It was nine thirty PM, and morale was at an all time low.

It was a funny thing, what happened with Ella. Everyone had gone in, sure of their decision, and left shaken, no longer sure of their choices. Ella was now on her way home- and Quinn, infinitely more vicious, was still lurking. It was, to put it eloquently, a "total downer".

"This suuuuuucks," Veronica groaned, "I knew we should have voted for Quinn! You guys never listen to me."
Veronica stood at the end of table, which seated Miri, Deborah, Johnny, Lucky, Tyler, Luna and Finn. The group had been seated for dinner after the ceremony ended, the other contestants having since dispersed.

"Okay, okay, I'll... admit it. Maybe you had a point," Deborah sighed. "Still. Ella did sort of deserve it, right?"
She looked around, unsure, but found no answers from her peers. Johnny shrugged, an indifferent, "someone had to go" being his only response.

"That doesn't change the fact that tonight's a total downer." Veronica leaned forward, pressing her hands against the table. "This is the merge! We should be celebrating, not... whatever the heck it is we're doing!"
"And how, pray tell, do you suggest we celebrate at sea?" Finn asked. He leaned back in his seat, amused. Veronica was fun to listen to, he'd give her that. Be a shame when she had to go.

"Easy. We're going to throw the biggest, most badass yacht party this side of North America!" Veronica answered, grinning. "...whichever side we're on, I've kinda lost track."
"WOO! YES!" Tyler stood up, slamming his fists on the table. "Yacht party, now THAT is what I'm talking about bro! Up top!"
"Tyler, sit down. No high fives until we actually get the party, you know, going."
The jock sat down, dejected. "Aw..."

"Veronica, I like the idea, I do," Miri smiled, glancing up at her, "but how are we going to set it up?"
"Easy. You, me and Deborah are gonna steal DJ's food and then cook it up. Finn and Luna, you guys are decoration. Lucky and Johnny, you guys are entertainment," Veronica instructed.

"Entertainment?" Lucky glanced up at her, frowning slightly. "What are we supposed to do for entertainment?"
"I dunno. Magic show? Ride through flaming hoops? Sing? Play guitar?...sing? Figure something out!"
"How come I don't have a job?" Tyler protested.
"You do. You get to be the bouncer!" Veronica told him cheerfully.
"The bouncer? ALRIGHT!" Tyler once again stood, all enthusiasm returned. "Let's do this guys, hands in the middle!"
Tyler held his hand in the middle of the table, looking around expectantly.
"...eh, what the hell. I'm in," Lucky agreed, sticking his hand out.
"Sounds fun!" Luna agreed, smiling.
One by one, the other contestants gave their agreements.

"Let's do this team," Veronica smirked, "roll out!"

~o.0.o~
Below deck, things were not as festive for Justin. He lay, silent, reflecting on the night; on Ella. He turned over the tranquility idol in his hand. It guaranteed him one more night on the show. Several, maybe- Quinn didn't have a lot of friends, and if Justin was able to keep his suspicion level to a minimum, they'd go after her or Katie. He could us the idol to his advantage, maybe bridge out to Tyler and his friends. Get himself back in the running. With any luck, he'd make the final five. Again.

He sat up, groaning as he threw the idol at the wall. He managed to destroy his friendships with Noah and Ella, and no doubt Cody; not to mention any last shreds of integrity he had. Things were easier when they first started out. Katie was bad. Heather was bad. Alejandro was worse. Then new people entered the game- something that Justin didn't like or understand. For years, it had been his- theirs- sure, one or two people got added each time around, but on the whole, it was the same people again and again. The same friends. The same family. cowboys, con artists, head cases... they came in and took the spotlight that belonged to him and his friends. The spotlight they worked to create. The one that created THEM. For the first time on the show, Justin felt threatened. He wanted them gone... but it was his friends that he ended up getting rid of.
Justin looked up, locking eyes with himself in the mirror. Now? He was just as horrible as Katie or Heather or Alejandro ever was. Maybe worse. He didn't just manipulate people. He broke their trust. Shattered their dreams. All because of a spotlight he was too afraid to give up.

~FIVE YEARS AGO~

Justin took a breath as he finished the take, taking a swig from a nearby bottle of water as the director laughed, clapping his hands.
"Kid, that was dynamite- I LOVED it!" Clinton, the director, was a short, balding slop of a man, built like an ox and with hygiene to match. He always seemed to wear the same, sweat stained shirt over a pair of curiously spotless dress pants, his shoes shined to a t.

Justin slowly lowered the water bottle, a grin spreading across his face. "You think so? Did I get the part?"
"Oh, boy. Did you ever." Clinton reached into his pocket, pulling out a cigarette. "you want- oh, right. Nevermind." He took a minute to light up, taking a big, disgusting puff. "Lemme tell 'ya somethin'. You have what this industry lacks. Talent. Drive. Passion. Motivation!"
"...aren't those basically the same-"
"Probably, I ain't got a dictionary. Listen, you heard it from me. You have a part in this movie. Lemme make a few calls, we can get the ink firin' on your contract..."
Soon enough, Justin was leaving the studio, grinning like the Cheshire Cat as he held his phone to his ear. He waited impatiently as it rang, before a groggy voice answered on the other end.
"Hello?" Trent asked, yawning. "Justin, that you, man?"
"It is- what, are you sleeping?"
"Yeah, its like, six in the morning, dude..."
"Pfft, it's later than that, here. Ah, nevermind. Guess what? I got the part!"
There was a brief silence, before Trent asked, "What part?"
"What part? What- THE part, man!" Justin exclaimed. "Highlander, I've been talking about it for weeks!"

"Oh... oh, right!" Trent sat up, now fully awake. "Congratulations, man! Have you told anyone else yet?"
"Nah, you were the first." Justin took a moment to hail a cab. "I'm gonna call Bridge after this. Then Noah to rub it in, if I can grab his number. And Chris. And Heather. And-"
"Alejandro?"
"No," Justin growled, sliding into his seat. "Never Alejandro. Twelfth street, please."
"Alright, alright, just asking, sheesh. Anyway, we should totally celebrate! Or... you should. Because of the whole foreign country thing."
"Yeah... kinda sucks all the friends I made on the show are in different countries, but I'm sure I'll enjoy having a slice of celebratory pie on my own," he chuckled. "Anyway, I'm on my way home. Catch up later today?"
"Yeah, sure thing man," Trent agreed. "Hey, uh, so listen. Now that you've got your producer friends and you're involved with film, maybe you could drop my name once or twice? I mean, I'm not a great actor, but if anyone needs a score for their movie or something..."
"Hm? Oh, yeah. Whatever man, I'll keep that in mind. Talk to you later!"
~PRESENT DAY~

DJ nearly jumped out of his shoes as the door to the kitchen slammed open, Veronica storming inside.

"DJ! We're taking your stuff, dude!"

"Oh, what? Come on, guys!" DJ protested, "I'm trying to finish cleaning!"
"And we're trying to throw a wicked party, DJ. We need food!"
"A party? Well... I guess that's okay," DJ shrugged, "just don't mess anything up too bad, alright?"
"We make no promises," Veronica said flatly, ushering him out of the room and locking the door. "Okay, guys, let's do this! I'll raid the pantry, you guys see what's in the fridge!"
"Sure thing!" Miri smiled, opening up the refrigerator as Deborah stood by, a bit awkwardly.

"You guys sure this is okay?" she asked. "I mean, the food isn't exactly ours..."
"They make it for us, don't they?" Veronica shrugged. "Besides, DJ said it was okay."
"But Julie didn't."
"Relax," Veronica told her, "Julie's cool! Besides, she's on the guest list, so it's okay."
Deborah looked uncertain. "If you say so..."
"I do!" there was no amount of hesitation in Veronica's voice. "So, anyway, what's the deal with you and Johnny?"

"Huh? What deal?" Deborah looked up quickly. "What are you talking about!"
"Chill out, dude!" Veronica snickered. "I was just asking a question. You guys hang around a lot together, I was just wondering if you were making a move some time."
Deborah slowly shook her head, a frown tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Uh, I don't think so. I mean, he's great, but when the show ends, I have to go back to work, and..."

"Pfft. So?" Veronica glanced at Deborah, clearly unimpressed with her reasoning. "What's wrong with stashing your skooma so you can fence it later?"
Deborah and Miri stared at her.
"...Elder Scrolls... nevermind, point stands! you should totally make a move!"

"I'm not so sure..." Deborah shook her head, unconvinced. "I have to stay focused on the game, and..."
"Oh, come on. What's the worst that could happen? Rejection on national T-... wait, that actually is pretty bad, yeah." Veronica paused a moment, thinking.

"Or, you know, you don't have to be all that dramatic about it," Miri chimed in, "asking to eat together or dance or something isn't so hard."
"Uh... thanks. Look, can we go back to talking about food, now?" Deborah asked, eager to change the subject.

"Sure thing- here." Veronica handed her a bag of flour. "Let's make some cookies or something."

"On it," Deborah nodded. That, she knew, she was more than capable of.

~FIVE YEARS AGO~

The feel Justin had when he walked out on stage, spotlight illuminating him, crowd cheering was something he'd never have again. There would be similar experiences, sure, but nothing so vivid, nothing so powerful; because that's when he knew. That's when he knew he'd made it.
The host that sat across the stage, Jimmy Charisma, grinned as he beckoned Justin into a nearby seat. "Ladies and gentlemen. You know him, you love him, he just got done wrapping up his appearance on Camp TV: Beyond the Set, for the first time ever on the Nighty Night Show, JUSTIN!"
There was another cheer as Justin smiled at the crowd, flashing a wink at a few girls in the front row before taking his seat.
"Thanks, Jimmy," Justin grinned, "it's... it's amazing to be here."
"And the fans are amazed to see you- listen to that reaction, wow!" Jimmy chuckled, taking a quick glance at his cue cards. "A lot of these people view you as the sort of... face, of Camp TV. I mean, you've been to what's essentially the finals twice now, you've had huge rivalries on set, done some crazy challenges- what's it been like for you?"
"Painful, mostly," Justin joked, "those challenges aren't exactly the most fun part of the day. But you know, I've made friends, gotten to do a ton, so I'm happy."
"And the audition process- how'd that go? They reach out to you? You reach out to them?"
"Uh, well, it's true I had had some modeling experience before joining the show," Justin explained, "but nothing so major to where they called me first. Maybe it gave me a leg up, I dunno, but I sent in a video just like everyone else."

"Alright, alright, that's fair. Do you know if there's a third season in the works?"
"I can't make any official announcements, but I think there's something, yeah," Justin nodded.
"cool, cool! Well, Ill be honest. It's not normal we interview reality show contestants, especially if they aren't winners."
That stung a bit. Justin raised a brow, shooting a sideways glance at Jimmy, who continued talking.
"What I REALLY wanted to ask you about is your role in the upcoming film, a remake of the cult classic, Highlander. How did you manage to get that role for yourself?"
Justin's smile slowly came back, a sense of pride welling in his chest. "Well, it wasn't easy. I was in contact with the studio at the time, they saw my performance on Camp TV, saw my popularity, liked my look, but they didn't really know what to do with me. One day I'm chatting over the phone when I make a joke about the Highlander. The agent just laughs and says, 'c'mon over, right now!' Turns out they're working on a remake of the movie. We talk a while, I do a few scenes, the rest is history."

"That's just amazing- and what do you think this film brings to the table that the original didn't?"
"Well, it's all been updated," Justin smiled, "I can't say we'll have as good of a soundtrack, but..."
As Justin began to explain, blubbering details like an excited fanboy, he began to feel like he could get used to it.

~PRESENT DAY~

Luna hummed to herself as she decorated the deck, stringing up elegantly made signs she herself had made all around. She had just been working on the outside of the kitchen when a large box suddenly slipped off of the roof, landing next to her with a thud, splitting open as its contents spilled everywhere; shattered plates. She let out a loud squeal, leaping backward and bumping into Finn.

"Good heavens!" He put on his best surprised face. "You okay there, Luna?"

"I... I think so!" She took a breath, managing to calm herself down. "That box nearly hit me in the head!"

Finn nodded, listening as he walked over, picking up a shard of broken porcelain. "Oh dear. That wouldn't have been good at all. Imagine the damage this could have done if it hit you?" He tossed the shard aside, dusting off his hands.

"Where'd it come from?" Luna asked, still in a bit of shock. "Why was it on the roof?"

"Who knows? Intern put it up there?" Finn suggested.

"That doesn't make any sense!" she insisted. "Why would someone put a box up there where it would... do what it just did?"

Finn gave an indifferent shrug, beginning to walk away. "I'll go find somethin' to clean up the mess. Do try and avoid stepping on the glass."

Luna watched him go, a bit surprised, before turning back to the box, shaking her head. "How..."

CONFESSIONAL: Luna

Okay, Finn has been a little weird in the past, but that was REALLY suspicious. He disappeared right before I almost got hit and appeared right after. Still... he couldn't have anything to do with it, could he? Maybe I should keep my eye on him...

END CONFESSIONAL

Across the deck, Alejandro watched the exchange curiously.

"Interesting..." his eyes moved to Finn, watching the boy intently. "Interesting indeed."

~FIVE YEARS AGO~

Justin shook in his seat, heart sinking lower and lower with every word he listened to. Across him was Clinton, casually puffing on a cigarette.

"Yeah, listen, kid. We decided you're a little too young for the lead, after all," he explained. "We got a nice little side role lined up for ya, though. Cameo, you could say. You'll be playing... 'the guy who gets killed in the parking lot in the beginning of the movie'!...eh, bit of a mouthful. Let's just say he's named Jeff or somethin'."

"Jeff?" Justin repeated, stunned.

"Yeah, Jeff! Got a good ring to it, right? Jeff, the Immortal! What do ya think?"

"What do i... to HELL with Jeff!" Justin leaned forward, clenching the edge of the table. "You promised me the lead role, and now... and now I just get killed off at the beginning?"

Clinton scowled, putting out his cigarette in a nearby ashtray. "Listen kid. I didn't promise you nothin. I could give you even less to work with- you could just be face in a crowd. This is your first role, you're lucky to even get a couple of lines with it." Clinton placed a contract on the table. "If anything, I should be the one mad at you, already promoting my movie for me. Still, I'm being gracious enough to let you have a part in it."

Justin stared at him, jaw hanging open. Clinton shook his head, sighing, and placed a firm hand on Justin's shoulder.

"Its called paying your dues, kid. You can't walk into everything expecting to be a breakout star on your first go. Now, do you want a pen, or do you want to leave my office?"

Justin stared at him, then the contract. "No thanks. I have my own pen," he muttered, reaching into his pocket and pulling it out. Soon enough, he stared at his name, hastily scribbled along the paper. Maybe he couldn't get used to Hollywood, after all.

~PRESENT DAY~

"Entertainment," Lucky murmured to himself, rummaging around in his dresser, "I hope she actually doesn't expect us to sing for anyone."

"Better not, if she wants her party to be any good," Johnny shrugged.

"Ah-ha. Leave the wisecracks to me, Johnny-boy." Lucky smiled slightly, standing upright. "Ah, still. You're probably right. Not that watching you try to sing wouldn't be entertaining..."

Johnny shook his head. "Find anything?"

"Yeah... Sunny- sorry, Pandora, left a few of her CD's during her visit, so I figure we grab the stereo from the clubhouse, maybe some glow sticks or something if we can find them, and call it good."

"Glow sticks?"

"Yeah, I think that's what the kids are using at parties these days." He handed Johnny the CD's. "Hey, speaking of our friend, Pandora. You got a note from home at Christmas, right? How's Ca- how're the girls?"

At this, Johnny's face fell, the cowboy going silent. Lucky's heart skipped a beat.

"They... uh, they are okay, right?" Johnny's reaction made Lucky think one of them were seriously hurt. But if that were the case, Johnny wouldn't still be here.

"No. Yeah- I don't know," he admitted, turning away. "Let's just drop it."
"Just drop it? You can't 'just drop' something like that," Lucky insisted. "Come on- what happened?"

Johnny sighed, hesitating, before finally telling him, "Cass ran off to go join some show. Right now, Ruby's home, alone, while I'm stuck on a ship and Cass is on a train to who knows where."

"I, uh... damn." Lucky shook his head, frowning. "I'm sorry to hear... is Ruby doing alright?"

"I don't know," Johnny admitted, "she says she's fine, but I'm betting she just doesn't want me to worry. I'm thinking about quitting and going home."

Lucky quickly turned, surprised. "Wait, you serious?"

Johnny hesitated, before shaking his head. "Maybe not. On one hand, we need the money. On the other... you know how hard it is for her to get by by herself. I just wish I knew why Cass was doing this. She should know better."

Lucky had a theory why- but he held his tongue. "Look man, that's... that's rough. If I had something to tell you, I would-"

"Don't worry about it." Johnny waved his concern away. "Let's just... do what we gotta. I'll figure something out."

"Right..." Lucky frowned, checking his watch. "We better get going. Party starts soon."

Lucky headed for the door, but stopped when he heard Johnny say, "you never talk about your family. The one you're with now."

Lucky gave a slight heave of his shoulders. "You never ask."

Johnny felt a brief pang of guilt, even though he knew the reply wasn't intended to do so. "Right... sorry about that," he apologized genuinely, "I guess I get a little too caught up with my own."

"Don't worry about it." Lucky waved away the apology "Aunt and uncle. One's a nurse, the other works in a mattress store. Nothing too interesting. Unless you'd like to hear riveting tales from the world of Bed Shack..."

Johnny cracked a faint smile. "Think I'll pass. Come on, before Veronica comes looking for us."

~EIGHTEEN MONTHS AGO~

Justin stared at the paper vacantly as he scribbled his name, before placing the pen aside.

"Tellin' ya, this is a step up," Clinton promised.

"My character is killed off first. Again," Justin sighed.

"Yeah, but that doesn't happen until midway through the movie! It's an emotional highpoint, the main character's first first big loss in a scary new world!"

Justin looked away, drumming his fingers on the table, not saying a word.

"Look. I know you wanted the lead role," Clinton frowned, "believe me, I get it, I do-"

"Do you?" Justin demanded. "You guys have been promising me the lead roles in every new hit you have planned, but it never happens!"

"Paying. Your. Dues. Remember?" Clinton sat back, crossing his pudgy arms. "You can't start out expecting to get every big role that comes your way."

"I know that, I do. But when they're promised to you, over and over..."

"I hear you. I do. Tell you what, go get yourself some lunch, some fresh air." Clinton searched around his desk, before handing him a business card. "You like Chinese? Go here. Great stuff. I'll call ahead, tell them to place it on my tab."

"Gee, thanks," Justin frowned, sliding the card forward and picking it up.

He didn't intend to actually go, not at first, but a half hour later he found himself in a window seat of the restaurant nonetheless, picking at his food. He was getting ready to leave when his phone began to vibrate in his pocket. Grumbling to himself, he fished it out, tapping the green answer button and holding it to his ear.

"Hello?"

"Justin!" a cheerful voice greeted, "How're you? This is Mr. Milton from-"

"Camp TV," Justin finished with a sigh.

"Well, the production studio anyway," Milton chuckled. "So, listen. We've got a few spots still open for the new season, and I was wondering if you'd be interested in returning."

"Can't," Justin said simply, moving to hang up. "I just signed a new deal. Don't have the time. Thanks for offering, though-"

"Ah, yes. The new deal." Milton didn't sound impressed. "Revenge of the Explosions or something similarly mundane, correct? Last I checked, you were slated to be killed nearly midway through. Not too much screen time either."

Justin's thumb hovered over the hang up button. "How do you know..."

"Friends everywhere, my boy," Milton answered. Justin could hear his smug grin from the other end. "So it sounds to me like you'll have plenty of time."

"..maybe," was Justin's hesitant reply. "But I wouldn't have time for an entire season."

"Hm... I have a nice little compromise for you then. Why don't you appear for one episode with your two friends?" Milton suggested. "Help the new kids out with a challenge, then go back to your films. I'll send the three of you home with a nice little chunk of change, you get some more exposure- always good- and the fans get a little nostalgia. I can work out the details with Clinton, he owes me a number of favors anyway."

A little nostalgia, huh? Was that all he was worth now?

"...alright," Justin agreed after a little while. "I'll do it."

"Excellent! I'll make the arrangements right away. And Justin?" Once again, Milton's smirk was nearly audible. "Good to have you back."

~PRESENT DAY~

The party was finally in full swing, music playing as competitors danced, laughed, and ate. Tyler, for his part, stood by the stairs, dressed in all black and wearing sunglasses. He turned his head only as he heard two pairs of footfalls approaching; Katie and Quinn.

"I told you I heard something!" Katie huffed. "What's going on up he- there's Tyler. TYLER!"

Tyler turned, arms crossed, blocking the two from entering. "Sorry ladies, I'm gonna need your names."

"Names?" Quinn glared at him. "You know who we are, dumbass!"

"Nope. Still need your names."

"Ugh, whatever." Katie rolled her eyes. "I'm Katie, she's Quinn. You know that already."

"Katie and Quinn... Katie and Quinn..." Tyler pulled out a notepad, scanning it intently. "Hmm... nope. Your names aren't on the list."

"List? You've got to be kidding me!" Katie growled.

"I'm not. Let me call my manager over here... hey, Veronica?" Tyler called.

Veronica walked over, a cup of punch in hand. "What's up, Tyler?"

"These two women want to come in, but they aren't on the list," Tyler explained, handing the pad to her.

Veronica looked it over, before flipping to the next page and nodding. "I see what the problem is. They're on the banned list."

"Banned? Veronica, I want something to eat. You better let me through now!" Quinn snapped, cracking her knuckles.

"Nope... sorry. The ban was put into effect on the charge of being 'too lame to party.' Sorry girls!" Veronica handed the notepad back, sticking her tongue out at the two before walking away.

"You little- hey! GET BACK HERE!" Quinn shouted, struggling to get by, but Tyler didn't budge. "I will beat you, Tyler!"

"Hey, I'm just doing my job as a licensed security professional- oh, hey Julie!"

The girls turned, gulping as they saw Julie standing behind them, hand on her hip.

"What's going on here?" The hostess asked, arching her brow.

"Uh... just having a party!" Tyler laughed nervously. "Let me see if you're on the list..."

'I'm the hostess, Tyler. Move, please."

"Right this way!" Tyler stepped aside nervously, Julie walking past him.

Everyone froze as the hostess came into view, surveying the scene calmly. No one said a word until Julie gave a shrug.

"I'll allow it," the hostess smiled, before turning to head back downstairs.

"WOO! Hear that dudes? She'll allow it!" Tyler cheered. "GET HYPE!"

There was a collective cheer, everyone returning to their festivities. Tyler turned back to his post, smiling when he saw Justin slowly walk up the stairs, looking miserable.

"Oh, hey dude!" Tyler greeted. "You made it just in time! They finished making these awesome cookies and-"

"No... no cookies," Justin muttered. "I'm not staying long. I just need to say something."

~SEVEN MONTHS AGO~

"-for this challenge, our competitors will be going VIRTUAL- that's right, we're bringing back the virtual reality simulator, and-"

Justin flicked the television off, annoyed. It seemed every time he turned it on, reruns of Specter Island were unavoidable. He didn't care. He didn't want to watch him. The show could fail for all he cared, and more often than not he wished it would. Who did these new kids think they were, stealing the spot that belonged to him? So maybe he was jealous. He felt he had every right to be. He had put years of his life into the show without so much as a thank you, and made nothing off of it. Of course, there was the 'generous' check he was paid for his cameo, which covered exactly two weeks of groceries. He got paid the same amount as Noah and Josh- the two not trying to negotiate because neither needed the money.

He groaned as his phone rang, not needing to see the number to know who it was.

"Milton," he grumbled as he answered the phone, "I'm still saying no. I don't want to go back."

"Justin. That's not very nice," Milton sighed. "I was just calling to catch up, see how you were."

"Really?"

"No, of course not. But I can be rude, too. The contract is reasonable, the show is sure to draw- an all star season. After all, you were the face of the show. What would it be without you?"

Justin considered this a moment, but held firm. "I don't care. The answer is still no. I just got done with filming, and I'm going on the Nighty Night Show in a few weeks to promote the movie. I'll have roles lined up, just waiting for me."

"Oh, I'm sure. I heard they needed some more fodder characters on 'Lurching Corpses'."

"It's not happening, Milton!" Justin snapped, now furious, "I don't want back on that show now or ever, I'm trying to move on!"

"I'm sure you are. But we don't always get what we want. I'll leave one spot open for you, and I expect an apology when you come crawling back."

The line went dead. Justin scowled, tossing his phone to the other side of the room. He wasn't crawling back anywhere any time soon.

~PRESENT DAY~

Justin cleared his throat, tapping a spoon up against a glass. It got no one's attention. This bothered him- clinking a glass was supposed to be THE attention getter, and here everyone was, ignoring him.

"Guys?" he called out, sighing.

Between Miri and Veronica making out in a corner, Johnny and Deborah chatting, and Lucky, Tyler and Alejandro playing cards, no one paid him any heed.

Justin glanced around, before throwing his glass on the ground. It rang out as it shattered, quickly gaining everyone's attention.

"...there. I have your attention now," Justin said, clearing his throat. His momentary annoyance was replaced with something new... fear. "I... have a confession to make. I've been playing all of you."

Everyone quickly stared at Justin, including Julie, who had been helping herself to some cookies nearby.

"You... what?" Tyler asked, sounding hurt.

Justin gulped, lowering his gaze to the ground. "At the beginning of the season, I wanted to be the team captain because I felt I deserved it more than Cody. I felt threatened by all of the new faces, and... well, like I didn't matter anymore to the old. So I played around behind the scenes and managed to get a few people eliminated, like... Courtney."

Julie tilted her head curiously, arms crossed as she listened intently.

"I justified it then by telling myself it was part of the game... but recently I did things that I can't justify myself anymore... Noah was telling the truth. I was lying to you all. I got rid of him so the suspicion wouldn't be on me anymore, but the damage was done... so I agreed to help Quinn with something far worse to cast the blame somewhere else." He paused, looking at Deborah. "When Margo got her wig, I was the one who set everything up to pin it on Mark. I knew they'd be so angry at each other, everyone would forget about them and focus on everything else. But they didn't. Mark got eliminated, but Margo stayed curious, stayed searching... and you helped her, Deborah. I got scared. I knew if I was found out, it would be over for me. That's when Ella came in. She used the Revenge Idol to take out Margo, and I let her take the fall. I let all of you vote her out, thinking she was guilty when she was just trying to help me because I was her friend. Even though... even though I wasn't."

He balled his fists, sighing. "I wasn't anyone's friend this season. I was just in it for myself, because my career was dying and I was jealous. I held out hope that one day, I'd get something big. Something great. That I was destined to be this amazing actor in summer blockbusters every year, but instead... instead I had to just swallow the pill that maybe I'm not as good as I think, and maybe it was never going to get better for me. Maybe I am annoying. Maybe I did force my way into the spotlight too many times on this show. Maybe... maybe TV cameos are as good as it gets for me."

He took a deep breath, eyes closed. "The reason I helped Quinn was because she claimed she had the Revenge Idol. That if I helped her, she'd help me get rid of Alejandro. I hope she gets what's coming to her, because now I get whats coming to me."

He stepped forward, turning his gaze to Julie. "As of now, I'm quitting Camp TV Sunset Cruise. I forfeit. Maybe I could have won. Maybe it would have built my career back up. But I lost all my friends to get this far, so maybe i can at least keep the little dignity I have left."

Julie stepped forward, placing her cookie aside. "You're sure? That's definitely what you want, to quit the show?"

Justin gave a slow, affirmative nod. "Yes. It is. I'm done here." He pulled out his Tranquility idol, handing it to Julie. "There... give it to someone who deserves it more. I don't."

Julie took it, examining it silently, before slipping it into her pocket. "Then I accept your forfeit. Justin, as of now, you are hereby eliminated. Let's get your life boat."

As Justin followed Julie to get his lifeboat, he looked around at all of the other competitors, none meeting his gaze. The hostess gestured to the water, a new boat waiting for him.

"There you are. If nothing else... you did the right thing." Julie patted him on the back, walking off.

Justin slowly nodded, wavering slightly. Before he jumped overboard, he turned back to everyone one last time.

"Time may change me, but I can't change time," he told them, forcing a smile. "I'm sorry for everything. I really am. Get Quinn. If not for me, then Margo, or Mark, or Ella. And... to the new guys?" He looked around at the newer contestants- Veronica, Miri, Johnny, Lucky, Deborah, Luna, Finn. "I'm sorry I judged you guys so bad. You're... you're alright."
He turned away once more, shaking himself out. Maybe they wouldn't forgive him yet- but at least he could hold his head a little higher as he left.

~SIX MONTHS AGO~

"-please, give a warm welcome back to one of our guests tonight, Justin!"

For the first time in months, Justin smiled as he heard the applause of the crowd. Once again he made his way out on stage, waving at everyone before taking his seat.

"Justin," Jimmy greeted. "welcome back! You got shorter since the last time I saw you!"

"Uh.. thanks," Justin said, frowning a bit.

"But, your resume grew, huh? You went from an extra in a Highlander remake-"

"Well, I wasn't really an extra-"

"-to having a bigger role in your new film! Can you tell me a little about how that's been?"

Justin looked at Jimmy, to the crowd. He was silent, before forcing a smile. "Well, it's been great," he lied, "you know, being in any movie is a huge deal. This is what I've wanted since I was teen, so finally being at this level is really surreal."

"Uh huh- and any word on Reality Rejects?" Jimmy asked.

"...excuse me?"

"Reality Rejects. The show from Milton's Millions- word is you're being considered for the cut this year.

Justin's heard sank. Reality Rejects had been running for years. Someone being on it was the lowest of the low. A career killer. And the only way he would be on it is if he was totally washed up. It wasn't true, of course, but how the rumor began was a mystery to him. Unless...

"Milton..." Justin whispered to himself.

Jimmy just smiled at him from across the table. "Well, rumors are rumors, right? So, this movie. What was it like to work with a talented actress like Rochelle?"

Justin didn't react, head lost in thought. Rochelle, the star of the film. The role that was supposed to have been his until a few last minute changes.

"Uh... it was great!' Justin said, recovering quickly, "she's such a veteran, such a talented actress..."

"Well, I'm glad you think so, because if she weren't, it would be really disappointing when I announced her as our next guest- ladies and gentleman, Rochelle!"

The crowd exploded, and Justin realized what he had received was nothing more than polite applause. Just like that, his spotlight, gone. He watched as Rochelle, dark skinned with beautiful features and flaming, dyed red hair walked out, the crowd on their feet. It was over. He was officially a side note. He had had three questions, all of which made him look like a chump. And he was beginning to understand why. Lots of people owed Milton favors, it seemed. Burying Justin on national television would be nothing. One minute he was an actor in a goofy, but at least legitimate movie. The next, he was someone seriously considered to be on the lowest form of reality television.

"Rochelle. Let me tell you how much of an honor it is to have you here!" Jimmy grinned, shaking her hand.

"It's an honor to be here, Jimmy," Rochelle smiled back, "I'm a huge fan of the Nighty Night show. Definitely puts me to sleep every night."

Jimmy faked looking hurt as the crowd laughed.

"So, your movie hasn't even hit theaters, and word is you're busy at work on another one. Can you tell us a little about that?"

"Oh, absolutely. The new role I'm working on is totally different. I'm playing lawy-"

Justin watched the minutes tick by as Rochelle was made to look like a million dollars, while Justin sat there awkwardly, waiting to be dismissed. By the time the interview was wrapped up, he could take it no longer, ready to storm out.
"So, last question. What's next for you two? Ladies first."

"Well, I told you about my next roll," Rochelle smiled, "after that I want to test myself as an actor, do something no one has done before."

"We're all looking forward to it. And Justin? How about you?" Jimmy asked. "Reality Rejects is-"

"no. I'll tell you what's next." Justin stood up, scowling. "I'm going on to the new season of Camp TV- and I'm going all the way. And every cent I win is going to a charity of the viewers' choosing."

The crowd cheered. Not quite as big as they did for Rochelle, but bigger than he had gotten before. The charity promise was likely a lie, but he had to do everything he could to leave on a high note; and that he did. As the music hit, signaling for the two to leave, Justin grinned at the crowd, heading off stage.

That hadn't been so hard.

Apologizing to Milton, however, was another story.

~PRESENT DAY~

Ella sniffled to herself silently as she drifted through the night, terrified of falling into the pitch dark water that surrounded her. She wiped her eyes, not being able to get the re-runs of the evening out of her head.

"I was such a fool,

to think he was so cool..

my heart feels like a stone,

now that I float alone..."

She reached up, grabbing the ribbon out of her hair and ringing it in her hands. "Oh, what's the point?" she moaned, tossing it overboard. "There's no such things as princes, or magic, o-or happy-"

She paused as she felt something hit her boat. She screamed, startled, spinning around to see... Justin.

"Uh... hey," he greeted, offering a smile.

Ella stared back at him, wordless. Neither two were sure what to say, until Justin held out his hand.

"I think this boat could fit two people, if we tried..."

Ella looked at his hand, then him.

She took his hand, smiling back.

(A/N: I was not expecting to publish this so soon. I thought I would be done with Reality Rush before I started on this, but truth be told, I'm in a little slump with that, while inspiration struck with this. I'm still finding my footing with this format, maybe, but I enjoyed writing this chapter and my interest in the franchise has peaked because of it. I hope you guys enjoyed it- let me know what you thought of it! I hope you're as excited for this story as I am, and hopefully you'll see a new update soon!)