After Plant's elimination, the contestants were all in the dining carriage, chatting amongst themselves and eating dinner.
"I'm not gonna lie, I was a little bit worried back there," Javier admitted to Wendy, "I'm glad we both made it out."

"Me too," she smiled, "I dunno why, but I kept expecting them to call my name when it came time for elimination. Being on a show like this for the first time is so strange, isn't it?"

Javier nodded, smiling back.

"Still, here's hoping we can stick around for... um..."

He trailed off when Pearl suddenly sat between them, staring at him intently.

"Um... hi," Javier frowned, "can I help you?"

"No one can help me with the darkness I struggle with inside," Pearl said dramatically, "nothing can help but putting words to paper. My poetry... it defines who I am."

She slapped a notepad down on the table.

"It's the only thing that makes me feel whole inside."

"...okay, cool," Javier nodded, "anyway, Wendy, I-"

"...don't you want to read it?" Pearl interrupted.

"Sorry, what?"

"Don't you want to read my poetry?"

"...uuuum... no, that's okay..."

"Ugh, I should have known you were just another prep," Pearl scowled, "you think you're too good for-"

She was startled when Dane slipped an arm around her shoulder, picking up her notepad.

"You know Pearl, I for one would LOVE to read your poetry," he smiled, "now, let's see here... 'I stand alone in the dark, the darkest dark that was concealed in shadows, wrapped in death and despair. NASCAR.'"

Dane blinked, before slowly putting the notepad down.

"You may want to take up a new career path, honey."

CONFESSIONAL: Dane

Ugh. How am I supposed to form a good alliance when everyone here is so... awful?

END CONFESSIONAL

Dane sighed, sitting down at a table by himself- or so he thought. He turned his head to see Ryuzaki sitting next to him, eating a bowl of cereal as he read a book.

"What are you reading there?" Dane asked, raising an eyebrow.

"The Annals of Tacitus."

"...wow, I've already lost complete interest in what you're saying."

Ryuzaki said nothing, and continued silently reading.

"Has anyone ever told you you're creepy?" Dane smirked

"Has anyone ever told you you're obnoxious?" Ryuzaki countered.

"...shut up."

A few minutes later, Geoff and Blaineley walked into the carriage, with the former clearing his throat an adressing the contestants.

"Congratulations guys, you've all made it through your first night on the show! In a couple of days, we're going to stop at the locations of our next challenge, where you'll compete again to survive until the next round."

Blaineley stepped in, an unsettling grin on her face.

"Of course," she smiled, "most of you are going to crumble under the weight of the challenges I've devised-"

"-challenges Milton devised," Geoff corrected.

"Geoff, stop stealing my thunder. Most of you are going to crumble under the weight of the challenges I've devised. Milton helped a little. In fact, your next challenge is so daring, so dangerous..."

"So dangerous that what?" Harper asked.

"That... shut up, I'm thinking!"

Geoff rolled his eyes.

"Just ignore her, dudes, you'll be fine! Do your best and-"

"What are you, a life coach?" Blaineley scoffed.

CONFESSIONAL: Flash

For the love of- just make out already!

CONFESSIONAL: Winston

Here's what I don't understand- are they playing up their stupidity for the camera, or are they genuinely this incompetent?

CONFESSIONAL: Jessica

You know, Blaineley reminds me of one of my old fencing instructors... and Geoff reminds me of this one homeless beach bum I met once.

END CONFESSIONALS

Later that night, when the contestants had finished dinner, they each headed back to their respective carriages.

"I can't believe I'm actually here," Harper smiled as he lay back on his bed, "I never thought they'd accept my application."

"Ditto," Burton nodded, "I only sent in my application on a whim- and now I'm here, and I'm going to win."

"Heh- you sound pretty sure of that. What would you use your money for?"

"I've been modeling for... three years now?" Burton mused, "I think it's about time I started my own line. What about you, honey?"

"Well, I was kind of hoping to use the money to kickstart my own web series... something to help make my own name, you know?" Harper smiled.

"Hmm... you know, if that didn't work, you could come model for me," Burton offered, "you have impeccable cheekbones."

"...thanks?"

"Anyway, what about you?" Burton asked, turning to Glimmer.

"I would use the money to buy enough glitter to make the entire world sparkle!" Glimmer cheered.

She pulled Burton and Harper into a group hug, smiling.

"Everything's... going dark," Burton choked out.

~o.0.o~

The next day came and went. The contestants began to grow more accustomed to their surroundings, and in a few rare instances, with each other. Glimmer made it her personal mission to befriend everyone on the train, and any resistance resulted in the life-draining vice grip she called a hug. On the third day of their trip, that was when they heard Blaineley's announcement.

"Attention contestants- please report to the dining area in one hour for briefing!"

Jessica and Winston had been in the elimination carriage, fencing. After the latter had informed her that he had a bit of fencing expertise himself, Jessica had agreed to a friendly match, loaning him one of her rapiers and heading to the unoccupied carriage. Jessica had gone easy on him at first, but much to her surprise he kept up with her without breaking a sweat.

"I have to say," she panted, resuming their match now that the announcement ended, "you're better than I thought you'd be."

"Well, I've been known to dabble in the sport from time to time," Winston smiled, delivering a thrust, "beautiful sport, really. Pure."

"And I've been training since I was eight," Jessica smiled, countering, "don't get cocky."

"Ooh, apparently not," Winston chuckled, "you're certainly giving me a run for my money."

"Like Wesley and Inigo," Jessica snickered, before finally grazing him across the arm. "My point!"

Winston held up his hands, smiling innocently.

"I humbly accept defeat, my dear. Normally I'd challenge you to a rematch, but I'm afraid our time is up."

He gestured to the clock.

"Oh, right," she nodded, "we had better go meet the others."

"We had," he agreed, heading into the dining room.

Everyone else was already waiting, Blaineley looking indignant.

"About time you two showed up," she scowled, "you're late-"

"Actually, they're on time," Geoff corrected, "they just arrived last-"

"SAME DIFFERENCE! Now, we're pulling in to our destination- Seattle Washington! Now, for today's challenge, I hope you're not afraid of heights~"

"That's right, because today we're going to-" Geoff began.

"The space needle," Ryuzaki yawned. Upon incredulous looks from the other contestants, he shrugged and added, "It was obvious."

"Be that as it may, do it again and I'm locking you in the Shame Box!" Blaineley threatened, "Now, since Ryuzaki has succeeded in ruining the big reveal, we'll just have to wait until we arrive at the needle before revealing anything else!"

The rest of the train ride proceeded in silence, and when they finally did arrive at the station, they were escorted outside, where a limousine was waiting for them. The contestants quickly piled in, and the car pulled away as Geoff addressed them.

"Okay guys- so as you know, we're on our way to the space needle! Once we're there, we're going to have you participate in a challenge that mixes bravery, coordination, and intelligence!"

The car came to a halt, and soon after the doors opened to reveal they were under the Space Needle- and there were cubes littering the ground everywhere. Geoff walked over, picking one up, and showing it to the contestants.

"Your challenge today is a bit different- you need to jump down, grab one of these cubes-" he split it open, revealing a slip of paper inside, "- and answer the question inside! Now, each of these actions nets you one point. Meaning one point for actually jumping, one for successfully grabbing the cube, and one for answering the question. The first person to reach-"

"Hold on," Wendy interrupted, "we're using safety equipment, right?"

"Hm? Oh, oh yeah!" Geoff nodded, "You'll be going down on bungee cords!"

"...and this has been tested, right?" Samantha gulped.

"Yeah!" Geoff nodded, "totally! ...I mean, at least I think so!"

"Don't worry," Blaineley snickered, "I took care of it.

One hour earlier, Eva and Harold stood on top of the space needle, the latter attached to the bungee cord.

"You're sure this is safe?" Harold frowned, tugging at the cord.

"Probably not," Eva shrugged, "but that's why you're testing it and not me."

She gave him a rough shove, causing him to teeter and fall off of the observation deck, screaming. She snickered to herself, before she caught glimpse of a harness laid nearby.

"Oh... was he supposed to put that on, too?"

"Anyway," Blaineley shrugged, "you should all be fine. The first person to reach ten points wins the challenge, as well as immunity... and whoever has the lowest score by that point is tonight's Big Loser."

"What if two people are tied for the lowest?" Samantha asked.

"Then we'll keep going until they aren't tied, sweetie. Now, let's get up to the observation deck and get this challenge started!"

~o.0.o~

About ten minutes later, and the fifteen contestants were on the observation deck, looking out at the city.

"Wow," Harper gulped, "it's a good thing I'm not sort of, incredibly deathly afraid of heights or anything."

"Pfffft," Cass snickered, "wimp."

"Okay guys," Geoff started, "throw on your harnesses, and we'll get this challenge started!"

Once everyone had the harness on, Geoff went back over the rules while Harold (now heavily bandaged) and Eva checked to make sure they were strapped in properly.

Upon receiving the okay, Geoff asked, "All good! Okay, let's-"

"Ugh, all this talking is getting boring!" Blaineley scoffed, "let's do this already!"

She emphasized this by turning, and shoving the first person she saw- Samantha. The girl let out a scream as she plummeted to the ground.

"Now get moving!" Blaineley demanded.

A moment later, Samantha snapped back up to the observation deck, where she grabbed on feebly, shaking.

"I didn't catch one, but that's... still a point, right?" She asked shakily, trying to pull herself up.

"Actually honey," Blaineley smiled, "you were supposed to jump. Instead, you got pushed. Doesn't count."

Just as Samantha pulled herself back up, Blaineley pushed her right back off. Irving quickly jumped after her, with Flash smirking, and diving off of the edge.

CONFESSIONAL: Flash

Bungee jumping? Heh, talk about a challenge made for me!

END CONFESSIONAL

Tilly also seemed to be having a good time of things, jumping down without much of a care as Winston looked on.

CONFESSIONAL: Winston

Ah, that's right- circus girl. She could be a threat if not dealt with. Now, because of the Big Loser versus Vote Loser system, this may be a bit more tricky. You saw what happened last elimination with Cass- because the person I intend to send home still may win the challenge and come back in, I need to plan for every possibility. But trust me when I say I WILL win this game. One way or another.

END CONFESSIONAL

Flash was the first to pop back up, with a cube in her hands.

"Alright, Flash!" Geoff smiled, "You got a cube- what's the question inside?"

"Pfft, who cares?" She shrugged, tossing it aside before immediately diving back down.

"Okay... well, two points to Flash either way!"

Wendy, meanwhile, had just been preparing for a jump when Winston appeared next to her, smiling.

"I must confess I'm a bit nervous," he admitted.

"Why's that?" Wendy asked, frowning.

"I knew someone who used to bungee jump quite frequently," he told her, "on one unfortunate incident, he was jumping from a bridge when the rope snapped, and he plummeted to the water below. Paramedics found him days later, body twisted and smashed laying on the side of the river. Closed casket funeral, you see."

Wendy's face turned pale.

"...well, cheerio!" Winston smiled before making his own jump.

Wendy merely stood there, shaking , before backing away.

CONFESSIONAL: Wendy

...closed casket funeral, huh?

END CONFESSIONAL

As Cass climbed back on the observation deck, she clutched a cube to her chest, smirking.

"Alright Cass," Blaineley started, "if you can answer the question inside-"

"I didn't grab it to answer it," Cass smiled.

She tossed it up in the air, catching it once, before turning and throwing it directly at Harper. It caught him square in the jaw, causing him to teeter on the edge before falling off.

"Nice," Blaineley smiled, "you're gonna go far, kid."

Glimmer, who had just been about to break open her own cube, was less than amused.

"That wasn't very nice!" She growled.

"Oh yeah? Do something, pony girl," Cass challenged.

With surprising ferocity, Glimmer pulled her arm back, sending the cube flying forward. Cass blinked, ducking, causing the cube to fly past... and hit Harper, who had just been pulling himself back up. He let out a yell, letting go of the observation deck and plummeting back towards the earth.

"Oh... SORRY!" Glimmer yelled, "I'm so sorry Harper!"

Cass snickered, before diving back down. On his way back up, Harper was a bit surprised when he was pulled up, and helped to his feet.

"Are you alright?" Javier asked, smiling, "That looked like a rough fall."

"Fine, thanks," Harper winced, rubbing his jaw, "appreciate the help there."

"No problem, pal... we better get caught up though, huh?"

"Yeah..." Harper chuckled, "we better."

A short time passed, and Flash smiled triumphantly as she climbed on deck.

"Back," she smiled, holding up a cube, "how much is that?"

"Congrats, dudette!" Geoff told her, "You're up by eight points, and currently in second place!"

"Awesome, I- wait, SECOND? Who-"

"And that's another three points to Ryuzaki, for a total of nine!" Blaineley announced from nearby.

Flash looked over, incredulous, to see Ryuzaki flash her a slightly smile.

"I'm losing to TWIGGY over there?!" She gaped.

CONFESSIONAL: Ryuzaki

Normally I wouldn't have shown my hand so soon, but... I was bored.

END CONFESSIONAL

Flash and Ryuzaki locked eyes for a moment, before they both leapt off of the tower.

"And here we go, folks!" Geoff announced, "Neck and neck! Ryuzaki just needs to come back up to claim his point and win the game, but Flash needs to at least grab a cube on the way- can she do it before her competitor?"

A few moments later, a hand clasped on to the observation deck- and Flash pulled herself up, holding one of the cubes.

"HA, suck it!" she cheered, sticking her tongue out as Ryuzaki climbed up a moment later.

"Ah, yes, it appears you've bested me," he said in his usual monotone, "how will I ever recover from my defeat."

CONFESSIONAL: Ryuzaki

I may have lost the challenge, sure, but it's for the better. With every display like that, the target on that girl's back only gets bigger.

END CONFESSIONAL

"Okay guys, Flash wins the challenge, and immunity!" Geoff announced, "Meaning the Big Loser of today's challenge, the only person not to score a single point... Wendy!"

Wendy's face flushed a bright red, and she looked down.

"Yep, you're the Big Loser, alright," Blaineley mocked, "and all because you couldn't take one tiny jump- now, let's all head back to the train, and get our elimination challenge underway!"

~o.0.o~

While on the way back, Winston took a spot near to Dane, Cass, Flash, and Burton, putting on a good act of looking deep in thought.

"Careful honey, your face might freeze that way," Burton told him.

"Hm? Oh, right," he nodded, "I'm just a bit worried is all."

"About what?" Burton asked.

He glanced back at Tilly, talking loud enough so anyone nearby could hear, but she couldn't.

"She showed real skill during today's challenge," Winston told them, "much better than I would have expected- she must be an acrobat of no small skill."

"You think so?" Burton frowned.

"I do... she'll be hard to beat, that's for certain."

"...not unless we go at her now," Cass muttered, "hit her while she's vulnerable!"

"Hey, yeah!" Dane nodded, "That's a good idea!"

Winston just watched silently, smiling as the others discussed the decision.

CONFESSIONAL: Winston

Tilly versus Wendy. What a wonderful combination- the underdog versus the shy cheerleader with a gold mine of potential. Either way one of them is going home... and Cass. Beautiful girl. A bit clever, but not smart, strong, and determined. I have big plans for you. You see, I- oh, no. I COULD tell all you drooling mouth breathers what I'm planning, but... I think you'll have to wait and see.

END CONFESSIONAL

~o.0.o~

As everyone piled into the elimination carriage, Javier sat next to a depressed looking Wendy.

"Hey," she sighed.

"Hey," he greeted, "I'm sure you'll be fine tonight. Don't let what Blaineley said get to you."

The hostess herself, followed by Geoff, walked into the room at that moment.

"Okay- are you ready to hear who received the most votes tonight?" Blaineley asked, "Facing Wendy in tonight's elimination challenge is... Tilly!"

"What?" Tilly blinked, "But-"

"No buts," Blaineley interrupted, "the two of you will be fighting for immunity in tonight's elimination challenge... a RACE!"

"...a race?" Tilly asked, confused, "A race where?"

In response, Blaineley slid a portion of the roof open, just large enough for two people to fit through.

"Why, a race across the top of the train!" Blaineley told them, "you need to climb up, and then rush all the way down to the last carriage! Whoever reaches it first, wins! Or, you also win if the other person happens to slip and fall off. If you both fall off, then hey, double elimination!"

"I dunno," Wendy gulped, "that sounds kinda..."

"Dangerous? It is, but if you'd like to chicken out again, I can eliminate you now," Blaineley yawned.

"No, no," Wendy said, shaking her head, "I... I can do this."

"Alright- ready, dudettes?" Geoff asked, "Set... GO!"

The two girls immediately climbed on to the roof, taking a minute to steady themselves. The train was moving, albeit very slowly- although it was more than enough to temporarily discourage the two girls. They exchanged worried looks, before slowly making their way forward. Their steps started out small and hesitant, before gradually increasing in speed as the two barely jogged to the finally cart. The train hit a bump, jolting as a result, which was enough to make Wendy have a small panic attack and freeze up as Tilly ran forward. Wendy took a deep breath, steeling herself before jogging forward, desperate to catch up.

"Almost... there," Tilly panted. Once she saw Wendy was about to catch up, she did the first thing that came to mind- holding out her arms and leaping forward.

Tilly landed flat on her stomach- her hands just short of the final carriage. She was helpless to watch as mere seconds later, Wendy ran past to the finally cart.

"NO!" Tilly groaned, "This was my only chance!"

A slot in the carriage's roof opened, and Blaineley peered through.

"Too bad, honey," Blaineley told her, "Wendy, you live to see another day- come on back!"

Wendy was helped back inside. Tilly went to follow, but Blaineley popped back up, wagging her finger.

"Tut-tut. Nope, sorry loser- you've been eliminated!"

Blaineley gave Tilly a rough shove, causing the girl to stumble and fall off the side of the train. Blaineley laughed as she headed back down, closing the roof behind her.

"Dude, that was mean!" Geoff glared.

"Yeah- so?" Blaineley smirked, "Tune in next time folks! Tears will spill, friendships will form, and someone WILL be sent home! See you next time on Reality Rush- the Million Dollar Express!"

(A/N: Wow, I'm on a roll with this whole updating in a timely and efficient manner thing, huh? But seriously folks, couple of announcements to get through-

First of all, this story is no longer a collaboration fic. I talked about it with Technow, and time simply does not permit them to be able to work on this story. However, I believe in giving credit where credit is due. While all of the OC's were of my creation, Technow was awesome enough to come up with the show's name, as well as the train gimmick, so huge thanks for that! Good luck with your stories, buddy- and readers, go give him a look if you haven't already!

Second, and I may go over this again in Camp TV, you may notice Off the Air is now listed as "complete". Don't fret. There will still be stories about what the competitors do in their off time, but the reason I did that is so I feel less pressured. This way I can focus mostly on CTV and RR without the nagging, "Hey. Heyyyyyy. You haven't updated OtA in like a decade, you lazy bum!" In the back of my mind. Now, let me elaborate on the statement above- I may publish more stories about what the contestants do "Off the Air" as their own one-shots, similar to what I did with Long Sleep. I may mark Off the Air as in progress again and update it again that way. I'm not sure- but the point is, it's a major load off of my mind.

The third announcement is this. There is another prequel coming to Sunset Cruise.

I know, I know, put down your pitchforks. I'm aware I do a terrible job at updating what I already have- but this story spans four days, with each day being one chapter. It will tell multiple stories of several different characters- such as Lucky's visit to Johnny's, as well as Julie's life working for Milton. And maybe, just maybe, you'll learn a little more about why a certain someone flew off the handle in Sunset Cruise. It won't debut for sometime, but when it does, I hope you'll enjoy it!

I think that's gonna do it for me today- hope you had fun reading, and I'll see you next time!

8-5-12-16 8-5-18)