What's up, everyone? AZW here yet again with another chapter of Rewritten!

First of all, I can't believe I forgot to mention this last chapter, but with the previous chapter, this story is over 200 thousand words! HOLY. FREAKING. CRAP. That's insane. And now, not only that, we're also, as of this chapter, 3/4 of the way through! Again, holy crap. I never thought I'd ever even get this story made, and now it's almost over. All that's is the final four elim, the final three elim, the finale, and the epilogue. This is truly coming to an end. And I can't wait to share it with the world.

As for this one, I hope you enjoy! This will be the last one I post before I leave for my vacation, and I won't be doing any writing then. So, progress will start on the next chapter will be starting when I get back in June.

But enough about that! There's a new chapter too read! Let's get into it!

"Welcome back once again to Total Drama Island: Rewritten!" The iconic host of the show, Chris McLean, greeted his viewers. Standing inside the mess hall, he began, "Last time, we paid a visit to Playa des Losers to check in with our first three jurors; Brooke, Wind, and Weenus. They decompressed and talked a bit about their eliminations, or in Wind's case, her quitting the game. And of course, there was some early talk on their jury votes, and who they'd be for!"

"However, once we left Playa des Losers and arrived back on Wawanakwa, the game continued its faster and faster march to the end! And these people are certainly playing like it's the end, too!" He then added.

"In our immunity challenge, everyone walked away with a little something; whether it be a vacation for David or cold hard cash in Neda's case. On the other hand, Godfrey, Liana, and John all walked away with prizes that'd help their games; a special power for Godfrey, our final immunity idol for Liana, and regular ol' immunity for John. And as for Vivi…." The host trailed off.

The host motioned to his left, and the camera panned to a flat-screen TV with a couch and beanbags in front of it. "She gave up her prize to let everyone hear from their family members, which the five certainly appreciated. Whether it was Neda's dad, Godfrey's sister, or Liana's beloved girlfriend, everyone was more than happy to hear from those back home that are rooting them on and thankful to Vivi for letting them see them at her own expense."

Chris then began cackling like a madman. "But they weren't thankful enough to keep the rocker around!" Laughing a bit more, he then added, "In another shocking elimination, where Liana played her idol and left three of the six campers there immune, Vivi was the recipient of a shocking blindside, which was perpetrated by her friend John and happily carried out by her frenemy Liana, who was believing a lie that John told her that Vivi had turned on her and was going to eliminate her that night. And with that, Vivi became our fourth juror, and left five remaining!"

Wrapping the introduction up, he announced, "The game keeps on rolling, however! Tonight, we'll officially have more jurors than competitors as we find out the final four! Who's going to be part of it? What dastardly deals will take place? And who will be sent to the Jury next? Well, you'll find out right here, right now on…

TOTAL!

DRAMA!

ISLAND: REWRITTEN!"

Immediately following the campfire ceremony, everyone had departed and gone to bed for the evening. Some had been thoroughly satisfied with the night's events, like Liana. And some, like Godfrey and David, were thoroughly confused. And there were two that were left feeling a sense of accomplishment with how things had gone.

As Neda and John meandered at the campfire pit, its flames already extinguished, and the only thing illuminating the smoke that arose was the light of a full moon, Neda's grin could easily be seen. "Wow, John!" She cheerfully said to him, "I can't believe that you managed to pull that off!"

Trying not to let how proud he felt show on his face, John kept his mask of neutrality as he evenly responded, "I hope this shows that I'm dedicated to the final two, Neda. I put in some real work to make it happen."

Neda giggled at that. "I learned my lesson, John! You really are the real deal." Now looking curious, the superfan asked, "So John, how'd you do it, anyway?"

"Liana," he told her simply. "I told her a little lie about Vivi. And you know how those two were, always looking for a reason to get mad at each other. So, of course, Liana was more than willing to take Vivi out."

"And you got her to burn the idol, too!" Neda exclaimed, admiration clear in her voice. "Like, seriously John! That's just so impressive!"

Finally, John grew a bit of a cocky smirk. "Yeah, it is, isn't it?" He asked her, which just made the superfan laugh. As quick as it appeared though, the smirk disappeared. "Unfortunately, I wasn't able to get it as clean as I'd like, Neda."

When the superfan looked at him curiously, John answered, "In order to get Liana on our side, I….kinda had to throw you under the bus a little bit." At that, Neda looked like she took a bit directly out of a lemon, which amused John greatly. "Yeah, sorry Neda. But Liana's still annoyed with you, so I figured that it was the best way to get her on our side."

'Of course,' Neda thought to herself, rather annoyed. Masking her annoyance, however, Neda just shrugged. "I know that Liana can be….prickly. So we just need her for now."

"And then we cut her ass at the three," John affirmed to her with a nod. "And one of us wins this game, Neda."

At that, the superfan couldn't help herself but smile. "One of us gets a million dollars richer, John."

"That sounds like a pretty good story to me," he told her with excitement tinging his voice. "Just make sure to fund my art for a while if you win."

That made the superfan giggle more. "And feel free to pay for my college tuition if you win!"

The duo shared a laugh for a few moments before the raven-haired artist yawned. "I think that's a sign that I need some shuteye. We still got a few more big days ahead of us, Neda."

"Good night, John," Neda warmly told him as he walked past, raising an arm up in acknowledgment as he quickly vanished into the darkness.

Fully alone, Neda looked up at the moon and closed her eyes. "I'm so close," she whispered to herself. "I can taste it. No days off."

And with that, Neda made her way back to the girl's cabin herself.

Static

Confessional: Neda

"I truly am impressed that John pulled off that kind of move on Liana," she honestly tells the confessional camera. "That's the kind of thing that takes a bit of skill to pull off."

She then frowns into the camera. "Of course, him telling me that he got Liana on our side by throwing me under the bus isn't great. I mean, who knows what he told her to get her vote?" Neda sighs exasperatedly. "For all I know, he told her that he'd take her to the final two. And who knows if he's gonna do that or not?" She then asks. "I mean, that's what I'd do! John says that he's gonna take me to the end…but I just don't know."

Static

Static

Confessional: John

"I could tell that Neda wasn't exactly enthused that I had to bury her like I did," John casually told the camera, before rubbing some sleep from his eyes. "But, it's an individual game. So if I can both get Liana on my side and make Liana madder at Neda?" He grinned. "That's a win-win as far as I'm concerned."

As Godfrey calmly made his way out of the boy's cabin the next morning, he glanced to his right and was happy to see just the people that he was looking for. "Ah, Neda and John!" He cheerfully called. The pair, which, based on their clothing, were getting ready for another run, turned and faced the charmer as he approached.

"Hey, Godfrey," John greeted the charmer evenly, watching him like he was a dangerous animal.

Neda, however, greeted Godfrey with no such hesitance. "Hi, Godfrey!" She greeted him with much more enthusiasm, which made the charmer grin amusedly.

"As always, your two personalities are so different, and yet, the way you get along so well warms my heart," Godfrey told the pair amusedly, his voice carrying the slightest hint of a mocking lilt. "It reminds me of those videos you'd see on the internet of a cat becoming friends with a mouse or something."

"You really do have such a way with words, Godfrey," John told him with a roll of his eyes. "I hope you're going to college to become a spoken word poet or something."

Godfrey and Neda laughed heartily at John's jab. "And you should consider a career in stand-up comedy, Lane. Your quick wit would be perfect for becoming one of those insult comics you'd see on those celebrity roasts."

John couldn't help but laugh at that. "You're lucky we get along Godfrey, otherwise I'd have to wonder what I did to make you say something so awful to me."

The trio shared a laugh for a few more moments before Godfrey then spoke, "So, I just wanted to chat with the pair of you because I was wondering, why did Vivi leave last night when Liana was the plan that we had discussed?"

The pair looked at each other out of the sides of their eyes for a few moments, but it was Neda who spoke. "You know how it is, Godfrey," Neda told him, her voice taking on a business-like tone. "We were able to swing Liana's vote to advance our spots in the game." She gave him a grin. "You'd know a thing or two about that, wouldn't you?"

At that, Godfrey could only laugh and nod his head. "Dammit Neda, you got me there!" Highly amused, he asked, "So, I guess that you're the new final three with Liana, then?" Neda and John didn't even react to the question, instead just staring at him silently. "I see, I get it. I wouldn't tell you what my plans were if the shoe was on the other foot, so I can't say that I'm upset."

Godfrey then gave the two a cocky smile. "I hope that the pair of you know that I'm not just going to lay down and die. I admire your two's move, and I appreciate the new challenge, but this is not over. I'm going to pull out all the stops to take you two out, then. Just know that for both of you, it's not personal whatsoever." He gave the pair another, more menacing smile. "It's just business. Nothing more."

To John and Neda's credit, the two of them weren't intimidated by Godfrey's words. "I'd expect nothing less from you, Godfrey!" Neda cheerfully told him. "When I beat you, I want you to be at the top of your game, after all."

Godfrey laughed again. "Neda, I can't wait to hang out with you after this game at some point. You're such a fascinating human being."

"You're not exactly boring yourself, Godfrey," Neda told him with a competitive smile.

"And that offer extends to you too, John," Godfrey added as he turned and faced the artist. "Granted, if you can be stationary in one country for more than a month."

John grinned himself. "For you Godfrey, I think I can make an exception. I can't imagine what you're like out in your home environment."

"If you two ever find yourselves in Maryland, hit me up and I'll show you," Godfrey invited as he turned and began to walk away, before turning back to face the pair once more and announcing, "Well, this was productive talk. See you later, and may the best one win. Prepare yourselves; I'm going to do my best to destroy you two." And with those departing words, Godfrey walked away, towards the men's cabin. What the duo hadn't seen, however, was the scowl that rippled across the charmer's face as he walked away.

Static

Confessional: Godfrey

With the same irritated scowl etched on his face, Godfrey tells the confessional camera, "I'm certainly not angry that Neda and John betrayed me." He shakes his head. "I can't be mad at people doing to me what I've done to them. That'd make me a hypocrite of the highest order, and I refuse to be a hypocrite."

He narrows his eyes. "But, just because I don't mind the move doesn't mean that I'm going to take it lying down. No, I'm going to do everything I possibly can to survive this vote and destroy their little alliance."

Static

After a few moments of silence, John spoke his mind. "That was pleasant. I hope he doesn't do it again."

"Did you expect Godfrey to go about it any other way, John?" Neda asked the artist amusedly. "He's got to make a big production out of everything. You know that."

John sighed in exasperation. "You're right, but I thought for once he'd act like a normal person. Instead, he congratulates us on the betrayal and offers to hang out after the season." After a moment, John acquiesced, "Though, I think I'd take the faux-friendliness over screaming and crying. I've gotten enough of that from Liana to last a lifetime."

Neda openly laughed at that. "I know, right?" Quickly looking around, Neda added, "Good thing she hasn't heard us, though. And besides," she quickly added, "I don't think there's anything Godfrey can do."

John sagely nodded. "Yup. I'm not one to count my eggs before they hatch, but Neda, let's say that our final two looks good."

Neda grinned. "But, enough game talk! How about we go on that run now? I feel nice and limber now."

"Sounds good to me," John easily responded as the duo began to run into the forest.

Static

Confessional: Neda

The superfan sits happily in the confessional, sipping from a glass of orange juice. "So, I don't want to say that I have this game all stitched up or anything like that," she began carefully. "I've said it before, and I'm gonna say it again because it's true, and will continue to be true as long as shows like Total Drama, Survivor, and Big Brother continue, that when you become complacent with your spot in the game is when you're at the most risk."

Taking another sip, she continued with a cheeky grin, "But with that part going unsaid, I feel really, really good about my spot in this game, especially with there being so little time left." Beginning to rattle off her points, she began, "I have my final two with John. I think I can beat him in a jury vote pretty easily. At most, I think it'd be 5-2. Liana is also in the final three, and in case I win final immunity, I can decide I wanna take her to the end, and if I do that, I think I'd be able to beat her even more handily than John." Doing math in her head for a few moments, she then decided, "That may be an even more decisive victory; I could see that being 6-1, or even a clean sweep."

Then shaking her head, she told the camera, "But I can't think like that too much. So many people have lost these games because they focused on the end instead of the moment. And while it's important to think about the end too, if you ignore the present, you'll miss what's happening around you. And that's when you get stabbed in the back and sent off to jury."

Neda strongly shook her head. "And I refuse to let that happen to me."

Static

Static

Confessional: John

The artist takes a sip from a thermos of coffee. "What I've learned in this game more than anything is that you should keep your options open. If you have one single plan, and that plan blows up, you're pretty much screwed."

The artist grimaces. "Trust me on that. I've learned that lesson the tough way. Trying to ride the middle and make deals with everyone?" He shakes his head. "Fat load of good it did me. I mean, sure. I'm in the final five and in the majority alliance of three." He then shrugs. "I'm also seen as the untrustworthy rat who people have wanted out since the merge who most people don't really respect."

He snorts. "I'm probably the least popular cast member, too, just to top it all off." He then smirks to himself. "But that part, I'm not too concerned about." Getting back to the topic at hand, he takes another sip from his thermos and continues, "And honestly, who knows if Neda actually wants to take me to the end? I mean, she certainly says she does, but as Liana and Vivi learned and have made sure to tell everyone, Neda says a lot."

"So in summation, I suck and the jury more than likely doesn't respect me." John then gives the camera a sly smile. "So, that's where my opening topic of keeping my options open comes from. Instead of just clinging to the fantasy that I can keep riding the middle, I've got one last big move. One that may just win me this game."

The artist eyes the camera. "If the jury doesn't respect me, I'll just have to change that perception. And I know just how. It's time to flip the script."

Static

Opening the screen door that led into the men's cabin, Godfrey found exactly who he was looking for. "David," He greeted casually, seeing the Newfie relaxing on his bed, staring up at the mattress above him.

Flicking his eyes towards Godfrey, David grinned. "Hey, dude," the chef greeted. "What's up?"

Sitting down on his bed across the room from the Newfies, Godfrey calmly told him, "Thinking. I hope you're thinking the same thing I am, David."

"If you mean thinking about how we're hopelessly outnumbered, then yeah, that's exactly what I'm thinking," David dejectedly told Godfrey.

"That's a bleak way of looking at it," Godfrey chided, before admitting, "But that's not exactly wrong, either."

"But let me guess," David suddenly interrupted, sitting up and staring directly into the charmer's face. "You've got a plan."

Godfrey laughed. "I'm certainly not going to lay down and die, David!" He good-naturedly told him. "But, at the moment, I'm still calculating one. But, I do need you," he revealed. "Or more like, we need each other."

David was silent, waiting for Godfrey to continue, which the charmer was eager to do. "David, I know that since Weenus got blindsided, things haven't been exactly peachy. But all that needs to end right now because the facts are that we are totally alone. Liana, Neda, and John are a three." Staring right into the Newfie's blue eyes, Godfrey harshly continued, "I don't know what kind of deal you had with Vivi and Liana, and frankly, I don't care about what it was either, because whatever it was is dead and buried. Vivi's gone and Liana's betrayed you, just as Neda and John have betrayed me." David was silent as the charmer continued his monologue, "And the fact is that we're at a hopeless, nigh insurmountable disadvantage."

Godfrey then flashed that confident smile that David was extremely familiar with at this stage. "But, just because it looks impossible doesn't mean it is. We still have a chance as long as we're here, David."

David stared at the charmer for a few moments, simply absorbing everything he had told him, before finally saying, "Have I ever told you that I admire your confidence, Godfrey?"

Godfrey couldn't help but laugh at that. "Once or twice."

"So, you've got something cooking," David then repeated. "And you're right, I am pretty much alone. What are you thinking, man?"

"Firstly, you and I need to make a final two, David," Godfrey plainly told the Newfie, which made him widen his eyes in surprise. "Simply put, we need to because, look around, we only have each other." Godfrey then folded his arms. "I know that you haven't trusted me for a while, David. And I know that I haven't given you a reason to, and you're not just right to, but smart to not trust me, but we're all we have left."

On a roll, the charmer rambled, "Honestly David, it'd be in your best interest to take me to the end anyway. Think about it, man!" He held up his hands and waved them around. "Think about all the nasty stuff I've done in this game. I've backstabbed, blindsided, betrayed, and all other manner of horrible things I've done to the jurors." Deciding that just saying it wasn't enough, he then began to rattle off, "Think about what I did to Brooke and Liana. They hate me. They'll vote for you easily." He held up two fingers. "That's two guaranteed votes right there, my man. I was your best option to begin with!"

Finishing his speech, Godfrey concluded, "It's almost like fate. One last time, the two beasts of The Agency separate, and then come back together at the end to go to the end together, like they had planned on day damn one. David, The Agency needs to band together one last time. It's gonna be a reunion tour for the ages. If we don't we're getting eliminated back to back. Without debate." Godfrey then unfolded his arms and held out a hand towards David. "What do you say, David? You down to get back together?"

David stared at Godfrey's outstretched hand for what felt like ages. Finally, he heaved a heavy sigh and replied, "I've known you since the literal start of this game, Godfrey. I know how you operate, man. It's impressive what you get away with by just using certain words or phrases." David shook his head then. "I know you're exactly right, as per usual. We are pretty screwed here. But I just can't trust you, man."

David then glared right at Godfrey. "So Godfrey, I'll only shake your hand and agree if you repeat what I say. You have to promise me that you won't betray me and that you swear and promise that you'll take me to the final two."

Without missing a beat, Godfrey stared right at David and told him, "David, I promise that I won't betray you for the rest of this game and that we will be the final two."

After letting the charmer's words sink in for a few moments, David finally let a grin spread across his face. "Alright. The Agency ran this game before. Let's run it one more time." And with those words, Godfrey and David's hands clasped and shook.

Static

Confessional: David

"Am I happy about working with Godfrey?" He asks the camera, then immediately answers by shaking his head. "Not really. He's backstabbed my friends and sent two of my alliance mates out behind my back. Not to mention all the shady stuff that the dude's pulled on people throughout the season so far, man. So no, I can't say that I'm totally thrilled about it."

He then gives the camera a grin. "But, it's my only option! So, I'm gonna look at this with a good attitude. And really, it could be worse. I could be stuck with someone who doesn't wanna work with me at all, or heck, I could have been eliminated already! Plus, I got Godfrey to literally agree not to betray me."

His smile falters for a moment. "I mean, he could just be playing me…." But then the Newfie's smile returns. "But he hasn't lied pretty much all season! Why would he start now, so close to the end? And plus, I do think that if it was me and Godfrey at the end, I'd beat him, too! So if we manage to swing one of those three to our side, we may just have a chance!"

Static

Static

Confessional: Godfrey

"Working with David yet again….." Godfrey trails off, amused, as he shakes his head. "Funny how the closer to the end we get, the more we return to the beginning. But, unlike then, David is, quite literally, my last resort."

He then laughs. "How smart of him to force me to agree to take him to the end, too! Now, I'm bound to my word to take him." Wiggling his eyebrows to the camera, he slyly says, "Now, of course, I could just not take him anyway…but I don't know yet. We'll have to see. And, we'll have to see how this uneasy alliance works for both of us."

Static

With a clap of his hands as he stood, Godfrey announced, "Well! This was a productive conversation. Now, we need to work together. Let's go talk to Liana."

"You wanna do that now?" David questioned, surprised. "Don't we wanna talk to her closer to the elimination ceremony?"

"No, we don't," Godfrey responded. "We're gonna talk to all the members of their alliance, and see if we can grab any of them. We start with Liana. Then later we talk to Neda and John. All we need is one, but if we can grab two of them and make them think they're the third, they'll target each other over us. And that will let us slip right to the end."

After a moment of absorbing the charmer's words, David nodded his acceptance. "That all sounds good to me, dude!" The Newfie cheerfully told him. "Let's do it!"

And with that, the reformed Agency made their way out the door of the cabin, determined to save their lives in the game.

Liana hummed to herself happily as she lay on a chair on the beach. Wearing a bikini top and swimming trunks, along with a pair of aviator sunglasses, the gambler was enjoying the heat of the sun as she lounged and worked on her ever-present book of math problems, a smile on her face as she did so.

Suddenly, the gambler became confused as the sunlight illuminating her book went dark. Looking up, she lifted her sunglasses down slightly to peer up over their rims at the two male figures standing in front of her. Mildly annoyed as she lifted her sunglasses back to cover her eyes, she asked, "What can I do you two for?"

"First of all," David began, surprising Godfrey, who peered over at the Newfie but said nothing, "Why'd you vote out Vivi, Liana? I thought we were an alliance!"

Liana shrugged at David indifferently as she pushed her glasses up on her face to cover her eyes. "It was gonna be a three-three split, David. At that point, I'd rather not be at risk by drawing rocks, so I decided to make a new majority." Though Godfrey and David couldn't see it, Liana narrowed her eyes angrily as she muttered, "And John told me that Vivi had linked up with himself and you, Godfrey. But he told me about it, and we sent her traitorous ass out of here," She spat, venom almost dripping from her tone. "Does that do it for you?"

David glanced over at the charmer, surprised by Liana's revelation, but Godfrey wore a surprised look of his own. "John said that himself, Liana, and I were an alliance?" He asked, to which Liana answered with a single nod. "That's pretty strange because John certainly never told me about that plan," Godfrey admitted.

"Oh, yeah right," Liana muttered under her breath. "Save it, Godfrey."

Godfrey stared right at her face, a hard look in his eyes. "Liana, if I was in a surprise final three alliance, don't you think I'd want to know about it?"

At that, Liana was silent, mulling over the facts in her mind. And after a few seconds, she shrugged indifferently. "Whatever. John lied to get me to ally with him. We're still the majority and I still got to blindside Vivi. I'll get over it."

"And about that…" Godfrey trailed off, his trademark grin on his face. "What do you think about ditching those two and joining up with us?"

For just a moment, Liana looked to be considering their proposal seriously. But the moment came and went, and the gambler just scoffed. "Fat chance, Godfrey."

"That's a mistake, Liana. You're going to the end with a pair. You're gonna be the odd one out at the final three," David pointed out.

Again, his rebuff was met with a scoff. "And what the hell are you two jokers then?" She annoyedly asked. "You're not seriously trying to convince me that you're not a pair either, are you?"

"We're not," David strongly told her. "We've only come together because we have to. Who's to say that either of us will take you to the end, Liana?" He then asked.

"David's right," Godfrey agreed. "We only just came back together. And I can assure you that it took a lot of convincing on David's behalf. Liana, we're not nearly as solid a pair as Neda and John are."

Liana was now silent at that, seemingly weighing the Agency's proposition a lot more closely now. "I'll think about it," Was all she told them as she went back to her book.

"Wonderful!" Godfrey cheered. "That's all we need. Just think about it. I think you'll realize that we're your best chance to win." When Liana didn't respond, Godfrey just motioned for David to follow, and the pair left the girl on her own once more.

Once they were out of earshot from Liana, Godfrey and David turned to each other. "Good work on the convos there, David," Godfrey praised him.

"Do you think it'll be enough?" The Newfie asked.

"It doesn't matter if it was enough," Godfrey told David. "Remember, we're gonna be covering all our bases here. The challenge is probably coming up soon, man. After the challenge, we're gonna be talking to John and Neda as well. Even if we don't get Liana, which we may do either way, we can still get Neda and John."

"But…..what happens if we don't get any of them?" David then asked, not sure if he wanted to hear the answer.

"Then one of us is going home, and the other will have to win all the immunity challenges left to make it to the end," Godfrey plainly answered the Newfie. "That's why we gotta make sure we put all our effort into getting one of the three to flip, man. I don't want to have to win out to make it to the end."

"Guess we do," David tiredly responded. "We have no other choice."

Just as Godfrey and David receded from view, Liana rolled her eyes. "Sheesh," she grumbled to herself as she reached to grab her book of math problems, which was laid out on the sand.

"I assume that they were pitching to you."

Liana looked back up in surprise to see John standing in front of her, arms folded and an amused look on his face. "So, how sold on their alliance are you?" He teasingly asked.

Liana just groaned. "It's not like I didn't expect them to campaign or anything, but really, why would I turn now?" She asked John in response. "I mean, granted, they gave some good points, but that's the thing about every pitch, John. They all have a veneer of a good point. It's when you take anything besides a surface-level look at what you're being sold that you see how bad it is for you."

Static

Confessional: Liana

Still clad in her swimwear, Liana admits to the camera, "As much as I don't like it, those two do have a point. I am the third wheel in the Neda and John pair. I mean, one of them could take me to the end, but at this point, I'd like more confidence in getting to the final two then I could make it."

Sighing, she continues, "And I get that from David and Godfrey. It's also true they've been at odds a good amount. The Apollo and Weenus blindsides have fractured that side a good amount. But…" She trails off. "It's never that easy, because they're also the stronger competition players. I don't think I'm a slouch myself or anything, but I'm not a big, strong guy like those two are. And who knows if they're even being truthful too?" She then asks aloud. "They could very well be just saying what I want to hear."

Liana's face then scrunches in thought. "Either way, this is gonna be a big decision. And John doesn't need to know that it's a big decision, either."

Static

John nodded, satisfied. "I can't blame them for trying to sway you, Liana. I mean, you did just turn on David." Seeing the shift in her body that meant she was annoyed, John held up his hands placatingly. "Not that I'm saying that was a bad thing, Liana. I'm just saying that's what happened and approaching you first makes sense."

Seeing the gambler instantly relax, the artist then probed, "Out of curiosity, what'd they say, Liana?"

"Oh, you know, about how I'd have the best chance of winning of going with them, how you and Neda are a more solid pair and are more likely to take each other to the end, crap like that," Liana flippantly answered him. "It was as about a milquetoast pitch as you could get, honestly."

John snorted a laugh in response. "Well, good to see that you weren't swayed so easily."

Liana gave him a playful smirk. "You've known me this long and you're just now learning that about me, John? I thought you learned faster than that."

"I'm a slow learner in things that aren't art class," John shot back in response, which made the pair share a chuckle. After a few moments of comfortable silence, John suddenly said, "You know, I haven't said thanks to you, Liana. So, thanks for joining up with me."

Liana lowered her sunglasses theatrically to stare at John eye-to-eye. "Did John Lane actually just thank me?" She asked, sounding mock shocked.

"It won't happen again," the artist grumbled Liana began laughing heartily.

"I mean, you don't have to thank me, John," Liana told him amusedly. "It was beneficial for all of us. But even so, you're welcome John."

Now getting down on one knee next to her, John whispered to her, "And don't think that Neda is for sure my final two, Liana. You have to say a lot to make people comfortable."

"God, I thought you were gonna propose," Liana told him after a few seconds with an amused groan.

"You interrupted before I could," John shot right back, before standing back up and wiping some sand off his knee. "But like I said, Liana. Keep the faith about the final two. I like Neda, but….."

Liana just nodded. "I got it. Don't worry, man," she told him calmly. "And I'm in the same boat as you."

John grinned at her. "Good. Glad that we got to have this conversation, Liana. See you later." And with that goodbye, John sauntered off as the gambler went back to her book.

Static

Confessional: John

"Great," John tells the camera with a content grin. "I've got the final two with Neda, and the final two in everything but words with Liana. Now, all we gotta do is make sure to win the immunity challenge and we're golden."

Static

"Hello, campers!" Chris greeted the five remaining campers on Wawanakwa's dock. "Thanks for meeting me here, and in your swimming clothes too! Just as I requested." Grinning, he then told them, "Lucky for you all, we have another fun competition today!"

Gesturing the campers to come further down the dock, towards the end, the five saw that five poles with long ropes attached to them, each with three knots tied into it, were on the dock; two poles were on the left, two on the right, and one at the very end of the dock, all of them over the water. On the dock itself were small, rounded platforms, all of which were right below the poles.

"We have ourselves another fun endurance challenge today, everyone!" Chris cheerfully announced, to the fallen faces of the campers. "And this one's definitely simple. No buttons to press, no hanging in the water, just a good ol' test to see who can hang on the longest."

Gesturing to the poles, The host explained, "You're gonna be holding on to these ropes as you hang over the dock. The knots are for different stages of the challenge; the highest knot is the easiest part of the challenge, so you'll start with that one." The host snickered before adding, "Well, I won't say there's an easy part of this challenge, so let's call it the least difficult part instead. In the first stage, you hold onto the rope just above the first knot. You'll move down to the second knot after 10 minutes, and then at 20 minutes, you'll move to the lowest knot, and the hardest part of this challenge. At that point, it's the last person standing who wins immunity."

Then gesturing to the small rounded additions to the dock under the poles, Chris continued, "These are here for all of your benefits. This way, as you hang farther and farther over the water at more intense angles, the edges of the dock don't slice into your feet."

"And finally, you have to do this challenge holding the ropes behind your back!" At the contestants' shocked faces, the host just laughed. "Yup! We're at the final five! We gotta make this tough for you all. Other than that, it's a pretty straightforward challenge. Any questions?"

"Um, I do," Neda responded. "I'm well…not nearly as tall as everyone around me," she sheepishly told the host. "Is that gonna be a problem or anything?"

"Don't you worry, Neda," Chris answered her. "Our wonderful interns have made sure that this challenge would work for everyone and be fair for everyone, and you're good to go." With the hosts' answer, Neda grinned happily as Chris then asked, "Are there any other questions?"

When met with silence for a few moments, he clapped his hands. "Alright, let's get this show on the road! Everyone grab a rope and we're gonna get this going."

Quickly, everyone found their spots; Neda and Godfrey on the left side of the dock, John and David on the right, and Liana had quickly chosen the lone pole at the end of the dock for herself.

"Alright, everyone!" Chris called. "You all have thirty seconds to have a grip on the rope and start hanging. If you happen to fall or aren't ready after the time, you're out. Understand?" A chorus of confirmations greeted Chris, so he then yelled, "Then you have thirty seconds! Go!"

As the time quickly counted down, everyone got a good grip on their ropes and began leaning forward, everyone's faces dangling over the water. "And that's time!" Chris announced. Looking around, he was satisfied to see everyone was hanging onto their ropes the proper way. "Great! Now, in ten minutes, we'll move down to the second knot. But for now, this challenge is a go! Hopefully, you all can last!"

Only about five minutes in, the challenge was proving how tough it was on the contestants. Already, heavy, strained breaths could be escaping from the lips of the competitors. Some were already shaking from the strain on their muscles, while others tried shaking their heads rapidly back and forth to get the sweat from their eyes.

Neda, at seeing Godfrey try this, giggled, despite the strain in her own arms. "Having a little trouble over there Godfrey?" She cheekily asked the charmer.

The charmer grunted. "Never better."

Neda laughed at that but didn't say anything else as she settled back into concentrating on keeping a firm grip on the rope.

Static

Confessional: Neda

The superfan gives a sly smile to the camera. "Not to sound cocky, but I think I have a pretty good shot at winning this particular challenge!" She then explains, "Historically, women do very well in these types of endurance challenges. Whether it's Big Brother or Survivor, women just tend to do better at these. When you're smaller and shorter than the majority of people, there's less weight on you and therefore, less weight that's acting against you. And since I'm, at minimum, a foot shorter than everyone here, I'm feeling really good about my chances in this challenge."

Static

TWEEEEEEEEEEEET

With a blow of his whistle, Chris announced that the first ten minutes of the challenge were done. "Okay everyone, slowly inch yourself forward down to your second knot. You guys have thirty seconds to get in position. Like with the first round, if you aren't ready at the whistle or if you fall in, you're still eliminated even though the challenge is technically halted."

As David slowly inched down towards the second knot of the rope, desperate not to accidentally fall into the water prematurely, his body hung farther over the dock, sweat dripped down his forehead, down the rest of his face, onto his chin, and into the water. Already ready in position, John cooly asked, "Having some trouble over there, David?"

"Oh, you know," David grunted between ragged breaths, trying to prove that he was doing okay go John. "I'm hanging in there."

There was silence for a few moments from the artist, before he then told David, "That was a sickening joke," John groaned in response. "You should be ashamed of yourself, David."

"I'm too busy trying not to fall to feel shame, John," David joked right back, to the artist's amusement.

As grunts of pain and mild conversations were all around, Liana hung by herself at the end of the dock, eyes closed and face a mask of conversation donned across her face.

Static

Confessional: Liana

"Even though I feel pretty safe, since I'm both in the Neda and John alliance, as well as being courted by Godfrey and David to join their alliance, immunity is never a bad thing," she casually tells the camera.

"This immunity is basically a free pass to the final four, and I'm gonna absolutely fight my ass off. This is gonna be a tough challenge, but I think I have a pretty good chance. Everyone here is tough, but I want this more than anything."

Static

After another 10 minutes, everyone had moved down to the third knot of the rope. Everyone was nearly parallel with the water, and the silence from everyone showed that their focus was entirely either on the challenge or the amount of pain they were in.

David in particular was having a rough go in this challenge. Sweat poured down his face like a waterfall and his entire body trembled under the strain of the challenge. "David, how are you still in this, man?" Chris questioned him as he stood behind the Newfie and watched, seeing the immense strain he was under. David said nothing in response, however, as he desperately held on to both the rope and his chance at immunity.

But moments later, David had finally reached the end of his limit, and despite his desperation to hang on, his body couldn't handle the strain anymore, and his arms finally failed which sent him careening into the water.

"David is the first one out!" Chris announced as the Newfie limply swam towards the beach. Looking down at the Newfie splayed out on the beach, Chris then asked, "You okay down there, David?"

"Yeah…" David weakly called as he gave the host a thumbs up. "I'm good…"

"Great!" The host declared. "Then get yourself composed, and then get yourself up here."

"Sounds good…" David replied as he heaved breaths out. Before the host could get another word in, another splash from around him indicated someone else had fallen into the water, and thus, was out of the challenge.

As Chris made his way over to the area where someone had fallen, Chris looked in the water and saw Godfrey's head pop out. "God…." He groaned uncomfortably.

"You okay down there Godfrey?" The host asked the charmer. When Godfrey stuck his arm out of the water with a thumbs up, Chris laughed. "Looks like you are, man! Then make your way up here when you can."

Static

Confessional: Godfrey

"Well, me and David being the first two out of this challenge isn't exactly what our alliance was hoping for…" Godfrey trailed off, obviously unhappy, before his face morphed into a confident grin. "But I'm all for things being tough. It just makes the inevitable victory all the sweeter."

Static

As the charmer made his way onto shore, Chris announced, "And then there were three! Neda, Liana, and John are left! They all look pretty solid, but in a challenge like this, the strain can catch you fast!"

And that was true, as all three visibly struggled against the rope they held. John's normally passive expression was now contorted in pain as he held his thin form over the water, Liana took deep, racking breaths as her arms trembled, and Neda looked to be drenched in sweat, despite her closed eyes and deep, calm breaths. Despite the strain, John couldn't help but grin to himself.

Static

Confessional: John

"It's gone exactly to plan!" He exclaims to the camera. "Just like I hoped. I hoped that either me, Neda, or Liana would win immunity. And now look! Godfrey and John are already out, leaving us. The game's in our hands now. I feel really good about what comes next."

Static

"There's only three of you, you have to want this if you wanna win," Chris rambled to the three. "And you should want to win because if you win this, you get a one-in-four chance at a million bucks! So dig deep!"

"We could if you'd shut up," John grumbled agitatedly, rapidly shaking his head back and forth to get the sweat out of his eyes, his black hair dripping with sweat that fell onto his face and into his eyes. Though Neda and Liana didn't say anything in response, the pair had amused grins spread across their faces at John's snarky comment.

"Oh, come on, John!" Chris protested. "We're almost at the end! We're so close that I can taste it! One of you three could win a million bucks! Isn't that awesome?"

'Jerk', John thought to himself, intensely annoyed with the host bothering him during this physical challenge. Out loud, the raven-haired artist said nothing in response, instead trying to block out the pain his screaming muscles were in.

30 Minutes In

"Wow, I am so impressed!" Chris remarked aloud. "We've just passed the thirty-minute mark, you three! That takes some serious willpower! You should be super proud of yourselves."

The host wasn't even sure if John, Liana, or Neda even heard him, however, as all three looked mere seconds away from dropping into the water themselves if the immense strain plainly written on all their faces was any indicator.

"I know you guys probably aren't listening, but you really are doing great!" David said aloud, wanting to get his support for the trio out there as well. "Especially when me and Godfrey's butts couldn't make it nearly this long! I'm so impressed, you three!"

"Thanks….David…" Neda tiredly told the Newfie through grit teeth.

"Yo, David," Godfrey called out to David in a low tone. When the Newfie turned to Godfrey, he could see him motioning him over towards him with a movement of his hand. David quickly complied, moving to stand next to his alliance mate.

"What's up?" David whispered, curiosity written clearly on his face.

"Just letting you know that I want you to talk to Neda about the vote later tonight," Godfrey casually informed the Newfie. "You've gotten along for most of the season. I think you could maybe get her to switch to our side." Then adopting a serious tone, Godfrey instructed, "And do and say anything you may think you need to say to get her. Neda is much savvier than you'd think, man. Drive it home why we work."

"You got it," David accepted with a nod. "I'll do everything I can, Godfrey."

The charmer flashed David a pearly white smile. "That's my man, David." Patting him on the shoulder, Godfrey added, "It's good to see The Agency back in action."

SPLASH

David, Godfrey, and Chris' heads all turned to see who had finally let go of their rope and had fallen into the water. As their eyes scanned who remained, they quickly got their answer. "And John's out of this challenge!" Chris announced aloud. As Chris did so, Godfrey and David peered over the edge of the dock.

"Yo, you need some help, John?" David worriedly asked as the artist limply kicked his way towards the beach. However, John said nothing in return, flopping onto the beach much as David had done, and groaned as he stared at the sky, chest heaving up and down with racking breaths.

"I'm never using my arms for anything ever again," he complained as he tried and failed to ignore the burning in his arms. "I want Chef to take me to the infirmary and cut my arms off."

Making his way down the dock and onto the beach, Godfrey snorted and replied to John's comment, "That seems like it would be pretty difficult to pull off as an artist. I hope you've got a backup plan."

"I'll learn to paint with my feet," John told the charmer matter-of-factly, his voice still strained. "Art finds a way."

Godfrey chuckled as he leaned down and held a hand out for John. "I think it'd be smarter if you just kept your arms attached, John."

Overdramatically sighing as he weakly lifted an arm and grabbed Godfrey's hand, John playfully pouted, "No. I want Chef with a hacksaw. Now." As Godfrey pulled John to his feet, the charmer couldn't help but shake his head in amusement.

"I find it a bit disturbing how good you are at complaining, Lane," Godfrey bantered. "Is that a Lane family trait too?"

John couldn't help but snort a laugh. "Some could say that my mom's made an entire career out of complaining, Godfrey." He then grins at the charmer and adds as they climb the stairs back up to the dock, "Her complaints come out in civil disobedience and vandalism for environmental causes, but some would consider that complaining though."

As the pair came up behind David and Chris, Godfrey impressedly whistled. "Your mother sounds fascinating, John. I bet she'd make for a hell of a conversation someday."

John just chuckled at that. "You'll have to drag her out of the camp she's living in that's in the Amazon somewhere." Jon then rubbed his chin, trying to remember. "That, or she's out in the Arctic on one of those anti-whaling boats. So either way, good luck on getting her back to civilization."

As the pair chatted, both Neda and Liana held onto their ropes with all their might. They both looked as if they'd drop at any moment, but they both powered through to make sure they had the pivotal immunity that was on the line.

Neda could catch a glance out of her peripheral vision of Liana on the rope on her right, she could see that the gambler was struggling as mightily as she herself was. 'Just a little longer, please…' She thought to herself desperately. 'That's all I need, just a few more minutes and I'll have immunity. And I'll be in the final four, and another step closer to winning-'

Neda's thoughts were cut off by another wave of sharp pain that went through her arms and shoulders, making the superfan wince in discomfort. 'Okay, no thoughts,' she then said to herself. 'Just turn my brain off and focus. Block the pain out.' Casting another look to Liana on the periphery of her sight, she then couldn't help but wonder, 'I wonder if Liana is hurting as bad as I am right now….'

As Neda desperately fought to stay alive, Liana did the exact same. 'So close…' The gambler thought to herself. 'Even though I can't see Neda, I have to assume she's not doing as well as I am. I'm more athletic than she is. I can do this. I just have to-'

And the next thing Liana knew, she was falling forward rapidly, the water coming at her near instantaneously. And just like that, the gambler was in the water, a feeling of shock washing over her along with the waves. Swimming back up to the surface, she could just make out the words, "...Neda, you've won this challenge, and immunity at tonight's elimination ceremony!"

"Dammit," Liana growled as she pounded a wooden beam of the dock with her fist, taking a moment to let her anger flow freely. Taking a deep breath and closing her eyes, she reopened them as she heard a splash right in front of her, and after a moment, she saw Neda reemerge from under the water just as she had, a large grin on her face.

"Liana, I did it!" She excitedly exclaimed. "That was so tough, wasn't it?"

Liana gave the Iranian girl a smile that didn't reach her eyes, nor felt particularly genuine. "Yeah, it was."

Now with all five competitors back on the dock, Chris announced, "Again, congratulations to you Neda on winning a really tough challenge. And for winning that challenge, you're guaranteed a spot in the final four of this game!" Neda practically radiated happiness at those words, while the host continued, "And as for the rest of you, one of your games will come to an end tonight. Who will it be? Only time will tell."

And with that, the competitors were dismissed from the challenge. As everyone went back to their cabins to rest and relax their sore bodies, Godfrey whispered to David, "Don't forget, man. You gotta work on Neda like your life depends on it. Tonight, it may very well be."

"Don't worry," David reaffirmed back with a whisper of his own. "I know the plan. Don't slouch on John yourself Godfrey," David added with a low chuckle.

Godfrey patted David on the shoulder. "I'm gonna pull out all the stops, David. Don't you worry yourself."

A few hours after the challenge, the sun was just beginning its descent for the day, the sky showing the faintest hints of fading from blue to orange, and the clouds beginning to turn from their regular white to a beautiful shade of pink. John Lane was enjoying this beautiful time of day by sitting on the bleachers of the long-abandoned basketball court, working on a sketch of some kind.

"I didn't take you for much of an athlete, Lane," Godfrey quipped to John, surprising him. Seeing Godfrey approach, John smirked lightly and closed his sketchbook.

"If you were smart, you'd notice that I'm not exactly using the court, Godfrey," John told him sarcastically. As Godfrey climbed up on the bleachers and sat next to John, he just shook his head in amusement. After a few moments of silence, Godfrey then broke it first.

"It's weird we haven't done any basketball in a while, isn't it?" Godfrey asked aloud. "I mean, we only used it once for an actual game with all of us. I'd figure that we'd have used it more."

The artist just shrugged. "I figure Brooke being gone has sapped a lot of people's interest in it. It was kinda her whole deal, after all." Taking a moment, the artist then added, "Plus, I think seeing her get knocked in the head and bleeding everywhere like in a low-rent horror movie didn't help matters on that front, either."

Godfrey couldn't help but grimace and shiver at the memory. "That's a good point, Lane," he told John. "I definitely wasn't a fan of seeing that."

At Godfrey's words, John raised an eyebrow. "Has the infallible Godfrey revealed one of his fears at last?"

Godfrey cringed again. "Blood makes me…uncomfortable. I'm not personally a fan of seeing it pour out of a wound."

Growing another smirk, John shook his head in amusement, but then told the charmer, "Well, don't worry. Your secret fear's safe with me."

"Good," Godfrey flashily told John with a grin. "If that got out, I'd have to kill you."

"I'd hope you had a license for that, but I can see you a little too clearly as some kind of Bond-esque spy, Godfrey," John told him, clearly amused.

Godfrey flashed John another grin. "Just wait a few years when I'm in England and develop a British accent, Lane. I'd be perfect for the MI6."

At that, John retreated into his mind for just a moment and was easily able to picture Godfrey wearing a tuxedo, gripping a pistol. When the Godfrey in his mind gave him that ever-present cocky grin he wore, John couldn't help but burst into laughter. Giving the artist a curious look, after a few moments, John told him through laughs, "It was too easy to picture you as a handgun-wielding spy."

With that comment, the two laughed once more. As their laughter subsided, Godfrey then asked out of the blue, "So, I hope this isn't too direct, but how exactly did that vote last time work out, John?"

At that question, John just gave an empty look, saying nothing. At that, Godfrey rolled his eyes annoyedly. "John, there's no reason to hide it now. It's already happened. It's obvious that it was you, Neda, and Liana. What's even the point in keeping it secret?"

A few more moments went by, the Lane artist deep in consideration of Godfrey's request. Finally, John had seemingly come to a decision. "Well, I don't mean to brag, but it was pretty much my brainchild," he admitted, a small amount of pride coming into his voice. "To be honest, a lot of it had to come from you giving David that Double-Edged Sword, Godfrey. Neda and I were worried about the prospect of you grabbing him and making some crazy deal."

"Even though David and I had been on the outs at that point?" Godfrey asked the artist.

"Yeah," John answered. "Not to over-inflate your ego, but knowing you as long as I have now Godfrey, I leave nothing off the table when it comes to you. You seem to have a knack for getting into trouble and pulling off some ridiculous moves."

"I'm flattered," Godfrey told John cockily. "Now, continue if you'd be so kind."

"Anyway, we were already thinking about trying to flip Liana, since she's…well, Liana. And when Neda and I were chatting, Vivi came up and kinda pitched the same thing we were already thinking about, where we'd all flip and form a voting block," John then explained. "So that gave me the ammo I needed to go to Liana with."

"And I assume Liana wasn't hard to get?" Godfrey asked the artist.

"Not at all," John confirmed. "Again, you know how that girl is, Godfrey. A hare trigger doesn't seem like a strong enough word for it. Especially when it comes to Vivi. All it took was a few lies about Vivi coming to me about wanting to form up with you and me and eliminate her, and she was in. Hook, line, and sinker."

"How nice of you to include me in your fake alliance, John," Godfrey told the raven-haired artist dryly. "I feel touched."

"You're touched alright," John grumbled before he grew another grin. "I even gave her a fake elimination order, which was of course your idea. She was not happy."

Godfrey gave the artist a light clap. "Well, color me impressed, John. It sounds like you played her like a fiddle. Talk about changing up the game!" At those words, Godfrey leaned in close to John, a devilish look on his face, and whispered, "Why not change up the game once again, John?"

"I figured that you'd be softening me up for a pitch of some kind," John playfully groaned, which made Godfrey chuckle.

"John, I have a 50% chance of going tonight if things don't change," Godfrey told him bluntly. "I have to try to save my skin. I figure you know what it's like, and hopefully, that's why you'll at least listen to my pitch."

"Eh, I'd be a fool not to entertain anything at this stage," John shrugged. "Okay Godfrey, wow me."

"Well, I don't know just how much it'd wow you, John, but all you gotta do is just link up with me and David," Godfrey explained. "Then we're the new three. And as an added incentive, I'd take you to the final two."

John pursed his lips in thought at that. "What about David?" He then asked the charmer.

"He'd be third," Godfrey told John indifferently. "You and I would be a much more exciting final two anyway." Seeing the unsure look in John's eyes, Godfrey decided to add the final thing he could offer. "And if there's a spot where I can, I'd throw the challenge to you, so you could pick which one of us would go. I'd be willing to give you the ultimate decision." He flashed John a pearly grin. "But why wouldn't take me?"

"Now that's a risky move, Godfrey," John told him, surprised. "What happens if I do decide to take David over you?"

Godfrey just scoffed. "And why would you do that, John? Have you not noticed how popular David is?" When John had nothing to say in response, Godfrey nodded. "As I thought. Right now, John, I'm in imminent danger. I'm a cornered animal. As far as I'm concerned, that point in the game may as well be in three hundred years. I'm trying to survive this vote."

As a last-ditch effort, Godfrey threw in, "And say you do go with us? You can also decide who goes tonight. I don't care. Heck, if you wanted, we could take out David tonight!" Godfrey explained. "As long as I go to the next phase of the game, I don't care what happens tonight, John."

John was silent for a long time at that. Godfrey watched, but said nothing, as the artist's baby blue eyes glinted with thought. Finally, John had come up with his words. "That's all nice, Godfrey, but I still don't see the motivation in flipping when I have a three already, and Liana to take to the finals."

At that, Godfrey just stood up and moved off the bleachers. "John, I literally have nothing left to give. All my cards are on the table, and you're looking right at them. This is my final desperation play to stay here. I told you my plans and gave you my thoughts. If you don't go with it, you don't. And if tonight's my night to leave?" Godfrey grinned. "I can leave knowing I did everything within my power to stay."

As the charmer turned to walk away, he gave some parting words to John. "Really think about who you want with you in front of that jury, John. A million dollars is a lot of money, and you don't want to regret your choice." And with that, Godfrey walked away, leaving John alone to ponder everything he had heard.

As Godfrey was working on John's vote for that night's elimination ceremony, Neda and David were already deep in conversation about the same topic. "I just don't know David," Neda trailed off unsure, folding her arms as her face scrunched in thought. "I just don't know what would benefit me about flipping at this stage. I've already got a pretty solid alliance with John and Liana, and I've been working a lot with John. I trust him."

"Think about it, Neda," David tried to explain as he leaned against one of the pillars on the abandoned stage. "We both know the kind of game that John's been playing. He's a sneak. You know he's liable to turn on you," with a snap of his fingers he added, "Like that. If I were you, that's not someone that I'd want to put all my effort into."

Neda lazily cocked an eyebrow at the larger Newfie. "And Godfrey is a paragon of honesty, right?" She asked aloud, her voice dripping with disbelief.

"You know what, he is!" David strongly told her in response, startling the superfan. "Say what you will about the game Godfrey's played, but he's never once been dishonest about it. He's said from the second he stepped on this island that we shouldn't trust him and that we'd regret it." Getting wound up now, David continued, "And maybe I'm a fool for ever thinking that he was exaggerating and that he would always be on me and my boys' side, but Godfrey always told us that we were at risk. And even after he took Apollo out, we still believed in him!" David shook his head, trying to get back on his original train of thought. "So say what you will about Godfrey, but at least with him, you know exactly where you stand, Neda. You wanna ask him, he'll tell you, no questions asked. You don't know that with John."

Now it was David's turn to fold his arms and stare at the superfan expectantly. "Can you say for certainty that John won't backstab you, and lie to your face?"

Neda was silent for a long moment after David's outburst. "Well, I guess I can't say that I can," the Iranian girl finally admitted. "You do raise some good points, David. I fully admit that."

David nodded to himself, satisfied at how his mini-rant had gone over seemingly well. "But," Neda then continued, making David's satisfied look fall, "This is just such a huge decision, you know? I really, really need to weigh my options."

Knowing not to push his luck, David began to turn around to leave the girl alone. "I get it, you're not wrong. This is a huge choice," The Newfie responded in kind. "Just think it over. But you know, deep down, that what I said was true, Neda. Tonight, I hope you make the smart choice."

And with those words, David departed, leaving Neda alone on the stage to deeply ponder what the wisest course of action would be going forward for her game.

Static

Confessional: Neda

"If David hadn't come up and tried to get my vote, I'd still be weighing my options here," Neda casually told the camera as she cleaned her nails. "I consider my options carefully every single vote. Sometimes to stay the course, sometimes to flip the game around, and in the case of that vote against Vivi, to cause a little chaos," she giggled to the camera.

"You should always go into one of these votes with an open mind," she continued. "If you're the one changing your votes and leading the votes to other people, that dictates the entire direction of the game. And that keeps you ahead of the curve." With a grin, she finished, "And it's no secret that being ahead of the curve is the best place to be."

Static

Before the elimination ceremony, the alliance of three was inside the girls' cabin, Liana and Neda hosting John as they strategized and discussed the night's plan and the day's events.

"So Godfrey and David tried to get you two as well, did they?" Liana asked, arms folded as she sat on her bed, staring at John and Neda, who were standing in front of her.

"Yup," John confirmed with a nod.

"They did," Neda also confirmed.

"I'm not surprised," Liana scoffed. "They're just desperate because they're on the bottom." Now curious, the gambler then asked, "So, out of sheer curiosity, what did they pitch you with? I'm wondering if they were smart enough to even come up with different pitches for each of us."

"David went pretty hard on how John isn't trustworthy and that he's likely to flip on us and betray us at any point," Neda remembered. "He was pretty passionate about Godfrey being more trustworthy than John, I'll say. If I hadn't been paying attention to what Godfrey's been doing this entire game, I'd almost be convinced that he was right."

John snickered. "Godfrey was pretty similar for me. He babbled a lot about how he'd take me to the final two and all that crap. He was just trying to butter me up, and he failed miserably." John then rolled his eyes. "He honestly thinks whispering a bunch of sweet nothings in my ear at this point would work. He's a one-trick pony, people have caught on to his shtick." Turning to Neda, he added, "And Godfrey mentioned how you were sneaky and untrustworthy too," which made the Iranian girl giggle amusedly.

At that, Liana chuckled to herself. "Pretty much the same with me, then." Looking at Neda pointedly, she told the Iranian girl, "Like with John, they hammered on about how you're sneaky and couldn't be trusted. Like John said, wholly unoriginal."

Neda couldn't help but giggle. "I hope you weren't swayed, Liana. I'd be mad if you betrayed me."

Liana just groaned unamusedly. "I'd be an idiot to turn on this final three. I don't trust those two clowns as far as I can throw them. Let them flounder and do whatever. It doesn't change the reality that one of them's going."

"And with that, the big question is who we vote for," John queried before adding. "I'm personally cool with either. Both need to go."

Neda opened her mouth to add her own two cents, but Liana interrupted, intensity burning in her tone. "You know what, John? We take David out tonight. I want Godfrey here, by himself, fully aware that he's alone and with no allies. I want his last few days here to be miserable."

Both Neda and John stared at the gambler in surprise, taken aback by her sudden anger and surprising cruelty towards Godfrey. However, the moment was fleeting, and John just shrugged. "If it'll make you happy, Liana. I've got no problem voting David."

Liana then focused her gaze squarely on Neda, who quickly responded with an agreement of her own. "Woah, yeah! I don't care either. If you want David tonight, we do David tonight. They're both going so it doesn't matter."

At her dual confirmations, Liana grinned victoriously. "Good. And then before you know it, we're gonna be the last three left. And one of us will win this game."

'And it's going to be me,' The gambler thought to herself, satisfied. 'By any means necessary.'

At the same time in the Men's cabin, Godfrey and David both stood around, not speaking. While David had a look of dejection on his face, Godfrey held a look of calm. "So, do you think that we managed to convince any of them to switch to us?" He asked, dread in his voice at what Godfrey's answer could be.

Godfrey just shrugged noncommittally at David. "Man, I can't say for sure. We gave it our best shot, but I just don't know what they're thinking. For all I know, we could have convinced all three of them. But I can't say. All I know is we'll know tonight."

David sagged. "Which one of us do you think would go first?" He asked depressedly.

"Again, who's to say," Godfrey calmly replied. "We both have benefits and negatives to keep around. We'll know when we know."

David sat down on a nearby bed, dejected. "How are you so calm about this, man?" He asked after a few moments of silence. "I feel like my head's gonna explode and my stomach feels like it's in an earthquake."

Godfrey gave David a rueful grin. "I've made my peace with everything. If I go tonight? I can leave with my head held high, knowing that I got to do something that so few people ever get to experience, that the best of the best beat me, and that I gave this game everything I had. I'm proud of the game I played, and if the adventure is over for me? I made it damn far and had a great time doing it." Godfrey then grinned widely. "And if I stay? Then it's not over for me. I'll be able to campaign my ass off, win immunity, and keep fighting. That's the thing, David," Godfrey told him, a rare seriousness in his tone. "Until you're told that you're going home, the game is not over. People will sit there and consider their options until the bitter end. That's what I'm focusing on. There's still a few drops of game left to be played, and there's one final push to make."

Despite the charmer's words, David didn't seem to feel much better. "I guess…." He trailed off.

Godfrey then sat down across from David. "And, say I do go tonight. Not only will I leave this game knowing I fought until the bitter end and had a great time doing it, but I'm leaving with so many great new friends." When David looked at the charmer surprised, he continued, "Listen, man, I know that it's been up and down for us the last while. And I get why. You're valid to feel upset at me." He chuckles. "I know I've deserved it." Getting back on track, he continued, "But I've never once been mad at you. You've always been my friend, David. And if I leave, or if you leave, that's not gonna change. I'm glad you're my buddy, man."

Those words seemed to get through to the Newfie Chef, as a smile flicked across his features once more. "You know, you're right Godfrey. I was mad at you for a while because of what happened to Weenus. And I didn't trust you for a long time. But no matter what, game or not, you're my friend. And I'm glad that this game brought us together. And despite everything, we're gonna be friends for a long time."

"Attention, everyone!" Chris' voice boomed over the loudspeaker. "It's time for our elimination ceremony, so make your way to the campfire pit, and let's get this show on the road!"

After the voice of the host faded away, the two looked at each other. "Well, this is it, David," Godfrey confidently told him. "One last stop. One last chance for us." He then held out a hand. "Let's make it count."

Despite the apprehension and anger he'd felt at Godfrey numerous times throughout their stay on Wawanakwa, at this moment, David felt like he could trust Godfrey with his life. So, with an ease that hadn't been there since their first days, he grabbed his hand and gave it a hearty shake. "Let's do it, Godfrey." With his free hand, he stuck his thumb up and pointer finger out, to resemble a gun, before lifting his hand to his chin, placing his chin between the crook of his thumb and finger. "For the Agency."

Godfrey grinned and copied David's movement. "The Agency's Last Ride."

As the fire roared to life at the campfire pit, tension hung in the air in anticipation of just what would happen. The final five were all gathered, awaiting the arrival of the host. His arrival came shortly, appearing with a plate with only four marshmallows on it. Setting the plate down, he eyed the five campers who remained. "It feels like so long ago there were so many of you here," he fondly reminisced. "And now, there's five left, soon to be four. Where does the time go?" He asked rhetorically, before continuing, "But let's not dwell on that. How is everyone doing after the immunity challenge today?" He then asked aloud, receiving some groans in return.

"My arms still hurt," John complained. "And I know it's gonna be even worse tomorrow. That sucked."

"Yeah, I still feel like crap," Liana freely admitted. "That was probably the most physically taxing challenge yet. I didn't even let go on purpose. My arms just went numb and I fell."

Chris laughed heartily at that. "Good!" He exclaimed. "We're so close to the end at this point, we gotta make you guys really scratch and claw for that guaranteed safety." Then turning to the superfan, he told her, "And congratulations to you on winning that Neda! No one can say you didn't fight for it."

"They better not!" She cheekily retorted. "I pushed myself past the point I thought was my limit to win that challenge." She then gave the host an earnest smile. "If anything, that challenge showed not just everyone here, but even myself that I'm tougher than I look. That's the kind of thing I'm gonna remember in my real life, when I'm struggling, that, hey, I won a super tough endurance challenge on this show, and it'll motivate me."

Chris gave her a genuine smile. "As the host of this show, that's super gratifying to hear, Neda. That you were able to get past what you thought your limits were and become a stronger person. That's great!" He exclaimed, before quickly growing a wicked grin. "But now, let's talk about this all-important vote." Looking at David, he asked the Newfie, "David, was there a lot of campaigning out there today?"

As David began to speak, he caught Godfrey giving a quick nod. "Of course, man," he told the host. "We're fighting for our lives out here, to be honest. Neither of us wants to go home fifth, so we gotta just push through and do everything in our power to make it happen. Godfrey and I did absolutely everything we could to save our skins."

Interjecting, Godfrey added, "Nothing was off the table, Chris. We did absolutely everything we could. We emptied the chamber to convince one of those three to keep us here. And we just gotta hope that it worked. But if not, like I told David, if I do leave tonight, I'm leaving knowing I did everything I could to stay, and that's all that matters, man."

Now wanting a different point of view, Chris turned to John. "And John, you've heard these pitches from those two. Are you thinking about it at all? Or are you dead-set?"

"Of course you think about it," John revealed to the host. "You've always gotta consider these kinds of things. It'd be dumb not to, Chris. Personally, it's bad gameplay if you don't seriously consider every deal that comes to you. You never know which one could win you the game." Now turning to Neda and Liana, he confidently added, "I know that those two considered it too."

Chris laughed at John's confidence in his statement. "Good to see where you stand, John!" he responded amusedly. Then turning to Neda, he asked, "Well, Neda? Is John right? Did you consider it as well?"

Neda just nodded. "He is right, Chris. I especially agree with seriously considering everything that comes across you." Glancing at Liana, she then added, "That doesn't mean you always go with what comes up. But at least considering it is never a bad thing."

"And before you ask," Liana suddenly interjected, "I did too. But I'm still dead-set on this vote tonight."

Chris clapped his hands. "Alright then! If you're all ready, then we might as well get this show on the road!" With excitement shining in his eyes, he picked up the plate of marshmallows. "As always, if you get a marshmallow, you're still in the game. If you don't, you're out. Sounds good?"

Five heads nodded at him in confirmation. "Good! Here we go then!" Picking up the first marshmallow, he looked around at the five. "Marshmallow one goes to…..

.

.

…Neda."

Pleased, the superfan caught the treat and quickly tossed it into her mouth. As she did so, the host grabbed another marshmallow. "And our second marshmallow of the night goes to….

.

.

….John!"

The artist smirked as, just as Neda did, caught and ate his treat. Chris then glanced around. "There's three campers left, but only two marshmallows." Picking up the treat, he eyed Liana, Godfrey, and David. "Marshmallow three of four will go to…

.

.

.

.

….Godfrey."

With a rare sigh of relief, Godfrey caught the marshmallow and tossed it into the flames as Chris picked up the last treat on his plate. "This is it. David or Liana, one of you will be leaving the game, and becoming the fifth juror of Total Drama Island: Rewritten. And that person is….

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

…Liana."

Shocked silence hung over everyone at the host's word. Before Liana could even react, however, to the surprise of all present, one person who wasn't Liana stood and began to speak to her.

"Sorry, Liana," John told her, his voice emotionless. "But I did what I had to do. You were just too dangerous."

As the artist's words sank in, Liana began to turn bright red. As the gambler grew angrier and angrier by the second, John stared at her neutrally, Neda was still as a statue, and David and Godfrey celebrated their good fortune at both being in the game still.

Suddenly, and without any warning, the bomb went off. "YOU NO GOOD LYING BASTARD!" Liana screeched, getting right in John's face. "I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT YOU'D BETRAY ME NOW! AFTER EVERYTHING WE TALKED ABOUT, AFTER YOU GUARANTEED YOU'D VOTE WITH ME! YOU SON OF A BITCH, JOHN!"

As Liana ranted and raved, Chris barely held his laughter in. 'Oh my god,' He thought to himself, silly with joy. 'Liana was the greatest casting choice we've ever made.'

To John's credit, he took Liana's verbal abuse in stride. "I was just taking precautions to protect myself," Was all he told her, his voice still even. "I couldn't trust you. You just flipped on Vivi. Who's to say I'm not next?"

Liana jabbed a finger in John's chest forcefully. "LANE, I SWEAR THAT WITH EVERYTHING IN MY POWER, YOU WILL NOT WIN THIS DAMN GAME! I WILL POISON THAT JURY SO BADLY, YOU'LL BE LUCKY TO SPEAK TO ANYONE EVER AGAIN!"

Desperately trying to conceal his laughter, Chris choked out, "Okay, Liana, it's time to go."

"JOHN THREW A MILLION DOLLARS AWAY!" Liana continued to scream as she had to be escorted to the dock by Chef. "YOU WILL NEVER, EVER WIN THIS GAME, JOHN! I GUARANTEE IT!"

With one final push, Liana was on the boat. And as it faded into the distance, her ranting could still be heard. Even as the boat disappeared around the corner, the final four could swear they heard her still screech.

"Well, that was exciting," John casually remarked, before turning to Chris. "Can we go to bed?"

The host nodded, still desperately trying to hold in laughter. "Go…..ahead…."

"Alright, later," John waved as he quickly made his way back to the men's cabin, with the others following his lead soon after.

Alone at the pit, Chris tried to do the outro for the episode but found he was holding too much, so he sliced his finger across his neck, signaling for the camera to cut. And as the camera lowered and shut off, the very beginnings of the hosts' hysterical laughing could be heard.

Chris once again appeared back in frame, seeming to have all the laughter out of his system, and ready for the outro. "Allow me to be the first to say….WOW! What a betrayal! In a season full of them, that may have been the most amazing one yet!"

Sitting down on one of the log seats, Chris continued, "And we have our final four! John, Godfrey, David, and Neda! One of these four awesome players will win a million bucks! But, before that can happen, four needs to become three! And that, along with so much more, will happen right here! Next time on…

"TOTAL!"

"DRAMA!"

"ISLAND: REWRITTEN!"

As Neda stepped into the now-empty girl's cabin, she sighed depressedly. "Well, I guess it's all mine now," she glumly said aloud. "No more roomies." Flopping down on her bed, and staring at the bed above her, her mind immediately began to race.

Static

Confessional: Neda

"This is bad," She told the camera, panic clear in her voice. "Like, uber colossal bad! I have no idea what's going on right now. My absolute worst fear right now is that John's sent both Liana and Vivi out because he, David, and Godfrey made a guys' alliance." Neda's frown deepens. "And if they did that, and I don't win the next immunity…." She gulps, frightened. "It's curtains for me and my game."

Static

Confessional Votes

Neda: "While it was a good pitch, guys, I just can't see a reason to turn on John and Liana right now. So, as much as it sucks, I gotta vote my good friend David out."

David: "Well…..here goes nothing. I vote to eliminate Liana."

Liana: "That soft-ass pitch from David and Godfrey could barely convince an inanimate object. I vote to eliminate David."

Godfrey: "Well, if this is the last time I see this crappy booth….It's been good. I vote to eliminate Liana."

John: "Listen….if I'm gonna be known as the shifty juror that no one trusts, why not just fully lean into it, and make myself the most toxic final two partner to choose when Liana spends every waking minute in Jury talking about what a horrible person I am? If the Jury hates me, I'm prime real estate for the final two spot. So, with that out of the way, I vote out Liana."

Static

Confessional: Liana

Still glowing hot with hate and rage, Liana growled, "I cannot believe that John had the balls to blindside me like that. I don't know what idiot game he is playing, but I know that it'll cost him a million dollars." Staring hatefully at the camera, she finished, "I'm gonna make sure of it."

Static

This elimination hurts. Liana, since quite literally the start of the season, has been one of, if not my favorite characters to write. She's had herself an absolute rollercoaster of a game, finding herself all the way at the top of the mountain and as public enemy number one. Alas, just when things seem to go her way, with Vivi gone and in the majority alliance, she finds herself with a knife in her back. John's plan seems pretty ambitious. But will it work?

Liana was a top contender to win this season. At one point, she WAS the winner. But as things fell more and more into place, especially when it came to her and Vivi, it just wasn't in the cards for her anymore (Pun intended). But between her emotional nature, her strong strategic play, and, of course, her relationship with Vivi, which has been without a doubt my favorite part of this story to write, she's been a pillar of the story, and I'll miss writing her.

And we have our TDI:R Final Four! How cool is that! A Goofy Chef, a Loner Artist, A Secret Superfan, and, of course, a Charismatic Villain. What a group they are. They've all got their own strengths and weaknesses, but who's gonna be the sixth member of the jury? You'll have to read the next chapter to find out, I guess!

As always, thanks for reading, and see you in June!