A/N: Here's another EP for all you EP fans. For a shorter season, I think this one's actually turning out pretty well. Hopefully it stays that way.
"Hello, everybody, and welcome back to Total Drama Explore Party!" Topher greeted from the Helipad of Losers. "In our last episode, our explorers took to the jungle, where some eight-legged friends awaited in order to keep them from advancing. Both teams made decent time, by which I mean none of them got wiped out entirely, which I have to say is impressive. On Team Weed, Trinity discovered that she was on the outs, so she convinced Joel and Brittany to form an alliance with her. Jean-Marie, meanwhile, began to flirt with Angie and Brittany, with varying degrees of success. On Team Beer, Reese officially joined Ray's alliance with Vladimir. Also, River and Ethan fought each other a lot, and Sorrell had a hangover until she, surprise of surprises, got drunk once again. Due to her poor performance in the challenge and her lack of social skills, Sorrell was given the boot that night, leaving Team Beer with five players to Team Weed's six. Will Team Beer catch back up to Team Weed? Is Team Weed going to remain stable with people constantly going behind each other's backs? Find out, right here, on Total! Drama! Explooooooooore Party!"
It was the morning after Sorrell's elimination, and Ethan was the only one outside. He punched a palm tree repeatedly in rage.
"Freaking vote out my girlfriend. They're just jealous!" Ethan shouted.
"I can assure you that there was more to it than that," Vladimir said as he approached the frat boy.
"You would know," Ethan huffed.
"I'll admit, I did vote for Sorrell last night," Vladimir said. "But only out of necessity."
"What was so necessary about voting her off, huh?" Ethan growled.
"To put it simply: she was a liability," Vladimir explained. "I struggle to think of an instance in which she helped us in any of the challenges. In the first two, all she did was follow the rest of us, and in yesterday's, she was the first victim of the spiders."
"Anyone could have been the first victim!" Ethan shouted.
"Perhaps, but the point is, her constant drinking hindered her ability to help us," Vladimir continued. "Besides, if our talks yesterday are any indication, I'd think you didn't care about Sorrell half as much as you care about winning. Sorrell would have kept you from winning."
"Don't be putting words in my mouth!" Ethan barked.
"You didn't seem to care when I told you she was hung over," Vladimir pointed out. "And you were also quite onboard with leaving her behind once she was bitten."
"So?" Ethan spat.
"All I'm saying is that, if I had a girlfriend in this game, I would take better care of her, but maybe that's just me," Vladimir pointed out.
"Oh, I get it. You think you're better than me!" Ethan shouted. "I'm probably next to go if we leave, aren't I?"
"Actually, the plan was to lose River next. You're an asset in challenges," Vladimir pointed out. "Maybe if you're lucky you'll make the merge and defeat all the rest of us. That may be your ultimate avenging for Sorrell. I'm sure she'd be awfully impressed."
"Maybe I will!" Ethan shouted as he stomped off.
Confessional:
Ethan: Vladimir wouldn't be so tough if he didn't have the Asians protecting him. I'd kick his ass if it didn't mean I'd probably go home next. I can't let River outlast me. That'd just be embarrassing.
Vladimir: Perhaps I was a bit condescending to him, but at the same time, he has no reason not to trust me. I gave him the hard truth, which is still the truth. This means that, when I finally take advantage of a disguise, he'll see no reason to suspect me. In theory, at least.
Angie and Brittany hung out at the jungle pond. Angie swam in the pond, while Brittany opted to sit outside the pond.
"Come on, you should get in. The water's nice and warm. Naturally, too," Angie coaxed.
"Eh, I'm good," Brittany said. "I'd rather not wear a swimsuit unless we outright have a water challenge."
"Why not? You're really pretty - you have no reason to feel self-conscious," Angie pointed out.
"That's exactly it," Brittany said. "I'm tired of people just seeing me as 'the pretty one', remember?"
"Oh, that's right," Angie recalled. "That's still weird to me. I wish more people told me I was pretty. I mean, it's not a rare occurrence or anything, but it feels nice to be called pretty."
"Yeah, it's less nice when it's all people notice about you," Brittany replied. "People are always telling me I have a 'smoking face' or a 'tight ass' or a 'perky rack'. Contrary to popular belief, there is more to me than just that."
"I know that. You're a really cool person, Brittany. That's why we're friends," Angie smiled.
"I appreciate that, but I wish more guys would realize that," Brittany said. "I think we voted out the only guy on this team who never hit on me, and even then, I think he might be gay."
"He is?" Angie asked. "Aw, that's too bad. I always kinda had a thing for him."
"Just speculation on my part. All I know is that Joel and Jean-Marie probably couldn't even tell you my last name," Brittany sighed.
"I don't think I know your last name either," Angie admitted.
"It's Hardwick," Brittany told her.
"Hardwick. Hardwick. Hardwick. Hardwick," Angie repeated. "Alright, I should remember that now."
"Is it really that hard to remember?" Brittany asked.
"No, I'm just not that good with last names," Angie admitted. "Half the time I forget that I'm Angie Garcia-Jackson and not just Angie Garcia."
The two shared a friendly laugh.
Confessional:
Brittany: The more I think about it, the more of a point I think Trinity has. She wants to be defined by her gameplay rather than her appearance. I like that. Maybe I should talk to her about it sometime.
Angie: Men can be pigs sometimes, can't they? I mean, sure, Brittany is really pretty, but there's more to her than that. Like...um... her last name is Hardwick! See, I remembered that!
Reese found Ray tinkering in the Tent of Shame.
"Morning, Ray," Reese greeted sunnily.
"Morning, Reese," Ray smiled. "What's up?"
"Just wanted to hang out," Reese answered. "What are you working on?"
"Modifications on my jetpack," Ray answered. "I don't remember if you were there when I used it to fly into the game, but it needs some adjustments either way."
"I think I saw you leave the helicopter that way, but I think you were introduced before I was," Reese recalled.
"Well, either way, a fully-functional jetpack could be of extreme help in this game," Ray said.
"Have you ever invented something that wasn't a machine?" Reese asked.
"Not really, no," Ray answered. "Why do you ask?"
"Well, I've always wondered what the best material for snuggling there is in the world," Reese giggled. "I like cashmere, but sometimes I wonder if there's anything better that could be created."
"Well, hoodies are pretty snuggly, I imagine," Ray pointed out. "Which, I assume, is why you're wearing one."
"That's right," Reese beamed. "Have you never snuggled with someone in a hoodie before?"
"I've never really snuggled with anyone before," Ray shrugged. "I don't get out much."
"Well, you can always snuggle with me whenever you want," Reese offered, her face notably red. "Assuming that's not weird to you."
"Eh, why not?" Ray agreed. "You only live once. So, um, how exactly do you do this?"
Reese giggled. "Here, I'll show you."
Confessional:
Reese: I can't believe that worked! And it was everything like I imagined~. Ray is so dreamy.
Ray: I figured this was one of those summer camp things where people get intimate way more quickly than normal because you'll probably never see each other again after the fact. Only I did tell Reese I'd IM her outside of the game, so I don't know. Either way, I liked cuddling with her. She's quite good at it if I do say so myself. (He blushes slightly.)
Jean-Marie found Trinity writing in a notebook alone in the winners' tent.
"Bonjour, mon cheri," Jean-Marie greeted.
"Yo," Trinity responded flatly, not looking up from her notebook.
"Have you seen Angie around? I wish to speak with her," Jean-Marie inquired.
"Why on Earth would I care where Angie is?" Trinity asked. "Also, I'm not your cheri."
"Do you know what 'mon cheri' means?" Jean-Marie asked, slightly annoyed.
"It's a French term of endearment," Trinity answered. "I only know a basic amount of French, as most Canadians do, but I probably know more than you think I know."
"Noted," Jean-Marie said. "Again I ask, savez-vous où Angie est?"
"I don't know," Trinity answered. "It's not a large Helipad Zone. She shouldn't be that easy to lose."
"Are you making fun of me?" Jean-Marie asked, his brow furrowed.
"No, if I were making fun of you, you'd know," Trinity answered.
"You should choose how you respond to me carefully," Jean-Marie warned.
"Or what? You'll vote me off?" Trinity scoffed. "Before Joel? Cut me a break."
"All I'm saying is that you should be very careful who you anger in this game," Jean-Marie scowled.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'm writing in my journal, so can you go find Angie by yourself?" Trinity said dismissively.
Jean-Marie clenched his fist, popping his knuckles, before leaving.
Confessional:
Jean-Marie: Trinity has made a powerful enemy. Not that she had a chance to begin with, but now, I shall ensure that her exit is most humiliating.
Trinity: Jean-Marie isn't as good at the game as he thinks he is. He's in for a wakeup call sooner or later.
River approached Vladimir.
"Hey, Cancer Boy!" River greeted. "Ethan tells me that I'm next to go if we lose."
"I did tell him that," Vladimir nodded.
"What gives? Have you forgotten about how good at challenges I am?" River sneered.
"You're better at challenges than Sorrell was. That's why we voted for her over you," Vladimir explained. "Of course, Ethan is better at challenges than you are, so should we lose again, you'll likely be the next to go."
"Oh really? Because I didn't see Ethan being of any help in the forest," River scoffed.
"Perhaps, but in the long run, he'll be more helpful in challenges," Vladimir said.
"If you're talking about the long run, then consider the merge, dingus!" River shouted. "He's going to tear everyone apart if he makes the merge."
"Perhaps he might," Vladimir responded. "Total Drama is a very fickle game. You never really know what might happen until it happens."
"Cut the cryptic bullcrap," River said. "I don't claim to know how long the premerge will be, but I do know that the longer you wait, the more dangerous it'll be to keep Ethan around."
"You make some excellent points," Vladimir smiled.
"Yeah, no shit," River smirked. "I gotta take a whiz. Later."
With that, River walked off.
"Interesting..." Vladimir thought aloud.
Confessional:
Vladimir: I was not lying when I said that River raises some interesting points. I may have to take what he said into consideration depending on when the next time we lose is. It's only day four, so I doubt we'll be merging anytime soon, but then, this is a shorter game.
River: If these people want to get rid of me when someone like Ethan exists, then they're stupider than I thought.
Kristin sat on the Helipad, smoking a joint.
"But like... if helicopters can fly because their propellers spin around... then why can't I fly when I spin around?" Kristin asked herself.
"Well I mean it probably has something to do with the laws of physics I mean I'm no expert on the subject but I feel like if we could fly just by spinning then scientists would probably try to capitalize on that which they're not doing at least I don't think they are because like I said I'm no expert so I really have no idea," Joel said as he approached Kristin.
"Whoa..." Kristin said spacily. "Just think... if we could fly by spinning around... we wouldn't even need machines to travel."
"Hey I know what if we could fly originally like back in the BC era but then the Arabs didn't want all their oil to go to waste so they figured out a way to make it so that humans can't fly anymore so we'd have no choice but to rely on their fuel for long-distance travel and hey maybe the Illuminati is involved I dunno it's just a theory," Joel pondered.
"...Did you get into I's stash, bredren?" Kristin asked.
"No I don't really smoke weed because I have enough trouble in school on account of my inability to pay attention very easily which I'm getting help with and I dunno maybe it'll work maybe it won't you never really know," Joel answered.
"You've reached a level of spiritual enlightenment without weed... irie," Kristin smiled.
"Well I can't really teach you if that's what you're wondering because like I said I can barely learn well so there's no way I can really teach somebody and besides I feel like it's something that comes more naturally anyway so sorry about that."
"It's fine, bredren," Kristin shrugged. "We all have different levels of spirituality."
"Which is ironic because I'm not really all that religious I mean I was raised in a Christian household but I'm not super into it like a lot of people are I mean not that I have anything against people who are but you know," Joel shrugged.
Kristin took a smoke of her joint. "Totally..."
Confessional:
Kristin: I feel like... Joel gets I, you know?
Joel: Kristin's kinda weird but I guess that's par for the course for someone who smokes weed to the point where she wanted to name the entire team after it I mean I guess I was on board with the idea but mostly as a joke and looking back it was kind of silly in all honesty but what are you going to do?
Ethan found Ray in the Tent of Shame, still tinkering.
"Oh, hey Ethan," Ray greeted. "No hard feelings about last night?"
"The hell do you think?" Ethan responded.
"I suppose that's fair," Ray shrugged. "But that's just the game. You knew that coming in. At least, I presume you did."
"Of course I did!" Ethan shouted. "But everyone assumes they'll be reaching the end with all their friends."
"They do?" Ray chuckled condescendingly. "I mean, no offense, but that's a stupid mindset to be in. Nobody is that good at the game."
"Mike took his girlfriend to the final two and then won," Ethan pointed out angrily. "Why the hell couldn't I?"
"I'm 99% sure All-Stars was entirely scripted," Ray said. "I mean, come on. An evil alter that never came out in his previous season suddenly decides to rear its head and cause mild annoyance to the other contestants. That has production plant written all over it."
"Well aren't you just a know-it-all?!" Ethan shouted.
"I'm just saying, you're way too idealistic about this game," Ray said. "Unless you're friends with everyone like Owen was, the chance of you taking all your friends to the end is highly unlikely. Unless of course you form an unbreakable alliance, but then the fans will hate you for making the season too one-sided."
"You really do need to get laid," Ethan snorted. "And you already voted out the one means of that happening, so sucks to be you."
"Actually, Reese taught me how to cuddle earlier today," Ray said.
"That's super gay, dude," Ethan chuckled.
"I don't really understand how cuddling with a girl is gay, but I guess you'd probably know more about the subject than I do," Ray smiled.
"...Hey wait!" Ethan shouted.
Confessional:
Ethan: Ray is such a smug ass. What I wouldn't give to send his ass home.
Ray: I assume Ethan's still salty that we have the upper hand over him. I guess I can't blame him too much. I can't imagine anyone would be super happy about being in the minority position.
Jean-Marie found Angie swimming in the pond.
"Bonjour, mon cher crédules," Jean-Marie greeted sweetly.
"Hey," Angie greeted back with a smile. "What's up?"
"I just wish to know how my favorite ally is doing," Jean-Marie smiled.
"I'm your favorite? Me?" Angie giggled.
"Mais oui. How could you not be?" Jean-Marie answered.
"I'm nothing special," Angie said modestly. "Just a girl who really likes the ocean."
"Ah, but you are so much more than that," Jean-Marie said. "You are more beautiful than you realize."
"Not more than Brittany," Angie giggled. "Why isn't she your favorite?"
"Do I detect some jealousy?" Jean-Marie asked.
"No, no, nothing like that," Angie assured him. "But if I'm your favorite because you think I'm pretty, then what about Brittany?"
"She is cute, but does not hold a candle to you," Jean-Marie said suavely. "En outre, vous êtes plus facile à tromper que ce qu'elle est."
"Oh, stop," Angie giggled. "You'll make me blush. How about you? How are you doing today?"
"I am better every moment that I am around you," Jean-Marie winked.
"Well then... why don't you join me for a swim?" Angie suggested bashfully.
"It would be my honor," Jean-Marie said. "Tout pour vous aider à devenir mon esclave."
Confessional:
Jean-Marie: I believe my plan to work Angie over is growing more successful with each passing day. Soon I may be able to move on to Brittany, who I cannot imagine will be as easy as Kristin and Angie to work over, but no girl yet has been completely immune to my charm.
Angie: Jean-Marie is a real sweetie. Maybe losing Noah early was a blessing in disguise. If he'd stuck around, I might not have become so close with JM. I have to admit, his flirting is starting to work on me. (She giggles.)
Ethan found Reese eating breakfast all alone.
"Hey, you're like obsessed with cuddles and stuff, right?" Ethan asked.
"...Yeah," Reese answered. "Why?"
"I just wanted to know how someone like you could vote out my girlfriend like that," Ethan frowned. "We could have cuddled all day, but you had to go and prevent it."
"That wasn't my intention," Reese gasped. "I just voted the same as my friends. I didn't mean to separate you two... guess I never really thought about it."
"Guess not," Ethan leered. "So here's my plan: you, River, and I all vote for Ray. That should make up for what you did."
"Vote for Ray?!" Reese gasped. "I don't know..."
"It only seems fair," Ethan told her. "You voted out my girlfriend, so your boyfriend should go next."
"B-Boyfriend?" Reese blushed. "No, no, Ray and I are only friends."
"Look kid, I see thirsty girls every other day back home. I know desperation when I see it," Ethan scoffed. "You want the D from Ray."
"I-I-I wouldn't go that far," Reese said, her face flushed.
"Point is, if you don't wanna be on my bad side, you need to help me get rid of Ray," Ethan told her.
With that, Ethan left Reese alone.
"...I'm not hungry anymore," Reese decided forlornly.
Confessional:
Ethan: I ain't that stupid. I know Ray, Reese, and Vladimir are working together, so I gotta do what I can to split them up. I thought about it, and turning Reese against Ray makes the most sense if I take advantage of her emotional side. She got rid of my girl, so I'mma get rid of her boy.
Reese: I had no idea I was splitting up such a loving couple... now I feel terrible. But I don't want to vote out Ray... what should I do?
Joel approached Brittany.
"Hey Joel," Brittany said half-heartedly. "What's up?"
"Oh I just wanted to know if Trinity talked to you yet because she told me she had a proposition for you and I probably shouldn't say any more in case you don't already know but-" Joel started.
"Yes, she told me," Brittany interrupted. "I haven't mentioned it to Angie yet."
"Oh is Angie going to be a part of this as well because I mentioned the idea to Trinity but she didn't seem super keen on it but any way to get myself out of the minority is a way I'll take and I think Trinity feels the same way so if that's what's going to happen then more power to you," Joel responded.
"Wait, what does Trinity have against Angie?" Brittany asked skeptically.
"I dunno but for some reason she just doesn't seem to like her which I hope doesn't make things difficult but I think in the long run she'd be fine with having Angie on board because if she isn't then she risks losing a tie which while it gives her a better chance than nothing at all is still super risky and in all honesty I'm not willing to take that risk so for everyone's sake hopefully she can look past whatever she has against Angie," Joel answered.
"I see," Brittany responded. "Well, if you see Angie, maybe talk to her about the idea. I'm definitely on board with this alliance, but Angie might need more convincing, and if she feels good about you, then it could help."
"Gotcha," Joel nodded. "Say I think we make a pretty good duo I don't know maybe it's just me but I could see us going to the final two together I mean you never know what could happen but I feel like you and I have something going on and-"
"Sorry. We can be allies, but nothing more," Brittany interrupted.
"I mean you're the boss although I guess Trinity's actually the boss given that she's the one who started this alliance in the first place but that hasn't stopped people before I mean in politics if someone has to resign from their position as leader then someone else will step in and take over so there's that I guess," Joel shrugged.
Confessional:
Brittany: I definitely trust Trinity more than I do Jean-Marie, but if Angie isn't on board with working with Trinity, I may have to stick with Jean-Marie. I'm not going to force a tie just because I don't entirely trust certain people. I'm sure I can find a way to make things work out if worse comes to worst.
Joel: I don't know girls like Brittany only really come once in a lifetime so I don't want to let this go and besides we're only really going to know each other for like two weeks maximum so even if I completely strike out and look like a fool doing it at least I'll never have to see her again and hey you miss 100% of the shots you don't take so I figure it's worth a shot.
Reese wandered aimlessly around the Helipad Zone when she passed River, who had been leaning against a tree.
"Yo, Cuddle Bitch," River greeted.
"I'm not in a good mood, River," Reese admitted.
"Really? So you're not going to try and perk me up?" River asked. "I have to say, I prefer this side of you."
"I suppose Ethan told you about his plan?" Reese asked.
"I can't recall," River lied.
"The one to get me to vote out Ray with you two," Reese clarified.
"Ohhhhh, right, that plan," River chuckled. "Yeah, he told me."
"Well, I've been thinking about it all morning and I can't come to a decision," Reese admitted.
"I say you should go for it," River said. "Think about it. Who are you more likely to beat in the finale? Ray, with all his helpful gadgets, or me, the scrawny, short kid? Especially with your, ahem, body type."
"I mean..." Reese started.
"If you want my opinion, that's what it is," River said. "Something to think about."
"This is so difficult!" Reese panicked.
"Hey, why not hug Ray? You know, while you still can," River suggested.
Reese walked away.
Confessional:
Reese: I can't betray Ray! I shouldn't! I won't! ...So why do Ethan and River have to make so much sense here? This game is about making friends and having fun... but this is also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I don't want to throw away by making the wrong move either. I need several cuddles right now, guys...
River: Yeah, I have no idea what the hell Reese is talking about, but anything that'll take the target off of me is fine in my books. The fact that she thinks I'm working with Ethan is hilarious, though, because I can't stand him.
Trinity exited her team's tent, only to begin coughing once she smelled marijuana fumes.
"Ugh... Kristin..." Trinity grumbled.
"Yes?" Kristin asked, having apparently been next to her the whole time.
"Is there ever a time when you're not damaging your brain?" Trinity asked.
"I do not damage I's brain, but uplift I's spirit," Kristin responded.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. It still smells awful," Trinity huffed.
"It is a part of I's religion," Kristin said. "You're sounding pretty intolerant. Fans won't like you if you're religiously intolerant."
"I didn't come here to make fans. I came here to prove that you shouldn't judge people by their looks," Trinity said. "To teach people not to underestimate those who aren't attractive by society's standards."
"And yet you judge I by I's faith," Kristin pointed out.
"It's not your faith, it's that you constantly stink up the place and can barely hold a conversation half the time. I'm surprised you're forming coherent sentences right now."
"I just started this one," Kristin said as she held up her joint. "Are you sure you don't want to try?"
"I am as sure of that as I am standing here," Trinity said matter-of-factly.
"It could save you a lot of stress," Kristin shrugged. "Very upful."
"If I wanted a stress-free summer, I'd stay at home watching this game instead of being here playing it," Trinity said as she adjusted her glasses.
"Whatever you say," Kristin shrugged as she took another smoke.
Confessional:
Trinity: If you asked me to rank my teammates from favorite to least favorite, I think second place would be a three-way tie between Jean-Marie, Joel, and Kristin. Angie would be dead last obviously. Brittany is tolerable.
Kristin: Trinity at least needs some more reggae in her life. She's going to get an ulcer before this game ends.
The eleven contestants all wore their backpacks and met up in the middle of the Helipad Zone, where Topher stood before them, machete in hand.
"Afternoon, contestants!" Topher greeted. "As we can all see, Sorrell was voted off of the game last night."
"I'm honestly a bit surprised she wasn't first from that team to go," Brittany murmured.
"Yoooo, what's with the machete?" Ethan grinned. "You gonna start killing people off now?"
"No. I'm not Chris," Topher answered. "This is actually to help cut through the dense jungle plants to get to the starting point of our next challenge. Follow me!"
Topher ventured to the back of the Helipad Zone, where several thick vines hung. He began to hack at them as he moved forward. The contestants all followed him in a single-file line.
The short trek ended when Topher finally cut the last couple vines and led the contestants to a small beach which had two boats tied to stakes in the shore. The boats were colored green and yellow to reflect the team's colors. Off in the water was a high wall with green and yellow sections to it.
"A beach!" Angie cheered.
"Welcome, contestants, to the Lake of Trivium!" Topher announced.
"Trivium, you say?" Vladimir asked.
"That's right, Vladimir," Topher confirmed. "Here's the challenge: you guys will get into your team's corresponding boat and paddle over to the wall over yonder. Once you are there, you will be asked a trivia question. Answer correctly, and the section of the wall in your team color will lower itself, granting your team passage. Repeat this until you make it to the next Helipad Zone. Answer incorrectly, and you must wait ten seconds before being able to answer again, which could give your team time to catch up or pull even further ahead. First team to arrive wins Invincibility. Any questions?"
"What are the trivia questions about?" Ray asked.
"You'll see," Topher smirked. "Anything else?"
"Can I swim alongside my team's boat? Or is that against the rules?" Angie asked.
"I mean, you can if you want to, but that's one less person to paddle your team's boat, plus swimming is a lot more tiring than paddling is," Topher answered. "Anything else?"
"Yeah! When do I get my swimsuit scene!" An overweight white girl angrily walked onto the scene. She had a big mess of blonde hair and wore an ill-fitting pink two-piece bikini.
"This is your swimsuit scene, Sugar," Topher said flatly.
"What?! I'm a star! I need more screentime than this!" Sugar gasped.
"Better take advantage of what time you have now," Topher suggested.
"Oh my stars, you're right!" Sugar realized. She began to pose for the camera. Unbeknownst to her, Topher gave a gesture indicating that the cameraman stop filming.
Confessional:
Trinity: Trivia, eh? This seems like a challenge I can excel in. Behind this less-than-pleasing visage is a brain that knows how to succeed.
Joel: I've never paddled a boat before so that should be fun I mean this whole game is all about first times for me because I'd never done a hedge maze or been bitten by a giant spider before either and now I just want to know what other first times are in store for me out here and hey who knows maybe Brittany can help me find out nudge nudge wink wink.
Reese: Hey, maybe if we win the challenge, I won't have to make any hard decisions. Wouldn't that be nice?
River: Today seems pretty easy. Not running is always a good thing.
The teams had all entered their boats. Topher and Sugar stood next to the stakes securing the boats in place, each with a machete in hand.
"On your marks!" Sugar called.
"Get set!" Topher called.
...
...
...
"GO!" Both called as they used their machetes to cut the ropes that kept the boats tied to the stakes, allowing for both teams to begin the challenge. The teens paddled as effectively as they could towards the first wall.
Team Beer were well on their way to the wall.
"Isn't it kind of unfair that they don't have to sit anyone out?" River pointed out.
"How so?" Vladimir asked. "Angie is swimming alongside the boat and not paddling it, so we have the same number of people paddling."
"Besides, we have me," Ethan grinned. "I'm as strong as like three Angies."
"That's still one more person who can answer the questions," River pointed out.
"Well, I'm as smart as three Angies," Ray smirked.
"How many Trinitys are you as smart as, though?" Ethan asked.
"I don't know. I haven't really spoken with her at length," Ray admitted. "Maybe I should chat with her sometime."
"Yeah, fraternizing with the enemy is smart," River scoffed. "Definitely not suspicious at all."
"We're here!" Reese announced. There was a screen directly to the left of the yellow part of the wall which displayed the first question. "The question is: how many siblings does Joel have?"
"Joel? The kid from the other team?" Vladimir asked.
"I think the questions may all be about the other team," Ray realized.
"Fraternizing with the other team is bad, eh?" Ethan jeered at River.
"You wouldn't even know the word 'fraternizing' if I hadn't just said it," River scoffed.
"I'm in a fraternity," Ethan said flatly. "Delta Iota Kappa!"
"What should we guess for the answer?" Reese asked. "It's multiple choice. Zero, one, two, or three."
"When in doubt, pick the middle option," Ethan suggested.
"Two it is," Reese said as she touched the part of the screen that read "Two". Just then, the yellow part of the wall came down, granting passage to another, identical-looking wall behind it.
"Nice call, Ethan," Vladimir smiled.
"Yeah, I know," Ethan grinned as the team made their way forward.
Confessional:
Vladimir: It seems to me like Ethan knows he's on the outs of this team, so helping him feel secure could help me in the long run. Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Of course, I don't have friends or enemies in this game, just chess pieces to use to my advantage.
Team Weed made their way to the wall at the same time Team Beer did.
"Are you sure you should be swimming?" Brittany asked Angie. "The other team has fewer people than we do, but they also have Ethan, which could be an advantage."
"Angie can do as she pleases," Jean-Marie said.
"I think Angie should speak for herself," Brittany said.
"Well she's swimming so I don't know isn't it kind of hard to swim and talk at the same time I mean swimming by itself isn't super easy and even though it's like her hobby or something I don't think anyone can swim and talk at the same time although I can walk and chew gum at the same time and hey speaking of gum have you ever had a dream where you swallowed gum and start freaking out and then when you wake up you think you swallowed your gum in your sleep only to realize that you don't actually chew gum that much and especially not before you go to sleep because I have those dreams sometimes and it's weird," Joel responded.
"I have dreams where I'm just floating in space... but I can breathe," Kristin said airily.
"As fascinating as all this is, I think we're approaching the first question," Trinity said huffily.
Sure enough, the team had approached the green part of the wall. Directly to its right was a screen displaying a question.
"What fraternity is Ethan a part of?" Brittany read. "I'm guessing the questions are all about people from the other team."
Just then, the team heard a thud. They looked down to see Angie had swam headfirst into the wall.
"Ow..." Angie whined as she rubbed her head.
"You should really just stay in the boat with us," Brittany said.
"Fine..." Angie whined as Jean-Marie helped her into the boat.
"What are the answers to the question?" Jean-Marie asked Brittany.
"Delta Iota Kappa, Sigma Upsilon Kappa, Gamma Alpha Eta, or Pi Nu Sigma," Brittany read.
"I could have sworn I heard him yell something about Delta Iota Kappa at one point so I'm willing to guess that's it because I don't think it's a coincidence that that's one of the answers and I've heard him mention it before," Joel thought aloud.
Brittany touched the "Delta Iota Kappa" option. Just then, the green part of the wall lowered, allowing passage to the next part of the lake.
"Cool. Let's go," Trinity said.
Confessional:
Trinity: I actually saw Angie swimming towards the wall, but I chose not to stop her. She should have had the foresight to see it coming, that's all I'm saying. (She shrugs in faux innocence.)
Team Beer continued paddling to the next wall.
"You know, what's stopping us from just paddling over to the green doors and answering questions about ourselves?" Ray asked.
"It'd take forever, and we can't afford to lose time," River pointed out.
"He has a point," Vladimir said. "Unless they somehow get the same idea and follow through with it, it'd put us very far behind."
"Besides, that seems a little dishonest," Reese pointed out.
"I suppose so," Ray nodded.
"Besides, we got the first one right easily," Ethan smirked. "The rest should be no problem."
"Well obviously they're going to start off easy and make it harder as it goes on," River said.
"So we should cross over to the other door later on?" Ray asked.
"I don't think we should do it at all," Reese frowned.
"...You're right," Ray conceded.
"Say, Ray, can't you just, like, hack into the thing and open the door for us?" Ethan asked.
"I make gadgets. I don't hack into computers," Ray clarified. "And I don't have a gadget that can just hack into things either."
"Worth a shot," Ethan shrugged.
"We're at the next question," Vladimir said as the boat arrived at the second wall. "Which of the following countries has Jean-Marie not visited? France, Italy, Germany, or the United States?"
"Well, France and the US are out," Ray thought aloud.
"Why the US?" Reese asked.
"He mentioned at the beginning that his family was going to expand its jewelry business to there," Ray answered. "So it's Italy or Germany."
"Which one is closer to France?" Ethan asked.
"I think France actually touches both of those countries," Vladimir said.
"Screw it. I'm picking Germany," River said as he input his answer. The screen simply read "Incorrect".
"Well, that narrows down the options," Reese said optimistically.
After the ten-second waiting period was over, Vladimir chose "Italy". Once again, the screen read "Incorrect".
"Do you think Jean-Marie is lying about being French?" Ray suggested. "Maybe he's from the US and is just really convincing as a Frenchman."
"We're losing enough time as it is. Just pick the US next time. It's a safer pick," River said harshly.
After the next waiting period passed, River chose "United States". The yellow section of the wall lowered itself.
"I could have sworn he said he'd been the the US," Ray thought aloud. "Perhaps he only said he intended to go there."
"No point in dwelling on it. We gotta move!" Ethan instructed.
"Right," Ray nodded as the team began to paddle.
Confessional:
Ethan: I figure that if I serve as more of a leader to the team, they'll be less inclined to vote me off. And maybe more inclined to listen to me when I plan to break up the majority alliance.
Team Weed continued on towards their second gate.
"So a random thought just occurred to me," Joel said.
"Really? That so rarely happens," Trinity remarked.
"If a woman becomes transgender and becomes a man does that mean he can't be a drag queen because he was born a woman and chose to become a man so then why would he want to dress up as a woman again like is that even allowed is there like some sort of rulebook about these things?" Joel asked.
"Whoa..." Kristin responded.
"I don't think any of us would know the answer," Jean-Marie said.
"Yeah, I'll have to admit, I don't know the first thing about any of that," Brittany said.
"Nor I," Trinity added. "I'm comfortable with who I am."
"Really? You so rarely mention it," Jean-Marie smirked.
Trinity rolled her eyes in response.
"Are we there yet?" Angie asked.
"Just about," Brittany said as the boat came closer to the next question screen.
"Who of the following has never consumed alcohol?" Jean-Marie read. "Sorrell, Vladimir, Reese, or Ethan."
"I know Sorrell and Ethan have had alcohol," Kristin said. "They would always give I a hard time about it."
"Vladimir seems kind of sickly. I doubt he'd be able to drink and survive to tell the tale," Angie said.
Jean-Marie answered "Vladimir". The screen read "Incorrect."
"Looks to me like the other team got it wrong as well," Brittany said as she looked out towards Team Beer's boat.
"Try guessing Reese this time," Trinity said.
Jean-Marie briefly leered at Trinity before answering "Reese". The green part of the wall lowered itself.
"Irie," Kristin smiled. "Let's go."
Confessional:
Jean-Marie: Je déteste quand les gens que je ne aiment pas faire quelque chose de bien.
Team Beer continued on their way to the next gate.
"It looks like Angie's joined them in the boat," River pointed out as he looked out at Team Weed's boat. "I don't think she's actually paddling though. Maybe she doesn't know how. Wouldn't put it past her."
"It also looks like they have a lead," Ethan said. "Let's go, guys! Double time!"
Everyone began to paddle faster.
"The fact that we have to bring our backpacks with us sure doesn't help," Ray pointed out. "I wish Topher could have just flown them over to the next Helipad Zone. They're just weighing us down."
"If you want to drop yours into the lake, you can feel free," Vladimir said.
"You know I can't do that," Ray said. "Too much important stuff in here."
"We could always drop Reese. That'll free up a lot of weight," River sniggered.
Reese pulled her hood over her head and pulled the strings on her hoodie.
"River, can you go one day without making fun of Reese's weight?" Ray asked as he put his hand on Reese's shoulder comfortingly.
"At least get some new material," Ethan said. "Are are you not smart enough to come up with more?"
"Tch. Whatever," River huffed.
"Not that I don't feel bad for Reese, but she should probably keep paddling if she wants us to win this challenge," Vladimir said.
Reese sighed as she took her hood down and continued paddling.
"We're just about there," Ray told Reese.
Team Beer made it to the next question.
"What is Angie's favorite vacation spot?" Ray read. "Australia, Hawaii, Mexico, or Jamaica?"
"She strikes me as an Australia kind of girl," Ethan said.
Ray input "Australia". The "Incorrect" message appeared on the screen.
"Brilliant," River remarked.
"Well I have no idea. Just go in order," Ethan said.
As soon as he could, River answered "Hawaii". The yellow part of the wall lowered itself.
"Awesome. Let's go," Vladimir smiled.
Confessional:
River: Well shoot, all there is about Reese is that she's fat, Asian, and likes cuddles. I'm not dumb enough to make racist remarks, and how are you supposed to make fun of cuddles?
Team Weed continued on their way to the next wall.
"How many walls do you think there are?" Angie asked.
"I'll willing to bet seven, since we're talking about the other team, and each team started with seven," Brittany guessed.
"Either that or five, if we're going by who's left from the other team," Trinity added.
"But our team has six members," Jean-Marie pointed out.
"Then it just wouldn't include one of us," Trinity shrugged. "I mean, what do any of us know about Kristin aside from her religion?"
"What?" Kristin asked in a daze.
"Exactly," Trinity said. "How can they expect the other team to answer a question about her when we probably couldn't do that?"
"Well to be fair I mean how many of us have actually approached Kristin to hold a conversation with her I think that's partially on us I mean it's not like she talks that much to begin with but still," Joel said.
"What?" Kristin asked.
"I think we should just focus on the challenge for now," Jean-Marie said as the team approached the next screen.
"Which of the following has Ray not brought to the island?" Brittany read. "A jetpack, a dowsing machine, a grappling hook gun, or a telescope?"
"It's either a telescope or a dowsing machine," Trinity said. "He flew into the game on a jetpack and mentioned having a grappling hook gun."
"I think he had a dowsing machine in the forest challenge so the answer is probably 'a telescope' but I can't say for 100% sure but if that's what you want to go for then you can always just pick that one," Joel said.
"I already did," Brittany smiled as the green section of the wall came down.
"Onwards!" Angie announced.
Confessional:
Brittany: This challenge makes me wonder if we'll ever have to pay attention to these things for a future challenge. I'll try to remember the answers to the best of my ability, just in case.
Team Beer continued on their way to the next wall.
"We are so boned," River groaned.
"We will be with that attitude," Ethan insisted. "Paddle faster!"
"We're a bit exhausted," Vladimir said.
"And I imagine Team Weed will be as well," Ray said. "Meaning we can probably afford a bit of a break."
"No, we should take advantage of this opportunity to catch up," Ethan said.
"You realize that this bossy attitude won't help your chances of survival if we lose?" Reese asked sadly.
"Whoa, you okay?" Ray asked his friend. "It's not like you to talk so negatively."
"I'm not having a great day," Reese said in response.
"Happens to the best of us," Vladimir told her. "No shame in it.
"Well, here's the next question," Ethan said. "For all our sakes, I hope we get this one right."
"What's a common theme in the music Trinity likes?" River read. "Use of rock instruments, female singers, no lyrics, or being played on the radio?"
"I could have sworn I heard her mention liking classical music once," Ray said. "Try 'No Lyrics'."
River input "No Lyrics". The yellow section of the wall lowered itself.
"Nice job, Ray," Reese said with a slight smile.
"Thanks. Now let's catch up," Ray smiled.
Confessional:
Ray: Ironic how things began to go south for Reese after our cuddle. Maybe she could use another one. I certainly wouldn't complain about the possibility.
Team Weed continued paddling to the next wall.
"It's too bad swimming in here is dangerous," Angie lamented.
"It's only dangerous if you're not watching where you're going," Brittany said. "And hey, who knows, maybe they'll get rid of the walls after the challenge and you can swim all you want when it's over."
"That'd be cool," Angie beamed.
"That also makes no sense," Trinity pointed out. "How are they going to remove these giant mechanical walls?"
"The same way they put them there, but in reverse," Kristin responded.
"Je ne peux pas dire si cela est brillante ou idiot," Jean-Marie muttered.
"So if we figure out how there were put here, we can figure out how to remove them," Kristin suggested.
"Ça ne fait rien. Certainement idiot," Jean-Marie mumbled.
"Okay guys we're just about here so just as a warning be sure to look out for that because-" Joel started.
"We get it," Trinity interrupted.
As the boat approached the next screen, Joel looked over the question.
"Okay so the question is 'how many votes has River received so far' and the answers are either three, four, five, or six and I honestly think it could be any of them but I can't say for sure so it's up to you guys to figure out what it could possibly be," Joel said.
"Six doesn't seem very likely," Brittany said. "That would mean they tied last night, and I hadn't heard anyone mention a tie."
"I'm willing to bet five is the answer," Jean-Marie said. "Try that."
Joel input "Five". The "Incorrect" message appeared onscreen.
"So between the thirteen possible votes he could have received over two eliminations, he got four at most?" Brittany asked.
"That's almost impressive," Angie said.
After waiting a few seconds, Jean-Marie glanced at the screen to see it still read "Incorrect". "It must have been more than ten seconds by now," he huffed.
"Oh, I guessed 'three' when no one was looking because I thought it'd be cool if the gate opened right as the timer ran out but I guess that was wrong too and I dunno it was like a 50/50 shot and I guess I got the wrong 50 but hey at least we now know for sure what the answer is unless it does turn out to be six which would kind of suck," Joel said.
Jean-Marie took a deep breath. "Patience, Jean-Marie," he told himself. "Vous pouvez toujours voter lui si nous perdons."
Just then, the gate opened.
"Well what do you know I guess the answer was 'four' after all so that's cool now let's go make up for the time we lost alright we can still win this if we try and believe in ourselves and try to believe and all that!" Joel announced.
Confessional:
Joel: So I'm not amazing at trivia but I don't think anyone could have predicted that right the first time not even River because it's not like you know exactly how many votes you receive I mean I don't know how many votes I've had against me and I know I've had some because I was in the bottom two when I went to elimination.
Team Beer continued paddling on their way to the next gate.
"This challenge is super tedious," River complained.
"You could always drown yourself. That'll end it sooner," Ethan chuckled.
River rolled his eyes.
"I wager we only have two or three more gates to go," Ray said. "Not sure if they'll include eliminated contestants."
"Well, they have more remaining members than we do, so if they didn't, that wouldn't be very fair to us," Vladimir pointed out.
"Maybe they'll make Team Weed answer two questions on one of us to make up for it," Reese guessed.
"I wonder what they're asking about me," Vladimir said. "I'm curious to know what they know about me to ask the other team about."
"I hope they don't have anything too personal," Reese frowned.
"Why? You have something to hide?" River asked.
"Don't we all?" Ray asked.
"Well, you've been super up front about how much of a virgin you are," Ethan pointed out.
"I have no reason to hide that," Ray shrugged. "I don't understand how one's worth is defined by how much sex they have."
Ethan's look of disbelief made it look like his brain had just snapped.
"Alright guys, we're at the next question," River said. "What's the name of the hot blonde girl from Team Weed? The answers are Ashley, Brittany, Chrissy, or Delaina."
"She has a name?" Ethan asked.
"I want to say I remember, but that's not usually the first thing I remember about her..." Ray admitted. "I want to say Brittany sounds right."
River guessed "Brittany". The yellow part of the wall lowered itself.
"Nice guess," Ethan grinned.
Confessional:
Reese: The last thing I need to hear from my crush is how much another girl is in his mind. (She sighs.) I sound like Frita right now, I swear. I wish my kitty Winifred was here. I like to hug her when I'm down.
Team Weed were on their way to the next gate.
"So, who do you think Team Beer will vote off if they lose again?" Angie asked.
"Frankly I'm surprised River's made it as far as he has," Trinity said. "I'm willing to bet those times he survived are both flukes and that he's next to go."
"Maybe they have a boys' alliance and Reese is next on the chopping block," Brittany guessed.
"I dunno because I see Ray and Reese hanging out with each other all the time and they seem pretty close already despite it being only a couple days so maybe they're into each other and as we all know love is the strongest alliance of all," Joel said.
"I noticed the black boy, Ethan, I think his name is, was rather angry at the loss of Sorrell," Jean-Marie said. "I can imagine his rage working against him and making him a target."
"They're already on a losing streak. Why would they get rid of their strongest player?" Trinity scoffed condescendingly.
"I do not think I like your tone very much," Jean-Marie said darkly.
"Besides, you're the one who thinks Reese is next to go," Kristin added. "She's the nicest person they have."
"Oh would you look at that? The next question," Trinity said as the boat approached the wall. "Why is Vladimir bald? By choice, by force, by accident, or he isn't bald."
"Which one does cancer fall under?" Angie asked.
"Accident, I'd imagine," Brittany answered.
Trinity answered "By Accident". The "Incorrect" message appeared onscreen.
"Well that's not good," Angie frowned.
"I guess it's by force then," Brittany thought aloud. "What a confusing question."
As soon as she could, Trinity guessed "By Force". Once again, the "Incorrect" message appeared.
"Well he's obviously bald, so I guess it's by choice," Jean-Marie said.
"Why would anyone be bald on purpose?" Trinity asked.
"Ask Vladimir," Kristin shrugged.
As soon as she could, Trinity guessed "By Choice". This time, the green section of the wall lowered.
"Great. Let's go. We're probably falling behind," Trinity said impatiently as she and her teammates began paddling.
Confessional:
Kristin: What if we win every challenge from now until the merge? That'd be irie.
Team Beer continued on their way to the next gate.
"I wonder who Team Weed will vote off if they lose," Vladimir mused.
"Hopefully the stoner bitch," River said. "I know I for one am sick of the weed smell."
"I think it'll be the glasses chick," Ethan said.
"Because she's not conventionally attractive?" Vladimir asked.
"Not just that. She also seems super stuck-up," Ethan said. "I know I wouldn't want to keep her around."
"I for one think it'll be Joel," Ray said. "It's hard to understand him a lot of the time from what I've seen, so I imagine he'll get on his team's nerves quickly if he hasn't already."
"River gets on all our nerves, but he's still here," Ethan said curtly.
"Okay, let's not talk so negatively about our teammates," Reese suggested. "Besides, here's the next question."
Team Beer's boat had indeed arrived at the next screen.
"Which of these food types does Kristin not eat? Sweets, carbs, meat, or dairy?" Reese read.
"Meat," Ethan answered. "I remember she told me she doesn't eat bacon. I was super confused."
"When aren't you?" River remarked.
Reese guessed "Meat". The yellow part of the wall lowered itself.
"We may have a chance yet," Vladimir smiled.
"Onward!" Ray cheered.
Confessional:
Ethan: How can you voluntarily not eat bacon? Who would even join a religion that wouldn't let you eat bacon? It boggles my mind.
Team Weed continued on their way to the next gate.
"I feel like we're running out of things to talk about," Angie said.
"Well, if this isn't the last gate, the next one should be," Trinity said. "We can just sit in silence until the challenge is over."
And they did just that. The rest of their trip to the next wall was more or less silent. After a while, however, they made it to the next question screen.
"Who of the following has Sorrell not had a conversation with?" Angie read. "Ray, Reese, River, or Vladimir?"
"I know I saw her flirting with River once," Brittany said.
"One of the past questions said Vladimir has had alcohol, so I'm willing to bet she's behind that," Trinity said.
"Ray does not strike me as very social, so perhaps he is the one," Jean-Marie suggested.
Angie input "Ray". The "Incorrect" message appeared on-screen.
"Reese it is," Kristin said.
"Sorta makes you wonder how she had a conversation with Ray but not with Reese but then you realize that if she flirted with River she probably flirted with the other guys on her team as well and that would include Ray and I guess Vladimir too so in hindsight that should have been a bit obvious," Joel thought aloud.
By this time, Angie had already input "Reese" and the gate had opened.
"Almost there, guys!" Angie said encouragingly.
Confessional:
Angie: I'm glad we did end up having a lake challenge. Even if I'm not doing a lot of actual swimming, it's still cool to be around the water. Maybe I'll take a dip later.
Team Beer were on their way to the last gate.
"Eyes on the prize. We can do this," Ray smirked.
"That's what I like to hear," Ethan nodded.
"We'd better win this. I could use a night off," River sneered.
"It's our challenge to win," Vladimir said. "The other team looks like it's behind us."
"I have faith in us," Reese said with a small smile.
"Glad to see you're feeling better," Ray told her with a smile of his own.
Reese simply giggled in response, her face red.
"We're here, guys," Ethan said as the boat pulled up to the question screen. "Who did Noah vote against before his elimination? Kristin, Jean-Marie, Joel, or Trinity?"
"Joel seems too obvious," River said. "Try Kristin."
Ethan chose "Kristin". The "Incorrect" message appeared.
"Well that's just dandy," Ethan scowled.
"I think we can afford to get it wrong one more time," Vladimir said, keeping an eye on Team Weed.
"I have a feeling about Trinity," Reese said.
"If my feeling won't work, how the hell will yours?" River asked.
"It's worth a shot," Ray said.
Ethan chose "Trinity". The "Incorrect" message appeared.
"Yeah, the other team's starting to catch up," Vladimir warned as Team Weed approached their gate.
"No pressure," Ray chuckled.
As soon as the "Incorrect" message disappeared, Ethan guessed "Jean-Marie". The "Incorrect" message came back up.
"Wait, shoot! I meant to hit Joel!" Ethan gasped.
"I think we all want to hit Joel," River remarked.
"This isn't good," Reese frowned.
"Come on come on come on," Ethan said impatiently.
As soon as he could, Ethan guessed "Joel". The gate opened.
"We can still make it," Vladimir said.
Confessional:
Vladimir: Quite the interesting bunch of questions we had this time around. Not a lot of exploring to be done, but I liked the challenge regardless.
Team Weed were on their way to their final gate.
"Merde. They're already here," Jean-Marie pointed out.
"Well let's not lose hope because I feel like we can still do this and if we really put our minds into it we can accomplish anything so let's still give it a shot and not give up til the very end because there's still a chance for us to win this!" Joel said encouragingly.
"He's got a point," Angie said.
"Doesn't he always?" Kristin chuckled.
"Well shucks guys I mean I was just trying to be encouraging but if you guys really want to work hard to win this then I'm behind that 100% so what the heck let's do this!" Joel decided.
"Just do so silently," Trinity said.
"The other guys are still here," Brittany said as Team Weed approached the question screen. "We really can still do this."
"What is Frita's hobby?" Jean-Marie read. "Knitting, writing poetry, cooking, or drawing death scenes?"
"One of these things is not like the others," Angie sang.
"That last one seems like her," Jean-Marie said as he guessed "Drawing Death Scenes". The gate opened.
"Well I'll be," Brittany said. "Let's go!"
Confessional:
Jean-Marie: Je souhaite presque nous pourrions perdre donc je ne peux voter pour Joel ou Trinity. Je ne peux toujours pas à décider ce que je déteste plus.
Topher stood at the Helipad Zone, which was a sandy beach surrounded by palm trees. He talked on his phone.
"What do you mean Sugar has no way back?" Topher asked. "It's called a Helipad Zone for a reason! Send a helicopter! ...Really? All the pilots got drunk? I thought I told them not to accept anything from Sorrell. How are we going to get tonight's eliminated contestant off of the island? ...Well, it's not super-legal, but it'll have to do. Good luck with that." Topher hung up the call only to see both boats arrive, one a couple seconds before the other. "Oh hey! Perfect timing!" Topher greeted. "I saw which of you guys showed up first, so congratulations to..."
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"Team Beer!"
"Yayuh!" Ethan cheered.
"We did it!" Reese beamed as she pulled Ray and Vladimir in for a hug.
"About time," River sneered.
"Team Weed, I'm sorry, but you can't win them all," Topher said. "I'll see you at elimination tonight."
"Drag," Kristin frowned.
"That figures," Trinity huffed.
Confessional:
Ray: It's nice to have a night off. I think Reese still has a bit more to teach me about how to cuddle... that sounded perverted, didn't it? I promise, I appreciate her as a person. Okay, "appreciate" is still a weird word. You guys probably know what I mean.
Joel: Well it's a shame that we lost the challenge but I think I'm safe at least I hope I am because my shot in this game relies entirely on Brittany and Angie and it's a bit nerve-wracking putting your game in someone else's hands but really I feel like this is just a test of love like if Brittany has my back then maybe she is interested who knows?
Brittany: Time to make a decision. I should be safe in the short run either way, but it's the long run that really matters here.
Angie: So Brittany told me about voting with Joel and Trinity instead of with our alliance. I'm not sure how I feel about voting against Jean-Marie. Hopefully we can figure things out.
That night, the six members of Team Weed sat in the Tent of Shame. Topher entered the tent with five pillows in hand.
"Welcome, Team Weed, to your second elimination ceremony of the game!" Topher greeted. "As I'm sure you remember, if you receive a pillow from me tonight, it means you have a place in the tent tonight. If you don't, it means you received the most votes of the night and have been eliminated. So without further ado..."
"Brittany."
"Angie."
"Joel."
"Jean-Marie."
"Oh no..." Trinity said, now a bit nervous.
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"No worries, Trinity. You are safe," Topher said as he finally tossed her a pillow.
"Heh. I totally knew I was safe," Trinity insisted.
Kristin sat there, emotionless.
"Kristin? Earth to Kristin." Topher said.
"Wait, what?" Kristin asked as she snapped out of her daze.
"You've been eliminated," Topher said.
"Really?" Kristin asked. "How disappointing."
"Kristin, if you'll follow me," Topher smiled. "The rest of you, you're stuck here for the night. Get comfy. Or at least as comfy as you can in the Tent of Shame."
"Qu'est-ce qui vient de se passer...?" Jean-Marie asked angrily.
Topher led Kristin to a helipad just outside the Tent.
"This is the Helipad of Losers," Topher explained. "The Total Drama helicopter should be here soon."
Just then, a helicopter sloppily landed on the Helipad. A door on its side opened.
"I still can't believe I get to drive this thing," the intern piloting the vehicle said.
"Well, don't get used to it. You don't have a license," Topher whispered through his teeth.
"By the way, she's not going to smoke weed in there is she?" the intern asked.
"I will not," Kristin said. "I'll need you to be in a good state of mind to drive me wherever it is you will drive me."
"Good to know," the intern said with a nervous chuckle.
"Any last words, Kristin?" Topher asked.
"Only that I feel as though I failed to represent Rastafari well if I am to leave so early," Kristin frowned.
"Well, there's always all-stars," Topher said. "Until then, get into the helicopter."
"Alright," Kristin responded as she entered the helicopter. The door shut behind her and the helicopter began to take off.
Topher turned to the camera.
"To be honest, I don't consider her a star in the slightest, but you at home may disagree. I can't know for sure," Topher said. "Will Jean-Marie be able to get Angie and Brittany back onto his side? Will Ethan's plan to blindside Ray work? Will Joel get lucky with his crush? Will Reese lose her drive as the most positive person on her team? Stay tuned, dear viewers, for the next episode of Total! Drama! Explooooooooore Party!"
Votes:
Brittany: Well, Angie trusts me and my judgment, but she doesn't want to get rid of Jean-Marie right now, so the only other option is Kristin.
Angie: I really like Jean-Marie, and I don't want to betray him, but I also know Brittany seems really smart, so I'll trust her for now and vote for Kristin. If I change my mind, I can always convince Brittany to vote with Jean-Marie again.
Jean-Marie: I don't like Trinity or Joel in the slightest, but at the end of the day, Joel won't get anyone on his side. However, I have seen Trinity talking to Brittany quite a bit recently, and that concerns me. In light of this, I shall vote for Trinity.
Kristin: I guess we're voting for Trinity. Okay.
Trinity: While we're not losing Angie, we will be losing the lingering weed smell, which is almost as satisfying. See you never, Kristin.
Joel: Well I guess we're voting for Kristin which is a bit unfortunate since I feel like she and I get along decently plus Jean-Marie doesn't seem to like me so I'd rather vote for him but apparently Angie doesn't want to vote for Jean-Marie and we kind of need her vote so I guess I have no choice but to vote for Kristin and Kristin if you can see this I'm sorry I voted for you.
A/N: As soon as I began to write for Kristin, I regretted creating her. The thing with Kristin is that she's Rastafarian; the problem is that I don't know very much about Rastafari. I know that they smoke weed for spiritual purposes and they have their own slang, but my grasp of it is very limited, and it showed with Kristin, who more or less became a walking stoner joke, which, I admit, wasn't in the best taste. Kristin was originally going to last much longer, but I hated writing for her so much that I bumped her elimination down to this episode here. Let this serve as a lesson: write what you know, and don't write what you don't know.
