"Last time on Total Drama Island," Chris recapped, "Our campers went on a scavenger hunt that was very spooooky." The scene flashed back to Lucas and Carly falling into a grave, then to the squid tree grabbing and slapping Lightning. "And very, very painful."

...

The scene changed to Keith and Jo with their respective teams. "Keith and Jo bossed their teams around all night," Chris continued, "Letting various of them to get captured by the giant spider." The scene changed to Izzy in the spider outfit. "Turns out it was only Izzy doing an eight-legged tap dance scare."

...

The scene changed to Echo using Leonard's staff after hitting him with a rock and the Rats becoming trapped in bubbles. "Echo decided to play second enemy by tricking Leonard and using his staff to capture the Toxic Rats," Chris continued. The scene changed to Leonard's elimination. "Which meant Leonard the Great was sentenced to pay for his wizard crimes, via the Hurl of Shame."

...

The scene changed to Paul's attack and Destiny warding the wolf off, then to Laney and Samey finding Mike. "There was also something about a weird wild dog that attacked Paul," Chris continued, "And apparently Mike, too. Or did it?"

...

The scene changed to Chris standing on the dock. "Who knows?" he narrated. "The cameras didn't capture any of it." He gave a wink. "Guess that's another mystery to resolve here on Total...Drama...Island!"

(cue commercial)

It was the next morning. Over by the Frogs' cabin, Phoebe was picking up some DVD cases off the ground. "What the hell are you doing now?" Keith demanded as he did some pull-ups.

"Please mind your tongue," Phoebe advised. "I'm just gathering some movies for us."

"Why?"

"Well, if we win first place again, I was thinking us Frogs can have a movie night together."

"Ha! Good luck with that, squirt. These runts aren't gonna waste time playing your shitty games."

"Hey! Language! It's hurting my ears!"

"Everything okay in here?" Brick asked as he entered the cabin.

"If it isn't Drippy Pants himself," Keith teased. "You won't wimp out now that it's daylight, right?"

"So I'm afraid of the dark. That's what night-vision goggles are for. You'd never make it in my squadron."

"Good morning, Brick," Phoebe greeted with a salute. "Do you wanna help me gather some movies for a movie night tonight?"

"Sounds like a great idea, ma'am."

"Well, do it somewhere else," Keith told the duo. "I'm trying to prep for the ACTUAL game here!"

"Let's check with the Gophers," Brick suggested as he pulled Phoebe outside. He knocked on the door to the boys' side of the Gophers' cabin. "Excuse me?" he asked. "May we come in? Phoebe and I wanna borrow some DVDs."

"Um, sure," a high-pitched voice answered, to Brick's confusion. "Come in."

"I don't recall any of the Gophers sounding like that."

"Maybe one of them has a cold," Phoebe reasoned as she opened the door. She screamed as a bucket of water was splashed onto her. "Ha-ha!" Max laughed while he held a metal bucket. "You fell right into my trap, you goody-goody! Now face the mighty power of my EVIL-" He was quickly knocked aside by Lucas. "Pay no attention to him," he told Phoebe as he helped her to her feet. "He's actually harmless, even if he's a bit annoying."

"But he said he was EVIL!" Phoebe protested.

"Saying and doing are two different things," Brick told her. "But don't worry about him. Movie night, remember?"

"The Codester and I found a couple of things here," Corey said as he and Cody sat down a stack of DVDs. "You're welcome to borrow a few."

"You're actually helping those losers?" 'Dumb' Damien scoffed. "They're the enemy, you damn idiot!"

"Dude, it's just some movies," Cody assured him. "Nothing serious."

"Thanks again," Brick told the boys as he picked up some DVDs. "Let's see what we've got...there's one with puppies, aliens, knights..."

"I found one!" Phoebe exclaimed as she held up a case. "Huh. Odd title. Lonely Space Vixens. What-?" Lucas quickly snatched the DVD from her hands. "That one's not for you," he nervously explained. Lucas noticed the other boys' looks and quickly hid the DVD behind his back.

Confessional: Lucas (Screaming Gophers)

"It's called hormones, okay? Every teenage guy's prone to them."

Confessional: Phoebe and Brick (Frogs of Death)

"Why did Mister Lucas take that movie away?" Phoebe asked.

"You'll understand when you're older," Brick explained to her.

"But I thought we're all the same age," Phoebe thought, with Brick giving a blank stare in response.

End Confessional

"Let's set them back on your bed," Brick suggested as Phoebe carried the stack of DVDs while the duo walked. "Come on."

"Isn't that Mike over there?" Phoebe thought as she saw the boy lying underneath an oak tree. "Is he okay?"

"I'll go check on him. You go put those discs up, okay?"

"Yes, sir, but let me know if you need help." Phoebe ran off to the Frogs' cabin while Brick went over to Mike's side. "Are you alright, soldier?" Brick asked. Mike stirred a bit before slowly opening his eyes. He gasped as he saw Brick as one of the creatures from the cave. "GET BACK!" he yelled as he swiped a hand at the illusion.

"Ow!" Brick cried out as rubbed his arm, which now had a small gash. "Mike, it's just me!" Mike blinked before his vision returned to normal. "Ugh," he groaned as he put a hand to his head. "Brick? Oh, your arm! I'm sorry, I-"

"It's just a small nick," Brick assured him. "It'll heal up quick. But what about you, Mike? Should I take you to the medical tent? You don't look well."

"I'm fine, cadet. Just...leave me."

"No way. I made that mistake once; I'm not making it again." Brick yelped in pain when he felt his arm getting pinned behind his back. "Leave...me...alone," Mike growled out as he held the arm in place.

"Yes, sir," Brick weakly answered.

Confessional: Mike (Frogs of Death)

"I know Brick's just trying to be nice, but I just needed some space, especially after last night. Ugh, I still can't remember a damn thing! Not how I got into that cave or how I got covered in blood. Oh, I just hope it wasn't human!"

End Confessional

"At least get something to eat in the mess hall, Mike," Brick suggested as he rubbed his arm.

"Fine," Mike muttered. He walked towards the main lodge while Brick returned to the cabin. Once Mike entered, he was surprised to see the Bears quietly sitting at one of the tables. "What are you doing here?" he asked the group.

"Sigh," Lara (still in her Lucy Loud cosplay) solemnly replied. "Here we are, reflecting on the mortality that is humanity."

"Don't talk like that," Sky advised as she gave Ella a comforting hug. "Things are bad enough as is."

"I think she knows," Greg whispered. "Beardo said Lara hadn't changed her costume since then."

"Guys?" Mike asked again. "Details, please?"

"Hey, why are the Bears here?" Jane thought as she and Shane jogged into the main lodge. "Didn't they win the last challenge?"

"That's what I'm trying to figure out."

"Paul got attacked last night," Ethan sniffled out as he raised his head up from the table.

"What?!" Mike, Jane and Shane gasped in shock.

"What exactly happened?" Shane asked.

"The details Dean gave us were kinda vague," Millie explained, "But he recalls Destiny bursting through the medical tent with a bleeding Paul in her arms. She's been guarding him since then."

"Desi wouldn't even let me go in there," Greg added. "Me!"

"Any idea on what could've caused Paul's wounds?" Jane wondered.

"My best guess is some sort of wild animal," Priya answered. "A mutant or an ambush of opossums or even a pack of wolves."

"You okay, dude?" Shane whispered to Mike, who had gone pale. "You're a bit, uh..."

"Just thinking about what happened to him," Mike nervously replied. "It sounds awful."

"It is," Ethan muttered before laying his head down again.

"Ethan's taking it the hardest, eh," Ezekiel explained to Jane, Shane and Mike. "Thinks if he stayed with Paul, this wouldn't have happened."

"Don't remind us, Homeschool," Dave scolded.

"Sorry."

"What matters is that Paul heals up now," Melody plainly stated as she sat in a lotus position.

"You sound awfully certain of that," Alejandro noted.

"I just hope he's alright and not...sprouting up daisies," Tyler gulped.

"What the hell are you even talking about?" a voice asked, taking the group by surprise. They turned to see Paul, still slightly bandaged, standing by the doorway. "Paul!" Ethan gasped as he ran over and gave the mechanic a hug. "You're okay!"

"Easy, tiger," Jane advised. "He's probably still healing up."

"Don't worry," Paul weakly assured her. "I'm good, I think." His eyes drifted to Mike, whose face had gone even paler. "You okay, dude?" he asked. "You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I-I-I'm fine," Mike stammered. "I just...I need some fresh air." He walked out of the main lodge, slamming the door behind him with a loud BANG! "Any clue why Scrappy's jumpy?" Jo demanded.

"He probably just felt bad about what happened to Paul," Jane replied. "Speaking of which, Paul, can you possibly recall what happened?"

"Not really," Paul admitted. "Last thing I remember is splitting from the Bears to figure out what made that hissing noise. Next thing I know, I'm waking up on a stretcher, bandages wrapped around me and Destiny sleeping by the tent's entrance."

"Where is Desi, by the way?" Greg thought.

"Three, two, one," Melody counted, to his confusion. The Bears suddenly heard Destiny screaming before she crashed through the main lodge's door. "There you are, Paulie," she groaned as she pulled herself free. "You're supposed to be laying down and getting better!"

"I feel fine now," Paul told her.

"Paulie..."

"He's not made of glass, you know," Melody informed Destiny.

"Yeah," Paul agreed. "I'm not some damn porcelain doll. I'm fine right now, aside from some memory trouble."

"About that, Paul, I-"

"I'm sure she was just concerned," Jane told Paul, "As we all are. Just try to be careful today."

"Whatever," Paul scoffed. "Hey, aren't we supposed to be in the spa hotel?"

"You guys better enjoy it while you still can," Shane suggested.

"Wonder Dolt makes a point," Jo added. "We're not gonna eat Chef's crap while we've got actual food there, are we?"

"Let's go, team!" Tyler rallied. The Bears, Jane and Shane filed out of the main lodge, though Ethan and Paul stayed behind a tad longer. "Just glad to see you safe, friend," Ethan said before walking outside.

"Thanks," Paul softly replied as a slight blush spread across his cheeks.

Confessional: Ethan (Confused Bears)

"I hope the next challenge isn't too taxing or...no. Miss Melody's right. I can't treat Paul like he's made of glass. Oh, but is it so wrong to be so concerned?"

End Confessional

Over by the Frogs' cabin, Laney was laughing as she watched the clip of Corey from the hypno challenge on her camcorder. "What's so funny?" Nikki asked as she looked over.

"Oh, nothing much," Laney told her with a smirk. "Just a bit of entertainment for me."

"Let me see it," Valerie demanded as she reached for the camera.

"Hands off! It's not for you!"

Confessional: Laney (Frogs of Death)

She was still holding her camera. "I know this footage is golden, I'm not gonna do something like post about it on a social media site. I have some restraint regarding that caveman. This footage STAYS on this camera and is for MY EYES ONLY!"

End Confessional

Back at the Gopher cabin, the boys were wearily eyeing their...breakfast. "Please tell me this isn't what it looks like," Bryan gagged.

"I think it is," Cody nervously replied.

"Oh, come on," 'Dumb' Damien scoffed. "It's just an...eyelid...and it's probably not even human." Corey and Trent nervously moved away from their plates while Lucas opened a window to vomit. "I think we'll pass," Cody said as he struggled to hold in his puke.

Confessional: 'Dumb' Damien (Screaming Gophers)

"My teammates are such wusses. This is nothing different than the food back on the ranch. My grandma has a goat and horse stew that taste similar."

Confessional: Lucas (Screaming Gophers)

"Ugh, 'Dumb' Damien has got me so fed up between his movie bad cowboy attitude and his disgusting style. He's next to go or I swear I'll find a horse and tie him to his back to take him away."

Confessional: Bryan (Screaming Gophers)

"That cowboy on our team seems a bit...odd..." He let out a moan before he pulled out the stolen phone hidden away in the confessional. "I'm not sure how much longer I can keep the charade up in here. Now that I know someone's watching these confessionals, I have to be more on-guard. Let's see if I can..." He pressed a few buttons on the phone. "Ha! All my confessionals just got deleted off of here." He sighed in relief. "Now I'll plant a few false confessionals in order to not raise suspicion, and then, boot the mastermind behind this little stunt."

End Confessionals

"Does your scout troop have badges for eating gross food?" Beth asked Rose.

"No, thankfully," Rose answered. She winced as she heard Carly throw up outside. "Guess Miss Privileged doesn't have a strong stomach," Lacey scoffed.

"Oh, hi, Lucas," Carly greeted as she noticed the masked man was also outside.

"Hola," Lucas casually replied.

"I seriously can't believe the producer people let Chris and Chef get away with torturing us," Heather complained.

"Next thing you'll know, Chris will force us out of the cabins," Helen pointed out. Carly suddenly backed away from the window just as a cannon appeared. "You had to ask," Gwen scolded. The Gophers were then blasted out of the cabins by a powerful blast of air. While Helen landed on top of Corey, making them both turn tomato red, Lucas ended up crashing into the supply storage building's door. "Ooh, there's some old car magazines in here!" he gasped with excitement.

"Leave that stuff in there or I'll have you scrubbing the communal toilets," Chef warned.

...

The scene quickly flashed back to Stan coughing as he left the communal bathrooms before passing out.

...

"What the hell?!" Heather complained as she dusted herself off. "That is seriously uncalled for!" Two more blasts of air sent the Rats and Frogs out of their cabins. "Why, you scurvy dog!" Anthony shouted out after getting back on his feet.

"D-d-dog?" Rodney gulped with worry. "Uh, no, thank you. No dogs needed."

"Don't tell me a big guy like you gets scared over a little puppy," Keith scoffed.

"Those things can get vicious real fast!"

"Da," Helga sternly put in. "Eti malen'kiye adskiye zveri s takimi zubami..." She stuck out her tongue in disgust. "I can't tell if you agreed or disagreed," Nikki admitted.

"Now that the losers have decided to come out of their cabins," Chris announced over the loudspeakers, "It's time for your next challenge." Later, the teens and Chris were all gathered in a different area. "Today's challenge will be a little test in confidence, so to speak, as you race through this course," Chris informed them. "The twist? Our interns will be pairing you guys up with these special bracelets. Break them or remove them, and the two of you are out."

"But both the Gophers and the Bears have an odd number of people," Scarlett pointed out.

"Guess it'll be a team of three, which will be so much fun. Interns, lock 'em in." Dean, Oliver and Derrick began locking the duos up. For the Gophers, it was Echo and Bryan, Gwen and Heather, Corey and Helen, Lindsay and Beth, Lacey and Sarah, Izzy and Owen, Chase and Max, Lucas and 'Dumb' Damien, Leshawna and Cody, and Trent, Carly and Rose. For the Rats, it was Bowie and Dawn, Lightning and Wayne, Duncan and Harold, Geoff and Austin, Raj and Anthony, DJ and Bridgette, Julia and Sam, Courtney and Scott, Emma and MK, and Dakota and Luna. For the Frogs, it was Jane and Shane, Zoey and Sierra, Keith and Phoebe, Mike and Brick, 'Smart' Damien and Ripper, Helga and Anne-Maria, Valerie and Rodney, Nikki and Laney, Amy and Sol, Jasmine and Samey, Scarlett and Cameron, and Zee and Topher. For the Bears, it was Paul and Melody, Lara and Beardo, Sky and Dave, Priya and Millie, Shawn and Ezekiel, Alejandro and Tyler, Blainley and Jo, Ella and Sugar, and Ethan and Destiny. "Are you serious about this?" Heather complained. "I have to be with Weird Goth Girl?"

"You have it lucky," Sol shot back. "I've got a little bit of evil incarnate tied to my side."

"How dare you call her that!" Valerie scolded. "Have you any shame?"

"Regarding her, absolutely none."

"I just pity the poor guy who has to deal with Samey," Amy stated. "She'll slow them down for sure."

"Yuck!" Destiny complained as she tried to shake free from Ethan. "I don't want any pretty boy cooties!"

"I thought you would consider yourself lucky being with him, eh?" Ezekiel thought.

"Ew! No way! When pigs fly! Besides, I've already got someone WAY better than Galahad here."

"No, you don't," Dave pointed out.

"Hold on," Priya realized. "Has anyone seen Greg?" Destiny simply turned around, showing that Greg was tightly bound to her back. "Well...he's bound," Sky noted. "You okay back there?"

"I wish I could say this is new," Greg squeaked out, "But-"

"Spare us the details, please," Brick begged. Some of the other reactions were more subtle. Corey and Helen smiled at each other, with Laney grimacing at the duo. Courtney rolled her eyes at Scott. Samey shrank down a little as Jasmine looked at her. Topher gave Zee a quizzical look as the latter sipped a soda. Wayne looked over to Raj, who simply shrugged his shoulders. Lucas, however, was much more...vocal. "Don't fuck with me!" he complained. "Todo el dia atado a este boludo?!"

"Lucas, please!" Phoebe begged as she covered her ears. "Mind your language!"

"I didn't understand what you said," Chris told Lucas, "But based on your tone and expression, I definitely made the right decision in tying you up with him. Now, as a bit of a warm-up, a short run through the forest heading to the mountain you see beyond. Our interns were generous to place a series of flags that'll help you get your bearings. Once you reach the base, open a McLean box with directions to the first of the challenges."

Confessional: Blainley and Jo (Confused Bears)

"A McLean box?" Jo scoffed. "Ego check, anyone?"

"I hear that," Blainley agreed. "Now you mind getting out of here so moi can have a moment of peace and quiet?"

"Can't, Lamely. The chains, remember?" Blainley just groaned in response.

End Confessional

The duos were readying themselves at the starting line. "And...go!" Chris announced as he blew his air horn, making everyone run off towards the mountain. Well...almost everyone. "Move it, Wonder Wuss!" Keith demanded as he struggled to make a frightened Phoebe move.

"The-the-the-the horns," Phoebe whimpered as she curled herself into a ball. "The loud horns..." Keith rolled his eyes before he started to carry the hero on his back, grumbling under his breath as he did so.

"Hurry up, Luna!" Dakota scolded as she tried to run ahead.

"Why?" Luna innocently asked.

"Why?! Because I want to try to win!"

"Don't try to shout," Julia advised as she and Sam ran next to Dakota and Luna. "It ages your neck, remember?"

"Tough luck, Dakota," Sam sighed. "If I could switch places, I would."

"You seriously do that? Staying with a popular influencer like me is probably your best chance at becoming somewhat famous."

"You'd do that?" Dakota asked Sam with a small smile.

"BLECH!" Luna gagged. "Love is so BORING!"

"What are you, a heartless demon?" Sam whipped back.

"A demon? You mean..." Luna's eyes suddenly turned all black. "Like this?" she spoke in a demonic voice as she twisted her neck sideways. She then vomited some strangle blue bile all over Julia, Sam and Dakota, making them shriek with fright. "THAT DOES IT!" Dakota declared as she removed her bracelet. "I'm getting off the crazy train while I still can!" She stormed off in a huff. "Looks like Dakota and Luna are the first ones out," Chris announced over the loudspeakers.

"Ew!" Julia moaned as she struggled to wipe the bile off of her. "I hope it doesn't stain!"

"The staining isn't the worst part," Sam gagged as he pinched his nose shut. "This gunk smells like spoiled milk mixed with rotten potatoes."

"Thanks," Luna happily replied as her eyes and voice returned to normal. Sam and Julia just look at each other with a stunned expression.

Meanwhile, the Bear pairings were getting along, for the most part. "Why am I stuck with her?!" Sugar complained.

"Quit complaining and get running, Honey Boo-Boo," Jo scolded.

"Come now," Alejandro soothed. "Surely you can think of the positives." Sugar suddenly stopped in her tracks, letting the inertia fling Ella forward face-first into the mud. "Oops," Sugar innocently said as she held up the broken bracelet.

"Ella and Sugar are out," Chris announced. "Ella, you might wanna try harder next time."

"Alright," Ella sighed in defeat.

Confessional: Paul and Melody (Confused Bears)

"Ella?" Paul began. "It was SUGAR'S fault they got out! Seriously, what is with her?" He looked at Melody, who only shrugged her shoulders in confusion.

End Confessional

"I can't believe her," Paul grumbled under her breath as he and Melody ran ahead.

"Don't fret," Melody assured him. "At least the other teams have an equally uneven duo."

"Ese no es el camino bueno para nada!" Lucas scolded off-screen.

"What?!" 'Dumb' Damien shouted back. "I don't understand you!"

"Good point," Paul noted. He winced as he put his free hand to his forehead. "Stupid headaches," he grumbled.

"Is it anything serious?" Melody inquired.

"No, just annoying. They've been off and on ever since I woke up this morning. I wish I knew what was causing them."

"There's something I should confess, Paul. I-" The duo suddenly heard a CRASH, catching their attention. "Oh, what now?" Paul complained as he and Melody jogged ahead. They soon saw 'Dumb' Damien and Lucas in a heap underneath a tree. "Take your elbow off my neck!" 'Dumb' Damien complained.

"You take your knee off my stomach!" Lucas lashed back.

"I am so glad we're not Gophers," Paul noted before he and Melody slipped past them.

"Could you keep an eye on them, honey?" Leshawna asked Lacey. "We can't have them gouging their eyes out before the challenge starts."

"More babysitting?" Lacey complained.

"Don't worry, Lace," Sarah assured her. "I'll help, too."

"Ugh, fine. But just so we're clear, I'M in charge."

"Never doubted it for a moment." Later, the first of the duos to reach the first McLean box were Keith and Phoebe, Helen and Corey, and Jane and Shane. "First!" Shane cheered. "Let's keep the good work up, Jane."

"The first challenge is the Pillar Walk," Jane noted as she read the clue. "'Hike up the mountain and traverse the entire segment that may or may not contain traps.'"

"Stay on my back and out of the way, squirt," Keith sternly told Phoebe as he started to move ahead.

"Yes, coach," Phoebe replied with a salute.

"Inflate his ego more, why don't you?" Jane muttered under her breath. "Okay, Shane, you ready?"

"Always, Jane," Shane answered with determination. "Let's go!" The two moved ahead with perfect sync. "Looks kinda tricky, huh?" Helen thought.

"It's no different than surfing over the fans in the middle of a concert," Corey shrugged.

"Yeah, you're right. We've got this, Core!" Helen started to move forward but soon noticed that Corey hadn't moved and his expression was frozen. "Corey, what's wrong?" she asked.

"Uh, nothing," Corey stammered. "Let's keep going." Helen looked at him in confusion but decided to leave it at that. They ran off, unaware that another duo had spotted them and one of its members was gritting her teeth in anger.

Confessional: Laney (Frogs of Death)

The camera was zoomed in on her face. "That...that...that damn wannabe punk! The only person that calls Corey 'Core' is ME! I mean, I don't care about that blue-haired caveman doing what he wants. Good thing no one heard me."

"Um, Laney?" Nikki's voice spoke up. The camera zoomed out to show Nikki, with leaves and twigs covering her, was by her side, a sign that Laney dragged her into the outhouse. "The bracelets, remember?" Nikki reminded her.

End Confessional

Laney stormed out of the confessional before pulling Nikki up by her hood. "If you say anything to anyone," Laney seethed, "I'll kill you."

"Calm down," Nikki assured her. "We're supposed to be friends, and friends keep secrets. I won't tell anybody that you still have feelings for him."

"I don't have feelings for-"

"Besides, it's hard to hide something you just admitted on international television on a show that has a huge audience and fans." Laney's eyes went wide at this. "FUUUUUUU..." she screamed out, causing a flock of birds to fly off. Over by the first McLean box, Lightning and Wayne paused when they heard her screams. "Wow," Lightning whistled. "The short dude's got some lungs, not to mention a trucker tongue."

"We might have to censor that," Chris told Chef as the duo sat in the studio room.

"I thought you got that rating increase," Chef thought.

"Meh, the time slot was bad. Family time gets us more ratings."

"Got the first tip, Wayner?" Raj asked as he and Anthony met up with Wayne and Lightning.

"Sure did, Rajie," Wayne replied. "Lightning, you ready?"

"Lightning's always ready!" Lightning exclaimed. "Sha-bam!" The two boys started off on the pillars. "Could you take the lead, Raj?" Anthony asked. "I don't really trust my sense of depth perception."

"Eh, no problem," Raj shrugged. As he and Anthony started jumping across the pillars, Wayne and Lightning had already crossed the pillars. "Nice moves, dude!" Wayne complimented. "How'd you get so good?"

"I'm captain of the football team back home," Lightning boasted. "Lead quarterback. But hockey ain't too bad of a sport."

"Hey, dude? Can we talk bro to bro?"

"I thought Raj was your bro."

"He is, but he's also what I wanted to talk about, so, uh..."

"Talk, dude. What's the sha-problem?"

"Well, over the past few days, I've noticed Rajie getting closer to Bowie. Like, close-close to the point where I think...he might be gay."

"You think so?"

"I just wanna show that I can be supportive of him, y'know? Any advice?"

"Uh, I think you're doing fine just is. But if need some more help, the Lightning will be there!"

"You'd help?"

"Lightning's gonna let you in on a little secret," Lightning whispered as he pulled Wayne closer. "I've been in your shoes. One of my buddies from the football team, Gary Talkin, is gay, but the other guys kept taunting him and even pulling some cruel pranks on him. But Lightning was quick to set their smart-ass mouths straight The principal wasn't too keen about my actions, but Gary was grateful someone was in his corner, and we've been sha-buds ever since."

"Wow," Wayne gasped.

"You boys gonna hurry up or what?" Julia asked as she and Sam ran past the duo. Lightning and Wayne looked at each other before dashing off. Meanwhile, most of the other duos had reached the pillars. "Move it, Gothie!" Heather barked out to Gwen as they hopped across. The duo eventually fell off, taking the duo of Anne-Maria and Helga down with them. "Looks like Heather, Gwen, Anne-Maria and Helga are all out," Chris announced over the loudspeakers.

"Great teamwork," Heather grumbled. However, a blast of hairspray sent her into a coughing fit. "Watch the hair!" Anne-Maria snapped. A few more duos ended up falling off, including Lindsay and Beth, Owen and Izzy, Emma and MK, Ripper and 'Smart' Damien, and Blainley and Jo. "Careful, you big lug!" 'Dumb' Damien scolded.

"Don't remind me!" Lucas shot back. "I believe in Murphy's law, you know."

"Looks pretty tough," Rodney admitted as he and Valerie looked at the pillars.

"Maybe a strong hunk like yourself could help carry me across," Valerie coaxed as she ran a finger down his chest. Rodney quickly got a lovestruck look, which Valerie smirked at. "Thank you," she replied as Rodney picked her up bridal-style. "You're such a gentleman."

"Gentleman?" Helga scoffed as she raised her head out of the dirt. "Ginger Boy as gentle as stampede of yaks."

"Just win this, you two!" Anne-Maria shouted. Meanwhile, Echo and Bryan were trying to cross the pillars. "Could we go a little faster?" Echo asked.

"Accuracy over speed, dear Echo," Bryan advised. The duo jumped to the next pillar. "Ugh, it feels like you're being slow on purpose," Echo quietly scolded. "Are you trying to make us come in last? Talk about villainous."

"You're no bouquet of daisies yourself," Bryan quietly countered. "I've noticed the glares a certain intern keeps giving you, and they sure aren't out of love."

"Barf! Don't mention that word again, you detestable rat."

"Those that call people rats are often rats themselves, and I think a certain rat is somehow connected to what happened to our dear mechanic."

"I had nothing to do with that. It was simply a coincidence. Maybe you should-" The duo were suddenly knocked off the pillar as Sol dragged a battered Amy behind him. "Hey!" Echo coughed out. "What was that for?!"

"Sorry," Sol whipped back, "But I have some weight that's slowing me down."

"I HEARD THAT!" Amy lashed back.

"Uh, Echo?" Bryan pointed out as he held up the broken bracelet.

"You two got out?" Lacey complained as she and Sarah started crossing the pillars. "Oh, that's just great, isn't it?!"

"Calm down," Sarah advised. "We'll keep going for our team." Lacey just muttered under her breath before the duo kept going. "Good luck!" Bryan cheered.

Confessional: Bryan (Screaming Gophers)

"About time I ditched that blue-haired psycho. I can't make any progress with her clinging onto me like a weed. If my team wins, it'll just be another day here and if we lose, I'll convince them to vote for whoever falls the hardest."

End Confessional

Ethan and Destiny jumped to a pillar and nearly fell off until Ethan dug his sword into the pillar. "That was too close," Greg noted.

"Sir Gregory and Miss Destiny," Ethan breathed out, "I think I can get us out of here, but I'm going to need your help."

"Blabbity-blah-blah-blah!" Destiny mocked. "How about you shut the hell up so I can me and Greggy here, got it?!" She started to swing a bit until she grabbed the pillar with her free hand. She quickly pulled herself, Greg and Ethan up onto the pillar. "I told you I got it," Destiny boasted.

"Great work, Miss Destiny," Ethan complimented.

"'Great work.' Are you making fun of me, Galahad?!"

"No, I-"

"Best to drop it for now," Greg advised. "Desi, can we just move forwards now?"

"You've got it, Greggy!" Destiny happily replied. "Come on, Galahad. Move that lazy ass of yours."

"I'm coming," Ethan breathed out. The duos of Keith and Phoebe, Jane and Shane, Sky and Dave, Wayne and Lightning, Raj and Anthony and Trent, Carly and Rose soon reached the second McLean box. "'Congrats to the teams, whether they be three or two,'" Sky read off. "'Your second task is a maze to get through.'"

"Rhymes?" Chef asked the host. "Really?"

"I was inspired when I wrote it," Chris told him.

"'At the entrance of the cave, you will find some bands with some lights,'" Rose read off. "'Use them to guide you to the other side. Be careful on the way because there could be dangers.'"

"And by 'could be'," Keith scoffed, "That means 'certainly'."

"A maze in a cave laid out with traps," Dave sarcastically added. "Not a recipe for disaster at all."

"But we can do it," Phoebe encouraged as she placed a light band around Keith's forehead.

"Looking sharp, you big ape," Jane teased as she and Shane walked past Keith. Keith just grumbled under his breath before walking forward. "Whoo-hoo!" Phoebe rallied. "We've got this!"

"YOU!" a voice declared. Phoebe turned her head and gasped when she saw Max and Chase walking up. "Careful, coach!" she warned Keith as she hugged his neck. "Mister Max said he was EVIL!"

"That twerp?" Keith asked. "Please. He's hardly a threat."

"Hardly?!" Max protested. "My EVIL mind shall be able to conquer this island, and no hero or her pathetic sidekicks can hope to stop me!"

"Sidekick?! PATHETIC?!" Keith growled at Max as he stormed over. "I think you made him mad," Chase noted. Keith grabbed the duo and hurled them back, making them crash into the other duos of Leshawna and Cody, Duncan and Harold, Geoff and Austin, Priya and Millie, Topher and Zee, and Nikki and Laney, getting them all out. "Shitty little midget," Keith grumbled.

"That's not very nice to say," Phoebe spoke up.

"Yeah, what about it, squirt?"

Confessional: Phoebe (Frogs of Death)

The camera was zoomed in on her face. "Mommy always says that saying those thirteen naughty words is a sign of bad manners, and I kinda get upset when other people say them. It feels so..." She let out a groan. "Anything you'd like to say, coach?"

"Yeah," Keith stated as the camera zoomed out to show the duo together. "I thought there were only seven curse words."

"Well, my Uncle Jacob said that a Navy SEAL like him know a lot more."

"Um...I'm not sure how to answer THAT."

End Confessional

Meanwhile, Mike and Brick were walking down a section of the cave. "I am so glad we've got some lights," Brick breathed out.

"I suppose," Mike yawned.

"You okay, soldier? You don't look so hot."

"I'm fine. Just...tired." Mike let out a quiet gasp before pulling Brick back. "Hey, what gives?" Brick asked.

"Be careful," Mike advised as he saw dozens of dark, hissing bodies slithering across the ground. "There are snakes crawling around here." Brick took a glance around and saw nothing but a dirt floor. "There's nothing there," he told Mike as he took a step forward.

"I said careful!" Mike shouted as he pulled Brick back. "You don't know how venomous those snakes are!"

"Mike, there's nothing there!" Mike kept tugging at Brick's arm when he noticed the creatures from the cave standing in front of him. "What did you do to Brick?!" he demanded.

"I'm right here," Brick pointed out as he gently nudged Mike's arm. However, Mike just jolted back, making Brick grab his arm before their bracelet broke. "Let go of me!" Mike lashed out as he continued to tug and fight.

"Ow!" Brick cried out after Mike swiped his nails at his arm. "Mike, you're starting to hurt me! Ow!"

"I hope this cave isn't too much longer," Jasmine gulped as she, Samey, Cameron and Scarlett walked down a tunnel.

"Sierra did advise us of your claustrophobia," Cameron replied. "Don't worry; I'm sure the exit is close by."

"Ow!" Brick cried out again.

"Isn't that Brick?" Samey thought.

"He and Mike could be in trouble," Jasmine realized. "Come on!" The four of them rushed ahead, but were surprised to see Brick struggling to keep Mike off of him. "Um, guys?" Cameron spoke up as he and Scarlett approached the duo. "What are you doing?" Mike swung his free arm back, knocking Cameron, Scarlett and Samey over and breaking their bracelets. "Calm down, you blokes!" Jasmine scolded as she picked Mike and Brick up by the cuff of their shirts.

"Hey!" Mike protested.

"It's just me and Jasmine," Brick told him. Mike's breathing slowed as he looked around. "Huh?" he thought. "The snakes are gone. Guess you scared them off, Jasmine."

"What are you going on about?" Jasmine questioned as put the two boys down. "What snakes?"

"I'm asking myself the same thing," Brick noted.

"Perhaps there is an undiagnosed psychosis-related disorder that is causing him to hallucinate," Scarlett theorized.

"Maybe," Cameron added, "But there's also the possibility that some of the mutated flora might be producing some sort of hallucinogenic."

"I KNOW what I saw!" Mike protested.

"Let's just get out of this cave," Brick sighed with a tired voice, "Before both of us lose it."

In another tunnel, the duos of Dawn and Bowie and Raj and Anthony kept walking down a path of stalagmites and stalactites. "These things look as sharp as a shark's tooth," Anthony said.

"Then I suggest you don't take the path you're planning to take," Dawn suggested.

"Why?" Bowie questioned. He then stepped on a sharp rock, making him scream out in pain. "You okay, buddy?" Raj asked in concern.

"I'll help him," Dawn assured him. "You and Anthony should keep going."

"Uh, okay. Just, uh, stay safe, you know." Raj and Anthony proceeded down the tunnel while Dawn removed the rock from Bowie's foot. "Thanks a million," Bowie sighed in relief.

"You know you don't have to be afraid of making genuine bonds here during your time here," Dawn suddenly informed him.

"What do you mean?"

"I understand you're a competitive person. It's all over your aura. But you can still make some friends while you're here, or maybe even a boy you love."

Confessional: Bowie (Toxic Rats)

The camera was zoomed in on his face and chest. "Damn, that girl can be scarily accurate."

"Thank you," Dawn suddenly replied as the camera zoomed out to show the aura reader by his side.

"Ah! How are you here?!" Dawn simply lifted her arm up to show him the bracelet. "Oh, right," he realized. "The bracelets. Duh."

End Confessional

Down another tunnel, the duos of Lucas and 'Dumb' Damien, Lacey and Sarah, and Rose, Carly and Trent were all walking together. "Ah, nothing like an obstacle course in duos and inside a cave to know that you got into the craziest program ever," Lucas lamented.

"Just be careful," Rose advised. "There may still be some traps here."

"Maybe we lucked out and have a hall without booby traps," Sarah thought. At that moment, 'Dumb' Damien stepped on a stone that sank down into the dirt. The group turned to see a giant boulder rolling towards them. "RUN FOR IT!" Rose shouted. The group ran off until they ended up falling into a well and the rock passed over them. "Ha!" Lucas boasted. "Take that, parodia del templo perdido!"

"Uh, what exactly are we standing on?" Carly nervously asked. A slight HIISSSS made her flinched a bit. She subtly shot Trent a look, but he simply motioned to the ground below. Down at their feet, the group saw what looked like a praying mantis the size of a bus, but meshed with a snake's head. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" the group shrieked.

"What the hell is that thing?!" Chef cried out.

"What indeed," Chris narrated. "Hey, bug, don't eat them. I don't want a lawsuit. But you're welcome to drool on them."

"Very funny, you jackass," Lacey lashed out.

"Who'll get out of the maze first? And who'll be the next to break ties? Find out when we get back."

(cue commercial)

"What do we do now?!" Carly cried out.

"Well, me and the lug are getting our asses out of here," 'Dumb' Damien decided as he dragged Lucas away.

"You're gonna abandon us?" Rose questioned.

"Hey, somebody has to win."

"The nerve of him!" Sarah scolded after the cowboy and wrestler left.

"Take it off," Lacey ordered as she raised her arm up with the bracelet. "Do it."

"Uh, if you're sure." Sarah removed the bracelet from their arms. Lacey then tackled the snake/mantis hybrid and fought with it, and soon emerged victorious. "Talk about fierce," Trent noted. The group suddenly heard some screaming before the group of DJ, Bridgette, Lara, Beardo, Ezekiel and Shawn crashed into them, breaking their bracelets. "Ouch," Chris chuckled over the intercoms. "Looks like the Gophers have only two pairs left. It is not looking good for them."

"What happened here?" DJ wondered.

"Wow," Lara gasped with amazement as she lifted the bangs covering her eyes. "You went all BOOM BANG POW on that saikoro beast."

"Uh, what was that word you just said?" Beardo asked.

"It's Japanese for 'slice', eh," Ezekiel informed the group.

"You're close," Lara replied. "It means 'dice'. I didn't know you knew Japanese."

"My mom and dad taught me some languages like French, Dutch, Spanish, German, Chinese, Filipino and Japanese. I heard speaking in another language impresses the ladies. Watch." He turned to Bridgette. "Watashi no shitagi ni jagaimo no supa o sosoide kudasai." Lara suddenly burst out in laughter, much to the others' confusion. "Oh, you're pretty hilarious when you want to be!" she exclaimed between giggles. "Come on." She pulled the still-puzzled Ezekiel away.

Confessional: Ezekiel (Confused Bears)

"I told Bridgette I thought she was as beautiful as the ocean is deep 'cause she likes the sea. I don't get all the giggling, eh."

Confessional: Lara (Confused Bears)

She was still laughing. "He said to 'please pour potato soup down my undies'! Guess his Japanese isn't his strongest language he's learned."

End Confessionals

Over in another part of the cave, Rodney was trying to carry Valerie down a tight corridor while Sol and Amy were trying to shimmy along the walls. "Watch it," Valerie warned. "I don't want the dirt ruining my clothes."

"News flash, you venomous vixen," Sol informed her. "We're in a cave. You're gonna get a little dirty, especially when walking between two rock walls." He noticed Amy was busy filing her nails. "Am I gonna have to drag you by the hair?" Sol demanded.

"Um, I am SO not getting my polished nails dirty!" Amy whipped back. "I don't wanna end up ugly like Samey."

"I hear that," Valerie agreed.

"Seriously, I pity whoever's stuck with her."

"Okay, you know what?" Sol decided. He broke his bracelet and proceeded to break Valerie's bracelet before shoving both girls aside. "Get out of here on your own," he told the duo as he grabbed Rodney's cheek and dragged him away.

"Oh, and Sol harshly took out not only himself, but poor, innocent Amy and Valerie, as well," Chris announced over the loudspeakers.

"SHUT UP! You know damn well that ain't what happened!"

"Uh, could you maybe let go of my cheek?" Rodney muffled out. "I gotta go help Valerie."

"Let me think about that," Sol blandly replied. "No. Now keep moving."

Confessional: Sol (Frogs of Death)

"Hey, those two bitches deserved it! But Chris certainly ain't helping matters. Idiot."

End Confessional

"A little more and we'll be out of this chasm," Sierra assured Zoey as she lifted the redhead out of a hole. Zoey soon helped Sierra climbed out, as well. "How much longer do you think the challenge will be?" Zoey thought.

"Knowing Chris, it could be a bit," Sierra informed her. "And it'll probably be real hard, as well." She paused for a moment. "Did you hear something?"

"What?" Zoey asked. The duo were suddenly swept away by a torrent of water, where they met two other duos. "You got the water slide too, huh?" Scott coughed out.

"And it looks like we lucked out," Tyler groaned as he held up the broken bracelet.

"Clumsy jock, Handsome Guy, Redhead, Crazy Girl, Farm Boy and C.I.T. are out," Chef announced over the loudspeakers. "Chris went to get a manicure, so I will make the announcements that follow."

Meanwhile, the duos of Sky and Dave, Jane and Shane, Keith and Phoebe, and Mike and Brick reached the outside of the cave. "I thought Lucas and cowboy Damien were behind us," Sky thought. "Where are they?"

...

The scene changed to Lucas and 'Dumb' Damien being chased by a large bear. "Corre por tu vida insensato!" Lucas shouted.

...

Sky and Dave reached the third McLean box first. "'Trial Three: The Catwalk of Death,'" Sky read off. "'You should stick to the wall as much as possible and move forward with the ever-lurking factor of falling.'" She and Dave looked to see that the trail ahead was very narrow. "Oh, great," Dave sarcastically noted. "This will be a blast."

"Looks a bit rough," Jane told Shane as the duo looked ahead. "You ready, Shane?"

"Whenever you are," Shane replied with confidence. "Let's move." The two pairs started to inch across just as Keith and Phoebe arrived. "Looks...pretty high," Phoebe gulped as she looked down.

"Don't tell me you're scared of heights," Keith scoffed.

"No, just falling from them and breaking my bones."

"It's not deep. Watch." Keith tossed a small pebble down. It suddenly was engulfed in flames as it fell before it crashed with a small BOOM. Phoebe squeaked in fear as she clutched Keith's back like lichen on a tree. "Stay there if you know what's good for you," Keith sternly told her before moving forward. The remaining duos soon reached the catwalk. "Veo la luz," Lucas breathed out, "Y quemaaaaa!"

"Hurry!" Helen rallied. "We're behind the others!"

"This is absolutely insane," Paul muttered.

"Don't even think of losing your grip, you little runt," 'Dumb' Damien warned Lucas.

"I'm not that suicidal, straw brain," Lucas whipped back.

"Easy does it," Brick advised as he and Mike inched ahead. "Nice and calm. Praying that we don't have another freak-out."

"I swear I saw snakes in those caves!" Mike protested.

"Not according to the others. Honestly, I think a lack of sleep is causing you to see things."

"Brick, I-" Mike gasped as he suddenly saw a swarm of bats flying around him and Brick. "Bats!" he cried out as he waved his arms around. "Shoo! Get away from us!"

"Mike, there are no bats!" Brick argued as he tried to keep the two of them steady.

"What are you two going on about?" Paul asked with some slight annoyance.

"I wouldn't advise getting closer," Melody warned.

"Mike, hold still!" Brick ordered. However, the duo lost their footing and started to fall, taking Paul and Melody down with them. "Hang on!" Ethan assured them as he reached out. "I've got you!"

"No, wait!" Greg warned. As Ethan reached out his hand, he and Destiny ended up falling off with the group. They fell down a few ledges before crashing onto the ground below. "Medieval, Punk, Punk's Toy, Grease Monkey, Creepy Girl, Cadet and Scrappy are out," Chef announced. However, the news fell on deaf ears as the group was out cold. Mike was the first to awaken as he gazed around. His focus quickly shifted to Paul, and Mike gave a quiet gasp of shock at what he saw: part of Paul's shirt torn off from the fall, which exposed a large bite mark on his right shoulder. Mike could only stare in a stunned horror, unaware that Brick was walking over to his side. "Mike?" Brick asked. "Dude, can you hear me?" Mike just shoved him aside before running off. "What are you doing?!" Brick demanded as the others regained consciousness. "Mike?! Hey! HEY!"

"What's with the shouting?" Paul groaned as he rubbed his head. "You're making my headaches worse."

"Where's your partner, Sir Brick?" Ethan asked as he struggled to keep Destiny off of him.

"How the hell should I know?!" Brick lashed out. "Apologies for the harsh words, men, but I'm just so...frustrated right now!" His gaze went to Paul's wound. "Are you alright, soldier?" he asked. "That wound looks pretty rough."

"It's healing up," Paul assured him as he placed his hand across it. "I'm fine."

"Uh, if you insist. I'm gonna go find Mike now." Brick then jogged off. "You sure you're okay, Paulie?" Destiny asked as she went to the mechanic's side.

"Yes!" Paul groaned with annoyance as he pushed her away. "Just a little memory trouble. God, I wish I knew what was causing it."

"That's what I kept trying to tell you," Melody spoke up. "Could you three leave for a moment?"

"Leave Paulie alone, Galahad," Destiny barked out as she dragged Ethan away with her.

"Um, yes, Miss Destiny," Ethan replied.

"What is it, Melody?" Paul asked after the duo were alone.

"Last night while Destiny was sleeping," Melody explained, "I went inside the medical tent in order to help aid your recovery. It worked, but at the cost of your memory."

"So the reason I can't recall what happened to me was because you erased my mind?"

"Yes. But memory can be easily regained. Your life...not so much." Paul was about to say something but found himself at a loss of words. "Paul, you were in pretty rough shape," Melody informed him. "If I didn't act, it would've been like Tyler said: sprouting up daisies." After a moment, Paul let out a lengthy sigh. "You're at least honest with me," he finally said. "I'll give you props for that. But next time, at least consult me before you try that again, okay?"

"What do you mean 'next time'?" Melody questioned.

"No, I...I meant to...gah, come here, you." Paul wrapped Melody in an embracing hug, which she returned.

Confessional: Paul (Confused Bears)

"I'll admit whatever she did was absolutely crazy, but I kinda understand where she was coming from. She saw someone in pain and wanted to help. And she makes a point about my memories. I'll figure out exactly what the hell happened that night no matter what."

End Confessional

Back on the catwalk, the remaining Frog duos managed to cross it and reach the final McLean box. "'If you're reading this letter, you have reached the final test,'" Jane read. "'You must climb and climb to the top to reach the flags at the end. If you all reach the top, the team with the most team members left standing wins the spa hotel.'"

"Child's play," Keith boasted.

"Are you sure, coach?" Phoebe asked. "It looks kinda high."

"Wouldn't it be cool if we could just fly up there?" Shane thought.

"Fly?" Sky nervously put in. "Yeah, if only. Heh-heh." Keith simply muttered something under his breath. "Did you say something, coach?" Phoebe asked.

"Nothing important, Phoebe," Jane answered as she put a hand over Keith's mouth. "Let's just focus on climbing." The Frogs groups started to climb up just as the other duos arrived. "Easy does it, buddy," Corey breathed out as he and Helen started to climb.

"This feels so exhausting," Sam moaned as he and Julia climbed up some more.

"That tub of lard and Influencing Bitch are still here?" 'Dumb' Damien scoffed as he and Lucas climbed. "Well, they ain't staying!" He kicked some rocks down with his foot, sending them down to the others. "Look out!" Dawn warned to Bowie. Most of the duos managed to dodge them, but Corey and Helen were hit with the onslaught. Not only did it cause them to break their bracelets, but it also cause them to fall off the mountain and land with their lips mere inches away from each other, making them blush heavily. "Blue Hair and Miss Rebellion, you're out," Chef announced.

"Sorry about that," Helen apologized to Corey.

"Hey, it's okay," Corey assured her.

"No, it's not that. It's just..."

"What?"

"Can we talk after the challenge? You know, away from the others?"

"Sure."

"Okay. Now, let's go." Up on the mountain, Jane and Shane were climbing in sync. "You're pretty good at this, you know," Jane complimented.

"Thanks," Shane replied. "Back where I grew up, there was this big rock wall me and the other kids climbed on, and I've gotten pretty good. But you're probably better than me."

"Oh, I'm more about gymnastics than climbing."

"That must be amazing, being able to perform all those flips to where it feels like flying."

"Um, could you please not mention flying again?"

"Sorry. I didn't know you had aerophobia."

"It's not that. I'll explain after the challenge." Meanwhile, Keith was climbing up the mountain when he noticed Jane and Shane's chat. "Are you okay, coach?" Phoebe asked as she kept riding on his back and noticed his scowl. "Your face looks all...scrunchy like a raisin."

"It's called 'being pissed'," Keith bitterly informed her.

"Hey! Mind your mouth!"

"Or what, squirt?"

"Or...I might do something drastic!"

"I'd like to see you try."

"Just don't try to say any more of those naughty words, coach."

"Oh, brother."

"Easy does it," Sky advised Dave. "Who knows how stable these rocks are." Just then, Dave lost his grip on the rocks but Sky quickly caught him before he could fall. "Uh, thanks," Dave sheepishly said.

"No problem," Sky casually replied. "Now, let's keep going. The others are gaining a lead." The duo kept climbing and soon passed the duos of Sam and Julia, Lucas and 'Dumb' Damien, and Bowie and Dawn. They soon reached the top and grabbed their team's flag. "Yes!" Sky cheered.

"I actually got here," Dave breathed out in amazement. "WHOO! I'm on top of the world!"

"A little late for celebration," a voice interrupted. Sky and Dave turned to see that Raj, Anthony, Wayne, Lightning, Jane, Shane, Keith and Phoebe were already by their teams' flags. "Oh, come ON!" Dave complained. "All that torture for NOTHING?!"

"It's not exactly over yet," Dawn informed him after she and Bowie reached the top. "I sense that there are two auras ready to explode, sealing their team's fate."

"Faster, Helmet Head!" 'Dumb' Damien barked out to Lucas as they kept climbing.

"I'm going as fast as I can, John Marston," Lucas whipped back.

"Then go faster or I'll send you down!"

"You wouldn't dare."

"Made it!" Sam panted after he and Julia reached the top of the mountain.

"Attention, useless bunch of useless people!" Chef announced. "The Toxic Rats win the spa hotel for having four pairs reach the top, and since the masked man and cowboy were arguing like little kids, they caused the Gophers to lose in the most ridiculous way possible."

"Spa hotel, here we come!" Bowie cheered after the Rats removed their bracelets.

"Uh, how are we getting down?" Anthony thought.

"Hey, stairs!" Sam exclaimed as he saw a staircase on the other side of the mountain. "How did we not see that earlier?"

"Just hurry so I can get to the showers to wash this gunk off before it stains," Julia moaned. The Rats went down the steps, followed by Dave and Sky. "I am so glad this challenge is over," Keith breathed out after undoing his bracelet. "Get lost, squirt."

"Wh-what?" Phoebe stuttered.

"Challenge is over. Go before I toss you down."

"Keith, you wouldn't!" Jane scolded.

"Um, it's kinda high," Phoebe gulped as she looked down the mountain's edge. She ended up slipping on a loose rock and falling down the mountain before landing with a loud CRASH! "I'm okay," she assured Jane, Shane and Keith with a groan, "I think."

"Way to jinx her, you big ape," Jane scolded after slapping Keith's head.

"Why are you always blaming me whenever something goes wrong?!" Keith argued. "God, you're so annoying, even more than that hero girl!"

"Jane and Phoebe are not annoying!" Shane defended. "If anything, YOU'RE the annoying one! All you really do is intimidate the team more than some creepy vampire. God, those things are scary."

"That's kinda ironic, considering you're buddy-buddy with one."

"What the hell are you going on about now?!"

"Oh, surely Janie here must've told you that already, considering how close you two are."

"Keith..." Jane growled out as she glared at him.

"You harp to me about my flaws, when really, you're no better!"

"Oh, please," Shane scoffed. "I might be a bit scared of vampires, but I also know they're not really real." He gave a nervous laugh but noticed that Keith and Jane's expressions haven't changed. "Wait, you're not serious, are you?" Shane asked in disbelief.

"I'll talk to you in just a moment," Jane sighed before pulling Shane down the steps.

"Any clue what those guys were chatting about?" Lucas thought as he looked up the mountain.

"Who cares?" 'Dumb' Damien scoffed. "At least now I can do this." He gave his bound hand a jolt, breaking the bracelet and causing Lucas to fall. "DAMIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNN!"

"Tough luck," 'Dumb' Damien cackled. What the cowboy didn't know what that Corey, Helen, Shane, Jane, Phoebe, Keith, Bowie and Dawn had seen him. "Quick!" Corey shouted. "We have to catch him!"

"Hang on, Mister Lucas!" Phoebe assured him as she, Shane and Corey got ready. Lucas hit a couple of branches and fell a few inches to the side. "Is he alright?" Jane asked with some concern.

"I suggest taking some distance," Dawn advised.

"Uh, why?" Bowie questioned. Lucas ended up crashing right on top of Phoebe. "Oh, that's gonna hurt," Shane winced.

"Alright," Chris began as he reentered the studio room, "Anything interesting happen?"

"DAMIEN, VEN ACA MALDITA RATA DE MIERDA!" Lucas loudly cursed out. "CUANDO TE ATRAPE, TE VOY A CONVERTIR EN PELOTA, Y DESPUES VOY A PATEAR ESA HASTA EL MALDITO HORIZONTE, PARA LUEGO PERSEGUIRE COMO A UN ANIMAL..."

"Oh, that's gonna take a lot of censoring."

"BAJA WATCHO, TE VOY A DARA TANTOS GOLPES QUE NI TUS VIEJOS TE VAN A RECONOCER..."

"Should we do something?" Shane thought.

"Do you want to die?" Bowie countered.

"Good point."

"What is he even saying?" Phoebe wondered. Helen simply passed her a Spanish to English dictionary. Phoebe skimmed through a few pages and gasped. "Here," she sternly told Helen as she passed her the book before storming over to Lucas.

"Are you crazy?!" Corey protested. "You'll get killed!"

"Oh, Wonder Wuss is mad," Keith teased. "We're all in trouble now."

"Listen, you," Phoebe told Lucas as she pulled him aside. "I will not tolerate such profanity, and therefore, I am afraid I must assert the appropriate discipline."

"Meaning?" Lucas demanded.

"Meaning if you're gonna talk like a sailor, you're gonna work like a sailor, and I believe Chef Hatchet mentioned a bathroom that needed to be cleaned."

"Well, I ain't budging and you can't make me!" Phoebe frowned for a moment. "H-hey!" Lucas protested off-screen as the others on the ground watched with a stunned shock. "Let go! Ow! That hurts!" They soon saw Phoebe dragging Lucas away by his nose. "I honestly did not expect that coming from her," Shane finally spoke up.

"I think it might've broken Keith," Jane teased as she waved a hand across his stupefied face. "Hello, there. Earth to Baboon."

Confessional: Keith (Frogs of Death)

"I honestly thought the tyke was incapable of getting angry. Go figure."

Confessional: Phoebe (Frogs of Death)

"I don't know what came over me. I just felt so...um...I think it's what the coach said. But I couldn't take hearing those hurtful words anymore!" She squeezed her stuffed penguin in a tight hug.

Confessional: Bowie (Toxic Rats)

"Note to self: never curse in front of Phoebe."

End Confessionals

Later, Shane and Jane were sitting on the dock. "Thanks for meeting me here," Jane began.

"Of course," Shane replied. "I'm happy to talk with you."

"Listen, I wanted to talk to you about what Keith said earlier."

"You mean that BS he spewed out of his fat mouth? It-"

"Keith speaks the truth," Dawn suddenly spoke up as she approached the duo, startling them slightly.

"Wh-what are you doing here?" Jane stuttered out.

"I was on my way to the spa hotel when I sensed your uneasy aura, so I decided to see if I may aid you."

"Wait, wait, wait," Shane thought. "So, you're saying all that stuff earlier was true?!"

"Yes," Jane sighed in defeat, "It's true."

"But-but-but that's impossible! Jane is the farthest thing from one of those vampire creeps!"

"You'd be surprised how well one can hide," Dawn calmly explained. "But Jane's soul radiates positivity, so there's no reason to fear her." Shane simply looked at Jane with disbelief. "I should have told you earlier," Jane admitted as she hung her head in shame, "But considering how people usually react to hearing this, I thought you'd either not believe me or you'd reject me."

"Reject you?" Shane asked. "No way! You're, like, the most amazing person I've met on this island! But, uh, you're not gonna chomp on my neck, are you?"

"Dude, I told you I was a vegetarian. Unless you turn into a plump strawberry, you don't have to worry about that."

"Wait. So if...then is Sky...?"

"Uh-huh. But she's a vegetarian, too, even more than me. The mere smell of meat makes her gag." Shane let out a breath as he and Jane laid back on the deck. "It feels good getting this off my chest," Jane sighed. "Thanks for being understanding about this, Shane."

"Of course," Shane replied. He noticed Jane's hand was laying on top of his, making him blush slightly.

Back in the forest, Samey and Sol were busy looking through some bushes. "I think I found some peppers," Samey spoke up.

"Perfect," Sol replied as he passed her a small basket. "Maybe I can use these tonight. Hang on. This ain't a pepper."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought-"

"Don't blame yourself. An honest mistake." Sol examined the small object. "Wait a minute," he thought. "This looks just like the stones on Leonard's staff. Wonder how it broke off."

"Um, why is it starting to glow?" Samey asked as the stones lit up a bit.

"It's perfectly normal. These stones channel magical energy, so me holding it makes it light up like a Christmas tree."

"Is there anything else about it?"

"Well, if memory serves me right, you can sort of see what kind of enchantments the staff has channeled, similar to a security camera. Hold on for a moment." Sol murmured something under his breath as he waved his hand across the stones. "Huh," he said as he examined the swirls inside. "According to this, the last spell performed was some sort of nightmare spell."

"A what?" Samey wondered.

"Basically, it'll make whoever's hit to see the stuff of nightmares, like ghoulish figures or dozens of snakes."

"Did you say 'snakes'? Mike said he saw snakes in the caves, but no one else did. Do you think he was hit with the nightmare spell? It would explain a lot."

"You may be onto something. And here's something else: the stones usually glow green whenever Leonard used it. But during the time the nightmare spell was performed, they were blue."

"Does that mean someone else did this?"

"We'll figure out the 'who' later. Let's first work on reversing the spell. Come on." Sol and Samey ran back to the Frogs' cabin. "About time you idiots showed up," Amy scolded as she swiped the basket away. "Ugh, only a few things? Lame!"

"I don't have time to deal with this," Sol argued. "I need to get into the cabins."

"Well, good luck," Valerie blandly replied. "Doors and windows are locked shut."

"You honestly expect me to fall for that one?"

"Uh, Sol?" Samey spoke up as she twisted the knob. "It's really locked."

"I told you, Samey," Amy sneered.

"Where are the others?" Sol demanded.

"Eating the stupid slop Chef whipped up. Where else? But I have higher standards."

"Well, maybe you and Valerie can make yourself useful and get someone to unlock the damn door!" Sol pushed Amy and Valerie away while Samey nervously followed behind them. Once they were away, Melody walked up to the Frogs' cabin. She gently twisted the knob to the boys' side and cracked the door open slightly. Inside, she saw that the bed sheets were ragged, the walls were covered in scratches and even a mirror was shattered into thousands of pieces. But what caught her attention was Mike sniffling in the middle of the floor. "Hold still," Melody said as she pulled out her sewing needle.

"Huh?" Mike wondered as he wiped away a tear. "What are you-?" Melody traced a symbol on the floor and placed her hand over it. It gave a gentle purple glow, and suddenly, it repaired all the damage. "I..." Mike breathed out as the purple mist surrounded him. "I..." He soon found himself passing out on the floor. Melody simply picked him up and carried him outside, closing the door behind her.

"Any word on Lucas?" Helen asked Corey as the two gathered by a cave.

"Phoebe still has him on cleaning duty," Corey informed her. "Can't believe that girl had that kind of fire. But just to be safe, I told Lacey to keep him away from 'Dumb' Damien."

"We have to eliminate that guy. He could've seriously hurt Lucas."

"I agree. We'll have to talk to the others. But first...why did you want us to meet?" Helen took a breath before continuing. "Listen, Corey," she explained, "It's obvious that there's been a bit of...tension between us these days."

"Yeah," Corey slowly replied, "That's one way of putting it."

"That's why I want to clear things up before it gets worse. You're a good friend, but the thing is...well...I..."

"Yeah?"

"I actually...I like girls."

"Oh. That's it?"

"I knew it! I knew you'd be...wait. You're not upset?"

"Why should I be?"

"It's just that..."

"Let me guess: people around you didn't take it very well when you first revealed it?" Helen nodded yes. "Helen, that doesn't matter," Corey assured her. "You should focus on what makes you happy. If others aren't able to accept that, then they're not worth it." Helen hugged him as a couple of tears ran down her face. "Thank you," she told him. "I thought this was going to be like school and you were going to make that info run around, humiliating me."

"Hey, what are friends for?" Corey replied as he returned the hug.

"Can I ask you...why did you freeze up when I called you 'Core'?"

"That was the nickname Laney always used. I hadn't heard it in a long time, not since we argued."

"Why did you argue in the first place?"

"Well..." The scene changed to Laney and Nikki having the same discussion on the steps of the Frog cabin. "After a band practice, we were left alone and started talking," Laney explained, "Until his annoying sister Trina decided to intervene."

"My sister pulled out some pictures that her friend Mina had taken," Corey continued. "They were of Laney in an ice cream shop with Lenny, the bass player from the rival band."

"Were you dating Laney?" Nikki asked.

"Of course not," Laney replied. "We're just friends, but Corey didn't see it that way."

"I felt stabbed and, well, said things I'm not proud of," Corey admitted.

"And you never tried to probe it any further?" Helen thought.

"I tried...but it was like opening an unhealed wound."

"And it never occurred to you that it might've been a set-up or that those two were just friends?"

"No, and I felt too guilty to confront her. Why do you think I try to mask it with anger every time we talk?"

"You're not doing yourself any favors."

"Alright, here's what we'll do," Nikki told Laney.

"Tomorrow after the challenge..." Helen explained to Corey.

"I'll try to put you two in one place, away from the others."

"You'll tell her how you feel."

"And if he accepts it, it will be a happy ending, and if not, it will be one less weight off your shoulders."

"Yeah, that sounds like a good plan," Corey and Laney agreed.

Confessional: Corey (Screaming Gophers)

"Helen's right. I have been letting this grudge get out of control. I hope I can at least try to talk to Laney tomorrow and just...fix things."

Confessional: Bryan (Screaming Gophers)

He played Corey's confessional on the phone. "I think I just found out that musician's purpose."

End Confessionals

Later, the Screaming Gophers were at the campfire ceremony. Heather, Owen, Lindsay, Leshawna, Chase, Sarah, Lacey, Beth, Izzy, 'Dumb' Damien and Rose were in the back row while Lucas, Cody, Helen, Corey, Gwen, Bryan, Echo, Max, Trent and Carly were in the front row. "Lucas, why do you stink so much?" Gwen asked as she and most of the others plugged their noses.

"You don't wanna know," Lucas shuddered. "But that hero girl can be scary when she's upset."

"You're scared of some fucking weakling?" 'Dumb' Damien teased.

"Watch it, Billy the Kid, or I'll make you see red!"

"Easy," Chris advised. "Let's just get this over with before I have to get a team of lawyers."

"Lucas and 'Dumb' Damien," Chef began, "Your arguing ended up costing your team the win." The two boys simply glared at each other. "Gwen and Heather," Chef continued, "You were the first duo out of your team, which might not have happened if you two could've worked together." The two girls eyed each other before turning their heads away. "Now get to voting," Chris instructed.

Confessional: Lucas (Screaming Gophers)

"Adios, hijo de-"

The camera cut him off before he could continue.

Confessional: Trent (Screaming Gophers)

"Not cool what you did, dude."

Confessional: Sarah (Screaming Gophers)

"Abandon us, why don't you?"

Confessional: Heather (Screaming Gophers)

"Not even I'm that ruthless."

Confessional: Carly (Screaming Gophers)

"I'm not sure if you're the one to blame for Elias being set up, but your attitude is definitely deserving of this."

Confessional: Echo (Screaming Gophers)

"What that cowboy did was ruthless. I like that. No way am I dumping that."

End Confessionals

"The votes are cast," Chris announced. "Those who live to compete for another day are Rose, Beth, Owen, Izzy, Corey, Helen, Leshawna, Bryan, Trent, Gwen, Lindsay, Sarah, Chase, Echo, Carly, Cody, Heather, Lacey and Max. It's the end of a rivalry. The foul-mouthed cowboy or the angry wrestler? One of you will go on an express line to Loser Village and I'll save myself a lawsuit. The last marshmallow goes to..." The two boys gave each other hateful looks. "..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"...Lucas."

"Wait, what?" 'Dumb' Damien protested as Lucas collected the last marshmallow. "But he's the one that slowed me down!"

"Helen and I saw what you did on the mountain," Corey informed him as Helen nodded in agreement.

"You two damn..." 'Dumb' Damien charged at the duo. "Mister Lucas!" Phoebe shouted as she walked over and swung a mop around, accidentally knocking out the cowboy. "You haven't finished your job. Oh, what happened to him?"

"Sweet karma is what happened," Corey told her.

"Karma?" Phoebe noticed Lucas trying to sneak away. "Uh-uh," she sternly told him as she pulled him away. "Let's make sure your job gets finished."

"Ow!" Lucas nasally cried out. "Why do you always go for the nose?!"

"Be grateful it's the nose and not the nuts," Corey commented.

"And YOU better leave before we decide to tie you up like a roadkill deer," Lacey warned 'Dumb' Damien after he came to.

"Fine," 'Dumb' Damien spat out, "I'm out of here, but know that you've lost your best player, you worthless punks!" He quickly stormed off and boarded the Boat of Losers. "One less problem to worry about," Chris narrated from the Dock of Shame. "Will Jane and Keith ever get along? Will Bowie actually create genuine friends like Dawn said? Will Phoebe end up becoming more 'brutal'? And will Lucas quit smelling like horse dung?" Lucas's moans were heard off-screen. "I doubt that last one, but find out the answers to the other questions next time on Total...Drama...Island!"

Votes:

Voted for 'Dumb' Damien: Owen, Lucas, Heather, Leshawna, Cody, Gwen, Trent, Sarah, Carly, Max, Helen, Corey, Lindsay, Beth, Chase, Izzy, Rose, Lacey, Bryan

Voted for Lucas: 'Dumb' Damien, Echo

Eliminated: 'Dumb' Damien (19-2)

100) Caleb (Toxic Rats)

99) Staci (Toxic Rats)

98) B (Toxic Rats)

97) Axel (Frogs of Death)

96) Elias (Screaming Gophers)

95) Eva (Confused Bears)

94) Olivia (Screaming Gophers)

93/92) Katie/Sadie (Confused Bears)

91) Noah (Confused Bears)

90) Justin (Screaming Gophers)

89) Nichelle (Toxic Rats)

88) Lauren (Confused Bears)

87) Dean (Confused Bears)

86) Alan (Screaming Gophers)

85) Leonard (Toxic Rats)

84) 'Dumb' Damien (Screaming Gophers)

Episode 16! So, elimination first. 'Dumb' Damien is officially the first of the antagonists to go down, considering the others have a bit more to give. (Yes, even Sugar.) But I enjoyed writing his rivalry with Lucas.

Now, the challenge from another episode of LaCuevademisgustos' Chaotic Camp isn't anything too special, worked by helping the character interactions, whether they be brief like Dakota and Luna or a bit longer such as Keith and Phoebe.

Next episode, there will be some hot tension in the kitchen...right after everyone's gathered their supplies. Until next time, enjoy and have a good day.