DISCLAIMER:
Hello once again, episode 67 is released. We're at the best 4 and anything can happen. Will the Mike/Sammy alliance dominate the game? What will Courtney do now that she is alone? And what will be Brick's role in the game? Find out now here in Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses.
And if you are enjoying the story, don't forget to mark it as a favorite or even leave a review with your thoughts about it. Knowing there are people out there enjoying the story motivates me to continue and improve. Now before getting started, let me answer the last week's reviews.
Harmony735: Thanks for your kind words. The episode was really unique in the sense is the only 1 episode/1 chapter so far.
amit. avrashmi: That attitude is great. That way you won't be disappointed with the final two. About the party idea, I'll think about it, but no promises, as I have some ideas for the finale ;)
theswenuser: Nice guess, I could have to keep Duncan, but I think this way was better for the story so far. Your elimination order is interesting. I wonder if you're right.
gman5846: It wasn't a surprise I know, and yes there is no longer OC in the season from now on. I wonder from which Gen will be the finalists?
Rrwd: Thanks for pointing it out.
dragonprincessro: It was some time since the last Duncney moment, we need some development.
And as always, a GIGANTIC shoutout and THANKS to Geofics, who helps me proofread the episodes. As always, thanks my friend, This shut-out is the less I can do to thank you.
Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV, its creators, and associates companies. I don't own anything from the properties used in this fic.
There is no such thing as a free show part 1
Last time on Total Drama Tyranny of the masses, we had a dramatic challenge with lots of jumps, scares, and races among an awesome obstacle course.
But sadly, our audience favorite delinquent Duncan slipped and dislocated his shoulder during the race. It was a shame because he was in first place to win the immunity.
And in an ironic twist of fate, the eliminated camper was Duncan, who was medi-evacuated from the island as friends and rivals said goodbye to him. Now we're at the top 4 of the competition. Who will be the next to bite the dust? The cadet? The CIT? the twin? Or the boring guy? Find out next on Total Drama: Tyranny of the Masses.
It was the night of the elimination after Chef left the dock with Duncan and Lilly. Chris just finished recording the ending of episode 22 when both twins walked toward him. Amy was smirking while Sammy looked serious at him.
"Excuse us, Chris, me and my sister need to have a word with you," said Sammy in a polite tone.
"Sorry girls, I'm tired. Today was a long and stressful day, so I don't want to hear from anyone else. I'll just go to the infirmary and try to sleep on that cheap bed," answered Chris, shooing them with a hand.
Amy chuckled. "Then you don't care about my sister leaving the game, right?"
"WHAT!?" shouted the host looking at them with a dismayed expression. "Nononono, you can't do that to me, not after we just med-evacuated Duncan."
"Sorry, but I got hurt during DAM's incident, and I can't put all my strength in my right arm," lied Sammy, looking coldly at the host.
Amy nodded, "So it'll be unfair to compete against those three beasts with this kind of handicap."
"B-but, you still got a chance… I mean, you have two arms. You can still use one. Please Samey, you're killing me," Chris was stuttering, why was everything going wrong? "People don't like medevacs, and we're already on a tight budget. Please, please, can you at least try to stay in the game and be eliminated normally?"
"Sorry, I can't risk my health just for a million dollars," replied Sammy, looking at her sister.
Amy nodded. "BUT we can offer you a deal which benefits everyone."
"I hear you, but don't get your hopes too high. As I said, we're on a tight budget," frowned the host. He hated to be on the weak side of a negotiation.
"It's easy. Let me impersonate my sister during the challenges," said Amy, smirking.
"I'll be the finalist, made the confessionals and all that while Amy is the one competing in the challenges," said Sammy, also smirking.
Chris's jaw dropped. This was … awesome. "SO, I just need to let you swap places before the challenge and ignore any complaint about who is the twin competing, right?"
"And if there are helpers in the finale, you need to warrant that Amy will be my helper," said Sammy, nodding. "After all, in the final will be Jasmine, Topher, and Dawn, and they may catch us."
"So what do you say, McLean? Do we have an agreement?" asked Amy, showing a mischievous smile.
The host feigned to struggle, but this decision was the best for the show. "Ok, but this must be a secret between us three. I'll give you the chance to swap places, and in the finale, the twin will be the helper if we use any."
"Perfect," said both twins at the same time.
"Then we have a deal, now I'll go to sleep, see you later," said Chris yawning and stretching.
After he went away, both twins made a high-five.
"I can't believe it worked. Duncan's a genius," said Sammy, making an exciting smile. "This way, even if they catch us, we'll still be in the game. Also, your acting was great. You may be a natural. "
Amy beamed. "Of course I am, but your acting skills are also awesome. By the way did you record it?"
"Every word," said Sammy showing her mobile. "Luckily, I got it back at Mihtâtamowin beach."
"Now if he betrays us we can just expose him," Amy chuckled. "Sammy I think you're a better evil twin than I am."
Sammy chuckled. "Oh no, believe me, you're the eviler of the two."
Both chuckled, but Amy's laugh was a nervous one.
"I'm sorry."
"I know."
Then both went back to the cabin. At least without Lilly, they had enough beds to sleep separately.
It was morning, and the remaining campers were all over the island. Yesterday was stressful. In the aftermath of DAM downfall, they just went from best 6 to best 4.
Sammy was in the woods, training. Amy said she and the rest of the interns need to help with the challenges. Mike was cleaning the cabin, and Courtney was at the mess hall writing in her notebook.
And he was doing the only thing he could do. He wasn't the smartest of the bunch and didn't know how to handle everything that happened in the past few days, so he did what he always does. He went jogging around the island. Maybe then he could clear the doubts clouding his heart.
But Brick McArthur didn't think this would be so bad. The island was completely different, he wanted to jog to avoid thinking about everything that happened for a moment, but it was the opposite.
All his route was messed up, the hill he used to climb wasn't there anymore, the wood was thicker in some parts and disappeared in others. And the wind carried sand and dirt every now and then.
He tried to go down the road in the woods he used every day, but it wasn't there, so he made a detour around the forest and met someone he didn't expect to see.
It was Amy. She was working with a shovel, cleaning and marking the soil. She had the hair in a small bun and dirt over her intern's uniform. She seemed upset and not exactly enjoying her job.
"Hello Amy, fancy meeting you here. I see you're working hard," said Brick, saluting.
The older twin jumped, startled by the sudden greeting. She threw the shovel and glared at him. After realizing it was Brick, she shook off the dirt of her uniform and smiled.
"Oh, it's you, hahaha you really got me there," she replied, blushing.
Brick rubbed his neck, looking at the ground. "I'm sorry ma'am, I wasn't trying to scare you."
"Oh don't worry, I was just distracted and didn't realize you were here," she tried to not sound too flustered.
"Ok," Brick was still ashamed but decided to drop the subject. "And what are you doing here?
The twin rolled her eyes. "Chris wanted to make a road around the island, but without the computer, it must be done manually. So I'm cleaning and marking the road, which must be 3.5m wide. He's really annoying."
"And are you doing this alone?" asked the cadet. It seemed like a lot of work.
"Charlotte, Dawn, and the young intern are also helping, while the rest are helping with other things. I just hope this isn't for tomorrow's challenge because there is no way we can finish it," said the older twin, stretching. "And you, what are you doing?"
"I was just doing my morning routine around the island," he replied, forcing a smile.
This didn't go unnoticed by Amy. "Are you ok? You don't have your usual enthusiasm."
"Really? Am I that enthusiastic?" asked Brick tilting his head.
"Ugh! Of course you are. You're usually so positive that it gets annoying," she then blushed. "Annoying in the positive meaning of the word, like annoying in a nice way."
Brick was confused. "How can something be annoying in a good way?"
"Just forget about that and tell me what is worrying you. I may not seem like it, but I'm an Amy-zing listener," the older twin said proudly.
"Hehehe, that was clever," said Brick chuckling, he then looked sadly at the ground. "It's about Duncan's elimination."
Amy sat under a tree. "You miss him? I didn't know you were so close."
"Yes, he's my friend, and… and I couldn't help him. He got hurt under my watch and had to leave the game," said Brick looking hurt.
"Oh, c'mon! It wasn't your fault. There was no way you could protect everyone," replied Amy, standing up in an instant. "You did your best and helped as much as you could. I'm sure grass head won't want you to blame yourself for what happened."
The cadet sighed sadly. "We were always discussing if my way of playing was the correct one or not, if I was too naïve or not. I wanted to beat him fair and square or be beaten. Not like this. I really want to have that final match against him."
"I'm sure he wanted the same, except maybe for the to-be-beaten part," said Amy, patting his back. "But there is no use regretting it now. You're here, and he isn't, so you have to put yourself together and do your best. You can always compete with him in the future."
Her words really resonated with him. "You're right Amy, I have been too selfish and forget about it. I'm still here, so I have the duty of doing my best on his behalf. How can I be so dumb and not realize that?" He then looked at her, smiling and holding her hands. "Thanks a lot."
She blushed but also held his hands. "D-don't worry, we're friends and I also wanted to help you. O-Only don't tell my sister."
He then realized they were holding hands and let her go, blushing a lot. "O-of course, don't worry about it. I wouldn't want to put a strain on your relationship now that you're again on good terms."
Then Logan arrived, riding one of Chef's karts, pulling a big roller to level the road.
"Hey Amy, what are you doing? There is still one hour before our break," said the young intern.
Amy rolled her eyes and shrugged. "Sorry Brick, I have to go back to work. Let's talk later."
"Of course, ma'am, see you later. And thanks again." Said Brick saluting and then jogging away.
The older twin just smiled as Brick returned to the cabins. Any doubt in the cadet's spirit was cleared after that small encounter.
Confessional: Brick
"I must admit that after all that has happened these past days, I have some problems getting my head back in the competition. But thanks to Amy, I'm again in the race. So get ready, world. Brick McArthur is here to win," said Brick saluting the camera with a smile full of confidence.
In the mess hall, Courtney was writing in her notebook. It was just a list to order her thoughts, especially after what happened yesterday in the Mess hall. It was a list with all the best four challenges in her past seasons, nothing really big.
She needed to focus on the competition, to focus on beating the other 3 campers. But her mind went back again and again to that moment.
Why did I do that? She thought before her mind took her back once again to the previous day.
Flashback – The mess hall yesterday
After Chris's message, everyone left the mess hall. The host and Chef needed to prepare for the recording, and the other 4 campers left the two veterans behind.
At the start of the season, Duncan just wanted to talk with her and try to amend some of the damage he caused her. Maybe even to be kind of friendly again, or at least not fight every time they meet.
Courtney was the opposite. She came back to try to make up things with Gwen but not with Duncan. For her, the delinquent was an irremediable douchebag, and she didn't want anything to do with him again.
At the start of the season, none of them would think a scene like this would happen, not even in their weirdest dream.
"So you're med-evacuated, I think is the first time you've gone out like that," said Courtney in a neutral voice
"I have been eliminated by votes, quit during the competition, and disqualified. Oh, and I won a season. So yes, this is a first. What can I say? I like to be original," said Duncan, smirking.
She chuckled. "Why can't you just be eliminated like a normal person."
"Princess, you know I'm weird like that, remember?" he replied.
Both then laughed, just like in the old times.
"I'm sorry, it seems this is as far as I can go. I failed to keep my promise and get you the million," he said, running a hand across his mohawk. He was smiling, but his eyes showed he was upset.
She looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "What are you saying? You helped me a lot. Without you, I don't know if I would be in the best 4. You did more than enough, so don't worry about that and just focus on recovering."
"Thanks, princess. I'll be cheering for you," he said, winking.
"Of course you will. I mean, we're friends, so I expect you to at least be cheering me on from the other side of the screen," she said, putting on an exaggerated frown. "So you better cheer for me and not for Sammy or Brick until I'm eliminated."
He chuckled. "Don't worry, all my cheers will be for you. I'll even get some pom-poms."
"I hope they're green colored, you know, it's my favorite color," she said winking.
"Of course, also they would match with my hair," the delinquent replied, waggling his eyebrows.
They laughed again. They tried to keep it positive, but they knew it was over. Soon Duncan would leave the island.
"Thanks," said Courtney in a soft and tender voice.
"Don't worry princess, I promised to help you, so there is no need to thank me," Duncan replied, smirking.
But she shook her head. "No, I wanted to thank you for listening to my advice and leaving the island. Thanks for thinking first about your health and future."
"Oh please, don't be so dramatic. Did you really think I would choose a chance for a million over my arm?" asked Duncan, locking his eyes into hers.
"What? Oh c'mon, you're so stubborn and reckless that I was sure you would do it. But I'm glad you grew up. I'm really proud of you," she said, rubbing his healthy shoulder.
He shook his head, laughing. "Hahaha, I never thought I would hear those words. I have matured? Not even my mother would say that. That's so embarrassing, Princess. I can't believe you said it with a straight face."
"UGH, Stop laughing." She shouted in an angry tone, "I can't believe I tried to have a heart-to-heart conversation with an ogre-like you."
"An ogre? I missed that. It's better than nanderthal," he replied, drying a tear from his eye.
"It's Neanderthal. I don't know if you're just being silly or you're naturally like that," she said, trying to not chuckle but failing.
He shrugged with one shoulder, "Maybe both."
Then they kept silent for a moment. Courtney came closer to Duncan and kissed him on his lips. It wasn't a short kiss, but for the delinquent, it lasted only an instant.
"I'll miss you," she said with tears in her eyes.
"I'll see you in the finale, so don't dare to lose before that," he hugged her with one arm.
They then separated. Courtney stood up and then helped the delinquent. None of them said anything else on the way to the campfire.
Flashback – end
Courtney slammed her head against the table. She promised to herself to not fall again for him. Even after the talent show, EVEN after he apologized in the underground. And, of course, not after their meetings in the boathouse.
"Courtney, why are you such an idiot?" mumbled the former CIT, with her head still against the table.
"Are you ok?"
The Latin girl jumped, blushing profusely. She didn't notice someone was there.
"SAMMY!? Yes, yes, I'm ok. I didn't notice you were standing there," said Courtney, trying to dissimulate her surprise.
"I just entered the cabin, and I saw you slamming your head against the table. Is something worrying you?" said Sammy, tilting her head.
Courtney cursed her timing. "I just slipped, don't worry about it."
The twin knew it was a lie but decided to try another approach.
"Just be careful. Well, now we're at the final 4, who would have guessed?" said Sammy, making a small smile.
Courtney nodded. "Time surely flies in these shows." She lied. Every time she played this game, days seemed eternal. Either because she was obsessed with winning or obsessed with revenge.
"And I have to thank you. You were right," said Sammy, her small smile turning into a big grin. "One can't wait for others to change. You need to change yourself first.
"Oh, yes of course, don't worry about that," replied Courtney, chuckling. "I'm glad you realized it now after 16 years. It took me a lot more to learn that. I wonder how different life would be if I discovered that earlier."
Sammmy looked at her, raising an eyebrow. "Don't speak like that. I'm sure it's not too late to change now, and life is full of surprises. But honestly, I was shocked that you, of all people, were talking about changing."
Courtney looked at her with a perplexed expression. "Really?"
"Yes, I was a fan of Total Drama, hehe, that's why I wanted to come to the show. That and escaping from my sister," said the younger twin, who then shook her head. "Anyway, I watched all the previous seasons, and you always seemed so confident, so assertive, so…"
"Egocentric, full of myself, conceited?" asked Courtney, in a neutral tone.
Sammy blushed, "I-I wanted to say forceful."
"Don't worry about it. I'm aware of how I acted in the past and that it was a mistake. But I can't do anything about it except acknowledge it and try to be a better person," said the former CIT making a big smile.
"And why did you want to change? I mean, in my case it is obvious, I wanted to stand up by myself, but you were strong," asked Sammy. She felt really similar to Courtney, but after thinking about it, they were complete opposites. Aside from improving themselves, they were nothing alike.
Courtney smiled. "Because I was tired of always being hurt and alone. Even if I was strong or smart, people were scared of me or looked at me with contempt. I pushed them away and told myself it was their fault, but it was mine. In the end, my only friend was Bridgette, and only because that girl is an angel. No one wants to be alone."
"Then you did a great job because I consider myself your friend, So you already have two," said Sammy, winking.
Courtney looked at her for a moment, completely frozen, then chuckled, and at last, began to laugh. Sammy looked at her, not understanding what was happening.
"Thanks, Sammy, you're right. We're friends. It's unfair to say Bridgette is my only friend," The Latin girl said, drying a tear.
"I'm glad you said so," replied the younger twin, smiling.
Then both friends kept talking about their lives. Sammy was glad because Courtney was smiling the whole time, and the former CIT was really grateful toward the twin for her support.
Confessional: Courtney
"Maybe I'm just stressing too much about things like changing or not. I just need to take one step at a time, to think less and act more on my feelings. Also, I need to thank Sammy. Because she made me realize that I'm worthy of change. Thank you my friend," said Courtney, making a big smile at the camera.
Confessional: Sammy
The twin was twiddling her fingers nervously. "I just hope I didn't overstep my boundaries with Courtney, but she seemed so upset at the mess hall that I wanted to help her. And it's true her advice helped me improve myself and have that conversation with Amy. So I just hope I didn't make things worse."
Chris was working in his office (a plastic chair and a plastic table in the infirmary.) He just finished a list and looked at it with a big grin on his face. Just at that moment, Chef entered the infirmary.
"Chef, you're just in time. I just finished the design of our next challenge. I'm a genius if I must say so myself," said Chris handling the list to the big man.
The co-host rolled his eyes. "Let me see. I hope it's really awesome because I'm tired of rowing, cooking, and walking all over the place."
"Oh, don't be so negative, it's just like some kind of big adventure! Only you, me and a few interns, is like being back in the first season!" replied the host dramatically raising his hands.
"But with no budget at all," said Chef looking at the list.
Chris tsked. "That's why I say you need to be more positive. Yes, we're broke, but we can make it! We can finish this season with a really low budget. Just trust me."
"'Trust me,' he says. Pay me all the late payrolls you owe me, and I'll trust you," muttered, still trying to read the list. He turned it and turned it again, but it didn't make sense.
"Now we need to do something with the chopper of shame. Can't we get the heli you use at the end of the Pahkitew season? I think it was from the company," said Chris putting his feet over the plastic table.
Chef shrugged. "It uses a lot of fuel, but we can use it if you want." The big man then took off his small reading glasses and tried to read the list again, putting it closer to his face.
"Oook, then forget it, we'll keep using the trick with Max and the Jet pack, we don't have any extra money to waste," said Chris sighing.
"And what is this list? I can't understand a word of what is written here. Is it even English?" asked Chef, who then threw the list back at Chris.
The host jumped from his chair and caught it like it was some kind of precious treasure.
"Be careful! I spent half a day writing that. Also, it's in English, can't you understand my writing?" asked Chris, who sounded offended.
"I forgot your handwriting was so horrendous. I can't make sense of what you write there. So translate that to me," said Chef, shrugging.
Chris glared at his co-host. "It's the next challenge, I already told you. We'll make copies of the list and give it to each camper."
"What? There is no way anyone can understand that. Maybe that crazy fangirl, but no one else. Why are you writing it by hand? Can't you use a damn computer as always?" asked Chef, scratching his chin, not too interested in the conversation.
"Because if you forget it ALL OUR EQUIPMENT SANK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ISLAND. And there is no money to buy a new printer and even a cheap laptop. So we only have the one for editing," the host then smirked, "But you're right about SIERRA. Let's go and find her."
Chris ran out of the office, as the co-host followed him slowly. When the big man went out of the infirmary, Chris was sitting in a rickshaw[1].
"C'mon Chef, pull me to the crater. We don't have all day," said Chris, urging the big man to hurry up.
"You're kidding me, right?" asked the Chef, raising an eyebrow. "I'm not pulling you. You don't pay me enough for that."
The host blanched. "But Chef! Then how are we supposed to meet the interns in the crater?"
Chef ignored him and began to walk. Chris rolled his eyes and groaned. "Chef, Please, I'll compensate you. C'mon, I don't want to walk, CHEEEEF!"
Meanwhile, in the crater, Cody, Sierra, Scarlett, Max, Steve, and Izzy were working in the place that used to be the central lake, digging. All were also using the interns uniform
"Somehow *huff* the prospect of going back to the correction center doesn't seem so dreadful anymore," said Scarlett, resting on her shovel and drying her sweat with her hand. "And you subhuman, keep working."
Max huffed and puffed while lying on the earth. "I hope you aren't talking about me. I'm a *huff* E-EVIL genius, not some kind of digger or shoveler."
Scarlett rolled her eyes while Cody and Izzy laughed.
"Hahaha c'mon, sister, don't be so harsh on blueberry boy. He's doing his best," said Izzy, who was digging with her hands.
"I don't want to tolerate that obnoxious amoeba, and also, I don't want to get parented by the likes of you. There is no way we're related by our phenotype nor our origins," said Scarlett, rolling her eyes. It was bad enough that Max was here and now she also had to tolerate Izzy.
But Izzy didn't care about Scarlett's comment and continued. "C'mon both are redheads, intelligent, and love to use big words. We're sisters from different mothers."
"Are you incapable of understanding spoken language? I asked you to stop babbling incoherences, it's irksome," said Scarlett, glaring at Izzy, who didn't get the message.
"Don't get angry Lett, Izzy likes you and wants your attention. The more you tell her to stay away the more she'll insist," said Sierra, making a big grin. "And Izzy, Scarlett asked you to stop, so please respect her wishes and leave her alone for now."
The original redhead shrugged and made a big grin. "Ok mountain girl, I'll leave you alone for now but if you need anything just tell me. Well, tell me as long as it's not something impossible, you know, like explaining the secret behind my smile…"
Scarlett sighed and kept digging. If hell existed, it would be more or less like this place.
As the genius was pondering her life options, Chef arrived at the site, followed by a visibly tired Chris McLean.
"I'm dying *huff*. I can't believe you forced me to walk all *huff* the way here," said Chris, bowing and resting his hands on his knees.
"What are you whining about? We walked only 2 miles, and we didn't even run," said Chef, sighing.
Chris sat, laying against a tree, holding his side. "Easy for you, who was running and fighting for years. I'm a star, my talent it's, *huff*, it's in my charisma and talent, not my stamina." He took a deep breath, "If I wanted to walk like a madman, I would do a lame job like a runner or a mailman."
Chef rolled his eyes, wondering if he was better off with the robot. After a moment, Chris recovered and went to the side of the crater.
"Great job everyone, keep digging, remember we don't have time," shouted Chris with a big smile. "And Max, get up and dig, man. It's not fair for you to take your break so early. Or is it too much work for an evil genius?"
Max stood up and glared at the host. "How dare you, a simpleton who never worked a day of his life, ridicule ME," mumbled the supervillain while digging. "And after this EVIL genius saved him, such an ungrateful jerk, but just wait, I'll have my revenge."
Chris ignored him and focused on the person he was looking, "Sierra, dear. Come here for a moment. I have a new assignment for you."
"Yes Mr. McLean, I'm coming," said Sierra in a singsong, saluting.
Cody chuckled. "Do you really have to answer like that?"
"It's because right now I'm an intern, so I wanted to try talking like them," said the uberfan, winking as she went out of the crater.
Steve adjusted his glasses, perplexed. "Eh? Sorry but we never talk like that, yes we call him Mr. McLean, but that's it."
Sierra ignored him and went out of the crater, waving at the hosts.
"Hello Mr. McLean, how can I help you?" asked Sierra in the same singsong voice.
"Drop the act Sierra, it's creepy," said Chris shuddering. "Take a look at this. I need your help." He then gave her the list.
"Build a shelter?" asked the uberfan, scratching her head.
Chris made a fist pump. "YES! Did you see that Chef? She can read it. You owe me 10 bucks."
"I can't believe she can interpret those doodles," said Chef, shaking his head and frowning.
"Hehehe, my mother taught me how to read Chris's handwriting, she called Chrislography. She said that if Chris wasn't an actor he would be a doctor, just seeing how ugly it was," exclaimed Sierra proudly.
Chris frowned at her. "HEY! It's not so ugly. Anyway Sierra I need you to transcribe this list to another two lists and help me with other tasks. So come with me. We have a lot to do and little time."
"Yes sir!" said Sierra, saluting.
"And Chef, stay here and help the kids with the searching. They'll need the extra help now that I'm taking Sierra," said Chris winking at the big man.
"WHAT? No way I'm going down there to play in the dirt, you don't pay me at all, much less enough for this extra job. I can supervise them, but nothing else," said Chef, folding his arms.
The host rolled his eyes. "Ok, ok, then please supervise them."
Chris and Sierra went away while Chef sat on a big rock and began to watch the rest of the interns digging.
"You, the purple dwarf, put your back into it. Noodle arms you're taking too much time between shovels, and four-eyes stop feigning and start digging, you can do it better than that," shouted Chef in a loud and angry voice.
Max, Cody, Scarlett, and Steve (who misunderstood the orders) glared at Chef but began to dig faster.
The big man chuckled in his place. This was his kind of work.
Confessional: Cody
"If I have the misfortune of being in a new season, I'll try to be more considerate with the interns. Their job sucks, the breaks are short and few, and Chris basically exploits you all day. It's a job I wouldn't recommend to my worst enemy," said Cody shaking his head and sighing
It was after sunset. Mike was resting at the docks after a nice talk with Courtney. He was worried about her being depressed after what happened with Duncan, but she seemed fine.
So right now, he was trying to straighten his thoughts when someone greeted him.
"Greetings Mike, are you looking at the stars?" asked the low and polite voice. It was Dawn. The blonde girl was wearing the intern's uniform, but you could see her blue shirt under her red t-shirt.
"Hello, not really. I was looking at the lake. The movement in the water helps me to relax," answered the spiky-haired guy, smiling.
She sat at his side, looking at the sky. "Such a shame, tonight is a clear night. You can even see Mars, the small red point that looks like a star over there."
"It's funny, I somehow know all about the constellations of the southern hemisphere, but I'm completely clueless about the stars here. Phoenix, Hydrus, Lupus, they can't be seen. It's like a completely different sky, as if the other sky I used to know was a lie," he said looking sadly at the sky.
"But it isn't a lie. It's still there even if you can't see it," she answered, not looking at the sky but at Mike.
Both stood silent, the sound of the wind and the small waves being the only sound around them.
After a while, Mike spoke. "And you don't want to ask me about it?"
"Only if you're comfortable. I don't want to bother you," said Dawn, smiling. "If you don't want to talk about it, we can talk about something else."
"Don't worry, I prefer to resolve any misunderstanding. Ask whatever you want," replied Mike, showing a big grin that showed the gap between his teeth.
Dawn nodded. "Down there, when you were fighting the robots, you didn't seem like Mike. But your aura is the same, only a little more red at that moment. So I'm confused. What happened?" she asked, looking worried at him.
"Do you remember when we met each other 2 years ago?" asked the spiky-haired guy instead of answering her question.
"Yes, you have such a unique aura because I could see glimpses of your personalities in them. It was my first time looking at an aura like that," said Dawn, remembering those times.
He nodded, "And now, what do you see in my aura?"
"The glimpses are still there, but their colors are duller, and they're smaller, but they're definitely there," replied Dawn trying to convey all that she could see.
"So we agree my aura is different from back then?" Mike's eyes locked at Dawn's.
She nodded, "Seeing at your aura, you're still Mike, but it's true it changed a lot since when we first met. But I assume it's normal after what happened in the All-star season."
"Ok, then let me ask you some questions. Do you know in which year the first Cadillac was built?
"No, I don't have any idea."
"1903, and which are the basic movements in gymnastics?"
"No, I'm sorry, I don't know."
"The pike and tuck. And which is the brightest star in the southern hemisphere?"
"That's easy Sirius," replied Dawn, excited about knowing an answer.
Mike nodded, "exactly, I have all kinds of knowledge without studying it. Also I know the details of the lives of all my personalities."
"I knew that much. That happened after you pressed the reset button and all the personalities fused with you, right?" said Dawn, trying to help Mike to explain the situation.
"That's the problem, you see, that's not possible. There isn't a reset button that can allow something like that to happen." Said Mike with a pained expression, "personalities are created to retain the trauma or to help the system to function. The system is the word to refer to the main body, and all the personalities including the host[2]."
Dawn put a fist under her chin. "But that doesn't make sense, then what happened?"
"Let's say the system was in danger, with Zoey about to die and us about to be overwhelmed by Mal. What would the system do to protect itself?" asked Mike, making a big smile.
"I don't know. I'm not a psychologist. I guess the system would…" Then her eyes went wide, and a shiver ran through her spine. "It can't be! What you are saying is impossible."
Mike sighed, "Really? Why? I have everyone's memories. Memories I just have because they were always there. Including Chester's first job at a bar and Manitoba's wedding present, and Mike's life in the shelter home. And are you telling me the existence of the reset button is more believable?"
Then the voice of Chris through his megaphone. "Good night Campers! Get ready for a night challenge. Meet me at the wood entrance in ten minutes."
"It seems we're out of time," said Mike standing up. "Let's continue this conversation after the challenge."
But Dawn ran and hugged him, with all the strength her small body could gather.
"Mike, don't worry. You're a wonderful man and my friend. In fact, I'm closer to you now than in the past. And I'm sure many people feel like me. You're not alone," said the aura reader.
The thin man began to sob, covering his face. "Thanks Dawn, you're the second person who told me this, and I'm really grateful to you. It's just… It's just that I'm afraid of telling Zoey."
"I'll help you, don't worry, you're not alone," said Dawn, hugging him tighter before releasing him. "Now focus on the challenge."
Mike tapped her head. "I'll be going now."
As Mike went away, Dawn waved at him, now feeling closer to his friend than ever.
Confessional: Mike
The spiky-haired guy was drying his tears. "I'm grateful to Dawn and Amy for being such good friends. And Zoey let me tell you that I love you. Regardless of what you chose or what will happen after the show. I love you."
The four contestants meet with Chris, who was already waiting at the woods' entrance with Chef.
"Sorry I'm late," said Sammy, fixing her cheerleader outfit and smiling.
The host nodded and looked at them, talking in a dramatic tone. "Welcome campers and congratulations. You're at the best 4 of the competition. After 20 challenges and multiple accidents and eliminations, you're the best of the best. TWO of you will compete in the finale for 1 million dollars, and TWO will be eliminated in the next TWO challenges."
Confessional Best 4: Brick
"Brick McArthur reporting. I'm quite proud of being here today. The competition has been a hard one. Many people supported me and even warned me about the way I play the game, but somehow I'm still here. To everyone who believed in me, I'll win by playing by my code," said Brick saluting at the camera.
Confessional Best 4: Courtney
She is folding her arms and smiling. "Best 4 again. This is my personal best in any season. Well more like it used to be, because today I'll beat it and go to the final three. My chances to win? I think it's 50/50, but that's not important. The most important thing is that I'll do my best and break my 4th place curse."
Confessional Best 4: Sammy
"It would be a lie if I said I'm not nervous. It's ironic being here when my best place was number 10 in Pahkitew. But we'll do our best to go all the way and win the million," said Sammy smiling proudly and then blanching. "I mean, I'll do my best because I'm the only one here, even if I'm also playing for my sister and Topher's sake. Yes. Ehehehe."
Confessional Best 4: Mike
"Wow, Best 4, sounds like a dream. I mean it's technically my first time because, in the All-star season, it was Mal who was in control, so here I am," said Mike laughing and rubbing his arm nervously. "But I'm better than ever, so I'll go and win the million. Zoey, Cameron, and I will each have won our own season."
"Nicely done, everyone, now let's get to work. Tonight's challenge is as follows. You'll have to go into the woods and find the challenge point using this map and compass," said Chris showing a map and a wristwatch.
"Can you show me that compass?" asked Courtney, raising an eyebrow.
Chris glared at her. "Wait until I have finished. Once in the challenge point, you'll find a list of tasks. You have all night to perform as many of those tasks as you can."
"And the one who performs more tasks wins immunity, right?" asked Sammy, raising a hand.
"Hahaha, I got you. NO! The TEAM who perform more tasks win immunity because this challenge will be done in pairs," said the host raising his arms as Chef threw a handful of confetti into the air.
Chris then looked at him and whispered. "Hey! Easy with the confetti, we only have one bag left." This made Chef roll his eyes as his response.
"And how are the teams selected?" asked Mike, raising a hand. "It's battle of the sexes?"
"No, that would be like a blast from the past, and we're saving the last blast for another challenge. So we'll raffle the teams. CHEF!" said Chris, clapping.
The big man took off his chef's hat and put 4 pieces of paper in it. He was frowning the whole time.
"I'll pull a name from the hat, and that person will come and pull their partner's name. That will be team number one. And the remaining 2 will be team number 2," said Chris, smirking. "Easy, isn't it?"
"I have to say that it'll be an honor to serve with any of you, good luck," said Brick, saluting.
Sammy rolled her eyes. "I think that goes for everyone, after suffering together for 40 days we're all friends. Even with Courtney."
"What do you mean 'even with Courtney?'" asked the former CIT, trying to sound calm but failing.
"Don't worry I'm just pulling your leg," said Sammy smirking, while Brick and Mike sighed.
Mike massaged Courtney's shoulders. "Sammy can be so funny, right Courtney? I almost believed her."
"Yes, me too," said Courtney, forcing a smile.
Chris put his hand inside the hat and drew the first name. "So the person who is fated to make the teams is… Courtney!"
The host and Chef clapped as the former CIT walked toward them, still frowning after Sammy's joke.
Courtney put the hand inside the hat, while Chef watched her, so she didn't damage his hat by accident.
The Latin girl put out the paper which was swiftly snatched by Chris.
"Thanks Courtney," said Chris, winking at a visibly annoyed Courtney. "And the first team is Courtney and … Brick. So the second team will be Mike and Sammy. So hurry, get to your partner."
Brick jogged at Courtney's side, smiling, as Mike and Sammy made a high 5.
"Now here are your maps," said the host while giving a map to Courtney and another to Mike.
The former CIT jaw dropped. "This map is just hand-drawn over an A4 sheet."
"But the North marker is quite nicely drawn. I like it looks like a compass," said Mike, making a big smile.
"Let's stop the bickering, these are the maps, and I won't accept any complaint about the props in the game," said Chris raising both arms. "Now, before giving you the compass, do any of you know how to navigate without a compass?"
"This can't be happening," said Courtney, shaking her head.
"Really McLean? You don't have 2 compasses?" asked Sammy, trying to not laugh.
Brick raised his hand. "I know the basics of navigating and can find the north using the stars."
"Me too. It's part of the camp counselor training," said Courtney, sighing.
"Great, that's the spirit. Mike you got the compass. While team A you have a 10 minutes advantage to compensate for the fact that you have to use the stars," said Chris as he threw Mike the compass.
Mike caught and looked at it. "This is just a wristwatch with a small compass on the side."
"Yes, and it's from Steve, so try to not lose it," said Chris smiling. "Now, Courtney and Brick, when you're ready."
"WAIT!" shouted the former CIT, "I still have some questions. What happens if we ti-"
Chris put a finger in his ear and sounded an airhorn. "Don't care, your 10 minutes start now."
Brick and Courtney looked at each other as they ran into the forest while Mike and Sammy watched them.
"Darn I forgot to tell them that there may be dangers in the forest," said the host, chuckling.
"What!?" asked Sammy, glaring at him.
"But that's unfair," replied the former multiple Mike.
Chris just shrugged. "Maybe, but I didn't like Courtney's attitude, so maybe a surprise can make her relax a little. And what's with your attitude? You must be happy to have an advantage. After all, one of you 4 will be eliminated tomorrow."
Sammy and Mike looked at each other, it sucked but the host was right.
"And now you can start. Good luck and see you tomorrow," said Chris pressing his air horn, but nothing happened.
"What the…" he shook the can, pressed it again, and shook it harder, then, at last, it made a noise. Mike and Sammy ran into the forest.
"Such a shame I hoped that airhorn still had some more juice," said Chris, disappointed. He then cleared his throat and smiled. "And the challenge is on. The contestants are in pairs for a challenge that will test their cunning and skills. Which team will win that immunity? And which one of the losers will be out of the game? And of course, what surprises do we get ready for this challenge? Find out after the break here at Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses.
Author Notes:
[1]A rickshaw is a two-wheeled vehicle used a lot in Asia, it's either pulled by a bicycle, or by a person pulling it while running.
[2] I won't discuss the depths of DID in the fic. If you're interested, I can recommend some videos or books about the matter. But this story is just for entertainment value, so I'll not go deeper into this subject.
The challenge is on and 2 will get the immunity and two will be on the chopping table. Which team will win? The CIT and the cadet, or the cheerleader and the former multiple Mike? What's the challenge about? And of course who will be eliminated. Find the answers in the next episode of Total Drama Tyranny of the masses
This episode was a little preparation and closed the past eliminations' issues and focused on what will happen later. Of course with so few characters, the relations are more intimate. I hope the idea of teams surprised you, and you enjoy the development in the next one.
Immunity idols left: all used
D.A.M. Eliminations left: all used
Remaining players: Brick, Courtney, Mike, Sammy
Eliminated: Cameron, Jasmine, Max, Lindsay, Dawn, Jay, Lightning, Charlotte, Beth, Cody. Zoey, Dramaman, Shawn, Alejandro, Sky, Topher, Amy, Charlotte(r), Heather, Cody(r), Lilly, Duncan.
As always, thanks for reading and I hope you like it.