While the Fizzled Fireworks were voting off one of their own, the Molting Eagles were making their way to the closed elevator confessional one by one. To recap, for winning the last challenge the Eagles won a special reward; from a random list they'd choose a teammate's reward. Behind the buttons on the elevator wall, a secret slot existed, which Rhonda had instructed the Eagles to use to submit their decisions.
Kalino sat in the confessional, slouched as usual. "This might have been easier if I wasn't picking for...Cynthia."
He looked to his left then right despite the elevator's small size. "I feel like Cynthia could find out the options I had...she might already now. I swear she's like...magic or something. The problem are my choices; I can give her an, "all expenses paid trip to the local garbage dump..." and start planning my funeral."
Kalino shuddered. "But my other option is a 'vote steal' advantage. Right now, I'd like to be the only one with any deus ex-machina game changer advantages, you dig? Which just leaves a coupon book. Hopefully I can talk to one of the Cynthia whisperers and have them convince her it was the best option."
Melissa looked over list. "I like the idea of giving each other rewards; it seems sweet...if I wasn't sure Ms. Rhonda wants to cause drama with it. Hopefully we'll keep it sweet."
Melissa tapped her chin. "I have Kalino. I think he's nice and glad he's on my team...but he hasn't always been honest with me in some of the previous votes. I'm willing to move past that, but…"
Melissa sighed and shook her head. "The best option on the list is probably a, "golden immunity flash drive that will be secretly delivered in a chocolate gift basket". With the merge approaching, it'd ensure Kalino's safety. Truthfully, I'd love it if the Eagles could keep acting like a team at the merge...but only one of us can win and the guys are really tight. Cynthia is my BFFFL, but I'm not as close with the others as I thought. I feel like I would be the first one they'd vote off when comes down to it. Not to mention I really do like the Fireworks, some have been awfully nice to me..."
The sweetheart sat there for a few moments, before scribbling on the sheet. "I'll give Kalino a free shopping trip to the mall! I feel horrible not picking the best option, but it's a lot of power. What if he used it at the final six and gets me out instead...if things even turn out like that. I mean, no one would give someone the golden immunity flash drive if there's no trust, right?"
"Melissa has almost no trust in me," Vance explained. "So I'm going to give her a golden immunity flash-drive. It'll be delivered secretly in a chocolate gift basket. I figure I do this, and she'll trust me again! Not to mention I guess I do feel bad about hurting the little lass...it feels like the right thing to do."
An hour after elimination, the Fizzled Fireworks packed into the dining room. The Molting Eagles were already seated, except for one.
"Oh dearie my," Melissa whispered. "They voted off Easton. Is Weston going to be okay Cynthia?"
"He won't admit he isn't," Cynthia said.
"Speaking of one of my little deputies...where is he?" Vance asked. "Cynthia you didn't…"
The cowboy gulped as he felt her unblinking eyes looking upon him. "...see him, did you?"
"I don't know if I can say," Xidorn stated. "But I may have an idea where he is…"
Rhonda stood in front of the cafeteria line, a smile on her face. "Now that...most of us are here, I'd like to reveal the Eagles' prizes to everyone. First up, Weston chose to give Vance a Greatest Hits' album of popular boy band, One Rejection."
Vance pouted as Rhonda tossed him the album. "Psh, I gave Melissa a way better gift than some crappy boy band."
"Vance is from way out in the country," Ness stated. "Naturally he hasn't had a chance to hear how great One Rejection is! I'm so jealous he got that, it's not even in stores yet! I heard it even has the original recording of "You're That Girl Who Did That Thing". Hehe, it's one of my faves."
"I'm getting to your pick Vance," Rhonda stated. "Tomorrow morning, courtesy of Vance, Melissa will receive a gift basket of chocolates. What a sweet surprise."
Melissa gasped as she looked at the cowboy, who winked and tilted his hat.
"Melissa chose to give Kalino a shopping trip to Tyson's Corner Center Mall," Rhonda explained. "He'll have fifty dollars to spend!"
"Sweeeet!" Kalino exclaimed. "Thanks Melissa, I'll have to get you a gift for giving me the best prize."
Melissa forced a laugh. "Haha, of course."
"Kalino is going to let Cynthia do a little shopping too," Rhonda said. "He chose to give her a coupon book."
A hushed silence fell over the room as Kalino gulped and smiled at Cynthia.
"Thanks." Cynthia replied. "I won't forget it."
"Cynthia chose to give Xidorn two free movie tickets to the local theater," Rhonda stated.
"Thanks a million Cynthia," Xidorn stated. "This will be great for a date night between me and Seraphina."
"Nice to hear you two lovebirds worked it out," Kalino whispered.
"It seems like almost everyone enjoyed their rewards," Rhonda replied. "Remember, you still can't admit what the other options were. But you all got the best prizes your teammate could choose...right? I mean, some secret advantages were options on a few lists after all…"
All of the newcomers eyes grew wide. The Molting Eagles gave looks at each other.
"Well, I think that's everything," Rhonda stated, turning away. "Goodnight everybody!"
"Wait!" Melissa stated. "What about Weston?"
Rhonda turned around, a grin on her face. "Oh yes...what about Weston? Why isn't is he? Shed some light for us Xidorn; what did you pick his reward to be?"
"Well the best reward on my sheet," Xidorn explained, "was, "The chance to earn ten thousand dollars." Weston is my bud, and a fellow film buff, so I thought he should have it."
"Heartwarming," Rhonda said. "So let's see if Weston can earn that ten thousand dollars…"
A TV screen descended down from the ceiling in front of the newcomers. Rhonda motioned to the cameras, who zoomed in on the screen…
/
"Ahhhhhhh!"
A thud was heard in dark room. Lights shot on, revealing the still scorched stage. Weston dusted a few ashes off himself as he picked himself up.
"I can't believe I fell down a trap door...again," Weston admitted. "That's the third time today. Hmm...are they ever gonna actually clean this stage or just leave it burnt looking?"
As the other lights dimmed, red and blue lights flashed. Out from stage left, where all the red lights seemed to be stationed, skipped out Jenny. From stage right, where the blue lights shone, was Toby.
"Welcome Weston," they greeted in unison.
"Uhh...is it time for a challenge already?" Weston asked.
"No," Toby replied. "We're here to give you your reward from today's challenge, courtesy of Xidorn."
"Ahh!" Weston exclaimed. "Thanks Xi for...whatever it is."
"A chance for ten thousand big ones," Jenny replied. She held her hands behind her back as she swayed on the heels of her shoes.
"So it is a challenge?" Weston asked.
"Oh no," Jenny giggled. "It's really quite easy."
A podium appeared next to Jenny, displaying an oversized check. "You can leave with it...you just have to do a little something first."
"Sure!" Weston replied. "I'll do whatever!"
Jenny clapped. "Wonderful. You'll need this."
From behind her back, she pulled out a hammer. Next to Toby a cart containing eleven old computer monitors rose from the stage floor.
"What's that?" Weston asked.
"Ooh nothing," Jenny replied. "You just need to smash that cart of junk, then you can take your money and go."
Weston looked at the cart, to the check and back and forth for a whole minute. "Why?"
"Why do you care?" Jenny asked. "Just take the money and go silly."
"They're old computers I was able to repurpose," Toby interrupted. "They have video chats hooked up on them."
"Video chats to who?"
"Friends and family of all your competitors," Toby said.
/
The other newcomers gasped.
"Our families are there?" Ignacio asked. Rhonda nodded, but held a finger to her lip.
/
Weston scratched his head. "What's really going on?"
"You prize is a chance at ten thousand dollars," Jenny explained. "This is your chance. You can take the money and destroy the computers…"
"...or you can let the others talk to their friends and families and destroy the check," Toby finished.
/
"Oh my god," Lita cried out. "You mean my brother might be on there?"
"Your brother is on there," Rhonda stated. "So are Ignacio's parents, Kalino's dad, Melissa's mom, Riley's brothers, and so many of your friends and loved ones."
"How?" Lita asked. "We don't even own a computer?"
"We arranged it," Rhonda explained.
"The show went to everyone's homes and found their loved ones," Toby explained. "They're under the impression they're waiting for the other newcomers to talk to them...but if they don't answer, it's because they chose not to talk to them."
"Why the **** would you tell them that?" Riley asked.
"More drama," Rhonda replied, with a little laugh.
"You're heartless," Griswold said.
Melissa shook her head as everyone else glared at the hostess.
/
"So all our loved ones are expecting us?" Weston asked.
"No," Jenny replied. "You don't have a computer. If you choose that prize, you leave with nothing."
"How's that fair?" Weston asked.
"Its not," Toby replied. "So, what do you choose?"
/
"Oh Weston," Lita cried. "Is it bad I want him to pick us."
"I don't know," Ignacio admitted. "But I want him to…"
/
"I don't know," Weston admitted. "I have to think about this…"
"What's there to think about?" Jenny asked. "It's ten thousand dollars! Why wouldn't you pick it?"
"But the others…"
"The others?" Jenny asked. "What about the others? Most of them would have picked the money."
"No they wouldn't have...would they?" Weston asked.
"I guarantee it," Jenny stated. "I mean, what do you owe them anyway?"
"True," Toby replied. "It's not like Xidorn chose this reward for you."
"Yeah, your reward," Jenny said. "The rest of the Eagles got rewards, what about you?"
Weston pouted. "Well…"
"Do you want to give it to the Fireworks?" Jenny asked. "To Easton and the friends he replaced you with?"
/
"Easton isn't even here," Griswold pointed out.
"Weston doesn't know that," Rhonda replied.
"Does he even know we can see this?" Kalino asked.
"He has no idea."
/
"You really want Easton to talk to your folks," Jenny continued. "Let them visit their favorite son."
"Of course I don't want Easton to have it!" Weston shouted.
"Even if your brother misses your family?" Toby asked.
"They'll all see their loved ones again," Jenny replied.
"You're right, they've just been away from home for over a month," Toby said. "They probably won't see their loved ones for even longer. You've got the once chance they have."
"It's not like they'll know you didn't give it to them Weston," Jenny explained. "You don't have to explain how you won the money, you can make up something."
"Yeah, lie to your friends and girlfriend," Toby said. "That sounds like it won't backfire."
"Think about what this money could buy," Jenny said. "I mean, right now you have a one-in-twelve shot of winning. If you lose, you get nothing. At least you can still get the money."
"Is ten thousand a lot?" Weston asked.
"I don't think so," Toby replied. "It'll be easy to burn through."
"Maybe," Jenny said. "Maybe not. I mean it could at least help out your family, or even in college. Which college are you going to?"
"I...I have no idea," Weston admitted. "I don't even know what I want to do at college…"
"Well with that money you can go to plenty of colleges," Jenny replied. "I mean, Easton has money going to college. Why not show you can earn some too?"
Weston stepped forward.
"You know if it was someone what you would want them to pick," Toby stated.
"Do you really want to remembered as the guy who gave this up?" Jenny asked. "The Internet will be calling you an idiot for ages if you do this."
"You know what the right option is," Toby said. "You know what you want to pick."
"Yes, you do," Jenny agreed.
Weston sighed and went over to the check.
Jenny flashed a grin at her sidekick as Weston lifted up the check. The grin quickly fell as the younger twin tore the check in half.
"I don't know if I made the right choice," Weston admitted. "But I'm sticking by it."
Jenny sulked off. For a second, Toby half-smiled, but returned to his usual expression as he pushed the cart to Weston.
"Now what?" Weston asked.
"You go up," Toby replied.
Weston raised an eyebrow as a platform shot up from under him. The ceiling opened up, taking the twin and cart all the way into the dining room.
"Huh?"
"Weston!"
The newcomers cheered as the raced to Weston, many pulling the confused kid in for a hug or thanking him while crying.
"What's going on?" Weston asked.
"We saw the whole thing," Xidorn stated. "You made the right choice!"
"I don't know how to thank you," Lita cried.
"Haha, it isn't a big deal...wait, where's Easton?"
"He...was voted off tonight," Ness said. "I'm so sorry he's not here Weston."
"He'd be totally proud of you Bromer Simpson," Riley said.
Weston looked away. "I don't even really care."
"I'm afraid we don't have anything for you Weston," Rhonda said. "You can stay if you want…"
"Weston can have my call," Kalino suggested.
"You don't have to do that," Weston said.
"I really don't mind man," Kalino replied.
"I'm afraid it's not allowed," Rhonda replied. "Weston doesn't get a call; that was the deal. Now for privacy's sake, you'll do your calls one on one in the confessional. Oh, and don't think of asking for spoilers. If you try, kiss this all goodbye. So who's first?"
Vance gulped as he opened the laptop. A trio of girls in cowboys hats appeared on the screen, sitting inside what looks like a stadium. Vance sighed in relief.
"Ooooh Vance," the girls swooned.
Vance smirked and tipped his cowboy hat. "Ladies. How are you?"
"We've missed you Vance," a blonde girl said. "The rodeo just hasn't been the same without you."
Vance blew his knuckles. "I'd imagine; not as daring or sexy without me."
The girls nodded.
"What's it like there?" a brunette girl asked. "I bet the girls there are really pretty? You've probably forgot all about us."
"You know I couldn't forget about you Jenna," Vance stated.
"Umm…it's Rachel," the girl replied.
Riley opened her laptop. She was greeted by a chorus of, "Brah!"
On the screen were eight men with similar features to Riley, all older than her ranging from in their thirties to mid twenties. A few of the older men were dressed more normal and casual, in white beaters and sweats, but many had a fashion sense just as 'stylish' as Riley. Only one stood out, dressed more professionally.
"Bros!" Riley cheered, wiping a tear.
"Aww you miss us Ry."
Riley laughed. "Shut up! You know I do! And to see you all there...it's rare these days. You know, with life going on and stuff. I hate I'm missing out."
"It's all cause of you Riley," the eldest said. "To support our little sis, who's kicking butt out there! How is it?"
"Are you having fun?"
"You making a lot of friends?"
"Is the food good?"
"Have you gone skating in Washington?"
"You told any girls we're single?"
"Seriously, what is the deal with the food?"
Riley laughed and shook her head. "You guys! One at a time..."
Cynthia opened her laptop. Her video showed an walking down the streets of what seemed like a small town.
Caww! Caww!
A harsh screeching echoed in the background, the call of a crow. It seemed on every roof, tree branch, and power line sat a murder of crows, who stared directly at the computer's camera lens.
A blond teen and a redheaded girl walked down the street, looking at each other with loving eyes.
"Hey," the teen shouted, running towards the teens. "Total Drama here; anything you want to say to your classmate Cynthia?"
The two teens' eyes widened, the boy focused on in the screen. "Uhh…hey Cynthia, hope you win, heh, heh. I'd stay to talk longer but um…I have to…"
A crunching noise and a scream was heard. "I have to talk my girlfriend to the hospital! Yeah, she just fell in front of car. Crazy right? Bye!"
The blond ran off, picking up the redhead from the windshield of car. The driver saw Cynthia, immediately started backing up their car, and drove off into an alleyway.
The intern turned and focused on a girl with short black hair exiting a store. "Hey you, thoughts you'd like to share with Cynthia? We're live with her right now!"
The girl gulped but forced a smile. "Oh yeah, I've been watching. Cynthia's done so well. I was kind of surprised to see her friendship with Melissa and her dating Weston…but I think it's super cute. I totally ship it Cynthia haha."
The girl smiled at the camera. Cynthia stared at the screen.
The girl stood there awkwardly, her smile fading and her eyes shifting back and forth, before bursting into tears and running away…only screaming, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry…"
"What is wrong with this place?" the intern asked. As if in response, a crow attacked the intern. The man screamed as crow screeching intensified. The feed cut off.
Cynthia stood up and walked away. "That was more fun than I thought it would be."
Ignacio took a deep breath before opening the screen. On the screen were an older Hispanic couple at a small table. Their faces lit up as they saw Ignacio.
"¡Mamá! ¡Papá!"
"¡Ignacio!"
"¿Cómo estás mi hijo?"
"Estoy bien, estoy teniendo un mejor momento de lo que pensaba."
"Estamos muy orgullosos de ti Ignacio! La mayoría de los padres desean que puedan ser tan buenos como los niños como tú."
"Y la mayoría de los niños no se dan cuenta de que podrían tener padres tan amables como tú".
Ignacio wiped away tears.
"Entonces ... ¿Conoces a alguna linda niña Ignacio?"
"¡Mamá!"
Xidorn opened his computer. A purple haired Vietnamese preteen girl smiled and waved.
"Cousin Vy!" Xidorn cheered. "Did you...did you dye your hair?"
"You like it?" Vy asked.
Xidorn laughed. "I love it! I just can't believe Aunt Rose and Uncle Van let you...they let you, didn't they?"
"Yes, they did," Vy giggled. "It's in honor of you! You and how awesome you are on the show!"
"Really?" Xidorn asked. "Your family is watching?"
"All of our family is," Vy said. "And thinks you're doing great! Your family is too; you're mom, sister and your dad! They're all really proud of you!"
"My dad is watching?" Xidorn asked. "They are?"
Vy nodded excitedly. "We all are! Team Xidorn all the way!"
Griswold opened his laptop. A locker room appeared on the screen, where football players walk around with towels around their waists. They notice the camera is on and cheer.
"Griswold!"
"Grizzlywold in the house!"
"Woop! Woop!"
"Go Bulldogs!"
Griswold chuckled. "Guys! It looks like the whole team is here! What are you doing?"
"Just some summer practice rounds," one of Gris' teammates replied. "Coach is ticked you're gone...but still rooting for you!"
"You're taking good care of the lucky jockstrap aren't you?"
"Of course," Griswold replied. "We need it at our opening game. It's done me pretty good so far."
"We've seen," another teammate said. "You've been having some success with the ladies."
A chorus of chuckles and cheers erupted from the locker room.
Griswold turned redder than his varsity jacket. "Me and Lita aren't a thing…"
"What about that hot skater chick?" one of his teammates asked.
"Riley?" Griswold asked. "I mean she's the most awesome person ever...but I never thought about dating her…"
"Well you should! Half of the school ships you with her."
"Yeah, and who does the other half of the school ship me with?" Griswold asked.
"Ignacio…"
Melissa jumped in place as she opened her laptop; on the screen sat an older woman who looked like Melissa, wearing a hijab.
"Melissa!"
"Mother! I've missed you so much!"
"I've missed you too dear," the woman replied. "It's strange; I know you're still in the same city, yet I haven't seen you in over a month. Are you well?"
"I'm good," Melissa replied. "Better now that I'm talking to you."
"It looks like you've been very brave," Melissa's mother said. "I didn't think you could do a show like this to be honest...I'm happy to be wrong. You also got your first boyfriend…"
Melissa blushed and chuckled. "Hehe, yeah. Aiden's a sweetie. You'll love him."
"Ooh I already do," Melissa's mother replied. "Your father though…"
Ness opened her laptop and frowned. At a mall somewhere, a large crowd of teenagers were waiting for the message.
"Is that everyone from school?" Ness asked. "I thought this was my loved ones visit?"
"Oh my god," a girl laughed. "Look everyone! Its Ness the mess!"
The crowd roared in cheers and laughter.
"Total Drama came to town and said they wanted someone to talk to you," a boy explained. "We decided we wanted to tell you how amazing we all thought you were on the show."
Ness raised an eyebrow. "You...do?"
"Oh 'totally'," a girl replied. "We had no idea you could be that pathetic for millions of people to see!"
The teens laughed. "I mean we thought you were a mess at school, but you really proved it on Total Drama!"
"I can't believe you made it past first boot...but god am I glad you did haha!"
"I've been making a compilation of all your fails so far," another voice said. "Its too many videos."
"I'm not doing that bad," Ness sighed. "I...I almost at the merge."
"If your team doesn't wise up and eliminate you, once they stop feeling sorry for you."
"Ooh by the way Ness," a boy said. "How are you and your boyfriend Pascal doing?"
The crowd made kissing noises.
"You know what...who cares what any of you losers think!"
The crowd went silence.
"Why should I?" Ness asked. "You all applied to Total Drama and none of them wanted you! You're all just a bunch of insecure creeps who can't think for themselves! I've worked hard to get here, and you can't take that away. So choke on that!"
Ness slammed the laptop closed. She took deep breaths. "Wow...I've never raised my voice that much. ...I kinda liked it."
Kalino opened up his laptop. The screen showed a desk in a lawyer's office. Sitting at the desk was a man of Pacific Island descent, black hair cut short and slicked back, talking on the phone.
"Yes, yes I know! But I gave a deadline, and I want it met by that deadline!"
Kalino shook his head, coughing.
The lawyer turned to the screen. "I'll have to call you back… hello Kalino."
"Yo Daddy-O," Kalino replied. "Is this a bad time, I can call back."
"Nonsense, this is your only call," Kalino's father replied.
Kalino frowned. "Oh...darn."
"It's good to see you son," Kalino's father replied. "I really wanted to talk to you."
"You did?" Kalino asked. "Uh..well, thanks dad..."
"My secretary has been keeping me updated on how you're doing on the show," Kalino's father continued. "So has your sister Iolana. We agree that it might be best for you to...leave the show."
"Leave?"
"My firm can settle the legal matters and have you out in days," Kalino's father continued. "I mean you're not going to win, so why don't we have you do something more productive, right?"
"You know, the others have talked to their loved ones," Kalino stated. "Telling them how much they miss them, how proud they are...and I get to talk to you. No, 'how are you?' No, 'I miss you'..."
"Son, please I didn't-"
"- Weston didn't get to talk to anyone," Kalino continued. "I tried to give him my call, but Rhonda wouldn't let me. He doesn't get to speak to his loved ones, but I get to hear how disappointed you are. Yippee for me."
Kalino closed the laptop. "Not today old man. I'm not going through this today."
Seraphina stood outside the confessional, laptop in hand, Ness beside her. Lita rushed out of the confessional, crying heavily. Seraphina and Ness pulled her in for a hug.
"You talk to your brother?" Ness asked.
Lita nodded. "We...we don't own a TV, but he said he knew I was kicking butt. It was just great to see him."
Lita grabbed Seraphina's shawl and blew her nose in it. "Oh...sorry Seraphina."
Seraphina giggled. "I can wash it. I'm glad you got to talk to him."
"It's your turn now," Lita sighed.
"Do I have too?" Seraphina asked.
"Rhonda said it was your school that wanted to talk to you," Lita replied.
"My school doesn't even know I exist," Seraphina replied. "I don't even show up enough. I mean, what if Rhonda's setting me up like poor Ness…"
"Like I said, my message was nothing," Ness replied. "You could handle them for sure."
"Rhonda better watch herself," Lita stated. "If she thinks she can pull that crap on y'all, and keep up her nasty tricks, karma will get her. And in this case, karma might be my fist in her face."
Seraphina sighed. "Alright, here goes nothing…"
Seraphina opened her laptop; the screen showed a couch in a dimly lit living room. An older woman sat there, dressed in cheap jewelry and with sharp features.
"Crap, you're here," Seraphina groaned. "I knew that school thing couldn't be true…"
"Is that any way to greet your mother," the woman replied. "I raised you better than that...or at least I tried, all by myself with no help. A thankless job with a thankless daughter…"
"The guilt trip is not going to work this time," Seraphina replied. "Is that why you decided to speak to me?"
"Can't a mother just want to visit with her daughter?"
"That's not what you want, is it?" Seraphina asked.
"Sounds like you're still seeing the future, good…"
Seraphina rolled her eyes. "I knew it! What do you actually want?"
"I'm here to tell you to come home."
"What?" Seraphina asked.
"I'm telling you to leave that show and get back here."
"Why would I do that?" Seraphina asked.
"Since you've been on this show I've been getting tons of calls," Seraphina's mom replied. "People want you to do give them readings, talk to their relatives...I've got at least a two months booked for you. Don't you get it, you don't need this show anymore! We can make millions all on our own!"
Seraphina gritted her teeth. "For the last time, I don't do readings anymore! I'm not here to advertise, and I'm not going to exploit people."
"I didn't ask for your opinion," her mother replied. "I'm the one in charge, not you. Can't you think of others for once Seraphina...like me! We need the money!"
"Maybe you could try getting a real job," Seraphina said. "You could try to stop profiting off me!"
"I knew you'd let me down Seraphina," her mother replied. "You always did, and now you have the chance to make up for...and you still want to hurt your poor mother."
Seraphina glared. "I'm sorry...what was that? I, I, I can't hear you...I think I'm going through a tunnel…"
"I can see you! This isn't a ph-"
Seraphina slammed the laptop closed.
She sighed and stepped out of the confessional to see Lita and Ness waiting.
"That bad sweetie?" Lita asked.
"It was my mother," Seraphina groaned.
"That bad," Ness said.
"She is the worst kind of person," Seraphina stated.
"What did she want?" Lita asked.
"For me to leave," Seraphina explained. "So she can charge for readings...these psychic powers are nothing but trouble…"
"That's not true," Lita replied. "They're a part of you sweetie."
"A sad, twisted part," Seraphina replied.
"Come on," Ness said. "I think we all need some rest. Then we can get ice cream for breakfast tomorrow."
Seraphina smiled. "Sounds like a plan."
/
In the early hours of the morning, as Rhonda stated, Melissa received her chocolate basket at her door. Peeping out to make sure no one was watching, the sweetheart grabbed it and snuck off to the confessional.
Melissa rummaged through the basket, filled with chocolate treats, from white chocolate hearts to milk chocolate cups. From the center she pulled out a chocolate woodchuck sculpture. She raised an eyebrow as she bit into its head, before spitting out a piece of gold paper.
"Congratulations Melissa," she read, "you are the recipient of a golden immunity flash drive, hidden inside this woodchuck head. This flash drive can used be in the voting booth before votes to secretly nullify any votes at any ceremony, unless exceptions are noted."
Tearing off the chocolate woodchuck head, she dropped the flash drive on her lap. "Hmm...well, Vance knows I have this obviously, but I don't know if anyone had a similar option on their list like I did...still, I need to find a chance to talk to Vance alone and thank him for this flash drive."
She bit into the chocolate woodchuck's neck. "And this delicious chocolate! Ooh nugget!"
The day went on as normal, with the newcomers enjoying their leisure with no challenge. The next day was different however. In the mid-morning Rhonda announced that there would be a challenge today. When questioned again why the challenges weren't scheduled every three days, Rhonda replied there was surprise in store for them, but it would be for another time.
She lead the teams to the cafeteria, to have breakfast before they started.
"I decided to make a pancake breakfast for you all," Rhonda stated. "Something special for the extra special challenge we have, and the extra special reward the winners receive. So please enjoy, but not too many…"
The Fizzled Fireworks began feasting at their table.
"You dudes think Rhonda's words confirmed we're having a gross food eating challenge today?" Riley asked. "You know, 'but not too many' or whatever."
"Maybe," Griswold replied. "But it won't be the main one I think, since we did one earlier. I want to know what the reward is...and why she keeps scheduling them. With how much she worries about production you think she wouldn't have this issue...unless something's changed…"
"I want to know what Rhonda's deal is," Ignacio said.
"You still going on about how she got to host this show?" Griswold asked. "It was probably just cheap labor."
"Maybe," Ignacio replied, not at all convinced.
"I'm curious when that marge is," Lita stayed, stuffing away pancakes.
"You mean the merge?" Seraphina asked.
"Yeah," Lita replied. "That…"
"I'm worrying about that too," Ness admitted.
"May I inquire what's stressing you about it Ness?" Ignacio asked.
Ness sighed. "The teams are even now, but whichever team goes into the merge with more players will likely…"
"...pick the others off," Riley finished.
"So if we lose the next few challenges, like we have," Seraphina said. "We've basically lost."
The Fireworks were silent for a moment.
"We'll just have to win all the remaining challenges," Seraphina said. "I mean, if anyone can do it, it is us right?"
Griswold smiled. "Exactly Seraphina! We're going to kill it today!"
Ness snapped her fingers. "We should have some kind of cheer or something. You know, for our team!"
"That's an awesome idea Ness," Griswold replied. "Any ideas?"
Ness blushed. "I don't know... maybe something like, it ain't going to work unless its the Fizzled Fireworks?"
The other Fireworks shrugged. "We'll workshop that."
"How many challenges do you think till the merge?" Seraphina asked.
"The original merged around ten," Ness recalled. "So maybe two?"
"You're wearing your lucky jockstrap right Gris?" Seraphina teased.
Griswold winked. "Of course."
"Then we can't lose," Seraphina chuckled.
"Lucky jock strap?" Ignacio whispered to Ness, who shrugged.
Riley yawned. "I just hope I stay awake for it."
"Same," Serphina sighed. "Suddenly I'm so sle-"
/
"Ugh my head…"
Seraphina groaned as regained consciousness. Standing up, she frowned as she looked around; the ceilings matched those of the underground torture chambers, yet walls were erected around her. The walls were made from random materials; melded scrap metal, taped plastic, cardboard and other trash.
"Wakey wakey everyone! It's time for your challenge…"
Slowly the other newcomers came to, finding themselves separated and surrounded by walls.
Riley scratched her head, kicking sand dunes that were over the ground. "I take it we're not at the beach…bummer."
"Sorry for the nap everybody," Rhonda announced over the P.A., "but it was necessary."
"Was it?" Xidorn asked, likewise surrounded by sand dunes. "Really? Hmm...I'm guessing this is Toby's work."
"As you can see," Rhonda said, "We've converted the torture chamber into...The Amazing Maze! Today's challenge is simple, the first team to leave the maze wins."
Kalino strolled along through a forest of tall trees. "So we just have to leaf this place as fast as we can haha…"
"I'm sure you're wondering why we call it the Amazing Maze," Rhonda said.
"Not really," Seraphina replied.
"I'll show you," Rhonda replied. In her secret office, Rhonda pressed a button. The maze began to shake as the newcomers tried to get steady. The walls moved and turned, Seraphina almost falling over as they blocked off her path. Kalino gasped as the trees sank into the ground.
Riley struggled to stand as the sand seem to sift through the ground; the floor panels shifted and we're suddenly ice. The bro slipped and facepalmed the ground.
"With Toby's tech and the trap doors of this hotel, we're able to change your surroundings drastically," Rhonda announced. "If you're curious how...just don't ask. Seriously, don't poke holes in this maze…"
Somewhere in the maze a swimming pool was shown, where a key dangled from a buoy.
"To leave the maze you'll need to find a key," Rhonda said. "A single key is hidden in each section of the maze, you'll have to find and retrieve it before the area changes and the key is hidden again. You might have to overcome an obstacle…"
A shark fin rose above the water, circling the buoy.
"...Or complete a task that will reward you the key…"
The maze shifted again; the swimming pool became covered as two tables appeared in its place. Sitting on the tables were bags of puzzle pieces. A key dangled in birdcage that was tied to both tables.
"Once you have a key, you'll have to find a gate corresponding to your team."
A red gate was shown, bearing the emblem of the Fizzled Fireworks. A comically oversized and rusty lock was on it.
"But you'll have to find it first. Every time a key is used, and every thirty minutes, the maze will shift and change the location of everything!"
"Oh, that's all," Seraphina sighed.
"But that's not all…"
The psychic facepalmed.
"For this challenge we really want to see how strong your teams are. So this challenge will test how much you contribute individually to your team, and how well you work together. This maze has three stages. The first stage is on your own. In the second stage, you'll meet and work with a teammate to secure a key. So if you're taking your sweet time, you'll be holding back your team."
Ness gulped as she listened, peering over the edge of a big pit in front of her.
"The third and final stage will require all six of your team members be present," Rhonda continued. "Together you'll lower a drawbridge and reach the finish line. Oh...and one more thing...there's only one key at a time in each of your area's...but a member from the opposing team is in the same section of maze as you are. So you'll have to beat them to the key."
"That explains this," Griswold stated, tapping a blue Molting Eagles gate in front of him.
Rhonda cleared her throat. "TL;DR: The maze moves, find a key before the other team, find the gate, work with a fellow team member to do it again, meet your whole team and cross the finish line together."
"Is that all?" Seraphina asked.
"And one last thing," Rhonda continued.
Seraphina shook her head. "Rhonda can never keep it short."
"Like I said, the winners of today's challenge will receive an extra special reward!" Rhonda announced. "With that, let the challenge begin!"
/
Griswold jogged through the maze, his eyes scanning every corner. "We gotta win this challenge...I can't let my team down...not after they made me leader."
Griswold halted to stop as he turned the corner. In front of him was a waiter holding out a silver tray. "Bonjour Monsieur Griswold."
"Sup waiter dude," Griswold replied. "I'm guessing you got a key."
The waiter lifted the silver tray, revealing a bowl of guts, flies swarming around them. "I will give you a key, if you eat an entire bowl of eel guts."
"Looks like Rye was right about gross food eating," Griswold chuckled. He lifted the whole bowl and dumped it down his throat, swallowing the eel guts whole.
"After that soup Lita made last challenge," Griswold explained, "eel guts sounded like a delicacy."
The waiter bowed, closing the tray and revealing a key from his sleeve, which was immediately snatched...but not by Griswold.
"Thanks for the help Gris-man," Kalino shouted, running away. "I appreciate it."
"That wasn't the smartest idea in hindsight," Kalino admitted.
"Aaaaaahhhh!"
Kalino looked up as Griswold jumped on top of the slacker, tackling from the ground. He pulled back his wrist and grabbed the key. "You want a key? You have to earn it."
"Can't blame a dude for trying right?" Kalino asked.
Griswold picked up Kalino by shirt collar and began spinning in circles, before high tossing into a corner. The jock smiled a little, placing the key in his pompadour, and jogging off.
"If I have any power in deciding," Griswold explained, "the first person I want to vote off at the merge is Kalino! I guess the rules allow him to play dirty...but something about that guy just rubs me the wrong way. He's not to be trusted, and I'll make sure everyone knows that…"
Over in a different section of the maze, Riley was skating on the ice floors. She gasped, dropping to the floor; a key was frozen in the water below her.
"Found you little key dude," Riley laughed. "Now I just have to figure out how to get you out of the ice and-"
Suddenly the maze began to shift again. Riley jumped up as the floor began to sink...only to run straight into a tree. More trees began to rise from the ground as the ice floor disappeared.
"Of course," Riley sighed.
/
In another part of the maze, Vance was struggling. A sour looking intern spun three coconut halves or shells in place on a table before the cowboy. Vance groomed his mustache in thought, before selecting a coconut shell.
The intern flipped up the shell, revealing nothing. She flipped the one on the end, revealing the key.
"You're lower than a snake's belly in a wagon rut!" Vance yelled.
The intern began spinning the shells again. "For the last time, I'm not cheating. I don't get paid enough to try that."
"Then why do I keep losing?" the cowboy asked.
"Do you ever think it could be you?" the intern asked. "Or you know...think?"
"Its modern times," Vance stated. "We have computers for thinkin'. I'm a man of action."
"Have it your way," the intern replied. "Pick a shell."
Vance twirled the end of his mustache, moving his finger back and forth over the shells.
"Eenie menie minie moe?"
"Shush! That one, the middle one."
The intern sighed and lifted the shell. There was no key.
"Errrrr!" Vance growled, biting the top of his hat.
"What do you plan to do now, man of action?" the intern asked. "Huh? Huh? Hu-"
Vance punched the intern in the face. He flipped the table and grabbed the key off the ground.
Vance tipped his hat. "Pleasure doing business with you."
/
Meanwhile, Riley had found a key, hanging from the highest branch of the tallest and widest tree in the sudden forest. She had climbed up towards the top and reached for the key...only to touch hands with someone else.
"Xidorn?" Riley asked.
"Riley?" Xidorn returned.
"Small world man," Riley laughed. "I hate to be a bother, but would you mind letting go of the key? I already got to it."
"Actually I believe I got here first," Xidorn replied. "Not to be rude, but could you please let go of the key."
The two stared at each other for a moment, before pulling at the key.
"Just because you're always honest, doesn't mean you're always right," Riley stated.
"I agree," Xidorn said. "But I am right here! I'm not letting you go with the key. So go skate somewhere else and find another one."
Suddenly, the tree started shaking, before starting to retreat back into the ground. Xidorn's eyes grew wide as Riley gulped, but the two shared a look and refused to move. Tugging at the key again, they pulled, until they fell back. The tree descended back into the ground, the key flying into the air before falling back into the ground. The two teens landed on top of each other.
"Temporary truce," Xidorn moaned.
"Sounds groovy," Riley groaned. "Let's go our separate ways."
/
A montage played in the final episode, dealing some of the others finding keys. Ness shot her's down from a series of balloons, while Lita wrestled a gator for her key.
Seraphina pickpocketed Vance' from some bushes, while the cowboy was too distracted screaming and running. Cynthia found her key hanging from a bat's cave. Ignacio managed to solve a puzzle to be rewarded with a key, while Weston found his digging from sand dunes.
The montage ended with Melissa bobbing her key out out a water bucket.
Now, the sweetheart sat outside of a blue gate, yawning. She sprung to her feet as she heard panting. Vance ran up to the gate, unlocking it.
"Ooh dear," Melissa gasped. "Your face is all scratched up, what happened?"
"Get back here!"
The intern from earlier, now sporting a black eye hissed as she ran towards the cowboy. She tried to claw at him from outside the gate.
"She's meaner than a wet panther," Vance whispered.
"You southern sack of-"
Melissa grabbed Vance by the arm and pulled him away. "I think we'll just take our leave and uh...let you cool down. Have a nice day!"
Vance sighed in relief. "Sorry I took so long, that banshee was stalking me for...some reason. You know I hate to keep a lady waiting."
Suddenly, the maze shook and shifted again; haystacks appeared in front of the teens.
Melissa clapped. "One of the keys must be in these stacks! This is wondrous! I mean, you told us all how you found needles in haystacks all the time on your ranch."
"That sure is thing that I remember saying because it's true," Vance replied.
The two teens hopped into a haystack and began sifting through the straw.
"Hey Vance," Melissa said. "I...I never got the chance to thank you for my reward."
"Ooh yeah," Vance laughed. "Your 'chocolates', right?"
"I have to ask...why? Why give me the flash drive? I was...am upset with you and the other Eagles for keeping me in the dark. It's very risky."
Vance blushed. "Well, you didn't trust us...so now you have a reason to. Trust me at least. I'm not planning on voting you out, and if you're worried I am you can use that to save yourself. I'm putting my trust in you that you won't use it against me."
"Wow Vance," Melissa gasped. "That's really sweet. You're a very generous man, you know that?"
"I've been told that several times," Vance admitted. "Its one of my best features, like my amazing abs or my humbleness."
"I super duper, extra pinky promise I won't use it against you," Melissa replied. "But I would like it if we kept it a secret from the other Eagles for now."
"No problem," Vance replied. "Trust me, I don't think the other Eagles will be targeting you. Kalino said we'd pick off the Fireworks first."
Melissa paused and raised an eyebrow. "Kalino said that?"
"Oh yeah," Vance replied. "He usually knows what's best, where the votes should go."
"Well hopefully he'll let me know the next vote…"
"Has Kalino been deciding the votes all this time?" Melissa asked. "I mean he and Hayden had that fight before the challenge...then Hayden went home. He was the one who told us Frannie was homesick...did he send home Aiden too? I think I need to keep an eye on Kalino... I mean if that's okay with him."
"I do have one thing to ask of you Melissa," Vance stated.
"Don't worry Vance," Melissa replied, "if you're in trouble I'll use the immunity flashdrive for you!"
"Oh," Vance said. "I was just going to ask if you'd share some of that chocolate with me."
Melissa giggled. "After we win this challenge, I'll bake you make my signature triple chocolate chimp cake!"
"Sweet doggies!" Vance cheered. "Uh, is it made with real chimps?"
/
In another section of the maze, Ignacio and Griswold weere searching under rocks for another key.
"Nothing under here," Griswold announced, flipping another large stone.
"Likewise," Ignacio replied. "Hey Griswold...can I ask you something?"
"Shoot," Griswold replied, throwing a boulder away.
Ignacio blushed. "I'm a bit embarrassed, but since the two of us are here alone…"
"Oh my god, Grisnacio is happening," Griswold whispered.
Ignacio raised an eyebrow. "What did you say?"
"Uhh...I said you can talk to me dude. This rock quarry…"
The maze shifted, the rocks disappeared, and the floor became an icy lake.
"...this frozen lake is a judgement free zone," Griswold replied.
"Well...how do you know when you like someone?" Ignacio asked.
Griswold raised an eyebrow. "Is there somebody you're crushing on Iggy?"
Ignacio blushed. "Uhh...there might be a girl, but I don't know."
"So Ignacio wasn't attracted to me," Griswold replied. "I'm kind of relieved I don't have to reject him...but kind of disappointed he wasn't into me...is that weird?"
"What don't you know?" Griswold asked.
"I mean I've liked a girl before," Ignacio admitted. "I still have lingering feelings for my ex-girlfriend Carla ...even if she falsely accused me of cheating...in public...at a busy mall...at the top of her lungs. But that's what's confusing about how I feel now. I'm trying to be more honest with my feelings and attractions...but I'm not sure."
"Unfortunately, I don't know if I'm the right guy to help you," Griswold admitted. "Me and Lita didn't exactly pan out, and she's been the only girl I've dated."
"I'm still not sure I comprehend why you two split," Ignacio admitted.
"We were into each other, but discovered there wasn't more than that," Griswold explained. "That's all. You should ask Riley, she's great with relationship stuff."
Ignacio blushed. "I was embarrassed to ask Riley actually…"
Griswold gasped. "Oh my gosh, you like Riley? Well, well...you sly dog Ignacio. I had no idea!"
"No, no, no," Ignacio replied. "I mean Riley is hot, I mean not like that, I mean she is...what I actually mean is that Riley's nice, I just know she'll tease me about it. I'd rather not say the girl I'm confused about…I mean she might not even be on the show."
Griswold raised an eyebrow. "Uh, if you say so. But don't worry, I won't say anything. You figure out you Iggy."
"What about you Gris?" Ignacio asked. "Anyone you're interested in?"
"After Lita and I, I'm taking a long break from dating," Griswold replied. "Not to mention I can't even talk to girls. I just wish there was one I was comfortable to talk with. But who would that be?"
/
"Riley!"
Seraphina called out as she flagged down the bro, looking around the maze.
"Nice to see you Seraphina Silverman," Riley replied as the psychic ran over. "And not too soon either, I found where the key is!"
"Then lead the way," Seraphina cheered.
The two raced down a corridor.
"What do your psychic powers say about our chances at the merge?" Riley asked.
"I haven't bothered to try and use them," Seraphina replied.
"Aww, why not?" Riley asked. "I think your psychic powers are cool."
"That makes one of us," Seraphina sighed.
Riley stopped. "Alright, tell me what's going on."
"Nothing-"
"I wasn't born yesterday," Riley interrupted. "I was born seventeen years and some days ago. Now, what's wrong?"
Seraphina sighed. "I video chatted with my mother yesterday. A real nice woman...in comparison to Medusa. I only wanted to use my powers to help people, but I couldn't control them, and she just wants to use them for profit. Being here supported by Ness, Lita, Xidorn, everyone else...I almost felt…"
"Yeah?" Riley asked.
"I almost felt glad to have them again," Seraphina admitted. "Then I talk to her."
"Seraphina its obvious you still enjoy being a psychic," Riley replied. "I mean, you still carry tarot cards with you!"
"Not all the time," Seraphina replied.
"Are you carrying them now?" Riley asked.
Seraphina blushed. "Okay, your point was made."
"The way I see it," Riley continued, "deep down you want to be a psychic, and your powers are part of you. So forget your mom! Forgot those people who call you fake or reject you for having freaky awesome powers! They don't matter; what you want matters. You have a gift, and I think you should totally open yourself up to them."
"Wow," Seraphina said. "That helps a lot Riley. You have the gift of saying the right thing."
Riley pulled Seraphina into a hug. "I try. Now let's go win this thing. The key should-"
The ground started to shake as the maze shifted again. A wall appeared before the two Fireworks, blocking their way.
"-Nevermind."
Seraphina sighed, and sat down on the ground. Assuming a lotus like position, she mumbled words under her breath and closed her eyes.
"Uh Seraphina Silvermann-"
"I see the key," Seraphina stated. "Its two lefts and right."
"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Riley cheered. "Let's go!"
"Wait, it's tied to a buoy in a pool and guarded by a shark."
Seraphina opened her eyes. "We need a plan."
Seraphina looked down to realize Riley was carrying you her on her shoulders. "The plan is I'll get the key from the shark. I've been wanting to use my wrestling moves since the first challenge!"
Riley dropped Seraphina off her shoulders as she cannonballed into the pool. She surfaced...right next to a smiling shark.
"S'up Jabberjaw," Riley greeted. "Hey...is that hot mermaid's shell bra falling off because it's a horribly impractical design?"
The shark turned its head, only to see Seraphina. "Sorry, I gave up my sea legs for the surface world. Better food up here."
"Let's do this!" Riley shouted. She grabbed the shark by the fin and began punching him. "You punch it in the snout to establish dominance!"
The shark tried but failed to shake her off as she continued to punch it. Not even diving up and down could lose her. The shark swam forward, crashing right into the buoy. It chipped its tooth, which shattered into pieces, before sinking to the bottom of the pool.
Riley grabbed the key and tossed it to Seraphina. "And that's how you wrestle a shark! Now let's win this thing."
The two ran off, cheering and hollering.
"Oh just so you know," Riley said, "I almost beat up your boyfriend earlier."
Seraphina raised an eyebrow, then laughed. "Be careful, I want to beat him and the Eagles, but I still want to date him."
/
Xidorn found himself racing through the maze. "I have to say this is rather impressive. How does Toby manage to make these things out of garbage?"
Studying the walls, Xidorn unknowingly ran into Kalino.
"Looks like I found you mannnnn," Kalino stated.
"Looks like it," Xidorn laughed. "When did you get here?"
"Just now," Kalino admitted. "You?"
"I've lost track of time," Xidorn admitted. "This maze keeps…"
The maze shifted again.
"...shifting."
"It's no sweat man," Kalino replied. "We can take our time. We'll get out of here."
The maze shifted again.
"Eventually."
The two Eagles began walking through a newly formed cornfield.
"So you and Seraphina are officially good?" Kalino asked.
Xidorn nodded. "All thanks to you."
"Don't give me any credit," Kalino replied. "You did the work."
"You just gave an ear for me to listen to," Xidorn replied. "I won't forget it Kalino. You're like a guru."
"I can see that," Kalino laughed. "I consider myself a pillowsophical man. Do you mind if you give me an ear for a second."
Xidorn nodded.
"So the merge is coming up in a few challenges, right?" Kalino asked.
"That's what everyone seems to be thinking," Xidorn replied. "And the logic holds up looking at past seasons."
"What are your plans come the merge?" Kalino asked.
"To be honest I'm going to do what I've been doing," Xidorn admitted. "Do my best at challenges, vote who I think is best to go home, and be honest about it."
"Righteous," Kalino replied. "So who does that mean voting off? Like the Fireworks?"
"If that's what seems best," Xidorn stated. "I'm not going to suddenly be a turncoat if that's what you mean. But if I don't think someone should go, then I won't vote for them. And if I think someone should go home, for being a threat, an opposing number, or just a bad hombre, then I will."
"Noted," Kalino replied.
"Don't worry though Kalino," Xidorn replied. "I don't plan on voting you out; I trust you."
"Right back at ya," Kalino replied.
"I'm not sweating the merge," Kalino stated. "Mostly cause I don't like to sweat. Except in saunas or Japanese bath houses. While there are a couple Eagles I'm worried about, I think I can convince any of them to vote with me. Xidorn is a bit tricky; he's headstrong and might spill a blindside like a glass of milk, but he isn't voting for me, so why not keep him?"
In another section of the maze, a greased pig ran across a muddy field. Chasing after it were Lita and Ness. The knockout jumped, but missed the pig. Ness tripped over her fallen friend, sending her sliding into the mud and right into the pig. She caught the critter, then grabbed the key off its neck. The pig snorted, kicking Ness in the face with its hind legs before running off.
"You alright sugar?" Lita asked.
"I'm fine," Ness replied. "Especially, because I have the key!"
"Woot woot!" Lita cheered, the snorted. "Now we just have to find the gate...and maybe a shower."
Ness giggled and followed her friend. "We're kicking butt today."
"You can say that again," Lita laughed. "I'm glad you're feeling good Ness, especially after everything that happened."
"I'm trying to be in good spirits," Ness admitted. "I'm still confused how I stayed."
"Well Ignacio flipped-"
"I know that," Ness replied. "But I won a coin toss? Doesn't that sound a little too...lucky for me?"
Lita smiled. "I think your luck is changing honey."
Ness smiled as the maze shifted; the two fell into a pool of water. "Hey a bath...kind of. Guess that was lucky too."
The girls laughed, not noticing the shark fin swimming nearby...
/
At the same time, Weston tip-toed through the maze, peeking around corners. He froze, feeling something was off...like he could feel breathing on his neck, as if someone was watching him…
Weston smiled and turned around. "Cynthia?"
The strange girl waved.
"I thought I felt your presence," Weston laughed and hugging his girlfriend.
The maze shifted again.
Weston pouted. "Guess we better start over looking for the key. I should have found it already…"
"Why?" Cynthia asked.
Weston looked down. "I don't know…if I was more useful to this team, we'd have it! That's what this challenge is about, right? How much you contribute...what if I'm just dead weight?"
"Does this have something to do with your brother?" Cynthia asked.
"No...maybe," Weston admitted. "I don't miss him or anything. I just...I wanted to be the one to send home. To defeat him in challenge. Sure I've lasted longer, but I never bested him myself. That still makes him the superior twin."
"Easton didn't have what it takes to survive elimination to this point," Cynthia stated. "You have."
"I guess," Weston replied.
Cynthia grabbed Weston by the shirt collar, and kissed him. "I don't care what, you're my favorite twin."
Weston giggled. "Hehehe…"
Sssssssss….
Weston and Cynthia turned to see a giant snake slithering behind them.
"Look Cynthia!" Weston exclaimed. "In its throat there's a lump! Its shaped like a key! It must have swallowed it! If we can make it spit up then-"
Kkkkkkk.
Cynthia placed her knife back in her pocket, then dug her hands through the snake's headless corpse and pulled out the key.
"Or that too," Weston stated.
/
The teams raced towards the exit.
Griswold and Ignacio arrived first; there were two drawbridges to the left and right at the end, each colored blue or red and sporting the team emblem.
Griswold ran to the left gate, were a red rope hung from the wall. "This must be it! Alright Iggy, let's get pulling!"
At the same time, Melissa and Vance arrived. Seeing the two Fireworks they raced to their own rope and began making quick work.
"Sorry Fireworks," Vance teased. "But you're going to elimination tonight! You've been there so many times already, we'd just feel bad if we took it from ya."
"Its not over...till it's over," Griswold stated, working faster.
Cynthia and Easton came next, joining in the scene. Kalino and Xidorn came next.
"How about now?" Vance asked. "Is it over now?"
Griswold grunted, trying not to look at the Molting Eagles descending drawbridge.
"It isn't over yet! After all, you still haven't lost."
Seraphina came running in, grabbing the rope from behind Ignacio. Riley ran up behind her and helped.
Lita dashed in. "It ain't going to work…"
"...unless it's the Fizzled Fireworks!" Ness cheered, as both girls joined in.
"I think you're a little too late," Vance teased, their bridge still having a lead.
"Don't listen to him," Griswold stated. "We've had it rough these past few challenges, but that's only made us stronger! When we started out, we got by on dumb luck. But not today! Today we're a well oiled machine, we're closer and stronger together! I believe in each and everyone of you, and you believe in me. So let's win this thing! It ain't going to work…"
"...unless it's the Fizzled Fireworks!" the entire team cheered.
The Fireworks began pulling in synch, using all their strength, chanting their new cheer as they started taking the lead.
"They're beating us!" Vance cried.
"Then pull," Cynthia stated.
"Don't let go," Kalino cried.
"I'm trying but I'm slipping!" Weston cried.
"Could someone please get off my foot," Xidorn groaned.
"And can someone get their elbow out of my ribcage, pretty please?" Melissa begged.
"Could someone get their ribcage out of my elbow," Vance whined.
"Don't...let…"
The rope slipped from the Molting Eagles' hands, their drawbridge ascending back up. The whole team fell in a pile on top of each other.
"Guess that means we lost after all," Weston sighed.
Kalino grunted. "No. I have a plan, follow my lead."
"We did it!" Griswold cheered. "Our drawbridge is down first."
"And we sure do appreciate it!" Kalino replied.
He ran forward, pushing the Fireworks aside as the Eagles did the same and raced across the Fireworks' drawbridge.
"They're getting to the finish line!" Seraphina cried.
"We have to stop them!" Griswold yelled.
/
The Fizzled Fireworks chased after them...
...but it was too late. The Molting Eagles had already reached the finish line.
"We have a winner!" Rhonda congratulated. "The Molting Eagles."
Ness was red in the face, in anger and out of breath. "That's no fair! They didn't even lower their own drawbridge!"
"Rhonda didn't say we had to use our own drawbridge," Kalino defended, "just get your whole team to exit the maze first. We did, you just helped us out. Thanks!"
Griswold glared. "This challenge was supposed to be testing teamwork! If anything, we proved we were the better team!"
"You passed the test," Kalino admitted. "But you didn't win the challenge. Sometimes the best team is just the quickest thinker."
"I'm afraid I have to concede with the Eagles," Rhonda said. "They're the winners of our challenge! Which means that once again, the Fizzled Fireworks will be losing someone."
Melissa shook her head. "This doesn't feel right."
"Melissa, we won," Vance stated.
"It doesn't seem fair the Fireworks have to vote off one of their own," Melissa admitted.
"Well," Rhonda said, "that's not entirely true Melissa.."
Everyone turned to look at the hostess.
"Remember that extra special reward I referenced?" Rhonda asked.
"Oh no," Seraphina stated.
Rhonda winked. "For winning today's challenge, the Molting Eagles will vote off one of the Fizzled Fireworks!"
The Fizzled Fireworks went silent, just staring forward.
"I mean you had the same reward after the first challenge," Rhonda teased. "How does it feel when the shoe's on the other foot?"
The Fireworks only glared at the hostess.
"I'm afraid unless the Eagles want you to vote off one of their own," Rhonda stated, "then its final. Eagles?"
The Eagles shook their heads, even Xidorn and Melissa reluctantly.
"I'll give you till tonight to decide who its going to be," Rhonda said. "I'll see both teams at elimination."
The Fizzled Fireworks looked at one another.
"No matter what happens tonight," Griswold stated. "I'm proud of this team, everyone knows we killed it today. I appreciate you guys electing me leader, and I love you guys."
Seraphina sighed and gave Griswold a hug. "We did good Gris, really good."
The rest of the Fireworks joined in, making a group hug.
After a moment, Ness asked, "What's going to happen?"
"We're going to be fine," Seraphina stated. "I can see it...we're going to be fine."
Xidorn sighed. "I hate this. When the Fireworks won I was against it, and I'm not proud of how we 'won' today. I know all of us were furious when this happened...and we lost Bethany. I know everyone probably doesn't even remember her, but I do. We all came together and agreed who we had to vote off…"
Both teams gathered into the Haunted Internet Cafe. The Eagles stared at the Fireworks, who avoided or didn't bother to match their gaze.
"You're awfully quiet Fireworks?" Rhonda asked.
"Just accepting that everything sucks," Riley replied.
"The Eagles have voted," Rhonda stated. "Any ideas on who's going home?"
The Fireworks looked at each other briefly.
"Well let's not avoid the inevitable," Rhonda stated. "Tonight you'll be having an almond blend in your cup of coffee, except for one of you. I have five cups, and the Eagles have unanimously chosen one of you to leave through the Revolving Doors of Shame and board the Public Transportation of Losers. Without further ado, The first cup of coffee goes to…
...Ignacio."
"Ness."
"Riley."
The three caught their cups.
"Tonight, the Molting Eagles have decided that…
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"...Seraphina is going home. Griswold, Lita, the final coffee cups are you."
The two didn't bother going to get their coffee, turning to their now former teammate.
Seraphina sighed, grabbing her stuff. "Whelp, that's that."
"What?" Ness asked. "Why? Why Seraphina? That can't be right?"
"Are you saying Xidorn voted for his own girlfriend?" Lita exclaimed. "How could you, any of you?"
"Relax," Seraphina said. "It's okay; I asked them if they would vote me."
Riley gasped. "But Seraphina Silverman-"
"-It's alright," Seraphina said.
"We thought it was unfair when you were able to vote off one of our own," Melissa stated.
"We said we wished you asked us who to vote off," Xidorn said. "To make it fair. We decided to do that. Seraphina came to and us asked to vote for her, and we felt if it's what she wanted, we would."
Ness had already started crying. "But why would you ask that Seraphina? We're so close to the merge!"
"That's exactly why," Seraphina said. "Because all of you deserve to be here; Gris, Lita, Ness, Riley, Iggy you all should go to the merge. I'll admit... when the teams were first formed, I thought we wouldn't get along...but you've all been there for me throughout this game. You're some of the kindest, most supportive, most amazing people ever. I've never had any friends before, but I'm proud and happy to call all of you my teammates and my friends."
The Fireworks immediately got up and joined in another group hug.
Seraphina walked forward, stopping at Xidorn. "Thank you for doing this."
"I think it's really sweet you did this," Xidorn admitted. "But part of me wishes you hadn't."
Seraphina giggled. "I understand, but I'm going to see you after this. We're going to see a lot of movies. Got it?"
Xidorn nodded, pulling her in for a kiss.
Seraphina reached the Revolving Doors, waved goodbye and exited.
She sighed, but was immediately glomped as Ness and Lita ran out after her.
"Don't think you can leave without giving us another hug goodbye," Lita replied.
"We're going to wear our friendship bracelets everyday," Ness cried. "Its...its not going to be the same without you."
Seraphina cried. "You guys are my best friends, you know that? You believed in me and were always there for me. I'm going to miss you, but I wasn't going to let you leave today either. Roomies forever."
The Public Transportation of Losers pulled in and opened its door.
"That's my ride," Seraphina stated. "But before I go, take this."
Seraphina placed the blue immunity flash drive in Ness' hands. "But Seraphina!"
"I can't use it anymore," Seraphina teased. "But you two might need it. Now just cause I've left doesn't mean give up. Both of you can win this thing!"
The girls nodded and waved as Seraphina took her seat and the bus departed.
"Well," the bus driver said, "sucks to be gone huh?"
"I guess," Seraphina replied, wiping her nose on her shawl. "But I think I got something out of this experience."
"What's that?" the driver asked.
Seraphina just smiled to herself.
/
Lita and Ness came back into the Internet Café, noticing the others still sitting. Toby and Jenny motioned them to join their teammates.
"I know that today has been a rough day," Rhonda admitted. "It's been over a month since you got here and you've fought hard. I just wanted to take a moment and formally congratulate you all."
Weston raised an eyebrow. "Congratulate us?"
Rhonda nodded. "Yes. Congratulations everyone; you've made the merge."
Author's Note
Man, so many things happened this chapter, so many things to talk about. This will be long.
Let's start with what usually comes at the end, the elimination. My take from readers from the wiki is that Seraphina is a mostly popular character, with a noticeable detractor. I really enjoyed her, providing a lot of snark but really growing as a character. She becomes more open, positive and even friendly. It's been nice re-reading these chapters and seeing that.
She's had probably the strangest journey from the planning stages, with the most changes. I had ideas for Genesis probably four years before I started it and then took four years to write it...a lot changes. To keep it simple, Seraphina was originally just a late stage boot, a vaguely evil and phony psychic. Then she became a more central character and ended up taking a role in the female friend trio I wanted. She also ended up having an interteam relationship, which I wanted to try.
I didn't mean for her to become such a literal psychic. Total Drama kind of pushes how realistic something is (especially with technology), but magic has always been kind of vague. Like sure Bigfoot and yetis exists, but how much Sasquatch are magical is debated. Ella's singing maybe magic, maybe just that nice. And Dawn clearly has some powers, but it never goes too far with them. I didn't intend for Seraphina to be such a literal psychic, but well...it did. I hope it didn't take you out of the story too much, but then again canon could.
Seraphina was going to make it to the merge. However, other characters gained prominence and I felt they'd be better off at the merge. Seraphina felt like her story could be wrapped up and I really liked the idea of how it came to end. I think this plan happened as far back as the fashion challenge. I tried to have at least one significant interact with all five surviving Fireworks before she left. Quite few readers called it, so hats off to you if you did. Overall, I feel satisfied with her elimination.
This chapter was meant to feel like a book end to the teams. Like the first challenge it has a team that's closer losing do to a dirty trick and the winning team voting someone off. This time, the roles are reversed.
The challenge itself was pretty fun. I wasn't a huge fan when I first wrote it, but reading it again I enjoyed it. The pairs gave interactions that were either fun or had some character moments I wanted. I think the shifting maze is kind of cool too.
Another important thing is the rewards. Shout-out again to Gideon and The Legend of Total Drama Island for letting me use the trust rewards. If you haven't read LTDI, I recommend it. It's super clever! The rewards themselves were interesting to figure out. Now Melissa has an idol (flashdrive but same role). Of course an advantage would be a reward and if it was offered I thought it'd be fun to explore getting it.
Then there was Weston's scene. It's based off an iconic moment from Big Brother Canada 2. I'd call myself a middle reality show fan; not a big fan, but I know way too much about them. Re-reading that scene, I really enjoyed Jenny and Toby's back and forth and Weston's struggles. The video chats were fun too. I'm a sucker for anything that can show more of a contestant's home-life. It makes them feel more real to me.
I meant for this to get up sooner, but I've been busy. I still hope to the next chapter up this weekend because it's one of my favorites. After all...
... it's MERGIN' TIME! Woo! I didn't make it to the merge before in past TD fanfic attempts, so this was exciting. With Griswold, Ignacio, Lita, Ness, Riley, Cynthia, Kalino, Melissa, Vance, Weston, Xidorn all competing it's a fun bunch. If you have any merge predictions please share!
Thanks and stay safe.
Appendix: Elimination History
Bethany (Eagles)- 22nd
Diamonique (Eagles)- 21st
Casper (Fireworks)- 20th
Tessa (Fireworks)- 19th
Zipporah (Fireworks)- 18th
Hayden (Eagles)- 17th
Frannie (Eagles)- 16th
Aiden (Eagles)- 15th
Pascal (Fireworks)- 14th
Easton (Fireworks)- 13th
Seraphina (Fireworks)- 12th