Episode 11 Part 1: Dumbbells of Notre Dame
Disclaimer: Fedora Kid does not own the rights to the song parodied in this chapter. Those rights belong solely to its creators and distributors, namely Walt Disney Studios.
"Last time on Total Drama World Tour: Our final seven contestants were faced with an old challenge that had been originally proposed for the first season, but rejected and stored in our top secret confidential archives. Now that this season is under new hostship, I managed to get the challenge brought out for that episode. The challenge was none other than climbing up a snowy peak near K2, wearing nothing but their undies!
"It was embarrassing and difficult, so much so that silent cheerleader bowed out before it even began, while everyone else stayed in. The race for first place was a close one between three fierce competitors: Psycho, redheaded step-schemer, and perfectionist. They constantly passed each other up, outsmarted each other, fell for each other's tricks, and shouted insults and innuendos like it was an episode of Glee. "But eventually, redhead managed to get the best of perfectionist and threw her off a cliff. But it wasn't enough to defeat the blonde beast, who then threw him off a cliff and claimed first place.
"Using his connections, and with a little help from his right-hand klutz, and some very unexpected aid from the psycho, redhead managed to successfully eliminate the perfectionist, whom he saw as the biggest threat without immunity that night. She was sent packing, much to her chagrin.
"For this episode, we'll be heading back to civilization. And not just civilization, but a classic location from the original World Tour. Same old country, same old city…different challenge. Buckle up and don't lose your balance! This is the final six of…Total…Drama…World Tour!"
…
"Alright, everyone! We are making our descent into our next location. The good news: It's civilization."
A chorus of cheers and other positive responses rang throughout economy-class and first-class.
"The better news: It's not America."
"YES!" Ethan shouted out triumphantly.
"You're probably wondering where we are, then. I would say, but if you look to your left, the nearby landmark should make it rather obvious."
Naturally, the six teens moved to whichever window was nearest and peeked out.
The Eiffel Tower loomed below them, glistening in the sunlight.
"Paris! Cool!" Jessica exclaimed.
"I've always wanted to go to Paris. Such rich history and culture, so high-class, so sophisticated…" Louis started.
"…and so romantic, isn't it?" Nicole added with a slight chuckle and a glance at Louis.
He glanced back at her with a smile. "Yes, I suppose so."
Only one other occupant of the room took notice of the brief exchange between the two, and scowled from behind them.
Cockpit Confessional
Ethan – Argh! It's so frustrating! I know that Eryn is the biggest threat in this game now that Mary's gone, and as such, I must devote all of my intelligence, all of my determination, all of my effort into eliminating her ASAP. But that Louis and Nicole…No alliance in this game or on Earth is more powerful than a relationship. And even in his own right, Louis is a threat. I know now who my number 2 target is once the psycho is out. And it won't be easy.
End
After the usual routine – the Jet's landing, arrival at the airport, and transportation from the airport to the location of their challenge – the contestants found themselves in a more distant part of Paris, away from the famous Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Instead, they found themselves surrounded by a group of smaller, plainer buildings than the elaborate architecture of downtown. However, they stood before the one structure in the entire area that truly stood out.
A pair of twin stone towers rising out of the famous cathedral, with the spire in the back and statues lining the façade.
"My God…" Louis stammered. "Notre Dame de Paris. Truly a majesty of architecture, faith, and historical significance. It's far more beautiful in person than I could have ever imagined."
"That's right, everyone! Consider today's episode to be a 'blast-from-the-past' conglomerate, as just about every aspect of the challenge, format, and location is based off a previous challenge. For the first time this season, we are returning to a location that was previously used in the original season. But we're going nowhere near the Louvre this time around. Nope! Today's challenge revolves around this beauty of a monument, tourist attraction, and popular filming location.
"Today's challenge will, in a way, have one thing in common with the previous challenge. In this challenge, you will get to make a choice right off the bat. There are technically two challenges taking place, side-by-side, in this cathedral. One is a challenge similar to a challenge that we've already done in this season: Tightrope-walking! Those who are brave enough to dare undertake this task must cross a series of tightropes strung between the two twin towers and to the massive spire at the east end. First person to complete a full circle around all three checkpoints without falling off at all will win Invincibility.
"The second challenge is based off a challenge from the original season: The scavenger hunt for clues hidden throughout the cathedral. You must use your knowledge – assuming you've got any, that is – of this old church and decipher the clues, which will eventually lead to the final hidden message declaring you the winner. There are exactly five clues to be found in the cathedral, plus the final message declaring your victory, which is also hidden. First person to find the final message will also win Invincibility.
"In the event that only one of the challenges is won by the end of the two-hour time limit, then that sole winner will get to choose one other person to share first-class with them. But one way or another, first-class will either have two occupants by the end of the day – or zero. In the event that no one wins, then all of you are equally vulnerable in elimination tonight.
"You all have 30 seconds to make your decision and choose your challenge. Like I said, once the challenges begin, you will all have two hours to complete the challenge. Start making your decision…now!"
With little to no objection from the contestants, they all split off into separate groups to prepare for the challenges.
"Alright, so you're obviously not the most physically talented person here." Ethan informed Jessica. "And my brains are much better-suited for the scavenger hunt challenge. Plus, I know a thing or two about this old cathedral. So you and I will work together to find the clues. Got it?"
"Sure." Jessica obediently replied.
"I don't know about the whole scavenger hunt thing, but I think the tightrope-walking would take much less time. And besides, you remember how well I did in the tightrope-walking challenge in Malaysia." Nicole told Louis, off to the side.
"Ah, I do remember. But as you just proved, you are far more physically capable of such a feat than I could ever be. And, of the six of us, I am probably the most knowledgeable of this place. I would be far more comfortable – and safer – doing the scavenger hunt."
"Oh…but I don't want to have to do separate challenges. I want us to stick together. We have to win Invincibility together."
"I know, Nicole." Louis placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "But that is why it is best for us to separate. We can each win one of the two challenges, and we can both claim Invincibility for ourselves, on our own. You will have won yours in a challenge you're better-suited for, I will have won mine in a challenge I'm better-suited for, and we can both share first-class together."
"That…That does sound pretty nice." She agreed.
"Don't worry. We can, and will, do this. We will win together."
"OK."
"Time's up! If you have elected to do the tightrope walk, come step over to my right."
Only Nicole and Eryn stepped forward. Nicole took one final, nervous glance back at Louis, who responded with a smile and a thumbs-up. Feeling a little more motivated and relaxed, she walked over and stood next to Eryn and Chef.
"And the rest of you choose to do the scavenger hunt. Now let me say one more thing before I send you all off: Once you have agreed to do this respective challenge, you cannot switch to the other. Thus, when – and if – someone wins one challenge, all the others who elected to win that challenge are out, and can only watch the remainder of the other challenge from the sidelines. Is that clear?"
A chorus of "yes, sir" responded.
"So you are all confirming your respective decisions?"
They repeated their first response.
"Good. Now the four of you, head over to the front door of the cathedral and wait for my announcement. The two of you, get into the helicopter. We'll take you up to the South Tower to prepare you for your challenge."
Chef climbed into the pilot's seat of the nearby red helicopter, with Eryn and Nicole joining him just before the small helicopter took off, completing the trip to the top of the tower in about 30 seconds. Once they had landed and shut down the helicopter, they exited and stood before the camera held by Phil.
Chef pulled out the red megaphone and shouted down to the other four contestants.
"And your time begins…NOW!"
As the four contestants dashed into the cathedral, Chef put away the megaphone and turned back to the two remaining contestants.
"So here's how it'll work. You'll each get a balancing pole, and must cross the wires that are strung between the two towers and the spire at the east end. The goal, as I said, is to cross completely around all three checkpoints – finishing where you started – in order to win. We've already placed a series of mattresses, cushions, and other soft material on the roof and balconies of the cathedral below to soften the fall if you ever do fall off the rope. If you do, you must ascend one of the three ladders we've placed on each of the towers and the spire to start over. It doesn't matter where you start over, as long as you make it back there once in a full rotation without falling off at all. Any questions?"
"Um, yeah. Chef?"
The annoyed host turned to the psychotic blonde.
"Can I go back to first-class now?"
"Excuse me?"
"Um, yeah. I totally did the whole challenge just now as you explained it. So I win, right?" Eryn asked with a devious grin.
"Pfft. You didn't do the challenge, girl. Don't be craz – er, stupid. I'm not stupid, so I'm not falling for that."
"Uh, sir?" Phil interjected.
"What is it?!" Chef was clearly getting more irritated by the minute.
With a swallow, Phil continued. "She actually did, uh, complete the challenge, sir. You were too busy explaining the challenge and weren't looking as she did it, but she just ran across the tightrope all the way around with no pole and without falling whatsoever."
"You're kidding."
With a sigh, Phil brought the camera he was holding over to Chef, holding it up for the mountainous man to take. Chef quickly rewound the footage and played it over.
To his pure shock and stupor, he could only watch as, sure enough, Eryn dashed off across the wire between the two towers, then across the wire stretched between the spire and the North Tower, did a quick spin on the tip of the spire, then back down the wire to the South Tower once again, landing right next to Nicole – who had never noticed that she had left.
"See? So I win!"
Both Chef and Nicole's jaws dropped halfway to the floor.
"Um…I guess…I guess so. So, uh, yeah…you win Invincibility once again."
"WOO-HOO, YEAH!" Eryn cheered with a fist-pump.
"Well, this is awkward." Chef stated flatly as he went back to the helicopter and leaned over the intercom system, which had been crudely rigged up throughout the cathedral.
"Attention, all contestants. Eryn has won the tightrope-walking challenge, so now, only one spot remains open for Invincibility, first-class, and the final five."
Chef then returned to the two girls and shrugged.
"So…I guess we'll just…take you back to the Jet and wait for the others to finish."
"Awesome! Shotgun!"
A thump then sounded, drawing both Chef and Eryn's attention to the unconscious form of Nicole, sprawled out on the floor, having just fainted in shock.
Lavatory Confessional
Nicole – Again? AGAIN?! Twice in a row?! Twice now, I've either sat out or been disqualified from a challenge! Oh, no…Now I can only hope that Louis wins Invincibility…Oh, dear. This isn't good. We're less than two minutes into the challenge, and our plan has already fallen apart! I can't keep letting him down like this…
End
Inside the cathedral, the four contestants heard the announcement and responded with mixed reactions.
"Already?"
"Are you kidding me?"
"Why am I not surprised?"
"Uh-oh…Nicole…"
They then saw a figure approach them, wearing a long brown robe with a hood covering its face. Its hands were tucked into the opposite sleeves in front of it. One it was before them, it slowly lifted its hands up to pull the hood off, revealing itself as Bill the intern.
"Hello, there. Yeah, don't ask." He gestured at his outfit. "They said I have to wear it for the challenge. So, anyway, I'm here to give you your first clue."
He reached back into one of his sleeves and withdrew a folded-up piece of paper, which he slowly unfolded, clearing his throat before reading it aloud.
"As beautiful as a rose. Just as magnificent. And just as fragile."
And with that, he folded the paper up again, placed it back in his sleeve, put his hood back on, returned his hands to his sleeves, and slowly shuffled away into a darker area of the cathedral.
The four teens then looked at each other briefly before splitting up and running in opposite directions. Rachael went off by herself as she ran north, while Jessica and Ethan remained side-by-side as they dashed towards the east end. Louis remained standing by himself, grinning as the others ran off…leaving him alone and right next to the location where the next clue was.
He slowly turned around and looked up at the massive, circular window above him.
The rose window.
He now began to think of a way to climb up there, knowing that the clue was somewhere in that window. But then his thoughts were interrupted by an all-too familiar sound.
Ding-ding!
"And yes, this one goes only to the four who are still competing." Chef confirmed over the intercom before the music kicked in.
Musical Number: The Halls of Notre Dame
Louis (all while climbing up the wall towards the center of the window):
The challenge begins
The hunt is now on
Through the halls of Notre Dame
We will search for the clues
Like mad we will run
Through the halls of Notre Dame
We'll fight for the invincibility
And if I don't win, I'll have quite a qualm
As if the very soul of
This game is the role of
The halls…
The halls of Notre Dame
(Finds the rolled-up paper in the center of the window and excitedly climbs back down)
Rachael: The challenge begins
The hunt is now on
Through the halls of Notre Dame
We will search for the clues
Like mad we will run
Through the halls of Notre Dame
We'll fight for the invincibility
And if I don't win, I'll have quite a qualm
As if the very soul of
This game is the role of
The halls…
The halls of Notre Dame
Ethan: Dark is the plan I have in mind as I run
Through the halls of Notre Dame
Jessica (speaking): What do you have planned now?
I want to know!
Ethan (speaking): I'll tell you soon!
Ethan: I know the best way now to take down our foe
Who is here in Notre Dame
Jessica: You mean our next-in-line foe, since Eryn's immune?
Ethan: Yes, I have something in mind for Louis
So I can take his heart in my palm
In case he is to win this
Yes, if he is to finish
The halls…
The halls of Notre Dame
If Louis is to win this second part of the task
In his glory, I'll make sure, he shall not for long bask
Jessica: So, if he wins, you're gonna make him miserable?
Ethan: Precisely.
Jessica: How?
Ethan: I'll eliminate the one person he cares most about.
Ethan: Nicole
Instrumental Interval: All four contestants run around throughout Notre Dame, with Ethan explaining his plan to Jessica while Louis deciphers the next clue, which leads him to the altar for the second clue.
Singing Resumes:
Jessica: Now, once again, you want to break a man's heart
In the halls of Notre Dame?
Ethan: It's all part of the strategy. It worked on Matthew, it shall work on Louis.
Jessica: But you don't even have the slightest of guilt
Admitting this in Notre Dame?
Ethan: Of course not. My conscious is clear. It's nothing personal, just competition.
Jessica: You're always free to do as you may choose
You can disguise your plan with a song
But you never can cover
Your dark and true nature
In the halls…
The sacred halls of Notre Dame
Chef (watching from the Jet): Perhaps now once in his time
Of plotting and control
Ethan can finally fear
For his legacy's soul
Ethan: Are you trying to intimidate me?
Jessica: Of course not. I'm just saying…You're always coming up with such evil plans…even in a sacred place like this? Can't you just put aside all of that for once? Respect the place we're in?
Ethan: Just if it gets you to finally realize and see…
Ethan: Just because I come up with devious plans does not mean I am a bad person. I am simply thinking ahead to the future (places a hand on her shoulder).
Ethan: Once all threats are out of the way you can see that there's…much more…to me
All: Now here is the question that we must answer
In the halls of Notre Dame
Can a simple game
Produce a monster?
In the halls, halls
Halls, halls
Halls, halls
Halls, halls
Halls of Notre Dame!
End
Author's Note: Yep, back to doing two-part episodes. :P And back to doing parodies of songs from one of Disney's darkest flicks: The Hunchback of Notre Dame. This time, in case it wasn't obvious, the song parodies the opening song of that movie: Bells of Notre Dame.