Birds chirp as Chris stands at the dock of shame once again. "Last time on Total Drama Island… After breaking Duncan's knife, Harold tried desperately to save his honor and stand his ground, only to be completely humiliated by the delinquent and his friends. That strip prank was just wrong, hehe! Trent got hurt when the pressure got to Owen for losing his friend Noah. But, thankfully for my lawyers, Trent was okay and Noah finally patched things up with his big buddy when he sacrificed himself during the elimination ceremony to save Owen. Meanwhile, Gwen and Courtney pranked Heather hard to reclaim their shower time, an out of character moment for the type A that left her wanting more."
Chef stands behind Chris with his arms out. "Last challenge was all about team building, and the contestants could actually pick their teammates. This time, their trust and respect will be put to the ultimate test. Kinda like this." Chris falls back with a superficial smile, and Chef catches him. "Will th-"
Plop!
"Oops.." Chef grins.
Chris brushes his gelled hair with his hands, standing up with a glare directed towards his tall friend before looking at the audience. "Will the teams crack under their own tension, or will we see new friendships blossom from unlikely pairs? How will Owen fare without Noah, and when will we see Courtney's dark side again? All this and more will be answered on another thrilling episode of…
Total.
Drama.
Island!"
The theme song plays over an intro sequence.
The first shot depicts Wawanakwa in full, leading up to a giant cliff and zooming past McLean as he sips a coffee before diving into the water below the cliff.
Dear Mom and Dad, I'm doing fine.
You guys are on my mind.
We see Ezekiel under water, watching Geoff and Bridgette with a downtrodden look on his face, both of which are staring longingly into each other's eyes until an eagle picks Geoff up by his shoulders and carries him off. Bridgette tries to reach for him, watching him fly away with concern.
You asked me what I wanted to be and now I think the answer is plain to see
I wanna be famous.
The eagle drops Geoff down as it soars past the sun. He falls down a few tree branches before landing in DJ's arms, who seconds prior was enjoying nature and the copious animals around him. The animals get violent and attack as soon as their peace is disturbed. DJ and Geoff scream as the former runs with the latter in his arms away from the vicious animals.
Duncan laughs hysterically at the scene, but Courtney glares at him with disapproval, causing him to stop.
I wanna live close to the sun
So pack your bags cause I already won.
Heather is in a canoe with Beth and LeShawna going down the stream. Beth is in the middle, trying to separate the two from dueling. The canoe ends up careening off of the stream and down a waterfall, which makes the teens fall to the water below, passing by Harold as he practices a few fighting poses on a dangerously positioned log overlooking the falls. As he stretches his arms and legs out in a dorky position, Izzy swings in on a vine and knocks into him, bumping directly into an outhouse housing Lindsay, who falls out with her skirt around her ankles.
Everything to prove
Nothing in my way
I'll get there one day
Cause I wanna be famous.
Inside the mess hall kitchen, we see Chef preparing some disgusting green soup with his bare hand dipped into the pot. He looks behind him at a tied up Owen and Noah, both looking petrified of whatever Chef is concoting for them. In the mess hall itself, Eva arm wrestles Tyler, easily beating him and dislocating his arm.
Outside on the beach, Sadie and Katie coo over Justin, who is looking at himself in between two mirrors. He winks at one, his teeth glistening.
Na-na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
We get a good look at the polluted, muggy, teal waters of Wawanakwa, a few seagulls fighting over a cellphone. Katie swims for it, with Sadie watching from the sand anxiously, but the skinny brown clone of her best friend ends up being terrorized by a shark and swims back to shore as fast as she can.
I wanna be, I wanna be
I wanna be famous!
Back on the dock of shame, we see Justin strut to the edge before ripping his shirt off, water from the shark splashing towards Katie drenching his perfectly chiseled muscles. He flexes as the camera goes up and transitions from day to night, then comes back down at the campfire ceremony.
I wanna be, I wanna be
I wanna be famous!
Trent is playing his guitar for Gwen, who is entranced by him. He leans forward, a warm smile on his face. As they inch closer, Cody gets between them and places a hand on both of their shoulders, smiling dorkily. The rest of the cast whistles the chorus of the theme song as the camera zooms out to capture them all sitting around the bonfire. The logo appears above them.
Total Drama Island:
The Creeps Cut
Created by VoiceFromUnderTheCovers and Crimson Candy.
A set of pale hands holds her tray at the mess hall counter, waiting for 'breakfast' to rain down on it. Chef's big, meaty paws descend along with a spoonful of something white and hollow, like jello in texture. It looks like a cottage cheese jam and it smells like roasted, fatty beef. Heather makes eye contact with Chef, raising her brow.
"Um, excuse me, is this even food?"
"It's leftovers from the cooking challenge." He responds flatly.
"Um, no it isn't. We had LeShawna's cake and those pastries Duncan and Courtney co-produced, but this looks nothing like any of our other dishes." Heather replies, raising her nose.
"It's yours, actually. The bone marrow from your mediocre ribs. You wanna critique, look back on yoself." He shoves the tray into her hands. A noticeably blank table sits behind her, a reminder that her team isn't enjoying a luxurious reward right now. Annoyed, she walks towards the Gopher table, sitting herself down across from LeShawna and next to Lindsay.
"Uh.. hi, Heather." Lindsay nervously greets.
"Hello, Lindsay." She bitterly replies.
(Confessional: Lindsay)
"For the past few days, Heather has been so cranky. I think it has something to do with having ten gallons of meat dropped all over her body, but that's only a theory. I'm really nervous about what I say now, though. Like, what if I say something she doesn't like and she pulls my hair again?"
(Confessional end)
"Um.. this food tastes so good, right LeShawna?" Lindsay asks, forcing a bite of it. She groans, slowly spitting it out into a napkin. Heather glares at her, which Lindsay just smiles at.
"Could be better." LeShawna says, poking at her food with a look of disappointment. Gwen and Trent look at each other, knowing what they did to cause said disappointment.
(Confessional: Gwen)
"Look, I know it was kind of messed up to prank Heather like that, which had its own ramifications of LeShawna and Lindsay, but can you blame me? They started it."
(Confessional: Trent)
"After Gwen told me she actually went through with the prank, I won't lie.. I laughed my ass off. Tch, she did great."
(Confessional end)
In the background, Owen comes towards the table whistling a tune whilst carrying a tray of disgusting, boney food. He sits across from the team couple and starts digging in.
"Glad some of us feel refreshed at least." Heather mutters.
"What can I say? I'm like a man reborn after Noah took that shot for me. From now on, I'm gonna try thrice as hard to keep us all in the game. Who's with me?!"
"Woo! Go, Omar!" Lindsay claps like a seal.
"For sure, man. Love your vibe." Trent says with a smile and nod.
"Thanks, guys." Owen replies, grinning ear to ear.
Heather stands up, hands on the table. "Look, as much as I love this team spirit thing, we've lost three in a row. Three. Our numbers are dwindling and I get the sneaking feeling that a few of you don't appreciate me as your leader." She stares hard at Gwen.
"Gee, what could have clued you in." The goth rolls her eyes.
"We shouldn't have a leader. It's a democracy, man." Trent adds.
Heather scoffs. "We need strong leadership! That's why this team is falling apart. We were all scattered. Noah wanted to wedge us all apart, and now that he's gone, we have to be all hands on deck, or else we're screwed. Again. So, who's with me?"
LeShawna sighs. "You know I've got your back girl, but-"
"But what?! You're questioning me too?"
"No! I just wanted to tell you to relax. Noah's gone. From now on, we can only blame ourselves if we lose." She retaliates. There's a silence as the two look at each other, a tension falling between the two sides of the table.
Owen jumps up. "Woohoo, team spirit!"
(Confessional: Owen)
"Hi, Noah! Sorry we had to split up, but I just want you to know that I'll gladly give you some part of the prize money if I win! I'm so rejuvenated, like one of those Star Wars dudes! Party on!"
(Confessional end)
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, in Chris' penthouse, the Killer Bass stay in the cafeteria overlooking the island. The cafeteria is a crimson red and spacious as a mall food court, with a coffee maker, actual chef's with open kitchens to watch your food be made live and tables set to perfection with beautiful floral decor. Bridgette sits next to Geoff, chowing down on some pancakes while DJ holds his pet Bunny in his hands.
"I'm sad to see this place go." Geoff says to start a conversation .
"Same. This has been the greatest three days of the entire summer." Bridgette replies.
"So far." Geoff winks. Bridgette giggles.
"True. Ever the optimist."
"You know it! I think we can top this with an even better game day, show those Gophers what we're made of, and get another sick reward!" Geoff smacks his hands together confidently.
"Well said,Geoff." DJ says. The three share a joyful smile. Even Bunny seems to be smiling as he mews for his owner's attention. He scoops up the incredible looking salad on his plate and chews it. "Come here, little Bunny~" He holds his pet in his big, gentle hands before lowering his head down and spewing a more easy to swallow version of the meal down his throat. Bunny graciously swallows it, nuzzling up to his master's chest like a dog. Geoff and Bridgette look between each other with a bit of discomfort.
(Confessional: Bridgette)
"Over these last few days, Geoff has really shown to me that he's capable of being a more respectful guy. I know I like him, I know you all know I like him, but my big issue is that I'm not sure if this is the right move. I mean, what if something embarrassing happens on international TV between us? Both of our reputations would be in the toilet. I have to think about it."
(Confessional end)
On another table at the opposite end of the food court. Sadie sits by herself, texting on her puke-pink phone with a deranged, sleep deprived look in her bloodshot eyes. She's mumbling, giggling and fidgeting to herself when Harold comes over with a tray of hash browns and bacon.
"Hey, Sadie. Are you busy?"
"Hmhmhehehehe… No…" She mumbles, texting without looking up one bit. A smile is displayed on her face like a painting. He looks around before sitting across from her.
"Uh.. Good. Because we need to talk about stuff between us. And I don't mean that in a romantic way, I only see you as a friend."
Sadie doesn't reply, simply laughing almost evilly at a text on her phone.
"Uh.. but lately I've been feeling like you don't care about me, or that you flat out enjoy making fun of me, and that's not what friends are supposed to do. So, uh.. Yeah, I was hoping we could maybe talk it through, you know, in case we lose another challenge?"
"Mhm.. yeah, Harold, that's pretty good."
Harold looks at the camera awkwardly, standing up as Sadie goes back to giggling like a schoolgirl. He slowly backs away.
(Confessional: Sadie)
Texting on her phone like an addict, she finally looks up at the camera after a short micro sleep. "Oh! Hi there! How'd I get here? Oh, right! Guys, you'll never believe it.. Katie texted me! Eeeeeeehhhh! We've been talking for, like, three whole days now and it's just so awesome to have my bestie back! I think Harold said something, but honestly who cares? Katie's back!" She hugs her phone.
(Confessional end)
At the coffee maker, Duncan holds a tray of eggs and bacon, grabbing a mug before holding it under the espresso machine and pouring the hot liquid into it. Next to it is another just as nice looking clear mug with a dragon scaling around it. Looking around in case anybody would catch him, the delinquent shoves the clear mug up his shirt and pushes his stomach out to hold it. He turns to find a table, only to be met by Courtney's eyes staring at him.
"I saw that! How could you just steal a mug?!" She whispers, poking a jagged finger into his lean chest. He puffs.
"Because it's cool looking and I don't have one. Heh, didn't have one, that is." He winks, walking past her and onto a table. She follows him.
"But you might get kicked off!" She leans over the table, staring at him and his shit eating grin.
"Aww, and here I thought you didn't care about me."
"That's not why! You flipped out the other day and you almost got kicked off because of it. I don't want a repeat of that so we have even less capable contestants to work with." She explains, hands on her hips.
"You say that like you're innocent."
"I'm not a jailbird, actually."
"Whatever. You dig me."
"Ugh! Why do I even bother?" She storms off. He looks at the camera, taking a bite of his toast with a devilish smirk.
Chris walks into frame in the woods by a tall cliff, where a bunch of interns are setting up something on said cliff. One of them explodes and falls down onto the grass. Chris looks more calm and sympathetic than usual, maybe even gentle. Did he unbutton one of his buttons?
"Hi, Chris here. Sometimes teams just don't get along. So the producers and I thought that the best way to work through the group friction was… to exploit it for laughs." he drops the gentle attitude in favor of an evil smile, rubbing his hands together like a villain. "This is gonna be awesome!" Boom! Splat! Chris turns around. "Medic!"
At the Dock of Shame, both teams stand in front of Chris.
"For the past few days, I've noticed tensions increase more and more between the Gophers, and last week's challenge definitely helped me see how much you guys need to work through." Chris starts. Gwen and Heather glare at each other, LeShawna gives friendly Owen a look of knowing and Lindsay and Trent glance at each other cluelessly. "...At the same time, I'm sensing something a bit funky coming from the Bass, too." DJ scratches the back of his head whilst looking down at Harold, Sadie feels a vibration from her pocket and starts texting Katie while Geoff and Bridgette look away from each other both blushing and Duncan nudges Courtney with his elbow. She promptly shoves him to the ground.
"So.. this week's challenge will be all about building trust." Chris smirks. Duncan gets back up, side-eyeing a victoriously smirking Courtney. "Because all good things begin with a little bit of trust."
Heather raises her hand. "Excuse me, Chris, we don't need to do this sort of team building challenge. Us Gophers stick together, and we're all friends, right guys?"
"Debatably." LeShawna growls.
"Totally!" Lindsay cheers. Owen gives her a small hug, which she reciprocates. Heather joins in to keep up appearances. Chris chuckles.
"Good one! Don't make me say something you're gonna regret, Heather."
"What's that mean?" LeShawna asks.
"Nothing. Please, go on." Heather replies.
(Confessional: LeShawna)
"These past few days have been hell on earth for me. I lost my private showers 'cause Gwen had to go and prank Heather, which I get, alright? We were taking a lot of their shower time away, too. But my skin has definitely been taking the brunt of those consequences. Then there's Heather, who has been giving me weird vibes ever since last challenge. We're cool for sure, but I'm keeping my eye on her today."
(Confessional end)
"There will be three major challenges that will have to be completed by teams of two. Because the Killer Bass are up a player compared to the Screaming Gophers, I've determined that Geoff is the camper on his team with the most friends, and therefore is exempt from the challenge."
"Sweet! I'll be cheering y'all on by the sidelines!" Geoff says, pumping his fist.
"The rest of you will be paired up. Normally, we like to have the contestants choose their own partners, but not this time! For our first challenge: Sadie and Courtney, and Heather and Gwen. Follow me, please!"
Gwen gives Trent a kiss on the cheek while he whispers something in her ear, causing her to laugh. Heather folds her arms and opens her mouth, but LeShawna puts a finger over it. "Whatever it is you wanna say, save it. We need to win, right?"
"...Right."
"So get along. Don't let Chris win one on you."
Heather sighs. "Okay. Fine. Just this once."
(Confessional: Heather)
"For once, LeShawna is right. I gotta get a grip. I feel like I'm losing the plot here."
(Confessional: Gwen)
"Well, if she doesn't kill me by the end of this challenge I'll know we're not on awful standings."
(Confessional end)
Courtney begins following Chris. She turns to see if Sadie is behind her, but she isn't. Instead, she's standing on the dock with her phone in her hands, oblivious to the directions given to her. Courtney clears her throat loudly.
"Ahem! Sadie, we have to go."
Sadie doesn't hear her. "Ehehehe, aww of course I forgive you, Katie! You're my best friend for life!"
Bridgette taps her shoulder. "Sadie, you have to move now."
Again, Sadie is in her own little world. "Ehehehehe… LOL! Rolling on the floor X3!"
"SADIE!" Courtney yells, snapping her fingers in Sadie's face. The chubby girl snaps out of her trance and smiles sheepishly.
"Oops. Sorry. What's going on?"
"A challenge, and unless you want to be sent home today, I'd suggest you start paying attention to your surroundings. Got it?" Courtney says, a dominant pose stricken.
Sadie rolls her eyes. "Whatever. Don't gotta be such a bitch."
Everyone gasps. Duncan laughs. Courtney feels a chill run along her spine, the words of her VP running through her mind from her audition tape. That insult. It scathes her. Hands tightened into fists as she marched towards her, hands around her neck. Bridgette and DJ practically had to tear her off her body.
"You.. you..!" Courtney swings aggressively while Sadie cowers.
"While I love this palpable tension, I'd love to see it on full display in the challenge. So, come along." Chris states, motioning them to follow him.
"Calm down, Courtney! I'll go with you if you really need someone for support, okay?" Bridgette assures. The CIT glares daggers at the BFFL, breathing heavily.
"She is going down!" Courtney shouts. Sadie swallows nervously.
"Wait, what about the rest of us?" Owen asks.
"Take a load off, or come watch the action. Doesn't matter. Chef will come and collect you when it's your turn to perform in a challenge." With that last bit of info, Chris leaves with the duos, as well as everyone else but Harold.
(Confessional: Harold)
"Why on earth would I wanna watch either of those two win or lose? I'm not spiteful, but Sadie's a traitor and Gwen is on the enemy team. The only way I'd show up is if their girly bits were somehow involved~" He wrinkles his fingers, smiling deviously before awkwardly looking at the camera. "Er, I mean, I'm gonna be busy anyway! I have some moves to make."
(Confessional end)
Standing in front of a cliff, the two teams (minus Harold) and Chris stand in front of a small mountain around seventy feet tall. Chris stands in front of them, as usual, with his hands clasped professionally and his face defaulted to that all-too-excited looking grin.
"Okay, so for the first challenge you'll be doing an extreme, free hand mountain climbing adventure."
"Actually, Chris, that's much too small to be a mountain. It's more like a plateau."
Sadie mocks her behind her back by flapping her hand like a puppet, directed towards Heather. The Asian girl gives a small laugh that's loud enough for Courtney to hear and turn around to. She furrows her brows at the two. "Mountains are way cooler, so we're calling it that, okay? Listen. Here's your belay and harness." He throws a set towards the pair, with Sadie catching it before Courtney can even get her hands on it.
"What gives?!" Courtney questions.
"I don't trust you with my life, Ms. Failure in Training." Sadie mocks. Courtney's eyes dilate, her body growing weak from the word 'failure'.
"Failure..? I'll show you a failure, you little-"
"Courtney, focus." Bridgette orders softly so as to not anger her friend further. Courtney growls at Sadie, who blows a raspberry in response. "Stop it, Sadie, we're a team!"
"If you say so.." Sadie mutters, folding her arms. Chris chuckles.
"This is gonna rock! Here, girls, catch." The host throws the harness and belay combo at Gwen, who catches it just fine. Heather snatches it from her arms.
"Hey! What's your damage?" Gwen yells. Trent, Owen and Lindsay look at each other worriedly.
"If you think I'm letting you hold me up after what you did to me last week, you're nuts." Heather states.
"Ugh, whatever. If you drop me, I swear to all things unholy, I will-"
Trent jumps between them. "Ladies, ladies, relax! We're all friends here, no animosity, yeah?"
"I'm not so sure about that, Trent." Gwen says sarcastically.
"Oh, the feeling is mutual, Gwenny." Heather bites back.
"Can y'all stop acting like a couple of kids and get on with it already? We need to win, regardless of your petty beef." LeShawna pops off, clearly out of patience.
The girls look between each other. "Fine."
(Confessional: LeShawna)
"I am so tired of these two girls. At least Trent is drama free. Sometimes I just wanna swap teams, because the Bass seem to be getting along just fine."
(Confessional: Sadie)
"Oh my gosh, I cannot stand my team, especially Courtney. Bridgette's sweet and Geoff is funny, and DJ's nice enough, but god, Duncan, Harold and especially Courtney are just the worst. So creepy, annoying and bossy! I think after this challenge I'm gonna ask Chris if I can swap teams. Heather mentioned the teams could split any day now, but I can't stand another minute on here. Oh, if only Katie were here.."
(Confessional end)
"About your previous comment," Chris starts, holding a piece of rope. "you won't be holding her up exactly. One camper pulls the slack through the belay while their partner climbs. If their partner falls, the belay will catch them. Supposedly. We didn't really demo this challenge. The catch? Both the side and the base of the mountain are rigged with a few minor distractions, such as.. Rusty nails, slippery oil slicks, mild explosives, and a few other surprises."
"Mild explosives?!" Trent exclaims.
"Sounds awesome!" Owen says, earning a quirked up eyebrow from everyone around him. "Uh.. I mean, isn't that a little much?"
"Sounds in line with what you're capable o- ow!" The harness smacks against Gwen's butt as she talks, Heather's hand quickly flying off of it as a crooked smile lines her face.
"Sorry! Just making sure it's on tight." Heather explains. Gwen rolls her eyes while Sadie chuckles, with the queen bee looking back at her with a smirk.
(Confessional: Sadie)
"I cannot wait to be a part of Heather's alliance, eeh! Heather totally has the right ideas about dealing with mean people."
(Confessional end)
"Here, let me help you." Sadie offers, wrapping the belt around Courtney's thick waist. Duncan smirks alongside Geoff, bumping his fist without looking at him.
"Just don't catch any snags, got it?" Courtney orders.
"Oh, I'm very good at this kind of stuff. I just wanna make sure you don't fall." A click can be heard after Sadie's sentence. Both teams get ready for their climb. Gwen looks uneasily up at the top of the mountain. Chris stands behind both teams with his hands behind his back.
"First camper up wins the first point. If you can't trust your teammate, you won't be earning that point." He explains. Trent walks up to Gwen and tilts her chin up.
"You got this." Trent smiles.
"Thanks." She smiles back, kissing him on the lips. He walks back to his team, cheering her on with them. Gwen waves at them nervously before Heather pulls on her back with what appears to be another rope.
"What's the second rope for?" Gwen asks suspiciously.
"Oh, nothing. I just don't want you to get hurt." Heather replies sweetly.
Gwen squints her eyes. "What are you smiling at?"
"Trust me, Gwen, we all have our limits, and you've definitely breached mine. But I'm not suicidal. Besides, I want us to be friends, unlike you. So let's have some trust, okay?" She pats her head like a dog. Gwen cringes, scoffing.
"I haven't trusted you since I laid eyes on you." The goth responds scathingly.
"Well LeShawna wouldn't like you saying that, now would she?" Heather questions knowingly.
Gwen glares, then turns back around, deciding it's not worth the drama. Christ stands to the side next to a crate of mysterious items, holding an airhorn up. "All teams ready? GO!" Brrrrrring!
Courtney jumps onto the wall like a rabid squirrel, climbing up at a rate that Gwen is shocked by. The goth girl takes her time, but tries to pick up the pace when she sees how much faster Courtney is going. The Killer Bass all cheer on Courtney, with the exception of Sadie, who's evil grin only grows wider as Courtney gets closer to the first obstacle - jutted rusty nails poking out from the cliffside. The CIT stops just before them, grips the edge, growls and finally leaps over the nails and onto another section of the cliff. Everyone on the ground, and Gwen blink in shock and awe.
(Confessional: Courtney)
"I just want everyone to know that if I had been pricked by those rusty nails, Chris would have been sued into next year. Does anybody on this crapshoot show know what kind of pain a lawsuit can bring compared to the pain I'd feel on that cliffside? I don't think so."
(Confessional end)
Furiously muttering to herself, Courtney continues to climb the wall. Gwen has to carefully climb around the nails, annoying Heather to no end.
"Wooohooo, go Courtney!" Bridgette cheers.
DJ holds up Bunny. "We're rooting for you, girl! You got this!"
"Hot damn, Court! That's impressive as hell!" Duncan joins in.
Sadie glares back at them. "The bigger they are.." She turns back to Courtney, gripping the rope tighter.
"Go at your own pace, sweetie!" Trent yells.
(Confessional: Gwen)
"Sweetie? Ew. When I get down there, we're having a serious talk about pet names."
(Confessional end)
"Bring it home, girl!" LeShawna encourages.
"Yeah, move it already! She's crushing you!" Heather shouts.
"Gee, thanks, Heather!" Gwen responds, finally moving past the nails just as Courtney climbs around the slippery oil slicks.
"Don't thank me yet. I think it's time for a little backseat support!" Heather yanks the second rope, the back of Gwen's skirt ripping right as she places a hand on a rock for leverage. She flinches, looking back at her behind to see the fabric fall down to the ground below.
"AH!" Gwen covers her purple bat themed panties up with her free hand, throwing her off balance. "W-woah!" The commotion below her makes Courtney glance down. Now's her chance.
"The harder they fall!" Sadie yanks her rope, throwing Courtney off the cliffside momentarily.
"Waaaaaahhhh!" Desperately, she swings her legs around and tries her hardest to reach the mountain again, but Sadie simply lets her fall. Courtney swings at a rock to try and stifle her fall, but ends up splitting her hand open, rocketing past Gwen. She's nearly turned into a red paste, until Duncan pushes Sadie to the side and catches the rope.
"I got you!"
The rope binds around her ankle, barely saving her life. Heavily breathing, Courtney feels her vision fading, staring into her hand as it bleeds. Then her eyes fall on Duncan, her savior. He saved her? Him?
Then everything goes black.
"Courtney!" Duncan yells, untying her leg before catching her, putting her on the floor whilst Chris waves a flag around.
"Medic!" He yells. Chef runs in with a gurney.
The Bass crowd around Courtney. Bridgette applies pressure on her hand while Duncan holds her other one in a moment of weakness. The blonde turns to a frightened Sadie. "What the fuck is wrong with you?"
"I.. I.." Sadie swallows, looking over at Heather, who raises her brow before nodding proudly. Gwen doesn't look back down, climbing rapidly until she reaches the top of the plateau.
"Made it!"
"Would you look at that, as if there was any doubt, Gwen and Heather win!" Chris announces, blowing the air horn. Gwen pumps her fist in the air before covering her butt up. Though nobody but herself and Heather seem too happy, watching Courtney be driven away with Chef in a nurse's outfit in tow. "Not much for victory, eh? Let's all take a break before we get on with the next part of the challenge."
Sadie makes a break for it, sprinting away. Duncan growls, clenching his fist. He starts to walk after her, but Bridgette puts a hand on his shoulder and stops him. "No. Let her go."
Without words, Duncan exhales, turns around and walks away. Geoff walks up to Bridgette and holds her hand. She looks at their joined hands, then up at his eyes. "It'll be okay. Courtney's a tough gal."
DJ looks out into the woods, while in the background Chris throws up a rope for Gwen to climb down. The tall teddy bear of a guy turns to Geoff and Bridgette. "Hey, Geoff, can you hold Bunny for me? I wanna find Sadie. She could be in trouble."
"Heck yeah she's in trouble, man. She nearly killed Courtney." Geoff says.
"I mean in a dark place. I know her and Katie were close. Maybe she just needs a reminder of how great life can be on its own." DJ explains.
"You're way too good for this show, DJ." Bridgette compliments, a small smile on her face.
"Thanks, Bridge. It's just basic human kindness. Find it in your heart to forgive her if I can get her back, okay?" DJ asks. Geoff accepts Bunny.
"Well, don't be too long, dude. The next challenge could start whenever Chris deems us ready." The surfer dude replies.
"I'll be back in a gif. Keep Bunny safe!" He starts jogging off, waving his pet goodbye.
"I will, promise!" Geoff waves back, with Bunny copying him.
Bridgette sighs, putting her hands in her pockets. "Ugh.. I feel so on edge."
"What's wrong?"
"You know what's wrong, Geoff. Courtney's my best friend here, I feel so bad just watching her go off in pain like that. But there's not much I can do." She hangs her head.
"Hm.. I know! Let's go swimming. That always cheers me up back home."
"I'd actually like to know more about your life at home. That's not a bad idea, either."
"Ha, thanks. Bunny thinks so, too, oh yes he does!" Geoff scratches underneath the adorable rabbit's chin, its foot bouncing on his hand.
"Aww.. What a good boy." Bridgette coos. The two start their way down to the dock of shame.
Harold checks out the cabin windows from inside, making sure to close the blinds before lighting an atmospheric candle to set down on the end table next to his bed. Sitting down with a notebook and pen in hand, he begins writing.
(Confessional: Harold)
"I won't be silenced in ALL spaces. In fact, my media literacy is probably me at my most literate! I told you I was busy. I only lie when I feel like it's necessary. Like when I was a kid, I used to draw on the walls with crayon, and when my mom found out, I blamed it on our cat, Tabatha. Hehe, get it? Tabatha? That name was a real killer at my campaign meetings."
(Confessional end)
LeShawna follows Heather past the Bass cabin, with Gwen and Trent walking together towards the Gopher cabin before sitting down on the porch to chat. LeShawna stops Heather. "Yo, Heather, we gotta talk about earlier, girl."
"Oh, that. That was just a bit of revenge." Heather replies, turning around to look her alleged friend in her brown eyes.
"I get it, you gotta defend yourself out there. But first of all, Gwen is my friend, and second of all, you violated her for the sake of a joke." LeShawna explains.
"You're joking, right? I showed her lame panties off to the world, not her bare ass." Heather scoffs.
"You still stripped her as a prank in front of millions of people. That's not cool." LeShawna folds her arms over her chest. Meanwhile, Gwen and Trent watch them argue in the background, while Harold leaves the Bass cabin from the side window, falling on his face.
"Need I remind you of what she did to me three nights ago?" Heather whispers bitterly.
"No, and I already talked to her about pulling stuff like that too. Look, we're all on the same team, and we're all strongest together, so we need to stop the petty bullshit."
"Guys, you know I can hear you, right?" Gwen says. LeShawna looks embarrassed, while Heather takes on a condescending smirk.
"And what do you think, Gwenny? Are your feelings as hurt as LeShawna thinks?"
Gwen shrugs her shoulders. "To be honest, not really. It was annoying, but I've been 'violated' worse. Besides, Courtney's fall distracted everyone, so I don't think most people even remember what they saw."
Heather turns her annoying smile at LeShawna. "See? Nothing to be upset about."
"Just don't pull any shit on each other anymore. It's mad childish, for both of you." LeShawna replies.
"Yes, ma'am." The girls answer in unison.
(Confessional: Trent)
"Guess I'm gonna go to the grave with the secret that I was involved with the meat prank, unless I wanna stir the pot some more. It's tempting, but I like not being in the hospital, thanks."
(Confessional end)
LeShawna attempts to walk into the Gopher cabin, but that's when Harold steps out of the girls' room. The loud and proud girl puts a hand on each of her hips, raising a brow. "Care to explain why you're in the girls' Gopher cabin?"
"Uh.. only to make sure everyone was still here, hehe. I totally missed the first challenge of the day, so, uh, I had to make sure!"
"Mmmmhm. I better find all my underwear in the right place."
"Hey, I-I'm not like that! I know the ramifications of messing with a lady's brassiere. B-besides, I'm a gentleman."
"Can you at least move out the way if you're so gentlemanly?"
He does so obediently, even bowing down for her. She rolls her eyes, heading inside before shutting the door closed. Gwen and Trent shrug, while Harold quickly runs away.
(Confessional: LeShawna)
"I won't lie, between Heather and Gwen's shenanigans and Owen's complete worthlessness as a teammate, seeing Harold try to talk his way out of that situation was kind of the comedic relief I needed. And hey, he was right, everything is still in place." She holds up a huge pink bra proudly.
"No, no, no, no, no!"
Sadie sobs whilst sitting on a tree stump, texting rapidly as her phone displays a 'no service' sign above Katie's messages. Eventually, she gives up, throwing her phone to the dirt so she can hide her face in her flabby arms, going into the feedle position to protect herself from the shame and guilt of her predicament.
"Oh my god.. I just wish I was like, totally dead!"
Sssssss…
A rattlesnake hisses, rising up from behind the stump. Sadie uncovers her face and screams, jumping back in her seat with a shiver as she shuffles back right into a pair of strong, smooth legs. She turns around to see DJ pick up a stick over his head. "DJ? Help me!"
"Calm down, Sadie. And you, Mr. Rattlesnake," The snake looks up in attention of the stick, it's coily tongue out and about. DJ throws the stick hard into the treeline. "go fetch!" It slithers away fastly. Sadie continues crying into her hands, barely able to look up at him through the blind spots in her fingers.
"Oh, DJ.. You saved my life!" Sadie whimpers.
"Of course I did. We're a team, Sadie." DJ replies, kneeling down to her level compassionately.
Sadie sniffles, drying the last of her tears as she faces him. "Even after everything I did today.. Why would you still be nice to me?"
"Like I said, we're a team. Besides, we're friends, just like I was with Katie." DJ answers.
"Katie.. I miss her." Sadie whimpers. DJ frowns, hugging his legs.
"Is that why you've been acting out lately?"
Sadie nods. "It's just that, when me and Katie are together, on our profile, we're like two really cute divas. But now that it's only me, I feel like I don't have an identity!"
"That's a very real concern to have. But guess what? You do have an identity: you're Sadie."
She's visibly confused. "...So?"
"So you are you. You can make yourself whoever you want to be, as long as who that person is is comfortable to you." He places a wholesome hand on his heart.
"Whoever I want to be..?" Fire fills her eyes. So many possibilities, so many unexplored avenues. Her brain chooses the most comfortable.
"That's right! You can be anyone, or anything."
"...Okay. Can I tell you a secret?"
"Of course!"
"No, DJ, I mean this is a big secret. If anybody here ever found out I told you, I'd never be trusted in any female gossip circles again."
"I pinkie swear, Sadie. I promise." He holds out a big pinky finger that she hesitantly locks onto.
"A pinkie swear is for, like, ever. Okay?"
"Yes, yes, I get it. Now what is it?"
"Okay… I'm friends with Heather on the Screaming Gophers, and um.. She's been teaching me all about what she plans to do when merge hits. Like, how she's going to bring me to the final three if I hurt some of her enemies. People like Courtney and Bridgette and Duncan who she knows are strong players.. She even told me to spread rumors about you."
"Heather did? But.. but why? I never did anything to her."
"She's not evil or anything, DJ! She's just playing the game. Besides, she doesn't hate you. She just knows everyone loves you. And hey, I never went through with it because I love you, too! You and your elegantly shaved legs, and your built, muscly body, and your handsome beard.."
"Uh.. Sadie?"
"Mm..?"
"Let's go back to camp and apologize before the next challenge starts, okay?"
"Oookay~! But you have to keep all of that a total secret!"
"Sure, as long as you stop trying to impress Heather. She.. she's probably just misunderstood, but.. Don't be sabotaging the team no more, 'kay?"
Sadie nods cutely. "Whatever you say, DJ!~"
DJ sighs, slouching his shoulders as he walks her back to camp.
(Confessional: Sadie)
"Okay, Katie, he totally is a cutie! I'm so crushing on him, LOL! Sorry, girl! Maybe when I get back home, we can talk about him allllll night like we used to about Michael, and Henry, and William, eehh! I miss you so much, girl! Besides, DJ's right: I'm not some girl's follower, I'm Sadie Miller! I'm a famous Blickblocker that everyone wants to smash, AND I'm Katie's best friend, so I do have my own identity! Yay!"
(Confessional end)
At the Dock of Shame, where the water is murky and the fish are half dead, Geoff and Bridgette walk along the wooden support in their bathing suits. "Last one in the pool's a rotten egg!" Geoff calls suddenly, running towards the edge of the dock.
"Hey!" Bridgette laughs, racing alongside him. He smiles at her, letting her gain the edge ever so slightly, which she takes full advantage of by cannonballing into the lake. She emerges with her hair wet and down, taking the scrunchy out of her ponytail to let her hair fall down naturally. Geoff was starstruck.
"Woah.. You're like.. Gorgeous with your hair down."
"Only with my hair down?"
"Uh- no, no! I mean like, especially with your hair down."
"Thank you. That's sweet."
"Alright, here goes- oh wait. I almost forgot." Geoff pulls Bunny from his trunks pocket, placing him on the lifeguard's chair on the dock. He then runs in, shouting "Cannonball!" As he smacks his bottom into the water, splashing Bridgette. She smiles, greeting him when he comes back up. He tosses his hat on the boardwalk before sighing. "Man, it's nice to be in some cool water after the heat wave's been kicking our butts."
"You could say that again. Back home, I'd pray for this kind of heat. It's ideal for the beach, not so much for challenges." Bridgette replies calmly.
"Not me, personally. I love the beach, don't get me wrong, but a good bonfire is the perfect way to chill out during a party." Geoff says.
Bridgette nods, changing the subject. "It's so sweet of you to take care of Bunny for DJ."
"DJ's done so much good for me while we've been here, saved me countless times. I had to pay him back. Besides, Bunny's a cutie." They turn to him and wave. The Bunny blinks adoringly.
"He sure is. What do you think of everyone on our team?"
"Duncan's a cool guy when you get to know him, and DJ's an awesome friend! Then there's Courtney, who I like, even if she is kind of bossy."
"She just needs to come out of her shell more. Honestly, I don't even really like Duncan much, but I have to admit a little bit of his influence is good for her."
"See, he's not all bad. He's just got some battle scars. I think. Plus he's a criminal."
"Do you even know what he did to get in jail in the first place?"
"No idea, he won't tell anyone. He seems kind of ashamed of it. I'm guessing he beat someone so bad they're missing all their teeth."
"Judging by what he did to Harold, probably. What about him?"
"Dude's just a little too stubborn for his own good. He needs to learn some social skills pronto."
"For real. I mean, he's not a bad guy, he's just kind of weird.. He has saved us a bunch of times from challenges, though. That's gotta count for something."
"For sure. Sadie.. Gonna be honest, she kinda weirds me out."
"I liked her.. Before she tried to kill my friend." Bridgette looks back at the island worriedly, folding her arms. Geoff notices her concern and advances gently.
"Aw, hey, Courtney's gonna be just fine. Chris said so. Besides, she wouldn't let someone like Sadie take her down."
A smile returns to her face as her eyes meet his. "That's true.. So, I wanted to know a bit about your home life."
"There's a lot to tell you. What do you wanna know?"
"What are your parents like?"
"Well, my dad's a real hard working dude. He's not a hardass though, just kind of busy. We're actually kind of loaded since he works at a big company as an accountant. He helps pay for a lot of my parties. Then there's my bestie, Brody. I love him, known him since third grade and haven't let go since. And mom.. Well, my mom was a sweet woman, but I don't really remember her much, and the stuff I do remember isn't pretty."
She looks apologetic. "I'm so sorry. My mom is the sweetest woman alive, and she's so short. You could probably lift her up with one hand."
Geoff smirks. "You think I'm that strong?"
"Definitely. I mean, not to be weird, but, you are quite built." She smirks back, the tension between them sandwiched as they look each other up and down.
"I am. You are, too. I see those abs underneath that one piece. You're sculpted, Bridge."
"Well.. I-"
SSSSSSsssssss….
The two wind their heads back to see Bunny standing innocently on the lifeguards chair, completely unaware of the ravenous, long tailed purple snake hissing behind him.
"No! Bunny!" Geoff claws his way back to the dock, climbing onto the wood before sprinting as fast as he can towards the threat. He makes it about halfway before the snake eats him.
"NO!" The surfer dude screams, holding a despaired hand out in complete horror. A Bunny shaped lump sits in the snake's throat. Bridgette puts a hand over her mouth from the water, swimming towards the dock so she can climb up as well.
"Geoff, there's still a chance! You have to push him out!" Bridgette shouts.
Without even thinking, Geoff cautiously walks towards the snake. Once he's close enough, Bridgette corners him, too. They both attempt to pounce on the snake.. Just as an eagle descends and takes him away by his claws. They look up to watch him go.
"The eagle - Geoff, get it!" She points up desperately.
"How?!"
"Grab him by the feet, o-or the wings, or something!"
Geoff stands back up, jumping as high as he can to try and grab the eagle, but it's simply too high up. Bridgette stands up, copying his jumps, and though she does manage to get slightly higher, the eagle moves away the seconds it feels her fingers on him. It lands at the edge of the dock, about to begin eating its prey. Geoff smiles, relieved as he begins sneaking toward it.
"That's it.. Here, eagle, eagle.."
Then a shark jumps up and eats the portion of the deck the eagle stands on, killing all three animals instantly before rushing away. Geoff and Bridgette stand with their jaws to the floor.
Bridgette recovers first, turning to Geoff . "Oh my god.. Are you okay?"
Geoff blinks. "He's dead.. Holy shit.. I let Bunny die.. DJ is going to kill me." He grabs his hat from the floor and hides himself under it.
"No, Geoff, he won't! W-we just have to.. We gotta.. Give it to him straight. He'll understand that we.. lost him. Oh, god.." She hides her eyes in her forearm.
"Now?!" Geoff yells.
"No! W-when he brings it up!? I don't know! I.. I can't believe we let an animal die.." She slumps her shoulders, a mournful frown on her face as she stares into the ocean.
Geoff hugs Bridgette, the two of them shaking with fear. In the background, Duncan watches with his eyes widened, his knife cut into a tree with Sadie's face X'd out into it.
Creeeee!
"Break time is over, campers! Trent, Lindsay, Harold and Bridgette, report to the Mess Hall with your game faces on and your stomachs ready for pain!" Chris' voice blasts over the speakers across the island. Duncan takes his knife out and begins following the surfer duo back to camp, far away so they can't see him.
Geoff walks Bridgette into the Mess Hall, which is unnaturally dark. Trent and Lindsay wait on the other side of the dining room.
"Guess I'll see you in a bit.." Geoff mutters.
"You gonna tell DJ..?" Bridgette cautiously asks.
"I.. uh.. I.. Good luck." He runs away, only to bump into DJ standing next to Sadie. DJ helps his friend up, patting him on the back while Gwen passes both of them and heads inside.
"Hey, Geoff! So good to see you, bro!" DJ enthusiastically greets.
"DJ! Oh wow.. My best friend in the whole world, a-almost.. Just the guy I uh, I wanted to see." Geoff says awkwardly.
Sadie waves. "Hi, Geoff!"
"Oh, Sadie.. Is she..?"
DJ nods. "Much better. I think. Go on, Sadie, go get some rest, we'll talk later."
"Oookay!~" She skips merrily to the Bass cabin.
A strong, firm grip finds itself on Geoff's tense shoulder. "Hey, man, so where's Bunny at? I miss him."
"Bunny? Where's Bunny? Oh yeah, Bunny! Uh, well, he um.. He.."
DJ looks absolutely devastated, bottom lip quivering as tears welt up dramatically in his eyes.
"Bunny's… gone. But he will be back! I'm sure." He feigns confidence.
"You mean.. Bunny ran away?"
"...Yeah. I'm sorry, dude."
"It's not your fault, man.. It's mine. I shouldn't have left him alone." His voice is so close to breaking. Geoff grits his teeth, wincing as he looks at the ground. Duncan watches all of this from around the corner of the Mess Hall building. DJ gets down on his knees Shawshank Redemption style, throwing his arms up in the air. "Bunny! Why did you leave me? Why?!" He breaks down crying. Geoff awkwardly and stiffly backs away before sprinting as fast as he can. Duncan also walks away.
(Confessional: Geoff)
"Oh, god, I'm such an asshole! What is the matter with me? Why couldn't I just tell him the truth? Maybe he'd be mad at me instead. I mean, did you hear about how he handled Owen during the paintball challenge? What if he kicked my ass? Aw, man, somehow this is way worse. I'm so sorry, DJ."
(Confessional: Bridgette)
"Look, I heard everything outside. I don't exactly blame Geoff for what he did. I don't think I'd ever have the heart to tell DJ any sort of bad news."
(Confessional: DJ)
"BUNNY! WH-HY-HYY?!"
(Confessional end)
Back inside the mess hall, DJ's crying can be heard before Sadie gently coos him towards the Bass cabin. Trent, Lindsay, Bridgette and Harold all stand around awkwardly.
"So.. are we just supposed to stand around here in the dark listening to this?"
"I hope not! When it's dark, you can't see how pretty I am!" Two spotlights turn on to highlight both teams. "Oh hey, even the lights wanna see!"
Chris, or at least someone who looks strikingly like him, front flips into frame, a spotlight on him as he lands behind a podium, crouching before remerging as someone unmistakably McLean. Chris grins smugly, his arms folded. "Welcome, campers, to the second part of your challenge: The Toxic Puff of Venomous Death!"
As he speaks, the guy who looked like Chris crawls away into the kitchen. Everyone watches him go. Chris seems a little annoyed. Harold looks back up at him. "Smoking is bad for you! No matter what context, I'll never do it, not even to win a challenge." He firmly states.
"This isn't a smoking challenge, Harold, but if it was, I'm pretty sure even Lindsay could outsmoke you." Chris replies.
"Eeeewww!" Lindsay squeaks. "Smoking is so gross. Unless it's a barbecue, then it's the best!"
"Moving on.. In this challenge, one member of each team will be dissecting a poisonous blowfish to make into a sushi roll," two interns walk out with said fish, placing them on the benches the contestants usually eat on. "But be very careful, as the toxin inside this fish is powerful enough to paralyze you from the waist down for 24 hours. You won't die, but you'll wish you could."
"We get to choose who prepares the fish, right?" Trent questions wearily while Gwen holds his hand with both of hers, a little reasonably scared.
"Nope! I do. And because I know one of you is more intelligent than the other, and one of you loves the ocean, Harold and Lindsay will be preparing the meal. Any sort of help from your partner will get you disqualified from the challenge. And Killer Bass? You need this point, or else it's game over before we even reach the third inning. You have ten minutes." Bridgette looks at Harold worriedly, rubbing her arm.
"G-good luck." She stutters.
"Have some faith. Luck is always on my side. Besides, I'm an excellent carver. I studied the work of Michalangelo in an online course back home."
"Those are statues! Please don't paralyze me, Harold!"
"I won't, gosh! You need to trust me, Bridgette. I'm capable, you've seen it."
"I know, I know.. I'm sorry. Continue." Harold nods, focusing on gently cutting the blowfish.
(Confessional: Gwen)
"Every day I hate that smug, douchebag host more and more. How could he put Trent in such a dangerous situation? Does he even fathom the concept of empathy?"
(Confessional: Chris)
"The answer to that question may shock you. Hehehe!"
(Confessional end)
"You took biology, right?" Trent asks cautiously.
Lindsay nods with a confident smile, picking up the kitchen knife on the table before tapping the blowfish. It immediately explodes and begins deflating like a balloon across the room, eventually landing like a delicate lily on her plate. "Oops.. I bet a dash of ketchup would make it taste just fine!"
"What about the poison?" Trent questions.
"Poison? I've never put that on salmon before."
He facepalms, feeling Gwen's grip tighten. "No, taking the poison out of the pufferfish."
"Oooooh. Y-yeah, I got it! I can do this stuff, too, you know."
The mess hall door opens. Heather, Owen and LeShawna appear in the doorframe. Harold doesn't peek, but everyone else does.
"What is that?" LeShawna asks with a hint of disgust in her voice.
"Shh! This is crucial to my survival." Bridgette whispers, watching Harold's work carefully.
"..I can tell." LeShawna mutters as a reply, also watching his hands go.
(Confessional: LeShawna)
"Don't ask what that was about, 'cause I got no clue. Jasmine, LeShaniqua, quit laughing right now!"
(Confessional end)
"Mm.. smells like Japanese in here! Where's the sushi?" Owen says, rubbing his hands together eagerly.
"Our challenge is making it. Could you please be quiet so Lindsay can focus?" Trent anxiously demands. Owen shrugs, sitting down alongside LeShawna at the other end of the table.
Heather smirks. "Yeah, guys, let Lindsay's brain work a bit." She follows them, sitting closer to Lindsay.
(Confessional: Heather)
"Gwen and Trent are together, and relationships equal alliances. Breaking them up, or at least tearing them apart, is ideal, especially because of Gwen's hatred of me. However, if Lindsay is able to get me lightning in a bottle twice.. Well, who am I to cry over spilled milk? I've got the golden headed ticket! Thank you, Lindsay."
(Confessional end)
Ten minutes pass, and the participants freeze up when they hear a buzzer go off. Chris flicks on the lights. "Okay, you have ten seconds to perform your finishing touches."
Harold's dish is rolled up to perfection, and he decides to top it off with a hint of garnish and a sunflower plucked beautifully next to it for presentation's sake. "I was going to give it to my mother, but you're just as pretty, and way nicer."
Bridgette raises a brow. "That's.. Kind of sweet. And it looks edible. And that's coming from a vegetarian. Thanks, Harold." Harold nods proudly.
On the other hand, the Gophers look repulsed at the flat, pink, butchered glob on Trent's plate. Lindsay shakes a bottle of ketchup before oozing out a smiley face on it. Heather is the odd one out, filing her nails without a care before looking up when Chris snaps his fingers.
"Finishing touches are over, people. This is life or death."
Trent swallows.
Bridgette sighs.
"Bridgette, you're up first." Chris says.
Harold hands the blonde a pair of chopsticks from his pocket. She uses them perfectly to slowly and suspensefully place it on her tongue. A taste sensation like no other hits her. She chews and swallows. "Mm.. Not bad. And I'm still alive!"
"All according to keikaku." Harold states confidently.
"You sure you're allowed to eat that?" LeShawna asks.
"I'm willing to bend the rules if the fish was already dangerous to humans, and if it means I have to trust my teammate. I kind of forgot about my restrictions there, honestly. Nice work, Harold." The Bass high five.
Chris walks over to the Screaming Gophers, hissing at the miserable pile on Trent's plate. "Eugh.. Look, Gophers, the Bass already have you beat. If the poison is undetected and it somehow tastes better than Harold's sushi, you win the challenge and earn immunity. Otherwise, we'll have to move to a tiebreaker."
"We're so ready for this to blow Trent's socks off! Right, Trent?" Lindsay enthuses. Trent closes in on the fish, but Gwen pulls him back by the shoulder.
"Wait! Trent doesn't have to eat the fish if we already know it's poisonous. I mean, look at it!" She throws her hand at it for emphasis.
"Hey! I did my best. My biology teacher even gave me a 'D' for Delicious after we dissected that frog. I know what I'm doing."
"I thought you said you passed biology." Trent replies.
"I did!"
"Trent…" Gwen groans, her bottom lip quivering. Trent turns to her and cups her cheeks in his hands.
"No. It's fine. Look, this challenge is all about trust. If I can't trust Lindsay, our team might as well go under today. You feel me, babe?"
"But, Trent.."
"Don't worry. I have total faith that this will pass with a D, for Delicious." He winks at Lindsay before turning back around.
Trent cuts up a piece soaked in ketchup and without hesitation stuffs it into his mouth. The room gasps, while Chris and Heather smirk sadistically. After swallowing it, Trent stops moving, screams as loud as he can and punches his twitching face nine times before regaining control. He looks around at the room, rubbing his swollen forehead with a chuckle. The Gophers gasp more happily, ready to start cheering before Trent falls on his back and begins puking out the fish all over the floor. Chris recoils.
"Medic!"
"Trent! Oh my God!" Gwen gets down next to him, panicking on what to do. Everyone else begins either gagging or walking out of the cabin to look for help.
"O-oops… Sorry, Todd.." Lindsay mutters. Chef rushes in wearing his usual maid getup, getting on his hands and knees to perform.. Mouth to mouth.
"GHHHAAAAAAAA!"
Killer Bass: 1
Screaming Gophers: 1
Courtney shoots up out of her bed, gasping. Taking a look around, she notices that she's back home. It's dark, but a hint of light creeps in through her gorgeous white blinds. She fumbles around, trying to find the lamp on her night stand, but instead she falls off the bed. The light on the ceiling comes on suddenly. She turns to see her father standing in the door frame.
"Medically.. Evacuated."
"Daddy? Wait, no, please, I'm still in the game!"
"We give you the resources you need to succeed. Me and your mother spend our lives carving you the perfect future, ripe with opportunity,"
"Daddy, please, i-it's not a huge deal! Bridgette told me I could get a job with her if I were to-"
"And you crush them all with a random chance injury? You destroy your image for what? Because you feel pain? What is wrong with you?"
"You're scaring me."
"Good." He grabs a hold of her neck.
AH!
Courtney jumps up, her hair frazzled and her body in a state of fuzzy delirium. She sees a pair of figures run in, maybe three, one big blob and two smaller ones. Blinking a few times, she sees that it's Chef wearing that ridiculous maid outfit and Trent being put onto a bed across from her. Gwent holds his hand, a sight that for some odd reason sparks the weirdest sort of envy. She pushes it aside immediately. She lets them finish talking, and after injecting Trent with some sort of shot, Chef walks away, presumably to get more supplies.
"What's going on..? Where am I?" She groggily questions, the taste of plasma on her tongue.
Gwen turns around. "You're in the infirmary. You had a pretty nasty fall."
"Ugh.. Sadie. That bitch!"
"Why do you think she did that to you?"
"I have no idea. She's crazy!"
"You could say that again."
"What happened to him?"
"Ask Lindsay."
"Mmheh.. Mommy?" Trent questions, his voice somewhat distorted.
"Hey, Trent. Heh, We've gotta stop meeting like this." She cups his cheek in her hand, her black nails scratching his face gently.
"No way.. Never get tired of seeing you on top of me.." Trent murmurs, trying to smirk.
Gwen crosses her legs. "You know.. Seeing you this badly hurt scared me so bad last time."
"I'm sorry, baby."
"But this time..? I really thought you were dead..~" She traces his chest with her finger, a faint heartbeat against her hand.
"Yeah..?"
"Yeah."
They look into each other's eyes, then their lips crash into each other with the force of a bullet train. Courtney rolls her eyes, looking out the tent door. That's when she sees a curious sight.. Duncan luring a rabbit with a carrot.
"What does Duncan need a rabbit for…?"
(Confessional: Gwen)
"I'm not gonna lie, I was freaking out the first ten minutes I saw Trent in that state. But when I saw him all relaxed and with his eyes closed, and his body still.. I could picture him in a coffin." She bites her bottom lip. "I hope he doesn't think I'm weird for that.. Something tells me no."
(Confessional: Trent)
"Hottest. Girlfriend. Ever."
(Confessional end)
Chris stands before the Killer Bass and Screaming Gophers, or at least most of them. Sadie supports a dejected, whimpering DJ as he cries into his hands, Geoff and Bridgette looking awkwardly at each other with guilt surging through them and Harold picking his nose next to them. The Gophers have Owen eating a chocolate bar, Heather whispering something to Lindsay and LeShawna tapping her foot worriedly. Chris checks his watch impatiently.
(Confessional: Heather)
"So Lindsay's stroke of genius in injuring Cody ended up being an accident for real, as it was with Trent. Oh well, I can still weaponize this."
(Confessional: Lindsay)
"First Cory now Todd? How many more guys am I going to get hurt?! At least Heather thinks it's useful.. Maybe it's a gift? It doesn't feel like one.."
(Confessional: LeShawna)
"Heather's been awfully cagey today after our brief argument earlier. I'll leave her be for now, but hopefully we can actually get a conversation started again soon. I don't hate homegirl, she's just.. Suspicious."
(Confessional: Owen)
"LeShawna and I got paired up for this challenge, which is kinda scary. I can tell she doesn't really trust me after the whole ribs thing.. But can you blame me? They looked so good! If only I had some barbecue on hand… Mm… No, snap out of it, Owen! You have to earn her trust back, for Noah! For the team!"
(Confessional end)
Geoff whispers to Bridgette. "I can't do this anymore. I'm telling him the truth."
"What if he completely shuts down though? He's already going to be weak in this challenge with or without Duncan, he'd completely freak out if he knew you lied to him and that Bunny's dead!" Bridgette whispers back.
"Ugh..! This is ridiculous!" Geoff shouts, stomping his foot.
"I agree, where is Duncan? I called him like ten minutes ago." Chris questions. Just then, Duncan enters the scene.
"Sorry, I got lost." He says with a clearly uncaring, sarcastic tone.
"Well, there you are!" Chris says, throwing his arms up before folding them like a disappointed parent.
Geoff wraps an arm around Duncan's neck, giving him a noogie. "Duncan, man! Nice to see you, dude! Y-you uh seen Bunny anywhere?" DJ peaks from his hands.
"You know as a matter of fact, I did." Duncan replies, whispering so DJ can't hear.
"What? Did you?!" DJ asks, trying to get between Duncan and Geoff.
"Woah, hold on, Deej. Me and Geoff are having a private conversation. Same with you, Malibu." Duncan points right at the blonde surfer.
Geoff and Bridgette stare between each other.
"No, no more time for conversation. Your final challenge starts now." Chris disrupts. Duncan holds up a finger.
"One minute. All I need."
Chris squints at the delinquent. Heather sighs, annoyed. "Just get on with it already!"
"Fine. One minute." The host allows. Duncan drags Geoff and Bridgette by their ears to the side.
"Ow! Hey, what the hell?" Bridgette groans.
"Listen. I saw you two get Bunny killed." Duncan whispers.
"You did?" They say in unison, shocked.
"We didn't get him killed, he died on his own!" Bridgette defends.
"But guess who was supposed to be watching him."
Geoff looks down. "I know. I'm a terrible friend."
"More than that, you're gonna cost us the game, if Sadie hadn't already. Look, today's challenge is about that trust shit, and if DJ of all people can't trust you guys, then neither can I. Come clean, and I'll give DJ 'Bunny' back." He shows them an identical rabbit from his pocket, then stows him away.
"But.. that doesn't make any sense." Geoff replies.
"Trust me, with stuff like this, it doesn't have to."
Geoff and Bridgette approach DJ slowly, dread filling every step. "Uh.. hey, DJ."
"Um, can't you see how much he's hurting right now? Leave him be!" Sadie screeches posessively.
"Mind your own business, Sadie." Bridgette fires back.
"Whatever you say.." Sadie tightens her grip on his shirt.
DJ let's go of her. "It's fine, Sadie. So what, did Duncan find Bunny or what?"
"Well.. actually, DJ.. Bunny, uh.. He.. well.." Geoff stutters, feeling Bridgette's hand grab his. He looks into her eyes, fear in them. She squeezes tight.
"What..?" Hope sparkles in the teddy bear's eyes. Geoff sighs.
"He's.. gone, man. I got him killed. He was just.. Just standing there, man! And.. and I didn't see when the snake ate him, or when the falcon ate him, or the freakin' shark! I didn't, I swear!"
"..."
"DJ?" Says Bridgette.
"You.. you lied to me earlier?" DJ's voice breaks.
"I'm so sorry, dude.." Geoff hangs his head.
"Wow…" DJ mutters.
"Okay, now that that bombshells been dropped, the challenge can start proper. DJ, you ready to trust Duncan with your life?"
"Let's just get this over with."
At the top of a hill, Owen, LeShawna, Duncan and DJ stand by two bobsleds. Chris stands on the ground floor below with a megaphone. "Great! Now that you're all up the hill, allow me to explain what you'll be doing: two of you will enter your bobsled, one wearing a blindfold, and the other directing their partner down the hill. The blindfolded teammate is also the steerer, and trust me, you do not want to crash into a tree or hit one of our booby traps. Taking off the blindfold at any time will result in immediate disqualification during the challenge."
Courtney finally returns from the infirmary. Sadie notices her and sheepishly approaches. "Hi, Courtney, hehe.."
Courtney folds her arms and glares. Bridgette notices the conflict and stands next to her. "What is it?" The CIT asks.
"I just wanted to say-"
"You're sorry, right? Well guess what? I've heard it a million times before. You don't mean it, the student body doesn't mean it. You're just scared of me. Rightfully so. I'm going to sue your internet famous butt into the AOL age!"
"...What's AOL?"
"Ugh! Get out of my face." Sadie runs away towards the Gophers. Heather gives her the cold shoulder almost immediately, folding her arms and looking away. Sadie nervously backs away, waving hello to Lindsay as she does so. Lindsay hesitantly waves back, only to stop when Heather notices her.
(Confessional: Heather)
"Yeah, like I need any more negative attention after the Gwen stunt. LeShawna is already suspicious of me, so I need to make sure all of my friends are sweet, but completely brainless. Oh, Owen, where are you?~"
(Confessional end)
"Well, at least she tried to apologize." Bridgette says.
"I'd rather she just ran away." Courtney replies coldly.
"I understand."
(Confessional: Sadie)
"God, what a bitch! I mean, she needs to like, seriously take a chill pill, because wow! At least I tried. That'll impress DJ..~"
(Confessional end)
"One more thing! Because DJ is a train wreck and LeShawna doesn't believe in Owen's challenge skills or reliability, they'll be the ones blindfolded, while Duncan and Owen steer."
"Great, now you can screw me over twice as bad with a concussion." LeShawna rolls her eyes, taking the blindfold from Owen's hands.
"I know I screwed up last game, but have a little bit of trust in me! I can use my weight to help steer if anything happens." Owen suggests.
"I guess that's useful. Just know that if you lose this for us, you're done. No more second chances or sacrifice eliminations." She slips the blindfold on.
"Deal!" He shakes her hand with a dopey smile. She climbs into the front, while he waits at the back.
Duncan hesitantly gives DJ the blindfold. "Look, DJ, there's something I gotta say."
"Whatever it is, I don't wanna hear it. I've heard enough bad news already. Can't we just win the challenge and get it over with?"
"But it isn't-"
"Campers, get in your stations!" Chris' voice reverberates.
DJ climbs into the front, hands on either side of the wooden, red painted bobsled. Duncan stands behind it, ready to push.
"On your marks.. Get set.. Go!"
Duncan and Owen both charge forward, pushing the bobsleds as fast and hard as they can before leaping in. Down the pathway are hazardous trees and rocks as far as the eye can see.
"Left! Right!"
DJ sluggishly moves, hitting himself on both shoulders by different trees.
"Right, right! Left!" Owen calls, their bobsled zooming down the hill.
"Woohoo! Now this is speed! Keep 'em coming!" LeShawna cheers.
"You're on, sister! Left!" She scoots to the left hurriedly.
"DJ, we're losing them!" Duncan yells.
"..It doesn't even matter anymore- ow!" A branch hit's DJ's face. "Bunny's gone.. Geoff lied to me."
"Yeah, he did. But not about Bunny being dead."
"Huh?"
Duncan places Bunny in DJ's lap. His hands instantly clamor around the furry creature, a long smile gracing his face. "Bunny?! Duncan, how did you-"
"He really was lost. I found him a while back, but you kept cutting me off, so I didn't have a chance to-"
"That don't matter! We're falling behind! Let's do this!" DJ snuggles Bunny close to his abs, focusing on Duncan's directions.
"Right! Left!"
Boom!
"What the hell?! Explosives?!"
Boom!
"We had a few leftover from the first challenge and, well, I just hate to waste." Chris grins, pushing down the lever to cause another explosion that ends up hitting Owen and LeShawna. Airborne, they scream in terror.
"AHHHHH!" LeShawna and Owen scream, with only Owen realizing that they'll end up sinking to the bottom of a huge waterfall if they don't steer this ship perfectly.
"LeShawna!"
"Yeah?!"
"You need to trust me!"
"What on earth is happening!?"
"Just trust me, please!"
"...Okay, okay, just tell me what to do!"
"Lean forward as hard as you can and push to the right! Hurry!" Owen does as he says, with LeShawna following shortly after. Duncan and DJ soar down the cliff at breakneck pace now, nearing the very same waterfall. It's neck and neck, but Owen and LeShawna end up crashing down on the finish line, breaking it completely and finishing in first place. Their team cheers, while Duncan, Bunny and DJ come crashing down shortly afterward, holding onto one another for dear life.
"Did we win?!" DJ asks, peeking from his blindfold.
"Unfortunately, bro, you did not. The Screaming Gophers finally win another challenge!" Chris announces. LeShawna peels her blindfold off, hugging Owen like the marshmallow he is.
"I shoulda never doubted you, baby! Awesome job!" LeShawna squeals.
"Hehehe, I try.." He blushes, hugging her back.
"And, for your reward tonight, you'll be able to order from a fast food joint of your choice to enjoy in the mess hall, while the opposing team is stuck with Chef's runny paste."
Another cheer erupts from the Gophers. They all look up at Owen.
"What?" He questions.
"What do you want, Owen?"
"Me? I get to pick."
"Of course, silly! You won the challenge! You're so much stronger than we would have ever expected."
"Awww, thanks, guys! In that case, I want all the Good Burger money can buy!"
The Gophers cheer for Owen, with Lindsay leading the charge in chanting his name, the team walking off back to camp.
"As for the Bass, I'll see you at the campfire ceremony later tonight." Chris winks, walking away from the scene.
"I can't thank you enough for getting Bunny back, Duncan. You and me? We're all good, man." DJ says, hugging Duncan, who doesn't reciprocate.
"Whatever, man, just a stupid rabbit.." He folds his arms, looking off to the side as DJ walks up to Geoff and Bridgette to confront them.
"I can't believe you got DJ a new bunny. You're a nice guy." Courtney says from behind. Duncan turns around.
"What? I don't know what you're talking about."
"I saw you lure it back to camp, Duncan."
"It's nothing like that. He wouldn't leave me alone, weird rabbit.."
Courtney gives a look that tells him she knows he's full of shit.
"Okay, okay, so I saw Geoff get Bunny killed and knew it'd crush him, so what?"
"So that's very sweet of you."
"Ugh, whatever.. Just don't tell anybody, okay?"
"Your secrets safe with me."
Duncan looks at the camera, surprised as she walks away.
(Confessional: Duncan)
"I wanna set the record straight: I am not nice. DJ was gonna totally lose us the challenge if he was blubbering the whole time. Guess it didn't make much of a difference, but.. Whatever. I know I'm safe tonight, and we all know who's going home."
(Confessional end)
DJ approaches Geoff and Bridgette, who look immensely relieved. "Geoff, man, I gotta know-"
"I didn't know Bunny was still alive, Deej. I really did see him get eaten. Little guy must have escaped. Or maybe.."
"Yeah?" DJ asks.
"Maybe Duncan saved him." Geoff shrugs. Bridgette looks at him.
"Yeah. Maybe he did." She smiles.
"Heh. Well, I'm gonna go get some rest. Bunny and I are beat. Who we voting for?" He pets the little rabbit on the head. It instantly falls for him, nuzzling his hand as if he was his own son.
"Harold pulled through for us and won us the only challenge, while Sadie sabotaged us. I say we vote her out before she hurts anyone else." Bridgette answers.
"Well.. I guess so. Just go easy on her, okay? She's been through a lot." DJ replies.
"Sure, thanks DJ." She says.
"Later, bruh!" Geoff shoots finger guns at him as he walks away.
(Confessional: DJ)
"Am I a little confused? For sure. But who cares? All that matters is that my sweet little buddy is safe and sound, right little fella?" Dj scratches under his chin. Bunny purrs, stomping his foot against his lap. "Aww.."
(Confessional end)
In the Mess Hall, the Gophers enjoy some of the biggest, greasiest burgers and fries they've ever seen, while the Bass watch enviously, picking at their refried mushrooms. Owen destroys his food in a matter of seconds, while Chef has to blend Trent's into a smoothie so he can drink it. Heather taps Owen's pudgy arm, raising her burger for him.
"Here, you deserve this way more than me."
"Wow, Heather, that's really nice of you."
"Of course! We're a team. I know Noah wasn't fond of me, but I hope you can see that he was wrong and that I'm not some mean girl."
"Well, Noah was a bit of a cynique.. Ah, what the heck, of course you're nice, you're giving me food! Om!" He swallows the burger in one bite whilst she throws some fries in her mouth.
"Glad we're on the same page." Heather nods.
"Mm, good call, Owen. This is delicious." LeShawna mutters between a mouthful of food.
"My mom always said I had good taste in good food!" Owen replies.
"It's a little too meaty for me, but yeah, the fries are really good." Gwen adds.
"Hey, we should head for the hot tub after this! Get our Gopher Pride going!" Owen proclaims.
"Ooh, I would love a good party right now! Let's do it!" Lindsay cheers, along with the rest of the Gophers.
Sadie scoots up next to Harold. "Hi, Harold."
"Oh, look who finally wants to talk to me again. You gonna throw me off a cliff too?" Harold narrows his eyes at her.
"Ugh, Courtney so deserved that! Besides, we're cool now, I'm nice again." Sadie says without a care in the world.
"Yeah, right. That's what my campaign buddy Algie said right before he casted arcane fire magic on my mage. You can eat your paste by yourself. I have some material to work on." He stands up, throwing his food in the garbage before heading out the door, a bucket of water falling on top of him and soaking him completely. Duncan chuckles at his masterful prank. "Ah! Idiot!"
"Sorry, dude, couldn't help myself!" Duncan laughs. Harold rolls his eyes and walks away. LeShawna stands up and smacks him upside the head as she leads the rest of her team outside the building. "Ow. What gives?"
"You tell me." She replies, barely looking back at him before continuing outside. Duncan shrugs.
Night falls, and as usual, a bonfire casts an orange hue to the campgrounds, flames trickling towards the sky. The Killer Bass sit on the log seating for the first time in a week and a half. Chris holds a plate of six marshmallows up.
"In a challenge where trust was the focus, many of you were pretty backstabby. Geoff, you lied to DJ about Bunny initially, and Bridgette was in on it." Chris starts.
"It's all good now, they came clean." DJ defends them.
"DJ, you very well may have lost your team the challenge with your sulking. And Sadie, attempted murder? Hell, even Duncan's not that sadistic."
"I said I was sorry, oh em gee. So sensitive!" Sadie rebuttals.
"Speaking of sensitive, Bridgette and Harold, come claim your marshmallows." The two stand up, smiling as they walk up to the plate and claim the delicious treat.
"DJ, Duncan." He tosses the two of them a marshmallow each. "You're safe."
Chris squints at the three remaining. Courtney and Geoff seem unbothered, while Sadie looks nervous. "Geoff."
"Yeahyuh!" He jumps up, catching his marshmallow with his teeth.
"Campers.. This is the final marshmallow of the evening. The camper who does not receive this marshmallow must immediately report to the Dock of Shame, catch the Boat of Losers and leave. That means you're out of the contest. And you can't come back. Ever!"
Courtney folds her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. Sadie crosses her fingers.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
"Courtney."
Courtney catches her marshmallow no problem, popping it in her mouth with a condescending wave to Sadie.
"Well… I hope you enjoy yourselves you.. Marshmallow eating freaks!" Sadie bursts into tears, running towards the dock. DJ stands up.
"Sadie, wait!" He runs after her.
Immediately her tears dry and she looks back to see him, whimsy in her eyes. "Yes?"
He doesn't want another Katie, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "Um.. good luck! And don't cry, okay? You're gonna be just fine with Katie."
Sadie gasps. "Wait a minute.. I get to be with Katie again! Oh my gosh, thanks guys sooooo much!" She embraces DJ in a tight hug.
"Uh… you're welcome?" Bridgette replies.
Just then, the Boat of Losers comes in with a special guest in the back seat. Katie squeals giddily, opening her arms. Sadie squeals back, jumping onto the boat for a biiiiig hug. "EEEEEEHHHHH! I missed you soooooo much!"
"I missed you even more! Let's never fight again!"
"Okay! Goodbye, Wawanakwa!"
"Ooh, wait, let's take a quick pic."
"Totally!"
They take a selfie with Wawanakwa in the background as Chef drives off.
Mid Credits Scene
Chef pulls up to Playa Des Losers, growling with gritted teeth.
"So I was all like, I love you DJ!" Sadie says.
"No way! You said that about my crush?" Katie questions, almost offended.
"I was manifesting him for you, silly!"
"Ohhh, okay! Thanks, sweetie!"
"Ah, it's so nice to be with you again! What should we do first? Go swimming? Go kart driving? Make a new Blickblock account to spill tea about the show?"
"Ooh, I love that idea!"
"Shut up!" Chef kicks both girls off the boat and onto the deck, driving away as fast as the boat can manage, splashing them with water.
Sadie gasps, standing up. "Oh my god, my phone is broken!"
"Mine too! We're completely separated from the outside world, now."
"Ooh, this is so scary..!"
"Let's ask Justin if we can use his phone!"
"Wait, Justin's here? EEEEEHHH!"
The girls run into the distance, just as brainless as the first time they came onto the show, but maybe with twice the heart.
Credits resume.