferrets, the last question is for Topher. If only you had done the Chrisdome before, you might be winning," said Chris in a mocking tone.
Topher gave a high 5 to Mike and Dramaman. They knew that of the 7 ferrets, Topher was the one with better chances to know an answer. The host wannabe stood in the border of the platform, fixing his hair with his hand. "I will worry about that if we lose Chris, and I choose number 16."
Chris shrugged, "Ok, question number 16, which fox dropped out of the university and isn't studying at this time."
Topher felt a shiver down his spine. He didn't know! He was the biggest fan of the franchise (with maybe the exception of Sierra) and he didn't know.
But there was no time to panic. Even if he didn't know, maybe he could guess the answer. From the 8 foxes, Sammy was still in high school, Zoey was still trying to enter the university to study a Major in Pedagogy, and Brick was studying in the fashion school. Cody was trying to enter a college in USA, Duncan was in jail, and Heather wasn't studying. So it was either Alejandro, who was studying theatre and drama studies, or Courtney that was in the Faculty of Law.
So Alejandro or Courtney, who had more chances to leave the university? Then it hit him. It wasn't a question, it was a secret! A chance of Chris to humiliate them. It was risky, but for Topher, it was the best answer.
"The answer is Courtney," said Topher, and after a second, the bell signaled that he was correct.
"Correct, it seems our L.I.T actually isn't a lawyer in training anymore. Courtney, do you have something to add?" said Chris looking at the foxes' platform.
Heather, Cody, Zoey, and Duncan turned to look at Courtney, but her expression was cold as stone, looking with contempt at Chris.
The host felt intimidated. He expected a more explosive reaction, so he just continued with the show. "Well, Topher put the ferrets in 60 points, so now for the last question is the turn of Cody. Please come to the side of the platform."
Cody looked worried at Courtney. She wasn't angry nor sad. She just put an emotionless mask on her face, looking coldly at the space. He would need to talk with her after the show.
The brunette guy stood at the border and smiled. "I guess the number 19 is for me."
"Good choice Cody, I think 19 is a good one," said Chris, looking at the unique tile left on the screen. "Now question 19: Which ferret-"
But Chris didn't end the question. It was too personal. Even for him, it was a secret too intimate to disclose on international TV. He looked at Mike unconsciously before changing the question.
"Ehem, Which ferret is allergic to dust mites?" said Chris, trying to cover his blunder.
Cody smiled. He was also allergic to dust mites. Thanks to Sierra, he knew most of the first and second-generation allergies, and Mike wasn't allergic to anything.
So Shawn, Sky, Amy, Topher, Dramaman, and Lilly, were candidates, but Topher and Dramaman cleaned their cabin every day. And Sky and Amy were sportswomen, so that left Lilly and Shawn. It was fifty-fifty, so he has to take the chance. And between them, she seemed like her best chance.
"The answer is Lilly," said Cody, crossing his fingers.
But the sound of the wrong buzz showed that it was the wrong answer. The ferrets cheered at the sound while the foxes looked upset at the ground or at each other.
"Sorry, Cody, but the correct answer is Dramaman. I can't believe your kryptonite is the dust mites." Said Chris shaking his head. "And like this, the ferrets win 60-50. And the foxes gain a visit to the campfire tonight."
The challenge was over, but even if the ferrets had the victory, there were no true winners. Everyone was angry, upset, or worried about their secrets revealed. Nothing would be the same after this challenge.
The teams went their separate ways once the challenge was over. While they were going back to the cabins, one ferret was running across the field, trying to catch up with certain fox.
"Zoey, wait!" shouted Mike, running desperately behind her.
The redhead was walking next to Courtney. The Latin girl seemed better now after the challenge was over.
Zoey looked upset, biting his lower lip. She wasn't sure she wanted to talk with Mike right now.
"I will leave you alone. See you later, Zoey," said Courtney in a cold but polite tone.
They were on the road in the middle of the way to the cabins. The rest of the foxes had already gone, so the couple was completely alone.
The guy rubbed his arm, trying to find the words, but Zoey was quicker.
"Mike, what Chris said about the shelter home, is it true?" said Zoey, in a low voice uncharacteristic of her.
The thin guy looked at the ground and then looked at her, "Yes, it's true."
"Why didn't you tell me about it? You promised me to not keep more secrets after what happened with Mal," replied Zoey in a distressed tone.
"I'm sorry. It's just that I had already lied to you before that promise, and I just … I mean, I didn't find the moment to tell you the truth," replied Mike looking at the ground, frowning sadly.
Zoey bit her lower lip again, trying to not cry, "Well, then I think now is the moment. Why were you living in a shelter home?"
"I'm still living in a shelter home. As I didn't have anywhere to go, the old couple that takes care of the place let me stay as long as I help with the other kids," said Mike sighing.
"What? Why? Why didn't you go to live with your grandparents?" said Zoey, trying to understand what was happening.
Mike avoided looking at Zoey, rubbing his arm again, "The couple that takes care of the shelter home, they're my grandparents. Or at least I asked them to tell you they were."
"What?" Zoey blanched, her eyes wide and her mouth trembling. "Why did you do that? Why did you fool me like that?"
"I DIDN'T FOOL YOU!" shouted Mike, his voice louder and cracking, "Mr. and Mrs. Bruno may not be related to me by blood, but they're my only family."
Zoey didn't know what to say. She had never seen Mike like that, "And your real grandparents, what happened to them?"
"My paternal grandparents live in Italy, and I don't have any idea of how to contact them. And my mom's parents didn't want to take care of me." Said Mike, his face darkened by the memories.
The redhead covered her mouth, tears began to fall across her cheeks. "Mike, I'm sorry I didn't know."
"No, I'm the one that needed to apologize. After you won the million, I promised to not lie to you anymore. But I had already told you that the Brunos were my grandparents. And even if I knew it was wrong, I didn't want to tell you the truth. I'm so sorry, Zoey, I was too selfish." Said Mike falling on his knees, crying.
Zoey walked to him and embraced him. "No, Mike, don't worry. I'm sure you had your reasons. Let's just forget about it."
"That means you forgive me?" said Mike sniffing.
Zoey smiled tenderly at him. "Of course, silly. Now don't worry anymore. Go with your team. We can talk about this tomorrow."
Mike stood up and kissed her, it was a short kiss on the lips, but it was enough to comfort him after all the day's stress. "Good luck in the elimination."
"Don't worry, I'll be here tomorrow," said Zoey, smiling.
Mike went away waving and smiling, more reassured than ever before. But Zoey was different. Something was growing in her heart, something horrible. But she preferred to keep it to herself than risking losing him.
Confessional: Mike
Mike was smiling in the confessional, but his eyebrows were a little lowered, "I'm happy of clearing that issue with Zoey. I really love her, and I don't want a misunderstanding to ruin everything. But I'm still afraid to tell her the truth about many things that I lied about before the All star-season. But I will have to tell her sooner than later. I don't want to risk losing her."
Confessional: Zoey
The indie girl was leaning against the confessional, with misty eyes. "I'm a horrible person. I will not be surprised that Mike decides to leave me after discovering it."
Meanwhile, at the infirmary entrance, Duncan joined two other of his teammates to talk of that night's elimination.
"Bromigo, I'm so happy you decided to join us," said Alejandro opening his arms to hug Duncan. While Brick looked at him with a small smile.
Duncan put a hand in front of him to keep the Spaniard at a distance. "Sorry, I'm tired after running from that moose. So let's skip the hugging."
"Soldier, what you did during the challenge against the bird was commendable. I know how hard it is doing the right thing instead of the easy thing. And for that, you earned my respect," said Brick saluting and smiling.
Duncan looked at him, not sure of how to reply. So he just scratched his nose piercing embarrassed. "Yeah, Whatever."
"Well, mis amigos, I called you here tonight to talk about tonight's elimination," said Alejandro with a sad expression.
Brick frowned, sighing sadly. "It was a shame. We were so close to making a comeback."
"So? I don't think we need to talk about it. It's kind of clear for who we should be voting," said Duncan rolling his eyes.
"Are you sure? Because I think we should vote together, or we could be voted off the game. Especially you and me, Duncan," said Alejandro in a worried tone.
Brick looked at him with wide eyes, "Why? I mean, yes, Duncan failed the challenge against Mike, but he did the last one, and you answered your question correctly and did your challenge. Why would either of you be eliminated?
"Because we have enemies, Brick. Courtney hates Duncan, and Heather wants to eliminate me. Also, Cody would ally with either of them just to save himself," said Alejandro putting a hand below his chin.
"So you are proposing to vote for Cody?" asked Duncan, raising the healthy extreme of his unibrow.
"I'm glad you are as sharp as ever, my friend. After all, he is the obvious option. He failed 1 question and 1 challenge against Shawn," said Alejandro in a solemn tone. "I think it isn't only the best option for us but the fairest one."
The cadet sighed and put a hand on Alejandro's shoulder, "please don't look so down. We have to vote someone out. It's a shame, but you are right, and Cody is the fairest choice."
Duncan stood there. He couldn't believe it. Somehow Brick was comforting Alejandro because they had to vote for Cody when the whole idea of voting Cody out was of the Spaniard. The worst part is that surely the cadet will think that it was all Duncan's idea.
"Ok, let's do that," said Duncan running his hand through his mohawk, "Now if you excuse me, the last thing I need is that someone sees us and thinks we're on an alliance or something."
"That's a good plan, cadet. We should disband for now, or at least meet in a less suspicious area, like the dining hall," said Brick, smiling at Duncan.
The three men then went each one on their way. Duncan, however, felt that he fell in Alejandro's hands.
Confessional: Brick
The cadet was sitting in the confessional, smiling at the camera. "That Duncan, yesterday I thought he was a bad apple, but today he showed to be a man of courage and teamwork. Yes, I would prefer if he showed a little more empathy for Cody, but maybe he's not a lost cause after all."
While this happened near the infirmary, another person was waiting for her teammates in the back of the cabins. She was Heather, filing her nails with a cold expression on her face. But she didn't wait for too long.
"You seem very relaxed," said Cody as he walked toward the Queen Bee.
"I shouldn't?" asked Heather, blinking and facing toward Cody.
Cody shrugged and sat at one of the picnic tables near her. "You didn't tell me nor Sierra that you were living with Alejandro. Why? We're friends, aren't we?"
"You answered yourself. Because if I had told you, Sierra would have published on her blogs. And that is something I wanted to avoid," replied Heather narrowing her eyes at Cody.
"Yes, but why? I mean, it's not something so rare these days to move with your boyfriend, especially when both are over 18," said Cody, frowning at Heather. There was something that he didn't like about this.
The Queen Bee tossed her braid at him, "both our families are quite traditional. They will not let us move together, so we agreed to keep it secret."
"I understand that even then…" Cody hesitated before saying this. "I want to ask you something quite personal."
"Cody, please stop dilly-dallying. If you have something to say, just say it," replied Heather in a harsh tone.
The brunette guy sighed, but that attitude gave him the courage to ask her. "Are you really on bad terms with Alejandro?"
"Ex-cuse-me!" replied Heather in a cold tone, glaring at him.
"Yes, you know, it's strange. You said Alejandro cheated on you and that you hate him. But you were living together, and both were protecting each other, keeping that secret from even your closest friends. And during the challenges, you seem to be worried every time he was in danger. And of course, your dance during the talent show," Cody was looking at her with a serene expression. It was those poker games between them.
"Again, the talent show? You're obsessed with that," said Heather rolling her eyes once again, "yes, we were lovers at one time, but that doesn't mean I still love him or that he didn't betray me. I don't like what you are implying."
The brunette boy felt silent because what she said was true. If his suspicions were right, that meant that Heather was playing one of her best and meanest games to date.
"But even then, I'll prove you are wrong," said Heather, smirking, "and look who is joining us at last, just in time. You're late, Courtney."
From the cabin's side appeared the Latin girl, her face was expressionless, and her gaze cold.
"I'm a little tired, so let's get over with this," said Courtney, her voice as her expression didn't reflect any emotion.
The Queen Bee and the Codster knew she wasn't ok after the challenge but didn't expect it to be so bad.
"Are you ok?" asked Cody, lowering his eyebrows.
"I'm totally fine. I told you already I'm only tired, so I want to rest a little before the campfire's ceremony," she lied, but there was no reason for either Cody or Heather to know it. "So, who will we vote for tonight's elimination?"
"Alejandro," said Heather without hesitation.
"Are you sure? He's one of our best players, and probably Brick or Sammy would be a better alternative," said Courtney. She didn't like Alejandro either, but he was an asset to the team, at least better than the twin.
The brunette guy shook his head. "Even if it costs us a challenge, it's better to take care of that snake before the merge. Alejandro is probably planning something, so it's better to cut him short as soon as possible.
"Cody's right, and also we form this little alliance to take care of Alejandro and Duncan, so the sooner, the better. Don't you think?" said Heather, looking at Courtney into the eyes.
"As you wish, then Alejandro," replied the Latin girl shrugging. "If there is nothing else, I'll take my leave then. See you again at the campfire," she added, waving at them.
Both waited a moment until Courtney went away.
"She seemed down, didn't she?" said Cody looking worried at the spot where Courtney was standing.
"She didn't want us to find out she dropped out of the university. I wonder why an uptight honor student did that?" Heather said, tossing her braid, "but why do you seem concerned about her? I thought you too didn't like each other."
"Hey! We're in some kind of alliance, so I want to help her, so we don't lose a vote," he said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Not bad. I like that strategic thinking," said Heather looking at him with wide eyes and smiling.
Cody chuckled, "I'm more than a pretty face."
"Well, let's talk again at the campfire. I hope we can save your sorry ass," said Heather hugging him.
The brunette boy blushed and returned the huge. "I really hope so."
Then both went their separate ways, but Heather had some business to finish before the votation. So after the meeting, she went to the place her partner was waiting.
Confessional: Cody
The Codster was looking at the camera with a thoughtful expression. "Don't misunderstand me. I trust Heather, but there is something really fishy about all this situation. I just hope we have enough votes to take down Alejandro." He then stood silent, "but maybe we have a different alternative."
Duncan was at the entrance of the forest carving some trees. He talked with Zoey about tonight's elimination, but she was depressed about something, so he left her alone. He didn't want to push the matter, but it was probably something to do with Mike.
"Do you never get tired of carving the trees?" said someone behind his back.
The delinquent recognized the voice and turned to face his visitor, smirking. "It helps me to keep the edge. And how rare you want to talk with me. Poor me, I thought you hate me."
"I never hated you. I didn't like you, nor your arrogant attitude," said Cody, frowning. He knew that talking with Duncan would be nerve-wracking.
"And? Did you come to plead for yourself? To try to save your skin from elimination?" asked the delinquent in a snarky tone.
The Codster chuckled. "Straight to the point. Well, not exactly. I just have a proposal for you. And no, it isn't an alliance."
"Heh! Really? Then let's hear that offer, Codmeister, but I doubt you will convince me," said Duncan leaning against the tree he was carving.
"Ok, I want you to vote for Alejandro tonight," said Cody, his blue eyes reflecting in Duncan's.
The delinquent was about to talk, but Cody kept going. "Think about it, on our team, we had 4 eliminations, Dawn was without a vote. But the other 3 were fair eliminations."
"Great, you're good at stating the obvious. Yes, Linds, Sha-idiot, and Brainiac are out of the game, and? Ouch," asked Duncan, raising a side of his unibrow, wincing because he still has a wound over it.
"What I want to say is that it isn't weird that Alejandro, who has more than half of the team against him, is still in the game? And what about Heather?" asked Cody. He knew that he and Courtney were protecting Heather, but did Alejandro also have an alliance? What was the chance?
"So, in your comics filled imagination, you think that somehow Alejandro is controlling the votes? Some kind of alliance? That wouldn't be so weird in this game, and neither a great discovery," said Duncan shrugging.
"No, man, think about it. Before the game started, Cameron, Mike, Dawn, and Zoey were friends, also Beth and Lindsay. And somehow Cameron and Lindsay were eliminated, even before the team swaps," said Cody in a distressed tone. He couldn't believe Duncan was so hard-headed.
The delinquent sighed and cracked his neck. "Whatever. Let's say I believe you. How will voting for Alejandro prove anything?"
Cody explained his idea to the delinquent. It was silly, but honestly, he didn't lose anything trying.
"I'm not sure. I don't like you, but also I don't like Al, so I will think about it," said Duncan, smirking.
"What? Really? C'mon man, why are you always like that? You don't have anything to lose," said Cody, throwing his hands into the air.
Duncan resumed carving the tree. "I didn't say I will not do it. I just said that maybe I'll do it. But if I do, you will owe me one."
"You're really doing your best to be hateful," said the brunette guy glaring at him.
"I know. Now get going. We will talk later of how you will repay me," said Duncan, not lifting his eyes from the tree.
Cody nodded. This was a bet with the odds against him. But if Duncan did his part. He may be safe.
Duncan stood there some more minutes, carving some trees after Cody went away. But before he realized it, he was going late for the elimination ceremony.
He ran across the road, but on his way back, he found Courtney, leaning against a tree. She stood up as soon as she saw him. Meeting her was awkward, especially after today's challenge.
"Are you ok?" said Duncan, looking serious at her.
The Latin girl only thought how weird it was hearing him asking that. "Yes, I'm fine," she then took a handkerchief from her pants and gave it to him. "Here, I think this is yours."
"My barbell! Where did you find it?" said Duncan, looking at the small piece of metal. The barbell is the metal part of his eyebrow piercing that he lost during the air glider challenge.
"It was on the beach. I found it yesterday morning, but I didn't have the chance to give it to you," she then turned her back to him and began to walk to the campfire.
The delinquent ran his hand across his mohawk. "Do you want to talk about today?" she was distant. She tried to hide it but exposing to the world that she dropped the university affected her.
"No, not today. Let's meet tomorrow here, at the campfire. You know at what time," she replied in a neutral voice, not looking at him.
Duncan nodded, and then both walked to the campfire, there the other 6 remaining foxes were already sitting. The tension could be cut with a knife. Courtney sat next to Heather and Duncan on the opposite side behind Alejandro.
Chris smirked at them, "I'm impressed. Every campfire ceremony is better than the last. Just look at your faces, the emotion, the excitement, the drama. You guys are the best. Oops, sorry about that, actually you're the worst. If you were the best, you would not be sitting with me tonight."
The foxes groaned, some rolling their eyes.
"Can't you just go on with the elimination ceremony? Nobody wants to hear your boring zingers," said Courtney, with her arms folded and scowling at him.
"For your information, the viewers love how I build the mood for the elimination ceremony," said Chris putting his chest out. Then he showed them a plate full of marshmallows. "Anyway, continuing with the show, I have in my hand a plate with 7 marshmallows. These are your lifeline, every one of you that receives one of these treasures is safe. The person that doesn't receive one will have to wear the vest of failure and take a ride on the chopper of shame out of the island, and they can't come back here EVER."
"Superb discourse as always, can we go and vote already?" said Alejandro, in an evident snarky tone.
The host shook his head. "This is called an elimination ceremony because we need to make the ceremony. So don't be so impatient to be eliminated. Now go into the cabin and start voting."
The foxes stood up and glared at each other. Tonight's votation will be a close one.
Vote confessional: Duncan
"This will be fun, I don't know what will happen, but if you end going, I will not miss you," said Duncan smirking and voting on the tablet.
Vote confessional: Heather
The Queen bee took a deep breath before choosing the camper on the tablet. "It's not like me being emotional, but you have to go. Believe me, it's harder for me than for you. But you cause this to yourself."
Vote confessional: Brick
"I hate this about the game. I'm sure we could become friends if you have stayed longer. It's a shame, but someone has to go. Even then, it was a pleasure to serve in the same unit." Said Brick saluting after voting on the tablet.
"You're really my favorite foxes, even if you did terribly on the challenge," said Chris laughing, "but honestly, this ceremony was really interesting."
"Now the next people are still on the game, Duncan, Brick, Zoey, here are your marshmallows," said Chris, throwing the confectionary quickly. Duncan had to catch the one for Zoey because she was too distracted.
Chris shook his head and kept throwing the marshmallows. "Please don't let the marshmallows touch the ground. Also, I have one for Courtney, Samey, and Heather." The girls caught theirs. The three gazed with worried expression at the last two campers.
There was only one marshmallow left on the plate. Chris smiled, enjoying the tension in the face of the 2 remaining players. "And there is only one marshmallow left and two campers. Cody, you failed a question and a challenge against the ferrets, giving them some free points. Alejandro, you were one of the best in this challenge. I guess they wanna kick you because they're mean like that. Sorry, amigo."
Alejandro tried to look calm, but his eyes were wandering between the plate and his opponent. Cody was sweating, twiddling his fingers.
"So tonight the last marshmallow is for . . ."
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"Alejandro."
"SIIII!" shouted Alejandro catching his marshmallow.
"NO! That's impossible!" said Heather stomping her foot against the ground.
"No way," Cody looked at Chris and then at Duncan blanching. Did the delinquent betray him?
Heather hugged Cody from behind, the Codster rubbing her arm. "Don't worry, Heather, it was also my fault. I should have played better."
Courtney and Sammy looked at them with sadness. Brick saluted him while Zoey was lost in her own little world.
"Come with me, Cody, your flight is waiting for you," said Chris showing the way with a mocking smile. The brunette guy followed him with Heather and Courtney going with him.
"And here is the vest of failure, put it on so we can send you off," said Chris enjoying the elimination.
Heather hugged Cody, both smiling sadly. "You may be off the game, but you still own me $200," said the Queen Bee with a sad smile.
"Hehe, Don't worry, I will pay you. I'll be waiting for you in the losers area," said Cody, making pistol fingers at his friend.
Then the guy hugged Courtney. The former C.I.T. was surprised.
"It's a shame, just when we were becoming friendish," said Courtney, trying to return the hug.
Then Cody whispered something to her ear. Courtney blanched, her eyes wide in shock. She tried to ask him to repeat that, but as if queued, the chopper of shame hooked his vest and took him into the air, hitting some seagulls in the air.
Courtney stood there looking into the sky, clenching her fists. The game became dirtier in just a moment, the words of Cody resounding on her head.
"Heather or Duncan betrayed us."
"And Cody flying away ends this episode," said Chris in a joyful tone, pointing at the camera smiling. "But the drama continues. What will happen with Heather's Alliance now that Cody is gone? Will the secrets affect the contestants, or they will be swiftly forgotten? And will we use the Chrisdome again? I mean, that place is AWESOME and with a wonderful name. Find out on the next exciting episode of Total Drama: Tyranny of the Masses."
Author Notes:
[1] This is a cartoon based fic, so they will confront a moose. In real life, NEVER go near a moose. Moose are wild animals, and their tolerance to humans is low, so approaching one can provoke serious injuries. Also the name Mad Mousse is a pun with moose.
[2] No, it's not an error. Sky just misremembered the word anxiolytics.
And another one bites the duts. What will happen now? Who betrayed Cody? Can the Heather alliance survive? And why Zoey seems to be so depressed? Find out in the next episode of Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses.
Cody is out of the game, which is a shame. I tried to keep Cody a little more loyal to the spirit of the character in World Tour and having his friendship with Heather. I hope you enjoy his time in the game.
Votes
Cody 5
Alejandro 3
Immunity idols left: 2
D.A.M. Eliminations left: 4
Favorite Foxes: Alejandro, Brick, Courtney, Duncan, Heather, Sammy, Zoey.
Fan Ferrets: Amy, Dramaman, Lilly, Mike, Shawn, Sky, Topher
Eliminated: Cameron, Jasmine, Max, Lindsay, Dawn, Jay, Lightning, Charlotte, Beth, Cody
As always, thanks for reading and I hope you like it.