Episode 11: The Replacement

Welp, it's that time again. You know what it is.

1602jaw: I'll admit, writing songs was difficult in Infinite 2 was difficult. Here, it was easy as I was using already existing songs. Each one actually had some thematic resonance with one or more characters. Now that Erza is gone, let's see how Light does as the new leader, though he won't have much of a chance to do so in this episode for certain reasons.

G-man 2.0: Yeah, at least Light didn't reveal the truth before she left. When she actually watches the episode on the other hand…

thenewsubwayguy: In all honesty, I was going for something simple in the last episode. I wasn't intending it to be the best, mostly focusing on the characters themselves.

ThelastCyberKnight: Indeed. Such a shame. Light is the most fun I've had writing a villain in a while.

That guy: Thank you so much, man. Really glad you enjoyed this.

NondescriptNorbert: Interactions like that are a big reason I love these kinds of stories. Light is quite different from villains I've written in the past, and he's been an absolute treat to write. He's got the smarts, the skills, and most of all, the charisma. I do agree that the writing portion of the singing could have been better, but we all make mistakes.

Happiness studios: I've already talked to you personally about why I disagree with some of your takes. Regardless, I'll still respect your opinions, even if I don't agree with some. Much like you, I don't sugarcoat what I say, so I'll just be blunt about that.

MonkeyBot54: Thanks so much. They're really so sweet and adorable together. All they're missing is a good ship name. Calling light diabolical is an understatement. He's like a master of 4-D chess.

And now, let's go! On with the episode!

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"Last time on Total Drama, our crew had some fun with some good old fashioned karaoke. Some sang their hearts out, while others at least tried their best. Thanks to Light's careful planning and cunning, he managed to make Erza act a fool on stage, sealing her elimination, but not before appointing as the new team leader. Does he have what it takes? And what's in store for today? Find out on today's exciting episode of Total Drama Infinite: Bon Voyage!"

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We open up in front of a large and luxurious estate, protected by a golden gate. The logo on the front gate was a fist with devil horns and a forked tail. The light from the several streetlights warmly illuminates the evening sky. Though what lies inside is anything but warming.

In the estate's extremely large backyard, we see someone relaxing outside. He sat in his hot tub, scrolling through channels on his TV, and a bowl of pistachio nuts not too far from him.

Despite being young, he has white hair slicked back into a ponytail. He wore sunglasses, and had himself a healthy tan, fresh from the tanning bed.

"Aw shit!" He complained as he looked down at his phone. "Even after that collab with Jay Paul, my subscriber count is still the same?! Last time I ever ask that scrub to join me! Why is my popularity stagnating so damn much?!"

His channel surfing stops on a rerun of a Total Drama Infinite 2 episode. He'd heard all the buzz online about Total Drama. Ever since they started bringing in weirdos from worlds beyond his own, the ratings for the series have skyrocketed.

"Of course." He sighed. "It's this shit. I can't believe people actually go to their TVs and watch this. Fuck this show, it's all their fault!"

Suddenly, he hears his phone ringing and swiftly answers the call.

"Hello? McMonster Enterprises. Home of the best YouTuber in the world!"

The person on the other end starts talking, and only the celebrity's voice can be heard.

"Uh-huh….out for a few days, you say?...Friend's wedding?... You need my expertise, huh?..What show am I helping host this time?"

As he heard what show they were talking about, a wide, sadistic, Cheshire grin appeared on his face.

"Fufufu…" He chuckled. "Hehehehehe! Boy, is it my lucky day! Time to give my fans something that'll really blow them away!"

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POP!

The sound of a party popper goes off as everyone screams-

"Happy Birthday!"

The Black Bulls all cheer for Peni as she blows out candles on her cake.

"Thanks again, you guys!" Peni gushed.

"It was all Ryunoskuke's idea." Percy bluntly informed her.

"Aw, it was nothing." Ryu said humbly. "Your spider friend told me your birthday was coming up. Well, he didn't say it per se, but he let me know regardless."

Peni looks over at SP/Dr, who's LCD screen was crying tears of joy for his best friend's special day.

"Other than the planning and food, which were handled by yours truly, everyone else chipped in as well."

The cafeteria itself was decked out with decorations, games, a pinata, and a banquet fit for the occasion.

"You guys really didn't have to do all of this for me." Peni said.

"Nonsense." Ryu said. "We're more than just teammates. This team is like a big family."

"Not the most functional family." Panty quips.

"But a family, nonetheless. I'd do the same for the rest of you guys."

"Thanks again, you guys." Peni reiterates. "This really means a lot to me!"

"Hey, I'm always down for a party, regardless of the occasion!" Yami said. "How about us grown ups break out the booze and really kick it up a notch!"

"I'm right there with you, big guy!" Panty agreed.

"For crying out loud." Raven groans. "It's a kid's birthday party, not a frat house party."

"Lighten up!" Yami tells her. "As captain, I hereby order all of you to cut loose and have fun!" His order leads to a resounding cheer from most of the team.

"Boy, something sure smells good in here…" A familiar voice said.

They all look to see Barry, Kronk, and Tiff enter the room, following the noise and smell of food.

"I thought I heard a ruckus." Tiff remarks. "Should've guessed it'd be you guys."

"You guys wanna join?" Ryu asked. "There's plenty of food and fun for everyone!"

"Aw, heck yeah!" Barry pumps his fist in the air. "This is just what I need after the last few days!"

"Why's that?" Futaba asked. "Have you not been feeling good?"

The three members of the Fairies look away, feeling a bit bummed.

"It's just…" Barry begins.

"We've really been missing Erza these last few days." Kronk finished.

"Didn't nearly all of us vote her out?" Panty reminds them. "And didn't little mister impatient himself say he was disappointed in how she acted?"

"Hey, sometimes my mouth moves faster than my brain, alright?!" Barry said defensively. "Besides, just because we voted her off doesn't mean we don't miss her. She was good at what she did, all things considered!"

"And…..now I guess that Light guy is in charge?" Bernadetta said, as she sat under the table, enjoying her piece of cake.

"That's right." Tiff answered. "Honestly, I hope he's got what it takes to pull us out of this humiliating loss."

"I hope the rest of the team is taking it well…" Kronk adds.

"I'm sure they're hurt too, big guy." Ryu said as he put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "But right now, it's a party. This is a time to be happy! So come on! Let's have some fun!"

For now, that seemed to put them a bit at ease. Right now, all they wanted to focus on was having fun celebrating someone's birthday.

They continue to party on, until the doors are swung wide open. Well, in this case, kicked wide open.

Silence falls upon the room as they come face to face with a new group of faces, slowly walking towards the cast. He was a young man with white hair (probably dyed.) He wore a plum colored suit, black pointed shoes, a feather boa, a single black glove on one of his hands, and sunglasses adorned above his head.

He walks towards them, accompanied by a posse of about four people. Two of them were guys, while the other two were women, with the one guy having his arms around both of them. He looks at the contestants with a smug look of pure arrogance. They could feel the ego coming from this guy. They couldn't help but glare at the guy.

"Look at this morose looking batch of motherfuckers." The guy said. "Why the long faces? You look like somebody shit in your cereal."

Panty breaks their silence. "Alright, who's the weirdo of the week this time?"

"Weirdo?!" The man scoffed. "I'll have you know I'm a big deal! Bigger than all of you, in fact!"

"Do you mind then, pal?!" Barry asked. "We were kinda in the middle of something!"

"Yeah! You're interrupting my birthday party!" Peni huffed.

"Oh, where are my manners?"

The guy quickly jots his signature down on a nearby napkin, and slides it over to Peni. "Happy birthday, whatever your name is. An autograph from your's truly. No charge!"

"I don't want your crummy gift!"

"Wait a minute…" Futaba said. She adjusted her glasses to get a better look at the guy. "You look familiar….WAIT! I know who you are! You're Maynard McMonster!"

"Ding ding ding!" Maynard sarcastically clapped. "Give the runt there a medal!"

"Excuse me, but…who?" Tiff asked.

"Yeah, I've never heard of this "Maynard McMonster" guy." Ryu said. "Care to fill us in, Futaba?"

"He's a famous YouTuber and philanthropist." Futaba explained. "He's famous for his prank videos, expensive stunts, and challenge videos. Very few content creators have reached the level of fame and fortune he has."

"Ah, so you're a fan of mine?" Maynard asked. "Glad that one of you respects the greatness that's boarded this ship."

"I'm not a fan. I just know who you are. Your videos aren't really my thing. And I just read those facts about you on Wikipedia."

Maynard looked absolutely flabbergasted. "Excuse me?! No one can resist my vids. Hell, no one can resist my charms."

"Tell 'em, dude!" One of the members of his entourage said. He was a tall, skinny redneck, wearing a bucket on his head like a hat. "You're all just jealous!"

Maynard raises a hand to silence the redneck. "I got this, Gumbo. This man here is my yes man, Gumbo."

He gestures to the other man. He was a dark skinned man with a well muscled, broad shouldered frame, and long flowing black hair. He towered over everybody there.

"This is my bodyguard, Portson. He's a man of few words, but makes up for that in muscle."

Portson merely grunts in response.

"And these two lovely broads are my girlfriends Jellia and Zeia." Maynard adds, gesturing to the girls he had his arms around. One, a redhead while the other was blonde, both wearing matching white dresses with Maynard's logo emblazoned on it.

"Wow, what a player." Raven snarked.

"Damn straight!" Maynard bragged, not getting her sarcasm. "I'm what they like to call…a gigachad!"

"Real gigachads don't call themselves one." Panty said.

"Hey! Don't insult May-May like that!" Jellia snapped.

"MAY-MAY?!"

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"What would a woman even see in that tool?!" Panty complained. "Much less two of them?! With the combined IQ of a used tampon?! I would rather sew my vagina shut than spend five minutes with that loser!"

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"Where the hell is Don?!" Yami asked. " Because if he's not gonna eject you and your posse off this ship…then I will."

Maynard was getting fed up with the contestants and their back sass.

"Your host man is gone for the moment." Maynard said through gritted teeth. "He's currently attending a friend's wedding as the best man. So for today, the producers hired me to host an episode."

A collective "WHAT?!" escaped everyone's mouths.

"Maynard sneers. "That's right. So gather up the rest of your friends. It's challenge time!"

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We now move to the library, where Light, Pete, Bender, and Draco were currently. Pete sat at a table, reading a newspaper. Behind him, Bender and Draco were each holding a stack of books, while Light was picking out some reading material.

"Geez, do you need so many books?!" Draco grunts.

"What's wrong with expanding my brain?" Light said as he added another book to the stack Bender was holding.

"And I thought Granger was a total bookworm."

"If I read too many words, my brain starts to hurt." Bender interjects.

"But you don't have a brain, tin can." Pete said. "You're a robot."

"You know, you guys didn't have to hold them for me. You can just sit them on the table."

They all gather around the table, and Light sits there looking deep in thought.

"Knut for your thoughts?" Draco asked, seeing the look on his teammates face.

"I've been thinking about what we should do the next time our team loses."

Pete hears this and puts down the paper. "And what's that, Mr. New Team Leader?"

"It's about who we should vote off."

Draco quickly does does the math. "If we remove everyone in this alliance, that leaves Tiff, Alucard, Kronk, and Barry."

"That's why I think it should be Alucard."

Bender kicks back in his chair and lights a cigar. "Ah, ol' tall, dark, and edgy."

"Why him?" Pete asked. "Not that I'm complaining or nuthin', but why him? He's basically the strongest guy on the team."

"Precisely the point. He's too strong. I had an encounter with him yesterday that sent shivers down my spine."

"Well, don't leave us in the dark." Draco said. "Tell us what happened."

"Alright…"

"I was in here yesterday, looking at some criminal databases on the internet."

As he sat there typing, Light felt a cold chill as Alucard loomed over him.

"Ah!"

Light nearly fell out of his seat as soon as he saw who it was.

"Apologies for startling you Light." Alucard said formally.

"It's…quite alright." Light said. "Was there something you needed?"

"I just figured I'd ask how it feels being the new team leader."

"It's fine, thanks for asking. Though I'll admit, I've got some big shoes to fill."

Alucard raises an eyebrow. "I see. Erza was good at what she did. A shame she acted rather unorthodox in the last challenge. I actually find it rather…odd, wouldn't you say?"

Light quietly gulps, feeling the nervousness creep in the back of his head. "Uh, yeah, it really is."

Where is he going with this?!

"Do you want my honest opinion?" Alucard asked. With every word, his eyes narrowed more on Light. "I don't think her behavior was some mere accident. I believe somebody around here purposely intoxicated her. You wouldn't happen to have any idea on that…do you?"

"No…why do you ask?"

"Because I found THIS in the kitchen."

He holds up an empty bottle of tequila, and Light's blood nearly runs cold.

I thought I disposed of all evidence!

Wait, is this her getting totally hammered?" Bender interrupts. "You told me she had some of what I gave you, and that's why."

"She got it from you two?!" Pete asked in surprise. "Well, she needed to loosen up anyways."

Hearing their reactions, Light decided to twist it in his favor.

"Yes, you're right. It was a drink I got from Bender. And when Erza found out, she insisted I share with her. Guess she went a little overboard."

"Now that puts everything into perspective." Draco admits.

"Hah!" Bender scoffed. "No such thing as too much!"

"God, I can't believe they bought it." Light thinks. He then gets back to telling the story. "Anyway…"

"That's quite the find." Light admits, doing his best to pull off a poker face.

"I'm gonna stop beating around the bush." Alucard says bluntly. "I hypothesize this is all your fault."

"What?!"

"Since the day I joined this team, there's always been something off about you I can't quite put my finger on. Perhaps I'm just overthinking it, but in my line of work, caution is a necessity."

"Oh…" Light said nervously. "I see…"

Alucard gets up close to Light's face, and lays down his thoughts.

"Though I don't have definitive proof, I feel you're someone who's not to be trusted. You reek of a peculiar kind of mortal stench. And while I promised Sir Integra that I wouldn't hurt any of my fellow competitors…I WILL ROOT OUT ANY DISGUSTING RATS THAT MAY GET IN THE WAY. I HOPE YOU'LL KEEP THAT IN MIND!"

"In conclusion, I think we should vote him off as soon as we get the chance." Light finished. "He believes I had malicious intent, and it's only a matter of time before he sniffs us out. If that happens, what's to stop everyone else from teaming up and ganging up on us?"

"That shouldn't be too hard." Pete assures. "Our group makes up a majority of the team. As long as we all vote for the same guy, we can be rid of him no problem."

"A good point, but what's to stop him from inciting anyone else to come after us?" Draco asks.

"We'll have to cross that bridge once we come to it." Light admits. "Right now, he's our number one target. He's our biggest threat at the moment."

They all nod in agreement. As soon as they do that, Shermie bursts in, looking a bit worried.

"You guys need to come with me!" She says worriedly. "We got a challenge starting, and…. it's quite different this time."

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We now move back to the cafeteria, where now everyone sat before Maynard and his entourage.

"By now, you assorted group of freaks know I'm taking over for the day." Maynard told them. He could feel the hate coming off of them, and he relished in it.

"Much to everyone's dismay." Tiff snarks.

"I'd watch what you say, tiny! Because the challenge I have planned for you has one rule: you will do everything I say, whether you like it or not." Maynard then looks towards the camera and flashes a cheesy grin. "Also, to my adoring fans. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel, and don't forget to shop on my website for all my merch!"

"Is this guy for real?!" Pete snorts. "Self promoting pompous tool."

"Hmm. And if we don't do as you say?" Yami asks.

"Then you're out of the challenge, you big hairy ape." Maynard answers. "We keep going until one team has completely dropped out."

"What exactly even is this challenge?" Percy asked. "You've told us the rule, but not whatever it is we're actually doing."

"I was just getting to that, miss prissy pants. Bottom line is, it's a game of Simon Says. Only instead of a Simon…it's ME! Aren't I so great?!"

Crickets chirp as Maynard expected.

"You're all a bunch of assholes, you know that?! Too bad what I got planned is going to be worse than anything you've ever experienced!"

"Ooh, I'm quaking in my boots." Yami taunts. "Show us what you got."

"I plan to. I think we'll start off with a little icebreaker."

Maynard's entourage hands each of them a small red button.

"An icebreaker? We already know a lot about each other." Barry said.

"Apparently not enough." Maynard says, with a glint in his eye. "You see, before I got here, I did a little digging on each and everyone of you. From the smallest F on a report card, to the biggest secrets some of you are hiding from your so called friends. Very big secrets. And I thought, why not have you all reveal them."

As he said that last sentence, he gives a sinister smile to Light, and winks. Light feels his blood run cold, interpreting just what he meant from that.

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"He can't know, can't he?!" Light panics. "There's just no way! Whoever this guy is, he means business! No way I'm letting him outwit me! I can't let everyone find out that about me!"

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"You can't be serious about that!" Panty exclaimed.

"I'm going to state a secret about one of you." Maynard explained. "And whoever it pertains to, you will hit the buzzers we've provided, and own up to your shame. If no one comes forward, I'll tell you all who it belongs to. So be honest, or I spill the beans."

His words made everyone nervous. He had them all on edge, and he loved every second of it.

"Let's start with a simple one." Maynard takes out a stack of note cards with his questions on them. "Who here is afraid of moths?"

"That's it?" Tiff asked. "Moths are cute and elegant creatures who-"

BZZZZZZZZZ!

Everyone gasped as Yami pressed his buzzer.

"It's me." He sighed. "I can't stand them."

"Even captain Yami fears something?" Ryu muttered.

"Looks like Mr. Tough Guy is scared of a harmless little wool eater." Maynard taunts. "Really shows you're not invincible."

Yami growls as Maynard prepares the next question.

"Who here once adopted a dozen orphans for a government stipend, and was too selfish and lazy to actually take care of them?"

Bender confidently hits his buzzer, much to everyone's shock. "Yeah, that was me. Good times, am I right? Does this mean I win?"

Everyone stood slack jawed at what the actual hell he just said.

"You're awful!" Barry gasped.

"I ain't letting him near my kids." Pete muttered.

"You are clearly not fit to be around children, much less be a parent." Percy said with disdain.

"Speaking of parents, let's move on to the next question!" Maynard said gleefully. "Who here is the spawn of a literal demon overlord?!"

Silence follows for a few moments.

"Is that guilt I detect? Then let me tell you-"

BZZZZZZZZZ!

Everyone watched as Raven hit her buzzer.

"Wait…. you're the child of a demon?!" Kronk gasped.

Bernadetta pulls out a cross and holds it towards her, much to Raven's annoyance.

"I'm not surprised." Panty said. "Don't feel bad, chica. My sis is a demon too."

"How did you find that out?!" Raven spat.

"I have a way with connections, lady." Maynard bragged. "As surprising as a revelation this is, this is far from the juiciest piece of info I got."

Raven's eyes turn red, looking like she was about to go ballistic. Until Yami puts a hand on her shoulder.

"Who cares where you come from?" He tells her. "Doesn't change who you are. I spent most of my life in a place far from home, being treated like an outsider. I'm sure the rest of the team won't view you any differently. Right?!"

Bernadetta catches Yami looking at her, and she swiftly puts the cross away.

"R-right. I'm so sorry."

"See?" Yami said. "I could care less about who you come from."

Raven calms down, but quickly looks away from her captain.

"Thanks." She tells him.

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"This is why Yami is the best!" Ryu said, bawling his eyes out. "He's accepting of us all! I'd gladly follow this man into Hell if he asked!"

"You're the most emotional guy I've ever met in my afterlife." Tokageroh sighs.

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"I'll be honest." Raven admits. "From the very beginning, I've been very apprehensive of everyone here. I'm only here because my team back home pressured me into coming here. I don't hate them or anything, but I refused to form any bonds here. I thought if they knew who I really am and what I'm capable of, they'd be living in fear."

She then takes a deep breath.

"But…maybe it wouldn't be such a terrible idea to loosen up on that thought just a little bit."

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"Next question, you schmucks!" Maynard chants. "Who here has a hard time finding a good tailor due to their size?"

Kronk sighs and hits the buzzer. "I'm a 66 long, with a 31 waist."

"That means your chest is five and a half feet around!" Tiff exclaimed.

"I knew he was a big guy, but bloody hell!" Draco said.

"Next question!" Maynard said. "Who here flips out anytime they hear this song?!"

Maynard pulls out his phone and plays the song When the Saints Go Marching In.

Nothing happened as the music played, until the room shook. We see Pete, hanging onto the ceiling, shaking like a leaf.

"How the hell did he get himself up there?" Alucard wonders.

"You don't like that song?" Light asked.

"Had a bad experience with it when I was but a kid!" Pete said. "I've faced this fear, but sometimes, it just gets me, ya know?"

"I know." Maynard sneers. "You made one mistake, and all the kids called you "lame-brain." Now get back down here so we can continue, lame-brain!"

Pete falls off the ceiling, and on his back, still shaking in fear.

"O-okay! I will! Just don't call m-me that again!"

"Huh. I thought all cats landed on their feet." Futaba said.

"We got our next question!" Maynard said. "Who got kicked out of heaven due to their insatiable lust?"

Every head slowly turned to Panty's direction. She blows a raspberry and hits the buzzer.

"Yeah, that's me. You're gonna have to try way better than that, shrimp dick."

Her insult really rubbed him the wrong way. Time for the more personal questions.

"Moving on…" he said through gritted teeth. "Who has vandalized a cemetery?"

Ryu hesitantly hits his buzzer.

"Whoa." Futaba said. "I know you looked the part of a delinquent, but I didn't expect you to actually commit crimes."

"Look, I was a different guy back then, okay?" He explained. "Me and my gang were just looking for our Best Place. Other than that, we never committed any crimes. We never assaulted people, we never stole. Heck, I forbade everyone from drinking. Things like that would make my mother cry."

"I didn't know you were part of a gang." Bernadetta said.

"Yep. I'll be honest, I…used to be a scumbag. Someone that the me now wouldn't be proud of. But now that's different! Since then, I've become a new man!"

"Aw, isn't that sweet?" Maynard said sarcastically. "Once a delinquent, always a delinquent. Anyway, next question. Which of you was tasked with, and failed, to assassinate their school's headmaster?"

Nobody responds, which made Maynard cackle with glee. He could see the nervous look on Draco's face. Time to go in for the kill.

"Our first silent little lamb, eh?! Well, no matter! The guilty one is none other than wizard boy over there!"

Everyone gasped as Draco hung his head low as he heard their opinions.

"I knew the kid couldn't be trusted." Yami grunts.

"I knew he was a jerk, but that's crazy!" Tiff exclaimed.

"You're surely more than meets the eye." Alucard remarks.

The young pure blood stands up. "Give me a break, alright?!" Malfoy snapped. "Yes, I worked with Voldemort! I was forced to! And I failed at that! Rest assured if he ever finds me now, my family and I are basically as good as dead!" He then sits back down, arms crossed, and facing away from everyone.

A few of the contestants felt a bit bad for him. Being forced into an unwanted situation.

"Hey, uh…don't beat yourself up about it too much, alright?" Barry tells him. "You may be a bit of a jerk at times, but I'm sure you have your reasons for all that assassination stuff."

"What do you know?!" Draco sulked. "You don't know me. You don't know everything I've been through. This show was supposed to be my escape from all that, but it seems even in another world, your problems always find you."

"Look, I'm sorry if I said something to offend you-"

"It is what it is. Just drop it, alright?"

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"Poor guy…" Barry said. "Even as my rival here, he doesn't deserve that!"

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"This is just too priceless!" Maynard laughed. "Let it sink in how awful this guy is! And now, onto the next question. Which one of you secretly writes erotica?"

Again, nobody answers.

"Really? No takers?" Maynard chuckles. "Well, you're all gonna be surprised with this one, because it's none other than Bernadetta!"

They all look at Bernadetta, who covered her tomato red face with her hands.

"Just kill me now!" Bernadetta cried. "Who am I kidding?! I'm not even worth killing!"

"So, little Bernie Bear has a naughty side, does she?" Panty said. "You gotta let me read your more spicy stuff sometime!"

"Please let this be over!" Bernadetta cried. "What I'd give to be a rock right now and roll away!"

"This is getting out of control." Raven calmly tells Maynard. "Stop this right now."

"Come on, it's all in good fun!" Maynard said defensively. "Embarrassment is a part of life! You know how many people I've humiliated in my vids?! And they were better sports about it than you guys! Everyone has secrets. And especially for some of you here, those secrets could affect the game itself."

As he said this, Light remained poker faced, yet he knew who he was talking about.

"I agree with her." Percy said. "This has gone too far. Don would not allow this, so I say stop."

"But he's not here, lady! I'm in charge today! And what I say goes! If I tell you to do something, you will do it down to the very last letter! And now, here's another question! And boy oh boy, it's a juicy one! Which of you lost your aunt and your best friend all in the same day, and in the same way?!"

This…was the straw that broke the camel's back. For as soon as Maynard asked this, we see Peni, face buried in her hands, crying hard. For even the meanest contestants there, that was truly heartless. It all came flooding back into her young mind.

"Peni…" Futaba said sympathetically.

"Why?!" Peni sobbed. "I've already been through enough! Why would you try and remind me of that?!"

Percy goes over to the young hero to try and comfort her. Though everyone was disgusted with what Maynard was doing, one person was furiously fed up.

"You heartless bastard!" Ryu roared. He stood up, and rolled up one of his sleeves. "How could you do that to her?! And on her birthday, no less! It'd be one thing if you were a monster, but it's even worse when you're human!"

"It's just a prank, bro!" Maynard said. "What?! You gonna do something about it, pompadour?!"

"You're damn right I am! I'm gonna kick your ass!"

"I wouldn't try that if I were you, chump!"

"Watch me!"

Ryu screams and runs at Maynard, with his wooden sword already in his hand. Maynard himself still has his smug smirk, clearly not afraid. He simply snaps his fingers, and Portson gets in between them.

"Move, you big ox!" Ryu demanded.

Portson responds by grabbing Ryu by the neck. Befitting of his size, Portson had a strong grip. Ryu could only gasp for air as Portson glared at him.

"I will not let you lay a finger on the young master!" He growled.

The crew watched in shock as Ryu was being strangled by this behemoth of a man.

Yami starts to draw his sword. "I'd let my teammate go if I were you, pal!"

"You heard the man, Portson." Maynard said. "Let the loser go."

"As you wish."

Portson takes Ryu's body and slams him into the ground, leaving him in a fairly large crater.

"How pathetic!" Maynard cackled. "Look at what happens when you try to be a hero!" His entourage joins in and laughs at Ryu and his unconscious body.

Everyone gathers around the crater, and sees Ryu lying face down. He looked badly hurt. Comparable to his fight against Shermie in the Tenkaichi Budokai.

"Holy shit…" Panty muttered.

"Yeesh…" Bender adds.

Maynard stands above Ryu, his foot crushing one of his hands. He bends down to say something.

"You fucking disgrace." Maynard sneers. "Looking at you, I'm ashamed to say we're the same species."

"Get him to the infirmary now!" Barry said.

Kronk jumps in and grabs Ryu, hauling him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. "It's alright, buddy. I got ya. Just stay with us."

Kronk makes a beeline for the infirmary as fast as he can.

"And so, the first little shit is out of the challenge!" Maynard said triumphantly. Everyone turned to glare at him. "What? Got a problem?"

"I'm gonna gut you like fish, you bastard!" Yami said, darkness emanating from his body.

"Meanwhile, I'm gonna castrate him." Panty said, her gun already drawn. "And who's gonna be in charge of disposing the body?"

Maynard raises his hands in defense. "Whoa whoa whoa! You all aren't allowed to do jack shit to me! Unless you want to be eliminated from the game entirely!"

"Excuse me?!" Draco snorts in disbelief.

"You don't get to make rules like that!" Tiff exclaimed.

"But this is a rule that's been in effect since the very beginning." Maynard informed. "Don't believe me? Then take a look at this!"

He pulls out a small stack of papers. "Read article six, subsection three."

Percy takes the papers and reads where he said aloud.

"Any contestant or contestants who harm the host(s), regardless of their reasons, is to be swiftly and immediately eliminated from the game. No exceptions. He's right, unfortunately."

"That's right." Maynard said triumphantly. "This rule was even in place while that other guy runs it. If any of you so much as touch me, you're out of the game. Do not pass go, do not collect five million dollars."

"Wait, five million?!" Several of them exclaimed.

"Yep. After your little run in with the Marines, the higher ups increased the prize money five-fold."

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"The amount went up?!" Pete exclaimed. "How come we weren't told about that?!" He rubs his hands with glee. ",All the more reason to win that sweet moolah!"

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"There's nothing I'd want more than to send this jerk flying for what he did!" Peni said. "Not just me, but for everyone else here!"

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"So we literally can't do anything about him?" Bernadetta asked.

"Unfortunately, that's the case." Percy sighed. "As much as I don't like it, rules are rules."

"See? Prissy here gets with the picture." Maynard said. "So I suggest the rest of you do so, and with a quickness. I've grown bored of this part of the challenge, so let's move on to something else, shall we?"

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We see Light breathe a sigh of relief.

"How ironic. A god such as myself having the devil's luck. I really dodged a bullet there."

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"Stupid rules keeping me from getting to filet this bastard!" Yami complained. "You put your hands on one of my guys, I start busting heads! And now a stupid little piece of paper says I can't! I dare him to try that crap on that she-beast Sis-goleon!"

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Maynard takes everyone outside on the deck, looking over the calm and elegant ocean before them.

"It really is purty, ain't it boss?" Gumbo said.

"It sure is, Gumbo." Maynard said. "Take a look out there, everyone!"

"It's so pretty!" Tiff beamed. "Even the whales are out!" She points out to the sea, where several whales could be seen poking their heads out of the water.

"I'm glad you noticed that, because the next challenge has to do with them." Maynard said. "And since you seem to like the whales-"

"I love all marine life." Tiff interjects. "Not to mention I have encyclopedic knowledge on many species."

"-you've volunteered yourself to do this challenge." Maynard finished. "Now, who'd like to volunteer from the other team?"

Futaba steps forward. "I'll bite the bullet on this one, I guess. So, what are we doing, and what does whales have to do with it?"

"I'm glad you asked. Gumbo, the tools, if you please."

Gumbo hands both Futaba and Tiff a harpoon gun.

"Hope your aiming skills are good, ladies."

Tiff's heart drops at the realization. "Wait…WE HAVE TO SHOOT THEM?!"

"You do know that whaling is illegal in most countries, correct?" Percy said.

"Relax, we're near Japan." Maynard assured. "One of three countries where it's perfectly okay."

"What other countries allow that?!" Tiff cried.

"Norway and Iceland. If you've got a problem with that, take it up with them! Now, the challenge here is simple. Whichever one of you can shoot down a whale wins, while the loser is out of the rest of the challenge."

"B-but I can't kill a whale! I can't bring myself to hurt a precious creature!"

"Yeah, I'm a bit uneasy about this too." Futaba said nervously.

"Too bad!" Maynard said. "Boo hoo hoo! Need I remind you that I'm calling the shots today?! Now go and bag a whale, you shrimps!"

"I don't know how much more of this guy I can take." Raven said to Percy.

"I completely agree with you." The cop responds. "But regardless of how we feel, rules are rules."

Yami snorts at her comment. "Rules, just like limits, are meant to be broken."

Raven looks over at Peni. Her face was still red from crying earlier.

"Are you alright, kid?"

"Not really, no." Peni muttered. "I can't believe someone like him exists. Why'd he have to humiliate me in front of the entire viewing world?!"

"He's no different than some villains I've had to fight. What he's doing is unacceptable. You did not deserve that whatsoever."

This helped comfort Peni a little bit. "Thanks. I needed to hear something like that. That really means a lot."

Suddenly, the child had an idea.

"Hey, I think I may have a plan?"

This piqued Raven's interest. "What?"

"Maybe we should-"

"THE CLOCK IS TICKING, SHRIMPS!" Maynard shouted. "One of you bag one of these oversized fishes."

"Um, they're mammals." Light points out.

"Zip it, Mr. Detective. I didn't ask for any corrections! Now, you two! Shoot a goddamn whale right now!

Futaba and Tiff are both petrified, their guns shaking in their hands.

Bernadetta covers her eyes. "I can't bear to watch.

Bender does the same, but extends his eyes out. "I can't watch….enough!"

"Please don't make me do this!" Tiff cried.

"DO IT!"

Futaba caves into the pressure and pulls the trigger. Soon enough, they see a whale slowly sinking into the ocean depths.

"I'm so sorry…" Futaba said.

Tiff would only watch with devastated eyes as the whale sinks to its death.

"So sorry, runt." Maynard said with faux concern. "Too bad nerd girl over there made the shot. You're out of the challenge, but hey, feel free to kick back and watch the rest of the festivities."

"I…I'm just gonna go to my room." Tiff said dejectedly.

"Tiff! I said I'm sorry!" Futaba said.

"It's fine." Tiff said as she slumped away. "I don't blame you."

Futaba turns to Maynard, who tried his best to hold in his laughter.

"You're an absolute monster!"

"Monster?! This is what the people want to see!"

"I highly doubt that! You're making people miserable and suffer for your own sick enjoyment! Why are you doing this?!"

"You really want to know why?" Maynard said. "Then everyone pick your ears and listen up, because I'm only gonna say this once. This is merely payback."

"Payback?!" Pete said. "But we've never done anything to you!"

"I didn't even know you existed until today." Kronk adds.

"It may have not been directly, but it's affected me greatly." Maynard said. "My channel has been on the decline for months. I used to have subscribers in the tens of millions. Day after day, the views started to be less and less. And do you know why?"

"People get bored of watching your shit?" Panty guessed.

"No! Because of shows like this! All people want to watch is Total Drama! So when opportunity called, I took the bull by the horns. Being on this show is sure to spark my career into its second win! Who knows, maybe they'll make me host full time! Think of how much higher my popularity will skyrocket! What's the point of all this money if I don't have the game to back it up?!"

"That's your reason?" Alucard chuckled. "For a reason as petty as other people getting more attention than you? You humans baffle me sometimes."

"Hate me all you want." Maynard said. "But I'm the big kahuna today. You can't touch me. Now, let's move on to challenge number three. You're gonna love it!"

"Mind telling me what your plan is, kid?" Raven whispered to Peni.

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"I may not be able to get him physically, but I have other ways to get back at him." Futaba said. She pulls out her tablet, and cackles like a gremlin. "Mweheheh…"

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Cutting to later, we see what appears to be a fashion runway set up in the auditorium. Maynard and his squad had front row seats. Most of the contestants sat watching in nervous anticipation.

"This is so damn degrading." Yami said behind the curtain.

"I'm with you on that one, pal." Kronk said, who was also behind the curtain with Yami. "This outfit should be a crime with how uncomfortable it is."

"We had a hard time finding one that fit you, big guy!" Maynard said over a megaphone. "Would you guys come on out and give us the show of a lifetime?!"

Both guys walk out, and what everyone saw was the last thing they expected.

Kronk was wearing a French maid outfit, while Yami was wearing a form fitting playboy bunny outfit, ears and all.

"I bet everyone back home is getting a good laugh at this." Yami groaned.

Maynard and his group laugh and guffaw at what both mens' attires, with the exception of Portson, who remained stony faced as usual. Meanwhile, the cast watched in absolute shock.

"Is it wrong to say that I'm still turned on seeing Yami dressed like that?" Panty said, wiping away a bit of drool.

"I'm not going to even dignify that with a response." Barry sighed.

"Give a little turn around, you guys!" Maynard ordered. "Let me see what you got!"

Both do a little spin, and they laugh even harder.

"I can't believe you got them to do that!" Zeia cried.

"Neither did I! It's like owning a new toy!" He points at Yami. "Get on your hands and knees and ask if you've been a good boy?"

Yami growls and does as he commanded. "Have I been a good boy…sir?!"

"Ooh, bonus points for calling me sir!" Maynard applauds. He points to Kronk next. "Now you say 'How may I serve you today, master?'"

"How may I serve you today, master?" Kronk deadpanned.

"Sorry big guy, but I wanted more enthusiasm. Yami wind, which means you're out."

"Can we at least take these off now?" Yami asked.

"No! Leave them on. It'll entertain me."

"Is this how you get your sick kicks?!" Draco asks.

"Yeah, is this some kind of sick fetish you got?" Bender asks.

"No. I just have a different sense of humor." Maynard explains. "It's time for the next challenge! And I hope you guys are hungry!"

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"After thinking it over a bit, I personally think I make this outfit work." Yami said.

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Everyone now found themselves back in the cafeteria. The smell of something foul arose from the kitchen.

"Ugh, what the actual fuck is that smell?!" Panty gagged.

"It's lunch, sweet cheeks." Maynard said. "I'm gonna need a volunteer from each team to sit at the table. And preferably ones who haven't gone yet."

Shermie steps forward, with Bernadetta hesitantly following suit.

"Awesome. Ladies, have a sweet."

As they sit down, Gumbo emerges from the kitchen, carrying two large pots. He sets them down in front of each of them. They could smell the pungent aroma of whatever inside, and it made them feel a little nauseous.

"Just what is this?!" Shermie asked.

"It's Gumbo's special gumbo." Maynard said.

"Old family recipe." Gumbo explained. "It's my mee-maw's screaming gumbo. We call it that because most people scream and run away when they see it. Those that stick around to chow down are truly brave."

"But you two ain't gonna run away." Maynard said. "You will eat until one of you finishes first. And to make sure you don't run away…Gumbo."

Gumbo nods and takes out some rope. He starts by tying Bernadetta to her chair. Immediately, Bernadetta wasn't enjoying it

"W-w-w-what are you doing?!"

"Making sure you guys don't scramble like an omelet." Gumbo said.

"D-don' tie me up, please!" Bernadetta pleads.

"Sorry, missy. Standard protocol and whatnot."

"Let me go!" Bernadetta cried. The memories of the times her father tied her to a chair were coming in full swing. These memories clouded everything else in her mind as she struggled to get free. "Let me go!"

"Don't be a baby." Maynard said. "You act like you've never eaten gumbo before.".

"Let her go right now!" Futaba ordered. She knew why her friend was freaking out, and aimed to put a stop to it. "You know damn well what you're doing!"

Maynard throws up his arms in defense. "Whaaaaat? I have no idea what you're talking about."

Bernadetta continues to kick and scream like a wild animal, all thought and reason escaping her mind. Her breathing grows rapid, and her heart feels like it might burst out of her chest. This was worse than what had transpired with Bowser.

"LETMEGOLETMEGOLETMEGOLETMEGOLETMEGOOOOOOOO!"

Bernie accidentally knocks her chair over, and she continues to flail and struggle to break free while everyone watches in absolute horror. They'd never seen her freak out this badly before.

"She sounds like a wounded dolphin!" Maynard laughed. The rest of his group point and laugh at Bernie as they film her PTSD episode on their phones. "This one's gonna net me so many views! I'll title it "Spaz Girl has a Meltdown During Lunch Prank'"

"Somebody help her!" Kronk pleaded.

Shermie leaps from her seat, and attempts to untie Bernadetta. The shut-in wasn't making it easy with how much she was flailing around.

"We got you, Bernie." Shermie comfortingly tells her. Once she got her freed, Bernie's body slumps, her breaths still being short and rapid. "C'mon, I'll take you to the infirmary."

"Excuse me, but you two are still in the middle of a challenge." Maynard brings up.

"Shut up!" Shermie snaps. "This poor girl clearly doesn't like this. So we'll take the loss!"Shermie heads for the infirmary, with Bernadetta in her arms.

"Well fuck you two! Now who's gonna eat this slop?!"

Percy steps forward and brandishes her sword. "You've caused too much trouble, and your little stunt right there draws the line."

"Right there with you, Perce." Panty said, now having her gun out again.

Portson quickly steps in between both ladies and his boss.

"Back off, Portson." Maynard ordered. He stares at both women, and gets an idea brewing in her head. "I got a nice little idea for our next challenge…

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Shermie sat in the infirmary, looking at its two current patients. Ryu laid in his bed, an IV drip going through his arm, and a lot of gauze wrapped around his forehead and torso. Next to him the next bed was Bernadetta, who was slowly breathing in and out of a paper bag.

"You know, they're gonna start charging you for the number of times you've ended up in here." Shermie jokes.

Ryu looks over at Shermie and smiles. "You were responsible for one of those times, you know."

"I know. And I still feel awful about that. Just got a little carried away, you know."

"I may never be able to show my face again!" Bernadetta cried. "Who knows how many millions of people saw that?!"

"Considering what I've heard, I've missed quite a lot since earlier." Ryu grunts. "If I could move right now, I'd kick his ass into fractions. What he did to you and everyone else is despicable."

"But then you'd be eliminated." Shermie points out.

"Stupid rule."

"It's absolute anarchy." Shermie tells him. "He's abusing that rule as much as possible."

"Stupid 1%." Ryu adds. "They think they run the world and can do anything they want. I wish this day was over already. I feel absolutely awful that I wasn't there to help anyone."

"You poor thing."

Shermie approaches him and gives him a hug. Ryu's face turns red as her large breasts are right in his face.

"Umm...yeah, thanks..."

Bernadetta gets up, walks over to him, and gives him a hug as well. His pompadour and eyes take the shape of hearts. It also hurt as well, as besides his injuries, Bernie had a strong grip for someone so small.

"Don't blame yourself. You were standing up for us. You're so brave, you know that?"

It was then that he completely lost it. His nose exploded, having a massive nosebleed that made him ricochet around the room like a pinball. Once he landed on the ground, his skin was a pale blue, with blood still leaking out of his nose.

"Hero...me... beautiful...you...so precious." In broken sentences, this was all he could say.

As for everyone else's reactions?

Tokageroh was shaking him back and forth. "C'mon, man! Don't die on me here! You don't wanna become a ghost like me! You're not missing out!"

"I could die right now with no regrets…"

Meanwhile, Bernie was utterly terrified. "WHATEVER IT WAS I DID, I'M SO SORRY! PLEASE DON'T DIE! I'M SORRY FOR EVERYTHING EVER!"

Lissa and Mikan return from getting what they needed.

"I've got more morphine for y-WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

She sees all the blood, and immediately springs to action.

"What the hell happened here?!" Lissa exclaimed.

"So much b-blood!" Mikan stuttered.

"We don't know!" Shermie said. "I've never seen a guy do that!"

"Is this…my Best Place?" Ryu said weakly with tears in his eyes. "If so, this is…too good to be true. Maybe…I'm destined to die today."

"That's dark as hell!" Tokageroh cried. "And that's coming from me! Why were you born such a horny little freak?!"

"He's gonna need a blood transfusion, stat!" Lissa said. "Otherwise he could die from blood loss!"

"Check if I'm compatible!" Bernie says. "I'll gladly donate as much as possible for him!"

As this chaos ensued, Shermie's phone rings.

"I'm sorry, but do you guys mind if I take this?"

"Just do it outside." Lissa quickly tells her. "We gotta put all our attention to saving this man's life!"

Shermie nods, steps outside, and answers her phone.

"Hello?~" she asked. "Yashiro, if this is you, don't worry-"

"It's not." A cold and calm voice told her. A voice that sent shivers down her spine. "It's Goenitz."

"Oh…" she stammered. "Goenitz. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Don't play stupid." Goenitz said. "You've been on that show all these months, and our plan has gone nowhere. You remember what your task is, right?"

"I know, I know." Shermie sighed. "Find strong people to sacrifice so Orochi may return."

"And finding some sap there that will make a suitable surrogate host for his eventual return." Goenitz adds.

"I know. I'm trying the best I can."

"Really? It almost seems like you're spending more time having fun and palling around with these people than doing what you were born to do."

Shermie remains silent. She knew it was true.

"But I'm going to keep this brief." Goenitz states. "I'm going to give you two weeks to finish your job. Should you fail to finish the job in time, I will personally step in to finish it."

And his last words put the fear of God into Shermie.

"...and you're not going to like the end result."

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"You want us to do what?!" Panty exclaimed.

"You heard me." Maynard said, pointing to her and Percy. He licks his lips at the thought of his idea. "I want to see you two make out in front of me for the next challenge."

"Are you insane?!" Panty snaps. "I don't swing that way, you pig!"

"And frankly, things of a romantic nature don't interest me at all." Percy said.

"How are you so calm about this?!"

"Ladies, ladies, listen." Maynard said. "It's nothing romantic. Just some fun between you girls, right? C'mon, smooch each other for daddy."

Panty crosses her arms. "No way! And there's nothing you can do to make me say otherwise!"

"Oh, really? How about I….sweeten the deal a little bit."

Maynard throws out two large wads of cash. "How about I give each of you fifty grand a piece to do it?"

Panty's jaw hits the floor. "F-fifty grand?!"

"Yep. All in American dollars. What do you say?"

"My answer is still no!"

"I'd suggest it if you didn't try to bribe a cop for sexual favors." Percy says bluntly.

"Oh, is that not good enough?" Maynard throws out a couple more stacks. "How about a hundred thousand a piece, yeah?"

"As tempting as that money is, I refuse!" Panty declared. "I know I'm a slut, but I know what I like! I'm not changing that to fulfill some sick fantasy of yours!"

Maynard stands up and furiously glares at her.

"I wouldn't speak to me like that if I were you, Missy!" He snapped. "I wouldn't want to get physical now, would I?!" He tightens his grip on his cane, as if he's about to start swinging it.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Futaba said, back to typing a bit on her tablet.

"Oh really?!" Maynard snorts. "Whatchu gonna do about it, brat?!"

Futaba chuckles, the lenses of her glasses shining diabolically. "I just finished hacking into your personal servers. And I unearthed some shocking secrets about you, Mr. McMonster."

Maynard's expression turned from arrogance and confidence to fear and dread.

"What are you talking about?!"

"My, you've been very naughty, May-May." Futaba mocks him as she's scrolling through the info. "Embezzlement from your sponsors, extortion, hate crimes and assault allegations. Ooh, and even how you really acquired your wealth from your parents. Framing them for a crime they never committed. It's a shame, really"

"Bite your tongue, kid!" Maynard yelled. His face turned red, and you could physically feel the anger emanating off of him.

"Alright." Futaba said cheekily. "Too bad I already leaked all of this online. Including your Discord chats!"

"THAT'S IT!" Maynard barrels towards her, unsheathing his cane, which had a sword crafted into it. "YOU'RE DEAD, KID!"

Peni looks over at Raven quickly, and nods.

"Now!"

Raven materialized in front of Maynard.

"Out of the way, freak!"

Raven looks at Maynard sadistically. Her eyes were red, her mouth now showing sharp fangs.

"I don't think I'm going to!" She responds in a demonic reverb.

A black tentacle comes out of her cloak and snaps Maynard's cane sword in half.

"What the hell is she doing?!" Yami asked.

"Holy crap!" Bender exclaimed. "I knew the chick was scary, but geez!"

Raven rises into the air, her size increasing, more tentacles coming out of her body. They grab Maynard by each of his limbs. The contestants watch, but don't dare interfere.

"Master!"

Portson runs to his boss to save him, but SP/Dr gets in front of him and punches him down into the ground.

"Good job, buddy!" Peni said, inside the mech.

She looks to see Raven slamming Maynard back and forth across the ground like a ragdoll.

"You're so eliminated! You both *ow* know that right?!"

"Like I care!" Raven roared. Her tendrils now constrict his body like a snake. "I could pop you like a pimple right here and now! But the afterlife doesn't deserve to live alongside scum such as yourself!"

"What's going on?! What's all that noise?!"

We see Shermie, Tiff, Bernadetta, and Ryu run in. Ryu was currently still hooked up to an IV drip. He still looked a little pale, but better than he did after his nosebleed.

"What's going on?!" Ryu asked.

"Is that…Raven?!" Bernie squeaked.

Yami looks back at them and smiles. "You knuckleheads are about to miss the show."

Raven drops Maynard to the ground. "She's all yours, Peni!"

Maynard attempts to get up, but SP/Dr lands on his legs, crushing them.

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH! YOU BROKE MY LEGS, YOU LITTLE SHIT!"

"That was for reminding me of what happened to my loved ones!" Peni coldly told him.

SP/dr grabs him and begins crushing his ribs a little bit. "This was for ruining my birthday party!"

"Don't think this is the last you all have seen of me!" Maynard spat. "I'll have my revenge! And I don't care how cheesy that sounds, I swear it!"

"Let him go!" Jellia pleads.

"You got it." Peni said. "And this is for all the stuff you did to my friends!"

SP/dr tosses him in the air, and when he falls back down, punches him so hard he flies through the ship, and continues to fly through the sky. He flies through the sky, blasting off like Team Rocket.

"Good riddance." Light sighs with relief.

Peni turns to Maynard's crew as her mech cracks it's knuckles. The rest of them were paralyzed with fear.

"As for the rest of you, get off this ship. NOW!"

The scramble to run away, with Gumbo dragging Portson's unconscious body with them.

Peni hops out of her mech, and Raven returns to normal size. Everyone surrounds them and lifts them in the air.

"Way to go, you guys!" Barry congratulates. "You really put him in his place!"

"Let's not forget this runt right here." Yami said, giving Futaba a headpat. "Can't believe you owned him without even laying a finger on him. Can't say how proud I am!"

Futaba blushes at the compliments. "Aw well, it was nothing, really."

"What about you guys?" Tiff said to Peni and Raven. "You know that you two are now eliminated, right? Regardless of how he acted, you broke the rules."

"Yeah, you're both giving up five million buckaroos!" Pete adds.

"It's fine." Peni assured. "It was worth it. And in the end, I never came here for the money. I just wanted to meet new people and start a new adventure. Although it's a little bumming that that ends now."

"I'll admit, I was never here for money either." Raven said. "I'll also add that up until today, I was still apprehensive about you guys. I told myself not to form any bonds. But seeing you all stand up for each other, even standing up for me, well…that idea changed."

She begins to smile, though it is quite faint. "Thanks for being good friends you guys. Even when I originally didn't like you all. It really means a lot."

"It's nothing." Yami blows it off. "How about before you two leave, we finish that party we were having earlier, eh?"

Raven and Peni both smile and nod. "We'd like that."

"Then let's crack out the drinks and pick up where we left off, guys!"

"Yeah!"

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After the festivities we're done, we see a raft floating in the sea, with Raven, Peni, and SP/dr on board. They wave to their friends as they do the same and wave them goodbye. The two left with no regrets, having enjoyed their time on the show.

"Really gonna miss them." Ryu said. "I really did miss a lot today, didn't I?"

"Sure you did, Mr. Nosebleed." Panty said teasingly.

"Y-you know about that?!" Ryu stammered.

"Of course." She whispered. "Someone got a little excited earlier, didn't they? Especially with a certain Bernie-Bear?"

"Shut up!"

"You're never gonna hear the end of this, pal." She jokes. "Not until you tell her how you feel.

"Geez…"

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We see Futaba on her tablet again, putting a few touches on something.

"It's finally done." She said triumphantly. "As awful as he is, something Maynard said really did stick with me. The fact that there's people here with secrets that could threaten the game. I know my team are good people, but the rest of them are unpredictable as can be. And just to be safe, I decided to use my hacking expertise to download all current and future confessionals to this tablet. I even got them organized by person."

She giggles to herself.

"As much as I'd hate to do that, I just got this guy feeling that he may be right about that. Better safe than sorry."

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We now see Don, finally back from his trip. He was in his personal quarters, yelling on the phone.

"That man is to never come near our ship and its passengers, you got it?!"

"We're greatly sorry about that." His boss said on the other end. "We didn't know he'd act like that. We'll take full responsibility for this!"

"Good. Last thing I'd want is for this show to turn into one of Chris's. Even I think he's better than this McMonster guy."

"Duly noted. As of now, it's all over the news about this guy's secrets. His career is basically kaput as of now. Hopefully, this is the last we'll see of him."

Oh, how wrong they were…

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This is probably the most different chapter I've ever put out. But you know me. I love to experiment and try different things. Seems like this show has made a new enemy in Maynard. With all the YouTubers and internet celebrities and influencers out there, I wanted to create someone who is the unholy culmination of that.

Today, we now say goodbye to Raven and Peni. They may not have had the biggest presence in the story, but I at least wanted to give them a good send off. Didn't really have any more planned for them in the plot going forward, but they left without any regrets.

On top of that, Light now wants to try and eliminate Alucard due to his suspicions about him. Shermie's gotten that eerily foreboding call from Goenitz, and Futaba can now see any confession she wants. Will she find some useful info, or will she learn too much…..?

Here's what we got for next time. The gang is invited to a costumed/dinner party. The problem? It's at this creepy manor at the top of a hill. Soon enough, people start disappearing one by one, and it's up to those that remain to find the others, find the culprit, and solve the mystery. (And no, it's not Maynard. It'll be a hot minute before we see him again.)

Until then, read and review, and let me know your thoughts. And if you have any challenge ideas, I'm always open to that. Until next time, this is MemeKing, signing off.