DISCLAIMER:

Hello, episode 35 is here. The new challenge is on. Who will run each leg? And who will tackle the dangerous last legs? Find out now here on Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses.

And remember to leave a review of the chapter, that way, I can know what you enjoy and what you don't like from the story and help me improve. Or if reviewing is not your style, at least mark it as a favorite. That way, I at least will know you're enjoying it. Now before getting started, let me answer this week's reviews.

Harmony735: Thanks for your kind words. Without a doubt, my most dramatic chapter yet. I am glad you enjoy it.

DuncneyFan: Yes, but she still didn't share everything about it, but I also wonder why did she stop.

gman5846: Yep, but that Duncney moment is forcing Courtney to take a decision. Heather or Duncan. But probably she already chose.

Aleheather4ever: I love the Aleheather working together with a theory. I think it makes sense. Either way, she or Duncan voted for Cody.

beanoamy: thanks a lot for reading the story, and I'm glad you have been enjoying it so far. And yes, episode 34 is one of my proudest so far.

And to all readers, Merry Christmas and Happy new year or Happy Holidays. Pick your favorite. I hope 2021 is full of good surprises (And I also hope to end Tyranny this year ;D)

And as always, a BIG shoutout and THANKS to Geofics, who helps me proofread the episodes. I know I say it every episode but it's not enough to say it for only 1 or 2 episodes. Thanks a lot.

Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV, its creators, and associates companies. I don't own anything from the properties used in this fic.


Racing to the end, now in 3D Part 2

Chris ended the explanation of the rules for the 11th challenge, the Omnirace. The teams had to run 7 legs across the island, and the first team to end it all will win the challenge. Easy enough, isn't it?

But the legs are far from easy. A long race in the forest, swim to the other side of the lake, climb a mountain's wall, cross a pipe maze blindfolded, ran across a frozen and slippery plain, jump over rock columns through a gorge, and the last leg, running upside down wearing super Velcro(tm) boots. Which contestant will run each leg? And what team will win the race? Find out next in Total Drama Tyranny of the masses.


It was just after noon, the ferrets were huddling to select which one should run each leg. Each team had a map that showed the different locations and a summary of the seven legs.

Topher put a hand on his chin, lowering his eyebrows and looking at the diagram, "Well, this will be tricky."

"Don't worry, Toph," replied Mike smiling confidently, showing the gap between his teeth. "We just have to choose the leg we're best at, and we can win this. I, for example, can do any of them, and I'm confident I can do it fast."

Sky looked at him, raising her head defiantly, "I can also do any leg better than the foxes, so I'll choose from those nobody wants."

After a brief silence, Lilly took a deep breath and was about to talk when Shawn interrupted her.

"I'm great at climbing. I can deal with that wall as easy as shooting a zombie with a sniper rifle from the roof of a mall," said Shawn mimicking that he was holding a sniper rifle and shooting it.

"I'm sure I can climb it faster than you," declared Sky folding her arms.

The conspiranoic nodded, "yes, but you're also better jumping those pillars, running, and even doing the Velcro thing. So let me climb. That is my best shot."

The Cree girl wasn't too sure, but she nodded.

Lilly nodded and tried to talk again, but this time Topher was the one that interrupted her.

"I think I can do well in the first leg across the forest. It's the one I have a better chance at," said Topher looking at the ground a little ashamed, "I'm not the best in physical challenges."

Mike put a hand on Topher's shoulder and looked at the others. "I don't think anyone has a problem with you taking the first leg, right?"

After a moment, Dramaman and Shawn nodded in agreement. The rest looked at each other, but no one was against it.

"So the first and third legs are assigned, and Sky and Mike can do any of the remaining 5. That leaves us 3 to assign," summarized Topher, smiling.

She had enough. Lilly frowned and was about to talk when she was interrupted again.

"It seems like Lilly wants to say something," said Amy in a tired tone, "c'mon girl, don't think too much about it and say it loud and clear."

Lilly's face beamed, and she talked in a low and serious tone. "I can do the maze."

"Are you sure? It'll be completely dark," asked Topher, looking at her with wide eyes.

The redhead hesitated and then regained her confidence. "Yes, I'm sure I can do it."

"If she said she can do it, let her do it. I'm sure Lilly will ace it," said Amy shrugging. "And for me, let me do the second leg, the one with swimming."

Sky tilted her head at the older twin, "Are you a strong swimmer?"

"Yes, I don't want to brag, but I'm a great swimmer," bragged Amy, her eyes full of confidence.

Dramaman nodded, and then he said in his deep voice. "I'll then run the ice leg."

"The ice one? Why? Do you feel confident about running over the ice?" asked Shawn, raising an eyebrow.

"No, but I'm sure Sky can do better on the columns and Mike on the Velcro challenge. So let me do the ice one," explained Dramaman, his voice trembling at the end, but almost no one noticed it.

"Great, so we're ready. Now let's take our positions and prepare for the challenge," said Topher raising an arm, the rest of the ferrets cheering with him.


Confessional: Sky

The athlete was putting a finger on her chin. "I wanted to do the Velcro leg, as it seemed like the hardest part of the challenge. But sadly, Mike got it. Anyway, I'll show everyone I'm the best athlete here."


Confessional: Dramaman

"I hate this challenge. It's the classic challenge that seems simple enough, but one error will cost your team the victory. Am I nervous? Of course, I am. I hate this show." The masked man leaned against the confessional wall, looking at the ceiling.


Confessional: Shawn

Shawn was frowning at the camera. "Dramaman seemed nervous about running the leg. And since the quiz challenge, I have been wondering if he's somehow related to the production. I mean, he may be a mole. I hate to suspect a friend, but I should talk with him after the challenge."


Meanwhile, the foxes were also discussing what to do with the challenge. But they weren't huddling as tightly as the ferrets.

"So? Every leg seems stupid, hard or dangerous. How should we split them?" asked Heather, narrowing her eyes at her teammates.

"I can do any of them, so I feel confident in doing the most dangerous one," said Alejandro, smiling smugly.

The Queen Bee tossed her braid at him, "Then just do the most dangerous and DIE. You're assigned the sixth leg. Either win or die, any option is as good as the other."

"You know I'd die for you, chica," said Alejandro, winking at her. she just turned her face annoyed.

"I can also take any of the legs head-on, ma'am," said Brick saluting. Then he started to twiddle his fingers. "Except, the maze. Because it's not favorable for my strengths, and I'm not good at navigating in the darkness. In fact, I'm not good at doing anything in total darkness. I can do it, though, if no one else wants to do it. But I'd rather not."

Courtney nodded, taking the leadership from Heather. "Then you take the third leg, climbing the vertical wall. I'll take the last leg, the Velcro one."

"HEY!" interrupted Duncan glaring at Courtney. "I'm sure that I can climb better and faster than Cadet Skunk-foot. I have been climbing walls since I remember, be it in private property or juvie."

Both Courtney and Brick frowned at him.

"Ma'am, I don't have any problem giving him my assignment. Even if his attitude stinks more than my feet," replied Brick, in an authoritative tone.

Courtney sighed and then looked at the diagram. "Then Duncan, you take the third leg, and Brick, can you do the fifth leg? The ice one?"

"No problem, Ma'am, I'll knock our enemies out cold," joked Brick smiling.

"Great, thanks, Brick," Courtney had to use all her willpower to not roll her eyes at his comment, something that Heather and Duncan didn't do. Strangely enough, both Sammy and Zoey chuckled at the bad joke.

Heather coughed, trying to get the leadership again. "Ahem, so it's only Zoey, Samantha, and I for the remaining legs. So friends, what do you want to do?"

"Let me do the running, I don't want to brag, but I am quite fast," Said Zoey, jumping and raising her hand.

Sammy looked at the floor and then took a deep breath, "I'll swim. I think I can do better in that one than trying to find my way in a dark maze."

Heather kept silent, pondering her options. "Then I'll go into the 3D maze. It's everyone ok with their assignment?"

There was a small silence. Brick and Sammy looked nervously at the rest of their teammates, while the others just smiled or smirked confidently.

"Then let's do this foxes, let's get this win," exclaimed Heather raising a fist, the rest of her teammates following her.

As they were heading to their assignment, Duncan walked next to Courtney.

"So, what do you think?" asked the delinquent, low enough just to be heard by her.

Courtney rolled her eyes, "Not now, let's talk after the challenge. Hopefully, we'll not have to talk about any elimination."

Duncan nodded and went away while Courtney huffed. She already made her decision. Why was she hesitating now?


Confessional: Heather

"I hope my ungrateful team realizes that they let me take one of the hardest legs. I have to crawl inside a damn tube like a dog looking for the exit while in complete darkness. Argh! For their own good, I hope we win this challenge," said Heather glaring at the camera with her arms folded.


Confessional: Zoey

"I want to apologize to everyone. I was a little down the past few days, but I'm a lot better thanks to my friends. I need to have an honest talk with Mike and straighten out all our issues, but I'll not let that hamper me anymore." said Zoey, smiling and doing a fist pump.


Confessional: Sammy

The twin was looking at the camera with a small smile. "There is something odd about playing against Shawn and Sky. But thankfully, the foxes are kind and polite. Especially Heather, she may seem a little mean, but she's trying to make me stand on my own feet, which I'm grateful for."


Chef was sitting in the island's main computer room, leaning on Chris' chair with his feet over the desk. Four interns were on their workstations typing frantically, including Steve, the chubby veteran intern, and Logan, a newbie.

"Hurry up! We need all the surprises ready for the challenge, and there is only so much time we can delay the start," commanded Chef in a loud voice.

Steve turned his chair to face the co-host. "But Chef sir, we have been working on this challenge the last 11 hours. It was a very complex task to create the ice mountain, the maze, and the gorge with the stone pillars. And I don't want to sound like I'm nagging, but the production has still to pay for our past overtimes."

"Don't give me that crap. I haven't been paid my salary all damn season! So you better not bother me with some fancy overtime fees," shouted Chef, putting his feet down on the floor and hitting the table with his fist.

"Yes, of course, sir," replied Steve, any intern that survived long enough knew that it was better to not bother Chef too much.

Logan looked at one of the displays, and there was something weird. "Chef sir, there are some anomalies in warehouse 7!"

"Are they related to the challenge?" asked Chef in a harsh tone.

Logan winced and replied in a cracking voice. "No sir, they're not, but-"

"THEN IGNORE THEM!" shouted Chef, "focus on the stupid challenge! Again, why can?'t we let DAM handle the challenge by itself?"

"Because the challenge proposed by the system was too expensive. For example, an avalanche on the ice leg, or the jumping fireballs between the stone platforms," explained Steve without taking his eyes off the display.

Chef shook his head, "Really, budget issues? But the damn show is doing great selling those silly phone apps. I swear that sometimes these producers are too greedy for their own good."

"Chef sir!" exclaimed Logan in an alarmed tone, "there is an ILLEGAL ACCESS TO THE SYSTEM FROM OUTSIDE."

"WHAT? Are you saying that the stupid hack-proof system is failing? This can't be good, and just now that we are running late," said Chef rubbing his templates, "Run the anti-hack routine or whatever."

The young intern then looked with wide eyes at the display, "Wait a moment. It's gone!"

"What did you say?" asked Chef, standing up and walking next to Logan.

"T-The access was cut. It s-seems like a false alarm," replied Logan, stuttering and gulping.

Chef knocked him on the top of his head, "STOP WASTING OUR TIME! Now finish configuring the forest leg, and get the damn donkeys so we can start the challenge and finish the rest of the legs while those brats are running."

"Yes, Chef, sir," said Logan, with tears on his eyes, rubbing the big bump on his head.

On the surface, Topher was sitting on a rock, disconnecting the strange contraption Charlotte gave him from a nearby tree.

"Phew! For a moment, I thought they caught me," said the host wannabe, while drying the sweat on his forehead with a handkerchief. "At least I now have the information about the first leg."

Topher stood up and walked toward the starting point. "In moments like this, I wish that Charlotte would leave a manual or something about how to use this thing. But I think I'm getting the hang on it."


Confessional: Topher

The host wannabe was looking nervously at the camera. "Ok, Charlotte. I just want to thank you. You know what I'm talking about. I just have like a zillion questions to ask you. But don't worry, I'm not planning on being eliminated soon. So I'll have to wait until I get the million."


Thirteen campers were already waiting on their starting points for the beginning of the race. But two of them were especially eager, the twins that were competing in the second leg.

Both sisters were wearing red one-piece swimsuits and were facing each other, Amy folding her arms and Sammy rubbing her temple.

"Do you really choose to swim just to compete against me?" asked Sammy in a distressed tone, "Why do you always want to try to get in my way?"

Amy rolled her eyes. "Ple-e-ease Samey. My world doesn't revolve around you. It's a co-in-ci-dence."

"Oh? Was it also a coincidence when you entered the last season of Total Drama after I sent my audition tape?" asked Sammy, raising an eyebrow.

"That was because I became curious about the show after you sent your audition. How was I supposed to know you didn't want me to be on it?" said the older twin, shrugging.

Sammy huffed and began to enumerate the reasons with her fingers. "Because I didn't tell you about the show. I went alone to pick up the form for the audition. I hid in my room to film the audition tape. And when you asked if you should participate, I tell you that you'll be bored and more comfortable at home."

"Of course, I realize that, Samey. But that was why I needed to participate in the first place. You're always making a fool of yourself and following the first moron that shows any kindness to you," replied Amy shooking her head.

"THAT'S NOT TRUE!" shouted Sammy, "why do you always look down on me? Yes, maybe I made some mistakes in the past, but not anymore. I can do anything I propose, and I'm as good as you."

The older sister smirked, "Let's stop there. We'll be going in circles. Let's see which one of us is eliminated first. The winner is the best twin. As simple as that."

"I agree," replied Sammy. It was a coincidence that they both were on the swimming leg? It didn't matter to her. It was her chance to ask about the last challenges questions.

"Amanda, how did you find out about Blue Dreamer?" asked Sammy. She couldn't believe Amy knew about her online identity and never mocked her or tried to ruin it. There was something weird about it.

"How? You ask how I found it? Samey, you're horrible at keeping secrets," replied Amy huffing. "You just get all nervous and jumpy. Looking at your internet history, Blue Dreamer was the only poem author you never congratulated or sent comments to. Also, you included that poem you wrote for dad when we were in 7th grade."

Sammy was shocked. Not only she discovered that Amy spied on her internet history, that was also going too far. But another detail shocked her even more.

"Did you really remember that poem? It was the first one I was really proud of. Papa loved it and has a copy of it in his office." Said Sammy, waiting for a snarky reply from her older sister.

But instead, Amy just looked at the lake, blushing. Nonetheless, before she could answer, a loud air horn signaled the start of the race.

"It has started, so I'll be warming up. Pray for Zoey to come here before Topher, or there will be no way for you to beat me." bragged Amy, who then went to her side of the starting point and began stretching.

The younger twin stood there, blinking slowly. It seemed like Amy was avoiding the question. As the race has started, Sammy will have to stop her investigation. Whatever Amy was planning, she will have to wait before discovering, at least for now.


Confessional: Amy

"Fine, I like the stupid poem, so what? When Samey gave it to our dad, I didn't know she was the author. And what can I say? It moved me. That shows that even someone like Samey can do great things. But if you think about it, it's not a surprise. After all, she's my sister," said Amy showing a small smile.


Some minutes before, on the other side of the woods, Zoey was stretching on the starting point. Chris was also there, holding a green flag in his hand and talking on his phone.

"I don't care how hard it's to configure the legs. We can't delay the start of the race any longer, or the ice mountain will melt," Chris looked at his wristwatch. "I can only give you until Topher arrives at the starting point."

Chris' expression turned from a frown into a scowl, "Chef, what do you mean you don't know where he is? We're on a reality show on an island full of cameras, and you're in the control room. I'm the one that should be asking YOU where Topher is, and you should know the answer."

As the host was starting to get worried, Topher arrived at the starting point. "Chef, forget that. He's already here," The host then narrowed his eyes at his former fan. "Topher, where were you? We're about to start."

The host wannabe blinked and showed a sheepish smile. "I was at the confessional and then came here. Sorry, I didn't realize it was late."

"Really?" asked Chris before talking again on his phone, "you heard that Chef, can you confirm his story? He should have a confessional recorded right now."

While the host talked, Topher walked to the starting point and waved at Zoey. The redhead waved back and wished him good luck.

"So it's true? Ok, perfect. No, I never doubted I was only curious," Chris rolled his eyes, tired of the delays. "Now, are the donkeys ready? Not yet? Then forget it. We'll do it without a baton. No, Chef, I don't care about your excuses," He hanged and shook his head in disappointment.

He walked in front of the campers making a smug smile. "Zoey and Topher, this time, we'll not use any kind of baton, so you have to give a high five to your teammates so they can start. Now Ready, Set-"

"WAIT!" shouted Topher interrupting Chris, "I have a question, what are the rules?"

"The rules?" asked Chris, visibly annoyed by Topher's interruption.

The host wannabe nodded, "Yes, I mean, what are the rules? Is there something we can't do?"

"Not really. You shouldn't sabotage your opponent, but there is no rule against it. You can't use vehicles. You should use your OWN feet to reach the goal or swim in case of the second leg, and it's illegal to fly. Are those rules enough for you?" Chris told him in a snarky tone, showing a mocking smile.

But Topher just groomed his hair with his hand and smiled, "Perfectamundo."

"Then, without any more delay. Ready, Set, GO!" Shouted Chris, waving his green flag.

Zoey and Topher started sprinting. The redhead easily outrunning the guy.

Sorry, but I need to get as much advantage as I can on the first leg, Zoey thought while running down the road surrounded by trees. Many people underestimate her because of her kind nature, but she is a physical powerhouse, and running is one of her stronger points.

She noticed how even if the road seemed straight, there were some small turns along the way. That wasn't a problem because at least there was no sign of her opponent, so if needed, she could go slower to avoid any trap that Chris could put along the way.

But there was something weird in the forest. It wasn't easy to find out at first sight, but she noticed it after running for some time. There was an eerie silence around her. No birds were chirping, no rustling in the bushes, nothing.

She continued trying to outlast the woods, and as she continued, she began to feel agitated. So she just focused on running faster, faster, faster. The path would end sooner or later, right?

"Why is it that every time I feel I'm winning, something like this happens? Maybe I should buy some amulets against the bad luck after all. I wonder if Sky would sell me her earrings?" Zoey muttered in a small voice, still running across the woods.


Chris watched the distressed Zoey running in the woods while taking a sip of his pi?a colada. He was lying in a beach chair, and an intern was standing next to him, ready to bring him more drinks or take the pineapple that he was using as a glass.

"Look at her, she didn't realize that during the first leg, the trees move to make the road much longer and the race more exciting," laughed Chris, enjoying the stressed expression of the contestant.

He then pressed his mobile. "Now, let's see how Topher is enjoying his race along the forest."

The screen changed to show the pretty boy. He was running across the bushes and was already on the beach.

Chris spat his drink and looked at the screen with wide eyes. "HOW? WHY? Why is he already on the second leg?" The host asked the intern, who shrugged with a shocked expression.

"That little-" Chris then called the control room. He needed to know how Topher did it.

Meanwhile, at the beach, both twins looked at him. Topher was running as fast as he could.

"It seems I'll be going first, SAMEY. See you at the goal," said Amy, making a mocking smile at her sister.

As soon as Topher arrived, he gave a high five to the older twin, who immediately jumped into the water and started to swim as fast as she could.

"Wow! She can really swim," Topher was huffing, and puffing, putting his hands on his knees. He then turned to the other sister. "I know I shouldn't because we're on opposite teams and all that, but good luck there, Sammy."

The younger twin felt a rush of euphoria hearing him calling her name but tried to dissimulate. "Thanks, I'm sorry if we beat you, but I'll do my best," she tilted her head, "and how are things going on the ferrets' side after I part?"

"C'mon Samey, you switched teams just 5 days ago. It's not been that long," Topher averted her gaze, blushing. "But I miss you, sorry, I mean all the team misses you," he added, chuckling nervously.

"Oh!?" She answered, also blushing. But before she could reply, they were interrupted.

"TOPHER! How did you find out?" shouted Chris. He was frowning and walking with 2 interns at his side.

The host wannabe looked at him with wide eyes. "You mean the secret for my hair? I am glad you asked, Chris, it wasn't easy-"

"NO! Stop playing the fool, you know what I mean," demanded Chris folding his arms, "how did you find the way to the beach?"

"Oh, That? I just thought the shortest way to the beach was across the woods instead of the road, so I aim for it," replied Topher, smiling.

The host shook his head, "tsk, tsk, tsk. That's impossible. We reconfigured the woods, so even if you knew where the coast was, it would be impossible to find the way without a map."

"I don't think so. After all, I found my way without a map," shrugged Topher while closing his eye, "and using my own two FEET." Chris narrowed his eyes at him, just as his phone rang.

"Chef, did you find it?" asked the host, neither he nor Sammy took their eyes off Topher. "What? But he should be doing something to find out. Did you check the footage? Ok, don't shout, I understand. Yes, let's talk later."

Chris frowned as he put away his phone. "It seems all is ok, but be careful, Topher. We'll not tolerate any cheating on my show."

"I only act according to the rules," Topher said in a snarky tone, making a triumphant smile.

The host went away fuming, followed by the interns, while Topher stood there trying to not laugh. Using Charlotte's gift could be more dangerous than he thought.

"What was all that about?" asked Sammy, blinking slowly, trying to understand what just happened.

"Don't worry about it," answered Topher, rubbing his neck. "I'll tell you later. Just focus on the race. I'm sure you'll do great."

The younger twin sighed sadly. "Don't be so sure. I hate to admit it, but my sister is a much better swimmer than me. It was the only competition I always came second to her in."

"Sammy, you're a winner in my book." Replied Topher blushing, scratching his cheek. "Even if the person you admire despises you, you're wonderful as you are. Just do your best."

"Person, I admire?" said Sammy in a low and disconcerted tone. But before she could talk again, something came out of the woods. It was Zoey.

At last, I escape from those creepy woods. I was sure something was watching me. At least I'm first, thought Zoey while smiling happily. But her expression turned into one of shock as she saw Topher next to Sammy.

"I-Impossible, when did you pass me?" asked the indie girl, raising her hand absentmindedly and giving a weak high five to Sammy. The twin immediately jumped into the water.

Topher just shrugged, "I took a bet, and it paid off Zoey. Don't sweat about it."


Confessional: Zoey

"I'm starting to think I just took a wrong turn during the race and got into another dimension. Like one of those creepy stories. I mean, there is no way that Topher could pass me without me realizing it, right? RIGHT?" asked Zoey watching the camera with wide eyes and biting her thumb.


The second leg was on, as expected, the lake was full of electric eels and jellyfish to slow the contestants and make the challenge more entertaining (at least in Chris' opinion.) But neither of the sisters cared about it.

Amy was still at the lead, swimming as fast as she could. There was some kind of fate between her, her sister, and the water. She remembered the moment when she almost drowned some weeks ago. On the cliff during the storm, she still wondered if Samey left her fall on purpose.

But that wasn't the first time. She also remembered the time she was cheated out of the Pahkitew season. It was the first time Samey betrayed her, poisoning her. When Amy recovered, she decided to swim back to the island. They said it was impossible. Ha, she showed them, nothing is impossible for Amy.

And she knew she could swim the impossible distance to the island. Because then, like now, she could feel it, even if she will never accept it. Amy felt Samey coming closer to her, her arrogant sister saying that they were equals, and little by little, coming closer and closer. And that is something Amy will never accept without a fight. Because she is the older one, the best of the two sisters.

And at the same time, Sammy was also swimming as fast as she could. She was also putting her all in the race, the words of Topher resounding in her head the person you admire despises you.

It was true when they were kids, she loved Amy, they were inseparable. But Amy was always the best, the fastest, the smartest. In any competition, Amy was the first place, and Sammy second, but Sammy was happy and proud of her.

When did Amy begin to change? When did she start to abuse Sammy and steal the credit for her work? When did she become mean, arrogant, and treat her like a servant? When did she begin to call her Samey instead of Sammy?

The younger twin didn't have an answer, she still didn't realize it until now, but more than beat Amy, she wanted to recover her old sister, the sister she loved. And if to do it she has to beat her in this game, she will.

Maybe that was what Dramaman was talking about. Her goal wasn't to beat her sister. It was getting strong enough to save her? To recover her? The younger twin knew she was close, but somehow she hesitated. That goal was still about her sister, no? She needed to talk to the wrestler after the challenge.

Like that, both sisters were swimming as fast as they could, one focused on keeping her advantage, an advantage she was sure she deserved from birth. The other struggling to catch up with her, show they were equal, gain her respect, and show her she wasn't a replacement or a second rate sister.

And that fight made an immensely entertaining show.

Chef left Steve in charge of the last details and was now on the beach, sitting next to Chris, watching the screen.

"Can you believe it? It's supposed to be a full 30 minutes leg, and these two will end it in over twenty. Just look at them, why are they swimming so desperately?" chuckled Chris, enjoying the competition.

Chef shrugged, "Maybe they don't want to be electrocuted by the eels?"

"Eh? That is the most boring answer!" replied Chris, disappointed. "You may be right, but it's too boring. We'll need to change it in the edited version. Now let's see what our next runners are doing."

The host then pressed a button on his mobile, and the image changed to the third leg.


At the other side of the lake was a huge stone wall that raised exponentially to the sky. At the foot of it were Shawn and Ducan, the conspiranoic stretching, while Duncan watched him.

"You sure are doing a great job warming up, stoner," said Duncan, smirking.

Shawn glared at him, "Thanks," he replied in a snarky tone. "I just hope we start soon, my grasshopper friend."

"Hahaha, grasshopper? Are you high?" asked the delinquent, chuckling.

"NO! It was an analogy to the tale of the grasshopper and the ant. I wonder if you know the fable," said Shawn, who stopped warming up and looked to Duncan, narrowing his eyes.

The delinquent just scratched his ear with his pinky finger. "It sounds familiar, but I'm sure it wasn't about wall climbing or something similar."

"I don't know why I waste my time discussing with a slave of the system like you," Shawn shook his head. Why was everyone so blind?

"Slave of the system? Really? Did you see this?" Duncan pointing to his face piercings. "Or these?" He added, tapping his forearms tattoos, "or especially this?" he ran his hand across his mohawk.

The conspiranoic chuckled, leaning against the wall. "That is just the way the system makes you believe you're rebelling, but you're just a monkey dancing on their hand."

"Maybe this 'Monkey' has to teach you to keep your nonsense to yourself," threatened the delinquent cracking his knuckles.

"Are you trying to intimidate me? You're in for a surprise. I'm trained to fight hand in hand with a 200kg[1] zombie. So come on," said Shawn gesturing his opponent to come against him, like in a kung fu movie.

Duncan blinked. He was sure the stoner would be scared by that. The zombie nut had more spine than he expected. But Duncan couldn't just run away from his own challenge, could he?

But before the punk could find out if Shawn could back up with his fist what he was saying, a sexy blond in a red one-piece swimsuit and an electric eel around her leg came out of the water.

"Damn Chris *bzzzt* and his damn *bzzzt* challenges," said the twin, suffering a shock from the eel, "now stop looking like I'm some kind of Zombie. GO!"

Amy gave a high five to Shawn, who immediately started to climb the wall with great speed. Duncan looked at him with wide eyes. Definitely, the stoner was more than meets the eye.

"Hey, wicked twin, where is your sister?" asked Duncan, smirking at the older twin.

"Are you stupid? *bzzzt* The WICKED one is SAMEY! I'm the fair one. *bzzzt* And she is still in the lake, duh!." Replied Amy, glaring at him while pulling the eel on her leg, which shocked her again. "*bzzzt* I'm going to the infirmary. Good luck losing."

Duncan shook his head. She was definitely the evil twin. But he somehow wished that his twin had half the attitude of this one.

He stepped to the shore of the lake and protected his eyes from the sun, trying to see where Sammy was. The younger twin was swimming quite fast but was still away. How much advantage did the wicked twin win?

While she was still swimming, the delinquent decided to start warming up. After all, he needed to go as fast as possible if they wanted to have a chance.

Suddenly he heard some huffing and puffing and looked at his twin going out of the water, jellyfish marks around her legs and arms, with a pained expression on her face.

Sammy warily raised her hand and gave a high five to Duncan. "Good Luck."

"You took your time! Don't worry, it's my turn to save the day," said Duncan, shrugging. "I'll climb this boring wall in minutes."

Then both were startled by the sound of an explosion coming from the ferrets' wall. Sammy just looked at the fragments of rock falling with wide eyes.

"It seems like it'll not be so boring after all. Whatever," said Duncan smirking as he started climbing the wall.

"Good luck," repeated the twin. She still didn't like him, but they needed him to win the challenge. Then she went to the infirmary before the itching in her legs drove her crazy.


The 3rd leg was ongoing, Shawn had the advantage thanks to Topher and Amy, and decided to not waste it.

The conspiranoic's reflexes were top-notch, and he practiced climbing walls a lot. And not only the ordinary vertical walls for wall climbing competitions but also brick walls, concrete walls. Anything that could help him escape from a horde of zombies if he was unarmed.

But as his reflexes, he also trained his perception, so he could watch the small ledges on the wall and change between them with quick movements, so he always took the best route even if that meant climbing horizontally and taking a different route.

And, of course, trying to avoid the traps. After the first explosion, he began to climb more cautiously, but except for some fake ledges and an angry raccoon, Shawn didn't find any other hazard. Watching him climb was like seeing a spider going up and sideways all along the wall.

On the foxes' side, Duncan was climbing quickly and recklessly. Advancing using his arms and even jumping vertically from his position to another ledge instead of taking an alternative or more secure route.

But for him, this was natural. He always loved to climb, in the playground, in the park, anywhere he could find a structure or a tree, he will be over it.

When he rebelled against his parents, he used his love for climbing to enter places he shouldn't. This included entering and escaping his room after curfew, visiting other people's houses, or escaping juvie.

He jumped again and held a ledge further away. From a distance, it seemed dangerous, but he would say that everything was under control.

Then Duncan found one of the hazards. From the wall, he received a strong spray of green paint in the face. The unexpected burst almost pushed him into the air. Luckily for Duncan and the foxes, he got a good hold of the mountain, and the only consequence was his face turning green and some of the paint entering his mouth, but it could be worse.

Yuck, this thing tastes like shit, and even then is better than Chef's food, thought Duncan while climbing, spitting a little paint now and then.

But far from slowing him down, the hazard only made the delinquent angry and more determined to win. After a moment, he resumed climbing the wall as fast as he could.


At the top of the wall, Lilly and Heather were waiting for their teammates. The redhead looked at the Queen Bee now and then, but when the Asian girl looked at her, she quickly turned her sight to the ground.

"If you have something to say, JUST SAY IT!" shouted Heather in an annoyed tone after Lilly looked at her for the nth time.

The treehugger faced her, her lips pressed together, and she mumbled something in a low and timid tone.

Heather blinked a couple of times. "If you're trying to annoy me, you're doing a great job."

Lilly took a deep breath. "It's a pleasure to meet you," she said, blushing and closing her eyes.

"Eh?" replied the Queen Bee. This girl was dumb.

"I'm so ho-honored to meet you. You're a legend. You won the thi-third season of this show, and also you're Alejandro's gi-girlfriend," said Lilly twiddling her finger.

Heather was surprised at the girl's words. How many morons could be on the fan's team? "Are you for real? We're competing directly against each other, and you praise me? I'm not sure if you practice being such an idiot, or you're a natural."

"I can't believe it. I was insulted by Heather herself. I'm so happy right now," said Lilly blushing and covering her cheeks joyfully.

At that moment, the Queen Bee began to doubt if the girl was an idiot or was mocking her. Either case, there was no use to keep wasting her time with her.

Then one of the contestants reached the top of the wall.

Shawn looked at Lilly carefully before raising his hand, "You don't seem to be infected, ok, give me a high five."

Lilly raised her hand slowly and put it against Shawn. It was so slow it didn't make any sound. "Yay," exclaimed the redhead as she did the 'high five.'

Then, quite slowly, the treehugger climbed on the pipe that was the entrance to the next stage and descended into the darkness of the maze.

Heather ran to the edge of the wall. "HEY, Duncan! What are you doing down there! The Hobo already climbed all the way up here. You're supposed to be a criminal. Show some backbone."

"Hobo!?" said Shawn glaring at the Queen Bee.

Duncan was doing his best to climb the wall, but even if he was faster than Shawn, the advantage that he had made a big difference. It still took some minutes for the delinquent to arrive at the top.

"It was about tim-," said Heather, before bursting into laughs, "Hahahaha, what happened with your face? Did your dye ran across it?"

The green-faced punk just glared at her. "Just raise your damn hand so I can give you the high five."

Heather raised her hand, and Duncan gave her a fierce high five that made Shawn wince.

"IDIOT!" said Heather with her hand red after the slap. She then kicked Duncan on the shin.

"Ouch! It wasn't so hard, crybaby," replied Duncan, smirking even after being kicked (even if his eyes were full of green tears.)

The Queen Bee tossed her braid at him and ran toward the entrance pipe. "Don't make me waste my time. I have to catch up with that slowpoke, so we can win the stupid race," she then went down into the foxes' maze.

Both girls have to crawl in complete darkness, climb or go down in the narrow conduits trying to find the exit. While Heather crawled as fast as she could. Lilly did it slowly while whispering to a strange contraption on her hand.

"And next to the right, right Mister Max?" said Lilly, full of confidence.

"Of course, just follow my instructions, and we will realize our goals," said the voice in the contraption.

Lilly wanted to win. Win to show Cody what she was capable of, as Amy said. But the treehugger didn't realize that she did a deal with the devil to fulfill her dream.


Author Notes:

[1] 200 kg is around 440 lb.


And a new challenge has started. Can Heather take the lead against a cheating Lilly? And how will the other 3 legs end? Who will win and who will get eliminated? Find out in the next episode of Total Drama Tyranny of the Masses.

This time, the challenge is a different kind of race, and I tried different things to keep it dynamic and entertaining. I hope if it was not engaging, it was at least entertaining. Merry Xmas, happy new year, and happy holidays.


Immunity idols left: 2

D.A.M. Eliminations left: 4

Favorite Foxes: Alejandro, Brick, Courtney, Duncan, Heather, Sammy, Zoey.

Fan Ferrets: Amy, Dramaman, Lilly, Mike, Shawn, Sky, Topher

Eliminated: Cameron, Jasmine, Max, Lindsay, Dawn, Jay, Lightning, Charlotte, Beth, Cody

As always, thanks for reading and I hope you like it.