AN: A few quick conventions on how this story is going to be set up. Once the race starts, the story will progress chronologically. Like in the actual Amazing Race, this means there may be times where the camera jumps back and forth between teams on different tasks and in different locations. I'll make sure to state the team(s) and a location in each of these sections and break them apart with line breaks. Additionally, for scenes where there is a cut away from the main action, there will be a tag labeling it as a confessional. If anything ends up confusing with this formatting, please let me know. Otherwise, read and review!
Chris stood in New York City's Central Park, wearing a light jacket to protect him against the fall breeze. Water from the Bethesda Fountain fell behind his back. He smiled at the camera as it began filming. "Hi there! As I'm sure you all know, I'm the world famous Chris McLean, and I'm here to bring you the first season of the greatest reality show ever! On the Amazingly Dramatic Race, pairs of two teams will race around the world, overcoming Roadblocks and Detours to arrive at the Pit Stop at the end of the leg. Each leg of the race, the last team to arrive may be eliminated, so the pressure is always on. Additional setbacks such as the dreaded U-Turn also await the teams on the way. The winning team will need to combine teamwork, brains, and brawn to walk away with the million dollar prize!"
The host paused to enjoy a sip of hot cocoa before continuing. "While the show of course has enough star power with just me, we've invited back eleven former competitors from Total Drama. These lucky eleven players will get to choose their partner, who, thanks to some crafty legal maneuvering, has no say of whether or not they will be racing around the world. I know, I'm just full of great ideas like that. With that, let's introduce our first player. He's the lovable big guy best known for eating and farting his way through Total Drama Island, Owen!"
A rather chubby boy wearing a shirt with a large maple leaf on it came bursting on to the camera, grinning excitedly. He ran over to Chris and scooped the host up in a big hug. "Chris, it is so great to be competing again. I cannot wait to be racing around the world, well, other than the airplane part!"
Chris gave Owen a thumbs up as he tried to squirm free from the hug. Finally escaping, he regained his breath and composure before asking, "So, Owen, who will you choose to race around the world with you?"
"I'm going to have to go with my best bud, Noah! I haven't seen the little guy in forever!" Owen admitted.
"Great, let's call up our first lucky player," Chris responded with a nasty chuckle before asking Owen to give Noah a call.
The camera panned over to Noah, who was relaxing at home. Hearing his cellphone buzz, he sighed and rolled over on the coach to reach for it. "Hey Owen, what's going on? Aren't you supposed to be filming some crazy new season with Chris?"
"Yeah, about that," Owen began nervously as he tapped his fingers together before continuing in a single breath, "I sort of needed to pick a partner and chose you, so now you kind of have to come along too!"
Noah scowled before responding, "No thanks. I'm going to have to pass. Why don't you ask your crazy ex?"
Before Owen could respond, Chris slipped over and plucked the phone from his hands, "Sorry, Noah, but you should have read your original contract better. You have today to finish packing, and our crew will be over to pick you up tomorrow. See you then." Chris disconnected the phone as Noah banged his head on the wall in frustration. "Ok, Owen, you can have a seat over there while the rest of the players pick their partners."
"Whoo hoo!" Owen exclaimed as he darted over to a nearby bench.
"Our next player is, unfortunately, a singing bore, who I was hoping would never appear on the show again. Please welcome, but not with much enthusiasm, Ella!" Chris announced before quickly jotting down a note to yell at Chef for not stacking the odds to make sure Ella wasn't selected to return.
A girl wearing a mostly pink outfit that resembled a Disney princess costume came into view. "Hello, Chris! It's ever so good to see you again," Ella waved as she walked towards the camera and the host. She tried to give Chris a hug, but he quickly pulled away.
"Yeah, whatever. Can we just get this over with? Who will have the misfortune of traveling the world with you?"
"Oh, cheer up, Chris. I think traveling the world is going to be wonderful. I'll travel with, oh dear, I hope he'll be ok with this, but Prince Dave!" Ella announced after a brief hesitation.
A smile immediately broke out over Chris's face. "Oh, this is going to be entertaining. Maybe bringing you back wasn't such a terrible idea!" The host quickly dialed Dave's number and passed the phone to Ella.
Dave was, as he had done most days since Pahkitew Island, brooding angrily about Sky. "Stupid Sky, having a boyfriend and not telling me. I wish I could have burned the prize money." He was interrupted when his phone started ringing. Against his better judgment, Dave answered the phone despite not recognizing the number, only to be met by Ella's sing-song voice.
"Hellllloooo, my prince," she cooed into the phone.
The germaphobe's eyes went wide. "Ella? How did you get this number?" he demanded as he prepared to hang up.
"That's not important," Ella responded dismissively, "What is, is that we're finally going to be reunited on another season of Total Drama! We're going to be partners for traveling the world! Isn't that wonderful?"
"Nope, no way. I am never going to be on that show again!" Dave screamed as he disconnected the phone.
Chris excitedly grabbed the phone back from Ella and called Dave again. With a gleeful smile, the host explained to Dave that not only was he stuck competing again, it was all his partner, Ella's fault. Chris then ushered Ella to the side to introduce the next player, leaving the normally cheerful girl a bit disappointed.
"Contestant number three also has a bottomless appetite and loves to assault everyone's ears with craptry music. Welcome the pageant queen, Sugar!" A large girl wearing a tight pink top and jeans walked out. As she entered, Chris complained to the camera, "Yeah, in retrospect, we should have just chosen the eleven players, but someone, cough, Chef, thought a lottery would be a good idea."
Sugar beamed at the cameras as she entered, making sure to blow a kiss at each one. "What's up y'all! I bet you're super excited that a real star like me is going to be on this season. I'm sure you all know I just won the Miss Lima Bean pageant, and-"
"No one cares, Sugar!" Chris interrupted. "Can we just get to the part where you pick your partner?"
"Don't rush me, Chris!" Sugar ordered as she pouted at the camera. "I pick the wizard of course. Ain't no way we can possibly lose with his magic. Ooh, and maybe he can use some of that magic to make Ella disappear!" Sugar shot a nasty look at her rival who let out a sigh before the camera flashed back to the country girl and the host.
"Just keep telling yourself that," Chris responded with a laugh.
Leonard was busy brewing something in a pot in the middle of his room when his phone started ringing. "Hello?" he asked in confusion, turning his back on the pot.
"Oh hey, wizard. This is your best former friend and teammate, Sugar!" Sugar announced as Leonard struggled to remember who she was. "Anyways, me and you are gonna be racing around the world on Chris's fancy new show. Make sure to bring your magic wand cause we're going to need it!"
"Marvelous," Leonard agreed. "When do we start?"
"Tomorrow. The production crew will pick you up, and thank you for actually being a supportive new player," Chris announced into the phone as he hung up on Leonard.
The camera lingered a moment longer as whatever concoction Leonard was brewing exploded, sending him spiraling into the camera placed in his room. "Rats, well, good thing I won't be around to clean that up. Hmm, now where did I leave my root of aconite?" he chuckled to himself as he started gathering his things for the race.
As Sugar joined the players on the sidelines, Chris continued his introductions. "Our next competitor has shown us that sometimes being nice can get you pretty far in the game. She's always apologizing for getting in others' way yet managing to still kick butt. Welcome, Zoey!"
A girl with a slight build and striking red hair with a flower in it shyly walked on stage. "Hi Chris! It's great to see you again, unless you're not happy to see me, but then, I'm still happy to see you. Is that ok?"
"No, it's good to have you here, but I think we all know who you're picking, so you might as well call him up now."
Zoey grinned as she pulled out her cellphone, "Hey, Mike! It looks like we can be on the new season together after all! Chris said I get to choose my partner, so of course we'll be racing together."
"No way! That's great news. I can't wait to get started!" Mike exclaimed as he began organizing his things. "Love you," he said as he hung up to get ready.
"Darn, I had another question for him," Chris added with a mischievous grin. "Does he have a passport for all his personalities, or just him."
For the first time, Zoey's grin evaporated. "Leave Mike alone! Sure, his personalities might be annoying sometimes, but they're part of him, and I love all of him." With that, Zoey calmed back down and looked mortified at her outburst. She sheepishly slipped over to the bleachers as Chris struggled to regain his composure.
"Uh, ok then. Up next, we have the show's least athletic jock but the king of accidents, Tyler!"
A boy wearing a bright red track suit and headband came running onto the stage, but managed to snag his foot on the carpet. He rolled forward, becoming wrapped in layers of carpet, much to Chris's amusement. "A little help? He mumbled from within the roll of carpet."
"I got this!" Sugar exclaimed as she ran over and yanked on the carpet, causing it to unwind and leaving Tyler really dizzy. Sugar quickly leaned in and whispered, "Now you owe me, so we're in an alliance, ok?"
Tyler, not really understanding, gave her a woozy thumbs up. With a satisfied nod, Sugar returned to her seat.
Chris began talking very quickly, eager to engage in some legal maneuvering. "Tyler, I know you probably have a concussion, but we're on a tight schedule and don't have time to get that checked out before the race. By getting to choose your partner, you agree not to sue, ok?"
Only focusing on the chance to pick his partner, Tyler quickly agreed, causing Chris to let out a relieved sigh. "I pick, Lindsay! We're going to be the best, fastest, and uh, most thinky, super smartyest, team ever!" Tyler shouted excitedly as he accepted the phone from Chris.
Lindsay happily answered her phone when she heard it ringing, "Hi, this is Lindsay!"
"Hey, babe! It looks like it's you and me for the next season of Total Drama!" Tyler informed her, causing Lindsay to squint, deep in thought.
"Wait, who is this? You sound totally familiar," the blonde mumbled as she tried to put a face to the voice.
"It's me, Tyler. You know, your boyfriend? I told you I was picked for the new season!" Tyler tugged at his headband with growing frustration, worried Lindsay had forgotten him again.
A look of realization crossed Lindsay's face. "That's totally where I know you from! Ok, and this is going to be totally fun. See you soon!" Lindsay blew a kiss at the phone, not realizing Tyler would never see it. She then excitedly went to work, filling several suitcases as well as her backpack to the brim with her makeup, clothing, and other "essentials."
The host let out a contented sigh and happily wiped a tear from his eye, "And to think I was worried about not having enough teams that were going to be a train wreck. You can have a seat." Tyler let out an indignant cry before walking over to the bench where Sugar immediately started whispering to him again.
"Our next contestant," Chris began before being cut off by a blonde cheerleader storming onto the stage and shoving Chris out of the way. The host let out an indignant cry before trying to regain the stage.
"There is no way you actually picked Samey for your season instead of me! She sucks at everything and will just be the first one gone!" the intruder barked at Chris, causing Chris to return the stare.
"Actually, it was purely random who's competing, Amy, but maybe she'll pick you," Chris dusted himself off and motioned for Chef to shove Sammy forward.
The younger twin sheepishly walked forward, not daring to meet Amy's glare. "Stop making us look weak and choose me already!"
Her sister's nagging caused something to momentarily snap in Sammy, and she managed to remark, "I pick, umm, Jasmine." She immediately covered her mouth, realizing that she had defied Amy and her sister's face turned bright red.
"What did you say? Ugh, I knew you couldn't do anything right!" Amy shrieked as she advanced towards Sammy but was intercepted by Chef.
"Aww, too bad, we were really hoping someone would pick you as their partner," Chris taunted as Amy was carried away, flailing and cursing the whole way.
"You'll regret this Samey!" she promised as she shook her first angrily at her twin.
Sammy sighed and then realized Chris was staring at her expectantly. "Did I do something wrong? I'm sorry. I'm sure it's my fault…"
"Just call Jasmine already. Your sister got us completely off schedule!" Chris snapped before quickly looking around to make sure Amy wasn't going to attack him again.
"H-hey, Jasmine, I hope you won't be mad, but I chose you to be my partner on the next season of Total Drama," Sammy said nervously once Jasmine finally answered the phone.
"That sounds like a right good time, mate. I'm sure we can come out on top!" the Australian responded confidently as she started thinking about what she might need for the trip. She paused momentarily, "I just hope Shawn won't be too mad that I won't be able to make the grand opening of his zombie bunker." With a laugh the Australian resumed her packing.
Sammy remained petrified on the stage while Chris waited impatiently for her to move to the side. Zoey ran over to escort the twin to their waiting area and whispered to her, "Is something wrong? You look really nervous."
"It's just, Amy is probably right like always, and now I ruined Jasmine's chances of having a good partner," Sammy confessed with a blush.
"Cheer up! I bet you're a really strong team member. You just need to believe in yourself," Zoey reassured her, reflecting on her own experiences in the game.
Sammy, surprised at actually receiving encouragement, stared at Zoey in shock, "Th-thank you!"
Zoey smiled, "Don't mention it. Maybe we'll even end up in the finale together!"
The camera returned to Chris before Sammy could reply. "Yeesh, enough with the sappy side stuff. We still have five more teams to introduce! Our next participant is the strong, loud, and bootylicious, and once knocked a tooth out of Heather's head! It's, Leshawna!"
The black girl strutted confidently onto the stage, smiling widely at her friends and sizing up the new competition. "Thanks for inviting me, Chris! While I'm sure the season is gonna be crazy dangerous, it'll just make winning all that more satisfying."
"And just who will you be inviting to be your partner?" the host asked with moderate interest.
Leshawna leveled a gaze at Chris and paused briefly. "Well, I'd like to invite my guy Harold, but our last world traveling adventure didn't end that well." Clips from World Tour played on the screen of Harold pretending to impale himself with a toy sword and jumping out of a plane and Leshawna being played by Alejandro. "Besides, I think my girl Gwen and I are gonna make an unbeatable team. The rest of you better watch out or just give up now!"
Leshawna put out her hand and Chris dropped a cellphone into it, "Yo, what's up, Gwen? I know you said you're never doing another season of Total Drama, but at least this time it's just you and me with no backstabbing teammates like Heather."
"What do you mean, this time?" Gwen asked warily as she noticed a camera that had popped up in her room.
"So, funny story, I had to choose a partner, and well, I figured I might actually get the win with you instead of Harold," Leshawna admitted, causing Gwen to audibly grown. "And technically, this show ain't Total Drama, so it's still cool."
The Goth girl huffed and blew some of her hair off her face. "I suppose there's no getting out of this with Chris, is there?"
The host beamed proudly at Gwen's complaint and snatched the phone from Leshawna. "Nope! See you tomorrow." With a click, Chris disconnected the phone, earning him a dirty look from Leshawna.
"What was that for? We shoulda had some time to strategize!"
"Yeah, but then we'd never get to filming, so pass!" Chris responded with an insincere smile as he pointed Leshawna over to the bench. She rolled her eyes at Chris before taking a seat near Owen, exchanging a high five with the party guy before the two continued talking.
Chris returned to the center and prepared to introduce the next player. "Our next competitor, or should I say, Sha-petitor, loves his protein, winning, and confusing people's genders. Welcome, Lightning!"
A boy wearing a navy sports jersey came barreling onto the stage. His hair that had been turned white due to a lightning strike stood out starkly from the rest of his complexion. "Yeah, that's right, Lightning is here to win this game, and he doesn't need a partner holding him back," Lightning boasted as he flexed his muscles for the camera.
Chris shook his head, annoyed at the posing coming from someone other than himself. "Yeah, that's not really how this works. You need a partner or you'll be immediately eliminated."
"Sha-lame," Lightning grumbled as he thought for a moment. "Jo might be a total backstabbing loser, but at least the dude can almost keep up with Lightning."
"This is gonna be great!" Chris noted with a chuckle as he gave Lightning a phone with Jo's number in it.
"Yo, this is Jo, so make it fast," Jo snapped into the phone, annoyed to have her workout interrupted.
"Dude, as much as Lightning hates to admit it, you're kind of athletic, so you have to be the Lightning's partner for the next season of Total Drama."
Jo scoffed into the phone. "Get real, Jockstrap. There's no way I'd work with you again. Besides, I can win just fine on my own."
"That's what Lightning said, except about himself! Besides, you wouldn't even be in this season without the Lightnign." Lightning protested before Chris took the phone back from him.
"Yeah, no. No teams of one, and no changing partners. You're working with Lightning!" Chris ordered as he disconnected the phone.
"Pft, looks like it's going to be up to me to carry the brain-dead jock to victory," Jo noted as she resumed her workout, deciding she would get organized later.
"Our next contestant also didn't come to the studio alone, so the two might as well come out together. They share a brain, love pink, and most of all, love being BFFFLs. It's Katie and Sadie!"
Two girls wearing identical black and white tops with pink shorts ran out onto the stage hand-in-hand.
"Can you believe it, Sadie? We totally are going to get a free trip around the world!" the skinnier girl exclaimed as she smiled at her partner.
"Oh, I so know! It's just, too bad there's the whole competition aspect," the larger girl agreed, nodding her head vigorously.
"That is so true. It's going to be like totally hard, but I know I can do it with you!"
"And I can only do it with you!" Sadie agreed as she and Katie hugged before letting out a loud "Eeeeeiiiii!"
Plugging his ears, Chris quickly silenced the duo. "Are you quite done?" The two girls looked away from each other and over to Chris and nodded. "Good, then go sit down and stop making that awful noise!"
"Oh, it was so not an awful noise!" Katie complained to Sadie as the two took their seat.
"Yeah, Chris is just a total no-fun meanie-pants," Sadie agreed as she stuck out her tongue at Chris who just ignored her.
"Our second to last player is best known for his cut throat gameplay and good looks which managed to charm just about every girl in his season, Alejandro!"
The Spaniard walked slowly towards Chris, taking time to wink at Sugar, Katie, and Sadie as he moved towards the host. The girls all swooned slightly, causing Alejandro to smirk briefly. "It is truly an honor to be back on the show, Chris," he said when he finally was near the camera.
Chris returned the smile, "I know. You kids take so much pleasure in just being in my presence."
"Erm, yes, that is precisely what I meant," Alejandro recovered quickly after a brief grimace. "Now, may I choose the honorable competitor who will be my partner?"
"Uh, yeah, that's why we're waiting," Chris responded testily.
"Good, then I choose, the beautiful Heather," Alejandro announced as he pulled out his own cellphone to call her, refusing the one Chris offered him.
"It's about time you called," Heather snapped after she saw the number on her phone. "Did you get me on the show yet?"
"Of course, señorita. A gentleman always fulfills his promises," Alejandro replied, making sure to stress every syllable as he switched into Spanish.
"So I guess you're not totally useless then. Now hurry up and give me the details," Heather retorted quickly before Chris snatched the phone away.
"Eh, the production crew will fill you in when they come to pick you up. Besides, I think the audience is ready for our final team."
Before Chris could hang up, Alejandro quickly grabbed his phone back, "I'll be waiting for you, mi amor."
"Yeah, yeah, I love you too," Heather responded dismissively before hanging up.
Alejandro shrugged but before he could sit down Chef confiscated his phone. "Techy stuff to contact the outside world is prohibited for the race," the Chef explained as he started flipping through the contacts on Alejandro's phone, much to the Spaniard's chagrin.
"And what a fine rule that is, but perhaps you could respect my privacy?" Alejandro's composure cracked slightly and he nearly said more when Chef merely shook his head and resumed playing with Alejandro's phone.
Eager to return the attention to himself, Chris announced, "And our final racer is the self-proclaimed Emperor of Evilocity, Max!"
A short boy with purple hair strode onto the stage quickly. "I see you've finally learned to respect my supreme EEEEVILLL!" Max tripped over the same part of the carpet that Tyler had stumbled over. "Curses! This diabolical rug has dared to scrape the knees of one who could so easily crush it!"
Chris let out an exaggerated yawn, "Yeah, that's nice and all, but who are you choosing for your partner?"
Max paused to consider it for a moment before announcing, "Although I must admit I am slightly terrified of her, Scarlett does seem to be the most useful partner." A collective gasp and protestations immediately arose from the other players, worried that Scarlett might try to kill them all again. "Yes, I see you all recognize the ultimate evil of my decision," Max gloated as Chris paused to consider the turn of events.
"Well, technically we are obligated to fulfill your partner request. I guess that's the downside of the iron-clad contracts," With a nervous gulp, Chris began dialing Scarlett's number.
"Fool, what are you waiting for?" Max demanded as he snatched the phone as it began ringing.
After a brief pause, a composed voice responded, "Hello, this is Scarlett. May I inquire to whom I am speaking?" The camera zoomed back to reveal Scarlett, sitting in her room studying from a book. All vestiges of her former plan for world domination, such as the globe with knives in it, had been removed from the background, and her appearance had reverted to that of the quiet nerd, with her glasses and hair pulled back in a bun.
Although Max couldn't see her transformation, he was able to recognize a change in her voice, "Scarlett, what happened to you? You sound positively boring again."
Hearing Max's voice, Scarlett's eyebrow immediately started twitching. "I must ask how you got this number and request that you do not call it again. My therapy cannot withstand your intrusions."
"But then how will I get my sidekick for the next season of Total Drama?" Max inquired, causing Scarlett to raise an eyebrow looking intrigued.
"Perhaps I can entertain your proposal," Scarlett admitted as she calmed down again. "I expect this means I would be required to intertwine my fate in the game to yours as we travel around the world?"
"I believe you mean as we dominate the world! Muwa ha ha!" Max let out a loud laugh before also adding in a quieter voice, "But yes, so please make sure to get your passport in order."
"I shall be looking forward to it with great anticipation," Scarlett replied she disconnected the phone before shuddering and eying her belongings.
"Well, I guess she won't be quite as bad this time, but that means way less drama," Chris responded simply before shoving Max to the ground to retake center stage. "There you have it! Eleven teams with one goal in mind, winning the million dollar prize by making it through twelve grueling legs of the race! To hear thoughts from our teams before they begin the race, stay tuned after the break!"
The next morning, all of the teens had been gathered with their bags and Chris was addressing them. "Before we begin, I want to make sure everyone is clear on the rules. On each leg of the race, you'll need to find the red and yellow route markers where you'll find clues and challenges. You must follow the instructions in each envelope to make it to the Pit Stop at the end of each leg of the race. Failure to follow all the instructions will results in time penalties, so do make sure you pay attention!"
"There are several types of tasks in the envelope. Some are simply tasks you'll need to do with your partner to move forward, but there are also Detours and Roadblocks. In a Detour, you'll need to choose one of two tasks to complete, and you can't move on until you've successfully finished one of them. You're free to switch between them, but you'll probably waste lots of time, so choose wisely. In a Roadblock, only one of you will be able to complete it, and you need to decide based on a short clue who will do it before you know the full task. Fun, right? Oh, and on a few legs of the race, there will be U-Turns which will let you force a team behind you to do both halves of the Detour. You can only use one once all race, so be careful! Plus, a few legs of the race might have a Fast Forward which will let you skip all tasks and jump immediately to Pit Stop. Again, you can only use it once, so don't waste it. The last team to the Pit Stop will probably be eliminated; if you're really lucky, maybe you'll fail miserably on a non-elimination race. But losing isn't without its penalties… At the very end, the surviving three teams will compete in a race to the final Pit Stop where the winning team will get $1 million!"
The 22 teens let out a cheer at the mention of the prize before Chris calmed them down. "You'll be leaving in about two hours, but before you head out, I want each of you to record a quick interview with your partner for promotional purposes. If you have any other questions, well, maybe I'll answer them before you go. If I feel like it!" With that announcement, the teams dispersed, chatting excitedly.
(Owen and Noah – A bench in Central Park)
The two boys were seated on the bench, although Owen's bulk was taking up most of it while Noah struggled to avoid falling to the ground. The larger boy smiled and waved excitedly at the camera while his partner merely rolled his eyes and looked bored.
"We're totally going to win the Amazingly Dramatic Race because when I'm working with Noah, there's nothing we can't do!" Owen exclaimed excitedly as their interview began.
"Yeah, I highly doubt that. We're not exactly the fittest team here, and neither of us really has that killer instinct. If we somehow win, it'll be from outsmarting the other team or staying completely under the radar," Noah pointed out.
"True, but you bring a ton of that super smart thinking with you! Plus, you're the funniest guy I know."
"Thanks, but somehow I don't see that getting us to the finish line. Still, with Owen's boundless enthusiasm and appetite, maybe we just have a chance," Noah admitted, a small smile playing on his face due to Owen's infectious attitude.
"That's the spirit, Little Buddy!" Owen shouted happily as he prepared to scoop Noah into a hug.
"Of course, that energy just might be our downfall if we rush a clue." The camera panned out briefly before returning on the pair who had clearly been asked another question. "What am I worried about since I'm racing with Owen?" Noah hesitated before continuing with a nervous laugh. "I guess that his noxious fumes takes us out or slow us down."
"Yeah, that could be really bad," Owen admitted before pausing deep in thought. "I guess I can't think of anything bad about racing with Noah. The guy is just that awesome!" Noah looked like he was about to say something, but the camera stopped recording, ending the duo's interview.
(Ella and Dave – Near the Bethesda Fountain)
Ella was standing and watching the fountain excitedly as the interview started while Dave was seated on the ground looking dejected. The camera then blinked off briefly while the pair was asked a question. When it returned, they were both facing the camera, although only Ella looked eager to talk.
"I believe that the race will be a lot of fun, and I get to do it with my Prince Dave! Nothing could be better than that. Plus, since we're traveling the world again, Chris must be having us sing, right?"
Dave groaned loudly at the mention of singing before complaining to the camera, "I don't even want to do this. Without Sky in the game and traveling to all these gross, germy places, the money just isn't worth it, especially since we won't win."
"Oh, cheer up! Don't you want to see all those famous castles and beautiful landmarks yourself? And we have each other! I'm sure your noble compassion and great wisdom will be a winning combination."
"Yeah, I don't think so, and why even bother trying?" Dave moaned again as he started to shuffle away from the camera. Recording stopped briefly to reset the pair and ask them a question.
"I guess Ella's really upbeat and tries hard, or something," Dave admitted with a noncommittal shrug, "But there's no way we can compete with all the stronger teams. It's totally hopeless."
"I already explained why I think Dave is so wonderful, and I once we turn his frown the right direction, we can make all our dream come true!" Ella smiled and began singing,
"My prince you and I
Now must fly!
The race is on
We must be gone!'
Her animated singing attracted a flock of birds which lifted the pair into the air as Ella happily grabbed her skirt to puff it out while Dave screamed in horror about the birds probably being diseased and tried to break free. The camera quickly panned to the interviewer who looked perplexed but decided it wasn't worth chasing them to ask the remaining questions.
(Sugar and Leonard – In front of a food cart in Central Park)
Sugar was eagerly eating an assortment of pretzels, popcorn, and other snacks while Leonard picked through his luggage, trying to decide which magical artifacts would be best to leave behind to lighten his load.
The camera then resumed focus with the two standing in front of the cart as Sugar finished her snacks off, spitting out her words between bites. "Ain't no way that we lose this time around. With my brains and beauty and the wizard's fancy magic, we gotta come in first like every time."
Leonard showed the camera a worn out book that had the word diary crossed out and spell book written with a marker instead. "With the powerful magic contained in the mighty Grimoire, we shall be invincible. Observe!" The wizard slipped a wand out of his sleeve and flourished it wildly before tapping Sugar and himself with it. "Impervio!"
The larger girl giggled, "Oooh! That tingles as much as gettin caterpillars in your pants. Let's test it!" She scooped up a large stone and held it above the two of them but Leonard quickly stopped her hands.
Nervously he pointed out, "The spell of course takes a bit of time to reach full potential. That's why I applied it now."
"Aww, shoot, but I get to try it later!" Sugar pouted as she tossed the rock aside where it smashed a camera. When the camera resumed filming, there was an obvious crack in the lens.
"What are Sugar's biggest strengths? Clearly her total faith in me will provide an excellent power source for my magic. Plus, she's show she's very shrewd and full of wisdom, like a wise sage," Leonard rattled off as he tossed a collection of colorful stones aside. "I believe she could truly unlock her own magical powers on the race."
"For real? That would be so cool! And like I said, Wizard beats all, so that's why we're winnin or I ain't the County Hog Queen four years straight!" Sugar paused to consider a moment. "Only way we could possibly lose is if they get some no talent judges in again or make a no magic rule, but that'd be downright unfair!"
As Sugar doubled back for more snacks, Leonard leaned in closer to the camera and makes a brief confession, "Actually, I do have one concern about racing with Sugar. She puts a bit too much trust in my magic, and everyone knows I'm only a level 32 spellcaster right now and only have my wand of +1 casting for the race. We can't expect all my spells to work exactly like I hope." The wizards snorts briefly and stops his hat from sliding on his head. "But I'm sure that I can continue to level up on the journey and get us to the end."
(Zoey and Mike – Sitting on the edge of the Bethesda Fountain)
Zoey and Mike were sitting with their arms around each other's necks on the edge of the fountain, waiting for their interview to begin. The two looked very content and both smiled at the camera as it began.
"I am so excited to be competing again with Zoey," Mike started with another smile at his girlfriend. "Sure, I'm a little worried that my personalities came back after All Stars, but at least there's no sign of Mal!" Mike chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his head.
Zoey gave her boyfriend a light kiss on the cheek, "Yeah, there's no one I'd rather be doing the race with, and I'm sure you can keep your personalities in check. Most of them seem to have finally learned the value of teamwork." Mike looked reassured at Zoey's words, and the knowledge that she would be with him the entire game gave him hope that he truly would be able to keep his personalities in check.
"Thanks for the encouragement! I just wish I could bring as much to the team as you do. You get along with everyone, always know what to say, and you're super athletic. We're probably going to win the whole thing thanks to you!"
Zoey blushed and responded with genuine modesty, "Please, I'm not that talented. It'll be our teamwork that carries us to the end!"
"Cool," Mike responded as the two began staring into each other's eyes, completely missing the rest of their interview questions.
(Tyler and Lindsay – In the Bethesda Fountain plaza)
Tyler and Lindsay had just finished discussing Lindsay's abundance of luggage which lay in front of the pair in a towering heap.
"I, uh, think you're going to need to leave a few bags behind and just bring one, Linds," Tyler pointed out, completely oblivious to the interview's start.
Lindsay pouted and countered, "But it's all totally essential, see?" She opened her first backpack and revealed that every pocket was filled entirely with lip gloss. "We totally won't be able to buy enough on the trip if I don't bring it!"
"Yeah, but-" Tyler was again cut off as Lindsay opened another bag, this one filled entirely with shoes.
"And like, there's no way I could leave any of these behind. Do you know how bad it would be if I had the wrong shoes for a challenge? I mean, I need so many different colors of boots to make sure I perfectly match the task. Are you sure we can't just leave your bag behind?" Tyler just groaned in response before helping Lindsay narrow her items down to a single backpack. When he looked away, Lindsay dumped a pocket of his bag out, knocking his spare pair of tennis shoes and several pairs of socks to the side to fill it with her lip gloss and another pair of boots.
The camera cut out and resumed filming again. This time, the two were actually ready for the interview. The Not-So-Talented-Jock grinned at the camera and put his arm around Lindsay, "I just know the two of us are going to win this thing. With my mad athletic skills and Lindsay's supreme hotness and niceness, we're going all the way!"
"Uh huh," the blonde agreed as she nodded vigorously. "I just hope we don't get totally lost. That would be so embarrassing, but I bet I could like get the locals to help us out!"
Tyler grinned widely and nodded before scrunching his face up in confusion, "Wait, what?" Lindsay just smiled innocently as the camera blinked out again.
"What am I worried about the race? Pretty much nothing! This dude has been competing in lots of reality TV, so I'm ready for anything! I guess I'm a little worried Lindsay might forget who I am again." Tyler looked at Lindsay with a nervous grin.
"Like that would ever happen. I so know you're my boyfriend, uh, Dave, right?" Lindsay asked him as she scratched her head in confusion.
"No! And that's even worse now that Dave is another player!" Tyler groaned before Lindsay resumed the interview.
"I'm so happy to be competing with Tyler, but I am a little worried he might try too hard and get us in trouble, but as long as we avoid Heather the meanie, we'll be fine!" The pair exchanged a kiss and smiled as their interview concluded. They then walked over to their bags and Tyler struggled to lift them. Lindsay scratched her head and easily lifted her bag up with one arm, tossing it over her back, causing Tyler to lose his balance and go sprawling to the ground. He gave Lindsay a weak thumbs up before the camera moved to the next pair.
(Sammy and Jasmine – Standing by some trees in Central Park)
The cheerleader and her Australian protector were framed by some trees as their interview began. Jasmine was bristling with confidence as she gazed at the camera, but Sammy was struggling to keep herself from starting at her shoes.
"I know the two of us are gonna have a ripper time on the race," Jasmine reassured Sammy with a light squeeze on the shoulder. "After all, your sis won't be around to be a real downer."
Sammy sighed at the mention of Amy, "I know, but she's right. I can't do anything right so I'm just going to make us lose first. I should have just picked her so at least I didn't ruin a nice person's chance at winning."
"Aww, cheer up, I can always do the nasty challenges, and we'll find ones that are good for you. After all, with Amy making you do everything, you've probably got lots of skills you don't realize."
Sammy smiled briefly but then replied, "Amy makes me do a lot, but I never do it well. But at least she's not here. I'm really going to get away from her for the first time!"
"That's the spirit!" Jasmine exclaimed happily as their interview cut to its first break.
"What am I worried about with Jasmine as my partner?" Sammy considered it a moment before shaking her head. "Nothing at all. She's smart and nice and athletic and super talented. I just know I'm going to wreck everything for us."
"Now just you wait a minute, if you're gonna doubt yourself now, we've got no chance. I want you to dig deep and tell me you can do it and then she'll be right," Jasmine commanded Sammy.
Sammy paused a moment and a brief look of self-assurance crossed her eyes, "Maybe I can. This is my chance to show Amy and all her friends back home that I'm not just her spare!"
Jasmine's grin widened at her partner's boost in confidence before continuing her interview. "I think Sammy's going to be a spiffy partner. The only thing I'm worried about is her lack of confidence being a right problem, but I know she'll come through!"
With their interview over, Jasmine led Sammy over to their bags to make sure they hadn't misplaced any of their supplies. A rustling in the bushes followed by a flash of blonde hair caused Sammy to hesitate and stare nervously around them, but she shrugged it off as just her imagination.
(Leshawna and Gwen – In a clearing in Central Park with the skyline behind them)
The two girls gave the camera a confident smile as their interview began. "What's up, y'all. I hope you know you're looking at the winnin' team right here," Leshawna boasted as she stared at the camera and her interviewers. "We're bringing the best team work, lots of strategy, and a whole lotta excitement your way."
The Goth paused a moment before adding, "You tell 'em, Leshawna. After four seasons of being stuck on the same team as Heather, it's a relief to not need to deal with her for once."
"Oh, I hear that. Girl is a total pain in my behind, and her boyfriend somehow manages to be worse than she is. First chance we get, we're U-Turning them right out of the race!" The partners exchanged a large grin at the thought.
Reflecting on the threat, however, Gwen pointed out, "Of course, they'll probably be trying to take us out the same way."
"True, and other teams will be jealous after we win a bunch of legs, but this sister is going straight to the end!" After her second promise of victory, the camera returned to Leshawna. "Why would I be worried about racing with Gwen? Girl's got my back and is one of the toughest competitors here. Worst case I'll just barrel ahead and leave it for Gwen to catch up."
Gwen let out a brief chuckle before adding, "And I'm not worried about racing with Leshawna, either. Sure, her take charge attitude might clash with my desire to take it slow occasionally, but when it comes down to it, we both want to win and are going to give it our all! Besides, we probably balance each other out and cover each other's weaknesses."
"You got that right!" Leshawna exclaimed as she turned to give Gwen a high five as their interview concluded.
(Lightning and Jo – In front of a bridge in Central Park)
Lightning and Jo were seated at a table near a bridge in Central park, engaged in an arm wrestling contest. The two were both straining with effort, but the tomboy was starting to falter, her arm trembling closer to the table. She reached out with her other arm to give her the advantage, but her opponent the uber-jock blocked her.
"Nice try, but even cheating can't stop the Sha-Lightning!" he gloated as he finally managed to pin Jo's arm. "That's right! Lightning wins as usual and that means he gets to do the first Block challenge thing!"
"And what happens when it's something that actually requires thought, Dim-ning?" Jo scoffed as she begrudgingly massaged her arm. "Then we'll be the first to lose."
"Sha-please. They wouldn't waste a real athlete's time with that boring thinking stuff and there ain't no way any of the other teams are beating us, even if Lightning has to carry you the whole way!"
Jo growled under her breath but was forced to admit, "We are the fittest team, but I'm pretty sure I'm the one who will be carrying us to victory. It's going to take planning and brains to make sure we go to the right country and don't just spend the race in an airport!"
Finally noticing their interviewer, the two turned to face the camera and it faded out. "Of course I'm worried about working with Jock Strap!" Jo snapped at the camera as focus returned. "He's a loose cannon and I will not be blamed for his failures if he doesn't listen and we lose."
"And Lightning won't be taking the blame when you can't keep up with his athleticiousity and gorgeousness!" The self-centered jock paused and gave his biceps a kiss, earning him an eye roll from his partner.
"It's going to be a long season, but when we win, I'll finally get the money I deserve!" Jo boasted to the camera as Lightning nodded vigorously behind her.
"I think you mean the money Lightning deserves, but I guess if you don't screw up too badly, maybe you can have a little of it."
Jo paused a moment before smiling. "Tell you what, let's play best two of three on arm wrestling. Winner decides how we split the money."
"You're going down!" Lightning warned her as he agreed to the deal and they began competing again, ending their interview.
(Katie and Sadie – Lying on the grass in Central Park)
The two best friends were lying on their backs and gazing at the clouds as the interview began. The two suddenly sat up with and shared a giggle before the skinnier friend explained, "Sadie and I are soooo going to win the Amazingly Dramatic Race! I mean, we know each other so much better than the other teams, so we're totally unstoppable!"
The larger girl nodded in agreement before pulling Katie into a hug. "Plus, Katie is like the smartest girl I know, so we're ready for everything!"
"And Sadie is the prettiest and nicest girl I know!" Katie agreed as she returned the hug and the pair let out an excited "Eeeeiiiii!"
The two calmed down a little before Sadie admitted, "But I am a teensy-weensy bit worried about us getting lost. Katie's not exactly the best with directions."
Katie grew immediately indignant and defensive. "It was like once or maybe twice that I got lost! Besides, if you're so good at navigating, maybe you should just do all of it for us while I drive. Remember, cause I'm the only reason we can even be on the show since you crashed your car and failed your driver's test, again!"
"Irregardless, you'll so be relying on me!" Sadie pouted. The two managed to avoid eye contact for a total of about four minutes before both turning back to each other in tears.
"I so didn't mean that! You're going to be the best navigator and you'll totally get your license next time!" Katie sobbed as she pulled Sadie into another hug.
"And I'm sure you won't actually get us lost forever!" Now having made up, the two resumed speculating on what would happen when they won the game. "Oh my gosh! I bet Justin and Trent will be all over us when we win."
"Obviously," Katie agreed with a vigorous nod. "I mean, they're clearly into us already, but once we win the money…" While the two continued gossiping excitedly, the camera faded out on their interview.
(Alejandro and Heather – On a bench in Central Park)
Heather and Alejandro were seated on a bench in Central Park where Heather was resting comfortably on Alejandro's shoulder. Noticing their interview was beginning, the Queen Bee suddenly sat upright, making sure to still look at ease. Her partner grinned warmly at the camera and began speaking soothingly.
"It's about time you got to the team that will be winning this competition. After all, Heather and I are the two strongest players and best strategists the game has ever seen."
Heather sneered at the camera, "The rest of the teams have zero chance. Now that Alejandro and I aren't focusing on crushing the other, we can combine our abilities. It's not fair to the other teams, but we can't help how good we are."
"Yes, and we are most excellent," Alejandro agreed as he smiled and gave Heather a quick kiss.
Heather quickly elbowed him in the side. "Stay focused! We can celebrate after we win!" The camera faded out and then resumed on Heather. "What am I worried about? I'd like to say nothing, but I think we all know Alejandro can't handle an eating challenge. Fortunately, I can cover that weakness for us. I'd rather not though."
"Yes, and I can cover Heather's weakness of being mauled by Leshawna!" Heather shot Alejandro a dirty look, causing the teen to grin. "Also her distraction with glitter means I may need to keep us focused."
"Ha ha," Heather snapped back dryly. "I think we know the real issue is all the other teams are going to want to play 'nice,' so then they'll be targeting us for a U-Turn for being mean. They just need to get over that we have better strategy and keep in mind it's nothing personal. It's a competition! No one should be here to make friends."
"Well, then we'll just need to stay one step ahead of them all race. Fortunately, I do not intend for us to give them the opportunity." The two smiled deviously at the camera, ending their interview.
(Max and Scarlett – Near the Bethesda Fountain)
The final pair were seated near the Bethesda Fountain, but unlike most of the other teams, seemed to want little to do with each other. After an awkward pause, Scarlett began their interview.
"While from a purely statistical perspective our chances of winning the race do appear dismal, I believe I can harness my immense intellect to outwit the other teams," the nerd explained, adjusting the classes on her face.
"Bah, we do not need your plans, simply my genius and evil inventions!" Max shouted triumphantly, earning a scoff from Scarlett.
"Although I attempt to refrain from any memories of the prior competition, I do have a vague recollection of none of your inventions or plans working without my help."
Max considered it a moment before replying, "Well, I suppose then we're lucky that I had the supreme genius to bring you along to once again be my sidekick."
Scarlett's eye twitched ominously causing Max to backpedal. "I mean, valued partner. Superior?"
The braniac sighed and relaxed before conceding, "Just try not to make anything that slows us down, or gets us stopped by airport security."
"Hmm, I hadn't thought of that." The supervillain wannabe began digging through his bag and tossing out a variety of metal, sharp, or explosive objects. "I suppose I will need to restock my invaluable invention supply at each location."
"Sure, you do that, Max," Scarlett answered dismissively before continuing her complaints. "I think other teams will underestimate us due to our underdog nature, and Max's tendency to shoot himself in the foot, sometimes literally. We should have no trouble from the other teams in coasting to the end." As Max managed to get himself ensnared in a rope from his bag, Scarlett sighed again. "But we may be our own worst enemy."
As the nerd went over to untie her partner, he complained, "Bah, stupid rope! I shall make you pay for daring to entwine me!" As he squirmed, he managed to give himself a rope burn on his arm. With a whimper, he complained, "Ouchies! You truly are most evil, rope. I'd tip my hat to you, but I'm not wearing one."
By that point Scarlett had finished untying Max and he returned to face the camera. "I have no fear for the completion for evil is fearless. The world will quake at the destruction that I, the King of Evil, will bring throughout the race! It is time to evil! Mua ha ha!" His laughter was cut short as he tripped over his shoelace, causing Scarlett to shake her head as their interview ended.
(The plaza around the Bethesda Fountain)
The camera finally returned to Chris who was surrounded by the eleven pairs in an arc, all of them looking tense. Savoring the moment, Chris surveyed them one by one before nodding over at their luggage at the far end of the plaza. "You'll see your bags over at the end of the plaza. On top of them, you'll find a clue envelope. Race to your bags and tear open the envelope to find instructions on how to get to your next destination. The world is waiting. Good luck!" With that, Chris quickly raised his hand in the air and swung it down, causing the eleven teams to begin stampeding towards their bags as the program cut to a commercial break.
AN: The race gets into full swing next chapter, and at the end of the first leg, a team will be eliminated. Beyond that, no guarantees on when eliminations will occur. Place your bets on who it will be in your reviews!
The Teams:
Owen and Noah
Ella and Dave
Sugar and Leonard
Zoey and Mike
Tyler and Lindsay
Sammy and Jasmine
Leshawna and Gwen
Lightning and Jo
Katie and Sadie
Alejandro and Heather
Max and Scarlett