The day after Cynthia's elimination, the hotel was quiet. The halls were empty...until Ignacio ran back inside shirtless. He ran into his room and slammed it close. At the same time, Kalino opened his door and yawned. Ignacio exited moments later, now wearing more clothes, and immediately covered his eyes.
"Mornin Iggyyyyyy," Kalino greeted.
"It's 12:30...and you're not wearing any clothes," Ignacio replied.
Kalino looked down to realize he was pantless. He shrugged. "No wonder I'm so tired. I'm usually not up this early."
"Aren't you the least bit concerned you're naked?" Ignacio asked.
"Nah," Kalino replied. "I think I forgot to put clothes back on after the challenge. Or was I wearing clothes to elimination last night? Oh well. What are you doing?"
"I just had to comeback in and get a new shirt," Ignacio replied. "A hawk stole my sweater...again."
Kalino raised an eyebrow. "Dude, what's the big deal with you being nude or whatever? You're like afraid of it. I mean we've all seen it as this point, so who cares?"
"It's embarrassing," Ignacio replied.
"Only if you let it embarrass you," Kalino said. "You know if you want, I could help you get over your whole naked taboo."
"I think it's a very reasonable taboo," Ignacio replied.
"Suit yourself brother," Kalino replied.
He shrugged and walked off.
/
In the kitchen, Melissa whistled a sad tune while she bottled water. She wore some kind of sling around her neck, dangling on her chest. Ness rubbed her hands together as she stepped into the kitchen.
"Oh, good morning Ness," Melissa greeted. "Can I help you with something?"
"No, not really," Ness replied. "What are you doing?"
"I read online there are a lot of thirsty male fans of the show in Brazil," Melissa stated. "So I'm bottling and sending water there to help."
"I don't think those comments meant that kind of thirsty," Ness replied. "What's with the uhh...bib?"
"Oh, my little cockroach cradle?" Melissa asked. "Well, since I saved those baby roaches I've decided to take care of them. This way I carry them. Isn't that right my little cuties?"
The cockroaches hissed in response.
Ness nodded, trying not to shiver. "Isn't that sweet and not gross or creepy. Honestly Melissa, I wanted to know if you're okay. I knew you and Cynthia were best friends."
Melissa forced a smile, placing her hand over heart. "Thank you. I do desperately wish she were still here...but I don't hold it against you for voting her. You took the chance to take out a threat."
"The truth is we didn't necessarily vote Cynthia out for being a threat," Ness admitted. "I mean it didn't hurt. Really, Jasper agreed to vote with us only if we all voted for Cynthia. We weren't in a place to argue. I'm not sure why he said that, but Lita certainly didn't mind his choice…"
"I'm honestly more concerned with who flipped on my team," Melissa admitted. "I don't suppose you would tell me who voted with you."
Ness shrugged. "I have no idea who it was. No one's come forward either. I don't know if it's a comfort...but I don't plan on voting for you anytime soon. We haven't forgotten you baked my cake and helped out Seraphina. Not to mention you're just nice! Lita too; she's with her family or she'd be here."
"Thank you," Melissa replied. "I guess I shouldn't be surprised with someone on my team...my former team not telling me...it's not new. Anyhow, I should finish these waters."
Ness nodded. "If you do want someone to talk to, you know where Lita and I live."
Melissa held up her golden flash drive. "I do have this very thoughtful present from Vance, and I do trust him...but I don't trust the other Eagles. Except Diamonique; we're in an alliance...that did include Cynthia. I just haven't felt close with my team. I honestly feel closer to the Firework girls...and I am wondering if maybe I shouldn't work with them…"
Ness left, and Melissa returned to her business. Tiptoeing into the kitchen was Weston.
"Melissa, psst...Melissa," Weston whispered. "Pssst...Psssssst…"
"Weston?" Melissa asked. "Why are you whispering?"
"Because I'm being sneaky and secretive," Weston replied.
"But I can see you," Melissa said.
Weston blushed slightly. "Oh. I'm here to talk to you. We both know something's up with Cynthia's elimination. Someone is a Benedict Arnold. And I mean like traitor, not like the eggs. You're the only Eagle I know who wouldn't have voted her off. So we need to work together to find the real culprit."
Melissa nodded. "We owe it to Cynthia."
"I almost voted wrong last night," Weston admitted. "It usually happens, but Cynthia helps by writing me notes. Or...I guess helped. But I know I voted for Griswold last night!"
Weston sighed and slumped in the seat. "I never thought I'd outlast Cynthia. I kind of hoped we somehow could get to the finals together. I guess that's silly...and not going to happen now."
The former Eagles gathered together in the cafeteria.
"Alright," Weston said, "we know somebody flipped. So someone come clean or else...something will happen."
"We all know who it is," Vance stated. "Isn't that right Diamonique?"
Weston gasped. "You turned on us to get revenge for voting you off, didn't you?"
"I didn't," Diamonique replied.
"Oh," Weston said.
"That's crazier than a foxhole full of rabbits," Vance replied.
Diamonique shook her head. "Incase you forgot Slow Draw McGraw, Cynthia didn't vote me off. I trusted her. We were friends. We all know you boys were scared of her. So you decided to ease your fears and off her."
"We wouldn't do that to our bud Weston," Vance stated.
"Somebody has to be lying," Kalino sighed.
After sitting a few minutes in silence eyeing each other, the Eagles eventually went their own ways. Melissa and Weston were alone.
"Well that was a bust," Weston admitted. "I was sure it was Diamonique."
Melissa shook her head. "I believe her. The truth is that before she was voted out we were in an alliance together. We were going to rekindle it now that she was back."
"Cynthia never told me that," Weston sighed. "Kalino was just worried last night she'd flip."
"Hmm," Melissa muttered.
"What?" Weston asked.
"Just...something seems off about this whole thing," Melissa admitted. "Kalino made you think Diamonique could flip? Then someone flips…"
"You don't think it was Kalino, do you?" Weston asked. "I mean, he couldn't have. He's always so nice. He even stood up to Easton for me at the challenge."
"Whose idea was it to vote Griswold?" Melissa asked.
"Kalino," Weston replied.
"I'm not making any accusations just yet," Melissa replied. "And please don't tell him I said this, but I suspect he's been controlling the votes for a while."
Weston sat down. "Kalino? He seems so chill and relaxed? Could he really have voted off Cynthia and lied about it?"
"Weston…"
Weston looked up at Melissa, who squirmed uncomfortably. "Weston did...did Kalino convince you to vote off Aiden?"
"I...I don't remember," Weston admitted.
/
In their room, Kalino played video games while Vance watched, sitting in a bean-bag next to him and munching on cheese puffs. Kalino scowled.
"Watch it partner," Vance stated. "You just about lost us the race."
"Us?" Kalino asked.
"I'm supervising," Vance replied. He tossed a puff in the air, trying to catch it with his mouth but it hit his eye instead.
"I'm just out of it man," Kalino replied. "This doesn't sit right with me."
"I know," Vance stated, "that cheese puff should have totally landed in my mouth."
"I meant Cynthia's elimination," Kalino said. "Things shouldn't have played out like that."
"I knew Griswold was targeting me," Kalino admitted. "The old bear doesn't like me; it's not subtle. I even heard they were going to vote me last night. So I thought to be safe I'll use that good old flash drive."
He patted his pocket, then frowned. "But instead they voted off Cynthia. The good news is I still have one use left in it, and I'm sure I can find another. The bad news is that the Eagles might be a sinking ship…"
"I've been thinking a lot Vance," Kalino said. "Mostly about pizza. We should totally order some. But also, maybe we need to form an alliance…"
"Aren't we in an alliance?" Vance asked.
"Yeah, that one Pascal made before he imploded," Kalino replied. "But that's down to just me and you. I think we need to expand it."
"What about the Eagles?" Vance asked.
"I mean we can totally include our bros," Kalino said. "But some of our former teammates our accusing us of betraying them. So we need to change the plan."
"I guess," Vance replied. "If we do, we have to add Xidorn. He should've been included in the first one."
"Yeah, well let's pretend this is like a new alliance," Kalino said.
"Why?" Vance asked.
Kalino laughed. "Vance, how do you think Xidorn would react to you revealing you lied to him about this alliance? Xidorn, the kid who never lies. Especially about the inter-team alliance that almost got him or his girlfriend vote off."
Vance gulped. "You think he'd be mad?"
"I mean why haven't you been honest with him before?" Kalino asked. "About something you're hiding with your past…"
"I'm not hiding anything about my past!" Vance shouted.
"Oh, of course," Kalino replied. "I just mean...you know, hypothetically. If you were, well then you never told your best pal. And you know why...because he'd never forgive you."
"You...you think he wouldn't?" Vance asked.
Kalino shrugged. "He might hate you forever. I think it's crazy, but you know how Xidorn is about the truth. So I won't tell him anything, and neither will you...right?"
Vance nodded vigorously.
/
In the city, Lita and her family enjoy themselves at a nice restaurant.
"The Smithsonian is amazing," Lita's brother Roscoe stated. "Who knew they had all that NASA stuff? Or those old planes! How often do you visit there Lita?"
Lita laughed. "That's the first time I've been too. I would have loved to show y'all downtown at some point. Too bad it's been closed off for some reason."
"The news said something about another horse rampage," Lita's mother recalled. "Whatever that means. Anyhow, it was sweet of that boy to give us this trip. Is he sweet on you?"
Lita glared at her mother. "He's just a friend mother."
"I've never heard that one before," Lita's mother mumbled to herself.
"It's just so cool you get to do this," Roscoe said.
He sighed.
"Something wrong little man?" Lita asked.
Roscoe shook his head. "I just have to use the bathroom. I'll be back!"
As Roscoe wheeled himself away, Lita's mom turned to his daughter. "So you've been happy here?"
"It's been rough," Lita admitted. "It wasn't what I was expecting. But I've...actually made some good friends. And if I can get far enough...I don't know. I think I could win this."
Lita's mom nodded. "I heard from another waitress at work...about what you said. About Roscoe and me. Honey…"
"-Not here, not now," Lita stated. "This is supposed to be a fun day."
"I want to talk about this," her mother stated.
"I forgot I was on camera," Lita said. "It happens all the time here. Sorry."
"Not that," her mother replied. "I...understand what you said. But I do love you and I am glad I had you."
"Don't lie," Lita replied. "I know better."
"Honey-"
Lita glared at her. "I know. I still remember when I was little...when dad left. You begged him not to. He didn't want to stay, didn't want to be tied down by a kid anymore. You said you'd give me away. But he still left. You going to deny that?"
"No," Lita's mother admitted.
"You going to deny that the reason you had me was to guilt him into marrying you?" Lita asked.
"No," Lita's mother sighed. "It's true."
"Then there's nothing more to say," Lita said, turning away.
"You're right," Lita's mother admitted. "It's true. When I had you I was young and selfish. I was so selfish I didn't consider how my child would live when I decided to have one. I'm sorry. But I'm not sorry for having you. I did treat Roscoe better, but only because I am wiser now. You-"
"Hey," Roscoe said. "Did I miss anything?"
"Not at all little man," Lita replied. "We were just about to leave. Then we were going to tour Washington more."
"Ooh, which monument? Which one?" Roscoe asked.
Lita smiled. "You pick."
/
In her dorm room, Tessa sat alone on her bed in silence.
"There is literally no way I can apologize to Lita," Tessa said. "I kept trying to think of ways...and yeah, none. Ironically, I wanted a room to myself...and now I'm being driven crazy alone in there."
She crossed her arms, heaving a sigh. "I can hear Alanis Morissette singing now…"
Tessa turned over and closed her eyes...only to be so startled by a knock on the door she fell off the bed. "Ahh! Ouch. Coming!"
Tessa swung open her door to find Riley standing there holding a bag.
"Sup Sweet T," Riley said. "I noticed you weren't at breakfast. I got you some Mickey D's! They got the all day breakfast menu."
"Wow, thank you Riley," Tessa replied. "That's really sweet. Do you want to come in?"
Riley shrugged and walked in. Tessa looked throughout the hallway, before closing her door.
Riley sat down in a chair nearby, tossing Tessa her food as she made herself more comfortable. "So why did you skip brekkie?" Riley asked. "It's the most important meal in the day."
"I couldn't show my face," Tessa said. "I couldn't take everyone hating me."
"To be fair, you did show your face before," Riley said. "And everyone still hated you then."
"Thanks for reminding me," Tessa replied. "But not after I saw Lita's family...and said those things about them. How can I face her?"
Riley shrugged. "I guess with another apology. At least you got to see your best friend."
"Just so she could tell me she's tossing me aside for wheat," Tessa sighed.
"Dang, that's cold," Riley said. "I'm sorry T. Was it Sweet Wheat? They are delicious. If you can't beat it, wheat it."
"It's not like I totally didn't deserve it," Tessa admitted. "Being friends with me is just a bad idea."
Riley smiled and patted Tessa's shoulder. "So she turned out to be a sucky friend. But hey, I still believe in you sweet T."
"No," Tessa said. "Riley, you don't get it. If you're seen with me, everyone is going to turn against you. I'm not going to be the reason you lose two million dollars."
"Um, I have a say in this too," Riley stated. "And I don't care. If the others trust me, then they'll trust you...eventually."
Tessa smiled a little. She began unwrapping her breakfast and eating.
"I wanted to ask Tessa," Riley said. "Well...how did you vote last night?"
Tessa seemed to swallow her food, but was actually gulping. "Truth is...I voted for Kalino."
"Why?" Riley asked.
"Because I don't trust him," Tessa said. "Trust me, Kalino is a bigger rodent than the Pizza Rat."
"The animatronic one who sings at birthdays?" Riley asked.
Tessa sighed. "Sure."
"Griswold has the same suspicion about Kalino," Riley admitted. "But does this have to do with that flash drive? Did you really try that?"
Tessa nodded. "I admit in hindsight I deserved to go home for being the worst. But...well I had a secret alliance with Pascal."
Riley gasped. "Wait...why I am shocked? That sounds exactly like Pascal…"
"The point is Kalino and Pascal were roommates," Tessa said. "He and Kalino were also in an a secret alliance."
Riley gasped. "That...also sounds completely believable."
"So I figured that alliance extended to us," Tessa explained. "I was going to have him use the flashdrive. Instead he used me to get it and caused my elimination."
Riley gave Tessa a look.
"Okay, I caused my own elimination," Tessa admitted. "I'm not really one of that Potato-Head's victims."
"Victims?" Riley asked. "As in multiple?"
Tessa lowered her voice. "I can't tell you everything, but let's say that a few people know Kalino had a hand in their elimination."
Riley nodded and began thinking.
Tessa pulled out her hashbrown and split it in half. "You want to help me finish this?"
"I physically can't pass up free food," Riley laughed, the half already in her mouth. "So, why didn't you ask me who we were voting for?"
Tessa shifted uncomfortably. "Well...I heard a rumor that all the other Fireworks were voting for him, so I didn't think it mattered. Like I said, I didn't think you should be seen with me."
"I guess that means we still don't know who our mystery voter is," Riley said. "Still, we need to be on the same page in the future. We need as many votes together as we can if we're going to survive."
Tessa smiled and nodded. "I promise next vote I'll talk to you."
"No sweat Sweet T," Riley replied.
She stood out and opened the door. "And Tessa. Ashley may have ended things, but she wasn't your only friend. You got me now."
/
That afternoon, Lita escorted her family to the lobby.
"Do we have to leave now?" Roscoe asked.
"Sorry honey," his mother said. "We have a plane to catch."
Lita rustled his hair. "Don't worry little man. Maybe someday we can come back here."
Roscoe pouted. "Probably not for along time."
"We need to be grateful we got to come sweetie," Lita's mother said. "Don't you think we should thank Lita for this trip?"
"Yeah, thanks Lita," Roscoe replied. "It was super fun. I'm so jealous of all the fun stuff you get to do."
"Don't be jealous of me Roscoe," Lita stated. "You...you really shouldn't be."
"But you're always doing all this cool stuff," Roscoe admitted. "Like boxing or this show. You're so cool too. I wish I could do that."
Lita sighed and hugged her brother. "You're amazing too little man. Don't forget that."
Lita waved goodbye as her family left. As soon as they went out the door, her smile dropped. She curled up in a nearby chair, hiding her face in a pillow.
"Lita?"
Lita turned to see Ignacio standing over here.
"Oh. Hey Iggy."
"I was just coming down for a moment and...are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Lita replied. "I just want to be alone."
"Sure," Ignacio said. "But, you can talk to me Lita. I won't judge you. I'm your friend."
Lita raised her head, revealing she had been crying. "I...I just said goodbye to my family."
"I'm so sorry," Ignacio said. "That must have been hard. I know they mean a lot to you. I understand that."
"It's not just that," Lita admitted. "I'm...I'm a terrible person Ignacio."
"No, no," Ignacio stated. "Why would you think that?"
Lita forced a laugh. "When my little brother left he told me he was jealous of me. Me. But...I've always been jealous of him. Isn't that awful? He's just a little kid in a wheelchair. He's had such a hard life and it's going to get harder I'm sure...but I can't help being jealous. Ever since he was born, everyone treated him nicer. He always got more attention, even money to help us. And he deserves it...but I'm still jealous."
Ignacio grabbed Lita and pulled her into a hug as she started to bawl into his shoulder.
"I don't think that makes you a horrible person," Ignacio stated. "I think that just makes you human."
Ignacio held her for a while, until she stopped crying, then walked her back to her dorm.
/
The next day, the newcomers woke early with an announcement over the speakers.
"The bus leaves in thirty," Jenny's voice said. "Be there or be square."
It ended with the sound of a horn honking. The newcomers finished a quick breakfast, courtesy of Melissa, and boarded the bus.
The bus arrived at some sort of salvage yard, filled with old and decommissioned cars. Some sort of large junkyard coliseum was being formed nearby, with workers coming and going.
"Are those workers for this show?" Ness asked, as she and the others exited the bus. "We've never had that many interns."
"They're less interns and more temp workers," Rhonda replied. "Wanting a chance to work on the show now that we've reached our prime. Along with free tickets to the spectacle we're producing tomorrow."
"Isn't it a little soon for a challenge?" Weston asked. "Or do we have to speed it up again?"
"More returners aren't coming, are they?" Vance asked.
Rhonda shook her head. "Let me start from the beginning. Thanks to our primetime slot, a local car dealership here in Washington is sponsoring our next challenge. So tomorrow, you'll be go-kart racing!"
"Aww sweet!" Riley cheered. "I love racing!"
"Toby has suped up a special course for you in the coliseum," Rhonda continued. "You'll race there tomorrow for our live audience. Our tickets are already sold out!"
"If only Ms. Rhonda cared half as much about being nice as she did making money," Melissa said.
"So why am I here instead of eating my third breakfast?" Diamonique asked.
"For tomorrow's challenge you'll have to build your own custom go-karts," Rhonda explained. "You have access to this scrapyard and any of these old cars and parts that are lying around. Toby will be around to help you with specifics. You can work on it as much as you want today, but there is a lot at stake tomorrow."
"Like...what?" Kalino asked.
"Tomorrow's winner will not only receive invincibility and the master suite," Rhonda said, "but this!"
From behind her back, the hostess held up a golden trophy, with a little wheel on the top.
"Ooh," Weston gasped. "Shiny!"
"Additionally, the dealership sponsoring this will give five hundred dollars to the winner of the race," Rhonda stated.
The newcomers cheered. However they soon went silent as they saw Rhonda's dark smirk.
"More importantly, you don't want to lose. Because if you do, you're gone."
Everyone gasped.
"You mean if we finish last," Ignacio gulped. "We're automatically eliminated."
Rhonda nodded. "No voting, no ceremony. The Public Transportation of Losers will pick you up on the spot."
"So...if we don't finish the race, we can't go home?" Weston asked.
"No Weston," Rhonda replied. "It means whoever gets last place, after everyone else, will be gone. Not even an immunity flash drive can save you."
"What's the point of winning invincibility if there is no ceremony?" Xidorn asked.
"Well because...It's just a formality okay!" Rhonda shouted. "The point is, remember at the merge when I said this is going to get harder? Well, this is it!"
Lita sat in the confessional scowling and with her arms crossed. "You know why we suddenly have an automatic elimination challenge, right? It's so Rhonda can give a free pass to Tessa. She's going to weasel her way to safety yet again."
"Uh, what about my immunity?" Jasper asked. "It carried over from last time, remember?"
"Oh yeah," Rhonda realized. "Well...that prevents you from being eliminated. So, you can either use it now and skip the race. Or you can race tomorrow, and if you survive you'll have it at the next ceremony. But, if you do lose you're eliminated. No exceptions."
Jasper scratched his head. "Uh...I guess there's a good chance that I won't get eliminated tomorrow. Should I risk it?"
"Your call," Rhonda replied. "You can sit on the sidelines or you can be part of the action. Whichever you can handle."
Jasper tightened his fist. "I'll do it."
"That's what I like to hear!" Rhonda cheered. "Have fun building everyone!"
/
The newcomers dashed off to the dump, digging and diving into the car parts.
Vance emerged head first, spitting up oil. "I don't even know what half of this stuff does. Uh, you know, because there aren't a lot of cars in the country."
Xidorn collected engine parts in his arms. "I can give you a hand with it Vance."
"You know car stuff?" Vance asked.
"I'm not an engineer or anything," Xidorn replied. "But my dad taught me a lot of stuff. He's one of those people who can tell you the make and model just by eyeballing it."
"I never knew you and your dad were so close," Vance said.
"We aren't," Xidorn admitted. "But...I guess we did have some good memories. I'm sorry you didn't get to see any of your family Vance."
Vance forced a chuckle. "I'm not. I mean...I'm sure Ma had her hands full with the donkeys and the turkeys."
Weston popped out of a tire stand. "Wouldn't your siblings help out?"
"I thought you were an only sibling?" Xidorn asked.
"No," Weston replied. "Vance has tons of siblings; Greg, Marcia, Peter, Jan, Cindy, Bobby and his cousin Oliver who lives with Vance while his parents are in South America."
"Uh...I just meant that I was an only child for so long," Vance stated. "I sometimes forget that's all…"
Xidorn raised an eyebrow, while Weston nodded understandably.
/
Soon, everyone had found a garage and was working on their karts. Riley rolled a tire along the ground into a garage she was sharing with Griswold, who was doing something to an old bulldozer.
"That's the last one," Riley stated.
"Thanks for getting those Ry," Griswold replied.
"Totally dude," Riley replied. "Hey Gris…"
Griswold looked up at her, causing her to blush. "I just...wanted to say thank you. For last challenge, with the peacock. I really appreciate it."
"Of course," Griswold replied. "When your in trouble, I'm there for you bro."
"How did you know?" Riley asked.
"You weren't acting like you," Griswold said. "You know, chill and fearless."
"I'm not fearless," Riley laughed. "I almost peed myself at a peacock."
Griswold blushed. "Dude, you're the most fearless person I know."
The two looked at each other and then darted eyes.
"So I talked to Tessa," Riley said, trying to change the subject. "She voted for Kalino."
"So she says," Griswold replied.
"I believe her Gris Bear," Riley stated. "To be honest...I think she's changed."
"We gave her more than one chance before," Griswold reminded, turning back to his work. "And she spit in our faces."
"I know," Riley replied. "But...if she's changed, then I don't see the harm in giving another."
Griswold sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "I don't know...if you think it's a good idea, then I guess. But I don't know if we could convince the others. Especially Lita."
"Yeah," Riley admitted.
Griswold paused for a moment. "You said, Tessa voted for Kalino?"
Riley nodded. "She has it out for him, and heard we were voting for him. Why? What'cha thinking?"
"That was our plan," Griswold stated. "We didn't talk to Tessa, and I doubt the other Fireworks did. But I did tell Diamonique. So she, or another Eagle she talked to, must have told Tessa."
"Dang, your right Gris!" Riley stated.
Griswold scratched his head. "But why? That would just be a clue for Tessa to vote against one of your own...unless that's what you wanted!"
"That actually confirms a theory I've been mixing in my brain blender," Riley admitted.
"Pour this theory smoothie Rye Bread," Griswold stated.
"I felt like Tessa was hiding something," Riley stated, "but she mentioned some eliminated peeps who had it out for Kalino. Maybe Diamonique is one of them..."
/
"We're supposed to be in an alliance Diamonique!"
Tessa scowled at the short scatterbrain who had snuck into her garage. Diamonique shushed her and whispered, "Keep it down. You think I'm happy Kalino is still here? Especially instead of someone I actually like?"
"You said if I voted Kalino, he'd be good as gone," Tessa stated. "Well, he's still here!"
"How could I know they'd vote Cynthia instead?" Diamonique asked. "I'm not psychic; that was Seraphina…"
"Diamonique had this crazy plan for getting out Kalino," Tessa explained. "She found out who the Fireworks were voting, but said if she did vote that way and the Eagles found out...any trust she had would be gone. Her game would be dead. But if I voted for Kalino, it would be a tie. Then either Gris kills him in the tiebreaker challenge, or she switches on the revote to justify saving her friends."
Tessa rolled her eyes. "Yeah, in hindsight it was pretty convoluted. But she only told me an hour before elimination. I probably would still have voted for that hippie dippy hedonist anyway."
"I just wanted him to go home before me," Tessa sighed. "Guess that's not ever happening."
"If you survive this race, there's still a chance," Diamonique stated. "If Kalino did vote out Cynthia...then enough of the Eagles could flip. And even if he didn't...let's say he did."
"No one would believe me if I said so," Tessa replied. "Which I suppose is fine, I don't want to lie to anyone anymore. Even though I'm sure the slimy snake is the culprit."
Diamonique shrugged. "Fine. Then at least don't lose this race."
/
The next day the coliseum was packed with spectators. From above the stadium, Jenny and Toby watched the events from inside a hot air balloon.
"Welcome everyone, to the big day," Jenny announced into a mic. "The Genesis Go-Kart Grand Prix! Today, our thirteen competitors will be spinning their wheels through one of the most challenging tracks in racing history, built by myself with help from my sidekick."
"Built?" Toby asked. "What did you actually do?"
"I supervised," Jenny replied.
"If that means falling asleep while eating cheese puffs," Toby said.
"YOUR MOM!" Jenny shouted.
She cleared her throat, before speaking into her mic again. "My sidekick and I will be an eye in the sky, providing car commentary on today's race. The racers will have to complete one lap through all kinds of obstacles. To the winner; glory in the form of trophy and five hundred dollars cash! And to our big loser, a free one-way trip to Losersville! Here come the racers now!"
Driving up to the starting line was Griswold, in a big, bumper car-like red go-kart. It was spray painted with a bulldog and a large brown bear. At the end of it was a scoop like a bulldozer. Griswold waved at the cheering audience.
"First up it's Griswold in the Beardozer," Jenny stated. "This kart maybe big, but it's all terrain wheels and super scoop mean it's ready to rumble! And up next we have little Melissa in her Sweetie Speedster."
Melissa drove up in an extremely pink go-kart that was like an old-fashioned carriage car. It was covered in stickers that promoted different charities. In the back was a car seat for the baby roaches.
"Melissa's go-kart is certainly very Melissa," Jenny said.
"Don't underestimate it for it's cuteness," Toby stated. "Working on that car, I know Melissa had some interesting ideas that may change the race. Following her is the stunner of the circuit herself, Lita in her Lightning Bolt!"
Lita drove forward. Her hair was tied in a ponytail and she wore some kind of deep purple racing uniform, with an aviator's hat, white gloves, white gogo boots, and her purple scarf. She blew a kiss to the audience and she drove forward in some purple go-kart that looks like a mustang, decorated with lightning bolts.
"Everyone knows lightning bolts mean speed," Toby said. "We'll see if Lita and her kart have the means to back it up."
"Here comes number four," Jenny said. "It's Xidorn in his Wonder Wheels."
Xidorn drove up in a kart as colorful as expected of him. The kart seemed to have parts repurposed from electric cars and Japanese vehicles. Xidorn revved his wheels, which spun like a colorful rainbow wheel.
Jenny grabbed her head. "Uhhhh...it's flashy, but fast. Is it any wonder if the Wonder Wheels take first? I think not. Now driving up is...oh my, it's that mean queen machine with the diamond driver, Diamonique and her kart, The Empress."
Diamonique honked her horn as she drove forward. Her kart was like something out sweet sixteen from the Fury Road, a pink monster truck bedazzled with rhinestones and sparkles.
"So I used my parents credit cards to buy monster truck parts," Diamonique admitted. "It wasn't against the rules. I couldn't drive just anything."
"That kart may self-proclaim it's fabulous," Toby said. "But is it fast? Hard to say with that large size, but that maybe an advantage."
"It's certainly large and in charge," Jenny added. "Just like it's driver."
Weston drove up next, in a small yellow kart. On the side of it was a crudely painted drawing of Cynthia, like something a child would draw.
"It's Weston in the S.S. Cynthia," Toby announced. "Should we tell him that's for naming ships?"
"It is?" Jenny asked.
Toby rolled his eyes. "This driver has got a bad case of heartbreak. But if this kart is anything like it's namesake, then it's a threat in this race...and will also haunt all of my nightmares."
Riley drove up in a polished, white lowrider like kart with fur seating. It bounced up and down to the starting line.
"It's Reckless Riley in her special Autobrobile," Jenny stated. "Talk about your sweet ride. What special features does this car have?"
"It's hydraulic lift kit allows it to ride low or high," Toby replied. "All Riley's fixing of course. Also, cupholders."
Riley fired a finger pistol as she raised an ice cold Pepsi from a cupholder.
"Now it's the street racer called everyone's desire," Toby stated. "Ignacio in the La Máquina De Velocidad."
Ignacio blushed as he drove up in a red, sleek Chevrolet Cruze like kart. It also seemed to be built with electrical parts however.
"That's a sexy kart for a sexy driver," Toby stated.
"Gross," Jenny gagged. "This a friendly reminder to protect children and pets; get them cootie vaccines. Next, she may not like being called a jock but that's a sports star in a sports car; Turbo Tessa in the Olympian!"
Tessa drove in an Formula One like go-kart, like something out of Monaco, and a spring green paint job. Tessa was notably the only racer to receive a mix of boos and cheers.
"The car seems fast," Toby admitted. "But we'll have to see if this Big Shot can go for the gold in racing and not just gymnastics."
"Now here comes Vance the Kid in The Giddy Up and Go!" Jenny stated.
"Yeehaw!" Vance cried as he rode in on his kart, which seemed to be less of a kart and more of mechanical horse kiddie ride crossed with a motorbike. Yet it still had pedals.
"Probably our most unusual kart in this whole race," Toby admitted.
Jenny snickered. "It certainly has horsepower. We'll have to see if the course is big enough for the two of them."
Ness drove up next in a small, olive colored punch buggy-esque kart. She smiled at the crowd, honking her horn that had a playful beep. Two big, fuzzy pink dice were held over the rear view mirror.
"That's Ness in the Jubilee Jalopy," Toby said. "And it looks like she's got a good luck charm to help in this race."
Ness tapped the fuzzy dice...and the rear view mirror fell off.
"She'll need it," Jenny added. "Now look what's come in with the tides! It's Kalino in the Kahuna Cruiser!"
Kalino pulled up in his orange kart, the seats having a pattern like a Hawaiian T-shirt. His kart was like a beach dune buggy. Instead of a steering wheel, he was controlling it through some kind of GameCube Controller.
"A video game controller for a steering wheel?" Jenny asked.
Toby shrugged. "He insisted. If his skills in Double-Dash are any proof, this might be an advantage in this race."
"And approaching at the back is our last kart and racer!" Jenny announced. "The winner of our last challenge, it's Javert...I mean Jasper! We don't have a name on record for his kart actually. What is it?"
Jasper drove up in an average, simple red go-kart.
"Uh...we had to name it?" Jasper asked.
"Jasper in the Uh We Had To Name It," Jenny stated.
"I'm so confused," Jasper said. "Monster trucks and sports cars? It took a lot of effort to make an actual go-kart, which I thought we were supposed to be racing. How did they engineer this stuff?"
"With all of our racers here it's time to start this competition," Jenny stated.
From a tower over the finish line, Rhonda waited with the checkered flag in hand. She counted down from three on her hand, then waved the flag. The cars dashed off, almost knocking over the tower.
"And they're off!" Jenny announced. "It's a simple track for the moment, but they'll soon encounter obstacles during our course."
"There are three pitstops scattered across the raceway," Toby explained. "Where our racers can stop for fuel or repairs, but they'll have to push their kart there if it does wipeout."
The newcomers raced, the lead car switching and switching, with no clear frontrunner. In front of them, the road split into three different directions, leading to three different tunnels.
"And now our racers will have to choose which path to follow," Jenny announced. "Each way leading to different obstacles and potential advantages for this race. It looks like Tessa is out in the lead, zooming down the second path."
Tessa smirked for a moment, but it quickly faded as heard a honking noise. Kalino sped by her, waving as he passed. She glared and slammed the gas pedal. She rammed into Kalino, trying to drive him off the road.
"It would be a shame if you kart quit on you Kalino," Tessa stated, ramming into the kart again. "Oh wait, no it wouldn't be."
"It's cute how you project your failures on me Tess," Kalino replied. "But even if I lose it won't stop people from hating you. Can you blame them?"
Tessa groaned and sped up to ram into him again, only to be knocked back by a giant cushion exiting out of his trunk. She slid off the road to the side. Kalino pushed a button on his cart, and the cushion retracted into his kart.
"This challenge is basically a Mario Kart L.A.R.P.," Kalino said. "Aka, a series of games I've been mastering since I was seven. So I tricked out my kart with all kinds of dodads and gadgets. I know for a fact I'm not coming in last."
In another lane, Lita was leading. From behind her, Vance throw quarters from his pocket into a coin slot. His kart 'bucked' and made a whinny sound before speeding up.
"And The Giddy Up and Go pasts the Lightning Bolt," Jenny stated.
"Yeehaw!" Vance cried out. "Better luck next time Lightning Loser."
Lita shook her head. "You think Vance would have learned his lesson by now. Then you remember he's Vance."
Lita pressed a button in her kart. Suddenly, a large boxing glove spring popped out and punched Vance.
"Tarnation!" Vance screamed as he wiped out off the track.
"I'd hate it if you lost the race Vance," Lita teased as she drove by. "Then I couldn't kick your keister again!"
"With that Lita punches her way back into the lead," Jenny announced. "That's why they call her the knockout."
"That's not the only reason," Toby muttered.
/
"Over in the third lane we see Riley and Xidorn jockeying for a position," Jenny announced.
Riley and Xidorn's kart were right beside each other, grinding up against each other.
"Your kart is cute Xi," Riley stated. "Like it's cute how you think you'll pass me."
"Or how cute it'll be when I cross the finish line before you," Xidorn replied.
The two smiled at each other while simultaneously glaring. Both were suddenly driven off the road however, as Diamonique sped down. She honked as her monster truck charged through. She sipped a milkshake comfortably as she 'drove' with her feet on the steering wheel, swerving like a madwoman from left to right.
"And the Empress takes a surprising lead," Jenny announced. "But it's about to race straight into trouble."
"Huh?" Diamonique asked. She looked up and almost swallowed her straw. She tried to slam her brakes, but skidded straight into deep mud, taking out a bridge over it.
"Really?" Diamonique asked. She revved the car, but it was completely stuck.
Riley and Xidorn stopped just before the mud.
"There goes our way out," Xidorn sighed.
"Now what?" Riley asked.
He reversed his car, and sped off in the same direction. "Try not to lose!"
Riley glared and started to reverse her car, when she heard a growling noise. It was Griswold, honking his horn as he stopped before the mud.
"Never fear, Griswold is here!"
Griswold lowered his scoop, shuffling the mud out of the way and creating a pathway.
"Nice Gris!" Riley cheered. "The Beardozer was a pretty smart idea after all."
"I couldn't simply leave a lady in need," Griswold replied.
"What about me?" Diamonique asked. "I'm in need, and I'm quite the lady. How about helping me out?"
"Like how you didn't help us at the last vote?" Griswold asked. "Maybe I'll work with you down the road...if you can actually make it down the road again."
Griswold and Riley sped off as Diamonique flipped them off.
/
Meanwhile, Ignacio was driving down a winding path in an area that seemed to be like a forest.
"I never understand how with their budget they make this stuff," Ignacio remarked to himself. "Like this for example. Even if I take it that Toby made this from garbage, how did he make trees?"
"They're old fake Christmas trees," Toby shouted from the hot air balloon. "Stop pointing out plot holes or you'll fall in one."
Ignacio raised an eyebrow, but soon become distracted when a tree branch snagged his shirt and tore it off completely. Blushing, he tried to cover himself...but let go of the steering wheel. He veered off and crashed into the kart in front of him, sending Lita and Ignacio straight into a tree.
"And just like that the two hottest racers are burnt out," Toby sighed.
"There is a pitstop close by...behind them," Jenny snickered.
Lita sighed as she got out and checked under the hood. "Well, my engine is officially screwed up."
Ignacio smacked himself in the head. "My tires are shot. I'm sorry Lita, I shouldn't have let go of the steering wheel, I just got embarrassed and I-"
Ignacio went silent as Lita threw her racing shirt at him.
"I know how you get Iggy," Lita replied. "Don't sweat it hon."
Ignacio gulped as his whole face lit up red like Rudolph's nose. "Lita...your shirt...no shirt...your...oh my…"
"It's not a big deal," Lita said. "I know you need it more than I do. And I am wearing a bra...today. Now let's hurry and haul these to the pitstop. If we're lucky someone screwed up worse than us."
Ignacio zipped up the racing jacket, which didn't quite fit him. "Wait! I don't think we need to."
From his trunk, the hunk pulled out a toolbox. "I thought in case of a roadside emergency I should bring this for repairs."
"Unless you brought new tires and a new engine in there, it won't make much of a difference," Lita replied.
"I have an engine, you have tires," Ignacio replied. "The rules don't say we can't cross the finish line in the same kart. So let's almagate our karts into one."
"I gotcha!" Lita cheered. "We'll make a superkart and hopefully in enough time to cross that finish line. You're a genius Iggy."
Ignacio blushed. "Uh, thank you. Now let's start by stripping your tires…"
/
Jenny and Toby sailed over the sky, peering down at the remaining racers.
"Kalino still holds a lead on this path," Jenny announced. "Does he have this race in the bag?"
Down below Kalino leisurely drove around surrounding oil slicks, whistling a tune to himself.
"Not if Turbo Tessa has anything to say about it," Toby stated.
Kalino turned around to see Tessa speeding like a maniac down the street. In a swift move she steered through the slicks, speeding up to Kalino.
Kalino shrugged. He drove forward over a rickety bridge that was raised above a trench of water. Pressing a button, he fired a skunk straight into Tessa's kart.
"Oh please no," Tessa begged as the skunk sat on her steering wheel.
"Smell ya later Tessa!" Kalino shouted, honking his horn. This startled the skunk, who sprayed Tessa and her kart.
"Ahhhhhhh!" Tessa cried. "I can't feel any of my senses. I CAN'T FEEL ANYTHING!"
As he crossed the bridge, Kalino slowed down enough to pull on a knot of the rope bridge...causing the whole thing to fall apart. He speed off, as Tessa just crossed the bridge before it sunk into the ravine. Ness and Jasper weren't so lucky, and fell straight into the water.
Ness got out and started pushing her kart out of the water. "I should have expected this. Actually it's pretty lucky that there aren't any animals in-"
Snap.
Ness gulped as a row of snapping turtles sailed to her.
"You know, we didn't even put any snapping turtles in that trench," Toby stated.
"Eeek!"
"Or hammerhead sharks," Toby added. "That's not even any salt or freshwater."
"Nooo!"
"That doesn't stop the squids," Jenny remarked.
Melissa stopped outside of the trench. She looked at her carseat of cockroaches and blew them a kiss. "Alright dears. Let's show them why this is called the Sweetie Shifter."
Melissa reversed slightly. She pushed a heart shaped button before driving forward. Suddenly, a barrage of balloons and set of sails opened it. Her car started to float into the sky.
"Up, up, and away!" Melissa cheered.
"Well I'll be a monkey's uncle!" Jenny announced.
"I can see the resemblance," Toby said.
"YOUR MOM!" Jenny shouted. "It looks like Melissa is...hey watch out!"
Melissa's car bumped against the air balloon as it floated away. "Sorry Ms. Jenny and Mr. Toby! Now then, we have a race to win!"
She pressed another button and bike pedals appeared in her kart. She began pedaling away through the sky. Jasper stared up at her in disbelief.
"Really?" Jasper asked. "A flying car? For a go-kart race? Who thinks to build that? Was...was I suppose to build a flying car? How do you build a flying car…"
"We're heading into the final stretch!" Jenny announced. "Kalino leads, followed closely by Griswold, Riley, Weston, and Vance. But most of all, it's Melissa in the skies! It's still anyone's race, but the finish line is just in sight! Who will win the five thousand dollars? And who will be today's big loser?"
Griswold slammed down his bulldozer and charged forward to Kalino. But like Tessa, he was made with a giant cushion, that spun him to the side.
"Be careful Gris!" Riley shouted. "Just focus on finishing. We can't crash now."
Griswold spun around and went back to racing. "Yeah, you're right."
Suddenly, Lita and Ignacio charged out in some kind of fusion of their cars. Ignacio sweated and blushed heavily as Lita was still topless.
"See you at the finish line!" Lita cheered as she passed Vance.
Vance didn't reply, almost running off the road while looking at Lita's toplessness.
"We're almost there!" Jenny announced. "And it looks like Kalino is about to be five thousand dollars richer."
"Not if I have anything to say about it!"
Tessa floored it, her kart charging down the racetrack.
"I thought I smelled something nasty," Lita stated, before pinching her nose. "Though she smells worse than usual…"
Tessa pushed a button in her own kart, causing a large hook to pop out. "You're not the only one who made a few tricks."
Pressing another button, the hook fired and landed on the back of Weston's kart. "Hey, no hitchhikers on the S.S. Cynthia!"
"I'm just catching a ride," Tessa replied. She swung her kart around using Weston, flinging herself forward from his kart.
She passed him, the hotties, Gris, and Riley.
"Woo!" Riley cheered. "Get it Turbo T!"
"Phew," Vance cried. "You smell worse than a cow pie baked in a July oven!"
"It's called the stench of victory," Tessa replied. Hitting another button, she let out a lubricant slick in front of her. Driving through it, she sped up, now right behind Kalino again.
"You dropped this!" Tessa shouted, tossing the skunk into the back of Kalino's kart.
"Thanks," Kalino replied. "You can have this instead."
Kalino pressed a couple buttons, one sending a pie barreling out of his trunk. Tessa swerved and avoid it.
"Thanks, but I'm not hungry," Tessa replied. "On the other hand, you-"
Tessa swerved to the side, knocking Kalino back and pulling ahead of him.
"-can eat my dust!"
Rhonda waved the checkered flag, as Tessa crossed the finish line.
"And the winner is Tessa in the Olympian!" Jenny announced. "Now, not only does she have invincibility and the key to the luxury suite, but the trophy and five thousand dollars!"
"Now it's just a race to see who doesn't come in last," Toby stated.
Kalino crossed next, then Melissa floating across.
"Yay!" Melissa cheered. "Now then...how do I get down?"
Lita glomped Ignacio into her chest as the crossed. Gris crossed next. He turned to see Weston following. "Wait...where's Riley?"
Riley slammed at the pedal as her kart slowed more and more. She had been stalled, now far back but still so close. "Come on Autobrobile! We're almost there…"
Smoke came out from under the hood and the kart stopped completely. She jumped out, opening the hood. Inside some kind of goop had exploded, mucking up the parts. Riley turned back to see the other racers approaching in the distance.
"Riley! Riley!" Griswold shouted. He ran out onto the track, narrowly avoided being hit by Vance. He ran behind the kart, trying to help Riley push it across the finish line. Soon Ness, Jasper and Xidorn were zooming across the finish line.
"Oh god," Toby gasped. "Something's wrong with Riley's kart."
"This can't be happening," Tessa whispered.
"Just...a...little...bit...more," Griswold sighed, pushing with all his might.
"It's going to be a close finish everyone," Jenny announced.
...
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Diamonique waved at the two bros as a tow truck pulled her and her kart across the finish line.
"And that's it!" Jenny announced.
Riley stopped and slumped, but Griswold kept pushing. "Thanks for trying to help Griswold."
Griswold pushed the kart across the finish line. He punched the kart. "Stupid piece of ****."
Riley wiped her eye. "It's alright Gris. Thanks for at least helping me finish."
The others ran up to Riley.
"What happened?" Ness asked.
Riley shrugged. "I don't know. One minute everything is fine, then suddenly some goop is stalling my kart and causes it to break down."
Rhonda walked over shaking her head. "I'm sorry Riley, but you lost the race today. Which means you are eliminated."
The hot air balloon landed. Toby sighed as he picked up a tray of coffee cups.
"That's not fair!" Griswold shouted. "Something happened to Riley's engine. It...it could have been sabotage!"
"It doesn't matter," Rhonda stated. "Riley came in last place. That means elimination. The rest of you can collect coffee cups."
The Public Transportation of Losers pulled up to the side and honked its horn. "Go ahead and board...the meter is running."
Riley nodded and tried to hold her head up. "Well everybody, it...it's-"
"Wait," Tessa yelled. "You can't do this!"
"Um, yeah I can," Rhonda replied. "I'm the hostess."
"There are rules to this," Tessa stated. "And higher ups who might disagree. You could have a lawsuit on your hands! Do you really think your budget can survive that?"
"That's cute," Rhonda giggled. "You can read your contract or try to call the executives...that won't change this. The rules are that Riley goes home. That's it, it's a done deal. You can't change that."
Tessa's composure dropped. "But...but…"
The horn honked again. "I'm sorry Riley… now seriously go, the meter is running."
"What if I gave Riley my invincibility."
Everyone turned to look at Tessa.
"What?" Rhonda asked.
"I won invincibility today," Tessa stated. "So what if I give it to Riley?"
"That invincibility doesn't-"
"You said it was a formality yesterday," Tessa reminded. "Jenny announced it. So I officially have invincibility. And I want to give it to Riley. Invincibility means you can't be eliminated so...yeah, suck on that."
"Can she give that away?" Jenny asked.
"I...I don't know," Rhonda admitted. "I'm not sure anyone has ever given it away before in the original. It was mentioned once I think, but I'm not sure it was an option…"
"If it was mentioned, then it must be a rule," Tessa replied. "So give Riley invincibility."
"But Sweet T," Riley said, "What if this means you're eliminated instead."
"It would suck," Tessa admitted. "...but it would suck more for you to go home."
"Alright," Rhonda said, "you can give up invincibility. Just know that you'll lose your reward, which means no master suite, no trophy and no five thousand dollars."
Tessa rolled her eyes. "Who cares? Riley deserves to stay and I want her to...she's my friend."
Riley glomped Tessa, almost knocking the Olympian over. "Ooh! Thank you Sweet T!"
"Don't hug me," Tessa sighed, "I've been skunked."
"I don't care," Riley replied, ignoring how her eyes watered.
"So who's eliminated?" Kalino asked. "The next person to cross the finish line?"
"Uh, fat chance of that," Diamonique stated. "The rule was who finished last; that's not me. I'm not afraid to get a lawyer, and I'm rich enough that it'll be a good one too."
"Fine, fine, fine!" Rhonda screamed. "We'll make this simple. Since Riley was saved by Tessa, no one was in last place and the automatic elimination was nulled. So instead we'll have a vote tonight. Riley we'll be immune because of Tessa and has the master suite. Jasper's immunity will also be used tonight. And the five thousand dollars...will go to no one. We'll just absorb it to the show's budget."
"How convenient," Xidorn whispered.
"Which means the rest of you may still go home," Rhonda stated. "You have a few hours to decide."
/
That night, Lita, Ness, Ignacio, Griswold, and Jasper met in the game room. Riley just entered and sighed. "Sorry I'm late, I was helping fill the hot tub with tomato juice for Tessa. It's the least I could do."
"It's no big deal," Lita stated. "You won't have to share the room with her after tonight."
"Wait...you're not seriously saying we vote off Tessa?" Riley asked.
"Uh, duh!" Lita shouted. "We said we'd vote her off as soon as her immunity was gone. Guess what, it's gone!"
"That was before she saved Riley!" Griswold shouted.
"Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she did," Lita stated. "I want Riley here...and I want her gone. So let's take advantage of this."
"I can't do that," Riley stated. "Me and Tessa are buds."
"Don't tell me you actually meant that," Lita sighed. "Riley, we know Tessa is a horrible person! She's just tricking you. The only reason she gave up invincibility was to use you. She knows she won't make it far, so this is some last ditch attempt to try and give herself a chance. Well, screw that!"
"I have to agree," Ignacio stated. "We know Tessa isn't above this. It's for the best to get rid of her."
"I have to disagree," Griswold replied. "She stuck her neck out for Riley today and Riley thinks she's changed. If Riley believes so, then I have to agree with her."
Lita shook her head. "You would."
"What's that mean?" Griswold asked.
"Don't act stupid Gris," Lita replied.
"Ness, what do you think?" Ignacio asked.
Ness wrung her hands nervously. "Well, Tessa was a bully...but she did save Riley. It seemed really genuine too. And we need numbers...I don't know."
"Are you forgetting how she insulted us?" Lita asked. "How she bullied us? Or our best friend Seraphina? She insulted my brother!"
"She didn't know he was paraplegic," Riley tried to say.
"So?" Lita asked. "That doesn't matter! She insulted my family and tried to hurt me...and she did hurt me."
"I'd like to say something," Jasper announced, stepping forward.
"Yeah?" Griswold asked.
"I'm just glad I have immunity tonight," Jasper admitted. "Because last time you gave Tessa a second chance, you voted me off instead. And at my first ceremony without safety, I'm not going to be another casualty for Tessa. I'm voting for her tonight."
"I'm not," Griswold stated. "She saved Riley, and I wish you could all look past that."
"Good luck with that Griswold," Lita replied. "When that blows up in your face and she backstabs you, don't come crying to me. I'll be laughing at you instead."
Lita stormed out of the room. She was about halfway down the hall, when Riley grabbed her wrist.
"Please Lita," Riley said. "Don't go, we need to talk about this. We can't split this vote."
"The Eagles will gladly vote her off too," Lita stated. "If you're too naive not to."
"I'm not naive," Riley replied. "I trust Tessa. She's trying to change and she is my friend. I'm not sorry about it."
"What about your teammates?" Lita asked. "Are we not your friends?"
"Of course you are," Riley said. "It's just...she's my friend too. But I care about you and I know this is hard-"
"-Really?" Lita asked. "If your friend, why are you defending Tessa? Or in love with my ex?"
"What?" Riley asked.
"I know you like Griswold," Lita replied. "I know he's in love with you too."
"There's no way Gris is in love with me," Riley said.
"Sure," Lita replied. "But you are in love with him, right? Guess the bro code doesn't apply to your lady friends, huh?"
Before Riley could say anything, Lita charged off.
/
Eventually, the Fireworks dispersed. They went their separate ways to try and change the vote in their favor. Outside in the hall, Lita and Ignacio talked to Xidorn.
"Some of the other Fireworks are having doubts," Lita admitted. "They're fooled by her little stunt. But I'm not. If the other Eagles work with us we can send her packing."
"If she really wanted to stay it would be stupid to give up immunity," Xidorn said.
"Not for someone desperate," Ignacio replied. "Besides, if they aren't voting her than it likely means they're voting an Eagle."
Xidorn crossed his arms. "And you will too if we don't? Is that a threat?"
"Of course not," Ignacio replied. "I was just...just trying to point out the facts."
"Xidorn we know she's underhanded," Lita stated. "Remember her lies accusing your friend at the merge dinner? This was the same thing. She's a bully. She doesn't deserve to be here. Seraphina didn't sacrifice herself for her. She needs to go."
Xidorn sighed, but nodded his head. "You're right. I wasn't saying I'm not voting her tonight...it's just weird. But I'll tell the other Eagles. She made a stupid move tonight."
Xidorn dashed off to find the other Eagles.
Ignacio sighed and rubbed his face. "I can't believe it's this hard to vote off Tessa."
"It was before," Lita said.
"You know, I am sorry that happened," Ignacio said. "You didn't deserve that."
"It's fine," Lita replied. "She treated you bad on the first day too. I guess...so did I."
"I was dismissive too," Ignacio reminded. "Funny to think how different things are from then."
Lita laughed. "Yeah. I'm glad it's different between us now. I'm thankful you're here."
"I'm glad you're here too," Ignacio replied. "It means a lot…"
The two looked into each other's eyes. Then all at once, they held onto each other and started kissing.
Suddenly, Ignacio pulled away. "Lita, Lita I…"
"What?" Lita asked. "Did I do something wrong? Did I...oh...oh no…"
"I'm sorry," Ignacio stated. "Really, but I...I don't like you like that."
"Is...is there someone else?" Lita asked.
"I don't know," Ignacio admitted. "Maybe...but even if there isn't, I just don't feel that way about you. I admit I'm very attracted to you, and I shouldn't have kissed you. I just...I value you as a friend. A really important friend, but only a friend."
Lita forced a laugh, pretending to cry. "No, no. I just see you as a friend. I know you couldn't like me...I just had a moment of weakness. I wanted to feel some comfort."
"Lita I…" Ignacio said before trailing off.
"This was stupid," Lita replied. "Let's just forget this ever happened. I'll see you tonight."
She ran off. Ignacio banged his head against the wall.
Weston crossed his arms and pouted. "This challenge has been crazy, and so is everything after it. But it's distracting from what I want to really know! Who voted for Cynthia? Who flipped the script? It wasn't a flash drive was it? I just can't figure it out…"
Diamonique applied eyeliner while looking at her handheld mirror. "I'm sure you've already figured it out. I voted off Cynthia."
Diamonique closed her mirror and smirked. "Sure, Cynthia was my friend. But I didn't come back to have friends. Nor to wait and quietly get my revenge. I came back to set their little world ablaze. Right before the votes I found out how the Fireworks were voting from Jasper. I saw a chance and I took it. I don't regret it either."
Diamonique reopened her mirror and began sprucing her hair. "Why would I regret it? Now Melissa only trusts me; I have her in my pocket. I have good faith with Jasper since I helped his vote. That means I have him and all his connections from the Fireworks. Even better, I can pin it on Kalino. He's as a dead as a chicken in a chicken nugget now."
That night, everyone gathered at in the Haunted Internet Cafe. The mood was uncomfortably quiet.
"Welcome to this impromptu ceremony," Rhonda sighed. "As you know, Tessa gave up invincibility to Riley, who is now immune from the votes. Likewise, Jasper has immunity. The rest of you are fair game...and one will be going home."
Melissa cast her vote for Tessa. "I do think what Tessa did was very sweet...but I can't vote for one of my teammates or my new friends. I do want to give you a second chance...but as Lita said, you had one and you wasted it. Sorry."
Ness waved the mouse back and forth before reluctantly clicking on Tessa. "It's for the best. She's a bully. She's said really mean things about me and my friends...but I have a bad feeling about this ceremony…"
Ness darted her eyes and clicked on Kalino's face. "Just to be safe…I mean it won't matter in the long run, right?"
Rhonda handed a cup of coffee to Riley and Jasper. "Enjoy this peppermint mocha blend. If I don't call your name and you don't receive a cup like these two, then you should know what to do. Weston, Vance."
She tossed the two cups who nodded. "Ignacio, Diamonique."
Diamonique winked at the hunk as she caught her cup.
"Melissa, Xidorn, and Lita."
Lita took a sip of her coffee and glared at the Olympian on the other side of the cafe. "Hmph. Guess someone didn't decide to vote for me again. Can't say the same…"
"Ness," Rhonda said. "Now the the next coffee cup goes to...Kalino!"
Kalino fired a finger gun and clicked his tongue as he collected his cup. "Thanks Rhonda dear. This sounds delish."
"Oh no," Riley whispered.
"You had some votes to be in the bottom three," Rhonda explained. "But not enough to send you home...this time. But our final coffee cup goes to…"
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Tessa grabbed her luggage and stood up. "It has to be me going. I understand that-oww!"
A cup of coffee bounced off her head. Rhonda glared at her. "Stop interrupting me! The final cup goes to you. Which means going home is-"
"Griswold," Riley sighed.
The others gasped.
"I said don't interrupt me," Rhonda grumbled.
Griswold sat motionless. "Wow…"
"How?" Ness asked.
"It wasn't supposed to be Gris," Lita whispered. "It was supposed to be her…"
"Griswold I'm afraid you must-"
"Wait!" Riley shouted. "Can't I transfer my immunity or something to him?"
"Not after the elimination," Rhonda replied.
"Well...I was supposed to go home," Riley stated. "So, can't I go in his place?"
"Yeah...no," Rhonda said. "Sorry Riley, but this elimination is final."
"But, but..."
Riley stopped as she felt Griswold's hand on her shoulder. She wiped her nose on her sleeve as he stood up. "It's okay Ry. It's okay."
"No," Riley replied, trying not to cry. "No it isn't. If anythi-"
Griswold pulled her into a hug. "I wouldn't want you to go in my place. If it was between you or me today, then I'm glad it was me."
Griswold forced a laugh. "I guess I survived the last vote just to go now. Well, you can't win them all."
"Griswold," Ignacio stated. "I'm sorry. I didn't think that...that this could-"
Griswold grabbed the model and gave him a hug. "It happens. Sucks to be blindsided, but it happens."
Ness glomped Griswold. "Gris...you were an amazing team captain."
He chuckled. "I'm going to miss my Fireworks. It was the best team I was a part of, even better the Bulldogs. Stay strong, I'm rooting for you guys."
"Hate to wrap up this feeling session," Rhonda stated. "Really, I could milk this all day, but your ride will be here any minute Gris. You better get going."
Griswold nodded, waving as he rushed out the Revolving Doors of Shame.
Lita clutched at her scarf, using it to dry her eyes. "I...I caused Griswold's elimination. Didn't I?"
Kalino gave a small wave to Griswold as he exited.
"You seemed like a cool dude Gris," Kalino stated. "Too bad we were on opposite sides. I hoped taking out your little girlfriend today in the race would have done you in. You'd volunteer to take her place like the last challenge. Or maybe she'd just go home. Either way, a win-win. But then Tessa ruined that. I figured at least we could get rid of her."
Kalino smirked. "And then Xidorn told me about the rift between the Fireworks. We could have voted Tessa off...but it seemed like a better idea to pull the rug out from under you all and dispose of their fearless leader. Not to mention I knew you were a little too snoopy bud. So I convinced some of my old Eagles to do it...and my new friend."
Tessa walked up to Riley, who stared at the door. "Riley…"
"I can't believe he's gone," Riley admitted. "I knew one of us would go someday...but he's my best bro. I…"
"He's not gone yet," Ignacio stated.
Riley nodded, running through the doors after him.
/
Griswold sat down at the bench, holding his head in hands. He wiped his face on his sleeve. The Public Transportation of Losers was just down the street.
"Gris Bear!" Riley shouted. "Griswold!"
Griswold stood up and caught Riley in his arms as she practically ran into him. "Hey…"
Riley forced a smile. "I just wanted to talk to you once more before you go."
"I'm going to miss you," Griswold stated.
"Me too," Riley replied.
Griswold pulled Riley closer and the two began making out. The Public Transportation of Losers arrived.
Riley pulled away. "Gris…"
"I'm sorry," Griswold replied. "I know, I finally tell a girl how I feel and I'm going home. But Riley, I realize that the girl I've always wanted, someone I could talk to and hang out with is you. I like you Riley…"
"I like you too!" Riley replied. "I didn't realize it at first, but you're fun, sweet...and cute."
The bus doors opened as the driver honked his horn.
"I should have said something sooner," Griswold sighed. "But when this show is over...you wanna go out?"
"Yeah!" Riley replied.
The two shared a laugh before Griswold got on the door. Riley stayed, waving goodbye as the bus departed...
Author's Note
Sorry everyone. I said I'd try to have two chapters up per week...and then I missed a week (technically two, but Sunday is part of the work weekend). Life just got busier and it's still going to be busy, but I hope to have two chapters up over the next week.
Onto the chapter itself, and it's up there as one of my faves. I love the trope and titular cartoon Wacky Races. Stuff like Mario Kart, where the racing is silly and over the top but that's what makes it fun. ROTI had a go-kart challenge, but it didn't feel like much of a race, let alone a Wacky Race. How cartoonish Total Drama gets varies, but I think we could've accepted a crazy race. It was a lot of fun coming up with the various karts that reflect everyone and writing Jenny and Toby's commentary on the race.
The canon challenge this chapter borrows from more obviously is the bicycle race from TDI. I tried to have some obvious parallels. It's a challenge that most fans have questioned for making very little sense, especially the elimination. I'm not too big on automatic eliminations personally. I won't pretend I'm above using them, they're convenient, but they aren't always satisfying and I feel like TDI and TDPI's merge relied on them too much? So I wanted to subvert it.
One interesting thing to me was the idea of transferring invincibility. Lindsay asks Heather to in the bicycle race and Heather refuses, but can you give it to someone else? Why is it even offered if its an automatic elimination? I don't recall the idea of transferring invincibility being discussed again in canon either. It got me thinking and it was fun to explore that.
Personally, I really like the moment where Tessa gives it to Riley. A reader said that each of the three merge chapters seemed to center on a different returnee. That wasn't intentional, but I like that it did play out that way.
As for the elimination, I hate it but once again I couldn't see a better option. It needed to be a Firework and everyone else has a bigger reason to stay. Plus Griswold was the leader of the team, the face of the Fireworks. I'm surprised how much I was sad about Gris leaving as I wrote the elimination. I may or may not have teared up a bit. It helps him and Riley are one of my favorite couples.
I think things only get more interesting from here. Till then!
Appendix: Elimination History
Bethany (Eagles)- 22nd
Diamonique (Eagles)- RETURNED
Jasper (Fireworks)- RETURNED
Tessa (Fireworks)- RETURNED
Zipporah (Fireworks)- 21st
Hayden (Eagles)- 20th
Frannie (Eagles)- 19th
Aiden (Eagles)- 18th
Pascal (Fireworks)- 17th
Easton (Fireworks)- 16th
Seraphina (Fireworks)- 15th
MERGE
Cynthia- 14th
Griswold- 13th