(A/N: well, I know a lot of you aren't going to be happy with this chapter , and that's fair. This is definitely rushed- truth be told this was more to get things moving so I could make an announcement as well as get to the next episode which I assure you will be far better.
Now, as for WHY it's taken me so long to update, some of you know I've had a bad year in terms of health. Several months ago I found out I was sick, and I'm coming off of a wrist injury which- obviously- hindered any attempts at writing. The fact that I'm not done with the story already is unacceptable , at least in my mind, and I thank you for your patience.
Now, I've told one or two of you this, but my energy towards this series has been revitalized. After this is over, I may write- and this is a BIG maybe- Camp TV versus Reality Rush as a final farewell to fanfiction before I disappear for once and for all. Now, while I may have renewed my interest, that doesn't mean you all have. So this is where you come in.
If you read this series, and have ANY interest in it continuing, leave a review, or send me a PM. Normally I wouldn't do anything so self-indulgent, but I'm trying to gauge whether or not I should bother with a future story. If not , I understand- I was always a shit-tier author here, and I'm well aware of that, although I still have an amazing group of loyal readers , some of which I can say I've befriended. And while I'm not asking for twenty reviews a chapter- indeed, I'm not asking for ANY amount of reviews- I just want to know that if I DO do this story, someone somewhere is reading and enjoying it. And so, this won't be a time thing. I'm going to judge your enthusiasm over the next few weeks via comments and polls I put up on my profile. If the response is good, then I promise two things- the story will get written, it will be better, and I'll update on a regular basis. If the response isn't, then no hard feelings, it was fun while it lasted. Anyway, that's enough of that. If you're looking for a decent read that ISN'T rushed, I promise the next few uploads I have will be better. like I said, I just wanted to post this to get the story moving again. Regardless, I eagerly await your responses, or lack thereof.)
It was after the day's challenge- a recreation of season four's diving challenge. It had been a heated battle, but eventually, the Enclave pulled out the win- and now the Vault Hunters were all sitting around, thinking of who to vote off. They hadn't lost because of any under-performances, no- the challenge had been neck and neck, and it was anyone's game until Alejandro pulled out the win for the Enclave. And while he and his team enjoyed sitting in the clubhouse, celebrating victory- Justin found himself in far less desirable circumstances.
He was in no real danger of getting voted off, and he knew that. But neither was Tyler, who- after putting on a strong showing in that day's challenge- was proving to be a bigger and bigger threat. He didn't have Noah's intelligence or Justin's own charm, but he did possess good athletic ability and a renewed desire to perform well. Oh yes, he would have to go. But even that wasn't what was bothering Justin. No, what troubled him was his deal with Quinn. She had successfully gotten rid of Heather- and promised to do the same to Alejandro. Only if, of course, Justin followed through with his part of the deal and eliminated Mark and Margo. He didn't know why she wanted them gone, and he didn't care- though his best guess was that it had something to do with what had happened to the boy's fox, Point. The fued between the two seemed to escalate after Mark shaved Margo's head- and while there hadn't been any outbursts since then, Justin only knew it was a matter of time. The other members of the Vault Hunters were beginning to take note- so if he could find a way to push the two over the edge...
A smile slowly spread across Justin's face. He remembered that the crew of the show was armed all sorts of hair and beauty products, usually make up, which of course wasn't uncommon in television production. But Justin also seemed to recall DJ mentioning something about them keeping wigs around.
Justin stood up, humming to himself as he began to form a plan in his head.
~o.0.o~
"Ah," Alejandro smiled, holding up a glass of soda, "we truly aren't in here often enough."
"Here here," Bridgette giggled, clanking her glass against his. The two were in the clubhouse, seated at the bar alongside Luna and Finn.
"It is nice not to have to worry about elimination," Luna smiled.
"I'm afraid I'm always worried about elimination," Finn sighed, "so close to the merge, after all."
"Merge?" Luna frowned.
"Ah, yes- he does have a point," Alejandro nodded, "there a sixteen of us left- two or three more eliminations, and the teams will be dissolved."
"O-oh..." Luna turned away, uncertain.
"Hey, don't worry about it," Bridgette assured her, "we can still help each other out!"
CONFESSIONAL: Luna
I'm a little nervous about making it to the merge- I've made such good friends on this team!
END CONFESSIONAL
"If we all make it to the merge, by all means," Finn agreed, "but we'll have to be careful, especially with our new teammates."
"Who? Lucky and Veronica?" Bridgette scoffed, "You think THEY'RE trouble? I'm more worried about Quinn or Katie!"
"All of the above, you ask me," Finn continued, "Lucky and Veronica are as thick as convicted arsonists."
"...I don't think that's how the phrase-"
"My point is, push comes to shove and they'll stick together. As for Katie and Quinn... well, I've told you what I think of the latter," he said, nodding at Luna.
"...what? What did you tell her?" Bridgette frowned.
Luna looked at Finn uncertainly.
"Go on- tell them," he nodded.
Luna took a deep breath, before sighing.
"We think she may have been the one to set that bear trap out for Duncan."
"What? Are you certain?" Bridgette gasped.
CONFESSIONAL: Finn
Like I said- I'm not really a fan of the whole manipulation thing. Too sticky- but the way I see it, if I go home now, I won't be around to have fun in the merge! Besides, it's high time I chose a new target, hm? Of course, can't be Quinn if I'm trying to frame her, or Katie for that matter. Which leaves...
END CONFESSIONAL
"Well... I GUESS it makes sense," Bridgette frowned as she listened to Luna and Finn's explanation.
"As someone who's competed against her before, I can personally admit that's something she would try," Alejandro agreed , "perhaps we should vote her off next chance we get."
Finn smiled.
"I agree... but for now, let's enjoy our victory."
~o.0.o~
"Ugh, I can't believe it!" Veronica groaned, "She couldn't have picked a better time to put me on the other team? Preferably never?"
Veronica and Miri were both on deck, sitting across from each other.
"It's alright- I mean, you won the challenge today didn't you?" Miri smiled.
"Yeah, but we were just starting to bond, and..." Veronica sighed.
"We still are," Miri assured her, "we're still on the same boat, right?"
"I know... but I don't want to have to compete against each other. Or Johnny. Mostly Johnny."
"Heh, I am glad he's on MY team," Miri chuckled, "but don't worry about it. Besides, the merge is coming up soon, anyway."
"I guess you're right..." Veronica sighed.
The two sat in silence for a bit, before Veronica suddenly got to her feet.
"Come on, I'm done being all mopey- want to have some fun?"
"Oh?" Miri looked at her curiously, standing up, "what do you have in mind?"
"I was thinking we could pull a few jokes- lighten things up around here!"
"Won't people get mad?" Miri asked, concerned.
"Nah! And, I mean, they won't know it's us," Veronica smirked, leading her down the stairs. She looked around as they walked through the hall, before stopping at the door to Tyler's room, which was left open. Tyler himself was on the floor doing push ups, while his IPod lay on the table next to him, playing classic rock. Veronica watched for a moment, before giggling and knocking on the door.
"Huh? Oh, hey guys!" Tyler greeted, "What's up?"
"DJ asked us to get you," Veronica told him, "He needs you in the kitchen, double time!"
"Oh, cool! Thanks!" He got to his feet, bolting out- leaving his music player behind.
Veronica smiled, looking around before grabbing it.
"You're not gonna hide it, are you?" Miri asked.
"Nope," Veronica snickered, "even better."
Several minutes later, Tyler arrived back at his room.
"Guys, DJ didn't- guys? Huh." He frowned, looking around for the two. After he couldn't find them, he shrugged, heading back inside and grabbing his ipod. He hit play, and was about to go back to exercising, when an unfamiliar tune began to play.
"Disco girl, coming through- that girl is you! Ooh ooh! Ooh ooh!"
"What? How did..." He scratched his head, hitting the next button.
"Disco girl, coming through-"
Next.
"-that girl is you!"
"No," Tyler gasped, "no!"
He exited out, scrolling through his playlist, only to find the same song over and over again- Disco Girl by BABBA.
Tyler fell to his knees, throwing his fists in the air.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!"
The two watched from down the hallway, laughing.
"Okay, admit it, that was hilarious," Veronica smiled.
"Oh, fine. It was funny," Miri agreed, "what next?"
"Next? Hm... hehehe. Come on. Let's find Ella."
~o.0.o~
"So, wait. Are aces high or low?" Johnny frowned, examining a hand of cards, "I can never remember."
"They're high. And evidently you also can't remember that thing I told you about not announcing you cards to the table," Lucky mused.
"Hmm... I'll raise one of the shiny chips," Margo, whose head was now shaved completely, murmured, "Or, wait, green! What's the green worth, again?"
"Look, I'm still not even sure how to play blackjack," Deborah frowned.
"It's poker," Lucky corrected.
"Exactly!"
The four sat around a table in Lucky's room, playing cards. Or, rather, attempting to play, as Lucky watched in amusement.
"I don't think I'm wining this- I fold," Deborah frowned.
"Again?" Margo asked, "Well, I'm in. Two of a kind!"
"...we weren't supposed to show our cards, yet."
"...oh."
Lucky shook his head, sighing.
"It's not hard. This part is called the river, it's when-"
He stopped when there was a knock at the door.
"You invite anyone else?" Johnny asked curiously.
"No- Veronica and Miri were off together. It was just you guys," he frowned.
He stood up, walking over and opening the door. As soon as he did, Ella leapt inside, clearing her throat, before beginning to sing.
"My friends, I bid you good morrow!
For I hear, you all weep in sorrow!
I'll lift you with a song,
So please song along,
You'll feel better by tomorrow!"
Everyone sat silently as Ella finished her song, looking around for approval. Outside, Veronica could be heard laughing.
"Yup- that's my cue to leave," Johnny frowned, putting on his hat and standing up, beginning to head out.
"I might as well come too- elimination is coming up soon, anyway," Deborah quickly agreed, following after.
"I'm gonna have to bow out, too," Margo told Lucky, "sorry, maybe we can pick this up another time?"
"Sure," Lucky said, glaring at Ella.
Once all three had left, Ella smiled, turning to him.
"Look, my song work-"
Before she knew it, Ella too was standing out in the hall, the door slamming shut behind her.
"Hmm... maybe I should try a different genre next time?" She wondered, "Or maybe play a lute!"
~o.0.o~
As Johnny and Deborah headed up on deck, Margo excused herself to her room so she could relax a bit before elimination. When she arrived, however, she found something put outside her door- a box with an envelope on top simply labelled "To Margo." Frowning, she picked it up curiously, stepping inside and shutting the door behind her. She set the box down, before opening the envelope, reading the letter inside:
Dear Margo,
I'm sorry about what I did, and even more sorry I couldn't give you this apology in person. I'm just so frustrated with what happened to Point. But I wanted to make it up to you- I found this in make-up, and want you to have it.
From, Mark.
Margo frowned, opening the box- finding a wig inside that greatly resembled her own hair before it had been shaved.
"So it WAS Mark!" She huffed. She stared at the wig for a minute, still angry- but after a while, she placed it on her head, examining it in the mirror.
"Not bad..."
She smiled slightly as she examined herself- only for it to fade when her scalp began to itch.
"Ugh- what?" She reached up, lifting the wig off and examining the inside- which was crawling with spiders. She let out a scream, throwing it to the ground.
CONFESSIONAL: Justin
Haha, oh man! You have no idea how long it took for me to find all those.
END CONFESSIONAL
Meanwhile, Johnny and Deborah were chattig up on deck.
"Look, I was wondering... could I ask for your advice?" Deborah sighed.
"Of course- what's on your mind?"
"I don't know, I just-"
Before she could finish, Finn came up between them, putting a hand on either of their shoulders.
"Ahh, hello there- come up here for some fresh air as well?" He asked, sighing contently.
"Uh, we were talking-" Deborah started.
"Lovely evening," Finn continued, ignoring her, "I imagine it's not half so lovely for you what with the elimination coming up, but best of luck to you both. Of course, I'm sure you have nothin to worry about, Deborah."
"And why's that?" She frowned.
"I mean, no one would target you," he smiled, sounding pleasant enough, "just a barista, right? No alliances or brilliant plays or physical- oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound rude. Forgive me."
Deborah was silent, looking down.
"Heheh- anyway, I had best be going. See you soon!" Finn turned, walking off- pausing only once to glance back at Johnny.
CONFESSIONAL: Finn
Well, poking fun at the barista is fun and all, but I think I've finally found an interesting challenge. Aside from Luna, of course- Johnny, the finalist from last season with a heart of gold- but more importantly, he's a hunter who's about to become hunted.
END CONFESSIONAL
Johnny watched him go, before turning to Deborah.
"You alright?" He asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine..." She sighed.
"What was it you wanted to ask me about?"
"...nothing," Deborah muttered after a minute, "just forget about it."
Things fell silent once more, before the sound of yelling from below deck interrupted the silence.
"What's going on down THERE?" Deborah asked.
"I dunno- come on."
The two headed below deck, where a small crowd was gathered around Mark and Margo, the two engaged in a heated argument.
"I was willing to forgive you for the hair thing- but THIS was too far!" Margo exclaimed, throwing the wig at him.
"I keep telling you, it want me!" Mark snapped, "Sure, the head shaving? All me! And this wig thing is what you deserve, but I didn't do it!"
"Like I'm gonna believe that!" Margo scoffed, "You've crossed the line- and second of all, I don't deserve anything! I had nothing to do with what happened to Point!"
"LIAR! I found him in your room!"
The two continued their argument until Julie appeared, stepping in the middle.
"Alright, break it up, you two!" She ordered, "Elimination in five minutes, get moving!"
"Fine," Mark scowled, "but I didn't- this isn't over!"
The other contestants began to disperse, with Justin pulling Mark aside.
"What was that about?" Justin asked.
"Margo- she's claiming I gave her a spider infested wig!"
"Did you?" Justin asked.
"No!"
"Hm... sounds like you have a problem," Justin frowned, "maybe I can help you out..."
~o.0.o~
Soon enough, elimination time rolled around.
"Okay contestants, the wheel has been spun," Julie announced, "just a regular elimination this time around. You know the drill- first person safe, Tyler.
Justin, you're in too.
Johnny, you live to see another day.
Deborah, serving up some immunity your way.
Miri, you're good to go.
And finally, Ella. You're also safe."
She tossed each of them a bag of coins, before turning to Mark and Margo.
"Well, the votes are in- and the person who gets to stay is...
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"Margo! Mark, I'm sorry, but both you and Point are done here. Grab your things."
"What?" Mark exclaimed, "But... I thought-"
"Sorry Mark," Julie told him, "but if it's any consolation, you outlasted over ten other players. You had a good run."
"Fine," Mark muttered, "Come on, Point."
Point looked up at him, whining. The two headed to the lifeboat, Mark turning to face everyone one last time.
"Be careful of who you trust," he warned, "SOMEONE around here isn't who they claim to be!"
With that, he and Point hopped into the the lifeboat- Justin flashing a smile at Margo.
CONFESSIONAL: Justin
I promised Mark and Margo both some help voting tonight in exchange for a favor later on. That way, I got a favor no matter WHO ended up losing- it's a win win!
CONFESSIONAL: Margo
I'm not so sure I trust Justin... but I'm glad I'm still here. I have no idea what's been going on, but it's clear SOMEONE is trying to set me up. And I intend to find out who.
END CONFESSIONALS