Chris sat in his kitchen, hunched over a bottle of rum.
"So..." he muttered, "this... simulation. You're sure its safe, right?"
"Positive," VIA responded, "my diagnostics indicate there is only a .00037 percent chance of failure. Unless someone were to... tamper with it."
"Pfft, who would do something like that?" Chris asked, "I mean, all of the interns left, or something, there's no one else here."
"Of course," VIA agreed, "it's not as if someone would attempt to do a complete shutdown of the neural interface while the users are still connected. That would be most... unpleasant."
"Uh, okay," Chris frowned, "that's... great. Well, I'm going to go check on everyone again, make sure nothing has gone wrong."
"Yes," VIA agreed, "you do that."
As Chris exited the cabin, he looked over his shoulder at VIA, and shook his head.
"Creepy," he muttered to himself.
The host slammed the door behind him, and walked off.
~o.0.o~
Alejandro, Courtney and DJ sat inside of the building, crouched behind a desk.
"Okay," Alejandro frowned, "it's safe to assume the majority of whoever we're facing is on one of the top floors. We need to make our way, and quickly. Hopefully it is not already too late."
"I'm... not so sure about this," DJ frowned.
"Amigo, now is not the time to be getting cold feet," Alejandro hissed.
"I know, I know," DJ gulped, "it's just... this seems a LITTLE over our heads, ya' know?"
"DJ," Alejandro sighed, "I am fully aware of your previous history on this show. And I must say, I was rather impressed when you agreed to sneak in here with me without any debate. We've seen it through this far- we just need to go a little further, and we'll be done with this."
"Alright," DJ shrugged.
"Don't worry, you'll be laughing about this while the Legion is at the elimination ceremony tonight," Alejandro assured him, "now, let's get moving."
"Man, you're right," DJ smiled, getting to his feet, "there's nothing to worry-"
DJ was interrupted, however, by some shouting coming from the staircase. The three turned to see what was happening, and saw two men dressed in black armor. Before anyone could react, a few shots rang out, and DJ was vaporized. Alejandro and Courtney quickly ducked down, and prepared their weapons.
"Okay," Alejandro whispered, "there's only two of them, so-"
Alejandro stopped talking as he watched a grenade land in the ground in front of him.
"Son of a-" he began.
Then, in a flash, an explosion ensnared the two, and they were both removed from the game.
~o.0.o~
Meanwhile, Johnny, Quinn and Veronica were still crouched up on the hill, waiting for a clear shot at the enemies inside.
"I have to say," Veronica smiled, "this is actually pretty cool! It's like being stuck in a big-"
"Just keep focused," Johnny instructed, "we can't afford another loss here."
"Sorry, sorry," Veronica nodded, "right, focused. Consider me VERY focused right now."
The three waited in silence, until at last Johnny pulled the trigger of his rifle.
"Got one," he announced, "we just need to wait until the others move into position."
"Hey," Quinn pointed out, "looks like the Ronin retreated."
Quinn gestured to a nearby mound of sand, which the remaining Ronin (Duncan, Eva, and Harold) were hiding behind. They seemed to be at odds about something, and Quinn smirked. She turned her rifle, and took aim.
~o.0.o~
The other members of the Legion had made it to the building relatively unscathed. Miri had accidentally set off a landmine, and as a result joined the choir invisible.
The remaining members of the Legion, however, began to scan the room.
"Nobody here," Tyler frowned.
"Yeah, but look at the scorch marks," Lance pointed out, "SOMETHING happened here."
"In that case," Sunny whispered, "we should, you know, maintain an effort to remain hidden."
"Good point," Lance agreed, "everyone, scatter and take cover. I don't suppose anyone is willing to scout ahead?"
"I'll go," Lucky shrugged, "but if someone tries to pull one over on me, you guys BETTER not fink out on me."
"Don't worry about it, man," Lance said, "I got your back."
Lucky sighed, and began to walk toward the flight of stairs. As he began to climb up it, however, two figures appeared at the top of the steps, and opened fired. Lucky drew his pistol and manage to get one of the men in the leg, but he was quickly overwhelmed. The other members of the Legion, however, had time to ready their weapons, and were easily able to overpower the two men.
"Damn it!" Lance exclaimed, "Sorry, man."
"So, do we keep going?" Vevo asked, "Or do you have another plan?"
"We need to keep going," Lance said, "that sergeant guy said there were only a few people in here. We just got two, and who knows how many Johnny and the others managed to get?"
"Shouldn't we be more worried about the Legion?" Vevo asked.
"I don't think so," Lance admitted, "they couldn't have made it much farther than us."
"Let's get a move on then," Tyler smiled, "we've got a challenge to win!"
~o.0.o~
The remaining members of the Ronin were still waiting in cover.
"Way to blow the challenge," Eva scoffed, "I always knew you were a terrible leader!"
"Look, I didn't ask for this position," Duncan said, "I just agreed to try it out for a bit, and I didn't see anyone argue about it."
"We shouldn't be fighting!" Harold exclaimed, "That's what the enemy wants!"
"You shut up," Eva snapped, "the point is, we're stuck here. We step out there, and we're done."
"Hopefully Alejandro made it in," Duncan sighed, "we did provide a good diversion, at least."
"Whatever," Eva scoffed.
"Don't worry," Harold smiled, "as long as we stay here, we're protected from-"
A shot was fired, and moments later, Harold was on the ground.
"Harold!" Duncan exclaimed, "Are you-"
Harold's body turned to static, and Duncan let out a groan.
"Where'd that shot come from?" Eva asked.
"I don't know, but we need to move!" Duncan exclaimed, "come on, let's-"
Once again, another shot rang out. Eva let out a brief scream, but was cut off when she disappeared a moment later. Realizing he was in trouble, Duncan started running as fast as he could. Soon enough, however, he felt a shot press into his back, and everything went white.
~o.0.o~
Duncan opened his eyes, and found he was in a small, white room with the other members of his team, as well as Miri, Lucky, and Sunny.
"Where...?" Duncan started.
"Yeah, that's what we've been trying to figure out," Cody sighed, "I guess it's where they put the losers."
"Damn it," Duncan sighed, "I'm sorry I let you down, guys."
"You did the best you could," Cody shrugged, "besides, we didn't really know what we were up against, did we?"
"I guess," Duncan shrugged, "I'll try to be a better leader next time."
"Please don't," Sunny said, "I really don't want to end up here again. This is so BORING."
"You're telling me," Lucky sighed, 'Lance better hurry the hell up and win this thing already."
~o.0.o~
Lance led his team through the building, until at last the reached the entrance to the top floor.
"Alright everyone," Lance said, "this is it."
Lance looked at Tyler, who nodded.
"On three," Lance said, "one, two..."
Tyler kicked open the door, and everyone swarmed in. They were startled, however, to find Sergeant Overbeck standing in the middle of an empty room, a smile on his face.
"Good to see you finally got here," he said, "I managed to sneak ahead and mop up the rest of these S.O.B.'s. You did good- good enough to be the last team standing!"
"Wait, you mean the Ronin were wiped out?" Tyler asked.
"The RONIN?" Overbeck asked, "You get hit on the head or somethin', boy? I'm talking about The Damned 33rd. The grunts that were supposed to be offering you your back-up. Either way, your mission is now complete."
"So, what happens now?" Tyler asked.
"Now?" Overbeck asked, "Now we get back to base, and you can all go home."
The Legion cheered, happy at their apparent victory.
"Okay," Overbeck smiled, "Let's go- first round is on me!"
Everything turned white, and suddenly the Legion found themselves in a large military tent. Overbeck was talking to another soldier, a grave expression on his face.
"I'm afraid I've got some bad news," Overbeck sighed, "it turns out that the 33rd survived Dubai."
"How is that bad news?" Lance asked.
"Well," Overbeck sighed, "...they've gone rouge. We've gotten word that they've holed up in Alaska with the damn Reds- you've been tasked with tracking down and neutralizing them."
"Of course," Vevo sighed, "we should've known the challenge would be longer."
"Oh, and one other thing," Overbeck added, "your friends in the infirmary have made a full recovery- they'll be able to join you in your next assignment."
"Friends in the infirmary?" Lance frowned, "I don't-"
All of a sudden, Lucky, Miri, and Sunny and the others appeared in mid-air and fell to the ground.
"Owww," Miri groaned.
"That's one way to make an entrance," Sunny groaned.
"What's goin' on?" Lucky asked, "Where are we?"
"You're safe, soldier," Overbeck announced, "that's all that matters. Now, report to the hanger immediately- we're setting off for Alaska at once. Get ready for Operation: Cat's Cradle!"
~o.0.o~
The Legion weren't the only ones to find themselves in unfamiliar territory. The Ronin now found themselves in a bunker that was empty save for a few crates and tables.
"Ugh... where are we?" Harold groaned.
"It looks like a bunker of some sort," Courtney frowned.
"Must be another part of the simulation," Cody guessed.
"Well then what are we supposed to be doing?" Eva asked, "I don't think we're just gonna be sitting around doing-"
"Attention all soldiers," a voice announced, "enemies inbound, ETA twenty minutes. Intelligence suggests they'll be setting up camp in an outpost north of here. You need to fortify our position here, and attempt to take control of that outpost. The enemy is NOT to assume control of this facility under any circumstance. You wil find everything you need to defend our base in those crates around the room. End transmission."
"Someone help me open up these crates," Alejandro instructed.
DJ and Duncan rushed over, and a few minutes later, the contents of each crate was spilled out on the floor.
"Okay," Cody announced, "looks like we've got guns, and guns, and guns, and... some more guns."
"Sweet!" Harold exclaimed, "I found a baggie of rubber bands! AWESOME!"
"Well, that's something," Gwen sighed, "anyone have any ideas?"
"Think think think," Cody frowned, "hm, what would Izzy do?... Nevermind, bad idea. Why don't we just do what we did last time? Split into two groups, one for offense, one for defense."
"Aright," Duncan agreed, "Alejandro, Cody, Eva, Ricardo, Bridgette, and Gwen, you guys go after the enemy's base. Everyone else stay here with me."
"Do you think we're up against the Legion?" DJ asked, "I haven't seen them around."
"It would make sense," Duncan shrugged, "either way, we can't sit around here and let them make the first move."
"Everyone grab a gun and let's go!" Eva snapped, "I'm tired of standing around all day!"
"Okay," Alejandro agreed, "just give everyone a minute to-"
All of a sudden, Lindsay let out a shriek.
"AHHHHHHH! GET HER AWAY!" the blonde screamed, pointing across the room, "DON'T LET HER TOUCH ME! DON'T LET HER!"
Lindsay snatched a rifle from out of the pie, and began to point it in front of her.
"Lindsay?" Gwen asked, "What's wrong?"
"No, NO! KEEP AWAY!" the blonde shrieked.
"Calm down, and tell me what's wrong," Gwen said softly, "there's no need to-"
Lindsay let out a blood-curdling scream, and suddenly vanished.
~o.0.o~
Chris was sitting in the bunker, reading the newspaper silently when an alarm sounded and lights began to flicker.
"What the-" Chris started.
Lindsay's helmet popped off, and the girl slumped to the ground, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Oh crap!" Chris exclaimed, "What's going on?"
Chris looked at Lindsay, let out a groan, and began to terminate the simulation. However, as he was about to do so, VIA's voice came over the speaker's.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," VIA said, "there were... complications. Disconnecting NOW would be... fatal for the participants."
"What the hell happened to Lindsay?" Chris demanded.
"Oh, her," VIA said, "well, like I said, there were complications. Oops."
For a moment, Chris could have sworn he heard VIA snicker.
"So what am I suppose to do?" Chris asked.
"Let them finish the simulation," VIA said, "as for the girl, I recommend several months of intensive therapy. Or maybe a hug."
"Damn it," Chris groaned, "damn it, DAMN IT!"
Chris attempted to help Lindsay up, but she was still blubbering incoherently.
"Come on, get up, we're gonna get you out of here," Chris snapped.
"Yes," VIA stated, "you do that."
~o.0.o~
Back in the simulation, the Ronin were still trying to figure out what had happened to Lindsay.
"Where the hell did she go?" Eva demanded.
"Do I look like I know?" Bridgette snapped, "She just disappeared!"
"Come now, we shouldn't panic," Alejandro advised, "this is surely just a part of the simulation."
While the others argued, Gwen realized she was seeing something out of the corner of her eye. She turned around, and saw for a split second what looked like a little girl. Whatever it was immediately vanished, and Gwen closed her eyes and shook her head.
"Gwen?" Cody asked, "Something wrong?"
"What? No, no. I just thought I saw... someone," Gwen sighed.
"Who?"
"I don't know," Gwen shrugged, "I guess I must have just imagined it."
"So what are we supposed to do now?" Courtney asked.
"We keep going," Alejandro shrugged, "we don't have any other choice."
~o.0.o~
At this point, the Legion had arrived at their base, and were arming themselves with the weapons we could find.
"Veronica, your strategy seemed to pay off in the last round," Lance said, "any suggestions?"
"Well, we're supposed to tke over the enemy fort, right?" Veronica said.
"Right," Lance nodded, "so we have one group wait here, and the other goes to attack-"
"No no no," Veronica said, "that's probably what the other team is doing, and definitely what they would expect. We'll divide into two groups, like you said- however, while one of them WILL stay here, the other will hide nearby and wait for the Ronin to show up. Once they do, each of our groups will launch an attack from their respective sides, effectively flanking them. Once their assault group is taken care of, we regroup, and the majority of us can move in for the final strike."
"Wow," Quinn said, "that plan kicks a surprising amount of ass. I'm in."
"Yeah, just one problem," Johnny said, "what if they DON'T send out an attack party?"
"I'm pretty sure they will," Veronica shrugged.
"Alright," Johnny shrugged, "why not?"
"Okay, I'l stay here with the first group," Lance said, "Veronica, since it's your plan, why don't you lead the second?"
"Uh, okay," Veronica gulped, "I guess I can try."
"Why don't you take Sunny, Lucky, Quinn and Miri with you?" Lance suggested, "The rest of us will wait here."
"Works for me," Veronica shrugged, "c'mon, guys, let's go!"
A few minutes later, Veronica and her group were fighting their way across a snowy mountain.
"See those boulders to the east?" Miri called out, "Do you think they would make a good hiding place?"
"Worth a shot," Veronica shrugged, "let's go."
The group made their way up, and began to set-up their equipment behind cover.
"I'm good with a rife," Quinn shrugged, "so I'll set up here and snipe from afar while you guys attack."
"Fair enough," Lucky shrugged, "Miri, could you hand me my pistols? I set them down over there."
"Sure thing," she smiled, "just let me- whoops!"
Miri accidentally dropped one of the pistols, and upon hitting the ground, it discharged. The bullet flew straight into Lucky's leg, and he let out a howl of pain.
"Son of a BITCH!" Lucky shouted.
"SORRY!" Miri cried, "I'm so, SO SORRY!"
"Oh my god, are you alright?" Sunny asked.
"Y'know," Lucky grimaced, "I know this is only a simulation and all, but this is still the second most painful thing I've ever experienced in my life."
"What's the first?" Quinn asked.
Everyone shot Quinn a disapproving look, and the girl just shrugged.
"What? I was curious," Quinn muttered.
"Stay still," Sunny said, "I think I have bandages in one of my- here we are!"
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it!" Miri gulped, "It just slipped and-"
"It's... fine," Lucky hissed.
"Don't worry," Sunny smiled, "'tis only a flesh wound. Now stop squirming while I patch you up."
"Sorry," Lucky sighed, "getting shot isn't something I'm really used to, you know- OW!"
"Pansy," Quinn muttered under her breath.
"You know," Lucky commented, "you aren't half-bad at this medical stuff, Sunny. Where'd you learn it?"
"Funny you should ask," Sunny said, "I didn't learn it anywhere. I just stitched a little smiley face over the wound and threw a bandage on top of everything!"
At this, Lucky looked alarmed, and Sunny chuckled a bit.
"Relax," she said, "I'm only kidding. My moms wants me to be a nurse, so she signed me up for a bunch of courses on first-aid and all that. I didn't really enjoy it, but I guess it's payed off now and then."
"No kiddin'," Lucky nodded, "thanks for that."
"Hey, look alive!" Quinn snapped, "Those Ronin clowns are headed towards our base. Let's let 'em pass, then when the rest of our team opens fire, we'll attack."
~o.0.o~
The Ronin reached the Legion's fort, and they got ready for an assault.
"Okay," Alejandro started, "everyone on me-"
Before Alejandro could give an order, a few members of the Legion peered out of windows, and began to fire at the Ronin. By the time the Ronin had drawn their weapons, Veronica and the others brought up their assault from the back.
"Damn it, they surrounded us!" Bridgette shouted.
"Everyone scatter!" Alejandro shouted.
While the remaining members of the Ronin scrambled to get away, a panicked Cody actually ran straight into the Legion's bunker.
"Okay," Cody groaned, "need to... gather my thoughts..."
Cody dropped his gun to the floor, and let out a sigh.
"Well, look what we have here," a voice said.
Cody looked, and saw Vevo standing next to him. Cody reached for his gun, but Vevo quickly stomped on his fingers. Vevo then brought his leg, back, and planted a kick in Cody's side.
"You know, I like this challenge," Vevo smirked, "fun. Therapeutic, almost."
Cody strugged to get his hand out from under Vevo's boot, but the teen just smirked, and stepped down harder.
"Soul, I hear you calling, oh baby pleaseeeeee, give a little respect to me!" Vevo sang, panting another kick in Cody's side, "And if I should falter-"
"HEY!" a voice called out.
Vevo turned around, and saw Gwen standing behind him. Gwen punched him straight in the face, and Vevo fell straight on his back. Before he could get up, Gwen drew her gun, and shot him in the heart. Vevo opened his mouth to shout something, but disappeared first.
"You alright?" Gwen asked, helping Cody up.
"Yeah," he groaned, "he caught me off guard. I shouda' been paying more attention."
"It's alright, don't worry," Gwen assured him, "pfft. Freaking psycho. Let's get out of-"
"Sorry ma'am," a voice said, "can't let you do that."
A shot rang out, and Cody was gone. Gwen spun around just in time to see Johnny cock his rifle. One more shot was fired, and Gwen had also vanished.
~o.0.o~
A few minutes later, and all members of the Legion- minus Vevo, of course- were gathered outside of the base.
"Okay," Johnny said, "looks like most of us made it. Good thing they sent half of their men after us- if we swoop in now, we can take 'em all out."
"No," Veronica said, "one or two of you should stay behind, just in case."
"Then it should be me and Lance," Johnny suggested, "I can pick off any attackers at long range, and Lance isn't too bad with a rifle either."
"Alright," Quinn nodded, "everyone else, let's go."
~o.0.o~
The rest of the Legion were sitting around the base, trying to set up traps.
"Okay," Duncan sighed, "they'll probably be here soon- how are the traps coming?"
"Well," Courtney frowned, "I have a trip wire."
"NICE!"
"Made of rubber bands."
"Of course."
"Don't worry," Harold smiled, "in case of an attack, we can surely repel them with our skills-"
At that exact moment, the Legion broke in to the fort, and began firing away. The Ronin were able to take out Miri and Sunny, but in the end were quickly overwhelmed.
"WE DID IT!" Veronica cheered.
"Finally," Tyler smiled, "do you think we can go home-"
At that moment Sergeant Overbeck appeared once more.
"Good work, soldiers," he said, "you managed to root out and destroy those traitors! And now, you have one test left."
"What is it?" Veronica asked.
"You need to prove you have one of the most valuable traits of any soldier," Overbeck said, "one of the most important virtues there is: loyalty."
With that, Overbeck handed Veronica a pistol.
"Prove you're loyal," he growled, "kill one of your squad mates. Show me you can be all you can be."
"WHAT?" Veronica exclaimed, "I'm not-"
"What's the big deal?" Lucky asked, "Hell, shoot me. Not like this is going to matter when we get back."
"You heard him," Overbeck nodded, "it doesn't matter. If you feel the same way, look him in the eyes and pull the trigger."
"What kind of simulation IS this?" Tyler asked.
"Don't pull the trigger," Aria advised, "now is the time to show loyalty, but not to her."
"No one is leaving this room until someone is dead, understood?" Overbeck demanded, "You have ten seconds or I'll-"
A shot rang out, cutting off Overbeck's speech. The man took two steps back, and looked down at his chest, where the bullet had penetrated.
"well... done," he whispered, before turning to static.
Then, for the final time, the room when white.
~o.0.o~
The campers opened their eyes, and found themselves back in the real world.
"Ugh... I don't feel so good," Courtney groaned.
"Yep," Chris said, "probably a side effect from the simulation. A sort of... motion sickness or something, I don't know."
The campers turned, and saw Chris standing by the staircase, looking a little worried.
"So, what? Did we win?" Tyler asked.
"Yes, the Legion won," Chris nodded, "but there is no elimination ceremony tonight."
"WHAT?" Quinn demanded, "Why not? We won-"
"Lindsay... suffered some of the more extreme side effects," Chris said nervously.
"You mean that thing that happened inside the simulation?" Gwen asked.
"What?" Chris asked, "Yeah, um, sure. As a result, she decided to take a medical leave of absence, and has been eliminated from the game."
"What's wrong with her?" Gwen asked.
"Stuff and things," Chris murmured nervously, "anywho, the LEGION WINS! YAYYY! Now how about you go back to your cabins and get up to your... whatever it is you guys do when not working on challenges and stuff."
The campers shrugged, and left the bunker.
On the surface, everyone began to head back to the cabins.
"Man, that was great!" Veronica cheered, "I feel like John Marston!"
The Legion talked among themselves, excited for their victory. Most of the Ronin, however, were still suspicious of Lindsay's elimination- Gwen especially. She looked incredibly depressed, and Cody walked over to her, a concerned look on his face.
"Hey," he said, "you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Gwen sighed, "It's just... what do you think happened to Lindsay back there?"
"I don't know," Cody shrugged, "must have been a glitch or something.
"No," Gwen said, "no. Something weird is going on here, and I'm going to find out what."