The camera panned down to the docks of the forgotten island, where Valnoir was standing there with a sinister smile on his face. Blaineley wasn't there with him.
"Welcome back to Total Drama Forgotten Island." Valnoir started. "Yesterday, our campers did the paintball challenge, and bullets flied on that day." He cackled.
"And I mean it literally made its marks. There was black and white paint everywhere you could almost mistake it for an old film." The host shrugged. "But that wasn't important. Each team had their own strategy to proceed with the challenge, and yet it all went down to improvisation."
He picked up an unused paintball gun from the table and inspected it while he talked. "Some people like Keith, Quincey, Eliza, and Gabriel used their gun knowledge and wits to get them far ahead in the challenge. While others like Jeanette and Caleb became crafty with their methods."
Valnoir raked his long hair and smirked at the camera. "In the end, Caleb brought home the win by using his mini catapult to take out Keith and Jeanette, both skilled opponents yet they were caught off guard. This meant the White Stallions had to go through the elimination ceremony. After the split votes and lies, it was another tiebreaker, this time between Daniel and Jackie. And after another game of chance, it was Daniel who was sent home in 19th place." He cackled.
"Valnoir!? Did you seriously do the introduction without me!?" An angry Blaineley stormed into the scene. She saw the camera filming Valnoir for the introductions and glared at the host.
"You overslept." Valnoir crossed his arms and shook his head in disappointment. "I expected better from the co-host."
"You- You didn't even bother to wake me up!" Blaineley yelled.
"But where's the fun in that?" Valnoir cackled. "Calm down, Mildred. You're making a scene."
"I'll show you a scene!" Blaineley made strangling motions with her hands as she inched closer to Valnoir. The man just rolled his eyes and faced the camera.
"Stay tuned to Total Drama Forgotten Island!" He said immediately before running away off camera with Blaineley chasing after him.
(Girls' Cabin)
Most of the girls had already left the cabin to go outside except for Jamie and Eliza who were still asleep and Alysson who was awake but remained inside. Alysson sat in front of the small desk that had a mirror, fixing his hair while already in his usual clothes. Eliza woke up with a yawn and saw him there.
"Good morning." She greeted. She saw Jamie still asleep in her bed and she smirked. "Guess I woke up first this time."
"Technically, most of the girls woke up before you." Alysson pointed out as he still kept fixing his hair.
"Don't ruin the moment." Eliza pouted and then giggled as she went to sit on Jamie's bed. "She's cute when she sleeps."
"Meh." Alysson shrugged as he finally put down the comb.
"You been sitting here a while?" Eliza raised an eyebrow.
"I usually take this long to fix my hair. Is it good now?" Alysson asked as he inspected himself in the mirror.
"Yeah, good to go." Eliza gave a thumbs up. "But you know, we can have some fun here while little miss police officer is still asleep." She winked while stroking Jamie's bed hair gently.
This caused Alysson to whip his head around to face her with a shocked look.
"R-Right now?" Alysson stammered a bit.
"Why not? Or maybe you don't swing that way. That's fine too." Eliza giggled while gazing at him.
"Y-Yeah that's it. I just don't swing that way." Alysson chuckled with a hint of nervousness and stood up. "I better go see what's for breakfast. See you around!" He said before hurrying to the door and leaving the cabin. Eliza stared after him while still stroking Jamie's hair, thinking to herself.
"Um, what are you doing?" Jamie's voice broke Eliza's train of thought. The police officer opened one eye as she noticed the other girl stroking her hair.
"Oh nothing, little polizia." Eliza said innocently and stopped. "Just wanted to stop by and say good morning."
"But what kind of 'good morning' is that?" Jamie frowned as she sat up.
"The best kind." Eliza slinked her arm around the other girl's shoulder and whispered it before standing up and leaving while giggling. Jamie blinked while staring after her, a very faint blush on her cheeks.
~Confessional~
Eliza: Alysson was pretty defensive when I was just making a light joke. Of course I'll respect women if they don't swing that way, but then again I'm bi so it doesn't affect me too much. And yet, her reaction was a bit...off? I don't know, maybe I'm overthinking things, but that's the first reaction I've seen with just being in denial.
Alysson: Is she onto me? Or maybe I'm just overthinking things. She looks skilled but it doesn't mean she's that smart. She can't possibly know I'm a guy, right?
Jamie: Um, why was Eliza stroking my hair? Not that it really makes me too weirded out, but it's still kinda weird. I would arrest her for harassment but then I realized this island has no country's laws in it. But I didn't enjoy it at all. *the faint blush returned*
~End Confessional~
(Boys' Cabin)
Most of the guys were all outside doing their own thing, and Kazuo was observing Antoine observe the rest of them.
"Having fun people-watching?" Kazuo asked the trivia guru.
"Shut up. You're people-watching too." Antoine rolled his eyes in annoyance. Kazuo chuckled.
"Actually, I'm Antoine-watching. I really haven't noticed anything interesting about you." Kazuo remarked.
"Hey, I'm the smartest person on this island!" Antoine glared as he walked towards him and glared, trying to look intimidating.
"With your trivia?" Kazuo tilted his head, unfazed by this approach. "I don't think it's any better."
"What did you say!?" Antoine snapped. He was about to say something else when Keith's voice rang out.
"Keep it down! You'll attract the government agents!" Keith exclaimed as he ran up to the two.
"You're shouting too!" Antoine countered.
"And what do you mean by government agents? You think there are some on this island with us?" Kazuo asked curiously.
"Yeah like that Daniel." Keith said.
"But wasn't he eliminated last night?" Kazuo tried to remember.
"And how do you know that? You're just a dumb person!" Antoine tried to insult.
"He wasn't in his bed and I was the last one to fall asleep." Kazuo said simply. "Didn't see his crow either. I think everyone here got what's going on by now."
"Oh right, Daniel is gone." Keith realized. "That means no government spies. Yet." He said the last part in an almost paranoid whisper.
"I want to see where this goes." Kazuo grinned. "Keith here is losing his sense of purpose after finding out the team voted out the government spy."
"Oh please. I bet Daniel wasn't even working with the government." Antoine rolled his eyes. Keith suddenly grabbed him by the collar and stared hard with paranoid eyes.
"You don't know anything. So just don't assume you do. Got it?" Keith said slowly. Antoine gulped but tried to act tough.
"H-Hey get off me!" The trivia guru protested. Keith let him go and Antoine brushed down his shirt.
"This should be interesting." Kazuo nodded with a smile.
~Confessional~
Kazuo: I should help Keith out and find any potential spies. Now, who can I falsely accuse in order to incite more drama and chaos? I want to see where the butterfly effect will take Keith's paranoia.
Antoine: How dare Keith touch me like that! If he was on my team, I'd have him eliminated already! But there's an alternative method, and that's to win challenges so that his team will vote him out eventually.
Keith: Kazuo is right in a way. I need to find another government spy in order to eliminate them as well. But the question is, who?
~End Confessional~
(Girls' Cabin)
Caitlyn took pictures of Gabriella and Abby as they cooked the fish.
"Can you turn your head to the side a bit so I can get your good side?" She asked Abby while preparing the camera. Abby smiled and nodded.
"Okay." She did as she was told and Caitlyn took the photo.
"Perfect." The journalist grinned as she reviewed the photos she took.
"Hey, do you wanna help out?" Gabriella asked Caitlyn.
"What happened to Jeanette and Nymeria? Weren't you guys the ones cooking?" Caitlyn asked while reviewing past photos.
"Yeah but Jeanette wanted to talk to Nymeria alone for a bit." Abby answered.
"Sounds interesting." Caitlyn grinned. "Don't you want to know what's going on?"
"They'll be back in a bit. And we don't want to invade their privacy." Abby stated.
"In the meantime, we're cooking the fish." Gabriella added.
"Speaking of that, I just wanna say thanks for cooking breakfast for us even though we're on different teams." Caitlyn said with a grin.
"I don't wanna apply the team thing even here. Everyone deserves to have a good breakfast everyday." Gabriella smiled.
"Thanks for that. Anyway, you both seem like really nice people, so what do you say we work together when merge comes?" Caitlyn suggested.
"Isn't it a bit too early for that? There are still a lot more eliminations we have to go through." Abby pointed out. "And we aren't planning to go easy on you."
"Likewise." Caitlyn smirked. "Just wanted to let you know I'm willing to work with you when that time comes." She propped up her camera on the tripod and then joined the other girls.
"Yeah, I think you'd make for a good ally." Gabriella chimed in.
"Great! Let's take one last picture before I help you guys." Caitlyn said. They all smiled as the camera flashed.
~Confessional~
Gabriella: Caitlyn looks like a really capable and nice person. I mean she likes the outdoors and is outgoing too, so that's a plus for me. But I gotta side with Abby on this one, it is still too early to make alliances with the other team. We have to focus on winning more challenges.
Abby: I think Caitlyn will make for a great ally later on, but the priority still lies in out own team. The team manager can't make deals with other teams if her own isn't polished.
Caitlyn: I plan on making as many connections as possible before the drama rises too much. You see, when chaos ensues, people will want you to take their side. I want to broaden my horizons as much as possible before that time comes. *she smirks*
~End Confessional~
(Boys' Cabin)
Jackie was out picking berries happily when he heard rustling in the bushes.
"Who is it?" He called out in an almost sing-song voice.
"It's just me." Beatrice called out as she emerged from the bushes while eating berries.
"Well well well, look who's up early!" Jackie exclaimed. "Want some more?" He offered the berries from the basket.
"Yes, thank you." Beatrice said and got a few more. "I skipped the breakfast the girls are making to make sure I get here on time."
"Isn't your breakfast fish?" Jackie asked.
"Yeah. But I wanted to talk with you instead." Beatrice gave a small smile.
"Aw shucks. You shouldn't have." Jackie laughed and pat her head. "Then come walk with me back to the cabin. I got to give this back to the others."
"Alright." Beatrice nodded. They started making their way back to the boys' cabin with Beatrice looking a bit troubled.
"I feel like I haven't told you much about myself." Beatrice suddenly said.
"What?" Jackie looked taken aback by the sudden statement. "You're right, you didn't. But our friendship can change that!" He laughed.
"You consider me your friend?" Beatrice asked.
"Sure I do!" Jackie exclaimed and wrapped an arm around her shoulders as they walked back. "So you can tell me anything at all!"
"Okay. Thank you." Beatrice nodded with a small smile. "I wanted to tell you that I have a special talent."
"Special talent? I wanna know!" Jackie said gleefully.
"It's foresight." Beatrice said then looked away for a bit. "I know. It's weird."
"Foresight? Like, fortune telling and stuff?" Jackie looked surprised. "That's super! You can help out in challenges like that."
"Now that I think about it, didn't I give you a hint of it when we first met?" Beatrice asked him.
"You meant the time when we were watching a movie right?" The jester tried to remember. "I thought you meant you just saw the movie already and that's why you know how it ends."
"That's not it, no." Beatrice shook her head. "I do have that talent. But it's so vague."
"Vague?" Jackie repeated as he ate a berry.
"I can't see much into the future, and I can't see how an elimination goes at all." Beatrice said sadly.
"But can you at least predict what the next challenge will be? Or how our team will do?" Jackie asked as they neared the cabin.
"I saw a glimpse of it. It involves a ball." Beatrice closed her eyes and tried to remember. "I cannot see how our team will fare, but we all looked kinda happy."
"Maybe it's basketball or volleyball. I love those games!" Jackie laughed. "Well here we are." He said as they emerged from the forest and into the clearing.
"I should go. I sorta don't feel safe in here." Beatrice frowned. "Call it a foresight too."
"If you say so." Jackie shrugged. "See ya in the next challenge then!" He waved at her as she left.
~Confessional~
Beatrice: This gift, or curse, has helped me and gave me sadness. I can only hope to one day see more into the future.
Jackie: I think Beatrice still has room to improve if she really has the power to see the future! I hope we can win the next challenge because of it!
~End Confessional~
(Girls' Cabin)
Jeanette and Nymeria were talking on the further side of the riverbank where no one was around.
"Tell me honestly, did you vote for Jackie last night?" Jeanette asked her with crossed arms.
"Nope! I voted for Daniel." Nymerai exclaimed. She then scratched her head and looked down when the other girl narrowed her eyes at her.
"Our alliance had an agreement, did it not?" Jeanette asked.
"Yeah I know." Nymeria said apologetically.
"Was our pitch not good enough for you?" Jeanette asked. "You can leave the alliance if you so wish."
"Wait wait wait, I don't wanna leave." Nymeria clarified. "But fine I'll vote with you guys next time. Promise!"
"If you are sure." Jeanette sighed.
Caleb was then seen passing by them while heading for the cabin.
"Good morning, Caleb!" Nymeria greeted.
"Oh. Hi." Caleb said without looking at her and just went on by.
"Don't you wanna stay and talk?" Nymeria asked with a grin.
"Are we not going to help the other girls cook breakfast?" Jeanette raised an eyebrow.
"He can help us while he's here." Nymeria suggested.
"Uh, I gotta do something. I'm busy." Caleb said and went on ahead with a faster walking speed.
"What's up with him?" Nymeria asked the other girl.
"He's too reserved. His social game will not get him anywhere." Jeanette stated.
"So he doesn't have friends here?" Nymeria asked with a frown.
"I suspect he will befriend anyone as long as they have a use in challenges." Jeanette said. "But other than that, he relies on his own skill and technique."
"That's pretty cool!" Nymeria said.
"He was the last person I faced last challenge, and he defeated me with a little contraption of his. I believe it was a catapult." Jeanette remarked. "He is someone to watch out for, despite his shortcomings."
"But we can win against him right?" Nymeria asked hopefully.
"Of course. Every person has a weakness." Jeanette said as she stared after Caleb. "And we can exploit that in due time."
~Confessional~
Jeanette: As capable as Caleb is in challenges, everyone has a weakness. To exploit it will take time, but worth the effort. Now the question is who I can rely on to help me with this daring endeavor.
Nymeria: Jeanette is so cool with these strategies and stuffs! I wish I was like her. But I hope I can still be useful to the team in my own way! Gotta be a team player here.
Caleb: I'm surprised that girl with the umbrella doesn't hate me for splattering paint on her pretty face or anything during the challenge. She's a good sport and a good opponent.
~End Confessional~
(Forest)
Quincey was busy with his morning exercises along the forest path, jogging and weaving through the trees in perfect rhythm. He saw Winona walking around casually ahead of him, blocking his path.
"Look out, miss!" Quincey called out. Winona turned her head and saw Quincey going full speed ahead.
"Aaah!" Winona cowered and tried to brace herself for impact. However, Quincey spun around in time and held her shoulder a bit to change his positioning in an easier way, avoiding the hard impact.
"Please pardon me." Quincey said as he stopped and turned back to face her. He bowed apologetically.
"Oh no it's quite alright. It's my fault for not watching where I was going." Winona quickly said.
"But if you fell, it would ruin that pretty dress and smear such a beautiful face with mud." Quincey said.
This made Winona blush a bit. "Why, thank you. But you needn't worry so much. I'm just your everyday girl."
"With an exquisite taste for fashion? Nonsense." Quincey shook his head. "I'm Quincey, in case you are not aware."
"I am." Winona affirmed. "I'm Winona. It's nice to meet you."
"It's a pleasure meeting you too." Quincey smiled. "I'll see you in the next challenge then?"
"I will. Let's have a good game this time around too." The fashionista beamed. "After all, the last challenge wasn't for me."
"Ah, yes. The paint, right?" Quincey asked.
"Yeah. Good thing Jeanette understood and only hit my hand." Winona laughed a bit.
"I'm sure she understands because she's from a well known family that invests in the fashion industry in Europe." Quincey explained. "Superbia, I believe is the name of her fashion line."
"Oooh! I read about that in a fashion magazine issue just last week." Winona squealed. "I can't believe Jeanette owns it!"
"Technically, her mother pioneered it but I'm sure she put in just as much effort to make it happen." Quincey said.
"Then I gotta get her autograph! Thanks, Quincey! It was nice meeting you!" Winona called out as she began running towards the riverbank again as fast as her stilettos can take her.
~Confessional~
Winona: Quincey is kinda cute, isn't he? Maybe he's interested in me. I do like a man who can dress well.
Quincey: Winona is a pleasant and a beautiful woman, but I'm not sure how long she can last in this game. She can't even run fast because of her footwear.
~End Confessional~
(Riverbank)
Silvia walked around the riverbank only to see Jamie doing pushups nearby.
"Seems someone is trying to get psyched up." Silvia remarked.
"I wanna do what I can to help us win the next challenge." Jamie said as she stopped and stood back up, wiping off sweat with her arm. "I know we won and all, but I didn't help out." She frowned.
"That's all Kazuo's fault. I'll go talk to him before the challenge starts, don't worry." Silvia assured her. "Anyway, I can't help but notice you only got two badges. Are you new in the force?"
"Oh this? I only wore these because if I wear the rest then it would look stuffy." Jamie laughed.
"Really?" Silvia blinked. She then noticed one badge looking unusual. It's a black obsidian with silver swirling flames surrounding it in a vortex. "But what's that badge? Never seen it before."
"This one isn't an official police badge. It's a family pin." Jamie said as she looked down at the badge.
"And you wear it with your uniform?" Silvia tilted her head.
"It's a special thing. My family is pretty well known in the force." Jamie said with a smile. "And what's your story? Is the armor solely for the cosplay thing?"
"That's right. It's sturdy enough to protect me but otherwise it's purely for show." Silvia explained. "But it looks pretty realistic, right?" She asked hopefully.
"Yep!" Jamie affirmed with a nod. "I want one of those."
"That'll cost you." Silvia winked.
"I got money." Jamie smirked.
"Do you want a blaster gun with that?" Silvia smirked back.
"Got a real one back home." Jamie said. The two girls laughed and didn't notice Eliza standing behind a tree, narrowing her eyes at the scene.
~Confessional~
Silvia: Jamie might make for a useful ally and friend. Originally, Tom was supposed to be my first ally but ended up being the first boot instead. So I need to act fast to get her on my side.
Eliza: I don't know what Silvia is doing, but she better keep her distance. I mean, I was there first. *she pouts*
~End Confessional~
(Boys' Cabin)
Gabriel went back inside the cabin after Jackie distributed the berries and ate alone inside. He checked the time on the wall clock and saw that it's still a bit early. Just then, Alysson popped up from the cabin window and grinned at him.
"Hey there." Alysson greeted flirtatiously.
"What?..." Gabriel looked at him while eating his berries.
"Nothing. Just wanted to talk." Alysson continued to flirt. "Are the berries good?"
"I've tasted better...Jackie must not have gotten far..." Gabriel grunted.
"I taste better." Alysson winked as he leaned forward from the window.
"And I don't care..I want good berries." Gabriel glanced at Alysson before finishing up his berries and standing up.
"Where are you going? Outside to meet me?" Alysson grinned.
"I'm going outside to avoid you..." Gabriel said bluntly as he went out.
"Damn it. Why is this so difficult?" Alysson cursed silently to himself.
"Hey, what'cha doin'?" Kazuo asked as he went over to him. "You spying on guys?"
"Something like that." Alysson immediately regained his composure and started up with his smooth and flirtatious tone. "Why do you ask?"
"Just wondering. Might be interesting too." Kazuo shrugged. He then saw Gabriel leave and avoid them. "Were you talking to that guy?"
"Yeah but he brushed me off. Maybe you'll be better company." Alysson said while moving closer to him and tracing a finger along his shoulder.
"I am!" Kazuo said proudly while grinning. "What do you wanna talk about?"
"Let's talk about you." Alysson winked.
~Confessional~
Alysson: Okay who talks about their dead leaf for ten minutes straight? A. Dead. Leaf. Why does he even have that?
Gabriel: Why can't people understand...that I just don't want to talk to them unless...the topic interests me. Shouldn't I be giving off an aura for them...to know if I think they're boring or not?
~End Confessional~
The two teams gathered by a large clearing somewhere in the island, where the hosts are waiting for them inside a transparent cubic dome. They all entered and saw a dodgeball court inside as well as two bleachers on one side. One bleacher was white colored with the White Stallions' flag and the other was black with the Black Knights' flag. A few dodgeballs are scattered around the court.
"Welcome, campers, to your next challenge!" Blaineley greeted them as they took their seats in the respective bleachers.
"I think they have a good idea of what the challenge is, but we'll explain it for formality." Valnoir smirked. "You're going to have a dodgeball fight!"
"I love dodgeball!" Jackie exclaimed.
"I hate dodgeball..." Gabriel groaned.
"Not the kind of balls I want." Alysson commented.
"Alysson!" Abby scolded with a blush.
"Quiet!" Valnoir said. "Anyway, you'll send in five members to play for your team in a best two out of three games format."
"The rules are simple. You throw a ball at the opposing team's members and if they get hit then they are out. This goes on until you completely wiped out all five members for that round." Blaineley added.
"If the other team's member catches a ball thrown at them, the other team can bring one more person into the court." Valnoir explained. "If you fail to catch the ball, you still get benched. Understood?"
"More or less." Jamie said.
"Oh and one more thing." Blaineley said. "Everyone needs to have a turn at playing at least once. And the same five members cannot play together at the next round."
"Interesting." Jeanette said softly.
"We also added another rule, to make it different from the original season's dodgeball challenge." Valnoir grinned sadistically. "Before a round starts, you get to ban two people from each team. However, you cannot ban those people again in the upcoming rounds."
"What? Now that's new. And I'll admit, pretty cool." Gabriella remarked.
"That's fair I suppose." Quincey said.
"All you dumb people are going down!" Antoine taunted.
"Cool it, Antoine." Silvia sighed.
"If you think the government will help you rig this game, then you got another thing coming!" Keith countered.
"Guess Daniel's elimination meant nothing to him." Alysson muttered while shaking his head.
"Everyone looks about ready to start, so talk among yourselves who you'll ban for the first round!" Valnoir ordered. Both teams started to talk in hushed tones about their choices.
"Alright, who's the greatest threats in the other team? We should take them out first so we can get a head start." Abby suggested.
"However, we do not know who they are." Jeanette said. "Caleb does not count because he used a contraption to take me out."
"Isn't Eliza an asset?" Nymeria wondered aloud.
"Please, she was an easy kill." Keith said cockily.
"What about that police officer?" Beatrice suggested. "Aren't those kinds of people skilled?"
"Depends on their rank and training." Quincey answered. "And judging by the badges and medals that girl is wearing, she must be new."
"Then she is out of the picture then." Jeanette said. "What about Kazuo?"
"I accuse him of giving us poisoned berries." Quincey immediately said.
"Wait, that was his doing?" Keith gasped. "I thought the CIA are sabotaging us."
"What if Kazuo is part of the CIA then?" Nymeria gasped as well.
"We should ban him this instant!" Keith proposed adamantly.
"This is going nowhere." Quincey sighed.
"However, there is merit to banning Kazuo. If he was able to sabotage us by poisoning the berries, then he may prove to be tactically sound." Jeanette said. "And moreover, he caught both me and Daniel by surprise in the paintball challenge."
"Really? Then I guess we have one person to ban." Abby said.
"Now for the other one." Nymeria wondered out loud.
"Should we ban the police officer?" Alysson asked them.
"We do not know her capabilities." Jeanette said. "Perhaps we should not risk it."
"Eliza is really the only one I can think of." Nymeria pointed out to them. "She did show some skill at least. Keith was just better."
"And maybe they might ban Keith this round." Abby assumed.
"It is a possibility." Beatrice agreed.
"So Eliza it is!" Jackie exclaimed with a laugh.
"Fine. But I still think she's weak." Keith rolled his eyes and adjusted his tin foil hat.
~Confessional~
Beatrice: If only I can use my foresight to tell me who the other team will be banning, but the vision is too blurry.
Gabriella: Dodgeball is one of my favorite outdoor activities! Granted, I'm not that good at it, but I can learn as I go right?
~End Confessional~
Meanwhile, the Black Knights were also discussing on who to ban for the round.
"We're banning Keith, no questions asked." Eliza said immediately.
"Whoa there, aren't we going to see what everyone else has to say about that?" Silvia tried to say.
"But he lasted so long in the last challenge! What more proof do you need?" Eliza said, exasperated.
"She has a point..." Gabriel agreed. "Keith and Jeanette stood out last challenge...We shouldn't ignore them."
"I don't know about you guys, but Jeanette doesn't seem she can make this challenge work in her favor." Kazuo interrupted.
"What do you mean?" Winona asked.
"She used her umbrella to block the paintballs." Kazuo said. "But can she do the same now? It's a different challenge."
"You're right." Eliza nodded.
"I hope you don't try to ban one of our own." Jamie narrowed her eyes at Kazuo.
"No self destruction here." Kazuo raised his hands defensively and grinned.
"Let's get back on topic..." Gabriel told them.
"You people are dumb!" Antoine exclaimed. "Obviously, we should ban that dude who dresses as if it's prom!"
"You mean Quincey?" Winona sighed dreamily. "Isn't he handsome?"
"Are you daft?" Antoine deadpanned.
"He didn't show much last challenge...aside from his aching stomach.." Gabriel remarked. "But it was a close fight...So we should consider it."
"Do we have to?" Winona pouted.
"Well we want to win, so we have to do this." Silvia told the fashionista. "At least you can see him in action in the next rounds." She added.
"Only to see me crush him because I'm superior!" Antoine bragged.
"Hmph. You're too arrogant." Winona frowned at Antoine.
"Anyways, are we good with Keith and Quincey?" Jamie asked the team.
"No objections here." Caitlyn said. "Should we talk about who to ban for the next rounds?"
"I think we should save that for when after we see what they're made of." Eliza said.
"This should be interesting." Kazuo grinned.
~Confessional~
Kazuo: Very interesting indeed. *he chuckles*
Antoine: *he smirks* This team will soon find out how I'm the greatest! Even though I suck at dodgeball, I gotta do this to save face.
~End Confessional~
"Valnoir! We're ready!" They heard Jackie say from the other team.
"Us too!" Silvia exclaimed and stepped forward.
"I see. Let's hear the bans then." Valnoir smirked.
"We ban Kazuo and Eliza." Jeanette told the host.
"Got it." Valnoir nodded.
"How about you guys?" Blaineley turned to the other team.
"We choose Keith and Quincey to be banned." Caitlyn said.
"Great." Valnoir chuckled. "You all heard that, so get to planning who will be the first five to play."
The Black Knights huddled up again.
"Alright, so who wants to go in?" Silvia asked.
"Me!" Jamie immediately raised her hand.
"Me of course." Antoine snorted. "You all need me more than ever."
"Sure we do." Caitlyn rolled her eyes. "Just in case, I'm going in."
"Grr, I don't need you." Antoine huffed.
"Caleb? Do you want to go?" Silvia asked him, who was sitting on the bleachers while tinkering with a few metal parts.
"No." Caleb said simply.
"But you're a part of this team too." Winona said as she went over to him. "Tell you what, if you play this round, we won't bother you for the next rounds." She placed a hand on his shoulder. Caleb stopped and looked up at her.
"Fine." He grunted and stood up to join them.
"Can I take the last spot?" Silvia asked her team.
"Sure. Go break a leg." Kazuo said with a smile. They all looked at him weirdly. "What? It's an idiom."
"Did you really mean it like that?" Eliza raised her eyebrow with a smirk.
"Actually I did." Kazuo pointed out. "But hey, whatever floats your boat." He winked.
~Confessional~
Eliza: Kazuo is funny, so I guess I'll keep him around for much longer. He might even be a good ally if only I can convince him to think straight and the way I want it.
Silvia: I'm not much for outdoor games, and dodgeball is no different. I just took the initiative because it sets a good impression on the team. I know what to Noah in season one, and I'm not gonna make that mistake. I may not like it, but I gotta do it.
~End Confessional~
Over at the White Stallions' side, they also discussed who they will send in first.
"I got a good arm." Jackie exclaimed. "Pick me!"
"Don't." Alysson objected with crossed arms. "He's just going to yell at us again."
"Only if you don't behave." Jackie waggled his finger in a jokingly fashion.
"Enough. I will allow Jackie to be in the first round." Jeanette sighed.
"I wanna have a go!" Nymeria cheered.
"Same here." Gabriella chimed in as well. "Leave it to me. I love these kinds of games."
"Then you both may play." Jeanette said with a nod. "Anyone else?"
"Well why not? I should give it a try too." Abby said with a shrug. "I'm usually in charge of making sure my soccer team's goalkeeper is in top shape, so I think I know how to catch a ball."
"Cool! We basically have infinite lives now." Nymeria grinned.
"One last." Quincey told them.
"I wish they didn't ban me." Keith sighed. "If you need me, I'll be outside hunting for government spies." He started towards the exit.
"Don't you want to watch?" Beatrice asked him.
"Nope. Now leave me alone." Keith said sternly before walking faster and eventually leaving.
"Whatever. He's banned anyway." Gabriella remarked.
"Beatrice? Don't you want to try?" Jackie asked her.
"I think I'll sit this one out." Beatrice answered.
"I will sit out as well. I need to know how the enemy moves and the strategies they have prepared." Jeanette stated. She then glanced at Alysson. "That leaves you."
"Really?" Alysson sighed. "Alright alright. I'll play with some balls." He winked. Most of the girls facepalmed at that remark except for Nymeria who was trying to psyche herself up for the challenge.
"Valnoir! We're ready!" Nymeria exclaimed.
"So are we." They heard Caitlyn say from the other side.
"That's great." Blaineley rolled her eyes. "Can we get started now?"
"Right. Campers, take your positions!" Valnoir ordered.
~Confessional~
Keith: Those guys will be fine without me. I need to uncover more dangerous secrets the government holds and destroy it!
Abby: One time I played as backup goalkeeper during practice because our original one couldn't make it. At the very least I block two out of five of Arnold's shots. I think that's an achievement for me.
~End Confessional~
Nymeria, Gabriella, Jackie, Abby, and Alysson took their place on the White Stallions' side of the field while Jamie, Antoine, Caitlyn, Caleb, and Silvia took the other side for the Black Knights.
"Ready?" Valnoir asked them. They all nodded. "Then start!"
Nymeria, Jamie, Antoine, and Gabriella all dived for a ball. Nymeria was the fastest, able to snatch one up and throw it at Antoine who was just about to grab a ball. He got hit square in the forehead and was knocked back.
"Ow! Damn you!" Antoine cursed.
"Out of the field, Antoine." Blaineley said. "You're blocking all the action." At that, Antoine glared at her but left the field.
Gabriella got her ball next and threw it at Jamie, who deflected it with her ball and threw hers at the other girl, solidly hitting her shoulder.
"Aw." Gabriella frowned. She left the court as well.
"Here I go!" Abby said as she got a fallen ball and hurled it at Silvia, who tried to dodge but the armor slowed her down a bit and she got hit in the leg.
"Not so fast." Caitlyn got the ball Silvia dropped and hurled it at Abby, who caught it with ease.
"Nice try." Abby smirked. She pointed at Beatrice and the other girl hesitantly entered the field.
"Take that." Caleb said in a bored tone as he threw the ball at Alysson. He tried to catch it as well but failed and was hit in the wrists.
"Aw, it's harder than it looks." Alysson pouted.
"Alysson is out." Valnoir declared. "This is starting to get good."
Both Jackie and Abby threw a ball at Jamie, who dodged one and caught the other. The police officer then threw it at Jackie and hit him square in the chest.
"Damn it. Too slow." Jackie cursed to himself and angrily left the court.
Beatrice picked up a dodgeball and was looking around to see if she can hit someone. She saw Nymeria dodge a ball thrown by Caitlyn and Caleb looking ready to catch the ball Abby is about to throw. She decided to help out Abby and threw her ball at Caleb. The tinkerer didn't see it coming as he was too focused on Abby and therefore got hit in the shoulder.
"I did it." Beatrice smiled.
"Good job, Beatri- oof!" Abby turned to her with a grin and didn't realize Jamie threw a ball that connected with her gut and knocked her back.
"Oh no. I'm sorry." Beatrice frowned. "I didn't see it coming." She turned towards Jamie and widened her eyes before crouching just in time to see a ball whiz past her overhead.
"Good dodge." Jamie complimented.
"Got you!" Caitlyn cheered as she managed to get Nymeria out.
"Nooooo!" Nymeria wailed dramatically.
"Just get out already." Blaineley sighed in annoyance.
"Killjoy." Nymeria muttered.
Only Beatrice was left on one side while Jamie and Caitlyn were on the other.
"I can do this. I can do this." Beatrice repeatedly said this to herself.
"Sorry, it's just a challenge." Jamie apologized and both of them threw a ball at her. Beatrice yelped a bit and got distracted, making the two balls connect against her.
"The Black Knights win this round!" Valnoir announced. Some of the members of the said team cheered a bit.
~Confessional~
Beatrice: Even I couldn't foresee all that. You have to understand that my ability has its limits for now. *she sighs*
Jamie: I honestly didn't know what I was doing. I have never played dodgeball before as a kid, just observed others while in the background. Maybe it just rubbed off on me, I don't know.
~End Confessional~
The White Stallions began discussing who to send in for the second round, and who to ban as well.
"I say we ban Jamie." Gabriella suggested. "She was so solid during the match!"
"I completely agree." Jeanette nodded. "And by the way, I will participate in the next round if you all do not mind."
"And now that I'm not banned, I'll be playing as well." Quincey declared.
"Yes, now all we need is Keith!" Nymeria exclaimed.
"Um, where is he?" Beatrice asked as she looked around.
"He's probably still outside." Alysson sighed.
"I would have someone look for him, but we need people here just in case we managed to catch a ball." Jeanette said. "He will simply have to return on his own."
"Let's just see who the other team bans, and whoever does should be the one to find Keith." Abby suggested.
"Then let's talk about the last ban then." Jackie urged.
"Maybe we should ban Caitlyn." Beatrice said.
"She did last long." Abby said. "It might just work."
~Confessional~
Abby: This first round went horribly for me. I hope I can do better this time.
Jeanette: Keith had better come back this instant. The other team do have some strong contenders after all, and that, for me, makes it more interesting.
~End Confessional~
The Black Knights were also discussing who to ban.
"We can ban Abby." Caitlyn suggested. "Her catching skill may become troublesome."
"Yes and if we don't ban her, she might be able to call in the other strong members." Eliza agreed.
"Who else is strong from their team?" Winona asked.
"None of them in particular stood out." Kazuo remarked.
"Hey there's Nymeria's speed." Jamie pointed out. "And acrobatic skill."
"Good point." Caitlyn nodded. "Do we ban her?"
"Yes, ban her before she completely becomes smart! Keep her dumb!" Antoine urged.
"Will you...shut up?" Gabriel grumbled.
"You shut up!" Antoine retorted.
"Break it up, you two." Silvia glanced at both of them.
"Can I sit this one out?" Caleb raised his hand.
"Go ahead. I'll play in your stead." Kazuo grinned.
"Cool. Thanks." Caleb said as he sat back down and began tinkering with some parts.
"Do you know how to play dodgeball well?" Eliza asked him.
"I know how to dodge my mistakes. Does that count?" Kazuo grinned innocently.
~Confessional~
Antoine: They didn't want me in the next round! These dumb people are lost without me and they know that! What, do they wanna lose the challenge that badly?
Kazuo: Can't wait to play. I wonder what the butterfly effect has in store this time. *he chuckles*
~End Confessional~
"So who's it gonna be?" Valnoir called out to the two teams.
"We're going to ban Jamie and Caitlyn!" Gabriella announced.
"And we bench Abby and Nymeria." Silvia announced as well.
"Done. Now, get to your positions." Blaineley said. "We don't have all day."
"Alysson, go find Keith and hurry." Jeanette ordered.
"What? Why me?" Alysson pouted. "He won't listen to me anyway."
"Then tell him that his team wants him back or he will face elimination if we lose." Jeanette said quickly. "Now hurry, the match is about to start."
"Fine." Alysson conceded and went off.
Kazuo, Eliza, Silvia, Gabriel, and Winona went to their team's side of the court while Jeanette, Quincey, Jackie, Gabriella, and Beatrice went to the other side.
"Ready?" Valnoir glanced at all of them. Each of them prepared to get a ball or catch one. "Then begin!"
Eliza rolled forward and snagged a ball in her arms before throwing it in front of her. It was Beatrice who got caught in the hit almost instantly.
"That was fast." Silvia remarked.
"Don't lose focus now." Kazuo reminded her as he smiled and got a ball of his own. He saw Jackie throw a ball his way aiming for his head but he sidestepped and threw the ball at the jester in retaliation, hitting him in the head.
"OW!" Jackei exclaimed and looked on angrily before grumbling and leaving the court along with Beatrice.
"Not bad...not bad at all..." Gabriel remarked as he saw the game unfold in their favor once again.
"Look out!" He heard Silvia call out to him but it was too late as a ball hit him in the chest.
"Someone isn't paying attention." Quincey mused as he held up another ball. He glanced at Winona who saw him and held out her hands.
"Please don't throw so hard." Winona pleaded.
"Sorry, m'lady. It's nothing personal." Quincey said and aimed. He threw the ball but it got deflected but Kazuo's own throw with his ball.
"And that's what I call a cockb-" He was interrupted by a ball hitting his shoulder thrown by Jeanette.
"Time for you to leave, boy." Jeanette said coolly.
"Aw, fine." Kazuo frowned and left the field.
"See if you can dodge this." Eliza smirked and threw a ball at Gabriella. The other girl looked panicked for a second and held out both her arms then miraculously caught the ball. "What!?" Eliza's mouth went agape.
"Oh hey, caught one." Gabriella giggled and called in Jackie.
"Good. Now we can win!" Jackie exclaimed as he skipped back and picked up a ball in the process.
"Grrr! Don't get too cocky." Eliza snarled and went to pick up another ball.
"I'll help!" Winona said and daintily picked up a ball from the ground and threw it at Jeanette, only to have it land inches away from the target. "Oops."
"Nice try, darling." Jeanette smiled and picked up the ball Winona had thrown and threw it back at her, hitting her legs.
"And just like that, the Black Knights are down to two members left." Valnoir announced. He then saw Silvia try to dodge Quincey throw but it wasn't enough and she got hit on the side of her head and fell to the ground. "One. They are down to one member." He corrected himself.
"Now Eliza is facing four members of the opposite team. Can she turn the tides?" Blaineley asked the camera.
"I can do this. I won't go down that easily." Eliza smirked as she readied herself to dodge while holding a ball in her hands.
"Empty words coming from you." Jeanette countered.
"Let's do this!" Gabriella exclaimed and threw her ball at Eliza, who nimbly dodged and immediately threw her own ball while picking up another one, eliminating Gabriella in the process.
"Not yet!" Jackie said and threw his ball in a low throw, but Eliza jumped over it and threw her ball down hard at him, catching him in the shoulder and knocking him down.
"Only two left." Eliza panted.
"Quincey, let us throw at the same time." Jeanette told him.
"Got it." Quincey nodded and aimed to throw at Eliza.
"See? I can beat you." Eliza smirked as she picked up another ball.
"Now!" Jeanette exclaimed and they both threw their balls at Eliza while she was still bent down to pick up a ball. Eliza saw this coming though and rolled to the side then threw a ball at Jeanette, hitting her arm. "That cannot be."
"And now for- Ow!" Eliza was cute short when a ball hit her directly in the forehead. Quincey had managed to quickly pick up another ball and followed up his attack, thus eliminating Eliza.
"I'm gonna have to stop you right there." Quincey said with a small grin.
"Why you..." Eliza said and was about to charge at him but Silvia and Kazuo held her back.
"Cool it, Eliza." Silvia said.
"We still have another round." Kazuo added with a grin. "I wonder how I can play that out."
~Confessional~
Eliza: Just you wait, I'll definitely take home the win in this final round! But so far they haven't sent in Keith. What, does he think he's too good for us? *she rolls her eyes*
Quincey: What a pleasant round for us. I shall continue to play in the next game in order to ensure our victory as well. Although, that Eliza may be their most skilled player alongside Jamie. I should be cautious around them.
Jeanette: That round looked dangerous and this new information about Eliza may hold the key in our victory. All we need now is Keith. Where is that boy anyway?
~End Confessional~
Meanwhile, Alysson was walking around near an unexplored part of the woods when he suddenly saw a path that looks a bit suspicious.
"I wonder what's back here." Alysson wondered to himself and was about to enter when someone suddenly pulled him aside to hide in some bushes.
"What are you doing?" Keith asked in an angry whisper. "You'll catch the government's attention."
"What are you doing, sitting around here for?" Alysson whispered back. "The team needs you!"
"They're doing fine." Keith retorted.
"Oh yeah? How do you know?" Alysson challenged.
"Because the government hasn't gotten to them yet." Keith argued.
"Wow, that's amazing." Alysson said in a sweet tone but with a roll of his eyes. "And if we lose, Jeanette said we're voting you off unanimously."
"They can't do that." Keith protested. "I was just about ready to uncover a big government secret!"
"Then focus on helping out in the challenge first so you can do whatever this is in your free time." Alysson poked his forehead, which made him swat his hand away in annoyance.
"Fine fine fine!" Keith stood up and muttered to himself while going back to the challenge area with him.
After a few minutes, they headed inside and already saw their team planning for the next round.
"There you guys are." Abby said as she saw them join in.
"Sorry we're late." Alysson apologized. "Someone here was being difficult." He glared at Keith.
"Look let's just get this over with, alright?" Keith said exasperatedly. "The government might catch on to me." He looked around with slight paranoia.
"Yes we did plan for you to play from the start." Jeanette said.
"I wanna join in too!" Nymeria raised her hand excitedly.
"Yeah that's great and all but who are we banning?" Jackie asked them.
"I do not see the need anymore." Beatrice admitted softly.
"You're right, Beatrice." Jeanette agreed. "We have taken turns banning who we believe are their strongest members. And as Valnoir stated, we cannot ban these people again."
"Then we just have to say random names." Gabriella shrugged.
"Yeah, we don't wanna sound too cocky." Abby agreed. "Who should we ban?"
"I say we ban that Winona girl." Quincey suggested. "She didn't seem like she wanted to play."
"But isn't that a good thing for us?" Gabriella countered.
"I agree with Quincey." Jeanette said. "Let's ban Winona."
"Look it doesn't matter anyway so let's keep the ball rolling." Jackie interjected.
"Then in that case, we should ban Antoine too." Alysson suggested. "He's loud and annoying."
"I'm down for that." Nymeria nodded. "He doesn't have good sportsmanship." She pouted.
"And he says degrading things." Abby sighed.
"So it's settled then?" Beatrice asked the team. They all nodded. "I'll go tell Valnoir and Blaineley."
~Confessional~
Gabriella: Look I get that Winona over there wants to win it all, but she can't do that if she can't even do one simply physical challenge. Plus she looks rich already so why bother? Experience, maybe?
Beatrice: I may not be able to predict the outcome, but I can tell our team will do well in this game. Of that I am sure of.
Nymeria: This should be fun! The final round! Ooooh, I'm getting goosebumps already. I should get hyped up for this.
Keith: This had better be worth it. I still gotta check where that path leads and what secrets I can uncover. But what if the government knows and attached a TNT on my bed? *shakes a bit in paranoia*
~End Confessional~
The Black Knights gathered around to plan their line up and who to ban from the other team.
"Do we seriously need to ban any more?" Antoine asked exasperatedly. "They're all dumb!"
"Says you." Winona muttered.
"What was that!?" Antoine snapped as he glared at her.
"Hey back off. You have no right to talk to a lady that way." Jamie scolded.
"Oh yeah?" Antoine challenge.
"Yeah." Jamie glared at him, which made Antoine gulp for a bit.
"He faltered..." Gabriel snickered.
"S-Shut up dumbass!" Antoine retorted.
"Can we just focus on this please?" Silvia sighed.
"As much as I hate to say it, but Antoine is right." Eliza pointed out. "Who else should be banned?"
"Why not Jackie?" Kazuo said. "He didn't prove to be good at the game, but I kinda noticed he was pretty competitive."
"Yeah I noticed it too." Winona affirmed. "It's a different kind of competitiveness."
"Then we ban him...done.." Gabriel said. "Who's the next person?..."
"Got any input, Caleb?" Caitlyn asked the tinkerer.
"Hmm? Nothing." Caleb looked up at them for a bit before resuming his work.
"By the way, you're playing." Kazuo called out.
"Why him?" Caitlyn asked.
"I just feel like he has some hidden potential within him." Kazuo said with a grin. "I trust him."
"Wait, what?" Caleb looked up again and blinked.
"Anyways, let's go back on topic." Silvia said to the team.
"Let's ban Gabriella..." Gabriel said.
"Why her?" Winona asked.
"She's played in two rounds now...If she gets used to the challenge...she might help make the comeback they need..." Gabriel reasoned.
"Good point." Eliza nodded.
"Then we're all set?" Jamie asked them.
"Pretty much." Kazuo chuckled. "Let's go see the consequences of our bans."
"Um, okay?" Jamie tilted her head in confusion.
~Confessional~
Jamie: Kazuo is a bit weird, and his motives are pretty unusual too. But as long as he keeps on the right track for now, we won't have any problems.
Caleb: Hey wait a minute, why am I playing again?
Eliza: I saw Keith from the other team. Does this mean he will join in this round? Because he better be! I'll get my revenge!
~End Confessional~
Blaineley cleared her throat. "That's enough planning. So state your bans!"
"We ban Antoine and Winona!" Nymeria exclaimed.
"And we will ban Jackie and Gabriella." Kazuo said.
"Good choice." Valnoir smirked. "Well except for the people the White Stallions banned."
"We didn't have a choice okay?" Alysson pouted.
"We all have choices. You just wasted yours." Valnoir cackled. "No matter. Get to your positions!" He ordered.
Kieth, Nymeria, Quincey, Abby, and Alysson stood on the White Stallions' side of the court while Eliza, Jamie, Kazuo, Caitlyn, and Caleb stood on the Black Knights' side.
"So you finally decided to show up." Eliza snarled at Keith. "You got some nerve not playing in the last round."
"The government has plans to terrorize and enslave the rest of humanity, and I have to deal with the pride of this criminal wannabe?" Keith sighed and shook his head.
"What did you say!?" Eliza snapped.
"Ah, if only Antoine was playing." Kazuo mused. "This drama would be so much better."
"That's why he isn't." Nymeria pouted. "He's not a good team player. He should be voted out!"
"That's a good idea." Kazuo nodded. "Hey guys, on the off chance we lose, let's vote out Antoine." He laughed.
"That's great and all, but only one problem with it. We aren't gonna lose." Caitlyn said with conviction.
"We aren't going to roll over you know. We're gonna win this." Abby said with determination in her voice.
"Our strategy will thwart yours." Quincey said evenly as he readied himself to get a ball.
"Then clearly you haven't been paying attention to how I play." Jamie smirked as she readied herself as well.
"Oh, but I think I've done my research." Quincey countered with a small smile.
"So, um, hi there." Alysson tried to flirt with Caleb despite the tensions being high around them.
"Can we start now?" Caleb sighed. "I wanna get back to the thing I was doing."
"And what might that be?" Alysson said in a friendly tone.
"That's a secret. The other team has no right to know about it." Caleb said strictly.
"Everyone ready?" Blaineley asked.
"Are you blind? Can't you see they're raring to go?" Valnoir cackled. The co-host just glared at him. "Begin!"
Everyone went diving for a dodgeball. Eliza and Nymeria got theirs first and threw it at each other, with Eliza sidestepping in the nick of time to dodge Nymeria's throw. Nymeria, however, was able to bend back to make Eliza's throw just whizz past her overhead.
"Not bad." Eliza smirked.
"You too." Nymeria smirked back and prepared herself again.
By this point, Quincey, Keith, Jamie, and Kazuo have each gotten their own ball and were about to throw it at each other.
"I wonder if these balls are drones by the government?" Keith said in a paranoid voice as his hands were shaking while clutching the ball.
"Not now, boy." Quincey interrupted as he threw a ball at Jamie with precise accuracy, hitting her in the chest before she could react by throwing hers.
"Ow!" Jamie pouted. "Right in the heart too. That's a good shot."
"Thank you, milady." Quincey bowed to dodge Kazuo's overhead throw.
"Hey that's a pretty cool transition." Kazuo complimented.
"Don't forget about me!" Alysson exclaimed as he threw a ball at Kazuo, who caught it easily and threw it back at him, taking him out. "What?" He blinked.
"Don't announce yourself like that!" Keith scolded. He suddenly threw his ball at an unsuspecting Caleb, who was just about to throw his ball to Abby.
"Hey!" Caleb frowned. "Fine, it's whatever." He and Alysson left the court.
Caitlyn proceeded to pick up Caleb's fallen ball and throw it at Abby, who caught it while moving back.
"Hah!" Abby cheered and pointed at Jeanette. The other girl smiled politely and joined her team on the field.
"Very well done, Abby." Jeanette complimented and picked up a ball.
"This is bad." Caitlyn muttered.
"Not yet!" Eliza exclaimed and picked up a ball then threw it at Keith. The other boy already had another ball in his hand and threw it at her as well. Both balls collided and bounced back at their respective throwers, knocking them both back hard.
"Gahh!" Keith said in pain as he got up.
"Does that count?" Nymeria tilted her head.
"Nope." Valnoir shook his head. "They're both still in this."
"But they got hit." Caitlyn said.
"By their own balls." Valnoir said. "That doesn't count."
"Ugh...I can still win this." Eliza said as she got up and picked up another ball.
"Good because we only have three members left." Kazuo reminded her. Just then, a ball hit him in the face thrown by Nymeria.
"Got you!" Nymeria giggled.
"Aw, but I wasn't done experimenting." Kazuo frowned and left the court.
"Only two of you left." Keith remarked as he picked up another ball and aimed to throw.
"Don't act so snide." Eliza scoffed. She picked up a ball and prepared herself as well.
"Heads up!" Nymeria exclaimed and threw the ball at Caitlyn.
"I got it!" Caitlyn held out her hands and caught the ball safely. She then had to duck as Quincey threw a ball at her. Retaliating, she threw the ball she caught and hit Quincey where the sun doesn't shine.
"Eep..." Quincey said meekly and softly.
"Ouch, that's gotta hurt." Blaineley remarked.
"Well it seems to work because Quincey is out and the Black Knights can send someone in again." Valnoir announced.
Gabriel entered the field and sighed to himself before picking up a ball.
"I really have no love for this game..." Gabriel shook his head.
"Let's see if your arrogance can save you." Eliza said as she threw the ball at Keith's chest. The boy managed to side step and throw his own ball at her, but she caught it in midair. "Got you." She smirked.
"Damn it was a bait." Keith cursed to himself.
Silvia grinned as she wore her helmet and joined the fray on the Black Knights' side.
"Be careful." Jeanette told her team. "And throw decisively. They will keep bringing up people at this-" She got interrupted when Gabriel threw a ball at her shoulder. "Excuse me!?" She demanded.
"Keep talking and you lose..." Gabriel said simply. "Now get out..."
"This is getting bad." Abby frowned.
"Just focusing on catching the balls." Jeanette called out from the sidelines.
"Got it." The soccer team manager said and psyched herself up.
"And I'll take them out one by one." Keith said.
"Bold words..." Silvia remarked. She immediately threw her ball at Keith, who dodged it with ease. He then gasped a bit and tripped over himself while trying to dodge Caitlyn's throw.
"Almost had him." Caitlyn grunted. She suddenly got hit in the hip by a ball thrown by Abby.
"Well I got you." Abby smirked. Caitlyn frowned and joined the rest of her team in the bleachers.
"This is getting intense now." Nymeria exclaimed as she hopped up and down excitedly.
"Focus, Nymeria. We've almost won." Abby told her.
"No, we've almost won." Eliza countered as she picked up another ball. She threw it at Keith again but this time Nymeria caught it.
"I got it!" She exclaimed. "Ow!" She got hit in the side by Gabriel's ball.
"And you're out..." Gabriel grinned a bit.
The White Stallions called in Beatrice to the court and she obliged.
"Three members for each team." Valnoir announced.
"It's a tight match." Blaineley remarked.
"But one mistake can make or break the match." Valnoir cackled.
"Hah!" Abby threw a ball at Silvia, but the other girl managed to narrowly avoid it.
"Whoa." The stormtrooper gasped as she fell down.
"And done." Beatrice said softly as she threw down her ball and hit the defenseless Silvia.
"How useless..." Gabriel rolled his eyes and threw his ball at Beatrice, hitting her forehead and knocking her back.
"Ow..." Beatrice moaned in pain.
"Hey you didn't have to throw it so hard." Abby glared at him.
"If I didn't...then it would be a slow ball..." Gabriel argued back.
"And we don't do slow balls!" Eliza exclaimed and threw her ball at Abby. Keith moved to catch it but it was too fast and the soccer manager was eliminated.
"Damn it." Keith cursed as Abby left the court.
"Guess it's only you left..." Gabriel sighed. "You really seem to be the team's strongest player..."
"Hey you lasted long in the last challenge too." Keith countered.
"Yes but I know my limits..." Gabriel said and picked up a ball.
"Enough talk. Let's end this." Eliza said as she picked up a ball.
"Hmph, the sooner I'm done with you the sooner I can get back to more important matters." Keith threw his ball at Eliza and rolled to the side to avoid Gabriel's sudden throw at him.
"Missed!" Eliza sidestepped and threw her ball downwards at his legs. Keith recovered and grabbed a ball in time, using it to deflect Eliza's throw. He then used the same ball to throw it at her, catching her in the chin. "Gah!"
"One last." Keith said to himself and picked up another ball. Gabriel moved back a bit before picking up a ball of his own.
"Don't think it'll be like last time..." Gabriel narrowed his eyes at him.
"You can do it, Keith!" Nymeria cheered from the sidelines.
"Knock him out!" Abby added.
"What, aren't your government superiors gonna cheer for you?" Keith smirked.
"Seriously?..." Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
"Hurry up and win so I can take a good picture of our second victory." Caitlyn urged as she got her camera ready.
"Hurry up and lose so we can eliminate someone!" Kazuo exclaimed. His team looked at him weirdly. "What?"
Gabriel readied to throw and so did Keith. Both boys threw their balls at the same time then made an effort to avoid the opposition's throw.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...It was Gabriel who got hit in the arm while Keith managed to narrowly avoid the ball.
"It seems we won." Beatrice gave a smile.
"Hell yeah!" Jackie exclaimed. "In your face, losers!" He laughed at the other team.
"Sheesh, too competitive." Jamie shook her head as Gabriel joined the team again.
"Those bragging rights mean nothing!" Antoine retorted to the other team.
"Silence!" Valnoir said as the two hosts approached them. "The White Stallions have won today's challenge."
"That means the Black Knights will face elimination tonight." Blaineley smirked. "Have fun deciding who to vote out."
"We will." Kazuo grinned with a wave as the hosts walked away.
~Confessional~
Gabriel: The time has come for us to vote again...I wonder...
Jeanette: We won this challenge, which will give me more time to analyze and understand the people around me. As for the other team, I have a fairly good guess who they'll be taking out.
Keith: Good we won, can I go now?
Eliza: *she banged her fist on the side of the confessional booth* Dammit! Again! I swear, next challenge will be different!
~End Confessional~
(Black Knights)
The team gathered outside of the challenge area to discuss about the votes before the ceremony.
"So it's time to vote huh." Silvia started.
"It's sad that it has to be this way." Winona frowned.
"But it is so get over it." Antoine rolled his eyes.
"You know, your attitude is really giving me a headache." Caitlyn pointed out.
"Agreed..." Gabriel glared at him. "It's hard to think with you around..."
"Shut up! You don't have to think because you're dumb." Antoine retorted.
"I for one think that Gabriel is way smarter than that guy." Caleb raised his hand.
"I have a name you know." Antoine scoffed.
"Which is not worth mentioning." Kazuo laughed.
"Oooh. Burn!" Eliza laughed as well. They both high-fived.
"I think we really should eliminate Antoine." Jamie agreed with the rest.
"You too? I thought you were a tad bit smarter." Antoine exclaimed.
"Look you're just so annoying!" Silvia snapped. "You never work together with the team or follow orders."
"Not to mention you're pretty much useless." Caitlyn added with a snicker.
"Screw you all." Antoine glared and walked away. "You'll see that you need me someday!"
The team began to disperse and socialize after that, as there are a few minutes before the ceremony starts. Eliza approached Kazuo who seemed to be observing a couple of leaves fall down from a tree.
"Hey." Eliza greeted. "Got something on your mind?"
"I do." Kazuo affirmed. "What's your cup size?"
"D cup. Why?" Eliza said nonchalantly.
"No particular reason. Just wanted to see your reaction." Kazuo chuckled. "Most girls would freak out, cover their chest, and leave."
"Well I'm not like most girls." Eliza smirked proudly. "I'm not ashamed of my body either."
"That's nice." Kazuo grinned. "I now know these things because I asked you that question. That's the butterfly effect in, well, effect."
"So you get info by just being random at it?" Eliza said in am amused tone.
"Not just info. Consequences." Kazuo clarified. He caught a falling leaf in his hand and observed it. "Take this leaf for example. I wonder what would happen if I crushed it into tiny pieces." He proceeded to do just that and the remains of it were still in his hand.
"Hmm?" Eliza tilted her head curiously.
"Maybe the intern in charge of cleaning this up would have a slightly harder time making it spotless." Kazuo scattered the pieces and it got carried away by the wind. "All because tiny pieces ruin the aesthetics."
"So you're saying that these consequences can affect a person's life in a minor way?" Eliza asked.
"Not just minor. Could be major too." Kazuo explained. "I wouldn't know. And that's the beauty of the butterfly effect."
"Mind if I join in on this too?" Eliza smirked.
"Sure thing, if you can keep up." Kazuo chuckled.
Meanwhile, Silvia caught up to Jamie as the police officer was already heading to the elimination site.
"Wait up, Jamie." Silvia called out. "I just wanna ask you something."
"Yeah?" Jamie stopped and turned to face the cosplayer.
"I just wanna talk about any upcoming eliminations we may have." Silvia said.
"Really? Isn't talking about tonight's vote enough?" Jamie frowned.
"Well we aren't always going to win." Silvia pointed out. "Might as well be prepared."
"That's true." Jamie conceded. "So who did you have in mind?"
"I was thinking Winona." Silvia said.
"Why her? She didn't do anything." Jamie said.
"And that's the point. She barely does anything in challenges. Always worried about her clothes." Silvia explained. "At least try to think about it."
"Well you do have a point in that, but I'm not so sure." Jamie said. "Why not vote off people like Kazuo? He's been pretty random at most times. It's dangerous for our team."
"Yeah but he performs well in challenges." Silvia pointed out.
"When you put it that way..." Jamie considered it.
"Just about it for now. Of course we're voting for Antoine tonight." Silvia said as she went ahead of the other girl.
~Confessional~
Jamie: I guess when I think about it more, Winona does seem useless in challenges. But she looks so nice, I can't bring myself to vote her out. I wish my brother was here, he's more logical and would do it in a heartbeat. *she sighs*
Silvia: I'm just telling everyone how it is to prevent confusion as the game goes on. Tom going home first was a shock for me, and even more shocking was that the votes were split. I wanna make sure that doesn't happen again.
~End Confessional~
Caleb arrived at the elimination site while tinkerer with some parts then saw Gabriel already seated. The other boy was holding his golden bracelet on his arm and stroking it absent-mindedly.
"Don't mind me." Caleb said as he sat down beside him.
"Mmmm..." Was all Gabriel said as he stared blankly at the campfire in front of there. The two boys waited in silence until they heard Winona arrive.
"Oh my, those brambles nearly caught the hem of my dress." She remarked as she sat down beside Gabriel. "Oh hello boys. Wanna chat for a bit?"
"Nope." Caleb said without looking at her.
"Talk?...Talk about what?.." Gabriel asked without taking his eyes off the campfire.
"About anything except the votes tonight." Winona giggled. "I wanna get to know you guys. We are in a team after all."
"Well I like tinkering with stuff." Caleb said as he still kept on working.
"I can see that." Winona remarked as she saw what he was doing. "I can tell you're really focused when it comes to it."
"This is my hobby, so it's only natural." Caleb shrugged.
"And what about you, Gabriel?" Winona turned to the other boy.
"I just like being an introvert..." Gabriel said softly. "That's why I wish it was over already...so we can get back to the cabin..."
"Oh, is that so?" Winona thought for a bit. "Well for me I think it's pretty obvious that I love fashion. I love shopping and designer clothes. Oh and I also like to help people out whenever they got social problems."
"Well we don't have social problems, so why talk to us?" Caleb asked.
"Actually...I can see why..." Gabriel turned to face Winona. "We don't talk with the others much...so you think there's a problem with our social skill..."
"I wouldn't put it that bluntly." Winona pouted. "I just wanna help out and see if everything is alright with you guys."
"It is..." Gabriel said. "For now..."
"For now?" Winona repeated.
"This team isn't at its...best potential yet..." Gabriel explained. "And even if-"
"Oh wait wait wait, pose right there Winona!" Caitlyn exclaimed as she came into view while holding her camera. "The campfire is a great background for this shot." She said before taking pictures of Winona as the other girl posed a bit.
"And this is what I mean..." Gabriel sighed to himself.
~Confessional~
Gabriel: This team is distracted...that's one thing I'm sure of. And there are those whose priorities aren't...even straight. Unless we deal with that...then our chances of winning challenges will always be slim..
Caleb: Those girls are getting noisy. I just want this thing to be done before the next challenge starts so I'll be better prepared.
Winona: Gabriel and Caleb may not be too social, but I don't think they're bad people. Antoine just has a nasty attitude and I would help him but he's pushing people away.
Caitlyn: I actually listened in on what they were talking about. So Winona is that kind of person, huh?
~End Confessional~
(Elimination Ceremony)
Valnoir and Blaineley stood in front of the gathered Black Knights, who sit in the stumps serving as their chairs.
"Welcome once again, Black Knights, to your elimination ceremony." Valnoir smirked. "Guess that one win couldn't carry your momentum."
"These people are just dumb." Antoine scoffed.
"You did nothing out there." Eliza rolled her eyes.
"I played!" Antoine exclaimed exasperatedly.
"And you were horrible...period.." Gabriel glared at him. "Can we just get this over with?..."
"Sure thing, Gabriel. I want my beauty sleep." Blaineley yawned. "So we all know how this goes. I call your name, it means you get a vote. Most votes mean you're out."
"This should be an easy night." Kazuo grinned as he relaxed a bit.
"First vote goes to everybody dumber than Antoine." Blaineley read aloud with a raised eyebrow.
"Wow, such desperate attempts." Caitlyn rolled her eyes.
"Screw you." Antoine groaned.
"Next vote goes to Antoine." Blaineley read. "So says the third and fourth vote." She then skimmed through the other votes. "Actually, all these other votes go to Antoine."
"See? Easy night." Kazuo laughed.
"Guess there was no need for drama tonight." Valnoir sighed. "That's what you get for being so boring, Antoine."
"Hey, Caleb is more boring!" Antoine retorted. "Just look at him!" They all looked at Caleb who was minding his own business.
"Don't bring him into this." Winona frowned.
"And you have the right to remain silent." Jamie added in.
"This island has no laws!" Antoine exclaimed.
"It does. Mine." Valnoir stepped up and dragged Antoine along the dock. "And my laws state that whoever gets the most votes should leave the island and never come back." He tossed him in the yacht.
"He's pretty strong." Eliza remarked.
"Maybe they decided to get a strong host so Chef wouldn't be needed." Silvia giggled.
"I heard that." Valnoir called out. "And you're correct." He cackled a bit.
"And with an unanimous decision, Antoine is out." Blaineley shrugged. "Never liked that guy anyway."
"I'm surprised he wasn't the first boot." Caitlyn remarked.
The team stood up and leave without paying any mind to Antoine's protests as he was sailed away on the yacht. Valnoir rejoined Blaineley on the elimination site to give the conclusion.
"But the bigger picture is if the Black Knights will ever make a comeback from this." Valnoir grinned to the camera.
"Or perhaps the White Stallions will ride this momentum onwards." Blaineley said.
"And as for the campers, are they even bothered that currently only boys are getting eliminated?" Valnoir chuckled.
"I'm pretty sure Alysson is bothered. She doesn't have a bed." Blaineley pointed out.
"Not my problem." Valnoir shrugged then winked at the camera when Blaineley wasn't looking. "What's Eliza's interest in Jamie?"
"What is Keith trying to find out and will he ever succeed?" Blaineley chimed in.
"And will the Black Knights get better now that Antoine has been eliminated?" Valnoir asked. "Well granted, we all know the answer to that but still. Find out next time on Total..."
"Drama..." Blaineley said.
"Forgotten Island!" They finished in unison.
~Votes~
Antoine: I vote for everyone else! Screw them! They're dumber than me! I can handle this team all by myself.
Kazuo: I'll go with the mainstream and vote for Antoine. But unlike the rest, it's nothing personal. *he chuckles*
Eliza: Antoine needs to go. It's like voting off a pebble, nobody will notice the difference.
Winona: Antoine is a difficult person to approach and hold a conversation with. And for that, I have no choice but to vote for him. I'm sorry.
Silvia: I vote for Antoine. Seriously, he's not even a team player and he sucked at the challenge. Well I did too but at least nobody hates me.
Jamie: My vote goes to Antoine. Why does he have to be such a mean person? It's like he's part of a gang or something.
Caleb: Of course I vote for Antoine. The sooner he leaves, the sooner I can peacefully focus on my work.
Gabriel: I vote...for Antoine. Need I say any more?...
Caitlyn: Antoine is so horrible that any pictures taken with him becomes horrible too. Except for that one time where he had this shocked face, yeah that's still priceless. *she giggles*
~Eliminated~
20th place: Tom - The Host's Pet
19th place: Daniel - The Crow Whisperer
18th place: Antoine - The False Brainiac
Finally, I got rid of Antoine. Well anyways, he was always going to be an early boot. I'm sure some of you can compare him to other annoying cast members in my other story, and I won't blame you for thinking he's gonna get far with that attitude. But here he is in 18th place. He truly was meant to be fodder for the Black Knights, but I felt that he was destined to stay longer than Tom. I hope nobody misses him, because I know I won't. Until next time! XBloodLegendX
