"Playa Des Losers."
Riley stared at the two co-hosts.
"...Am I supposed to know what that means?"
Jenny rolled her eyes. "The fans will."
/
The Public Transportation of Losers stopped. Riley gasped at the sight of a familiar hotel.
"Paradise Beach Hotel?" she asked. "You mean everyone's been staying her all along?"
Toby nodded. "It's an easy place to keep you guys till the finale."
Grabbing her bags, the latest arrival headed for the door. "Are you two coming?"
"We're just dropping off the cameraman for now," Jenny replied. "You know, film you and everyone else's authentic loser experience. We'll interview you and the others tomorrow."
"So why did you need to come on the bus?" Riley asked. "Wait, was this an excuse for a free ride?"
"Don't judge me!" Jenny screamed.
Riley shrugged. As the bus sped away, she heard Jenny shout, "Driver, take me to the nearest Taco Bell! And step on it!"
She looked back. Toby was waving from the window as the bus just disappeared.
Smiling a little, Riley took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and pushed her way through the door.
"Welcome!"
Riley opened her eyes to see Zipporah and Hayden standing there. They stood at the entrance like guards at Buckingham Palace. Both wore leis. Hayden held an additional lei, while Zipporah carried a laurel wreath. They placed both over Riley.
"These are gifts for you," Zipporah said.
"To celebrate your arrival," Hayden added.
"Uh thanks," Riley said. "What are y'all doing?"
"We're the Welcoming Committee," Hayden explained.
"Welcome to hell," Zipporah sighed.
Hayden shook his head. "Don't volunteer if you're going to try and be edgy."
"I don't believe in sugar-coating it," Zipporah replied.
"Yes," Hayden said, "you believe in exaggerating. You also-"
Riley coughed. The two turned to face her. Hayden forced a smile.
"So...you two welcome everyone that gets voted off?" Riley asked.
"People alternate," Zipporah said. "A different pair for each elimination. Loser Queen's idea."
"We're here to receive you," Hayden continued. "We know what it's like to lose, but we want you to know you're welcome here."
Hayden pulled Riley into a hug. Before she could run, he pulled Zipporah in.
"Aww thanks dudes," Riley replied. "I appreciate it."
"Yeah, yeah," Zipporah sighed. "Come on, let's go to the fake beach."
"We're throwing a luau in your honor!" Hayden said. "Everyone will want to see you."
Riley rubbed the back of her neck. "Oh. I don't know about that. I'm...feeling kind of tired."
"It'll be fun," Hayden said.
"It won't," Zipporah stated. "But if I have to go so do you."
"Everyone will want to welcome you," Hayden explained. "You of all people isn't going to pass up a party, right?"
"I guess not," Riley said. "Alright...let's do this!"
/
Down at the beach, the luau was getting ready to start. Aiden was at the grill, flipping burgers and cooking shish kabobs. Lita and Tessa were admiring the buffet table they had set up; they smiled and high-fived.
Easton and Weston were working together to set up the volleyball court. Pascal was scrolling through the songs of the karaoke machine; heavy bags hung from his eyes as Amanda Picklestein rambled next to him. Kalino and Vance were practicing at the limbo line.
Right next to the stage was a tiki bar. Bethany and Xidorn were behind the counter, putting tiny umbrellas into glasses of fruity beverages. Griswold hoisted Seraphina up; she fixed a bulb in the string of lights that were decorating the bar. At the center of all the festivities was large bonfire. Cynthia tended it.
As Lita and Tessa went to the bar, snickers came from under the buffet table. Frannie and Diamonique rolled out, sharing a smirk, before eyeing the spread.
"It's meat heaven," Diamonqiue sighed.
"Or vegetarian heck," Frannie teased.
Licking her lips, Diamonique reached for a chicken leg...before Lita slapped her hands away.
"You little piglets," Lita said. "How many times have we told you; you have to wait for the guest of honor!"
"Rude," Frannie replied. "We were just taste testing…"
Tessa rolled her eyes. "The last time you 'taste tested' we found you two passed out and covered in artichoke dip."
Diamonique and Frannie shared a laugh, before Lita grabbed then by their shirt collars.
"Bethany!"
Hearing her name, the jock jogged over and immediately scowled. "Again?"
Tessa nodded.
"Oh come on," Diamonqiue said. "Any of the final five wouldn't mind!"
"It's disrespectful," Lita replied.
"Did you two finish your job before the luau?" Bethany asked.
"Of course we did!" Diamonique replied. "Just take a look!"
She pointed to the torches lining the way to the festival; a few were sideways and only one had stayed lit. That torch fell over, putting out the flame.
"...Right," Bethany said. "But you're supposed to be a good job."
Frannie forced a smile. "You didn't mention that."
"So what's the ruling?" Tessa asked.
"You want me to give it?" Bethany asked.
"You are the Queen of Playa Des Losers," Xidorn said. He and the others had gathered around.
Bethany sighed. "I guess I am...well, I'll be generous. You two are exclusively on welcoming duty from now on."
The duo opened their mouths, but the first boot continued. "It'll keep you away from the table. If we do catch you sneaking anymore food before a guest arrives, you're banned from the buffet."
They opened their mouths again. "And if you keep doing it, we may just have to ban you from the luau. Now, there are only two left. So can you keep it together till then?"
"Maybe," Diamonique admitted.
"Ugh. I-"
"Um dudes."
Kalino pointed to the 'path' of torches; everyone could make out the shadows of someone approaching.
"I can't see who it is," Frannie whispered.
"Almost like we should've had lit torches there," Seraphina replied.
Hayden and Zipporah parted, revealing the newest arrival. Riley forced a smile and flashed a peace sign. "S'up everybody."
"Riley," Griswold said.
"Hey Gris Be-"
Before she could finish, he had already lifted her up in a bear hug. "I missed you."
"He really has," Seraphina teased.
As soon as she was set down, Riley was pulled into another hug by Tessa. "Hey Rye Bread."
"Sweet T."
Then came her old Firework friends, each greeted by their nickname.
"Easton Shore!"
Lightning Lita!"
"Seraphina Silverman!"
One by one most of the losers welcomed their newest member. Cynthia re-lit the torches and finally Bethany said, "It's time to celebrate! To Riley!"
"To Riley!" the others shouted. The bro looked down.
Bethany held out a plate, but Riley didn't take it. "Not yet dude. You guys go ahead."
"You? Turn down a buffet?" Tessa asked.
"I had a big dinner."
"If you're sure," Bethany said, "then I guess we'll dig in, but-"
Diamonique grabbed the plate from Bethany's hand, before grabbing a second one and helping herself. With that, the seal had been broken and everyone started.
/
It wasn't long before the party was in full swing. Xidorn had started some music from the stage, choosing 80s and 90s music for their newest arrival. As per the rules established by their 'queen', the losers didn't flock Riley and ask her questions about the game. When the eliminated player wanted to talk, they would.
Griswold brought a glass of red punch. Riley smiled, sipping it slowly. They sat on the edge of a dock, dipping their feet into the water.
"This is a real rad set-up," Riley admitted. "How long have they been doing this?"
"Since Hayden was eliminated I think," Gris replied.
"Have they done one for everybody?" Riley asked.
"You mean did we do one for Kalino?" Griswold said. "Yeah we did."
Riley smirked. "I was so curious. Must have been awkward."
"We all knew he was coming," Griswold replied. "We sent him here! Some of us tried to be polite, but quite a few people were celebrating he lost."
"Overall, how are these luaus?" Riley asked.
"There a blast!" the linebacker replied. "Keeps the days from getting too boring."
"Is it boring here?"
Griswold shook his head. "Nah. We have tons of fun! We just can't go out and do things in D.C."
"Incase we're...there out there?" Riley guessed.
"Yeah. You get cabin fever sometimes."
"Cabin fever at a private beach," Riley said. "You've become spoiled Gris Bear."
They shared a laugh.
"It'll be more fun with you here," Gris stated. "I said if you ever did end up here you'd have to throw all the luaus from now on."
Riley shrugged. "So Bethany runs this whole thing?"
"She came up with it," Griswold replied. "Everybody kinda just let her take the lead. They made her the Queen of Playa Des Losers."
"Okay, so are we at the Paradise Beach Hotel or this Playa Des Losers?"
Griswold chuckled. "Both! Playa Des Losers is just the nickname they give all the loser lodges in every season of Total Drama. Comes from the original's first season."
"That makes sense," Riley replied. "I really should've watched those old seasons before doing this, huh?"
"Are you kidding?" Griswold asked. "You killed it!"
"You don't know that!"
"I heard," Griswold replied. "Heard how you befriended that shark and dominated the animal buddies challenge. You built a giant robot, you were a cat girl, you fake married Vance…"
Riley blushed. "Just know that was a challenge! I only kissed him cause I had to."
"Of course not!" Griswold replied. "I'm not the jealous type. But...he wasn't a better kisser was he?"
Riley laughed and gagged. "As if! His mustache was prickly and smelled like sauerkraut."
Griswold put his arms around her, as she leaned against him.
"I never stopped wishing you were there," she admitted.
"Me too," he replied. "I missed you like crazy."
Riley broke away from the embrace. She stood up, slipping up on her shoes.
"What's wrong?"
"I'm just…"
"You can tell me Rye."
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"I lost."
"So did everybody here."
Riley shook her head. "When you and Tessa were eliminated... I had to win. It's up to me to make sure it wasn't for nothing. Especially since I was supposed to go home at the go-kart race. Not you. If it weren't for you and Tessa, I wouldn't have made it this far. I was so close too! And then…"
By now Griswold had stood up and was pulling her into another hug. Riley wiped her face against her sleeve.
"I let everybody down. I'm sorry."
"You never let us down," Griswold replied. "Like I said, you did amazing! In that Riley way, that's so fun and cool...that's you."
Riley forced a laugh, but was blushing. "Shut up…"
"Only one person can get two million dollars," Griswold said. "Does that mean we got nothing out of it?"
Griswold pointed out to the luau.
Vance, Easton, Zipporah, Aiden, Bethany and Tessa were sitting around the bonfire, listening to Vance tell some kind of story. Most everyone laughed. Tessa waved at Riley. Lita and Seraphina were splitting a plate of cheese fries, wearing their friendship bracelets. Weston and Cynthia were slow-dancing.
"We got new experiences, good memories, lifelong friends...even fell in love. I know I did."
Riley smiled. The two kissed. "Me too."
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Running up the beach, Amanda Picklestein waved her arms and screamed. She jumped on Pascal's back, screaming right in his ear.
"Mandy, what's wrong?" he asked.
"Oh my gosh," Mandy said, "you would like not believe it! I was going for a little swim to get the last little bit of my fitness, you know cause I got one of those fit watches, and also I had to pee and the porta potty was full so-"
"-Focus Mandy," most of the losers stated.
"I was swimming when I saw...that!"
She pointed out to the water...as a shark fin approached the beach.
"A SHARK?"
"Somebody call the Navy!" Weston said.
"You'd actually call the Coast Guard for shark attacks," Aiden said. "Common mistake confusing those two."
"Hold on," Seraphina said, "this is an indoor beach! It's not even connected to the ocean. How did a shark get in here?"
Riley gasped. "That's not just a shark dudes!"
The shark surfaced on land; he flashed a smile, revealing his missing tooth. Riley ran and tackled the shark.
"Jabberjaw," Riley said, "what are you doing here albrotross?"
Jabberjaw pointed at Riley.
"You came to visit me?"
Jabbejaw nodded, then patted her on the back.
"Aww, thanks bud. I'm doing good though. Better."
"I told you she was close with a shark," Tessa whispered to Gris and Easton.
"If she can make friends with you a shark is nothing," Easton replied.
Jabberjaw opened his mouth, pulling out a drum and guitar. He winked.
"Aww heck yeah!" Riley cheered.
She raced over to the stage, with Jabberjaw surfing behind her.
"Hey newcomers," Riley said, "Let's really get this party started! We are SPLASH ZONE!"
Everyone gathered around the stage. They started cheering as Riley and Jabberjaw started rocking.
/
The next morning, The Public Transportation of Losers skidded on the sidewalk before just stopping outside the Paradise Beach's doors. The door opened as a group of strange people stumbled into the streets. Jenny hobbled out, dazed and dusting off taco wrappers. Toby staggered out after her.
"What a night," she groaned. Shaking her head, she forced a smile.
"Hey all my faboo viewers. It's your favorite Genesis character."
"Where?" Toby asked.
"YOUR MOM!" Jenny shouted. Then cleared her throat. "Today you're in for a treat and totally not filler!"
"Have you ever wondered what happens after they board the Public Transportation of Losers?" Toby asked.
"Probably not," Jenny replied.
"Too bad, because we're finding out," Toby said. "This is Playa Des Losers."
/
Jenny strolled through the beach, the losers out and about. Some were swimming and surfing, others sunbathing. Bethany and Xidorn were enjoying drinks at the tiki bar.
"Jenny! Toby!" Bethany called. "Hey, welcome to Playa Des Losers! We've been expecting you."
"Really?" Jenny asked. "So where's our welcoming party? I mean no red carpet, no parade. Not even a welcome banner."
"Honestly," Xidorn said, "I was hoping to not see you again till the finale."
Jenny glared and kicked sand his direction.
"Don't mind Xi," Bethany said. "Some of us our happy to see you again."
"Aww thanks," Jenny replied. "It's nice to see you too...pal."
Bethany glared. "You don't remember my name, do you?"
"Of course I do! It's...um...uh...I wanted to say it started with a Q?"
"Bethany."
Jenny stared blankly.
"The first boot."
"Oh yeah!" Jenny laughed. "I remember that; your face was priceless."
"How long will you be here again?"
"I have to interview all the losers. So let's start with our first. How have you been Bethany? You seemed to take your elimination really hard."
"I'm fine," Bethany replied. "I've had a lot of time to process it. It sucks but I'm over it."
"Really?" Jenny asked. "You're not even worried about how your famous athletic family will take it? Or you track team?"
Bethany forced a smile. "I mean I was voted off by the other team for being a threat. That's a compliment. I bet they'll see it as me being too good."
"Sure," Toby said.
"I mean sure it's humiliating to lose on live TV," Bethany continued, "And yeah, everybody else got to do at least five challenges. And maybe I still can't order coffee without getting flashbacks because I never got one. ...but I don't even think about it anymore."
"Well I'm convinced."
"Disappointed you didn't return?" Jenny asked.
"Who isn't?" Bethany asked.
"I'm not surprised I didn't return," Zipporah stated. "I'm too unconventional and misunderstood; they'd be afraid the viewers wouldn't get me."
"Weren't cast to fill a cliché archetype to appeal to viewers?" Hayden asked.
"And weren't you casted to spite Rhonda's former boss who's your boyfriend?" Zipporah replied.
""I'm happy for everyone who did return of course," Bethany said. "I only wish I could prove myself like they did."
"Now, it sounds like you've become leader of the losers out here," Jenny said.
Bethany shook her head. "It's not like that. I just had the idea to throw a party for the people coming in."
"She's totally the leader," Xidorn admitted. "We need someone neutral, someone to provide structure. Bethany's the perfect person."
"That's why we made her the Loser Queen!" Diamonique shouted.
"I told you I didn't have to be," Bethany said. "And don't call me Loser Queen."
"You are our queen though," Hayden added. "We had a vote!"
"Well, I didn't vote for you," Zipporah whispered.
"You don't vote for a queen," Bethany replied.
"What about Queen Amidala?" Xidorn asked. "She was elected Queen of Naboo."
"Those are the Star Wars prequels!" Bethany yelled. "We don't talk about those!"
"You're not even wearing the crown we made for you," Hayden added.
From behind the bar, Xidorn pulled out a tall tiki crown. Gold letters saying 'Loser Queen' circled it. He crowned Bethany as she banged her head against the bar.
"Well this has been okay Beth," Jenny said, "but we're gonna go talk to the real characters now. Byeeeee!"
/
Down at the beach, Pascal was lying on a beach chair. Amanda Picklestein was lying with him, gabbing as per usual.
"So I think like a BBQ and massage place is actually a great idea," Mandy said. "Should it be a chain? Ooh! It could so be a chain. There could even be tons of spin-off restaurants. Like one for pedicures and tacos! Oh my gosh, wouldn't you love to be fed tacos while people trim your toenails?"
"No I-"
"-Of course I don't know if I can secure the rights to that idea, but like I have been saving the prize money I won. I wanna start a business, like I feel I have a real good sense for business, like I should write down these ideas, except I only write in cursive because I forgot how to write in print. But I can't read cursive! Isn't that crazy?"
"Mandy-"
"Oh my gosh look! It's my old bosses!"
Mandy waved as Jenny and Toby approached.
Pascal sighed. "Thank goodness…"
"Mandy?" Toby asked. "What are you doing here? You're not a newcomer."
"I know!" Mandy replied. "Isn't that crazy? I got on that green bus and ended up riding with Pascal. Then we came here and Rhonda said I could stay if I wanted to! So now I'm here chatting and chilling...with my new boyfriend!"
"You sure know how to pick them Pascal."
The popstar glared. "At least I can get a date."
Jenny gagged. "True. Not even a sewer beast would date Toby. So you two hooked up?"
Mandy nodded. "It's a dream come true. I thought I lost someone special in my life, that all I'd have are our memories. But we're making so many new memories! I'm just happy."
Pascal smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Eww," Jenny said. "So as the reality show winner, what's your take on the final four?"
"I think they're all winners!"
"Well, they aren't. That's the point. So who are you rooting for?"
"It's tough," Mandy said, "but not really cause like I have to pick Ness! She's my friend and I really appreciate her helping me at the mall! I almost wish she was here so we could hang out, but like also that would suck! Isn't that crazy? I totally want her to be my bridesmaid!"
"Bridesmaid?" Pascal asked.
"Yeah Pascy-Wascy. You know, for our inevitable wedding. Of course Seraphina's got to be there! She's so sweet too. She loves to listen to what have to say, especially all my memories of Pascal. Like that time you fell, or that time you choked, or that other time you fell-"
"Wedding?" Pascal asked. "Wedding?"
"Maybe she could conduct the ceremony! Wouldn't that be like, so crazy? I mean without her support we'd never have gotten together. I'm gonna ask her what she thinks!"
Mandy jumped up, skipping down the beach.
"WEDDING?" Pascal asked. He buried his face in his hands, as if overlooking all his choices up to now.
"Now that she's gone," Toby said. "How about we interview the actual contestant."
"I guess," Jenny sighed. "So Pascal, how's it feel to lose yet again?"
Pascal glared. "It sucks...but I guess it's my own fault. In hindsight, I didn't play the best game."
"Some would use the word worst," Toby said.
"Any regrets?" Jenny asked.
Pascal looked down. "I've gone over the moves again and again. I could've formed a different alliance. Or if I paid attention to those stupid cups. ...Still, I think the biggest regret I have is how I hurt Ness. She didn't deserve to be used like that."
"I was actually thinking dating Amanda Picklestein," Jenny said. "But that's up there. Good luck with her. I better be invited to the wedding!"
The two walked away as Pascal started rocking back and forth, muttering, "Wedding?"
/
Cynthia sat alone, sharpening her knives. Jenny and Toby watched her from behind a sandcastle.
"Well?"
"Well what?"
"Are you going to interview her?"
"Me? This was your idea!"
"You're the sidekick!"
Cynthia looked up. The two screamed and ran off.
/
At the shore, Easton and Weston played a game of volleyball against Xidorn and Vance. Weston passed the ball to his brother, who jumped up and slammed it past Vance and Xidorn. The twins high-fived. Jenny and Toby ran up, panting.
"Great score Easton."
"Great pass Weston."
Vance groaned. "Just cause you're bros again, don't mean you need to compliment each other all the time."
"You're just jealous the score's 13-0," Easton teased.
"We scored a point earlier!" Vance yelled.
"No we didn't," Xidorn admitted. "That was a foul. A very obvious foul."
"Hmph, the only fowls that matter are the feathered kind," Vance replied.
"Well, well, you two are buds again," Jenny said.
The twins glared. "Yeah, after you…"
"...split us up," the other replied.
Jenny shrugged. "I couldn't have done it without you two. But, is everything really okay between you two?"
"The first thing we did when I got here was talk," Weston said.
"We really missed each other," Easton admitted. "We just had issues we never admitted. In a way, this show made us healthier."
"Yeah!" Weston agreed. "Like now I don't mind being apart from Easton."
"And I'm not as worried about him."
"And I'm not jealous! I'm proud of who I am!"
"I'm not either!"
The two twins hugged each other.
"Not even a little resentment about Easton abandoning you?"
"I actually get it," Weston said. "After our fight, I realized I didn't know who I was outside of being a twin either. But thanks to dating Cynthia and making all these new friends, I realize I want to have things that are just my life. I can be just Weston and be happy."
"We still have fights," Easton admitted. "We're still working things out, but we're honest with each other."
"Easton's still leaving you to go to a big, fancy college though," Jenny reminded.
Weston shook his head. "That's okay! Now I know I want to be a detective! I actually got accepted!"
"Really? A college accepted you?"
Weston stuck out his tongue. "Uh-huh! Thanks to Cynthia, Xidorn and Easton's help, I'm going to study abroad at Toronto DaVinci Education University! They have a really cool criminal justice department."
Easton placed his hand on his brother's shoulder. "I'm really proud of you bro."
"I couldn't have done it without you bro!"
The two hugged each other again.
Jenny rolled her eyes. "Let's go sidekick. We need to find someone who's more of a trainwreck."
/
Lita and Seraphina laid out on beach towels near the bar, sipping from coconuts.
Lita sighed. "I always wanted to sip from a coconut."
"Right?" Seraphina asked. "I can't believe I use to hate the beach."
"You just weren't with the right company."
"Ain't that the truth."
The two girls laughed, clinking their coconuts together. They sipped the last of their drinks, tossing them into a pile of empty coconuts.
"Should we order another one?" Lita asked.
"We shouldn't," Seraphina replied.
She immediately shot up her hand. "Another juice please!"
The co-hosts walked up, obscuring their light. "How goes it loser ladies?"
Lita turned on her side. "Good, till you showed up."
"Don't talk to us unless you have our drinks," Seraphina replied.
Jenny snapped her fingers. Toby stomped off. In seconds he returned, dumping the coconuts on the girls.
"Uhhh!"
"B****!"
"Since that's taken care of," Jenny said, "Let's get interviewing. Seraphina, still a psychic?"
"Obviously," Seraphina said.
"She's been practicing a lot more," Lita added. "It's so cool!"
Seraphina blushed. "I just had some good support…"
"Maybe she knows who wins the show," Toby said.
"No spoilers!" Jenny shouted.
Seraphina shook her head. "I'll say I've seen different paths for the final four, possible futures. A lot can change though; I've learned the future is determined by people, not the other way around. Anyone one can win, though it'll be harder for some than others…"
"I got to ask," Jenny said, "Do you regret your decision to go home right before the merge?"
"Why would I?" Seraphina asked.
"Two million dollars," Toby replied.
"True," Seraphina said, "but I knew that when I did it. I did it...for my friends. Nothing's happened that convinced me that I made a mistake. My Fizzled Fireworks have been killing it. Not to mention Ness and Ignacio are still there."
"I guess it's obvious who you two want to win," Jenny said.
"Ness all the way," Seraphina said.
"I knew our girl had it in her," Lita replied.
Jenny smirked. "Anybody else you're rooting for?"
"If Ness loses, then of course we want Iggy to win," Seraphina said. "I like Melissa too though, so I won't be bummed."
"Actually," Lita admitted. "If Ness doesn't win...then I really hope Jasper does."
"Ooh," Jenny replied. "Why's that, huh?"
Lita blushed. "He's kind, caring, brave, thoughtful, smart...I mean he was so cool in solving the Phantom of the Pentagram challenge. Or how he really should've won the fantasy challenge. No offense to Ignacio, but Jasper destroyed the chalice. I think Jasper's amazing."
"He has played a good game," Seraphina said.
"I wish we never voted him off," Lita stated. "We could've used him...and me and him could've spent more time together."
"You don't think he's undeserving because he returned?" Toby asked.
Lita glared. "Anyone who thinks Jasper doesn't deserve to win can shut up. That boy proved himself."
"Someone's already on the prowl for a new boyfriend," Jenny teased.
"It's not like that," Lita said, blushing even harder. "I'm not looking to date anyone for a long time. It's more trouble than it's worth."
Seraphina shook her head, but patted Lita's back.
"So you're not jealous Ignacio dumped you for your best friend?" Jenny asked.
"Obviously not," Lita said. "Iggy's still my friend, I respect him. If I swung that way I'd be in love with Ness too! I'm happy for my girl. I just hope one of the two of them says something. It's so sad how they obviously like each other, but aren't saying anything."
Seraphina facepalmed. "Really?"
As the co-hosts walked away, Seraphina called out. "By the way, remember Howard Taft High."
"Why?" Toby asked.
Seraphina closed her eyes, laying back against the towel. "Trust me, you'll need to."
/
Vance sat at the juice bar, chugging a drink, as Jenny and Toby passed by.
"Here to interview me already?"
Jenny and Toby kept walking.
Vance cleared his throat. "I said, here to interview me already?"
Jenny sighed. "Fine. Enjoying Playa Des Losers?"
Vance smirked. "As much as bloodhound chewin' on a big ol' catfish head."
"You have any regrets?" Jenny asked.
"Only going out so close to the end," Vance admitted. "And not catchin that darn horse. But I played a great game."
"Debatable," Toby said.
"What about being outed as a liar on national TV?" Jenny asked.
Vance blushed. "I ain't proud of that, but I'm past it. Lucky I got such good friends, like my deputy Xidorn. I owe a lot to him. Least of all how to read."
Jenny and Toby started to walk away, but Vance kept talking. "It feels like just yesterday when we all met…"
Vance stared off into the distance.
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing Vance?"
"Having a flashback."
/
At a daycare, preschool versions of the Genesis newcomers were running loose like prisoners during a jailbreak.
Toddler versions Lita and Jasper were spilling glitter on the table. Ignacio and Tessa were standing on chairs building a block tower. Weston and Easton were having an indoor water balloon fight with Riley and Griswold. Frannie was on Diamonique's shoulders, trying to grab a cookie chair. Melissa and Cynthia were writing on the walls in marker; Melissa drew a bunny, Cynthia drew the bunny's unsolved murder.
Seraphina and Ness were bouncing on a couch, but Ness bounced too high and lodged herself in the ceiling. Pascal and Bethany were playing basketball inside, accidentally shattering the goldfish bowl. Hayden was pushing Aiden on a tricycle. Zipporah and Kalino were playing hangman with fingerpaint on the windows.
Toddler Xidorn, who still had dyed blue hair, and Toddler Vance, who still had a full-grown mustache at four, were riding a unicorn.
"Yeehaw!" Vance cried.
"Do you think we should let Ms. Rhonda free now?" Xidorn asked.
They looked over where an elderly, one-eyed, balding, hunchback Rhonda was taped to her rolling chair. "When I get out of here, you kids are going straight to time-out!"
Vance and Xidorn shared a laugh.
"Vance you're my best friend," Xidorn said. "I'm so glad I'm your deputy."
"Me too partner," Vance said.
Kalino ran up giggling. "Come on guys, we're gonna dunk old man Rhonda in the toilet!"
"NOT AGAIN!" Rhonda cried.
/
Vance looked away and sighed. "Good times, good times."
The nearby newcomers stared at him.
"Vance we've haven't known each other for more than three months," Seraphina said.
"...You sure?"
"How could we have all gone to preschool together?" Lita asked. "How would we been on this show?"
"I could've sworn that's how we all met," Vance admitted.
"Really?" Seraphina asked. "You and Xidorn were riding a unicorn in preschool?"
"Maybe it was a pegasus…"
/
Zipporah had excluded herself from everyone. She had her beach chair under a big, black umbrella and was reading a large tome. Even though she was covered in shade, she wore dark sunglasses. The two hosts approached her.
"Enjoying yourself?" Jenny asked.
Zipporah lowered her glasses, revealing her glare.
"I'll take that as a yes."
"Any regrets about your time in the competition?" Toby asked.
"That I left such a beautifully gothic place so soon," Zipporah sighed. "Now I'm trapped on an artificial beach that I can't leave. I can only assume it was named Paradise Beach ironically. And the worst part?"
She motioned to the bar where Vance was laughing so hard, milkshake came out his nose. He ringed out his mustache.
"I'm surrounded by idiots. It's like spending my summer in high school."
"You're living free in a five star hotel with a private beach," Toby said. "Truly, you know suffering."
Zipporah pulled up her glasses, turning her back to the hosts. The two rolled their eyes, walking away as Xidorn and Easton strolled up.
"Hey Zipporah," Xidorn greeted. "Why are you sitting under an umbrella? This isn't even a real beach."
"I wouldn't expect you to understand," Zipporah replied.
"I don't," Xidorn replied. "That's why I asked?"
"You're already tan too," Easton added.
"Go away," Zipporah sighed, "I'm trying to read my dark literature in private."
"Why did you even come out to the beach then?" Xidorn questioned.
Zipporah hid her face in her book.
"We actually wanted to invite you to the movie tonight," Easton said. "We thought it might be up your alley!"
"It's a 90s adaptation of P.S. Loathecraft's 'Coco Chuthlu'!" Xidorn squeed. "It's not super well-known, but it is a cult classic."
"It use to give me nightmares as a kid," Easton said. "You should come!"
Zipporah shifted in her seat. "Well, I do enjoy Loathecraft...okay, I guess I'll come."
Easton and Xidorn high-fived as Zipporah rolled her eyes, but smiled a little.
/
Jenny and Toby strolled up to where Hayden and Aiden were tossing a frisbee.
"Hayden," Jenny sighed, "the only one these losers I'm actually sad left!"
"You just say that because he gives you free therapy sessions," Toby stated.
"And?"
"Wonderful to see you Jenny," Hayden said, "but I wish you would be nicer to everyone here."
"A lot of people do," Jenny replied. "Weird, right? Hayden, are you disappointed how you went home?"
"Yeah," Hayden admitted, "it sucked. I thought I was really there for my team, but it turned out to be the opposite. I just wish they had talked to me. Maybe I wasn't the easiest to talk to though. Maybe I was bossy… It did show me I still have some growing to do."
Toby yawned. "If it helps, I don't even remember how you went home."
"You know Jenny has told me a lot in our sessions," Hayden said, "I'd love to talk with you. I think there's a lot you're repressing. I suspect someone hurt-"
"-Save it," Toby replied. "If I wanted a psychiatrist I'd talk to a real one. Not a kid."
Hayden pouted. "I'm not a kid…"
Aiden slapped him on the back. "Now you know how some of the Eagles felt."
"I've heard you've been busy here," Jenny said.
"I actually host a support group for being eliminated," Hayden said. "We meet every Monday morning. It's an open space where we can talk about our feelings. You should film it sometime, it's a very positive experience."
"Don't," Zipporah called. "It sucks eggs."
Hayden glared. "She just says that because I suggested her poems needed more depth."
"My poems are deeper than the ocean!"
"You know," Jenny said, "a lot of viewers were shocked to learn that your boyfriend was actually the host of the Canadian Total Drama series."
"Yeah," Lita said, walking over with Weston and Tessa. "It was a shocker."
"I wish I could've been there," Hayden said. "Isn't Zac great?"
The three shared a look.
"Yeah…" Lita replied. "He's...something alright."
"He doesn't seem like your type," Tessa admitted.
"I know, he's egotistical," Hayden replied. "But you don't know him like I do. He just has a hard time opening up. When you get close to him, he's actually very caring."
"Sounds like your boyfriend is just another project you're trying to fix," Zipporah yelled.
"He is not," Hayden said. "Zac is very dear to me."
"Golly, I can't wait to meet him," Aiden said.
"Me either. I'm sure you two would get along."
"I bet he's fun," Weston said. "It'd be cool to have him as a host."
"The Canadians said otherwise," Lita whispered.
Hayden cleared his throat. "I want to clarify that Zac had nothing to do with me being cast. I had already sent my audition tape before Zac was made host of Tides. Rhonda and Zac have assured me it didn't contribute to the decision to cast me."
"Yeah right!" Zipporah yelled.
Hayden frowned and started walking to the goth. "Zipporah, I know you're trying to push me away, but you need to stop pushing people away in general because-"
"-Don't start!"
The two immediately started squabbling.
"Is this normal?" Toby asked.
Aiden sighed and nodded. "They do it all the time."
"It's healthy for them honestly," Tessa said.
"Really?"
Tessa nodded. "Hayden gets a troubled, immature youth to fill his compulsive need to dote and nag. Zipporah gets an overbearing, authority figure to continuously rebel against because they'll always respond."
"Yikes."
"I'm glad Zipporah was on the Fireworks," Aiden admitted. "Maybe Melissa would've have gotten along with her, but those two and Vance and Kalino. Like cats and dogs."
"I guess we shouldn't bother asking who you're rooting for," Jenny sighed.
Aiden giggled, blushing and nearly tripping over his feet. "Hehehe, what can I say? I'm rooting for my sweet honey bunny."
Jenny tried not to retch.
"Any regrets?" Toby asked.
Aiden stroked his chin. "Gee, I wish I got off on a better foot with some people. Not being eliminated would be nice too. I did miss out on a barrel of fun. I wish I could've been there for Melissa more...but we'll have all the time to spend together after the show!"
"Oh yeah," Jenny said, "you both live here in D.C."
"Having to spend most of our days in Playa Des Losers is the roughest part," Aiden admitted. "I miss being able to go see the monuments, to smell the American system at work in the air."
Aiden took a deep breath. Toby raised an eyebrow.
"As our happy go-lucky patriot," Toby said, "what do you make of the potential winner? Will America's first Total Drama winner be a good representative?"
Aiden immediately nodded. "I think all of the final four have worked really hard. I think they have good character too. That's all that matters to me. Not everyone who does represent our country should...they make us long bad. I think I did the same at one point. I believe our winner will make us proud!"
Quietly to himself, he added, "Especially if it's Melissa…"
"Jenny, Toby!" Hayden shouted. "Explain to Zipporah that Zac is not why I was cast."
"Uh, yeah totally not," Jenny said. "Um, so we're going to go interview more people. Byeeeee!"
The two co-hosts quickly walked off.
/
The two co-hosts walked through the beach. They stopped to see Cynthia staring at them. She dug two person-sized holes in the sand.
Toby gulped. "You don't think she's trying to-"
Jenny had already started running away.
/
She ran into the hotel lobby. She emptied the sand from her shoes. Toby followed after her.
"Don't bother," Toby said, "we still have interviews."
"I don't want to!"
"This was your idea."
"Yeah, but I forgot how much I didn't care about their lives! I think being around a crying, heaving Rhonda right now would be more enjoyable."
"We promised Rhonda we'd do this. We're finishing it."
"FINE. But I'm not doing it for the newcomers who names I don't remember. I'm not doing it for Rhonda. I'm not doing it for you. No; I'm doing it for the fans! To give the fans what they really want...more screen time for me!"
"You never stop giving Jenny."
"I know, right?"
She flipped her ponytail, skipping away and kicking sand on Toby as she did so.
/
Jenny and Toby peaked into the hotel's kitchen. The kitchen was a wreck, the walls and ceiling splattered with food and dirty utensils everywhere.
Standing at the oven, taking turns sticking their fingers in and licking the bowl, were Diamonique and Frannie. Ziba, Frannie's pet lemur, was passed out in flour.
"I don't want to know," Toby said.
"If isn't everyone's favorite duo," Jenny greeted.
"Really?" Frannie asked.
"Ha, ha, no. Maybe someone's. Toby and me count as a duo though, so we're probably more popular just because of me."
"Or in spite of it."
"YOUR MOM!"
"Do you want something?" Diamonique asked. "Cause this food isn't for you."
"We have questions," Jenny said. "Diamonique, how did you feel about your second chance?"
Diamonique shrugged. "I feel I did better than people expected; I kicked butt at the first challenge and played a good strategic game...till I didn't. I think I left a mark, but final 11 was so long ago that maybe I'm just forgotten again."
Frannie patted her shorter, squatter friend on the back.
"Any regrets?"
"Not that many," Diamonique admitted. "I did what I thought I should. But…"
Diamonique plopped down on the ground. "I wish I had more fun at the merge. I do honestly feel bad for what happened with two people. Melissa and Jasper."
"Why?"
"I totally used Melissa," Diamonique said. "She really did do nothing to me, and I hurt her. With Jasper, I really did want us to be the final two. I was always genuine with him and I feel like I let him down too."
"Now, when your bus arrived to the loser lodge late," Jenny said. "We still don't understand what happened, but you and Cynthia showed up at the same time."
Diamonique froze, staring off in the distance, eyes-wide, shivering.
Frannie shook her head. "Give her a minute. She gets like that every time that comes up."
"How about you Frannie?" Jenny asked. "Any regrets?"
Frannie's smile fell. "Of course. I made a fool of myself on national television. Guess I really am a clown, ha…ha..."
"Have you hashed it out with Kalino?" Toby asked.
"Me and Kalino talked a little...but I don't think either of us got much out of the conversation."
"You should try punching him," Jenny suggested. "Or kicking him the nuts!"
"I don't want to hurt him," Frannie admitted. "In a way I still care about him. I know what's going on with him. But...I can't talk to him. I don't know what I want... A do-over?"
"You put in a few shows with your circus," Toby recalled. "How were they?"
She smiled softly. "It was like Christmas. So much fun with my favorite people."
"How's the circus now?" Jenny asked.
"Closed."
Diamonique groaned, shaking her head. "What did I miss?"
Frannie immediately smiled as big as she could. "Not much. They were just asking me questions."
Diamonique shot the two a look. "Don't let them bother you. You-"
"It's fine," Frannie said. "Really. I want to add, I feel bad about Melissa too. I thought she voted off Diamonique to save Aiden. But I never talked to her about it! Maybe if I did, things would've gone differently…"
Ding.
The two turned to the oven. They threw down the door, smoke flooding the kitchen.
"We want to make it up to Melissa," Diamonique said.
"We're doing it in the most Melissa way possible," Frannie added, "by baking her something!"
Diamonique pulled out a grey, gelatinous, melting, tiered...thing out of the oven. It was taller than her.
"Is that a...cake?" Toby asked.
"You butter believe it is!" Frannie giggled. "Our own recipe!"
"We made it with our favorite foods," Diamonique said. "It's got sugar, strawberries, alfredo sauce…"
"...marshmallows, pineapple, turkey legs…"
"...jumbo shrimp, a couple of KFC Chicken Cheeto sandwiches, various soups…"
"...We used ostrich eggs instead of normal eggs! Ooh, and the most important ingredient…"
"Love," the two said in unison.
"It's what Melissa uses," Diamonique said. "I hope it's just as good…"
"Wanna sample?" Frannie asked.
The two turned to see Jenny and Toby had been gone. They shrugged. Frannie stuck her finger in...and fell to the ground.
Diamonique raised an eyebrow. "More salt?"
/
Xidorn sat in the hotel's cafe, typing away at his computer. Jenny, Toby ever following behind her, pulled up a seat for herself.
"What'cha working on?"
Xidorn didn't look up. "I've actually been filming the past couple of weeks. I did stop-motion in the past, but this is my first live-action project."
"OOH!" Jenny cheered. "I should cameo! I could play a queen, or a goddess queen, or a Christmas queen, or-"
"-I've finished filming," Xidorn said. "Also to be honest, I doubt you can act."
Jenny pouted. "I've managed to fool you guys a few times."
"A lot of the newcomers volunteered to help," Xidorn stated. "I'm hoping to finish editing so I can upload it around the finale. It'll be great promotion and a nice send-off!"
"What's it about it?" Toby asked.
"Well I had no budget," Xidorn said, "but I did have a private beach to use. It's a tribute to terrible Z-movies that I love. Easton plays this guy who goes looking for his lost father, played by Vance, who's this famous archaeologist."
"Wow, I tota-"
"-So he goes to Egypt and discovers his dad is kidnapped by an ancient mummy, Bethany,...who is actually his mom! I don't know a title yet, thinking 'Are You My Mummy?' or 'Mummy Dearest', but I feel like someone has used those."
"So-"
"It turns out our hero has a twin mummy brother," Xidorn continued, now standing. "Weston plays him. They're actually mummies because the hotel has free toilet paper, but I think their make-up helps make them scary. Anyway, Seraphina plays the love interest; a rival mummy and daughter of Cleopatra."
"You cast your girlfriend as the leading lady?" Toby asked.
Xidorn blushed, but shrugged. "I didn't have a lot of choices...and she's really perfect for the role. She encouraged me to write it, read all my drafts...she's like my muse."
"So you and her are still dating?" Jenny asked. "Even after a few rough patches?"
Xidorn rolled his eyes. "The only time we disagreed was about a game we're not playing anymore. I respect Seraphina and I'm happy to find someone so cool and respecting. You don't let a girl like that go over a game."
"So any regrets?" Toby asked.
"Everyone has regrets," Xidorn said. "I regret trusting Kalino...but I still have a soft spot for him. I regret voting off Diamonique. The first time. I wish I voted her off the second time. I regret voting Frannie off more than anyone in hindsight."
He leaned back in his seat. "To be honest though? I'm not really losing sleep over anything. I got to be on my favorite show, I got a kickass girlfriend, I made some awesome friends like Vance and Weston, ...and I even made my dad proud. What more could I ask for?"
"Two million dollars," Jenny replied. "But whatever, be happy with all that sappy crap. Hope your little movie doesn't completely suck."
Xidorn smiled and waved. "Hope your little show isn't really cancelled."
/
In the hotel's gym, Tessa was running on a treadmill. She was smiling, till she was Jenny leaning against her treadmill.
"Working out?" Jenny asked. "Really?"
"I'm an Olympic athlete," Tessa replied. "I have to stay in shape. I wish the Pentagram had a gym."
"It does," Toby replied. "You guys never found it. Then again all the equipment is booby-trapped…"
"Lovely," Tessa said. "Sorry I missed it."
"You've came, left and returned to Playa Des Losers," Jenny said. "Must have been fun."
"Not a lot of people were excited to see me the first time," Tessa recalled. "Not that I blame them. I think after what Riley said and being here with the other early boots, it helped me. So I'm thankful I was eliminated the first time."
"Were you happy to be here the second time?"
"Instead of Jasper?" Tessa asked. "Yes. In general? No. I'll forgive Melissa after the show, but I'm not rooting for her. I'll call her out if she's in the final two. I just hope she isn't."
"Be honest Tessa," Jenny said, "Is the hatchet really buried with everyone? Isn't there still some tension between you and the others?"
"They forgave me," Tessa replied. "I tried to make amends with everyone I was mean to. It was awkward when I arrived the second time, but by now we're cool. I appreciate it. I want to prove I'm worthy of their trust."
"Everyone?" Toby asked. "Even Kalino?"
Tessa shrugged. "Okay, not him. But it's not like I'm picking fights with him. He isolates himself by choice...and that's easier honestly."
She stopped the treadmill, wiping herself with a rag before tossing it at the co-hosts. "If you're really curious about Kalino, ask him yourselves."
/
Kalino sat alone on his balcony. He meditated so quietly he could be mistaken for a corpse. His silence was interrupted by Jenny and Toby throwing up the door and marching out.
"What do you think you're doing!?" Jenny asked.
Kalino shrugged. "I don't know mannnnnn…"
"You're not supposed to be out here," Toby stated. "We don't want fans, or the remaining newcomers, to discover where Playa Des Losers is."
Kalino nodded, but stared out at the city.
"The other newcomers said you were isolating yourself," Toby said.
"It'd be awkward if I was around. I don't want them to deal with that, so I only go to the luas."
"I'm guessing you have regrets about the game," Jenny said.
Kalino forced a laugh. "Yeah. All of it I guess."
"So why did you do it?" Toby asked.
Kalino shrugged. "I was trying to prove myself."
"That's a weak excuse."
"I don't know man, what do you want me to say? What was thinking? I wasn't."
He stood up, walking inside. "If I won I'd show everybody I'm actually a smart dude. If I had the money I could live my life the way I wanted, my parents or teachers or all those Type As couldn't tell me how to live. I could be happy and show that I'm actually right. That's I was thinking."
"I guess you showed you were wrong," Jenny replied.
"Guess so," Kalino said.
"How did it feel to find almost everyone voted you off?" Jenny asked.
"It didn't matter," Kalino said. "Yeah, it's an elimination game, but it's still a game. Everything about it is so...silly. I mean our 'life in the game' is represented by crappy coffee to advertise a cafe. Plus, we all knew we had to vote for each other when we signed up. I admit I took it too serious at times, but I wasn't gonna leave upset about a game. Not everybody felt the same way."
"How did it feel to find out Frannie didn't vote you off?" Toby asked.
Kalino frowned, glaring at the taller co-host. "It was the worst part."
Jenny beamed, letting herself out as Toby followed. "That was the most fun interview we've done here!"
"It was the most upsetting."
"Exactly! Finally some bitterness in my loser's special."
/
The two marched back onto the beach, where most of the losers were chilling around the juice bar. Griswold and Riley were cuddling together on a beach chair. Nearby, Jabberjaw was tanning on the beach.
Jenny gagged. "Talk about cooties."
"You're still here?" Griswold asked.
"Well we have to talk to our newest loser," she replied. "Riley, you seemed upset last night."
Riley yawned and shrugged. "Eh, I'm over it."
"Wait, what? Already?"
Griswold chuckled. "She hates pity parties."
"I just had the right people to make me feel better," Riley replied, kissing Griswold's cheek.
Jabberjaw looked up at her.
"And fish, obviously."
Jabberjaw gave a thumbs up.
"I guess I'm just not the kind of dude to dwell on that stuff," Riley admitted. "I'm still a little bummed, but honestly I'm having too good a time to stew."
"Where have you two been anyway?" Toby asked.
The two looked at each other and blushed.
Cut to video of Riley and Griswold making out in a hot tub, then making out in the hotel cafe, then making out at the hotel spa, then making out in the laundry room…
"Just...catching up," Griswold replied.
"What about you big hair," Jenny said. "Aren't you upset you were voted off?"
"I was," Griswold replied, "and I'm still not very happy with Kalino, but he got his. I'm really proud that my team killed it at the merge! I knew they would though."
"So who are you two rooting for?" Toby asked.
After a moment, they simultaneously said, "Iggy."
"He's our Flannery Bro' Connor," Riley said.
"Our team would've lost a lot without him," Griswold said. "Plus, I mean he's just awesome!"
"I'd still love Loch Ness to win," Riley added.
Griswold nodded. "She'd be great too! She'd earn it. I'm not so high on Jasper. Voting me off does that."
"Same with Miss Melissa," Riley said. "But I'd be happy for them. They worked hard."
Griswold nodded.
"UGH!" Jenny cried out. "What is wrong with all of you?"
"We were all on a reality show?" Weston suggested.
"You're all pretending your friends forever now," Jenny said. "But look around; these people are all the reason you're here now. They voted you off, defeated you, lied to you, even humiliated you on TV! You should be mad and bitter, not throwing luas. You-ahhhhhh!"
A basketball pelted Jenny in the back of the head, face planting her in the sand.
Bethany whistled to herself.
"It's not all smiles and sunshine everyday," Xidorn admitted. "Some things are still painful."
A few of the newcomers frowned or looked down.
"But we can't change it," Griswold said. "And we don't want to be mad. We're at a beach; we want to have a good time."
"Right now you're ruining our good vibes," Aiden added.
"You think you'd show us more appreciation," Jenny stated. She stood up, dusting off sand. "I'm sacrificing some of my valuable screen time to give to the less fortunate. I mean the audience has forgotten you guys. I'm trying to remind them of you!"
"What a saint," Tessa said.
"Exactly!"
"I think it's time you two leave Paradise Beach," Bethany stated.
"Oh yeah," Jenny replied. "We're the co-hosts! In-case you forgot, we're in charge! Not some Loser Queen."
Jenny knocked off Bethany's crown. "Maybe I'll make you do a challenge just for fun. What are you losers going to do about it?"
"Ahem."
Jenny and Toby turned around. Cynthia stared them down, revving her chainsaw.
"You haven't interviewed me yet."
Jenny forced a laugh. "Oh darn, we actually ran out of time in the chapter...I mean episode."
"We were just leaving," Toby added.
"You can't go without interviewing my girlfriend!" Weston shouted. "That's not fair!"
Seraphina smirked. "I agree. Give the fans what they want; a close and personal interview with Cynthia."
"I mean...I'm sure you don't have any big regrets," Toby said.
Cynthia nodded.
"Probably rooting for Melissa, right?" Jenny asked.
"She's my best friend," Cynthia replied.
"Glad we cleared that up!" Jenny said. "So, we'll just be making our way…"
The two tried to run, but Cynthia grabbed them by their collars. "Aren't you curious what I've been doing here? Don't you want to see what I've been working on?"
Diamonique covered her eyes, shaking in fear. "No, no, nono, nonono, nononono…"
The two snapped free of their collars and ran off screaming.
"Finally," Xidorn sighed.
Weston ran up to Cynthia putting his arms around her. "You're the best babe."
"I know."
"Anyone thinking what I'm thinking?" Riley asked.
"Taxes are just a subscription fee for your country?" Frannie replied.
"Uh, no," Riley said. "True though. I was thinking we should throw a party that they left!"
The rest of the newcomers cheered.
Riley smiled and winked at Griswold, before running off to plan the party. Griswold and Tessa high-fived before chasing after her.
Author's Note
I hoped you enjoyed the chapter everyone. Similar to the first season's episode, it's a tradition on the wiki for competition fanfics to have a loser's chapter showcasing all the eliminated players at wherever the losers are staying (usually just Playa Des Losers). So fanfics even have multiple loser episodes.
Yeah, it didn't really move the story forward. But I really like this chapter. It was nice to see everyone again; sometimes it would take months between chapters, so even for recently eliminated characters like Tessa, it had a been a minute. It was like seeing old friends. I liked the moments and individual focus they each got. Some characters ended up being a lot more fun to write this chapter than they had been before!
It also helps that Jenny and Toby are the hosts. It's kind of fitting they would host a sort of filler chapter, isn't it? No idea what people feel about them or their dynamic, but I enjoy it.
I had a few readers who felt Riley was out of character last chapter, with how aggressive she was. I think that's fair, but as I tried to explain here I think that even someone as chill as Riley can get angry or sad after experiencing so much of the game. But she's someone who bounces back quickly. Her and Gris made the chapter really cute for me.
Overall, I hoped you enjoyed checking in with these newcomers. We're almost at the end of this journey!
Appendix: Elimination History
Bethany (Eagles)- 22nd
Diamonique (Eagles)- RETURNED
Jasper (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
MERGE
Cynthia- 14th
Griswold- 13th
Xidorn- 12th
Diamonique- 11th
Lita- 10th
Weston- 9th
Kalino- 8th
Tessa- 7th
Vance- 6th
Riley- 5th