Jasper whistled to himself, strolling down the hall. He opened the door to the penthouse suite, his whistling dying out. Trashcans were knocked over, all the drawers were open and rummaged through, and his suitcase was completely overturned.
"Hello?"
He stepped in, closing the door. "Is the maid here?"
"Heh, heh, hey…"
From under the bed, a maid climbed out. She was a young Asian woman, about the same age as the newcomers. She wore sharp, angular glasses. "I was just um...cleaning the room."
"I can see that," Jasper replied. "You're not the usual maid."
"I'm filling in for her," the new maid said. "Poor dear, she's a little under the weather."
Jasper raised an eyebrow. "Okay, hope she feels better. Would you mind straightening up the place? Then maybe cook pizzas for dinner? The other newcomers are coming over tonight."
The maid scowled, but forced a smile. "Of course I can! It's part of the job…"
She started to pick up the garbage as Jasper zipped up his luggage.
"So," the maid said, "it must have been nice to beat your brother yesterday?"
Jasper smirked. "Maybe the most satisfying moment of my life."
"So now what?"
"Huh?"
"You made the final four. So what's your plan going forward?"
"I mean win the remaining challenges if I can. I think I have few options on who to move forward with."
"What are you going to do if you win?"
"Um...I have no idea."
"UH!" the maid gagged. "Really? Would it kill you to saying something interesting."
Jasper frowned. "You're not really a maid, are you?"
The maid stood up, smirking. "Alright, you're a clever egg. More than people thought. I'm here for a story. You seem like the frontrunner, so I thought I'd find it here. Too bad you could bore tears off a crocodile."
"You should leave," Jasper said. "Because I will let Rhonda know you're here."
"Don't get your knickers in a twist," she replied. "I'm leaving."
She opened the door, but stopped to stare down Jasper. "Enjoy your room and your victory over your brother. While people still remember you. Because when this show is over? You'll just be another nobody."
She blew a kiss before closing the door behind her. Jasper looked at the ground, feeling defeated.
/
In the kitchen, Melissa was working away on some sweet treat. Ness watched her from the serving hatch.
"You alright?" the jinx asked.
"I've never had more pep in my step!" Melissa replied.
"Really? Because you bake to calm yourself and you seem to be a little...bake crazy."
"What makes you say that?"
Ness pointed at Melissa's whisk. She pulled the whisk out of the bowl she was stirring; she had worn it into a nub.
"I guess I'm just...feeling bad about Riley's elimination."
Ness nodded. "Me too. I hope she's having a good time wherever we go when we're eliminated. Hopefully we'll never find out when we're in the final two!"
Melissa smiled, and started whisking heavily again.
"The only reason I'm here is because of a deal I made with Jasper," Melissa said. "I promised him Final 3, but I promised Ness Final 2. No one is questioning Jasper's change in vote, but I don't want to explain it to Ness. I'm worried if I can't keep that deal, or even if I'll make the finals. I feel like I dug myself into a deep hole and I don't know how to get out…"
Ignacio strolled in the kitchen. He smiled and waved at Ness, who blushed and waved back.
"Good afternoon ladies," Ignacio greeted. "I just wanted to remind you Melissa not to make dinner. We're having a first class viewing party."
"Oh, I haven't forgotten," Melissa replied. " Although, I could make dessert for tonight…"
She dashed back into the kitchen as Ness and Ignacio laughed. They looked at each other, before blushing.
"Um, well," Ignacio said. "I wanted to ask you something Ness…"
"Yeah?" she replied.
Ignacio opened his mouth. "I wanted to know... to...to...I mean you don't have to...I don't want to put you on the spot, but I mean I'd be thrilled, but no pressure because…"
"Um, Iggy," Ness said. "If this about the last vote? I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings. I'm not happy with it either...but it was what I thought was best."
"No, no, I understand. I'm sad Riley left, but I promise I'm not mad. I'll...talk to you later."
He waved before rushing off.
"I decided I'm finally going to ask Ness out," Ignacio said. "Riley was right, I'm going to regret it if I never try! She's not here to encourage me anymore, so it's up to me to work the nerve. And I will! ...Eventually."
Ness hung her head, then jumped as saw Melissa standing directly behind her.
"Melissa! Don't scare me like that…"
"Dear, I believe Iggy was about to ask you out."
Ness scoffed. "I doubt that."
Melissa patted her shorter friend's head. "As your gal pal, I can say I'm 200% certain that Ignacio is head over heels with you."
"That's not a real percentage."
"Ooh, tell him that. I'm sure smart stuff like that would churn his butter."
Ness shook her head.
"I mean, do you have a crush on him? I just assumed."
"It doesn't matter," Ness replied.
"Okay, so maybe I have a tiny crush on Ignacio," Ness admitted. "Sure he's hot, but it really hadn't formed till the merge. He's just so kind, dedicated, intelligent, thoughtful...I'm just happy to spend time with him."
She had a lovestruck look on her face, before frowning. "It doesn't matter. I know how this goes. Look at Markie, or Pascal or Blainerson. I'm setting myself up to fail by liking Ignacio. I use to think I was unlucky in love. The truth is, I was just too hopeful. Not this time."
Later that night, the four remaining newcomers were chilling in the luxury suite. They clinked glasses of punch while Melissa started cutting the pizza. Jasper started playing a DVD from a collection.
"This was a great idea Jasper!" Ness cheered. "Doing a binge-watching party of the first Total Drama season."
"Thanks," he replied. "I just noticed they had all the seasons on DVD. And Total Drama Island is a classic."
"Now I can finally get the references the show is making," Ignacio said.
"If only we had done this sooner," Melissa said. "We could be on season five now."
Jasper and Ness both scowled.
"Or we could skip that one," said.
"As much as I want to," Jasper said, "they should see it. It's part of the franchise. Still, there are so many good seasons…"
"I didn't realize you were such a Total Drama fan," Melissa said.
Jasper blushed. "I watched it a lot when I was younger. I always wanted to do something like it."
"Now you have," Ignacio reminded.
Jasper smiled. He lifted his glass, and the others followed suit. "To the final four! May we do our best in the final challenges and be worthy of our Total Drama predecessors!"
The other three cheered and clinked their glasses with Jasper. They took a seat on the beds as the show started and I Wanna Be Famous started playing…
"This was so awesome," Jasper sighed. "I think that was the first party I've ever hosted! Actually, it was the first party I've ever been to. It was so much fun! Everyone loved it. This show has given me so many firsts. I...I've never been this happy."
He paused. "And when it's over, I'll go back to being a nobody. Just like that reporter said. Nobody will be forced to spend time with me and they'll forget me. I guess I can't blame them..."
The next morning, the newcomers were waiting in the lobby for the challenge while discussing the season.
"And I thought this hotel was parlous," Ignacio said. "I can't imagine living on that camp."
"Are you kidding?" Ness said. "I want to vacation there someday...well if it's..sorry, spoilers."
Melissa giggled, then yawned. "I just wish we could've watched more."
"Why are we up so early," Jasper said, finishing his own yawn. "It's like we're getting up for school."
"Exactly!"
Jenny and Toby marched out.
"Where's Ms. Rhonda?" Melissa asked.
As if to answer her question, a door opened. Rhonda stumbled out, wearing an oversized bathrobe and one slipper. Her hair was wild and matted, her eyes bloodshot red. She drank soda straight from a two liter, carrying another under her arm.
She turned to see the others watching her. She hissed and waddled away, falling into a closet.
"She's...going through something," Toby said.
"Mainly, our budget on soda," Jenny said. "So it's up to me and my trusty sidekick to make today's challenge."
"At least we know it won't be hard," Ignacio whispered to Ness, cause her to giggle.
"Unfortunately, someone didn't like all my ideas!"
Toby rolled his eyes. "Your ideas were stupid, unrealistic, or both. One challenge idea was just the word fire."
"It was brilliant in its simplicity."
"If only that could be said about you."
"YOUR MOM!"
Melissa coughed. "So, what are we doing?"
"We found a few of Rhonda's old ideas in her office," Toby explained. "One she liked, but couldn't get the budget. However, we found someone to help us with that. First thing's first, you'll need to get changed."
Ignacio sighed. "Great, costumes."
/
In a few minutes, the newcomers returned wearing preparatory school uniforms.
"This isn't as bad as it could've been," Ignacio admitted.
Jasper pulled on his jacket. "Don't tell me, we're-"
"-Yup," Jenny said. "You guys are going to the scariest, deadliest, vilest place known to man; high school."
Only Melissa seemed excited at the news.
"Today's challenge is a day in high school," Toby said.
"Ooh, I hope that means club meetings," Melissa said.
"Are we going to go to classes?" Ness asked.
"Not like regular high school," Jenny replied. "We mean like in the movies, where things are exciting. We don't want footage of a math lecture or debate on Moby Dick."
"Your goal is to live the movie version of high school," Toby said. "You'll have to complete five events, in a set order. Whoever can finish them first, or do the best job before the day ends, wins invincibility and whatever we decide is the reward."
And no, we're not telling you the order," Jenny said. "You have to figure that out on your own."
A horn honked outside the door.
"The school bus is here. You don't want to be late."
"We're going to an actual school?" Ness asked.
"Howard Taft High," Toby replied. "An all-year school, meaning its summer break is shorter, but they have more breaks overall. They started two weeks ago."
"The school loved my idea of being the setting for the challenge," Jenny said.
"It wasn't your idea and you know it."
"Oh, whatever you stupid-"
The horn honked again.
The newcomers rushed outside as the co-hosts continued to squabble.
I love school!" Melissa said. "I was actually homeschooled till 7th grade, when I finally convinced my parents to let me join public school. It was an adjustment, but I made lots of friends! I was even president of the Honor Society before we moved to Washington. Not to mention an honorary member of all the clubs I volunteered at."
She tapped her chin in thought. "I wonder what school I'll go to now? Maybe me and Aidikins can go to the same one!"
The four newcomers found themselves separated and surrounded by students, eager to talk to the pseudo-celebrities.
Ignacio had been swarmed by a group of girls and guys, all drooling over the model.
"OMG, can I take a selfie with you?"
"Well I-"
She already snapped a picture before he could reply.
Ness watched this from the corner of her eye, but was soon distracted by her own horde of admirers.
"I can't believe I'm riding the bus with a celebrity," a girl gushed.
Ness blushed. "I'm not that famous."
"Are you kidding? You're so cool," a boy said.
"Me? I don't know…"
"Yeah, you're in the final four on Total Drama!"
"Not to mention you took down that crazy horse," another boy added. "So cool!"
Ness giggled a little, twirling a loose strand of hair around her finger. "I mean, I guess it was cool…"
"You're probably the most popular girl at school now."
"The most popular girl?" Ness asked. "I've never been popular. At my school I'm at the bottom of the food chain; even the janitors throw me in trashcans. You saw the video message I got… if it weren't for the popular kids filming one of my…'epic fails' and sending it an audition tape, I wouldn't even be here."
She froze, but smirked. "But here? People actually like me! For one day, I get to be popular. I think I'm going to like this challenge…"
Melissa was chatting with a few people, sharing her recipes. Most were disappointed she didn't bring free samples. As subtle as she could, she tried to get information on the school's layout.
Jasper was surprised to find a few girls offer him at seat when he stepped on.
"It's cool you've won so many challenges," a girl said.
Jasper smiled.
"Especially last challenge!"
Jasper beamed with pride.
"So...like is Blainerson really your brother?"
"Do you get to go backstage to his concerts?"
"Is he really a dog person?"
"Does he like blondes or redheads more?"
"Is he single?"
Jasper immediately scowled.
"Should I pretend to be shocked?" Jasper asked. "Of course people only took away that Blainerson's my brother; that's all they take away from me. One of the reasons I don't like school. I never have. That's why I avoid those teen high school movies; it just makes me sad about how terrible school actually is. I hope this challenge won't be the same."
When the bus reached the school, the newcomers raced off the bus.
Ignacio noticed a football field as the bus pulled in and predicted there had to be a challenge there. Ness assumed there was always dance, figured it would be in the gymnasium, and got the other kids to point her in that direction. Jasper didn't have a clue, racing down the halls looking for one.
Melissa went straight to the second floor.
"If you're looking for something to help with," Melissa said, "there's one place in school to get all the info on upcoming events. My trusty friend…"
"...The bulletin board!" Melissa sighed. An endless amount of paper were tacked and stapled to its walls. Melissa scanned the board.
"Uh oh."
"According to these flyers," Melissa said, waving papers in her hand. "Today is Picture Day, The science fair, and the State Championship football game! And prom's tomorrow!"
She looked at the paper again. "Wait, prom's tonight! Obviously they can't all be scheduled; they were made as clues. They're probably all over the school for us to find. Still, I have them all! And by looking at when they start, I think I know the order. Which means first is…"
Melissa ran into the library. Three teachers in lab coats stood around, holding clipboards and judging dioramas.
"Eeeeee!" Melissa squealed. "I found it!"
"Shush."
She blushed and silently walked to the judges.
"I'm here," Melissa said. "So what's the challenge?"
"You have to win the science fair," the head judge replied. "With a baking soda volcano."
The judge pointed to a corner, where tables of materials sat.
"You'll have to sculpt a good looking volcano and create a proper reaction. If you do, you succeed. Fail and you have to build a new volcano from scratch. There are no instructions. Some of these ingredients will help, others aren't involved. It's up to you to make it right."
Melissa nodded. "No problem! Mt. Melissa will be erupting soon!"
/
Ignacio had found a challenge at the football field, but wasn't allowed to compete until he did others in the order. While heading inside, he saw a flyer for the science fair and was running to the library.
"STOP."
Ignacio froze. Two students, wearing orange vests and dark shades, blocked his way. They pointed at their badges; hall monitors.
"No running in the halls."
"I'm afraid there's a misunderstanding, I'm not a-"
"No running in the halls."
"I don't go here, I-"
"I don't care if you're one of those reality show foreign exchange students. No running."
The other nodded. "Do you even have a hall pass punk?"
Ignacio crossed his arms. "And what if I don't, wannabe cop?"
The hall-monitors smirked. "We've been given the authority to punish you. We'll hold you in detention for five minutes."
"Really?" the model sighed.
"Let's book him."
"Wait," Ignacio said, "what about Jasper? He's running too!"
Ignacio pointed behind them. The hall monitors looked directly at Jasper as he ran into the library.
"I don't see anyone."
"I thought I saw a sad tumbleweed, but that had to be my imagination. Now, about that hall-"
They turned around to see Ignacio running away.
"WE HAVE A RUNNER!"
"I generally like school now," Ignacio said. "After all, I want I to teach science at a high school. Still, it's not always been easy. I didn't speak English when I started school. I couldn't read or write like other students...so I was teased for it. It made me hate going to school."
He smiled. "I was lucky to have a teacher who cared. I've had a few bad teachers, but they couldn't outweigh all the great teachers I was lucky to have. They wanted me to learn and to succeed, not taking satisfaction in my failure. Still, I can't blame anyone who doesn't like school. Not everyone can be as lucky as I am."
Ness entered the library, getting a heads up from a few students. She started on her volcano while her two competitors were almost finished.
"Done," Jasper said.
He presented a rather small, average volcano. The judges watched him poor baking soda into the volcano. After about a minute, it released a tiny puff of smoke.
"Um...tada?"
The head judge tossed aside the volcano. Jasper sighed, returning to the work station.
At the same time, Ignacio snuck into the library from the back door. Racing to the station, he breathed in.
"I love the smell of science in the morning," he sighed.
Melissa eyed him nervously, as she coughed.
"Presenting Mt. Melissa!"
She showcased a larger, pink volcano. She poured a heavy amount of baking soda into the volcano. She waited, but her volcano was too wide inside, allowing nothing to build up and thus no eruption. She hung her head as the head judge tossed it away.
She returned to the table. She and the others tried to watch Ignacio work, but he secluded himself to a corner. After sculpting a big volcano with a narrow inside, he started work on his mixture; water, vinegar, a couple of red food drops, and some dish detergent.
Filling another bottle with some baking soda, he cleared his throat as he presented his volcano.
"With this mixture," he explained, pouring it into the volcano, "I will add baking soda and create carbon dioxide. The gas will try to expand and leave the volcano, instead forcing an eruption."
To prove his point, he poured in the baking soda. Soon the insides fizzed and red liquid erupted from it.
The audience and judges clapped.
"Congratulations," the head judge said, placing a red ribbon on his volcano. "You've won the science fair."
Ignacio beamed and nodded. "Thank you, always happy to participate."
"It wasn't a fair contest," Ignacio stated. "I mean, a baking soda volcano? I've been making those since I was ten. Those and bottle rockets are my specialty. I'm also rather skilled at the egg drop project; you know, when you have to drop an egg and have it land without cracking. A great starter in physics…"
He blushed. "Didn't mean to brag. While avoiding the hall monitors, I did notice another flyer. It was in the cafeteria…"
The cafeteria entrance was a big, open doorway. At the other end, a man with a camera and a blank background tapped his foot.
"Picture Day," Ignacio said. "So, is this the right event?"
The photographer turned to Ignacio; he held up two fingers.
Ignacio smiled. "This is rather serendipitous...so what's the catch?"
As he stopped to look around, he noticed the cafeteria was full of students, but no one was eating. As he entered, he met eyes with a girl. She smirked and cried out a familiar phrase…
"FOOD FIGHT!"
The model's eyes grew wide right before his faced was smashed with mashed potatoes. Macaroni pelted his back, spaghetti assaulted his shirt and milk was spilt all over his front. He cried out before running to the photographer. He sat in front of the background, but the photographer only covered the camera's lens.
"You don't expect moi to photograph you like that, do you?"
Ignacio sighed. "So that's the catch."
"You'll find spare uniforms at the lost and found," he replied. "There are some bathrooms nearby too, to wash yourself."
Ignacio rolled his eyes but darted off.
/
"Um...I'd like to present my volcano."
Ness cleared her throat. A few stray pieces of clay in her hair, she presented a volcano that while lopsided, was a volcano nonetheless. She poured in one mixture, then the other.
It took about twenty seconds before the volcano melted. Then melted through the floor.
"Um, well that was a reaction…"
"Not an explosion," the judge said.
Ness sighed and walked away. Melissa ran up, presenting a smaller and even pinker volcano.
"Presenting Mt. Aiden," she said. "A much more cuter volcano."
She poured in a mixture and took a few steps back. After a minute, nothing happened.
"You better-"
The volcano suddenly released an explosion of silver glitter. Melissa clapped as the judges awarded her a blue ribbon.
/
Soon, Melissa was almost at the cafeteria. She turned to see Ignacio entering, taping multiple trashcan lids to himself. The food fight was still on going, with bits of…'meat' landing outside the door.
Melissa stuck her head in and watched Ignacio use the lids as shields, blocking ham aimed at him. She bit her lip.
"I came to a realization," Melissa said. "I promised Jasper final 3 and Ness final 2. For all three of us to be in the final 3...Ignacio has to go home. If I want to keep my promise, I have to vote for him. Which means he can't win the challenge. I can't let him."
She gave a serious look at the camera, before looking like she was about to cry. "The thought of trying to sabotage Iggy makes me want to throw up…"
Melissa grabbed an empty cafeteria tray, blocking food with it as she followed behind Ignacio. She zigzagged and hide under tables, trying to avoid Ignacio seeing her, which actually helped her avoid in the incoming food. She noticed a pile of...unknown meat on the floor.
She looked up at Ignacio, then the meat. She got ready to throw it, but stopped as she heard a faint hissing. Digging through the meat...shape, she found a tiny cockroach.
"Awww!" She cried. "You poor pitiful baby."
She cupped it in her hands and cuddled it. It shook at first, before nuzzling her back.
"You remind me of my babies," Melissa replied. "You were just looking for something to eat, weren't you? What better place for a little roach snack then this cafeteria and some...mystery meat."
"My school's cafeteria was never this unsanitary," Melissa said. "Then again, I was an unofficial lunch lady. They just loved my recipes."
"You could have been cooked up in this meat...stew? Loaf? Sandwich? Or stepped on in this fight."
She snuck towards the door, pushing the tiny bug to safety. "Go on big guy, go find your family. Try to be a little more careful. That meat's not worth it."
As she crawled back through the tables, she noticed a plate full of cream corn. Her smile dropped.
Ignacio reached the photographer. He breathed easy, removing his makeshift armor to reveal a clean uniform.
"Am I ready for a picture now?"
Cream corn pelted Ignacio's shirt.
The photographer held up his nose. "You were."
Melissa forced a smile as she ran up. "Here I am, not suspicious and ready for a picture!"
"No, you're not."
"What? But I didn't get a spot on me."
The photographer motioned her to twirl. She did, revealing a ketchup boat clinging to her back.
"Get new uniforms at the lost and found," he said, turning his head.
Melissa sighed, but ran off. Ignacio glared at the photographer.
"You now that strike was unmerited. Isn't this a safe zone?"
The shutterbug shrugged. "It is, but I can't help if students don't listen. I need a bien picture."
Ignacio rubbed the back of his neck, sighing. "You want a good picture?"
He tore off his shirt, revealing his sculpted pecs and abs. Adopting his model persona, he flashed a perfect smile. Everyone in the cafeteria stopped, staring. The photographer immediately started snapping pictures.
"I've never had such a fantastique subject," he sighed. "Tres bien!"
Ignacio did a few poses, before dropping his smile and putting back on his shirt. "There, can I pass."
"Oui," the photographer replied. "Please monsieur, you must model for me sometime."
"I model for professionals," Ignacio replied. "Not amateurs."
"Maybe I was a little harsh," Ignacio said. "But that guy was unfair and insufferable. I suspect he wasn't even French."
BOOM.
Ness was flung through the library window, landing in a garbage can. She coughed up smoke. The library went up in gigantic flames, even as the sprinkler systems came up.
The head judge crawled on their hands out the door. Her lab coat was signed and glasses cracked.
Ness approached her slowly.
"So...I guess I better try again."
The judge groaned, but pulled out a burned yellow ribbon. "It was an explosion...I don't know how, but it was. So you win the science fair. Now please, leave me for medical."
The judge faceplanted as they went unconscious. Ness forced a smile and quietly took the ribbon away.
"Banned from a library," Ness sighed. "Again."
/
At the cafeteria, Melissa emptied out a trashcan. Slowly, she turtled across the cafeteria to the photo shoot. When she lifted the can, someone was already taking pictures.
"Jasper?" Melissa asked. "You're already done with the science fair?"
Jasper nodded. "It wasn't much of an explosion, but it counted. Came straight here."
Jasper stood as the photographer shooed him away.
"Wait," Melissa said, "you got all the way here without getting hit?"
Jasper stopped in the middle of the cafeteria. Nobody seemed to notice him, even aiming shots around him.
"Oh right," Melissa said.
/
Ignacio approached the football field. A cheerleader outside winked at him.
"Hey cutie. Back already?"
"I've finished two events," Ignacio said. "Am I right this is the third?"
The cheerleader nodded. "Run through the gate to the left. Put this on too."
She handed him a red belt with a long red tail on it.
"A flag?" Ignacio asked. "As in flag football?"
"No spoilers handsome. Now get running!"
Ignacio ran to the gate, hearing the sound of cheering and screaming.
"Iggy! Iggy! Iggy! Iggy!"
Ignacio burst through a red banner. The stadium was packed with Total Drama fans, likely paying tickets to see the event. They roared as they saw him enter. Cheerleaders continued chanting his name and shaking their pompoms. Even the Howard Taft Mascot was out there, which was someone in a suit of obese Howard Taft trapped in a bathtub.
In an announcer's booth, Jenny and Toby sat watching the events.
"Good morning Genesis fans," Jenny said. "Who's ready for some...FOOBALL!"
The crowd cheered.
"Whatever," Toby added. "Ignacio, it's the Big Game. You need a touchdown to win. The challenge is to catch the tossed football and race all the way to the other end of the field."
"Without losing your flag," Jenny added. "Fail and you'll have to run a lap around the track before you can try again."
Ignacio gulped but nodded. Taking his position on the field, he waited as the quarterback snapped the ball. Ignacio ran forward, just catching it. He ran down the field as football players zigzagged around him, just about to grab the flag before jumping back cautiously.
"What's going-"
As Ignacio ran down the fifty mark line, a landmine went off. As he was stunned, a football player stood over him and yanked the flag off him.
Jenny giggled. "Oops, did I forget to mention the landmines?"
"Yes!" Ignacio groaned.
"I thought the challenge needed a little more spice," Jenny said. "We really haven't met my standards for you guys blowing up. Now, get on your laps! Coach's orders!"
"Who made you coach?" Toby asked.
"Me, myself, and this whistle I borrowed!"
She blew it directly into his ear. Ignacio had already headed for the track while the two squabbled.
/
Ness ran as fast as she could through the cafeteria, carrying a backpack. She focused on trying not to slip on food, not paying attention to food pelting her.
The photographer shook his head. "The challenge is to take a nice photo, not-"
"I figured."
Behind the background, she began to strip off her uniform.
"What are you-"
"I saw the food fight and then you here and did the math," Ness replied. "So I brought a uniform with me."
Peeking behind the backdrop, in only her underwear, Ness grabbed a new uniform from the bag.
"Okay, so that was a little shameless," Ness admitted. "So what? Ignacio loses his clothes every episode. Probably will this challenge. I'm not complaining! "
She turned red. "I just mean with two million dollars on the line, who cares? I'm not even the first. I'm not giving up yet."
Ness stepped out, looking clean. She sat down, beaming and yelling, "Cheese!"
She blinked as the photo was taken.
/
Jasper pushed his way through a green banner onto the football field. The stadium, those who recognized him, gave strong reactions.
"Go Jax!"
"Jenson, Jenson!"
"Jonsey!"
"Let's hear it for Jarvis!"
The other cheerleaders all looked at each other confused.
Jasper facepalmed. "Every time this show builds me up, it tears me right back down."
"It's Jasper! His name is Jasper!"
He looked to the stand where a group of fans started chanting his name.
"Go Jasper!"
"He's my winner pick. You got this!"
Jasper smiled a little and started across the field. The ball snapped. Jasper almost fumbled, but caught it and started sprinting. The football players took a moment to notice and by the time they started chasing him, he had too far a lead.
"YESSSSSS!" he cried out, throwing the ball down onto the field. He waved his green flag and started doing a touchdown dance...poorly, but still. The crowd, even those who didn't recognize him, roared in cheers.
"And Jasper has won the Big Game!" Jenny announced. "Who would have thought?"
"The challenge isn't over yet," Toby reminded.
Jasper nodded, running off.
/
Melissa entered the stadium next, tearing through a blue banner.
"Melissa! Melissa! Melissa!"
Melissa smiled and waved at the cheering crowd. She gulped as the football players got into position.
"Little Miss Sunshine is up," Jenny said. "Can she win the Big Game?"
"It might be too dangerous a sport for her," Toby added.
Melissa gulped as she grabbed the football. She ran, trying to pick up speed but stumbling right before a landmine.
"Ahhh!"
She fell back against the turf field, still clutching the football. As she tried to get to her feet, footballers came from all sides at her.
"Oh fluff me," she muttered, closing her eyes.
Hisssssssssssssssssssssssss.
People started screaming.
Melissa opened her eyes. The sky was darkened by a hissing storm, flying out of the school.
"Folks it looks like Howard Taft has tough competition," Toby said. "Specifically, an army of cockroaches."
"I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords," Jenny said.
The football players were swarmed, flown and carried off. People fled the stands, running as fast as they could.
"No way," Melissa gasped. "Don't tell me…"
Six plump adult cockroaches landed on the sweetheart's shoulders, helping her up.
"My little cockroach babies!" Melissa cried. "Carlton! Camilla! Cornelius! Countess! Cackle! And sweet Jay! It's really you. Don't tell me-"
The little cockroach from before landed on one of the adult roaches backs.
"I'm a grandma!"
"It seems my six babies have grown up and united the various kinds of roaches in all of Washington, D.C.," Melissa said. "My little babies formed their own families and have been living at this school this whole time. I couldn't be happier."
"Also, this school should probably be closed down for severe health violations."
The cockroaches landed, all bowing their heads before Melissa. She rose to her feet, smirking. She waved her arms as the roaches surrounded her.
She turned to the remaining football players. She raised her hands; the cockroaches lifted their antennas and hissed.
"I am Melissa Day of the Molting Eagles, the First of My Name, Newcomer of Genesis, Khaleesi of the Great Pentagram Hotel, Baker of Sweets and Mother of Roaches. Bend the knee or else face the greatest insect army that D.C. has ever known."
The football players scattered, a few even bowing down. Melissa marched across the field, her roaches following, till she reached the other side and dropped her football. She raised her arms as the bugs hissed in harmony.
"Heehee," Melissa giggled, "that was so fun!"
/
Jasper entered the school. He finally noticed the final flyer.
"Prom's tonight," he said. "Pick up your invitation at the main office."
Soon, he reached the office. The secretary had four letters presented at her desk each in a different colored envelope. She handed Jasper the green invitation.
"Prom will be held in the ballroom of Hotel de Couture," he read. "Please arrive with a fancy outfit...and a date?"
He sighed. "This might actually be the hardest part of the challenge."
/
After Melissa's siege on the stadium, the challenge was much easier. The football players were shaken and disoriented. The crowd and a few cheerleaders had left and weren't coming back, removing most of the ceremony from the event. It didn't take too long for Ignacio to finish the event nor Ness soon after him.
Both former Fireworks reached the office and received the last two letters; red and yellow.
"I knew we were having prom," Ness exclaimed.
"We have to find a date and dress for the occasion," Ignacio said.
"Jasper and Melissa have already gotten a huge lead on this," Ness sighed. "It's not over...but I don't know if we can overtake them."
Ignacio blushed. "There might be a way…"
Ness tilted her head.
"Ness...do you want to go to prom with me?"
The jinx's eyes grew wide. "..."
"It would take time out having to look for a date," Ignacio replied.
"But we're competing against each other."
"Yeah, but if we both complete the event together than we both win invincibility. We can make the final three together."
Ignacio blushed even more, but raised his head to meet Ness' eyes. He smiled. "Really though, if I'm going to prom, real or not, I'd like to go with you. So...will you go to prom with me Ness?
"I...yes. Yes! Yes!"
Ness glomped Ignacio, pulling him into a hug. The two laughed, Ignacio even picking her up and spinning her around. Ness sighed.
"This is awesome!" Ignacio said, "We just need to get some outfits."
Ness forced a smile. "I have an idea. The outfits from the wedding challenge. If we go back to the Pentagram, we can wear those and we'll be right near Hotel de Couture."
"Great idea, let's go!"
"I did it!" Ignacio cheered. "I actually asked Ness out! ...Okay, so maybe it was for a challenge and a little unclear, but I'm counting this as a win. I can ask her out on another one at prom...this couldn't be a better challenge!"
Melissa arrived at the Hotel de Couture. She was wearing a long, flowing and elegant pink gown that simultaneously revealed her midriff. Her hair was elaborated braided like a crown. Her cockroaches followed her.
She smiled as she entered the lobby. Approaching the prom, a burly bouncer blocked the entrance.
"Pardon sir, I have an invitation," Melissa stated.
"Told I can't let you in here without a date."
"I'm taking my pet cockroaches as a date."
"Challenge rules says it has to be a human as a date. Your age."
Her roaches hissed, causing the bouncer to quiver, but Melissa petted them. "Don't worry bugaboos, we'll find a date. Somebody has to be free."
/
"Sorry, I'm not free. Already got a date."
Jasper groaned as another girl turned him down. "Well, do you know anyone who still needs-"
-Nope, pretty much everyone's found one."
Jasper nodded, before approaching the next girl who walked down the hall. To similar results.
"I've never been to a school dance," Jasper admitted. "I never had the courage to ask anyone. Who would I want to go with? Well…"
Jasper blushed. "I doubt we could ask eliminated contestants, so it doesn't matter…"
At the Pentagram, Ignacio stood outside Ness' dorm room. He was wearing the white tuxedo from the wedding challenge. He knocked on her door, fidgeting with his tie.
"Ness! Are you in there? We need to hurry!"
He waited, but got no answer.
Shaking his head, he returned to the lobby.
"Ness! Ness! Ness!"
A low groan echoed.
Ignacio looked over the checkout counter to see Rhonda lying on her back, her head in a bag of cheese puffs like an ostrich buries it in the sand.
She removed the bag, squinting to make out Ignacio, then fell down again. "Could you keep it down? I'm trying to wallow here."
"I'm just trying to find Ness."
"Dude, she left forever ago. Like right away."
Ignacio stared at her. "What?"
"She bolted off, carrying a wedding dress in her arms. Yelled at the taxi to take her to some school…"
"That's inconceivable," Ignacio stated. "We're competing together in the challenge-"
"-Ugh, you're still doing those? BORINGGGGGGG."
Ignacio rolled his eyes. He ran out the door, trying to hail a taxi.
The hostess scoffed. She noticed a cheese crumb in her nail, picking it out before eating it.
/
Ignacio dashed out of the taxi. He approached a group of girls sitting and talking outside the school.
"Excuse me," he said, "have you seen Ness from Total Drama Genesis? She's a short, cute, blonde girl, probably fell and hurt herself."
"Oh yeah!"
"Great!"
"She just left."
"What?"
"Looked like she was heading to that weird, unofficial prom the school's doing."
"Yeah, with Chad Thunderberg."
"Chad?" Ignacio asked. "Who the **** is Chad!?"
"You know, big meaty guy. Captain of the lacrosse team. Always wears polos with the collar popped."
"That...she wouldn't…"
"He's like the most popular guy in school."
"They kind of make a cute couple."
The girls walked off, bragging about Chad. Ignacio sat on the ground, burying his face into his hands.
/
Ness, wearing the wedding dress with a long trail, was escorted by the muscular jock to the ballroom. She flashed her yellow invitation to bouncer. He nodded.
"To win, you gotta do a slow dance with your partner."
Chad winked at Ness. "I'm happy to take it nice and slow."
Ness sighed. "Sure, whatever."
Ness crossed her arms. "The last guy who asked me to prom married my dad. Prom is kind of ruined for me. I just asked about the first guy who'd say yes. No surprise Chad didn't have a date."
She shook her head. "Still, at least I didn't go with Ignacio. I'd be miserable. Sure, I was excited for a moment...then I realized I was just being asked out for pity. Just like last prom. If I went with him, I'd just be wishing it was real and get hurt when we have to return to reality. Sorry...but it's two million dollars. I'm not trading that for another rejection from you."
As soon as a slow song played, Ness dragged Chad to the center of the dance floor. He smirked, but stopped when she glared. When the song finished, everyone clapped.
"Congratulations Ness!" the DJ said. "Attention everyone, we're happy to announce that Ness and her date...are prom queen and king."
Ness gasped as crowns were placed on her and Chad's head. Embedded inside were yellow, plastic jewels. All the students cheered. Chad lifted up Ness and the crowd carried and threw her in the air.
"Ness! Ness! Ness!"
She smirked. "So I won the science fair, got a good picture, won the big game, and became prom queen! The perfect day in a high school movie. Wait, that means I won the challenge, right?"
She squealed as her subjects continued to chant her name and congratulate herself.
"Okay," Ness said, "Maybe I'll pretend this was my real prom. Thanks everybody!"
"We love you Ness!"
"Aww, stop it!"
"You're like so the most popular girl now."
"I mean...yeah, I guess I am."
"Woo! Party at Ness' place!"
"Haha, yeah party at my...wait, what?"
The crowd cheered, tossing Ness aside into a trashcan as they stampeded out.
"Guys?" she asked. "Um, aren't you forgetting your queen?"
The trash fell over and she faceplanted.
/
Eventually, prom continued with a new, smaller crowd of students. Jasper was slow dancing with some black haired girl. Melissa arrived at prom with a young but muscular guy that had several tattoos and dreads. The bouncer nodded, letting them enter.
"Thanks for agreeing to come with me to the prom Drago."
Her date replied in another language.
"I mean, I think you agreed? It must be hard being a foreign exchange student."
As the dance ended, the crowd gave small claps.
"Congratulations Joel!" the DJ announced. "Attention everyone, we're happy to announce that Jules and his date have won prom king and queen."
The crowd shrugged as Jasper and the girl were given crowns. They were filled with green stones.
"Party at Jeanie's place!"
The students cheered again, darting out of the ballroom.
"Party?" Jasper asked. "That's it! The fifth and last event."
"There's always a big party that gets out of control in teen movies," Melissa whispered. "It must be at the Pentagram. Come on Drago, let's cut a rug!"
She dragged her 'date' onto the dance floor as a new, even smaller crowd of students formed around them.
"I got to get back to the Pentagram," Jasper said.
"Um, excuse me?"
He turned to face his date.
"I went to prom with you. When do I get my free tickets for your brother's next concert?
"I'll mail them to you!" he said, running off.
"Wait, but you don't even know my-"
"-Bye!"
/
The biggest party of the summer was going down at the Pentagram. Lights were flashing, loud music was thumping, and teenagers were out of control.
Ness yelped as two guys in blue shirts tossed a vase back and forth.
"Be careful with that!" Ness screamed. "Those are the ashes of one the founder's murder victims. Eeeep!"
She ducked as an ax went over her head. It landed against the other wall, taking out a dartboard.
"Sweet, five points!"
"Don't throw that! Those are antiques."
Ness marched over to the new DJ at the party. She unplugged his speakers and snatched the mike.
"Alright everyone," Ness said, "it's been fun, but this party is cancelled."
The crowd booed her heavily. They started tossing empty cups and cans.
"Don't be such a party popper," Chad stated.
"Yeah," a girl in green added. "I thought you were cool!"
A group of guys in red grabbed Ness, tossing her aside as the DJ started playing music again. The teens cheered.
"So much for being popular," Ness groaned.
/
Ignacio was the last one to reach the dance. Solemnly, he danced with the cheerleader who greeted him at the football field. As they finished slow dancing, the few remaining students clapped.
"Congratulations Ignacio!" the DJ said. "Attention everyone, we're happy to announce that Ignacio and his date...are the prom king and queen!"
Ignacio took his crown, fake rubies filling the crown.
"Thanks for being my date."
"No problem," the cheerleader replied. "You're a fun pretend prom date. Now if you excuse me, I heard there's a party at your place."
"Party?"
"Party at Ignacio's!"
The students cheered and started leaving.
"The final challenge," Ignacio said. "...Alright, I haven't lost yet! Thanks again."
The cheerleader laughed. "No problem. My girlfriend is rooting for you, so go win this thing!"
/
Ignacio could hear the party before he saw the hotel. When he did, he shook his head. The Pentagram was covered in teepee. A TV screen fell out of a third story window, impaling on one of the fence's spikes. A fight broke out between two guys in yellow at the front door.
"It wouldn't be a high school movie without a wild party," Ignacio said.
He entered the hotel. Melissa's cockroaches were trying to move a few people, but became easily distracted by crumbs on the floor.
"Go on, get out of here! Get!"
Jasper was trying to shoo-out guys in blue with a broom. Even when he hit them with the broom, they didn't react.
"Please, everyone, I'd like to politely ask you to leave one more time."
Melissa, threw open a closet door, only to find Chad and Drago making out.
She pouted and slammed the door. She gasped as a crash come from the kitchen.
"Hey, those cupcakes are for the needy, not the greedy!"
"Just leave already!"
Ness tried to push a big guy in green, but he didn't budge. She looked up. She gave a small smile at Ignacio.
Ignacio scowled at her. He turned away, walking the opposite direction inside. He studied everyone in the hotel, crowds of people that were dressed rather similarly…
"Wait a minute…"
He smirked.
/
In Rhonda's office, the file cabinet fell over as the music shook.
Jenny and Toby shared a look. They stared down as Rhonda watched old videos on her laptop, chugging another Dr. Cola two liter.
"Aren't you concerned about the hotel Rhonda?"
She belched. "Psssh, It's not mine. Let the...let the kids live a little, a little, a little life, yeah, that's what I say. Give 'em somethin' fond to 'member. Before their dreams ARE CRUSHED!"
She cried out before falling on the floor.
"I thought throwing a crazy party would force Rhonda to act," Jenny groaned. "Your plan sucks!"
"This was your plan," Toby replied.
"And it was great plan!"
She stomped over to Rhonda. Picking her up by shoulders, she stared in Rhonda's eyes. "Look at me-"
She repeatedly slapped her across the face. "Get. Ahold. Of. It!"
Rhonda replied by spitting in her face.
"Ewwwwwww!" she squealed. "Rhonda stop it already! This is pathetic, even for you. Now get it together and start hosting this show!"
"Why bother?" Rhonda asked. "We did everything we could, and we still aren't getting another season. We're cancelled. There's point in doing the show anymore."
"Is there no point?" Toby asked.
"I can't believe it," Jenny said, "but I actually agree with Toby. Yeah, we've done a lot. Yet, the network can't even give us the courtesy of aheads up before tossing us aside like a used tissue."
"Now I feel better, thanks Jenny!"
The redhead sighed. "All that said, does that mean you wouldn't do it again?"
"Of course I wouldn't!" Rhonda replied.
"I don't believe you," Jenny said. "For reasons I've never understood, you believe in this show. You believe that people want Total Drama. You want to bring it to them. The original aired years ago and you're still thinking probably thinking of some random fact about it."
"So what if I'm thinking about what happened to the peanuts they gave away in season 3," Rhonda replied. "It's weird they stopped giving them out! Doesn't change Genesis was a failure."
Toby shook his head. "It will be a failure, if you don't see this to the end. That's the point; not another season, but this season. Giving it a conclusion."
"Only four people are probably watching anyway."
"Maybe. You okay disappointing those four fans?"
Rhonda shifted uncomfortably.
"The Rhonda I know would tell you to finish Genesis," Jenny said, "She'd say something corny like, 'This show should end on a high-note, go out with a bang, not a whimper'."
Toby nodded. "Or she'd say, 'We're the captains, so we're going down the ship. Let's have the band play till it's sunk'."
"So we don't get a second season," Jenny said. "We got one. Deep down I know this isn't how you want your season to end. And...and...ugh...and as your friend I hate seeing you like this!"
Rhonda held her gaze at the two. "Really?"
Jenny looked away. "It's just...you've wanted this for so long. I want you to be happy with it. I know you'll hate yourself even more in the future if you gave up now."
Rhonda tossed off her blanket and jumped to her feet. "You guys are right!"
"I'm always right," Jenny replied.
"I can't let Genesis end like this," Rhonda said. "I owe it to the fans, to the newcomers, to myself to give the best conclusion I can make it!"
She pulled the two into a hug. "Thanks for everything."
The sound of something shattering was heard outside.
"How about we start by calling off this party?"
/
Ness sat in the corner, hiding her face in her knees. She looked up to watch Ignacio whisper to someone in red. The guy nodded and walked out. Ignacio then came over to a girl in yellow and handed her a drink.
Jasper was trapped on the dance floor, shoved between teens in a makeshift mosh pit. Melissa was tending to her roaches, who were passed out in a pizza box.
Suddenly, the music cut off. Jenny and Toby stood at the speakers, tossing aside the DJ.
Before the teens could react, an air horn went off over the P.A.
"Attention students of Howard Taft Academy," Rhonda announced. "Thanks for your help on the show today. It was appreciated. Now get the heck out of my hotel! If you don't, you won't appear on TV."
The teens whined, but Rhonda played the air horn again.
"You got ten minutes before I call the police, and you end up on COPS instead!"
The teens groaned but started leaving in mass. When the last stragglers left, Rhonda exited her office.
"Alright newcomers," Rhonda said, "get ready. The head ***** is back!"
Jenny, Toby and even the newcomers cheered.
"Thank goodness for Ms. Rhonda," Melissa sighed.
"I thought they'd never leave," Ness said. "No wonder everyone hates teens."
"Only the adults can break up the party in a teen movie," Ignacio said. "Even if Rhonda questionably counts as an adult."
"I can't wait till high school is over," Jasper said.
"School maybe out, but Genesis is still in session," Rhonda said. "And thanks to our footage we know our winner for today's challenge. With a guaranteed spot in the final 3...it's Ignacio!"
The model smiled.
Melissa's whole face dropped. "What? But how?"
"He cleared the most of his party-goers," Rhonda replied.
"His?" Jasper asked.
"We each had a separate group," Ignacio said. "I noticed that everyone at the party was wearing four colors; red, blue, yellow and green. Those same colors had been associated with us throughout the challenge."
"Oh," Ness said, "you mean like the ribbons or the football flags."
"Or the invitations or crowns for prom," Jasper recalled. "So you focused on getting everyone in red out of here."
"How do you convince them to leave?" Melissa asked.
The model smirked. "I told them that the cops were called, but Chad Thunderberg was moving the party to his house. I said everyone was leaving for it soon. They thought if everyone was doing it, they should leave too."
"Congrats Ignacio," Rhonda said. "You have invincibility, the penthouse suite and as a reward…"
She tossed him something.
"A book of school coupons. Good for all of Washington, D.C...for the next three days."
Ignacio rolled his eyes. "Gee, thanks."
"We'll have an elimination ceremony as soon as this place gets cleaned up," Rhonda said. "You have till then to decide a loser."
She walked off as her co-hosts eagerly followed. Jasper winked at Melissa, who looked like she was going to faint. Ness tried to make contact with Ignacio, but he wouldn't meet her eyes.
/
Soon, Melissa was waving her cockroaches off as they flew away into the sky.
"Thanks for all your help today sweeties!" she said. "It was wonderful to meet your families. Jay, tell your mate he's a doll. I'll see you all again soon; I do live here now. Maybe Aiden and I can make a family dinner…"
She sighed as they disappeared into the sky. She turned around to see Jasper standing there.
"Oh, hello Jasper…"
"Hey," he replied. "I wanted to talk about the vote tonight."
"Yeah?"
"I think something happened between Ness and Ignacio," Jasper said. "He might vote for her. Which works out. I mean, it's us in the final three."
Melissa bit her lip.
Jasper frowned. "Don't tell me. Melissa, you promised-"
"I know! I know, I'm the worst for going back on a promise...but I can't vote Ness. I promised her a final two."
The sweetheart slumped. "And, she's my friend. She's been there for me during the merge. I'm not betraying her."
"You said I should save you," Jasper said. "Said if I did, you'd take me to the final 3. Is that a lie now?"
"It is," Melissa sighed. "I'm sorry."
Jasper rubbed the back of his neck. "I mean, you could still keep your promise if...you know..."
"I'm not voting for myself. I feel awful, but I'd feel worse if I quit."
Jasper shrugged. "It's fine. I expected this to happen if Ignacio won invincibility. I appreciate you trying anyway."
Melissa and Jasper nodded, before departing.
"I genuinely considered voting for myself," Melissa admitted. "I was leaning towards it for a moment. It reminded me of the first challenge, when the Eagles and I lost. I thought I should quit to save our team members. I wasn't sure I deserved to be here. Cynthia encouraged me not to..."
Melissa sat quietly for a moment. "...it's the same now. I tried so hard to get this far! I owe it to everyone to keep going. Especially myself. Maybe I had to break a promise, but everything I did till now won't be worth it if I rolled over and died. I'm not giving up."
The final four gathered at the Haunted Internet Cafe. It seemed almost bare by now. Rhonda, now looking put together, smiled and walked out.
"Welcome final four," she greeted. "My apologies things have been off, but we're back on track. Which means, it's finally time to answer the question. Who's in the final 3?"
Rhonda tossed Ignacio a cup. "We know that includes you Ignacio. Congratulations."
Ignacio nods, smiling and raising his cup in a cheer.
The hostess turned her gaze to the other three. "You three have played a good game. It's tough to see you go, but you all have reasons to be eliminated…"
Rhonda lifted the cup. Jasper's eyes followed it instinctively, never taking them off it. Melissa held her head high, meeting Rhonda's gaze and trying not to falter. Ness hadn't looked up from the ground since Ignacio got his cup.
"The second-to-last cup to the second-to-last challenge goes to someone who got no votes, a free ride…"
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Rhonda whistled, catching Ness' attention as she threw the cup. Ness barely caught it. Gasping, she looked to Ignacio. He turned his back to her.
Melissa turned to Jasper. "So you voted for me. That's fair."
"Honestly..." Jasper said. "...I might've voted for you regardless if Ignacio won."
Melissa frowned, but ended up giggling. "So since I made the deal, you were planning to vote me off?"
"Kinda," Jasper admitted. "Maybe I'd change my mind. Maybe I would've needed to vote with you instead. Still, going against you in the finals? That's insane!"
"You won't have to worry about that," Rhonda interrupted. "One of you will be going home instead. Sorry…"
The two nodded at each other, before staring at the podium.
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"...but it's still to be decided. We have a tie."
The two shared a look.
Ness cast her vote for Jasper. "I am actually worried about facing Melissa in the final 3. Still, she's been my friend for a long time. Plus, I need to actually make it to the finals. I think she's the only person who will take me now. Thanks Melissa."
"Ness...she hurt me today," Ignacio admitted in the voting booth. "But I can't make this personal. I think she'll be easier to beat in the endgame. Which leaves two. Jasper is a challenge beast, but Melissa is no slouch. She'd sweep support at the finals.
"What it really comes down to though isn't who I'm against in the finals, but if I'm in the finals. I don't know if Jasper would take me...but I know Melissa wouldn't."
Ignacio cast his vote for Melissa.
"It's a two-two split," Rhonda stated.
"So what's the tiebreaker?" Ignacio asked. "A random draw?"
"A challenge?" Jasper asked.
"The losers decide?" Melissa asked.
"It's not a revote, is it?" Ness asked.
Rhonda shook her head. "The tiebreaker is different, but simple; Hosts' Choice."
The four newcomers all immediately raised their eyebrows.
"Jenny, Toby and I will each vote which of the bottom two we think should be eliminated," Rhonda said.
"You three?" Melissa said.
"As the masters of ceremonies it's our duty to keep things running," Rhonda said.
"How is this fair?" Jasper asked.
"Maybe you think it isn't," Rhonda said. "But it was planned as a tiebreaker from the show's start. You four had your chance to pick who goes home. You failed to reach a decision. Now it's our turn."
Jenny and Toby strolled over; Jenny smirked right at the bottom two.
Rhonda turned to her co-hosts. "Toby, you first."
Toby shrugged. "Jasper."
"Care to say why?"
"He got a free ride to the merge," Toby said. "Melissa didn't. I think her game is more impressive."
"Well I vote Melissa," Jenny said. "His game is way more impressive, coming in with no allies. Plus, she's annoying."
Everyone turned to Rhonda.
"The tiebreaker to the tiebreaker," she mumbled.
She stared at the two for a moment. Finally, she nodded. "Alright then, the final coffee cup goes to…"
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"...Jasper. I'm sorry Melissa, I'm voting for you."
Jasper stood up, trying to catch his breath. He swiped the coffee cup, almost afraid it wouldn't be his.
Melissa nodded. After a moment she stood and faced the final three.
She was smiling. She immediately pulled them into a group hug. "Congrats! You guys are an amazing final three!"
"You're...not upset?" Ignacio asked.
"Oh dear no," Melissa said. "I had an amazing time! I mean, besides the challenges being psychically demanding and torturous, being emotionally drained from making new friends that had to leave and carrying the guilt of all my decisions. That was a little hard."
She shrugged. "Still, I wouldn't trade it for anything."
"You were a really strong player," Jasper admitted.
Ness nodded. "You killed the challenges!"
"And you deserve more credit for your strategy," Ignacio said.
"Aww, stop it you guys," Melissa said. "I'm fine."
"Iggy's right though," Ness said. "You kind of masterminded eliminations at the merge."
Melissa smirked. "I guess I did...maybe I'm better at the game than I thought."
"You made the final four," Jasper said. "That's proof enough."
Melissa giggled and shook her head. "Really, I don't care about that. I'm just glad that despite everything, it was fun! So I didn't win? I had a once in a lifetime experience! And I got to share it with some new friends. I couldn't be more grateful."
She gave the final three each a final hug. "I'm rooting for all of you! You can do this!"
Ness sniffled. "I'm glad you were here with me Melissa. You were a friend when I needed it."
"Right back at ya," Melissa sighed. "We're going to hang out when Genesis is over. I promise."
She smiled and nodded at the hosts, grabbed her bags, and skipped towards the exit. "Ooh, and I was chilling pudding in the fridge. Enjoy it before it gets stale, okay?"
She winked once, before disappearing through the revolving doors.
"Oh crap," Rhonda said. "We're going to have to cook for you guys again, aren't we?"
Soon, everyone dispersed to their corners. Rhonda sighed to herself, doing what she loved again. She opened her eyes to see someone was still hanging around.
"Need something Jasper?"
The boy rubbed the back of his head. "I wanted to ask you something."
"Yeah?"
"Why...why did you vote out Melissa?"
"If anyone else asks," Rhonda said, "I'd say it was because you won more challenges. I thought it'd make the last challenge more intense."
Jasper nodded.
"But…"
"But what?"
"When you were first eliminated, I felt bad. We cast you by accident. We didn't think anything of you, so you never got focus. When you returned, it was so your brother could be your loved one. We never gave you a real chance. My vote to keep you was that chance."
Jasper smiled. "Thank you...really."
Rhonda nodded before leaving.
Jasper sat alone, sipping his coffee silently in the cafe, deep in thought.
Author's Note
And we have our final three! I'm not sure how surprising Melissa's elimination was; one reader pretty much called it from one of Melissa's earlier confessionals. Still, I think this chapter showcased all the characters and was a good send-off to our boot. I think the final four are in some ways an unusual final four, but I really enjoyed them. Everybody had the same goal while also dealing with their own struggles and doubts. I hope that was interesting to read.
The challenge was one I had for a while, but wasn't totally sure how to execute. I really love how it came together though. My friend Mr. Oddy described as a very 'me' challenge, which I take as flattery. Kudos to anyone who picked up on the color twist.
I was also glad for those cockroaches to finally pay-off. I had planned for them to be relevant for forever, possibly as a way for Melissa to defeat Tinfoil the horse, but I liked them here.
I also liked the arc Rhonda and her little co-hosts went on. The stars are definitely the newcomers, but I like the moments those three have and fleshing them out as a characters. Rhonda is meant to be the opposite of self-insert characters and Chris or similar egotistical hosts. But I think her enjoyment and dedication of Total Drama speak to me, and maybe they did to you.
(Also, I am actually annoyed that World Tour just stop giving out the barf-bag peanuts. Like the symbols of safety is so Total Drama, why?)
The tiebreaker was inspired by the original final four elimination in Total Drama Island. I hope it doesn't seem too unfair or cheap. I also hope it doesn't feel like all the tiebreakers are me trying to force tension or something like that. All the tiebreakers have been moments or led to moments that I felt were important to characters and their stories. I've enjoyed showing a lot of different ways that they can play out too. I won't lie, there are a couple other tiebreaker methods I've thought of, but I'm not sure if they'll ever come up.
Melissa was sometimes a tricky character to write, but I'm fond of her. I think the 'break the cutie' trope is what people expect of this character, but I don't think becoming more cynical is the kind of character growth I want. I like that after it all, Melissa is still optimistic and kind. I think she had a lot of fun moments, from her friendship with Cynthia, playing a serial killer, befriending video game enemies into an army, becoming a cockroach khalessi and her obsessive cooking.
(Also, if you're wondering about that reporter pretending to be a maid, well she might be important in a future story...)
That's enough from me. I'd love to hear your thoughts. Till next time!
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
Melissa- 4th