Chris's Recap
"Last Time…on Total Drama Nialasach!

"The Final Six competed in Conlan's challenge, a talent show, using each other's talents! Some performances were great! Some performances were disasters! Gabriel clued in to Cherry's secret advantages, and Cherry learned from her ally's mistakes. She was honest about owning the advantages while standing her ground that sharing what they were would be detrimental to their fledgling alliance. Monica, unaware of Cherry's shifting allegiance, tried to get Cherry and Phooko to work with her to get rid of either Gabriel or Watts, but neither were willing to take the deal. Alison, somewhat scared by the threat of elimination, spent the entire morning practicing for Conlan's challenge, but it was actually Watts, equally scared after his request to eliminate Alison fell short, who managed to come away with immunity after climbing a mountain no less! Well done, dude! Seeing her game on the line, Monica made the strategic decision to betray Alison, unaware that Alison was betraying her right back for hogging her spotlight! The two faced off in a fire making tie breaker and by less than a second, Alison emerged victorious, ending Monica's impressive run through the game and eliminating the last Hayaji member in play. Now, Alison, Cherry, Gabriel, Phooko, and Watts are the only five that remain, and the 5th placing Zero Sum contestant is bringing more to throw at The Final 5 than just his challenge. The endgame starts here, and as the contestants run out of places to hide and plays to make, who will draw the short straw and be eliminated? Find out right here on Total! Drama! Niiiiialasach!"


*Total Drama Theme Song Plays*

As the song starts, various cameras come out of the flora and fauna all around the island.

Dear Mom and Dad, I'm doing fine, you guys are on my mind

The camera zooms around all of Crios Cath before finally entering into the Nialasach Ruins.

You asked me what I wanted to be and now I think the answer is plain to see,

Aaron is on his skateboard, skating through the ruins, and as he moves forward, Claude can be seen following him, cleaning up the dust left by his skateboard tracks so that he can clear a path for Monica, who smiles at him, but ends up rolling her eyes, annoyed, when she's sure he isn't looking, and begins to pay attention to another part of the ruins, which the camera then shifts to.

I wanna be famous

Watts is looking over Erin's shoulder at an experiment she is working on, and she seems to be attempting to hide it from him, when the ruins wall explodes, causing Erin to fall back into Watts's arms before shoving herself out of them, the two then look over to see that the explosion was caused by Ash accidentally triggering a tripwire. She smiles and waves in an attempt to make the situation less embarrassing for her.

I want to live close to the sun

Camera switches to show Alison sitting on a beach chair and relaxing before waves come crashing in and ruin her clothes. She stands up with a huff and takes the beach chair further inland, but the same event happens, and she appears to let out a scream.

Well pack your bags, 'cause I've already won

Camera shifts up to reveal that Simon and Arnold both saw Alison's ordeal, and while Simon starts to snicker at it, Arnold begins to flamboyantly tell Simon off, and Simon plugs his ears and walks away with rolling eyes.

Everything to prove, nothing in my way, I'll get there one day

Camera shifts to Upper Ceol Fields, where Zaiyrin is seen showering Cherry with all manner of gifts and compliments, and Cherry somewhat scoffs at them before blushing with a smile once Zaiyrin leaves and heading over to Ellie to talk excitedly with her about it while Ellie is working on a costume.

'Cause I wanna be famous

Rashi and Phooko both see the events with Zaiyrin, Cherry, and Ellie, and quietly laugh to each other as they both tend to a small garden of growing plants, with Phooko's plants looking quite healthy, and Rashi's plants looking unnaturally perfect.

Na na nananana nanananana na nanananana

Camera shifts to the Glas Woods, where Raul and Vanessa are sketching each other with smiles. Camera first hovers over Raul's shoulder showing a brilliantly done sketch of Vanessa, then switches over to Vanessa's shoulder, where a sketch of Raul can be seen, but Vanessa needs to keep adding wolves to the sketch as they crowd around Raul like he's part of their pack.

I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be famous

Mark is playing music in Cailleach Bog, but immediately rolls out of the way of a falling tree, he looks over to see an almost seething Mirai, who turns to him and begins to smile sweetly as she begs him to play. Mark is a little nervous at first but as he begins to play, Mirai begins to cheer peacefully as the camera shifts to Lower Ceol Fields.

I wanna be, I wanna be, I wanna be famous

In Lower Ceol Fields, Donny and Gabriel are engaged in a rather heated argument, and Christa and Jenae both walk up to Donny and Gabriel respectively, Christa tries to comfort Donny, but he begins arguing with her instead. Meanwhile, Jenae begins to continue to argue with Gabriel, but he stops her when he notices she's moving her hand down his chest.

As the other contestants whistle the rest of the tune around the Tine Naofa Bonfire, Gran and Zaheen both attempt to make the fire grow larger. Upon Gran's attempt the fire blows up in his face, causing Zaheen to snicker as she pulls off the trick perfectly and the flames begin to form the season title: Total Drama Nialasach.


Location: Tine Naofa Bonfire Pit

Contestant(s): All Remaining

"Where do you think you're all going?" Chris asked the Final 5 as they got up out of their seats.

"To bed." Alison stressed. "Where else?"

"Oh…fuck…" Watts groaned. "It's challenge time already isn't it?"

"But…the bonfire isn't even out yet!" Gabriel noted. "Monica only just entered the Tomb of Shame."

"Oh, right!" Chris smiled. "That reminds me!" He took out a small remote control and pressed a button on it as he pointed towards the Tomb of Shame.

The doors opened.

"Ahhh, now that is some refreshing desert air." A polite voice almost sang as its owner made his way across the sand toward the bonfire pit. "Oh, and this island has its own bonfire too!"

The man, dressed in a pink polo shirt and beige cargo shorts, bowed a head full of golden blonde hair and smiled at the Final 5 as the light from the bonfire lit up his emerald green eyes.

"Oswald Pamesi, at your service." He introduced himself with a soft chuckle. "But I daresay you've heard of me."


Confessional: Phooko

"So he's finally here. I can't help but wonder how Aaron would react to this."

End Confessional


Confessional: Gabriel

"This is the guy Aaron was on about? This man's challenge is what Watts is concerned Alison will do well in? He seems like a fairly amicable person so far…"

End Confessional


Confessional: Cherry

"Full disclosure, my knowledge of Zero Sum consists mostly of the first two episodes and whatever I've overheard Watts talking about, so I'm not too surprised that this man ended up as some kind of major villain, but I am surprised at the effect his existence has been having on this game. I'm eager to see what this challenge is."

End Confessional


Confessional: Watts

"Oh, fuck, okay. I was hoping to be able to get some rest before the next challenge started but apparently not, I guess! The good news is that Alison is grouchy about this too, so maybe, just maybe, we can beat her at whatever it is that's thrown our way."

End Confessional


Confessional: Alison

"Ah, there he is. The one person from that season who I wouldn't have minded working with. He knows to put the spotlight where it belongs. Shame he isn't of higher class or I could forget the rest of the game and just seduce him. Wouldn't be very hard from what I've seen. But I'm not about to help elevate some lowlife to my standing, nor will I stoop down to theirs. I will gladly take the immunity, however. No way he doesn't rig the challenge in my favor."

End Confessional


"You know…" Oswald relaxed as he took a seat near the bonfire. "Usually, when someone gives you their name, it's only polite to give yours back."

"Don't you know our names already?" Cherry asked. "Also, why were you inside the Tomb of Shame?"

"I've been there the whole time!" Oswald smiled. "Well, not where the losers are being kept. I've been down in a lower level. Some others too. Anyone who needed to directly keep tabs on how the game was going has been down there with me. Look forward to the next two, by the way. In any case, however, I especially want to hear your name, gorgeous."

"Cherry." Cherry responded flatly. "Taken."

"Well, there's always time to trade up." Oswald shrugged.


Confessional: Gabriel

"Okay. I'm starting to see the unpleasantness now."

End Confessional


"And I'm Gabriel." Gabriel held out a hand.

"Pleasure." Oswald smiled with a polite shake. "I should warn you, Gabriel, you'll probably lose this challenge."

"Why exactly would I?" Gabriel asked.

"Because it runs counter to your character." Oswald shrugged. "I have been watching everything unfold, you know."

"Then why do we still need to introduce ourselves to you?" Phooko wondered aloud.

"Because it's the polite thing to do." Oswald said. "Or do you want to be excluded from the challenge?"

"My name is Phooko." Phooko held out a hand.

"Pleasure." Oswald smiled with another polite shake. "The boy the water favored, eh? And I thought I was a serial flipper. Game respects game."

"That…is not the compliment you think it is." Phooko backed away.

"Hahaha, it's exactly the compliment I think it is." Oswald's eyes narrowed as his grin widened revealing a hint of wickedness.


Confessional: Gabriel

"Okay, I can definitely see the problem now."

End Confessional


"Alison Palmer." Alison held out her hand. "Charmed, I'm sure."

"Eh." Oswald shrugged.

The rest of the contestants and Chris hid laughs.

"Excuse me?" Alison huffed. "You had no problem going after frenchy over there, and she already has a boyfriend! You can't be arsed to even be polite with me?"

"I could be polite with you." Oswald nodded. "And I should be polite with all of you. After all, I'm not here to compete against any of you, at least in this season, but why on earth would I flirt with you after that confessional? That can really hurt a man's pride, you know." He looked at Alison with doe eyes. "But maybe a gentle kiss from a beautiful lady would make things better."

"Forget the fuck out of that shit! How the fuck do you know about my confessionals?" Alison's eyes went wide with surprise and rage.

Oswald smiled and tilted his head. He brushed some of his hair back to reveal an ear piece.

"I've heard everyone's private thoughts this entire season." He revealed. "But I don't need the earpiece to piece together why one of you still hasn't introduced himself to me."

"I'm trying to put Zero Sum behind me and focus on the game." Watts said stiffly.

Oswald laughed. "That's great! I encourage you to do just that! Introduce yourself."

"I'm…" Watts paused. "My legal name is James Watkins, but please call me Watts."

"A pleasure, Watts." Oswald nodded.

He stretched on the seat he'd taken. "Ah, isn't it great getting to know new people?"

"I certainly think it is." Gabriel nodded. "I like bringing a bunch of different people together-"

"And pitting them against each other so you get the upper hand!" Oswald absolutely did not finish the sentence that Gabriel was hoping to say, but he sure did finish the sentence.

"Challenge." Cherry demanded. "Why are you wasting time with idle chatter when we apparently have a challenge interrupting our ability to fucking sleep?"

"Oh, because I need you all irate." Oswald answered matter-of-factly. "It's just so much more fun when your actions have ever snowballing consequences, and it's even more fun when you don't have the right frame of mind to really think about those actions."

"Did he go insane in his season or something?" Gabriel whispered to Watts.

"No." Watts didn't bother whispering. "He's just toying around with us. He does that. If I had to guess, his challenge has something to do with the luxuries, otherwise we wouldn't be kept from camp like this."

"And Watts hits it right on the money!" Oswald clapped. "Tonight's challenge is all about luxuries. You see, I was really good at collecting them in my season."

"Yeah, me too." Alison scoffed. "It's not that special."

"Or is it?" Oswald got down on one knee. "Two luxury hoarders, both making it to the final 5 of seasons with nearly identical mechanics while being despised by our peers! Alison, what say you, we flee this game and live out a loving life together in an opulent palace?"

"Cut the shit." Alison rebuffed. "You aren't worming your way into my palace, and winning luxuries wasn't hard. It's not that special."

"Well then…" Oswald dusted the sand off his knee as he stood up. "I'm glad you feel that way because effective immediately, all luxuries are up for grabs again!" He began handing out small index card sized certificates, sporting pictures of each luxury, to the Final Five.

"What are these?" Cherry asked.

"And why do Alison and Watts both get more than two?" Phooko wondered.

"Because I'm giving you what amounts to the deeds to your luxuries." Oswald answered. "Your challenge will last the entire night, and whoever has the most luxury deeds between them and their partner when the sun rises will win not only those luxuries, but also immunity and the sole vote of the night!"

"There it fucking is, I fucking knew it." Watts grumbled under his breath.

"Oh, and that reminds me!" Oswald seemed to realize something important. "This is the last elimination ceremony where any hidden advantages can be played."

"Well, there are only two unplayed advantages that I'm aware of." Watts noted. "But they both left the game."

"Watts, please." Oswald grinned. "I'm a gentleman thief. Even I can give to the needy. I happen to know for a fact that there are two advantages in the game right now."

"More importantly." Cherry changed the topic. "What did you mean when you said partner?"

"Of course, my blonde beauty, I'm at your service." Oswald bowed with a wink. "You heard me right. I did mention that you'd all have a partner for this little challenge. I should admit, however, that partner may have been a bit of a misnomer. They are free to act however they see fit. Help you, hinder you, or torment you, anything is fair game for them. What you should be concerned about is stealing the luxury deeds off of your fellow contestants and then making sure that no one is able to steal from you."

"And our 'partners' are all predisposed to try and steal from us and give to our competition." Phooko guessed.

"See, the people who were paying attention to my season are catching on quick!" Oswald turned towards the other three players. "You guys could learn a thing or two from them!"

"I've seen that season as well." Alison huffed.

"I've heard. Couldn't take your eyes off me, could you?" Oswald grinned.

"Oh, it was quite easy to." Alison replied. "Shame I can't use the same remote to turn you off right now."

"I thought you were upset that he wasn't flirting with you earlier." Cherry grinned. "Or do you not want all the attention you're getting?"

If looks could kill, Cherry would have placed 5th by default.


Confessional: Cherry

"Perhaps the bear was poked with too sharp a stick that time."

End Confessional


"Well, if I'm not going to be able to cozy up to either of those wonderful ladies, let's get into it." Oswald sighed. "Once more, you will be tasked with stealing the luxury deeds I've just handed out to you from each other. Whoever is in possession of the most at the end of the night will win immunity and the sole vote of the night. Meanwhile, this night is also the last night that any advantages can be played at the elimination ceremony. However, it's no fun to just watch the five of you running around the island until sun-up. I have to add some drama, and there was no one in my season better at dealing with people who absolutely hated his guts than I was. To that end, I've assigned each one of you the perfect partner!"

"Ohhhhh…." The Tomb of Shame opened once more and Mirai walked out. "This will be fun."

"Ah, Alison, your partner is here!" Oswald smiled.


Confessional: Alison

"What the shit is this? I'm a hot, independent woman! I'm right up his alley! He should be rigging this in my favor! Why is he giving me that violent brute as a partner? What if she ruins my hair?"

End Confessional


Confessional: Oswald

"Cat-fight! Cat-fight! Cat-fight!"

End Confessional


"It's been a long time." One of the last voices Cherry thought she'd hear announced as Arnold stepped out of the Tomb of Shame next. "Let's get this challenge, goin' girl!"


Confessional: Cherry

"Oh no….I was expecting Gran to be pissy again for some reason. I can handle people not liking me. I've always had to handle it to some extent. I'm…not quite as confident when it comes to people who I find annoying. He's going to stick to me like glue isn't he? How will I steal anything with his loud mouth getting in the way?"

End Confessional


Confessional: Oswald

"It was going to be Gran, but she just had to be on good terms with him when he left. But this is such a genius compromise! I can't wait to either see her blow up on him or how she manages to steal stuff while he's tailing her and making noise!"

End Confessional


"Gabrill." A large sniff alerted Gabriel to the presence of one of the last people Gabriel expected to hear as well. "You've been slacking."

"Donny, my name is pronounced Gabriel."

"Well, once you get crushed it'll be Gabe. Good ol' honest Gabe. Not that honesty is gonna help you here. Here I am, Donny Crush, and I'm going to crush you right here, right now. It's all anyone is ever going to be talking about-."

"Okay." Gabriel turned to Oswald, ignoring Donny's continued ramblings about either how he would defeat Gabriel or how great he was as the topics shifted back and forth rapidly.

"Oh, not fucking that dickwad." Arnold rolled his eyes. "Time to go put him in his place."

"Do not." Cherry grabbed Arnold's arm and stopped him. "Focus on our challenge."

"Well, why should I?" Arnold sassed back. " Everyone else is going to be stealing from their own partners. I'm already giving you an edge by not doing that. Besides, he needs to be taken down a peg."

"He'll take himself down. If you react to him, it'll only make things worse for both of us." Cherry warned.


Confessional: Gabriel

"Not exactly thrilled that I'm stuck with this guy. But at least it'll be easy to spot him coming for any of my own luxury deeds."

End Confessional


Confessional: Oswald

"I mean, there weren't too many people to choose from for Gabriel, so I went for the one who would give him the most trouble doing anything. I think it's working out so far!"

End Confessional


"Hey." Phooko felt a tap on his shoulder. He turned around to see Ellie smiling at him.

"You and not Monica?" Phooko questioned.

"Well, I figured since I was blindsided by you, I'd come back instead. Turnabout's fair play, after all. Besides, I have someone here I actually want to help win immunity."


Confessional: Phooko

"Okay, so I'm being haunted by Ellie for the challenge, and it seems like anything she does steal is going directly to Cherry. As long as Alison is still here, I don't think that's too bad, but I can't be sure."

End Confessional


Confessional: Oswald

"Oh wow, he's already unsure of himself! I thought he'd at least last until the challenge actually started!"

End Confessional


"There he fucking is." Watts heard a voice that sent a shiver down his spine. "Did you think you were fucking clever? Blindsiding me because I outplayed you and got the sword medal first?" Jenae asked angrily as she made her way up to him.

"I'm not about to apologize for something that you had coming." Watts stood his ground. "If you hadn't acted the way you did towards Mark and I, we wouldn't have been so quick to blindside you."

"Fine. Stick to your ideals and see just how far that gets you in this challenge, weakling." Jenae threatened.

"Your threat won't work." Watts still stood his ground. "I have no intention of winning this challenge. I'm here to make sure she doesn't win." He pointed towards Alison, who was already busy keeping her distance from Mirai.

"Hmph." Jenae grunted, but Watts was unsure whether it was in frustration or approval.


Confessional: Watts

"I had a feeling it would be her, but I know she'd love to see Alison go home just as much as I would. As long as she's distracted or conflicted, I have a chance to at least keep that sole vote out of Alison's grasp."

End Confessional


Confessional: Oswald

"Oh, and it looks like we've got at least one person who is already solely focusing on keeping the vote away from a rival. He's about to be disappointed. I still have one last rule to explain."

End Confessional


"Now that everyone has met their partners for this challenge…" Oswald smiled. "There is one last rule that I want to clarify: This challenge is all about stealing the luxury deeds from all of your fellow players. So, to encourage fairness, no one may steal from the same player/partner pair twice in a row. You must at least constantly switch between two target pairs."


Confessional: Watts

"Oh, right. He can hear the confessionals. I wouldn't be surprised if he added that rule just because of me."

End Confessional


Confessional: Oswald

"He's not entirely wrong. I did add it because of him, but not because I want to hinder him. It's because everyone dogpiling on a single player would make the challenge over so quickly and so boring, so I needed to nip that idea in the bud."

End Confessional


Challenge: Luxury Larceny

Rules: Contestants are given deeds to the camp luxuries that they own. They are tasked with stealing the deeds from the other players. They cannot steal from the same player twice in a row. Contestants also have partners that are allowed to steal luxuries. Any luxury that the partners possess will be added to their assigned contestant's total. Whichever contestant and partner duo owns the most luxury deeds at sunrise will earn the sole vote of the night at the next Elimination Ceremony. This is the last ceremony where advantages can be played. Whatever luxuries the players have the deeds to by the time the challenge is over become the luxuries they own.

Alison's Partner: Mirai

Cherry's Partner: Arnold

Gabriel's Partner: Donny

Phooko's Partner: Ellie

Watts's Partner: Jenae


Location: Cailleach Bog

Contestant(s): Alison, Cherry

Partner(s): Mirai, Arnold

"Stop following me!" Cherry barked at Arnold.

"But I'm your partner!" Arnold protested. "You not liking it isn't going to change anything!"

"No, but the least you could do is look for people to actually steal from, like her!"

Cherry nodded towards Alison who was busy outrunning Mirai.

"Not if I steal from her first!" Mirai shouted with a grin.

"And give it to whom exactly?" Alison asked through her breaths as she ran.


Confessional: Cherry

"You know, that's a great question. I'm also curious as to where Mirai's loyalties currently lie."

End Confessional


"That's for me to know and you to find out once they vote you off!" Mirai didn't take the bait.


Confessional: Alison

"Oh, wait, I've got an idea forming!"

End Confessional


Alison stopped in her tracks and handed out her luxury deeds to Mirai. "Fine. Take them."

Mirai snatched them out of Alison's hands, gave her a wary look, and rushed off into the bog.

"You still there, frenchy?" Alison called. "I just want to talk!"

"Alright." Cherry slowed to a stop, motioning for Arnold to do the same. "What is it?"

"You aren't worried I'll steal from you?"

"Not while I have a bodyguard, no." Cherry shook her head. "You have my attention after that stunt you pulled with Mirai just now. Very curious as to what your game is."

"Well, I'm glad I have your attention." Alison dusted herself off. "I think you already know what I'm about to suggest but, here goes. Gabriel and James are too close. If you let them into the Final Four, they will become the final two."

"I suppose it would be risky to let them continue on as they are." Cherry nodded. "What do you suggest?"

"Simply put, I'm after a deal that whichever of us wins, we relegate our vote to one of the wonder duo."

"Interesting." Cherry smiled. "Alright. If I should happen to win immunity, I'll do just that." She held out a hand. "And in return, you'll do the same."

"Pleasure doing business." Alison grinned as she took Cherry's hand and yanked her to the ground, stealing Cherry's charcoal deed in the process. "Bitch!" She mocked as she rushed off into the forest. Arnold was prepared to go after her but Cherry stopped him.

"She's getting away!" Arnold protested. "And right after you made a deal with her too! Get her back and betray the fuck out of her!"

"I'm not about to go back on a deal I made." Cherry shook her head as she stood up. "Besides, she's the one on the worse end of that deal, not me."

"What do you mean?" Arnold wondered.

"I have a special job for you, Arnold." Cherry smiled. "I want you to make a delivery. I have some solo spying to do."

"And what do I get in return for this?" Arnold crossed his arms. "You've been pretty rude and demanding so far."

"In return, you can go after anyone as much as you want." Cherry's grin widened. She reached into her pocket and took something out.

Arnold's eyes went wide. "Is that-?"

"I'm not about to just make a deal without some sort of leverage." Cherry laughed. "Here's who I want you to take this to…"


Location: Glas Woods

Contestant(s): Alison, Gabriel

Partner(s): None

"WHAT?!" Alison's face was red with fury.

"I planned to tell you before the challenge, but it was sprung on us so suddenly." Gabriel explained. "I apologize, but I felt it better to tell you sooner rather than later. Our deal is done. I plan to eliminate you should I win; therefore, I no longer require your cooking services."

"Well, good luck stealing anything from me, you bloody idiot, I handed them over to my partner!"

"You….handed them over to Mirai?" Gabriel held in a laugh. "Why would you do that?"

"Because she's going to give them to someone else." Alison smirked. "That's not the same as the deeds being stolen from her. It won't affect anything."

Gabriel couldn't contain his laughter anymore.


Confessional: Alison

"What?! Why is he laughing? What's so funny?! I'm in the Final Five! This challenge was made for me! Why isn't he scared?!"

End Confessional


"Alison, you might thrive in the spotlight, and you're definitely smart enough to last a while in the area, but you'd make a terrible politician. You've fundamentally misunderstood something important about this particular challenge." Gabriel grinned. He opened his arms wide, daring Alison to try and grab a deed.

As he expected, no, knew, she took the bait and searched…finding nothing.

"What?! Who got to you first?"

"No one got to me first." Gabriel smiled. "Just like you, I gave my deeds away. Except, unlike you, I know what that entails."

"Speak plainly or I'm eliminating you next."

"Try it." Gabriel smiled. "After all, as long as I'm distracting you here Alison…we'll both have 0 luxuries."

"We both have 2, in truth." Alison corrected. "Giving freely is not the same as having a luxury stolen. Even you should know that."

"Of course I know that." Gabriel's smile stayed. "But Alison…point me to the rule that says luxuries cannot be given freely. There isn't one. The only stipulation in this challenge is that we may not steal from the same player twice in a row. But because you've been suspecting snakes, you've played yourself into a corner. Whomever Mirai hands those deeds off to, it will increase their total, and decrease yours. Meanwhile, my deeds are in the hands of someone I trust will either return them, or share the luxuries with me should they win."

"That fucking nerd." Alison quickly, obviously, pieced together. "F-fine then…If those are the true parameters of this challenge…then a change of tactics is in order! I hoped you enjoyed mocking me, Peterson, because it's the last time you'll be afforded that luxury! Count on it!"


Confessional: Alison

"And on national TV too? Oh, I'm going to make him hurt."

End Confessional


Confessional: Gabriel

"Having had some time to reflect on the challenge and the man presenting it, I can see why Watts might have wanted Alison gone earlier but…it is quite clear, to me at least, that we never needed to worry all too much about her. Monica would have been far more threatening a power to make it to this challenge. She'd be better at arguing her case to any of these 'partner' ghosts, and frankly she wouldn't have shot herself in the foot like Alison already has."

End Confessional


Location: Cloc Mountain Range
Contestant(s): Phooko

Partner(s): Arnold, Donny, Ellie

"I get why you're chasing me!" Phooko noted Ellie chasing after him. "But what's your deal?" He nodded toward Donny, also chasing after him.

"You're a small little man, Plooko." Donny taunted. "Easy to overpower, and then I'll overpower Ellie too!"

"What? But I wouldn't even have his stuff if you stole it first!"

"Yeah, but I can't have anyone else in my way. I'm gonna bring those papers to that Alison broad, and she'll be so grateful that she'll let me have my way with that."

"Wait…" Phooko didn't stop, but the wheels in his head began to turn.

"You're going to give my deeds…to Alison?"


Confessional: Phooko

"A thought occurs. One spurred by advantages being mentioned during the Final 6 ceremony. Who has them? Certainly not Alison, otherwise why risk a tiebreaker. Certainly not me, obviously, and that leaves Cherry, Watts, and Gabriel. Alison is literally everybody's first choice to eliminate if we happen to win immunity. At this point, it's not even about strategy, we're just kind of sick of having to deal with her. But, if, for a moment, it does become about strategy…then I'd love to confirm who has what advantage…without being the one making the mistake of casting a single vote that might not even count. Alison winning immunity right now might not be the best in the long run, letting her get closer to the finale will absolutely run the risk of an immunity streak, but this is the last time advantages can be played. Alison is the only person besides myself I can be sure doesn't have them. I want to know where the lines are drawn without bringing attention to myself. To that end…perhaps Donny can be useful for once in his life!"

End Confessional


Phooko dipped under Ellie and held out his deeds to Donny. "Alright then, take them. Who am I to stand in the way of a man's conquest?"

"Hmph." Donny sniffed as he snatched the deeds. "I knew you'd see things my way."

"But-!" Ellie pointed back and forth before groaning. "Are you really going to make me chase after him?" She asked Phooko as Donny lumbered off, already panting heavily and sweatily at a slow jog.

"Not if you don't want to." Phooko shrugged. "I'm off to look for others to steal from. If my gambit doesn't work, I'd like to at least win immunity in Alison's stead."


Confessional: Phooko

"Man, I hope to the island gods that this works…"

End Confessional


"Is he gone?" Arnold asked, coming out of hiding, when he believed Phooko had left.

"He's gone, but what are you doing here?" Ellie wondered.

"I have a delivery, courtesy of the French girl. She said this belonged to you."

"This is-!"

Ellie held the object up in front of her.

The Fox Immunity Medal, singed from flames, but rescued from destruction.

"Only a member of the original Inari can play this medal." Ellie noted. "But Cherry could just…Why not keep it?"

"I didn't ask what goes on in her crazytown brain." Arnold shrugged. "All I know is that now I'm chasing after that fat bastard I saw lumbering away! Time to give him some whoopass! Later Ellie!"

And just as quickly as he appeared, Arnold took off.

Ellie sat, alone, looking at the medal.

"Hmph." She chuckled softly to herself. "I think I understand."


Location: Ionad Desert

Contestant(s): Alison, Watts

Partner(s): Arnold, Donny, Mirai, Jenae

"Alshon!" Donny called as he, weary, dragged an equally bruised Arnold clinging onto his ankle, holding Phooko's deeds. "I gotsh…deeds…"

"For me?!" Alison's eyes shot up and she quickly snatched them from his hands. "Finally, someone with sense to put the wealth back in the upper class where it belongs."

"Howboutsh a kish?" Donny tried to bring Alison in for a kiss but was ignored completely and fell over onto the sand as Alison walked away. Arnold let go of his ankle and stood up. He checked to make sure Donny was breathing, and then began to bury the body in sand, leaving only the head exposed.

"You aren't about to try and steal any of these from me, are you?" Alison wondered, finally realizing that he was still present.

"Too…exhausted…" Arnold shook his head. "Have other…priorities…" And he walked off.

"I'd say the timer for this challenge is about halfway to zero!" Oswald announced from the nearby bonfire pit into a megaphone.

Alison thought to herself, and then made her decision. She walked towards Oswald.

"Oh, that's a beautiful anger you've got on that face." Oswald noticed her.

"I was under the impression that out of everyone here, you'd be pulling for my victory, but you've been fairly impartial, why?"

"What do you mean 'why'?" Oswald laughed. "I'm hosting a challenge, and it's not like I'll get any benefit from rigging the game in your favor."

"Aside from seeing someone who shares your ideals win?" Alison pointed out. "And to top it off your flirts towards me seem mean spirited and mocking more than genuine."

"Oh, poo." Oswald mocked. "You figured that out too."

"Seriously? What's the deal? I'm the contestant you want to win, aren't I?"

"Alison, let me state it plainly, so that there can be no misinterpretation." Oswald's grin faded. His face was entirely serious.

"The only person I was interested in seeing win…entered the Tomb of Shame a couple hours ago."

Silence.

When Alison didn't leave, Oswald continued.

"There is a difference between a ruthless game when you have a deck stacked against you…and whatever pointless cruelty you're engaging in. This challenge isn't designed in your favor; it's designed, specifically, to humiliate idiots like you. You might do well. You might even win immunity, but it's not going to be because you were cunning, or stronger or faster or smarter. It's going to be because the rest of the final five will realize that you're only still here because they ultimately viewed Monica as the bigger threat, and got rid of her firs-"

Alison slapped Oswald across the face.

"Don't make the host of this challenge deduct points from you." Oswald crossed his arms. "You asked and I answered. You not liking it is your own problem. Now then, I suggest you find someone to steal things from because the person most likely to gift you deeds is currently taking a sand nap, it seems. Good luck and all that, now off you go!"


Shift Camera Focus

Across the desert, Watts and Jenae were busily engaged in a stealing stalemate as they continued to take deeds from each other. The pattern would go thusly: Jenae would steal from Watts, Watts would take his deed back, Jenae would take another deed from Watts, mention that she is simply a partner and not beholden to the player rules of the challenge, and the cycle would continue.

Thus was their fate for the challenge, until Mirai appeared, tacking Jenae from behind.

"What the fuck was that?!"

"I am not about to let you hinder my friend in this challenge!" Mirai shouted as she wrested the deed Jenae happened to be holding at the time from her hands and handed Watts the deeds that she had collected. "Alison's stuff and this deed for…The Chicken Coop?"

"Gabriel gave me his luxuries." Watts mentioned. "For some reason he's adamant about not winning immunity this challenge."


Confessional: Watts

"I know the reason. But Jenae doesn't, and I'm not about to let her know it. If I'm alone with Mirai later, I'll tell her then, but basically, Gabriel has some special knowledge or other about the nature of the advantages in play and is pulling for me to win immunity because of it. Not that I think it matters, we're all voting off Alison anyways."

End Confessional


"You pink-haired bimbo, don't give away that stuff freely!" Jenae criticized. "Especially not to that wimp!"

"Hey, Mirai." Watts grinned, realizing that Jenae was pinned. "Mind looking for something else that Jenae might have on her?"

"Oh?"

"The Sword Immunity Medal."

"Ha! Sucks to be you, Watkins, it's fucking gone! Crew yoinked it from me after I was blindsided!" Jenae spat up at the player.

"Is that the truth?!" Mirai applied pressure.

"Gah! It's the truth, fuck!" Jenae pounded the sand with her palm. "Get off of me you violent woman!"

"I catch you stealing anything off him, you're getting a faceful of sand again." Mirai warned as she released Jenae.

"Thank you." Jenae caught her breath, before sweeping her leg under Mirai and tripping her onto the sand. "And fuck you. That's for the foul play!"

"They took it from you?" Watts asked Jenae as he helped Mirai to her feet.

"Yeah, right after the elimination." Jenae crossed her arms. "Interns took it from me and as far as I know they still have it."

"No, they don't have it anymore." Watts put a hand to his chin in thought. "I know exactly what's gone on."


Confessional: Watts

"The 'advantages' that Chris was talking about are the two medals that haven't been used yet. The word 'advantage' was misdirection intended to help whomever found them. Considering that advantages are being used in the plural, then I can assume that the Fox Immunity Medal is also back in play, and only one person can benefit from that medal. If Cherry wasn't the one who found the advantages, that medal likely would be destroyed for real, or at least missing, because if Gabriel or I had found it we would have shared it with each other, and I doubt Phooko or Alison would do Cherry that big of a solid to deliver it to her. But it was clearly stated that two advantages were in play right now, meaning someone can use them. Only Cherry would keep the medal that only benefits her. At some point, she must have talked to Gabriel about this, at least a bit, which would explain his faith in not gaining immunity. It's possible he currently has the Sword Medal, or maybe Cherry still has it and will hand it off to one or the other of us depending on how immunity goes. But…now that I've figured this out…Another idea comes to mind, one quite petty if I'm being honest, and really risky, but possibly the best way to give Alison her comeuppance. In order for that to happen though…"

End Confessional


Location: Neart Highlands

Contestant(s): Alison, Cherry, Gabriel, Phooko, Watts

Partner(s): Arnold, Ellie, Mirai, Jenae

"Did you deliver?" Cherry asked Arnold as they reconvened.

"As asked. And Donny's currently stuck in some sand." Arnold proudly proclaimed.

Cherry sputtered out a laugh. "Well, at least something entertaining came out of this partnership. No deeds for me, I hope?"

"Not one. Putting Donny in the sand took a lot of effort."

"Then there's nothing left for us to do but head towards Tine Naofa. Challenge will be over soon."

"Alright." Arnold nodded.


Confessional: Cherry

"Many players are no doubt starting to realize what is going to happen tonight. Some might have even figured out that I've got a hand in how things are, but no one, I repeat, no one is going to be able to touch me. I think I know how this challenge is going to pan out, but I'm not quite sure. To that end, Arnold and I are staking out what is sure to be an entertaining meeting between the rest of the Final Five…and a few of their partners."

End Confessional


The rest of the players and their partners, save Donny, met up further into the highlands.

"Alison." Watts nodded.

"James." Alison nodded. "Gabriel."

"Alison." Gabriel nodded.

"Phooko." Watts noticed Phooko approach.

"Fudo." Phooko nodded to the original Fudo members.

"Well then, the gang's all here!" Ellie joked. "What ahhh…what is this about?"

"Immunity." Jenae crossed her arms.

"Who is going to have it." Mirai followed suit.

"I currently have the most deeds on me." Watts noted. "I have 12."

"I have 4." Alison nodded. "The others don't have any…Jenae?"

"Why would I help you?" Jenae asked. "If I'm handing these over to anyone…it's probably the Ebisu kid."

"Handing them over?" Watts wondered.

Jenae quickly tripped Mirai and took a handful of deeds from Watts before tossing them towards Phooko.

Phooko and Alison both dove towards the deeds while Gabriel made sure both Mirai and Watts were alright.

"What's the count looking like now?" Jenae asked with a huff. "That helps you out, Ebisu?"

"I have…I have 7!" Phooko counted.

"Yep, I'm down to 5." Watts announced.

"Then I need to get two of those back to Watts!" Ellie lunged toward Phooko who dodged out of the way.

"Sorry Ellie, but you aren't going to be able to do that."

"The sun's coming up soon." Gabriel noticed. "The challenge is going to end."


Confessional: Phooko

"This…is not the ideal place for my plan, but if I don't commit to it, I'll never know. Alison can't steal enough from me before the time limit, so I'm going to have to give her the win if I want to follow through with this…but if I do that in front of Gabriel and Watts…well there goes any goodwill I have with them…but she's definitely going to vote for one of them if she wins immunity. That sole vote of the night won't be cast on me!"

End Confessional


"Nothing ventured, nothing gained…" Phooko took a breath and shoved all of his luxury deeds into Alison's hands.

"TIME!" Oswald announced through a megaphone.


The Final Tallies:
Cherry…0 Luxuries

Gabriel…0 Luxuries

Phooko…0 Luxuries

Watts…5 Luxuries (Chicken Coop, Outhouse, Hot Tub, Towels, Mattresses)

Alison…11 Luxuries (Cabin, Shower, Water Bottles, Canoe, Grill, Charcoal, Fishing Spear, Breakfast, Dinner, Couch, Snorkeling Equipment)

The winner of the sole vote of the night: Alison


Location: Tine Naofa Bonfire Pit Elimination Ceremony

Contestant(s): All Remaining

Partner(s): Arnold, Donny, Ellie, Jenae, Mirai

"Well…" Oswald looked over the luxuries. "It appears as though the winner of immunity, and the sole vote of the night, is Alison."

"No thanks to you." Alison crossed her arms.

"Now then…" Oswald looked over the contestants. "Here is how this will work. There will be no discussion. Alison, you will head up to the voting booth, alone, and write a single name down. When you are done, you'll come back here. Chris will tally the votes like always, and while he does that, I will give everyone present their final possibility to play advantages. Do you understand?"

"Is there any fairy logic involved here?" Alison yawned.

"If there is, it's certainly unintentional on my part." Oswald responded. "Are you ready to cast your vote?"

"Very well then, I am."


Confessional: Alison

"The right person won immunity today, that much is obvious. But which of the wonder twins to disgrace? Hm…Or do I backstab that annoying French girl for being annoying? Or should I get rid of the Ebisu with a chip on his shoulder as a 'thanks' for my immunity?"

End Confessional


Confessional: Phooko

"There's a reason I gave away all my luxuries instead of only what was required. It gives Alison more incentive to vote for Watts. If she does, she collects every single luxury available. That's huge for someone spoiled like her, and a good shield for me."

End Confessional


Confessional: Cherry

"While Alison is up at the voting booth, now is the time to sneak the sword medal to someone who can use it. Luckily, the final five are sitting in alphabetical order tonight so…"

End Confessional


Gabriel felt the press against his hip, and without looking, grabbed hold of whatever it was and put it into his pocket.


Confessional: Gabriel

"Alright. Sink or Swim time…"

End Confessional


Eventually, Alison returned.

"I've cast my vote." She informed Oswald and Chris.

"I'll go tally the vote." Chris nodded as he went off.

"Alright then." Oswald smiled at the cast.

"Congratulations one more, Final Five. That's an accomplishment to be incredibly proud of, especially in this season where it's always been a single elimination at a time. However, for one of you, tonight will be your final night. Speaking of final nights, it is also the final night for any advantages to be played, so if anyone has one and would like to play it…now would be the time to do so."

"I have one." Ellie raised her hand, and took out the Fox Medal. "I picked it up from the fire, see." She lied. "And I'd like to play it to keep Cherry in the game."

"This…is the Fox Immunity Medal." Oswald announced. "And Ellie is an eligible person to play it as an original Team Inari member. If Alison's vote is cast for Cherry, it will be nullified, forcing Phooko, Watts, and Gabriel into a three-way tiebreaker.

"About that…" Gabriel rose a hand. "What happens in a three-way tiebreaker anyways?"

"Footrace." Cherry answered.

"What? No." Arnold shook his head. "There's a revote, remember!"

"In most circumstances." Cherry nodded. "But not when there is only one vote of the night."

"A footrace, huh?" Gabriel thought to himself. "Alright then."

He took out the Sword Medal.

"I too, have an advantage that I am eligible to play, and would like to…"

He handed Oswald the Sword Medal.

"Play this medal for my friend, Watts."


Confessional: Gabriel

"Watts has the luxuries, and Alison is going to want to damage me emotionally. There is no way she isn't voting for Watts. I might be putting my game on the line, but I can take Phooko in a footrace, I know I can. And even if Chris doesn't use a footrace, it'll still be a physical tiebreaker, and I have a better shot at winning one that Watts does. Sorry to put myself at risk like this buddy, but it's the best way forward."

End Confessional


"This is the Sword Immunity Medal." Oswald confirmed. "Any votes for-"

"Wait." Watts stood up. "Can I give my immunity away to a different Fudo member?"

"You want to…give your immunity back to Gabriel?" Oswald asked. "The vote might be for you, you know."

"It might be for him." Watts stood his ground. "In fact…I know it's for him."

"You don't know bollocks." Alison snarked.

"Oh really?" Watts grinned. "Are you really going to vote me off? I was the only one taking you even remotely seriously as a threat. Your ego wouldn't allow that. You aren't going to vote for Phooko after he so publicly burned bridges like that, too useful. And you probably would have voted for Cherry, but I happen to know that Gabriel has tossed you aside for a second time now. There is no way, no way someone as predictably petty and selfish and juvenile as you isn't going to vote for him in a fit of anger."

"Gabriel." Oswald turned back to Gabriel. "Watts wants to will his immunity back to you, but as you played the Sword Medal, the onus is on you to accept it, or to stick with your original decision."

"There is one thing you're missing from your explanation, Watts." Gabriel informed his partner. "Alison truly is as predictable as you say she is, but she is also absolutely addicted to the spotlight, to the point where she has the memory of a goldfish about it. And the person who has been giving her the most attention recently…is me. She wants to get me back, absolutely, but she wants to be as showy as possible. I'm sticking with my original decision. Watts remains immune."

"Alright then." Oswald said. "If the vote Alison cast is for Watts or Cherry, it will be negated and Phooko and Gabriel will compete in a tiebreaker…"

"Oh, it looks like I'm just in time!" Chris smiled as he brought a platter of medals back with him.

"Alison, here is your medal. You're safe. Come on up."

Alison walked forwards.

"Cherry, Watts, thanks to the immunity medals, you two are safe as well. Come on up!"


Confessional: Cherry

"And now, how will Gabriel's gambit play out?"

End Confessional


Confessional: Watts

"Man, I really really hope that you know what you're doing…"

End Confessional


Confessional: Gabriel

"Alright…one medal left…moment of truth…"

End Confessional


Confessional: Phooko

"This was perhaps the worst possible outcome for what I wanted. I was hoping for someone to play advantages, but it's clear to me that whoever did find them moved them around. If Gabriel had had that medal the whole time, there is no way he'd have sat on it until now, and we all know Ellie didn't take that medal out of the fire. We saw her go into the Tomb of Shame….But I can't think of any reason she'd lie about that unless she was protecting Cherry! And Cherry knew she was guaranteed immunity this whole time…no wonder she was practically absent from the challenge. Oh, clever clever girl."

End Confessional


"Gents, this is the final medal of the night." Chris informed Gabriel and Phooko.

"And it goes to…

… Gabriel."

"WHAT?!" Nearly everyone was surprised.

"WHY?!" Phooko turned toward Alison.

"Donny handed me 2 luxuries, which means you gave them to him." Alison noted. "They were yours after all, and do you know what that ugly rancid buffoon did? He tried to put his lips on me! Ew! That was your fault, you know! Also there was no way I was going to risk getting one of the wonder twins wrong. Though I will admit I was closer to casting a vote for James than for Gabriel."

"Way to screw up, Plooko." Donny sniffed angrily. "Now it's gonna be more of a hassle to tap that!"

"Dude, anything you thought might've been there was clearly just her using you." Jenae finally spoke the obvious.

"I just…Wow. I'm not even upset I lost at this point." Phooko shook his head. "I'm just dumbfounded that a person like this actually exists…"

"Donny or Alison?" Mirai jokingly smirked.

"Ah, take your pick." Phooko sighed, before standing up.

"Whelp. What can I say guys? Good game. Send the British one down next, please. Maybe, if there is a next time, we can be on the same team from the get-go and have a better time working together."

"Maybe." Cherry shrugged.

"I'd like that." Gabriel nodded.

"Next time, dude. And mad props on making it this far." Watts congratulated Phooko.

And without another word, Phooko walked into the Tomb of Shame.

"And now, I must take your partners back down with me." Oswald bowed. "It was lovely meeting three of you. Come along, partners!"

Mirai, Arnold, and Ellie, all waved goodbye while Donny sulked, muttering about hiring someone to take over the game, and Jenae wondered whether or not to comfort him.

"Is it over?" Gabriel wondered. "Do we get sleep at last?"

"You do." Chris grinned. "The four of you are safe…for now. Go use the rest of the day and tonight to rest up, because tomorrow…Tomorrow you are in for one doozy of a challenge."

Chris waited until the contestants had left the desert and returned to camp, before approaching the Tomb of Shame, and pressing a remote. A figure draped in a blue hoodie walked out of the door. "You'll want to start setting up now. I'll keep them out of the challenge area until it's ready, though I doubt they'll be very mobile anyways."

"Alright." The young man in the hoodie responded curtly. "I'm keen to see exactly what they're made of."

"And that's a wrap on Episode 20 and the Final Five!" Chris turned into the camera. "Only four remain, and the end draws ever closer! How much longer can Alison last? Are Gabriel and Watts truly unstoppable? Now that Cherry has been forced to use her advantages how can she find a way to remain safe? Find out potentially all this and more…next time!

On Total!

Drama!

Niiiiialasach!"


*Phooko's Final Confessional:

"Again, definitely not what I was hoping for when I made my moves earlier this episode, but you know what? I'm still glad I made those moves. Chances are that even if I didn't, I'd still be facing Gabriel in a tiebreaker, and I'm not sure I can really beat him unless the tiebreaker is really heavily physical, or something that requires dexterity. But the other players were right, Final Five is pretty dang good, and I'm pretty dang proud that I got this far! I had some hiccups along the way to this placement, and the risk I took earlier tonight blew up in my face bigtime, but I've gained a lot of valuable life experience, and I'll be sure to tuck it all away in the ol' noggin in case there is ever a next time!"

End Confessional*


The Votes for those who are curious:

Alison voted for…Phooko


AN: Phooko has been eliminated. The water favored him, as the Ebisu member who would make it the furthest. Phooko was a very unique character for this fic. He had relatives he wanted to prove himself to, but he was also incredibly naive and idealistic going into the competition, and as predicted in the cast assessments, he got further because he started to sacrifice his innocence, and while there isn't anything necessarily wrong with growing up or changing your beliefs, it requires a certain amount of emotional honesty that idealistic Phooko wasn't ready to part with, which is why he so often and so readily jumped on a high horse when he really shouldn't have.

For those wondering, Phooko's alignment was Neutral Good (NG)

Having studied his actions throughout the season, Phooko receives the title of: Neutral

Phooko had some really great moments contrasting him against villainous characters like Aaron and Monica, but he was also really hampered by all the times he readily assumed a moral high ground, even when it was in direct contrast with a different moral high ground he assumed prior. He definitely doesn't condone truly villainous play, but he too readily treats those who simply play against his side as villains for him to be treated properly as a hero, therefore this Neutral rating is more of a mixed bag than simply being absent from a villain to hero scale.

Phooko's best moment: For me, probably his reconciliation with Mirai. In that instance at least, Phooko was able to get off the high horse and level with another contestant. This ultimately resulted in an incredibly strong friendship which could have been a real force to be reckoned with if it weren't for the multi-immunity Final 7 challenge. That conversation allowed Phooko to lay out his thoughts and take in another player's thoughts, and come to an understanding. Honorable mentions go to any of his like seven debates with Monica. They never end up seeing eye to eye, ever, but those were always fun to write too.

But that's all just my opinion, what do you guys think?

Phooko will be back in the finale! Will he be able to showcase just how much he's grown?

Hubert's challenge is up next! Any ideas for what it's going to be?


AN2: Discord link on profile!


EN: What a challenge with so many fun moments within that make such a good read! I love the twist of the past contestants coming back. It never gets old! Also, Oswald never gets old. I love how involved he was with the challenge and the competitors. And to top it all off, we have Phooko's Gambit that absolutely backfired in the worst way possible. I'm glad that he was still able to leave, not terribly upset that he had lost. My personal favorite moment for Phooko was the third team swap when he hugged Rashi. That moment was so sweet, and I'm a sucker for these types of things.

Hubert's challenge… will be to solve a mystery of the island that he himself created, so he won't feel inclined to solve it because he already knows what happens. Instead he will facepalm, and offer everyone hints if they get stuck. Or, how about an escape room challenge? That also sounds like fun.


AN3: And as always, thanks for reading!