That night after elimination, Toby and Jenny walked into their secret headquarters, seeing Rhonda curled into a ball on a rolly chair and muttering to herself.
Toby sighed. "What is causing you to have an existential crisis and reflect on the mistakes of your life this time?"
"The network moved our time slot," Rhonda wept. "We're airing at two on Saturdays!"
"They moved us to two p.m.?" Toby asked.
"No," Rhonda exclaimed. "Two a.m! No one will watch us at that time! That's a death sentence! We're as good as cancelled."
"Well, it was fun," Jenny said. "Except for all the parts I didn't like."
"We...I worked so hard for this!" Rhonda screamed. "Do you know what I had to do to get this job?"
Toby and Jenny groaned. "Not the Canada stories…"
"I had to work for Canadians to get this job!" Rhonda yelled. "I had to have Canadian speaking lessons! Every time we had a box of doughnuts, someone had to explain the life story of Tim Hortons to me and why we have that instead of Dunkin Doughnuts!"
"Your poor, poor child," Toby said.
Rhonda fell to the floor sobbing. "Oh god…oh god I'm a failure! Once again I failed to live up to my dreams…"
Toby gritted his teeth and very slowly put his arm on Rhonda's shoulder. "Come on Rhonda…there has to be something we can do."
"You're right," Rhonda said. "If we're stealthy, we can change our names and run away to Mexico to-"
"-No, not that," Toby replied.
"Yeah," Jenny said. "Me and Toby tried that once before and trust me, it did not work."
"There must be a way to save the show," Toby replied. "I'm sure people are streaming it if not watching it on TV. Total Drama has a big fandom."
"Yeah," Rhonda sniffled. "Tthe company still wants to hold on to the rights as long as they can, even if only to ensure others can't make money off it. We just have to prove we're worth a second season! We'll cut our budget, we'll do more product placement, jam in more celebrity cameos…whatever it takes."
"Really?" Jenny asked. "Because I have a few ideas…"
"What did you have mind?" Rhonda sighed.
Jenny smirked. "Lots of things."
"We did get people talking with your idea about Aiden before," Rhonda admitted.
"Have I ever let you down before?" Jenny asked.
"Every second of every day since I first met you," Toby replied.
"YOUR MOM!" Jenny yelled.
"Alright Jenny we'll try it," Rhonda stated. "Do you have plan?"
"A duh!" Jenny replied. "It'll just take a while…"
/
At the same time, Lita threw open the door to her room.
"I was getting worried when you didn't comeback," Ness said. "I know it's silly but…this hotel just gives me the heebie jeebies. You okay Lita?"
Lita hummed and twirled into the bathroom. "I'm more than okay; I'm wonderful. Girls…it happened!"
"Your time of the month?" Seraphina asked.
"No I start next week," Lita said. "I just got asked out on date!"
Ness gasped and hugged Lita. "That's so exciting!"
"Whose the lucky lad?" Seraphina said.
Lita smiled as she started to brush her hair. "Griswold; he's such a sweetheart."
"Gris?" Ness asked. "I know you thought he was cute, but you've never really talked about him. I didn't know you liked him."
"Why wouldn't I love Griswold?" Lita asked. "I mean he's funny, handsome, kind…honest. Everything you'd want in someone."
Seraphina looked down. "Yeah..."
"I'm a little jealous," Ness admitted. "But so happy! What should we call you guys; Grista or Litwold?"
"I'm happy with whatever," Lita admitted. "You know if I can find someone here, you two can definitely find someone."
"I'd always heard stories of people meeting on reality shows," Lita said. "They hang out, fall in love, date and end up getting married…like they found their soulmate. I thought if I joined maybe I'd find someone …and it actually happened! That feeling when you find someone to love, it just feels so great, like I could do anything."
"Yeah…someone honest," Seraphina whispered.
"Don't close your heart!"
"Seraphina!" Ness screamed as the psychic fell to the floor.
Ness and Lita grabbed Seraphina and brought her to the bed.
Lita ran her head over her forehead. "Doesn't feel like a fever…but we need to call first aid anyway."
"I'm fine," Seraphina said. "Just had a tired spell for a second."
"Don't give me that honey," Lita said.
"Really I'm fine," Seraphina insisted.
"Is it… your powers?" Ness asked.
Seraphina looked away. "Yeah…they've been crazy lately. I think it's this place…they act up a lot here."
"If its spirits talking to you," Ness said, "then I guess hotel must have a strong connection with them…or just a lot of ghosts."
Lita shivered and hugged Seraphina. "Is there anything we can do to help?"
"You mean besides giving me a room and putting up with me?" Seraphina said.
Ness laid next to Seraphina on the right. "You're not a burden Seraphina; we're glad we're roomies and friends."
"Then that's all I need," Seraphina replied.
Meanwhile in another room, Pascal was pacing on the floor while Kalino played games on an old Gamecube.
"I can't believe they voted off the goth tonight!" Pascal exclaimed. "The goth is never suppose to go home this early."
"Who did you vote for again?" Kalino asked.
"Ignacio," Pascal replied.
"Why?" Kalino asked.
"The hot guy always usually gets out around this time," Pascal replied. "I hadn't really heard anything, so I assumed that was the plan! It makes more sense than getting rid of the goth!"
"Mannnnnnnnnnn," Kalino said, "are you telling me you're surprised your team voted off someone who never talked to them and hated everything?"
Pascal stared. "When you put it like that..."
Kalino shrugged. "Woahhhhhhh, do I get Vivian this chapter?"
Pascal slumped into his bed. "At least things can't get any worse."
"Don't jinx it," Kalino replied.
/
Early that next morning, many of the newbies gathered in the dining hall. Melissa was in the kitchen making everyone pancakes. Tiptoeing out of the kitchen, she laid a plate in front of Aiden, who sat across from Hayden.
Melissa kissed Aiden on the cheek. "Good morning my little shmoopy puppykins."
Aiden turned red. "Good morning Melissa. Gee wilkers, this breakfast sure looks scrumptious…"
Aiden looked down at the heart shape pancakes with a smiley face made out of berries.
Hayden giggled. "You two are adorable, glad it finally happened."
Aiden and Melissa blushed. "Yeah…"
Melissa turned back to kitchen, but not before Aiden kissed her on the cheek in return.
/
At a nearby table, Frannie sat alone.
"Care to share a meal?" Kalino asked as he gave her a plate of heart pancakes.
"I'm not that hungry," Frannie said. "You're up earlier than usual."
"I'll take a siesta in the afternoon," Kalino replied. "I uh... wanted to start my day off with you."
Frannie blushed. "Thanks. Hey I was thinking...who are we planning on voting off if we lose?"
Kalino shrugged. "Whoever is the most convenient at the time. I think our alliance needs more people to have fire power though. Do you think you can get Melissa and Cynthia on board?"
"I don't know," Frannie said. "I don't really talk to them anymore."
"Really?" Kalino asked. "Why not?"
Frannie shifted her eyes. "I've figured out how Diamonique went home."
Kalino gulped. "Really?"
"Melissa and or Cynthia voted her off!" Frannie replied. "I mean we had ten people; you, me, Diamonique, Melissa and Cynthia. That would make half of the votes; Diamonique and Aiden would be tied."
"I actually never about about that before," Kalino said, "According to Pascal when the votes were tied in the original, there was a tiebreaker challenge."
Frannie nodded. "That's the rumor going around. But there wasn't a tiebreaker, so one of them had to flip more than a sandal wearing dolphin! I mean Diamonique didn't vote herself off. I didn't vote for her. I know you wouldn't vote her off Kalino; you're the most trustworthy person here."
Kalino looked down. "Yup, I sure am worthy of trust... Sorry to bring this all up Fran The Man."
"Nah, we need to plan ahead if we don't want to end up getting a kick to our keisters," Frannie said. "I just wish I could make it up to Diamonique. And watching Aiden so happy with Melissa...it was suppose to be Diamonique here."
I'm not one for revenge or anything," Kalino said, "but maybe at the next vote we should teach them how it feels to lose a friend…"
/
Later, Ignacio was walking down the hallways when…
"You jerk!" a girl screamed, as Vance dodged a vase she hurled. "It's bad enough to schedule a date as the same time as ours, but with my sister?"
"How in Sam Hill was I suppose to know that was your sister?" Vance shouted.
A girl identical to the other stepped out of his room. "We're twins you nitwit!"
"What can I say?" Vance replied while tugging at his collar. "You're just as hot as billy goat's ass in a paper patch."
The girls hissed and chased after the cowboy. Vance ran beside Ignacio and shoved him into the girls before ducking into a doorway.
Ignacio blushed as he landed on top of the twin girls and brought them to the floor.
The twins smirked. "Oh...hello there."
Ignacio jumped up. "I...my fault...no...I…"
The twin girls stepped towards Ignacio. "You ever been with twins before?"
Ignacio gulped and bolted with the girls chasing after him. "Why does this always happen to me."
/
Inside a room, Vance sighed. "I think I lost them."
Xidorn raised an eyebrow. "They must have been pretty scary."
Vance jumped. "What are you doing here?"
"This is my room," Xidorn replied. "And from what I heard, I take it you're hiding from a bad date?"
"Dates," Vance corrected.
"Well, I'm happy to hide you," Xidorn said. "Griswold's gone out for his date with Lita."
Vance snapped his fingers. "Shucks. I guess I'll let the mountain man date her; she's not really my type."
"Because she beat you in a fight?" Xidorn asked.
Pssh, of course not," Vance gawked. "I let her win obviously, didn't want to hit a girl. If I wanted her, I'd have. Ain't no creature I can't tame."
Xidorn shrugged. "If you say so. Hey, did you ever figure out that issue with the book about tracking?"
"Uh...of course I did!" Vance replied.
"Oh," Xidorn said, "I was reading up on how to track and trap animals if you need any help."
"Really?" Vance asked.
"To be honest," Xidorn said, "I figured you need more than one person if it's a big animal."
"Well uh...I obviously don't need help," Vance said. "I mean I've captured animals on the farm since I was a midget. But you know if you really want to see a pro show you how it's done, I'd be happy to."
"Sure," Xidorn said. "I don't have anything else going on right now."
"Uh, well I'm hankering for some lunch actually," Vance said. "So it'll have to be another time. Like I said, I ride alone."
Xidorn shrugged. "Alright. Good luck on the dusty road 'partner'."
Vance opened the door but stopped. "But I mean...if you want a few quick tips on tracking, you can come with me."
Xidorn jumped up. "To be honest I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
"It's not as great as you'd think," Vance replied. "Trust me."
/
Easton tiptoed into the kitchen, shifting his eyes to make sure he was unseen. He came in through the serving hatch, where Melissa was stirring a bowl of marshmallow fluff.
"Good afternoon Easton," Melissa greeted. "I was just making marshmallow bunny treats. Would you care for one?"
"Bunnies?" Easton asked.
Melissa nodded. "I love bunnies! I find fluffiness therapeutic. That's why I love kitties too, and koalas and puppies and ducklings…Ooh! Maybe I should make a zoo of little marshmallow baby animals."
"Before you do that," Easton continued, "I wanted to ask you a question."
"It'd be my pleasure to answer it," Melissa replied.
"You room with Cynthia," Easton said. "What's she like?"
"Cynthia is a dear!" Melissa replied.
Easton raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Melissa smiled. "She's really great at listening and helping with problems. And she's so driven too. Why?"
"Don't tell my brother," Easton whispered, "but he said Cynthia is his best friend. I wanted to make sure he's okay; he's not getting in with the wrong crowd…or worse. Have you seen them hanging out?"
"Oh dear, Cynthia's never mentioned it," Melissa admitted. "We usually hang out together, but she is quiet and goes by herself a lot…I suppose she could be meeting Weston…"
"I don't know it," Easton said. "It seemed silly, but Cynthia doesn't seem like the type of person to want to hang out with Weston…or anyone."
"You think?" Melissa asked.
Easton nodded. "I'm trusting you here Melissa, so please keep me updated if you notice anything. And please don't tell anyone…my team couldn't do that for me the last time."
"I promise," Melissa replied.
Easton tiptoed away as Melissa looked down at her marshmallow fluff, which she accidentally spilled on the counter.
"I never thought about it before," Melissa admitted. "But, could I have forced Cynthia into being my friend? I thought she was alone and needed a friend, but what if just been annoying her? What if she doesn't want me around, but is too nice or afraid to say something? That couldn't be true…right?"
Griswold ran up to the others, with Lita trailing behind. "You guys will never guess who we met at our date at the mall!"
Riley smirked. "Date? How'd it go lovebirds?"
"Wonderful," Lita sighed.
Griswold blushed. "It was awesome…"
"Wait, what's this about meeting someone?" Ignacio asked.
"Oh yeah, is Pascal around?" Griswold asked.
"He's over there by the painting with the moving eyes," Seraphina stated, pointing to Pascal chatting with Ness. "Why?"
"We have a surprise for him," Griswold explained.
/
"…So there I was on the motorcycle," Pascal explained. "When out of nowhere this giant chicken-"
A deep laugh rang out, sounding simultaneously like snorting and wheezing.
Pascal froze. "No."
"What's wrong?" Ness asked.
"Pascy-Wascy…"
"Dear god…it can't be…"
Pascal felt deep breathing on his neck as he turned around to see a short girl standing behind him. She wore a red sweater and thick-framed glasses on her potato like nose, with her black hair in a messy bun.
"Amanda Pickelstein," Pascal whispers to himself.
The girl tackled Pascal to the ground. "Oh my god, Pascal! It's me Mandy, Amanda Picklestein? Remember? Huh? Remember? Remember, Remember, we met on that reality show and become best friends and we were in the finale and I beat you and I won a hundred thousand dollars? Remember that? That was so long ago I remember it like it was yesterday! Do you remember?"
Pascal's eye twitched as he forced a smile. "How could I forget?"
I'm like so excited to see you!" Mandy went on. "It's been so so so so so so so so long, like since the show ended! I know we promised to hang out, so I tried texting, and calling and emailing and using a carrier pigeon to contact you! But I never heard a reply? Isn't that crazy? So so so..."
"Well I've just been busying touring and…" Pascal said.
"…I even went to all your concerts to try and see you but I could never get backstage? Isn't that crazy? I think its crazy! I heard about you being on this show in Washington, which is so crazy, and I always wanted to see Mt. Rushmore and Yosemite Park and I thought maybe by fate (or destiny), I'd run into you! And I met your cute friends and they brought me here and now I'm talking to you! Isn't that crazy? So how are you Pascy-Wascy, having a good time? You look good (your body still looks totally able to make babies) and OHMYGOD you're wearing the hat I gave you! Isn't that crazy? Have you made lots of friends? Ibetyou'vemadelotsoffriendslikehowwebecomefriendsremember, RememberwhenIpeedintheriverwhenwewereattherivetheoneontheshowisn'tthatcrazyblahblahblablah….
"Ahem," Ness coughed. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting…her."
Pascal turned around. "Oh yes, where are my manners. Ness this is Amanda Pickelestien; Pickelstein this is my good friend Ness."
"You can call me Mandy," Mandy wheeze-snorted.
Seraphina jumped in front of Mandy and shook her hand. "So nice to meet you Mandy! Pascal is always talking about you, always telling stories about you."
"Really?" Mandy asked. "Oh Pascy-Wascy!"
Pascal grabbed Mandy's shoulders and pushed her towards the door. "It was so great seeing you Mandy, but we've got a challenge coming up and I know you're busying being in first place so-"
"-Oh," Mandy said, "yeah you're probably super busy with this new show and new experiences and new friends; I wouldn't want to intrude. I'll just be going…"
"Wait," Seraphina stated. "I could not live with myself if I let you leave now. I think I speak for the whole team when I say, we'd love to have Mandy around."
"The more the merrier!" Griswold stated as the others nodded.
"Really?" Mandy asked.
"But wait," Ness said, "um…well you probably can't stay in the city for too long, can you Mandy?"
"Oh yeah," Mandy stated, "My hotel reservation ends today. I have to catch a flight home tonight."
Pascal snapped his fingers. "Aw darn…oh well, nice knowing you Amanda!"
"Now wait," Seraphina said, "I mean the thought of you and Mandy reuniting just brings me joy, Pascal!"
Pascal's eye twitched. "It would, wouldn't it?"
Seraphina smiled and nodded. "Now if only there was a place Mandy could stay; maybe something close by, with a bed…like a hotel…"
"WE'RE IN A HOTEL!" Mandy exclaimed.
"Oh yeah, we are in a hotel," Seraphina 'gasped'.
"Why don't you stay here Mandy?" Griswold asked. "There are plenty of rooms."
"I don't think Rhonda would allow that," Pascal said.
/
Thirty seconds later…
"I don't know if I can allow that," Rhonda stated. "I mean I can't give away rooms willy nilly."
Pascal exhaled.
"Not even for a celebrity?" Seraphina said. "I mean I'm sure Mandy would do cameos for the show in exchange for a room."
Rhonda gasped. "Celebrity cameos!"
/
Thirty more seconds later…
"Here's your room key Mandy!" Rhonda stated. "Right across from Pascal's room!"
"YAY!" Mandy cheered.
"Yay," Seraphina laughed.
"Yay…" Pascal cried.
"Yay." Ness gritted.
"Am I mad that Amanda Picklestein has followed me here just so she can stop me from winning this show, the show I've dreamed about winning since I was young?" Pascal asked. "And by doing so would crush all of my dreams and once again lord over me that she's a winner? Hardly! Ha. Where would you get that idea?"
"I'm probably overreacting," Ness said. "I mean sure Amanda and Pascal were close before, but that doesn't mean they're interested in other, right?. It's not like I have a chance with Pascal anyway."
That night, Xidorn was up watching movies as usual.
"Hey," Seraphina said. "Mind if I join you?"
"Of course not," Xidorn replied. "I'm just watching Space Bigfoot 5: Revenge of The Loch Ness Monster."
Seraphina sat next to Xidorn on the couch. "The best one."
"Right?" Xidorn said. "I mean the camerawork is underrated."
Seraphina giggled. "So listen…is there anyway I can still see the Invaders remake with you?"
"I'm actually going to go see it Sunday with Vance," Xidorn admitted.
"Oh…" Seraphina said. "You and Vance are close?"
"We've actually gotten friendlier," Xidorn stated. "But I don't have plans for Saturday, if you want to go to a midnight premiere?"
"Yeah, I'd love to!" Seraphina replied.
"I thought you weren't big on theatres?" Xidorn stated.
"I'm not," Seraphina said, "But I've been thinking and …I've never really wanted to be close to people; I felt people hated me for being a psychic, or use me for my abilities, so it'd be better to be alone. I mean no one could understand what I was going through, what I saw, so what's the point in trying to get close to people?
"But being on this show...I realize I do want people in my life. So what if there are other people in theatres; all that matters is someone I like is there. I like you Xidorn, and I don't want to pass up the chance to know you or...be with you.. "
Xidorn smiled. "I like you too Seraphina, a lot. I love spending time with you, talking to you...The truth is I've had a crush on you since you beat me in the first challenge. Do you want to make that movie...a date?"
Seraphina blushed. "I've never dated anyone...but I want to. Let's make it a date!"
The two leaned in close, before Xidorn pulled back and let go of Seraphina's hands. "Seraphina, you know...I'm transgender."
"Yeah, so what?" Seraphina asked, holding his hands again. "You're also honest, kind...and have 'great' hair."
Xidorn laughed. "You're amazing."
The two leaned into and kissed.
Screech!
"Ooh, Space Bigfoot and Robbie Nessie Jr. are fighting!" Xidorn exclaimed.
"This is the best part," Seraphina said.
The two quickly kissed, then turned back to the TV screen, still holding hands…
/
That afternoon, Hayden had gathered most of the Eagles together for lunch and a 'daily' check up on their mental health. Kalino strolled in and rested his head on the table.
"There you are Kalino," Hayden said. "I was getting worried buddy."
"Mannnnn I was just enjoying a nap," Kalino said. "Not sure why we have these team check ups now."
"To make sure this show isn't taking a toll physically or psychologically," Hayden stated. "You know sleeping all day isn't good for your health."
"Its not healthy to worry so much dude," Kalino replied.
"I'm just concerned little guy," Hayden said. "You are a lot smarter than you seem Kalino; I've recognized that. I think you should recognize that as well."
Kalino raised an eyebrow. "If you say so."
Hayden put his hand on Kalino's shoulder. "You have tons of potential. If you pushed yourself and worked harder you could accomplish a lot with your life."
Kalino removed Hayden's hand and stood up. "Thanks for the advice mom, but I'm good."
Kalino walked off, with Frannie following him soon after.
"What did I say?" Hayden asked.
/
Soon, Frannie found Kalino meditating in the library. She sat down next him.
"Are you okay?" Frannie asked.
"People like that just annoy me," Kalino admitted. "I mean why should I be trying harder; pushing myself harder and harder…for what? Stress and unhappiness? Never feeling satisfied? Always telling myself I have to try harder? Always waiting for that moment I feel my life's choices were validated, when I feel all the misery was worth it? That's not living. That's not what I want for my life."
Frannie rested her head on Kalino's shoulder.
"Sorry Fran I didn't mean to get worked up," Kalino replied. "But dude should just mind his own business, let me."
"Kalino, what do you want for your life?" Frannie asked. "Not to be too personal…but you never say what…"
Kalino shrugged. "I…I don't know…I guess all I want is a carefree life. But the only people who could do that are the mega super rich."
"If only we were rich," Frannie sighed. "Then we'd have no problems."
"I've been thinking," Kalino stated. "We're in an alliance but there is nobody who I want in the Final 2 more than you. So let's make a deal."
"A deal?" Frannie asked.
"We both have things we need with the money," Kalino said. "So if one of us wins, we split it; a million for each of us."
"You'd be willing to share the prize money with me?" Frannie asked.
"A million sounds like plenty to live off," Kalino replied. "More important, you need the money to keep your circus open. A place that spreads laughter and cheer shouldn't close down mannnnnnnn."
Frannie glomped Kalino. "That's the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me. Let's do it. Let's be the final two!"
/
In the mess hall, the Fireworks were talking amongst themselves. Pascal, with bags under his eyes, slumped into a seat.
"Are you alright Pascal?" Ness asked.
"Uhh...I'm just a teeny weeny bit exhausted," Pascal replied. "Amanda Picklestein has worn me out."
Ness frowned.
"I still can't believe we met a famous reality show contestant like her," Griswold said.
Pascal glared.
"Hey dudes," Riley stated, "is anyone else seeing that outside the window?"
Everyone turned to see snow falling outside. Rushing towards the window, The Fireworks could see everywhere, from the buildings to the fire hydrants to the gargoyle statues, was coated in snow.
Ness gasped. "It's a Winter Wonderland! Like a…Christmas miracle!"
"It's not Christmas," Seraphina pointed out.
"What about the tradition of Christmas in July?" Griswold asked.
"It's still June Gris," Seraphina replied. "I'm not saying it isn't a miracle, but Christmas? It's probably a…"
"All contestants report to the lobby!" Rhonda announced.
"…challenge."
/
The teams gathered in the lobby, where Rhonda, Jenny and Toby wore hideous sweaters.
"As you've probably noticed the weather is a bit mixed up," Rhonda stated. "But the challenge isn't snowed out; its snowed in!"
"What does that even mean?" Ignacio asked.
"It means today is a snow themed challenge okay!" Rhonda shouted. "Here, take some snow jackets."
The Eagles received blue jackets, while the Fireworks received red jackets.
"Toby fixed up some old wood chippers and paper shredders into snow machines," Rhonda explained. "With these and a lot of old AC units and fans, we've closed the block and turned this place into a winter wonderland."
"You made it snow in summer Tobdog?" Riley asked. "Nice bro!"
Toby and Riley pound fists.
Rhonda raised her eyebrow. "Ahem, if I may finish. For this challenge we need each team to pick a leader, who will have to make decisions for this challenge."
"I'll take charge," Hayden stated, stepping forward. "I am the oldest."
"And the biggest weenie," Frannie whispered to Kalino.
"Good choice Eagles," Jenny praised.
"Who's going to go for us?" Griswold asked.
"My votes for you Teddy Broosevelt," Riley said.
"Me?" Griswold asked. "You think I should be the leader?"
"You are the most perfect choice," Lita swooned.
"I'd trust you to do an amazing job," Easton stated as he patted his back.
"Okay," Griswold gulped. "Then I guess I'll do it."
"I'm a lineman in football," Griswold stated. "My job is to be a wall. The quarterback is sort of the head honcho. I've never really been a leader before. But I guess it's worth a shot…"
Griswold and Hayden followed Jenny and Toby into another room.
"The two of them will make decisions such as about your snow fort," Rhonda stated. "A snow fort you'll use in today's' classic challenge; capture the flag! Simply steal the other team's flag and place it in your fort. However, we only have a few hours to do this before Washington shuts us down. If time is up and we don't have a winner, whoever flag is farthest away loses."
/
Eventually the teams were driven by Jenny or Toby in pickup truck. The snow machines shot out flurries of snow and made Washington seem like it was in a snowstorm.
"I can't even say my hand in front of my face!" Weston exclaimed as Jenny dropped off the Eagles outside a castle made of snow. Hayden waited outside and rushed in after his teammates.
"I've been debriefed on the challenge," Hayden said. "Likewise, I've chosen the location of our snow fort in the perimeters of the challenge; we're as far south as you can get, against the wall."
"So where are the Fireworks?" Aiden asked.
"Each of us was privately shown a map and had to decide our fort's location on the map," Hayden replied. "The Fireworks' fortress could be anywhere on that map, a straight path from this wall to another."
"So it's like a needle in a haystack," Vance said.
"Not quite," Hayden said. "These forts are huge! The Fireworks are just as blind as us in this snowstorm; we'll see their fort before the Fireworks see us in the snow."
"Doesn't that mean the same thing happens when they come to our fort?" Weston asked.
Hayden nodded. "True, but our castle's location is why we have a time advantage."
"Oh golly I get it!" Aiden exclaimed. "Given our location, we just have to go in one direction, north, and we'll eventually run into the fort!"
"Exactly," Hayden replied. "We'll split into two groups; a hunting party and someone to keep the castle safe. I've chosen for us to have extra ammunition, so we can pelt any intruders."
Hayden pointed to a huge pile of pre-made snowballs.
"Everyone needs to have a partner and stay with them at all times," Hayden stated.
"But we're already in two groups," Vance said.
"The buddy system never fails!" Hayden exclaimed. "It'll keep us safe, especially if we get separated. As the leader, I'll be on my own and lead the hunters."
Melissa smiled. "Well if I can I'd like to go with my friend-"
"-I'll take Weston," Cynthia stated.
"Eee!" Weston squeed, as he jumped into Cynthia's arms.
Melissa raised an eyebrow. "Oh, well in that case I'll go with someone else."
Aiden grabbed her hand and the two both blushed.
"To be honest," Xidorn stated. "Vance and I have been working on tracking, we could help in the hunt."
Vance's eyes grew wide. "Uh…"
"Sounds like a great plan," Hayden stated. "You two and Weston and...Cynthia will go hunting with me. Your four, stay guard here with snowballs ready."
/
At the same time, The Eagles discussed their plans.
"So that's the uh basics yeah," Griswold said. "We were given the choice between ammunition or an extra floor to the fort, so I choose the extra floor for defense. I mean if it comes down to it, it's whose flag is the farthest that loses. We need a strong defense."
"Nice thinking Gris Bear," Riley said. "So what's our game plan?"
Griswold smiled. "Like I said, we need a strong defense. So me, Lita, Ignacio and Riley will guard the flag, as the most muscular and or biggest fighters. Seraphina, Easton, Pascal and Ness, you're the fastest or smallest, so you'll sneak in and steal the flag."
"Seems like a good enough plan," Seraphina stated.
"Before we split," Griswold said, "I just want you to tell you guys, I know we got this. We've had our troubles, but we're a team and I believe in everyone of us. I think the Eagles have gotten a little too used to be up on top and forget who they're against. Today, we'll remind them! Go Fireworks!"
"Go Fireworks!" The team cheered, before departing.
"Griswold if I may propose a suggestion?" Ignacio asked.
"Sure brah, what's up?" Griswold asked.
"I was thinking we should try and create a barricade out of snow around the door," Ignacio stated. "We can compact the snow outside for use."
"Nice!" Griswold said. "It'll wear them down to push through layers of snow, and gives us a warning. Let's do it! Hey, you wouldn't happen to have any ideas on how to make a cannon would you?"
"Cannon?" Ignacio asked.
"I thought it'd be useful to fire snow at the Eagles when they're outside our gate," Griswold suggested. "Like with a cannon."
"I suppose if I had the proper materials, even household objects, I could theoretically create a snowball making and firing mechanism," Ignacio replied.
"Dude, go dumpster diving!" Riley suggested. "I bet that could have something useful."
"That might produce sufficient resources," Ignacio stated. "I can smell garbage from here. I'd need a hand, but I could do it."
"Okay," Griswold said, "Lita do you think you could help Ignacio out?"
Lita winked. "Don't want me distracting you, huh? Sure, I can help Iggy out."
Griswold blushed as the two ran out to the trash.
/
The hunting Eagles were out on patrol, without much luck.
"I'm not picking up any signs anyone's been this way," Hayden admitted. "No tracks, nothing moved...just perfectly laid snow."
"Hey look!" Weston exclaimed. "I found footprints! Right behind us!"
"Those are our footprints you moron," Vance stated.
Cynthia turned to Vance, who yelped and backed away.
"I'm not even finding signs of any Fireworks on the move," Xidorn said.
"Hey Cynthia," Weston whispered. "Are you cold?"
"I'm outside in a snowstorm," Cynthia replied.
"Oh yeah," Weston replied, "I was just thinking, if you want to be warmer, you can borrow my jacket!"
"You'll freeze to death without it," Cynthia stated.
"Uh, yeah," Weston sighed.
Cynthia pushed herself against Weston.
Weston blushed. "Hehehe...you okay Cynthia?"
"We can share body heat like this," Cynthia stated. "We'll both stay warm."
Weston hugged Cynthia. "Sounds like a great plan to me."
/
As Griswold and Riley packed the snow, Lita and Ignacio brought in some garbage.
"Old spoons could scoop some snowballs and ah, some discarded wheels could make a conveyor belt…"
"How are you so scientific?" Lita asked.
Ignacio blushed yet smiled. "I've always had an interest in science since I was little. It's a marvelous thing, being able to explain the world. Truth is I've always wanted to be a science teacher, like for high school. Maybe even a college professor. Doesn't pay as well at the model bussin-"
"-Don't talk like that honey," Lita interrupted. "If it's what you want to do, you need to do it. I bet being professor pays pretty well at the right college."
"Maybe," Ignacio said. "But I make more in a month than my father makes in a year. My parents were very poor in Chile, spent their life savings to immigrant here so their kids would have a better life. They don't speak a lot of English. We've been very poor. I guess looks fade...might as well make money while I can."
"I understand," Lita replied. "Really family lives in a ghetto. We don't even own a TV. It use to be real bad but when my brother was born...well that's not important."
"Thanks for understanding Lita," Ignacio replied. "What about you? What are your plans for your future?"
"Me?" Lita asked. "I...I guess I always dreamed of getting married, being a housewife, having lots of kids to love and being a good mother."
"That's a noble idea," Ignacio replied. "Raising children is a full-time job. One of the most important jobs there is."
"It should be," Lita replied. "Anyway, will this contraption work?"
Ignacio replied by flinging a snowball at Lita...right in her cleavage.
Ignacio blushed. "I...I'm not...that aimed for your face, I was looking at your face."
Lita laughed. "You're fine. I know you're not a pervert. Wish you could build something to heat up this place."
"Well...I suppose I could," Ignacio said. "It maybe theoretically snowing here, but its still a hot summer's day. They're keeping this snow cold with fans, but if we harness the sun's rays we could melt it."
"We'd need to reach the sun first," Lita replied. "Like a really high rooftop…where you could see the whole block, even the other fort!"
"Exactly!" Ignacio replied. "We could build a machine that can melt their fort, which we could see from the roof. Let's tell Gris our findings and get to it!"
/
At the Eagles' fort, the four guards were shoveling in the snow.
"Why are we doing this again?" Frannie asked.
"It's a trench," Aiden replied. "I figure it'll be another obstacle for when the Fireworks come and serve as a warning to start firing."
"A brilliant plan by sweet boobear," Melissa stated as she snuggled a blushing Aiden.
"Just avoid the special snow our 'guest' left behind mannnnnnnn," Kalino stated.
/
Another hour or so passed and the Fireworks were still in the snow.
"I think we've been going in circles," Easton said.
"How can you tell?" Ness asked.
"We've passed that old lady on a bench five times," Easton stated.
"Hello!" a familiar looking old lady greeted from a bench.
"Oh Pascy Wascy!" a voice called.
"Not now…" Pascal mumbled.
/
At the same time in the Fireworks fortress…
"Well that snow should serve as really strong defense," Riley stated. "You're a great captain Gris Bear."
"Aw geez it's nothing," Griswold replied. "Wouldn't be doing it without your nomination."
"Say, why did you choose this location?" Riley asked.
/
On a nearby roof of a skyscraper, Lita and Ignacio set up mirrors. Using binoculars made from empty soda bottles, Ignacio scanned the city.
"Do you see the Fireworks' fortress?" Lita asked.
"Wait a minute…"
/
The Eagles hunting party stared at a wall with graffiti of Obama and Trump making out.
"I didn't know they were a couple," Weston said. "Good for them!"
"We scoured this whole place for hours and haven't found a durn thing!" Vance yelled. "I mean where haven't we looked?"
"To be honest…"
/
"...Who knows about processed cheese?" Mandy asked. "Oh and can you believe the weather we're having in Washington? In the summer? A blizzard, and not the one with M&Ms! Isn't that crazy? I mean I love Dairy Queen-"
"-It's part of the challenge," Pascal stated.
"Ooh!" Mandy said. "That explains those other nice contestants snow bathroom I used earlier."
"Wait," Pascal said, "Amanda you went in the Eagle's snow fort?"
"Do you think you could do us a favor and tell us where you saw it?" Seraphina asked.
"Wouldn't that be cheating?" Mandy asked.
Pascal smirked. "Rhonda doesn't have a rule against it."
"Then no problemo romeo!" Mandy replied. "See, I got lost looking for a bathroom because I ate so much bran cereal this morning, and do you like bran cereal cause there's are so many varieties of bran cereal, isn't the crazy? Some with raisins, some with bana-"
"-Mandy," Seraphina interrupted. "You were telling us about the fort, please."
"Oh yeah," Mandy recalled and pointed south. "It's right against that wall."
Pascal sighed. "Mandy, our team is the Fireworks, you know that right? Because our fort is against that wall."
Ness raised an eyebrow. "You don't think…"
/
"...See I put it against the wall because we'd have a straight path to the opposite team," Griswold stated. "Make it easy to find them in this blizzard; a castle would stick out."
"Well isn't it strange we've heard nothing?" Riley asked. "I mean maybe Lita and Ignacio will see it. I just feel like it's been under our nose…"
/
...the only place we haven't been is back to our fort," Xidorn stated. "Which is against a somewhat lengthy wall."
Hayden raised an eyebrow. "Do you really think what you're implying?"
"Think what?" Vance and Weston said in unison.
"The fort could be anywhere on the map," Cynthia stated.
Vance and Weston looked at each other and shrugged…
/
"...Wow," Lita said, as she looked through the binoculars.
"Yup," Ignacio replied.
The camera panned down to show the Fireworks snow fort...then panned out to reveal the Eagles' fortress is only a few feet away.
"I'm ashamed of all us," Ignacio stated.
/
Soon, most of the others had figured it out, except maybe Vance and Weston, and were running back to their forts.
"Let's tell Griswold and the others what's up," Ness suggested. "With our extra floor, we might be able to jump onto their roof, get in their castle and steal their flag!"
"Nice thinking Ness," Seraphina stated.
"Really!" Mandy cheered.
"Why are you following us?" Pascal asked.
"I insisted," Seraphina said. "I want to give you two as much time as possible to reconnect."
Pascal's eye twitched. "You're too kind."
/
The Fireworks arrived at their fort and the Eagles came soon after.
"Look!" Xidorn shouted and pointed at a sun beam hitting their fort, which was slowly melting.
"We've got to warn the others," Hayden said. "I fear this is the Fireworks' plan. Weston, you and your partner go ahead and start for the flag."
"They may have the sun," Weston stated, "but we have something just as strong; a Cynthia."
Cynthia revved up her chainsaw and stormed the Fireworks' fortress.
"Let's get a getting!" Vance yelled. "Tally hoooooo-ah!"
Vance face planted into the trench.
"Fire!" Aiden yelled as a barge of snowballs went out.
"Ahh, what kind a snow is brown!" Vance yelled.
"I told you not to use it brah," Kalino said.
"They're outside!" Riley shouted. "Activate the snow scopper dopper!"
Ignacio's contraption went off, firing even more snowballs at the Eagles.
/
In the Fireworks fort, Cynthia and Weston were having a hard time breaking through the door, the chainsaw slowing cutting through the snow.
"The barricades working but I don't know for how long," Griswold stated.
"From the window we can swing right through to their roof," Easton stated.
"Use two ropes," Ness said. "Easton you throw me on the first rope."
"Why?" Easton asked.
"I bet my bad luck will cause this to be painful," Ness said. "But maybe with enough force, I can use that to crash in there and give us an opening."
"Whatever works," Easton said.
/
On the nearby skyscraper…
"The mirrors aren't generating enough heat," Ignacio said. "They aren't going to melt the fort fast enough."
"Any ideas on how to make those beams hotter?" Lita asked.
Ignacio sighed. "Well...I could take off my clothes."
"Excuse me?" Lita asked.
"No," Ignacio stated. "I'm not, I don't want you to see, not because you're ugly because you're very pretty…. I'm not doing it for a thing cause you'd have to take yours...but I don't wanna see that, I mean I do, I mean I don't! Not that your...I'm sure naked you're nice...oh god I just said that…I don't want to see you nude!"
"Oh," Lita said turning away. "You want to use your supernatural looks to make it hotter, gotcha. Just say that next time."
"Right," Ignacio said as he stood directly in the sunbeam and revealed his abs. The sun bounced off his chest and burst into light.
"Is it working?" Lita asked, facing away.
Ignacio sighed and unzipped his pants. "Not enough…"
/
Here it goes," Easton said as he threw Ness on a rope.
"Eep!" Ness exclaimed as the rope snapped on her and she plummeted through the roof, trapping the guarding Eagles under her and the falling snow.
"Super duper amazing job Ness!" Pascal said, as he swung in through the Ness shaped hole in the roof.
"I try," Ness coughed.
Suddenly a burst of light shone out, burning the entire Eagles snow fort.
Ness and Pascal shrugged. They grabbed the flag and walked over to their fort, placing it in.
The snow stopped falling and Rhonda's voice rang out. "The Fizzled Fireworks win the challenge! I'll be see the Eagles to decide the next loser."
"It actually worked!" Ignacio cheered, hugging Lita.
"Uh, Ignacio?"
"I'm still nude aren't I?"
"Yup."
/
The Eagles sat in the mess hall. All except Vance, who was absent.
"I've called this meeting to decide who should go home," Hayden stated. "I figured to make sure we we're doing what's best for the team we have a group consensus on the vote."
"I do enjoy the idea of discussing the vote," Melissa said. "But I don't think we all have to the vote the same way. Voting someone is terribly hard for me, I imagine it is for all you as well. Everyone should vote for what they feel is best."
"Well let's at least discuss the matter," Hayden said.
"Where's Vance?" Frannie asked.
"Late," Hayden said. "Fittingly, I think he's the one that should go. Let's face it; the guy's all talk with little follow through. He rubs us all the wrong way, like sandpaper against our skin."
"He is mean," Weston admitted.
"Like heck your clicking my icon tonight!" Vance yelled, stomping in. "You're just jealous of me, have been since the start."
"I can see you're not what you say you are," Hayden replied.
Vance stepped back. "Why you...I'll return the favor to you!"
"I think we should keep Vance," Xidorn stated. "I believe we should vote off someone who hurt us in the challenge."
"Who hurt us in the challenge?" Aiden asked.
"To be honest," Xidorn admitted, "you."
"Me?" Aiden asked.
"Your trench was the cause of a whole storm of problems at the end of challenge," Xidorn stated.
"The trench was a good plan," Hayden defended. "Unfortunately, we we're right next to each other and The Fireworks had chosen the higher roof. Aiden couldn't have known."
"Could have looked before he fired," Vance said.
"You could have looked where you were going 'cowboy'," Hayden said.
"Why you, you know-"
"-Know what?"
"Gee wilkers!"
"What does a joke without much fight in it lack? A good punchline!"
"Woahhhhhhhhh…"
"Wait, who were our choices?"
Cynthia stood up and all the Eagles froze.
"Cynthia dear," Melissa said. "Where are you going?"
"To vote," Cynthia replied. "I decided who I was voting for along time ago."
/
Shortly after, the elimination ceremony began.
"Long time no see Molting Eagles," Rhonda stated.
"Don't you see us at every challenge?" Weston asked.
Rhonda frowned. "Just go cast your votes already."
Xidorn clicked on Aiden. "To be honest you seem like you've become a better person and I commend you for it. You're still the weakest link. I hope you understand."
Melissa clicked on Vance. "I'm sorry Vance, I don't think you're a bad guy. I wish you the best. And again I'm sorry!"
Vance voted for Hayden. "There's only room for one redhead on this show bucko; me. I understand your jealous, but I can't help it. I'm certainly not voting for you because I'm afraid you can see through me and who I really am."
"I hope you all haven't forgotten how this works," Rhonda said. "I've got eight cups of gingerbread flavored coffee, a nice little refresher after today's challenge. But there are nine of you. Whoever does not receive a cup, will leave through the Revolving Doors of Shame and board the Public Transportation of Losers.
"The first cup goes to…Xidorn."
Xidorn nodded as he caught his cup of coffee.
"Cynthia…Weston."
Weston smiled as both of their names were called together.
"Kalino…Melissa…Frannie…"
The three caught their cups. Melissa grabbed Aiden's hand.
"And…Vance."
Aiden and Hayden's eyes grew wide, as did Vance's, as he caught his cup.
"Aiden…Hayden…oh my gosh I just realized your names rhyme! Ha, that's funny. Oh, and one of you is going home. The final cup goes to…"
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
"…Aiden. Sorry Hayden."
"WHAT?" Jenny screamed. "You guys voted off Hayden? He was the only contestant I actually somewhat cared about!"
"You do know we can all hear you right?" Xidorn asked.
"What's you point?" Jenny asked.
Hayden stood up. "I'm confused…"
"Oh Hayden," Melissa sighed.
Aiden sniffled and hugged Hayden. "I don't understand either, but I'm going to miss you pal."
"Are you going to be okay?" Hayden asked.
Aiden nodded. "Don't worry about me, I can take care of myself."
"Yeah," Hayden said. "But are you sure you can make it without me?"
"This is a show for teens," Cynthia said. "Not children who need babysitters. "
"Hayden blushed and looked down. "Yeah, you're right. You guys seem to think you'll do fine without me."
"No they won't," Jenny pouted.
"Thanks Jenny," Hayden said. "But I guess it's my time. Good luck you guys, I'm rooting for you."
Hayden sighed and exited The Revolving Doors of Shame.
"My scalp actually got a sunburn thanks to this challenge," Kalino stated. "Anyhow, I wanted to say thanks mannnnnn. You made it really easy to vote you off; since you were the leader and we lost, you basically painted a big target on yourself. It wasn't much effort to convince people; I suspect some were already planning on it.
"Guess you pushed yourself too hard. Just know I'm going to win this show. And I will prove to you, my sister and everyone else how wrong you all are. No matter what it takes."
Author's Note
I'll be honest, I think this is my least favorite chapter of Genesis. It's not horrible, rereading it before I posted it I was surprised by how much I liked it. Weston and Cynthia's moments were probably my favorite. Still, it doesn't sit well with me. Congratulations to you the reader, for finishing it though 3
I think one issue for me is the challenge. I totally didn't even realize I was basically doing the snow challenge from Revenge of the Island, but well... Honestly, if I did that I probably would've incorporated more from the actual canon challenge. The gag about them placing the snow forts next to each other work for me, even if the logistics of it are...weird.
Amanda Picklestein, as obnoxious as she is, I actually really like. I completely forgot she was introduced this chapter, so that was a nice surprise.
As for the elimination, sucks for Hayden. He wasn't as invisible in these first eight chapters as I initially thought he was, if not really having the spotlight or the most dynamic. Still, he had some moments for me.
I'm looking forward to next chapter, so I hope it'll be a good read!
Appendix: Elimination History
Bethany (Eagles)- 22nd
Diamonique (Eagles)- 21st
Casper (Fireworks)- 20th
Tessa (Fireworks)- 19th
Zipporah (Fireworks)- 18th
Hayden (Eagles)- 17th