I'm still in my underground bunker, because when this chapter ends, you are going to want to take your computer/laptop/tablet/etc. and throw it out the window.
But it's New York, so that's fun.
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Chris' recap: "Last time on Total Drama Everything 2, both teams got some chills in more ways than one. First chill, they arrived in snowy Aomori City, Japan. Brrr! Second chill, Double D and Lammy switched teams, bringing Double D near Gaz and separating Lammy from Yusei. Double brrrr! Third chill, the Shooting Stars' ice fortress. More brrrr! Fourth chill, Lammy wound up knocking out her former teammate Deadpool in a questionable move. Was that necklace involved? I dunno, but brrrr! Fifth chill, a bottle of that roast chicken perfume awakened the hunger in our funny panda Po. Too bad he unleashed his hunger at the wrong place: the Moons' fort, sending the Moons to elimination and sending Po off the plane. BRRRRRRRR! The only warm thing is that Julie revealed to Deadpool her feelings for Leo. She does like him! Too bad she and Ben broke up recently, and she still has trouble getting over it. With Julie and Leo slowly coming together and Yusei and Lammy slowly falling apart, what drama do we have for our competitors this week? The only place to find out is right here. On Total. Drama. Everything 2!"
*theme song*
Double D was sitting on his bed/bench in Economy, reading a book. As he turned the page, someone peered over his head to look at the book.
"Are you reading an encyclopedia?"
Startled, Double D turned to see Gaz looking at him. "Well, answer me, nerd. Is that an encyclopedia you're reading?"
"Yes, it is," Double D replied, a little scared. "Now I would appreciate it if you would let me continue to read."
"I'm no stranger to books like that, actually," Gaz told him. "My dad's a scientist, so there are a lot of these around the house. That, and a lot of test tubes and beakers."
Behind them, Connie noticed the conversation and pretended to cough. *ahem* "crush" *ahem*.
Luckily, neither Gaz nor Double D heard her. "You can read mine when I'm done if you want," Double D said.
Gaz thought of this for a moment, then said, "Nah. I'm not going down the nerd route during this game. Too bad, loser."
She walked away from the bench, leaving Double D stunned.
As Gaz walked past Connie, Connie asked, "Why can't you admit your feelings for him?"
This infuriated Gaz, and she replied, "Because I don't have feelings for Double D! How many times do I have to say it?"
"Gaz, you need to face the facts. No one stays near someone of the opposite gender without falling for the guy."
"Oh? When did you become some sort of love expert?"
"I just watched too many romantic comedies since my parents would never let me watch anything with true action for years. Heck, I was barely allowed to watch PG movies, so even the romantic comedies were slim pickings."
"I don't think I expected that type of answer."
Connie shook her head. "The point is, when are you going to realize the whole, undisputed truth?"
"Which is?"
"That you're in love."
Gaz just shook her head and left the room.
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"This is why I don't like teams," Gaz stated. "There's always that one person who sticks their nose in other people's business. I'll show that Connie. I'm not in love with Double D and I am going to prove it."
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"She totally likes him," Connie said. "The signs are everywhere."
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After Gaz left, Connie looked right over to Yusei, who was looking out the window. "Speaking of love, you look like someone who's relationship is about to hit the rocks."
Yusei looked right over at Connie. "Any evidence?"
"You and Lammy have had three arguments since Aomori City. What more evidence is there?"
"She's got a point," Deadpool called from across the room.
Yusei just looked out the window. "Are we really having that much trouble?"
Everyone in the room replied, "Oh yeah."
Nom Nom came into the room right after that. "Sheesh, is everyone here going through love problems? I mean, it's not just the lamb, the duelist, the nerd, and the Mandy wannabee."
"Why you?!"
"Chill, Gaz. Leo keeps getting rejected, and I think Ruby and Sonic are starting to fall for each other too. What is with all of you and this love business? All this sappy love is one of the many reasons I don't have a girlfriend."
Deadpool stifled a laugh. "Sure, that's it."
"Quiet, you."
He turned to leave the room, but as he closed the door, he took one look at Yusei and sighed.
"I hope those two get things fixed," he said to himself.
(Meanwhile…)
Mega Man walked into the first-class room, where he found a good-luck message device and a box next to it, which had a note that said, "To Mega Man. Watch the video first."
Curious and wondering why there was a foul smell coming from the box, Mega Man turned on the message.
(Mega Man's message, submitted by Vegetalucard)
(We see a hyper futuristic lab behind what looks like a taller, more advanced version of Mega Man.)
?: Hello Mega Man. This is a message from the future. I am X, you've probably noticed Dr. Light working on me. Anyways, I am giving you this message because we have found reruns of the show and are currently watching them. Seriously, we enjoy it. And you'll enjoy Deadpool's audition tape when you guys get the chance to see the Aftermaths. However, I am sending you this message because the episode we just watched is pretty... well, let's just say we are sending you a box with items and are giving you instructions with what to do with them. They won't change the outcome, but they will make it easier on people. You'll need to
-give Double D the bouquet of withered roses,
-give Sonic the ice pack,
-give Harry the bag of dead mice,
-give Daxter the dirty diaper,
-and give Toph a hug. She'll need it.
Now just take two steps to the left and we are good.
*end*
Now confused, Mega Man opened the box to find the withered roses, the ice pack, the bag of dead mice, and the dirty diaper (which explained the smell, though it might have also been the mice). As quickly as he could without anyone else in the room noticing, Mega Man quickly took the box, brought it to the luggage room, and switched his Mega Buster to a shrink ray (again, may be winging it on Mega Man's abilities). Then he shrunk the box to the size of his fist and hid it inside his arm, and then walked back to first-class as stealthily as he could, sitting down back on the chair, confused and excited.
He had remembered Dr. Light working on that same type of machine a few times. And if what X said was true, then the items in that box, plus that hug he would now have to eventually give to Toph, would certainly play a role in how the rest of the game would play out. He just didn't know what kind of role that was yet.
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"Until I find out what this all means, it's best that I keep it to myself," Mega Man explained. "I don't know when or how I will give these out, but I'll go along with it as time goes by."
He quickly remembered the list. "Double D, flowers. Sonic, ice pack. Harry, mice. Daxter, diaper. Toph, hug. The most confusing part is where I'm supposed to take two steps to the left. Looks like things are going to get scary for me."
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Mandy saw Ivy by the kitchen area, looking bored. Now was the chance. So she walked right up to the villain.
"Why are you sitting here when you don't eat?" Mandy asked.
"No reason."
The devil child raised an eyebrow. "You sure you don't smell roast chicken like Po did?"
Ivy panicked a little, but got right back on track. "I don't know what you're talking about," she said. "I'm on everyone else's side. He imagined the smell was there and it caused him to go berserk."
"Well, then you'll have to give Toph her perfume bottle back now."
And Ivy's froze up. "How?"
"I saw you with the bottle as we got back on the plane the other day. You can't get this kind of stuff past me. I'm me."
Now Ivy was angry. And scared. "So what are you going to do?"
Mandy shrugged. "I could turn you in to both teams. Toph can back me up. How long do you think you would stay in the game after everyone learns the truth?"
"What are your demands?"
"Easy."
Mandy quickly looked around to make sure no one was listening. "You're going to work with me. You'll vote with me, back me up, stuff like that. Besides, there's strength in numbers, and I'll need them to take down my ultimate target."
She looked through the door connecting Economy with first-class, and saw Gaz playing her video game again. "I've been gunning against her since day one. You're going to help me take her down."
"And if I refuse?"
"Then I gather up both teams and share a few secrets. Work with me, or go home. I'll give you the next two eliminations to decide. Good luck."
(Meanwhile…)
"I hope Double D's doing okay," said Harry. "He's on the same team as Gaz now."
"True," Moka added. "Still, while he's certainly scared of her, I know he also really likes her. And I know, deep down, she likes him too."
Harry nodded. "Still, it could have been worse for him. I'm not a fan of Mandy, and she's on this team instead of the other team."
"I heard that!"
"Oh, quick question," Moka asked. "Harry, did you have that weird scar on your forehead early in the season?"
And in just one sentence, Harry was surprised. "You mean you never noticed?"
"Noticed what?" Daxter asked.
Sighing, Harry shifted his bangs to show the scar.
"No, didn't notice. I don't think anyone else did either."
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"Hold on just one moment," Harry pointed out. "No one on this plane ever noticed it? Ever? I don't know what's more rubbish. That little detail, or that Daxter eavesdropped on our conversation?"
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As Harry shook his head in disbelief, Lammy peered from her seat and giggled a little. She hadn't noticed either. Oh, she couldn't wait to tell Yusei.
Still, that certainly wouldn't be too pleasant of a conversation. Ever since Aomori City, she and Yusei have been a little unstable. She knew he wanted to help her with the necklace, and in turn, Yusei knew why she wouldn't let him help. According to Lammy, Yusei had already done enough for her as it was. After all, last season, he was the one who taught her to believe in herself and not to be afraid. She didn't want him to be doing everything for her. Besides, even if she did let him help, what it was that knocked out Deadpool during the fort challenge might come after him. She wasn't about to let that happen.
Whether Yusei liked it or not, Lammy believed this was her issue to face. Not his.
As these thoughts jumbled in Lammy's head, Chris turned on the intercom.
"Competitors, it's time to prepare for the next challenge. We land in five minutes."
In Economy, everyone wondered where they would be this time. Curious, Julie looked out the window. She turned back to the team, smiling. "Guys, we got a good one today."
And everyone went to the windows to look. Sure enough, Julie was right. What they saw below them were several tall skyscrapers. What sealed the destination was a giant green statue not far from the mainland, of a woman holding a torch into the air.
"NEW YORK CITY!" Deadpool yelled.
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"We're in New York!" Deadpool exclaimed. "This is one of my favorite places to be! And it's right above where Shiklah and I live. Best day ever!"
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"I can't wait to check out what the city has to offer," said Leo. "And there may even be a chance to woo Julie here."
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"Meh," said Mandy. "It's just a city."
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After landing at JFK Airport, everyone got off the plane and waited for Chris to give them their instructions. "This is so exciting," Deadpool said. "I hope this is as fun as I see it to be."
"It's Chris we're talking about," Leo told him. "I doubt it."
"I heard that."
"Ugh."
"Anyway, welcome to New York City, everybody. It's one of the largest cities in the world. I'm sure you're all excited about the challenge. I am. Heh heh."
"Told you," Leo whispered to Deadpool.
Chris just shook his head. "Your challenge is simple, yet dangerous. You're going to have a race around New York. It's a bit like our riddle race from last season. Only this time, everyone's on their own and playing for their team.
"You're going to be directed to a spot in the city. Each spot has a certain task for you to perform. After you complete each task, you'll be directed to the next spot. And so on and so on. And you're allowed to use any means necessary to get to each spot quickly. The first team to have all of their members complete the race will win invincibility and first-class. The losers will send someone packing. On top of that, the first person overall to complete the race will receive invincibility no matter which team loses. And I'm not against working together, even if it's with someone on the opposite team. Your first destination is going to be Central Park. There, you will receive info on your first task. So without further ado, let's do this."
And everyone got ready.
"On your mark….oh, forget it. Just go!"
Everyone set off into a run, and they all trampled over Chris.
Chris weakly stood up after the group left. "Ow. I told the producers I should wear protective armor at all times. Hopefully, they'll listen to me now."
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"I mean, come on!" Chris exclaimed. "I can't take much more tramplings!"
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Everyone went to the streets to catch taxis, ready to get started.
"Hey!" Mandy yelled at her taxi driver. "Central Park! Now!"
Scared stiff, the driver hit the gas pedal as hard as he could and the car practically flew off the street.
Deadpool was the same way. "Dude, I have a race to win for my team. So get me to Central Park and step on it or I'll take my swords, chop your limbs off, and staple them onto your face!"
"Deadpool!"
"Julie, I'm just kidding around. Mister, just drive!"
Others were more patient. Yusei and Lammy both got on the same taxi, and they both said, "Central Park, please."
The driver nodded as he drove, and his passengers high fived.
One by one, everyone got on a taxi, bound for Central Park. On the way, everyone took in the sights of the city (or anything but sights, in Toph's case).
"They weren't kidding when they said this city was magnificent," Double D said. "I'll have to take some pictures. Almost reminds me of when my friends and I actually built a city."
Gaz, who had wound up in Double D's taxi, was curious, as she looked up from her game. "You built a city?"
"Out of cardboard boxes."
"Still, I'm mildly impressed."
Leo was also happy with his surroundings. "With a city like this, how bad can the challenge be?"
(Later…)
Leo was standing in front of a small lake, looking a little nervous. Next to him was a small message box. "Welcome to Central Park," said Chris through the box. "It's one of the largest parks in the world, and here's where it begins. For your first challenge, you will have to dive into this small lake to find a card. That card will lead you to your next destination, but be warned. We have plenty of snapping turtles and other hazards in here. Good luck."
"I had to ask," Leo said as he jumped in.
As he looked, Toph arrived at the same spot and listened to the message. "How deep is it exactly?" she asked someone nearby.
Before the stranger could answer, the message box turned on again. "Oh yeah, and there's a few just near the bank, for those who can't swim."
"Good enough for me," Toph said as she waded in, feeling around the mud with her feet. Finally, she felt something hard and flat. Quickly, she picked it up out of the water.
"Score!" she exclaimed as she read it. "Take the taxi to Times Square!"
A few seconds after she ran off, Leo came up with his own card. "Times Square. Got it." He climbed out of the water, pulling off a few turtles on his arms as he walked.
(Later…)
Yusei and Lammy also successfully got their cards, reading them as they got out of the lake. "Times Square?" Lammy asked. "Beat you there!"
More and more people managed to find their cards and move forward, though a couple had trouble.
"Sonic, you know I can't touch water at all," Moka told the hedgehog. "You are going to have to search around the shallow area for both of our keys."
"Easier said than done," Sonic said as he looked at the lake. "But we need to win, so I might as well."
He searched around the shallow part for a few minutes, looking a little uneasy. However, he did manage to find two cards.
"Got them!"
With that, everyone got their cards and were heading to Times Square. Unfortunately, they all realized their next phase of the challenge was just as unpleasant as the last.
"We have to climb all the way to the top of the highest jumbo screen?!" Jak exclaimed. "Are you serious?!"
"Quit your whining," Daxter said. "I have a perfect way for us to get up there. Just throw me."
"Are you sure?"
"Jak, what in our history together makes you think I'm unsure of this? Just throw me up there."
Jak shrugged as he and Daxter got ready. "Ready, Daxter?"
"Yep."
With that, Jak threw the ottsel as hard as he could, and he managed to grab onto the top of the screen and grab a card. Satisfied, Daxter dropped back down and landed safely. Jak quickly read the card.
"Go to the Chrysler Building. Okay, let's go."
As they left, Deadpool arrived and got his info on the task. Quickly, he reached into his pouch and got a Legend of Zelda-style hookshot, aiming it for the top of the screen. Then he shot the hookshot and grabbed one of the cards and brought it back to him.
"I'll have to thank Zelda's friend for letting me borrow this," he said as he ran off.
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"The Magic Satchel has never let me down," Deadpool claimed.
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Ivy used one of her vines to grab one of the cards, while Leo brought out a tree that brought him to the top of the screen. As those two finished, Harry reached the screen where the cards were. Looking at the height, he smiled.
"This is nothing," he stated. "Accio Card!"
One of the tip cards flew up and sped to Harry's hand, where he caught it with ease. "I have a thought though," he said. "Wouldn't someone in the busiest intersection in the world notice this?"
(Author's Note: Chris has pulled a few strings to make sure that while anyone else can see whatever the other competitors are doing, only the other competitors can see what Harry does. Unlike everyone else, he requires secrecy.)
Yusei and Lammy, however, were having a little difficulty on this part.
"This is one of the many reasons why I wish I had superpowers," Lammy said, looking at the screen.
"Any ideas?"
Lammy shrugged, but as she did so, Yusei didn't notice the necklace glowing again as two cards suddenly flew out of the stack and in Yusei and Lammy's hands.
"Okay, what just happened?" Yusei asked.
"I have no idea," Lammy said as she read the card. "Looks like it's the Chrysler building next."
"Let's move."
As they walked, they couldn't help but feel confused and elated at the same time. So far today, they haven't argued over anything.
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"I don't want to jinx things, but this is the first time in awhile we have been able to be normal around each other," said Lammy. "No arguments, no fights, nothing like that. I feel like Yusei and I are truly going to make it through this season, but I also have a bad feeling about this."
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"Yep, this is taking too long," Chris said as he watched everyone through the monitor. "I know how to speed this up."
DING! DING!
Just about everyone heard that noise. "He really loves to torture us, doesn't he?" Jak asked Daxter.
"Yep."
(Author's Note: I created this song to be in the tune of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York". The difference being that this song is a bit faster than the original. Also, since I'm lazy, as the song plays, the competitors do the next several tasks: search the Chrysler Building for the card, bungee jump off the Brooklyn Bridge and grab a card from a ferry below, climb to the top of the Empire State Building's antenna, wipe the windows on the Plaza Hotel, and watch a terrible Broadway rendition of the entire previous season of TDE. With all of these stacked on the competitors, there's no wonder this song is called "This Challenge is Dumb".)
Leo: (looking through a broom closet in the Chrysler) This city is grand.
Yusei: (also searching) And I think it's fun.
Lammy: (shifting through a fern) But I think it's plain to see…
All three: This challenge is dumb!
Gaz: (looking at Mandy as she is about to jump) You, I can't stand.
Mandy: (readies her jump cable) You're not the only one.
Both: (they jump and both grab cards) But for once we can agree…
That this challenge is dumb!
Ruby: (shimmying up the Empire State Building's antenna) I want to go back to the plane, and fall asleep.
Daxter: (also shimmying up) I hope I don't fall off...
Jak: Into a heap!
Deadpool: (using a giant squeegee on a window) Can't wait to be on land.
Julie: (just below him) I want to get this done.
Mega Man: (finishing up) I think it's clear to me...
All three: This challenge is dumb!
Connie: (watching Broadway's version of last season's cooking challenge) Why do I have to care?
Moka and Sonic: (just behind Connie) There's so much I could bare!
Double D: (not far from the trio) Something we must do.
All four: This challenge is dumb!
…...
All: This challenge is dumb!
…
Ivy: I want to go back to the plane, and fall asleep.
Toph: I hope I don't fall off into a heap!
Harry: You're not the only one!
All Moons: Can't wait to be on land.
All Stars: We want to get this done.
Chris: I think it's clear to me…
All: This challenge is dumb!
Chris: No! That none of you appreciate how much it took to plan this. You guys can at least show some gratitude.
All girls: Why do we have to care?
All boys: There's so much we could bare!
All: It's something we must do.
This challenge is dumb!
Chris rolled his eyes as the song finished. "Sheesh. I have to plan these things everyday. Ungrateful little nutheads."
As he said this, the first to finish the Broadway task, Mandy, walked out of the theater with her card.
"Almost there. Go to the New York Bay just across from the Statue of Liberty."
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"Looks like invincibility is all mine," said Mandy.
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Soon, more people got out of the theater, more annoyed than anything else.
"That has to be the absolute worst play I have ever been to," said Toph. "And I once had to sit through a different play of everything my friends and I have been through."
"Thank goodness it's over," Moka added as she read Toph's card for her. "It looks like we're going to the New York Bay. The water part makes me nervous, but we might as well."
Yusei and Lammy were also freaked out by the play. "May I point out that the person who played me didn't look remotely like me?" Lammy asked. "She had purple hair, not pink."
"Last time I checked, I didn't look like hoodlum with a green mohawk," Yusei added.
Both read their cards. "Okay, let's go."
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"Still no arguments?" Lammy asked.
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Mandy arrived at the bay, where she could see the Statue of Liberty in view. She pressed a button on a red box with Chris' face on it to get the info on the task.
"Welcome to the final task," said the recording. "All you have to do is cross the river to get to the Statue of Liberty, using any means at your disposal. After that, it's a long climb to the top of the statue. First person to arrive will win invincibility should their team lose. First team to have all members here will win invincibility and first-class."
The recording finished, and Mandy saw several jet skis and speedboats. Quickly, she got onto a jet ski and sped across the water.
As she did so, Toph and Moka also arrived, followed by Sonic. After they heard the message, they all groaned.
"More water," said Sonic, clearly not enjoying the situation. "Yippee."
Toph just shook her head. "All three of us are going to have to get on a speedboat. Sonic, you're driving."
"Yep. Figured."
"Not so fast!"
Gaz quickly ran to the jet skis and came after Mandy. "Hey! First place is mine!"
Despite Mandy's head start, Gaz caught up to her quickly, and soon it was a dead heat for both of them.
"I am so glad I'm not them right now," said Sonic.
Deciding to ignore it, Sonic, Moka, and Toph quickly grabbed a speedboat and made their way to the statue.
(Meanwhile…)
Mandy looked behind her and saw Gaz was no longer behind her. "Must have lost her," she said with grim satisfaction. "Looks like I'm winning this thing."
It took her five more minutes, but Mandy finally reached the top of the stairs, where Chris was waiting. "Give me my invincibility, McLean!"
"Too late."
"What do you mean?"
"Gaz found the elevator and got her three minutes ahead of you. Invincibility goes to her."
Gaz saw Mandy and shrugged. "What took you so long?"
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Everything Mandy was saying was hastily censored.
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As Sonic, Toph, and Moka rode the speedboat, Yusei and Lammy arrived at the bay.
"Different teams or not, this is fun," said Yusei.
"Last one to the statue is a rotten egg!"
Both got on jet skis and hurried while Sonic struggled to drive the speedboat.
"You have got to be kidding me," Sonic said. "I could just run across the water, but I'm scared of even that."
"What happened between you and water?" Toph asked.
"I don't know, really."
They continued to try and get the boat to go straight while Yusei and Lammy caught up with them and Deadpool grabbing a speedboat, Julie close behind and getting a jet ski.
Yusei looked behind him to see Sonic's boat. "I would really hate to be those guys right now," he thought.
He decided to turn back and see if he could help them, but as he did, he noticed a faint red glow coming from Lammy, only five feet away.
In fact, he would have been able to get a closer look and find where the glow was coming from, had it not been for the guitar that hit him out of nowhere. While it luckily missed his head, it did hit his side and the force knocked him off his jet ski and into the water.
Lammy didn't even look back as she drove off. As she did, Yusei surfaced, gasping for air.
"What the heck was that?" he asked himself as Lammy neared the statue. Did Lammy just hit him with her guitar? She didn't even have that thing off her back when they started.
Of course, he was so confused by what had just happened that he almost didn't notice another speedboat stop in front of him.
"Yusei!"
Once he heard that voice, he turned to see the boat. "Deadpool?" He quickly swam up to the boat.
"I saw Lammy knock you off your jet ski," Deadpool said as he grabbed Yusei's hand and pulled him onto the boat. "You okay?"
Yusei nodded. "Thanks. I owe you one."
"No problem, buddy. Now, what happened over there. Did Lammy think you were some crab thing that needed to be annihilated?"
After a split second hesitation from that question, Yusei shook his head. "I don't want to talk about it."
(Meanwhile…)
What the heck? How did Lammy get all the way to the island? She couldn't remember how. One second, she was racing Yusei to the statue, and the next, she was here. Why was the jet ski Yusei was riding just sitting on the bank, with no Yusei on it? And why was her guitar out? As she tried to figure out the answers to those questions, she noticed Yusei get onto Deadpool's boat. Maybe he fell off his jet ski. It was a little slippery. Unless….
It took only one glance between Yusei and her guitar, which she was still holding, to realize what had just happened.
This was just what she was afraid of. First Deadpool, and now Yusei?
No one noticed her run inside, beginning to cry. She managed to find a hidden spot, where the tears started to flow freely.
She looked at her necklace. "What have I done?"
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"That was an unexpected turn of events," said Chris.
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Finally, Sonic, Toph, and Moka made it to the statue. "I hope I never ride a boat like this ever again," said Toph.
"You and me both," stated Sonic.
"It's not like it could get any worse," Moka added.
Just then, Deadpool arrived at the statue (with Yusei still on his boat) but stopped a little too fast. The resulting force sent some water splashing onto the other boat….and onto Moka.
"Okay, I was wrong."
(Later…)
"May I please ask why Yusei is soaking wet, and Moka is soaking wet and apparently fizzing a lot?"
Both said, "Don't ask."
Chris rolled his eyes as he threw them both towels to dry off.
"Well, that makes Gaz, Deadpool, and Yusei for the Moons, and Mandy, Sonic, Toph, and Moka for the Stars. Oh, make that another Moon. Julie just arrived."
Julie sat down next to her team once she arrived. "I took the stairs," she said, panting. "I didn't see the elevator."
"Okay, from now on, anyone who uses the elevator will have an extra three minutes added to their time of arrival. So take the stairs, or take the elevator at your own risk."
Julie looked at Moka. "What happened to you?"
"Accidentally got splashed. I told everyone I can't touch water."
"Actually, you only told your own team," Gaz pointed out.
"Oh."
(Meanwhile…)
Harry reached the edge of the water, but was disappointed to learn that the jet skis and speedboats had all been taken. Luckily, he had another way to get across.
As quickly as he could, he disappeared in a blur and reappeared on the island.
"Thank goodness I can Apparate now," he said as he ran inside.
At the same time, Ruby also arrived at the water, and just used her Semblance to run across the water. Mega Man also arrived quickly, looked at the water, and simply shrugged.
"Piece of cake," he said as he jumped in, swimming across to the statue.
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"No speedboats or jet skis?" Mega Man asked. "No problem."
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"Maybe I should have had more means of transportation to get across the water," Chris said when Harry arrived at the top of the statue. However, he would have to wait three minutes for his finish to count; he had taken the elevator. Luckily, the three minutes were up just as Ruby arrived at the top of the stairs. Mega Man followed suit, also having taken the stairs.
Chris counted with his fingers. "This makes six Moons and seven Stars. We are still waiting for Leo, Connie, Ivy, and Lammy."
"That reminds me," said Julie. "I saw Lammy nearing the statue when I got to the bay. Did she dock?"
Deadpool nodded.
"Where is she now?"
(Meanwhile…)
Lammy held her ruby necklace in her hand. She didn't know how, but the very thing she was afraid of had happened. She had attacked Yusei. Heck, she almost killed him. She had a feeling it had something to do with the necklace, but there was no way to take the stupid thing off. And that dream she had the other day….the lady in that dream had to be connected to the necklace somehow. She didn't know how, but it had to be something.
Whatever it was, Lammy knew what she had to do. It would certainly be the hardest decision she ever made, but she had no choice.
(Back on top of the statue…)
Seconds later, Ivy, having just swam across, reached the top of the elevator. "Let me guess," she asked Chris. "Three minute penalty? Stupid elevator."
Chris nodded. "You're not the only one. Here comes Connie, and she took the elevator too."
"How did she get across the water?" Harry asked as Connie sat down to wait her penalty out.
"She and Leo both hitched a ride on one of Leo's tree tome tricks, but Leo took the stairs."
This made the Stars concerned. Where was Lammy? Ivy and Connie finally finished their penalty, and they heard footsteps coming from the stairs.
"And the winner of the challenge is….the Mysterious Moons!"
Leo finally made it to the top of the stairs, tired out from the climb. Double D was also there; everyone had completely forgotten about him. "Did you guys miss me?" Leo asked his team.
"I wish I didn't," Julie said grimly, while Deadpool just rolled his eyes.
The Moons cheered at their victory, but it was interrupted by the elevator opening again.
"Lammy?"
"Hey guys. What did I miss?"
"Oh nothing," Mandy told her. "Just that we lost the challenge!"
The lamb just shrugged. "Sorry. I dropped my guitar as I was going up the stairs, and by the time I retrieved it, I was already back at the bottom. I had to take the elevator."
But her team wasn't ready to accept the fact that she had just cost them the challenge. However, Toph walked right up to Yusei and told him something only he could hear.
"She's lying."
Yusei looked at Lammy from across the room. "I know." He seemed a little shaken.
"What happened to you, dude?"
"It's nothing."
"Well looks like that's it," Chris said. "The Shooting Stars are heading back to the elimination room, and the Mysterious Moons get to enjoy first-class. Everyone, get onto the elevators."
As several people filed in, Yusei tried walking up to Lammy. "Lammy, I-"
Too late. She avoided his eye contact and got into an elevator all by herself. Yusei just sighed and got into an elevator with Deadpool and Connie. Neither he nor Lammy said a word to anyone as the group got back to the plane.
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"Sorry Yusei, but your girlfriend cost us the challenge," said Harry.
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"I'm going to need a lot of therapy after this is all over," Deadpool stated.
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"I hope Yusei doesn't feel too down on what we have to do," said Mega Man.
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Lammy was leaning against the wall, listening to music through her iPod. She looked at the camera. "What? I needed some privacy."
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The Stars were all sitting at the elimination room, waiting to get it started. Toph looked a little uneasy, but everyone else stayed calm.
"I just tallied the votes," Chris said. "I can't say I'm not surprised, but the one taking the Drop of Shame tonight is Lammy. Safe trip home, miss."
Lammy just shrugged as she put on her parachute. "I expected as much," she said. "I messed up, and I deserve to go home."
"Well, the rest of the team agrees, since it was eight to one."
Ivy just shrugged. "Whatever. Lammy would never vote herself off."
What only Lammy noticed at that moment was Toph start to get really nervous. However, the rest of the team saw. "Toph, is something wrong?" Moka asked. "What is it?"
Toph was about to say something when she felt Lammy shaking her head at her.
"Nothing. I'm fine."
Lammy sighed in relief, and then saw Nom Nom in the corner. "Nom Nom, can you do me a favor?"
"Yes?"
She gave him a small slip of paper. "Give this to Yusei. Don't read it until he does. I want him to see it first."
Nom Nom looked at the slip of paper and nodded. "Of course."
"GET OFF THE PLANE ALREADY!" Mandy yelled at Lammy.
"Okay, okay. Good luck, guys." And she jumped off the plane and out of sight.
The door closed, and the Stars felt uneasy. "She seemed a little unfocused, didn't she?" Mega Man asked.
"Why do I have a feeling something bad is going to happen?" Sonic also asked.
Nom Nom ignored this and headed for first-class.
(Later…)
Mega Man went to the luggage room to look at his list. "Hug for Toph, diaper for Daxter, mice for Harry, ice pack for Sonic, roses for Double D. Walk two steps to the left. I feel nervous about this, but it looks like I have a task on my hands."
He left the room, and didn't notice the neck of a guitar sticking out from behind the suitcases.
(Meanwhile…)
Nom Nom arrived at the door to first-class, and he sighed a bit before knocking. Deadpool cracked the door open.
"Password?"
"Deadpool, really? I need to come in. Important errand."
"Fine. Come on in, and make it quick. What is it anyway?"
"Where's Yusei?"
"Sitting over there at the table." Deadpool opened the door fully and let Nom Nom in. The koala quickly spotted Yusei, sitting by himself at the table, his face unreadable.
Nom Nom and Deadpool walked up to the table. "Yusei?" Nom Nom asked. "You heard, right?"
Yusei nodded. "Toph told me. Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. She pushed on after I left last season, and I will too. It's just that….."
"He doesn't want to talk about what happened at the statue," Deadpool finished.
"What happened at the statue?"
"Don't worry about it."
Nom Nom nodded, then he gave Yusei the slip of paper. "Lammy asked me to give this to you. I promise you, I didn't read it. She wanted you to look at it first."
Suddenly interested, Yusei took the slip of paper and unfolded it. "I feel like this is going to be important," he said as he started to read it. "Because I-"
He never finished the sentence. He stared at the paper for a few moments, looking at the message. Once again, his face was unreadable.
"Well?" Deadpool asked.
Just five seconds after Deadpool asked the question, Yusei slammed the slip of paper onto the table. Everyone in the entire room stopped what they were doing and looked at him. This was followed by silence.
Then, unexpectedly, Yusei got up out of his seat and practically ran out the door. Everyone he passed noticed that he was close to tears. And even Gaz flinched when the door slammed as he closed it and left the room.
Julie ran to the door, but as she got to it, she could hear slight sobbing coming from the other side.
"What was that all about?" Connie asked.
In response, without saying another word, Nom Nom, Julie, and Deadpool went back to the table where Yusei had left the note. They all looked at the message, and what they saw shocked them. Of course, it had to be shocking, as Deadpool didn't say a word. And Julie gasped as she read it. And Nom Nom certainly wasn't breathing too hard.
On that slip of paper, there were two single words, clear and unmistakeable.
We're through.
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Well…..that just happened.
Lammy was eliminated due to costing her team the challenge, but let's not focus on that just yet. Let's worry about what had just happened. You, readers, may suspect a few things but that doesn't matter to everyone on that plane. Nope. To everyone on the plane, Lammy just broke up with Yusei for no apparent reason.
For starters, she almost kills him during the challenge. Then she costs her team the challenge, but while none of her teammates accept her reasoning as an honest mistake, only Toph knows she was lying. And Toph gets nervous when they mention that Lammy couldn't have voted herself off. And now Lammy gave us a shocking whammy that pretty much just hit Yusei in the gut. Ouch.
Is the necklace involved in all of this? Don't know. But all that matters to Yusei is that he just got dumped.
And as a fan of Yu-gi-oh 5D's, there's one thing I've learned about Yusei. When something personal hits him, it hits him hard. So I think he took it pretty well, don't you?
In any rate, feel free to hate Lammy all you want. And hope Yusei gets over his broken heart soon.
And before you ask, no, this issue with the necklace and Yusei and Lammy is not done with yet. It will continue as the season goes on, and it will really see its climax post-merge. Besides, we still have other things to focus on until then.
On other notes, Mega Man may have just gotten the key to the rest of the game. Thanks to his mysterious good-luck message, he has to give Toph a hug, give Sonic an ice pack, give Double D some withered roses, give Daxter a dirty diaper, and give Harry a sack of mice. AND take two steps to the left. The future of this game can change drastically based on when and where he gives these items.
As for Mandy, she has given Ivy a choice: work with her or get eliminated. She has until after the next elimination to decide. Crazy!
The last two chapters were done relatively quickly, but don't expect the next one to be the same. I have exams coming up, and I need all the study time I can get. In fact, I might not update again until after the holidays (keyword: might).
Still, next chapter is something to be excited for. After the drama of New York, Chris gives everyone a challenge-free day in London. Still, one person isn't feeling the joy, leaving two people on a mission. But it will be someone else who completes that mission. All the while, a strange figure is capturing competitors as they enjoy their full day off. This leads to a climactic showdown of epic proportions, and someone turns one person's advantage into a weakness.
So, remember to read and review, fav and follow, give me challenge ideas and suggestions, send in good-luck messages and audition tapes (still need Lammy's), ask questions to our eliminated competitors, and while you're at it, please don't find my bunker. Seriously, I'm surprised Po's departure didn't get my feared response, but this? Ha!
So I guess I'll see you next time. TheMasterKat out!
