Disclaimer: I do not own Total Drama or any of its related seasons. They belong to Teletoon and Cartoon Network. The alphabet theme isn't mine and is property of Frank15. The 52 OC's in this story however are mine so do not steal them.
The Warning: This chapter contains a challenge of the eras, a fight, a 'secret weapon', strategizing, snarkyness and also an Idol hunt. You have been warned!
Note: Big news! It is my sister's birthday today; she's thirteen and officially a teenager. Then again, my eighteenth birthday is coming up soon so that's something to look forward to. Other than that I have little to say. So … enjoy the chapter!
(Insert Time Travel Pun here)
Spider and Quana were standing on the Dock of Shame; it was late at night and some crickets were chirping. It can be assumed that if Patch saw them then he would eat them.
"Last time on Total Drama Letterama the game really began getting tougher; since pretty much everyone still in the game is friends in some way they realized that they were going to have to vote off their friends eventually. Lankston meanwhile noticed that the couples would probably vote together and decided that he need to separate them, both as a game move and to get back at those who voted out Nina. He also allied himself with Max and Rheneas to expand his power in the game." Recapped Spider.
"The challenge was catching flags while waterskiing. Yannis and Winnie excelled at this ... in fact, the couples all finished in the top three spots. This meant that the duos of VayVay and Rheneas as well as Max and Lankston were on the outs a bit. The challenge was over fairly quickly, quicker than we thought, and Winnie and Yannis won immunity. Since there was a bit of time before the Bonfire Ceremony the campers were allowed to relax." Added Quana.
"And we got a complaint from the Louve. Wallace used a de-atomization teleporter thingy to get each of the contestants a luxury item; he also used it to steal the Mona Lisa for Zita. That would be really sweet if it wasn't totally illegal." Said Spider in amusement. "Lankston and Max searched for the idols and Lankston made it clear that he wanted Eddie gone. Max tried to reason with him but was unable to."
"Winnie and Yannis were also looking for the idols, and unlike Lankston and Max they managed to find one; the Eleanor Idol. Maybe we'll see it get sued today. Also, VayVay gave Yessica some comfort after she suffered some homophobic bullying from Nakia ... I really hate that girl." Frowned Quana.
"Me too." Agreed Spider. "When it was time for the vote off the votes were rather spread apart; however, Eddie had the clear majority and so he was voted out of the game in tenth place. Sasha will be playing on single player from now on it seems."
"We still have nine campers in the game; by the end of the day it will be eight. I'm not really sure who's going to be voted off ... but what I am sure of is that I want to see Max's secret weapon he mentioned yesterday. I wonder what it could be." Mused Quana.
"We'll find out at some point today. So, will Sasha be ok without Eddie? Will Lankston separate anymore couples? What is Max's so called secret weapon? And who will be the next person voted off?" Asked Spider rhetorically.
"Find out right now on Total Drama Letterama!" Finished Quana.
(Theme song, I wanna be famous)
Winnie was sitting on the sofa watching TV; however, she wasn't really watching it, she had too much on her mind. She kept thinking about how upset Sasha had looked when Eddie was voted off. Their separation may have been inevitable, but Winnie knew that she had played a part in it. Winnie sighed to herself ... she wouldn't be sleeping easily tonight.
"Bee in your bonnet Winnie?" Asked VayVay as she walked up.
"Not so much a bee as an angry hornet." Mumbled Winnie. "Let's just say ... well ... I have a friend who did something she really should not have done."
"And what did this friend do?" Asked VayVay gently.
"... She voted for Eddie and is feeling bad about Sasha being sad." Mumbled Winnie.
"How did you know I voted for Eddie?" Asked VayVay sheepishly.
"... I was talking about myself." Said Winnie. "Well, I guess we both played a part in what happened. I was never Sasha's team mate and I feel rather guilty."
"I was her team mate once and I feel like three week old broccoli." Sighed VayVay. "Well, at least we feel bad for it. That proves that we are, at the very least, capable of remorse. This game is survival, beat your rival."
"You make an excellent point." Agreed Winnie. "So, how are we going to tell Sasha we voted for Eddie?"
"... I don't know." Mumbled VayVay.
"But you always have an answer; everyone goes to you for advice!" Exclaimed Winnie.
"When it comes to issues about guilt and sorrow I'm not that good. I'm better with issues relating to sexuality." Stated VayVay. "I may be philosophical but I'm no genius."
"So, do you know where Zed is?" Asked Winnie. "I haven't seen him for a while."
"He went with Opal for a late night walk in the woods; very romantic and sweetie sweet." Replied VayVay. "By the way, Yannis is missing as well ... where do you think he is?"
"He left me a note saying he was going to be tailing someone and looking for the idols ... oh!" Realized Winnie. "Oh, now I know where he is. No worries, he'll be back soon."
"Have you found any of the idols?" Asked VayVay curiously.
"Indeed I have not." Said Winnie truthfully; after all, technically speaking, it had been Yannis who found the Idol. "Have you?"
"Nopesies." Said VayVay. "But I don't think I need them; I'm much more content to just go with the flow and take the obstacles as they come.
Confessional: Yannis is double O zero ... because he never says anything.
Winnie: I think Yannis is following after Opal and Zed in case they find one of the idols so that he can ready himself for it and know what their idol does. Nothing wrong with it, he's just showing initiative. We're all friends here, but it is still a game that only one person can win.
"So why did you vote for Eddie anyway?" Asked Winnie curiously.
"Because Lankston said that if I didn't then I might be backed into a corner by the couples if they remain intact." Explained VayVay. "Rest assured however that I will not vote for either you or Yannis."
"I know that we'll be separated eventually though ... I hope that this time it will be under better circumstances than last time." Said Winnie hopefully.
"With Kim gone I'm sure it will be." Nodded VayVay.
There was suddenly an impatient sounding knock at the door.
"Open up! I was told that this building is having a sale on Hair Restoration formulas." Said Nakia rather impatiently.
"The door's open." Called VayVay.
The door opened and Nakia strolled in; she immediately noticed the lack of hair restoration products and scowled.
"Where is the sale? Did that ugly haired dyke lie to me?" Scowled Nakia.
"Actually, I told her to send you here. Me and you need to have quite a serious talk." Said VayVay firmly.
"What about? How you can make your hair less ugly?" Asked Nakia. "Sorry, but red heads are so ugly that even a genius like me wouldn't be able to help you ...nor would I want to."
"Actually, I want to talk to you about what you said to Yessica. She tells me you said her parents wouldn't love her anymore because she is Bi." Scowled VayVay.
"Whoa. Did you actually say that?" Blinked Winnie. "Not cool!"
"So? She had terrible hair so it's not like it really matters." Shrugged Nakia.
"Having bad hair is better than having no hair." Giggled Winnie.
"Shut up you vermin!" Snarled Nakia. "At this point I don't care if you have good hair or bad hair; every single one of you is dead to me! And Spider and Quana are gonna pay, yeah, with their fucking lives!"
"You have nobody to blame but yourself for what happened. You were the one who tried to cripple Spider. If you hadn't done that you'd still have your hair." Stated VayVay. "And to think you seemed to be nice and get along with Quana in the first episode ... you've really gone in a downward spiral."
"Well at least I'm not a red headed abomination. You're ugly, you're retarded and your sexuality is a cause for shame. You have to pick one! Seriously, just looking at you makes me nauseous!" Screamed Nakia.
"Your mind games won't work on me, but I ask you a question in return ... do you like boiled eggs?" Inquired VayVay.
"... Why?" Blinked Nakia in confusion.
"Because your head looks like one." Smirked VayVay.
"Burn!" Giggled Winnie.
Nakia scowled and then, in one quick motion, whipped out her hairbrush and slapped VayVay with it and immediately hit her again.
"Ow!" Wailed VayVay as she tried to shield herself.
"Leave my bestie alone!" Snapped Winnie as she punched Nakia backwards.
"This isn't over! I'll make every single person on this island pay!" Promised Nakia with a growl as she quickly left.
Winnie helped VayVay to her feet and flinched at the red mark on her cheek.
"Do you need some ointment?" Asked Winnie gently and in concern. "I have some really good massage lotions that should help."
"I'll be fine; though I wish Paul was here, I could do with a kiss on the cheek." Mumbled VayVay.
"I'd give you one ... but I just think it'd be awkward." Murmured Winnie.
"Don't worry; I'll probably be fine in the morning." Assured VayVay. "Rabble rousers ... that could have gone a bit better."
"Nakia is a psycho." Agreed Winnie.
Confessional: She'll get worse in due time.
VayVay: The thing about me is … I'm not much of a fighter. Not just because I hate violence, but also because I'm not very strong. The only reason I boffed and biffed Kasimar is because I was overcome with extreme rage. I'm not strong, I'm not super genius … really, the only way I can get to the finals is being nice. Fortunately niceness is a virtue I have quite a supply of.
Winnie: (She is in a fetal position sucking her thumb). Nakia is kinda scary. I've always been a bit of a scaredy cat … I fear that one day Nakia could really hurt someone … she needs help. (Winnie continues sucking her thumb and shivers).
Nakia: They have no right to judge me! I lost my hair; they might see that as something minor, but they're ugly and I was one of the beautiful people! But if I go after Spider again I might lose more than my hair … maybe I should think of this another way … and thing is hard! … Maybe I can get back at him if I can make Quana bald … or better yet, destroy her!
Lankston and Rheneas were in the beds in the guy's side of the Middle Place cabin; Rheneas was in a top bunk and Lankston was in the bottom bunk of the other bed. Max seemed to be designing some blue prints.
"Thanks for sticking to the plan." Said Lankston. "With Eddie gone Sasha will have a hard time in the next challenge and thus we can take out another big threat."
"But did Eddie really deserve to be voted off?" Asked Rheneas. "It is kinda thanks to him I'm not in jail right now."
"It was either him or you." Stated Lankston. "He lacked an alliance and he paid the price for it. Besides, he was a threat and he voted for Nina; he had it coming."
"I think you're taking this revenge thing a bit far." Said Rheneas.
"Maybe so, but if winning this game means I have to vote off a few 'good people' … then so be it." Shrugged Lankston. "He was probably one of the smarter contestants, so if we ever have a mental challenge then we'll succeed easier."
"If you say so." Said Rheneas in thought. "Do you know where Max is?"
"I think he's in the loser cabin working on some kind of 'secret weapon', he mentioned that it would help him win immunity." Said Lankston idly. "We have eight challenges to go; if we can take out some more threats it'll be smooth sailing to the finish line."
"Can't we all just get along and have a fair competition?" Asked Rheneas.
"I'm not breaking any rules, its fair." Shrugged Lankston. "Besides, Total Drama is no place for a pacifist, they'd never win. You need to not be afraid of making big moves. The game is about politics and managing your peers, like Lord of the Flies."
"We're competing for a million dollars, not managing a country." Said Rheneas flatly.
"In essence it's the same thing." Shrugged Lankston as he took out a bottle of pills, emptied one into his hand and swallowed it. "Don't think I'm the bad guy just because I'm willing to do whatever it takes."
"What are the pills for?" Asked Rheneas curiously.
"It doesn't matter." Stated Lankston.
"They must be for something." Persisted Rheneas.
"It doesn't matter!" Snapped Lankston.
"… Wait, is it to do with that muscle thing Barney mentioned?" Asked Rheneas hesitantly.
Lankston was silent before he scowled.
"Yes; I've got some muscle deficiencies hence my weakness along with low immune system strength; these pills help. And don't you dare say I'm useless or a failure or that I'm just here to make numbers, I can't help it." Glowered Lankston threateningly.
"I wasn't going to do that. Why would anybody care if you're strong or weak?" Asked Rheneas.
"… Never mind, it doesn't matter." Said Lankston simply as he got out of bed and headed for the door.
"Where are you going? I didn't mean to upset you." Said Rheneas apologetically.
"I just need some fresh air." Stated Lankston as he left the room.
Rheneas looked up at the ceiling and looked thoughtful.
"Maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut." Mumbled Rheneas.
Confessional: Lankston is kinda like a sort of 'Anti-Cameron'.
Lankston: I hate being so weak and useless; if I had been a strong guy with the build of a football player things would be so much easier. But they'll see I'm not useless … they'll see once and for all.
Rheneas: I get the feeling that beyond Lankston's ego he's really insecure. It's like how Tabitha looked like she had it all but really she lived in fear all the time. Humans are like cakes, they have layers.
Sasha was sitting alone in the Mess Hall; she didn't feel very sleepy and also had a lot on her mind. She was still feeling upset that Eddie had been voted off and was now using a spoon to eat from a tub of strawberry ice cream; it may have sounded strange but ice cream always cheered Sasha up when she was upset.
"This is the first time me and Eddie have been apart from each other. We hosted Total Ousted Alphabet together, we've always been team mates, we both outlasted Kim … I guess it had to happen sooner or later." Mused Sasha gloomily. "I know that being sad isn't going to accomplish anything, but I can't help but miss him … maybe more ice cream will help."
Sasha continued to eat the ice cream as she thought to herself about the previous night; one moment she and Eddie had been playing cards together … the next moment he was gone.
"It's karma; I voted off Nina which upset Lankston and so the same thing has happened to me … but if it is indeed karma then why was I not voted off?" Asked Sasha out loud. "… I just hope Vishnu isn't too mad at me."
As Sasha continued to eat ice cream Lankston entered the Mess Hall; he suppressed the urge to smirk at Sasha as he walked past her and sat on a chair. He then put his shoulder on the table and his head in his hand and began to think to himself.
"Sasha is no longer a threat, she has been neutralized … but which couple should I separate next? Maybe Opal and Zed, they give each other emotional support … but Winnie and Yannis excelled in the challenge yesterday. Hmmm." Thought Lankston to himself.
"Can't you sleep either Lankston?" Asked Sasha. "I know the feeling."
"I just needed some time to myself … which I suppose I won't be getting." Sighed Lankston in annoyance. "What do you want?"
"I just want to say that I'm sorry for voting out Nina; I now know how you were feeling, snapping at me was completely justifiable." Said Sasha apologetically.
"Yeah, people don't often understand why others are upset until they are as emotionally low as each other." Shrugged Lankston. "But don't worry; you'll be reunited with Eddie in due course."
"Probably … but I could still win this." Said Sasha hopefully.
"Possibly." Nodded Lankston. "But each day offers a new challenge; every vote off changes the dynamics of the game. I like to plan long term; I have some I'd rather face in the finals more than others. If I were to face Rheneas then I'd have no chance."
"Yeah, you aren't the strongest guy." Agreed Sasha.
"Don't remind me." Muttered Lankston bitterly.
"Sorry." Apologized Sasha.
"Eh, whatever." Shrugged Lankston. "Sorry about you losing Eddie … if I knew who did it then I would tell you. I voted for Zed."
"I almost wish Kim was still here … then we'd have somebody we could boot without any of us feeling guilt." Mused Sasha.
"That vile waste of precious oxygen doesn't even deserve to be alive, let alone in the final nine. I'm glad she's gone." Said Lankston indifferently. "… Why are you eating ice cream?"
"It cheers me up when I feel sad." Admitted Sasha. "I have a weak spot for tasty snacks."
"Mm, I see." Said Lankston with little interest. "Stick with me Sasha, we'll take down whoever voted off Eddie … I'll do some detective work and see if I can figure out who orchestrated it."
"Thanks Lankston." Smiled Sasha.
Confessional: He doesn't miss a beat.
Sasha: I miss Eddie … but I'm gonna try and continue without him; what is moping around going to solve? I may have lost a life, but I haven't run out of continues. It's nice that Lankston is willing to help me; maybe he's nicer than he lets on.
Lankston: That was easier than I expected it to be. And so my voting power grows stronger. I just need to tell Sasha that the person I want gone is responsible for voting off Eddie and then she'll vote him or her off. She seems to be quite easy to trick … or maybe she's just really trusting. Well, time to continue where Kim left of … though I'm not going to do anything close to what they big chested slut did.
Opal and Zed were walking along through the dark woods; Opal had put some war paint on her face and carried a torch while Zed had a woollen jacket on for extra warmth. They were looking for the Idols in order to improve their chances at winning the game, or at least surviving the next elimination ceremony.
"This is a great idea Opal; why didn't I think of looking for the Idols at night while everyone else is asleep? You really have some good ideas." Complimented Zed.
"Thanks Zed; I just thought it'd be common sense really." Admitted Opal. "This way nobody is going to get one over on us. With all this Idol hunting I almost feel like Russell Hantz."
"Who's he?" Asked Zed curiously.
"You don't wanna know." Assured Opal. "So, any ideas where the idols might be?"
"Beats me … but I figure that they wouldn't be hidden in random places; they'd probably be hidden somewhere that has significance on the island … like the bear cave." Suggested Zed. "I'd also figure one might be around the thousand foot cliff … and if we're lucky we might have time to check the Bonfire Pit … but these are all just guesses."
"Even so, they are very good ideas, hahaha, and we'll definetlee have looked in all of those places by sunrise." Saluted Opal.
"Are we even allowed to be awake and out in the woods this late?" Asked Zed.
"There's no rule against it." Nodded Opal. "We're just showing initiative and risking being, hahaha, sleepy in the morning."
"That's fine then, I wouldn't want to get disqualified." Nodded Zed. "Are you sure you're warm enough? You're only wearing a t-shirt and mini skirt."
"I'm not very bothered by cold weather." Assured Opal. "Now, you've listed three major places; but since there were five idols mentioned along with the Immunity Idol, and since the Gary Idol has been used … that means that there are still, hahaha, five idols left to find. There must be some in random places … in fact, I bet one of them is, hahaha, underwater."
"You might be right … but searching the water would be too dangerous at this time of night; it may be summer but hypothermia is still possible." Advised Zed.
"Good point." Agreed Opal. "Well, the night is young so I think we have time to get some searching done. The bear cave is nearest, so let's, hahaha, get going."
"I'm right behind ya m'lady." Nodded Zed.
Opal and Zed continued on their way … but what they didn't notice was that following quietly behind them was Yannis, and he had overheard what they had said. He looked both impressed by their strategy but also concerned that Opal and Zed would be unbeatable if they possessed every Idol.
Confessional: Even good people have the right to snoop around.
Yannis: (He holds up a piece of paper which says 'if Opal and Zed find any of the Idols I'll have to tell everyone about it; they could be dangerous if they played an Idol and nobody was prepared for it … I'll feel bad about blabbing about it though').
Opal: Inevitably we will have to climb the cliff … climbing down it is too dangerous so we'll have to climb up it … and Zed might end up seeing up my skirt. I love him to bits but it'd feel a little embarrassing. Still, I suppose a bit of, hahahaha, embarrassment is worth prolonging my stay on the island.
Zed: Some people may think Opal is kind of silly and bouncy … and she is, but that's no reason she can't be smart now is it?
As Opal and Zed walked onwards with Yannis following them at a safe distance … the inevitable happened.
Yannis tripped over a branch of the ground and fell over onto some twigs with all snapped. Opal and Zed immediately heard the noise and turned around to see what it was. They were surprised to see Yannis getting back to his feet. Yannis saw that he had been discovered and silently gulped.
"What are you doing out here Yannis?" Asked Zed.
Yannis was silent, obviously, as he tried to think of a way out of this.
"We weren't doing anything strategic, we were just looking for a nice, hahaha, place to make out." Lied Opal … well, the part about not doing anything strategic was a lie anyway.
Yannis looked at Opal knowingly which made Opal fidget a bit.
"Hang on … were you following us?" Asked Zed.
Yannis shook his head.
"Don't lie; you were weren't you?" Frowned Opal. "It's not nice to watch other people make out you know."
Yannis raised an eyebrow.
"There's no point lying Opal … same with you Yannis. I see what's going on. We're looking for idols and Yannis was following us to see if we found any; he would then let the others know what we found." Summarised Zed. "I guess all of us have been caught out. I think we're all trying hard to get into the game ... it's really hard to go up against our friends."
Yannis nodded in agreement.
"Well, the jig is up now. I suppose you won't just let us go on our way and look for some, hahaha, idols pretty please?" Asked Opal with cute wide puppy dog eyes.
Yannis shook his head.
"Well, we may as well get back to camp then. It's a bit too late at night for anymore idol hunting anyway." Said Zed. "Come on everyone; we'll need rest to stand a chance in the challenge tomorrow."
"Zed's right as always." Agreed Opal.
Confessional: So much for late night idol hunting.
Yannis: (He holds up a piece of paper which says 'did I stop a threat or merely prolong the inevitable?')
Zed: I guess that ended up being kinda pointless, we didn't find a single idol and Yannis would know if we found one. I have to hand it to him though, following us was quite clever. At the very elast it gave me and Opal something to bond over.
Max was hard at work in the Losers Cabin; he was using several high tech tools to work on something that he hoped would give him an advantage in the game. As he worked on the CPU he wiped some sweat off his forehead and downed a mouthful of warmed up canned coffee.
"This has got to be my best work yet … or at least it will be once I finish it. Another hour of work should do it." Said Max to himself as he reached for the rivet gun to attach some rivets into the armour of his secret weapon.
Confessional: The thing he is working on shall only be referred to as the 'secret weapon' … if I told you what it was then it wouldn't be much of a secret would it?
Max: I'm used to pulling all nighters. You see, I tend to stay up late working on my robotics projects. I need to keep my skills sharpened after all. I've already got a place in an advanced robotics class in Yale you know. I'm glad I can finally work on something complicated and intricate; wait until everyone sees my 'secret weapon'.
As Max continued to work on his secret weapon the door of the Losers cabin opened and Carlton walked in.
"I've been sent to investigate the glowing lights coming from in here … what are you doing?" Asked Carlton curiously.
"Working." Said Max simply.
"I know, but what are you working on?" Asked Carlton.
"See for yourself." Grinned Max as he gestured to his secret weapon.
Carlton looked in amazement at the technological marvel that Max had created.
"I thought that only existed in The Avengers." Gaped Carlton.
"You've watched that?" Asked Max in surprise. "I thought you were scared of everything."
"Well … I did it to impress Fifi. I'd like to win her over, but I'm too chicken. Wallace offered to make me a Panophobia cure … but I doubt it would work." Mumbled Carlton.
"Don't underestimate Wallace's intelligence." Said Max as he picked up a wrench and tightened a few bolts on the energy cannon on his secret weapon. "I mean, he did steal the Mona Lisa yesterday."
"In theory he could steal anything with that crazy contraption." Murmured Carlton. "Besides, by condition is neuron based; they cannot be replaced."
"Maybe not … but they can be fixed." Said Max wisely. "Could you pass me the welder?"
"It's not gonna burn me is it?" Asked Carlton hesitantly.
"Don't worry; it only starts if you pull the trigger." Assured Max.
Carlton passed Max the welder and glanced over Max's secret weapon.
"This might put a target on your back you know." Cautioned Carlton.
"I'm aware of that." Nodded Max. "But I have a good alliance and with this I'll be a bit ahead of the competition."
"True." Agreed Carlton. "So … since you're dating Jill … how would you recommend approaching a girl?"
"Be yourself." Smiled Max.
"My normal self is too chicken." Mumbled Carlton.
"Don't sell yourself short; according to polls before this season started you're actually quite popular. You just need to have confidence. Maybe you should consider the Panophobia cure." Suggested Max.
"… I'll think about it." Said Carlton while looking deep in thought.
Confessional: Has anyone guessed what Max's 'secret weapon' is?
Max: Gee, I never thought anyone would come to me for love advice.
Carlton: Maybe I should consider a cure … maybe it's time I stopped being such a coward.
The next morning Sasha was the first into the Mess Hall; she was sitting down at one of the tables eating a breakfast of toast and fried eggs. As she ate her meal she thought about what Lankston had said the night before; he offered to help her find out who had voted off Eddie. Sasha was indeed surprised that he had not voted for her or Eddie despite how angry he had been with her previously. Sasha was so lost deep in thought that she didn't even notice that VayVay and Winnie had sat down either side of her.
"Good morning Sasha." Greeted VayVay. "How are you this morning?"
"I'm fine, just thinking about last night's vote off." Replied Sasha. "I'm just thinking who it could have been who got Eddie voted out."
Winnie and VayVay both looked very guilty.
"Yeah … about that." Mumbled Winnie.
"There might be a teensy weensy itty bitty absolutely certain chance we both voted for Eddie." Admitted VayVay in shame. "If you're going to slap me I request you do it on the left side of my face, only that my right cheek is feeling a bit sore."
"Don't worry about it, I'm not mad." Assured Sasha. "And why is your right cheek red anyway?"
"Nakia hit me with her brush since me and Winnie were standing up her after she was homophobic to Yessica." Stated VayVay. "It hurt like buggery skulduggery."
"Nakia was my least favourite contestant from last season." Agreed Sasha. "So, if I may ask … why did you choose to vote for Eddie?"
"Lankston said that if the couples stayed together they would gain too much power over everyone else; I just voted for Eddie by my own decision since he was the biggest threat." Said Winnie apologetically.
"As for me, Lankston came to me shortly before the ceremony and said that Eddie was the best option. I saw no real reason to disagree … I still feel guilty though." Mumbled VayVay.
Sasha was quite shocked at this revelation and tried to hide her anger … anger that Lankston had led to her and had been intending to manipulate her into voting off someone innocent.
"Don't worry about it girls, it's a game after all, and only one of us can win. I understand." Said Sasha calmly.
"That's a relief; I thought that you were going to be mad." Said Winnie in great relief.
"Don't worry; I'm not mad at all." Assured Sasha.
Confessional: She's not mad at them anyway…
Sasha: (She looks very mad). I'm not angry that Lankston got Eddie voted out … what really angers me is that he lied to me about it and was going to trick me into voting out someone innocent. I bet he plans to do the same to the other couples as well … all I can do is make sure he doesn't win solo immunity. I can't just tell the others, I've got no real proof and Lankston is a good liar so he might try and make me look like the bad guy. Ok, now it's personal.
VayVay: I sure am glad that Sasha isn't angry.
Winnie: With Eddie gone the only two couples left are me and Yannis as well and Opal and Zed … will we get split up too? Rheneas is lucky that Tabitha is an intern; he doesn't have to worry about her being voted off.
Lankston was walking through the woods alone; he was looking for one of the idols, any of them in fact. He had come alone since in the case that the game came down to just him and his allies he could take them out without them suspecting it to happen.
"Now where are those Idols?" Asked Lankston to himself. "I'd quite like to find the Eleanor Idol, simplifying a challenge might help me. Of course, they might have all been found already … and its not like I can force the others to tell me anything."
As Lankston continued walking along searching for the idols he noticed that Xaria was sitting against a tree nearby doodling in a sketch pad. Lankston thought to himself and gained an idea.
"Hey Xaria, do you know where the Idols are?" Asked Lankston.
Xaria looked up from her doodle.
"Sorry to disappoint, but I don't know where they were hidden." Stated Xaria. "Beside, I wouldn't tell you even if I knew, it goes against my contract."
"I see … well, do you know who hid them so that I could get some directions?" Asked Lankston.
"Nope." Shrugged Xaria. "And even if I did I wouldn't tell you."
"Why? Is it because I got Eddie voted out?" Frowned Lankston.
"No, it's because you're … well … a bit of a jerk." Admitted Lankston.
"Me and you aren't very different Xaria; both of us have troubles in our pasts and we're both far from being optimists. It's why I would have chosen you as my favourite had I made it to episode fourteen." Stated Lankston.
"… That's surprisingly nice of you. Thanks." Said Xaria with a small smile. "You know, you could easily get far if you focused on being nice instead of strategising."
"What's the point in being nice? Humans are cruel creatures; we always try and outdo each other … niceness won't get me ahead in the game." Said Lankston indifferently.
"Maybe not, but it'll get Nina to like you more." Said Xaria patiently. "Why are you so cynical anyway? I was, and still sorta am, due to my sister … so, what's your story?"
"It doesn't matter." Said Lankston with a frown. "Also, what exactly is it you see in Oscar?"
"Why do you ask?" Inquired Xaria.
"Just curious." Shrugged Lankston.
"Well, he treats me really well and he's just so nice … plus he is drool inducing when he isn't wearing a shirt. I like me a muscular hunk." Grinned Xaria.
"I can't stand muscular people, Oscar is no exception. Always think they're better than everyone else, pushing around the weak and wanting every single one of their friends and family to be strong lest they get ignored and outcast all their lives." Scowled Lankston. "And yet … it's exactly what I want to be. Unfortunately I'm just a ninety two pound brainiac with as much skill in sports as Tony Blair has friends … zero."
"Gee, and I thought I was a cynic." Mused Xaria. "Just keep hoping things will get better, they always do. It worked for me.,"
"If only my life was that simple." Sighed Lankston. "See you around, I'm gonna see if I can find an Idol."
Confessional: Xaria is a fan favourite, so I bet people like it when she gets screen time.
Xaria: Lankston shouldn't be so bitter about being physically weak, he should focus on what he is good at. He's really smart, so he should be proud. I'm sure that his family is at least.
Lankston: Like yesterday I didn't find any of the idols. It's not so bad I guess, I mean, I am untouchable as long as I possess the Immunity Alphabet Idol … but once I sue it I'll be as vulnerable as everyone else. If I had muscles then I'd be able to go on an immunity run … but that's never going to happen.
A while later the nine campers were sitting in the Mess Hall finishing off their breakfast; notable things included Opal sitting on Zed's lap, Sasha discreetly glaring at Lankston without him noticing and Max looking rather cheerful.
"So guys, ready for today's challenge?" Asked Max eagerly. "I think this one is going to be totally awesome."
"I'd expect that from Tyson." Giggled Winnie.
"You look rather cheerful, something on your mind?" Asked Rheneas.
"Let's just say that my 'secret weapon' is completed and today we're going to see it in full power." Said Max mysteriously.
"If you get overconfident there is more chance of you losing." Cautioned VayVay.
"I'm not overconfident, I'm just feeling optimistic … besides, my 'secret weapon' will only be useful in physical challenges, so if it's something like an eating challenge it'll be useless." Stated Max. "Besides, Spider and Quana mentioned there would be two team challenges in the merge … maybe today will be the second one."
"That would be cool; that way more people will win immunity." Nodded Rheneas.
"I could do with that." Agreed Lankston.
"I agree, some of us need it more than others." Nodded Sasha. "I think we're all realizing the problem of being so far in the game and everyone getting along … it makes it hard to decide who to vote off."
"Yeah, I could be voted off for being the strongest." Agreed Rheneas.
"Or I could be voted off for being the, hahaha, fastest." Added Opal.
"I could be voted off for being too friendly." Murmured Winnie.
"I think I'm safe. I'm really weak; nobody has to worry about me beating them in a challenge." Said Lankston as he stirred some sugar into a cup of tea.
"Well, I wish everyone good luck today … we're all going to need it." Stated Zed.
Yannis nodded in agreement.
"I know it's hard to vote off friends … but it's really nice that we're all getting along." Smiled Opal. "It's as if all the sadness and pain on the island vanished into thin air when, hahaha, Kim was voted off."
"I think you're right." Nodded Zed as he gave Opal a sweet kiss on the cheek to which she giggled.
"Agreed, though Nakia is still here. She's gone crazy." Murmured Winnie.
Yannis gently squeezed his girlfriend's shoulder to comfort her.
Confessional: It's a shame that peace is never permanent.
Yannis: (He holds up a picture of Nakia and looks disgusted)
Rheneas: I can't help but worry that I might become a target … I have an alliance with Lankston and Max so I know they won't vote for me … but as for everyone else I'm not too sure. I wonder how I could make myself seem like less of a threat … maybe I'm just overreacting a little bit.
Sasha: You know … I don't really see how I'm a threat. In terms of game ability I'm about average really. I am great at video games, but I'm not gonna hold out hope for a Super Mario Bros challenge.
Zed: It feels good to be in the final nine; I've done really well in the game so far … maybe I could go all the way? Time will tell I suppose.
After a few minutes Spider and Quana entered the Mess Hall.
"Ready for your twenty fourth challenge everyone?" Asked Spider. "Trust me when I say that this one is very original … well, I thought it was when Oscar pitched it to me anyway."
"What's the challenge this time?" Asked Opal. "Is it anything to do with Halloween?"
"Nope, though a Halloween challenge would have been pretty cool." Mused Quana.
"And also it's August." Said Lankston flatly.
"Follow us and we'll explain the challenge to you." Instructed Spider. "And just so you know, this challenge is probably the hardest one yet."
"Oh joy." Muttered Lankston.
"Hey guys, is it alright if I go and get a certain something first?" Requested Max. "I'll meet you there."
"Sure, but be quick." Nodded Quana.
Confessional: Time to see what the secret weapon is!
Max: I have quite a good feeling about this challenge.
Rheneas: Who wants to bet his secret weapon will be a jetpack?
A while later the campers minus Max were gathered in a clearing; three tunnels had been built nearby and they were too dark to see where they led. Next toe ach tunnel was a picture; one was a bone, one was a tank and the other was a ray gun.
"Ok everyone; we'll just wait for Max and then we can announce today's challenge." Stated Quana. "Hopefully he'll be here soon."
"Ok, I'm here, sorry for keeping you waiting." Said a robotic voice that sounded somewhat like Max's normal voice.
Everyone turned to the source of the voice and gaped at what they saw; walking up to them was somebody wearing what looked like a robotic suit of armour akin to what Iron Man wore, except it was painted blue and pink. The visor lifted to reveal that it was Max.
"Hey guys, what do you think?" Asked Max cheerfully.
"… Is that a robot suit?" Gaped Zed.
"Cooooool!" Said Opal in awe. "How did you build that?"
"What can I say, self teaching myself robotics comes in handy sometimes." Said Max. "So yeah, this is my secret weapon; I call it the 'Iron Max Techno Suit'; it can even fire energy bolts and has a built in shockwave blaster … it can also fly."
"Well, we might as well hand immunity to Max right now." Said Winnie. "There is no way any of us can compete against that."
"Well fortunately for you guys, today's challenge is not solo immunity. Today's challenge is a team effort." Said Quana reassuringly. "Each of you are going to be split into three teams of three and will compete in three challenges; the team with the most wins gets immunity. In the case of a tie we have a tie breaker challenge ready just in case."
"So what's today's challenge?" Asked Zed.
"You've all taken an English Class right? Is so then you should know that there are three types of tense … the past, present and future; and today's challenge is all about cavemen, soldiers and futuristic robots." Explained Spider. "Each team will represent one of the eras and you will also be dressing up to represent your respective time periods."
Quana took out a bag and held it in front of her.
"Ok, everyone reach into the bag and take out one token each." Instructed Quana.
Everyone did as they were asked and took a token one by one.
"Ok; if you have an orange token you are in the past, if you have a green token you are in the present and if you have a purple token you are in the future. Please stand with your team mates for today."
Opal, Yannis and VayVay stood together with orange tokens. Rheneas, Zed and Winnie stood together with green tokens. This left Lankston, Max and Sasha to stand together with the purple tokens.
"So, what do the numbers on the coins mean?" Asked VayVay.
"They signify what order you will be doing the challenges." Stated Spider. "Will everyone with a number one stand to the left, everyone with a number two stand in the middle and everyone with a number three stand to the right."
Yannis, Winnie and Max stood to the left, VayVay, Rheneas and Sasha stood in the middle and thus Opal, Zed and Lankston stood to the right.
"Ok everyone; now that the teams and order you are going in is sorted, lets get on with the challenge. First up is the prehistoric challenge … and it's really Dino-Mighty." Joked Quana.
A few of the campers laughed while some rolled their eyes.
Confessional: I wonder if dinosaurs have ever read a Thesaurus *rimshot*.
Yannis: (He holds up the Eleanor Idol and looks confident.)
Max: So many jokes to make from this challenge's theme. I won't kneel over like I have in the PAST, I will stay strong in the PRESENT and become macho in the near FUTURE ... I crack me up.
VayVay: (She is dressed in a sexy cave girl outfit). I somehow get the feeling this is to generate fanservice … oh dear.
Sasha: (She is dressed as robot). So I'm working with Lankston huh? Well, I'm not gonna throw the challenge; that'd be stupid. I have to wonder what challenge is in store for me.
Rheneas: (He is dressed as a soldier). … I think the trousers are one size too small.
A three part challenge of the eras! This is definetlee gonna be interesting; it's like the trial by tri armed triathlon except it isn't.
Here's a cheat sheet of which team everyone is on and the order they are going in.
Lankston: Future (3)
Max: Future (1)
Opal: Past (3)
Rheneas: Present (2)
Sasha: Future (2)
VayVay: Past (2)
Winnie: Present (1)
Yannis: Past (1)
Zed: Present (3)
