The crowd cheered as the two representatives got on the steps; Xidorn stood behind a podium.
"To be honest," Xidorn admitted, "our teams have only been formed for a short while. Yet I can say with one hundred percent certainty, my team is the better team. The Eagles are filled with people who get along; we're already a fine-tuned machine."
"I don't believe the same can be said for the Fireworks," Xidorn went on. "Just look at the way an Eagle used their smarts to bring over a third of our team to first place. We're stronger, not just as players, but also in what makes a team important; teamwork. It's why I'm happy to be an Eagle."
The fans cheered. Seraphina took the podium.
"My opponent made a good speech," Seraphina stated. "I'm not going to lie; I agree with him. My team is more dysfunctional; people are already strategizing, flirting and fighting. Lots of fighting, mostly between girls."
Everyone stared at her.
"Don't get me wrong," Seraphina said, "we can take the Eagles, but they're all best friends over there; good for them. But if I wanted to watch a show about best friends I'd watch Disney Junior. Reality shows aren't about tolerance; they're about scandals, alliances and catfights. It's how they get ratings. The Eagles themselves admit they don't have that."
The fans shuffled awkwardly in the audience.
"So vote the Eagles," Seraphina said, "and enjoy the fascinating story of the people who were winning and kept winning. Or vote the underdogs and give us an equal chance; not like the show has the word 'drama' in the title or anything. Ultimately there's no pressure; it'll only affect the opening and future ratings of the last ditch attempt to reboot and save your favorite show."
The audience murmured amongst themselves and started to vote.
Rhonda appeared behind the podium. "The results are in," the hostess announced, "and the winners are…The Fireworks!"
"Wow," Xidorn said, "I guess your speech was better."
"Eh," Seraphina replied, "or people are just inherently selfish. Your speech was really nice for something on the spot."
"I meant everything I said in that speech," Xidorn stated.
"Really?" Seraphina said. "You're not lying?"
"I don't believe in lying," Xidorn replied. "I haven't told a lie since the third grade."
"Seriously?" Seraphina said. "I can't say I'm that honest."
Xidorn laughed. "You aren't afraid to speak your mind; that seems pretty honest to me."
Xidorn held out his hand and Seraphina pulled back for a second, before reaching forward and shaking it.
"Thanks," Seraphina replied. "And…uh, good luck."
"You too," Xidorn said. "I hope this isn't the last time we compete against each other."
The Fireworks cheered as Seraphina walked over, staring at the straight shooter, who shot a smile at her before returning to the Eagles.
"You pwned it!" Riley cheered.
"I was nervous at first," Lita said. "But you slayed honey!"
Seraphina blushed. "Whatever…I mean, I couldn't have done it without you guys anyway. So yeah…go Fireworks."
"Okay, I said I don't care for people," Seraphina explained. "Yet... I have to admit, some of these people here are nice; on my team and on the other team. I appreciate that, and I want to be nice back...it's weird."
As for the next challenge," Rhonda said, "the only clue I can give is that you should consider weight."
"What is that suppose to mean?" Easton asked. "Like being heavy or being lightweight?"
"Wait," Seraphina whispered, "remember that speech Rhonda made before the challenge; she said we'd need a lot of things."
"Ooh," Riley replied, "like we'd need social skills, which we did in the last challenge!"
So that means according to Rhonda's speech," Pascal said, "we need strength for the next challenge."
All the Fireworks turned to Griswold.
Griswold smirked and stepped forward. "I got this!"
"I'll give it my best," Aiden stated. "For the Eagles and for our Founding Fathers! And for our founding mothers! And our current congress, judges, senators, DMV workers-"
"Shush," Rhonda hushed and snapped her fingers; interns wheeled out two weight benches.
"You two must lift weights," Rhonda stated, "and we'll add ten pounds until someone can't lift anymore. Jenny and Toby, watch over them."
The two co-hosts nodded.
While they complete that task," Rhonda said, "We'll do two labors at once! The first challenge is tricky while the other is a shot in the dark."
Pascal volunteered for the first challenge, along with Diamonique. Easton and Bethany volunteered for the second.
"Good luck Easton!" Weston cheered. "You got this!"
Vance flicked Weston's ear. "Don't wish him luck, he's on the opposite team you nitwit!"
"It's fine," Bethany said. "It's his brother, you don't want your brother to fail. Besides, I don't need luck."
/
Rhonda brought Pascal and Diamonique to their task. Rhonda clapped and a portrait of Washington's skyline appeared behind her, almost popping up out of the ground.
"See this picture?" Rhonda asked.
Rhonda flicked the picture and it fell to pieces.
"You'll have to rebuild it from memory out of one thousand pieces," Rhonda said, as interns laid out a large frame and bags of puzzle pieces.
"What?" Diamonique complained. "I thought this was going to be a trick or treating challenge!"
"Oh well," Rhonda replied. "Now, go!"
/
Next, Rhonda took the teams to a makeshift field on a blacktop.
"I hope you like shot put," Rhonda announced.
Bethany fist pumped. "You know I do!"
"Good," Rhonda replied, "because for this challenge you'll have to throw a shot put ball on a target from behind the white line."
Rhonda pointed several feet away to a target.
"Each of you will try to aim your shot put ball and land in the center," Rhonda said. "Whoever is closest wins. I'll give you a moment to figure out your aim."
"I can do this," Bethany said to herself. "It's easy, no pressure at all."
"Oops," Rhonda said, "forgot to mention one little thing; you have to wear blindfolds."
Interns came behind Easton and Bethany, blindfoldinb the two before they could realize what was happening.
"Begin!" Rhonda announced.
Easton spun and tossed his ball while Bethany stepped back and released hers.
THUD
"Did I hit it?" Easton asked. "Did I hit it?"
"You hit something," Riley replied.
"More like someone," Seraphina said.
Easton removed his blindfold and cringed; Ness had taken a shot put to the face. The jinx laid fallen on the ground.
"How, how bad is it?" Ness asked.
Ouch," Bethany said, as she removed her blindfold. "Well…"
You look amazing," Zipporah stated as she pulled out a hand mirror and handed it to Ness.
Ness's jaw dropped as saw she had a black eye and bloody nose.
"I'm so sorry Ness!" Easton apologized.
Ness coughed up a little blood. "It's fine; I was actually expecting at least a bloody lip."
"Well," Rhonda said, "Ness' face is not at the bullseye. However, Bethany's shot put is!"
Bethany and the others turned to see her shot put was dead center of the target.
"YES!" Bethany cheered. "Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, er…sorry. Hope you feel better Ness."
"No really, it's fine," Ness replied.
"It was a good try bro," Weston yelled.
Easton blushed. "Thanks pal…"
/
Griswold and Aiden rejoined their teams at the next challenge point; Griswold had won to no one's surprise, as being a football player weightlifting was a daily part of his routine.
Rhonda walked forward, rattling chains.
"These chains are your next clue. We'll be using them for the next challenge…"
Hayden had gotten the Eagles huddled together again.
"Team," Hayden said, "I think I'm beginning to notice a pattern that's lead me to a theory; all the challenges are based off of Rhonda's speech, about what would be tested."
"Gee willikers!" Aiden replied. "Xidorn's challenge required social skills, mine required strength…"
"That means Diamonique's challenge requires intelligence," Kalino stated.
"We'll focus on that later," Hayden said. "Right now we know the trick of this challenge."
"After we've lost our lead," Vance added.
"Sure we're tied," Hayden said, "but we still have a chance to turn this around. We aren't going to give up now when things are looking rough, are we?"
"No sir!" Aiden replied as other Eagles nodded.
"Glad to hear it," Hayden said. "Now if memory serves this next challenge is a test of courage. Who thinks they can-"
"-Times up!" Rhonda announced. "Let's start this challenge. Fireworks, whose going for you?"
Ignacio stepped up.
"And for the Eagles?"
Hayden blushed. "It looks like-"
"-Me."
The Eagles parted and shook in fear; Cynthia stepped forward.
"I'm already scared," Ignacio whispered.
Rhonda gave out a hoarse laugh and squirmed. "For this challenge, you'll enter a coffin. We'll chain your coffins together and shut out all light. Inside the coffin is a red button; press it and you'll be able to leave the coffin but lose the challenge. Though, we'll give you good incentive to want to leave…"
The two laid back and fell in the wooden coffins. The lid was closed down tight and chained together.
"Sure it's dark," Ignacio said to himself, "and as humans we have an instinctive phobia of darkness; the darkness contains unknown threats. However, I know what's in the interior of this space."
Suddenly the coffin jolted up.
"Though I don't know about the exterior," Ignacio admitted.
Ignacio began to tip left and right.
Hisss….
Ignacio gulped. "Snakes. I hate snakes."
Ignacio shivered as a snake crawled up his pants leg, while another moved down his shirt.
"They most have stored these reptiles in a undisclosed compartment," Ignacio said. "Still, no reason to freak out."
Sssss….Kkkk….ahhhh…
Ignacio slammed the button at the animalistic screams. The model shifted down. As soon as Ignacio heard the chains removed, he sprung out and removed his shirt and shook out the snake, revealing his pecs that glistened with sweat.
Most of the newcomers stared. Hayden blushed and turned his head, Frannie panted, Xidorn and Riley drooled a little bit while Rhonda drooled puddles.
"Dude, you're so hot," Easton said.
Ignacio blushed and threw back on his shirt, igniting several 'awws' from the contestants. Ignacio turned to see a crane behind the coffins.
The Eagles win the challenge," Rhonda announced, wiping some of her drool on her sleeve.
"Cynthia," Melissa called, "Cynthia, are you okay in there?"
"S…sorry everyone," Igancio stated. "I…uh…I…the slicing sounds just freaked me out too much and I…uh…yeah."
"Slicing sounds?" Rhonda asked. "We didn't add any sound effects."
Melissa pried open Cynthia's coffin and screamed as cut up pieces of a snake splattered out. Cythina stood expressionless and covered in blood, holding the other snake by the neck next to her knife. She froze for a second, before slicing its head off.
"Oh my," Melissa said. "Cynthia you…you…you accidentally split snake blood on your nice shirt, poor dear. I saw a washroom back at the hotel. I'd be happy to clean them up when we get back."
Cynthia dangled the snake's corpse and nodded.
"I feel awful about the challenge," Ignacio admitted. "I feel worse I couldn't apologize right. Everyone was just staring at me…. Whenever I take off my shirt, or anything like that, most people flip out. My manager says it's a 'power' I have, as though looking at me can drive people insane. Of course that's scientifically impossible. It just feels like it sometimes. The worst part is I'm very afraid of attention…and I am aware of the irony of that statement."
Cynthia dropped the snake corpse on the confessional's camera.
Meanwhile, Pascal quickly slid puzzle pieces in his frame.
"Yippie Skippy! That makes seven hundred pieces solved!" Pascal cheered.
"Great job," Diamonique said as she turned a page in a magazine.
"I can do it!" Pascal said.
"I believe in you," Diamonqiue yawned.
"Thanks!" Pascal replied. "I'm going to win this thing!"
"Well…I'm not so sure about that," Diamonique said.
Pascal froze, then turned to Diamonique, whose puzzle was complete.
"What but…you and how but…when?" Pascal asked.
"The interns aren't sure if it took two minutes or one," Diamonique replied. "I would've told you but you were really focused so…I didn't want to be rude."
Pascal's smiled widely as his eye twitched.
"Yeah, I won the puzzle," Diamonqiue stated. "I actually have an IQ of 180, at least according to the last time I took the test. My personal psychologist says despite my poor memory, I still could be able to do sciencey stuff and go to Harvard and junk if I worked harder, but working hard is like…hard work."
Ness and Frannie stood on platforms raised high in the air. The platforms connected to another raised platform by a thin wire. Under the platforms were a net.
"Wait, why I am here?" Ness said.
"That is the age old question," Frannie stated, "but the meaning of life we can only determine for ourselves."
"No, I meant what am I doing here," Ness said.
"Oh," Frannie replied, "well when a mommy and daddy love each other very much, or are bored, they…"
"No time for that," Rhonda yelled. "First one to the end wins!"
Frannie flipped out on to the wire. Ness looked down and gulped. She stepped out onto the wire…that snapped and sent her plummeting.
"What?" Rhonda asked. "That wire could hold an elephant!"
"That's not fair," Easton said, "her equipment is faulty. Ness should be given a do-over!"
"Cool with me," Frannie stated.
"Alright, let's do this again," Rhonda stated.
Soon, the two girls started over. As Ness started out on the wire, a crow flew up to her and landed on her hair.
"Oh," Ness said, "what a sweet little birdie."
Suddenly, a murder of crows swarmed Ness. They lifted her up and off the wire.
"You want another do-over?" Frannie asked.
"Ahhhh!" Ness screamed. "There pecking out my eyes! HELP!"
"Is that a yes?" Frannie asked.
So, they started again. As Ness walked out onto the platform, two paper airplanes flew into her eyes and knocked her off…
They started again. Ness stepped out, when a falling air conditioner knocked her on the head and off the wire…
They started again. Suddenly, a gorilla that escaped from the zoo jumped onto the wire, grabbed Ness and started to climb the nearest building…
They started again. Ness shook but dipped her toe out on to the wire. She froze, and looked around for a minute.
"Phew," Ness sighed.
The platform then collapsed under her.
"We did the challenge thirteen times before Frannie got to the end," Ness said. "I still don't know why I was-"
Suddenly, the murder of crows busted into the confessional and attacked Ness again. "Ahhhhh! Ahhh!"
At the same time, Zipporah and Kalino worked on a separate task.
"You two had to draw a poster that showed why your team was amazing," Rhonda said. "Let's see what you got Kalino."
Kalino turned his poster around; He drew his team riding on Penguins and dressed in gold.
"We were suppose to be riding Eagles but I can only draw penguins," Kalino stated. "I also used smelly markers, with each smell symbolizing something different. We smell like victory...and lemon."
"Nice," Rhonda said, "expect…why do I have a giraffe's neck!?"
"I was trying to capture the spirit of your neck," Kalino replied.
Rhonda frowned. "Zipporah."
Zipporah revealed her poster; in it several people exploded into bloody chunks.
"I took a symbolic approach with my art," Zipporah stated. "Here all of the world's evils have exploded in a firework, symbolizing they are their own downfall; dictators, politicians, criminals, celebrities, my parents, etc. But the fireworks are fizzled, signifying the lack of justice in the real world."
"Wait," Rhonda said, "Am I one of those people blowing up?"
"That person is a symbol of television and media's false, perpetuating views," Zipporah replied. "Any similarities to an actual person is completely coincidental."
"My name is written next to it!" Rhonda shouted.
"It's called taking artistic liberties," Zipporah said.
"While Zipporah's work is horribly disturbing," Rhonda said, "I enjoy the symbolism. So the Fireworks win."
Zipporah sighed, "Yay, a pointless victory."
/
At the next challenge, the newcomers gathered outside of a wrestling ring where a cage was suspended in the air.
"I'll be honest about this one," Rhonda said. "It's a steel cage match! First one to knock their opponent unconscious wins! Lets get ready to rumble!"
The Eagles huddled together.
"Dang," Bethany said, "if I'd have known we'd wrestle in a cage, I would have waited for this challenge."
"Nonsense," Vance stated, "that's plum ridiculous."
"What?" Bethany replied. "Why?"
"It's not a lady's place to fight," Vance said. "You'd chip a nail."
Bethany rolled her eyes. "Whatever, I don't care to argue with you now."
"I'm starting to regret my alliance with Yosemite Sam here," Bethany stated. "He's not much of a good guy."
"We'll discuss outdated gender roles with you later," Hayden said. "Does anyone have wrestling experience?"
"Well shoot," Vance said, "I uh…wrestled hogs all the time on the… farm I totally lived at. Plus, I ride bulls for a living. I'll do it."
/
The Fireworks huddled together as well.
"I got this!" Lita stated. "I'm a boxer."
"Really?" Seraphina asked.
Mmhmm," Lita stated. "I'm more than just a pretty face. They call me Lightning Lita, because one quick strike from my right hook, and it is lights out baby!"
"Nice," Riley complimented. "I wanted to give it a try though. I'm on the wrestling team. Rock, paper, scissors you for it?"
Lita smirked. "Sounds fair."
"Neither of you should do it," Tessa stated. "First off it's not lady-like behavior."
"Some would say the same about participating in any sport," Seraphina retorted. "Like I don't know, the Olympics?"
"That's completely different," Tessa replied. "Some sports are male and female, and some are divided by gender; aren't you worried they'll likely send in a male contestant, who is likely physically bigger than you?
"I beat dudes all the time," Riley replied, "But Lita papered my rock, so she's going to win this one."
"You know it!" Lita said, as she stepped into the cage.
Vance raised his eyebrow as the cage rose in the air.
"Go!" Rhonda shouted.
"I'd just like to state," Tessa announced, "That I do not condone this act and believe we shouldn't even be participating in this."
"I'd just like to state," Seraphina mocked, "That no one gives a **** Tessa."
"This ain't right," Vance said. "I'm not gonna fight no girl!"
"Good," Lita replied, "then this will be easy."
Lita charged forward and tackled Vance into the cage's bars, then grabbed and twisted his arm.
"Agh!" Vance grunted, as he pushed Lita off. "Fine then, I'll fight ya!"
"Prove it cowboy!" Lita teased.
Vance charged forward…and ran right into Lita's fist, hitting him on the ground. He recoiled in pain as Lita backed up, ran forward, jumped and…
"Elbow drop!" Lita screamed.
"Have mercy," Vance whimpered.
After dropping him, Lita put Vance in a chokehold. "WOO! Sorry honey, but mama needs this win."
Lita released Vance…before she knocked him out with a punch from her right fist.
The Fireworks cheered as Lita blew kisses.
"You weren't kidding about that right hook," Riley cheered.
"Ooh," Xidorn winced, "you think Vance is okay?"
Bethany smirked. "I think he chipped a nail."
/
Eventually, once Vance regained consciousness, the team's gathered outside of a maze that the interns had constructed.
"First, you have to select someone to compete in the next challenge, no clues," Rhonda said, "At the same time, someone will do the next trial with our interns' project."
"It's the speed challenge," Griswold recalled.
"Me and my brother are on the track team," Easton said. "He'll probably compete for his team."
"Don't worry dude," Griswold said. "I'm sure your bro will be fine."
"I might as well do it," Tessa stated, "part of my Olympic training involves distance running and sprints."
"Sounds good, I can do that maze then," Riley said.
Weston and Tessa were chosen for the first challenge and lead away. Hayden and Riley stepped up for the next challenge.
"Our interns have finished the maze," Rhonda said. "However, you two won't be going in. Instead, you'll be standing on platforms and giving commands via headset to our co-hosts Jenny or Toby, who'll be in the maze blindfolded. First to get their person out, wins."
Hayden and Riley took their places and began.
"Alright Jenny," Hayden said, "take a right."
"Just one question," Jenny said, "which way is right again?"
"Well," Hayden said. "turn…turn…there go forward! Great job. Now turn again…"
/
"You're doing good man," Riley said. "Now hold on, I need to make my fingers into Ls to know my left or right. You ever to do that…"
/
"Straight forward for about teen feet till you get to a wall," Hayden said, "so be careful."
"I've actually explored a lot of mazes," Jenny said. "Usually I-"
"-Jenny I'd love to talk with you," Hayden said, "maybe schedule a psych session. But I need to win this challenge, so let's talk later, I promise. Now turn…"
/
"…And that's how I crashed my moped," Riley said. "You don't talk much Toby, what's your story?"
"I don't care about anything," Toby replied.
"That's chill brotato chip," Riley stated. "There's a lot of stress in the world, gives people a heart attack everyday."
"Hayden has won!" Rhonda announced.
"Whoops," Riley said.
Hayden hugged Jenny. "Thank you Jenny, you did wonderful."
"I always do," Jenny replied.
/
The newcomers gathered outside of the Lincoln Memorial again. Tessa and Weston walked in.
"I'm sorry you guys," Weston said. "It was close…but she beat me in the last second."
"Don't sweat it Weston," Bethany said. "You did your best."
"Exactly," Hayden said, "and we appreciate it; that's all we can ask for."
Weston nodded, but turned his head to the Fireworks, seeing his brother high-five Griswold.
"Now it's time for the final event," Rhonda said. "The Eagles lead by a point, but this event could decide it. You've all realized the trick behind these challenges, so you know this is an endurance event. Only one person on each team hasn't gone…"
"That's me," Melissa stated, stepping forward.
"Wait, whose are last member?" Ness asked.
"I am," that one guy said.
"Oh hey man, when did you get here?" Griswold asked.
"I've been here the whole time," Jonas said.
"Jenny, Toby," Rhonda said. "Would you care to show them what the endurance test is?"
Jenny snickered as the interns carried over covered bowls and Toby pulled out a blender.
"We've prepared a special recipe for you," Jenny said. "A special juice containing locally grown cockroaches, organic pigeon poop, old man sweat, just born maggots…and black licorice!"
The newcomers gasped in horror.
Weston fainted on Cynthia. "Black licorice; The horror! Won't someone think of the children!"
"I actually really like black licorice," Ness said.
Jenny pressed a button on the blender. "Each turn, you'll drink a small glass of this. Person who throws up or gives up first loses."
"You can do this Melissa," Aiden cheered.
Melissa held back a gag. "I'm sorry, I'll try but I don't have a strong stomach."
"How's your stomach dude?" Griswold asked.
"Average," Jasper replied.
Toby sat out little glasses as Jenny poured out the concoction.
Jasper stared at Melissa as he suddenly chugged a whole glass. He twitched but slammed the glass on the table.
"Tasty," Jasper coughed.
Melissa's eyes grew wide as she ran over to a trashcan and heaved in it.
The Fireworks cheered and whooped.
"With that," Rhonda said. "we have…a tie; six wins for the Fireworks, five for the Eagles plus their point lead."
"So now what?" Seraphina asked.
"Now," Rhonda replied, "you'll do the final test."
"Final test?" Ignacio asked.
"Don't you remember the last thing I mentioned in that speech?" Rhonda asked. "Teamwork. This will be a water challenge, cause we need to show some skin, so we went through your luggage and stole your swimsuits…it's not as creepy as it sounds. Oh, and by the way Ness; we were able to find your stuff."
Ness gasped and nearly broke down into tears as Lita patted her on the back.
Ness looked down towards the floor. "I've brought disaster as soon as I was born… I'm bad luck. Yet I'm chosen to be on one of the most popular reality shows of all time? I thought my luck might change if I was here. And it is; Total Drama might just be my good luck charm."
All the newcomers changed into their swimsuits, except for…
"Kalino!" Rhonda shouted. "Why are you naked?"
Kalino shrugged, not even bothering to cover up. "It took so much offer to get my clothes off, imagine how much it would take to put more on."
"Whatever," Rhonda sighed. "For the final challenge, you and your team will race back to the hotel. You can take a greased toboggan down a giant slip and slide maze! You'll..."
"Pardon, but how will we use a toboggan?" Ignacio asked. "I mean Washington is not on a hill. Without an incline, we have no gravity to propel the tobggan and-"
Ignacio blushed and froze when he noticed all the looks on him.
Rhonda blinked. "Uh...well, that's why Toby is going to glue wheels on it. And you'll use sticks to push it through the slip and slide."
Toby shook his head and sighed as walked off.
Rhonda cleared her throat. "Anyway, you'll have to navigate from the Lincoln Memorial all the way to the finish line back at the hotel. However you won't be going alone…"
Jenny walked over to the Eagles carrying a box as Toby did the same for the Fireworks.
Hayden opened the box. A featherless eagle chick popped its head out and screeched. Riley found an old, damaged firework in her team's box.
"Poor baby," Melissa said, as she took the eagle chick into her hands and nuzzled it.
"Each team must cross the finish line with their team's mascot," Rhonda clarified. "Now…GO!"
The teams dashed off.
"Aiden stand on the back of the toboggan," Hayden stated. "You know Washington best, you'll be our guide."
Aiden saluted as the Eagles took off.
"Hurry up, we're losing!" Tessa yelled as the Fireworks started.
"Oops I forgot to mention the obstacles on the course," Rhonda snickered with her co-hosts.
The Eagles dashed down the streets, turning street corners with rapid success.
"Nice job everyone," Hayden stated.
"Woo!" Bethany cheered, high-fiving Xidorn. "We are all killing it!"
"We aren't too far off," Aiden said. "In five or ten minutes we'll be there!"
/
The Fireworks however…
"We're slowing down!" Pascal announced as the Fireworks tilted from side to side.
"Thanks captain obvious," Tessa replied, nearly losing her stick.
"Wait, haven't we pasted Independence Avenue already?" Ness asked.
"Three times actually," Zipporah said.
/
At the same time, the Eagles passed another street corner.
"We're faster than a one-legged man in a butt-kicking competition!" Vance yelled.
"Is that fast?" Xidorn asked.
"Oh jeepers," Aiden yelled, "a brick wall straight ahead!"
"Left!"
The Eagles titled left and cheered as they swerved away from the wall.
/
As for the Fireworks…
"Brick wall!" Seraphina shouted. "We need to tilt-"
"Left!"
"Right!"
The Fireworks tilted…and crashed into the wall first face.
"Wow," Zipporah said spinning, "our teamwork is so good we can stir into a wall. Go Fireworks."
Seraphina looked up to see a street sign that read Independence Avenue.
"Ugh!" Seraphina sighed. "That's it, taxi!"
"What are you doing?" Tessa asked.
"Rhonda said we could use the slip and slide," Seraphina answered as she hailed a taxi. "Not that we have to. Cabbie, take us to the Pentagon Hotel."
"And step on it please!" Pascal shouted as he entered the taxi.
/
Like their namesake, the Eagles soared down the street.
"I see it!" Melissa cheered. "The hotel is just down this hill!"
"And them darn Fireworks ain't nowhere to be seen," Vance added.
Honk!
"Is that taxi riding us?" Xidorn asked.
In the taxi, the Fireworks were crammed into the back.
"Oh driver," Pascal said, "could you pretty, pretty, please run those children off the road? Please, with cinnamon and love on top?"
The taxi rammed into the toboggan.
"What the ****!" Xidorn shouted. "It's the Fireworks! They can't do that…can they?"
Bethany smirked. "Everybody, hold your ground and don't let them pass; if they want to play rough, we'll play rough! Go Eagles!"
"Go Eagles!" the team shouted as they swerved to the left and blocked the taxi.
Jenny, Toby and Rhonda watched from the finish line.
"I say we give this race an explosive ending," Jenny chuckled as she pressed a red button.
"Right!" Hayden yelled, as the Eagles blocked the taxi again.
Beep…beep…beep…
Aiden's eyes grew wide. "Um, does anyone else hear that…"
Tessa rolled down the window and stuck out her arm as the taxi tried to butt its way next to the sled.
"Yeah," Frannie replied. "It sounds like…"
An explosion went off, causing both teams to spin out of control and the taxi to lite on fire. Tessa grabbed Melissa's pigtail, yanking it as the explosion went off and causing the sweetheart to drop her team's mascot…right before they crossed the finish line.
The taxi crossed the finish line right after…and crashed into the side of the building.
"We did it!" Weston cheered.
"If by it you mean lose," Jenny said. "Then yes you did."
"Since the Eagles didn't carry their mascot across the finish line," Rhonda said, "the Fireworks win by default!"
Riley was the last one to stumble out of the taxi, still in the wall. "Woo! Default is the best fault to have."
Griswold's eyes grew wide. "Riley, where is the firew-"
Suddenly, the firework went off and the taxi blew up into a smoldering heap.
"Eh," Rhonda said, "we'll fix it later."
"This isn't fair!" Xidon stated. "They took a taxi!"
Rhonda beamed. "I was hoping someone would catch my loophole! Nice Fireworks."
Xidorn frowned. "I saw Tessa attack Melissa and force the eagle chick out of her hands."
"There wasn't a rule against it," Tessa stated as she swatted her ponytail in Xidorn's face.
"This is true," Rhonda said. "There was a rule against not having your mascot however."
Hayden grabbed Xidorn's shoulder. "Give it up bud, her mind is set; we're voting off someone tonight."
Jenny smirked. "Uh oh Hayden…"
If you remember," Rhonda said, "I said the winners of the first challenge get an extra special reward!"
"Oh goody goody good!" Pascal cheered.
"Aw jeez, they get that while we vote off one of our own," Aiden sighed.
"Not exactly," Rhonda said, "you see the Fireworks' reward is…they'll vote off the first member of your team tonight!"
A few of the Eagles (and Fireworks) gasped.
"What?" Xidorn said. "That's completely unfair!"
"Sorry, those are the breaks kid," Rhonda replied. "We'll vote in two hours; Fireworks I'd discuss this amongst yourselves and Eagles…it wouldn't be a bad idea pack your bags, just in case."
The Eagles were silent and didn't move as the Fireworks left, no longer cheering.
/
Diamonique sat down for a meal in the cafeteria and noticed Frannie biting her lemur's nails.
"Aren't you worried?" Frannie asked.
"Nah, this food seems edible enough," Diamonique replied.
"I meant about the votes," Frannie said. "We both won our challenges…we could be the first ones voted out."
"It's not us Frannie," Diamonique replied. "They'll go for the more obvious type, the ones that look stronger than us. We're too silly."
"Huh…I guess that's another perk of being a comedic relief character," Frannie said.
"Okay, sure," Diamonique said. "On the other hand, that's the same reason we could be targeted at a future vote. People will underestimate us."
"You think?" Frannie asked.
They will me at least," Diamonique replied. "Most people have my whole life."
"So what should we do?" Frannie asked.
"We got to try and show our stuff at challenges, " Diamonique said. "And we need to make friends, form alliances, get people to like us, trust us, then vote with us."
"Well," Frannie said, "I'm happy to know there is someone I can trust here."
Diamonique smiled. "Right back at ya' girl."
/
The Fireworks gathered together in Lita, Ness and Seraphina's room.
"Where's Tessa?" Easton asked.
"Dudette refused to meet in this room," Riley sighed.
"I'm kind of uncomfortable about this whole thing," Griswold admitted. "Feels…really mean."
"Maybe we should just ask the Eagles who'd they vote for," Ness suggested.
"You guys, we have a golden goose right here," Pascal stated. "This is our reward that we earned and we need to use it! It's part of the game."
"I kind of agree with Pascal," Seraphina admitted. "If we hadn't gotten lucky the Eagles would be doing the same to us. They nearly beat us. We need to make them weaker."
Pascal nodded. "Whose the first person on the Eagles you think of when you think of a threat?"
Everyone was quiet for a second.
"Bethany," Easton admitted.
"What?" Griswold stated.
"She is a big physical threat," Ignacio said.
"But she saved me from the scarabs!" Ness defended. "She doesn't deserve that…"
"My first thought was Hayden," Seraphina admitted. "He's become their leader after all."
"And that Brofessor's strong too," Riley added.
"Are we not going to mention Cynthia?" Lita asked. "She killed at the challenge…literally. I don't think I'd want to go against her in a challenge…or even just keep her around long."
"Even I find her eerie," Zipporah admitted.
"Everyone," Pascal said, "We all don't have to write down the same name, but I think we all know who needs to go…"
/
Xidorn trekked down the hall. He stopped when he heard crying. He turned and opened a closet to find Bethany.
"Hey," Xidorn said, "you okay?"
Bethany looked away, wiping her eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry."
"What do you have to be sorry about?" Xidorn replied.
"I don't know," Bethany replied. "I didn't want anyone to see me cry. My mom and dad always say only losers cry."
"Then I'm a pretty big loser," Xidorn replied. "I cry all the time; heck every time I see a rainbow I cry."
Bethany giggled. "It's just…I should have tried harder out there today."
"You tried your best," Xidorn said.
"My best wasn't good enough," Bethany said. "I'm worried…it could be me going home."
"You don't deserve to go home," Xidorn said. "I…I don't want you to go home. I know I can't change it, but I honestly don't believe it will be you."
"You never lie," Bethany replied.
"Exactly," Xidorn said.
Bethany sighed and sat down. "It's just…to be the first one out…I feel like you can never live that down. My parents wouldn't let me forget it…"
"What is up with your parents?" Xidorn asked, sitting next to her. "I'm sorry but to be honest they're bugging me."
"Okay," Bethany said. "Don't tell anyone but the truth is…my entire family are professional athletes."
"All of them?" Xidorn asked.
Bethany nodded. "My mom's a champion tennis player, my brother's on an NFL team and my dad is a Harlem Globetrotter. They put a lot of pressure on me; they don't even think shot put is a real sport!"
"Have they lifted one of those things?" Xidorn replied.
Bethany laughed. "Psh, not enough. They just expect first place out of me…and I might get last."
Xidorn hugged Bethany. "I think you're a winner."
Bethany sniffed. "Thanks."
/
At the same time, Aiden and Hayden were unpacking in their rooms.
"I'm worried," Aiden admitted.
"Hey," Hayden replied, "don't be. You're going to be just fine pal."
"I think I will," Aiden said. "I mean I lost the challenge. I'm worried about you."
Hayden froze. "Me? You think I'd be up for elimination?"
"If I had to vote one of us off," Aiden said, "you'd be high on the list."
Hayden gulped, but shook himself. "Hey, I'll be fine bud. Let's not waste time worrying about it; it's out of here hands now. We got to stay strong team, keep our chins up. Can you do that?"
Aiden smiled and nodded. "Will do sir!"
Aiden dashed off as Hayden watched and smiled. But as soon as Aiden was gone, Hayden sighed and fell on the bed. "It might actually be me..."
/
In Melissa and Cynthia's room, Cynthia polished her knives as Melissa entered carrying clothes.
"You're clothes are all nice and tidy," Melissa said.
Cynthia nodded, not looking up.
Melissa set them on a dresser. She looked in the mirror, sighing at her reflection.
Cynthia sat her knives down.
"I understand we have to vote someone off," Melissa said, "but this is different. At least we had the power to make a choice if we were voting. Now it could be someone who doesn't deserve it, like Aiden or Hayden or Xidorn or Bethany or Weston or Diamonique or Vance or Frannie or Kalino or…"
Cynthia stared.
"Everyone tried today," Melissa replied. "It's not fair for them to go. But I was deadweight out there. Maybe I should just volunteer to leave."
"You're being an idiot," Cynthia said. "You tried too. Sometimes, people lose."
"You're right Cynthia," Melissa replied. "I'm going to do a little baking. Care for anything?"
Cynthia shook her head, and began sharpening her knives again.
"Okay," Melissa replied. "And…thanks for listening Cynthia."
Cynthia didn't look up from her knifes.
"It could be me tonight," Bethany said. "I do have my alliance though. I talked to Pascal who said he was steering the vote away from me. I can't give up; I'm not a quitter. I've just got to keep my head held high."
"Aiden is right," Hayden said, "I might be going home tonight; which would suck. The other team hardly knows me…not sure if that's a good or bad thing. I hope if I do go my siblings aren't watching, I'd be so embarrassed to have their older brother be first out."
Cynthia stabbed a knife in the wall, turned to the camera…and then the feed went to static.
All the newcomers followed Rhonda inside a new room of the hotel.
"Welcome everyone to the Hotel's…Haunted Internet Café!"
They stepped into a well-lit, average looking Internet Café.
"Yeah…it was new edition," Rhonda admitted. "Still, you don't want to be here, because here is where our elimination ceremonies take place."
Rhonda pointed to a booth in the corner.
"Inside the voting booth in the corner," Rhonda explained, "you'll use the computer and select the Total Drama Genesis application. "
Zipporah frowned.
You'll be uploaded to your page," Rhonda continued, "where you'll see a section marked 'teammates'. You'll click on the icon of the person you want to cast a vote against. If their icon is 'gold' however, then their 'status' is invincible, and their icon is not clickable, meaning they've won invincibility."
"This all sounds like a product tie-in," Zipporah stated.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Rhonda replied. "Unrelated, for viewers at home you can go online and buy your own version as an app for your smartphone!"
"However you turds can save yourself even if you don't have invincibility," Jenny teased.
Rhonda nodded. "Hidden in this hotel are three flash drives, which you can connect to the computer before votes are cast. This can allow you to grant 'secret immunity' to someone, including yourself, and cancel out all their votes."
"The first two are team exclusive," Toby explained, "red for the Fireworks and blue for the Eagles. Only a member from that team can use that flash drive at an elimination ceremony."
"But," Rhonda said, "the golden flash drive can be used by anyone at any elimination ceremony! It's the ultimate lifesaver and yet the most well hidden of all the flash drives! It may never, ever even be found…"
Kalino chuckled as he held up the golden flash drive. "Sure Rhonda, sure."
For this elimination ceremony, all Fireworks will be able to vote for the Eagles," Rhonda explained. " Now, let's get to it."
The Fireworks nodded, and one by one went into the booth...
Zipporah cast her vote for Cynthia. "It's not that I'm scared of you or anything, you're just good in challenges. ...don't tell Cynthia I said that."
Riley cast her vote for Hayden. "Sorry man, I'm sure your cool. You have my respect for beating me in that challenge. Heck, if you made it far you'd seem like someone I'd want to win. Which is why I'm voting for you now. See ya Broda."
Easton cast his vote for Bethany. "You're an obvious threat. That's all there is to it. Sorry it has to be this way."
Seraphina cast her vote. "As long as it isn't me."
Pascal cast his vote. "Eenie...meanie...minnie...you. You're simply to big a threat to myself and I can't have you stopping my plans for winning. I won't sugar coat it; I'm enjoying I'll be able to make you the first one sent home. Better luck next time...if they ever invite you back."
"All the votes have been cast," Rhonda announced from behind a podium. "When I call your name, you will receive a cup of coffee, signifying your safety…for now. The person who does not get a coffee will become that most pathetic of God's creatures: the very first to be eliminated from an elimination game show. You will then exit through the Revolving Doors of Shame, and leave on the Public Transportation of Losers. "
The Eagles eyed the Fireworks, who sat and looked the other way.
"The first coffee goes to…Diamonique."
Diamonique smirked and caught her cup.
"Kalino. Frannie. Weston."
The three smiled; Weston winked at his brother.
"Xidorn…Vance…Melissa…"
Only Melissa failed to smile at catching her coffee.
"Aiden..."
Aiden sighed.
"The rest of you all received votes," Rhonda announced. "Bethany, you're a physically strong and have friends on both teams. Hayden, you've taken the leadership position easily. And Cynthia…"
Cynthia stared.
Rhonda yelped. "Um…yeah. However, one of you received the majority of the votes. The last two coffee cups go to…"
"…Cynthia and Hayden. Bethany, you're out."
Bethany stood up and sighed. "Good luck you guys; Go Eagles."
Not looking back, she exited the Revolving Doors of Shame.
Rhonda turned to the twenty-one newcomers, all who still had a shot. "I suggest you all get a goodnight's rest; it only gets harder from here."
Author's Note
With that, Genesis' premiere has ended. First things first, a shout-out to Gideoncrawle and The Legend of Total Drama Island. It's a great fanfic and I had a reference to it during elimination because it fit so well.
It's interesting reading these chapters I wrote as a senior in high school now as a senior in college. As a writer and a person I've changed a lot. Needless to say, I'm not very fond of these three chapters. Still, they had some moments I liked more than I expected re-visiting them.
With Bethany, I wanted a different first boot. Sort of an anti-Staci or Ezekiel or several similar OCs I've seen in other TD fics. You know, characters created to simply be annoying or one-dimensional. They're easy first boots and they're obvious. With Bethany I wanted to have a first boot who is strong in challenges, liked by others and had more to them. Someone who could have had a story if it wasn't cut short. Someone who all those positives ended up being their downfall.
In hindsight, Bethany is okay. She didn't click for a lot of people. Many readers felt it was obvious she'd be the first boot. Oops.
Overall, I still love this fic and hope you enjoyed reading this far. Most future chapters will be straight-forward challenges and eliminations per episode, so look forward to that. Thanks for reading!