DISCLAIMER:
Hello, here is the third chapter, here starts the first challenge, who will win the first part, foxes or ferrets?
And if you like the story and feel like it, remember to mark it as a favorite, or leave a review, so I can know what I am doing well.
Total Drama belongs to Fresh TV and his creators, and associates companies. I don't own anything from the properties used in this fic.
Give the fans what they want, part 3
The campers walked to the base of the mountain. Some looked fine, used to wake up early, like Brick. But some others walked slowly with tired faces. Duncan especially seemed fatigued, with dark circles under his eyes, and a big bruise in his right cheek. On the spot, Shawn, Jasmine, Dramaman, and Chris were already waiting for the rest to join them.
Chris's serious expression contrasted with her usual nonchalantly behavior. "Hello campers! Before we get started, there are some new rules we will start enforcing today."
Chris began to walk in front of the campers."Last night, SOMEONE vandalized some of the cameras around the campfire, cutting the cables that feed the camera. Not cool, dudes! Our viewers lost some great footage. And our poor interns had to stay awake until sunrise repairing the damage," said Chris frowning angrily.
"So the first new rule. Anyone found destroying the cameras will be eliminated, no buts no ifs. Ok Duncan?" said Chris stopping in front of the delinquent.
Duncan yawned and make a smirk. "Ok, Chris, I allow it. You can make that new rule."
"That was funny, Duncan. As funny as your hair," said Chris chuckling. "Second new rule, we want you to spend time together. But some of you slept last night outside the cabins, surrounded by dangerous animals. So from now on is forbidden to sleep outside the cabins."
Shawn covered his mouth and whispered to Jasmine," It's more dangerous to sleep in those mousetraps surrounded by potential zombies."
Chris clapped his hand to quiet the whispers."Well, the first part of the challenge is in that gorge up the hill. Zoey and Brick, as the most popular on your teams, you can come with me."
Zoey cringed, "Ewww! No thanks. I prefer to walk with Mike."
"Thanks, SIR, But no thanks SIR, I prefer to walk with my unit." Replied Brick saluting.
"Hmpf. As you wish. You lost the chance to hear some of my wonderful anecdotes. See you there."
The two teams began to walk up the hill. The foxes going ahead of the ferrets.
"Are you feeling alright? You seem worn out." Told Heather to Courtney.
The L.I.T tried to dissimulate her weariness. She looked with contempt at the Queen Bee and raised an eyebrow. "Yes, I'm fine, Heather. What do you want?"
"Wow! Take it easy. I'm honestly worried about you." replied Heather, putting a hand over her chest, with concerned expression (well, a smug concerned expression.)
Courtney folded her arms without stopping, "You are never kind with others without wanting something in return."
Heather just shrugged."Maybe I became aware that you and I are more similar than any of us want to admit." she then walked faster, going ahead of Courtney.
Courtney was offended by the comparison, and shouted: "We are nothing alike!"
"Ple-e-ase, I didn't mean it as an insult. We can talk after the challenge." Said Heather, glaring at someone behind the L.I.T.
Behind Courtney were Beth and Lindsay, glaring at her and Heather. Now they must think that Heather and I are in some kind of alliance, just what I need. Thought Courtney shaking her head.
Some steps behind them, Zoey, Cameron, and, Mike were walking together. Lightning a few steps behind.
"Is not awesome! The three of us are on the same team again. I mean, what are the odds?" said Mike smiling, showing the gap in his teeth.
Zoey chuckled, covering her mouth. "Oh, Mike! you are really excited about all this."
"Well, just wait to see me in action, I'm ready for anything Chris had prepared," said Cameron, flexing his thin arm.
Zoey patted the Brainiac's shoulder. "Wow Cam! I am so happy you are so confident. I was sure that you would not come back for another season."
Cameron raised his head, smiling proudly."It's true that after that cave collapsed over me, I thought of never coming back again. But helping Mike win the million give me confidence. And think about it. I won the fourth season. If I put my mind on it, I can do it again."
The three friends were laughing, while Lightning hears their conversation. The athlete didn't understand why Cameron was so sure of himself.
Confessional: Mike
"Of course, I'm excited to come back. This time I will take charge of the game. But more than the money, I'm here to have fun. Now, if only I can found a way to make Duncan trust me, all will be fine. Zoey, I am doing this for you." Said Mike winking at the camera.
Confessional: Lightning
"Why is that little shrimp so full of himself? He is thin like a doll. There is no way he can beat the Lightning." Said Lightning, posing, then he folded and arm and rubbed his chin. "I mean, again, he CAN't beat the Lightning again."
Behind the foxes were the ferrets. Sammy was walking in the front Jasmine, Sky, and Shawn, while Amy was walking in the back with Lilly.
"Hey Jasmine, here comes a new challenger." Shouted Charlotte after she caught up with the Aussie.
Jasmine raised an eyebrow and looked perplexed at the e-gamer. "Pardon, mate, what do you mean?"
"Yes, I choose this game to prove that I am the champion. But the worthy challengers I want to meet aren't online this time. So you're the only player I want to beat," said Charlotte. She then made a thumb down at the survivalist.
"Settle petal, you know we are on the same team, right?" said Jasmine putting her hands in front of her in a defensive stance.
"In this game, there is no pause nor mercy. I will end on top," said Charlotte before running ahead. Overtaking both teams.
Sky glared at the e-gamer."Why is she challenging Jas instead of me? I was the runner-up last season."
"Do you want to be challenged by that weirdo?" asked Sammy. The twin was not sure she understood what the native Canadian said.
Sky blushed and replied, "eh? No, of course not. I was only curious why she challenged her, hehe."
Behind them, Topher, Jay, Max, and Dramaman were walking together.
"Look at them, dude, they are all so gorgeous. I hope we have a swimsuit challenge soon," said Jay with a smug smile. He was looking at Jasmine, Sky, and Sammy with a grin on his face.
Topher sighed, it was the third time the skater repeat a similar phrase. "Take a chill pill, or you will get in trouble. Jasmine alone can break you in half."
"Don't be a prude, dude. You seemed much more amusing and passionate on TV," said Jay scowling at the former Chris wannabe.
Max shook his head, frowning."I can't believe you are losing your cool at something as basic as your lust when there are higher goals in front of you.".
"Are you picking a fight with me, morning cartoon villain wannabe?" said Jay, ignoring Topher.
"I only stated the obvious, and YOU should be the one to be careful of not picking a fight with ME. But I don't think such a basic person can understand how dangerous is someone as EVIL as me," said Max, glaring at the skater.
Jay and Max start discussing, while Dramaman just walked faster than the bunch, catching up with Jasmine's group. Topher walked slower, to chat with Lilly, Amy, and Brick.
Confessional: Max
"I can't believe I'm again in a team with such fools as Jasmine and Topher. Those philistines don't recognize my genius and superiority. And that Jay is just worst than them, insolent fool. I will teach them all the meaning of TRUE EVIL, Gwahaha-, ptooey, ptooey," as Max laughed a fly comes into his mouth. He then started coughing and spitting.
Confessional: Topher
Topher glared at the camera and clenched his fists."Indeed, I am not the same from the last season. I learn a lot from Chris, in particular, trust no one. Only the ruthless triumph in this life. So this time, I will have my head on the game and show them I can be the best."
The two teams stopped at the top of the hill, which actually was a gorge. There was a long fall of more than 100 feet[1] into a river at the bottom. The distance between each side of the gorge was 300 feet. There was no bridge, but two ropes joining each of the sides, one red and one green.
"Campers, this is the first part of the challenge, The Rope Bridge. You have to cross to the other side of this gorge. Try to not fall because if you do, you will be eliminated from this challenge. Don't worry, our inters test the fall, and only two ended with major injuries. But I think they were unrelated to the fall," said Chris, with a malicious sneer on his face.
The host enjoyed the expression of the campers and continued."I don't care how you do it, but you must use the rope to cross to the other side. The team with more members on the other side wins. If both teams have the same number of members, the team who ended first win. The winning team will get an advantage for the second part of the challenge."
"What if both teams end at the same time," said Courtney, wanting to be sure of all the rules.
Chris laughed at the question and then answered. "C'mon, that is almost impossible, but if that happens, we will decide then." Courtney rolled her eyes. She despised how the host enjoyed improvising.
Chirs ignored the L.I.T and continued. "Finally, no one is forced to cross the gorge. You can give up, and we will give you this new and improved chicken hat." Chris then showed a chicken hat.
"It looks the same as back then, how is it improved?" said Beth raising a hand.
Chris pressed the hat, and it began clucking.
Beth lowered her hand, looking ashamed. "Oh! Nevermind."
The host then raised his arm and announced, "Well, ready, set, go," then lowered his arm. The challenge had officially started.
The foxes look at each other. No one wanted to cross the rope.
"Well, who is going first?" said Heather, looking at her teammates.
Beth narrowed her eyes at the Queen Bee."Why don't you go first, Heather?"
"Can you stop being so immature? You are like a broken record," said Heather, scowling at Beth.
"Ladies, Ladies, please! Let's put our differences behind, or we will lose this challenge." Said Cody, putting himself between Heather and Beth.
Heather tossed her braid in Beth's direction."Thanks, Cody. At last, someone says something that makes sense."
On the other side. Before the ferrets could start arguing, Dramaman stood before the rope, adjusted his gloves, and started tightrope running.
"Wait, soldier! We haven't decided who will go first," shouted Brick. But it was too late, the wrestler was already running over the rope.
Unfortunately, he was not skilled enough. After running half of the distance, he fell from the rope into the gorge.
"Nooo!" shouted Sammy. Jasmine, Sky, and Brick ran to the border of the hill to see if he was ok. But the masked man held into the rope and resume crossing the gorge. He was holding his weight with his hands and crossed the rest of the way, swinging across the rope.
"Wow, he is good!" said Sammy, with wide eyes, "he must have nerves of steel." Sky, who was nearby, only raised an eyebrow at her friend's comment.
Confessional: Dramaman
Dramaman is sitting with his head between his hands, "That was SCARY! I wanted to test my training, but when I slip, I was sure that I was going to die. Thankfully I wear this mask so the other couldn't see me crying."
Sky walked to the border of the cliff. In a quick and gracious movement, she began to walk over the rope. All the campers looked in awe how she did it. After a moment, she jumped the final distance and ended next to Dramaman. The gymnast was smiling proudly as the rest of her teammates' cheered for her (sans Shawn and Max. The last one sitting working on something).
Jasmine bowed and whispered to Sammy."Sky has to do something with her competitive nature." The twin nodded while she kept cheering excitedly.
Mike shook his head ."We cannot let them win so easily." The thin guy took a deep breath and began to jump across the rope with grace and speed comparable to Sky. In moments he was the first fox to make it across the chasm.
The guy with spiked hair jumped of joy, celebrating his success. Shouting, "Yes! Mike get the gold again." Sky glared at him, not happy with that comment.
Alejandro looked at him with wide eyes."I thought his alternate personalities were gone."
"Don't be silly. They are gone," said Zoey shaking her hand at Alejandro, and smiling proudly, "but they were all part of Mike. So he can do anything his alters could do."
"Well, this is a race, so let wide the advantage," said Shawn. He instead of trying tight rope walking, hanged from the rope, and began to cross the rope using his arms.
The conspiranoic had a pained expression as he advanced through the rope."Ouch! Be careful. The rope can burn your hands." But even then, he crossed all the way to the other side, where Sky and Dramaman helped him to climb into the hill.
"Those losers are beating us! We are the favorites! We are supposed to be better than them!" Said Heather glaring at the team.
"You're right chica. Let me do it," said Alejandro showing his best smile at her.
Heather glared at him. "I hope you fall and die, Al."
Alejandro didn't seem fazed by her words. He began tightrope walking across the chasm. As always, he seemed to be able to do anything.
As he was reaching the end, Mike extended a hand and pulled him the final stretch of the rope.
"Thanks, amigo," said Alejandro smiling at the guy with spiked hair.
But they were still behind the other team. On the ferrets side, Jasmine began to cross, just like Shawn. The Aussie seemed unfazed by the rough rope. With her large arms, she finished crossing the chasm in a moment.
Charlotte cracked her knuckles."Oh! time for player two to break the high-score." She then began to cross the chasm.
But the challenge was harder and more painful than the e-gamer thought. In the middle of the way, her hands were numb. She felt frustrated at her own weakness. Next to her on the foxes' side, Lighting began to cross the rope using the same technique, but more quickly. If he was being hurt by the rope, he didn't show it.
"Hey Ferret gal! If you are going to surrender, do it now! The river is just below you," said the athlete, laughing as he passed her.
"I am a pro! I would never quit or surrender! There is no ESC key on my keyboard," said Charlotte. It was true, she came here to win and prove that gamers were the best. With the fire that Lightning started within her, she ended crossing the chasm.
Alejandro sighed. He then helped Lighting climb into the other side, "It seems your little discourse backfired."
"What do you mean? That girl has guts! I hope to find some fine opponents this time," said Lightning posing. He didn't care if he helped his opponents or not.
"Hehe, you're right. You are too strong. You are not interested in what the weaklings can do," said Alejandro patting the athlete on the back. "I cannot understand how you lost against Cameron."
"Of course, I do! Look at these babies," said Lightning, flexing and showing his biceps. But he kept thinking about what Alejandro said. The athlete didn't understand how he lost against the former bubble boy.
Sammy looked worried at the rope. She then felt a heavy hand on her shoulder, it was Brick.
"You don't need to cross right now. We are winning five to three. And I will cross. If you don't feel confident, you can wait," said Brick trying to help her.
Sammy was surprised. He was really kind, but she shook her head. "Don't worry. I want to do it, not only for the challenge but as a personal goal. But thanks for worrying about me."
Sammy hanged in the rope and began to move one swing at a time like Jasmine. It was painful, but she will not give up.
"C'mon Sammy, you can do it," shouted Jasmine from the other side.
"Fight Sammy," cheered Sky.
"Just think you are running away from some zombies," added Shawn.
But what fueled her determination was not the cheering in front of her. It was the familiar voice at her back.
"Samey! Try to not embarrass yourself falling into the river! You always fail at anything you try. At least this time, do it for the team," shouted Amy. Her voice was louder than anyone on that side of the gorge.
THE NERVE OF MY SISTER! Why is she always like that? But I will not give her the satisfaction of failing this challenge. Thought Sammy, she will show that she was her own person. Not a second rate Amy.
Sammy felt her arms burning as she came closer to the end of the rope. But she forced herself to keep going until the end. Thankfully Jasmine helped her go up into the hill. The younger twin hadn't enough strength to climb by herself.
Heather glared daggers at the other team. While Duncan stepped forward.
"What will you do, Princess? Another calculated risk?" said Duncan smirking and stretching.
Courtney was stretching, and answered without looking at him."No, we are losing by a big margin. So I must do this. Now get out of the way and watch." The L.I.T faced backward from the rope, hanged on it with both hands, and then holding the rope with both legs.
The Latin girl shouted at her team, "Listen carefully! This technique is called Monkey Crawl. You advance in the rope using hands and feet. Be careful to not slide your feet, or you will hurt yourselves. Lift your feet one at a time and use your ankles[2]."
Courtney began to advance, as she explained. Duncan watched how she crossed the chasm in one go. Alejandro helping her in the last stretch.
"It seems that be a counselor can be cool and useful," told Zoey to Duncan, who was smirking.
"Yeah, whatever," said Duncan, shrugging, "Let's do it pigtails. Just do what the Princess did. Your Romeo is waiting."
Zoey smiled and stepped back, "After you, your princess is waiting."
Duncan didn't answer. He grabbed the rope just like Courtney and began to advance. But then he realized that the technique was way harder than it seemed.
"Damn it, Princess! You could tell us it was this hard," said Duncan. He was advancing quickly using the rope. But his face was red by the effort.
"Don't complain! It is much harder doing it only with your arms," shouted Courtney.
Lightning started flexing his arms and intrude in the conversation. "That's only if you don't have arms like this babe, Shazam." Courtney only rolled her eyes as her answer.
Duncan ended crossing the rope. Alejandro and Mike helped him go up once he had finished.
"Zoey, be careful! This is not that easy," shouted Duncan. Zoey went down the rope and put her legs just like Duncan and Courtney before her.
Meanwhile, the ferrets were deciding who will go next.
"Jay, you can't cross using your skateboard?" asked Topher. It was not clear if it was an honest question or he was mocking the skater.
"Are you high, dude? I can pull some amazing stunt, but this is too much," said Jay looking at the rope. Just next to it were Amy and Brick.
Amy scowled at the cadet."Brick, are you afraid of crossing the chasm?"
"No. In the force, they teach us techniques for traversing ropes. But I want to help all our teammates before crossing myself." Said Brick, he then looked tenderly at the twin. "What will you do, Sammy?"
"It's Samey! I mean she is Samey, I am Amy! How can you mix us? Are you an idiot? Look at my beauty mark," said Amy stomping her foot.
"Oh, it's true. Sorry I didn't notice early ma'am," said Brick, ashamed of mixing the twins.
"Well, I'm going," said Amy hanging on the rope and moving just like Sammy.
"Amy, that technique is very strainful for the arms. Maybe you shoul-" shouted the cadet. But was interrupted by the older twin.
"Don't worry. If that Samey could do it, I CAN DO IT. She is only a replacement, just look," said Amy moving across the rope.
"Can she do it?" asked Jasmine to Sammy
Sammy frowned, still mad about her sister's 'cheering.' "I don't know, she is a great cheerleader, but lazy, I don't think she can pull it."
Amy's face became red from the effort. She felt her hands burned by the rope, and her arms hot as hell by the strain. She wanted to cry and let go of the rope. But that would be admitting that Samey was better.
Using all her will, Amy forced her arms to move and crossed the chasm. Charlotte helping her go up the hill.
"Amy, are you ok?" said Sammy, even if Amy was mean and abusive, she was still her sister.
The older sister was sweating and heavy breathing, but smirking. "Of course, Samey, who do you think I am? Anything you can do, I can do better."
Sammy sighed, looking with sadness at the ground."I don't know why I even try."
Confessional: Amy
"That Samey, making the nice girl act in front of everyone and then slandering when you are not seeing. It's her fault our mother thinks I am spoiled and rude. Now I have to do half of the house chores alone when it was Samey job to do it all. But I will have my revenge. Just wait and see Snitchsamey," said Amy glaring at the camera.
On the other side. Zoey had ended crossing the chasm, helped at the end by Duncan and Mike. But the foxes were still losing against the ferrets.
Zoey rubbed her arms while panting."It was truly harder than it seems."
"They are still ahead, and the tin soldier will surely cross." Said Duncan, glaring at Brick. "We need at least three other people cross across the rope."
On the other side, Heather watched at the remaining foxes, Dawn stepping forward.
"It is dangerous, but maybe I can do it." said the moonchild. Dawn extended her arms in a T-pose and walked across the rope slowly. As she walked, some birds stood on her arms, helping her keep the balance.
Cody looked at her with wide eyes. "Wow! It is incredible. Just look at her go."
"Yes, but she is also very slow," said Heather, she was also secretly impressed by that, but she would never admit it. "You should go next, Cody. Of the remaining teammates, you are the last one that can succeed."
Cody jaw dropped, he couldn't believe what she said.
Confessional: Cody
Cody was looking with wide eyes at the camera. "Did I hear right? Heather praise me. THAT Heather. I mean, wow! It must be the first I heard her telling me something so nice. Man! At that moment, I knew that I have to cross the rope," he the gulps, tapping his fingers nervously, "well, the Codemeister can't disappoint a pretty girl, can he?"
Confessional: Heather
Heather played a little with her braid before looking at the camera. "I hope that Cody is still the simpleton he was years ago. I'm not sure if he can cross the rope. But he MUST do it. Even if he dies trying."
On the ferret's side. The remaining team members were looking astonished at Dawn crossing (slowly) the red rope.
"Lilly, can you do that?" asked Topher at the redhead. She only whimpered, looking at the gorge, and shooking her head wildly.
"Well, then is my turn," said the pretty boy shrugging. "It's Topher time! Let's show the producers what I am made of."
Topher imitated the foxes and hold the rope with the same technique Zoey used to cross. "Hey! What Courtney said was true. It's not so hard. But it's also true that this rope is really rough. That's Chris for you! Anything to cause the most pain to the campers."
Topher advanced slowly across the rope. He ripped his pants legs and almost fall a couple of times. But he was lucky enough to never let go of the rope with at least a foot and a hand. At the last stretch, he was helped by Shawn and Sammy.
"Thank you, my friends. Phew! I hope the second part is easier than this," said Topher, his pants legs ruined by the rope.
Brick looked at the remaining 3. But before he could talk, Max began to laugh hysterically.
"Gwahahaha, it's ready! My EVIL invention will help me to cross this rope," shouted Max, showing a wide leather belt, with a pulley tied at the center.
"It looks like a normal belt to me?" said Brick, raising an eyebrow.
Max glared and pointed at Brick. "Ignorant fool! Behold!" the supervillain then sat carefully on the rope and leaned over it. "You just have to tie yourself to the rope, then hang with your back to the abyss, and let the EVIL invention slide to the other side."
Max slide, laughing maniacally until he stopped in the middle of the rope.
"What is this? Why are you stopping? Evil belt, you cannot stop here! I command you! Continue to the end of the line. You lazy piece of leather," shouted Max, the belt replied with a ripping sound.
Max blanched, and his eyes became wide, hugging firmly at the rope, "HELP! this damn rope was a trap."
Brick held into the rope, laying on its top. He started impulsing himself with his hands and one foot, using the other to balance. This technique requires a lot of practice and equilibrium[3]. But Brick had both. In a moment, the cadet was over Max.
Brick tried to remain calm but looked at Max with worried eyes."Now, you had to help me to help you. I will hold you, but you need to push yourself with your hands."
"But the rope is rough, and it hurts my hands," Max whimpered.
"Do you prefer to dive in the river below?" asked Brick in a cold and serious tone, unusual to him.
Max gulped and hold the rope. "I am an expert on crossing ropes. Just see!"
It was slow. But both ended the crossing the chasm. Every ferret on the other side, including Amy and Topher, made a human chain to help the supervillain and the cadet to climb into the hill.
Max was kneeling panting, talking in a fatigued and menacing voice. "Just listen, Brick! *pant*, I will not forget this."
Brick smiled, also sweating. "You are welcome, and thank you guys for you for the rescue operation." Said Brick saluting. He ignored that some of them only do it to use his vote in a future elimination.
"How are the foxes going?" said Brick. He was worried because saving Max took a lot of time.
"They are still behind. But the blond Ella is almost done," said Sky, looking at Dawn.
At the other rope. Dawn was still walking slowly with the help of the birds. His teammates were sitting on the grass with a bored expression.
Courtney was the only one still waiting for her. "Three of them crossed in the time you took to reach here."
"I'm sorry. If I tried to walk faster, I would fall. These little friends are not as strong as they look," said Dawn. Waving at the birds as they go away.
"Ok, that was officially Izzy level weird," said Duncan, Courtney, Alejandro nodding.
Cody was the next fox to try to cross. He took off his sweater and hang in the rope. He used his talons to slide slowly while pulling his weight with his hands. Using the sweater to not hurt himself. It was a slower but easier version of Courtney's technique.
The Codemeister arrived at the end of the rope safely. Mike and Alejandro helped him climb the last part.
Cody smiled and rubbed his arms."I doubt any other of our team can do it."
On the other side, Heather looked at the people there. Of the ferrets, only the skater and the nervous chick remain, so they could still win.
On her side were Cameron, Beth, and Linsiot, so to win, she needed to make the other 3 cross the rope, or she would have to cross herself.
Cameron looked at the rope, and the distance between the two sides then talked to the three girls.
Cameron rubbed his chin, "There are a lot of variables for this problem. If we don't cross, we can't help with the next challenge. But there is the possibility of falling into the river, in which case we also can't help in the challenge."
"C'mon campers. If you are gonna give up, do it quickly. If not, start crossing. But right now, the ferrets will win," said Chris with a mocking smile, facing the foxes.
Heather walked, balancing her hips, toward the rope. She knew that even if it was not necessary (they already lost), she must try to cross, or they will vote her out.
"Wait! I will go first," shouted Cameron, going ahead of the Queen Bee.
Heather blinked a couple of times, then asked with a worried expression, "Are you sure you can do it?"
"Of course, now just wait a moment for your turn," said Cameron, trying to sound confident, it was a duel of liars.
Cameron grabbed the rope. He was lying on it like Brick and began to advance slowly. Using his arms and legs, almost losing the balance as he advanced. But Cameron was determined to reach the other side. Unfortunately, his body decided differently.
"AAAAHHH!" screamed Cameron slipping from the rope.
"Cam!" shouts Mike and Zoey.
But Cameron held to the rope with one hand, hanging over the chasm.
"CAM! Thank goodness," said Mike, reassured seeing Cam was ok.
"Now, grab the rope with your other hand an keep moving. You're almost here," shouted Zoey.
But Cameron couldn't let go of the rope. "I CAN'T, IT'S TAKING ALL MY STRENGTH JUST TO HANG HERE."
Zoey, on one side and Beth on the other, grabbed the rope and began to advance toward Cameron. It was so fast nobody could stop them. Zoey was the first to reach Cameron. While Beth was advancing slowly
Zoey extended her hand, trying to keep her balance. "Don't panic Cam, I'm here. Just give me your hand."
But Zoey's support hand slipped, and she fell, her weight taking Cameron with her.
"Not so fast," said Beth grabbing the rope with her legs and catching Cameron as he was falling. Now Zoey was hanging, grabbed by Cam, who was held by Beth, who was hanging upside down.
"Zoey!" shouted Mike, trying to jump to the rope to rescue his friends. But Duncan and Alejandro stopped him.
"No Amigo! The rope is at its limit, it will break at any moment," said Alejandro, holding Mike with all his strength.
"Beth!" shout Lindsay trying to reach her friend but was stopped by Heather.
Heather grabbed the blond who glare at her, "It's too late Linsiot, if you go, you will fall."
"But if we don't do something, THEY will fall," protested Lindsay.
Heather looked coldly at Lindsay, frowning, "Her own damn fault for trying to help the Brainiac. Now instead of one player, we may lose three." She and her hotness kept struggling, but the blond girl couldn't get to the rope.
Beth's face started to turn red and veins appeared on her neck "You are too heavy."
"Hey! I have been on a diet since spring," protested Zoey blushing. She was trying to stretch upwards and reach the rope.
Cameron ignored Zoey and Beth's conversation. He was focusing on don't let go of either of them. "Just hang in there a little more."
Then a sound of a snap came from the end side of the rope. It couldn't bear the weight of the three campers.
"Nooooo! ZOOOOOEY!" shouted Mike, breaking free from Alejandro and Duncan.
"AAAAHHHH!" yelled Cameron, Beth, and Zoey as they fall.
The three fell in the middle of the river, making a big splash, They swam out with their clothes drench, but unscathed.
"I think I lost my glasses," said Cameron panting, without his round glasses.
Zoey also panting, extend her hand. She was holding Cameron's glasses."No, I grab them as we fall. Here, take them."
"That's why you should use graduated goggles instead of glasses for this," Beth sat at a tree, also panting.
"I will take that advice, thanks," Cameron smiled at the brunette. He was trying to dry his glasses, but his handkerchief was also wet.
On the top of the gorge, Chris was laughing loudly.
The host took a deep breath and stop Laughing. "That was an amazing finish! The Ferrets win the first part of the challenge and get the advantage. Also, the foxes lose 5 of their members for the next challenge. What a twist! It seems like the favorites are not so favorites this time."
Heather scowled at the host, stomping her foot at the ground."What!? Why? Lindsay and I can still cross the rope,"
"Sorry, the rope snapped, so there is no way to use it to cross the chasm. You and Lindsay are automatically chickens." Chris grinned as he announced the news.
Mike turned to look at Chris with a concerned expression, his eyes wide, and his mouth opened, "But, but Zoey crossed the rope! you can't eliminate her,"
"Sorry thin Romeo, she fell, she is out," Chris turned his back at Mike and faced the other team, "and as for the ferrets. Lilly and Jay, your team already won, you don't need to cross the rope. But if you don't, you can't participate in the next challenge." Chris then showed a sadistic grin, "It's your choice."
Lilly looked ashamed at the ground, her eyes filled with tears."There is no way I can do it, sorry, Amy."
"It will be fairer to leave the teams like that, dude. A 10 versus 7 is enough advantage. There is no need to overkill the geezers." Jay smirked as he shrugged.
"Then you are also chickens," Chris snapped his fingers. Some interns bring a portable bridge and putting it over the chasm. "Come with me, we will look at the next part of the challenge." The host walked across the bridge, going in front of the campers.
Confessional: Jay
"Like real, dude? That rope challenge seemed so bothersome. I was so lucky we could skip it. I come here to get babes and become famous, not to sweat and fall from a stupid rope," said Jay rolling his eyes, his chicken hat cuckling.
Confessional: Lindsay
Lindsay is frowning. Instead of her bandana, she is wearing a chicken hat, "That Heather, maybe she was right, and I would fall with them. But there was also a tiny chance that I could like save Beth. It was better being disqualified trying than been disqualified doing nothing. And worst of all is I have to wear this hat. It didn't match my dress!"
The campers entered the forest. Heather, Lindsay, Beth, Zoey, Cameron, Jay, and Lilly wearing chicken hats. Chris guided the 24 to a field with 4 poles, 2 at each side, and lots of balls in three different sizes.
There were small (like a baseball) yellow balls with the TD logo. Blue medium (like a basketball) balls with the image of Chris grinning. And white large (like a big beach ball) balls with the frowning face of Chef.
Chris was smirking whiles telling the rules of the challenge. "The challenge is simple, you choose 2 campers. They will stand on the top of one post holding each one side of a big net. The campers from the other team will be launching balls to fill the net until it weights so much that they can't hold it anymore. The team who let go of the net first lose the challenge. You can launch any kind of ball, and even launch at your own net if you want."
The foxes look at each other. It was clear the numbers were a big disadvantage this time.
Courtney was trying to not frown. She took a deep breath and start talking. "Ok, let's not panic. we can still win this, they have the numerical advantage-"
"The what?" interrupted Lightning in an annoyed tone.
Courtney took another deep breath and rolled her eyes. "They are more than us. But we are stronger if we work together we can beat them. We just need to select smartly at the net holders-"
"Lightning is the strongest, he will hold the net," said Lightning, flexing his arms, interrupting Courtney one more time.
Cortney's nostrils dilated, she frowned and started yelling at the athlete. "NO! Because you are the strongest, we need you throwing balls at their net. SO YOU ARE NOT HOLDING THE NET! We can use Alejandro and Duncan to hold-"
Courtney was interrupted when she heard Topher talking with the host "Hey Chris, we won the last challenge, what is our advantage?"
"Oh, you remember, good one Topher," said Chris laughing, "the Ferrets can ban two players from the foxes. Those two cannot hold the net."
Courtney's face slapped herself. If the ferrets were smart enough, they could win just banning the right players.
Author Notes:
[1] I know they will die from the fall, but it is a cartoon, so please ignore that fact.
[2] Courtney use a traverse rope technique called monkey crawl, if you are curious, look for Spartan race training Transversing a rope crossing,
[3] Brick technique is the over the rope style, you can also look for it if you are curious, just look rope traverse over the rope technique.
Well, the challenge is on, and now the ferrets have the advantage. Can the foxes turn the tables? Or will the be sending a player home tonight?
As always, thanks for reading and I hope you like it.