Author's Note: So we've reached the finale eight. I don't mean to take away from all the other characters that didn't make it this far, but to me these eight characters are the core of Total Drama Refresh. All of them are protagonists in some way or another and any of them could win the prize.
Also let me just say that I have been planning to do this chapter for a LONG time. Like before I had most of the characters planned out.
"Hello, and welcome to another episode of Total Drama Refresh," Chris greeted. "Last week the nine campers had to build their own rides for an epic bike race. Bobby had a clear advantage with his motor bike while others like Lionel and Parry…did not. However, that all changed when they were forced to switch bikes. Thanks to this twist, Montana, Lionel, Beatrice, and Eliot all went to the sudden death final round. In the end, Beatrice tried to cheat the system by crashing her and Eliot's bikes without crossing the finish line. This, however, did not work out as she had planned and resulted in Eliot's instant elimination. Now we're down to eight and…"
Chris paused as he saw a shadowy figure walking in his private cabin.
"Chef…is that you?" he called. "It'd better not be one of you kids, that place is off limits."
The shadow disappeared from the window, but no one left the cabin. Chris looked slightly apprehensive, but he started walking towards this cabin.
"Anyways," he said as he briefly looked back, "keep watching…"
(Theme Song Plays…)
(Evening, Main Site)
The sun was setting and the campers had not seen a hint of Chris or Chef. They were fine with taking a day off, though. Lionel was once again tanning in the sun, Montana and Parry were tossing a ball between them, and Bobby was just busy scribbling new designs.
"So, where do you think Chris is?" Beatrice asked.
Annie just shrugged, "I've got no problem with not having a challenge today."
"It seems unlike Chris to just miss a challenge like this," Nicole added.
"Excuse me, did I ask your opinion?" Annie sniffed.
"Oh come on, you're not still mad at me, are you?" Nicole exclaimed.
"Just don't talk to me," Annie said firmly.
Montana watched them curiously.
Confessional:
Annie-Maybe I was being a little harsh with Nicole, but I am so fed up with her constantly talking about strategy and finding new ways to get others eliminated.
Nicole-I'd rather just get rid of Annie, she's been nothing but a pain lately, but since Chris might be doing unpredictable things with the challenges from now on, I should try to get her back on my side.
Montana-It really is a shame that the eight of us can't all get along, right. I mean, we made it this far together, we should be happy, right. Looks like I'll have to do something about this.
(The Woods)
"What's going on, Montana?" Edward asked. "Why are you gathering us all out here?"
"Well, I've noticed that there hasn't been a lot of team spirit going on lately, right," Montana explained. "Everybody has made at least one enemy…except me, I love all you guys."
"Too bad the feeling isn't mutual," Bobby scoffed.
"Don't push your luck," Montana snipped. "But anyways, I've decided that we should use our day off to do some bonding. So, it's campfire time!"
Montana quickly put together a campfire which she gestured for everyone to sit down around. The seven others were all careful to keep their distance. Annie and Nicole glared at each other and eventually Nicole scooted closer to Edward who in turn scooted away from her. Lionel took a break from his glaring at Bobby to give a wink to Nicole. She scowled in reply.
"So…anyone have a ghost story?" Annie asked.
Edward raised his hand and said, "I—"
"I wasn't talking to you!" Annie snapped as she crossed her hands.
A few minutes of awkward silence followed.
"You know what? I think I'm going to go check Chris's cabin," Beatrice exclaimed. "Maybe he's sick or something."
"Good idea," Montana said.
Beatrice left the tense campfire eagerly as she returned to the beach. She made her way along the sand to Chris's cabin which was isolated from the other buildings. As she got closer, she noticed something stuck to her foot.
"What's this?" she mused as she picked up a sheet of newspaper.
The headline read, 'Medusa Murderer Last Seen Hijacking a Boat Somewhere in Muskoka.'
"Oh, that's not pleasure," she shuddered as she looked at the hideous mask that was on the front page photo.
Beatrice finally spotted Chris's cabin and quickened her pace. However, as she got closer she started hearing some commotion coming from the cabin. She saw figures moving around frantically through the window.
"What's going on?" she muttered as she started to slow down.
She saw Chris and Chef both running as fast as they could out of the cabin.
"Guys!" Beatrice called. "What's—"
She gasped in terror as a third figure exited after them. The stranger was cloaked in ragged clothes from head to toe. A hood covered the back of her head, but her figure was clearly female. Chris and Chef seemed absolutely horrified as they jumped into a nearby motorboat and took off. Beatrice had remained frozen, but then the figure turned to face her. Beatrice screamed as she saw the hideously twisted mask the stranger wore. The Medusa Murderer stepped towards her menacingly. Beatrice turned and ran as fast as she could with looking back. When she made it back to the campsite she found the other seven already waiting for her.
"What's going on?" Bobby asked. "That was some scream."
"In the mess hall," Beatrice ordered. "NowNowNow!
She herded everyone inside the mess hall and immediately shoved a table against the door. She breathed frantically as everyone just stared at her quizzically.
"Look at this!" she exclaimed as she shoved the newspaper front page in their faces. Nicole grabbed it from her and tried to read it. The sun had gone down by now and it was dark outside, so Lionel had to turn on the lights.
"'Medusa Murderer Last Seen Hijacking a Boat Somewhere in Muskoka,'" Nicole read. "'The Medusa Murderer is an incredibly dangerous serial killer who has remained at large. Her identity is unknown, but she is known for her hideous mask which is the only think witnesses remember, and the last thing that her victims see.'"
"Blah, blah, blah, this is a challenge," Edward interjected.
"No, no, no," Beatrice exclaimed frantically as she got into his personal space. "It's not. I saw her with my own eyes, Chris and Chef were frantically making their escape as she chased after them. It's real. She's going to kill us!"
"So Chris and Chef are just abandoning us here with a maniac?" Lionel asked uneasily.
"There's no need to worry," Edward assured. "They did the exact same thing with the original cast."
(Kitchen) Confessional:
Edward-This is really quite obvious. Chris leaves a fake newspaper, act all scare of this 'maniac,' and then whoever manages to catch the fake killer and solve the mystery will win immunity.
Beatrice-I'm going to die, I'm going to die, I'm going to die.
Annie-Well, it's possible it's just a challenge. But when the alternative is a psycho killer, I don't think I want to take that risk.
"So…what exactly do we do?" Parry asked.
"I'm with Edward on this one," Nicole said. "It's probably just a trick. I bet the 'killer' is harmless. We just need to go out there and take her down."
"So…who volunteers?" Lionel asked.
The eight looked at each other nervously.
"Oh, I'll go," Montana volunteered. "You're probably right, and I can watch out for myself."
"Montana, do you know what you're saying?" Parry asked. "There could be a killer out there."
"Well, we can't just stay here, right," Montana said. "I'll check out the boathouse and see if I can find anything to help us out, right."
"Be careful, though," Parry advised.
Montana nodded and carefully unbarricaded the door. She then opened the door and cautiously exited. She then closed the door and the campers could hear her footsteps fade away. Beatrice was still shaking frantically and Annie had taken to stroking her in an attempt to calm her down. Parry paced the floor nervously. Nicole and Edward still looked skeptical. Bobby and Lionel were trying to look calm, but it was clear that they were worried too.
"What's that?" Parry exclaimed as they heard another sound.
They strained their ears as they heard the sound of footsteps approaching; however, they were coming from the opposite direction than from where Montana had gone. Beatrice repressed a scream as she made out a shadow walk past the window. Everyone tense, but the shadow kept moving. They heard the footsteps fade as it followed after Montana.
"Oh my god, Montana could be in trouble," Parry exclaimed in pure worry.
"N-no," Nicole stuttered, "She's fine. It's all a challenge. It's fake. Don't worry."
She had started shaking too now and she clearly was starting to doubt her words.
Confessional:
Nicole-It's just a challenge, it's just a challenge. I mean, why would a killer come to a reclusive island full of teenagers? Oh my god!
Parry-Montana, no, no, no, I can't lose the one thing that makes me feel better so soon.
(The Beach)
Montana made her way through the darkness. All she could make out was shapes in the shadows.
"The boathouse has got to be just around here, right," she mused to herself.
In her hand was her trusty boomerang. She flinched at everyone sound or movement that came from the environment around her. She froze when she heard footsteps coming from behind her. She looked around and the last thing she saw was a monstrous face.
(Later, Mess Hall)
The camper had not seen any sign of Montana since she had left.
"Should someone go looking for her?" Edward suggested.
No one replied. Parry was getting more and more jittery by the second, and Beatrice was still in a state of shock. Bobby was placing a few of his shock discs around the doors and windows.
"We should probably eat something," Annie suggested. "We missed dinner and we might feel better after a snack."
Again, no one replied, but Beatrice motioned to follow her into the kitchen. The two left behind the others as they entered the kitchen.
"Let's see what Chef had in store for us today," Annie muttered as she opened the fridge.
Beatrice stayed against the counter. She looked out the window and felt her heart stop as she saw a familiar face glaring at her from outside.
"Annie!" she shrieked as she pointed.
The window shattered open as the murderer slam a large hammer through the glass. Beatrice backed up in terror as Annie grabbed whatever she could as a weapon. She managed to grab a broom. The others had heard Beatrice's scream and had entered to see what was happening. All of them stopped in horror as they saw the monstrous figure standing in the kitchen.
"Stand back!" Annie shouted as she jabbed the broom at the murderer.
The Medusa Murderer wasted no time in swinging her hammer violent. She splintered the broom as well as smashing all dishes in the area. Her next strike was clearly for Annie who only managed to dodge at the last second.
"Still think it's fake?" Bobby exclaimed.
"No," Nicole answered. "We have to get out of here."
Beatrice had grabbed a frying pan as a weapon, but was too petrified to do anything. Everyone else was making their way back to the door. Lionel kicked aside the table barricade and immediately opened the door. Annie was struggling with the Medusa Murderer while Beatrice still watched frozen.
Annie finally managed to shove the killer aside as she ordered, "Beatrice, run!"
Beatrice turned and obeyed. Annie tried to follow after her, but something held her back. The Medusa Murderer had grabbed her by the ponytail and pulled her in closer. Annie could do nothing to escape.
(The Forest)
Edward, Bobby, and Parry all fumbled through the darkness. They had no idea where they were going, but they didn't dare to stop and look back. Eventually after running deep into the woods, Bobby ran out of breath and had to lean against a tree as he caught his breath. Edward and Parry also stopped around him.
"We've lost Lionel and Nicole," Parry said miserably. "And I don't know about Beatrice and Annie."
"That's okay," Edward said. "The three of us can catch this 'killer.'"
"You still think this is just a challenge?" Bobby scoffed in disbelief. "Did you not see that psycho? She was for real."
"Chris did the exact same thing in season one," Edward repeated. "The campers seemed pretty spooked then, but it was all just a hoax. And you've noticed that we've never actually seen the so-called killer actually kill anyone."
"Really? She looked ready to pound Annie's skull in," Bobby protested angrily.
"Oh this is so horrible," Parry moaned. "I've often thought about my own gruesome death, but I never thought that it would go down this way."
"And another thing," Bobby continued, "that was clearly not Chef or Chris."
"So?" Edward persisted. "Remember Jack the Ripper in season three? Maybe Chris brought back some eliminated camper like…say, Sophie."
"If that's Sophie then we're no safer," Bobby replied grimly.
"Look, whether it's real or not, we can still catch the killer," Edward insisted. "You're a genius inventor, I'm sure that you could come up with the perfect trap."
Confessional:
Edward-What can I say? I've read a lot of mystery novels in my time…Okay, I watch Scooby-Doo. Happy?
Nicole fell to the ground in exhaustion after running non-stop. Lionel kneeled down next to her.
"Well, it's just me and you out here," Lionel replied tentatively trying to lighten the mood.
"Can you just shut up?" Nicole snapped. "There's a killer out to get us."
"Okay, so it's not a challenge, then?" Lionel asked.
"I'm not taking any chances," Nicole said fearfully.
"You know, in most horror movies when a couple go out in the woods they're killed off," Lionel said again trying to lighten the mood.
"Well we don't have to worry about that then," Nicole said, "because we are not a couple."
The two got back up and continued to walk through the darkness.
"Maybe not," Lionel said, "but I'll still be sure to protect you like a good boyfriend should."
"Well…that's nice," Nicole said.
Lionel put his hand on her shoulder as he said, "Yep, just stick with me and I'll keep you safe."
"Maybe I was a little prejudiced with you," Nicole admitted. "Clearly, you do have a noble side somewhere in you."
A bush nearby started to rustle slowly.
"You're on your own!" Lionel screamed as he shoved her aside and ran into the woods.
"Or not," Nicole sighed as a raccoon came out of the bush and looked at her quizzically.
Confessional:
Nicole-I guess I do want to find love before I'm mutilated by a psycho, but obviously I won't find anything in Lionel.
Beatrice held in frying pan in front of her as she took slow steps through the woods. She was ready to curl up into a ball and cry, but she forced herself to keep walking. She couldn't stop twitching at everything that stood out to her. She kept glancing behind her, but didn't see anyone. However, her blood went cold when she heard some fast approaching her. She let out another ear-splitting scream as she swung her frying pan in all directions. It made contact and someone collapsed at her feet.
"Omigosh!" she exclaimed. "Lionel, I'm so sorry."
Lionel did not reply. He was out cold.
"Oh no," Beatrice moaned. "What have I done?"
Confessional:
Beatrice-I killed Lionel! WHY!
"How is it coming?" Edward asked Bobby.
"I'm making progress," Bobby told him. "I've managed to use what I have and I've improvised with vines."
Bobby tied a vine around a tree trunk as he measured the distance. He then pulled out some wires from his pocket and began connecting them to his makeshift rope.
"Parry, how is the lookout?" Edward asked.
Parry had scaled a tree and was looking out for any signs of movement.
"I don't see anything coming," he told them.
Suddenly an ear-splitting scream filled the area.
"What was that?" Edward exclaimed.
"That sounded like Beatrice," Bobby told them.
"It came from over there," Parry said. "I'll see if I can find her. You two stay safe."
Parry climbed down and made his way through the forest in the direction where Beatrice's scream had come from. He spotted some movement ahead and crept slowly towards it. He managed to make out Beatrice.
"Beatrice," he whispered.
"Who's there?" she exclaimed as she wielded her frying pan threateningly.
"It's just me," Parry said as he emerged from the shadows; he then spotted Lionel and asked, "What happened to him?"
"It's all my fault!" Beatrice moaned. "I panicked and I started swinging and…"
Parry leaned down to examine Lionel.
"He's out cold, but he's still breathing," he declared.
Beatrice breathed a sigh of relief then asked, "So, what do we do with him?"
"I'll look after him," Parry said. "I'll hide him somewhere and watch him until he regains consciousness. You need to head in that direction where you'll find Bobby and Edward."
Beatrice nodded and headed off where Parry had pointed. Once she was gone, Parry dragged Lionel over to a thick set of shrubbery. He managed to cover Lionel in the bushes, then hid himself with him. It wasn't too much longer before he heard footsteps approaching. He could tell that it wasn't Beatrice, the steps were slow and firm. Parry held his breath as he tried to blend in with the bushes. He saw a pair of feet slowly walk by. As they passed him he prayed that they would keep on walking. His prayers were answered as the person disappeared. Parry let out the slightest breath of relief. Then a hand clamped down on his throat.
(Later, Elsewhere)
Nicole continued to wander through the woods with no idea where she was headed. She was all alone now and she desperately wanted to find somebody else. She wanted to call out for someone, but she knew that would be a bad idea. She wanted Chris to jump out and yell 'surprise, it was all a challenge after all.' But she didn't get what she wanted.
Her ears suddenly perked up when she heard the sound of a branch snapping behind her. She desperately hoped that it was one of her friends, but she couldn't take the risk. She sped up her pace, while still being careful to not trip. She heard footsteps behind her quicken. She was feeling more certain that it wasn't one of the campers. She broke into a run. The footsteps behind her followed suit.
Nicole suddenly stopped when she found herself at a rock surface. She had hit the mountain. She looked behind her and could see the figure wielding a hammer and approaching. She swallowed and started to climb up the rocky surface. She was clumsy and uneasy as he pulled herself up, but she refused to let go. The figure was climbing after her now and making quick progress. Nicole looked up again and began reaching frantically for whatever she could grab. Whenever she got a hold she pulled herself up as far as she could as fast as she could. It still wasn't enough to keep her away from the killer.
The Medusa Murderer reached out and grabbed onto Nicole's ankle. Nicole screamed and began swinging her leg in all directions in a panic. The killer wasn't letting go, but Nicole was able to loosen some rocks. The stones tumbled over the killer and caused her to lose her grip and fall slightly. Nicole took the chance to pull herself ahead.
She finally reached a surface but didn't take any second to pause. She just kept running.
(The Forest)
"Beatrice, go to see that you're safe," Edward exclaimed. "What happened to Parry?"
"He had to keep Lionel safe," Beatrice answered. "It's a long story. Don't ask."
"Our trap is almost done," Edward said. "Bobby has all of these ropes hooked up to his central control. When the Medusa Murderer passes through here, we push the button and down comes the net."
"Aren't you going to have us split up and look for clues?" Bobby said sarcastically.
"That would be a waste of time," Edward snapped. "Now, if I've learned anything from…murder mystery novels…it's that we need someone to be live bait."
"What?" Beatrice exclaimed nervously.
"I know it's cruel of me to ask," Edward said, "but you are the fastest one here. Just get the killer to follow you and then Bobby will do the rest. And remember, it's probably fake."
Beatrice took several deep breaths before declaring, "Okay…I can do this."
"Bobby, is the trap ready?" Edward asked.
"As ready as it'll ever be," Bobby replied. "Why do I get the feeling that this will end horribly?"
Beatrice swallowed before walking out into the woods again.
"Hello?" she called out nervously. "Murderous psychopath? Are you out here?"
She didn't have to go much farther before she saw the same shadowy figure emerge from the darkness. Beatrice immediately turned around and bolted back the way she had come.
"She's coming, she's coming, she's coming!" she screamed as she ran past the trap again.
Bobby's finger hovered over the button, waiting to send the trap down. However, he did not get the chance.
"Where is she?" Edward asked.
"I swear, she was chasing me," Beatrice exclaimed.
Bobby let up a piercing yelp. Edward and Beatrice twirled around to see the Medusa Murderer standing behind Bobby. She had her hammer ready to strike. Bobby rolled out of the way just in time to avoid the blow. In a frenzy Beatrice, Edward, and Bobby all ran in different directions. Bobby pressed the button frantically as the Medusa Murderer skulked after him. The net tumbled down uselessly behind the killer.
Edward and Beatrice managed to get together and flee the area, but Bobby wasn't so lucky. He stumbled over a root and landed on his back. He closed his eyes as the hideous face leered over him.
Confessional:
Edward-Okay, that could have gone better. But the next trap is sure to work.
Beatrice couldn't control herself anymore. She burst into tears and began sobbing against Edward.
"Everyone we know is dead!" she screamed. "We're gonna die, we're gonna die!"
"No, no, we're not going to die," Edward assured but he was very shaky now. "Like I said, it's just a challenge, it's just a challenge, it's just a challenge...We have to keep moving."
The two continued through the forest. Eventually they came upon the base of the mountain.
"Look, there's a cave over there," Edward exclaimed. "You can hide yourself in there. Maybe you can barricade it with rocks."
"What about you?" Beatrice asked between tears.
"There's something I need to get," Edward declared as he turned back to the forest.
"Edward, wait!" Beatrice cried. "Don't leave me."
But Edward did not wait. Beatrice sighed and turned to the cave. She entered and carefully felt her way through the darkness. She felt something stranger bump her leg and froze. She waited for her eyes to adjust slightly before she could see what she hit. When she did she gasped.
In front of her were Annie, Montana, Parry, Lionel, and Bobby. All of them were unconscious, bound, and gagged. Some of them were bruised up on the head, but they were all breathing.
"They're alive!" she exclaimed in relief.
She then heard the sound of scrambling coming from another part of the cave. She looked over and saw a crack of light streaming in. She walked over to investigate cautiously. She saw a passage leading up and outside. Someone was crawling in through it. She prepared to run, before she realized who it was.
"Nicole!" she exclaimed as she rushed over and hugged her friend. "Look, everyone is still alive."
Nicole gasped in relief as she saw the other campers. However, her relief turned to horror when she saw someone entering the cave. The dim moonlight streaming in was enough to reveal the nightmarish face that had haunted them all night. Nicole and Beatrice backed up, but soon found stone wall.
"Now I've got you," the Medusa Murderer hissed.
Beatrice and Nicole held hands and closed their eyes in sheer terror.
"Behind you!" a voice bellowed.
The Medusa Murderer turned around in shock, only to have a net tossed over her.
"Now I've got you," Edward exclaimed smugly as he stood over his capture.
The killer was unable to untangle herself for the net no matter how she struggled.
"It's no use, Medusa Murderer," Edward said as he leaned over her and peeled off her masked, "or should I say, So—Ezmyralda?"
"That's right," spat the feminist.
"Congratulations, Edward, you solved the mystery and caught the crook," Chris exclaimed as he entered the cave.
"Wait, wait, wait, wait," Beatrice shrieked. "This was fake? This was all just a challenge?"
"Yep," Chris chuckled. "Ezmyralda was going on and on about how she'd been unfairly eliminated, and I thought I could make use of her murderous rage. I promised her that she could some back to take revenge on all of you—using non-lethal methods—and if she succeeded she would get to return to the game."
"And I would have gotten away with it too," Ezmyralda snarled, "If it wasn't for you meddling…sexists!"
"That's enough out of you," Chris said. "Chef, take her back to where she belongs."
Chef stepped forward and scooped up Ezmyralda. He carried her off as she screamed and struggled. Meanwhile, the unconscious campers started to regain themselves as they rubbed their heads. Beatrice, Edward, and Nicole quickly untied all of them and explained what had happened.
"So, I assume that this means that I get immunity," Edward exclaimed.
"It would…if we were doing a vote off tonight," Chris said. "But I've monitored your performances tonight and there's someone who completely screwed up. And that person is…"
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"Lionel."
"What?" Lionel exclaimed. "Why me?"
"Let's see," Chris said. "Hitting on girl alone in the woods when there's a killer on the loose? Strike one. Abandoning your only companion in a fit of terror? Strike two. And getting taken out by someone who wasn't even the killer? A huge strike three. You wouldn't last five seconds in a horror film and you're not lasting a minute longer on Total Drama Refresh. Get out."
"Fine," Lionel sighed. "But first. Does anyone want to kiss me good-bye?"
The girls looked away awkwardly.
"Nicole, you're the only one who can't say you have a boyfriend," Lionel said as he approached her.
"Beat it, lover boy," Nicole rejected.
"Jerk," Lionel grumbled as he marched out of the cave and towards the Dock of Shame.
"Well, I guess the rest of you are going to need some sleep now," Chris said. "Pleasant nightmares."
Everyone groaned.
Confessional:
Beatrice-That was seriously the. Scariest. Thing. Ever. I'm so relieved to be alive, I don't even care that Lionel is gone.
Bobby-Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. He's finally gone (does happy dance.)
Nicole-Good riddance, Lionel, now I can finally focus without lusting over some meathead…I mean, having a meathead lust over me!
Annie-I think Chris may have crossed a line with that challenge. Beatrice looks like she might be scared for life.
Parry-I'm so happy that Montana is alive, but just the thought of her dying is breaking back old feelings. Death is inevitable really, and chances are it won't be pleasant.
Edward-…I told you so.
(Conclusion)
"Ezmyralda leaves the island for a second time and Lionel leaves for the only time," Chris wraps up. "Seven remain, who will crumble and who will prevail? Will Montana succeed in getting them to all be friends? With Lionel gone, what will Bobby turn his negative energy towards? We've got the answers so keep watching Total…Drama…Refresh!"
Another Author's Note: Props to TotalDramaGleek who predicted who would be going home today.