The episode panned in once again to Chris McLean standing on the Dock of Shame.

"Last time on Total Drama Island…" The scene flashed, showing snippets of the last episode. "The campers were put to the test to see how long they could manage to stay up in the Awake-a-thon. Most struggled,"

A shot of Ranbir falling over on top of Andrew was shown before flashing to Rhonda falling asleep and causing the tree to fall over. "But Lucien managed to snag a surprising win for the Bass. Beating out Freddy who had his own little trip in the bathroom." Shots from Freddy falling asleep played before Lucien being declared the winner and promptly falling asleep appeared.

"Some of the campers did take the opportunity to start implementing some strategy to the game like Cherry and Lester." Scenes flashed of the Party Gal talking to Tanner, then of Lester talking to Rosalina and Hannah. "And, we had our first official alliance form between Harmonia and Christopher." The scene of Harmonia and Christopher shaking hands played.

"In the end, Rosalina's creepiness and ability to make everyone uncomfortable, especially Tanner, sent her packing." Rosalina waving to the others before heading towards the Dock of Shame played before the camera set its sights back to Chris in current time.

"Will Lester stop failing at getting Tanner out? Will Lucien stay awake for this challenge? And who is going to be the next camper to take the humiliating walk down the Dock of Shame? Find out, right now on Total. Drama. Island!"


The scene faded in, showing a wide shot of the island before zooming into the campfire pit. Christopher, Rhonda, Anthony, and Harmonia were there, talking game. Rhonda and Anthony were sitting on stumps while Harmonia and Christopher stood in front of them.

"An alliance?" Anthony asked, raising an eyebrow.

"That is correct." Harmonia told him. "I figure it would be a good safeguard for us."

Christopher nodded. "Yes, and while I don't plan on our team losing any challenges, having a safety net could be a really helpful thing."

"Well, shit, I'm down." Rhonda said. "It'd be stupid to turn down an alliance."

"That is true." Harmonia said.

Out of the four, Anthony was the most skeptical. "Don't you think it may be too early for an alliance? Only two people have left, both on the other team. If our alliance gets exposed early, the others on our team could easily take us out, alliance or no alliance."

Harmonia giggled slightly, closing her eyes and holding her hands in front of her. "Oh dear Anthony, I understand your concern. Frankly, I thought the same thing. Playing too hard too fast can easily put a huge target on your back." The anthropologist then brought her hand up to her mouth in her signature pose. "However, I am sure there are already alliances and deals brewing. Looking at the other team for a moment, there surely has to be a reason that brute Tanner has managed to scrape by the first two eliminations. He has done nothing but catch the ire of his teammates."

"They probably kept him because he's the hottest piece of ass on the other team." Rhonda said. "Well, other than Cherry. Oh that's one hot mama."

Harmonia shifted her eyes to look at Rhonda, her smile not leaving her face. "Perhaps, but I don't think everyone is thinking with their hormones as much as you, dear." She then turned her attention back to Anthony. "I do also think there are some alliances potentially floating around on our team as well."

Anthony crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, interested in learning this information. "And who could that be?"

"Well, I have my suspicions of Celestia, Miriam, and Lucien." Harmonia told him. "They do spend most of their time together. Especially in the last challenge."

"And that means they're in an alliance?" Anthony asked, clearly not buying it.

"Well, it's not confirmed." Harmonia told him. "But look at the four of us now. People are going to be more inclined to vote with people they spend their time with."

"Even if there isn't anything official just yet, it will only be a matter of time before they actually become official." Christopher told him. "Creating one now will put us ahead of the game and could help us get a jumpstart."

Anthony rubbed the back of his neck. "Listen, I'm going to join the alliance. Like Rhonda said, it'd be stupid to turn it down. I just think that we really need to be careful."

"I agree." The Type-A told him. "We can't risk tipping people off of the alliance."

Harmonia nodded her head in agreement.

"Then I guess it's settled." Rhonda spoke up.

"Indeed." Harmonia said, clapping her hands together. "Now let us split. We do not want to bring too much attention to ourselves."

The others nodded in agreement.


Confessional Anthony

He sat in the confessional pretty casually, leaning against the wall with his leg on the seat. "Listen, I'm not against an alliance." Anthony said. "Like the others said, they're bound to happen at some point so it's great that I already have one. And I mean, Christopher has a pretty good head on his shoulders from what I can tell and I honestly just love hanging with Rhonda. She's pretty hilarious to be around, not gonna lie. But Harmonia on the other hand… She's the one I'm most skeptical about." His brow furrowed in thought. "I just get… interesting vibes from her." The dancer held fist up to his lips in thought.

End Confessional


The scene then shifted over to the girls' side of the Gophers' cabin. Hannah was very much not happy about Tanner still being here as she ranted to Anisa about it.

"I cannot stand how that disgusting jerk has managed to worm his way past two eliminations!" Hannah yelled. "He is a homophobic, sexist prick for crying out loud! I already wrote numerous posts in my queue which I am going to post to my blog once the season is over! That pig is going to be canceled a thousand times over!"

The musical therapist listened to Hannah rant, but she had a bit of a guilty look on her face.

"Especially with how he treated Rosalina at the elimination ceremony." Hannah continued to rant. "He had no right to flip her off like that! Honestly, I think it was racially motivated! That is the only explanation!"

"Hannah…" Anisa muttered. "I don't think that was why, I-I think it was maybe to just be mean spirited."

But the blogger didn't hear her over her own complaining. "And I just don't understand how people could vote Rosalina off over him! She was a beautiful queen of color who had taste! She understood the facets and intricacies of BL! And now she's gone! And that horrible jackass is still here! Absolutely deplorable!"

The more Hannah angrily Hannah ranted, the more guilty Anisa felt. "M-maybe the team th-thought that, um, Rosalina making him and Colin cuddle was out of line?" The therapist said diffidently, twiddling her fingers. "Tanner did seem pretty… bothered by that. Even if he's not a good person, I don't think he deserves to feel that uncomfortable, e-especially since the situation happened against his will. I think."

"Well he makes everyone else uncomfortable by being here!" Hannah said as a matter-of-factly. "Any degenerate pig like him does."

Noticing Hannah's anger rising with each passing thought of Tanner, Anisa started to feel guiltier and guiltier. She wanted to try and change the subject. "Hannah, um, I don't think we should get so worked up over him. I-I don't think getting angry is going to solve anything."

"No, anger is exactly what the situation needs!" Hannah told her. "The patriarchy relies on women being submissive. So we need to get angry in retaliation."

"Um, I don't know what that has to do with anything," Anisa muttered, "b-but why don't we move onto something else? I think this is kinda an emotional topic. Why don't you focus on a song? It can be any song, but maybe one that's calming. If you can't think of one, I can come up with something."

"No, I already have a song." Hannah told her.

"O-oh! Sorry then, that is good." The therapist told her. "Maybe even sing it to yourself. But m-maybe just focus on the music rather than the game and the people in it."

The blogger did as she was told, and she started bobbing her head slightly to the song in her head. After a moment, Hannah started to hum it as well.

"See, that's good." Anisa smiled. "Enjoying yourself is a lot better than being angry."

Hannah smirked, her head still bobbing to the song playing in her head. "Y'know, this is making me feel a little better."

Anisa's tense shoulders relaxed slightly as a small smile formed on her lips. "Oh that's good, music really does help better your mood. Um, if it's okay for me to ask, what song are you thinking of?"

"All Men Are Pigs!" Hannah boasted proudly before singing some of the lyrics out loud. "I've seen their tricks!"

Hearing what song she chose, Anisa's smile dropped. "Oh, um that wasn't the type of song I really meant when-."

"All men are pigs." Hannah continued, getting more and more into it as she stood up and started performing to it. But this isn't World Tour, so we're not getting the musical number.

Instead the camera just focused on Anisa, who just stayed put on the bed she was sitting on and put her head into her hands.


Confessional Anisa

She held the sides of her head, looking guilty as ever. "Oh, I just regret voting Rosalina off so much. I do think she went too far with the Tanner and Colin thing, and I think she pushed their boundaries too far. But the way Tanner acted after the elimination was so uncalled for." Anisa rambled as tears started to fill her eyes. "Giving her the middle finger was just so inappropriate and unnecessary. She was already voted off, there was no need to rub salt in the wound. And I'm so scared to tell Hannah that I voted off her friend because she reacts badly to everything and oh I really screwed up again, didn't I." She held her hands in her face, feeling pretty overwhelmed.

End Confessional

Confessional Hannah

The blogger gave a satisfied grunt. She had a smirk on her face and her arms crossed proudly over her chest. "Anisa really helped me remember how great that song is. All men are pigs! Down with the patriarchy! Yeah!" Hannah stood up raising her fists in the air at her own declaration.

End Confessional


The scene shifted to a cave somewhere on the island. The cave itself seemed to go pretty far back, though it was impossible to tell how far due to the darkness further in. But right on the edge of the cave, Andrew was leaning against the wall, writing something in a small, black notebook.

The camera zoomed in closer to him. As he continued to write in his journal, a voiceover of him started to play.

"A sea of black pavement…

An invitation calling out.

I stand in the void of night.

Staring into the eyes of death.

The deep waters of anxiety rise in my chest,

Acting as a cage, trying to protect what's important.

The anxiety tries to ascend, but is stopped by

A sewer grate of grief.

Grief that is painted all over my body.

Grief that left a black scorch on my heart.

A place that is blocked from any light.

And because of this darkness, I'll become

A bloodied sight of crushed appendages on-"

"Whatcha doin'?" a voice asked, breaking Andrew's concentration and causing him to squeal and toss his journal in the process. His face red from embarrassment, Andrew sent a glare towards the new arrival.

Miriam was laughing at the reaction she got from the emo guy, but she wasn't alone. Ranbir caught up to them, laughing as well.

"Oh man, you squealed like a little girl." Miriam chuckled.

"Yeah, Miri got you good Drew-Drew!" Ranbir laughed along with the archer.

Andrew tried to let out an intimidating snarl which was pretty pathetic coming from him. "I said not to call me that, you imbecile."

Ranbir started to regain his composure, but his amused smile didn't leave his face. "Aw, c'mon it's just a nickname buddy."

"I'm not your buddy."

"Wow, harsh." Miriam deadpanned before leaning over and picking up Andrew's journal. "What were you writing anyway?" She asked as she started to read.

"G-give me that!" Andrew blushed, trying to grab for the journal.

Miriam easily dodged his grab before reading his journal and chuckling at what she read. "Heheh 'The anxiety tries to ascend, but is stopped by a sewer grate of grief. Grief that is painted all over my body?' Oh man this is too good."

Andrew stood up and snatched his journal away from the archer. As he did, Miriam gave a monotone 'ow' and shook her right hand. "Sheesh be careful man. That edge is sharp, y'know?"

"Shut up! You just don't get my art." He snapped. "Why are you idiots even bothering me anyway?"

"Well, we were treasure hunting!" Ranbir told him. "And I spotted you and I wanted to come say hi."

"And I thought it'd be funny to scare you." Miriam said.

Andrew didn't seem very amused at the latter. He turned to the treasure hunter, a scowl on his face. "I can't believe I'd rather talk to you right now, but how dumb do you gotta be to think there would be any sort of treasure on this dirty piece of land?"

Ranbir exclaimed, "Hey, watch it! I'm not dumb!" Before crossing his arms and giving a huff. "Besides, I know for a fact there's treasure here."

Though he didn't want to admit it, this actually managed to pique the hypnotist's interest. "Really? How?" He asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ranbir's pout turned into a toothy smirk as he pointed his thumb towards himself. "Because I say treasure doesn't have to be something valuable. Treasure can be something that shows history, it can be something that has personal value to you, it can even simply be the bonds you make while trying to search for it."

Andrew quickly went back to being unamused. "Call me edgy all you like, but that was the cheesiest shit I've ever heard."

Miriam nodded. "He's right, that was pretty bad."

Ranbir turned away from the two in a huff. "Whatever, you guys just don't get it."

Andrew just gave a deadpan look towards the treasure hunter while Miriam snorted at the irony.


Confessional Miriam

She sat in the confessional, dully twirling her bangs. "I'm realizing that Ranbir is a total dork, but at least he's totally nice and awesome. Andrew though, is totally lame, even if he makes sense sometimes. I don't really like him, he's so mean for no reason and it's kinda pathetic."

End Confessional

Confessional Andrew

The hypnotist scoffed. "Tch, Ranbir is a total normie dunce. Really? 'The bonds you make along the way' or whatever?" He rolls his eyes. "His naive optimism pisses me off."

End Confessional


The scene then flashed to the mess hall. Everyone was just walking in for lunch one by one. But as Delanie walked in, she sniffed the air. Immediately she gagged at the smell and covered her nose. "What the hell is that smell?!"

"Probably your own musty ass." Tamera said as she walked by.

Delanie was about ready to beat a bitch, but Keesha spoke up and walked in between the two. "No, she's right, it does smell pretty bad." She was also holding her hand over her nose.

"Disgusting? You all need to get your noses checked." Said a masculine voice. Everyone turned towards the new voice, which belonged to a young man behind the counter. He had pale skin and curly, unkempt brown hair. His eyes were a delicious dishwasher gray, and he wore a dirty chef's uniform which was covered in oil and grease stains as well as some remnants of unknown ingredients on it.

"Oh my god, are we gonna get something edible for once?" Colin asked, slightly joking but also being pretty hopeful.

Freddy, on the other hand, just scratched his head in slight confusion. "Chef? Yer lookin' kinda different."

Dustin facepalmed at the FNAF fan's stupidity before asking the young man, "Where's Chef Hatchet? And who are you?"

The man behind the counter smiled and responded, "I'm Mortimer! I'm interning under Headmaster Chef! And he's currently preparing for a challenge."

"Why would you want to intern under him, he's a horrible chef!" Lester asked him.

"I mean he's not perfect whatsoever. Like when it comes to baking, I outclass him in every way." Mortimer told them. "But he also has a lot of strong suits that even I haven't mastered yet. There's a lot to learn from him."

"I guess you can scratch 'something edible' off of your list of expectations." Dustin muttered to Colin

"Eh, well it's nice to meet ya and all, but I'm starving." Ranbir said, walking up to the counter. "What's on the menu today?"

"Sandwiches." Mortimer responded. He held up a tray of sandwiches and set it on the counter.

"Well, it has to be pretty hard to mess up a sandwich." Christopher said optimistically.

As soon as Ranbir got his sandwich, he took a bite of it. He started chewing, but had a curious look on his face. After he swallowed, he asked, "Hm, what's in this? It's pretty crunchy."

"It's vinegar with a roach blended jam on rye." the chef responded.

Hearing this, Colin, Anisa, and Tamera held their mouths, threatening to puke. While others looked horrified.

Not Ranbir though. The treasure hunter just shrugged and took another bite. "It's not that bad actually. And hey, roaches are full of protein."

"At least someone has good taste around here." Mortimer said proudly, grabbing a sandwich himself and taking a bite from it.

Colin couldn't hold it in and puked on the floor next to him. Just then, Chris walked in, completely not acknowledging the atrocities that are happening at this very moment. "Okay campers listen up. Once you finish your lunch, we'll be moving on to our next challenge."

"Yeah, I think we can just skip to it now." Tanner told the host, giving a disgusted look towards Ranbir and Mortimer who were enjoying some sandwiches.

Chris smiled at that. "Aw, it's great to see that you're really enjoying the challenges so far." He gave a sly smirk. "I think I might need to up my game."

"So what are we doing today?" Delanie asked, just trying to move things along.

"Right, all I'll say for now is you better be ready to bring it." Chris told the contestants before the scene flashed.


Somewhere along the beach, a humongous gym court had been placed. It had four large glass walls surrounding it, two of which had basketball hoops opposite to each other. Inside, most of the contestants were already standing inside with Chris, Chef, and one more tall man. The latter of which was wearing a referee uniform. Lucien and Celestia were the last to arrive. The astronomer looked to be even more exhausted than usual, which didn't seem possible. Even as he was walking, Lucien eyes were drooping and he was fighting against falling asleep on the spot. Celestia was keeping an eye on him though, to help make sure he didn't just fall over.

"Dude, you look rough." Miriam told the astronomer.

He yawned before responding. "Mm, I guess."

"Uh… he hasn't caught up on sleep just yet…" Celestia said. "The last challenge really, um, messed up his already bad sleep schedule.

Christopher furrowed his brow and started to mutter to himself. "This isn't good. Having one of our teammates not at their full capacity could put us at a disadvantage…"

"Don't overthink it." Anthony told him, overhearding the Type-A's muttering. "We'll be fine."

Now that everyone was accounted for, Chris blew on a whistle to get everyone's attention before explaining the challenge. "Today, your challenge is a classic game of dodgeball." There were mixed reactions between the contestants, some like Tanner and Rhonda smirked at hearing the challenge while others like Lester, Anisa, and Celestia didn't look too enthusiastic. "I'm sure most of you know what it is, but just as a refresher the first rule of dodgeball is to not get hit with a ball."

"I never would've guessed." Dustin said in a deadpan tone.

Chris scowled at the interruption before smirking. "For example, Chad, would you like to do the honors?"

The third man with Chris and Chef eagerly stepped forward with a ball in his hand. "Yes, friend Chris!" Chad was a very tall and beefy guy with espresso colored skin, hazel eyes, and his black hair was trimmed into a short buzz cut. He had on a simple yellow polo shirt, navy blue slacks, and red chelsea boots. He took the ball and swung it back before throwing it directly at Dustin. It soared towards him, not giving the musician any time to react before decking him in the face and knocking him right to the floor.

Anisa, Celestia, and Lester's fear only worsened seeing this. Chris, though, simply laughed. Keesha helped Dustin off the ground, though he was badly bruised and was clearly seeing stars from the hit. He could barely stand on his own for the time being.

"Sorry friend, I didn't mean to obliterate your face." Chad apologized.

"Nah man, great work." Chris told him.

"Oh, thank you friend Chris! I'm sure my people back in Chad will be delighted to know that I am doing good!" He said, his eyes lighting up with a childish joy.

"Getting back on track, if you manage to catch the ball, the thrower gets sent out and the catcher gets to bring in another team member out on the court." Chris said before getting another ball. He lightly tossed it to Tanner, who caught it with ease. "Now Tanner, try and throw the ball at Chad. If you're holding a ball, you can use it to deflect a ball, like so."

The quarterback smirked at the chance to show up the alpha man and chucked the ball towards the buff intern. However Chad's reflexes were pretty perfect, and he blocked the incoming ball. But in doing so, he deflected the ball back and it went soaring towards Dustin, once again knocking him to the ground.

Chad looked guilty. "Oh, sorry again friend!"

Keesha once again tried to help Dustin up, but as soon as she did, he just fell right back down. Chris didn't acknowledge it though. "You have a couple minutes until game time. Bass, you'll have to sit two people out each game for a proper 9 v. 9 game. So I'd start strategizing."

The teams broke into huddles to talk some quick strategy before the game.

Over with the Bass, Christopher was taking charge, as usual. "First thing's first, we should probably figure out who's going to sit out this game."

Lucien spoke up. "As the guy who won the challenge for our team last time, can I make a request to sit out the first two games. I'm still not caught up on sleep from our last challenge."

"Honestly, I was thinking of letting you sit out." Christopher told the astronomer. "With how much you helped us last time, I'm sure everyone would understand if you even wanted to sit every round out."

"That…won't be necessary." Lucien responded. "I don't have any desire to sit out the whole time. Just enough for me to get a little more rest."

"That's pretty fair." Anthony shrugged.

"U-um, I actually want to request to maybe sit out with Lucien." Celestia said, rubbing her arm. "I-if that's okay with every…one…"

"Why the hell should you be the one to sit out?" Delanie asked, crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"O-oh, uh…" Celestia went into a mini-panic. She didn't have a great excuse in her mind so she quickly tried to think of something. "B-because… I, um… know a concoction th-that can… h-help Lucien regain more energy… when he… g-gets up?"

"Nyeh, you don't seem too confident in that." Miriam squinted her eyes suspiciously at the med student who just shrunk at the stare. Beads of sweat started to form on Celestia's forehead as she started to shiver from anxiety.

They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity to Celestia. But she's over dramatic so it was really just like a second. Harmonia spoke up to break the tension that lived in Celestia's mind. "Now, now dear. When does she ever come across as confident?"

Miriam just shrugged. "Good point."

"Speak with more CONFIDENCE pipsqueak, jeez." Rhonda rolled her eyes.

"O-ok." Celestia's response didn't have an ounce of confidence in it.

Christopher clasped his hands together. "Splendid. Now that we have that out of the way, let's focus on our strategy for the game.

"Uh, duh, we grab balls and pummel the other team into submission." Ranbir proclaimed.

"Hell yeah, show them fuckers who the real dom-tops are!" Rhonda exclaimed. Her and Ranbir smirked at each other and high-fived.

Andrew scoffed. "We can't just run into this without a plan, you idiots. It wouldn't matter how much we outmatch the other team, they can easily overtake us if we're disorganized. Fucking think for once, gawd."

Rhonda and Ranbir glared at the emo. Ranbir yelled, "Will you quit it with the rude remarks already, Drew-Drew! You constantly being a twat is getting old."

"So is your constant obnoxious behavior." Andrew shot back.

Smelling the drama brewing, Tamera made sure to insert herself. "All of y'all bitches just need to shut the fuck up, oh my god. None of y'all are bringing anything useful to this damn conversation."

"Are you asking to get tossed out in the dirt again?" Rhonda threatened, cracking her knuckles at the HBIC.

And for good measure, Delanie had to throw her hat in the ring. "I think that's just what the bitch needs."

"Like you're one to talk, you outdated z-list whore." Tamera shot back at the actress.

"Enough!" Christopher snapped, having enough of the arguing. For the first time, he looked genuinely angry. Harmonia raised her hand to her mouth, hiding the smirk that crept up onto her lips.

"I understand we're not all going to get along, however the bickering was pitiful." The Type-A said. "You all were acting like literal children, and you're how old? Doing that is going to put us on the same level as the other team. Our biggest advantage right now is that despite our personal grudges, we're able to still manage and pull together during the challenges. If you all continue to bicker like children, that's going to be our downfall just like the other team. And I promise that if it starts to affect our challenge performance, those involved will be dealt with immediately."

He sent a pointed glare towards the group of five who were just getting into it. None of them seemed to be very happy about getting scolded. Though, Rhonda was biting her lip and her knees were quivering. "Am I clear?"

"Yes mom." Andrew said sarcastically while rolling his eyes.

"Yes daddy!" Rhonda squeaked out. She started fanning herself slightly.

Tamera and Delanie didn't seem too happy but they kept their mouths shut for the time being. And Ranbir just looked pretty guilty.

Christopher loosened up slightly. "Good, now getting back to the challenge, I was thinking that we do this-"


The scene then flashed over to the Screaming Gophers. The air around them was a bit tense and heavy, though due to different reasons than the Bass.

Thankfully Lester was there to break the tense air with his pathetic self. "We're doomed!" Lester whined, biting his nails from anxiety. "They're gonna cook us and eat us up for dinner."

Keesha put her hands on her hips. "Don't count us out already, we haven't even started yet."

"To be fair, the other team does have more athletes than we do." Freddy pointed out.

"I'm surprised you didn't say anything to Chris about this being another athletic challenge." Colin said to Hannah.

The blogger just waved it off. "It's a lot of effort to overreact, I just didn't see the point in it anymore."

The soul singer sighed. "Listen, I understand we've come out the gate losing the first two challenges. But we need to try and keep that from getting us down." She turned to look towards Anisa, hoping for some back up. However the musical therapist was looking more shaken than confident.

Keesha's shoulders dropped. "Anisa, you too?"

Anisa rubbed her arm. "I-I, um… don't have good memories with dodgeball…"

"We're screwed." Dustin muttered. His face had a couple of bruises on it from getting hit.

"What a bunch of losers."Tanner scoffed. "I hope you logs realise that by not even trying, you're just setting yourself up to get voted out. People don't want deadweight on their team. And trust, me there are already talks of who are the weakest links that are killing our chances of winning." He said the last part, looking directly at Lester. Instead of feigning ignorance, the nerd just glared back.


Confessional Lester

He stomped his foot childishly. "I hate that of all things, it's dodgeball we're playing! Anytime I've ever played dodgeball, it always ends with me getting all bruised up and barely conscious. That doofus Tanner is one of the ones who always dominate and pelt the nerds with balls." Lester huffed. "He has the upper hand this time around, there's no way around it! No one will vote him off when he carries us! Which puts their eyes on the one who sucks the most! Which will be me because dodgeball is the stupidest thing ever!" He yelled to the camera like a brat.

End Confessional


Just then, Chef blew the whistle.

"Alright teams, it's time to start the first round." Chris announced. Once said, everyone who was playing started walking to the courts.

As they did, Lucien and Celestia made their way to their team's bleachers.

"I'll bite, why'd you lie to sit out?" Lucien asked the taller girl.

"Wh-what?" Celestia squeaked. "I-I didn't l-lie."

Lucien clearly didn't buy it, just staring at her with a blank look.

Celestia being the weak little baby she is, instantly caved. "Oh… Okay... I did it to avoid playing. I really didn't want to play, but I was too scared to just say that and I panicked and lied." She started to ramble. "But now that I lied I'm terrified people are going to find out, and then they'll be really angry and upset with me. I really don't know if I can handle that though, I would instantly break oh my gosh. I just screwed myself didn't I? I'm doomed… doomed!" She helded her hands to her cheeks as her eyes widened with fear.

Lucien rubbed his face and gave a tired groan. "Please, just stop."

"Lucien, I-I messed up." Celestia said, looking down. "I want to speak up for myself more, l-like you said I should. But it's not easy for me to do. I start freaking out and I feel so bad that I could offend someone. That's what happened earlier and it caused me to lie. But now I'm freaking out even more! I-I'm really terrified of people finding out I lied."

Lucien sighed, mostly due to how tired he was. "I assure you, this isn't as big of a deal as you think it is."

"Oh, i-it is though." Celestia started twirling her hair from anxiety.

"Whatever." He muttered, his focus waning. "Just wake me up after the second game. We'll deal with all of that then." He then laid down on the bleachers and immediately fell asleep.

"W-will do!" Celestia responded, despite the fact Lucien wasn't going to hear her.


Everyone that was playing in the match got into position. The gophers were mostly scattered around their side of the court. Some of the less athletically-inclined Gophers didn't seem too confident or happy. Anisa especially was a bit distressed. The Bass seemed to be in their own formation. They were split up into three rows of three people. The front row consisted of Ranbir, Anthony, and Miriam. In the row behind them, Delanie, Rhonda, and Christopher were lined up with Andrew, Tamera, and Harmonia behind them. On the court's midline, there were nine dodgeballs lined up.

After checking over the teams to make sure everyone was ready, Chef raised his arm into the air before waving it down and blowing on a whistle to signify the start of the match.

As soon as the whistle blew, people from both teams stepped into action. On the Gophers Tanner, Keesha, Dustin, Cherry, and Freddy ran towards the center to grab a ball while the others weren't really sure what they should do. For the Bass, only Ranbir, Anthony, and Miriam ran to get a ball.

Miriam was the first to get to the middle. She quickly grabbed two dodgeballs and went onto toss one back to Christopher, who was behind her.

Anthony was the next to reach the middle and grabbed one ball and immediately tossed it between his legs back to an awaiting Rhonda. "Sweet view." She said to herself as she caught the ball.

Anthony quickly grabbed a second ball for himself as Tanner grabbed himself a ball.

Ranbir was the last of the Bass front lines who reached the middle. Just like his teammates he grabbed two of the dodgeballs that were there and tossed one to the person behind him, which was Delanie.

Tanner saw the opportunity, and threw his ball at the treasure hunter. Ranbir didn't see the ball coming and got hit in the arm. "Damnit!" He cursed, stomping his foot. "No fair, I didn't see it!" He tossed the ball backwards, and Tamera grabbed it.

Tanner quickly started to move towards the back of the court. But Tamera, sensing an opportunity for a second of air time, ran forward past Delanie. "Yo bitch, I'm supposed to go to the front!"

However, Tamera paid the actress no mind. As she got towards the middle of the court, she chucked her ball at Tanner. The Quarterback saw it coming and quickly ducked behind Anisa. The musical therapist realized too late what was happening, and got hit in the face with the ball. "Ow!"

"Yo! That wasn't necessary!" Keesha called back to Tanner.

"Not my fault she was in the way." He shrugged.

Anisa walked over to the bleachers, rubbing her face. Tears started to well in her eyes both from embarrassment and from the stinging in her cheek.


Confessional Anisa

The musical therapist rubbed her cheek as she looked down, the tears still in her eyes. "Everytime I used to play dodgeball in school, everyone would force me to be a human shield. I never wanted to, but they didn't give me a choice…" She winces, recalling memories from the past. "Having the same thing happen again is so humiliating!"

End Confessional


Freddy, who had a ball, jumped at the chance to avenge a fallen ally. He threw his dodgeball at Tamera and hit her in the arm.

"Hey! Fuck you!" Tamera yelled.

"That's what happens when you don't follow the plan." Christopher glared at her.

The HBIC just rolled her eyes and sat on the Bass's bleachers with a huff.

Keesha smiled. "We've got an early lead." She set her sights on Anthony. The singer took aim and threw her ball at the dancer. However, Anthony saw it coming. He dodged the ball with ease and quickly spun around and gracefully flung his ball at Keesha. It soared towards her. She didn't have enough time to react and it nailed her in the hip.


Confessional Anthony

"Yeah, I have to toot my own horn a bit, I'm pretty good at dodgeball." Anthony told the confessional camera. "My background in dancing helps me be pretty nimble and gives me the strength to throw pretty hard."

End Confessional


"Ah! Way to lose the lead." Keesha grumbled to herself before making her way to the benches. She noticed Anisa looking upset. "Are you alright?"

The chubby girl shook her head. "I don't like dodgeball…"

Anthony backed up a bit, and this let Rhonda get in front of him. The wrestler wound up her throw and sent the ball flying. It soared through the air with immense speed, directly towards Lester. The nerd had no chance to dodge it, and the ball nailed him right in the face. He was sent to the ground and he held his nose.

"Ahhh!" He screamed. "My nose! You broke it!" Lester started to cry pathetically.

"Time out." Chris called. Chad ran over to Lester. He picked the nerd up and looked at his nose. There was blood streaming from it.

"Hm…" The chadian hummed in focus. He finished assessing the damage and said, "Don't worry friend, your nose isn't broken. Let's get it fixed up." Chad started walking off of the court with Lester in his arms. Lester still had tears, blood, and snot streaming down his face. He sniffled, but this just caused him to cry out in pain.

Celestia looked on at the scene in front of her with absolute horror and dread in her eyes.

Chris chuckled. "Heheh, nice one Rhonda."

Rhonda put her hands on her hips proudly. "Thanks, I go pretty hard when it comes to handling balls."

"Now that that's over, is everyone ready to resume?" The host looked to both sides and decided they were. "Then go!"

Miriam was quick to throw her ball as soon as Chris resumed the match. She tossed it towards Colin, aiming at his legs. The geek tried to dodge it, but he wasn't quick enough. The ball hit him in the leg and tripped him. Colin landed on the ground with a thud! "Ow…"

Dustin quickly grabbed the ball and threw it towards Christopher. The Type-A blocked it with the ball he had in his hands. He then went and threw Dustin out of the game.

Tanner had gotten his hands on another ball, and he threw it at Andrew. It nailed the emo in the gut. "Ack!"

Delanie tried to retaliate, throwing her ball at the quarterback. However, Tanner saw it and caught the ball.

"Ugh!" The actress stomped her foot before making her way to the bleachers.

Chef blew a whistle, and pointed to Anisa to join back in.

"Oh, why me?" She mumbled before going back to the court. However, just as soon as she stepped foot onto the court, a ball hit Anisa in the arm. She just looked dejected before heading back to her seat.

"Geez she sucks." Tanner said.

"Play nice." Cherry instructed him. The DJ took the ball that she had and threw it at Miriam. She managed to hit the archer and get her out. However, Anthony wasn't going to take that lying down, and he quickly scooped the ball up. He sent it flying towards the partier, hitting her in the chest.

"Blimey!" Cherry huffed.

Tanner threw his ball at Anthony But even with the power in his throw, the dancer still managed to dodge the ball, slamming down onto the floor to do so. Anthony quickly got up and sent a smirk towards Tanner. "That all you got?"

The quarterback just grit his teeth in anger.


Confessional Anthony

"Yeah, that was pretty cocky and could've ended badly. But what can I say? My background in ballroom means that I'm not afraid to slam myself on the ground. " Anthony smirked at the camera. "And it's fun to show off sometimes."

End Confessional


Hannah threw her ball at Christopher, trying to get the only white male on the other side out. However, the Type-A caught the ball which brought Ranbir back into the game.

"How dare you!" Hannah screamed before storming off the court. Rhonda flung her ball at Freddy. She nailed him in the gut, causing the FNAF fanatic to hunch over and cough. "Jeez it feels like being punched in the gut!"

Tanner growled and clenched his fist. "You people fucking suck!" He grabbed two dodgeballs, and sent the first one flying towards the other side. The ball was fast, however Tanner wasn't careful with his aim. He completely missed hitting anyone. He threw the second ball, with just as much power. And he nailed Christopher in the chest.

"Darn it. I thought I could get through this without getting hit." He muttered.

Tanner went to grab for another ball, but Anthony smirked, seizing the opportunity and getting Tanner out.

"First round, goes to the Bass!" Chris announced, causing them to cheer.

Tanner made his way over to his team. "What the hell was that?"

"Listen, it was just one game." Keesha said, trying to shut down any arguments before they start. "It's okay, we can make it up in the next one."

"You better." Tanner told his team.

Over with the Bass, spirits were high.

"That was a great job guys!" Christopher congratulated the team. "I say we do the same thing again for another easy victory?"

"Sounds like a plan." Anthony said.

"I just hope everyone sticks to it though." Delanie said, her glare pointed towards Tamera.

The vixen rolled her eyes. "Shut the fuck up bitch."

"Now I have to agree with Delanie here." Christopher said. "Tamera, you need to stick to the plan. Your disregard for it took you out of the last match."

"Well don't put me in the damn back!" Tamera said. "I am not a background bitch, I need to be in the action."

"Just stick to where you were put for now." Christopher told her, maybe next game we can switch around some things."

"Whatever." Tamera grumbled, crossing her arms and scoffing.


The scene flashed and both teams were back on the court. The Bass decided to go with their same formation. Everyone was in the same spots as the last match, just as they planned. The Gophers also mimicked their last match, not having any special formation. However some of them seemed a bit more ready this time around.

Chef blew his whistle, starting the game. Once again Anthony, Miriam, and Ranbir all collected two dodgeballs. Tanner, Cherry, and Dustin each held a ball on the Gophers.

Anthony smirked as a glint went off in his eye. As Miriam and Ranbir quickly tossed a dodgeball to Christopher and Delanie respectively, Anthony kept both of his. The dancer sent a ball hurling towards Tanner's legs. The quarterback jumped over the ball dodging it. However, this left him open and Anthony threw his second ball at him. Tanner wasn't able to dodge this one though. The ball hit him in the shoulder. Tanner yelled, "Damnit!" and slammed his ball onto the floor.

Seeing that their strongest player got out first, the morale of the Gophers immediately drained. Colin just frowned. "Welp, we're screwed." This was followed with a ball to the side of the head. It knocked his glasses right off and the pink-haired geek fell to the ground.

A montage started to play of the Bass absolutely dominating the second match. Dustin was shown getting hit next, then Cherry. Hannah took a ball to the gut just as Keesha was knocked down by a ball from Rhonda. The scene flashed to Freddy, laying against the back wall. He seemed to be knocked out and Lester was crying over his body. "He was so young!" He sobbed. "He was a good man, he didn't deserve this! How could this world be so cruel?!"

Just then, a ball came flying towards Lester's head. The ball smacked him, causing Lester's head to slam into the wall so hard that it ricocheted off of it. His body fell to the ground, limp.


The scene flashed once more to Anisa getting knocked out, resulting in the second loss for the gophers. The Bass cheered once more as both teams huddled together.

Anisa trudged over to her team. None of the Gophers looked very happy.

"Better get ready for our third loss." Colin muttered.

Tanner couldn't take it. "God, I can't fucking believe this!" he yelled. "You all are absolutely useless. You suck so bad!"

Of course Hannah couldn't let that slide. "Excuse you!"

"No, excuse you, you fuckin pansies." Tanner shot back at her. "You're pathetic if you're just sitting down and accepting an ass kicking. Why the hell are any of you here if you just give up? Like I said: pathetic!"

"That's easy for you to say." Hannah told him. She crossed her arms with a huff.

"Except he's absolutely right." Cherry said. "At the end of the day, this is a competition for a huge cash reward. If you're just going to give up because things aren't in your favor, why would you think you deserve to be here?"

"Well since you said it, I think I see your point." Hannah shrugged.

"That was a quick turnaround." Dustin pointed out.

"Although those are much more… blunt ways of putting it, I do have to agree with the sentient in a way. A lot of people auditioned to get on this show. You've basically stolen a chance at the money from them. It is absolutely unfair that you're just giving up at this lucky opportunity."

"Well damn, I was just being over dramatic, ya didn't have to guilt trip me." Colin muttered.

"Perhaps not." Keesha acknowledged. "However, I did so because I'm trying to keep this team together. We clearly need to face reality and realize it isn't as bad as you're making it seem. We're really not that far behind the other team. We can really pull this out if we just stop acting defeated and stop tearing at each other's throats."

"That's the ticket." Cherry agreed. "If we expect ourselves to suck, we're going to suck. If you try and stop expecting to get pummeled, then you can focus more on ways to actually help us not lose."

Freddy didn't need much swaying. A toothy grin appeared on his face as he exclaimed, "They're right! Even if they may be better at dodgeball than us, we can still win if we believe we can!" Freddy put his hand in the middle of everyone. "Let's do this guys!"

Keesha smirked and immediately laid her hand on top of Freddy's. Hannah followed suit, only because Keesha did so. Cherry chuckled before laying her hand in the pile.

Tanner's mouth twisted in a cocky smirk. "Tch, you beta cucks already know I'll be the one carrying this team through this." He put his hand on top of Cherry's.

Dustin scowled at Freddy. "Your blind optimism is absolutely moronic." Nonetheless, he put his hand in the pile. Following that, Colin shrugged and also put his hand in. Lester let out a whine, realizing that it was pointless to even want to argue. He put his hand on top of Colin's.

Which left Anisa. The musical therapist blushed at everyone's gaze and she rubbed her arm shyly. Keesha lightly elbowed her. Anisa turned to look at the singer.

"I understand you probably don't have a great history with dodgeball. But you need to realize that's all in the past. Know that what happened then, doesn't affect what you can do now."

Anisa still didn't look very confident. However, she still gave Keesha a small smile and laid her hand in the middle. "I'll try."

Once everyone's hands were in, they all threw their hands in the air and cheered, "Screaming Gophers!"


The Bass all huddled together. Celestia woke Lucien up, as promised. The astronomer yawned before Christopher asked him, "Are you okay to play Lucien?"

"Hm? Oh, yes I'm fine." Lucien responded. "Celestia gave me something before I fell asleep and it's helped me feel better rested."

Hearing Lucien go with her lie, Celestia felt slightly calmer.

"That's good to hear." Christopher said. "So who would like to sit out next?"

"If I may." Harmonia spoke up. "I would like to request that Celestia and I sit the next game out."

Lucien's brow furrowed in suspicion. "Why?"

Harmonia raised her hand to her mouth. "Simply because we are the weakest when it comes to this challenge. If we win this next match, then that means the Gophers will be sending someone home." The anthropologist explained. "They know that their backs are up against the wall. And unfortunately for us, that's when people are at their strongest. It's the tale of an underdog. It's one that everyone has heard a version of before. The other team will be coming at us with all of their might, so we should keep our team the strongest it can be."

Lucien stared at Harmonia for a couple moments before giving a sigh. "You made your point I guess."

"Wonderful." Harmonia responded. "Just remember not to let your guard down, we still have the capability to win."

"Will do!" Ranbir smirked.

"Yeah, until you're the first out." Andrew muttered to himself.

He wasn't quiet enough though, and Ranbir heard him. The treasure hunter turned to Andrew and proclaimed, "Hey! Just you watch! I'm gonna carry this last match. Then you'll be cheering my name."

"So do I get to be in the front now?" Tamera asked Christopher, her hands on her hips. "You said if I stayed in the back that last match, we'd switch shit around."

"Listen, I think it's best that we stick to what we have." Christopher told her. "Harmonia is right, we still need to stick to our A-game. Just do it for the team."

"Nah, fuck that!" Tamera snapped. "You said that we'd switch things around. And I'm not staying no background dancer you Harry Potter looking Winnie-the-Pooh mayo bitch."

Christopher clenched his fist and glared at the HBIC. "And I'm not going to sit here and be insulted by a bitch who's built like the michelin man."

Sensing the tension, Anthony stepped in between the two. "How about we not do this right now. Tamera, you'll switch with Delanie. We need our fastest members in the front, but you can still get some action from the second row. Take it or get benched."

"Why the hell does she get my spot?" Delanie protested.

"Just get over it." Andrew told her. She scowled at the emo, and he returned it with one of his own.

Tamera huffed and rolled her eyes. "This some bullshit." She crossed her arms. "But whatever, fine."

"Good, now let's get into position." Anthony said. No one argued and everyone started making their way to the court, except for Celestia and Harmonia.

Anthony walked next to Christopher for a moment. "You good?"

Christopher shook his head, clearly still angry at Tamera's words. "No. I was about to do something I'd regret."

"Eh, just ignore her." Anthony told him. "She's just an attention whore trying to get a rise out of you for screen time. Engaging with her will just give her what she wants."

The Type-A sighed. "You're right." he looked at Anthony. "Let's just get this challenge over with."

"Atta boy." Anthony smirked. He kept on walking towards his position on the court. "Break a leg," he called back.

"Right back at you." Christopher replied, his mouth forming into a smirk of his own.


Confessional Tamera

"This is bullshit!" The HBIC seethed, her arms crossed in frustration. "I don't get why people be coming for me when I was told I'd get to move positions. Bitch, I deserve to be front and center. And that uptight twink isn't going to take that away from me. I'm a star, let me be one, bitch."

End Confessional


The scene flashed and everyone playing was back on the court. The bass held their same formation, just with Lucien swapped out with Harmonia and Tamera and Delanie with their places swapped. The Gophers, though, seemed to be slightly more organized than previous games. Tanner, Keesha, Dustin, Cherry, and Freddy were positioned further ahead of the rest of the Gophers. Most of the Gophers held pretty serious and determined expressions. Anisa and Lester were the two outliers, still not looking fully confident.

Chef, sitting in his chair, raised his arm in the air. He checked to make sure everyone was ready, and then blew his whistle to signify the start of the third match.

The five Gophers that were closer to the middle darted towards the dodgeballs. The Bass had their front three players run to get to the dodgeballs as well.

Miriam was the first to reach the middle once again. She grabbed two of the dodgeballs and tossed one back to Christopher. Tanner and Anthony were the next to reach the middle, both getting there at the same time. Ranbir wasn't long after, but just as the treasure hunter was about to grab two dodgeballs, Tanner grabbed the two he was going for first.

The quarterback smirked, and threw one ball at Ranbir almost immediately. Ranbir didn't have the chance to try and dodge, and took the hit. Tamera saw the opportunity to grab the ball that hit Ranbir and move closer to the front.

"Really!?" Ranbir yelled, causing Andrew to snicker as he walked off.

Anthony took this opportunity to throw a ball at Tanner, aiming to get him out. However, the blonde predicted this and blocked the hit with this second ball. Dustin grabbed the ball quickly.

By this time, Freddy, Tanner, Keesha, Miriam, Christopher, Anthony, Dustin, Cherry, and Tamera each held a ball in their hands.

Seeing they had more ammo on their side, Keesha smirked and threw her ball at Miriam. The archer dodged it, and threw her ball back at the singer. Keesha readied herself and she caught the ball flying towards her.

"Maaan." Miriam grumbled before leaving the court. She kicked her boot in annoyance as she was walking away.

Rhonda grabbed the ball Keesha threw, and she wound her arm up. The wrestler yelled. "Cowabunga!" Before sending the ball flying towards Lester. The nerd shielded his face from the ball, not wanting to get hit in the nose again. But instead, the ball just hit him in the groin.

"W-why?" Lester squeaked before falling to the ground in pain.

From her team's bench, Celestia held her hands over her eyes, not wanting to see the sight. From next to her, Harmonia shook her head. "My, my this game is so barbaric. Wouldn't you agree?" she asked Celestia.

The white-haired girl looked at Harmonia with fear in her eyes. "Y-yes! It's so scary!"

"Truly. People can get horrendously injured by playing this. That poor, pathetic kid already almost got a broken nose. I can't imagine how much pain he must be in with this injury. And who knows how much worse they could get."

Celestia froze and gulped. "Y-you could p-probably die if hit h-hard enough. E-especially if you get hit in the chest."

"Yet we're forced to play this for the host's amusment. How dark reality television truly is." Harmonia said, her head bowing slightly.

However, Celestia didn't hear that part. She was completely frozen with fear and anxiety.


Confessional Celestia

Her eyes were as wide as saucers with pure terror and dread. "I-I can't play this game! If I step foot on that court, death will come for me! I'll die and it'll be so painful." She squeaked.

End Confessional


Back in the game, Dustin threw his ball towards Tamera, aiming to get her out. But the vixen managed to dodge. She then retaliated and threw her ball back at Dustin. He wasn't able to dodge it in time and was taken out.

"That's what I'm talkin' about bitch!" Tamera celebrated.

Cherry then threw her ball at Rhonda. The wrestler was starting to look a bit tired. Mix that with her lack of agility, and she wasn't able to dodge out of the way of the ball.

"Sweet!" Cherry grinned.

Anthony frowned at seeing Rhonda get taken out. He ran forwards a bit, and threw his ball. It started to head towards Anisa. She looked at the ball, hopelessly before closing her eyes, waiting for the impact. But it never came.

Keesha quickly ran towards Anisa and jumped in front of the ball, taking a hit to the arm.

Anisa opened her eyes, and noticed that Keesha had been hit instead of her.

"K-Keesha? W-why would you do that?" Anisa asked, completely flabbergasted.

Keesha rubbed her arm from the impact of the ball and shrugged. "'Cause I felt like it. I didn't want you to get hit."

The musical therapist felt her cheeks flush.

"Now, don't let my sacrifice be in vain." Keesha told her before walking off.

After the singer made her exit, Anisa picked up the ball that hit Keesha. She looked at it nervously before turning her attention to the other side of the court.

Christopher took a couple steps forward and chucked his ball towards Freddy. The brunette held the ball in his hands up and managed to deflect the ball. He smiled and leapt forward before sending his ball towards the Type-A.

However, Christopher ducked down, expecting the throw. From behind him, Andrew ran up and grabbed the ball before tossing it over to the other side. Hannah managed to catch it though, bringing Dustin back into the game.

"Tch, typical." Andrew muttered, making his way to the bleachers. When he got there, Ranbir was sitting there, snickering. "Nice throw."

"At least I didn't get out right away." the emo shot back.

"Hey! It's not my fault Tanner caught me off guard!" Ranbir yelled.

Back with the match, Tanner had a ball and threw it at Tamera. The HBIC ducked out of the way though, and the ball flew over her head to Delanie. The actress didn't expect Tamera to dodge it, and she got hit with the ball.

"This is stupid." She huffed, making her way off of the court.

Lucien grabbed the discarded ball and threw it at Colin. The geek didn't react in time, and got hit in the gut.

"Well, they can't say I didn't help." Lucien muttered tiredly. He gave a huge yawn and tried his best to focus back on the game, but the exhaustion was starting to get to him. Lucien started to stare off into space as the game continued.

Anthony was the next to throw his ball. The street rat spun around to show off before sending his ball soaring over to Hannah. It hit the blogger in the arm and she stormed off the court.

Dustin tried throwing a ball at the street rat, however Anthony was quick to slide out of the way.

Christopher retaliated by throwing his ball at Dustin, getting him back out of the game.

Cherry noticed Lucien not really paying much attention, and she threw the ball in her hands at him. Lucien, of course, didn't notice and the ball hit him in the head and sending him to the ground.

The party gal cringed apologetically. "Sorry love, wasn't trying for a headshot!"

Lucien just shrugged after he got up. "Eh, it's whatever." He took his leave off the court and sat in between Miriam and Celestia.

Anisa nervously stood with the ball in her hands. She still didn't seem very confident, and that confidence waned even more as Anthony threw a ball and took Freddy out of the game. Seeing this made the musical therapist even more nervous.

"C'mon Anisa, just try and throw it!" Keesha called from the Gophers' bench. "You got this!"

Hearing the encouragement from Keesha made Anisa smile. "I-I'll try." She muttered mostly to herself. "Just throw it. The worst that can happen is they catch the ball. At least that's better than getting hit."

Anisa took a deep breath before chucking the ball towards the other side of the court. She didn't really try aiming, but the ball still started heading towards Anthony. The ball didn't have much power behind it though, and was traveling a little slower than when others threw them. Anthony tried to leap into the air to dodge the ball, however he jumped a little too early. He wasn't expecting the ball to move at such a slow pace, and so it managed to hit his leg as he was coming down.

Only problem was that it knocked him slightly off balance. He didn't stick the landing very well and landed on his leg awkwardly.

Anisa was shocked for a moment before smiling excitedly. "I did it! I got someone out!"

Her excitement was short lived as she noticed that Christopher and Chad jogged over and were hovering over Anthony, who was grabbing his ankle in pain.

"Nice cheap shot, bitch" Tamera shouted at Anisa.

The musical therapist's head sunk in shame. "W-wait! I-I didn't mean to."

"Nah, you're fine." Anthony said. "I was getting too showy, I shouldn't have tried to jump over the ball." Chad helped him up. "Don't feel bad about it."

Cherry made her way over to Anisa. "Trust me darlin', there's no need to get worked up over it. If anything we should be thanking you. He was their best player and you took him out."

The dark-skinned girl blushed. "Still, I wish I didn't have to hurt him."

"He'll be fine." the party gal responded. "I think he just twisted his ankle. They have that doctor girl on their team so the bloke'll be fine."

Speaking of, Chad brought Anthony over to the bleachers next to Celestia. "Here you go friend, make sure to rest up!"

"Will do, thanks." Anthony responded. Celestia got in his space and started asking him multiple questions.

"A-are you okay!? Did you hear any cracks? Did you hit your head when you fell? ARE YOU GOING TO DIE!?"

"Yes, no, no, and no." Anthony listed off his answers. "I wouldn't mind if you took a look at my ankle though. I think I just twisted it, but I want to make sure it's not more serious than it feels."

Celestia blushed. "O-oh, sure I-I can, um, do that."

Now that Anthony was off the court, the remaining players got into position. Chef glanced around to make sure everyone was ready and blew his whistle.

Christopher was the first one to make a move, running towards the center before throwing his ball as hard as he could towards Tanner. The quarterback was ready though. He hopped out of the way and immediately threw his own dodgeball right back at Christopher. The perfectionist wasn't able to react quick enough, and he got hit in the arm.

"Damn… this isn't looking good." He muttered to himself before walking off the court. This left Tamera alone against Tanner, Cherry, and Anisa.

"Y'all really suck! Leaving me alone against these three losers." Tamera called over to her team before smirking to herself. "But at least that means I get my moment."

Anisa looked down at the ball in her hand and sighed. She was afraid of injuring someone else, but she didn't want to give up either. Despite her nervousness, she chucked the ball at Tamera. The HBIC dodged it with ease. "Hah, that all you got bitch?"

Anisa looked down in shame. She really wasn't made for this, was she?

Tamera retrieved another ball, and as funny as it would be to just take Anisa out, she wasn't much of a factor. The vixen smirked. "This is how you throw a ball bitch!"

Tamera started to aim towards Anisa, and the musical therapist braced for impact. But instead of throwing the ball at her, Tamera switched and threw it at Cherry. The party gal was caught off guard, and she got hit instead.

However, Tanner saw the opportunity and ran over to Anisa and gave her a ball. "Take this and throw it, now!" He urged her.

Anisa hesitated for a moment, but she did as she was told. She threw the ball at Tamera, and the HBIC just laughed as she dodged it. "Really? You are so pathe-oof!" She took a ball to the gut, courtesy of Tanner who used Anisa's throw as a distraction.

"Gotta pay better attention than that, sugartits." Tanner smirked at the vixen who just rolled her eyes and stormed off the court as the Gophers cheered at their victory.

"The Screaming Gophers manage to keep from getting swept!" Chris announced, just causing the winning team to cheer more.

"We did it guys, that was so awesome!" Freddy cheered as the team huddled together. "I haven't felt that much adrenaline since I first played 10/20 mode!"

"I told you guys we could do it." Keesha smiled proudly. The soul singer turned to Anisa. "You did absolutely fantastic Anisa!"

The shorter girl blushed at this. "Oh! Um, thank you."

"Seriously, you took out their best player." Dustin told her. "He may even need to sit out the next game which will really benefit us."

"We may take this challenge yet." Cherry said.

"We will take it." Keesha said. "We may have won this match, but we still need to win two more. Let's not get too cocky just yet."

Over with the Bass, most of them were kind of annoyed at the loss.

"Man, we were so close to sweeping them!" Ranbir whined.

"While I was hoping for a perfect record, it's fine. We still just need to win only one more game." Christopher told his teammates. He turned to Anthony. "How's your ankle?"

Celestia was the one to respond. "U-um… he twisted it. A-and I think he should, um, sit out while I wrap it up."

"Well, she's the one with the medical knowledge. So I'll take her word for it." Anthony said. "Admittedly, I think I'd prefer to sit out anyway. Dancing is kind of my thing, so I don't want to mess around with an injured ankle."

"Very well." Christopher responded. "I wouldn't want you making it worse anyway."

"You said you would play this game though." Lucien told Celestia.

"O-oh, well, um, yeah. But Anthony should have his ankle wrapped up." The med student explained. She couldn't really look him in the eye. "I-it'd be best for me to do it. Um, I have the most experience."

The blonde crossed his arms and gave an annoyed sigh. "Fine, but no matter what, you are playing in the next game if need be."

"I-I…" Celestia rubbed her arm anxiously. However she gave up and sighed. "O-okay…"

"Since one of our front liners are out, does this mean I finally get to be up front?" Tamera asked.

Christopher scowled and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Frankly, with how much of a nuisance you've been, I ought to say no."

"Bitch, you're the one who said you'd change this shit." Tamera snapped. "Yet you've barely made good on your promise!"

"Because I'm trying to focus on our team winning, not your feelings." Christopher responded. "Besides I never said I'd put you in the front. I said I'd maybe move your position in this past game, which I did."

"Well why can't I be in the fuckin' front?" Tamera yelled. "I just proved myself with the last game, I was the last one one the court while all you pathetic losers were gettin' your asses handed to you."

"Shut up!" Ranbir yelled. "You lost too!"

"At least she didn't go first." Andrew snickered. He was met with a slap to the back of the head, courtesy of Miriam. "Shaddap pipsqueak."

Andrew pouted as he rubbed the back of his head. "You're shorter than me…" He muttered.

"Just let the bitch do it." Delanie said, she sent a cocky smirk Tamera's way. "If she fails and we lose, we'll know who to vote out."

Tamera scowled at the actress. "You can suck my ass and shave that fuckin' mustache you whore."

"Frankly, that's a fair deal." Anthony spoke up. "You want it so bad, then you have to show you can handle that spot."

Chef blew the whistle, signaling to the contestants to get into place.

"Hmp!" Tamera crossed her arms. "Fine. I'll show all of y'all and you'll see just how perfect I am." She then turned on her heel and started making her way to the court

Christopher and Anthony just rolled their eyes at her before the scene flashed.


Both teams were in their formations. Tamera was front and center for the Bass. Delanie was back in her old spot as Harmonia filled in the back where Delanie was prior.

The Gophers had the same five people closer to the middle than last time. Lester, Anisa, Colin, and Hannah hung a little further back, but they still were holding defensive positions.

Chef went through his usual routine before blowing the whistle, starting the game.

As soon as he did, people dashed for the middle. It wasn't too long before all of the dodgeballs were taken. Tanner threw his ball and took out Delanie pretty quickly. Tamera threw her ball and hit Colin out of the match.

Rhonda stepped forward, preparing her throw. Beads of sweat were starting to make appearances across her forehead. She wound up her arm before sending the ball flying. It started to head directly towards Lester.

Lester groaned in annoyance, and stood there, accepting his fate. The nerd lucked out though. The ball went flying by his face, just barely missing out on hitting him. Feeling the wind from the ball pass by him, Lester opened his eyes. "Wha- it didn't hit me?" He smiled and raised his fists in the air. "The ball actually missed me! I'm still in!" Miriam decided to rectify that, hitting the bowl-cut kid in the gut with a ball.

"Dang it!" Lester stomped off.

The teams continued to trade blows. Dodgeballs were constantly flying back and forth. Freddy, Cherry, Lucien, and Christopher were each picked off.

Harmonia tossed her ball to the other side, though the ball didn't have much power behind it. Tanner ended up catching it pretty easily, taking the anthropologist out and sending Colin back into the game.

Tamera threw another ball and took Hannah out of the match.

"Slay queen!" Hannah called over. "That was a great hit!"

"Why are you cheering for her, she got you out?" Dustin asked from next to her.

"What, do you have a problem with me praising a woman of color?" Hannah snapped at him.

Hannah was hit with yet another ball, courtesy of Miriam. "Okay I'm going!" Hannah yelled before stomping off the court. Dustin rolled his eyes at the blogger.

Rhonda was looking pretty tired at this point. She threw the ball she had in her hand, but it had a lot less power to it and she completely missed everyone on the other side.

"You good?" Miriam asked the wrestler.

"Huh? Oh, yeah I'm good." Rhonda panted, though she didn't seem very confident in what she was saying.

The game continued on and the teams were pretty even. They went back and forth with each other, each side losing teammates left and right until there were only four left.

Tanner and Dustin stood for the Gophers while Rhonda and Tamera were left for the Bass. Rhonda looked even more tired than she did before. Christopher looked at her with his brow furrowed.


Confessional Christopher

"I was afraid of this…" He muttered to himself. "Rhonda is undoubtedly the strongest member of our team, physically. Her throws are the quickest out of all of us" His brow furrowed with light dread. "However, her stamina is pretty poor. She may have the most power but she also gets tired quicker."

End Confessional


Rhonda tossed a ball to the other side, but at this point it didn't go anywhere near Tanner or Dustin. The musician just looked over with a deadpan expression and lightly tossed his ball at the wrestler. She didn't have the energy to dodge it and the ball hit her in the shoulder.

"You gotta be kidding me!" Tamera screamed. "Y'all really can't do shit can you!"

"Ugh." Rhonda didn't have the energy to clapback. She trudged off the court as Dustin picked up another ball.

Seeing it was 1v2, Tanner and Dustin went in on the tag team, both throwing their balls at Tamera. However, she was determined to not lose the game. She ducked underneath Dustin's ball and blocked Tanner's ball with her own.

The vixen quickly recovered and threw her ball before the two could get the chance to restock their ammo. Unluckily for Tamera though, Tanner reached out and caught the ball midair. Tamera's mouth dropped as Chef blew the whistle.

"Screw this shit!" Tamera cursed.

"The Gophers tie things up!" Chrissed announced. "Which means we're heading into our Sudden Death round!"

"D-death!?" Celestia gulped.


The scene flashed to the Bass in their huddle. Things were back to being pretty tense. Christopher clearly wasn't too happy. "Well that sucked." Miriam said to break the silence.

"Indeed." Christopher said, rubbing his temple. He gave a sigh and crossed his arms. "This isn't good, the Gophers could very well win this challenge."

"Well, at least we know who we're voting for if that happens." Delanie side-eyed Tamera with a smirk on her face.

"No, fuck that!" Tamera stomped her foot onto the ground before pointing her thumb at herself. "I just carried this team for two games in a damn row. I've proved myself enough already."

Harmonia started to giggle in response to this.

"The hell is so funny you dusty second-rate Annabelle?!" Tamera snapped.

"Frankly dear, you're completely irrelevant when it comes to the source of my amusment." Harmonia responded.

"Irrelevant!?"

The doll-like lady ignored her and continued. "I'm just laughing because my assessment was correct."

"Assessment?" Ranbir scratched his head. "Are we being tested? I never got a chance to study!"

"You idiot, she isn't talking about a test." Andrew rolled his eyes at the Treasure Hunter.

"You're referring to the Gophers having their backs up against the wall, yes?" Lucien asked.

"Indeed I am." Harmonia responded.

"I figured." the astronomer said. "The Gophers really did up their game in that third match. And their momentum just rose from there."

"So, what? We're just expecting to get our asses whooped?" Rhonda asked, still looking pretty tired out.

"Pretty much." Andrew told her.

"No, we're not." Anthony said. "Listen, they may have gotten the upper hand on us these last two matches, but now we're tied. Our backs are up against the wall, just as much as theirs. They're going to be facing us when we're at our most desperate to win just like we are them. So let's focus and make sure our desperation is stronger than theirs."

"Was that supposed to be inspirational?" Miriam asked.

"He does have a point." Christopher told her. "Since we're at risk of heading to elimination, we're going to have to pull out all the stops. The Gophers have yet to face us when the threat of losing is looming over our heads. We'll use that to our advantage."

Andrew rolled his eyes at this.

"I think you need to do that without me." Rhonda panted. "I'm out of juice."

"Yeah, yer lookin' pretty rough." Miriam told her.

The Type-A frowned. "Yes, I think that'd be for the best. You were way off your game last match. You and Anthony will sit out."

Celestia's eyes widened in terror. "U-Uh, but I, um, still n-need to… Uh,um… L-look and make sure h-his, uh, ankle is…alright. I think."

"No, you're not getting out of it this time." Lucien told her. "There's no way you're not playing."

Christopher bit his lip, his mind going to when he forced Celestia to jump off the cliff. Guilt washed over him as he said, "Celestia, I'm sorry but there is just no other way around this. Anthony can't play and Rhonda desperately needs a break."

"I…I… I don't want to play though!" Celestia pleaded.

"Competing in the challenges is part of the competition." Christopher told her. "You're going to have to do things you don't want to eventually."

"I always do things I don't want to!" Celestia said, raising her voice. "I never say no, and the one time I speak up, I'm still being forced to do stuff I don't want."

"Celestia," Lucien's voice was firm, but not cold, "please understand why this is necessary."

The med student looked at him, and in that moment, she became aware that her whole team's attention was on her. Celestia's face became red from embarrassment. "S-sorry! I didn't mean to raise my voice."

Lucien sighed. "Don't worry about that. Just please, play. This is tiring."

Celestia looked down. She really wasn't happy about this, but she knew she had no choice. "Okay… I-I'll try."


Confessional Andrew

He was leaning against the wall of the confessional with his foot on the seat. Andrew rolled his eyes as he spun his pocket watch around his finger. "Tch, these normies are so clichè. We're totally screwed without our two best dodgeball players." He smirked arrogantly. "At least I know I'll be safe and it'll be one of these useless dorks walking the dock." His watch slipped off of his finger and hit the emo in the side of the head. He rubbed the spot that was hit and whined, "Owww…"

End Confessional

Confessional Celestia

"Oh no…" She squeaked. "Th-this is the end… f-for real! I don't even know how I'm going to die, j-just that it'll happen. Maybe I'll slip on a ball a-and break my neck or I'll get so exhausted from moving too much that my heart stops!" She grabs her face, her pupils dilated in fear. "Th-there's no way I'm making this out alive!"

End Confessional


The Gophers were similarly huddled up too. "I can't believe we managed to actually tie things up!" Freddy exclaimed, feeling pretty hyped up from their two victories. "We totally got this in the bag."

Keesha gave a confident smile as she crossed her arms. "I told you all that we could do it. Now we just have one more match standing in our way of victory."

"We will DESTROY them!" Hannah yelled.

"Let's bring it back down to a 2." Dustin told Hannah.

"Don't tell me what to do you degenerate!"

"I'm still not the most confident at playing dodgeball," Anisa said, rubbing her arm. "But I think we can really do this!"

Tanner smirked and gave an arrogant scoff. "Well, duh! With me we'll take this easily."

"We need to make sure to keep a level head, and to not get too cocky." Cherry told the group, but this was mostly pointed towards the quarterback. "If we get too full of ourselves, we'll be letting our guard down."

"Good thing I hate myself too much to get cocky." Colin joked. From next to him, Freddy's smile fell.

"Just try and be aware of what's going on, and put your best foot forward. ." Keesha told the other Gophers. "Now let's go kick this losing streak!"

The Gophers cheered, getting pumped up for the final match. All except for Lester, who looked completely miserable. Tanner noticed this and sent a smirk the nerd's way.


Confessional Tanner

"Pfft, I'm in a pretty win-win spot right now." The quarterback told the camera. "If we win, then great. But if we lose… well, I think it's safe to say the little bowl-cut priss will be walking the dock." He chuckled. "The twerp knows it too! Oh, this is too good. Who's at the bottom now? Not me. I'm a top, bitch!"

End Confessional


The scene once again flashed to everyone in their positions in the final round. Tensions were high as everyone, with the exception of Lester and Celestia, looked on with some form of determination.

Chef looked to the Gophers. Tanner just had a cocky smirk on his face as he was in a ready position. Anisa had her hands held to her chest, looking determined. However she still clearly lacked much confidence. Hannah cracked her neck in anticipation, getting ready to dismantle the Bass's winning streak.

Chef then looked to the Bass. Tamera just looked pissed, but her eyes were set on the row of dodgeballs in the center of the court. Harmonia looked on with the same expression that she usually dawns. And Celestia was being her pathetic self and was shivering in terror.

Seeing that both teams were pretty much ready, Chef raised his arm into the air. Then, with a blow of the whistle, he swung his arm down, signifying the start of the final match.

The front three Bass charged for the dodgeballs along with Tanner, Hannah, Freddy, Keesha, and Dustin. Lester and Celestia both ran as close to the corners as they could get to try and hide from the game.

As usual, Miriam was the first to reach the middle, quickly swiping a ball and tossing it back towards Christopher. She spun back around grabbing a second ball for herself just as Tanner reached the middle. Just like before, Tanner immediately threw his ball at Ranbir. But this time, the treasure hunter predicted it. He quickly jumped out of the way and continued to the middle and grabbed a ball.

Tamera and Freddy both reached the middle at about the same time. The two each grabbed a ball.

"My ass is on the line, I ain't fucking around this time." Tamera spat, throwing the ball at the FNAF fan. The ball hit Freddy square in the face. With it being such close range, Freddy fell back on his bottom from the impact, and his ball fell out of his hands.

"Hey! You tryna turn me into Withered Bonnie!?" Freddy yelled. His ball rolled over to the Bass's side and Tamera picked it up, and immediately threw it at Colin. The geek didn't react in time and got hit out.

"Damn… Double homicide." Miriam said dryly.

Ranbir then threw his ball, and managed to hit Cherry out of the game.

"Oh baby a triple." Miriam commented.

Tanner, who got his hands on another ball, threw it another time at Ranbir. And since Ranbir just threw his ball, he didn't see the ball coming. He got hit in the arm, and pouted. "Come on!"

As he made his way off the court, Andrew couldn't help himself from snickering.

Hannah's eyes lit up with the fierce determination of a Tumblr girl. She charged towards the middle, ball in hand and chucked it. The ball went hurling at such a high speed that it caught on fire because cartoon logic. It ended up nailing Andrew right in the chest, knocking the hypnotist to the ground and ending his snickering.

Celestia watched the scene happen before her eyes. She shivered and held her nails to her cheeks, her eyes filled with their usual fear. Only this time it was a bit more amplified.

Delanie took the opportunity and tried to catch Hannah off guard, but the blogger caught the ball with one hand. Cherry, Freddy, and Colin looked on with surprise. Chef blew the whistle, signaling Freddy to return to the court.

As the gamer made his way back in the game, Cherry asked Colin. "What's hopped into her knickers?"

"I wish I knew." Colin responded.

Hannah immediately took the ball and chucked it towards Lucien. The astronomer, still pretty tired, didn't have the reaction time to dodge it and was knocked down by the ball.

Christopher moved quickly, running up and throwing his ball at Hannah while she was focused on Lucien. It hit her in the stomach, and she let out a roar.

She pointed her chubby finger directly at Christopher. "You sexist heathen, how dare you! You're absolutely sick for taking out a woman while she was showing her true strength!"

Keesha jogged over and laid her hand on the Soapbox Sadie's shoulder. "Hannah, it isn't that serious. Go take a seat on the bench."

Hannah's demeanor immediately changed. "Whatever you say you absolute goddess." She then took her leave from the court.

From then, the match started to go back and forth between the two teams. A timelapse of the Gophers' bleachers played with the selection of people sitting on them constantly cycled through everyone on the team appearing and disappearing. However, notably, Tanner and Lester never appeared on the bleachers.


The scene flashed to a bit later in the match. It was still pretty close with both teams still having four members each.

Colin threw his ball at Tamera, but the vixen easily dodged it. She then tossed her ball at Tanner, however her throw was unsuccessful as well due to Tanner sliding out of the way.

"This game is going nowhere." Christopher muttered.

"Indeed it isn't." Harmonia said, appearing next to the Type-A.

Christopher jumped slightly. "Oh! Harmonia."

"Dear Christopher, I think I have a plan." The raven-haired lady said. She then started to walk forward with a ball in hand.

"Wait, what's the plan?" Christopher asked, however he didn't receive a response.

Harmonia walked closer to the center, and tossed her ball towards Tanner. The ball didn't move very fast and was a bit floaty. The jock just scoffed and readied to catch the ball.

That's when it hit Christopher. The brunette's teal eyes widened and he sprinted into action. He sent the ball in his hand soaring towards Tanner. Harmonia's ball had just landed in Tanner's hands right before Christopher's hit him in the side.

Chef blew his whistle, and signaled Keesha to go back in. Pissed, Tanner slammed the ball in his hand on the ground, sending it flying into the air. "This is bullshit!" He stormed off, sitting on the bleachers. As he and Keesha passed each other, the soul singer gave a nervous glance back.


Confessional Keesha

"I'll admit, Tanner getting taken out terrifies me." Keesha sat with her hands in her lap, she gave an uneasy look. "He really has been carrying our team this challenge, and to have victory ripped from our grasp just as it's in sight is so disheartening. I fear that if we come so close just to lose, this could really send our team down a bad path. One I don't see many of us making it out of." She gave a sigh as she sent the camera a serious look. "I can't allow that to happen. I've taken over leadership duties, and I need to stop us from walking down that dock one after another."

End Confessional


Tamera grit her teeth, just wanting to be done with this challenge. She chucked a ball at Colin, and knocked him out of the match. Keesha frowned at this.

The soul singer quickly grabbed a ball from the ground. Christopher tried to take the opportunity to get Keesha out, however he managed to miss her as she bent down.

Keesha retaliated, throwing the ball with all her might towards the Type-A. Christopher tried to dodge out of the way, however the ball just barely managed to knick his leg.

"Crap!" Christopher hissed.

"Great, down to me again." Tamera snarked. "What a damn surprise."

"I don't want to hear it." Christopher snapped, heading back to the bleachers.

Tamera just rolled her eyes then turned her attention to Keesha. "Sorry girl, but your ass is about to be grass." She threw the ball in her hands at the soul singer, however Keesha dodged it pretty easily. She quickly picked up a ball and threw it back at the HBIC. Tamera's eyes widened and she ducked just in time.

"I'm not going out without a fight," Keesha warned the vixen.

The two narrowed their eyes on each other. They got into a readied stance before they both grabbed a ball and threw it at each other. Both of their shots missed, and so they both grabbed another dodgeball and repeated. They started to go back and forth with each other, neither being able to hit the other.

Keesha threw a ball low, but Tamera managed to jump over it. The vixen retaliated by throwing a ball at Keesha's stomach. The singer jumped to the right and dodged it. The two immediately picked up another ball and threw it at the other. But this time, they hit their targets. Only problem was it happened at the same exact time.

Chef blew his whistle, signaling Keesha and Tamera were out. The teams all looked confused.

"Wait, which team won?" Rhonda asked.

"Neither, duh." Chris responded. "There's still two more in play." The host pointed to the corners of each side where Lester and Celestia were huddled at.

"Oh you've got to be kidding me." Dustin facepalmed.

"C'mon Lester, Celestia!" Chris called out to the two. "Stop being babies and play ball!"

"N-no! I'll die!" Celestia panicked.

Lester had tears running down his cheeks and snot running from his nose. "D-d-don't make me plaaayyyyy!" He cried out.

The host scowled. "If you don't play, just know I'll be forced to eliminate both of you on the spot."

The two's heads shot up at this. They really didn't want to play, but they didn't want to be disqualified even more.

Both Lester and Celestia picked up a ball and nervously made their way towards the center of the court.

Lester was the one who took the opportunity to throw his ball first. He sent it towards the other side. As soon as she noticed, Celestia recoiled in fear and dropped her ball.

However, Lester's ball didn't make it very far, just plopping down onto the ground unceremoniously.

Chris facepalmed at the scene and groaned. "Ugh, time out! This clearly isn't going to go anywhere. We have a schedule to keep and at this rate this challenge will take longer than the awake-a-thon. We're heading to a sudden, sudden death round."

"Wh-what does that mean?" Anisa asked.

"The players will still be Lester and Celestia, however there's new rules. " Chris explained. "Lester and Celestia will both have one ball. They will stand a short distance apart from each other, and when Chef blows the whistle they will throw the ball at their opponent. Whoever hits the other first, wins it for their team."

"What happens if they tie?" Ranbir asked the host.

"Let's just hope that doesn't happen, I'm tired of this." Chris responded before the scene flashed.


Lester and Celestia were positioned a couple feet apart from each other. They were close enough that actually missing would be hard to do, but far enough away where they had to toss the ball.

The two stared at each other, neither were looking very confident.


Confessional Celestia

"I…I'm so scared right now." She admits. "I don't want to get hurt, but more importantly, I don't want to lose this for my team. I have to try and win this. It's riding on my shoulders…" Despite the anxiety eating at her, Celestia tried to put on a brave face as best as she could.

End Confessional

Confessional Lester

"Why did it have to come down to me!?" He yelled. "I just hid so I wouldn't get seriously hurt, but that clearly was stupid of me. If I don't get that girl out, I can kiss the money goodbye!"

End Confessional


Chef looked between the two before blowing his whistle. Celestia and Lester immediately spring into action, throwing their dodgeballs at each other. However, only one managed to hit.

Celestia's ball soared towards the nerd, though it still didn't have much power to it whatsoever. Nevertheless, Celestia didn't take her height compared to Lester into account and the ball still managed to completely go over Lester's head. Right after, Lester's ball smacked Celestia in the gut. The med student overdramatically fell onto her back, clutching her stomach.

"Oh, the pain." she cried out. "I think my appendix burst."

"Gophers secure a win!" Chris announced. " And they'll be skipping elimination for the first time!"

The Gophers cheered with joy and relief at their first victory of the season. Keesha gave Anisa a hug and cheered, "We did it! We won!"

The musical therapist blushed. "Y-yeah, we did."

Freddy charged over and tackled Lester to the ground with a hug. "Holy fazballs Batman! You came in clutch dude! That was like hitting 6am right before Freddy jumpscares you when the power goes!" Freddy got off of Lester, and helped him up as Colin, Dustin, and Hannah arrived.

Colin high-fived Lester as Hannah gave an approving nod.

"I don't know how you did it, but you won apparently." Dustin said.

"For once, I must commend a male for a good job at a sport." Hannah said. "When I eventually crush the patriarchy under my foot and eradicate all power men have, I'll make sure you get some rights."

Chris turned to the losing team. "Bass, you really slipped up didn't you? I'll be seeing you fishies later at elimination."

Most of the team hung their heads down in defeat. Tamera yelled angrily. "Ugh! Y'all suck ass." She stormed out of the glass room, heated at the loss. Anthony and Ranbir scowled at the HBIC.

Andrew just scoffed, and sent a disgusted look towards Celestia. "Tch, totally pathetic."

"Will ya shaddap!" Miriam told the emo.

Christopher just held his face in his hands as Lucien looked on at Celestia laying on the ground, a small frown on his face.


Confessional Tanner

"How the hell did that little booger win this thing?" The quarterback asked, both puzzled and annoyed. "I mean, I guess it's cool we won but I wanted to send his scrawny ass packing."

End Confessional

Confessional Miriam

Her arms are crossed over her chest as she grumbles, "Hmp, Andrew needs a real smack in the kisser. He's just a jerk for no reason, and I don't want him here any more."

End Confessional


The scene flashed to Christopher, sitting on the beach. He was resting his arms on his knees, facing the lake. The Type-A felt a mix of emotions ranging from regret, anger, and conflict.

Anthony walked up from behind, and took a seat next to him. "Sup."

"Hey."

"I take it Harmonia told you her suggestion for elimination?" The street rat asked.

"She did." Christopher confirmed.

"You not super into the idea?"

The perfectionist sighed. "Admittedly, I just feel a bit guilty. Especially considering there's another option who I would love to vote for a lot more."

Anthony shrugged. "I get you. I'm probably going to go with Harmonia's suggestion, just because I feel it's way too early to go against an alliance. Especially one we just made. Besides, Harmonia did make some good points."

Christopher just nodded.

"Listen dude, just know that at the end of the day, it's your choice. You should choose whichever option you feel more comfortable with and not feel bad about it." explained Anthony. "Whether you go with the more strategic choice or the more personal choice."

Christopher tapped his finger on his knee for a couple moments before responding. "You're right. But it's like, no matter what choice I make, there's going to be cons that I do not want to deal with."

"Well this game isn't going to just be smooth sailing. I think we learned that today. Just think it over some more. And know whatever decision you choose, I'll cover you if need be." Anthony laid his hand onto Christopher's shoulders. "I got your back Christopher."

The Type-A raised his head to look at Anthony. He was treated to a chill, but welcoming smirk. Christopher's confidence started to come back as he returned the smirk with a smile. "And I have your's."

Anthony held his other hand up. "Final two?"

Christopher looked at him with slight confusion. He glanced down to Anthony's outstretched hand. The confident smile returned to Christopher's face and he grabbed the dancer's hand and shook it. "Final two."

Anthony's smirk widened.


Confessional Christopher

The perfectionist rubbed the back of his neck. "For me, this vote is a tough decision between Celestia and Tamera. I feel like I at least owe Celestia just one vote for forcing her off the cliff back in the first challenge and for forcing her in this challenge as well. However, Harmonia made some points. Celestia is the weakest on the team… This was also the second time she refused to participate in a challenge, and we need to keep our team strong to try and avoid elimination as much as possible. But then Tamera has been an absolute stain on the team. She's an absolute spoiled brat who can't go five minutes without trying to start something." He sighed. "This vote will be the deciding factor on how I'm going to go about playing this game. I can play with my feelings in the mix, or I can choose to go about it the more heartless and calculated way. Whichever path I take, I need to make sure it ends with me in that final two."

End Confessional

Confessional Anthony

"I really like Christopher. He can be a bit uptight, but he's still really cool." Anthony told the camera. "He's a good guy, but an even better ally. So of course I'd make a final two deal with him. As the guy leading the team, he has quite a bit of power in the game. So I need to make sure that I'm in his ear more than Harmonia is. It'll be a huge help to have him see me as his closest ally."

End Confessional


Celestia was sitting against the trunk of a tree. She had her knees up to her chest and was sobbing into her arms. She was crying a little too hard, and had a small coughing fit before resuming.

Lucien walked up to her, not fully sure how to react to the scene in front of him. "Um… what?"

The albino girl raised her head to look at the astronomer, the tears streaming down her face. "L-Lucien?"

"Are you okay?"

Celestia sniffled. "No... I-it's not fair. I spoke up a-and tried to say no to doing something I didn't want to do, b…but you made me do it… Even though you were the one who told me to speak up in the first place." She looked back down at her arms. "A-and now I lost the challenge because I had to play…"

The astronomer sat down next to her. "Listen, I guess I didn't really explain myself fully. Yes, you should say something when you don't want to do something, but you have to also know when the time and place to do that is." The Astronomer leaned back on his elbows. "There are things in life that you just have to face. And today, you needed to play at least one game."

"But why?" She asked. "Harmonia said it best, I'm the weakest."

"Because if you didn't, they would've just used you not playing as an excuse to vote you off." Lucien told her. His brow furrowed in annoyance. "Though, it seems we didn't evade that even with you playing." He sighs and looks off to the side awkwardly. "I apologize for forcing you out there. I was trying to look out for you, but clearly that didn't go over well."

"You don't have to apologize." Celestia said, calming down and wiping away the tears. "You were looking out for me. And… I just let my anxiety overtake me. I shouldn't even have had a fit over playing… I put the target there myself."

"It was probably already there. Truth be told, I don't trust Christopher or Harmonia." Lucien told her. "Christopher was pretty open to you sitting out so much, and Harmonia was the one to suggest you sit out the third game. I think they were planning on taking you out from the beginning."

Celestia's eyes widened. "Wh-why would they go after me!?"

"I'm not sure. However, I think this vote could really be close. We may be able to swing it against Tamera to keep you safe." Lucien told her.

"Oh… I feel bad for having someone take the fall for me though." She replied.

"Well if you want to stay, you're going to have to have everyone take the fall for you." The astronomer said. "Besides, Tamera isn't exactly the most pleasant person. She's constantly causing conflict. And if we're lucky, people will take Delanie's suggestion to heart and vote her out."

"Well…I don't want to leave…" Celestia looked up towards the sky. "So, I guess I have to look to the stars and hope."

A small smile managed to creep up onto Lucien's face as Celestia let out a small giggle.


Confessional Celestia

"I messed up today, but I could still maybe not go. I-if I stay, then this will be the turning point for me. I'm going to stop saying that I'm going to get stronger, and I'm going to actually do it!" A rare occurrence took place as Celestia stared at the camera with determination in her eyes. She still looked pathetic, but she's trying her best."

End Confessional


The scene flashed to later in the evening. For the first time this season, the Bass were the ones attending the campfire ceremony. The camera panned over the whole team. Some looked defeated like Christopher and Ranbir. Others like Tamera, Andrew, and Miriam looked annoyed.

"Bass, you guys came close today, but you just barely missed the mark." Chris said, standing in front of the Bass next to the oil barrel. "Since this is your first time, I'll explain how this works. You'll be called to the confessional one-by-one. You'll then cast your vote for the camper you want to leave the island. After all the votes are cast and tallies, I will start handing out marshmallows. The camper who does not receive a marshmallow will walk down the Dock of Shame and board the Boat of Losers. Never to come back… ever!"

Celestia sent Lucien a nervous glance. He returned it with a nod.


Confessional Lucien

The astronomer held up a picture of Tamera with her face crossed out. "Frankly, with you gone, it'll be a lot quieter around here."

End Confessional

Confessional Tamera

She had her arms crossed over her chest. In her hand was a picture, but the camera couldn't see who it was. "There's a lot of bitches that I'd like to vote for right now, but I know if I choose the wrong one, it'll be my ass leaving tonight. I actually have to think logically this time." She rolled her eyes in annoyance.

End Confessional


"You have all cast your votes and made your decisions. When I call your name, come pick up your marshmallow." Chris explained to the Bass. "The first person to receive their marshmallow is… Rhonda."

The wrestler raised her fist in the air. "Hell yeah I am!" She walked up and got her marshmallow, immediately eating it.

"Harmonia and Ranbir, you're also safe."

Ranbir's mouth turned into a toothy grin as he ran up to get his marshmallow. Harmonia just calmly walked up to get hers, already expecting to get one.

"Christopher… Anthony."

The two shared smiles before getting their marshmallows.

"Delanie, Lucien, and Miriam."

Before he got up to get his marshmallow, Lucien glanced at Celestia.

Andrew, Tamera, and Celestia were left. The first two were looking pretty annoyed to not have gotten their marshmallow already. Celestia was trying her best to stay composed, but cracks were starting to form. Beads of sweat started to drip down her forehead.

Chris held up a marshmallow. "The next one safe is… Andrew."

The emo scoffed, getting up and snatching his marshmallow from Chris.

"Campers, this is the final marshmallow of the night." Chris announce, holding the final symbol of immunity in his fingers. Celestia's nerves started to get the better of her as Tamera scowled with her arms crossed in front of her chest. "It goes to…

…Tamera."

The vixen huffed. "Took you long enough." She stood up and retrieved her marshmallow as Celestia looked down in defeat.

"I…I lost…" She muttered. She wanted to start crying, but she did what she could to hold back the tears.


Confessional Tamera

The vixen gave the camera a sour look. "The audacity of these lowlifes to put me in the bottom two." She scoffed. "If they think I'm a major bitch now, they sure as hell haven't seen shit yet. I'll make these hoes sorry for ever trying to get rid of me." Tamera crossed her arms. "It's game on baby."

End Confessional


Celestia stood up and looked at her former teammates. "Um, I'm sorry I acted the way I did and I'm sorry for losing the challenge. I… I wish you all luck." She started to make her way towards the dock. Lucien watched her with a frown.

He excused himself before catching up to Celestia on the Dock of Shame.

"I guess luck wasn't on our side today." Lucien said.

Celestia turned to him. "Oh, I guess not." She pulled down her mask and smiled at Lucien. "But it's okay, it's just a game.

The ends of Lucien's lips curled into a smile. "Hm, you have a point."

"Just know, I'll be team Lucien." She told him, trying to keep his mood up. "So please try and win."

The astronomer nodded. "Will do. See ya."

The two waved at each other before Celestia boarded the Boat of Losers.


Confessional Harmonia

"Why target Celestia? Why not Lucien or Miriam, two people who are much bigger threats?" Harmonia giggled to herself, raising her hand to her lips. "Well, it's the tale of an underdog. That… unfortunate woman is so pathetic in almost every single way! If she isn't taken out now, then she simply never will." Harmonia swiped the skirt of her dress as she continued. "Underdogs tend to be quite the… audience favorite. Celestia could very well worm her way into a win, and we just cannot have that. I think we deserve better than that tired old storyline."

End Confessional


Miriam appeared next to Lucien, looking pretty awkward and somewhat guilty. "Uh, you alright?"

Lucien raised an eyebrow and turned to her. "Hm? Oh, yeah I will. In the grand scheme of things, it's really not that big of a deal."

"I guess yer right." Miriam responded. "But still, if you wanna talk about it I'll listen."

"Thanks, I appreciate that." Lucien told her. He turned away from the lake. "Let's head back. I need to go to bed."

"Boo, it's still early." Miriam crossed her arms in a pouting manner.

"And I'm still tired." Lucien said, making his way back towards the cabin.

Miriam followed the astronomer. "Yer such a grandpa."

"Whatever." As Lucien responded to her, the camera faded to black.


Reasoning: Celestia was someone who easily could've gone further. As Harmonia said, she can pull off an underdog storyline. However, it isn't her time to shine. Her elimination here was pretty needed to start setting things up a bit more. I did really enjoy writing her and Lucien's dynamic a lot more than I thought I would though. It was pretty sweet I thought, even if it was short lived.


Votes:

Celestia: Andrew, Anthony, Christopher, Harmonia, Rhonda, Tamera

Tamera: Celestia, Delanie, Lucien, Ranbir

Andrew: Miriam

Celestia: 6 votes

Tamera: 4 votes

Andrew: 1 vote


Placements:

20th: Celestia

21st: Rosalina

22nd: Ashe