Episode 9: The Scars of the Past
Just a heads up, everyone. This episode is a bit on the darker side due to some rather unpleasant subject matter. Don't worry, it's nothing gory or pornographic. But still, keep it in mind. Viewer discretion is advised.
1602jaw: Thanks. Happy to know you love the new direction I'm going with this story. I think the road ahead is better than what I originally intended.
thenewsubwayguy: Yeah, it's a shame Pit left, but it is what it is. At least he went out with his head held high.
G-man 2.0: Well, your theory was well confirmed as of last time. I can totally picture Futaba and Bernadetta becoming besties. Both of them are pretty similar.
NondescriptNorbert: Agreed. I'm not a sports guy, but baseball is pretty easy to understand. Everyone got a bit of characterization here, and I just wanted everyone to all around just have some fun with America's Pastime. Never understood why we consider baseball worthy of that title here in the States.
Superwheeltires: That will be answered at the end of the chapter.
That guy: Excellent explanation. You've pretty much hit the nail on the head with this.
TheHiddenAuthor5000: No cap.
ThelastCyberKnight: It doesn't hurt to have more laid back episodes sprinkled here and there.
Happiness studios: Honestly, I know what I'm doing with this swap. It's gonna be really important to Malfoy's development, as you'll see. It kind of hurts that when I try to be creative and different that I just get compared to others. But I apologize if it made you feel that way. I got a game plan mapped out, and I hope you'll like what I've got planned for the remainder of the story.
Well, let's get this show on the road, shall we?
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"Last time on Total Drama Infinite: Bon Voyage, our crew got into the sporty spirit with some good old fashioned baseball. Some struck out, while others struck gold, in a sense. Unfortunately for the Black Bulls, Pit suffered a stomachache to end all stomachaches, costing his team to lose, and promptly forcing his team to vote him off. And in a shocking twist, Futaba and Draco switched teams, with each team welcoming their new teammates with open arms. But today is a new day. Who'll come out on top, and who'll crash and burn? Find out on today's episode of Total Drama Infinite: Bon Voyage!"
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We open up inside an underground dungeon. It was small and cramped, with a few rats skittering about. A barred up window sat above the cell, showing the dark night sky.
"What did I do wrong, dad?!" The voice of a young girl cried. "I'm sorry!"
We finally see the young girl, no older than eight. Tears streamed down her face, as she struggled to break free. She was tied to a chair, unable to escape.
"Let me out of here, dad! Please! I'm sorry! I'm sorry I was born so useless! Dad, please! I don't wanna be stuck in here! Help me!"
"Why should I?" A cold and stern voice asked.
Footsteps clack along the cold stone floor. The man looks down at the girl, and gives her a look of utter shame and disgust.
"I thought you were supposed to be completely silent when in the chair." The adult spat. "A good wife must be obedient, and speak only when spoken to."
"I'm….." the girl sniffed. "I'm so sorry. Please….I just want to go back to my room."
EXCUSE ME?!"
He kicked the chair, causing it and her to fall to the ground. He then proceeds to kick her while she's down.
"WHO ARE YOU TO ASK FOR ANYTHING?! A GOOD WIFE DOESN'T ASK FOR ANYTHING! ALL YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT IS MARRYING SOMEONE RICH AND POWERFUL! OUR FAMILY'S NAME DEPENDS ON IT! YET YOU FAIL TO MEET MY EXPECTATIONS AT EVERY TURN! CAN'T YOU BE ANYTHING OTHER THAN A USELESS BOTHER?!"
The girl didn't respond, knowing this was a rhetorical trick question. All she could do was quietly sob as the man beat her.
Finally, he stopped kicking her, and regained his composure.
"Having you as a daughter is my greatest shame. If you fail today's training, I'm locking your door, and you'll sleep outside again."
"B-but it's raining…" she squeaked.
Big mistake.
He quickly slaps her across the face.
"WHAT DID I JUST SAY?! NOW YOU CAN KISS YOUR ALONE TIME PRIVILEGE GOODBYE TODAY! USELESS, WORTHLESS, UNMARRIAGEABLE, I TELL YOU!"
No…her only shot at peace and joy…stripped from her with a quickness.
"And what's this?" The man says as he pulls out a piece of paper. "What's this "Total Drama?" I've heard you've made some friends here. Ones of…commoner descent."
"No…" she cried. "They're not my friends, honest!"
"I shall have to dispose of them like that other boy."
"No…"
"I don't care if you protest. They're subhuman scum. The only thing they're good for is lining my pockets with gold. But these ones in particular…will be dealt the swift hand of divine punishment."
"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"
Bernadetta bolts awake, panting heavily and clutching her chest. Once she calms down, she realizes she's back in her room on the ship.
"It was just a nightmare." She said. "Thank the goddess."
She slumps back down and sighs. That's the third time since joining the show that she's had that dream.
"He's far away from you, Bernie." She tells herself. "He can't get you here."
She nearly jumps out of her skin as she hears a knock at her door. Quietly and carefully, she steps over to the door, but not before grabbing a wooden baseball bat. She kept it from the previous challenge for self defense, and now might be a time to put it to use.
Slowly, she opens the door and notices it's just Futaba, holding a couple objects she wasn't familiar with.
"Hey, new teammate." Futaba said.
"Um…can I help you?" Bernadetta asked hesitantly.
"I just wanted to hang out, is all. Besides…" she holds up the console and controllers. "I brought video games~"
Bernadetta was puzzled. She didn't know what that was.
"Video games?"
"Yes, video games. You never played?"
"Uh…I don't even know what they are. Are they some sort of weapon?"
"Wrong." Futaba bluntly said. "It's something you could have lots of fun with. I was hoping I could come inside and play."
"C-come inside?!" Bernadetta stuttered. "In m- my room?! What's wrong with yours?!"
"My room is…a mess." The Phantom Thief said sheepishly. "Lots of trash I have neglected to take out. I wouldn't want you to deal with all that. Besides, I'm sure your room is way cleaner."
Bernadetta gives a defeated sigh. A moment later, she said, "Alright. But I've got my eye on you."
"I swear I'm not planning anything heinous." Futaba said as Bernadetta slowly opened the door.
Once Futaba was inside the one place harder to get into than Fort Knox, she took in her surroundings. Bern's room was much nicer than her own, that's for sure. There were some rolls of fabric, handmade dolls of her teammates, a big teddy bear on the bed, and some scattered papers with writing on her desk. No doubt she spent quite a lot of time in here.
"Whoa…definitely nicer than mine."
As she hooks the console up to the TV, Bernadetta had one question.
"Why did you ask me of all people to hang out with? I've seen you talk more with Ryu than me."
"Simple. I feel like I see a lot of myself in you, you know?" Futaba answered. "I know a lot about living the shut-in lifestyle."
Bernadetta was utterly shocked at this. "You do?! But you seem much more…well put together than me."
"Is that so? Well, let me assure you I'm not perfect. Up until a while ago, I wanted nothing more than….to die. I've had lots of help and support from my friends. I still find it hard to go out sometimes, especially in big crowds, but day by day I'm improving. Still, there's nothing more relaxing than kicking back and grabbing a controller. Ah, there we go."
By now, everything was all hooked up, and the game was on. It appeared to be some kind of retro 8-bit game.
Futaba hands Bernadetta a controller. "Here, I'll let you be player one."
Bernadetta takes the controller, and starts moving the control stick and buttons randomly. Futaba had herself a little chuckle at her attempt at her first ever video game.
"Hey I think I got it!" Bern said excitedly…
…only for her to fall into a pit and get a game over.
"Wait, what happened? Did I lose?! I'm so sorry! I messed it all up!"
"It's fine." Futaba assured her. "The best thing about video games is that you can try again as many times as you want."
"Wait, really? You can just do that?! That's amazing! You think you could give me some pointers?!"
"Oh, I wouldn't mind. Can't get better unless you keep trying."
So then they continued to laugh and enjoy themselves as they got lost in playing games together. Even though Bernadetta looked to be happy, deep down she knew that this couldn't last. She knew they could never truly be friends. Not as long as he still had stakes on her life.
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In the kitchen, we see Ryu and Kronk, busy making breakfast for their teams. Chopping vegetables, mixing dough, ovens baking, the whole nine yards.
"You know, you make some pretty tasty stuff." Ryu remarks. "You gotta share some of your recipes. Those spinach puffs are absolute bangers."
"Thanks for the compliment." Kronk said. "You're not too shabby yourself."
"Well, someone's gotta make sure my team is well fed. Couldn't ask for a much better group. Plus I decided to make today's meal special to welcome our new teammate. Speaking of which, how's Malfoy been doing since the swap?"
"Seems like he's doing fine." Kronk answered. "He seems much happier than he was with you guys. How about Futaba?"
"Oh, she's great." Ryu assures. "She and I were already friends before. Earlier she told me she was gonna hang out with Bernie."
"Ah, her. That girl you've been spending a lot of time around. You got a thing for her or something?"
"Don't tell anybody, but yes. She's sweet, cute, and talented. I just can't get her out of my head. But before I go any further, I've been trying to help her out, you know? Help her come out of her shell, make friends, stuff like that."
He then gives a rather somber sigh.
"Still…even though we get along, I get this feeling that deep down, she still doesn't trust me."
"Ah, these things take time." Kronk tells him. "You can't just cure all problems with the push of a button."
"Fair point. Even if things look tough, I'm not the type to just give up. Thanks for having this talk, man. You're a real bro."
"Anytime."
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Not too long after, both teams were together at their own tables for breakfast.
"Eat up, you guys." Ryu tells them. "Today's meal is a special one, as we welcome our new teammate."
"Hear hear!" A few of them said.
"Aw, that's flattering you guys." Futaba said sheepishly. "You shouldn't have to go out of your way so much just for me."
"Bull crap." Yami said. "We try to treat everyone on this team like family."
"Then I guess that makes you daddy, then?" Panty says to Yami a bit seductively. "Because I'll be the mommy if you catch my drift."
"Don't push it."
"Have you been doing alright, Miss Anarchy?" Percy asked. "You and Pit seemed to be good friends, and I'm sure his elimination was hard for you."
"To tell you the truth, it did." Panty explained. "But it was also a wake-up call for me. I should probably start taking this game more seriously."
"You're being serious about that?" Raven said.
"Of course. I'll try and help out in any way I can. Just say the word."
"I'll keep that in mind." Yami said as he went back to eating.
Over where the Fairies sat, things were rather quiet as they ate. Well, except for two people.
Barry and Draco eyed each other as they ate, and they ate quickly. Almost as if it were a race. Their team for sure noticed.
"I know it's good and all, but slow down, you two!" Tiff warns them. "You're going to choke!"
They didn't listen as they continued to speedrun their breakfast. But she was right, as Draco began to cough and gag.
"Somebody know the heimlich?!" Light asked worriedly.
Erza gets behind the wizard and gives the heimlich maneuver to him. After a few thrusts, he luckily coughs out the food…
…only for it to fly across the room and hit Lobo in the face.
The room went completely silent as Lobo slowly wiped the food off his face. He stands up abruptly, with a low, guttural growl heard by all.
"Uh oh." Peni muttered.
"This ain't good." Ryu adds.
Lobo stomps over to the Fairies' table, and stares down at Malfoy. Most of the team were all worried, and for good reason.
"You shouldn't eat so fast, you little shit!" Lobo roars.
"It was an accident!" Tiff said. " He didn't mean i-"
"Zip it, tiny! This is between me and him!"
He lifts Draco up by his shirt, now eye level with the big guy.
"Unhand me, you ape!" Draco ordered.
"You're a little pain in my ass, you know that?!" Lobo said. "Even when you leave the team you hated so much, you're still causing problems."
"I'd suggest you do as the young man said." Alucard warned. He made his point clear by putting one of his guns on the table.
Lobo laughs at the ambiguous threat. "You think you can kill me?! Get real! Unless you're a member of my race, you can't do shit! And I killed 'em all! So try me!"
"We mean it!" Erza angrily told him. "Put him down this instant, or there will be consequences!"
The bounty hunter ignored her, and focused his attention back on Malfoy.
"I've been looking for a good reason to knock yer lights out, kid! Let this be a lesson of what happens when you screw with the Main Man!"
He delivers a powerful punch to Draco's face, sending him flying across the room.
"Let me give the rest of you a message! I have a pretty short fuse! So don't mess with me unless you want a taste of this beast!"
"That's enough, Lobo!"
Yami and Ryu grab a hold of Lobo and pull him back.
"You're lucky these guys are here to hold me back!"
Draco groaned as he got back up. His face was badly hurt, as his nose was bleeding a lot of blood. And his face was looking a bit paler than usual.
"Oh my gosh!" Many of the Fairies screamed.
"How dare you strike me?!" The wizard snapped.
Light gets up and springs into action. "I'll get him to the infirmary."
He quickly escorts his teammate to the infirmary as everyone else sat in stunned silence.
"Even I don't think he deserved that." Barry broke the silence.
As soon as Lobo sat back down, he was treated to looks of disappointment from his team.
"Aw, don't give me that look." He said defensively. "He had it coming. You've heard how much he's trash talked and belittled us."
"Regardless, that was uncalled for." Percy said sternly.
"C'mon, captain. Surely you think it was deserved."
"He's not our problem anymore." Yami said casually. "I don't care what he does, and neither should any of you. Our priority is winning challenges. Whatever he does now is none of our concern."
"Fair point." Ryu said. "Yeah, he was a jerk, but we can't just sit around being concerned about one guy. If we do that, then we're just gonna get nowhere in this game."
Lobo sits there and mumbles angrily to himself as the others agree.
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We now move to infirmary, where Mikan is finishing wrapping gauze and bandages around Draco's face, covering just his nose.
"T-there." Mika stuttered. "That should stop the bleeding."
"Thanks." Draco stood up and gave a pissed sigh.
"Even when on another team, those louts still give me grief! They will all pay!"
The nurse, feeling scared from his outburst, slowly backs away until she trips and crashes down on some medical equipment.
"Do you mind?! I'm having a moment here!"
"I-I'm so sorry!"
We see Draco leave the room, with Light waiting for him in the hallway.
"Didn't expect you to wait for me." Draco said. "How much of that did you hear?"
"I heard you yelling at that nurse for being clumsy." Light quips. "But I can understand you're in a bad mood."
"You just wouldn't understand how I feel."
"I don't, do I? Everyone has someone they don't like, you know."
Draco was a bit confused. "Huh?"
"I get hating your teammates." Light explained. "There's a couple here that…don't exactly sit well with me. A couple of them seem shady. Hope you don't earn that kind of reputation."
"I find it hard to picture you as someone who doesn't like others." Draco scoffed. "You appear to be one of the most relaxed and reserved people on this team."
"Everyone has things they don't like. That's why you're part of that alliance of yours, right? To get rid of the Bulls?"
Malfoy gasped. "How do you know about that?!"
"I'm rather…perceptive." Light said. "Don't worry, I won't rat you guys out. You're just playing the game, is all."
"Then what is it you want? Because you wouldn't tell me that unless you wanted something out of it."
"What do you take me for? I just want in."
"Come again?"
"I want to be a part of your alliance. Well, me and one of my friends on this team. We combine our forces, we can get what we both want."
"I'd have to see if the others would be fine with it."
"Did he say yes, yet?!"
The voice of Bender could be hear, as the robot was eavesdropping behind a nearby potted plant.
"Don't tell me he's the other guy?" Draco groaned.
"Looks can be deceiving." Light told him. "He and I have rather hit it off recently, and I'd just feel bad if we left him out."
"How do we know we can trust you?!" Another voice said.
It was revealed that Pete, like Bender, was eavesdropping behind a plant.
"Are you watching us, too?!" Draco complained. "Bloody hell, is there no privacy around here?!"
"It's fine." Light politely assures Pete. "You can rely on us. I swear to you that you can trust me."
"Do you really mean that?" Pete asked, still skeptical.
With a glint in his eye, Light said, "I swear on my father's grave."
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"While Bender is an alright addition, pretty boy could be useful." Pete contemplated. "He's got the looks, the brains, and charm going for him. So what the heck? I say welcome aboard."
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Light chuckles as he spins an apple on his finger.
"They actually bought all that crap." He said menacingly. "I'm practically ruling this game like the god I am. First thing's first, get rid of our team's strongest players, such as Erza and Alucard. And maybe help that wizard get rid of his old "pals" after that. Once no one who can really oppose me is gone, the rest will all be crushed like bugs. When it's all said and done, I will judge them all to see if they are "worthy.'"
"Hey, Light." Ryuk said. "Can you stop spinning that apple and let me have it?"
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"This guy seems like he knows what he's talking about." Draco ponders. "Maybe this will be good for us."
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"How do you like that?!" Bender bragged. "Got myself into an alliance, and didn't have to lift a finger! This calls for a celebration!"
He pops open a bottle of shaken up beer and sprays it at the camera.
"Someone's gonna clean that up, right?
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Not too long after, the ship begins to shake violently, interrupting everyone's activities.
"What the hell is it this time?!" Yami said, still in the bathroom.
"Is it an ambush?! Are we under attack?!" Percy said as the card tower she spent so much time working on collapsed. "Then they shall taste justice!"
Everyone ran outside, and quickly noticed the sun being blocked out by something large.
"W-where'd the sun go?!" Bernadetta cried.
"Is it friend….or foe?!" Barry asked as he reached for a Poke Ball.
"Wait….." Raven said. "Look closer."
The body blotting out the light begins to lower, right next to the ship. Crashing into the water, it appeared to be a pirate ship.
Besides looking like a classic pirate ship, it had its differences. Rather than sails, they had huge propellers. The figurehead was some kind of turtle creature.
"Some band of pirates, no doubt." Erza said, a sword requipped and in hand. "Whether they come in peace or not is a different story."
"LOWER THE GANGPLANK!" A deep voice boomed.
A mechanical gangplank extends from the ship onto the main deck of the Jolly Rancher. Walking across it was a large, turtle-like man. He was green and yellow, sporting a spiky shell, horns, and red hair. Once on the other ship, he crossed his arms, staring down this group of people that had their weapons pointed at him.
"Who are you?!" Erza angrily asked. "And what's your business with us?!"
"Stand down, you little maggots!" The turtle ordered. "You stand in the presence of Bowser, King of the Koopas!"
"Wait…." Futaba gasped. "You're the Bowser?!"
"You know him, kid?" Yami asked.
"Not personally, no. But how could I not know who he is?"
Bowser gives a hearty laugh.
"Ah, it seems my fame precedes me. At least to this one over here."
Alucard clears his throat. "Perhaps you failed to hear our Captain's other question." He then cocks his guns. "What. Business. Do. You. Have. Here?!"
"Slow your roll, pal." Bowser said defensively. "You can all put your weapons down. I'm just here to help out with a challenge or something."
This news eased everyone, albeit slightly. One by one, they lowered their defenses.
"Well, why didn't you just say that from the start?" Tiff asked.
"You were the ones who jumped my throat as soon as I stepped aboard!" Bowser defended. "You didn't even give me a chance to explain!"
"In our defense, your entrance appeared rather menacing." Percy explained.
"Sorry. Force of habit."
"Papa! Papa!"
It was then that someone ran from Bowser's ship all the way to the Jolly Rancher. He appeared to look like a smaller version of Bowser, only wearing a white bib.
"What is it, Junior?" Bowser asked rather calmly. "Papa's in an important discussion with these folks."
"Aw, what a cute kid." Ryu gushed. "Is he yours?"
"Yes." Bowser said as he proudly pats his son on the head. "This is the Prince of Koopas, Bowser Junior. My pride and joy."
"You all don't stand a chance against what Papa's got in store for you all!" Junior said arrogantly. "My dad's the best!"
"Don't go tooting my own horn, son." Bowser tells him. "If they don't believe it, I'll prove it. Actions speak louder than words."
"Ah, looks like today's special guest is here." Don said as he walked up to all the commotion.
"You the guy that runs the place?" Bowser asked.
"That'd be me." Don answered as he shook hands with the Koopas King. "An honor to have you be a part of today's episode."
" He's a part of the challenge?!" Bernadetta cried. "I've already got a bad feeling about this! I'll just sit this one out and go back to my room!"
"I'll have to agree with Little Miss Neurotic on this one, Don." Panty said. "Remember the last time we had a guest show up and scare the fuck out of everyone?"
"If you're referring to Sephiroth, I'm fully aware of the concern." Don said. "Trust me, we did not plan on that happening. Even I had some reservations about today's challenge, given Bowser's reputation. Rest assured, every precaution was taken so that the challenge would go as smoothly as possible. Last thing we'd want is another Sephiroth situation."
"I may be a bad guy, but I at least have some morals." Bowser said.
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"I mean, can you honestly blame us for reacting like that?" Barry said. "Even after Sephiroth, there were those Marines that tricked us. At least last time, it was someone Yami personally knew. So yeah, I feel we're at least justified in feeling this way."
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About fifteen minutes later, both ships reach the beach of a small island. Other than the beach itself, there was a large stone tower in the center of the island.
"One of my private vacation spots." Bowser said proudly. "And where the challenge takes place. Hope you're all ready."
Everyone disembarks, as Bowser and Junior lead everyone to the tower. A medieval wooden moat door was all that could be seen on the exterior. Not even any windows.
"This is the place." Bowser announced.
"Very…simple looking." Erza said.
"Looks can be deceiving." Draco said. "There's no telling what tricks or traps they got ready."
"First things first, we're gonna need a volunteer from each team." Don said.
Everyone looks at each other in confusion.
"Alright, might as well bite the bullet on this one." Panty said as she stepped forward.
"Fine." Pete steps up next. "Then I'll gladly volunteer."
"Excellent choice." Bowser said as he snapped his fingers. "The rest of you may want to step back."
They didn't know what he meant by that, until two giant bird cages on chains dropped from the sky on top of Panty and Pete, much to everyone's shock. Both were now trapped like rats.
"Hey, what's the big idea, bub?!" Pete panicked.
"Ooh, this is kinda kinky." Panty said, beginning to drool a bit.
"You wanna tell us what the hell is going on?!" Erza angrily asked.
"Relax." Bowser assured. "Princess napping is my profession, but I've been forced to go easy on that end. Your friends will be safe at the top of the tower."
"Top of the tower?" Pete asked. "What do you mean by-WHOA!"
The chains are yanked up, pulling both trapped players out of sight, up to the roof of the building.
"Ah, I think I'm picking up what you're putting down." Futaba said, with a gleam in her eye. "Make our way through the tower, and rescue the damsel in distress, which would be our teammate in this case."
"She's a smart one, ain't she?" Bowser remarked to Don. "Already has it figured out and everything."
"It's video game 101. We'll have Panty saved in no time."
"You say that kid, but there are obstacles inside that will hinder you. Of course, per the show's orders, I've had to make it the complete opposite of life threatening as possible. Once you reach the top, you must get past me to rescue your friend. First team to do so wins."
"Are they okay, up there?" Ryu asked.
"Relax." Don said. "Like I said, we took precautions. Speaking of which…"
The host whistles, and the Imps are on the scene with a quickness. The assassins quickly draw their weapons.
"Don't worry, sir." Blitzo said. "We'll be keeping a close eye on big, green, and spiky the whole time. Just in case this guy tries to pull any shit on them or anyone else."
"Hey!" Junior cried. "Don't you dare hurt my Papa!"
"I still feel this is going a bit overboard." Bowser groans. "I already promised I wouldn't do anything other than what was asked."
"Stifle your bellyaching, big guy." Millie warns. "After Sephiroth, we've gotta be extra cautious in these types of situations."
"Anyway, once you're all inside, just…try and get to the top where your friends are." Bowser quickly reiterates. "Of course, there's my army, obstacles, and power ups to make it all the harder. You all got that?"
They all nod their heads.
"Good. Now, I'll be taking my post."
Coming down from the air was Bowser's flying clown car. He, Junior, and the Imps all squeeze in, with the latter still having their weapons drawn at the turtle.
"See you all at the top, heh heh."
With that, they fly to the top of the building, where they await everyone else. The door in front of them opens up.
"Guess the rest of you will take it from here." Don said. "I'll be waiting out here for you guys to finish. I wish you all good luck."
They all nod, and step inside the building. Once they're all in, the door closes tightly shut behind them, and they all take in their surroundings.
It was one large room, built like an obstacle course. There were platforms with destructible blocks all around, blocks with question marks on them, springs, ladders, stairs, and assorted enemies like Koopa Troopas and Goombas waddling about.
" Do you all dig it?" Bowser's voice boomed from an intercom within the fortress. "This should provide a good enough challenge for you all! And one thing that we forgot to mention: Powers such as flight are strictly forbidden in the obstacle course! Wouldn't be much of an obstacle course if you could speedrun it, huh? I'll see you chumps at the top! Bowser out!"
No flight, huh?" Raven said, sounding upset at this. "Guess we'll have to do this the old fashioned way."
"This is just like the game we were playing earlier, huh Bern?" Futaba said.
Bernadetta looked down at what was underneath them.
"G…guys? Look! Below us!"
Looking down, they saw the ground they stood on consisted of platforms that stood on top of a large body of liquid. The liquid was orange and bubbling.
"That's not… lava, is it?" Shermie worried.
"Strange." Alucard points out. "If it were, then it'd feel way hotter here. Right now, it feels rather cool."
Now that he mentioned it, they didn't feel like it was burning up in there. Upon closer inspection, the liquid wasn't bubbling, so much that it was fizzing.
Erza cups her hands and drinks the liquid. "Just as we thought. It's just orange soda."
Ryu quickly drinks some of it himself. "Orange Sunkist, if we wanna be specific. Good thing it's not lava. Now that'd be something that Chris guy would do. He'd probably have us jumping in a volcano or something. It's nice to know that Don is above all that."
"Still, falling inside this stuff would be a rather…sticky inconvenience." Light points out. "Regardless, it's in our best interest not to fall in it-ACK!"
Light's jaw practically dropped as he saw the Bulls already ahead and making their way up, climbing up a rock wall.
"No time to waste, then!" Yami quickly said. "Move out, guys!"
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"Those guys are unbelievable." Light groaned. "They didn't even wait for me to finish explaining. No matter. It'll make crushing that boundless optimism right out of them all the more enjoyable."
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"C'mon, we can't let them get too far ahead!" Erza ordered. "Let's go!"
The Fairies all begin the obstacle course as well, not wanting to fall behind any more.
The Bulls come across their first obstacle, being a gauntlet of swinging hammers.
"One clean hit from one of those, and we fall into the drink." Ryu said. "Pun intended."
"Big deal!" Lobo scoffed. "I got this!"
The bounty hunter runs across, until he's swiftly hit with a hammer, and sent falling down below. As the Fairies get up the rock wall, they see him drop into the soda.
"How reckless of him." Tiff laments. "He's like a reckless wild animal."
"Serves the bastard right after this morning." Draco said, a small smile creeping onto his face.
"That gives me an idea." Light whispered to Draco. The prodigy already had an idea cooking in his head. "If it goes well, that guy will be sent packing."
"I'm listening…"
"I'll tell you on the way up. But even I think it's rather harsh."
The Fairies are caught by surprise as a group of Koopas run at them.
Draco takes the initiative and takes out his wand.
" Incendio!"
Fire shoots out his wand, burning them to just skeletons. The skeletons all break apart and fall to pieces.
"Hah! That'll show them!" Barry said
Unfortunately, the skeletons all magically put themselves back together, and continue to go after them. They were all left dumbfounded
"Well, we're boned." Bender said
Back with the Bulls, they're still contemplating how to get past the hammers.
"C'mon, we don't have all day." Yami complained. "Those things are going a bit too fast to get past it the normal way."
"Hey, we have another problem!" Peni points out.
They realized that they were surrounded by a couple dozen flying Koopa Troopas. All of them with their spears aimed at them.
"As if we didn't have enough problems." Raven seethed. She readied her dark magic and chanted an incantation. Azarath Metrion Zinthos!"
She blasts several Koopas with her magic, and they fall to the soda lake below.
"There's still more of them!" Futaba cried.
"Very well, then." Percy said calmly. "For this, I shall construct a wizard's tower!"
She uses her Epithet to make a couple small parapet towers beneath her. The towers crackle with electricity, which her sword conducts. With one swing she sends the lightning flying and hits more Koopas.
"Wow, that was awesome!" Peni said.
"I only zap in the name of justice." Percy said as she sheathed her blade.
"Um…I think I know how we can get past it." Bernadetta said.
"I'm open to any ideas!" Yami said, slashing Koopas' wings off in the process.
She runs up close to the swinging hammers, and closes her eyes tightly. With a quick shout, the hammers were all frozen solid. Most of her team were completely shocked.
"You never told us you could do that!" Peni marveled. While in her mech, she blasts some Goombas that were coming up behind her.
"We can talk about this later." Yami said. "Everyone get across!"
"What about Lobo?" Futaba asked.
"We'll have to leave him behind." Raven said. "He'll have to make the way back up himself."
"We really don't have time to go back down and get him." Peni adds.
As they run across the frozen gauntlet, Ryu grimly remarks, "I can't help feeling bad leaving a teammate behind. But if it's Captain's orders, then I guess it can't be helped."
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"If there's one thing I value more than anything, it's loyalty." Ryu stated. "Everyone on this team is important to me. Having to leave one behind…sucks. I hate having to leave a man behind. "
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We move back down to the bottom of the building, where Lobo emerges from the soda. The Main Man looked pissed.
"Stupid fucking hammers!" He complained. "Damn things caught me off guard!" Once he gets out, he makes his way back up, now trailing behind the Fairies.
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At the top of the tower, we see Bowser relaxing while he waits. He passed the time by reading a story to Junior, who sat on his lap and listened eagerly.
"The end." He finished.
"Whoa, that was a great story, Papa!" Junior cried. "Can you read me another?!"
"Once the challenge is over, son."
"You know, for a big scary monster, I never took ya for a family man." Pete said. The big guy sat in his cage, basically twiddling his thumbs as he waited for his team to rescue him.
"What's wrong with that?" Bowser asked. "I may be evil, but I care about my family. You'd understand that, wouldn't you?"
"Of course." Pete said proudly. "I have a loving family back home. A great wife and two kids."
"Ugh, this is taking forever!" Panty groans. The angel sits in her cage, filing her nails, with a dull expression.
"I'd be surprised if they managed to get up here already." Bowser said. "I've got my troops keeping them busy."
Panty snorts. "That's hilarious. If a pair of plumbers can get through that easily on a regular basis, then it should be a cakewalk for them.
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After that gauntlet, the Black Bulls had to go through a few more obstacles, but those were easily beaten with some simple platforming.
The Bulls now find themselves face to face with moving platforms. They'd have to jump across them one by one to reach the other side.
"That's gonna be one hell of a jump if we wanna make it across." Ryu gulps.
"Hey guys, check this out!" Futaba gestures to blocks with question marks on them.
"What about it?" Raven asked.
"Don't you know?! Hit the blocks, and get a power up! Like so…"
Futaba punches one, and a mushroom comes out of it. She takes a bite, and begins to grow. Nothing of giant proportions, but at least taller than her whole team.
"Holy crap, that's awesome!" Ryu said.
Futaba proceeds to run, and jumps across the platforms with ease until she reaches the other side.
"See? Nothing to it."
The rest of the team were left in awe, and some of them decided to get power ups of their own.
Ryu suddenly finds himself dressed up in a yellow cat suit, much to his dismay.
"Aw come on! What am I supposed to do with this?! This is a bigger scam than gacha games!"
"Keh keh Keh!" Tokageroh chuckled. "Really suits you, man."
"You should consider yourself lucky." A high pitched voice said.
Ryu looked around for who said that.
"Down here, numbskull!"
He looks down and sees Yami, now shrunk to a small size.
"Captain?!"
"I grabbed a mushroom like she did!" The now tiny captain squeaked. "But mine did the exact opposite! What gives?!"
"Sorry I forgot to mention this, but not every power up is a beneficial one!" Futaba explained.
"Now you tell us…"
"Aw, don't be like that, captain." Ryu cooed as he picked him up. Yami was small enough to literally fit in the size of his hand. "So small! You're pocket sized now."
Yami angrily responds by swinging his sword, chopping off part of Ryu's hair.
"You ever call me that again, I'll lop off more than just your hair!" He growled.
"Noted."
He sets Yami on top of his head, and the shaman readies himself, like a cat ready to pounce. He runs on all fours, building up speed, and jumps across the pit in a single bound, with the cat-like reflexes you'd expect.
"Not bad, kid." Yami said.
Luckily, the mini mushroom wears off, and Ryu is suddenly crushed under Yami.
"Tell that to my back!" Ryu groaned.
We then see Bernadetta fly over, now dressed in a bee costume.
"Wow, this is pretty fun." Bernadetta said.
As Ryu got up, he said, "Guess that makes you a Bernie Bee, huh?"
Futaba giggles. "It's got a nice ring to it."
Finally, we see Raven, Percy, and Peni make it across, but do it the old fashioned way, without any fancy power ups.
"You guys are being utterly ridiculous." Raven deadpanned.
"You need to lighten up." Ryu said. "The rest of us are having a blast right now."
"Need I remind you we're in the middle of a challenge?!" The half demon said sternly.
"She makes a fair point." Percy adds. "Despite the colors and chaotic atmosphere, we have a challenge to win."
"Unlike you guys, I got all the powers I need right here in this mech!" Peni said proudly. The LCD screen on SP/dr flashes a thumbs up.
"Sorry." Futaba said. "I kinda felt my inner child just coming out inside this place."
"Eh, don't feel bad." Yami said. "Who cares what you enjoy? Like what you like, I say."
"Did you forget what I just said?" Raven asked.
"Oh, right, right. Move out, crew. I think we're almost to the top.
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Cutting back to the Fairies, they were able to luckily shake off the Swarm of Dry Bones. They arrived at the hammer gauntlet that the Bulls got to before them. Fortunately, it was still frozen, so they were able to cross it without any struggle.
"Huh, guess we should be thanking them." Tiff said.
"Perhaps they were too ignorant to think they'd be helping us in the long run." Shermie chuckles.
"C'mon, we're catching up to the other team." Barry said hopefully. "Victory is in our grasp!"
Now, they find themselves with the pit and moving platforms.
"You'd better pick up the pace." Alucard said, already having somehow made it to the other end.
"How'd you do that so fast?!" Kronk exclaimed. "You didn't fly, did you?"
"Goodness, no." The vampire answered. "I was merely just that fast." He looks at Erza. "Captain, if it's alright with you, I'm gonna go ahead of you all, and try to hinder the other team's progress."
"I suppose." Erza answered. "Just try not to hurt them too badly. I don't want anyone else leaving this show due to grievous injuries."
"I can do that."
As he goes on ahead, the others try to figure out a safe way across the pit. Unlike Futaba, they lacked the video game knowledge of Mario power ups, among other things.
"Without flying, this is gonna be tricky." Erza said.
However, Barry got a good idea, remembering the frozen gauntlet they just passed by.
"Guys, I got a good idea! But I'll need you all to step back."
"Hope you know what you're doing, muggle." Draco said as they gave Barry space.
The trainer grabs one of his Poke Balls and sends out Empoleon.
"Empoleon, use Ice Beam to make a bridge for us!" Barry ordered.
"Poleon!" With a cry, the penguin fires ice from his beak, freezing a makeshift bridge for them to cross.
"Great thinking, Barry." Light said. "You're pretty good at thinking on your feet."
"We'll, I don't mean to brag, but-"
"Come on, you guys!" Tiff said. "Get moving! And tread carefully. That ice still looks slick."
Carefully, they tread across the bridge, and make it across without anyone falling off. Just as they reach the other side, the bridge breaks apart.
"Ha! That pit can go suck it!" Bender bragged.
"YOU GUYS!" A Voice roared.
Across the pit, they saw Lobo, still soaking wet from his fall earlier.
Light looks at and gives Draco a nod. Time to put their plan into action.
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"I'm sure Light means well, but this plan of his was a gamble." Draco said. "But after what happened this morning, Lobo showed his hand too early, exposing his greatest flaw. Our plan was to exploit that."
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"Well well well, look what the cat dragged in." Draco said smugly. "You still upset over this morning, you dolt?!"
Lobo's eye audibly twitched.
"Watch yer trap, you brat! You want me to beat your ass again?!"
"I'm so scared!" Malfoy said with faux fear. "Come and get us, you walnut brain sized wanker!"
"What are you doing?" Erza said. "We need to go! Now's not the time to be petty!"
"Oh, now you're fucking dead!" Lobo growled.
As the Fairies try to make their way up, we hear Erza cry out as she's pulled back. Lobo tree out his hook chain, and it wrapped around her waist.
"Erza!" Her team cried.
"Well, looky what I just fished!" Lobo bragged. "Catch of the day!"
He pulls her towards him, but Light grabs her hand. The S Class mage now stood above the pit, being pulled from both sides.
"You're not getting away that easily!" Lobo said, pulling harder.
"He's too strong!" Light cried. "I need help!"
Kronk and Bender rush in and help Light, grabbing onto him and helping Light.
"It's still not enough!" Kronk exclaimed.
Barry and Draco now help, with Tiff and Shermie following right after. The Fairies were now engaged in a deadly game of tug of war with the baddest bounty hunter around.
Luckily, they were able to come out on top, and their combined efforts pull Erza back over to them. This causes a chain reaction that caused lobo to fall forward and drop back down into the soda.
"Thanks…you guys." Erza said out of breath. "You really saved my skin."
"Can't let our great leader go down, can we?" Light said humbly as he helped her up.
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"Yami really had a point." Erza said. "Putting more trust and faith in these guys has really been paying off.
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"We can still win this!" Tiff said hopefully. "We're not out of this yet."
They agree, and run ahead to complete the rescue. We see Lobo at the bottom of the tower, getting out of the drink again, looking more pissed than he had before. Looking up, he sees Light smiling smugly at him.
"What's with the grin, pretty boy?!" Lobo asked.
"Better luck never, you chump!"
As Light runs to catch up with the others, Lobo has finally had enough.
"That fucking tears it! I didn't wanna resort to this, but now you've all pushed my buttons one too many times! Time to bring the house down!"
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The Bulls finally open the hatch above them, and emerge at the top of the power.
Bowser notices them, and gets up.
"Mwa ha ha ha!" He laughed confidently for theatrics. "So, you've finally made it! Here, we have our final battle!"
"It's our only battle." Peni snarked.
"C'mon, papa! You can take them!" Junior cheered.
"You guys finally made it!" Panty said, almost relieved. "I was about to lose my mind from boredom up here!"
"Aw, you gotta be kidding me!" Pete complained. "Where's my team?!"
"One of them is right here."
The Bulls turn around and see Alucard facing them, guns already pointed at them and Bowser.
"Well, looks like they sent the vampire to do the grunt work." Yami jokes.
"No, I simply just ran ahead of them. Now, please step out of the way so that I may win."
"Hell no, you bloodsucker."
"You finally made it! Please, free me!" Pete pleads pathetically.
"This is bad!" Bernadetta cried. "We're stuck between a rock and a hard place! She then pulls out a cross and points it at Alucard "No! Into the light! Back to the beyond from whence you came!"
Alucard chuckled. "Are you asking me to die?"
"...Pretty please?!"
"I'm lost here." Bowser said in confusion. "But it matters little to me! You're all here to face me!"
"Don't let them scare you, dad!" Junior said. "No one can beat you!"
BOOOOOOOM!
A loud explosion is heard down below, and the tower shakes violently.
"What's going on?!" Ryu asked.
"Earthquake!" Peni exclaimed.
"Is this your doing, foul beast?!" Percy asked Bowser.
"That's weird." Bowser said. "I didn't bring any Thwomps here!"
Below, the Fairies feel the rumbling, just as they're about to reach the top.
"Is there an earthquake or something?!" Tiff cried. "What's going on?!"
"Look!" Barry points. "Down there!"
Down at the bottom of the tower, Lobo is seen going on a rampage, tearing up and breaking the place down with his overwhelming strength.
"How you like this, jackasses?!" Lobo taunts whilst punching a hole in the wall. "If I'm going down, I'm taking you lot with me!"
"He isn't!" Erza gasped.
"I think he is!" Bender said. "That dude's got some edge!"
"Don't encourage him!" Tiff snapped.
Draco was a bit worried at the spectacle before him. At this rate, he'd bring the place down, and kill everyone. Sure, he was an ass, but that didn't mean he wanted people to die.
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"Perhaps that wasn't the best idea." Draco said. "I don't like him or the rest of their team, but I'm not cruel enough to want people to die. I don't think anyone here is like that."
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"Heh heh, all according to plan." Light said proudly. "Would have been funny if his tantrum had killed somebody. Makes the game a whole lot easier if someone bites the dust."
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Up top, everyone was freaking out as they felt the worst of it.
"Everyone brace yourselves!" Yami ordered. "Try and tough it out!"
"Oh yeah, just suck it up!" Blitzo said dryly. "That'll work!"
"First we're surrounded, and now this?!" Bernadetta cried. "Why does this kind of stuff always happen to us?! I-I-I-I-!"
By this point, Bernadetta was panting heavily. For some reason, it felt like her lungs were just plain refusing to take in air as she hyperventilated. She could feel her heart thudding fast, as if it might burst out of her chest. She felt pins and needles, as her vision was like that from a fish eye lens. she crumbled down and slumped into a kneeling position on the ground.
"Are you pussying out on us right now!" Panty complained upon seeing Bern collapse. "Some help you are!"
"I think she's having a panic attack!" Futaba said. She knew full well what a panic attack was. She's known to have them on occasion. The situation reminded Futaba of the time she had one in an electronics store.
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"Shit, now I actually feel bad." Panty said.
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Ryu quickly rushed to her aid, and tried to kneel down to her level.
"Are you okay? I understand this must be scary for you. Try and take deep breaths."
"Who's responsible for this?!" Junior complained. "My dad can't have a grand battle like this!"
Unfortunately for the young prince, he was standing close to the edge, and he began to wobble back and forth until he fell off the building.
"JUNIOR!" Bowser cried. "SON!"
Juniors cry can be heard getting fainter, but Alucard springs into action. He moves too fast for the naked eye, and speeds it down to the bottom of the tower, down to where Don was waiting.
"Alucard? What are you doing here?" The host asked.
"Trying to prevent at least one casualty today." Alucard answered.
Right on cue, Junior's scream gets closer. Alucard swiftly catches him before he can hit the ground and moves back to the top with a quickness.
"Junior!" Bowser cried as he ran up to his son and held him tightly. "I thought you were a goner!"
"Dad, you're embarrassing me in front of these people." Junior groaned.
Bowser looks at Alucard, clearly tearing up at the thought of losing his son.
"Thank you for saving him! I don't know what I'd do if I lost him!"
"If you're truly grateful, then open the cage of my teammate." The vampire said.
"Eh?"
"You're saying that in a time like this?!" Futaba exclaimed. "The whole place might come down!"
"I still have orders to try and win." Alucard coldly told her. "I could care less about the situation at hand."
"Yes, yes, of course." Bowser quickly reacts. He tries and succeeds in unlocking Pete's cage.
"Well it's about darn time!" Pete said. "Good job, vampire!"
.
"Oh, this is complete horse shit!" Panty cried. "It took saving a kid to win?! Un-fucking-believable!"
By this point, the shaking was becoming too overwhelming for everyone. The building proceeds to crumble and fall apart.
"Everyone had better hold onto something!" Percy warns. "This is gonna be big!"
Raven tries to diffuse the situation, using her magic to create a large force field to keep everyone safe. Luckily, it was big enough to cover the other team as well. As soon as everyone was inside, the building completely collapsed.
"Wait, what happened?!" Kronk said, looking around.
"Well, we're not dead, so that's a win in my book." Bender said.
"Thanks for the save, creepy lady." Barry said.
Raven brushes off his compliment, saying, "Whatever."
"Wait, where's Lobo?!" Ryu asked. "I haven't seen him anywhere."
"Maybe leaving him behind wasn't a good idea." Yami groaned.
Raven slowly lowers all of them down to the ground, where a shocked Don watches. She removes the force field, and they're all happy to be safe.
"Sweet sweet ground!" Pete cried as he kissed the ground. "I'll never take you for granted ever again!"
"How's she doing?" Percy asked Ryu.
The shaman looked at a passed out Bernadetta, held in his arms.
"She's out cold, but she's starting to breathe normally now." Ryu assured.
"Good. Still I recommend she be taken to the infirmary after this."
"What the heck happened in there?!" He exclaimed.
His question was answered as Lobo emerged from the rubble, completely unscathed.
"This guy is what happened!" Lobo laughed. "I told you what happens when you piss me off!"
He stops to see everyone shooting him a dirty look, especially his team.
" You did this?!" Raven asked.
"Yeah, it was me. Why? We did win, right?"
"Actually, we lost!" Peni snapped.
"Aw, shit."
"Look at what you did to my tower!" Bowser roared. "You're gonna pay for this!"
"Send the bill to someone who gives a damn!" Lobo retorts. "I ain't paying a single cent just because I had to prove a point!"
"Don't worry, the show will compensate you for the damages." Don whispers to Bowser, who responds with a nod.
"Can we get going now?" Yami complained. "We already lost the challenge, and frankly, I'm just freaking done with today!"
"Uh…sure." Don said awkwardly. "Everyone back to the ship. Mr. Bowser, it was nice having you. We'll mail you the money as soon as possible."
"Yeah, yeah." Bowser said, still shook over the wreckage that was once his tower. "Just get lost!"
"Come back and play again, okay?!" Junior asked.
"Um….sure, kid." Panty said dismissively.
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"Well, I think it's safe to say today was an absolute disaster." Shermie said.
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"If they know what's good for them, they won't vote me off!" Lobo said. "It's not my fault those punks on the other team started talking shit!"
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Once back on the ship, the Fairies kick back and relax while the Bulls prepare for yet another elimination.
Draco luckily tracks down Light, who was enjoying a book by the pool.
"Thank goodness I found you." Draco said. "I think we need to talk."
Light looks up, hiding his annoyance extremely well. "What's up?"
"I think we went overboard with pissing off that Lobo."
"I agree." Light lied. "I didn't factor in how violently he'd react. Usually, my ideas don't end that badly. My apologies."
Well...okay." The wizard said with some hesitation.
"If I come up with another plan to help us win, I promise I'll try and make sure it doesn't end that badly."
"Very well then. That's good to hear. I was just here to make sure we were on the same page about today's events."
"Trust me." Light continues to lie. "I'm just as upset as you are."
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A couple hours later, the Bulls found themselves at the elimination ceremony yet again. Nearly all of them were not in a cherry mood already, and the elimination did nothing to help with that.
"Sorry to see that you guys have had such a rough day." Don sympathized.
"Pff, that's an understatement." Peni said. "You could call it a train wreck, and that still wouldn't be enough.
"I don't know if I'll ever forget about today…" Bernadetta mutters. On the plus side, she was looking better than she had earlier during her panic attack.
"You feeling any better, Bern?" Don asked.
"I'll live.", She squeaked.
"Good to hear. Anyway, it's a shame to see you guys hear again. This time, the following players are safe…"
"Percy…"
"Ryu…"
"Raven…"
"Futaba…"
"Panty…"
"Peni…"
"And Yami…"
Once Yami got his life preserver, this left Bernadetta and Lobo. The former still looked glum, while the latter eyes the host angrily.
"Lobo, it's your actions that put everyone in danger today."
"They had it coming!" Lobo defended.
"And Bernadetta….um, actually, I don't know what you could've done to end up here." Don points out.
"Because I was no good today." She said bitterly. "When things got bad, I just shut down. Face it, I'm just useless. Sorry, everyone."
"I beg to differ, because you're also safe."
"WHAT?!" Lobo snapped as she received her preserver. "Wow, thanks a lot you guys! You just got rid of your most invincible player!"
"This wasn't an easy choice." Panty said. "Oh, who am I kidding? Voting you off is a no brainer."
"Lobo, the team has spoken." Don said. "Time for you to go!"
"Fuck this! This is absolute BS!"
He gives a whistle, and his flying motorcycle appears in front of him.
"If there's ever a next time, just know I won't go down! At least, not like this! Smell y'all later!"
Revving his engine, Lobo flies off into the sunset.
"Good riddance." Raven said as she stood up. "Let's hope we're not here for a third time in a row."
"Eh, I'm sure we'll do better next time." Yami yawned.
"Nothing really seems to faze him, does it?"
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Later on after the elimination, we see Bernadetta in her room, humming a tune as she was writing at her desk. She grew startled as she heard a knock at the door.
"We're not under attack again, are we?!" Bernadetta frets.
"Hello?" The voice of Ryu calls from the other side. "Bernie?"
"It's us." The voice of Futaba also calls out.
The heiress breathes a sigh of relief and slowly opens the door.
"Yes? Do you need something?"
"You've gotta let me in! I've got this great idea, and I want you to hear it!"
Bernie was not so sure about letting him inside her precious home away from home. But she didn't want to be rude to him of all people.
"S-sure. Have a-a seat somewhere." She stuttered.
"Don't make this weird, Bernie!" She thought to herself. " If you do, he won't wanna talk to you ever again!"
She sees him looking around the room out of the corner of her eye. He looks at the skeins of yarn, plushies, and carnivorous plants.
" NONONONO! He's judging you right now, Bernie! He's gonna see how much of a weirdo you are!"
"Huh…this is a cool room." Ryu said. "I can see why you spend so much time in here."
Bernadetta blinks. "You…you like it?"
"Of course. It's got your charm. If I were you, I wouldn't leave either."
"Ah….how s-splendid!"
"Splendid?" Ryu chuckled. "Well pardon me, milady." He jokes. "You feeling better after earlier? We were worried about you."
"It is what it is." Bernadetta sighs. "In reality, I gave up too quickly. That's all I ever seem to do, just run away. I'm surprised I'm not the one eliminated. Maybe next time I'll convince everyone to choose me."
"Don't go saying that." Ryu said. "You were helpful today. We couldn't have gotten past the hammers without you."
"Well yes, but-"
"Let's cut to the chase here." Futaba told Ryu. "There's something you want to talk about that is so important, remember?"
"Oh, right."
Ryu sits down on the floor, and takes a deep breath.
"I got to thinking after today's challenge." He explained. "Slowly but surely, the numbers in this game are dwindling. And some of us gotta look out for each other, you know? That's why I thought we could form our own alliance."
"Wait, really?" Bernadetta asked. "You're serious?"
Ryu nods "I don't lie. I think the three of us would make a great team. We put our heads together, we could make it to the final three."
"Well, I already told him I'm all for it." Futaba said. "How about you? You in?",
The offer was tempting, but Bernadetta had one more question.
"Why choose us to join? Why choose… me?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Ryu snorts. "We're friends, right?"
Friends…
A word she did not want to hear.
"NO WE'RE NOT!" She blurted out.
A cold and grim silence filled the room. Ryu clears his throat, and breaks the silence.
"What do you mean?" He asked with a hint of disappointment. "I'm… not your friend? I'm sorry if I did something to upset you."
"It's not you!" Bernadetta continued to scream. "I have no friends! I'm useless and unlovable! I can't have friends! Not now, not ever!"
"So all of the time we've spent together has just been a lie, then?" Futaba asked.
This question made Bern quickly realize what she said, and how they interpreted it.
"N-no…." She timidly said. "It's not that. I love hanging out with you guys. It's been the most fun I've had in a long time. It's just that…there's a reason I can't be friends with you guys."
"A reason?" Ryu asked. "What is it? If there's anything I can do to help, I'll do it."
It seemed like they weren't going to let up. Since they've been so nice to her up to this point, she figured she should at least tell them. That way, they'd at least know what they're getting into by befriending her.
"Okay." She takes a deep breath. "At least let me explain. I'll tell you why. But be warned…It's not a happy story."
She sits down too, and regales the tale of her life.
"I was born into House Varley, one of the six great noble families of the Adrestian Empire. My father's the Minister of Religious Affairs. He's greedy, and has always been obsessed with money and status. Ever since I was little, he'd "train" me, to be good, submissive wife that he can marry off in a political marriage to expand his wealth and status."
Both Ryu and Futaba were appalled to hear about this man, but they kept listening.
"His training was pure hell." Bernadetta continues. "Besides all the times he's beaten and berated me for not meeting his expectations, he'd tie me to a chair and force me to stay quiet, sometimes for days at a time."
They could really feel their heart sinking with this one. That's not training, that is straight up child abuse.
"This reminds me a lot of my friend, Haru." Futaba said grimly. "She was in a similar situation with her father, who also wanted to marry her off for political gain."
"I'm sorry to hear that." Bernadetta said. "I'll try and not make my problems sound worse."
"You don't need to invalidate your struggles because other people have had it bad." Ryu told her. "You may not realize this, but I've spent most of my life homeless. That's part of why I want to find my Best Place. My place to call home."
"Really?"
"Yeah. I have a place to live now, but I still yearn to find that special place. So don't act like your problems are any less important. Continue."
Feeling a bit reassured, Bernadetta continues her story.
"My father also detested commoners with a burning passion. When I was little, I made friends with one, who worked as the gardener's assistant at our estate. We had lots of fun playing in the garden together. He was gentle, trustworthy…gorgeous. And when my father found out about him, he disappeared the very next day. I'd heard he was found beaten half to death. I never saw him again."
"Since then, I've been terrified of making friends with anyone. Commoners especially." Bernie then chokes back a sob, "He's probably dead now, and it's all my fault! If he were still alive, he'd probably hate me! I mean, I already do!"
As she began to cry, it finally clicked with them. It made sense why Bernadetta is this way. The horrible trauma and abuse brought on by her father scarred her worse than any cut a knife could do. Any love she had for him was long gone. And interacting with others was a herculean her, if they weren't out to get her, they'd just end up beaten to death by her father's men. Her story hit like a punch to the gut.
Bern was knocked out of her crying as she felt a warm embrace wrap around her. She saw that Ryu wrapped his arms around her in a hug. He was crying himself. The first thing her mind felt at the warm contact was relief. There was something pure in such a simple kind of human contact. One that made her heart skip a beat.
"I can't say just how sorry I am that all of that happened to you!" Ryu said, his voice oddly strained. It sounded like he was trying not to let his emotions take over his speech.
"You…. don't hate me?" Bernadetta said.
"Of course not! I just wish you had a better life! It's not fair what happened to you!"
She looked over at Futaba, who was doing her best to hide her crying face. Then back at the one who held her tightly.
"Ryu…" she choked out. It was refreshing for her to hear his words. What he said finally validated what she felt, deep down.
"I'm gonna kick your dad's ass if I ever meet him! I'll wring that bastard's neck! What he did to you was inexcusable!"
"You…you'd do that for me?"
"Of course. You're worth it! We're proud to be your commoner friends. Your dad could send a whole army after me, and I'll send them all packing! I ain't scared!"
Futaba walked up to her, offering her own words.
"I know what it's like to shut the world out." The Phantom Thief said. "That's what I did after I lost my mom." Futaba tries to keep from crying any more. "Like you and that boy...for the longest time, I believed i was responsible for her death. And…I wouldn't be standing here right now if I didn't have friends who helped me see the truth. It's been kinda hard being on this show without having them here. Here, I've been able to make new friends."
"You guys still want to be my friends?" Bernadetta asked. "Even after how awful I just was to you guys?"
"Definitely." Ryu said. "You're an amazing person, Bernie. Don't let anyone ever tell you otherwise. Not even your dad. I'm so glad to have met someone like you, you know that?"
Bernadetta was on the brink of tears yet again. The sheer catharsis she was feeling made her heart soar. It was like a weight was lifted off of her, because of Ryu's constant kindness and openness shown towards her. He was able to look past all her self doubts and bring out the gentle soul who just wanted to love and be loved.
"Thank you!" She blubbered. "I feel the same! I always thought you were really scary looking….but I was wrong about you!"
Looking at him now, she didn't see a scary and imposing guy. She saw a kind man sharing in her pain, comforting her. He made her heart beat insanely fast, and not in a bad way. She couldn't help but be enamored with him. All of these overwhelming emotions flooded her head, and she continued to cry again.
"It's gonna be alright." Ryu said, patting her as she cried into his shirt. "Get it all out of your system. You've been holding a lot in."
After a few minutes, she finally works all of her emotions out of her system. By this point, everyone had calmed down.
"Feeling better?" Ryu asked.
Bernadetta nods. "I am. Thanks for listening to what I had to say. I'd love to be a part of your alliance."
"Good to hear. The fact that you shared all of that with us means a lot to me. Now that we've all shared a lot about each other, and bonded a bit, what do you say I whip us up something to eat?"
Futaba pumps her fist. "Oh yeah, that sounds good! I hunger for curry!"
"Sounds good. Bernie, what about you?"
Bernadetta thinks it over. "Um…I'll have what she's having."
"Excellent choice."
They leave, but Bernadetta hangs back for a moment. She clutched her chest tightly, overcome with joy.
"Where have you been all my life?"
A they walk together, Ryu's face lights up.
"Say, have I told you yet about a Best Place?"
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After so very, very, very, long, it's finally done. I had to go through a couple rewrites on this one. Apologies for those who hated waiting.
And so, we end another fun episode and challenge, even if the challenge itself takes a backseat to character and plot progression this time. It's unfortunate that we say bye to Lobo, but as you know, we'll be seeing more of him in Infinite 3. Hopefully next time, he isn't played like a fool by any villains.
We now have a now alliance, and Light manages to charm his way into another one. His plans worked as he managed to get Lobo eliminated. Even Malfoy was a bit shooken up by the consequences of said plan.
Given I spent a huge chunk of my life under similar conditions, I wanted to perfect writing real trauma and the themes of abuse, love, and acceptance. But even when things look grim, there's nothing wrong with seeking help, especially from those who care about you and vice versa.
And before anyone jumps to conclusions, no, Bernadetta is not magically cured of her trauma. Things like this are a healing process, learning to grow and cope with the issues you have, getting better day by day. She's not gonna make a 180 after a single confession. I know the last time Total Drama handled a character with a mental illness was…shoddy, but know that I won't do the same. Ryu really was the light that pulled Bern from the darkness, and will continue to be by her side as he helps her heal. The two of them are adorable, and deserve all the happiness. I really look forward to further developing the bond between them.
As for next time, here's a preview. Everyone is divided into trios as they work to put on entertaining shows and acts. Not exactly a talent show or anything, but everyone's gotta bring their A game if they wanna pull off a real showstopper.
Also, between this episode and the next is when they went to help fight Gjira and his army in South Town, so that's where it basically fits in the timeline. Next time you see these guys, they're fresh off helping Edward save the world.
Until next time, don't forget to read and review. Till then, this is MemeKing, signing off