I OWN ABSOLUTELY NOTHING RELATED TO THIS SHOW OR MOST OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN IT. SOME THINGS MAY CHANGE, SUCH AS THE ORDER OF ELIMINATED CHARACTERS AND THE SYMBOLIZATION OF THEIR SAFETY. THE ONLY THINGS I DO OWN ARE THE IDEAS TO TWO CHARACTERS: ELIZA AND JESSE. EVERYTHING ELSE IS BASED OFF OF MY OWN IMAGINATION AND HOW I BELIEVE EVERYONE ELSE IN THE STORY WILL REACT. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THE STORY AT SOME POINT, THEN YOU MAY FILE YOUR COMPLAINTS IN THE REVIEWS AND I WILL IMPROVE ON MY LACKING IDEAS. ALL ORIGINAL CREDIT FOR THIS SHOW GOES TO TELETOON AND ITS ASSOCIATED CO-CREATORS.
Chapter 1: The Game Begins
Jesse POV (Point Of View)
Day 1
I stretch out the grogginess in me as I wake up from a long nap at sea and not knowing where to go. It's been a long voyage since Arizona and I'm still not sure where this game is going to take place. I had recently signed up to be part of a reality game TV show called "Total Drama Island", but all that I know is that it's some kind of battle with 23 other people as we try to win a huge prize. For the past few days, I've been on a yacht that has the guest room of a cruise ship and I occasionally hear some kind of tribal music. I assume it's the theme song for the show when it airs in the real world. It sounds like chanting of an island-living ancient civilization mixed with deep throat-ed singing and a couple of words I can't quite place. At that moment there is an announcement through my room.
"Attention, please leave the premises and report to the ships' deck. It's time to begin the competition."
When I hear those words, I gather the black duffel bag that's as big as me. It has all the things I brought with me and a few "fun items" I was allowed to bring.
Wait, what is everyone going to be like? What if they're all master strategists?
These thoughts make me feel nervous and I try to relax because I have no idea what the other people are going to be like or what they'll be planning behind the scenes. I take a few deep breaths and get my game face on. I walk out onto the deck and I see a dock connected to the boat. I step onto the dock and as I do, I hear the boat starting to leave. I try to make out where I am, and it looks like an island, which is what I was thinking about when I was listening to that music. Out of the blue, I see a camera in my face and take a step backwards when I do. The cameraman seems to be motioning me to move to my left and I see someone who appears to be in charge. This guys' picture was in the contract information I had signed when I first applied. I think his name was Chris something-or-other. He must be the host for the show. I don't really have anything to worry about with him around.
"Jesse, welcome to the game, dude."
"Thanks, it's good to meet ya. To be honest, I'm a little nervous about all this."
"Reality TV jitters, huh? I've been there. Just relax, hombre. You've got all the time you need to get used to this stuff."
"Alright. I guess this game won't be so hard if I'm calm."
"That's the spirit! Now go ahead and wait at the other end of the dock as the rest of the cast comes in."
"Sure." I guess that means I'm the first one here. I wonder what everyone else will be like.
As I place my bag down, I see another boat coming in. I think all of these contestants came from different parts of the country; and that they all came on their own yacht. Something tells me I may be in for a long day. The next boat dropped off a girl. She looked like a free spirit chick who did her own thing. And she also had braces. She must have been part of the same crowd as me in high school.
"Beth. What's up?"
"It's so incredulous to meet you! Wow! You're much shorter in real life."
"Uh..., Thanks."
She seemed really happy to be here. She even waved to the camera after she made her comment to the host.
"Hi! Nice to meet you."
"Likewise. I'm Jesse."
"Jesse, huh? That's an interesting name; because it shows masculinity and femininity."
"Uh, thanks. It's nice to meet you Beth. I hope we can be good friends."
"Same here. Even if I don't win the prize, at least I won at life."
Hmm... Good philosophy. I think she and I could work pretty well together.
"Look, Look, Look! Another boat!"
"Huh? Oh yeah. I wonder who we're meeting next."
The next boat dropped off a behemoth of a man. He appeared to be as big as a truck and considering the size of his luggage, he probably had the strength to pull one himself too.
"Yo, Chris McLean! How's it goin'? Hey, you sure you got the right place here? Where's the hot tub at?"
"Yo dawg, this is it. Camp Wawanakwa!"
When Chris finished explaining, I took a look around to see that he was right. This place look just like a summer camp for younger kids and their chaperones.
"Hm. Looked a lot different on the application form."
"You're telling me. I was sorta expecting something else. I'm not sure what, but something else."
"Like some kind of mansion that rich people normally live in?"
"Yeah girl, that's what I was thinking."
"No, I think it was more of an island village. I don't know, it's my imagination and even I don't understand it."
The other two started laughing. I wasn't sure if it was because of the joke I made or something else.
"Hahaha, that's funny man. At least this trip ain't all bad. I'm D.J.
"Jesse."
"I'm Beth. Nice to meet you."
When we got the pleasantries out of the way, another person came onto the dock. This one was a goth girl who was probably deep and moody.
"Hey Gwen!"
She didn't look very happy when she was looking around. I'm not really sure what to make of her as a player at the moment.
"You mean we're staying here?!"
"No, 'you're' staying here. My crib is an air-stream with A.C. that-a-way."
I guess being the host of an up and coming TV show comes with its' perks.
"I did not sign up for this."
"Actually, you did."
That was when Chris showed us a stack of papers. I think it was her contract so that he could show her the articles that she didn't understand. What Gwen did next completely shocked the rest of us. She took what I assumed to be her contract out of his hands, tore it to shreds, and threw the remaining pieces into the water. And the craziest part of it was she didn't look like she even cared of the consequences of her actions. But then, probably just to shut her up, Chris brought out another stack of papers.
"The great thing about lawyers is; they make lots of copies."
Meanwhile, Beth looked like she wanted to say something, but we were too wrapped up in what was happening to notice that her boat was already leaving.
"I am not staying here."
"Cool. I hope you can swim though, because your ride just left."
"Jerk."
"I tried to warn you that-"
At that moment I clasped Beth's mouth shut. The goth girl seemed sorta ticked off and Beth pointing something out probably wasn't gonna help.
"Did one of you guys just say something?"
"Nope, we didn't say anything. Hahahahaha."
She gave us a strong look for a brief second and then gave us the 'I'm watching you' sign with two fingers. Taking a sigh of relief so that Beth could take a gasp of fresh air. Maybe I was gonna have to be wary of someone after all. After that whole mess, another boat came in with a guy wearing an unbuttoned shirt and a cowboy hat. Judging by the way he was waving his arms, I'd say the hat was a sort of fashion statement and that he was just some kind of party animal looking for a good time. I don't think I'll have to worry about him too much. He jumped off the side of the boat, his luggage being thrown behind him and came up to the rest of us.
"Chris McLean. S'up man! It's an honor to meet you man!"
"The 'Geoff-ster'! Welcome to the island man.
"Thanks, man."
"They say 'man' one more time, I'm gonna puke."
This guy was telling us who he was, Jeff with a 'GEO' instead of a 'J', when another girl stepped onto the dock. For some reason, the cameraman was doing a close-up to her boots and moving up to her face. Is she supposed to be a supermodel?
"Everybody, this is Lindsey. Not too shabby."
"Hi~. Okay, you look so familiar."
"I'm Chris McLean."
She looked somewhat confused with Chris's reply. Either she didn't read the entire application or she isn't very good with memorizing facts.
"The host of the show."
"Oh, THAT"S where I know you from."
"Uhhhh... yeah."
"Hi there everyone, I'm Lindsey. It's really nice to meet you all and I hope we can be friends."
As she was introducing herself to us, I was starting to contemplate whether or not she was just playing dumb or if she was just one of those girls who focused more on being pretty than beefing up her brain.
"Something tells me I won't need to worry about her either."
After the next boat came, the girl who came off this time seemed really serious. The girl, whom Chris identified as Heather, had this feeling from her that she was probably someone I really shouldn't mess with.
"Hi! Looks like we're your new friends for the next few months."
Beth was trying to make friends with Heather, but when she got a little closer, Heather looked like she came into contact with a strange alien from another planet.
Oh jeez, she's one of 'those' girls isn't she?
After everyone got to the end of the dock, another boat came up and this one seemed unique, to say the least. There was rock music being played on the deck and the guy coming in looked like he was part of a prison gang. He had a green Mohawk, a pointed collar, a skull shirt, and multiple ear, nose, and eyebrow piercings. I think I should avoid this guy at all costs, if I can.
"Duncan. Dude."
"I don't like surprises."
"Yeah, your parole officer warned me about that, man. He also told me to give him a holler anytime and have you return to juvie."
This guy's a criminal?! I need to be careful around him.
"Okay then." After words, he gave Heather what I assumed was a pick up call. "Meet you by the campfire gorgeous."
"Drop dead, you skeeze. I'm calling my parents. You cannot make me stay here."
At that moment, Chris flashed the contract again, and something told me that none of us were going anywhere without his say so. The next boat came up in a very unusual way. The next person was water skiing behind the boat in an effort to impress us.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Tyler!"
Tyler was trying to wave to us, but as he did, he lost focus on what he was doing and wiped out; but not in the manner I expected. He did what I never expected out of a water wipe out. He skipped like a stone all the way to the dock until he hit the planks sending him into all of our luggage, which sent one of the suitcases into the water and drenched Heather in water, who was more concerned about her shoes than her getting wet.
"Wicked wipe out, man."
Tyler gave a thumbs up signaling that he was okay, but I wanted to get a better picture, so I pulled him out of the luggage and sure enough, he didn't even have a scratch on him.
"Hey, are you okay? That was a pretty big crash."
"Nah, I'm alright. Being a jock you tend to have a better strength against wipeouts like that. Name's Tyler. Nice to meetcha."
"Uh, Jesse. Nice to meet you too."
None of us even saw the next guy come in as we heard a slight wheezing noise coming from the other end of the dock. He seemed to be kind of nerdy with big glasses and was also lugging a keyboard along with his things."
"Welcome to camp, Harold."
This guy seemed very observant as he was looking around at so many other things like D.J. did.
"What's he looking at?"
"I think he's getting a look at the place. He probably feels like he got cheated or something."
"So you mean this show is at a crappy summer camp and not on some big stage or something?"
"You got it."
"Yes! That is so much more favorable to my skills."
Oh boy, this guy's probably gonna be the nerd that makes everyone feel really awkward.
As Harold took his place with the rest of us, another guy was dropped onto the dock. This one seemed kind of interesting, seeing as he was lugging guitar case with him.
"Contestant number 11 is Trent."
"Hey, good to meet you, man. Saw you on that figure skating show, nice work."
"Her, thanks man. I knew I rocked that show."
"I saw that. One of the guy dropped his partner on her head, so they got immunity that week."
"Lucky. I hope I get dropped on my head."
"Me too!
"So, this is it? Alrighty, then."
He probably meant the rest of us. Oh well, at least this guy seems normal.
Then Trent took his place with the rest of us. I could have been wrong, but I thought I saw Gwen smile as he was standing next to him. As the next boat came in, the girl who was on it was carrying a surfboard. I'm not sure, but I don't think those kinds of waves will be coming close to us anytime soon.
"Hey. What's up?"
"Alright, our surfer chick, Bridgette is here."
"Pfft, nice board. This ain't Malibu, honey."
"I thought we were going to be on a beach."
"We are."
As I looked around, there was a bit of sand that surrounded some parts of the island, but it didn't look like anywhere I would want to walk at sunset. Bridgette sighed as she accepted the reality of the situation. As she was walking, her surfboard bumped into the host and as we were trying to talk to her, she swung it around as if it were some sort of weapon.
"Okay, we've all met surfer girl. Can we get on with the show please?
"Someone missed their double cappuccino macchiato this morning."
"Get bent."
I looked around and realized that half of the cast was now here.
If this is how the other contestants are going to be like, I don't know how I'm going to stay sane.
The next boat brought a small guy with a sweater vest, who looked like he was good with puzzles, but probably had some things to work on in terms of physical strength.
"Our, ugh, next camper is Noah."
"You got my memo about my life-threatening allergies?"
"I'm sure someone did."
"Good, is this where we're staying?
"No, it's your mother's house, and we're throwing a party."
"Cute. Nice piercings, original. You do those yourself?
Things looked like they were going to get ugly as Noah, who was acting like a wise guy and a know-it-all, was getting into trouble with Duncan. Before I knew it, Duncan had Noah's lip in one hand and a seemingly unused needle in the other.
"Yeah, you want one?"
"Uhh, no thanks. Can I have my lip back please? Thanks."
This is going to be a very long game.
The next boat was coming into view as a girl was shouting to us and letting us know she was here. Harold seemed stricken with who she was and I could probably see why.
"What's up ya'll, Leshawna's in the house! Yo, baby. Hey, how you doing, how's it going. Feel free to quit now and save yo-selves the trouble cause I came to win. Oh what's up, my brotha? Gimme some sugar, baby."
The last part was for D.J., who didn't seem to know her, but maybe it was because they came from the same background. That was when Harold made a seemingly forward set of statements.
"I've never seen a girl like you in real life before."
"Excuse me?"
"You're real big. And loud."
"What did you say to me? Oh no you didn't! You have not seen anything yet. I'll show you big, baby."
At that point everyone else was either trying to stop a fight from breaking out or just stay out of it. I chose the latter option. Lashawna looked like she was ready to charge like a wild bull while Harold took a defensive karate stance and tried to chop her.
"Oh yeah, you want some of this? Well, come on then!"
"Alright campers, settle down!"
Everything seemed settled, but that was yet to be seen. The next boat was carrying two girls instead of one. They seemed to be wearing the same clothes, but there were major differences between the two. One of them was skinny and tanned and the other was pale and was a little, uh, on the "large side".
"Ladies. Sadie, Katie, welcome to your new home for the summer."
"Oh my gosh. Sadie, look! It's a summer camp."
"Okay! I always wanted to go to summer camp. Eeeeee!"
These girls looked like they were the best of friends. If one of them hadn't addressed the other by name, I don't think I could have ever told them apart. I was drawn out of my thoughts when the next boat dropped off a guy in a sweatshirt and a wool cap.
"Ezekiel. What's up, man?"
He looked up and pointed up at the sky, as if Chris was giving him some sort of pop quiz. I couldn't help but chuckle a little when I heard his answer.
"I think I see a bird."
"Okay. Look dude, I know you don't get out much. Been home-schooled your whole life, raised by freaky prairie people. Just don't say much and try not to get kicked off too early, okay?"
"Yes, sir."
As I scratched my head, I wasn't really sure what to make of this guy, and in all honesty, some of the other probably had questions too. We didn't really get the chance to ask as another boat came up and dropped off a guy who seemed to be the youngest out of all of us.
"Cody. The Code-ster. The Code-MIESTER."
"Dude, psyched to be here, man. I see the ladies have already arrived. Alright."
This guy looked like he was really here to find a girlfriend rather than competing in this game. He looked like he was about to say something to Leshawna, but she didn't even give him the chance.
"Save it, short stuff."
The next boat came and dropped off another girl, but she seemed completely different from the others. She seemed a lot stronger than the rest of the girls and even some of the guys. She looked like she could probably win a body builder contest hands down, and she didn't seem to be in a talkative mood either.
"Eva, nice. Glad you could make it."
Cody was offering her a high five, but she just ignored him and dropped her bag. When she did, I thought I had heard a metallic clanging of multiple heavy objects. It must have hurt Cody's foot, because he was hopping in place holding his foot.
"Ow. What's in there, dumbbells?"
"Yes."
The rest of us looked kind of intimidated by her, and Duncan was even trying to play hot potato with her towards D.J., since he was also muscular, but I don't think he wants to know her very well either.
"She's all yours, man."
Nobody saw the next boat come in, so we were all spooked by the amount of yelling that started coming from the other end of the dock. The next guy that came in seemed really excited, as if this show was already a huge success, and we didn't even start playing season 1 yet.
"WHOO-HOO! Chris! What's happening? Hahaha. This is awesome! WHOO-HOO!"
"Owen! Welcome!"
This guy looked like he loved food even more that I did, and my weight for my age is somewhat normal, considering that I occasionally exercise. He definitely seemed stronger than he looked though, because he could pick Chris up and hug him tightly like a teddy bear.
Is it just me, or did I hear a crackling sound coming from the host.
"Awesome to be here, man. Yeah! This is just so, so…..
"Awesome?"
"Yes! Awesome! Whoo! Are you gonna be on my team?"
"Oh I sure hope so."
Gwen seemed to be really sarcastic. She seems to at least be trying to make friends with Owen, but I'm not really sure if she really intends to align with anyone. Meanwhile, Owen was still whooping it up as another boat came in.
"You about finished?"
"Sorry, dude. I'm just so psyched."
"Cool. And here comes Courtney."
This girl seemed really mild mannered. She was waving at us politely as Chris took her hand as a means of assisting her onto the dock. She seemed nice, so maybe she'll be a good ally later on.
"Thank you. Hi, you must be the other contestants. It's really nice to meet you all."
"How's it going? I'm Owen."
"Nice to meet you Oh, Wow!"
Courtney seemed to be a little distracted as Owen was shaking her hand. When I turned to see the next boat coming in, I could see that she probably got distracted by the next guy who was coming in. As I looked around, it seemed that every single girl was enchanted by whatever he was doing to make himself seem interesting. Some were swooning, others stared, and I'm pretty sure that Sadie fainted.
I don't think I'll ever understand girls.
"This is Justin. Welcome to Total Drama Island."
"Thanks Chris. This is great."
"Just so you know, we picked you based entirely on your looks."
"I can deal with that."
This guy seemed to be an interesting sort of character if he can be put on this show for his looks alone. Owen tried to talk to him later on, but I was caught up in my own thoughts for the moment to make out what was going on.
If this guy is as smart as he is popular, I may have my work cut out for me. Okay, then. Game on!
Another boat looked like it was coming in, and this one had a girl that was sporting a green jungle outfit. Maybe she'll be interesting too.
"Hey everyone, Izzy!
As she was running up to us and saying hello, she seemed to have forgotten about the boat's railing, tripped, and slammed her chin onto the side of the dock. Some of us were hissing at the pain she had from her injury, but Tyler made a statement that was a good case of irony.
"Ooh, that was bad. Hahaha."
You have no room to talk.
"Guys, she could be seriously hurt."
Courtney went to help Izzy onto the dock and after words, she shook the water off of her hair and said what was on her mind, which really confused me.
"Are you alright?"
"That felt so, ugh, good! Except for hitting my chin. This is summer camp? That is so cool. Do you have papier-mâché here? Are we having lunch soon?"
"That is a good call."
"One piece of business at a time. We still need to bring out our last camper."
I counted everyone standing here in my head and realized that he was right. Including me, there were 23 people who had been introduced. I started counting the numbers of each gender and realized that the last player was going to be a girl. The last boat came in and as they came onto the dock, I was right. She was a about 5 and a half feet tall, brunette with long and curled hair, and she was wearing a blue flowing shirt with long jeans and loafers.
Eliza POV
I walked onto the dock, and everything was so bright out. I needed to shield my eyes from the sun and once I got used to it, I saw so many other people on a dock. There was also a guy standing separately from everyone else, and I figured he had to be in charge.
"Last, but not least, Eliza. Welcome to the game."
"Thanks, it's good to meet you all."
I got a good look at everyone else, and I noticed a guy who seemed interesting. He was about 6 feet tall, had red hair as long as mine, and was wearing a red t-shirt with pale khaki shorts and black tennis shoes. He seemed kind of interesting, but I don't know, he could turn out to be my enemy. With all the others that were here, I got the feeling that this was going to be an interesting time.
"Now then, I'm sure you would like to know how the game will be played and knowledge of sleeping arrangements, but first thing's first. We need a group photo for the promos. Everyone on the end of the dock."
Right on cue, everyone started moving towards me and I was pushed around and bumped into so I didn't really know where to go. After everyone got into a pose, I made do with kneeling in front of everyone a body builder chick and a guy who made me nervous just by looking at him. I gave the camera my best smile and hoped this would be a good summer.
Jesse POV
"Jesse! Come on, dude!"
"Uh, okay!"
I thought it would be best for me to wait until everyone else got into their positions, so I stepped over some of the others and made do with sitting cross-legged in front of Trent and Noah, and to add my own bit of character, I gave a peace sign made of my extended thumb, pointer, and middle fingers while my ring finger and pinky were placed in a way as if they were pointing at the camera. All I could do was hope for a good game and an ever greater summer. When I thought my pose looked good enough, Chris jumped on Eliza's boat and started to take the picture.
"Okay! One, Two, Three…., oops. Okay, forgot the lens cap. Okay, hold that pose. One, two- oh, no wait; card's full. Hang on."
"Come on, man, my face is starting to freeze."
"Got it. Okay, everyone say 'Wawanakwa'."
"WAWANAKWA-AAAHHHH!"
Right when Chris took the picture, the dock capsized and everyone tumbled into the water. It felt like we were all getting put into a humanized washing machine and it took us a while to get to shore.
"Okay guys, dry off and meet at the campfire pit in 10."
Eliza POV
I didn't expect to get wet and smell like fish outside of Tennessee. We all got dried off and put the towels in a nice heap for whoever was doing laundry on this show. When we were done, we all walked as a group to the campfire to have the rest of the game explained to us. When we got there, Chris was waiting for us with a tin box, a couple of rolled up cloths, and a piece of paper on top of everything.
"Come on over guys. Take a seat on a stool or find a good place to stand."
We did what was asked of us and took a place where we were sure we could still see Chris. I tried to take a seat on a stump, but Jesse had already taken the last one. When he saw me, he offered me his seat, and chose to stand.
"Please, ma'am, allow me."
"What a gentleman."
And here I thought nice guys like him only existed in books or movies.
"Now then, this is camp Wawanakwa, your home for the summer. The campers sitting around you will be your cabin mates, your competition, and maybe even your friends, ya dig? The camper who manages to stay the longest on Total Drama Island without getting voted off will win a special prize. Now we didn't say what it would be in your interviews since we wanted to see what kind of people you were in real life and had you answer your questions as if you were playing for fun and a good challenge. It's time to reveal our grand prize."
Everyone was waiting in anticipation. I was on the edge of my stump and was about to fall off, but I was only focused on what Chris was going to say. Looking around I saw the same reaction and Leo had his hand over his mouth. He was probably trying to guess what the prize was, but he still wanted to hear it from the host himself.
"At the end of the show, the winner will receive-"
Don't pause in the middle of a sentence, we wanna know what it is already.
"ONE MILLION DOLLARS!"
There was a moment of silence, and then everyone started cheering like crazy. With that kind of money, I could give my parents and my sister a much better life than what they had before; and now that I know what's on the line, I'm willing to everything I can to win.
Jesse POV
In all honesty, the money does sound nice, but I really came here to see what I'm really capable of as a person. I have a few limitations than other people because of the way my brain is wired. Even so, I hope to prove a certain point and make my family and friends proud of me. Now I just had one last question; how are we all going to live together? Thankfully, someone already asked, but I think there was a dirty joke in there, and I really don't find those funny.
"Scuse me, what will the sleeping arrangements be? Because I like to request a bunk under her."
"They're not co-ed are they?"
"No, girls get one side of each cabin and dudes get the other."
"I just hope the boys don't get any ideas. Remember, people are watching; and I'm not just talking about Santa."
I couldn't help but laugh at what Eliza said. It definitely put the more immature guys in their place. I think it was important to set that tone too, considering that this could potentially be a family show.
"Excuse me, Kyle, can I have a cabin with a lake view since I'm the prettiest?"
(Face palm)
"Okay, you are, but that's not really how it works here; and it's "Chris".
I wasn't really sure how I was supposed to respond to that, but the next couple of comments sounded even crazier. At least Gwen was able to voice some of our opinions.
"I have to live with Sadie or I'll die."
"And I'll break out in hives. It's true."
"This cannot be happening."
"Aw, come on guys. It'll be fun. It's like a big sleepover."
"Well, I suppose it could be worse."
"Dude's got a point, at least you don't have to sleep next to him."
As the four of us turned to what Tyler was talking about, there was Duncan giving a deer a noogie. Does this guy have any respect for anything?
"Here's the deal; we're gonna split you into two teams. If I call your name out, go stand over there. Gwen, Trent, Heather, Cody, Lindsey, Beth, Jesse, Katie, Owen, Leshawna, Justin, and Noah."
As he called our names, we moved to the right side of the campfire. I think I have a pretty strong team, but I'm not sure who I should work with at the moment in terms of strategy. When we all got to our spot, Chris handed us one of the rolled up cloths.
"From this moment on, you are officially known as the Screaming Gophers."
"Yeah, I'm a gopher! WHOOO!
I looked at the unraveled cloth and sure enough, I saw the image of a gopher who was ready to fight and looked like it was screaming.
"Huh, that looks kinda cool."
"Wait. What about Sadie?"
"The rest of you over here; Geoff, Bridgette, D.J., Tyler, Sadie, Izzy, Eliza, Courtney, Ezekiel, Duncan, Eva, and Harold. Move, Move, Move, Move!"
Eliza POV
We all started moving to the left of the area, but Sadie was being as stubborn as an angry mule. She must have really wanted to be on the same team as Katie. Courtney and I tried to help her calm down and come over our new teams' side.
"But Katie's a gopher. I have to be a gopher!"
"Sadie, is it? Come on. It'll be okay."
"Yeah, she's right. Even if you're not always with Katie, you'll still be among friends, okay?"
"This is so unfair. I miss you Katie."
"Oh, I miss you too."
Chris handed us our cloth to show us what team we were on. If the other team was a bunch of gophers, what were we going to be? As Harold unraveled the cloth, I saw a big and angry fish and got my answer.
"You guys will officially be known as the Killer Bass."
"It's awesome. It's like… amazing."
"Well, at least now I can say I've been a fish on national TV."
Everyone laughed at what I had said and then Chris opened the tin container on the ground and showed us two bags in our team colors, red and green. Then he threw each bag to one member of each team, me and Jesse and when we opened them, we saw some kind of fluffy scarfs inside. No, scarf isn't the right word. It was more of a bandanna, but it was made out of cotton and it was stitched in a way that you didn't need to tie it around you. You just needed to wrap it around a part of yourself and it wouldn't come undone.
Jesse POV
I wasn't sure of what to make of these new bandana things we were given, but their design looked really cool. There were flowers and trees on the borders of the cloth and there was also an ocean like pattern hidden in the green color. In the middle of it all, were multiple symbols for what I assumed to be the show's logo.
"These tubed bandannas, or "fluffs" as we like to call them, will serve as an identifier for which team each camper is on. You'll need to wear these at all times during the competition; and if you damage yours, it's okay. Just ask for a replacement and everything will be 'ay ok'."
Everyone then decided on where they should put their new fluffs. Beth decided to incorporate hers into her ponytail scrunchee, Cody and Noah put theirs around their wrists, Owen put his around his neck, Leshawna and Justin turned theirs into an armband in the shape of infinity, Trent put his around his forehead, Lindsey placed hers around her uh… chest I suppose, Gwen placed hers around her ankle, Katie was trying to copy Sadie, and Heather placed hers over her forearm and thumb. I chose to place mine in a way that showed the logo on my forehead and some of the hair that connected to that general area.
Eliza POV
There were so many ways to wear this thing, Courtney and Bridgette put theirs on their wrists, Harold and Duncan put theirs around their necks, D.J. and Eva put theirs around their elbows in some kind of sling, Sadie was copying Katie and put hers around her ankle, Ezekiel put his around his hat, Tyler put his around his headband, and Geoff and Izzy had theirs around their foreheads. I put mine in a hair braid and slung it over my shoulder. Now we all just needed to know where we were supposed to put our bags. Chris motioned for us to follow him and we started walking to a tiny shed which had the sign "Confession Can" on it. EW.
"Alright campers, you and your team will be on camera in all public areas during this competition. You will also be able to share your innermost thoughts on with video diaries anytime you want. Let the audience at home know what you're really thinking or just get something off of your chest."
Some of us made a few statements in the confessional and set in motion what we were thinking, including myself.
"I'm not sure what to make of everything right now. I'm working on it just give me a few more days."
Jesse POV
"It feels kinda surreal to be on a show like this. Uh, hello there. I'm Jesse. Okay, the next few scenes of me doing this will be better, just bear with me, okay."
"Alright, any questions? Cool. Let's find your cabins."
We start walking around for about a mile or so into the forest and we see two cabins just a calming walk away from each other.
"Gophers, you're in the east cabin; bass, you're in the west. Take some time to settle in and get comfortable."
We opened the doors to each side of our teams' cabin, and it looked like everyone was supposed to each share a room. So much for personal space.
"Bunk beds? Isn't this a little… summer camp?
"That's the idea genius."
We started to make ourselves comfortable and introducing ourselves a little more when we heard Cody screaming as we found him eating the dirt outside.
Figures. Some people just can't take a hint.
"That's what happens when you Show up in a place where you aren't needed."
"Where are the outlets? I need to plug in my straightening iron."
"There are some in the communal bathrooms just across the way."
"Communal bathrooms? But I'm not catholic."
"Not communion, communal."
"Let's see… how do I say this… communal washrooms are used when there are a greater amount of people who need to use their facilities at the same time."
"…Sorry, but you lost me after 'greater amount'."
"It means we shower together. Idiot."
That was the start of Lindsey being nervous and trying to push Chris into having a private bathroom. Meanwhile, I just decided to get my stuff into my new place and pick out a bed. That was when Owen started a string of sentences that made the rest of us uncomfortable.
"I'm glad we're in our own cabin with just guys; know what I mean? I mean, NO! I didn't mean it like that. I love chicks. Ha-ha. I just don't wanna sleep near them. Gah! I mean-
"I think you should probably stop talking about that now. Otherwise; the hole you'll have to climb out of will just be that much bigger."
"Yeah, okay. I didn't mean to weird everyone out it's just; I get kinda nervous around girls, and we all know I'm no catch, so I don't wanna weird them out because of who I am."
Owen, buddy, you have nothing to worry about. I think when you get the chance to make a good impression on a girl; that you'll be anything but nervous. You just need to be calm and collected and just be you."
"Alright, thanks for the pep talk, dude."
"Anytime."
Eliza POV
I just finished listening to all of the emotional speech between Owen and Jesse and saw that some of these people are bonding together already. Seeing as that could be part of the game, I really need to pick up the pace or I'm going home sooner than I thought. As we were all getting ourselves into our cabins, Geoff asked a question that raised a little concern for everyone.
"Excuse me, Chris! Is there a chaperone of any kind in this facility?"
"You're all 21 years old. As old as a counselor at any regular summer camp, so other than myself, you'll be unsupervised. You've got the rest of the day to unpack and get to know each other. Breakfast will be served tomorrow at 6 A.M. See you all then, and good luck everyone!"
"Nice!"
As if on cue, a giant ear-piercing shriek rattled everyone in the camp and everyone ran to the source to see who it was. It was Lindsey in the girls' area of the gopher cabin, and she seemed to be terrified of something that she had seen.
"Oh, man that white girl can scream."
"What's going on? What's with all the screaming?"
"I just felt something on my foot! What is it? Kill it! Kill it!"
We found out the cause of her freak out pretty fast as a cockroach scampered its' way over to us. Once we all saw it D.J. immediately screamed like a little girl and jumped onto and broke the closest bed he could find, which was apparently Gwen's. At that point everyone was either trying to squish the bug or jumping onto the beds. I was trying to help squish the bug while trying to show that I'm not one of the girly girls; but it was all over when Duncan showed up with an axe and showed no mercy to the little guy. I thought I heard it cry for help before it got destroyed.
"Well that's one way to kill a cockroach."
"Awesome."
"If you ever see one of those again, just let me know, 'kay? Because, you know, I can do that too."
I could be wrong, but I thought Tyler was trying to make himself seem interesting to Lindsey, and strangely enough, it was working. Lindsey seemed completely captivated by what she had heard and was giggling to herself. I think our first hookup just happened.
"Pfft, they always go for the jocks."
"Duncan's got a point. He's just talking tough so that he can seem cool and therefore pick up a girl who could like him. By the way, wasn't he on one of the beds too?"
Jesse POV
The rest of the night was spent with all of our teams outside. We all introduced ourselves, told each other where we were from and what we did, and just got to know everyone's background a little bit. When it started to get late, we all went into the cabins and started talking about who we found interesting and who we could potentially fall for and stupid stuff like that. I guess we were saving the game talk for when we actually needed to do so, and away from prying eyes and ears. We all went to bed and started getting ready for the events that would happen tomorrow.
Day 2
The next morning, we all got up and came to the lodge for breakfast. What we didn't know was that the head chef was someone who acted like he was in the military. The food looked like it was made for military use too. I've never had a sloppy joe for breakfast, but I can't very well argue with a guy like this
"Listen up! I serve it three times a day, and you will eat it three times a day. Grab your tray, get your food, and sit your butts down NOW!"
Sure am glad I'm not playing against this guy. He looks like he could take us all down with his fists alone.
"Excuse me, will we be getting all the major food groups?"
"Yeah, cause I get hypoglycemic real bad if I don't get enough sugar."
"You'll get a whole lot of shut the heck up!"
Eliza POV
"I think this guy could use some anti-stress pills."
"Haha, seriously, have a cow."
"What was that?! Come closer, fat boy. I didn't hear you. You too country girl! Now, what was it you two just said?"
From what I could tell, he looked like if we either lied to him or told the truth, he would still give us a lotta crap later on. For the time being, we had to play nice or we were gonna get him even angrier.
"Uh, I didn't really say anything important."
"Yeah, we're just witless maggots who only know how to follow orders. We wouldn't say anything to upset our superior."
"I'm sure you didn't. You, scrawny kid. Give me your plate."
As we were walking away, I couldn't help but notice that when the chef put another helping of 'joe' on Noah's plate; it went back onto the scooper. What kind of stuff is he feeding us? Someone needs to check this place; I think there's a few health and safety violations this guy missed.
Jesse POV
As we were moving along the line some of us were trying to make small talk with the others. Some were successful, but others like Lashawna didn't have as much luck when Eva never even gave her a response to her. Leshawna thought it could have been some kind of challenge, but she didn't get the chance as the head chef called her for her breakfast. When Lindsey, Gwen and I got to the serving station we had another of what I like to call a 'Lindsey moment'.
"Excuse me, my nutritionist says I shouldn't eat any white sugar, white flour, or like, dairy."
"What?"
"I know, right? I'm trying to lose weight, but I don't have the guts to try bulimia, so I'm just limiting my food options a little more."
You know that what you've just described is in practically every food except for meat. I'm starting to think that this show is really not for you, honey.
"I don't think that's gonna be a problem."
"Cool."
I thought that it was best to not say anything until it really mattered, so I kept my mouth shut and just moved along. I still wonder what that squishing noise was coming from Gwen's plate, though. When she came to our teams table she was covered in 'joe'.
"What happened to you?"
"Oh, nothing, the chef just killed my breakfast."
"Again, WHAT?!"
Eliza POV
We all ate our breakfast in almost silence as some of us were joking around and others were trying to play some kinda angle in the game. Before we knew it, Chris came back to see us and probably give us some more game info. The scene that played out after that was a little scary.
"Welcome to the main lodge."
"Yo, my man, can we order a pizza."
And in a violent retaliation, the chef just throws a meat cleaver near Geoff's head to get the message across that he wasn't messing around and that he really wasn't in the mood for any jokes.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! It's cool, G! Brown slop is cool haha, right guys?"
We were all really impressed at the fact that he could do that, but also freaked out that he could do that to us. We were all trying to keep calm as we were agreeing with Geoff, so that he hopefully wouldn't have to die today.
"Get your swim gear ready everyone, because your first challenge begins in one hour."
We all decided to wrap up the pleasantries at that moment and start getting ready for the challenge. Most of us were changing in the cabins while others, like Leo, were changing alone in the stalls. Aw, he's shy. That's so cute. As we were making our way to the top of the eastern cliff, Sadie asked me what kind of challenge that we were going to do.
"What'll you think they'll make us do?"
"Well, we're all new to this kind of thing, so I don't think it'll be anything to hard."
"Yeah, I mean, it's our first challenge. How hard can it be?"
As D.J. finished saying that, we got our answer when we got to the top of the cliff. We didn't see anything that showed what we were supposed to do.
"Uh, guys…, you may not wanna see this."
As Jesse had said that, we saw two buoyed areas in the water and we knew that this first challenge just got a whole lot worse than what any of us could have imagined.
"Oh…... that bad."
I HOPE YOU ALL LIKED IT. THERE WERE A FEW MOMENTS WHERE I GOT A LITTLE SIDE TRACKED, BUT I DO PLAN TO MAKE A LITTLE IMPROVEMENT TO MY WRITING SPEED. LIKE I SAID, THE ONLY THINGS I OWN ARE THE IDEAS OF JESSE AND ELIZA. NOTHING ELSE! I AM ALSO IN THE WORKS OF A 'BLEACH' FANFIC, BUT I'LL ALSO TRY TO WORK ON THIS TOO. PLEASE STAY TUNED AND SEE WHAT ROLES ELIZA AND LEO PLAY IN THIS GAME. TILL THEN, PLEASE BE PATIENT AND I'LL SEE YOU ALL LATER.
