Chapter Six: Spirit of the Wolf
Chris: [narrating] Last time on Total Drama Reloaded, it was an all-out battle of the brawn in the most epic game of tug of war ever! And Team Punisher ended up getting a mud bath they'll never forget, never lose tug of war, eh, Jo? [chuckles] Meanwhile, Balto continued to be all wishy washy about revealing his deep dark secret to Steele, even stumbling upon Robin and Axel doing a little roleplay out in the woods while Jo and Anne Maria continued to argue like there was no tomorrow. In the end, however, it was Octavia who walked the Dock of Shame after having enough of her team's nonsense, making her the second contestant since Wolf in Pahkitew Island to leave the game willingly. Guess some people aren't ready to take the pain. [chuckles] [on-screen] We've got nine players left in the game and I'm sure we're all dying to see the long awaited conclusion to Balto's secrecy. Will we finally get our answer this time, find out right here on Total...Drama...Reloaded!
[cue theme song, the episode continues]
[scene shows the full moon in the night sky as the sounds of the forest echo from below. It then cuts to Dawn out in an open space right under the moonlight as she looks up to the sky]
Dawn: Great spirits of the forest, I come to you with a plea of assistance. Two souls have been separated and suffered for too long now and I only wish for them to find their peace once and for all. I understand that they are very antithetical of each other given their past, but I can see that the only way for them to find any kind of sanctuary is through coming to terms with their past endeavors…
[for a few seconds, nothing happens...until a rush of wind swirls around the moonchild and the sound of a wolf howling echoes through the forest]
[scene cuts to Balto and Steele sitting outside on the steps of the spa hotel]
Balto: So…
Steele: So...you wanna go first?
Balto: Hmm? Oh, yeah, sure, sure...yeah, I've been wondering...how's it been since...you know…
Steele: Well, I could give you the simple answer in that it's been utter dogs**t, but...it's a bit more complicated than that…
Balto: Yeah…?
Steele: As you can imagine, after you brought the team back to the safety of Nome with the medicine, I was ousted as a traitor, a charlatan, the devil incarnate. Looking back on it...yeah, I did bring it upon myself with how I pretty much lost my sanity for whatever reason during the whole pandemic escapade, especially seeing as you were only trying to help and then I tried to make you and the team lose track of where you were going...yeah, I really went off the deep end there, didn't I?
Balto: Well...you kinda did...actually, you really did.
Steele: Yeah...I guess I was just so...angry about how it seemed like I was just some disposable pawn to the humans, telling me that I was past my prime when I was carrying the whole team on my back in the races and any other duties we were assigned to do...and I suppose my hatred of wolfkind didn't help matters either...after that whole incident, I was practically exiled from the village, no one wanted to see a backstabbing jackass in their presence...it was the first time in a long time when I felt that thing called humility, as well as emptiness...I retreated into the forest to live out the rest of my days, forgotten and alone. Had to practically build my life up from scratch, make my own shelter, hunt my own food, wasn't exactly a pleasurable journey, but I made it work...guess you could say I was experiencing the exact thing you were back when you were considered a scourge among us…
Balto: Yeah...I guess you did...you know, I never expected to see this side of you in my lifetime…
Steele: Not surprised, I highly doubt that anyone would, or they just wouldn't believe it because I'm pretty much the scum of the earth who they'd love to see mounted over a fireplace...though I can only imagine you had pretty much the opposite experience since my departure, having all those people now worshipping you as some kind of hero.
Balto: Um, yeah...about that…it wasn't exactly as pleasant as I was hoping…
Steele: And whatchu mean by that…?
Balto: Well, I'll give it to you that you were right in people treating me in a more welcoming environment, being a big name in the village, getting the girl, raising a family, all sounds like a rest cure...well, not really...I didn't think much of it at the time, but it did feel...odd that everyone was now trying to be all buddy-buddy with me, like all the time they'd berated and looked down upon me suddenly didn't matter...and I'm sorry to say that a lot of people tried to pass the blame onto you as if you were the reason I was so hated before…
Steele: Ah, what a f**king surprise, of course I'm the scapegoat for all their problems, nothing to do with the fact that they willingly insulted you and your kind even without my influence.
Balto: Yeah...I began to realize that as well...until it came to me that...these people...they didn't care...they didn't care about me as a person, they didn't care about the fact that I had never once meant any harm to them, all they saw was an opportunity to brush their prejudices under the rug and make me look like some...some...joke. All those compliments, all those sayings of me being the best thing to happen to this town, none of it was genuine, they only made me feel special to make me forget about all the times they treated me harshly...and it was then when I began to fall into a bit of a depression...and it took a toll on my relationship with Jenna…
Steele: So...what happened then with her…?
Balto: [sighs] Not long after we had pups, things between us started to become...complicated...like, the spark we originally had...if it was even there to begin with...wasn't there anymore...I was starting to have feelings that maybe we rushed things too quickly...after all, while Jenna was one of the few people who was nice to me before the pandemic, I feel like I took advantage of that for my motivation in getting the medicine back to Nome...over the sick children suffering from illness...looking back on it...I was incredibly shallow to put my feelings for a girl over a crisis where people were sick and dying...and the way the village treated me afterwards didn't help matters either so...so...I-I couldn't...I couldn't do it anymore...and neither could Jenna...nothing she tried seemed to be able to get me into a better state of mind or to spice up our relationship...so we broke it off not too long ago…
Steele: Oh...I see…I'm...sorry to hear that...
Balto: Yeah...well, it couldn't be helped, I suppose...um, Steele...are you...still into her?
Steele: I'm not into her...nor into any chicks for that matter…
Balto: I...what?
Steele: [sighs] Yeah, big shocker, the furry version of Gaston isn't into hero boy's gal...or, ex-gal to be specific...but, yeah, I came to the conclusion that I just couldn't hold a stable relationship with a chick, it just wasn't in my style...it also brought to light of who I actually was in terms of...well, intimacy…
Balto: Wait, so does that mean you're…
Steele: Yuuuuuuuup. Exactly that...you know, not many people know about this, but back in my days of being top dog for the sled team, we found ways in taking care of those...urges…
Balto: [blushes and coughs] Uh, y-yeah, I'm sure…
Steele: Yeah...anyways, I've a question...you currently seeing anyone…?
Balto: Well...n-no, I'm not...why do you ask…?
Steele: Well...I was just wondering is all...you know...I never thought I'd say this...but I feel like the two of us are the only ones who really...get each other…if you know what I mean…
Balto: Um...well...I suppose when you put it that way...I can agree on that...after all, you're the only person who I've felt confident enough to really disclose what's troubling me...and I'll admit...I'm...sorry you had to go through all time of being labeled as the scourge of Nome. It helped me more in realizing that, well…the people in the village were merely stringing me along...you, on the other hand, ironically look like the only genuine person coming from that place as of now…
Steele: Huh...neve thought I'd hear you say that...but I appreciate it...also, all that time helped me realize that you know...maybe wolves aren't so bad after all...especially the ones with as much heart as you have…
Balto: Oh...well...thank you…[his ears suddenly flutter up the sound of something in the distance]...uh, do you hear that?
Steele: Huh...wait...I think...I can hear it as well...even see it...something...glowing coming from the woods…
Balto: Strange...you wanna...go see what it is…?
Steele: I mean…couldn't hurt, I suppose…
[the two canines stand up from the steps and begin to make their way into the forest]
[meanwhile, Dawn is in front of a luminous white glow]
Dawn: I see you got my message...it's been a while, hasn't it? [she then senses that there is a precedence among them] Ah...and it seems you've done more than your fair share…
[out from the trees appears Balto and Steele, initially squinting at the life before their eyes widen, Balto in particular is stunned at what he sees]
Balto: Is...is that...who I think it is…?
[in front of Dawn is a lupine with fur coat as white as snow, all bare in form, with what appears to be a contemplative look on its face]
Dawn: I take that you've met the spirit of the White Wolf?
Balto: Why...yes...back during when I was struggling through the mountains in that blizzard, he came to me in my time of guidance...I-I just...how is that you've-
Dawn: I'm deeply connected with the animals of the forest, including their spirits. I was able to communicate with the White Wolf for I had a matter that needed attendance, revolving around you two…
Steele: Wait...are you saying that…
White Wolf: While I had come on behalf of Dawn's request for this situation, I did not have anything to do with you two patching up your differences, I sensed it, but I did not see the need to interfere...however, I know for a fact that you are the one known as Steele.
Steele: I...yes…
White Wolf: Well, I know that you've not had the best track record with our kind, a past of prejudice and beration, I would think you need to be severely punished for said actions...however, it is clear to me that you have seen just what it's like to be on the other end of the stick, so I believe that you have suffered enough in your little endeavor…
Steele: That'd be putting it lightly...but you're right on the dot with that statement...it really sucked major ass having to deal with being all isolated from society, but I suppose you could say it was the wake up call I sorely needed...
White Wolf: Truer words were never spoken, however, I can tell by the looks of things that the two of you seem to have settled your long drawn out quarrel, so I take it we can leave it at that...but can I ask of you that you under any circumstances will never slip back into your old ways of vulgarity and discrimination?
Steele: [senses the authority in the white lupine's voice and clears his throat] You have my word, spirit, sir...by the way, I gotta ask...what's your name?
White Wolf: I do not go under a single alias as I merely go under the title of…"the White Wolf".
[suddenly, the Aurora from above starts to shine, signaling the spirit's departure]
White Wolf: Well, I believe that my time down here has come to a close, but I shall leave you all with a reminder that I'm always watching…
[the spirit flies up into the aurora of fellow animals running in a herd as the light finally disappears, leaving the three mortals on the ground]
Steele: Whoa...I just...whoa...
Balto: What an experience, never thought I would see him ever again…[turns to Dawn]...you really are a work of magic, aren't you?
Dawn: Twas only doing my part in trying to bring a little light into your situation, although I always wondered why you referred to the spirit as such as a female and as your birth mother in your second film.
Balto: [hilts an embarrassed breath] Uh...laziness on the director of the film in that case...oh God, that was so humiliating…
Steele: Yeah...I heard about that...kinda did ya' dirty in that endeavor, didn't they? [chuckles]
Balto: You've no idea…
Steele: Heh, imagine they call you back for another film after all this time and they find out you're now friendly with your rival. [chuckles] The looks on their faces I can imagine.
Balto: Hehe, yeah, that would be pretty amusing to say the least...you know, in all my life, I never expected to be having a casual conversation with you.
Steele: Same goes from me to you...but hey, life's full of surprises, ain't it?
Balto: Yeah...you're right there.
[static buzzing]
Dawn: One would think it would be impossible to see Balto and Steele utter anything that wasn't in defense, but I had a feeling that the two of them would have seen the light in each other. It was truly beautiful…
[static buzzing]
[scene cuts to morning and then to the interior of the spa hotel where Team Pulverizer is seen eating breakfast. Rufus notices that the two dogs from Nome are speaking to each other in a rather non-defensive tone and raises a brow]
Rufus: I say, have the lovebirds reconciled their quarrel?
Balto: [blushes at the term "lovebirds"] Well, I guess you could say-
Steele: That it looks like foxy wanted a piece of the action.
Rufus: [a light shade of red appears on his face as he clears his throat] Um…
Steele: If you wanted to join in, you could have just asked.
Balto: Um, Steele, what are you…
Steele: Lookit him all flustered, it's priceless.
Balto: [looks to see Rufus trying to recompose himself and can't help but giggle] Yeah, I suppose it is.
[static buzzing]
Rufus: [clears throat] Well...it appears I've fulfilled my end of the bargain, and it looks like no one can use this as leverage against me, now that Balto and Steele are at peace, I suppose all I have to do is sit back and...watch from the sidelines...um, what was that? [lets out a nervous chuckle] It also sounded like I was, nah, there's no way…[his right eye twitches]
[static buzzing]
Rarity: Well, this is new, never expected to see those two talk so peacefully to one another, but I can't say it isn't a welcome improvement.
Dawn: Indeed, it brings me relief to see that even the most antithetical of beings can find in themselves to bring out the peace in each other.
Loudspeaker: [off-screen] Attention, campers! You might wanna finish up whatever you're doing as you're gonna need your wits about for today's challenge! And believe me, this will be very difficult for some of you! [chuckles] Meet me in the center of the forest in ten!
Rarity: Now if only he could find peace in himself…
[scene cuts to the center of the forest where the contestants are standing before the host]
Chris: Today's challenge promises to test your ability of accuracy, as well as how well you can hold a weapon.
Robin: So, would I be correct in assuming that the theme is archery?
Chris: Close, but a little more on the modern side. You will indeed be shooting at targets, but instead of using the bow and arrow, you'll be using...rifles! [pulls out and cocks it]
Jo: Heh, now this is what I'm talkin' about.
Robin: Oh...dear…
Axel: Somethin' the matter, slick?
Robin: Well, I admit that while the arrow is my speciality, I'm not exactly the most...coordinated when it comes to firearms…
Axel: Ooooh, I see...well, I wouldn't worry too much about it when you've got me to assist.
Robin: I take it you've experience in this department?
Axel: Heh, Pops showed me a bit a dis stuff back when I was a lil pup. I've picked up a few tips.
Chris: The way the targets are laid is the white zone gives you either one or two points, the black zone gives you either three or four points, the blue zone gives you either five or six points, the red zone gives you either seven or eight points, the outer yellow zone gives you nine points and the center of the target gives you a broad ten points. The team with the most points win the challenge and is safe from elimination. Oh, and to push up the ante, you'll be shooting at deer props where the target lies!
[scene shifts over to the shooting grounds where the deer are all lined up with targets on their middle section]
Dawn: [gasps]
[static buzzing]
Dawn: I'm already not a fan of using weapons, but to shoot at an animal is unthinkable! Even if it's just a prop, it's still as disingenuous!
[static buzzing]
Chris: Team Pulverizer, seeing as you have an extra member, one of you will be sitting out for this challenge.
Dawn: [sighs] Then I'd like to-
Chris: One of you will be sitting out for this challenge...under my decision.
Dawn: [gulps]
Chris: Seeing as he led the team to victory in the last challenge, I decree that Steele will be sitting out for Team Pulverizer!
Steele: Hmph…
[static buzzing]
Steele: Chris knows damn well that without me on the field, our team's gonna be at a disadvantage. So that slimy son of a bitch kept in the person who wants nothing to do with this challenge over someone who could actually provide their services...jackass.
[static buzzing]
[scene cuts to the contestants standing in line according; Balto, Rarity, Rufus, and Dawn for Team Pulverizer, Jo, Axel, Anne Maria, and Robin for Team Punisher]
Chris: Alright, teams! Time to see who's got a sharp eye, first up, we have Balto vs. Jo!
Jo: Might wanna think about turning tail cuz I got this one in the bag.
Balto: Hmm, don't be too sure of yourself…[looks straight ahead at the deer target]...this feels so wrong…
Chris: Ready! [Balto and Jo hold up their rifles at the ready] Aim! [the two contestants close one eye to get a direct view of the target as they position their rifles] Aaaaaand FIRE!
[the two rifles go off, making an impact on the target. Upon further inspection, Jo's bullet landed in the inner red circle, while Balto's bullet landed in the outer blue circle]
Jo: Ha! She shoots, she scores!
Chris: And Jo puts Team Punisher up at eight points, while Balto earns Team Pulverizer a measly five points. Tough luck. [chuckles]
Balto: Hmph.
[static buzzing]
Jo: Usually, girls would try and stay as far away from guns back from where I come. Not this girl, I've had experience with guns ever since Grandad took me on my first hunting trip. [sighs] Good times.
[static buzzing]
Chris: Next up, we have Rarity vs. Axel!
Rarity: [as she walks up to the white line] Oh, dear, I'm not so sure about this…
Axel: It's all in the technique, violet. Nothing much to it.
Rarity: [under her breath] Oh, I'm sure you would know…
Chris: Ready! [Rarity and Axel hold up their rifles at the ready] Aim! [the two contestants close one eye to get a direct view of the target as they position their rifles] And FIRE! [the two rifles go off, making an impact on the target. Further inspection reveals that Axel's bullet landed in the outer red circle, while Rarity's bullet landed in the inner black circle]
Rarity: Oh, hayneedles…
Axel: [blows the smoke from the rifle] And that's how we do it.
Chris: And Axel continues Team Punisher's lead with seven points, rounding up to a total of fifteen! Meanwhile, Rarity's sucktacular aim earns Team Pulverizer four points, rounding up to a total of nine. The Pulverizers are gonna need a miracle at this rate to get out of heading to elimination. The question is, will they be able to pull it off? Find out the answer to that after the break!
[scene cuts to black, the episode continues]
Chris: We're back and from where we last left off, the score is 15-9, Team Punisher! Can Team Pulverizer swipe away the lead? Time to find out with Rufus vs. Anne Maria!
Anne Maria: [as she walks up to the white line] Alright, bullseye, it's just you, me and dis bullet that's gonna go right through ya'...
Rufus: [stares intently at the target with stilted eyes] Hmm...just aim...for the center…
Chris: Ready! [Rufus and Anne Maria hold up their rifles at the ready] Aim! [the two contestants close one eye to get a direct view of the target as they position their rifles] And FIRE! [the two rifles go off, making an impact on the target]
Anne Maria: Ho yeah! Who's the smartest tool in the shed?!
Chris: [off-screen] Obviously not you.
Anne Maria: I beg ya' pardon?
Chris: It turns out that Anne Maria shot the outer black zone, earning only three points for her team, bringing that total up to eighteen. In a stunning turn of events, Rufus managed to hit the outer yellow zone, earning nine points for his team, which brings Team Pulverizer's total up to eighteen!
Anne Maria: [throws down her rifle in disgust] Agh! Stupid rifle, prolly broken anyways…[snorts off indignantly]
Rufus: [with a satisfied grin] Hmm, looks like I showed them.
[static buzzing]
Rufus: The trick is to imagine your target as something you want to hit with pure accuracy. For me, I imagined Mao Mao's face. Sadistic, yes. Warranted...also yes.
[static buzzing]
Chris: Alright, time for the final round! Both teams are currently tied at 18-all, so let's see which team'll come out on top! To the right, we have Dawn shooting for Team Pulverizer! [Dawn looks down at the rifle with an uneasy expression and then at the deer target, feeling rather pale, if it were even possible] And to the left, we have Robin shooting for Team Punisher! [Robin steps up to the white line looking rather uneasy]
Robin: Oh, dear...come on, Robin, it's not that different from an arrow, just...more...modern…
[static buzzing]
Robin: I know it looks rather unnatural for me to be so uneasy about a weapon, but when you're used to mainly using something you're good at, as opposed to something you've just picked up, the feeling of anxiety can't escape you.
[static buzzing]
Axel: [as he stops alongside the vulpine] Hey, Robbie...you alright there…?
Robin: To be completely honest...no…
Axel: It'll be alright, I swear...just imagine it's like a bow and arrow.
Robin: But the feel...it's so...different…
Axel: It's still shooting, and I know you fancy to shoot. Now...you gonna let that gun take control of you, or you take control a' that gun?
Robin: Well...I…[inhales...and then exhales]...alright then...I'll take your word on it…
Axel: And for a lil extra motivation…~ [pecks the fox on the cheek before scampering away to the sidelines]
Robin: [blushes slightly at this]...oh, you cheeky wolf...but that's what fascinates me about you…~
Balto: [approaches a rather nervous-looking Dawn] Are you alright there?
Dawn: Um, well, I would say…
Chris: Time to start shooting, people!
Dawn: ...perfectly fine, yes! [tries to walk away coolly, but still looks rather unnerved, leaving behind a rather concerned wolfdog]
[static buzzing]
Dawn: I can do it, it's no big deal, it's just shooting a gun onto a target...a target that looks like a deer...oooh, why do I have a feeling Chris did this on purpose?
[static buzzing]
Chris: Gee, I wonder who's idea it was to have the targets resemble animals. I wonder…[chuckles]
[static buzzing]
[the two contestants stand up to the white line, trying to look as calm as possible]
Chris: Ready! [Dawn lifts up her rifle at the ready] Aim! [Robin closes one eye to get a direct view of the target, mere drops of sweat trickling down his face] Aaaaaaaaand…[scene splits into a double screen to show the moonchild and the fox about to shoot]...FIRE!
[the sound of a rifle goes off, followed by the impact of a target being hit. Everyone watches intently to see the results. The scene cuts to the dissipating smoke revealing Robin having hit the target right in the middle of the yellow zone]
Chris: Whoa...Robin scores a bullseye for Team Punisher, bringing their total up to twenty-eight!
[the members of Team Punisher cheer for this victory as Robin lets out a sigh of relief]
Chris: And it appears that Dawn has yet to shoot her rifle.
[scene cuts to Dawn shaking uncontrollably as she remains in place]
Rarity: Dawn? Are you alright, darling?
Steele: Oh no…[facepalms and then under his breath] Chris, you sick f**k…
Dawn: I...I…[lets down her rifle with a look of defeat]...I can't do it…
Chris: Well, I guess Dawn's refusal to shoot leaves Team Pulverizer at eighteen to Team Punisher's twenty-eight, meaning...Team Punisher wins the challenge!
Jo: Ha-ha, yes!
Anne Maria: Oh, yeah, we in da' hotel tonight, baby!
Axel: [puts a hand on Robin's shoulder] And you win an extra something tonight~
Robin: Oh, you~ But thank you for that earlier...you're a great help.
Axel: Aye, I'm just lookin' out for my foxy.
Chris: As for you, Team Pulverizer, I'll be seeing your sorry butts at the campfire ceremony tonight. [chuckles as he walks past the forlorn Team Pulverizer]
[scene cuts to evening where Balto and Steele are seen sitting on the steps of the cabins]
Balto: I feel so bad for Dawn...I know she cost us the challenge, but it was out of anxiety...surely you can understand that…
Steele: A long time ago, I wouldn't have given two shits unless everyone was performing at their best...but now...I dunno…
[unbeknownst to the two canines, Dawn is watching them from behind one of the sides of the cabin with a somber look on her face. She then turns around to face an individual off-screen]
Dawn: I have a request for you…
[scene cuts to black, at the Campfire Ceremony]
Chris: Welcome back, Team Pulverizer. I gotta say, it must suck having lost the challenge due to someone nearly wetting their pants. [chuckles before he sees the glowering looks the contestants are giving him, barring Dawn who's looking down at the ground with a downcast expression on her face] Yeesh, have a sense of humor, people.
[static buzzing]
Balto: Okay, I have to ask, is everything a joke to that host? Is nothing sacred?
[static buzzing]
Chris: The following players are safe: Balto [catches the marshmallow]...Steele [catches the marshmallow]...and Rufus [catches the marshmallow]. Ladies, this is the final marshmallow of the night. Rarity, you could be going home because you've been on this show more times than anyone else, meaning that some people see you as an outsider. Dawn, you could be going home because you let your anxiety get the better of you and cost your team the challenge. Also because your whole thing about reading auras is creepy as hell. Without further ado, the last person safe is…
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Rarity!
Rarity: [breathes a sigh of relief as she catches the marshmallow]
Dawn: [sighs sadly and stands up] It was my own undoing...I shall be led to the dock if you will.
[scene cuts to the Dock of Shame as the members of Team Pulverizer stand at attention as Dawn boards the Boat of Losers]
Dawn: Farewell, my friends. Be safe as I shall never forget you…
[the boat departs from the dock and sails off into the night before disappearing into the distance]
Chris: I guess you could say that Dawn's done for. [chuckles]
Steele: My God, you suck at puns.
Chris: Who's next to crumble under the pressure and be booted off this show? Find out next time on Total...Drama...Reloaded!
[scene cuts to black as the episode ends]