Chapter Five: Tugging at the Heartstrings
Chris: [narrating] Last time on Total Drama Reloaded, we saw Balto's barrier showing more cracks as even when confiding in "secret" with Dawn, Rufus did a lil' eavesdropping and made a deal with the worrisome wolfdog not to spill the beans about his little situation. Of course, he couldn't resist the opportunity for a tease. Look at Balto's face! [laughs heartily] Aaaah, comedy gold! But luckily for Balto, he managed to find peace with Robin during his little night walk. Unfortunately, Nome's golden boy also happened to be on the losing team from yesterday's challenge of staying all night in the woods. However, Emerald was the one to take the fall for Team Pulverizer and had to be carried to the Dock of Shame. Never gets old. [on-screen] We're down to ten unlucky chumps. Will Balto ever come clean to Steele? Will Anne Maria continue to pollute the air with her hairspray? Will Octavia ever stop being so cold? Find out right now on Total...Drama...Reloaded!
[cue theme song, the episode continues]
[scene shows the night sky over the calm air of Camp Wawanakwa. It then cuts to Balto sitting outside the cabins all on his lonesome]
Balto: [inhales...and then exhales slowly] Okay, you can do this...just say what needs to be said to Steele and you'll feel all the better...but maybe just a little more time…
[just then, in a poof, a devil figure of the wolfdog appears on his shoulder]
"Devil" Balto: Aaaaah, forget about him. He doesn't need to know. Keep him in suspense so that bozo can get angry enough to make a fool outta himself. That way, he's outta here sooner and you don't have to worry about foxy boy revealing any secrets.
Balto: Well...that's one way of looking at it.
[just then in another poof, an angel figure of the wolfdog appear on his other shoulder]
"Angel" Balto: You shouldn't keep this a secret for much longer. You're only going to make yourself more miserable if you keep bottling it up.
Balto: Well...yeah, I suppose that's true.
"Devil" Balto: That mutt terrorized us for years and you want this guy to spill it to 'im? Call yourself an angel, will ya'?
"Angel" Balto: What you're encouraging is to continue wallowing in self pity. I understand very well that Steele was horrid to us in the past, but you have to concede that he's at least appearing to be a little bit more mature.
"Devil" Balto: Aaaaah, you just want that malamute dick in your mouth.
"Angel" Balto: Rather ironic coming from you.
Balto: Um, guys?
"Devil" Balto: Oh, you really wanna go there, bro?
"Angel" Balto: You don't strike fear into me.
Balto: STOP! You're both giving me a headache!
Steele: [off-screen] Who ya' talkin' to, wolfdog?
[the angel and devil figures of Balto poof out of existence as the hybrid looks back awkwardly to see Steele approaching the cabins]
Balto: Ummmm, well...I was just...um...thinking aloud?
Steele: [raises a brow at this] Well, you were definitely being all loud with that shouting.
Balto: [his face turns a slight hue of red at this] Uh...yeah...um, I'm just gonna...go take a...walk...right now...yeah, I'll...see you later…?
[the hybrid canine stands up from the steps and begins to walk away from the cabins, the awkwardness hitting him like a sack of bricks as he mutters underneath his breath in embarrassment as Steele watches him go looking both unamused yet curious. Unbeknownst to Balto, the scene cuts to the left side of the cabin and reveals an eavesdropping Rufus who has been listening to the whole event]
[static buzzing]
Rufus: My, my, do I have the options to choose from. I could just tell Steele the whole story, but it is rather amusing to see Balto acting so flustered. Not to mention that admittedly, I don't need a target on my back so soon, especially after getting rid of Emerald. So I suppose I'll continue to keep my end of the bargain...doesn't mean I can't have a little fun with it.
[static buzzing]
Rufus: [as Steele enters the male side of the cabins] Worked up a sweat out there, I take it?
Steele: Hmph, well, I needed something to take the stress off our recent loss.
Rufus: Understandable...though, I have to admit, that Balto is adorably skittish, wouldn't you agree?
Steele: [his brows raise at the statement] Uh...you can believe that, yes…
Rufus: Mmmm, I think you're in agreement with me.
Steele: I beg your pardon?
Rufus: Oh, you know...you got that look in your eye~
Steele: ...are you f**king with me?
Rufus: I know f**king is a common thing on your mind.
Steele: You're a strange one, you know that?
Rufus: Well, we're all strange in our own way...some more than others, might I add.
[scene cuts to Balto in the forest as he props himself up a tree and sighs]
Balto: Hoooooooooooo, why can't I just get it together and tell him? It shouldn't be this hard, considering he's the only one who could possibly know what I've gone through in the past...ooooh, if there was ever a need for a strike of heroic courage, I could use some about now…[trails off when he hears the sound of voices in the distance]...huh?
[the wolfdog quietly follows the sound as he sees the glowing light of a campfire. Upon further inspection, he sees that it's Robin and Axel, seemingly playing some sort of performance as the fox swoons into the wolf's arms]
Robin: "Oh, Robin, will you take a dear maiden like myself in the act of courtship?"~
Axel: "My dear Marian, it would be an honor to court such a fine lady like yourself"~
Balto: [quietly] What on Earth…[steps on a twig] GEP!
Robin: Oh? Well, it appears the two of us aren't completely alone.
Axel: Eh, who's hidin' back there?
Balto: [with his paws covering his face] I am so...sorry for...eavesdropping on your little...thing…
Axel: [wolf-whistles] Man, you're lookin' fine tonight, no wonder I hear people callin' ya' a real cutie.
Balto: [blushes rather prominently at this] Oh...um...thanks…
Robin: I say, have you taken any consideration into my proposal?
Balto: Huh? Oh, well, I was...going to, but...I kinda got a bit flustered from talking to myself…
Robin: Ah, I see…
Balto: Can I...ask for your honest opinion...do you think I'm...weak?
Robin: Why, I wouldn't be saying that to someone who manages to rescue a whole...oh...right...that was rather inconsiderate of me, wasn't it?
Balto: [sighs] Well, I've heard it plenty a time before with dogs back home trying to act all buddy-buddy with me…
Axel: Aye, I tell ya' dis, them people are disingenuous as f**k for thinkin' they can put all that baggage on ya' just cuz you helped them. Like you even needed to prove you were a good person to begin with.
Balto: You know...I always felt like there was something...off about how the same people who treated me as a threat for most of my life suddenly decided to act all "nice" around me like all those insults meant nothing. Like I was supposed to...forget.
Robin: Well...I concur with my partner that it is rather selfish of those people to take advantage of your good nature. And how it's taken a toll on you…
Balto: Yeah...I really played myself into that one, didn't I…?
Axel: Mmmm...ya' know, I just thought a' somethin'...maybe Steele's the guy who's probably at the very least honest with his feelings.
Balto: Um...well…
Axel: Think about it, ever since you got here, surely ya' noticed the fuzz ball ain't as tightly wound or egocentric like before.
Balto: Well...you do have a point there…but...I just…[sighs]...he's been in the same position I was for a long time now...maybe...he might have the perspective I'm looking for…
Robin: Now that's the spirit, ma' dear.
Balto: Heh...thanks…
Axel: Also, we got outta dat hotel for the time being because all hell's breakin' loose in there.
Balto: How so?
Robin: Well…
[scene cuts to the interior of the females' bedroom of the spa hotel where Jo and Anne Maria are seen arguing loudly while Octavia is slumped over on her bed while having an exasperated expression on her face]
Anne Maria: YOU just don't know when ta' stop bossin' other people around like you're some wannabe drill sergeant!
Jo: Better than looking like some overpriced candy bar! You might look sweet, but you most likely taste disgusting, I'm sure the guys you've kissed can attest to that.
Anne Maria: At least a guy would actually wanna kiss me, not the livin' broomstick.
Jo: This broomstick could snap you in two if she wanted to!
Anne Maria: Oh, really? Put it there then!
Octavia: For the love of all that is holy SHUT YOUR MOUTHS! You two have been at this for hours and it's bloody annoying! Now, if you don't mind, I would appreciate a bit of peace and quiet before heading off to bed, so I don't want to hear anymore squabbling coming from the two of you! Do I make myself clear?!
[Jo and Anne Maria glance at each other...and then give each other cold expressions as they walk away in opposite directions]
[static buzzing]
Octavia: I cannot stand living under the same roof with those two. For the life of me, I've just about had it with the antics of this show. I've seen what it does to people, a cash prize isn't worth sacrificing one's dignity if you ask me.
[static buzzing]
[scene cuts to the sun rising above the horizon before it cuts to the females' side of the cabins where Rarity and Dawn are seen sleeping peacefully...that is until they're rudely awaken by the sound of a loud horn from outside]
Loudspeaker: [off-screen] Wakey-wakey, sleepyheads! Time for another day of facing public humiliation for the whole world to see! [chuckles]
Rarity: [as she rises out from her bed] Ugh, I hate that man so much! Four seasons under his thumb and he still hasn't learned that thing called "manners".
Dawn: His greed and selfish nature is prevalent as seen by his aura, I honestly don't know if there's anything that would make him see the error of his ways.
Rarity: I'll admit, while it's lucky in a sense that I've been given another chance to win the million, it's also a curse because of my contract, which states that I will be brought back to the show under the host's decision rather than my own. How is that fair, I ask you?
Dawn: I believe that's the direction he was going for, anything unfair in our eyes is fair in his. It's a sad state of affairs, but it's the price we must pay...if only it wasn't under such tortuous circumstances…
Rarity: [sighs] I suppose we'd better get a move on before his dictatorship decides to make our morning all the more painful.
[static buzzing]
Rarity: I've been given more chances than anyone on this show for a shot at the million dollars, but is that really something to look at in a positive light? I'm basically being put through all kinds of hardships for a fourth time, which isn't a pleasant experience in the slightest. My only hope is that this time I actually manage to make the finals, otherwise this entire experience will be all for not.
[static buzzing]
[scene cuts to the teams standing at attention outside their quarters]
Chris: Today's challenge is a classic that I'm sure you're all familiar with; tug of war! Each team will go through three rounds of pulling on a rope over a pit of mud. Hope your hands aren't covered with grease or any other kind of slippery substance because that would be bad...for you. [chuckles] The team with best two outta three wins invincibility and a night at the spa hotel, the losing team'll be sending one of their own on the boat to Loserville. If arms are your strength, better put them to good use here cuz you'll need it.
[static buzzing]
Jo: There's no way I can be beaten in a game like this. No one's ever pulled me in tug a' war, I pull them. Plus, I'd say I got a good edge with my team, Steele's the only one on his team whose arms don't look like twigs.
[static buzzing]
[scene cuts to the contestants walking through the forest on their way to the challenge grounds as Balto is seen glancing at Steele every now and then]
Dawn: Everything isn't at peace with you, is it?
Balto: What, I…[in a hushed tone]...I'll say it to him later…[notices the raised brow Dawn's giving him]...I promise…
Dawn: Hmm…
Rufus: [looks back at the wolfdog and then turns to Steele] I say, I think someone's got their eye on you.
Steele: Hmm? And who'd that be?
Rufus: Well, tis an observational question, could be me, could be someone else, maybe someone more possible than you think…
Steele: [raises a brow at the vulpine] What are you getting at?
Rufus: Someone's got the gaaaaay for yooooooou…[chortles to himself as he walks ahead of the malamute, purposely swishing his tail about as Steele tries to look away unperturbed]
[static buzzing]
Rufus: I'm really getting into messing around with those two, it provides me with the role of playing a...different kind of antagonist. Besides, so long as no one gets hurt, you can't say I'm being downright malicious.
[static buzzing]
[scene cuts to the teams standing on either side of the mud pit, Team Pulverizer to the left of the screen with Team Punisher to the right of the screen]
Chris: Alright, time to see who's ready to show off them arms! Better be prepared not to fall behind or start slacking early because that'll make you look weak and it might not do you too well if your team happens to be the one going to elimination tonight. [chuckles]
Jo: Alright, maggots, listen up! We're giving it our all, so I better see everyone doing their bit! And I mean everyone!
Octavia: Must every word that comes out of your mouth be something aggressive and insulting?
Jo: Ironic coming from the cold, condescending Beethoven.
Octavia: [casts an unamused glance at the camera]
Chris: Ready! Set! GO! [blows the air horn]
[the two teams tug and strain on the rope, pulling hard in order to maintain their position]
Steele: C'MON, PUT YOUR BACKS INTO IT!
Jo: SHOW 'EM NO MERCY!
Rarity: AGH, I'm...trying!
Anne Maria: Will you...just put...a cork in it?!
Chris: Team trash talk, always a lovely sight. [chuckles]
[with a fierce look of determination in her eyes, Jo pulls hard backward, causing Team Pulverizer to finally lose their momentum and fall into the mud, resulting in Team Punisher lurching backwards]
Chris: Team Punisher takes round one!
Jo: YES! In your face!
Steele: [whips off a clump of mud on his face] Ugh...bitch…
Rarity: Oooooooh, I look awful…
Rufus: There goes my suit…
Chris: I see Team Pulverizer is enjoying their little mud bath, and I'm enjoying watching them be all miserable about it. Will they end up with more mud on their faces? Find out after the break.
[scene cuts to black, the episode continues]
[scene shows Team Pulverizer inspecting any remaining mud on their bodies]
Rarity: Well, that certainly was an unpleasant experience.
Steele: It ain't happening again, not if I have anything to say about it.
Rufus: I don't suppose anyone has any bright ideas for what we could do.
Steele: What you lot were doing last time, I need 110%, not ifs or buts about it. If there's anyway we're gonna catch that Jo off-guard, there ain't gonna be no holding back.
[static buzzing]
Steele: I had to take charge of the operation, I've been in the position of leader before and this is no different. If there's any way we're gonna win this challenge, it's if I step in and take command, being the only one with any real muscle.
[static buzzing]
Chris: Okay, teams, it's time for the second round, get your game faces on cuz we're about to start!
Robin: Best we don't get too ahead of ourselves. No doubt the other team's going to try and step up their performance.
Jo: Really, cuz I say that one hard pull oughta get 'em running back to elimination.
Axel: Yo, I'm all for winnin', but don't start gettin' all cocky and what not.
Anne Maria: I mean, you take enough of it in ya' mouth I say.
Axel: [blushes lightly at this] Oof, cold, snooki.
Octavia: [rolls her eyes] Oh, good lord…
Chris: Ready! Set! Go! [blows the air horn]
[the two teams begin to pull on the rope once again. From what it looks like, Team Punisher has the advantage as they slowly move backwards]
Jo: C'mon, maggots! We almost got 'em!
Steele: Wait for it…
Anne Maria: Agh, they ain't budgin'!
Steele: NOW!
Jo: Huh?!
[with an almighty tug, Team Pulverizer is now on the side of advantage, pulling Team Punisher into the mud]
Anne Maria: AGH! It's in my hair!
Chris: Ooooooh, Team Pulverizer coming back strong as they win round two!
Jo: What the-how'd you do that?!
Steele: A little thing calling "conversing energy". Might wanna look into it sometime.
Jo: [wipes the mud off her face with a dark scowl] I'll give you conversing energy…
Chris: Alright, time to make things interesting. For the final round, the rope's gonna be lathered with grease, company of Chef's kitchen.
[as the hulking chef lathers the rope with the grease using a paintbrush, some of the contestants exchange apprehensive looks at each other]
Rarity: That looks so unsanitary.
Octavia: Ugh, how undignified.
Chef: Well, looks like it's gon suck fo' you then. Enjoy...[chuckles]
Balto: [winces as he picks up the rope] Auuuuugh, we'll be lucky enough for this thing not to just slip out of hands.
Dawn: [sighs] We might as well try to hold on…
Chris: Take your places, teams, it's time for the final round! Ready! Set! GO! [blows the air horn]
[this time, both teams struggle in maintaining a solid position as their hands slip about on the greasy rope]
Jo: Oooooh, no, I am not losing another challenge to Captain Furball!
Steele: AGH, come and try me, bitch!
Jo: [growls] PULL HARDER, DAMN IT!
Balto: Steele, what are you doing?! You're gonna set her off!
Steele: Exactly…
Balto: Huh?
Steele: PULL!
[with a sudden jolt, the members of Team Pulverizer lurch back hard, causing the members of Team Punisher to lose their position as they once again end up covered with mud]
Jo: Ah, NO!
Chris: Game over! Team Pulverizer wins the challenge!
[the members of Team Pulverizer cheer for their victory, Balto even going up to Steele in hugging him tightly out of adrenaline...before realizing what he's doing before pulling away hesitantly]
Balto: Oh...um...sorry about that…[sighs]...do you mind if we...talk later…?
Steele: Uhhhh...suuuuure…
[unbeknownst to the two canines, Dawn nods in approval]
Anne Maria: ARGH, I'm all muddy and greasy! No thanks ta' you, Jo!
Jo: Ooooooooh, I'm gonna clobber you!
[the jockette begins to chase the jersey girl away from the challenge grounds with Robin and Axel exchanging an awkward glance at each other while Octavia simply looks at the two human girls unamused]
[static buzzing]
Octavia: Well, I've had just about enough of this nonsense that I can take. I think now's the time to make it official.
[static buzzing]
[scene cuts to evening where Octavia finds Robin and Axel sitting on the steps of the cabins]
Robin: Oh, why, hello, Octavia.
Octavia: Pardon me, but I would like to ask you two a favor.
Axel: A'ight, Tavi, what's the scoop? Whatcha' got for us?
Octavia: It's a personal request...about the vote…
[scene cuts to black, at the Campfire Ceremony]
Chris: Well, well, well, look who came crawling back so soon. I sense a little tension in the air tonight. [chuckles as Jo and Anne Maria give each other deep glares] But anyways, you all know the procedure, so it's time to get voting.
[static buzzing]
Anne Maria: So long and good riddance!
[static buzzing]
Jo: I thought with Lightning gone I'd have an easier time, but thank you for reminding me as to why I hate you as well!
[static buzzing]
Chris: The following players are safe: Robin [catches the marshmallow]...Axel [catches the marshmallow]...
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Anne Maria [catches the marshmallow]. And now, it comes down to you two. Jo, you're not exactly an easy person to get along with. Octavia, you seem pretty uninterested in getting along with anyone. However, the final marshmallow goes to…
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Jo!
Jo: [catches the marshmallow]
Anne Maria: [scoffs]
Octavia: [sighs and stands up] About time, too.
[scene cuts to the Dock of Shame as the members of Team Punisher stand by as Octavia boards the Boat of Losers]
Octavia: Did I get anything out of this experience? In a way...yes...never sign up for a backwards reality show.
[the Boat of Losers departs from the dock and sets off into the night before disappearing off into the distance]
Chris: Looks like Octavia's attitude is as grey as her fur coat. Oh, well, her loss. That's five down, nine to go. Who else's sanity is gonna shoot through the roof? How many more smackdowns are we gonna see between the contestants? Hopefully a lot more on the next Total...Drama...Reloaded!
[scene cuts to black as the episode ends]