Total Drama Academy
The Reboot Paradox
a Total Drama fan fiction story
by Lord Akiyama
Author's Note: This is a reboot, or reimagining, of my original Total Drama Academy story, which is still active mind you. This universe is developed on the idea that there had been only three shows that were made roughly at the same time: Total Drama Island, Total Drama: Revenge of the Island, and Total Drama: Pahkitew Island.
Chapter Three
"Sweeeeeeeeeet..." Beardo exhaled. While the expression on his face may not look it, he was as blown away as pretty much everyone else at what he was seeing.
"White Rose Academy?" Harold wondered aloud. He blinked as he looked out at the view before him. "This is a school?"
"Looks like a city to me, bra," Geoff noted. He scratched the back of his head, trying to figure if there was something he was missing.
"Never seen a city this big bef'oore," Ezekiel said. He was perhaps the most in awe than even those who were seemingly familiar with it.
"Both a school and a city..." Max mused aloud. He rubbed his chin in thought. "I must know their secrets. So that I may exploit them for my evil plans!"
"That reminds me of my Great-Great-Great-Great-Great-Auntie Rose, yeah," Staci said. Her speaking would've been considered sudden to any one other than Max. "She invented the chandelier. Before her, people would glue candles to the ceiling."
"Hmmm..." Max uttered. He spent a second to ponder what he had just heard. "Gluing candles... Yes, some fiendish ideas will surely come to fruition now..."
"Oh my..." Dawn whispered. No one really took heed of her as she closed her eyes and held a hand out toward the school in the distance. "The spirit energy... Greater than anything known to man..." If any one really paid attention to her, they would have seen her aura glowing with an almost blinding light.
"Goodness me," Ella said. She was completely fascinated with the scenery that she beheld. "This is much bigger than Aurora Belle Academy back home. In fact, it looks much bigger than the academy and the neighboring poor, provincial town combined."
"That's the biggest school I've ever seen!" Owen proclaimed. He was as excited as he could be at what could be found at a place like this. "I bet the eats there are awesome!"
"I bet they got lots of eats!" Izzy cackled. She immediately placed herself upon her hefty boyfriend's shoulders and pointed out toward the school in the distance. "Oh, oh! I spy with my little eye something that begins with T!"
"Tree?" Owen responded. He wasn't so much concerned about whether or not he would be correct. Rather, he was just as exhilarated as his wild girlfriend over what she found.
"Disco!" Izzy confirmed. She hoisted herself into a standing position on his shoulders and cheered loudly. "Woo hoo, Owen my man! This is gonna be so cool!"
"Duncan, pinch me," Courtney whispered breathlessly. Her attention was fixed upon the sight before them all. Not necessarily to the phrasing of what she said and to whom.
"Really?" Duncan questioned. He raised a brow. When no immediate answer came, a formed a wicked grin on his face. "Okay." And he pinched her.
"Ah!" Courtney squeaked in horror. She covered her bottom as she turned to face her punk boyfriend, wanting to look extremely angry despite how badly she was blushing. "On the arm, you monster!" She tried to ignore his amused chuckle before he obliged and pinched her properly. "Ow." She looked back out to see that White Rose Academy was still in view. "I'm not asleep! I'm awake! It's real! Oh God, I'm seeing it for real!"
"Someone mind tellin' what tha deal is?" LeShawna asked. She had crossed her arms over her chest, clearly looking to get clarification on the significance of what they were seeing.
"Ya three seem ta kno' at least somethin' about it," Jasmine said. She directed her words to Courtney, Sky, and Dakota.
"Just rumors," Sky responded. She let out a slight shrug. "But it's talked quite highly from those I've heard it from. Supposed to be this amazing school that will guarantee you get the career you want and be set for the rest of your life."
"Man, Lighting has heard that bullsh-/censored/ promise from every sha-school," Lightning stated with a scoff. He clearly wasn't impressed.
"With the alumni it supposedly has?" Courtney said. Her indignation directed at the athletic overachiever, taking a step toward him. "World champion athletes, prominent political figures, award winning entertainers, lucrative entrepreneurs. At least a couple Nobel Prize recipients may have went here, too."
"Wow!" Bridgette mused. She took another glance at White Rose Academy with a greater sense of awe than before. "But how come we've never heard about it before?"
"It's super private," Dakota answered softly. Her attention was stilled fixed upon the school in the distance. "Only those with the right connections are privy to it."
"Is that why you didn't think it was real?" Trent asked. He was trying to comprehend all that he was seeing and hearing in the hopes of figuring where they fit into this.
"So few people I talked to had any inkling about it," Sky replied. She rubbed her arm sheepishly. "No one even knows where its supposed to be located." That last statement caught the attention of many.
"Wait," Gwen uttered. It didn't take her too long to figure what it meant. "Are you saying we might be off the grid?"
"Oh, man," Shawn muttered. He started to get very anxious. "I don't know if this is good or bad. There are too many variables to consider when determining the survivability of an isolated community during the apocalypse."
"God, give the doomsday crap a rest, weirdo," Heather groaned. She rolled her eyes, only just managing to see a very stern and rather intimidating look from the very tall Jasmine.
"So how did you hear about it if no one else has?" Cameron asked. The level of intrigue had seemingly been topped and was still growing.
"Was muttered by some of the college recruiters I've been meeting after the show ended," Sky answered. She turned her attention back to the school while continuing to speak. "Sounded like if I'd gone here it would've boosted my chances of getting into a real good college and better compete for the Olympics."
"Then fo' sho' the Lightning should be goin' here," Lightning proclaimed. The jock's sudden shift in interest annoyed Sky.
"Was doing extracurricular work for the mayor's office back home," Courtney said. It seemed she was on the verge of entering a dream-like state. "Brought up quietly a number of times how having attended White Rose Academy all but guarantees a run in a prominent public office."
"Why am I not surprised about prissy-pants," LeShawna scoffed. She managed to keep her voice low enough so that the only one who heard her sarcasm was Harold. He nodded in agreement.
"What about you, Dakota?" Sam asked his girlfriend. She didn't turn away from looking out at the sight before them to answer. No need with what she was going to say.
"My parents were alumni," Dakota whispered. And yet it was still loud enough that nearly everyone heard her clearly and reacted with absolute disbelief.
"Both of them?" Sam asked. He was probably the only one who reacted with some excitement.
"Yeah," Dakota whispered back. Her lips curved slightly enough to form the vaguest impressions of a smile she could muster under the circumstances.
"Cool," Sam mused with a whistle. "So you probably were gonna go here too, huh?"
"Was," Dakota responded. She then let out a scoff and glanced down to the side. The impression of the smile seconds ago was gone. "But then the show happened."
"Oh," Sam muttered. He was accompanied by Beardo whistling an object plummeting and then crashing and exploding on impact. This guy was starting to get on Heather's nerves.
"Didn't think they'd accept me as Dakotazoid," Dakota noted with a soft laugh. "So it was abandoned." Much like any impression of a smile.
"But now you will get to be an alumni just like your parents after all," a familiar voice announced. One that caused the majority of everyone to turn toward it. They were met with the equally familiar smug face of Chris McLean.
It was roughly ten seconds before Dakota properly looked up toward Chris. Fury burning in her eyes. Curiously, though, she wasn't quite transforming into Dakotazoid. She might have grown a little bit, but the more elaborate features such as the spikes and the tail were not showing themselves. She suddenly turned and started marching toward him. Not really using any of the agility she had displayed before. She stopped when she was about two feet away from the handsome host. Staring at him for a moment. Her eyes still burning with red hot fire.
The swipe was as fast as would be expected. A flash that was there and gone in the blink of an eye. She might not have fully transformed, but it would seem that she was angry enough for her claws to be elongated. An ideal weapon to use to slap Chris in the face that it would be sliced into pieces. That would be the case had he actually been there physically. His face going fuzzy before reverting to form confirming that the Chris McLean standing there before them all was, yet again, a hologram.
"When I find you for real, Chris, I will cut you!" Dakota snarled. She raised her clawed hand at the hologram, wanting to display hate-filled intimidation regardless of whether or not it would actually work. It did cause Heather to flinch and nearly cower into a fetal position.
"Perhaps," Chris responded. He formed an amused smirk and a raised brow before letting out a slight chuckle. "But that's not important right now." It was unknown if he was going to continue to say any thing. As someone decided at that moment to show that they had been properly paying attention just moments ago.
"'old up, mate," Jasmine state. She brought her hands up as she spoke. "Did ya just say she gonna be ah alumni like 'er folks?" That raised some curious brows, even one from Dakota.
"She won't be the only one," Chris responded. He walked toward the spot where Dakota had been previously, as if to look out at the view himself. When he stopped, he spun in place to face the others and spoke in his announcer voice. "Boys and girls, allow me to officially welcome you to Académie de la Rose Blanche!" He waved his arms out. "And welcome to...
"TOTAL...
"DRAMA...
"ACADEMY!
"ALL-STARS EDITION!"
There was essentially one word that best described the expressions painted across the faces of everyone after hearing Chris' announcement: bewilderment. He was never really one to speak all that fast and had a way of properly enunciating his words, even the foreign ones he probably didn't know the proper meanings to without some sort of translator. Yet there was hardly any one who understood what it was he announced. Until a couple minutes of silence later.
"Total Drama Academy?" Gwen muttered. After a second's thought, she managed to work it out. Which made her all the more confused. "This is gonna be about us... studying here?" That was not what any one of the others was expecting to hear.
"Correct-o-mundo!" Chris stated with a chuckle. "We're doing things a little different this time around. Instead of you freaks going through the ringer and then some for a few measly bucks and fifteen minutes of fame, you're gonna get the kind of education parents would kill for their kiddies to have and ensure yourselves a lofty, prosperous future."
"Oh my God!" Courtney whispered breathlessly. A hand brought up to merely touch her bottom lip. Her eyes as wide as they were allowed to be. "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God! This is for real? We're gonna be studying at White Rose Academy for real? You better not be pranking me, Chris, or I swear to God I will castrate you!"
"Not pullin' yer leg on this one, Courtney," Chris replied. He gave out a hearty chuckle. "This is indeed for real."
Courtney keeled over. Duncan managed to catch her before she hit the ground. She was almost out, save for the occasional moaning of disbelief and excitement. Duncan adjusted himself to completely pick her up. Holding her bridal style. She was too overwhelmed to comprehend this.
"Wow," Cameron mused in wonder. "I'm actually gonna be in a school."
"Same here, eh," Ezekiel said. "'oor family has always been h'oomesch'ooled."
"And with good reason," Shawn proclaimed. "Schools are among the most likely to be infested with the undead due to their lack of proper structural security." Whatever intrigue Cameron and Ezekiel had was instantly dashed and replaced with concern and fear. Jasmine merely sighed and shook her head.
"A new school to attend!" Ella cheered. She clapped her hands together with great delight. "This is so marvelous! It makes me want to sing!"
Ella began to inhale. She was right about to hit the first high note when she came to a sudden stopped. She had managed to catch sight of Chris looking at her. A brow raised in a curious fashion. And just like that, Ella sighed and withheld from singing. This sight of dejection having been witnessed by Gwen. Taking a mental note regarding how her cousin reacted to being stopped from doing something she liked.
"What, we're gonna do smart school stuff for challenges and the winner gets to stay enrolled or something?" Duncan asked. He raised a curious brow at Chris while still holding the extremely woozy Courtney in his arms.
"Can't do that," Chris answered, shaking his head.
"What do you mean?" Trent asked. He too raised a curious brow.
"Education at White Rose Academy is done so differently from the rest of the world," Chris explained. "The purpose is to ensure you succeed in your chosen profession the second you graduate, so everything will be tailored to that specifically for each individual."
Many began to murmur with one another. Describing how this school apparently operated certainly left a good portion with mixed feelings. Courtney remained in a delighted daze while Duncan's interest was dropping. Heather turned her back to the academy in the distance, seemingly not wanting to have anything to do with it at this point. Some ended up turning their attention to Dakota, curious to know how she was taking all of this. She appeared to be eyeing Chris rather cautiously and suspiciously. Reasonable, given how she felt about the man.
"So..." Harold began to say suddenly. This brought everyone else to a silence and turned their attention to him when he continued. "There would be no point in having any sort of challenges based around studying because the likelihood of any two of us being in many classes together are minimal at best?"
"That's right," Chris replied with a nod. "For the most part, you kids are pretty much gonna be on your own as far as gaining your education here. From the classes you attend to the jobs you work. Part-time, of course."
"Jobs?" Heather questioned aloud. Something else the others were not expecting to hear.
"Best way to have a successful career is to already have the experience needed to be at the top of the food chain," Chris explained. "Or something like that. But yeah, you'll be hooked up with a part-time gig to coincide with your studies."
"So if I want surfing to be an actual career..." Bridgette began to say, wondering aloud.
"You'd only be taking classes designed around a surfing career and working as probably a life-guard or something," Chris answered. He thought for a second and then shrugged, shaking his head. "That's just an example, mind you, I honestly dunno the full details to how this would go down for that specifically."
"So if we're essentially getting educated at an individual level, how are eliminations determined?" Cameron questioned. He was trying to make sense of all that was being said.
"There won't be any eliminations," Chris replied. Beardo made a violent record scratching sound that rather externalized the shock everyone felt from the host's latest revelation. It was certainly enough rouse to Courtney into a more conscious state.
"Did you just say that there won't be any eliminations?" Shawn asked. He started to nervously rub his wrist with a free hand.
"Education here is fixed upon real world applications," Chris responded in explanation. "There's nothing real world about getting eliminated simply because the others did better than you at studying and working in their chosen profession. If you're getting kicked out, it'll be under their terms. So you're gonna be here for the long haul, folks."
"Yer frontin' me," LeShawna said in disbelief. "Ya mean..."
"Yep," Chris said in reply to the question before it was asked. "Don't royally screw up and you'll graduate from here. We're doing this baby for the next two years!"
The murmuring had intensified. This definitely was not what they were expecting when they were forced to return. A seemingly welcome surprise considering the goal was to merely get through two years at what sounded like a super impressive school. Better than having to go through the ringer of awful challenges designed to break them down spiritually, emotionally, and mentally.
"This has to be some sort of sick joke," Heather muttered. It was uncertain if she intended to be loud enough to be heard. But heard she was.
"Nope," Chris responded to her. "It's the real deal."
"This is an outrage!" Lightning stated. "The Lightning is here to compete, not study!" He crossed his arms over his chest and threw his nose up in the air.
"Dude, didn't you just say a second ago you should be going here?" Geoff noted. He watched as Lightning merely took a giant step away as though that were a proper retort.
"We'll have challenges," Chris said. "We just can't have them interfering with your education. So when and what they'll be will depend upon what your schedules become once you start. Again, we're not allowed to eliminate you. So to incentivize your participation and to ensure you guys bring your A-game, we'll have some super sweet prizes you guys will compete for."
"Super sweet, huh?" Gwen scoffed. The sarcasm was about as obvious as the sun. "Sure."
"You'll be thanking me once you see the prizes," Chris said. He gave out a knowing chuckle while Gwen merely rolled her eyes in return.
"What if we have no desire to be here?" Heather asked. "Can we leave?" Chris looked back at her. A look that made her a little uncomfortable. Though it would seem to be for a reason that was not quite apparent on the surface.
"This school is the best opportunity you're ever gonna have to be totally set for the rest of your life the second you graduate," Chris noted in reply. "You really wanna give up on that and probably end up struggling to make ends meet instead?" Heather glanced away in hesitation. "You think your parents would allow you to any way?" The last sentence caught the attention of many of the others who happened to be within hearing range.
"Do our folks know?" Sky asked curiously.
"We informed them after you guys got picked up yesterday," Chris answered. He turned so that he could address as many of everyone as he could from his position. "They're so on board with this, all things considered." Hardly any one paid attention when Dakota looked up in surprise.
"Will we be able to contact them?" Trent asked. A few of the others were just as concerned about what the answer might be.
"Don't see a reason why not" Chris replied with a shrug. "Once we get you lot situated there, of course. So it might not be until later in the day."
Dakota was suddenly on the move. It somehow managed to garner everyone's attention immediately. She made her way over to the bus. Stopping short of the passenger entry doorway. She then pressed a finger against the surface to the right of the doorway. Revealed to be a button that had previously been completely hidden. A panel slid open above the spot she pressed, bringing out a dial pad. She pressed a series of numbers. The dial pad made a chiming sound and then slid upward, showing that behind it appeared to be a cellular phone. Dakota grabbed the phone and proceeded to make a call.
"There was a phone there?" Chris uttered. He was as genuinely surprised as most everyone else.
"She said the bus had been developed for her in mind originally," Sam noted. He gave out a shrug and a chuckle before turning back to his girlfriend.
"Hi, daddy," Dakota said into the phone. She spoke softly, though it was less about making the call private than it was telling of her shifting mood from bring angry to being rather shy. Pausing to listen to what her father said in return. "Yeah. ... Yeah, we're seeing the school now. ... I guess that's why they forced you to change me back, huh?"
"So 'ow did ya manage ta do all this, mate?" Jasmine asked. Most turned their attention away from Dakota upon hearing the taller girl speak. There was already a general consensus to take whatever answer she received from the handsome host with a grain of salt.
"They came to us," Chris replied. He gave a shrug and was seemingly aware that his words might not be taken seriously even if they were the truth. He did have a track record for lying to these kids, after all. "Our shows were such big hits they wanted us to use our little magic to present their school publicly. They're super coy about why, but I think they just wanna show off and make everyone else jealous. Came to the right folks to do just that."
"How do we figure into the mix?" Bridgette questioned further.
"We thought it would be fun to document you lot studying here than to follow a buncha nobodies who actually got in," Chris responded. He threw in a chuckle before continuing to speak. "Took some negotiating, but they relented."
"Why us?" Sky asked. There was a sense of genuine wonder in her voice. "The twenty-four of us. Why are we the ones getting to do this?"
"Honest answer?" Chris said in return. He threw out another shrug. "We wanted the most curious bunch we could put together from all three shows." Those who were listening to Chris eyed him with even greater concern and suspicion following the answer he gave.
"Would that not defeat the purpose of having 'all-stars', though?" Harold asked. He scratched the back of his head as if he was still trying to make sense of all that was being said.
"Not necessarily," Chris responded, shaking his head. "We put some serious thought into this in order to have that Total Drama kick work. The three winners were a given."
"Two years at a cool looking school?" Owen uttered. He was seemingly oblivious to the primary conversation taking place, perhaps lost in his own realm at the time being. "This is gonna be so much fun! I've only ever been at school for six hours a day. Two years is gonna be awesome!" Sky seemed amused enough with Owen's enthusiasm to form a more genuine smile. Cameron's was a nervous smile, though the feeling was more from the fact that he'll be attending a school for the first time in as long as he could remember.
"And the three finalists earned it," Chris added. He seemed to speak as though he hadn't been interrupted in the first place.
"Of course the Lightning earned it," Lightning stated. "No one else should compare." Gwen raised a brow as she looked over to Shawn. He merely shrugged in response.
"B'oot... why am I here, eh?" Ezekiel asked. Daring to speak up with a slight squeak to his voice. "I g'oot eliminated first."
"Curiosity made us bring in you three who got booted at the start," Chris answered. There was almost a sense of pride to the way he spoke. "We're wondering if you guys can offer something that you weren't able to the first time around."
"That reminds me of my Great-Great-Great-Great-Uncle Julius, yeah," Staci proclaimed quite suddenly. "He was the first to properly wear boots on his feet. Before him, everyone would try to wear them like masks to avoid the plague."
There was a brief period of silence as some stared at the girl. They had been left feeling very perplexed. Beardo soon made cuckoo noises that impressively sounded like the real thing while twirling a finger around his temple and thumbing toward Staci behind her back. Ezekiel scratched the back of his head in confusion.
"I cannot fathom how in the world she'll manage to get through the two years without being expelled," Courtney mused quietly to herself. Once more in disbelief over whatever misinformation spewed out of Staci's mouth.
"Hmmm..." Max thought aloud. He rubbed his chin for a second. "Boots as masks... Yes, yes... I believe you're onto something, my dear henchwoman." That there was someone who took the other girl seriously made Courtney feel queasy.
"Okay, that explains why nine of us are here," Trent noted. He figured maintaining focus on the subject proper would be beneficial. "What about the rest of us?"
"The name of the show is Total Drama," Chris said. As if that was supposed to be the answer to end all answers. Fortunately, he continued. "And since this is a school setting, we picked based on interactions that we felt would get the most from the experience. We settled on twenty-four being a good, solid number. Even if it meant there would be some kiddies we couldn't bring in, as much as we wanted to."
"Like who?" Duncan asked. He raised a curious brow.
"Well..." Chris uttered. He turned an eye onto Sky and chuckled while rubbing his chin. "There was one name we thought it would be fun to bring in. But certain... legal issues... prevented us from even considering him." Sky did not appreciate how Chris went about answering.
"What about Dakota?" Cameron wondered aloud. "Did you really need her that you forced her father to try to change her back?" A few eyed Dakota for a moment when the question was asked. Her attention appeared to be fixed upon her phone conversation with her father.
"It was actually necessary that she'd be in, what with her parents being alumni and all," Chris explained. "Without her, it would've been that much harder to have put this baby together. Having connections can go a real long way, you know."
"Wait," Dakota said suddenly. It sounded as though she heard something that surprised her. "You're now one of the producers?" That would definitely surprise her. Her and everyone else. Full attention was now placed upon Dakota and her phone conversation with her father.
"I'm sorry, what?" Chris uttered. He was just as shocked as the others, perhaps more so.
"Really..." Dakota uttered. She turned just enough to look over at Chris. A smirk forming on her lips. "Half of his salary for compensation, eh?"
"Half?" Chris cried. The incredulous expression he wore merely an understatement to just how he was taking this sudden turn of events. "Excuse me a tick, kids." Seconds later, the hologram of Chris McLean vanished.
Most everyone looked back at Dakota in the same dumbfounded manner. She was keeping herself from giggling aloud, it seemed. Clear satisfaction and amusement from the reaction she received from Chris. She then glanced to the side and continued with her phone conversation, straight up ignoring the others pretty much.
"I guess this means I'm not allowed to kill him, huh?" Dakota said with a sigh. She paused for a second to hear her father respond. "Can't I at least maim him? ... Fine. ..." She turned to look at Sam. "Yeah, he's here. ... Thanks, daddy." A soft smile forming on her lips. Sam returning a smile of his own along with a chuckle. "Yeah, we'll call you later today. ... Yes, he'll be on the call. ... Daddy, he's the sweetest guy in the whole world. You don't need to give him the talk again." Dakota gave out a teasing giggle. Sam shyly chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "Okay. Talk to you then. ... Love you, daddy. ... Bye."
Dakota maintained eye contact with Sam even as she hung up the phone. The soft smile on her face that of genuine joy. Sam returning a smile of his own that was of honest delight. The two of them lost in their shared moment. The others having seemingly disappeared from their sphere of consciousness. At least until a certain someone returned.
The hologram of Chris McLean emerged. Arms crossed over his chest and sending quite the glare at Dakota. Dakota returning with a smug glance from the side. They stayed like this a moment. Perhaps playing a strange game of chicken. Moments later, Chris conceded with a sigh.
"Sooo..." the handsome host started to say. He then turned his attention to as many of everyone as could be covered in his apparent line of sight. "I think we covered a good amount of what this will be all about. You'll find out more as the days roll by. So how's about we get you kiddies onto campus. Really see this bad boy up close and personal. Head on back into the bus to change and we'll get you to the monorail. Don't wanna spend your first day in yer pajamas and skivvies, now do we?"
Courtney was the first to react to what turned out to be a shocking revelation, at least to her. That they were still in their night clothes throughout the entirety of this reveal that they were going to be attending White Rose Academy. She squeaked in horror, trying in a vain attempt to cover herself with her arms. All the while still in Duncan's. Her punk boyfriend forming a wicked smirk on his face as he merely watched his girl blush and squirm.
When everyone else began to register the fact that they were in their pajamas, most merely mumbled at the disbelief of recognizing just how early in the morning it still was, all things considered. One by one, they began making their way onto the bus. The hologram of Chris McLean giving them a wave before disappearing from sight.
"This is gonna be so cool!" Izzy cheered. Still perched upon the shoulders of her hefty boyfriend as they made their way back onto the bus. "You know this will be my thirteenth school in three years, uh-huh."
"Boy, you must be really smart to go to thirteen schools in three years, Izzy," Owen said. He was in absolute awe of what he perceived to be a major accomplishment.
"Sure am!" Izzy responded proudly. "They were so amazed with my IQ being 188 that they didn't know what more they could do for me schooling-wise. That and the few times I wanted to bring along my emotional support anaconda so I could relax."
"I'm sorry, an emotional support what?" Jasmine questioned. After all the things that had been said so far this morning, this one strangely managed to be the most bewildering to her.
"For the sake of your sanity, do not listen to her," Duncan muttered. He did whatever he could to avoid catching the wild girl in his line of sight. All the while he was still carrying Courtney, herself in a dream-like daze over where she would be going in mere moments.
The last to board the bus would be Dawn. She paused before passing through the door. Turning back to look at the view of White Rose Academy. Her aura lighting up once more, though not as brightly as it had been earlier. It was curious. This feeling she was having about the destination they were embarking towards. It seemed like an omen. She wasn't sure if it was a positive one or a negative one.
It was roughly thirty minutes before the bus transported all of them to where they would be getting to White Rose Academy properly from. A facility that acted as a destination station for a very sleek silver and black monorail. There were two bodies waiting for them outside the front door. One looked to be the station operator, a middle-age fellow who seemed to be at ease with his position in life. The other being the familiar looking figure of one Chef Hatchet. Clad in the same uniform as the station operator for some reason.
"A'ight, maggots!" Chef hollered as the fully dressed soon-to-be-students exited the bus. "Get yo butts onto tha monorail! We ain't got all day, ya know. An' don't worry about yo things. Phil here will make sh'o they be delivered in one piece." Phil merely grunted softly and proceeded to slowly retrieve the belongings.
The doors slid open to direct the teens to the monorail. There was no sound accompaniment naturally, but Beardo went ahead and threw out a futuristic sound effect. Harold chuckled at this with LeShawna shaking her head in amusement. Shawn stopped Ezekiel and Cameron from stepping through the doorway. He then cautiously peered through, looking left, right, up, and down. When he felt satisfied, he signaled for the bewildered two others to follow him in. Jasmine tried to suppress a light laugh, but managed to let a snort escape.
It was another few moments before everyone boarded the monorail. It was as impressive inside as it was outside. The general feeling was that sleek would be the theme they were likely to encounter. Smooth leather seats awaited with an almost futuristic design to the oversized window paneling. The idea being that passengers should get an absolute full view of their destination while still within the confines of the moving vehicle. None of the twenty-four former reality television stars had seen anything like it.
While most of the others continued to marvel at the monorail and the destination they were embarking towards, Gwen quietly and rather stealthily moved as far back and away as she could. She looked out the window, but wasn't quite paying attention to the view. Mostly because the view had yet to change with the monorail being stationary at the moment. What she was really doing was losing herself to her thoughts. She had a couple minutes to herself before she was joined by someone who was curious about her being alone for the time being.
"Something on your mind, beautiful?" Trent said. It was soft and low enough that they were presumably the only ones who could hear. He figured she wanted it that way.
"That feeling," Gwen responded with a sigh. She crossed her arms over her chest and leaned back against the nearby solid wall.
"I take it you're not entirely comfortable with all this as most everyone else," Trent mused. He positioned himself beside her. Leaning up with his arm at eye level.
"Wish I can put my finger on it," Gwen said. She turned enough to catch her boyfriend within her line of fight. "Chris is a bastard, but I will admit that he had thrown a few bones every now and then. At least on our show. I dunno. This seems just too good to be real."
"Doesn't help that only three others have any sort of familiarity with this school," Trent noted in agreement. He drummed his fingers that were upon the wall. "Still, one of those three had parents who were supposedly alumni. A little harder to doubt the validity of at least the existence of this place with that sort of thing."
"Maybe," Gwen muttered. She exhaled another sigh, fully putting her weight upon the wall her back was up against. "Can't help it. Can't be excited about something I should be excited about when I have this bad feeling that this is not gonna turn out so great." There was a slight pause. It was roughly a second later when a tingling sensation started to come over her. The kind she got when he ran his free hand through her hair oh so slowly. Every worry in the world forgotten in this sudden moment.
"Then perhaps we should concentrate on one positive thing we know to be true," Trent whispered. His lips inches away from her ear. It took a lot for her to not shiver instantly. "We get to be together more often. No more two hour drives on the weekends."
"That does sound very nice, handsome," Gwen responded breathlessly. She turned so that she would be able to look him in the eyes. But along the way, something caught her attention instead. She smirked and let out a sigh. "Only we won't have a whole lotta privacy."
Trent glanced over to see what his girlfriend saw. A few feet away was Ella looking back at them with excited anticipation. Behind her were the amused, yet no less intrigued looks of Bridgette and LeShawna. Themselves joined by the smiling faces of Geoff and Harold. They had all gone from admiring in awe their surroundings to being eager audiences of possible PDA from Gwen and Trent. The focal couple shook their heads and let out light laughs.
"We about ta get movin', kids!" Chef announced. He did so right as the doors of the monorail closed behind him. "Ya don't hafta sit down, but ya wanna keep yer footin' if ya don't wanna fall on yer pretty faces." He was making his way toward the front of the monorail when he was stopped by the hologram of Chris McLean suddenly materializing before him.
"We need to talk..." Chris muttered between clenched teeth. He looked none too pleased. Managing to steal a glare at Dakota before he disappeared. Chef grunted a sigh before he continued onward and through a door to the front.
Moments later, the monorail began to move. Very slowly at first and then picking up speed at a pretty good pace. Enough that no one really had to worry about the movement causing them to trip or fall. But perhaps more importantly, it didn't cause any sort of interference or motion obstruction to their view outside. And what a view they were getting. Nearly everyone watching the most beautiful and impressive scenery they had seen to date.
It was a few minutes before they found themselves going through a tunnel. It was lit with video screens displaying stills and photographs of what looked to be places within the confines of White Rose Academy. Giving the impression that it was more than just a fancy boarding school supposedly off the grid. If anything, it was possibly like what one might find on a college campus. Of particular note, though, was that it appeared everyone was wearing a gender-neutral uniform. The primary color being a dark navy blue with gold, red, and white trimmings. A white buttoned undershirt at the top with a black neck tie, presenting a visual look that was rather stylish as it was professional.
This went on for several more minutes before they finally emerged through the other side of the tunnel. Before them was a truly unbelievable sight. Their previous view of White Rose Academy was that of a small, maybe even a medium-sized town. The screens of the interior gave the impression of looking like an actual college campus. Now that they were within the actual school grounds itself, those descriptions paled in comparison to what it really was. A magnificent metropolis both modern and futuristic. The size making many believe that it was perhaps as big as the entirety of New York City.
"Oh my God..." Courtney gasped. Her imagination of what she was expecting to see was not even close to the reality before her.
"I'll be damned..." LeShawna whispered. Even she was in total awe of the majesty of what was apparently the school she would be attending for the next two years.
"Will you look at that..." Geoff uttered. He removed his hat from his head, feeling that it might feel heavy as his mind began to comprehend all that his eyes were taking in.
Heather tried to look as though she wanted to throw her nose up at everything. Yet even she was finding it difficult to admit how impressive everything looked. It was enough to make her warm to the idea of being here, if only for the tiniest of bits.
"Marvel of marvels..." Dawn whispered. Her hand was upon the glass, looking as though she was feeling whatever energy this location was giving off.
"Wow..." Shawn said breathlessly. It was as though any thoughts about the zombie apocalypse had been forgotten about in this moment. Allowing him the rare opportunity to truly admire the sight he beheld.
"Wow indeed..." Sky said in agreement. She laid a hand gently on the glass as she looked out to take in everything that was up ahead. And there was a whole lot to see and take in.
Dakota slipped her arms around the waist of Sam from behind. Lifting herself up on her tip toes so that her head could rest upon his shoulder. Sam chuckled and leaned into her a little as would be comfortable. They both smiled as they looked out at where they would be spending the next two years together in.
"Oh, it's so beautiful," Ella said. Her voice sounding as though she were singing a song. "Buildings tall as quoxwood trees. Dress salons and libraries. Palaces! Museums! A hundred strong!" She turned to her cousin with excitement and pointed out all that she had identified. "Oh, Gwendolyn! It's all grand!"
"It sure is," Gwen mused. She would be lying if she had made any indication that she was not impressed. "Plenty of green, too."
"Quoxwood trees?" Heather noted. She looked over at Gwen with a confused scowl. "What, your cousin actually lives in Oz or something?"
"You really wanna know the answer?" Gwen answered back. There was no hint of her joking. Which left Heather feeling rather perplexed and uncomfortable.
"They have a beach!" Bridgette gasped in delight. She was having a great deal of trouble containing herself, though few would blame her. "It's so big! And there's a lake! And a river! Guys, it's like they have everything!"
"Lightning bets there's all kinda sports going down in that sha-stadium," Lightning stated. He was beginning to form a very intrigued grin on his face as he focused all of his attention at the exquisite facility in the distance.
"Oh, looky looky!" Izzy cried out. She had been perched on Owen's shoulders and was thrusting as much of her upper body forward as he could while pointing a full outstretched arm. "They don't just have a zoo! They have a jungle!"
"And a savanna, too..." Jasmine whispered breathlessly. She stepped quietly to be at Shawn's side while still gazing in awe at the scenery. "There really is everythin'..."
"They have a juvie," Duncan muttered. He couldn't help but laugh in amusement. "Well, guess I know where I'll be most of the time." He received a slap on the arm from Courtney.
"There's even access to that mountain just over there," Cameron stated. He was inches away from pressing himself up against the window in the belief that he would get a better view. "How is it that they have all this stuff? I bet everyone else only has but the smallest of fractions to what this place has."
Hardly any one really paid any heed to what Cameron had said. In fact, Cameron pretty much forgot about his question in a matter of seconds. Every one of the twenty-four, in some fashion, were enamored with all that apparently was White Rose Academy. A complete and massive city school that none could have possibly imagined seeing in their lifetime. And they would be here over the next two years. All because they competed on a reality television show.
It was several minutes, closer to thirty minutes than it felt, before they came upon where the monorail would drop them off. The impressive tower that was seemingly overlooking the entirety of White Rose Academy. The visual and design aesthetic matching that of the monorail, perhaps more futuristic than modern, without looking too imposing or overbearing. It would appear that they would be deposited at the back end of the upper half. As they drew nearer, many noticed that further behind the tower was a massive field. One made up entirely of the school's namesake. How it looked beneath the sun was nothing short of breathtaking.
Chef emerged from the front of the monorail. He looked none too happy. Shooting at glare at Dakota before marching with a grunt toward the sliding doors they would be exiting through. The monorail slowing enough that it didn't cause sudden movements to trip any one over. It came to a complete stop upon a platform with a figure awaiting. The familiar figure of Chris McLean. A chuckling grin on his face. The doors slid open and everyone disembarked.
"Everyone enjoy the view?" Chris asked rather heartily. He quickly raised up a hand to stop any one from answering right away. "You'll get a better look over the next several days. But first, we gotta run you through their entry talk. After that, you'll be fitted into your mandatory school uniforms and be taken to your dorms. We haven't even scratched the surface of how this baby will go down the next two years." He gave out a chuckle and then disappeared. A hologram, as they had figured he was.
"A'ight, maggots!" Chef hollered. He began marching toward the double doors that led into the tower. "Don't wanna keep tha boss lady waitin'. And ya best believe that."
There were many who shared nervous glances at one another. Not necessarily something they wanted to hear as they were about to start their journey at this school. Nevertheless, they proceeded to follow Chef into the tower. A cool air hitting them as soon as they walked through. Cool enough that whatever warmth they were feeling was gone without causing them to dip too quickly into being cold. The corridors were slick and displayed roughly the same screens that had been seen in the monorail tunnel.
A few minutes later, they entered a small auditorium. Silver and light grey walls that surrounded the navy blue seats that were organized with near perfection. The stage and the curtains that draped around it were black, though not so black as to lack definition. Standing upon the stage was a woman. Presumably the boss lady Chef spoke of earlier.
Hardly one to be considered elderly despite the streaks of silver and light grey upon her dark, brunette hair and the smallest traces of wrinkles around her eyes and the corners of her mouth. Her brown eyes looking as though she frankly would rather be somewhere else. Standing completely erect in a uniform only slightly different from those that were determined to the mandatory school uniforms. Hers being black as opposed to navy blue, wearing a business-appropriate skirt that ran down to her ankles, and a small black shawl that hung more over her left shoulder. Hands folded at her back. A white rose tucked into the right breast pocket of her uniform coat.
The woman was as much of a statue as one could be while waiting for the twenty-four soon-to-be-students took their seats in the auditorium. About as fairly spread out as to their liking, couples making sure they were together. Heather wanting to be as far away from everyone and everything as she got. It was a minute after they were seated when the woman on stage moved. Slowly tilting her head whenever it turned to get a full look at all of them. It would be another minute before she finally spoke.
"It would be greatly appreciated if you refrain from speaking for the time being," she stated. Voice fairly low, but not all that low. Hints of French-Canadian to her accent, but otherwise indistinguishable heard from others similar to her. "This would allow for this to be done quickly and efficiently enough that you can proceed to your dorms. Whatever questions you may have, I request that you save them for I am likely not the one who will be able to answer them to any form of satisfaction."
The feeling was odd. A couple wanted to push it and speak, even in a hushed whisper, possibly to even test what kind of a boss lady she was. Only they were suddenly hit with something strange. Something that made them compelled to remain silent. To listen to what she had to say so that they could leave in one piece. Maybe it was the way she spoke, or how she used her words. Whatever it was, they did what she asked for them to do.
"You should have some notion of what Académie de la Rose Blanche is by now," the woman continued. She began to very slowly pace from one end of the stage to the other and back again. "So I will not give you another synopsis of how this school functions and what it is you're doing here. If you seek further information regarding the school itself, you may speak to your academic counselors once your scheduling is determined. I will instead be telling you of my expectations for you. Those expectations being that you adapt and you learn. For your education will not just be academic. It will be your way of life."
Physically, the twenty-four teens were not feeling cold. The air was still at a cool enough temperature that it was just right, it seemed. It was more like they were feeling cold on the inside. This woman speaking directly to them was leaving quite the impression upon them. How she spoke wasn't quite stern, but it was no where to being in danger of being lenient. Threatening didn't seem to be the right word either. It was the feeling that they did not want to be any where near this woman's bad side, nor did they ever want to know how it might happen. Who was this woman?
"I am Mademoiselle Brisé," the woman announced. It spooked many of the teens. Almost as though she had read their minds. Her pacing stayed almost exactly the same. "Chances are you will rarely see me throughout your stay. That is because my position as head mistress, or boss lady, requires me to interact with you as little as possible. If we were to interact any more than required, it is because you are doing something that jeopardizes this school. My interpretation of what I deem to be jeopardizing the school, though, is fairly complex. That is because the world at large does not function the same way the majority of educational institutions run. Thus I expect you to adapt and learn. Adapt to how everything here works and learn how to persevere so that you may succeed in the outside world."
Mlle. Brisé stopped pacing. Managing to do so when she was directly at the center of the stage as opposed to be more to one side over the other. Returning to the stance and look she had when the teens first walked into the auditorium. The general feeling being formed at that moment was that this woman probably wouldn't know comfort even if she were to bathe in it. Intimidation was her weapon and she was wielding it with great precision.
"Take this brief talk of mine as your first test at this school," Mlle. Brisé said. It would appear that she was wrapping up. "With what little I have said, adapt and learn how it will help make your education as beneficial as can be over the next two years. The faster you're able to figure this out and apply it, the more rewarding your future will be." She nodded her head. Then she slowly turned and walked back, disappearing behind the black curtains.
A couple of the teens, the males in particular, exhaled. Most slouching just slightly. Other rubbing their temples. Nearly all of them feeling extremely unsettled by the presence of Mlle. Brisé. They had a hard time imagining her having anything remotely resembling a pleasant personality. But they did fear that any ideas of what she would be if she were pushed to be nasty would be way worse in reality.
Duncan did not like what he saw in the mirror. Himself dressed in the mandatory school uniform. It was too... static? That sounded like a word Princess would use. It didn't help that the coat in particular felt stiff and uncomfortable. He didn't mind how the pants felt, but he would rather ditch the neck tie.
"You don't have to wear them all the time, lad," the old dressmaker said. The accent belonging somewhere in Britain, if Duncan had to guess. He was in the process of writing down on a slip of paper. "Just most of the time, as you're able."
"Reminds me too much of my old man..." Duncan muttered under his breath. He rolled his shoulders only to groan. The coat not getting any looser. "Is it really that necessary to wear all of this stuff together? Can't I leave the coat collecting dust in the closet?"
"They use the word 'mandatory' for a reason, kid," the dressmaker responded. His attention remained on the slip of paper. After making a few more marks, he put the pencil down and handed the slip over to the reluctant Duncan. "Take this to the lass at the booth in the waiting area so you'll have a week's worth. You must always have them on your person when wearing them, you hear?"
"Great..." Duncan grumbled. He didn't bother looking at the slip he was handed. He quickly pocketed it the second it was in his hand. He was about to step out when he heard a brief whistle. He turned to the dressmaker.
"Remember what I said, boyo," the dressmaker said. He had raised a brow at the delinquent. "You must always have them on your person."
Duncan rolled his eyes and took a deep breath. He opened his mouth and then stopped. He was quiet for a second. He wasn't sure if it was inspiration or realization. The old dressmaker emphasized a particular word: person. Duncan thought for a second. He then removed the coat only to swing it over his shoulders like a cape. He buttoned the collar and untied his neck tie, letting it hang off both sides of his neck. He untucked the right side of the buttoned undershirt and rolled up the sleeves. He stepped back in front of the mirror and examined himself.
"About as punk as you'll get without vandalizing the clothes," the dressmaker commented. He gave what appeared to be a satisfied nod after further examination of how Duncan looked. "Which, of course, you're not allowed to do. But this works quite well."
"As long as it's on my person, eh?" Duncan said with a chuckle. A very satisfied smirk having formed on his lips as he finished looking at himself in the mirror.
"As long as it's on your person, indeed," the dressmaker responded. He gave out a chuckle of his own before turning away from Duncan and pulling out a new piece of paper to write on.
Duncan stared at the dressmaker for a moment. He then shook his head and chuckled again in amusement. Adapt and learn, as Mlle. Brisé said. He stepped out and made his way into the waiting area. He was among a few others who had finished getting fitted into their uniforms. He liked the surprised looks he received. He liked Courtney's in particular.
"They're gonna allow you to dress like that?" Heather asked. She was quite dubious that this could possibly be the case. If not incredulous.
"As long as it's on my person," Duncan answered. It was becoming his favorite phrase of the day. Courtney happened to be sitting to the right of the booth he was to deliver the slip to. He kept his eyes on his girlfriend as he pulled the slip out of his pocket and handed it over to the girl in the booth. Catching sight of his Princess blushing slightly. And slowly squeeze her thighs together while clutching at the end of her coat.
"Whatever..." Heather scoffed. She scowled and looked away, not wanting to be here or around the others any longer than she had to.
"Kinda itches a little..." Shawn mused aloud. As if to prove his point, he slipped his hand into the inside of his coat to scratch his shoulder.
"Least we get ta keep our headgear, eh sweetie?" Jasmine noted. She was finishing adjusting the fedora on her head before seamlessly moving over to adjust the beanie on Shawn's head.
"Gotta keep the ol' noggin covered, that's for sure," Shawn uttered in agreement. He received a gentle kiss on his forehead when Jasmine was finished adjusting his beanie. He smiled shyly.
"Lemme guess," Heather commented. She spoke with clear sarcasm. "That will supposedly protect your brain from getting eaten by zombies or something."
"Not really," Shawn answered. He appeared to not have picked up on the sarcasm. "My hair gets messed up pretty easy, often getting into my eyes a lot. So I wear something to keep 'em straight, you know what I mean?" Heather just stared at him for a moment before turning her nose up. Shawn shrugged in response.
"Lookin' good there, beautiful," Trent said to Gwen. He was slouched at an angle on a chair with his foot on an arm rest as his goth girlfriend emerged into the waiting area fully dressed in the uniform. He was presently the only other person to dress differently, though it was merely to leave his coat open.
"Not too shabby yourself, handsome," Gwen responded. She let out a light laugh while handing over her slip to the girl in the booth. "Would've been nice if I could've gotten a dark green. But I don't have a problem with navy blue."
"You think they would have different color uniforms?" Sam asked. He managed to do so even with his attention primarily focused on his video game while Dakota was getting fitted.
"Well, Mlle. Brisé wore black," Gwen answered. "And the dressmaker did confirm there were other colored uniforms. But they're apparently for absolute special cases granted by the school. You have to do something to earn them, but there's no fixed way of what it is you need to do to get them."
"I imagine, with the school being called White Rose Academy, white uniforms would be the hardest to come by, then," Courtney uttered. She managed to tear her eyes away from Duncan long enough to listen in on what was being said.
"Super reserved, is what was told to me," Gwen said. She gave out a shrug as she strolled over to stand beside her boyfriend. "So much so that we're likely to rarely ever see them worn."
"Bet you have to do something so awesome that it's mind-blowing in order to get a white uniform," Sam commented. He gave out a light chuckle, still focused on his video game.
Any further discussion was interrupted when they heard a familiar cackle. As much as most didn't want to, considering the source of the cackle, they felt compelled to look over and see. Izzy stood proud with her hands on her hips and quite the wild grin on her face. Her coat hanging over one shoulder with the sleeves tied at the other. The buttoned undershirt had the ends tied up at the end to expose her belly and the top unbuttoned just enough to be above the point where the cleavage line would show. Her neck tie being worn as a headband. Even the ends of her pants rolled up unevenly below her knees. All accentuated by the manic look in her green eyes.
"I am Izzy!" Izzy proclaimed. "Queen of the apes! Mighty hunter! Mighty fighter! In all the jungle, there is none so great!" She then let out a hearty yell that soon descended into her most savage cackle yet. Leaving everyone presently in the waiting room, including the girl in the booth, completely dumbfounded.
"As long as it's on the person..." Duncan grumbled. What had been his favorite phrase moments ago now ruined by the one individual who could incinerate it from his interest.
It was quickly learned that there were few motorized vehicles allowed within the school grounds. Walking appeared to be the preferred mode of transportation, despite just how massive White Rose Academy was. Certainly a lot more massive when within its confines as opposed to looking at it from a distance. The one vehicle that was used with any regularity being a slow moving trolley system. But while they were slow moving, the trolleys never seemed to stop.
Chef directed the twenty-four newly christened students onto a passing trolley. It happened to be empty, save for the lone conductor at the front. Frankly, there didn't appear to be many people out and about at the moment. Which was probably just as well, allowing for them to get through the day as smoothly as it had been since arriving. Sky thought she saw a couple students in uniforms that were a different color than navy blue. White, perhaps. But she lost sight of them in a flash before she could know for sure.
Hardly any one else followed Duncan or Izzy's lead in exploiting the dress code being that it didn't matter how the uniform was worn so long as it was on their person. Geoff went with completely unbuttoning his undershirt and only tied the ends at the waist, allowing for his upper torso to be quite exposed and the neck tie hanging off both sides of his neck. Much to Bridgette's delight, as it were. Speaking of, Bridgette had the coat tied at her waist to hang like a half skirt, unbuttoning the top of the undershirt just above the cleavage line with the sleeves rolled up to below her elbows, and the neck tie so loose that the knot was right above her chest.
A couple others were content with being more like Trent and Sam in that merely leaving their coat unbuttoned and open was just fine. Others who did so were Owen, Beardo, and LeShawna. Otherwise, everyone else wore their uniforms as seemingly intended. Max and Staci appeared to take it a little too far, making sure every button was used. But through it all, no one could stop stealing glances at just how drop dead stunning Dakota looked. Even with pure orange skin and neon green hair, she managed to appear absolutely smashing in her uniform that it was like she was not so much wearing it as modeling it. Dakota was not oblivious to this, often just looking away shyly whenever she caught multiple eyes staring in her direction. Only willing to accept Sam's gaze, causing her to blush slightly.
The trolley moving as slowly as it did allowed for everyone to relax and take in some more of the impressive scenery of the school. Ella hung as far out as she dared, looking in wonder at the incredible sights before her. It wasn't too long before Beardo mimicked the sound of a moving train, adding extra beats to create a rhythmic tempo. Harold joined in on the impromptu beat-boxing. LeShawna shook her head in amusement. Most of the others didn't seem to be bothered. Heather and Lighting, though, scowled and tried to tune them out.
It felt like they had been in the trolley for hours, it was that slow moving. So most was rather relieved when Chef told them to get off at what appeared to be their destination. They seemed to have arrived in what was the equivalent of an urban neighborhood without actually being one. For how modern and sleek the majority of White Rose Academy looked, this particular location's uncultivated greenery certainly seemed like it was lost in time. Beyond the gates was a rather big, wild garden. Various flowers growing where they pleased and water fountains that have aged while remaining sturdy. Past the garden was a large building that was rather modern, but included traces of Gothic architecture. In short, this place probably hadn't been used in a quite a long while before their arrival.
"Now I'm impressed," Gwen stated. Only Trent and Ella could tell that she was in awe of all that was in front of them. Some of the others raised curious brows at her, which she ignored.
"Of course you'd like it, weird goth girl," Heather utters scornfully. She crossed her arms over her chest and snorted. "It's a pigsty."
"That is until you go inside," a familiar voice said. They looked up to see the gates opening outward and Chris McLean stepping through. "Welcome to Rue Plumet, kiddies. This will be your dormitory through your two year stay."
"Looks a little more lavish than any dormitory I know," Harold noted. He voiced what everyone else had been collectively thinking.
"You don't know the half of it," Chris responded with a chuckle. "This baby puts to shame ivy league colleges and then some. Hell, high end luxury apartments would kill for the set up y'all are getting. Come on in and see for yourself."
Chris turned on his heel and made his way back through the gates and into the garden. After some hesitation, the twenty-four teens followed suit. As wild and as unkempt as the garden appeared, there nonetheless was a serene beauty to it that made many feel at ease. Dawn in particular was letting it overwhelm her, causing her to take her time to keeping in step with everyone else. Soon, all were inside what was the main building of Rue Plumet and, after getting through the entry hallway, they found that the handsome host wasn't kidding.
To what was perhaps the southwestern side of the apparent living area was essentially a delightful study area. Set up and designed with quiet comfort being the key. Cushioned chairs and tables perfectly sized for relaxation as much as ideal conditions to conduct research. There was even a mini-library, shelves packed with hundreds of books covering all sorts of topics in both fiction and non-fiction. Surrounded in glass constructed to prevent any outside sound from entering and it was a dream space for those seeking peace and quiet.
At the southeastern side was the most impressive home entertainment set up imaginable. Leather reclining seats with their own private cup holders and adjustable snack trays. More than enough to sit everyone and then some as they would face the absolutely astonishing 292-inch wall television. Connected to a mighty home theater stereo system and enough video game consoles to make Sam drool, this baby was made to ensure any one would go deaf in their old age and they would take it to continue to experience what would surely be the most outrageous viewing experience this side of the Pacific.
Over by the northeastern side, there was the equivalent of a computer lab taken to another level. Dozens of computer monitors arranged for space and comfort. All utilizing advanced features for interest and fun, be it high quality cameras and microphones for communications or customized mouse and keyboards for gaming. And no doubt powered and configured to the absolute max possible in this day in age. This area would certainly be where a good number planned on spending their free time lounging about lazily as they surfed the internet, chatted with family members, or goofing around in a massive multiplayer online game.
And at the northwestern side stood a combination dining area and kitchen. The dining area containing a number of beautifully crafted tables where multiple people could sit at and enjoy their meals in relaxation. One circular table in particular was designed to no doubt host all of the students should they ever decide to dine together for any reason. Hanging above was a breathtaking giant crystal chandelier, which could illuminate any level of brightness as desired for the moment. The kitchen was quite big. It contained some of the fanciest appliances and utensils that had see. Multiple large refrigerators, oven stoves, and a big island table further enhanced the luxurious presentation.
To consider this living area humongous would be an understatement. It was like a little arena that had been divided into four large sections. And that wasn't taking into account the second floor balcony. Upholding quite a huge amount of space itself, there presently could be seen some chair and tables that could be used for private dining or comfort. Further decorated with potted plants and flowers as well as some lovely paintings hanging on the walls. Spreading out from the balcony were silver rafters that ran along with curving walls. Hanging off of them were six banners displaying familiar emblems. Running along the western side were the Screaming Gophers, the Toxic Rats, and the Pimâpotew Kinosewak. Along the eastern side were the Killer Bass, the Mutant Maggots, and the Wâneyihtam Maskwak.
"This is our living area?" Bridgette cried. She was the first to manage to catch her breath after a minute of being blown away by what they all had entered into.
"It's all s'oo big, eh!" Ezekiel exclaimed. Having never even comprehended the notion of staying in a dormitory before, seeing this more than exceeded what he was expecting. And he was completely mesmerized.
"This is really where we're stayin' in for two years?" LeShawna uttered. A mixture of disbelief and awe overwhelming her senses to the point that she was starting to feel dizzy.
"That TV is so awesome!" Owen proclaimed. To say he was excited would barely be scratching the surface. "I can't wait to watch my favorite shows on that!"
"I can't wait to play my video games on that!" Sam chuckled. He literally was salivating upon seeing the video game consoles that were connected to the television. "I bet it'll be like playing VR without actually playing VR." Dakota giggled at her boyfriend's enthusiasm.
"You probably won't believe me when I say that the only additions we made to this baby was the banners," Chris stated. He had walked up to what was perhaps the direct center of the living area and stood there while the teens marveled over their surroundings. "Figured we put our own little touch in here where we could. Any way, you'll have plenty of time to really acquaint yourself here as schooling won't start for another week and a half."
"Guess that's why we hardly saw any one out and about," Trent noted. He was still admiring the place while trying to listen in on what the handsome host had to say.
"Well, it is still technically Saturday morning," Chris responded. "Even in a magnificent place like this, I doubt many teenagers would be active until well past noon. Oh, before I forget, there's more to this here building than just this living area. Over on the north end you'll get to do your laundry and access to storage space when needed. One little room we converted into a confession cam." This caused a good many of the teens to groan. He merely chuckled over their negative reaction. "The name of the show is Total Drama. And you kiddies are expected to keep up the Total Drama tradition of baring your soul into that bad boy often so the whole world can continue to judge you on your poor social decisions."
(Confession Cam)
Shawn - /Looks around before eyes land upon the camera, then shrugs./ "What? We were all gonna end up in here eventually. No matter how hard we don't wanna."
"Just a few more things before I leave you kids alone to mess everything up to your delight," Chris stated. "I'd take the time to explain everything in detail, but it seems I'm needed for a meeting with our... new producer partner..." He shot a quick glare at Dakota. She returned with a smug grin. He turned his attention back to everyone.
"So any way," Chris continued. "Go through the west doors over there and you'll be where the girls will sleep. Boys will be through the east doors. Your stuff should be outside the doors. Behind this building we have ourselves an amphitheater. We're getting it converted to house the challenges we'll be having once we get an idea of when we can schedule them. We booked you guys a tour guide to take you around the place on Monday. I recommend you be up and dressed by ten in the morning then."
The teens could tell that Chris was skimming through all this information rather quickly. No doubt the original plan trashed by the sudden revelation of Dakota's father becoming a producer. Nevertheless, the handsome host spoke quite clearly and they caught everything he was telling them. Most of it managed to make some sense, actually.
"Lastly, your academic counselors will be here tomorrow at around noon," Chris said. "They will be interviewing each of you to get an idea of what you wanna do for a living so they can best put together your classes, jobs, and schedules. We've already arranged for your transcripts to be obtained. Normally, you guys would've submitted admissions videos. But given the circumstances of how this whole thing was put together, we gave them copies of your audition tapes as well as put together some highlight reels of your time on the shows."
Virtually everyone groaned at hearing this. The audition tapes were bad enough. The counselors would be watching highlight reels? No doubt they would be less than flattering. As expected, Izzy and Owen were probably the only ones who weren't upset about this. They were quite excited. And Ella didn't seem to have a problem with this either, though that may be more to do with her passive personality in general. The rest were burying their faces in their hands.
"So there you have it," Chris stated in conclusion. "From here on out, your lives are about to change. How they will change will be up to you. And we're gonna document the whole thing. Keep your noses outta trouble and you should be alright. Any way, I'll see you kiddies later!"
Chris gave a wave before he suddenly disappeared. The damned hologram thing again. Most, Dakota in particular, were itching to figure out where he really us. The others merely looked over at Chef. He snorted in return, giving his own glare to Dakota, before making his leave through the front door. Silence hung in the air for a while.
They all needed a moment for reality to really hit them. And when it did, it blew their minds. They were spending the next two years at the most extraordinary boarding school they could have ever imagined. This was no joke. It took another moment before they finally decided to move. Figuring the best thing they should do was get their stuff and find the beds they would be sleeping in. Girls to the west, boys to the east. That was what Chris said.
It was a barely a second later when they all realized that Chris hadn't mentioned anything about where they could find a bathroom around here.
Next Up: Getting To Know You
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Total Drama and its characters are copyright © of Fresh TV, Teletoon and Cartoon Network (and soon Max). This story was created purely out of sheer enjoyment so please don't sue. Or throw me off a thousand-foot high cliff into a shark-infested lake. That would so smarts.