I sincerely hope everyone is doing alright. I know its a stressful time right now (at least at the time this chapter is going up) but we can survive and things will get better.
But for now, I hope this story gives you a bit of a break from everything going on.
Chef stood in the kitchen, mixing various ingredients into a large pot with some sort of boiling red concoction in it. He was still wearing his military pants and green tank top, looking displeased over the fact that being the temporary host meant that he had to do the introductions as well.
"Last time on Total Drama Rosewood Manor; Chris went a little crazy because of everything going on with this place, so I arranged for him to take some time off. Now I'm stuck here as the host until he gets back. Now on to what happened last time; the challenge was a reworking of my bootcamp challenge from the first season. That evil kid Edward is blackmailing the delinquent kid Kazuki into doing what he says or else he'll tell everyone that Kaz blasted Cherry in the eye. That kid is seriously messed up. During the challenge Clara threatened to expose the two of them and make sure they lose, but Edward won immunity and keep himself safe."
Chef cut up a jalapeño pepper into small chunks and brought them over to the pot, where the peppers seemed to begin steaming just from being close to the mixture.
"But that ain't the end, Santiago found the last Golden Ticket and got back in the game. Because he did, two of those kids had to be voted off. Don't blame me, Chris made these rules! But because Edward was safe and he needed Kazuki to make sure he stays safe, the two made sure that Charlotte and Clara were voted off. Now we only got eight maggots left; what is Kenji gonna do without his girlfriend in the game? Will Santiago find out about what happened to Cherry? Will that blonde preppy girl ever get rid of Edward? Or is he gonna take her out first? If you want the answers then you gotta watch the show, dummy! This is Total Drama Rosewood Manor!"
Chef dumped the peppers into the mixture, which caused it to bubble and boil more fiercely. The heat was already so intense before that it looked as though the peppers ignited just before splashing into the stew.
Adrian began to stir, he groggily opened his eyes and looked around. He was in his room and it was definitely morning but he wasn't sure of anything that had happened last night. Everything after Chef explained the last part of the previous challenge was a bit of a blur.
As he sat up from his bed and got dressed, Adrian couldn't shake off the feeling that something wasn't right.
He stepped out of his room and was assaulted by a burst of flame. The heat caused him to jump back, the hallway was ablaze! Various parts of the walls, floor, and several pieces of furniture were caught in the inferno. Adrian seemed to be forced out of his room and he was unable to go back inside no matter how hard he tried to open the door.
Once he gave up trying to get into his room, he ran to go to somewhere safer, noticing that despite it being morning when he woke up, it was somehow now the dead of night. He then heard a scream that sounded like a grown woman, Adrian wasted no time in hurrying over to where he heard the scream.
He found the source of the scream in the same place he lost the previous challenge. But this time he found Angela, backed up against the window behind her, she looked as though she was pregnant as well... In front of her was what looked like a man but he looked badly injured, his mouth hung open from what looked like a broken jaw and some third degree burns. He also held a revolver in his hands...
"Get away from me! I need to find my baby!" Angela pleaded. "Henry please! You can't do this!"
Adrian pieced together what was happening and tried to intervene but Henry suddenly fired at Angela, specifically at her unborn child, six times in a fit of fury. Angela tried to run but she had nowhere to go. Just as Adrian got closer however, another man charged at Henry. Adrian assumed this was Anthony, who himself looked basly injured with an arm that was badly bleeding, a bad head wound and a large stab wound on the right side of his chest. Adrian could hear the glass shattering as Angela's body crashed through it and onto the ground below from the second floor.
Despite the injuries, Anthony tackled Henry into the wall but nothing else could be done before an explosion from the basement tore the house apart and engulfed everything, including Adrian within it...
Adrian woke up back in his room, he touched his face to make sure everything was fine and he seemed to not have any injuries or burns. He looked at the clock on the wall; 5:57 a.m.. Chef would likely have everyone wake up in a few minutes since Chris usually woke everyone up at 6:30 most days unless it was for a challenge.
Adrian checked the hallways, this time everything seemed normal, or at least about as normal as everything else had been in this manor. As he turned back into his room, he saw a shadow figure by the wall opposite of him, the figure had a pale white face that seemed to lack any discernable features but Adrian was certain it was the spirit of Anthony.
The figure sank into the wall, leaving what looked like a newspaper in its wake. Adrian cautiously picked up the newspaper and examined it:
'Rosewood Manor to use New Prototype Boiler System!
According too Anthony Rosewood, owner of the manor named after his family, the manor has been gifted a scientific Marvel in the form of an industrial boiler system that will be used to heat the home using a form of vapor. The benefactor of this system has chosen to remain anonymous though described himself as an old friend of Angela Rosewood, the wife of Anthony. "I believe this can be a wonderful opportunity for scientific advancement, if this invention proves to be a good addition to our home, then this system may be mass produced and used in homes across the nation!" Rosewood told.'
Adrian wondered what this had to do with what just happened, but suddenly he clutched his head as though he was in pain. Despite his eyes being shut tight, he could see something. It looked like the boiler shown in the picture of the article but this one seemed to look more modern. Suddenly, it became bloated and with burning red spots all over it. Several pipes connecting to the boiler were steaming as well with small sparks and flames spewing out of the furnace...
Once his senses returned to him, Chef called everyone and announced that it was time for breakfast.
*confessional*
Adrian: This whole issue regarding the ghosts here is bizarre and, quite honestly, terrifying! You're never sure what's really happening. Maybe that's what was happening to Chris.
*end confessional*
The seven contestants were split up into two groups, with one group consisting of Edward and Kaz, Andi however was not present.
"So, wiseguy, who's dreams are we crushing today?" Kazuki asked with a distinct venom in his voice and glare.
"Glad you asked." Edward replied, choosing to ignore the hostility aimed at him. "We'll be continuing to target the biggest threats so hopefully we can get Adrian out of here. For the time being, he's the strongest player."
"Really? With how much she bugs you I would've figured you'd want Nanette gone by now."
"Believe me, it would be much more peaceful without her, but she's weak and will pose the least threat to us later on."
"You mean the least threat to you later on." Kazuki corrected, his glare intensifying. Edward couldn't help but smirk.
"Yeah, you're right."
"Fine, so what about the other four?"
"Don't worry about them. I'll focus on the planning here. You just worry about handling the wet work."
The rest of the contestants were sitting away from the duo with Nanette giving them her usual judging look.
"Don't worry about them, odds are against them and we're very likely to get rid of at least one of them."
"What he said!" Shawn added. "They've painted a target on themselves and you've been after then for a while now. This time you've got everyone else on your side. Their tine is running out."
Nanette couldn't help but smile at Shawn's words.
"Thank you, to both of you. I know it may seem like I'm trying too hard to get rid of them, but after they've spent so much time cheating and targeting everyone else who didn't deserve anything bad, I felt like I owed it to the others to take them down." She explained.
"I think my dad would say you're an honorable person for that." Kenji said flatly. "But honestly, I feel like since my brother is partly responsible for this, I need to be the one to stop him, or at the very least get some answers from him. If I didn't win, I wanted Clara to, and since she was among those who were eliminated unfairly, I need to shape up and take this seriously!"
"I was one of the ones cheated out of the game." Santiago stated. "If they're the ones who made me lose, then I gotta pay them back for it! Plus one of them probably hit Cherry in the eye and I gotta make sure karma bites them for it!"
"I suppose we all have our reasons to take down those two. Again, thank you all for your words. Especially yours, Shawn, it's nice to receive some kind words from a well dressed man!" Nanette said with a wink and a giggle. Both she and Shawn couldn't help but blush a bit at the playful flirting.
"Aww man, get it Shawn!" Santiago joked.
*confessionals*
Kazuki: I feel like I've gone too far down the rabbit hole to even consider finding a way to get the others to forgive me, especially Nanette. What can I even do at this point.
Edward: If I'm going to target the strongest competition first, then Adrian has to be the nexr target. He's strong physically and mentally, so he has to go. After that I would have to say Santiago solely because of his physical strength. After that I'd say I can finally rid myself of Nanette and her grating voice! It'll be a long wait before I can do that but it'll be so satisfying! But not as satisfying as when I win that million!
Nanette: I hope Shawn didn't mind me flirting. I'll admit he's cute, but I didn't come here for boys, I plan to win as a way to become famous and I can use the money to go to modelling school. But for right now I'm glad everyone has the same goal of taking Edward and Kazuki down! I felt sort of alone after January and Karlene were eliminated, now I know that that isn't the case at all! ... And maybe I can talk to Shawn once this show is over...
Shawn: Nanette's pretty but I know she was just joking around. But on a serious note, we need to take down Edward and Kazuki, specifically the former since I'm pretty sure he's the brains of the operations. If theu stay then who knows what they could pull, and what if I'm next?!
Adrian: We may have a common goal but we need to be smart with how we go about eliminating those two. For now I should keep playing as I am now.
Santiago: Man, I wish we could go back to when this show was fun to compete in! I mean it's cool that I'm in the top eight and that I'm not the main target. But hey, when its over, I'm gonna go on and win the big one!
Kenji: My brother... What have you done. You've been hurting our family's hearts for so long by making us worry about you...
*end confessionals*
Andi then hurried into the dining room, tripping on herself as she did. Her hair was a bit messy though... She quickly got a plate of food and sat with the majority.
"Sorry I'm late, I had a bit of an issue getting ready. Something really weird happened in my room."
"What happened?" Shawn asked.
"Well-"
"Geez Andi, what took you so long?" Chelsea called from the kitchen. "Hey Chef, everyone's here now!"
"Finally!" Chef shouted.
"I'll tell you guys later..."
*confessional*
Andi: I never would've figured I'd make the top eight, especially with how klutz I can be but I'm honestly excited with how much farther I can go! But right now Kaz and Ed have got to go! Especially if they're cheating!... Hmm, I wonder if they know something about this house and why its so weird that they're not telling us. Maybe they even have the key to solving the mystery.
*end confessional*
Chef had everyone move to one table, immediately raising tensions.
"Today's challenge is going to be one that will burn away any hope you have left. It'll make you sweat! It'll make you cry! It may even make you bleed!" Chef began. "In fact, your challenge has already started. Your breakfast was given a bit of a kick with a small dash of hot sauce which some of you may have noticed by now. The challenge is a nine course meal comprised of foods that get spicier and spicier until only one of you runts is left! If you can get through all nine courses, you win invincibility, if more than one person wins, they both get invincibility. If all of you drop out before we get to the end then whoever got the farthest wins."
Nanette meekly raised her hand.
"Do I have to compete in this challenge? My heartburn doesn't let me sit well with spicy foods..."
"I talked to the production crew and your doctors before thinking of this challenge, you'll be allowed to take some antacids throughout the challenge and everyone will be allowed to take some when this is over. But you'll still have to compete."
"Great." She groaned
Nanette hadn't even touched her breakfast yet, as she was able to smell the spice coming from it.
"Now once you finish your breakfast, I'll hand you your next plate!" Chef said before laughing eerily.
Most of the teens were able to eat their breakfast without any issue, Nanette ate unhappily but she was able to eat it without needing an antacid.
*confessional*
Nanette: Oh this challenge will be especially brutal. Also, note to self, find a new doctor...
Kenji: This challenge might not be so bad, my mom works at a restaurant that specializes in spicy foods! Now that I mention it, I would kill for some of my mom's homemade sashimi with some wasabi on the side.
Kazuki: The restaurant my mother works at has a special food challenge: eat twelve spicy tuna rolls made with a dipping sauce mixed with wasabi and ghost pepper extract. I've never finished it but I have managed to eat ten out of the twelve. This challenge should be relatively easy.
*end confessional*
Santiago was first to finish his breakfast, before he even had a chance to announce it, Chef tossed a bag in front of him, a bag of spicy chips to be precise.
"Round two." Chef announced. "These chips are spicier than your breakfast, but just because its just one bag don't mean it'll be easy."
"No prob!" Santiago said confidently. As he opened the bag the scent of the spices hit him, he grinned to himself as he began to eat. His eyes widened in shock of the chips having more kick than he expected. Santiago continued to eat, but at a slower pace than before.
Kenji and Kaz soon finished their breakfast and were on to the chips as well. However due to their experience, they were able to eat faster than Santiago and without needing to worry about the taste.
Little by little, the rest of the teens were able to get to the second level, while Santiago and the brothers moved on to level three: a jalapeño pepper, seeds and all. Once Nanette looked at the pepper she could already feel her chest tighten.
"Feeling alright there?" Edward asked condescendingly.
"Just fine..." Nanette sighed as she finished her breakfast and moved on to the chips..
"You sure? Because you look like you're about to burn out, and when you do, I'll make sure you take the next ride on that train until you fade away into the distance." Edward gloated.
"Nice wordplay." Andi said as she rolled her eyes and finished her bag of chips. Nanette glared at her enemy and began to eat a handful of chips at a time.
"Um, you sure you can handle that?" Shawn asked. Nanette didn't answer as she finished her chips and moved on the the jalapeño.
*confessionals*
Nanette: I will be paying for this later, but if it means shutting Edward up, it'll be worth it! Too be honest, even without my condition my body doesn't take spicy foods to well... My stomach is screaming!
Edward: She thinks she's hot sh*t for that. I'll have the last laugh!
Kazuki: I'm honestly impressed she took it that far, girl's got guts. Too bad those guts are going through he'll right now.
Andi: Why didn't I realize Edkn to the pepper, ard was so annoying earlier? Maybe he was too busy being a shifty creep...
Shawn: I hope Nanette doesn't end up hurting herself after this challenge... Scratch that, I hope she doesn't hurt herself during this challenge!
*end confessionals*
Everyone had finished their chips and were on to the pepper, the brothers and Santiago were already on the fourth round: one piece of Jamaican Jerk Chicken.
"This one is a personal favorite of mine, I've also taken the liberty of adding a bit to the typical recipe!" Chef explained, serving himself a serving as well.
The three boys bit into the chicken and immediately were able to taste the spices.
"Holy crap Chef!" Santiago cursed.
"Hehe, tangy, ain't it!" Chef chuckled before finishing his serving like it was nothing.
Nanette took one bite of the jalapeño and barely manahed to swallow it.
"No... I'm done..." She groaned as she clutched her stomach.
"Figured you'd go down first. Chelsea!" Chef called out.
Chelsea hurried over to Nanette and helped her take an antacid before bringing her over to a spare room that was being used as an infirmary.
"That's one down. Now if the rest of you don't want to end up losers I suggest you pick up the pace! MOVE MAGGOTS, MOVE!"
Those that were still eating the peppers hurried to swallow it and move to the chicken. Santiago was beginning to sweat as he fell behind Kenji and Kazuki, who finished their chicken and moved on to round five: a Habanero pepper.
"You're really trying to make us work for this, aren't you?" Kenji asked as he wiped sweat from his forehead.
"Just trying to toughen you kids up." Chef replied.
Kazuki inhaled deeply and exhaled through his mouth before eating the Habanero pepper whole. Edward smirked when he saw this while the others looked worried as they hurried to finish their chicken. Kenji wanted to gulp but didn't want to let the spice run down his throat, he followed his brother's example and ate the pepper whole as well.
Once the others finished their chicken, Chef stood up and clapped his hands together one time.
"Alright, since this challenge is already over halfway over, I'll give you a five minute break. Cool off if you need to, it won't help you with the last few dishes, hehehehehe. Remember, five minutes!" Chef said as he headed for the kitchen.
The seven teens hurried out of the room and dispersed around the manor.
*confessionals*
Nanette: So much for sticking it to Edward. But at the rate Kenji is going I think we can at least prevent Ed from winning.
Santiago: Gotta admit, this challenge is pretty tough!
Andi: This challenge is brutal! I've only done half of it and if its this bad already then I shudder to think of what's coming!
Shawn: I'm gonna need a big bowl of ice cream when this is over.
Adrian: Unfortunately I'm not as good with spicy food as Kenji and Kazuki apparently are. Hopefully Kanji can pull through and win, if Kaz wins he might do something to help his alliance with Edward.
Edward: Didn't think Kaz would be good with spices. But I can't afford to have him win! His childish brother is proving to be a nuisance as well!
Kenji: Alright! Half time! Well technically im a little ahead of the rest but it's only going to get worse from here. I wish Clara was here to wish me luck...
Kazuki: I think I might have a chance of winning invincibility! Maybe if I win then everyone else will vote out Ed. Would make everyone's lives easier...
*end confessionals*
Nanette sat down in the infirmary with a bottle of pepto-bismol, she looked pale and sick to her stomach.
The others aside from the alliance went to go check on her, with Andi being the first to notice her condition.
"Woah... You alright?" She asked.
"Spicy food and I do not agree..." Nanette replied. "Is the challenge over?"
"Nah, just half time." Santiago explained.
"We have five minutes of free time to cool down. We figured we'd check on you, given your condition." Adrian explained.
"Well, thank you. This challenge was just a case of bad luck."
"Well hopefully we have better luck than Edward." KenjI stated.
"Oh do not get me started on him!" Nanette said with a bit of a laugh. "Anyway since we have a few minutes, if you all don't mind, would you like to just chat? I know we're competing against each other but that doesn't mean we can't be civil."
"Sure!" Andi replied. "In fact I could tell you guys about what happened to me earlier."
Earlier in the morning, Andi woke up thanks to Chef's morning call. As she was getting dressed she began to hear something like a baby crying. Out of morbid curiosity she finished getting ready and followed the crying.
As she left her room she found herself transported to what looked like the room of a baby, complete with a crib and a mobile. The room was quiet aside from the baby's crying, Andi felt as though someone was there with her besides the infant, and that they would come from nowhere and scare her, but it never happened...
Hesitantly she approached the baby and reached for it an attempt to comfort the child when the room suddenly transformed in a burst of flame. The wallpaper peeled and burned, the crying intensified, the intense heat of the flames was starting to become unbearable.
Just as Andi was about to ask what was happening she felt an explosion behind her. She turned around and saw the inferno approaching her.
When the fire englufed her, Andi woke up back in her room as though nothing had happened. Only about two minutes had passed. Assuming it was just a dream, she headed to go get breakfast...
"So we both had a similar experience." Adrian noted.
"This house just gets crazier and crazier." Shawn sighed.
"Wait so you had a dream just like he's?" Santiago asked.
"I don't know if it was a dream, but it was very similar."
"Ok, it's time we get to the bottom of everything then." Chelsea said as she entered the room, everyone turning to face her and the notebook in her hand. "I've written notes about everything we've found about whatever is going on in this crazy place. We need to piece together everything we know and do it fast before we go through whatever is going on with Chris."
*confessionals*
Adrian: Well hopefully we can at least settle one issue.
Shawn: A crazy house for a crazy season, how fitting. Hopefully this madness isn't infectious.
Santiago: I knew something about this house wasn't right the moment I stepped foot in here!
Nanette: Dieu merci! Finally there's at least some good news today! Maybe now we can get somewhere with this haunted house.
Andi: I'm all for getting some answers as long as I don't get any more crazy visions.
Kenji: I mean its cool that we might be able to find out about the ghosts and all but we still have to worry about my brother and Edward. Not trying to be negative, but I feel like they're the more important issue right now.
Chelsea: The sooner we get this done, the sooner things can actually start being normal around here... Actually things were never really normal to start with...
*end confessionals*
While everyone was conversing, Kazuki and Edward were in the upstairs hallway discussing their next course of action.
"So, it looks like you're making good progress with this challenge." Edward commented.
"You could say it's a natural talent."
"Interesting. In any case I need you to do me solid and throw the challenge once you get to the final round."
"What?! Why!"
"Easy there, I'll be giving up this hell in the same round once I reach it. That way we would both win invincibility. Chef said that if everyone drops out, then whoever gets the farthest wins, if we both make it to the same round then we'll both be safe."
"There's just one problem, my brother likes spicy food as much as I do. I don't know his limit. Who's to say he wont beat both of us."
Edward looked genuinely conflicted, he placed his hand on his chin and thought for a moment before he grimaced.
"Sh*t... Fine. I suppose we just continue as we are now. Keep your pace; if you and your brother make it to the end then just wait for me. Kenji will get ahead but once I make it to the last round we have to match our pace. If he finishes his food then we have to finish ours. I hate having to leave our chances to luck but we don't have a choice. But for the love of God, do not give up at any point! Now leave me be, I need some time to think."
Kaz shrugged and walked away. Once Edward knew he was alone, he punched a wall in frustration. The wall he punched knocked off a portrait of Chris off of the wall. The portrait revealed a small box indented in the wall.
"Well what do we have here?" Edward took the box and looked inside of it. "Oh this is too rich."
Edward looked at the McLean Statue that was inside the box and smiled to himself. He hid the statuette back in the box and put the portrait back to make sure it was safe.
"MAGGOTS! It's time for the second half!" Chef announced.
*confessionals*
Kazuki: Heh, it's to see him actually struggle for once. If he falls behind and I end up winning then he's gone. Once he's gone then I can tell the others everything. Whether they believe me or not doesn't matter, I can at least finish this game with a cleaner conscience.
Edward: Oh this is just too perfect. If Kazuki follows the plan then we're safe and I cam keep this for another day. If he stabs me in the back then I can use this and eliminate him, if he wins then I can take out a threat. It's like the universe wants me to win!
*end confessionals*
The eight contestants returned to the dining room, returning to the same seats they were in earlier. Chef gave most of the teens their plate of Habanero peppers while Kenji and Kazuki moved on to round six: a plate of eight fried chicken wings. The brothers couldn't tell what spices exactly were used but the skin was tinted dark red and just looking at it made their eyes burn.
Despite this however, the boys looked excited and eagerly began to dig in. Santiago, wanting to catch up, ate his pepper in one bite and urged Chef to hand him his plate of wings.
'Either this is a guy thing or Santiago is just focused on not losing.' Andi thought to herself as she watched Santiago.
"Nope, that's it, can't take any more!" Shawn cried out, his lips red from the burning pepper.
"And another one bites the dust." Chef said. "Gotta admit, I expected more of you to quit."
"Nice rhyme." Adrian remarked as Chef served him his wings. Santiago's rush of energy allowed him to finish just after Kenji and Kaz. Chef handed them the seventh spicy dish: Indian Vindaloo.
"Up next is the spiciest curry in the world. You three are in the endgame now and this will be exceptionally brutal!"
All the energy Santiago had faded, Kenji looked hesitant to take a bite while Kazuki noticeably flinched as he ate his first bite.
*confessionals*
Santiago: Man, Chef was right when he said this would be brutal!
Kenji: When I saw Kaz flinch I knew this challenge would start getting difficult. But I have to power through it!
Edward: Perhaps I need to rethink who I target.
*end confessionals*
Adrian, Andi, and Edward finished the Habanero and despite the immense heat slowing them down, they finished the chicken wings as well. The heat of the vindaloo forced the brothers to slow down. Santiago took deep breaths as he ate before shutting his eyes tightly and forcing himself to power through the curry as though he were a competitive eater. Once every last bit of the curry was gone, Santiago coughed in an attempt to get some of the heat out of his throat.
He then began breathe heavily; Chef then placed the penultimate dish in front of him. Despite the heat, it made his blood run cold.
"This is the California Reaper, the spiciest pepper in the world. If you can finish this, you can move on to the final dish." Chef explained. Santiago stared at the pepper, contemplating everything he did in this show up until this moment. While he stared at the pepper, the brothers finished the curry and moved on to the Reaper.
Kenji wanted to gulp out of being nervous but the heat in his mouth made everything dry. He hesitantly reached for the pepper with a trembling hand when a voice made him freeze.
"I... I can't eat any more."
It was Andi, halfway done with the vindaloo, she laid her fork down on the ate and leaned back on her chair.
"I'm... I can't do this either." Santiago added.
"Hehe, no shame in losing to the Reaper." Chef laughed. Adrian and Edward finished their curry and were given a Reaper as well. Chelsea and Nanette entered just in time to see all four boys eat their pepper at the same time. Nanette smirked as she watched Edward squirm amd struggle with the pepper, his eyes watering and sweat streaming from his face.
Strangely though, while Kazuki and Kenji were in the same state, Kaz seemed to have a look of realization on his face, as though he has tasted this before...
Despite the satisfaction she was getting watching her enemies suffer, Nanette clutched her throat, shivering at what could have happened if she didn't quit the challenge.
*confessionals*
Nanette: I think I may have actually died if I continued this challenge...
Andi: I don't think I'll be able to taste anything for the next week...
Santiago: Man, if that was the second to last thing. I don't even know what I would have done with what was last.
Chelsea: I keep saying it, but I'm glad I'm not competing.
Shawn: If it's going to get harder from here, then I don't know how much longer I can take.
Adrian: This was probably one of the most brutal things I have ever experienced. But what came next...well that is something I don't know how to properly describe.
Edward: This is it, time to see where Kazuki's loyalty lies...
Kazuki: Like hell am I going to let him win!
Kenji: After this challenge, I don't expect Clara to kiss me for a while, she might think she's kissing a volcano.
*end confessionals*
Chef had a genuine smile on his face when he saw the boys finish the pepper.
"I'm impressed boys. I figured you'd all give up by now." His smile then became sinister. "But now it's time to end this!"
Chef went to the kitchen and returned with a pot he was using earlier. Inside was a boiling red-orange liquid, simply looking at it made everyone's eyes water and everyone began to sweat. The air seemed to grow heavy and even Adrian felt an eerie presence...
"Throughout my years I was given the opportunity to travel the world, to learn about other cultures and how the rest of the world lives. This includes the different foods of the world. Using what I learned, I returned home and created what I believe to be the spiciest food known to man. I present to you my owj creation: The Mississippi Queen!"
Chef handed the four a bowl of the stew, which made their faces go red just from the proximity of the food. Edward didn't care if everyone saw him, he turned to look at Kazuki, who looked right back at him with a serious look as he began to eat. As he ate his spoonful he froze for a moment, his eyes widening in horror. As he swallowed he stared into the bowl and began to hyperventilate.
Kenji looked away with his eyes closed as he took a bite aa well. As Kenji swallowed he clutched his throat in disbelief that something could be that intense.
Edward was about to take his first bite, looking right at Kazuki, who was frozen after he had his spoonful, a wide grin on Edward's face. His grin turned into a shocked frown when Kaz looked at him again and took another bite, and then another, and another, all without breaking eye contact.
Kenji began to match his brother's pace as the two forced themselves to continue, even though they both wanted to scream in unspeakable agony.
Adrian slowly took his first bite. As the spice hit him his eyes went wide and he seemed to enter a trance. Everything around him seemed to rush past him as a mystical flame danced around him. The scent of every spice tickled his nose as he heard a song that seemed familiar yet also very fitting.
Once he snapped back to reality, he took two more spoonfuls before he could no longer take the heat and he surrendered to the Mississippi Queen.
Edward took a bite, he wasn't sure if it was the spice or his current fury towards Kazuki but everything seemed to go red. Strangely though, he heard a voice in his head telling him that he needed to direct his anger at someone named Anthony... Ignoring the voice though, he slowly took bites of his food before he felt his hand go numb and everything going red.
Edward saw nothing but red flames in front of him before the flames faded to black and a burned man appeared in front of him with eyes of indescribable fury. The man lunged at Edward and everything went red again.
While Edward was experiencing this, Chef and the others watched as Edward dropped his spoon and collapsed. Chelsea checked his pulse with hesitation that Chef's stew may have actually killed him but she gave a sigh of relief when she could feel his pulse.
With only the brothers remaining, everyone watched to see if one which would be left standing. The other contestants chanted Kenji's name in an attempt to motivate him. Even Chef looked shocked to see them powering through his challenge. The brothers continued to eat and endure the blaze until...
"And the challenge is over! We have a the!" Chef announced.
The teens cheered for Kenji, who rushed to the kitchen for water. Kazuki sighed with relief tjat it was over, he had triumphed, at least for the moment. He and Nanette looked over at Edward's unconscious body.
'You're finished!' They thought.
*confessionals*
Kenji: I did it! I won! Even if he's cheating it kinda feels nice to win alongside my brother.
Santiago: Honestly I think I did pretty good today, things can only get good from here!
Nanette: Finally we can get rid of Edward! Kazuki won't have anyone to guide him either so he'll just be like a chicken with its head cut off!
Adrian: This may just be the best possible outcome, we've won and we can get one of the biggest targets out of the game. Once the other is gone though, things may get a bit more difficult. Until then, hats off to Kenji.
Andi: Clara, I gotta give you props, you picked one tough guy to be your boyfriend!
Shawn: Those two definitely have my respect after this challenge!
Kazuki: Finally! Edward is gone and I can hopefully tell the others everything.
Chelsea: As cool as that was to watch, something just didn't feel right in there... When I checked his pulse, it felt like Edward wasn't himself.
Chef: Those boys have my respect. Not many have been able to take the Mississippi Queen and live to tell the tale! I won't go easy on them going forward, but I expect good things from them.
*end confessionals*
Some time later, Edward returned to his room, he had been informed of Kenji amd Kazuki winning. He looked at the invincibility statue with an annoyed look.
'I didn't want to use this so early but I guess I have no choice.' He thought to himself.
Suddenly, his eyes widened and his pupils took on a red tint. He felt around his face and his jaw. Edward turned to look at the closest mirror and grinned when he saw the burned and deformed spirit of Henry looking back at him.
Henry used Edward's body to laugh to himself.
"I... Will... Burn them." Henry said as he gave Edward control again.
As the sun set, the eight teens headed to the station, confident about who was going home.
"Well soldiers, some of you really impressed me today. Keep it up. Now, Kenji and Kazuki are immune so votes against them won't count." Chef explained.
*confessionals*
Andi: This might just be the easiest vote I've made so far.
Santiago: Later, cheater!
Adrian: If you had played honestly, maybe this wouldn't have happened.
Shawn: I guess you could say your goose is cooked... Ok that was bad.
Kenji: This is for Clara!
Nanette: Finally I can get you out of my hair!
Kazuki: I can finally relax.
Edward: After some consideration, I've decided to change my vote. Adrian is a threat but after what I saw today and knowing that future challenges will definitey require a lot of stamina, I think this person should be the one who gets my vote.
*end confessionals*
"Well you all made your votes, in record time too. But one of you has gotta go but the brothers are safe, so here." Chef began as he tossed the siblings their marshmallows. "No onto the rest of you. First is Adrian."
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"Andromita."
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"Shawn."
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"And Nanette. Now you two are last and one of you gotta go." Chef said, Santiago and Edward were the last remaining with the former looking confident.
"And that person will not he me, Chef." Edward said as he stood up and revealed the McLean Invincibility Statue, causing the rest of the contestants to gasp in shock and horror.
"Well, Edward is also immune from all votes and everyone voted for him so their votes are canceled. Now Ed's vote is the only one that counts and he voted for Santiago so you're gone soldier." Chef announced.
"What?!" Nanette called out. "Why?! If you hate me so much jist get rid of me!"
"Get this through your thick skull. I want you to suffer when I beat you. I want to break you down. Santiago is a physical threat in this game and I needed him gone!"
"Oh I'll show you a physical threat!" Santiago said as he approached Edward.
"Kazuki, stop him." Edward ordered calmly. Kazuki looked upset but he stood up.
"Why are you listening to him?" Kenji asked in concern as his brother protected Edward.
"You wouldn't understand." Kaz replied, his brother give him a confused look.
"It's time to go kid." Chef said as he pulled Santiago away.
"Fine..." Santiago grumbled as he walked away, he wasn't looking at him but he could feel the smug grin on Edward's face.
In a swift motion, Santiago ran back towards Edward, pushing Kazuki out of the way and punching Edward square in the eye.
"That's what you get, jerk!" Santiago shouted as he hopped onto the Train of Loserdom. Nanette and the others cheered for Santiago and even Chef couldn't help but smirk.
"Alright, alright, that's enough action for tonight. Y'all can go to your rooms now." Chef said as he prepared to end the episode. "With Santiago leavin' we got seven kids left. What will Edward do now that he knows Kazuki tried to backstab him? Will Nanette ever get rid of Edward, or will he take her out first? Will we ever find out what's happening to this house? And is Chris coming back soon because I don't know how longer I can do this! Stay tuned to see if we can answer these questions next time on Total Drama Rosewood Manor!"
Some time later, Andi returned from her room from the bathroom. She had finally gotten the burning sensation out of her mouth and was about to head to sleep. As soon as she closed her eyes however she found herself in some sort of dark room. She saw a woman in front of her; she instantly recognized her as Angela.
"Oh, you're here!" Angela said to her. Andi found herself at a loss for words. "I apologize for our impromptu meeting but I need your help. We don't have much time. You and your friends are in danger and if we do not solve this issue quickly, your lives will end!"
"W-what?" Andi choked out.
"I will explain everything to you and your friends soon but for now there is one thing we need to do!"
While Angela was speaking to Andi, the foyer was completely empty except for one solid black figure with a white face. It was the spirit of Anthony, sitting by the organ playing a comber melody, looking down at the keys with a morose and lonely expression.
"We need to find my husband. Only then can we end this mess."
The sprit disappeared into the night.
Andi was about to ask Angela a question but the spirit left Andi alone, allowing the girl to dream normally, but not peacefully...
I hope this chapter was enjoyable to read. Thank you all for being so patient with me and this story. But your patience will be rewarded with the climax of the story soon approaching.