The episode starts with Don narrating. "Last time on the race around the states, it was the final challenge of the regular season, the challenge that would determine who would be in the chase." "It was a race to the top of the Willis tower, and Jay shot up the stairs like a bullet." "Because if his determination, Jay was able to come in clutch, and make the chase by winning the challenge." "I should correct a mistake I made last time, Lorenzo making it into the top 10 would only result in Jay making the chase, if Noah also made it into the top 10." "Jay didn't need to win the challenge, he just needed Noah to make up 8 points on Taylor." "It was still a clutch win nonetheless, because due to Noah finishing so low, he wasn't able to get enough points." "If Jay finished one spot lower, he would be out." "Now the chase grid has been set." "Over the next 10 challenges, Harold, Ryan, Laurie, Crimson, Sanders, Kelly, Emma Chet, Leonard, Taylor, Jay, and Junior, will be fighting it out to see who wins one million dollars." "We won't be seeing any results today, as this is another two parter." "But you can still find entertainment, on this episode of, the race around the states."
Intro consists of a shorter version of the final countdown.
True to his word, Brody went straight to the hospital to get checked out. His suspicions were right, his leg was definitely broken. For the third time this season, he would need a substitute to compete in his place. That substitute showed up, towards the end of that day's self defense class. The substitute was a girl that had dyed red hair with a flower in it. She was also wearing a red shirt that matched her hair color, along with a pair of green pants. Junior, who was once again forced to sit out the class due to his concussion, recognized her at once. "It's nice to see you again Zoey, I haven't seen you in years" said Junior. Zoey then went up to Junior, and gave him a hug. "You guys know each other?" asked Emma. "Yeah, I used to babysit him" said Zoey.
(Confession cam- You learn something new every day)
Zoey- "Me and Junior have a relationship, similar to that of a brother and sister." "The reason why I came onto the show, is because i'm really worried about him." "His chances of surviving in his current condition, aren't that high." "I just wanted to see him one last time, just in case."
**End confessional**
Kelly and Taylor then felt their stomachs rumbling, and immediately rushed for the nearest women's restroom. Normally, going number 2 in public was something that Taylor flat out refused to do. But due to being on the very edge of crapping herself, she was forced to make an exception.
While the mother and daughter duo were in the women's restroom with really bad diarrhea, Junior and Sanders were sitting on a bench outside, holding hands. "Can you believe that both of us are in the chase?" asked Sanders. "I know, I like that I get to have a friendly rivalry with my girlfriend" said Junior. "Listen, you don't have to do this, this is just a suggestion" said Sanders. "How would you feel about sleeping in the same bed?" Junior didn't know how to respond to such an odd request. "With how much we've grown to appreciate each other, I really don't think this is going to be awkward" said Sanders. "Besides, all we are doing is sleeping, we aren't at the point in our relationship where we start making things extreme." "Alright, we'll give it a try tonight" said Junior.
(Room 1- the fashion bloggers)
"Jen, I can see right through you, I know you have feelings for Lorenzo" said Tom. "If you ask him to be your boyfriend, he's more than likely going to say yes." "Tom, we don't think of each other that way, the two of us are just friends" said Jen. "Alright, I won't push the issue" said Tom.
(Room 2- the stepbrothers)
"Ha ha, I made the chase and you didn't" teased Chet. "Well at least I actually have a win" said Lorenzo. "True, but you are no longer eligible for the million dollars" said Chet. "That is the money, that I am going to win." "Do you seriously think that you're going to make up 36 points?" asked Lorenzo. "I don't think, I know" said Chet. "I also know that you don't have the balls to ask Jen to be your girlfriend." "Damnit Chet, me and Jen are just friends" said Lorenzo. Chet's stomach then began hurting, and he immediately ran into the bathroom.
(Confession cam- I know it's a part of life, but it's still gross)
Chet- "None of the other chase contestants have a legit chance, that trophy is going to have my name on it."
**End confessional**
(Room 3- father and son)
"Son, now that you've made the chase, you really should quit while you're ahead" said Dwayne. "Finishing twelfth in points is nothing to sneeze at." "I've made it this far, I might as well go all the way, I still have a really good chance of winning this whole thing" said Junior. "Son please, you know I love you, but you are getting your hopes up too high" said Dwayne. "The last thing I want, is to see you suffer any more than you already have."
(Confession cam- A living hell)
Junior- "I won't deny it, the pain I am in is excruciating." "I still have an 10 whole challenges to get through, and i'm behind by an entire challenge worth of points." "This is going to be harder than I thought."
**End confessional**
(Room 4- The sisters)
"I think it would be really cool if you won the whole thing, it would be cool if you were going into your wedding as a winner" said Kitty. "With a sister like you, and a perfect future man like Noah, I already feel like a winner" said Emma.
(Confession cam- There is an award for everything)
Emma- "As much as I really want to win this whole thing, there are things in my life that are way more important." "When I signed up last season, I never thought i'd meet the most important man of my life." "Noah is the best thing to ever happen to me, nothing will ever top having him as a husband."
**End confessional**
(Room 5- the geniuses)
"Do you think we're smart enough to become doctors?" asked Mary. "Probably, but i'm not really interested, there's too much blood involved" said Ellody.
(Room 6- the daters)
"How do you plan on making up 27 points on Harold?" asked Stephanie. "I could theoretically do it in one challenge if Harold has a poor finish, but that's a pretty big maybe" said Ryan. "The hard part is actually keeping the lead once I take it."
(Confession cam- Technically not impossible)
Ryan- "I need to take into consideration, that the guy i'm up against, has his number of wins in the double digits." "Harold is going to be tough to beat."
**End confessional**
(Room 7- the goths)
"Well Crimson, this is it, 30 points stand between you and victory" said Ennui emotionlessly. "With all of the crazy crap that has been happening so far this season, it seems as though anything is possible" replied Crimson in the same tone.
(Confession cam- You just gotta believe)
Crimson- "I still miss Loki, I wonder if he's rooting for me back at home." "I hope he's no longer pissed at us for not taking him along this season."
**End confessional**
(Room 8- Jay and Chris)
Jay was still incredibly excited about making the chase at the last second, and took pleasure in rubbing it in Chris' face. "The reason why you didn't come anywhere close to making the chase, is because nobody was supporting you, you have no friends" laughed Jay. "Shut up, nobody wants to hear you brag" said Chris. "Now you now how the contestants felt, back when you used to be a host" said Officer Chambers. Jay then began petting Hazel. "Hazel, i'm so glad you were there to experience such a happy moment" said Jay.
(Confession cam- And hopefully many more to come)
Jay- "Ever since I adopted Hazel, she has been one of my biggest supporters." "Ever since I got her out of my ear, me and Hazel have always been there for each other." "No matter what, we have each other's backs."
**End confessional**
(Room 9- the reality tv pros)
Noah had a calendar on the wall, and he was counting down the days until the first of January. "You're really looking forward to this aren't you?" asked Owen. "More than any event in my entire life" said Noah. "I still can't believe that i'm actually going to spend the rest of my life with her." "Best girl I could ever ask for, wouldn't trade Emma for anything."
(Room 10- Geoff and Zoey)
"Oh my God, that cat is so cute" said Zoey. Her attention was focused toward Toby. "I guess until Brody gets back, we'll be the ones looking after him" said Geoff. "I feel bad for Brody, he keeps having to leave due to health problems." "Well, at least he has four wins" said Zoey. Zoey then got under the covers of her bed, and Toby got into the bed with her. "Oh my God, you are just so cute" said Zoey as she was cuddling Toby.
(Room 11- mother and daughter)
"That is the most disgusting thing I have done in my entire life" said Taylor. "Everyone does it sweetie, you've done it several times in the past" said Kelly. "Not in a public bathroom, going number 2 in public is the worst thing a hot girl can do, especially with their own mother" said Taylor. "Are you saying that I embarrass you?" asked Kelly. "You'll be the one embarrassed, when I win this whole thing" said Taylor. "I'm going to prove that i'm better than you, in every way."
(Confession cam- Very cocky)
Taylor- "When my name is on that trophy, Mom will finally see who the real women in charge is."
Kelly- "Well at least I actually have a win." "Although, I can't say that i'm happy with the way I got it." "By all accounts, Junior should have won that golf cart race." "Even since then, he's been pushing himself too far, i'm worried something really bad is going to happen to him."
**End confessional**
(Room 12- Harold and Carrie)
"Well this is it, i've got 10 challenges left, with a 27 point lead" said Harold. "If you win this whole thing, it won't be an unfair win" said Carrie. She then looked down sadly. "You've been thinking about Devin, haven't you?" asked Harold. "How can I not?" asked Carrie. "His chances of making it, aren't that high."
(Confession cam- One percent is better than zero)
Harold- "I can't help but feel sorry for both of them, I know what it's like to have near death experiences." "It just feels far worse, when it happens to someone else." "If I win this whole thing, i'll dedicate it to Devin."
**End confessional**
(Room 13- the tennis rivals)
"I can't wait until our sponsors start making licensed t shirts with us on them" said Gerry. "We're going to become filthy stinking rich, we're going to make millions" said Pete. "We're going to make more money than Jimmie Johnson makes in one year" said Gerry. "Speaking of money, Tony Stewart owes Regan Smith a lot of it" said Pete.
(Room 14- the larpers)
"Leonard, the magic Gods have just granted you, the ultimate wizards quest" said Tammy. "It is your job to win the entire competition." "I shall not let thy wizard Gods down, I shall win the million dollars" said Leonard.
(Confession cam- Merlins beard)
Leonard- "This is going to be the comeback story of the century, from last place to first."
**End confessional**
(Room 15- the cadets)
"I know what has to be done, I know what you have to do to win this whole thing" said MacArthur. "What's the plan?" asked Sanders. "Do the same thing that i'm going to do, reduce drag by not wearing a bra" said MacArthur. "There is no way in hell I am doing that, it's barbaric, and incredibly uncomfortable" said Sanders. "Do you want to win the million dollars or not?" asked MacArthur.
(Confession cam- Sometimes you gotta take risks)
Sanders- "I'm surprised that she is actually admitting to doing something like that, on camera."
**End confessional**
(Room 16- the ice dancers)
"I'm glad Jay got in at the last second, I hope he wins this whole thing" said Josee. "Same here, after everything he's had to deal with, it would be an amazing underdog story" said Jacques.
(Room 17- the rockers)
"Do you think me and Taylor would make a good couple?" asked Rock. "Wait a minute, you have feelings for her?" asked Spud. "I always thought she was attractive" said Rock. "Go and ask her out then" said Spud. "No way, I don't even think she's nice enough to friend zone me" said Rock.
(Room 18- the vegans)
"You know Miles, you don't have to root for me if you don't want to, I know how much you care about Junior" said Laurie. "I'm more concerned about wether or not Junior will make it out of this alive" said Miles.
(Confession cam- He doesn't have the highest of odds)
Laurie- "The only one who isn't concerned about Junior's safety, is Chris." "He is the only one here, with no redeeming qualities." "We all hate him."
**End confessional**
(Room 3- father and son)
Sanders was outside the room in her pajamas, and she made sure to knock before entering. She didn't need to see anything revealing Dwayne, and she especially didn't need to to see anything revealing Junior. When she walked into the room, she saw that Junior wasn't there. "He's in the bathroom, his stomach is really doing a number on him" said Dwayne. The sound of a toilet flushing was then heard. Junior stumbled a little bit as he was walking into the room. "Head still hurting?" asked Sanders. "Terribly" said Junior. He then got under the covers of his bed, and closed his eyes. Sanders then got in beside him. "Good night Junior" she said as she held his hand. "Night Kendra" mumbled Junior.
When they woke up early the next morning, Junior felt as though his head was being smacked with a hammer. "I'm going to go get dressed, I'll meet you at breakfast downstairs" said Sanders. "Okay" said Junior.
(Room 15- the cadets)
Sanders quietly stepped into the room, to see MacArthur fast asleep. She then went into the bathroom to take a shower. About three minutes later, she stepped out of the bathroom in nothing but a bath towel. She picked out a pair of panties, and her usual pair of jeans. She then remembered the suggestion MacArthur gave her. Reluctantly, Sanders didn't take a bra out of the dresser. Instead of putting on her usual cadet shirt, she decided to put on a casual green one.
It wasn't long before everyone was on the bus, and they eventually got off at a harbor. "Alright everyone, this is another one of those challenges where it's going to take awhile to get there" said Don. "To start off the chase, we are heading to Hawaii." "And, in order to get there, we are going to be riding on an expensive five star cruise." "It's going to take us awhile to get there, so there is plenty of time to have fun.
The contestants were indeed having a lot of fun. The cruise ship had an all you can eat buffet for twenty four hours a day. There were also several indoor and outdoor pools, where the contestants could cool off. There was even a large game room, that had nearly every video game console that had been invented up to that point. Harold attempted a Super Mario 64 120 star speed run in this room, and barely managed to put himself tenth on the leaderboard. Leonard spent the first two hours of the cruise in the bathroom, due to having bad diarrhea. The contestants began to speculate about some bug that was possibly going around.
As the sun was setting, Junior and Zoey were sitting in the hot tub, talking about the fun times they used to have when Junior was little. Junior was snapped out of his thoughts, when Sanders got in the tub. Sanders was wearing a brand new grey bikini. Unlike her previous swimsuit, this one actually showed cleavage. Junior was red in the face, and he put on an embarrassed smile, when Sanders kissed him on the cheek.
After drying off, Junior went back to his room to get dressed, and he was exhausted. The only reason why he was in the hot tub to begin with, was because he needed to relax after he had been doing push ups in the gym. Knowing that the chase was starting soon, Junior wanted to be in perfect shape, so he had a really good shot at winning. All he was focusing on was making himself stronger, he didn't even look out of the corner of his eye to see Kelly and Taylor trying to one up each other on the exercise bikes. He then answered a knock on his door, and to his surprise, the one knocking was Carrie. "Listen Junior, this has been bothering me nonstop, we need to talk about this" said Carrie. "What is it?" asked Junior. "I want to talk about the crush you used to have on me" said Carrie. "What about it?" asked Junior. "If you and Sanders weren't a couple, would you still have feelings for me?" asked Carrie. "I actually moved on from you, before last season ended" said Junior. "I also wanted to talk to you about the damage you are doing to yourself, physically and emotionally" said Carrie. "Ever since this season started, something has been bothering you, and for some unknown reason, you don't want to discuss your problems with anyone." "I'm shocked you don't even want to talk about it with your own father." "I don't know what the problem is, but whatever it may be, is clearly destroying you." "Do me a favor, and take some time to contemplate what you are doing to yourself." Carrie then walked away. Junior didn't know what to do now. Carrie did not have any malice in her tone, she actually sounded worried. He knew that she also had problems, her boyfriend was still fighting a battle against lung cancer. Junior realized, he had to tell somebody about the problems he was having.
He asked the vegans to meet up with him in a storage closet, out of camera range. He felt comfortable trusting them with this information. He wanted to assure Laurie that it wasn't her fault that he was in this predicament. He also knew that because Miles truly loved him, he could trust her to not share this information with anyone, especially his dad. He knew he could also trust Sanders, but was worried if she knew about what was going on, she might dump him for not being 100% honest with her. Reluctantly, Junior told the vegans every last detail, about the situation with Sarah Santori. Now realizing the full extent of what was going on, Laurie and Miles were now even more concerned for Junior. They tried to convince Junior to talk to his dad about this, But Junior refused to traumatize his dad with bad memories. He also had Laurie and Miles swear that they wouldn't discuss this with anyone with the exception of Jay, as he was the only other person that Junior was willing to discuss this situation with.
By the time the sun had finally come down, all of the contestants gathered around at one big table to have a feast. While most of the contestants were thinking about the chase, others were concerned with the personal issues of their friends. After the feast, Don then began speaking to the camera. "Tomorrow in Hawaii, the action will begin." "The chase is about to start." "Who will set themself up as one of the favorites?" "Find out next time on, the race around the states."
Authors note: I wish I had the money to afford a cruise like that. Although, if I did have that exact amount, i'd probably spend it on something more valueable.
This is it, in the next chapter, the chase will begin. We are getting close to the end.
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.