Chris McClean sat in a tall red chair. He wore a delicate blue robe and held a crystal chalice in his hands. Behind him appeared to be the library of some vast manor.

"Greetings, viewers," Chris said in a drawn out dramatic voice. "So glad that you could join us. Tonight will be a special night."

Chris stood up and paced along the shelves behind him.

"For tonight, our final 8 will receive an invitation to an event they're not going to miss," Chris continued, raising his hands. "In fact, this will be-"

Chris ended up accidentally knocking something behind him. Suddenly the library scene behind him collapsed, revealed to be nothing more than a cardboard backdrop. The Dock of Shame appeared uncovered now.

"Grrr, Chef!" Chris barked. "I told you to reinforce this thing!"

'How is everything always my fault, huh!?" Chef retorted off screen. "All you had to do was not touch anythin, you know how simple that is? Why you gotta be open swinging your arms around like that and makin' a mess of everything!?"

"It's dramatic flare!" Chris pouted. "The audiences love to see it."

"You look like a damn fool!" Chef huffed.

"Anyways, anyways," Chris sighed as he returned to face the camera. "Last time on Total Drama Resort, our three teams merged and got to be one big unhappy family here at the Resort. Nora and Kirby hit it off well, and I mean really, really well. Fabio attempted to befriend Corny, while Omber tried to get closer with Ander. Lex spent most of their day trying to get Natalia to fight back against the growing target against her, but Natalia felt that she'd only be holding Lex back and took the fall. Now eight remain and someone new needs to be sent packing. Who will find their tickets revoked? Find out right now on Total Drama Resort!"

Theme Song Plays

Confessional:

Fabio-So last night we had our first merge vote and Natalia left, yadda yadda, no one really even cares that much about it. The real talk of the town is all about Kirby and Nora suddenly being this season's power couple. And hey I'm not one for the tabloids, but it's hard not to take note when they're not exactly being shy about it. Now, this could all work out fine for all of us, but I gotta make sure my buddy isn't too gaga-googoo in the eyes to get snatched away from me.

Fabio exited the Seaside Suckers original home and stepped out onto the beach. Glancing out at the sea, he could spy Nora and Kirby, each on a pair of surfboards as they bobbed up and down along the waves.

"The key is balance," Kirby explained. "Just like sailing, you want to find that perfect groove that will carry you along safely."

"Sure, you can do it the safe and boring wait, Sultry Seagull!" Nora remarked, swerving from side to side on her board. "But I like to put a little FUN into my groove!"

Eventually the two wound up back at the shore. Fabio quickly shuffled on over to them.

"Ahoy, First Mate Fabio!" Kirby greeted. "The waters have been tested, and deemed to be well fitting. We can expect the sea to provide us bounty today!"

"Hey hey hey there, Lucky Lodestar!" Nora exclaimed to Fabio, pointing to him vivaciously. "How's it hangin'?'

"Oh it's hanging just fine," Fabio assured.

"Groovalicious!" Nora exclaimed while swaying her shoulders to the good news.

"Look, Kirb, do you think I could talk to you for a bit?" Fabio asked.

"But of course!" Kirby exclaimed, without moving.

"In. Private," Fabio said behind gritted teeth as he tried to keep his voice hidden from Nora.

"Is there anywhere truly private in this world?" Kirby mused. "As soon as our thoughts leave our minds, are they not carried through the air and eventually swept up by the sea?"

"Okay, well can we throw some thoughts into the sea…between just the two of us?" Fabio asked.

"As you wish," Kirby complied, while giving a quick gesture to Nora to wait for him.

The two entered the Seaside home once more.

"I think I know what this is about," Kirby began. "What's going on between myself and Nora…you're hoping to find something of the sort for yourself."

"What?" Fabio coughed.

"No need to fret, you're a charming young man, and that wit of yours more than makes up for your face," Kirby assured.

"Hey!" Fabio snapped.

"Just trust in the sea, and she will guide you to a fine lass with a heart burning with love to give," Kirby promised.

"The only fine lass I'm after is Lady Fortune!" Fabio remarked.

"Ah, so you have met someone?" Kirby exclaimed. "I must ask, are you sure she's not someone you met at one of those Exotic Dance Clubs? I wouldn't mean to be crass, but with a name like Lady Fortune-"

"I MEAN the prize money!" Fabio enforced with a hint of frustration. "Look, look, I'm happy that you and Nora are getting down and jiggy with it lately, but we can't lose sight of our main goal here. I just want to know that you're not going to let her get inside your head and let you drift astray."

"I told you before, you've earned my loyalty to the fullest," Kirby reminded Fabio. "There is no need to feel any sort of competition between yourself and Nora."

"Can we trust her not to try anything sneaky?" Fabio asked.

"No worries, Honey Bunch, that ain't my style," Nora said from the doorway.

"What the…are you eavesdropping on us!?" Fabio snapped.

Nora shrugged and remarked, "Don't blame me, Love Bug, I just move to the beat of my own song, and right now it had me dying to shimmy on over to where all this whispering was going on."

"Well, I don't know what you think you heard," Fabio began.

"It's cool, it's cool, we're all cool cats here, Tiger Toes," Nora assured calmly while raising her hands. "I get you, we're all stepping into a brand new dance floor, and you might be used to doing the Samba and I'm over here tangoing with your best friend. It might take a little time for us to all step in harmony, but when we do it's gonna be an oh so beautiful sight!"

"I cannot wait to reach such a day!" Kirby exclaimed.

Confessional:

Nora-Kirby and I? We are like mmm mmm mmm mmm mmm (hugs herself and shimmies) But Fabio and I? Well we're a little more like…hm? There ain't a lot of chemistry just poppin' off the pan between us yet, and I ain't gonna blame him for that…but the game is still afoot, so I'll be keeping an eye his way so that he doesn't throw me off balance.

Kirby-In an ideal world I would love to see my first mate and my lovely lass get along as one functioning crew. I suppose it is to be expected that Fabio may be a little hesitant to accept a new member, but I have faith that they shall both be dear friends soon!

Omber found Lex sitting atop a rooftop ridge. They had their sketchpad in hand and were occasionally glancing down at the bustling scene below before adding new ideas to their design.

"Ah there you are," Omber said as he pulled himself up to join them. "Hope you weren't up here to be alone, I'd hate to ruin that."

"No, no, I was planning on coming down soon anyways," Lex responded. "I should probably make sure people see me and know that I'm here, lest I wind up like Natalia."

"How are you feeling about all that?" Omber asked.

"I'm alright," Lex assured. "Natalia made her bed, I'm not going to pretend to know what's going on in her head or what made her do the things she did. Now I don't have to worry about it anymore. It's a little freeing."

"I agree," Omber said. "I think this may be what's best for the both of us. Now we can really move forward in this game without that added baggage."

"I hope so," Lex replied. "Truth be told, I'm not really sure what to make of the others just yet. It's all a bit overwhelming."

"I think we can manage it, if we stick together and play smart," Omber said. "Ander seems like another clever guy who might be worth trying to work over. I think if he feels like we can offer him any form of leverage, he'd be wise enough to seize it."

Lex nodded and added, "I've also noticed that Nora has gotten quite close with Kirby."

"I think the whole island has noticed that," Omber laughed.

"Hopefully that's a good sign too," Lex said.

"Hopefully," Omber agreed. "It might be something for us to be a little bit careful about too though."

"How do you mean?" Lex asked.

"Well, I'd like to believe the best," Omber said, "but I'd hate to see Nora pulled away from us by her new beau."

"I don't think Nora would do something like that," Lex remarked.

"I hope you're right," Omber said. "People can sometimes surprise you, especially when emotions are involved, and there's nothing more emotional than love."

Confessional:

Lex-Ever since Natalia warned me about Omber, that's all I've been able to think about. Every word he says to me just makes me feel like he's trying to pull my strings. I can't show any sign of that though, he's a keen guy and if he knows I've got doubts brewing, he'd probably cut me loose. I need him to believe that everything is just fine, while I assess my situation and figure out my options.

Omber-Taking out Natalia was key, now Lex has nowhere else to go and I can get back to making sure that they're fully in my corner. I need Lex to feel like I am the one they turn to before any other. Which shouldn't be too hard, given their current position, it's not like there's much room for them anywhere else.

Misty hid behind a potted tree as she observed Kirby and Nora walking hand in hand as they strolled along the street. She glowered as her eyes narrowed.

"What a sickeningly sad little sight," she grumbled to herself. "I'm sure this little fling can be flung apart in no time."

Misty deliberately walked backwards in the general direction of the two until she bumped right into Kirby.

"Oh, so sorry about that! Clumsy old me, I have got to watch where I'm going," Misty pealed.

"Sound advice," Kirby remarked as he helped Msity up. "For if your eyes are not focused on where you are going, you might find yourself well off course!"

"Heeey, I know you!" Misty exclaimed in the best childish squeal she could muster. "You're that super sexy sailor guy from the other team. Oops, I shouldn't say that outloud. Just pretend you didn't hear anything."

"Ain't no need to fret," Nora assured. "He is indeed THE one and only super sexy sailor guy on the cast."

"Ladies, please, there is no need for such flattery," Kirby urged.

"So I have to ask," Misty said while twirling her hair. "Are you two like…together, together?"

"I dunno what you're trying to put down, sayin' it like that," Nora remarked. "We are together."

"Brought together by the whims of the sea, and the winds," Kirby explained. "May it last for however long that fate deems."

"So like…a temporary thing then?" Misty asked,

"All things are temporary in the fluid flow of fate," Kirby explained.

"I see," Misty said with a nod. "You know, I just think it's so sweet, seeing the two of you. Makes me wish to find a handsome, charming man to sweep me off my feet, but oh…I guess I'm not desirable enough."

Misty threw her head back dramatically, though tried to make eye contact with Kirby as well to see if he would take the bait.

Instead, Nora spoke up, "Why that's just nonsense talk, and you ain't gonna find anythings if you keep talkin' yourself down like that. Girl, you are in FINE form, you just gotta work on holdin' that majestic head of yours up high so that your Prince Charmalot can see it!"

"Like this?" Misty cooed, while standing tall and gazing directly at Kirby.

"Perfecto, now go out there and find your man!" Nora urged as she directed Misty outwards.

Misty took a few steps away before pausing to reach into her pocket. She removed a water bottle that she kept exactly for such occasions. She began to weakly tug at the lid and make a clear sound of distress.

"Oh no, I can't get this off," she bemoaned. "I think I need a big strong man to help me out."

"Here I am!" Corny suddenly exclaimed from inside of a bush.

"Ah! What are you doing in there?" Misty asked.

"Harvesting for berries, what else!?" Corny exclaimed as he revealed a handful of red berries and swallowed them. "Those were definitely plastic, I think this may be an artificial tree."

"Are you going to be okay?" Misty asked.

"Should be for a few hours at least," Corny remarked. "Now let's take a look-see and what's givin' you trouble here!"

Corny snatched the water bottle from Misty and managed to pry the lid off.

"There ya go, no need to thank me!" Corny exclaimed as he handed the water bottle back. "See, the trick is to hold the neck while ya twist."

"I'll be sure to remember that," Misty said, still busy glancing back at Nora and Kirby. "Hm, can you believe these two?"

"Aw, it's cute ain't it?" Corny fawned.

"Let's be real, she's probably just trying to take advantage of him, and he's too stupid to notice," Misty remarked.

"Or maybe they've just formed a genuine bond and enjoy each other's company," Corny proposed. "Ain't nothin' wrong with that."

"Wow, did you pick that up from a Nice Guy subreddit?" Misty asked.

"I ain't owned a computer in all my life," Corny pointed out. "And if I did, I wouldn't be spendin' my time on Reddit, I'll tell ya that."

"Of course not," Misty said, the acid in her voice suddenly disappearing as she put back on her sweet persona. "Because you're a true romantic, guys like you who truly appreciate the little things are hard to come by."

"All I've ever had are little things, so…guess that makes sense," Corny replied with a shrug.

"Let's move along now," Misty said as she pulled herself in close to Corny and tried to make sure that the other two could see her with him.

Confessional:

Corny-The more time I spend with the lovely Miss Misty, the harder it is for me to think about anythin' else. But I gotta remember to keep up boundaries. A woman like that deserves to be treated right, and well I ain't got nothin' to my name to shower her in. All the more reason for me to win this contest!

Misty-Pleeeeease, I've seen this sort of thing all the time back at school. Dumb kids who want to pretend like they're in love, when really they just want to get something out of it, and then call it off in a month. You expect me to believe that these two have anything genuine going on in a reality TV show? It annoys me, and I want to put a stop to it.

Fabio walked the aisles of an expansive gift shop, carefully examining the rows of shirts with various Total Drama slogans stamped upon them.

"So this is where the big money making operation happens, eh? Should have known that Chris would have some treasure trap in here somewhere," Fabio remarked as he compared two shirts side by side,

The boy piled up a collection of garments that caught his fancy and brought them to the front counter. A diminutive young man wearing headphones hung his head behind the till.

"Excuse me, good sir!" Fabio greeted.

The teller did not seem to react.

"Hello, hello, anyone home!?" Fabio said louder, while repeatedly ringing a bell for service.

The teller groggily lifted his head up and automatically began ringing up the price without giving a word.

"Hold up there a minute, sonny," Fabio said. "I was hoping we could maybe reach a little arrangement. You see I actually happen to be a contestant on the current Total Drama, I know I know, a pretty big deal…"

The teller made no reaction whatsoever, he simply paused in motion, his gaze ever slightly fixing on Fabio.

"So here's what I'm thinking. You let me rent these swanky looks, people will get to see me working it, and think 'oh damn, he looks fly as hell, I've got to get some of those,'" Fabio pitched. "And then business goes up for you, profits rise, everybody wins!"

The teller blinked, very slowly. Then slumped his head down again.

"Hello? Hello!?" Fabio said, snapping his fingers in the guy's face. "Wow the service here is terrible!"

Fabio turned around and noticed Lex in the store as well, examining some sunhats.

"Hey do yourself a favor and walk on out of here," Fabio suggested. "This store apparently has no appreciation for good business!"

"Oh I wasn't planning on buying anything, just browsing, looking for a little inspiration," Lex explained.

"Good, good, waste their time and give them nothing!" Fabio said as he marched out.

"Wait," Lex called, following after Fabio. "Seeing as we're both here, maybe this could be a good chance to, you know…talk? We didn't get much of an opportunity to go into detail last time…"

"Oh right, right, I remember you," Fabio remarked. "Stockholm Syndrome!"

"Huh?" Lex murmured in confusion. "My uh…my name is Lex."

"Yeah yeah yeah okay sure," Fabio replied. "So what do you want to talk about?"

"Well just the game in general, I suppose," Lex suggested. "We've both survived the first round of the merge, how are you feeling about everything?"

"I am feeling fantastic! Terrific even! Stupendous you might say!" Fabio cheered. "I am cruising on through on that wave of dollar bills to a fortune that's waiting for me! What about you?"

"Oh uh yeah…pretty much the same," Lex replied.

"Well I doubt it's exactly the same," Fabio remarked. "I mean, to be clear, I am riding on a magnificent high. I doubt someone like you really has the soul to handle that feeling. I mean no offense, you seem like the kind of person who gets more of a high from green tea and Jane Austen novels, which is fine for you/"

"That's specific," Lex noted. "Not wrong though."

"Glad that we're both living up our best life then," Fabio said. "Absolutely no cares in the world!"

"Right…exactly," Lex sighed slightly.

Confessional:

Lex-I need to get a feel for people, see who might be open to working a little bit closer with me. The problem is that I can't risk showing too much of myself just yet, because I don't know where everyone stands. I am hoping to find someone willing to open up to me before I can do the same.

Fabio-Look, Lex was the other name on the table last round, so don't think that I don't see what they're trying to do here. I'm not gonna show any signs of weakness, or anything they can use to try to climb all over me though. I can't be expected to climb up this ladder to riches if I stop to help up every needy beggar along the way.

Omber found Ander simply leaning against a wall against a small playground.

"Enjoying the scenery?" Omber asked.

"Just waiting," Ander remarked.

"For what?" Omber asked.

"For you," Ander replied. "Or will, anyone. I figured if I made myself visible, someone would want find one reason or another to talk to me. This seemed like the method with the least amount of effort on my part."

"Very efficient of you," Omber said, "but in all seriousness, I'm glad for us to get the chance to talk."

"Oh I'm always serious," Ander assured.

"I think we can tear down pretenses between us," Omber said. "I know you've got my number."

"Your number?" Ander echoed.

"Always keeping your cards close," Omber noted. "But no need to pretend. You know how I am, I like to read people and work their expectations to my favor. You see that, I respect that you see that, and honestly I'd much rather have someone like that close by my side."

"Well i certainly cannot fault for you that," Ander replied.

"In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the two of us might really need each other watching our backs," Omber continued.

"How so?" Ander asked.

"How secure can you really feel in the long run?" Omber asked with a shrug. "I mean, I like my team, I'd hope to have faith they won't turn on me, but I can't exactly be sure of that. Nora is already flirting with someone new, there's no telling where that will go…"

"Mm," Ander said with a nod.

"And how about you?" Omber asked. "You think someone like Misty will have your back forever?"

"I don't think Misty has anyone's back forever, and honestly I doubt she has mine currently," Ander remarked. "She fancies herself something of a sly vixen, and I'm sure she's already made mental plans for how to cut each of us. Of course, the other side of that is that her own confidence has her convinced that she's the one in control, and so long as she believes that, I don't see her doing much to change the status quo."

"Then it sounds like we can handle her," Omber agreed.

"How about the other one from your team?" Ander asked. "Lex? They seemed somewhat…lost the other day."

"Lex has a big heart," Omber remarked. "Just try to be their friend and I'm sure you won't have many problems with them."

"I see," Ander said with a nod. "Though I'm not exactly the warm and friendly type."

Ander was suddenly ambushed by a tight embracing hug from Corny.

"Don't be silly, 'course you are!" Corny exclaimed. "Don't pay no mind to this guy, deep down he's just a fuzzy ol' teddy bear!"

"I can assure you, I am not," Ander sighed, trying to break free of Corny's grasp without hurting the other boy.

"Well, well, well, hello to all my favorite men all in the same spot," Misty purred as she slinked in between Omber and Ander. "What has been going on in here?"

"Just talking," Ander stated.

"Ooh, I absolutely love the sound of that," Misty giggled.

"I don't know what there is to love about it, but okay," Ander remarked.

"You know I actually wanted to say something," Misty remarked, trying to do her best kitten face towards Omber. "I could just be acting like a silly widdle antsy Annie here, but well, I just can't help but be a little bit worried when I see Kirby and Nora holding hands and spending all this time together."

"They have become quite inseparable in quite a short amount of time," Omber noted.

"I know, I knoooow," Misty sighed dramatically. "Am I being a little too quirky and crazy? It's just got me a little itsy bitsy bit worried about them being so close, and well, where does that leave me? Where does that leave me?"

"It's not crazy to worry about that," Omber assured. "And it may be something we'll have to deal with soon."

Confessional:

Omber-I need to stay too steps ahead of the game here. I recognize that Ander is bound to be a cutthroat sort of player, he's someone who came here to win. If he's going to make a move, I want it to be with me, not against me.

Misty-My tactics never fail me! Boys just simply cannot resist my adowable widdle wiles, and in no time at all I'll have the troops in motion to stomp out this pitiful little love story taking root.

After breaking off from the group, Ander and Corny now walked together. Ander spotted Lex, a short distance away, across the road, outside of a strip of stores.

"Ah, there is the one that Omber mentioned," Ander noted. "He said it would be best to try to be their…friend."

"You got this, bud!" Corny encouraged.

"I am not sure that I do," Ander admitted. "I am not sure that I do at all."

"Aw come on, don't overthink it!" Corny exclaimed. "You're a great guy who anyone would be happy to befriend. Just head on over there and give them a smile!"

Ander's face twitched somewhat.

"No bud, a smile," Corny corrected.

Ander gave a pensive glance.

"Not quite," Corny said.

Ander gaze a quizzical stare.

"Put a little more joy into it," Corny suggested.

Ander gave a look as though he were about to sneeze.

"Just…keep it natural," Corny remarked.

"I feel there is some paradox to that idea," Ander remarked. "How can it be natural if it takes this much effort to maintain?"

"Bro, I ain't the boss of how it works, but that's just the way it goes," Corny said with a shrug.

"Um, hello?" Lex said awkwardly as they approached the two boys.

"Ah! Hello there!" Corny greeted. "Have you met my friend, Ander!? Truly one of the friendliest guys you'll ever hope to meet!"

"Hello," Ander greeted.

"We've crossed paths, yes," Lex answered. "What are you two up to today?"

"Up to? That makes it sound like we're hatchin' some sort of scheme," Corny laughed somewhat awkwardly.

"I think what he's trying to say-" Ander tried to pick up.

"We're not up to anythin'! Just two guys, livin' the moment, seizin' the day, y'know?" Corny exclaimed. "No schemes or nothin'! This guy, Ander, he just lives for the moment! You spend a moment with him and you'll be like oh wow…that was a moment!"

Ander sighed and rubbed his forehead slightly.

"Your friend certainly has high praise for you," Lex noted.

"You'll have to forgive him, he has some delusions of greatness…by proxy of me, apparently," Ander remarked.

"Hey hey, whoa whoa, no delusions, only greatness!" Corny exclaimed.

"I'll handle it from here, thank you," Ander said while covering Corny's mouth. "Anyways, I don't pretend to be any expert on the matter, but I know last we spoke you seemed to be having some…difficulty with that your acquaintance. Were you able to reach some sort of resolution?"

"I think that we were," Lex replied. "I guess I won't know until I can talk to her again, but it was…certainly cathartic."

"Mm, that's good," Ander remarked. "Sometimes the only real progress can be made when we let ourselves be real. And not some imaginary idea…"

Ander gave a glance to Corny as he said this part. Corny just gave a confused shrug.

"Well. I'll be doing my best to make some progress on my own now," Lex assured.

"But if you're lookin' for a friend to do it with…this guy right here!" Corny exclaimed as he presented Ander. "Just not his best friend though, cause he's already got one of those and you're lookin' at'em!"

"Perhaps it may be best to carry on this conversation…some other time," Ander sighed.

Confessional:

Ander-From what Omber says, Lex is more of an emotional player than a logical one, and that is a touch worrying for me. We have not formed much of a personal connection so far, and while I can offer logical reasons to work together, it may not be enough.

Lex-Ander and Corny are a bit of an…odd duo, but that's not a problem for me. The important thing is that we're getting things off the ground, maybe one step at a time, but it's something for now.

(Later)

It was much later in the evening when the Final 8 were each bestowed sealed envelopes.

"Here ya go, here ya go, here ya go!" Chef barked as he strolled around with a mail pouch, handing out the letters without much vigor.

The contestants peeled them open.

"You are hereby cordially invited to a banquet held at the manor at the edge of town," Lex read aloud.

"Hot damn, a banquet!" Fabio cheered. "Finally Chris is treating us with some class!"

"I wouldn't get your hopes up," Omber remarked. "This is Chris we're talking about, he probably has something nasty in store for us."

"Why you have to be raining all over my parade, huh!?" Fabio demanded. "Maybe, just maybe, they've actually decided to reward us for all that we've been through with a nice dinner."

"There's optimism, and then there's delusion…" Omber retorted.

"Well, I'm just pleased to be invited, to tell the truth," Corny remarked. "I ain't never received no cordial invitation to nothin' before. I have been cordially asked to leave plenty of times though."

"Might as well boogie on down there and see what this hullabaloo is all about," Nora remarked.

The group of eight made their way to the looming manor at the edge of the town. They curiously approached the broad doors, which swung open for them.

"Welcome to an unforgettable evening," Chef said boredly as he opened the doors. "Come on in, yadda yadda yadda, HEY! Wipe your damn feet! You know how long it takes to get the stains out of this carpet!?"

The broad hall was lined with grim portraits and flickering torches.

"This feels like a glimpse into my future," Fabio exclaimed. "I want my home to be as majestic as this."

"You'd think in the future you would have electricity," Omber remarked as he glanced at the fires lighting the room.

"Bah, repurposing the most primitive elements for your pleasure IS the way of high culture," Fabio declared.

"Feel like you're just making this up as you go," Omber said.

Entering a new chamber, the group came upon Chris McClean sitting in a broad chair.

"Welcome, welcome to my humble abode, so glad that you could join me!" Chris exclaimed.

"Ain't like we had a whole helluva choice," Nora said with a shrug.

"Tonight you can forget all your worries," Chris promised. "You'll find a succulent dinner prepared just for you in the other room."

"Ooooh, don't mind if I do!" Corny exclaimed as he scurried through the door with wide eyes.

"No time like the present, eh?" Chris remarked.

"Well Chris, I think a few of us are thinking the same thing," Ander brought up. "And that is, what's the catch?"

"Catch? Who says that there has to be a catch!?" Chris exclaimed with a devilish chuckle.

The cast glanced at each other uncertainly.

"Can't I just do something nice for my beloved cast?" Chris asked.

"Okay I wasn't sure at first, but now I know somethin' ain't right," Nora said in response.

The murmuring was interrupted by the sound of something shattering in the other room.

"Oh dear, what could that be?" Chris said evilly.

The group rushed over to see a plate of small cakes had been knocked to the ground and shattered. Corny was clutching at his neck, flailing frantically as his face turned purple.

"Corny!" Ander gasped before running towards him

Corny plummeted to the ground with a thud. Several contestants gasped.

"My oh my," Chris cackled. "Looks like my innocent little banquet has turned into…the scene of a murder!"

Chris paused, then glanced at the wall behind him.

"I said, Chef," Chris spoke up. "The scene of a murder!"

An ominous chord from an organ filled the room.

Confessional:

Lex-Well, we always said Chris has been trying to kill us…I guess he's taking that to literal new levels.

Fabio-Taking the first bite (shakes heads) such a poor person move. When you've got money, you know that there's always rich relatives waiting for you to bump off to get their inheritance, that's why you never dine first!

Chris had returned to his seat, though it now spun around to face the other side of the room, and seven doors along the wall.

"That's right, dear viewers, just moments ago, Corny fell victim to a sinister act of poisoning!" Chris exclaimed. "Who could it have been who prematurely ended his life? That sounds like a mystery to me! Our cast will have to put together the pieces to solve this case, and they'll be doing it…in costume, and in character!"

Omber exited the first door, now wearing a brown trench coat and tweed beret.

"Inspector Bruin!" Chris announced.

"I intend to get to the bottom of this mystery," Omber remarked.

"The glamorous," Chris continued, "Mrs. Peacock!"

Misty entered, wearing a sleeveless deep blue dress, with eggshell gloves that went nearly up to her elbows. A fur coat was draped loosely over her shoulders, and a speckled veil hung over her eyes.

"Gentlemen," she said flirtatiously while giving a wave.

"The stout and stern," Chris moved along, "Mr. Green!"

Ander came into the room, wearing a jade green business suit with a matching tie over a white dress shirt. He tugged at his collar uncomfortably.

"Couldn't you have gotten this in a bigger size?" he asked. "I feel like I'm choking."

"Yes, yes, we're all choking back tears at the death of our dear friend…Mr. Boddy," Chris dismissed, "but up next we have…always ready for action, Colonel Mustard!"

Kirby arrived in a yellow button up jacket with a rimmed safari hat over his head.

"I'd prefer Captain, but I suppose Colonel shall do," Kirby declared, adjusting his hat.

"The life of the party," Chris announced, "the one and only…Miss Scarlet!"

Nora emerged in a deep red lace dress that clung to her figure, along with a pair of high heeled stilettos.

"It's time to get freaky and funky on this mystery!" Nora exclaimed.

""Diligent, intellectual, and just a little off their rocker," Chris said, "Professor Plum!"

Lex emerged with a purple long sleeved jacket that was messily thrown over a white top, complete with a crooked purple bowtie around their neck. They wore a large pair of rectangular glasses and held a wooden pipe in their hands.

"Charmed, I'm sure," said Lex as they brought the pipe to their mouth and then coughed. "You didn't tell me this thing was real!"

"And last but not least, here to clean up all your messes," Chris concluded, "It's M-"

"Prince Azure!" Fabio announced as he barged out of the door proudly.

Fabio wore a royal blue gown with gold shoulder pads and an intricate gold design along the hems. In his hand he held a wooden can, topped with a jewel crown.

"What!?" Chris said angrily. "You're supposed to be Mrs. White, the maid! I had this all planned out perfectly and you're ruining it!"

"You wanted to force a POC to be the servant? Very problematic of you, Chris, very problematic," Fabio chided.

"It's all just part of the tradition," Omber remarked. "There's no Lord Azure in Cluedo."

"That's PRINCE Azure, you peasant!" Fabio scoffed. "And I am not going to be lectured on what does and does not constitute a board game character from Detective Know-Nothing. I certainly don't recall seeing you in my childhood set."

"Of course there has to be a Cluedo Detective, that's the whole premise of the game," Omber pointed out.

"Well actually," Lex spoke up. "There IS a Prince Azure in the Cluedo Expanded Universe."

"Boom! Presto! Owned!" Fabio exclaimed while pointing triumphantly to Lex.

"There is no Cluedo Expanded Universe," Chris scoffed. "What is this, some comic book movie franchise?"

"Things are getting heated in the Cluedo fandom," Kirby whispered to Nora.

"Alright, alright, enough! Silence!" Chris ordered. "Fine, Fabio can ruin the illusion and live his fantasy as a rich prince. The important thing is that…someone here is a murderer! The seven of you are going to need to search the premises for clues to figure out who the culprit is. Oh…and don't let them murder you first!"

"As if anyone could lay a hand on this sweet face," Misty cooed innocently.

"I don't know about your face, but I am sure plenty of hands have been laid on that body," Ander remarked.

"Well, I'll leave you crazy kids to it," Chris said as he stood up. "Catch this killer!"

Chris exited and closed the door behind him. The group of seven awkward remained in place and just glanced around at one another.

Confessional:

Omber-It's time to put my skills to the test. I've always been fascinated with crime and what might push someone over the edge, so I just need to keep in mind what I've studied and apply it to this situation. The guilty party will not be able to hide for long!

Misty-I could try to solve this mystery, but that sounds kind of hard. I might be easier to just help everyone else here speed along to their deaths, leaving me open for the victory. Work smart not hard!

"Alright," Omber said as he stepped forward, "I know Chris mentioned looking for clues, but I have a feeling that with my deductive reasoning I'll be able to suss out the culprit purely on guilty looks. One of you six is hiding a secret, but who…"

Omber paced around the other six.

"Now hold your hip hoppin' horses a minute there, Rodeo Romeo!" Nora exclaimed. "Six? Way I see it, we've got seven suspects here. No one ever said you was exempt!"

"Yeah, that's right!" Fabio added. "Trying to cast the blame off your shoulders before we even begin, eh!?"

"Oh please, the Inspector can't be the culprit," Omber scoffed. "That makes no sense."

"But…it would be a good twist," Kirby remarked with a nod. "No one would see it coming."

"He has a point," Lex added.

"Fine, fine," Omber sighed. "I'll stand on this side of the room and examine you all for signs of guilt, and you can all watch me and decide if you think I'm guilty."

"I think you're guilty," Fabio declared.

"On what grounds?" Omber demanded.

"I dunno, I just think you're sketchy," Fabio retorted.

"That'll never hold up in a court of law," Omber shot back.

"Oh I'm so sorry, Mr. pedantic expert on the rules of the game, please tell me all about how the court of law comes into play in Cluedo," Fabio mocked.

"Guys, let's just…put our egos aside and try to get through this," Lex suggested. "We'll never get anywhere if we keep on bickering."

"Which…is exactly what a killer would want!" Kirby exclaimed, eying Fabio.

"Whoa, whoa, Kirb, what gives!? I thought you were on my side," Fabio exclaimed defensively.

"I am on no side but that of truth and justice," Kirby said solemnly. "Back when I survived the savage wilds deep in the heart of Africa, I learned that every part of the world would leave me for dead if I was not prepared to treat each step with the utmost scrutiny."

"Is he talking as Kirby…or Colonel Mustard?" Lex asked.

"You know, I have a feeling the line between the two is shockingly thin," Ander whispered back.

"Well, genius detective, are you picking up any scandalous tells from anyone here?" Misty asked.

"I uh…I can't say that I can settle on anything conclusive," Omber admitted.

"Surprise, surprise, we may need to dig for evidence after all," Ander remarked. "Imagine that."

"Well, it seems like the first step would be…to examine the body," Lex proposed.

"Tina Tuna, that is some morbid business," Nora remarked. "But you may be right."

The group all moved together into the dining room, only to find that Corny's body was no longer there.

"Well this is an unfortunate turn," Omber sighed.

"Someone moved the body?" Ander remarked.

"Scandal!" Misty exclaimed.

"Okay, okay, let's all just approach this very carefully," Lex suggested. "If we all stick together, then whoever the killer is can't murder anyone else without revealing themselves."

"Oh you'd like that wouldn't you?" Fabio remarked. "Impede the investigation and run out the clock? Need I remind you that we're still in a challenge? A race!"

"There is some truth to that Mambo," Nora agreed. "We ain't gonna dig up many clues if we're all busy tryin' to keep an eye on each other."

"It is important to remember that we're in the habitat of the beast now," Kirby added. "We're playing by the rules of the predator, and not the other way around."

"He's getting way too into this," Lex remarked to Ander once more.

"But you'll keep me safe with your big trusty rifle, right?" Misty said as she tossed her arms over Kirby's shoulders.

"In the unforgiving realm of the savannah," Kirby said as he pulled Misty's arms off of him, "it's survival of the fittest."

"I'm just playing to my evolutionary traits," Misty remarked. "My ability to be utterly irresistible,"

"Your temptations won't deter my will to survive!" Kirby replied.

Confessional:

Nora-Just when I thought that smokeshow couldn't get any hotter he goes all Call of The Wild out here and, hobs and knobs of the audience, I must say I am lovin' it!

Ander-We're all keeping our eyes peeled for some sort of clue to turn up, but I am starting to think that we may very well just need to wait for this killer to strike again…and hope that we're not the next unlucky body.

After some discussion, the group had decided to split up to explore the manor in small teams. Fabio, Omber, and Ander found themselves in a vast library. A crimson rug led them into the wide room, lined with towering shelves of tomes.

"Now this is where we wanna be!" Fabio exclaimed loudly.

"Hm, I suppose it stands to reason that if one is looking for information, the books would be the first place to check," Ander agreed.

"Huh!? I don't care about the books, I'm talking about discovering a secret passage!" Fabio said. "Come on, there's always a sliding door behind a dusty bookshelf in these sorts of things, just waiting for us to uncover it!"

"Very well then, we can search for that as well," Ander agreed.

The three spread out among the library and began to examine the contents. Ander carefully checked the titles of each book to look for anything striking. Fabio simply gave the books a tug, and when no sliding passages were revealed, moved on to the next. Omber feigned glancing over some books, but his eyes kept darting towards Ander, keeping a keen watch on him. In one instance of glancing back though, he realized Ander was gone from sight. He tensed slightly. He backed up, and found himself bumping into another body.

"You seem to be watching me closely," Ander said. "Waiting for the chance to plunge a knife into my back, I presume?"

"What!? No!" Omber denied. "I am just trying to make sure YOU don't get the drop on me!"

Omber pulled away. The two boys both stayed locked in gaze with one another.

"We're never going to get anything done at this rate," Omber pointed out.

"What the hell!?" the two suddenly heard Fabio call out.

"You find something suspicious?" Ander asked.

The two boys moved over to the row where Fabio was searching.

"I dunno about suspicious, but definitely bizarre!" Fabio exclaimed. "Chris stacked this entire shelf with copies of his autobiography! Talk about a narcissist!"

Omber and Ander gave unimpressed looks towards Fabio. The group spread out again. The deeper into the library that they delved, the more it began to feel like a maze. Rows and rows of shelves that crossed paths. Omber realized that he had lost track of Ander or Fabio. He slowed his steps somewhat, kept his eyes scanning from side to side. Something caught his eye. He realized that between two shelves was a narrow staircase. Omber glanced behind him then began to climb up the steps. He found himself on a second level of the library, also lined with books. A railing circled the middle of this level, overlooking the lower section.

"Surely there's something waiting for me up here," Omber mused to himself quietly.

He began to peruse the shelves again, though he found that there were less sources of light in this area and he was having to get closer to properly study his surroundings. Omber's ears perked up as he heard the sound of something creaking behind him. He slowed his movements and clung close to the side of the shelf. He breathed in and out very meticulously. Ever so cautiously he tried to tilt his gaze. He could not see anyone behind him. He paused to see if he could catch sight of any movement. Nothing caught his eye though.

"Ander?" he whispered slightly, but found the words barely leaving his lips.

Omber kept moving, one step after another. He paused frequently just to stop and listen. He froze in place as he thought he spotted a silhouette sliding out of view. He backed up slightly, deciding it might be best to return to the staircase. He tried his best to retrace his steps, sliding back slowly and constantly vigilant of his surroundings. He heard another creak, coming closer this time. He realized that someone was on the other side of the shelf, yet he couldn't see them. He increased his pace

Back on the lower floor, Fabio and Ander encountered each other in the middle of the room.

"You find anything?" Fabio asked.

"Nothing of importance," Ander said. "I would ask you the same, but I do not see why you wouldn't just lie."

"Wow, you could at least pretend to respect my moral standing," Fabio scoffed. "Hey what happened to the other guy?"

The two heard a low thud.

"That can't be good," Fabio remarked.

Ander and Fabio both moved gradually towards the source of the sound. Fabio had his arms outstretched.

"What are you doing?" Ander asked.

"I dunno, it's basic animal instinct! Make yourself look big and menacing!" Fabio retorted.

"There is nothing menacing about you right now," Ander said.

"Uh buddy," Fabio suddenly said grimly, his body going cold, "Don't look now but I think we're going to need to get out of here."

Ander glanced up to see Omber's body hanging from the railing with a noose wrapped around his neck.

Confessional:

Ander-Hm, too bad, there goes my main suspect.

Fabio-Man, I checked hundreds of books and not a single one revealed a secret passage. Where is your sense of flair, Chris!? This is classic murder mystery 101.

Misty and Nora had found themselves inside of a kitchen.

"Ooh now isn't this just cozy," Misty remarked. "If only we could just stay here and let those big men take care of the killer."

"These dancin' feet weren't meant for waitin'!" Nora said, already opening up cupboards and drawers.

"What are you looking for?" Misty asked.

"To tell the truth, I ain't too sure," Nora answered. "But this is McClean we're dealin' with, we can bet it won't be nothin' subtle! Probably a big box marked 'Evidence!'"

"Hm…well I don't see anything like that in here," Misty noted.

"Then get to searchin'!" Nora said, prying up the bottom of the sink.

Misty casually just slid against the counter. She shot a slightly ominous glance to Nora who was busy on the floor trying to see if any of the tiles would shake loose. Misty's hand fell to a block of knives and she daintily pulled out one of the kitchen blades. She ran her fingers along the handle and turned her gaze back to Nora. She then immediately hid the blade behind her back and shot Nora a sweet smile when the girl stood back up.

"Nothin' so far!" Nora sighed.

"Ooh, what about in there?" Misty asked as she pointed to a small door hidden in the corner.

"Now that could be somethin', it really could," Nora said while nodding her head.

Nora opened the door to find a small pantry packed with bagged and canned ingredients,

"Hm, might need a closer look," Nora said.

:"Take all the time you need," Misty replied evilly.

As Nora leaned in, Misty suddenly shoved her from behind and slammed the door shut.

"What gives!?" Nora snapped.

Misty pressed a chair against the door's handle.

"Oh so sorry," Misty cooed with faux innocence. "But I think this just works a little better for me. I'm sure our dark and mysterious killer will appreciate me leaving you gift wrapped for him. I am such a sucker for a bad boy, what can I say?"

Nora pounded on the door with both her fists.

"I am warnin' ya, girlie, the second I get out of here you are gonna regret this!" Nora called. "These feet may have been made for dancin', but these hands were made for violence!"

Nora found the door not budging despite her efforts though. She slid down to the floor in defeat. Facing away from the door, she turned her gaze to the unevenly stacked shelves of supplies and food. She noticed a flash of color in the otherwise dull and dusty pantry. She realized it was coming from a red sash hanging over the top of the shelf. She gave it a pull and something came plummeting down from the top. Nora peered over to see a bright yellow box marked 'Evidence.'

"Hallelujah, I knew that Chris's predictable style would come through for me!" Nora exclaimed, eagerly opening the box.

Inside she found several sheets of paper clipped together. Flipping through she realized that it was a recipe for the miniature cakes.

"Huh? Now what am I supposed to do with this?" Nora remarked.

The dancer moved back to the door.

"Hey Miss Misty, I think you are gonna want to see this!" Nora called. "This might be the clue we're lookin' for. Ain't gonna do you any good if you just leave it locked in here with me, right?"

Nora received silence.

"I was just jokin' bout gettin' you all tussled up," Nora promised. "We can still work together, come on, be a gal pal."

Still silence.

"Did you really leave me here?" Nora scoffed. "Oooh you better not have!"

Nora backed up and charged at the door with her shoulder forward. With a firm impact she was able to break through and tumble to the tile floor.

"Ta-da!" she announced as she leapt back up, the papers in hand.

The girl looked around and saw that she was alone now.

"Ooh Misty, this is your loss," Nora sighed.

However, before Nora left the kitchen, something caught her eye. Something had been put inside of the oven. Nora pulled the door open, only to find Misty's body crammed inside of it.

"Oh Lord, Or Jeez, Or God, Oh no thank you PLEASE!" Nora exclaimed as she fled from the scene.

Confessional:

Misty-(pouts) I had the perfect plan to take my sultry competition out of the picture once and for all, and then that stupid killer had to end my life instead! No taste whatsoever!

Nora-(examining papers) Hm, no denyin' it, these are meant to be important, and I'm sure they make for a delicious treat, but the question is…what exactly am I meant to be lookin' for here!? I might need some help to figure this out.

Kirby and Lex found themselves entering a solarium, absolutely filled with plants. The ceiling was nothing but a dome of glass windows, normally meant for letting in sun but now only showed the pitch darkness of the night. The rest of the room was like a wild lush jungle, gigantic leaves sprung from the ancient pots, reaching far beyond their modest containers.

"Ah, so the wild continues to grow, even here within these sturdy walls," Kirby remarked. "Keep your wits about, who knows what lurks behind the natural covers offered by the overgrowth!"

""This feels like a good place to look for clues though," Lex remarked. "I'm sure there's also sorts of poisons that could have been grown in here."

"Mmm, indeed when the claws and fangs of nature's warriors may let you pass, the cruel earth may still claim your life with her cowardly methods," Kirby said solemnly.

"Right…" Lex said, pretending to take a puff from the pipe, but making sure to not bring it to their lips this time.

Lex bent over and examined the different plants all around them. They paced further into the room, taking careful note of all the different flowers, leaves, and stems that they passed along the way. Kirby meanwhile eyed the lush shrubbery with a defensive glare, as if he expected a sudden attack to spring from it at any moment. Kirby made a few sharp movements, shoving draping leaves aside, or poking his head through potted shrubs, but always coming up with nothing. He suddenly heard Lex yelp in fright.

"What is it, good professor!?" Kirby exclaimed, hopping over pots to return to their companion.

Lex was shaking somewhat, and seemed properly spooked. They pointed to the glass wall before them.

"Someone was out there," Lex said. "I…I didn't get a good look at them, but there was someone right up against the glass, watching us."

Kirby pressed his face against the glass and looked out at the dark scene outside of the manor.

"No one is there," Kirby assured. "Perhaps a trick of the mind."

"Maybe," Lex said, though they did not sound convinced. "But let's be careful…"

"Wait…wait…" Kirby said, while dragging his face along the glass further, continuing to examine their surroundings.

Lex also turned around to look back the way they had come. They gradually made their way back to the middle of the room, putting distance between them and the window. However, Lex realized that they had lost sight of Kirby.

"Oh no," Lex murmured.

Lex was about to call out, when something else caught their eye. Across the room, they could see a silhouette moving along the glass. Lex went cold. They ducked down to their knees and crawled along the floor. They took cover under the ferns and held close to the terra cotta pot. Lex heard steps approaching. They prayed for them to depart, but the sound grew louder and closer with each step. Lex decided that they couldn't hope to stay safe just hiding. Their eyes darted around desperately. They spotted a bronze watering can and frantically reached out to grab it. The other person was now dangerously close.

"BACK OFF!" Lex shouted as they swung the watering can.

"Hold! Hold!" Kirby ordered frantically.

Lex stopped their attack just moments away from smacking Kirby in the face.

"Oh," Lex said between heavy gasps.

"I think it may be time for us to exit this maddening garden, before we no longer can," Kirby said.

Confessional:

Lex-I knew that splitting up was a bad idea (sighs). People said we wouldn't be able to get any investigating done if we were all stuck together, but we're hardly getting anything done here anyways. I'm too paranoid that the killer is going to stab me in the back at any moment.

Kirby-And so the hunt continues. The lion continues to circle its terrain, unaware that I, the apex predator, am merely learning its movements so that I may finish the job with one swift blow!

Fabio and Ander had fled from the library and scampered down the halls. Fabio paused to catch his breath and lean against the wall. Ander stopped as well.

"So this killer really means business, huh?" Fabio remarked between his breaths.

"It would appear that way, yes," Ander said. "We ought to stick close from now on. They very well could be waiting to get a drop on us."

"Hold up, hold up!" Fabio exclaimed as he backed up away from Ander. "How do I know you're not the killer, just wanting to get me alone!?"

"Because I was with you the whole time?" Ander pointed out.

"Oh no!" Fabio protested. "There was plenty of time for you to take care of Omber and leave him ready to drop for me to find. I'm onto you!"

"So you'd rather walk alone and leave yourself easy pickings for the actual killer?" Ander asked dryly.

"That's exactly what I want!" Fabio boasted.

Fabio presented the two directions that the hall extended.

"You got that way, and I'll go this way," Fabio declared.

"If that is what you wish," Ander sighed.

Fabio marched in his chosen direction. He occasionally glanced back to make sure that Ander wasn't following him. Ander just sighed and shook his head. Fabio carried along down the stretching hallway. He approached a wing with hollow suits of armor lining the walls.

'Ah, hello gentlemen!" Fabio greeted. "Keep up the good work!"

The boy laughed at his joke that wasn't even that funny. He then paused as he thought he heard a sound. He tilted his head back, though he didn't see anyone behind.

"Okay Fabio, nice and quiet," he assured himself. "Don't make a sound."

Fabio took one step, tripped and collided right with a suit of armor, giving off a billowing crash.

"Come on, man!" Fabio chided himself.

Fabio pulled himself up by grabbing the suit's arm. However as he did, he heard a click. The next second, a panel of the wall slid aside revealing a dark passage.

"Secret hidden room! I knew you wouldn't let me down, McClean!" Fabio cheered.

Fabio peered into the dark passage and then stepped in. A cold draft blew over him as he entered. This area seemed to be made of ancient concrete that had become cracked and uneven. Fabio suddenly found the solid ground in front of him disappear, but managed to pull his foot back. Focusing his eyes, he realized that the path was now made up of separated platforms, supported by pillars that emerged from the darkness. Beneath it all was just an abyss, a drop that Fabio could not see the bottom of.

"Okay, okay, so you're going to make me get my cardio in," Fabio murmured. "Very cruel of you, Chris, but if you think that's what will keep me from making my big score, you don't know who you're dealing with!"

Fabio backed up then jumped to the nearest platform, landing smoothly on his feet.

"Huzzah!" Fabio cheered.

Suddenly, the panel in which he had entered shut again. The light was far more scarce now. What's more, Fabio thought he could make out the sound of someone else walking over the cracked concrete.

"Ander?" Fabio called. "I told you not to follow me."

Fabio could just barely make out a figure moving in the shadows.

"Okay, okay, I can do this," Fabio said as he tried to remember where the next nearest platform was.

With the impending arrival of the ominous intruder, Fabio it harder to focus. He took a panicked guess and managed to just barely make it to the edge of another platform.

"Can't stop…can't stop me!" Fabio struggled to boast as he pulled himself up.

Fabio looked back and could see the figure closer now, on the other platform. They did not seem to be bothered by the darkness.

"Okay, next one, next one," Fabio said as he moved to the other side of the platform.

With a sudden shake, his pursuer arrived just behind him. Fabio glanced back, now he could see some of his features. The killer wore a deflated old top hat and tattered petticoat. Their face was a ghastly white, disfigured into a grotesque shape.

"Look man," Fabio said as he pointed his cane at the killer nervously. "I am a Prince so if you kill me it's not just murder on your plate, it's regicide! Huh, think about that!"

The killer did not seem deterred. Fabio had no choice but to turn around and leap blindly.

"Come on, come on, come on!" he prayed as he swung his legs through the air.

But they found no ground, and he sank farther into the abyss. The killer backed up and disappeared the way they had come. Shortly after, the panel slid open once more. Ander entered the passage.

"Fabio!" he called. "I heard some commotion, I know you said not to follow but I thought you might need help."

Ander entered the hidden passage. He made it across the dimly lit platforms, though all he found of Fabio was his cane, dropped on one of the platforms.

"Hm…not good," Ander sighed. "I warned that poor fool."

At the other end, though, Ander found a single yellow box waiting for him, marked with 'Evidence.'

"Though apparently he did get something right," Ander said as he opened up the box and pulled out a folded blue sheet, revealing a plan of the building's structure.

Confessional:

Fabio-This killer is lucky I'm not a real prince because you can bet that I'd have a royal brigade of lawyers ready to tear the country apart for this international incident!

Ander-(studying blueprint) Hm…this house is certainly very big, but what secrets are you hiding for us?

Lex and Kirby found themselves making their way back to the room where they had started.

"The battle wages on," Kirby remarked.

"We still have nothing to show for it," Lex sighed. "I feel like we haven't really made any progress at all."

Suddenly Nora came rushing into the room frantically.

"Tootsie Pops, the killer has struck again!" Nora exclaimed. "They had Misty in the oven, like she was Thanksgivin' Dinner!"

"Hm, the beast feeds again, never to be sated," Kirby remarked.

"What's that in your hand?" Lex asked, pointing to the papers that Nora clutched.

"This is meant to be our clue to somethin' or another," Nora explained. "But I ain't so sure what it's meant to be tellin' us."

Nora laid out the recipe on the table. Kirby and Lex examined it as well.

"You see anythin' strange in there?" Nora asked.

"Nothing is jumping out at me," Lex replied. "It just looks like an ordinary recipe."

Ander entered the room next.

"Hm, looks like I'm not the only one who found my way back here," Ander noted.

"Fabio and Omber?" Lex asked.

"They weren't so lucky," Ander replied.

"And what clues has the hunt yielded for you?" Kirby asked.

"Also no such luck," Ander answered.

"Oh yeah?" Nora said. "Then whattaya call…THIS!?"

Nora tried to snatch the corner of the blueprint which was pointing out of Ander's pocket. Ander held her back however.

"That is my business, and not for your eyes," Ander stated.

"The spirit of competition rides strong in your chest, I respect that," Kirby said.

"I don't know if competition is going to do us any good at this point," Lex pointed out. "We might need to put all our heads together on every clue we can get. We've found one of our own, maybe it will make more sense to you."

Lex gestured to the recipe. Ander relented and allowed Nora to pull out the blueprint and slam it on the table as well.

"A map! Oh what a treat for my weary eyes!" Kirby exclaimed eagerly.

"This can be helpful in navigating this place," Lex said, "but how does it help us solve the murder?"

"Look here," Ander said. "I found this in a hidden room, but it would appear as though there are others that were in the plan."

"And looky look!" Nora exclaimed. "This one is highlighted all bright and funderful!"

"That's…right under the dining room, where Corny collapsed," Lex realized.

"Then it sounds like we know where we are going next," Kirby declared.

Confessional:

Ander-I will admit, I was hoping to keep a bit of a leg up for myself, seeing as we are already dropping in numbers. Be that as it may, though, I doubt I would have found much with it on my own and perhaps I will need to bide my time a little longer.

Kirby-(studying blueprint, adding pins and notes to it) I shall set a course, a rigorous voyage, but it shall land us..in victory!

Ander, Kirby, Lex, and Nora searched the floor of the dining room for any sort of opening to a secret passage. Nora tapped her knuckles along each section of the hardwood that she could.

"Behold!" Kirby suddenly exclaimed as he pulled back a hatch that revealed a tunnel leading downward.

"Well, who wants to go first?" Ander asked.

Everyone glanced to their side at someone else.

"Very well, I shall lead the charge!" Kirby declared before descending.

Nora hopped after him. Ander followed, and Lex brought up the rear. The four felt another cold gust of air cover them as they landed in a dank passage underneath the floor.

"This might explain how the killer was able to get around and move the bodies," Lex suggested.

"But does it get any closer to solving who they are?" Ander asked.

"Let's see where it leads," Lex said. "Maybe it will come together."

The group made their way through the passage, deeper into the heart of the underground catacombs.

"Oooh hooo sweet honey today!" Nora exclaimed as they came upon a large yellow door that had the letter 'Evidence' painted over it. "This is the big moment, I can feel it in the juju!"

Nora charged forward and pushed the doors opened. They opened up to a wide room that was lined with eight narrow wooden crates.

"Okay, okay, what have we here!?" Nora exclaimed as she hopped over to the crates.

The boxes were each listed with a name. Mr. Boddy, Prince Azure, Mrs. Peacock, and Detective Bruin made up the first row. Each also had the same emblem beneath the name, like a ring made out of a fox chasing its tail. Nora stepped back.

"Are these…are these our COFFINS!?" she gasped.

"They don't look very comfortable," Ander remarked as he tapped the corner of one. "And what is this symbol about?"

"I feel like I've seen that before," Lex remarked as they leaned over to inspect the gold emblem. "But I can't quite recall where."

"What I'd like to know is, are all the bodies…actually in there?" Nora asked.

"Only one way to find out," Kirby remarked as he moved to open one of the boxes.

However he stopped as he heard something from the other side of the room.

"We are not alone," he declared.

Everyone followed his gaze to see something emerging from the shadowy corner. The disfigured killer scurried along the ceiling like an inverted spider.

"Now that is just freaky and wrong!" Nora exclaimed. "Let's get the Hella-Goodbye outta here!"

Nora turned back to the door they'd come through. The killer dropped from their place on the ceiling, dive-bombing down towards the group as they tried to flee. Their twisted claws reaching for Lex. However, Kirby got between the two, kicking back the killer.

"Your fight is with me, beast!" Kirby said.

The killer pulled themself back up and circled around with Kirby. Ander and Lex took the chance to escape out the exit.

"You don't stand a chance against me," Kirby exclaimed. "I have survived up against every savage predator that the entire African savage had to throw at me, and-"

The killer suddenly lunged, catching Kirby off guard. The boy was hit straight in the chest and stumbled backwards into the crate marked Colonel Mustard. The killer sealed it shut, trapping Kirby inside.

"You think this can stop me!?" Kirby said while banging from inside. "I've had to hold my breath for days when going hunting the elusive albino hippo. They never saw me coming!"

Nora had reached the ladder back up to the dining room and quickly scurried back up. Lex struggled to try to catch up with her, while Ander followed behind. Panting vigorously, Lex grabbed the ladder and began to pull themself up. Nora reached out her hand and helped to pull Lex back to the surface. Ander was right behind them, when suddenly a hook at the end of a chain plunged through their shirt. The killer dragged them back down into the tunnel.

"Oh no!" Lex gasped.

Nora shut the hatch and knocked a chair over top of it.

"Nothin' we can do for him now," Nora said. "But we gotta solve this mystery fast!"

"Okay, but how are we supposed to do that?" Lex asked. "These so called clues have given us hardly anything to work with."

"Whattabout that little ring thing?" Nora asked. "You said you'd seen that before?"

"Maybe," Lex said shakily. "But I don't know, it was just a feeling. I can't actually recall what it might mean."

"Think! THINK!" Nora urged. "Use that big thinky brain of yours! What about your little book of pretty pictures? Maybe it's in there!"

"My sketchbook?" Lex said. "That wouldn't make any sense, I just use this to draw my design ideas. I wouldn't-wait! That's it!"

"Yes, yes, get that epiphany!" Nora exclaimed while clapping her hands.

"The symbol, it's for a fashion line," Lex said. "That's where I'd seen it before, I'm pretty sure I studied some of their designs."

"Okay, and what does this mean for us?" Nora urged.

"It means," Lex began before freezing in place.

"Yes…yes…spare me the dramatic suspense!" Nora continued to urge.

Lex toppled over, revealing a dart protruding from their back. Nora glanced up to see a tear in the large portrait just behind Lex.

"Oh come ON now!" Nora lamented.

The killer then burst through the canvas.

"You again! Always gotta ruin the moment, dontcha!? Nora exclaimed.

The killer approached Nora with murderous intent. Nora grabbed plates and cutlery off the table and tossed it at the killer, but did nothing to impede them.

"I am uh…I am warnin' ya, I've got moves," Nora threatened. "You know, dance moves mostly, but that don't mean that they can't be repurposed for fightin'!"

The killer lunged. Nora dived under the table and slid along the wooden floor.

"Okay, think girl, think!" Nora told herself, as the killer climbed right onto the table and came for her again.

Nora continued to run, staying just barely out of reach.

"Fashion line? What is that supposed to mean!?" She asked out loud, kicking a chair over trying to trip the killer. "Cake recipe that tells us nothin' at all? What am I missin' here!?"

The killer lunged again, this time managing to pin Nora to the ground. He wrapped his warped hands around her neck.

"Nothin' at all…" Nora repeated in sudden realization. "That's it! That's IT!"

Nora delivered a knee upwards to the killer's ribs and managed to knock them back,

"I know who you are now!" Nora exclaimed, pointing an accusatory finger.

The killer remained in place.

"There ain't nothin' to see in the recipe 'cause there weren't nothin' wrong with the cakes!" Nora exclaimed. "And those boxes weren't coffins, they were deliveries of outfits…like the ones we're wearin'! But why would Mr. Boddy need a costume unless…..he WERE the killer!?"

Silence between the two for a few seconds.

"Aw heck, ya got me!" Corny exclaimed, taking off the ghoulish mask. "Chris promised I'd get immunity for myself if I managed to get the rest of ya but you could crack the case. So close, huh!?"

"So close indeed!" Chris exclaimed, spinning around in a chair that was all of a sudden randomly placed in the middle of the dining room. "But our Miss Scarlet was able to solve the mystery just in time to spare her own life..and earn her immunity! Congratulations Nora, you are safe tonight!"

Confessional:

Omber-(scratching neck) Nothing's broken, but I think I got rope burn.

Misty-(stretching) Note to self, my body is NOT meant to bend like that.

Fabio-(clutching head) Whoa oh whoa oh whoa, I felt like I fell for hours. I need to lie down now.

Lex-(woozy) I…feeeeuuullllll grrrguggguu zzzzzyyy ie aah?

(Later)

"How are you feeling?" Omber asked Lex as they walked down the street together, now alone in the night.

"I think most of that tranquilizer has worn off now," Lex said. "How about yourself? You weren't really hung right?"

"Just had to play the part and look as limp as possible," Omber said. "But now we have time to figure out this vote."

"Oh there you aaaaree!" Misty exclaimed in a singsong voice as she scurried over to Omber and threw her arms around him. "Hi there you sweet sexy thing and uh…the other one."

"Hello," Lex greeted awkwardly.

"I just wanted to check in about that little tiny think we talked about earlier," Misty said in a whisper voice to Omber.

"You don't have to be coy, I trust Lex," Omber assured.

"Well I really do think we have to break up Kirby and Nora, it's now or never," Misty said with a shake of her head. "And with Nora immune we only have one option. And you know, I really think they were helping each other out that challenge, it's just too risky to let them get away with that."

"How would you know?" Lex asked. "Didn't you get eliminated early?"

"Exactly, I was tragically cut early, and those two both made it to the final stretch? Coincidence much?" Misty posed. "Not only that, but Nora won..it's just too much to ignore. We have to be smarter than that, or else we deserve to lose to them."

"I agree," Omber said to Misty. "We're going to have to take action tonight."

"So glad to hear you say that," Misty exclaimed. "I'll go and make sure the boys are in on it, and we'll make some delightful magic tonight!"

As Misty disappeared again, Lex glanced at Omber.

"Do you really believe all that?" Lex asked. "About Nora and Kirby being some sort of threat to us?'

Omber gave a shrug.

"Maybe, maybe not, but this works out perfectly for us either way," Omber explained. "The focus falls to Kirby, we get another step closer to what we need. Let's just let it happen that way."

"Okay," Lex sighed ."But I can't imagine Nora will be too happy to hear that, and surely you're not planning to blindside her with it."

"Well, looks like we might get our chance to tell her soon," Omber said while nodding his head towards Nora approaching.

"Hey hey hey, my jelly jams!" Nora exclaimed. "Now that our adrenaline is soarin' to the skies, what sort of dance we gonna pull off tonight!?"

"Well I'm glad you're both here," Omber said. "I think we're in a good position here and might have a decent truce going with the Grotto Guardians. I think we should just go along with that for now."

Lex gave a nod.

"That is brown sugar drizzlin' over my coffee, hun, love to see it!" Nora exclaimed.

"And I really think they'd prefer to just be rid of Kirby," Omber said. "So we're probably better off just letting that happen."

"Mmm, I hear that, Teddy Tony, I get what's being put down here," Nora said, "but Imma propose we wrap this up in a neat little compromise and settle it on Fabio."

"Eh, I don't know if they'll want to go for that," Omber said. "Kirby all around just comes off as a bit more threatening."

"Okay, okay, maybe, but Kirby and I have a real groovy beat goin' between us," Nora said. "I think he'd be more likely to shimmy on over our way if I just gave him a little nudge."

Lex glanced to Omber and gave a somewhat concerned look.

"You know, that might actually work against us though," Omber said. "If the Grotto Guardians feel like we're trying to pick him up against them, they might fire back."

"Well what am I missin' here, bucko? I thought the whole point here was to compromise, not to just bend right over and give'em whatever they demand," Nora said with a shrug. "If I can pull Kirby over, then the numbers are on our side, ain't they? That's just how math works? So what ain't you tellin' me?"

Omber didn't say anything.

"Lexie, you get what I'm sayin' here, right?" Nora asked. "Don't you think it makes more sense to ditch ol' Fatty Fabio!?"

"Oh, me?" Lex said nervously as they tugged at their collar. "Well I don't…I…well…you know, I don't think it matters, I'm sorry. You both have your reasons and honestly I don't think either choice is any less valid than the other."

Confessional:

Omber-I don't want to straight up tell Nora that we're voting out Kirby for his connection to her, but that's definitely on my mind. She may not love it, but I'm being honest with her, and I think she'll understand that this can still work for us.

Nora-Hey all you funky finches, now I know a thing or two about knowing when to bend on back and let someone by, that's the compromise dance and if you can't do that then you ain't gonna make it far. But what I don't get is why no one seems to want to hear that and already has their minds made up? That ain't leavin' feelin' primed, prepped, and peachy keen at all.

Lex-Ugh I really hate being put on the spot between Omber and Nora. Right now my focus is just staying safe and climbing back up to security. This is not the time for me to be picking sides between those two and risking pushing the other away.

"Kirby, my buddy, my pal!" Fabio exclaimed as he slapped Kirby on the back.

"The waves of the sea wash us back together, like two sides of the same clam that can never stand to be apart," Kirby said.

"Uh yeah…sure," Fabio said. "Alright look, we need to have a chat, you me and Corny!"

"Hm…well I can count two of us, and yet do my navigational skills fail me…or is the third nowhere to be seen?" Kirby asked.

"Eh he's somewhere, he always turns up at the most opportune times if you just wait for it," Fabio said.

"Here I am!" Corny exclaimed as he tumbled out of a rolled up flag.

"Dare I even ask?" Fabio remarked.

"I was curious cause I couldn't tell if this was the Union Jack flag or the American Stars and Stripes, so I had to go up and check and then I got stuck and I just decided to hang out there till the wind set me free," Corny explained.

"Well which was it?" Fabio asked.

"It was an Open 7:00-5:00 Daily flag!" Corny answered.

"Now then, the voyage that we shall be settling upon?" Kirby asked.

"Right, right," Fabio said. "Alright there's nothing quite as effective as just riding the momentum of a movement in motion. Lex's name was already out there, and I'm pretty sure they know it based on the way they were acting. There's no reason we shouldn't be able to flush them out."

"Then flush we shall!" Kirby exclaimed.

"You Corny?" Fabio asked, only to see Corny looking up into space. "Hello, hello!?"

"Oh sorry! Was just thinkin' bout that flag again," Corny said. "I presume it meant 7:00 in the mornin' to 5:00 in the evenin', that's what makes the most sense, but it ain't exactly clarified. Maybe it's the other way around. What if it's a stargazin' tour or somethin' that's gotta be a night? They really ought to have made that a little clearer, cause now I'm gonna be ponderin' over this…"

"Here I'll settle this once and for all for you," Fabio declared.

Fabio marched up to the door and knocked on it loudly.

"Hello hello!? You open!? Stargazing tours!?" Fabio barked. "See? They're not open, it must be the much more logical morning to evening hours."

"Hey!" someone shouted from the shop's window. "What do you crazy kids think you're doing!?"

"Let's get outta here!" Fabio exclaimed.

Confessional:

Kirby-The waves are sure to be stormy tonight, and the winds will only pick up further the deeper into this game we sail. For tonight, I see no reason to resist the rocking that these familiar waves offer, let us see what they bring.

Fabio-Does anybody here even like Lex? I mean sure they're…whatever, fine, but they are definitely not wowing me and the winner of Total Drama Resort is gonna be a STAR, baby!

The trio of boys scattered and ran down separate allies. Kirby found himself headed straight towards Nora before he dug in his heels and managed to stop before her.

"Ah, a vision of pure moonlight appears before me on this tumultuous sea!" Kirby exclaimed. "What fortune!"

"Yep, uh you know it, fortune favors the bold," Nora said somewhat nervously.

"Hm? Something has led your impeccable rhythm astray!" Kirby deduced. "What salty thoughts have lain rest in your soft head!?"

"Oh no no, it's nothin' for you to be frettin' 'bout," Nora assured. "I just got a feelin' that this round might be a little more prickly for us to pick apart."

"It only needs be as prickly as the waves we traverse," Kirby said. "If we can ride the waves, then we shall sail on through."

"So where are you thinkin' 'bout takin' these waves?" Nora asked.

"Ask not where I shall take the waves, but where they shall take me," Kirby said. "And right now they guide my vote towards Lex."

"Lex?" Nora asked. "Well, I ain't gonna lie, they're pretty cool with me…"

"Then perhaps your current will take you to another destination?" Kirby asked.

"Hm…I dunno, I dunno," Nora murmured. "If you gotta do Lex, then you go for it. Like you say, sometimes it's best to not fight the waves."

"Indeed," Kirby said.

"I actually just realized that my boogie beat is telling me…I ought to make a stop to the ladies' room!" Nora said suddenly scurrying backwards.

Nora retraced her steps in a moonwalk until she spotted Lex across the street.

"Ooh Lexie!" Nora exclaimed as she skipped over.

"Oh Nora," Lex said. "Miss me already?'

"Okay, look, look, I get you didn't want to upset Omber back there, I get it, I feel it, I know it, I live it," Nora said. "But just between us jam fams, we can still get our way, right? If the Suckers are votin' one way, then the vote is gonna be thinner than a pair of skinny jeans, which means we might be able to tip things our way and send Fabio slippin' away."

"Oh…" Lex peeped. "I guess we could…give it a try."

"Tryin' is the first step towards flyin'! Nora exclaimed.

Confessional:

Nora-I suddenly feel pretty down talkin' to Kirby knowin' he ain't gonna be a big fan of Fabio goin'. I don't think tellin' him will do any good either cause no way is he just gonna let that happen. Right now my goal is just to split this vote enough that I can get my way and come out on top!

Lex-(sighs) I guess there really is no avoiding this, Nora is determined to see this through. Honestly, it would be nice to loosen up Omber's hold a little bit, if possible.

Ander rounded a corner, as he did he found Lex along the way, offering a timid wave to him.

"Hello, Ander," Lex greeted.

"Hello again," Ander replied.

"It's my understanding that we may be finding ourselves in the same circle of allies," Lex said. "So I thought…it might be good for us to both talk about this vote one on one."

Ander gave a slow nod.

"Fair enough," Ander said. "Last I heard the vote would be on Kirby or Nora, and only one of them is vulnerable tonight…"

"Right, I heard that too," Lex said. "We could do that…but I think we have another possibility too."

"And I presume you're going to tell me what that is?" Ander asked.

"Fabio," Lex stated.

"Hm…he does seem rather..curmudgeonly," Ander noted.

"He really does," Lex agreed. "Honestly, I don't think anyone is taking him too seriously right now, and that's a little bit concerning."

"Everyone in this game should be considered a threat in their own right," Ander said. "We all have a vote to cast, and that alone is power in this game."

"Right," Lex said with a nod.

"I'll consider what you've said," Ander replied. "But let's not make a mess of things if it seems to be looking difficult."

Ander left Lex behind and continued along the path, and up a stone flight of stairs. He found Misty and Corny waiting for him on an overpass that hung above the main square.

"Well, well, Mr. Tall Dark and Handsome himself emerging from the shadows," Misty remarked.

"I think you might want to adjust your gaze to the side," Ander said as he gestured to Corny. "There's your dark and disturbed killer."

"Heh!" Corny chuckled with a modest grin. "Yep that's right, better watch out or I'll cut your eyes out and some bad stuff!"

"My brain is still having a hard time reconciling with that, so it's best not to push it," Misty remarked. "What's important tonight is if we're ready to send Kirby to his watery grave."

Misty clasped her fingers together wickedly.

"We may have some options," Ander brought up.

"Options? What do we need options for?" Misty asked.

"It's always good to consider every possible path we have before us," Ander said. "For instance, perhaps now is the time to take Fabio out of the picture. I believe the fear of the duo will still exist. I think it may actually be the better move for the three of us, since we can expect sooner or later people are going to want to break us apart as well."

"Ooh oooh!" Corny exclaimed as he hopped up and down while raising his hand. "Or we could do somethin' else entirely and vote out Lex!"

"Lex?" Ander asked. "What is your reasoning there?"

"I dunno," Corny said with a shrug. "But weren't you all ready to vote'em out last round anyways? Like you said, they're gonna sneak on by if we let'em, right?"

"Omber seems to be fond of Lex, so it will be a bit of a bold stance," Ander considered. "I would not say I'm against it entirely, but I'm not sure if the fallout is worth the payoff at the moment."

"Boys, boys, boys, this is why you shouldn't be using your brains, they simply don't work," Misty said. "It's not your fault. God gave you such strong, handsome bodies, it's only fair that your other parts wouldn't be quite up to snuff. Taking out Fabio or Lex doesn't change the problem at hand, which is that Nora and Kirby are a power couple. If we excuse this once, what's to stop it from happening again and again."

Misty suddenly dramatically flung herself back and hung over the edge of the overpass.

"Oh I'm sorry, I'm so sorry I let my female emotions get the better of me again," she said in her babbling baby voice. "You'll have to forgive me. I'm just a little bit scared is all. I don't want these two to be the death of us. And they will, I truly think they will if we let that happen. Corny, Ander, I am begging you…don't let that happen!"

Confessional:

Corny-(scratches head) Aw man, this just gets harder and harder! I know that everyone here COULD be my friend, so I am really just tryin' my best to put my head into action to figure out what the best thing is for me, and it's really comin' back a muddy blur.

Misty-Honestly, forget about the game, I don't care about that, I just want to destroy that wretched little couple. It's going to happen sooner or later anyways, it always does and I'll probably be blamed for it, so I might as well just get a jump on that. Tee-hee.

(Dock of Shame)

The final 8 reached the Dock of Shame as Chris and Chef welcomed them.

"A nice midnight elimination, are we all having fun!?" Chris exclaimed with a broad grin.

"How do you even have the energy to smile still?" Misty asked ."My body is barely holding itself up."

"Copious amounts of coffee," Chris said as he held out his mug and Chef poured him another cup, deliberately spilling some of the scalding liquid on his wrist.

Chris pulled his hand back in pain while Chef just chuckled lightly.

"Nora, you survived the murders and solved the mystery," Chris said. "Do you think you needed immunity tonight?"

"I ain't one to look a gift horse in the mouth," Nora replied. "The dance is gettin' real tense out here, and this little bit of safety is my chance to breathe, so I'm gonna take that!"

"Corny, you went pretty vicious there," Chris said. "Does that translate to how you're going to play this game?"

"Nah Chris, that was just playin' the part," Corny said. "When it comes to people's fates in this game though, well that's gonna have some real consequences and I intend to take it seriously."

"We're all about being serious here," Chef said as he punched his fist. "It's Total Drama Resort, not Total Comedy Resort."

"We actually did pitch Total Comedy Resort," Chris remarked.

"Oh that's right we did," Chef realized. "Did the network green light it?"

"No," Chris sighed.

"You're damn right they didn't," Chef said grimly. "Because comedy fails, and drama sells."

"Ummmm yoo-hoo?" Misty called while waving her hand. "Can we get back to us now?"

"I do think many of us would like to get to sleep before sunrise," Ander sighed.

"Oh wah wah wah, it's all about me," Chris mocked. "We'll be here until the sunrise if I say so!"

"Uh Chris," Chef said.

"What now!?" Chris demanded.

"We do have to wrap this up pretty soon though," Chef reminded.

"Stop undermining my bottomless threats," Chris pouted. "Fine, fine, we'll get to the votes! Chef…"

"The first vote," Chef announced, "Is for…Kirby!"

Kirby gave a nod.

"Second vote…Kirby!"

"Third vote…Fabio."

"Fourth vote…Lex."

"Fifth vote…Lex."

"Sixth vote…"

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"Seventh and Eighth….Kirby!"

"The sea calls me back to her," Kirby sighed as he stood up, "My time has been coming…and now it has came."

"Kirby, you have been voted out of Total Drama Resort," Chris said as Chef marched Kirby onto the Boat of Loser. "So long and good riddance!"

"Trust in the sea…she will take care of you!" Kirby said to the remaining group.

"The seven of you have survived not just a killer, but another round here at the Resort," Chris said. "Now go get the rest that's soooo important to you and stop complaining."

"Oh I will be complaining, Chris," Fabio fumed. "It may be in my sleep, but I will be complaining!"

Votes:

Fabio-I am casting a vote for Lex! You've gotta have oomph! You've gotta have chutzpah! You are giving me nothing!

Misty-Kirby, bye bye bye. Maybe if you had turned your eyes my way this all could have been avoided, but you chose wrong, and mean nothing to me now.

Ander-Let's keep this simple. I am voting for Kirby.

Omber-Kirby, consider it a form of respect, I think you could really cause problems for me.

Nora-I ain't votin' for Kirby, no way, no how, so let's just try to make this work and whoosh on out Fabio!

Lex-Hm, I don't think this is the round where anything is going to happen, and I'm not going to risk showing my hand. I'll vote for Kirby.

Kirby-The seas have swept up my vote and tossed it before Lex.

Corny-Well I gave it a good hard think that rattled round my brain and gave it another good hard think and all that thinkin' has left me mighty drained, but I am gonna stamp down a vote for Kirby!

(Conclusion)

"The battle wages on!" Chris exclaimed from the dock. "Seven remains, knives will be drawn, bonds will be tested, and new blood will be spilled. What new tribulations await for our sweet little resort? Will Nora's heart recover from losing Kirby? Will Fabio stand a chance as the last Sucker left? What new direction will things turn in now? Find out on the next episode of…Total Drama Resort!"