Chapter 17 – Dreaming of You (Part 2)
Heather's Dream - The Queen's Gambit
Heather opens her eyes, feeling the firm ground beneath her feet.
But something is different.
The landscape is a vast chessboard, stretching to the horizon, with the human pieces lined up in military formation.
The black and white squares gleam in an unknown light, while a silent, calculating wind sweeps through the air.
Heather frowns, processing the scene before a light smile appears on her lips.
"This... this is perfect." Heather said, looking around her kingdom.
Looking around, Heather stands in the center of the black army, dressed in a dark cloak and a shining crown.
Beside him, the campers lined up like pieces.
Lindsay as a horse, with golden armor and a distracted smile.
Beth as a bishop, holding a makeshift scepter.
Harold like a tower, firm but nervous.
Cody as the Black Queen, with a long cape and an exaggeratedly confident expression.
At the other end of the board, Chris and Chef lead the white army, with the opposing campers lined up behind them.
Gwen as the White Queen, watching with an intelligent gaze.
Duncan as the White Knight, ready to pounce on any strategy.
Courtney as the White Bishop, arms crossed, ready to challenge Heather.
Heather smirked, understanding that this battle would be her chance to prove her superiority.
Cody stepped forward, bowing theatrically.
"My queen, what are your orders?" Cody said, raising an eyebrow in amusement.
Heather watched him approvingly, her smile firm.
"The whites are our enemies. We mustn't give them an advantage. And I want you to eliminate their key players before they move," Heather said, her tone determined.
Cody spun around dramatically, spreading his arms as if he were in the middle of a presentation.
"Of course! I swear absolute loyalty to my King, and I promise to destroy every white piece that dares to challenge you," Cody said, with an exaggerated bow.
Heather let out a small laugh, clearly enjoying Cody's devotion.
"Good. Because if you fail, you lose your title," Heather said, sounding sly.
Cody put a hand on his chest, pretending to be offended.
"Oh no! My honor depends on this battle. Then we must win," Cody said, with absolute determination.
Heather stepped forward, looking at her soldiers with authority.
"Get ready... because we're going to take over the board," Heather said, with a confident smile.
The black pieces positioned themselves, ready for the first move. The black and white armies advanced slowly, approaching the center of the board.
Feet pounded against the squares, the atmosphere filled with tension, each piece aware that the battle was about to begin.
Heather walked with a firm stride, her black cape billowing as she glared at Chris defiantly.
Chris crossed his arms, his mocking smile intact.
"Well, well, well... Heather playing queen. What a surprise," Chris said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Heather gave a low laugh, showing no concern.
"Play? Oh, Chris, I don't play. I win," Heather said, with a confident look.
Gwen, from the white side, raised an eyebrow.
"For someone who talks about winning, we haven't even started yet," Gwen said, her tone neutral.
Heather turned to her, with a calculating smile.
"Because I already know the ending. We're just making it look pretty," Heather said, as if victory were already assured.
Courtney took a step forward, her stance firm.
"Always so self-confident, Heather? Let's see if your strategy really is as perfect as you think it is," Courtney said, arms crossed.
Heather gave him a cold look.
"I don't need to prove anything. Just move my pieces and watch how you fall," Heather said.
Cody spun around nonchalantly, adjusting his cape.
"Oh, it's lovely to see a battle of wits before the real game," Cody said, amused.
Heather gave him a sly look.
"Don't distract me, Queen. You have work to do," Heather said.
Cody gave an exaggerated bow.
"As always, I fight for my King. No one challenges his greatness without facing me first," Cody said, still staring at Heather.
Gwen watched him out of the corner of her eye, somewhat uncomfortable with his absolute loyalty.
"Cody, do you really not have any ideas of your own?" Gwen said in disbelief.
Cody gave a light smile, without changing his posture.
"Of course I have them. But Heather always has the best one," Cody said, with absolute certainty.
Heather smiled with satisfaction.
"Finally someone who understands how this works," Heather said, relishing her power over the black team.
Heather raised a hand with authority, giving the first order.
"Attack without giving them time to react!" Heather said, her voice booming.
The black pieces moved, advancing with mathematical precision under his instructions.
From the other side of the board, Chris watched with a sly smile, enjoying the spectacle.
"Well, this will be interesting," said Chris, arranging his white cloak with a nonchalant air.
The moves were quick, calculated, each piece taking its place in Heather's strategy.
Chef charged forward, his steps heavy and shaking the board.
"I'll crush anyone in my path," Chef said, his voice deep.
Heather frowned and moved her black rook.
Harold appeared in a defensive position, blocking Chef's advance with an unexpected strategy.
"If you can make it here, then you really have talent," Harold said, his concentration complete.
Chef braced himself for the blow, but at that moment...
Cody leaped through the air, spinning around before landing behind Chef.
"Sorry, White Rook. Your days are over," Cody said, with a confident smile.
Chef tried to spin to counterattack, but Cody landed a quick hit, knocking him off the board.
Heather watched the scene with a satisfied look.
"One less piece in the way," Heather said proudly.
A clash of rebels Duncan advanced confidently, his defiant stance intact.
"Come on, Heather, what else have you got?" Duncan said, waiting for the next move.
Heather gave a small nod and Cody moved quickly forward.
"Oh, Duncan, don't worry. I have just what you need," Cody said, before turning and blocking Duncan's path.
Duncan **tried to dodge the attack, but Cody was faster, managing to block his advance.
"Really, Cody?" Duncan said in disbelief.
"Nothing personal, but my King wants this," Cody said, sounding nonchalant.
Duncan grunted before disappearing from the board.
Heather smiled with satisfaction.
"Ah, eliminating the arrogant ones is always fun," Heather said.
Heather enjoys the moment Bridgette tried to move cautiously, avoiding falling into the black team's traps.
But Heather had already anticipated her move, preparing the perfect strategy to stop her.
"Cody, make it quick," Heather said, with a calculating look.
Cody spun around and moved behind Bridgette with speed.
"Nothing personal, but it's game over for you," Cody said, before blocking her path.
Bridgette tried to move, but her position was completely trapped.
"No, wait—!" Bridgette said, before being eliminated.
Heather watched the scene with amusement, crossing her arms.
"Ah, this is too entertaining," Heather said.
A clever duel Courtney moved her piece accurately, clearly using a logical strategy.
"I'm not going to fall that easily," Courtney said confidently.
Heather watched her with interest, enjoying the challenge.
"Cody, finish it," Heather said.
Cody appeared in position, with a challenging look.
"I admire your intelligence, but your game ends here," Cody said, before executing the decisive move.
Courtney stood still for a second, realizing she couldn't escape.
"It can't be!" Courtney said, before disappearing.
Heather let out a small laugh.
"Ah, the sound of defeat," Heather said, relishing the moment.
Chaos vs. Strategy Izzy moved uncontrollably, attacking with quick, unpredictable movements.
"Come on, let's get crazy!" Izzy said, laughing as she attacked.
Heather frowned slightly, analyzing his behavior.
"Use it against her," Heather said, turning to Cody.
Cody began to move at the same frantic pace as Izzy, mirroring each of her attacks.
"Oh, this is entertaining," Cody said, laughing as he blocked Izzy's every move.
Eventually, Izzy fell into the trap set by Cody, eliminating her in the process.
"That was the funniest elimination I've ever had!" Izzy said, before disappearing.
Heather smiled approvingly.
"And that's how you win with precision," Heather said.
Distracted by the surroundings, Lindsay stared at the sky, unaware that she was in danger.
"Oh, this is so pretty!" Lindsay said, excited.
Heather rolled her eyes before watching her fall.
"Well, at least he enjoyed the view," Heather said.
Beth tried to move forward, but her insecurity cost her the move.
"Heather, I tried to do it right!" Beth said, before disappearing.
Heather looked at her indifferently.
"Yeah... and it didn't work," Heather said, unemotionally.
DJ managed to block some attacks, but fell before he could escape.
"At least I put up a fight," DJ said, before disappearing.
Harold tried to make a key move, but miscalculated the play.
"I shouldn't have moved so fast..." Harold said in frustration before disappearing.
Heather shook her head.
"Not everyone is cut out for the game," Heather said, looking at the battle still in progress.
The losses have been severe, but Heather knows she still has the advantage.
From the white team, Chris smiles confidently, as if he has a plan in motion.
"Oh, Heather, darling... did you think it would be that easy?" Chris said, amused.
Heather frowned, sensing something was changing.
"Get ready... this isn't over yet," Heather said, her gaze intense.
The board vibrated, preparing for the next big move.
The giant board was almost empty, with only four players remaining.
Heather stood her ground, with Cody protecting her, while Chris and Gwen were the last white pieces standing.
The atmosphere vibrated with intense tension, the dream approaching its decisive moment.
Heather watched Cody with satisfaction.
"You've eliminated every threat. Now all that's left is to finish this," Heather said, her gaze confident.
Cody knelt slightly, his hand on his chest.
"For my King, anything," Cody said, reaffirming his absolute devotion.
Heather enjoyed the statement, watching her latest opponents.
Gwen stepped forward, her gaze sharp.
"Cody, seriously, wake up. Don't you see what's happening?" Gwen said, her tone firm.
Cody didn't react with doubt, but with absolute conviction.
"I see clearly. My King is the only reason for this game," Cody said without hesitation.
Heather watched the scene with interest, but remained silent, letting Gwen try to convince him.
"This is a control game, Cody. You're not a player, you're a tool," Gwen said, trying to challenge his mindset.
Cody gave a light laugh, shaking his head.
"If being in Heather's service makes me a tool, then I'd rather be the best of them all," Cody said, with a confident smile.
Heather felt a slight glimmer of satisfaction, though she didn't show it openly.
Gwen gritted her teeth, realizing that Cody wasn't going to budge.
"Good. Then there's nothing else to do." Gwen said, preparing for the final move.
Heather gave the signal.
"Cody, finish the job," Heather said, sounding confident.
Cody executed his attack with precision, effortlessly displacing Gwen.
Gwen frowned for a second, then disappeared from the board.
"This is more serious than it looks," Gwen said, before passing out completely.
Heather exhaled with satisfaction.
"Now only the King remains," Heather said, slowly turning to Chris.
Chris clapped slowly, without losing his calm expression.
"Oh, Heather, what incredible leadership acumen you have," Chris said mockingly.
Heather crossed her arms, waiting for his last provocation.
"But what amuses me most... is that you think the game is yours. When in reality, you're trapped in it," Chris said, with a sly smile.
Heather frowned slightly, but didn't let his words affect her.
"The pieces fall, Chris. And you're the last one," Heather said, with a calculating look.
Chris raised an eyebrow, looking at Cody.
"And you? Don't you see what's going on?" Chris said, defiantly.
Cody didn't even waver, his loyal stance remaining firm.
"My King has spoken. There's no more discussion to be had," Cody said without hesitation.
Heather gave her last command.
"Cody, close the game," Heather said, with absolute confidence.
Cody moved with precision, blocking Chris, leaving him with no escape.
"Goodbye, White King," Cody said, before executing the finishing move.
Chris slowly faded away, his smile still intact.
"When you wake up... you might wonder what all this really means," Chris said, before disappearing completely.
Heather watched the board with satisfaction, enjoying her absolute victory.
The pieces faded, the scene distorted, and the dream came to an end.
Courtney's Dream - Senator
The great hall of the Senate was packed. Gilded columns, polished tables, and an imposing platform where Courtney stood as the highest authority.
The audience murmured with excitement, knowing that this debate would determine the future of camping around the world.
Courtney adjusted her jacket elegantly, her posture impeccable, her eyes full of determination.
"Today, ladies and gentlemen, we are establishing the law that will ensure the safety of our campers. The future depends on this," Courtney said firmly.
At the opposite table, Chris smirked, playing with a pen as if this was nothing more than entertainment to him.
"Courtney, I love your energy... but do you really think you can handle the chaos these campers are causing?" Chris said, mockingly.
Courtney narrowed her eyes, ready to squash his argument.
"It's not a matter of thinking, Chris. It's a matter of doing it right, something you clearly don't know how to do," Courtney said, with absolute certainty.
From his seat, Cody leaned forward, looking at Courtney with absolute admiration.
"That's the way to talk! Hit it hard, Senator," Cody said excitedly, winking at her.
Courtney turned briefly to him, a small flash of amusement in her eyes.
"Thanks, Cody. But stop flirting in the middle of a debate," Courtney said, her tone serious, though she couldn't hide the slight smile on her lips.
Cody raised his hands nonchalantly.
"Flirting? Oh no, this is pure professional support... with style," Cody said, settling into his seat with a confident smile.
Courtney snorted in amusement before returning her attention to the debate.
Courtney adjusted her stance, ready to face Chris in the most intense, over-the-top, and absurd battle of arguments in the political world.
The topic of the debate was clear: the camps and their impact on global security.
"Camper safety is an issue that has been ignored for too long," Courtney said, her expression serious and controlled.
"Today, I propose a structured plan, with strict measures to ensure that no camper suffers unnecessary accidents."
Chris leaned back in his chair, his expression amused.
"Oh, Courtney, your obsession with safety is admirable... but have you seen how the camps actually operate?" Chris said, mockingly.
The audience murmured, sensing the tension in the air.
Courtney pulled out a thick document, placing it firmly on the table.
"Here's my proposal: an advanced monitoring system, strict rules of conduct, strengthened emergency protocols, and..."
Courtney paused dramatically before making her most important point.
"An end to extreme and irresponsible competitions that put campers at risk!"
The cameras focused on the faces of the attendees, some gasping in surprise, others nodding respectfully at his bold proposal.
From his seat, Cody raised an eyebrow curiously.
"You want to eliminate extreme competitions?" Cody said thoughtfully.
Courtney looked at him firmly.
"Unregulated competition causes chaos! We need order, strategy, and absolute control."
Cody leaned on the table, smiling.
"But what about fun, Senator? You can't tell me you've never enjoyed the challenge."
Courtney blinked, sensing Cody was entering unexpected territory.
Chris pulled out a file full of images of camp disasters.
"Courtney, darling, I know you love control... but chaos is inevitable," Chris said, with a wicked smile.
Image 1: A camper covered in paint after an unexpected explosion during an art challenge. Image 2: Izzy being chased by a group of wild animals. Image 3: Harold falling off a poorly installed zip line.
"These are the real risks of the camps, and no one has been able to prevent them."
Courtney crossed her arms, showing no reaction.
"It's not a matter of avoiding. It's a matter of preventing," Courtney said firmly.
Chris laughed softly, pulling out the last devastating piece of evidence.
Image 4: Cody is trapped in a mud trap, completely immobilized as Lindsay tries to dig him out with a plastic spoon.
"Chaos isn't the problem. It's the campers' lack of preparation," Chris said mockingly.
Cody looked at the image and pretended to be outraged.
"That wasn't my fault! It was an unfair challenge!"
Courtney rolled her eyes.
"And that's why we need rules that make the game level," Courtney said, her tone determined.
Cody stood up energetically, banging the table dramatically.
"Listen carefully: Courtney is the only person in this Senate who truly knows how to save us from absolute madness."
The cameras focused on him as the audience murmured.
"If it weren't for her, we'd all be falling off cliffs, being attacked by wild raccoons, or eating food that could be toxic."
Courtney shook her head, but deep down, she enjoyed Cody's intensity.
Chris raised an eyebrow.
"Cody, are you saying you can't survive without Courtney?" Chris said.
Cody smiled.
"Exactly. My Senator has saved me more times than I can count."
Courtney glanced at Cody briefly, feeling a small flash of satisfaction.
"Good. Then let's support the plan." Courtney said, seizing the opportunity.
The great hall of the Senate vibrated with anticipation, the decisive moment was approaching.
Courtney maintained her impeccable posture, waiting for the final vote.
The senators exchanged glances, some tense, others respectful of Courtney's conviction.
Chris leaned back in his seat, his expression one of controlled defiance.
"Well, Courtney, it's all been leading up to this," Chris said, with his classic smirk.
Courtney crossed her arms, her gaze confident.
"And it will be my victory, as always," Courtney said, with absolute conviction.
Cody was by her side, practically jumping with excitement.
"Come on, pass this now! Give my Senator the victory!" Cody said enthusiastically.
Courtney turned to him with a light smile.
"Cody, this is the Senate. We should keep our composure," Courtney said, though her tone held a slight tinge of amusement.
Cody settled back, pretending to be serious.
"Sure, sure. Professional behavior... but still, this is awesome!" Cody said, giving Courtney a playful little shove.
Courtney rolled her eyes, but deep down she was enjoying the intensity of the moment.
The senators raised their cards, a murmur ran through the room before the Senate President spoke.
"By an absolute majority, the camper safety reform has been approved," the president announced, banging his gavel.
The audience erupted in applause, the crowd screamed with excitement, and Cody raised his arms as if he had just won a championship.
"I knew it! Courtney always wins!" Cody said, with explosive joy.
Courtney exhaled with satisfaction, enjoying her absolute victory.
Chris stood up slowly, with a defiant smile.
"Well played, Courtney. But tell me, do you really think power is maintained that easily?" Chris said, sounding intrigued.
Courtney gracefully ignored him, turning to Cody.
"For now, I just want to enjoy this," Courtney said, her expression confident.
Cody approached with a delighted smile, looking at Courtney with absolute admiration.
"So... shall we celebrate together?" Cody said, in a playful tone.
Courtney raised an eyebrow, pretending to consider the idea.
"It depends. Can you keep up with my level of celebrating?" Courtney said, defiantly.
Cody leaned slightly towards her, with a confident smile.
"If victory is with you, then any celebration is perfect," Cody said.
Courtney blinked for a second, feeling a slight heat on her face, but quickly composed herself.
"Good. Then come. I'll allow you to share a moment of glory with me," Courtney said, elegantly taking his arm.
Cody smiled, enjoying the gesture.
"I've always dreamed of this, but now it's official," Cody said triumphantly.
The audience applauded as Courtney and Cody walked together through the great hall, celebrating the victory.
The lights dimmed, the scene slowly faded, and the dream came to an end.