Disclaimer: I do not own Total Drama.
Note: Sorry for the delay everybody! I was hit with a massive case of writers block lately, and not just that but I have also been having a good deal of sleeping difficulties. I can only hope you'll find this chapter worth the wait. The halfway point looms closer and closer; hopefully the milestone event I have in mind for that time won't disappoint, but more on that later. It's the first elimination chapter in bloody forever, so … make your bets, and see how close you are! Enjoy!
The three W's of water … wet, wetter and wettest.
(Flower Atoll Intern Compound)
Chris and Matthew sat at a table, playing a game of cards.
"All in." Said Matthew.
"With pleasure." Smirked Chris as he laid his cards down. "Pair of kings!"
"Four aces." Grinned Matthew, laying his cards down.
"… Are you cheating?" Muttered Chris.
"… With Trina, not with cards." Chuckled Matthew lightly.
Matthew picked up the cards and began to reshuffle the deck.
"So, enjoying your 'sick' say?" Smirked Matthew.
"It's nice to have time off and kick back. Especially after yesterday." Agreed Chris. "Any reason why? I am fit for work … don't make me do stuff, ok?"
"It's simple. With you absent, that means either Winnie or Xaria are gonna have to run the elimination ceremony and then use the new elimination device on the voted off player with total detachment, as the job calls for. It'll make them more believable as fall guys if we need it." Explained Matthew calmly.
".. I like how you think." Smirked Chris. "I think Yannis and Oscar may be pretty T-O'd at their ladies. Haha!"
"Ideally, yes." Confirmed Matthew.
"I love showbiz." Chuckled Chris as Matthew began to deal out the cards. "No cheating this time."
"Again, only with Trina." Reminded Matthew.
(Flower Atoll Wetlands)
The three teams had ran along towards the first part of the challenge. There was not as much freedom to split up as there had been the previous day, so right now all teams ran along together to their destination, keeping distance but not straying too far from each other either. After some running, the teams arrived at the first part of the challenge. Mable was already there to explain it further.
"Hi everybody! I can see you all want to keep things moving, so I'll explain it quickly. You must decide amongst you two people from your team who will participate here. One jumper and one pepper eater. The jumper will climb over there … to that cartoonishly tall rock." Said Mable, jerking a thumb towards the huge rock in question. "They will have to jump from one of three heights, determined by if the ester eats the mild green pepper, moderate yellow pepper, or volcanically super charged red pepper. When you eat the pepper, grab a flag of the same colour and wave it. That's when your team mate can jump. When they hit the water you can move on to the next part of the challenge … milk will be provided. Whoever helps out here cannot do anything in the next two parts of the challenge."
"You supply as much exposition as a quest giver in an RPG." Drawled Sasha.
"Seems pretty simple." Nodded Wallace. "Almost too simple."
Nonetheless, the teams quickly got into separate huddles to decide who would do what.
"Ok, we get to jump off at the lowest point, thanks to me, so we'll be sane and just eat the green pepper." Stated Sasha. "Anybody feel like doing the jump, or eating a pepper?"
"I'll jump." Said Wallace confidently. "My rocket boots are fueled again. Take note, nobody said I couldn't use them."
"Smart man." Smirked Sasha.
"That's our jumper, but who's gonna eat?" Asked Hector. "Before anybody suggests me, I literally can't. I'm honestly allergic to peppers of all kinds."
"Commoner food makes my attitude worse, and we don't want that." Drawled Bishop.
"I'll do it." Offered Spider.
"You sure? There's a chance that the mildest pepper is still very spicy." Warned Raven.
"It's fine, I can manage." Assured Spider. "I've eaten worse. Letterz eating challenge anybody?"
"I think you were the only person on this team there for it." Reminded Raven.
"It's true." Confirmed Sasha. "Ok guys, positions!"
Meanwhile, the Silver Swordfish were in their own huddle, trying to reach an agreement … which actually was not very hard.
"I'll do the jumping." Offered Barney "The higher the platform, the better. It'll be fun!"
"Remember to keep your legs straight when you hit the water." Warned Quana.
Barney nodded seriously. It seemed diving safety was serious business for him.
"Ok, so if Barney is diving who's gonna be eating?" Asked Imanda. "I … don't do great with spicy stuff."
"Hmm … oh! Uzuri likes pain, she could do it." Suggested Quana.
"I don't like the taste of peppers though." Said Uzuri sheepishly.
"Somebody needs to do it. Eddie, how about you?" Offered Imanda. "Fancy showing us what a big, tough man you are?"
"Eheheheh … I don't do well with spicy stuff either." Admitted Eddie. "Crying on TV would ruin what little street cred I have, so … yeah, no."
"I'll do it. It's not that hard." Shrugged Helen. "Just a stupid, exciting pepper."
"Can your heart take it?" Asked Barney.
"I'd say so." Shrugged Helen. "Get into position."
"And like Quana said, legs straight." Added Eddie.
In the huddle of the Bronze Tigers more than one person was willing for each role oddly enough.
"Peppers taste pretty nice. I'd be fine eating one; I could probably handle the yellow pepper and stuff." Offered Opal.
"I could eat the red one, positive. I'm immune to spicy food." Offered Rheneas. "But, if you really wanna do it Opal, be my guest."
"… Makes more sense if you do it, I do think." Declared Opal.
"Of course it does. The less time the jumper spends falling, the quicker we can move on." Stated Alice. "Now, who wishes to jump? If nobody else steps up, I'll do it."
"That's brave of you." Complimented Paul. "But, really, I'd rather do it. Besides, I wanna jump from the very top. The cliff in Wawanakwa … to easy. That high drop seems like a real way to live life."
"But, Rheneas is immune to spicy food. It'll save us time if you jump from the lowest point." Reminded Yessica. "Sure, I can probably get the time back in section two … but it's the princple, y'know!"
"If he wants to do it, let him." Shrugged Alice. "Not my ass on the line if he slows us down."
"And if he goes splat, we make the final seventeen!" Exclaimed Opal.
"Yeah, exactly." Nodded Alice. "So, yeah, let him."
"Uh … so, am I eating a red pepper or not?" Asked Rheneas.
"It's up to you." Shrugged Jimmy.
"I love it when a plan comes together!" Cheered Opal.
With all teams having made plans at roughly the same time the jumpers all swam out to the large rock and began to climb it to the height that had been agreed on. Meanwhile Spider, Helen and Rheneas approached the peppers.
"Well … here goes." Said Spider as he and the others picked up the peppers, green for himself and Helen, and red for Rheneas.
CHOMP!
All three ate the peppers in one bite to get it over and done with.
"… ARRRRRRRRRRGGGGHHH!" Screamed Spider, running back and forth. "Water! Milk! Cola! Whisky!"
Helen winced, looking pained.
"Holy fuck, this is unpleasant." Drawled Helen flatly. "Ow."
Rheneas swallowed, not looking the slightest bit bothered and quickly grabbed one of the red flags. He ran to the shore and waved it.
"Well … guess I gotta wait for Paul to reach the top." Noted Rheneas. "Hrrrrm."
Rheneas' gaze rested on the red peppers.
"Eh, why not?" Chuckled Rheneas.
In mere moments Spider and Helen, in great discomfort from the mildest pepper, could only watch in sheer bewilderment as Rheneas held the bucket of red peppers, casually eating them. Rheneas soon noticed them looking at him with wide eyes.
"… If you want some, you only need to say please." Smirked Rheneas.
"You are not of this earth." Said Helen flatly.
"… Yup, not gonna wonder how it's possible." Decided Spider, panting as he grabbed a green flag and headed towards the shore.
Spider waved the flag and sat on a rock, fanning his hot tongue a little bit.
Helen followed his head and grabbed a flag, and waves it at the shore. She quietly made muttering sounds of discomfort as well.
"Not a fan of spicy good either?" Noted Spider.
"About as much a fan of it as loud parties." Droned Helen.
(Confessional: Must. Not. Quote. Spice girls.)
Rheneas: (He shrugs) I've never been bothered by hot food. I could probably eat fire if I wanted to … maybe. Everybody has things they have a seeming immunity too, like how I don't think patch can make himself sick by anything. My immunity was just challenge relevant today. (Rheneas winks.)
Spider: I'll admit, that was impressive … and depressing. I can;t even manage one of the weakest peppers without trouble. (Spider chuckles in a resigned sort of way)
Over at the jumping rock Wallace stood at the lowest diving point and smirked, having seen Spider wave the flag.
"The term 'challenge' is very misleading." Chuckled Wallace. "Tally ho!"
Wallace activated his rocket boots and harmlessly glided down to the water, flipping off the cameras as he went, and then, let himself drop in the water when he was an inch above it. His rocket boots also worked underwater, allowing him to quickly grab the milk in the bottle and head back to the shore.
While Wallace made progress back to the shore Paul and Barney were climbing their way up to the top of the diving rock. Barney had reached the ladder first, so he was a ways above Paul and climbing up quickly, but Paul was more or less keeping pace just a few rungs below.
"Don't be thinking of kicking me Barney. I'd pull you down with me, pal." Warned Paul.
"Kick you? Ha! Why would I ever want to deprive you of such an awesome dive?" Asked Barney cheerfully.
"… You're a good man." Chuckled Paul. "When your team loses, I wish you the best luck in not getting voted off."
"What makes you so sure my team will lose?" Asked Barney.
"The Hawks have an advantage … and I'm not losing." Said Paul, smirking confidently.
Barney just grinned in response and sped up his rate of climbing with Paul trying to keep pace. As both reached the top one after the other the Golden Hawks quickly dashed off to one of the three boats left at the nearby shore, and then began to head out onto the large lake and towards part two of the challenge.
"Looks like we better speed up, huh?" Noted Paul. "Shall we?"
Paul received no response as Barney had already jumped off the platform.
"Hey! Get back here!" Called Paul as he jumped off the platform, doing a flip and began falling head and fists first towards the water.
Both boys cheered wildly as they fell down to the water below. It was a big drop, but neither showed any fear.
SPLASH!
Both boys hit the water; Barney dove down with ease and came up with a canteen of milk. Paul paused, but decided that, really, Rheneas didn't need milk due to his seeming immunity of spicy food. Thus, both swam back to the shore, Barney just a few mere inches ahead of Paul. The ninja reached the shore first and dashed off towards the boats, with his team following behind him.
"Nice work Barney!" Cheered Quana.
"Adequate." Shrugged Helen after she drank the milk.
"Less talking, more running." Suggested Eddie.
Paul reached the shore and as he did so he and his team also ran for the boat.
"What a dive!" Cheered Opal.
"You should have just jumped from the lowest point, we'd be further ahead." Muttered Alice.
Jimmy just stared at Rheneas silently, wondering how the hell he wasn't in agony from the peppers.
(Confessional: Gravity, it's every diver's best friend.)
Paul: I couldn't help it; when would I get the chance for such a dive ever again? Falling like that … after a while you stop feeling the fall itself and just feel … freedom. Even so, Alice looks slightly crabby … crabbier than usual anyway, so … better make sure somebody else gets more votes than me … and if Rheneas gets the most votes, make sure I don't get the second most.
Wallace: Hey, it's not like this was the biggest cheat I could do. Do the staff wish for me to split my team's atoms and have us reform right by the finish line? No? Then stop whining! If you don't say I can't do it, I will do it. (Wallace smirks)
Imanda: That sure was brave of Barney. He showed no fear at all! I probably be nervous from the first jump. Eheheheh. But, next up is the dive for coins. Hmmm … if only I had a really big magnet. Though, I suppose Bishop may be greedy enough to attract the coins towards him, even if they are fake. Too bad he's not my team mate, eh? (Imanda lightly giggles)
(Field)
Makeshift goal posts had been set up. Steve and Kim were ready for some penalty kicks, with Kim kicking and Steve in goal. Fifi watched them from a distance.
"Well need you guys to help set up the Playa in half an hour." Stated Fifi. "Don't be late."
"We'll be there!" Exclaimed Steve.
Kim just gave a nod.
"Ok, see ya. Happy penalties." Nodded Fifi as she walked away, whistling a tune.
Soon enough Fifi was gone and Steve set the ball down.
"Soooooooooooo … ready?" Asked Steve.
"Sure am. Let's do this. It'll get me in a good state of mind for working in a group … fuck, I hate group work." Muttered Kim.
"Because they hate you?" Asked Steve innocently.
"Not that, that part is my own fault so I don't get to complain." Shrugged Kim. "I've just never really liked being part of a team and a crowd. Too much conflicting personalities and shit. It's a mess."
"Yeah, being alone is underrated!" Agreed Steve energetically.
"… You like being alone? I thought you were, like, the ultimate social butterfly." Stated Kim. "Fuck, don't tell me I had you all wrong this whole time?"
"Oh, I'm mysterious Kim. Mysterious." Smirked Steve.
Kim just chuckled, not sure what else she could say.
"You're really weird." Noted Kim.
"Oh, and you're not?" Giggled Steve. "You hate the Olympics!"
"What gives you that idea?" Asked Kim, raising an eyebrow and cocking her head.
"All the races!" Teased Steve.
Kim frowned, rather silent.
"Um … sorry?" Said Steve, sweat-dropping a little.
"Eh, I had it coming." Shrugged Kim. "Maybe one day I'll tell you why I am the way I am. Urgh, fuck, I feel shaky just thinking about it..."
"… Wanna talk it out?" Offered Steve.
"No, not yet … and not where fucking cameras can see us." Muttered Kim.
There was a moment or two of silence.
"So … wanna make a bet?" Offered Steve.
"… What kind of bet?" Asked Kim, looking interested.
"If I can score over three goals out of five, I get to ask you for something. If you save just as many, you get to ask me for something … and we have to do what the other wants." Giggled Steve.
"… Lucky for you, I cannot often pass up a challenge. It's a deal." Smirked Kim. "Good luck, you'll need it."
With that, the deal was made and the match was on as Steve readied himself to take his first shot on the goal. Steve placed down the ball and ran forwards.
KICK!
Kim caught the ball in both hands and tossed it back to Steve.
"Try again!" Smirked Kim.
"Oh, I will!" Declared Steve hammily.
With that, Steve placed down the ball and, after a run up, kicked it a second time.
KICK!
Kim returned fire with a hard roundhouse kick of her own, knocking the ball back towards Steve. He caught it, but it was clear that he had missed.
"How about we alter the bet. You just need one goal to win." Teased Kim.
"Oh, confidence! Such a dangerous game you play!" Smirked Steve as he kicked the ball again.
KICK!
Kim easily caught it and threw it back to Steve.
"Danger seems to be easy today." Drawled Kim playfully. "C'mon, give me a fucking challenge Steve."
Steve narrowed his eyes.
"I'm turning red!" Yelled Steve.
Steve ran off and then returned for a run up kick at the ball.
KICK!
The ball hurtled towards Kim but she jumped up and caught it, and then lobbed it back one handed.
"Close, but no cigar … you filthy fucking smoker." Teased Kim.
"Cigar? Pffft! All I need are cigarettes … made out of scored goals!" Declared Steve.
Kim paused form the banter.
"… If you're gonna play up the banter, at least make it make sense." Stated Kim.
"… Ima gonna score!" Yelled Steve.
"Eeyup, still not making sense." Smirked Kim.
Steve placed down the ball. He backed up a good distance … and then charged forwards, determination in his eyes.
KICK!
The ball flew towards Kim. She jumped up and…
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deflected it with her bust.
Kim and Steve both took a few breaths.
"Well, looks like you won." Noted Steve. "So … what do you want me to do? Stay awake for twelve hours in my sleep?"
Kim just chuckled as she walked up to Steve.
"Kiss on the cheek?" Offered Kim.
Steve giggled dopily and took her up on the offer, lightly smooching her soft right cheek. Kim lightly smiled as well, giving Steve a hug as this went on. Steve blushed and made a dopey expression.
Maybe sports weren't useless after all?
(Flower Atoll Wetlands)
The Golden Hawks rowed out to the centre area of the lake and stopped for breath. They were now in the zone where they could start part two of the challenge.
"Ok, looks like me and Wallace won't be helping out in this part of the challenge." Noted Spider.
"Obviously." Replied Wallace, relaxing and putting his feet up.
"So, uh … which of you two will?" Asked Spider.
"Not I. Not only am I bad at swimming, but I'll be better suited to working the traps on and off in the final section." Stated Hector.
"Um … yeah, I'm not a great swimmer either. I'm more of a dancer." Admitted Raven. "Plus, I hate fish."
"Well, it's a deep lake in the wetlands … I'd call leeches more common here than fish." Offered Spider 'helpfully'.
Raven put on a sweet smile.
"Spider?" Cooed Raven.
"Y-yeah?" Replied Spider, unsure about Raven's cutesy tone.
"… Not helping!" Pouted Raven.
"As much as I enjoy watching Spider make a grievous social faux pas, we have to speed this up." Stated Bishop. "If Hector won't do it, and Raven can't do it, then what we must do is obvious. Sasha, let's do this."
"Sure. But, well, are you sure you can swim, let alone dive? You don't look the type." Stated Sasha. "You seem more like the guy who would hire a butler to do it … laziness and all."
Bishop chuckled good naturedly.
"Ah, but do not be forgetting … I am obscenely rich. That makes me a better person than you, you little insect." Smirked Bishop. "It also affords me some swimming lessons."
With that, Bishop dove off the side of the boat and into the water. Sasha shrugged and followed his lead. This left the other four sitting quietly in the boat.
"So, what now?" Asked Spider.
Wallace was silent and then glanced at Raven.
"Like we rehearsed." Smirked Wallace.
Wallace rocked the boat roughly for a moment, and Spider fell into the water. He quickly surfaced and looked a little bit annoyed.
"What was that for?" Frowned Spider. "I'm all wet!"
"Better than being leeched." Gigged Raven.
"I've made a good impression on her." Smirked Wallace.
While Spider climbed back into the boat, Hector sat off to the side and shook his head.
"So immature." Sighed Hector quietly.
Bishop and Sasha resurfaced, Sasha took a deep breath and dove back down, while Bishop tossed a coin into the boat.
"Don't drop it. If you do, I'm not picking it back up." Drawled Bishop.
With that, Bishop dove back under the water as the other two teams began to row up. They all began to quickly decide who would be diving.
"Well, I can't. Not because I don't want to, but I already played my part." Stated Paul.
"Who here thinks they'd be the best in the water?" Asked Rheneas.
"Do you even need to ask?" Smirked Yessica. "Whoever wishes to join me, make it snappy. Or, you know, don't. I think I'd prefer it that way. More glory for me!"
Yessica then dove into the water skilfully, as though she had done this hundreds of times before (and, naturally, she had). The rest of the team looked amongst each other.
"Well, Yessica's probably gonna do the bulk of the work, but we'd probably best get somebody else in the water so we don't get a penalty." Suggested Rheneas. "Anybody want to?"
Jimmy saw this as his chance to throw the challenge and get himself kicked off. He was about to offer himself for the job, but…
"I'll do it!" Offered Opal. "How hard could it be?"
"Wait, aren't you scared of the water?" Asked Alice. "I recall overhearing Yessica mention that once."
"… A little bit, yes." Admitted Opal. "But, the team's counting on me, right?"
"… I forced you to face your fear last season. I'm not doing that this time." Decided Alice as she stood up. "I'll do it."
"Actually, I-." Began Jimmy before Opal cut him off.
"Awww, I knew you cared!" Smirked Opal.
"I don't!" Huffed Alice. "I j-just don't want us to lose!"
With that, Alice dove into the water.
"How long do you think they'll be under?" Asked Paul after a few moments. "Don't want anybody drowning."
"I'm sure they'll both be fine." Assured Rheneas.
Jimmy silently gulped, for reasons only known to himself and Jennifer.
The Silver Swordfish were also trying to quickly come to a decision as to who should dive.
"Not gonna lie, I might be a bit too slow at swimming for this." Admitted Uzuri. "Plus, I have a fear of being eaten alive by fish."
"That's sounds oddly specific." Noted Eddie.
"Specific fears still count!" Insisted Uzuri.
"She's right. This 1970's British character called Mr Noseybonk freaks me out." Agreed Barney.
"Clock is ticking." Droned Helen. "Might wanna hurry up and get diving, divers."
"On it. For once, a fun challenge." Noted Eddie. "Wish me luck."
Eddie dove into the water and swam down, which left the rest of the team in the boat.
"So … shall we rock paper scissors for it?" Suggested Quana.
"Nah, too limited." Replied Imanda. "… Maybe Rock Paper Scissors Lizard Spock?"
"Ash, Spock. The love of my life growing up." Snickered Quana.
"Eh, I prefer Kirk." Stated Uzuri.
"Tick tock, tick tock." Droned Helen.
The girls were about to start the tie breaker, but the boat suddenly rocked from the water becoming a little unstable, and Imanda fell out of the boat. She surfaced and coughed out some water.
"Well, I guess that settles that." Noted Imanda. "Wish me luck!"
Imanda dove under the water, which left the others on the boat.
"Idea! How how we move the boat a little closer to the other side of the lake so that when we get to move on we'll have less distance to cover?" Suggested Uzuri. "No rule against it!"
"I like your thinking. Let's do it." Agreed Quana, while Barney and Helen nodded.
(Confessional: If only humans had gills.)
Wallace: … Hey, I don't always need a reason to do stuff! (Wallace chuckles)
Yessica: Aaaahhh, so refreshing. I've always felt more at home in the water than on land, really, so this challenge is right up my alley … reef … whatever. I'm winning this!
Eddie: I feel I can do just fine in the challenge by my own moderate swimming talent … but I'm hoping Sasha might slip me a coin or two. She gave her team an advantage, so she won't be a target, so…
And so it was, most of the campers remained in the boats as that was all they could do. Meanwhile the swimmers kept diving down to grab coins, and swimming back up for air when it was needed.
Bishop made a grab for a coin, smirking as he grabbed it. However, a fish swam by, eating it out of his hand. Bishop frowned; fake money or not, he did not like being robbed. Thus, Bishop lunged after the fish and began to punch it in the gut hard. Before long it coughed up the coin and fearfully swam away. Bishop nodded in satisfaction and swam to the surface.
"No fish is gonna get the best of me … not even a money fish." Thought Bishop.
Imanda watched this from a distance, looking nervous.
"That poor fish." Thought Imanda. "If only Bishop had bee in the movie jaws! Heehee! … Air!"
And so, Imanda swam up to the surface.
Sasha looked for coins, holding her breath as good as she could. Before long she found what she was looking for and prepared to swim to the surface. However Eddie swam up at that moment and, with a hopeful expression, pointing to the coins and held out his hand. Sasha thought this over, but gave Eddie a cheeky smirk and shook her head before swimming up to the surface. Eddie frowned and snapped his fingers, the sound echoing in the water.
"Worth a try." Thought Eddie.
Yessica torpedoed through the water, gliding through it like a hot knife through butter. She's already grabbed two coins and was in search of a third. Her eyes scanned around the underwater area, and it seemed as though she had perfect underwater vision. This was proven when she practically lunged herself down to the bed of the lake and grabbed a coin. Seeing she now has three coins Yessica prepared to swim back up to the surface, but before she could Bishop swam by a grabbed the coins from her hand.
Yessica would have shouted if she were not underwater, and instead shook her fist angrily. Bishop just smirked.
BAM!
His joy was short lived however when Alice swam up from behind him and bashed him on the head with a large chunk of coral. With a pained groan, Bishop swam to the surface and dropped the coins.
Alice gave Yessica nod and swam off. Yessica quickly blasted down to where the coins were and grabbed them. Feeling her air supply getting low, she swam back to the surface with them.
(Confessional: Remember, you are not a fish. Air!)
Eddie: I kinda hoped Sasha would share her coins, but … I guess it makes sense that she didn't. Besides, I have the orange super star, so I think I'll at least survive today. But, the real problem? A leech went in my ear. (Eddie winces)
Yessica: Like I said, it's my domain. Nice of Alice to bop Bishop, and let me be the one to take the coins back. Sure, it's the same end result, but … I like being the MVP. Also … dang, that poor fish. Bishop really did a number on it.
Bishop: (He is eating some fish). Eh, self defence. If PETA wants to go a few rounds, bring it on.
The campers who were not swimming remained in the boats, waiting for the swimmers to gather the five coins each team required in order to move on. Opal looked over the side of the boat and into the water.
"Does anybody have any depth charges?" Asked Opal. "I'm just saying, a depth charge would probably help us blow the other smeggers to oblivion!"
"Nice idea." Chuckled Paul. "But, we have no depth charges and we don't want to get sent to jail."
"People have gotten away with worse." Insisted Opal. "We all remember Bendy."
"That guy was a dick." Agreed Rheneas. "Ok, I think we should have two of us at each side of the boat. That way we can pull the swimmers in, and we can avoid making the boat tip over."
"Works for me." Shrugged Jimmy. "Though, I'm not strong enough to yank them in, probably … yep, not the slightest bit of muscle on my body for challenges."
"Sure there is. You have a big heart." Beamed Opal. "Um … is the heart a muscle?"
Rheneas shrugged.
"Let's just focus on the challenge." Stated Paul. "Hey, I see something under the water."
Sure enough, at that moment Alice surfaced and took a deep breath, a sour look on her face.
"Fuck, didn't find anything." Muttered Alice.
Suddenly, Yessica burst out of the water, soaring over the boat and dropping two more coins into the boat before landing in the water on the other side and surfacing again.
"That's five coins! Count em' five!" Cheered Yessica. "Lets go, c'mon!"
Yessica swam off towards the other side of the lake. Rheneas helped Alice into the boat and within moments they began to row off to the next part of the challenge.
"… Show off." Muttered Alice, glancing at Yessica.
"Hey, she put us into first place." Reminded Paul.
Over on the Golden Hawks boat Bishop tossed two coins into the boat and climbed aboard, helped in by Spider.
"That's five, yes?" Asked Bishop.
"Sure is." Confirmed Raven.
"Good, then shall we get going?" Prompted Bishop.
"We shall. Too bad I don't have the supplies to make this boat an engine." Muttered Wallace. "We'd be rowing in style, bitches!"
"… Wouldn't an engine mean we'd not need to row?" Asked Spider.
"Details, details." Said Wallace idly. "Onwards!"
"Wait, shouldn't we wait for Sasha?" Asked Hector. "She'll surface in a few seconds."
"Time is money." Stated Wallace.
"And I like money." Added Bishop.
"Can't argue with such strong logic, can we?" Drawled Raven.
The team began to row onwards. As they began to pull away Sasha surfaced and glanced around. She spotted her team leaving and quickly began to swim after them.
"Oi! Get back here! Did you forget about me? Who am I? Yessica?" Complained Sasha, exhausted from all the swimming.
Over at the Silver Swordfish boat, Uzuri looked anxious.
"Guys, they're getting ahead of us!" Exclaimed Uzuri. "We need to pick up the speed!"
"I'd like to, but we can't do anything until we have five coins." Stated Quana. "Uh … how many do we have again?"
"Three." Stated Helen.
"Whelp, I'm gonna be needing a drink after this." Noted Quana. "Whisky, for the days of defeat you don't wanna deal with!"
Barney laughed, rather amused, while Helen looked disapproving.
"Alcoholism is no laughing matter." Droned Helen.
"… They sure can hold their breath a long time." Noted Barney.
"It's impressive." Agreed Uzuri. "… Wish they'd hurry up though."
"Maybe you should tell them to hurry up?" Suggested Quana, a teasing grin on her face.
"Maybe I will." Nodded Uzuri.
With that, Uzuri leaned over the edge of the boat and dunked her head in the water. Bubbles began to rise, implying that she was yelling under the water.
"Very clever." Droned Helen.
Uzuri bought her head up and gasped for air, her hair dripping with water.
"Ick! Lake water!" Gagged Uzuri.
"… Just saying it now, I didn't think she'd actually do it." Chuckled Quana.
At that moment Eddie and Imanda surfaced and took some breaths of air.
"I got nothing." Sighed Eddie. "You had any better luck Imanda?"
"Sure did." Smirked Imanda, tossing two coins into the boat. "Eek! The other teams are getting away! C'mon guys, lets go; everybody grab a paddle and stroke on my mark."
"Right behind you." Nodded Quana, grabbing a paddle.
"And in front of you." Added Barney cheerfully.
Uzuri just coughed some more, water in her throat and nose.
(Confessional: Voices don't work underwater, usually.)
Sasha: I know it's a challenge and we're in a hurry … but it's deep water and I was tired. Could they really not wait five more seconds?
Uzuri: On one hand, I probably looked like a dumbass for that, and that's embarrassing. On the other hand … I probably looked like a dumbass, which means people won't see me as a threat. All part of the plan! ...More or less.
Paul: Yessica sure is good in the water. Thankfully, I'm good on land, so I don't feel like I am useless to the team. Wonder if any of us are good in the air … nah, humans can't fly. Yet. VayVay's been working on it. (Paul chuckles)
(Second Chill Zone)
Clyde sighed, trying to put his back into the work, but not feeling motivated to do it. Currently he was helping Oscar, Jill and Andy move some crates containing unknown show related equipment from the drop-off zone to behind the Mess Hall.
"Ok, that's almost the last of that." Noted Oscar. "Looks like we just have one crate left."
"What's in it?" Asked Andy curiously.
"Beats me, but it has a fragile sticker on it … we'd best be careful." Stated Oscar. "I could probably carry it by myself, but … better safe than sorry. Andy, wanna help?"
"Of course. Not like I got much else to do." Nodded Andy. "The meteor shower doesn't start until midnight anyway. Killing time."
"Why not stab a clock with a bastard sword? That would kill time." Smirked Jill.
"Heheheheh, dat's funny." Chuckled Clyde.
Oscar and Andy left to get the last crate, which left Clyde and Jill by themselves. Jill took out a pack of bright pink bubblegum and popped a stick in her mouth.
"Want some?" Offered Jill.
"Thanks." Said Clyde, accepting the gum.
The two chewed gum quietly for a few seconds.
"So … I hear you like Imanda?" Noted Jill.
"Yeah, so?" Replied Clyde. "Oh yeah, you're her best friend, ain't ya? Is dis girl talk? Like, da 'disapproving friend' or something?"
Jill chuckled, smiling as she shook her head.
"Actually, I think it's cool Imanda and you have a thing. She needs a boyfriend." Said Jill wryly. "Think you'll ask her out soon?"
"Dat might be a problem." Admitted Clyde, running his hands through his hair. "I mean, I've got a lot of work to do, ya know?"
"Yeah, we do work hard … or hardly work." Chuckled Jill. "But, I get the feeling that there's more to it than just work … I mean, you hate work."
"True dat." Smirked Clyde. "No, it's just … Imanda is black … and, guess who da girl in charge of da 'intern trio' is?"
"… Ah." Realised Jill. "Ouch."
"Ouch indeed. Dat girl would ruin da whole thing." Muttered Clyde. "I'm just waiting for da right time to make my move, you know? All about timing."
"Well, I wish you all the best." Said Jill, patting Clyde on the back. "… You twitch a lot, you know that?"
"Dat was an accident in a game of truth or dare." Chuckled Clyde.
At that moment Oscar and Andy passed by, working together to carry the last crate.
"Ok, looks like this job is taken care of." Noted Oscar.
"One down, one more to come. Now for weeding." Said Andy in flat joy. "You know, I must wonder if aliens somewhere out there find weeding and other garden work as annoying as most humans do."
"It makes one wonder." Agreed Oscar.
Jill and Clyde both sighed.
"Weeding? Lame." Frowned Clyde.
"Agreed." Pouted Jill.
(Flower Atoll Wetlands)
The Bronze Tigers ran up to the slide complex, Jimmy lagging slightly behind.
"Hurry!" Exclaimed Opal.
"I'm trying." Insisted Jimmy. "Short legs mean low speed!"
"Ok, we're here. Jimmy, Opal! You guys get to the top of the slide complex. The rest of us will wait by the finish line." Said Alice.
"Got it!" Saluted Opal.
Jimmy just nodded and followed after Opal, trying keep pace with her as she ran up the stairs to the top of the slides.
"Good luck!" Called Rheneas.
"See you at the finish line!" Added Yessica. "… Literally!"
Paul watched his two team mates go.
"Think we'll win this?" Asked Paul. "Just saying, Opal is the one at the controls..."
"Give her some credit, she's savvier than she looks." Assured Rheneas.
"To a degree, Rheneas is right." Admitted Alice.
And so, while the four non-sliders headed for the finish line, Opal and Jimmy reached the top of the slide complex. Wordlessly, Jimmy headed for the slide and Opal skipped towards one of the three trap control panels.
"Hmmmmm. Aha! Seems simple enough." Declared Opal. "Ok Jimmy, you slide and grab the flags. Leave the rest … to me!"
Jimmy glanced at a camera with an always pleading look.
"Oh joy." Droned Jimmy as he walked to the start of the slide course. "Ok … here I go."
After a moment or two of stalling for time Jimmy went down the slide.
"That looks fun." Noted Opal. "Ok! Time to stop these traps; wouldn't want one of the interns having to scrape up Jimmy's remains with a spatula! Heheheheh, nope!"
And with that, Opal began to mess around with the trap control panel, while watching Jimmy on the monitor. Opal bounced on her heels, looking excited as she made panels lower and slide paths switch. It seemed that, against all odds, Jimmy was in good hands.
Indeed, Jimmy slid along the slide path at a high speed. He knew he needed to grab five flags to finish the challenge … but if he grabbed five, he'd not just be a step closer to winning … but Eleanor would be a step closer to possible death.
He had to throw it. And not make it obvious either.
Jimmy yelled in alarm as he was bashed about from hitting into the sides of the slide path. Opal may have been ensuring he'd reach the bottom safely, but it was still a little rough regardless. Jimmy made a grab for the first flag, and held it tightly. Again, not making it obvious was key.
Jimmy timed his grab, and then took hold of the second flag as he slid past it. However, he then 'accidentally' lost his balance and flipped over, tumbling down the slide and missing the rest of the flags. Jimmy flew off the slide and landed in a heap.
"Ow." Groaned Jimmy.
"Quick! Back to the top again!" Exclaimed Alice.
"Timing is key!" Added Yessica. "Go! Go! Go!"
Wearily, Jimmy ran off to the stairs as instructed, going ever so slightly slower than his maximum running speed.
However, at that moment the other teams arrived, neck and neck. Those who had already done their part headed for the finish line, while those yet to assist (Hector and Raven for the Hawks and Quana and Uzuri for the Swordfish) ran up the stairs, hoping to snatch first place (or failing that, second).
"I hope Uzuri is the one sliding. She's got the build to go fast down a slide." Noted Eddie.
"But does she have the reactions to grab the flags?" Asked Imanda. "… I suppose if Uzuri slides and fails, she and Quana could just swap over."
"True. No rule against it." Agreed Eddie.
Barney sat on a rock, and by her own accord Helen sat down next to him. Barney noticed this and smiled inwardly.
"Think we got this?" Asked Barney.
"Not sure." Shrugged Helen. "I hope Hector won't go down the slide. He'd break it."
"That's kinda rude, Helen." Scolded Barney.
Helen shrugged.
"Just trying to make a joke." Shrugged Helen.
Barney paused. Sure, it was a rude joke, but … Helen had tried to make a joke!
"Progress~!" Thought Barney.
The four non-sliding Hawks stood around, waiting to see how their team mates would do at their section of the challenge.
"I sure hope that sliding system is safe." Gulped Spider. "I bet it was put together quickly … screws could be missing. That'd be bad..."
"I'm sure they'll be fine. It looks passable." Stated Wallace.
"I still can't help worrying." Sighed Spider.
"Ah, morals and ethics. I do pity those hindered by them." Mused Bishop.
"You mean most people on earth?" Frowned Sasha.
"Exactly. It's almost a plague." Smirked Bishop.
"Dick." Muttered Sasha. "Remind me how you got to the final eighteen?"
"Skill." Sniffed Bishop. "Spider helped."
"… It's true." Said Spider sheepishly.
"Oh, of all the times to not have popcorn. This is getting good." Grinned Wallace. "You guys should be on TV! ...Oh wait, you are. Mwahahaha!"
(Confessional: I suppose morals and ethics are old fashioned anyway.)
Yessica: ...Good thing my swimming talent put us in the lead, huh? Looks like it might be a close one. If we lose, just for the record, not my fault peeps!
Quana: Hmm … I'll admit, I'm not exactly great with computers. But, I'm really not fond of slides, never have been, so … better hope I can learn on the job, huh? Well … I mastered Minesweeper, so how bad could this be, am I right?
Spider: Waterparks and water slides aren't a fondness of mine. What with the crowding in pools, the pee in the water … and when the slides go wrong, they really go wrong. Eheheheheh, I guess when you know how to fix wounds, it means knowing how people get them … meaning I worry more than usual. At least on this island I won't have to worry about that bloody slingshot.
Jimmy tiredly reached the top of the stairs and wearily headed for the slide. As he did so the other four players arrived; Quana and Hector both ran to the two unmanned control panels, while Uzuri and Raven ran to the slide.
"BANZAI!" Cheered Uzuri, jumping off solid ground and onto the slide.
Jimmy jumped after her, not wanting to give away what he was doing, and Raven followed behind him.
"Whoa! This is making my head spin!" Exclaimed Raven.
At the control panels Quana and Hector exchanged a glance.
"I think this could go any way at all." Noted Quana.
"I think you might be right." Agreed Hector. "...Let's hope it goes my way, hm?"
"We'll see." Replied Quana.
"See me win? We shall." Chuckled Hector.
"Get a room!" Declared Opal.
Meanwhile the sliders zipped down the ramp at full speed. Uzuri cheered, very much enjoying the ride, grabbing flags easily as she slid down on her belly like a penguin Meanwhile Raven tried hard to be precise and time her grabs just right. She began to grab hold of the flags, so it seemed to be working. Meanwhile, Jimmy grabbed a third flag, feeling at this point they were likely to lose.
The three reached the bottom of the slide and tumbled onto the ground. They all observed how many flags they had gotten.
"Three." Noted Jimmy.
"Hmm, three. Rats." Pouted Raven.
"Five!" Cheered Uzuri. "Come on Quana, we won!"
"Be right there!" Called Quana.
Quana began to run down the stairway while Uzuri ran for the finish line. As this happened Raven and Jimmy ran back to the stairway so they could get to the top of the slide again. Quana passed them on the way down and sprinted to the finish line at full speed. Moments later, she crossed it.
Winnie and Xaria stood near the finish line, and once Quana crossed the line Winnie turned on her megaphone.
"THE SILVER SWORDFISH COME IN FIRST PLACE!" Announced Winnie. "Meow, what a turnout!"
"Shocker." Agreed Xaria tonelessly, busy texting on her phone.
Raven and Jimmy reached the top of the slide platform. While Raven stopped to catch her breath Jimmy headed for the slide, intending to miss the flags again. However, Opal stopped him.
"Let's swap places. Wildcard bitches!" Cheered Opal.
"Wait, what?" Gulped Jimmy.
But it was too late to stop Opal; the bouncy girl ran to the slide and went down it. Raven quickly followed her.
Jimmy watched the slide silently for a moment, before quickly running to the trap control panel.
(Confessional: Hijacked by the goofball!)
Opal: (She shrugs). No rule against switching, right? Besides, this way we don't lose and Alice won't have an aneurysm. Win-win!
Uzuri: ...Ok, that was complete and utter luck. But, I don't have to tell that to them. (Uzuri winks)
Hector: It seems just as well Sasha played the star; if she hadn't, we'd be dead last. I know I'm safe if we lose, obviously, but with only six players per team, even being one person down is likely to hurt us. It's best to just keep winning, really.
Opal and Raven sped down the water slide, narrowly avoiding the traps thanks to their team mates. It was a wet, wild ride and both girls were being bumped about a bit. But even so, they were at attention and on the alert. As they slid past flags they made grabs for them, all making contact.
"I feel sick." Moaned Raven as she slipped about wildly.
"Faster!" Cheered Opal.
Both reached the bottom of the slide complex and rolled along the ground. A quick glance to their hands showed them all they needed to know.
Both girls had five flags!
"Hector! Run!" Called Raven.
"Come on Jimmy!" Called Opal.
The girls ran to the finish line, and this meant that it was a race between the boys to the finish line. Jimmy was in the lead, and Hector ran behind him, plodding and trying to catch up. The teams cheered them on as they quickly exited the stairs and ran to the finish line.
Jimmy gulped. How could he throw this without it being obvious?! He couldn't risk the kidnapper withholding the clues! ...Maybe he could try again tomorrow?
Jimmy and Hector closed in on the finish line, and suddenly…
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Jimmy tripped over on a rock and Hector passed him, crossing the finish line.
Winnie sounded her airhorn once more.
"Second place for the Golden Hawks!" Announced Winnie.
"Third place for the Bronze Tigers … whoop de doo, you lived up to your name." Noted Xaria.
The Golden Hawks lightly cheered while the Bronze Tigers looked despondent.
"Darn it!" Pouted Yessica.
(Confessional: If only they'd been a few seconds faster.)
Sasha: Looks like the super star saved us … looks like I saved the team. Level up! Heheheheh, this should give me time to get my position on the team more secure. MVP, right? Yeah, right.
Eddie: First place? Whoa, I didn't expect that. But, hey, I'll take it for sure. Now then … time to guess who's gonna get kicked off! Hmmm … ok, after serious thought … I'm ninety percent sure Alice is gonna go. Guess we'll see, right? Depends if she's learnt from her mistakes last season on Team Mongolia.
Hector: I feel a little awkward that I only succeeded because Jimmy tripped … but, immunity is immunity. Besides, everybody knows I'm not built for running anyway. (Hector shrugs). I hope the Tigers kick off somebody irksome like Opal, or a threat like … huh, none of them really. Heh.
Imanda: And that's the way the news rolls! (Imanda does jazz hands). ...I'll let myself out. Heheheh.
(Chill Zone Number Two)
Presently the three teams were gathered in the centre area of the second hill zone. Once the attention was on them, Winnie and Xaria began to speak.
"Good effort today teams!" Chirped Winnie. "You all tried hard, and you know what? I'd say you're all winners!"
"Uh, no, they're not, you're totally wrong. The Swordfish and Hawks won, and Tigers lost. They're losers." Said Xaria flatly.
"Well, I was just trying to be nice." Pouted Winnie.
"Being nice and being realistic ain't always possible." Smirked Xaria. "Whelp, Swordfish win. Yay. You guys win immunity and a machete each. Use them well."
"Hawks, good effort! Meow! You guys win immunity plan and simple." Added Winnie.
"Tigers … sorry pals, you lose today. Winnie will see you at elimination after sundown. Chris is still sick." Finished Xaria.
"Can I laugh?" Asked Bishop.
"By all means." Shrugged Xaria.
Bishop laughed obnoxiously.
"That's enough from us, so … enjoy the rest of your day! See you later, kitty cats!" Chirped Winnie.
The hosts took their leave, and the campers began to disperse. Twelve of them could now relax, but for six members of the Bronze Tigers, it was crunch time.
(Confessional: No time for losers cause we are the champions.)
Rheneas: Well, I know that I'm safe. But the thing is … can I be safe and keep my idol? Better take this carefully.
Alice: It came down to a lack of speed. I think the course of action is quite obvious.
Jimmy: (He shrugs) Oopsie doopsie.
(Not Much Later…)
Rheneas put the finishing touches on the shield he was working on for Yessica. Nodding in satisfaction, he passed it to Yessica.
"Your shield, as promised." Said Rheneas with a nod. "I trust you to keep your side of the bargain."
"Sure, no problem." Assured Yessica. "Though, giving me the shield after the vote would have probably been smarter, to ensure my loyalty."
"The way I see it, this shows I trust you. Backstab me now, and the guilt will eat you alive like malnourished piranhas." Smirked Rheneas.
"… Point." Winced Yessica. "So … I think we should vote for Jimmy, or Paul. Jimmy bombed like Guy Fawkes today, and Paul is a slippery dude."
"I'd prefer to vote for Paul. He's against me." Stated Rheneas.
"Is he against me though?" Asked Yessica. "On a small team, each loss is gonna hurt."
"Well, we gotta vote for the same person. Uh … rock paper scissors?" Suggested Rheneas.
"No way. One time me and Irene played that one hundred times in a row and I lost every single time." Droned Yessica, pouting at the memory.
"Well, we better decide quickly." Said Rheneas, switching off his beam katana. "How about we go and see how everybody else is voting?"
"I will. You're the guy with the idol, so they may not tell you. Time to shine!" Cheered Yessica as she jogged off.
Rheneas watched her go, and then shrugged.
"Well, I can think of worse people to put the fate of my idol in." Decided Rheneas.
(Confessional: Like Clinton?)
Yessica: Alice and Opal seem to be buddying up lately, a mystery to me still, so if I can convince one of them, maybe the other will follow? Opal and me are close … ish … so, maybe? Urgh, I need a swim to clear my head!
Rheneas: I may be safe now, but if we lose a second time … perhaps not. I wanna do something to aid my case, but Yessica is right. On a small team, the guy with the idol is often in the dark. Whelp, better hope Yessica schemes as good as she swims.
Alice and Opal sat in the Mess Hall, eating lucky charms. For once, Alice looked content.
"You sure like lucky charms, don'cha." Noted Opal.
"They pacify me." Stated Alice. "Be grateful."
"As they say, its the luck o' the Irish." Smirked Opal.
"Perhaps." Shrugged Alice. "Ok, the vote. Here's what we'll do. We need to make sure that Paul has the second most votes and Rheneas has the most. So, we'll both vote for Paul … but, we'll need to make certain that Jimmy, Paul and Yessica vote for Rheneas. If we can do that, then for all I care Rheneas could vote for me. Not like it'd matter." Shrugged Alice.
"Great idea. Love it." Nodded Opal. "But … Jimmy kinda stank like seaweed today."
"He's a kid who lost his family just a few months ago. We can't expect him to be on the ball all of the time." Stated Alice. "He stays … because he's on our side."
"… Heheheh! You have a soft spot for Jimmy, don't you Alice?" Smirked Opal oh-so-smugly.
"I'm not soft. I'm a serious contender for winning." Grunted Alice.
"Nothing wrong with a winner who plays hard, and shows kindness." Said Opal, winking. "Say, idea! Yessica and me were kinda put in the corner by Paul before. Might wanna use that angle when talking to Yessica, maybe?"
Alice was silent for a moment, and then snapped her fingers.
"Opal, are you pondering what I'm pondering?" Asked Alice.
"Um, I think so Alice." Nodded Opal. "But … isn't Vladimir Putin already married?"
Alice made a sour face.
"...No. I mean we should lie to Yessica that Paul tried to sell her out again." Stated Alice.
"… Oh yeah." Realised Opal. "Can do buckeroo!"
Opal set off to do what Alice wanted, leaving Alice alone. Alice held her head in frustration, watching Opal go, and quickly poured herself another bowl of lucky charms.
(Confessional: Feeing lucky there, Alice?)
Alice: Why must my most loyal ally be such a plonker?
Jimmy sat alone in a tree. His mind was on the vote, though unlike the others who were worried about their chances of going out, Jimmy was worried that he might be staying.
"Did I screw up enough? Can I make myself more of a target?" Thought Jimmy. "I can't vote for myself according to the rules … even though Cherry could for some reason … maybe I'll just vote for somebody who is sure to be safe ... Rheneas has an idol, maybe him?"
Jimmy lay back against the tree and sighed, closing his eyes.
"This is not life … not one worth living." Thought Jimmy.
Jimmy opened his eyes, and saw Jennifer sitting next to him. Jennifer made a motion of offering a hug. Jimmy accepted it.
(Confessional: 1/5 chance…)
Jimmy: (He tries to look nonchalant, and not nervous). I feel like causing some trouble. At the vote, I think I might say some stuff that isn't true … just because, you know?
Alice sat down at the base of the tree, quietly enjoying the sounds of nature that Flower Atoll was home to. However, she was not alone for long as from the tree above Paul jumped down, anding beside Alice.
"Hi!" Greeted Paul. "How goes it?"
"Eek!" Yelped Alice, lightly jumping in surprise.
"Oh, uh, sorry about that." Apologising Paul, chuckling.
"… I may regret asking this, but … need something?" Asked Alice.
"Just wanted to talk about the vote. Well, that or flowers. I'm fine with either topic." Offered Paul.
"… Fine, vote it is. Who are you voting for?" Asked Alice.
"Yessica." Stated Paul.
"… Why?" Asked Alice, frowning a little. "She did nothing wrong. If anything, she was the only person, besides me of course, who did everything right."
"Exactly. If she gets too far, she could win it all. She's an Underdog Queen!" Insisted Paul. "Besides, her skills today … they outshined even yours. Do you want Yessica to overshadow you? She even admits she's a little irrelevant … I would have thought you'd not want to be less than that."
Alice paused. She tried to keep her face neutral. Damn, this idea was tempting.
"I … will run this by my allies." Stated Alice. "But, we need to remove Rheneas' idol soon."
"Have your allies vote for him, and we can vote for Yessica." Offered Paul.
Alice was silent, considering this.
(Confessional: Ego, ruining good judgement since the dawn of time.)
Paul: Well, I mean, I know Yessica is onto me right now, so … common sense rules that she has to go, right? I can't be going now … I've not even finished my total drama bucket list.
Alice: Urrrrgh, it makes so much sense to boot Paul … but fuck, it's so damn tempting to boot Yessica to satisfy my ego. Of al the times to not have my lucky magic eight ball!
Yessica ran one way, looking for people. Opal ran the other, also looking for the same thing. We all know where this is going…
BAM!
Both girls yelped and fell back on their asses. Yessica shook her head a little and stood up, wordlessly helping Opal back onto her feet.
"I need to talk to you." Said both girls in usion.
There was a pause.
"… You first." Stated Opal.
"You up for voting for Paul? That's what me and Rheneas are doing." Offered Yessica.
"Well, dat's the shit, isn't it?" Grinned Opal. "It just so happens that I, by complete chance and truth, heard that Paul is setting you up for a fall."
"WHAT?!" Gasped Yessica. "What did I even do?"
"… Brag a lot?" Suggested Opal.
Yessica pouted.
"So, you'll join us?" Offered Yessica. "Alice can too if she wants to."
"I'll make like a guy about to be shot for bad news, and pass on the message!" Saluted Opal.
(Confessional: Messengers have it bad.)
Yessica: PAAAAAAUL! (Yessica pauses). That felt good. Heh.
Rheneas sat on a rock, looking anxious.
"I wonder how Yessica is doing." Pondered Rheneas.
Rheneas then spotted Jimmy walking by.
"Hey Jimmy, how are you gonna be voting tonight?" Asked Rheneas.
"For you, and there's nothing you can do about it. See you at elimination." Grunted Jimmy.
Rheneas paused.
"Um … ok? You alright Jimmy?" Asked Rheneas in concern.
Jimmy just ran off without another word.
"… Very strange." Frowned Rheneas.
(Confessional: Stranger than Tommy Wiseau though?)
Rheneas: ...What's up with Jimmy? I know he's been through a lot but … this sudden bout of anger today … it's unlike him. Hmmm… (Rheneas sighs). Better start making plans for when my idol is gone, huh?
Opal ran up to Alice and skidded to a halt right in front of her.
"Yessica and Rheneas are on board." Declared Opal. "I also saw Jimmy tell Rheneas he was voting for him. The idol and the ex-germaphobe are outta here!"
"Actually … I may have a different idea in mind." Admitted Alice. "Tell me what you think."
(Confessional: Forecast predicts a possibly clusterfuck.)
Opal: Alice changes her mind more than a neutral party in a war! (Opal snickers) But, rest assured, we reached a decision.
(Bonfire Ceremony)
It was dark and now the moon was out. Crickets were chirping and a lightly howling breeze blew through Flower Atoll. Once again the elimination area looked different; the elimination zone itself was set in a clearing covered by an overgrowth of dead or dying flowers. There were six seats, each with flower patterns carved onto them, and a large fire pit in the centre. There was also a large statue resembling Chris Maclean that loomed over them, made to look withered and old, and covered in brambles. Torches were lit and there were two paths leading off, not counting the one the team had come from. Winnie stood before the team at what could only be described as a ritual altar and smiled sunnily.
"Hi everybody!" Greeted Winnie. "Chris is still feeling ill, soooo … I'll be running this show tonight. You all ready?"
"As ready as can be expected." Stated Alice.
"If we're not ready, can we cancel the elimination?" Asked Paul hopefully.
"Sorry Paul, the show must go on!" Giggled Winnie.
Winnie composed herself, and then started the questioning.
"Opal, why do you think you guys lost today?" Asked Winnie.
"Because Jimmy tripped. Buuuuut, he may have had time to pick himself up and beat Hector if Paul hadn't wasted time climbing to the top of the diving rock when he only had to jump from the lower platform. But, that's just me." Winked Opal.
"Oh my! Paul, anything you might wanna say in your defence?" Suggested Winnie.
"Maybe I did get a little bit carried away." Admitted Paul. "But that was a one time thing. Next time it won't happen. I'm not the weakest person on the team, and at the same time, I'm not the most threatening either."
"Hmmmm." Noted Winnie. "Jimmy, do you have anything to add to that? Paul did mention 'weak person' and, well, you're the smallest..."
"Fuck fuckity fuck." Droned Jimmy.
A rather awkward silence arose. Rheneas coughed.
"… Moving on from that! Alice, does this team agree on anything much? You seem like a team that has differing viewpoints." Noted Winnie.
"Well, a lot of us feel that Rheneas' idol is kind of a thing. Not sure if people are gonna get rid of it tonight, but … it's on our minds." Stated Alice, crossing her arms.
"Rheneas, this sounds like a problem for you." Remarked Winnie.
"Sure is. I know I'm safe tonight no matter what … but if I lose my idol, the next vote might be a different story." Replied Rheneas. "Best I can hope for right now is not getting the most votes."
"That's what were all hoping for?" Added Paul.
"Yessica, anything you feel like adding?" Offered Winnie.
"I'd say it may not be about having the most votes … but rather, about having the second most votes. You know, if Rheneas has the most." Stated Yessica, briefly pointing her eyes at Paul. "I've heard three names going around tonight."
"Sounds exciting!" Exclaimed Winnie.
Winnie then pointed to one of the paths leading out of the voting area.
"Ok team! Heehee! You have to head down that path to cast your vote. About fifty meters along is a voting station. Just write down the name of the person you want to vote off and tell the camera why you are voting for them." Explained Winnie energetically. "Jimmy, how about you start us off?"
Jimmy slowly nodded and got to his feet, heading to the path. He paused and glanced back at the team.
"Yessica has the green super star and Paul has the orange one." Lied Jimmy. "I also saw Rheneas ally with about four other people."
The team all did a double take and began exchanging alarmed and scandalised glances as Jimmy headed off to cast his vote.
Once Opal had cast the final vote the six members of the team were soon once again sitting down. They waited quietly while Winnie quickly tallied up the votes, and soon enough she returned, now holding a tray of five chocolate stars. She set them down on the altar and turned to face the team.
"Ok guys, it's crunch time!" Declared Winnie. "If you're safe then you'll get a chocolate star, but if you have the most votes then no cheaply made snack for you! Now then … let's see which kitty will be put out for the night!"
Winnie paused for a moment.
"Before we begin, I need to say that…
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Rheneas, you had the most votes. I'm gonna need your idol.
"Catch." Said Rheneas, tossing the idol to Winnie.
Winnie jumped up and caught the idol in both hands. She struck a pose, giggling, and placed it down on the altar. Rheneas sighed, knowing his main line of defence was gone.
"Whelp, time to hand out the treats, Here ya go Rheneas." Said Winnie, tossing a chocolate star to Rheneas.
Rheneas caught the star with one hand, not looking up.
"Four treats left, and five campers. "Announced Winnie. "Also safe tonight are..."
"Alice"
"Opal"
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"Jimmy"
Jimmy caught his chocolate star and looked at it like it was poisonous.
Paul and Yessica exchanged a glance.
"… Best of luck." Said Paul with a nod.
"… You too." Said Yessica slowly.
Winnie held up the final chocolate star for Paul and Yessica to see.
"This is the final chocolate star of the night. Looks mighty tasty, doesn't it?" Noted Winnie. "Well, safety is even tastier, and the final person safe tonight is…
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Yessica!"
Yessica cheered and caught the chocolate star while Paul sighed and gave a slow nod of acceptance.
"Phew, close one." Muttered Yessica quietly.
Paul rose to his feet, adjusting his headband.
"Well, looks like I'll be seeing VayVay shortly." Noted Paul.
"Indeed you will." Confirmed Winnie, her smile briefly faltering for some reason. "Head down the other path for your elimination. See you soon."
Paul nodded, and then glanced at the team one last time.
"Good game guys. No regrets! Would happily do it again." Said Paul with a smile.
With that, Paul headed off down the torch lit path to elimination. Meanwhile, Winnie turned to the rest of the team.
"Well, I think if anything can be turned here, it's that sometimes taking a dive can lead you right to the bottom." Said Winnie, trying to sound smart. "With that, I have nothing else for you. Sleep well!"
The remaining five Bronze Tigers got to their feet and headed off back to the Chill Zone. All of them had much on their minds … except Opal, who cheerfully watched the fireflies.
Winnie watched the team go and then gulped.
"This won't be fun..." Murmured Winnie as she headed down the path after Paul.
(? of Shame)
Paul stared. Set up on a cliffside overlooking the waves was a barrel, and it was attached to a heavy chain … and the chain itself was attached to some kind of spinning mechanism. It looked rather poorly put together; well enough to work as intended of course, but probably badly enough to cause excess panic. The barrel also looked a little bit worse for wear.
"… Well then." Noted Paul.
"This is the Barrel of Shame." Announced Winnie, trying her hardest to keep a neutral expression. "Into the barrel please."
Paul obeyed, climbing in. Winnie then took out a remote with two buttons on it. She pressed the first button and the barrel sealed itself.
"Uh … is this safe?" Asked Paul from within the, clearly none sound proof, barrel.
Being neutral as she was instructed, Winnie prepared to press the button to start the spinning mechanism.
She hesitated.
Her hands trembled.
"I … I … I can't do it..." Whispered Winnie near silently.
Winnie let the remote fall, unable to bring herself to activate the device.
The remote landed on the buttons.
Winnie squeaked as the spinner began to rotate, faster and faster and quickly picking up speed. Paul soon began to scream as Winnie watched with wide eyes. Soon enough the speed picked up … behind what it was supposed to. Dropping the remote had made the device go into overdrive.
"Oh dear..." Gulped Winnie.
The barrel spun around on the chain like a blur for a few moments
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and then the chain released.
"AAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHhhhhhhhhhhhhh..." Screamed Paul as he, within the barrel, was hurled into the sky and quickly disappeared from sight.
Winnie was very silent, and a little pale. She quietly walked over to a nearby rock with very light footsteps and sat on a rock. She didn't make a sound.
Xaria watched this from a distance, looking unsure how to feel.
"Well … that's the end of the episode. Paul is gone." Noted Xaria. "So, yeah. Lot's of drama and bitching, as you have come to expect from Total Drama. It'll only get worse next episode, believe me. So, questions. Uh … ah. Will Spider find himself saving Daisy from, ahem, certain death once again? Will Sasha's position improve after her star play? Will Helen make another joke, God forbid? Can Eddie stay on top of the team as he tentatively seems to be now? With his idol gone, is Rheneas a dead man walking … or has any reason to vote for him now vanished? Will Alice, against all logic, grow to appreciate Opal's company? And who will be the next person voted out? I dunno. Tune in next time to find out the answers on Total Drama Letter Starz."
The camera turned off and Xaria walked over to Winnie, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"You ok?" Asked Xaria gently.
Winnie silently shook her head.
VOTES
Alice: Rheneas (VOID)
Jimmy: Rheneas (VOID)
Opal: Rheneas (VOID)
Paul: Yessica
Rheneas: Paul
Yessica: Paul
XXXXX
Rheneas- 3 (VOID)
Paul- 2
Yessica- 1
Golden Hawks: Bishop, Hector, Raven, Sasha, Spider, Wallace
Silver Swordfish: Barney, Eddie, Helen, Imanda, Quana, Uzuri
Bronze Tigers: Alice, Jimmy, Opal, Rheneas, Yessica
Eliminated: Lavender, VayVay, Irene, Zed, Eleanor, Lankston, Tabitha, Quarla, Paul
And that does it for Paul. Now, Paul was really a fun one for me to write this season. Even though his reception was generally either neutral up to moderate like, I really had fun with him. His role this season was made possible by his development last season. Before, he was a very nervous and timid person afraid of germs and any sort of conflict. But given how he ended up conquering his fear and moving on … this time I was able to go a completely different direction with him. Consequently, I felt the best route to take was simple … have a shut-in become an adventurous thrill seeker. Thus, Paul became a lot better at challenges this time, along with no longer being afraid of Quarla. For those wondering, him filling out every item on the bucket list in-game was a mild red herring. No plot armour!
But, Paul's new adventurous nature and desire for experiences didn't just go in with his actions in challenges and free time, but also in his gameplay. With Paul, he had no set 'mold' to fill, or concrete plan to follow. His gameplay was really all over the place and a bit of everything. True, it had mixed responses from readers and, I'll concede, maybe I could have made it a little less random at times, but I think this unpredictability made Paul more dynamic and interesting as a character. Indeed, edgically Paul was MORM (sometimes called the 'everything edit') and was shown as positive, negative and mixed depending on the episode.
But, this is as far as Paul gets. Eventually his reckless and thrill seeking gameplay would catch up to him and get him eliminated. If he made it too much further I would have felt it a little unrealistic, given Paul was frequently making and breaking allies. In fact, Paul was originally going to be 19th (and Quarla 18th) but I felt he added more to the story placing as he has now than how things would have been with him as 19th.
From a wimpy bubble boy to a confident young man with a thirst for adventure, Paul finishes at 18th place.
Next Time: Time to see what Kasimar and Madeline are up to! Oh boy … this is gonna get explosive … literally.