Aiden wiped away the tears from his face.
Melissa hugged him from behind. "I'm sorry he went home honeysuckle buns."
"I just don't understand," Aiden admitted. "Why?"
The other Molting Eagles sighed, finishing their coffee if they drank it, and left the Internet Cafe. Outside they saw the Fireworks waiting.
"I'll be," Easton said, "they actually voted off Hayden. I thought he was their leader."
"What are you doing here?" Weston pouted. "Come to gloat?"
Xidorn smiled. "Seraphina! You're early, the Invaders remake doesn't start for another two hours."
"Is that why you ran out Seraphina?" Ness asked.
"Xidorn," Seraphina sighed and hugged her boyfriend. "Thank goodness you're safe!"
"Did you think I was going home?" Xidorn asked.
"Kind of," Seraphina admitted, "We were all hanging out a few hours agos when I got a premonition of you and..I don't know, it didn't look good. I just had to check and make sure it wasn't you tonight."
"I'm doing great Seraphina," Xidorn replied. "Especially now that you're here."
Seraphina rolled her eyes but giggled. "You want some wine with that cheese?"
"Hold the phone," Pascal stated. "Are you two...a thing?"
"Well we-"
"I thought it was obvious," Xidorn laughed.
Several of the others gasped.
"What?" Xidorn asked.
Griswold chuckled. "I'll be honest, Seraphina never struck me as someone interested dating. Very cute Seraphina!"
"She told us," Ness clarified, pointing and her and Lita. "You're both adorable! Which do you like more, Xidaphina or Seradorn?"
"But she didn't tell the rest of us," Pascal reminded.
"It was just last night when we made it official," Xidorn stated.
"I think we all know the real reason Seraphina didn't tell us," Pascal stated.
"We do?" Weston asked.
"She didn't want it to be know she was going against her team," Pascal explained. "Everyone knows you can't date when on separate teams."
Seraphina gagged. "Oh please. Where is that in the rule book again?"
"Its common sense," Pascal stated. "I mean, how can we really really trust you're loyal to us and not the Eagles?"
"Now Seraphina just wants a little sugar in her life," Lita stated. "Ain't nothing wrong with that."
"I mean you'd vote her off before one of us, wouldn't you Xidorn?" Vance asked.
"I...I don't think we've really thought that far ahead," Xidorn admitted, looking at Seraphina.
The contestants murmured amongst themselves.
"Mannnnnnn," Kalino whispered.
"I know," Frannie replied.
"Pretty please answer the question Xidorn," Pascal demanded. "If it comes down to it, will you vote out Seraphina?"
"To be honest," Xidorn said, "I don't know. Ideally I'd love to never cast a vote against Seraphina."
"But you'd be fine writing down an Eagle's instead," Pascal exclaimed.
"He never said that," Seraphina argued. "We're still in teams, so who cares? You're just looking for somebody to throw under the bus."
"We are still in teams," Pascal said, "but when we aren't, then what? Would you be complacent in being the deciding vote to send home your sweetheart?"
"I said I don't know," Xidorn said. "I vote for whoever I feel needs to go home."
"I rest my case," Pascal stated and shook his head, as the others whispered.
Xidorn glared. "Don't think I don't know about you Ratscal."
Pascal froze. "Who, little ol me?"
"If there's one person I'd like to vote off it's you," Xidorn stated.
"Ooh snap," Frannie whispered, now sharing a bowl of popcorn with Kalino.
"Hey, you're not on the Fireworks," Ness defended.
"That doesn't seem to stop Pascal from talking about me in front of my team," Xidorn said.
"This concerns my team," Pascal stated.
"Enough!" Seraphina shouted. "I'll end this debate; if it comes to it, Xidorn or I will vote the other off. We won't like it, but we will. Now we have a movie to go see."
Seraphina pulled Xidorn away from the crowd as the others whispered this and that.
Pascal smirked. "Be safe, and have lots of fun you two!"
Seraphina froze and turned around. "I will, thanks. You have fun looking for you missing contact or whatever it is you spend all night searching the hotel for!"
The contestants turned to look at Pascal, who blushed and shrugged. Seraphina was smirking now as she and Xidorn left.
/
Soon after, Melissa and Aiden walked to their rooms.
"It's just me tonight," Aiden stated. "And from now on."
"I'm going to miss Hayden too," Melissa said. "Are you sure you'll be alright in there?"
Aiden nodded. "I'll see you in the morning Melissa."
"I just don't understand," Aiden said. "I mean sure Hayden was a little smothering, but he was the bee's knees! He shouldn't have gone home...I should have. This just makes me feel...weird. Why would our team do that? I don't know, but I feel something fishy is going on…"
"I'm not too shocked Hayden went home," Melissa admitted. "I thought he was really sweet, but it's clear not everyone thought the same. I don't hold it against anyone. Voting someone off is so hard; it's ending somebody's hopes and dreams in a way. I'm still not use to the idea, so I won't judge anyone for having to make such a hard choice. I am somewhat hurt no one talked about with me, especially…"
"...Cynthia," Melissa stated as she entered her room, her roommate sharpening her knives.
"I'm sorry Hayden went home," Cynthia said.
"I understand why," Melissa said. "I just wish you would have told me."
"I didn't want you to get upset," Cynthia stated.
Melissa nodded but didn't say anything.
/
In the early hours of the morning, Seraphina and Xidorn we're walking the streets.
"I can't believe it!" Xidorn stated. "The Invaders are now being incorporated into the Space Wars cinematic universe! I don't know if love this or hate it."
"Uh huh," Seraphina replied.
"What's bothering you?" Xidorn said. "And don't say you're tired, I won't buy it."
"That stupid premonition!" Seraphina groaned. "I thought you might be in trouble...but I think I was seeing the trouble I've gotten you in now."
"I'm sure this will blow over," Xidorn said.
"Don't tell me you aren't worried," Seraphina stated.
"It's put a little pressure on me," Xidorn admitted. "I'm more worried about you being on the same team as that rat. But I haven't done anything worthy of going home."
"Others have gone home for less," Seraphina said.
"Yeah," Xidorn replied. "Did you mean what you said, about us voting each other off?"
Seraphina shrugged. "I don't want to. But at some point we'll have no choice but to vote off our closest friends. That's how this show is designed."
Xidorn nodded and sighed.
Seraphina grabbed Xidorn's hand. "But I don't regret this at all. I had fun tonight. I really am glad I met you."
Seraphina kissed Xidorn's cheek, who returned the favor. The two went up to their floor.
"You not going to bed?" Xidorn asked.
"I'm just not tired yet," Seraphina said. "I think I want to go for a little walk around here."
"In a death trap made by a serial killer after midnight?" Xidorn asked. "You want me to walk with you?"
"No, you go ahead," Seraphina said. "I'll be fine."
"Goodnight," Xidorn replied.
Seraphina smiled. "Goodnight."
As soon as Xidorn closed his door, Seraphina sighed. "I'm not letting you go home for my mistake Xidorn. No matter what, I'll find someway to make sure you don't go home. The best idea right now is to see if I can find the Eagles' immunity flash drive…"
/
At the same time in Kalino and Pascal's room, the two had gathered Frannie and Vance.
"Why are we having this here meeting again?" Vance asked.
"I want to make sure you guys now that Frannie is officially a member of this alliance," Kalino stated. "And all that who blah."
Frannie waved. "It's cool to be here! Right Ziba?"
Her little lemur nodded and yawned.
"And remember this is a secret alliance," Pascal said. "So don't tell anyone about this meeting."
"Especially because you just made a big deal about inter-team interactions and if people find out this would make you a huge target and a hypocrite?" Frannie asked.
Pascal forced a smile. "Hehe, kinda of..."
"My lips are sealed tighter than a childproof lock," Frannie replied. "Loose lips sink ships and all that who blah."
"Anyone have any updates on how things are going?" Pascal asked. "It seems Hayden was eliminated."
"It's whateverrrrrrr," Kalino yawned. "I do think we need more peopleeeeeee."
"We got Frannie and Ziba," Vance said. "That's like a human person and an animal person!"
Ziba shrugged in the confessional.
"While I do fill the role of the token female," Frannie said. "I don't think I'm enough. I mean it's three of us on one team, with five others."
"Three is smaller than five," Kalino stated. "Its also smaller than a lot of numbers."
"Well durn if we want more people," Vance said, "let's get Xidorn to join us!"
"Are you kidding?" Pascal said.
"Do I look like I'm pulling your leg partner?" Vance asked.
"It's hard to get a read on your face under that mustache," Frannie admitted.
"Xidorn is actually a really cool guy," Vance stated. "I think I might make him my deputy."
"He said he'd vote me off!" Pascal stated.
"Is that a problem?" Vance asked.
"Xidorn is a nice guy Vance," Kalino said. "But the guy hasn't told a lie since the third grade; he couldn't keep this a secret. This has to stay a secret."
"Hmph," Vance pouted. "Kalino gets to invite his friend..."
"I think this meeting will have to continue later," Pascal sighed. "We could all use some sleep."
Frannie yawned. "I always hate sleeping; you could say I'm getting tired of it."
Only Kalino laughed as Frannie left. Vance followed, slamming the door behind him.
"How are you going to survive with those two?" Pascal asked.
"I'd be more worried about you," Kalino stated. "Seraphina called you out mannnnn."
"I know," Pascal cried. "I thought I'd finally found a reason to get rid of That's So Raven, but I doubt the others would go for it. Everyone's too good of friends with each other, while I have no allies. What am I going to do?!"
"Hmm," Kalino pondered, "there is one thing I can think of...nah, that's lame."
Pascal jumped on Kalino's lap. "What is it?"
"Who are people more loyal to then even their friends?" Kalino asked.
Pascal raised an eyebrow. "Like adopting kids?"
"Maybe save that plan for the merge," Kalino replied. "I mean what is basically an automatic alliance?"
"Wait, you mean form a relationship?" Pascal asked. "Like, dating someone?"
Kalino shrugged. "Someone will be loyal to you then. Plus you wouldn't be out of place here; you notice everybody's been shacking up recently?"
"But I don't like anyone here," Pascal stated. "And I don't know, dating someone just for a vote...that's super duper extra super low."
"I didn't say it was a good idea," Kalino answered. "Or that I condone it. Its just the only idea I have."
"Even if theoretically I date someone from my team," Pascal said. "Who would I date?"
Kalino raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Ness blushed deep red and hyperventilated. "Well…we all tried our best. But thanks Pascal, it means a lot, since you are so hot…a musician."
"Hmm…"
Ness giggled. "You tell the best stories Pascal, tell me again about you solved the puzzle and saved your team."
Who…"
"He's over there by the painting with the moving eyes," Seraphina stated, pointing to Pascal chatting with Ness.
Ness.
NESS.
"Nope," Pascal stated. "Don't have any clue who it could be."
Kalino just shook his head.
/
Eventually the sun rose. Morning began and soon went into the afternoon. Using the secret passage, Melissa entered the kitchen and started baking cakes quietly.
"Shh...right there…"
Melissa raised her head. "Hello? Is someone there?"
Melissa looked through the hatch and saw a TV sitting on a cart.
The TV turned on and showed 'Aiden'. "I do have a problem with Muslims...Melissa...she's actually been teaching me about the Quran...I don't understand or believe everything in it and...I'll be the first to admit...has a lot of mistakes. "
Melissa sniffled. "That's not true. I've got to find Aiden."
At the moment, many of the other contestants rushed in for their lunch. Easton and Weston gave each a glare as they pushed through opposite doors. Behind them was…
"Aiden!" Melissa called and ran.
"Melissa?" Aiden said as she tackled him. "Are you already sweetie?"
"Oh that TV," Melissa said and pointed. "You were on it and you said...you said you had problem with Muslims and the Quran…"
"TV?" Weston asked.
"What?" Aiden asked. "That's a lie! I mean, I did have problems, but I didn't voice it, especially like that. You've been teaching me about the Quran and I don't necessarily agree with, but I respect it. And I respect you."
"I knew it wasn't true!" Melissa cheered.
Aiden hugged Melissa. "Thanks for believing in me Melissa."
"Of course doodlebug," Melissa replied.
"Wait, then who said all this stuff?" Riley asked.
"I'd like to know that too," Aiden stated.
Everyone turned to the TV cart, where Jenny and Toby stood. "Eep."
"Ms. Jenny and Mr. Toby," Melissa gasped. "How could you?"
"We've been spotted!" Jenny cried. A trap door opened up underneath the co-hosts, who fell through on the TV cart.
"Wow," Weston said. "That TV was the same one I saw Easton on."
"What?" Easton asked. "What did you see?"
"What you said about me…" Weston replied.
"What you heard was probably those two's tricks dude," Riley said. "They probably edited footage together."
"You mean to tell me you started this whole argument over some fake crap they made?" Easton asked.
"Fake?" Weston shouted. "The scholarship wasn't fake! As far as I can tell, you still said those things about me, about how you really feel!"
"Woah bros," Riley said jumping in the middle of the twins. "Now hold the phone; this whole argument has just been a misunderstanding. Doesn't that mean we can move past all this?"
"Hmph," Weston said. "I don't think that changes anything."
"I agree," Easton replied as both twins stormed off in opposite directions.
Melissa looked on as she noticed Cynthia head in the same direction as Weston.
Riley shook her head and headed back towards the stairs, seeing Lita and Griswold walking in.
"There you two are," Riley said. "Where have you been hiding away?"
"We went to get brunch," Griswold yawned. "Then we went to that huge mall, then lunch…"
"We had such a wonderful time," Lita swooned and grabbed Griswold's arm. "What's going on here?"
"Short version Easton and Weston had a verbal brawl," Riley said. "Turns out their whole fight has been cause of behind the scene deals with the show, but they're still duking it out. Man, I don't think brothers should fight like that."
Lita looked down. "It's a very complicated mess…"
"First that, and then a secret alliance," Griswold sighed.
Riley raised an eyebrow. "What'cha talking about Gris Bear?"
"Well it's only a rumor," Griswold said, "but apparently someone overheard an Eagle bragging about how their alliance caused Hayden's elimination."
"I've even heard someone from our team was seen with a bunch of other Eagles last night," Lita stated.
Riley shrugged. "I don't put a lot of thoughts in rumors. Listen Gris Bear, if you're free, you want me to school you in a game of foosball?"
Griswold chuckled. "Didn't I win the last game?"
"Yeah out of five," Riley replied.
"You have fun," Lita giggled and nuzzled Griswold's cheek. "I'll see you tonight handsome, for our dinner and movie date."
"Oh yeah," Griswold recalled. "See you then too...uh beautiful."
Griswold blushed as Lita giggled more. Riley laughed and raced on, Griswold soon catching up to her.
"They're awfully close."
Lita turned to see Pascal skipping down the steps.
"Riley and Griswold sure spend a lot of time together," Pascal said. "Riley really seems clo-"
"-I'm going to stop your stupid mouth right there," Lita interrupted. "I know Riley would never make a move on Griswold; Riley is someone I know I can trust. Which is more than I can say for you."
Lita pushed Pascal aside and ascended up the stairs.
"Could this day get any worse," Pascal sighed.
"Pascy-Wascy!"
Pascal facepalmed as Mandy ballerina twirled to him.
"Mandy," Pascal gritted. "You're still here."
"You noticed!" Mandy cheered. "Isn't it crazy? Rhonda says that she can't afford to give me a free stay anymore, so I thought I'd have to go home!"
Pascal beamed.
"Then she gave me a job as an intern, and I'll get paid in boarding! She says I could be here for the rest of the show! Isn't that crazy?"
Pascal immediately frowned.
"I was thinking we've had such a great time remembering things from our memory that we forgot," Mandy said. "But we haven't made any new memories either! So we should like totally go out to Washington, maybe see the Grand Canyon or Disneyworld…"
"Oh I'd love to," Pascal said. "Really would, but uh...I'm hanging out with Ness at the moment and we have a lot to do!"
"Ooh maybe some other time th-"
Mandy looked around to see Pascal was gone.
"Or not."
/
In Kalino's room, Kalino and Frannie were playing something on the Gamecube.
"I still don't understand why Petey Piranha is only playable in this game," Kalino stated.
"Right?" Frannie asked. "But they think Pink Gold Baby Peach or whatever is real creative."
"You know I've been thinking," Kalino said, "it might be too soon to tell, but Xidorn would be a good target."
Frannie shook her head. "I think the whole debate is kind of silly."
"Oh it totally is," Kalino replied. "But if someone buys it, that's a vote not against us."
"I guess," Frannie said. "I doubt Vance would go for it though."
"We'll tell him we're voting for someone else," Kalino replied.
Frannie dropped her controller. "You want to lie to him?"
"Always telling the truth might work for Xidorn," Kalino said, "but it can't work that way in real life. Lies are sometimes necessary. We're keeping him in the dark, but for his own good. We're helping and protecting him."
"If you think it's the right thing to do," Frannie replied.
"We'll see what happens," Kalino stated. "Mannnnnnnn, let's just chillax for the moment and stop stressing. Whatever happens, we'll be alright."
/
The next day, the contestants found themselves shuttled in the TDG bus.
"Where do you think we're going?" Ness asked. "Another monument? The zoo?"
"Probably another hotel in the chain," Seraphina stated.
The bus slammed to a stop as Rhonda jumped up. "Not quite...allow me to present a place many of your are familiar with; The Tysons Corner Center, aka the biggest mall in the Washington business district!"
The contestants looked out to see themselves at a huge mall filled with dozens upon dozens of shops and a dozen times the number of shoppers. Particularly, there were swarms of preteen girls.
"This mall and many of its shops have paid for some free advertising," Rhonda stated. "Which we will deliver in a subtle and tasteful way."
"Speaking of tasteful," Toby said, "can I just say how much I appreciate the food court at this mall? So many great choices like Subway; eat fresh."
Toby pulled out a sub and pushed it against his face.
"I for am enjoying these Doritos Locos Tacos," Jenny said and winked. "I'm thinking outside the bun."
"Personally I'm enjoying this egg, cheese and sausage McGriddle," Rhonda stated. "Now part of McDonald's all day breakfast menu! I'm lovin it."
The contestants stared at the hosts.
"Anyway," Rhonda continued. "This challenge is a scavenger hunt! You'll all have two hours to find the items on this list Toby is passing out. Most of these shops will let you take them for free, if you present this flyer to them at the checkout. Items are all worth different points, so whichever team has the most points at the end wins."
Easton looked on outside the window. "There's a lot of business today. Is there a sale?"
"A special guest appearance is being made at the mall," Rhonda said. "None other than teen heart throb Blainerson McManly!"
"Eeeeeeeeee!" Ness squealed.
"Who?" Seraphina asked.
"He's a super cool singer and actor," Ness salivated. "His duet with Cody Simpson nearly killed me!"
"Someone actually dropped a radio on my head playing that song," Ness said, "It knocked me down a manhole into the sewers; I was lost for a week down there. I had to eat garbage to survive. But I still really like the song."
"You'll notice the item on our list worth the most points is a celebrity cameo," Rhonda stated. "Blainerson McManly fits the bill."
"How hard could it be?" Aiden asked.
"DIE! BLAINERSON IS MINE!"
A ten year old girl was thrown the window of the bus.
"We'll be at the food court so bring us your items and we'll check them off," Rhonda stated. "Enjoying all those great food options the mall has to offer, like Chick-fil-a! Eat more chicken, not cow hearts your carnivore."
"Kalino," Frannie whispered. "You don't suppose the mall is still upset after last time we were here, do you?"
"Nahhhhhhh," Kalino replied. "I'm sure they already-"
The wind hurled a poster against the two's window, which read "Wanted Dead or Alive: Criminal Clown and Surfer for acts of child punting, British impersonations and public nudity."
Kalino and Frannie gulped and ducked out the window.
/
Inside the mall, the teams quickly took two separate escalators.
"Alright Fireworks," Griswold said. "We got this! To be safe, let's split up into pairs of two. We'll each get a section of the mall and look for the items there."
"In that case I'll go with you turtledove," Lita swooned. "It'll be just like the great date we had here earlier!"
"Uhh..sounds super," Griswold replied.
Ness and Seraphina, Riley and Ignacio and Pascal and Easton paired up.
/
"Here we are," Melissa stated. "I was thinking Cynthia we could.."
Melissa turned to see Cynthia already on another escalator with Weston behind her.
"Ooh that's fine," Melissa said. "Another time then. Well then Aiden-"
Melissa turned to see Aiden sulking in a gun store.
"Man I bet Hayden would've loved this shotgun," Aiden sighed.
"I'll give you some space my little chipmunk fluff," Melissa said and went on.
"I thought about talking with Aiden about Cynthia and Easton's worries," Melissa admitted. "But he's just so sad about Hayden, I don't want to bother him with my feelings; that'd be mean."
A rent a cop stood guard at the front of the mall, but failed to notice a tiptoeing trashcan enter.
"Stage one complete," said the trashcan, who hid in the ficus plant.
Frannie and Kalino threw the trash can off themselves.
"Stage two," Kalino said, "cut out faces from a magazine and put them over our faces! Creating a foolproof disguise to allow us to go around the mall."
The two high fived and got to work...
/
"Shopping for jewelry is fun, huh Cynthia?" Weston asked as he tried on various necklaces in a shop.
Cynthia tossed more and more jewelry aside, trying to find the right item.
Weston twiddled his thumbs. "So Cynthia…uh...umm..."
"If you have something to say, say it," Cynthia stated as shoppers looked on, yet kept their distance.
Weston grabbed Cynthia's arm and looked her in the eyes. "Okay, so the truth is even though you're scary I think you're really cool and brave. I really like you and like spending time with you, so do you want to be boyfriend and girlfriend?"
"Yes."
"I understand," Weston said. "I'm sorry if I made things really awkward."
"I said yes Weston," Cynthia stated.
"Wait whattttttt?" Weston asked. "Really? Are you sure?"
"Do you want me to change my mind?" Cynthia asked.
Weston shook his head.
"You've got all the perfect traits of someone I want to date," Cynthia said.
"I do?" Weston asked.
Cynthia stared. "You scar easily and bleed profusely...yet have a very high pain tolerance."
Weston gulped.
"You're also really sweet and cute," Cynthia said. "It's rare to find someone who fits all that."
Weston blushed and turned away. "Aw shucks!"
"Hehehe," Weston giggled. "I got a girlfriend, I got a girlfriend! And it's the most amazing girl in the whole wide world! WOO!"
Cynthia stared. "I didn't expect to get a boyfriend on this show. But now I do; I'm keeping him."
"Your disguise ready?"
"Oh yeah!"
Kalino popped out of the bushes wearing a cutout of the president on face...and wearing nothing else at all.
"Ooh nice," Frannie said.
Frannie somersaulted out with a handsome yet familiar face. "I just chose some garden variety celebrity or something."
"OH MY GAWD!" a preteen girl screamed and pointed. "Look!"
"Is that the president of the United State shopping in the nude?" another asked.
"Who cares about that loser," the first said. "Look who's next to him!"
"BLAINERSON MCMANLY!" a mob of teen girls screamed and ran.
"Wait," Frannie said, "if you're the nude president then I must be-"
"I'm going to tear off some of his skin cells for my collection!"
"In your dreams ******! Those skin cells are mine and I'm gonna lick them!"
"Quick Fran The Man," Kalino said, "tear it off!"
"I can't," Frannie replied. "It's stuck on my face like a haunted mask!"
Frannie dashed as the squad of girls stampeded through.
"I've got to find a way to rescue Frannie," Kalino stated.
/
Meanwhile, Xidorn and Vance were in a book store.
Vance was tossing books out left and right. "What was on the cover of this book?"
"It could be a lot of things," Xidorn replied. "A woman who looks like a pilgrim, a red letter; it'll have a gold symbol or something on it to show it's an anniversary edition."
Vance kicked a shelf. "Of all the stores we had to go to a bookstore."
"To be honest Vance... I suspect you can't read," Xidorn said.
"That idea ain't worth the salt in your bread!" Vance shouted.
"There is nothing wrong with being illiterate," Xidorn said. "It's a problem a lot of people face. I'm not judging, I just want you to know you don't have to feel bad in front of me."
Vance sighed. "Alright...the truth is my ma or pa never taught me how to read. They...didn't know either."
"I'm sorry to hear that," Xidorn stated. "If you want, I can teach you."
"Hmph, don't you think it's a bit silly to be teaching an almost full grown man how to read?" Vance asked.
"I don't find anything silly about helping someone," Xidorn replied. "Especially a friend."
Vance wiped a tear. "I didn't know people could be so nice...I mean, lets save the mushy stuff for after the challenge."
"You're right," Xidorn said.
The two turned back to the bookshelves. "Hey, do you know anything about this rumor going around?"
"Rumor?" Vance asked.
"Apparently some of the Fireworks are convinced some 'inter-team' alliance is going on," Xidorn said. "Silly huh? Said they're the ones who voted off Hayden."
Vance froze. "Uh...yeah that could never be happening, especially going on right now, on our team and be true."
Xidorn pulled a book off the shelf. "I got it! Let's boogie on out of here."
Vance followed and whispered to himself, "I've got to tell Kalino…"
/
Rhonda sat in the mall, sighing and holding her stomach as she sat on a bench. "Ooh, too much free advertising…"
"I've got a pill for that if you need it."
Rhonda turned to an old woman sitting next to her.
"Hey," Rhonda said, "aren't you that woman I was talking to at the subway?"
"Oh yes!" the old lady replied. "Your that hostess! What a coincidence seeing you again uh, Raina. How is your show going?"
Rhonda frowned. "Terrific."
"Really?" the old lady asked. "I've DVRed it, but hadn't been able to see it yet. I heard it was at the Pentagram Hotel."
"The one and only," Rhonda replied.
"Oh I've always wanted to tour it," the old lady said. "I've done tons of research on it. It was a fascinating little place; you know they say the owner hid his greatest treasure in there!"
"Really?" Rhonda asked.
"So they say," the old lady replied. "I'm an architect, so I've studied the floor plan. I use to make houses actually, most of my life till the housing market collapsed back in 2008."
"You know I could arrange a tour," Rhonda said. "In return maybe you'd share what you know about the house on camera."
"It'd be my pleasure!" the old lady replied.
/
As time ticked away, the contestants continued on their scavenger hunt. A montage was shown of some of the events so far…
Ness and Seraphina struggled to pry a candy bracelet from a baby's grip.
Frannie continued to run from the fans, who were being joined my more preteen girls (and thirty year old men) as she ran.
Lita and Griswold we're trying to get a orange soda out of a stubborn vending machine, but it wouldn't budge.
Pascal was signing autographs, as Easton sat besides himself at a fountain.
Cynthia meanwhile managed to scare everyone out of Hot Topic.
Vance found Kalino; he whispered in the slacker's ear, who slowly nodded…
/
Inside a women's lingerie store, Riley and Ignacio were searching through the ladies undergarments.
Ignacio was blushing and closing his eyes. "I still think I should wait outside."
"It'd be easier if we worked together," Riley said. "Dude, you're doing this for a challenge not cause you're a pervert."
"I know," Ignacio replied. "But I feel...embarrassed and...judged."
"I'm not judging bro," Riley stated.
"I knew you wouldn't Riley," Ignacio replied. "It's just...I don't know, people expect me to be a pervert just because I'm…"
"Smoking hot," Riley finished.
"Yeah," Ignacio replied. "People just assume I have my way with women all the time just because I meet physical standards and am a model."
"That often?" Riley asked.
Ignacio nodded. "My ex girlfriend Carla use to be so concerned I was adulterous because women, and men, throw themselves at me. She was always afraid I was sneaking looks or was...for a lack of a better word, thirsty. She dumped me because she thought I was a womanizer."
"It sounds like Carla didn't know the real you Ignacio," Riley said.
"Can I help you and your boyfriend?" an employee asked.
"We aren't...not like that," Ignacio stated.
The employee laughed. "Good to know."
"We're looking for some leopard underoos!" Riley announced. "You have any?"
"Only pair left is in clearance and I'm afraid I can't give that way," the employee replied.
Riley tuned to Ignacio who sighed and ripped his shirt off.
"I'll get you them right away stud!" the employee swooned.
Ignacio hid his red face in his hands. I'm shirtless in a women's lingerie store."
"If it'll make you feel better," Riley said, "I'll take mine off."
"No!" Igncaio shouted. "I mean not that they're bad, I've seen them before. I mean I wasn't looking at them, not because they're bad but…"
Riley laughed. "You are too easy to rile up."
/
At the same time, Ness and Seraphina sighed and held up the candy bracelet. Ness's nose was bleeding.
"Are we wimps or does the baby bench press a thousand?" Ness asked.
"A little bit of both," Seraphina replied. "Sorry it punched you in the face."
"It looks worse than it feels," Ness said.
"I'm going to go ahead and check this in with Rhonda," Seraphina said. "I hope the others had a better time."
"I'm gonna look around for any last minute items," Ness said.
"Go for it," Seraphina encouraged. "And good luck."
Ness nodded and walked off. She looked at the stores for anything…but stopped at crying. Turning to a massage chair, she found Amanda Picklestein sobbing.
Ness sighed and took a seat next to the chatterbox. "Hey Mandy."
Mandy sniffled. "Huh? Oh hey Ness, Pascal's new friend. You came to the mall too, huh? Isn't that crazy?"
"Why are you crying?" Ness asked.
"I'm just having an allergic reaction to all these great items and deals at this mall," Mandy cried.
"Are you sure?" Ness said. "You look like somebody who's going through a lot. Trust me, I know."
Mandy let out a loud groan and cried into Ness' lap. "I'm such a loser Ness! I came here hoping to reunite with Pascal...but he's forgotten all about me."
"He recognized you," Ness said.
"Yeah but its not the same," Mandy replied. "He's not the same; it's like he's a totally different person. He use to ask me how my day was at every meal and make up songs to sing to me at night. I thought we were really special friends…"
"I'm so sorry," Ness said.
"I should be the sorry one," Mandy said. "Showing up unannounced, when Pascal's here making new friends. That time on the show was just really important to me and...I wanted those experiences to last forever, not disappear. But I guess they already are gone; people grow apart as time goes on and life changes. Friends become acquaintances, then memories and then forgotten..."
"Well have you told Pascal how you feel?" Ness asked.
"No," Mandy admitted.
"You don't know if he's forgotten you if you don't ask," Ness said.
"But what if he really doesn't care for me?" Mandy asked. "What if it's better not knowing than facing the truth...that Pascal and I will never be the same people we were on that show."
"I don't know what he'll say," Ness said. "But will you ever really be happy always wondering? The worst case is you'll have to move on...but that's better than being haunted forever isn't it?"
Mandy hugged Ness. "Oh Ness, you're such a nice person! Can I ask you something?"
Ness gulped. "Yeah?"
"Do you think we could be friends too?" Mandy asked.
"You...you want to be my friend?" Ness asked. "I think...I think we're already friends now!"
Mandy squealed and hugged the girl again. "That's wonderful! And thank you; if you ever need anything just name it!"
Ness shook her head. "That's not necessary I...wait, actually Mandy would you mind coming with me?"
Mandy beamed. "Not at all!
/
At the same time, Lita and Griswold were still shaking the same vending machine.
"Can this **** machine be loosened!" Lita screamed.
A little girl skipped up to the machine and punched it. The orange soda came rolling out.
"Do you guys even lift?" the little girl asked before skipping away.
"Well at least we have it," Griswold said taking it as he and Lita headed to the nearest escalator.
"Hey is that Easton?" Griswold asked, pointing out the holder twin sitting at a fountain.
"Poor dear looks miserable," Lita said.
"I bet it has to do with that fight with his brother," Griswold said.
"Sweetie you go deliver that to Rhonda," Lita said. "I'm going to see if I can talk to him."
Before Griswold could answer, Lita got off the escalator.
"Hey honey," Lita said taking a seat. "You alright?"
"Oh yeah," Easton said. "Just taking a breather."
"Now I see a serious frown on that face," Lita said. "You can tell me honey; I promise I won't judge."
"It's Weston," Easton admitted.
"I thought so," Lita said. "Things still rough?"
"I'm still furious if that's what you mean," Easton replied.
Lita nodded.
"But...I do miss Weston," Easton admitted. "I still worry about him. But those things I said...I admit I do kind of resent him; I know everyone likes him more. And I mean who wouldn't, he's great. I just work so hard in math, in track, at taking care of him...and I'll still always be nothing but his twin brother. I thought this show would be chance to show I'm somebody...but I'm not."
Lita patted Easton's head. "Now honey, don't you say that. You and your brother are very different, even if some people can't see it. Maybe some people like him more, but I know some people here who like you a whole lot more."
Easton nodded. "Thanks. It burns me up that Weston saw those tapes that he didn't know something was off. That he actually thought I didn't love him. Then again, can you call say I love him when I was jealous at the same time?"
Lita sighed. "I think its clear you still love him, even if you won't admit it. I don't know the answer to that question though. I really wish I did."
Easton turned to Lita. "Thank you Lita, I feel better talking to you. I'm glad someone understands. Do you...want to talk about your brother?"
"Huh?" Lita asked.
"You said you understand," Easton said. "I remember you mentioning your brother after we won the Awake-a-thon."
Lita squirmed. "Its different."
"If you don't mind me asking," Easton said, "how is it different?"
"It's worse," Lita admitted. "I'll tell you but you have to promise to never tell anyone else."
Easton raised his right hand. "I swear."
Lita nodded. "Me and my brother are different circumstances. My momma's always had a hard life, yet she's tried to take care of us. Still...I know she can't ever love me the same way she loves him."
Easton nodded.
"With me...well my dad is a real bad guy. My mom was worried he'd leave her; she thought having me would make him stay. Instead it made him leave."
"You can't mean that," Easton said.
"Don't get me wrong," Lita said. "I'm grateful he left. But trust me, I know it's true."
"God," Easton mumbled. "I'm sorry Lita."
Lita shook her head. "With my brother, or half-brother, she never planned to have him...but he wasn't an accident either."
Easton paused for a moment, then sighed and nodded.
"When he came into our lives," Lita continued, "so much changed. She treated him in ways she never had treated me before...everyone treated him different from me. And it's not like he doesn't deserve it…he's the greatest little guy I know. But I can't help wishing...that could be me, that I could be loved like that! Then I feel so awful for feeling that."
"I think understand," Easton said.
"But it is different from you and your twin," Lita said and leaned in whispering in his ear.
Easton's eyes grew wide. "Oh Lita, you can't think that-"
"-Please don't say anymore," Lita said standing up. "We have to get back to the challenge. Just don't tell anyone, especially Griswold or Seraphina or Ness. I don't want them to know how awful I am…"
/
Over on the other side of the mall, Kalino was racing around nude as the president.
"Okay finding Blainerson McManly failed," Kalino said. "How else can I save her?"
"Hey you."
Kalino turned around to see a rent a cop.
"Oh, hey mannnnnn."
"Are you really the President of the United States?"
Kalino blinked. "Yes, yes I am."
"Why are you running around naked?" the cop asked.
"I'm expressing my freedom as a citizen of America dude," Kalino replied.
"I knew there was a reason I voted for you!" the cop cheered. "Listen, if there is anything you need, just name it."
"If I could ask a presidential favor," Kalino said, "I need to rescue Blainerson McManly. You know, FBI/CIA/SAT kind of stuff."
"Of course!" the cop replied.
/
A few floors below, Riley and Ignacio exited the lingerie store. Riley stopped as she noticed a familiar lineman napping on the benches. She tossed the underoos on the still shirtless Ignacio.
"Go on Iggy Pop," Riley said. "I got to help a bro out here."
Ignacio nodded and went on, ignoring the whistles he was getting.
"What's wrong Gris Bear?" Riley asked, sitting on the edge.
"What makes you think something's wrong?" Griswold asked.
"I know you," Riley said.
Griswold chuckled. "You do. The truth is, it's about Lita."
"Oh no," Riley said. "What's the trouble?"
"Dating her has been interesting," Griswold said. "I mean at first it was amazing, but she's really...kind of smothering. I'm feel suffocated and exhausted. And we kissed and...I felt I wasn't ready for my first kiss, and now that I did it...I just pictured something else. Something like a Faith Hill song."
"You and your love of Faith Hill," Riley laughed.
"Faith Hill's music is amazing," Griswold swooned. "Look in your heart bro, you know it to be true. The point is, I don't know how to feel at this point."
"I hate to break it you Gris but it doesn't get easier after forming a relationship," Riley said. "It might even get harder."
"And look how much I struggled forming it," Griswold said. "I don't know, I'm not going to call it quits, but this wasn't what I was expecting of my first girlfriend."
"What were you expecting?" Riley asked. "A fairytale wedding?"
Griswold laughed. "Of course not."
"You know one of my older brothers always fell hard into love," Riley stated. "He was so obsessed with finding someone…and all it got him was two divorces. The third time has been the charm so far, but it wasn't an easy road for him to get there."
"What are you trying to imply dude?" Griswold asked.
"I'm saying love isn't easy or as magical as we think," Riley said. "I've thought it was too, but I've learned from my brother's relationships and my own that it isn't. Don't get wrong, love can do good, but it isn't good by default, it's...powerful."
"With great power comes responsibility," Griswold sighed.
Riley chuckled. "As true as that phrase is cliché. Relationships are great, but they take a lot of work; they have to survive time passing, people growing, and things always changing. And they'll never be perfect; they're man made after all."
"So what should I do now?" Griswold said.
"Call me loco," Riley said. "But have you thought about talking with Lita?"
Griswold blushed. "That would make sense."
Riley shrugged. "I mean you can't solve a problem if you don't acknowledge there's a problem dude. Let me tell you this, communication is important. And I don't mean by dolphin calls."
"Eeeee!" Griswold squeaked before he and Riley burst into laughter.
"I'll just be straightforward with her when we get the chance alone," Griswold stated.
Riley gave a thumbs up. "Right on Broprah Winfrey. Communication is really important. A relationship can't be happy if you're keeping secrets or bottling up things inside. It's not healthy for your or your relationship."
"Gosh Rye Bread, you ever think about writing a book?" Griswold teased.
"I tried to write one on money saving tips but it costs a lot for paper dude," Riley replied.
The two bros laughed and got up.
/
At the same time, Frannie found herself chased up a fake palm tree. "Hmm, I didn't expect to die in palm tree while being chased by preteen girls. I always thought it'd be a pine tree."
"Marry me Blainerson McManly!" a girl shouted.
"No me!" another girl shouted.
"He's marrying me!" a man shouted.
"No one is marrying that handsome man!"
"SAYS WHO?" a preteen girls shouts.
Everyone gasped as a naked Kalino stood like George Washington crossing the Delaware river, riding on a the rent a cop's golf cart. "Says the President of AMURICA!"
The golf cart ran over the girls as it got to the palm tree. Frannie jumped and landed in Kalino arms. "My hero!"
Then suddenly, Kalino and Frannie's masks fell off.
"Hey you're not my teenage fantasy come true, you're a clown!"
"And you're not the president," the rent a cop shouted. "You're some naked guy."
"PUSH!" Kalino shouted as he shoved the rent a cop away and hijacked the golf cart.
"Let's get out of this mall!" Frannie shouted.
"Not yet Fran The Man," Kalino replied. "I promised I'd try to save you. This challenge still has a minute left; let's say we double dash this bitch?"
"Oh yeah!" the two shouted.
/
At the same time, Rhonda and most of the contestants gathered together. To the left, the Fireworks had a pile of their items. To the right, the Eagles had a smaller pile.
"Well it was close," Rhonda said, "but this win is the Fizz-"
"-Woaaahhhhhhhhhh!"
Frannie and Kalino drove their golf cart off the top floor and descended down. The two and their shopping bags jumped out of their in slow mo. The golf cart landed on the floor and exploded right next to Rhonda. Frannie and Kalino landed on their butts nearby and high fived.
"What The Heck?" Rhonda screamed.
"Wrong fanfiction," Frannie said. "Also, we brought gifts!"
The two tossed their shopping bags on top of Rhonda. "Well this changes everything; I'd say the winners are-"
"-Wait!"
Ness ran up pulling Mandy behind her. "I have one last item."
"It'd have to be worth a lot of points mannnn," Kalino said while smiling at Frannie.
"She is," Ness said, presenting Mandy.
"Mandy isn't on the list," Toby stated.
"The list requests a celebrity cameo," Ness explained. "Mandy is a celebrity and here she is cameoing."
"Hmm," Rhonda said. "Well I finally wanted Blainerson to cameo, but I'll take it."
Yes!" Ness cheered and hugged Mandy as the other Fireworks joined in.
"It'll take some math," Rhonda said, "give us a minute."
/
Five hours later, the co-hosts separated. "We've calculated your exact scores and by a single point the winners are…The Fizzled Fireworks!"
Kalino's smile immediately dropped. Xidorn nodded, as the other Eagles realized what that meant and looked at each other.
The Fizzled Fireworks cheered at their victory...except for Seraphina who stared at Xidorn and the other Eagles. "Please, please let it work."
"Prepare to say goodbye to another one of your friends Eagles," Rhonda said.
/
It was a quiet night; the Eagles shuffled into the Internet cafe without a word. Dark clouds loomed outside.
Rhonda sighed. "The votes have all been cast. I've got seven cups of raspberry flavor coffee. It's good stuff. But one of you won't know what that's like. Weston, will however."
Weston nodded as he caught his cup.
"Vance...Kalino...Melissa."
The three caught their cups and shuffled awkwardly.
"Cynthia...Aiden."
Aiden nodded.
"One cup left; two newbies. The final coffee cup goes to..."
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"...Xidorn. I'm afraid it's your time now Frannie."
Frannie didn't move for a few seconds, before slowly raising her eyebrows and turning to the others. She looked towards Kalino, but he looked the other way. "I don't...why?"
"We're so sorry Frannie," Weston said. "But we know you'll be happier now!"
Frannie just stared. "What?"
"I'm sorry but you have a ride to catch," Rhonda stated.
"But-"
"Goodbye," Rhonda interrupted.
Frannie frowned and crept towards the Revolving Doors of Shame.
Kalino stood up. "I better talk to her…"
/
Frannie set her luggage down at the bus stop.
"Frannie," Kalino said in a whisper as he exited.
Frannie turned to notice him and ran to hug him. "Kalino! What happened? Why...why am I going home?"
"I...don't know," Kalino said. "I'm just as confused and upset as you are."
"Then why didn't you say anything in there?" Frannie asked.
Kalino looked down. "I was in shock, that's all…"
Frannie's eyes grew wide and she separated from him. "You knew. You knew it was going to be me."
Kalino turned away. "Why did you have to do that? Why did you have to go and ruin a good thing? I felt like I could trust you."
"Of course you can trust me," Frannie replied. "What did I do?"
"Loose lips sink ships," Kalino quoted. "Remember?"
"What?" Frannie asked.
"The rumors going around?" Kalino asked. "We have our first alliance meeting with you and suddenly everyone's talking about an alliance meeting and Hayden going home. You tell me that's coincidence?"
"I didn't say anything," Frannie said. "How could you think that?"
"Like how you spilled the beans about Diamonique's genius?" Kalino asked. "You aren't good at keeping secrets. I couldn't risk my game, my dreams, on you."
Frannie turned away and began crying. Kalino stood and watched her.
"Frannie," Kalino said. "I'm sorry...I really am. But I promise our deal's still intact, you'll still get-"
"-I didn't say anything!" Frannie yelled, revealing her smearing makeup. "I never told a soul. Why didn't you just ask me? Why didn't you talk to me?"
Kalino looked down.
"For my own good, was it?" Frannie asked. "Thought I'd never know about it till you'd won and then when you saved the circus I'd understand. Is that it? What did you tell them?"
"I told them you weren't feeling well," Kalino said. "You were homesick and didn't want to be here."
"Soon I won't have a home to go to," Frannie stated. "The circus will close down now."
"You can still save the circus," Kalino said. "With your share you-"
"-You actually meant that deal?" Frannie asked. "Or was that another lie? What you just said about Diamonique...you voted her off, didn't you?"
Kalino sighed. "Yes."
"Oh my god," Frannie wept. "Of course you did! I was such a fool! You used me! I trusted you Kalino. And I thought, I thought you and me...that we…"
The Public Transportation pulled up and opened its door as it started to rain.
Frannie wiped her face on her sleeve as she picked up Ziba and her luggage.
"What?" Kalino said. "You thought what?"
"Who cares," Frannie replied. "It doesn't matter now; none of it does. Keep the money for yourself, I don't want it."
"Fran The Man...I...I..."
"Good luck Kalino," Frannie said. "I hope you get everything that you wanted. Hope you prove everyone you were right."
Frannie didn't turn around as the doors closed behind her. Then she was gone. The rain poured as Kalino stood there and looked on at the street...
Author's Note
I hate to say anything after that elimination, but that's what author notes are for. I hope you enjoyed the chapter. I remember it being fun to write and it was fun for me to reread. I admit I probably gave Kalino and Frannie a lot of moments because I knew this was the end of their duo. They were great comic relief, but I'm sure some of you suspected this was never going to end well for Frannie.
One thing I want to acknowledge is the joke about the president. When it was originally written, Obama was still in office and Trump and Hilary were running. The 'president' in-story was meant to be whoever you wanted the president to be and still is...but I admit it is a little weird to read after everything that's happened in the lost four years.
Also, that's four years have passed and it's time for another presidential election. I feel so old. Now you could choose to interpret that face as Biden or someone else. Point is, the joke is not trying to be anything political. You can always assume it's some in-universe president that's not a real person too. Me? I like imagining Kalino is impersonating Howard Taft.
We're getting closer and closer to the merge. Any predictions about who will make it and who won't?
Appendix: Elimination History
Bethany (Eagles)- 22nd
Diamonique (Eagles)- 21st
Casper (Fireworks)- 20th
Tessa (Fireworks)- 19th
Zipporah (Fireworks)- 18th
Hayden (Eagles)- 17th
Frannie (Eagles)- 16th