~A/N~ The reaction to my Playa episode was better than expected, but I've still got some kinks to work out. Expect another one of those every few episodes. I have two more planned for the season, so don't worry about getting sick of them.
Anyways, I've been looking forward to this episode for a while. The challenge, or at least one of them, is something I've wanted to see in TD for a long time, and there couldn't be a better time and place in the game to do it. As for what it is, Survivor fanatics might be able to guess what challenge I'm referring to by just looking at the title, but anyone who isn't familiar with the idea should still have fun with this.
Also, we just hit 75 reviews! That's amazing! It warms my cold, dead heart to see a story of mine hit such a high mark so early in its life. Let's try and hit that 100 mark by the next chapter if possible. I think we can do it!
Without further ado, enjoy!
Episode 7: Sneers & Loathing In Las Vegas
"Last time on Total Drama World Tour: Round Trip, we dropped the fortunate fifteen into the desolate Grand Canyon of Arizona to complete a nearly twenty mile hike through the canyon to reach the finish line. Team Evil kept itself together, and with a non-stop trek through the night, claimed their first class victory. Team Vengeance overslept, but thanks to Owen's toxic fumes, Jasmine took the dive both from the zipline and from the plane, leaving Jo in control of Team HP and Geoff on the bottom. Will Jo reign, or will Geoff manage to avenge his friend? Will Team Evil implode for good? Can Team Vengeance finally win first class?! Find out all the answers, here on Total Drama... World Tour... Round Trip!"
(The theme song plays)
Team Vengeance sat in Economy yet again. Rodney was still shooting glances of anger towards Scott and those of adoration towards Courtney. The CIT ignored both and laid down on the bench.
Eva and Dave sat opposite of the trio of lovers and just sat there, bored out of their minds and showing no emotion.
"This sucks," Courtney sighed, closing her eyes and letting her hair run off the edge. "We've yet to win one challenge."
"Hey, at least we've only lost one person," Scott argued. "Better than losing two."
"True," she replied. "But we need to get into first class soon."
"Yeah," Dave said. "This place is cool and all, but the possibility of getting sick doesn't interest me. We need to pull out a miracle though."
"But how?" Eva asked with a stubborn grunt. "We have me, you gingers, and CIT over here. That's four strong players in some way. We should be winning more."
"Hey, what about me?!" Dave whined.
Eva just gave Dave a look that said "Really?"
Confessional
Eva cracks her knuckles. "Look, I feel sorry for him. He's broken and pathetic, but I have to be honest and say he's worthless. Even Noah would have some brains to give."
(Static)
"It's not fair," Dave says while sulking in his seat. "Why isn't the voice of reason ever valued?"
End Confessional
Geoff sat behind some boxes in the cargo hold, twirling Jasmine's hat around his hand. He heard footsteps and looked up to see Sky.
"We need to talk," she said, peeking over to make sure they were alone. "Now."
"Sure, man. Lay it on me," Geoff said, lacking his usual enthusiasm.
"Well, I know it's nothing new, but we need to band together and take back our team from those traitors. Lightning and Jo especially."
"No, just Jo. Lightning just did what she forced him to do. The dude was totally coerced into it. Jo's the real mastermind, and she's going down, even though her plan was pretty boss."
"It was unethical," Sky hissed. "Lying to someone behind their back is wrong."
Geoff raised an eyebrow.
"What?" Sky gasped. "Is this about what happened last season? For the last time, he didn't want to hear the but."
"And you tried to tell him... how many times?"
"Well, twice, but he didn't care, so why even try?"
"But you kissed the dude and cheated on your guy back home. Seems pretty wrong to me."
Sky looked over the boxes again. "Okay, but he tried to kill me."
"As part of a challenge, dude."
"He was creepy and obsessed."
"True, but you led him on and left him to die."
"No! I-"
"What are you two clowns, doing?" came a voice from above.
The pair looked up to see Jo standing with a suspicious pout on her mug.
"Just talking," Sky said.
"Right," Jo laughed. "I know you two have an alliance. With Fe-Dora the Explorer gone, you two have nowhere else to go. Dang! I should've used that one before she left!"
"Show some respect!" Geoff busted out. "She was a great leader."
Jo smirked. "And I'll be greater." She left and joined Lightning and Brick in their own group.
Confessional
Brick puts a hand over his heart. "Though it pains me to send Jasmine home like that, I'm here to win with strategy and tactical advances. If it means dealing with Jo's antics until the finale, then so be it. I mean, I don't want her to leave just yet." His cheeks turn pink.
(Static)
Lightning taps the window. "This game is in the hand of my palm... or something like that. Lightning has a plan to make sure he gets to the finale again, and Jo's in his way. Revenge is sha-sweet, Jo. Sweet like honey."
End Confessional
Scarlett and Izzy hit the snack bar. The genius picked out a slice of cake and sat down to eat while Izzy watched her eat every bite.
"What?"
"Nothing," Izzy giggled. "You just eat really weird."
"How so?" Scarlett said, narrowing her eyes.
"You hold the fork wrong," she replied, pointing to Scarlett's hand. She had the fork positioned at the very tip of her fingers and upside down too.
"It's perfectly normal... not that you'd understand a civilized manner."
Izzy ignored her and slammed her face into the cake, splattering it all over the girls.
Scarlett stood up and stormed off into the bathroom with Izzy behind her, licking the icing off her teammate's shoulder.
Owen and Noah chuckled from their reclined seats.
"Some team, huh?" Noah rolled his eyes playfully. "They're so crazy it's hilarious."
"Yeah," Owen snorted. "But I don't know if getting back with Izzy is a good idea. She's just so... violent."
"Your call, buddy." Noah shrugged and grabbed his book.
"I think it's over for both of us, but maybe you could date her instead?"
"Sorry," Noah scoffed. "I'm deathly allergic to nuts."
Owen scratched his head. "But... Izzy's a girl."
Noah facepalmed. "That's how you took the joke? Really? Not as actual nuts or a nuthouse? Y'know, you killed it big time, dude. Forget it."
"Sorry," Owen chuckled. "You still up for it though?"
Confessional
Noah rolls his eyes. "Izzy's crazy and hilarious, but annoying. Plus, I don't date crazy, kooky, murderous, masculine, feminine, or anyone. Yep, I'm forever single. It's totally a living hell like everyone says."
End Confessional
Scarlett emerged from the bathroom with a cleaner outfit as if magic had erased the mess of cake. Without warning, the plane shook and she fell into the cake again.
"Attention, fruitcakes!" came Chef over the PA. "Strap in for landing. Now!"
"Landing?! Already?" Noah asked in disbelief.
"Short trip, I guess," Owen shrugged. "Maybe we landed in Mexico or something."
"Not likely," Scarlett smirked, looking out the window.
The plane landed and the cast dropped out the door to hit a hot runway as the sun set. A few stars were already in the sky, but we're obscured by the blazing lights in the distance.
"Uh... Where are we now?" Scott asked. "We barely moved!"
"True," Chris said. "But this is no Grand Canyon. Today is..." The host flipped off his regular attire to reveal a suave, teal suit and wicked shades. "Vegas baby!"
"I've always wanted to hit the slots," Izzy squealed. "Score some dough!"
"Gambling?" Jo asked with a raised brow. "Aren't we, like, sixteen?"
"Yeah, but when is the law involved in this show?" Noah snorted, trying to make a joke.
"It's always involved," Chris said. "That's why you're not gambling this time. We have a new past time for you to enjoy."
"Ninja Warrior?!" Sky gasped with wide eyes and a wider grin.
"Maybe."
"Skateboarding championship?!" came Geoff.
"Possibly."
"Singing competition?!" Courtney gasped.
"Could happen."
"Just tell us," Lightning growled.
"What? You don't like surprises?"
"Not on this program," Scarlett said, rolling her eyes.
"Fair. Anyways, I ordered a stretch limousine to take us into the city. It should be arriving in five... four... three... two... one... and..."
On cue, a black limo raced into the runway and the doors swung open.
"Now boarding, hehe," Chris said, ending with a chuckle.
Confessional
Dave leans back against the door with his hands in the air. "As if Chris would just order us all a limo. I know I shouldn't get it... but watching my feet tumble for miles sounds terrible!"
(Static)
Rodney smirks. "Vegas should be a piece of pie. I've been lucky with chicks all my life, so coming to sin city is like a dream come true. I just hope Courtney won't be jealous if the girls assault me with their charms."
End Confessional
Scott, Noah, and Rodney took their seats in that order, putting the bookworm between the pushy redneck rivals. Behind them were Geoff, Sky, and Owen, followed by Scarlett, Izzy, and Jo. Lightning, Brick, and Dave rounded out the next row of seats, while Eva and Courtney were forced into the back row.
The limo took off into the desert, passing several signs with scantily clad women on them.
Izzy bugged Scarlett by yanking on her shoulder. "Hey, look! Bikini babes! Scarlett, look!"
"I. Saw." Scarlett shuddered with disgust.
"You're messed up in the head," Jo said. "Just stick to the recommended dose, nut-house."
Rodney and Scott took turns poking each other from across the seats, annoying Noah to no end as he sat with a dull, emotionless face in the middle.
Courtney turned to Eva. "Hey, quick question. How safe do you feel?"
"And why is that something you need to know?" Eva growled from deep within her throat.
"I'm just wondering if you feel on the outs with the team, because we could use you in the alliance if we boot Rodney next. No joke. He's strong physically, but the brain of a gnat."
"Why not boot Scott and Dave? They're pointless."
"So you are in?" Courtney asked slyly.
"I'm not in. I'm just always watching. You, Dave, and Rodney have something."
"Well... Yeah, but we don't need Rodney when you're in on the final three deal."
"Final three? Sounds cool."
"So, you're in?"
Eva gave it a quick thought. "Deal."
Confessional
Courtney smirks. "Easy peasy. Right now, Rodney is more of a liability. Sure, he'll blindly follow me, but he's gonna blow our plans if his in. At least Eva's a target over me in case we lose. Win-win."
(Static)
"As if I trust her," Eva snarls, rolling her eyes. "I'm just in it to stay safe until the merge. Once that hits... You'll see..."
End Confessional
The limousine rolled into the glow of blinding neon. Every corner was occupied by some attraction, whether it be a casino, theater, hotel, restaurant, or scantily clad woman.
"Yep, every bit as trashy as I expected it to be," Dave sighed.
Owen was caught staring at the girls on the street and chuckled with embarrassment when Sky snapped up his ear.
Brick rolled down the window and squinted to block the lights. "Wow. I could just keep riding all night. It's beautiful."
The vehicle freaked to a stop and the remaining players crawled over each other to escape what Owen was turning into a death trap of odors. Upon hitting the pavement they were greeted by the sight of a tall building, curved at an obtuse angle at the center. To the left was a tall clock tower and behind both was another tall building with three sections.
"Welcome to the largest hotel in the world!" Chris exclaimed, tipping his hat. "This is the Venetian and Palazzo Complex, holding over 7000 rooms and suites and a five-diamond rating."
"It's just so... fancy," Courtney gasped in awe. "Are we actually staying here?"
"Please!" came Dave on the verge of tears. "I need this so much."
Noah shrugged. "I'm up for it."
"Keep your jimmies unrustled. You're not staying here... You're winning your right to stay here," Chris said. "But you are preforming today's challenges here, and trust me. You'll have fun."
"We didn't even get any food this morning," Owen sobbed. "How is this fun?!"
"Oh, there will be food," Chris said with a smirk. "It just takes a little luck and blind ambition."
Confessional
"I've never been one for fancy hotels," Brick says. "I'm more of a 'roughing it' guy, y'know."
(Static)
Lightning fawns like a fangirl at a boy band concert. "Oooohhhh! Lightning needs this! He doesn't just want it; he needs it!"
End Confessional
The teams entered the lobby. The floors were designed with polygons of red, yellow, and black that made the tiles look like cubes, stretching all the way down the hall. A fountain crowned with a sphere of golden rings stood front and center to the main hall, which was curved at the top and decorated with Italian themed religious paintings as far as the eye could see. Golden pillars stood stout on both sides of the hall, watching the teens pass under their shadows.
"This place must cost a fortune," Sky speculated. "Even my future Olympic winnings couldn't buy this place."
"Keep dreaming," Lightning shorted.
Sky just stared at Lightning with venom in her eyes as the jock ignored her.
Confessional
Jo smirks. "I see Ms. Olympics and Jockstrap are back at it. Nice to know."
End Confessional
The teens walked through endless hallways and staircases until they reached a set of doors, overcast by lights and golden sheen. Chris opened the doors and led the group into a massive theater. Seats covered every inch of space not occupied by the stage, which was adorned with lights and decor ripped out of Venice itself. Sets of lights flickered on down the aisle until the stage lit up with a rainbow of gold and red.
"So where's the food?" Owen asked as the others basked in the glory of the sight in front of them.
Noah let out a small chuckle. "Who else but Owen?"
"There will be food later," Chris said. "I swear on it. As for the challenge, it's a Total Drama classic: a talent competition! Backstage, you'll find whatever props you'll use to show off your wicked skills. The only rule is to keep it age appropriate. No nudity or anything like that."
Izzy snapped her fingers in bitter disappointment.
"Chef, myself, and special guest will judge your performances on a 1 to 10 scale. The team with the highest average point total wins immunity and a night in the Palazzo while the team with the lowest score votes someone off. But here's the catch: you'll be performing individual talents one by one, so try and stay away from copy-catting someone."
"And the foods?!" came you-know-who.
"I was getting to that, Owen, but because you've asked so much, I'm keeping my lips shut."
Owen broke down crying on Noah's shoulder where he was comforted by his friend.
"You have one hour to prepare. After that, it's show time. As you do what you do, I'll be in the casino checking out the slots with Chef. Good luck. You'll need it."
Chris left and the teams dashed backstage to find a maze of clothes and props of every texture, size, shape, and color imaginable.
Confessional
Sky rubs her chin. "Last time... I did a burping act. This time, I have no clue."
(Static)
Owen rubs his hands together and leans forward with a grin on his face. "Oh, this'll be awesome."
(Static)
Courtney smirks. "Finally. A competition where I can perform my solo on the violin... They have one here, right?"
(Static)
Rodney scratches his scalp. "I wonder... Does charming girls count as a talent?"
(Static)
Geoff sighs. "I bet Jasmine would've loved this one." He finally smiles. "But she's gone, so I need to step it up and score big, man. I can do this!"
(Static)
Noah scowls. "Every talent show I've been in, I've lost. Apparently my lack of singing skills, guitar playing ability, and whiteness just isn't enough in this biz."
End Confessional
While Team Horsepower and Team Vengeance split up to find their props and brainstorm, Team Evil stayed together at first to discuss the challenge.
"So," Scarlett began adjusting her glasses. "Who here already knows what they'll be doing?"
Owen raised his hand. "Oh, oh, I know. I can burp the alphabet!"
"No," Scarlett nodded. "Any other ideas?"
"Let him do it," Noah said. "Trust me. Chris will love it."
"But that's not a talent," Scarlett argued. "It's just disgusting."
"I can light myself on fire," Izzy suggested.
Her team's eyes went wide and they backed away.
"What? Come on! It'll be cool!"
Courtney ran straight to a collection of instruments and grabbed a violin from its case. She tuned the strings and played a quick tune.
"Nice," came Scott, who was dragging a giant piece of wood behind him.
"Thank you. I've been playing for years. Last time, my violin broke and so did my head. This time, I finally get to play."
"Cool, but can we talk?"
Courtney shied away. "Uh, sure."
"Well, I just want know if you, uh, still..."
"No, Scott. We're done. Done."
"You sure? I mean, I'm willing to forgive and forget if-"
"It's not happening," Courtney sighed, crossing her arms. "We just weren't working. Simple as that."
"Okay," mumbled a disappointed Scott. Suddenly, he leaned forward and pecked Courtney on the lips.
Courtney jumped back in surprise and blushed. Her anger soon took over and her arm sailed into Scott's chest.
"Ow! It was just a kiss."
"Yeah, I know."
"Okay, you don't want to be my boy, uh, girlfriend, but can we just be in an alliance and ditch Rodney?"
Courtney perked up and rolled her eyes to mask her feelings. "Sure. Yeah, whatever."
The two went their separate ways as Rodney watched from the nearby rack of clothes. A sneer formed on his otherwise kind face.
Confessional
Rodney bangs his fists on the table. "No! Scott must of brainwashed her into loving him again to get me voted off! I need a plan! Think, brain. Think."
End Confessional
Jo grabbed a piece of weight lifting equipment and dragged it out of the pile. Lightning showed up out of nowhere to grab it for himself.
"Lightning for the interception! Sha-score!"
"Oh, not again!" Jo roared, chasing him down.
Sky pulled three gymnastics bars across the ground, barely moving. Geoff pulled up along side her with a skateboard in hand and helped her pull.
"Thanks," she sighed in relief.
"No prob, yo. Just helping the team."
"Yeah, let's just hope we win. I know I'll be going home over you if Jo wants all the powerful players gone."
"Maybe we can flip one of them. Lightning?"
"No way. He's crazy."
"But he's a bro. Plus, he's been betrayed by Jo before."
"That's true, but what about Brick?"
"I don't think I've talked to him much. He and Jo are pretty tight though."
"Yeah," Sky groaned. "We're hosed."
"Yeah, but look at the bright side, Sky. There's still a chance, right?"
Sky shrugged.
Confessional
Sky sighs. "Coming out of a season as a finalist makes me a huge target. Geoff hasn't competed in five seasons. You tell me who's on the chopping block!"
End Confessional
Eva looked through piles of junk for anything that was hard, solid, and durable. A small hiss from within the clothes in front of her caused the bully to lift her head.
"Yo," whispered Izzy.
"What?" Eva whispered back.
"What do you mean what? What have you learned?"
"Oh, right. Well, I'm in what I think is an alliance with Courtney. Scott and Rodney are fighting over her like six year olds and it's really annoying. Dave, Courtney, and Rodney are in an alliance, but Rodney might go next in favor of me. Also, Dave's not that bad. Is that good enough?"
"Perfect. Thanks!" Izzy slinked back inside the clothes as Dave approached.
"Who were you talking to?"
"Myself," Eva said. "I do that sometimes."
"Cool," Dave said, his brow raised. "Uh... Have you seen any socks around here? Maybe some glue too?"
"Yeah, back by the entrance."
"Thanks, Eva. I have the best idea ever!"
"Riiiight..." Eva went back to searching and found a few thick blocks of wood. "Alright!"
Scarlett and Noah stood around waiting for the others to return with their props. The bookworm hadn't moved an inch while Scarlett had found a large blackboard which she had rolled by her side.
"Noah, may I ask what you intend to do on stage?"
"Sure, just let me spoil the surprise."
Scarlett mumbled to herself and slouched against the wall. "Well, I'm solving an impossible to solve equation, for your information."
"Oh, that'll get an audience."
"It should get us points, which in turn get us a win."
"Math: not my forte."
"I thought that was sports," Scarlett deadpanned.
"Meh. I can do math. I just don't care."
"You're pathetic."
"I know."
Suddenly, an alarm rang and Chris' voice boomed. "Attention performers! It's time to show us what you got! Please report to the stage immediately!"
Once all the teams had gathered, Chris and Chef, wearing a blue tuxedo and black tuxedo respectively, took their seats at the judging platform below the stage.
"Before we begin, I'd like to introduce today's special guest!" Chris exclaimed in his announcer voice. "He's a judge on Canada's most popular reality talent competition and host of his own game show! Give a round of applause to Yowie Scandal!"
A bald man with a tuft of hair on his chin ran down the aisle as cheers rained down from the speakers. The man was wearing all black, even his underwear. He high-fived Chris and took his seat.
"Hey, guys. Great to be here. You probably know me from 'What U Got?' The best reality talent show in Canada."
"No. Not really," quipped Noah.
"Oh, well, you should. I'm famous!" Yowie scolded the teen.
Chris settled the guest down. "Whoa there, bro. You'll have plenty of time to yell at them during the show." He turned his attention to the teens. "Team Evil, you will go first in any order you like."
The teams dashed off backstage and Owen appeared a few seconds later, holding a giant bottle of pop. "My name's Owen, and I'll be singing the ABCs, belch style."
"Disgusting," Yowie groaned. "Does anyone have a protective suit?! I hate germs!"
Confessional
Dave smiles. "I like the guy already."
End Confessional
"No," Chris sighed. "Proceed, Owen."
Owen nodded and took a massive swig of soda. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth. With a loud burp that rattled the stage, Owen dropped jaws.
"ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYandZEEEEDDDDD!"
Scarlett nearly collapsed off screen while Izzy and Owen were loving it.
Chris stood up and clapped, as did Chef and even Yowie.
"Brilliant!" Yowie shouted. "It was gross, but so captivating. It was weird and crazy, but talent at it's raw-est!"
"Agreed!" Chef said with a nod. "That's gonna be hard to beat."
Chris looked to the other judges. "Is it unanimous? Ten out of ten!"
Woo hoo!" Owen whooped, letting out another burp at the end.
Confessional
Scarlett's eye is twitching. "A ten? A TEN?!"
End Confessional
Scarlett stomped her way to center stage with her blackboard next to her. "Today, I'll be solving one of the hardest Chemistry balancing equations known to mankind. I thank you in advance for your time."
Scarlett proceeded to write the following equation:
KMnO4 + FeSO4 + H2SO4 = MnSO4 + K2SO4 + Fe2(SO4)3 + H2O
Within less than a minute, she had an answer, which she proudly said aloud.
"The correct answer is... 2 KMnO4 + 10 FeSO4 + 8 H2SO4 = 2 MnSO4 + K2SO4 + 5 Fe2(SO4)3 + 8 H2O. And yes, that is correct."
Chris let out a yawn. "Boring, too much math, blah blah blah."
Chef rolled his eyes. "You could've at least added something to make it fun, nerdette. Dental surgery was more entertaining."
"You had no flair," Yowie groaned. "It's a no from me."
"Two points!" Chris dictated.
Scarlett pushed the board over and cracked it in half, causing Chris to pull out his phone and put 911 on speed-dail.
Izzy walked out on stage covered in pillows, tied to her body with rope. She lugged a cannon behind her.
"Today I'll be shooting myself with an eight pound cannon ball! Watch and learn, peeps!"
Izzy lit the fuse and took a few steps back. She held her arms out wide and closed her eyes. The cannon fired and missed her completely, but a scream echoed from backstage.
"Why is it always the kiwis?!"
Izzy chuckled. "Hehe. Sorry, Owen!"
Chris shrugged. "Not bad. A failure, but I laughed."
"Yeah, it was pretty suspenseful," Chef agreed.
Yowie clapped. "This is what we're looking for! Bold new acts with room to grow and ways to up the ante."
"Seven points!" Chris said.
Izzy ran off stage and Noah took her place.
"Alright, Sir Sarcasm," Chris yawned. "What's your talent?"
Noah said nothing. He just stared at Chris with a dull, emotionless expression.
"Dude, I can't play games. Just tell us your talent."
...
"This isn't funny, man!"
...
"Gah! This is why I didn't want you back! But the fan girls just had to send those emails and now you're doing it again! Why are you so annoying?!"
...
"Answer me!"
"Meh. That was my talent."
"What?! That wasn't a talent! That was just you being annoying!"
Chef and Yowie chuckled as Chris went ballistic.
"Exactly. My talent is annoying people to get hilarious responses."
Chris thought about it and shrugged. "I'll give ya that. That is talent. Five points! All in agreement?"
The other judges nodded.
"Team Evil rounds it out with scores of 10, 7, 5, and 2, giving them an average score of 6! Team Horsepower is up next!"
Jo stepped up with a bench press set up. "I'll be benching 200 pounds with just my legs. Watch and learn, McLean."
Jo laid down on the flat stool and propped her feet under the pole. Using all her might, she pushed up, extending her legs straight and back down ten times until she gave out. When she stood up, her legs turned to jelly and she was forced to brace herself on the equipment.
"Now that's beastly," Chef said in admiration. "Best so far."
"Definitely," Chris agreed. "Yowie?"
"It was crazy!" exclaimed the guest host. "I live for acts that surprise me, and little lady, you surprised me."
Jo let out a snarl "Little?!"
Chris revealed Jo's score. "Ten points. Who's next?"
Lightning stepped on stage and flexed his muscles. "I'm Lightning, and today, I will share with you chumps my gorgeous muscles. Just look at how the sweat trickles down my hunky-dunky frame. See how each muscle is ripping through the skin. Bask in the general awesomeness of me!"
The judges were silent.
Backstage, Jo turned red with rage and hissed harshly to Brick. "He was supposed to do a magic act! What is he doing?!"
Lightning kissed his muscles one last time. "Let me hear it, host dudes. Gimme dat perfect score!"
"One point!" Chris groaned. "Next!"
Lightning froze and glared at Chris. "Hol' up, Chris. I think you got my score wrong."
"Nope. That sucked. Next!"
Lightning cursed his way off stage and passed by a terrified Geoff. The party boy offered a high-five and was left hanging.
"I'll be doing skateboarding tricks, dudes," said Geoff, now pretty confident. He stepped back and hopped on his board, letting inertia carry him forward. Using his back leg, he flipped into the air and grabbed his board, falling perfectly on the wheels. He then leaned back and balanced himself on the two back wheels as he spun around and around, finishing up with a flying kick and catching his board.
Chris clapped. "Pretty lackluster, but without ramps, that was sweet."
"Yeah," Chef chuckled. "Better than I could do."
Yowie's eyes bulged. "Loved. It."
"Eight points!"
Geoff pumped his fist. "Suh-weet!"
Confessional
Geoff laughs. "That was awesome, man. I can't believe I pulled those off!"
End Confessional
Brick stepped up and pulled out a microphone. "Today, I'll be performing a quick stand-up routine. Ahem... Why was the ear of corn promoted in the army?"
"Why?!" asked an intense Yowie.
"Because... he was a kernel!"
Chris and Chef raised their brows while Yowie yowled like a hyena.
"Thank you, thank you, but why did the chicken cross the US/Canada border?"
Yowie whispered to the other hosts. "Oh my God, I think this is gonna be good!"
"To dodge the draft!"
"HAHAHAHAHAHAhaahahaaaaa!"
"What did the army couple put on their invitation? Something old, something new-k! Get it? As in nuke?"
"DON'T STOP! HAHAHAHA!"
"Why-"
"That's enough, Brick," Chris said, putting a hand up to stop the cadet. "Five points, and only to shut Yowie up."
"Come on! That was golden!" Yowie begged. "Give the man a ten!"
"No. Next!"
Confessional
Brick shrugs. "I guess my jokes just weren't for him. Still, I put a lot of work into those."
End Confessional
Sky was last on stage for her team and performed a boring series of gymnastics on sets of bars. A few flips here and there, a couple cartwheels, some handstanding, and amazing dexterity earned her a seven out of ten.
"And that's it for Team Horsepower," Chris announced. "With an average score of... 6.2, Team Horsepower takes the lead by a fifth of a point. Let's see if Team Vengeance can steal the win."
Confessional
Courtney scoffs and smiles. "My act will blow them all away. As a violinist with six years under her belt in the school orchestra, my chances of winning are through the roof."
End Confessional
Scott walked out on stage first, dragging a heavy object covered with a sheet behind him. He stopped and wiped off the sweat.
"Feast your eyes on this piece of art!"
Scott yanked the white cover off to reveal a four foot tall Chris head resembling a massive immunity idol.
Chris was beaming with joy while Chef and Yowie just sat in confusion.
Scott pulled out a knife. "Used this baby to whittle away for an hour. Pretty sick, eh?"
"Tell me about it!" Chris giggled. "So much... me. Ten points!" He turned to his co-judges. "No objections."
Scott smirked and dragged his head backstage while Rodney walked out, sweating profusely.
"And what will you being doing, Rodney?" Chris asked, tapping his pen on the table.
"I'll, uh, be reading a p-poem I wrote for my g-girlfriend."
"A girlfriend?" Chris asked suspiciously.
"Yeah. Here goes nothing..."
Chef and Yowie leaned forward to get a better volume.
"My cheeks are... red. My heart is... blue. I think we can make it; how about you?"
Rodney ended with a bow. Chris snickered with the other judges and the farmer ran off crying.
"That's a two pointer just for the laugh," Chris said. "Next?"
Confessional
Rodney huddles up like he's trying to stay warm. "Courtney probably thinks I'm a total loser now. Why did Scott have to be so good with his knife?!" He pauses and gasps. "That's it!"
End Confessional
Eva walked out on stage with a bag of wood blocks and the others, except Rodney for some reason, watched her take a bow.
"I'll be breaking wood blocks with my head. Yeah, that's pretty much it."
"Sounds cool," Yowie said, smiling.
"It's not, you prissy dink," Eva hissed. "It really hurts."
Yowie retreated to the back of his seat, leaning back as far as possible.
Chris motioned for her to get started.
The female bully laid out three blocks on top of each other, making a stack six inches thick and took a deep breath. With a swift strike downwards, her forehead smashed through the planks, sending splintered wood flying everywhere. Eva tumbled around in a dizzy dance and recollected her composure. She took a bow.
"Interesting," Chris said.
"Could've been more flashy," Chef added. "Girl didn't even think about the show."
"Meh," said Yowie with a shrug.
"Six points!"
Confessional
Eva rolls her eyes. "Six points? Wow, they really know talent when they see it... not!"
End Confessional
Next up was Dave, carrying a large box. On each hand was a sock, one blue and one pink. He cleared his throat and sat behind the box. "I will be performing a puppet show. I call it... Heartbreak."
The whiny wimp sunk behind the box and the blue hand shot up. In a regular Dave voice, it spoke. "Wow! What a great day! I just wish there was someone to share it with..."
The pink hand slowly ascended and spoke in a frilly, girly voice. "I could be with you!"
"Wow! Really?"
"Oh, yes!"
"But... Do you like me?"
"Yeah!"
"OMG I like you too!"
The two hands met for a short 'kiss' and went back below the box.
The blue hand popped up and sulked around. The pink hand arrived and asked what was wrong.
"I just want you to have a chance at getting a million dollars and I'm sacrificing myself!"
The pink hand was silent. Suddenly, it exploded. "Well go! I hate you!"
The blue hand cried and fell down before the pink hand retreated again. Seconds later, it shot back up with the blue hand.
"You need to help me win!" the pink hand said with desperation.
"Why?"
"Because this!" The pink hand kissed the blue hand again and they both rejoiced. "Also, I have a boyfriend. Enjoy losing and being led on and being toyed with and going bald and-"
"NOOOOOOOO!" The blue hand convulsed and fell down as the pink hand laughed.
Dave stood up. "And so ends our tragic tale!"
The judges gave the teen uncomfortable stares.
Confessional
Sky shudders. "It's like watching all my-our-his! I mean his mistakes all over again. Hehe."
End Confessional
"Definitely original," said Chris.
"Props for using actual props," Chef added.
"Brilliant and thought-provoking, if kind of weird," Yowie concluded.
"Six points!"
Dave smirked in Sky's direction and dragged his stuff off stage.
Backstage, Courtney had just returned from the restroom when she let out a massive scream of terror. The strings of her violin had been cut clean through.
"What happened?!" she panicked. "Who did this?!"
Rodney took a step back and looked at Scott's back pocket. "Gasp! He has a knife!"
Courtney turned her anger to Scott. "Did you do this?! Did you?!"
"No way!" Scott said in his defense. "I'm over throwing challenges!"
"Prove it!"
"I got us a ten point score!"
Rodney entered the fray. "Yeah, to cover your tracks, liar!"
"I'm telling you it wasn't me!"
Courtney threw her broken violin at the wall and grabbed Scott by the collar. "If we lose, you're so eliminated!"
Dave shrugged. "I can get behind that."
Eva grabbed Scott from the CIT. "Throwing challenges is for wimps like you. Just be glad I have a headache right now and can't rip out your lungs."
Scott was dropped and backed his sweaty, nervous self into a corner.
"Hello!" shouted Chris. "We need our last performance!"
Courtney growled. "I'll think of something!" She ran on stage and was met with confusion.
"Didn't you have a violin?" Chris asked.
"Yes, I did, as a matter of fact. However, someone believed they could sabotage my efforts and cost us the win."
"Well, what now?"
Courtney huffed and puffed with her head lowered, engaged in deep thought. "I will..."
"Stand there doing nothing?"
"No! I'll be ranting!"
Chris raised his brow. "Really? Is that a talent?"
"Noah got a five by doing less," Courtney pointed out.
"Proceed."
Confessional
Scott whittles away at some wood. "I don't know who cut those strings, but it wasn't me! I bet it was Rodney! The guy practically framed me!" He takes a pause. "Huh? So this is how it feels..."
(Static)
Rodney flushes a pair of scissors down the toilet. "It worked! We'll lose and they'll all vote off Scott! Courtney, my darling flower, I'm doing this for us."
End Confessional
Courtney opened her mouth and let it all out...
"I've been playing this game for four seasons, going on five. For your information, that is a Total Drama record. Every season I compete in, I'm always cheated out of the million dollars. Season one: Harold rigs the votes. Season two... moving on! Season three: You cheap out with a double elimination. Season five: You change the challenge on me! This is so unfair and I've had enough. And just now, we're on the verge of victory and I'm cheated again! I don't know if it was my own team or someone else's, but I'm sick of this bull! Every season is rigged against my obvious success and I'm done with it! I've tried playing nice and I've tried playing cold, but this show always finds a way to destroy my chances! Enough is enough! (Bleep) this and (bleep) you, Chris!"
Courtney stormed off stage with fumes running from her ears. The cast moved away to let her pass behind the curtain.
Chris shrugged. "Nice argument, but insulting the host? Not a good move. One point, and only because I'm grateful this is over. With a total score averaged to 5 points, Team Vengeance loses again! And once again, Team Horsepower steals first place!"
The cast walked back on stage and did whatever. Some cheered, some cried, some hugged, some shrugged, some pushed others to the floor and kicked them in the kiwis.
Chris led the judges on stage and thanked Yowie for being a special guest.
"No problem, Chris. Any time."
Chris extended his hand for a shake and the guest yelped. "No! You've been touching that pen! It could have bacteria on it!"
"Don't worry," Noah deadpanned. "It's perfectly clean. All the germs left to jump on you."
Yowie began hyperventilating and jumped off stage to escape as tears streamed from his eyes.
Chris shrugged. "That was weird, but who cares? It's time to vote off another loser."
All eyes on Team Vengeance went to Scott, who stomped his foot and growled.
Chris smiled. "Well, that's what I would say if this wasn't a reward challenge! Suckers, hehe."
"Thank God!" Scott gasped.
Rodney and the rest of the team sneered towards the devious redneck.
"So what's our reward?" Lightning asked. "A stay in this sha-fabulous hotel?"
"I could use it," Geoff said, rubbing his tired eyes.
"Yes, yes, but today, everyone wins reward!" Chris threw his hands up and two interns walked a long table on stage behind them. Seven covered plates rested on it's shining surface. "Welcome to Total Drama's first ever Auction Reward!"
"Uh, what?" Jo asked, confused. "We don't have any cash."
Chris shook his hands in front of his chest. "No no! You won't be using real money. Instead, you'll be bidding on our special prizes using the points you earned in the show. There's food (for Owen) and other surprises."
"Do any of these surprises include a bomb?" Dave asked in disbelief.
"Funny idea, but no. Everyone take a seat in the front row and prepare to play!"
Confessional
Jo smirks. "Chances are there's a game advantage in there somewhere. I want it and no one's stopping me."
(Static)
Scarlett adjusts her glasses and groans. "Two points doesn't even buy a pack of gum."
(Static)
Owen prays to God. "Please let there be ribs. Please let there be ribs."
(Static)
"Lightning only needs one point to win the big sha-bam! Just you watch!" The jock goes back to flexing his muscles. "Mmm... sexy beast!"
End Confessional
Chris stepped off stage and Chef, dressed in black robes and a powdered wig, rolled a lectern on stage and beat it with a hammer. "This auction is about to begin! Here's how it's going down, fruitcakes! I'll put up a covered item and you'll all bid on it using the tokens you were given. If we get a tie, we go to a coin toss. Now ready your tokens, because it's time to get this auction started!"
Points
Brick: 5
Courtney: 1
Dave: 6
Eva: 6
Geoff: 8
Izzy: 7
Jo: 10
Lightning: 1
Noah: 5
Owen: 10
Rodney: 2
Scarlett: 2
Scott: 10
Sky: 7
Chef snapped his fingers and a lone spotlight shined down upon the first item.
"So, who's going first?" Chef asked.
"One token," Noah said with disinterest.
"Ten tokens!" Owen shouted. "All in baby!"
"Dude! Seriously?" Noah scorned his friend. "All ten?"
"Anyone care to match that?" Chef asked. "If not, sold to Tubby over there!"
Owen whooped and ran up the stage to get his prize. He lifted the cover and was blasted with smells of smoke and deliciousness.
"Ribs?! Dreams do come true!"
He dug into the large rack of juicy ribs and downed them all by the time his butt was back in the seat.
"Item number two will also remain covered," Chef said.
"Three!" Izzy shouted.
"Four!" came Brick.
"Five!" Scott yelled.
...
"Sold to Scott for five tokens!"
Scott snickered and ran down the aisle, kicking Rodney in the foot on his way down. When he pulled the cover off, his plate was glowing with red and gold.
"Buttered lobster! Ooo-la-la!" Scott took a bite and shuddered. "So... perfect."
Confessional
Owen sighs. "Maybe spending all my money on ribs wasn't a good idea..."
End Confessional
Item three was put in the spotlight and Jo's hand shot up.
"Two!"
"Four!" Lightning boomed.
"You don't even have that much," Jo growled.
"Three!" said Sky.
Jo raised her hand. "Six!"
Sky went silent.
"Sold to Ms. Sweatpants for six!"
Jo cracked her knuckles and ran to claim her prize. When she lifted it, she found a six pack of cokes and a burger.
"Dang it! I wanted an advantage..." she mumbled to herself.
Confessional
Scarlett rolls her eyes and scoffs. "All these peons betting on food. Pathetic. There's obviously going to be an advantage at some point."
(Static)
Geoff shrugs. "I know there's more than food up there, but I'm kind of scared to bet on something, man."
(Static)
Noah rolls his eyes. "I'm sure every prize will be absolutely amazing. I might as well push up the bids to troll everyone if I'm not going to buy anything."
End Confessional
Item four went up and Sky put in all seven chips. No one dared to go higher and Sky claimed her prize: a giant pancake breakfast.
Item five went up and there were quite a few bidders.
"Two!" came a sardonic Noah.
"Three!" Brick shouted.
"Six!" came Dave.
...
"Sold to Dave!"
Dave lifted the cover and got a bowl of rice and a glass of water. He sighed and dragged himself back to his seat.
"Nice win," Eva said jokingly.
Dave took a bite and gagged at the blandness. "T-thanks..." Another spoonful and something caught his eye in the mush. A small piece of plastic was hiding among the rice and Dave pulled it out, stuffing it in his pocket as quickly as possible.
"Item six!" Chef shouted. "Who wants it?!"
"Me!" Izzy jumped up. "Seven!"
"Eight, bro!" came Geoff.
"Sold for eight!"
"Yeah, man!" Geoff stumbled up the stairs and lifted the cover to find a batch of fresh baked cookies. He took a bite and felt the warm chocolate running down his throat. "So good. Just like mom used to make."
The last item went up and only Scarlett showed interest.
"What?" she asked when nobody bid against her.
"Every prize has been good food," Scott said. "Odds are the last one is the trap."
No one was brave enough to go for it, so Scarlett got the last item with just two points.
"Watch," Jo said. "It'll blow up."
"Or it's literally nothing," Courtney giggled.
Scarlett lifted the cover and found a piece of paper, rolled up into a scroll.
Jo's jaw dropped. "No way."
Scarlett unraveled the paper and saw two words that stuck out. Immunity and idol. She panicked and ended up falsifying the rest aloud.
"Congratulations. You've won nothing. Enjoy."
Jo sighed a breath of relief and the others laughed.
Scarlett returned to her seat and Noah nudged her shoulder.
"Knew it."
Confessional
Scarlett reads the paper. "Congratulations. You've won a clue to the location of a hidden immunity idol. Through dark tunnels, your path must go. The treasure you seek, high, not low... Interesting."
(Static)
Dave pulls out the coin and reads the small text on the back. "Put this chip inside any passport to make your vote count as two?! Wow! This is so cool! Sky, prepare to go down!"
(Static)
Jo snarls. "No advantage? Seriously? What a ripoff. I don't even like coke!"
(Static)
Brick cracks open a soda. "It's nice of Jo to share this with me and Lightning. What a team player. Still, I wish Sky and Geoff could get some." He takes a swig and feels something blocking the soda. He drinks the rest and rips the can open to find a chip inside. "Congratulations! Put this chip inside any passport to cancel that person's vote? Jo was right! There was an advantage. I need to tell her right away!" He pauses. "Or... do I?"
End Confessional
Chris stepped up on stage once the teens had left. "Three advantages, new rivalries, old flames, and fourteen teens! See how everything plays out, next time, on Total Drama... World Tour... Round Trip!"
Eliminated: Max, Zoey, Dawn, Jasmine
Team Horsepower: Jo, Brick, Lightning, Geoff, Sky
Team Vengeance: Courtney, Scott, Rodney, Dave, Eva
Team Evil: Scarlett, Noah, Izzy, Owen
~A/N~ And so we have our first reward challenge, complete with a game changing twist that won't play out as straight as you may think. The game has been changed. :)
Remember to vote on the new poll if you haven't already, drop a review, favorite, and follow! I'll see you next time when we hit Southeast Asia! Foreseer... out!
Review Replies: Because the reviews were all about the same subjects, I'll just address them as a whole. Thank you to those who took the time to review and offer some criticism here and there. It will be put to good use.
About the concept: I'll definitely say that it's different from the Aftermath and I'm sorry if you really liked those, but I find them boring to write and wanted to do something new. I'm aware that the execution could be better, so I'm hoping a large selection of people will make it more interesting.
About Max: I'm glad most of you found him funny. He is a very fun character to write and has a plot, so expect him to drop in from time to time. To those who didn't like him, I can assure you he won't become a screenhog.
About Zoey: To those who really liked the direction I'm going with her character, thank you. I know taking someone like her, whose character is pretty blank, and making her into a more emotionally deep girl can be jarring, so thanks for supporting that decision. She is in the show without Mike and Cam for a reason. To those who didn't like her portrayal, I don't really know what to say. I'll definitely tone her emotions down next time and show some form of development, so watch for that.
About Dawn: I was pretty lost with her character and I'm pretty ashamed, but her plot hasn't really started yet, so there's room for development later on. I'll give ROTI a watch again to refresh myself on her and the other Gen 2 players before then. I won't let her go to waste.
About Jasmine: Not much to say here. It's good to see some praise and I'll definitely use her in the upcoming specials.
About Topher: Ah, yes. The only non-competing TD character. I won't go into details for spoiler reasons, but there's more to the guy than meets the eye. ;)