A/N: I am so sorry and so embarrassed at how long it took me to get this chapter out. There's no excuse. Do I even have any readers left? Doubtful. Well if I do, I'd recommend rereading chapter 10, since it's almost been a year since it's been posted. On the bright side, this is a very long chapter (similar to chapter 10). Sorry again, and thanks for reading.
Total Tween Island
Chapter 11: Who can you trust?
Last time on Total Tween Island: Things really got cooking between the campers! Mabel got a crush on Phineas and followed him around like a lovesick puppy. At the same time Dib thought Isabella had a crush on him, but she was too focused on Phineas to even notice! Meanwhile Kuki's tiki-head totem was passed back and forth from one team to the other before Gaz planted it on Edd. Buford led his team to victory and a win for the Killer Bass while the Gophers threw Edd under the bus and eliminated him in order to stop the curse for good. Is the curse now finally broken, and how much trust do they still have left in each other? Find out right now on Total Tween Island!
(Theme song plays)
Morning had come again on Wawanakwa Island, and the remaining contestants on both teams were gathered at the mess hall for breakfast. After having waited in line for several minutes, it was finally Isabella's turn. She placed her empty plate down on the counter in front of Chef.
The scary black man plopped a portion of unrecognizable 'food' onto the girl's plate. "Today's breakfast," he told her, "is a French-Italian fusion casserole!" He then stuck a plastic straw in the middle of it before handing the whole tray back to Isabella. This just made it more confusing. Was she supposed to drink it instead?
The poor girl raised a skeptical eyebrow at her meal. "Isn't this just leftovers from the cooking challenge?"
Chef's previous calm demeanor disappeared and was replaced with the angry army sergeant. "Yeah that's right," he got right up in her face. "You got a problem with that?!"
Isabella immediately saluted; a look of anxiety on her face. "Sir, no sir!"
Surprisingly, Chef saluted back, giving Isabella the opportunity to turn and flee from what felt to her like a very hostile situation. She headed back to her table where the rest of her teammates were already eating. Buford and Zim were sitting together at one end. Gaz was sitting alone glaring at everyone else.
"Isabella! Over here!" Dib tried to get her attention. "I saved you a seat!" he indicated the empty space right next to where he was sitting.
Hearing Dib's cry for attention, Isabella turned to look only to suddenly become distracted by the other team. All of a sudden her focus was stolen by Mabel over at the Gopher's table. She watched the brunette waddle closer to Phineas until they were practically touching. There was even a brief moment when her hand touched his!
Isabella grinded her teeth angrily. Worried that she was about to see red, she turned away with a huff and headed to sit down at the other side of the table where she'd have her back to the Gophers, and in the process completely ignored Dib. He put his hand down when he saw her ignore him, and frowned. Watching her brother become dismayed, Gaz pointed and laughed. Isabella was unaware of any of this as she ate loudly, unable to focus on anything other than what must be happening at the other table.
Only a few feet away, Dipper sneezed loudly. Despite how warm it was outside, he had a blanket wrapped around himself as he shivered miserably. After being locked in the freezer in the previous challenge he had gotten sick and had not yet recovered. His nose was red and his eyes slightly droopy, but despite that, he clearly maintained his senses as he wore a rather hostile look about him.
"You still don't look so good Dipper," Nazz, who was sitting right next to him, said. "Here, why don't I help you…"
She tried to grab Dipper's spoon, but he slapped her hand away. "N-No thanks," he told her as sternly as he was able. "I'm fine." Nazz looked hurt, but didn't argue.
*Confessional*
Dipper: This c-cold is making me miserable! I still can't believe those g-guys left me in the freezer. What's Nazz thinking, trying to help me? I'm f-fine, and even if I wasn't, I don't trust her anymore…
*End Confessional*
Over at the other table, things weren't going much better. Timmy was sitting by himself looking glum. His spirits had been low ever since Edd had been eliminated and he found himself feeling rather alone on a team full of strangers. Pacifica sat across from him, looking just as alone. Mabel was still bothering Phineas, the redhead kept trying to get her to move farther back…to no avail.
Mandy walked over with her own plate of food and a scowl on her face. She went to sit down in her usual spot but every other member of the team instantly moved farther back; leaving her alone on one side of the table. When she glanced over she saw the others were glaring at her, specifically Cindy, who was sitting next to Mabel. The unofficial leader of their team looked the angriest. Mandy tried to ignore them as she took a bite of her breakfast.
*Confessional*
Cindy: I can't believe her! *she shakes her fists angrily* That Mandy, not only does she have a secret alliance with Gaz, but she tricked us into voting out Double D last elimination! If she thinks she can continue to manipulate my team, she's got another thing coming! I always try to win, but come next elimination, she's gone!
Mandy: Curse that fool Eddward! Gaz and I were convinced we had gotten rid of the spy when we eliminated Baljeet. To learn it had been Edd all along… *she shakes her head* Not good. Now my teammates know about an alliance that no longer exists. I've become a pariah on my own team and that is the easiest way to get eliminated! *she takes a breath and calms down* With my alliance with Gaz ended and my machinations exposed, I'll have to get serious. This is going to get dirty.
Timmy: *sighs loudly* Aww man, I can't believe Double D got kicked off! Everyone in my original alliance is gone. It's like, every time I make a friend they get eliminated! Is it me? Am I causing this somehow? *he sighs again* Now what am I going to do?
*End Confessional*
Cindy continued to glare at the other blonde until she couldn't help but say something. "Mandy, wouldn't you prefer to eat at the other table?" she chided. "You know, with your teammate?" The rest of the team glanced over, however briefly, toward Gaz at the Bass table.
Mandy looked over; her face set in stone. "I'm already eating with my teammates. I already told you, I'm not in an alliance with Gaz. We're just friends."
"But Double D said-"
"He was lying," Mandy interrupted her. "He just wanted revenge because I helped get him eliminated. Remember, we all voted for him." This caused several members of the Gophers to wince at the memory.
But Cindy wasn't budging. "Edd wouldn't lie. He wasn't that kind of person."
"How would you even know Cindy? Were you friends with him?" Cindy said nothing. "That's right, you weren't. No one on our team knew the guy very well." Timmy frowned when he heard that. "So stop trying to throw me under the bus and let me finish my breakfast." Cindy and the rest of the team decided not to say anything more. They let the matter drop, but Mandy's argument had not convinced them.
*Confessional*
Cindy: Mandy can lie all she wants, but I'm not going to fall for it. She is SO going down!
Pacifica: Maybe I shouldn't be saying this out loud, but that Edd guy outing Mandy at the last elimination really took the pressure off of me. Now everyone is so focused on being angry at her that they've almost forgotten about what I did. Maybe this is my chance! I've got to find Mabel!
*End Confessional*
As the Gophers walked out of the mess hall after finishing breakfast, Pacifica spotted Mabel walking by herself. She knew this was her moment. Increasing her pace, she was almost shoulder to shoulder with the brunette when someone suddenly pulled her back. Pacifica turned in surprise to see Mandy had managed to reach up on tip of her toes and wrap her arm around the rich girl's shoulder.
"Pacifica, we need to talk." It was not a question, it was a statement. "Let's go over here." She attempted to pull Pacifica away from their team.
"What?" she said taken aback. "But wait! I-"
Mabel and the others noticed this and turned to watch. "Ugh, teaming up with Mandy, Pacifica? Could you get any lower?" Mabel shook her head with disgust.
"No wait!" Pacifica attempted to pull free as Mandy tried to drag her away. "I wasn't-! Mabel I-! If I could just-"
But she was unable to get a full sentence out before Mandy had dragged her away from the others. Tears gathered in her eyes at the look of disgust on Mabel's face thanks to the misunderstanding.
When the two were far enough away Mandy let go of Pacifica. She attempted to say something, but the rich girl cut her off. "What the heck Mandy? I was trying to-"
"I don't care," the shorter girl cut her off. "Listen up: you work for me now."
"Excuse me?"
"Alliance," Mandy said impatiently. "You vote for who I tell you to and I'll keep you from getting eliminated. Heck, I might even take you to the final two with me," she smirked.
"And why would I agree to that?" Pacifica said, finding herself more emotional than she expected. "You're even less popular right now than I am! I don't need you."
"That wasn't an invitation," Mandy growled angrily. She shoved her fist in Pacifica's shocked face. "You'll agree because you don't have a choice. If you try to back out I will make your life a living hell! Do you understand?"
The rich girl glanced from Mandy's clenched fist to her deadly serious face and felt her knees quiver. Somehow she knew this girl was deadly serious. She found herself nodding unwillingly. "…I understand."
"That's not what I want to hear," Mandy shook her head. "Try again."
"I…" Pacifica's head slumped in defeat. "…thank you for letting me in your alliance, Mandy."
Mandy lowered her fist and some of the tension left her face. "You're welcome. Now let's get going, and don't dawdle! We have a challenge today." Pacifica nodded silently before following dutifully behind the more manipulative girl.
The camera pans to a shot of the woods showing a multitude of trees and fauna. The peaceful sounds of nature could be heard. Chris steps into the shot. "Hi," he spoke softly, concern evident in his voice, "Chris here. Sometimes tweens…just don't get along." He crossed his arms. "So the producers and I thought that the best way to work through the group friction would be…to exploit it for laughs." The host grinned mischievously as he rubbed his hands together. "This is gonna be awwweessoommee!"
Five minutes after breakfast was over, the remaining tweens had all been called via loudspeaker to gather at the dock for their next challenge. They had all been expecting a challenge today, so most went without complaint. Some of them were even glad for the distraction. Ten minutes later they were standing on the dock, the same dock they had walked on day one, awaiting the host's instructions.
"So," Chris started, "last week's elimination exposed a few Gopher issues." Cindy glared at Mandy who glared right back. "And I'm sensing something funky floating in the Bass pond too." A shivering Dipper glared at Nazz who looked away, while Isabella glared at Mabel on the other team. "So this week's challenge is going to be centered around building trust. Because…all good things begin with a little trust!"
*Confessional*
Nazz: I trusted Pacifica once…she sicked a bear on Kuki and got her eliminated. Yeah.
*End Confessional*
"There will be three major challenges that will have to be completed by two or more members of your team," Chris explained. "Normally, we like to let you campers choose your partners, but not this time. More fun for me!" He grinned sadistically. "Now come this way."
The host then leads them all into the forest close to the mountain before explaining the rest. This involves a good amount of walking before they finally stop in front of a rocky cliff. "Okay," he finally continues. "So for the first challenge, you'll be doing an extreme, free-hand rock climbing adventure!"
The campers all arched their necks up at the cliff wall as they realize what they're expected to do. Their heads snapped back down when Chris continued. "Buford and Gaz will play for the Bass, while Mabel and Pacifica play for the Gophers." Mabel frowned when she heard this. "Here's your harness and valet," he tossed the two items required for the challenge over to Pacifica. The blonde caught them, but looked confused.
"So…I use these to hold Mabel up?"
"Well, you won't be holding her up exactly," Chris specified. He then demonstrated on a second set of tools. "One camper pulls the slack through the valet as the partner climbs. If the climber falls, the valet will stop them from crashing. The catch? Both the side and the base of the mountain are rigged with a few minor distractions like…"
"…rusty nails…" they had been hammered right into the side of the mountain.
"…slippery oil slicks…" thick oil had been poured in several spots.
"…mild explosives…" taped together clumps of dynamite were half-buried across the mountain.
"…and a few other surprises," Chris finished.
"Very cool!" Timmy said excitedly. Cindy quickly slapped him on the side of the head.
"The person on valet must also harness their partner up. It's all about trust people, and remember, never let go of the rope. Your partner's life depends on it," Chris smirked.
Realizing how much danger she was about to be in, even Mabel was getting nervous. She raised her hand. "Umm…Chris? Can I get a new partner?"
"Mabel, come on," Pacifica scoffed. "It'll be fine. I won't let you fall." She looked into the brunette's eyes, hoping to get her to trust. For a moment Mabel thought she saw something in the other girl's eyes, something to believe in, but then she noticed Mandy standing right behind Pacifica. She turned back to the host.
"Hey Chris? I'd still like a new partner!" She waved her hands trying to get his attention, but he ignored her. "Chris? Chris?" she began to sound more and more desperate. Pacifica looked disheartened.
Meanwhile, the other team was having a few less reservations. Gaz had agreed to climb as she was lighter and more agile. Buford's weight and solid structure would work better on the ground as support. As such, he was currently helping Gaz put on the harness and ensuring it was secure.
"You ever climb one of these before?" he asked.
Gaz scoffed, "as if!" Her fingers were occupied with her favorite handheld video game as he tied her in. "But I guess I'll...try," she shuddered.
*Confessional*
Gaz: I heard the Gophers learned about my alliance with Mandy. I'm going to make sure we win so she can get voted out. Ha, that'll show her! This is war!
*End Confessional*
"But why do I have to be the climber?" Mabel whined as a kneeling Pacifica attempted to safely attach the harness.
"We already told you," Mandy growled impatiently. "Pacifica doesn't have an athletic bone in her body and zero upper arm strength. You on the other hand spend your days running through the woods. You're the better choice."
Cindy crossed her arms. "I hate to agree with Mandy, but she has a point Mabel. You are the better choice."
Mandy gave one last dramatic gasp. "Et tu, Cindy?"
Pacifica stood back up. "Alright, I think I got it. Granted, I've never done this better and Chris didn't give a thorough explanation, and I wasn't quite sure where all of the ropes went…" she paused briefly. "It almost looks like one of them is hooked on your skirt instead of your waist. No no," she shook her head. "I'm sure it's fine. You're good to go Mabel!"
The dreamy girl gulped. "That does NOT reassure me!"
"Don't worry so much Mabel," Phineas said, placing his hand comfortingly on her shoulder. "You can do this."
"Gah!" Mabel seemed to melt under the redhead's touch as her cheeks turned red. "Oh Phineas, you big flirt you!" she pushed him away in what was meant as a playful gesture.
"Hey uh, guys?" Timmy spoke up. "The other team is already ready and waiting…"
*Confessional*
Timmy: How long does it take these girls to put on a harness? I almost wish Chris had picked me instead. I wouldn't mind climbing the cliff! At least then we could get this challenge over with.
*End Confessional*
The challenge began and Gaz and Mabel began their slow climb of the cliff. The two were a mere six feet apart as they desperately sought footholds on the craggy cliff. Of the two, Mabel seemed to be taking it slow; hesitating as she made her way up, often stopping to glance back down at her partner.
Gaz on the other hand, while not very athletic, seemed to be giving it her all. She climbed with much more speed and was quickly putting distance between her and her competitor. This lead was lost however when a "mild" explosive went off in the area she was climbing and she lost her grip entirely and fell tumbling down. Luckily she was caught by the harness before she fell too far.
She glanced down to spot Buford and his beefy arms were holding her tightly in midair. "I got you!" he called up as he gritted his teeth. Gaz said nothing back, instead shooting him a thumbs up. She then found another spot to hold onto the cliff and returned to her climb.
Just then Chris appeared at ground level holding a large yellow water gun. "I promised you all surprises, and I don't disappoint. Habanero pepper sauce, anyone?" He then pointed the gun right at Pacifica and sprayed. A fine mist of reddish-orange sauce covered the blonde from head to foot. Her outfit was soaked.
"Oh gross!" Pacifica recoiled in shock, dropping the rope. "My outfit…ruined! Why Chris? Ouch! It's even in my eyes!" she began to rub her eyes, desperately trying to get the burning hot sauce out. A second later a screaming Mabel fell to the ground with a thud.
"My spine!"
Chris gave the cameras a glowing smile. "Muy caliente" he said, which means very hot (or at least he thinks it does).
"Mabel!" A still-covered-in-hot-sauce-Pacifica ran over to her teammate. "I'm sorry! Are you okay?"
"Ah! Pacifica!" The injured girl gasped in fright. "Stay away!"
While that was going on, Chris decided to turn his water (hot sauce) gun on Buford. A direct blast from the host hit the bully dead on, but it had little effect. Buford simply tilted his head until the blast landed in his mouth and swallowed until Chris finished. Apparently unaffected, he licked his lips. "Not bad. I'd give it a seven out of ten. Got anything spicier?"
"Spicier?" Chris threw his gun down on the ground in frustration. "One more remark like that and I'm getting out the ghost peppers!"
Anyway, the race continued. Mabel was found to be only lightly bruised and continued the climb (motivated by her desire to put as much distance between herself and Pacifica as she could). She seemed to have gotten a second wind and all those hours running around the Oregon woods with her twin were put to good use.
Gaz on the other hand, had slowed down. She may have actually been putting in effort and her partner might've been solid as a rock, but that didn't change the fact that she lived a sedentary lifestyle. All those hours gaming on the couch were taking their toll. Sweat ran down her forehead as she struggled to keep moving.
Mabel began to catch up. The purple-haired girl glanced over in surprise to see her opponent had nearly caught up! She needed to do something fast if she was to have any hope of winning the challenge. But what could she do?
"Alright, I'm almost there!" Mabel said as she passed Gaz by. "Maybe this wasn't so bad after all."
It was only when Mabel had taken the lead that Gaz saw her chance. She spotted one of the ropes that Pacifica seemed to have incorrectly attached to Mabel's clothing. Gaz swung over and grabbed it with her free hand while the other held onto the cliff. Once she held it in her hand a cruel smirk crossed her face. "Don't be so sure Mabel!" She gave the rope a hard tug.
Mabel's skirt came clean off.
"Whoa!" Timmy was the first to notice it. The other tweens all turned to what he was glancing at. Surprise crossed all their faces. Mabel's skirt was falling to earth and her My Little Pony print panties were completely visible.
"Wow!" Dib said seconds before the falling skirt landed on his face.
"Oh geez Mabel…" Dib covered his eyes with his hand and turned away.
"Oh no, how cruel," Cindy's cheeks reddened in embarrassed empathy at what her friend must be feeling.
"NO!" Mabel cried out once she realized what had happened. "Stop! Look away!" She tried to use her free hand to cover herself, but it simply wasn't enough. When she tried to use both hands she slipped off the cliff and fell several feet. Pacifica tried to pull on the rope to slow her descent, but without any upper-body strength she was ill-prepared to help her. After realizing she was falling, Mabel tried to grab the cliff again. She succeeded, but it cost her, as her hands were now scratched and bleeding from the sharp edges. To make matters worse, she realized from her new position her panties were now more visible than they had been before, giving the boys an even better view. Mabel's face lit up like a stop sign as she whimpered in humiliation; unable to do anything to help herself.
Gaz snickered to herself in a satisfied manner as she managed the last few meters and pulled herself up to the top. "And Gaz wins the first challenge," Chris announced from the ground. He then used a megaphone to let the purple-haired girl know she had won. Once she returned to ground level contestants on both teams glared at her, but she ignored them. Looking victorious, she went over and high-fived Buford. Mabel was lowered to the ground. She immediately ran off crying.
*Confessional*
Mabel: *she speaks in between loud sobs* I-I'm so embarrassed! That was the most humiliating moment of my life! I d-don't know who I hate more, Pacifica or Gaz! *more tears run down her face*.
Pacifica: *Slams head angrily into wall*
Dipper: Poor Mabel, I'll have to go check up on her. What's strange is that Pacifica looked genuinely upset about what happened. But why would she, unless…? Hmm…
Gaz: I hate having to work so hard, but this time it was worth it. Mandy is so gone once my team wins. I was surprised how…useful…Buford turned out to be. I might just team up with him again. Mabel on the other hand needs to suck it up. It wasn't that bad!
*End Confessional*
There were only so many hours in the day, so Chris immediately moved them on to the next challenge. There would be a location change so they all met up back in the dining hall. To no one's surprise, Mabel was absent. Given the circumstances, her team was more than happy to let it slide.
The tweens knew Chris had something planned as the room was dark and the only light was coming from a few circling strobe lights. The two teams for the challenge had already been decided beforehand: Phineas and Timmy would compete for the Gophers while Dib and Zim would be team Bass. The two teams were standing opposite each other with a space for Chris in the middle.
Speaking of the host, an intern disguised as Chris did a crazy impressive flip over to the host stand. A moment later Chris stood up and took credit. What a guy.
"And now round two," he spoke dramatically. "The Extreme…Cooking…Challenge!" he paused after every word. Both teams of boys looked at him with their arms crossed; both hoping the host would simply get on with it. Once he had his moment, Chris spoke normally again. "Each team must choose who cooks and who eats; decide amongst yourselves now."
Phineas and Timmy glanced at each other. The two boys weren't particularly close, but there was also no animosity between them. It left them in an awkward middle. "I screwed up French onion soup last time," Timmy admitted in embarrassment. "You should probably cook Phineas." The redheaded boy nodded his agreement.
Dib and Zim glared at each other. The two boys had hated each other since long before episode one and their feelings hadn't changed one bit. They were still constantly at each other's throats and this time was no different. "I think I should cook," Dib spoke up finally. He then smirked slightly, as if he had thought of something funny. "Having an alien cook human food would just be a bad-"
"I volunteer!" Zim loudly interrupted his partner. He raised his stick of an arm and swung it wildly in the air. "Host human, Zim volunteers to cook!"
"What? No!" Dib shook his head. "That's a terrible-"
"Fine," Chris shrugged. "I don't care who cooks, Zim, as long as the other eats. Dib, make sure you eat up dude."
Dib looked absolutely bamboozled.
*Confessional*
Zim: Mwa ha ha ha ha! Victory is mine! Now that fool Dib is at my mercy! Zim has been waiting for an opportunity to strike during this foolish human competition. *rubs his hands together evilly* The big-headed boy's manner of death has been decided-poison!
Dib: Oh no, this is not good. What is wrong with Chris? How can he let an alien be the cook? Especially when that alien hates me! *moans loudly* Oh I knew I shouldn't have gotten out of bed today…
*End Confessional*
Chris announced the details of the challenge. "Today you'll be preparing Fugu Sashimi- the traditional Japanese poisonous blowfish." A gong was rung and Chef appeared pushing a cart with a fish tank on top with two of the aforementioned fish inside.
Phineas and Timmy both turned to each other; nervously sharing a look. Zim silently cheered while Dib gulped fearfully. Chris then pulled out a diagram labeling the inside of a Fugu blowfish and where each of the parts were. He pointed at it with a ruler and began to speak in a scholarly tone. "The Fugu blowfish contains enough lethal toxin to kill thirty people."
Chef then tapped loudly on the glass of the fish tank with a scoop used for grabbing fish and watched as both blowfish puffed up. He then pulled them both out of the tank, one in each hand, and tossed them into the air. "Fishies, meet your maker!"
The throw had been well placed as both blowfish landed exactly in the middle of each team's cutting board. Timmy gasped slightly to find the poisonous sea creature suddenly in front of him. In his opinion, Phineas seemed like a very capable boy, but he hadn't expected this level of danger. He was starting to have second thoughts.
"They must be sliced very carefully to cut around the poisonous organs," Chris explained, still using his chart as a teaching tool. At this point both Phineas and Zim had picked up their knives and were preparing to make the cut. Zim was already poking his carelessly. "The poison paralyzes the nerves and there is no antidote! So…no worries!" he says the last line with a casual attitude, as if it somehow didn't completely contradict the rest of his explanation.
Having realized the seriousness of the situation and that a slight case of food poisoning was the least of his worries, Dib grabbed Zim tightly by the shoulders. "Zim! Please, I need you to take this seriously! If you mess up even a tiny bit, I could die! I mean, I know you probably want me to die, but I don't!"
"Oh Dib, silly Dib," Zim removed his teammate's hands off his shoulders. "Listen to yourself. Would I throw the challenge and cost our team a point just for some petty revenge? Zim is a team player. You have nothing to worry about." He said before smiling evilly. Dib's eyes widened in fear. He was doomed.
The two teams had thirty minutes in which to dissect the blowfish and make an edible meal out of it. Twenty eight of those thirty minutes had now passed and time was nearly up. Phineas carefully placed a small garnish on top of a symmetrical stack of sushi rolls.
"Done," he wiped a bead of sweat off his forehead. "I would've gone bigger, but my supplies were rather limited."
"Nice!" Timmy said, looking very relieved. "I've never tried sushi before!"
Dib on the other hand, was looking far less relieved. Zim was also just about finished with his dish. However appearance-wise, the two dishes were night and day. The alien appeared to have cut the blowfish up haphazardly, and rather than remove the poison sac, had instead hidden it underneath cut up slices of fish. Then, wanting to ensure no one thought it looked suspicious, decided to drown the whole thing in ketchup. Yum.
"Time is up!" Chris announced. "Eaters: it's your turn!"
Timmy timidly took the top sushi roll and carefully placed it in his mouth while Phineas watched. Slowly he chewed it one bite at a time until he swallowed. He opened his mouth to show it was empty before declaring it to be: "Awesome!" Phineas looked relieved. "I think I'll have another," he popped a second piece into his mouth.
Now it was Dib's turn. Zim eagerly placed the plate full of 'food' in front of his worst enemy and laughed. "Eat up Dib!"
Dib's mouth was dry as he stared suspiciously as the disgusting plate of food. He wanted to put his fork down and run out of the room, but he knew he had no choice; the last thing he wanted was to get voted off. Instead, he stabbed at the meal with his utensil and quickly shoved a forkful into his mouth. He tried to chew but found that after only a few bites his face turned green. Chris, the other contestants, and the audience watched as Dib threw up all over the floor.
"Gross!" Timmy took a step back to avoid the spreading mess.
"Somebody call a doctor!" Phineas said.
"Mwa ha ha ha ha!" Zim laughed victoriously. "Take that big-headed human! Zim is victorious!" he then laughed some more.
"It's cool," Chris said responding to Phineas. "Give him twenty-four hours and he'll be up walking and breathing as good as new. Anyway, this means the Gophers win the challenge! Congrats guys."
"That's great, but Chris, he needs immediate help! Chris?" Phineas looked on perplexed as the host just walked away.
"This show is crazy," Timmy shook his head. Just then, Chef walked over in a nurse's outfit and carried Dib away on a stretcher.
The two teams got a break for lunch (though after the last challenge, nobody was all that hungry) and then had to meet back up in an open part of the forest for the next part of the challenge. The eleven contestants (minus Mabel and Dib) stood in a line with Chris in front of them ready to explain the challenge.
"Good news," he told them. "The third round involves three more challenges. It's the "three blind challenges"." No one looked happy to hear that, but waited to learn more. "It begins with the "blind William Tell", followed by the "blind trapeze", and culminating in the treacherous "blind toboggan"."
The tweens shared looks of fear and worry. None of those sounded fun, especially considering how the last two challenges went. As Chris explained, Pacifica leaned over to whisper to Cindy. "Hey, where's Mabel? Is she doing okay?"
The ponytail girl scoffed. "Like you care. Why don't you go hang out with your partner in crime, Mandy?"
"I do care!" Pacifica insisted. "I do!" But Cindy had simply moved over to stand next to Timmy instead.
Chris meanwhile, had placed an arrow on Buford's head. "Like legendary marksman William Tell, you'll be knocking arrows off your partner's heads with crabapples."
"Chris," Isabella spoke up."I don't think that's historically accurate…"
"Shh!" he silenced her. "Also, the shooter will be blindfolded." He then wrapped a white blindfold over his eyes. Buford looked worried as Zim and Dipper got out of the firing range. "The person who knocks off the arrow with a slingshot while causing the least amount of physical damage, wins." He then placed one of the apples in the slingshot and shot it out at Buford. It missed the arrow entirely.
"My coconuts!" Buford hit the ground.
"Aww nuts," Chris took off the blindfold. "So, Mandy and Cindy, you'll be one team. Dipper and Isabella, you'll be the other."
Mandy and Cindy immediately glared at each other. "I'll be shooter," Mandy declared.
"Not a chance!" Cindy shot right back at her. "I will!" They both began to glare at one another.
"Alright," Chris said. "Let's rock and roll!"
*Confessional*
Dipper: Isabella volunteered to be shooter. I said that was fine because I don't really want to hit a girl with a bunch of apples, but…I bruise easily. *he sighed* I wonder how many times I'll get hit?
Isabella: So far these challenges haven't helped our team's dynamic at all! More like the opposite in fact. First there was Gaz, who everyone is mad at for humiliating Mabel, who isn't even on our team. Then there was Zim who purposefully poisoned poor Dib and cost us the challenge. *she takes a deep breath* I volunteered to be the shooter to get things back on track. I will not let the Bass go down like this!
*End Confessional*
Both Dipper and Mandy stood on one side of the clearing, just a few feet apart, while everyone else stood on the other side. Mandy had lost the argument, so Cindy became the shooter. The reasoning was that Mandy's size would lessen the chance of her getting hit and thus lower the danger. That was the idea anyway.
The two tweens each had an arrow balanced carefully on their heads (Dipper had removed his hat). Neither appeared very excited for the challenge; though Mandy looked more angry than afraid. Isabella and Cindy stood opposite them, each blindfolded and carrying a slingshot. The other contestants watched from the back with Chris.
"Begin!"
Both girls loaded their slingshots with crabapples and let them fly. Cindy's first shot flew right over Mandy's head. As did her second. The flaw in Cindy's logic was becoming apparent: the smaller Mandy was, the harder it was to hit her…at all.
Isabella's first shot flew right over Dipper's head. The second whizzed past his ear. The sensation of air rushing past caused the boy to freeze up even more than he already was. But it was Isabella's third shot that, carefully aimed, went right through the apple.
Meanwhile Cindy was on her fifth shot. She had hit nothing so far, but on the fifth attempt she heard the apple finally connect with something solid. "Oww!"
"That's it! It's over! You can take your blindfolds off now, girls."
"Did I get it?" Cindy asked, her blindfold half off as she glanced over at her partner.
"Yeah, you got it alright," Mandy had her right hand covering her face. When she removed it, Cindy could see blood openly dripping from her nose. "Now let me return the favor!" She picked up the crabapple that had hit her and threw it like a baseball right at Cindy. The two girls began to fight.
"The winner: the Killer Bass!" Chris announced, ignoring the conflict going on right behind him.
"Awesome!" Isabella jumped up excitedly. "I'm so glad I managed to hit the arrow without hitting Dipper!"
"You did it?" Dipper asked incredulously, checking himself over to spot any missed injuries. "Hey, you did," he gave the girl in pink a small smile. "Thanks Isabella, you're a hero."
"Aww it was nothing," she accepted his compliment. "I did it for the team." But she couldn't help but glance over at the other team and wonder if Phineas had seen what a great job she'd done.
*Confessional*
Mandy: *has a bloody nose* Cindy REALLY needs to be taught a lesson. I either need to put the fear in her fast, or get her immediately eliminated.
Cindy: *has a bloody lip* I can't stand that Mandy! Well her reign of terror is so over, she's gone next elimination!
*End Confessional*
It was on to the next challenge. Chris had moved everyone from the last challenge (excluding Mandy and Cindy) to a new part of the forest. They knew right away they were in the right place thanks to the large wooden trapeze built away from any trees. It did not look very safe.
"And now," Chris declared, "the blind trapeze! To avoid serious injury, the trapeze has been set up over this pond…which is full of jellyfish!" The remaining contestants all gasped. "Teams this time are simple: Phineas and Pacifica for the Gophers, Zim and Nazz for the Bass. Now you two will stand blindfolded on the platform until your partners tell you when to jump."
"Then what?" Pacifica asked.
"Then…hopefully they'll catch you," Chris answered. "Or that'll be one heck of a painful swim!" He laughs. "Okay, hut hut!"
*Confessional*
Nazz: So it was my first challenge for the day and I wanted to show everyone that I'm not useless, but I get paired up with Zim, and he's so…creepy!
*End Confessional*
"First up is Nazz and Zim!"
The four contestants had climbed onto the trapeze and were waiting for their turn. The height alone was enough to worry both Pacifica and Nazz, not to mention the jellyfish looming below. But it was the water that scared Zim more than anything else. And all four of them knew if anyone failed and fell into the water, they were most definitely out for the rest of the challenge, if not longer.
Nazz had chosen to be the catcher, so she was already hanging upside down by her knees over the water, just waiting for the challenge to start. When she heard Chris give the OK, she tried to psych herself up. "Okay Nazz, you can do this. Don't want to lose to Pacifica. Let's show that bossy cow who's in charge!" she began to swing back and forth, slowly at first and then gaining speed. Once her momentum had increased enough she called for Zim.
"Okay Zim! I want you to jump on three!"
The blindfolded alien's legs were shaking. "Zim does not want to do this!"
Nazz groaned at having to reassure a boy she openly disliked. "It'll be okay, just jump when I tell you!"
"Curse you worm child!"
"Okay, one…" She swung to the other side. "Two…" She began to swing back. "…three!"
Nazz stretched out her arms as far as she could. Zim hesitated for the briefest of moments before leaping off the bar and into the air. His tiny hands swung around wildly desperate to find another pair to grasp. After what felt like far too long, Nazz grabbed his gloved hands with her own and tried to hold on.
A feeling of relief hit both of them as on first glance it appeared they had succeeded until Nazz's hands began to loosen. Zim's gloves were slippery and her own hands slick with sweat. She tried to hold on but as she swung back to the other side of the trapeze the pull of the arc was too much and Zim slipped out of her hands and fell right into the water mere inches from dry land.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Water splashed out and electricity could be seen (and felt) in the air as angry jellyfish converged on Zim's landing spot. Nazz cringed and looked away, as did everyone else with the exception of Buford who ran over to pull Zim from the water.
"Curse…you…humans…"
The host himself had cringed at the sight, but once Zim was free and had been taken to the infirmary by Chef, he turned to the remaining team. "Gophers, you're up."
Pacifica gulped. "Maybe I should just forfeit…" She was already on the bar as the catcher, waiting for Phineas to jump. Despite being in less danger, the last thing she wanted to do was screw this up or put herself at more risk.
"Alright Pacifica, I'm ready," Phineas called out to her from the trapeze ledge. He bent down to his knees a few times to practice.
"Maybe this is a bad idea," the blonde called back to him. "I don't know if I can catch you."
"Don't make the jump Phineas!" Nazz called out from the sidelines. "Pacifica won't catch you; that's not what she does. She only knows how to hurt people. Don't risk it!"
Pacifica blushed in shame and embarrassment to hear her former teammate's words, but Phineas was unaffected. "Don't worry, I've double checked the angles on the trapeze along with where I'm standing verses her swinging. As long as she calls out at the right time, I should definitely make it."
Hearing his cool confidence, the rich girl didn't know how to respond. "I…I'll try…" Pacifica began to swing back and forth, her long blonde hair swinging awkwardly with her; like a cape she couldn't take off. She hung there swinging longer than she needed to as she put off the jump as long as possible.
"Okay Phineas, when I say jump." She hoped her partner was listening; she could only see him for a moment before swinging back to the other side. "One…two…" This was it. The moment. "…jump!"
She stretched out her hands and then her fingers but couldn't keep her eyes open. For a moment both teammates were blind as Phineas jumped with as much precision as a blind man could. Gravity took hold of them both. It was all over.
Pacifica caught Phineas with both hands and held on for dear life. She swung over to the other side and then back as their speed slowed to a trickle. "We…We did it," she said between heavy breaths.
"Nice catch" the redhead called up to her. "Amazing what you can accomplish in one afternoon, isn't it?"
They were both safely retrieved and pulled away from the trapeze. "I did it!" Pacifica said once she was back on solid ground. "I did it! I was useful to the team! Mabel did you see-?" she turned around only to realize there was no one there but Timmy who wasn't paying her any attention. "Oh right…" her enthusiasm suddenly deflated. "She didn't see. No one did."
*Confessional*
Pacifica: *slams head into wall* Just great! I finally don't screw something up and no one even sees it! How am I supposed to get Mabel on my side and convince her I'm not a monster when she's not even around to see my good deeds? Not even Cindy was there! What was the point? I mean, if you do a good deed when no one's around does it even count?
*End Confessional*
Meanwhile Zim had been hauled off to be treated in the infirmary. The infirmary, it turned out, was little more than a half dozen beds in a large green tent and a couple first aid kits. He had been brought in unconscious, but woke up after only a few minutes.
"Eughh…" the alien groaned in pain. His entire body was red and puffy with the burns from the water and shocks from the jellyfish. It took him a minute to associate the weird smell in the air with the burn cream covering his exposed skin. "What is this? Where am I?"
"You're in the infirmary," Cindy answered. Zim turned to look to see the blonde Gopher girl a few beds away. She had a cut lip and was holding something on to her face to stop the bleeding but otherwise looked unharmed. "You were taken out of the challenge because of your injury. Don't worry, we're safe here." Suddenly her eyes narrowed. "Well, not safe from Mandy."
Zim looked past her to see the smaller blonde sitting in another bed holding a tissue up to her bleeding nose. She looked just as unhappy as Cindy when it came to her bunkmate. The alien also spotted Dib, who had stopped throwing up, but looked terrible and nearly as green as the Irken himself. He was being treated by Chef. The sight of it made Zim want to laugh, however the pain from his burns prevented this.
As if feeling the Irken's gaze, Chef turned around and smiled at Zim. There was something not right about that smile. "You're next, green boy." He then pulled out a large needle filled with a clear liquid. Chef tapped the side of the needle and some of the liquid squirted out. The black man began to chuckle in a sinister tone.
Zim squeezed his bed sheets for dear life.
Half an hour later the remaining contestants were gathered once more at a final location in the woods. Everyone looked exhausted; some were afraid but others just wanted to get this over with. Chris was still in a good mood though, as he addressed them for the challenge.
"And now for the final leg: the blind toboggan race."
"What did he just say?" Nazz asked. "I must've misheard him…"
"Each team will have a driver and a navigator," Chris continued, ignoring the blonde. "The driver steers while the navigator shouts directions. Oh yeah, and the driver will be blindfolded." This latest revelation caused some in the (admittedly small) crowd to gasp, though it's anyone's guess why this would come as a surprise after the previous challenge.
Chris scanned the remaining tweens. "Not many of you left huh? I keep losing you guys," he laughed casually. "Oh well. Now for the gophers-"
"Wait! I'm back!" Everyone turned their heads to see Mabel running out of a copse of trees and over toward them. She was now wearing a pair of sweatpants. When she reached the group she stopped for a moment to catch her breath. "I'm…back…"
"So are we," Cindy said as she and Mandy suddenly appeared right behind Mabel.
"Ahh!" The brunette jumped nearly a foot into the air.
"Oh good," Chris nodded. "This'll make things more interesting. I wanted to use Mabel one more time anyway."
"I volunteer to be her partner," Cindy stepped forward. "Come on Chris, give her a break. She deserves one and it's the last challenge."
"Hmm…" The host thought about it. "I don't think so! It's gonna be Mabel and…Mandy for the Gophers." Mabel and the rest of the Gopher's all groaned simultaneously. "Dipper and Gaz, you're up for the Bass."
*Confessional*
Dipper: Oh Mabel, you keep getting the short end of the stick. And now we have to compete in the last challenge *he sighs* Sorry but I won't be going easy on you. I still want to win this thing!
Mabel: After I calmed down from the…incident… *she shudders* I realized that I couldn't just throw in the towel. That's not the Mabel way! Also if my team loses, I could be on the chopping block! But still, teamed up with Mandy and competing against Gaz again…maybe I should've stayed hidden in the bathroom…
*End Confessional*
Chris took the four competitors (everyone else watched from below) up a very tall hill that was windy with curves. It was quite the trek. The four tweens were each very tired once they finally made it to the top, but they didn't have time to feel exhausted. It soon became apparent not only how high up they were, but how treacherous their path down would be.
Chris truly had saved the best for last.
Dipper shook his head fearfully. "This is ridiculous…"
Gaz scoffed as she played her video game. "Wimp."
"Oh come on! That…" Dipper pointed to the mountain path their teammates would soon be rushing down. "…doesn't bother you?" Gaz shrugged. "How are you Dib's sister?!"
"I just have terrible luck, okay?" She then tossed a rock at his head.
Just then the two spotted Chef, who was working on the two sleds the teams would go down the mountain on. The sleds were of an incredibly simplistic design; no sides and absolutely nothing to hold on to. Chris' assistant appeared to have painted the back of the sleds with a brown substance.
He turned to the two tweens after realizing they were looking at him. "Just lubing them up," he explained. "Get a little more speed going," he chuckled. Dipper gulped. Gaz looked up from her game and raised an eyebrow.
At that same time, Mabel approached Mandy. "Hey Mandy, so-"
"Stop talking."
"Listen," Mabel pouted, her cheeks inflating. "I know you don't like me, but I'm guessing you like Gaz even less."
"…true."
"So let's just put our differences aside and try to win this thing, or at least come out unharmed." She held out her hand. "What do you say?"
Mandy slapped the hand aside. "I'll work with you to take Gaz down, but don't act like we're friends. And we're playing by MY rules, got it?"
The brunette crossed her arms. "I'm not cheating!" Mandy clenched her fists and glared at Mabel, but left it at that.
A few minutes later the race was about to begin. Both teams were at the starting line on their sleds. Mabel was in front for the Gophers controlling the sled while wearing the blindfold with Mandy in the back giving directions. On the Bass side it was Dipper wearing the blindfold and Gaz seated behind him.
Chris was standing behind the Gopher's sled with Chef behind the Bass. "Ready…set…" The host used a bullhorn to start the race. "GO!" Chris and Chef lightly kicked the back of Mandy and Gaz's sled to give them a push. The sleds started to move away from the starting line and down the hill.
Mabelcould feel her heart beating out of her chest as she sped down a hill with no visual sight at all. "Left!" she suddenly heard Mandy call out. "Left!" Mabel gripped the sled and pushed the front part to the left in a hurried manner. She just narrowly missed hitting a tree, but she had no idea how close thanks to the blindfold.
Just then Gaz and Dipper flew down the mountain beside them. "This is crazy!" Dipper screamed out.
"Just shut up and turn right!" Gaz kicked him in the back. Dipper did what he was told. Mandy watched as Gaz's sled grew closer and suddenly slammed into hers. "How about some revenge Mandy?"
"Ah! What was that?" Mabel cried out.
Mandy glared daggers at Gaz. "Grr…Mabel! Turn left!" When the brunette did as she was told the two girls' sled rammed into Gaz and Dipper's. "You'll regret breaking an alliance with me Gaz!"
"What's going on?" Mabel cried out as they continued to race down the hill. "Are we ramming them?"
"Oh my gosh," Dipper gasped as he heard his sister's voice. "We're ramming them!"
Gaz slapped him on the back of the head. "Do it again!"
"No way!" Dipper refused.
"Yeah!" Mabel agreed, "we won't play your twisted game!"
Spotting something coming up in the distance, Mandy's eyes widened. "Mabel, I need you to go left…now!"
"Mandy I just told you I-"
"River!" The blonde cried out. "There's a river!"
But it was too late to change direction. The sled was moving too fast and before it could be stopped the two Gophers fell into a moving river. They managed to stay afloat (possibly because of the bottom of the sled being slicked) but that was the only good news. "What's happening?" Mabel asked.
Mandy spotted the waterfall up ahead and gulped. "You don't want to know." Seconds later the sled reached the waterfall and flew through the air before descending. "Ahhhh!" Both girls screamed. As the sled approached the water it landed on a fallen log instead and was thrust back up into the air only to fall down on dry land and continue sliding. Both girls reacted with only slight relief.
Dipper and Gaz's sled managed to avoid the river entirely, but they were hardly safe. Various obstacles kept them in danger along with the fact that Dipper no longer trusted Gaz's directions. All of a sudden both tweens heard a loud boom and a cloud of dust erupted from where they had been sliding mere moments before.
"What the heck was that sound?" Dipper asked.
"I…don't know," Gaz said sounding slightly worried.
The scene then cut to Chris who was holding an explosive detonator. He looked at the camera. "We had a few explosives left over and I just hate to waste." He pushed down on the detonator and a large boom could be heard in the distance.
The scene then cuts back to show Mandy and Mabel's sled had caught back up and now both teams were dodging a near-constant barrage of explosions.
"Go straight!" Gaz called out.
"Left! Left!" Mandy ordered.
The four continued to race as they dodged every threat that came their way and soon the two competing girls could see the finish line approaching. They were neck and neck and by the look of it might finish at the same time. Both girls thought a photo finish was too risky. As they raced on they both spotted a small ledge that was perfectly angled toward their destination. Dangerous? Yes, but it might just launch them to the finish line.
"Mabel, there's a ledge coming up on the right. I need you to take it if we want to win!" Mandy told her.
"But…!"
"It's the only way!"
"No!" Gaz called out. "It's our ledge! Dipper, swerve to the right immediately and cut them off! We'll get there first and win!"
"No way!" The boy shook his head. "I'm not breaking my neck just so you can beat Mandy!"
"Do it!" She cried out in vain.
Mabel turned in time and flew right over the ledge. Dipper meanwhile turned the opposite way. "Watch out!" The sled crashed right into a rock. The force of the impact caused Dipper to hit his head on the front of the sled, but Gaz wasn't so lucky. The purple-haired girl flew out of the sled and slammed right into a large oak tree. She almost seemed to be suspended in midair for a moment before falling to the ground with a groan.
Mabel and Mandy crossed the finish line and the Screaming Gopher's cheered. "The Screaming Gophers win the Blind Toboggan Race!" Chris loudly proclaimed over the sound of cheering. Both teams had been gathered at the finish line off-screen, including the injured Dib and Zim, who, while looking better, were still injured.
Isabella and Nazz helped get Dipper to his feet and walked him over to the finish line while Gaz was carried by Buford and placed on a stretcher next to "nurse" Hatchet. She had a concussion and there was a large bump growing on her forehead. A still poisoned Dib looked over at his injured sister.
Chris continued with his narration. "And that means, with a score of three wins to two, the Screaming Gophers win the challenge!" The Gophers cheered once more while the Bass crossed their arms and looked disappointed. To face all those challenges and suffer like they did only to lose was a bitter pill to swallow. "Killer Bass, that makes your team today's big losers. I'll be seeing you tonight at the campfire ceremony."
*Confessional*
Isabella: What a tough day of challenges…and now we have to go eliminate someone as well? That's just cruel.
Buford: I blame Dipper. If the guy had just trusted Gaz we woulda won for sure! Sadly…I don't think the rest of the team will agree with me. *he sighs* This won't be an easy elimination…
*End Confessional*
The Gophers were back at their cabin after dinner celebrating their win. Many of them had leftover food or drinks they had been given as a reward. Mandy was the only one not celebrating with them. "Let's give it up for Mabel!" Cindy said, standing up and holding her drink high into the air. "For winning the challenge!"
"To Mabel!" The rest of the team cheered and also raised up their own glasses.
"Whoo!" Mabel stood and raised her arms up in a cheer. "Thanks guys! You were all awesome too. Give me a high five!" Everyone held out their hands and Mabel walked over with her own raised to high five them. She slapped everyone's hand until she reached Pacifica. Realizing who it was, she immediately recoiled and pulled her hand back in fear. "Ah!"
"Mabel, come on!" Pacifica called out, sounding upset. "I'm part of this team too. I'm a Screaming Gopher!"
"Stay away from me Pacifica!" Mabel told the blonde. "I know you're just trying to trick me again!"
"No I'm not!" Pacifica glared as she argued back. The two girls stared at each other for a minute, neither making a move. Then Pacifica suddenly broke eye contact and ran off. She hurried away from the cabin, her eyes brimming with tears. Mabel felt mild relief that the encounter was over.
Dipper was heading over to the campfire pit for the elimination ceremony when he spotted Pacifica running away from her cabin. He caught sight of his sister and could guess what had happened. Despite having an elimination to attend, Dipper followed after the blonde. He was shocked when he saw her start to cry. She stopped running at the edge of the woods and fell to her knees and began to sob.
For a moment pity gripped Dipper's heart and he instinctively reached out a hand toward her, but then pulled back. He watched her cry for a minute before quietly turning around and heading back to the campfire pit.
*Confessional*
Dipper: I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think Mabel is wrong about Pacifica. I know how crazy as that sounds. I mean, yeah, she was pretty terrible, but I don't think she wants to be anymore. I think she really wants to be friends with my sister. *he gazes contemplatively for a moment* Oh great, now what have I gotten myself into?
*End Confessional*
Night had fallen and the campfire ceremony had begun. The remaining seven members of the Killer Bass had all gathered, along with their host, Chris. Buford, Zim and Gaz all sat on the back row of stump seats while Isabella, Nazz, Dib and Dipper sat in the front row. The fire cackled quietly and no one spoke.
Chris began. "Who wants a treat?" He motioned to the plate of marshmallows he held in one hand. "A tasty goody that represents exemption, security, and peace of mind."
"Just get on with it Chris!" Gaz growled, the bump on her head still enlarged and throbbing.
"And if you don't get a marshmallow you have to walk the dock of shame and you can never come back!" Chris finished his little speech as fast as he could. "Ever!" The group had heard that before. "Let's see…Isabella, Buford, Dib, you're all safe." He threw the three tweens a marshmallow each. "Nazz and Dipper, well done," he tossed both of them a marshmallow as well. "Looks like we only have one left. Zim and Gaz, Who's it gonna be?"
*Confessional*
Dib: *he still looks sickly* It ends tonight Zim…it ends tonight…
Isabella: I'm gonna have to go with Gaz. Despite what Zim did to Dib, Gaz just seems meaner, and our team does not need that negativity!
Nazz: It's a hard choice, I don't like either of them!
Buford: Aww man, I'm really in a bind! Zim and me are buddies so I should vote for Gaz, but I like Gaz! I don't want her to go either. What the heck am I supposed to do?
*End Confessional*
Chris held the last marshmallow in his hand as he gazed out toward the two campers. A dramatic silence was held as everyone knew one of the two would soon be eliminated. Neither however, looked worried. Zim looked confident while Gaz appeared to not even care. Everyone waited impatiently as the host made sure to take his sweet time. Finally, someone spoke up.
"Excuse me Chris," Isabella raised her hand. "I think Dib is going to be sick again. Could we maybe, hurry this up?"
"Don't rush me! The audience eats up this kind of dramatic conclusion!" The host told her. Multiple campers sighed and Chris realized he should probably hurry it up. "Alright then. The last marshmallow goes to…"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"…Gaz."
Zim and Buford gasped. The alien's bravado melted away as the purple-haired girl was given the last marshmallow. "What is this?" he stood up. "You would eliminate Zim? You would deny Zim the marshmallow? Fools!" he screamed out before turning to this team. "Which of you worthless worms dare vote for Zim?"
Dib, despite his poisoning, stood up. "I voted for you Zim! I've finally managed to stop you! Now you'll never win and…get the money…and somehow…take over the world?" The big-headed boy faltered. "Wait…what was your plan again?"
"Plan? Zim needs no plan!" he declared. "Zim is unstoppable!" During his ranting, Chef grabbed the alien boy, hoisted him over his back and began to walk toward the dock of shame. "This isn't over!" he yelled at them. "I will return with Gir and Mini-Moose and we will show you earth monkeys what 'elimination' really means!" He began to laugh maniacally until Chef threw him face first onto the boat of losers. He was soon headed out to sea.
"Freak," Gaz laughed as she played her game.
Dib sat back down. "Good riddance…"
Buford just sighed.
"The rest of you are safe…" Chris said. "…for now." The elimination ceremony had ended. The remaining six members of the Killer Bass headed back to their cabin. The fire soon went out and darkness covered the island.
Votes:
Dib- Zim
Dipper- Zim
Isabella- Gaz
Nazz- Zim
Gaz- Zim
Zim- Gaz
Buford- Dib
Tally: Zim-4, Gaz-2, Dib-1
Eliminated: Carl, Billy, Helga, Misery, Sheen, Libby, Baljeet, Kuki, Edd, Zim
Remaining: Phineas, Mandy, Cindy, Timmy, Mabel, Pacifica, Isabella, Dib, Buford, Dipper, Nazz, Gaz
A/N: Reviews are appreciated.