Disclaimer: I do not own Total Drama.
Note: It sure feels good to take less than a month to get an update out, I can say that for sure! Plus, as of this chapter the story has surpassed the five hundred thousand word mark. Not bad, though I doubt anything I will ever write will be able to top Tween Tour. Right now I feel fairly motivated to write and finish off the pre-merge, so hopefully I can keep up the pace and keep the updates coming. Enjoy!
Pain is looming.
(Temple Roof)
The teams had decided their swinging orders and were ready for the challenge to begin. After losing a coin-flip, it was decided the Hawks would take the first swing, with the teams alternating each time.
"Ok guys, time to get started! Meow!" Announced Winnie. "After that coin-flip, the Hawks will be started us off with Helen. You feel ready Helen?"
"No. I only chose to go first so I can get the humiliation over and done with." Droned Helen flatly.
"Don't count yourself out. You may surprise us all." Insisted Winnie.
Helen shrugged, taking hold of the rope and tugging it experimentally. She sighed, the mittens she was having to wear as a result of the blue super star making getting a grip harder.
"Come on Helen! Make us surprised!" Said Quana encouragingly.
Helen took a deep breath, and jumped forth as she tightly held the rope.
She lost her grip almost instantly and landed in the water below with a tiny splash. For a few moments all was silent.
"...For the record, I am not surprised." Stated Xaria, taking out a flask and sipping from it.
"I am. I didn't think she'd last even that long." Remarked Bishop.
Barney gave Bishop a look.
"It was a compliment." Shrugged Bishop.
"So, um … Helen doesn't score any points. Hector, you're up!" Announced Winnie.
(Confessional: Three point landing.)
Helen: I knew I was gonna bomb this one, so why delay it? (She shrugs)
Hector stood on the edge of the roof, holding the rope. He frowned a little.
"Is this safe?" Asked Hector, "I don't like the idea of doing this."
"You can back out if you want to." Offered Winnie. "But, you'd score no points."
"And have my team get angry at me? No thanks, I'm doing this." Said Hector confidently. "Ok, physics. Let me just think this over."
Hector muttered to himself, looking at his frame and at the other rooftop as he did so.
"What do you think he's talking about?" Asked Rheneas.
"I'd guess he's figuring out the momentum and posture he should use for his swing to get to the other side." Suggested Imanda. "Smart idea."
Hector nodded to himself and tightened his grip. He took two paces backwards, before barrelling forth and leaping off the roof.
Exactly two seconds later he smacked into the side of the other temple and fell backwards down to the water with a huge splash.
"Holt shit!" Yelled Spider. "Medic!"
"Kinda ironic for you to call for one." Teased Chris. "Regardless, Hector gets a medic and also zero points. Score is still zero on both sides. Quana, you're up."
Opal wiped a sweat off her forehead off to the side.
"Good thing I sat out." Said Opal quietly.
(Confessional: Like George of the Jungle, but with bricks.)
Hector: (He looks a little bruised, but otherwise ok). I expected worse injuries, so I shan't complain. Clearly my calculations were a bit off … pains me to admit it, but it's what happened. No matter, even without me being able to score I still feel my team has the odds in our favour.
Quana was next up and tapped her chin as she observed the gap she had to cross.
"This'll take some momentum." Noted Quana.
"Be sure to put force into it." Advised Imanda. "Start off strong, and push your legs up. Like if you were on a swing set."
"What she said." Agreed Rheneas, nodding.
Quana nodded to herself and took several paces back.
"Ok … here I go!" Exclaimed Quana.
Quana charged forth, grabbing the rope and taking a leap forwards.
Because of her mittens she failed to get any kind of grip and hit the water hard, ass first. Bubbles coming up from beneath the water suggested she was screaming in pain.
"Oh no..." Gulped Spider.
"That had to hurt." Noted Bishop.
"Quana fails to reach the other side, and doesn't score any points." Announced Xaria. "Sorry Uzuri, but you're up next."
(Confessional: Ok, that landing was six points.)
Quana: Normally, I like wearing mittens. Now though? Not so much. Not to mention the rain isn't really helping. Hopefully the rest of my team still to go can turn this thing around. (She winces, and holds her rear protectively). Um … ow?
Uzuri was next to go, looking confident. She had her serious face on and gripped the rope tightly.
"I'm ready to go! This is gonna be fun; it'll be just like playing in the forest like when I was a kid." Mused Uzuri cheerfully.
"Were you playing Slender by any chance?" Joked Eddie.
"Nah, he wasn't a thing back then." Replied Uzuri. "I just pretended there were feral bears after me. Teehee!"
Uzuri gave the rope a light tug.
"Ok, here I go!" Announced Uzuri.
"Good luck." Said Sasha, looking anxious.
Barney gave Uzuri an encouraging nod.
With that, Uzuri took a leap off the roof, holding the rope tightly. She swung very close to the other roof, kicking out her legs to get stable upon it.
"Oh no!" Yelled Uzuri as the rope swung back the way it had come from.
Moments later Uzuri was stuck between the temples, holding onto the motionless rope tightly. An awkward silence ensued.
"Well, this is pretty sad." Remarked Alice.
"C'mon, c'mon!" Exclaimed Uzuri, trying and failing to get the rope back into motion. "Darn it!"
"It looks like Uzuri is stuck, so … Uzuri doesn't score a point." Announced Winnie.
"Uzuri, you can get down now." Stated Chris.
"Don't wanna!" Whined Uzuri.
"Uzuri, let go of it … please?" Asked Winnie.
"Not gonna!" Huffed Uzuri.
"Ok, back-up plan?" Asked Xaria.
Chris nodded and gave a signal to the helicopter above them. It gently rocked side to side, and soon created enough force for Uzuri to lose her grip and fall into the water without making a splash.
"Ten points." Remarked Eddie.
"And yet, no points for either team yet." Added Chris. "Rheneas, you're up."
"Time to get this show on the road." Grinned Rheneas, cracking his knuckles. Or at least he would have if the mittens didn't prevent this.
(Confessional: It was clearly nine points.)
Uzuri: Rope swinging is a lot less fun than I remembered it to be. I think I might be too small to have gained the momentum I needed. Riggage, people! (She huffs) ...At least the water was nice. And the best part? No piranhas!
Rheneas stood in place, his stance firm and posture correct as he gripped the rope. He surveyed the gap, nodding to himself.
"Seems simple enough." Noted Rheneas.
"Famous last words." Mused Bishop.
"Hey, it's not that dangerous." Shrugged Rheneas.
"Well, you didn't take well to the cacti yesterday." Reminded Bishop.
"It went, like, an inch into my skin. Anybody would have screamed." Muttered Rheneas.
Imanda nodded, looking serious.
"He's right." Agreed Imanda. "As a girl scout who once went on a girl scout trip to the Sonoran desert … I can confirm cacti hurts like a bitch from hell."
"Well … here I go." Said Rheneas, bracing himself.
Rheneas took a running start and leapt off the roof, swinging forwards gracefully For a moment it looked like he was going to make it with ease.
...And then he hit a passing bird, face first. By reflex Rheneas put a hand to where the bird had hit him and then quickly lost his grip, falling down to the pool below.
"...We're really not very good at this, are we?" Droned Helen.
"Nope." Agreed Quana, a hand over her face.
"Rheneas scores zero points." Announced Winnie, trying to keep smiling. "Sasha, you're up!"
(Confessional: The bird is the word.)
Rheneas: ...Seriously? I would have thought the odds of hitting a bird while I was taking my turn were so astronomically low it wouldn't be worth calculating at all. Well … with how everybody is failing so far, maybe it won't matter? I mean, come on, who could seriously blame me for hitting a bird?
Sasha held the rope, not looking very confident. She had difficulty getting her casted finger in place.
"Oooohhh boy, this is gonna be rough." Murmured Sasha. "Lakshmi, I'd appreciate a little luck right now. Dhatri, some health would also be nice."
"Don't even try, this island is God Forsaken, no matter which one you pray to." Muttered Alice.
"She's right, plus scientifically-." Began Hector.
"I have the freedom to practise what I chose, same as you." Stated Sasha simply. "Ok … ok … I can do this..."
Sasha gulped, looking anxious. Eddie looked like he wanted to say something nice, but glancing at his team mates his voice died in his throat.
"Pull your legs up at the end of your swing." Advised Spider.
Sasha nodded and, taking a deep breath, she jumped off. Her swing was low and graceful and she began to pull up.
However, Sasha lost her grip as her casted finger was unable to keep grabbing the rope. She fell gracelessly to the water below, creating a rather large splash.
"Is she ok?" Asked Eddie.
"She's surfacing, so I would assume so." Assured Imanda.
"And after six swings .. literally half of you … we have no points." Announced Chris. "This is getting sad. Bishop, try to actually score, ok?"
"Easy." Said Bishop confidently.
"It's not." Pouted Uzuri.
(Confessional: Six fails in a row point to it being hard.)
Sasha: Maybe this island really is Gods forsaken? Makes me feel a little nervous honestly. (She draws up her knees, hugging her arms around them). How long does it take a broken finger to heal anyway? Maybe I'll ask Spider, and figure out what to do after that. Hopefully not break my legs. (She chuckles humourlessly.)
Eddie: Urrrghhh, I really wanted to cheer Sasha on there and maybe I should've, but …. but, with the merge so close and us a couple, well, I didn't want anybody having us being, well, us at the front of their mind. Sure, we're on different teams now, but not for much longer.
Bishop observed the rope and the other side of the gap thoughtfully.
"Seems possible." Noted Bishop.
"Why wouldn't it be?" Asked Rheneas.
"Well, we've had six failures already. That made me pause and wonder if it's impossible, and the hosts are just mocking us." Said Bishop, shrugging.
"Yeah, it does seem like something we'd probably do." Conceded Chris with a chuckle.
Before Winnie and Xaria could say anything in protest Bishop spoke once more.
"That doesn't fill me with confidence." Said Bishop flatly. "But, nonetheless, I'm not a quitter."
"But you are a great many other things." Noted Imanda.
"If by that you mean rich, knightly, sophisticated, silver tongued and driven, then you are right." Shrugged Bishop as he approached the rope. "Ok time to-AAARGH!"
Bishop slipped on a puddle of rainwater and fell right over the edge of the temple and down to the pool below.
"Epic fail." Muttered Alice, lightly smirking.
"Oh boy, this challenge is just depressing." Groaned Rheneas, to which Imanda patted his back comfortingly.
"Don't worry, I'll try to score for us." Assured Imanda. "I've watched George of the Jungle at least sixty times by now."
"Fanatic." Noted Hector.
"And that's zero points form Bishop." Said Winnie, glancing at the rope. "...Are we sure this is possible?"
"Kinda." Replied Xaria.
"Ok, Spider. You're up." Announced Chris. "Try to actually score a point for us, ok? Please."
"Um … well, I'll try my best." Replied Spider, nodding.
(Confessional: It's not if you win, but just that you do not fail.)
Bishop: Urrgh, damn! That was so careless of me! ...Not that I will admit such a thing to the rest of course. Last thing I need them thinking is that I am an easy option.
Spider held the rope tightly, looking over the edge. He gazed at the water, trying to judge how deep it was.
"I fell in it, and I'm fine." Assured Quana.
"Same here." Agreed Sasha.
"Well, ok then. I was the first person in this cast who ever won … might as well be the first to score a point." Said Spider to himself.
Spider stood on the edge of the roof, adjusting his posture, and braced himself.
He hesitated.
"It'd be fine if you backed out." Offered Eddie.
"And lose us a point? Spider would never do that!" Exclaimed Uzuri, with Barney nodding in agreement.
"Yeah, I wouldn't … I guess." Said Spider, taking a breath. "Ok, here I go!"
Spider took a leap off the roof and swung at speed. However, he had ever so slightly jumped at an angle and the rope began to spin, making him spin as well.
"Nonononono!" Yelled Spider.
Spider lost his grip and was sent spinning down to the water with a splash.
"...And Spider scores zero points. After eight swings the score stands at zero all around." Sighed Chris.
"This is sad. If not for contract, I'd bail." Stated Xaria.
"Well, you do it then." Muttered Helen.
"Up next is Eddie!" Announced Winnie quickly.
(Confessional: Would any of this qualify to be shown on Jack Ass?)
Spider: (He is checking over his limbs). By all accounts such an impact should have had me go into shock or something. That or put water in my lungs. Guess I got lucky there. I wonder what'll happen if nobody can score a point … would neither team win? Harsh…
Eddie held the rope, looking uneasy.
"Ok, eight people have failed so far and each in a different way." Noted Eddie. "What if I fail and I end up hanging myself by accident?"
Sasha silently whimpered at this horrible thought from her spot by her team mates.
"Would … would that be likely?" Asked Eddie, looking cautious.
"I mean, it was pretty unlikely Rheneas would get hit in the face by a bird at the exact moment he swung." Stated Hector calmly. "I'd not rule it out one hundred percent."
"Hector, stop scaring him!" Scolded Sasha.
"Yeah, scaring people is my thing." Added Uzuri.
"I'm just saying the facts. It is not impossible." Shrugged Hector.
Eddie looked and the gap, the rope and towards a bird in the sky and shook his head, turning his back on the rope.
"I'm not going to risk it. And hanged or not, it's looking like the odds of me being able to make the gap anyway are pretty low. Not worth the reward." Decided Eddie, rejoining his team.
Chris groaned, Xaria just shrugged and Winnie just smiled like always.
"Well, Eddie scores no points. But, he does remain dry." Reminded Winnie. "Alice, you're next."
(Confessional: Better wet than dead~.)
Eddie: I just weighed the risk and reward. It's not an elimination, so I see no reason giving up if the thing we are playing for is, well, just not worth the trouble of winning it.
Alice gave the rope a tug, and shrugged.
"Well, this is probably gonna be awful. Well, I've come close to death before." Muttered Alice.
"Wait, what?" Gasped Opal.
"Nothing. Ok, at the rate this is going one point might end up being enough to win." Noted Alice, gripping the rope firmly. "I could make the two hundred bucks go a long way. Maybe get a new skateboard too."
Barney pumped his fist, nodding encouragingly.
"...Helen is right, it is freaky seeing you so quiet." Remarked Alice.
Barney just silently chuckled.
With that, Alice got into position and leapt forth. She swung, yelling as she went and pulled up, letting go so her momentum would carry her the rest of the way.
Alice hit the wall of the other temple, and very slowly began to slide down towards the pool.
"Um, oh dear. Do you think she's alright?" Asked Spider to those around him.
"People on this show have overcome worse, so … maybe?" Said Quana, also looking rather concerned.
"She can't get much worse right?" Asked Bishop lightly.
Bishop's remark earned him a few glares.
"Fine, whatever." Muttered Bishop.
(Confessional: Impact!)
Alice: Why did I expect anything different? (She rolls her eyes and grumbles.) Though, after nearly being crushed to death last night somehow that impact didn't bother me as much. I knew this show would desensitize me to trauma one day.
Imanda had an eager look on her face as she held the rope. She held the rope tightly even with the mittens she was required to wear, and seemed determined.
"You seem like you're enjoying this one." Noted Rheneas.
"Like I said, George of the Jungle is amazing. Nowhere else do you see a funnier narrator who the bad guys actually argue with." Giggled Imanda, tugging the rope a little. "Anyway, I have swung on ropes before so I think I should be able to do this."
"Good enough for me. We might win this yet. Good luck." Said Rheneas encouragingly. "And, watch out for birds."
"What do you mean when you say you 'think' you should be able to do it?" Asked Quana warily.
"Oh, don't worry, I got the rope swinging badge." Assured Imanda. "It's just that it took me a few tries … a few dozen."
An awkward silence ensued.
"Anyway! Here I go!" Cheered Imanda as she took a leap.
Imanda swung eagerly and with good grace and form. I was close, but she came to a land on the very edge of the roof, even with the mittens making things hard.
"Yeah-whoa!" Yelped Imanda as she instantly lost her balance and feel backwards down into the pool below.
A moment of silence passed.
"With the rules written as they are, that counts as a fail." Said Winnie awkwardly.
"That means Imanda scores zero, and the Golden Hawks have a total of zippity do dah." Said Xaria in disbelief.
"Barney, you're the last to go." Said Chris, looking desperate. "Please, just score us a damn point already!"
Barney saluted, looking determined.
(Confessional: Epic fail, much?)
Imanda: That was so embarrassing. I hope my team isn't mad that I blew it. (Imanda covers her face)
Barney held the rope, a determined look in his eyes. He was silent, but focused.
"Ok Barney, all you need to do is make the swing and land properly, and you win it for you team. Go fr it!" Exclaimed Winnie.
"And if you fail, well … yeah, worst challenge ever?" Shrugged Xaria.
"As everybody has failed so far … if you fail too, then so be it, nobody wins reward." Announced Chris.
This got the campers complaining,
"That's unfair!" Exclaimed Uzuri. "You promised the winners, us, a reward!
"I don't want my injuries to be meaningless." Agreed Hector coldly.
"I'd love two hundred dollars. For..." Opal trailed off.
Barney just gave everybody a confident look, gripping the rope tightly and readying himself.
With that, Barney jumped and swung over to the other roof without any trouble whatsoever. He landed safely, and took a bow.
"...Well, that was anticlimatic." Noted Quana.
"Barney makes it!" Exclaimed Chris. "Barney scores a point, at last!"
"And with a final score of one point to zero, the Bronze Tigers are the winners!" Exclaimed Winnie.
The Tigers all cheered, while the Hawks looked disappointed.
"Everybody on the Tigers will get the promised money once the season comes to an end." Added Xaria. "But before you all go, we have one more thing to take care of. Well, once we get off the roof anyway."
(Confessional: Ninja training clearly paid off.)
Barney: (He gives a thumbs up, winking)
Presently everybody was off of the temple roof. Indeed, everybody had now been gathered on the beach, standing amongst their teams with the three hosts before them.
"Once again, good job to the Bronze Tigers … mostly Barney. Regardless, a win well earned." Complimented Winnie.
"Before you guys can go do better things like we all want to, believe me I wanna go too, we need to select who will be going to Banishment Bay tonight." Added Xaria. "Try to have fun. Though if you can't, it's fine. I would hate it too."
"Now, the first time Uzuri volunteered. Last time Bishop and Alice got voted to go. But now that we have two people who just got back, we'll be doing it a different way from now on." Continued Chris. "The most recently banished person from each team will get to choose who gets banished next from the other team. So, Alice and Bishop, the power is in your hands.
Alice and Bishop stepped forth. Bishop glanced at Alice, but she didn't even look his way for a second.
"How long do we have to decide?" Asked Alice.
"Five minutes." Said Winnie cheerfully. "You just need to go to the confessional and-."
"Got it. Keep Bishop away from me until I'm done." Said Alice calmly.
Alice walked off to cast her vote, while Spider gave Bishop a look, as if to ask what he had done. Bishop just looked away.
"Hey."Said Eddie very quietly. "Assuming she doesn't pick me, I have something I need to tell you."
"Behind the Mess Hall." Replied Bishop, also quietly.
(Confessional: Not much point banishing them anymore, really.)
Alice: So, I'd want whoever goes to be able to find stars and maybe tell me they have them, or just not use them against me. Gotta be some left. Ok, I think I know who to pick.
Bishop: Who would it benefit me to send? Somebody who could find stars, not use them on me and whom won't be pissed that I picked them? Easy choice.
It wasn't long until the votes were cast. Zita had driven up with the boat and now Winnie was ready to read out the votes.
"Ok guys, you all ready?" Asked Winnie cheerfully.
Nobody said much in response, so Winnie continued.
"Ok, the votes are in." Began Winnie. "And the two campers who will be spending the night on Banishment Bay are…
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Opal and Spider!"
Opal nodded, still looking worried and afraid as she had all day. Alice gave her a concerned look, but Opal shook her head and tried to put on a smile. Spider walked up besides Opal, giving her a smile.
"So, do we leave now?" Asked Spider, keeping very close to Opal.
"Yep, no time to pack your bags. Off you do." Smirked Chris. He looked very eager.
Spider and Opal took their leave to the boat, and were gone within the minute. The hosts then turned their attention to the eleven unbanished campers.
"Well, good job everybody, and a great job to Barney." Said Winnie with a smile. "We'll see you guys tomorrow for the next challenge."
"Oh, and it's not reward, so try to score points next time. If not for us or yourselves, then for the fans, maybe?" Requested Xaria.
"You may go and do whatever." Concluded Chris.
The campers began to disperse, ready to talk, hang out or just relax. They all knew the merge was approaching, and relaxation would be limited.
(Confessional: Joke goes here.)
Barney: (He holds up a piece of paper which reads 'having no voice is starting to feel unnerving, and I have no idea how to get my views across')
Eddie: Ok, time to try and shut down Imanda's plan to get rid of Bishop. I can see a good deal of merit to it as I don't like him either, but I would feel better having him with me going into the merge.
Alice: So, not only does Bishop have a secret I seem to care about more than I should be, but something is up with Opal. She wasn't smiling … she looked afraid. But, it didn't seem she was afraid of Banishment Bay. Wonder what's wrong with her?
Helen: Thank fuck it wasn't me. I'd die out there, easy. (She shrugs)
(Later)
Quana sat on the beach, watching the sea. She sat on a rock, observing the waves as they went and sometimes staring at Banishment Bay, out at the horizon.
"I wonder what Spider and Opal are doing right now." Pondered Quana. "Is Opal still sick? Well, at least she'll be in good hands."
Quana was silent for a moment, looking at the sea.
"I wonder if it'd be possible to swim from here over to Banishment Bay. Maybe Yessica could've?" Mused Quana.
Quana heard people approaching, and turned to see Rheneas and Imanda walking up to her.
"Hello. Need something?" Asked Quana.
"Yeah, actually. Xaria said that tomorrow is an elimination day, so, yeah, got any targets in mind currently?" Asked Rheneas.
"...Not really. I've had my mind elsewhere." Admitted Quana. "So, uh, enough about me. Are you here to offer me an idea?"
"Indeed we are." Confirmed Rheneas.
"I am you mean, its my idea." Said Imanda proudly, looking deadly serious before giggle snorting a little. "We're thinking of voting Bishop off. He's … kinda a jerk, and he's actually really competent. I think it'd really change things, in a good way, if he was voted off."
"Well, Bishop is kind of allied with Spider." Admitted Quana.
"Is he allied with you?" Asked Rheneas.
"Not that much. Hmmm, I guess you have a point." Noted Quana. "Honestly, I've not heard anything else about votes or stuff, so if this is the idea most likely to gain ground, then sure, I'll help. I mean, I wouldn't want it to be me who goes home, you know? How many others are on board?"
"Us three, possibly Eddie and hopefully Opal too." Replied Imanda. "I was gonna ask Opal now, but … well, banishment and all."
"Maybe Rheneas could swim over to Banishment Bay?" Suggested Quana. "If people can swim across the English Channel, how hard could this be?"
"Well, it might be against the rules and get me a penalty. Even if it's not, well, the islands are rough enough on land, I don't wanna risk coming afoul of a Wawanakwa Shark or something." Stated Rheneas firmly. "Sorry, but no."
"Actually, Quana makes a good point." Noted Imanda. "C'mon, after an armed rich psychopath how hard could it be to evade a shark?"
"If we needed to, I'd do it. I love Jaws after all. I'm just saying there is no urgent need to swim over there. Sure, we can't talk to Opal, but neither can anybody else except Spider, and he's on the other team." Explained Rheneas. "We can just talk to her during the challenge, or lead her aside afterwards to talk if she's ok with that."
Imanda shrugged, accepting this.
"Opal was pretty ill this morning. She might still feel sick, so go easy on her." Chuckled Quana.
"What do you suppose was wrong with her? I know a bit of first aid, but we didn't cross paths today, so..." Imanda trailed off.
"Beats me. You got any idea Quana?" Asked Rheneas.
"Nope, but Spider might." Replied Quana. "But you know how it is, he's sworn to secrecy over patients' health and such."
(Confessional: Have patience and you'll see the patient.)
Imanda: I feel like such a professional strat-bot. (She giggle snorts)
Eddie and Bishop were behind the Mess Hall, talking in quiet voices.
"So, what was it that you wanted to tell me about?" Asked Bishop. "Is it worth hearing?"
"If you want to win, then yes." Muttered Eddie. "You're being targeted for the next vote."
"By who?" Asked Bishop. "Names please."
"Imanda. And if he's in on it, you can bet that Rheneas is too. They're not as hated by the population as you are, so they may have some sway." Said Eddie gravely. "We need to swing people away from that idea and onto what we want."
"What do you believe I want?" Asked Bishop, folding his arms.
"I'd wager to kick off Opal, bit nobody is gonna go for it." Said Eddie, tapping his chin. "Maybe get Rheneas? He made the finale once and he's pretty strong. I think we're gonna lose tomorrow so we better be ready."
"Opal, Rheneas, both are fine by me. I suppose the latter works better though." Mused Bishop. "Buy, what makes you think we'll lose?"
Eddie paused for a moment.
"Uzuri found all five of the super stars. She's got the red and purple ones right now, and she's surely going to use the red one tomorrow." Warned Eddie. "And then, she may use the purple one to join our voting ceremony and cast a vote."
"Shit, that is bad." Muttered Bishop. "And if Alice lets slip..."
"Let's slip what?" Asked Eddie. "Something happened, I know it did."
"What are you, a detective?" Scoffed Bishop. "We got into a fight, and it went too far. That's all that is relevant right now. So, what do we do?"
"Hope Spider banishes somebody who wants to vote for you." Said Eddie seriously. "Otherwise you're done."
"We all know he's gonna send Quana off to keep her safe." Shrugged Bishop. "Though, it's hard to say if she hates me or not."
"More likely than not." Muttered Eddie.
Bishop shrugged, accepting this.
(Confessional: Fear the stars, just like the ancients did!)
Eddie: I guess in the end, whoever goes out it still means I'm one step closer to the prize and, well, the first victory I'll ever have to call my own. I'll make do with whoever out of Rheneas or Bishop leaves … but, Bishop is preferable to stay. But would the fact Rheneas got beaten by a hippie last season, who ranked so low this season, make people not see him as a threat?
Sasha sat in the Mess Hall, eating her dinner. A nice bowl of chicken soup, but not one she was able to enjoy easily with how hard it was to grip the spoon due to the casted finger.
"Aw, nuts." Muttered Sasha.
Alice sat down across from Sasha, her tray of food very neatly organised.
"So, how's the broken finger treating you?" Asked Alice.
"Crappily." Stated Sasha. "How did Banishment Bay treat you?"
"Almost lethally." Muttered Alice. "I don't wish to speak of what happened, but I can assure that I did not find any stars or anything. So, what the heck happened at the vote? I'd heard bits and pieces, but can you give me the full story?"
"The plan was to vote off Uzuri as she cost us the challenge and, well, joined late. She had other ideas and so did Barney, and so she used the green and orange super stars to send Yessica out." Explained Sasha, dropping the spoon again. "Dammit."
"...So, is Uzuri still next then?" Asked Alice patiently.
"Well, um … I think Hector wants to work with her now? Probably a sort of 'keep your enemies close' kind of thing?" Guessed Sasha.
"So, Barney's next then? I mean, I hear he can't talk." Stated Alice.
"Actually, I promised Helen I'd not vote for him, and I think Hector may go by that for one round. And, well, we all know Spider is not going to vote for Barney..." Sasha trailed off, a sheepish look on her face.
Alice paused for a moment, before scowling.
"So, I'm next then?" Asked Alice.
Sasha did not reply.
"Sasha..." Said Alice, glowering.
"Um, I mean, you could make it out..." Sasha stammered.
Alice pounded the table hard with both fists, her tray hopped up for a moment, everything somehow remaining tidy upon it.
"So, I'm basically fucked if we lose, is that what you're not saying?!" Barked Alice. "You can overcome that racist slut, but you can't tell me to my face I'm screwed? Oh, real nice."
"Hey, don't get all pissy with me. Even without my vote you're still on the bottom." Said Sasha firmly. "It was serious anger like this that made you lose last season."
"Well, maybe I feel like I want to be angry!" Yelled Alice. "I mean, in the space of twenty four hours I have reached a dead end if we lose, smashed into a temple wall, almost gotten crushed to a pile a gore by fallen ruins and if I go home in thirteenth place my parents are gonna lose it! Again!"
"Wait! What was that part about the ruins?" Asked Sasha, now wide eyed.
"Oh, who even knows anymore?" Muttered Alice, throwing up her arms. "Leave me to wallow in the minus world, or whatever gaming reference of yours is appropriate right now."
"...I'm, uh, gonna just leave now." Decided Sasha awkwardly.
(Confessional: The Mess Hall, it's where messes happen.)
Alice: (She is wide eyed, looking frantic). Not this time! Not again! This time I have something past me did not have … a friend. I can just ask Opal to banish me again tomorrow and leave the other five to just deal with whatever happens next. I hope she will … I've been good enough to her that she would, right? (She wrings her hands anxiously)
Helen sat under a tree, pencil in hand as she worked on a book of sudoku puzzles. Hector sat near her, also with a book of sudoku puzzles. The two were quiet.
"This is really nice." Noted Hector. "Math, and quiet company."
"Agreed. How many have you solved?" Asked Helen.
"Since we started? Forty." Replied Hector.
"Forty five." Said Helen, lightly chuckling. "So, how are you gonna spend your two hundred dollars?"
"Maybe put it towards college fund, or buy some good books." Mused Hector. "Good thing Uzuri used that super star."
"True, but remember that Barney was the only one who actually scored out of anybody." Reminded Helen. "This was his win."
"I guess. You know, I will never understand how you guys are friends." Admitted Hector.
"You get used to him." Stated Helen.
"He's like the opposite of you. It makes no psychological sense that you guys could possibly stand each other." Insisted Hector. "By all accounts, you should hate each other."
"Eh, psychology is too exciting anyway." Smirked Helen.
"You people confuse me, even the ones I ought to naturally get along with." Declared Hector. "Whatever, it's almost merge. I'd rather think about that than how your friendship with Barney is nuts."
Helen just shrugged.
(Confessional: I've seen stranger friendships TBH.)
Helen: What can I say, the game changes everybody. Amazingly, not always for the total worst. (She shrugs)
Barney and Uzuri sat upon the roof of the Mess Hall, watching the late evening clouds. They were a deep orange colour.
"We did great today, you and me." Remarked Uzuri. "I played the star, you actually scored a point. Now everybody on our team is two hundred dollars richer. I love reward challenges!"
Barney nodded in agreement, a satisfied grin on his face.
"So, what should we do tomorrow?" Asked Uzuri.
Barney was silent, looking unsure how to get his point across.
"Oh yeah, you can't talk. Um, oh! Maybe write it down?" Suggested Uzuri.
Barney nodded, snapping his fingers as he took out a notebook. A bird promptly swooped down and flew off with it. Barney silently yelled in frustration.
"...Maybe mime it, as the French do?" Suggested Uzuri.
Barney tapped his chin, wondering how he was gonna do this. He pointed to the sky, then mimed sleeping before pounding a fist into his palm.
"...You want to work at a circus? Fancy that, I once did as well." Said Uzuri with a smile.
Barney groaned silently, throwing up his arms.
"You wish to go fishing?" Guessed Uzuri.
Barney sat down, face in his hands.
"...Is that miming, or are you just upset?" Asked Uzuri.
Barney nodded, pointing to his mouth.
"Yeah, I guess being silent would be an issue, as you can't really get your points across." Frowned Uzuri. "But, look on the bright side, now you're a true Ninja. After all, what are Ninjas known for besides their habit of attacking one by one even when they have a vast number advantage? Silence!"
Barney rolled his eyes a little, but still silently laughed.
(Confessional: Don't forget how they are also known for loving nunchucks.)
Uzuri: I wonder if I'd be a good Ninja. Hmmmmmm…
Imanda waked along the sunset beach with Clyde, who was now free from duty for the day. The two were talking and laughing as they went along.
"Whoa, really?" Asked Imanda, laughing.
"Yeah, my mate beat da record for fitting people into a phone box." Chuckled Clyde. "I expected six, but he was a champ and got ten people in. Voluntary, of course. So, got another girl scout story? Dey're pretty interesting."
Imanda pondered for a moment.
"Well, one time there was one girl who was baking cookies for a local charity drive that was going on. I think it was for a local nature preserve. Anyway, the girl had lost her glasses and had to read the recipe with poor vision until they could be found. She added ten cups of self raising flower instead of the required two. Well, those cookies, normally puffy and delicious … well, they blew up and the table blew up as well, somehow." Explained Imanda, giggling at the memory.
"Sounds like dat was quite a riot." Chuckled Clyde. "Da girl was you, right?"
"How did you know?" Asked Imanda, looking embarrassed.
"You just told me." Smirked Clyde.
Imanda groaned, looking sheepish. But soon the two laughed again, coming to a stop and looking out at the waves.
"It's a lovely evening, isn't it?" Noted Imanda, smiling.
"Nah, it's just alright. You're da one dat is lovely." Chuckled Clyde. "Um … uh … man, dis is harder dan I thought it'd be."
"What is it?" Asked Imanda.
Clyde, normally cool and collected, fumbled awkwardly for a few moments.
"Me … you … together?" Asked Clyde awkwardly.
Imanda answered with a hug and a gentle kiss. Clyde gently embraced the girl scout and returned it. The two parted, smiling bashfully.
"I've never … sorry if that was..." Imanda trailed off, blushing.
"It was fine. For a girl who says she has no romantic experience, you're perfect." Assured Clyde.
The two sat together, both in high spirits.
"...This is a lovely end to the pre-merge." Whispered Imanda.
"Not quite, you still gotta get past da elimination tomorrow. But yeah, it's lovely." Agreed Clyde. "Think you can make it?"
"...I think I have a good shot." Said Imanda confidently.
(Confessional: 12/13 chance, I guess?)
Imanda: (She squees loudly, cracking the camera lens)
Jennifer sat alone in the blindspot. She looked up at the sky, which was getting quite dark, and frowned in worry.
"At least Jimmy is safe at the playa for now." Said Jennifer softly. "Tomorrow night, the next Trial. Hopefully I can do the worst of it so he wont have to."
Jennifer was silent for a minute or so, before Cole approached her.
"Hi!" Exclaimed Cole. "Jenn-Jenn, we're needed at the intern place. Boxes have to be moved!"
"I'm on it." Said Jennifer, getting to her feet.
"You look a little down." Noted Cole.
"Hard day, Steve," Shrugged Jennifer.
"...I can relate." Admitted Cole.
The two interns left the area. Once they were gone, Rheneas peered out from behind a nearby tree with an uneasy, yet thoughtful expression.
"Trial? What's that?" Muttered Rheneas quietly, looking concerned. "And, how does all that relate to Jimmy?"
(Outro)
Winnie and Xaria stood by some of the ancient ruins, ready to give the outro to the episode.
"Wasn't that a fun episode?" Asked Winnie with a smile.
"It was a reward episode, so by definition no, it was not." Stated Xaria. "The audience wants to see eliminations, and if possible some blood. I mean, I guess."
"...Yeah, let's just go with it being fun." Said Winnie with an awkward chuckle. "So, we still have thirteen but come tomorrow we'll be down to twelve. The merged twelve! But, reward it may have been we sure had action today didn't we? A big fight between Alice and Bishop, Barney lost his voice, the lowest scores we've ever seen in a challenge a-and … and Opal is expecting. You could only find all this together on Total Drama!"
"Woo." Said Xaria flatly. "So, will Imanda be able to get Bishop out? Will Opal have to grow up with this startling revelation? Will Eddie reach the merge and continue his strategic gameplay in full force? Will Barney get his voice back sooner than later? Is Alice truly done for? Will Hector the mathlete reach number one, or be the unlucky thirteen? And who's gonna lose next time? If I knew I'd totally spoil it for you, but I don't know so tune in next time."
"On Total Drama Letter Starz!" Exclaimed Winnie.
"And cut." Announced Oscar. "Nineteen episodes down, thirteen more to go."
"Kill me now." Groaned Xaria. "I'll give you the weapon and everything..."
"That bad, huh?" Asked Oscar.
"I just don't like how I can't sleep eleven hours a night right now." Shrugged Xaria. "You ok Winnie? Your voice slipped a bit there."
"...It just feels a little wrong, using Opal's shock pregnancy as a selling point. The poor girl is really scared right now, and I can't make sure she's alright because I'm supposed to be impartial." Explained Winnie, sighing as she looked out at the waves. "But, as we're off camera right now … I hope Spider will look after her tonight."
"I'm sure he will, he's a decent guy." Assured Oscar. "So, shall we head off?"
"Yeah, sure. I need some coffee right now, and a massage if we have the time." Said Xaria, walking alongside Oscar.
"I think we will." Said Oscar, smiling.
The two held hands, walking away with small smiles. Winnie followed after them, looking a little uncertain and despondent.
(Banishment Bay)
Opal and Spider sat by a fire. It had taken some time to get it started, but now it was burning strongly and keeping the two teens warm. Spider tossed a few more twigs into the fire-pit, while Opal sat with her knees drawn up, an uneasy look on her face.
"Well, at least we'll be warm tonight." Noted Spider after a while of silence. "Wanna go look for some stars? I mean, if there are any left."
Opal shook her head, closing her eyes.
Spider put a hand on Opal's shoulder, giving her a gentle smile.
"I know it's difficult, and well, it is. But, I'll help however I can." Promised Spider. "You know, if you really, really feel so afraid and unsure of what to do, well, quitting is an option."
Opal was very quiet for a moment.
"I don't even know if I can." Whispered Opal. "Cherry sorta did, but then I've overheard Kim couldn't or something? I don't know, but … even if I can, maybe … maybe I shouldn't?"
Spider paused, looking at Opal warily.
"Uh, what do you mean?" Asked Spider uneasily.
Opal didn't meet Spider's eyes.
"My family is only middle class, and Zed's family are farmers and such. We don't really have the funds for a baby, or more than one if it's twins or something? I don't know! But, but … if I won the game, then there wouldn't be nothing to worry about … the problem would be gone, and the baby would have a wonderful start in life … five million dollars could solve everything..." Said Opal slowly. "And if I am really careful, and am on my very best behavior, nobody would want to do anything to me, and I'd not get hurt..."
"Opal, this is a bad idea." Warned Spider. "I strongly suggest you reconsider this."
But Opal just looked into the fire, then down at her stomach area.
"Five million, and my little one will never want for anything." Whispered Opal, sounding just a little more confident.
"Bad idea! Bad idea!" Insisted Spider. "For one thing, you sat out today and you can't twice in a row, and that's just one of many issues!"
"But you'd help me, right"? Asked Opal quietly. "And, if I won, I'd give you a good chunk of the prize as a thank you."
"You can't put a price on a baby." Pleaded Spider. "Look, I totally get your mindset and why this sounds so appealing right now, but trust me that this is a very bad idea. Yes, if you won it'd be fine, but look at the odds of it and the risks involved. I mean, on Wawanakwa losers got frozen … imagine if you'd be frozen and what would've happened to the baby. And for all we know, we might get catapulted off the next island."
Opal looked conflicted, uneasy and scared, looking between Spider, her belly and out at Anatat Isle on the horizon.
"But, there's still a chance." Said Opal shakily. "If I left, I'd really put the baby in a hard spot and … and … it's all my fault!"
Opal burst into tears, sobbing hysterically. Spider gently held her, trying to calm her down. He looked up at the sky, knowing hard days were approaching.
"I strongly suggest you reconsider and leave the game … I can't do that for you, it's your own choice." Whispered Spider. "Please take my advice, but if you don't … I'll try to help you. I'll do what I can. Please though, please listen."
(Anatat Isle- Intern Compound)
Matthew sat at a desk in a room, looking over some papers. He nodded in satisfaction.
"Rating are up." Matthew remarked. "Trina will be happy to hear that. A bit troubling Quana is still here, but at least the next island's format won't make it too hard to be rid of her."
Matthew went back to silently looking over the papers for a few minutes before there was a knock at the door.
"Come in." Stated Matthew.
The door opened and Max walked in, shutting it behind him. Matthew waved him over and Max took a seat.
"Thanks for being prompt." Said Matthew.
"Not a problem. Nakia was trying to talk to me and, well, it was nice to have a reason to quickly get myself away from her." Said Max, looking relieved.
Matthew very faintly smirked upon hearing this.
"I see." Said Matthew, remaining stoic. "Now, do you know why you were called here?"
"No reason I am aware of." Replied Max.
"Well, I'll fill you in." Began Matthew. "This island is ending fairly soon, and then we'll be moving on to the next one. Almost everything is ready for it. 'Arena' is all checked and working, rights have been paid for, everything that may cause real harm has been toned down and all the special effects and that kind of thing have been taken care of. So, all is well. All except one thing that we have to get ready by, at the very latest, nightfall of the first day on that island."
Matthew paused for a moment, opening a draw on his desk and taking out some papers and blueprints.
"That's where you come in." Explained Matthew. "Do you think you can built these by that deadline and have them working as described?"
Matthew passed Max the papers, who began to look through them. He looked a bit uneasy by the time he had read through them.
"Well, I'm confident I could build them, and on time as well. But, it's not as much a matter of could I and, well … it's more should I? This feels a bit wrong." Murmured Max.
"But you did just say that you were glad to not have to speak to her." Reminded Matthew. "Plus, I can imagine you've not got much fondness for the other two, right?"
"That is correct." Admitted Max.
"Neither do the viewing world." Assured Matthew gently. "It's showbiz, it's entertainment and nobody is actually going to get severely hurt. Naturally, you would be well compensated for your efforts."
Max looked conflicted, looking at the designs with a tense expression. He exhaled a breath and then breathed in.
"Ok, I'll do it." Agreed Max. "I'll need good tools and a proper workstation for this."
"That'll all be provided." Assured Matthew.
Max soon left the room while Matthew smirked maliciously as he returned to his paperwork.
Business was good.
(Later that night)
It was the dead hours of the night and all was very quiet. The sea was calm, and the sky was full of stars. All campers were sound asleep in their beds.
All except Quana.
Quana lay under her covers, feigning sleep. She was looking at her watch closely. The seconds ticked down slowly, closer and closer to 1AM.
And soon, her watch showed it was time. At the exact second it did the camera in the cabin let out a tiny fizzle. It was down, and so were all the rest.
Instantly Quana was up, quickly and carefully opening her suitcase below her bed. She took out Spider's camera and put it around her neck, and then arranged several of her cloths under her bedsheets. It gave off the impression she was still there. After closing her suitcase and making sure that Helen and Imanda were still fast sleep Quana crept to the door, carefully opening it and silently shutting it behind her.
"Let's do this." said Quana to herself.
With that, Quana quickly broke into a sprint, making a beeline for where the Pipe of Shame and her mission awaited her.
Golden Hawks: Bishop, Eddie, Helen, Imanda, Opal, Quana, Rheneas
Bronze Tigers: Alice, Barney, Hector, Sasha, Spider, Uzuri
Eliminated: Lavender, VayVay, Irene, Zed, Eleanor, Lankston, Tabitha, Quarla, Paul, Jimmy, Raven, Wallace, Yessica
Maybe no elimination this time, but I think enough things happened to keep the plot moving forwards. Gotta say, this challenge was a fun one to write. I love challenges that come down to not who is best, but sucks who sucks the least. :D But don't worry those of you who crave eliminations. Of the thirteen episodes that remain, only a single one of them is without an elimination, so belt up because things are gonna be really picking up. Something big is coming soon…
Next Time: The campers must participate in a relay race of puzzle solving, and tempers are rising!
