Hey guys.

This is just an idea I wanted to play around with, heavily inspired by Ridonculous Race Underdogs (shout-out to Animation Adventures). Put simply, the Mediterranean challenge is going to be a non-elimination round rather than another challenge later down the round. Whether that's Iceland, or somewhere much later, I haven't decided yet.

"Ahoy Geniuses! I'm afraid the other teams have reached the Chill Zone! You are out of the race! Or at least, that's what I would have told you if this WASN'T A NON-ELIMINATION ROUND! YOU BOTH GET TO STAY! Oh, and I'm in a helicopter! So cool!"

Ellody and Mary cheered upon hearing Don's words.

"Yes, you're safe now, but there's no guarantee how long that will last!" Don replied, before putting his finger to his finger. "What? Slow down, I...right, I understand. I'll let them know...Sandy! Your parents want you back home! Give them the tip!"

The Geniuses finally began the boat ride to Iceland, which gave them some time to reflect.

"It's ironic how our knowledge in urban planning nearly proved our downfall, isn't it?" Ellody reflected, briefly looking up from the GPS.

"Just shows how flawed this show is," Mary mumbled, still looking forward.

"Or...it suggests that we need to modify our strategy," Ellody mused. Her partner turned around. "Possibly,"

Confessional:

Mary: Today, we fixated too much on the planning stage, and that almost resulted in our elimination…

Ellody: (takes glasses off and rubs her eyes) We've been given a second chance, and we need to capitalize on it. A third chance may not be bestowed.

Mary: Affirmative.

(end confessional)

Thanks to TV magic, the Geniuses had arrived at the Carpet of Completion, where Don was now standing.

"The Geniuses avoid elimination by a hair. Who will be less lucky? Only time will tell, next time on: The Ridonculous Race!"

It's a rough start, but I'm glad I finally got this off of my computer.

I'm exploring this AU for a few reasons: First, I feel like the Geniuses were wasted potential. Second, it didn't feel right for the Vegans to survive because of a non-elimination round only to get booted the next episode. That's not to say that the Vegans are going to be eliminated in Iceland, but I'm not ruling it out.

And to the fans of my current fics, don't worry. The next chapter of Total Drama Royale! is on the way soon. Follow/favorite/review if you want me to continue this.