The episode starts with Don narrating. "Last time on the race around the states, Emma tried to get some information out of Junior regarding his anger problems, but all this did was frustrate him." "Emma is going through a difficult time right now, showing serious regret regarding her past actions, before she started dating Noah." "Then we went to New Mexico for a hot air balloon race, where Ryan got his second win of the season, and continued to increase his points lead." "But it didn't come as easy as he hoped, as he ended up crashing into a tree." "We still have 13 races left in the regular season, and it's still unknown who is going to make the chase." "Is somebody going to increase their chances today?" "Find out on this episode of, the race around the states."
Intro consists of a shorter version of the final countdown.
During the usual self defense class with Officer Chambers, Stephanie was fighting like a bat out of hell. Some would say she was a little too aggressive, as a couple of the contestants needed to leave class early with ice packs. The only one that stood a chance against her and was able to take her down, was Jay. He had been practicing so hard on sparring without the use of his prosthetic hand, and was able to pin down Stephanie.
(Confession cam- That guy is tough)
Stephanie- "I gotta hand it to Jay, fighting with one hand, especially being small in size, isn't an easy task."
**End confessional**
(Room 6- the daters)
"How the hell did I lose a sparring match against Jay of all people?" "I know, ever since he got that owl out of his ear, he's been a lot more confident in himself" said Ryan. "You know, there's something we should try that we don't usually do" said Stephanie. "How do you feel about doing some square dancing?" "I didn't know you were into country music" said Ryan. The couple then went down to the basement, with a radio.
(Room 3- father and son)
It was late at night, and Dwayne Senior was fast asleep. Dwayne Junior was looking at the clock, and saw that it was now midnight. "Happy birthday Sarah" he thought sadly. He then poked his head out of the window, and looked up at the sky, silently praying. "God please, i'd give anything to talk to her just one more time, just once." Junior then went to sleep, with tears in his eyes. He had difficulty opening his eyes the next morning, as his head was still throbbing from his concussion. As he slowly got up, his father put his hand on his shoulder. "Happy birthday son, you're finally 15 years old" said Dwayne. Junior was surprised, he couldn't remember the last time his father actually remembered his birthday. There was then a knock on the door, Dwayne opened it, and Miles walked in. "Happy birthday Junior" said Miles in a flirtatious voice. "I just talked to Sanders, and she gave me permission to give you a hug." Miles then held her arms out, and Junior hesitantly walked up to her, and received her embrace.
(Confession cam- Getting hugs makes me happy)
Junior- "I'm still debating as to wether or not I should date Miles if me and Kendra were to break up." "I mean, she does genuinely care about me, and she's one of the nicest people here." "But me and Kendra are pretty close, so it's highly unlikely for us to separate, for any reason."
Miles- "I don't have a crush on Junior, i'm legitimately in love with him." "But I won't deny it, he does have some serious issues that he needs to talk about with his family."
**End confessional**
When everyone stepped outside to get on the bus, they saw that the bus wasn't there, and Don had a disappointed look on his face. "Listen, if anybody wants to drop out of the competition right now, I honestly would not blame you, given the situation that just took place" said Don. "I don't how else to put this, Carson Matthew has escaped from prison." Everyone looked completely shocked at what they were hearing. "From this point onward, the competition is going to be much more dangerous" said Don. "Three contestants have already been affected by his actions, one of which had to drop out of the competition." "Rather than wait until Carson Matthew is finally caught, the producer wants to resume the race as soon as possible." "To add insult to injury, we don't know how it happened, but the bus is gone." "I don't want to jump to conclusions, but it may have been stolen by Carson Matthew." "The race may have to go on hiatus after this challenge, until we can find a new mode of transportation across the country." "We do have transportation available for this challenge, and I don't know how the hell the producer was able to afford this."
All of the contestants were then led to a train station, and they could not believe what they were seeing. Sitting on the tracks, with three coaches behind it, was the legendary Southern Pacific 4449. "This is one of the most famous steam locomotives in history" said Dwayne. "How on earth did the producer acquire this?" "This is actually a loan that we got from the Union Pacific, and it's not permanent, all it's doing is taking us to New Jersey" said Don.
During the train ride, Miles was actually in the same compartment as Junior. "Here Junior, this is your birthday present" said Miles. Junior opened up a wrapped box, and inside was a FedEx bumper sticker. "Isn't FedEx Hamlin's sponsor?" asked Miles. "Yes, it is" said Junior.
The train slowed down, and eventually came to a stop. By this time, the sun had completely gone down. Don then led them out of the station, and over to a hiking trail. "Here we are, New Jersey" he said. "Just like Pennsylvania, this state also has a part of the Appalachian trail." "But unlike Pennsylvania, the ground is a lot more level, and there aren't nearly as many rocks." "We've put a starting line and a finish line in two separate areas of the trail, 5 miles apart." "The first contestant to complete all five miles, will be the winner of the challenge."
(Confession cam- Five miles to freedom)
Harold- "When it comes to my heart palpitations from running too fast, it only really becomes an issue, if it's full speed the entire time." "Most of the challenges we've had, haven't been flat out races." "While there has been a lot of running, there has also been certain gradients that are too steep to stand on, so we had to climb instead of run." "The last time we were on the Appalachian trail, running at full speed was literally impossible, as there were way too many rocks that could lead to falling." "This however, this is mostly level ground, which is what I had to put up with back in Michigan." "It may seem like i'm the most dominant contestant because of my whopping 11 wins, but I am more vulnerable than you think." "Some of the future challenges coming up, might put me at a severe disadvantage due to my health problems." "This is why I need to get into the top 10 before the chase starts." "If there's a point during the chase where I struggle, i'm going to need those 33 bonus points to keep my chances alive." "If I am to have any shot at winning the whole competition, I need to take less risks, and be more conservative." "As such, i'm not going to use up most of my energy at the beginning of this challenge, like I did in Michigan."
Ryan- "Okay, the last time we had a flat out race with little to know elevation changes, I ended up finishing dead last, despite how strong I am." "This time, i'm not finishing towards the back, I'm going to prove just how fast I really am."
**End confessional**
All of the contestants had their headlamps turned on, and were lined up at the starting line. Don was ready to get the race started. "ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO!" he shouted. Everybody then took off.
Tom was running with Dwayne and Carrie. "It finally happened, my son is 15 years old" said Dwayne. "Does this mean you're finally going to let him drive?" asked Tom. "I'm certainly going to be giving some pointers in a parking lot, but not until he makes a full recovery from his concussion" said Dwayne.
(Confession cam- Don't drive angry)
Carrie- "Most people don't get their license as soon as they are old enough." "Learning how to drive takes time, you can only be on the road, if you 100% know what you're doing."
**End confessional**
Jen was with Laurie and Sanders. "What special surprise did you get Junior for his birthday?" as Jen. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you" said Sanders. "Ooh, maybe the surprise is that you signed him up for the same cadet class, that you and MacArthur took" said Laurie.
(Confession cam- Put your hands up)
Sanders- "I actually have talked to Junior about it, and he told me that he doesn't want to become a cop." "This is honestly understandable, as being a police officer is dangerous work." "Although, I haven't been an officer that long, and I have yet to deal with a serious crime that can be considered life threatening."
**End confessional**
Lorenzo was with Brody and Taylor. "I feel as though we should be equipped with guns for the rest of the competition" said Lorenzo. "Wait a minute, are you trying to win by default by shooting everyone?" asked Brody. "No you idiot, we need to defend ourselves, in case Carson Matthew tries to kill us again" said Lorenzo. "Sounds more like you want revenge on him because he poisoned you" said Brody. "Yes, I do want revenge, but i'm not going to shoot him out of anger, because that is called murder, and murder is illegal" said Lorenzo.
(Confession cam- This is illegal you know)
Taylor- "I get where he's coming from about needing to defend ourselves, but i'm pretty sure this would only apply if Carson were to attack us directly." "I mean think about it, all three of his attacks were done without him being seen." "How the hell can we shoot him, if we can't see the son of a bitch?"
**End confessional**
Chet was with Leonard and Crimson. "Leonard, just so you know, I don't think you're stupid, and I do think that magic is actually real" said Crimson in an emotionless tone. "You are one of the very people in this world, that doesn't think i'm a weirdo" said Leonard.
(Confession cam- It could be worse, people could think you're a rapist)
Chet- "Oh come on, the larpers are making the smart contestants dumb." "Why the hell does Crimson believe him?" "Does it have anything to do with her belief in ancient gods?" "Because i'm telling you, the only real life god to have ever walked on earth was Jesus Christ."
**End confessional**
Junior was with Jacques and MacArthur. "I would think now that you're a year older, you would use more common sense, and not run at full speed with a serious head injury" said Jacques. "Oh come on, he's 15, he's old enough to make as many dangerous decisions as he pleases" said MacArthur. Junior then had his hand on the top of his head, which felt as though it was being whacked with a mallet. "Oh Jesus Christ, this really hurts" he said. He then grunted in frustration. "Just gotta shake it off and keep running."
(Confession cam- Sometimes, you just gotta shake it off)
Junior- "This is the most difficult challenge, since the golf cart incident."
MacArthur- "This kid will not quit, he's as stubborn as my grandmother."
**End confessional**
Kitty was with Stephanie and Ennui. "Oh fuck no, they seriously thought you were flipping them off?" asked Stephanie. "Laying in a literal pile of crap, and the only thing that everyone thinks i'm doing, was giving them the bird" said Kitty. "Well, at least it wasn't a foul ball at an MLB game" said Ennui in an emotionless tone.
(Confession cam- You're out)
Stephanie- "Believe me, i've seen things at sporting events, that are way more dangerous than that." "I went to a fight one time, and a hockey game broke out."
**End confessional**
Jay was with Emma and Noah. "So after the wedding, where are you two going for your honeymoon?" asked Jay. "Oh, we never really thought about the honeymoon part" said Emma. "I don't know, I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it" said Noah.
(Confession cam- Certain things need to be planned out years in advance)
Emma- "Listen, the wedding is still happening on schedule, we're not postponing it." "Although, there are still some things that need to be worked out."
**End confessional**
Chris was with Owen and Harold. Although Harold was pacing himself and not running at his max speed, his heart was still hurting, and his breathing was getting worse." "It's all your fault, you are the reason why my career has gone downhill" said Chris. "This was all on you, dumbass" wheezed Harold. "Total Drama would have been renewed for a seventh season, if you hadn't delayed my knighthood." "If anyone's career has gone downhill, it's mine, and it's your fault." "I was humiliated when my dick was shown on international tv, but in my mind, I thought I had made it to the final 3, because I thought that I knew you would disqualify nearly everyone there, for doing something illegal." "But no, all you cared about was ratings, you and all the fans watching, thought that was nothing more than a harmless prank." "Then, I get the shit beaten out of me, for standing up for myself, and I nearly drown, with a heavy pole strangling me to death." "Then, the bitch that tried to murder me, gets special treatment, WHEN I'M THE ONE WHO ACTUALLY EARNED IT!" "I WAS THE ONE FALSELY ELIMINATED, NOT HER!" "I DESERVED A REWARD FOR SAVING EVERYONE'S LIFE, BUT ALL YOU DID WAS REWARD COURTNEY FOR BEING A PERVERT!" "MOST OF THE TOTAL DRAMA FANS, ARE BAD PEOPLE!" "THEY GOT MAD AT ME FOR STANDING UP TO A SEX OFFENDER, AND NEVER ACKNOWLEDGED MY HEROIC ACTIONS!" "ONE OF THE VERY FEW PEOPLE THAT DOES ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I AM A HUMAN BEING, IS NONE OTHER THAN THE QUEEN, BUT I CAN'T GET KNIGHTED BY HER, BECAUSE A WHINY HOST CAN'T GET WHAT HE WANTS!"
(Confession cam- Shit just got real)
Owen- "The cameras didn't show it, but Harold was dropping a lot of F bombs." "I'm honestly shocked that I am not one of the people he hates, considering the fact that I caused his unfair elimination in season 2." "I can see why Izzy wanted Harold over me, he's just in general a better person than me." "Oh no, it's only now hitting me, I'm a bad person."
Harold- "The next time I talk to Junior, I owe him an apology." "He's right, Duncan 100% deserves to die." "I shouldn't have called him out for that, he has every right to wish death on that motherfucker."
**End confessional**
Geoff was with Mary and Kelly. "Assuming we do go on hiatus, how long will it take for the race to finally resume?" asked Geoff. "I would assume around 3-4 years" said Mary. "Oh God, by that point, Taylor will already be in college" said Kelly. "This is all hypothetical, it is too difficult to predict exactly how long this is going to be" said Mary.
(Confession cam- I am not a fortune teller)
Mary- "I couldn't tell them how long I actually think it's actually going to take, they wouldn't take it very well."
**End confessional**
Rock was with the tennis rivals. "You know, if you are interested, ping pong may or may not be a more difficult version on tennis" said Rock. "Screw that, let's play sting pong instead" said Pete. "Oh hell no, don't you remember what happened last time?" asked Gerry. "That wouldn't have happened had you simply locked the door" said Gerry. "You shouldn't have threatened to call the cops on them" said Pete.
(Confession cam- You know it's bad if the cops are mentioned)
Rock- "Okay, I am seriously starting to question the sanity of those two."
**End confessional**
Spud was with Tammy and Ellody. "Do you have any magic potions that make people smarter?" asked Spud. "Well there is this one, but it's illegal in several countries" said Tammy. "I'm sorry I asked" said Spud.
(Confession cam- WTF?)
Ellody- "Dear god, please tell me it isn't a potion made out of grass"
**End confessional**
Josee was talking to Miles about Junior. "I think all that you needed was Junior's approval, I don't think you needed Sanders' permission to hug him" said Josee. "I just didn't want to feel weird, hugging somebody of the opposite gender that was already dating someone" said Miles. "The only thing that made it weird, was that you had to ask Sanders for permission" said Josee.
Ryan was absolutely on it that night, as he had a huge lead over everyone else, and crossed the finish line an entire 45 minutes before anybody else. Eventually, Chet crossed the finish line in second, Leonard in third, Crimson fourth, Brody fifth, Taylor sixth, Lorenzo seventh, Chris eighth, Owen ninth, Harold tenth, Laurie eleventh, Jen twelfth, Sanders thirteenth, Emma fourteenth, Jay fifteenth, Noah sixteenth, Ennui seventeenth, Stephanie eighteenth, Kitty nineteenth, MacArthur twentieth, Junior twenty first, Jacques twenty second, Mary twenty third, Geoff twenty fourth, Kelly twenty fifth, Pete twenty sixth, Rock twenty seventh, Gerry twenty eighth, Tammy twenty ninth, Spud thirtieth, Ellody thirty first, Carrie thirty second, Dwayne thirty third, Tom thirty fourth, Josee thirty fifth, and Miles thirty sixth. After everyone crossed the finish line, Harold sat down on the nearest tree stump, and began slowly breathing while holding his chest with both hands.
(Confession cam- It's alright, just breathe)
Harold- "Oh gosh, had I gone any faster, something bad would have happened."
Ryan- "Alright, now we're getting somewhere." "I just got two wins in a row, and i'm leading by more than an entire challenge worth of points." "I think i've got this, I think i'm going to win."
**End confessional**
The podium ceremony was now happening. Leonard was standing on the third place pedestal, Chet was standing on the second place pedestal, and Ryan was standing on the winners pedestal. "Ryan, after that dominant performance you just put down, you're going to get yourself a pair of roller blades" said Don. "Also, one minor thing i'd like to address, the show has a new bus, so the race will continue." "Okay Junior, your present is coming out" said Sanders. "Ah, so you must be Dwayne Junior, i've seen you on tv" said a voice. Stepping out from behind a tree, was a man wearing a black fire suit, with the FedEx logo on it. Junior could not believe it. Standing right in front of him, was Denny Hamlin. "Oh my gosh, Mr Hamlin, I never thought i'd be seeing you in person" said Junior. "I heard that you're a big fan" said Denny. "That is a major understatement, I am a huge fan" said Junior. "Well seeing as how it is your birthday, I feel like it's only right that I give you, a signed spoiler that used to be on my car" said Denny. He then signed an old orange spoiler from a gen 4 car, and handed it to Junior. "Well, I have to go now, i've got Talladega in a few days" said Denny. "Good luck in this race you've got going on." "Same goes to you with the race that you're running" said Junior. After Denny Hamlin left, Junior ran over to Sanders, and gave her a hug. "Thank you Kendra, I can't thank you enough" he said. "Happy birthday Dwayne Junior" said Sanders. Don then decided to sign off, wanting to end the episode on a good note.
Point standings
First place: Ryan, 756 points, 3 wins
Second place: Chet, 717 points
Third place: Emma, 707 points, 1 win
Fourth place: Leonard, 690 points
Fifth place: Noah, 686 points, 2 wins
Sixth place: Kelly, 658 points, 1 win
Seventh place: Crimson, 656 points
Eighth place: Taylor, 644 points
Ninth place: Owen, 635 points
Tenth place: Kitty, 629 points
Eleventh place: Harold, 626 points, 11 wins
Twelfth place: Laurie, 620 points, 1 win
Thirteenth place: Sanders, 612 points, 1 win
Fourteenth place: Ennui, 612 points
Fifteenth place: Tammy, 585 points
Sixteenth place: Lorenzo, 578 points
Seventeenth place: Geoff, 573 points
Eighteenth place: Jen, 566 points
Nineteenth place: Jay, 546 points, 2 wins
Twentieth place: Junior, 519 points, 2 wins
Twenty first place: Stephanie, 509 points
Twenty second place: MacArthur, 476 points
Twenty third place: Mary, 459 points
Twenty fourth place: Jacques, 458 points, 1 win
Twenty fifth place: Miles, 428 points
Twenty sixth place: Rock, 378 points
Twenty seventh place: Pete, 373 points
Twenty eighth place: Brody, 352 points, 2 wins
Twenty ninth place: Spud, 321 points
Thirtieth place: Chris, 279 points
Thirty first place: Izzy, 272 points, 1 win
Thirty second place: Ellody, 249 points
Thirty third place: Tom, 238 points
Thirty fourth place: Gerry, 216 points
Thirty fifth place: Carrie, 183 points
Thirty sixth place: Leshawna, 171 points
Thirty seventh place: Dwayne, 167 points
Thirty eighth place: Josee, 147 points
Thirty ninth place: Mickey, 139 points
Fortieth place: Devin, 114 points
Forty first place, Dawn, 81 points
Forty second place, Lindsay, 18 points
Authors note: The Southern pacific 4449, is my favorite locomotive of all time. It's one of the most famous U.S steam locomotives, and was one of the engines to pull the American freedom train. During the time in which this story takes place, it was owned by Union Pacific.
Sting pong is a game of ping pong where after every point that is scored, the scorer hits a ping pong ball as hard as they can at their opponent's exposed chest of stomach.
The one thing that's been consistent in all of my Total drama stories, is Denny Hamlin being Junior's favorite celebrity. I felt that in this story, finally getting to meet Denny Hamlin, would be a perfect birthday present.
Yep, Carson Matthew is on the loose. This is going to become a very important plot point in the future.
As always, if you have an idea for a challenge in an upcoming state or a prize for a future challenge winner, feel free to let me know in a review.
Thank you for reading and please have a great day.