A/n- WARNING: Chapter includes violence

Cameras are off

**

Courtney already had enough trouble sleeping with 22 other people in her group's cabin. But sleeping on the ground...outside? Now that was difficult. She had no idea how she got there because the last thing she remembered was (although it took some time) falling asleep in a bed. A bed with Duncan right next to her. That ogre! He probably did this to mess with me! Ugh! He's so immature!

The C.I.T. groaned and tried sitting up, when she realized she had been tied up. What the hell? She looked down at her wrists and ankles, which were tightly wrapped up with rope. I don't think Duncan did this...

She took a deep breath. Wait a minute... Her mouth had also been covered in what felt like..duct tape? Ok, no big deal. All I have to do is figure out how to untie this. She tried wiggling, then she tried using her mouth. Ugh! Nothing's working! She began to get frustrated and panic rose within her. This can't be real! This has to be a nightmare! She scooted towards a tree branch, trying to cut the rope off of her wrists, but it wouldn't budge. How she wished she could scream for help.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps from behind her. Her body began to tremble. Part of her wanted it to be Duncan screwing with her, even if it was too far. Maybe this is just some stupid prank. Maybe I'll turn around and see Duncan laughing his ass off and I'll yell at him and tell him that it wasn't funny. Then he'll say it was, and then I'll probably smack him, and- "Mmmmph!!!!" Courtney let out a muffled cry as she felt two firm hands grab her from behind and turn her around to lift her up. All she could make out was a dark mask before she was flung over the mysterious person's shoulder.

"Mmmmph!" She continued to scream and kick with both her legs. She knew she could easily escaped if it were for her legs being tied up.

"Shhh!" She heard them whisper sharply as they walked right next to the cabins. She felt her stomach drop when she noticed how close she was to civilization...how close she was to being saved. But no one could hear her.

Courtney's eyes widened when whoever it was stepped onto the dock. "MMPPPPHHH!" She screamed as loud as she could, hoping that someone would hear her...anyone.

She felt the stranger stop suddenly. All she could hear was their breath. In and out, in and out. She tried kicking and squirming again, but it got her nowhere. Help! Someone, please! Help me!!!! Her heart was racing at a thousand beats per second.

"Bye bye, Courtney," a low, dangerous voice came from her captor's mouth. It didn't sound like anyone she knew, but it was a voice she'd never forget.

The brunette let out a bloodcurdling scream as she was tossed into the cold lake water.

**

Gwen woke up having to use the bathroom. She walked as carefully as she could across her fellow camp mates, trying to step on them and wake them up. Especially the ones who'd probably kill her if she did.

She opened the door to meet the cool night air and sighed. The bathrooms were now two cabins away instead of right next to them since they were all sleeping together. I'll just go lumberjack style. She headed over to the forest.

That's when she heard it: a terrified scream over by the dock. The goth turned her head and saw a huge splash in the water. Then she saw a dark figure wearing a mask run off into the night. Her eyes were saucers.

Oh my god.

She immediately ran towards the water and peered into the water. She gasped when she saw brown hair and arms that tried to reach the surface. They looked...tied up! I have to do something!

Gwen looked around frantically. I should get Trent! She started to run back to the cabin, when she spun around again. What are you doing?! There's no time to waste! She quickly dove in.

**

Darkness. That's all Courtney could see. Just darkness. She lifted her arms, trying desperately to reach the surface, but she felt herself sinking like an anchor. How much do these ropes weigh?

This is it, she thought. I'm gonna die. No you're not, Courtney! You're an excellent swimmer! Snap out of it! The C.I.T. tried again to reach the surface, but the restraints on her wrists prevented any progressive movement. Then came the burning in her lungs.

She hadn't had time to hold her breath before she was thrown in. Plus, she'd used all her energy on keeping herself afloat and reaching the surface. She reached up one last time, now becoming lightheaded, her vision slowly fading.

The last thing she remembered was a sharp tug at her arms before she blacked out.

**

Gwen dragged the drowning girl to the surface and laid her down on the rocks. She caught her own breath before flipping her onto her back. The goth gasped.

"C-Courtney?!" She took the duct tape off of her mouth and shook her, hoping that would wake her up. "Courtney!" She yelled again, shaking her more firmly this time. When she still didn't budge, Gwen gently pressed down on her chest and started lumping lightly. "Please wake up, please wake up, please wake up..." her voice trembled and her eyes began to water. Please.

There was a small coughing noise before she opened her eyes, coughing up some water and holding her chest.

"Courtney!" Gwen's face lit up and she sat her up slowly.

The C.I.T. squinted. "...Gwen?"

"Yeah, it's me." She placed a hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "I was going to the bathroom when I heard you scream, a-and I saw someone run off, and-"

"Did you see who it was?!" She asked frantically.

"No," Gwen shook her head, looking in the direction where the mysterious figure ran off. "They were wearing a black mask. That's all I remember."

"Me too," the brunette sighed shakily. "I...really thought I was gonna die, Gwen. I-I..." she choked, then started sobbing. "I-if you would've never came out here, I-I would've..."

"Don't say that, Court. I'm here and I got you out. That's all that matters."

"I guess...it's just-h-he knew my name."

The goth raised an eyebrow. "He?"

Courtney nodded. "Right before he threw me into the water, he said 'bye bye Courtney.' It was the most terrifying voice I've ever heard in my life."

"And you're sure it was a guy?"

"Yes."

**

"EVERYONE WAKE UP!" Gwen screamed, turning the light on in the cabin.

"What?!" Heather was the first to complain, glaring daggers at her.

"Ugh." Noah covered his face with a pillow. "Go away."

"H...Hey!" Lindsay half-yelled, half-yawned. "I'm...trying to sleep here!"

"No! Everyone needs to get up right now! It's an emergency!"

"Someone better be dying," LeShawna snapped, smacking her lips together groggily.

"Well someone almost did!" The goth gestured to Courtney.

Heather scoffed. "She's probably just overreacting. Now let me get my beauty sleep!" She laid back down next to Alejandro, who wrapped an arm around her.

"I found her tied up and DROWNING IN THE LAKE!!!!"

"Wait, what?!!" Duncan panicked, getting up and running towards his girlfriend. He quickly examined her, then pulled her into his arms. He felt her shiver. "You're so cold...you need to get into new clothes. Everyone, get out!" Surprisingly, there were no objections.

Once the last person left the cabin, Duncan immediately dug through his bag for a shirt. "I have other clothes too, you know," Courtney rolled her eyes.

"I know, but you'll warm up more quickly in mine." She blushed at his reply. Yes, she had definitely worn one of his shirts before, but it had been quite a while.

The C.I.T. changed into new undergarments and then slid her boyfriend's large shirt over her body. It fit like a dress, falling right above her knees.

"You need to lay down, alright Princess?" He said as he pulled the blankets back on their bunk. It was safe to say that she wasn't tired anymore, however, she was too weak to argue.

Courtney sighed, feeling the soft cushioning of the pillows below her head. Duncan pulled the covers over her and kissed her on the forehead. He sat on the edge of the bed, holding her hand. "So...someone tried to drown you?" The words sounded so foreign from his mouth. He was angry. Angry at himself for not being there she this happened.

"Well..." Courtney began, still looking so overwhelmed. "Yeah. I...I'm so thankful for Gwen."

"You know if I had been awake, I would've been there."

"I know," she smiled, then let out a tiny sneeze.

Duncan frowned. "Oh no, you have a cold now! I swear, when I get my hands on whoever did this to you-"

"It was a guy," she interrupted, biting her lip nervously. "He was wearing a black mask. And he knew my name. That's all I know."

**

"So you're saying he knew her name?" Asked Bridgette.

"Yeah," Gwen nodded. "That's what she told me. And she also said that his voice was terrifying."

"Oh my gosh!" Lindsay gasped. "Was it the boogeyman?!"

The goth's face fell flat. "No. It wasn't a monster. It was obviously someone here since he knew who she was."

"It was probably Chris," stated LeShawna.

"Yeah," Heather agreed. "Who else?"

"Chris is psycho, but don't think he'd do that when the cameras were off," replied José. "He'd want higher ratings if he was going to attempt murder."

"He's right," Scott said. "All that guy cares about is money. How can he make it when the interesting stuff is happened off-screen?"

"And you also said that he was wearing a black mask?" Alejandro joined.

"That's the only part I saw."

"Was he tall or short?"

"Uh..."

"Skinny or fat?"

"Old or young?"

"Guys!" Gwen yelled. "I don't remember any of that. He had a black mask. That's all."

"Then I guess we'll just have to play a little guessing game," Scott smirked. "Now let's think...who's most likely to want to kill Courtney? I think everyone!"

"Scott!" Gwen glared.

"Why don't we put him on the suspect list?" Mike suggested. "He's tried to kill people before."

"Yeah, so?" The farmer shrugged. "I admit to it. Why would I ever try to kill someone and get away with it?"

"Sadly, that's true," The goth rolled her eyes. "No offense to Scott, but he's way too stupid to get away with something like this."

"Thanks," he smiled. Then he frowned. "Hey!"

"Well who's the smartest person here then?" Asked Tyler.

"Definitely not you," Heather mumbled.

Al eyes turned to Noah. "What? You guys seriously think it's me?"

"No," Gwen shook her head. "I don't know how tall he was, but I do know that he wasn't as short as Noah, Cody, or Cameron."

"Ok," Scott began. "Then who would be smart enough to be able to get away with this? Cause apparently, it's not me. I'm offended!"

"You literally just said that you wouldn't try to kill someone and get away with it," The goth pointed out.

"Yeah, but you called me stupid."

"That's because you are stupid!" Heather cut in. "You would have won Revenge of the Island is it wasn't for your lack of common sense!"

"Guys!" Gwen yelled. "This is no time to be arguing! Courtney could have died last night! We need to figure out who did this!"

"I say it was Alejandro," Geoff glared at the Spaniard.

"Oh, go drown yourself in a lake," Heather retorted.

"But he may be right," Mike said. "Remember how smart and cunning he was in World Tour?"

"True..."

"He's a got a point..."

"You guys seriously think Alejandro did this?!" The queen bee yelled. "He was laying beside me the whole night!"

José smirked. "And how would you know since you were asleep-"

"I did not try to kill Courtney!" Alejandro interrupted his brother. "Why the hell would I want to do that?!"

"Maybe because you wanted to start shit and more drama between everybody!" LeShawna snapped. "I say it was him. He is he most untrustworthy person here!"

"I say it was him too," Harold nodded.

"Me too."

"Agreed."

"Definitely."

"...Why not," Noah shrugged, not really seeming to care.

"I guess you're right," Gwen rolled her eyes. "And I even bet Heather was behind it too."

"Of course you would bring me into this!" Said girl argued back, then crossed her arms. "If you think so, how'd I help him out, then, huh?! I'd love to know all of you guys's theories!"

"Well we obviously don't know yet. Unless you wanna spill?"

"There's nothing to spill! We were asleep when it happened!"

"Like we believe a word that comes out of your mouth," Geoff glared at Heather.

"Well you should because you're looking for the wrong person!" She yelled, balling her fists.

"Heather," Alejandro began, gently placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's not worth fight about this with them. They can simply figure it out on their own."

"Fine!" She snapped. "But don't come apologizing when you find out who it was." They both walked off.

**

There was a small knock at the cabin door. "Who is it?" Asked Courtney.

"It's Gwen. Can...I come in?"

Pause.

"...Sure."

The goth slowly opened the door and saw her and Duncan cuddling together in bed. She bit her lip, pretending it wasn't awkward. "We're, uh...about to have breakfast if you guys are hungry."

"I'm starving," Courtney groaned, getting up. "Let's go eat." She reached out a hand to her boyfriend. He smiled, grabbing it and following her out the door, when Gwen tapped him on the shoulder, mouthing 'meet me outside.'

The punk raised an eyebrow. "Hey Court," he started. "Why don't you go ahead and eat? I'm gonna go use the restroom."

The C.I.T. looked weary, but nodded. "...Alright. Just...don't take long." Courtney would never admit it, but she was now terrified to walk anywhere on her own after what happened last night.

"What's up?" Duncan asked Gwen after Courtney was out of sight.

"Well...we think we know who did it."

**

Courtney couldn't eat. Her stomach was screaming at her to do so, but she just couldn't. The chocolate muffin on her plate looked so delicious, but she felt like throwing up every time she held it up to her mouth. The fact that she nearly died came flooding back, and suddenly, her body was shaking like crazy. Whoever did this could come from anywhere and attack me again! I should have waited for Duncan!

"Courtney," came a gentle voice from beside her. Bridgette sat her tray down. "Are you ok?"

"Y-Yeah," she tried, but couldn't hide her fear.

"It's ok," the surfer reassured. "We've all got your back."

"Thanks, Bridge," she smiled halfheartedly.

There was a loud bang as the door was violently swung open, making everyone jump. Duncan stormed through the cafeteria, his eyes darting everywhere.

"...Duncan?" The brunette looked at him, baffled. "What are you-"

"There you are!" The delinquent glared, his attention directed at someone else. Everyone turned towards Alejandro, who had just gotten his food and was about to sit. He marched right up to him and slapped his hand onto the wooden table.

"Geez, calm down, amigo-"

"Do NOT call me amigo! Do you think it's funny to dump my girlfriend into a lake and leave her there to drown?!!!" He grabbed him by his shirt collar. "Well at me tell you this, Al. You messed with the wrong guy!!!! I'll kick your ass so hard, you won't know what hit you!" He swung his fist, punching him right in the jaw. Everyone around them gasped. The Spaniard looked shocked at first, holding his face and wincing in pain.

"If you hurt my Princess again, I'll do worse than just mess up your pretty little face-" the punk was interrupted by him shoving him to the ground.

"Don't listen to what those idiots told you! I didn't hurt Cortney, nor do ever I intend to!"

"Oh, that's it!" Duncan growled, standing back up and shoving him back. "I'm sick and tired of you messing with everybody! It's gone too far this time! You and Heather are pure evil and all you care about is the damn money! Is that what makes you guys happy?! Murdering people?!!!"

"For the last time," Alejandro gritted his teeth. "We. Did. Not. Do. It!!" He grabbed the juvenile's wrist and slammed him against the wall. "You either need to clam down or I'm taking you down."

Duncan spit in his face, kicking his chin and pushing Alejandro off of him. He grabbed his pocket knife and pointed it at him.

"Duncan, stop!!!!" Yelled Courtney, but he was too angry to listen at this point.

"What if I try to murder you?!" He screamed. "How would that feel?!"

Alejandro backed up, a bit taken aback. Sure,Duncan wasn't open for being peaceful, but he sure wasn't known for being this violent. "Dude, calm down!!"

That's when Heather came in from the restrooms, her eyes widening at what she saw. "What the hell is going on here?!"

Chef frowned. "Aw man, it was just getting interesting."

"You and your fiancé are insane, that's what!" Duncan replied.

"We didn't freaking try to kill Courtney, ok?!! Now get that weapon away from him! What the hell is wrong with you?!!" She walked closer, fists balled.

"Duncan!!!!" Courtney yelled again, standing up from her spot and marching over to them. "Stop it!!! You're just causing more trouble!!"

"No, I'm trying to protect you! This is a murderer we're dealing with, here!" He turned back to Alejandro. "Now get out of my sight before I use this!!" He held his knife up and directed it towards him.

"NO!!!!" Heather screamed, firmly grabbing the punk's arm and twisting it. On instinct, Duncan ripped his arm away, causing her to fall backwards and hit the ground. "Ahh..." she winced, rubbing her lower back. "Idiot!"

Alejandro looked down at Heather, then looked back to Duncan, his eyes shooting daggers. "I may not murder, but I'll make a special exception for you."

"Alright, alright!" Chef interrupted, running in from the kitchen and pulling the two men apart by their shirts. "We're not allowed to let people kill each other here, so if y'all wanna do that, you can leave the island!"

Duncan and Alejandro were both breathing heavily, staring each other down. "Don't think this is over yet, pretty boy," Duncan spat as he was let go of.

"Oh, I know it's not!" The Spaniard retorted back. They both went to opposite sides of the cafeteria.

"Are you ok?" Alejandro asked his fiancé worriedly.

"Yes," she rolled her eyes. "And fighting Duncan isn't going to help our case!"

"He walked up to me and punched me in the face!"

"Well, sorry, I wasn't there to see that."

"Point is," he crossed his arms angrily, "He took things way too far!"

"I definitely agree, but don't keep fighting him. Do you want him to continue to think that we did this?! Cause we didn't!"

The Spaniard sighed heavily, dropping his shoulders in defeat. "Fine. But if he tries hurting you-"

"Duncan's not going to hurt me, moron. What just happened there was an accident."

"I know, mi amor. And I don't care."

Heather groaned. "Of course you don't."

"And just think," he continued. "Someone who knows something is sitting back and letting this all happen! Whoever did this will pay!"

Those words infuriated her even more. Some asshole tried to kill Courtney and is blaming it on us!! Ugh!! She grinned her teeth. That's when she saw José, who was talking to Owen and Tyler. The way he was always smirking reminded her of Alejandro, only he was worse. Something about his smirk looked extra dark today... Heather's stomach dropped when she thought of something. No way. Could...could he have done it?!