"Last time on Total Drama Nations." Damian said on the dock to recap. "Our campers endured a race of the body and mind. How they knew such odd trivia, we're not sure, but due to the Noble Nile throwing the challenge, the Majestic Mespotamia won and Carmen was thrown off the island right before the merge!" Damian walked in front of a rack of twelve flags. Mexico, Sweden, France, Russia. Germany, Jamaica, Egypt, England, Japan, Italy, Iran and Ghana. "Twelve down. Twelve to go! And no teams! Join us now as the merge begins! On Total! Drama! Nations!"
Jafari sat with Clara, Andres, and Thema in the boathouse.
"Well, the past few days have been great." Jafari smiled. "Not only did we get rid of a major nuisance, but we gained two more members for this alliance. I'm so glad you girls decided to join."
Clara smiled. Thema however, glared daggers at the French girl.
"Trust me, I need this. Dmitri and I are the only ones left in our old team that isn't part of Hans's twisted cult…" Clara growled.
"Then why don't you go join an alliance with him?" Thema spat.
"Because he doesn't want to align with anyone. He's digging his own grave, if you ask me."
"Whatever…"
"That actually brings up a good point. Who do you all think we should eliminate? I'm sure one of us could score immunity." Jafari wondered.
"Not Rosa or Sadaf, though." Andres said.
"Why not?" Thema hissed.
"Sadaf's my friend. And...well, I like Rosa."
"Feelings that like don't matter in this game."
Jafari looked a bit hurt.
"Yeah, I have to agree with her." Clara added. "I say we get rid of Dmitri the first chance we get, he's a sitting duck...that's riding a tank."
"I was just about to bring that up." Jafari pointed. "He seems like a powerhouse. What if he wins immunity?"
"Then I was thinking Makoto."
"The Asian kid? I hate him…" Thema growled.
"News flash!" Andres chuckled a bit. Before being leered at by Jafari and Thema. "S-sorry…"
"Uh, why?" Jafari asked.
"Well, one, he bothers me."
"I thought you agreed with me that feelings don't matter?" Thema asked coldly.
"...Two, he's been targetting me like crazy. And three, as much as I hate to admit it, he's smart. Plus, it would cripple Hans's alliance. He's the closest thing to a challenge threat in that alliance. Hans is extremely average, Anna is f***ing tiny and brain-dead, and Rosa is a human slug, when it comes to challenges." Clara explained.
"Hm. Makes sense. I'll consider it."
"Hey hey hey hey. You said you've given alliance control to me." Thema spat.
"Wait, what?" Andres wondered.
"I'm leading this alliance, now."
"But Thema. I believe I did mention, I'll be putting the strategic responsibility on myself. I believe Clara makes a very valid point. Makoto is bothersome and has threat status, so I think he's a likely candidate for our next vote." Explained Jafari.
Thema crossed her arms and blushed slightly. Andres smiled as he saw this, but quickly flinched as Thema threatened to backhand him.
"We'll see how today's challenge goes before we make any big decisions, though. Is that alright with you, Clara?" Jafari asked.
"I guess so." Clara shrugged.
"Wonderful. Now, Andres. Come with me. We have our...excursion to tend to."
"Got it, chief!" Andres stood up and followed Jafari as the two walked into the woods.
"What do you suppose they're looking for?" Clara asked.
Thema simply glared at Clara and walked away.
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Jafari: I wonder why Thema's so hateful towards Clara? I guess she really is only opening up to me…
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Thema: F*** Clara. She just barges in here...Ugh!
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Clara: I realize that I'm in no position to really make anyone mad. Given my place, right now, I could get booted like that (Clara snapped her fingers). So I gotta keep calm. Even though Thema is driving me crazy….
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Andres: Three physical people and then there's me. Boy do I feel like a sore thumb… (Andres chuckled sheepishly.)
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Hans, Anna, Makoto, and Rosa gathered in the boys cabin for another alliance meeting.
"So are you done moping like a b****?" Makoto asked Hans.
"Yes." Hans groaned. "I was just in a bit of shock after I committed an act that horrid… But I've accepted that what I did was wrong and I'm ready to move on."
"Good. So, while you were contemplating morality or whatever, we thought-"
"Clara should go next!" Anna interrupted.
"Hm...Care to explain, Anna?" Hans asked.
"Yeah, let the bimbo explain…" Makoto hissed.
Hans leered at Makoto before turning back to Anna. "Continue, Anna…"
"Okay. So. First. Clara is in an alliance with the big Egyptian guy and Rosa's boyfriend."
Rosa looked a bit surprised and her cheeks flushed a bit.
"She's also good at challenges and is kinda smart. Plus, she mean."
Hans smirked, impressed. "You know, that is a very good argument. Yeah. Clara's going home next. We have the numbers to get a good majority. We'll just need to talk to a couple others to secure that majority. Rosa, try to get Andres on our side. Anna said he's your boyfriend, yes?"
Rosa looked embarrassed. "Well, I don't know about that."
"Alright. That little chimp is leaving as soon as possible. I say we continue searching for that idol." Makoto added.
"Good idea." Hans grinned. "We'll go in pairs today. Makoto, you're with me."
"There we go. Someone's using the smart side of their brain again."
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Hans: It does feel good to get back to taking this game in my hands. I feel like a captain back at the wheel of his ship. And I'm sailing this ship right to first place! (Hans snickered).
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Makoto: Good to see that Hans isn't being such a baby anymore. What's done is done. But I still wish he'd use more of that twisted s*** he used on Emma in this game. He obviously knows how deadly he can be. If I were him, I'd take full advantage of it.
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Anna: I'm glad Hans is happy again. And I'm so glad that my strategy is gonna work!
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Rosa:...Boyfriend, huh?
-|-|-|-End Confessional-|-|-|-
Sadaf sat with Isaiah and Lacey in the girls cabin.
"Okay. We've made the merge. But do you see a problem here?" Sadaf asked.
"What're ya talkin' about?" Isaiah wondered.
"There are three alliances in the merge. Two of which have four people. We have three. We're in the minority."
"Well, we could always ask Dmitri. That would even it out." Lacey shrugged. "I've tried before and he said no. Maybe that was just because of the teams."
"Naw. The guy won't budge." Isaiah replied.
"But I still believe we can get rid of the biggest threat in this game if we play our cards right." Sadaf continued. "I'm sure everyone left knows that Jafari is a threat, so we could always ask Hans and his alliance. Hell, I'm sure Dmitri would agree to at least vote with us."
"He does seem keen on takin' out threats."
"But wouldn't we be giving Hans the upper hand? Because then his alliance would be in the majority. It may even gain numbers, since Andres has a crush on Rosa. She could easily lure him into her alliance." Lacey brought up.
Sadaf pondered for a moment. "Who's to say that Andres would immediately align with his girlfriend? I'm friends with him and he was on the same team as all three of us. I feel like he'd trust us a hell of a lot more. If we act fast, we may have two alliances of four and three challenge threats that are either too stupid to be social or are frantically running around like chickens."
"Actually. We could get Clara into our alliance if we took Jafari out." Isaiah said. "Her team hates her, from what I found out."
"Oh this is too good." Sadaf grinned. "And Thema is too b****y and anti-social to work with anyone, so the moment that she doesn't get immunity, we send her packing. I'm liking this idea."
"Now remember Sadaf." Lacey explained. "This isn't set in stone. We still need to keep our options open just in case something happens. Especially if Jafari wins immunity."
"Well, if the challenge is physical, I feel like Dmitri will mow all of us down. Which will work in our favor for a little while. But you are right. We'll figure it out afterward. We just have to make sure Jafari doesn't win immunity."
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Sadaf: It's simple. We just have to get rid of the biggest threat and, with some quick talking, we get two more members to our alliance and one angry African c*** counting down her days in this game.
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Isaiah: Now that we're in the merge, Sadaf has been tweakin' out about strategy and what our plan is. While I admire her enthusiasm and diligence, maybe she should take some of her own advice about relaxation. (Isaiah chuckled).
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Lacey: The merge is going to be tough. But I feel like, since we're kind of the underdogs in this battle of alliances, we'll prosper. The underdog always prospers….Well, at least in fiction...
-|-|-|-End Confessional-|-|-|-
-|-|-|-Confessional-|-|-|-
Dmitri: Am I worried that I have no allies in merge? Nyet. I have strength to dominate challenges until finale. And if I do not, I have friends that I am sure are targeting others with strategy mumbo of jumbo. Be trusting of me. With strength alone, Total Drama Nations winner will be me. Dmitri Stofski.
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As Thema walked away to be by herself, Clara followed behind her.
"You know, I'm getting sick of your attitude." Clara said sternly.
"Then drop out of our alliance. Or better, drop out of the game." Thema snapped.
"Listen. Why is it that I have you so pissed? What did I do to you?!"
"You know what you did? You walked your perky little ass right in here and acted all high and mighty about how you're so smart!"
"I did no such thing!"
"You did! And Jafari respects you more!"
"Wait...this is about Jafari?"
Thema paused. "...N-no."
"It is now. Spit it out."
"Just go away…"
"No. I want to know."
"No."
"Tell me!"
"I don't want anyone taking my only friend away from me! Not again!"
"Again? What happened?"
"Nothing. Shut up!" Thema clenched her teeth as her eyes grew a bit moist. "Just leave me alone!"
As Thema ran away, Clara looked unsure about what just happened.
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Clara: Why do I only seem to talk to crazy girls?
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Thema: (Thema sat in the fetal position and sobbed a bit.) Never again...I shouldn't have friends….
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Anna and Rosa began searching the woods for the Duncan idol. Anna skipped away while Rosa dragged her feet unenthusiastically.
"Are you okay, Rosa?" Anna asked. "You seem sad."
"Huh? Oh, I'm alright, I guess." Rosa replied, devoid of much emotion.
"How are things with your boyfriend?"
"Well, I don't know if he's my boyfriend…"
"Aw, why not? You two would be so cute together!"
"I don't know. I'm not really a social person."
"Hm. But you're nice. And you're super pretty."
"Yeah, that's kind of a problem."
"How so? I've been told I'm pretty. It always makes me feel good."
"Try having a bunch of American, Canadian, and English university guys want to have sex with you constantly…"
"Oh no! Did they hurt you?" Anna quickly grew worried.
"No no no. But I already don't care about people enough. I don't need the extra attention."
"Why do you hate people?"
"I don't. I just don't care. What's the point really? I just spend most of my time watching reality television."
"Then how are you in such good shape?"
Rosa shrugged. "Genetics or whatever."
"...I'm kind of sad, now. You made me sad."
"It's okay. Don't be sad. Um...You made smart move today, I guess."
Anna perked up. "Really?"
"Yeah. If Makoto doesn't stomp it into dirt, it must be good…"
"Aw, thank you!" Anna hugged Rosa tightly. Rosa looked down, confused.
"Yeah...sure…."
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Anna: I still really think Rosa should talk to that boy. I may have let one lady friend's love slip through her fingers. But I will make sure Rosa has a boyfriend. Ooh! then he can join our alliance! See? I tied strategy into that!
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Rosa: I get what she's trying to do. And Andres is really nice, funny, cute, I guess. I just don't know…
-|-|-|-End Confessional-|-|-|-
Dmitri was doing pushups in the clearing when he noticed Isaiah walking into the forest. Dmitri got up and followed him. Isaiah noticed the he was being followed and quickly turned around.
"Heya, Dmitri." Isaiah greeted. "What'cha up to?"
"Just morning exercise. I figured we could talk or something. We are now at merge. We are still keeping rivalry, da?"
"Of course! Every challenge, it'll be you and I competin' for immunity! Especially if you help my alliance get rid of Jafari."
"Which one is Jafari?"
"Uh, he's bigger than me, but smaller than you. Tan, glasses, curly hair."
"Always with shouting black woman?"
"Yeah, that's the guy."
"Why? He doesn't seem like much."
"Well, this is on a more personal note. Him and that girlfriend of his pretty much became the team leaders at the end. And I'm thinkin', with his alliance, he's gonna try and control the game."
"Wait. Isn't Clara in his alliance? Short French girl. Also screams a lot."
"Yeah. See? He's got numbers. Plus, he's smart and strong. So he's a mega threat."
"You make good point. I will think about it. I am not much for strategy."
"Great! Thanks mon! I'm lookin' forward to the challenge." Isaiah chuckled as he began to walk away, before being stopped by Dmitri.
"Wait. Where are you going?"
Isaiah grew nervous. "U-uh…"
"Want to have race?" Dmitri smiled.
"Oh...Sure!"
"Ready...Go!" The two men began sprinting.
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Dmitri: See? I have no need for alliance. I have plenty of friends and it seems like I am not target. I am okay, for now. Although, I will still try to win immunity in every challenge.
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Isaiah: Competin' with a powerhouse like Dmitri is gonna be fun. The man is massive! I'll certainly have to try my hardest in every challenge if I wanna beat him.
-|-|-|-End Confessional-|-|-|-
Andres and Jafari walked through the woods, carrying shovels.
"Hey, I'm not just a vote, right?" Andres asked.
"What makes you say that?" Jafari wondered.
"I don't know. You've been talking to those girls so often. And I know I'm not the most strategic or athletic but-"
"Andres. You matter. Trust me. You're the only one I'm trusting idol hunting with. And to be one hundred percent honest, you're a social threat. Look at how many people you've befriended in this game. You have connections, pal. Not being good at challenges is also great at this point. Trust me. You, Thema, and I will be in the final three in no time."
"And Clara?"
"Just a number." Jafari smirked.
Andres looked unsure but chuckled. "Well, you know what they say. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana."
"Wooooow…" Jafari rolled his eyes with a grin.
"By the way….Thanks."
"No problem. Alright. Let's start digging."
"You got it chief!"
After roughly twenty minutes of digging, Andres hit something.
"Hey! I found something!" Andres kept digging and found a large bone. "What do you suppose it is?"
"I don't even know what this Island is anymore. Doesn't look like anything from a dinosaur or extinct mammal. Canada has weird fauna." Jafari shrugged.
"Well I sure have a bone to pick with whoever is hiding this idol. It's impossible to find."
Jafari looked to the camera, unimpressed.
-|-|-|-Confessional-|-|-|-
Andres: Well, I'm glad that Jafari doesn't see me as only a number. And I feel like him and I are gonna go far. He knows this game in and out and I have a lot going on right now. Idol hunting, working, out and pursuing the heart of a beautiful woman. (Andres blushed). Uh...p-plus I'm sure those at home still want to hear my jokes! Hehe...
-|-|-|-End Confessional-|-|-|-
Hans and Makoto stood on the dock, watching the waves being picked up by the wind.
"Well, here we are. The merge." Hans grinned. "And soon, this game will be ours…"
"I'm glad you're back to your old self." Makoto cackled. "Come on. Tell me why you don't just psycho your way through this game."
Hans sighed. "Fine...I'll tell you and Anna tonight. After the challenge."
"Hmph. That's what I thought." Makoto grinned.
"Don't get a big head about it. My patience is even thinner now that we're not bound by a team. So I suggest that you pick your words wisely…"
"Fine…But why would you eliminate me? That would only cripple your alliance."
"Because you're a threat, to put it simply." Hans snickered.
"Well, you have a point there. I am a genius."
Hans looked up at the greying sky. "We have had awful weather this summer…"
"You're seriously talking about the weather?"
"Uh, yeah…"
"That is a sure sign of a dead conversation. I'll be off. Goodbye."
Hans looked confused.
-|-|-|-Confessional-|-|-|-
Makoto: Finally. I can learn why Hans doesn't harness the unspeakable evil that's bottled up within him…
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Hans: I feel like, after I took a personal leave from gameplay, Makoto has become even more uppity. Which is saying something. But at least he's...somewhat decent to me...As decent as he gets, at least…
-|-|-|-End Confessional-|-|-|-
Dmitri raced down the sandy bike trail with Isaiah. The two noticed someone up ahead. It was Anna walking on the beach, still searching for the idol. The two men stopped in front of the Swedish girl.
"Hello, Anna." Dmitri greeted.
Anna looked up. "Oh, hi, Dmitri!" Anna beamed. She then looked at Isaiah. "And...um…."
"Isaiah." Isaiah added.
"Oh, okay. Hi Isaiah!"
"Hello."
"So." Dmitri said. "What are you doing?"
"It's a secret." Anna replied.
"Oh really?"
Anna nodded.
"Well, Isaiah and I were just having race."
"And trust me. I was beatin' him!" Isaiah boasted.
"Heh. You wish."
"Oh! Have you been talking to Clara more?" Anna asked excitedly.
"Uh...da. I guess." Dmitri said, unsure.
"Yay! You two would be so cute together!"
"Anna. I thought I've told you. I have no interest in dating."
"Wait...really?"
"Yeah, why not?" Isaiah asked. "Ya seem like you'd have chicks all over ya."
Dmitri shrugged. "I have had bad experience with dating of women."
"Makes sense. I'm just lookin' fer Ms. Right. Someone as diligent and hard workin' as myself."
"What about two women you are aligned with?"
"Lacey ain't single and Sadaf ain't really my type. She's too rebellious fer my likin'."
"That doesn't stop people." Anna giggled.
"What'cha mean?"
"My friend Gina talks about love all the time. She even sings about it. It's so cute!"
"Does she put people together or something? I think I remember small Asian girl mentioning that once…."
"She does! It's so cute! She put two people that hated each other together, once. And guess what? They're together, now!"
Dmitri turned and whispered to Isaiah. "Do women refer to 'cute' often?"
"Wow. Ya really don't know about women, do ya?"
"I see people as people and judge actions based on situation. Like when Emma poisoned other members of former team…"
"Oh, I remember that…"
Anna scrunched her face into a scowl. "I don't like the blonde hater."
"Anna. Remember our talk. She may have done wrong. But Hans was not good guy, either."
"I know...But she was so mean!"
"I agree. But she is gone, now. No use worrying about."
"Hm...Okay. Well, I'm gonna keep sear-I mean, going for a walk! Bye, Dmitri!" Anna cheerily ran off, waving to the two.
"What did ya tell her about?" Isaiah asked.
"Eh. Stuff about morality and how every scuffle has no clear right or wrong."
"Yer smarter than I thought."
"Nyet. I will admit. I may have wisdom. But booksmarts or strategy. Eh, not really." Dmitri stretched a bit. "Ready for round two?"
"You got it." Isaiah grinned and the two took off once more.
-|-|-|-Confessional-|-|-|-
Isaiah: Hm...This just got even more interestin'. Not only is Dmitri strong, he's smart, too. Not Jafari smart, but clearly not a buffoon. I'll hafta tell Sadaf and Lacey about this.
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Anna: Do you think they find out about the idol? Did it slip out? No...I think I'm fine.
-|-|-|-End Confessional-|-|-|-
Lacey and Sadaf still sat in the girls cabin, chatting.
"So. Why were you freaking out about boys so much earlier on?" Sadaf asked. "You started mentioning it, then you drifted off. You never really explained."
"I-I don't know….It's personal…" Lacey mumbled.
"I'm your friend, you can tell me."
"You're one of my closest friends…"
"Wait. What?"
"England is nothing but lowly bastards. I only have a few friends back home. And none of them are very close friends."
"What the f***? Why wouldn't anyone want to be friends with you? Girl, you're great."
"Let's just say that it ties in with why I acted so b****y towards boys…"
"Come on. Just tell me."
"Please stop. If you respect me as a friend, you'll respect my boundaries. I...don't like having boundaries broken."
Sadaf looked at the girl with an expression of concern and confusion. "Should...should we change the subject?"
"I would like that."
"Alright. Sorry."
"Nono. It's okay."
"So...Do you think we'll be able to get the numbers for Jafari, tonight?"
"Is it always strategic stuff with you?" Lacey giggled a bit.
"Hey, that Spanish whore got one thing right. Strategy is important in this game. And we're in the minority. So we need to stay focused"
"Hm...And yet you're showing Isaiah how to relax?"
"I know how to channel when I get high strung. That guy can't handle it. He's a psycho about hard work…"
"Very true."
Sadaf looked at a watch under her robes. "Oh whoa. I have to go pray. I'll see you at the challenge." Sadaf quickly grabbed her prayer mat and headed out of the cabin.
"Good bye."
-|-|-|-Confessional-|-|-|-
Lacey: Sadaf is a wonderful friend. I wish I could tell her my secret. But I won't. I really don't want random television viewers to know it…
-|-|-|-End Confessional-|-|-|-
Andres, Clara, and Dmitri all met up by the flagpole.
"Alright. Now it is time for new test." Dmitri stated.
"I'm all ears." Andres chuckled as he pulled multiple rubber ears out of his pockets.
Dmitri looked at Andres, then Clara, then the camera, then Andres again before smacking the ears out of his hands. "You will race Clara. To beach and back here."
"Wait, what?" Andres grew worried and Clara readied herself.
"Good luck." Clara said swiftly.
"Ready…." Dmitri began.
Andres fumbled into the same position Clara was in.
"Set…"
Andres already began to sweat, nervous.
"Go!"
Both teens began sprinting, Clara quickly pushed ahead of Andres. But Andres wasn't going down. He moved his arms and legs as fast as he could. Once he reached the beach, he quickly turned and stayed right behind Clara, pumping his arms and legs to the point of collapse. Clara soon arrived at the flagpole with Andres close behind. The Mexican boy stopped, his legs shaking. He collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily.
"Well, I could really tell you were trying to catch up to me. Good on you." Clara smirked.
Andres only let out a groan of exhaustion.
"Alright. Up. Squats." Dmitri gently commanded.
Andres struggled up and began to do squats.
"Hey, we should have a pushup contest." Clara brought up.
Dmitri chuckled. "Alright. Let us go. But be warned. I have this." Dmitri flexed his pecs up and down.
"Woah… What a pecellent display." Andres chuckled weakly.
Both Clara and Dmitri got down into position, on their hands and feet, knees up.
"Ready? Go!" Clara shouted as she began to do pushups, Dmitri quickly followed.
After a bit of time had passed, Clara's arms shook violently as she fell over. Dmitri was still going strong.
"Oof….One fifty six…." Clara wheezed.
Dmitri quickly stood up, noticing Andres was on the ground, struggling to move.
"Good job, Clara." He smiled. "What is wrong, Andres?"
"Um...After sixty squats, I kind of...lost all feeling in my legs." Andres said awkwardly.
"Well, that is good. I am glad that you did not quit. You worked until you couldn't anymore. Good for you." Dmitri sat next to Andres. Clara lifted herself up and sat by the two boys.
"I just gotta say. You guys are great friends." Andres smiled.
"But don't you have a lot of them?" Clara asked.
"Yeah, but I mean it. It's good to have friends."
"Yeah...it is…"
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Andres: Thanks to Clara and Dmitri...I can't feel my legs. But it'll be worth it! Girls like nice legs, right?
-|-|-|-Confessional-|-|-|-
Clara: Well, I'm glad Andres is grateful. Hopefully that'll also put me deeper into his alliance.
-|-|-|-Confessional-|-|-|-
Dmitri: Clara will be semi-worthy challenger in merge. I should maybe watch out. She is small, fast and strong. She may be friend, but I still plan on beating her in game.
-|-|-|-End Confessional-|-|-|-
Rosa was building a small fire in the firepit, watching the flames, when Makoto walked up to her.
"You really seem to like burning stuff, don't you?" Makoto asked.
"Eh, it's something to do…" Rosa replied.
"Why aren't you looking for the idol?"
"Why aren't you?"
Makoto scowled. "I was, but then I saw you burning stuff."
"Oh. Okay… I'm guessing you like to burn stuff, too?"
"I suppose. One time I was given a satisfactory score on an exam. I burned a portion of the professor's house down."
"Damn...That's crazy."
"It's either excel or you're worthless, in my opinion…"
"Are you trying to rope me into me being your therapist again?"
"Um...No?"
"Okay. Because I don't know what to say. You just call me stupid."
"Well, if you don't know anything about something and have the audacity to say you can help me, then you are!"
"Wait. What? I never said-"
"Irrelevant! Why the f*** am I even talking to brainless trash like you? I have an idol to find!" Makoto stormed off, leaving Rosa confused.
-|-|-|-Confessional-|-|-|-
Rosa: He's crazy. I know that much. Like, where did that come from?
-|-|-|-Confessional-|-|-|-
Makoto: Uggghh! I don't know what to say! I panicked! I need her help… I still hate her. But...at least she at least pretends to listen…
-|-|-|-End Confessional-|-|-|-
Thema sat in the woods, watching the clouds move rather quickly. She had a forlorn frown on her face. She covered her ears as she mentally heard the sounds of explosions and screaming. She gritted her teeth and shut her eyes tightly.
"Hey...Are you okay?" Jafari asked. "You seem...worse than usual…"
"No… That girl is trying to take you as a friend away from me…"
"Wh-what? You consider me your friend?"
Thema shrugged. "I don't have any others. They're all, well, not here…"
"Well, of course. They're in Ghana."
"Literally…"
"Hm?"
"They're dead...There. I said it."
"Oh my goodness...What happened?"
Thema looked at Jafari, then the ground, trying to force it out. "A-ambush…"
"Ambush? What happened? Is this why you're so aloof and angry?"
"Well...I was...Um…"
"What?
"No…"
"Please?"
"A...a...child soldier…"
"Huh?
"I WAS A CHILD SOLDIER, OKAY?!" Thema screamed at the Egyptian man, her face now wet with tears.
"O-oh my god….Wait, does Ghana even have child soldiers?"
"All of Africa does in some way. You should know… It's a f***ing horrible continent…"
"I suppose some of the other soldiers in training did look a bit young… I never knew…"
"Well, now you know…"
"It'll be okay. I'm your friend and I'm not going anywhere."
Thema scowled before her face melted into one of utter despair. She broke down and began to cry.
Jafari put his arm around Thema. "Shh. It's okay...I'm here…"
Thema wrapped her arms around Jafari, digging her nails into his back as she continued to cry. Jafari gritted his teeth but continued to console the woman.
-|-|-|-Confessional-|-|-|-
Jafari: Poor Thema. I can't even imagine the terror she must have experienced in her life, so far.. I promise to keep her safe until her and I reach the final two. And, even if I win, half of my winnings are going to her. That poor girl needs it. I want her to be happy...I know what I have to do…
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Thema: J-Jafari is...such a good...f-friend... (Thema wiped her tears away) I will make f***ing sure that him and I make the final two. And I'll crush anyone in my way of doing so...It's the least I can do…
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Andres now sat with Rosa by the firepit as she continued to burn things. Rosa held up a burning stick and watching the smoke rise from it.
"Boy…" Andres stammered. "You sure are hot….F***, that was dumb…"
"I've been told so. Thanks I guess."
"Yeah...I suppose…" Andres blushed heavily.
"So, someone on my team thought you were my boyfriend."
"O-oh...What did you say?"
Rosa shrugged. "I'm not sure."
"Oh...Okay…"
"But you're really nice. And, um, you like reality shows. And you seem like you like sleeping. I like sleeping."
"Who doesn't like sleeping?" Andres chuckled.
Rosa smirked. "I like you."
"W-wait, really?"
"Yeah, you're okay, I guess."
"W-wait...Do you like me in a boyfriend way?"
"Ehhh, not there, yet. But after what Anna said, the thought did go through my mind. You're definitely on my list of 'guys I'd probably date if I cared enough about people'."
Andres beamed. "You don't know how happy you've made me!"
Rosa smiled. "No problem."
"Wait...Who else is on that list?"
"Uh...Let's see. There's you. The big black guy from Revenge of the Island. Lucky Luciano, if he was alive. Um...What's the name of that American guy? He's in that superhero movie…"
"Which one?"
"The one with the goatee. He builds a robot suit."
"Oh. Robert Downey Jr."
"Yeah. He's attractive."
"Well, I'm glad I could be on that...interesting list." Andres laughed a bit.
Rosa sat closer to the Mexican boy.
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Andres: Yes! Yes! Yes! She's considered me! Nothing could ruin this moment!
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Rosa: Andres is kinda great. He doesn't seem like those American and English creeps...Maybe I should give him a chance. Have I said that before? Eh, whatever. I'll actually do it, this time...Maybe.
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Lacey walked through the woods and noticed Thema and Jafari. Thema had calmed down a bit and was speaking to Jafari.
"Can we stop? I don't want to bring it up anymore. Too many horrifyingly painful memories…." Thema choked.
"Oh...Of course. I fully understand. But I'm here for you, if you need me…" Jafari consoled.
Lacey looked concerned for Thema and walked up to the two. "Hey, Thema. Are you okay? Is something wrong?"
"Lacey, please leave. Thema is going through...something right now…" Jafari stumbled.
"But, are you sure there's nothing I can-"
"GO AWAY!" Thema screamed.
Lacey flinched and noticed Thema glaring at her, her eyes still moist. Jafari looked at the English girl and kindly shooed her away. Lacey walked away from the two, scared and confused.
"I swear, you're the only person on this damn planet whose skull I don't want to cave in…" Thema mumbled to Jafari.
Jafari smiled. "That….that means a lot to me…"
Thema smirked, wiping her tears away. She playfully punched Jafari in the arm.
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Lacey: Thema was crying...Hm...Jafari seemed to be consoling her. Maybe I should just step back…
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"Final twelve!" Damian announced over the PA system. "Please meet me in the mess hall!"
The remaining twelve campers met Damian in the mess hall. "Welcome to the merge, ladies and gentleman!"
This announcement was met with light applause from the teens.
"Now. I thought we could celebrate this in style."
Chef rolled out an extremely long, wheeled table. The table contained a very large array of fruits, vegetables, breads, meats and desserts from all over the world.
"I thought we could celebrate the merge with what I'd like to call the "Feast of Earth"! Prepared by a team of high class cooking students from a local university, led by cooking master and past Total Drama contestant, DJ!"
A very tall, muscular black man walked out of the kitchen. He had short, dark brown hair and a beard, wearing a standard white chef's uniform and hat. "Hey, everyone! So great to be doin' what I love on Total Drama for once!" DJ smiled. "Go ahead, dig in! It's made with the love and passion of every student in there who's destined to be a chef. Including myself!"
"Ew…Passion..." Rosa cringed.
The final twelve walked over to the table and began to collect plates of food. Andres and Isaiah watched in amazement as Dmitri stacked his plate with a tower of all sorts of meat.
"Damn, mon…" Isaiah said in awe.
"I can't even think of a good pun for this." Andres admitted.
"What? The only day I eat a lot is birthday. So I may as well eat like king while I have chance." Dmitri explained. "Meat is good for muscles."
Makoto examined a piece of sushi and quickly threw it into his mouth. He chewed briefly and swallowed. "Hm...Surprisingly authentic. I'm impressed…"
"Hey, Hans. Want some spaghetti?" Anna asked, blushing.
Hans smirked. "I know what this is. Let's just cut the middle man out." Hans kissed Anna on the lips. Her face went bright red as she smiled.
Clara ate a variety of different vegetables, steamed or otherwise. Rosa sat next to her.
"Are you a vegetarian or something?" Rosa asked.
"Not really. I just prefer vegetables. They're healthy." Clara replied. She then turned to the camera. "Make sure to eat your vegetables!"
Rosa looked confused.
"What? It's called spreading a message of health…"
Sadaf was eating a giant piece of lamb and some vegetables when Lacey sat next to her. Sadaf looked at what Lacey had in slight disgust.
"What, uh, what are you eating?" Sadaf asked.
"Oh. They have bacon. I couldn't resist. I really enjoy breakfast food." Lacey smiled.
"I see…"
"Oh my goodness! I completely forgot that you can't eat pork! I'm so sorry!"
"No no no. It's fine. Even if it wasn't against my religion, I wouldn't eat it. Baby pigs are too damn cute and adult pigs are too damn disgusting… Besides, lamb is the greatest meat there is. No contest."
"But lambs are adorable, too."
"They're too delicious for me to care." Sadaf chuckled.
Thema stuffed her face as Jafari watched, unsure of what to think.
"What?" Thema asked, a mouthful of food.
"Are you, uh, eating your feelings?" Jafari wondered.
Thema swallowed. "No. I just eat like s*** in Ghana. And Chef makes awful food. I'm taking advantage of this." Thema continued to shovel down the meat, breads, fruit, and vegetables on her plate.
"Um...alright then…"
Within half an hour, the campers were groaning from the amount of food they ate.
"So, how was your special celebration dinner?" Damian asked.
"I feel like you did this for some twisted reason. Like a challenge…" Clara groaned.
"Yeah, or some creepy food fetish…" Rosa mumbled.
"Okay, Rosa, ew, no. But you're right, Clara. This was part reward, part challenge! But to cushion the blow, today is a reward challenge!"
"Ooh, what's the reward?" Anna wondered.
"The reward is this!" Damian pulled out a small, red, plastic card. "This is the auto-immunity pass. Whoever wins today's challenge will receive this. With the auto-immunity pass you can give yourself automatic immunity from one challenge."
"Ooh, intriguing…" Jafari grinned.
"Ugh...Just tell us the damn challenge, Dillion…" Sadaf growled.
"Oh, right. Today's reward challenge is a Total Drama Island classic. The awake-a-thon!"
"What was the food for, then?" Makoto groaned. "There's not nearly enough tryptophan in almost any of that food to make us sleepy…"
"Of course. Which why I upped the ante. While the student chefs were away, Chef and I added a secret ingredient to all of the food. Sleeping pills and muscle relaxers!"
"You what?! Ya put sleepin' pills in my food?!" DJ shouted in worry.
"Don't worry, big guy. It's only for the challenge. Nobody's gonna get hurt."
"While I'm worried about that, I'm also worried about how you ruined all of the dished we worked so hard on! Ugh! I knew Total Drama was still bad news…"
"Uh, Damian." Isaiah added. "I have a very strict sleep schedule, which ya've already ruined multiple times."
"Well, what's more important? Your sleep schedule or a million dollars?" Damian asked.
Isaiah pouted a bit.
"Wonderful. Anyways. The challenge goes like this. The last person awake wins the auto-immunity pass. Simple. And we will begin….now!"
As Damian pressed a button that turned on a giant digital clock that read "Hours, Minutes, Seconds" on it. Andres collapsed to the floor, asleep.
"And Andres is already out! The competition just got a bit easier for all of you!"
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Rosa: Aw. Now what am I supposed to do? I don't want to talk to other people…
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Dmitri: Heh. I may have eaten probably Anna's weight in meat, but I am confident. Due to work, I have been up for almost one week straight once. I have got challenge in bag.
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Makoto: Hmm...This is an interesting challenge. Maybe all those late nights of studying, thus raising my sleep tolerance, will pay off...
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Isaiah: Urgh. Lack of sleep is bad fer a workin' man. I'll just hafta keep remindin' myself. A million dollars. A million dollars. A million dollars.
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Isaiah patted his cheeks and paced around, trying to keep himself awake. Sadaf looked at him, annoyed.
"Will you just sit down and relax?" Sadaf spat.
"I can't. Relaxation equals sleep. My body is almost hard-wired to collapse at certain time intervals."
"Well, I have something that is both relaxing and will keep us awake."
'And that is?"
"First. Sit down. Now."
Isaiah complied and sat down, still a bit antsy.
Sadaf lit some incense and pulled a couple beans out of a bag.
"What're those?" Isaiah asked.
"Coffee beans. Eat them." Sadaf handed three to the Jamaican guy.
"Hm, I suppose. I do drink a lot of coffee." Isaiah took the beans and quickly ate them. "Wow. These are good! What is that, chocolate covering them?"
"Yeah. I actually got them at some kiosk at the Ontario airport. It was one of the only places that would serve me…" Sadaf explained before scowling.
"Well, hopefully that'll be enough to keep me up."
"Just relax. Hard work actually tires you out more."
"Oh boy, I know that for sure…"
Hans, Makoto and Anna sat together at one of the tables.
"Alright, Hans. Since this challenge is non-elimination and we have a lot of time to kill. I say just tell Anna and I, right now." Makoto hissed.
"Tell us what, Hans?" Anna asked.
"Um...I'd rather not. There are...uh..too many people around.." Hans stumbled.
Makoto rolled his eyes. "And yet we're on television. Just tell us…"
Hans yawned. "Okay... How about this?…Not tonight. But after this challenge, I'll tell you all about it…"
Makoto pouted. "Fine…"
"Good. Urgh...Sleeping pills work fast on me. And I tend to fall asleep quickly...' Hans rested his eyes and ended up falling asleep.
"What is Hans gonna tell us when he wakes up?" Anna wondered.
"He's gonna tell us why he doesn't play this game like he did against Emma… I'm very intrigued…."
"Ooh, fun!"
"Yes...fun…" Makoto's smiled grew twisted, before letting out a yawn.
Thema sat with Jafari. The two sat in silence. Clara sat fairly close to them.
"Bonjour…"Clara said, unsure of what else to say.
"Go away…" Thema growled.
"Hello…" Jafari said, somewhat sullenly.
"What's wrong?" Clara asked.
Jafari rubbed his eyes. "I'm just getting a bit tired, already. And today has just been...I don't know what…"
"Stressful?"
"Isn't every day?"
Thema looked at the ground in anguish and delirium from the heavy amount of medication now coursing through her system.
"Is she okay?" Clara questioned.
"She's not feeling well, right now. I just think it would be best if you didn't really talk to her. An alliance doesn't always mean a friendship." Jafari explained.
"I suppose. I guess I'll go…"
"I think that would be best. Sorry."
"No. I get it." Clara looked both agitated and sorrowful as she got up and walked away.
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Clara: I feel like everyone just sees me as that mean, abrasive girl still….Or an extra vote... I'm trying to change, dammit. (She yawned). Maybe I just need sleep...No! I need that pass! I need auto-immunity!
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(12 Hours)
At this point, Anna had fallen asleep next to Hans. Rosa looked at the two, devoid of much expression.
"Aren't they cute together?" Lacey said with a sigh.
"I guess?" Rosa replied, puzzled.
"You guess?"
"Yeah. I don't know. Whatever."
"What about Andres? He really likes you."
Rosa turned to Andres, who was snoring.
"I just...I don't know...I'm not a people person." Rosa sighed.
"Then why join this show?"
"My parents made me. They knew I watched a lot of reality television and signed me up…"
"Well, that's unfortunate. Have you talked to Andres at all? He's a wonderful guy."
"Well, I would. He's funny, I guess. Whatever."
"I say do it. He really likes you."
"Okay. Sure. Fine…"
"Great." Lacey smiled, before yawning.
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Rosa: Alright. I will tell Andres that him and I should go out or something...Also, what's with everyone else? I'm not tired at all…
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Isaiah sat with Jafari. Thema was still staring at the floor.
"How're ya holdin' up?" Isaiah asked groggily.
"Alright…" Jafari yawned. "I guess…"
"It's already, what, seven AM? Ugh. I was up all night…"
Jafari smirked. "Yeah. Must be ruining your sleep schedule."
"Yer right...Ugh…"
Sadaf sneered at Jafari as Isaiah collapsed and fell asleep.
"Cold...I respect that." Sadaf grinned slightly.
"I try my best." Jafari chuckled back.
(24 hours)
The remaining campers were growing noticeably more tired, massive dark circles forming under their eyes.
Makoto walked over to Lacey.
"Listen. Girl that's not as smart as me." Makoto hissed.
"Isn't that everyone in your eyes?" Lacey wondered.
"Well, yes. But you have potential. I have a proposition for you."
Lacey raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."
Makoto began to whisper in Lacey's ear. "You and I. Brains alliance."
"Um, I'm already in an alliance."
"Yes. But you're in the minority. I say you join my alliance with Hans, but secretly, you and I are working together. Hans and Sadaf think they're running this game. But we can show them who the true geniuses are."
"Hm...No thank you."
"What? Why?"
"I'm already fine with the alliance I'm in. I know Sadaf at least won't backstab me like I'm sure you would."
Makoto scowled. "Fine. But I hope you know. When I call someone smart, it's an honor. I hope you didn't take it for granted…"
"Oh, I didn't. Thank you."
Makoto yawned. "Whatever…" Makoto tried to keep his eyes open but soon fell to the floor.
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Lacey: Huh. That seemed kind of out of nowhere…
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(48 hours)
Jafari and Thema had fallen asleep in the past few hours.
"Sadaf, I have a question." Lacey said to the Iranian girl.
"Yeah, what?" Sadaf replied.
"How do you feel about the fall of the Ottoman Empire? I'm curious."
"I'm not really in the mood for history stuff, right now. It's interesting, but it makes me sleepy."
"Okay...um...If you could get with any boy in this game, who would it be?"
"Boy, that was a one-eighty flip." Sadaf rolled her eyes. "I don't know… I guess Mustafa was pretty hot. Good for you, by the way."
Lacey blushed. "Thanks...I miss him. He's one of the only boys who really respects me…"
"Oh really?" Sadaf grinned. "Go on…"
"Ah! I-I've said too much already! I'm sorry, Sadaf. You're my friend. My best friend. But I just can't...can't tell you." Lacey let out a large yawn.
"Fine, whatever…" Sadaf crossed her arms.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you mad."
"I'm not….I just get cranky when I haven't had much sleep…"
"Oh...That...makes...sense…" Soon, Lacey was asleep, leaning against Sadaf. Sadaf lightly shoved the English girl off of her.
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Sadaf: I don't care how pissy I get in the next few days. Lack of sleep and a poor attitude because of it will be worth it. I need that that idol. Thankfully Jafari already fell asleep. But Clara and Dmitri, two physical threats, are still wide awake. So I need to win this. I know I'm going to need immunity sooner than later. No matter how...no matter how good my strategy is…(Sadaf began to doze off before slapping herself) I'm still awake! Still….awake!
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Clara was beginning to slip into unconsciousness, while Dmitri appeared to be showing very little fatigue.
"How are you still wide awake? You ate more than any of us…" Clara mumbled.
"I have high tolerance for many things. Cold, pills, no sleep, and the cuteness of small kitten." Dmitri explained. "I have built up immunity for lot of things in years of hard labor."
"Wonderful…"
"Da. It is."
"Ugh. My arms hurt…"
"Perhaps it is from pushups a couple days ago."
"I know how I can stay awake…" Clara sat up, got on her hands and feet, and began to do pushups. After about ten, she crashed to the floor and fell asleep.
"Hmph." Dmitri grunted.
(72 hours)
"After three consecutive days! We have three competitors left in the Total Drama Nations awake-a-thon! Who will earn that coveted auto-immunity pass? Dmitri? Sadaf? or Rosa?" Damian announced. "Let's make this a bit more challenging and find out!"
Chef pressed play on a boombox and soothing lullaby music began to play.
"Maybe this is another Damian's creepy fetishes…" Rosa drolled.
"What do you mean?" Sadaf asked gruffly.
"Lullaby music…" The lights then dimmed and soothing lights filled the room. "That stuff. I don't know. People are into weird stuff. Like, my friend Luigi is into women that look like little girls."
"Ew...Disgusting…" Sadaf's eyelids grew heavier and heavier. Soon, she drifted off into sleep
"And now we're down to two." Damian whispered. "Who will come out on top? Rosa or Dmitri? Oh, Rosa, by the way. No. None of this s*** gets me off. Stop..."
Rosa shrugged. "Denial is never good, Damian." Rosa then looked at the camera and smirked a bit.
(100 hours)
Rosa and Dmitri were now showing signs of major fatigue.
"Tired?" Dmitri smirked.
"Nah." Rosa shrugged.
"You sure?"
"I am. I guess."
Damian turned the dial on the mess hall thermostat up. "Nothing like a warm, toasty room to make you tired." Damian grinned.
Both contestants eyes grew glassy and flicked open and shut. Dmitri held his head. Rosa closed her eyes for a moment, before opening them again.
"Ugh…" Rosa groaned. "I don't care. I'm done. Good night…" Rosa curled up and fell asleep in a matter of seconds.
"O, slava bogu…" Dmitri grumbled as he collapsed to the ground and also fell unconscious.
Chef slammed onto a large gong. Waking all of the campers.
"Campers!" Damian shouted. "This challenge is over! The merge's first immunity winner with a waking record of one hundred hours and sixteen minutes is…..Dmitri!"
This was met with mostly groans of disdain.
"Dmitri. This is yours." Damian handed Dmitri the auto-immunity pass. "After I explain each challenge every day, you can choose whether to use it or not. But it can only be used once. So be careful."
"Da….Ugh…" Dmitri grabbed the small card and fell back onto the ground.
"Alright everyone! Back to your cabins and rest up! You all need it!"
The twelve campers trudged back to their cabins, all of them very tired.
"And there you have it! Our first challenge of the season! Will Dmitri be an even bigger threat with his auto-immunity pass? Will Jafari and Andres be able to find the Duncan idol? And will Sadaf ever learn Lacey's secret? Find out at least a couple of these answers...or not, I don't know, on the next episode of Total. Drama. Nations!"
As the campers walked back to their cabins, Rosa walked up to Andres.
"Hey…" She groaned.
"Oh, hola." Andres rubbed his eyes.
"So, um...let's do something some time."
"Wait...Like...like a date?"
"Sure, whatever…"
"Sure!" Andres beamed with excitement and joy.
Rosa couldn't help but smile.
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Andres: Yes! Si! Si! Si! This is the greatest! I love this show!
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Rosa: (Rosa giggled a bit) He's cute.
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