An Apology.
Yeah, this chapter's late. And, realistically, a lot of others will be, too.
Here's the thing. My dad went overseas (with the military), so I'm just a titch stressed out. I definitely haven't been writing as much. So these might be delayed.
Sorry for the inconvenience. Now, onto this chapter.
Reviewer Addression Time!
Michaelfang9- Actually, remember when I redrafted my order way back at the second elimination, when I spared Nikki from placing seventeenth? I had to redo the entire order of about half the cast, and Spencer was moved down here- all the way from fifth. It pained me, but I feel like the story will be better with what I have in mind.
Candela Monsoon- As soon as I decided that Spencer would go here, I also decided that he would talk in that episode, and that episode only. I couldn't overdo it, although it did kind of feel foreshadow-y to me. Also, why would you be rooting for Lady Gaga? JK
BeastBoyCoolMan15- I suppose you'll have to find out! (I'm addressing the PM)
Is anyone else watching Survivor: Ghost Island? I'm rooting for both Donathan and Domenick :)
Last Time on Total Drama: The Curse of K'wala:
After Madeline's unexpected medical evacuation, the Wily Wombats probably should have been struggling. Fortunately, she seemed to be dead weight, and the team carried on stronger without her. Michael revealed that he was an orphan, and that he had just been kicked out for coming out as bisexual. Kevin admonished Nikki to stay away from Luke, and, approximately five minutes later, she didn't, and Luke was able to sow some distrust of Kevin into her. Drew made a costly error after threatening Spencer to stay away from Arianna, assuming that he wouldn't squeal. He squealed. And so, when the Daring Dingos were sent to elimination after the Wombats' third consecutive win, Drew was the easy boot. However, his last 'gift' to his teammates was to force a double elimination, taking Spencer down with him.
10 players remain! Who will make it into the top half of the contestants? We're about to find out on…
Total!
Drama!
The Curse of K'wala!
Theme: I Wanna Be Famous (2007)
-Opening Music-
The theme begins with a wide-angle shot of the K'wala Islands, with each of the islands shown respectively. The camera quickly zooms in and rushes past Chris and Logan. Logan rolls his eyes as Chris gives the camera his signature double finger-pistols. Then, the shot moves into the forest.
-Dear Mom and Dad, I'm doing fine-
The forest gives way to a small clearing, where John sits on a stump, playing his guitar. Suddenly, Renee rushes into the clearing and puts a reporter's microphone in his face.
-You guys are on my mind-
The two start arguing, but stop as a figure falls to the ground from the trees, smashing John's guitar and sending the three tumbling to the ground. The figure stands up to reveal himself to be a sheepish Luke.
-You asked me what I wanted to be, and now I think the answer is plain to see-
The camera zooms behind the trio and to Lake Gellafiche, where Faith and Kevin are on a raft, fishing. The two glance at each other and blush before looking away again. Then, Arianna and Drew's raft comes into view and collides with the other one, sending Kevin and Faith into the water while the villains laugh.
-I wanna be famous-
The camera moves up to the top of Mount Tarapyn, where Nikki is quietly reading a book. Spencer then walks on-screen, and when Nikki looks up, she screams and falls off the cliff and into the water below, while Spencer shrugs at the camera.
-I wanna live close to the Sun-
The scene follows Nikki down the cliff, and then past her, to the land below, where Ilyria speaks to her watch. Nikki makes a large splash in the water, which soaks Ilyria, and her watch goes flying (glinting in the sunlight in synchrony to the chime in the song).
-So pack your bags, 'cause I've already won-
The watch falls at a nearby Addie's feet. He crouches to pick it up but cannot, since at that precise moment Janson barrels into him, followed by an angry Abigail.
-Everything to prove, nothing in my way-
A large dust cloud arises, and when it disperses, the scene has changed. Now, Michael sits glumly on a stump. Connie comes along, sees him, and tries to crack a joke, but Michael stands up and walks away.
-I'll get there one day-
The scene changes again. Now, Ruby and Madeline are talking and giggling. A giant bird swoops in, and Ruby runs away, screaming, while Madeline tries following her in vain.
-'Cause I wanna be famous-
The camera follows the humongous bird's path, and it eventually lands beside Connor, who is meditating on a log. Connor peeps an eye open and is shocked at what he sees. He nervously tries giving the bird a 'peace' sign, but the bird starts to chase him.
-Na na nana nana, na nana nana na, na nana nana na!-
All eighteen contestants are now in the K'wala Caves, running away from a colony of bats. Notably, Nikki trips and falls and Addie helps her up, Luke pirouettes away, and Michael walks at a slow pace as the bats engulf him.
-I wanna be! I wanna be! I wanna be famous!-
At each of the 'I wanna be's, three players are shown. First, it's an angry Abigail yelling at a nervous Janson while Madeline looks back and forth to both of them. Then, it's Nikki hiding behind John from Spencer. Third, it's Ruby in the middle looking at both Faith and Kevin expectantly, waiting for them to make a move.
-I wanna be! I wanna be! I wanna be famous!-
Fourth, it's Arianna and Drew making out as Renee tries to shove a microphone in their faces. Fifth, it's Connie and Luke fake singing along to the song with exaggerated movements while Michael slumps over. Finally, it's Addie and Ilyria both glaring at Connor, who shrugs and smirks.
-Doo doodoo doo doodoo…-
Finally, all of the players are whistling around the Verloor Island Campfire. Madeline and Janson lean in for a kiss, but Abigail comes out of nowhere and tackles the gentleman.
-End of Theme-
Night 12
Daring Dingos: Arianna, Faith, Ilyria
The girls walked back from camp without a word.
"I-" Faith began as they arrived. She was immediately cut off.
"Shut up," Arianna muttered, just loud enough to be heard.
Faith looked disgruntled. "I-"
"Shut. Up," Arianna annunciated each syllable.
"I just-"
"SHUT UP!" Arianna bellowed, before dashing away.
Ilyria, once Arianna had left, looked sideways at Faith. "Take the hint, Faith."
Faith turned around with suspicion. "Aren't you on my side here?"
Ilyria raised an eyebrow. "I was on your side for planning on voting for Drew. I was even on your side for voting for Spencer. However, I was not on your side as soon as you let Arianna take the blame for Spencer's second vote. Now… If I were given the choice between who to vote out, right now, you'd see me hesitate."
Faith shook her head. "Well, that's great. I'll try and reconcile. There's no point having one third of your team mad at you."
Ilyria shrugged. "Go for it." As Faith left, she awkwardly added. "Faith…"
Faith turned around. "Yeah?
Ilyria went bright red, and she looked at the ground. "We can still be friends. Just… not allies, until this is sorted out."
Faith smiled. "I guess that's the best I could ask for, in the situation. Oh, by the way, I fixed your watch. I just didn't have time to tell you at Verloor Island."
Ilyria brightened. "Thank you. May I?"
Faith nodded, striding over and handing her the device. "I protected your software with an encrypted password, which I'll show you how to change. Also, one of your apps was out of date, so I updated it to the current version. I didn't look, though."
Ilyria examined the watch. "Which app did you…?"
Faith bit her lower lip. "I think it was called Tracker. Is that a game, or-"
"How long has it been," Ilyria cut her off, "since the last update?"
"Only a month or two- Ilyria? Ilyria!" Faith shouted after the Brit, who had suddenly run away.
"I have to go!" Ilyria called back.
Confessional: Ilyria- Daring Dingos
"Oh no… Tracker is what I used to search for my mark! And, after I checked, as I feared… they're already here! I had no idea! But who could it be? Who…" she slowed down. "...hasn't been here…"
Her eyes widened. "Logan."
Faith wandered around the forest. "Hello…?"
Her eyes came across a figure.
"Arianna?" Faith asked. The figure dashed away. However, it was clear to Faith that it was neither Arianna nor Ilyria.
Faith shrugged. "Weird… Must be an intern." She continued on the path she walked.
A branch cracked, but it was not under Faith's step.
Faith whirled around in time for the same figure to put a hand on her mouth, preventing her from screaming.
"Steal the watch," the figure rasped, their voice muffled and garbled by a distorter.
Faith tried to say something. Her opponent pressed harder on her face. "Silence! Steal the watch. Say nothing of this to anyone, especially not to the agent or the HAP, or you'll pay."
Faith looked less panicked and more confused at this statement. Slowly, her features relaxed. She nodded politely.
"Stand still for the next thirty seconds. Then walk in the opposite direction as I," the figure finished, and then released Faith. He began to walk away from the camp.
Faith did not dare move or speak for the next thirty seconds. The, she burst out laughing.
Confessional: Faith- Daring Dingos
"That may have been the worst attempt at a secret pre-challenge objective I've ever seen! I suppose Ilyria will have to steal Arianna's makeup, and Arianna will have to get my glasses. Although, they didn't really explain it well. Agent? Hap? This is just some ill-attempted nonsense. Whatever, McLean. I'll play along. And I expect the challenge to really be enlightening.
"Whatever," Faith chuckled. "I'll just tell her I forgot to encrypt- Oh, Arianna!"
Arianna had come into view. Faith waved to get her attention. Arianna, from a distance, turned around and walked the other way.
Faith shook her head. "This'll be difficult."
She began to run after Arianna.
Meanwhile, Arianna was walking with her hands in her pockets, her feet dragging along. She made no mention when Faith walked up beside her.
"Arianna," Faith began.
Arianna still said nothing.
"Arianna…?" Faith asked hesitantly.
"He hates me," Arianna suddenly said, turning around to face Faith. To her surprise, Arianna was in tears. "Spencer hates me. He trusted me, and I let him down."
Faith looked unsure of what to do.
"It's not your fault," she attempted.
Arianna sniffed. "Isn't it?"
"Well…" Faith hesitated. "...No. It's my fault. I shouldn't have let you take the blame for what I could have stepped up to. If you're looking for someone to blame, I'm that girl. And I'll make a promise."
Arianna looked up.
Faith rambled on. "The next time I see Spencer, I'll promise to tell him what really happened," she vowed.
"So…" Arianna paused. "You're saying that Spencer is mad at me because of you, and that if I eliminate you, Spencer won't be mad at me?"
"Um… not exact-"
Arianna stopped in her tracks and stared directly at Faith. "Then I will not rest until I see your demise become a reality."
Faith's eyes widened. "That's not what I-"
Arianna cut her off with a hand gesture and strolled away, looking much less agonized than before.
"Well, at least she's not crying…" Faith muttered.
Confessional: Arianna- Daring Dingos
"Faith's elimination is now my endgame. The sooner she leaves, the sooner I am free of this guilt. Of course, that means I can't lose again until the merge. But that's a trifle. Faith, your days are numbered."
Arianna stalked over to her team's camp and sat down.
Then she stood back up. "You know what? I'm going to find an advantage!"
She stormed off… colliding directly with Ilyria.
"Ari-" Ilyria said before the two girls tumbled down a hill.
They landed in a heap in a low valley. Arianna was the first to recover, standing up.
"Ugh…" Ilyria muttered. "If I had a pound for every person that's knocked me down today…"
"What was that?" Arianna inquired.
"Nothing," Ilyria shook her head. "Let's go back."
As the two began to climb the hill, Arianna cleared her throat. "So…"
Ilyria looked her directly in the eyes. "So."
"So… if we lost, who would you vote for?" Arianna asked bluntly.
Ilyria stared off into the distance. She was silent for a long while.
Finally, once they reached the top of the hill, Ilyria spoke.
"We'd better not lose," she said.
Arianna was left standing still.
The camera followed Ilyria as she paced down the walking path. "What am I going to do?"
"Problem?" Faith asked, appearing beside her. Ilyria didn't flinch.
Ilyria shrugged. "Nothing you can help with. What do you want?"
Faith, used to Ilyria's bluntness by now, took no offense at her directness. "Actually, I was hoping I could get your watch again. I think I forgot a few things…" she rushed on. "...like Tracker? I'm not sure about that one- if I don't move some pieces of code around, it might shut down. And I'd like to double check a virus that I deleted."
Ilyria raised an eyebrow suspiciously. "A virus."
"Yep," Faith nodded. "The… ah…" she looked to her left. "P.A.L.M. bug. I've heard it originated here and can travel distances of up to one hundred kilometers just by being in close proximity with an exposed device."
"P.A.L.M." Ilyria repeated.
Faith continued with her charade. "Yep. It stands for Potentially Abnormal Low-Key… Mania. It slowly destroys unencrypted software."
"You said you encrypted it," Ilyria stated.
Faith coughed."P.A.L.M. attacks... the software as a whole, not the individual components that I encrypted," she finished. "I'm not lying," she added.
Confessional: Ilyria- Daring Dingos
"She might be making this up, but at the same time I cannot allow myself to take chances if I am to catch Logan in the act."
"Forty-eight hours," Ilyria stated firmly. "That is all the time I can afford you."
Faith took the watch out of her outstretched hand. "It'll be enough. Thanks."
"Hurry," Ilyria said, before departing.
Day 13
Tepid Turtles: Kevin, Luke, Nikki
"RAP BATTLE! GO!" Luke hollered.
"No," Kevin replied simply.
"Nikki?" Luke asked. "You're the bomb at this stuff!"
Nikki silently shook her head and looked away.
The three were sitting on top of their island's lookout hill, with blankets wrapped around their persons, as it was barely morning and they were cold.
"Ugh…" Luke moaned. "I'll bet you a po' boy that you can't leap off the hill!"
Kevin rolled his eyes. "I'll bet you a po' boy that you won't shut up for sixty seconds."
"You're on!" Luke cheered, and then snapped his fingers. "Crap. I just lost, didn't I?"
"In record speed," Kevin almost chuckled. "You know what? Keep the po' boy."
Luke shrugged. "I didn't have one, anyway. I ate them all the night we got them."
Kevin raised an eyebrow. "You ate, what, twenty po' boys… with condiments… in one night?"
"Of course!" Luke puffed out his chest. "I get the munchies! Who doesn't? How many sammies do you have left?"
"All of mine," Kevin admitted. "I'm saving them or when we're running low on rice."
"An interesting query," Luke used an old aristocratic accent. "But won't consuming them contribute more to our rice supplies, via a smaller depletion?"
Kevin started to speak, but he stopped himself. "Er- Well- That's an improper use of the word query," he finally settled upon, satisfied.
Luke clapped his hands. "There's the Kevin we all know and are neutral about! Whenever you're wrong, you point out the faults in other people!"
The writer looked confused. "No I don't. You're making things up, as usual."
"You literally just did it again," Luke scoffed.
Kevin looked even more confused, and slightly annoyed. "Did what? Honestly, how did your original team not vote you off first?"
Luke smiled. "I'm an actor. People like people whom are likeable."
"Who," Kevin corrected.
"That's the fourth time in this conversation alone," Luke stretched back and relaxed. "Want to keep doing this?"
"Doing what?!" Kevin practically shouted.
Luke chortled. "Cute. Nikki? Any thoughts?"
Nikki looked up. "Uh… Um… I-"
"It's simple, really," Luke smiled. "Does Kevin point out others' flaws to distract them from his own?"
"I-"
"Of course," Luke barged on, disregarding Nikki's response. "It could also have a deeper, more psychological meaning. You see, if you disagree, Kevin may believe you're lying, and thus associate this with disloyalty to your oh-so-obvious alliance."
"I-"
Luke continued. "But, if you agree with me, Kevin might get angry with you for, well, practically calling him a hothead. The alliance might break off and you'll go home next, all because you spoke honestly."
Nikki's eyes bulged. She looked back and forth from Kevin to Luke.
"Or," Luke added as an afterthought, "You could run away and avoid confrontation, thus preserving all of our feelings."
It was almost insulting how fast Nikki chose the third option. She was gone in an instant.
"Man, I'm good," Luke smirked.
Kevin flared at the actor. "Now why would you do that?"
"Simple!" Luke chirped. "I wanted to drive her away so I could offer you a final 2 deal. How about it?"
"...Are you kidding me?"
"Yep!" Luke bounced on the balls of his feet.
Confessional: Kevin- Tepid Turtles
"Okay, Luke's scary good. Like, he has this on/off switch where he goes from this carefree harum-scarum to this skillful manipulator in the blink of an eye. It makes him seem harmless while he's pulling all the strings. Man… I underestimated him. I considered trying to throw the next challenge and getting Luke out while I still can, but things are not yet that drastic."
"Maybe with this advantage that I was anonymously gifted, things will be much easier."
"I'm going to find Nikki so we can talk this out," Kevin glared at Luke.
"Okie-Dokie, Harsh-And-Pokey," Luke smiled as Kevin walked down the hill.
Luke stayed on the hill for a while longer. He stared at the rising sun.
"Soon…" Luke said in a whisper. "Soon, I will make it happen. You'll be so proud, father."
He suddenly jumped up. "Well! I reckon Kevin will want company, huh?"
He walked down the hill.
Meanwhile, Nikki was back at the campsite, holding her head in her hands.
Kevin strolled down. "Hey, Lana."
A brief spectrum of emotions flashed across Nikki's face. "Lana?" she finally asked.
Kevin cursed. "Sorry. You Niks. I just wanted to tell you that it's okay if you don't think I'm perfect. Hell, I don't think anyone thinks they're perfect. Except this one girl in my school, who, by some coincidence, also happens to be named Nicky, but spelled with a c and a y-"
"Who's Lana?" Nikki blurted. She immediately covered her mouth with a hand. "Sorry, sorry."
Kevin wore a pained expression. "Look, I understand your curiosity. If someone called me, say, Richard all the time, I'd be a little curios too. But that, I'm afraid is the one question which I cannot and never will answer."
"But-" Nikki bit her lower lip and furrowed her brow. "If you keep secrets from me, then how can I trust you?"
"Hmm?" Kevin asked, confused.
"What if I'm just hoarding food for the winter, and, come the cold season, you're going to eat me?" Nikki asked.
Kevin froze. "You talked to Luke when I wasn't around."
"What?" Nikki asked, taken aback.
"He told you that stupid ant-and-grasshopper story, didn't he?" Kevin shouted. "Argh! I knew something was off!"
Nikki took a step back. "I'm sorry! I just-"
"Go!" Kevin bellowed. "Just- I need some time to think, okay?"
Nikki turned around and ran away.
"Thank you," Kevin muttered under his breath. "Now, what am I going to do?"
"You handled that situation poorly," Luke noted as he walked by, chewing on a coconut.
"Out!" Kevin boomed.
"Of where? We're outside, in case you hadn't noticed," Luke explained, careful to be as condescending as possible.
Kevin made a gesture, that, needless to say, was censored.
"Okay, gee," Luke surrendered. "Just consider that Nikki thinks you're mad at her, which could allow me the perfect opportunity to, I don't know, coerce her onto my side or somethin'."
"Why would Nikki be mad at me?" Kevin asked. "All I did was- oh, {CENSORED}!"
"Language," Luke said automatically.
Kevin sighed. "Can you just go annoy a koala for a while?"
"Meh, BTDTGTTSAWIO," Luke shrugged, but left anyway.
Kevin paced back and forth. "Christ, Kevin. You really screwed up this time. Um… Do I have any leverage? Ah… I could…"
He stopped. "Could I? Oh, that's dangerous… but…"
He sighed. "I have no choice. Nikki!" He shouted.
As expected, no one came.
Kevin went off in the direction Nikki had gone. He found her sitting on a rock.
"Nikki," Kevin stated.
Nikki startled, but said nothing, merely sighing.
"Give me…" Kevin looked at his watch. "Thirty seconds to speak."
Nikki nodded.
"Look," Kevin began. "You know I have trouble regulating what I say in my head before it comes out of my mouth. It's an Autism thing. But I can't blame what I just did on my disorder without acknowledging that the disorder is, whether I like it or not, a part of me. So, I can't just say 'I'm sorry' and we move on. It doesn't work like that, and would completely ruin this great friendship I have made with this unique and talented girl. So I won't apologize verbally."
Nikki looked up.
"After all, actions, as they say, speak louder than words."
Kevin slowly pulled a bundled up piece of paper from his pocket. "This is, according to the paper that it holds, the most powerful advantage in the game. And, because it cannot be stolen, I willfully bestow it to you."
Nikki still said nothing, but this time, it was because of shock.
"With this, you can dictate any vote you want. You're instantly the most powerful player in the game," Kevin handed her the advantage. "I'd admonish you to use it well, but since you're rather intelligent, I don't think that will be necessary."
"...That was way more than thirty seconds…" Nikki finally said, marvelling the advantage.
Kevin chuckled. "I'm not really one for concise words. Am I forgiven?"
Nikki slowly nodded. "Yes."
"Just think," Kevin added. "The merge can't be far off. With you, me, and Abigail running the show, especially with that advantage, we're golden."
Nikki smiled.
Confessional: Nikki- Tepid Turtles
"Kevin is… not exactly nice… but he's genuine… and he's a good friend. Luke can go to Wisconsin for all I care… I trust Kevin."
Confessional: Luke- Tepid Turtles
"What's so bad about Wisconsin?"
Night 13
Wily Wombats: Abigail, Addie, Michael, Ruby
"Let's practice one more time, just to be sure," Addie stated, fretting mildly. "I'm Ruby… and go."
He and Abigail were sitting alone at their campsite.
"Hey, Ruby!" Abigail said cheerily as she smiled at Addie. "Do you have a sec to talk strategy?"
"Yes," Addie said in a ridiculously un-Ruby-like voice. "What's up?"
"I don't think Ruby says 'what's up'," Abigail noted. "Just saying."
Addie sighed. "Missing the point," he reverted back to his original voice for a second, before continuing. "So, what would you like to talk about?"
"Well," Abigail paused. "Here's the thing," she dropped her voice to a whisper. "I want to blindside Addie should we lose. He's becoming a very powerful player."
"Really?" Addie asked in his unnaturally high tone. "Are you sure?"
"Completely," Abigail confirmed. "Here's what I was thinking. You and I vote for Addie, while Addie votes for Michael, and… I guess Michael votes for me."
"Huh. Can I ask Michael about this, to see if he's on board with not being in the majority?"
Abigail frowned. "I don't think Ruby says 'on board' either."
Addie's eye twitched. "This is relevant because…?"
"I just though we might keep things accurate. Never mind. Anyway, I figured that Michael would want to vote for me in case Addie has some advantage that gives him immunity. That way, we'd at least both have a chance of fighting it out in the case of a tiebreaker. In that event, you're safe."
"Oh golly! I am!" Addie half-squealed. "I'll go tell Michael-"
"I don't think you should tell Michael, honestly," Abigail cut in. "He might go ahead and come up with a different solution, or, worse even, think you're a liar and betray you."
"Darn. Well, you've given me something to think about and- Oh, crap! She's coming!" Addie said in his fake-voice.
"Wait, why would Ruby say-" Abigail froze. "Oh. The actual Ruby is- got it."
Ruby came into the clearing. "Hey guys! What's up?"
"Told you," Addie muttered.
"Shut up," Abigail muttered back. "So I was wrong for once."
"Hello?" Ruby looked confused.
"Hi!" Addie said. "Sorry, you caught us at a really bad time. I kind of have an appointment with the outhouse."
He quickly left.
Confessional: Addie- Wily Wombats
"I actually did need a go. I don't know why I didn't think of using this outhouse as an outhouse earlier."
His chuckle changes to a frown as he lifts the toilet seat… to reveal a solid block of wood underneath. "Wait, what?"
"So… do you have a sec to talk strategy?" Abigail said awkwardly.
"I guess… but I wasn't aware we were doing that, what with being in separate alliances and all that," Ruby shrugged.
Abigail raised an eyebrow. "You and Michael are in an alliance?"
Ruby smacked her forehead. "Crap. Um… would you forget I said that?"
Abigail shrugged. "No promises. I'm sure you're only with him because I'm with Addie. It makes sense, in a roundabout way. But that wasn't what I wanted to talk about."
"What's that?" Ruby looked like she was still berating herself for her slip up.
"Addie has an immunity advantage," Abigail confided. "No, wait, I was supposed to keep that a surprise to swing you over. Um… but he does."
Ruby nodded. "Okay, cool. So, do you want to vote him out?"
"Yes…" Abigail looked slightly off-put, presumably because this conversation was dissimilar to her simulated one with Addie.
"All right," Ruby stood. "See you."
"Wait!" Abigail stood up and grabbed her wrist. "Tell Michael that he should vote for me in case Addie plays his idol."
"Will do," Ruby pulled her wrist away and walked away.
Confessional: Abigail- Wily Wombats
"I'm not sure how well that went. Ruby seems less strategy-minded than I thought she would. My only question now is if Michael will believe me, but I'm almost sure he will."
"Bull," Michael spat, barely giving Ruby a second glance. He had been gathering berries when Ruby came.
"You think?" Ruby asked.
"Complete and utter bull. And I wasn't even listening. Here's what I gather: Abigail wants to save her tail by splitting our votes- mine for Abigail, yours for Addie- while they both vote for me," Michael explained. "And they have the nerve to think I'd believe them!" Michael grasped a berry so hard it exploded, splattering his glasses.
"Okay, okay, calm down!" Ruby chastised.
"Don't tell me to calm down!" Michael roared. "Nobody is using their brain on this island!"
"That's a good thing, isn't it?" Ruby wondered hesitantly.
"No!" Michael shouted, but wouldn't elaborate.
"Even if that's true," Ruby said calmly, "if you keep losing your temper in front of others, they'll vote you out. Remember, it's still just two of us against nine others."
"Three," Michael corrected. "Luke, for some unbeknownst reason, really, really wants to work with me. I was adamant about refusing for a while, but then, I told him that we could work together in the merge if he eliminated Renee. Lo and behold, now we're allies."
"Well, I'm not a huge Luke fan, but I'm sure he can't be that bad," Ruby shrugged.
"We might even have four allies, if Arianna ditches Drew for us. Five, with Spencer. Then we're already almost a majority."
Ruby frowned. "Um… I don't know if I want to work with Arianna…"
"If you have a better option, I'll be happy to hear it," Michael stated flatly.
"Hm…" Ruby thought, but said nothing. "I can't think of anything right now, but I will get back to you, since I really don't want to be associated with her."
Michael picked another cluster of berries. "Want is not a word that holds power in this game."
Ruby could not reply to this. "So, what are we going to do if we lose?"
Michael sighed. "Abigail wants you to vote for Addie. So, vote for Addie. My vote can join yours, and then… I don't know. You're more likely to beat Abigail in a tiebreaker than Addie, I suppose."
"That's your plan?" Ruby stopped picking berries incredulously. "Force a tiebreaker?"
Michael shook his head. "No, you're right. Ah… I'll try and get Abigail to vote for you, and you try and get Addie to vote for Abigail. Maybe they'll split the vote."
"Anything else?" Ruby asked, still concerned.
"I-" Michael's hand strayed unnoticed to his pocket. "Nothing. That's the best I can do."
"All right, then," Ruby bit her lip.
There was a pregnant pause.
"...What are you waiting for?..." Michael stood, holding his berries in his shirt.
Both competitors left in their respective directions.
Confessional: Michael- Wily Wombats
"It's a hasty plan at best, I admit. Honestly, I was considering revealing my Ally Save, but… and this is stupid… the last time I revealed that, the person I wanted to save went home. If Ruby went home… that would be bad… for my game, that is."
Ruby started to walk away, in time for her to hear, "Hey, Abigail, counter-proposal."
"I have to get Addie," Ruby muttered.
"Not the first time a woman's said that," Addie chuckled, appearing out of nowhere. "Not will it be the last."
"One, no. Two, I'm gay," Ruby counted on her fingers. "I can completely assure you that I don't like you like that."
"Noted," Addie snickered. "What do you need me for, then?"
"You probably know already, don't you?"
"Yeah," Addie admitted. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't considering."
Ruby nodded. "I just feel like Abigail's going to be a big threat come the merge. She's in line with Nikki, and by extension, Kevin. Those are two of the most well-connected players left. Honestly, she might include you in their alliance, but then what? Kevin and Nikki like each other and Abigail more than you. Even if the alliance worked out entirely in your favour, you'd only place fourth at best, unless you won immunity, a long shot."
"I'm aware," Addie admitted. "But what do I have to gain from getting Abigail out now? Kevin and Nikki will dislike it-"
"Kevin," Ruby interjected, "will respect your decision. Nikki won't like it, but I think she'll come around, too."
"Still, if I join your alliance, aren't you and Michael more deferent to each other than me?"
Ruby shook her head. "I'm not asking you to join my alliance. The merge is close. We just need you for one vote, and then you'll be free, with more options than what you'd have if you stuck with Abigail."
"Huh," Addie shrugged, but didn't elaborate. "Well, I'll think about it. It's a big decision."
"Of course," Ruby said. "Well, I think Michael picked some berries."
"Thrilling," Addie smirked. "Let's eat."
Confessional: Ruby- Wily Wombats
"I've done all I can. For the first time, I'm feeling confident about the vote."
Day 14
Challenge Location: Lake Gellafiche
As all three teams entered, both the Wily Wombats and the Tepid Turtles turned to stare at the Daring Dingos. Arianna, Faith, and Ilyria tried to avoid eye contact as people started to count on their fingers, or think back to which opponents they had lost.
Beck walked into sight. "Hello, top ten!" he said, confirming their suspicions.
Kayla came in right behind him. "As you might have noticed, both Spencer and Drew were sent packing at the last conclave!"
Nikki's eyes widened. She almost jumped with happiness.
Confessional: Nikki- Tepid Turtles
"Drew and Spencer… are both gone? This is great!"
"And Chris and Logan are still bedridden with head colds," Beck added.
Ilyria's eyes narrowed. She raised a hand. "Are you sure that they're still in their beds?"
Beck looked confused. "Yeah… why?..."
Ilyria shook her head. "No reason."
Confessional: Ilyria- Daring Dingos
"...Except that maybe Logan's who I've been tracking, and he's been using this as a cover! Okay, Ilyria, think…"
"First off," Kayla said, "I have a very important announcement."
Everyone leaned in.
"This will be the last challenge in teams. Starting after the Verloor Island Conclave, the Dingos, Turtles, and Wombats will be no more! Consequently, I'll need everyone to attend Verloor Island, regardless of whether they win or lose."
The reactions were mixed, but mostly positive.
Confessional: Michael- Daring Dingos
"The merge. Huh. I didn't think I'd make it this far. But I'm not going to get cocky yet, because I suppose there's still that off chance that I'll be gone before that happens."
"Let's get to today's challenge!" Beck said.
Everyone groaned.
"...Sword fighting!" Kayla finished.
Everyone cheered, except Faith, who looked thoroughly confused.
Confessional: Faith- Daring Dingos
"...But, if we're sword fighting, then what am I supposed to do with this watch?"
Confessional: Addie- Wily Wombats
"Well, I've wielded a few swords in my day, and this'll be a great chance to let out any pent-up anger!"
"Here's how it'll work," Kayla explained. "We're playing tournament-style- four games in round one, the winners while square off in round two, and the winners of those will face each other for the win. The final round is only to determine reward- the two teams' players that make it there will automatically secure immunity for their teams."
Beck brought out a dessert cart with a blanket over it. "The winning team will receive…"
"...cheeseburgers!" he finished, pulling off he blanket. Underneath it were about two dozen fast-food chain bags, as well as various condiments. "That's right. Twenty-four cheeseburgers with all the fixings- ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, pickles, chili, and even bacon."
Everyone started to drool at the sight of the burgers, and Nikki at Beck's smile.
"It goes without saying, but is it worth playing for?" Beck raised an eyebrow. The response was near deafening.
"Then let's play!" Kayla raised a fist in the air. "Any questions?"
Addie cleared his throat. "What dictates a win?"
"Aside from forfeiting, you must lightly tap your opponent on their chest. The swords are wooden and dull, but they can still crack bones, so go lightly. Anyone else?"
Michael raised a hand. "You said tournament-style, which dictates that only eight players will be competing in round one. Yet, there are ten of us here. Explain."
Kayla started to count on her fingers. "Well… Oh yeah! Wombats, pick someone to sit out."
Michael didn't even look at his team. "Me. But that still makes one extra."
"Um…" Kayla looked at Beck for support.
Beck thought about it. "I suppose we could curse Abigail," he shrugged.
Kayla frowned. "But then we can't do-" she stopped herself just short. "I mean… Abigail is also sitting out!"
Abigail sighed. "I knew it."
Confessional: Abigail- Wily Wombats
"It would be rather nice to compete in a challenge for once. And no, the coin challenge doesn't count. But hey, at least this is my last curse before it's passed on to someone else. Come to think of it… how will the curse work in the merge?"
"We'll randomly select tournament matchups," Beck announced to everyone except Michael and Abigail. "Let's get started!"
Swordplay Tournament Matchups:
Round A: Arianna vs Nikki
Round B: Ruby vs Luke
Round C: Kevin vs Addie
Round D: Ilyria vs Faith
Round E: Round A winner vs Round B winner
Round F: Round C winner vs Round D winner
Reward Round: Round E winner vs Round F winner
"All right!" Kayla cheered once everyone was in position. "Round A: Arianna versus Nikki!"
Arianna stared Nikki straight in the eyes. Nikki looked like she was on the verge of tears.
Confessional: Arianna- Daring Dingos
"I must win this challenge. This is the only way to guarantee safety. And Nikki is an obstacle… one which I must remove."
"Go!" Kayla exclaimed.
Arianna slowly approached, holding her sword level.
Nikki tried to back away, her armament trembling in her hand.
Suddenly, Arianna screamed as she charged poor Nikki. She brought down her sword hard over Nikki's head. Nikki barely managed to sidestep. Arianna came at her with another blow, which Nikki parried, but the shy girl lost her sword in the process.
As Nikki dove for her sword, Arianna used hers to whack Nikki on her chest with the flat of her blade. Nikki fell to the ground.
"Arianna wins!" Beck announced. He walked over and helped Nikki to her feet. "Are you okay?"
Nikki smiled at him, and nodded. "I'm feeling... much better."
As Arianna and Nikki parted ways, Arianna to the winner's area.
"All right! Round B: Ruby versus Luke!"
Both competitors got up from where they were seated, and grabbed swords.
Confessional: Ruby- Daring Dingos
"I'm no good with swords. Of course, I'm still going to try!"
"Go!"
Luke screamed like a banshee and charged.
Ruby suddenly put on a burst of speed and ran, swinging her sword.
They met in the middle. Luke tried to jab at Ruby's stomach, but she parried and returned with a high jab of her own, which Luke barely blocked. Ruby jumped back as Luke whirled around with his sword outstretched.
Ruby quickly used her weapon to slap Luke's away, out of his hand and onto the ground.
"Well," Ruby slowly brought her sword to his throat. "It looks like-"
"Nope!" Luke scooped up some sand and hurled it into Ruby's eyes.
As Ruby instinctively dropped her weapon to reach for her eyes, Luke caught it and tapped her on the chest.
"Dang!" Beck whistled. "Luke wins a close one! Take a seat beside Arianna."
He walked over to Ruby and crouched. "Do you need anything?"
Ruby whimpered in pain. "Just some water for my eyes."
"Sure thing," Beck smiled, pulling out a water bottle from his pocket. "If you need anything else, just ask."
Nikki watched the whole encounter with shock.
Confessional: Nikki- Tepid Turtles
"Does Beck like Ruby? But- but- I thought…"
"Round C!" Kayla announced as Nikki glared at Ruby. "Kevin versus Addie!"
Kevin swore as the two boys stood. "Of all the opponents to get…"
Addie hopped up. "I'll say it now. This is nothing personal."
Confessional: Addie- Wily Wombats
"Did that sound like bragging? I hope it didn't."
"Go!"
Quick as a flash, Addie leapt over and poked Kevn's chest before he could react.
"Agh!" Kevin raised his sword about a full second later.
"Addie wins in lightning quick fashion, meaning every team has one player in!" Beck announced.
Addie joined Luke and Arianna in the winner's group.
"Round D!" Kayla said. "Faith versus Ilyria!"
Faith though about this. "I forfeit."
Everyone froze.
"...What?" Beck asked.
Faith shrugged. "I know that Ilyria's better than I am, so we might as well save her energy for the next round. For the good of the team, of course."
Confessional: Faith- Daring Dingos
"...And, no one knows her fighting style, which could give the Dingos an advantage. I really want to win a challenge for once."
"Well…" Beck shrugged. "I suppose that's fine. Ilyria wins by forfeit!"
Ilyria walked over to the winner's area. Faith hadn't even stood up, so she was able to stay put.
"That's all the quarter finals done," Beck nodded. "Kayla, what's our first semi-final matchup?"
Kayla flipped her clipboard. "Our first matchup… Arianna versus Luke!"
Arianna, statue-like, stood and grabbed a sword.
Luke, considerably more joyful, swung his sword around like a cane.
"Arianna, if you lose, the Tepid Turtles will be safe from elimination and you have a 50 percent chance of going to Verloor Island," Kayla stated. Arianna nodded.
"Luke, if you lose, the Daring Dingos will be safe and you have a 75 percent chance of going to Verloor Island," Kayla said to the actor, who shrugged.
"Ready?..."
"...Go!"
Luke slowly approached, like a cat stalking a mouse.
Arianna stood, poised and ready.
There was a hesitation.
Then Arianna charged.
"Wait!" Luke cried as she attacked, to no avail. Arianna ducked low, whacking Luke's knee, which caused him to buckle. Then, Luke rolled beneath her legs, came up from behind, and wrenched Arianna's weapon out of her hand.
"I said, wait," Luke grinned.
Then, suddenly, he tossed both swords back to Arianna. "Listen to what I have to say."
Arianna looked wary, but she didn't move.
"You have no allies left in the game," Luke muttered, so only Arianna could hear. "This is no secret to anyone."
Arianna nodded. "Yes…"
Luke shrugged. "You have a choice. You can keep pretending to be a lone wolf, or work in a group of three, with myself and Michael. The alliance offer I gave you nearly a week ago still stands."
Arianna thought. "...Fine. I accept."
"Tut-tut!" Luke waggled a finger. "You're not the one calling the shots here. So, if you want to accept… forfeit the challenge."
Arianna stumbled backward. "And if I don't?"
Luke waved his hand. "Are you okay with being the first merge boot? Because even if your team wins all of their challenges, that's all you're going to be."
"Unless-"
"Unless you win every immunity until the finale, yes," Luke cut her off lazily. "Come on. That's not happening, and we both know it. Here's your choice. Give my team immunity once and gain two allies, or give yourself immunity today and be eliminated, like, eighth."
Arianna hesitated. Then she raised her swords…
...and tapped herself in the chest with both of them. "Deal," she muttered.
"Luke wins!" Beck announced. "I wonder what he said? It doesn't matter, because his team is safe from elimination, and he'll be competing in the reward round!"
Arianna trudged over to the rest of the contestants. She ignored Ilyria's harsh stare.
Confessional: Arianna- Daring Dingos
"I couldn't weigh my options very carefully, but I still feel I made the right choice. Sure, Faith and Ilyria are mad at me, but so is everyone, so it doesn't matter that much."
"All right! This is the big one!" Kayla announced. "Addie versus Ilyria!"
Addie smirked. "Good luck," he said as he rose.
"Hmph," Ilyria turned away. Addie frowned.
The two took their places.
"Addie. Ilyria. If either of you lose, you will go straight to elimination and will be unable to compete in the reward round."
Addie chuckled. "I don't plan on losing."
"Ready?..."
"...Go!"
Addie and Ilyria circled, their weapons ready. Slowly, they approached. Neither dared to make the first move.
Ilyria lashed out. Addie parried. She struck again. The same result.
Ilyria, frustrated, let out a flurry of blows, striking up, down, to the sides, and even one directly at Addie's head, all of which he was easily able to block.
"What are you waiting for?" the Brit asked, not tauntingly, but frustrated. "Play already!"
Addie shrugged and parried yet another jab. "All the better to tire you out."
"Argh!" Ilyria started to swing wildly. "Fight me, you coward!"
Addie froze. He said, in a voice so quiet it could barely be heard. "Did you just call me a coward?"
Ilyria, sensing her mistake, tried to backpedal. "Well, I meant-"
"You have NO right to tell me that I'm a coward!" Addie suddenly exclaimed, swinging his weapon for the first time.
Ilyria started to pale. She ducked under another one of Addie's blows.
"Look-" she began.
Addie laughed maniacally. "You think I'M the scaredy-cat? What about YOU, Little Miss Secret Keeper?"
Ilyria's expression turned frightened. It was a first. "You don't know what it's like for me-"
"I don't know what it's like? Is that it?" Addie roared, attacking rapidly while Ilyria blocked. "Well, let me tell you something!"
Ilyria had to step back yet again. Addie kept approaching.
"YOU don't know what it's like for ME!" Addie bellowed. "YOU don't know what it's like to have people avoid you like the plague! YOU don't know what it's like not knowing where or even when your next meal will come! YOU don't know what it's like sleeping under a freaking bridge every night, wondering if I'll be killed or chased away by police! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE HOMELESS!"
On his last word, Addie swung his sword so hard that, when Ilyria feebly blocked, his weapon cracked in two.
Ilyria froze. "Oh... "
"Yeah," Addie spat, suddenly shying away awkwardly as he felt eleven pairs of eyes on him. He tossed the half of his sword he still had into the dirt.
"I'm so sorry," Ilyria said. She slowly stood.
"Well, you can't do anything about it," Addie shrugged. "Just a little respect would be nice."
Ilyria's eyes moved to her sword. "I-"
"Do it."
Ilyria, stumbling, slowly poked his chest.
Everyone was quiet.
"Ilyria wins, I guess," Beck said. "Wombats are going to elimination. Do you want to compete in the reward round, or…?"
"We'll split it," Kevin decided. "That is, if the Dingos are fine with that."
No one protested.
"Well, claim your reward," Beck said. Kevin and Ilyria both took one dozen cheeseburgers as their reward.
Ilyria lamely tried to offer a bag to Addie. He shook his head and laughed. "No, thank you."
With that, the Tepid Turtles and Daring Dingos left the scene.
Beck surveyed the group of four. "Wily Wombats, I'll be seeing you at Verloor Island tonight."
They left without speaking.
Confessional: Nikki- Tepid Turtles
"Yeah, OK, Addie's homeless… but more importantly, does Beck like Ruby? Oh, I bet he does…"
Confessional: Faith- Daring Dingos
"Arianna is walking a thin line, and I hope she knows it. If Ilyria hadn't won, she'd be going home. I have very little doubt."
Confessional: Addie- Wily Wombats
"Surprise, everyone. I didn't want that to slip out, but it had to be said. That in mind, I hope no one treats me differently. My situation surely hasn't changed- after all that drama, I still have no idea who to vote for."
Night 14
Verloor Island Conclave: Wily Wombats (Abigail, Addie, Michael, Ruby)
All of the teams, as per request, came to the hut. However, a sign read 'Dingos and Turtles- wait here until the ceremony is complete,' most of the players stayed put.
The Wombats entered the square hut and sat.
"Are we still on for Addie?" Michael whispered in Ruby's ear.
Ruby nodded, but wouldn't meet his eyes.
Addie and Abigail shared a brief look. They both gave a quick shake of the head.
Confessional: Ruby- Wily Wombats
"Michael told me that we should vote for Addie... Maybe I should take what Abigail said into consideration. I mean, Addie might be a larger threat, but… he's homeless! What am I going to do?!..."
Confessional: Abigail- Wily Wombats
"I'm not that worried about the vote tonight. Addie and I are stacked with my extra vote in my pocket and no chance of being cursed again."
"Welcome, Wily Wombats!" Kayla alliterated as she entered, flanked by Beck.
Everyone gave some level of response.
"So… we can't ignore the elephant in the room," Kayla began.
"Shoot," Addie snapped his fingers. "There goes my whole plan."
"Would you like to explain?" Kayla asked. "If I'm not meddling, that is."
Addie shrugged. "There isn't much to know. My parents didn't want me. Instead of taking me to an orphanage, they left me in a box on the street. I was found by a group of homeless guys, who raised me as a group. I learned to survive. That's all."
Kayla grinned. "You're very modest. Tell us, are you playing for them?"
He nodded. "Yeah. Marten, Boz, Franc, Eddy, if you're watching from a department store or something, I haven't forgotten you guys. I'm doing this for you."
"Aww…" Kayla smiled. "Now let's move into game talk. Abigail, is there a clear target tonight?"
Abigail shook her head. "On a team of four? Not really. Everything's too close to be certain. One flipped vote could be the deciding one."
"...Because there are two groups of two?" Kayla finished.
"Yep," Abigail said. "I don't think anyone's denying that there appear to be two loyal duos on this team."
"Appear to be," Kayla repeated. "Ruby, your thoughts?"
Ruby chose her words carefully. "I agree that there are two established groups. Whether they vote as a unit remains to be seen."
"Hmm. It seems like everyone's expecting someone to flip. Michael, would you agree?"
Michael thought about it. "I will be surprised if the vote tonight is tied."
"And with that," Kayla said. "It is voting time! We go, as usual, in alphabetical order, so Abigail, you're up first."
Abigail stood up and went to the voting area.
"Sorry, Michael. You're too smart to stay in," Abigail said as she held his name to the camera.
Addie was next. "I… vote… for…" he said a name aloud as he wrote it down.
Michael was after him. "Addie, unfortunately, your first conclave on my team will also be your last. My apologies."
Ruby was last. "Um… er… Oh, I don't know!"
Finally, she wrote a name down and returned.
"I'll go tally the votes," Kayla said. She departed.
No one said a word.
Kayla returned. "If anyone has an advantage and would like to play it, now would be the time to do so."
Abigail reached into her shoe…
...and pulled out an advantage. "I would like to cast an extra vote."
Ruby whent ghost-white.
Kayla nodded. "Please do so."
Abigail swiftly went to the voting area, and wrote someone's name down, before returning.
Kayla surveyed everyone. "Okay, now I'll read-"
"Hold up," Addie grinned as he stood. "Let's make things interesting." He tossed Kayla an advantage.
She swiftly read over it. "This is a genuine Game Changer, which allows you to block two votes. Addie, who will you pick?"
Ruby paled as Addie opened his mouth. "I shall be blocking…"
"...both votes cast by Abigail."
Abigail gasped.
Michael sighed. "Oh… You don't realize what you've done, do you?"
Addie raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"
The nerd's face resumed it's serious expression. "Abigail wasn't our target tonight."
Ruby nodded, her face still rather pale.
Kayla smiled. "I have a feeling this is going to be interesting. I'll read the votes for real- unless anyone else has an advantage?"
At the contestants' silence, she nodded.
"The first vote…" Kayla unfolded a piece of paper. "...is for Michael. However, since it was cast by Abigail, it does not count."
Abigail swore like a sailor.
Kayla unfolded the second slip of paper. "The second vote… is also for Michael, and is also blocked."
Abigail shot an accusatory look at Addie, who wouldn't meet her eyes.
A ghost of a smile lingered on Michael's face. "This is it."
Kayla slowly unfolded the third piece of paper. "The third vote… is for Abigail."
Ruby coughed.
"And the fourth vote… is for Addie."
Michael's knee started to bounce up and down.
Addie turned to Abigail. "I'm genuinely sorry."
Kayla, ever so slowly, unfolded the final piece of paper. "The ninth person eliminated from Total Drama: The Curse of K'wala is…"
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"...Abigail," Kayla finally announced gravely. She showed everyone the final vote, to make things certain.
Michael froze. Slowly, he turned around to face Ruby, who tried to look away.
Abigail stood up and stretched. "How disappointing."
Kayla beckoned for the girl. "Abigail, you have finished the game in tenth place."
Abigail looked mildly surprised at this information. "Hey, I guess I did. At least I outlasted Janson."
"Should be a happy reunion," Addie joked.
Abigail smiled weakly. "I'll give that serpiente exactly what he deserves."
Then she left.
"Addie, Michael, and Ruby. Congratulations. You've made the top half of the competition!" Kayla said excitedly.
No one reacted significantly. All, presumably, were preoccupied with their thoughts.
"Now, we'd like you to meet up with the other campers, where we'll give you some specific instructions." Kayla bade them farewell.
Once they were out of earshot, Kayla faced the camera. Beck joined her.
"And with that, we have the merge!" Kayla excitedly cheered.
"Questions must be asked," Beck stated. "Is Michael mad at Ruby?"
"Will Luke remember his alliance with Ilyria?" Kayla wondered aloud.
"And will Arianna succeed in eliminating Faith?" Beck finished. "Find out soon on…"
"Total Drama: The Curse of K'wala!" They said together.
Final Confessional: Abigail- 10th Place
"I never expected that I'd have so much fun playing! At first, it was just to get at Janson, but as it went on, I made three really close friends, even if one of them blindsided me in the end. But hey, that's life. Like my mom always says, no se puede ganar siempre."
The Votes:
Abigail voted for… Michael (Voted Blocked by Addie)
Abigail voted for… Michael (Extra Vote) (Vote Blocked by Addie)
Addie voted for… Abigail
Michael voted for… Addie
Ruby voted for… Abigail
Bonus Scene
Ilyria paced back and forth on the walking trail. It was obviously still nighttime.
"How can I get to Logan without being noticed by the interns?" She muttered to herself. "That jerk's going to pay, I'll say."
She stomped down so hard that one of her rocket-powered boots activated, and she went tumbling into the woods, propelled by her foot.
There was a brief flash of static, before the camera turned back on. This time, the majority of the screen was blocked off by an extreme close up of Beck's face.
Beck slowly backed away. He appeared to be taking a cell-phone video, using a selfie stick.
"Okay, we're recording," he whispered. Slowly, he showed his surroundings.
Beck stood between a collective of trailers and tents. In the distance, there was a sign that read Staff Residence.
"Here's the deal," Beck said quietly. "Kayla went in the infirmary tent, the one where Chris and Logan are being treated for their head colds, nearly three hours ago, and hasn't come out since. I'm not sure what she's doing, but I have a strange feeling. We're not allowed to be out at night, though."
Slowly, Beck crept across the area. He was careful to duck so that he couldn't be seen out of the high windows. Once, he had to dive behind a barrel so that a security guard couldn't see him.
Finally, he was at the infirmary tent.
"Here goes nothing," Beck sighed, and popped his head in the bottom of the entrance, with his cell-phone beside.
In the tent, there was an unbelievable sight.
Logan and Chris sat, back-to-back, gagged and tied together, on a table. Their eyes were wide with fear.
Behind them, one of the interns stood guard. His hand was on his hip, where a gun was obviously hidden.
Beck covered his mouth with his hand to keep from gasping.
"Get comfortable," Kayla suddenly appeared from behind an electric refrigerator. "I don't think either of you are going anywhere for awhile."
"No," Beck muttered.
The sound made Kayla's head snap towards him.
Beck recoiled from where he was, and, ignoring all caution, or silence, sprinted back to his trailer. In doing so, however, his cell-phone went flying out of the selfie-stick. The phone flew to the ground, face-down.
Kayla appeared, standing over the phone. "What do we have here?"
She crouched to pick up the phone. Then she straightened. "Actually…"
Kayla's laugh was the last sound the phone picked up as she crushed it under her foot.
There you guys go! I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
First off, can Abigail get some love? She's honestly one of my favourite characters this season. I wanted to destroy the idea that the 'ex-boy/girlfriend' has to be a complete psycho all the time. Abigail was caring and strategic, even when Janson was still in the game. Alas, she is eliminated, but I feel like she ran her course.
Let's focus in on the two most important things (excluding the bonus scene): Addie's revelation and Abigail's elimination.
Addie was sent to me as a heroic thief, somewhat of a modern-day Robin Hood, who only stole from the rich and used the money to buy basic necessities for him and his homeless buddies. I wanted to change that for both character development and a touch of humor, so I made him a kleptomaniac. However, I kept one thing the same- he remained homeless. If you were paying close attention, you might have noticed the hints I dropped along the way- his weird clothes, the fact that he was so good at picking up coins in the challenge a two chapters back, and that he still thought CDs were in. He became a kleptomaniac because he had to be, on the mean streets of Germany.
This links to Abigail's elimination. But first, let's remember all the way back to the team swap. Remember when Renee commented that to keep the teams even, it would have been more effective to move an OG Tepid Turtle to the Daring Dingos? This was actually my plan in the first place- move Abigail to the Dingos. And when the vote came, it was going to be Madeline going home despite using the vote-blocking advantage, and Abigail losing out soon after- in tenth place, as it happened. When I changed things up, I had to scramble for substitutes to this. And one of them was Addie getting Madeline's advantage, so that, by this point, Madeline and Abigail would still both be eliminated and the advantage would be used. Now, the question is: Why would Ruby vote for Abigail, opposing the alliance that she had just made with Michael? Well I had to struggle for a while to justify, but remember, that alliance was built on Michael newly becoming homeless. Ruby thought something like, 'If I'm helping Michael win so that he can get a home, shouldn't I also help Addie win so that he can get a home?' It sounds poorly-thought out since there can only be one winner, but someone as nice (and a little short-sighted) as Ruby would want to make everyone happy. Ironically, that means that Addie revealing that he was homeless actually saved his hide in the end, and everyone's favorite klepto lives to fight another day.
But what are your thoughts? Also, now that we've hit the halfway mark, who are you cheering for to win? Constructive criticism would also be appreciated!
Current Curse of K'wala Recipient: None
10th- Abigail- The Strong-Willed Leader
11th- Spencer- The Silent Prop Master
12th- Drew- The Seductive Con Man
13th- Renee- The Annoying Reporter
14th- Madeline- The Shattered Innocence
15th- Connie- The Comedienne
16th- Janson- The Manipulative Flirt
17th- John- The Passionate Guitarist
18th- Connor- The Unpleasant Hippie
Takk skal du ha!
PS. 10k word chapter!