The last part of episode 1 has finally arrived! Both teams have formed the first half of their teams and are heading towards the final stop of the challenge, the heart of the forest!
Q&A:
Everyone, I have gotten a lot of questions about the cast. Why I picked certain people for it, but especially why others not. I was not sure if only one people was asking it under different names or various. So, I decided to explain it in general.
When I was constructing the cast, I knew I wanted half of it to be the classic TDI cast (since they had a significantly higher number of characters) and the other half to be a TDROTI and TDPI. I also wanted a mix of fan favorites, underdogs and characters that got derailed or had unfinished storylines/potential.
Besides that, it was also important for me to pick out characters that suited Boney Island because the island itself will have a big impact in the story itself. For example, Jasmine and Shawn are characters that have the survival skills necessary to survive the island's harsh climate, while characters like Gwen and Dawn appreciate the island and its beauty, seeing things most players don't. Lastly, I picked characters that would create friction and drama between the characters I already had in mind, keeping the story interesting and thrilling.
There were a lot of more characters I wished were involved in the story, but 18 characters was already a higher amount than originally had anticipated. Characters that come to mind who sadly didn't made the cut are Leshawna, Heather, Alejandro, Sky, Amy, Jo and even Ann-Maria. But if I manage to finish this season, my hopes are to write another season with a different cast than the one I use in this story.
Omega Leonidas, I'm sorry to hear about your insomnia. It really means so much for me that you're reading my story at 4 am in the morning. It really gives me the energy to continue the story with love knowing people like you appreciate it, and I want to thank you for that! I won't spoil any future events or storylines but what you said about the personality about some of the cast members and how I see them as well is spot on! Also, I don't mind being the reviews to long. I enjoy reading them and hope you'll stay safe as well!
CMC, I heard the news about the new season TOO, can't wait! I really appreciate your challenge ideas and your curiosity. But I won't spoil future challenges haha. All I can say is that some are similar to past challenges but with a twist, while others are completely self-thought.
Darkwing, I love the team names. They sound exciting! However, the team names have already been thought out that fit the island's ecstatic and will be revealed in this part!
Lone Wolf, All I can say is that I'm planning on doing 20 episodes/chapters, 3 parts each, with 60 parts in total. Oh, and the aftermath will not return by the way. So maybe you could try figure it out for yourself. :P
Sir Handel, After the events that took place in the episode Scarlett Fever, Pahkitew Island still has 'mechanical difficulties' which Chris didn't bother to fix. Also, already been revealed that the island was mechanic, Chris thought the place had lost its charms and moved the season over to Boney Island instead!
The Total Drama franchise is owned by Fresh Tv and its creators. This is a fictional sequel that takes place after Total Drama Pahkitew Island, season 5b of the franchise.
Total Drama Exiled episode 1: Returning cast-aways, part 3
In the heart of the forest of Boney Island stood a big, tall white pine tree with bald branches sticking out of it. The big tree stood in the middle of a big open area, surrounded by smaller pine trees and rocks scattered around the place. Leading up to the wide-open area were two sand paths, both facing directly at each other and the tree in the middle from opposite sides.
Unlike the other parts of the forest, this area was less dimly lit due to the open area, letting the natural sunlight hit the ground much easier. But nonetheless, it had still the same grim environment as the rest of the island, looking like a numbered drawing that had been painted in with only a cool color palette. Except for the mustard-colored backpack, hanging from the top of the tall tree and sticking above the rest of the forest with a bright red flag attached to it, fluttering in the air.
On the northern path, the first player managed to arrive at the scene, running out of the forest. The brunette girl in question who was holding a map looked amazed at the top of the giant tree in front of her, smiling and letting out a sign of happiness.
"Yes! We've beaten them!" Courtney cheered in excitement, throwing away the piece of paper and raising her arms in excitement.
Shortly after the future lawyer, Dawn, Jasmine and Topher also emerged out of the forest. The Australian girl was carried the tired pretty boy on her back, joining the Latin girl's celebration. "Nice work team!" The tall girl compliments.
Topher, who was carried by Jasmine due to his low stamina and recovered from his tiredness, looked astonished at the top of the tree. The pretty boy laid his eyes on the red flag placed in the high top of the colossal tree, looking as if it was standing out miles above the other trees, while in reality, it was just a few yards. "We have to climb in that?" the pretty boy asked open-mouthed.
"It's not that bad." Jasmine said, releasing the host-wannabe back on the ground. "When I was younger, I climbed trees all the time. I still do by the way. It's like a climbing wall, only more… firmer."
"Yes, the trees were a way out for you to make yourself feel more safe and secure." Dawn said, coming closer spontaneously. "Especially considered the other kids teased you a lot for your tall length back then."
While Topher raised an eye, Jasmine looked wide-eyed at moonchild. "H- H- How did you… Who told you...?" the Australian girl stuttered in distress. But before she could find the right words to finish her sentence, a female voice interrupted.
"Are you guys planning on helping or what!?" Courtney shouted at the others, glaring at them. The former CIT had in the meantime already ran over to the tree and had wrapped her arms around the trunk of the tree, ready to climb.
At her command, Dawn and Topher immediately raced over to her, while Jasmine was still standing confused. "Wait!" the outbacker shouted, dropping the conversation earlier with Dawn. "Izzy's still not here yet!"
"Neither is the other team!" Courtney shouted back at her, already climbing the tree. "It was her decision to ran off like that. If we lose this challenge, we know who to vote for."
"But…" Jasmine tried to think of a way to convince her otherwise, but instead, let out a big growl. She was convinced there was no use into reasoning with the former CIT and decided to run towards the tree instead, following the others footprint.
A few seconds has past after Jasmine joined the rest of her team before the other team had showed up at the scene. All 5 appeared at the open area at same time via the southern trail, bending their knees and catching their breath from running. Gwen gasped deeply after raising her head. "Oh no, they've beaten us!" the goth girl shouted, pointing at the other team, who were still climbing the first half of the final tree.
Bridgette who still stood bent over while panting, raised her head as well and looked at the direction the goth girl pointed at. "Think we stand a chance?" the blonde girl asked in a low voice, looking next to her at their unofficial team captain.
Brick regained his posture and shoved back the map inside his back pocket. "ma'am, it's not over yet!" the cadet said confidently, running over to the base of the tree. "They're not far up." He said, holding the tree and climbing up to the lowest branch. "I bet we can out-climb them!"
The other four looked at each other inspired and nodded, following his moves. Trent arrived at the tree shortly after Brick and followed the cadet before Shawn, who crouched down in front of the tree to boost the other two girls up the first part, before climbing it himself.
The heat was on. While Courtney's team had a head start and passed the halfway point, with Courtney and Jasmine having the lead, Brick's team climbed much faster and caught up with them in no time. Brick, Bridgette, and Shawn had already passed Dawn and Topher on their way up but were faced with a dilemma.
There were 9 people climbing the tree. And the higher they went, the narrower the tree got, making it harder to pass another person. At two third of the tree, passing each other was practically impossible. The players who reached that part were climbing above each other in a straight line, waiting for the person above them to climb further while blocking the other person underneath them. And if getting in each other's way wasn't enough, the tree even began to shake due to overcrowding, forcing the competitors to climb even more cautious.
With Jasmine and Courtney in the lead, there was no one in their way, resulting in the two girl's free passage to the top. Brick, who climbed right behind them, knew this and had to come up with a plan fast if they still want to have a chance of winning.
Suddenly, the cadet was taken out of mind by someone, calling out his name. "Brick!" Trent shouted at the military guy from underneath, with 4 persons in between. "This's never going to work!"
"I know soldier…" Brick replied, looking ashamed to the top. "I guess it's game over." The cadet said, bowing his head in disappointment.
"Wait!" The raven-haired guy shouted back. "I might have an idea. Only one must reach the top right? Do you trust me?"
Brick and Shawn, who had passed most of the players and stood underneath Brick, both raised they're eye at Trent, looking confused at each other back and forth. Brick thought to himself for a moment, unsure what the guy meant, but changed his confused expression in a determined one before nodding at the musician. "I trust you soldier." He said, believing his plan might be the only thing saving them.
Trent smirked at the cadet and nodded back. "Here goes nothing." He said hesitated when suddenly, the musician put both of his feet on the trunk and pushed himself off the tree, falling to the ground. On his way down he passed Topher who was climbing underneath him. The musician grabbed the pretty boy by his shoulders and yanked him out of the tree, making him scream. Both guys fell in the tall grass on the ground at a rapid pace, receiving worried faces from the others who we're still inside the tree.
"Ouch!" Topher whined in pain, with Trent still holding on to his shoulders. "What was that for!?"
From the top, Brick looked startled at the occurrence. But he slowly narrowed his eyes at Trent and smirked, starting to understand the boy's plan. "Making way by reducing the enemy while sacrificing our own. Smart thinking soldier! Quick, follow Trent's lead!" the military guy said, grabbing the ankle of Jasmine above him in a reflex, preventing her from climbing further while looking daggers at the cadet.
The others on Brick's team nodded and followed Trent's plan. Gwen, who was in last place, climbed rapidly over to Dawn and grabbed her ankle. The goth girl took a deep breath before letting herself fall, taking the aura-whisperer out of the challenge with her.
While Brick was still struggling to hold tight on Jasmine's ankle because of the girl's strength, Shawn shimmied past the cadet and jumped on the back of his girlfriend, closing her eyes with his hand. "I'm sorry my love, please forgive me." The zombie expert said to her before the tall Australian lost her balance and both lovers fell.
Courtney watched speechlessly at the fallen contestants, before determinedly continuing her way to the top. "I won't let you pass!" the former CIT said as the last one of her team standing to the other two inside the tree.
"Watch us!" Brick said courageous, following the future lawyer hot on her heels.
Due to the rapid decrease in population, the tree had stabilized and was shaking less than before. And with no other players blocking her way Bridgette, who was one of the three remaining competitors, easily maneuvered upwards and caught up with the other two in no time. The three of them were neck and neck with each other, a few inches away from the backpack when suddenly, the surfer girl step on a branch that broke off. Brick tried to grab her in a reflex but was to late. A high-pitched scream can be heard on the background before landing on Topher, leaving behind only the two team captains.
Courtney reached the backpack first, quickly grabbing her machete out of her belt before swinging it, ready to win the challenge by cutting down the rope. However, to her irritation, Brick grabbed the Latin girl's wrist, preventing her from cutting.
"Let go of me!" the brunette girl yelled in rage, struggling to free herself from Brick's tight grip. Brick tried to push her out of the tree with his other hand, but Courtney noticed this and pushed her hand in the cadet's face, trying to achieve the same thing. But unfortunately for her, the struggle result in her losing her balance and the former CIT fell, hitting a branch a few feet below breaking her fall.
The brunette girl landed on her stomach and was hanging from the branch, growling. "Nooo!" she shouted angry, moving both fist angry up and down from rage while still holding the machete.
"Victory is ours!" Brick shouted triumphantly, swinging his machete proudly. He moved the blade of the machete closer to the rope, ready to claim his team's victory. Suddenly, the cadet heard screaming. The cadet looked in the distance at the direction of the scream and saw a ginger-haired girl swinging in the distant from a vine.
The mysterious girl turned out to be Izzy, swinging to him on a vine from the top of another tree. When the vine reached its momentum, the crazy girl let go, resulting in her flying up to the red flag attached at the top of the giant middle tree. Izzy landed precisely on the backpack and grabbed it tightly with both hands in front of the cadet's nose. The rope holding the backpack spontaneously split due to the extra weight of the crazy girl, sending her and the backpack free-falling while painfully hitting almost every branch on the way down, making Brick and the others watched and gasped in disbelief.
The competitors on the ground cringed from the sound the psycho girl made every time she hit a branch on her way down before she landed on the forest floor, still holding firmly on to the mustard-colored backpack. Izzy was covered in scratches and the other contestants looked speechless at her, until the high-pitched loud sound of an air-horn broke the silence between the contestants.
"We have a winner!" Chris shouted triumphantly while walking on to the scene holding an air-horn, getting the attention from the other campers. "Unexpectedly thanks to Izzy, Courtney's team has won the challenge!"
The competitors on Courtney's team were cheering joyfully. Even Courtney who was still hanging on to a branch. The team of Brick was looking disappointingly and defeated at the ground. Brick himself bowed his head and start climbing his way back to the ground, ashamed.
"Stay here while we'll get the rest of the competitors to complete your teams and summarize the end results of the challenge." The host said while taking out his phone, calling his interns, instructing them to release the other contestants before bringing them back to him.
[Confession 4, day 1, Jasmine]
Jasmine looked thoughtful at the ceiling of the cave, having her hand placed underneath her chin. "Hmm, that Izzy girl is one wild ticket. Did Courtney know she could pull off a stunt like that beforehand?" The outbacker said questioning, crossing her arms and looking directly at the camera. "Doubtfully… but who knows… Maybe she's less impetuous than I thought, and I should start trusting her decisions more?"
[Confession 4, day 1, Courtney]
The former CIT sat crossed-armed, looking disinterested at the camera. "There is no way I could've predict that moron would swing off a vine like Tarzan and win the challenge for us. She's unpredictable and a total nutcase." She said, smirking confidentially. "But I guess her unpredictability makes her surprisingly not completely useless all the time."
30 minutes had passed, and Chris was standing in front of the giant tree in the middle of the open area with both teams waiting next to him. On his left stood the winning team: Courtney, Dawn, Izzy, Jasmine and Topher, and on his right the losing team: Brick, Trent, Shawn, Bridgette, and Gwen. The attention of the present campers and the host was drawn by the headlights of two jeeps coming from either way, driving towards them. Chris smiled at the two vehicles coming his way and cleared his throat.
"Finally." The host said relieved, tired of waiting. "It's time to introduce y'all to your full team and reveal the team names of this season. As you all know, the campers you have decided to leave hanging would automatically join the other team after the challenge." The host recapped as one of the jeeps parked right in front of him, looking at his left. "With that said. Brick, Trent, Shawn, Bridgette. and Gwen. Left behind and joining your team are…"
Chris waited for the campers coming out of the back of the jeep, introducing them in the order they emerged.
"DJ,
Ella,
B,
And Cody."
The four campers walked over to the left side of the host, joining the rest of their team. DJ smiled and gave Trent Bridgette and Gwen a high five on his way to the end of the row. Ella waved at her fellow teammates while her and B headed to Trent quietly, standing next to him at the end of the row.
Cody on the other had a big grin on his face. Already noticing Gwen on his way, he ran over to the goth girl and jumped in between her and DJ who both frowned at the geek. Gwen noticed the boy looking at her with a drooled expression on his face. She rolled her eyes at the brunette and crossed her arms while glaring at the other direction.
"From now on, you guys will be known as The Willful Beavers!" The host announced while a seafoam-colored team logo with a Woolly Beaver on it pops in on the screen.
Then Chris turned to the other right at the other team while the second jeep parked right next to the first. The last four campers were coming out of the back of the jeep, and Chris introduced them the same way he did with the other team. "Courtney, Dawn, Izzy, Jasmine and Topher. Rejected by the other team and joining yours are…"
"Samey,
Eva,
Scott,
And Duncan.
"
While the last four campers were walking up to their team, Sammy smiled tearfully and ran immediately up to Jasmine. "Jasmine!" the cheerleader said overjoyed, embracing the tall Australian women with both arms firmly. "I was so afraid that we would've been placed on different teams." The twin said while the outbacker was stunned by the sudden hug before accepting it with a smile.
Eva walked coldly to the end of the road, not acknowledging the others. Courtney looked dazed at Scott and Duncan who walked by, following Eva. One smirked while the other winked at her. Courtney's dazed expression quickly turns into a glare as she narrowed her eyes at the two boys, growling from the inside.
[Confession 5, day 1, Courtney]
The future lawyer sat inside the confession cave with both arms raised in the air, letting out a big aggressive groan. "Ugh! Duncan and Scott? Are you kidding me?! This has to be a set-up!" the Latin girl yelled, watching into the camera while pointing at herself. "But my mark words Chris. You can't break me. That I promise!"
Courtney kept looking daggers to the two boys making their way to the back of the row. Dawn, who was standing next to the former CIT, did the same. "It's hard to believe you dated that sociopathic scoundrel." The moonchild said, arousing the attention from the brunette. "Even though it makes sense. Considering you're exhausted from following every rule strict and planning out every detail of your future while exceeding everybody's expectation, secretly attracted to the ones doing the opposite."
Courtney looked open-mouthed at the aura-whisperer, offended by the platinum-haired girl's statement. But before the former CIT could say anything she got interrupted.
"You 9 will hereby be known as The Courageous Geese!" The host announced triumphantly while a violet-colored team logo with a Stymphalian Geese on it pops in on the screen.
[Confession 2, day 1, Shawn]
The zombie expert sat slumped in front of the confession cave. Letting out a big sigh while crossing his arms. "Looks like Jasmine and I won't be on the same team, again. Guess we'll have to wait for the merge… again!" The conspiracist said, looking frustrated at the camera.
"In the end, it was a nerve-racking first challenge." The host continued, announcing the results. "But I'm happy to announce that the winners of the first challenge are…" The host said in suspense, turning to his right while raising his a arm. "The Courageous Geese!"
While The Courageous Geese minus Eva were holding their hands in the sky and cheering their victory, The Willful Beavers were looking silently and disappointed at the ground, defeated.
"Wait, we lost?" Cody asked in a low voice, looking shocked at the rest of the team. "How'd that happened?"
"I'm taking full responsibility for our loss, team." Brick said as he stepped forward, lowering his head. "If I wasn't distracted, we would've won. I let you guys down…"
"It wasn't your fault man." Trent replied, calmly waking up to him and wrapping his arm around the cadet's neck, smiling. "No one expected Izzy to swing by like that. Don't feel responsible." The musician said, cheering him up.
"Swing by?" Ella asked in a low voice, looking befuddled at Trent's comment and unaware of the occurrence earlier.
"Wait," DJ interrupted, looking up. "We have to vote someone off when half of us didn't even compete in the challenge?" he asked the host suspiciously, raising his eye at him.
Chris turned to the big guy and laughed. "Don't worry, this challenge was only intended to determine the teams. There will be no elimination, yet..."
While the host with the most revealed the good news to them, The Willful Beavers we're looking a lot happier, especially Brick who was felt like a big weight had taken off his shoulders. During the cheers, Courtney turned to Chris with a big smile on her face, looking at the host with sparkling eyes. "So what did we win?" the former CIT'er asked, getting everyone's attention.
Chris chuckled. "You guys win what's inside the bag of course!" the host said overenthusiastic, pointing at the mustard backpack Izzy held.
The Courageous Geese turn towards Izzy and smiled while the crazy girl began opening the backpack. As the girl was unzipping the bag, most were fantasizing what could be in it. After all, it was mustard gold-ish colored for a reason, right?
Izzy's smile turned wide while she takes out the first item out of the backpack, making the others smile excitedly as well. "Jackpot!" the crazy girl said while raising the first item in the air. "It's a hammer!" she announced over-excitedly, making the others lose their excitement while looking entangled and in disappointed at the psycho. "This will fit in with my collection of tools back home nicely!"
Courtney yanked irritated the backpack out of Izzy's hand. "What the hell!?" the former CIT yelled frustrated, rummaging inside it. "A hammer… nails… a saw?" the brunette girl said confused, taking out the saw and turning to Chris. "Will this be some kind of advantage in the next challenge?"
The host laughed on his way to one of the jeeps, opening its door, while the interns were unloading the competitor's belongings out of it. "Advantage for the next challenge? No. Advantage for building a shelter? Yes." He replied, stepping inside the front of the jeep next to Chef, both laughing mischievous at the campers. "Or did you already forget the fact there're no cabins on the island?"
While Courtney and the rest of her team were disappointed and glared at the host, Ella looked worried and raised her hands politely. "Wait! With what are we supposed to build with?" the singing princess asked in a trembling voice.
"I don't care, figure it out!" Chris said coldly, slamming the car door shut, before rolling down his window. "Oh yeah before I forgot," the host said as the vrooming sound of the engine was heard on the background. "Dinner will be in three hours at the mess hall located on the northern side of the island near the dock. Be on time. I'm sure you're gonna need it!" The host said before breaking out in mischievous laughter as the jeep took off, leaving behind a big cloud of dust from the exhaust pipe, making the competitors gasp for air.
[Confession 1, day 1, Brick]
Brick sat relived inside the confession cave, looking up and letting out a big sigh. "I'm so relieved there won't be an elimination ceremony tonight. I would've been on the chopping block for sure!" The cadet said, before looking focused at the camera. "But that doesn't make up for the fact that I let the team down. I need to step up my game! I could read from their faces that they were annoyed about the lost I caused. I mean, what else is there to be annoyed about?"
[Confession 2, day 1, Trent]
Trent opened his guitar case the interns had brought with them in the jeep in front of the camera. The musician gasped and looked shocked at a big pile of sand flowing out of it. "Damn it!" The musician said frustrated, picking up his guitar and tilting it, flowing out more sand from the soundhole. "I knew this would happen!"
The Willful Beavers were walking through the forest on their way to the northern part of the island, the same part where they arrived on the island earlier. As unofficial team captain, Brick was walking in the front, using the map he kept from the challenge as a resource to lead the way.
Ella was hopping behind Brick, humming, when she noticed the map Brick was holding. She hopped closely behind the cadet, taking a peep at it herself. "I didn't know Chris gave us a map!" she shouted over-excitedly.
Brick startled from the sudden noise and was taken out of mind. When he turned around, he noticed Ella's smile. "Well yeah, I kept it from the precious challenge to lead us back to camp and finding a shelter…"
"Oeh, and have you already found one? Maybe a castle?" The princess shouted, blinking her eyelashes at the cadet.
Brick turned red and rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Probably not a castle… but it's probably the smartest thing to find shelter somewhere close to camp. If you'd like to take a closer look at the map… "
Before the cadet could finish his sentence, Ella let out a big gasp of excitement and walked even closer to the cadet. "I love to!" she said while taking a closer look at the map Brick was holding, almost touching the cadet's face with hers.
[Confession 1, day 1, Ella]
Ella sat politely in front of the camera, smiling. "The people on my team are so polite! I firmly believe that making friends will become a lot easier compared to last season. Who knows, maybe I even get to befriend Shawn this time!" The princess then sighed in disappointment, looking down. "I'm just bumped out this season will also probably not be a singing one like World Tour." She said in a low voice, before looking innocent at the camera again. "But that doesn't mean we can't make it one!"
Bridgette was struggling at the back of the row, carrying her surfboard and duffel bag all together. The intensive challenge from before had taken its toll on the surfer girl, who suddenly lost her balance and collapsed exhausted on the ground. The whole team in front of her witnessed the incident and stopped, looking startled at the fallen blonde girl before DJ and Trent raced over to her. Both men lowered their bags on the ground and helped the surfer back on her feet.
"Thanks guys." Bridgette said gratefully, dusting off her clothes.
"You're all right?" the musician asked warm-heartily at the blonde girl, picking back up his guitar case.
"I guess I'm just a bit worn out from the challenge. No biggie!" Bridgette replied while bending to pick up her baggage. But before she could reach her surfboard, a person ran over to her and had already picked it up right in front of her nose.
"Allow me!" Brick assisted, also grabbing the duffel bag out of the girl's hand, wrapping it around his shoulder.
Bridgette looked surprised and flustered at the military guy. "Oh Brick, you don't have to…"
"Ma'am, don't you worry!" Brick interrupted, making his way back to the front of the line. "At military school, we carry bags ten times heavier and take walks twenty times longer. This is nothing!"
As Brick makes his way back to the front of the line and the groups starts moving again, Cody was walking in between B and Gwen. He noticed the goth girl walking tiredly in front of him and took a deep breath in his hand, smelling the inside of his mouth. He took a peppermint out of his back pocket and fixed his hair before walking up to her. "Hey Gwen! How…"
The goth girl frowned at the boy, letting out a big, exhausted sigh. "I'm so tired and really not in the mood Cody, bye!" she interrupted him, fastening her pace and leaving him behind.
Cody looked sad at the ground and walked slower, catching unintended up with B. The geek noticed him walking right next to him and looked awkward the other way. "B… Right?"
B nodded at the brunette, smirking.
"Oh right you don't talk a lot…" Cody replied to the nod, awkwardly rubbing the back of his head while trying to come up with a topic of conversation. "You know, you were in Sierra's top 5 underdog lists… Who knows, maybe not anymore after the season progresses…" the geek said awkwardly, laughing sheepishly as B narrowed his eyes at the geek in confusion.
[Confession 3, day 1, Cody]
Cody rubbed the back of his head, laughing awkwardly again at the camera. "I'm quite awkward with talking to other males compared to females. Probably because besides billiards I'm not really that invested into other sports, cars or other 'typical' guy stuff." The geek said, air quoting the 'typical' part before letting out a deep sigh. "Sure it would be nice for once to be referred to as one of the guys, but quite frankly, I'm not that upset about it. When Gwen finally agrees on going out with me, I won't be feeling as lonely anymore!" The brunette explained happily before looking disappointed at the cave's ground. "If only she would stop ignoring me. After all, she's the reason I signed the contract…"
The Willful Beavers emerged from out the forest and arrived at a wooden totem pole like the one back in camp Wawanakwa. The totem pole was located near the dock and marked the beginning of a sand road heading into the forest. The totem pole had faces carved inside of it resembling tiki's and animals with two big wings sticking out on top. There was also a camera attached with duct tape on one of the sides of it. A few feet next to the totem pole was a road sign with wooden arrows on it. Brick let go of his and Bridgette's luggage to take a closer look at the five wooden arrows and reading the carved letters in them. Mess hall, communal bathrooms, dock, confession cave and theater. The cadet read in his mind, figuring Chris had placed to sign to make them feel more familiar around the place.
Brick took a step back and looked around him. "We're here." He informed the rest, receiving smiles from his exhausted teammates while taking another look at the map. "All left now is finding a place to sleep..."
Shawn, holding his distance from the rest of group for his own safety from getting infected, looked around him. He noticed the iconic skull-shaped cliff looking over the island that stood above the trees with a cave entrance carved inside the side of it. He also noticed a trail leading up to the cave's entrance, looking like it wasn't located far away from their position. A great place for detecting zombies. The conspiracist thought to himself before smiling and pointing at the cave's entrance. "How about inside that cave over there?"
The others looked at the direction the zombie expert was pointing at, some more thrilled then other. "You want to overnight inside a human skull?" Gwen asked astonished, smiling at Shawn's suggestion. "Awesome!"
"No, not awesome!" DJ interrupted, frowning frustrated at the rest of his team. "What's wrong with you people? Don't you guys see that place has written cursed all over it!?"
"Deej is right." Trent replied, backing up the big guy. "Well... sorta. Sure it beats sleeping outside in the rain, but shouldn't we keep searching for other options first? You know, before deciding?"
"I'm with Gwen!" Cody shouted excitedly, agreeing with the goth instead of Trent and standing next to her, winking. "I'm into spending my nights at supernatural looking places! Hell, haunted houses are even my favorite kind of ride in amusement parks!" The geek lied, looking at Gwen with a sheepishly laugh who rolled her eyes annoyingly back at him.
"Finding another place might take hours." Shawn explained, looking at the mixed faces. "It's not like we have the tools to build a shelter ourselves like the other team has since we lost the challenge earlier, remember?"
B nodded at Shawn's explanation while Brick placed his hand underneath her chin, thinking, when suddenly Ella burst out singing.
"Looking for guidance, in taking shelter from the climates. Just a bit bias, because the cave looks like it came out of a story full of pirates." The princess sang while tiptoeing on her toes, receiving weirded out faces from the rest of her team minus Shawn, confused by the spontaneous singing.
"Um, okay then…" Bridgette reacted, breaking the silence. "How about holding a vote?" the surfer suggested. The others looked questioned at each other before they nod, agreeing with the blonde girl's solution. "Raise your hand when you're in favor of spending the night inside the skull's cave."
Shawn, Gwen, Cody, and Bridgette raised their hands in the air, voting in favor. After some consideration, B also raised up slowly his decisive arm in the air, resulting in a 5-4 vote.
Brick looked at the hands raised in the sky and sighed. "Well the team decided. Guess we're spending the night inside a human skull." The cadet said reserved, receiving mixed face expressions from his fellow comrades.
[Confession 1, day 1, DJ]
DJ sat cross-armed in front of the camera, frowning. "Sure, why not spend the night in a cursed cave, at a cursed island on this cursed show? Pfft, makes perfect sense."
[Confession 3, day 1, Shawn]
Shawn sat serious in front of the camera, leaning against the cave's wall behind him. "just to be straight, I really don't give a crap where the rest of the team will overnight during the competition. I only suggested the place because it will provide a clear view of the island from above like a watchtower." The zombie expert explained, shaking his hands in front of him in a way. "No way will I risk getting bitten by any zombies or brainwashed by that army scout. I will spend my nights like I did last season, sleeping in the top of a tree." The conspiracist said, before letting out a deep sigh before looking dreamily away. "Hopefully, this time with Jasmine thought!"
In comparison to The Willful Beavers, The Courageous Geese didn't take the forest trail back to camp and instead, were following the shoreline of the island up north. Unlike Brick, Courtney inconsiderable threw away the map of the island after completing the challenge due to her over-competitive nature, making it impossible to guide their team's way back through the forest.
Even know they were the ones that won last challenge, the atmosphere was a lot of quieter in comparison to the other team. Partly due to the fatigue of some of the campers, but also because some just didn't feel the need to. Instead, most were gazing at the cloudy sea line and the depressing windless waters, fading towards it except for one.
"And oh my god Jasmine! It was my first holiday I went on my own without Amy and It was the best summer I've had in years!" Sammy explained, smiling at her friend. "But enough about me, have you done anything else this summer?"
"Besides backpacking through Australia with Shawn? The tall Australian asked, thoughtfully placing her hand underneath her face. "No… Not really anything else interesting..."
"Well, I loved the photos you posted of your trip!" the cheerleader said while re-imagining them. "Especially how you two lead those koalas away from that forest fire. That was so amazing! You're such an inspiration!" The cheerleader said with sparkling eyes at the outbacker, smiling gratefully back at her.
Suddenly, something came to the twin's mind. "By the way, I'm curious…" Sammy said, first turning at Courtney who was unsuspected walking in the front, before turning back to Jasmine, raising the Australian's attention. "Why didn't you step forward for the position as team captain before?" the twin said in a discrete voice. "I mean, you were the first one who came to my mind when asked for."
"Well, thanks Sammy. I appreciate it!" the tall Australian said thankfully with a smile back, before turning more serious at her. "But I chose not to because, even if it's unofficial, team captain probably would've put a huge target on my back, probably even bigger than the fin of a great white shark!"
"Oh I see…" Sammy replied unsure, analyzing the Australian's answer inside her head. "So… it was more a strategic option not to…?"
"See, you get it!" The outbacker said, looking discretely around her before whispering inside the blonde girl's ear. "Besides, judging from the tension between some of our team members, I rather lay low. Letting them eliminate themselves. Understand?"
"Right!" Sammy replied, nodding fake confidently at the Australian with an awkward smile on her face, not sure if she understood it clearly.
[Confession 1, day 1, Sammy]
Sammy looked away insecurely from the camera while rubbing her upper arm. "I'm not that great in coming up with strategies or acting like a team leader like Jasmine is. I'm more of a… follower than a leader really... It's also the reason why I didn't volunteer myself as unofficial team captain when Chris asked, and why probably back home Amy was pointed captain of the cheer squad instead of me…" The twin said, sighing. "It's quite ironic how someone as un-confident as me could be placed on a team called The Courageous Geese."
Courtney, who was walking in front of the group, began to experience cramps inside her legs. The former CIT'er was exhausted from running all day, and the heavy steps she must take inside the sand only worsened it. But the Latina girl was strong and didn't want to show her tiredness to the rest of her team, which she feared could be interpreted as weakness.
Suddenly, the brunette felt a tap on her shoulder. When she turned her face turned into a frown and she sighed. "What do you want?"
'Oh, so you finally stopped ignoring me?" Scott asked sarcastically, raising his eyebrow at her.
"I'm not ignoring you." The future lawyer replied, looking back forwards. "You're just not worth my while."
The farmer chuckled at his former girlfriend's comment. "Oh really? You think you're so much high than the rest of us that you don't have to apologize for your past mistakes?"
"I beg your pardon!?" The brunette said irritated, turning her head back at him and glaring in the ginger's blue eyes. "I don't make mistakes. And I certainly don't have to apologize myself to you for anything!"
"What about the chart you made while we dated. Huh?" The redneck said, glaring back at his ex-girlfriend. "You drew me like a rat Courtney, not cool!"
"So what!?" The brunette yelled, looking furiously at freckled guy. "After the shenanigans you pulled in season 4 you can't deny you are one. The only thing I regret is that I didn't hide it more properly. Besides, I intended to take you to the finals with me instead of Gwen, didn't I? So don't even try playing the victim here."
"You only did that because you thought I would freely hand over the money to you!" Scott replied aggressively, growling at her. "Did you use me?" The guy said out of nowhere, narrowing his eyes at her. "Did you only date me because it would get you further in the game?"
The former CIT'er let out a big sigh, looking at the ground. "I don't know. It was not my intention at first, I promise." She replied sofly, before turning back and looking daggers at him. "But what I do know for sure is that dating you has been the biggest mistake of my life." She said cold-heartily, turning back forward and ignoring the guy, who looked shocked at the girl's comment.
[Confession 2, day 1, Scott]
Scott sat against the wall, frowning directly at the camera. "Courtney's still as self-centered and bossy as she has always been. The farmer said, turning his frown in a smile. "Which is why I still have the hots for her… Don't get me wrong though, I still want her to pay for using me like that and portraying me as a rat." The redneck continued, crossing his arms with a more serious expression on his face.
After a two-hour walk, The Courageous Geese finally arrived at the dock build on the northern part of the island where they gathered earlier after arriving on the island, sighing in relieve while throwing all their bags together in one big pile on the beach. "Made it!" Topher said dog-tired, felling on his knees in the sand.
"About time." Scott replied, sitting on a nearby rock and taking off his shoe, flowing sand out of it.
Courtney walked up to the redneck irritated, slapping his shoe right out of the guy's hand. "Quit slacking and stand up! We still haven't got a place to sleep yet!" The future lawyer said frustrated, looking furious at the redneck.
"You're not the boss of me! At least not anymore…" Scott replied, looking daggers back at his former girlfriend. "Besides, don't act all team leader-ish on me. Chris said himself the title was unofficial, meaning I could lead this team just as much as you." The spiked guy said while pointing his thumb at himself.
Courtney crossed her arms and chuckled. "Oh yeah? You couldn't even lead an ant farm towards a pile of honey!" the former CIT said, getting closer and looking furious straightly into the redneck's eyes.
Scott stood up and came closer as well. "That's because it's bees who're attracted to honey, not ants!" the farmed said as both campers were staring directly into each other eye's, growling.
While the two former lovers were death-glaring each other, The sound of a loud whistle was heard in the background, luring everyone's attention. When everyone turned their faces, they acknowledged Eva, whistling. "Stop fighting before I start interfering!" the athletic girl said, cracking her knuckles. "We still need a plan for shelter."
"I'm in favor for whatever Jasmine comes up with!" Sammy shouted randomly while raising her arm happily, making Courtney roll her eyes at her.
Jasmine looked confused at Sammy before noticing the rest of the team watching her direction. "Um, alright… "The outbacker said, sweating from the sudden attention. "Listen up team. I suggest we build our own shelter on this beach. That way, our place to sleep will be close to camp and the basic needs."
Courtney chuckled, frowning at the outbacker. "That is… actually not a bad idea…" the former CIT'er admitted, changing her frown in a sudden thoughtful expression.
"Hearing the lake's stories before bed would be delightful!" Dawn agreed, clapping excitedly into her hands. "We've a lot of catching up to do since the time I've been gone!"
"Does the lake also warn you about rising waters sending us afloat 500 miles from the island weirdo?" Duncan replied to the aura-whisperer in a mockery tone, hanging against a rock while receiving a death glare from the girl. "Or sand flies?"
Topher's eyes went wide. "Sand flies!?" the host-wannabe yelled, jumping scared on top of the same rock Duncan was hanging against. "Sand flies sting! I can't let them sting my face!" the dirty-blonde said panicky, protecting his face with his arms.
"Sand flies!?" Izzy repeated over-excitedly, looking down in search for them. "Sting me and mutate me into one of your own! Oh wait no, grant me with supernatural powers instead!" the crazy girl said, receiving confused faces by some of her teammates.
"Can't we just build a tree-house like we did last season?" Topher asked the Australian in a desperate voice, ignoring the psycho.
"Well first of all, technically sand flies bite, not sting." Jasmine corrected Topher and Izzy. "And secondly, we can't build a tree house on this island because most trees on this island are either fragile or death. The only tree we came across so far stable enough to support a big construction was the big white pine back in the heart of the forest, miles away from camp."
Scott bend and scooped up a hand of sand from the beach. "I have to agree with the criminal's points though." Scott said, letting the sand flow between his fingers while Duncan was narrowing his eyes at the farmer. "I'm not in the mood waking up every morning with five pounds of sand coming out of my boxers."
I'm really on a team of morons. Courtney thought while facepalming herself, letting out a deep sigh of frustration. "We'll build our shelter on stilts. That way we don't have to deal with high tides, sand or any pests." The future lawyer submitted, placing her hands on her hips, watching seriously at the others while waiting for an answer.
Jasmine smiled at the brunette, tipping her head in approval. "That's a great idea Courtney! Let's make a start with the base and get a fire going before sundown. We'll continue with the rest after dinner and…" The outbacker stopped and read the exhausted expression on most camper's faces. "Or… why not taking a break and start after dinner?" The Australian interrupted herself, smiling at her teammates. "Plenty of time after…"
"Great!" Topher cheered, jumping of the rock while strutting over to his bag confidently. "In that case, I will take a well-deserved shower first after today's intensive run." The host-wannabe announced, receiving glares from the rest of the team but especially Jasmine, who carried him during the challenge on her back in the end.
While everyone was starting to prepare for dinner and walked away, taking some time for themselves, Duncan suddenly grabbed Courtney's writs which prevent her from leaving. "Hey!" The Latin girl startled from the sudden grab and glared at the delinquent, who waited with letting her go until he was sure the rest of the team had dissappeared.
"What do you want Duncan?" The CIT'er said in a cold tone, rubbing her wrist while glaring at him.
"Why the face? You're prettier when you smile princess." The mohawked guy said in a mockery tone, smirking at the Type-A.
Courtney was not amused by his remark and narrowed her eyes even more at him, growling.
Duncan held his hands in front of him in a defensive way. "Okay Okay!" The guy replied, before rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, not knowing how to begin. "Look, I just want to talk with you about… you know… what went down and all… and… I know I can be a little hard-headed sometimes and… I guess… I guess I didn't really properly thank you for… "
"I have to stop you right there Duncan." The former CIT'er interrupted coldly, looking directly into her ex-boyfriends' eyes. "I told you I never wanted this topic to be get brought up again. Not then, not here, not ever!"
The delinquent raised his eye at her. "Wait, you don't even let me…"
"Listen to me carefully. We promised each other we would go our separate ways with the intention of never hearing from each other again. When I signed for another season, I knew the risk of coming across you again. But there was no way I could pass the opportunity of winning such a high amount of money, easily paying off law school. Even know we're on the same team, I'm still intended in keeping the promise intact, ignoring each other's company as much as we can. You go your way, and I go mine, got it!?" The Latina girl explained before walking away and voiding any other confrontations, irritating Duncan who glared at her.
[Confession 1, day 1, Duncan]
Duncan looked wide-eyed and intimidated at the camera. "Oh, is that how you want to play the game? Not even listening to what I have to say!? In that case it's game on princess!"
Scott peaked from behind a tree and witnessed the interaction between Duncan and his ex-girlfriend on the beach, smirking. He watched both going their separate ways and dove his head behind the tree as Duncan passed angry the same tree the redneck stood behind, before showing his face again with a big grin. Suddenly, the farmer felt a strong arm on his mouth from someone who was pulling him deeper inside the forest adjacent to the beach, preventing him from screaming.
The ginger-haired boy was pushed against a tree. When he opened his eyes in fear he noticed an athletic looking girl dressed in blue releasing her hand from his mouth, placing her finger in front of hers.
"Shh. Keep quiet." Eva said silently, looking directly into the boy's eyes.
"What's you're problem?" The farmer asked irritated, dusting off his shirt. "If you think I was eavesdropping, you're wrong. I was just…"
"Don't care." The female bully interrupted him, looking around her. "Meet me behind the mess hall before dinner." The girl said, letting go of the farmers shoulders and walking away from him, leaving him speechless behind.
[Confession 3, day 1, Scott]
Scott smirked in front of the camera, raising both his eyebrows. "What can I say, the ladies can't get enough from me."
The members of The Willful beavers had walked up the cliff and reached the cave entrance of the skull-shape cliff. As they were walking inside the 9 team members began inspecting the inside thoroughly. The cave was dark grey from the inside and shadowy. The only thing lightening up the place was the sun shining through the cave's entrance, and the two holes in the middle mimicking a human skull's eyes.
"Well, we're here." Trent announced, placing his guitar case on a pile of rocks.
While most members of the team were looking inquisitive or uncomfortable around them, Gwen had a smiling expression instead, looking stunned around her. "This… place… is… even better than expected!" The goth said in suspense and a big grin on her face, placing her suitcase on the ground.
Cody stood next to Gwen, inspecting the place. The geek rubbed the back of his neck and cringed. "Y-yeah, it's awesome!" he lied to his crush, awkwardly giving his thumb at her.
Shawn walked over to the two big holes mimicking the skull's eyes and looked through them. As expected, the gaps gave the zombie expert a clear view of the island, the zombie expert thought to himself. "I agree." He replied, turning back to the rest. "The view up here is great."
Ella walked up to Shawn and also looked through one of the skull's eyes. "Oeh, I can see the beach from here!"
Brick gulped and looked around him frightened. "Are we sure we're sleeping here? I mean the place is quite dark…" the cadet said in a trembling voice. As soon as the military guy noticed the rest of the team were raising their eyes at him, he straightened his posture and stood more confident. "Um, I mean… it's the team's decision."
"Well, I'm not a fan!" DJ replied loudly while sitting on a rock, crossing his arms. "But if the rest of the team is up for sleeping inside a haunted skull, I'm cool. Just don't say I didn't warn y'all!"
"Will you stop already!?" Bridgette said to the mamma's boy, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes at him. "Sure I would also prefer a five star hotel, but we have to work with the options we have and right now, this seems like our best bet." The surfer girl said in a raised voice, walking up to the big guy and putting a hand on his shoulder. "You won't be 'cursed' this time Deej." The blonde girl continued in a much low softer voice air quoting the word 'cursed'. "I won't let that happen. Let's not become another team Victory again. Okay?"
DJ smiled genially at the blonde girl, but before he could reply, Brick interrupted them instead. "So… we agree?" The cadet asked in general, before turning to B who was standing next to him silently inspecting the ceiling's cave. "What about you B?"
B raised his eye at Brick before looking further around him. After a few seconds, he turned back to Brick and smiled, finger gunning at the cadets as a sign of approval.
Brick let out a big sigh. "Then It's official. I'll guess this we'll be our place than…"
"Great!" Bridgette replied before standing up. "Let's get ready for dinner then! I could really use a shower. Gwen?"
Gwen smiled at the blonde girl's offer. "Yeah, I also could really use one!" she replied, following the surfer girl to the cave's entrance.
"Oh, Ella. You wanna come too?" Bridgette asked her before leaving the cave.
"No thanks!" The singing princess said while hanging up two pink shirts from her suitcase in front of the skull's eyes. "I'll take mine after dinner. And after decorating our new hangout. After all, it's not a home until its dressed like a home!"
Cody watched the two girls shrug at each other and leaving the cave, planning to go after them. But after the two girls left and he made his way to the cave's entrance, he noticed another person leaving the cave as well. "Where are you going?"
"Anywhere but here." Shawn replied, leaving the rest of his team behind.
A few seconds after Shawn, Cody left the cave as well for unknown reasons. After them, Brick, B, DJ and Trent decided to leave the cave as well together in search for firewood, leaving only Ella behind, joyfully whistling while decorating the place with things she finds in her suitcase.
A half hour had past and nestled between pine trees and the rest of the forest was located the mess hall. Located on the northern part of the island one mile away from shore and the dock, connecting the places with each other by a snaking sand road. Attached to the main road half a mile away from the beach and the mess hall was a side road, connecting the main road with the communal bathrooms. Bridgette and Gwen, who finished freshening up from their first challenge, were walking off the side road on to the main road towards the mess hall where dinner was waiting for them.
During their walk, the two girls were looking above at the massive cliff shaped like a skull, standing out miles above the trees. Their newly found home for the next three weeks was clearly visible from the main road. The entrance to it was just under 3 miles away from the mess hall and the communal bathrooms. In that regard, choosing the cave as sleeping place was a brilliant idea.
It was late in the afternoon as the light blue sky above the island turned darker. And even know the thick fog around the island made it hard to notice, sun began to set, making the temperature on the island drop significantly. Gwen began to shiver, wrapping her arms around herself for warmth.
"I can't believe that egocentric Chris clone used all the hot water. Argh!" The goth girl said frustrated, referring to Topher who was taking a hot shower before them.
"I know right, how inconsiderate." The blonde girl agreed, warming up her cold hands with her breath. "Let's hope Chris had enough time to complete a functional lodge with radiator. Unlike the dock." she continued, rubbing both hands together.
While both girls passed by a few old looking outdoor picnic benches, Gwen started to chuckle. "I can't believe it was you who created that hole inside the dock."
"Accidentally!" the surfer said in a quickly raised tone while both girls were waking up the steps, passing Jasmine who was sitting on them. Bridgette noticed the Australian and held her hand next to her mouth, moving her mouth closer to Gwen's ear. "Besides, I don't want everyone to know that." She whispered.
"You're secret is safe with me." Gwen replied before both opened the doors of the main lodge, giggling, while the tall Australian girl raised her eyebrow at the two other girls.
Both girls froze instantly after they arrived at the mess hall, gasping while looking astonished around them. "Are you seeing what I'm seeing?" the blonde girl asked in disbelief. "He couldn't!" the goth replied, taking in the surroundings around them...
End of episode 1, part 3: Returning cast-aways.
Note:
Obviously, I couldn't eliminate anyone at this point. Especially since not every contestant really took part in the challenge. The first friendships and rivalries have already been formed and will be build up further in the next episode.
For more information or fanart about Total Drama Exiled, visit my Deviant page: totaldramaric
The Willful Beavers: Brick, Bridgette, Gwen, Trent, Shawn, Cody, DJ, Ella, B.
The Courageous Geese: Courtney, Topher, Jasmine, Izzy, Dawn, Eva, Samey, Duncan, Scott.
Eliminated: TBD
Thank you for your time and have a great day! Do not forget to leave a comment (if you want to of course), giving your feedback or questions. I try to respond to every one of them, without spoiling anything of course!