Author's Note: I am so sorry about how long this took. Honestly my mental state and self-esteem hasn't been the greatest lately. That and I've been acutely aware that my plots this season have mostly fallen flat. But I'm back and I'm going to finish this series. Also I should let you know I'm going to finish this fic out first, then switch to Ridonculous Race and after that I'll do All-Stars 2.
Disclaimer: I don't own Total Drama, the shuffled concept or the (most of) the characters.
TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter involves heavily implied physical abuse toward children. Reader discretion advised.
And to answer some reviews:
Derick Lindsey: Really? I thought Owen was an obvious boot last time. Though from a writers point even the scummy characters deserve the money, they worked for it. Glad you like the cameos since that probably the last chapter with them for a while. There is a double elimination, but it's going to be next week. I think you'll find a lot of things happening that you don't expect. My Halloween was okay, thank for the sentiment.
PurpleShadowManipulator: It's okay, review when you can. I mean look how long it's been since I've written anything. It's weird my notes for Contessa's character had her as someone normally sassy but awkward around crushes. But I haven't had much opportunity to show the sassy part. Don't feel bad about your dislike of Mitch. He's meant to be just a generic guy. I'm glad you like Olivia though. Like I said she was originally meant to be the villain of the never to be written Total Drama Redemption, with pretty much the same personality. Once she gave up on using her fame to coast through, she shows you exactly how she managed to survive Hollywood. Glad you like Rebecca, because she's a major player this episode. Terrance will come more to the forefront as the episodes go on. I agree Topher's role is better here, as in he actually has one.
Guest: Well to be fair, there was no where else to go with that. Glad you liked that particular reference. Look no further for the next chapter.
Gucci Mane LaFlare: Glad you liked the challenge. Eh, if Owen hadn't gone last time he'd get the boot here. I like the guy, but the novelty of him winning was kinda taken by canon.
Critica7: Owen was a good comedic character, but as you'll see it was time to shoo out the clowns. Would it help your opinion of Mitch to know he's kinda supposed to be boring? I'm glad you somewhat like to others though.
Tempokeep: Glad you liked Owen. You've got some interesting predictions. Only one way to see if you're right.
OmniUIShaggyOverexaggerated: Oh you ain't seen nothing yet.
That British Guy: Wait til you read this one.
Remaining Campers:
Boys: Mitch, Terrance, Topher
Girls: Contessa, Rebecca, Olivia
The challenge? Survive.
Episode 10: Chris's Day Off
"Last time, on Total Drama Danger Island!" The recap began with a shot of each camper working in the kitchen. "The competition really started to heat up! Terrance told Rebecca to shove it after her role in eliminating Jasmine, and Rebecca swore revenge," the scenes quickly transitioned into Terrance and Rebecca's argument, "Olivia tricked Owen into outing Contessa," a clip was shown of the actress and optimists conversation, "and Terrance gathered the remaining guys into a voting bloc." The guys' conversation in the forest was shown.
"In the end Owen's conscience got the better of him, and he volunteered for elimination," the host said over clips of Owen's declaration, and subsequently being flung from the Trebu-Shame. "For now, I've decided to take the day off. But that doesn't mean our campers will have it easy!" The previous episode's footage finally ended, and Chris gleefully finished his introduction. "Find out what happens right now! On Total! Drama! Daaaaaaaaanger Island!"
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[The sequence begins much as it did during the first season, with an open into letterbox format as the camera focuses on the tops of a few distant barren pine trees. A barnacle-covered stage light rotates up and turns on; then the shot changes to a seaweed-covered spotlight swinging down and turning on as well; then a small security camera popping out of a small water-filled hole; then another camera bursting out of a tree hollow, a small deluge of water flowing out with it; then a pair of fair-skinned arms clapping a film slate in front of the camera which switches to a shot of the island, then flying forward down the dock and past the run-down buildings, passing the host as he handed a roll of duct tape to the fat intern and pointed off to the left.]
Dear Mom and Dad, I'm doin' fine;
[The camera flies through the trees and up to the largest cliff, peeking over to see two rings of buoys laid out in the water.]
You guys are on my mind!
[The camera dives off the cliff and into an underwater shot; Owen is swimming through the water with a large grin as a fish swims by. He farts, and the gas bubbles kill the fish.]
Ya asked me what I wanted to be,
And now I think the answer is plain to see!
[A cut to the surface, where Olivia is in her swimsuit sunbathing on a pink inflatable raft. The fish surfaces, and she sits up with a look of pure disgust. A bird swoops down and picks up the fish, and the camera follows the bird as it flies away.]
I wanna be...famous!
[The scene lingers on the bird in front of the sun for a moment before it drops the fish. The camera pans down to Topher sitting on a stump and admiring his reflection in a mirror; the fish lands in his hair and he runs away screaming and wiping away his hair. The camera zooms out to show Scott watching the scene and laughing, and then again to show Terrance also laughing, the two boys slapping five as Scott wipes a tear from his eye.]
I wanna live close to the sun!
[The camera zooms to another part of camp, showing Leonard and Lindsay sitting in canoe and about to go over a waterfall. As he was too busy casting spells and she was too busy being impressed, they notice too late and scream as they go over the edge.]
Well pack your bags, 'cause I've already won!
[The shot pans down to the bottom of the waterfall, showing Rodney standing on a broken log suspended between two rocks with a blank look on his face. Though he does not see Leonard or the canoe falling behind him, he does see Lindsay and catches her. She smiles wide and hugs him, and he drops her with a lovestruck expression.]
Everythin' to prove, nothin' in my way;
[The camera rapidly pans to the right to the outhouse confessional, where Rebecca is spray painting something to the side. The camera pans out to show Jasmine leaving the confessional unaware as to what Rebecca is doing, then pans over to the Main Lodge – Chef's silhouette is visible in the window.]
I'll get there one day.
[The camera moves in past the window to show an irritated Chef, arm deep in a large pot of something sickly green. He looks behind him to where Max and Carly are sitting; the former with his arms raised and in the middle of an evil laugh, the latter trembling in fear next to him.]
'Cause I wanna be...famous!
[The camera pans left to Mitch sitting with his feet on the counter. He tips his hat to the camera, and it zooms out past another window to show the edge of the docks. Contessa notices the camera and gives a short and shy wave.]
(Na-na nanananaa, nanana-nanaa, na-nananananaa)
[Dakota moves the camera onto herself, and kisses the lens. She waves as the female intern quickly wipes away the smudge, then types something into her cellphone. Moments later, five other men appear on the docks with cameras, snapping pictures of a rapidly-posing Dakota.
I wanna be! I wanna be! I wanna be famous! (Na-na nanananaa, nanana-nanaa, na-nananananaa)
[The camera pans down the docks to show Beth giving a wide toothy grin and wave to the camera.]
I wanna be! I wanna be! I wanna be famous! (Na-na nanananaa, nanana-nanaa, na-nananananaa)
[Beth steps back and twirls a flaming baton while passing it back and forth between her hands, then tosses it in the air. The camera follows the baton as day becomes night. The camera lingers as the baton falls out of frame - a few embers still flying up - and pans down across the stars and dead trees and full moon to Mitch and Jasmine, sitting at a campfire together. They lean in for a kiss but are interrupted by Owen's sudden appearance between then, an arm around both of them and an oblivious smile. The shot zooms out to show the other campers also sitting around the fire and whistling the last few notes of the theme song - Max, Carly, Olivia, Rodney, Contessa, Rebecca, and Lindsay on Mitch's side; Beth, Scott, Leonard, Dakota, Terrance and Topher on Jasmine's side as Chris watches on Jasmine's side and Chef watches on Mitch's. The shot continued to zoom out until a signboard was shown marking the presumed entrance to the fire pit; it read 'TOTAL DRAMA DANGER ISLAND' in block letters, the third word being the largest and the last word relegated to a board tacked on at the end]
XXXXX
The episode began with a shot of the cabin, several puddles in the common area indicating that the island was becoming increasingly marsh-like. Five of the six campers loitered on its porch.
"Listen up, campers!" Chris announced through the loudspeaker. "I've got good news! The lawyers believe the six of you need a break and I'm inclined to agree," he added. "So I can guarantee that tomorrow, you will not have a challenge," Contessa was shown reading her book while Terrance raised an eyebrow. "So sit back, relax," Topher, who had been fiddling with Chris's phone, smiled up at the loudspeaker, "and enjoy my- I mean your day off," Mitch leaned against the wall and sighed as Olivia filed her nails, "Have fuuuuun!"
As his transmission cut out, Mitch scoffed and rolled his eyes. "I may've been born at night," he said, "but it wasn't last night."
"Why aren't you out by your tree?" Topher asked him.
"It sank this mornin'," the cowboy shrugged. "Guess I'll just hafta sleep on the floor of the cabin now."
Before anyone could respond Contessa suddenly closed her book with enough force to gain the attention of everyone present. "I have to tell you all something," she said with a startling amount of conviction.
No one said anything for a while, then Topher finally pocketed the host's phone and cleared his throat. "I believe there was a potentially game-changing announcement?"
Contessa nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I wouldn't say it was game changing..." she muttered. "At least I hope it's not. Just something I've been hiding since I got here because I was too afraid to tell you. But after Owen quit because of it, I just can't hide it anymore. My only real friend gave up a million dollars because I was being a coward."
"Who cares?" Terrance called out before Contessa could reply. "He quit? That's his problem. And one less person I have to beat to get said million."
"Couldn't y'all at least try to have a heart?" Mitch shot in disbelief. "For cryin' out loud ain't she allowed to be upset over what happened? I know I'm still miffed about Jasmine."
"Jasmine wasn't my fault," the basketballer shot back. "And if you can't handle people being eliminated then you signed up for the wrong show."
"I get that it's an elimination game," the cowboy continued. "But how y'all been actin' just ain't right. Y'all need to remember these're are actual people around here and-"
The shot cut back to Contessa, who closed her eyes and shouted "I'M GAY!"
The camera pulled back to show everyone staring at the hopeless romantic. "Sorry," she said. "But I was trying to build up the nerve to say something and you guys kinda hijacked the conversation."
"And we're supposed to care because...?" Terrance followed up.
"You mean?" Contessa asked. "You're all okay with it?"
"Love is love," Mitch shrugged.
"I mean I'm a little ticked that you're hot and I'll never have a shot, but other than that I'm good," Topher shrugged.
"I'm from California," Olivia scoffed. "Do you honestly think I'm prejudiced?"
It was then that Rebecca showed up, with a can of spray paint in hand. "What's all the fuss about?" she asked. "I can barely hear myself tag."
"Contessa just came out of the closet," Terrance told her with a smirk that only she noticed. "Isn't that great?"
"That's..." the rebel faltered momentarily, "...just perfect."
XXX
"I lost two alliance members in the same day," Rebecca complained. "So if there's even one more thing that flies out of my control, I may actually lose it."
She crossed her arms. "And it's all Terrance's fault. Luckily I can still salvage this," she smirked.
XXX
The night fell upon Camp Wawanakwa, and the campers wordlessly decided to take refuge in their cabins. Rebecca closed the door to the girls' cabin, and Mitch closed the door to the guys', and a tense tune began.
The scene flashed ahead, revealing the silhouette of Chef inside the cabin. He walked over to one of the beds, and pulled a sleeping Olivia out of it and dragged her out the door. The silhouette of Dakota was next, dragging Contessa outside, followed by the female intern dragging Rebecca out of bed.
The camera panned up to the sky and the scene progressed as the moon was replaced by the sun.
\
Chris stretched and yawned, the shot moving back to show him standing on the porch of the mess hall with suitcase next to him.
Chef rode up on the ATV, a look of amusement on his face. "Hey Chef," the host asked asked, "everything taken care of?"
"Yeah," the hulking cook replied. "Those sleepin' pills I put in dinner should be wearin' off any minute now" he said, lifting up and orange bottle with white pills inside and shaking it a bit.
The host smiled. "Perfect!" he said as he took another look around the campgrounds. "Now it's time for our contractually obligated vacay," he rubbed his hands together, then grabbed the suitcase and walked off.
\
The scene cut to a nondescript patch of sand. The camera pulled back to show the Final Six all asleep and arranged in a circle– Contessa, Rebecca, and Olivia were on the left, and Mitch, Terrance, and Topher were on the right.
Topher got up with a yawn, then looked around and yelped. The scream woke up Olivia, who cried out when she saw the the beach she was on. That scream in turn caused Rebecca to stir, and with a shout of "What the?!" she bolted upright.
"What's going on?" Terrance asked with a yawn, blearily standing up and walking forward. He tripped over Mitch, which caused him to fully wake up, and the cowboy to awaken as well.
"How the heck should I know?" Rebecca barked at him.
"You think Chris had something to do with this?" Topher suggested, shaking Contessa until she woke up.
"I'd be greatly surprised if he wasn't" Terrance griped. He was about to continue before a shrill shriek shut him up.
The camera cut to Contessa bolting up fast enough to almost slam into Topher. He glared at her as she darted her eyes around.
"Holy crap," Contessa said in a panic, "Where are we?"
XXX
"They kidnapped us and dumped us in some random location," Rebecca griped. "Again! This show is really testing my patience."
XXX
The scene cut to Mitch's shoes as they walked onto sand, the camera panning to the left to show that a plain white envelope on the beach before pulling back as the cowboy bent down to pick it up. A variety of plants dotted the area; dead, like the flora at the main camp.
"What are we gonna do now?" Contessa asked, hunched over and arms wrapped around herself as her wide eyes darted around.
"Calm down," Olivia told her, "clearly this is just another one of McLean's ridiculous sets!" She kicked a nearby rock in frustration, and stubbed her toe.
"Yeah, it's just some stupid challenge or something," Terrance added.
"You're both right," Mitch said calmly. "I just found this note from Chris," he explained, holding up a piece of paper.
"What does it say?" Topher asked.
"Hold your horses," the cowboy snapped. "Congratulations campers on reaching the final six," he read to a slow and tense tune. "I've got a bunch of vacation days stored up and want to use one. So, in an homage to Season One's camp castaway disaster, your challenge is to survive on this deserted beach until I feel like coming to get you. And I highly recommend working together for this one. You saw how the 'every camper for themselves' rule worked last time."
"So how do we win?" Rebecca asked.
Mitch gave a short sigh. "Iff'n y'all had let me finish, I'da told you. There is no immunity this time."
"WHAT?!" Olivia, Rebecca, and Terrance screeched.
XXX
"I have to suffer through this and I can't even save myself?" Olivia gasped. "This is ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous!"
XXX
"You know," Terrance rubbed his chin. "Maybe this isn't such a bad thing after all..."
XXX
The entirety of Rebecca's confessional was her breathing heavily and struggling to keep herself calm.
XXX
"Well I don't know about you guys," Terrance announced, "but I'm gonna go find some shelter."
"Wait! Don't you think we should be working together?" Contessa told him as he ran off. "Because there's no telling how long Chris is gonna leave us stranded out here!" Terrance gave her no response, already past the nearby dead shrubs and soon out of sight.
"Personally," Mitch interrupted as he gathered the assorted bedding the other five campers woke up in, "I think it'd best if we stayed on the beach and built some sorta shelter. Ain't like we can take refuge in the trees."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "If you think I'm gonna stay here and let who knows what swoop down after me, you're nuts. There's bound to be some shelter further inland. You better enjoy your little vacation Chris!" she shouted at the sky, "Because I'm gonna remember this!"
XXX
"Oooooooohhhh, I'm so scared!" Chris laughed mockingly.
XXX
"You know what?" Rebecca told the others, "Chris just said he recommends us working together. Which means I don't have to stick around you all if I don't want to. And I don't want to." She stormed off down the beach, receiving stares from Topher, Olivia, and Mitch as she left them alone together and Contessa chased after her.
XXX
"Maybe I could have 'handled' that better," she explained in the confessionals, making use of air quotes and a significant dose of sarcasm, "but honestly, with everything that's happened everyone's just been getting on my nerves. Not that I need them to survive a deserted island or anything."
XXX
The rebel poked her head through some dead potted shrubs, and her face lit up. "Score!" she said with a growing smile. "This'll make things way easier!" As she spoke, the camera zoomed out to reveal the large and well-built treehouse from the first season's castaway episode nearby, with a ladder leading up to its front porch from the beach.
\
The scene cut to Topher stumbling through the jungle, looking on edge and darting his eyes around despite the complete lack of any sounds of nature. "Okay," he told himself, "so I'm stuck on a deserted island with no food or shelter. It's not that bad! All I have to do is-" he suddenly tripped and fell, and the camera cut to the ground as he landed painfully. "What the heck?"
The scene moved to the fan's point of view, revealing that he had tripped on a coconut of all things. A short triumphant tune played as the scene returned to normal and Topher gleefully said "Food!" He grabbed the coconut, but suddenly became tense. "Aren't we in Northern Ontario? What are coconuts doing here? More importantly, aren't all the plants on this island dead? Something's not right here..."
He slowly began to creep forward, shooting confused looks at the area around him. The phone he stole from Chris rang before he could delve further into his thoughts. He gasped excitedly and checked the device, but scoffed and pocketed the phone with a roll of his eyes.
XXX
"I've been leaving messages with the producers trying to get them to go with a younger host," he told the outhouse. "Namely me. I thought that was them getting in touch with me, but noooo," he scoffed again. "It was his mom sending him a video of a cat on a football field."
XXX
"Not bad," Rebecca told herself as she stood on the treehouse porch and looked out over the land below. "Better see what's inside before the others get here." She threw open the door and gasped when Contessa tapped her on the shoulder. Startled, she took a step backwards and bumped into the girl in the process, causing both to fall to the ground with a crash.
The camera cut to Mitch and Olivia, who perked their heads up from what they were doing below the field of view.
"What was that?" Olivia asked first.
"Aw biscuits," Mitch sighed, "Come on, whoever it is may need help," He dashed off screen; Olivia rolled her eyes and followed at a casual pace.
The two caught up to Rebecca and Contessa on the beach below the treehouse, where the girls had already gotten to their feet and begun dusting themselves off. "What happened?" Mitch asked in concern.
"Nothing," Rebecca spat defensively. "Someone just decided to scare the crap outta me is all."
"Sorry," Contessa said sheepishly. "I thought you knew I was there."
"Yeah whatever," the rebel scoffed as she started to climb the ladder again.
\
A flash took the scene back to Terrance, who had returned his attention to the coconut and was examining it critically. "Okay," he said hesitantly, "I'm pretty sure coconuts don't actually go bad, so I should be safe if I eat it. The question is," he added as he walked around a bit, "what is it even doing out here?" He looked around, and spotted some suspiciously alive palm trees nearby. "Where did those come from?"
XXX
"Will someone please explain to me why there are palm trees and coconuts up here?" Chef angrily asked, the confessional camera zoomed in close. "We're in northern Ontario and the island's been underwater for a year!"
The camera pulled back to show Chris seated next to the cook. "They were leftover from the construction of Pahkitew Island," he explained. When Chef gave him a look of disbelief, he shrugged and added "What? Resurfacing an island is expensive!"
XXX
"Okay," Topher told himself as he cracked open a coconut, "I'm guessing Chris left this for us to find since there's not a lot in the way of food." He took a sip of coconut milk and looked around at the trees. "I knew he cared." He tossed the empty coconut over his shoulder and picked up a few more. "Well, better go find the others."
\
"Hey this is just the same place they washed up on in Season One!" Rebecca shouted angrily as she loitered in the treehouse doorway. "I've just about had it with Chris and this stupid game!"
"Calm down," said Contessa, who had joined the rebel on the treehouse porch. "I mean, I get being mad at Chris, but there's nothing we can do about it now. Let's just put our heads together and try and get out of this alive."
"I agree whole-heartedly ma'am," Mitch said with a tip of his hat, the camera pulling back to show him on the porch as well.
"Don't be a bunch of babies," Olivia objected, also one the porch. "There's no way the producers would let any of us die, especially me. There's no show without us."
"You're forgetting the fact that I don't want to be around any of you," Rebecca said. "This is my chance for a break and I'm taking it."
XXX
"Not surprisingly," Olivia admitted with an eye roll, "That hideous rebel doesn't see the big picture. I'm too important to leave stranded, there wouldn't even be a show without me!"
XXX
"Yeah I coulda put a bit more effort into keeping us all together," Mitch mused as he leaned against the confessional wall, "but Rebecca wasn't wrong about needin' a break. And most everyone else seemed to agree." He ended his confessional with a shrug.
XXX
"Well then," Rebecca suggested, "let's just make it every camper for themselves!"
"Fine by me," Mitch said, calmly heading down the ladder.
Olivia looked between them and gave a short, exasperated sigh. "Fine," she agreed.
\
A pause sign appeared over the scene as it stopped, and the camera pulled back from the television to reveal it in front of a high-end looking trailer. Chris was standing in front of it with his usual smile.
"Well that didn't take long," he said as the capstone theme played, "How long will it be before the campers realize that splitting up is a bad idea? Where the heck is Terrance? And what's Topher doing with a cell phone?" he added with a suspicious glance at the screen before resuming his usual demeanor. "Find out soon, here on Total! Drama! Daaaaaaaanger Island!"
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(Commercial Break)
\
The episode resumed to a shot of the treehouse before cutting inside. Contessa sat on the lower bunk of a set of beds to the left of the room while Rebecca paced about. "Is...," she started slowly as the rebel finally turned to face her, "is everything okay?"
"Yeah I'm fine," Rebecca said as she looked off into the distance. "Just agitated." The background music turned tense when she finally sat down next to the hopeless romantic. "Anyway we should probably talk about who's going home tonight."
The camera cut closer to the girls, and Contessa tilted her head in confusion. "How can we even be sure someone is going home? This doesn't seem like a 'eliminate someone' kind of day..."
"There's not enough episodes for there to be a free day," the rebel said as she placed a hand on Contessa's shoulder, "Chris said so when we all got here." Contessa looked at the rebel's hand and blushed, causing Rebecca to smirk. "Anyway," she continued. "I think we should get rid of Terrance. He's more than overstayed his welcome."
Contessa let out a breath and smiled. "I agree," she said before frowning. "But Owen's gone. Who do you want me to talk to now?"
"You talk to Mitch about it," Rebecca suggested, "but don't mention me. He's still ticked about the whole Jamsine thing. Meanwhile, I'll see if Toph or Olivia can be persuaded."
"Got it," Contessa nodded as she stood up. As the hopeless romantic walked off, the camera lingered on the rebel. The background music became tense and ominous as the girl narrowed her eyes and smirked.
\
The camera cut to Olivia meandering through the forest with a bundle of wood under her arm. A sharp whistle caught her attention and caused her to scream and drop the wood. She turned a glare at who it was, then shrunk a bit when the camera revealed it was Rebeccca glaring at her.
The actress steeled herself then turned a glare back at the rebel. "What do you want?"
"What the heck were you thinking getting rid of Owen like that?" Rebecca accused.
"Calm down," Olivia said, oblivious to Rebecca's flaring temper, "I was just playing the game. Eliminating people is the point."
To her surprise, Rebecca grabbed her throat and slammed her against a nearby tree. "Y'know," the rebel started coolly as Olivia stared in utter terror, "I tried being nice. But if you're gonna cut one of my allies and not even have the decency to apologize," she smirked and brandished a fist. "I'll just have to teach you some manners..."
The camera cut to Olivia's terrified face and back to the rebel's fist, and the scene rippled...
\
"I'm sorry Daddy," a younger Olivia said while in a similar position as before, though this time the one holding her was a fairly attractive and well-dressed middle-aged man. "I didn't mean it. I'll do the audition and try really hard!" she begged. "I promise!"
"That's not the issue Olivia," the man said in a disturbingly calm tone. "Your mother and I worked very hard to get you that audition, and then you have the gall to say that's not what you want to do?" Tears welled up in the girl's eyes as the man raised a fist. "That was very disrespectful." He sighed. "I guess I'll just have to teach you some manners..."
\
The scene cut back to the two girls in the forest as Olivia gasped and threw her hands in front of her face. "I'm sorry!" she begged. "I'll do whatever you want I promise!"
Rebecca scoffed and dropped the girl on the ground. "Typical pretty girl types," she said disdainfully. "All high and mighty until someone threatens your looks." She finally noticed the tears in the actress's eyes and laughed. "But if that means I have a way to get you to do what I want... I'll take it."
Olivia took the moment to try and crawl away, but a foot on her back from the rebel stopped her. "Oh and by the way," she added. "If the next elimination doesn't go down the way I want, things will get ugly. And by things," she smirked, "I mean your face. Got it?"
The actress nodded with wide tearful eyes.
XXX
"Okay," she took deep breaths to calm herself down. "That girl is a psycho! I have to find a way to get rid of her, preferably without her finding out it was me..."
XXX
The scene cut to Mitch as he strolled through the forest by himself. He stopped at a thick looking tree with a smile, and lightly rapped his knuckles against it. To a quick spike in the music, a heavy branch fell from above. He barely dodged it as it crashed to the ground, and he sighed. A familiar voice crying out "Hey Mitch!" got his attention, and he turned around to see Contessa jogging up to him. "I just wanted to thank you for standing up for me yesterday," she said, doubling over to catch her breath.
He smiled. "Ah, don't mention it," he waved her off. "But I doubt that's the only reason you came a lookin' for me."
"Guilty," she smiled sheepishly. "I wanted to talk about the next vote. I was thinking of sending Terrance home. He's a bully and he's made it past way too many eliminations."
"I can agree with that," the cowboy answered. "That boy's meaner than a snake and I'd tell 'im that to his face."
Contessa smiled. "Thanks!" She started to run off, but turned back around. "By the way, I think that treehouse is the only shelter on this part of the island," she told her former teammate.
Mitch sighed. "I was afraid a that..."
\
The camera cut to Topher as the handsome young man resumed idly tossing a coconut from one hand to the other. He momentarily stopped and pulled out the phone, but his face fell after he checked the screen.
"No bars. Better start focusing on the game. Maybe if I show the others where to find the coconuts, I'll be safe from tonight's vote," he wondered aloud. He checked the phone again, only to sigh and put it back in his pocket and continue on.
He'd only made it a few feet before Terrance barged through the bushes beside him, knocking the fan to the ground with the glancing force of his emergence.
"Woo!" the basketballer cheered as he looked around and noticed the coconuts. "Looks like I found some food!"
"Wait a minute!" Topher interrupted already back on his feet, grabbing hold of the Terrance's collar. "I'm the one who found those, so they're mine!"
"Fair enough," Terrance agreed with the other boy.
"However," Topher continued. "If you agree not to vote for me tonight, I'll tell you where to find some more..."
Terrance pursed his lips for a moment before smiling. "Deal!" The two boys shook on it.
XXX
"I'm a man of my word," the basketballer told the outhouse. "Plus, finding food in that place was no easy task. Also," he shrugged. "I wasn't even panning on voting for Topher to begin with." He smirked. "Topher doesn't need to know that of course."
XXX
"Right," the fan continued. "If you follow that path to the beach," he pointed the direction he came from, "you'll find some live palm trees and a bunch of coconuts."
"Thanks for the tip," Terrance said with an oddly mocking tone. "And if you head the way I came, you should find some shelter. Consider it a bonus and incentive to not vote for me."
Topher raised an eyebrow. "Well that sounds like you want me to vote for someone else..."
"Rebecca," the basketballer replied without hesitation. "The girl backstabbed me and bragged about it. She can't be trusted."
"True," the fan agreed. "But she's great for drama!"
Terrance grabbed the boy's shoulders and shook him for a bit. "Are you nuts!" he yelled. "Think about it. What do you want more? Drama? or the million dollars?" Topher was silent for a moment. "Are you seriously thinking about it?!" he made a disgusted noise and threw the boy to the ground.
"Look." he said, "we've already got one deal and that's good enough for me. But don't come cryin' to me when that psycho witch sends you packing." With that he walked away leaving Topher to moan and fix his clothes.
\
The scene moved back to the host and cook, a tropical party beat filling the air as the focus was placed on a limbo bar set to the highest notch in the foreground. In the background, Chef sat on the ground by a trailer and beat on a drum as Chris came into view, leaning back and passing under the limbo bar.
"Ah, fun in the great outdoors," he said. "Too bad the campers are missing it. I hope they're all okay," he added, turning around and limboing back. "which is what I'd say if I actually cared about them!"
\
The music leveled off into something softer and plodding as the focus moved to Olivia wandering though the woods. "Uggh," she groaned as she dusted off her clothes, "Where is that useless idiot!" She continued stumbling around for a few more moments before perking up and dashing off.
The shot cut to Topher raising an eyebrow as the actress ran over to him. "We need to talk about tonight," she said ominously.
\
The scene quickly shifted to Rebecca sitting at the the base of the treehouse. She raised an eyebrow and the sound of footsteps and smirked when Contessa sat down next to her. "Everything taken care of?" the rebel asked.
"Yep," Contessa smiled. "If things worked on your end then Terrance should be gone just like you want."
Rebecca let out a satisfied sigh. "Not surprising," she said just before claiming a kiss from Contessa. "I have a habit of getting what I want."
Contessa let out an embarrassed stuttering laugh while blushing profusely and Rebecca laughed at her, making the blushing worse
\
The tense music disappeared as Terrance was shown again, walking calmly through the dead jungle carrying a lod of coconuts. "I need more votes," he said to himself. "But who else can I talk to?"
\
Topher had a wicked grin when the camera flashed to him and Olivia. "Oh yeah," he said. "I can do that. She won't even see it coming,"
Olivia sighed in relief. "Good. You just saved my face."
The fan's face scrunched in confusion
\
The camera flashed to the nighttime sky, before panning down to the treehouse and flashing inside. The six campers were sitting on the floor in a rough sort of circle; Contessa, Rebecca, and Mitch the left and Olivia, Topher, and Terrance on the right.
"So..." Contessa said slowly. "Why did you all sign up for the show. I mean by now we all had to know what we were getting into."
"I decided I needed a break from acting," Olivia responded.
Terrance choked out a laugh. "That's what you're going with? I haven't seen your name on anything in four years."
"Well maybe they just don't export many movies to Canada," the actress said through gritted teeth.
"I'm sure that's the reason," the basketballer said with much sarcasm.
"Well why are you here?" Olivia snapped.
"The money," he said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"I think she meant what you wanted to do with the money," Mitch pointed out. "Me? I'm plannin' on expandin' my folks's ranch."
"I'm gonna use the money to help with my dream of becoming the host of my own show!" Topher declared proudly.
"I just wanted to spend a summer where I didn't have to worry about getting bullied," Contessa admitted. "Honestly I kinda forgot about the money..."
Rebecca scoffed at the hopeless romantic and smiled. "I'm gonna use the money to start an art gallery. But only good art's getting in mine, none of that mainstream crap."
"Of couse that's assuming any of you all win the money to begin with," Terrance smirked. "I'm clearly the favorite to take it all."
"Let's just get to bed before y'all break out in another argument," Mitch said as Olivia and Rebecca started to open their mouths. The others begrudgingly agreed and the camera panned up and out to the treehouse to the night sky.
\
The scene moved back Camp Wawanakwa, settling in on the boys' cabin as the three woke up. Terrance yawned and glanced about the room. "Gentlemen," he said amicably. It's morning and we're back at camp. I hope there's something I can do to convince you all to vote Rebecca out?"
"Not a chance partner,"Mitch said. "You've been mean as a snake since we got here. I'm lookin' forward to seein' you flung off this island."
"Sorry," Topher said unapologettically. "But I think I'll let our shady rebel stick around a little longer. The drama potential's too good to pass up."
The latter two left the room, leaving Terrance to huff and cross his arms. "No plan's gonna get me outta this one. I need a miracle."
\
"Well ladies," Rebecca spoke up as the camera flashed to the girls's cabin, "I trust we're all on the same page for tonight."
"I'm always gonna be at your side," Contessa said seriously. "Nothing will change that."
"I know I can count on you," she said with a sweet tone that sounded genuine and creepy at the same time. "I was really directing that at Olivia."
The actress jumped at the mention of her name and started sputtering out a reply.
"Again," Rebecca said more sternly. "Are you with me on tonight's vote? Or are you gonna do something stupid again?"
"Nope!" Olivia said with barely concealed terror. "I'm totes with you. 100%"
Contessa looked at the two with confused expressions, but her stomach took the opportunity to growl before she could say anything. "Well looks like I need to go get some breakfast." With that she left the two girls in the room.
"I meant what I said," Rebecca told the actress. "If I don't get what I want tonight. I will not be happy. And I'll take my frustration out on you."
"Noted," Olivia gulped.
XXX
"Come on Topher," Olivia pleaded. "Please don't backstab me tonight!"
XXX
"Two whole days and I couldn't convince one person to turf Rebecca!" Terrance complained. "But I have an ace up my sleeve, even if I didn't wanna use it," he grumbled.
"I told everyone that Contessa and her were in an alliance and that they were never gonna turn on each other. And let's face it Rebecca's clearly the bigger threat of those two. So I'm pretty sure I'm safe... I hope..." he finished with a grimace.
XXX
"I been doin' some thinkin'," Mitch started his confessional. "Terrance ain't exactly my favorite person, but everyone kinda hates him. And I'd be a liar if I said Rebecca wa'n't actin' suspicious lately. Then there's what she did to Jasmine a while back. I think I might change my vote after all."
XXX
"So the last two eliminations haven't really been expected," Contessa said. "But I know the tide's finally gonna turn against the villain types tonight. We may actually have a Final three where everyone deserves the money!" she smiled.
XXX
"Poor little Terrance," Rebecca mocked. "After playing all his cards he still can't get the votes to knock me out. Even Mitch hates him and I admitted to sending Jasmine home."
She chuckled. "I guess being nice to people does have its advantages. And tonight, he's gonna see exactly why he never should've betrayed me."
XXX
"I love all the drama that's happening here!" Topher said.
XXX
The footage cut forward to the campfire ceremony, the usual music playing over the usual distance shot of the island. "Weeelllll," Chris opened popping his knuckles, "it's been a fun couple of days, campers. Frankly, Chef and I really needed that vacation."
The shot finally cut to the campers; showing Contessa and Rebecca sitting together on the far left of the front row, Mitch sitting by himself in the middle of the back row, Terrance alone front and center, and Topher and Olivia sitting in the far right of the front and back row respectively. "Which brings us to yet another dramatic marshmallow ceremony," the host continued as he brought out his plate of five treats. "Olivia," he called out with the accompanying tosses, "Mitch, Topher, and Terrance." The four caught their prizes, leaving the rebel and hopeless romantic waiting, both looking quite shocked.
"Contessa, you're one of the nicest people left in the game and a bit of an underdog. And that makes you a threat," Chris explained to the nervous girl, the final marshmallow pinched between his fingers. "And Rebecca, you've been acting more and more sketchy ever since the teams merged." The camera cut to the rebel's furious expression. "Plus you're really startin' to creep the producers out."
Rebcca let out a low growl. "However, you're safe." Upon hearing Chris's words, the rebel visibly relaxed and Contessa's jaw gaped.
"I'm going home?!" she exclaimed. "I don't understand! Why me?!"
"Why don't you ask Rebecca?" Topher spoke up with glee. "This whole thing was her idea."
Contessa let out a more audible gasp at the revelation. "Rebecca...? she asked softly as tears started to form. "He's lying right? You wouldn't do that would you?"
"I would," the rebel replied. "And I did."
"But why?!" Contessa demanded as the tears flowed more freely. "I thought we were a couple. I love you! You love me! I would've split the money with you if we both made the finale."
"Love you?" Rebecca asked with a venom that shocked all present, Chris included. "You honestly thought I loved you? Are you insane? We just met a few weeks ago. I don't love you. I don't even like you. I just used you to get myself ahead in the game and it worked perfectly."
"Stop it...," Contessa begged, her voice barely audible. "Please..."
"I figured out your little secret while were on route to the island and it was laughably easy to get you to fall for me," the rebel bragged. "I mean with your head stuck in those stupid books of yours all I had to do was be the bad girl with a heart of gold and you were wrapped around my little finger."
"Please stop talking..." Contessa begged again
"Even though I wanted to puke during every touch, every kiss,every declaration of love I kept up the ruse. But now? I don't need you anymore, so I can finally tell you how I really feel. You are an annoying womanchild who's never gonna find that perfect girl because you think like a romance novel. Which by the way, is the dumbest obsession I've ever seen. I know you're gonna be alone 'til the day you die, but at least surround yourself with cats ore something to pretend that it's possible for anyone to care about you."
The rebel's word finally broke Contessa, and she collapsed to her knees full-on sobbing.
"That's messed up," Terrance came to her defense.
"Am I gonna get a lecture from being kind from you of all people?" Rebecca mocked. "The guy who's been insulting everyone since we got here?"
"Hey! I'm honest with people," the basketballer shot back. "Which is more than can said about you."
"Well too bad," she scoffed. "The votes have been cast and all eliminations are final. I can't be touched."
"This week," Mitch warned.
"Tu.. tu..." Contessa said as she stood up. "Tu es une (BLEEP) sans cœur!" she said with a harsh slap to her ex-girlfriend's face. "You (BLEEP)! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!" she repeated with a new batch of tears as she ran off toward the dock.
\
The screen rotated around itself as the footage cut to Contessa in the sling of the Trebu-Shame and still sobbing as the somber elimination theme began to play.
"Wow," Chris said seriously as the camera began to zoom in on him. This whole thing is kinda making me upset. I just wish there was something I could do to fix it." With a sudden grin he pulled the lever on the trebuchet and Contessa was shot screaming and sobbing into the night. The viewpoint shifted behind Chris as he watched her go.
"That's better," Chris turned and told the camera as the capstone theme began to play, "One more super dramatic elimination leaves us with just five players left. Who's next to cast away their hopes of an easy fortune? Find out next time on Total! Drama! Daaaaaaaanger Island!"
\
(Roll the Credits)
Author's Note Post Script: Aw man, I've been looking forward to that reveal since the start of the season. Sorry to disappoint you guys but Conbecca was never intended to stay together. As I've impled, Rebecca is a straight up sociopath. She's still not the main villain though.
I have to say balancing this reveal was a serious pain in the ass all season. I had to give just enough hints to where it seemed like a logical progression of events but not too many hints to completely give it away. I think I may have overcompensated these last few chapters but as always you're a better judge of that than I am.
As for the votes: Rebecca, Olivia, and Topher voted for Contessa. Contessa voted for Terrance, and Terrance and Mitch voted for Rebecca.
Anyway now we have a very interesting Final Five, considering only one member of it is a decent person. Can Mitch survive these next two episodes or will we see an all villain finale? Only I know but I'm glad to hear your thoughts and predictions.
By the way, don't forget that a TVTropes page exists for this series and could always use some love from fans like you.
And I'm sure I'm forgetting something.
I hope you all enjoyed the episode, or some part of it.
With that I'm signing off
-TotalDramaFan14
RDDI ELIMINATION TABLE:
16th Place: Max
15th Place: Dakota
14th Place: Rodney
13th Place: Beth
12th Place: Leonard
11th Place: Lindsay/Carly
10th Place: Carly/Lindsay
9th Place: Scott
8th Place: Jasmine
7th Place: Owen
6th Place: Contessa