Author's Note: And we're back to ROTS. I figured I ought to at least finish up this chapter that I'd started before my break ended. I could still go either way on what I work on next.

"Welcome back to Total Drama: Return of the Stars!" Chris exclaimed.

"Last time," Blaineley took over, "both sides were fearing their next elimination. On Team Trainwreck, Nicole tried to keep Sooz safe, while casting a target onto Riley, but Joseph retaliated with the same tactic. Meanwhile, on Team Cutthroat, Edward and Beatrice were the swing votes between the heroes and villains."

"That punk, Mason, won the challenge for Team Trainwreck," Chef continued, "which meant that Team Cutthroat had to vote again. Keith wanted Edward gone, but Edward was ready to turn things around on him. He wasn't counting on his cuckoo lackey going…cuckoo on him and voting him out, though."

"So, it was Edward who left, and Team Cutthroat still in a state of disarray," Chris said. "The campers have another day where they're safe with a reward…but that doesn't mean the competition will be dying down."

"So check it out right now, "Blaineley said, "on Total Drama: Return of the Stars!"

(Theme Song Plays…)

(Team Cutthroat Camp)

Confessional:

Willow-Edward leaving really hurt me. I told Zola that I wouldn't get too attached to him, and I knew that eventually I might have to pick a side, but last night, it seemed like we were all working together. Having him swiped from me like that is just really unfair.

Willow dragged a pile of large sticks into the edge of the woods. She began to arrange them into an upright cross.

"In memory of Edward," she sighed. "Gone but not forgotten. Whenever I pass this shrine, I will take a minute to remember your glory."

Willow sighed again as she sat down in front of her shrine. She didn't get up until she spotted Beatrice leaving the cabin.

"Bea," she called, "can I have a word?"

"Yeah?" Beatrice said as she hopped over to her curiously.

"Look, I don't want to get mad," Willow said, "but I am really hurt that you took out Edward like that without even telling me. Can you tell me now why you did it?"

"I'm sorry," Beatrice replied. "But I've got to make big moves this time. I've got to play my own game."

"Yeah but…why that move?" Willow asked. "Aside from hurting my feelings, you also took out your closest ally in the game, what logi—"

"That's right!" Beatrice exclaimed. "Who would have seen it coming!? I'm not that plain, predictable Beatrice I was last time. I'm playing a hard and dangerous game, taking risks, and keeping it wild."

"You know what, never mind," Willow said. "It's clear I'm not going to come up with anything here."

Confessional:

Willow-I'm mad at Beatrice for betraying me, but mainly just hurt. I can't let that damage our relationship though. From her previous season, I know that Beatrice can be really unstable, and being put in the minority means I can't afford to make enemies with the swing vote.

Beatrice-I'm casting aside the old me. I'm not going to make a fool of myself, just stumbling through the game. I'm making my own game now! This is my season, you hear!? I'm the villain now, that's right, last night was just the first cutthroat move of the new and improved Beatrice…no wait…I need a new super villain name…oh, I've got it…Queen Bea!

(Team Trainwreck)

Dirk was frolicking through the woods on his own.

"What a lovely day for a nature walk," he remarked to himself as he looked around at the scenery.

He spotted a small chipmunk scurrying across the grass.

"Oh hi there, little fellow!" he gushed. "Aren't you just the cutest thing ever!?"

"Well, howdy there, Dirk!" Montana exclaimed from up in a tree. "Fancy running into you here!"

"Montana, good morning!" Dirk waved. "What are you doing up there?"

"Well, it's actually a funny story, right," Montana remarked. "I thought I saw a Royal Albatross in the sky, so I climbed up to get a better look, right. But I ended up getting my hair all tangled up in these thorns, right. This isn't a very nice tree like I thought it was. Oh…and it turned out it was just a plain Canadian Goose, right."

"You're stuck?" Dirk asked.

"Stuck like glue," Montana replied. "You have glue in Canada, right? Or should I say stuck like Maple Syrup, right?"

Montana tried to tug her head out of the tangled mess only to wince in pain.

"See what I mean?" she remarked.

"Hang on, I'll help you out," Dirk said. "If there's one thing I know how to deal with, it's tangles. They're the absolute worst."

Dirk shimmied up the tree and climbed over to Montana. He began to pick through her hair.

"How in the heck did you just this so deep?" he asked.

"I really wanted to see the Albatross," Montana replied sheepishly.

"Well, not a problem, I'll have you out in a jiffy," Dirk said while working on her hair.

"You know, this isn't actually the first time this has happened, right," Montana said. "I remember back in my days of Australia, cause that's where I live, right, I thought I'd check out the inside of a bandicoot burrow, right. Let me tell you, it took some time to get my head out of that mess, right."

"I can so see that," Dirk laughed. "You're not one to back down from trouble, are you?"

"No, siree!" Montana exclaimed. "I love the taste of adventure, right."

"Who doesn't?" Dirk replied. "I could always use a bit of adventure…but then I remember that I'm already out here on one."

"I know right, right," Montana said. "And now you're helping me untangle my hair."

"Done!" Dirk exclaimed as he pulled out the final bramble.

"Yay!" Montana cheered.

Confessional:

Dirk-I may spend a lot of time with Joseph and Riley, but Montana and I were the resident goofballs back on Refresh. She is a really fun girl to hang out with too, whenever I need my spirits lifted.

Montana-Dirk's a darn cool guy, right. Makes me glad that we're actually on the same team this time, since I think we could be make a pretty swell duo.

(Team Cutthroat)

"Aha, there you are!" Zola exclaimed as she spotted Beatrice and marched towards her. "You've got a lot of explaining to do."

"I don't have to explain anything!" Beatrice retorted.

"Well then let me do some of the explaining for you," Zola said. "Last night you made the dumbest move I have ever seen. Arguably, even dumber than voting me out back in my first season, and Imma tell you, that was pretty bad. Do you have any idea how bad you just screwed up your own game?"

"Queen Bea doesn't have time to look back and regret," Beatrice replied. "I'm only moving forward."

"Who the hell is Queen Bea?" Zola demanded. "On second thought, don't answer. If that explanation is anywhere near as ridiculous as that name sounds, I don't wanna hear and give myself brain damage."

"Well, now it's my turn," Beatrice said. "Last night Edward fell at the hands of Queen Bea, and next night maybe it'll be you! I'm warning you."

"Oh, you're warning me!?" Zola scoffed. "Girl, just keep that shtick up and you will find yourself out of here faster Lindsay Lohan at a rehab clinic!"

"Maybe you're the only one who needs rehab!" Beatrice retorted.

"That wasn't even my—whatever!" Zola said." Bottom line is, you're toast!"

Confessional:

Zola-Ooh, I knew it was only a matter of time before that girl went down the trainwreck road, but I was hoping maybe we could clean out this team a little bit before her breakdown. Now, I don't know what she's thinking, but you can bet that I'll be happy to give her the boot.

Beatrice-Zola obviously doesn't get me and that's just fine. I need a new victim anyway. It's time to prove that Queen Bea isn't a one trick pony.

Stanley-So…Zola and Beatrice had each other this morning. Honestly, I get where Zola's coming from, but she's really screwing us over. If this alliance is imploding on itself then I've got to find a way to keep myself safe.

(Team Trainwreck)

Confessional:

Nicole-It seems like I'm not going to make much progress on getting Joseph to budge. But that's okay, someone like me always has a plan B. And I think I know just the way to keep things in my favor.

"Montana, are you out here!?" Nicole called as she wandered through the woods. "Montana, I just want to talk for a second."

"She's not here," Missy said, leaning against a tree. "She saw a bird or something."

"Oh well, I just wanted to talk to her," Nicole said. "I'll just—"

"I don't think so," Missy replied icily.

"Um, excuse me?" Nicole said.

"Why can't you just leave Montana alone?" Missy said. "She's a genuinely nice person, and she proved on her first season that good people can win without having to resort to such dirty tactics. Why do you want to taint her with your awful strategy!?"

"Look, believe it or not, I'm trying to help Montana," Nicole said.

"I choose not," Missy retorted.

"No, well, let me spell it out," Nicole said. "There's an alliance going on right now of Joseph, Riley, and Dirk. It may not seem like much, sure maybe they just want to take out Sooz. But once they do, they will gain control of this team, and if we happen to keep losing, who do you think their next target will be? Maybe the former winner."

"I won't let anything happen to Montana," Missy insisted. "She's too sweet to bring into this mess."

"But that's just it," Nicole said. "Montana is in for a wakeup call. If she doesn't start playing the game, she's going to find herself blindsided and crushed, and your vote won't be enough to save her. If she's prepared to fight back, she might actually have a chance."

"She can have a chance without dropping to your level," Missy said. "Just you watch, the power of friendship will take over this game."

"I don't even know why I'm wasting my time talking to you," Nicole groaned. "It's Montana I want, and you can't stop me from speaking with her sometime."

"We'll see about that!" Missy called as Nicole departed.

Confessional:

Missy-Montana is seriously a sweet girl, and the best part about her is that she's not here to play a hard game, like me, she just wants a chance to make friends and play nice. But I just know that if Nicole starts telling her horror stories, it could push her towards questioning herself. I can't let that happen, I won't let that happen! I will protect the one pure soul on this island! Other than me of course.

Nicole-If the boys won't flip for me, then I'm just going to have to get Montana with me. That'll give me four votes, and leave Kyle and Missy as wildcards. Despite what Missy may think, I do consider Montana a friend, and I think that I will be helping her by letting her into this alliance.

(Team Cutthroat)

Confessional:

Stanley-Last night proved that me and Donna are still very much on different sides. Yet at the same time, these last couple days I feel like we've managed to come to this mutual respect. I'm not sure what it is exactly, but we're both able to sort of talk pretty freely to the other. If my alliance with Zola is sinking, then I'm going to need to make sure I've got her.

"Hey," Stanley said as he approached Donna. "So…good job last night, I guess you got what you wanted."

"What I want in this game is to not be the one voted out," Donna replied. "And right now I'm taking that one step at a time."

"Seems to be working for you so far," Stanley said. "I might have to take it up."

"I hope that you're not trying to get support from me," Donna said. "I think I made it clear last night, I'm not going to throw away my spot on my alliance just to jump to fifth on yours."

"Well…fourth now, all things considered," Stanley replied.

"Still, I'd have to put up with Zola and uh…no thank you," Donna said.

"Okay, but let me tell you something," Stanley said. "Last night you would have been the target if I hadn't pushed for Keith. I know that he didn't end up leaving, but if it wasn't for Beatrice, he could have. Or you could have, had I decided to just let Zola get her way."

"Well, I appreciate it," Donna said. "And if you want me to return the favor, I might be able to do that much. But I'm not going flip to your side, I'm just saying I can make sure the target falls onto your allies first."

"Not exactly what I was hoping for…but I guess beggars can't be choosers," Stanley remarked.

"Welcome to the beggar life," Donna said. "It's not fun…but I'm sure you can manage."

Confessional:

Donna-To be honest, having Stanley's support would actually be useful. But I've got to be the one to hold the chain. With the way things are going though, I'll have Keith, Lionel, and Stanley all willing to help me and the more I think about it, the more I'm liking that image.

Stanley-I'm not going to throw Willow or Zola under the bus, but at the same time, if I can save myself one more day, it could be that one day I needed to turn things around. It sucks, but this game is getting cold fast and I need to make sure I look out for number one above all this time.

(Team Trainwreck)

Confessional:

Mason-These last couple days Nicole has been trying to get Sooz to put more effort into working in the challenges. And yeah, Sooz is basically cannon-fodder at the rate she's going. I don't give a crap about her or her game, but the fact remains that she is a vote on my side, so someone needs to shape her up before she blows it for all of us.

Mason marched up to Sooz and snatched her phone out of her hand.

"Um, excuse me," Sooz scoffed, "in case you hadn't noticed, I was in a very heated debate over whether my comment on a YouTube video was offensive or not."

"Okay, listen up," Mason barked at her. "You're going to make some changes, starting now."

"Is that so?" Sooz asked dryly.

"First off, lose this!" Mason said as he tossed the phone away and smashed it against a tree.

"You can destroy one, I'll always have more," Sooz shrugged.

"The point is, you're going to stop acting like this, and actually show that there is a reason why we're keeping you around," Mason said. "I'm not going to be carrying deadweight."

"And what if I don't agree?" Sooz replied.

Mason punched the tree next to her head harshly.

"Do you really want to know?" he growled.

"Look, pal," Sooz said calmly. "I've dealt with worse than you…her name was Sophie, as a matter of fact. And guess what? I voted her off. So let me make myself clear…you don't scare me."

Sooz turned to walk away, but Mason grabbed her wrist. He tightened his grip firmly and crushed in her skin.

"Are you sure about that?" he asked her.

"You're going to let go of me," Sooz replied. "Or I will vote you out at the next chance I get. Don't think that it wouldn't be easy."

"I don't think you understand the situation," Mason said as he brought her down to the ground.

"Allow me to explain then," Sooz said. "You hurt me and you lose my vote. Forever. I don't care what Nicole says, I don't even care if it ruins my game, I will do everything I can to take you out."

Mason narrowed his eyes at her.

"You're bluffing," he scoffed.

"Try me," she replied.

Mason growled.

"Let go of my arm," Sooz repeated.

Mason tossed her aside and released her.

"I meant what I said, though," Mason said as he left her. "You'd better pick it up in challenges, or even with my vote, you'll be screwed."

Confessional:

Sooz-Yeah, I know Mason's type…no question about it, I bet he would break me in half in the blink of an eye. But I also know that giving into fear isn't going to do anything but fuel him. I've just got to keep my cool and keep myself in charge.

Mason-There are times when I hate this game. Last time I was able to smack down anyone who got in my way, but I had protection of allies…and even then, it didn't get me far. She's infuriating, but I need Sooz, so as much as I hate it, she holds the power right now.(punches the wall)

(Team Cutthroat)

Keith was lying in the grass of the woods, eying the clouds above him thoughtfully.

"Hey!" Misha barked as she walked up to him.

"What is it?" Keith asked.

"Mind explaining to me what the f**k even happened last night?" Misha asked.

"Obviously, Beatrice flipped," Keith said. "Did you miss her speech?"

"Don't give me that!" Misha spat. "I meant the plan. You told me that you were going to get Zola, Stanley, and Willow to vote out Edward. Well guess what!? Not one of them did and you almost f**king went home!"

"But I didn't," Keith replied calmly. "But you do bring up a good point. Beatrice was not in my plan, and that makes her a wildcard, and that makes her dangerous."

"That wasn't my point at all!" Misha spat.

"Well, in that case, I'll be making that point then," Keith said. "Beatrice holds power in this game now, even if she doesn't realize it. And I don't like people other than me having power."

"Here we go again," Misha groaned.

Confessional:

Keith-On the one hand, I survived which is good news. But on the other, I thought I had Stanley in my grasp again…yet he still voting me out. And the worst part is, I was saved by Beatrice…the loose-cannon. I want to take her out before she can cause any real damage…but at the same time, if she flips back to the other three, she can tie up this game again.

Misha-Keith overthinks things, that's his problem. If we had just made a sensible target last night instead of making some f**king crazy move this early in the game, I guarantee you he would have been safe. And now what is his response to being saved? He wants to vote out the f**king swing vote!? Granted it is Beatrice and she needs to go ASAP anyways, but in principle it's a dumb idea.

(Team Trainwreck)

Joseph gave an awkward glance at Riley who had collapsed right on the floor of the cabin and fallen asleep.

"Giving up, already?" he asked.

"The floor is comfy," Riley groaned groggily.

"You know, there are times when I don't get you," Joseph said. "Why come out here just to act this way?"

"I didn't want to come out here," Riley replied. "But…you know…money."

"Well, let me tell you one thing," Joseph replied. "You won't be getting any closer to the money with this strategy. I can protect you…but we need to be at our full strength if we want to keep winning challenges."

"Meh, my strategy worked last time," Riley replied.

"Key difference though," Joseph said, "in our original season we could return at the merge, here, once you're out you're out."

"Here's a question for you, though," Riley replied. "What do you think will happen to you if you make merge? Face it, you're probably one of the strongest people out here, I think that's the type that makes an easy target come merge."

"Well, that's why I'm counting on you to make it there," Joseph said. "I'm counting on my team to keep me safe."

"Did your team help you last time?" Riley asked.

"Let me reword that then," Joseph said. "I'm counting on my friends to keep me safe. Like I'm trying to do for you right now. You're not making it easy, so you'd better repay the favor when the merge hits."

Confessional:

Joseph-I really like Riley. He's not exactly a strong team-player, but he does seem like a decent friend. I just hope that he learns to pick it up, because I'm really counting on his support.

Riley-I don't see what the big deal is anyway. I've got no physical strength, so it's not like I could even help if I wanted to. I'm going to stay in this game because I have an alliance, and when the merge comes, suddenly the tables will turn on everyone.

(Later)

"Welcome to your next challenge!" Chris announced as the two teams arrived.

"It's for Reward, and trust me, this is a big one," Blaineley said. "The winning team will be taken to a nearby spa island resort where they'll be treated to only the best."

The teams "ooh"d at the reveal of the reward.

"Here's how this challenge is gonna work," Chef said as he dropped a crate in front of each team. "These boxes are full of weapons…water weapons, but no less painful. You've got your state of the art blasters, squirters, bazookas…even some waterballoons in there. The goal of the challenge is to get the other team wet."

"That's right," Chris said. "If a splash of water touches you, you're out of the challenge. The last person standing, or people, win the reward for their team."

"We'll give you a few minutes to plan your strategy," Blaineley said. "And then let's get down to this."

Confessional:

Missy-Obviously, I do not condone any use of violence even if it is for a reward. However, since it is a part of the challenge, I will make use of this opportunity to exact punishment on those who have still gotten away without their worthy comeuppance!

Joseph-This is a strong team-based challenge, which I think I can work with…but it also means our weak links could hurt us again.

Misha-This is a challenge I can get into. Time to cause some pain!

Zola-Great, just great, I do not need my prized articles getting even more wet. Guess the only option is to win then.

Donna-I definitely want to win this challenge. It's only been a few days out here, but I'm still feeling dirty already. A spa would be a great treat, even just for a while.

(Team Cutthroat)

"Alright everyone, how's this for a plan?" Misha barked. "I take all the weapons, and you guys hide."

"No way," Lionel protested. "I'm bringing the fight!"

"Yeah, me too!" Beatrice exclaimed as she kicked for emphasis.

She ended up hitting the crate and caused a waterballoon to burst all over her.

"Well, not anymore," Misha remarked.

Beatrice sighed as she sat down on the side.

"We're already at a numbers disadvantage as it is," Donna remarked. "This is not a good way to start."

"Don't you think I f**king know that!?" Misha snapped.

"Okay, we ain't getting anything done with this whining," Zola said. "I say we break into groups based on who wants to fight and who wants to hide. I'll be hiding, obviously."

Zola stood to one side and Misha and Lionel stood to the other.

"I'll stick with you," Willow said as she hopped over to Zola.

"I'd be willing to give this a try," Stanley said as he picked up a large blaster.

"Yeah, I'm afraid I'm not going to be much help here," Donna said as she joined Willow and Zola.

"I suppose I could try to help," Keith remarked while picking up a few waterballoons.

"Okay, everyone's got their jobs," Misha said. "Let's win this!"

Confessional:

Willow-I'm counting on the others to win this challenge for us easily enough. But when you get down to it, if the other team can't catch me, then they won't be able to end the challenge. I'll keep them going as long as I have to.

Misha-Probably some idiot's gonna blow it for us, but at least Beatrice is out of the way now.

Lionel-Winning itself is all well and good, but there's a spa trip on the line. No way am I passing this up.

(Team Trainwreck)

"Alright, guys, we need a gameplan," Joseph said as he gathered his team. "I say we break into teams. Someone who holds the weapons, and the partner who has to keep dry above all. So, let's divide up."

"I'll take care of Sooz," Mason remarked.

"How noble," Sooz replied dryly with her eyes glued to her phone.

"And I'll take Riley," Joseph said, with a somewhat challenging tone in his voice.

"Someone mention me?" Riley asked drowsily.

"I'll go with Montana," Nicole offered.

"Oh no you won't," Missy said as she shoved her aside. "I'll go with Montana."

"Sorry, but you're not in charge of me," Nicole replied.

"Actually," Kyle said. "In the name of keeping things nice and even, why not have the girls together in a group of three, and the last remaining boys as a pair? I do despise the fact that we have one trio among duos, but with our numbers, it's the best I can accept."

"I do not approve of this arrangement!" Missy said sharply.

"It'll be fine, right," Montana reassured her. "You've got nothing to worry about."

Confessional:

Nicole-I was hoping to get Montana by myself to talk with her…but it looks like I'll just have to put up with Missy too.

Missy-I know what Nicole is up to, and I won't stand for it! I told her I was keeping my eye on her, and that's exactly what I'm doing!

Sooz-Great, I suppose I'm expected to actually do something this time.

Joseph-It's somewhat ridiculous how this has turned into battle of the lazy loads, but Nicole seems to have employed Mason to keep Sooz from screwing up…and I've got to do the same for Riley if I want to keep him safe.

(Misha, Lionel, Stanley, and Keith)

Misha led the group, while Lionel tried to keep up with her. Stanley followed from behind, and Keith aimless brought up the rear while juggling water balloons.

"Just wait till we find those guys," Lionel said as he wielded a massive bazooka eagerly. "I'll murderlize them."

"Leave that to be," Misha replied while holding two large blasters. "You can just stay out of my way. Maybe I'll let you handle the stragglers."

"Sorry, but no," Lionel replied. "I'm no pushover, and I'm ready to let those chumps on the other team who's boss."

"While I appreciate you fighting in my name, I still would much rather let them fear me myself," Misha retorted.

"Hey guys!" Keith called. "Maybe we ought to split up. You know, cover more ground?"

"Whatever," Misha said. "Just don't get yourself killed without me…or do. What do I care?"

"Come on, Stan, let's branch off this way," Keith remarked, still keeping his balloons in the air.

"If you say so," Stanley said as they headed down a different path.

Confessional:

Lionel-Even after these past few challenges, Misha still seems to think she's the one person keeping us afloat. Well, nothing for me to do but keep proving that I can do just fine without her.

Stanley-Keith wanting to be alone with me can't be anything good. But I'm not going to let that little guy get under my skin, that's probably what he wants.

Keith-I just need a little one on one with Stanley. I was really counting on him turning the vote around in my favor last night, and yet he still voted for me. I need to find where I went wrong and fix it instantly.

(Nicole, Montana, and Missy)

Missy had settled on a large soaker, while Montana held a few balloons along with a small squirt gun.

"So…girls," Nicole said with a begrudging look at Missy. "I was hoping we could talk—"

"Nope!" Missy interjected while holding her hand up.

"Talk about what?" Montana asked.

"You don't want to know," Missy replied.

"Oh…but I do," Montana said.

"I just—" Nicole tried to say again.

"Nope!" Missy stopped her.

"What's this about, right?" Montana asked.

"It's simple," Nicole said. "All I want—"

"Nope!" Missy cut her off again.

Nicole furrowed her brow before exclaiming, "Look, some evildoer getting away without punishment!"

"Where!?" Missy exclaimed as she turned around.

However, she then snapped right back to Nicole, "…is what I would exclaim if I didn't have my own evildoer right here!"

"You're impossible," Nicole grunted.

"Nothing is impossible," Missy replied automatically. "But yes, keep that mindset and we won't have trouble."

Confessional:

Nicole-This should not be so difficult. In this game, making bonds and ties is an important part to survival. But of course, adding Missy into the mix instantly makes it fifty times harder.

Montana-I really wish I knew what was going on here, right. I feel like I've stumbled right on into something without even getting a chance to see what it is, right.

(Joseph and Riley)

"So…what do I have to do this time?" Riley yawned.

"Well…." Joseph said. "For this particular challenge, it might be more helpful if you just remained hidden in the same spot for the duration."

"Sweet! I can do that!" Riley said.

"Don't expect this to become a regular thing," Joseph replied. "I still want you to start trying to putting some effort into this game."

Riley was already getting comfortable at the base of a tree.

"Here, let's cover you up, hide you with camouflage," Joseph said as he dragged some leafed branches and structured them around Riley. "I'll keep a lookout, try to ward anyone off. But if you see anyone, run."

"Not my specialty," Riley pointed out.

"Make sure they don't find you then," Joseph said.

Confessional:

Joseph-It's just Riley's lucky day that he got a challenge where staying put actually pays off. At least, I hope it will.

Riley-I'd better get some respect for this. I'm practically carrying the team.

(Donna, Zola, and Willow)

"Okay, stealth team, let's do this!" Willow exclaimed eagerly. "Our hiding spots are going to be so good, they'll never find us!"

"They'd better not," Zola remarked. "My ensemble has taken enough damage so far. I can handle anymore."

"We'd also lose the challenge," Donna pointed out snidely.

"That's a side note as well," Zola shrugged.

"Okay, ladies, that's enough chitchat," Willow said. "How are we going to go about this? We'll need to mask our sent, cover our tracks, leave decoys."

"We're evading a team of adequately intelligent teenagers with waterguns," Donna remarked. "Not some hunting party."

"But nevertheless we need to take this seriously!" Willow exclaimed. "So, here's what I'm thinking…we'll set them off on a false trail that way. You know, leave some obvious tracks and whatnot. When they get to that cave down there, they'll assume that that's where we're hiding. Now if we want to be extra-tricky, maybe we can work in some sort of booby-trap."

"Let's keep it moving," Zola said. "It may not be some hunting party, but it's still open season for us. And my fashion is an endangered species."

"Metaphors," Donna groaned. "Please don't ever try to do them again."

Confessional:

Zola-Why do I always get paired with that little rat? No leech…she's a leech, she latches onto me and sucks out my life…see? I can do just fine with metaphors.

Donna-Willow seems to really be taking this challenge seriously. And I'm not complaining, if it gets us the win, then more power to her.

Willow-Well, of course I'm going to work the stealth aspect. All my heroes are deep dark mysterious creatures of the night (Raises arms in an attempt to look ominous.) I've got to perfect the art of invisibility!

(Stanley and Keith)

"You know, Stanley," Keith said as he walked next to the other boy, "I was hurt that you would vote for me last night."

"Yeah, well your motto seems to be 'It's just a game' maybe take a pinch of that," Stanley remarked. "Besides, you're still here, what are you even worried about?"

"Ooh, I'm picking up some bitterness," Keith said. "Are we still not over last season?"

"I'm not trying to start a rivalry here," Stanley said. "But just don't expect any favors here."

"But what about favors from my end?" Keith asked. "Despite your cruel attempt to remove me from this game, I'm still here and in the majority now. Wouldn't it be nice if I could help my pally out?"

"Sorry, but I know how you work," Stanley said. "There's always strings attached."

"How can you judge me so fast?" Keith replied. "How do you know I don't want to just make nice? No tricks, no hidden price. Just honestly holding out my hand."

"If you're not going to vote me out, then fine, I won't turn that away," Stanley said. "But I stand by my own statement. Don't be surprised if I don't give you a free pass."

"Fair enough," Keith replied.

Confessional:

Keith-This may take a little longer than I thought…but I'm making progress. I'll be turning the tables soon enough.

Stanley-Seems to me like Keith's not as secure as he wants me to think, otherwise he wouldn't be so worried about what I thought of him. So, I'm just going to take advantage of this and keep him on his toes, might pay off for me in the long run.

(Dirk and Kyle)

"Okay, partner, are you ready for some super fun!?" Dirk exclaimed eagerly as he clutched his long pistol. "We're gonna get them so wet, it'll be awesome!"

"Yes," Kyle agreed.

"You don't sound excited," Dirk remarked.

"Your levels of excitement are quite high," Kyle pointed out. "Higher than natural, someone needs to keep a cold logical demeanor. Or who knows what sorts of horrors could break free."

"Aw, that's silly," Dirk replied while poking Kyle on the side. "Nothing bad could come from too much joy and fun."

"Actually, too much of anything is by definition bad," Kyle replied. "That's what I prefer moderation."

"Even too much balance?" Dirk asked.

"There's no such thing as too much balance," Kyle replied.

"Daaah!" Misha roared as she leapt out at them with her blasters ready.

"Ah!" Dirk cried as he fumbled with his own pistol and dropped it on the ground.

Misha blasted him with a powerful stream of water. He was slammed against a tree.

"Run!" he cried to Kyle.

Kyle turned and fled. Misha charged after him though. Kyle didn't get far before tripping over a root.

"Gotcha!" Misha exclaimed as she soaked him.

By then, Lionel emerged behind Misha.

"Alright, let me at them!" he exclaimed.

"Too slow," Misha replied offhandedly. "Going to need to do better than that."

Confessional:

Dirk-I was envisioning that being a lot more fun.

Kyle-Great…does anyone know where I can find a giant oven? I'm going to one to counteract how wet I got today.

Misha-I tried to tell my team. Just leave it to me and we'll be fine.

Lionel-Man, how does she do that? Well, this is just the start. I'll get my time to shine soon enough.

(Mason and Sooz)

Sooz trailed behind while texting on her phone. Mason gave her a cold grunt.

"Look, I know, I know," she replied. "But this is important. I wouldn't expect you to understand, but green is this close to being the new black. Do you know how horrible that would be for me!? All my clothes are themed around the old black…which I think was blue if memory serves me right…I can't let this pass unchallenged."

"Yes you can," Mason said. "I don't have to get physical to send you home…and neither does the majority of the team."

"Fine," Sooz said. "Give me that."

She took a waterballoon from Mason.

"Shh…someone's coming," Mason said as he heard footsteps.

Mason and Sooz hid behind a tree. They were able to see Stanley and Keith approaching.

"Okay, look," Sooz whispered. "I'm helping."

She attempted to toss her balloon at them, however, her lack of strength meant it dropped just in front of her and flattered over her legs.

"Well that was fun," she remarked. "I'm off to retweet #KeepBlueIn."

Mason groaned, but jumped out from his hiding spot and blasted Stanley against a tree.

"Yikes!" Keith exclaimed before grabbing a branch and pulling himself up.

He managed to get himself out of the way, just before Mason's stream turned to him.

"Can't hit me!" Keith said as he swung to another tree.

"I beg to differ," Mason growled.

However, Keith dropped one of his balloons and pelted Mason. It splashed all over his head.

"You're out," Keith laughed.

Mason angrily kicked his gun against a tree and caused it to shatter in half.

Confessional:

Sooz-So physical strength isn't my deal. You can't say I didn't put spirit into that toss.

Keith-Looks like it's up to me now. Never thought I'd be leading in challenges, that's for sure.

(Nicole, Montana, and Missy)

The three girls walked together, searching for anyone. Missy and Nicole had taken to glaring at each other in silence while Montana talked obliviously.

"…so anyway, that's when I said to the kangaroo, 'Look, mate—' that's what we call people in Australia, right, '—I'm going to need my wallet back, right,'" Montana recounted. "And you'll never guess what he said in return."

"Nothing, because kangaroos can't talk?" Nicole guessed.

"Oh…have I told you this story before?" she asked.

"Hey, guys, look," Missy said. "I think someone has been here."

"Hm, I think you're right, right," Montana said. "Looks like someone was trampling through here."

"Well, let's follow," Nicole said. "But be careful, we want to get the drop on them, not the other way around."

The three girls followed the tracks until it let them to a cave.

"Looks like they're hiding in here," Missy said.

"Well, let's pay them a visit, right," Montana said.

"I don't know," Nicole remarked. "Doesn't this feel a little too easy?"

"Yes it does, because clearly our enemies didn't think this through," Missy said. "Now let's go."

The girls entered the dark cave with their weapons raised.

"3…2…1…now!" someone exclaimed from behind them.

Suddenly they were submerged in darkness as a large boulder was rolled in front of the entrance.

"We did it!" Willow cheered.

"Now..." Nicole remarked dryly, "I don't want to say 'I told you so—'"

"Good because I don't want to hear it," Missy replied.

Confessional:

Nicole-I figured something was up…but looks like I didn't act fast enough.

Missy-This is what happens when I forget that some people actually have the audacity to pull low blows like this!

Willow-Yay, it worked! That's a classic, but effective, trap.

(Joseph and Riley)

Joseph had left a bit of distance between him and Riley as he scouted the area. He kept his weapon raised and kept his sight open for anything. After a quick scan, he spotted a flash of magenta. He immediately fired. Misha rolled out of the way skillfully, though. She then began blasting in retaliation. Joseph ducked behind a tree. He waited for a chance before peeking out and firing at Misha. Misha dived under a log and tried to hit Joseph while he was vulernable. Joseph sprinted to another tree and took a shot at Misha from this new angle.

"Here I am!" Lionel exclaimed as he charged forward, just in time to get blasted by Joseph's shot.

"Human shield, finally found a use for you," Misha remarked.

Misha lunged at Joseph. He fired at her, but she was too fast and kicked the gun out of his hands, causing it to spray upwards and hit Joseph instead.

"And you're out," Misha declared.

All the while, Riley was contently dozing off in his hiding spot.

Confessional:

Lionel-Okay…next challenge I'll prove to Misha that I'm more than a human shield.

Misha-And as usual, no one can put up a fight against me.

(Nicole, Missy, and Montana)

"Well this sucks," Nicole groaned. "Looks like we're stuck in here."

"That attitude not's going to help," Missy remarked.

"She's right, we can do this!" Montana said. "It's not hopeless, right."

Montana walked up to where the entrance was and felt around in the darkness.

"You know, I bet we could move this big old rock, right," she said. "Just needs a little force."

Montana began to push at the rock. Missy quickly came to help her.

"Worth a shot, I suppose," Nicole remarked as she joined them.

Eventually the three girls were able to get the rock rolling and moved it out of the way.

"We're free!" Montana cheered.

"Now, let's find out put us in there!" Missy said. "It's time to teach them that cheaters never prosper!"

"Pretty sure that wasn't actually against the rules," Nicole remarked.

"Stop sympathizing for the cheaters!" Missy snapped. "You're either with us or against us!"

Nicole just rolled her eyes. The three girls emerged and explored the forest further. Eventually they spotted someone moving through the trees.

"Ah!" Missy cried. "It's Keith!"

"Oh…this won't be pretty, right," Montana remarked nervously.

"I'm not finished with you!" Missy shouted. "I'm barely 1/50th finished with you!"

Missy began to fire rapidly at the trees.

"Okay, let's try to limit the psychotic tendencies," Montana said as she grabbed Missy and pulled her away. "Maybe we should find a different target, right."

"No, he has to suffer for what he's done!" Missy cried.

Keith playfully tossed a water-balloon down and managed to peg Nicole in the back of the head.

"See!? We can't let him get away with this!" Missy said as she broke free of Montana.

She began to fire angrily again. Keith dropped down and managed to hide behind the base of the tree.

"You can't get away from me that easy!" Missy said as she charged after him.

As she rounded the bend, though, she was met with a waterballoon to the face.

"Evidently, I can," Keith replied.

"Oh Keithy," Montana said from behind him.

Keith didn't have time to move before she sprayed him with her squirt gun.

Confessional:

Missy-I guess it's good that Keith got his comeuppance…but it wasn't nearly enough. That gun should have been filled with sharp rocks. And what about the girls who tried to trap us? They'd better not get off scot-free.

Keith-Well, looks like I'm out, but I did manage to do a fair bit of damage.

Montana-Jeepers, looks like it's down to me, right. Well, I don't plan to go down without a fight!

(Donna, Willow, and Zola)

"Come on, we've got to keep moving," Willow said as the girls moved through the woods.

"Why?" Zola asked. "What was wrong with our old hiding spot?"

"They knew we were there," Willow said. "We always need to be one step ahead."

"Well, I'm all for that," Donna said breathlessly, "but can we maybe take it a couple steps slower? I'm already feeling a stitch in my side."

"Hey…do you guys hear that?" Willow asked.

"Oh so it's not just me who can hear her incessant whining?" Zola remarked.

"No, listen," Willow said.

The girls were silent. They heard the sound of snoring.

"What the hell?" Zola remarked.

"I think I have an idea of who that might be," Donna said.

She followed the sound until she found Riley, sleeping against the tree and covered by shrubs.

"We've got him!" Donna exclaimed.

"Except…we don't have any water weapons," Willow pointed.

"Whose dumb idea was it to split up like that anyways?" Zola scoffed.

"Yours," Donna pointed out.

"Okay, guys, this isn't a problem," Willow said. "We'll just find someone else from our team and bring them here."

"I don't think so!" Montana exclaimed from the trees. "I can't let you just walk away with victory that easy, right."

"Run!" Zola exclaimed.

Montana began to spray down at them. Zola and Willow pulled ahead, but Donna couldn't move fast enough and was hit by the water.

"Keep going, girls, we can do this!" Donna called.

Zola was slowing down, though, and Montana was gaining on her.

"Wait! Stop!" Zola cried. "I'll give myself up, just don't dampen my clothes!"

"Uh…okay," Montana said as she dropped a light drop onto Zola's arm.

"Ugh…looks like it's all on me," Willow remarked.

Willow kept running until she spotted Misha.

"Misha, this way!" Willow called.

However, her momentary stopped allowed Montana to catch up with her and spray her on the back of the head. Misha reacted fast though and hit Montana and knocked her right off her branch.

"Oh well…I had fun!" Montana remarked as she hit the ground.

"Riley is just ahead," Willow said. "It seems like he's asleep."

"Really? Too f**king easy," Misha remarked as she followed Willow's directions.

Misha found Riley easily enough, just as he was opening his eyes.

"Oh…" he managed to say before being drenched in water.

"And with that…" Blaineley exclaimed. "…Misha wins reward for Team Cutthroat!"

Confessional:

Misha-Ha, just a friendly reminder that I am still very much the MVP around here.

Riley-Well that was totally not my fault. I was just following orders.

Montana-Dangnabbit, so close too! Well, I tried my best, right. Guess I'll just have to try harder when it's immunity on the line tomorrow, right.

Donna-Alright! This is the second season I've won this reward on. I think it's a good trend.

(Reward)

It was evening by now and Team Cutthroat had been transported the spa for the remainder of the night.

"Ah, this is the life," Donna remarked as she slipped into a hot tub. "Almost makes it worth spending all that time in the wild."

"You said it," Willow agreed as she joined her in the tub.

Meanwhile, Zola was impatiently talking with one of the employees of the resort.

"Yes, ma'am, your clothes will be good as new when you get them back," the exasperated worker said.

"And it's dry-clean only, right?" Zola said. "I can't have any of that base class soap touching the fabrics."

"Yes, ma'am, as I've assured you," the employee sighed.

Lionel and Misha were both gathering food at a buffet table.

"Well, I hope you learned your lesson today," Misha remarked to him. "Leave all the hard work to me, and we'll be fine."

"No way, I'm not learning anything!" Lionel retorted.

"That much was obvious," Misha said under her breath.

"Just you wait till tomorrow, you'll really get to see me in action then," Lionel boasted.

"Me too!" Beatrice announced as she leapt between the two of them.

"You? You practically blew it before the challenge even started," Misha said.

"That was part of the old Beatrice still leaking through," Beatrice remarked. "But tomorrow it's going to be all, Queen Bea! And Queen Bea is a relentless force who shows mercy to no one!"

Beatrice kicked again and hit the table, causing several plate of food to hit the ground.

"Sorry!" she exclaimed. "I mean…Queen Bea doesn't apologize! I meant to do that!"

While this was going on, Stanley was just relaxing in a reclining chair.

"Hi, Stan!" Keith exclaimed as he hopped onto a chair next to him.

"Hi…you want something?" Stanley asked.

"Nope," Keith replied nonchalantly.

"So…is stalking me your new thing?" Stanley asked.

"It's called hanging out," Keith said with a smile.

"I…see," Stanley replied.

Confessional:

Willow-I was happy to just take this moment to relax and forget about the game. But…not everyone seemed to see it that way I guess.

Beatrice-Today was…a bit of a rough start…but just you wait. Queen Bea will be an unstoppable force that all will fear!

Lionel-Seriously, Beatrice was bad enough when she wasn't some...try-hard villain. Here's hoping she gets bored of this shtick soon.

Stanley-I'm all for trying to get over our past with Keith…but he's kind of creeping me out with how he's been following me around.

(Conclusion)

"And that does it for today!" Chris said as the Dock of Shame. "No elimination today, but a nice relaxing night for Team Cutthroat. Will it give the strength to win immunity…or make the soft for the challenge?"

"Both teams had better bring it next round," Chef said. "Or else one of them is on the block. Will it be those weaklings, Sooz and Riley? Or will Beatrice dig herself into a hole too big to get out of?"

"And as always, we've got plenty of drama," Blaineley said. "Is Joseph's power slipping to the hands of Nicole and Mason? How long before Lionel and Misha try to kill each other? Will Missy emerge victorious in her fight against…basically everyone?"

"Well you're going to have to tune in next time," Chris said, "on another exciting episode of…Total Drama: Return of the Stars!"

Author's Note: And that's the end of that chapter. Literally. I've got nothing to say here.