The third chapter has arrived. It unsurprisingly took much longer to complete than the first two did. I'm also grateful for the praise this has been getting, and it's easily my most popular fic so far! Now I'll respond to reviews for the last chapter.
GlitchWarrior: There will definitely be a different elimination order from canon, and I've already decided on much of it ahead of time, though obviously can't say here who goes out when due to spoilers. Same goes for who drives on behalf of the Hamsters. Glad you also like the idea of our time-traveler trying to protect Mike from Mal. Of course I know the difference between TDPI Max evil and real evil :P (though that wannabe villain and his antics amuse me). You're about to find out how the first challenge turns out with the CIT doing things differently!
xtremexavier15: Glad you liked it, and I did check out "A Canadian's Redemption" as you've noticed.
ShadowJcreed: Interesting idea for teams, though you'll find out how she responds to the setup soon enough and I already decided on what I was going to do before reading your comments. Protecting Mike from his evil Mal persona is definitely easier said than done.
That1guyeveryonehates: Your username is amusing though misleading :P. Anyway, nice to know somebody thinks the CIT is a good choice for redemption! "Total Drama Redemption" by PurpleBandit3000 is definitely one of the best Total Drama fics I've ever read and I'm quite eager for the next chapter of its sequel "Noah's Tour of the World" to come out, though I would say this and other Redemption stories are more tributes than they are spin-offs. Your optimism for my story is also quite appreciated. All I can say about Courtney's knowledge right now without spoilers is that it'll lead to multiple major game-changers. As you've already noticed, xtremexavier15 has begun an Ezekiel Redemption story titled "A Canadian's Redemption".
Nicky Haugh: Much appreciated :)
That British Guy: I hope this continues to intrigue you.
CMR Rosa: Yes Courtney did value winning over friendships and relationships throughout canon, but here that changed after her season 5 elimination. She's quite a different person after re-watching herself on camera indeed and badly wants to improve herself. Duncan definitely sabotaged any friendships he may have had with that explosion and getting arrested. As you know, I get the sense that however mean the CIT was in season 1, it became much worse in subsequent seasons with Harold tampering the votes to eliminate her. Courtney's home life won't be a big focus here. If anything, I'll probably just have brief mentions of her family members later on.
Mistress Mysterious: It's about to get much more interesting here. Hopefully you enjoy.
On with the chapter!
The helicopter finally arrives at our campsite to compete. Let the games begin. Chef waits for a signal from Chris before letting us out. Once he gets the OK, Hatchet opens the door to let everybody out. The host called the names of each contestant as he wanted them to leave the helicopter. He calls for Mike, followed by Zoey, then Lightning, Cameron, Sam, Scott, and Jo before I hear my name. This time I just jump out on my own rather than Chef Hatchet dangling me from my leg and dropping me.
"Time for victory!" I shout out this time instead of complaining about my contract.
I splash in the water before I can hear anything else and somehow go deeper than before, but already know Gwen will come right after me, followed by Duncan, Heather, Lindsay, Sierra, and then the fake-out for Ezekiel who will get launched off the island. Just as I resurface, Sierra is doing a cannon ball into the water and hits my head!
"Watch where you jump!" I angrily tell her.
"Sorry, I just got excited about winning a season for my Cody-kins" she replies with a giggle.
Dear lord, do I feel sorry for Cody Anderson. She stalked him like crazy and wouldn't leave the poor guy alone during season 3. I should've treated him better as a teammate as well when the three of us competed on Team Amazon then along with Gwen and Heather. No, he obviously isn't dating her and never would even if they were the only two people on Earth; he has too much self-respect for that. She's just making crazy talk again by calling him hers and makes Izzy the crazy redhead from the first three season look sane in comparison.
Before either of us can say anything, McLean calls for Ezekiel and Chef drops the feral freak before Al in the robot suit grabs him.
"Kidding!" Chris tells the camera. "No way is that guy coming back again!"
After the host snaps his fingers, Alejandro fires Ezekiel far off into the distance.
"Man, it's great to be back." McLean continues.
The rest of us swam to shore, but this time I don't feel as exhausted as everybody else. Maybe it was the little feeling of joy I got when I caught Scott briefly staring at my ass while swimming before looking away. It was flattering and brought back my suspicions that he liked me ever since the day we started competing together. I wish I caught that the first time. No wonder he later got flirty with me during our first challenge as teammates. Anyway, Chris and the robot make their way over to meet all of us once we reached land.
"Greetings, old friends." The host chirped.
Heather coughed up a starfish and then retorted "I am NOT your friend."
"Aw, somebody misses her honey bunny." Lindsay taunts her, referring to Al.
"Who, Alejandro?" Heather asks before pushing her away. "As if! I'm GLAD he isn't back."
That was a blatant lie, especially when she muttered Burromuerto was a "handsome jerk", and I knew he really was on the island all along. I got an idea to test how she'd react to his presence and walked up to Chris. This is better than complaining about dry-cleaning which won't do me any good.
"Isn't that the robot you put Al inside to heal after he got burnt by lava?" I ask him and then to avoid suspicion quickly add "I re-watched the end of season 3 along with all the episodes from past seasons before coming back and am pretty sure that at least looks like what you used."
With a shocked look on his face, the host affirmed "You are one smart cookie, and wise choice to study up. It is in fact Alejandro and he WILL compete with all of you this season!" and then smiled as he took off the robot's head to reveal Alejandro's face, which was unshaven with messy hair as he had been kept inside the suit for a year without being let out.
Everyone else gasps in surprise, with Heather blushing upon realizing he had heard her comments. The facial expression she had was priceless! She then exclaims "You have GOT to be kidding me!" just like she did when seeing him freed from the robot when I first lived through All-Stars.
"I was planning to keep him a surprise and reveal his participation later on in the game, but since our CIT recognized him, may as well tell you now." adds Chris.
"Quite an observation, Courtney." Burromuerto congratulated me. "I didn't expect anybody to figure out I was trapped in this suit. Also, shame on Heather for her lies even though it's nice to know she still finds me handsome, and NOBODY should call me Al!"
There was then something I had to do to get back at him not only for manipulating me in the past but also for the future when he and Heather repeatedly kept me awake at night. While I know I said I wasn't really focused on vengeance, I had to make an exception here for this bastard. I grin mischievously and tell him "You probably didn't expect this either; payback!" before pushing his robot suit towards the water.
He screamed as the suit rolled quickly across the sand. Al struggled to control the suit as he was headed in a direction towards Lightning and Duncan. That wasn't my intention as I had aimed for simply the water instead of any specific person, but they both dodged in time to avoid getting hit. Duncan afterwards did something I never would've seen coming; he grabbed one of the robot's arms and flung him back towards land before it could get wet. The robot then got wedged between two rocks. He happened to be close to the arm as it approached him, so I suppose it was his reflex.
"A little help here?" Alejandro asked.
"Only because McLean will probably stall the challenge until you get freed." The delinquent rolled his eyes as he used his knife to cut open the robot suit.
Heather tried to hide her concern for her love interest before he was freed from that suit. Since his legs were asleep (for real this time, not like the next challenges where he faked it prior to ousting her), he walked on his hands as his arms could somehow still be used. In the meantime, she glared at me. I just smugly grinned, knowing I had gotten a reaction out of her as planned by unveiling the robot's identity. As a bonus, putting him in a pickle also helped get back at her for those nights at the apartment she kept me awake. Now that my payback had been dealt, it was time to re-focus on being a better person than I was before.
Chris then talked about how the island had been cleaned of radioactivity, which disappointed Sam and he told our host "I only came back to get up close and personal with some toxic goop, so I could become a kick-butt mutant, like my gal Dakota." and then showed a picture of him and a mutated Dakota Milton smiling together.
I distinctly remember what happened to her during the fourth season, Revenge of the Island. The agony of that mutation is something I would never wish upon even my worst enemy. This was someone who came on the show wanting fame from TV publicity, thinking it would give her the love she desired (which an aura-reading girl named Dawn observed) and was hellbent on getting screen time (prior to mutating) even if not as a contestant. It might sound desperate, but she never had any bad intentions and I feel sorry for her pains.
Ms. Milton unfortunately mutated from toxic exposure after Chris had her explore some old abandoned cave. The girl did ultimately get what she wanted (love) when Sam loved her for who she was both after and before the mutation. He gained my respect as a dedicated boyfriend to her when I watched the season after All-Stars first ended, and I really regret using the guy as a human shield against leeches when initially competing with him. However, there is something I need to say now before our host can mock his hopes.
"While Dakota might appreciate your sentiment if she's watching this, her distress while mutating and being exposed to toxic waste was by no means a pleasant experience." I tell him.
"You do have a point. She likes her super strength, but not struggling to fit into closed areas. I could win and split the money with her instead." The gamer relents.
Much better thinking, Sam, especially if she's had to spend lots of cash for any mutation treatments. I smile and give him a thumbs-up of approval. In fact, I just might arrange to share the million with Scott if either of us win this season. I do know Dakota was already quite wealthy before entering the show, but that might have changed since the season ended by needing expensive accommodations for her large size as a mutant. Chris doesn't taunt him over pain vs. gain this time, though Sam is still irritated when a squid on his head snatches away his photo, and then he quickly takes it back from the squid. A couple of interns then push a screen near the host since Alejandro isn't in the robot suit to serve him this time, which will allow him to show us the hotel and upcoming challenge.
"Anyway, I've upgraded your accommodations. This season, the losers still have to sleep in a stinky old cabin." McLean informs us, which makes everybody groan as they see the cabin on that TV. "But, the WINNERS get to stay in the ALL NEW ECO-FRIENDLY McLean Spa hotel! Complete with butler, hot tub, AND 24-hour masseuse."
The sight of that hotel prompts cheers from all the contestants, including me, even though I already knew about this. The host then continues with his announcements.
"For your All-Star status, here are the Heroes vs. Villains teams based on your past actions." before calling names for the Villainous Vultures: Heather, Lightning, Jo, Scott, Gwen, Alejandro, and Me.
Hold on, did McLean seriously just put me on team villain right off the bat!? Lightning proclaims "Sha-team!", and before Gwen can complain about her placement, I impulsively ask "How am I on team villain!?" in surprise.
Even though I knew this was what I deserved for past actions, I truly was shocked to be placed here so soon. The goth then inquires "Why did I end up here too!?" with a look of despair.
"I was going to put you on the heroes' team, Courtney, and Duncan on the villains' team, but then you showed more of your villainous side by pushing Al towards the water and reminded me of how you were the season 2 baddie. Do I need to go into further detail on your actions back then?" the host responded.
I quickly shake my head no before he continues.
"Gwen, um, you took advantage of Cody's major crush on you to try and save yourself from getting voted off in season 3 without giving him much if any gratitude. Duncan on the other hand just did something heroic by saving Alejandro from rusting. It then seemed even more fitting to have him on team hero after helping the guy out of that robot suit. That also somehow reminded me of how he tried to protect Owen from Al's schemes when last competing, which I do admit makes today's rescue ironic. Anyway, these team placements are also finalized until the merge unless I state otherwise. No amount of protesting will change that."
Gwen and I glare at Chris. He just HAD to bring up how I was in Total Drama Action. The host said nothing the first time around before I accused her of stealing Duncan from me as I didn't know then that the delinquent had made an advance towards her fully on his own terms, and just went along with my words at the time. Damn you, Chris; I'd like to put that behind me and wish you wouldn't torture people like that for no good reason.
By trying to get even with Alejandro, I already have inadvertently thrown a monkey wrench into my own plans to prove myself a hero or try to protect Mike from his inner demon Mal. Sorry Mike, but it doesn't look like I can really help now without making people suspicious when we're on opposing teams. On the plus side, I can now spend more time with Gwen and Scott. Looks like I will in fact have a chance to set things right with her sooner than before. Another benefit is I don't have to deal with the nutty Sierra as a teammate again.
"You seriously mean I'm on the lame-o hero team!?" the delinquent complains with a shocked look on his face.
"That's right. Starting now, you officially are one of the Heroic Hamsters along with Mike, Zoey, Cameron, Sam, Lindsay, and Sierra." McLean affirms before chuckling at Duncan's distress, who sulks in response while joining his new teammates.
Gwen, I know you feel bad about being placed on the villains' team, but Chris has made it clear you can't talk him out of this placement. It looks like he didn't have much reason to place you there before I falsely accused you the first time around of stealing Duncan, though, given his struggle to come up with a reason. I would've told him the bit on Cody was nothing compared to any of the bad that the other Villainous Vultures including me have done and that he purposefully exaggerated things to make her look worse than she really was in past seasons, but then he insisted complaints would do no good. I see the goth then walks over to the confessional outhouse, probably to complain about the team arrangements. After some thought, I decide to wait until the end of the day before I use that.
"This year's challenges all nod to classics from the past, but with harsh new twists to make this the toughest Total Drama season EVER! Your first challenge: find the key to the spa hotel AND you'll it in an homage to Total Drama's first ever challenge, cliff-diving into water infested with ravenous sharks." The host then sadistically proclaims after Gwen returns, showing us the elements to this challenge on his TV.
Scott then gulps with a fearful look on his face. I know terrified he is after Fang the mutant shark heavily targeted him during Revenge of the Island after he accidentally took a shark took and mauled the boy after he got voted off in the final four. He quite understandably has had a phobia of sharks ever since. That traumatic attack almost killed him, and Scott had to be put in life support afterwards. He afterwards toned down his evil streak big time, probably sensing the experience was a form of payback for him playing the game so dirty. I know many are grateful for him being much kinder than before even if he didn't entirely lose his mean side.
"Once you dive into the water, try to avoid the shark long enough to snag a key AND choose wisely; only one of those suckers is the real deal. Assuming you live long enough to reach dry land, a teammate will drive you to the hotel in one of the baby carriages from season 3's race through Central Park. First team to unlock the spa door wins, and someone from team loser WILL be going home tonight. Meet me at the base of the cliff in 15 minutes." Chris continues before telling an intern "Chop, chop" to drive him there.
"Wait! Shouldn't we change into our swimsuits or something first?" asks Mike.
"Sorry, no time!" McLean yells back as the intern drives away.
As we all walk over to our first challenge, Sam can be heard up ahead asking Sierra why she returned, who tells him "I want to win for Cody!" before going on some delusion about how they could have reached the season 3 finale together if she never blew up that jet Chris owned. No way could she feasibly reach the finals! It still shocks me how that nutcase got 4th place then. Hopefully she gets ousted sooner before the merge this time.
Back on our team, Heather mocking tells Jo "Excuse me" while rudely shoving her way ahead, who retorts "Watch it, old Heather!" before getting "YOU watch it, newbie!" in response.
Gwen tries to break up their spat with "Guys, just because Chris labeled us villains doesn't mean we have to act like villains. We're a team; we should work together as a team!" and all the other Villainous Vultures except me dismiss her words.
That's when I decide to make a difference among the team. There thankfully is a way I can also ease into a reconciliation with Gwen without seeming suspicious. "All conflicts aside, she IS right about teamwork." I defend the goth, who seems surprised and grateful that I would agree with her.
Duncan can then be seen glancing back in my direction and Gwen's, though I refuse to give him eye contact right now. Gwen then turns towards my direction. She then tells me "It's nice to know somebody agrees with me. Courtney, I also want you to know I'm really sorry for our past and want to make things right."
"Thank you, but let's wait until after the challenge and we have a moment alone to discuss this further." I reply.
"Fair enough." says the goth.
From the corner of my eye, Duncan has some smirk knowing that he was being referred to, even if indirectly. However, I refuse to that dipshit the satisfaction of saying so aloud. Lindsay seems to catch on as well. She then asks him something I had not expected.
"Are you getting some sort of pleasure from them implicitly mentioning you?"
Lindsay is known for often being a stereotypical dumb blonde and reminded me of the friendly air-headed Karen Smith from Mean Girls when we first met. Her absent-mindedness frequently got on my nerves when we competed together in the past. She sometimes can have surprisingly accurate intuition, though. That was clearly one of her smarter moments. How that girl's mind works is beyond me.
"To tell the truth, yes." The delinquent affirms. "Hearing them argue over me later on will probably be amusing."
Even if I hadn't known the full truth about you and Gwen, Duncan, you're being too presumptuous about how my conversation with Gwen will go. The blonde frowns at him in response and turns away. She starts conversing with the other Heroic Hamsters. Thank you, Lindsay, for not being entirely mindless and having some actual dignity. I really wish you could be brighter like this more often.
As everyone reaches the base of the cliff, Chris arrives in a jetpack between a red baby carriage and a gold one. The red is for us Vultures while the gold is for the Hamsters. With 30 seconds to decide on a driver for each team, Scott quickly states "I'll drive", clearly wanting to avoid the sharks. I don't blame him after that Fang episode.
"Done!" I say before Jo can try to claim the spot, though she doesn't take to that very well.
"Who put you in charge of the team?" she inquires.
"Never said or even suggested that I was, but do you REALLY think he would willingly dive into shark-filled waters now after that Fang mauling last season? I saw what it did to him and know you did too." I tell her. "Trust me when I say this is for the best."
Grateful for my comments, Scott then adds "Courtney is right; I wouldn't want to touch those waters with a 20-foot-pole and we're better off if I drive."
"Sha-please, you're a big chicken!" Lightning taunts.
Talk about sha-inconsiderate! I'm trying to do us all a favor and Lightning mocks him for a perfectly reasonable fear. Last time around, Scott easily could've been voted off for refusing to jump if his team lost. I guess it was a blessing in disguise that I lost then when he was on the opposite team as the two of us otherwise probably couldn't have even gotten to know each other as well if at all, just like me later swapping teams with Duncan (or at least not prior to the merge). However, now that Scott's on my team, we really need to win.
While there was also a good chance Al could've gone home without immunity given his inability to use his legs or perhaps for being trapped in that robot suit, he somehow seems less likely now than Scott or me or be the first one out should we lose after my debate with Jo and if he again refuses to jump. I do know Alejandro is likely going to vote for me tonight unless we win after I flung him towards the water. Better not do anything stupid now. Watch your impulses, Courtney, and keep your head cool! I need to think of something fast to ensure Scott drives the carriage.
"If Scott drives, we'll have a much better chance of winning without any delays in the jumps! That's why I emphasize that he MUST be our driver."
Luckily for me, our 30 seconds expired right after that sentence, and Chris settled on Scott driving for the villains. Score for both of us! I then find that the heroes chose Sierra to drive. It looks like without me stupidly choosing Lindsay to drive, they could have a better chance of winning giving how fast the crazy girl can be, especially when motivated for something Cody-related.
"Thank you for this." Scott then tells me.
"Of course, just be sure to run as fast as you can today." I reply.
"Yes, ma'am!" he affirms with a salute.
With Scott and Sierra at the shore, the rest of us make our way to the top of the cliff. Game time now. Mike and Zoey look over the cliff and fearfully shout "Fang!" at the same time when they see him while peering over the cliff, which makes Gwen ask "Who?" as she also looks down.
Chris then asks the camera "Who's the best key spotter AND who's dead in the shark-infested water? Find out when we return on Total. Drama. All-Stars!" as it cuts to the commercial break and subsequently tells us "Places, people; it's diving time!" with a sadistic chuckle at the end.
"Since I didn't end up driving, I WILL take the team's first dive." Jo proclaims, and nobody objects to that.
Chris instructs us that only one member of teams can dive at once and we must wait until the carriage comes back before the next diver can jump. He then blows an air horn to start the challenge. Jo promptly makes a dash for the edge and jumps off.
The important part here is that Scott drives our carriage to make things more efficient. I don't care if Jo is more athletic than him; he'd otherwise probably slow down the team by not jumping. No amount of coercion could've made him jump. I remember how he clung to a rock out of fear while insisting he stay on top the first time around, with Lightning unsuccessfully trying to peel him off it and then backing into Alejandro in the robot suit, which made Al fall off the cliff and then burst out of that suit somehow once sharks attacked it. He then won his team the challenge by grabbing the correct key and getting to the hotel first. Could I perhaps find it this time?
Anyway, Lindsay takes the first jump for her team and screams while falling. Not what I would've predicted. Interesting how both the drivers from my first time living through the season are now the initial jumpers. Both girls plummet towards the ground and splash at about the same time and Jo kicks Fang in the nose. Unsurprisingly, she comes up out of the water first with a key, and orders Scott "Prove your worth by hauling me over!"
He then sprints towards the hotel as Lindsay surfaces with another key before taking off with Sierra, who shouts "For Cody!" as they make their way to the hotel. The four then disappear in the woods, and nobody else can jump until the drivers and key carriers return. Mike then asks everyone "Think Sierra's OK?" while pointing to his brain, referring to her obvious insanity, and the rest of us shake our heads no in response.
We all watch for them to come back, and I start to become a bit anxious. What if the air-headed blonde got the right key when not pushing the carriage? That would spell trouble for all of us. As she and my dirty blonde athletic teammate return with the carriage pushers, I let out a small sigh of relief that nobody else hears. We've already had multiple major game changers because of me, and I would hate for them to lead to my first loss of the season right now.
Before any of the Vultures can stop me, I decide to take our next dive. Which of the Hamsters goes next? Duncan of all people. Not something I look forward to. The two of us rapidly descend as he taunts "Watch where you land, princess" while catching up to me.
"Fuck off; I'm not in the mood for you or your shit!" I snap at him.
We both splash in the water before he can say anything else. Maybe it's for the best as I'd likely get even more irritated by having to deal with that dickhead. I know I'm striving to be a better person, but he somehow finds ways to really get on my nerves no matter how much I try not to let him. He needs to get eliminated before I lose my mind. The less often we must interact (aside from perhaps him telling me about Mal), the better.
As I search for a key, I try to picture what the right one looks like from re-watching this challenge. Unfortunately, not having any goggles or mask to wear makes my vision blurry and much harder to find what I want. I then hope for the best and grab the closest one. Duncan is already off in the distance with Sierra headed towards the hotel. Scott doesn't need to be told to start running after them fast once I get into our carriage.
While pushing me towards the hotel, he then decides to spark up a conversation. "I'd really like to thank you again, Courtney, for insisting I drive this thing. That means quite a lot to me."
"Not a problem." I reply as we make our way through the woods. "I knew it was best for our team, now let's win!"
Duncan and Sierra then appear from some other part of the woods and we race for the hotel. I make my way to the entrance neck-and-neck with the delinquent. He gets there seconds before I do, but his key thankfully is no good. Mine unfortunately was also wrong and both of us head back to our carriages. As crazy as it might sound, Duncan already seems to be giving Scott an angry look. Did he hear us talking on the way over and feel jealous? Either way, we have a race to win.
The four of us make our way back to the cliff base. I then see Alejandro jumping for the Vultures and Cameron Wilkins the bubble boy jumps for the Hamsters. It looks like having different drivers AND team setups really made a difference in the jumping order. After the carriages are emptied, Cameron comes to shore with a key. Uh-oh; I just remembered how in this season Sierra goes even crazier than before (which is saying quite a lot) while somehow seeing him as Cody after their friendly bonds and becomes disturbingly attached to him. Watch out, Wilkins! Right after she starts pushing, Al drags himself to land with his arms and is carrying a key as well, struggling with his incapacitated legs. As much as I hate to say it, since Scott is failing to carry the guy on his own, I have no choice but to help lift him into the carriage if we want any chance of victory. This is something I do ONLY to help us win.
Scott then pushes Alejandro over to the hotel as they catch up to nutty girl and bubble boy. I then start worrying again about what could happen, but it turns out we got the correct key this time and won. Does Burromuerto have some special sense for keys? In any case, it feels fantastic to win the season's first challenge, especially within shorter time than before! All the Vultures including me cheer for our victory as the Hamsters groan in defeat. As McLean promised, we get to spend the night in this hotel while the losers must vote off one of their teammates.
It truly amazes me how much one change on my part (exposing the robot's identity and flinging it towards water vs. complaining about laundry) made such a difference today. The butterfly effect is real. I also don't mind being on the villains' team so much now, especially after winning the challenge today with Gwen AND Scott as teammates. As I walk towards the confessional, I overhear him using it.
"Oh okay, so maybe I have a phobia of sh-sh-sh-sh-sh-sharks. Can you blame me?" He asks the camera in a shaky voice, alluding to how Fang mauled him and making clear he still feels traumatized by the ordeal, and then sounds calmer when continuing. "This makes me beyond grateful for what Courtney did today. While we might be on the villains' team and I normally wouldn't say this sort of thing about people, she's my hero for saving me from having to dive into shark waters. It also helps that she's pretty AND smart, so nice to have her as a teammate. Maybe we could be allies."
Hearing that gave me tears of joy. Nobody has ever called me their hero before! This is especially touching for someone like me given how much of a cunt I was in the past and coming from the guy I wanted to date. Even if on a team of villains right from the start, knowing I was a hero to my love interest showed I was already making a difference for the better this time around, plus this made it obvious he liked me from the beginning. I of course would gladly be his ally. As tempted as I feel to go in and kiss him for that sentiment, it would raise lots of eyebrows (including his) and I shouldn't invade his private moment (or at least what is private among the camp as these do get broadcast on public TV). I instead stay silent as the tears come out and wait for him to leave the area. After they stop, and I dry my eyes took make them look normal, I then enter the confessional.
Facing the camera, I need to say something that isn't suspicious. Something comes up before long. "Winning today's challenge was glorious! Even though the island is as gross as before and Chris is still a horrid schmuck, I have some hope for this season, in large part because of that luxurious hotel. Watching the previous seasons before coming back also helps me feel prepared." I state before exiting the outhouse.
Before the night is over, I need to talk things out with Gwen as I told her we would. The goth is seen talking with Duncan nearby the hotel. No surprise there as the two are still a couple right now. Hard to say exactly what their conversation is about. Regardless, I decide to wait from a distance until they finish and follow her inside after they stop talking and he walks away. Time to set things right.
"Gwen, I do believe you said something earlier about wanting to make things right, and I felt we should wait until after the challenge and are alone before going into details. Now that we won the challenge and have a moment to ourselves, I'm all ears." I tell her.
The goth turns around and affirms "Yes I did. To be honest, I feel horrid about what happened during season 3. I should've just told you about that Duncan kiss right after it happened and am sorry I didn't. He made his move before I could stop him, and as wrong as this sounds, I was too caught up in the moment and my excitement to stop him. I'm not making excuses for it but felt you should know the truth. Even if you don't forgive me, I do need to say I'm sorry for everything that went down."
When initially living through All-Stars, I wouldn't have believed her at first, but I do of course know here she means it. Didn't think she'd let it all out so soon, but I do the same and respond "In all honesty, I do wish you had told me yourself instead of having to hear about that from Tyler and had tried to stop the advance, though can see why you'd hesitate to reveal what happened. After watching the episode again, I also need to say sorry for taking my anger out more on you than Duncan, especially when seeing your guilt in the next episode. He was much more at fault for that kiss than you as he was the one who made the move on his own terms. I also regret becoming so hellbent on eliminating you instead of him then. Rage got to my head and it was wrong of me. Perhaps this could've been avoided if you instead got back with your ex Trent or gave Cody a chance, but I already knew neither of those were likely to happen regardless and still doubt they ever will. While there's no way I can ever forgive Duncan for cheating, the fact that you said what you did means a lot plus makes you a much better person than him, and I am grateful for it."
I meant every word of that. Before my chart fiasco and this exchange, I was the type of person who very rarely ever said sorry for my wrongdoings and would tend to just blame others for what they did. Justin, Duncan, and Harold were among the recipients. Out of those three, I first apologized to Justin for toying with his heart in between seasons 2 and 3. Duncan came next, also in between those seasons, where I admitted that list of ways he needed to change was out of line (though I still regret getting back together with him after our season 2 breakup). Later during the fourth season, I talked things out with Harold where we both agreed we did things we shouldn't have (i.e. he rigged the votes to orchestrate my season 1 elimination and I tricked him into voting off his love interest Leshawna during season 2), and that it would've made more sense for him to tamper the votes to eliminate Duncan instead in season 1 if anybody (though rigging votes is still wrong). My chart of course erased any amends I made with others and I unsuccessfully tried to save my ass by apologizing to Gwen until she insisted I vote myself off to prove my sorrow. This time, however, both of us are admitting our faults without any incentive other than remorse and wanting to be friendly again.
"Is it too soon to ask to be friends again?" she then asks me with a bit of hesitation. "I miss what we used to have."
"No, I miss that too and would like to turn over a new leaf." I state.
The two of us embrace with a brief hug as she then whispers a "Thank you" and I whisper back "Thank you too". I feel as if a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and can tell she feels the same way. Now that we've made amends, both of us can enjoy the hotel's luxuries without worrying about our past tensions. This is what we should've done in the first place. No accidental injuries or distresses, just people talking in a private area with nobody around to make things awkward. Chris McLean will later call us out with the rest of the Vultures to attend the elimination ceremony as the Hamsters must vote someone off.
That's when I remember something that happened when I first lived through the season; Mal would rig the votes against Cameron once the merge came along. Even though Chris let him stay that night (probably suspecting they had been messed with) when Duncan had already been disqualified and arrested for blowing up his mansion, I need to prevent any tampering. Time to talk with McLean.
I go outside and find him relaxing by the shore with Chef Hatchet. That cook is likely his only friend (or at least his closest thing to a friend), and for good reason. Walking over to the deck, I tap on the host's shoulder.
"Chris, there's something I need to talk with you about." I inform him.
"Can it wait?" He asks me with some irritation. "I'm trying to tan here with Chef."
"No; it's quite important, and Hatchet should probably hear this as well." I reply. "The box of votes can easily be broken into for tampering. Remember how Harold messed with the votes to kick me off in the first season and then I sued for that unfair elimination? You need to take more precautions against that unless you're willing to risk another lawsuit if it happens to someone again. Maybe a more secure lock would help."
Chef then comments "I'd listen to her. You can't afford people suing or trying to sue the show more than they already have."
The host sighs and says "OK fine. If it makes you feel any better, then I'll also have people sign their names on the back of each paper to compare handwriting AND promise to instantly disqualify anybody who tries to rig the votes this time by reviewing all the confessional footage to detect tampering. Those locks unfortunately are the strongest ones we have, or I would use something better."
"Much appreciated, and that does help." I thank him.
Cameron, you'll be grateful I did this in case Mal comes around again and tries to unfairly send you home. As someone who knows from experience how you felt, consider this a personal favor for you. I then make my way back to the hotel. This overall has been a much better start for me than I could have imagined when re-entering the season. We get called out to attend the elimination ceremony afterwards. Us winners will watch as the losers vote someone off.
Chris McLean welcomes everybody and notes that the winners attend as a peanut gallery to view the elimination results before getting a deluxe dinner from the hotel. I cheer with the other Vultures upon hearing that part. He then tells us "Before we start, I need one winner to volunteer for a SPECIAL reward."
I of course know the "reward" is going to exile on Boney Island to try finding the hidden McLean immunity idol that negates any votes against whoever possesses it. Before anybody else can say anything, Lightning volunteers by running up and proclaiming "Ha, Sha-Lightning!"
"Great!" our host replies. "Your reward is spending the night in exile on Boney Island with all the hungry wild animals!"
"Aw great, how is that a reward?" the jock asks.
"Because there's a McLean invincibility statue hidden somewhere on Boney Island." Chris informs him while holding one of the statues. "Find it, and you're golden."
An irritated Scott groans "Ugh, NOW he tells us."
Chef then takes Lightning away to Boney Island as McLean says "This year, you get to vote by placing an X on the 8x10 photo of the person you want to eliminate. Also, be sure to write your names on the back of each photo so I know who voted for who. You WILL get immediately kicked off if you try to rig the votes as I'm reviewing the footage for each vote that people cast and am guaranteed to catch any tampering. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Now, get voting."
Thank you, Chris, for listening to me AND following through on your word! We're bound to have a better game this time around. In the meantime, it's harder to say this time who the first contestant eliminated shall be when they didn't have Lindsay struggling to push a carriage. Once the votes are cast, Chris has a plate of six marshmallows. Just like in the first season, whoever doesn't get one is out of the game. Lindsay also doesn't have a red X on her face now, meaning she didn't get discouraged enough by today's challenge this time to vote herself off (probably because she just had to do one jump instead of running back and forth so much).
The host then says "OK, the following people are safe: Cameron, Zoey, Mike, Sam, and Lindsay." while tossing marshmallows to each as he called their names.
Another game-changer with Lindsay not getting the first boot! Duncan and Sierra are in the bottom two as McLean gives reasons why either of them could go home while holding the final marshmallow.
"Sierra, you're on the chopping block for being an obsessive creepy stalker with little to no sanity who irks people and often needlessly goes on about Cody. It gets to be rather much, and he will never love you." He states.
"Don't you EVER say that about my Cody-kins!" Sierra angrily retorts.
"Whatever." The host dismissively replies before continuing. "Duncan, you're on the chopping block for your lack of team spirit and not getting along that well with your teammates today."
"Would YOU like to be stuck somewhere you knew you didn't belong?" the delinquent asks.
"Get over it! We all know you got yourself onto this team by making a heroic rescue earlier today on YOUR OWN TERMS." Chris snaps as Duncan sulks in response. "Anyway, the loser is…
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Sierra!"
Duncan then gets the last marshmallow. I won't miss either of them at all and personally would've preferred him going out, but her elimination is also fine by me.
"You seriously voted ME off!?" a shocked Sierra inquires, and points to the delinquent while adding "I did much more work for the team than him!"
"He at least is sane." Cameron remarks.
"Bubble boy is right, and this year, we've got a BRAND-NEW elimination device." Chris tells everyone with a smile.
He then takes the Hamsters to a giant toilet to give Sierra the flush of shame. It's too far away for me to hear, but I already know he's announcing what the thing does. It grosses out all the remaining team members. McLean presses a button to activate it. The nutty girl screams while being flushed as the host holds an umbrella to protect himself from the toilet water splash (disgusting!), which soaks everyone else on the team, and signs off the episode.
It's time for the Vultures to eat some dinner. I go inside the hotel and wash my hands before dining. Our dinner tonight is a barbecue buffet with chicken wings, hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs. Filling up my plate with one of each, I sit next to Gwen and the two of us enjoy feasting. Scott takes the other chair next to me and begins to eat. This of course is a fantastic night. I not only won the challenge, got a friend back, and figured out for sure the guy I like is also into me, but also have a delightful dinner!
Once dinner was finished, it was getting late, so I decided to shower and brush my teeth. The showers here are of course far better than what one finds in the communal bathrooms. I get into my pajamas afterwards and brush my teeth before going to the bedrooms. A finger then taps on my shoulder. I turn around to see Scott.
"Courtney, I need to thank you again for insisting I drive instead of diving into the waters. I probably would be shark-bait otherwise." He tells me.
"Of course." I reply. "Since it's now late at night, I do need my rest before the next challenge starts up."
"Before you go to bed, though, I do have something to ask. Would you care for an alliance? I feel it's the least I can do in return for your favor." He questions.
"Gladly!" I affirm and shake hands with him, trying not to show too much of my excitement. "Now good night, Scott; we need to be awake and alert for what McLean has next."
He then turns to open one of the bedroom doors as I enter another. Co-ed rooming sounds nice, but I'm not going to get more than platonic with him just yet as he's only known me for a day so far. That would be too weird. Gradual steps, Courtney. Rushing into things will end badly. I then get into one of the beds and drift off to sleep.
First challenge complete, and the game is already quite different from before thanks to Courtney! Given that this chapter took me eight days to get out after the last, that probably is going to be the minimum amount of time future chapters will take to write. Keep in mind I have to focus on work during much of the daytime, and when off hours have to re-watch canon episodes to refresh myself on anything I forgot (largely exact quotes from canon) as well as rewrite things to accommodate the CIT's changes. There's also my offline life outside of work that takes up a good amount of time.
Reason for elimination: With Courtney not on the Hamsters to make Lindsay drive the carriage (and do a horrid job at it), I figured the air-headed blonde could stay around longer as the team would likely be irked by Sierra's insanity and want her out early instead.
Elimination Order:
Sierra (14th place)
Remaining Players:
Heroic Hamsters: Cameron, Duncan, Lindsay, Mike, Sam, Zoey
Villainous Vultures: Alejandro, Courtney, Gwen, Heather, Jo, Lightning, Scott
Chapter posted: August 12, 2018.