We don't own Total Drama, only our OC's.

The two plays- "An Irish Engagement" and "The Judgment of Paris" do not belong to us. They will only be used in this chapter, and no more.


Revolting Raccoons: Fernando, Lin, Lucille, David, Ilyria, Eddy, Byron, Brittany, Juliette, and Dante

Oblivious Owls: Lila, Tracy, Spikke, Brad, Dianne, Matthew, Mackenzie, and Tatiana


"Last time on Total Drama Canadian Travels…" Chris began the famous recap, as he stood in the lobby area of the hotel in Muskoka.

"We decided to stay in Muskoka, as we decided to do the classic fear factor challenge. It was a tough challenge, as some of them decided to be wimps, and pass on getting a point," Chris continued, as flashbacks would show Byron and Juliette passing on their fears.

"Failing their fears would be Matthew on the Owls, while with the Raccoons, Butch, David, Brittany, and Fernando all failed their fears," Alexis continued. "Which meant that the Raccoons had to go to elimination for the first time since Antonio quit the competition."

"The bottom two would be Brittany and Butch; with Butch getting that toxic marshmallow of loserdom. Sucker," Chef laughed wickedly.

"Jenny had to resign from her interning duties due to her pregnancy, so Sapphire; the manager of The Midnight Men, was able to get Charlene as her replacement. I also decided at the last minute to have the rest of the boys; aside from Johan to help her out. I'm gonna put them through a whole lot of torture," Chris would smirk.

"Meanwhile, Johan's going to hang out with Trish and Bill during the aftermath shows. I think those three will do a good job, don't you think?" Alexis grinned.

"But we've got 18 remaining, and things are only gonna get tougher from here on out! Who will be the next person to board the Bus of Losers? Will it be another veteran? Or, will it be one of the newbies? Find out, on the next dramatic-filled episode of…Total! Drama! CANADIAN TRAVELS!" Chris announced.


Dear Mom and Dad I'm doing fine,

You guys are on my mind.

You asked me what I wanted to be

and now I think the answer is plain to see,

I wanna be famous.

I wanna live close to the sun,

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

Everything to prove, nothing in my way

I'll get there one day.

Cause, I wanna be famous!

Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na!

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

Na na na na na na na na na na na na na na na! (as can be heard in the background)

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

(Whistling in tune)


Episode 9: The Galore of Sub-Challenges

Muskoka, Ontario

Matthew and Brad (Oblivious Owls)

"Brad, I need your help." The male YouTuber looked at the hatted boy. "I really want to impress Alexis, but I don't know how to; especially since we always have challenges. I don't get a chance to even speak with her."

Brad looked at Matthew with a stunned, yet baffled wide-eyed look.

"Why… would you assume I know how to impress her?"

"You're a guy. You must have other girls back home all over you." Matthew replied.

"So are you. Besides, I typically have other priorities besides women."

"Yeah, but it can be hard, y'know. Besides, you're with Tatiana and Lila all the time. Who knows? Maybe some love will bloom."

"I hardly doubt Tatiana's looking for any sort of romance right now. As for Lila, while she's nice, I don't exactly see myself in a relationship with her. Even then, I'm not looking for anyone right now."

Matthew huffed. "Can you at least try and help me? Please?"

"I mean, I can try? I hardly know anything about her aside from the fact that she can cook." Brad shrugged.

"She's also Chef's niece," Matthew pointed out. "She can have a fiery temper, just like him. Didn't you watch last season?"

"Only bits and pieces. An acquaintance of mine blogs about the show and she tells me about what happens."

"Who is this acquaintance?" Matthew raised an eyebrow. "Please tell me they're not like crazy Sierra."

"What? No! She's some blogger from the town I live in. I think her name's Ginger or something, I don't know, I barely talk to her either!"

"Just checking," the male YouTuber grinned. "Maybe…we could play a video game later?"

"I'm more of a chess guy but fine, whatever." Brad sighed.

"Score! I'm gonna destroy you in Mario Kart!" Matthew cheered.


Fernando and Byron (Revolting Raccoons)

The blogger would be in his room, getting ready. He would glance at Fernando. "What challenge do you think Chris will do today?"

"Who knows." Fernando sighed as he stood up from his bed. "Knowing this show, it will likely be humiliating or painful. Possibly both."

"You took a while to come to bed," Byron pointed out.

"I was having a chat with someone."

"Was it Mackenzie?" Byron asked.

"Yes, is that an issue?" Fernando asked as he began getting dressed.

"I think it's sweet," Byron smiled. "You must be getting along with her." He would begin to get dressed as well.

"Somehow, yes. Please don't get the idea that I'll do to her what I did to Abigail. I have no intention of causing any issues this time around."

Byron rolled his eyes. "I don't think you will do that. You must have learned your lesson after you did that last season. Am I right, or am I right?"

"Yes, yes, I'd rather not think about what happened back then."

"Fair," Byron shrugged. He would clean his glasses. "Anyway, let's head down."


Chris would be surrounded by Terra, Joseph, Walter, Jerusha, Miguel, and Abigail. Terra herself had her head wrapped up in what appeared to be bandages and she had a name tag pinned to her that said 'Not Lin's best friend, apparently.' "Do you guys have your challenges set up?"

"Miguel and I are doing an acting challenge," Abigail smiled. "The teams will have 2 hours to practice a certain text; and they have to perform it for us."

"Okay. Terra?" Chris asked. "You and Jerusha are doing something together, right? Don't go too crazy."

"Well there goes my plan with the elephants…" Terra huffed.

"I don't want to hear it," Chris sighed. "Joseph and Walter, you guys are doing a physical challenge, right?"

"Of course. It will certainly discipline some of the contestants you have this season." Walter assured.

"Excellent. I suppose we can call them down now." Chris would take out his air horn, along with a megaphone. "Contestants! Report outside right now!"

Brittany would head outside, and groan when she saw Terra. "Why on earth is the clown back?"

"Didja miss me?" Terra asked.

"I didn't." Brittany growled.

"Ah, well, nobody likes second place anyway." Terra shrugged before looking over at Lin. "Hi bestie!"

"Hi, Terra." Lin waved, giving the clown a concerned look. "Mind telling us why your head is all wrapped up like that?"

"Oh, this? I decided to experiment with my look a little bit! Don't worry about it!"

"Oh boy," Byron huffed. "You remind me of my cousin."

"Do… Do I not remind you of Izzy?" Terra asked, her tone flat as she gave the blogger a deadpan expression.

"Izzy isn't my cousin," Byron rolled his eyes.

"His cousin's Sierra," Mackenzie sighed.

"She meant that with her behavior, she figured that you would think of Izzy." Lin sighed. "Anyway, there's obviously a challenge involving everyone here, which is why you brought them all."

"That's indeed correct," Chris grinned. "Each team will have to complete the sub challenges of the six alumni, who have teamed up with one another. Joseph and Walter are doing a physical challenge, Miguel and Abigail are doing an acting challenge, while Terra and Jerusha are doing the last one, which I have no idea what's involved."

"Owls, since you won the last challenge, you get to decide which challenge the Raccoons have to do first," Alexis said.

"So which should we do?" Tracy asked. "I don't know if the three challenges are all going to be as hard as each other or if one is more difficult than the rest."

"We're picking the challenge for the Raccoons. We should obviously have them go for a hard challenge," Dianne let out. "Should we have them do the challenge that Jerusha and Terra set up? Or should we go with the physical challenge that Walter and Joseph have set up? Knowing Miguel and Abigail, their challenge will probably be simple, since they're both actors."

"All are unpredictable choices." Brad noted. "Remember who we're dealing with here. Miguel and Abigail's challenge is the easiest to guess, but if it is an acting challenge, we don't know the role we'll be given nor the scenario we have to act out."

"Plus we're dealing with two out of the three strongest men from the last season." Tatiana added. "They wouldn't give us a challenge that they wouldn't be able to do. But the issue there stems from the fact that they're incredibly strong, so everyone would have to be able to meet their level of strength or endurance. Lastly there's Jerusha and Terra. With Jerusha we have somewhat of an idea of what we're dealing with, since she's a horror fanatic, it'll likely be related to that. But with the addition of Terra…"

"Maybe we should make them sweat first?" Mackenzie asked.

"Yeah, if we do that, then they'll be too tired to do the other two challenges," Matthew agreed. "That way, we can win again. I do want to win again."

"I want to win again too," Dianne nodded. "However, I am willing to go with whatever the rest of the team wants to do."

"If we have them do the physical challenge first then they'll be out of breath for the acting challenge and then they'll be left to deal with whatever Jerusha and Terra came up with. Does that sound good?" Brad explained.

"Sounds good to me!" Mackenzie smiled.

"You can announce it, Brad," Dianne said.

"I don't have a problem with that," Spikke nodded. "Go ahead, Brad."

"Alright then." Brad shrugged. "Hey, Chris, we've made our choice."

"Let's hear it!" the host grinned.

Lucille seemed a bit worried, looking at her team. "We've got this, right?"

"We can take whatever they try to throw at us," Brittany reassured the violinist.

"They'll be starting with whatever Joseph and Walter have planned."

"Oh, this'll be interesting," Brittany smirked, glaring over at Joseph. She was still salty from her loss to him in the finale. The previous winner glared right back at her with a rock solid look in his eyes, unshaken from the mob boss' aggression.

"Let's hope we won't be too tired to do the other two challenges," Lucille gulped, a little nervous.

"Hmph." Walter huffed. "Well, let's see if you can handle what we've made! Our challenge has been prepared this way…"

The two large men began to lead everyone out of the hotel…


Joseph and Walter's challenge area…

"Oh…my…God…" Lucille was wide-eyed seeing the challenge, which consisted of an obstacle course that resembled the one that Master Chief Hatchet had designed during the boot camp challenge during the first season.

However, this challenge differed in that most of the obstacles looked like they would take much more time than the original. There were also additional obstacles in the form of automated paintball turrets, a path that appeared to be blasted by heating units, making it appear that the very air itself was burning up, and a zipline over a chasm of mud.

"We're doomed…" Byron gulped.

"Alright!" Walter announced, his voice booming with authority. "For this challenge, we have prepared this obstacle course for you all to complete. You all can relax, we wouldn't give you this challenge if Joseph and I were incapable of completing it. Which we did. Both of our times were around 2 minutes and 57 seconds. But, seeing as though it would be nearly impossible for any of you to get a time close to that, we will be more lenient."

"You've got five minutes to finish the course." Joseph continued. "Anyone who finishes within that amount of time gets three points, finishing before six minutes gives you two points, and finishing before seven gives one point. Anything after that means you failed and earned nothing."

"I guess I'll go first," Lucille said. "Best to get it over with." She would head to the starting line, taking a few deep breaths. From behind the group, Kevin and Roderick of the Midnight Men wheeled in a gong with Charlene holding the mallet.

Lucille narrowed her eyes, glancing at each obstacle carefully. She knew that she had to do this. She had gotten a bit stronger with her walking therapy even before being called back for the show, and did a couple of exercises, which included lifting a few weights. Some of the time she spent working out with Joseph whenever he was with her made her a bit more confident in her abilities with the course.

When the gong went off, Lucille took off, and would manage to complete some of the obstacles easily.

"Holy crap," Brittany was wide-eyed watching this. "Who knew Lucille had it in her?"

Some of the obstacles proved to be difficult, as she nearly fell, but she managed to keep her grip, focusing on the task ahead, until she reached the last obstacle. However, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something that almost made her freeze right in her tracks…

"So, got any advice for a newbie?" Tatiana asked, walking up to the former champ's side. Joseph raised an eyebrow in intrigue but relaxed just a little bit.

"Hmph." he began. "I've noticed how you've been playing the game so far and, honestly, I'm impressed. Starting an alliance so early and even comparing one of your teammates to me? I wouldn't say it's an exact comparison, but it definitely caught my attention."

The smirk on the man's face made Lucille's lower lip quiver with sadness as she continued following the course before finally landing on the finishing platform. Walter stopped the clock right as she reached the end.

"4 minutes and 59 seconds." He said. "Just barely making it, but enough to earn 3 points."

Lucille nodded, but still had visible tears in her eyes as she hurried off the platform, passing both Joseph and Tatiana as she returned to her team. Brittany huffed.

"What's got her so upset?"

"If I had to bet money…" Lin chimed in, pointing to Joseph and Tatiana's conversation. They couldn't hear what the two were saying, but the slight smirk on the Tribal Chief's face made the girls curious. "It'd be that."

"Oh, f*ck. There is no f*cking way I'm letting that sl*t break Lucille's heart," Brittany growled. "She's been through so f*cking much, especially after she was able to get the surgery to walk again. I won't let it happen, you mark my words, Lin."

"Uh… consider them marked?" Lin replied.

"Good. We should make an alliance, and add Lucille. Hopefully, we can help her get further than last season," the mob boss said.

Lucille was trying her hardest to hide her tears, but they were visible on her face. She pulled out a tissue to wipe them away. She couldn't be weak now. Ilyria frowned, going to hug Lucille, as the violinist accepted the hug, tightly hugging the spy.

"Next!" Walter called out.

"I'll go," Byron said, stepping forward to the starting platform. He would start immediately when the gong went off, proving himself to be capable of a tough obstacle course. He was actually getting through the course with ease, landing on the finishing platform quickly.

"Hmm, 4 minutes and 2 seconds. Not bad…" Joseph commented. "For a newbie."

Byron smirked. "Sierra may be insane, but she did teach me some of her skills." He hopped off the platform, going over to David, who was politely applauding. "Impressed?"

"For sure!"

"I'm glad," Byron smiled, winking, before rejoining the team. Lin was the next person to run the course for the Raccoons and her newfound skills as a member of HAP, coupled with her already good agility and parkour skills, clearly showed as she breezed through most of the course. Once she reached the end, Walter and Joseph both had impressed smiles on their faces, the latter of which even nodded in approval as the clock stopped at an impressive 3 minutes and 12 seconds.

Ilyria cheered. "Way to go, Lin! That's what I'm talking about!"

"I think we made the wrong choice," Spikke grumbled under his breath, looking over at his team. "They're doing so well in this obstacle course."

"Not necessarily." Brad noted. "All of their members that have gone so far are more of their physically skilled members. Aside from Brittany, none of the others have really shown any specific skills when it comes to their strength or speed. They also voted off Butch, which is a massive blow to their team for this type of challenge."

"Oh yeah…" Spikke let out.

"So what do we do?" Tracy asked.

"Nothing for now, just wait and see how the rest of their team performs." Brad replied.

Ilyria would be the next to conquer the course, and she would do very well, maneuvering through each obstacle with ease. She would land on the finishing platform while showing off a backflip; with a time of 2 minutes, 59 seconds.

"Was the backflip truly necessary?" Walter asked.

"Did you not like it?" Ilyria raised an eyebrow. "I've still completed the course."

"True." Joseph shrugged. "Next!"

Brittany would go up next, and would complete the course very aggressively, with a time of 3 minutes exactly. She would also give Tatiana a death glare, miming slashing her finger across her neck, before harshly whispering something to Joseph. The football star's eye twitched for a moment, though his eyes remained solely focused on the obstacle course. The three redheads of the Owl team watched Brittany with various emotions, with Brad and Tatiana looking unshaken while Lila gulped in fear.

"You wouldn't want to mess with a mob boss," Spikke glanced at the three redheads. "She can be very mean when she wants to be."

"Brittany would be smart not to get on our bad sides either." Tatiana huffed.

"You don't know what she's capable of. Take last season for example. She took me out with my peanut allergy; by putting peanut oil on some pineapple," Spikke let out.

"We know exactly what she's capable of and what she can do. It's all just a matter of how we can deal with it." Brad assured.

"Are you sure?" Lila asked, worry strewn on her face as she was given a nod from the hatted boy.

Juliette would be the next to go, and she did pretty okay, completing the course at 5 minutes exactly. "I guess I only earned 2 points…" she sighed.

Fernando went next and while it was clear that he was trying, he ended up finishing at 5 minutes and 4 seconds.

Next up would be Eddy, his smaller frame allowed him to get through the course a bit quicker than the previous two runs, but he still wasn't fast enough to match some of the more physically fit teens, finishing at 4 minutes and 1 second.

David would be the next to complete the course and while he was related to Joseph, he didn't have nearly the same physical prowess. The course proved to be a bit more difficult than he had hoped as he finished at 4 minutes and 12 seconds.

"We gotta get you back in the gym, cuz." Joseph chuckled.

"Oh shut up…" David replied with a smirk, playfully punching him in the arm.

"Good job," Lucille let out quietly, not eyeing Joseph, as she still seemed a bit disappointed from earlier.

Finally, only Dante would be left for the Raccoons. The pressure seemed to hit him a bit as he faltered just a bit at the start, but as he continued going through the course, he was able to finish with a time of 3 minutes and 44 seconds. Their total score would be 28 points.

Mackenzie would be the first of the Owls to concur the course, and she did pretty okay, finishing with a time of 3 minutes and 59 seconds. Matthew had a bit of a better time, finishing the course with 3 minutes and 8 seconds. Spikke would finish the course with 4 minutes exactly, while Dianne did struggle a little, finishing the course in 5 minutes exactly.

Lila was about to start the course next, taking a deep breath while she looked incredibly nervous. The gong went off, and nearly everyone was immediately stunned with how fast she was clearing the course. Despite her still frazzled demeanor as she went through each obstacle, she ultimately made it to the end and stopped the timer as both Walter and Joseph looked both surprised and impressed at her final time.

"Hmm. Didn't think you'd get here so fast. You don't look like the type to be that fit but here you are." Joseph commented.

"I don't really know how else to grade that performance other than, well, perfect!" Walter added. "Your final time is 2 minutes and 42 seconds."

"F*ck." Brittany swore, glaring harshly at Lila.

Lucille's eyes glanced down at her two feet.

"Ah, that was more stressful than it needed to be… Good luck!" Lila said to a passing Tracy, who looked to be both excited and a bit nervous herself as she took her place at the starting line.

As soon as the gong went off, Tracy took off running, she didn't clear every obstacle as quickly and easily as some of the others had, especially since she nearly tripped at the end, but she was ultimately able to finish the course with a very respectable 3 minutes and 10 seconds.

Brad would be the next person to complete the course, handing his hat off to Lila before taking his spot at the starting line. Just like Tracy, he bolted from the starting line as soon as the gong went off. While he tried to hide it as best as he could, it was clear that he was over-exerting himself just a bit in order to have a good time. This proved to work as he was able to finish in 3 minutes and 31 seconds.

Finally, it would be Tatiana's turn, once she stepped up to start, she could already feel Brittany and Lucille glaring daggers into her very soul, yet she remained completely stoic with her gaze centered on the finish line. Once she started, her run was very similar to Brad's in terms of her speed, but she didn't seem to be straining herself as she managed to approach the finish line, she appeared to be taking the amount of time she spent into consideration…

"And for the last run we have a time of 2 minutes and 59 seconds." Walter announced. "Impressive."

Tatiana looked over at the mob boss and virtuoso, smirking at them for a moment before she went to go join her team. As she was about to leave, however, she felt a heavy hand on her shoulder.

"Were you holding back at the end there?" Joseph asked. Tatiana simply kept her smirk up.

"Let's just say I wanted to send a message."

Lucille glared at the taller girl, as did Brittany. Both of their glares were very harsh. Harsh enough to only freak out Lila more when Tatiana joined the rest of the team.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" She asked.

"Yes. Making them angry will just make them less focused on what's to come." The bookworm replied.

"The Raccoons have won the first portion of the challenge!" Chris announced. "Thank you, Joseph and Walter. You two can stick around for the remainder of the sub-challenges."

Lucille would walk by Joseph, her eyes focused on the ground. She was trying to hide her tears as she saw Joseph and Walter began to walk away from their course.

Brittany glared at Joseph as the girls watched the two boys go. She would soon approach Lucille, along with Lin.

"What is it?" the violinist asked.

"I want you to join the alliance with myself and Lin," Brittany said.

"Huh? Lin, you've agreed to an alliance with Brittany?" Lucille was shocked.

"I don't remember agreeing to one!" The shorter girl replied, giving the mobster a surprised glance.

"I asked you earlier," Brittany rolled her eyes. "Are you in?"

"No you didn't, you just said we should start one… But fine, whatever, I'll join your little alliance." Lin shook her head.

"I'm in too. Anything to get Joseph's attention back on me," Lucille said.

"Good. Our first step is to try and take down that annoying alliance of Tatiana, Brad, and Lila," Brittany said. "If we can take them down, then we'll fly straight to the finale."

"You're right," Lucille nodded. "If we can get those three out, then the rest of the game will be easy. What do you think, Lin?"

"They're definitely the biggest threats on the other team. But it's a matter of how we deal with Tatiana and Lila if you want to beat them."

"The only question is, how?" Brittany mused. "I don't want to resort to anything dangerous unless it is absolutely necessary."

"Wh-what about Damiano?" Lucille asked timidly.

"Really? You want HIM to be involved?"

"Think about it. He was very strong when he took control of Dante," Lucille continued. "Don't you remember how he took you down so easily in that VR challenge?"

"Don't remind me," Brittany growled. "Besides, you NEARLY beat him before the challenge was halted due to your wheelchair going missing."

"That was how I got out," Lucille frowned.

"I'm not sure we should involve Damiano. What's your take on this, Lin?" the mob boss huffed, looking over at the shorter girl. "I really don't want to have to take away Dante's medication unless there's no other option."

"There's no other way for Damiano to get in control without the meds, right?" Lucille asked.

"I dunno," Brittany huffed. "A part of me just wants to ask Dante bluntly to have Damiano take control."

"I don't know if that'll work," Lucille let out.

"And you're not the slightest bit concerned about how this could affect Dante mentally?" Lin remarked.

"Maybe a little…but we should try to explain why we need Damiano," Brittany responded. "That should work, right? If we give valid points on why we need Damiano, maybe we'll be able to convince him."

"Oh, yeah, that'll totally work." Lin facepalmed. "'Hey, Dante, do you mind not taking your meds for a little while? We just need to take down some of the other team!' Honestly, I can't believe I'm hearing this…"

"Well, I don't want to steal his meds!" Brittany snapped. "I'm trying not to play as a villain this time."

"Lin, I know you're frustrated, but Brittany seems really serious about not wanting to be a villain," Lucille let out.

"Well this isn't exactly 'hero behavior'." The shorter girl sighed.

"How about this? I'll only take the meds unless we have no other choice?" Brittany suggested. "We need to try other strategies first to get Damiano in control."

"Hey!" Eddy called out. "You three gotta catch up or you'll get left behind!"

"We're coming!" Lucille called back. "Alright, we'll brainstorm other strategies while we wait our turns to complete the other two sub-challenges."


Miguel and Abigail's sub challenge

The two actors would be on a stage. "Welcome to our challenge!" the movie star smiled.

"We've decided that you will have to put on a play for us; and each of you will get a role to play. The team that impresses us the most with their performance will win 10 points. Losing team will only get 3 points."

"Now, Owls, you may have to double up on some roles, considering your numbers," Miguel glanced over at the Owls. "Hopefully, that's okay with you."

"Sure, I guess." Tracy shrugged.

"Alright, good. Here are your scripts," Abigail would pass over two scripts. "Raccoons, your play is titled: "The Judgement of Paris."

"The Judgment of Paris?" Brittany raised her eyebrow, reading over the script. "Oh, it's about the Greek Gods. Interesting…"

"Owls, your play is titled: "An Irish Engagement."

Upon hearing the title, Lila gasped a bit in excitement. "My dad's family is Irish!"

"Oh? That should be interesting…" Spikke let out.

"Wait, there's only 4 males, and 2 females in this play." Matthew let out.

"Some of you will have to then help with the costumes, makeup, and props," Abigail explained.

"Our play has 3 men, and 3 women," Brittany noted. "It shouldn't be hard to determine who'll act, and who'll do the other stuff."

"We'll give you some time to prepare. Let's say…6 hours?" Miguel suggested.

"I'm game," Abigail nodded.

"You guys have 6 hours to practice, rehearse, and get the props ready," Miguel said. "Your time starts…now!"


Revolting Raccoons

"So we've got the following roles…Zeus, Hermes, Hera, Aphrodite, Athena, and Paris," Brittany said, looking at the script. "Who wants to play the role of Zeus?"

"The sky and thunder god said to be the father of the gods and men?" Fernando asked. "Hmph, I may be tooting my own horn here, but it'd be an honor to play him. We also share a rather… unfortunate reputation amongst our peers so that also fits."

"I'll be Aphrodite," Juliette raised her hand. "She is the goddess of love."

"Okay, we have two roles claimed so far," Brittany nodded. "Any volunteers to play Hermes?"

"Isn't he the messenger god, or something?" Eddy asked.

"And the god of trade, wealth and luck." Lin added, catching his attention.

"Wealth?! I'll do it!"

"Alright then. I'll assign myself to get the costumes ready," Brittany said. "Since my stepmother is a fashion designer, I've picked up some of her skills as well."

"I'm surprised you don't want to take the role of Athena," Lucille let out, looking at Brittany. "She is the goddess of wisdom and war."

"While it would be nice, I think I'll stick with the costumes," Brittany said. "Lin? If you want the role, she's all yours."

"Wisdom and war, eh? Well it does somewhat fit me. Why not?"

"Okay, we have Hera, the Queen of the Gods; and Paris left for our roles," Brittany said.

"I don't know if I want to make Joseph jealous…" Lucille let out, rubbing her arm. "Should I?"

"I mean, if you want his attention back on you…" Brittany let out. "But it's your call."

"You know what? I'll do it then," Lucille said. "I'll be Hera."

"One more role left, and that's Paris," Brittany said. She glanced over at Byron, Dante, and David. "This is a male role, so one of you boys will have to do it."

"How about Byron?" David asked. "I think he could work for the role."

"Me?" Byron asked, blushing. "I dunno… I haven't acted before."

"I'm sure a lot of us haven't." The photographer replied.

"Maybe he needs a bit of incentive," Ilyria let out.

"Incentive?" Byron blushed deeply.

"What kind of incentive?"

"I mean, you can pick," Ilyria gave the photographer a playful smirk. "It's obvious you two have a thing for one another."

Byron blushed again, glancing over at David, who was trying to avoid eye contact with a look of embarrassment on his face.

"I'm only speaking the truth," Ilyria smiled at the two of them.

"As riveting as it is to watch you tease these two, we do need to know if Byron is taking the role or not." Fernando noted.

"Oh, fine," Ilyria sighed.

Byron blushed again. "I'm really unsure… I mean…it would be nice…"

"Just say yes or no," Ilyria said.

"I'll do it then," Byron nodded.

"So that's all the roles then. We should probably learn our lines and everything that goes with them then." Lin noted.

"Alright, let's get to work," Brittany said. "I could use a bit of help making the outfits. David? Do you want to help me?"

"Oh, I thought you'd never ask!"

"Good," Brittany grinned. "I could help you with confessing to Byron."


Oblivious Owls

"Okay, so we have Mr. Bullfinch, Mr. McCarthy, Captain Foxlove, Tim Rafferty, Julia Bullfinch, and Norah as the roles," Spikke said, reading the names. "What interesting names."

"I think they're ever-so charming!" Lila commented.

Spikke huffed. "Sure, whatever."

"Shouldn't we assign the roles?" Mackenzie asked.

"It would be best if we knew what kind of character they were first." Brad said.

Spikke would read the play. "I think it's some sort of forbidden romance during the war? Or something like that?"

"Sounds complicated." Tracy hummed.

"Yeah, I don't know," Spikke let out. "This might be the hardest script."

"Then we can't afford to lose. Skim over the script for a second, can you tell us what type of personality each character has?"

"Well, Norah seems obedient to the Bullfinches…Julia seems to be in love, but her father wants her to marry someone she doesn't love…" Spikke let out. "Tim is to be the fake Mr. McCarthy to try and trick Mr. Bullfinch…"

"Okay… So we have a character that is fiercely loyal, possibly to a degree that could be harmful. Another that is dealing with unrequited love, and a trickster plotting something." Brad nodded.

"All of them seem very interesting…" Mackenzie let out.

"If I'm thinking what Brad is thinking, then we should choose our roles based on the ones that are closest to our own personalities if there's a match in this play." Tatiana explained.

"Good thinking," Matthew let out.

"Then that begs the question; who gets what role?" The hatted boy asked.

"I guess you can be Mr. Bullfinch, Brad," Mackenzie said.

"If that's the role that you think works for me, then fine." He shrugged.

"I'll take the role of Norah," Mackenzie raised her hand. "Lila, did you want the role of Julia?"

"Oh, that sounds like it would be ever-so much fun!"

"I can take the role of Captain Foxlove," Spikke said.

"I'll be Tim," Matthew said. "But wait, that means one of the girls might have to take the role of Mr. McCarthy. We only have 3 guys on our team."

"I've never even heard of this play and I'm not really good with memorizing stuff like this." Tracy shrugged.

"Then I suppose the role would have to go to me then." Tatiana sighed. "Alright, hand me the script."

Spikke would pass her the script. "We'll need to make copies for the actors."

"Well, we have six hours, we might as well help everyone get into character." Tracy exclaimed.

"Let's get to work then," Matthew said. "Go team!"


Brittany and David (Revolting Raccoons)

"I'm guessing you're shocked a mob boss wants to help you get the guy of your dreams, eh?" Brittany smirked at the photographer, who gave her a coy smile back.

"I'm surprised the mob boss has done a complete turnaround since the last season."

"What can I say? I mean, I may be cold, but I do love helping people hook up," Brittany shrugged her shoulders. "I find it sweet."

"So what's your plan?"

"Well, first off, tell me what you want to do, and we can go from there," Brittany said. "Like, how do you think you're gonna tell Byron how you feel about him?"

"Well, I'd prefer it if it was done when we're alone. I may like taking photos of crowds sometimes, but when it comes to stuff like this, I prefer it private."

"That's fair," Brittany nodded. "Are you gonna have a picnic or something? I find picnics very nice."

"As basic as this might sound, I think just a casual confession after a challenge in the hotel we're in will be fine." David shrugged.

"Alright. Maybe you can give him flowers as well?" Brittany asked.

"Does Byron even like flowers?"

"Crap…I don't know…" Brittany groaned. "Many people do like them, especially if you want to impress your crush. I think it also depends on the type of flower. Take me and Vincent for example. He gave me flowers when he confessed his feelings to me. He gave me roses."

"Maybe we should both get to know Byron a bit more before we go any further." David sighed.

"I suppose you're right," Brittany let out. "I can ask him what flowers he likes, and relay it back to you."

"And I can get to know him more in general. It feels like while everyone's trying to force us together, I still barely even know him."

"Aside from the fact that he has a crazy cousin," Brittany smirked.

"Well that's certainly one thing we have in common; both of our cousins are… intense."

"Yours isn't in a mental asylum," Brittany continued to smirk.

"True, but sometimes I do wonder what goes on in his head. He probably wonders the same about me though."

"Alright, I'll be back," Brittany said. "I'll go and ask him what kind of flowers he likes, and report back to you. Can you handle the robes and the accessories for the cast?"

"I'm on it."


Byron (Revolting Raccoons)

"God of wonders! What beauty is here! Oh, rapture! How exquisite these ladies' charms! How dazzling the majesty of Heaven's true queen! And oh, how sweet, how captivating is Aphrodite's smile! And Athena's taut muscles! It's too much! I'm overwhelmed by your combined beauty! I know not where to look! My eyes are drawn all ways at once—they're splitting apart!" Byron let out, as he practiced the line.

Brittany would applaud, and Byron turned around, blushing a bit. "Um…thanks."

"You're good," the mob boss smirked.

"Heh, thanks. I'm just hoping that we can win today."

"I'm sure we will. But I wanted to know what kind of flowers you like."

"I honestly like any flower, but if I had to choose just one…I would say sunflowers. Orchids are my second favorite, and my third favorite are roses."

"Well, those are a lot of good options," Brittany let out.

"Any particular reason why?" Byron raised an eyebrow.

"No, not really. Thanks though. You can get back to practicing."

"Yes, ma'am."


Brittany and David (Revolting Raccoons)

"So he gave me three options. Sunflowers are the first, orchids are the second, and roses are the third," Brittany said. "You have a few good options."

"Roses are nice, but they're so cliché. Orchids are an interesting choice though."

"How about sunflowers?" Brittany asked.

"Also a good choice, but I had a weird experience with them when I was a kid."

"Weird experience?" Brittany raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, one time Joseph's side of the family was visiting mine. We were out having a picnic and one of his little brothers tried to eat a sunflower. The other was laughing so hard he peed his pants! Watching it all firsthand was all so bizarre!"

"Yikes," Brittany shivered. "Okay, then you can go ahead and get the orchids."

"If I can find any… Anyway, the outfits are all done."

Brittany would look at the map of the hotel. "Oh, there's a flower shop near the lobby. And they sell orchids. How about we go and check it out?"

"Are you sure we should just leave? Maybe we should help the others rehearse?"

"Who'd you have in mind to help?" Brittany asked.

"Not really? I mean we're still in a challenge. We can't risk losing again, you know?"

"Right," Brittany let out. "Who should we go help?"

"I mean, we can both go and help different members of our team. There's strength in numbers and we need to help anyone that could be having a hard time." David sighed. "Look, I'll go talk to Lin and maybe you can go help Lucille. Sounds good?"

"On it," Brittany nodded.


Six Hours Later…

"Time's up!" Abigail announced. She, Miguel, Joseph, Jerusha, Terra, and Walter would be sitting on some bleachers. "Which team wants to go first?"

"We'll go." Lin said. "The sooner I'm out of this costume, the better!"

"Alright, get into position," Abigail said. "Whenever you're ready, you guys can begin."

"Fernando, your line's first," Ilyria let out.

Fernando stepped onto the stage, adorned in a white robe with a soft gold hue to it along with a wreath on his head and a fake beard on his chin that looked like it had been applied with considerable skill.

"Thank goodness those makeup lessons came in handy…" Fernando said to himself quietly before beginning his line.

"Hermes, I have an important task for you. Take this apple to Phrygia. On the Gargaran peak of Ida, you will find a young herdsman - Paris, the son of Priam. Tell him that he's been chosen by Zeus to judge the beauty of the Goddesses and to decide once and for all which one is the most beautiful." Fernando's voice carried a surprising amount of authority and skill, fitting his role.

"Eddy, go," Ilyria instructed the shorter boy, who was dressed in a similar looking robe, while also adorning a pair of fake wings.

"What's the apple for?"

"Oh, that's the prize - for the winner." 'Zeus' answered.

"That's the best you could do?" 'Hermes' responded, with just a hint of a scoff in his tone.

"It's an apple from the table of Zeus! Besides, it's not the prize that's important, but the honor of being chosen most beautiful of all the Goddesses. As for myself, I'll have nothing to do with it. I love you all equally, and if I had my way, all three would win. But of course one of you has to be honored above the others or you'll never be satisfied, and if I choose one of you, the other two will make my life miserable. This young Phrygian, on the other hand, has an objective eye. Although there is royal blood in his veins, he is a simple countryman, so he knows what's what, and he won't play any games."

Juliette would soon step out onstage, in a gorgeous pink dress. "It doesn't matter who the judge is. Momus himself can be the judge, as far as I'm concerned. I have nothing to hide. I mean, what fault could he possibly find with me? Of course, the others must agree too."

Lucille would soon step out on stage, wearing a gold dress. "Oh, we're not afraid to measure ourselves against you, even if your lover Ares should be appointed. Paris will do—whoever he is."

"And my little Athena - does she approve? No, no, don't blush or hide your pretty face. I know it's a delicate subject, but - there, she nods her consent. Very well, then - it's decided. And remember, the losers in this contest mustn't be angry with the judge. I won't have the poor boy punished for his decision. Only one can wear the crown of beauty."

"All right, then - we're off to Phrygia. Just follow me, ladies, and don't be nervous. I know Paris - he's a good boy, quite the charmer, and a clever judge of beauty. He'll make the right choice, you can count on it." 'Hermes' explained, giving the women a sly wink.

"I'm glad you approve of Paris; I ask for nothing but a fair judge. Do you know if he has a wife, Hermes? Or is he a bachelor?" 'Aphrodite' asked.

"He's not a bachelor in the strictest sense." He shrugged.

"What does that mean?" 'Aphrodite' asked.

"Well, there's a wife… and she's nice enough… but she really doesn't deserve him."

"Why not?" 'Aphrodite' asked.

"Well… she's a 'country beauty'." 'Hermes' explained, using air quotes with a distinct tone. "In other words, she's downright ugly and he only took her because there was nothing else available, and a young man must have somewhere to sow his seed. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious."

From behind the pair, Lin, dressed in a silk white gown and wearing a golden helmet pouted.

"What's all this whispering about? That isn't fair, Hermes! Whatever you're telling Aphrodite, you can tell the rest of us!"

"It's nothing important. She only asked if Paris was a bachelor."

"None of her business—that's what you should have said." 'Hera' said.

"It's an innocent enough question." Hermes shrugged.

"Well - is he?"

"A bachelor? No."

"What are his ambitions? Does he care for military glory? Or just for his goats?"

"Well, I really don't know, but he's a young man, so I would assume he's dreamed of distinction on the battlefield."

"There, you see—I don't complain when you whisper to her." 'Aprhodite' said.

"Listen, ladies, don't be cross with me; I'm just the messenger. And besides, Athena asked almost the same question you did. It can't do any harm, can it - my answering a simple question?"

"How much further?" 'Hera' asked.

"We're almost over Phrygia now. There's Ida - I can just make out the peak of Garganum, and if I'm not mistaken, there's Paris right there."

"Where? I can't see.

"Over there, to the left. No, not on top - down to the side, by that cave where you see the herd."

"I don't see the herd either.

"It's a good thing this isn't a 'seeing' contest." 'Aphrodite' let out.

"Right there, between the rocks. Where I'm pointing, look - and the man running around with the staff, keeping them together…"

"Ah, I see now."

"Yes, that's him, all right. We should descend here - he may be frightened if we swoop down too suddenly."

"Now that we're on the earth, Aphrodite, why don't you lead the way? I understand you've been here often enough to 'visit' Anchises; or at least that's what I've heard."

"Your sneers are wasted on me, Hera."

"Come on, I'll lead the way myself. I spent enough time in the area while Zeus was courting Ganymede. Many times, I stood watch over the boy; and when the great eagle came and swooped him up, I flew at his side and helped with his lovely burden. I believe this is the very rock where we stood piping to his sheep as Zeus tenderly caught him up in those talons and carried the frightened boy off. I picked up his pipes, he had dropped them trying to escape and-"

"Enough about my husband's philanderings."

"Oh, yes… sorry. Anyway, here's our appointed referee. Good morning, Paris!"

"Hey, kid. Aren't you a little young to be climbing these dangerous peaks? And with a band of women, no less! Beautiful women—too beautiful for this mountain-side." Byron, wearing a toga and carrying a shepherd's staff, let out.

"These women, good Paris, are the Goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. And I am Hermes, messenger extraordinaire for mighty Zeus. He has chosen you to judge the beauty of these three, and the prize is an apple."

"An apple?"

"I know, I know, but it's a very nice apple! And there's an inscription. Here, have a look."

"'For the Fair.' So, I…"

"Just give the apple to the fairest of the three. That's it. Couldn't be simpler." Hermes assured, almost pushing the apple into Paris' hands.

"But lord Hermes, how do you expect a mere goatherd to judge between three such unparalleled beauties?"

"He speaks well, at least."

"Surely, there must be some fine city folk better suited to judge this contest. I can tell you which of two goats is the finer beast, or adjudicate the merits of two heifers, but in the present company there is beauty all around. I don't know how any man could tear his eyes away from one to look on the other. Wherever my eyes fall—there is beauty. I move them, and what do I find—more loveliness! And yet I can't focus because I sense equal beauty lurking just this way or that! I am distracted by neighboring charms! If only I were all eyes, like Argus—then perhaps I could judge the matter!"

" You're right, Hera—his speech is pretty."

"So it is. I'm sorry, Paris, but these are Zeus's orders - there's no way out of it." 'Hermes' raised his hands defensively. "You are to decide the matter."

"All right, but the losers mustn't be angry with me. The fault will be with my eyes only—they are instruments far too crude for deciding such a fine matter."

"Zeus has already made this clear. There will be no retribution from the losing parties. Now get to work!" Hermes huffed.

"All right, but … am I just to examine them as they are, or should I go into the matter more thoroughly?"

"Well that's for you to decide, I guess. Do whatever you think is best."

"What I think best? Then I will be thorough."

"When you say ' thorough'...?" Hermes remarked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"I mean, if I'm to judge the entire package, perhaps they should disrobe."

"Disrobe?! You naughty boy!" Hermes laughed, giving the boy a sly grin. "Do you really think-"

"Calm down, Hermes—the boy's quite right. I approve of your decision, Paris, and will be the first to submit myself to your inspection. You will find that I have more to boast of than white arms and large eyes—every part of me is beautiful."

"Aphrodite, will you also submit?"

"Oh, Paris—make sure she takes off that girdle; there's magic in it! She'll bewitch you! And she ought to wipe off all that makeup as well! She has no right to come so tricked out and painted!"

"This is my natural hue."

"Oh, please—you look like a prostitute."

"Excuse me?!"

From the audience, Joseph couldn't help but quietly chuckle to himself at the characters's argument. Terra somehow remained quiet despite looking like she would crack any moment.

Ilyria smirked from the sidelines, nodding over at Lin silently.

"She really should show herself unadorned." 'Athena' scoffed, giving the spy a quick wink from the stage.

"The makeup can stay, but they're right about the girdle, madam—it must be removed."

"Oh, fine. But Athena has to take off her helmet then—no intimidating the judge with that waving plume. Or are you afraid your colorless eyes might be exposed without their formidable surroundings?"

"I am afraid of no such thing! Here is my helmet." Athena replied.

"And here is my girdle."

"Good. Let's get on with it."

"God of wonders! What beauty is here! Oh, rapture! How exquisite these ladies' charms! How dazzling the majesty of Heaven's true queen! And oh, how sweet, how captivating is Aphrodite's smile! And Athena's taut muscles! It's too much! I'm overwhelmed by your combined beauty! I know not where to look! My eyes are drawn all ways at once—they're splitting apart!"

Brittany smirked over at David, as she watched Byron perform with the others. The photographer nodded to himself, pleased with the performance thus far as he looked over at the audience, specifically the judges as they remained completely stoic, watching from the front row. David couldn't help but smile as he noticed Joseph and Walter laugh just a bit as they heard Byron, as Paris, comment on Athena's muscles since she was portrayed by Lin, who still looked rather skinny.

" Perhaps he should view us one at a time."

"Yes, we don't want the poor boy's eyes to explode."

"All right, then - Aphrodite, you and Athena withdraw with me. Let Hera remain."

"So be it."

Hera would "disrobe" revealing some lingerie while the other two Goddesses followed Hermes away from the scene.

"Well, do you like what you see?"

"Words cannot express my satisfaction, madam."

"When you have finished your scrutiny, you must decide how you would like your present."

"My present?"

"That's right. Give me the prize of beauty, Paris, and I will make you lord of all Asia!"

"I will take no presents, madam. Withdraw, and I shall judge as I see fit. Approach, Athena."

With a bit of a huff, Lucille as Hera left the stage while Lin as Athena walked back on set.

"Behold."

"You are very beautiful."

"If you will crown me the fairest, Paris, I will make you a great warrior - a conquering hero! I will cast a divine spell so that you will never lose a battle!"

"I appreciate the offer, Athena—but I'm a lover, not a fighter. There's peace throughout the land, and my father's rule is uncontested. What use do I have for fighting? You can put your robe back on, and your helmet; I've seen enough."

With a scornful glare, Lin walked off stage.

"And now for Aphrodite."

Juliette glided back onto the stage with gracefulness. "Here I am. Take your time, and examine every inch as carefully as you like; let nothing escape your vigilance. Don't be shy. Put your hand here. There, now that's better—isn't it? You're a handsome boy, Paris—I've had my eye on you for a long time. You must be the fairest youth in all of Phrygia. It's such a pity that you're hidden away in these rocks and crags. Your beauty is wasted on these goats. I'd like to whisk you away and marry you to some Greek girl—an Argive, or Corinthian, or maybe a Spartan, if you like a girl with a little spunk. Helen is a Spartan. Such a pretty girl—quite as pretty as I am."

"As pretty as you?"

"Oh, yes. And such a lover of beauty. I'm quite certain, if she once caught sight of you, she would give up everything to be with you. She would make a most devoted wife."

"But … I'm already married."

"So is she. But that's of no importance. When marriage exists without love, such bonds are easily broken."

"Tell me about her—this Helen."

"Well, she's the daughter of Leda—you know, the beauty Zeus ravaged in the guise of a swan."

"And what is she like?"

"Helen is the fairest of the fair, and as one might expect from the offspring of the swan, she is soft as down (she was hatched from an egg, you know), and so lithe and graceful; her figure is the picture of perfection. She's already had one war fought over her after she was abducted by Theseus—and she was just a child then. Now she's all grown up and married to Menelaus, but if you'd like, I will make her your wife."

"Won't Menelaus be angry?"

"Don't worry about the details, child; I'll protect you."

"I don't want to cause any problems."

"No problem at all. I will arrange to have you set out for Greece on a little vacation. When you get to Sparta, Helen won't be able to resist your charms."

"But … will she really leave her husband and cross the seas with a complete stranger? A goatherd?"

"Trust me. I have two beautiful children, Love and Desire—they shall be your guides."

"I don't know how this will end, but I feel like I'm in love with Helen already. I can see her in my mind, on our homeward journey from Sparta, her hand wrapped in mine as we stare across the sea."

"Wait! Don't fall in love yet. There's still the little matter of crowning me the most beautiful of the Goddesses. Eternal happiness is yours—all you have to do is hand me that apple."

"Are you sure you won't forget me after I give you the prize?"

"Shall I swear?"

"No; your word is enough."

"You shall have Helen for your wife; she shall follow you and make Troy her home—this I promise."

"Take the apple. It's yours."

And with that, the play came to an end.

Abigail would immediately applaud, alongside Miguel, the two judges giving them smiles.

"Well, that was wonderful! All of you played your roles brilliantly, especially you, Byron."

"Thanks," Byron blushed in embarrassment.

"I feel like our audience should have a chance to respond as well," Miguel glanced over at the crowd. "Joseph, let's start with you. What did you think?"

"It was alright. A bit of comedy both from the play itself and from the, I'm assuming unintentional, character choices."

"I agree. You all showed you planned hard for your roles while also sticking to the genre the play was going for." Walter added.

"Terra?" Miguel glanced over at the clown. "Your thoughts?"

"It was fun! Definitely interesting to watch!"

"Jerusha?" Miguel smiled.

"Definitely entertaining, but knowing Greek mythology, I was kind of hoping Zeus would do, y'know, Zeus things." Jerusha shrugged. "I think you all know what I'm talking about."

"Oh?" Miguel raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Fernando. "What do you have to say about that, Fernando?"

"I can see where you're coming from, but let's just be thankful that Zeus doesn't do Zeus things in this play…"

"Right. We'll give our scores at the end, so Raccoons, you may join the audience, while the Owls set up," Abigail said.

Lucille jumped off the stage and would sit in the row a bit away from Joseph, crossing her arms across her chest, looking a bit worried and a little annoyed from earlier on in the day.

Abigail looked over at Joseph. "Something's upsetting her. Your challenge is over, so you can relax now." Her tone seemed very kind. "I'm only trying to help, that's all."

"I am relaxing." The Tribal Chief hissed. "And you tried bossing me around earlier, so, quite honestly, I have no reason or intention to talk to you right now."

From a bit further away from the former finalists, Lin took a seat by Terra, who looked excited to see her, despite the smaller girl's confused expression regarding Terra's current 'look'.

"Lin Liiiin!" The clown greeted.

"Terra, seriously, why do you have your head all bandaged up? Did you stick your head in the oven again?"

"No!... Maybe… But that's not why I have these on. I'm trying out a new look soon and I want it to be a surprise, I promise!"

"And the nametag?"

"Ilyria said she's your best friend…" Terra replied, her tone both sullen and serious. With a sigh, the smaller girl hugged Terra and gave her a gentle pat on the back.

"You're my best friend, you can relax."

A bit further away, Byron sunk into the bench with David by his side. "Oh, thank god that's over with!"

"You're telling me! I just hope the judges pick us instead of the Owls, I don't even want to know what Terra and Jerusha have planned!"

"Are you afraid?" Byron raised an eyebrow at the photographer.

"You aren't? We have a master of horror teaming up with an unpredictable clown that would make Izzy and The Joker blush! How could you not worry?!"

"Okay, maybe I am a little worried," Byron paled. "I don't want to go home…not before I get to tell the guy of my dreams how I feel about him."

"Neither do I…" David replied.

"Alright! Looks like the Owls are ready!" Abigail announced.

"Action!" Miguel called out.

Mackenzie would come onstage with Lila, as the YouTuber would be wearing a maid's outfit. The soft-spoken redhead wore an emerald green sweater and long, brown skirt. The choice of outfit matched her hair, eyes, and figure perfectly.

Dianne would give a nod over to Lila, to have her start off. "Lila, go. Your line is first."

"Hope! Norah, there is no hope." Lila began.

"Ah, thin, Ma'am, don't say so-sure you're not married yet."

"But soon shall be. He is expected every day, every hour - and then-"

"Don't have him-pluck up a spirit-tell him you can't love him-won't love him-and what's more, don't intend to love him; that your whole and undivided heart is given to the Captain, and you're determined your hand shall go wid it."

"But my father will disown me if I dare disobey him."

"He loves you too much to do that, ma'am, I'm sure. How unlucky the Captain is poor; but never despair. Take my word for it, you'll have him yet."

"Heigho! Poor Foxglove; all our dreams of happiness are gone forever."

"Lover's dhrams-all smoke." There would soon be a small noise. "Hush! as I live that's-that's Tim-my Tim. I'd know his own beautiful voice in a thousand." She would run over to a window that had been set up. "Yes, it's him, and as I live, the Captain. Your father's out, miss, so I think we might venture to let them in."

"By all means, fly." Lila had her character say while Mackenzie exited. "Moments like these are indeed precious; with what joy my heart bounds when he is near. I feel that with him alone I could be happy. Foxlove!"

Spikke would enter, wearing a war-timed costume. "Dearest Julia, what joy once again to see you: say, what news of the enemy."

"The worst is possible, dear Foxlove. By a letter received by my father this morning, he is already on the road to claim me as his bride.

" Then we have not a moment to lose, my dear Julia. I have thought of a stratagem which, if successful, may yet save us."

"A stratagem!"

"Yes, love. Stratagems in love and war are equally allowable. You say that neither your father nor yourself have yet seen your intended husband."

"Nor have we. My father and his were school-fellows: their friendship increased with their years - they married at the same time - their wives brought them, one a son the other a daughter - an agreement was then made between them that the children should wed when they became of age. That time is now arrived, and Mr. McCarthy is on his way from Ireland to claim his bride."

"And should you refuse to marry him?"

"My father forfeits ten thousand pounds, unless the agreement is mutual."

"It must be our endeavours to make it so. So now for my project. What think you of passing off my Irish servant, Tim Rafferty, as the expected Mr. McCarthy?" Spikke, as 'Foxlove' suggested, glancing over at Lila.

"Yes, but what then?"

"And by his behavior try and disgust your father with his Irish engagement."

"Excellent! But should the real one arrive?"

"Leave that to the fortune of war-a forlorn hope that may end in love and happiness."

"'Tis worth the trial. Cupid, assist us, and crown it with success."

"Let us hope for the best. Meanwhile I'll jump into his clothes, so that I may be at hand to watch and guard you."

"Bravo! Let us at once to action."

"Immediately. Here Tim, Tim."

"Coming, sir, coming." Matthew would be heard from offstage.

"He is exactly suited for our purpose, a genuine Irishman, full of fun, humour, and impudence. Here, Tim, Tim, I say."

"Aisy, sir, aisy, and I'll be wid you in the twinkling of a cat's tail."

"Norah and he are sweethearts."

"Confound the fellow. Tim, Tim."

Matthew came onstage wearing servants' clothing. "Here I am, your honour."

"At last, sir."

"Politeness bates duty, sir. Sarve the ladies before all the world."

"Nay, dear Foxlove, we ourselves know how hard it is to part."

"Wisha long life to you; may be you're not a jewel of the first salt water, and it's yourself I'd like for a master, and no mistake."

"Now, Tim, we want your assistance."

"Sure it's yours before you ax it."

"I am aware you are a clever intelligent fellow, Tim."

"Be my faith, the thruest sentiment you ever utthered."

"You will then consent to what I shall name to you?"

"Faith, that will I, before you name it, at all, at all."

"That is enough. Farewell, dear Julia; we go at once to put our scheme into execution."

Brittany would scoff. "This is lame." She glanced over to Miguel and Abigail, who were watching the performance with awe in their eyes, focusing specifically on Lila. "Ugh, this is so annoying, those rotten Owls are doing better than us." She then noticed some orchids growing near the stage. She grinned, and would go over to pick them; taking a ribbon from her pocket and tying the flowers together. She would then go over to David, with the flowers in her hands. "Here we go. We don't have to go and buy them." Luckily, no one hadn't noticed her picking the flowers.

"Farewell, dear Foxlove. Heaven grant you success. Lila continued as Spikke left the stage. "And, Tim, remember the happiness of my future life depends on you."

"Your happiness-make yourself aisy, my darlin-depend on me, I'd go through fire and wather for you." Julia soon exited. "Tim Rafferty, Tim Rafferty, your soul, now be after showing the univarse what an edification you've had:-whatever your scheme is I'm wid you, and, by the piper that played before Moses, if I don't teach them what an Irishman can do, may I never set eyes on Ould Ireland again, or obtain my own dear little Norah for life."

"Pray Heaven we may succeed, my heart is again filled with hope - with love and hope who should despair - now to play my part. O' love, love! To what wild schemes do you drive your votaries.

Norah would soon enter again. "Och, misthress, there's my Tim a going to transmogrify himself; he says I'll not know him a bit; that he'll make as illegant a gintleman as ever eat buttermilk wid a fork, or praties wid a spoon."

"Yes, Norah, to serve me."

"Oh what a trimblin I'm in, supposing its found out who he is."

"'Tis merely a harmless scheme, after all."

"And what will I do if he never comes back to his own illegant self again."

"Why then, Norah, you'll have a gentleman for a sweetheart."

"A gintleman-and is it the likes of me that would have a gintleman for a sweetheart?"

"And why not, Norah?"

"Becase its not their manners I like, at all, at all, wid their fine curled-up mustaches and whiskers, dandy cut coats, polished boots, and dainty delicate hands; its too much trouble for the likes o'thim to make love properly, and tell a girl what a beauty she is. I wouldn't give a brass-sixpence for such a man; no, give me one of my own darlin boys, widout a brogue to his foot, or a caubeen to his head, but wid a simple honest heart and a good shillalah,-one that makes love like an angel, and fights for you like a lion."

"Ha, ha, ha! Norah, you're eloquent."

"And isn't it in a good cause, miss machree? Och! if you'd only had the luck to fall in love wid an Irishman,-wid one of the darling boys of Tipperary, they're the jewels to lay hold of a poor girl's affections, and kick up a rebellion in her heart. They twist and they turn, wheedle, flatter, and kiss, until they so bewilder a poor girl, that it's glad she is to say, 'Paddy, you devil, take me at once, and make an honest woman of me.' But here comes your father, miss: I'll be off and prepare for the scrimmage; what a flustration I'm in! Oh, this love! this love! it bothers all creation intirely, and us poor servants into the bargain." Mackenzie soon exited the stage, as Brad walked on.

"Well, my dear Julia, all's ready; everything is prepared to give a right hearty welcome - a welcome worthy the blood of the bullfinches - to the son of my old friend, and your intended husband."

"But, my dear father, I really cannot bear the idea of marrying a man whom I have never seen."

"But you'll see him before you do, I suppose: and here, listen to what his father says of him - by the blood of the Bullfinches, it does my heart good to read it." Brad cleared his throat before reading from a letter. "'My dear son, who has been brought up and educated in England, is a quiet, amiable, good tempered, fascinating young man, possessing all the qualities necessary for making a good husband; and I think I may venture to say, worthy of your lovely daughter.' There! What would you have more than that?"

"I would have one, sir, on whom I can bestow my heart."

"Then bestow it on him; by the blood of the Bullfinches, the girl's unreasonable."

"Not so; the whole study of my life has hitherto been to please you; but on such an occasion as this, in which the happiness of my future life is concerned, I do hope you will allow me those privileges to which my sex are entitled.

"You are a good girl, Julia, a very good girl; but I have promised you, by the blood of the Bullfinches, I cannot break it; so make up your mind to the young gentleman, which I am sure you will if he at all resembles my old friend."

"I'll do my best to please you, sir."

"That, I am sure you will." Mr. Bullfinch replied as a knock came from off stage. "Holloa! Who's there; as I live a young man and his servant; it must be he; by the blood of the Bullfinches it is; how I long to embrace you."

"'Tis the Captain and Tim, so I'll away and prepare for my part in the scheme." Julia said softly to herself, though loud enough for the audience to hear."

"Now, Julia; what gone. Ha, ha, ha! The little rogue's off to put herself in apple-pie order. Ha, ha, ha! How the ladies do love to have everything comme il faut; now then for my future son in law."

Soon, Matthew would enter again, nearly looking like a clown out of war, with his clothing all messed up, while Spikke would be wearing Matthew's clothing, which were a bit too small for him.

"I presume I have the pleasure of seeing Mr. McCarthy?"

"And its right you are for once in your life, as the man said when St. Paul's clock struck thirteen. I presume you're ould Bullfinch?"

"At your service; very happy to see you, sir, by the blood of the Bullfinches, you are right welcome."

"Tip us your fist, my tulip, and its myself that's glad to see you, old gintleman, and may live to know each other till we die and ever so long afterwards."

"My dear sir, really your shake is very cordial - by the blood of the Bullfinches my hand is almost off - but allow me to ask, how is your wealthy father?"

"By my soul he's in mighty good health, in as fine a state of preservation as any ould gintleman can expect to be." He pauses, and looks to the side. "He's been dead these twenty years."

"You bring me letters from him I suppose."

Matthew looked aside again, as he continued his lines. "I'd be troubled to do that. And is it letters, sir; by the powers, when I set out you wouldn't have known me from Dennis O'Dogherty, the postman; but you see, sir, I had an idea."

"A good one, I've no doubt."

"And its right you are then; for when I looked at the bundle of letters, what's the use, says I to myself, of carrying you across the sea; devil a word said they; so I took the liberty of opening the dirty blackguards; so its by word of mouth you'll be getting all the news of my respectable ould father. And, by the powers of Moll Kelly, my idea beats the penny postage, both in cheapness and convenience."

"Rather an off hand way, I must say. Well, letters, or no letters, you are welcome."

"And ain't I after knowing I am. So I'll be making myself as much at home as Paddy that took all his meals and slept in the drawing-room. Here, John, you rascal-" Matthew paused, looking over at Spikke again, "-be after getting my room ready; learn the way of the house; take pattern by me, make yourself aisy and comfortable. Kiss the cook; unbuzzum yourself to the housemaid; and shew them how we do it in Ould Ireland-you devil."

"Yes, sir." Spikke looked over at the side. "A pretty berth I've got into."

"A quiet, unassuming young man - what different eyes father's see with."

"Now, ould gintleman, where's this lovely intended of mine. Och! I'm in a biling state, as the man said when he fell into the copper; I'm in a favor of love."

"I'll fetch her immediately." Bullfinch sighed. "Oh dear, I'm afraid this boisterous fellow won't suit her at all…"

Spikke grinned at Matthew. "Capital, Tim, Capital! Do but continue, and I have no doubt he will soon have had enough of his Irish engagement."

"Never fear, Captain, never fear; lave me alone for sarving him out. I'll be giving him a touch of the schoolmaster of Ballywhop'em, who flogged his scholars before breakfast to give them an appetite for dinner."

"Do your best; if you succeed you know your reward."

"Twenty pounds, and Norah for life. If woman and money won't make a man do his best, by my faith, I should say he's good for nothing at all, at all."

"I don't think he'll find us out."

"Silence, agra, here they are."

Brad and Lila both returned to the stage, the former clearing his throat again. "Allow me, sir, to introduce my daughter to you. Julia, Mr. McCarthy, Mr. McCarthy, Miss Bullfinch."

"Now, it's myself that's mighty proud and happy to see you, my darlin; by the powers, you're a rose, with the colour of the tulip."

"Really, Mr. McCarthy."

" I know what you'd be after saying, my darlin; but I'll be stopping it; and there's only one way of stopping a woman's mouth; so, by your leave, I'll be stealing a kiss." Matthew goes to give her a stage kiss.

Spikke looked to the side. "Be quiet. How dare you, sir?"

Matthew looked to the side. "John, be aisy; what's come over you. Won't I salute my wife that is to be, for the honour of Ould Ireland?"

"At your peril, sir." Spikke pulled him back.

"I must do it, it's natheral. Arrah, my darlin, it's a beauty you are, and no mistake. By this and by that, my heart's like a red hot pratie, with the skin on; and it's yourself I'll live wid till I die, and then never lave you." The stage kiss would happen, with Matthew looking just a hint of frustration at having to do it again.

"This is the quiet, modest young man?! By the blood of the Bullfinches, he's a perfect devil!"

"Confound the fellow. He shall answer for this liberty."

"By my soul, it's as reviving as the ould gintleman's elixir, that made everybody young again; therefore, as the doctors say, the dose to be repeated immadiately." The stage kiss happened once more.

"I'll stand this no longer. I'll have no more of this, sir."

"What do you mean, you dirty spalpeen; do you forget who I am? Leave the room, sir."

" What do you mean, sir?"

"And is it the meaning you wish to know?-is it myself or you that is master? Get out wid you-leave the room-be off."

Matthew would push Spikke out of the way, as Lila also left the stage.

"The impertinent rascal."

"He certainly presumes."

"Presumes, do you call it; by my faith, I call it impudence. The impudence of sarvants is wonderful; they bate their masters hollow in that. What, my little jewel is off too; by my faith, if all the Bullfinches are like her, it's illegant birds they are."

"I fear she won't say as much for you. I'm glad you like her, sir; she is indeed a charming creather."

"A perfect angel in petticoats. And her fortune-how much do you mane to tip up with her?"

"Rather an indelicate question. On her marriage I shall give her ten thousand pounds."

"Tin thousand! and is it only a dirty tin thousand you'll be giving? Sell myself for tin thousand pounds; why we'd be worse off than Paddy O'Flannigen, who kept a wife and ten children on six praties a day. Would you be starvin us, you old vagabond?"

"Starve - vagabond - by the blood of the Bullfinches, what do you mean?"

"What I say. And now I'll be after telling you how I mane to live; and then say if a paltry tin thousand will be doing it."

"Let me hear what you intend to do. By the blood of the Bullfinches, I never was so treated."

"Listen then. First, I'll be after taking the largest house in town; sarvants shall be as plentiful as mushrooms. I'll have valets, footmen, coachmen, grooms, butlers, ladies' maids, chambermaids, dairymaids, housemaids, cooks, and, in a very short time, its a nurserymaid I'll be wanting likewise:-then I'll have coaches, cabs, four-in-hands, and an illegant jaunting car; whisk, dash along-I shall keep up with everything, but nothing shall keep up with me. There goes a dacent boy, says one; a dear little devil, says the ladies. Arrah, my darling, and you may say that, says I. He's a beauty, says another. Hurro! for the wild Irishman. Whoop! Tipperary forever. Whoop! you devil. My blood's up." Matthew would jump onto the table, as fake cups would fall to the ground.

"But, my dear sir."

"Aisy, sir, aisy. Then my parties. Och! what illigant parties I'll be giving. Wine and whisky punch galore, the largest bowl in all Ireland's nothing to it. Then, lords and ladies, knights, and barrow-knights, lovely women, enchanting music, dancing. Och! won't I give them a beautiful jig; I'll astonish the weak minds of the dirty world. And how can I be doing this on a paltry tin thousand? By my faith, you must multiply the sum by tin-"

"I'll do no such thing! By the blood of the Bullfinches, I'll not give a penny more!"

"Say that again."

"I repeat it!"

"You do?"

"I do - by the blood of the Bullfinches!"

"Thin, by the blood of the McCarthy's, I'll make the Bullfinches pipe to a beautiful tune. Whoo! my blood's up! A dirty tin thousand, you spalpeen. Come on. I'll pepper you. I'll fight you for the honour of Ould Ireland. Come on, my ould cock-chaffinch." Matthew took out a fake sword, "hitting" Brad with it, and chasing him around the stage. Lila and Spikke came back onstage.

"Help! Murder! Help!"

"Dear father, what is the matter?!

"That madman was about to murder me!"

"Murther; what's that he says. I murther him? I'd have had as pretty a fight with him as ever was seen at Donnybrook, and all for the sake of friendship, if ye hadn't come in to spile sport."

"By the blood of the Bullfinches, I don't require such striking proofs as your friendship. Oh that ever I should have a son-in-law…"

"And that is the man on whom I am to bestow my heart? How is it possible?!"

"I have been an old fool, I know. I feel I have. But what's to be done? Let us give him a further trial. I must, however, retire and compose myself. By the blood of the Bullfinches, I have not been so ruffled for years! I leave you sir, for the present."

"And joy go wid you, my daisy."

"Oh, dear! Oh, dear! Quiet, gentle, unassuming…!" Mr. Bullfinch moaned as he and Julia walked off stage.

"Hurroo! Hurroo! There's a dose for the ould gintleman. I feel my twenty sovereigns kicking each other already in my pocket."

"But you carry it a little too far, sir. What occasion was there for you to take the liberty of kissing the lady?"

"Mustn't I be doing the thing natural, sir? Could I be a lover, and not salute my wife-such a thing was never heard of in Ould Ireland. Now, I'll tell you what it is, sir-just be after giving Norah a dozen or so, and then its quits we'll be crying-so say no more about it. All goes on right, and before night it's five hundred more he'll be glad to give to get rid of me."

"Be more discreet for the future. My dear Julia!"

"My father has retired to his room to obtain a short repose." Julia said, walking back on stage and closing a prop door behind her. "But I was alarmed by a knocking at the gate."

Mackenzie came back onstage, as if she were out of breath. "Och, ma'am! Och, sir,-my heart's as big as a whale, and my head's as full of blubber-it's all over!"

"Is it over, you mean? I wish it was, and the twenty pounds in my pocket, and you in my arms. What's over, my darlin?"

"Och, Tim. He's come! he's come!"

"Who?" the four onstage all asked at once.

"The real Mr. McCarthy-bad luck to him-he's this moment arrived."

"Och, botheration! Bad luck to him! the dirty-faced vagabond. And how will I be getting out of the bog now?"

"We're lost! Was ever any thing so unfortunate?"

"Is there no hope-no way of getting rid of him?"

Matthew gave a cheeky grin. "I have it; leave it to me-and it's the battle I'll win yet. Follow me, and I'll just be explaining it to you. And, Norah, do you first turn the key on the ould gintleman, and then be showing the young one up here. Away with you, my darlin." Mackenzie exited. "Will I be giving up twenty pounds so aisy? No. I'll first be giving him a touch of Irish cunning. So follow me."

He soon exits the stage, and Mackenzie comes back onstage, escorting Tatiana, who was wearing a modest, but plain looking suit meant for men along with a detailed fake moustache and beard. She also appeared to be sporting some sort of corset that binded her chest to make it much less prominent than normal. "Be kind enough to wait here, sir, while I announce your arrival to the family."

"Well, here I am at last; in the house of my father's old friend, in the character of a suitor to his daughter, who I have never seen." Tatiana began, lowering her voice to a rather surprising degree. "But if she is ever-so beautiful I can never love her, my heart is already given to another, so I must manage to break off the match as easily as possible, so as to not exasperate either of the old gentlemen, or be the death of the lady; who, luckily, can't care a straw about a person she never set eyes on. Who have we here?"

"Now I must play the gintleman." Matthew said quietly, before speaking up a bit louder. "Sarvant, sir. I presume you are Mr. McCarthy?" He pauses, looking to the side. "That's just what was said to me."

"At your service, sir. May I ask who I have the pleasure of addressing?"

"My mother was called Fitzpatrick, and she always said I was her son; very much at your service. We've been expecting you a devil of a time."

"My father, I believe, announced my intention of coming some time ago. May I enquire for Mr. Bullfinch?"

"Poor old gintleman!"

"I trust there is nothing the matter with him - no sudden illnesses."

"Poor old fellow! And it's pitied he's to be, all the world over. But it's in the family."

"In the family! My dear sir, pray explain."

"Then you haven't heard?"

"About what?"

"The old gintleman. Poor fellow!"

"Not a word, since his last letter to my father."

"Then it slipped his memory to write and tell you, I suppose. It's my painful duty to inform you, he's wrong here." Matthew tapped his forehead, causing Miguel and Abigail to chuckle a little at the judge's table.

"What do you mean? Is he ill?"

"In the mind, but not in the body. In fact, sir, it's apartments he's got to let in the upper story."

"I really don't understand you, sir. In plain language, what is his complaint?"

"Then, in plain language, sir; it's mad he is."

"Mad!"

"As Dennis O'Flaggerty, who hung himself behind the street door instead of his great coat. His head's as light as a potato peel; and it's myself that's his keeper."

"Good Heaven! What a misfortune! When did this happen?"

"I couldn't take upon myself to say; seeing I don't be after knowing."

"Is he raving?"

"Raving is it: he's as quiet and as aisy as a sucking pig at naptime-but there's no reasoning with him once he's taken a thing into his head. What do you think he's got in his head now?"

"I really can have no idea."

"Why it's myself he takes for yourself, and McCarthy he always calls me; now that's strange."

"Very!"

"You may say that. So, when he sees you, he'll declare you're not yourself."

"Then what am I to do?"

" Just be after letting him have his own way, and it's all right; but contradict him, and, Whoop! he's off like a skyrocket. There's a system in his madness, take my word for it."

"I'll take great care. Have you any idea of the cause of it? What brought it on?"

"Is it the cause you'd know. Then, between ourselves, this is confidential and private, so mind, don't tell anybody you don't want to know it."

"Of course; of course. You may trust me."

"Thin, by my soul, sir, betune you and myself, it's in the family."

"You don't say so. His daughter-"

"Och, the creature. I wouldn't be giving a brass farthin for all the brains she's got; and it's worse than the old gintleman she'll be before long, or it's myself knows nothing about it."

"What a misfortune! What an escape I've had! How is she affected?"

"Her rason's like the man who went up in the balloon to fish for stars, rather too high-minded. Sometimes off she goes, whisk! pop! Och! botheration, you never saw such a she-divil."

"The sooner I'm out of this, the better." McCarthy sighed. "Madness in the family! I wouldn't have her with fifty thousand!"

"By the piper of war, here she is. Now, sir, it's yourself will see wid your own eyes."

"This will be a good excuse for my declining the match. Now for my bride that was to be." McCarthy said to themselves as Lila's character returned to the stage adorned in a fancy looking dress.

"Permit me to introduce you to Mr. McCarthy, from the sweet little town of Toomavara." He pauses. "Give it him, miss; it's yourself must fight your own battle now, while I go and stir up the ould gintleman. Whoop! won't I make him roar!" Matthew would exit.

"Mr. McCarthy, how delighted I am to see you! I have read of you; thought of you; and now to gaze upon you - Oh, 'tis Heavenly!"

"This is rather an awkward situation… My dear madam, I'm delighted to see you!" McCarthy greeted as the two went to sit down.

"I'm in a galaxy of delight! When, quite an infant, I toddled from my mother's arms, I heard thy name blended with my future's fate! Our names were woven with a wreath of roses! I treasured up all in my heart; there thine image has lain slumbering. In murmuring brooks I've pictured thee; on starlight nights were wafted unto thee; and now, like a bright luminary, you burst upon my sight, and dazzle me with the lustre."

"Mad, without a doubt!... My dear madam, I regret to hear about your father."

"My father! He's a saint in Heaven! Angels around his pillow! He was my guardian angel until you came to take me from him!"

"Heaven forbid! I would not the world deprive him of so great a treasure."

"But now you're come to take me to your bosom; therefore, with wild delight, I throw myself into your arms - mad with supreme bliss!" Julia gushed, embracing McCarthy.

"But, my dear madam - 'pon my word - I- really- this is-"

"Hush, hush! Now we're in the garden of Paradise, where universal happiness reigns! No misery is there, for all is love and pleasure. I feel the balmy incense of love stealing through the air; and you, like an angel, are watching me. You'll never part from me?"

"I only wish I could… No - never, never."

"Always love me - tender me with jealous care?"

"Yes, always, always… Anything to get rid of her."

"Never smile on others more fair and lovely?"

"Never, I assure you."

"Swear to be true to me forever."

"Really, my dear madam-"

"Swear! Or the Demon of Jealousy will take possession of me, and I shall tear you into little stars! Swear!"

"She's raving! …I swear. I swear!"

"Then I'll rest here forever!" Julia cooed as she rested her head on McCarthy's shoulder.

"'Pon my life, this is pleasant… How shall I get rid of her? An interesting situation… Will you lead me to your father?"

"Here will I slumber. Ha! What's that I see - 'tis a demon - a vampire! He comes to devour me! See, - 'tis there - there! Save me! Save me! Let us away, love - let us away into the realm of bliss! Ha! He comes again - away, away, away!" Julia went on before dashing away.

"Thank Heaven, she's gone at last!" McCarthy sighed. "I breathe freely again. Poor creature! She's raving! The sooner I get out of this, the better. This will free me, and now wed my own Kathleen, without further opposition from my father."

Matthew soon entered, laughing. "Ha, ha, ha; Och, botheration! and I'll die of laughing. Haven't I riz the blood of the Bullfinch? Ha, ha, ha! Peppered his head with the flour box. There'll not be a shindy, at all, at all. Get out of the way, sir, for here comes the ould gintleman in one of his fits; as wild as O'Brien's cow, that went mad because she couldn't eat her own tail."

"Then I'll be off. I've had quite enough of one of the family."

"And is it yourself that would be running away. Here, just pop into this snuggery, and there you'll be seeing what an ould devil it is."

"Thank you; thank you. It will be as well to see him, or my father will not be satisfied." McCarthy said, climbing into the prop cupboard."

"Now then for the finisher. If this don't put every thing as it ought to be, why I'll be hanged for murder, as the man said when he cut his own throat. Here he is. Now, sir, keep quiet."

"Where is the villain; where is he?!"

"You hear him, sir; keep quiet, or he'll be murdering you."

Mr. Bullfinch walked back onto the stage, the wig he wore was set up incorrectly, coated in flour and his clothes were in disorder.

"You rascal, you villain! How dare you, how dare you, use me so! By the blood of the Bullfinches, you shall pay for this! I'll not put up with it; I'll not endure it!"

"Aisy, thin, aisy, wid the hay, honey, or you'll be putting yourself in as great a perspiration as a ball of snow in the dog-days."

"What is the meaning of this treatment?! Look at me, sir; here's a figure!"

"You may say that; and its yourself that would look mighty well in an exhibition." Matthew looked over. " Just take a peep at him, sir."

McCarthy cracked open the cupboard to look at Mr. Bullfinch. "Good heavens! Poor creature…"

"By the blood of the Bullfinches, you'll drive me mad! But I'll not endure it; so let me tell you, Mr. McCarthy…!"

"You hear what he calls me."

"Although I have great respect for your father, I'll not put up with such treatment from his son! So get out of my house, sir!"

"Now be aisy wid you."

"I say again, get out of my house!" Mr. Bullfinch boomed. "By the blood of the Bullfinches, I'll no longer bear your presence! So be off - be off directly!"

"Then it's yourself that will be off directly. Be quiet wid you, whilst I speak to you." He pauses, looking over to Mr. Bullfinch. "Be after listening to me: they say you're mad."

"Mad?! By the blood of the Bullfinches!"

"Stark, staring, raving mad; and they've sent for a keeper to keep you quiet."

"A keeper for me?! Phoo, nonsense! You're insane!"

" Is it persuading you, I am; why you know you're mad:-as mad as the Dublin hatter, who wore the napless hat, and swore he niver felt sleepy."

"I wonder if I'm not; by the blood of the Bullfinches!"

"I can see it in the twinkling of your eye. Och! it's mad you are, and no mistake."

"I'll not endure this any longer! Here, John."

"Be quiet wid you. You'll not believe you're mad."

"No! I'm damned if I do!"

"Then it's a secret I'll be telling you: the keeper, he's here to take you. The big blackguard's in that cupboard." He points to the cupboard. "Now for a row."

"In the cupboard? I'll soon have the scoundrel out! Come out, you villain, come out!" Bullfinch spat as he grabbed McCarthy out from the cupboard. "You'll tell people they're mad, will you?! Look at me, sir! Tell me, to my face, am I mad - am I mad?!"

"Really, sir; I-" McCarthy tried to say.

"Answer me, sir! Am I mad?!"

"Remimber what I told you."

"Not to contradict him." McCarthy replied. "Then, sir, if you wish it, I would say, most decidedly mad."

"I am mad! Oh, you villain! This is the way innocent people are destroyed! It's worse than burking! I am mad! By the blood of the Bullfinches, I think I am!"

"Aisy, sir, aisy; don't be after flustering yourself, take it coolly, as the boy did when he fell through the ice."

"I'm too easy… Get out of my house, both of you, or I'll kick you out!"

"Sir, my name's McCarthy." McCarthy exclaimed.

"McCarthy?!"

"Son of your old friend and schoolfellow. McCarthy, of Tipperary."

"Phoop! Phoop! Who's the madman, I should like to know!"

"I came hither, sir, to see and marry your daughter; but I trust you will not be offended if I say, I must decline that honour after what I've seen."

"Decline that honour! Ha, ha, ha! I like that; you decline! I wish you'd be off!" Bullfinch scoffed.

"All's going on as smooth as the sea in a calm." Matthew looked towards his fellow actor. "Conclude the interview as soon as possible, for it's a mighty big fit I see coming on."

"Here, sir, is an agreement I have drawn up. By which I voluntarily resign the lady, and thus release you from the forfeiture."

"I'll be after squinting at it." He takes the object. "Wisha long life to you; the very thing. Twenty pounds, and Norah for life."

Matthew exits the stage, leaving Brad and Tatiana remaining with the former looking bewildered as Tatiana reached into a coat pocket.

"Here, sir, is a letter from my father, and I now, sir, take my leave. Trusting that before long, yourself and your daughter will be perfectly restored."

"Stop, stop! What's all this? My old friend's writing - 'My dear son, the bearer of this' - signed 'Dennis McCarthy.' Here's some mistake; you can't be McCarthy!"

"No other has the right to that title, I can assure you."

"By the blood of the Bullfinches, then, who was the person who just left us? He's Mr. McCarthy!"

"I only know him as your keeper; by name, Fitzpatrick."

"My keeper?!"

"Yes, sir, he informed me that both yourself and your daughter were mad."

"Mad?! I only wonder if I'm not! Damme, I think I am! I'm bewildered. First one McCarthy; now another! What is he - who is he - where is he?!"

Matthew, Spikke, and Lila come on stage again. Matthew and Spikke were back in their costumes from the beginning of the play.

"Here, my jewel. Tim Rafferty, at your honours service." He gave a mock bow towards Brad, a grin on his face.

"By the blood of the Bullfinches, will nobody explain?!"

"Permit me, sir. You had promised your daughter, whom I loved, to another, under a forfeit of ten thoushand pounds; to obtain your release from which we assumed the various disguises you have seen, and I now hold it in my hand."

"And I hold mine in mine; as good a looking a twenty pound note as I ever clapped eyes on."

"By the blood of the Bullfinches, do I hear right?"

"Yes, my dear father. I could not give my hand without my heart. We have saved you a large sum of money, and from the misery of knowing you had rendered an only daughter wretched."

"Then who the devil are you, sir?" Bullfinch asked, looking over at Foxlove.

"Captain Foxlove, of the dragoons; and this is my servant. I trust, sir, you will forgive everything, and make your daughter happy."

"If you don't, I'll be powdering your wig again; and this time I'll be doing it with a shillalah."

"This is all very fine; but what says Mr. McCarthy?"

"That I am happy to find you really a reasonable being. My hand and heart are promised to another; so allow me, one of the parties deceived, to add my entreaties for their forgiveness."

"Arrah, my jewel! say the word, and its myself that will serve you for a hundred years, and then bury you comfortably. So just be after making us all happy, and yourself into the bargain."

"Well, I suppose I must; there, take her, Captain Foxlove. The deceitful little hussy has played her part so well there's no refusing her."

"Here, Norah! Norah!" Mackenzie would come on stage once more, going over to Matthew and taking his hand. "Now, your honour, it's flattering myself, I am, that I've played my part so well, that you'll bestow on me your sarvant, Norah, here; for its ourselves that are anxious to follow the Captain's example and increase the family."

"You're welcome to her: and, by the blood of the Bullfinches, I'll give away the bride."

"Your honour's a trump to the back bone; and, therefore, I promise you that it's yourself shall stand godfather to the first boy or girl-and now we are all pleased. Hurroo! I'm like the horse that ran so fast you couldn't see him. How do I know my friends are pleased-allow me just to ask-Ladies and gentlemen, are you pleased? If you are, just be putting your hands to our IRISH ENGAGEMENT."

And with that, the play came to an end. Miguel and Abigail rose to their feet, applauding, as Brittany scowled. "Well, we've lost. We didn't get a standing ovation," she let out, looking over at David, who was sitting next to her.

"Well, that was truly wonderful!" Abigail let out. "It made me laugh so much."

"I have to agree, but let's also see what our alumni have to think. Let's start off with Walter this time," Miguel let out.

"I thought it was very enjoyable!" The soldier replied. "I find that 'Julia' played her role perfectly."

"Terra?" Miguel asked.

"I think I saw a bit of myself in Julia, actually!"

"That is a terrifying thought." Walter commented.

"Joseph?"

"I think they did pretty good, but if I have to hear 'By the blood of the Bullfinches' again, I might go crazy."

"Jerusha?" Miguel looked at the horror fanatic.

"I'm with Joseph on this one. I also liked how Mr. Bullfinch looked ready to bust an artery when he reappeared."

"Now, for our scores," Abigail said. She looked over to Miguel, and nodded, as the movie star did the same. "It's obviously going to be the Owls, who get the 10 points. Raccoons, while your play was good, the Owls impressed us just slightly more, so you only earned 3 points."

"Damn it," Ilyria groaned.

"But there's still one more challenge!" Chris grinned. "And that's Jerusha and Terra!"

"We're doomed, knowing Terra, she's gonna go crazy," Brittany snarled under her breath.

"We've got this," Juliette reassured the mob boss. "I'm sure of it."

"Actors, change out of your costumes," Chris said. "Now!" He would blow his air horn. With no hesitation, Tatiana dashed backstage and removed her coat and shirt in order to remove her corset. Once it was off, the redhead began breathing heavily.

"Uh… are you alright?" Tracy asked as she and Lila went to go check on her.

"Have you ever had your chest squeezed?" The redhead asked. "Because this thing has been killing me!"

"Yeesh, and with your figure, that must have been bad." The country girl cringed.

Lucille, Juliette, Byron, Spikke, Matthew, and Mackenzie would all take off their respective costumes, changing back into their regular clothing, before stepping off stage; with the violinist passing by Joseph quietly. She fiddled with her promise ring, a bit unsure of herself. But she ignored the thoughts, and would rejoin her team.


Jerusha and Terra's Sub Challenge

The two performers gathered the two teams to the front of what looked like an abandoned factory.

"This looks scary…" Dianne muttered.

"You bet your sweet bippy it's gonna be scary!" Terra cackled.

"And so it comes to this last challenge…" Jerusha began.

"Get on with it, I can't stand Terra anymore…" Brittany growled.

"Aww, you're no fun! I know what you need!" The clown smirked. "I'll talk in slow motion just for you!"

"Enough! Both of you!" Jerusha groaned. "Alright. So here's how our challenge will work…"

The magician smiled sinisterly, revealing that her teeth were painted charcoal black. "My assistant and I have set up a haunted house within this factory. All you need to do is make your way through it. BUT! We've been given a list of all of your greatest fears from Chris! Both teams will go at the same time and whichever team can somehow make it to the end with more members in their group will win!"

"Vultures again?!" Lucille groaned. "Seriously?"

"Gyahahahaha! Oh there will certainly be vultures! But… not how you may be expecting…" Jerusha giggled before she and Terra disappeared in a cloud of smoke. The door to the factory creaked open slowly from the inside.

"For the love of god…" Brittany scowled.

"Scared?" Lin asked.

"I hate that I have to deal with those stupid wasps again," the mob boss snarled. "I want to punch Terra so badly."

"Don't punch Terra." The shorter girl glared at her.

"Fine, fine," Brittany rolled her eyes. The teens all entered the factory and were immediately hit with what sounded like a bird's cry, though they couldn't tell where it came from as the lights were all shut off and the windows were all covered, leaving the factory in a near pitch-black darkness, with the only source of light being a soft glow from tiny lights on the floor creating a path for everyone to follow.

"Just one foot in front of the other. We've got this, Raccoons," Lucille let out softly. "We've got this."

As everyone continued further in, they all stopped upon seeing what looked like a stuffed rabbit in the middle of the path.

"A rabbit?" Ilyria was confused. Before anyone could inquire any further, the whole building seemed to start shaking before a burst of orange light blasted out of something from everyone's left. A rush of orange liquid began to flow out of what looked like one of the factory machines, heading right towards the plush rabbit. Ilyria immediately rolled her eyes.

"Oh, ha ha." She scoffed. "Fake lava, really cute!"

The lava suddenly splashed onto the stuffed toy, causing it to burst into flames.

"…Me and my big fat mouth."

The lava seemed to only take up a small portion of the path, allowing the teens to jump over it without much difficulty. Tracy stepped up to jump over the molten rock first but before she could even move…

"LEAVE!" A raspy voice hissed out from right next to Ilyria.

"OH BLOODY HELL!" Ilyria shrieked. She took out her grappling hook. "Lin, try to find somewhere I can launch this thing, to help get us to the next obstacle!"

Ilyria's hook was suddenly blasted out of her hand by an unidentifiable mass.

"NO CHEATING!" Another voice rang out from the darkness, this one sounding much more raspy.

"I hate you, Terra," Ilyria growled.

"We didn't need a hook anyway." Lin sighed, jumping over the river of lava right after Tracy and the rest of the Owls. "Come on, we're falling behind."

Ilyria would jump over, joining Lin. "I'd better get my grappling hook back after this…"

The Raccoons quickly caught up with the Owls, who slowed down enough to see what looked like a plasma screen tv with a crudely drawn picture of Terra on it saying 'Please Wait.'

"Are we gonna watch a movie?" Tracy asked.

"Doubt it." Brad replied. "If Terra wants us to wait, then it can't be good, but the path is blocked until we watch whatever she wants us to see."

"Let's get this over with then," Dianne sighed. The screen then changed to show a cheerful screen with the words 'Feature Presentation' before cutting to what appeared to be a cheesy 80's sitcom taking place in a supermarket. The word 'Live' clearly visible in the bottom right corner.

"Really?" Brittany scoffed. "This is lame." As the show began to play, everyone appeared to be losing interest until two words caught everyone's attention.

"Right, Fernando?" Terra asked. Suddenly, Fernando appeared to walk on the set holding a box of produce that looked completely alien.

"Oh my…" Mackenzie looked over at the male model.

"Wait… how can that be him if he's standing right here?" Lila asked.

"That can't be real…" Fernando gasped as he stepped closer to the screen. "THAT CAN'T BE ME! I CAN'T BE SOME TWO-BIT WASHED UP ACTOR!"

"Aren't you glad you're doing this instead of modeling?" Jerusha giggled, to which the Fernando on screen appeared to happily nod.

"NOOOO!" The model screeched before running out of the factory.

"This stinks," Brittany growled. A bright flash of light from the screen drew everyone's attention back to it. Their eyes widened as it appeared that the fake Fernando appeared as if he completely disintegrated, leaving behind only his clothes and a wisp of smoke.

"Well, that's one down!" Terra smiled before turning to the camera. "But we're not done yet…"

"Was that…lightning?!" Juliette was wide-eyed. "Oh no, no no no!" She ran out of the factory, terrified.

"Make it two!" Jerusha added before the screen changed to a blue screen and a musical jingle began to play.

"Oh-oh-oh Omega Mart! You have no idea what's in store for you!"

"This is ridiculous," Brittany crossed her arms, clearly annoyed.

"That's Terra for you." Lin shrugged as the door to the next part of the factory opened.

"Finally. Let's move," Ilyria said, stepping through the door with the rest of the Raccoons. As soon as everyone was in the next hallway, the lights immediately flashed on, leaving everything in an ominous red glow.

"Okay…this isn't scary at all…" Mackenzie whimpered. Everyone was immediately silenced by the sound of chittering and the flapping of wings…

"Are those…bats?" Lucille asked softly, looking over at Eddy. "I remember, you're afraid of them."

"Oh man…" The short boy groaned before everyone caught a glimpse of where the sound was coming from… It was above them… Eddy let out a scream as a swarm of bats AND wasps descended upon the teens.

"Get these wasps off of me!" Brittany roared, flinging her arms to try and get them away.

"Get 'em off me! Can't you use one of your spy gadgets or something!" Eddy asked the two spies.

"I tried the last time, and it was taken away," Ilyria huffed, annoyed.

"Then get me outta here!" Eddy shrieked, exiting the hallway and running out of the factory.

"Screw this, I'm joining him!" Brittany let out, joining Eddy in escaping.

"How are you holding up?" Tatiana whispered over to Lila.

"I'm doing alright." The shorter girl replied with a gulp. "This… this isn't so bad!"

"You don't sound confident." Brad noted.

"I'm not. But I'm glad Brittany's gone now, she freaks me out more than whatever those two girls have planned."

The swarms finally left the teens as they flew down the hallway. But just as it seemed like they were about to turn the corner. Both the insects and bats were suddenly slammed by what looked like a giant beak.

"Nope, nope, nope!" Lucille shrieked. "Sorry team, I'm out of here!" She ran out, completely terrified.

Byron gulped. "Oh man, this stinks…" he let out, looking over at David.

The giant vulture screeched out, the volume of it sounding more like a dinosaur than a bird before its head retracted back down the hall and allowing both teams to pass.

"Okay…what's next?" Ilyria asked.

"It shouldn't be that much longer, right?" David asked. The group pressed on and exited the red hallway, entering what looked like an elevated walkway with a giant bog underneath them. Various lilypads dotting several spots.

"Oh…boy…I think I might know what's gonna happen…" Matthew groaned.

As if on cue, something that looked like a giant, mutant toad rose from the liquid. Its back littered with barnacles as its abnormal eyes locked onto the kids. With a craggly sounding croak, everyone was able to see its bright purple tongue.

Matthew immediately fainted.

"Hehehehe!" A voice laughed from the shadows. "Fainting counts as a loss! Leave him there!"

"Matt!" Mackenzie let out, terrified for her brother. As she went to lay him against the wall, a sickening splat stopped her. Her eyes went back to the toad, who spit out its tongue onto the railing of the walkway and zipped up to it. The toad's front legs dripped a purple substance onto the walkway as it looked at Mackenzie with one eye and Spikke with the other.

"Uh…" Spikke let out. "Why's it looking at me?"

The giant toad then opened its mouth, its throat sac expanding for a moment before it appeared to speak.

"Hello my babyyyyy…

Hello my honeyyyyy…

Hello my ragtime galllll…"

It's voice was hoarse and gurgling as it sang, making Lila's face go a pale green in disgust.

"EW!" Spikke let out. "That's disgusting!"

"Let's just keep moving." Tatiana urged.

Spikke nodded, trying not to vomit as the giant toad jumped back into the muck. "Sounds good to me."

Mackenzie would sadly leave her brother behind, rejoining her team.

The remaining contestants continued into another hallway, this one set up to resemble what looked like a school.

"What in the ever living bloody hell?" Ilyria was confused. Her confusion soon turned into apprehension as the sound of banging began to emanate from the inside of one of the lockers.

Everyone began to look towards one another, as if silently asking if they should open it. Slowly, Brad walked over to the locker, which burst open revealing… a cat.

The black cat looked at the teens before meowing and running away.

"A cat?" Ilyria scoffed. "That's hardly scar-"

Another locker suddenly burst open, revealing Roderick, the drummer for The Midnight Men. Or at least, what was left of him. The drummer appeared to be badly decomposing as a swarm of worms appeared to be feasting on him as well as a set of dead fish he appeared to be holding.

Byron covered his mouth, and would run outside to vomit at the sight. Lila ran right after him, barely able to keep her own lunch down.

"Please tell me we're near the end…" Ilyria groaned. "I can't stand this anymore."

"But why would you want to leave?" A voice called out from behind. Everyone who remained turned back to see Jerusha and Terra, dressed up like schoolgirls. Though their uniforms looked filthy with dirt and blood.

"Yeah, don't you want to play? We can play forever… and ever… and ever!"

"Yeah, no, not happening," Ilyria deadpanned. "Raccoons, move out!"

Jerusha suddenly let out a low, gutteral moan before she and Terra rushed at the teens with an inhuman speed. Ilyria flinched for a moment… only to find that the two girls had completely vanished.

"Typical," Ilyria grunted. "Come on, let's go."

Everyone continued down the hallway until they came across what appeared to be a mannequin dummy of Charlene, standing perfectly still with her bass guitar in her hands and an unlit cigarette in her mouth.

"Please don't start a fire…please don't start a fire…" Spikke begged, closing his eyes before slowly opening them. The rapper jumped back a bit when he saw the mannequin staring right in his eyes.

"This is so scary…"

"Come on, just keep it together." Tracy assured. "I mean, it's just a manne-"

All of the dim lights above everyone's heads suddenly popped, leaving the only source of light to be a flashing luminescent bulb in the next room.

"Well, at least it isn't a-" Tracy tried to say before one of the outlets suddenly burst into flame.

"Keep it together, Spikke…" the rapper let out, taking a few deep breaths. "Don't disappoint your team. Don't disappoint Shauna."

From another locker, another set of mannequins flopped onto the floor, one resembling Shauna and the other was Spikke. Both were engulfed in flames with their faces currently burning off.

"No!" Spikke's eyes widened. Before he could make another move, both mannequins burst into flames completely, sending sparks everywhere and leaving only the metal tubes keeping their shape visible.

"We can't lose. We can't." Spikke let out. "We just can't lose."

"Spikke, please calm down," Dianne begged.

"We need to go before the fire spreads any further." Brad commented, leading everyone into the next room, which appeared to be brightly lit and neat with a large couch and various chairs and tables set up. The walls were painted a soft baby blue and Kevin, another member of Johan's band, was playing piano in the corner. Interestingly, he appeared to be dressed in a tan sweater vest, with a blue dress shirt and tan slacks with dark brown loafers. His hair was also neatly combed.

"What is this all about?" Ilyria was confused, Kevin appeared to ignore her as he continued playing.

"Hey, Shovel Chin, she's asking you a question." Lin prodded him.

"Shovel Chin?" Ilyria raised an eyebrow at the smaller spy.

"Yeah, see, his chin's huge!" She pointed out. Kevin suddenly stopped playing, his eyes locked on the keys.

"Well that wasn't a very nice thing to say." Lila pointed out. Suddenly, the lights immediately went red as Kevin's head snapped towards the teens.

"This is bad…this is so bad…" Dianne paled.

"YOU DORKS ARE IN FOR IT NOW!" Kevin cackled as the walls began to close in towards the center of the room.

"Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god…" Mackenzie freaked out.

"Guys, we need to work together to make sure this room doesn't close in on us!" Ilyria shouted.

"There's no way out~!" Terra sang from an intercom. Kevin stopped laughing, as he seemingly vanished into thin air.

"There bloody has to be a way out!" Ilyria growled.

"The only way out…" Charlene added. "Is to GIVE UP!"

"Oh god…" Mackenzie paled.

"QUIT!" The interns and alumni all shouted.

"We'll never quit!" Ilyria growled. "Come on, guys!"

"Then you have chosen death."

Everything was silent for a moment before an ungodly screeching emanated from the speakers. From the ceiling, a large serpent-like creature began to slither along the walls, encircling the teens as they began to notice that the snake appeared to have hair. But not only did it have hair, it had a face.

It had Jerusha's face.

Her face was twisted and malformed, giving her an abnormally wide grin with her teeth bared. Her eyelids appeared to either be missing, or her eyes were just perpetually wide open as she glared into the very souls of the cast.

With every slither made around the perimeter of the room, she came closer and closer to everyone…

Ilyria stood in front of them all, to protect them all before the serpent lunged at her and ate her right up!

"Ilyria!" Mackenzie screamed, though nobody was truly able to hear her over the discordant screeching.

In an instant, everything went pitch black and completely silent. Before anyone could utter a word, a sudden blast of wind forced everyone to the next area… outside.

"Congrats! That's the end of the challenge!" Terra greeted them.

Ilyria grumbled as she was covered in snake mucus. "Seriously? You had to have the snake eat me?! You're sick in the head."

"Hey, none of you would back down." Jerusha shrugged. "But I'm curious to know what you're covered in, we didn't put anything wet into that thing."

"Wait…what?" Ilyria was wide-eyed.


*Confessional*

Chris: "Yeah, that was me. I figured it would make the whole experience more authentic, don't tell her that though. … Hm, feels like nobody's really using the confessional much."

*End Confessional*


"Well, you guys made it out, regardless." Jerusha continued. "But it's clear that Team Owl has more members remaining.

"Which means…Raccoons, I'll be seeing you at elimination! As a bonus prize…the Owls will also get to vote in this elimination ceremony!" Chris proclaimed.

"Wait…what?" Mackenzie was wide-eyed.

"Hey, gotta mix it up once in a while." The host shrugged.


Oblivious Owls

Back at the hotel, the small team would gather. "So, what's our plan? Who on the Raccoons should we take out?" Spikke asked.

"While I would like to get rid of Brittany immediately, I feel like she would somehow get out of it, just like she always seemed to do last season." Brad remarked.

"Then we've got Lucille who was the first merge boot…"

"She did prove to be a surprising physical threat during that obstacle course." Tatiana added.

"Considering who her boyfriend is," Matthew nodded. "Then there's Lin and Ilyria."

"Ilyria did try to use one of her gadgets during the challenge. Who's to say she won't try that again?" Lila pondered.

"What about Juliette?" Dianne asked. "Sure, she's pretty, but now that Butch isn't around, she might be easier to take out."

"Then there's Fernando, Byron and David." Tatiana added. "None of whom I believe are particularly threatening."

"Last but not least, Dante. He has that super creepy alternate personality who was basically part of the previous season more than Dante was…" Mackenzie let out, shivering.

"Well, yeah…" Tracy noted. "But he's been pretty controlled this time around, and he's taking meds to stop that other personality."

"This may seem like an odd choice…" Tatiana pressed on. "But perhaps we should vote off Juliette."

"But Brittany's the bigger threat," Dianne let out. "I think we should vote her out."

"They can vote her off the next time they lose. Remember, nobody particularly likes both her and Fernando. Brittany can claim to have changed from last season, but we all know that could easily be a ruse."

Dianne looked unsure. "I don't know…"

"Well, we need to make a decision, and soon," Mackenzie said. "I think I'm gonna stick with Brittany as my vote."

"So am I," Matthew nodded.


Revolting Raccoons

"This stinks," Ilyria grumbled. "Everyone here is so strong…"

"I don't want to send anyone home…" Lucille teared up. "But we've got no choice."

"So, who are we voting for?" Lin asked.

"That's tough," Brittany let out. "We should vote out the first person who left first…" she glared at Fernando.

"Hmph, you try watching your whole career burn up in smoke! Besides, we could consider voting you off for that attitude you still seem to have!"

Brittany glared at the male model angrily.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, everyone, calm down!" Byron let out. "Let's just go with who we think deserves to be eliminated."

"Gladly!" Fernando huffed as he walked away.

Byron frowned, looking down at the ground.

"I'm game too," Brittany smirked, leaving the lobby, before giving David a look and a small, quiet gesture to the orchids she had handed him. One by one, the rest of the Raccoons left, leaving Byron and David alone.

"Well…there goes that chance of bonding with the team…" he sighed.

"I guess so." David added.

"This stinks." Byron sighed. "What on earth can we do now? I don't know who to vote for…"

"Me neither, we have options but it feels like both are going to make this more difficult for us in the long run."

"Agreed," Byron sighed. "Who are you going to vote for?"

"I don't know yet. Maybe I'll figure it out when it's time." David answered, leaning his head back onto the head of the chair.

Byron sighed again. "I'm honestly surprised we did okay during the performance challenge."

"Yeah, too bad we didn't actually win that part… Anyway, I was talking to Brittany earlier."

"Yeah, she came to me earlier to ask me about my favorite flowers," Byron nodded.

"Yeah, she told me about that and, well… here!" David explained, handing the boy a bouquet of orchids.

Byron blushed, taking the orchids. "These are pretty!"

"I'm glad you think so."

"Is there any particular reason why you wanted to give me flowers?" Byron asked, gazing into his eyes.

"Hmm… nah!" David shrugged playfully, winking at the blogger.

"Oh, you!" Byron blushed, looking down at the ground.

"Attention everyone! It's voting time!"

"So much for a mood killer," Byron huffed.

"Well, that's Chris for you." David sighed before giving Byron a quick peck on the cheek as he walked away.

Byron grinned. "Oh, I'm so gonna kiss you if we aren't sent home, you sly fox."


Elimination Ceremony (Revolting Raccoons)

The members of the Raccoons would gather around the campfire.

"Okay, Raccoons, it's time to go and vote!" Chris said. "Once you've voted, the Owls will go ahead and place their votes."


Voting Confessionals *Both Teams*

Brittany: "Fernando gets my vote."

*static*

Ilyria: "Fernando."

*static*

Lucille: "Fernando. He was the first out in Jerusha and Terra's challenge."

*static*

Juliette: "I'm voting for Brittany."

*static*

Byron: "Well, now that I've got the guy of my dreams, I guess I'd better take out Fernando."

*static*

Dante: "I know he hasn't really done anything this time around, but I still can't exactly trust him, so I'm voting for Fernando."

*static*

Fernando: "That mobster thinks she's the good guy now. Hmph! She hasn't changed a bit! I may not be much better, and I may be leaving tonight, but my vote still goes to Brittany."

*static*

Lin: "Alright, so I'm apparently in an alliance with her now. Who would've seen that coming. But I'm voting for Brittany this one time because you can't just catch me off guard like that and coerce me into an alliance. It's not like she'll actually lose yet, knowing her."

*static*

Eddy: "Okay, I might be at risk for running out of that last challenge, but I think I'll be alright. At least I didn't screw up as badly as Fernando did. Speaking of which, I'm voting for him."

*static*

David: "This is definitely a tricky one, having to deal with one emotional rollercoaster right after another is definitely making me wish I was asleep right now! But I guess I'll vote for Brittany, I know she's tough and she helped me earlier, but she's still super tough."

*static*

Spikke: "Brittany's got my vote. After what she did to me last season, I can't trust her."

*static*

Mackenzie: "I choose to vote for Brittany."

*static*

Dianne: "Brittany. Who knows what she'll do?"

*static*

Matthew: "My vote is going to Brittany, of course. She scares me. A lot."

*static*

Lila: "I would very much like to vote off Brittany tonight, but Tatiana and Brad assured me that voting for Juliette was the choice here. I hope those two know what they're doing."

*static*

Tracy: "It's gotta be Brittany, right? I mean, who'd be crazy enough to let her stay if she's at risk?"

*static*

Tatiana: "Is having Brittany stay a potential risk? Most definitely, but as I said before, we have ways to deal with her and nobody, I repeat, nobody, gets to threaten me or my friends and not get away with it. But for now, I'll follow the plan and vote for Juliette."

*static*

Brad: "Am I happy about doing this? Not really, but thankfully these boxes can be cracked open pretty easily. Juliette's leaving tonight, plain and simple."

*static*

*End Voting Confessionals* (Both Teams)


"You've cast your votes, and man, this is interesting," Chris grinned.

"What the bloody hell are you talking about?" Ilyria demanded.

"Well, you're the first Raccoon safe, Ilyria," Chris said, tossing her a marshmallow. "Lin, you're next." The smaller girl would be tossed a marshmallow. "Byron, David, you two are safe."

"Score!" Byron cheered.

"Lucille, you're also safe," Chris said.

"Oh, thank heavens," Lucille let out.

"Dante, Eddy, you two are also safe," Chris continued. The two caught their marshmallows with relieved grins.

"What?" Juliette seemed shocked. "Why would anyone vote for me? I didn't do anything wrong!"

"She's right!" Ilyria was wide-eyed. "Juliette's the sweetest girl around!"

"Hey, the votes don't lie." The host shrugged, ignoring the glare he was getting from Alexis and the glances that the band members shared with each other.

"I think the votes may have been tampered with…" Alexis growled.

"Got any proof of that?" Chris asked.

"Oh, I'll look back, trust me," Alexis scowled. "But let's get back on with the ceremony."

Fernando, Juliette, and Brittany would remain without marshmallows. Juliette closed her eyes, and put her hands together, as if she were praying to get a marshmallow.

"Shockingly, Brittany gets the second-to-last marshmallow," Chris said.

"Of course I do," the mobster smirked smugly.

"That means it's our male model, Fernando, and sweet French Princess, Juliette as our bottom 2! Who's gonna get the last marshmallow?" Chris asked tauntingly.

"...Fernando! You get the last marshmallow!" Chris announced.

"This stinks," Juliette sighed. "I can't believe you guys voted for me."

"But we didn't!" Lucille let out, looking over at her team. "Most of us chose to go for Fernando!"

"Or Brittany," Ilyria let out, as the mob boss smirked tauntingly.

"I'm gonna miss you all so much," Juliette sniffled.

"We're gonna miss you too, Juliette," Lucille sighed. "But hey, at least you'll get to see Butch again."

"Yeah, that's true," Juliette sighed. "Farewell, Total Drama!"

"Juliette, go and pack your stuff, and board the Bus of Losers," Chris announced. "The rest of you, you're dismissed."


"I can't believe Juliette went home, even though we all planned to vote for Brittany," Mackenzie let out, glancing over at Tracy.

"Yeah, something seriously weird is going on here." The farm girl replied.

"But what?" the female YouTuber asked.

From his office, Chris watched the two enter the hotel elevator before turning to the camera.

"What, indeed!" He began. "Will we find out what happened with the votes? Are Brittany and Fernando's days numbered?"

"With 17 contestants left, their days will probably be numbered," Chef grumbled.

"True, but only time will tell what could happen as things only seem to get more and more interesting here on Total!

Drama!

Canadian Travels!"


The Votes

Brittany: Fernando

Juliette: Fernando

David: Brittany*

Byron: Brittany*

Juliette: Brittany*

Ilyria: Fernando*

Lucille: Fernando*

Eddy: Fernando*

Spikke: Brittany*

Mackenzie: Brittany*

Matthew: Brittany*

Dianne: Brittany*

Tracy: Brittany*

Lila: Juliette

Brad: Juliette

Tatiana: Juliette

Total Votes

Brittany: 3

Fernando: 5

Juliette: 8

*The votes were tampered*

Revolting Raccoons: Fernando, Lin, Lucille, David, Ilyria, Eddy, Byron, Brittany, and Dante

Oblivious Owls: Lila, Tracy, Spikke, Brad, Dianne, Matthew, Mackenzie, and Tatiana

24th: Adam (The Die-Hard Star Wars Fan) {Oblivious Owls}

23rd: Antonio (The Pro Soccer Player) {Revolting Raccoons} *withdraws from competition after finding out about his wife's pregnancy*

22nd: Shauna (The Klutzy Dancer) {Oblivious Owls}

21st: Trish (The Pampered Princess) {Oblivious Owls}

20th: Christopher (The Aspiring Magician) {Oblivious Owls}

19th: Butch (The Brawling Brute) {Revolting Raccoons}

18th: Juliette (The Nice, But Popular French Girl) {Revolting Raccoons} *eliminated in a shock vote. Brad switches the votes between her and Fernando*


LaViolaViolaRosa: Holy. Crap. This is our longest chapter to date.

Allureon: Both of our brains are practically fried after this…

LaViolaViolaRosa: Indeed. But anyway, that's the chapter for you all. The next challenge will be spending the night in the woods, in Regina, Saskatchewan! See you all in the next update!