"Congratulations everyone; you've made the merge."
There were a few quiet gasps, but most everyone responded in silence.
"Its an individual game now," Rhonda stated. "Which means that you can put a fork in The Molting Eagles and The Fizzled Fireworks, because they are done! Tomorrow night I'll give more details...and a surprise. Enjoy the rest of your night."
Rhonda walked away, smiling to herself. Toby and Jenny followed suit.
Everyone shared a look with each other.
Kalino yawned. "This...has been day. I think I need to sleep on this. In any case, congraritos everybody on making the merge."
The others shrugged, and soon made their way to bed.
"I'm grateful to have made the merge," Ignacio said, "but my team...or I guess former team, know that we are outnumbered. If all the Eagles vote together, we'll be exterminated. Rhonda saying she has a surprise didn't help; we still have a bad taste in our mouth from all her others."
The next morning, Vance entered the dining hall, sniffing the air.
"Yeehaw!"
His eyes lit up as he ran to the lunch line, tripping and falling in the trash can. Tossing aside a banana peel on his mustache, he smiled as he saw Melissa put heart-shaped pancakes out.
"I thought I smelled your cooking," Vance cheered. "You decided to take up the spoon again?"
Melissa giggled and nodded. "I thought we should celebrate making the merge...and this might help us move on from last night. In addition, I had to make my favorite cowboy a special treat…"
Melissa pulled out a three-tier chocolate cake in the shape of a chimpanzee. "My triple chocolate chimp cake, as promised. The first layer is dark chocolate, the second is white chocolate and the third is milk chocolate, complete with peanut butter chips and mix of homemade banana icing and chocolate icing that-"
Melissa looked up to see Vance diving face first into the cake, not bothering to use his hands. Melissa giggled, but suddenly frowned. Vance looked up to see Xidorn standing in the doorway; his hair was lavender with the red streaks.
Melissa quickly made a plate of pancakes. "How are you feeling Xidorn?"
"Is it obvious I miss her?" Xidorn replied, trying to sound like a joke.
"Dying your hair the color of her shirt was a bit of a giveaway," Melissa admitted.
"I'm still proud of her for doing that," Xidorn stated. "I'm not proud of myself for how we won that challenge."
"I'm not either," Melissa admitted.
"They won just as unfairly in the first challenge," Vance stated. "I say they had a debt to pay."
"Two wrongs don't make a right," Xidorn answered. "We know how much it sucks to lose like that."
Melissa hugged her former teammate from over the counter. "It'll get better Xi."
"I guess you know what it's like to lose someone you love too," Xidorn replied. "I'm sorry Melissa."
"What's done is done," Melissa said. "We'll see them again."
"Does it get better?"
Melissa nodded. "It's rough, but it'll get better. You've got good friends, that will make it easier. I promise."
Vance put an arm around Xidorn. "Don't worry deputy, you can try to make it up to her by winning that two mill...you know, if somehow I don't win. Tell you what, you can even have some of my cake."
Xidorn looked at Vance's plate, where only crumbs remained. "Thanks partner, but I'm not hungry. I'll wait till lunch."
"What do you think we'll have for lunch?" Vance asked. "You making anything Melissa?"
"Actually," Melissa said, "Mr. Toby told me the dining hall and kitchen would be closed for the rest of the day. We're to be here at seven tonight, but we're on our own for lunch."
Xidorn raised an eyebrow. "That's weird...any idea why?"
"Mr. Toby said safety inspections," Melissa replied. "I'm not sure I believe him. I was going to ask more, but he left in a hurry."
"Now that you mention it," Xidorn said, "On the way here, I actually say Jenny doing work."
"I even went to Ms. Rhonda's secret office," Melissa stated.
"The one she thinks no one knows about?" Vance asked, licking his plate.
Melissa nodded. "I wrote a strongly worded letter last night. I wanted to give it to her in person, but I heard her arguing with someone on the phone...something has changed with the network."
"Well it sounds like," Vance said, now starting on pancakes, "we're all free for lunch. Kalino wants all the Eagles to meet up. Go out for pizza. Celebrating the merge and our team one last time."
"Sounds like a plan," Xidorn replied.
"Splendiferous," Melissa agreed.
"Personally," Kalino said, "I wanted Seraphina to be the last Firework left. That way she could watch as everyone she cared about went home. But if she's dumb enough to send herself home for nothing, then I'll be happy to help her on the way. It's what she gets for eliminating Frannie. She can greet her buddies when we send them to wherever they sequester the losers. Who do you think she'll be most upset to see; Lita or Ness?"
"It was really sad last night," Ness admitted. "It just felt so awkward and empty in Lita and I's room without our roomie there. We spent most of the day moping. But I promise Seraphina, we won't let the chance you've given us be in vain."
That night, at seven, the newcomers all gathered outside the dining hall. No one wanted to go in first, knowing Rhonda had a 'surprise' in store. Cynthia stepped forward first, the others followed...and were shocked at what they saw.
Xidorn gasped. "Oh. My. God."
"Noooooo way," Kalino said.
"This is not possible right?" Lita asked.
"Did Ms. Rhonda actually do all of this?" Melissa questioned.
A feast of delicious foods were before them, including some of their favorites; cheese fries, clam chowder, burritos, mac and cheese, pho, baked potatoes, caviar, a ham, empanadas, pancakes, grits, triple cheeseburgers, Doritos Loco tacos, feijoadas, plenty of pastries and more.
The room had changed as well. Now the dining hall was a lit by an enormous hanging chandelier in the center of the room, decorated with candles. The old seats gone, replaced by a single dining table that extended from one end of the room to the other, right in front of the cafeteria line. Two old-looking chairs were at each head of the table, a row of six seats on the left and right in between them.
Interns dressed in fancy tuxedos were setting and opening silver trays of more food on the table.
Rhonda stepped out of the kitchen. "What do you think?"
"I think my pants size just increased three sizes today," Griswold replied. "What is all this?"
"It's your surprise," Rhonda replied. "To really celebrate making the merge! You've all made the halfway point, and should feel extremely proud. I do want to go over a few things about what the merge means, officially, you know? That can wait until after celebrating though. So eat up everyone! I'll reconvene with you soon...I have a few things I still need to discuss with the higher ups…"
The hostess smiled as she left, but grumbled and cursed when she thought she was out of earshot. "Things were starting to look up, then they pull this crap! What do they even want from me…"
The teens eagerly grabbed their plates and began piling on the food. The intern-waiters brought them drinks, with little umbrellas in each. The contestants pigged out easily, some not even using a fork as they went for the finger foods.
Lita swooned as she stuffed cheese fries in her face. "Ooooh, this food has never been so good."
"It was rather nice for Ms. Rhonda to make this surprise," Melissa stated. "Maybe she still has a heart…"
"You don't think she drugged this food like she did the sleeping challenge?" Xidorn asked.
"If she did it's too late for me," Riley joked, switching between eating two different burritos.
"Okay, is anyone else surprised to have made the merge?" Weston asked.
"Yes!" Ness replied, pouring a bowl of clam chowder. "I feel like I'm dreaming."
"I always knew I would," Vance bragged, missing his plate while plopping on grits. "I am pretty amazing."
"I just can't believe it's actually here," Griswold stated. "I mean it doesn't feel like it's been a month...more like years yet simultaneously a day."
"We got to do a lot of awesome stuff to get here," Riley chuckled. "Just think; solve mazes, fashion shows, snowball fights, stopping alien invasions and racing through Washington."
"Can someone pass the tacos?" Diaomonique asked.
Xidorn nodded, sending them to the end of the table. "We had to say goodbye to a lot of great people too. Like Bethany, and now Seraphina. In the most unfair way they could go."
"Amen to that," Lita stated, hugging Ness for a moment.
"I know," Melissa sighed, placing her hand on Xidorn's shoulder. "I miss so many people; Diamonique, Hayden, Frannie…Aiden especially. I wonder if he's thinking about me now."
"We had a lot of great people on our team," Kalino admitted.
"Not to mention our bro Easton," Griswold stated, not noticing Weston's pout.
"I even kinda miss ZZ Zipporah," Riley admitted.
"That goth chick?" Vance asked, raising his eyebrow. "Pssh, who cares about her?"
"She had her charms in her own snarky way," Riley defended.
"Hmph, the only good thing is that those rats Tessa and Pascal aren't here," Lita stated.
"I guess," Ness sighed. "Though Pascal wasn't all bad..."
"He was a fun dude," Kalino admitted. "When he wasn't strategizing."
"Well let's not focus on the past right now," Melissa stated. "As sad it is to say goodbye to good friends, let's be happy for the friends we made."
"Here, here!" Weston cheered.
"I made the merge!" Weston cheered. "You hear that Easton? I made the merge and you didn't! Nah, nah, nah! I know I'm not the brightest, so I thought I would get voted off quickly. But I didn't! I've had a lot of good times actually; with Xidorn, Vance and my sweet Cynthia! I love my small town...but I've never had so much fun!"
"There were a lot of times I was worried," Xidorn admitted. "I actually made the merge though. This feast made it feel real! Glad it wasn't a brunch of disgustingness. I think it raised all our spirits. The thing is this is the halfway point; it's a milestone, but it's still a big battle to go. I'm ready for it though!"
Lita was eating cheese fries from her bra. "Before this show, I never slept in a hotel. Now I'm eating a feast at one on TV! I'm looking forward to the merge; it means tougher challenges and more opponents' butts to kick!"
Cynthia sharpened her knives and stared. "I'm not surprised I'm still here. I am surprised I made some friends and a boyfriend. I guess I had fun getting here; I slashed a lot to get here…but I'm just getting started."
"I'm somewhat astounded to be here," Ignacio admitted. "Part of me thought I'd make it here just for my looks; another part thought I'd be eliminated for the same reason. Yet my teammates accepted me...I'm really lucky."
Melissa clapped her hands. "I'm just so proud of us all for making it here. Everyone should feel really proud too. It's been a ride with its ups and downs, but I think it's going to turn around...right?"
"Eeee!" Ness squealed. "I made the merge, I made the merge, I made the merge! I mean I was actually cast on my favorite show and made it here! I'm still shocked I wasn't the first one sent home. And to all of the jerks at my school that bet I would be, suck it! To all the fans...dreams do come true!"
Vance leaned back and put his feet up. "The merge doesn't change all that much for your boy Vance here. Just more challenges for me to win. I do have to thank my deputies of course...I especially appreciate Xidorn teaching me to read. That would have never happened if I wasn't here."
"Woo!" Griswold cheered. "I'm at the merge on TOTAL DRAMA! Woo! I want to give a shout out to my team; Go Bulldogs! I did it guys! I actually lead a team, and we didn't lose every challenge. Ooh, and a shout out to my sisters and mom, miss you girls. Dang, the game is about to get serious! I'm a little nervous, but just so excited!"
"I kinda knew I'd get here," Kalino stated. "It wasn't always how I planned, but good enough. My sister said I'd never get on the show over her...then when I did, that I'd be the first out. Suck on that sis! You're wrong as per usual! I think I need to just sit back and go with the flow."
Riley licked her fingers clean. "I've just been trying to enjoy my time here, but I actually made the merge. It's crazy dudes, and you know what's even crazier? I might actually be able to win this! You know, the Eagles do have the numbers, but I'm not worried. Not everything goes like it seems in life. I'm just going to wait and see what happens."
"Can someone pass the danishes?" Diamonique asked.
Ignacio nodded. The model patted his stomach, but still went for another bite. "Wow, we now have a one-in-eleven chance of earning two million dollars. The end feels far, but you can just see it."
"What will you do if you win the money Ignacio?" Ness asked.
Ignacio scratched his beard. "I would ensure my parents would never have to work another day in their life. Then I presume I would set up college funds for my siblings and myself. Possibly even retire from modeling."
"The world will have a day of mourning when that happens," Lita joked.
"I think the world's seen enough of me after this show," Ignacio replied. "What about you Lita?"
"I really haven't thought about it," Lita admitted. "I guess I'd help my family too...Ness, give me some ideas. What would you do?"
Ness blushed and looked away. "Well I'd…no, its silly. I'd probably never do it, even if I won."
"Aww, tell us Loch Ness," Riley stated. "Please, with jalapeno sauce on top!"
"The only silly idea is not pursuing your dream," Xidorn stated, the others nodding.
"Okay, okay, but everyone else has to share too," Ness stated. " I want to be a veterinarian, so I'd go to vet school and then…well, I've always wanted to open my very own zoo, dedicated to medical research and treating injured animals."
"That's an amazing idea Ness!" Lita cheered.
"I would love to see that," Ignacio agreed.
"Way better than mine," Riley said. "I was just going to have monkey butlers."
Griswold chuckled. "Of course you would! That's such a you thing. "
"What's that mean?" Riley asked. "You don't think it's a good idea?"
"I think it's a great idea," Griswold stated. "I might even steal it."
Riley playfully punched her friend's arm. "If you do, you better share dude!"
"Of course," Griswold replied. "I might ask for some more of your ideas. You always have great ones."
Riley started to blush, but she and Griswold kept laughing.
"I hate to interrupt," Lita stated glaring, "but is that all Riley?"
"Oh no," Riley said. "I'd probably move me and my bros to some huge mansion too, you know Richie Rich style."
"I'll definitely buy a bigger house for my mom," Griswold stated. "Then take my little sisters to a One Rejection concert like they want. First I'm throwing a kicking victory party, and you're all invited!"
The others cheered.
"When I win I'll probably start my own rodeo show," Vance stated. "Buy my own ranch too, fill it with tons of new horses."
"New horses?" Ignacio asked. "I don't know if that's a good idea after the last one."
Vance blushed as some of the others snickered.
"Wait, but what about your family's ranch?" Xidorn asked.
"My what?" Vance asked. "Oh, yeah, the ranch my family definitely owns."
"Why buy another?" Xidorn questioned. "I mean you said you'd inherit that one."
"Well…of course I will," Vance replied. "I just meant I'll get another one…start a chain of my family's ranches! Its' what my Pa would've wanted. What about you deputy?"
"I'd pay my way through film school," Xidorn replied. "Maybe use the money to make my own independent horror film, one of my dream projects. I wonder if I could even get it to air at the Sundance Festival."
"Ooh, ooh, can we cameo in it!" Weston begged.
"Definitely," Xidorn agreed. "Heck, maybe I'd film it here; it's certainly a good setting."
"It has its charm," Melissa admitted. "In a grotesque kind of way. For me, I think I would give most of the money-"
"-to charity," the others finished.
Melissa giggled. "Exactly. What about you Cynthia?"
Cynthia looked up from carving the ham, holding a blade dripping with juice. "More knives."
The other newcomers gulped.
"And you Weston?" Melissa asked.
"Huh?" Weston asked.
"Yeah, what would you do if I didn't win bud?" Vance asked.
"What are you future plans?" Xidorn asked.
"Uh…I don't have any future plans," Weston admitted.
"Not even a career you want to do?" Xidorn asked.
Weston shook his head. "I guess I never thought about it before."
"You're going to be a junior next year, right?" Xidorn asked. "You'll start applying to colleges. You should give it some thought Weston."
Weston rubbed the back of his head. "I guess…"
"If he wins it doesn't matter," Kalino stated. "You'll be loaded for life, you wouldn't have to work ever again!"
"So what are you planning to do if you win Kalino?" Melissa asked.
"Mannnnn whatever I want," Kalino admitted. "I could do anything…though I do have a promise I have to keep."
Melissa stood up, glass in hand. "It sounds like no matter who wins, it'll be exciting. I'd just like to make a toast to us all, and wish the best of luck to everyone. I hope the rest of our days will be fun, and an early congratulations to the winner. Cheers, to the merge!"
Melissa raised her glass and the other newcomers followed, clinking them together over the table. "Cheers!"
The contestants took a sip and sighed.
"What do you think Rhonda is talking to the producers about?" Ness asked. "The merge?"
"Who knows with Rhonda," Ignacio stated. "She's very secretive."
"I hear that," Vance replied. "I bet she has a big secret or something she's hiding…like an ugly birthmark."
"I could see it," Weston admitted, a few of the others nodding in agreement.
"I meant more relating to her past," Ignacio sighed.
"I wonder what the first challenge will be?" Melissa asked. "Or if they'll be any twists."
"Eh, I doubt it," Diamonique stated. "Melissa, could you pass the potatoes?"
"Sure thing Diamonique," Melissa stated, passing the potatoes.
"The original did," Xidorn stated. "Around the merge they brought b…"
Everyone paused for a moment. They then turned their heads towards the left, where a familiar face was stuffing her face at the head of the table. "DIAMONIQUE?"
Diamonique titled her head. "Surprise, bitches."
"Why are you here?" Ignacio asked.
"Great to see you too hot stuff," Diamonique replied with a wink.
"I thought we voted off Diamonique?" Weston asked. "Was that someone else?"
"Oh, you did vote me off," Diamonique replied. I'm just way too fabulous to stay down; I'm competing again."
"How is this possible?" Kalino asked.
"Ask Rhonda," Diamonique replied, squashing a potato with her fist.
That's not fair; we already voted you off!" Vance shouted. "Now we have to do it again?"
"Nice to see you Vance," Diamonique replied, finishing off the last potato.
"Wait," Xidorn stated. "Did…did someone return with you?"
Diamonique smirked. She nodded and pointed at the end of the table. Everyone turned to see someone else sitting at the other head of the table.
Riley gasped.
Griswold gasped.
Ness gasped.
Kalino gasped.
Vance gasped.
Melissa gasped.
Lita gasped.
Weston gasped.
Xidorn gasped.
Ignacio gasped.
Cynthia didn't react; only staring with her unblinking eyes as usual.
There, sitting in the chair was...a guy. He was um…there. He had brown hair or something. He wore some shoes, and pants and a shirt with some stripes I think.
Everyone stared for a long moment at the guy sitting there. He forced a smile and waved.
"Who?"
"Was he a contestant?"
"I thought he was an intern."
"Who?"
"Is he debuting?"
"Who?"
"Wait, where are we looking again? I don't see anything…"
The guy sighed, hanging his head in shame.
"Don't you remember?"
The guy shot up. Everyone turned to look at Lita. "He's the first one voted off from the Fireworks."
"Y...yeah," the guy replied.
"It's Jasper, right?" Lita asked.
"Uhhhhhh…"
His mouth hanging open wide and not working, he nodded repeatedly, until he accidentally hit his head against the table.
"How did you know there'd be two Xi?" Weston asked.
"The original brought back two people at the merge," Xidorn explained. "I didn't even think about it, but it makes sense Rhonda would use this twist."
"No it doesn't," Vance pouted. "It's completely cheap."
"Let's vote you off and see if you still feel the same way," Diamonique stated. "I bet if any of you went home early, you'd all be begging for a second chance."
Vance blushed as the other mergers shared a look.
"She has a point," Kalino admitted.
At that moment, Rhonda walked in. "Sorry for the disturbance. Did everyone enjoy the meal?"
Diamonique belched, knocking over a tower of plates next to her. "It was alright."
Rhonda frowned. "Didn't I tell you two to wait for your cue?"
"And miss a free feast?" Diamonique asked. "It's not realistic of me."
Rhonda shrugged and smiled. "Eh. Was everyone surprised then?"
"I knew you had some trick up your sleeve," Griswold sighed.
"You going to explain any of this Rhonda?" Vance asked.
"In a good time," Rhonda said. "I have a lot news for you all tonight, some good, some bad. So let me go through it all. First, let's just make clear what the merge means. For the audience and you."
Rhonda cleared her throat. "You went through the team phase; this is the individual phase. This means you will compete by yourself, though a select couple of challenges may allow you to work with a few others or have you compete in pairs. Everyone will also vote at each elimination ceremony, with only the winning newcomer, or newcomers if a challenge allows, having invincibility."
Everyone nodded.
"Good," Rhonda said. "Now I'm here to tell you this about the merge. Again, you should all feel good! You made it to the halfway point. Still, that doesn't mean you get to be lazy. The challenges, the votes and the twists are going to be a lot harder from here on out! We have surprises in store, and it's not going to be pretty or fair. You'll have to fight hard, but that's what it takes for two million dollars."
A few of the teens gulped, but nodded.
"That brings us to number two on the agenda," Rhonda stated. "I'm happy to announce that we once again have a primetime slot!"
"We lost it?" Ignacio whispered.
"I guess the ratings went up then?" Griswold asked.
"Some," Rhonda replied. "Really the network needed a last minute replacement. The host of some world-traveling show got hospitalized by a camel and won't be able to do the rest of their season."
"Oh how dreadful," Melissa said.
Rhonda placed her hand over her heart. "It truly is a tragedy, but the best way to honor him is by giving a great show in his place. Our episodes will now be slightly longer to fill this primetime slot. Additionally, we'll have two extra episodes to fill its entire schedule. On that note, I'm sure you've noticed our two guests."
Diamonique waved again. "It took them a while, but how could they not?"
"Took the words out of mouth," Kalino mumbled.
Rhonda smirked. "For all of you curious, allow me to clarify for you. Diamonique and Jean-Pierre are officially returning! This means that they will compete and have the chance to earn two million dollars."
Diamonique clapped for the two of them as Jimbo blushed.
"With two episodes, we need two more eliminations," Rhonda explained. "I thought what better drama than the two people who were first voted off by own their teams?"
Ignacio raised an eyebrow, but he said nothing.
"So I'd like to welcome them back," Rhonda said. "Anything you two would like to say?"
"I'm glad to be back," Diamonique replied. "I'm sure all of you will be too soon enough."
"I just feel really-"
"-That's nice," Rhonda said. "Its great to have both of you back. Isn't everyone excited?"
"I think it's sweet to give someone a second chance," Melissa stated.
Everyone else agreed, even if they were shocked or disappointed.
"Well then you're all going to love the next bit of news," Rhonda said, with a forced laugh.
"What do you mean?" Xidorn asked.
Rhonda gritted her teeth into a fake smile. "Like I said, we got two extra episodes ordered as part of our primetime slot. We've been having earlier challenges recently to make this adjustment for our own schedule. Now, the producers realized that we need something to fill in for those two episodes and made plans...without consulting me first. I had my plans already made when they told me their decision...which for the sake of my job, I'm forced to comply with."
"This is some of that bad news, isn't it?" Ness asked.
Rhonda nodded. "They decided we should have a returnee, and insisted on someone specific. Despite me telling them it isn't necessary, they're dead set."
"There is an extra chair still available at the table," Kalino observed.
Toby walked into the room, whispering into Rhonda's ear, before leaving.
"It looks like our last guest has arrived," Rhonda stated. "So it's my 'pleasure' to welcome back…"
Jenny and Toby escorted the returnee into the room. Everyone went silent at their presence, until finally a voice spoke up.
"OH **** NO!"
"...Tessa."
The former Olympian sighed and took the only available seat, next to Riley.
"Why her?" Xidorn asked. "Why not...anyone but her?"
"It's not my choice," Rhonda said. "She's still very famous, so the executives thought she'd be good for ratings."
"There's nothing you can do?" Lita asked. "Literally nothing? You couldn't even get someone like Amanda Picklestein instead?"
"I actually tried that," Rhonda said. "Sadly, the network would not relent."
"I can hear you," Tessa said. "I'm right here."
"We know," Ignacio stated. "That's precisely the problem."
Tessa sighed and rubbed her temples. "I knew this would happen…"
"Is Tessa's return going to change anything?" Weston asked.
"Besides making everything even worse," Kalino said.
"It may change some plans I had for challenges and a potential merge returnee contest," Rhonda admitted. "We'll work around it. Its great to have you back I guess Tessa."
"That sure means a lot Rhonda," Tessa replied, side-eyeing the hostess.
"Now, any quick questions about the returning competitors?" Rhonda asked.
Ignacio raised his hand. "Pardon, but I have to ask, have these returnees had the privilege of seeing the finished episodes? It feels like that could be a huge disadvantage to us."
"Fair point," Rhonda said, "but the returnees haven't seen any of the footage. As perhaps you've guessed or heard through the grapevine, the losers are sequestered together. Since the losers support one of the final two in the finale, we wanted their opinions to be based on what they or their follow losers experienced in the game."
"So do you guys know anything that's happened?" Weston asked.
"We know plenty," Diamonique replied.
Rhonda nodded. "While they don't have the advantage of being present, they have been able to talk to everyone who has been voted out at this point, even Seraphina for at least last night to now. So they've had a chance to hear most everything; whether they took that chance and whether that info came from a reliable loser is up for debate."
"What can they tell us?" Melissa asked.
"Good question Melissa," Rhonda replied. "There are obviously some things they can't disclose. For example, what happens to you after you eliminated; the only way for you to know is to find out first hand. However, at this point we all know they've seen the other losers, so if they want to share updates or news, they have the right."
Juju raised his hand. "I was wondering if-"
"-Alright, since there are no more questions," Rhonda continued, "let's get to the next bit of news."
"Jasper has a question," Diamonique stated.
Rhonda blushed. "Sorry about that Jagger, you were asking?"
"Will we be rooming in the same rooms as last time?" he asked.
Rhonda nodded. "You'll get your old room keys after this meeting; that means Diamonique and Tessa will be sleeping alone, while you'll room with Ignacio again."
"We were roommates?" Ignacio asked.
"In any case," Rhonda continued, "I'd hate for you all to try and ruin the fun of having returnees by sending them right back home. So Diamonique, Joey, and Tessa will have immunity at the first elimination ceremony they need it."
Diamonique chuckled. Jerd sighed in relief.
"The first ceremony we need it at?" Tessa asked. "What does that mean?"
"I'm guessing," Xidorn said, "it means that if they, or you sadly, win invincibility, the immunity will carry over until you aren't safe."
"So if we win the first challenge we'll be safe at the next two eliminations?" Diamonique asked. "And if we win the first two challenges, we'll be safe at the next three? And so on?"
"Yup," Rhonda replied. "I didn't bring you back not to participate in challenges. I thought you might not have enough motivation for the first challenge if you were already immune. Consider this your motivation."
The others groaned, mostly directed at Tessa.
"On the subject of immunity," Rhonda continued, ""Its to my, and the network breathing down my neck's, disappointment that no immunity flash drives have been used. I mean we don't want to waste a twist, or an easy to manufacture piece of merchandise. So, we're amending the rules a bit for them. The team immunity flash drives were only for the team phase...however, if you have a gold immunity flash drive you can take immunity off those drives and place it on the gold drive."
"Oh yeah!" Weston recalled, "I forget those things exist!"
"Since it is the merge," Rhonda said, "we've decided to hide another gold immunity flash drive in the hotel! So you'd better go flush it out of its hiding place."
Kalino was shown shaking the cushion of the confessional seat and rummaging through the side, before stopping and shrugging. "I guess Rhonda isn't actually dumb enough to hide it in the same place twice."
"Now Jewel just mentioned rooms," Rhonda said, "which brings me to our next point. We haven't always had rewards for every challenge, but we're trying to incorporate more. We'd like to have one for every merge challenge; more rewards for harder tasks. We can't promise they'll be a unique reward for every challenge, but there will be a recurring prize for the winner of every challenge.
"The Pentagram Hotel will be open to the public soon after the show. We'd like to advertise one of its finest features. Allow me to introduce, the penthouse suite."
Jenny and Toby pushed in a cart with a TV and DVD player. Toby put in a disc and turned on the TV.
The screen showed a large hotel room, with a lit hearth in the wall and a creepy portrait hanging over it. The painting depicted a pale man in black, with a sunken in face that smiled as he twisted his mustache.
"On the top floor you'll find this room," Rhonda continued, "where the very creator of this hotel spent his days planning murder after murder, until he was executed."
"Why would any sane person want to stay there?" Lita asked.
"Because we've upgraded this room to be the ultimate in luxury!" Rhonda replied.
The camera panned over to door. Jenny and Toby entered, using a gold key card. Jenny ran over to the left, then jumped into a giant, comfy bed.
"Staying here you'll be sleeping in a king sized bed," Rhonda said. "Complete with silk and satin sheets made from China and plenty of Egyptian cotton pillows."
Jenny grabbed a remote from a nearby nightstand. She pressed a button and the bed reclined and began vibrating. "Ooooooh yeaaaaaaahhhhh."
"Did I mention the reclining and massaging mattress?"
"Ooooh!" the contestants gasped.
"The penthouse suite has one of the best views in all of Washington, D.C."
The camera panned to the window, where the White House and Lincoln Memorial could be seen.
"But if you want to look at something else, the penthouse suite has something for you."
Jenny grabbed another remote off the stand. With a press of a button, a giant TV screen descended from the wall in front of her.
"We have a flat plasma screen TV for your enjoyment!" Rhonda continued, Jenny flipping through the channels. "With over a thousand channels to choose from, including all access pay per view! No channel is off limits."
"Not even the naughty ones?" Vance asked.
He blushed at all the looks he got.
"Sure, they're there," Rhonda replied, getting her even more looks. "Hey, we can edit it to be PG-13."
Jenny pressed another button, causing shelves of DVDs and games to rise up from the floor.
"We also have tons of movies you can choose from. Plus five different video game systems you can play!"
The scene cut to Toby in a bathrobe, now stepping out of a fancy shower.
"This suite also comes with a state of the art shower," Rhonda continued. "With multiple massaging shower heads and exclusive soaps and shampoos imported from Europe."
"Mama has to try that," Diamonique announced.
"We haven't even gotten to our high tech toilet," Rhonda stated.
Toby walked over to a large porcelain toilet. It glowed blue and stated, "Good Evening Toby."
"You got a talking toilet?" Kalino asked. "That's horrifying and awesome!"
"This toilet can actually responds to voice command," Rhonda explained. "It can even recognize voices of previous users. It can also play music, tell jokes, has a seat warmer and a bidet."
"What is a bidet?" Lita asked.
Ness whispered in her ear. "Wait...what! That's a thing?"
The scene cut back to Jenny in bed. She reached over to the nightstand again, picking up a phone.
"You can use the phone to order free room service," Rhonda stated. "Request any meal and it'll be brought to your room. Want breakfast in bed? Popcorn for a movie? An ice cream sundae midnight snack? Just pick up the phone. Our attendants will be happy to help…"
"Attendants?" Griswold asked.
"Fans were so eager to get on the show," Rhonda explained, "they paid for a chance. So we let a select few winners of a raffle become 'maids' and 'butlers' for you at your stay. You can select who will attend you, where they'll wait on hand and foot for you. They even come with special uniforms."
"Did someone order room service?"
Toby opened the door. Standing outside were a young man and woman striking a pose. The woman, the purple haired fan from Dump The Chumps, was dressed in a french maid costume, with a short skirt and fishnets. The butler was a blonde and muscular gentlemen, with green eyes. He was shirtless, dressed in black dress pants, shirt cuffs and a bowtie, looking more like a Chippendale dancer than a butler.
The maid held out a silver tray, lifting it to reveal a pizza. "One pizza, fresh and piping hot."
"I also heard someone ordered a hot towel massage?" the butler asked, speaking in some kind of foreign accent.
"Call us if you need anything," the maid stated. "Anything."
"Its our pleasure to serve," the butler added.
"As long as we can cameo in fic, we'll do it," the purple girl teased, before Toby slammed the door.
"So come on down to the Pentagram Hotel, and enjoy the luxury of our penthouse suite!"
The clip ended. The two co-hosts pushed the TV out of the room.
"Man I killed it in that commercial," Jenny said.
"That's cause you didn't have to speak," Toby replied.
"YOUR MOM!"
"As I said, the winner of a challenge will get to stay in the penthouse and enjoy its amenities," Rhonda said. "Until the next challenge. There are two massage beds in there, so you can even choose one friend to accompany you."
"That all sounds amazing!" Ness stated. "Especially the butlers…uh, cause they can wait on you."
"That butler wasn't that hot," Ignacio grumbled.
"This is all a lot to take in," Xidorn admitted. "Is that everything with the merge?"
Rhonda smiled. She motioned to the cameramen with a finger over throat, who lowered their camera. "Finally, I just want to share something with you. I appreciate you all joining this show and giving it your best. It means a lot for us to share this journey together. Really it does..."
The others smiled.
"…But I also want to be frank with you. This show has struggled. Only now have we've clawed our way out of the grave and back to prime-time. Really only through dumb luck. I'm trying to save this show…so if you want to come to me and complain, as you've started doing, or dare I say try to 'quit', allow me to make one thing clear; you can leave.
"If you want to whine about returnees or twists, go the confessional or each other. Not me! If it's soooo unfair, then I'll be delighted to send you home early. Instead of the Public Transportation of Losers, I'll make a special call and you can ride the Whambulance right off this show! You can leave Washington and not appear for the rest of the season, including the finale.
Mark my words, I swear if you try to quit or refuse to participate and make my show boring, you will be miserable. I will have the editors, which I am one of we're so understaffed, make sure that you're hardly heard or seen at all. We can even use CGI to edit you out of scenes! What we will show will be your biggest failures, most shameful moments and when you're at your worst. Whole montages of you sucking will play. You'll be hated. You'll be a joke. If you want to give America, Canada, Japan, Brazil, many other countries and the whole Internet the chance to see that, then test me. Understood?"
Weston shot up his hand. "Haven't most of the other episodes aired already? You can't change those, can you?"
Rhonda by now was shaking in anger, her eye starting to twitch. "I will find a way to ruin you. ANYONE ELSE?"
The newcomers simultaneously gulped.
"Super duper!" Rhonda cheered. "It was great talking to you all! Congrats again for making the merge! Enjoy the rest of your feast. I'll see you tomorrow for our first challenge!"
/
The newcomers sat there in silence for a few moments.
"Can some pass the cupcakes?" Diamonique asked. "No sense in letting this food go to waste."
"She has a point," Riley agreed. "We still made the merge. This feast is to celebrate, so why not celebrate?"
The others agreed and everyone began to dine again, only much more quietly.
Weston rubbed his chin in thought. "Hmm...did anyone find any of those flash drive things?"
Melissa almost choked on her salad. "Uh, I think even if anyone did they wouldn't admit it dear."
"Someone on our former team did."
Everyone turned to look at Cynthia. "Remember our final question in the truth challenge? Who has an immunity flash drive on our team?"
"I just assumed it was a cruel joke by Jenny," Xidorn admitted. "The question didn't even matter since the points wouldn't help."
"Every other question was accurate," Cynthia stated.
"Cynthia has a point mannnnn," Kalino stated. "One of us could have a flash drive."
"You're not actually playing dumb are you?"
Everyone turned to Tessa.
"What?" Kalino asked.
Tessa rolled her eyes. "Really? So what happened to that red immunity flash drive I gave you?"
"You gave him a flash drive?" Griswold asked.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Kalino said. "Did I do something to you…have we even talked before?"
"I found that flash drive sticking out of a vent," Tessa explained. "I knew you and Pascal were close, so I asked you to use it for me."
"But a flash drive is only for one team, right?" Kalino asked.
"Don't act like you don't know," Tessa shouted. "As I told you, it can only be used by a member of that team. Doesn't mean you can't use it on someone from another team. You pretended you did before our elimination ceremony, and kept it for yourself this whole time!"
Everyone gasped.
Xidorn shook his head. "I can't believe it."
"I...I am sorry," Tessa admitted. "I know this is something you don't want to hear."
"No," Xidorn said. "I mean I don't believe it. Kalino has been a good friend to me, and a teammate who gives his all. What I can't believe, is that you would actually try that!"
"What?"
Xidorn stood up. "You heard me! I'm not buying that ridiculous story, against Kalino of all people! You expect me to believe that coincidentally the night you were eliminated, you found the Eagles flash drive and got Kalino to agree to that? Then he just happened to betray you?
How 'convenient' you've returned and can out him," Ignacio added.
"I just don't understand why you're so against me," Kalino 'admitted'.
"She probably has some random beef with you," Lita said. "She tends to do that."
"Why would I lie?" Tessa asked.
Xidorn rolled his eyes. "To get the target off your back. You know nobody is glad you're here. You're trying to save your own skin by throwing someone under the bus. Gosh...this isn't actually that surprising."
"That's not what I'm trying to do," Tessa said. "I'm trying to help! He has the Eagles immunity flash drive!"
Xidorn slammed his fist on the table. "Just stop! I can't deal with this...Seraphina sacrificed herself. She gave up her chance this close to the merge."
"Xidorn, I didn't mean-"
"-Don't even try," Xidorn stated. "Don't act like you're upset. We all know you kicked her out of your room! You were awful to her! You were awful to a lot of us! Yet here you are, instead of all the people we care about! Instead of the people who deserve it. So enjoy your immunity while it lasts; as soon as it's over, we're all voting you off."
Xidorn stared Tessa down. The gymnast sighed. She said nothing as she pushed out her chair and left.
Xidorn panted as he sat back down.
"You alright partner?" Vance asked.
"Yeah," Xidorn replied. "I'm just, so ticked off."
Kalino pulled Xidorn in for a hug. "I appreciate you standing up for me dude."
Xidorn nodded. "Of course! I wasn't going to let her get away with that. I just hate we actually have to put up with her for a little while."
"Amen," Lita stated, Ignacio, Kalino and Ness nodding in agreement.
/
Dinner ended soon after, the teens slowly slipping away to their own corners.
Griswold, Riley and Ignacio were the last to leave.
Griswold looked around, eyeing the hallway. He whispered, "Okay dogs, this might sound crazy...but what if Tessa was telling the truth?"
"Those assertions against Kalino?" Ignacio stated. "I doubt she was candid; she's known to play underhanded. Even in her own anecdote she was underhanded if her plan worked. Not to mention her unforgivable bullying of Lita just informs her character as malicious."
"It sounds fishy," Griswold sighed. "…I don't know, something about Kalino rubs me the wrong way."
"I got the same vibe," Riley replied. "I could see Rhonda creating a loopy loophole like that for the flash drives too."
"Exactly," Griswold stated. "But what really makes me consider it…remember that elimination ceremony? Kalino fell out of the voting booth right before we voted."
"Dude he did!" Riley exclaimed.
"It was likely an accident," Ignacio stated. "I mean if Kalino hypothetically kept the drive for himself, why even be in the booth? It certainly didn't make her immune. She probably got the idea from it."
"He does fall asleep everywhere," Riley admitted. "I found him asleep in the lobby john, the mailbox, on a gargoyle…"
"I found him slumbering in a ficus and a chandelier," Ignacio added.
"Fair point," Griswold conceded. "It's not like we're not going to vote Tessa off next time."
"Yeah," Riley sighed.
"What elicits my curiosity is the other returnees," Ignacio stated.
"What'cha talking about Iggy?" Riley asked.
"Why Diamonique and…Jonah I think," Ignacio questioned. "Why them?"
"They were the first voted off by their own team," Griswold explained.
"That's what Rhonda said," Ignacio replied. "She also said they were here for drama. And while this could cause drama…do those two seem like drama starters?"
"Not really dude," Griswold admitted.
"Exactly," Ignacio replied. "Rhonda's goal is to gain a lot of ratings, especially now that she's in prime-time…so she brings back a guy no one knows. I suspect an ulterior motive for their return."
"Rhonda could be lying," Riley stated. "She has lied to us before, like about no one ever coming back ever…"
"We don't know what happened on the Molting Eagles," Griswold stated. "I still don't know why exactly they voted off their leader. I mean I wasn't surprised when Diamonique was voted off, but I honestly don't know why she was."
"Fair enough," Ignacio replied. "Perhaps we need to talk to more Eagles. The real baffling element is…Jar Jar. Why him? Rhonda could have chosen anyone. Even made it into a competition to return. But him?"
Griswold shrugged. "Who knows half the stuff Rhonda does. You got to stop obsessing over her so much, its a little weird."
"Understandable," Ignacio replied. "I just don't like a mystery unsolved."
Riley poked Ignacio in the ab. "Maybe he likes her?"
"You're kidding?" Ignacio laughed. "Of course not...and I don't like anybody else either. You know, if you were curious."
Riley raised an eyebrow. "That sure sounds suspicious."
"It wasn't," Ignacio replied.
Griswold chuckled. "Maybe he likes you Riley."
"For real?" Riley laughed.
"Who could blame him," Griswold replied. "You're the most amazing girl ever."
Riley laughed. "Yeah, yeah."
"No, I mean it," Griswold replied.
Riley laughed, but blushed. "Right back at you big guy...except the girl part."
"I think we should stop by Lita's and Ness'," Griswold stated. "We need to figure out what we're going to do…"
Griswold ran ahead. Riley watched, then looked back to see Ignacio winking at her.
"What?"
"I ship it," Ignacio whispered.
Riley rolled her eyes. "Griswold and I totally don't like each other."
"That sure sounds suspicious," Ignacio replied.
"Weren't we talking about your love life?" Riley asked.
Ignacio raced ahead of her. "Come on, we're losing Griswold."
"I'm not in denial about liking my bromosapien Gris Bear," Riley stated. "I mean, ever since Easton said something I have been thinking...Griswold isn't the kind of guy I would notice. I usually go for the weirdos...my last boyfriend was an iguana farmer. Gris isn't freaky, but we do have a lot in common, enjoy spending time together, and he's one of the best people ever. He's just really sweet to me. What would it be like if he we dated...not that we would…"
Meanwhile, Diamonique, Cynthia and Melissa walked through the hall. Diamonique chugged a soda with every step.
"Its really good to have you back Diamonique," Melissa said. "Again, I'm terribly sorry you left."
"Like I said I'm not mad," Diamonique replied. "It happened, but I'm still at the merge! I didn't even have to do that many challenges to do it. I know you gals didn't vote me off, but no hard feelings to any of the other Eagles."
"Aww, that's really sweet," Melissa said. "I'm honestly relieved you returned. I felt like Cynthia is really my only ally. Its nice to know that's no longer true."
"Thanks girlie," Diamonique replied. "I'm glad you two are actually happy I'm back."
"We did have an alliance," Cynthia reminded.
"As far as I'm concerned," Diamonique stated. "That alliance is back in black hunties!"
Melissa squealed, glomping the two. "This is wonderful! I wish Frannie was here too; she really didn't talk much after you went home you. Of course it sounds like she didn't go home…"
"Rhonda let her visit the circus," Diamonique stated. "She got to put on a few last shows with them… I promised Fran I would help her if I won, so I have to win for her too."
"We'll do it together!" Melissa stated. "The three of us, a girl group united! We could call ourselves...The Lady Eagles!"
Cynthia held out her hand. Melissa immediately placed her hand on top. Diamonique smiled and added her hand. They raised them up and shouted, "The Lady Eagles!"
Melissa giggled. "Well, this is our room. We'll see you tomorrow, okay Diamonique?"
Diamonique scratched her head. "Hold on, I'm forgetting something...oh duh!"
From under her raspberry beret, the scatterbrain pulled out an envelope. "I snuck this in here for you Melissa, from a special someone."
Melissa squealed and tore open the letter. "Eeeee! My shoompy poops wrote me a letter! Aww, its poetry…"
"Your man ever write you love poems Cynthia?" Diamonique asked.
"He tried once," Cynthia said. "He couldn't rhyme anything with orange. He expresses his feelings in other ways."
Diamonique winked. "I think it's time for me to get some beauty sleep, not that I need it. I'll see you at breakfast Lady Eagles!"
Melissa wiped away the tears. "Thank you Diamonique, really thank you! I'm so glad you're back!"
Diamonique waved. "Me too! Like I said, I'm not mad."
Diamonique stared at the camera. She held up her soda can. "I'm not mad. I'm PISSED OFF!"
She grunted while tearing the can in half with her bare hands. "Those dummies voted me off, and the rest didn't even care! They thought I was their weakest link, that I could be tossed aside and forgotten like a piece of garbage. Well guess what; think again!"
Diamonique crushed the two halves in her hands. "I'm here for two things; the free food and revenge! Once I've won this show...they'll never ever forget about me."
The Fireworks had gathered in Lita's and Ness' room. Lita heard a knock at the door; she found Tessa standing outside.
Tessa squirmed in place, looking at the floor. "Hey Lita."
"Do you want something?" Lita asked.
Tessa sighed. "I wanted to apologize to you, for everything that I said before."
"Aww, you can apologize," Lita replied.
Tessa looked up and smiled. "Really?"
Lita nodded. "Yeah. You can apologize by shutting the **** up and never saying another word to me ever again!"
Lita slammed the door in her face. "Hmph, who does she think she is trifling?"
"Geez Lita," Riley stated. "Don't you think that's a little harsh?"
"Excuse me?" Lita asked. "Harsh? Refusing to give you a seat on the bus is a little harsh. Insulting me when I tried to apologize is harsh. Kicking out my best friend and insulting her is harsh. Insulting my mother and my brother to my face for millions to see is harsh!"
"Fair point," Riley admitted.
Lita gritted her teeth. "If that spoiled daddy's girl thinks she can just waltz in here and get my forgiveness like that, she's mistaken. I just want to vote her out again."
"I get it," Riley said. "Gris, what's this meeting about?"
"I guess I thought we should just talk," Griswold admitted. "You know, like what we're going to do now in the merge."
"We'll stick together, right?" Ness asked.
"That's what I want!" Griswold replied. "Unfortunately, there's still the matter of the Eagles outnumbering us. Technically, the returnees make us equal at seven each."
"We're not actually working with Tessa though, right?" Ignacio asked.
"I wasn't planning on it," Griswold admitted. "She failed us the last we time we trusted her. I want to vote her off too! My real concern is Diamonique and uh…"
"Jasper," Lita corrected.
"Right," Griswold replied. "Do we think Diamonique would flip?"
"I can't tell if she was peeved or not," Riley admitted. "We can try. Maybe you can talk to her Iggy Pop...shirtless of course."
Ignacio blushed. "I don't want to lead her own...or have her stalking me again."
"I was kidding dude," Riley teased. "We should all have a word with her."
"If she flips what's stopping Jorge from doing the same," Griswold stated.
"We did vote him off," Ness said. "I don't know if I would trust any of us if we all sent him home."
"Uhhhhhhhh…"
The former Fireworks turned to Lita, who blushed.
"You didn't vote for Judith?" Ignacio asked.
Lita rolled her eyes. "If we're going to try to work with him, y'all need to learn it's Jasper! Like Capser, that ghost, but with a J. And yes, I didn't. I warned him about it and voted for that hag Tessa because I didn't think he should go. Which, I was right about by the way…"
"We should have listened," Ignacio admitted. "Now we're lying in the beds we're made. You don't think you could talk to him, do you?"
"I was planning on chatting with him a bit," Lita replied. "What do you want me to say?"
"Just see if J'Casper is willing to work with us," Griswold said. "Tell him if he wants to we'd be happy to."
"The more the merrier," Ness agreed.
Lita sighed. "Yeah okay, I'll bring it up to Jasper."
/
Tessa sighed as she flopped into her bed. She heard a knock at the door. She ran to the door to answer it, but frowned.
"Expecting someone else?" Diamonique asked.
The fashionista pushed her way into the room and slammed the door behind her. She sat herself on the bed and started to file her nails.
"Can I help you?" Tessa asked.
"Maybe," Diamonique replied. "Maybe we can help each other."
"Huh?"
"Its shame you never really talked at the resort," Diamonique said. "I didn't realize we had so much in common."
"We do?" Tessa asked.
Diamonique nodded. "You know, I'm probably the only one who's happy you're here."
"Thanks...I guess," Tessa replied. "Not that I'm not grateful, but why?"
"We have a common enemy," Diamonique said. "Kalino."
"You hate that snake too?" Tessa asked.
"Who do you think convinced my team to vote me off?" Diamonique asked. "Listening to the other losers, it sounds like we're not his only victims."
"So why didn't you say anything at dinner when I was getting roasted?" Tessa questioned.
"I mean, it wasn't solely his fault you went home," Diamonique replied. "You were pretty awful."
Tessa frowned, but slumped over. "Yup."
"Not to mention Kalino has them eating out of the palm of his hand," Diamonique stated. "Until they wise up, we're the only ones with a clue."
"So you believe me about the flash drive?" Tessa asked.
"Yeah," Diamonique replied. "I could see you being stupid enough to think that would work."
"Is there a point to this?" Tessa asked.
Diamonique nodded. "How does a secret alliance sound to you?"
"Not great," Tessa admitted. "That didn't work out so great with Pascal…"
"I'm not Pascal," Diamonique replied. "The boobs were kind of a give away. Listen Tess, if you want to go right back out the Revolving Doors of Shame, I'll hold the door for you. But, if you want to get even with Kalino...to have the others realize the truth, then I'm your best bet."
Tessa sighed. "When you put it like that...it's a deal."
Diamonique held out her hand. "Let's shake on it."
Tessa grabbed her hand, as Diamonique picked her up and began shaking her. She dropped Tessa on the floor. "Alright, this secret alliance is official."
"Do you actually have some kind of plan?" Tessa asked.
Diamonique shrugged. "Meh, I'm kinda making it up as I go along."
/
Meanwhile...
Jasper opened his door. "Oh."
Lita stood outside the doorway. "Hey."
Jasper shook his head. "Um, Ignacio isn't here now…"
Lita chuckled. "Didn't we do this before? I'm here to talk to you...can I come in?"
"Y...yeah, please!"
Jasper tried to step outside and hold the door for her, awkwardly running into her. "You can uh, sit on the bed."
Lita sat next to Jasper's open luggage. She held up a pair of drawers. "Hehe, nice underoos."
Jasper blushed and tossed them aside. "I was just unpacking. Sorry."
Lita giggled. "You're fine, I'm just messing with ya. Anyhow, I'm glad your back."
"Really?"
"If anyone got a raw deal, it's you," Lita said. "You didn't really get a first chance, so you should have a second chance."
"Thank you," Jasper replied. "Thank you for everything."
"Huh?"
"Thank you for trying to save me from going home," Jasper admitted. "And for not voting for me...I overheard one of the interns discuss the votes."
"The interns said that in front of you?" Lita asked.
"They uh...don't usually notice when I'm there," Jasper replied. "I really appreciate you risking your game for me like that. It's the nicest thing anyone's ever done for me. Ever."
Lita flicked her wrist. "Pssh, it ain't no problem honey. Fat load of good it did; you still went home."
"I'm still really grateful for it," Jasper said. "It means a lot to me."
Lita smiled, but sighed.
"Is something wrong?" Jasper asked.
"My...our former teammates wanted me to ask if you'd vote with us," Lita confessed.
"Oh," Jasper said. "Really? I hadn't thought about a vote yet. Do you want me to?"
Lita bit her lip. "The truth is, we probably need a vote. Still, I'm not going to lie to you; I don't know if you should."
"What do you mean?" Jasper asked.
"You don't owe us anything," Lita replied. "We gave you a raw deal. We sent you home without getting to know you. We kept that witch Tessa just to vote her off next anyway."
"You didn't do that," Jasper stated.
"I didn't save you though," Lita replied. "If it was me, I'd be bitter. I wouldn't want to work with the Fireworks. You have another chance at this, and if it's not in your best interests to work with us, then you shouldn't throw your game away. Do what you need to do."
"Thank you for the honestly," Jasper replied. "I have a lot to think about... but I'll get back to you, I promise."
Lita smiled and stood up. "Thanks. I better go and get some shut eye; no telling what Rhonda plans for tomorrow. I'll see you...and I really am glad you're back."
Jasper blushed. "M...me too."
/
Riley yawned as she enter her room. "Hmm, Weston must be making out with his gf somewhere."
There was a knock against the door.
"Did he lose his card again?" Riley laughed.
Outside the door stood Tessa. "Hey Riley."
"Uh, hey. What up?"
"Do you maybe...want to grab some Mickey Ds?"
Riley stared, then smiled. "Yeah! I'm always up for some Mickey Ds!"
/
The two girls soon made their way to the Mickey D's in the underground chamber.
"No one but us stays at this hotel, and it's still open twenty-four hours," Tessa stated.
"Less of a wait," Riley replied. "What are you going to get anyway?"
Tessa blushed. "I'm getting a sweet tea actually."
Riley laughed. "Really?"
"Yeah," Tessa replied. "I...I thought a lot about what you said to me that night. I realized, you were right. I am really alone…"
"Why didn't you try Tessa?" Riley asked. "Why did you attack Lita like that?"
"I don't know," Tessa admitted. "I guess maybe I was jealous and I thought...I mean Lita's this beautiful athlete, she felt just like one of those cool girls in high school."
"What do you mean?" Riley asked.
"I was bullied a lot in high school," Tessa said. "I was a few grades younger and I do come from a rich family, so everyone treated me like dirt. I didn't have any friends. They made me feel like I was nothing, so I swore I would become special; I trained endlessly to win my gold medal. That way I could prove I was better, I could make them nothing…"
Tessa sighed and slumped down into a chair. "I thought I'd feel better, but I was still alone. I couldn't shake this sad feeling no matter what. I thought coming to this show I could escape it. Now I realize it; I was the reason I felt awful and alone."
"Sounds like you were projecting your own fears," Riley said.
Tessa nodded. "I'm too defensive. I was trying to protect myself from people I thought were the popular crew. People I didn't even take the chance to know. I don't want to be alone. I don't want to be such a mean person anymore."
"So don't."
"But...what if I can't change?" Tessa asked. "I mean everything thinks I'm the worst, for good reason, so doesn't that mean it's true?"
Riley pulled a strand of hair from Tessa's head.
"Uh, ouch!"
"I've had enough of this pity party," Riley replied. "Now you realize you were a tool and want to change, right?"
"That's what I just said, yeah," Tessa replied.
"Admitting you have a problem is the first step to solving it," Riley replied. "You just have to try, and I'm sure the others will see that you're not the same person."
"You really think so?" Tessa asked. "Then...how can I apologize to Lita? I think of everyone here I was the worst to her…"
Riley shrugged. "I don't know, maybe make her a card?"
Tessa raised her eyebrows. "A card?"
"I don't have all the answers," Riley replied. "We'll figure it out. Just know that right now, you've got a friend Sweet T."
Tessa hugged Riley. "Thanks Riley! You really are the best."
"I've been told that before."
/
In the hallway, Diamonique walked through the halls, deep in thought. "Now where was my room?"
"Hey Diamonique."
Diamonique turned her head and smiled. "Well, if it isn't my good friend Kalino."
The surfer forced a laugh. "Hey, glad to have you back."
"How sweet," Diamonique replied. "It's a shame I got eliminated somehow, huh?"
Kalino looked down. "I just wanted to ask something, if I can."
"Sure Kalino, old buddy, old pal."
"So all the losers are sequestered together," Kalino explained, "you haven't...talked to Frannie have you?"
"Why?" Diamonique asked.
Kalino sighed. "I guess she told you how I voted her off, huh?"
"You know she did mention it once or twice," Diamonique admitted. "What of it?"
"You're her best friend," Kalino stated, "...do you think Frannie would ever forgive me?"
"Would you?" Diamonique asked.
"Honestly...yeah," Kalino admitted. "I'm not one to hold a grudge. But I broke her trust...I don't know if that can heal."
Diamonique shrugged. "I don't know. I can say, I don't hold grudges either."
Kalino raised an eyebrow. "Yeah. What do you mean?"
"I'm saying, you're somebody who cares about Frannie," Diamonique stated. "Someone who seems regretful of what he did. Rumor is, you made some sort of promise for her. The same promise I've made to her; that if I win I'll save her circus. That's someone I wouldn't mind getting far."
"Are you proposing an alliance?" Kalino asked.
"Are you interested?" Diamonique asked.
"Kalino scratched his soul patch. "Uuh, yeah sure! If you're for it. We could work well together."
Diamonique and Kalino shook hands.
"I don't trust Kalino as far as I can throw him," Diamonique admitted. "And I could throw him really far, maybe a whole block or two. I know what that snake did to me and Frannie; I plan on cutting the head of the snake. But as they say, 'keep your friends close...and keep your enemies closer.' So I will for the time being...but I won't let him in the final two. No, I have someone else in mind…"
Diamonique knocked on a door again and again, until it was answered.
"Ignacio isn't here," Jasper stated.
"I'm sure that stud wants to see me," Diamonique replied. "However, I'm here for you."
Once again, Diamonique pushed her way into a room and slammed the door behind her.
"Diamonique?" the guy asked.
"That's my name," Diamonique replied. "Yours is Jasper."
"Yeah...it is. You know that?"
Diamonique nodded. "I'm not going to forget it. We're a lot alike Jasper. We're the first ones our teams decided needed to lose. We're the only ones who really need this second chance."
"What about Tessa?" Jasper asked. "I don't like her, but she was an early out too…"
"You mean the girl who got a second chance at the expense of yours?" Diamonique asked. "The girl who production chose personally cause she's so special? She's the worst; I don't have any sympathy for her."
"I don't either," Jasper replied. "She deserves to be here the least...but I guess I don't really deserve to be here then. I didn't earn it."
"You deserve it," Diamonique replied. "We both do. We were wrongfully voted out."
Jasper rubbed the back of his head. "I don't know about that. Maybe I was the first boot for a reason."
Diamonique titled her head. "Remind me, who won the Fireworks their tie breaking point in the endurance test? Which without, they would have lost the first challenge. Who was the only reason they had a chance against the Eagles?"
"That...that was me," Jasper said. "I won that point! I tied it!"
"You're the whole reason we had a tiebreaker Jasper," Diamonique stated. "Without you, the beginning of the game would be so different. The entire course of this show would be changed!"
"You remember I won that?" Jasper asked.
"Of course," Diamonique replied. "It's the same with me. Who won the Eagles the advantage of an extra point, and won the puzzle challenge in record time? Me. Did our teams remember our successes? No. They only remembered us when it was time to vote someone off."
"It wasn't fair!" Jasper shouted. "I always gave my best in the challenges! I got far in the Awake-a-thon, not that any noticed. I made the tiebreaker! Yet they voted me out for being a weak link...it wasn't fair."
Diamonique nodded. "It wasn't fair. They all saw us as weak links and losers. Even when we proved them wrong, they wouldn't change their minds. We were only cannon fodder to them. Clowns to be laughed at, then shooed away when things got serious."
"Did you hear them at dinner?" Jasper asked. "They talked about everyone who went home...everyone but me."
"They thought they could forget about you," Diamonique stated. "They thought you didn't matter anymore. They're wrong. You're special Jasper."
"Me?" Jasper asked. "Special?"
"Of course," Diamonique replied. "Don't you see? They need you know. They need us both. The Eagles and The Fireworks are at a stalemate. They need our votes to get a majority. Their fates are entirely in our hands. We control who goes home now."
"I never thought of it like that," Jasper admitted.
"They can't forget about us now," Diamonique stated. "But we need each other Jasper. We're the only ones who know what it feels like to be forgotten and tossed aside. We need to form an alliance."
"An alliance?" Jasper asked. "I don't know about that. It feels shady."
"What don't you know?" Diamonique asked. "Aren't you tired of being mistreated?"
"I mean-"
"-Aren't you tired of being underestimated?"
"I guess I am…"
"Aren't you tired of being underappreciated?"
"Yeah."
"Aren't you tired of being looked down upon?"
"Yeah."
"Aren't you tired of being forgotten?"
"Yes."
"Of no one remembering you? Of being tossed aside?"
"Yeah, yes. Yes!"
"Of no one caring about you? Of being a reject, a loser, a nobody!"
"Yes! Yes!"
"Then let's change that," Diamonique said. "Let's make the final two."
"You want to go with me to the final two?" Jasper asked.
"You're the only one I want to go with Jasper," Diamonique replied.
"Why?"
Diamonique chuckled. "I want to see them choke when they see the final two are the 'early outs'. I want them to be beaten by the 'pathetic creatures' they've tossed aside."
Jasper gulped. "You've a...really thought about this, huh Diamonique?"
Diamonique sighed and fell against the bed. She ran her fingers against the scars on her forehead. "I'm tired too Jasper. At Playa Des Losers, I had a lot of time to think. I realized this game went just like life."
"What do you mean?" Jasper asked.
"I don't know if you noticed but I'm not always smart," Diamonique said. "So people think I'm an fool. That I'm some dumb blonde! I'm not even a natural blonde! My hair just looks really good this way."
"Is this all about your hair?" Jasper asked.
"No," Diamonique sighed. "This is about how the world sees us; the same way the people on this show saw us and the viewers probably saw us. We were just minor losers to them. Not that shocking, not that missed. I've always been overlooked in my life. I realized when we came back, you have too. People just see us as an idiot and a nobody."
"That's my life," Jasper stated.
"I'm not having it anymore."
"Then...let's make the final two!" Jasper stated, striking a heroic pose. "Um...if you really think we can?"
Diamonique laughed. "I'm positive."
/
In her office, Rhonda watched the cameras, smiling to herself. "This went better than I expected. I can salvage this show yet...especially with tomorrow's special guests….hehehe...
Author's Note
No elimination this chapter folks. I hope that doesn't disappoint anyone too much. I know non-elimination episodes aren't really that popular, but I feel like the plot moved forward and some surprising things did happen this chapter, so it's worth it.
So yeah, Diamonique, Jasper and Tessa are competing again. Why those three? Well I don't want to spoil anything yet, but I definitely have reasons in mind and I hope the chapter showed the story potential they have. They all want to win, but they also have their own reasons for coming back. I'm not sure how this decision will be received, but knowing what happens I'm confident it was the right one.
The chapter title wasn't a pun this time, but I liked it. It foreshadowed what happened and that really is the main event. I really love this chapter honestly. The returnees are surprising and a payoff I've been playing. Everyone gets a moment that lets them shine or adds something.
A little explanation I want to give on the episodes. Basically, Rhonda has 26 episodes ordered but the network needed to fill two empty slots and gave them to TDG. I originally planned for Genesis to be 26 chapters like canon, but a few ideas made me change things as I was writing. When the story was finished, it was officially 28 chapters. However, one chapter was so long I'm splitting it up. So Genesis will have 29 chapters.
Still, we're basically at the halfway mark! Cheers for making this far. I'm so excited to share all the things that are coming! A lot of fun surprises and my favorite moments.
Appendix: Elimination History
Bethany (Eagles)- 22nd
Diamonique (Eagles)- RETURNED
Casper (Fireworks)- RETURNED
Tessa (Fireworks)- RETURNED
Zipporah (Fireworks)- 21st
Hayden (Eagles)- 20th
Frannie (Eagles)- 19th
Aiden (Eagles)- 18th
Pascal (Fireworks)- 17th
Easton (Fireworks)- 16th
Seraphina (Fireworks)- 15th