Author's Note: Hey, everyone. Still not sure what my long term plan is, but I decided that I've left Exploration for some time and I ought to at least get it rolling again. I may continue with it, I may flip back to Uber, I may do a little of both. But for now, here we are. If you need a refresher on the cast, remember there is a team last at the end of the previous chapter. That's what it's there for :)
Chris stood at the Monument of Shame beneath the stone replica of himself.
"Welcome back to Total Drama Exploration!" he greeted. "Last time we met the cast of 18 and they were off on their first challenge. The initial leaders in the challenge became Team Glamtastic, consisting of people like the rough and tough Andre and the pacifist, Lucas. Over on the mid team, Team Gaea, Byron took charge, along with his friends Siobhan and Kane. And on the failing team, Team Drama, Devlin cost them valuable time by not being able to arrive as fast as the others. Despite his screw up, it was Pierre who went home, since no one could understand a word he said. Smart call on their part, if you ask me. Today, the expedition continues as we come to another challenge, and the chance that someone else may be eliminated. You're not going to want to miss it, so keep watching Total…Drama…Exploration!"
(Theme Song Plays…)
It was early morning and the three teams were all asleep. Team Gaea was sleeping comfortably in the luxury tent, while Team Glamtastic were sleeping much more uncomfortably as they crammed together into the much smaller tent. However, Team Drama was clearly having the worst night as they all huddled together for warmth. Casper was the first to awake. He shook himself off as he got up and paced outside. He sat down again and glanced up at the rising sun. Then his vision went to a sign that had not been there before. Curiously he walked over to read it.
"Attention Explorers," he read to himself, "the next challenge starts right now. As soon as you read this message, you may begin the race, continuing north, to your next stop. Remember, you don't want to end up in last place."
Casper left the sign and glanced back at his team.
"Hm," he sighed to himself before sitting down again.
Confessional:
Casper-As usual my dreams were plagued with horror, but every morning I like to get up early and watch the sunrise. It soothes me. I saw that we had a new challenge, but I decided to not wake my team. They need rest from this world of hardships, and I won't be the one to take that from them.
(Later)
It wasn't until sometime later that Gelatia got up next.
"Ugh, I do not want to lose again," she grumbled. "Worst night sleep I've ever had. And I spent a night in magic box before."
"So," Casper said. "The race as begun, we may continue north as soon as we're all up."
"What!?" Gelatia exclaimed. "And you didn't tell us?! How long have you been up!?"
"I—" Casper began.
"Never mind, no time," Gelatia said as she spotted some movement from inside Team Gaea's tent. "Everybody, up, up, up!"
Gelatia began shaking the others. Margot started to stir, but Devlin was still out like a light. Byron had gotten up by now and was inspecting the sign.
"Come on," Gelatia groaned. "Abra-ka-Trombos!"
A loud blaring sound emitted through the entire area.
"Whoa, I'm up, I'm up!" Devlin exclaimed as he leapt off of the ground.
The others soon had also gotten up and were brushing the dirt off of them.
"Good, now let's move, we've got no time to waste!" Gelatia exclaimed. "Unless you want to spend another night sleeping in the dirt. And if you do, you can get off my team and go home now."
While most of them had barely rubbed the sleep out of their eyes, they were soon jogging into the woods.
Confessional:
Gelatia-Clearly these people are all soft. Thankfully, they've got me on their team, so that should be enough to balance it out.
Devlin-Wow, talk about a rude awakening. But if it means we get to take the lead this time, then fine by me. Losing is not cool.
(Team Gaea)
Byron had read over the instructions and quickly returned to the tent. The other members of the team had all been awaken by Gelatia's siren by now.
"What was that?" Pepper exclaimed.
"Maybe a horde of killer bees," Kane remarked. "Or something equally ferocious."
"Oh, don't get me started on killer bees," Siobhan groaned. "No matter what game you're playing, the little freaks just won't die."
"Okay, people, we need to get a move on," Byron exclaimed. "Apparently the race has already started, and I just saw another team take off."
"Last place, as usual, why am I not surprised?" Pepper remarked dramatically.
"Actually, we can still take second and maybe even pull ahead into first if we try," Byron said.
"Ooh, a good old race, I like the sound of that," Siobhan exclaimed. "Some blue shells will come in handy right about now."
"Some what?" Byron asked. "Never mind, it's not important. Let's just get moving."
Confessional:
Pepper-I don't care for Byron to be quite honest. He's really got his eye on being in first, and you know what being in first equates to in this game? Being popular!
Byron-We already won once. I say we go with our momentum and see if we can do it again.
(Team Glamastic)
The two teams were long gone by the time that anyone on Team Glamastic good up. The sun was well up when Paige stretched out of the tent.
"Oh mercy, worst night's sleep I've ever had," she groaned as she shook out her aches.
She noted that the other teams had already left.
"Odd," she remarked. "Wonder what the fuss was all about?"
She then noticed the sign and quickly read it over.
"Ooooh," she exclaimed grimly as she realized what had happened.
She quickly ran back to team and tried to shake them awake.
"Come on, now, rise and shine, we really need to get a move on!" she exclaimed as she shook everyone.
"Leave me alone," Andre grunted groggily.
"But we're already in dead last!" Paige shouted. "And we're losing time with every second we waste!"
"What!?" Andre shouted as he hopped up. "Okay, everyone, get your asses out of bed and let's get a move on. We are not losing this challenge, you hear me!?"
"Loud and clear, boss," Ricky remarked as he joined Andre.
"Oh, hang on," Mandy cried. "I haven't done my makeup. And my hair is just dreadful. We can't leave like this."
"What do you think this is!?" Andre shouted. "I said get a move on, woman. This isn't some prissy tea party."
"Oh, there's tea now?" Mandy asked. "I take mine with two sugar, please."
"Sugar is bad for your teeth," Lotte remarked. "Youth Dentists United would suggest that you don't put any of it in your tea."
"Oh, but…I like sugar," Mandy said innocently.
"Then you might be more in support of The Sunshine Coalition which hopes to include something bright in wonderful in everyone's day," Lotte said emotionlessly.
"It doesn't matter, though," Andre growled. "There's no sugar, because there's no tea, because we need to win this freaking race! Now, go, go, go!"
Confessional:
Andre-You just had to put me on a team with a bunch of braindead women, didn't you? Mandy's got a nice body, but the other two, are basically expectable boots as far I'm concerned.
Mandy-Great, I got my hopes up for tea and now they're ruined. Thanks a lot, Andre (sticks out tongue)
(Team Drama)
The team was rapidly hiking through the overgrown wilds. Gelatia held the lead, and Casper followed behind them. Stephanie tried to keep up, but her intricate dress frequently got caught. Margot and Devlin were walking at a slower pace bringing up the rear.
"So…how are you doing with all this?" Devlin asked her.
"Pretty good," Margot nodded. "It's just the first couple of days, I suppose, but I think I'm handling it pretty well."
"Well, if you ever do need a hand with anything," Devlin said, "just know that I'm the muscle to call on."
"Uh, you're performance yesterday might say otherwise," Margot remarked.
"Come on, you're still on that?" Devlin sighed. "I swear, that was a bad day for me. I'll prove myself soon enough.
"Ugh, I am so sorry," Margot said as she shook her head. "That was rude of me. I shouldn't have said anything."
"Hey, no big deal," Devlin said.
"It's just, I always do this," Margot groaned. "I always put people off by acting like I'm so above it all. Let me try this again…I'd be happy to have your help."
"Sweet!" Devlin exclaimed. "And, l mean, if there's any time that I might be stumped…you got my back?"
"Sure thing," Margot replied.
"Not that that'll ever happen, of course," Devlin replied.
"Of course," Margot said playfully.
Confessional:
Margot-Coming out here, one of my main goals was to make friends. I'm normally so closed off to everyone that no one wants to hang around me. I could easily do the same with Devlin, but I'd much rather give him a chance. He actually seems like a pretty cool guy.
Devlin-Yeah, that little cutie is definitely into me. And I want her on my side, no doubt. After I didn't really make the best impression yesterday, I'm gonna need some friends…just in case things don't work out so well today either.
(Team Gaea)
The team were making quick progress with Byron at the lead. He navigated them through the wilderness skillfully. Kane followed behind him, and Collette and Diego came up behind them. Siobhan and Pepper were bringing up the rear.
"So," Kane remarked to Byron, "assuming worse comes to worst, who do you think we ought to cut out first?"
"I'd rather not worry about that right now," Byron said. "We're a strong team, and everyone deserves to be here, if we worry about who we're going to turn on, then we'll fall apart."
"Fair enough," Kane replied.
Diego meanwhile was trying to strike up conversation with Collette.
"So, what are you thinking about?" he asked.
"The sky," Collette replied cryptically.
"Uh…alright," Diego said.
"Blue…so predictable, so cliché," Collette continued. "What if…yes, what if I were to invert the colours with the wildlife…oh I should make a note of that."
"I see," Diego replied.
Bringing up the rear, Siobhan seemed to be deeply focused on her game, but she could still navigate through the path.
"So, I was thinking," Pepper said, "you seem like the kind of person who I could be friends with."
"Oh, thanks," Siobhan said. "I'd be happy to be your friend."
"Out of everyone on this team, you're clearly the biggest geek…other than me of course," Pepper said. "So, what are playing?"
"Well, right now I'm just giving a quick playthrough of Star Fox," Siobhan said,
"Oh," Pepper hissed as she narrowed her eyes. "You're one of those 'Mainstream Gamers,' only playing the popular games."
"Uh, it's a good game," Siobhan said.
"How can you say that when there are so many unpopular games that never see the light they deserve?" Pepper said. "Sorry, Siobhan, I thought you were uncool, but now I see you're just a big fake."
"Um, sorry?" Siobhan shrugged.
"You should be," Pepper said.
Confessional:
Siobhan-Pepper kinda remind me of Meg from Fire Emblem…the party member that you don't really want or need yet somehow end up with.
Byron-I honestly like all of my team, and I'd really like to make it to the merge with all of them. I know it's a longshot, but I'm going to do everything I can to make sure we never once have to go to elimination.
(Team Glamastic)
The team frantically was running through the woods, trying to catch up with the others. Mandy's dress got caught and brambles, and Lucas tripped over a root, slowing the down further.
"Pick it up people," Andre growled. "You want to make us look bad? Cause nobody makes me look bad without paying the price."
"Hang on, hang on," Paige said as she climbed up a tree and gave a quick scan of their surroundings. "I think we're going to the wrong way."
"Interesting," Andre said, "…is what I would be saying if I actually gave a damn about what you thought."
"Hold up," Paige exclaimed as the group kept moving. "The sign said to head north. We're not heading north."
"Where do you get off trying to tell me I'm wrong?" Andre spat. "I know way more than you ever will, so don't try to argue."
"Do you want to win or not?" Paige argued. "We won't win if we keep going the wrong way like we are."
"Ugh…Ricky, back me up," Andre ordered.
"Yes sir, Mr. Boss," Ricky said. "Shut up, girl, you don't know what you're talking about."
"Well…uh, Lotte, back me up," Paige said.
"Whatever," Lotte shrugged.
"Hey, guys, can't we just compromise?" Lucas suggested.
"No!" Paige and Andre shouted at the same time.
Confessional:
Paige-Ugh, Andre, I can't stand the fella. I hope I'm not the only one, because when he lose he needs to get out.
Andre-It's one thing to be a useless woman already, but when you start trying to tell me what to do…no way. Paige had better learn to shut her mouth or else she will regret it.
Ricky-Ehehehe, this is so great. Everybody's fighting, but nobody's gonna blame me. This whole team is gonna fall right apart and I'll slid by to the end.
(Team Drama)
"So…" Stephanie said as she struggled to keep up with Casper. "Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself?"
"What would you like to know?" Casper asked.
"Well, like….you worship demons, right?" Stephanie asked.
"I don't worship anything," Casper declared.
"It's pretty cool if you ask me," Stephanie said. "I'm a fan of all things different and out there."
"No," Casper said. "You are a fan of things that seem different yet remain in your grasp. If you truly experience something out there your mind would be strained to even comprehend what you were seeing."
"Ooh, neato," Stephanie said. "I hope I get to check that out some day."
"Trust me, you don't," Casper said.
Confessional:
Gelatia-I don't like all this talking going on. If people start making alliances that don't include me, then…poof! Now you see them, now you don't.
Stephanie-I like to immerse myself in diversity, the world is much more fascinating than boring old Canada. Like for example, ever since going to America, I always asked for, get this, iced tea…I know right, so exotic.
(Team Gaea)
"Hey, guys, I think I see something up there," Byron exclaimed. "It might be the next stop."
"Yay!" Siobhan cheered. "We've been overdue for a checkpoint by now."
The team made their way through the last bit of bushes and found Chris waiting for them at a flag. Behind him were various boxes and barrels, each coloured pink, green, or gold.
"Team Gaea, congratulations!" Chris exclaimed. "You are the first team to arrive."
"Yes!" Kane cheered.
"Now, let me explain how this challenge will work," Chris said. "We will be leaving behind the woods today and instead we'll be moving onto…the caves! That's right, we've got some mining today. And what miner would leave home without his explosives?"
Chris gestured to the barrels and crates behind him.
"Uh, those aren't real explosives are they?" Diego asked.
"No, are lawyers ruled that out," Chris said bitterly. "But the challenge is the same idea. You've got to transport these 'explosives' to the caves, which are just down in that direction. Like real explosives, though, you're going to want to handle them with care, because if they're shaken up too much, they will burst. You need at least one remaining package by the time you arrive if you want to be eligible for the win. Okay, all good…you may begin."
The team walked over to the boxes behind Chris. There were four that matched their team's green colour, two crates and two barrels.
"So, when he said that they shouldn't be shaken up, what do you think he meant by that?" Kane asked. "Like, if I were to drop this pebble on it, do you think it would explode?"
Kane picked up a stone and prepared to drop it on a crate.
"Don't!" Byron exclaimed.
"I'm just kidding," Kane laughed. "It was worth it to see your face."
Kane threw the stone behind his back. However, it bounced off one of their barrels. Everyone froze in place and waited…then the barrel burst into a shower of green confetti.
"Uh, heh…that was an accident, I swear," Kane said.
"Okay, well now we have three," Byron said. "We can still make it to the end though, we just need to be caref—Siobhan!"
"Look at me!" Siobhan exclaimed as she hopped onto one of the barrels and began rolling around on it. "I'm on like Dixie Kong!"
"Siobhan, did you not hear what I just said?" Byron exclaimed.
"I am being careful," Siobhan said. "And we have to move them somehow. I'm just doing it the fun way."
"So, I suppose the rest of us should carry the other two," Diego said.
"Right," Byron agreed. "You and Collette can grab that one, I'll carry this one with Kane."
"Um, hello, I'm still here!" Pepper exclaimed. "You're just going to ignore me, like you no doubt ignore the other geeks at your school!"
"Well, do you want to work?" Byron asked.
"After the way I've been treated? I don't think so," Pepper huffed.
"Very well then," Byron said.
Confessional:
Byron-I think some of these people aren't exactly taking this game as seriously as they should. But Siobhan, Kane, and I have already started to work together as a group, I'm not going to cast them aside now.
Pepper-Ugh, I hope you people are as disgusted as I am. Clearly I'm the ugly duckling of this team.
(Team Glamtastic)
"So, um…what do you like?" Mandy asked Lotte as they team stumbled through the wildlife.
"That depends," Lotte asked. "It actually goes back to—"
"Okay, I didn't ask for your life story, I just wanted to be polite," Mandy said. "Ooh, speaking of which, would you like to hear my life story!?"
"Not particularily," Lotte replied dryly.
"That's not 'no,'" Mandy said. "So, it all started when I was born and the doctor said I was one of the cutest babies he'd ever delivered. I specifically remember that moment because…"
Lotte groaned as she tried to phase out Mandy's lengthy tale.
"Look, I think we're almost there," Ricky exclaimed as he pointed ahead.
"Ha, shows what you know," Andre spat at Paige. "Maybe this'll teach you to keep your dumb mouth shut."
The team came through the shrubs and arrived…back at the camp.
"Well, I'm certainly speechless," Paige remarked.
"Urgh, this is all your fault!" Andre shouted at Paige. "You were distracting me with all your talk, and you made get lost."
"Let's not play the blame game," Lucas said.
"Can we play the win game yet?" Paige asked.
"Well, we're really gonna have to hurry," Ricky said. "Unless the other teams are having just as much trouble."
"Probably," Andre remarked. "The other team has the panda as their leader, and if their driving is anything to go by, the Chinese are no good with directions."
"Racism will not be tolerated," Lotte remarked unenthusiastically. "Unless it's the kind of racism that promotes a group identity…I dunno, I never got the difference, but apparently there's good racism and bad racism."
"And there's bad losing and bad losing!" Andre exclaimed. "So keep moving!"
Confessional:
Mandy-Everyone on my team is such a freak who wouldn't know the first thing about fashion…but this isn't school where you can trash talk everyone and just get new friends. There are no new friends, so (sighs) I'll have to try my hardest to be nice. I think it's working.
Andre-This team is such a disaster. I can't wait till elimination when I can start chopping out some of the deadweight.
Lotte-People are confusing. Too bad I stopped caring so very long ago.
(Team Drama)
"Ooh, I think we're there," Stephanie exclaimed. "I think I can see it."
The team stepped out to the stop where Chris was waiting for them. All of the green boxes and barrels were gone by now, but some green confetti had still been left behind.
"Team Drama, welcome," Chris said. "You are the second team to arrive. So, you've got these explosives back here that'll burst if you're too rough with them. You need to get at least one to the caves which would be thataway. Make sense?"
"Yeah, we so got this, Chris," Devlin exclaimed.
The team walked over to their four gold crates and barrels.
"Wow, these are heavier than they look," Margot remarked as she struggled to lift one.
"Well, that's no good," Stephanie said. "If we're going to have trouble carrying them, we're just going to fall further behind."
"Ooh, I got it," Devlin said as he began dumping out his backpack.
"Uh, what are you doing?" Gelatia asked. "This is no time for silly business."
"Oh don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Devlin said. "I've got a couple wheels, and with just a little bit more material, we can make some trolleys to carry everything."
"And what if it fails?" Gelatia said. "Then we'll have wasted all that time for nothing and we'll be giving the other teams a chance to catch up."
"I say we give it a shot," Margot said. "Let's give Devlin a chance to prove himself."
Gelatia narrowed her eyes, but then lost the glare and said, "Fine, fine, whatever you want."
Confessional:
Gelatia-Who does that little prick she is talking back to me like that!? Is she seriously choosing Devlin over me? Well, my she'd like to 'give a shot' at being wrapped in a straitjacket and thrown into the ocean! Huh, let's see her get out of that! But, if only it were that easy.
Devlin-Yes, time to show my team why they need me!
Margot-I'm not one hundred percent confident in Devlin's abilities, but he seems pretty eager to give it a try. And if he fails…well…at least we'll know who to vote for. Sorry Devlin.
(Team Gaea)
The team was carrying their cargo through the forest. Although, the trees were starting to thin out now. The ground was getting more dry and gravelly.
"Guys, can we take a quick break?" Diego asked. "My arms are getting a bit tired."
"I agree," Collette said.
"Alright, I think we can afford a few minutes," Byron said as he and Kane set down their stone.
"Did any of you ask if I wanted to take a break?" Pepper scoffed. "Of course not, I don't even matter to you."
"Um, you're not even carrying anything," Byron pointed out.
"Oh, trying to turn this against me now, are you?" Pepper hissed. "That is so like you people."
Collette meanwhile had pulled out a sketchpad and was deep into her artwork. Diego was about to ask her what she was drawing, but saw that she deeply engulfed in her work and decided not to disturb her. He instead decided to just pace by himself.
"Hey!" Siobhan exclaimed as she skipped over to him. "You haven't said much; not a talkative one are you?"
"Not really, I guess," Diego shrugged. "Not that I don't like people of course I'm just a little…socially awkward."
"Hey, don't fret about it," Siobhan said. "Some of history's greatest heroes have never uttered a word. Chell, Crash Bandicoot, and of course the Hero of Time himself, Link."
"Uh, yeah, that," Diego said. "Don't expect me to start dueling monsters anytime soon though."
"Ha, you're funny," Siobhan exclaimed. "And don't worry, I like you enough already, you don't need to save the universe to get on my good side."
Suddenly, a branch from a tree snapped off. It landed right on a crate that Byron had placed beneath it. The crate exploded into confetti.
"Oh snap," Siobhan exclaimed.
"Well, that's just great," Byron remarked. "But, we've still got two. We probably should keep moving now."
Confessional:
Diego-Siobhan seems like a really sweet girl. I certainly wouldn't mind spending more time with her.
Siobhan-It's funny cause I bet each of these guys could be a hero in their own game. Diego is the silent type who journeys the world, Byron is the heroic one who saves the princess, and Kane is the creepy guy who wakes up with no memory in a castle full of monsters.
(Team Glamtastic)
The team plowed back through the woods, this time in the right direction. Andre kept the lead, stomping on any vegetation that got in his way. Paige matched his pace and kept up with him. The others struggled to keep up. Eventually, they came to the stop where Chris was waiting. As well, they could see Team Drama still working on putting together Devlin's trolley.
"Yes, we made it!" Andre exclaimed.
"Team Drama," Chris said, "you are the last team to arrive, but you can still catch up. You need to take this packages to the caves over in that direction. If you're too careless though, the cargo may burst on you, and you need at least one to win. Okay, get going."
"Oh no, they're going to get ahead of us!" Stephanie exclaimed.
"Not if I have anything to say about it," Gelatia said. "Abra-ka-Quakus!"
Suddenly the ground began to shake, most noticeably around Team Glamtastic's side. The barrels rolled over and slammed into each other, both bursting into confetti.
"Quick, we need to get them out of here," Paige said as she lifted up one of the crates.
Lucas came to help her, and Andre and Ricky grabbed the other crate.
"And as for you," Gelatia said to Devlin as he quickly tried to put branches together in a square shape. "Work faster!"
Confessional:
Ricky-Well, that was a little cheap, if you ask me. Gelatia really ought to be docked points for that.
Margot-Uh…maybe she had vibrating plates installed in the ground…before arriving…or knowing where the challenge would take place…wow this is hard trying to come up with a logical explanation.
(Team Drama)
Devlin had put the final touches on his cart. It was made up of sticks all tied together in a crisscross pattern. On the button he had screwed on four wheels.
"Okay, pile them on, it's ready," Devlin said.
"I don't know, it looks a little flimsy," Stephanie noted as she gave it a light kick and watched the sticks wobble.
"I promise it'll hold," Devlin said. "I used double knots and everything."
"Well, we might as well use it now," Margot said. "We really need to catch up with the others."
"I still prefer to use my method," Gelatia said as she pointed her wand at a barrel. "Abra-ka-Levikinis!"
The barrel floated up into the air and seemed to orbit around Gelatia.
"If that cart falls apart, at least we'll have one that's still safe," Gelatia said.
"Alright, but you'll be surprised," Devlin said as he loaded the rest onto the cart. "Now, let's get a move on."
Confessional:
Casper-Gelatia seems to be well versed in dark magic. Perhaps there is more to her than it seems.
Gelatia-I can't wait for Devlin to fail! Then everyone will realize just how much more I have to offer than any of those sorry saps on this team.
(Team Gaea)
The team still had two packages left, one crate and one barrel. Diego, Kane, Collette, and Byron were all lifting the crate together now and moving at a quicker speed. Siobhan was still rolling on the barrel, while playing her game system at the same time.
"Eep, bogey on our tail!" Siobhan exclaimed.
"Huh?" Byron remarked.
"She's just playing a game," Pepper said.
"No…well, yes," Siobhan said. "But seriously, someone is gaining on us."
The others turned around to see the figures of Team Glamastic coming up from the woods.
"Well, we'd better pick up the pace then," Byron said as they continued to move with the crate in their hands.
The trees had nearly all disappeared by now. They had entered a dry part of the island. There were several rocks around them, though.
"Look, I think we're coming up to a cliff," Diego said.
"Well, Chris said the mine was in this direction, so it's got to be over there somewhere," Kane said.
The team approached the edge. They saw that there was a path along the ledge that led down to a rocky terrain.
"Look, I think I see a flag," Kane noted. "That must be where we have to go."
Suddenly, Siobhan accidentally rolled over a sharp rock sticking out of the ground.
"Whoa!" she exclaimed as she tumbled off the barrel.
The barrel rolled out from under her feet and headed for the edge.
"No!" Byron exclaimed.
But it was too late. The barrel rolled over the edge and shattered as it hit the ground.
"Uh, oops," Siobhan said.
"Okay, we've got one," Byron said. "Let's just be very careful with this one."
Confessional:
Siobhan-It's always the same story. It's easy to get careless when you've got plenty of 1-ups, but when you're down to your last life, things get serious.
(Team Glamtastic)
The team made their way through the woods with the crates in their arms.
"I can't see where we're going," Ricky remarked from his point of view behind the crate.
"Okay, I can help, go left!" Mandy exclaimed.
Ricky stepped to the left and bumped into a tree.
"Ow!" Ricky exclaimed. "Why did you tell me to do that?"
"I dunno," Mandy shrugged. "I didn't say I'd give good directions."
"Stop talking!" Andre ordered. "We don't need any help from you."
"Hey, do you people hear something approaching?" Paige asked.
"Not with all this mindless chatter going on," Andre scoffed.
"Hey guys!" Devlin exclaimed.
Everyone turned to see Team Drama zooming past them with Devlin's cart.
"Hey, no fair!" Mandy pouted.
"See you at the finish line," Stephanie laughed.
"Grr, we can't let them get ahead!" Andre exclaimed.
"I agree," Paige said. "After them!"
Everyone carrying a crate sped up with new determination as they chased after the rival team.
Confessional:
Ricky-First earthquakes, now trolleys? Why don't we get any of these advantages? Can we have a genie or a scientist or something on our team to balance it out?
(Team Drama)
"Whee!" Stephanie exclaimed as she ran with the cart in her hands. "Okay, I'll admit, you surprised me. This is perfect."
"You know it," Devlin replied.
Gelatia grumbled to herself as she brought up the rear with the barrel still circling her.
"Careful, the ground is getting a little rockier here," Margot noted.
The team slowed down slightly as they left behind the woods and entered the new terrain.
"Look, there's the other team," Stephanie exclaimed. "If we pass them we might actually win the luxury tent today."
"Let's do it," Devlin said as he charged forward.
Team Gaea saw them and immediately reacted in surprise.
"Quick, out of the way!" Byron exclaimed as he guided everyone to the side.
Team Drama soared right past them and continued along the downward path.
"You let them get ahead!" Kane exclaimed.
"We couldn't take that risk," Byron said. "We've only got one crate left, if we collided and lost it, it would be all over for us."
Confessional:
Stephanie-I know I was a little hard on Devlin the other day. But that was when we were losing, now that we're winning, I love that guy.
Gelatia-So Devlin made some silly little cart, whoop-de-freaking-do, I'd still like to see him pull a rabbit out of his ear.
The two teams in the lead were racing now. Team Drama had the clear advantage with their cart, but Team Gaea weren't going out without a fight either.
"Dev, Dev, careful!" Margot exclaimed as the cart rocked from side to side.
The cargo looked like it could shatter at any second.
"Pew, pew, get'em!" Siobhan exclaimed as she sprinted ahead of her team and at Team Drama.
"Back off," Gelatia said. "Abra-ka-Expellis!"
Siobhan was suddenly forced backwards. However, Gelatia accidentally ended up launching her barrel as well, which ended up smashing against the rock side of the cliff.
"Smart going," Devlin remarked.
"Hey, it's called acceptable sacrifices," Gelatia retorted.
Team Drama pulled ahead and kept the lead. Soon they had arrived at the bottom of the cliff. They looked around at the rock-filled area.
"There's the flag," Margot said. "And there's Chris."
The rolled the cart up to where the host was waiting.
"Good job, Team Drama," Chris said. "You did a complete turnaround and managed to win first place. You are all safe tonight and will be sleeping in the luxury tent."
"Woo!" Stephanie cheered.
Confessional:
Stephanie-Yeah, that's what I'm talking about!
Devlin-Heh, I think I've done my job. I'm probably MVP right now.
Casper-Win, lose, it makes no difference. Will winning first place increase the happiness? Perhaps, but only temporarily, and then it is gone and we will right back to where we started.
(Team Glamtastic)
The team arrived at the cliff to see the other two teams still had a strong lead.
"Dammit!" Andre shouted. "They're ahead of us, we'll never catch up."
"Come on, come on, we can't give up now!" Paige exclaimed as she continued to carry her box along the ledge.
Andre and Ricky followed. Mandy looked over the edge and saw Team Gaea closing in on Chris. They only had one crate left.
"Hmm," she said to herself before kicking a pebble over the edge. "Oh, oopsie."
"Team Gaea," Chris exclaimed as they arrived in front of him, "you are…"
Suddenly, the pebble fell down and landed right on the crate. Instantly the crate burst into confetti.
"…all out of crates," Chris said. "And if Team Glamtastic arrives with just one, that means that they'll be safe tonight."
"Uh-oh," Diego remarked as he looked back.
Team Glamtastic came charging forward with their crates in hand.
"Team Glamtastic," Chris said. "You win second place. You will be sleeping in the plain tent again, but you are all safe."
"Woohoo!" Paige cheered.
"Good teamwork everyone," Lucas said.
"Whatever," Lotte remarked.
"And Team Gaea," Chris said. "Despite your lead in this game, you've ended up in last place. I'll be seeing you at the nearest Monument of Shame where one of you will be eliminated."
Confessional:
Mandy-Yay, did you see that!? I just saved my team. They'd better keep me all the way to the finals for that.
Paige-So, I have to put up with Andre for another day, but I'm happy that we won. Shows that even if we were falling behind, we can still pull through this.
Byron-Dang, so much for my hopes.
(Later)
The teams were setting up their tents as evening cast over the island.
"Ah, now this is the good life," Stephanie said as she got comfy in blankets provided for them.
"There is no 'good life,'" Casper said. "All life contains both triumphant and suffering."
"You're a real downer, aren't you?" Stephanie said. "But you're weird and unusual, so I can dig it."
Margot and Devlin were just setting up the final part of their sleeping arrangements together.
"Well, good job at today's challenge," Margot said. "You really did pull through for us."
"Hey, I told you, I've got what it takes," Devlin said. "And I'm gonna keep it up for this team."
"I hope you do," Margot said with a smile.
Meanwhile, Team Glamtastic was setting up their much smaller tent.
"Well, another night on the hard ground," Ricky remarked.
"It'll just make us stronger," Paige said.
"Nothing could make you strong enough to belong out here," Andre said.
"Um, excuse me, but who was the girl keeping up with you all day?" Paige retorted. "That's right, me."
"Guys, guys, let's just focus on the good things, we're all here for another day," Lucas said.
"I think it's up for debate whether that's good or not," Lotte said. "Don't ask me to debate, though, I'm perfectly neutral on the subject."
Over at the Team Gaea side, Byron had set up the tarp and had gone to meet with Kane and Siobhan.
"Well, I was really hoping it wouldn't come to this so soon," Byron said. "But I think we did the best we could. We're going to have to vote someone out. Any ideas?"
"I suggest Pepper," Siobhan said. "All she does is whine. She's more annoying than the Sun from Super Mario Bros. 3. And let me tell you, that's no easy feat."
"I'd be fine with that," Kane said. "She's clearly not pulling her weight."
"Okay, so we're in agreement?" Byron said. "Pepper is going tonight."
Confessional:
Gelatia-Ugh, I hate all this sappiness on my team. Maybe if they actually shared my seriousness for winning they wouldn't have to rely on me to stay in this game.
Andre-Paige has dedication, I'll give her that. But it's going to take more than persistence to survive out here, she'll probably burn out by the end of the week.
Byron-I really didn't want to have to vote out anyone this early, but Pepper is clearly the weakest link. Sorry, that's just the way it is.
Kane-Heh, well, I know I'm safe tonight. Now, time to create a little havoc.
Kane spotted Diego sitting on a rock by himself and approached him.
"Hey," he said. "Sucks that we lost, eh."
"Yeah," Diego sighed. "Do you know who people are voting for by any chance?"
"Well, yeah, I was just talking with my majority alliance," Kane said. "And the agreement is…you. So, sorry, it was nice knowing you, but you'll be leaving tonight."
"Me!?" Diego exclaimed. "What did I do wrong!?"
"I don't know, people just don't like you," Kane replied. "Well, see ya."
"Oh no, oh no," Diego exclaimed nervously.
Confessional:
Kane-Heh, too easy. Now he'll be scrambling for no reason, too good.
Diego-Oh, this was exactly what I was afraid of. I tried my best to be nice, but I'm not good with people. Oh, I've gotta do something quick, I don't want to go home now.
Diego had found Collette and quickly rushed over to her.
"We need to talk!" he exclaimed nervously. "I was just talking to Kane and he said that he had a majority alliance and he's going to vote me out!"
"Hm, that is a problem," Collette remarked without looking up as she painted a rock.
"We need to form a counterattack, that's the only thing I can think of," Diego said.
He then spotted Pepper walking by.
"Oh, Pepper, we need your help!" Diego exclaimed. "Kane and the others have a majority alliance. We need to work together and vote him out."
"Oh no, I'm not falling for that," Pepper said.
"Falling for what?" Diego asked in confusion.
"What do you take me for?" Pepper spat. "I know your type. Good-looking guy who acts nice but is really nothing but a pure schemer jerk. It's the same story every single time."
"What? No, I swear, I'm serious," Diego said.
"I don't believe you!" Pepper said. "An attractive boy like you is probably the big man on campus at school. You might have everyone else fooled but not me!"
Pepper turned to leave them behind.
"Pepper, think!" Diego called. "They've got a majority alliance, that makes them the popular kids!"
Confessional
Diego-Oh, I just hope that worked.
Collette-I like this rock. I think I shall call it…The Prize of Defeat.
(Monument of Shame)
Team Gaea walked up to the large statue of Chris that was positioned along the side of the cliff.
"Team Gaea, welcome to your first elimination," Chris said. "How does it feel to have won one challenge and now lost one?"
"Pretty low, Chris," Byron sighed. "But we're not going to give up just because of that. Everyone has ups and downs, and I'm hoping that we're going to just come back stronger from this."
"Kane, do you think there's anyone to blame for today's failure?" Chris asked.
"Not really?" Kane shrugged. "We were really close and it just came down to bad luck."
"Says the guy who broke barrel before we had even left," Pepper remarked. "But who am I kidding? This is just a big popularity contest, it doesn't matter who does what, just who's popular and who's not."
"Okay, will you shut up about that," Byron snapped. "I've tried to include you in our team, yet every time I do you just shut me out."
"Lies!" Pepper hissed. "I've been a loser all my life so I know how it goes by now. You have no problem kicking me when I'm down, but when someone's looking, it's all, 'Oh, what are you talking about, we're just trying to be friends.'"
"You know what? I don't even know why I'm bothering," Byron said. "I thought we could have a nice cohesive team, but Pepper seems to think otherwise."
"Well, let's get to the marshmallows and see if that solves anything," Chris said. "Remember, if you do not receive a marshmallow, then you must take the Helicopter of Losers and never return…unless that's a lie…now, let's get to it. First marshmallow is for…"
"Byron!"
Byron smiled as he accepted his marshmallow.
"And we've got more," Chris said, "for…"
"Collette!"
"Siobhan."
"And…"
…
…
…
"Diego!"
"Huh?" Diego remarked in surprise as Pepper and Kane were the last two remaining.
"Pepper, Kane, you two received the most votes, but only one of you will be leaving today," Chris said.
"I received votes?" Kane said in surprise. "Uh-oh."
"The final marshmallow," Chris said, "goes to…"
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
"Kane."
Kane sighed in relief as he accepted his marshmallow.
"Pepper, you have been eliminated," Chris said.
"Well, no duh!" Pepper snapped. "I always knew that I'd be the first one off my team. I'm just not popular enough!"
"Just go, please," Siobhan sighed as she rolled her eyes.
The helicopter arrived and Chris guided Pepper to it. She climbed the ladder and was taken away.
"So, Team Gaea, you have lost your first member," Chris said. "If Byron is right, than this should only make you stronger. But we shall see at the next challenge. Until then, you may return to your…tarp for the night."
The team got up and left.
Confessional:
Diego-My heart was racing a mile a minute…yet I wasn't even in the bottom two. What's going on?
Kane-Well, that was close. Next time I really need to think something through before going through with it.
Votes:
Diego-Kane, sorry, but you really shouldn't have told me that I was going. I have to vote for you if I want to stay in the game now.
Byron-Pepper, you are the weakest link. Sorry it has to be this way.
Siobhan-So, you don't like Star Fox, eh? Well, guess what, I don't like you, Pepper.
Collette-I vote for Kane. Nothing personal, just the way it is.
Kane-I vote for Pepper, she's going to be so pissed.
Pepper-I vote for Diego! How dare he try to manipulate me with his good looks!? How do I look like? Bridgette!? I don't think so.
(Conclusion)
Chris stood at the foot of his statue.
"And with that our resident loser…well, lost," Chris said. "Pepper is gone and Team Gaea are down to five. What more surprises does the island have in store for the explorers? Will Paige and Andre's conflict come to a head? Will Diego manage to improve his social game? And who will be the next person voted out? You're going to want to keep watching Total…Drama…Exploration!"
Teams:
Team Glamtastic:
Andre-The Tough Guy
Ricky-The Follower
Paige-The Cowgirl
Mandy-The Doll
Lucas-The Peacekeeper
Lotte-The Passive Activist
Team Gaea:
Byron-The Survival Expert
Siobhan-The Gamer
Kane-The Spookster
Diego-The Homeschooled Dreamboat
Collette-The Artist
Pepper-The Unpopular Girl
Team Drama:
Gelatia-The Magician
Margot-The Brainiac
Stephanie-The GaGa
Devlin-The Auto Expert
Casper-The Messenger of the Dark Gods
Pierre-The French Guy
Voted Out: Pierre, Pepper
Author's Note: And Pepper's gone. She had some fun moments, but I knew that after a season of Missy, someone like her would have to go home early. Fun Fact: Pepper originally had Karly from Total Drama Strandarama's name and design, and her title would have been The Hipster. Her gimmick would have been that she always tried to vote against the majority and this got her voted out. But I decided that I liked Pepper better, so that's what we ended up with.