hey guys! so, i managed to crank this chapter out, and HOLY CRAP is it long. this chapter very much is maeve-centric near the end, but it's not for a dumb reason, just wait.
"Previously on Total Drama Return!" Chris began the show, shots from the previous episode taking over the screen. "The Killer Bass and the Screaming Gophers battled for a chance of a sweet reward, a beach dance party! At a nail-biting tie-breaker, Maeve and Albhe brought it together for the Bass, and they won their first challenge!"
"Tensions rose in the Screaming Gophers when Elizabeth's precious hat was seemingly hidden by Rosa, whose alter personality, Lillith, caused some problems in the challenge and within Ximena. Though she was perfectly fine, the team didn't believe her, and Rosa was the second camper to get the boot!"
"In a shocking turn of events, it was revealed that Ximena had set Rosa up for mocking her acting career and appearance. Man, I love drama!"
Chris appeared on the beach, sliding on a pair of sunglasses. "Who will take the immunity and reward this time? And what other drama will be revealed?! Find out all of this and more on,
"TOTAL! DRAMA! RETURN!"
(OPENING INSTRUMENTAL OF THE THEME)
It showed a sped up exterior of the island, just as the camp was being built atop of it, from day to night.
(DEAR MOM AND DAD I'M DOING FINE, YOU GUYS ARE ON MY MIND)
The camera followed Chris as he walked across the dock, his face being dabbed with translucent powder by an anxious looking intern, while another held his Diet Coke, which he sipped with a cocky look on his face. As the powder accumulated in a cloud on his face, he sneezed, spitting the sticky, soda contents onto the poor intern that was serving him his drink.
(YOU ASKED ME WHAT I WANTED TO BE, AND NOW I THINK THE ANSWER IS PLAIN TO SEE)
The camera zoomed in on the beach, where Graham was building a sandcastle, and Cami stepped across it, paying homage to the famous monster movie, 'Godzilla'. She laughed, and Graham rolled his eyes, face-palming in exasperation.
(I WANNA BE FAMOUS)
The camera showed a shot of the center of the camp, with Jayden approaching Sara with a water gun, who was facing away from him. Suddenly, Sara sharply pivoted, revealing herself to be holding a water gun of her own, which she unleashed on Jayden with a maniacal cackle, chasing him off frame.
(I WANNA LIVE CLOSE TO THE SUN)
Brittany sat outside of the Killer Bass cabin, wearing her white bikini, her figure being shaded by Danny, who was holding a large lead canopy over her, shaking his head in annoyance.
(SO PACK YOUR BAGS CAUSE I'VE ALREADY WON)
The camera moved into the Killer Bass cabin on the boy's side, where Daniel laid snoozing on his bed, only to be awaken by Johnathon, who was trying to pick between two polo shirts, each of them slightly different hues of white. Daniel threw his pillow at Johnathon, causing Johnathon to scream.
(EVERYTHING TO PROVE, NOTHING IN MY WAY, I'LL GET THERE ONE DAY)
The camera scooted to the stairs Gopher cabin, where Joshua and Sarah were doing impressions of celebrities, making Lawrence laugh, and then eventually fall backward.
(CAUSE I WANNA BE FAMOUS)
The camera scooted inside of the dining hall, where Ricky and Adam were idly talking, Hannah watching eagerly from the side and nodding her head in approval. Chef watched, clearly fuming in anger as Mariana snuck into the kitchen, adding herbs and spices to whatever gruel he was cooking, prompting her to be chased out of the back door.
(NANANA'NANAANA NANA NANA)
The camera zoomed out to reveal the theatre, where Rosa cheered over Lauren's performance, until she was pushed offstage by Ximena, a spotlight casting onto the female as she began to dramatically monologue, making Rosa cringe at the sight.
(I WANNA BE, I WANNA BE, I WANT TO BE FAMOUS!)
The camera quickly moved into the forest, where Henry was swinging from the vines, Elizabeth latched onto his back, who was laughing hysterically. Henry released the vine, sending them both splashing into the water.
(I WANNA BE, I WANNA BE, I WANT TO BE FAMOUS)
The water got onto Jerry, who was laying on the ground, making sand-angels, all while Nicole watched, maniacally moving her fingers against each other, a murderous grin on her face. Suddenly, Jerry tossed sand into the air, the sky changing from daytime to nighttime.
(WHISTLE)
The camera moved to show Maeve standing in front of the campfire, Albhe desperately trying to woo Maeve. Just as he leaned forward to rest his arm upon her head like an armrest, Maeve stepped backward, causing Albhe to fall flat to the ground.
The camera zoomed out, revealing the campers surrounding the fiery inferno, the words 'Total Drama Return' appearing on the screen.
(START OF SHOW; GOPHERS CABIN- BOYS' SIDE)
The intermingling of insects was a cacophony, and to others, a melody. But, to the Screaming Gophers, it served as background noise to the various discussions occurring inside over the elimination.
"I'll be the one to say it," Joshua began from his spot, his legs hanging awkwardly down from the top bunk. "I feel bad- I genuinely feel awful over what we did." He paused, clearing his throat. "I know I'm usually very jovial about stuff, but even positivity gets tiring."
"It's the game, Joshua." Graham piped up from the floor after Joshua had finished speaking. "We're forced to be put into awkward situations that question our morals. Like Chris says, it's all about the drama." Graham feigned jazz-hands, laying back onto the floor so that he was looking at the ceiling. "I don't like drama in high school, and even more so here."
"We've all got both light and dark inside of us. What matters is the part we choose to act on. That's who we really are." Jerry recited, tucking himself deeper into his covers. Larry turned his head at the familiar words, his eyebrows panging in recognition. "That's from Harry Potter! I knew I recognized it." Larry grinned, plopping down on the floor beside Graham.
"We just need to win more challenges." Henry moved his fingers through his hair as he hung upside down over one of the top bunks. "Keep ourselves from losing so that we don't have to betray anyone else." Henry optimistically suggested, looking at his cabin mates, as they appeared to be hanging on the ceiling due to him being upside down.
"As much as I hate to disagree, the point of the game is to betray one another. That's the drama part, that and romances, which are currently brewing, as I can see." Ricky smiled mysteriously to Henry, referencing to the growing relationship between him and Elizabeth. Henry huffed, puffing his cheeks full of air, and looking away.
"I could say the same about you, Ricky! You have been admiring a certain boy from the Killer Bass since we got here. Is a Romeo and Juliet affair in the air?" Larry leaned forward, Ricky throwing a wadded up t-shirt at him.
"Hopefully without the suicide stuff, sort of would bring down the whole romance." Graham leaned up, clambering into his bed, just as Joshua jumped down, striking a dramatic pose with his arms outstretched. "A plague a' both of your houses!" Joshua remarked, making Jerry shoot to his feet and pretend to stab himself.
"Romeo! Romeo!" Jerry stated as he went down, making choking noises as if blood was moving up his throat. "I should have waited for two minutes and then I would have seen that you were alive!"
(GOPHERS CABIN; GIRL'S SIDE)
"Come on, guys! We have to be positive! It was only our first elimination, and we are all in it to win it! There's plenty more in store for us, so chin up!" Cami pressed, hoping to motivate the girls of her team. Mariana picked up her head, Elizabeth's head resting in her lap. "I always feel guilty about stuff like this. I hate making people feel bad." Mariana huffed, leaning her head back against her bed, which she was leaning against on the floor.
Elizabeth nodded her head from where she was comfortably relaxing, looking at Cami somberly. "We really appreciate you trying to pick us up, but we're all sort of down right now."
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
Ximena rolled her eyes, scoffing. "We knew Rosa for like, a week. It's not like she was a valuable player, she was going to go eventually." She observed her cuticles, picking dirt away from under her nails. "I just pushed the process along."
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"At home, I don't have many friends. I tend to stay to myself." Sarah began, curling her knees to her chest. "But, I've actually gotten really close to the girls on my team, and it makes it so much harder for me to grasp that they may be gone if we lose a challenge." Sighing heavily, Sarah let her teeth graze the flesh of her lower lip. "I wish I could just talk to my daughter, you know? She would motivate me to keep going on."
(END OF CONFESSIONAL CAMS)
The next day at lunch, the Killer Bass keenly observed the Screaming Gophers as they interacted with one another, Daniel being the first one to speak. "Notice how quiet it is? The joy from that team got sucked into oblivion." He smirked, Jay reaching out and high-fiving him over the rather rude comment.
"Now that they're all mopey, maybe we can actually win this time around." Brittany said pointedly, batting her eyelashes at her fellow team members. "I've tasted a reward, and I want more of them." Johnathon nodded his head in agreement, lightly tapping her arm. "I hope we are able to go to the mall for the next reward. I want to get the summer season of Versace belts before this ends."
"I want to update my blog." Hannah butted into the conversation, situating herself between Brittany and Johnathon. "I know my followers are deprived of my snappy repartee about the dangers of the the patriarchy in the classroom."
"Campers!" Chris suddenly burst into the dining hall, making wild movements with his arms. "Our next challenge starts in two minutes. Get limber, you're going to need it!" Sending a knowing smile Chef's way, Chef stepped out of the kitchen, following Chris to the beach with wild laughter.
(THE BEACH)
"Alright, campers! Go ahead and look behind me to our elaborate set-up." Behind Chris were a series of elaborate structures, red and green buckets alternating with one another, situated atop of the wooden structures. A tether with a velcro strap was attached to each bucket, a raised wooden platform in the center. "Who else but Noah to think up this challenge? I would tell you about how he's doing, but he's here to let you know!"
Suddenly, Noah emerged from the tree-line, wearing an elaborate burgundy suit, each aspect of his appearance well-quaffed, even in the precise folding measures of his pocket square. He was clean shaven, his hair away from his face. "So, after Total Drama, I went on to invent a dating app that requires a specific IQ to get into. I call it, 'IQ-Pid'. I also am engaged to the love of my life, who I also met on a Total Drama show, Emma." The campers vaguely clapped over this news, which made Noah roll his eyes.
"Wow, great enthusiasm, guys. It really makes me excited to see you suffer in this challenge." He smiled wickedly, standing in front of one of the buckets. "While this challenge involves being physically adept, this is more of a mental game that tests your ability to resist temptation, and endure through pain." Moving to stand onto one of the platforms, he raised his arm above his head.
"You are going to stand barefoot on this small platform, and your arm will be raised above your head, and attached by the velcro strap to this tether." He lightly swatted at the tether, allowing it to sway back and forth beside him. "The problem is, if you tug too hard or break concentration, the tether will pull against the bucket, dumping you in either Gopher green or Bass red water. Then, you are out. Throughout the competition, you will be tempted through food, and incentives to step down. In order to accept an incentive, you must pull down and douse yourself. The last team member standing wins immunity for their team."
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"This is brilliant!" Sarah spoke feverishly, grinning from ear to ear. "I have always admired Noah, but even more so now. This challenge is going to be awesome. I gotta give it to him, he went home early on the original season, but he really has made an impact."
(END OF CONFESSIONAL CAMS)
Each of the campers were strapped in, their arms awkwardly dangling above their heads. Campers such as Brittany and Joshua had found their inner core, Brittany's eyes even closed as she stretched her alternate arm, but Mariana struggled to be comfortable, while also maintaining not moving her tethered arm to the point where the bucket would be pulled.
"Ready for your first incentive?" Noah asked as Chef approached, holding a silver tray with a cover. Noah uncovered the tray, revealing a sizable banana split; neapolitan ice cream was sandwiched between two halves of a banana, and then covered with whipped cream, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, and a maraschino cherry. "If you want this, go ahead and come on down."
This intrigued Maeve, who made an audible whining sound, which alerted Mariana. "Do you want this too?" Mariana inquired, Maeve nodding her head in response. Mariana pondered this for a moment, before an idea popped into her head. "Let's go together, we can share it."
Though Maeve was skeptical, she was hardly about to give up one of her only chances for the next eight weeks to devour a sundae as beautiful as the one before her. "One, two, three!" Maeve counted down, both of the girls tugging their arms down, triggering the bucket to pour green and red water on them. "Maeve and Mariana are the first two out in this competition! Ladies," Chris held out two spoons for them. "Your sundae awaits."
The two girls darted over to Chris, snatching the spoons from him. Mariana plucked the sundae from the tray, allowing Maeve to have the first bite.
(CONFESSIONAL CAMS)
"I really want to make friends with someone like Maeve." Mariana tapped her chin, furrowing her brows. "She would be a good person to take to the finals, if we can both make it that far. I gotta stick out hope for the merge, and that we will both make it that far!"
(END OF CONFESSIONAL CAMS)
"The next item, or should I say items, up for grabs are," Chris and Noah produced a white comforter, two pillows, and a blanket. "Nicer sleeping materials for your stay on the island! I know this blankets are a bit itchy, campers."
"I WANT IT, CHRIS!" Johnathon abruptly yanked his tether down, ripping the velcro strap and dashing to him before the water could even graze his head. "These feel more like the sheets I use in one of my three summer homes!" Taking and hugging them against his chest, he joined Mariana and Maeve, who were chowing down on their ice cream.
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"I've been a gymnast since I was 6, and I do yoga every Wednesday with my mom." Brittany bragged, resting her hands on her hips. "I know a thing or two about balance. I also balance being really nice to some people, when I just talk about them behind their backs! Hello! That's balance."
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"I dance, and I have a natural sense of balance." Joshua spoke, grinning at the prospect of him winning a challenge for his team. "I think Brittany is going to be my biggest competition, though. It would make the most sense, given that I think she's a cheerleader. Is she a cheerleader? I'm honestly just going off the fact that she definitely would be the bitchy head cheerleader type."
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"One time I did a handstand for like 10 minutes," Cami began, her perky voice a stark contrast compared to Brittany and Joshua's. "Except, then I fell and hit my head. I think I got a concussion, but who the heck knows? It could have been my imagination!"
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
Albhe scoffed, shrugging his shoulders. "One time I did a keg stand? Sheesh, I'm only in this for the rewards, get off my back."
(END OF CONFESSIONAL CAMS)
(45 MINUTES IN)
"Alright, campers! This next incentive comes with a bit of a twist." Chris emerged with a laptop, at which Hannah immediately pulled her tether at, drenching her in red water. Chris eyed the female in bewilderment, staring her down evenly as she made her way over. "I wasn't even able to finish the sentence. You will have access to the internet for a day, and you CANNOT and WILL NOT order anything to the camp."
"Chris, you overestimate me! I will simply be using this laptop to catch up on the latest memes, and expenditures on Tumblr." She squealed in excitement as she took the laptop, sitting far from the others as she began to rapidly type.
"Okay, I'm done." Ximena spoke, making Noah furrow his brows. "What? Repeat that?" Noah leaned forward, hoping that he was mishearing what the actress was saying. "I have to use the girl's room!" She clarified, narrowing her eyes.
"I too will be opting to drop out of this challenge in favor of using the bathroom. I made the mistake of not going before we started." Jerry added on, looking to Ximena as they both pulled their tethers, spilling the green water atop of their heads.
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"One time, I went to the Star Wars marathon sponsored by my local movie theatre," Jerry recalled, moving strands of his hair away from his forehead. "I had thought I didn't have to use the restroom, and so I kept to myself in my seat. Hours after the George Lucas greatness and a large soda, I got scared by the blare of the symphony from the opening title for Empire Strikes Back, and I ended up wetting myself." Pointing to the screen, he stared down the camera in severity. "Kids, always use the bathroom before long events. That way, you won't have to pay for a new movie theatre seat due to staining it with urine."
(END OF CONFESSIONAL CAMS)
(1 HOUR, 30 MINUTES IN)
The people that were out were enjoying themselves, nonetheless. Johnathon had created a cocoon of his new sleeping items, and had fallen asleep right on the ground, while Maeve, Mariana, and Ximena discussed their favorite shows.
"Alright, slime!" Chef yelled, uncovering a silver tray to reveal a set of delicious looking Chinese food; all of the take-out classics, from Lo Mein, to Orange Chicken. "Step down if you want some of this, if not, the losers will be dining like champions tonight!"
"Nice oxymoron, Chef." Maeve mumbled beneath her breath, boredly picking at her cuticles. Ximena rested her hands upon her hips. "Excuse me! We aren't losers if we are being rewarded!" Mariana patted Ximena's arm, softly shaking her head. "Do not even try, dear."
"Holy crap, I want nothing more than to eat that." Daniel looked to the Chinese take-out, his stomach growling in response. "Hey, Lauren, want to share this grub?" Lauren eagerly nodded her head, each of them pulling their tethers and stepping down.
Once they were settled down, Daniel leaned forward, stuffing a piece of Orange Chicken into his mouth. "I know about your alliance with country boy and the dweeb." Before Lauren could open her mouth to protest, Daniel cut her off. "Let me finish, you could use this. If you want to go to the finals, you are going to have to eliminate Maeve. This game isn't about being likable, it's about strategy. That girl is playing a long game. If you get rid of her now, you will become leader of this team."
Lauren thought about it, looking over her shoulder to see Maeve talking to the girls of the Gopher tribe that had also gotten out. "You're right. We have to get rid of her before the merge. If she gets past the merge, there is no way she's not going to the finals. I can get myself, Adam, Danny, and Hannah to vote for her, and if we have you, Jay, and Sara, she'll be done for."
Daniel nodded his head, his lips parting into a sly grin. "Glad you see it from my point of view."
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"Psh, as if Maeve is going to be voted out the next time we lose.." Daniel smirked, folding his arms over his chest. "I just need Lauren to think her little alliance is safe. She'll have no idea what hit her."
(END OF CONFESSIONAL CAMS)
(2 HOURS IN)
"Come on, people!" Chris laughed, gaining twisted satisfaction over the pained looks on the camper's faces. "Two hours with your arm just dangling over your head, how much more can you take?"
"N-Not much, Chris." Elizabeth responded to the rhetorical question, her voice filled with exhaustion. Sarah sighed, looking to the side at her friend. "Elizabeth, that was a rhetorical question, not meant to be responded to." Elizabeth's face turned a shade of red over embarrassment, as she averted her gaze.
"Oh, son of a nutcracker!" Cami intoned as she accidently pulled her arm downward, the water crashing onto her figure. Unlatching herself from the tether, Cami rubbed her arm, shaking her head. "My biceps are NOT meant for a challenge like that. Holy heck, Noah, really good challenge, my dude! I think my bicep is just gonna swell up, you know?" Cami said in passing to Chris and Noah as she sat down, a bright, optimistic smile still plastered on her face.
"Not me, Chris!" Brittany smiled confidently, tilting her head back to allow her neck to stretch. Her blonde ponytail moved farther down her back, now grazing her upper waist. "I feel great! Might as well drop out now, chipmunks, because the Bass are in it for the-"
Suddenly, Adam's bucket came pouring, the water rushing onto his head. "I-I just wanted to itch my arm! It was falling asleep, and I hate when sleeping limbs get all tingly." He shivered, rubbing his arm and making a gagging sound. "Gross."
"Hey, Henry, were you raised carnivorous?" Noah inquired as he approached the male's platform, holding a tray in front of him. Confused, Henry nodded his head. "Good, this will make this challenging!" Noah chortled, revealing a porterhouse steak to him. Henry whimpered, his more animalistic side coming out over seeing the slab of meat. "Medium-rare, dry-aged for two weeks, and grilled on open wood. It cost me a pretty penny to ship it in, but seeing one of you guys eat it would make it worth every dollar."
"Henry, I am willing to make a deal with ya'." Danny, just as interested in the steak, licked his lips. "I will take one from the Killer Bass, as I am hankerin' for a good slice of beef like that. Let's go together." Henry nodded his head without hesitation, his whimpering growing in volume as he grew more desperate. The pair pulled on their chords, and without even taking note of the water that had soaked them, they were already digging into the steak.
"We have ten campers left! Who will take it for their team, and who will be joining me tonight at the Campfire Ceremony? Find out, after this break!" Chris pointed at the camera, just as the sound of water splashed in the background.
"Son of a bitch!" Ricky's voice assented.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
"I was so close." Ricky mumbled, rolling his eyes as he clapped for his team. "Come on, Gophers!" He cheered for Sarah, Joshua, Elizabeth and Graham. Adam looked to Ricky, moving to sit next to the male, but said nothing. "So, how do you enjoy it over on the Bass?" Ricky suddenly inquired, turning to face the male.
Adam was surprised by the question, but it didn't stop him from answering it. "It's not the worst, but it's not the Gophers. There are some mean people on my team, but I have made some friends." Adam shrugged his shoulders, looking to Lauren and Danny.
"Well, there is always an open bed in the Gopher cabin if you want to experience our team. Just be out by morning." Ricky winked, making Adam's face go red.
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"Me? Having a crush on Ricky?" Adam scoffed, leaning back where he was sitting. "Psh, heck no! I like girls! L-Like...Brittany...her hair is blonde. Also, there's, uh, Maeve...she says what's on her mind?" Adam paused for a moment, before face-palming.
(END OF CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"Campers, the next offer is for one person only, so you will have to debate amongst yourselves for it!" Noah held up his IPhone, waving it around. "You will be able to make one phone call to whoever you want."
Sarah looked desperately around, wetting her lips in anticipation. "I have a daughter back home." She whispered to Josh, who gestured with his head. "Go, this is yours." He smiled fondly, as Sarah sighed in relief, pulling her chord downward.
As she walked to take the phone, Graham yawned, his eyelids fluttering opened and closed. "Chris, I just want to take a nap." He admitted, looking lazily off to the side. Chris blinked incredulously, reviewing him with bemusement. "You're going to risk your team losing, for a nap?" Shrugging, he stepped back. "Be my guest, dude."
Graham rolled his eyes, tugging on his chord and drenching himself, though he seemed too tired to be phased by it. Making his way to Cami, he laid his head into the female's lap, yawning as he closed his eyes. Cami patted the male's head, leaning back against her palms.
"A nap and a phone call? It really doesn't take much to tempt you guys! I would only step down if someone offered me a massage and a glass of champagne." Albhe told Chris, hoping the male would rush in with that exact incentive. Chris looked behind him, chuckling at his attempt. "Sorry, dude, nothing like that of the sort."
"Damn, worth a try." Albhe looked at Maeve, who was avidly discussing her dreams and desires with Mariana, Ximena, and Sarah. Joshua followed his line of sight, his gaze warming up at how Albhe looked at Maeve. "You like her?" Joshua questioned, snapping Albhe out of his daze and making him scoff. "What? No! Albhe does not fall in love, girls fall in love with him."
Joshua laughed, just as Chris came forward with the next incentive, covered by a sheet. "You look at her like she's a goddess. They write about that stuff in romance books." Albhe looked down, his nose scrunching up in distaste. "Whatever, she's no goddess"
(CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"I have slept with a ton of women. My audition tape? Yeah, X rated, ask Chris." Albhe bragged, folding his arms over his chest. "I do not have feelings for Maeve. I enjoy making fun of her, seeing how far I can push her.." He let his arms fall to his sides. "She does this thing when she gets annoyed, she scrunches up her nose and her eyebrows furrow together...The freckles on her face become so clear." He realized his voice had become more dreamy, which he immediately covered up by a cocky scoff, and flip of his hair. "I-I have banged hotter girls!"
(END OF CONFESSIONAL CAM)
"Hey, Elizabeth. This next one is for you." Noah informed the smaller girl, who immediately leaned forward. Once she caught a glimpse of what was under the sheet, she pulled her chord. "It's my teddy!" Elizabeth observed, a massive grin on her face.
Albhe laughed as Elizabeth sat next to Henry, cuddling her bear. "A teddy bear?! Really, doll?!" He tugged his tethered arm downward as the laughter began to physically make his body lean over, the water moving over his frame. "Oh, hell!" He stepped down, ripping his arm from the velcro. "Come on, Bass! There are four of you to two of them."
Ximena heard this, looking to see Joshua and Larry as the lone representatives for the Gophers. "Oh, that's not going to do." She rose to her feet, just as Albhe replaced her spot beside Maeve. "Hey, Saraphina!" She yelled, putting her hands on her hips. Saraphina turned her head, her eyes taking in the female's stance and mannerisms. "Yeah?"
Ximena chuckled, raising an eyebrow in a cocky manner. "How does it feel to be on the shittiest team in the game?" The actress taunted, making the rest of the participants go silent, even Chris, who was hanging onto every word like his life depended on it. "Because I would feel pretty bad, which I do; I just feel bad for you."
Sara inhaled raggedly, her lips falling into a flat line. "Jayden, don't hold me back." She snarled, pulling her tether down and soaking her, just as Jayden began cheering. "Oh, trust me, I won't!"
Danny ran forward, holding Sara back as she began swinging her fists to Ximena, who stood back with her hands resting upon her hips. "Now it's three to two, a much more fair game." She whispered, sitting down next to Ricky.
"I wouldn't say that now, I think Larry and Jayden are going to drop out next." Chef snickered, holding out a silver tray. Larry and Jay exchanged confused glances, shrugging their shoulders. "I-I would only drop out if Chef showed us.." Larry started to say, just as he was cut off.
Suddenly, Chef uncovered the plate, revealing a whopping plate of spaghetti, topped with crimson marinara sauce, and meatballs. "MOM'S SPAGHETTI!" The twins yelled in unison, tugging their chords down and sending the water flying. The pair high-fived cheerfully, taking their forks and diving in.
(3 HOURS IN)
"Joshua, how does your arm feel?" Brittany teased, appearing quite relaxed in her position. "You look tense. Best not to think about the way the blood feels in your arm right now, how numb the muscles are, how strained each fiber of your body is over how long we've been sitting like this; that might throw off your game!" Brittany prodded, making Joshua narrow his eyes.
"Blondie, I'm not stepping down. The only way I'm coming down is if I'm forced." He stuck his tongue out at her, making Brittany roll her eyes. "What a child."
Johnathon made his way over to Brittany then, glancing from right to left. He whispered something to the female which made her eyes grow wide, her arm immediately tugging downward to bathe herself in water.
"After 3 hours of excruciating temptation, Joshua wins it for the Screaming Gophers!" Chris exclaimed, each member of the Gophers shooting to their feet and dancing, hugging one another. "Killer Bass, see me in a couple of hours. You know the deal."
"Oh, by the way! Gophers, your reward is that you get to watch the campfire ceremony for the Bass tonight!" The Gophers froze, gaping at Chris, who innocently batted his eyelashes. "You just got to be rewarded for 3 hours! Sheesh, greedy!"
(COMMUNAL SHOWER HOUSE)
Maeve hummed softly as she held her shower caddy and towel, anticipating the luke-warm waters rushing down her skin. The cheap dye from the challenge had stained her light brown skin red. Just as her hand extended to open the door, a set of hands tugged her back behind the shower house.
Turning sharply, Maeve took in the figures of Brittany, Albhe, and Johnathon. "What the hell? Couldn't you have just approached me?" She questioned, Johnathon cutting her off. "Lauren wants you gone tonight. She's already got the votes of Hannah, Danny, and Adam. Those stupid commoners decided to plot when they thought I was sleeping."
Brittany rolled her eyes, looking to Maeve. "Listen, we don't want you to go, okay? You are actually one of the smartest people on this team, and losing you would be like, really bad for the Bass. So, we are trying to get Daniel, Jay, and Sara to vote alongside us tonight."
Albhe swung his arm over Maeve's shoulders. "Daniel is a slimy piece of human bowels so I am sure we can swing him over, but we need to break up Lauren's precious little alliance." Maeve took in all of their words, an idea popping into her head. "I know who we are going to vote out."
(BASS CABIN; STAIRCASE)
"So, if we vote Maeve out, we will be guaranteeing you guys a more secure spot in the finals. If Maeve makes it past the merge, she is going to the finals." Lauren explained to Daniel, Jay, and Sara. Jay seemed rather convinced by this, as he nodded his head alongside every word Lauren said. "You have a deal." Jay shook Lauren's hand, as did Sara and Daniel.
"I think that all of this juicy drama will be a great addition to my Total Drama blog." Hannah typed eagerly on her computer, making Danny tip his head. "I never did quite get the use of technology. Makes me think of robots and the sorts." Danny shivered, shaking his head.
"Here comes Brittany," Adam tapped Lauren's shoulder. "Jay, come on, we have more to talk about. The rest of you, please tell us if Brittany says anything." Hannah, Danny, Lauren, Adam, and Jay left, abandoning Daniel and Sara. Brittany sat down next to Daniel, smiling innocently at them. "Scheming behind our backs? How sweet! Really, but you should know never to talk behind the back of someone who has eyes on the back of their heads."
Daniel chuckled, covering his mouth with his hand to conceal the sound. "Listen up, and make sure your ears are working because I usually don't repeat myself because I see it as a waste of time." Brittany flipped her hair, continuing on with her argument. "So, I know Lauren is trying to plot, or whatever, but think about this from a smart person's point of view. If we get rid of Maeve, we get rid of a powerhouse mind. Like, she reads for fun, guys, big books that I see in the library and use to conceal my cell phone in class."
Sara rolled her eyes, getting up to leave, but Daniel stopped her. "Listen to what Barbie doll here has to say. I'm intrigued." Brittany smiled, going forth. "Lauren wants to become leader of this team really bad, but if you think about it, Maeve is already doing a pretty good job at that. She is a leader in her school, I think, and she knows how to play this game. Why would we eliminate someone who could help us win? I say we stop Lauren now, and show her that no one is safe in this game by eliminating one of her closest friends."
Daniel nodded his head, his lower lip jutting outward. "I'm impressed, and I am in." He turned to Sara, raising his eyebrows. "Looks like you are the swing vote."
Sara huffed, folding her arms over her chest. "I think Maeve sucks, but I'm not going to say no yet. Who do you have in mind to be voted out?"
(CAMPFIRE CEREMONY)
"Campers! There are 10 marshmallows on this plate, and 11 of you. One of you is going home tonight, will walk on the Dock of Shame, board the Boat of Losers, and never come back!" Chris repeated the same intro, holding up his plate higher in the air. "If I call your name, please step forward and get your marshmallow. Gophers, enjoy the show."
The Gophers sat on the side, and though some appeared relaxed by the idea of them not being in the Bass' position, others were antsy. It was clear on their faces. "The first camper I am going to say is...Lauren!" Lauren pumped her fist in the air, skipping to Chris and taking her marshmallow.
"Hannah!" Hannah seemed unbothered by this as she walked past Chris, still holding the computer with one hand. "I am making a livestream of this Campfire Ceremony for my Tumblr followers."
Chris rolled his eyes, holding up the next marshmallow. "Jay!" Emitting a small sigh of relief, Jay meandered to Chris, taking his spot beside him. "Brittany and Johnathon!" The two high-fived, avoiding the marshmallows, but also glancing to Lauren. "Sara and Albhe!" Albhe shot to Chris, taking his marshmallow and kissing it. "Safety has never tasted so sweet."
Sara hit the male roughly on the back. "But it also hasn't looked so repulsive." The Gophers chuckled, looking at the four remaining on the stumps.
"I can't say who it's gonna be." Mariana whispered to Elizabeth, who shrugged her shoulders. "Me neither- I'm getting a-anxious for them!" Elizabeth replied, wide-eyed.
"Hm, Daniel!" Chris announced, the constantly tired looking male nonchalantly taking his marshmallow, leaving Danny, Adam, and Maeve behind. "Campers, to speed up this process, because some of you still haven't showered…" He spoke, referring to Henry, whose skin held a blue hue. "I am just going to say who is out tonight!"
"The camper that is going to be walking the Dock of Shame tonight is…" He paused for dramatic effect, Danny and Adam exchanging nervous glances, while Maeve leaned back, her arms folded over her chest.
"Danny!" The Gophers audibly gasped as Chris tossed Maeve and Adam their marshmallows, Maeve rising to her feet and joining Albhe. Brittany regarded Lauren with a conniving smirk, relishing in the shock that washed over the girl's face. Danny sighed sadly, waving his hand to everyone. "Bye, y'all. It was real fun while it lasted." He smiled hopefully, but it dropped as he turned, walking to the dock.
"What just happened?" Sarah whispered, still trying to analyze how Danny could have possibly been voted off. "My head hurts trying to figure all of that out." Jerry added on, noting Adam, Lauren, and Hannah's crestfallen expressions.
"Well, I can definitely say that this season is shaping up to be the most dramatic yet! Man, I am so happy I decided to renew this show!" Chris laughed, sending the campers on their way. "Get some sleep, if you can!"
(BASS CABIN)
To say that Lauren was shocked was an understatement. When shock was left in a vessel for too long, it often bubbled over in a mass of negative emotions; hysteria, sadness, anger. For Lauren, it was a ghastly combination of the three.
"Alright, what the HELL was that?!" Lauren yelled to her team as they were about to enter the cabins. "Some of you guys PROMISED that Maeve would be gone, and you backstabbed us!"
"Don't act so surprised, pop star." Brittany was annoyed by the girl's outbursts, seeing them as melodramatic and unnecessary, even to her, the Queen of Extra. "This is a game based on betrayal, you were just apart of it. It's no big deal."
"No big deal?! Danny was just wrongfully eliminated! He was a good guy, who was doing this to make his father proud! There wasn't a prideful bone in his body, unlike some of you! I have to ask, who voted Danny off? You can be honest, we're a team!" Lauren spat the word as if it were bile. Brittany raised her hand without hesitation, followed by Maeve, Johnathon, Albhe, Daniel, and Sara.
"Good, now I know who I won't be voting for if they make it to the finals! I can't believe I got played like such a dumb-ass!" Lauren laughed, Adam patting her shoulder. "Lauren, it's okay.."Adam began, Lauren shaking her off. "But it's not okay, Adam! Can't you see that?"
Maeve shook her head, approaching the female and standing directly in front of Lauren. "Listen, Lauren. You can dislike me all you want, and continue to plot for my fall behind my back. But you are playing a game whose ratings thrives off of drama. You signed up to be betrayed, ridiculed, and back-stabbed, and this is a facet of it. Danny being eliminated is just another knot in the system." Holding her hand to the female, Maeve looked up at her. "I am sorry about everything."
Lauren looked to her hand, clenching her jaw together as she held her hand out to shake it, when suddenly, she brought it down upon the smaller girl's cheek, the sound echoing against the trees. Maeve was stunned, her eyes widening as her face turned sharply, her face tingling from where Lauren had made connection with her cheek.
Lauren leaned forward, spitting her words to Maeve. "I am not a knot." Storming past them, Lauren swung open the door to the girl's side, slamming it behind her. Adam looked wide-eyed to Maeve, his mouth frozen in an agape position. "I-I...I'm sorry." He walked into the guy's side, everyone filing away behind them, and eventually, Maeve walked into the girl's side, too.
(BASS CABIN; GUY'S SIDE)
It was 2 AM, and Maeve slunk in, wearing her pajamas which consisted of a long-sleeve shirt, and boy-shorts. Looking around each bunk, she spotted Albhe, tucked soundly into a corner bed, the bunk above him now empty. "Albhe?" Maeve whispered, approaching his bed and tapping his arm. Albhe groggily rose his head, squinting at Maeve's figure. "Am I having that weird dirty dream again?"
Maeve rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "No, but I can't sleep. Do you mind if I just...sleep with you?" The statement made Maeve cringe, but she couldn't take sleeping on the girl's side. Albhe blinked, sliding over. "Be my guest."
Maeve climbed in beside Albhe, and by some miracle, they both fit in the cramped bed. One of Albhe's arms moved above Maeve's head, while the other rested on his side. Maeve looked down, her arms tucked against her chest. "Did I deserve to get slapped?" Maeve whispered, just as Albhe's eyes had shut.
Cracking an eye open, Albhe shook his head. "No, you didn't. It was a really shitty thing for her to do." Maeve nodded her head, biting her lower lip as she took in his words. "Sorry about dropping out of the challenge over ice cream."
Albhe chuckled, the sound resonating deep within his chest. "At least you didn't laugh yourself out of the challenge, Maeve." He opened both of his eyes then, looking at the figure of the girl in front of him. He regarded her fondly, his hand moving to stroke the cheek that was hit.
"Don't let her get to you." He finalized, Maeve at a loss for words. She had never exactly had a friend like Albhe before, nor did she really have any close friends at all. Most of her friends were one she had in passing. She would talk to them in class and at meetings, but she would never reach out to meet up with them.
She was glad to have a friend like Albhe.
A friend.
That was the last thought she had pressed her lips to his.
