Blaineley sat on her bed, calmly drinking tea as Geoff's phone rang on the table next to her. Owen. Again. It was always Owen. It seemed like every hour, the over-weight, annoying, obnoxious man-child called or texted, blithering on about something equally obnoxious. Blaineley didn't like Geoff, but she ESPECIALLY hated Owen. The noise was enough to prompt a panicked grunt from her nearby closet, the doors beginning to bang, threatening to pop open. Blaineley sighed, pinched her nose, and walked over, opening up the two doors.

"Look, I told you," she scowled, "if you don't want me to throw you from the train, KEEP. QUIET!"

Geoff, arms and legs bound by rope, a washcloth stuffed in his mouth, looked up at her fearfully.

"I didn't want it to come to this, Geoff," she sighed, "but you forced my hand. This is all on you- it really is. You just HAD to keep digging around. You could have cost me my job- and what then? I go back to the looney bin? No thank you! Besides, it's not like I haven't been feeding you!"

Geoff shouted something muffled, shaking his head.

"Hey, I'll put a lock on this thing!" She scoffed, "The show is MUCH better without you around. So just stay here, and wait until the finale. You'll go back to your awful party show, and I'll get hostess of the year award. It's for the best."

Blaineley blew a kiss, before slowly shutting the doors.

~o.0.o~

"Alright, this is it. Six players left!" Dane smiled proudly, putting his hands on his hips. "The friendship club is still in this thing, baby- and considering we take up a third of the total contestants left, I'd say we have pretty good odds!"

"Yay, odds!" Glimmer cheered.

"So!" Dane continued, "All we have to do is make sure neither of us are eliminated this challenge, and then next round-"

"You know I can hear everything you're saying, right?" Harper chimed in. Dane froze, turning to look at him. The choice to talk to Glimmer in the bronze carriage where Harper was still waiting probably wasn't the best idea, Dane realized.

"Well... go wait outside!" Dane huffed, pointing to the door, "You don't see me eavesdropping on your alliance meetings!"

"Maybe because I don't have them?"

"Oh, that gives me an idea!" Glimmer beamed, "Harper, why don't YOU join the friendship club? That means we'll be HALF of the contestants left- like a... like a friendship MILITIA!"

"Nope. Absolutely note." Dane crossed his arms adamantly. "Harper is pretty much the lamest person still on the train. Not really friendship militia material..

"Hey! He's my friend!" Glimmer snapped, "If I say he's in, he's-"

"Uh, thanks, Glimmer, I appreciate it," Harper told her, "but I think I'm okay. I'm... not really into alliances. I told Winston the same thing."

"...Winston?" Dane and Glimmer exchanged looks.

"Yeah. The other day," Harper explained, "he asked me to join up with him, but I can't say I trust him."

"Oh, I see what he's trying to do," Dane nodded, smirking, "trying to get his own numbers advantage going in to the finals.'

"...so basically the same thing you're doing," Harper reminded him.

"What? No!... alright,, same basic CONCEPT," Dane conceded, "but we're not gonna let him succeed."

"Don't join up with him, Harper!" Glimmer begged. She darted over, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him. "You just can't!"

"Don't worry, I won't!" Harper told her, pushing her hands away, "He has 'Bond Villain' written all over him. I say we vote off him or Cass next."

"Whichever comes first," Dane shrugged, "thanks, Harper. You gave me something to think about."

CONFESSIONAL: Dane

Winston starting his own alliance? I'm not that worried. Glimmer and I aren't joining up with him, Harper wouldn't be much help either way, and Flash and Cass are too busy trying to murder each other. We vote him or Cass off, like Harper said, and I'm pretty sure I have the rest in the bag.

END CONFESSIONAL

It was a special kind of hate the two girls shared, sitting across the room from each other, neither Cass nor Flash saying a word. Flash casually laced up her sneakers as Cass stared out of a window, watching the scenery go by. After while, Flash asked, "You don't even care, do you? That someone could have gotten really hurt."

"No. I don't." Cass emphasized this with a yawn. "Because it wasn't me."

"Right. Real convincing," Flash scoffed, "I can understand going after me, but Harper, Wendy? That's a new low."

"At least I'm not scared of birds."

"First of all, emus are basically part raptor." Flash glared up at Cass. "Second of all, I'm not scared of birds. I just don't like them."

"Whatever." Cass turned, staring Flash in the eyes. "Let me explain somethin'. That bird seed thing? Not me. But if you think that's the worst I could do if I wanted, you're wrong. Only one of us is gettin' to the finals, and it ain't you. I need this more."

"Oh yeah? And what makes you so special?"

Cass looked Flash over, scowling. "You know why I don't like you? 'Cause I know your type. You don't take anything seriously. This is just a game to you, like everythin' else. I NEED that money."

"You don't know me at all!" Flash snapped, "You have no idea why I'm here- you just like to think you're more important!"

"Maybe because I am!" Cass got to her feet.

Flash rose to hers. "Or maybe you're no more special than anyone else on this train and you just can't admit that!"

This time, it looked like Cass would take a swing. She raised her fists, Flash doing the same when Blaineley's familiar voice came over the intercom.

"Everyone, report to the dining carriage for your briefing on today's challenge!"

The intercom crackled and went dead. The two girls stared at each other, not moving, before Cass finally huffed and turned away, heading toward the door.

"You're lucky I'm more worried about the challenge than you," she sneered, sliding open the door and walking out.

Once the six competitors were in the dining room, Blaineley addressed them.

"Alright," the hostess began, stepping into the carriage, "today is a special day- the final day you'll get the chance to work in teams. I call today's challenge 'Tag-in, Tag-out'. The six of you will be divided into two groups of three, and will participate in a serious of Japanese theme challenges! Or at least, Japanese game show themed!"

Winston scowled, shuddering a bit.

CONFESSIONAL: Winston

Ugh, Japanese game shows. I can't think of anything more moronic and less deserving of my time.

END CONFESSIONAL

"So, here's how it works," Blaineley began, "winning a challenge nets you one point, and each team will be competing for the best out of five. You pick one person to compete in the first challenge. Once it's over, they can choose to compete again, or tag in someone else if the challenge doesn't suit their strengths. So, in the interest of keeping the teams level, I'll be dividing you up according to your strengths and weaknesses. So, for the first team, we have Cass as the muscle, Winston as the brains, and Harper as the... whatever."

"Excellent." Winston smiled, placing a firm hand on Harper's shoulder. "I'm sure we'll get along famously."

"And the second team will be Flash as the unattractive muscle-"

"HEY!"

"Glimmer as the brains, and Dane as the also whatever!"

"Wait, what? How come I'M not the brains?" Dane protested.

"Because you have to be intelligent for that, sweetie," Blaineley shrugged.

"Aww, don't worry Dane!" Glimmer smiled, patting his head. "You can be the brains if you want! What team name should we have, guys?"

"Team name? There's no-" Blaineley began, but it was clear Glimmer wasn't listening.

"Oh, I know! How about the Super Friendship Club Happy Deluxe Edition! You know, 'cuz Japan and stuff!"

"That's cute, Glimmer." Winston smiled patronizingly. "But I'm not sure it'll help you win in the long run. After all, my team is a perfect balance."

"Excuse me- did you say YOUR team?" Cass demanded.

"Slip of the tongue," Winston assured her, "I meant nothing by it. OUR team."

"Glad you guys are getting along," Blaineley smirked, "there's a little... twist for tonight's elimination. There will be no Big Loser, and there will be no voting. Instead, all three members of the losing team will compete at the SAME TIME for immunity! Normally I wouldn't spoil something like this, but hey, makes you work harder, right? That's right, three people will compete for immunity, and one of them won't be walking away from it. The other two will continue to stay until the NEXT time they blow a challenge, which, knowing you guys, will be pretty soon anyway."

CONFESSIONAL: Harper

A three way elimination? Oh man- my team better not lose. I don't know how I'd go up against Cass AND Winston.

CONFESSIONAL: Flash

Dane and Glimmer are tight, but I'm not worried. Glimmer is the only real challenge if I lose.

CONFESSIONAL: Winston

Well, this isn't an optimal time to lose. I need both of my team members. Cass as a scapegoat, and Harper as a mindless peon. If it comes down to it, I'll have to pick which piece to sacrifice. Cass? Well, the longer she stays in the game the more of a threat she becomes. Best to cut her loose now.

CONFESSIONAL: Dane

Nah, I'm not worried. We have Flash join the friendship club, win today's challenge, and boom- in the final five!

END CONFESSIONALS

Once the train stopped, Blaineley explained the details of the challenge further.

"So, like the Rainbow Pony challenge, we'll be taking a bus to a studio where the obstacles are set up for you. Feel free to strategize or whatever on the way there."

The doors slid open, the hostess leading the contestants out to the bus. She grabbed a seat up front, Cass slinking away to the back as Winston sat next to Harper, and Glimmer and Dane sat next to Flash.

"Hello there, Harper," Winston greeted warmly, "give any more thought to my proposition?"

"A little- look, it's nice of you to ask, but I think I'm gonna have to turn it down. Alliances just... aren't my thing."

Winston didn't seem bothered by this in the slightest. He wrapped a tight arm around Harper's shoulder, patting his back. "Well, consider it a little longer, won't you? Never hurts to have too many friends in a game like this."

~o.0.o~

"-and that's why it never hurts to have too many friends!" Glimmer concluded from her seat, grinning.

Flash, who had been nodding off, stirred slightly, rubbing her eyes. "Oh, right. Those were some interesting reasons. All one hundred and seven of them."

"I know, right!" Glimmer wrapped an arm around Flash, pulling her into a half-hug. "That's why you should totally join our friendship club full-time!"

Flash slowly removed Glimmer's arm, scooting to the side. "That's, uh, a nice offer, but I think I'm gonna have to say no." As a general rule, Flash wasn't one for working in groups- it wasn't often she could find someone who could keep up. She also wasn't one for excessive hugging. "I kind of prefer working alone."

"Flash." Glimmer forcibly put her arm back. "You know, Sparklebeard once said that you can't break a stick in a hurricane. I don't know what that means, but working together makes everyone better!"

"And besides," Dane chimed in, putting his arm around Flash, "look at what you have to gain- an alliance with the most handsome man on all of television! Eh? Eh?"

Flash glared at Dane, then his arm. He fearfully retracted it, Glimmer following suit.

"Okay, okay, just think it over," Dane grumbled, turning to the window.

Soon enough, the bus stopped, Blaineley leading the contestants to what was perhaps the most bizarre and colorful studio they had ever seen. In the center was a set up that looked like an average waiting room; tables, chairs, a couch, television, a book shelf, and even a doorframe. Surrounding it were zany obstacle courses and tracks of every variety.

"Okay, guys!" Blaineley began, "Let's not delay! Our first challenge will be..."

She paused when she noticed Harold standing next to her, breathing heavily as he stared at the set.

"...can I help you?"

"I just... I just really like Japan, okay?" Harold sighed.

"...get out, Harold."

"Alright, GOSH!"

The hostess shook her head as the intern stormed off, before going back to her explanation. "Anyway, our first challenge will be in the living room set over there. Inside, there are five things made of chocolate. It could be the door, a TV dial, a book, you get the idea. Most of it, however, is just regular furniture- each team will assign one person to go around, biting random things in the room until they find the chocolate. The first team to find the three pieces of chocolate wins the first point!"

"Oh! Oh! Pick me! Pick meeeee!" Glimmer begged, "I LOVE CHOCOLATE."

"Yeah, go ahead," Dane agreed, "I think my talent is wasted walking around biting doors."

"Team, if I may?" Winston offered. "I have a refined palate. Perhaps I'd be suited for the challenge."

"You gonna sniff it out like a bloodhound?" Cass scoffed, "Fine, whatever, Be my guest."

Blaineley gave the contestants a nod, and the two headed down, into the room. Winston took his time, sniffing each piece of furniture intently as his teammates looked on in equal parts confusion and disgust.

CONFESSIONAL: Harper

Of all the things I've seen on this show, this MIGHT be the weirdest.

END CONFESSIONAL

Glimmer smiled as she bit down on a doorframe, pulling off a chunk of chocolate.

"Got un!" She called through a full mouth, quickly chewing and swallowing before moving on. It wasn't long before she pulled a chocolate book off a shelf, wolfing that down. Winston stared at her, disgusted, before moving on.

CONFESSIONAL: Winston

I've enjoyed crushing the competition thus far, but putting an end to that... blight on humanity known as Glimmer is going to bring an extra smile to my face.

END CONFESSIONAL

It wasn't long before Glimmer found a third piece of chocolate in the form of a table leg.

"And the Team Friendship Happy whatever takes the first challenge!" Blaineley announced. "Still plenty of time to rebound, of course. Let's move on to the second challenge for today, an intellectual challenge affectionately referred to as-"

"I volunteer!" Dane said immediately. "Intellectual challenges are riiight up my alley."

Blaineley just stared at him, amused. "You didn't even let me finish. Maybe you want to hear what it's called, first."

"Nope! I'm totally fine,' he smiled. "Tag me in, Glimmer."

"Pfft, if it means I get to eat chocolate all day? Totally!" She grinned, patting Dane on the shoulder before going back to the room.

"Alright. Then Dane is going for... the Nutcracker!" Blaineley gestured to a nearby stage where two machines were hooked up. They were simplistic, but intimidating- there spaces on each for your feet to go, and what looked like a lock that sprung into place around your ankles. Attached to that was a a simple steel rod with a large red ball on the end.

"Damn right I do!" Dane smirked, "I'm totally going to- wait, what was that called?"

"Well, you'll see in a moment," Blaineley smirked. "Both players will stand on one end of the platform, where you'll be locked into place."

"Okay. But why is it called..." Dane began, eyeing the stage warily.

"Well, I'm going to ask you a series of questions. If you get one wrong, or fail to answer before your opponent, that ball comes up and... well, you'll see," she grinned.

Winston, who fully understood what she meant, immediately tagged Harper in.

"Hey!" Harper glared at Winston, who just smiled.

"I just don't want to hog the spotlight, given my poor performance in the last challenge," he explained, "I have every confidence in you, my boy."

Cass could barely contain her laughter. "Heh, oh man. Anyone got any popcorn?"

"Nope, just broken dreams! Get into your places, boys!" The hostess ordered.

Harper and Dane warily got into position, quickly being locked into place.

"...you know, I don't think I have a problem with being the also whatever anymore," Dane said nervously, "anyone want to switch? Not too late!"

"Oh, yes it is," Blaineley told him, stepping in front of them, "first person to answer three questions correctly wins. First question! What was the first elimination challenge of the season!"

"Climbing the mountain!" Dane answered hastily.

Blaineley nodded, before a wide smile spread across her face and she shook her head. "Nope!"

She pressed a button, and the red ball launched up, hitting Dane square in the groin. Everyone collectively sucked air through their teeth as Dane crumpled forward, crying out in pain.

"Ohdearlordwhy," he managed to choke out, face flushed.

Harper stared at him, wide eyed, before looking toward the hostess, stamping her foot impatiently.

"Clock is ticking, Harper!"

"Uh, right!" He thought quickly. "The mountain climbing was the first challenge, but that only decided who stayed where- the first ELIMINATION challenge was the quiz!"

"that's... correct! Point to Harper!" Blaineley nodded. "Now, Pearl was eliminated in what challenge?"

This, Harper could not recall as easy. Just his luck that Dane was still recovering from the pain.

"Uh... uh..." He frantically racked his thoughts, before guessing, "Geoff ball!"

"Correct!" At the press of a button, Dane was once again doubled over in pain, his swears becoming almost incomprehensible in nature.

"Not looking so good, Dane," Blaineley mused, "Harper, care to put a pin on this? Name the eight pony pals that helped you two challenges ago."

"Uh... Eclipse... Sarge... Doc... Gloom, Rad Brad..." He struggled for a moment, before finishing, "Scarah, Blue and Justice Guy!"

"Correct! Harper scores a point for his team!" Blaineley announced.

"Nope! No way!" Dane said, hastily guarding himself.

"Oh, don't worry, Dane." Blaineley rolled her eyes. "The challenge is over, we don't need to hit you again."

Dane looked relieved. "Really?" he asked, easing up.

"Nope!"

Dane was immediately hit again. "Son of a-" he choked out. His locks released, and he fell face first on the ground. Harper quickly hopped off the stage, letting out a sigh of relief as Cass howled with laughter, and Glimmer slowly helped Dane up, patting his back.

"Good show!" Winston complimented, "I knew you had it in you!"

"Yeah." Harper looked him over warily. "Thanks for volunteering me for that."

"Oh, come now. No hard feelings, surely? I simply thought you'd be better suited for the challenge," he insisted. "After all, you've done quite well in similar challenges before."

"If you say so." Harper gave Winston a look to let him know he didn't quite buy what he was selling.

"okay- the next challenge is a bit more athletic," Blaineley began, "so I think we know who's competing. Isn't that right, muscle head?"

Blaineley shot a smile at Flash, who huffed, tagging herself in. Cass quickly followed suit, swatting Harper's back and stepping forward.

"What? Ready to lose again?" Flash taunted.

"Oh yeah. You talk big, alright." Cass walked forward, staring her down. "let's if you can back it up."

"You know I can."

"Hostile, huh? Perfect." Blaineley walked forward, signaling for them to follow. Eventually she came to two huge treadmills that led to a huge pool of water.

"I recognize this one!" Harper commented, "It's the thing where pieces of wood roll down the treadmill with poses carved into them, right? You have to fit yourself into the shape or you get knocked into the pool!"

"Harper, leave the hosting and exposition to me!" Blaineley snapped. "...but yes, that's right. Various cut-outs will make their way down, and you have to adjust yourself to fit into each one. If you can't, you'll be knocked into the pool of water, and the other team wins a point. Get into position and lets do this thing!"

The two girls hopped up, glaring at each other, before the machines kicked into motion. The positions started simple at first, the two able to get by by leaning forward or holding their arms up, but things quickly complicated. Instead of poses, the cut outs took the form of various shapes, objects, and animals. The two began to tire, struggling to keep on.

"What's... the matter?" Cass panted, "Can't keep up?"

"No... just slowing down for you," Flash retorted.

Cass sneered, turning back as the cut outs got harder and harder, before finally Cass was knocked into the pool of water.

"Great," Blaineley sighed, obviously disappointed, "looks like Flash wins!"

Flash turned, looking down at Cass triumphantly. "Looks like you can back things up, too- straight into a pool of water."

Furious, Cass stood up, balling her fists. "That's it- one more time, you and me! I don''t care what's next, I'm shutting you up!"

"Uh, Cass?" Winston stepped over, concerned- for himself, of course. "You're making this personal. I'll go next."

"Personal? I'll show you personal." Cass shoved Winston aside. "She. Is not. Better than me!"

Winston glared at her, straightening his suit. "Very well, then. Have it your way."

"Fine. You want to go again?" Flash hopped off her treadmill. "I'm game."

"Well, no rule against you two going again," Blaineley shrugged, "alright, fine. Follow me."

It wasn't long before the hostess led them to another room... which was completely empty.

"Go stand inside," she ordered.

"That's it?" Cass looked unimpressed. "Where's the challenge?"

"You'll see soon enough," the hostess replied cryptically. Blaineley shooed them inside, shutting and locking the door behind them. The two girls stood in silence, avoid each others' gaze, when the floor suddenly shifted, slowly sliding out from under them.

"What the-" Flash looked around, startled. As the floor slowly slipped away, she noted two platforms sticking out from the other side of the floor. She quickly jumped to one, Cass jumping to the one next to it. They cast a quick glance downward- nothing but darkness.

Flash opened her mouth to get a jab in, but stopped when their platforms, too, began to slid into the wall; two more sliding out on different sides of the room. The girls quickly jumped to each, barely managing to keep up their balance. This time, Flash did get a jab in.

"Hope you're not... scared of heights!" Flash jumped to another platform just as the other disappeared.

Cass scowled, following suit. "Shut up- I hate you!"

"Not... as much as I hate you!" Flash hopped to another platform. "i can be obnoxious! I can be over-competitive, I can be annoying, but I'd NEVER stoop as low as you!"

"I don't care what you thinka' me!" Cass shouted, "I came here to win, and that's what I'm doing! I don't care about you, or Wendy, or anybody else!" As she hopped over to a platform, Flash's heart raced. She knew she was getting the upper-hand.

"And what about your brother, huh? Does you care about him?"

Cass' eyes shot over to Flash. "Don't you dare," she began, "don't you DARE-" by the time she realized her mistake, it was too late. The platform she stood on quickly began to slide into the wall, giving Cass only a second to jump to the next one. She reached out, hands grasping... only to miss by a hair. She fell into the darkness, landing on a padded cushion. She let out a growl, punching the mattress in frustration. above, the door opened, Flash hopping out of the room- but not before giving Cass a smirk and a wave.

CONFESSIONAL: Flash

Trash-talking one-oh-one, and she totally fell for it!... wait a minute, I had something for-

END CONFESSIONAL

"That's three points!" Blaineley announced, "Flash wins the challenge for her team. Flash, Glimmer, Dane, the three of you have immunity!"

"Alright! FINAL FIVE!" Glimmer cheered, hugging Dane, who was only able to weakly hold up an arm.

"Winston, Harper, Cass... one of you is going home. At least, once Cass climbs out of that hole." The hostess walked over, tossing down a rope. "Get climbing, sweetie! You all have thirty minutes before the elimination challenge.

CONFESSIONAL: Harper

An elimination challenge against Cass and Winston. Am I nervous? Definitely.

CONFESSIONAL: Cass

Winston, Harper, I don't care. I'll take out whoever I need to tonight, and after that, I'm taking out Flash for good. Whoever's left ain't a problem.

CONFESSIONAL: Winston

A loss. Damn. Not exactly ideal for my current situation... but here's what I'm thinking. Cass isn't the most cooperative person on this show. So I offer each her and Harper an alliance. If she turns it down, Harper and I team up an eliminate Cass, then vote off Flash next. If Harper says no, well, I don't exactly need help eliminating him.

END CONFESSIONALS

"Psst, Harper."

Harper turned just as Winston walked up next to him, whispering.

"Cass. She's gotten dangerous, hasn't she? Flash, too. Their little rivalry is out of hand. It's becoming a threat to everyone in the game- I think we should nip it in the bud while we have the chance. Work together to eliminate Cass."

"Look, for the last time," Harper sighed, "i don't want an alliance with you!"

"Is that so?" Winston only smiled. "I suppose you'd like to take her on yourself, would you?"

"Well... why not?"

"Why not?" This was the first thing to catch Winston genuinely offguard. "What do you mean, why not? Unless the challenge is intellectual, she'd destroy you. You're better off with me-"

"I don't TRUST you," Harper insisted, "I haven't forgotten what happened with Ryuzaki!"

"Oh, I thought we were past this," Winston sighed, "must a man forever be tormented by his mistakes?"

"That wasn't a mistake- or I bet it wasn't," Harper frowned, "and so what if you think she'd destroy me? So does everyone back home! But you know what, no one back home thought I'd ever make it this far, either!"

"Winston watched, taken aback.

"I've made friends on this trip," Harper continued, "learned things, done things that most people never considered trying! I love movies. I want to MAKE movies. And, in a way, doing this, I kind of did! I'm not some kind of hero like Batman or Aragorn or Picard. Cass probably WOULD destroy me in a fight. But I don't know that until it happens. And you know? I'd rather go out honestly then go out after being backstabbed by some... some second rate James Bond villain cliche!"

"Winston stared at Harper, silent, his face slowly reddening with each word. After he was finished, Winston straightened his suit.

"You'll regret this," Winston promised, "I'll see personally that you do."

"He gave Harper a shove before, cane in hand, he stormed away.

A while passed, and when Blaineley gave the ten minute warning, Harper sighed, approaching Cass.

"Hey, listen, Cass?" He began. "Listen. Winston found me a bit ago, and I thought you should know he asked me to-"

"-bump me out of the challenge?" Cass finished, "Figures."

"Uh... yeah," Harper blinked, "how'd you..."

"'cause he made me the same offer," Cass said bluntly, "said if I 'crushed' you he'd help me with my problem. Guessin' you told him no."

Harper nodded.

"So did I."

"So wait," Harper began, "does that mean you're going after-"

"I'm going after anyone who gets in my way," Cass replied, "if that means you, fine. Fancypants, fine. So my advice? Don't get in my way."

"Time for the elimination!" Blaineley called, "Everyone, over here!"

Cass rolled her eyes. "See you at elimination."

~o.0.o~

"Behind Blaineley was a large, circular platform with three wooden sticks on them- by now, the contestants knew what this meant.

"ANOTHER duel challenge?" Cass huffed.

"Shut up! It's an easy to set up and surefire way to create drama!" Blaineley snapped back defensively, "Besides, its a three man battle this time, which makes it more interesting! Since you all know what this is, brats, I'll let you get started. The three of you fight, the first person to get knocked off the platform is eliminated. Get going!"

The three climbed up, Harper taking a shaky breath as they grabbed their weapons. Winston was right. He was probably toast.

"And... BEGIN!"

To everyone's surprise, Cass stepped back, yawning as she watched Winston leap toward Harper, swinging and narrowly missing. Harper let out a gasp, barely taking a step before Winston swung again, this time hitting Harper in the stomach.

"Fight back, boy!" Winston demanded, hitting Harper in the shoulder. Harper winced, stumbling away, but managing to hold up his stick to deflect another blow from Winston. It didn't last long, as Winston kicked Harper in the gut, causing him to double forward.

"Hey, he's fighting dirty!" Flash called out, Blaineley just smiling and waving for the fight to continue.

Harper attempted to get a swing in, but Winston reached out, grabbing him by the hair.

d"Cliche, hm?" Winston pulled his hair, Harper letting out a cry of pain. "CLICHE?" He threw Harper aside, who just barely managed to avoid sliding off the platform. Harper grasped his weapon, but Winston walked over calmly, placing his foot on Harper's hand and digging it in.

"If you ever talk to me like that again..." Winston pulled his foot off, looking down at him. "Listen to me. Listen to me carefully. I'm better than you. That's why I can do this."

He pulled his hand back, slapping Harper across the face.

"What the hell, he can't- HEY!" Flash moved for the stage, Glimmer following suit.

"YOU DON'T TREAT MY FRIENDS LIKE THAT!" Glimmer howled, but the two girls were quickly restrained by interns as Dane just looked on in shock. Winston made eye contact with Glimmer, flashing a smile, before slapping Harper once more.

"I'm better than you!" he continued, this time to no one in particular. "I'm not a cliche. You're jealous of my status, and you should be. You're garbage. You're all garbage, sitting in your parent's basement, making home movies. Garbage, because you were a star athlete in highschool and think that makes you something. Garbage, because you have the audacity to THINK you're a genius in MY presence-"

"Harper suddenly drove the end of his staff into Winston's gut. The mastermind was silenced, eyes widening as Harper got to his knees, hitting Winston in the legs. Winston hit the ground with a thud, wincing as Harper stood up.

"Long winded speech that gives your opponent time to recover," Harper panted, "villain cliche, like, number thirty."

Harper raised his staff up, ready to knock Winston off the platform. The mastermind raised his hands weakly.

"Not like this," he whispered, "Harper, it was just for show. Not like this."

"Time for one more cliche," Harper frowned, "this is for Burton."

Cass suddenly ran forward, slamming her staff into Harper's back full force. He let out a yell, Cass quickly grabbing him and throwing him off of the platform.

"HARPER IS ELIMINATED!" Blaineley shouted, "CASS AND WINSTON ARE STILL IN THE GAME!"

Harper slowly picked himself up off the ground, hair a mess, bruises and welts beginning to form on his body. Before he could say anything, Glimmer pulled him into a tight hug.

"I'll kill them!" She promised, "You had 'em, Harper! You had 'em fair and square!"

"I know..." Harper sighed, "I... I can't believe it's over..."

"That was total crap," Flash huffed, "they should have called it off, Winston should be out of here!"

"If you want justice, you came to the wrong place," Harper quoted with a slight chuckle.

"No I didn't." Flash glared intently at Cass. "They'll pay for this. All of it."

Glimmer pulled away, sniffing. "Take care of yourself, okay? Make sure you eat your pancakes every morning, and write me every week!"

"There's only a week or so left-" Harper tired to explain, but was silenced by another hug.

"Can we hurry this up?" Blaineley asked, tapping her foot.

Glimmer looked up at her, eyes narrowed. "I'LL BREAK YOU!"

Blaineley stepped away, visibly unnerved, as Dane sighed, rubbing his neck.

"Yeah, I guess you're not the lamest thing to ever happen," he shrugged, "we'll, uh, totes avenge you and stuff. Go team. Woo!"

"You can stop trying, Dane," Harper said, finally managing to break free of Glimmer. He took a deep breath, cleared his throat, and stood up a bit taller. "Well... this is it. Bye, guys... its been fun. Really. Thanks."

"Yeah. You too," Flash grumbled, giving him a quick, uncomfortable hug before pushing him away.

Harper smiled, pulling away, before heading to the door. "Good luck, guys!" He waved, I'll say hey to the others for you!" Head held high, he opened the door of the studio, stepping outside. Japanese game shows, dramatic fights, betrayal... it gave him a pretty good idea for a movie.

~o.0.o~

The night on the train was a quiet one. No one was much in the mood for chatter, and Winston sulked in his carriage. His temper had bested him. His plan had gotten him out of the line of fire, and his short fuse got him back into it.

The door slid open, and he looked up to see Cass walk inside, a serious look on her face.

"Before, you promised you could help me get rid of Flash."

"...yes, that's right."

"Said you're good with plans?"

"Right."

"Good." Cass extended her hand. "Because we're going to need a damn good plan to even the odds. Partner."

(A/N: Not too much to say here. That elimination made me a sad panda, so I think I'm going to go play videogames to cushion the blow XD For real, Harper is... well, he's a personal favorite of mine for a lot of reasons, and while he made it farther than originally planned, the loss still pained me a bit. Though, I do feel the fight scene matched Ryuzaki's elimination, if not surpassed it. What do you guys think?

Well, my hosting duties on the RP forum kept me from working on this, but the next episode I've had planned from beginning to end for a long time. I'm really looking forward to it. I have a few surprises in store, and it's arguably the most important episode in the series, including CTV. It's going to set up a lot of what's to come. And there is MUCH more to come! Thank you guys so much for sticking with this. Whether you read and review, just read, or clicked on this chapter without reading any of the others- seriously man, stop doing that, you're only going to confuse yourself- thank you for your support. No real reason for saying this, just... thanks! I have a grand plan for what happens overall, and I'm excited and genuinely grateful to share it with you.. even if it does take five more years!

Kidding!...or am I?)