A/N: My apologies for how late the update is. For those who don't follow my deviantART, I ran into some computer issues that ended with me having to restart the episode after having no laptop for a couple weeks. In a desperate, likely failed, attempt make up for it, I've added a poll on my page asking who your favorite character in the final nine is. Keep in mind that it'll spoil who gets eliminated in this very episode, so don't answer it until after you've read it. Or do. I'm no beggar.
Oh, and take a shot every time the word 'platform' is used in this episode.
"Last time on Total Drama House Party..." Hatchet stood in the foyer for the recap. "Our eleven contestants were tasked to face their biggest fears. We had basic-ass fears like spiders and needles, and more obscure fears like marriage. It wasn't easy, but war never is! Sonamjit formed a side alliance with David and Mac, which could help her out considerin' Franklin's put a target on her back after she was rude to Bailey. Ernie and Tucker discovered a way to use the Chris-Bot twist to their advantage, and it proved to be pretty helpful when it spread some slander about Barry, which, along with Franklin's plan to turn his allies against Sonam by voting for Barry, ended with the outspoken Christian boy goin' home. Will Franklin get away with his plan? Will Erica succeed in getting Rachel eliminated? Will Judy regret helping in blindsiding Barry? Find out ya fool! Only on Total! Drama! HOUSE PARTY!"
David, Mac, and Bailey all went outside as per Tucker's decision.
"I must say, this is one part of the game I didn't miss," Bailey commented. "The last time I had to sleep out here must have been... oh, after Susan's elimination."
"Last time I was here was a couple days ago," David remembered.
"Last time I was here was the first night of the game," Mac grinned.
"Aw, that's right," David realized. "Because you were the first one voted off of your team, and Team Flame got last place in that first challenge."
"It makes me realize that Sonamjit and Ziggy never had to sleep out here," Bailey added. "Though that could easily change in Sonamjit's case."
"Who the hell's Ziggy?" David asked.
"He was on Team Thunder briefly, though he never really did much," Bailey explained.
"You know, the black kid with the glasses?" Mac asked.
"I dunno. I guess you guys would know better than I do," David shrugged.
"Oh, I just remembered," Bailey gasped. "Are you two in an alliance of any sort?"
"We may or may not be," David said suspiciously. "Why?"
"I'm in an alliance with Erica and we're looking for numbers. Considering Ernie and Tucker are aligned, and everyone else is in a four-person alliance, I think joining up with us could be very beneficial."
"I don't think everyone else is in that alliance," Mac said.
"Shh!" David shushed. "I'd be down with that."
"But what about...?" Mac began before David glared at him.
"It's alright if you're already in an alliance," Bailey said. "You can consider this an alliance between alliances."
"That sounds sick," David grinned. "Mac and I are in!"
"What?" Mac asked.
"It's a pleasure to work with you," Bailey said with a smile as she shook David's hand.
Confessional:
David: Apparently Sonam's got two alliances, at least according to Bailey, so I figure it's fair that Mac and I can double-play too. I know I'm not really Mr. Strategy, but I don't want to get blindsided. Besides, it's not like I have to make any plays. I'm more of a follower anyway.
Bailey: I think David and Mac may be allied with someone in the four-man alliance. I just hope it's Franklin or Judy. If Rachel or Sonamjit have this many allies, it could spell trouble.
Mac: Is David forgetting about our alliance with Sonam? What the heck?!
Franklin, Ernie, and Erica all went to the basement.
"So..." Franklin started. "Nice to meet you both."
"Bite me," Erica said.
"Whatever," Ernie said in unison with Erica.
"Look, neither of you are really high on anyone's friendship list," Franklin said frankly. "If you guys want to stay alive in this game, I suggest you-"
"I suggest you suck my dick," Erica interrupted. Ernie chuckled.
"I'm trying to make sure you guys stay safe for this round," Franklin said, annoyed.
"Why would you care?" Ernie asked. "You said it yourself. We've, like, never really spoken that much."
"Make no mistake. I'm not doing this to save you specifically," Franklin said bluntly. "I'm doing it because I have a target in mind."
"Unless it's Rachel, I'm not interested," Erica told him.
"It's Sonam," Franklin corrected.
"Well, I've voted her out once, ya know, so I'll vote her out again," Ernie shrugged. "Tucker'll vote however I ask him to, so if you can get, like, three more votes, I'm down."
"Seriously. Why can't we just vote for Rachel?" Erica whined.
"Because Rachel doesn't need to go right now," Franklin said.
"You're right. She should have left a long time ago," Erica griped.
"...Anyway, Ernie, I'll see what I can do about getting those three more votes," Franklin said.
"Cool. Go for it," Ernie said disinterestedly.
Confessional:
Franklin: You may say I'm holding a grudge here, but I feel like I can cut Sonam and still have numbers on my side. I have Judy and Rachel in my big alliance, and Bailey in my main alliance. Heck, if I keep it up, I could end up with Ernie and Tucker both permanently on my side. Before you know it, the million dollars will be mine.
Ernie: I did propose an alliance with Franklin, like, before the merge started, but he turned me down. I think I can see why. He's, ya know, quite the social threat, it seems. Looks like a challenge threat too. Might even be a strategic threat. Hm. I might have to keep my options open here...
Erica: Why must everyone here be so retarded? Rachel's the obvious threat here. Why the hell vote out Spankety? She's harmless!
Tucker, along with Rachel, Judy, and Sonamjit, made his way to the first place rooms.
"Tucker's gotta win individual challenges more often," Tucker remarked. "It feels awesome!"
"You... got lucky..." Sonamjit growled. "It will be... the last time... you'll ever... be so... happy..."
"Tucker could make you happy if you drop by his room tonight. Heheheheh," Tucker chuckled.
"Please kill yourself..." Sonamjit retorted.
"Guys, let's not fight," Judy said.
"Yeah, she's right," Tucker said. "Tucker isn't into the painful stuff. He isn't that kinky."
"That's not exactly what I meant..." Judy said. "Rachel, back me up here."
"What?" Rachel asked as she appeared to break out of a daze.
"Oh, hey, you okay?" Judy asked. "Sorry that Barry's gone."
"Don't worry about it," Rachel said sadly. "It's not like you voted for him."
"Ahaha. Yeah..." Judy said awkwardly.
"And hey, look on the bright side," Tucker said. "Tucker's still here, and he's willing to go even farther than Barry ever would."
"Do you... try... to be horribly unlikable...?" Sonamjit asked.
"Don't be jealous. Tucker offered you a shot with him too, you know," Tucker said condescendingly.
"I would rather... have my intestines... torn out of my body... and used to strangle me... than for you to even brush against me..." Sonamjit said darkly.
"...And now it's gone. Thanks a lot, Spankety," Tucker sighed as he looked down.
"And quit calling me that!" Sonamjit shouted.
"At least those two are entertaining to watch, huh?" Judy remarked to Rachel.
"Heh. Sort of," Rachel admitted.
Confessional:
Rachel: It does suck that Barry's gone, but I can't let it get to me. I need to make sure I'm not the next to go. I still have four people to my alliance, which is less than half the people remaining, but it should suffice. I wonder if David or Mac are aligned with anyone yet. Maybe I could speak with them.
Sonamjit: Tucker's win tonight... was a fluke... Tomorrow... I'll make sure... he doesn't win... so I can ensure... he goes home... I should also... scold David and Mac... because clearly they didn't Ernie tonight... hence the tie...
Tucker: You'd think Tucker being around three hot girls would result in at least one hot makeout session, but no luck. What the heck?
The next morning, Sonamjit and Mac both sat in wait for David to arrive.
"What... is taking him... so long...?" Sonamjit growled. "We agreed... on 7:30..."
"Maybe he thought you meant PM," Mac chuckled awkwardly.
"I fail to see... how that's funny..." Sonamjit scowled.
"Really? Even as a former clown?" Mac asked.
"We don't talk about that..." Sonamjit said.
"Hey, speaking of which, where'd you get these... not... clown... clothes, anyway?" Mac asked. "I wouldn't think you packed them yourself."
"They were in... my bag... when I got here..." Sonamjit answered. "I think... it was my brother... playing a prank on me... Little did he know... I'd actually end up wearing them..."
"Eh, makes sense to me," Mac shrugged. "So, you have a brother?"
"Yes... Parmvir is his name... He's ten..." Sonamjit responded. "He always did poke fun at me... for being a clown... but he was playful when he did it... unlike the malicious bastards of this game..."
"You're really taking this pretty personally," Mac noted. "For the record, I thought it was cool to have a clown in this game, even if we never really knew each other back then."
"Why... would you think that...?" Sonamjit asked.
"I think clowns are cool," Mac grinned. "Anyone who dedicates their life to making others smile is pretty admirable in my book. But what do I know? I'm the guy who likes to hit things. Heeheehahaha."
"Oh Mac..." Sonamjit said as she shook her head. "You poor innocent boy..."
Confessional:
Sonamjit: Ugh... I almost wish... I could have been on Mac's team... instead of the team I got... Maybe then... I'd still be happy... Maybe Tucker would have been the first boot... Oh the differences that would have been made... if I'd found a cherry soda... on that day...
Mac: I mean, heck, clowns do a ton of slapstick, don't they? Maybe I should look into becoming a clown myself. I could hurt myself for the amusement of others. Heeheehahaha!
Bailey met up with Erica in the ballroom.
"So. Did you talk to David and Mac last night?" Erica asked.
"I did," Bailey nodded. "David's up for an alliance with us. Mac seemed hesitant, but I'm sure David can convince him."
"Really? Not bad," Erica sneered.
"Though, um, it should be noted that they're aligned with either Rachel, Franklin, Judy, or Sonamjit," Bailey added.
"Ugh, seriously?" Erica groaned.
"I have my doubts that it's Franklin or Judy, since neither of them shared a team with the boys," Bailey said. "So I guess we just have to hope it's Sonamjit."
"No, they'd better pray it's Sonamjit, because I'm going to kick their asses if they even speak to Rachel," Erica growled.
"You really don't like Rachel, do you?" Bailey asked.
"Who would?" Erica scoffed.
"She seems pleasant enough, from what I've seen," Bailey answered. "She may be a strategic threat, but she doesn't come off as mean."
"She's pure evil," Erica insisted.
"Right. Like how Barry was?" Bailey asked.
"Are you mocking me?" Erica asked as she raised a fist to Bailey.
"...No..." Bailey squeaked fearfully.
"Good girl," Erica said condescendingly. "Make sure you know who David and Mac are aligned with. It's important."
"...Y-yes ma'am," Bailey said quietly.
Confessional:
Erica: This alliance with Bailey is pretty great. She does whatever I tell her, most of the time, and I don't have to do any talking to anyone except for her, and even then she's pretty quiet anyway.
Bailey: ...I'm starting to think this side alliance isn't worth it I'd be fine with David and Mac, but Erica's just... mean.
Rachel found Judy alone in the hot tub room.
"Hey," Rachel greeted.
"Oh, hey," Judy smiled. "What's up?"
"Well, I figured since Barry's gone, I should probably get to know the rest of my alliance a bit better," Rachel admitted. "So... you want to talk?"
"Sure," Judy agreed. "What do you want to talk about?"
"...Oh, geez," Rachel said awkwardly. "Usually it comes down to strategy, me flirting, or classic literature. I don't suppose you're interested in any of those topics?"
"Actually, the you flirting one sounds interesting," Judy said. "As in, is that how you and Barry became close?"
"Oh, uh, yeah, actually," Rachel confessed. "It started with me trying to get a harem of boys loyal to me and only me, but Mac likes some other girl and Nolan's dice wouldn't let him align with me, so Barry ended up being my only official ally for the premerge."
"Official?" Judy asked.
"Well, Nolan and I were still friends, but his dice rule said we couldn't be officially aligned," Rachel explained. "How was your premerge experience?"
"Well, it was something," Judy chuckled. "It started out with an alliance of me, Chappy, and Preston, only for Preston to get voted off in the first week, partially thanks to me I guess. Then Susan and Bailey decided I was a bigger target than Chappy and started gunning for me. I guess I'm lucky they both got voted out before they could get me out. After that, I was split between voting for Franklin and voting for Chappy, and Franklin seemed like the more trustworthy choice to take into the merge, so I chose him. And the rest is history."
"The rest has barely happened yet," Rachel pointed out.
"Yeah, good point," Judy agreed.
Confessional:
Rachel: I'm the kind of girl who tends to be the token female among a group of male friends. I guess I find it easier to talk to guys than to girls. Though I couldn't help but notice that Judy's voted out two of her allies since this game started. I should keep that in mind.
Judy: I'm glad Rachel is taking Barry's elimination well. There isn't really anyone in this game I have an eye on, but there's a guy back home who I'd be pretty sad if he was voted out. Good thing he's not in this game, huh?
There was an awkward pause which was interrupted by Franklin entering the room.
"Good morning, ladies," Franklin greeted courteously.
"Hey, Franklin," Rachel greeted back.
"Are you allowed in here?" Judy asked. "No offense, but I think only first class is allowed in here."
"I'm probably not, but as long as I'm not in the hot tub or enjoying any snacks it should be fine," Franklin responded.
"Makes sense to me, I guess," Rachel said.
"Oh hey, sorry about Barry," Franklin told the smart girl. "But I have a theory on what happened."
"Really?" Rachel asked hopefully.
"I think Sonamjit is up to something," Franklin continued. "She might have had it out for Barry for being in a good mood all the time. I don't know. All I know is that I voted for Ernie."
"But she seemed so hellbent on getting rid of Tucker and Ernie," Rachel thought aloud. "Maybe I'll talk to her later."
"Good call," Franklin nodded.
"I'm going to go get some breakfast," Judy told the others as she left the armory. "I'm hungry."
Rachel waited until Judy left before talking again.
"I hate to say it, but I think it might have been Judy who voted for Barry," Rachel said.
"Really?" Franklin asked, genuinely surprised at what Rachel had said.
"Before you got here, Judy and I talked about the premerge, and she mentioned having backstabbed both Preston and Chappy," Rachel explained. "I'm starting to wonder about her."
"Judy, huh?" Franklin asked. "I never considered her to be a villain, but it does make sense when you put it that way."
"Could the nice yet dim girl we know be a facade?" Rachel asked rhetorically. "I'll go talk to Sonamjit. See what she thinks."
"Go for it," Franklin said.
Confessional:
Franklin: Could Judy really be the big bad villain of the season? Eh, I doubt it. She doesn't have that look in her eyes that true villains have. The same look Preston had when he tried blackmailing me. The same look my father had before stabbing me with that broken bottle. But if Rachel wants to go and say silly things like that, I'll humor her, if only because it'll keep the suspicion off of me. I do hold friendship highly, but I'm looking out for myself over Judy. And she's right: Sonam realistically wouldn't have voted for Barry over Ernie. I'll admit that was a stupid oversight on my part.
Rachel: This show has been known to have villains who pretend to be nice people. Alejandro, Mal, Scarlett, maybe some more I'm forgetting. Could Judy be one of those? I don't want to think so, but you never know, right?
As Ernie and Tucker strolled through the hall, they ran into Chris-Bot.
"Oh, hey," Ernie said in acknowledgment. "I don't suppose you, like, have any news for us."
"Actually, from what I can tell, just about everyone seems to be in more than one alliance," Chris-Bot said. "Makes me wonder what might happen if someone were to find out."
"Isn't that, ya know, your job?" Ernie asked. "Go tell people."
"It's not easy finding people when they're trying to avoid you, you know," Chris-Bot replied. "You guys are the only ones who don't hate me."
"Tucker thought robots didn't feel love or hate," Tucker pointed out.
"I don't. But everyone else does. Or doesn't, apparently," Chris-Bot said.
"I may have to take back what I said," Ernie said. "You really are pretty lame."
"If that's supposed to encourage me to try harder, it isn't working," Chris-Bot said.
"It wasn't. It was, ya know, me making an observation," Ernie corrected.
"Well, I was going to tell you who's aligned with whom, but now maybe I won't," Chris-Bot said as it walked away.
"It makes little difference to me," Ernie said. "I just go with the flow. Vote with the majority. I don't care how the lines are drawn. I just, ya know, care who the targets are."
"Are you sure that's going to work for you?" Chris-Bot asked. "If last night was any indication, you have a target on your back."
"I'm pretty sure that was just Sonam," Ernie said. "Which is why I plan on, ya know, voting her out tonight."
"Eh, your loss," Chris-Bot shrugged as it walked away.
"For a robot, that thing is pretty smug," Tucker commented.
"Tell me about it," Ernie grumbled.
Confessional:
Ernie: See, if Chris-Bot would do his job, this wouldn't be an issue. The plan was, ya know, to spread some lie about someone or other using Chris-Bot and make that person a target, but since everyone's been avoiding it, I can't do that. Geez.
Tucker: Tucker still thinks a Blaineley-Bot would have been a much better idea. Even if it's still useless, at least Blaineley's hot.
David entered the mess hall, only for Yolonda to pull him aside as soon as he set foot inside.
"Uh, aren't we going a bit fast?" David asked awkwardly.
"Look, I'm seriously getting anxious about what might be in my uncle's room," Yolonda told him. "It's been keeping me up at night, sugar."
"Oh. Well that's not good. I think," David said.
"It's not," Yolonda said. "First that sketchy Chris-Bot. What's next? Why does he keep it so well-guarded? Why won't he explain anything?"
"Why don't you try to find a way in?" David suggested.
"That's why I'm pulling you aside," Yolonda said. "I want you to help me get in."
"I don't know," David said. "What if I get removed from the game? You know, for snooping where I'm not supposed to."
"He doesn't have to know we got in," Yolonda smirked.
"What about cameras?" David asked. "In fact, what about those cameras?" he asked as he pointed to the cameras on each corner of the ceiling.
"I had those disabled. Nobody can hear a thing," Yolonda explained.
"So you can do the same for the cameras in Hatchet's room?" David asked.
"As far as I know, there are no cameras in his room," Yolonda answered. "I get full access to all footage recorded in this house, and I haven't seen anything in that room."
"That's pretty lucky for just a chef," David remarked.
"It is, isn't it?" Yolonda agreed. "None taken, by the way."
"What?" David asked, confused.
"Nevermind," Yolonda said. "So, are you in?"
"I don't know," David said. "I have two whole alliances to pay attention to. That, plus challenges, plus eliminations... I'm busy enough as it is. I'm sorry."
"No, no, I understand," Yolonda said truthfully. "Good luck with the game and all that, sugar."
"Thanks. Good luck with, uh, breaking and entering, I guess," David responded.
Confessional:
David: I did come into this game to have fun, but as it turns out, strategy takes priority over everything in this season. As much as I like Yolonda, and I really do, I need to keep my head in the game if I want to win. I can have all the fun I want if I have a million dollars, right?
Yolonda: I understand that David has a game to play, but you'd think he'd try to help with his friend's issue at least a little, right?
The ten houseguests had gathered to the foyer at Hatchet's request.
"A'ight, today's another Playground of Pain challenge," Hatchet told the contestants.
"Nice!" Mac exclaimed happily.
"Let's get this overwith," Franklin sighed.
"Can it really be any more painful that yesterday's challenge?" Erica commented.
"Oh you bet it can!" Hatchet barked. "Don't test me, girl!"
"As long as there are no bees, I'm cool," David chuckled.
"Whatever. Let's just go," Hatchet said as he went for the door.
Confessional:
Bailey: Hopefully today's challenge is on the easier side. I'm not really in the mood for falling on my face or anything of that sort.
Judy: These challenges are always on the easier side for me, but I shouldn't get cocky. Pride before a fall doesn't sound like my style.
Ernie: I might actually need a win today, since I was, ya know, almost eliminated last night. As long as the challenge isn't, I dunno, something stupid, I'll at least give it a shot.
As the contestants rode the Bus of Horrors to the Playground of Pain, Rachel, who had sat next to Sonamjit, struck up a conversation.
"So, how about that vote last night?" Rachel asked.
"I know... It sucked..." Sonamjit growled.
"Tell me about it," Rachel said. "Losing your boyfriend so unexpectedly is no picnic."
"Try being... the first boot... so unexpectedly..." Sonamjit retorted.
"Uh, yeah," Rachel said awkwardly. "Anyway, I was just curious if you knew anything about how there was a tie vote. I heard someone in our alliance might have voted for Barry."
"You're not... suspecting me... are you...?" Sonamjit asked.
"Well, yes and no," Rachel admitted. "The only person I know for sure who didn't vote for him is myself. I suspect Judy. What do you know about her?"
"Why would I... know anything...?" Sonamjit asked.
"Don't they let you watch what's going on when you're voted out?" Rachel asked.
"No..." Sonamjit answered. "Probably... for the very reason... that they were going to bring people back..."
"I guess that makes sense," Rachel decided. "Just keep an eye out, okay?"
"Whatever..." Sonamjit droned.
Meanwhile, David and Judy had started a conversation of their own.
"So... Lauren told me that she tried setting us up with each other," Judy said.
"Yeah, that was weird," David replied. "She thought getting me a girlfriend would earn my loyalty to her or something. I don't know."
"So you're not interested?" Judy asked.
"Are you?" David asked back.
"No, just curious," Judy admitted.
"Well, in that case, no, I'm not interested," David answered. "I've got my eye on someone else."
"Ooh. In this game?" Judy asked.
"Kind of," David said. "It's Yolonda."
"Awwww," Judy beamed. "You should ask her out."
"I want to, but I'm kind of busy with the game, plus I have no idea if she likes me in that way," David excused.
"Well you'll never know if you don't ask," Judy encouraged.
"I don't know. Maybe I could wait until this season airs on TV and see if she makes any confessionals about me," David suggested.
"Come on, David," Judy scolded.
"I'll probably ask her when the numbers thin out," David decided. "Assuming I even make it that far."
"I don't doubt you will," Judy smiled.
"Heh. Thanks. You're alright," David said with a friendly grin of his own.
Confessional:
Rachel: Of course, for all I know, Franklin could have voted for Barry. I'm starting to wonder if I can really trust anyone anymore.
Sonamjit: Tch... Relationships... are meaningless... they only end... in heartache... I suppose it's time... Rachel learned that... for herself...
David: I wonder if Yolonda's working on her little project yet.
Judy: I don't know why, but I just really like seeing couples get together. ...Too bad about Barry though. If I'd known he'd go home, I never would have voted for him, I swear. I didn't want to separate him and Rachel. I just wanted Franklin to owe me one.
As the contestants arrived at the Playground of Pain, they noticed the new layout. This one was similar to the obstacle course from Revenge of the Island, set about ten feet above ground level.
"Alright, now listen up!" Hatchet ordered. "Today's challenge will be a not-so-simple obstacle course!"
"...Awesome!" Mac cheered.
"Hey, didn't we do an obstacle course on the day that we voted him out?" Erica asked as she gestured to Mac.
"That was a relay race! Entirely different!" Hatchet insisted.
"So what makes this challenge different?" Bailey asked curiously.
"Well, for starters, y'all will be doin' this one at a time!" Hatchet explained. "Each of y'all will take turns runnin' through the course, competin' for the fastest time. A course, which I might add, has entirely different obstacles! To start off, y'all will hafta run across a path of platforms that'll start fallin' when you step on it, to help y'all pick up speed."
"Yayyyyyyy," Ernie said dryly.
"Shut up!" Hatchet barked. "Next! Y'all will hafta run across a path of big balls."
Tucker began to chuckle.
"I said shut up!" Hatchet ordered. "Keep in mind that it ain't easy to keep your balance on these things."
"Sounds like we'll be falling a lot," Franklin noted.
"You will!" Hatchet confirmed. "Which reminds me! As you pass each obstacle, you can drop a ladder down for you to climb up if you fall. That way ya won't hafta start over from the beginnin' every time you fall. But it'll cost speed and momentum, and therefore, time, if ya do it, so do so wisely!"
"I see," Franklin said.
"Movin' on!" Hatchet continued. "After the balls is some platforms rotatin' on an axis! The only way to get across here is to be patient and wait."
"So much for... going for the fastest time..." Sonamjit commented.
"You kids are seriously testin' my patience right now!" Hatchet snapped. "After the rotatin' platforms are some risin' and fallin' platforms. Timin' is the key here, and don't forget it!"
"Music's all about timing. I can do this," David grinned.
"Whatever," Hatchet dismissed. "Lastly is a thin, straight runway to the finish, but don't be surprised if a few wayward dodgeballs hit you on the way, courtesy of the dodgeball cannons on either side."
"Well, this should be fun," Rachel remarked.
"Ah, that's right," Hatchet remembered. "Due to your current condition, Rachel, you will be ineligible to compete in this challenge and therefore ineligible to win invincibility today."
"Seriously?" Rachel gasped.
"Hey, be thankful you're still in the game at all!" Hatchet responded.
"Eh, good point," Rachel shrugged.
"We'll do this on a volunteer basis," Hatchet finished. "So it's first come first serve."
"Ooh! Ooh! Me first! Me first!" Mac cried as he jumped up and down with his hand in the air.
"Knock yourself out," Hatchet said with a roll of his eyes. "Literally if you have to," he added under his breath.
Confessional:
Tucker: Tucker's super confident he can do this. Tucker's been to summer camp every year for as long as he can remember, and Tucker's done a few obstacle courses in his day.
Franklin: I'm not looking forward to doing this challenge. Hopefully Sonamjit at least doesn't win it.
Mac: Dude! How cool is it that we get this super-dangerous obstacle course for a challenge?! I hope this isn't bad luck. Like, I get voted out tonight because obstacle course challenges are cursed for me or something. That would suck.
Mac climbed the first ladder up to the starting platform.
"The timer will start as soon as you cross the starting line!" Hatchet informed everyone. "The timer will end once you cross the finish line!"
"Got it," Mac grinned before dashing past the starting line.
Mac had built up enough speed that the crumbing path made no difference to him. After he had run past the crumbling path, it set itself back up again.
"Fancy," Judy commented.
"Simple mechanics," Hatchet told her. "Nothin' special."
"Oof!" Mac exclaimed as he fell off the path of big balls. "Kheehee. That hurt," he chuckled as he ran back to the start.
Confessional:
Mac: As much as I wanted to keep getting myself beat up, I figured it'd probably be best for everyone if I finish the challenge quickly.
By this time, Mac had successfully crossed the ball path and arrived at the rotating platforms. He waited patiently before a platform had moved close enough for him to jump on. Once his platform was close enough to another platform, he jumped onto that one, and, once that one was close enough to the other side of the obstacle, he jumped off, opting to take the time to drop the ladder.
"Might as well," Mac decided as he took a look at the rising and falling platforms ahead of him. "Easy!" he chuckled as he jumped for the first one, only to mistime it and land in the bark below.
"Guess that's what the ladder's for," Rachel pointed out.
"That's what I said it was for. Pay attention!" Hatchet retorted.
As they turned their attention back to the course, they saw Mac back at the beginning of the obstacle, this time barely managing to make it onto the first platform. Now with a better understanding of the timing, Mac was able to, with some trouble, make it to the other side of the platforms.
"Yeah! Last obstacle!" Mac exclaimed as he dashed past the dodgeball cannons, getting pelted with numerous dodgeballs, but not flinching.
"Guess getting hurt all the time did him some good after all," Tucker snickered.
Before long, Mac had crossed the finish line.
"Woo!" Mac cheered. "That was fun! Can I go again?"
"No," Hatchet said flatly. "It's someone else's turn."
"Aw, alright," Mac decided as he hopped off the finish platform without even dropping the safety ladder.
"That kid is so weird," Hatchet muttered as he shook his head.
"I'm gonna get this overwith," Erica decided as she approached the starting platform.
Confessional:
Erica: I didn't think anyone else would volunteer, because really, who would? I figured I'd get the ball rolling so we can go back inside as soon as possible.
Erica cracked her neck to both sides before running across the collapsing path. She decided to stop and drop the ladder before crossing the path of balls.
"Better safe than sorry," Erica decided before taking as big of a running start as she could. As soon as she was near the back edge of the platform, she ran towards the balls and managed to get across them in one go.
"I'm impressed," Franklin admitted. "Didn't think she'd have it in her."
Erica decided not to drop the next ladder and simply waited for the rotating platform to arrive. Unfortunately for her, she mistimed her jump and landed in the bark below.
"God dammit," Erica cursed as she returned the the beginning of the path of balls.
Confessional:
Erica: The one ladder I didn't think I had to drop... I swear!
After making it past the balls again, Erica dropped the ladder as she waited for the rotating platform to arrive again. She was able to make it onto the first platform, but missed the second one, causing her to fall off once again.
"She's getting hurt worse than Mac did," Ernie remarked.
"I know. It's weird," Mac chuckled.
Erica had made it back the the start of the rotating platforms. After waiting patiently, she was able to cross the platforms and make it to the other side. She dropped the ladder as soon as she arrived and took a couple seconds to watch the rising and falling platforms before getting started on those as well.
"This challenge looks fairly easy," David noticed.
"Why don't you try it and find out for yourself?" Hatchet grunted.
"Maybe I will," David said challengingly.
By this point, Erica had just arrived at the dodgeball path. She dropped her ladder before making a run for the finish line. She was pelted by a number of dodgeballs, which ended up slowing her down, but not knocking her off. With some determination, she was able to cross the finish line.
"Can we hurry this up and let everyone else go now?" Erica asked.
"My turn!" David announced.
Confessional:
David: I think I might be the strongest person in the game. Physically at least. I hope that doesn't end up screwing me over.
David climbed up to the starting platform, took a deep breath, and began dashing past the crumbling platforms. He didn't stop to drop the ladder, but he didn't need to, as he made it perfectly across the ball platforms as well.
"Wow," Bailey said, impressed.
David didn't drop the next ladder either, as he was lucky enough to make it as soon as he could hop on the first rotating platform. He managed to make it to the second one easily.
"This really is easy, Hatchet!" David called to the former chef.
"I hate that kid..." Hatchet growled.
David managed to hop across the rising and falling platforms with relative ease, only stumbling after he hopped onto the first platform, needing to regain his balance. Once he made it across, he made a quick dash past the dodgeball cannons, crossing the finish line.
"Beat that," David grinned.
"I'd like to try," Judy said confidently.
"I'd like to see you try," David joked.
"Oh just... make out already..." Sonamjit remarked.
"And just like that it becomes incredibly awkward," David sighed.
Confessional:
Judy: A lot of people tend to forget that David's a real threat in challenges. Good thing I'm not going to let him win this one.
Judy made it to the starting platform, cracked her knuckles, and sprinted past the starting line. Like the others before her, she had no trouble with the collapsing path.
"What's the point of that obstacle anyway?" Rachel asked Hatchet. "It hasn't really messed anyone up."
"It'd probably mess you up," Hatchet remarked.
"I don't know. My legs work just fine," Rachel stated.
"But with only one workin' arm, you have no sense of balance," Hatchet added.
"Hm. Good point," Rachel conceded.
By this point, Judy had fallen off the ball platforms, gone back to the start, and crossed them successfully. She dropped the ladder that came after the balls and proceeded to hop onto the first rotating platform.
Confessional:
Judy: Those balls are harder to deal with than they look.
Judy had just made it across the rotating platforms and begun tentatively hopping across the rising and falling platforms.
"This seems very video-game-esque," Ernie noticed.
"Wasn't tryin' to be," Hatchet said. "I wouldn't do a video-game themed challenge unless it was a video-game themed season."
"Yeah, good point," Ernie shrugged. "Besides, that seems, ya know, too niche-y."
Judy had successfully made it across the rising/falling platforms and began to run through the dodgeball cannons.
"Geez. These hurt," Judy muttered as she endured each hit. In the end, she made it to the finish line without getting knocked off by the balls. "Yes!"
"I still probably did better than you did," David chuckled.
"Hey, Hatchet! Who did better? Me or David?" Judy asked.
"I'll tell you when the challenge is over!" Hatchet shouted.
"Fair enough," Judy shrugged.
"I'll go next..." Sonamjit droned. "I grow bored... waiting for the challenge to finish..."
Confessional:
Sonamjit: I... hate... physical activity... The most physical thing... I ever did... on purpose... was learn how to juggle... which is a useless skill by the way...
Sonamjit slowly made her way to the starting platform. Once she made it up, she slowly trudged past the starting line, clearly in no rush to finish up quickly.
"What is she doing?" Franklin asked as he scratched his head.
The collapsing path fell underneath Sonamjit's feet, causing her to fall into the bark.
"Well. I stand corrected," Rachel said. "Clearly it is quite the obstacle for some people."
"Who's the smart one now?" Hatchet grinned.
Sonamjit slowly made her way back to the ladder to the starting platform.
Confessional:
Rachel: And she kept doing the same thing over and over for about six or seven minutes. I think she threw it.
Sonamjit: ...I totally threw it. That challenge... looked super unfun...
"Alright, Sonamjit, get off the course. You're done," Hatchet sighed in annoyance.
"Excellent..." Sonamjit sniggered.
"I might as well go next," Ernie volunteered.
"Go for it," Hatchet said as he rolled his eyes.
Confessional:
Ernie: The sad thing is, like, what Sonam did is probably what I would have done if I wasn't, ya know, trying this time.
Ernie climbed up to the starting platform to begin the course.
"Let's go," Ernie muttered to himself before he ran past the starting line.
"Whoa. Is Ernie actually trying?" Tucker gasped.
Ernie jogged over the crumbling path and dropped the ladder that came after. After some hesitation, he began to jump across the ball platforms, only to slip and fall off the last one, landing in the bark.
"Aw, geez," Ernie grumbled.
Confessional:
Ernie: Honestly, I don't feel too confident in, like, my ability to balance, so I'll be dropping, like, every ladder in the course. May cost me some time, but hey, better safe than sorry, ya know? Although, after David's and Judy's performances, I dunno.
When we return, Ernie had finally crossed the ball platforms. He dropped the ladder and looked to the rotating platforms. When the timing was right, he hopped onto the first one, and onto the second one as soon as he could. Before long, he made it to the rising and falling platforms, dropping the ladder as he arrived for safety.
"Come on! Fall again!" Mac urged.
"What's your deal anyway?" Erica remarked. "You and your obsession with pain?"
"Well, what's your deal with your obsession with being in a bad mood?" Mac chuckled.
"What's your deal with being a waste of space?" Erica retorted.
"What's your deal with... being in a bad mood?" Mac snickered.
"You already used that one!" Erica snapped.
"You didn't answer me," Mac grinned.
At this point, Ernie had finally made it across the rising and falling platforms and finally made it to the dodgeball cannons. He dropped the ladder and ran for it, getting hit of course, but with little consequence save for a clean hit in the eye. This didn't stop him from successfully making it to the finish line.
"Not bad," Judy complimented.
"It's amazing what I can do when I try," Ernie said in deadpan.
"Well, who's up next?" Hatchet asked.
Franklin and Bailey both glanced at Tucker.
"Oh no. Tucker's saving the best for last," Tucker stated. "You two will have to go before him."
"I'll go," Franklin sighed.
"Be careful," Bailey told him.
"Don't worry about me," Franklin told her. "I'll be fine."
"Oh just make out already..." Sonamjit said again.
"Don't test me, Sonam," Franklin said flatly.
Confessional:
Franklin: I'll have to be careful in this challenge. One wrong move and my face gets nice and acquainted with the sharp wood chips on the ground. Losing one eye is enough - I don't need to lose the other one.
Franklin went up to the starting platform, beat his chest with his right hand twice, then ran past the starting line. He dashed past the crumbling path and did not stop, running perfectly across the ball platforms once he reached those as well.
"Wow," Bailey said, impressed.
"Eh. Tucker could do that," Tucker insisted.
"Well Tucker can prove himself pretty soon," Rachel remarked.
Franklin waited very carefully for the rotating platform before getting on.
"Hey. Shouldn't he be dropping the ladders?" David asked.
"Why bother?" Franklin asked as he carefully hopped over to the next platform. "I won't fall."
"Someone's confident," Judy commented.
"Why not be confident in something I know for a fact?" Franklin said calmly as he hopped off the rotating platforms.
"Heh. What a showoff," Tucker said bitterly. "Tucker can do that."
"I look forward to seeing you try," Rachel smirked.
"Do or do not. There is no try," Tucker responded.
"Did he just quote Yoda at me?" Rachel asked Ernie, who only shrugged in response.
Franklin proceeded to hop across the rising and falling platforms slowly and carefully. True to his word, he did not stumble or fall, though he went at a much slower pace than those before him.
"Slow and steady wins the race," Franklin told himself as he hopped off the last platform and up to the path of cannons. "Ho boy," Franklin sighed as he lied down on his belly.
"What is he doing...?" Sonamjit asked.
Franklin grabbed onto the path and began to shimmy across on his belly. In this position, none of the dodgeballs were able to hit him, but he moved incredibly slowly.
"Well that's, ya know, one way to do it," Ernie commented.
Confessional:
Franklin: I knew the dodgeballs would be the hardest part of the course, and I knew I probably wouldn't win the challenge anyway, and I knew I don't really need invincibility, so why not crawl my way through?
After many minutes of crawling, Franklin finally made it across and went over the finish line.
"Well, that took forever and a day," Hatchet complained. "You'd never last in basic trainin'!"
"I wouldn't expect to," Franklin responded. "Thankfully, I have no intention of joining the military."
"Alright Bailey, you're up," Hatchet said.
"Huh?!" Bailey gasped. "Why me?"
"Tucker said he's goin' last," Hatchet explained.
"And you're just going to let him?" Bailey asked.
"Is there a problem with that?" Hatchet asked as he glared at Bailey.
"...No," Bailey said softly.
"Good. Now GET TO IT!" Hatchet ordered.
Bailey squealed a bit as she ran as fast as she could to the starting platform.
Confessional:
Bailey: I'm usually not very active, but I'll try to do better than Sonamjit did, at least.
Bailey climbed up to the starting platform and ran across the crumbling platforms. Once she made it across, she stopped, both to drop the ladder and to catch her breath.
"See, this is why girls should lose weight," Tucker remarked. "Not only does it make them hotter, but it keeps them from running out of breath like this."
Nobody seemed to have a reaction to this statement other than looking awkwardly at Tucker.
"Tucker will take your silence as an unspoken agreement," Tucker stated.
During this time, Bailey had fallen off the ball platforms and climbed back up to the course.
"And it helps with balance too," Tucker continued. "Honestly, why doesn't everyone just not be fat?"
"Go to hell..." Sonamjit said harshly.
"What? Tell Tucker it's not a good idea," Tucker said defensively.
Confessional:
Bailey: I could hear everything Tucker said. Tucker, if you're watching this, my weight is not a choice. I try to be as healthy as I can, and this is likely the thinnest I've ever been. Not all of us can be as lucky as you to have such a fast metabolism and good genes.
Bailey had finally made it across the ball platforms and dropped the next ladder. She hesitantly jumped onto the first rotating platform, and again onto the second one once the platforms had crossed paths. After briefly losing her balance, she was able to recover and jump to the safe platform between the rotating platforms and rising/falling platforms. She dropped the ladder and waited for the best time to jump onto the first platform. Unfortunately for her, she undershot her jump and landed in the bark below.
"Are you okay?" Franklin called to Bailey.
"I'm fine..." Bailey called back. "Just some scrapes. Nothing major."
Tucker opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted before he could speak.
"If you... blame her falling... on her weight... I will break... your limbs... one... by one..." Sonamjit said icily.
"Tucker's not into BDSM, remember?" Tucker told her.
"Urghhhhhhhh...!" Sonamjit growled.
By now, Bailey had made it to the third platform and timidly made it to the fourth and final one. As soon as she could, she jumped off the platform and up to the final obstacle. She dropped the ladder and began to walk across the path of dodgeball cannons. She was pelted by a number of them, but didn't lose her balance or fall.
"I don't think anyone's fallen off on that obstacle," Rachel noted.
"Well, considering Tucker probably weighs the least of us, he might be the first," Mac responded.
"Tucker doubts it," Tucker chuckled smugly. "Tucker's the king of obstacle courses."
"Pride before a fall, dude," David told him.
"You tell yourself that," Tucker said.
Just then, Bailey crossed the finish line.
"Alright, Tucker, time to show us that skill you claim to have," Hatchet said.
"Yes it is," Tucker nodded as he walked towards the course.
Confessional:
Tucker: Tucker is more than just an excellent lay. And this is going to prove it.
Tucker stood on top of the starting platform.
"This one's for the ladies," Tucker announced as he dashed past the starting line.
"Please leave me out of this," Erica said.
Tucker ran perfectly across the collapsing path and, without stopping to drop the ladder, ran perfectly across the ball platforms. He opted not to drop the next ladder either and hopped onto the first rotating platform.
"He might actually do this," Judy said.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Rachel said as she shed her jacket. "Someone take my shirt off."
"What?" Ernie asked flatly.
"You heard me," Rachel said.
Confessional:
Rachel: I wasn't about to let Tucker of all people win two challenges in a row, so I decided to go back to some of my old tricks.
Judy shrugged and took Rachel's shirt off. To everyone's surprise, she wasn't wearing a bra.
"Hey, Tucker!" Rachel called.
"What?!" Tucker called back as he turned his head to look at who had called him. When he saw who it was, he stopped dead in his tracks.
"Um, why aren't you wearing a bra?" Bailey asked Rachel.
"You try putting on a bra with one hand," Rachel said. "Besides, it's working, isn't it?"
"I'll say," David said with a dumb chuckle as he nudged Mac.
"If you need help, you can always ask one of the other girls," Judy told her.
"Speak for yourself. I'm not touching her," Erica spat.
"Dude, you realize, the clock's still ticking, right?" Ernie called to Tucker.
"Crap!" Tucker shouted as he broke out of his trance. He was at the rising and falling platforms, and cleared those with relative ease.
"What are you doing...?" Sonamjit asked accusingly.
"Um, ya know, helping my ally," Ernie said.
Tucker ran through the path of dodgeballs and, despite getting hit a couple times, managed to make it across without falling.
"And that's time!" Hatchet announced. "Rachel, put your shirt back on."
"Oh, alright," Rachel chuckled.
Confessional:
Tucker: Tucker isn't sure if he should be angry that Rachel tried to throw him off, or happy at the way she did it. Ah, screw logic. Boobs win every time. Heheheh.
Tucker had joined up with the others. Hatchet stood before the contestants with a clipboard in his hands.
"Alright. I have the results right here," Hatchet told the contestants. "And the winner of today's challenge, with the fastest time, is..."
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"David."
"Nice!" David cheered.
"Now, pick two people to join you for first place treatment," Hatchet instructed.
"Only two, huh?" David asked. "Mac and Sonam."
"Now pick three people to sleep outside," Hatchet said.
"Let's see... Ernie, Tucker, and... I dunno. Franklin?" David decided
"Meanin' Bailey, Rachel, Judy, and Erica will sleep in the basement tonight," Hatchet confirmed.
"No offense to Franklin. I just don't know you all that well, and I don't think you've been sent outside yet," David apologized. "Plus you didn't flash us all, so Rachel has the advantage there."
"It's fine," Franklin said. "No offense taken."
"Well, back to the bus," Hatchet said. "We'll have the elimination ceremony tonight, same time as always."
Confessional:
Ernie: Honestly, I think Tucker could have won the challenge if not for Rachel. That was a tricky move on her part. Perhaps Erica's, ya know, onto something.
Mac: I tried not to look. I don't think the girl I like would appreciate it if I did.
Erica: Am I wrong? Rachel's a slut. I think today proved that.
Bailey: I don't know Rachel very well, but I'm not sure I want to. Is that bad?
Sonamjit, Rachel, Judy, and Franklin met up in the armory.
"So... the obvious vote... is for Tucker..." Sonamjit told her allies.
"Obviously," Judy agreed. "Did you hear what he said about, er, larger people?"
"It was definitely inappropriate," Franklin nodded. "Though who are we to talk after what Rachel did?" he added with a playful chuckle.
"I never claimed to be a good girl," Rachel said.
"How you ended up with Barry, I'll never know," Franklin said.
"He's sweet," Rachel pouted. "You're with Bailey, aren't you?"
"What? No," Franklin responded, shocked.
"I'm pretty sure he likes her," Judy teased.
"I do not," Franklin insisted, his face starting to redden.
"But you understand... the vote... yes...?" Sonamjit asked.
"Vote Tucker," Judy nodded.
"Good..." Sonamjit said. "I'm going... to get some snacks..."
"Have fun," Judy told her as Sonamjit exited the room.
"So, you and Bailey?" Rachel asked Franklin.
"Just friends," Franklin said firmly.
Confessional:
Sonamjit: Tucker... should not be in this game... He returned by pure chance... Luck was too kind to him... Well... luck's about to screw him over again... because I returned by chance as well... and my influence... will be the end of him...
Franklin: I care about Bailey as my best friend, but I don't want a relationship for her, if only for her own good. I'm afraid my past will be too much for her.
Judy: This game's actually really fun when you're not the target. I'll enjoy it while I can.
Ernie and Tucker met up in the attic.
"Okay, like, people are definitely going to want you gone tonight," Ernie told his ally.
"Tucker? Why Tucker?" Tucker asked. "Why not you?"
"You were, ya know, kind of an asshat in the challenge today," Ernie said.
"How?!" Tucker asked, genuinely confused.
"Ugh..." Ernie sighed as he facepalmed. "Don't mention girls' weight, and don't brag about how much better you are at something than everyone else. People, ya know, don't like that."
"Since when?" Tucker asked.
"Since always," Ernie said. "Anyway, that's, like, not the point. The point is, Chris-Bot is useless, so the two of us should, ya know, try to get the others to vote for Rachel."
"Does it have to be Rachel?" Tucker asked. "After today..."
"That's the exact reason she has to go," Ernie said. "She's crafty, and she seems to have everyone on her side."
"I can see why," Tucker snickered.
"I was going to, like, suggest we split up, but I don't trust you on your own, so we're going together," Ernie said.
"Can't Tucker go on a panty raid?" Tucker asked.
"No," Ernie said firmly.
"Put itching powder in someone's shampoo?" Tucker tried again.
"Ugh, you know what, fine," Ernie agreed reluctantly. "Go do that. Just don't, ya know, talk to anybody."
"No promises," Tucker snickered.
Confessional:
Ernie: Tucker's like a little brother I have to babysit. Of course, he's also, ya know, a shield from the votes, so I gotta make sure he stays around.
Tucker: Ernie's no fun.
David, Mac, Erica, and Bailey met up in the ballroom.
"Alright guys, Rachel's got to go," Erica told them.
"Heh. You sure?" David asked. "After what she pulled today, I'm not so sure."
"She does have a point," Bailey said. "What she did was gross and uncouth, to be polite."
"Yeah, I'll be honest, as much as I like seeing Tucker get messed up, it was really awkward," Mac admitted.
"See, he gets it," Erica said to David. "If we get Ernie and Tucker in on it, we could actually pull this off."
"I guess," David said as he rubbed the back of his neck. "I'll think about it."
"Well think harder," Erica said menacingly.
"Come on, dude," Mac urged. "It's a good call."
"Alright, fine," David agreed. "Rachel it is."
"Bitch is a threat," Erica continued. "She's got everyone wrapped around her finger, and if we let her stay any longer, she's winning the whole damn game."
"I agree," Bailey said. "It's for the best in the long run."
Confessional:
Erica: I said there's no way I'd team up with my teammates in the merge. Well, Barry's gone, and Rachel's about to follow. I guess Mac's voting with me, but I'm not going to save his ass if he's in danger or anything.
Bailey: I've decided to give Erica one more chance. She seems less harsh when there are more people around, so maybe I can look into making David and Mac permanent members of the alliance.
Franklin went to the bathroom, only to find Tucker messing with someone's shampoo bottle.
"What are you doing?" Franklin asked.
"Putting some itching powder in this anti-dandruff shampoo," Tucker snickered. "Imagine the irony. Whoever has dandruff will be scratching their head all day."
"But they won't have dandruff, assuming that shampoo's any good," Franklin informed him.
"Eh, true," Tucker admitted. "It's still funny."
"If you insist," Franklin shrugged. "Say, if you don't mind my asking, who are you voting for tonight?"
"Actually, Tucker isn't sure," Tucker confessed. "Ernie wants him to vote for Rachel, but Tucker doesn't want to."
"How about Sonamjit?" Franklin suggested.
"Aw, but she's hot too," Tucker whined.
"Well, she's also trying to get you voted out," Franklin rebutted. "It'll be between you and her tonight, most likely. Who would you rather see leave?"
"Seriously?" Tucker asked. "Alright, Tucker supposes that's fair. He'll vote for Spankety."
"Good to know," Franklin smiled. "See if you can talk Ernie into voting that way too. The more votes, the better, right?"
"Of course," Tucker nodded.
Confessional:
Franklin: Well, that's likely the luckiest bathroom break I've ever taken.
Tucker: When will Spankety learn? You can't keep Tucker down.
Sonamjit gathered David and Mac in the rec room.
"Alright... this probably doesn't... need mentioning... but I'm telling you... anyway..." Sonamjit began. "We're voting... for Tucker... tonight..."
"I can definitely get behind that," David grinned. "I can't stand that kid."
"Tucker, huh?" Mac asked. "I don't suppose Rachel's another option?"
"Why... the hell... would we vote for Rachel...?" Sonamjit asked. "She never... voted me out... unlike Tucker..."
"Yeah, good point," Mac said. "I've heard Rachel's name going around as a threat, so I don't know."
"We can get her out... after Tucker... and Ernie... go..." Sonamjit told him. "Until then... Tucker..."
"Got it," Mac nodded.
"And good riddance!" David cheered.
Confessional:
Sonamjit: I never... took Mac... as the type... to say something like that... I'll... keep an eye on him...
David: Looks like Mac is pro-Rachel leaving and I'm pro-Tucker leaving. Well, one of us will probably get our way tonight.
Mac: I dunno. Even if she was on my team, Rachel just rubs me the wrong way. I wouldn't mind if she left tonight, honestly.
The ten contestants sat on a couple couches in the foyer. Hatchet came down the staircase carrying an ice box. He set the ice box down as he stood across from the contestants.
"And now it's time for one of y'all to leave the game," Hatchet said. "Y'all know how it is. If ya get a soda, that means you're safe. If ya don't, that means you got the most votes and you're out of the game. So let's get this done."
"David."
"Bailey."
"Judy."
"Ernie."
"Franklin."
"Mac."
"Erica."
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"Sonamjit."
Tucker had a confused look on his face. Rachel looked shocked.
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"Rachel," Hatchet finally said.
"Yes," Rachel said with a sigh of relief.
"Are... are you serious?!" Tucker shouted. "How is this fair? Tucker would totally be safe if Rachel hadn't distracted him."
"Yeah, I doubt that," Hatchet told him. "Now get out of here."
"Screw you guys," Tucker told the others as he left for the Door of Shame. "Tucker's got better things to do. Like get laid. Have fun, you virgins." With that Tucker, walked out of the door.
"Alright, it's down to nine of ya," Hatchet told the remaining contestants. "Things are gettin' real. And, if Tucker's any indication, you never know when you could be goin'. Now get to sleep."
Confessional:
Franklin: Well, things certainly didn't go as I had planned. I can't say I blame my alliances too much for voting the way they did, but I am disappointed.
Ernie: Well, looks like I'm, ya know, out of allies. Joy.
"It's gettin' intense with all these people playin' multiple alliances," Hatchet told the camera. "Who's gonna come out on top in this scenario? Guess you're gonna hafta wait for the next Total! Drama! HOUSE PARTY!"
Votes:
Erica: Your time is finally up, Rachel. I hope I never see you again.
Sonamjit: Tucker... Just go...
Franklin: Naturally, my vote goes to Sonamjit. She has no place in my alliance.
Ernie: I, like, vote for Rachel. I think we have enough votes to pull it off, too.
Rachel: I have no qualms with voting for Tucker.
Judy: I'm voting for Tucker. He's kind of gross, honestly.
David: Tucker. You should have stayed eliminated.
Tucker: Tucker votes for Spankety or whatever her name is. That'll show her for targetting Tucker.
Bailey: I honestly do believe Rachel is a threat who needs to be taken out. We can get rid of Tucker at anytime, so I'll vote for Rachel.
Mac: Eh, I vote for Tucker. I kinda want to stay on Sonam's good side, you know what I mean?
A/N: I said each returning contestant had a purpose for the merge... well, that was a half-truth with Tucker. His purpose was to be early merge boot fodder. I knew going in that Tucker would be a character I enjoyed writing, being the over-the-top chap he is, and indeed I did enjoy writing for him, so I don't regret bringing him back. As for the merge, however, he was more or less filler, and he's served his purpose in the game.