This episode begins with a relaxing overture of Camp Wawanakwa. The birds quack, the waves hit the sand with a calming crash, and the morning sun basks the island in some much needed, much appreciated peace.
…Until a certain host pops up out of nowhere wearing a party hat on his head, blowing a party horn.
"Welcome, dear viewers, to the Total Drama Island finale!" He blows the horn once again, the camera cutting to Chris in front of the cabins. "It's been a long eight weeks here at Camp Wawanakwa, and a very fulfilling summer for my bank account! Friendships were made, horrid challenges endured, romances blossomed, while others sunk like battleships!"
We cut again to the bonfire. "But tonight, it all culminates in the most dramatic bonfire ceremony yet, when we crown the winner of Total Drama Island, and give them one hundred thousand dollars! Who will win, Gwen or Owen? The sarcastic, loner goth girl or the ginormous, lovable ball of fun? It all goes down tonight, on the greatest 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.
Gwen comfortably cuddles her pillow as she snores against it, all alone in the girls cabin.
Owen sucks his thumb while huddled up under the covers, all alone in the boys cabin.
Br-br-br-brrrrr!
A royal trumpet blares outside of the cabins as Chef passes them by driving a golf cart, taking out a megaphone. "Owen and Gwen, you got twenty minutes to report to the mess hall for a special surprise breakfast. Don't be late!" He passes by, waking the two up immediately. Owen's eyes flash open, while Gwen's slowly open.
"Breakfast?!" Owen leaps out of bed, wearing only his tighty whities.
"Breakfast.. Eugh." Gwen slowly sits up and stretches her arms out, wearing her black PJ's. She stands up, rubbing her eyes as she makes her way to her wardrobe, gathering a gray hoodie, black jeans, black socks and some sharp black boots. After putting the boots on and grabbing her toothbrush, she opens the door to find the smell of muffin coming from underneath her. She looks down and spots a pink envelope underneath a muffin, most likely from the mess hall. She picks both up, opening the heart themed card.
"Good luck in the finale today. Found this and thought of you. Love, Trent…" She reads aloud, sighing dreamily before shaking her head to get her head out of the clouds, putting the note back on her bed and shoving the muffin in her pocket. She heads toward the communal washroom.
Owen rummages through his wardrobe for a stick of deodorant. Truth be told, it was Harold's (his mother even wrote 'My Baby Harold's 3 on the front), but he totally forgot it. "Cleanliness is next to wealthiness!" He giggles, holding up his armpit so he can rub the deodorant all over the smelly, hairy gaps. It does its job well to hide his musk. Then he caps the deodorant and tosses it before grabbing some of Cody's cologne and spraying it all over him, the smell of sour candy washing over him. He sprays some on his tongue because it smells so tasty!
And then immediately gags. "Eugh! Not as good as you smell.." He caps the bottle and puts it down, grabbing his maple leaf shirt and green khaki shorts, then his white socks and green sneakers. He grabs a comb and mows through his hair, shooting finger guns into the mirror. "Lookin' sharp, Owen! Like a hundred thousand bucks…"
Gwen turns the shower on, stepping back in the nude as the cold wander warms up. Yeah, this takes a while. In the meantime, she looks in the mirror and brushes her teeth. Once the water is hot and she knows it for sure by touching it as it comes down, she steps inside and scrubs herself down with the soap provided by the show, eyes closed the whole time. Her last moment of brevity. The last bit of piece before what will undoubtedly be the hardest challenge yet.
She turns the valve off after five minutes and dries herself off.
Owen merrily waltzes down the dirt road towards the mess hall, humming the theme song of the show to himself. His sniffer goes off. "P-pancakes.. Oh, Chef!" He's about to run towards the mess hall, when he trips over an object on the ground. Looking back at it, he sees it's.
GASP! "A pancake! It must have been leftover from the last episode! Oh, baby how did I miss you?!" He scoops it up off the floor, worms and dirty on the back of it. He takes a deep inhale and exhales contently. "Still warm.."
Without a second thought, Owen shoves the breakfast food in his mouth and chews it, swallowing like a starving raccoon. "Ah… ooh, it tastes like coffee cake!"
"Hey, Owen." Gwen greets with a smile, walking up behind him. Owen turns around and smiles at her too.
"Hey, Gwen! How was your morning?"
"Confusing, yet quiet. No Heather means no problem."
"Aw, yeah, that's awesome! I found a pancake on the floor, it was delicious..!"
"Oh..? Uh, good for you."
Owen sniffs the air, catching something else. "D-do you have a pastry in your pocket, maybe a uh, blueberry muffin?"
"Man, you just can't trick that nose of yours, can you?" Owen shakes his head, panting like a dog. Gwen rolls her eyes with a smile. "Okay, down boy." He crouches down, even barking like a pup. "Open…" He does as told, and Gwen tosses the muffin in his mouth, wrapper and all. He scarfs it down with ease, licking his lips of any crumbs.
"Mm… fiber-y."
"Well, I guess we better go and see whatever disgusting shlock Chef cooked up." Gwen starts walking, but Owen, guilt written all over his face, grabs her wrist.
"Wait."
She turns to him, surprised. "Yeah?"
"Um… About yesterday. We.. made a lot of deals with each other. You made a lot of deals with me. But to be honest, if we win, which I mean, one of us is bound to,"
"If we don't die, that is."
"Heh, yeah! When one of us wins, I want us to really enjoy the money. I want you to be able to do whatever you want with it and not have to worry about paying me off. So, let's make this a good, clean, fair fight!" He pumps his fist, holding his other hand out for a high five.
"Wow, Owen, I'm… that's so sweet of you." She smiles his way, high fiving him.
"Thanks! Besides, I've got so much confidence in myself, I don't know what to do with it all. But.. no matter what happens.. You're my friend." He hunches down and shows restraint when he hugs her. She hugs him back, catching a whiff of his cologne.
"Aww, thanks.. Wow, you smell like Cody."
"I used some of his cologne. Come on, they're probably waiting for us." Owen says, letting go with a scratch of his neck. Gwen nods and the two head toward the mess hall, opening the door.
"SURPRISE!"
All twenty original campers cheer out as loud as they can. Balloons, streamers, ribbons and even two delicious looking cakes decorate the mess hall. The girls' bench sits Eva, Geoff, Bridgette, Trent, LeShawna and Cody, with a gothic cake as their centerpiece, while the guys' table sits the rest of the cast. Gwen and Owen go wide eyed, with Owen absolutely ecstatic, and Gwen smiling shyly.
"Welcome to the finale, Gwen and Owen!"
They all shout, except Heather, sporting a matty, scruffy, ugly mullet wig, who promptly nudges Katie's arm with a sharp elbow. "Ow! I-I mean, boo Gwen!"
"Oh yeah, boo Gwen!" Sadie adds, giggling under her hand with her bestie.
"Gee, thanks." Gwen deadpans. "Nice rug, Heather." She taunts. Everyone but Sadie and Katie laugh at her as she crosses her arms and rolls her eyes. Meanwhile, Owen looks like he's on top of the world. He runs toward the table with the majority of the cast, squeeing as he targets Noah, who looks more and more nervous the closer the big guy gets.
"NOAHHH!" He scoops his little buddy up in the tightest hug ever, suffocating his rips in mass as he nuzzles his cheek and kisses it repeatedly. "Oh, little buddy, I missed you so much! You guys rule!"
"Y-yeah, cool, Owen, I missed you too… Now please stop killing me." Noah groans, trying to push him away. Owen drops him carefully on the bench, blushing.
"Hehe, sorry! I just-"
"It's okay, it's okay. Welcome to the finale, big guy." Noah smiles.
Owen looks at the rest of the table, his eyes targeting Izzy, who immediately jumps into his arms. "Woah!" He unsteadily finds his balance, looking down into her green eyes.
"Hey, Big-O! Congrats on making it so far!"
"Izzy! Wow, you're uh, a lot happier than I thought you'd be. You're not mad that I nearly killed you, or that I was the reason you got eliminated?"
"No way, Owen! It's all water under the bridge - especially if you win! Then you can take me out anywhere I desire, and I can fulfill some of those 'Owen gets jiggy' fantasies~ reeeow!~" She snarls, scraping his chin with her sharp, short nails.
"Oooh, hubba, hubba..~" Owen slowly puts her back down, admiring the giant white and blue cake. "Oh, wow, all of you guys baked this for me? It looks professionally made!"
"Well, it was all of our idea to make a cake for you. It's a great morality boost. However, if you want to thank anyone for the production of it, thank DJ. He did the baking." Courtney explains.
"Awww, thanks, DJ!" Owen exclaims.
"Don't mention it, man. You're the coolest cat in the game, how could I not go all out for you?" DJ replies, smiling brightly.
Meanwhile, Gwen scans a messy, yet beautifully done cake that sparkles and shines a broody, dark, gothic black with red icing up and down. On the top of the cake stands an icing 'Gwen' standing above a pile of money next to a grave marked RIP Owen.
"Wow, this is really cool. Who baked it?" Gwen asks.
"Well, I baked it, but Eva helped me design it with Bridgette." LeShawna explains.
Baffled, Gwen points between the girls. "You two worked together?"
Eva twiddles her thumbs, looking shyly at the floor. "In a way… she set me free."
Bridgette gives her a pat on the back, shaking her head with a warm smile. "She doesn't like to talk about it. Just know that we put a lot of love into it!"
"It was Trent's idea." LeShawna adds, a twinge of awkwardness in her voice. Trent forces a smile at Gwen, who looks back down at the cake, and then back up at Trent, her hands turning to pent up fists.
"I uh, wish you luck in today's challenge." Trent awkwardly says.
"Hey! It was my idea too." Cody whines, his voice squeaking.
"Thanks, Cody." Gwen says, purposely ignoring Trent.
"Yes!" Cody silently celebrates. Trent hangs his head with a sigh.
"I'm.. really sorry, Gwen. I know I've said it before and you've only gotten madder since, but I truly want to move past all of that Heather drama and be with you."
"Who said we weren't together?"
Trent looks away now, rubbing his arm. Gwen huffs, turning to the blonde duo next to her.
"So, Geoff, Bridgette, how has it been being reunited?" She asks, slightly happier to be facing them. Geoff squeezes his arm around Bridgette's body, chuckling.
"Aw, dude, I couldn't be happier! Bridge and I have been all over each other! I mean, in the hot tub, on the couch, and our bed REEKS of se-"
"We're doing great! Thanks for asking." Bridgette interrupts, throwing her hand over his mouth while her cheeks blush red. Gwen looks shocked, her hands behind her back with a forced, blushing smile on her face.
(Confessional: Bridgette)
"Look, I know Gwen has a crush on Geoff. Who wouldn't? But it's harmless. Geoff's a loyal guy, and besides, Gwen knows how sucky it is to get cheated on. Plus, if they ever did step out together, I'd make sure they regret it. If I don't, Eva will."
(Confessional end)
Eva clears her throat to get the table's attention. "Gwen."
She turns to the girl. "Yeah? What's up, Eva?"
The muscular woman scratches the back of her head awkwardly. "You're.. My biggest role model now. Well, next to Olympic gold medalist Luna Strong. She won the deadlift event three years in a row. Anyway.. If you don't win… well, Owen's cool too."
"I can agree with that. I'll try to come home a rich woman. And thanks, Eva." Gwen replies.
"Thank you. You're a cool chick." Eva smiles, fist bumping her.
The noise from Owen's table far outweighs the noise from Gwen's, from loud talking to cheering. Everyone seems to be roaring with hype, everyone but Heather. She snaps her fingers in front of Sadie and Katie, getting their attention.
"Hello, ladies! Time for a little strategy talk." Heather condescendingly snaps.
"Ooh, I was looking forward to this part!" Sadie enthuses.
"Me too! Go on, Heather!" Katie replies.
"So, here's the deal.. You two will do whatever you can to ensure that Owen is well taken care of during the challenge. Make sure nobody sabotages him, and more than anything, be willing to sacrifice for me."
"You mean for Owen, right?" Katie asks.
Heather scoffs. "What's the difference? Anyway, meanwhile I'll be sabotaging Gwen and her loser team by any means necessary. If I need you, I'll call you, and you come right to me."
"Ooh, okay!" Sadie exclaims.
"So then.. When do we get paid?" Katie questions.
"Ugh! I don't have the money now, I'll have it after Owen wins and I work out some kind of food related deal with him." Heather explains.
"Oh… Hey, Heather? I know we're villains and all, but is what we're doing wrong?" Sadie asks.
"To who? Gwen?" Heather questions.
"I mean… yeah." Sadie replies.
"She cut my hair off! She deserves whatever happens to her next. If it means she's not rich, then I'm sure she can take it." Heather barks.
"Ooh, good point. I could not live without my hair!" Sadie says.
Katie gasps. "I would DIE if you lost your hair!" The two hug, making Heather gag.
Beth speaks up. "So, Owen, any idea what you're gonna spend the money on?"
"I'm gonna throw the most wicked, awesome, glorious party ever, and everyone here is invited!" Owen declares, the entire table erupting into cheers, though Heather bites her tongue.
Courtney clears her throat. "Anything else?"
"Oh yeah! And then, I'm gonna buy a sick cheese cellar, with every cheese in the world stocked to the brim for any cheesy occasion!" He muses.
The table goes quiet. Duncan chuckles. Courtney looks shocked. "That's just… revoltingly linear! What about college? Your career? You could start your own business with this money!"
Duncan throws his arm over her shoulders. "Chill out, babe. Try to look at it from Owen's perspective - it's summer vacation! We can worry about that adult crap later."
Courtney leers at her boyfriend. "Throwing away one hundred thousand dollars for a cheap thrill is moronic to me. Your career starts in your late teens."
Duncan looks toward DJ. "Hey, Deej, back me up here. Owen should party with his cash, yeah?"
"No, he should be using it to start his career." Courtney objects. They both look at DJ, who finally replies with,
"You're both wrong."
"Huh?" They blink in unison.
"Owen should do what he wants to do with his money. Whether he parties or not is his decision. So long as he doesn't use it all in one week, I think he's fine to spend liberally." DJ adds.
"Aww, thanks DJ!" Owen chuckles.
"You know what would be a great use of the money? Spending it all on your helpers! Woohoo, go team Owen!" Heather cheers, her exclamations sounding as fake as always. Only this time, now nobody believes her. Katie and Sadie even shrug at one another. Heather smiles awkwardly at Owen as Izzy slips into his lap and wraps her arms around him.
"Is anybody buying this?" Owen asks.
"Nope." Noah replies.
"No way." Justin agrees.
"Like I'd ever trust that bitch again." LeShawna says from the other table.
Izzy laughs, aggressively, looking down at Heather with murderous intent as her nails dig into the back of Owen's neck. "Ow! Izzy!"
"Oops, sorry, Big-O! I just hate when people try to take advantage of my property! Get me, Heather?" Izzy seethes, eyes bulging out of her head like a hungry chihuahua.
"Wait a minute, are we even allowed to have supporters during the challenge?" Gwen asks. Chris pops out of the kitchen just in time to answer her question.
"Indeed you are! During the challenge, team Owen and team Gwen can help and hinder the final two however they desire. But we'll explain the challenge more in depth later. For now, Chef, please bring out the refreshments." As instructed, Chef brings out a brown cardboard box labeled Capri-Sun. Owen gasps, as all the other contestants are given plates, forks and knives by interns who seem to run in from the kitchen in a rush. A magical aura surrounds the contestants as Chef comes around and gives every last cast member a Capri-Sun packet and straw. Ezekiel immediately punches a hole in his that squirts the juice all over the place, while Justin has an intern punch his hole for him. Sadie and Katie both give each other their drinks to sip from, while Trent offers his to Cody, who gladly takes it.
Chris receives the last Capri-Sun from Chef, who has one of his own in his other hand. The interns depart, bowing down to the contestants like butlers out the door. Chris raises his pouch. "I'd like to make a toast." Surprised, the campers raise their pouches too, with Ezekiel's pouring sugary fluids all over his sleeve.
Chris.. Sniffles? Is that a tear lingering in his eye? "To the greatest cast I have ever had the privilege of working with… Bring it home!"
"Bring it home!" Every contestant repeats, sipping their drinks while pumping their fists into the air. Chef wipes a tear from his eye as he cries.
"...I forgive you.." The cook whispers. Chris throws his pouch away.
"Okay, okay, enough sap.. Enjoy breakfast, campers; the cakes made by team Owen and team Gwen. Because after this? It's the most dangerous, most thrilling, MOST exciting, most interesting challenge EVER!" Throwing his hands up in the air, that sadistic, strong chinned face goes from sincere smile to evil grin within an instant. He struts out of the mess hall, leaving Gwen and Owen equally nervous about whatever's next for them.
"Who wants cake?" LeShawna asks the table, picking up a knife. Trent leaves the table with a sigh, holding himself within his leather jacket. Team Gwen watches him go, though the goth doesn't seem to care much, scoffing with a turn of her head.
"I'm starved. Gimme the me piece." Gwen says. LeShawna plates her, and the rest of the table as well.
(Confessional: Trent)
"Look, I know what everyone is thinking: I'm the bad guy. The villain. A cheating, emotionally damaged, craptastic douchebag who made Gwen's trust levels and mental state worse… But I'm trying here! This is the love of my life, dudes. I thought she was over me. It turns out she was just sad that she didn't have me around anymore. Mark my words, I will make it up to her. I can't lose her, okay? I just can't. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me."
(Confessional end)
Cody nudges Gwen with his elbow. "Hey, Gwen, check it out." He flexes his pinky. "It's me at full mass."
"Pfft!-" Gwen snickers, the tension in her face releasing into a ball of chuckles. Bridgette smiles, shaking her head as she rubs Gwen's back. "I believe it."
(Confessional: Cody)
"Did you see that?! I made Gwen laugh. I made Gwen laugh! Woohoo! Look, Trent's not a great guy for her, he made her cry. Besides, if she's gonna be single soon…" He winks at the camera, finger gunning it.
(Confessional end)
Geoff leans forward. "After the competit', I was thinking, maybe I could throw a party at my place with everyone from the show."
"Isn't that what Owen's gonna do with the money?" Gwen asks, taking a bite of cake with a moan of delight.
"Well, sure, but he wants to host his. I wanna host my own party! And besides, what if he doesn't win? Somebody's gotta pick up the big man's slack!" Geoff points out.
"Good point, amigo! I'd ask if you wanna be my plus one, but we both know I got approximately zero chance."
"Pfft- don't sell yourself so short. Even if it is funny."
"Short? Hey, I'm only 5'3."
"Cody!" Gwen giggles, her throaty voice like an angel's cackle in his ears.. Cody smiles at her, one tooth missing from his grin. "So-.. so Geoff, you gonna invite me?"
Geoff scoffs. "Uh, duh?! You're like, one of my best friends here, babe!" Bridgette twitches, Gwen notices. "Well.. aside from my pretty little pumpkin pie here~"
"Awwww, and nobody is closer to me than my cutie patootie~" The two give each other a long, passionate kiss. Eva rolls her eyes.
"Pumpkin pie?"
"Cutie patootie?"
Gwen and LeShawna mock gag, snickering at their sweetness. "Haha, yeaaah, we're lame." Bridgette replies, smirking.
"Hey, so, I got everyone's number on the show, 'side from you and Owen. You wanna-"
"Oh yeah, here." Gwen hands Geoff her phone after unlocking it, showing him her digits. Geoff smiles.
"Rad. I'll call you up after the shows over and we can all kick it! One last summer shindig."
"Oh yeah, school starts up soon." Eva says.
"Senior year." Gwen mutters.
There's a bit of a silence that overwhelms the table before Geoff sends a text to Gwen. She lifts her phone up and checks it.
555-555-7515
Geoff: Hey :D
Gwen smiles and waves at him before texting back.
Hey (: :Gwen
"So, Gwen, what are you gonna do with the money?" Bridgette asks.
Gwen looks up at her. "Oh, I hadn't actually thought of it too much until now. I joined the show to help my mom out with bills and to get into a good school, so I guess I'd head to art school and save the rest for utilities and other boring junk."
LeShawna claps and cheers, which Cody parrots. "That's my girl! You should be celebratin' just for making it this far."
"Thanks, LeShawna. I couldn't have done it without you." Gwen replies.
"Please, you slayed all by yourself." LeShawna waves her hand dismissively.
"Hey, so how are things with Harold?" Gwen asks. The whole table goes quiet.
"Uh…"
On Owen's table, the big guy wolfs down a piece of cake, splashing his outfit with icing, fluff and cream cheese. "This is the tastiest cake I have ever had! DJ, what's in this, crack cocaine?!" Owen asks.
"Rudimentary comparisons aside, Owen's right! It's like a real angel's cake." Harold adds.
"Mama's secret recipe. Can't say." DJ says, pleased with himself.
"I wish you were the one baking my escape cakes, man, this is delicious!" Duncan compliments.
"Uh.. thanks?" DJ hesitantly says, scratching the back of his neck.
"Owen, I have a proposition for you." Heather says, tapping his shoulder. He turns to her, cake falling from his mouth onto her wig.
"Uh, sure, what's up?"
Heather wipes the cake off of her rag of a wig. "Ahem.. if you give me ten percent of your cash, approximately ten thousand dollars, I will buy you the one thing you can't get as a minor in Ontario."
"I live in Toronto."
"Well we're in Ontario, smart guy!"
"Ooooh, right! I forgot, hehe! So what is it?"
"One.. no. Two Everything Burger's from the Heart Attack Shack."
Owen gasps. "I've been having dreams about that burger since I was twelve years old and I first found out about the Shack…" Stars shine in his big eyes. Heather smirks.
"But your mom and dad always said no because you have to be twenty one to order anything, right?" Heather teases, talking into his ear like the temptress she is. Izzy notices, glaring from across the table, a big, scary smile on her face.
In a hypnotic voice, he replies. "Yes… It was the one dietary restriction they ever put on me… it crushed me!" Owen squeaks, on the brink of tears.
(Confessional: Heather)
"A special thank you to Lindsay for making her phone password 1234. So easy. After I figured that little mind puzzle out, I looked up Owen's name on Google and found his Twitter. It's amazing - he has a little over five hundred tweets with this dumb restaurant. Also kind of sad."
(Confessional end)
Noah notices and raises his brow.
"Woah, dude, you good?"
Owen grabs Noah's shoulders and shakes him aggressively. "Noah…! Do you know what this means?!"
"I don't even know what you're talking about, Owen." Noah replies.
He swings back around toward Heather, throwing Noah off balance. "You've got a deal!..."
But she's gone.
"Heather? Everything Burger with extra butter, creamy fried donuts and horse meat? Helloooo?"
Around the corner in the kitchen, Izzy holds a plastic knife up to Heather's neck, her hand over her mouth. "Heeeeyyyy, Heather! Remember me, Owen's girlfriend?"
"Grfrend? Whuh ur yuu tocking aout-"
"Yeeeeah, of course you do! Hehe, we were in an alliance together, you got me eliminated by manipulating my hormones, throwing me and your good friend Lindsay right under the bus. Oh, and Beth too."
"Please put tha knoife dohwn." Heather worriedly mutters, scared eyes scanning the harmless plastic blade. In the hands of this crazy chick, who knows what it's capable of doing, damage wise.
"That's my man you're trying to steal from. Now, I'm no romantic, far from it after Graham left me for that harlot,"
"Hoo's Gaam?"
"But that man DOES things to me. I cannot figure out what those things are or why they feel so fucking good, but whatever those things are, I like them. I am not always so merciful, so step back, sit down and stay away from my territory. Nod if you understand."
Heather nods slowly. Izzy releases her. "W-weirdo…" The raven haired girl swiftly stands up and speed walks back to her table, her hair ruffled and eyes bulging out of her skull. She sits down next to Sadie and Katie.
"So, did you hash it out with Owen?"
"Ooh, are we getting paid? I'd kill for a new outfit!"
"All we have to do is help Owen win and deal with the consequences later. I will be rich, I will be famous. I don't care about what some crazy girl has to say. I won't spend another year as a loser." Heather replies, looking off into the distance. Owen gasps at her return.
"Heather, you're back! If I win, I'm totally going to give you ten thousand, sound good?" Owen flashes two thumbs up.
"Wow. How quickly everything goes out the window when food is uttered." Noah states dryly. Heather turns to see if Izzy is back. She's not.
"Yes, Owen. Sounds perfect." Heather replies, grinning.
"Dude, it's Heather. You actually believe her?" Noah questions.
"Of course-.. Uh.. well, I think people can change." Owen says, poking his fingers.
"Just tell me what she's offering and I'll do it for you, no money giving necessary." The book worm replies.
"The Heart Attack Shack's Everything Burger, featuring creamy butter, fried donuts, sweet fried onion rings, steak fries caked in sea salt, a bathtub's worth of ketchup and mustard, pickles drenched in pickle juice, AND… the meat is horse meat!"
"...That will kill you." He states.
"But it's so tasty!"
"I'm not getting you that - it comes from a place called the Heart Attack Shack. You really want to die for a measly burger?"
"You don't understand, Noah. I'm a person who thinks deeply about a lot of things. Like, what if one day I just wake up and I'm dead?!" Owen exclaims.
"You wouldn't wake up."
"And then - I'd have gone my entire life without ever even daring to try the Everything Burger..! My life would be wasted."
"I'm not buying you that."
"Then I guess Heather will." Owen folds his arms.
"Ugh… whatever." Noah rolls his eyes.
(Confessional: Noah)
"He's not eating that burger. And Heather isn't seeing a cent. I have a plan."
(Confessional end)
Chef comes back out to the kitchen, throwing Izzy by her skirt and shoulder into the middle of the mess hall. "Quit eatin' my cheese and crackers, girl!" He barks at her.
"Sorry, Cheffy, they're just so good!" Izzy exclaims.
He shakes his head with a grouchy growl. "Owen, Gwen, are you two finished?"
"I think so." Gwen responds.
Owen shoves the remaining cake in his mouth before Tyler can collect a second slice, the entire table watching in shock as Owen swallows it in one gulp. "F-finished!"
"...Uh, o-okay… goddamn." Chef clears his throat. "Owen, I'll do you first. Like every eliminated contestant before you, you will be subjected to questioning from a questionnaire we'll be posting to the website for the folks at home to get to know you better. Follow me to the back."
Chef sits down across from Owen in the middle of the kitchen, the blonde slurping down his Capri-Sun for some sort of liquid intake.
"Tell me your full name, son." Chef asks.
"Owen McCord!" Owen enthusiastically answers.
"What are your likes and dislikes?"
"Oh, well.. I love hunting, nature documentaries, and really being out in the wild. Food is a given, I mean, look at me! I look like a total foodie!"
"Is that what they're calling it now?" Chef grumbles.
"Yeah, I always review restaurants on Yelp with five stars if I can finish the entire plate." Owen obliviously replies.
"Interesting.. And your dislikes?"
"I just dislike when my friends can't get along. Oh, also, I cannot handle caffeine. That stuff really messes with my bowels. Let's see, what else… Oh, and mean people!"
Chef rolls his eyes. "How original. Next question, what is your favorite food?"
"Favorite food? Ooh, toughie! If I had to choose, though, definitely pancakes! I could eat them all day every day for the rest of my life."
"You could do that with any food, though. I know you!"
"Yeah, but you asked for a favorite, heh."
"Whatever. We already know what you'll do if you win the money, so here's a new question: how will you react if you lose?"
"...I guess I'd just be happy for Gwen. I dunno. A little disappointed, but Gwen deserves the win twice as much as I do. I won't just let her win, though. This is a competition, and my primal blood yearns for competition!"
"I can respect that. Gwen's a good soldier. How is your home life?"
"My home life is awesome! My brothers are the best guys you could ever have as siblings, and my parents raised me one hundred percent right! I love them so much. I'm just glad they're not mad about my sexuality. You gotta love 'em for being so open and accepting."
"I wish my Momma was…" Chef sniffles, his voice breaking. Owen pouts.
"Aww, Chef.. we accept you. Never forget that."
Chef smiles, wiping his tears away. "...Thanks, tubby. L-last question: What is your dream job?"
"Ooooooh, that's easy! New food namer. If there's ever a new food, I'd love to name it something wild like.. Like Xycon, or Nards Bars." Owen excitedly replies.
"Uh… Stay in school, kid. And go get me Gwen." Chef demands.
"Yes, sir!" Owen salutes the supposed grand master and heads on his way to the mess hall. Gwen walks in shortly after, sitting exactly where Owen was.
"So, what is this?"
"Promotional questionnaire. Tell me your full name."
"Gwendolyn Angelica Fahlenbock."
"What are your likes and dislikes?"
"My dislikes include preps, jocks, creepy losers who think they want an e-girl and then ask me, a goth, out, bleh.. Aaaand getting backstabbed sucks pretty hard. As for likes, sketching, post punk, metal depending on the artist, incense, the sweet smell of dry erase markers and watching Heather get her head shaved." She says with a satisfied smirk.
"Favorite food?"
"This might be a bit unorthodox, but I'm super into grilled cheese. It's just so.. Comfortable. Honorable mention goes to steak fries, for sure."
"What is your dream job?"
"Well, I've considered a few paths.. But for now, making a living off of my own creative skills sounds the most fulfilling, so I'd probably be either a graphic designer or a commission artist."
"I used to paint." Chef muses.
"You used to paint?" Gwen questions.
"Did I not say that? I'm trying to get back into it. Any advice?"
"Just don't be afraid of what you draw. Draw what comes naturally, don't draw with purpose until you get comfortable with what comes out of your head. Your soul will soon follow. Or something." Gwen advises.
"Thank you, Gwen. I'm secretly rooting for you to win it all, but Chris says I can't pick a team. Describe your home life."
"It's… tragic, I guess. Dad left a few years ago around my twelfth birthday to be with some twenty-something in Vermont. He barely writes, and probably only remembers me now, if he does at all, because I'm in the finale of Total Drama. My mom tries her best, and she is a total sweetheart, it's just she can be a little too shy sometimes. My baby brother is a creepy loser, but he's my creepy loser, you know?"
Chef nods, scribbling down her responses. "Last question.. What are you gonna do if you lose the money?"
Gwen shrugs. "I guess I'll go back to high school with more friends than I've ever had before. It's not really a lose-win situation. The money would help out a ton, but I have faith I'll land on my feet now with people like LeShawna, Geoff, Bridgette, Cody and Owen in my life."
"What about Trent?"
"...I'm not ready to talk about him."
Chef nods. "Go on back out, finish up breakfast." Gwen stands up and leaves the kitchen.
Once the cakes are finished up and the finalists are full, Chris struts in to interrupt all conversation. "Okay, finalists, may I have your attention please." Gwen and Owen look at Chris, with Izzy sitting on Owen's lap. "You won't be able to use the confessionals during the challenge, so I'd like for you two to make your final confessionals on Total Drama Island to let everything out before we begin. Who wants to go first?"
(Confessional: Owen)
"My experience here was awesome! I won a ton of awesome challenges for my team, like the- well, and the- well I crushed the Dodgebrawl challenge AND the time I drank cockroach smoothies, hehehe! So awesome."
(Confessional: Gwen)
"My experience here? Petty, dramatic, completely annoying. Nothing could make me live with Heather again, aside from maybe a million bucks as opposed to one hundred thousand. And the drama? I had no idea people could be so annoying and still want to be your friend."
(Confessional: Owen)
"The people here were awesome, too! Special shoutouts to my buddies Geoff, Lindsay, DJ, Duncan, Cody, Noah, Eva, Izzy and especially Gwen for making it this far! Woohoo!"
(Confessional: Gwen)
"The people here sucked. They were all a bunch of self obsessed, know-it-all, catty, psycho, majorly annoying, dorky, brain dead, sexist, loud, criminalistic, prissy, disgusting, backstabbing jerks." She blows her hair out of her face before looking down. "I was lucky enough to meet seven people I actually liked here, and that I hope I get to hang out with more after the competition."
(Confessional: Owen)
"The food? Oh man! I ate bull nards, dude! That was gnarly."
(Confessional: Gwen)
"The food here? Stank. I'll never look at worms the same way again, I can tell you that much. Same with Kool-Aid."
(Confessional: Chef)
"Damn ungrateful teenagers.. You know what it's like buying good food on a slave salary like mine? It feels like throwing money away!"
(Confessional: Owen)
"And that time we had pancakes? Ohoho, that was one of my best moments! I'm gonna miss Mr. Coconut, even though I think he was a mirage or hallucination.. But what I won't miss? The drama! I just want everyone to get along."
(Confessional: Gwen)
"Seriously, that pasty gruel he served us almost every day? It made me want to stab myself in the throat with a spork."
(Confessional: Owen)
"What will I be remembered for?" A compilation of Owen eating ensues. "...I hope my charming personality."
(Confessional: Gwen)
"What will I be remembered for?" A compilation of Gwen shredding Heather's clothes, getting angry and catching Trent with Heather ensues. "My charming personality. Okay, we're done here."
(Confessional end)
At last, the challenge begins at a checkered line. Two bleachers are set up in the background, where Team Gwen and Team Owen sit. Both teams are represented by the Owen and Gwen shirts they wear, all of them sitting and cheering before Chris throws a hand up to gesture silence, standing in front of the two.
"Welcome to the final challenge of Total Drama Island, campers!" Cheers and applause erupt from the audience. "Owen, Gwen, we surveyed each member of your teams on what your spirit animals could be. Owen," Chef comes out of nowhere and places a cow hat on Owen's head. "Your team almost unanimously chose a cow as your spirit animal."
"Wow. I wonder why a cow?" Owen wonders aloud.
"Is that sarcasm?" Justin questions.
"Ooh, is that a new brand?" Lindsay asks him. Beth and Tyler shrug at each other. Justin just looks at her like she's stupid… he's not off.
"I picked cow 'cause you're like, fat and'll eat anything, homes. I thought we all did, eh." Ezekiel blurts out, looking around at his teammates.
"Smooth, Zeke. Really." Noah replies.
Chris looks at Gwen as Chef prepares her hat. "Gwen, your team voted that you were a wolf." Chef places a wolf hat on her blue and black head. The pasty goth grins.
"Good choice."
"Great in a pact, but even stronger alone." Cody zingers, finger gunning her. She rolls her eyes and snickers.
"You can DO this, girl!" LeShawna shouts.
"We believe in you!" Bridgette adds.
"Kick her ass, Owen!" Heather yells, clapping for him.
"Right into next Tuesday, baby!" Izzy exclaims, kicking her leg out.
"Keep those hats on, campers, because you can't pass the finish line in our rejected Olympics challenge without them!" Chris announces. Gwen and Owen both fix their hats at this revelation.
"Rejected Olympics? Ooh, you mean like the tug-of-war? Or maybe golf? Oh! Is this challenge going to be about lacrosse?" Harold rambles.
"Please say yes." Eva says.
"No, no, and no way! These are the seriously deadly games! Games so dangerous, so death defying that the IOC had no choice but to throw them all away!" An intern in the background dips a plunger on fire into a toilet a few meters away, another intern bashing a brass drum. "Thank you, interns."
"So what are the games?" Gwen asks.
"Well, I sorta lied. This is one game - The Rejected Olympic Relay Race. To clarify, that name is Patented by McLean Inc. and not to be used by anyone else." Owen and Gwen look between each other awkwardly. "Ahem. The first part of the game is to race down this road toward two flagpoles, both represented by your spirit animals. Climb the pole, grab your flag and tie it around your waist. Just like the hat, if you lose this flag, you cannot win the challenge, and therefore the one hundred thousand dollars. The second game is right down the road from there, where you will be transporting a large egg from your team's nest from one cliff to the other by way of a 2x4 balance beam. Place your egg in the nest on the cliff to move on. If you break the egg or otherwise die, you will be automatically disqualified from the challenge."
"Oh wow, he thinks of everything, this guy!" Owen exclaims. Gwen looks disturbed.
"Lastly, it's a full on foot-race from the edge of that cliff back to the finish line. Once again, just follow the dirt road and you'll find your way back. Remember, peanut gallery," He turns to the bleachers. "Anything you can do to help or hinder the finalists is allowed." They nod. Heather and LeShawna glare at each other, but realizing what they must do. Eva cracks her knuckles. Duncan leans in with Courtney leaning on his shoulder. Chris faces the final two.
"Campers.. Get ready." He pulls out a starter pistol, aiming it high. Gwen and Owen get into a running position, grinding their soles against the dirt.
"Good luck, Owen. If I had to lose to anyone, I'm glad it could be you."
"Aww, thanks, Gwen. I hope you lose to me too." He grins, both of them giving each other their game faces.
"Get set." Chris states.
The peanut gallery all begin to stand up.
"Go!"
BANG!
Not one, but six seagulls miraculously fall from the sky with smoke emitting from their corpses. Gwen and Owen race past them, while Chris slowly backs away.
Eva does a front flip out of the bleachers just as the teams start rushing out of their seats, screaming as she pounds her chest like a gorilla while Trent, Cody, Geoff, Bridgette and LeShawna run past her. DJ, Harold, Tyler and Ezekiel halt in front of Eva, taking battle stances nervously, while Heather sneaks around them with Sadie and Katie being held by their wrists.
"COME AT ME, LOSERS!" Eva barks. Tyler charges toward her with a war cry, throwing a punch before getting completely thrown onto his back when she catches his fist.
"Wait, wait, wait, not the wri-!" She completely snaps his wrist, his scream echoing inside of his throat as tears come down his face. Ezekiel goes wide eyed, while Harold stands strong. Lindsay and Beth spot the wounded Tyler.
"Tyler! Oh my gosh, are you gonna be okay?" The blonde asks.
"GO LINDSAY! It's too late for me, bro! Help Owen!" Tyler yells.
"B-but what about you?" Lindsay stammers.
"I'll be fine! Just go!" Tyler yelps. Lindsay reaches out for him, but Beth takes her hand.
"Lindsay, come on!" Beth exclaims.
Lindsay nods and follows Beth, worriedly looking back and waving Tyler goodbye. Izzy and Noah follow them, while Eva is looking between her next prey.
"Smell ya later, Eva! Pbbbt!" Izzy blows a raspberry, waving at her tauntingly. Duncan and Courtney try to get past Eva, and when Harold throws a few chops her way, they get their chance. Eva picks Harold up and juggles him like a cyclone before throwing him at DJ, who can't catch him in time, causing them both to fall to the ground.
"Come on, princess, move it!" Duncan commands, taking her hand and running with her.
"I'm trying!" Courtney barks back. Eva glares at them, only to receive a puny, boney punch from Ezekiel in the cheek. Eva furrows her brows at him, snarling like a bull. Zeke goes wide eyed, just before getting socked in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him. She delivers two more punches to his back, launching him to the ground.
"Anyone else?!" Eva huffs.
"Uhh, yeah, that would be me!" Justin's sweet voice hits her heart like a love train, causing her to go wide eyed and look up at his gorgeous eyes. He strikes a pose that accentuates his raging biceps and smooth, tan skin, flashing a smile that sparkles and hits her pupils like a rainbow waterfall of sexiness. She falters, stepping out of his way with a bow.
"P-please, go on.."
"I always knew you were destined to be mine. Mind if I take the big guy with me?" Justin winks, bending down to push Harold off of DJ and grab the teddy bear's hand.
"W-why not..? Ahahaha.." Eva giggles bashfully. DJ shakes his head, raising a brow at the confident Justin.
"Thanks, Eva~" He lets her name roll off of his tongue, his hand touching her wrist as he and DJ begin to jog towards the first game.
"He said my name…" Eva sighs dreamily.
"That was pathetic." Harold mutters through gritted teeth. Eva stomps on his leg. "Ow!"
"Shut up, pipsqueak! Wait.. Oh no, Gwen!" The athletic woman sprints toward the finalists in a hurry, leaving Tyler, Ezekiel and Harold completely out of commission.
Trent manages to match Gwen's running speed, charging beside her. "Hey."
"Hey?" Gwen replies.
"I uh, I know you're still upset about the whole kissing Heather thing-"
"You two did a lot more than kiss."
Trent blushes. "Yeah… I was- I mean-.. It's no excuse but.. she manipulated me."
"And you didn't even try to hear my side of the story, until it was far too late." Gwen grumbles.
"Too late?" Trent questions worriedly. Gwen rolls her eyes.
"Relax already. I haven't come to any sort of decision yet. Let's just say it's not looking good for you right now."
"Aw, well, is there anything I can do to help?"
Gwen thinks on it. "Nope, nothing comes to mind. Oh, yeah, that note helped. That was sweet. Thanks for that. And the muffin."
"I didn't write a note. Or give you a muffin." Trent states.
"Yes you did, it was-.. Hm." Gwen looks down, confused.
"Was it good?"
"I don't know, I didn't eat it."
(Confessional: Heather)
"Ta-da! It was yours truly behind everything. As if there was any doubt. That pancake I smuggled in the kitchen before the day was revealed? Infused with enough caffeine to launch Owen into overdrive. And the muffin? Laxative. Oops!" She pulls out the pill bottle she used, with a picture of a cow making a satisfied face on the bottle. "'Fast acting for strong, reliable relief!' Sucker!"
(Confessional end)
"Run, girl, run!" LeShawna yells, lagging behind.
"Go, Gwen!" Geoff adds, running next to Bridgette with Cody being outpaced by Owen. Izzy shoves the nerd to the ground, launching him on the floor.
"Oh!.. A-ahaha, very funny, Izzy..!" Cody yelps.
"Sorry, dude, she's bonkers!" Noah calls back.
"It's cool! I'm getting back up." Cody stammers, slowly standing before Courtney accidentally knocks him over when her arm grazes him. "Woah!" PLOP! "Aha.. O-okay, getting up now."
Izzy and Noah catch up to Owen, with Izzy cheering him on. "Run, Owen, come on, run! RUN!" Owen squeaks, running faster out of fear.
(Confessional: Noah)
"You ever think Izzy's a little insane? No? Just me?"
(Confessional end)
Heather stops at the flagpoles, arriving first. Katie and Sadie are finally unleashed from her hands, gasping for air as they fall to their knees on the grass, sweat caking their foreheads.
"Oh my god.. I am like, drenched in sweat." Sadie complains.
Katie pants. "Same.. ugh.. Hey.. we made it here first!"
Heather takes a stick of butter out of her back pocket and begins stripping it next to the wolf flagpole. "That's why I took us on all those runs at five in the morning, geniuses. So we could find a shortcut for the challenge."
"Heather thinks we're geniuses!" Katie says.
"Oh wowwwww, that's such high praise, Heather!" Sadie squeaks.
"Whatever." She mutters. "Originally, I was going to use this as a motivator for that butterball, but now I see that Gwen's gonna need some deterrence."
"You mean Owen?" Katie asks.
"Who else would I be calling butterball?!" Heather snaps, looking back at both girls.
"Um…" Sadie hums, thinking her hardest. Heather grinds her foot into the grass before slicking the pole with the stick of butter, from 1 inch to 6 feet.
"Ooooh, Gwen will never get her flag now!" Sadie chirps. The sound of footsteps getting closer alerts Heather and the girls.
"Quick, hide, they're coming!" Heather commands, jumping into a nearby bush before grabbing Sadie and Katie's shirts and yanking them in with her. Gwen arrives first, with Trent, LeShawna, Geoff and Bridgette getting their relatively close.
Cody is able to use his love for Gwen to arrive just as Owen, Izzy and Noah do. But Eva is still a long ways away. Gwen jumps onto the pole and starts to climb, with her entire team, minus Eva obviously, chanting "Climb, Gwen, climb!" But she slips down to the floor within about two grips.
"Eugh! This pole..!" Gwen struggles.
Owen jumps onto the pole but immediately slides down, already out of breath. Duncan and Courtney arrive just as he slips. "Come on, Owen! Didn't you do this in P.E.?" Courtney asks.
"I failed P.E.!" Owen gasps.
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Noah says.
"Just.. climb and we'll push you! Justin and DJ should be here soon!" Duncan orders. Just as he says that, Lindsay and Beth arrive.
"Sorry we're late! There was the cutest little chipmunk and his little legs were caught under a log!" Beth explains.
"So we had to save him! We couldn't let him get eaten by the roots!" Lindsay finishes. Her team looks perplexed.
"Uh.. yeah." Beth says.
"Just help us push this lardo up!" Izzy yells, waving her arms up and down.
"Hey! Who are you callin'- woah!" Everyone on his team who is present desperately helps Owen up, however his own upper body strength prevents him from going very fast. Still, he is managing to get further up than Gwen, already at four feet while she can barely get past that. Heather, Sadie and Katie appear from the bushes and help push.
"H-hey! Where did y'all come from?"
"They were the ones who buttered up the pole! Weren't you?" Bridgette questions.
"A lady never takes revenge and tells. Suckers!" Heather replies.
"Oh, that is it!" LeShawna charges toward Heather, bashing her with her shoulder, causing Owen to fall on his entire team, aside from her. LeShawna jumps on top of Heather and smacks her silly. "You've had this coming for eight weeks!"
"Ow! Ow! Hey- LeShawna, stop! Ah!" Heather squeals, receiving hit after hit after hit.
"Of course - fucking Heather."
"Gwen! Ignore all that - you're the greatest woman I've ever had the pleasure of knowing!" Cody yells.
"Seriously? Me?" She yells back, genuinely not believing him. "You know I get the same message from dudes I've never met on Twitter, right?"
"No, Gwen, I mean it! You- you're amazing! Look at you! You survived all of this petty drama, the disgusting camp food, and this disease ridden island all the way to the top! From July 12th to September 6th, you've been a total survivor. You can do this!" Gwen smiles down at him.
"Yeah.. you know what? You're right! I got here all on my own, give or take. I can do this!" Gwen replies, putting some extra strength into her climbs.
"Yeah, come on Gwen, exactly what Cody's saying! You're incredible!" Trent cheers. Gwen loses all motivation immediately and slowly grinds down to the floor, her shirt and skirt covered in butter. Trent frowns, while Geoff and Bridgette facepalm. Cody winces.
"Look, just because you're helping me, doesn't mean I have to like you."
"I-I'm just trying to-"
"Help? By all means."
Trent strips his jacket off, then his shirt. The jacket falls to the ground at his feet, however he uses his shirt like a towel to clean the pole of the creamy, greasy butter. Gwen is stunned, her eyes entranced on his pecs and solid, lean stomach. He's not muscular, but he's cute…
"Aw, dude, extra points for ingenuity! Woo, Trent!" Geoff cheers. LeShawna returns, wiping dust and dirt off of her jeans before catching the act. Heather is still on the ground, dazed.
"Gwen! Come on, girl, there's a cash prize to win and Owen is completely down!" LeShawna states.
"R-right!" Gwen leaps onto the pole, climbing much easier now that the grease is gone. Izzy growls, realizing that Gwen is now in the lead. She manages to lift Owen up singlehandedly just as Justin and DJ arrive, her fellow teammates groaning on the ground from the impact of Owen's ass landing on them.
"Quickly! Justin, DJ, help us lift him up!" Izzy stammers, her arms shaking wearily.
"Y-yeah! Gwen's totally in the lead!" Owen agrees, pointing at the goth. Both men help their teammates up before getting into position under Owen.
"Okay… on three. One, two, three!" DJ calls out, pushing Owen up along with his teammates. Heather slowly lumbers up and helps push him as well once she catches her bearings.
Gwen's team cheer as she makes it to the top of the flagpole, snagging her wolf flag first. The interns play a fanfare of the opening theme song when Gwen holds it up. "Got it! Somebody catch me!" She free falls, with LeShawna being the one to catch her in her arms.
"Hurry, around your waist!" Bridgette exclaims. Gwen stands up before tying the flag around her waist. Eva finally arrives, out of breath.
"W-what did I miss?" She questions.
Owen is halfway up, squirming his way upwards as hard as he can. "Come on, dude, faster!" Justin demands.
"I-I'm trying! It's just so hard to do anything vertically!" Owen yelps.
Izzy slaps his ass as hard as she can, earning a squeal from the blonde. "Mush, Owen, mush!" Frantically, Owen does as told, managing to climb up all on his own, snagging the flag.
"I did it! I got i- w-woah!" He slips, holding onto the flag for dear life as he lands directly on a frozen scared Sadie and Katie, everyone else leaping out of the way.
Gwen gets her flag around her waist. "Got it! Come on!" The goth leaves Owen behind while he tries to stand up, getting off of the injured girls under him. Izzy ties the flag around his tight waist while DJ and Courtney examine Sadie and Katie. Bridgette hangs behind, worried about her castmates, but Geoff takes her hand.
"It'll be okay, babe, we gotta help Gwen!"
"R-right.. Okay!" Bridgette nods and follows her boyfriend, team Gwen leaving team Owen in the dust.
"They're okay, just… badly hurt. Someone's going to have to drag them to the infirmary." Courtney explains, standing up before them.
"We'll do it, right Lindsay?" Beth volunteers.
"Oh yeah, for sure! You guys go on ahead, we'd probably just get in the way anyways." Lindsay smiles sweetly.
"Thanks, Lindsay and Beth! Come on, guys, we're falling behind!" DJ says.
"Sorry, girls!" Owen calls toward them as he starts sprinting away. The rest of his team, bar Lindsay and Beth, follow.
"Win… Owen…" Sadie and Katie mutter in unison, both dragged away by the other best friends forever.
"Good luck, Owen!" Beth and Lindsay call back.
The next point of interest is the gorge, where Chris sits on his ATV waiting for Gwen across the balance beams she's meant to cross. Team Gwen hangs behind her, staring at the drop she'll have to walk across. "Congratulations on making it to game #2 Gwen! As a reminder, the goal of this game is to walk across the balance beam 2x4 with the goose egg in hand, then plant it in the nest." Chris explains.
Gwen grabs her egg, heavy but not lumbering to carry. Miraculously, Owen ends up right behind her, tying them up. He also grabs his egg, his team standing next to team Gwen. Gwen swallows, looking over the gorge. "Oh, and did I mention the rare but real man-eating freshwater sharks below?"
A few sharks of pale blue complexion and blood in their smiles swim around the bottom of the near sixty foot gorge, jumping and hungrily chomping at the air. Gwen shakes her head. "I'm gonna die now. I'm gonna freakin' die." Heather smirks, realizing what she could do with Gwen so close to the edge.. But stops herself, taking a deep breath in.
(Confessional: Heather)
"Sure, I could push Gwen to a vicious death for what she did to my hair, and to my hypothetical money in case she somehow wins, but I'm not going to prison for life over third degree murder. No. I have another idea. You see, earlier today, when I was planning out my route…"
Heather watches from the bushes with binoculars as Chef controls a forklift to drop Owen's flagpole. She checks her watch: 4:00 AM. The contestants were dropped off at 3:00 AM to get settled in a set of trailers - one for the boys and one for the girls. After sneaking out, she thought she was completely alone. But…
"Hey, Heather. Fancy seeing you out here." Harold says from out of nowhere. She gasps, swinging around to face him.
"Harold?! What are you doing here, pervert?"
"It's nothing like that, M'lady! I saw you sneak out of your cabin and wanted to present you with a rose I found."
"Just because you're floundering and single now doesn't mean I'm desperate enough to go out with you."
"Harsh.. May I offer you something else then?"
"Why?"
"Because we're alliancemates! You helped me get rid of Courtney and hurt Duncan, and when you got him eliminated, it was like you were still there for me, even after so many weeks of not seeing each other."
"Ugh… What do you have for me? Aside from flowers." Heather asks.
"Intel, my sweet, bald beauty. Check it; Chris is using the goose eggs from that time you guys were stranded on the island. These eggs aren't props though, they're real prehistoric goose eggs." The geek answers.
"Seriously?"
"Yes. While we were on Boney Island, I managed to hear you guys being terrorized by those prehistoric geese, and when I was rewatching the episode Camp Castaways utilizing the Playa's DVR, I managed to catch what the beast's calls sound like." Harold explains.
"Why on earth were you looking for that?" Heather questions.
"It's an entirely new species of animal! I'm all over that! Plus with LeShawna leaving me, I have a lot of spare time on my hands." He admits bashfully.
" Right.. What's the call sound like?"
Harold grins, taking a deep breath.
(Confessional end)
"Caaaaaaaa Rrrrrrr-kaw ssh!" Heather calls, repeating this call over and over as Gwen and Owen begin slowly walking on the creaky, unstable balance beam. Eventually, everyone's eyes are on her, wondering what's gotten into her. That's when DJ gasps.
"Heather, what on earth are you thinking?!"
The prehistoric goose can be seen flying in from miles away, calling back with the same shrill screech. "Caaaaaaaa Rrrrrrr-kaw ssh!"
Gwen and Owen freeze, clutching their eggs for dear life as the fast, hard wind hits the both of them, a massive mother goose soaring above and around them, cawing for its babies back.
"Ah! H-Heather, you are officially a psycho!" Gwen screams. Despite this, she's able to shimmy along faster than Owen, who seems more terrified than her, and much less willing to step any further.
"I don't wanna die-ie-ie!" Owen wails.
Realizing Owen's disadvantage, Justin steps forward amidst his nervous castmates. "Heyyy, Gwen. Check out these pecs~"
"No, don't!-" Eva yells, reaching forward, but not in time. Justin's shirt is ripped completely off just as Gwen turns to see him. Hearts form in her eyes. Owen swats the air, balancing on one foot with the egg in his free arm.
"Look at wha-ha…t?" Owen turns to see Justin as well, defeating the entire purpose of his strategy. Justin trails a finger down his chest towards his naval, fingering the area as every girl on the island, and Owen, stare at his awe-inspiring physique. Duncan notices Courtney staring and rolls his eyes.
"Weak."
Trent leaps in front of Justin. "Gwen! Ignore the incredibly handsome man-candy and keep going!" Luckily, this snaps both Gwen and Owen out of their trances. Justin shakes his head.
"Not cool, bro."
"You know what's not cool? Trying to get them killed! What is wrong with you?" Trent storms toward Heather, pointing an accusatory finger her way.
She checks her nails. "Apparently nothing, since you slept with me."
Everyone gasps.
"Caaaaaaaa Rrrrrrr-kaw ssh!" The goose soars down, nearly picking up Gwen's wolf hat with her talons. Chris claps slowly.
"Oh man, I KNEW the goose was a good idea!" Chris exclaims.
"Totally. This is awesome." Duncan enthuses, smirking.
"What, you like watching this? They could die." Courtney responds, watching nervously.
"Aw, mellow your yellow, babe, this is awesome TV."
(Confessional: Courtney)
"Duncan is so immature. What is it about almost dying and bodily functions that guys love?"
(Confessional end)
"Why would I want to watch Gwen and Owen risk their lives?"
"This is life at its most raw. Check out Elvis here with his guitar, one misstep and his girlfriend is shark bait. Now that would make for an interesting song." Duncan quips, earning a glare from Trent and a sultry glance from Courtney.
(Confessional: Courtney)
"Then again… danger is kind of hot."
(Confessional end)
She pulls her criminalistic boyfriend by the shirt collar and crashes her lips against his. Trent is shocked, but not as much as Duncan, who barely gets a chance to kiss back. She pulls away with a pop. "..You're still not my type."
"You make me sick."
They get right back to it, making out like animals, slowly walking away from the challenge. Trent just shakes his head.
(Confessional: Trent)
"Why can that asshole and that seriously messed up chick find love but me and Gwen can't? ..Oh right."
(Confessional end)
"Kee!" The goose flies down over Owen, but he ducks just before it can steal his egg away.
"In your face, goose monster!" Owen calls out, pointing at the beast. It comes right back around, a focused attack on Gwen. She looks panicked, blocking and hugging the egg for dear life, only to be hit by the goose's wing and nearly taken off of the balance beam, clinging on with one hand for dear life. Everyone, including Owen, is watching in pure horror.
"AHHH!" Gwen screams, kicking for any sort of balance. The goose will be back to finish the job soon! Trent swoops down on his knees and reaches his hand out as he begins crawling towards her.
"Gwen! D-do you trust me?"
Suddenly, the fear drains from her eyes and a new feeling enters her pupils; rage. "NO!"
"N..No?"
"NO! I don't trust you! Because you cheated on me on international TV with my mortal enemy! You abandoned me when I needed you most, at the merge where everyone is at each other's throats and you're all alone! I-I don't even think we're good for each other anymore!"
Her rage breaks down into tears as she sobs. Trent's face softens, but he doesn't know what to say. So Gwen continues. "I gave myself to you, emotionally and physically. I never let anyone in like that before. I thought that one day I could say with full confidence that.. That I love you." She swallows, her voice breaking. She's able to climb up just before the goose can come down and pluck her with her beak, missing entirely. Gwen sits down with the egg against her stomach and hugs her legs, burying her face in her knees. "But I just…
Can't."
With that, Gwen cries her eyes out and Trent lowers his head as he realizes it's over. "I.. understand." He replies quietly. Suddenly he takes off, running away as hard as he can, the wind hitting his bare upper half.
"Oh, Gwen… I'm so sorry." Geoff mutters, shaking his head with his arms by his side.
"You can't give up here. Gwen, come on.. You can do this."
Gwen doesn't respond. DJ flexes his fist as he watches Owen sadly tiptoe toward the other side, putting on a tough face to win the hundred grand. DJ can't do that. He walks over to team Gwen.
"DJ? Where are you going?" Justin asks, receiving no response.
"Gwen, I know it's hard… and Trent does suck. Trust me. Ain't nothing worse than getting backstabbed. But we're all rooting for you!" DJ pumps his fists, staring at her determinately.
"I did it!" Owen yells, tripping slightly as he touches the grass on the other side of the balance beam, gently putting his egg into the nest.
"Wow, this is truly sad. Owen, my man, make a full sprint down the dirt road and victory is yours. Team Owen, I suggest heading back and waiting for him to secure victory." Chris states before driving away to the finish line.
"GO, OWEN! AND DON'T STOP!" Izzy yells through cupped hands. Noah grabs her by the wrist and starts dragging her away.
"We're rootin' for ya, buddy." Noah adds.
"Win for me, Owen~" Justin flirts. Owen giggles, but is suddenly interrupted by a heart palpitation, followed by a surge of energy. Like the Roadrunner, Owen takes off, sprinting faster than he had ever done in his whole life.
"BYEI'LLSEEYOULATERGWENI'MREALLYENERGETICRIGHTNOWGOODLUCK!"
Cody wants to say something, puffing out his chest to find the words, but that's when Heather begins chuckling. Everyone turns their heads at her, except for the defeated Gwen. "Don't cry over spilled milk, Gwenny. I'm sure the only thing Owen will miss from this lousy game is the crappy food. You've lost everything. " Heather smirks, walking away. LeShawna seethes, while Gwen buries herself harder.
"You haven't lost yet, Gwen! Channel that frustration, do this to destroy Heather, get that blood pumping, baby!" LeShawna yells. Bridgette puts a hand on her shoulder.
"No, no, revenge is bad for Gwen right now! What she needs to do is decompress, then get up and rejoin the race when she's ready."
"When she's ready? This is one hundred thousand dollars, Bridgette! You want her to lose all that money?!" LeShawna fires back.
"I don't want her to be angry for the rest of her life!" Bridgette replies, fired up.
"She will be if she doesn't win. I'm not letting that happen." LeShawna states.
"You both need to relax!" Eva chimes in, adding to the chaos. Luckily, the goose is preoccupied with bringing the egg Owen dropped off back to its real nest back on Boney Island, and is thus distracted from the drama.
Cody, amidst the bickering, runs away. Bridgette, Eva and LeShawna look at him go with confusion written on their faces, while Geoff and DJ continue trying to talk to Gwen, to no avail.
The crying never seemed to stop. May Fahlenbock had been locked in her room for god only knows how long. Megan Fahlenbock, a quiet, brunette nine year old with her whole life ahead of her and her loving family by her side, knocked on the door to her parents room, her small hand making a persistent yet quiet bang.
"It must be Meg." Her busy, but devoted father said from behind the door. She knew it was her dad because his voice was so warm and cautious, always careful about what he said around the kids. Her little brother Andy was at soccer practice, and it was around this time they usually picked him up. Because her father was always so busy, it was always Meg and her momma who picked him up, listening to some of the old CD's May held onto for so many years. The Cure, The Cult, and Bauhouse, some less well known foreign stuff from Germany, even the modern stuff like MCR. It all formed a safety bubble in the little clunker sedan the family owned while Mr. Fahlenbock drove a nice van the family could pile into on fun trips to the aquarium or the amusement mile.
The painted white door slowly creaked open to reveal a tall figure wearing a sweater and khakis. His face is a blur, but his strong brown hair and bushy beard are unmistakable. He kneeled down to his child's level, a suitcase in his hand. "Heyyy, honey. Ready to pick up your little brother?"
"Dad, why is mom crying? Is she okay?" Meg questioned.
"...She's fine, Megan. Get your shoes on, we have to go soon." He stood back up just as quickly, heading back into the room. Meg peaks through the door. The closet is open. Must be where her mom is.
"Can I check on her?"
Firmly, dad replies. "No, Megan. Unless you don't want ice cream on the way back."
Meg perks up. "Ooh, can we get tiger tail?"
He sighs. "Sure."
Megan dutifully runs toward her room and puts on her little pink sneakers that light up when she stomps. She never asked for them, but May noticed that all the other parents were clamoring for a pair and she couldn't resist spoiling her baby. Father waits by the door with his keys in one hand and not one, but two carry-ons in his other. Meg stops before him, turning around.
"Byeee, mom! We'll pick you up some ice cream on the way home!"
No response. Just more wailing. Meg's face falters. "Dad.. I really think we should check on mom. I think she's really hurt."
"Your mother is fine, honey. She's just upset at daddy." His voice stressed.
Megan looks up at him. "Why is she upset with you? Did you burn dinner again? I don't smell anything."
"Honey, I'm going to be late for my flight if you don't get in the car." He snapped. Her whole world begins spinning.
"...What flight?"
…
Meg sits in the passenger seat, a ghostly pale, twiddling with her little fingers as she looks out the window. "...So you're leaving forever?"
"The army calls for it, sweetie. I'm sorry. That's why I packed all my stuff." Mr. Fahlenbock explained.
"Well, when will you come back?" Meg asked.
He paused, looking at his daughter briefly, his eyes centering on hers to find the words to explain that he wasn't coming back. That he didn't even work in the army, and that he was leaving his family behind to be with someone else. Someone they had never and will never meet. So instead, he changed the subject.
"What kind of ice cream would your mom want?"
…
And when both kids were finally back home, with Megan standing by the sidewalk with two cones in her hands, one strawberry and the other tiger tail, and her brother climbing out of the car to blubber behind his sister holding chocolate, he peered out the window and smiled a superficial smile.
"I'll be back before you know it."
"B-bye daddy-!" Andy sobbed, holding out his arms for a hug that he feared would never come. Mr. Fahlenbock winced.
"Take care of your mother for me, Megan. Your little brother too. Because I might die out there. Your mother isn't strong enough to hold on without me. Do you understand?"
Megan swallowed her fear and pulled her brother in with one arm, furrowing her brows to nod his way.
"Good girl."
The car starts and drives away, leaving its family behind for good. May would carry that lie to Megan's grave. But Gwen would learn in just a few years of her inception that her father was a lying, cowardly, two-timing cheater.
Trent chews on a muffin, sitting at the stairway to the mess hall while he cries, tears spilling down his face like raindrops. Cody calls his name, looking around to no response until he finds him, halting his foot traffic to walk towards him.
"Trent? Is that a muffin?"
Trent sniffles. "It's my comfort food after I fucked everything up with Gwen. I'd smoke weed but I already smoked my entire stash at the Playa." He whimpers, choking on a sob.
"Dude, come on. Isn't this a little pathetic?" Cody questions. Trent looks up, pissed.
"Fuck off, Cody. Gwen's single now, so why don't you go and claim her for yourself? I just want to rot on this godforsaken island." He speaks with a broken voice. Cody kneels down, serious.
"I'm gonna stop you right there, buddy: I don't give a single shit about what you want. Not one."
"Then what- a-are you doing here?" Trent hiccups, avoiding eye contact.
"Because I care about what Gwen wants. And what Gwen wants.. No, needs, is your love and support. She might hate you right now, and you don't have to make up for every little thing you did, but listen to me." He tugs on Trent's chin, bringing his face closer. "Gwen will lose the money if you don't break her out of this. And then she'll go home, more reclused, and depressed and bitter than she's ever been before. Do you really wanna undo all of her incredible progress over YOUR feelings?"
"So, w-what, my feelings don't matter?" Trent whimpers, dropping the muffin he's chewing on on the ground with his hands under his chin.
"Mine haven't for years! But yes, they should. You can talk that through with her instead of running away like a pussy. Hate me all you want, dude, but Gwen deserves to be happy. She's been through enough." Cody explains, standing up, looking down on Trent for the first time ever. Slowly, the punk stands up, takes a deep, shaky breath, and attacks Cody with a hug, sobbing uncontrollably as he engulfs him. Cody blushes, trying not to touch his bare back. "Oh, geez…"
"Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.. Thank you, Cody. I have to go. But I promise I'll-"
"Just go. Don't worry about me. I'll survive. Run to her." Cody replies. Trent nods before running as fast as he can toward the gorge, running right past Team Owen. Noah notices Cody leaning against the railing and decides to disbar from the group, walking towards the second honorary Geek Squad member.
"You got Gwen and Trent back together, huh?" Noah asks.
Cody nods. "Yup."
Noah leans on the railing next to him. "Why? Gwen's at her most vulnerable now. Give her a few days of isolation, crying and deep thinking about the important people in her life, you're there for her the entire time, make her laugh, make her think, and…"
Cody cuts him off. "Gwen's happiness matters way more than mine. I might never get her, but I know deep in my heart that she's the love of my life. And what kind of lover would I be if I don't make my girl happy?"
"But what about you?"
"Maybe someday she'll realize I'm the love of her life too, hehe."
"Ever the optimist. You're a good guy, Cody, if a bit of a cuckold." Noah remarks, a wise-ass smirk on his face.
"Psht, whatever. Least I have her bra." Cody brags.
Noah rolls his eyes. "Perv. Wanna steal a soda from Chef's fridge?"
"Sure, dude. Let's do it." They fist bump, heading into the mess hall together.
Trent, gasping for air as he sprints toward the balance beams with great purpose, finally arrives at a scene not dissimilar from the one he ran away from. Gwen is no longer crying, but instead sulking quietly in the same position. "Trent, you're back!" Geoff exclaims, running up to him. The girls glare at him.
"THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT!" Eva freaks out, getting up in his face. He flinches, but stands firm. Bridgette grabs Eva's arms and helps bring her back. LeShawna struts toward him and shakes her head.
"Get out there and get our girl back." She says simply.
"That's the plan." Trent replies, walking past them all. Gwen slowly looks up, realizing he's back. Her eyeliner runs down her cheeks and smears around her eyes. "Gwen. I need to speak to you." He gets down on his knees and begins climbing the balance beam toward her.
"Caaaaaaaa Rrrrrrr-kaw ssh!"
Trent and Gwen both look towards the sound of the call. The prehistoric goose is coming back for its second egg! Trent stands up, takes a stance and waits as the goose zooms in on Gwen, talons first. Trent leaps forward and socks the bird in its beak, stifling it. The goose whimpers, then flies away, for now. Trent offers his hand. She smacks it away and stands on her own, hugging her egg with her eyes distantly looking to her right. He tilts her chin up, staring into her eyes. He smears the runny make-up on her cheeks and wipes away some stray tears. Then, he picks her up off of her feet and carries her bridal style to the other side of the balance beam. Gwen stares at him the entire time, holding onto him for dear life with the egg resting between them. He drops her to her feet at the nest, allowing her to deposit her egg.
At the finish line, Chef wheels out a twin monitor TV for the campers to watch both Owen and Gwen. Chris parks beside the bleachers team Owen sits at. "Looks like Gwen still stands a chance, while Owen is zooming ahead!"
Team Gwen, and DJ now a part of the team, cheer for Gwen. Trent and Gwen look around awkwardly, trying to find the right words to say to each other.
"You did it!" Bridgette yells.
"CRUSH THE COMPETITION, YEAAHHH!" Eva screams.
"Now finish this, Gwen! You still got a cash prize to claim!" LeShawna agrees. Trent and Gwen nod at each other, hold each other's hands and begin running.
The prehistoric goose swoops back down as team Gwen runs toward the finish line to greet her at the end. "Kee?" It raises a brow. Team Gwen's egg is… hatching? It is! Through the pale shell, a baby bird's wet, soggy head peaks out and chirps. The peanut gallery all go 'awwwweee' as two interns wearing doctors uniforms wheel out Sadie and Katie in wheelchairs. Tyler sits down next to Lindsay, his wrist in a cast.
"What did I miss?" He asks.
Meanwhile, as Owen zooms his way to victory, he feels something wrong in the pit of his stomach. Very, very wrong.
Grrr…
Owen stops, looking around. He clenches up. Gwen's nowhere to be seen. The finish line is another three minutes away. The outhouse confessional is right there. "Uh oh…"
In a flash, he dashes toward the outhouse confessional, closing the door behind him to relieve himself.
Izzy gasps. "My money's at stake in that outhouse!"
"You mean Owen's money?" Justin corrects. Cody and Noah show up with sodas in hand, both clicking theirs open.
Heather stands up. "No, she means OUR money. We're helping Owen win, we should all be fairly compensated for our work. I'll make it happen, I swear!" She punches her open palm. Team Gwen arrives, filling in Gwen's bleacher.
Beth quirks an eyebrow up at Heather's statement. "Right, like you promised us you'd split the money with anybody who doesn't vote you off and then laughed in our faces about it next episode?"
Noah adds, "Or the time you promised a truce between us and then threw my friendship with Owen under the railroad tracks?"
LeShawna comments, "Or all the times you lied to me, broke my trust and humiliated my friends on international TV?"
Heather laughs nervously before changing the subject with her sweet, innocent voice. "How will we ever get Owen back in the game?"
Crickets.
"Come on, everybody, our party is at stake!" Lindsay yells.
"Wait, I have a plan! Has anyone seen a really big, electric fan here?" Izzy questions, panic stricken.
"Sure, got one in my trailer." Chris replies.
"You do?" Geoff asks.
"Do you think I get this wind-blown look naturally?" He flaunts his hair.
"A-and does anyone have any baked goods, any strong, really, really yummy ones?!"
"I just made brownies. B-but Owen can't eat them! He already ate my damn sticky buns!"
"Great, I'll get the brownies, the rest of you find the fan. Duncan and Heather know where the trailer is!" Izzy commands.
Duncan stands up. "Ugh, I guess I do. Alright, come on." He, along with the rest of team Owen, begin filing out of their seats.
"You can use my fan as long as you don't get brownies in it! That smell will never come out." Chris states.
"Whatever! GO!" Izzy barks, jumping out of her seat.
"Oh no you don't!" Chef chases her as she sprints toward the mess hall. Team Owen follows Duncan to the trailer. Well, except for wheelchair-bound Sadie and Katie, and Heather, who lags behind on purpose before running for the outhouse.
"Should we be doing something for Gwen?" Bridgette asks.
"Nah, she'll be all good." Cody replies, sipping his can of soda. "Ah… Sweet, sweet good karma."
Knock, knock, knock.
"Owen? You okay in there?" Heather questions, standing in front of the confessional bathroom. "What's wrong?"
"I, uh… I ate a lot of stuff today, I think. Too much. I was really hyper for a second there, but I think I'm crapping my energy out. Oh god.." Owen squeals, his eyes closing in pain.
"Wh-what did you eat today, Owen?" Heather asks cautiously.
"Um… That big cake. But I'm not lactose intolerant or anything!" He replies.
"What else?"
"A pancake off the floor.. It was just sitting there, calling my name! Oh, sweet heavens.." He groans, gagging as he- well, you know.
Heather cringes, snapping her head back so she doesn't have to be as close to him. "And? Is that all?"
Owen's eyes flash open. "Oh yeah! This morning, Gwen received a letter from Trent with a muffin in it she didn't want, so she gave it to me! Maybe that's what did it? Chef always said these things had good fiber in 'em, ehehehe!- O-owww!"
Heather's world comes crashing down. She leans against the door, slides down on her butt and stares, dead eyed.
Buzz, buzz!
Owen checks his phone. He gasps, his hand over his mouth. "H-Heather? You still there? I think I need to tell you something."
"...What, Owen."
"The Heart Attack Shack.. It's been… closed permanently."
"Oh… That's nice, Owen."
"Yeah.. so I guess I'm not splitting anything with you, huh?"
Heather screams at the top of her lungs.
(Confessional: Noah)
He flips his phone up and down with a big smirk on his face before showing the camera his screen. A cut and paste app akin to Photoshop is open, showcasing the image he sent to Owen that looks convincingly enough like an article image. "Checkmate, Heather. You lose."
(Confessional end)
Heather scratches at the door, desperation in her eyes. "Please Owen.. j-just a few thousand bucks? E-enough for a shitty apartment? Please?"
"Hehehehe, you said shitty while I'm on the toilet. Hehehehe!" Owen erupts into a fit of giggles as Heather pounds on the door, even more desperate than she let on. Gwen and Trent run past her, getting a glance at her.
"I can't believe I went for that when I had all of this." Trent says. Gwen shakes her head with a smile.
"I suppose you'll never make that mistake again." Gwen replies.
"No chance." He states confidently. Heather gasps.
"O-Owen, Gwen just passed you, you're going to lose!" The ex queen bee stammers.
"Oh, hold on, I-I need to finish up here!" Owen mutters.
"There's no time!" Heather yanks the door open. Owen crosses his legs, shielding himself with his arm.
"H-heather!"
"Oh, god..!" Heather gags, her eyes rolling up in revoltion at the stench.
"Hey," Trent says, looking down at Gwen. "If we make it through this, I'm gonna do whatever you ask for the rest of your life."
"You've got a lot to make up for."
"I know. I'll start with making a good impression on your folks."
Gwen can't help but laugh. "That's gonna be pretty hard after.. Everything. But I know you can clean that up. And I'm willing to let you in again."
Their hands squeeze each other tighter. Sadie and Katie, watching the whole thing, awe and ogle the couple just as a button is pushed on the electric fan. Trent and Gwen slow down, holding each other. The finish line is just a straight jog away. They're so close they can smell it. And the finish line smells like…
"Brownies?" They say in unison, looking toward the striking smell.
"BROWNIES?!" Owen leaps off the toilet, wipes his ass in bullet time and then sprints out the door, pushing past Heather, accidentally throwing her into the outhouse. With a grunt, she ends up sitting on the toilet, Owen's foot kicking the door closed as he chugs as hard as he can toward the smell of sweet, sweet baked goods. Gwen and Trent realize what's happening. Gwen departs from Trent's grip and makes a run for it, the finish line is right there! The cheers of both teams and the hum of an electric fan fill her ears, practically in slow motion. Izzy holds the plate of brownies above her head, standing on Chef's head victoriously.
"Come and get it, Big-O!" Izzy calls. Owen, with his tongue rolled out leaving a trail of saliva spitting out of it as he goes, is dead set on those brownies. Chef growls and shoves Izzy off of his body, the brownies falling onto the floor just before the finish line.
"GWEN! JUMP!" Team Gwen (and Trent) yell. Gwen leaps like her life depends on it, crossing the finish line as Owen eats the brownies on the floor like a dog. Team Owen, and especially Izzy, scream.
"NOOOO!"
"We have a winner!" Chris announces, jumping off of his ATV to run towards Gwen. "Gwen is the winner of Total Drama Island!"
"I.. I did it? Oh my gosh.. I won!" Gwen cheers. "Woooooohooooo!" She jumps up and twirls, being catapulted into a hug by Trent.
LeShawna, Cody, Geoff, Bridgette, DJ and Eva join their hug, leaping into a group hug before Eva lifts Gwen and Trent above their heads, all while the others watch Owen dog the brownies off of the floor.
"Gwen, Gwen, Gwen, Gwen!" They chant. Gwen throws her fists into the air, pit stains over her shirt.
Heather exits the outhouse, gasping. "We.. lost? To Gwen?!" She seethes, marching towards Owen, only to halt when she sees his state. Her arms fall to her sides. "What on earth was I thinking putting my bets on that?"
On the floor right before the finish line, Owen looks up as team Owen surrounds him. He swallows. "Oh, sorry guys. I uh.. I guess that means no party, huh?"
"Well.." The group let Gwen down. She looks at Cody warmly, then at Geoff. "I think after I pay for my tuition and help pay my mom's bills, there should still be enough leftover for a wicked party and everyone is invited!" The cheers start up again, this time for Gwen. "Everyone except Heather." Heather glares, folding her arms.
Trent's smile falls. "Oh yeah… Gwen?"
"Hm?" She turns to her boyfriend. He scratches the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Are we… broken up?"
Gwen looks down, then slowly back up. "No. I… I really like you Trent. And I want to give us another go."
His eyes light up, jovial. "Really?!"
"Really really. This time, complete honesty, openness and we'll be checking in on each other whenever we can. Am I clear?" Gwen questions.
"Crystal, babe. Now, come here." He embraces her waist and steals a kiss, her blue lips clashing with his. She kisses back passionately. The entire group 'awwweeee' like Sadie and Katie did earlier, save for the tough guys like Duncan and Eva.
"Oh, sick! Are you two back together?!" Owen exclaims, standing before both teams with a stoked look on his face. Gwen and Trent depart their lips and smile. He hoists her up on his back, earning some adorable giggles from the groggy-voiced goth.
"Heyy!" Gwen snickers, smacking him on his shoulder playfully.
"Yeah. We are." Trent confirms, happier than he had been in a long time.
"Oh this is so awesome! I might have lost, but there's still gonna be a party AND you two are back on track! Woohoo!" Owen pumps his fist wildly in the air.
"And right after that, a party at casa Geoff!" Geoff states, pointing at himself.
"Double party! Woooo!" Owen and Geoff double high five for the double party.
"Mine will be my first ever. I'm honestly a little overwhelmed.." Gwen says.
"Don't be. I'll be there to guide you." Geoff declares. Gwen smiles at him, shaking her head.
"Thanks. All of you. None of this would be possible without any of you. Seriously."
"Especially Cody. Without him, I never would have gone back for you on my own." Trent admits.
"Is that true?" Gwen asks the short dork. He giggles.
"Uh… maybe? Look, I just- I wanted you- just be happy, okay?" Cody smiles, a toothless grin. Gwen smirks and punches his shoulder.
"Thanks to you, I will."
(Confessional: Cody)
"Dililulllililuiliureow!" He strums an air guitar triumphantly.
(Confessional end)
It's night now. Well, dusk about to turn night. Wawanakwa isn't perfect. It's crazy, it's unpredictable, and not everything survived the trip to the finale. But here they all are, gathered on twenty-two stumps, with their hosts Chris and Chef (decorated in a beautiful turquoise suit and pink dress respectively) standing before them for one last ceremony. Chris holds one marshmallow on a plate, while Chef holds a large check under his arm.
"Here we are, at the last bonfire ever! After eight brutal weeks, it is my pleasure to announce the winner of Total Drama Island… Gwen!" Chris says, gesturing for Gwen to join him.
Gwen stands up, a few cheers from her close friends, and even just acquaintances, egging her on. With the biggest smile on her face, she walks toward Chris, turning to her castmates. "I never thought I'd be the winner of an entire reality show.. Then again, I always thought reality shows were fickle and stupid. And I was right. Still, special shoutouts go to my boyfriend Trent, and best friends Cody, DJ, LeShawna, Eva, Geoff and Bridgette. Thank you. Seriously. Party next week, everyone!"
The cheers become eclectic, mostly the chirpy ones like Katie, Sadie and Lindsay can be heard above anyone else, but Owen's cheer manages to catch everyone off guard. Trent chuckles. "Aren't you even a bit bummed out you lost, dude?"
"How can I be bummed? I'm still having a party, and you guys are back together! This day is still just so…"
"Awesome?" Everyone replies.
"Yes!" Owen exclaims in response. Trent shakes his head with a smirk.
"Aww, thanks, Owen. I'd totally feel the same had you beaten me." Gwen responds.
"Gwen," Chris catches everyone's attention. "It's time to give you the ultimate symbol of survival: The Final Marshmallow."
Gwen claims the pillowy prize and shrugs, tossing it into the crowd. Cody catches it, blushing heavily. Gwen shrugs and Cody whispers to it, "My baby girl, I'll treasure you for life!"
Geoff, DJ and Duncan whisper between each other. "Yo, Owen, know what it's time for?" Geoff asks. Owen nods at them, slowly turning to Chris with a menacing grin. Chris looks worried.
Geoff, DJ, Duncan and Owen carry Chris against his will as the remaining contestants watch. "No, no, guys! My hair! Duuuudes!" Chris clutches at his beautiful, roguishly good hair, flailing for dear life.
The guys begin swaying him at the edge of the Dock of Shame. "One.. two… three!" They shout in unison, tossing Chris into the water. He swims to the surface, his suit ruined and his hair a mess. The contestants cheer, laugh and run around excitedly, the show finally over.
"I've been wanting to see that all summer! In your face, McLean!" Chef cackles, pointing at the frustrated host.
"Ooooh Chef~" DJ teases.
Owen chuckles. "You're next, dude!"
"What? No, no, stay back! This dress is six hundred dollars! Ah! AH!" Chef runs away from the rambunctious group of boys, holding his skirt up to reveal his hairy, tattooed legs.
Heather looks down at Chris with folded arms, her expression unchanged and grumpy. Gwen cackles, bumping her shoulder with her elbow. "Oh come on, you gotta enjoy watching him go down a little."
Heather smiles. "Yeah… I guess."
"You still stink, though." Gwen plugs her nose. Heather smells herself, and though she had taken a shower, yup. She still smells like Owen's toilet. She scoffs, shoving Gwen before walking away, Chef's playful, yet fearful screams and the laughing of the boys trying to snatch him ending off the episode, as well as the season.