Total Drama: The Next Generation

Ten years after the shocking conclusion of Total Drama: Worst of the Worst, the series is back with a new batch of eighteen teens determined to win. Join them in the all new Total... Drama:.. The Next Generation!

The contestants pictured!

## Characters

### Contestants

Andrea

Byron

Clara

Declan

Eddy

Gabe

Jasmine

Kirika

Max

Naveen

Orlando

Romelio

Suzy

Tiffany

Vivi

Winnie

Wolf

Yolanda

## Chapters

### Chapter 1 - Do Call It a Comeback

An aerial view of Total Drama Island lingers on camera for several moments, before zooming in on the beach area. A slender, blond man raises his arms as the camera focuses on him. His light brown eyes betray his excitement as he takes a deep breath and grandly states, "Welcome to Total Drama Island!” He gently strokes his blond beard before introducing himself. "My name is Jack, and you may remember me from my other hosting gigs, including, but not limited to, 'Deep Sea Dive In, and Dries', 'Jungle Boogie', and 'Around the World with A.D.D.'"

The man's face is filled with an enthusiastic smile, as he turns to another angle. "What you may not remember is that I got my start on Total Deception Island. It really opened up my eyes to the possibility that television could provide me with an unique experience to share my love of travel with everyone out there in tv land. I will forever be grateful for that, and I jumped at the chance to host when I found out that the series was being rebooted a full ten years after the last season aired." The excited host's enthusiasm is expressed as he begins to vibrate. He explains, “You might be wondering about Chris Mclean. I assure you that he’s in good health at a convalescent home at an undisclosed location. We wish him all the best!"

“This season will introduce eighteen new contestants, all eager to compete for the million dollar prize," Jack continues to explain with a genuine smile. "I’m sure you're all as eager as I am to meet the new contestants." Jack stretches his hand toward the camera and, with a grin, says, "Come with me." The camera follows the new host as he walks backward toward the dock. He explains, "Each newbie will be arriving on the iconic dock of shame." Jack looks out at the calm, blue water. Waves begin to form and crash against the dock. The energetic man pumps a fist and says, "Our first contestant is moments away."

The first boat arrives as Jack scurries toward it. He holds out a hand to help the first teen step off of the boat. With the excitement not hidden in his voice, Jack greets, "Welcome to Total Drama Island!"

The first contestant steps off of the boat. She is a tall, caramel colored skinned girl with brown curly hair. She let’s go of Jack's hand, and gives him a big hug. "You must be the new host," the girl declares. "I still can’t believe I’m here!"

"I’m really pumped, too. It’s going to be a great adventure!" Jack responds. He points to a nearby camera and instructs, "Why don’t you look into that camera there and tell the audience at home a little bit about you."

"Oh, okay!" The young woman, wearing an orange blouse tied near the collar, replies in a high pitched, sing song voice. "My name is Clara, and I am definitely a people person. I am really looking forward to making new friends."

"This is a great place to do that!" Jack says with an exaggerated nod. Jack looks across the water as the next boat is about to arrive. "Here comes the next player!"

Clara squirms in place and states, "Oh, I’m so excited!"

Jacks nods rapidly. "Me, too!" The contestant and host both hold their fists to their chins as they each let out an excited squeal.

The next person arrives on the island, and tosses his duffel bag in the air. He does a front flip off of the boat and onto the dock. He stretches out his legs, extends both arms, and catches his duffel bag before it hits the dock. He shouts out, “Power!" before standing up straight and offering a slight wave. Clara and Jack look o. with their eyes wide, showing that they are both very impressed. The teen's strength is obvious, behind his white shirt with turquoise stripes, and red jacket. He has an expressive smile, blue eyes, and blond hair that he wears in a ponytail. "I should introduce myself. My name is Max!"

Clara claps and enthusiastically exclaims, "Ooh! Like max power! I find that to be a very fitting name."

The blond teen let’s out a hearty laugh, and, after puffing out his chest, responds, "I love that. I’m going to use that if it’s okay."

"But of course," the young woman replies. "My name is Clara, by the way."

"It’s a pleasure to meet you," Max declares with a thumbs up.

The host asks, "Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?"

Max nods and answers, "Where to begin?" He puts a hand to his chin. "I like pretty much every sport, ever, and believe thoroughly in giving one million percent in everything I do."

Jack's mouth is agape. “I love that,” he whispers. The host switches his attention to the next boat. "Here's our next player."

A particularly muscular teen boy steps off of his boat, and pushes it down with his tremendous strength, in order to pull his luggage off of the boat. Max lets out an impressed gasp. "Dude is jacked!" the blond boy exclaims, the newly arrived teen's muscled physique visible through his v neck purple shirt and leather jacket.

The newly arrived teen eyes Max up and down, he smiles and responds, "You ain't bad yourself, boo." Max smiles, looks away, and sheepishly bats a hand in Romelio's direction. The dark skinned teen sets down his luggage, and dramatically exclaims with arms fully extended, "It is I, Romelio!” His voice booms, as he rolls the 'r' in 'Romelio' to its full extent. "I am pleasured to make all of your acquaintances."

Max smiles wide. "Now that's an entrance! My name is Max, and this is Clara,” Max introduces, as Clara waves with a grin. “Dude, you got the body of an elite athlete. What sports do you play?"

"Ah, yes," Romelio responds nonchalantly. "There was a time in my misguided youth that I put my very essence into athletics," Romelio clenches his fist dramatically. He then tilts his head down and extends his other arm into the air. "In reality, my true calling was for the stage. When I discovered that, my life was changed for all eternity." The others present applaud.

Jack looks on wide eyed. He quietly states, "That’s a long time."

Max whispers to Clara and points a thumb toward Romelio, "I like this guy." Clara closes her eyes and nods.

"I’ve never seen such a spectacle," a fairly quiet voice says from the side. Everyone looks over at a reserved girl with a long braided ponytail. She strokes her hair and nervously looks away as all eyes are on her.

Jack states in a surprised tone, "When did you get here?" The host pauses. "Anyway, feel free to introduce yourself."

"I’m not sure what to say," the teen replies, her cheeks bright red.

Clara smiles and excitedly says, "I’m Clara. How about we start with your name!"

"Winnie," the shy girl responds.

Max points to himself and introduces, "Max. What are you into?"

The distant look in Winnie's eyes quickly fades, as her excitement is readily evident. She expresses, "Horses! Oh my goodness! They are the most perfect creature in existence! Do any of you like horses?!"

Clara looks stunned. She reassures, "Um, sure!"

Romelio smirks and slyly says, "I’ve been known to date a couple of stallions, back in the day."

"Lucky," Winnie quietly responds, as she looks aside and crosses her arms over her open red outer shirt.

Max punches Romelio's arm and shouts, "Dude, stop!" The guys laugh as the others stare at them, with confused looks.

Jack looks back toward the water as the next boat pulls up to the dock. He smiles and extends his hand to the next contestant, a beautiful Latina with curly black hair. She fiercely grabs hold of the host's hand and quickly pulls it behind his back. She stands behind him and gruffly asks, "What's your angle, punk?" The other contestants look on with their mouths dropped open.

Jack nervously responds, "I was simply helping you off the boat. Hi. I’m the series' new host, Jack!"

The tough as nails girl let’s go of the host, and sweetly apologizes, "I’m so sorry! Most guys I know are up to no good, let alone the white guys."

"Preach it, sister," Romelio's voice booms. Max winces.

"It's okay," Jack assures, as he rubs his arm. "Welcome to the island. Why don’t you tell us about yourself?"

"Sure," the pretty girl responds. "My name is Yolanda. What is there to say about me? I like cars." Max smiles. "Oh, and also enforcing justice. I’m big into justice." The others look at each other with confused looks.

Jack smiles blankly, and replies, "You sound like a lot of fun."

Yolanda tilts her head to the side and smiles sincerely. She takes her place near the other arrived contestants. Max leans toward Yolanda and asks, "So what kind of cars do you like?"

Yolanda looks up at him and replies, "Anything with a lot of horsepower."

Winnie's eyes light up. Clara puts a hand on her shoulder, and empathetically says, "She's still talking about cars, sweetie." Winnie looks down, disappointed.

"Here's our next contestant," Jack squeals.

A young woman with jet black hair and in a purple jacket and beanie steps off of the boat and onto the dock. She immediately kneels down and starts feeling the dock from underneath. "Real wood," she says quietly into a voice recording device, and immediately stands back up. She eyes the other contestants and her gaze is fixated on Jack.

Jack smiles and exclaims, "Welcome to the show! I’m your host, Jack. Tell us a little bit about yourself!"

The young woman squints, as she stares at Jack. "Jack is it?" The host nods rapidly. The young woman quickly grasps his shirt collar. "What happened to Chris? What did you do to him?!"

Jack let’s out a 'yelp!' and explains, "Nothing! He retired a few years back, I swear!"

"A likely story," the suspicious young lady expresses before letting go of Jack's shirt. "Just know that I'll be watching you, 'Jack'." She claps her hands together, in an exaggerated effort to wipe them off. "The name's Andrea. I’m here to prove this show is fake." She points at Yolanda and slowly shifts her hand to point at the other contestants. "Any of you that get in my way will end up on... the list!" Several contestants gasp.

Romelio whispers to Clara, "And the crazies begin to arrive."

"Oh! You think I’m crazy?" Andrea reacts, with her eyes wide open. "I’m crazy like a fox! You’re the crazy ones for taking things at face value." She folds her arms and looks to the side. "You'll see soon enough."

Jack returns to the Dock of Shame in a new pair of shorts. He looks out at the dock and observes, "Hey, just in time for the next competitor!"

A young man with his dark brown hair tied in a bun exits the boat, with a leap. He puts his hands together and bows toward the others. "It’s so good to be here." He gestures one hand to signify that he’s speaking about himself and declares, "My name is Orlando.” He leans his head to the left and says, "It's so great to see such a diverse cast this year." He thoughtfully looks at the others, and hugs each contestant awkwardly as he makes his way down the line. He stands near Max, Clara, and Romelio.

Romelio smiles and says, "Hey, man. Welcome to the show."

Orlando stares at Romelio for a few moments. Romelio begins to look uncomfortable. He puts a hand on the more muscular teen's shoulder and states, "Hey, I think that it takes a lot of courage to represent your demographic. I’m proud of you."

"Thanks," Romelio responds half heartedly.

Orlando goes on, "While I’m not into dudes, I assure you that I’m an ally." The newly arrived young man pumps his fist as he speaks.

Romelio rolls his eyes and reacts with, "Uh huh."

"I want to assure you," Orlando continues, "that I’m totally cool that you’re attracted to me." Several contestants have wide eyes as they look on.

Orlando let’s out a heavy sigh and puts palm over his own face. He says, "I’m not attracted to you."

Orlando looks genuinely shocked. He replies, "How can you not be attracted to me?" He lifts up his overly long, white shirt and demands, "Check out these abs!"

The larger teen rolls his eyes, and lets out a deep sigh. He clearly explains holding up one finger, "One, not every gay guy is attracted to whatever joker crosses his path." He puts up a second finger. "Two, I already have a boyfriend, and I only have eyes for him." Romelio voice gets much softer as he waves toward the camera and says, "Hey, Julian! Love you, babe!" Romelio smiles and points toward the end of the line. "Now you need to bounce before I..."

Orlando has tears in his eyes. He expresses, "Hearing you express your truth, was just... so touching." Romelio looks confused, and just shakes his head. Orlando pats Romelio's chest. "I’m here for you, my man, if you ever need to talk." Orlando walks down to the end of the contestants, kisses two fingers and holds them up in a peace sign.

Romelio rolls his eyes and states, "I’m good.” He looks over to Jack and says, "I’m ready for the next...” A well toned, red haired teenage boy in a lab coat steps off the boat. “Hubba," Romelio lets out, and quickly looks away as he blushes.

Orlando shouts, "You just said..." He lets out a sigh, as he changes his frustrated expression to a smile. "You do you."

Jack welcomes the young man, "Greetings! Tell the people about yourself." The host gestures toward the other contestants.

The next contestant has several large suitcases with him, which he easily handles himself, despite several contestants volunteering to help him. He sets his luggage down, and introduces himself with a hint of a nasally voice, "Salutations. My name is Wolf." One of the others lets out a howl. The teen boy seems to be unaffected. He adjusts his glasses and says dryly, “Hilarious. My name is Wolf. I get it. It’s short for Wolfgang, but I prefer to go by Wolf, since a 'gang of wolves' is not the proper scientific term." The wordy teen removes his glasses, breathes on them, pulls his necktie out from being caught between his chest, which generates a gentle popping sound, before returning his glasses to his face. “The scientific term would be a pack."

Yolanda nudges Andrea's arm and quietly comments, "More like a 'pec', am I right?" Andrea effectively looks away from Yolanda, who responds with a shrug.

Clara quietly adds, "And I just howled at him because he's cute." Yolanda aggressively nods.

The handsome scientist takes his place near the other contestants. He briefly glances at them, and then toward the water. He monotonously comments, "The lake appears to be burgeoning on... tepid."

Jack blinks a few times. He nudges Andrea in the back of the arm. She rolls her eyes and explains, "It basically means lukewarm." Jack and some of the others present visually appear to appreciate the clarification.

The bubbly host points toward the arriving boat. He exclaims, "Meet the next two contestants!"

"Two?" Clara begins. "That is out of the ordinary." She grins widely and closes her eyes.

A rather short, dark skinned girl steps off of the boat first. She is wearing a gold necklace, and dark green blouse. She turns around in order to take the male teen on the boat by the hand in order to help him off it.  Considerably taller than the girl, the boy stoops to reach her hand and steps off of the boat. The dock creaks as he steps on it. He gently says, "Thanks, sis."

"What's the story on these two?" Andrea inquires. The pale teen girl holds her voice recorder toward the hosts mouth.

He looks down at it as it touches his lips. Jack suggests, "Why don’t you introduce yourselves to the fine people?"

"Hey," Jasmine greets. "I’m Jasmine. This is my baby brother, Naveen." The tall, black boy waves. "He's shy."

"That's a mighty big baby," Yolanda declares, following with an impressed whistle. A few of the others laugh.

Jasmine negates, "Not today. Uh-uh-uh." She eyes Yolanda up and down. "You best be looking elsewhere, Missy. Naveen is off limits." She narrows her eyes and adds, "You ain't his type, anyhow." Naveen looks a bit uncomfortable as he places a hand on the back of his neck and looks to the side.

"I was just..." Yolanda begins, looking surprised.

Jasmine takes Naveen by the hand, holding all of their luggage, as well. "C'mon, l'il bro." She drags the far larger teen behind her, as they make their way to the opposite side of the dock. The others mostly look on with disbelief. Jasmine threatens, "Ain't none of you better mess with my brother, unless you're ready to get rocked like a hurricane."

Orlando's gaze is fixated on Jasmine. She looks up at him. The enlightened teen assures, "You are an inspiration!" Jasmine rolls her eyes and looks away.

"Dude," Max says, his eyes wide as he looks at Naveen. "Love your dreads. What do you lift?"

The tall, dreadlocked teen, looks at Jasmine before he softly replies, "I don’t really work out." Max's jaw drops. "I like movies, though. Have you ever seen 'The Man With The Jargon Tattoo'? You look remarkably a lot like the lead actress."

"Uh, I," Max stutters.

"There will be no further questions!" Jasmine interjects.

Jack looks on with expressive eyes, before his attention shifts to the next contestant. "Oh, you're already here," the host notices. "Say 'hi' to our other players!"

The newly arrived girl has two fingers pressed against her forehead. She has blonde hair and a pink blouse. "I see that I am not receiving a proper introduction."

Jack sheepishly says, "Oh, sorry! I just figured it'd be cool if..."

"I suppose I am the most apt at the English language on this dock," the young woman boasts. "You can refer to me as 'Suzy'. I like to..." The young woman smiles sweetly as she pauses to think about her wording, "encourage proper behavior, and accuracy." She eyes the others. Wolf has one of his fingers in his ear. Suzy closes her eyes and observes, "It appears that I have my work cut out for me."

Jack offers, "Uh, let me help you with your bags." Suzy lifts her large luggage and easily carries it to her spot on the dock.

Suzy corrects in a sing song voice as she sets her luggage down, "They are suitcases, not bags!"

Jack places a hand on his stomach and lets out a sigh. He looks up, and his eyes light up again as the next boat arrives. He exclaims, "Look, everyone! Here’s our next contestant!"

The good looking young man hurls his duffel bag over the side of the boat and onto the dock. He then puts both hands on the side of the boat and launches himself into the air, before also landing on the dock beside his bag. He strokes his light pink hair, and takes glances toward the other contestants. He looks to the opposite direction, scoffs, and says "This is the best there is to offer? This is going to be a cakewalk."

Suzy closes her eyes, shakes her head, and disapprovingly states, "Oh, sweetie. One should never walk on cake."

The newly arrived Asian boy furrows his eyebrows and declares, "Yikes!" Before rolling his eyes. The confident, young man goes on, "Look. I'll make this brief. My name is Declan, and I’m winning this competition." The others look at him with wide eyes as he takes his place among the contestants.

"Short and sweet," Jack comments. "I like it!"

Clara says to Declan as she observes his light pink hair, and pastel green shirt, "I really enjoy your look. I'm a big fan of K-Pop. Do you like K-Pop?"

"Oh," Declan begins. "Do you speak Korean?"

"No," Clara answers with a smile. "But I really like the..."

Declan scoffs, again. "Please. Get back to me after you trouble yourself to learn it, like a real fan," he states, effectively shutting the nice girl down. She closes her eyes as she continues to grin.

Andrea folds her arms and states, "Don't get me started on K-Pop's dark side."

The next boat makes it's way to the dock, and let’s off a tall, thin boy with brown hair and pale skin. He looks at Declan, tugs on his own light pink hoodie and says, "Hey, man! Your hair matches my hoodie!"

The uptight teen responds, after glancing at the newly arrived boy's sweater and sarcastically asks, "Are you colorblind?" The other teen shakes his head to signal a negative response.

Orlando chimes in, "I am! You're all beautiful to me!" The other contestants look at him in disbelief.

Jack interjects and steps up to the newly arrived teen, puts a hand on his back and asks, "I’m the new host, Jack. Tell us your name and a little bit about yourself."

"My name is Gabe," the brown haired teen responds, "And my balls really itch." The others look on with disturbed expressions.

"That might be a little too much info," Jasmine states with a concerned look. Naveen bends down so she can cover his ears.

Jack explains, "Gabe can’t help but be honest at all times."

Gabe smiles, nods, and adds, "You dress way too young for your age."

Jacks laughs and points a thumb at Gabe. "See?"

"That's unique," Yolanda comments. "An honest guy is hard to find these days."

Gabe looks at her and says, "You're the only solid ten here." Yolanda forces a smile. "I mean, besides this guy." He stares at Wolf. "I just discovered that I’m bisexual."

"Okay," Jasmine chimes in. "This guy has a gear or two loose." She makes a gesture near her head to illustrate her point. "Not that the science guy ain't cute." The others nod. Wolf thumbs through a small notepad, and doesn’t seem to notice.

Gabe walks over to Jasmine and looks down at her. The others look on in concern. Orlando looks like he is about to interject. Gabe states, "Your necklace is cool." The others let out a sigh of relief. He walks over to his place by the other contestants.

Jasmine holds her necklace, smiles, looks to the left, and says, "Shoot. Tell me something I don’t already know."

"That shouldn’t be that hard," Gabe states.

Jasmine's eyes get wide, as the others brace themselves. She glares at the young man and angrily begins, "Now you're asking for..."

Gabe attempts to break a biscuit he's holding. He sticks it in his teeth, looks at the package and says, "Ah. It's well past the 'best by' date. Makes sense." Gabe lets out a laugh. Jasmine blinks a few times and shrugs it off, recognizing what the honest teen is talking about.

Jack looks at the contestants and remarks, "We have five more contestants to go! Time sure is flying by!" The next contestant steps onto the dock.

She bats at her long, blonde ponytail. "Hi, everyone! I’m Tiffany."

Jasmine smiles and whispers to Naveen, who is crouched down to her level, "She seems nice."

Tiffany continues, "I’m only saying it once, because I’m unforgettable."

"I take that back," Jasmine states as she squints. Naveen nods with eyes wide.

Tiffany claps her hands and demands, "Who is going to haul my luggage? You can’t expect me to do it." Max, Gabe, and Orlando are quick to lend a hand. Romelio yawns, as Declan and Wolf appear to not be paying attention. Naveen begins to move toward the boat until he notices his sister grasping his shirt. He looks down at her as she shakes her head at him. He steps back to his place. Tiffany tilts her head to the side and sweetly says, "Aw! You're all so sweet." She pans across the male contestants. "A lot of stud muffins competing this year. That'll make my strategy much easier to carry out." She stops at Naveen.

Jasmine narrows her eyes and commands, "Nothing to see here. I know your kind. Keep away from my brother."

"Or what?" The pretty girl in the midriff baring red shirt replies. "Are you going to bite my ankles?" The others are shocked at the tall girl's brashness.

Jasmine rolls her eyes. "I’ve heard it all before, girl. You better check your attitude," she directs.

The blonde girls sweetly shifts her head to the side and states, "I’ll be sure to make a mental note of that." She walks to the end of the contestants. She puts a well manicured hand on Romelio's shoulder. She winks at the muscular theater fan as he looks back at her with wide eyes.

The energetic host stands up after doing a series of push ups. "Our next competitor is here," he remarks, smiling as wide as ever. "Please, introduce yourself."

The young man nods and says, "Righto, mate." With a smirk that seems permanent, the Brit bows his head. "The name's Byron." He looks at the other contestants. He whistles, "Look at you lot. Quite the assortment." The teen uses both hands to stroke his hair.

"Digging the Mohawk," Gabe states with a toothy smile.

"And I’m just crazy about that sweatshirt," Byron responds. Gabe continues his large smile. "My kid sister 'as one just like it."

Gabe frowns. "The guy is straight up rude," the lanky teen states.

"Coming from you?" Yolanda responds with a surprised look.

Byron puts an arm around Gabe's shoulder and an arm around Tiffany's shoulder. The British teen assures, "Ah, mate. Don’t worry your pretty little 'ead. I’m sure we'll get along, swimmingly."

Tiffany's eyebrows shoot up. The attractive girl raises a hand and says, "Excuse me! Host! This... person is touching me!"

Byron quickly removes his arm and gestures in an exaggerated manner to show he’s not touching her. "No sweat! I’m way a'ead a ya, love. I'll just stand over 'ere and wait for the games to begin." The young, blue haired teen takes a spot on the dock.

Suzy shakes her head with a wide smile. "I have a feeling that that one will need plenty of grammar correction." She cracks her neck. "And let me tell you, I am... here... for... it." The camera zooms in at each word.

Wolf looks up from his notes to state, "We're all here for it. That’s how physicality works." The brainy guy goes back to his notes, as Suzy looks at him with a raised eyebrow.

The next teen walks up, shifts her glasses, and comments, as she looks at Byron, "Are we going to see a redux of that Australian guy, who got his disguise ruined?"

Jack looks bewildered. "When was that?"

The newly arrived Asian girl observes the new host, adjusts her glasses, sighs, and explains, "You were on that season."

"Oh, yeah," the host recalls. "He was the one that wore pants that left less to the imagination than Declan's." Declan looks down. Jack puts a hand to the back of his head. "I didn’t notice your boat arrive. Please introduce yourself."

"I stowed away with Byron," the girl explains as she pulls her hair away from her eyes. "I thought I could at least conserve fuel."

Jack looks to the side and mumbles, "I should have thought of that."

The girl nods and says, "Your assertion is correct." She inhales deeply. "I am Kirika." The girl's teeth stay visible even when she doesn’t speak, despite not smiling. She wears aqua colored braces that match her sweater, which features a graphic of a cat laying in a taco. "I don’t have much to say about myself, so let's keep things moving, if you would."

"Uh, okay," Jack responds. "Pleasure to have you on board."

Kirika makes her way down the dock as she pulls her suitcase behind her. She trips over a foot in a light tan shoe, and lands hard on her hands on the dock. Tiffany smiles sweetly and says, "Oops! Didn’t see you walking there," the blonde girl claims. She lets out a short, condescending laugh. "Try to be more careful next time." After a moment, she comments, "I like your braces..." She adds, under her breath, "Loser!"

Kirika looks up at Tiffany and adjusts her glasses. Most of the others have turned their attention to the next boat. Max walks over and kneels down next to Kirika, he extends a hand to help her up, and points to his mouth with the other hand, showing Kirika that he is also wearing braces. "Let me help you," Max insists. Kirika nods and takes his hand, as the kind boy helps her to her feet. Tiffany glares to the side.

Kirika quietly says, "Thank you." Max looks down at her still holding his hand, until she quickly removes it. "Sorry," she says quietly with her face red.

"No need to be sorry," Max assures. "Come stand next to me." Kirika quietly follows Max and stands near him. "This is Clara," he introduces.

"I like your sweater," Clara compliments as she offers a warm smile and waves at the socially awkward teen. Kirika pushes her hair behind her ear.

Tiffany rolls her eyes with her arms folded. She states, "Please. Cyan was so fifteen years ago."

The next contestant is already making his introduction. "My name is Eddy," the chubby Asian boy introduces. "I’m excited for the competition to begin." He takes a deep breath.

"You look smart," Gabe states.

"Dude," Orlando interjects with wide eyes. "You can’t say that to an Asian!"

Eddy blinks. He assures, "Well, he is right."

"About your being Asian?" Wolf says, still looking at his notes.

"No," Eddy responds. "Well, yes. I meant I am smart." Most of the others frown. The teen boy fervently waves his hands in an effort to prevent a misunderstanding. "But I want to prove that there's more to me than that."

Tiffany looks at the nerdy looking boy clad in a yellow sweater vest, black tie, and purple dress shirt. She smirks and says in Kirika's direction, "Your dream date has arrived." The comment goes ignored.

Eddy makes his way down the line. He remarks upon seeing Declan, "Hey, I was promised that I was going to be the hot Asian guy." The others laugh. "I’m just kidding, man." He reaches out for a high five, which goes ignored by Declan. Eddy shrugs, and keeps walking.

Jack looks at the next boat, which has just arrived. He excitedly says, "It's our final contestant! I can’t believe we’ve already met everyone."

The strong looking girl with burgundy hair walks next to the other teens. She complains, "The final contestant? Aw, man! I was hoping to be the first here in order to analyze you all." She lets out a laugh. "The name's Vivi. I can’t believe the show is back after all these years. I loved it when I was little." Vivi waves at the arrived players. "Are we ready to get this game started?" She raises a fist in the air, to which most of the others cheer, including Jack.

Jack excitedly says, "Yeah, I’m excited! Tell us a little about yourself, Vivi!"

Vivi shrugs with a smile. "Not a whole lot to say. I love having fun, hanging out with people, and picking apart their actions to reveal their deeper psyche and reasons behind those actions." The others look confused. "And, uh, pizza!" Mostly everyone cheers. Vivi whispers to herself, "Using pizza to get a positive response... the oldest trick in the book.”

Jack pumps his fists forward. "I am so jacked for this season!"

Gabe laughs. "That's funny, because your name is Jack," the pink clad teen states.

Jack laughs and says, "Oh, yeah! It is!" Jack laughs, again. Jack composes himself. The host declares, "I would like to welcome each and every one of you to the competition!" He turns toward the camera facing the dock and holds his arms up. "There you have it! Our eighteen teens have been introduced! Join us next episode when we decide teams, and our players compete in their first challenge. Who will win?! Who will lose?! Watch as the drama all unfolds this season on Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!"

The teens and host mostly cheer before the screen fades to black.

### Chapter 2 - Name Tag, You’re It

Jack, the series' new host, is shown sitting at the end of The Dock of Shame, his feet dipped in the water. He smiles wide and exclaims, "Welcome to the second episode of Total Drama: The Next Generation!" The jovial host has his arms extended. "Last time, we were joined by our eighteen brand new players, who are eager to compete in this life changing experience!" The thin, pale, blond hoists himself onto the dock, up from the water, revealing that he was wearing his socks and boots. "This week, the contestants are separated into teams, and they compete together in their first challenge. Sadly, one of them will be voted out." Jack frowns for a split second. "But that’s the name of the game..." The host pauses. "Figuratively! Let the games begin!"

Jack follows the dock to the shore where this season's competitors are waiting. He greets the contestants, "Hey, everybody! How are you since last week?"

Byron, the smirking Brit with the impressive blue Mohawk, replies, "We literally just got here five minutes ago, mate. What's this week, business?"

Jack answers, "Continuity purposes." The host shrugs. He now quickly thrusts his arms in the air. "It’s time to form teams!" Several contestants cheer. "I’m sure there’s people you already want to be teamed with!" Sister and brother, Jasmine and Naveen smile at each other.

Max, the congenial blond boy, looks over at the other players and comments, "I hope I’m on a team with you, bud!"

Seven contestants reply with, "Me, too!" They look at each other with confused looks. Max puts his hand at the back of his head and laughs it off.

The boisterously supportive Orlando has his arms wrapped tight around Romelio, the hulking stage actor, just below his rib cage. "You can’t see 'em, but I have my fingers crossed," Orlando informs his voice filled with hope.

Romelio, short of breath due to Orlando's constriction, replies, "Me, too." The larger boy looks heavenward and silently pleads.

Jack explains, "Alright, here is our first team." The host struggles to contain his excitement, as he reads from a list. "We have Eddy, Vivi, Naveen, Kirika, Tiffany..." The girls glare at each other. The host continues, "Gabe, Winnie, Clara, and...” Jack holds the list closer up so he can see it more clearly, "Max." The other team members cheer. Tiffany and Kirika hug, until they realize what they’re doing. They quickly let go and look in opposite directions with annoyed expressions. Max smiles and rubs the back of his head.

"That means..." Romelio begins with wide eyes, as Orlando tightens his grip.

Jack nods and continues to smile. "That means, the other team members are Romelio, Orlando, Suzy, Yolanda, Andrea, Byron, Jasmine..."

Jasmine frowns and looks at Naveen and then Jack. "Hold up, Jack," Jasmine interjects. "I insist on being on a team with my little bro. Right, Veenie?" Naveen nods.

Jack explains, "I’m sorry, it’s out of my hands. I wish there was something I can do." He holds up his list of teams. "It’s already in writing."

Tiffany, the vindictive popular girl, pouts. "Don’t worry, sweetie. I’ll be sure to take care of your," she eyes Naveen from head to toe, and then tilts her head sweetly, "'little' brother."

Jasmine growls. "Seriously?! Can’t we pull some Katie and Sadie mumbo jumbo?"

Jack smiles blankly and explains, "I have no idea what that means." The host assures, "Naveen will be fine. Plus, you won’t be too far from him." He points at the four cabins that will serve as living quarters. "Although the rules discourage cross team fraternizing." Jack looks back at his list and says, "I forgot to mention the last two team members, Declan and Wolf."

Jasmine sighs, looks at the heartthrob science geek and adds, "At least we got eye candy."

Suzy chimes in, "'Have' not 'got'."

Naveen assures his sister quietly, "I’ll be fine."

"I know, but I can’t help but," Jasmine begins.

Tiffany smirks and interrupts, "Now, now! You heard the man boy," she points to Jack, "no cross team fraternity!" Jasmine glares at the condescending blonde girl, who continues to smirk in Jasmine's direction.

"'Fraternizing'," Suzy corrects with a sing song tone.

"Rules are rules," Yolanda shrugs as she looks concerned at a frowning Jasmine. The beautiful Latina looks toward Jack and asks, "I just thought of something. What are our team names?"

"Oh, yeah," Eddy comments. "I almost forgot about that."

Jack smiles and says, "Yeah... Team names..." He begins to sweat. "The, uh, first team I announced will be... Team A. The second team is Team 2." The teens look at the host with bewilderment.

Suzy shakes her head and states, "Traditionally, the team names are a noun with an adjective or verb ending with 'ing' in front of it." She smiles threateningly, as she cracks her knuckles. "We all know you can do better than that."

Jack awkwardly laughs and assures, "I was just joshing ya." He appears to be thinking hard. "The first team are... The Cool Cats." The team cheers. He points toward a set of cabins, "These will be the team cabins, one for the boys, and one for the ladies."

Winnie is shown in confessional. The horse enthusiast sadly explains as she strokes her long ponytail, "I was hoping for something horse related."

Byron laughs and mocks the host, "Let me guess, we'll be 'The 'ot Dogs'." Suzy winces.

Jack's face turns red. He insists, "No. You are..." Jack thinks. He exclaims, "The Chilly Dogs!" Most of the team cheers. Byron raises an eyebrow. The energetic host gestures toward another set of cabins and explains, "This will be your team's homes for the competition."

Andrea inquires, "And where will you be staying, Jack?" She has her recorder ready.

Jack excitedly answers, "An underwater cave I stumbled upon the last time I was here." He hops up and down in place. "I’d invite you to visit, but that would be inappropriate." Jack further explains, "The crew has already moved your belongings to your cabins, so you have the night off to get acquainted with each other. There are also snacks in each of your cabins, so have fun tonight!" The host waves and states, "I’ll see all of you in the morning." He walks off into the wilderness, as the teens head toward their new residences. Tiffany waves at Jasmine, as she has her arm around the shorter girl's brother. Naveen looks uncomfortable.

Eddy is shown in the outhouse that doubles as a reality show confessional. He looks around, "I see they haven’t made improvements in the last ten years." The Asian boy takes off his glasses to wipe them on his sweater. After returning them to his face he comments, with a hint of an accent, "Teams are a tricky stage of the game. To be honest, I was kind of worried with my," he looks down at his body, "less than athletic physique, that I’d be in trouble, but Max and Naveen look like powerhouses." He smiles. "They’ve got the brawn, I’ve got the brain." His smile gets wider as he rubs his fingers together. "Let's make lots of money."

"I call top bunk!" Max exclaims in The Cool Cats boys' room. He throws his duffel bag on the bunk to claim his territory. Eddy smiles and sets his things below the athletic teen's bunk.

The unintentionally honest Gabe is shown laying in the room's other bunk bed, on the bottom, with the far larger Naveen sleeping in the top bunk. The frame of the top bunk appears to be under much stress, as Gabe looks up with wide eyes.

In the girls cabin, Tiffany delegates, "You sleep over in that bed," she gestures toward the meek Kirika, and an individual bed. "You two can share that bunk bed," she flippantly gestures toward Winnie and Vivi. She puts her hands on the shoulders of the polite Clara. "You get the privilege of bunking with me."

Clara closes her eyes and responds, "I’m honored, really, but I would have thought that you would like your own bed." She looks over to Kirika setting up her things by the single bed.

Tiffany forces a laugh and replies, "Oh... you! You know what they say! Keep your friends close." Clara smiles.

Vivi looks on as she pulls things from her belongings.

In confessional, Vivi states to the camera, "I am a little worried about being on a team with Kirika and Tiffany, I’m not going to lie. But they seem to be ignoring each other at this point." Vivi puts a hand through her hair. "Overall, it should be fun to watch unfold. Tiffany definitely asserted her dominance early among the girls. It was kind of annoying, but this isn’t the time to make for me to make waves."

In The Chilly Dog guys' cabin, Orlando smiles and looks at Romelio. "I’m so excited that we’re sharing a bunk." Romelio grits his teeth in a forced smile, as he glares in Declan's direction.

"I’m the rock, paper, scissors champeen," Declan states with a scoff. "I don’t know why you chumps even bothered to show up."

Orlando asks Romelio, "Top or bottom?"

Romelio's eyes get wide. He defensively asks, "Excuse me?"

Orlando looks confused. The boy replies, "I was just asking which bunk you wanted."

Romelio's face turns red. He responds with, "Oh. I’m fine with whichever. The lower bunk is fine." Orlando nods and begins to settle his things. Romelio sets his luggage down and changes into his sleepwear, a pair of pajama bottoms with phantom masks and roses pasted all over them. He looks over to see Wolf disrobing down to his small white briefs, revealing his unbelievably toned physique, and then putting his lab coat back on. Romelio looks down at the floor and sighs. He walks toward the door and explains, "I need a little bit of fresh air," before stepping outside.

Orlando looks concerned. He contemplates, "I wonder what's up with Romelio. Maybe I should go after him."

Declan, changed into his sleepwear, a light yellow tank top and pastel blue pajama shorts, discourages the outgoing teen. "It looks like he needs a little space, so maybe take a hint and leave him be."

Romelio shrugs his shoulders and begins rubbing his bare chest with oil. He nods toward Wolf and asks the muscular scientist, "Dude, assuming that’s your pronoun, how did you get so ripped?"

The red haired teen unenthusiastically explains, "I was developing a salve designed to combat the common cold. I spread it on my torso at night, and when I woke the next day all of my muscles expanded to the size you see before you. Nuisance, really." The intelligent teen adjusts his glasses. "I tossed the formula out as it didn’t have the desired effect." Byron and Orlando look on with stunned expressions.

Byron's eyes are wide, shown in confessional. He opens his mouth to speak, and simply closes it again, before silently staring at the camera.

Back in their room, Orlando is doing stretches. He declares, "I wish I had your looks. I have to work at it." The dark skinned teen takes his hair out of its bun, shakes his head, as his hair falls to his shoulders. He begins exercising, clad only in a neon green thong.

Byron looks away, and states, "Real nice. Did you mistake your actual bloomers for a rubber band?"

Orlando, doing squats, looks down and responds, "This?" He laughs. "No! I just have a goal to encourage body positivity."

Byron rolls his eyes and comments, "You 'ave about 1% body fat, tops."

Orlando scornfully glares at Byron mid plank and states, "Body shamer..." Byron's eyes get wide.

Declan, sitting on his bed, lets out a deep sigh and declares, "My great great nana has a more hardcore routine." He stands up. "I need a break from this." He quietly steps out of the cabin and notices the strong theater fan sitting on the steps, just outside, bare chested. "Aren’t you cold out here?" Declan asks.

Romelio quickly wipes his eyes, and explains, "I’m fine." Declan is shocked to see the trails of the larger teen's eye makeup smeared down his face. Romelio pats his chest and explains, "These muscles aren’t just aesthetic. It helps keep me warm." Declan takes a seat next to the other boy.

Declan offers, "If that wannabe p.c. kid is bothering you, I have no problem taking him down a notch."

Romelio looks confused and responds, "Orlando?" Declan nods. "Oh, he’s harmless. It’s really kind of sweet that he’s trying to be sensitive." Romelio looks to the side and adds, "Though it can be... taxing."

Declan states, "I’m going to try to get to bed." Romelio quickly grabs the other boys' wrist in order to encourage him to stay. Declan raises an eyebrow. "What is wrong?"

Romelio clutches his chest and explains, "My heart has never ached so much." Romelio starts to get teary eyed. He continues, "I’ve never been apart from my boo Julian for more than a few hours since we met. I thought I could do this. He believed in me more than anyone..." Romelio hunches over and holds his head in his hands. Declan hesitantly puts a hand on the other boy's back. Romelio looks up at the pink haired teen. "Am I crazy?"

Declan shakes his head. "Of course not. You're a normal teenage boy. Your head is just somewhere else."

Romelio extends his massive arms behind him and leans back on the porch. He says with a laugh, "You’re the first person to describe me as 'normal'."

Declan goes on, "Look. I’m going to be straight with you." He blinks. "No pun intended." Romelio lets out a laugh. Declan points back. "There are seventeen other kids here that really want to be here. Is it really fair to them for you to be taking a spot in the competition that each of them really wants?"

Romelio looks forward and asks, "Are you saying I should quit?"

The Asian boy shakes his head. He replies, "No. I’m not saying that. Just think about what I said. Think about why you're here. Give it some time and see what your heart tells you." He pauses and looks at Romelio. "Man are you swole."

Romelio laughs. "Sports were good for that, I’ll give them that. But it wasn’t something I could give my all in, not after I discovered my love of musical theater."

Declan nods. "I have a lot of respect for someone that can recognize their lack of dedication and change directions." He looks back at the cabin, and asks, "Science guy, eh?" Romelio nods as he looks down, again. "Not that I’m complaining, but I’m used to being the one getting all the affection."

Romelio laughs and assures, "Dude, you fine. I know he doesn’t realize it... You just don’t flaunt it like him."

Declan shrugs and explains, "I never put much stock into looks. It’s about passion for me." He stretches a bit before saying, "It’s getting late. If we want any chance at the challenge tomorrow, I’m gonna call it a night." He stands up and starts to head back toward the cabin.

Romelio grabs the leaner teen's wrist again. He looks up and says, "Hey... Thanks for the chat."

Declan looks surprised. "No worries," Declan nonchalantly replies before heading inside.

Romelio is shown in confessional. He explains, "At first, I thought Declan was really intimidating. But clearly, he's a good guy deep down, with really nice skin."

Romelio is shown sitting at the steps of his cabin, again. He looks out and notices rustling from the bushes. He clutches his chest, stands, and quickly heads inside. After reentering the cabin, he can be heard yelling from inside, "What are you not wearing?!"

The next day the sun shines down as the female contestants from The Chilly Dogs are gathered outside by some picnic tables. Yolanda brushes her long, curly hair, and focuses her attention on Jasmine. She asks, "I know you were struggling with your big... little bro being on the other team, but I hope you slept alright."

Jasmine looks over at the other team outside, and sees Naveen with his team members, looking like they’re getting along. Jasmine sighs. "I can’t help but worry. I feel responsible for him."

Andrea asserts, "He seems totally normal, and he looks like he's strong enough to fend for himself."

Jasmine rolls her eyes and says, "Shows what you know." Jasmine glares at Andrea. "I know you’re not checking out my brother." The dark haired girl in the purple beanie rolls her eyes.

Andrea is shown in confessional. She explains, "The guy is built like Big Foot. I don’t know why Jasmine is so concerned." The suspicious girl thinks for a few moments. "There must be a deeper story." Andrea slams a fist into her open palm. "I’m determined to learn the truth."

The contestants are shown standing with Jack on the beach, who is wearing his outfit from Total Deception Island, complete with a feathered necklace like accessory around his neck. He states, "Welcome to your first challenge! This is kind of an interesting one." The host draws attention to two narrow tents. The host explains, "Inside, you'll find a bag with a costume in it designated to each of you."

Suzy comments, "'Designated'... nice choice of words." She nods in approval.

"You'll find your name on the bag chosen for you," The host continues. "There are also individual changing rooms to change in your costumes."

"What are we dressing as?" Tiffany asks. The pretty girl looks to the side. "I do have standards."

Jack looks excited as he answers, "Being that it’s the tenth anniversary of the show's last season, I thought we would celebrate with a challenge dedicated to some memorable former contestants. You'll be dressing as them. You’ll also need to stay in the designated area." The host gestures toward a taped off section roughly the size of a football field. It contains designated hiding places, including boxes, a small hut, and cardboard standees. Jack walks toward a table on one side of the playing area filled with name tags. He holds one up that reads 'Yesenia'. He places it back down. The host further explains, "Every former contestant's name is on this table, which belongs to The Chilly Dogs," he points to a table set up on the opposite side, "and that one belongs to The Cool Cats, and also contains every name of our past contestants. Each player can only take one name at a time. The goal is to place the correct name on the back of the contestant that they are dressed as. This will eliminate that player from the challenge, if it is correct. If not, the incorrect player needs to go back to their team's table and pick a different name, and start over. When someone is eliminated, they need to return whatever tag they’re holding to the name tag station, before taking a spot on the sidelines. When a team is completely eliminated, the challenge will then be over with the other team gaining invincibility!" Naveen looks visibly excited for the challenge. "There will be crew members in each tent to help complete the costume with hair and makeup if needed. Once every contestant is ready, they'll stand on either side of the curtain in the middle of the playing field in order to prevent premature peaking. Each contestant will need to stand right by the curtain to give the chance for the other team to get a good look at you." The host smiles wide and clasps his hands together. "With that, go ahead and get ready!" The teens make their way to the changing tents.

Inside one of the tents, Orlando is already stripped down to his underwear outside of the changing areas. He unzips his costume bag and peaks at a light blue shirt with a heavy collar. He smiles and says, "Nice!" He hurriedly goes into a designated changing area.

Byron unzips his bag and pulls out a two toned striped green vest with a white collared shirt with torn of sleeves. The Brit rolls his eyes and complains, "This damaged preppy look isn’t my style." He looks up at several costumes decorating the walls of the tent. He asks a crew member, "What are those, then?"

A thin, brown haired male crew member explains, "Those are some costumes from other contestants that we decided not to go with."

Byron suggests, "I’m sure it’d be right as rain for me to switch to that one? It’s much more my style." He points to a red vest, baggy blue pants, and a tight shirt meant to pass for a full body tattoo.

The crew member communicates through a walkie talkie, and when finished he replies, "Yeah, Jack said that’ll be fine."

Byron looks pleased and responds, "Brilliant!" The blue haired teen discards his first costume and removes the new costume from the wall with assistance from the crew member. Declan comes out of his changing room and rolls his eyes at Byron.

Outside, Jack is standing on the sidelines. He looks out at the team members with a big smile. "You all look fantastic!" He assesses the teams, again and  then states, "Okay, it looks like everyone is in position." The host raises up an arm, and as he quickly lowers it he shouts, "Go!" Crew members remove the large curtain.

Max is shown in confessional in a Boy Scout costume. He explains, "Kirika came up with a great strategy to have the stronger players who don’t know the show as well to turn and run back to the name tags so the others couldn’t get as good a look at us, as she, Vivi, and Naveen studied the others to recognize their outfits." He presses an index finger into his open palm. "Then those players would shout out who was who." He looks confused. "She didn’t feel comfortable with me crediting her, and asked me to relay the plan." He shrugs. "It was a solid strategy, though."

Kirika, wearing a brown sweater vest, with a taupe shirt beneath, and khaki Capri pants, analyzes the other team. She studies Yolanda, wearing a pink top and a tiara, Declan, who is shirtless with a heart sticker on his chest and wearing torn jeans, and Suzy wearing a pink and black bowling shirt with her arm in a sling and her hair in a short ponytail. She nods and whispers to Naveen, wearing an expensive looking, matching, grey vest and suit pant with a blue shirt beneath and a grey and blue fedora covering his ponytail. She quickly runs for cover behind one of the cutouts. Naveen runs toward the name tag table while yelling out with a powerful voice, "Yolanda needs the 'Anneliese' tag, 'Declan' needs the 'Brad' tag, and Suzy needs 'Gabby'!" He adds, "And I noticed that... the British guy is dressed like Wade!" Jasmine, wearing a short wavy blonde bob style wig with a silver jacket, orange shirt, and dark blue denim pants, looks at her brother with a proud smile before running back to the name tag table.

Vivi is frozen with her mouth open as she stares at Wolf, dressed in nothing but boots, elbow pads, and small green wrestling trunks. Wolf, standing in place, looks over toward Jack and shouts, "You’re telling me someone wore this ridiculous get up for a full season?" Jack shrugs and nods. Wolf looks down and tugs at his trunks in order to adjust them. Vivi, dressed in an orange and aqua tube top with a headband and necklace with a feather on it, faints.

Declan is shown in confessional with his face red in his costume. "This is more skin than I’d prefer showing," he explains. "Why couldn’t I have gotten 'hoodie Brad'?" The handsome teen sighs. "Anyway, I ordered Wolf to sit this one out. He isn’t as athletic as he looks, and served better as a distraction than anything. Plus," the pink haired teen continues, as he looks to the side, "he had far less chance of flustering Romelio this way. Our strategy was to take out the stronger contestants who would be able to take most of us out, namely," Declan puts up a finger as he lists the contestants' names, "Max, Naveen, and Tiffany."

At The Chilly Dogs' name tag station, Declan declares, “It sounds like they’ve already figured out my costume, so here’s what we need to do." Declan clears his throat. He looks at Byron with concern, his eyes watering profusely. "Are you alright?"

The Brit says with a whimper, as he stares back with yellow colored contact lenses, "These bleeders really sting. 'ow does anyone wear these things?" His tears stream down much faster. He falls to his knees and puts a hand on his face and sobs.

"Weak," Declan groans, as he rolls his eyes. "Looks like we're down another player." The young man delegates, "Andrea, you take the ''Missy" tag and target Tiffany. She'll be a tough one, so try to utilize the hiding spots." Andrea nods, looking mostly the same except with a green beanie and green short sleeved shirt. "I also spotted Max as Jonathon, that one was obvious." He looks toward Romelio, dressed in red swim trunks and a revealing, yellow cutoff shirt, his hair styled with bangs resting just above his eyes. "Do you think you can catch him?"

Romelio tilts his head to the side and asks, "What's my character's motivation?"

Declan looks up and down at the muscular boy, shrugs, and says, "You’re a strong, quiet type. Your desire to not disappoint your peers propels you to take challenges seriously, and for whatever reason people feel they can over share with you."

Romelio exhales deeply, holds his fingers together in front of his nose, and exclaims, "Let's go!" before grabbing Jonathan's name tag, and running back out onto the playing field.

Declan looks after Romelio. "I’m impressed that they didn’t type cast him as Dante." Declan shrugs and goes on, "I'll take Eddy. I should do an easy one to reduce my chances of being out too early." He directs, "Suzy, use your pythons to hold Clara down." Suzy nods, and cracks her knuckles. Declan continues, "Orlando will slap the 'Janice' tag on her back."

"You got it, racially ambiguous boss," Orlando states with a thumbs up. "Your beautiful, no matter what color you are." He has his hair out of the bun, and draped over his shoulders. Declan looks down at the blue shirt with a single button fastened. Orlando explains with a shrug, "It only came with one button." Declan reacts by pointing out to the playing field, and Suzy and Orlando run off.

Byron shouts toward Jack, as he rubs his eyes, "Can I take these things out?! They ‘urt like 'ell!"

Jack apologetically responds, "No, sorry. That would mean instant disqualification for your team." Byron cries some more.

An overhead view of the field is shown, as the teams scramble to implement their strategies.

Suzy is shown holding Clara from behind with one arm, as Clara, wearing a green polo shirt and khakis, protests, "Hey! This isn’t very nice." She looks down at the ventriloquist figure with violet hair and clothing. "You made me drop my puppet!" Orlando sneaks up and places the name tag on Clara's back. "Aw!" Clara laments. Suzy and Orlando high five, before Orlando runs back to his team's name tag station.

Jack shouts, "Clara is out!"

Declan looks over. His face quickly drops into a frown. He yells out, "Suzy! Get out of there!"

Suzy yells back, "I’m not 'in' anywhere to get out of. And your pronunciation suggests your use of 'they're' as opposed to 'there'. If your intent is that you would have liked me to run away, you should have simply..." Tiffany walks behind Suzy and effortlessly places the 'Gabby' name tag on her back. Suzy frowns and says, "This was not the desired result." She glares in Declan's direction. "Why didn’t you tell me I was in danger?" Declan puts a hand over his face.

"Suzy is out!" Jack announces.

Tiffany gloats toward Suzy as she flicks her hair, which is out of her usual ponytail, "You couldn’t have made that any..." She pauses and smirks, "more easiest."

"I will end you!" Suzy shouts as she extends her arms toward Tiffany, who simply waves at Suzy as the grammar enthusiast is dragged off of the field by crew members. She yells, again, "I will end you!"

Tiffany smiles as she saunters toward her team's name tag station. She looks down at her midriff baring light teal top, and white Capris, and states, "I get to dress as my childhood role model. This challenge is killer!" As she walks past a cardboard cutout of bushes, Andrea pounces at the tall, pretty girl.

Tiffany smirks, and snaps her fingers. Naveen leaps out to block the dark haired girl's path, while Gabe, dressed in a yellow and white striped shirt, red shorts, and a blue upside down visor, rushes Andrea from behind placing her 'Levi' name tag on her back, effectively eliminating her from the challenge. Andrea states, "It's a conspiracy!"

"Andrea is out!" He looks over at Declan and Eddy. "Eddy is out!"

Eddy is face down on the ground with Declan placing one foot on the nerdy boy's back. Eddy is wearing a maroon sweater and bad brown wig that is shaped like a coconut. The 'Yancy' name tag placed firmly on his back. Declan looks up and frowns, as he observes Andrea walking off of the course. He states, "No one expects the reverse harem." Tiffany winks in Declan's direction as she and her lackeys walk back to the name tag station.

Max appears, seemingly out of nowhere, and lunges at Declan. Declan avoids the attempt to eliminate him, and falls on his butt on the ground. He winces, as Max smiles and says, "No hard feelings, bro." Max's eyes get wide as he changes his focus to Romelio who is running at him at full speed, plowing into the popular blond boy, and launching him six feet into the air, before he falls hard on the ground.

Romelio helps his friend to his feet, smiles, and says, "You look like you need to talk. But first we have a challenge to win!" Declan looks at the strong teen and quietly nods at him.

Max continues to look dazed on the ground as Romelio easily places the 'Jonathan' name tag on his back. Max weakly says, "I thought we were tight..." Romelio grimaces.

"Wow!" Jack shouts. "Max is out of the challenge!" Max holds his head down as he walks out of the play area. His remaining team members look disappointed or surprised.

"That'll really hurt the other team's morale," Declan comments. "Nice work, Romelio." Romelio frowns. Declan shakes his head and says, "I mean... Eduardo?" Romelio laughs and the teens high five.

Time passes as Wolf, Byron, and Vivi are also shown to have been eliminated from the challenge, as they stand at the sidelines. Byron's eyes are bright red, after getting the contact lenses removed. Winnie gallops next to the other eliminated players in a dinosaur onesie, with 'Dinah' stuck to her back. She admits, "I have a horse onesie just like this." The others just look at her silently.

Tiffany is shown discussing strategy with Gabe and Naveen near the name tag station. She states, "Protecting me is your top priority." The guys nod. "Next we need to take out..." She eyes Jasmine and smirks. She looks at Naveen. "Um... that woke guy. You seem to remember the show, who is he supposed to be."

"I c-can’t quite put a finger on it," Naveen admits. "I know he’s supposed to be one of the hot guys, but they all kind of bleed together."

"Just take any name," Tiffany commands. "We’ll focus on that tiara girl." Gabe grabs the 'Analiese' name tag, and the three head back out into the action.

As he runs, Naveen asks, "Who wears dress clothes to a competition on an island? I'm a regular Sweaty Betty." Tiffany looks at him with bewilderment.

Gabe states, "That’s really stupid." Naveen frowns. Yolanda dives from the side and tackles Gabe to the ground. Naveen stops momentarily, but Tiffany grabs his wrist to encourage him to keep running with her. He reluctantly keeps running.

Yolanda straddles the honest boy from behind, she adds, "You have the right to remain silent." Gabe looks at her with confusion. She pauses, shrugs, and explains, "Practice." She places the 'Micky D.' Name tag on his back.

Gabe states bluntly, "I am really turned on right now."

Jack yells, "Gabe is out!" Yolanda runs toward the name tag station for her team. Gabe continues lying on the ground. Jack shouts, "Hey, Gabe! You need to walk out of the play area!"

Gabe's face is red as he yells back, "Maybe you didn’t hear me! I am REALLY turned on right now..."

Jack blinks and responds, "Uh... We'll find someone to dump some cold water on you."

Jasmine walks up to Naveen and Tiffany, holding the 'Missy' name tag. Tiffany says sweetly, "Naveenie poo. You have to block her for me."

Jasmine scoffs, "No way would he do that to his own sister." She looks up at her brother. He has his head held down.

Tiffany cruelly states, "If you don’t, I will get you voted out myself."

Naveen sighs, and replies, "I... can’t..."

"Ha!" Jasmine laughs. "See. You have no hold on..." Tiffany slaps the 'Grace' name tag on Jasmine's back.

Tiffany smirks. "You were a great distraction, Naveenie."

Naveen insists with a frown, "We didn’t plan this, Jasmine."

"It’s fine," Jasmine replies. "I’ve got my eye on you, though." The short girl points two fingers at Tiffany.

"Jasmine is out of the challenge!" Jack announces.

"Toodles," Tiffany says with a wave. Jasmine grumbles, as she heads toward the name tag station to put the 'Missy' tag back.

Orlando runs up to the two, as Tiffany trips him. Naveen puts the name tag on his back that reads 'Douglas'. A crew member double checks and signals to Jack that the answer is incorrect. Jack yells out, "Wrong, Naveen! You have to head back to your station!"

Tiffany rolls her eyes and sarcastically states, "Way to go." They both attempt to outrun Orlando, Declan, and Romelio. Almost back to the station, Tiffany's shoe slips off. She shrieks, "My shoe! Pick it up for me!" She commands Naveen. Naveen nods, and bends to pick up the shoe. A loud tearing sound is heard as the large teen's eyes widen and his face turns bright red simultaneously. Orlando bursts out laughing and falls to the ground. Romelio and Declan nod to each other as Declan places the 'LeVar' name tag on the quiet guy's back.

"Naveen is out!" Jack shouts. The embarrassed teen covers his rear end with his fedora as he waddles toward the sidelines. Jack, and the eliminated players let out a laugh.

Jasmine assures, "It'll be fine, Veenie."

Tiffany calls after him, "You forgot to pick up my shoe!" She rolls her eyes. "Work ethic these days."

Romelio bends down in order to retrieve Tiffany's shoe. Declan asks, in disbelief, "Man, what are you doing?!"

"My character is attracted to women, as far as I know," Romelio responds, before placing Tiffany's shoe back on her foot.

The girl smirks and places the 'Eduardo' name tag on Romelio's back. Tiffany states in a condescending tone, "Thanks, sweetie." Declan slaps his face with his palm.

Jack announces, “Romelio is out... and so is Yolanda!"

Yolanda walks over to the sidelines, explaining, "That one girl got me out of nowhere."

Declan throws his head back, and lets out a long groan. "Is anyone even trying?" He asks.

Tiffany places the 'Brad' name tag on Declan's bare back. She smiles sweetly and says, "Thank you for coming straight to our base." Declan looks on in disbelief.

"Declan is out!" Jack announces. "That leaves Orlando as the only contestant still in it for The Chilly Dogs." Orlando continues his uproarious laughter, huddled on the ground.

Tiffany looks down at the hysterical teen and rolls her eyes. She turns to the name tag station and begins cycling through names. She slaps the 'Beau', 'Cary', 'Wayne', 'Angelo', 'Evan', 'Alexandria', and 'Creigh' name tags on Orlando's back all with Jack confirming that the guesses are wrong. Tiffany yells, "This is impossible," and proceeds to flip the table.

Kirika runs up, and asks, "What did you do that for?" She begins rummaging through the names on the ground.

Tiffany rolls her eyes, again, and states, "Please. There’s no way you can win this." Orlando, having recovered from his laughing spell, stands and slaps the 'Missy' name tag on Tiffany's back.

"Tiffany is out of the challenge!" Jack announces. "Leaving Kirika as the final Cool Cat."

Tiffany sighs and declares, "We're doomed."

Orlando looks confused after having raised his arms in the air. "I thought Missy was the last..."

Kirika steps behind Orlando and places the 'Fernando' name tag on his back. She quietly states, "Gotcha."

Jack excitedly proclaims, "Kirika wins invincibility for The Cool Cats!"

Tiffany's eyes are wide, as she reads the name tag, "Fernando? Nobody even knows who that is!" The Cool Cats are unable to contain their excitement as they cheer at their victory. They rush the playing field, as Max leads them in lifting Kirika in the air as they continue to cheer. Tiffany folds her arms, looks to the side, and states, "This is way worse than losing."

As Orlando walks up to his team, Jack states with a frown, "Unfortunately, that means that The Chilly Dogs will join me for our first campfire ceremony where someone must be eliminated. I’m really sorry."

"We tried our best," Yolanda insists, as she she attempts to comfort her team.

"The other team just wanted it more," Declan responds with a roll of his eyes. The others look at him. "We have to trim some of our dead weight." He steps back into the guys' changing tent.

The scene changes to the first campfire ceremony of the season. Jack forces a smile and says, "Welcome to your first campfire ceremony of the season. The votes have been tallied, and one of you is leaving the competition." He blinks as he looks at Wolf, still clad in his professional wrestling gear from the competition. "You could have changed into your normal clothes," the host insists.

Wolf adjusts his glasses and responds, "Funny. Several team members told me I had to stay dressed like this." Orlando puts a hand on Romelio's shoulder, and gives the gay teen a thumbs up. Romelio looks at Wolf, then at Declan and shrugs.

Jack explains, "Now to begin the marshmallow ceremony." The host holds up a fluffy, white confection. "This tasty treat represents your life in the competition. There are nine of you, and only eight marshmallows. The player not to receive one needs to leave the competition, immediately. Let's begin. The first marshmallow goes to... Yolanda." He tosses a marshmallow to the pretty law abiding citizen. "Great job out there today. The next marshmallow goes to... Orlando."

The boy catches his marshmallow, kisses it, and assures, "This is for all of you."

"Figuratively," Jack assures. "The next marshmallows go to Suzy, Andrea, Jasmine, and... Wolf." The host tosses the marshmallows to the teens. Wolf unintentionally catches the marshmallow between his exposed pecs. "The next marshmallow goes to... Byron." Byron catches the marshmallow, and Declan looks genuinely stunned. "That leaves Declan and Romelio. It was a tough competition, but the final marshmallow belongs to..." The host begins his dramatic pause as Romelio and Declan hold hands, and look at each other nervously.

"Declan." The host tosses the stunned teen the marshmallow as it bounces off of his face.

Declan stands up. "This doesn’t make any sense." He points at Byron and then at Wolf. "These two were a liability." Romelio grabs Declan by the wrist, and Declan turns to look at his friend who has a wide smile on his face.

Jack says with a smile, "Romelio, it’s been a pleasure to have you on. You can say your final goodbyes, but then you need to follow The Dock of Shame and leave the competition." Romelio gestures for a group hug, as Jasmine, Orlando, Suzy, and Yolanda hug him. They let go of the muscle bound teen.

Orlando is in tears. Romelio puts a hand on his head and assures, "You do have really nice abs." Orlando smiles wide and pumps his fist. Romelio gestures with a nod of his head for Declan to follow him as he walks toward the waiting speedboat. Declan joins him.

Privately, Declan states, "This isn’t fair. You gave your all in that challenge."

Romelio nods. "After our conversation, I decided that I wanted to stay in the competition. You were a huge motivation."

"Then why did those losers vote for you," Declan demands.

"When I spoke with them alone, the name that they ran by me for the vote," Romelio begins, as he holds his head down, "was yours." Declan looks shocked. "They thought that you led them to the loss."

"But it was their fault that they couldn’t execute the plan properly," Declan angrily insists.

Romelio hugs Declan tight, holding his head to his barrel chest. "That’s why I asked them to vote for me. You have so much invested in this. Your passion inspired me, but I knew I didn’t want to be here more than you do." Declan begins sobbing. "Oh, no, boo. I'm not sad about this, so you shouldn’t be, either." He nods back toward the campfire ceremony location. "Jack says I can call my bae from the loser's resort. I’ll be perfectly fine. Besides," the teen says with a shoulder shrug, "I'd rather make my first million on the stage." He smiles and the guys hug one last time before Romelio makes his way to the boat. "Make sure to continue to give this your all!" He blows kisses with both hands at his friend as he is escorted to Playa des Losers. Declan rests on his knees as he holds his head down. Jack is shown joining Declan on the dock, and sits down next to the teen as he continues to weep. The kind host places a hand on his back, and lets him cry.

Filmed later, Jack is shown in front of the camera and admits, "That was quite the dramatic conclusion." Jack forces a smile. "Be sure to tune in next time for another exciting installment of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!"

### Chapter 3 - Task Mastering

Jack, the series congenial host, smiles wide at the camera. He summarizes, "Last time on Total Drama: The Next Generation, our challengers faced their first... challenge! It was an epic battle of fan service. Each player was dressed as a prior contestant, as the other players had to identify their identity to take them out. Things stayed pretty even throughout, but ultimately The Cool Cats were the victors. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our first contestant as Romelio, the theater buff with the buff bod, was sent packing." The blond haired host turns to another camera. "This week, we have more drama in store as the contestants compete in their second challenge. Who will we say goodbye to this time on Total... Drama:... The Next Generation?"

Declan is shown in confessional, his eyes red from crying so hard. "I still can’t believe the others voted for Romelio," Declan says with his head held down. "I mean... He was one of our strongest team members. We need to be smarter at this stage of the game." The pink haired, pretty boy strokes his hair to one side. "To think that he sacrificed himself for..." Declan begins to tear up, again. "I told myself I wasn’t here to make..."

Someone pounds on the confessional door, making Declan jump. "Declan?" Orlando's voice can be heard asking. "Are you okay in there? The other guys and I were worried about you, after what happened."

"Yeah, I’m fine," Declan shouts.

"That's great," Orlando states enthusiastically. "Um... I also have to take an epic whizz, so..." Declan closes his eyes, leans back, and props his feet against the confessional/outhouse door. "Uh... Declan?" Orlando waits a few moments. "Buddy?"

At the girls' cabin for The Cool Cats, Clara praises Kirika, "I still can’t get over how great you were in the challenge." She tilts her head to the side. "It was so stealthy!"

Kirika blushes, wearing a floor length lavender nightgown. "Nobody wants to hear about it, anymore."

"You're right," Tiffany replies with an insincere smile. She’s wearing an oversized sports jersey as a nightshirt.

Clara changes focus to Tiffany, and comments, "Um, I like your jersey. Does it belong to your boyfriend?"

Tiffany looks down at the turquoise and gold shirt. "Oh, it belonged to one of my exes."

"Aw!" Clara replies. "That’s so sad. How did the break up happen?"

Tiffany looks out of a window as she reflects. She sighs and explains, "We were from rival schools."

Clara holds her hands together and states, "How romantic."

Tiffany nods. "He was head over heels in love with me." She grasps her jersey. "He gave me this, and I called it quits shortly after. I mean, I only dated him because I liked his school colors, so I got what I wanted and dumped that loser." Clara's mouth drops. "The good news is," Tiffany goes on as Clara looks hopeful, "that he was so depressed about the break up, that he lost the big game against our team." Tiffany lets out a laugh. "He and his family were shamed so hard by the community that they had to move to another province." Clara looks on in disbelief. Tiffany states with a smirk, "I heard they had to assume different identities."

Clara, in confessional, states, "I don’t know what’s worse, what happened to that poor boy and his family, or that I have no doubt that it happened just how Tiffany described." Clara tilts her head down a little. "Tiffany scares me."

Vivi is shown next, wearing a purple shirt and light grey sweatpants, combing her hair in front of a shared vanity. She notices Winnie reading a book while sitting on her bed. Vivi says, "You like to read? So do I. What are you reading?"

"This old book about an Italian guy that fulfills requests made by his godchildren, and helps the family business," Winnie responds. "It’s pretty boring, but I hear there’s a horse in it." Winnie looks hopeful.

Vivi walks over and takes the book from her. "You don’t want to read that." Winnie shrugs. Vivi asks, "So do you have any interests besides horses."

Winnie nods her head and replies, "Richard the 3rd."

"Really?" Vivi responds with a surprised look. "Why?"

Winnie gives off a look that projects that the answer should be obvious and responds, "The whole 'my kingdom for a horse' quote. That was someone who had their priorities straight."

Vivi blinks, she then smiles and asks, "Why do you like horses so much?"

Winnie looks excited. She begins, "What's not to like? They’re majestic, beautiful, and run really fast." She continues, "My horse is named Helpmebuythatyacht." Vivi looks confused. "She’s a rescued racehorse." Vivi nods in realization. "She’s my closest friend."

Vivi smiles assuredly and replies, "That’s really sweet."

Tiffany is listening and mutters under her breath, "What a freak."

Winnie draws attention to her tie dye shirt with a large horse face printed on front and asks, "Do you like my shirt?"

Vivi smiles and answers, "If you like it, that’s what matters."

Winnie’s nods and replies, "I do like it!" Tiffany looks at Vivi and narrows her eyes.

Vivi is shown in confessional, and explains, "Winnie is a sweet girl. She’s probably a little sheltered, but that’s alright. It’s really impressive that she even joined a competition like this." She thinks for a moment. "There are types of people that would manipulate someone like her in the environment we're in. I hope that doesn’t happen."

Eddy is shown in confessional next. The business minded boy, blinks from behind his glasses. He states, "So far, we're in a good position in this game. We’re up a player in a competition where the numbers mean everything. I was a little worried about Tiffany being on our team, but it’s my goal to avoid being part of any major confrontations. With such a loud personality to draw the other contestant's attention, I should be safe for some time." Eddy holds up a notebook that reads 'Ed's Declassified Survivor Guide' on the cover and holds his glasses in place as he looks at it and explains, "The other thing that statistically has helped past winners is a solid social game, so I made this notebook. I designed it to help me connect with my team members in normal teenager ways. I think it’s been effective thus far."

Eddy is shown in his cabin with his team members, wearing a grey long sleeved sweatshirt with a duck wearing a top hat as a graphic, and yellow pajama bottoms. He looks over at Max who is teaching Naveen how to do proper bicycle kicks, as both boys lay on their backs on the floor. Eddy sighs and looks down at his stomach. He turns his attention to his notebook, and thumbs through it, discreetly. He puts it away, before asking, "So... There's a lot of pretty ladies here. Anyone catch any of your interests?"

Gabe responds, "Legitimately all of them, and if we're including the fellas, that Wolf guy."

Eddy looks over at the honest boy, as he files his fingernails, sitting on his bed. Gabe's crotch is censored over telecast. Eddy states, "I still can’t process why you sleep nude."

Gabe shrugs his shoulders and answers, "I sleep the way I live my life. Letting it all hang out."

Eddy looks down at his notes and replies, "You’re so 'extra'." He looks at the other two boys. "What about you guys?"

Max responds, "I’m known to get naked sometimes, myself."

"No, I mean about the girls," Eddy corrects, as he blinks. He makes notes in his notebook before putting it away, again.

Naveen, wearing a white tank top and grey pajama bottoms, takes a break from exercising, and responds, "Tiffany is pretty. How about you, Max?"

Max is still doing bicycle kicks. He responds with a smile, "I don’t know. Everyone seems pretty nice for the most part. I’m not really here for romance, though."

"Come on," Eddy says slyly. "There has to be someone."

Max stands up, wearing blue gym shorts, and puts on a clean, red shirt. "I mean, I like girls, and I think each of them have attractive qualities. A relationship just isn’t on my list of priorities, at the moment." He smiles in Eddy's direction.

Eddy rubs his chin. "I can respect that," he replies.

Gabe asks Eddy, "What about you?" Eddy is already in bed, turned toward the wall. Gabe looks at him with wide eyes, shrugs, and lays on top of his covers.

Eddy gets out of bed, and adds, "I forgot to floss." He stands up and begins doing the dance move. Naveen and Max look at him in bewilderment, as Gabe gets out of bed and dances alongside him.

Eddy is shown in confessional, again, and proclaims, "Cool guy status affirmed." He raises a fist in the air.

The next day, the team members of The Chilly Dogs are playing volleyball on the beach, except for Wolf and Andrea, who are sitting on the sidelines. Wolf is mixing chemicals as Andrea is writing in her notebook. "Your serve, Suzy, love!" Byron calls out, wearing his swimwear featuring a discolored Union Jack and a black tank top, his tan lines reveal even paler skin.

"There's no love in volleyball," Suzy corrects, wearing a pink tankini, "That's tennis." Byron blinks. She serves and the game pursues.

Yolanda notes, "Jack and the crew really cleaned this place up compared to past seasons." The girl is wearing a white bikini top with yellow shorts.

Byron dives for the ball, but misses, getting a face full of sand. He lets out, "Cor blimey."

Declan states, wearing a pale coral tank top with a clam shell graphic on it, blue shorts, and lathered in sunscreen, "Let's keep this game going. Suzy's serve, again."

Suzy hits the ball with great impact. It sails out of bounds and knocks the beakers of chemicals from Wolf's hands as they spill over his shirt, causing it to disintegrate inseconds. The handsome scientist sighs. "I lose more shirts this way..." The ball continues to bounce further along. Declan begins to run for it.

Andrea raises a hand and volunteers, "I’ll go get it." She gets up and heads in the direction it went and comes across some rocks near the beach. As she looks for the rogue ball, Andrea notices some seaweed with pronounced indentations revealing that something is wrapped underneath them. "What do we have here." She takes out a pocket knife to cut away the seaweed. She pulls the wrapped item loose and sighs. "It’s just a plank of wood." Upon further inspection, Andrea runs her hand along the side of the piece of wood. The dark haired girl looks at the plank with a discerning gaze. She holds it up to stare closely at a long, narrow missing piece of the plank. "It can’t be..." She says quietly to herself. She takes out her audio recording device and says into it, "Reporting first documented evidence of some sort of..."

"'ullo, love," a voice says from behind. It startles Andrea, and she looks behind herself to see Byron standing there. "What ‘ave you got?"

"Nothing," Andrea insists, as she holds the plank behind her back.

"That’s a might solid nuthin'," the Brit states with a smirk. "Let's get back to the others, shall we?" Andrea nods. Byron holds out his hand, as Andrea ignores the boy with the blue Mohawk and walks beyond him. He shrugs his shoulders with a smirk and follows behind the girl.

Andrea returns from her cabin to find Jack with the gathered contestants. He states, "Oh, there you are, Andrea. I was just about to send for you. We're ready for our second challenge." Andrea takes a place next to her team. Jack draws attention to two medium sized tents set up behind him, by raising his hands. There is also a monitor set up directly behind him. The smiling host holds up a stack of sixteen envelopes. "A member from each team will be chosen to read what is in eight of these envelopes. They will then decide who of their team is most fit for the task described inside, and notify me as to who they have chosen. One member of each team will perform an identical task to a member of the opposing team. They will enter the neighboring tents at the same time and perform the task as written. The rest of you will be sequestered in your cabins until it’s your turn. We will then watch how things unfolded for each contestant on this monitor," Jack gestures toward the monitor behind him. "The team that completes there task either in the fastest time, or to complete it better than their opponent earns a point for their team. I will be in the staff building to our right unless I am needed for one of the tasks." Jack looks at the contestants and adds, "If we're all ready, let’s get to selecting the task managers."

The teams quickly form huddles. On The Chilly Dogs side, Declan states, "I know you all may not have confidence in me, but I’m the best choice for this role, and you all know it." The contestants look at each other, and reluctantly nod that Declan should have the role of task manager.

On The Cool Cats, Max suggests, "I know you think I delegated in the last challenge, but the real mvp was..." Kirika looks at him with wide eyes, as she adjusts her glasses.

"Aw," Tiffany butts in. "I’m honored, and accept your nomination." Max is about to speak. Tiffany goes on, "I know you all agree." She glares at her team members, who look concerned, but ultimately agree to allow Tiffany to have the role task manager.

Declan and Tiffany stand on either side of Jack. The hosts hands them each eight envelopes. He addresses Tiffany, "Your team has one extra player, so as you assign tasks, you have to have one person sit out. Understood?" Tiffany nods. "Okay. You can both read the tasks, assign them to a team member, seal them back in their envelope and give them to me." The challenge leaders nod and enter the tents in order to start assigning tasks in a private setting.

Declan and Tiffany are shown standing back next to Jack. The host looks down at their lists and nods. He announces, "Our first match up is between Max and Andrea." Tiffany smirks. The well liked blond boy and mysterious dark haired girl enter the tents, as the rest of the teams are brought back to their cabins in order to be sequestered.

Time elapses as the contestants are standing with Jack outside the tents. The host smiles and says, "I’m sure you had a good time completing your challenges. Let's see how you all did. Let’s start with our first match up, Max versus Andrea." Jack steps back and looks at the monitor, as do the contestants.

On screen, Max is shown inside the tent. He removes a letter from the envelope and reads, "Behind you are a number of disguises. Your goal is to get the closest to Jack without him noticing you."

Andrea is shown next, as she reads the rest of the assignment, "The contestant to get the closest to Jack before he notices you earns a point for their team."

"Let's see how you did," Jack states with a smile.

Max rummages through the disguises, and decides on one with a smile. "Perfect!" The strong teen states.

Andrea looks at the disguises. She looks back at the piece of paper with the assignment on it and nods. She walks out of the tent without a disguise.

Max looks on with a raised eyebrow. The video continues.

Jack is shown taking out the trash from the staff building. He yells, "I’m not the only one who can do this you know!" The host smiles to himself. "Who am I kidding? I like feeling useful." He sets his trash bag in a garbage can, and looks up. "Oh, hey!" He calls out. "The rest of the staff is inside for lunch. You better..." The host pauses as the figure gets closer to him. He smiles and says, "Max? What are you doing here and why are you dressed like a crew member?" Max smiles and pumps his fist. He is about three meters from Jack.

Offscreen, Jack lifts his head up and says, "Oh! So that's what you were doing." He holds a thumb up in Max's direction. He looks back at the monitor and states, "Let’s see how Andrea did."

Andrea is shown walking outside and toward the staff building. She looks at the trash can, lifts the lid, and climbs inside. Moments later, Jack walks outside carrying  a bag of trash. He approaches the trash can and drops it inside, before noticing Max nearby.

Jack and Max are shown in real time as they both have their jaws dropped. Jack clears his throat and announces, "Andrea wins a point for her team!"

Max says, "Well played." He pauses. "But why didn’t you pick a disguise like the clue said?"

Andrea shakes her head. "The instruction just said that there were a number of disguises behind us. It didn’t say we had to use them."

Max slaps his forehead and says, "Well, I’ll be. That explains how you got over there so fast."

"Of all the stupid..." Tiffany begins with an eye roll.

Byron whispers to Andrea, "Color me impressed." Andrea blushes slightly and looks away from the Brit.

"Next up," Jack announces, "Eddy and Orlando. Let’s watch your task." The contestants look back at the screen.

Eddy looks down at a chest on the floor, and then at the envelope on a table. The smart boy opens the envelope, pulls out the piece of paper, and reads, "Make a costume out of anything in the room."

Orlando is show reading next. "Become your best version of a superhero."

"You have ten minutes," Eddy is shown reading.

"Your time starts now," Orlando finishes. "Nice!" Orlando looks around the room, grabs a paint set from a shelf, and then begins rummaging through the chest filled with costumes.

The screen fades to black as Jack states, "We're going to stop there and take a look at the complete costumes." Eddy is shown first, wearing a mostly green and purple costume, with spandex, a purple visor over his eyes, green boots, and a pair of green shorts. Eddy looks visibly embarrassed.

Max places a hand on his shoulder and assures, "You look awesome!" Eddy forces a smile.

"Next we have Orlando's costume," Jack announces. The screen shows Orlando without his shirt on, wearing rainbow leggings and a bright yellow cape. On his torso, he has painted some letters. Jack squints and asks, "What is that supposed to say?"

Orlando explains proudly, "Hyper Inclusivity Person." Several letters are backwards, and the 'n' in 'person' is missing. Suzy's expression reveals her horror as she covers her eyes with her hands.

Jack blinks and asks, "Why are some letters backwards?"

"Writing upside down is hard," Orlando answers.

"And you’re missing a letter?" Jack asks.

Orlando folds his arms, looks to one side, and replies, "Ten minutes isn’t a lot of time."

Jack shrugs and says, "Eddy wins a point for The Cool Cats, as his costume is at least complete." The guys on Eddy's team take turns patting him on the back.  Orlando looks disappointed, but forces a smile and gives Eddy a thumbs up.

Tiffany proudly states, "I was the one who deserves the credit for choosing him for this task." Her comment goes ignored.

"That brings the score to one all. Next up is Gabe versus Wolf," Jack states.

On the monitor, Gabe walks in to the room with a large, muscle bound, blond man with a fair complexion and wearing glasses sitting at the table. "You’re pretty beefy," Gabe comments. The man smiles with a tinge of discomfort. Gabe opens up the envelope and reads, "You have five minutes to make this Swedish person blush. The deepest shade of red wins."

Wolf is shown on the monitor next, reading, "He must answer your questions and perform any action you ask of him within reason. Your time begins now." Wolf looks at the man for a few moments.

Gabe is shown, cracking his knuckles. "Let’s do this." He takes a chair across from the Swedish person, who looks slightly uncomfortable. Gabe asks in a montage, "Have you ever..." the next words are censored. The Swedish person's eyes are wide. "What’s the strangest thing you ever..." the next words are censored. "On a scale of one to ten, how would you rate..." the rest of Gabe's question is censored. The man's face is bright red as he looks on with his mouth open.

The contestants look on in shock. Jack's face is also red. "That's going to be a tough one to beat." Tiffany smirks as she glares at the opposing team. "Let’s take a look at Wolf's attempt." Wolf adjusts his glasses, and doesn’t even look at the monitor.

Wolf puts down the envelope. He looks at the man sitting next to him. The science fan asks, "Could you stand for me, please?"

"Ja," the man replies.

"Now if you would," Wolf requests, "please bend forward, placing your head between your knees for thirty seconds." The Swedish person nods and complies with the request. After the thirty seconds, Wolf instructs, "You may now stand upright." The tall man does so, revealing that his face is a deep shade of red. Wolf states, "That will be all." He bows slightly toward the participant, and adds, "Thank you for your compliance." The red head walks toward the exit.

The Swedish person asks, "There’s still about four minutes left in the challenge, are you sure you don’t want to..."

Wolf responds without turning around, "That won’t be necessary. Thank you." Wolf exits the tent.

Jack smiles and says, "Now that’s confidence. Let’s see if it paid off." The screen shows a side by side of the Swedish person's face with Gabe typed below it, and another picture of the Swedish person with Wolf's name below it. Jack states, "Wow. I guess Wolf was right. His attempt is a far deeper red."

"Science will always be the victor," Wolf responds.

Yolanda leans in with a smile. She says to Wolf, "Is that a smile on your face?"

Wolf frowns, clears his throat, and looks away. He coldly replies, "You must be mistaken." Yolanda shrugs.

Jack announces, "The score is now two to one, with The Chilly Dogs in the lead." The team looks hopeful. "Next up is Winnie versus Yolanda."

"We're screwed," Gabe lets out. A few of his teammates glare in his direction.

The video begins playing, as Yolanda is shown as she begins reading the task. "Draw a picture of Jack blindfolded." She looks down at the table to see a piece of paper, a pencil, and a blindfold. The pretty girl continues reading, "You have two minutes. Best drawing, as selected by Jack, wins. Your time begins now."  She shrugs, puts on the blindfold and begins drawing.

Winnie is shown as she places down the assignment instructions. She refrains from putting on the blindfold and begins drawing.

Tiffany looks at the monitor as it fades to black. She looks at Winnie in disbelief. She angrily says, "What were you doing? You’re going to be disqualified." Winnie looks down.

Eddy replies, "Actually, the instructions simply stated to draw Jack blindfolded. You see, she could draw him wearing the blindfold." Eddy points at the host with a smirk.

"He's right," Jack states with a laugh. Winnie looks in Eddy's direction and smiles. Tiffany looks less angry. "Now let's see what you came up with." The screen shows a side by side of the drawings. Yolanda's picture looks like a police sketch of the host, though many of the lines are sloppy or disconnected. Winnie's drawing is of a horse wearing a blindfold.

"A horse?" Tiffany shouts. She looks at Winnie. "You were supposed to draw Jack!"

Winnie explains, "It is Jack. Only as a far superior interpretation."

Jack laughs and states, "I won’t argue that, but I don’t think I can quite justify picking it as the winner. Yolanda gets the point." Winnie frowns, as Tiffany glares at the horse lover with her arms folded. The host assures, "It was a nice horse, though."  Winnie nods. Jack turns attention back to the screen and says, "Next is Jasmine versus Naveen. The Chilly Dogs lead three to one."

On the monitor, Naveen is shown holding the instructions. On the table is a carton of eggs and a bowl. Naveen reads, "In front of you are thirty eggs. The player to break them all in the fastest time wins the challenge. Your time begins now." Naveen sets down the instructions and quickly begins cracking the eggs on the bowl and pouring them into the bowl, one at a time.

Jasmine is shown setting down the instructions. She looks at the bowl, then the eggs, and then at the camera with a confused gaze. The dark skinned girl picks up the carton of eggs and throws it toward the ground with full force.

Jack laughs and applauds as he looks at the video. He explains, "We double checked, and the eggs in Jasmine's carton were all broken. Needless to say, she earned the point for her team."

Jasmine looks at her younger brother and apologizes, "I’m sorry, bro, if I knew I was against you..."

Naveen assures with a smile, "Don’t apologize. You were really smart." Jasmine smiles back at her brother.

Jack announces, "The score is now four to one, in favor of The Chilly Dogs. They need one more point to claim the victory." Jack looks at his sheet of paper. "Next up is Suzy against Kirika. Let’s watch." Tiffany looks on with a smirk.

Kirika holds her glasses as she reads, "Outside the tent you will find a boulder. You have five minutes to move it the furthest distance possible."

Suzy finishes reading, "Your time begins now." Suzy smirks and rolls up her sleeves. She runs out of the tent. "It’s on!" She shouts.

In real time, Tiffany mischievously smirks in Kirika's direction, before looking back toward the screen.

Kirika is shown analyzing the boulder. She knocks at it and observes, "Ah. It’s only a prop."

Tiffany frowns.

On the monitor, Suzy quickly begins rolling the boulder. She runs past Kirika who is standing in place, observing her surroundings. Kirika notices crew members placing boxes on a speedboat on the dock. The observant girl pushes the boulder toward the dock. When she reaches it, she states to a crew member, "Jack wanted this moved to Playa des Losers in two minutes."

"Can I ask why?" The female crew member inquires.

"He said not to ask questions," Kirika insists. The crew member shrugs, after two other men help load it onto the speedboat. The boat speeds off in the direction of Playa des Losers. Kirika looks on, her expression remains normal.

"Impressive strategy," Jack assures. "Did it pay off?" The host nods. "It did. Suzy put forth a valiant effort, but Kirika earns the point for The Cool Cats." Several team members cheer. Kirika blushes a little. Tiffany glares to the side. "That puts them one point closer to The Chilly Dogs, who still lead four to two. Will we be forced into a tie breaker? Next let’s check out what happened with Declan's match against Vivi." Jack looks up at the monitor, with a smile.

Declan looks around the tent. Eight shelves are set up with the names of his team members, including Romelio, printed on stickers below each shelf. He next observes a briefcase on the table. The boy runs a hand through his pink hair before picking up the envelope, and unsealing it. He begins to read, "Within this briefcase are personal items that were taken from each of your team member's belongings."

Several contestants have wide eyes. Gabe states, "I have nothing to hide."

Vivi is shown, continuing to read, "Your task is to sort them in the shelves. They indicate which shelf belongs to who. The challenger that matches the most items, or completes the task in the fastest time in the case of a tie, wins a point for their team. Your time begins now."

Declan is shown calmly working on his task. He has the briefcase open and begins sorting the items. He holds up a mug that reads 'World's #1 Sister', and places it on the shelf marked 'Jasmine'. He next places a tabloid with the cover story 'Twenty-one Secrets Total Drama Isn’t Telling You' on Andrea's shelf, and a pair of handcuffs on Yolanda's shelf. He next places a framed photograph of a handsome, light skinned young man with black hair on Romelio's shelf, followed by a bow tie decorated with the periodic table of elements on Wolf's shelf. He next struggles to place a kettlebell on Suzy's shelf, but does so successfully. The observant young man next places a book entitled 'How Not to Be Offensive, Updated To Include Ironically Edition' on Orlando's shelf, and finally an adorable, pink teddy bear on Byron's shelf. Declan calls out, "Time!"

Byron begins to sweat as he insists, "I swear that’s not mine."

Jack announces, "With an impressive time of one minute and twenty seconds, Declan got every item right." Byron blushes.

Jasmine laughs and points at Byron and teases, "Your face is redder than the Swedish dude."

Jack states, "Let’s see how Vivi did for The Cool Cats."

Vivi is shown on screen making quick work of the challenge, placing a gold medal on Max's shelf, a crossword puzzle collection on Kirika's shelf, a novel entitled 'Planet of the Generic Sci Fi Women' on Naveen's shelf, a hair trimmer on Gabe's shelf, and next an accounting machine on Eddy's shelf. Orlando grimaces as he watches. Vivi looks perplexed at the last three items, an inspirational horse quotes day calendar, a horse figurine, and a pendant with a smiling characterization of the sun. She looks at the remaining empty slots, belonging to Tiffany, Clara, and Winnie, and quickly places the horse figurine on Winnie's shelf, the sun pendant on Tiffany's shelf, and the inspirational horse quote calendar on Clara's shelf.

Jack announces, "Clara completed her task in fifty nine seconds." There are some impressed gasps from contestants. "Unfortunately, she had three incorrect guesses." The host looks down at his notes. "The horse calendar belongs to Winnie, the..."

Tiffany's eyes are wide. She insists, "You don’t have to reveal the rest."

Jack ignores the abrasive girl. He continues, "The pendant is Clara's, and lastly the horse figurine belongs to..." Winnie's eyes are wide as she looks at Tiffany. "Tiffany." Tiffany buries her face in her hands. "That means that The Chilly Dogs have won today's challenge." Vivi looks disappointed in herself, while Declan is hugged by his team members.

Declan barks, "I only did what was necessary for victory. Don’t feel the need to think we have any sort of a connection." His team ignores him and continues the group hug, except for Wolf who is carefully observing a grasshopper on the end of his large nose.

Jack states, "Unfortunately, that means that The Cool Cats will need to vote someone out tonight." Jack begins to walk away, but pauses. He adds, "Oh, and for anyone keeping track, in the match between Clara and Byron to call me on the phone without my guessing who they were, Byron won with an impeccable impression of my granny."

The team members walk back to their cabins. Winnie walks alongside Tiffany and asks, "What's your favorite horse breed? What’s your favorite horse related movie? What would your name be if you were a horse?" She lists off the rapid fire questioning without waiting for responses. Tiffany groans. Winnie hugs Tiffany. "I can’t believe I met my new BHFF! We have so much to talk about."

Vivi is sitting in confessional. She explains, "I’m not sure if anyone noticed, but Tiffany was without a doubt the weak link in that challenge." Vivi holds her arms up for emphasis. "I mean, she obviously selected Kirika for a task she felt she was not well suited for her in order to throw shade. She didn’t even select herself to compete in a challenge. Now she has Winnie in her back pocket to vote however she tells her to. This is saying a lot, but I’m really not sure what’s going to happen." Vivi looks to the side and sighs. "I just don’t want to see Winnie get hurt. She’s a sweet girl."

The scene shifts to the campfire ceremony, where Jack is holding a tray of marshmallows. "Welcome to your first campfire ceremony," the host declares. "As sad as it is to see someone go home, it’s a necessary part of our little show. I’ll begin handing out the marshmallows. The first one is for... Eddy." Eddy catches his marshmallow. "Number two is for Kirika."

Tiffany states with an eye roll, "Hurrah for the power couple." Her comment goes ignored.

"The next batch of mallows go to," Jack continues, "Max, Naveen, Clara, Gabe, and... Tiffany." The teens catch their marshmallows. "That leaves Vivi and Winnie and one marshmallow. The final marshmallow is for..."

"Vivi." Vivi catches her marshmallow and with her eyes wide looks over at Winnie, who is smiling.

Winnie stands up and hugs Tiffany, as Tiffany tries to push her off. Winnie says, "I got more out of this competition than I could have ever hoped. To imagine, meeting a horse lover just like me."

"We are not the same!" Tiffany shouts.

"I look forward to seeing you, again," Winnie states. She hands Tiffany a horseshoe and adds, "This is for luck," before galloping off toward the Dock of Shame.

Tiffany yells, "I don’t need this stupid thing," as she tosses the horseshoe, and it impressively lands around a tiki torch. Tiffany crosses her arms and looks to the side.

Tiffany is shown in confessional. She states, "I cannot be associated with that psycho. She had to go." The pretty girl has her arms folded as she glares at the wall.

Jack is shown standing on the dock. The hosts says, "Thanks for tuning in to the show. Be sure to watch our next exciting episode of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!"

### Chapter 4 - Live and Let Pie

Standing on the end of the dock, the show's host smiles and waves at the camera. He says cheerfully, "Hello and welcome to episode four of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation! Last time, our players went head to head in their own special assignments that would collectively earn their team the win. The Chilly Dogs received their first challenge win, as The Cool Cats said goodbye to Winnie, lover of all things horses, because she... wanted be friends with Tiffany." Jack scratches his head. "I’m sure it makes sense to somebody." Jack smiles wide. "We're in for more excitement this time, so don’t touch that dial, button, and/or touchscreen!"

Clara, the wide eyed, sweet girl, is shown in confessional. "It was sad to see Winnie go home. She was nice." She looks to the side.

Tiffany is shown walking ahead of the other girls of The Cool Cats as they make their way back to their cabin. The pretty blonde looks over at the male contestants of her team, and states to the girls, "Don’t wait up for me."

"What do you..." Clara begins, as she watches Tiffany walks off in the direction of the male team members. Clara pauses and looks on and lets out a small sigh. She smiles, and directs, "Come on, ladies. Let's get some rest. We want to be ready for tomorrow's challenge." Vivi and Kirika smile and follow the girl.

Tiffany approaches the guys with a big smile. She sweetly says, "Hey, fellas. Where you headed?"

"Our cabin?" Naveen responds with a blank look.

"How boring," Tiffany replies. "I thought you boys would want to join me for a midnight swim."

"It is kind of late," Gabe responds, with heavy eyelids. "I’m pretty beat." Tiffany glares at him before removing her top, revealing a green bikini top. Gabe's eyes shoot open, as he states, "And I’m wide awake." Gabe whips off his hoodie and shirt, and begins to unbutton his pants. "Let's go!"

Tiffany laughs and asks, "How about the rest of you?"

Naveen, the big, dark skinned teen looks over at his sister's cabin, the lights out. He quietly responds, "Sure." He takes off his shirt and jacket, revealing his muscular, but overweight, frame, and begins walking toward the water.

Max, the well liked blond boy replies, "Thanks for the invite, but I’m useless if I go to bed too late."

Tiffany twirls her finger around on Max's wide chest. He looks down at her finger. "You don’t want me out here all alone," she pressures.

"You have us," Gabe shouts, as he trips over his pant legs, which are caught around his ankles.

"Shut it, furball!" Tiffany yells in an irritated tone. She sweetly turns back toward Max.

Max looks down at the ground, and assures, "Maybe another night."

"Suit yourself," Tiffany replies dismissively.

Max says to Eddy, "Let's head back to the cabin, bud."

Eddy raises his eyebrows and apologizes, "Sorry, man. Two of them versus one of you is the majority." Max looks confused. "Let’s go, Tiff." He begins to remove his shirt.

"Don’t call me that, meat wad, it implies familiarity," Tiffany directs, in a cold tone. "And keep your shirt on. We don’t want to hurt the ratings, now do we." Eddy shrugs and follows after Tiffany. He waves back at Max.

Max looks out at the others as they head down to the water. He frowns slightly, before heading to the cabin by himself.

In the lake, a fully clothed Eddy is about to splash water in Tiffany's direction. She glares at him, and states, "Don’t even think about it, butterball." Eddy purses his lips, and refrains from splashing the demanding girl. She looks toward Gabe, who is awkwardly standing in the water. He waves at the beautiful Tiffany with an awkward smile. She looks at his hairy chest and states, "Hey, ch-ch-ch-chia. Ever heard of manscaping?"

"I like my chest hair," Gabe remarks. "It makes me feel manly."

"Enjoy staying single the rest of your life, caterpillar," Tiffany comments. Gabe looks down at his bare torso and tugs at his chest hair.

Naveen walks up, holding a beach ball. He states, slightly lifting the beach ball, "I found this."

Tiffany looks at the tall guy and smiles slightly. "You look so strong." Her eyes pan down toward his stomach. "I can see you’ve never gone to bed hungry."

Gabe asks, "Do you actually... I dunno... want to go underwater?" Tiffany turns toward the thin boy. Naveen looks down at himself and pinches a chunk of his oblique with his hand with a frown.

Tiffany barks toward the honest Gabe, "And get my hair wet?! What is actually wrong with you?"

"Brain trauma," Gabe replies, with a wince.

Tiffany rolls her eyes. "It shows." She now smiles and sweetly asks, "Isn’t this fun?" The guys reluctantly nod.

Closer to the cabins, Andrea, the dark haired conspiracy theorist, kneels near The Cool Cats guys' cabin. She runs one of her hand across the ground, before getting a light blue liquid splattered on her from above. The girl propels her self back to see Max standing behind the window with a toothbrush in hand, wearing a red tee shirt. His eyebrows are raised, as he apologizes, "I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there."

"Is this..." Andrea begins to ask as she removes her soaked purple hat.

"Toothpaste," Max responds, "and some spittle. I am truly sorry, but... what were you doing outside my cabin at this hour?"

"Investigating," Andrea responds.

"Investigating?" The polite blond boy repeats. "You mean spying?"

Andrea shakes her head. "No." She gestures toward an impression on the ground. "You know what this is?"

"Dirt?" Max remarks.

"Simpleton," Andrea responds with a shake of her head. "It’s a footprint."

Max narrows his eyes. "In dirt."

Andrea ignores him. She looks down at Tiffany and the other guys from The Cool Cats standing around in the water. "Why aren’t you down there with the other guys?"

Max looks away and answers, "That’s not my scene. Plus, it’s past my bedtime." Max smiles.

Andrea looks at him. She comments, "The Boy Scout uniform the other day was appropriate." Max frowns. "Well, I’m off to find more evidence. Be sure to keep the morality curve up, Boy Wonder."

"Hey, I..." Max begins, until noticing that Andrea is no longer present. He looks out at the water one last time before heading inside.

Andrea is almost back to her cabin. She suddenly stops, and hears footsteps behind her. She quickly spins around with a can of pepper spray at the ready. Byron is standing there, and he raises his hands. The Mohawk sporting punk protests, "Now, now, love. Don’t shoot."

"Were you following me?" Andrea asks with a raised eyebrow.

Byron insists, "I was... doing my own thing."

Andrea sniffs the air. "Cigarette smoke," the girl deduces.

Byron smirks and responds, "Nothing gets by you, does it?" Andrea looks at the Brit suspiciously. He insists with a smirk, and a raise of his hands, "My uncle is a chain smoker." He holds up his jacket and sniffs the denim fabric. "That smell never gets out."

Andrea responds as she looks to the side, "A likely story."

"So, love..." Byron begins. "I’m not sure why I’m the one being interrogated 'ere when you’re constantly creeping around the bushes." Andrea glares at him "What's your story, love?"

"That’s none of your business," Andrea states as she reaches for her cabin door.

Byron replies, "Aw, love. Don’t be like that."

Andrea looks meaningfully at Byron. "What do you know about cryptids?" Byron raises both eyebrows.

Andrea is shown in confessional. "I’ve already found convincing evidence that supports proof of cryptids, let alone Sasquatchanakwa. I told Byron, because... well, there’s only so much ground I can cover on my own."

The next day, The Chilly Dogs, excluding Declan, are shown near the beach. Yolanda says with a frown, "I was hoping to get another round of volleyball in before the challenge. Where's Declan?"

Byron explains with a roll of his eyes, "'e was goin' on about losing 'is sunscreen. 'o's afraid of a l'il sun?" Yolanda stares at the Brit's pale complexion.

"Your alphabet does include the letter 'h', does it not?" Suzy, the proper grammar lover, responds as she rubs her temples.

"As much as I hate exclusion," Orlando begins, "Maybe we can play a three on three game?" He looks at Andrea and Wolf. "Two on two?"

"What about Byron?" Jasmine asks.

The group looks over at him. "I don’t mind sitting this one out," Byron responds as he looks over at Andrea.

"If you’re sure," Yolanda replies, as she and the others begin their game.

Byron sits next to Andrea and asks, "What's on the agenda today, love?"

"I wish you would refrain from calling me that," Andrea replies with a sigh. "We don’t have much time before the challenge begins, so something nearby."

"'ow 'bout the case of the missing sunscreen?" Byron suggests.

"That is an odd one," Andrea begins, placing one of her knuckles below her chin.

"Things go missin' all the time," Byron replies.

Andrea shakes her head. "It’s not that so much, but the person who lost it." Byron looks at her. "Declan."

"I knew 'o you meant," Byron assures.

"Have you ever noticed Declan exhibiting strange behavior?" Andrea asks.

Byron smirks and says, "Let me guess. You think he's a vampire?"

Andrea rolls her eyes and states, "Don’t be ridiculous. I meant along the lines of his friendship with Romelio, for example. It sounded to me like he was almost trying to get the guy to quit." Byron looks confused. "I was in the bushes," Andrea clarifies. Byron nods in recognition. "But then he was crying like a baby when he was eliminated."

Byron's eyes are wide. "You think 'e manipulated Romelio into quitting in 'is behalf, and then felt so guilty that 'e was wailing like a banshee?"

"Exactly!" Andrea excitedly states.

"You might be on to..." Byron begins.

"Declan's a banshee!" Andrea exclaims. Byron’s eyes get wide, and his mouth drops open slightly.

Byron looks at the others and says, "You might want to keep your voice down, love."

Andrea nods and loudly whispers, "A banshee can predict tragedy, and they're known for their intense crying fits."

"I’m not following," Byron comments, still in disbelief.

"What if what he said to Romelio wasn’t advice, but a prediction?" Andrea asks, inching closer to Byron. "The weeping makes more sense in that regard, going along with the premonition."

Byron begins, "Aren’t banshees women?"

"That does seem to be the only anomaly, but everything else makes perfect sense," Andrea continues, "and stranger things have happened." Byron shakes his head. "They're Irish. Declan is an Irish name. The hair color fits."

Byron replies, "It’s obviously dyed."

"A great cover. And banshees are known for their pale complexions," Andrea replies. Andrea's eyes dart to the side. "The sunscreen is the perfect distraction. And I mean, Declan..." Andrea looks for a response from the bewildered Brit, who simply blinks. "It’s a traditionally Irish name."

"Didn’t you mention that already?" Byron responds.

"Does Declan look traditionally Irish to you?" Andrea asks. Byron begins to respond, but fails to come up with anything. "It’s because he’s something else."

Byron continues to blink. "I don’t know what’s crazier. What you're sayin', or the fact that it’s startin' to make sense."

Andrea smiles wide. "Now all we need is hard evidence." Byron continues to look bewildered. "One odd thing is that the green shirt fits the usual depiction, but they are known to wear long gray cloaks..." Yolanda looks over at the pair with a raised eyebrow, before getting hit in the face with a volleyball.

Jack walks over to the group and assures, "I hate to break this up, but we’re about to start the next challenge. If you can meet us at the challenge site when you’re ready."

Declan emerges from his cabin, dressed in a floppy gray sun hat, large sunglasses, and a long gray cloak. Andrea darts her eyes from Declan to Byron, who looks back at Andrea in surprise.

Two long tables are set up with Jack standing between them. The contestants are gathered around him. The hosts states in an open ended manner, "Today we will compete in Canada's past time."

"Curling?" Max asks.

"Lumberjacking?" Vivi asks.

Jack shakes his head, and reveals, "Pie!" Jack puts a hand up to his mouth and shouts, "Bring out the pie!" Several crew members bring out carts full of pies and park them near the tables. "Back where I was raised, we didn’t have pie. Literally the only flaw." Jack eyes the pies longingly. "This challenge will be a pie eating contest!" Several contestants cheer. "Each team has a selection of twenty different pies. The team that completes all of the pies first will earn invincibility. You may select your pie with your hands, but you must keep your hands behind your back as you eat the pies."

Suzy comments with a frown, "A program with your influence on young people should not encourage poor table manners."

Orlando puts an arm around Suzy's shoulders without touching her. "No utensils is good for the environment." Suzy glares at Orlando. He adds in a sing song tone, "The more you know."

Jack nods. "Plus, we couldn’t find the budget for it." The blond host shrugs. "The number of pies completed by each player doesn’t matter, so you can divvy it up as you see fit. If everyone is ready, we'll get into position."

"Let's go!" Orlando shouts as he throws on a provided bib.

Jack laughs, lowers an arm, and yells, "Go!"

The teens begin to select their pies. Byron stands behind and states, "I don’t know 'ow any of you lot can be excited for this display in gluttony."

"What kind of pie is this?" Yolanda asks, as she holds up and observes a thick looking pie.

Suzy answers with her nose turned upward, "I believe that to be a steak and kidney pie. It's popular in the U.K."

"Ew," Yolanda reacts with obvious disdain.

Byron's eyes get wide, before he rushes toward Yolanda, grasps the pie from her hands, sets it on the table, and plunges his face in it without hesitation. Orlando looks on in horror, as he says, "Come on, bro. Don’t feed into stereotypes."

"I don’t think any of us care," Jasmine assures, before putting her face into a cherry pie.

The Cool Cats are progressing in the challenge. Max removes his face from an apple pie and looks up at Naveen, who has a strawberry rhubarb pie in front of him, but has refrained from eating any of it. Max asks, "What's up? We don’t have much time to mess around."

Naveen calls over to Jack and asks, "Are there any healthier alternatives?" He pinches his side, and looks down.

Tiffany folds her arms and looks to the side, "Naveen has the right idea. This is disgusting." She pushes her chocolate cream pie in front of Naveen. "Here. Eat this one, too." Naveen looks down, and then back at Tiffany.

Eddy lifts his face from his pie. He looks at Naveen and Tiffany, back down at his pie, and leans in to picks his glasses out of the pie with his teeth. He sighs. "I've lost my appetite, too." Tiffany glares at Naveen and then at Eddy.

Jasmine looks on with a confused look, cherry pie filling covering her face. "I’ve never seen Naveen turn down free pie. Something's wrong."

Orlando lifts his face out of his second pie, and looks over. "Something must have happened that made him self conscious about his weight."

Jasmine looks up at him with a raised eyebrow. She asks, "How can you tell?"

Orlando responds, "I’ve read this dude Cary's tell all book. Riveting stuff." Orlando shouts out, "You're beautiful just the way you are..." Orlando's expression is blank for a moment. "What's your bro's name, again?"

"Naveen," Jasmine replies with wide eyes.

Orlando responds quietly, "Thanks." He calls out, again, "Naveen! Your heft is part of what makes you you!" Naveen look back at Orlando in shock. "And remember! Somebody, somewhere is into that!" Naveen looks embarrassed.

Tiffany rolls her eyes. She remarks, "Is that what this is about? Real men don’t have body issues."

Naveen quietly comments, "I didn’t until last night..."

"Get over it," Tiffany demands. She looks down at his pie, looks up at him, and, in a quick motion, grabs his ponytail and thrusts his head into the strawberry rhubarb pie.

Jasmine stands up on the bench, holding a coconut cream pie in a threatening manner. "There will be none of that!"

Suzy grabs Jasmine from behind, and states, "You can’t throw that. We need it to win the challenge! Plus, it would be a great disrespect to the craftsmanship of the baker."

"Not to mention the starving children!" Orlando shouts.

"Protect me, beanpole," Tiffany commands Gabe, who takes his face out of the pie, and immediately stands in front of the demanding girl. She pushes him aside, and says, "Never mind. You're too skinny to block anything."

Byron lifts his face from his empty pie pan. "That really brought me 'ome," he states. He looks at the chaos around him, his eyes wide. "What did I miss?"

Naveen takes his face out of the pie and looks up at Tiffany with a frown. She looks at him, rolls her eyes, and states, "If you keep eating, I promise I'll..." She whispers in his ear. His eyes get wide and he sticks his face back in his pie.

Jasmine is calmed down. She smiles when she sees Naveen participating, again, and gently puts down the pie. Jack speaks into his walkie talkie, "Crisis averted."

Jasmine looks to Yolanda and asks, "Where are we at?"

"We have two pies left," Yolanda explains. "But everyone is stuffed, and one of them is a sour cream and raisin pie."

Jasmine says with a wince, "That sounds disgusting." She starts on the coconut cream pie.

Jack calls out, "The Chilly Dogs are in the lead. They have two pies left. The Cool Cats have six pies left, but Naveen is now making fast work of them." The tall guy has now finished two pies and places the third in front of himself.

Gabe comments, "I wonder what she promised him..."

Kirika looks on with a hand on her stomach and says, "I don’t want to know. I don’t think I can stomach it."

Max looks down at the empty pans in front of Kirika and says, "You finished three pies by yourself?" Kirika blushes and nods. "Nice!" He raises his hand for a high five.

Kirika is shown in confessional, stating, "I’ve seen enough episodes to know that if you don’t pull your weight in challenges, that’s a sure ticket out of the competition."

With one pie left, The Chilly Dogs stand around the sour cream and raisin pie. They look over at Naveen as he continues to help close the gap. Declan states, "Somebody has to bite the bullet and eat this thing." The team looks at it with wide eyes.

"Maybe it isn’t as bad as it sounds?" Yolanda suggests with a shrug.

"I can’t eat another bite," Suzy insists.

Jasmine looks over at her brother and adds, "Neither can I. What about McSteamy?" She points a thumb in Wolf's direction.

"Wolf it down!" The team begins to chant. Wolf immediately passes out, and lands hard on the ground on his back.

"I guess that option is out," Declan states. He puts a hand on Orlando's back. "It looks like it’s your time to shine."

Orlando asks, "Me?" with a concerned look. "I’m sorry but that pie sounds really gross."

Yolanda smirks and looks aside. "That sounds judgmental."

Orlando's eyes get wide. He nervously replies, "What? Me?" He nervously laughs. "Let me at that equally delicious pie." The self professed open minded teen places the pie in front of himself. He winces as he looks at it, and then plunges his face into it. He moans, "Sweet Gaia, or whatever deity you choose or don’t choose to believe in, this thing is delicious."

Naveen is shown with his hand on his stomach. He states, "That’s all I can do."

Clara assures, "You did great. We're down to one pie." She looks at Tiffany. "You're the only one not to take a single bite." Clara raises her eyebrows and pleads, "Could you, please... maybe..." Tiffany glares at the nice girl.

"This challenge is not my thing," Tiffany replies.

"This challenge is over!" Jack shouts. "The Chilly Dogs are our winners." The team cheers for their victory, minus an unconscious Wolf.

Orlando grabs Jack by the shirt collar and begs, "You gotta hook me up with some more of that pie, man!" Jack looks on wide eyed as he snaps his fingers, and two burley crew members drag Orlando away from the host.

"Chris!" Tiffany states with her hand raised, looking at the host.

Jack looks around, then points at himself, and asks, "You mean 'Jack'?"

"Inconsequential," Tiffany responds, with a flick of her wrist.

"That word choice is worth twelve points," Suzy acknowledges.

Tiffany continues as she points at her team, "Why did you put me on a team with these losers? I should be on the winning team." The Cool Cats look disappointed.

Jack smiles and assures, "Well, that’s what the voting is for, I guess." Tiffany crosses her arms and huffs.

Kirika, Clara, and Vivi are shown in their room. Vivi sighs and says, "We could have easily won this challenge if it wasn’t for... you know who."

Kirika adds, "It’s unfortunate that not everyone is interested in being a team player." She adjusts her glasses. "A strong team is historically important on this program, at this stage."

Clara, sitting with her feet on her bed, wraps her arms around her knees and says, "I feel the nice people here should be rewarded."

"That's not always how the world works," Vivi replies.

Clara looks to the side. "Well it should."

Kirika suggests, "We need to implement some strategy. One of us will need to talk to the guys." Vivi and Clara look at Kirika. The reserved girl begins to blush. "It can’t be me... I don’t exactly have a way with words."

Clara stands up and states, "I’ll do it."

"Are you sure?" Vivi asks in concern.

"There’s no reward without risk," Clara states with a smile. She adds, "And someone has to try. It may as well be me."

Clara is shown approaching Eddy and Gabe outside by the water, as Gabe is using a razor to shave his chest. Clara sweetly says, "Um, what’s going on, guys?"

Gabe replies with a tear in one eye, "Saying goodbye to my man fuzz."

Clara blinks. "So..." she awkwardly begins. "What are you guys thinking for the vote tonight?"

"Tiffany wants to blindside you and vote out Kirika," Gabe quickly responds. He puts his hands over his mouth, as Clara looks on with wide eyes. He brings his hands down, remembering he was holding a safety razor. "I cut my nose, didn’t I?" A drop of blood runs down the outside of the honest guy's nose. "I better go," he says with his eyes wide. Gabe rushes off.

Clara and Eddy look after him in concern. Clara eventually looks over to Eddy and asks in disbelief, "Kirika?" Eddy shrugs and nods with a frown. "Why? She hasn’t done anything wrong, and she gives her all in the challenges."

"It's a numbers game," Eddy responds. "I think Kirika is a great team member. She doesn’t deserve to go home, but that's what Tiffany wants."

Clara looks down with a frown. "Isn’t there anything we can do?" The nice girl asks.

Eddy puts a hand on his chin. He states, "I’m assuming you have Kirika and Vivi on your side." He puts a hand on Clara's shoulder. "I don’t feel safe forcing a tie, as who knows what might happen as a tiebreaker. Tiffany has Naveen and Gabe in her pocket, so that leaves..."

"Max," Clara replies.

Eddy nods. "If you can guarantee his vote, I’ll join you, for sure." Eddy offers a thumbs up. Clara nods, smiles, and walks away.

Clara is shown in confessional. She admits, "I’m not one for strategizing like this. I’m really nervous, but I don’t really have a choice if I want to save Kirika. Max is a good person, so I’m hopeful that he'll join us." Clara smiles, but still looks worried.

Max is shown in confessional next. "Today was a little stressful with how that challenge went down. I thought I would take a run before the campfire ceremony to help clear my head."

As Max is running, Clara runs up behind him calling out his name. Max stops and turns and greets, "Oh, hi Clara. What's up?"

Clara bends down and puts her hands on her knees, and attempts to catch her breath. When she catches her breath, she stands up straight and comments, "You're really fast." Max places a hand at the back of his head. "I wanted to talk about the vote tonight."

"Oh, yeah," Max responds. "I haven’t thought too hard about it, yet."

"So Tiffany hasn’t spoken with you?" Clara asks tilting her head to the left. Max shakes his head. "Oh, good. I heard she wanted to vote out Kirika."

Max's eyes get wide. He responds, "That doesn’t make any sense. She’s one of our best players."

"It’s just a personal grudge," Clara admits. "I was hoping you would vote with us tonight."

Max shrugs and replies, "You bet."

Clara lets out a sigh of relief. She states, "Oh, that’s fantastic!" Max laughs. "I knew you would do the right thing."

Max smile gets slightly smaller. He asks, "So, uh, who are we voting for?"

The Cool Cats are shown with Jack at the campfire ceremony. Jack states, "Welcome to your second campfire ceremony. I’m sorry to say, one of you will be sent packing." Jack frowns and lifts the tray of marshmallows. "In this competition, the marshmallow means life," the host recites. "The first marshmallow goes to... Max." The boy smiles as he catches his marshmallow. "The next marshmallows are for Vivi, Eddy, and... Gabe." The three catch their marshmallows. "The next marshmallows belong to Naveen," Valentine catches his marshmallow, "and... Kirika." Kirika lets out a sigh of relief, and then looks over at Clara and Tiffany. "Two girls left, and one marshmallow," Jack states. He holds up the final marshmallow, and looks at it. "This bad boy goes to..."

"Tiffany." Jack tosses the marshmallow to the girl, and Gabe hops up to catch it for her. He is knocked out of the way by Naveen, who catches the marshmallow for her. Naveen kneels on one leg and bows his head as he hands the marshmallow to Tiffany who takes it with a smirk.

Clara stands up, looking stunned. Vivi and Kirika stand in order to hug their friend. "I don’t understand what could have..." She looks over at Max, who is holding hands with Tiffany. The pretty girl locks eyes with Clara and leans in to kiss Max, who reciprocates. Clara looks down at the ground, and then looks at Max. She quietly says, "I trusted you." Max does his best to avoid eye contact.

"That's the name of the game, sweetheart," Tiffany responds with a wave. "Hopefully you learned your lesson."

Jack states, "I’m really sorry, Clara. We loved having you on the show, but it’s time for you to leave."

Clara nods and begins to walk toward The Dock of Shame. She turns and waves at Kirika and Vivi. She adds with a tilt of her head, "Play nice." Eddy and Max keep their heads down. Clara turns back around, let’s out a small sigh, and makes her way to the Boat of Losers.

Max is in confessional. He states, "Maybe what I did was a mistake. Clara's a good person. I’m sorry that she was the one that had to go. I am just so tired of people expecting me to do the right thing all of the time, be the good guy, everyone's golden boy..." He holds his head down. He looks back up at the camera. "In that moment... I just wanted to do something that I wanted to do for once. Tiffany approached me after Clara... I was honest about that. Tiffany is just..." Max lets out a sigh, and looks down. "Really hot."

Jack is standing on the dock. He assures, "I didn’t see that one coming, but maybe it’s just me." Jack looks over his shoulder. "At least there was extra pie." He pulls out a sour cream and raisin pie. "We'll see you next time on Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!" Orlando runs down the dock at full speed and dives at Jack's pie. Jack quickly evades the teen, who flies right of the dock and into the water. The host looks on in shock, but quickly runs off to protect his pie.

### Chapter 5 - Puzzle Strain

Jack, the energetic host, holds his arms out and states, "Welcome to an all new episode of Total Drama: The Next Generation!” He lowers his arms and begins to recap, "Last time, our teams fought it out in a do or pie battle of the ages. It was a close call, but in the end, The Chiily Dogs won their second challenge of the season. The Cool Cats chose to say goodbye to Clara, who opposed a newly forming alliance, and got caught in the crossfire. New relationships are forming, and more drama is bound to unfold in tonight's episode of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!"

Walking back from the campfire ceremony, Vivi looks at Kirika and says, "That just happened." Kirika lets out a sigh.

Tiffany waves a hand at Vivi and Kirika, while keeping her other arm around Max's shoulders. She calls out, "Don’t wait up for me!" Vivi and Kirika look back at her, and then quietly enter their shared cabin.

"So," Max begins quietly, "I should probably head to bed."

Tiffany tilts her head to the side and asks, "What am I going to do with you?"

"You can do whatever you want with me," Gabe declares with a crack in his voice. Naveen nods in agreement.

"If you want to continue being my boyfriend," Tiffany states, "you need to drop this goodie goodie act."

Max responds, "It’s not an..."

Gabe says with a frown, "I thought I was your boyfriend." Naveen nods his head.

Tiffany raises an eyebrow. She replies, "You don’t seriously expect me to date one guy exclusively?" Gabe and Naveen look at each other. "You're all my boyfriend." Each guy has wide eyes. She points in Eddy's direction. "Except for that one. I need to keep some standards."

Eddy raises both hands and assures, "I’m totally fine with that."

Tiffany narrows her eyes as she looks in Eddy's direction. The pretty girl looks back toward Max and comments, "I know what'll help you... A makeover."

Max looks down at his clothes. He insists, "I like my look."

"When you joined me, you wanted to take a walk on the wild side, right?" Tiffany asks. Max quietly nods his head. Tiffany rushes into her cabin and returns in moments pulling a large suitcase behind her. She directs Naveen, "Carry this." Naveen nods and complies. Tiffany looks back toward Max and says, "It’s a good thing I came prepared for this." She unzips a compartment of the luggage to pull out a pair of men's jeans, and a shirt.

Max has both eyebrows raised, as his polyamorous girlfriend hands him the outfit. "You came prepared for this?"

Tiffany rolls her eyes and asks, "What are you a parrot?"

Gabe adds, "I'll be a parrot if you want me to be." Naveen nods.

Tiffany stares at Max. "Put on your new outfit."

Max looks around. "Right outside, here? Where everyone can see?"

Tiffany puts a hand on her chest and defensively asks, "I’m sorry, are you ashamed of me?"

"Kind of," Max says in confessional with his head held down.

Max let’s out a sigh, and begins disrobing in front of Tiffany and the other guys in order to put on his new outfit. Tiffany smiles and says, "It's nice to finally have a boyfriend out here who shouldn’t be ashamed of his body." Gabe and Naveen look at each other and cringe.

Andrea and Byron walk by and look on at the scene, Byron turns to Andrea and states, "This is weirder than that Declan being a banshee business. 'ow do you explain this one?"

Andrea points at Tiffany and states, "Succubus."

"I can see that," Byron responds. The two keep walking.

Max's face is red. He attempts to pull the open shirt closed. He asks, "Why doesn’t this shirt have buttons?"

"Twofold," Tiffany responds with two fingers held up. "Buttons are so last season, and you can’t expect me to not show off my latest acquisition." He shrugs and attempts to adjust the fit of the tight acid wash jeans. Tiffany puts a hand on her chin as she looks at Max. She pulls out a pair of scissors, and declares, "Now to take care of that rag mop on your head." Max's eyes are wide as he places a hand on his ponytail. Silhouettes are shown as Tiffany hacks away at Max's hair.

Tiffany is shown in confessional. She smiles and states, "Max was fine the way he was. I wanted him to prove how far he'd go for me." The girl smirks. "He passed."

Max is shown looking at his hair, styled with gel, in a handheld mirror. He admits, "This isn’t actually that bad of a look," Max states. He looks at Tiffany and asks, "How come you're so good at this?"

Tiffany tilts her head to the side and sweetly replies, "Fixing guys is sort of a hobby of mine."

Gabe points at himself. The honest teen asks, "Why come you never offered me or Naveen a makeover?" Naveen gulps as he puts a hand on his dreadlocked ponytail.

Tiffany rolls her eyes and states, "I’m not a miracle worker." She looks at the well muscled science nerd, Wolf, in the distance.

Wolf looks on, holding a clipboard. He looks up, his glasses sliding to the tip of his nose, and comments, "Don’t mind me. I’m doing a study as a casual observer of the bizarre behavior of the hormonal teenage boy. Fascinating stuff."

Tiffany glares at her male teammates. "Why couldn’t any of you be that guy?" They look at each other with bewildered looks.

Andrea and Byron are shown walking together. Andrea, the pale, dark haired conspiracy theorist, asks, "Any more dirt on Declan?"

"Nothing too unusual," Byron looks down at his notes. "He wears contact lenses."

"To cover the redness from all his weeping," Andrea responds with a nod. Byron blinks. "Why have you brought me over here?"

"I felt we ‘as bigger fish to fry than Declan," Byron answers.

"Like ningen, the thirty meter human fish hybrid," Andrea replies with a nod.

"Uh, no," Byron responds. He gestures with his head toward the crew building. He begins sneaking toward a window in a crouched position with Andrea close behind. They slowly stand to look inside. Byron lets out, "Oh my days..."

Inside the building, Jack is with several crew members with a blindfold over his eyes as he attempts to pin a tail on a donkey picture on the wall.

Andrea says with wide eyes, as she and Byron crouch back down, "That was more shocking than anything I could have expected. Is that what you wanted me to see?"

Byron shakes his head. He explains in a hushed tone, "You’ve said it yourself, love. There’s something strange about this competition, about this island." Andrea nods. Byron points toward the building, "If there’s any secrets to be 'ad, it’s wherever Jack is staying."

Andrea looks thoughtful. She responds, "I like the way you think. There's so many caves, I don’t see how we could find it in a night."

Byron smirks. He replies, "You already ‘ave an idea, don't you, love?" Andrea’s lip curls up into a grin.

Andrea and Byron are shown on the beach. Andrea states, "I wondered why you wanted me to wear my swimsuit under my clothes." She begins to remove her shirt and jacket. Byron's face lights up. Andrea reveals a full body wetsuit. Byron's face drops back down. He drops his pants to reveal a tiny speedo colored like a Union Jack. Andrea's eyes gravitate toward the Brit's swimwear. She states, "Not afraid to show some skin, I see."

Byron looks down at himself. "This is considered modest back where I’m from." Andrea neatly sets her clothes and Byron's in a waterproof bag, and puts it around her shoulder. Byron gestures toward the water. "After you, love." Andrea nods as she heads into the water.

Andrea is sitting in confessional with a pegboard set up behind her with maps, photos, news articles, and other documents pinned to it, as well as strings connecting points. She turns toward it, using her hands to draw attention to specific areas and states, "By simply connecting point a to point h, then r back to c..."

Time elapses.

"Then we head up, down, up, down, left, right, left, right..."

Time elapses.

"Then it all comes back to..." Andrea signals toward a point on a map, "U." She smiles wildly at the camera.

Jasmine, Suzy, and Yolanda are inside their cabin. Jasmine is lying on her bed, and lets out a heavy sigh. The protective girl states, "I hope Naveen is alright."

"I’m sure he's fine," Suzy assures, wearing a long pink nightgown. "He was the other team's most valuable player in the last challenge."

Yolanda, wearing one of her usual tops and pajama bottoms featuring an authoritative looking dog in a trench coat, adds, "Why are you so protective of him, anyway?" She looks out one of the windows.

Jasmine's face drops. "I don’t like thinking about it. I swore I would never let anything bad happen to him, again."

Suzy gives an assuring smile and puts a mighty hand on Jasmine's shoulder. She says with a smile, "You don’t have to relive the trauma." Jasmine nods and smiles back toward Suzy.

"What are you looking for?" Jasmine asks Yolanda.

Yolanda answers, without looking back from the window, "I’m worried about Andrea. Away at all hours, for who knows why."

Suzy shrugs and replies, "There’s one of those types nearly every season. She's probably on some wild misadventure, or peeping into one of the guys' cabins... or girls'. I don’t judge." Suzy shakes her head. Jasmine looks at her with a raised eyebrow.

"You're probably right," Yolanda responds, as she steps away from the window.

The scene changes to Andrea and Byron emerging from the water into a well lit cave, with a mattress on the floor, and several artifacts decorating the cave. Byron looks around in amazement, after brushing his hair from his eyes with his hand. He lets out a whistle, before asking, "Are we sure this is it, love?" Andrea points to a large piece of driftwood hanging above them that reads 'Jack's Pleasure Cove'. Byron's eyes get wide. He adds, "Right... We're sure this is it." Andrea sets her bag down, as she walks further into the cave, looking at as much as she can process. Byron rifles through a stack of magazines. He asks, with his British accent, "What exactly are we looking for, again?"

Andrea replies, "Evidence of this island being the epicenter of paranormal occurrences and creatures, a variable hotspot for the supernatural. You know... the usual."

Byron lifts a magazine, and whistles, again, the sound reverberating against the cave walls. "Jackpot," Byron comments with a wide grin.

Andrea excitedly asks, "Did you find something? An address book of Jack’s cryptid friends? Instructions for Jack's human costume?"

"Better," Byron responds. "A nudie mag." He opens a fold out centerfold.

Andrea glares at the boy, and then rolls her eyes. "That’s just a copy of Natural Geometric."

"It’s the tribal issue," Byron adds.

"Put it back," Andrea sternly directs. "This is about finding evidence, not leaving evidence that we were here."

"Buzzkill," Byron replies with a groan as he sets the magazine back in the pile. Andrea notices a pack of cigarettes on a nightstand. "I wouldn’t peg Jack as a smoker," she reacts, with a raised eyebrow. Her eyes turn toward something else in the space. She grabs hold of Byron’s arm at the inner elbow. He looks down and says, "What's this then?" Andrea points toward the back of the cave with her other hand. Byron's mouth drops open at the sight of an ancient looking pedestal with a worn leather bound book placed atop.

Andrea holds up a pair of binoculars and reads, "The Many Unspoken Mysteries of Total Drama Island." Andrea lowers the binoculars, her eyes lit up. "I’ve never seen that book before... I need to know what it says."

Byron shrugs his bare shoulders and replies, "Then just take it." He steps forward and reaches for the book. Andrea quickly grasps his arm, again. He looks at her hand and comments, "You’re starting to make an 'abit of that, love." He looks her in the eyes and winks.

Andrea rolls her eyes. "This thing is obviously rigged with booby traps." She cautiously looks around the area, and sets her sight on the waterproof messenger bag she brought along. After retrieving it, rifling through the contents, and eying the size and weight of the coveted book, she pulls Byron's neatly folded pants from the bag. She turns to Byron. "We need to replace the book with these pants."

"And just leave my pants behind?" Byron asks, with a raised an eyebrow. He smirks and says, "If you wanted to see me pantless, all you 'ad to do was ask, love." Andrea frowns and furrows her eyebrows. He takes his pants from her and volunteers, "I got this." Byron cautiously approaches the pedestal.

"Be careful!" Andrea instructs. Byron looks back at her and nods. As the British teen gets closer to the sought after item, he brings his eye closer to it, and studies the size of it. He then removes the chain from his pair of pants and tosses it aside. Finally, he makes the switch in quick, fluid motion. Holding the book in his opposite hand, he turns and looks at Andrea with wide eyes, before smiling at her. Andrea does a small, excited leap and claps her hands. The pair hear a grinding noise behind Byron, and quickly look as the top part of the pedestal shifts down. "Run!" Andrea shouts. Byron panics and attempts to jump into Andrea's arms, but instead she topples over with him on top of her. The teens scream in horror as the pedestal continues to shift down. It screeches as it halts and they hold each other tight with their eyes wide.

A powerful voice commands, "Hey! Put that back!"

Byron and Andrea look back and forth, still in shock. Finally, Andrea deduces, "That was a recording. It was just Jack's voice."

"That's it?" Byron yells. His voice cracks. He looks at the conspiracy enthusiast under him and smirks.

Andrea barks, "Get off of me." She pushes Byron off of her, and returns to her feet.

Byron smiles and says, "Mission accomplished." He holds up the book. Andrea excitedly snatches it from him. "How about a thank you?"

Andrea shifts the book back and forth as she investigates it. She half heartedly replies, "Huh? Yeah, thanks." Byron shrugs. "It’s locked." She lets out a sigh, and states, "I guess that’s that, as she begins to set the book down."

Byron has a raised eyebrow. He says, "You’re kidding me." Byron pulls a pocket knife from the front of his speedo. He takes the book from Andrea and begins tampering with the lock. Before she can protest, Byron pops the lock open and hands the book back to Andrea with a smirk. Her mouth is agape. She looks at the book and back at Byron. Byron urges, "Now isn’t the time to 'ave second thoughts, love. Read the blooming thing." Andrea looks at him for several moments before looking down at the newly acquired reading material, and opening the first page. She then pours all of her focus into the book as she finds a rock to sit on.

Back at Camp Wawanakwa, Naveen is sitting on some rocks near the water. He looks up at the moon. Someone approaches him from behind. He turns to see Vivi next to him. The timid boy looks back down at the water and says, "Oh, hey, Vivi. What are you doing out here? It’s kind of cold." He removes his jacket and offers for Vivi to wear it.

Vivi assures, "I had a feeling you would be down here, and don’t worry. I’m not cold. I have thick skin."

"I’m just plain thick," Naveen states, with a bitter chuckle.

Vivi looks at Naveen intently. She gets stoic. "Naveen. What are you doing?"

He frowns, pulls some clothing out of the water, and replies, "Tiffany's laundry?"

Vivi let’s out a small sigh. "No, I mean..." She blinks. "Her laundry?" Naveen lets out a laugh. Vivi shakes her head. "I don’t know you all that well, but I know enough about you to know that this isn’t you."

Naveen continues to frown. He quietly asks, "Did Jasmine send you?"

Vivi shakes her head. "I’m speaking as a concerned friend." Naveen looks down. "A friend of yours. I know you’re a good guy, with a good heart. I don’t like seeing you being taken advantage of."

Naveen replies, "I don’t get much female attention... I mean... Besides Jasmine. Part of it feels kind of nice."

Vivi asks sternly, "How does the other part of it feel?"

Naveen replies, "I’m sorry. If this is some kind of strategy on your part..."

"As I said," Vivi assures, "I'm looking out for your best interest. I like you. You’re a good guy. If something I can say can prevent you from getting hurt, I want to say it." Naveen looks down at the waves crashing on the sand.

Yolanda walks up to the two teens and states, "Okay! Break it up! It’s well past curfew, you two. I’m going to have to report you to Jack."

Naveen begins, "W-we were just..."

Vivi turns toward Yolanda and smiles. "My apologies. Naveen noticed some trash polluting the water, and I joined him to help clean the beaches." Naveen lifts Tiffany’s clothing from the water. "We know it’s late, but saving the environment is a 24/7 task that shouldn’t be taken lightly." Naveen looks at Vivi with an impressed expression.

Yolanda nods. "I'm all for saving the environment. Nice work. I think you've done enough for the night, so you should head back."

Vivi replies, "Agreed." She takes Naveen's hand. He looks down at her hand, and gets up, as she leads him away. The big guy drags his shared girlfriend's laundry, in a net, behind him.

Yolanda holds up a fist and shouts, "Thank you for fighting the good fight!" The Cool Cats head to their respective cabins, as Yolanda takes a seat on the rocks by the water and crosses her legs.

Several hours have gone by, and Byron and Andrea emerge from the water. Andrea excitedly rattles on, "I still can’t believe what was compiled in that notebook. It was hard to remember it all, but there were so many new leads. I can hardly wait to..." Andrea's eyes shift to Yolanda, standing on the beach with her hands on her hips and a stern expression.

"Do you know what time it is? What do you two have to say for yourselves?" Yolanda asks.

"Oh," Andrea begins. "Hey, Yolanda."

Yolanda glares at Byron, and examines him from head to toe, as he attempts to ring out his long hair. She says to Andrea, "Tch. I worry about you. You can do so much better."

"Byron?" Andrea asks, she blinks. "Oh, there's nothing going on between..."

“You don’t owe 'er an explanation, love," Byron assures. Yolanda's eyes narrow. He addresses the pretty Latina, "I don’t know 'o you think put you in charge of creating and enforcing your special rules that you find yourself above, but last time I checked, we don’t answer to you." Byron stomps off. "Come on, love."

Yolanda glares as Byron walks off. Andrea follows him, and mouths, "I’m sorry," as she walks past Yolanda.

At Byron's cabin, he is just about to enter, as Andrea calls after him, "Byron!" He looks back at her. She holds up her messenger bag. "Your clothes."

"I’m so angry," Byron replies, his temperament evident on his face. "I'll grab them, tomorrow. Cheers."

"Byron," Andrea calls out, again. He turns toward her. "Thanks for indulging me, tonight."

Byron looks at Andrea for an extended period, he begins to look calmer. He finally replies in a hushed voice, "You got it, love." The Brit turns back toward his cabin and goes inside. Andrea looks after him, holding her messenger bag close to her chest. After a few moments, she heads to her cabin.

The following day, Jack is standing at the challenge site. He scratches his head, and looks up as the contestants approach. He smiles wide and says, "Welcome to your next challenge!" He looks at Max. "Oh, you got a makeover for some reason! I like it."

Orlando looks at Max's open shirt, and tight jeans. He comments with a frown, "Romelio would have loved this." Declan, wearing a scarf around his neck, darts his eyes in his direction.

Jack explains, "For today's challenge, we have an elaborate puzzle set up." Declan pumps his fist, as Jack gestures toward a tall wooden lookout tower.

Vivi turns toward Kirika and whispers, "You're gonna figuratively kill this." Tiffany looks at the girls and smirks.

"Each team," Jack continues, "will select a team member who will serve as the eyes for the team." He gestures toward the two towers, one constructed for each team. "They will direct their team members who will be on the ground, and blindfolded. After the blindfolds are in place, our hardworking crew members will place oversized puzzle pieces along the playing field, where both teams will be competing at the same time. It’s the lookout's role to direct their team members to the puzzle pieces. They then need to direct them to the puzzle board to drop off the puzzle piece. Once all nine pieces in their team color have been collected, the players can remove their blindfolds and start assembling their puzzle. First team to complete their puzzle earns invincibility." The host straightens his posture. "If everyone understands, go ahead and discuss and select your team's scout."

The teams huddle together. On The Cool Cats team, Vivi quickly suggests, "I think Kirika should be our scout."

Kirika looks surprised, she opens her mouth to speak, but is interrupted by Tiffany who shrugs and replies, "If you insist."

"Wait, really?" Vivi and Kirika reply at the same time.

Tiffany responds, "Sometimes you just have to go with the right person for the job. Right, fellas?" Eddy has his hand over Gabe's mouth. The others look down and nod their heads. Vivi looks at the guys with a raised eyebrow.

"Um," Kirika says as she puts a hand at the back of her neck. "If everyone thinks I should do it, I will."

"Perfect," Tiffany responds intertwining her fingers.

In The Chilly Dogs huddle, Jasmine states, "So we all agree that Declan should call out for our team."

Declan waves his hands in protest. He quietly replies with a scratchy voice, "I'm allergic to the sun, and ended up losing my voice." Andrea looks at Byron with a raised eyebrow.

"Then what about Suzy," Jasmine asks.

"We need her pipes for the heavy lifting," Orlando explains, as he flexes his bicep.

"What about you?" Andrea asks.

Orlando blinks. "Don’t you remember?" He responds. "I’m colorblind."

"Yeah, you’re not racist, we get it," Jasmine replies, harshly and with a roll of her eyes.

Orlando blinks, again. He points to his eyes and explains, "No. I am legitimately color blind. I wouldn’t be able to differentiate from the other team's puzzle blocks."

Jasmine looks to the side and apologizes, "Sorry."

Declan shrugs, and quietly suggests, "Yolanda is our best available option." The others look at her.

Yolanda apprehensively responds, "I guess I can do it." Byron grumbles to himself.

The contestants begin to get in position to start the challenge. As Kirika begins to climb into the lookout tower, Vivi takes her by the arm, and whispers, "Tiffany is up to something."

"What do you mean?" Kirika asks, with a confused look.

"I’m not sure," Vivi admits, "but just be on the lookout." Kirika nods, and continues climbing up the tower.

Jack looks out at the playing field and acknowledges, "It looks like everyone is in position. The challenge begins... Now!"

Yolanda begins shouting directions to her team members. She blinks and yells, "Why are all the puzzle blocks blue?"

"There’s light blue and dark blue," Jack clarifies. "The Chilly Dogs are dark blue, and The Cool Cats are light blue."

Kirika calls out, "Isn’t that slightly redundant?"

Jack turns to a crew member and explains with a shrug, "I like blue."

Yolanda calls out to her team, and is making progress. She yells, "Orlando! Step about five paces to your left." Orlando stands still. "Orlando!"

Orlando inquires loudly, "Why is the girl from the other team giving me orders?"

Yolanda holds the bridge of her nose and comments to herself, "I guess he's voice blind, too."

Vivi successfully returns a puzzle block to the puzzle board area. Kirika calls out, "Tiffany, turn to your left and walk straight." Tiffany smirks, and turns to her right and starts walking. "No, no! Your left!" Tiffany continues walking the wrong direction. Kirika turns her attention to Naveen. "Walk straight forward about ten meters." Naveen starts walking backwards. Kirika scratches the side of her head.

Jack announces, "So far The Chilly Dogs are in the lead with five puzzle pieces in their play area. The Cool Cats have two puzzle pieces, gathered entirely by Vivi." Jack looks confused. "They better get their act together if they want to win this thing."

Yolando calls out to Byron, "Okay, Byron! Turn a little to your right and walk about six steps." Byron is slow in taking the direction. "Pick up the pace!"

Byron yells back, "You want fast?! Fine!" He quickly darts to the left, running hard into the muscular Wolf, falling backwards and hitting his head on one of the puzzle blocks.

"At least you’re found one," Yolanda states in a sarcastic tone.

Jack calls out, "Byron is not moving!"

Byron holds up his head and asks, "Who put that wall there?" He falls back to the ground. Jack calls for the medics and they carry him off of the playing field.

Kirika looks on, and blinks. She calls out, "Max! Move three steps to your right." Max walks three steps to his left. Kirika rubs her chin. "Gabe! Turn to your right and walk forward." Gabe, who has a cloth gag in his mouth, does the exact opposite. Kirika adjusts her glasses. She calls out, "Naveen! Run at full speed to your right!" Naveen turns to his left and runs at full speed, crashing hard into Wolf. Both boys fall to the ground, unconscious. "Tiffany! Kneel down and turn your head to the right."

Tiffany kneels, but faces left.  She calls out, "Did I do that correctly? You’re going to have to speak up, sweetie!" Suzy accidentally elbows Tiffany in the face, knocking Tiffany out cold.

Jack looks out at the field with a surprised look. "This is turning into a real bloodbath." He places a hand near his mouth. "Medics!" The medics do their best to keep up with the growing number of incapacitated contestants, only Orlando, Jasmine, Suzy, and Vivi remain on the field. "Vivi has nearly single handedly tied the score, seven puzzle blocks recovered for each team." Orlando stands in the middle of the field with a finger in his ear, and an overall despondent look. "And Orlando is... not doing much of anything."

"Maybe if I received some direction," Orlando comments.

Yolanda holds the bridge of her nose, "Orlando. Just move."

Orlando sighs. "There goes that other girl, again..."

"Vivi just took the lead for her to team, they have one puzzle piece to gather, then they can start assembling their puzzle," Jack announces.

Yolanda looks over at Kirika, "I didn’t want to play dirty, but sometimes you have to fight fire with fire." Yolanda turns her attention to Suzy. "Suzy! Turn to your left and move three steps, and wrap your arms around Vivi." Kirika's eyes are wide, but Suzy acts and holds Vivi in place before Kirika can react. Vivi struggles and kicks her legs out, but is unable to break away from Suzy's grip. Yolanda calls out, "Jasmine! It’s up to you now, honey!" Jasmine nods, and complies as Yolanda starts calling out directions.

Kirika stands back and says to herself, "Think. What can I..." She snaps her fingers and rushes forward. "Hey, Orlando!" Orlando's ears perk up. "Turn to your left and move forward about six meters."

Yolanda looks over in her direction, and states, "That's way too dumb to..."

Orlando shouts, "Finally, Yo-Yo. I’ve been waiting for some direction!" Yolanda's mouth drops open, as Orlando quickly complies with Kirika's direction. She continues to direct him to her team's puzzle board, and he drops down the last piece.

Jack calls out, "Suzy! You'll need to put Vivi down now, so she can assemble her puzzle!" Suzy complies. "Vivi you can remove your blindfold."

Vivi removes her mask and sees the carnage of the injured contestants. "Good gravy," Vivi reacts, before running to their team's base. Gabe wears a neck brace as he holds an ice pack to a very peeved Tiffany's face.

Jack announces, "The Chilly Dogs are catching up. Will Vivi be able to solve this puzzle on her own?"

Vivi studies the puzzle, as Yolanda attempts to direct her remaining team members. Vivi goes to work on assembling the puzzle, as Kirika looks on with her hands on the side of the tower.

Jack announces, "The Chilly Dogs have collected all of their pieces, and can begin putting their puzzle together." Jack looks over at the other team and calls out, "It doesn’t matter! The Cool Cats have completed their puzzle and are the winners of this challenge!" Kirika rushes down the tower in order to hug Vivi. On the sidelines, Naveen begins to clap quietly. Tiffany darts her eyes toward him, he stops clapping, and he looks back at her blankly.

As Kirika and Vivi rejoin their team, Max quietly commends Kirika, "Unbelievable job out there."

The reserved girl smiles softly at him. Kirika replies, "I really owe the idea to Byron, for getting knocked out of the challenge." Yolanda has her hands on her hips as she glares at Byron.

Tiffany mutters under her breath at Eddy, Naveen, Gabe, and Max, "You blockheads can’t even fail successfully."

Eddy is in confessional. He explains, "If it isn’t obvious by now, Tiffany instructed us to throw the challenge to get Kirika out sooner. I still can’t believe that the other girls pulled off the challenge by themselves." Eddy laughs. "I'm glad they did. Throwing a challenge is a dumb idea." He looks to the side and quietly asks, "Tiffany will never hear this, right?"

Jack states, "Congratulations to The Cool Cats on their win. I’m sorry to say that The Chilly Dogs will need to say goodbye to another team member. I’ll meet you at the campfire ceremony later tonight." Jack begins to walk away.

Yolanda runs up to him and says, "Hey, Jack."

Jack smiles and replies, "Oh. Hi, Yolanda! What's up?"

"I was hoping we could speak privately," Yolanda requests. Jack nods and the two walk out of earshot from the rest of the group.

"I wonder what's going on," Orlando voices to Byron, with his arms folded. He looks on at Jack and Yolanda.

"I know a narc when I see one," Byron replies. He turns to Orlando. "We need to target Yolanda."

Orlando shakes his head. "Sorry, bud. There’s no chance. Everyone likes her, and even though we lost the challenge, she stepped up. I think it’s between you and me." Orlando sighs. "I really screwed things up."

Byron shrugs, and says, "Good luck, mate." Byron walks away, and approaches Suzy and Jasmine. "‘Allo ladies."

"Oh, hey," Jasmine replies. Suzy looks away.

Byron suggests, "I was thinking we vote for Orlando, tonight."

"He did kind of blow the challenge for us," Jasmine admits. "But we can't keep voting out the muscle if we expect to win something down the road."

Byron looks at Suzy. One of his eyes twitches as he puts all of his effort into saying, "H-how about you?"

Suzy aloofly replies, "Too little, too late." Byron frowns and walks away.

Andrea holds up a hand and says, "Hey, Byron, I'm sorry for how..." He keeps walking. Andrea looks after him with a worried look.

Jack walks up to Byron, as Yolanda leaves her conversation with the host. Jack smiles and says, "Hey, Byron. Could you come talk with me in the staff building, please?"

"Do I ‘ave much of a choice?" Byron sarcastically replies. He complies and follows Jack to the staff building.

After some time, The Chilly Dogs girls are sitting in their cabin. They hear a knock on their door, as Jack calls, "Hey, girls! Can I come in?"

"Sure, come in," Jasmine calls out.

Andrea looks confused as she looks at the other girls. She asks, "What's going on?"

Jack enters the cabin and explains, "I’m sorry to intrude on you like this, but I received some... uh, troubling intel." Jasmine, Andrea, and Suzy look at each other with concerned looks. "I apologize for the awkwardness... Andrea, can we speak outside." Andrea nods, continuing to look concerned. She begins to approach the door. Jack adds, "Oh. I almost forgot. Can you bring your messenger bag, please?" Andrea nods and grabs her bag.

Outside, Andrea asks, "Jack, what is this about?"

Jack continues a forced smile. He assures, "I don’t want to worry you, I just want to get to the truth." Jack lets out a sigh. "It has been brought to my attention that you and Byron visited my temporary residence without my permission. Is that true?"

Andrea looks down. She nods and says, "Yes."

Jack nods. He replies, "Thank you for your honesty. I’m the last person to discourage exploration, but that’s a little different when it comes to someone's personal living quarters. Do you understand that?" Andrea nods. "I must also address the issue that some of my personal items have seemed to go missing."

Andrea tilts her head and asks, "What do you mean? I did look through your journal... which I apologize for, but I put it back."

Jack smiles. "May I examine your bag, please?"

"Of course," Andrea agrees, "but you're not going to find anything out of the ordinary." She hands over her bag. Jack opens the bag and looks inside. The host nods, reaches inside, and removes his journal. Andrea's eyes are wide.

At the campfire ceremony, Jack admits, "It's been a long day for all of us, so lets get things rolling. The first marshmallow goes to... Suzy." Suzy catches her marshmallow. "Next up are Jasmine, Declan, Wolf, Orlando, and... Yolanda." The host quickly deals out the marshmallows. "That leaves Andrea and Byron." Both teens have their heads held down. "The final marshmallow is for..."

"Andrea." Jack hands Andrea her marshmallow. "That means that Byron, you will be leaving the competition tonight. The Boat of Losers awaits."

Byron stands up. He completely ignores Andrea, and walks forward. He pauses and tosses a bottle of sunscreen to Declan. He begins walking forward, and pauses, again. He next gives Orlando back his neon green thong. Orlando admits, "I was wondering where that wandered off to." Byron boards the Boat of Losers and is brought away.

The other girls on the team put their hands on Andrea's shoulders. She remains quiet. Jack approaches her and holds out his journal. He explains, "I think this will be much more useful in your hands, instead of collecting dust in my cave."

Yolanda asks, "Whatever came of your investigation?"

Jack admits, "You were right. The cameras caught everything. While Andrea was distracted, Byron discarded their clothes in the water, and filled her bag with my stuff." Andrea continues to look down.

Andrea is shown confessional. She quietly says, still looking at the ground, "He just wanted his cigarettes back. He pretended to be interested in me... Jack told me that he said everything was my idea." Andrea let’s out a sigh. "I forgot about the bag, I was so focused on what I read in this book." Andrea holds it close to her chest. "I couldn’t tell that the contents of the bag were different... I can’t believe I trusted him. I will say one thing. He definitely has serious weight allocation skills."

Jack is in front of the camera on the Dock of Shame. He smiles and comments, "That turn of events was far more dramatic than I could have imagined. Thanks again for tuning in, and we hope to see you on the next episode of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!"

### Chapter 6 - Cosplay for Keeps

"Welcome to another episode of Total Drama: The Next Generation!" Jack exclaims. "On our last episode, the kids battled it out in a puzzle solving challenge of epic proportions. Tiffany's attempts to throw the challenge went unfulfilled. The Chilly Dogs said goodbye to Byron, who took part in some questionable conduct, and betrayed his partner in the paranormal, Andrea. How will they move on from this point? Who will win the next challenge, which I can guarantee is chock full of Easter Eggs? Who will be sent packing? It’s time for more drama on another episode of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!"

Andrea is in confessional. She states, "I should have known that it was a mistake to trust Byron. The signs were all there. I saw them." Andrea looks down and to the side. "I just chose to ignore them." The conspiracy theorist lets out a sigh. "It was foolish of me to bring on another person, thinking they would understand my purpose." Andrea looks resolute. "Never again."

Yolanda, Jasmine, and Suzy are heading back to their cabin. Yolanda looks at Andrea, who is going a different direction. "Andrea... do you want to talk about it?" Yolanda asks.

Andrea responds, "I’m alright. I just want to be alone, right now." She holds the journal she received from Jack to her chest.

Yolanda assures, "Well, if you ever need to talk, we're here for you."

Andrea nods, and replies, "I appreciate that." Yolanda smiles with her head leaning to one side, before heading toward the girls' cabin with Suzy and Jasmine.

Suzy stops to place a hand on Andrea's shoulder. She states, "Bad grammar is always an indication of someone's moral character." Andrea's eyes open wide. Yolanda gestures with her head for Suzy to enter the cabin. Suzy follows her direction.

Tiffany and her boyfriends, and Eddy walk by. She states, "I have been nothing but nice in this competition." The guys look at her with wide eyes.

"I may not be able to lie," Gabe begins, "but I can still identify them."

Tiffany puts a finger to Gabe's lips. "I’ll let that slide, because you are beyond help." Gabe blinks. "Just remember Kirika drew first blood by getting me knocked out in the last competition."

"D-Didn’t you trip her when she arrived?" Naveen asks.

Tiffany glares at him and flippantly responds, "That was an accident."

"And you only got knocked out, because you purposely did the opposite of what she asked of you," Gabe adds.

Max adds, "I think this whole plan to start throwing challenges to vote out your enemies is a bad idea."

Tiffany glares at Max. "It’s good that you’re not here to think." Max looks to the side. "When you joined my alliance, you agreed to do things my way. If you want to run off with your other girlfriend..."

Max replies, "It’s not like that. I don’t like Kirika like that, but I do respect her. I think... I feel that if you started viewing her as an ally, our team would be unstoppable." Tiffany puts her hands on her hips, and looks to the side.

Tiffany responds, "Fine. I will consider it." The guys' faces reveal their surprise. She looks at Max, "Now drop and give me twenty." Max nods, drops to the ground, and starts doing push ups. Tiffany barks, "That's obviously not what I meant." She kicks her shoes off, as she rolls her eyes. "I meant twenty minutes worth of foot rubs." Max's eyes are wide, but he assumes the foot rub position, as Tiffany sits on a rock with Naveen's jacket spread over it.

Vivi is shown rummaging through her things. She pulls out her pajamas. She hears a knock at her door. She calls, "Kirika, are you back from... confessional, already?"

"No, it’s me," a guy says from outside.

"Oh, come on in, Naveen," Vivi calls out.

Naveen walks in and says, "You’re probably wondering why I’m here."

"To clean up Tiffany’s side of the room," Vivi replies.

"No, I..." Naveen pauses. "Actually, that’s right."

Vivi shakes her head. "You’re becoming predictable."

"Hey," Naveen replies. "Tiffany's other option was a fistfight with Gabe for her own entertainment."

"That's crazy," Vivi responds.

Naveen states, "What’s crazy is that Gabe thought he could beat me." Vivi looks at him with wide eyes. Naveen begins sweeping near Tiffany's bunk bed. "Tiffany's a slob."

"She has her positive qualities," Vivi responds.

"Like what?" Naveen says with a smile.

"I was hoping you would tell me," Vivi states with a laugh.

Naveen pauses mid laugh and looks at the camera. He asks, "You won’t air this, right?"

"Don’t be afraid to be yourself," Vivi assures.

"Yeah, you’re right," Naveen replies.

"So what is it about Tiffany that draws you to her?" Vivi asks.

Naveen shrugs. "You're going to think it’s pathetic."

Vivi assures, "I would never think that."

"It’s because I could never do any better," Naveen replies, as he puts trash into a large garbage bag.

Vivi shakes her head. "Why do you feel that way? Is it because Tiffany makes you feel insecure?"

"I mean," Naveen begins, "you’re not wrong. But sometimes my sister makes me feel... I don’t want to complain. I know she means well..."

"This is a safe place," Vivi insists. "But don’t feel obligated to say anything you’re not ready to."

Naveen nods. "I guess it feels like sometimes she thinks that I can’t think for myself, or stand up for myself, like I’m a little kid. Sometimes it makes me feel like I’m not capable of doing things for myself." He shrugs his hefty shoulders. "I wanted to make my own decision, even though I knew it was a dumb one."

Vivi nods. "That makes sense."

"I feel kind of trapped, now," Naveen admits. "Part of me still likes the attention I get from Tiffany, but I know she's a... bad person. Do I turn on her, and risk getting voted out? Do I stay with her alliance, which is more of a sure bet?"

Vivi assures, "That's ultimately your decision."

"Yeah," Naveen agrees. The dark skinned boy shrugs. "Things would be a lot easier if someone like you liked me, and I’m sure even Jasmine would approve."

Vivi looks surprised. She responds, "Me? I’m not that special."

"Are you kidding?" Naveen replies, his surprise evident. "You’re... attractive, smart, you're, like, the only girl I don’t get nervous around, and you wouldn’t force me to do anything I’m uncomfortable with."

Vivi replies, with her cheeks slightly flushed, "It’s unfortunate that that last one is even a concern."

Naveen laughs and says, "Yeah..." He continues to clean.

Tiffany kicks open the door. She inspects Naveen's work. She frowns and barks, "You have to be kidding me! This is far too clean." Naveen looks over at Vivi and back to Tiffany with a blank expression.

The following day, The Chilly Dogs are by the water. Declan, Yolanda, Orlando, Jasmine, and Suzy are dressed in their swimwear. Declan stretches, and says, "I finally have my sunscreen back. I’ve been wanting to go for a swim."

Orlando looks at Wolf. "You should join us, Big Red."

"I’m not much of a swimmer," Wolf insists.

"You don’t have to be great," Orlando assures. "We're doing it for fun."

"Speak for yourself," Declan curtly reacts.

Wolf assures, "I’m perfectly adequate with not participating."

"The things that people my age find to be entertaining never held much appeal," Wold states in confessional. "What good is an activity if there's nothing to learn from it? Swimming is just a poor excuse for teenagers to stare at each other half naked and get their hormones imbalanced." Wolf breathes on his glasses, and wipes them with his lab coat. "Besides, the queen on the other team and her subservient drones are far more entertaining to observe."

Yolanda asks, "Hey, Andrea! How about you?"

"I’ve had enough swimming for the foreseeable future," Andrea responds. "Thanks."

Yolanda winces. She says, "Too soon. Sorry."

Andrea says with a frown, "It's alright. I’m going to go look around by myself for a while." Yolanda nods and waves, as Andrea walks away from the group.

Orlando digs through his bag and pulls out a pool noodle. "Glad I packed this baby," Orlando states. Declan raises an eyebrow at him, and then rolls his eyes. "Sorry, I only packed one."

"I’ll manage," Declan states with a sarcastic tone. He puts on a pair of goggles, runs, and dives off the dock.

"Impressive form," Jasmine states.

"So that's your type, eh?" Orlando asks. Jasmine looks at him with wide eyes. "Hey, do you want to borrow my noodle?" He smiles wide as he holds out the pool toy.

"No, I’m good," Jasmine answers as she glares to the side. Jasmine bends down in order to lift her bag.

Orlando offers, "Let me grab that for you." Jasmine pulls her bag away as Orlando takes hold of it on the opposite side.

"No, it’s alright," Jasmine insists.

Orlando responds, "I’m happy to help."

"I don’t see you helping anyone else," Jasmine replies gruffly. Orlando blinks, and lets go of the bag. Jasmine tumbles backwards and falls off the dock and into the water.

Orlando yells out, "I’ll save you!" He runs to the edge of the dock, immediately turns around, and goes to retrieve his pool noodle, and returns to the edge of the dock. Jasmine swims to the beach, as Orlando looks on.

The feisty girl narrows her eyes, looks in Orlando's direction, and declares, "I’m watching you."

Orlando smiles and replies, "I’m glad you're looking out for me, too." Jasmine continues to glare at him.

Jasmine is shown in confessional, still wet. "Orlando is another joker who thinks I’m not capable of doing things for myself. He better watch his back."

The contestants are gathered outside with Jack near two tents. "These tents are getting a lot of screen time this season," Wolf observes.

Jack nods and says, "It helps the budget to work with what you have." The well tempered host lifts his arms to emphasize the tents' relevance. "We’re doing another costume themed challenge!" Jack clenches his fists and waves his arms about. Most of the contestants groan. Orlando pauses from excitedly waving his arms and looks at the disappointed reception from the other contestants. "The viewers have been clambering for a heroes vs. villains season, again, and this is practically the same thing. This time, you’ll be playing the part of popular super heroes and super villains."

Naveen's eyes light up. He quietly says, "That is kind of cool."

Tiffany puts her head over Naveen's left shoulder and says, "No one of my many boyfriends is allowed to be a nerd. If that was the case, I’d date Teddy."

"Does she mean me?" Eddy asks, with a blink of his eyes.

Vivi places her head above Naveen's right shoulder. "You’re allowed to like whatever you want to like. Don’t let anyone tell you different."

Jack announces, "I’ll let you change into your costumes, and I’ll explain the challenge when you rejoin me." The contestants comply as the guys enter one tent, and the girls enter the other.

Jack looks down at a handful of index cards. He reads off the first one. “For The Chilly Dogs we have the brains and the braun, himself. He puts the 'fine' in 'property damage fines'. It’s Wolf as The Incorrigible Hunk!"

Wolf walks out of the tent, looking rather unimpressed, wearing a tattered lab coat,  cyan body paint and tattered orange shorts. "Not only is this ridiculous, it’s scientifically inaccurate. Gamma ray exposure wouldn’t cause these kinds of results, let alone this skin tone."

"You look great," Jack assures with a laugh.

Wolf examines his torn lab coat. "Such a shame that this costume required damage to such a nice lab coat..." He pauses. "This wouldn’t happen to be from my collection, now would it?"

Jack coughs and says, "Moving on. Next up is the pint sized mutation with the heart of madamantium. It’s Jasmine as Wolvalteen! 'Nuff said."

"I’d be careful who you call pint sized, bub," Jasmine taunts, wearing a brown and yellow spandex suit, brown mask, cardboard claws, and with a lollipop stick hanging out of her mouth.

"Next on our roster is the billionaire playboy with a love for technological suits in desperate need of an intervention," Jack introduces, "it's Declan as the one and only, Iron Clad!"

Declan uncomfortably staggers out of the tent in a makeshift power suit. He insists, "Only someone with my physical prowess could possibly pull off such a clunky hunk of metal." He continues to struggle as he makes his way over to his team members in order to stand with them.

Jack smiles and comments, "I wish my season had such cool challenges."

"Your season of what?" Wolf asks in an aloof manner.

Declan rolls his eyes and states, "Who even applies to a show without watching every season, audition tape, and after show interview?" Jasmine and Wolf look at each other with raised eyebrows.

Jack announces, "I’m holding out for another hero. It’s the half Amazon warrior, half robot hybrid, Glamazon Prime!"

Yolanda exits the tent wearing a gladiatorial inspired costume, with one of her eyes and arms covered in repurposed auto parts. "Half of me feels empowered," Yolanda admits. "The other half feels a little rusty."

"That's a good one." Jack declares, "Three more to go for The Chilly Dogs. Allow me to introduce, to all our excited underwater viewers, the hero who believes everything's better, down where it's wetter. It's Orlando as Aguaman!"

Orlando walks out in a tight green shirt decorated with scales, and orange tights. He flexes and states, "I’m proud to be selected as the first bilingual, biracial superhero. I hope to do the Latin community proud, despite not being among them."

"You mean you’re not Latino?" Jasmine asks.

Orlando shakes his head and says, "¡De nada!"

Jack says with a grimace, "We don’t really need to dive that deeply into this." The host pauses, laughs, and adds, "No pun intended."

Orlando says, "My only complaint is my character is from the golden age of heroes, also referred to as the 'problematic age'. I've started a petition to remove the terms 'man' or 'woman' from all literature." Several team members look at Orlando with eyebrows raised.

"With great power comes our next great hero," Jack declares. "Doing the things a spider sure can, it’s Andrea as Spider-Person!"

"See?" Orlando interjects. "That’s the kind of gender neutral terminology I’m talking about."

Andrea walks out in full navy blue body tights with a web pattern design, and a bomber jacket over it. She requests, "Can we get this over with?"

"Sure," Jack responds. "But try to quip up your dialogue a little."

"Quip it good!" Orlando shouts.

Jack laughs and responds, "Yeah, like that." He introduces, "Rounding out the team is Suzy as the Southern belle with the touch that will knock you out cold, and temporarily take your powers, if you have any. She's the one and only Bandit!"

Suzy exits the tent dressed in a green and black shirt dress with a hood. She addresses the host, "You are having way too much fun with this."

"You're right!" Jack responds with a wide smile. "You’ve met our heroes." The host rubs his hands together, as he addresses the camera, "Now meet The Cool Cats as our supervillains! First up is Naveen, as the Maestro of Magnesium, Magnet Toe!"

Naveen walks out, in an impressive silver and blue costume with a cape and helmet. He is teary eyed. He states, "I’ve never felt so overpowered."

"You look great," Jasmine assures.

Naveen looks at his sister, "That is so cool! You're dressed as one of my arch nemeses. I love the issue where I pull your skeleton from your..." Naveen pauses, and looks to the side. "Never mind."

"There’s only so many ways that sentence could end," Suzy notes.

Jack smiles and adds, "Another person as excited as me about this challenge. You love to see it." Jack looks down at his next index card and reads, "Our next super villain is the clown princess of organized crime. Her personality is as big as her giant mallet. It's Courtney Jester, as portrayed by Vivi."

Vivi walks out in clown themed costume and face paint. Naveen's mouth drops open as he looks at her costume. Jasmine raises an eyebrow as she observes his reaction. Vivi shrugs and says, "You know who I’m supposed to be?"

"Only the most popular villainess of all time, is all," Naveen replies. "This is a good look for you."

Vivi smiles and replies, "Thanks."

"Next in line," Jack continues, "Is the villain who always knows what you're thinking, and is extremely proud of his body. It's Max as the telepathic Emmet Prost!"

Max emerges from the tent, dressed in an all white costume, complete with cape, short shorts, thigh high boots, and a shirt with a laced up front. Max asks, "Is this the entire costume, or am I missing the outer layer?"

Orlando calls out, "Sacrilege! Emmet Prost is only comics' first objectified male character. A real pioneer against himbo shaming."

Vivi leans in toward Naveen and whispers, "Orlando really is something."

"He knows his stuff, though," Naveen quietly responds.

"Introducing our next evildoer," Jack announces. "Once a professor of botany, now a psychotic, seductress, ecoterrorist with an army of killer pet plants, Tiffany as Poison Oak!"

Tiffany walks out in a costume decorated with red maple leaves. She looks peeved, as she states, "I’m an evil character?! I can’t believe you expect me to play against type." Several contestants look at her with wide eyes.

Jack assures, "All roles were assigned randomly."

"Let’s just get the show on the road," Tiffany responds. She holds a hand to her mouth and yells out, "Next!"

Jack looks in her direction and protests, "Hey! That’s literally my job!"

Gabe is already outside, wearing a green suit and clown make up. "Um, should I go back inside, or..."

Jack replies, "No, no. The moment is passed." The disappointed host clears his throat. "Here is the corrupt king of comedy, the crime boss of... It all feels so pointless, now." Jack raises his hands with his head held down. "Welcome Gabe as The Jokester."

"I feel like a clown all the time," Gabe reveals, with a frown, "right here." He puts a hand on his heart.

Tiffany rolls her eyes. She directs, "Stop pretending like guys have feelings." A few of the contestants look at her with concern.

Naveen whispers to Vivi, "Oh, man. I wish I got that costume."

"A Jokester with dreadlocks?" Declan reacts. He glares to the side. "Please."

Naveen continues to whisper to Vivi, "You and him are partners in the comics... sometimes."

"Really?" Vivi asks.

Naveen nods. "And sometimes you and her are... also partners." He nods in Tiffany's direction.

"What exactly does the term 'partners' encompass?" Vivi asks with a raised eyebrow. Naveen forces a smile.

"It's actually the only reason I read comics, not gonna lie," Gabe chimes in.

Jack says, "Let's move on to our next villain, shall we?" Jack looks down at his next index card. "She's the woman of a million faces, who can change her form at the drop of a grenade. She could be any one of us." Jack looks back and forth at the contestants making an 'Oooo' sound. "It's Kirika as the international woman of mystery, Ms. Direction."

Kirika steps out of the tent, looking embarrassed in a pale yellow dress and full purple body paint. "Oh no," Gabe utters, "she's hot!" Tiffany glares in his direction, while Kirika takes her place next to her team.

Max quietly says to Kirika once she takes her place, "You look cool." Tiffany now changes the focus of her glaring to Max.

"Thanks," Kirika responds. "I feel ridiculous."

Max points down at his revealing costume and replies, "Tell me about it." Kirika averts her eyes.

Jack states, "Lastly, but not leastly, we have the kingpin of flightless birds, the monocle sporting criminal mastermind..."

"Debatable," Declan interjects.

"We have Eddy as The Puffin," Jack announces.

Eddy walks out holding an umbrella, wearing a top hat, monocle, and tailcoat. He laughs, "Qua qua qua!"

Declan pops open the visor on his helmet. He looks at Jack and states, "Four villains from the same franchise? You call yourself a comic fan..."

"In his defense," Eddy begins, "he wanted me to play Rex Ruthless, but I wasn’t willing to shave my head."

"I’m sure it’s misshapen, so good call," Tiffany assures. Eddy rolls his eyes.

Jack states, "Now that everyone has been introduced, I'll go over the challenge. Each team will select one team member to be their starting player. Everyone else will be in a cage scattered around the island that they cannot leave until a teammate releases them. Once a team releases all of their members, they need to race back here and claim The Eternity Sabaton." Jack holds up what looks to be an armor boot.

"So all this hero stuff really has nothing to do with the challenge," Jasmine says with a grumble.

Jack shakes his head. He hands out envelopes to each player. "Each envelope contains a briefing as to an unique ability that your character possesses. You can use the power once. It can either help you or hinder an opponent, and if you fail to use it by the challenge's completion, then you've missed your opportunity to use it. Go ahead and select your starting player."

The teams quickly huddle together. On The Cool Cats, Kirika suggests, "We need someone with a knowledge of comics."

"And somebody strong," Eddy adds.

"I think that means," Max begins, "my man, Naveen." Max puts an arm around the taller guy.

"Me?" Naveen responds. Eddy and Kirika look to each other and nod.

"No complaints, here," Tiffany adds with a shrug.

Naveen puts a hand to the back of his head, and responds, "I guess if you all think I can do it..."

Vivi smiles and assures, "You have to believe in yourself." Naveen smiles back at her and nods.

Over in The Chilly Dogs huddle, Yolanda states, "I don’t want to head another challenge, after the disaster last time."

Declan admits, "Valid."

"Who are we going to choose, then?" Jasmine asks.

Declan rubs his chinplate. He states, "Andrea."

"I’m not the challenge heading type," Andrea replies through her face mask with a webbing design.

"You’ve got investigative skills," Declan replies. "This challenge should excite you, but if you’d rather not..."

"I’ll do it," Andrea states as she slams a fist on her open palm.

In confessional, Andrea states, still wearing her costume for the challenge, "Look, I’m in this for the chance to investigate the island some more. I may come across something far more interesting."

Jack announces, "Okay, Andrea and Naveen, your teammates have been brought to their destinations. If you’re both ready to begin... you can depart, now!"

Andrea begins to shuffle off. Naveen announces, "Jack! I’d like to use my power."

"Already?" Andrea asks.

Naveen reads his card off. "You may say the name of any team member. Their cage will be opened and they will be brought to your present location."

"That's his power?" Andrea asks, in a surprised tone. "That is not fair."

"It’s good to be O.P." Naveen states with a smile.

Jack nods and lets out a laugh. "Who do you pick?"

“I’m going to choose..." Naveen pauses. "Vivi."

"Alrighty," Jack replies. "She will be brought here. The drawback to your ability is that you need to stay here while we bring your teammate to you." Naveen nods. After looking on, Andrea heads out to search the island.

As she looks around the area, she quickly spots Wolf walking around free from his cage. She looks at him with a raised eyebrow. She asks, "How did you get out of your cage?"

"My super human enhanced ability was to use my vanity muscles to break free from the cage," Wolf explains.

"I guess that evens out Naveen's ability," Andrea ponders out loud. She looks in the direction Wolf came from. "Why is your cage busted so thoroughly?"

Wolf answers, "There were extra instructions to make a show of it."  He shrugs his shoulders. "Where to next?"

"Why don’t we split up, and meet back at the base in a half an hour?" Andrea suggests.

"Are you quite positive about that?" Wolf asks. "It might be advantageous to stay together."

Andrea shakes her head, "I don’t do the whole team up thing. Plus, we’ll cover more ground this way."

"'Super suit' yourself," Wolf replies, with a stifled laugh. Andrea raises an eyebrow. He adds, after forcing a more stoic demeanor, "I don’t know what’s come over me. Perhaps it’s the fumes from the body paint."

"Whatever," Andrea responds. "Good luck." Wolf shrugs again and heads in the opposite direction from Andrea.

As she moves further along, Andrea witnesses Vivi being escorted by a crew member. Andrea pauses for a moment, as Vivi waves at her. Andrea states, "I’m using my power." She clears her throat and yells out, "Fwip! Fwip!", with obvious embarrassment in her voice.

"What does that mean?" Vivi asks.

Andrea clarifies, "I’m using my sticky webs to hold you in place for three minutes."

"Oh," Vivi responds with a frown. Andrea removes a spray can from a brown camera case. Vivi begins, "What's..." Andrea shoots a spray of silly string in Vivi's face.

Back at Naveen's position at the start, Vivi joins him. Naveen says, "There you are. You most have been at the opposite end of the island."

"That Spider-Person person detained me for three minutes with her superpower," Vivi explains.

"Oh, I see," Naveen replies. "And it's 'their'."

"What's there?" Vivi responds as she looks about the area.

Naveen laughs. "Anyway, we should get a move on. This waiting probably really hurt us." Vivi nods before following after the mostly metal wearing teen.

The pair makes their way through the woods. "So what's life like back home?" Naveen asks. "I realized I don’t know much about you."

Vivi shrugs, "Nothing too special. I’m just an average girl."

Naveen looks down. He says, "Uh. Pardon my boldness, but are you seeing anyone?"

"No," Vivi replies. "Most guys are pretty immature, and only go after the pretty girls." Naveen looks embarrassed.  "That in no way was meant as a dig at you and Tiffany."

"Did someone say my name?!" Tiffany calls out. "I have been waiting here, forever. You better come get me, or else I will have your head! You hear me!" Naveen and Vivi look at each other with wide eyes. They promptly walk in the opposite direction from Tiffany's voice with no discussion. Tiffany yells out, "Hello?! I know you’re out there!"

Naveen whispers, "I think we’re out of earshot." He clears his throat. "What are you talking about? You’re beyond pretty." Vivi looks embarrassed. "I would be honored to be your boyfriend."

"You're super sweet," Vivi replies. "But you don’t know anything about me. You said so yourself."

Naveen nods, and looks down. He replies, "I would like to..." He looks up. He points at Max in the distance. "Hey, sweet! There's Max." The teens rush over to Max's cage and release him. He and Naveen high five. "We heard Tiffany over there." He points behind them. "You should go get her."

Max blinks. "Why me?"

"She likes you the most,"  Naveen replies.

"It would be more productive for you two to pair up and look for the others," Vivi assures. "She doesn’t insult you like she does Naveen. That’ll keep our morale up."

Max rubs the back of his head. "I suppose that makes sense."

Naveen slaps Max on the chest. "Thanks for taking one for the team," he comments.

"Yeah," Max responds. He lets out a light sigh. "I guess I’m going to go fetch Tiffany." Max reluctantly walks in the direction that Vivi and Naveen pointed toward.

Vivi looks after him and states, "That guy... has a really nice butt." Naveen nods. "Going back to Tiffany, for a moment," Vivi changes the topic. "You say you like me, but what about you and her..."

Naveen shrugs. "It’s just a glorified alliance," he states. "Max is the only one she makes out with, anyway... Our relationship isn’t real." Vivi looks at him.

Andrea is shown approaching Suzy's cage. Suzy has her arms on the cage bars. "There you are. You have to get me out."

Andrea nods as she approaches. She asks, "What is your ability?"

"I can use someone else's ability once by touching them," Suzy responds.

Andrea places a hand to her mask. She says, "That's pretty great. You should find Naveen and steal his power. He can remotely rescue a team member."

"That is a most effective ability," Suzy responds.

As Andrea approaches the cage, what sounds like a creature making a call in the distance. "What was that?" Andrea asks as her eyes light up.

"I don’t know... a literal wolf? Maybe a coyote?" Suzy suggests. Andrea turns abruptly and walks away. Suzy looks on with wide eyes. "Are you going to let me out of here? Andrea?" Suzy puts her hands back on the cage and begins shaking it. "Andrea! Let me out!"

Tiffany and Max are shown walking together. Max states, "This challenge is pretty quirky, huh?"

Tiffany looks over at Max in his tight costume. "I can get used to looking at you in that."

Max blushes, holds his hands over himself, and replies, "Really? I feel like everyone's staring at my body."

Tiffany replies, "Aw! That’s good, though."

"It is?" Max replies with a smile.

"Yes, sweetie!" Tiffany replies. "It reflects well on me when everyone knows I’m dating such a hottie."

Max blinks. "Thanks, I guess. Before I forget, my power for the challenge is the ability to communicate via walkie talkie with a crew member." He pulls the communication device from the front of his shorts. "I was thinking I could use it to find the location of..."

"I’m the brains of this operation," Tiffany states. "You’re just the guy candy. We will use your ability how I see fit."

"But I should have some say with it being my..." Max begins.

Tiffany interrupts, "Aw. It’s so cute how unashamed you are to talk back and show the traffic accident you call teeth to the nation."

Max pauses in his tracks. He asks, "What?"

Tiffany keeps walking. She demands, "Are you coming, or not?"

"That was uncalled for," Max replies.

Tiffany rolls her eyes. She states, "It’s not like you hadn’t noticed. I know your personality is bland enough, but there's no way you could be that oblivious." She stomps a foot. "Come on. You wanted to win challenges, right?" Max looks down, and begins following after Tiffany. She twirls her finger around his chest and assures, "You’re so lucky to have me."

Andrea is shown next as she walks by Kirika's cage. Kirika waves, but Andrea keeps walking. Kirika shrugs. Andrea walks deep into a wooded area. She trips and lands on the ground. As she stands and brushes off her leg, what she tripped over catches her eye. Her eyes get wide.

Back by Kirika's cage, Wolf walks by. He says, "Greetings, reality show opponent. Have you seen my team member recently? She’s wearing a ridiculous bodysuit."

Kirika responds, "I’m sorry, but it would be a bad idea for me to divulge that kind of information to you."

The cyan painted scientist nods. He states, "Judging by the inflection of your voice in you’re seventh syllable, I know it was her..." Wolf looks toward the woods. "And those crushed flowers must have been caught on her boot at some point, and fell off over here. They don’t grow in heavily shaded areas. She quite obviously walked in this direction. Thank you for your assistance." Wolf walks in that direction. Kirika looks on in amazement.

Wolf catches up with Andrea. She scrambles as she turns around and faces Wolf. "Oh, hi there," Andrea states.

Wolf leans to one side to look behind Andrea. He sees a pile of ferns and branches behind her. He raises an eyebrow. "Something I can help with?" Andrea shakes her head. "Well... you better come with me." Andrea looks at the pile of ferns and branches, let’s out a sigh, and follows after the science lover.

Andrea asks, "Why are you wearing lipstick?"

"It’s a long story," Wolf states.

Naveen and Vivi walk along. Vivi laughs and says, "Who's the better captain, Pirk or Kipard?"

"That’s like asking me which my favorite kidney is," Naveen responds.

"You can survive with one kidney," Vivi responds with a smile.

Naveen laughs. "Good point. I can’t get past that you’re as big a fan as I am," the guy states.

"I see you're trying to avoid answering the question," Vivi replies with a smirk, visible through her clown makeup.

Naveen looks down. He states, "I think it’s about time I break up with Tiffany."

Vivi's eyes are wide. She states, "Are you serious? You're willing to incur the wrath of Tiffany?"

Naveen shrugs and explains, "It feels wrong, especially when there's someone I actually like here."

Vivi assures, "I like you, too, Naveen, more than I’ve ever liked someone, but I don’t want you to do anything that ruins your chances in this game."

"We can turn things around," Naveen assures, as he grabs hold of Vivi's hand. "I can just talk to Eddy. Kid is always on the verge of flip flopping." Vivi and Naveen look into each other's eyes. Naveen leans in to kiss Vivi. Her eyes widen and she pushes Naveen back. Naveen apologizes, "I’m so sorry. I must have misread the situation. I promise I didn’t mean..."

"It's not that, Naveen," Vivi insists. "We're still very young. Even though I like you, I still barely even know myself." Vivi looks down. "I hope you're not mad."

"Why would I be mad?" Naveen asks. He looks down. "I hope I didn’t come across as pressuring you."

"Not at all," Vivi assures.

Naveen gets down on one knee. "Vivi... you would make me the happiest guy in the world if you would be my girlfriend in a reasonable number of years."

Vivi puts her hands over her mouth, as she begins to cry. "You would do that for me?"

Naveen stands up, and says, "All good things are worth waiting for." Naveen laughs. "That was a tad dramatic of me." He quickly wipes Vivi's tears away. "We don’t want to smear your clown makeup." Both teens laugh. The pair hug each other tight.

Vivi reminds, "I almost forgot that we're in the middle of a challenge. We better make our way back."

"You are smart," Naveen responds with a nod. He turns to her and states, "I’m still going to break up with Tiffany the first chance I get. I’m tired of the faux-mance." Vivi looks at him and nods.

At the starting point, Naveen and Vivi return. Jack turns to them and says, "There you two are. We almost sent a search party."

"What were you doing out there?" Tiffany asks with her hands on her hips.

"Nothing," Naveen and Vivi state simultaneously. They look at each other with eyes wide.

"The Chilly Dogs won the challenge!" Jack announces.

Tiffany states, "We kind of gathered that."

Jack states, "But now that everyone is gathered, I can make it official."

"What exactly happened?" Naveen asks.

"Wolf, would you care to do the honors?" Jack asks.

Wolf nods. He adjust his glasses before he proceeds, "After exiting my captivity, Andrea and I parted ways. The rest was simple."

"How so?" Andrea asks.

Wolf explains, "Based on previous evenings spent outside, and considering the change in wind velocity of different days, I was able to determine the precise locations of each cage simply by determining the change of wind patterns with the diversions caused by the new obstructions. Eddy and Tiffany put up a little bit of a fight, as Eddy's spinning umbrella meant I was to stop everything for three minutes. The kiss from Tiffany meant I had to do as she said for three minutes."

Jack turns to Tiffany and says, "Didn’t your brief state that you just had to blow an air kiss?"

Wolf adjusts his glasses as Tiffany whistles innocently. He states, "That's okay, Jack. I felt absolutely nothing." Tiffany glares to the side. "Moving on. After Suzy stole Naveen's ability to release Jasmine from her cage, she focused on chasing the other team in order to distract them. Her performance was super effective."

Jasmine states, "I’m the best at what I do, and what I do isn’t very pretty."

Wolf adds, "Yolanda and I came across Gabe. That’s when Yolanda used her lariat of honesty to learn everything he knew."

Yolanda places her fingers on the bridge of her nose. "It got pretty disturbing after he got to puberty."

Wolf goes on, "I really owe this victory to Kirika, however. She helped me deduce the location of the slippery vixen, Andrea."

"You did what?!" Tiffany angrily asks Kirika.

"He’s exaggerating," Kirika assures.

Wolf shakes his head and states, "You’re being far too modest. If it wasn’t for you, I never would have found her, as our final team member who needed to return to the base." Tiffany continues to glare at Kirika. "When we were all gathered, Jack revealed that we were to gather the 'eternity gems' in order to claim The Eternity Sabaton. It took about another hour, but we successfully retrieved them."

Naveen turns to Vivi and quietly asks, "How long were we out there?"

Jack laughs. "The Cool Cats will meet me soon at the campfire ceremony." Jack walks away.

The Chilly Dogs begin to disperse. Jasmine calls out to Naveen, "Good luck before taking her clothes back to her cabin."

Naveen waves. He looks toward Tiffany, takes a deep breath, and announces, "Tiffany, I have something to say."

Tiffany replies, "Well, tell it to Kirika, when she isn’t busy helping the other team." Kirika looks down at the ground.

Max rolls his eyes. "Maybe if you let me use my ability, I could have found her, or Naveen and Vivi."

"I-I was..." Naveen begins.

Tiffany glares at Max, and sternly states, "You are skating on thin ice. Why are you always defending her?"

"Is someone going to untie me?" Gabe asks.

Max crosses his arms. "Because she doesn’t treat everyone else like trash. Because she does her best at challenges."

Tiffany tilts her head to the side, and says, "Oh, like tonight?"

"I was kind of stuck in a cage," Kirika responds sheepishly.

"Guys, I have something I need to..." Naveen replies.

A female crew member walks up with a clipboard and an earpiece. She directs, "Okay, guys. We’re going to need you to head to confessional for the vote. It’s getting late."

Naveen lets out a sigh. As he watches his team members walk away. Vivi leans in toward him and comfortingly assures, "At least you tried."

At the campfire ceremony, Jack assures, "You all did a super job tonight." He looks at Max and states, "You could have changed, you know."

"I didn’t have time," Max states, as he looks to the side.

"Alright, let’s get started," Jack says with a laugh. "The first marshmallow goes to Eddy." Eddy catches his marshmallow. "Followed by... Gabe, Max, and Naveen." The host tosses marshmallows to the rest of the guys. "The next one goes to... Kirika." Kirika catches her marshmallow and says, "What?"

"What?!" Tiffany reacts.

Jack nods. He adds, "The marshmallow never lies." He clears his throat. "It’s between Tiffany and Vivi. The last marshmallow belongs to..."

"Tiffany." Jack announces as he tosses a marshmallow to the smirking girl.

Naveen stands up and asks, "What happened?!" He looks at Vivi who is sitting quietly. "What did she do?"

Tiffany tilts her head to the side, and says, "That's what you get for even about breaking up with me."

"How did you..." Naveen starts.

"You two obviously liked each other," Tiffany responds with an eye roll.

Vivi stands up and places a hand on Naveen's shoulder. "We were spending a lot of time together. It was probably more obvious than we realized."

"Why not me?" Naveen asks.

"I need your vote," Tiffany answers. "Hopefully this serves as a warning not to try to turn on me, again."

Naveen turns to Vivi and begins to sob. He says, "I’m so sorry."

"It’s okay," Vivi assures. "This was only the beginning for us."

Tiffany wraps her arm around Max's shoulder. "Your performance was top notch, tonight, and it kept the big lug quiet. How does a back rub sound?"

Max frowns as he looks at Naveen and Vivi hugging. He replies, "Kind of nice, actually."

Tiffany snaps her fingers and directs, "Gabe! Get to rubbing!" Max looks at Gabe with wide eyes, as Gabe cracks his knuckles.

Jack smiles at Naveen and Vivi. He assures, "I really don’t want to break this up, but it’s time for Vivi to leave."

Vivi hugs Naveen tight before letting go of him. As she walks away, she blows a kiss at him and waves at Kirika, before boarding the Boat of Losers.

Max states to Naveen, "Bro, I’m really sorry about all this." Naveen looks back at Max with an intense glare. Max shivers.

Jack is seen standing on the Dock of Shame. He states, "Ah, young love. I remember on my season, when I fell in love with adventure all over again." Jack breathes in deep, and releases a wistful sigh. "What will the turn of events from this episode mean for next time? Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode. We'll see you next time on Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!"

### Chapter 7 - Are You Afraid of the Dunk?

"Hello," Jack, the show's host begins, "and welcome to an all new episode of Total Drama: The Next Generation! On our last episode, the contestants dressed like famous super persons and played a game of reverse hide and seek, but with super powers! Wolf surprised everyone by almost singlehandedly winning the challenge for his team, The Chilly Dogs. On The Cool Cats, love and mutual respect was in the air as Vivi and Naveen forged a... future relationship. Unfortunately, this is Total Drama, and relationships do not tend to mean longevity within the completion. Tiffany and her alliance caught wind of the budding romance, and decided to vote out Vivi, to prevent a betrayal from Naveen." Jack takes a sip of iced tea. "I was getting parched after all that recapping." The host sets down the glass of iced tea and continues, "What will happen on tonight's episode? Keep watching to find out!"

Following the campfire ceremony, Naveen heads toward his cabin. Max attempts to chase after him, and calls out, "Dude, I’m really sorry..."

Naveen keeps walking. "Don’t talk to me," Naveen replies.

Max stops following him, and lets out a sigh. Tiffany walks up behind Max and puts her arm through his arm. "He'll get over it," she assures. "Once he remembers how hot I am, he'll come crawling back."

Gabe looks at Tiffany and comments, "You don’t remember his name, do you?"

Tiffany rolls her eyes and replies, "What difference does it make?" Max looks on with heavy eyelids.

Max states, in confessional, "I didn’t realize that making such terrible decisions all the time made someone feel progressively crappier." Max looks down and lets out a sigh.

Kirika is now in confessional. She states, "It’s pretty sad to see all my... friends... voted out one by one. I’m so used to being by myself, and it was nice to make actual friends." Kirika looks to the side. "I’m not complaining, but Tiffany out gallivanting with the guys all night, every night makes the cabin feel even more... empty..."

Kirika is shown in her cabin, sitting on her bed and reading by herself. Yolanda walks by the window, pauses, looks inside, and says, "Oh, hey."

Kirika looks up and states, "Oh, hi, Yolanda. What are you doing up so late?"

"Enforcing curfew," Yolanda replies.

Kirika tilts her head to the side and asks, "You’re enforcing curfew by violating curfew?"

Yolanda ignores the question. "Hey, have you seen Andrea?" Kirika shakes her head. Yolanda smiles and responds, "Well, thanks anyway. See ya!"

In confessional, Yolanda states, "I’m happy that Andrea is roaming the island, again. Really, I am. I can’t help but worry about her, I mean, with how that punk manipulated her... and also bears." Yolanda raises an eyebrow. "I find it really alarming that people don’t seem to care that there are bears everywhere out here."

Andrea is walking through the woods. She comes upon a pile of ferns and branches, and looks over her shoulder. As she looks back toward the camouflage, she is startled to see Wolf standing in front of her. She jumps. She clears her throat in an attempt to visibly show that she’s regained her composure. Andrea asks, "What are you doing here?"

Wolf replies, as he adjusts his glasses, "I had a notion that you would return here."

"That's kind of impressive," Andrea replies.

Wolf shrugs and states, "It would be more impressive if I wasn’t standing here waiting for you for two hours."

"Two..." Andrea begins. "Why?"

Wolf admits, "I have been bored out of my mind out here. Everyone is so vapid." Wolf groans. "Whatever it is your looking for has to be more interesting then them."

"I’m not looking for anything," Andrea replies as she averts her eyes from Wolf.

Wolf folds his arms. "You’re giving off so much body language that reveals your dishonesty, it’s not even laughable."

Andrea responds, "I appreciate your interest in discovery, but I work alone."

"Suit yourself," Wolf replies.

"That’s it?" Andrea asks. "You’re not going to pry, and disregard my feelings until I tell you I’m searching for evidence of cryptids?"

"Evidence of cryptids?" Wolf replies with a raised eyebrow.

"You know," Andrea replies. "Unexplained creature sightings."

Wolf states, "I know what cryptids are."

"You do?" Andrea asks with wide eyes.

Wolf nods. He replies, "Fairy tales. Fiction at its sleaziest."

"Okay, that’s enough," Andrea replies. "There have been countless documented sightings of Sasquatchanakwa on this very island." Andrea holds up a blown up photo of the creature in question.

Wolf keeps his eyebrow raised. "You just carry that around with you?" Wolf holds his hands up, and looks aside. "Obviously a rubber suit."

Andrea begins to walk away. She looks back and states, "You’re obviously not a true believer, so I’m assuming you can scientific method your way back to your cabin."

Wolf removes his glasses, breathes on them, and wipes them with his lab coat. "Alright, if you insist."

"How many times are you going to wipe your glasses this season?" Andrea asks with a roll of her eyes.

"It’s a quirk," Wolf replies.

Andrea responds, "It’s a drinking game."

Wolf blinks a few times. He returns his glasses to his face. "My apologies for bothering you," he comments, before walking away.

Andrea quietly says to herself, "Maybe that was a little harsh." The black haired girl turns her attention to the brush pile, moves the brush aside, and blows her hair out of her face. The camera pans to show a concrete slab in the ground, with what appears to be a vault within it and a large, rusted spoke handle at the center. Andrea spits on her hands, and places them on the handle. She attempts to turn it, but it fails to budge. "I got this." She changes position in order to push the handle with her back. Nothing happens. Andrea drops to her knees as she stares at the vault with a disappointed look.

Jasmine walks up to Kirika's window and knocks on it.  Kirika walks over to the window and says, "Oh, hi, Jasmine. Can I help you?"

"I’m meeting with you on the hush hush," Jasmine assures.

"Um, okay," Kirika replies.

"I was wondering how my brother was holding up on your team," Jasmine asks.

Kirika shrugs. She says, "He, uh... is still here."

"That’s good," Jasmine replies with a relieved sigh. "He isn’t getting taken advantage of by nobody?"

Kirika assures, "He's doing a good job sticking up for himself."

"That's good," Jasmine replies with another relieved sigh. "You’re probably wondering why I’m so protective of him."

"I don’t feel like that’s my business," Kirika replies.

"Good, 'cause I don’t like talking about it," Jasmine responds. "Okay, you pried it out of me." Kirika blinks. "Once, when we were a lot younger, our Meemaw put me in charge of watching Veenie while she went to the ladies room while we were at the grocery store." Jasmine looks to the side. "That’s when it happened." Jasmine gets teary eyed, as Kirika looks on. "I got distracted by a My Diminutive Horsie coloring book, and Naveen was nowhere to be seen. I only looked away for a split second." Jasmine holds her head down.

Kirika asks with wide eyes, "What happened to him?"

Naveen lifts her head back up and explains, "It turns out that he needed to use the bathroom, too, so he went with Meemaw. I just happened to miss that part of the conversation."

Kirika blinks. "That’s it?"

Jasmine insists, "It’s not about what happened, but what could have happened. I could have lost my baby brother, forever."

"I guess," Kirika replies With a blink.

"I could never forgive myself if something happened to him, so I try to do what I can now to keep him safe," Jasmine states.

Kirika thinks for a moment. "Somebody can’t be sheltered forever. They need to live their lives. How many life experiences could be missed out on if we avoid situations out of our comfort zone?"

Jasmine holds her head down, again. "I know... I know I’m doing that to him, but it’s so much easier to say you’ll let go of someone than actually doing it." Jasmine looks up at Kirika. "Thanks for this talk. I’m going to do my best to not worry so much. I knew I could trust you as an objective observer." Kirika begins to smile. "I mean there’s no way Naveen would be caught up in a romance or anything like that with you." Kirika frowns. "I better make tracks before Yolanda nabs me for fraternizing with the other team, or whatever. Thanks, again!" Jasmine walks off into the night.

Wolf is the next to appear outside of The Cool Cats girls' cabin window. He lets out a cough in order to get Kirika's attention. Kirika turns to see the scientist standing at her window. She puts on her glasses. "Oh... Hi."

"Salutations," Wolf responds. He stands silently.

"Um," Kirika responds. "May I help you?"

"That is yet to be determined," Wolf replies. "You are a girl, correct?"

"Um," Kirika replies. "Correct."

Wolf asks, "Would you classify me as 'creepy'?"

Kirika stares at Wolf, outside her window in the middle of the night. "I mean," Kirika answers, "Not really? Unusual, perhaps?"

Wolf nods. "I have been called much worse. I’m just trying to process why someone would feel obligated to discourage my assistance in the pursuit of knowledge. Would you mind coming closer?" Kirika shrugs, and approaches the window. Wolf exhales deeply toward the girl.

"Okay, what?" Kirika asks with her eyes wide.

Wolf states, "This was an experiment to determine the level of rankness of my breath."

"Oh," Kirika responds. "I guess I would describe it as minty fresh."

Wolf nods. "The permanent breath freshener I invented when I was twelve years of age is still in effect, so it can’t be that." Wolf rubs his chin. "I hope my interest wasn’t mistaken as romantic in nature, as I am incapable of romantic feelings. My only true love is, and will always be, science."

Kirika blinks. She replies, "I’m... glad you felt comfortable enough with me to tell me that."

"Your assistance was most valuable," Wolf assures. "I will apologize at my first opportunity. I bid you farewell. And remember that when all else fails, science doesn’t." Wolf walks off.

"That was interesting," Kirika states with a hand to her chin.

"Oh, hey, Kirika. You're awake," Naveen says as he walks up.

Kirika responds, "That’s very astute of you."

"Thanks," Naveen responds. "I couldn’t sleep, and I need to talk to someone. The guys are MIA, and I don’t feel like stroking Tiffany's massive ego."

Kirika responds, "It looks like you couldn’t get dressed, either."

Naveen looks down at his boxers. He winces and says, "Sorry. It's warm out, and I’m trying to be comfortable with my body, again."

"It’s fine," Kirika insists. "Did you want to talk about Vivi?"

Naveen nods. "You and her were friends, right?"

Kirika replies, "Yeah. She is really kind, and got along with..." Kirika looks to the side. "Almost everybody."

"Yeah..." Naveen says with a sigh. "I should have sided with you guys from the start." Naveen looks down. "Or had the gonads to stand up for myself. I hope Vivi can forgive me for being so naive."

Kirika assures, "She really liked you, Naveen."

"She did?" Naveen asks, looking hopeful.

Kirika nods. "I don’t think there’s anything you could do that she wouldn’t forgive."

"Really?" Naveen replies

“I mean..." Kirika begins. "That doesn’t give you license to make willful, bad decisions, however."

Naveen nods. He looks back at up at Kirika. "Is there anything we can do to dethrone Tiffany?"

Kirika's face turns a little red. She admits, "Strategy was much easier at home."

"What kind of strategy was required at home?" Naveen asks with a blank look.

Kirika puts a hand on her face for a moment. She clarifies, "I meant as an armchair strategist." Naveen continues to look confused. "As in, I came up with hypothetical strategies as I viewed from home." Kirika gestures with her hands.

"Ooooh!" Naveen responds in realization.

"I’m going to have to sleep on it," Kirika replies, "but I feel like we’re going to need a miracle to pull anything off at this point."

Naveen lets out a sigh. He forces a smile, and states, "Hey, it isn’t over til it’s over." Naveen looks over at his cabin. "Hey, I won’t bother you anymore tonight. Thanks for chatting." Naveen begins heading to his cabin. He pauses, looks back, and says, "Kirika?"

"Yes, Naveen?" Kirika responds.

"Sorry for mentioning my gonads, earlier," Naveen apologizes.

Kirika replies, "Don’t mention it." Naveen nods and walks away. Kirika looks to the side, and says to herself, "I seriously wish he wouldn’t mention it."

Max approaches Kirika's window, still dressed in his scant white costume from the previous challenge. He looks around outside. "Hey, Kirika," he says. Kirika blinks. Max asks, "What is it?"

Kirika states, "It’s just that people appearing at my window appears to be a recurring theme, tonight."

Max scratches his forehead. "Odd. Um, hey. I wasn’t sure who to talk with about this, but..."

Tiffany walks up and states, "No, no, no, no... You are not allowed to talk to her."

"I was just..." Max begins. Tiffany grabs hold of his ear and drags him away as he cries in pain.

Tiffany walks back, glares at Kirika, and shuts the window from outside.

Kirika exhales and says, "Thank goodness."

Someone knocks on Kirika's window. Gabe calls, "Hey, Kirika? Are you in there? I need to talk to someone about digestion issues." Kirika slowly backs away.

The following day, the contestants are standing on the beach in their swimsuits with Jack at the center. Wolf raises a hand and stares, "Jack. If this is a swimming challenge, I will ask to refrain."

Jack shakes his head. He assures, "I assure you that it isn’t." Declan folds his arms and frowns. "In fact, you could potentially complete the challenge without even touching the water."

"Go on," Wolf states with a raised eyebrow.

Jack gestures toward a wooden platform floating in the water. "Six members from each team will compete in a free for all on this platform, all at once. The goal is to force everyone on the opposing team into the water. The team with any contestant remaining on the platform will be the victors and no members of the opposing team, but once you hit the water, you are not eliminated from the challenge. You can climb back on and try again."

"That makes this far more interesting," Declan declares with a hand to his chin.

Eddy sighs and says, "I was not looking forward to the more physical challenges."

Jack states, "If you all are ready to begin, we will..." Wolf raises his hand. "Yes, Wolf? Go ahead."

Wolf states, "I would like to clear the air. Andrea." Wolf turns toward and the conspiracy theorist, who looks back at him with a confused look. "I wanted to publicly apologize to you for giving you the wrong impression, yesterday. My interest in you was purely scholarly. I, in no way, feel any physical attraction toward you. Absolutely, in no way whatsoever." Some of the other contestants chuckle as Andrea's face turns red, and Wolf removes his glasses, is about to breathe on them, stops, and places them back on his face. "That is all."

"How embarrassing," Eddy whispers with a slight laugh. "I would die if that was me."

Tiffany looks at Eddy and then away from him. "Please. You should be embarrassed for appearing on national television with your shirt off, chunk." Eddy's face turns slightly red, as he looks down and to the side. "You better not ruin this for us," the mean girl adds. Eddy awkwardly smiles.

Jack states, "That’s enough of that. Now, moving on to the challenge, I should mention that there will be no tolerance for hits below the belt, or any other inappropriate touching, but any other grappling techniques, or pushing are allowed. No punching, scratching, kicking, etc." The host turns to The Chilly Dogs. "Since you have one extra team member, you will be sitting someone out."

"I’ll sit out," Wolf quickly volunteers.

"No way," Declan responds. "You’re one of our strongest contestants."

"How about me?" Andrea asks.

Declan shakes his head. "When it comes to evading the other team, you’re the best we have." He looks over the other team members. "We need Jasmine, since she’s the best suited to upset the others center of gravity. Suzy is another one of our strongest  players. Yolanda is the best at holds and such. That leaves... Orlando. You'll be sitting out."

"Me?" Orlando asks.

Declan scoffs and says, "You can’t expect me to sit out."

Orlando states, "But I... I'm the..." He pauses and looks at his team members. He smiles, and says, "If you think that’s for the best. I wouldn’t want anyone else to feel excluded."

Declan slaps Orlando on the back. "Thanks for being a team player. We’ve got this one in the bag." Orlando nods.

Jack nods and announces, "Orlando is officially sitting this one out. Everyone else can take the temporary plank to board the platform and then we can get this challenge started."

Tiffany raises her hand and asks, "Can I sit out, too?" Her question goes ignored. Tiffany pouts and looks to the side.

The contestants are shown on the platform, teams divided to opposite sides. Tiffany points to the other team. She states, "None of you had better get my hair wet."

Suzy smiles wide and rubs her hands together. She states, "We wouldn’t dream of it."

"Can’t get your weave wet?" Jasmine asks. She and Suzy look at each other and snicker.

Tiffany glares at the girls. She points at Jasmine. "You better be nice to me. I hold your brother's fate in my hands."

Jasmine shouts, "You better not be holding nothing of my brothers in your nasty hands." Tiffany smirks and puts a hand on Naveen's shoulder. Naveen shrugs his shoulder and makes Tiffany's hand fall off of him. Tiffany glares at the tall guy.

The Chilly Dogs are huddled together with their arms around each other. Declan states, "Okay, so we all understand are assignments." The others nod.

"I do have one question," Wolf comments.

"Go ahead," Declan replies.

Wolf nods his head once. "Who has their hand on my gluteus maximus?" he asks.

On The Cool Cats, Tiffany asks, "So who can repeat to me the game plan?"

"Don’t let your hair get wet?" Gabe asks with a raised eyebrow.

"That’s right," Tiffany states, as several team members roll their eyes.

Jack calls out, "Alright! If everyone is ready, let the games begin!" The host blows a whistle.

"This is going to be lit," Eddy states. "I’m about to get..." The business enthusiast reads off of his hand. "'Turnt'."

Tiffany rolls her eyes. "You’re standing far too close to me," she states, as she pushes Eddy off of the platform.

Declan nods at Jasmine, as Jasmine nods at Suzy. Suzy runs at Tiffany, and pushes her. She trips backwards over Jasmine who is kneeling behind her knees. Tiffany topples backwards into the water with a scream. Naveen smiles and offers a thumbs up to the opposing team. Tiffany emerges from the water, angrily splashes around her, and shouts, "This is your fault!" She points at Naveen.

"Why would she blame this on Naveen?" Jasmine asks Kirika with a raised eyebrow.

Kirika answers with a shrug, "I’m just glad it’s not somehow my fault."

Yolanda runs toward the two. She reprimands Jasmine, "No cross team fraternizing." She attempts to push Kirika, but Kirika darts off before she is reached.

Max comments, as he grapples with a stationary Wolf, "Wow, Kirika. How did you get so good at dodging?"

"Avoiding people is kind of my specialty," Kirika replies, as Andrea dives toward her, misses, and falls into the water.

Max looks at an unmoving Wolf, with his arms around his waist, and then at Gabe. He asks Gabe, "A little help here?"

Gabe looks on as his face turns red. "Nah, man. I’m still uncontrollably attracted to science guy. Rubbing all up on him would not be a great idea." Max sighs.

Declan orders Suzy to keep Tiffany off of the platform. Max notices Eddy emerging from the water, his face slightly red. Max asks, "Are you doing okay, man? You're looking overheated."

Eddy assures, "I’m fine. All physical exertion makes me look like I’m pushing a piano up four flights of stairs. So..."

"Wanna help me take this guy down, while Gabe takes out Declan?" Max asks. "I’m beginning to think this guy has his own gravitational pull."

Eddy joins in trying to move Wolf. Wolf comments, with a laugh, "Gravitational pull deals with irresistible attraction."

Gabe comments, "Guilty as charged."

"You must be referring to an immovable object," Wolf responds.

Eddy asks with a raised eyebrow, "Scientifically, how would one counteract an immovable object?"

Wolf scoffs. He states, "It’s only a hypothesis at best as to what could possibly happen, but what you would need is an unstoppable force." He looks down at Eddy. "What are you doing?"

"I was hoping your being distracted by your explanation would be my chance to strike," Eddy admits.

"By biting my arm?" Wolf asks with a raised eyebrow.

Eddy laughs nervously. "It wasn’t on Jack's list of don'ts."

Jack shrugs while wincing. He insists, "I’ll be sure to include that in the sidebar of the next challenge."

Eddy licks his lips. "Real talk. Why do you taste like ham?"

"That information is confidential until the patent issues are resolved," Wolf explains. He shakes his arm, causing Eddy to fall hard on the platform before sliding off and into the water with a yelp.

Max continues to struggle moving Wolf. He looks back at Gabe and Declan. "How’s it going over there?"

Declan has Gabe in a headlock. Declan states, "You thought this would be a challenge for me?"

Gabe has his arms around Declan's torso. He asks, "Dude, how are your abs so solid? I’ve been doing a thousand crunches every night for seven years, and I have straight up no definition."

"You're missing passion," Declan states with an eye roll. "And probably eating far too many corn nuts."

Gabe's eyes widen, as he pets Declan's stomach. "How did you..."

"Typical rookie mistake," Declan responds.

"When you’re done with that," Max calls out, "I could use your assistance." Declan flips Gabe and pushes him off of the platform with his foot. Declan smirks as he looks over at Max. "Never mind."

"You’ll need someone with more than noodle arms if you want to take me out," Declan taunts. Eddy pulls himself out of the water and kneels with a hand on the platform, as he breathes heavily. Naveen walks up behind Declan. He picks Declan up by the scruff of his neck and the waist of his shorts, and effortlessly tosses him. He crashes into Eddy and they tumble into the water.

Max says, "Dude, nice!" Naveen frowns. Max continues to push Wolf with his shoulder without making any progress. "Can we look past our differences for the sake of the challenge, man? I could really use your help here." Naveen looks over at Max and Wolf, and nods. "Nice!"

Wolf takes a step back, causing Max to run forward, slip on the wet platform, and fall into the water. Wolf admits, "While admittedly not a fan of physical challenges, I can never pass up an opportunity to see kinetic energy at work." He suppresses a chortle.

Naveen wraps his arms around Wolf from behind, taking Wolf by surprise. Max calls out from the water as he tries to keep Declan off of the platform, "Take his glasses!"

Naveen nods. He grabs Wolf's glasses. Wolf looks at him. "Please. Those are just for show."

Kirika asks, "What? Why?" She pushes Jasmine off of the platform.

Wolf states, "Eighty six percent of the world's leading scientists wear glasses." Naveen puts Wolf's glasses back on his face.

Gabe disguises his voice and yells out, "Pull down his shorts!"

Wolf rolls his eyes. "How infantile. I am not ashamed of my anatomy. It’s nothing you wouldn’t see in a textbook. It would serve you no advantage in the challenge."

Gabe has a blank look on his face. "Who said anything about the challenge?" He adds, "And it was me who suggested pulling down his shorts."

Yolanda yells from the water, "Come on, Wolf! Take him out!" Jasmine looks on with wide eyes.

Wolf shrugs. "I suppose my compliance would at least get this over with sooner." Wolf shifts his muscular arms quickly, causing Naveen to break his hold. He then easily lifts Naveen over his head. He covers his mouth with one hand as he yawns into it. The others look on with their mouths wide open. He then tosses Naveen into the water as his team members cheer, while being held back by their opponents.

Jack announces. "Each team has one player on the platform. It’s The Chilly Dogs' Wolf versus The Cool Cats'... uh... Kirika. Try to go easy on her."

Kirika gulps as Wolf assures, "I promise not to hurt you, but I feel that my team will appreciate the endorphins released at the pleasing nature of our victory."

Kirika grimaces. She looks down at the platform, and notices a plank shifting under the weight of her foot. She looks up at Wolf and states, "I too would like to apologize."

"For what, pray tell?" Wolf asks.

Kirika lifts one foot in the air, as Tiffany grabs hold of her opposite leg, and pulls her into the water. "You are not winning another challenge on my watch," Tiffany states gruffly.

"What happened?" Max asks.

"Kirika had a little whoopsie daisy," Tiffany sweetly states. "What a klutz."

Jack announces, "The Chilly Dogs win the challenge!" The team cheers.

Wolf reaches to help some of his team members back onto the platform. He helps Andrea onto the platform. She sheepishly states, "You did... alright..."

Wolf shrugs. "I did what I had to," he responds. Declan pats Wolf on the back. Wolf looks down at Gabe with his arms wrapped around him, his head on his shoulder, and a hand on his chest. Wolf raises an eyebrow.

Jack yells into his megaphone, "Unfortunately, that means The Cool Cats will meet me at the campfire ceremony tonight." Tiffany smirks at Kirika as Naveen helps her out of the water.

Yolanda puts her hands over her mouth as she looks out at the water. She shouts, "Everyone, look!" The contestants turn in the direction she is facing, as she dives into the water. The others gasp in shock as they see Eddy floating in the water face down, completely motionless.

Jack drops his megaphone and runs at full speed into the water, after calling for the medical team.

Tiffany laughs uncomfortably. She says, "This isn’t actually happening. Quit joking around."

Yolanda swims toward the platform pulling Eddy behind her. Suzy and Max help lift him onto the platform and roll him onto his back. Andrea places her fingers on his wrist and checks Eddy's pulse. She shakes her head and says, "He isn't faking." Wolf kneels down next to Eddy and begins performing chest compressions. The others stand back and watch, the concern evident on their faces.

After performing chest compressions and mouth to mouth resuscitation in rotation, Eddy begins coughing up water, and Wolf turns him to his side to prevent his choking. Eddy begins to gasp for air, violently. The joining plank to the platform is set up by crew members as the medical staff make their way to the platform with a stretcher. Wolf looks up and backs away as the medical team takes over. Eddy continues to breathe in heavily. Several contestants put their hands on Wolf's back. Jack states, "Nicely done, Wolf. I'm sure Eddy will be perfectly fine thanks to all of you, and our medical staff. I’m going to ask that each of you make your way back to your cabins, for now, and I will keep you all informed on his condition."

In The Cool Cats guys' cabin, Gabe, Naveen, and Max are sitting on their beds.

Gabe quietly says, as he looks down at the floor, "What happened today was pretty scary."

"I just hope our friend is okay," Naveen states.

"I wish I could have done more," Max adds. He looks over at Naveen. "Man... I’m sorry I betrayed you."

Naveen shakes his head. "It’s okay. It’s just a game... It's not like it's life or death, or anything."

Max nods. He assures, "I’m going to make it up to you."

Gabe comments, as he looks at his teammates, "Guys... I’m really worried." Naveen and Max look at each other. They walk over to Gabe and share a group hug.

The contestants, minus Eddy, are shown gathered outside with Jack. The host explains, "I'm sorry we even need to talk about this, but I have good news. Eddy is in stable condition. He’s going to be fine." The contestants look relieved. "We have him on oxygen, because there appears to be an underlying issue with his breathing." The host frowns. "Unfortunately, due to his abnormal breathing, we have no choice but to send Eddy to a proper medical facility to observe him and provide further testing."

"That means he'll be leaving the competition?" Gabe asks.

Jack nods. "His safety is the most important thing, right now. I’m sure we can all agree on that." The others nod. "In lieu of Eddy's unexpected evacuation, we will not be holding a campfire ceremony. I’m sure everyone present understands that." The others nod. "With all that said, Eddy has requested to see some of you before we're ready to send him on his way." Jack looks down at his list. "Max, Naveen, Gabe, Kirika, and... Wolf and Yolanda. You can come with me." The named teens nod and follow after Jack. Tiffany stands by herself, places a hand on her arm, and looks to the side.

The host and selected contestants follow Jack to a medical tent where Jack pokes his head through the entrance. He says, "Hey, buddy. Are you decent? You’ve got some visitors." Jack turns to the gathered contestants. "He can see you, now." Jack leads the group inside the medical tent where Eddy is lying on a gurney, with a blanket over him, and wearing an oxygen mask. He turns toward the other contestants, looking exhausted. Jack assures, "We won't keep you too long, so you can rest."

Eddy assures, "It’s alright, Jack. Thanks for gathering everyone." The host nods. He looks at Yolanda and Wolf. "I hear I owe you my life."

"You don’t owe us anything," Yolanda assures. "We were at the right place at the right time... or the wrong time..." Yolanda laughs nervously.

Eddy insists, "I’m really grateful. I can never thank you enough." Eddy turns his attention to his team members. "It was a dream come true being able to be on the show." He begins to tear up. "I wasn’t expecting to meet such great friends. I wish I could have seen it through to the end, but I’m glad I was able to meet each of you." Eddy holds up his arms and motions for his teammates to come closer. They take turns hugging him.

Max states, "Man. Don’t worry about the game. We just want to see you get well."

"I still can’t believe I’m going out like this," Eddy replies. "But I know my health is more important." He turns to Kirika. "I’m sorry for the whole... targeting you for no reason thing."

Kirika shakes her head. "That’s not important, now." Eddy nods.

Jack states, "We should let Eddy get some rest before the helicopter arrives, so say your goodbyes."

Max smiles, offers a thumbs up, and says, "You get to ride in style." The contestants say their goodbyes before exiting the tent.

Once they exit, Gabe begins to sob. Naveen puts a hand on his back. Gabe approaches Wolf and rests his head on his chest. Wolf awkwardly hugs the emotional boy, while patting his head.

Jack appears in front of camera by himself on the Dock of Shame. He explains, "After filming, Eddy was transported to a facility that was able to diagnose his condition. He has an unusual heart defect that he and his family were not aware of. It’s fortunate that it was discovered when it was. He is doing fine, and is planning surgery to correct the issue. We at Total Drama wish him all the best." Jack turns toward a different camera. "Thank you for watching."

### Chapter 8 - Escape Room for Improvement

The show's typically energetic host, Jack, looks more stoic than usual. He introduces the show, "Hello and welcome to an all new episode of Total Drama: The Next Generation. On our last episode, there was a surprising event involving a contestant named Eddy, who nearly drowned. Fortunately, some fellow contestants were able to speedily step in and prevent things from becoming far more serious. The medical staff felt that Eddy required additional medical attention, due to breathing abnormalities after the incident. The latest update I have received is that Eddy is doing well, and under strict observation." Jack smiles. "We have every assurance that Eddy will be fine. Moving on to tonight's episode, we have a far less physically demanding challenge in store, but it will still be entertaining to watch. Recent events definitely took a toll on the remaining contestants, so let’s look in on how the incident effected them."

Jack is gathered outside with all of the remaining contestants as they watch the helicopter being used to evacuate Eddy fly off. Jack turns his attention to the contestants and assures, "I’m not going to pretend that what we witnessed earlier today wasn’t disturbing. I also would like to commend each of you for how you handled things until the medical crew was able to arrive." Two more adults walk up and stand beside the host. Jack smiles at them and introduces them, "These two  are our resident grief counseling husband and wife tag team."

The dark skinned woman, with freckles, a short hairstyle, and piercing blue eyes, corrects the host, "We are not technically married. We feel that the constructs of marriage and gender role assignment are holding back modern society."

"Well said, shnookums," the tall, masculine, bearded man responds with a love struck demeanor. He turns toward the host and adds, "And if you could refrain from using wrestling metaphors, if it isn’t too much of a hassle. Just a friendly reminder of my contractual terms." The man smiles, as his eyes narrow and reveal pronounced crow's feet at the sides of his eyes.

The host nods and smiles. "My apologies. It’s been a long day, to say the least." The male grief counselor nods his head in response. "Please feel free to make use of their services."

"We are here to listen to each of your concerns with zero judgment," the man assures, as he strokes his full black beard with hints of gray.

The female counselor adds, "But please don’t feel obligated to speak with us before you’re comfortable. We’re here all season, and are doors are always open to you."

Declan has a hand to his chin. He asks, "Why do these two seem so familiar?"

”Let’s just say that we relate to your experience out here," the female counselor states. "My name is Ms. Mann."

"And you can call me Mr. Armstrong," the male counselor says with a toothy grin.

Ms. Mann looks at him and states, "So that’s the name you're going with?"

"I chose it because of my arms... and their being strong." Mr. Armstrong continues to smile wide, as Ms. Mann shakes her head.

Jack gestures toward the medical building and states, "Their offices are in that building there, for future reference." The counselors wave at the contestants as they make their way toward the building. "I wanted to properly introduce all of you so that you’re all fully aware of the services that they’re more than happy and qualified to provide." The contestants nod. "You all are free to head back to your cabins, or to go on safety conscious adventures. Have a good night, everyone." Jack waves and heads off.

"That's nice that they're providing those kinds of services," Orlando states. A few others nod in agreement. The teens disperse.

The guys from The Cool Cats begin walking toward their cabin. Tiffany runs up and puts her arm through Max's arm. She says, "Hey, fellas! I thought we could hang out and talk about the... whole incident."

Max states, "It’s been a long night. We just want to get some rest."

"Why don’t you speak with those counselor people?" Gabe suggests. "They seemed... like people."

Tiffany rolls her eyes. She responds, "I don’t want to talk to those weird old people. I just need some big meaty shoulders to cry on." Tiffany pouts.

Max lets out a sigh. "There you go, again. They seemed perfectly fine, and they're only here to help us."

"I feel more comfortable talking about how I feel with my boy toys," Tiffany replies.

"So this is about you, somehow?" Naveen adds. He crosses his arms. "If I remember right, you were making fun of Eddy right up until..." Naveen shakes his head. "You’re nothing but a bully. I can’t even talk to you, right now." Naveen begins walking away.

Tiffany states, "Is that any way to speak to your girlfriend?"

Naveen stops. He nods, turns, and says, "You're right. I guess that means you’re not my girlfriend, anymore." Tiffany gasps and puts a hand on her chest. "I am officially breaking up with you." Naveen stomps off toward his cabin.

"Get back here!" Tiffany calls out. "Nobody breaks up with me!"

Jasmine is looking on from a distance with some of her team members. She looks concerned. "I wonder what's going on over there," she says quietly.

Yolanda insists, "I’m sure he's fine."

"I hope so," Jasmine responds. She looks out before following Yolanda into their cabin for the night.

Tiffany frowns. She says, "At least the two of you aren’t abandoning me in my time of need."

Gabe looks at Tiffany and replies, "Yeah... about that..."

Tiffany looks at the honest teen with wide eyes. She quickly says, "I break up with you."

Gabe lets out a relieved sigh. "Oh, that’s good. You just don’t do it for me, anymore."

"I what!?" Tiffany replies with wide eyes.

"See ya," Gabe responds with his fingers forming a peace sign. He walks off.

Tiffany puts her arm around Max's shoulders. "Why is everyone being so mean? At least I still have you."

Max shrugs his shoulders, making Tiffany's arm fall from off of him. Max responds, "I’m sorry, Tiffany. I have a lot to think about." He rubs his forehead. "Eddy is my friend. I’m worried."

"So am I," Tiffany assures. "I never should have said those things to him."

"Are you just saying that because something bad happened?" Max asks. Tiffany looks to the side. He sighs. "I should have stood up for him. I’ve done a lot that I’m not proud of out here." Max looks at Tiffany. "You know what? I’ve been talking to the counselors, already."

"You have?" Tiffany asks, her eyes wide. "Since when?"

Max looks down. "Since you." Tiffany looks to the side, again. "I’ve never hated myself, so much..." Max lets out a sigh. "I think we should call it quits." Tiffany looks dazed.

"Are you breaking up with me, too?" Tiffany asks.

Max shrugs. He answers, "If it makes you feel better, you can say you’re breaking up with me, but whatever it is, it’s over." Max pauses. "It’s not like you actually cared about me, or any of the guys, the way you were constantly insulting us. I was just another trophy to you." He removes and hands back the black shirt she had given him earlier that clearly reads 'trophy' on the back. "Goodbye, Tiffany." Max walks into his cabin and closes the door behind him.

Tiffany looks after Max, and quietly says to herself, "You’re wrong... I did care about you."

Wolf is shown in the forest with a clipboard observing some flowers. Andrea approaches and says, "Hey, there. Fancy running in to you."

Wolf nods, and assures, "I will keep to myself and observe this specimen. I will be careful not to hinder your own investigation."

"No need to be so formal," Andrea insists.

The science loving redhead rubs his chin and replies, "This is how I always conduct myself."

"Yeah, I suppose it is," Andrea replies. She looks down at the ground. "What happened earlier today was scary, and you really came through."

Wolf replies, "I was scared, too. But I simply had knowledge that was crucial to the situation, and was necessary to implement. It doesn’t make me more special than anyone else."

"If nothing else," Andrea begins, "I wanted to apologize. I was harsh yesterday. You’re not a bad guy, I just... have been burned before."

"I know how to make an excellent salve," Wolf replies.

Andrea states, "No. I didn’t mean that literally, I meant..."

Wolf explains, as stoically as always, "I knew what you meant. Just a little science humor."

"Oh," Andrea responds with a blink. "That’s actually pretty funny." Andrea puts a hand on her opposite shoulder. "I was curious if you’d still like to assist me in investigating supernatural activity on this island."

Wolf thinks for a moment. He replies, "I accept your proposal. I should be clear that my intention, however, is to prove that this so called 'supernatural' mumbo jumbo is nothing but a farce, and to get to the perfectly scientific explanation behind your misguided suspicions."

Andrea blinks for a moment. "I’ll take it," Andrea states with her hand outstretched. Wolf responds by shaking her hand.

Tiffany is shown in her shared cabin with Kirika. She cries into her pillow. Kirika looks over. She looks hesitant. She takes a deep breath and asks, "Um, is everything okay?"

"Obviously, it isn’t!" Tiffany yells between sobs.

Kirika winces. She replies, "Let me know if there’s anything I can do for you."

Tiffany continues crying. "You have no idea what I’m feeling. You have no idea how it feels to be so alone."

Kirika places her hand on the back of her neck. She begins, "Uh, actually, I..."

Tiffany yells, "Just leave me alone!" Kirika nods, sits down on her bed, and quietly looks through a book.

The scene changes back to Wolf and Andrea as Andrea leads the way to the vault she had discovered. Wolf has his hand to his chin. He states, "Fascinating. What is it?"

Andrea shakes her head. "I was unable to open it." She holds up a journal. She explains, "I received this from Jack. It chronicles his discoveries and exploits on the island. It doesn’t mention anything about this."

"I see," Wolf replies, as he straightens his glasses.

"So," Andrea continues, "do you think you can use your massive bulk to open it?"

Wolf raises an eyebrow. "The book?" he asks. Andrea slaps her forehead, as she points at the vault handle. "I was being facetious."

Andrea looks to the side and says, "I knew that."

The junior scientist approaches the handle. He pulls out a magnifying glass and closely observes it, while making 'hmm' sounds.

"Well?" Andrea asks. "Just use your muscles to open the stupid thing."

Wolf shakes his head. "Why expend that sort of energy when science can solve the problem for you?" He pulls a spray bottle from his lab coat jacket. "A rust remover using hydrochloric acid as its base."

"And you just carry that around with you?" Andrea asks, with a furrowed brow.

"The greatest scientists are prepared for anything," Wolf answers. He next pulls face masks and gloves from his lab coat and hands a set of each to Andrea.

Andrea nods. She states, "And here I suspected you of being a science experiment involving a reanimated corpse. You have my respect." Andrea places the mask over her mouth, and begins to put the gloves on.

"You thought I was a what now?" Wolf asks.

"Moving on," Andrea states. Wolf shrugs his shoulders and begins spraying the handle with the solution.

The following scene shows Orlando walking up to Jasmine, as he holds a clipboard. The small dark skinned girl standing outside The Cool Cats guys' window. He states, "Oh, hi. I was looking for you. Would you like to sign my petition to help emphasize the importance of signing petitions?" He pauses for a moment as he observes Jasmine standing on her toes to get a better view. "What are you doing out here?"

Jasmine rolls her eyes. "That’s my business."

Orlando blinks. He states, "Oh, so you’re in the spy business." She looks at him with a bewildered look. "You can be whatever you want to be. Don’t let the cishet man keep you down!"

Jasmine continues to stare at him. "What are you, then?"

"An ally," Orlando assures, with a raised fist.

Jasmine thinks for a moment. "As an ally," Jasmine begins with a smirk, "you're gonna help me by giving me a boost to look through this window, right? They don’t have a rock to stand on, like the girls' cabin."

Orlando smiles wide. "Of course. I’d be more than happy to help." Orlando gets on one knee and folds his hands. Jasmine begins to step on his hands. He swiftly moves his hands as he says, "Wait. I feel you're testing me to see whether or not I feel that you don’t need a man's help." Jasmine falls face first on the ground.

Jasmine looks upset. She says, "Can’t you do anything right? You’re always letting your attempts at social justice get in the way."

Orlando has a raised eyebrow. He asks, "So... Did I pass?"

Jasmine folds her arms and grunts, "Just get on your hands and knees." Orlando does so without question. Jasmine peers inside as she gasps.

Orlando inquires, "What's going on?"

Jasmine shakes her head. She adds, "It’s worse than I thought! The others guys are beating my baby bro up!" Max has his arms wrapped around Naveen's arms, as Gabe jumps off a bunk bed and knocks them all to the floor.

The camera turns to show that the guys are all laughing as they roughhouse.

Jasmine jumps off of Orlando's back and begins to rush toward the crew building. She worriedly states, "We have to go get Jack to put a stop to this."

Orlando reaches out and grabs Jasmine's hand. She comes to a stop. He states, "Jasmine... You have to let go."

"You’re the one holding my hand!" Jasmine barks.

Orlando blushes as he lets go of Jasmine, and holds his hands up. He insists, "I wasn’t making any unwanted advances. I’m so sorry if I gave that impression. I'll go report myself, right now."

Jasmine rolls her eyes. She asks, "Why did you stop me?"

Orlando places a hand at the back of his head, after standing. He looks to the side, and explains, "I know what real fighting looks like. They're just playing."

"What do you know about fighting, Koombaya?" Jasmine asks, as she rolls her eyes, again. She points at him and threatens, "Don't be getting in the way of my protecting my baby brother. And don’t be telling me what to do, Mr. High and Mighty. You're the most prejudiced person I’ve  ever met." Orlando's eyes get wide. "Always spouting out stereotypes in the name of denouncing said stereotypes just to make yourself look better."

"It's not like that," Orlando insists.

"Please," Jasmine replies. "I can read you like a book." She eyes Orlando up and down. "You’re so shallow, you're more like a pamphlet."

Orlando uncomfortably laughs. He responds, "Nice one." He holds out his hand in a thumbs up.

"Whatever. You made me forget what I was doing," Jasmine says before she heads back to her cabin.

Orlando holds up his clipboard and calls out, "My petition!" He stares for about ten seconds, looks down, and sighs.

Andrea and Wolf are standing beside the handle, now free of rust. Andrea looks at her accomplice. She states, "Well?"

Wolf looks back at her, his glasses having slid to the tip of his large nose. He responds, "This was your discovery. I believe it’s only appropriate for you to do the honors."

Andrea nods and turns the handle. As it stops turning, Andrea pulls the handle up, and she successfully lifts the door. She gazes down as Wolf joins her in looking down  the metallic shaft. Wolf looks over at Andrea and gestures toward a ladder. He asks, "Care to do the honors."

Andrea slaps her forehead. She admits, "I forgot my flashlight at the cabin. Let me go grab it."

Wolf shakes his head. "No need," he replies. He pulls out a vial full of a bright green liquid, and drinks it. "In a matter of moments, this fluid will enter my bloodstream and make me glow brighter than the brightest light bulb."

Andrea's eye are wide. She says in concern, "Is that even safe?"

Wolf assures, "There have been no reported side effects."

"That’s good," Andrea replies.

"Of course," Wolf adds, "this is the first time anyone has consumed it." Wolf's skin begins glowing white.

Andrea exclaims, "It's working."

Wolf adjusts his glasses. "There was nary a doubt," Wolf responds. He begins removing his lab coat and shirt.

Andrea rolls her eyes and asks, "Can't you make it through an episode whilst keeping your shirt on?"

Wolf begins climbing down the ladder, as he states, "If you would prefer a dimmer luminary, I would be more than happy to..."

"No, no," Andrea insists. "It's fine. You aren’t my type, anyway."

Andrea begins climbing down the ladder after Wolf. He calls out, "It may be wise not to look directly at me until the effects die down."

"Roger," Andrea answers.

"Wolf," Wolf replies, as they continue to climb down. "I never liked that name. You can refer to me by my surname. It's Scaulder. It's what I intend to name my greatest discoveries after."

As Wolf steps off of the ladder, and his shoes clank the metal of the floor beneath them, Andrea states, "Call me, Mully. Short for my last name. I never really identified with the name, 'Andrea'."

"Curious," Wolf states, with his hand to his chin. Andrea joins him, as she too takes in her surroundings, a basic living space decorated with fairly well preserved posters.

"It appears to be some sort of bunker," Andrea observes.

"What's with these images of young men dressed in all white in the rain?" Wolf looks closely at said poster.

Andrea scratches her head. She explains, "I believe it to be a primitive boy band. My grandma liked them. They were called the Back Alley Bros, or N\*SYNGERS, or some such nonsense."

Wolf shrugs and states, "The world has come a long way when it comes to music. I myself prefer the digital musings of an electrocardiogram."

Andrea blinks, but ignores the comment. She states, "This would suggest that someone lived here within the last twenty years or so, though these kinds of shelters were normally built over half a century ago." She continues to look around the light grey room.

Wolf emerges from a doorway and reports, "Nothing in there besides a small bedroom and restroom."

Andrea looks behind some of the old posters. "Nothing interesting here, either," she adds. Wolf walks forward and proceeds to trip over a rug, but regains his footing, quickly. Wolf states, "There’s something under here."

Andrea approaches and kneels next to the edge of the rug. Wolf helps her roll it back, and the pair discover what appears to be a trapdoor beneath the rug. Andrea shields her eyes as she faces Wolf's direction. They nod as Andrea opens the secret door. Andrea states, as she looks inside, "It appears to be a hidden storage space, like a safe." She pulls out a book. "It looks like another journal." She hands the faded red journal to Wolf, as she continues to rummage through the space. She next removes a doll with red hair. She smirks toward Wolf and says, "It's your twin."

"I’m not that sickeningly cute," Wolf replies.

Andrea nods. "You're right," she answers, as she passes it to him. She reaches for another item. "This looks like it’s more up your alley." She hands Wolf a bottle filled with a purple liquid. He studies it carefully before placing it in his pants pocket. Andrea puts her hands on her legs as she states, "That looks like everything of note. There’s some pins and needles, presumably for sewing..." She points at the doll placed in Wolf's other pocket. "A blue diamond necklace, and some other odds and ends. Nothing we really need to bring with us." She is fixated at the doll and then looks at Wolf.

The muscular science nerd admits, "I’ve already named the little guy."

Andrea rolls her eyes. "It looks like your body light is wearing off. We best return to the surface." Wolf looks confused, but nods his head in agreement. The duo make their way out of the bunker. Once outside, Wolf puts his lab coat and shirt back on. Andrea states, "That mixture of yours is remarkable. You could make a fortune with the formula."

"Formula for what, again?" He holds up the purple liquid they found in the bunker.

"Not that," Andrea replies. "The liquid that made your skin glow, Scaulder. Surely you..." Wolf looks back at her with a blank stare. Andrea looks to the side. "I think I found your side effect. You don’t seem to remember anything dealing with that miracle concoction."

Wolf replies, "Not true. I also don’t remember why I shed my clothing." He scratches his chin. The teens make there way back to their cabins.

"Other than that, this seemed to be a successful venture," Andrea assures. She looks at Wolf. "By the way, I told you to call me 'Mully'." Wolf nods. Andrea waves at Wolf as she heads to her cabin. "Thanks for joining me in our little excursion."

"I don’t remember much about tonight, but I’m sure this will be the beginning of a most intriguing partnership," Wolf states. Wolf holds up the bottle containing the purple fluid, as well as the doll. "What should I do with these?"

Andrea answers, "You can keep them. I’m sure you know what to do with them." Wolf shrugs, and accidentally drops the doll.

Orlando walks out in his pajama bottoms. He bends down to pick the doll up. As he stands up he states, "The little cutie got some mud on them." He licks his thumb and proceeds to wipe the doll's hair with it. "Good as new." He holds up a thumb. Orlando turns toward Andrea and waves. "Hey, have a good night!"

"He and I are just friends!" Andrea insists, before quickly entering her cabin.

Orlando and Wolf blink as they look after her. Orlando assures Wolf, "No judgment on my end. Two people can be friends without any romantic overtones..." he pauses. "Or undertones. Whichever." Orlando stretches. "Hey, man. I think we should call it a night." He grasps Wolf's hand to lead him inside. He states as he draws attention to their hand holding, "See how confident I am in my sexuality?"

Wolf blinks at him. He asks, "Who are you, again?"

Orlando laughs. "You're hilarious, Wolfenstein."

The following morning, The Chilly Dogs guys are woken up by a loud crashing noise. The doll that Wolf and Andrea found falls from the nightstand he had placed it upon, and out the window. Wolf and Declan sit up, as Orlando falls from his bed and onto the floor. "What's going on?" Orlando asks, as he rubs his lower back.

A beeping signal is heard as Jack backs up, driving a golf cart decorated with a banner with the words 'Party Bus' printed on it. He apologizes, "Sorry, fellas. I accidentally drove into your building." The host let’s out a laugh. "I hope I didn’t wake you."

"Oh, no," Declan sarcastically states. "Having our roof threaten to cave in on us is like white noise to me."

"Hey, that’s great!" Jack replies, with a wide smile. "I’m currently working on setting up your next challenge, but it’ll take a bit longer, yet. Feel free to sleep in."

Declan responds, "If only you could smash into our building, again. That would really lull us back to sleep."

Jack nods, drives off, and the guys hear and feel another loud crash. Jack yells out, "You're welcome!" The loud sounds of the construction process is heard not too far away.

Later on, the contestants are gathered for the challenge, already dressed in their costumes for the challenge. Declan has his arms folded, as he protests, "Are we ever going to see a challenge without these awful costumes?" He points at his pants. "Look at the hem."

Orlando insists, "I’m sure the crew worked tirelessly on these."

Jack nods and says, "Not exactly. They got them from a costume warehouse's going out of business sale.” Jack gestures toward two large structures next to him. "Allow me to introduce you to the theme of this challenge. The escape room!" Several contestants sound excited.

Max places a hand on Kirika's shoulder, and excitedly states, "With Kirika on our team, we've got this!"

Jasmine looks on with a raised eyebrow. She quietly states, "I thought they couldn’t stand that girl."

"What was that now?" Suzy asks, "You're mumbling." Suzy clicks her tongue disapprovingly. Jasmine ignores the comment.

Jack states, "Each of you are dressed as legendary icons to the mystery genre. We have Suzy as wealthy widow, Mrs. Peahen." Suzy fans herself with a fan decorated like peacock feathers, dressed in an elegant blue gown. "Next is Orlando as Dr. Prune, the brainy, violet clad gentleman." Orlando blows into a bubble pipe, wearing horn rimmed glasses, and a very purple three piece suit. "Andrea is up next as the suspicious maid with something off about her. It's Mrs. Off-White." Andrea rests her head on her hand, looking generally bored. "Introducing Jasmine as the sneaky temptress, Lady Crimson." Jasmine flicks her hair with a red gloved hand, wearing a long red dress. "Mr. Lime, the secretive businessman, as portrayed by Wolf." Wolf fidgets with his cuff links at the end of his green sleeves. "Next is Yolanda as the sweet, southern belle, Miss Apricot." Yolanda tugs at the strap of her apricot colored ensemble, and leans on a lacy umbrella with her other arm. "Finally, we have Declan as the distinguished veteran, Admiral Barbecue Sauce."

Declan, complete with maroon suit, military medals, and monocle, states, "Do these characterizations have any pertinence to the challenge?"

Jack puts a finger to his chin. He states, "I guess not. But they look cool."

Orlando nudges Declan, and states, "Come on. It’s all in the name of fun." Declan looks at Orlando, still blowing on his bubble pipe, gives off a slight smile, before clearing his throat and returning to his typical serious demeanor.

Jack gestures toward the opposing team, and states, "And in this corner, we have our beloved, mystery solving, meddling teenagers. Tiffany as the beautiful, wealthy, klutz... Tiff'ny." Tiffany rolls her eyes, dressed in a bright green dress, purple scarf, and green headband. "Next up we have Max as the handsome leader of the group, Teddy." Max pulls on his white ascot. The rest of his costume consisting of a blue sweater and tight jeans. "Now for the brains of the operation, Kirika as Thelma." Kirika adjusts her glasses, which are thicker than usual, in her oversized maroon turtleneck, and orange pleated skirt. "Naveen will represent the beloved hippie with a serious case of the munchies, Scraggly." Naveen gives a peace sign, in his loose red t-shirt, and brown bell bottoms. "Last, but not least, is Gabe as everyone's favorite canine companion with the miraculous gift of speech, Ooby Doof."

Gabe, with his arms folded, complains, "Why am I the doggo, and not Naveen? Everyone knows I look exactly like Scraggly."

Gabe glares at Naveen jealously, as Jasmine observes. Orlando looks down at Jasmine. Jack continues, "Each team will enter their designated escape room. Once inside, you will need to work as a team to solve the mystery of the room faster than your opponents. The first team to exit their room will be the winners. The losers will be required to vote out a team member." The host turns toward The Chilly Dogs. "Since you have two extra team members, you will need to sit two of them out."

The team huddles together. Declan states, "We're obviously putting myself, Andrea, Wolf, and Yolanda in there. The trick is picking who our fifth is."

Jasmine looks over at Naveen. She states, "I want to do it."

Orlando looks down at Jasmine, and follows her gaze to her brother. He states, "Uh, I just sat out of the last challenge. I don’t think it’d be in the interest of fairness for me to sit out two in a row."

Yolanda looks at Suzy, "What about you?"

Suzy shrugs, fans herself, and responds, "I have no problem sitting this one out."

Declan looks at Orlando and states, "Look, buddy. You know I wouldn’t lie to you. You aren’t the right person for the job."

Orlando looks down at Jasmine. He nervously states, "You can’t put Jasmine in this challenge." Jasmine glares at Orlando.

Suzy states, "Orlando. I don’t know what you’re thinking. Jasmine is good at challenges."

Yolanda has an eyebrow raised. She asks, "This wouldn’t have anything to do with her stature, would it?"

Orlando's eyes are wide. He insists, "No. It has nothing to do with that. You know I completely respect everyone here as equals."

"Or so you would like us to believe," Suzy states.

Declan places a hand on Orlando's shoulder. He states, "Orlando, bud. This is the perfect opportunity for you to prove that you don’t think you’re better than anyone else. That is your philosophy, right?"

Orlando puts a hand at the back of his neck. He looks at Jasmine, who averts his gaze, and then he says, "I'll sit this one out, too..."

Declan slaps Orlando on the back. He admits, "I wasn’t sure about you at first, but after our talk last night, you're not a bad guy, at all. Thanks for taking one for the team." Orlando forces a smile.

Jack states, "The puzzle solving will commence as soon as each team enters their escape room, so be prepared." The competing contestants nod. "Both teams may now enter their escape rooms." Crew members lead the teens to their escape rooms and open the entrances for them. After they are all inside, the crew members secure the doors to ensure that they cannot leave through them.

Suzy asks Jack, "After last challenge, are they going to be safe in there?"

Jack nods and explains, "The crew is watching via closed circuit tv. Plus, we took precautions to ensure that each room is extra safe."

Inside The Chilly Dogs escape room, Declan pokes at an edge guard applied to a desk. "You have to be kidding me," he states.

Yolanda studies the room, decorated to resemble a study. It contains bookshelves, the aforementioned desk, chairs, an ornate rug, and other furniture common to a vintage study. Yolanda suggests, "Keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary."

Andrea begins examining the bookshelves. She states, "There’s always something hidden in bookshelves." She attempts to pull out a book, but it doesn’t move. She observes, "Most of these books are fake, anyway."

"Good thinking," Declan states, as he rummages through the desk drawers.

Jasmine looks around the room. She gets bumped by another contestant, and stumbles backwards. She angrily glares, before realizing that she was hit by Wolf's butt as he has his upper body covered by the rug on the floor. Wolf calls out, "My apologies to whoever that was. My glutes have a mind of their own."

Jasmine states, with a shake of her head, "I’m not going to bother to ask whether or not he’s being literal." Jasmine heads to a chair on the side. "I’m gonna take a seat, and stay out of all of y'all's way."

"That’s probably for the best," Declan replies, as he shimmies on his back to look under the desk.

In The Cool Cats' escape room, which has an amusement park aesthetic, Max twirls his ascot around his finger. He states, "I think we should split up to look for clues."

Naveen walks up to a popcorn machine toward the side of the room. He states, "I don’t know about you, man, but I could go for a snack."

Gabe laughs and says, "Way to stay in character, dude." Naveen frowns. Gabe continues, "Reck me rout. Rooby rooby roof!"

Tiffany puts her hands on her hips. She glares to the side and says, "I can’t believe I dated you losers."

Gabe responds in an annoyed tone, "We're the ones who regret dating you."

Max puts a hand on Gabe’s shoulder. He states, "She's not worth it, bro." He turns his attention to Kirika, who is analyzing a skill game set up, requiring the players to use a water gun to shoot water into prop clown faces, that causes the nose to blow up like a balloon.

Kirika explains, "I believe there might be something good that happens if we play this. I mean, I’ve never been to an amusement park, but I’ve seen games like this in the movies."

"You’ve never been to an amusement park?" Max asks, with a surprised look. "We are definitely going to change that when the show is over."

"It's a date," Kirika replies with a smile. Her face turns red immediately. "What I mean by that is..."

Max laughs gently. He assures, "I know what you meant." He smiles. "It’s a date." Kirika continues to blush, as Tiffany groans.

Gabe looks over at Tiffany. He asks, "Guys, why even try at this challenge? We all know who we're voting out.”

Max answers, "Let's not stoop to her level."

Tiffany grabs a plastic ring and throws it toward Max as she states, "Her level? You have a lot of..." The ring misses Max, who ducks out of the way, and lands perfectly around the neck of a soda bottle near the concession area of the room. Naveen looks on with wide eyes as he eats popcorn from a bag. Lights begin flashing as music reminiscent of a circus begins playing. The teens look around at the commotion.

"Is that it?" Max asks. "Did we solve it?"

Tiffany states with a grin, as she leans against a funhouse mirror, "You have me to thank." The mirror behind her pops open to reveal a secret passage. "You can begin groveling, noooooow!" Tiffany falls inside of it, the surprise evident on her well made up face. The secret passage closes as soon as she falls behind it.

"Nice!" Naveen exclaims, as he and Gabe high five. Naveen frowns for a moment. He looks at Gabe. "Do you think we should rescue her?" Both boys start laughing hysterically.

Gabe wipes a tear from his eye, as he says, "Oh, that's rich!"

Max directs, "Guys, we're still on a time crunch, so let’s help Kirika with that water gun, clown nose thing." The guys nod before taking seats next to Max and Kirika.

In The Chilly Dogs' escape room, Andrea is looking through the one real book. "The pages are blank," she states.

"Perhaps there are indentations that a lead pencil could reveal, a heat source or maybe a black light might reveal words," Wolf suggests, from under the rug.

"Solid idea," Declan responds. He takes hold of a banker's lamp on the desk.

"That’s not a black light," Yolanda points out.

Wolf adjusts his glasses, as he pokes his head out from under the rug. He explains, "That would work as the heat source. Anything much warmer than a light bulb wouldn’t accomplish anything beneficial." Declan smirks at Yolanda, who just shrugs.

Andrea places the blank book on the desk, as Declan holds the lamp close to the pages. Everyone besides Jasmine leans over the book to see what it reveals. Andrea reads slowly as the words appear, "Taking a load off will show you where you need to go to." She looks up. "What could that possibly mean?" Wolf and Declan have look at her blankly.

Yolanda places a hand on her forehead. "You have to be kidding me right now." She points toward the chairs, one of which Jasmine is sitting on. Andrea, Wolf, and Declan all say 'oh' in unison.

Yolanda sits on a leather armchair next to Jasmine. She looks forward and sees that the books in the bookshelf either have brown or dark red covers. Her mouth drops open. “How did we miss this?” she asks. The others stand beside her, as Jasmine whistles innocently. She points at the shelves. The red books form an arrow pointing at the blank wall next to them. Declan slaps his forehead.

Jasmine laughs uncomfortably and states, "Oops. My bad."

Declan assures, "No one blames you for this. I mean, we all missed it." Declan walks forward and begins feeling the wall, as the other contestants huddle beside him. "There’s something behind here."

"Is it the exit?" Jasmine asks.

Declan replies, "I’m not sure. Someone grab me that dagger on the desk, please."

Yolanda asks, "You mean this letter opener?"

Declan nods and states, "Sure, whatever." Yolanda hands him the letter opener, and he uses it to slice through the wallpaper with ease. "This thing is a kiddied down attempt at a blade." He examines the object behind the wallpaper. "It was a handle to what appears to be a door."

Andrea states, "Cut along the edges." Declan nods and complies. He then pulls on the handle, and the door opens. Everyone looks on with wide eyes.

Declan is the first to step through. He rubs the bridge of his nose and groans, "It's another room." The other contestants sigh, as Jasmine can’t help but smile. Declan looks at her and asks, "What are you smiling at?"

Jasmine laughs nervously, and states, "This is so much fun." The others nod.

They look around the room, which holds a refrigerator, stove, cupboard, island, and black and white tile flooring. Wolf observes, "It appears to be some sort of a kitchen."

Declan looks over at him and states, "What told you that, genius?" Wolf points at the kitchen appliances, as Declan simply shakes his head.

The Cool Cats, minus Tiffany, are shooting their water guns at the clown faces. As the noses all balloon up, a buzzing noise is heard, and red lights flash. Naveen looks around and states, "Well, that was a bust."

"There has to be something to this game," Kirika assures. She sighs. "I just don’t know what it is." The teens ignore the banging from the other side of the mirror.

"Let’s move on to something else," Max suggests.

"Check out this weird music box thingie," Gabe states, as he points at it with his thumb.

Kirika puts hand on her glasses as she looks at the device closely. She observes, "It’s  a street organ. Performers would use a crank to grind the organ, and it would make music."

Gabe's eyes shoot wide open as he stifles a laugh. He asks, "I’m sorry, what would they do to it?"

Kirika repeats in a confused tone, "They would grind the organ."

Gabe bursts out laughing. Kirika looks at him with a confused look. Max pushes him aside, and he falls to the ground, as he states, "Grow up, dude."

On the floor, decorated to look like dirt, Gabe wipes the tears from his eyes. He states, "Sorry, man. I'm intensely immature." He reaches up and grabs hold of a mallet in order to help him back to his feet. It falls, causing him to lose his balance, and fall. He hits his head on the strength test, causing the weight to fly up and hit the bell. Bells and whistles go off, indicating some sort of a positive result.

"Good going, Gabe!" Naveen cheers. The bell being rung causes the funhouse mirror to turn back open, as Tiffany angrily walks out. Naveen groans, and states, "Good going, Gabe..."

Kirika and Max look at the commotion momentarily and then turn their attention back to the street organ. Kirika observes, "It’s missing a crank, though." Tiffany narrows her eyes as she looks at the two, and looks away from them in an annoyed manner.

Gabe stands back up and states, "I think hitting my head, again, has cured me! Quick! Somebody ask me something."

"Who's your most embarrassing celebrity crush?" Naveen asks.

"That rabbit from the battery commercials," Gabe replies. His teammates look at him in surprise. His face turns red. He lets out a sigh. "I guess that being cured thing was a false alarm, like when I pulled the fire alarm in junior high." The others continue to stare at him. He rubs the back of his head, and accidentally hits Kirika with his elbow, causing her glasses to fling to the floor.

Jack, Orlando, and Suzy are standing outside of the escape rooms. Suzy looks at Jack and asks, "Are they nearly done?"

Jack shrugs. He replies, "The excitement is the not knowing." He smiles wide.

Suzy looks at the host, and then away, looking unimpressed. "Whatever you say."

Orlando states, "I hope they're doing okay in there."

"Just try and relax," Suzy states. "There's nothing we can do by worrying."

"I know..." Orlando replies. He pouts a little. "I just wish I had insisted on competing." Suzy rolls her eyes.

Inside the kitchen inspired portion of The Chilly Dogs' escape room, Wolf holds up a tea kettle and looks under it. Andrea looks through the refrigerator, and its contents. Jasmine stands in the middle of the floor. Declan looks up at a ceiling fan, and next over at Wolf. He requests, "Hey Wolf, come lift me up. There’s probably a secret message on the fan blades, so I want to inspect it."

"Not gonna happen," Wolf protests. "I don’t want to be misused as a grunt."

Declan folds his arms. "Fine. I'll do it."

"Do what now?" Wolf asks.

"I’ll lift you up," Declan states. Declan squats and pats his thighs. "Come on. I’m stronger than I look. I’m probably the strongest one here. I forgot about Suzy." Declan pauses. "Definitely the strongest guy here." Wolf shrugs.

Time advances to show Declan holding up Wolf, his arms around his knees, and face turned sideways at Wolf's butt. Wolf inspects the ceiling fan, which he holds still. Declan calls up, short of breath, "Are you... almost... done up there? Not that... I can’t... handle... more of this..."

Wolf takes his time in inspecting the fan. "There’s nothing out of the ordinary. You may put me down any..." Declan loses his footing, and begins stepping backwards, then forward, and then back, again, all while holding Wolf. The girls rush out of the way. Wolf grabs hold of the ceiling fan, as Declan falls to the floor on his back.

Yolanda looks down at Declan. She asks, "Everything okay?"

"I’m okay," Declan states. "I know how to fall like a champ. I think the monocle dug into my eyelid slightly." The stern teen has one eye closed, the other eye still monocled, as he turns to his knees and hands. "I lost a contact lens. Help me find it." He crawls around the floor in his search, as Wolf leaps down from the ceiling fan. Declan shouts, "Be careful!"

In The Cool Cats escape room, Kirika is crawling along the ground on her hands and knees. "My glasses! I can’t see anything with out my glasses!"

"Everyone!" Max directs. "Stop everything and help Kirika find her glasses."

Tiffany frowns and looks down at the ground and sees Kirika's glasses at her feet. She smirks and kicks the glasses underneath the carnival game booth. "Wherever could they be?" Tiffany states sweetly. She watches as the guys scurry around the floor in an effort to help Kirika. She then angrily glares at Kirika.

Back in The Chilly Dogs escape room, Wolf calls out, "I think I found your contact lens."

"Good work, Wolf," Declan states.

Wolf blinks. He asks, "Was that a compliment?"

"From Declan?" Andrea adds.

Declan shrugs and explains, "Compliments flow freely when I benefit from something." He wipes off his contact lens, turns away, and places it back on his eye. He turns back and looks down at the floor. "Team! I found something!" The others gather around him. He taps on his forehead. "Ironically, previously covered by where Jasmine was standing..." Jasmine looks away and whistles innocently, again. "Take a look at these four tiles." The others look down.

"They're the opposite from the pattern on the rest of the floor," Andrea states.

"Duh," Declan replies. Andrea glares at him. He uses his fingernails to pull a tile from the floor. Declan continues to pull the other loose tiles and arranges and places them upside down, forming an image. He claps once.

"What does it mean?" Andrea asks.

Declan shrugs. "I feel like I’ve done my part," he responds.

"Real cute," Yolanda states, as she looks toward Declan.

Wolf analyzes the image. He speculates, "It appears to be a refrigerator with a knife sticking out of it."

Andrea, Declan, and Yolanda look at each other. They all say at once, "The letter opener from before."

Yolanda looks at Declan and asks, "What did you do with it?"

Declan explains, "I set it on the desk in the other room." He and Yolanda rush back into the study portion of the escape room, as the others stay behind.

Wolf says, with a hand to his chin, "It's strange."

"What's strange?" Andrea asks.

Wolf points to the image. "The depicted refrigerator is white."

"So?" Andrea asks.

Wolf next points to the refrigerator in the room. "The refrigerator in the room is black."

Andrea states, "Just an oversight? Although, the letter opener is detailed like the actual one." Andrea thinks momentarily. Her eyes light up. "I figured it out! I need to be the one to unlock the door."

"Care to elucidate?" Wolf asks.

Andrea explains, "The refrigerator in the image isn't white, it's off white." Andrea points to her costume. "I’m Mrs. Off-White."

"I’m still not following..." Wolf replies, with a blank expression.

The Cool Cats recover Kirika's glasses for her. Gabe states, "I found them, I should get to put them back on her face."

"That's okay," Kirika insists. "I can do it myself." Kirika looks at Tiffany. "I don’t know how you handled all this attention."

Tiffany rolls her eyes. "Who gave you permission to talk to me?"

"There’s no time for that, Tiffany," Max comments. "We need to find the crank for the street organ."

Tiffany smiles and reveals the crank in her hand. "You mean this?"

Max replies, "I can’t believe you found it!"

Tiffany puts a hand to her chest. She facetiously states, "No need to thank me."

Max takes the crank from Tiffany, hands it to Kirika, and says, "Why don’t you do the honors?" Kirika nods and begins turning the crank. A song begins to play.

Tiffany puts her hands on her hips. "Why isn’t anyone thanking me?" Her comment goes ignored. "At the very least, don’t you want to know how I found it?" The others continue to ignore Tiffany.

Naveen looks bewildered and asks, "It’s just a song? Nothing's happening."

"I got it!" Kirika states. "The song has one quick note, then a pause, three quicks notes, then a pause, two quick notes, and a pause, and finally four quick notes." She points at the carnival game. "That’s the order we need to fill the balloons. 1, 3, 2, 4."

"Kirika, you’re a genius!" Naveen states. Gabe, Max, Naveen, and Kirika sit on the stools and aim their water guns and fire in the order suggested by the street organ. As they finish, lights start flashing, and circus music begins playing. Max, Naveen, and Gabe crowd around and hug Kirika. She looks embarrassed as they cheer. Tiffany has her hands on her hips, again. She looks to the side, as a bare wall begins to shift open. The others stop praising Kirika in order to look at the wall.

Gabe asks, "Did we do it? Is it over?"

A fog machine produces a mist that obscure the doorway. The contestants smile, as the mist dissipates. Their smiles quickly change to frowns as an intimidating figure emerges from the mist, with its arms extended. In a deep voice, the figure projects a threatening laugh, and cracks a whip. As the mist fades, the figure becomes more clear. It is wearing a top hat, ring master garb, has a blue complexion, and large handlebar mustache. The contestants gasp. Tiffany places a finger to her chin and comments, "I stumbled across a poster behind that mirror that warned about this fruit loop, and said that we needed to capture him in order to win." Tiffany tilts her head to the side and says, "Did I forget to mention that before?"

Max places a hand on his forehead. He states, "No. You didn’t." Naveen, Gabe, and Kirika run around in circles as they are chased by the masked figure.

On the outside of the escape rooms, Orlando taps his foot. He turns to the host and asks, "There has to be a statute of limitations to this challenge."

Jack replies, "Patience, child. It will all be over, soon."

Suzy adds, "Yeah, dude, chill out."

A door on one of the escape rooms bursts open. Max leads his team out of the escape room, pulling the masked villain behind him, tied up with his own whip. Jack laughs and raises his arms up. He announces, "The Cool Cats are the winners of the challenge!" Orlando frowns as he looks down at the ground, as a crew member opens the door to The Chilly Dogs' escape room, as they step outside.

Tiffany states, "And we couldn’t have done it without my valuable contributions."

Gabe laughs. He states, "It's funny, because you act like you weren’t the next person we were going to vote out."

Jasmine looks over at The Cool Cats with wide eyes. Max reprimands, "Gabe! Try to be civil." Gabe frowns and nods.

Jack nods his head toward the costumed figure tied up in front of The Cool Cats. The host excitedly suggests, as he taps his fingers together, "What do you say we unmask the dreaded Ring Monster?"

"Is that what we're calling it?" Naveen asks.

"Care to do the honors, Kirika?" Max suggests.

Kirika nods and stands behind the masked figure as the guys on her team, and Jack, chant 'Take it off!' She removes the mask as the others gasp. Kirika announces, "It’s Mr. Armstrong, the grief counselor."

"How did you know it was him?" Jack asks.

Mr. Armstrong asks, "Was it my raw acting ability?"

Kirika explains, "He's the only person on your crew with such alarming girth."

Mr. Armstrong blushes and says, "Thank you, young lady."

Jack states, "I thought you would have been more of a challenge for them."

"It’s really hard to see in that mask," Mr. Armstrong explains. "Anyway... I would have gotten away with it if it wasn’t for you model teens! You’re such nice kids, and each unique individuals."

Jack laughs. "He said a variation of the thing! Classic. Anywho, that means that The Cool Cats have invincibility. I will see The Chilly Dogs later on at the campfire ceremony, where one of you will be voted off the island." Jack drags Mr. Armstrong behind him, as The Cool Cats also disperse.

"What happened in there?" Suzy asks her team.

"We couldn’t find the key to the door, after Declan misplaced it," Yolanda states.

Declan responds, "Hey. In my defense, it was a dagger."

"Letter opener," Andrea corrects.

"Whatever it was," Declan responds. "I know I set it back on the desk. I’m certain of it."

Orlando asks, "Uh, how did Jasmine do?"

Yolanda scratches the back of her head. She explains, "She did fine. She mostly just stood out of the way to let us solve things." Suzy folds her arms and glares at Orlando.

Suzy shrugs and states, "I guess we better go get ready for the challenge."

As the team members disperse, Orlando stops Jasmine and states, "I didn’t want to say anything, because I have no proof." Orlando sighs. "And I don’t want to cause any unnecessary drama... I have the utmost respect for you, and the hardships you have no doubt faced in your life. All I ask is that you don’t let Declan take the blame for this. He’s my friend, I mean, you're all my friends. I just know that you would really regret it if you didn't tell the truth."

Jasmine raises an eyebrow. She asks, "What are you accusing me of?"

"Nothing," Orlando defensively assures, as he waves his arms. "I just trust in you to do the right thing." Orlando looks back at the cabins. "I guess I better get changed. Best of luck!" Orlando rushes off. Jasmine looks after him with a frown. She looks down, pulls the letter opener from the pocket of her dress, and lets out a sigh. She tosses it inside her teams' escape room, before returning to her cabin.

At the campfire ceremony, Jack announces, "In this game, the marshmallow means life." He holds up the tray of marshmallows. "The first marshmallow goes to... Andrea." Andrea catches the marshmallow. "Next is Wolf, followed by Yolanda, and then Suzy." The teens catch their marshmallows. "The next marshmallow belongs to... Declan!" Declan frowns as he catches his marshmallow. "We're down to our last marshmallow, and two players, Jasmine and Orlando." Jack holds up the last marshmallow. "It goes to..."

"Jasmine." The dark skinned girl catches the final marshmallow.

Orlando frowns momentarily, but changes it to a smile. He stands up and says, "Nice job, everyone. I will see you all later."

Declan stands up, and walks with Orlando away from the others. Orlando hugs Declan tight. Orlando states, "Thank you for looking past my personality, and being my bud, bro. I know I can be intense."

"I’m sorry it had to be you," Declan assures.

Orlando shakes his head and insists, "Don't be! I’m just glad you aren’t in this situation. I gunned for the others not to vote you out."

Declan looks aghast. He replies, "You did?"

Orlando nods. "You’re a beautiful dude, inside and out. I would have felt rotten if it was you."

"I spoke with the others, I didn’t think I was in any danger," Declan assures.

Orlando shrugs. "I guess they wouldn’t tell you that," he reasons. Orlando looks over at the Dock of Shame. "It looks like my ride is here." He hugs his friend tight, again.

Declan looks bewildered, as he watches Orlando leave. He quietly says to himself, "I just made a horrible mistake." He begins to get tearful, and finally begins sobbing into his hand.

Jack appears by himself on the dock, and states, "Well, there you have it! Another exciting episode of Total Drama. I hope to see you all again next time on an all new Total Drama: The Next Generation!"

### Chapter 9 - Feud for Thought

The blond host of Total Drama: The Next Generation, Jack, states, "Welcome to another all new episode of Total Drama: The Next Generation. On our last episode, it was a rip roaring good time, as our players fought it out in an epic couple of throwback escape rooms. The Cool Cats were victorious, as The Chilly Dogs sent Orlando packing, for his attitude toward exclusion from challenges. Something appeared to have an effect on a few of his teammates, however." The host rubs his chin. "What will happen this time on Total... Drama:... The Next Generation?"

Declan is sobbing on the dock. The rest of the remaining members of The Chilly Dogs approach him. Suzy looks at Jasmine, and Jasmine looks at Andrea and Wolf who aren’t paying attention. She then looks at Yolanda, who puts her hands in the air. Jasmine nudges her head at Declan. Yolanda sighs. She awkwardly states, "Hey... buddy. What’s the matter... exactly?"

Declan replies, between sobs, "I... betrayed... Orlando..."

Suzy rolls her eyes, and responds, "Orlando was a jerk. He treated Jasmine like garbage, I saw it with my own two eyes. He kept going on and on about how he wished he was in the challenge in her stead."

"I know he wouldn’t do that," Declan states. "That’s not part of his character. There had to be something else that was bothering him that he didn’t want to say. Something he felt he couldn’t say."

Yolanda replies, "Orlando was never one to hold back what he was thinking."

"Didn’t you vote for him, too?" Suzy asks.

Declan looks down. He answers, "I did."

Suzy shakes her head, and sighs. "So what’s the problem?"

"The problem is that I should have had more faith in him," Declan replies. "He never would have voted for me."

"None of that matters," Suzy insists. “Your personal feelings don’t change the fact that he deserves to be voted out." Suzy let’s out a sigh. "Look, I’m sorry that you're friend is gone, but I’m tired of talking about this." She gestures with her head toward Yolanda and Jasmine. "We should go." Yolanda and Suzy walk away. Yolanda looks back at Declan, for a moment.

Declan looks at Jasmine. He observes, "You were awfully quiet in all of this."

Jasmine responds, "I’m tired."

Declan looks down. "I think you know something the rest of us don’t."

"I really don’t know what you’re talking about," Jasmine assures, after she looks to the side.

"Neither do I," Declan admits. "But I hope the truth will come out"

"Look," Jasmine replies. "I should get going."

Declan frowns. "You know when things changed between Orlando and I?" Jasmine remains quiet. "He told me a little bit about himself, and why he is the way he is. Without getting into too much detail, he's dealt with some rough stuff. He and his family were victims of hate crimes. He was very judgmental and hateful, until he saw the pain his family went through."

"I didn’t know that," Jasmine replies.

"That’s why he decided to turn himself around and try so hard not to offend people, and why he tries so hard to make everyone feel appreciated," Declan explains. Jasmine looks down. "That’s why I'm positive that he meant you no harm. Sure he's sloppy with it, sometimes... all the time, but he’s not a bad person."

Jasmine looks at Declan. She states, "I appreciate your telling me. I guess I judged him wrong."

"I know it’s hard not to judge a book by its cover," Declan adds. "But everyone has a story."

Jasmine states, "I should really go."

Declan shrugs and says, "Have a good night."

Jasmine begins walking away. She pauses to say, "I’m sorry, Declan."

Wolf and Andrea are walking together near the cabins. Wolf has a hand to his chin. "Something is bothering me about that last challenge," he admits.

Andrea replies, "It hurt my pride to lose that one, too."

"It’s not that," Wolf states. "There was something strange about Declan."

"You’ve noticed it, too?" Andrea asks.

"It was his contact lenses," Wolf acknowledges. "They weren’t normal lenses. They were colored."

Andrea looks excited as she slams a fist into her open palm. "I knew it," she declares.

Wolf has a hint of an impressed expression. "You are good," Wolf says. "What does it mean?"

"What I suspected all along," Andrea responds. "Declan is a banshee."

Wolf blinks. He states, "If I laughed, I would be right now."

"Think about it," Andrea replies.

Wolf shifts his glasses up. He says, "I would rather not waste the energy."

Andrea explains as she counts on her fingers, "Banshees have red eyes, which he hides. They have red hair, which he hides. They sob uncontrollably, which he does. They wear green, which he pulls off quite well. I would go on, but I only have four fingers on that hand."

Wolf responds, "All of that is preposterous." He shakes his head. "There are no such things as banshees."

"Aren’t there, though?" Andrea replies.

"There really aren’t," Wolf insists.

Andrea goes on, "Cynthia Adderman, suburban housewife, Rochester, New York. On her way to the laundromat one fall evening, she was distracted by distant crying in the fog, and followed the sound until she saw a shadowy figure. Explain that to me."

Wolf looks back at her. "That's all?" Wolf asks. He shakes his head, again. "I’m not even going to humor that story with a response."

"I rest my case," Andrea states with a smirk, and folded arms. "You can’t even come up with a defense." Wolf stares back at her.

Jack approaches the teens and greets, "Hey, Andrea. Hey, Wolfenstein." Andrea waves back at the host. Wolf blankly stares back at him. "How’s it going? Hey! How has the exploring been going? Has my book come in handy, at all?"

Andrea states, "There is some interesting information."

"We found a location that was not in your journal," Wolf adds.

Jack's eyes light up. He asks, "Really? What was it?"

"It was some sort of a fallout shelter, or bunker," Andrea explains.

"Is it in the woods in that direction, or so?" Jack asks. Andrea nods. "I could have sworn that I wrote about that." Andrea hands him the journal, and he flips through the pages. He points at the page. "Here it is, right here." He holds up the journal.

"I fail to see how that page indicates the aforementioned location," Wolf responds.

Andrea assures, "Sure. You see... the thing... and the... other thing."

Jack replies, "Exactly." He points at a circled 'x' at the center of the page. "This here is the turny handle thing."

"Oooooooh," Wolf and Andrea react simultaneously.

Wolf adds, "It would help if it was written in French or English."

Jack insists, "Sure it’s in English." He turns the pages toward himself.  He stares at it for a moment. "I think I see a 'q'... and there’s probably a 'u' somewhere, unless I was writing about the qintar." Jack shrugs and tosses the book back to Andrea. "I never could read my own writing." The host assures, "I look forward to more of your discoveries."

Andrea states, "Before you go, I was wondering if you had any juicy information about Declan."

"Declan?" Jack asks. "He rubs the back of his head. I can’t really reveal anything about the contestants that they themselves don’t offer."

"So he has a secret," Andrea asserts, with a grin.

Jack shakes his head and states, "I never said that."

"But you admit that you implied it," Andrea responds.

"Nothing of the sort," Jack replies with a laugh.

Andrea states, "I think that’s all the info I need to prove my theory." Jack looks at Wolf, who simply shrugs his shoulders.

Jack says, "So Wolf is your new assistant, huh? He's a good choice."

Wolf looks flattered. He says, "Thank you, sir."

Jack adds, "He won’t be making any trouble for you." Jack puts his hands on his hips. "Yup. Kid is about as exciting as dry toast." Wolf glares at him.

Andrea laughs, and adds, "More like bread. Toast has far too much texture."

"Too true," Jack says with a laugh.

Wolf adjusts his glasses. He states, "Bread provides many nutrients, so I accept your compliment."

Jack smiles. "I’ll leave you kids to it. Have an adventurous evening." Jack slowly backs into the bushes.

"What's next?" Wolf asks as he turns toward Andrea.

She holds up Jack's journal. "I have a very productive idea for tonight's activities." Andrea rubs her hands together.

Max walks from the confessional. Kirika walks toward him. Max says, "Oh, hey, Kirika. How's your night going?"

"Fine," Kirika responds. "You?"

"Same," Max replies with a nod. He puts a hand on the back of his head. "Hey, I wanted to apologize, again, for the whole Tiffany situation. I don’t know what came over me."

Kirika shrugs her shoulders. She says, "You’re a hormonal teenage boy. I have a pretty good guess."

Max blushes slightly and laughs awkwardly. He replies, "Hey. I was kind of wondering if you wanted to form a sort of... team up?"

"You want to form an alliance with me?" Kirika asks, seeming somewhat surprised.

Max nods. He says, "I mean, I guess you can put it that way. I have a tendency to make some pretty dumb decisions, if you hadn’t noticed. With your brains, I would be in a far better position moving forward."

"And with your muscles..." Kirika pauses as she stares at her team member. "I mean, athleticism, and social skills, I would have to worry about those aspects of the game far less."

"So we have a deal?" Max asks.

Kirika and Max shake hands. Kirika replies, "We have a deal."

The scene switches to Andrea in her cabin. Jasmine is lying on her bed face down, while Yolanda is on night patrol. Andrea approaches Suzy. She says, "Hey there, Suz. Can I call you 'Suz'?" Suzy blankly stares at Andrea. "Hey, I was curious if you could help me with something."

Suzy squints. She states, "Do you know what time it is? It'll have to wait until tomorrow." Suzy flicks her wrist.

Andrea frowns. She thinks for a moment, and coyly looks to the side. "I figured you’d be interested in helping me with my homework." Andrea holds up the journal from Jack.

Suzy's eyes widen. She responds, "Why didn’t you say so?" She snatches the book from Andrea's hand. She shakes her head, as she looks through the pages with a wide smile. "Tsk, tsk. Your penmanship is absolutely atrocious."

Andrea asks, sounding slightly worried, "Do you think you can decipher it?"

Suzy lets out a laugh. "Oh ye of little faith," she answers. She pulls a red pen seemingly out of nowhere, and quickly begins making corrections. Her focus is intense.

Andrea asks, "Do you need anything from me? Context, or..." Andrea looks at Suzy for a few moments. "You look like you're in the zone, so I'll leave you to it."

In confessional, Andrea taps her fingers together, and says, "Excellent!" She clears her throat. "I wonder how Wolf is doing."

Wolf awkwardly looks at Declan in their shared living quarters. "So... Declan... You wear contact lenses, do you?"

Declan is brushing his teeth. He rolls his eyes. "You specifically helped me find them."

Wolf nervously nods. He replies, "I do recall that bit of information, now that I think about it." Wolf pauses. "So... you seem overly emotional at times... What's that about?"

Declan glares at Wolf, as he spits out his toothpaste in the sink. He reacts, "Are you kidding me right now?" He looks to the side. "My contacts sting my eyes, sometimes. That’s all it is."

Wolf nods and responds, "That makes total sense." He scratches the back of his red haired head. "Uh... is that your natural hair color?"

Declan glares at Wolf, again. He asks, "Dude? What’s with the third degree?"

"I just... have a lot of questions," Wolf states.

Declan replies, "Whatever. I’m going to bed." He removes his contact lenses, puts them away, and quickly covers his eyes with a blindfold. He confidently walks toward his bed. Wolf moves luggage out of the way, and then a chair to prevent Declan from walking into them. Declan smirks and says, "Like a boss." He hops into his bed, which Wolf moves so Declan lands on it. Wolf begins to walk toward his own bed. He then pauses, turns back toward Declan, and slowly begins reaching toward Declan's blindfold. Declan says, "If you don’t back away, right now, I will give you the purplest of nurples."

"I’m not sure what that means," Wolf admits, "but I will desist." Wolf slowly backs away.

Wolf is in confessional. He removes his glasses, breathes on them. Wolf pauses and realizes what he is doing. He places his foggy glasses back on his face without wiping them off. He says, "I would say that went well... if Andrea asks."

Declan is shown in confessional, next. "I couldn’t sleep a wink last night. Partly because I can’t stop thinking about how I should have stood up for Orlando, and partly because of all those questions from Wolf." Declan frowns as he looks down at the floor.

The following day, Andrea wakes up and stretches. She has a large smile on her face. Jasmine looks at her and states, "Someone's in a good mood."

Yolanda explains with a smirk, "She's got a new partner in crime."

Andrea frowns and looks to the side. "Don’t mention crime. It’s too soon." She gazes over at Suzy's bed. "Where did Suzy disappear to?"

Yolanda asks, again with a smirk, "You’re the only one who's allowed to disappear?"

Jasmine explains, "She went out to use the... confessional."

"Now that you mention it," Yolanda responds with a hair flip, "she's been gone for a while."

Andrea looks at Suzy's nightstand. "And she took the adventure journal." She looks back at Jasmine and Yolanda, who are visibly confused. "I mean... my homework. I like to call it the adventure journal from time to time." Andrea throws on her purple coat, and heads out the door without explanation. Jasmine and Yolanda look at each other.

A few moments after Andrea leaves, Suzy walks back in. Yolanda states, "Did you run into Andrea? She was looking for you."

Suzy snaps her fingers and recalls, "Andrea! I forgot all about her little homework assignment. I got distracted by the little ragamuffin." She holds up a doll with red hair.

"It’s kind of cute," Jasmine acknowledges as Suzy lets her hold the doll.

"It looks like it’s been through a lot," Yolanda states, as she blinks.

"I found him outside the guys window, so I thought I would wash it before giving it back to them," Suzy admits. Yolanda smirks. "And before you make any weird assertions, it’s only because I enjoy cleaning things."

"Nothing weird about that," Jasmine says with an eye roll. Suzy holds her hand out. Jasmine holds the doll to her chest. She states, "Aw. Can’t I keep 'im?"

Suzy smiles, shakes her head, and says, "No, silly. It doesn’t belong to you."

"But I’ve already named him," Jasmine insists. She reluctantly hands the doll back to Suzy, who takes it and taps Jasmine on the head with it.

"Now to give the little fella a bath," Suzy announces, as she steps toward the cabin sink and begins hand washing the doll.

Andrea enters the room and starts, "I didn’t find Suzy on the island."

"You scoured the entire island?" Jasmine asks, her eyebrows raised. Yolanda points Andrea toward the sink.

"Oh,” Andrea states. She awkwardly walks over to Suzy. "Hey, did you happen to finish..." She pauses and looks at what Suzy is working on. She asks, "Where did you find that?"

"It was outside the guys' cabin," Suzy explains. "It looked like it fell out the window. The poor thing looked like it had been through a stampede." The blonde looks at the dark haired girl. "Does it look familiar?"

Andrea blinks. She states, "It belongs to Wolf."

"Really?" Suzy asks. "You can give it back to him when I’m done. If you’re wondering about your homework, it’s going to take a while. I have to practically rewrite the entire thing."

"Sorry," Andrea replies, as she looks down. "If it's too much to ask..."

Suzy assures with a smirk, "I didn’t say I didn’t like it." Andrea nods and smiles.

Jack can be heard from outside speaking into a megaphone, "It’s time for your next challenge!" Andrea lets out a sigh, as she and the rest of the girls prepare to meet the host outside.

The contestants are seen standing next to Jack and a vintage game show set. Andrea leans toward Wolf and whispers, "Did you get the goods on Declan?"

"If you’re asking if I learned anything about him, the answer is no," Wolf states. "I can confirm that there is something odd about the young man."

"So you think I’m right about the whole banshee thing," Andrea asks with a twinkle in her eyes. Wolf looks away from her and rolls his eyes.

"Welcome to your next challenge," Jack states. The host is dressed in a bright, sparkling, light blue suit, and holding a long, skinny microphone. Tinny theme music plays over the loudspeakers as the players look around with bewilderment. "This time, you’ll be answering questions asked to one hundred former Total Drama contestants. You’ll be tasked with supplying the most frequently replied answers to these questions, and get points based on the popularity of said answers. A representative of each team will take a figurative stab at the answer after hitting the buzzer, and the right to play will be given the opportunity for their team to individually guess the answers on the board. Three incorrect responses will result in an 'x'. Three 'x's will result in play being turned over to the opposing team, where they have one chance to guess a remaining answer."

"So it's basically beloved gameshow property Kin Kombat?" Kirika asks, with a shift of her glasses.

Jack laughs and responds, "Exactly. The team that reaches three hundred points first will be the victors. If everyone is ready, we'll need The Chilly Dogs to sit out one team member, and then we can begin."

Declan steps forward and states, "We have decided that Yolanda will be sitting out of the challenge."

Jack nods and states, "Great, so if everyone..."

Declan interrupts, "If I may speak further."

"As much as I encourage you all to speak freely," Jack begins, with a smile on face, "we do have a challenge to get to." Declan looks at Jack with a frown. Jack sighs and replies, "Uh... Go ahead, buddy."

Declan steps further forward and turns to address the rest of the contestants. "I have something I need to get off of my chest." Declan begins to remove his contact lenses.

Gabe points at him and quietly says to his team members, "Those are clearly his eyes and not his chest, right?" Naveen nods.

"I have been lying to all of you," Declan states with a sigh.

Andrea elbows Wolf in the stomach. "Here it comes," Andrea excitedly says. Wolf looks on with wide eyes. Declan opens his eyes. "His eyes are... blue?"

Declan looks down. "My father was a competitor on this show in the past." Several contestants gasp. Some of the other competitors look at each other with confused looks.

Yolanda asks, "Why not be honest about that from the start? That was so long ago. I don’t think anyone here cares. And why does your eye color matter?"

Declan responds as he runs a hand through his hair, "People will vote you out here for any tiny reason they can, any little advantage that they perceive that you have. And the eye color might have tipped somebody off that I’m not just Korean."

Jack approaches Declan and places a hand on his shoulder. "It takes a lot of courage to open up like that."

Gabe smiles and states, "That must make me something special."

"You're something special, alright," Tiffany adds with an eye roll.

Declan rejoins his team members. Jack states, "Alrighty. With that all out of the way, we can get things rolling for the challenge."

Wolf turns toward Andrea and states, "Hey. Your instinct was right. He was hiding something." Andrea has her arms folded and looks to the side. "Well at least we can both agree that nothing paranormal is going on out here," Wolf insists.

Andrea scoffs. "If anything, it proves that there is something supernatural happening." Wolf looks back at her with a raised eyebrow. Andrea narrows her eyes. “This was just supposed to distract us from our investigation. The truth is out there, Wolf."

Wolf looks to the side and mutters, "That's not the only thing that's 'out there'." Andrea glares back at the science nerd.

The contestants are shown in position to begin the game show inspired challenge. Jack announces, "Kirika and Declan are playing first for their teams." The aforementioned teens are standing on either side of the podium that Jack is standing behind. "The first contestant to hit the buzzer after I read the question gets the chance to answer. Are you both ready?" Kirika and Declan nod. Jack clears his throat before looking down at his index card. "We polled one hundred Total Drama alumni, and asked them the following question. The top five answers are on the board. What was your favorite part of competing on Total Drama?" Kirika is first to hit the buzzer. Declan frowns and looks aside. Jack asks, "Kirika, your answer, please?"

Kirika adjusts her glasses and states, "The exotic locations."

Jack points at the answer board and repeats, "The exotic locations?" A bell chimes, and 'The Locations' appears on the board as the second most popular answer with 29 points listed next to it. Jack turns his attention toward Declan. He states, "One answer can beat it. Do you have a guess?"

Declan has his arms folded. He thinks for a moment and replies, "The friends we made along the way."

Jack points up and asks, "Is it on the board?" The bell chimes and the answer is revealed. "That's the number one answer!" Declan's team members cheer. Next to the answer, it is shown to be worth 38 points. Jack asks, "Would you rather play or pass?"

"We're going to play," Declan answers without referring to his team.

Jack nods and follows after Declan. He asks Suzy, who is standing next to Declan, "Hey, Suzy. What do you think is another correct answer?"

Suzy rubs her hands together as she thinks. She replies, "The opportunity to fix people."

Jack blinks as he looks back at the blonde girl. He says, as he points toward the answer board, "The opportunity to fix people!" A buzzer sound plays, as Suzy winces. A muscular crew member runs out holding a giant red 'X' before running back behind the curtain. Jack reminds, "That’s your first wrong answer. If you get a third X, The Cool Cats get a chance to steal." Jack steps down to Andrea, who is the next Iine. He asks, "Okay, Andrea, what do you think is on the board?"

Andrea looks confident as she responds, "The chance to explore."

Jack smiles wide upon hearing the dark haired girl's response. He excitedly pumps his fists and states, "That was my favorite part." He points at the answer board and asks, "Is it up there, though?" The bell sound chimes, again, as 'Exploring' flips around as the fifth most popular answer, worth three points. Suzy smiles as she shakes Andrea by the shoulder. The energetic host steps down toward Wolf. He asks the muscular teen, "Wolf, do you have an answer for us?"

Wolf nods and responds, "I think the typical teenager would find some sort of amusement from the challenges." He adds, "The appeal escapes me, I must say."

Jack shrugs and asks, "Is 'the challenges' on the board?" The bell chimes as 'Challenges' is revealed as the fourth most popular answer, worth thirteen points. Jack smiles and states, "Nicely done." He steps down to Jasmine and asks, "Okay, Jasmine. Do you have an answer to what the favorite part of competing on this show?"

Jasmine looks down at her teammates, and then at the other team, who are huddled together, except for Tiffany, who is standing by herself. Jasmine looks back toward Jack and guesses, "The... host?"

Jack admits, his cheeks slightly red, "I appreciate the sentiment, but this is my first time hosting." Jack points up at the board. "Is it the host?" The buzzer sounds, again, as the same muscular crew member with curly blond hair walks out carrying two red 'X's. Jack frowns and assures, "It was a solid try." He walks back down the line to Declan. "Declan, there’s one answer left on the board, and two x's. You get it right, your team gets the points. If you get it wrong, The Cool Cats get their chance to steal those points." Jack enthusiastically holds his microphone toward Declan's mouth. "What is your answer?"

Declan pushes the microphone away from his mouth. He states, "What other options are there?" The pink haired boy pauses to think.

Jack states into his microphone, "Time is running out, Declan. We need an answer."

Declan stares ahead blankly. He begins, "Uh... I..." The buzzer sounds, followed by the crew member running by with three 'X's.

"Ooh," Jack states. "I’m sorry, you ran out of time." Jack gracefully strolls toward the other team. "Now for The Chilly Dogs chance to steal!"

Declan leans forward with his head in his hands. He quietly comments, "So stupid. I couldn’t even come up with anything."

Suzy looks over at him, and slaps him on the back, causing him to jolt forward. She assures, "It’s not over, yet." Declan forces a smile and nods.

On the other side, Jack approaches as Kirika, Max, Naveen, and Gabe are huddled together. Jack states, "Okay. With one answer left on the board, this is your chance to steal. We need an answer."

The huddle disperses, as the guys clap and chant, "Good answer! Good answer!"

Jack faces Kirika, and says, "As designated challenge leader, I'll need you to give me the number three answer on behalf of your team."

Kirika nods and replies, "We're going to go with 'the money'." The guys clap and repeat 'good answer, good answer'. Tiffany rolls her eyes.

Jack nods and points up at the board. He shouts, "Is it 'the money', for the steal?" The buzzer sounds, as the 'X' carrying crew member appears, again. Jack frowns and says, "Oh, I’m sorry. That is not the correct answer. That means The Chilly Dogs get the points from round one!"

The team cheers as Suzy assures Declan, "See? You were upset over nothing."

Declan nods, slightly, and replies, "I guess." The crew member helping with the challenge arrives and flips the point cards in front of the The Chilly Dogs to show their point total of 83 points.

Jack announces, "Before we move on, let's see the third most popular answer!" The third panel turns, worth 16 points, and reads 'The Hotties/Hubba Hubba!'

Tiffany folds her arms and states in a condescending tone, "I knew that's what it was, but no one ever listens to me."

Kirika bends to look past her male team members and at Tiffany. Max insists, "Don’t pay any attention to her. She’s just making that up to get at you." Kirika shrugs and turns back toward the host.

Time elapses. Jack recaps, "The Cool Cats are leading with 293 points to The Chilly Dogs 285 points, it’s been an exciting match up. The Chilly Dogs have control of the question." Jack excitedly saunters down the line to get an answer from Wolf.

Declan sighs. "We would have won by now if I had gotten that question right in the first round."

"It ain't over," Andrea assures.

"She's right," Suzy states, with a nod of her head. She pauses momentarily. "Not about the grammar, that was atrocious. This is not the time to feel defeated."

Declan shrugs and replies, "I suppose you're right."

On The Cool Cats side of the challenge, Max, Naveen, Gabe, and Kirika are huddled together. Max states, "Okay. We're in the homestretch, and we will win this."

"No thanks to Tiffany," Gabe comments.

Naveen stifles a laugh. He responds, "That's harsh. True, but harsh."

Kirika replies, "She's had some right answers. Maybe we shouldn’t make her feel like such an outsider."

Max insists, "Maybe her own medicine is the best medicine, or however the saying goes. Don’t forget how she treated you, before."

Kirika puts a hand to her chin. "I suppose you're right." Tiffany has her arms folded, standing away from the rest of her team as she glares to the side.

On The Chilly Dogs side, Jack stands in front of Declan. The host states, "There's only one answer left on the board, and two strikes. If you don’t get this right, The Cool Cats have a chance to steal." Jack looks at Declan, who is sweating profusely. Jack adds, "Uh. Maybe it’ll help if I repeat the question." The host looks down at his index card. He asks, "Name an animal you saw on your season of Total Drama."

Andrea frowns and states, "I still can’t believe no one was brave enough to confirm their sightings of Sasquatchanakwa.”

Declan stutters as he continues to sweat, "Ddu-Du... Ddu-Du..." Jack leans in toward the visibly nervous teen. A buzzer sounds.

Jack winces and states, "Ooh! That means that time ran out before Declan could offer a coherent response." The X toting crew member makes his way through the set carrying three red X's.

Suzy looks on at the crew member and shakes her head, as she asks, "Does your mother approve of your career choice?"

Jack strolls over toward The Cool Cats and states, "Okay. This is your chance to steal. One answer left on the board. Name an animal you saw on your season of Total Drama."

The male team members and Kirika are still in their huddle. Naveen states, "Declan was obviously trying to say ‘duck', but his nerves got to him."

"I think that’s a pretty solid answer," Max assures.

Jack reiterates, "Okay, team. I need an answer."

The huddle disperses, as Kirika approaches her position. The guys clap, and chant 'duck'. Kirika opens her mouth to answer, but pauses to look over at Tiffany, who says to herself, "It's probably one of those stupid, giant, angry beavers, or whatever."

Kirika thinks for a moment. She answers, "Woolly Beaver."

Jack points up at the board and states, "Is the answer Woolly Beaver?"

Max, Naveen, and Gabe look confused. Gabe asks, "What even is that?"

The camera dramatically closes up on the unrevealed answer. A bell chimes, as the answer flips to reveal 'Woolly Beavers'. Jack announces, "The Cool Cats win invincibility!"

The guys cheer as they lift Kirika over their heads. The male team members of The Cool Cats begin to chant 'Kirika'. She looks down at Tiffany who says, "Can I go now?" She walks away without receiving confirmation.

Jack looks after the vain blonde as she walks off. He turns his attention to The Chilly Dogs, and frowns as he states, "I’m sorry, but we'll need to say goodbye to one of you. I'll see you at the campfire ceremony." The host walks off as crew members begin to disassemble the set.

Declan looks down as he leans on the podium. Yolanda assures, "I wouldn’t worry about it. I mean, we all choke sometimes.

Declan insists, "I failed the entire team. You know what you have to do. I completely understand." Declan walks away, as Yolanda, Suzy, and Jasmine look at each other.

Andrea states to Wolf, as she points, "I think I see footprints." She grabs him by the sleeve and leads him away.

Kirika takes a deep breath before entering the cabin she shares with Tiffany. She walks in and sees Tiffany holding her horse figurine, which she quickly returns to her bag as Kirika enters. Kirika comments, "Um... Nice answer out there."

Tiffany rolls her eyes and replies, "Please. You only used my answer to use as ammunition to get me voted off if it was wrong."

Kirika insists, "That’s not true. I wasn’t thinking about those beavers, but if I had seen them, they would have been pretty impossible to forget. Besides, the guys are dead set on voting you out, I didn’t need any additional excuse."

Tiffany grits her teeth and states, "Gee, thanks for sharing."

Kirika blushes, and states, "I didn’t mean for that to come out like that."

"I just want to be left alone," Tiffany requests. Kirika nods and walks toward her side of the room.

At the campfire ceremony, Andrea, Suzy, Wolf, and Yolanda are already shown holding their marshmallows. Jack states, "We have two contestants left, but only one marshmallow. The contestant that does not receive a marshmallow will need to board the Boat of Losers and exit the competition." Jasmine looks over at Declan, who has his head held down. She turns her head away from him and frowns as she looks down. Jack states, "The final marshmallow goes to..."

"Declan." Declan gets hit in the face with his marshmallow.

The pink haired boy raises an eyebrow and says in disbelief, "What, now? Even I know I deserved to get voted out."

Jasmine explains, "We all make mistakes." She looks to the side and puts a hand on her opposite elbow. "I just made more serious ones."

Declan points a thumb toward Jasmine, turns toward Yolanda and asks, "What is she talking about?"

Yolanda has her arms folded. She explains, "Jasmine admitted to sabotaging our last challenge in order to keep her brother in the game."

Declan raises both eyebrows. He asks, "She did what now?"

Jasmine nods. "Hopefully Orlando will accept my apology." She looks down. "I realized that maybe I am a little too overprotective of Naveen. He needs his own chance to prove himself." Jasmine smiles. "Besides, with all the cameras around, if anyone messes with him, I'll know exactly who will feel my wrath." She cracks her knuckles. The others looks at each other with concern. Jasmine stands and says, "Well, it looks like my time has come." She waves at her teammates and says, "Be good to each other, but especially to Veenie." The dark skinned girl makes her way to the Dock of Shame after hugging Yolanda and Suzy.

Jack appears in front of the camera and states, "Thank you for tuning in to this week's episode of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation! We'll see you on our next episode for even more drama and crazy hijinks."

### Chapter 10 - The Fake is a Lie

Jack is seen on screen with his arms stretched out, as he states in a grandiose manner, "Welcome to an all new Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!” He puts his arms down and recaps, "If you joined us last time, you would have witnessed our players subject to a gameshow themed challenge, involving guessing the most popular answer to poll questions. It was neck and neck, but Kirika trusted that the unpopular, popular girl, Tiffany, would have a good grasp on popular answers. The Cool Cats came out victorious, as The Chilly Dogs said goodbye to Jasmine after she told the truth about sabotaging a previous challenge. What will happen tonight? Who will go home?" The host assures, "That I can't answer, but I can assure you that we have tons of exciting things prepared for our contestants." Jack rubs his hands together.

Yolanda and Declan are walking together after the campfire ceremony. Yolanda asks, "So your dad..."

Declan rubs the back of his head. He replies, “Yeah. Nobody would probably remember him. He wasn’t exactly a strategic mastermind."

Yolanda assures, "I’m sure he has his positive qualities. I mean, some really weird people had fans on this show."

"He was popular, don't get me wrong," Declan responds. He looks over at his cabin. "I should call it a night. See you guys, tomorrow." The teen enters his cabin.

Yolanda looks on and comments, "He must not want to talk about it."

Suzy has her arms folded, as she walks up behind Yolanda. She adds, "I still don’t understand why we kept him over Jasmine. She was our friend. Declan is good looking, but definitely an oddball."

Yolanda slams a fist into her open palm. She insists, "What Jasmine did was not fair. Sure, it was good that she confessed, but we needed to do the right thing."

Suzy insists, "People lie and cheat in this game all of the time," she gestures toward the guys' cabin, "even Declan lied about his dad for whatever reason." Suzy sighs, but says, "If you think we can trust Declan not to betray us into the merge, then I will do my best to trust your judgment." Yolanda holds a thumb up in Suzy's direction.

Wolf and Andrea are shown walking outside. Andrea opens her messenger bag and rummages through it. She says, "I still haven’t gotten Jack's journal back from Suzy, so... Let's tie up some loose ends. Let's see..." She holds up the book from the underground bunker. She states, "We have the guide to island monsters."

Wolf replies, "You mean that novice horror fanart?"

Andrea points to a rough sketch in the book and states, "This is clearly a mummy." She turns the page. "And there is no mistaking this one for anything other than a golem."

"A what now?" Wolf asks with a raised eyebrow.

Andrea scoffs and smirks. "Mr. Know-It-All doesn't know about the Hebrew legend of clay statues come to life."

Wolf shifts his glasses and states, "My apologies. I try to focus my knowledge on things that have a probability of existence." Wolf clears his throat. "Why are you so convinced that these crude drawings are evidence of something?"

Andrea responds, "I’m glad you asked." Andrea flips through the book, and stops on a page featuring a depiction of a hairy creature. "The artist of this book has clearly witnessed the presence of Sasquatchanakwa."

Wolf fails to pay attention as he rummages through Andrea's messenger bag and pulls a piece of wood from among its contents. He holds it up and asks, "What is this exactly?"

"That?" Andrea responds. She says, "I found that when I first bonded with..." The dark haired girl looks aside. "Never mind."

Wolf focuses in on a particular point on the wood. He comments, "Are these... bite marks? This is truly fascinating. I would assert that they are from the rumored freshwater sharks native to the area, but the patterns are all wrong for shark teeth." Wolf turns his attention to Andrea. "Might we investigate the origin of this curious wonder?"

Andrea blankly stares back at Wolf. She responds, "I don’t know about tonight. I’m feeling kind of tired."

Wolf raises an eyebrow. He observes, "You don’t appear to be tired." Andrea then stretches and forces a yawn, as Wolf stares back with a confused expression.

Andrea speaks in confessional, "Why is that the one thing Wolf is interested in?" She narrows her eyes, folds her arms, and looks aside.

Wolf monotonously states in confessional, still holding the piece of wood as he examines it, "The bite marks are so clean, and not in a shape science has ever seen. We may be on the cusp of a truly remarkable discovery." Wolf straightens his tie. He states, "Pardon my lack of composure. This sort of thing truly excites me."

"So we are simply going to part ways for the evening?" Wolf asks.

Andrea shrugs and responds, "We should be well rested for tomorrow. Can't a person be responsible every now and again?"

Wolf admits, "Affirmative. I just haven’t seen it from you." Andrea glares at the muscle bound science nerd.

Andrea's eyes light up as she states, "I almost forgot." She reaches into her pocket and removes something, and holds it out to Wolf. "It's your plushie."

Wolf takes the red haired doll from Andrea and hugs it tight to his chest. He puts his arms down, clears his throat, and states, "I barely noticed the little guy was missing." The doll is suspended as it is caught between Wolf's large pectorals.

“Suzy washed him. It looked like he was hit by a truck," Andrea explains with a hand gesture.

Wolf plucks the doll from his pecs with a popping sound, and looks contemplatively at it. "Correction. It was a so-called 'party bus', if I remember correctly, which I do. It must have fallen from the window when Jack was riding by." He rubs his chin. "No matter. I’m just glad to have my little Newton back."

"You named it 'Newton'?" Andrea asks, as she stifles a laugh.

"I named mine 'Peter'," a voice adds to the conversation. It belongs to the overly honest Gabe, who is walking with Max, Naveen, and Kirika. Gabe scratches his head and asks, "Wait... what are we talking about?" Andrea points at the doll. Gabe slaps his forehead, before taking the doll from Wolf. He states, "I thought you were talking about Wolf's junk."

Max nudges Gabe with his elbow and says, "Don’t mind Gabe. He suffered some brain trauma that rendered him..."

"Totally annoying," Naveen finishes. Wolf blinks.

Gabe insists, "I’m sorry. It's just that the guy's the full package."

"I think you mean 'complete package'," Naveen comments, with a hint of a laugh.

Gabe spreads out his hand as he gestures toward Wolf's crotch and insists, "I meant what I said."

Max pinches the bridge of his nose and shuts his eyes. "Let's go, Gabe." He turns around and begins dragging Gabe by the hood of his sweatshirt. Gabe slips out of his hooded sweatshirt, and it causes him to drop Wolf's doll. Max sighs and bends down to pick it up. As he grasps it, and lifts it, the blond teen exclaims a swift, "Gah!" He drops the doll, again. "You little prick."

Gabe disapprovingly says, "Watch you mouth." Naveen covers Kirika's ears.

"You're one to talk," Max responds. He clarifies, as he carefully picks up the doll. "I think the little guy had a needle or something sticking out of him." Max sucks on his thumb, the point where the needle punctured his hand. He removes the needle from the doll and states, "You need to watch that."

"I’m so sorry," Andrea assures, as she looks panicked. "It must have been from when Suzy fixed him. She must have accidentally left it in."

Max laughs, and replies, "What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I’ll be fine. I just wouldn’t want it to happen to someone else." He turns toward his teammates and directs, "Lets go, gang."

"I don’t wanna," a shirtless Gabe states. Max frowns, puts Gabe's hoodie on him backwards, covers his face with the hood, pulls on the drawstrings, and leads Gabe from the opposing team members. Gabe flails his arms about. Max and Naveen wave at Wolf and Andrea.

Andrea sighs and states, "Those guys are wild."

Wolf looks after them, and puts a fist to his lip. He quietly says, "Fascinating."

As Max, Kirika, Naveen, and Gabe walk along. Kirika suggests, "Historically, the merge happens around now."

"Merge?" Gabe asks.

Naveen nods. "It's when the show stops having teams and we all compete against each other."

"Should we be worried?" Gabe asks.

Kirika places a finger to her chin. She admits, "I guess we should be concerned about Tiffany."

"We definitely have the numbers advantage there, right?" Gabe comments.

Max adds, "Kirika is right, as usual." Kirika's face turns slightly red. "If Tiffany defects to the other team, we're done for."

"So what are we proposing?" Naveen asks.

Kirika states, "One of us should talk to her."

"Not it!" Naveen shouts.

"I'll do it!" Gabe volunteers.

Gabe's team members look at him for a moment and then turn to each other. Max says to Kirika, "I guess it’s between you and me."

Kirika nervously states, "She and I don’t exactly have a rapport."

Max sighs. He puts a hand on the back of his head, and says, "I kind of burned my bridges with her... but I guess I have to be the one to do it."

Naveen pats Max on the back. "Way to take one for the team. You'll be like the hostage negotiator in 'In It to Win It in Winnitoba'." Naveen points at the blond guy. "You got this."

"Thanks for the vote of confidence,"  Max replies, still rubbing the back of his head. Max wanders away from the others.

Kirika blinks and whispers to Naveen, "Doesn’t the hostage negotiator get shot in that movie?"

Naveen nods and whispers back, "Max doesn’t need to know that."

Gabe looks after Max, before turning toward Naveen and Kirika. He asks, "So this whole merge thing means I'll be able to hang out with the cuties on the other team, and there won’t be any problem with it?"

Kirika replies with a shrug of her sweater clad shoulders, "Yeah, I guess so."

Gabe pumps his fist and exclaims, "Yes!" Naveen and Kirika look at each other with raised eyebrows.

Max is seen in confessional. He states to the camera, "So, uh... Tiffany... About the whole breaking up with you thing... I wanted to tell you I'm sorry, and that I hope we can be friends." Max shakes his head and says, "She'll see right through that." He pauses. "Hey, Tiffany! Remember that time you were dating, like, five guys at once?" The popular guy lets out a forced laugh. "What a crazy bunch of kids we were." Max puts a hand on his face. "I’m such an idiot."

"That's a statement I can get behind," a voice says from outside of the confessional.

"Tiffany?" Max asks. He swings the door open to see the pretty girl standing outside with her arms folded. "How long have you been out there?"

Tiffany's eyes widen as she puts a finger in the air. She sarcastically replies, "I don’t know. Somewhere around the time that you felt it necessary to practice to have a conversation with me?" She glares at her former boyfriend.

Max looks down. He replies, "Sorry about that. I just wanted to say it right, after our last conversation." Max looks up at her and assures, "I really do feel bad about how things ended between us. I could have been less..."

"Of a dirtbag?" Tiffany offers.

Max nervously laughs. "I was going to say 'less harsh', but that works, too."  Max insists, "I really liked you... a lot. You’re so pretty, and have such an air of confidence. When you showed interest in me, I couldn’t stop thinking about you."

Tiffany's expression softens. She looks at Max and says, "Go on."

Max places a hand at the back of his head. "I just wanted to mend things between us." He looks to the side and states, "I owe you an apology. I should have expressed how I was feeling in a calmer way, that showed you more dignity. It’s just that people see me as this confident, positive person, when in reality I struggle with self doubt and self loathing." Max sighs, and looks back at Tiffany. "I’m sorry for opening up about this."

"Oh, Max," Tiffany replies with a sigh. "We're not so different, in that way."

Max's eyes widen. He responds, "Really?"

Tiffany nods and states, "I'm not the best at expressing how I really feel, and my parents were really harsh with me growing up. They made me feel like I was never good enough, pretty enough, or smart enough."

"You're all those things," Max assures, with a wide eyed look. "I would have never thought you struggled with feelings like those... with any feelings."

Tiffany rolls her eyes and says, "Thanks."

Max waves his hands back and forth. He insists, "I didn’t mean it like that. I mean, I knew you had feelings."

Tiffany demands, as she impatiently taps her foot, "Can you get to the point?"

Max states, "I just wanted to the clear the air between us..." Max pauses for a moment. "And in the event of a merge, I just want to make sure we have each other's backs."

Tiffany flips her ponytail to the side. "I’m glad you're talking to me, again." She smiles and she and Max shake hands. "I have your back. It would be stupid of me to try to defect to the other team, anyway... I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’m not the most popular with other girls."

Max says with a forced smile, "I can’t say that I have."

The pair begin walking away from the confessional. Tiffany asks, "So how soon can we vote out Kirika?"

Max laughs. He looks at Tiffany with a more serious expression. "You are joking, right?"

Max pokes his head out of confessional and looks both ways. He sits back down, with his head down, and his hands on his knees. He admits, "I still haven’t forgiven Tiffany for what she did. She still makes my skin crawl, even after her sob story. I have to string her along, at least as long as he don’t need her from a numbers standpoint." Max lets out a slight laugh. "I’m starting to sound like Eddy." Max frowns for a moment. He looks up at the camera. "I need to grow thicker skin. As much as I hate it... This is all just part of the game."

The following day, the contestants are gathered around Jack. The jovial host states, "I’ve got an announcement to make!" The host smiles wide. "You've all made it to the merge!" The host applauds as the others look at each other. He looks at their blank expressions. "You're one giant team, now!" He pauses and places a hand under his chin. "Well, I guess technically you’re not a team, as this is where invincibility becomes an individual reward." The host further explains, "Before your challenge, the crew has set up a little bit of a party for you, so you can get to know each other a little bit better." The host gestures toward picnic tables, balloons, streamers, and snacks. "Let's get this party started!" The host hits a button and the song 'I Wanna Be Famous' plays as background music. "Have fun." The host then immediately departs.

The teams awkwardly stand on either side of the arrangements. Naveen leans in toward his former teammates and asks, "Who's going to make the first move?"

Gabe saunters over to the other contestants and puts his arms around the shoulders of Wolf and Declan. He asks, "You fellas come here often?" Declan looks at him with wide eyes, as Wolf appears to not be paying attention.

"I guess I should have known," Naveen admits.

Tiffany approaches Yolanda and Suzy. She sweetly states, "Hey, girlfriends! I guess we can finally hang out, and be besties!" Max looks on with a raised eyebrow.

Suzy and Yolanda glare at Tiffany. Suzy replies, "We don’t like you." She and Yolanda walk away as they continue to glare at Tiffany. Tiffany turns back to Max and says, "I think I’ve made my point." Max shrugs and nods.

Max and Naveen turn to Kirika as Max asks, "Alright. What should we do here?" Tiffany looks on, and rolls her eyes before walking away.

Kirika suggests, "I suppose we should make an effort to get to know the other team. You know... See if there are any weaknesses among their relationships. Stuff like that."

"Good idea," Max responds with a smile, and a slam of his fist to his open palm.

Naveen is standing next to Andrea, each holding a cup of punch. Naveen begins, "So, uh..."

Andrea frowns and states, "Don’t you think this is all a little too convenient?"

Naveen replies, "Uh, I..."

Andrea gestures with her punch holding hand toward the other contestants. She adds, "Him, her, them. What are the chances that each team is even split, five contestants at the merge?"

Naveen shrugs and answers, "I guess..."

"And on top of that," Andrea continues as her eyes narrow, "Five guys? Five girls?" She pokes Naveen's chest with her cup of punch as he looks down with a frown, and some of the contents spill onto his shirt. "How predictable." The conspiracy theorist puts her fingers in air quotes. "I knew this show was rigged from the beginning."

Naveen blinks as Andrea stares at him. He replies, "Uh... Do you like jazz?"

Andrea rolls her eyes and replies, "Don’t even get me started on the seedy underbelly of the jazz scene..."

Gabe looks over at Wolf as both they and Declan sit at one of the provided picnic tables. Wolf is writing something on the paper on his clipboard. Gabe turns his attention to Declan. He asks, "So you’re the one with the dad, huh?" Declan looks at the other teen with a raised eyebrow. "I mean, the one that was on the show before."

Declan responds, "I don’t really want to talk about it."

Gabe closes his eyes, tilts his head, smiles, and replies, "It must be nice to have that option."

Declan blushes a little and replies, "Sorry. I didn’t mean that as a comment on your condition."

Gabe nods. He admits, "I knew that. I just really hate being the way I am sometimes. Like admitting my most embarrassing secrets, without any provocation." He points at Wolf. "Over sharing about feelings I’m confused about. You're being open about your dad yesterday... I really admired that. You have a choice on being honest, and you still chose to."

Declan insists, "Dude, if half of the people were honest as you... The world would be a better place for it."

Gabe replies, "I guess that’s my point. I’m not making that choice. That doesn’t make me deserving of any praise."

Declan shrugs. "I don’t look at it that way. I mean... You could be avoiding the world, hiding in a closet, somewhere." Declan pauses. Gabe looks back at him and blinks. Declan winces. "Sorry, poor choice of words."

Gabe responds, "Speaking of which, Wolf isn’t the only guy I’ve been crushing on." Declan raises an eyebrow. "I like you, too." Gabe's face turns red. He stands up. "I should go before I make things any more awkward."

Declan takes hold of Gabe's wrist. He assures, "No, man. It's okay. I enjoy talking to you." Max glances over at the two amidst his conversation with Yolanda and Suzy. Gabe sits back down. Declan shrugs his shoulders. "I'm not exactly interested in a romantic relationship. I’m not sure if I’m defective, or a late bloomer, but those kinds of feelings haven’t kicked in for me, yet."

Gabe assures, his face still slightly red, "Someone as good looking as you can't be defective."

Declan laughs, before pretending it was a cough. He replies, "You're too kind." He admits, "My mom says I got my dad's good looks. It kind of sucks, because I get a lot of unwanted attention."

Gabe blushes further and replies, "Sorry."

Declan waves his arms and admits, "No. I didn’t mean you. You're completely innocent." Declan pauses for a moment. "My dad's name is Beau."

"Beau?" Gabe asks, as he thinks. "I remember him."

"You do?" Declan replies, looking somewhat surprised.

Gabe nods rapidly. "Yeah. When I was doing research after being cast, there was a picture of him in his swim trunks. Dude is a solid fifteen out of ten. You have your father's abs." Gabe pauses and looks to the side. "Kind of weird that the old website used to have cast images of everyone in their sleep and swimwear." Gabe shrugs his shoulders. "Not that I’m complaining."

"He was a bit of a ladies' man back when he was my age," Declan goes on. "He was pretty young when I was born. Kind of ironic, when I don’t have sexual feelings myself, yet..."

Gabe sighs. "Must be nice."

Declan laughs. "I wish I was normal, sometimes, but I guess you're right. I’m able to concentrate on my studies, and swimming..."

Gabe asks, "Why didn’t you want to tell anyone... about your dad, I mean?"

Declan replies, "I guess, I just... I thought people would make a big deal out of it... Not that he was a good player..." Declan averts his gaze from Gabe. "He was more focused on avoiding the girls, and making friends than actually playing the game."

Gabe's eyes are wide. He replies, "You're ashamed of him."

Declan stands up, abruptly. "I am not!" He shouts. The others present look over with surprised looks. Declan sits back down. Gabe's are still wide. Declan states, "I'm sorry, man. Maybe I am a little bit... He's a good dad. I just want to make my family proud out here, in a way he couldn’t... You know what I mean?"

Gabe shakes his head. "Not in the slightest." Declan bursts out laughing, and slamming his fist on the table. Gabe and the others look on with raised eyebrows.

Wolf writes on his clipboard rapidly. He quietly says to himself, "Truly fascinating."

Max steps up behind Gabe and Declan and says, "Hey, guys!" He focuses on Gabe, "Hey, buddy. Can I talk to you for a minute?" Gabe nods and stands up, before following Max a slight distance away.

Gabe asks, "Cool party, huh?"

Max nods. "Yeah. Hey... A couple of us were just noticing how close you already seem to be getting to the other team..."

"There are no teams," Gabe responds with a confused expression.

"Right, right," Max replies. Max holds his hands flat against each other and to his lips. He gestures by moving his hands to the left and then to the right. "I mean, there are and there aren't."

"I don’t understand," Gabe replies.

Max explains, "Look, I’m sure they're good people. I just don’t want you to get overly attached for when the time comes to start voting them out. Ya know?" Gabe blinks. "It’s just a good idea for us to stick together at this point."

Gabe tilts his head back, and lets out a long, "Oooooh!"

Max smiles and says, "Now you're getting it." He puts his muscular arm around the thinner guy's shoulders, as they walk together. "So, uh... Did Declan tell you anything interesting?"

The contestants are again gathered around Jack. He states, "Welcome to your first challenge for individual invincibility!" He holds his hands up to highlight the tables covered with fancy tablecloths. "You’ve each been provided with a white board and marker. Our lovely crew member will bring out an item during each round. Your objective is to identify whether the item is indeed an authentic item, or in fact a devious cake in disguise, as designed by one of our talented alumni."

"Ok, what?" Declan asks, in disbelief. "That's the challenge?"

The energetic hosts nods enthusiastically. He then frowns dramatically, and further explains, "It’s a hot topic of concern to many. Thousands of people are living in fear that their everyday objects are actually cake, due to viral videos of cleverly disguised baked goods."

"I don’t think that’s a concern of anybody," Yolanda adds.

Jack frowns and raises a hand to the air to request silence. He continues to explain, "You will write 'Cake' if you think the object is a cake, or 'Real' if you think the item is real. After the first round, anyone who guessed correctly will move on to the next round. Incorrect guessers will be eliminated. Play will continue this way until we have one winner, who cannot be eliminated during the next campfire ceremony." Jack looks at the muscular crew member from the previous challenge, as he carries in a metallic serving platter with a lid. "Ah! Here comes our first item."

The crew member sets the tray down and lifts the lid, revealing what appears to be a bottle of lotion. Jack states, "Alrighty. Our first item appears to be a bottle of lotion. Is it real or cake?" The contestants feverishly write down their answers.

"Of all the..." Declan begins. "What kind of challenge is this?"

Jack smiles. He requests, "Please show your answers." The contestants turn their  white boards toward the host and camera. Jack nods and approaches the lotion bottle. He removes a knife from behind the table, and starts cutting into the lotion bottle. It proceeds to spray lotion all over the host. Jack laughs and says, "It’s real." The strong looking crew member steps out and hands the host a clean shirt. Jack pulls off his shirt and puts on the fresh one, as the crew member looks away with an embarrassed look.

Tiffany averts her eyes and says, "Right in front of everyone? Nobody wants to see your dad bod."

Jack frowns and assures, "I’m still in my twenties." The host shakes his head and smiles, again. "Alright. Looking at your answers... Seven of you got it right. Unfortunately, Kirika, Naveen, and Yolanda got it wrong and are out of the challenge."

Max looks at Kirika and says, "Oh, man. I thought you would rock this challenge."

Kirika shrugs and responds, "I suppose cake identification just isn’t going on my resumé." Max lets out a laugh.

"Our next item is ready," Jack announces. The crew member removes the lid. Jack says, "It looks like a baseball. Is it, or is it cake?" The host wiggles his fingers around for dramatic effect. The remaining players write their answers, and reveal them once they’re all finished. Jack nods and holds up his knife. "Time to reveal the true identity of this baseball." The host cuts into the baseball and reveals the inside to be cake. He turns it toward the contestants. "It’s cake!"

"How did it get perfectly round like that?" Yolanda asks, looking disturbed.

Jack announces, "That means Wolf and Max are out of the challenge."

Andrea looks at Wolf with a smirk and states, "I thought you would be much better at this."

Wolf scoffs and replies, "Cake isn’t science."

"I’m pretty sure it is, though," Andrea insists.

Jack declares, "Here comes our next item." The crew member lets out a sigh, sets down the serving platter and lid, and crawls under the table. Jack steps over and states, "Alright. I get to reveal this one." The host excitedly removes the lid. He laughs. "It’s our beloved crew member’s head!” What appears to be the crew member’s motionless head is on the platter.

"How did they manage that one?" Tiffany asks with wide eyes.

"A cheap parlor trick," Andrea responds with an eye roll. "They just put his head through a hole in the table." Tiffany nods. The contestants write down their answers, and reveal them.

Jack nods and smiles, "Lets find out if this is fake or everyone’s favorite crew member." The host holds up his knife, lets out a crazed laugh, and plunges the blade down. The contestants look on wide eyed, and gasp in horror. The host laughs, again, and assures, “Relax, it’s just..." The host’s eyes widen, as he nervously asks, "Did they cancel this cake without telling me?" The contestants gasp a second time. Jack laughs. "I’m just joshing ya." The crew member crawls out from under the table and waves at the contestants. Jack holds up a slice of cake and adds, "See?”

"That was not funny, Jack," Suzy scolds.

"I guess humor is subjective," The host shrugs and reveals, "Two of you voted that this was not cake, Tiffany and Declan." Tiffany glares at Andrea, who looks back at the pretty blonde and smirks.

Declan comments, "At least I’m going out on some impressive handiwork."

Suzy replies, "Please. I’ve been decorating cakes like that since I was three." Declan’s eyes get wide.

Jack recaps, "We’re down to our final three, Andrea, Suzy, and..." The host looks on in disbelief. "Gabe?"

Gabe shrugs and admits, "I guess I can spot a lie when I see one."

Jack nods and agrees, "I guess that’s on brand." The host looks over. "Now on to our next item." The crew member sets down the platter and removes the lid. Jack announces, "It’s a plate of chicken wings!" The host pauses for emphasis. "Or is it? Please write down your answers." The players study the item, before writing down their answers. Jack nods, "Alright time to reveal your answers, and whether this is cake or not." The host brandishes his knife and cuts into the item. He slices through both the chicken wings and the plate, revealing them to be cake. The host sets his knife down, laughs, and claps. "I am all kinds of amused." The host looks at the player’s answers, as they attempt to peak at each other’s answers. "Oh! We have a winner! It was a valiant effort by Gabe and Andrea, but Suzy is the official mistress of cake!"

Suzy shakes her head and requests, "Please don’t say that."

The host beckons Suzy over to the table with hand gestures. "Come over here," Jack encourages. Suzy walks behind the table to join the host, looking slightly concerned. "Not only have you earned invincibility," the host begins, excitedly, "You have also earned the cake provided for the challenge as a reward!"

Suzy frowns and comments, "That’s not so much of a reward as it is a complete burden."

Jack laughs. He holds up the platter and removes the lid. "You also get to sport this stylish invincibility necklace to represent your safety at the vote."

Suzy smiles and reaches out for the necklace. "At least that’s kind of cool." She puts her hand through the necklace and frowns. She lets out a heavy sigh.

Jack begins laughing. "Just kidding! The necklace is cake, too!" The host calms down a little to state, "I will see you all at your first campfire ceremony without teams, where we must say goodbye to one of you." The host points at the contestants and adds, "See you there," before walking away.

Suzy wipes her hands on a napkin. "This isn’t even a dessert fork..." She shrugs and digs the provided fork into the cake in the shape of the crew members head. She takes a bite and comments, "That tastes almost as good as the crew guy looks." The quiet crew member walks by and looks at Suzy with wide eyes, before walking off. Suzy blushes.

Max and Kirika are shown meeting privately in the woods. Kirika admits, "I’m kind of nervous about this next vote."

Max lets out a sigh. He assures, "Me, too. This is an important stage of the game."

Kirika adds, "I wish I could think of what to do, but adding five contestants we don’t really know has been pretty... overwhelming."

Max puts his hands on Kirika’s shoulders and soothingly says, "You’ve worked so hard up to this point. Let me take care of this one." Kirika smiles, nods, and blushes as she looks up at Max.

The former members of The Chilly Dogs are shown together in the guys’ cabin. Declan states, "Thank you for gathering here, today."

"What choice did we have?" Suzy asks. Yolanda nudges her in the ribs.

Yolanda replies, "You were saying?"

"I think it’s obvious, but we should stick together to vote out the former The Cool Cats."

Wolf responds, "Aren’t we not teams, any longer?"

"Correct," Declan replies.

Suzy shrugs and agrees, "It’s our best option at this point if any of us hope to win. Though we likely will force a tie."

Declan shakes his head and smirks. He states, "I think we have an ace up our sleeve. Now to decide who we should vote for." The former members of The Chilly Dogs put their hands to their chins.

Suzy is in confessional. She states, "I’ll be honest, I still don’t completely trust Declan. I don’t know why I simply cannot shake that feeling. I don’t know what other option I have at this moment, so I suppose we’ll face that dilemma when we get to it."

Suzy exits the confessional. She looks surprised, and puts a hand to her ample chest. "My goodness. You startled me."

Max smiles at the blonde girl. He insists as he waves his hands in front of him. He assures, "I’m so sorry. That wasn’t my intent." Suzy takes a deep breath and her demeanor is calmer. "Great challenge win, by the way... I was hoping we could talk."

Suzy rubs her chin as she squints her eyes. "I’m listening."

At the elimination ceremony, Jack holds up a platter of marshmallows. He declares, "Congratulations to each of you for making it this far. It’s a major accomplishment. In this game, as you all know, the marshmallow means life. One of you will not receive one, and will be leaving the competition as the first voted out after the merge. Let’s get to the results." Jack holds up the first marshmallow and states, "This bad boy goes to Suzy, as our challenge winner." The host tosses the marshmallow to the girl, who catches it in her hands.

Suzy holds up her hands, and shows the crushed cake and frosting covering them. "This is getting very old, Jack," she sternly states as she glares at the host.

Jack laughs and responds, "Not for me it isn’t." Jack clears his throat. "Next up is... Yolanda." The host tosses a marshmallow to the girl. She catches it with a grimace, but holds up a normal marshmallow. Suzy crosses her arms and glares at Jack. “The next marshmallows are for... Naveen, Wolf, Kirika, Andrea, and... Tiffany." The teens each catch their marshmallows. Gabe, Declan, and Max look at each other. Gabe gulps. Jack states, "The next marshmallow is for... Gabe!" Gabe lets out a sigh of relief, as he too receives his marshmallow. "We’re down to our final marshmallow, with two guys left. This one is for..."

"Declan." The pink haired guy catches his marshmallow.

"Declan?" Kirika  reacts. "That means..." She puts her hands over her mouth as she looks over at Max. Naveen, Gabe, and Tiffany also look surprised.

Max’s jaw drops. He quickly closes his mouth, and forces a smile. "Wow." He looks over at The Chilly Dogs. "I didn’t see that coming. Nice play, guys."

Jack assures, "Max, it’s been a complete joy having you on this season. I hope you had fun while it lasted."

Max stands up and shakes Jack’s hand. "It was awesome. I’m so grateful for the experience."

His former team members surround Max and hug him. "We’re really going to miss you,"  Gabe assures. Max glares at Gabe from the side of his eye.

Max forces a smile and assures, "I’m going to miss you guys, too." He looks down at the Boat of Losers and laughs, "Guess my ride’s here. See you all, later." The congenial blond guy grabs his things and heads down to the Dock of Shame. He looks back and waves at the others, who wave back. He boards The Boat of Losers and rides off. Once a slight distance from the island, Max frowns and drops to his knees. He yells at the top of his voice, and begins punching the side of the boat with all of his might.

Andrea’s eyes light up. She leans toward Wolf and whispers, "What was that?"

Wolf suggests, "Maybe it was whatever it was that made those impressions on that hunk of wood."

Andrea nods slightly, and narrows her eyes. "You’re a believer."

Gabe puts an arm around Andrea and Wolf’s shoulders and asks, "So what are we talking about?" Wolf and Andrea look surprised at his sudden appearance.

Tiffany is shown confessional. She smugly waves at the camera and says, "Bye bye, Maxie-poo!" She laughs, kicking her heels up. "To think I wouldn’t know a fake smile when I see it. I knew you would vote me out the first chance you got, so I leapt at the chance when opportunity came knocking... Which is literally when the Chilly Dogs came knocking. They thought you were a bigger threat than Kirika, but you were next in my sights." Tiffany blows a kiss at the camera, and offers, "That’s what you get for breaking up with me."

Jack is shown in front of the camera and states, "With that, we are down to nine players. Please tune in to our next exciting episode of Total Drama: The Next Generation!"

### Chapter 11 - Slash and Burn

Jack smiles wider when he recognizes that the camera is filming. He states, "Welcome to an all new episode of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation! Things really heated up on our last episode, when the teams merged into one happy family." Jack interlocks his fingers in an attempt at a gesture, but struggles to separate them. After he does, the host goes on, "Suzy won our first individual challenge, an effort to differentiate the real from the cake. At the elimination, the popular jock Max was shocked at being voted off of the island, despite the heavy foreshadowing. How will his former team members handle things from here on out? Stay tuned for more Total Drama!"

Naveen and Kirika are sitting on the stumps that serve as stools at the campfire ceremony site. Naveen’s jaw is slightly open. He admits, "I still can’t believe it."

"We got blindsided," Kirika adds, as she slides her glasses back up the bridge of her nose.

Andrea looks over at the former members of The Cool Cats. Still looking in their direction, Andrea says to Wolf, "Voting out Goodie Two Shoes really threw those guys for a loop." Andrea looks over at Wolf to see Gabe’s head between them. Andrea looks to the side and asks, "You’re still here?"

Gabe nods and asks, "So...  are you two an item, or what?"

Andrea and Wolf stifle laughs. "Us? Don’t be silly," the pair vocalize simultaneously.

Gabe lets out a sigh of relief. He puts an arm around Wolf’s shoulders and responds, "Good. I wouldn’t want to be intruding on anything."

Andrea begins, "Actually, you..."

Wolf states, "Of course not. We find you utterly fascinating, we would love for you to join our peer group."

"We would?" Andrea asks.

Wolf leans in toward Andrea and whispers, "Don’t you mistakenly think he’s a Wendigo or some such folk tale?"

Andrea glares to the side and adds, "I have no reads on this kid."

"It’s always the last place you expect to look," Wolf states with a smirk.

Andrea sighs. She says, "Fine. He can stay."

Wolf and Gabe walk away from the campfire ceremony site together. Wolf asks, "So... Gabe... I have a waiver for you to sign." He hands the thin teen his clipboard.

"What’s this for?" Gabe asks.

Wolf answers, "It’s just to confirm that you’re open to experimentation." Gabe’s eyes get wide, and he blushes. Gabe speedily signs his name to the waiver.

Kirika and Naveen are still at the campfire ceremony site. Naveen sighs deeply. Kirika looks at the disheartened teen and reminds, "Hey, Naveen. It looks like they’re closing up shop." Several crew members are shown around the former members of The Cool Cats sweeping around the area, or taking down the lights for the night.

Naveen dejectedly insists, "We stand no chance, now. We’re outnumbered six to three... or seven to two. I really don’t know what happened."

"You know as well as I do, that things can turn around in an instant in this game," Kirika assures.

"I wish I had your fortitude," Naveen responds.

Kirika stands up and assures, "There must be something we can do."

"Max was our best shot at surviving out here," Naveen adds.

Kirika frowns. She replies, "Trust me. I sort of thought that Max was untouchable, too, but that doesn’t mean we should give up. Max wouldn’t have wanted that." Naveen looks up at Kirika. Kirika takes Naveen by the hand and stands up. "Come on, Naveen. Vivi, Jasmine, and Max would want us to keep up the fight."

Kirika jerks back as Naveen slumps on to the ground, his rear end sticking upward, his arms, torso, and legs from the knees down lying straight on the ground. The bulky teen laments, "Why did you have to go and mention Vivi and Jasmine?" Naveen continues to groan and sob, as Kirika and the crew members look on at him in disbelief.

Naveen is shown in confessional. He admits, "I think I handled myself well... given the circumstances." His eyes dart to the side.

Kirika is shown in confessional next, holding her head in one of her hands and simply shaking her head.

Tiffany is shown standing with Yolanda and Suzy. "Now that we’re friends, what do you guys usually do after elimination? I mean, you’ve been to more campfire ceremonies than me."

"You can’t be counting Eddy almost drowning as something that makes you better than us?" Yolanda asks, with a raised eyebrow.

Tiffany ignores the comment. "So what’s his deal?" Tiffany ask, as she points and changes the focus to Declan sitting by himself in the distance.

Suzy smirks as she elbows Yolanda in the ribs and replies, "He’s taken. Right, Yolanda?"

"I have no idea what you’re talking about," Yolanda responds in an aloof manner.

Tiffany adds, "Then you won’t mind if I make my move." Tiffany flips her ponytail with one hand.

Yolanda swiftly puts Tiffany in a headlock, as Tiffany yelps. "If you as much as touch a pink hair on his head..." Yolanda pauses and lets go of Tiffany. Suzy and Tiffany stare at the Latina. "This was just a drill," Yolanda assures, as she walks away, looking embarrassed.

Yolanda still looks embarrassed, in confessional, as she explains, "I don’t know who Tiffany thinks she is. She voted with us one whole time, and served her purpose. We don’t need her, anymore." Yolanda assures, "And what I have with Declan is a mutual respect. Nothing more." Yolanda forces a smile.

In the guys’ cabin, Naveen and Gabe carry their belongings into their new dwelling. Gabe says in a sing song manner, "Thanks for letting us stay with you guys. That was nice of you."

"It was mandatory," Declan dryly responds.

Gabe laughs and states, "You’re almost as honest as I am." Gabe sets his things down next to Wolf’s bed and looks over at an end table. "Hey, they gave you guys some soda pop?"

"No one says soda pop, Gabe," Naveen insists.

"Actually," Wolf begins, "that was among the discoveries of Andrea and I. I have been unable to find the time to do a proper analysis of the contents, however..." Wolf looks on as Gabe begins to drink the purple liquid from the bottle. Wolf removes his glasses and begins to wipe them with his lab coat. He places them back on his face. He then picks up his clipboard, and writes some notes.

Gabe stops drinking to ask, "What are you writing?"

Wolf elucidates, "Consumption of an unknown beverage may have certain side effects, including, but not limited to, death."

Gabe insists, "I told you. It’s just soda. Here!" Gabe hands the bottle to the muscular boy. "Try it."

Wolf looks unsure. Declan shrugs and adds, "The best scientists are willing to take calculated risks."

Wolf nods and drinks from the bottle. He lets out a slight cough. Gabe reacts, "It’s not that bad. Maybe a little flat."

Wolf clears his throat. "It just breached the trachea as opposed to the esophagus." The intelligent teen looks at his competitors’ blank stares. "Oh, yes... It went down the proverbial ‘wrong pipe’. Is that more understandable?" The others say ‘ah’, upon the explanation.

Declan assures, "I knew exactly what you meant."

"Well, Gabe," Wolf continues as he places the empty bottle into his lab coat pocket, "It’s time for our first late night adventure, together."

Naveen looks confused. He looks at Declan and asks, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Declan explains, "Wolf and Andrea go out every night until the wee hours, doing who knows what. I’m surprised she’s not upset that your letting Gabe tag along."

Wolf replies, "Andrea is nothing if not completely mature and reasonable." Declan raises an eyebrow. "She understands full well that there is nothing but a professional relationship between she and I."

Naveen looks down at the floor, he bends over to pick up something. He holds up Wolf’s stuffed, red haired doll. "What is this? Aren’t you guys a little old for stuffed animals?" Declan stifles a laugh.

Wolf swiftly takes the doll from Naveen and explains, “This is my anatomical reference model."

Naveen replies, "It’s not even proportionate to a typical person."

Gabe looks aside and mutters under his breath, "You’re one to talk."

Naveen looks down. He says, "Oh, hey." He bends down, again, and holds up a button. "It looks like his eye got caught on this nail." Naveen points toward a nearby nail sticking out of the wall. Naveen hands the doll to Wolf. "Be more careful with him."

"Thanks for the concern," Wolf responds. "Gabriel, if you are prepared to join me, let’s get this underway."

Gabe salutes the muscular scientist and answers, "Aye aye, Dr. McHotStuff." The pair venture into the night.

Naveen scratches his head. "What’s that all about?"

Declan explains, "Wolf has sort of done his own thing since we’ve been out here. I try not to ask too many questions."

Naveen nods. "So are you two friends, or..."

Declan admits. "We haven’t had any meaningful discussions, if that’s what you mean. I try not too get too attached to my opponents out here..." Declan gets quiet and continues, "But it happens, anyway."

Naveen rubs the back of his head. "Uh huh..." He looks to the side. "Speaking of which... I have some feelings I was hoping to share with someone..." Naveen looks at Declan on his bed with a pillow over his face. Naveen blinks a few times.

Outside, Andrea, Wolf, and Gabe are discussing their plans for the night. Gabe asks, "So what’s on the agenda?"

Wolf explains, "Andrea has a penchant for the supernatural."

Andrea barks, "Wolf!" She pulls Wolf to the side while Gabe aloofly sticks a pinky in his own ear. Andrea looks over at Gabe and states, "We still don’t have any reason to trust this guy with our delicate research."

Wolf shrugs. "He is unable to lie."

"So he says," Andrea replies with her eyes narrowed.

Wolf states, "I..." He blinks. "I suppose that is the only evidence we have of his claims."

"Not to mention that if he is telling the truth," Andrea continues, "He will blab all of our discoveries to the media."

Wolf replies, "That’s if we actually find something." Andrea glares at him. "I will argue that an extra set of eyes, and a willing test subject is always a plus." Wolf holds up the waiver that Gabe signed.

Gabe asks from afar, "Are we ready to bounce, or..."

Wolf looks at Andrea, with a slight frown. Andrea sighs. "Yeah. We’re ready."

Wolf smiles. He explains as he walks along with Gabe, "We will brief you as we walk."

"Not necessary," Gabe replies, as he points at himself with a thumb. "I freeball." Wolf scratches his head, and shrugs.

Andrea looks on the ground. "Hey," she calls out. She holds up Wolf’s doll. "What happened to Newton’s eye?"

Wolf calls behind him, "It got caught on a nail, or some such thing. But at least it’s only on one side."

Andrea sighs. "I am about to file for full custody," she says to herself. She looks on as the guys increase their distance. She scurries forward in an attempt to catch up with them.

In confessional, Tiffany states, "Kirika went from bottom of the food chain, to top dog... or rather, top cat, and back to bottom feeder." Tiffany rubs her hands together. "How quickly the tables have turned."

"So ladies," Tiffany addresses Suzy and Yolanda. "I think we should discuss strategy." The other two girls roll their eyes. "Kirika should definitely be the next to go."

Yolanda asks, "Why? She seems so nice."

Tiffany darts her eyes back and forth responds, "She’s a master at deception."

Suzy places a hand over her face and points to the bunk bed across the room. She states, "Kirika is sitting right over there."

Kirika admits with a shrug, "It’s okay. This is tame for Tiffany."

Yolanda asks, "Why do you two hate each other so much?"

Kirika raises her hands up and confesses, "I have no clue on my end."

The other girls look at Tiffany. Tiffany folds her arms and adds, "Of course. Pin this on me." She glares at Kirika, who just reads while sitting on her bed.

Yolanda states in confessional, "I don’t know what the story is from the other team. I’m glad we avoided all that drama on The Chilly Dogs." Yolanda shrugs. "Not that I’m not able to throw down when necessary." The law enforcer cracks her knuckles.

Gabe is on the beach with Wolf and Andrea. Gabe asks, "So what are we doing out here?"

Wolf asks, "Andrea, if you would provide exhibit h." Wolf leans in toward Gabe, and adds "H stands for hunk of wood." Gabe looks confused but nods.

Andrea sighs. She reaches into her messenger bag and removes the piece of wood with the mysterious markings on it. "I still don’t understand your fascination with this thing."

Wolf smirks and says, "I’m still surprised at your lack of interest. This could be evidence toward a Lake Wawanakwa Sea Monster, or some such fairy tale creature." Andrea folds her arms.

Gabe’s eyes get wide. He exclaims, "That sounds so cool!"

Wolf admits, "I’m not the strongest swimmer, myself, but I am willing to put the effort in for the sake of science."

Gabe looks toward Wolf and says, "I’m not that bad a swimmer, to be honest. I’d be more than happy to teach you."

Wolf nods, and states, "I accept your offer." He turns his attention to Andrea. "There’s nothing to be worried about."

"You guys can go on without me," Andrea replies with a sigh.

"Okay," Gabe responds.

Wolf responds, "I would have assumed that this was something you would have been excited for. Your name could go down in history." Wolf looks at Andrea, who holds her arm with her opposite hand. Wolf adjusts his glasses and continues, "But if you’re absolutely sure."

Andrea nods and answers, "I am. You guys have fun. I can do some solo investigating on the island."

Wolf looks at Andrea for a few moments. "You will be missed."

Andrea forces a smile and assures, "It’s really okay. I’m a lone wolf... Wolf." Andrea reaches into her messenger bag and takes out some papers. "Here are some coordinates as to where I suspect that a sea creature could reside." She hands him a spray can. "You’ll also need this."

Wolf looks at the spray can with a raised eyebrow. "Shark repellant?"

Andrea nods. She adds, "That’s in case any of those freshwater sharks attack."

Wolf responds, "I see." Wolf turns his attention to Gabe. "If my cohort is ready we can begin preparations." Wolf removes his lab coat, neatly folds it, and places it on a rock. He then proceeds to unbutton his shirt.

Gabe excitedly requests, "Take it off!" Wolf’s face turns slightly red. Andrea’s eyebrow raises up as she looks at Wolf. Gabe pulls off his sweatshirt, and tosses it to the sand. Both guys drop their pants, simultaneously. Wolf looks over at Gabe, as he quickly pulls his pants back up. Gabe looks embarrassed as he looks at Wolf’s swim trunks that he was wearing under his pants. Gabe comments, "I thought we were going au naturale. My bad."

Wolf’s face is a brighter red, as he clears his throat. "Well, I suppose I gave no notice of the aquatic nature of tonight’s adventures." Andrea has a raised eyebrow as she looks at Wolf’s face.

Gabe states, "I’ll go get my shorts. Don’t go away." Gabe darts toward his cabin.

Andrea smirks. She states, "You certainly got an eyeful."

Wolf places his glasses aside. "I suppose that was unexpected," Wolf admits. "But it’s not like I haven’t taken anatomy, or been in a locker room..." Wolf adds, "To study mold formations, of course."

Andrea responds, "Of course. It’s just that I’ve never seen you get so hot and bothered." Andrea continues to smirk.

"Please," Wolf replies, he puts his glasses back on in order to adjust them. "I told you before. I don’t get crushes. Gabe is completely average in appearance..." Wolf pauses. "Maybe slightly above average..." His face stays red.

Andrea’s eyes get wide, and she smiles. "I can’t believe it. You like him."

"Preposterous," Wolf responds with a scoff.

"Here I thought you only had eyes for science," Andrea teases.

Wolf insists, "That assertion is still accurate."

Andrea looks at Gabe as he approaches. She states, "Ah. Your man crush approaches."

"I wish you would refrain from this childishness," Wolf replies with a glare at his black haired associate.

Andrea says in a sing song voice, "Welcome back, Gabe." She looks at an unamused Wolf as she says it.

"Hey," Gabe states. He gestures at his swimwear. "Do you like my shorts?"

Wolf looks at them briefly and looks away quickly. He clears his throat and assures, "They look adequate."

Gabe points at Wolf’s small orange trunks, and asks, "What happened to your science shorts from a few challenges ago?"

"You remember that?" Wolf responds.

Gabe nods and says, "I have a good memory when it comes to people I like."

Wolf responds awkwardly, "Um... Thanks. The other swimwear was for aesthetics."

Gabe repeats, "Aesthetics?"

"Appearances," Wolf explains. Gabe nods. Wolf grabs the side of his trunks and snaps them. "These are for function."

Gabe nods and adds, "They look good, too, but that’s thanks to your thickness."

Andrea stifles a laugh, as Wolf blushes and glares at her, again. The science enthusiast states, "Come along, Gabe. We don’t have all night." He continues to glare at Andrea as the two guys walk away from her.

"Toodles," Andrea calls out with a wave. "Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do!"

Wolf mutters under his breath, "That would include rational thought."

Gabe looks at Wolf and asks, "Are you sure I’m not intruding?"

Wolf shakes his head. "I assure you that you’re not. It’s just... an inside joke between the two of us."

Gabe nods. "So where to?"

Wolf points out to the lake. "According to Andrea’s notes, the closest point of interest is in this direction." Wolf looks at Gabe who has his eyes fixed on Wolf’s extended arm. Wolf puts his arm down.

Gabe apologizes, "I’m sorry. I just can’t get over your shreddedness. How did you get so ripped?"

"Muscle juice..." Gabe blinks, but then nods. He continues, "I suppose we should commence with the night’s activities, before it gets too late." Gabe nods as the pair walk into the water. Wolf begins swimming as Gabe looks on. Wolf asks, "How’s my form?"

Gabe answers, “Your form is perfect."

Wolf replies, "Really? I know you wouldn’t lie to..."

"It’s your swimming that’s awful," Gabe continues. Wolf frowns. "But don’t worry." Gabe cracks his knuckles. "I can learn you."

A montage of the process of Gabe teaching Wolf to swim is shown.

The guys eventually swim to a rock formation, and Wolf easily scales the rocks. He bends down in order to help Gabe out of the water, pulling out the thinner teen with very little effort. Gabe lays down on his back and breathes deeply. Wolf looks down at him with a concerned look. "Is everything okay, Gabriel?"

Gabe nods and responds, "Yes. I’m just not in as great of shape as you. I could barely keep up."

Wolf shrugs and insists, "I’m feeling slightly winded, too." He sits down next to Gabe, as Gabe sits up and they look out at the water together. "I’m very curious about what your life is like."

"What can I say?" Gabe replies. "My life is literally an open book."

Wolf responds, "I suppose so. That must be quite the challenge."

Gabe lets out a sigh. He admits, "I wish I could be normal." Gabe shifts his chin to his upright knees. "I don’t exactly make lasting friendships. I feel like I’m already drifting away from my old teammates."

Wolf nods. "I see." He pauses, before continuing, "I didn’t spend much of my time making friends out here. I was so distracted by our surroundings."

Gabe asks with a slight tilt of his head, "You have Andrea, right?"

Wolf thinks for a moment. He responds, "She’s more of a colleague if anything."

Gabe shrugs. "I mean, that’s something."

Wolf clears his throat. "Enough about me. I want to know everything there is to know about you."

Gabe looks up. He says, "I don’t know where to begin..."

Wolf states, "How about..."

"When I was five, I ate this giant ice cream sandwich," Gabe begins. "It was the best day of my life..." Wolf stares at Gabe.

Andrea is on the beach, looking out at the water. The waves begin crashing on the shore. She says to herself, "I hope the guys get back safely..." She looks at Wolf’s lab coat as the crashing waves begin to get it wet. She rushes toward it and holds it up, as the empty bottle falls from the pocket. She kneels down to retrieve the empty bottle and examines it. The dark haired conspiracy theorist says to herself, "Wait... Didn’t we find this in the safe in the bunker?"

Andrea pauses and turns her attention to her messenger bag. She pulls out the red haired doll. "And you were there..." Andrea squints as she leans in toward the doll. Her eyes widen, momentarily, before narrowing her eyes, again. "What’s this?" Andrea pulls out a long strand of brown hair caught in the fibers of the doll. "This is... Jasmine’s hair. When did she..." Andrea snaps her fingers, as her expression reveals her realization. "It must have been when Suzy was washing the little guy, right before Jasmine came clean about throwing Orlando under the bus..." Andrea’s eyes widen. "Didn’t Wolf say something about Newton being hit by the... party bus?"

Andrea gasps as she drops the doll and kicks her feet to push herself backward, and away from the doll. Andrea puts her hand on her head and states, "No... This can’t possibly be what I think it is. It’s just a coincidence. I mean, after we found the doll..." Andrea thinks for a moment. She snaps her fingers. "Max was the other person voted out, and he didn’t..." Andrea’s eyes widen, again. She hesitates as she nervously approaches the doll, and examines it, noticing a spot of dried blood. Andrea puts her hand on her head, again. "Okay, Andrea... Think... What happened after Max handled this thing?" Andrea turns the doll over a few times to inspect it. "Newton just lost his eye. Max didn’t lose an eye, as far as I remember, but he didn’t see his elimination coming... What’s some different wording? Sightless... Blind... Well, blind on one side, at least." Andrea covers her mouth with her hand, as she drops the doll, again. "He was blindsided! Wolf is not going to believe this!" Andrea sighs. "He really isn’t going to believe this..." She blinks, and looks back at the empty bottle. "He must have drank whatever this was. If it was with this doll, who knows what it was." Andrea stops to think. "He was acting kind of funny around Gabe, after he presumably drank it..." Andrea’s eyes get wide. She looks out at the water.

Back on the rocks where Gabe and Wolf are speaking, Gabe goes on, "So when I hit my head when I got hit on my scooter, my family was real scared."

"Understandably," Wolf responds, looking concerned himself.

Gabe nods and goes on, "I was in a coma for a short while. I guess a lot of people came to visit, but after I woke up, a lot of my old friends didn’t like me, anymore. Like... they were embarrassed to be around me, or I would hurt their feelings."

Wolf frowns. He assures, "It must have been a shock for them, but what happened wasn’t your fault."

Gabe agrees, "I know. I guess I kind of expected them to be loyal no matter what, ya know?" Wolf nods. "Or at least like the new me."

Wolf states, "I don’t know if it means much of anything, but I like you the way you are."

"Really?" Gabe asks. He looks aside. "Just as a science experiment."

Wolf shakes his head. "Maybe at first. I mean, your circumstances were what I found intriguing about you. But after getting to know you... I think you’re..." Wolf clears his throat, as he holds his fist to his mouth, and as his face gets red. "A stand up guy."

"You mean that?" Gabe asks with his eyes wide. Wolf nods, his face still red. "It’s kind of like how I felt about you."

"How do you mean?" Wolf asks, with a slight head tilt.

Gabe shrugs. He explains, "At first it was a raw physical attraction." Wolf’s face turns even brighter red, as Gabe also looks embarrassed. "But then... It felt like... You were putting on an act. Like this science stuff is part of a character in your head, like... I don’t know how to put it..."

Wolf offers, "I understand that I can be rather... over the top...” Wolf looks down with a frown.

Gabe snaps his fingers and says, "Exactly! But that time when you helped rescue Eddy... Even though we were all scared you were very brave and ready to act. That’s when I saw that you were genuine... I mean, if it wasn’t for the science, you wouldn’t have been able to do that. It’s a part of who you are, and you embrace it. That’s when I knew my attraction to you wasn’t just hormones, but actual feelings..."

Wolf looks at Gabe, his face an even brighter red. "Gabe... I admire your honesty..." Wolf clears his throat, as he looks down. "How do you know that you really like someone?"

Gabe shrugs his shoulders. He admits, "It’s hard to say. Your palms get sweaty..." Wolf looks down at his own palms. "It feels like your heart’s in your throat, all the time." Wolf clears his throat, again, and puts one of his hands on his neck, as his eyes are wide. "And it’s like your constantly blushing."

Wolf’s face remains bright red. He attempts to explain, "Gabe... I think I... What I mean to say is..."

Gabe looks to the side. "Whoa, man. Did you hear that?" A loud wailing sound is audible from a short distance. Gabe points in the direction the noise came from. "It’s coming from over that way."

Wolf stands up. "You’re right. It’s exactly as I suspected. A sound completely unheard of to the unwashed masses."

"Do you think it’s the same thing that made those markings on that hunk of wood?" Gabe asks with wide eyes.

Wolf holds up the plank of wood. "Undoubtedly."

Gabe has an eyebrow raised. He asks, "Where were you hiding that?"

"No time to explain," Wolf insists as he rises to his feet. "We’re on the cusp of an important scientific discovery." Wolf darts off, as Gabe follows behind, and Wolf falls into the water, as Gabe dives in behind him.

Gabe assures as he resurfaces, ”We’ll have to work on your diving."

"No time for that, now," Wolf responds. Gabe nods before the pair swim in the direction of the strange sound.

Andrea paces along the beach as she looks out at the water, the worry evident in her expression.

Wolf and Gabe swim to an unfamiliar shore. Gabe looks around. He asks, "Where are we?"

Wolf responds, "Boney Island."

Gabe scratches his head and asks, "You are smart. How do you know the name of this place?"

Wolf points to the side and explains, "I read it on that sign that says ‘Welcome to Boney Island’."

Gabe replies, "How did I miss that..."

Wolf states, "If my calculations are correct, and they are, the source of those sounds is very close. Keep an eye out."

Gabe nods. He asks, "So... what are we looking for exactly? A sea creature of some sort?"

Wolf smirks and remarks, "You’re beginning to sound like Andrea."

"I didn’t change my voice, at all," Gabe replies with a head tilt.

Wolf begins to laugh, before coughing, and returning to his typically somber demeanor. "My far more reasonable conclusion is that we’re looking for something more like a... Eureka!" The scientist rushes along the beach.

Gabe narrows his eyes as he tries to keep up. "What exactly is a Eureka? You know... So I know what to watch for."

Wolf reaches his destination and stops to stare at the brush lining the beach. Gabe reaches Wolf and attempts to catch his breath, placing his hands on his knees. Gabe looks up and asks, "What are we looking at?"

Wolf smirks and states, "Allow me to do the honors." He steps forward and reaches toward the brush, revealing it to be a disguised curtain that the strong teen quickly pulls back.

Gabe steps up with his eyes wide. "How did you know to look here?"

Wolf points at the sand. "Tracks," he explains. "And the feint smell of diesel."

Gabe whistles. "You’re the perfect combination of brains and beauty."

Wolf clears his throat and adds, "Whoever was driving this can’t be too far." The guys look at the odd looking piece of machinery.

Gabe asks, "Is this what was making those ghastly noises earlier?"

"Indeed, my dear Gabe," Wolf states. He pauses to think about his words, and his face turns red.

"What is it?" Gabe inquires.

Wolf explains, "It’s an amphibious motorized vehicle. A very early attempt at one at that. It’s amazing that it is still in running order."

"Amphibious," Gabe repeats. "Like... It’s made of frogs, or something?"

Wolf shakes his head, with a smile. "Cute." He blushes, again, as Gabe looks over at him. "The real question is why is it here."

Jack emerges from the wooded area, as he zips up his fly. He looks slightly embarrassed as he asks, "What are you boys doing here?"

Gabe responds as he points to the vehicle, "We heard this thingie, and decided to check it out." Jack nods and smiles. "What do you know about it?"

"It was left here." Jack shrugs. "Makes getting around convenient when I’m not feeling up to swimming."

Gabe scratches his chin. "This certainly is a mysterious set of islands." Gabe pauses. "Wait. What were you doing way out here?"

Jack puts his hands on his hips, and explains, "This is Boney Island."

Gabe nods and responds, "We read the sign."

Jack laughs. "We mostly use it to store materials for challenges these days. Chris had a warehouse built here a few years back, so we decided to make use of it."

Gabe nods. He pauses, "Wait a second." He takes the plank of wood from Wolf’s hand. "What does this have to do with the frogmobile?"

Wolf explains, as he points to the strange markings on the piece of wood, "It appears to have been caught in the continuous track." Jack peers closer and nods.

"The what now?" Gabe asks, looking fairly confused.

Wolf responds, "Uh... the wheelie thingies..." Gabe exhales in realization. "I have never seen the technology that caused these markings in person. It sure is a marvel."

Jack shrugs. "I was going to head back to my place. I could drop you guys off on Total Drama Island on my way."

"That would be awesome!" Wolf exclaims. Gabe and Jack look at the muscular teen, who then regains his composure. "Ahem. If it’s not too much of a bother."

Gabe and Wolf sit in the backseat as Jack drives. Wolf frowns. He turns to Gabe and requests, "Maybe we could keep this whole discovery a secret from Andrea. I don’t want to dampen her spirits." Wolf blinks. "I mean... if you can..."

Gabe nods. "I know how to keep a secret."

Jack asks with a laugh, from the front seat, "For real?"

"Yeah," Gabe insists. "I just don’t go near the subject, and if I do I’ll just run into the night."

Wolf laughs quietly and states, "Thanks. That means a lot."

Gabe assures, "Anything for you." Wolf looks back at Gabe, who stares out the window.  Wolf proceeds to look down at the floor.

Andrea is shown on the beach, her head face down on her arms, supported on a rock. Wolf and Gabe walk up by her, and look at her and then each other. They then wave at Jack as he drives back into the water. Andrea wakes up, and looks at the guys. Andrea wipes her eyes and asks, "There you guys are. How was your excursion?"

"Fine," Wolf states. He looks back at Gabe.

"You’re never going to believe what I discovered..." Andrea begins as she reaches toward her messenger bag.

Gabe adds, "That’s nothing compared with what Wolf and I..." Gabe’s eyes widen. He says, "Uh... I gotta go." He covers his mouth and rushes toward his cabin.

Wolf looks down at Gabe’s clothes on the rocks. He calls out, "Gabe! You forgot your..." Wolf shrugs his shoulders and goes on, "Never mind. I’ll bring them to him when I go back." Wolf picks up his lab coat, and puts it on over his swimsuit.

"Aren’t you cold?" Andrea asks with a raised eyebrow.

Wolf blushes and says, "I run warm."

Andrea shakes her head and says, "Anyway, wait until you get a load of this." Andrea rummages through her messenger bag.

Wolf states, "Andrea... I’ve been thinking." He looks down at the ground. "Our time together has been very interesting, to say the least. But... I would like to take an official hiatus to our little... investigations."

Andrea’s eyes are wide. "Little investigations? We’re on the cusp of something huge! I can feel it. What are you saying? Was this Gabe’s idea?"

"Nothing of the sort," Wolf assures. He sighs and looks down. "I think you’re right. I... do like him. I... want to spend more time with him and get to know him better. You must understand that."

"You drank from that bottle didn’t you?" Andrea states.

Wolf shrugs and responds, "Yes. But that is of no consequence."

Andrea explains, “Wolf, don’t you see? This isn’t you talking. You’re under the spell of some sort of... love potion. That would explain why you’ve been acting so weird. Plus..." Andrea removes the doll from her bag.

Wolf places his fingers on the bridge of his nose, as he shuts his eyes. "I can’t deal with this mumbo jumbo, right now."

"Mumbo jumbo?" Andrea repeats. She shakes her head. "Just listen for a second."

Wolf drops the piece of wood with the markings from the amphibious vehicle on the beach. "This was not evidence of a sea creature, but that of an outdated piece of machinery." Andrea looks down at the plank of wood. "Have a pleasant night," Wolf abruptly states, his face red. He picks up his clothing before marching away.

Andrea blinks as she looks after Wolf. "I can’t believe you’re acting this way." She looks down at the rocks. "You forgot Gabe’s..." She looks over at the doll she’s holding in her hand, momentarily. She then looks back at Gabe’s clothes, and then at the doll, again.

The following day, Declan is in their cabin, as Naveen walks in with his shoulders slouched, wearing a bathrobe. "I’m back from the showers." Naveen asks, "Those two still not up, yet?"

Declan nods. He states, "I know you were out like a light. Wolf and Gabe were out literally all night." He points behind him with his thumb. "They slept through lunch, and I’m sure the challenge is going to start any minute."

Naveen sighs. "Not that it matters if they’re there for the challenge. We all know I’ll be out next."

Declan rolls his eyes. "What are you talking about?"

Naveen tosses his robe aside and says, "Look at me." Declan uncovers his eyes and gives a sigh of relief that Naveen is wearing pajama bottoms. "I look like a threat in physical challenges."

Declan responds, "Well then, give the next challenge your all. If you win invincibility, no one can vote you out."

Naveen slouches down to the floor, right in front of his bed. He let’s out a heavy sigh. "I’ve never been good at competitions."

Declan frowns. "If I was built like you, I wouldn’t let anything stop me."

The guys hear a knock from their door. "Who could that be, now?" Naveen asks, still slouched on the floor. Gabe snores loudly. Declan is startled by the noise.

Declan looks over at Naveen and says, “Don’t get up." Declan walks over to the door and opens it. He sees an unfamiliar blonde, and squints his eyes. He asks, "Can I help you?"

The woman responds, "Hi."

Declan raises an eyebrow and replies, "Hello."

After several seconds of awkward silence, the woman asks, "Is Tamira home?"

"I think you have the wrong cabin," Declan states.

"I think you have the wrong season," Naveen adds.

The woman responds, "You sure?"

Declan nods and says, "Yeah. I’m sorry." He closes the door as the stranger walks away. Declan turns from the door and asks Naveen, "What was that about?"

"Who even was that?" Naveen asks.

Declan shrugs. He answers, "Probably an intern we haven’t met. I couldn’t get a good look at her, because the sun was glaring in my eyes." The guys hear another knock on their door. Declan sighs. He turns around, and opens the door. He sees several masked figures, one of which charges at him and puts a burlap sack over his head after catching him. The others lunge toward Naveen, Gabe, and Wolf and capture them with very little to no resistance.

Tiffany is now shown with a blindfold over her eyes. A voice states, "You may remove your blindfold."

Tiffany responds, "You can’t see it, but I’m rolling my eyes right now." She removes her blindfold, and realizes that she is floating in a small boat in the middle of Lake Wawanakwa. "I can’t believe this."

The rough voice laughs. "I’m sure you’re wondering why you’ve been brought here."

Tiffany looks at her surroundings. "No," Tiffany responds. "I’m wondering who picked out this horrible outfit this little show is forcing me to where." Tiffany looks down to see a phone with video, and an odd lavender haired puppet on the screen. She asks, "Jack? Is that you?"

"What?" The mysterious voice coughs, and then responds. "No! My name is Cryptogram! You have been randomly selected as the final girl!"

Tiffany excitedly claps and says, "That means I win, right?

"No," Cryptogram replies, with their annoyance evident in their voice. "All your fellow competitors are dead!"

Tiffany narrows her eyes and asks, "I still get the prize money, right?"

Cryptogram sighs and shouts, "Of course not! I have set up a little game for you to play. Survive and you earn invincibility. Fail and..." The voice laughs. "Let’s just say that you don’t want to fail."

Tiffany blows on her fingernails and replies, "It can’t be worse than my career requiring me to go around with my hand up the rear end of a puppet."

Cryptogram ignores the statement and explains, "There are four mysterious items for you to retrieve on the island, and eight horrific entities determined to stop you."

"You mean, the exact same number of the other people still in the competition?" Tiffany asks.

"Mere coincidence," Cryptogram assures. "If one of said entities is successful in capturing you by the means given them, they, in turn, will receive invincibility." Tiffany rolls her eyes, again.

"Can we get this show on the road?" Tiffany barks.

Cryptogram clears their throat and states, "I don’t take orders from you... So... Uh... Let the games begin!" The video cuts out, as Tiffany slips the phone into her pocket.

Tiffany looks around. "How am I supposed to row this stupid thing? At least give me one of the brainless lunkheads to row for me." A loud splashing sound is heard as something seems to emerge from the water just behind her. Tiffany turns around with her eyes wide, as she sees a hulking figure holding a fishing net over his head, and a hockey mask covering his face, lurking behind her. Tiffany dodges to the side as the masked figure brings the net down. She states, "It’s obviously you, Naveen." The figure remains quiet. "I see your dreadlocks." Tiffany grabs hold of the handle of the net and pushes it toward Naveen, jabbing him in the stomach.

"Oof," Naveen reacts, as his mask falls forward.

"You can’t even use a net right," Tiffany states with an eye roll. She yanks the net out of the sulking teen’s hands. "Give me a push back to shore." Naveen sighs and nods as he complies, before falling backward and floating away on his back. Tiffany uses her newly acquired net to propel the boat closer to shore.

As Tiffany approaches the shore, she looks back and forth, and rolls her eyes at the creeping fog. Tiffany states, "A fog machine? Really? Just keep the cliches coming."

A sultry voice from the fog bellows, "Hey there all you ghoulies and headless horsemen. This is your boogie boarder of the radio waves, and do I have a clue for you." Tiffany walks up to the radio set along the beach, and rolls her eyes. "My name is Stev..."

Tiffany tosses the radio into the lake before wiping her hands together. She looks down at the sand and clasps her hands together. "Oh look. This must have fallen out of the radio." She bends down and picks up the item. She rotates the puzzle box, as she observes it.

"Congratulations," Cryptogram states. "You found your first mystery item."

"Where are you?" Tiffany looks around.

"That’s not important," Cryptogram responds.

Tiffany nods. She says, "Oh. You’re right. I don’t care." Tiffany keeps walking. As the fog dissipates, she sees what appears to be a large box in the bushes. "This is too easy..." As she approaches the oversized plastic coated box, she hears some rustling. She looks back. "If someone is trying to scare me, I’ll have you know that I once dated a security guard at Construct-a-Plush." Tiffany let’s out a heavy sigh, and rolls her eyes. She turns back toward the box, and reaches toward the edge.

The box suddenly bursts open, revealing Wolf in a cheap doll costume, with a lab coat with the name Dr. Qubert East embroidered on it, the seams barely holding together due to his massive bulk. “My name is Chalkie," the science enthusiast recites. He refers to an index card. "I’ll be your guy ‘til you die." Wolf extends his arms, as he holds a pair of toy handcuffs, and approaches Tiffany.

Tiffany screams. "Don’t come near me in that cheap polyester!" She hoists up her fishing net and brings it down on Wolf. It fails to cover his large shoulders, and the handle breaks on impact. "You have to be kidding me."

Tiffany begins running, as Wolf tosses aside the net. He extends his arms, again, and chases Tiffany. "I only want to play," Wolf states ominously. He tugs at his collar, as his face is a deep shade of red.

"As much as I like guys to chase me, I simply am not liking it in this context!" Tiffany insists. "Although, if you feel like doing this later outside of the challenge..." Tiffany looks back as Wolf has significantly narrowed the distance between them. He then dives and firmly grasps Tiffany by the ankle. She lets out another scream as she falls to the ground. "Get off of me, you big nerd..." Tiffany feels Wolf loosen his grip, and she quickly pulls her foot away as Wolf motionlessly lies in the sand. Tiffany looks back at him with her eyes wide. Wolf starts snoring, and Tiffany responds with a roll of her eyes. She stands up and steps toward the forest.

Tiffany whispers to herself, "I’m sure they hid one of those cheap novelties in the confessional." She walks in that direction.

Outside of confessional, Tiffany looks around her. "Is someone there?" She cautiously steps toward the confessional. She looks aside for a moment.

Andrea, in a faded Space Trek Wars mask and jumpsuit, silently stands just behind Tiffany. She reaches her hands upward, holding a net, and slowly steps toward the unsuspecting girl.

Suzy abruptly emerges from the confessional and knocks Andrea over with the door. Tiffany puts a hand to her chest and growls, "You have a lot of nerve startling me like that."

"Well that’s a fine how do you do," Suzy responds with a glare.

Tiffany asks, "Aren’t you supposed to be scary?" She looks up and down at Suzy’s apron with dubious stains on it. Tiffany smirks. "I mean, scarier than usual."

Suzy continues to glare at Tiffany. "I’ll have you know that this challenge is simply not my cup of tea, so I made the executive decision to not participate."

Tiffany continues her smirk and says, "Not that you’re much of a threat."

Suzy frowns. "I’m not sure why I’m doing this, but I found this in the confessional." She tosses an object to Tiffany, who catches it. Suzy pauses for a moment, as she looks at Tiffany. "I’ll be in our cabin. I wish I could say that I’m rooting for you." Suzy walks off into the night.

Tiffany looks over the object in her hand, a video tape. She narrows her eyes and asks, "What even is this?"

Tiffany states in confessional, "I feel like I saw this old tv thing when I was making out with one of the teen interns in the crew quarters, or something." Tiffany frowns, and looks to the side. "I wouldn’t even have noticed it if he was a halfway decent kisser."

Tiffany exits the confessional, and hears an ‘ouch’ as she steps out. She stomps in place and notes, "The ground feels really weird right here." Tiffany looks around and shrugs on. Her ponytail gets caught on a splinter of wood, she carefully pulls it free before moving on.

Tiffany is now shown peering into the crew quarters from an outside window. The room contains several objects, such as a foosball table, couch, coffee table, snacks scattered about and beer, as well as an old box television set. Tiffany sighs. "I guess I have no choice but to investigate this pigsty." Tiffany approaches the building cautiously, and slowly opens the door. She pokes her head inside and calls out, "Is anyone there?" Tiffany groans. "This is such a pain."

Tiffany leaves the hallway that leads to the room with the large television. She states out loud, "The next item thingie must be around here somewhere." She looks around the room. "Ooh! Popcorn!" She sits on the couch and starts eating from a bowl. A ringing sound interrupts her snack. She looks around. "It sounds like a phone, but I don’t see one." She narrows her eyes as she looks at an unfamiliar device. "It appears to be coming from this chunk of plastic." She scratches her head and finally picks up the older style phone. "Hello?"

"Hello," a sinister voice responds on the other end. "Do you like horror films?"

Tiffany groans, again. "You interrupted my popcorn for this?" She puts the phone back. She munches on the popcorn again, and glares at the phone as it starts ringing, once more. She picks it up.

"Hello, again, Tiffany," the voice states. "You better not hang up on me, anymore."

Tiffany impatiently asks, "What do you want?"

"Aren’t you going to ask how I know your name?" the voice asks.

Tiffany glances at her fingernails. "Oh, yeah. I’m on a reality show. I’m sure everyone knows who I am by now. So if you don’t get to the point..."

The voice responds, "I thought we could play a little trivia. I ask you about horror films, and..."

Tiffany hangs up the phone. She mutters, "Horror movies are for literal babies." The phone continues to ring, as Tiffany goes to search for the next item. She notices a box of cereal by some other snacks. She narrows her eyes as she looks closely at the box. "Spoon Goon?" she comments at the sight of the rhyming name of the breakfast food. Tiffany looks thoughtful, and finally points up with her index finger. "My great grandma used to tell me how they used to have prizes inside this stuff. Jack is roughly the same age as her, so he probably thinks this reference would be relevant." Tiffany starts reaching inside the box of cereal with her tongue sticking out of her mouth. "Ew. I can practically feel the saturated fat." Tiffany looks up at a mirror, and pouts at her reflection. "At least I’m still hot, despite this outfit."

Tiffany notices in the reflection the door to a supply closet opening. She looks back at a cloaked figure in a ghost mask emerging from the closet. She eyes another box of cereal named ‘Kzzzap!’, reaches inside, and pulls out a taser. Her eyes are wide. "Stupid thing probably doesn’t even work, given this is a kiddie show." She shrugs, and aims at the menacing figure. "Here goes nothing." She fires at the figure, who is carrying a rope. They fall immediately to the ground and start convulsing.

Tiffany’s eyes are wide, as she heads toward the entrance. Yolanda is at the door in a orange and brown striped sweater, a fedora, and cheap burn prosthetics on her face. She waves with a glove with syringes on the fingers at Tiffany, who quickly slams the door.

Tiffany groans, "This is ridiculous." She makes her way back to the rec room, and looks at where she left her previous pursuer. "He’s gone," she states in disbelief. She turns around to see the cloaked figure pounce toward from over the couch. Tiffany acts quick as she runs toward stairs leading upstairs. As she reaches the top of the stairs, a ghost masked figure surprises her at the top of the stairs. She shrieks and says, "How is it possible for you to get up there so fast?" She looks back down, and sees the other masked figure at the bottom of the stairs. Tiffany sighs as both figures dart toward her. She grabs hold of the hand rail and propels herself upward, causing the two figures to run into each other before tumbling down the stairs. Tiffany runs past the seemingly unconscious cloaked figures. As she steps past them, one of them grabs her leg. “Let go of me," Tiffany demands.

"Dude, I got her!" one of the voices says. He pulls his mask off and reveals himself as Gabe.

"You’re stronger than you look, you beanpole," Tiffany declares.

The other mask mumbles something. Gabe states, "Bro, I can’t hear you with the mask on."

Declan removes his mask and states, "It’s definitely your hearing." Declan grabs hold of Tiffany’s shoulders.

Gabe gestures around his face. "I missed being able to gaze upon your handsomeness, bro."

Declan commands, "You hold her down, while I tie her up."

Gabe puts an arm around Declan’s shoulder and replies, "You got it, boss."

Tiffany raises an eyebrow. "You’re just going to let him be the one to tie me up?"

Gabe shrugs, as he hands the rope to Declan, grabs Tiffany from behind, and says, "Sure. We’re a team."

Declan nods. "I clearly should be the one to do it."

"Only one of you can get invincibility," Tiffany states before putting a finger to her chin. "At least, that’s what Jack said."

Gabe frowns, as he takes hold of an end of the rope. "Bro. You know my team is in way more danger of going home. Let me take this one."

Declan shakes his head. "She’s getting into your head, Gabe. Don’t listen to her."

As Gabe loosens his grip on her, Tiffany elbows him in the stomach, causing him to trip backwards, fall over the back of the couch, and knock the television off of its stand. His eyes widen, as the television topples forward. Declan and Tiffany look on in shock as the television lands on him.

Tiffany jokes, "Welcome to prime time, Mitch."

"My name is Gabe," Gabe responds, from beneath the television.

Tiffany rolls her eyes and says, "Whatever."

Declan calls out, "Gabe, are you okay?"

Gabe’s voice fluctuates as he responds, "I’m feeling kind of woozy here."

Declan responds, "Puh-lease. That thing was obviously made of cardboard."

"It’s heavier than it looks," Gabe assures. Gabe starts to sound delirious. "I’ll be right back... after these messages."

Declan looks worried as he glances over at Gabe, "Gabe. Cut it out." Declan looks back as Tiffany attempts to escape through a window just behind Gabe. "Oh no. You are not getting away that easily." Declan rushes toward Tiffany.

Tiffany smiles wide as she explains, “I got this from the supply closet." She holds out an umbrella, as Declan’s eyes are wide. She places the handle around his ankle, causing him to stumble toward Gabe, at the same time that Kirika emerges from the fake television set wearing a long black wig, as she attempts to keep her balance.

Declan asks, as he falls forward, "What were you doing in there?"

"I was stuck," Kirika responds. "I was supposed to crawl out when Tiffany came in here."

Gabe reacts, from underneath the television and Declan, "You mean there was a whole person in there?" He groans.

Declan insist, "Gabe, she can’t weigh much more than fifty pounds." Kirika loses her balance and falls backwards.

Tiffany looks on and laughs as she escapes through the window. She declares, "Bonus to see you idiots fall all over each other. Plus I found this book with a face on it, or whatever." She slips the item into her pocket. Once outside, she looks around, and begins walking quietly. She hears Yolanda taunt, "Come out, come out, wherever you are. I know you’re out here." Tiffany hides in the bushes as Yolanda passes by. The cellphone in her pocket begins ringing. Yolanda calls out, "There you are!"

Tiffany looks over at her cabin and takes a deep breath, as she tosses the phone aside. She then runs at full speed and reaches the cabin door. She whispers to herself, "I can hide in here while I regroup." She enters the building, as the camera remains outside. Tiffany screams as Suzy, now wearing her pleather face mask, chases her out of the cabin and lifts her off the ground with her strong arms. Tiffany kicks and screams as Suzy pulls her back inside, slamming the door behind them.

As the contestants are gathered together. Tiffany has her arms folded as she glares at Suzy. "I thought you said you were above this challenge."

"I was," Suzy assures. "All up until you failed to say ‘Thank you’ when I helped you." She smirks as she glares at Tiffany.

"I can’t believe you had a working taser as part of this challenge," Declan directs toward Jack.

Gabe replies, "Oh. That wasn’t real." Gabe holds his hands up. "Acting!" Declan looks at him with a frown. "What? Acting isn’t lying."

Jack laughs. He nods. "Thanks for all of your involvement, this challenge was a lot of fun."

"Speak for yourself," Tiffany replies.

Jack directs his attention toward Suzy. "But Suzy is the sole winner of invincibility, and you cannot vote her out, tonight."

"Wait, where did Naveen go?" Yolanda asks. Everyone looks out at the water and sees Naveen ominously standing in the water by the boat from earlier. They blink and look back at each other.

Gabe looks over at Wolf. He looks jarred as he states, "Oh, man. You don’t look so hot." He pauses to think. "I mean... you look so hot, but not that good... I mean, yeah... You still look good, but I... I don’t know what I’m trying to say, anymore..."

Andrea turns her attention toward Wolf, who is slouched forward, and agrees, "You do look unwell." She places a hand on his forehead. "You’re burning up! We need to get you to the medical tent, ASAP." Gabe rushes over, looking concerned. He takes Wolf’s hand in his. Wolf looks down at their hands, and then up at Gabe. Jack alerts the medical staff over walkie talkie.

At the campfire ceremony, Jack motions toward the empty seat. He states, "Wolf is unable to join us this evening, but I assure you that our medical team is giving him the best possible care, and he’s going to be just fine. We did receive a vote from him, though." Andrea and Gabe look at each other, and then down at the ground. Jack continues, "Let’s get on with the campfire ceremony." Jack holds up a tray of marshmallows. He walks over and places a marshmallow on the empty seat. "Wolf did not receive any votes." Jack returns to his usual position. "Suzy is safe." Suzy catches her marshmallow. "The next marshmallows are for... Yolanda, Declan, and Andrea." The former members of The Chilly Dogs receive their marshmallows. "Next up is Kirika, and... Tiffany." The girls catch their marshmallows. Naveen and Gabe look at each other. "The final marshmallow belongs to..."

"Naveen." Naveen catches his marshmallow, and looks at Gabe with a frown. Jack continues, "However..."

"Wolf would have wanted you to have this." Jack bends down and picks up a lab coat.

Gabe sighs. "I can’t say that I’m not disappointed." He stands and walks over to Jack, taking the lab coat.

"Sorry, Gabe," Jack assures. "Please say your goodbyes."

Gabe nods and receives hugs from Kirika, Declan, and Naveen. "I wish I could see Wolf before I left, but oh well." Gabe turns to Jack. "Tell him I said goodbye." Jack nods. "I really appreciated my time out here and meeting..." He glances at Tiffany. "Most of you." Gabe begins to tear up. Declan frowns and looks to the side. "But I also had a ton of fun out here."

Tiffany waves at Gabe with a smirk. "It’s time for you to get going."

Gabe smiles and says, "She’s right, but don’t let her win this." Tiffany frowns. He stops at Andrea and requests. "Please take care of Wolf for me." Andrea looks down and nods slightly. Gabe waves once more and walks toward The Dock of Shame. Declan glares at Yolanda, who looks down at the ground.

Jack frowns. He states, "Another one down. What awaits our contestants next time? Who will win the challenge? Who will get the boot? Be sure to tune in to our next exciting episode to find out."

Andrea is shown sitting alone at the campfire ceremony. She frowns as she opens her messenger bag, and removes the doll from her bag, singe marks on its side. She quietly says, "I’m so sorry... Something must have gone wrong..."

### Chapter 12 - Guns N’ Lasers

Jack appears with his usual smile. He says in a warm tone, "Welcome to an all new episode of Total Drama: The Next Generation! Let’s get to the recap of last week’s episode." The host cracks his knuckles. "The former members of The Cool Cats were nervous about their standing in the game, now with a numbers disadvantage. Gabe got cozy with Wolf as they went on an adventure, leaving Andrea to her own devices, namely a spooky alleged voodoo doll. The challenge followed Tiffany as she attempted to collect some horror themed booty, avoiding capture from her competitors. Ultimately, Suzy was the one to capture her, earning invincibility. Things got real when Wolf was obviously under the weather, and taken by the medical team before the vote. While he was unable to attend the elimination, though he could cast his own vote, the incredibly honest Gabe was the one eliminated. How will Wolf react to the news? What exciting  events await? And who will be next? Find out as the drama unfolds, now!"

Declan is shown standing by himself outside. Yolanda walks by, and he calls out to her, "Making sure the perimeter is secure?"

Yolanda looks aside and nods. "You should get inside."

"I will," Declan assures, "after you explain something to me."

Yolanda looks aside as she answers, "I’m not sure what you’re getting at."

Declan shakes his head. "Don’t play dumb. You know full well what I’m upset about." Yolanda looks down. "Why didn’t you tell me you were voting for Gabe?"

Yolanda assures, "That wasn’t my idea."

Declan replies, "I know that, but you clearly knew the plan, and purposely didn’t fill me in on it. I want to know why."

Yolanda insists, "I wanted to, but Suzy thought that was a bad idea."

Declan rolls his eyes. He states, "I know she doesn’t like me, for whatever reason, but we need to stick together right now."

Yolanda assures. "I know that. She just felt that you get... attached to people, and she thought it might be too hard for you to vote him out."

"Translate that as ‘she doesn’t trust me’," the pink haired teen responds with his arms folded. Declan hesitates before continuing, "I-I know this is just a game and some tough decisions need to be made. Gabe is my friend, but I could have handled it. I’m just not sure how you managed to get the numbers without me."

"It was Tiffany’s idea to split the vote," Yolanda explains.

Declan narrows his eyes. "I see. You trust her more than you do me."

Yolanda goes on, "It was just for this vote, so we could make sure our original five still have the numbers. Tiffany will be toast as soon as we’re done with her."

Declan frowns. He admits, "I’ll be honest... it wasn’t a terrible plan." Yolanda looks back up at him. "I just wish I was in on it."

Yolanda replies sheepishly, “Yeah."

Declan asks, "Can you promise to tell me the plan from now on, even if Suzy doesn’t want you to?"

Yolanda salutes at Declan and says, "I promise."

Andrea has her arms folded as she nervously looks to the side. She is standing with Jack outside of the medical tent. She states, "I’m not sure Wolf even wants to see me right now. No. I’m sure he doesn’t. He would say something like ‘Rest is science’s remedy’, or some such thing."

Jack laughs and replies, "That does sound like him, but no. He asked for you, specifically. It sounds like he had something big he wanted to tell you."

Andrea scratches her head, as she follows the host. "Did the medical staff figure out was wrong with him?"

Jack shrugs and responds, "They said it was nothing major. A slight fever. That’s why he can still compete." Jack points at a tent opening. "This is our stop. Hey, Wolf! Andrea’s here to visit you." Jack waves at the dark haired girl before walking off.

Andrea’s sighs before entering. Wolf is standing and facing Andrea in his hospital gown.  "It was Gabe, wasn’t it?" Andrea nods. Wolf frowns as he looks down.

Andrea asks, "Should you be standing?"

Wolf assures, "I’m totally fine." Wolf nods with a wide smile and a thumbs up.

"I’m glad you’re okay," Andrea responds. "Well, I should be going..."

Wolf rushes toward Andrea and takes her hands in his, his eyes wide. "You can’t go. Not until I tell you the truth. I see everything so clearly now."

Andrea frowns. "What kind of medication do they have you on?"

Wolf turns around, revealing that he’s not wearing anything under his gown. Andrea blinks and then looks back up at Wolf’s face, as he paces. He starts, "Mully. I’ve seen it."

Andrea mutters, "I wish I could unsee it."

Wolf turns toward Andrea. "I’ve seen the light." Andrea raises an eyebrow. "You were right... about everything."

"I was?" Andrea asks, her eyes wide.

Wolf nods rapidly. "I admit that I had my doubts."

Andrea replies, "You had nothing but doubts."

Wolf puts his face in his hand. "I was such a fool, but now I believe."

"What is this all about?" Andrea asks.

Wolf insists, "That love potion we found."

Andrea puts a hand on her arm and responds, "That was just a silly theory."

Wolf puts his hands on Andrea’s shoulders. "That’s what I thought. That is until it happened."

"Until what happened?" Andrea asks.

Wolf explains, "When Gabe and I went off on our own, I started to have... feelings for him."

Andrea shrugs and states, "I mean... I guess he’s not terrible looking if you’re into that."

"Can’t you see?" Wolf shouts uncharacteristically. "I never had... feelings... for anyone before."

Andrea responds, looking to the side, "Maybe you’re just a late bloomer. It must have been a coincidence."

Wolf assures, "I reached puberty years ago. This was something else..." Wolf’s eyes dart back and forth. "This was something supernatural." Andrea raises her eyebrows, again. "Gabe had been flirting with me since we met. I never gave it a second thought, besides the desire to study that wonderful brain of his." Wolf has a knuckle to his lips. "But after drinking that potion..."

"Alleged potion," Andrea adds.

Wolf continues, "I got it bad..."

"I’m sure he finally wore on you," Andrea insists with a slight, nervous chuckle.

Wolf shakes his head. "But right before I was brought here, Gabe took my hand... I felt absolutely nothing for him."

"Sometimes that happens, it doesn’t mean your affections went away," Andrea responds.

Wolf pushes his glasses up his large nose. "I think it’s quite clear that the effects of the potion had worn off, and it was the potion that made me attracted to him."

Andrea assures, "Jack said the med team said you had a mild fever. Maybe that’s all this was..."

Wolf shifts his glasses and insists, "Sometimes things go misdiagnosed before science catches up to it." Wolf puts a hand to his chin and narrows his eyes as he looks at his colleague. "I thought you would be on board with this with very little convincing."

Andrea looks aside and anxiously laughs. "I was never a firm believer in voodoo."

Wolf’s eyes widen. "Voodoo? Who mentioned voodoo?" He snaps his fingers. "I just remembered. We found the love potion with the doll, with Newton." Andrea’s eyes widen. Wolf puts his hand to his chin. "I wonder what mysticism that little guy holds behind that adorable exterior."

Andrea’s mouth drops open slightly. She turns around. "You don’t sound like yourself. You better rest up."

Wolf shrugs and admits, "Maybe you’re right. But I can’t wait to go on our next excursion first thing in the morning."

Andrea let’s out a quiet sigh. She responds, "We’ll do that."

"Andrea?" Wolf calls. Andrea turns toward him. "Apologies are in order for how I treated you, yesterday. It was unprofessional of me, and I hope you can forgive me."

Andrea looks down, and then up at Wolf. "No harm done." Wolf smiles, looking relieved. He waves goodbye. Andrea steps out of the tent and quietly says to herself, "Not by you, at least..." Andrea sighs and walks off.

The following day, Kirika walks along the outside of the guys’ cabin, and hears an audible sigh. She raps on the door lightly, and hears a moan, and Declan saying, "Come in."

Kirika pushes the door, but it only opens part way and stops with a thud. "Is there something in the way?" she asks.

"See for yourself," Declan responds. Kirika pokes her head through the ajar door to see Naveen sprawled out face down on the floor clothed in just his boxer shorts. Declan explains, "That’s as far as Mopey got after we got home from the campfire ceremony."

Kirika frowns as she looks down at Naveen, as he says, "What good has effort done me?"

Kirika removes her glasses and rubs the bridge of her nose. "Naveen. Meet me outside."

"I don’t..." Naveen begins.

"You were a complete jerk to me the first part of this competition," Kirika reminds. "The least you can do is have a conversation when I ask for one." Declan looks on with wide eyes.

Naveen groans and nods. Kirika closes the door behind her, and eventually Naveen stands up, facing Declan. Naveen reaches for the door and admits, "I don’t know where to begin."

Declan rolls his eyes and suggests, "Maybe by putting some clothes on?”

Naveen rests his head on the doorframe and adds, "I’m hopeless. I don’t see the point in even talking with her."

Declan states, "I’ve never seen that Kirika person that fired up. You better do what she says." Declan looks to the side. "Not that I’m emotionally invested, or anything." Naveen nods.

Naveen walks up to Kirika who is sitting on a tree stump, as she waits for him. She looks him up and down, noting his shirt is inside out and his pants are on backwards. Kirika asks, "Um. Are you okay?"

Naveen frowns and replies, "No."

"I thought you were starting to feel better about your situation here," Kirika admits. Naveen looks down. Kirika’s eyes widen. "You voted for Gabe didn’t you?" Naveen  continues to look down.

Naveen reveals, "I thought it was me being voted out. I threw a vote his way in the off chance that things might go that way. I never expected it to. Now I feel like a backstabbing piece of sludge."

Kirika forces a smile. "Uh. There, there." She pats the big guy on the shoulder with trepidation. "I guess you couldn’t have known. But... that’s no reason to give up... You know... again."

"What’s the point?" Naveen asks. "I feel like the whole world is against me... against us."

Kirika admits, "You’re feelings are reasonable, Naveen. But you’re strong, and smart, and likable." Naveen looks at Kirika. "Don’t count yourself out, yet."

"My friends are all gone..." Naveen begins. He glances at Kirika. "Mostly."

Kirika sighs. "Isn’t part of the reason that you signed up for the show to show how you could prove yourself outside of the shadow of your sister?"

Naveen’s eyes get wide. He quietly asks, "How did you know that?"

Kirika shrugs and admits, "Jasmine confided in me a little."

"What do you know about having an entire team against you?" Naveen asks. "Feeling completely alone, and..." Naveen pauses abruptly. "I’m really sorry."

Kirika shrugs it off, and responds, "It’s okay. It feels like ages ago. You stood up for yourself before, when you turned on your alliance, and started a revolution. I could never do that, I was just lucky. You have that courage inside of you."

Naveen blushes slightly and rubs the back of his head. He insists, "That was because there was a girl I liked."

"But still," Kirika adds. "I wish I could stand up for myself like you did. Instead, I holed myself up in my room for years to avoid conflict."

"You what?" Naveen asks, with his eyebrows raised.

Kirika blushes and says, "Enough about me."

Naveen stands up a little straighter. "You’re right. You never gave up, even though the odds were against you. You did your best in challenges, and you’re way tinier than I am." Naveen puffs out his chest a little. "I can do this." Naveen begins to walk forward. "Thanks, Kirika." Naveen marches off.

Kirika calls after him, "Make them proud... " Kirika pauses. "It might also help if you put your clothes on properly!"

Tiffany, Yolanda, and Suzy walk past Kirika. Tiffany states, "Aw. Two sitting ducks in the wild." Kirika frowns.

Yolanda assures, "She’s not with us."

Suzy adds, as she glares at Tiffany, "I don’t know why you keep following us."

Tiffany laughs. "Oh, my gal pals are always playing."

The girls walk by Wolf, standing by himself. He asks, "Have any of you seen Andrea? She was supposed to meet me here."

Yolanda answers, "She was in our cabin."

"She didn’t seem like she was in any rush," Suzy adds with a shrug.

Tiffany adds, "I don’t even know who that is."

Wolf scratches his head. "Odd. Thanks for the information." Wolf snaps his fingers. "That reminds me. Suzy. How is the progress coming on that book we gave you for translation?"

Suzy nonchalantly replies, "Oh, that. With the whole merge, and everything, I have been unable to complete the project."

Wolf nods. "Thank you for your efforts." He bows slightly. "I’m going to check up on Andrea."

As Wolf leaves, Yolanda tells him, “I’m glad you’re feeling better."

Tiffany rolls her eyes and says, "Don’t be nice to the enemy."

Yolanda blinks and states, "He’s on our side... I think."

"You’re decidedly the enemy," Suzy states as she glares at Tiffany.

Tiffany laughs in an affected manner. "Oh, you guys."

Andrea is shown in her cabin closely inspecting the red haired doll known as Newton. She squints as she leans in closer toward the doll. She pulls out a single strand of orange hair, as her eyes widen. Someone knocks loudly on the door, causing Andrea to drop the doll.

Wolf falls, pushing the door open, as he lands hard on the floor. Andrea’s eyes are still wide open, as she bends down to pick up the doll. Wolf stands to his feet and dusts himself up. "Clumsy me," Wolf states. Wolf looks over and asks, "What happened to our small friend? He’s looking kind of rough."

Andrea quickly tucks Newton behind her back. "You must be seeing things. You must still be feeling the effects of that... love potion."

Wolf nods, places a hand to his chin, and states, "You know. They should really start calling those concoctions lust potions, with how my hormones were raging, and all." Wolf continues, "I was going to ask where you were, but I see that you were simply distracted by a previous project. Your dedication is unparalleled."

"Huh?" Andrea mutters. "Yeah... That’s right." Andrea sighs. "Look Wolf... What happened to you was all my fault."

Wolf looks confused. "What do you mean? You warned me about the potential dangers of drinking untested liquids..."

Andrea shakes her head. She says, "Not about that." She looks down momentarily. "I was just feeling like you were becoming distant..."

Wolf replies, "I’m not the one who’s so far away. When I attempted to welcome someone else into our group, you shut yourself off." Wolf adjusts his glasses.

"I realize that," Andrea admits. "And I apologize for it."

"All water under the proverbial bridge," Wolf responds, with a quick nod.

"But there’s more," Andrea assures. She moves her arm from behind her.

Jack walks into the cabin and states, "There you two are." Wolf and Andrea turn to the interjecting host. "It’s time to get started for the challenge."

"This early?" Wolf asks.

Jack nods and explains, "The costumes aren’t going to fit themselves." Andrea and Wolf shrug and follow the host outside. Andrea sets the doll down on a bed on the way out.

The contestants are gathered around Jack, dressed in a green vest, beige infinity scarf,   fingerless gloves, and a temporary tattoo that reads ‘Straight, No Chaser’. The host explains, "Today’s challenge will be... laser tag!"

Declan pumps his fist, and states, "I’m only the number one laser tag sharpshooter in all of Canada."

Tiffany rolls her eyes and says, "My apologies for thinking you weren’t a complete nerd when I first met you."

Jack further explains, "You each will be costumed up and taken to separate, undisclosed locations." Jack holds up a device. "These will be strapped to you, and will serve as the targets for your opponents. If this gets hit three times, it will start flashing and making some crazy noises. This will signify that you’re out of the game and will be gathered by crew members and escorted back to this point until the games are over."

Kirika asks, "So you can hide the whole time and still potentially win?"

Jack shrugs and says, "You can, but if you don’t participate in hitting a target with your weapon after a certain amount of time, your device will make a loud sound, alerting those nearby to your location. It’s to encourage everyone to engage in the excitement."

Yolanda asks, "So when do we get these weapons?"

"Good question," Jack responds. "There will be stations strewn about that hold random weapons. The longer you linger, the more vulnerable you may be to attack. You also will need to use these stations to recharge your laser weapons if the battery bar gets low, so be careful with how often you use them." The host surveys the contestants. "Any more questions before we get started?" The contestants remain silent. Jack nods, smiles, and says, "Alright, let’s get started."

Jack can be heard over a loudspeaker, as he says, "Let the games begin! You may remove your blindfolds."

Tiffany is shown in a clearing removing her blindfold. She is wearing a a wedding dress. She rolls her eyes, and tosses the wedding dress aside, revealing a black and yellow sweatsuit. She looks around and darts behind a large rock near a cave. Suzy walks out, clothed in a leather jacket, black shirt, quiver, and green pants and holding a laser crossbow. She calls out, "You can come out, Tiffany. I already saw you. I won’t shoot you."

Tiffany walks out with her hands in the air. Suzy sighs and holds down her laser crossbow. She approaches Tiffany and mutters, "I know I’m going to regret this."

Tiffany groans. "Go ahead and put me out of my misery."

Suzy shakes her head and explains, "I think it’s a good idea to team up at this stage, though I would have chosen literally anyone else to team up with."

"Gee, thanks," Tiffany responds with a roll of her eyes.

Suzy insists, "We should go find you one of these laser contraptions." More rustling is heard from the bushes. Suzy pushes Tiffany back and draws her crossbow. "Get back."

Yolanda emerges from the bushes, holding a pair of smaller laser guns, and wearing a crop top, small khaki shorts, and her hair in a ponytail. She requests, "It’s me. Don’t shoot."

Tiffany barks, "This is your chance! Shoot her!" Suzy rolls her eyes and steps forward. She turns and points her crossbow at Tiffany’s target device and fires three times causing the alarm to sound. Two crew members quickly appear and drag Tiffany out of the clearing. Tiffany calls out as she kicks, "I will remember this! You hear me!"

Jack says over the loudspeaker, "Tiffany is out. I repeat Tiffany is out of the challenge."

Yolanda walks up, and asks, "What was that about, Suzy?"

Suzy smirks and explains, "Just abandoning an alliance for a better one."

"Nice," Yolanda responds, as they shake hands. "Wait... You made an alliance with Tiffany?"

Suzy shrugs and admits, "I was desperate."

Yolanda nods, and says, "Let’s get out of this clearing and find some cover." Suzy nods as the girls leave the area.

Andrea is shown squatting low in order to analyze some footprints. She is wearing a red cloth as a headband, a black tank top, camouflage pants, and ammunition strapped against her chest, in addition to the target. She says to herself, "These look like Wolf’s footprints." She narrows her eyes. "I better find him."

After traveling some distance, Andrea comes across a large cardboard box. She quietly says, "The footprints end here... that must mean..."

Kirika suddenly appears from behind a nearby tree standee, and throws a boomerang at Andrea, which hits the device on her chest before falling to the ground. Kirika is wearing a school uniform with a tan jacket, matching skirt, and red tie. Her laser receiver device is on her neck, as opposed to her chest. She puts a hand at the back of her head and admits, "That’s all I found. I couldn’t figure out the laser properties, so I thought it would work if I just chucked it at something." Andrea blinks in response. She looks up behind Kirika, and her eyes get wide. Kirika looks confused as she turns around, and asks, "What are you..."

Wolf is standing behind her with his laser gun focused. The red haired teen is dressed in a skin tight gray bodysuit, a black headband worn around his forehead, and several straps assumedly used for holding various tools and ammunition. "Oh my..." Kirika utters, before being eliminated by Wolf.

Andrea holds up a thumb. She says, "Thanks for helping me out there." Her eyes dart toward Kirika. "Though she wasn’t much of a threat."

Wolf points his laser gun toward Andrea and states, "My apologies, Andrea. This is nothing personal." Wolf pulls his trigger three times and effectively eliminates Andrea from the challenge, as well.

Kirika’s eyes are wide as she says, "Wow, that’s cold."

Wolf scratches his head and explains, "This wasn’t a team challenge, or am I mistaken?" Kirika and Andrea are retrieved from the area and escorted away, as Andrea continues to look surprised as she looks back at Wolf.

Jack says into a microphone, "Kirika and Andrea are out of the challenge."

Tiffany says from behind him, "At least there’s some good news to come from this stupid challenge."

Back in the forest, Declan is shown walking by himself, dressed in a long black trench coat and sleek sunglasses, and a laser gun in his right hand. He pauses for a moment and smirks. Naveen emerges from behind a tree with his laser gun pointed at Declan. As he pulls the trigger, Declan bends backward at the waist in order to evade the line of fire. He then somersaults forward and springs into the air and launches himself at Naveen, hitting the device strapped to his chest two times, before kicking Naveen’s laser weapon from his hand and knocking the bigger guy to the ground. Declan has Naveen pinned to the ground and his laser gun pointed at his chest. Naveen states, "Wait. Before you eliminate me... I have to ask you..."

Declan insists, "If this is about me not eliminating you, then you’re out of luck."

Naveen shakes his head. Declan raises an eyebrow. He replies, "No. I was going to ask if you’ve ever seen ‘The Mainframe’?"

Declan’s eyes widen. He replies, "It’s only the best film ever made. The fight choreography, the dramatic tension between the two leads, not to mention the expertly crafted dialogue." Declan kisses his fingertips. "Cinematic perfection." Naveen nods his head rapidly. Declan raises an eyebrow. "Why do you ask me that now of all times?"

Naveen explains, "It’s just that your moves were exactly identical to the iconic moment where Geo and Nat were in that massive shootout."

Declan puts his arms down and responds, "Dude, that movie is older than we are. I never would have expected to meet another fan out here."

"Dude, I swore I thought you were Geo for a second," Naveen assures.

Declan smiles and tries not to look flattered. He replies, "It’s not like I modeled my life after him, or anything."

Naveen continues, "Dude, even if you did, you would have all of my respect." Naveen lays his head back. "Well, that’s all I wanted to say. You can take me out of the challenge, now."

Declan nods and raises his laser gun back up. He frowns, and lowers his weapon. "Look. There’s still three other opponents out here. It would be in our best interest to team up for the time being."

"Wait," Naveen replies. "You mean that?" Declan stands and helps the taller teen to his feet. Naveen is dressed in a yellow and blue body suit, with a red kerchief and a ‘W’ drawn around his eye.

Declan nods. He adds, "I like the costume."

Naveen smiles and assures, "I think it’s supposed to be Rook from the..."

Declan nods and states, "Obviously. Only the second greatest comic franchise of all time."

Naveen nods and replies, "Second only to..."

"Garfunkel the lazy, sarcastic, orange cat!" The guys shout simultaneously.

Declan tilts his head down and closes his eyes. He says, "Ah, I see you’re a man of culture, as well."

Naveen laughs and adds, "I love how he loves Fridays."

Declan responds, "I know, right? So relatable." Naveen nods rapidly.

Naveen retrieves his laser gun and asks, "So what next?"

Declan explains, "I would like to get back to a charging station to be on the safe side. Then we..." Declan pauses abruptly and nods his head toward a column set piece. The guys duck behind it as Wolf passes by, pointing multiple laser guns in two directions. After Wolf leaves the area, Declan quietly says, "I know we outnumber the guy, but did you see that intense look in his eye? He is taking this challenge even more seriously than I am."

Naveen’s face is slightly red. He honestly states, "How could I notice his eyes in that outfit of his? It was like he was wearing nothing at all." Naveen puts a hand over his face.

Declan rolls his eyes. He instructs, "Grow up," before marching forward. Naveen rushes to catch up.

Wolf is seen walking into a small clearing. He hears the rustling of leaves, and holds up one of his laser guns. He taunts, "Come out, come out, wherever you are." He quickly points his weapon toward the opposite direction after hearing more rustling from behind. Sensing something from that way, he steps forward onto some leaves. His eyes get wide, as his feet are caught in a trap, swiftly lifting him off of the ground, and hanging him upside down from a tree. His glasses fall from his face and onto the ground.

Yolanda and Suzy rush to each other from their hiding places, and high five. Yolanda looks down when she hears a crunching sound beneath her feet. She lets out an ‘oops’.

Suzy says, "Never mind that. Our trap worked!"

Wolf assures, "Well played, ladies."

"We know," Suzy answers with a frown.

"But you forgot one thing," Wolf states.

Yolanda raises an eyebrow, and counts on her fingers. "I don’t think so."

Wolf smirks and replies, "My arms are free." The girls’ eyes widen as Wolf begins firing at them. He hits Suzy’s device once, as Yolanda quickly tackles her friend to the side.

Yolanda arches her back in pain as she lands hard on the ground. Suzy shouts, "Yolanda!"

"I’m fine," Yolanda insists.

"What a relief," Wolf states. He fires three times, eliminating Yolanda from the challenge.

"No!" Suzy shouts as she looks on helplessly.

Yolanda looks up at Wolf as he turns his attention toward Suzy. Yolanda directs, "Don’t worry about me! Get out of his line of vision!" Suzy nods and rolls out of the way and behind one of the obstacles. Suzy looks on as Yolanda is removed from the challenge by the crew members. Yolanda waves and mouths ‘You’ve got this’, before being brought beyond Suzy’s line of vision.

Jack announces over intercom, "Yolanda is out of the challenge."

Suzy frowns as she looks up at Wolf as he uses his strength to swing himself back and forth. She looks ahead of her at her laser crossbow just out of reach after being knocked from her hands. Wolf drops his guns to the ground and stretches his arms out as he nears the tree and wraps them around the tree. Suzy uses this moment to run toward her laser weapon. Wolf holds the tree and pulls his legs down with all his strength, breaking the branch holding him in the process. Wolf flips down from the tree, landing on his feet in a squatted position, and quickly retrieving his laser guns. He points his laser guns at Suzy, a mere centimeters away from her laser crossbow. He stands over her and states, "Given the make of these guns is the same, and since this one is empty, I have two shots remaining." He tosses aside one of his laser guns. "I’ll have to reload after this." He fires the first shot at Suzy’s device, making it flash. He pulls the trigger a second time. Suzy winces, but she opens her eyes when nothing happens. Wolf frowns as he pulls the trigger several times. He states with a shrug, "Math was always more of my brother’s strong suit."

Suzy smirks and reaches for the laser crossbow. Before she can fire, Wolf’s device starts flashing and the alarm sounds. He looks over at Naveen and Declan high fiving in the distance. "Nice shot," Declan praises. Naveen blushes as he rubs the back of his head.

Wolf nods and says, "That was most exhilarating."

Jack announces, "Wolf has been eliminated from the challenge." Two crew members lead Wolf from the area.

Suzy stands up and dusts herself off. "So you two teamed up," Suzy states. "I cannot say that I’m surprised given Declan’s track record." She holds her laser crossbow in Naveen’s direction. Naveen and Declan hold their laser guns toward her.

Declan defensively states, "It was an alliance bred from necessity."

"And also great taste in pop culture," Naveen adds.

Suzy shrugs and says, "Go ahead and take me out, and prove once and for all where your loyalties lie."

Naveen continues looking toward Suzy but whispers to the side, "What is she talking about?"

Declan sighs and says, "Sorry, man." He turns his laser gun toward Naveen, and fires once, causing his device to flash and the alarm to sound. Suzy is taken off guard, and points her crossbow toward Declan, but her alarm sounds before she can fire.

Jack announces, "Naveen and Suzy are out of the challenge, meaning Declan has won invincibility!"

Declan pumps his fist. Naveen gives a thumbs up and assures, "Well done, dude."

Suzy shrugs her shoulders and agrees, "That last move was definitely impressive, I must admit."

Naveen adds, "Dude was recharging every few minutes."

"It’s good to be prepared for anything," Declan insists.

At the campfire ceremony, the teens sit and await their results. Suzy looks at Declan who returns her gaze and nods.

Jack announces, "With the first individual invincibility win that didn’t go to Suzy, Declan has earned this here marshmallow." Declan smiles as he catches the marshmallow in his mouth.

Declan states, with marshmallow goo caught on his teeth, "I’m the regional marshmallow catching champeen if that wasn’t obvious.” The others roll their eyes. "Aiming for the nationals."

Suzy mutters, "We would have known by now if his name wasn’t always called last every other time."

Jack smiles and replies, "Um, way to go, champ. The next marshmallows go to... Yolanda, Andrea, and Wolf." The three contestants catch their marshmallows. "Next up is... Tiffany and Kirika!" The girls catch their marshmallows.

Tiffany rubs her temples. "Please don’t mention us in the same sentence, again."

Jack grimaces. He announces, "We have two marshmallows left and two contestants." Naveen looks down, as Suzy folds her arms. "The final marshmallow is for..."

"Suzy." The proper teen catches her marshmallow.

Naveen stands up. He rubs the back of his head and says, "I can’t say this is a shock. I just wish that I had more fun the last few days."

Declan leans toward him and assures, "Hey, man. You were great in that last challenge. Definitely a worthy adversary." Naveen puts his arm around Declan and hugs him.  Declan adds, "Thanks, too, for understanding the position I am in." Naveen nods. "I wish we were teammates from the beginning."

Naveen walks toward Kirika and picks her up from her seat for a hug. "Thanks for lighting that fire under my butt."

Wolf leans toward Andrea asks, "Is that not against the rules?" Andrea shrugs.

Naveen goes on, "Be sure to wipe the floor with Tiffany." Tiffany folds her arms and glares to the side. He sets Kirika back down, who looks rather embarrassed.

Kirika quietly says, "It was nice to meet you."

Jack states, "Thanks for playing, Naveen. It’s time for you to go."

Naveen nods and says, "I understand." He waves to the contestants. "It’s been fun. See you all at the finale." The other contestants wave at him, except for Tiffany, as he boards The Boat of Losers. Declan looks down with a frown.

Jack says to the camera, "Thanks for watching this episode of Total Drama: The Next Generation. We have more fun in store for the next episode, so be sure to tune in next time."

### Chapter 13 - Wonderland of the Lost

Jack appears on screen with a wide smile. The energetic host introduces, "Welcome to episode thirteen of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation! I’m your host, Jack. Last time, our contestants faced off in an exciting game of laser tag. Declan came out on top, putting aside his friendship with Naveen to secure the challenge win. Unfortunately, we also said goodbye to Naveen at the elimination ceremony and we’re down to seven contestants. What will happen this week? What crazy costumes will the contestants be forced to wear in the challenge? And who will be eliminated? Find out, now!"

Walking home from the campfire ceremony, Declan asks, "You should have seen me during the challenge. Naveen thought I was all literally gunning for Suzy, but I took him out with a ‘Bladow!’, then Suzy had no idea he had one hit left, so she was all ‘Whu?!’ when I took her out." Suzy rolls her eyes, as she walks with Declan and Yolanda.

Yolanda assures with a smile, "I’m sure it was something."

"It really wasn’t," Suzy insists with a frown.

Yolanda continues, "I’m just glad we’re all on the same page, now, and Suzy got to see where your loyalties lie."

Declan replies, "I don’t know why it was ever a question. I’ve been loyal since the start." Declan pauses. "But, yeah... I’m glad we cleared everything up. Let’s all put our hands in." The trio put their hands in a circle, raise them, and shout ‘Final three!’ in unison.

"Now we can finally vote out..." Suzy begins.

Tiffany calls out, "Wait up, besties!" She runs up and puts her arms around Suzy and Yolanda. "We voted out another one of those Cool Cat losers."

Declan states, "You’re talking about my friend, you know." He folds his arms and glares at Tiffany.

Tiffany ignores Declan and adds, "Just one more to go, and we saved the worst for last." Yolanda and Suzy look aside. "So what’s on the agenda?" Tiffany asks.

Suzy looks at her wrist and states, "Would you look at the time? I forgot I was going to meet up with one of the crew members to practice their posture." Suzy darts off into the night.

"That was weird," Yolanda insists. "She never mentioned posture lessons to me, and she tells me everything." Tiffany stares at Yolanda.

Declan puts a hand to his chin. "I’m no romance expert, but maybe love is in the air?"

"Speaking of which," Tiffany responds. She puts a hand on Yolanda and Declan’s shoulders, pushes them closer to each other, and states, "You two are so cute together."

"There’s nothing going on between us," Yolanda insists. "We’re just friends."

Declan raises an eyebrow and adds, "Yeah. I’m not into relationships. I’m kind of insulted that you would make such an assumption."

"Oh, please," Tiffany replies with a roll of her eyes. "A guy and girl can’t just be friends. It defies the laws of nature." She points at Andrea and Wolf walking by in the distance. "Case and point. Plus, I don’t know what fairy tale you live in, but I have yet to meet a guy not attracted to me."

"Well, consider me a unicorn," Declan states. He puts his hands up and adds, "We don’t have time for this. Yolanda and I need to talk... privately."

Tiffany puts her hands on her hips. "I don’t like being excluded."

Declan narrows his eyes and harshly states, "It’s hard to be excluded from a group you were never a part of."

"What am I supposed to do?" Tiffany calls out, as Yolanda and Declan walk away. Tiffany stomps her foot, and glares to the side.

Kirika is shown in her cabin by herself writing in her journal. Andrea and Wolf walk in, startling her for a moment. She tucks her book under her pillow swiftly, and says, "Oh, hi."

Andrea ignores the greeting as she kneels and looks under her bed. Wolf waves at Kirika. Andrea says, "It’s not here."

"What are you looking for?" Kirika asks.

Wolf explains, "Allow me to elucidate. You must recall seeing that doll we’ve been looking after."

Kirika nods. "It looked to be in pretty rough shape, and Andrea left it on the floor, so... when the cleaning crew came by, they tossed it out."

"They what?!" Andrea calls out. She takes Wolf by the hand and the two of them rush out.

Wolf states, "I don’t know what the big deal is. I like the little guy, but this seems like a bit of an overreaction."

"I’ll explain on the way," Andrea assures.

As the two exit, Tiffany walks in and looks after them. She asks, "What was that about?"

Kirika responds, "They misplaced something."

Tiffany rolls her eyes. "Was I talking to you?"

Kirika looks around the room. She quietly says, "I’m the only one here." Kirika’s journal falls from her bed and onto the floor.

Tiffany smirks, and quickly walks over, picking it up before Kirika can get to it. Tiffany states, "Oooh! What do we have here?"

"Don’t touch that," Kirika demands. Tiffany pushes Kirika’s head back, as she flips through the journal.

"Ooh," Tiffany states with a smile. "These pages are all about Max. I knew you had a crush on him."

Kirika protests, "Give that back."

Tiffany reads, "’Max. Strong, handsome, and likable.’" Tiffany laughs. "You had it bad for him." Tiffany reads on. "’Strangely naive, and prone to strong arming people if he feels his motives are justified. Views himself as a leader, but lacks creative thinking to form a proper plan.’" Tiffany raises an eyebrow. Kirika’s face is red. She sits down on her bed. "What kind of love musings are these?"

Kirika quietly says, "They’re not love musings."

Tiffany flips through more pages. "’Gabe. Honest, but has a tendency to follow his emotions over...’ blah blah. ‘Suzy. Puts on an act of superiority, but seems to get jealous easily...’" Tiffany looks up. "These are observations." Tiffany smirks. "You little stalker."

"It’s not like that," Kirika insists. "I... I spent most of my time alone out here. That gave me a lot of time to notice things about everyone."

Tiffany flips through the journal. "Let’s see what awful things you wrote about me." Tiffany reads, "’Tiffany. Very, very...’" Tiffany pauses. "’Intelligent. For some reason, wants people to focus on her looks instead of her intelligence. Can persuade nearly anyone to act in her behalf.’" Tiffany looks up at Kirika, blinks, and asks, "You think I’m smart?"

Kirika shrugs as she looks down. She admits, "Yes. It’s obvious, at least to me."

Tiffany looks to the side. She states, "No one has ever called me smart, before."

"Vivi’s the one that inspired me to take these notes," Kirika explains. "Most of this is things she observed, first."

Tiffany closes the journal and tosses it back to Kirika. "Don’t think this changes anything between us. I’m still gunning for you next." Tiffany begins to walk away.

Kirika swallows. She says loudly, "After I’m gone, are you satisfied with placing sixth?" Tiffany stops walking. "I mean, I know you’re smart enough to know that the other team doesn’t like you."

"Here come the insults," Tiffany responds.

Kirika shakes her head and insists, "You know it’s true. With my observations, and your persuasiveness, we don’t have to settle for being the next two voted out. We can do much better."

"You’re suggesting we team up?" Tiffany asks. Kirika nods. "Don’t be ridiculous. You’re really grasping at straws to try to save yourself." Kirika frowns, as Tiffany makes her way to her side of the room. Tiffany lays her head on her pillow and faces the wall.

Wolf stands outside of a dumpster as he unbuttons his shirt, and states, "So you’re telling me, that you think Newton is a voodoo doll and you think it’s somehow tied to me?" Andrea gives an affirmative sound and tosses garbage outside of the dumpster and it hits Wolf. "And now I’m covered in garbage."

Andrea says from within the dumpster, "Ah! That confirms he’s in here. Again, I apologize for accidentally getting some of your hair on the doll, and then letting it singe in the fire. That’s obviously the source of your fever."

"So your intended target was Gabe?" Wolf asks as he folds his shirt and jacket and sets them aside.

Andrea pokes her head out of the dumpster with a banana peel on the top of her hat. "Of course not. My intended target was Tiffany. I nabbed a strand of her hair during the horror challenge, but must have mixed it up with yours. Orange hair and blonde hair have a similar sheen in the moonlight. But we’re going to resolve this, now."

"And what was the goal in putting the doll in the fire?" Wolf asks.

"The voodoo seemed to work in metaphor. I thought she would metaphorically get burned, or whatever the kids say." Andrea pauses as she stares at Wolf, wearing his swimsuit and a pair of goggles.

"I’m ready," Wolf assures.

Andrea raises an eyebrow. "Don’t you think it’ll be a little safer to wear your clothes in here?"

"I don’t want to get them dirty," Wolf assures.

Andrea looks over at his stained lab coat, and raises an eyebrow. She says, "Uh huh."

Wolf adds, "Besides, you did say we were dumpster diving." Andrea shrugs, and crouches back down. Wolf begins to climb the side of the garbage bin.

Andrea hands an empty bottle to Wolf. "They must have thrown out the bottle for your little love potion, too."

Wolf, still on the side of the dumpster, holds the bottle up to the moonlight and states, "There might be enough residuals for a proper analysis." He gently places the bottle on his clothes on the ground. He lifts a leg over the side of the garbage bin.

Andrea excitedly states, "I found him!"

As Andrea lifts Newton out of the dumpster, a man’s deep voice states. "What are you kids doing out here?" Andrea is startled, dropping the doll on the ground. She adds, "Sorry, Wolf," as Wolf falls from the dumpster and onto the ground.

Mr. Armstrong helps Wolf to his feet, and looks at the younger guy in his small swimsuit. "Glad to see that you don’t struggle with the body positivity issues I did when I was your age. That’s progress."

Wolf rubs some dirt off of his head, and responds, "I like your sweater."

Mr. Armstrong looks down at his own bare chest, and replies, "Er... thank you."

Andrea climbs down from the garbage bin. "You’re that therapist guy. What are you doing out here?"

"I was out for a run," Mr. Armstrong explains. He blinks. "Wait a minute. I’m not the one climbing into a dumpster well past curfew."

"We can explain," Andrea assures, as Mr. Armstrong has his arms folded.

The therapist adds, "Well?"

"Erm," Andrea begins. "Under the suspicion of some of the dark arts being at play, we discovered some strange etchings, a voodoo doll, and a concoction with... spellbinding properties." Mr. Armstrong looks at Andrea with a blank stare.

Wolf puts a hand up and explains, "I lost my dolly." He bends down and picks up Newton.

Mr. Armstrong blinks for a moment. "How..." he begins, "perfectly healthy. I must say, if I were as half in touch with my masculinity at your age..." Mr. Armstrong pauses, with his mouth slightly open. "I can’t believe it."

Wolf holds the doll closer to his chest. "Uh... It’s definitely true."

Mr. Armstrong excitedly takes the doll from Wolf. "I recognize this little guy." He holds the doll up. "This is my best friend." Andrea looks surprised. "I mean, it’s based on him. He’s almost as cute as Kendall himself." Mr. Armstrong laughs. "You see, his wife made these little dolls back in the day. It must have been left behind here, or something."

"All the way out here?" Andrea asks with her arms folded.

Mr. Armstrong nods. He puts a hand behind his head. "There’s something I failed to mention. I competed on this show way back when, right on this very island." Mr. Armstrong looks into the distance. "This brings back a lot of memories. Where did you find it?"

Andrea explains, "There was this bunker hidden on the island."

"Oh, yeah?" Mr. Armstrong asks.

Andrea states, "There were some strange happenings associated with this doll. Did this Kendall guys’ wife deal with any incantations, or..."

"Voodoo?" Mr. Armstrong asks. He lets out a loud laugh. "Nothing of the sort. It must have all been coincidence. A lot of weird things happened when I competed out here, so I can see how someone might get mixed up."

Wolf nods toward Andrea. She nods back. Wolf holds up the empty bottle. "We also found this." He looks at Andrea.

Andrea adds, "We think it was a love potion."

Mr. Armstrong lets out a hearty laugh. Wolf and Andrea nervously look at each other. "This isn’t a love potion. It was a popular soft drink called Passion Punch."

"What?" Andrea asks.

"Yeah," Mr. Armstrong replies. "It was somewhat popular back in the day but I don’t think they make it, anymore, and there was this weird rumor that it was an aphrodisiac... I guess you could technically call it a love potion, but it probably wouldn’t have much potency after all these years." Andrea smirks as she glances at Wolf. "Was that all you found?"

Andrea raises a finger. "Now that you mention it, there was something. I’ll be right back." Andrea darts off, leaving the guys awkwardly standing together as they each look to the side.

Andrea returns with a notebook. She opens it and hands it to the counselor. He looks through the pages, and lets out another big laugh. Andrea squints her eyes and asks, "What is it this time?"

Mr. Armstrong points to a drawing colored with a lot of green. "He looks familiar, but I..."

"It’s the gill man," Andrea matter of factly states.

Mr. Armstrong laughs, again. He asks, "The what now? No... I know who it is, now. It’s this kid Levi. We were on the same season together. Good looking guy." Andrea and Wolf look at each other. "Quite a swimmer, now that you mention it."

Andrea turns to another page. "This one is obviously some sort of wolf man, and/or Sasqwatchanakwa."

Mr. Armstrong holds the notebook up to himself and gestures at his body. "Quite the likeness, if I should say so myself." Wolf and Andrea look at each other with wide eyes. The therapist flips through the notebook, and holds it up to the Kendall doll.

"One hundred percent banshee," Andrea states, awkwardly.

Mr. Armstrong admits, "I guess Kendall’s voice could get pretty high when he was really mad, but... no." He thumbs through a few pages. "I don’t recognize everyone in here, I’m not sure what all the hearts are about, and I can’t tell you who drew these, but yeah. They’re definitely past contestants and not monsters..." The counselor pauses. "Though there are no monsters, just the misguided and misunderstood." The counselor gives a hearty sigh. "The trip down memory lane was a definite treat. Here." Mr. Armstrong hands back the items. "You can have these back. I hope you kids have a great night." Mr. Armstrong jogs off into the night.

Wolf looks over at Andrea, both with wide eyes. "So what does this all mean?"

Andrea looks down at the items. "It means..." Andrea says quietly. She growls, "We were distracted by false leads." The dark haired girl tosses the items into the garbage bin. "Let’s find Suzy with that book of Jack’s. That’s where the real scoop is. Come on, Wolf." Wolf stops to pick up his clothes. Andrea repeats, "Come on, Wolf." Wolf frowns and follows after Andrea, dropping a shoe in the process.

Back in their cabin, Wolf walks in on Declan doing yoga. Declan frowns as he looks up. He asks, "You’re done gallivanting with Andrea for the night?"

Wolf explains, carrying his clothes, but still in his swimwear, "We were looking for Suzy, but she was nowhere to be found."

Declan asks, "Why are you never wearing clothes?" Declan exhales. "Never mind. Letting it go."

"My apologies," Wolf responds. He puts on a tie. "Hey... can we converse about something?"

"Head empty," Declan replies.

"Good," Wolf answers. "Have you ever not liked someone, but then..."

Declan’s eyes are closed, as he interrupts, "By head empty, that’s the point of yoga, not an invitation."

Wolf continues, "I once thought that I was what is commonly referred to as ‘asexual’."

One of Declan’s eyes shoots open. He states, "I’m listening."

Wolf admits, "But then I felt attracted to another... person... after never being attracted to anyone before. My palms were sweaty, my face was bright red, I was experiencing shortness of breath... Long story short, I assumed these feelings were brought on by some sort of love potion."

Declan’s other eye shoots open. "Wait, what?"

"I digress," Wolf continues. "It turns out that there never was a love potion."

"Okay?" Declan replies with a raised eyebrow.

Wolf goes on, sitting on his bed, "I’m the type not to be distracted by emotions and feelings. I once witnessed my favorite beaker get run over by a snowblower, and I did not shed a single tear."

"Oh... yeah?" Declan asks, with his eyes narrowed.

Wolf adds, "I feel sort of sidelined. I was so confident that I already knew who I was. But now I recognize that I simply found a ridiculous excuse to explain away new feelings."

Declan adds, "By feelings, you mean the sweaty palms and shortness of breath?" Wolf nods. "Maybe I’m out of line here, but that sounds like a fever." Wolf blinks. Declan changes yoga positions. "But asexuality comes in a lot of forms. Aromantic, heteroromantic, homoromantic..." Declan shrugs. "I wouldn’t get all out of sorts about not knowing who you are at our age. There’s a lot of time to learn about yourself."

"I do like learning," Wolf replies. He looks down. "You are so wise." Wolf clears his throat. "Does this make us... friends?"

Declan’s face turns slightly red. "This is, like, the first time we’ve interacted."

"I suppose I could be mistaken," Wolf replies whilst adjusting his tie.

Declan frowns and quietly says, "You’re not wrong."

The following day, the contestants are gathered with Jack all dressed in fairytale themed costumes. Jack, dressed in a white vest, with a stopwatch, and white rabbit ears, explains, "You all look hilarious."

Tiffany protests, "Why am I the caterpillar?" She looks over at Wolf, dressed in a blue and white romper. "Why does he get to be the heroine? I am clearly main character material."

Jack assures, "The roles were assigned at random... Plus, we have a lot of these rompers in Wolf’s size just lying around." Tiffany raises an eyebrow.

Andrea asks, "Why are we dressed like this?" She tugs at her suit jacket. She is also wearing an oversized hat. "Are we going to climb down rabbit holes?"

Jack shakes his head, his rabbit ears flapping. The host explains, "Croquet is one of the greatest sports of our generation."

Tiffany rolls her eyes and says, "You mean your generation? You’re the one born in 1832."

Jack forces a smile. Kirika, clothed like a colorful cat, puts a hand to her chin. She states, "I seem to recall croquet being a theme of a challenge from a prior season." Tiffany gestures with her hand like it’s talking as she mouths ‘blah, blah, blah’. "I wouldn’t mention it if it weren’t unusual for this series to repeat challenges."

Jack nods, his smile now more sincere. He explains, "Last time, the challenge was interrupted by a rather... unfortunate event. So this time, I wanted to do the sport justice, and complete what was started roughly thirteen years ago. So I bring you... extreme croquet!" Jack places sunglasses over his eyes, as pyrotechnics go off behind him, and air horns sound. The contestants look around in bewilderment.

Andrea has a pencil and paper ready, and asks, "What exactly was this unfortunate event you speak of?"

Jack shakes his head. "That’s not important, now. I mean..." the host gestures toward the fantastical set up, "Croquet."

"Point taken," Yolanda states, in red heart themed royal garb.

Suzy raises an eyebrow, dressed in a white chess themed ensemble. She asks, "Was it?"

Crew members hand out croquet balls and mallets shaped like flamingos to the contestants, each one color coordinated to their costumes. "I guess these mallets are some sort of a pop culture reference?" Wolf asks. Several contestants facepalm.

"Croquet, huh?" Declan asks as he tosses up and catches his black croquet ball, coordinated to his ace of spades costume. "I can’t say that I’m familiar with how to play."

Suzy looks surprised. "I thought you were a master at everything."

Declan stretches, and assures, "I’m sure I’ll be a natural."

Jack explains, "We set up some fantasy themed obstacles to keep things interesting."

Declan looks over the course and asks, "So it’s mini golf?"

Jack frowns. "No. It’s croquet."

Declan scratches his head and asks, "But like... Mini croquet?"

Jack gestures emphatically and claims, "Look. It’s regular sized croquet."

"It really looks like mini croquet," Declan insists as he again looks around the course.

"There is no such thing as mini croquet!" Jack impatiently shouts. The contestants look on with wide eyes. "I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m really sensitive when it comes to croquet."

"All is forgiven," Declan assures with his hands held up.

Andrea leans toward Wolf and whispers, "Guy is really sensitive about croquet." Wolf nods.

Jack states, "I’ll explain the rules. Hit the ball through the hoops until you reach that stick over there." The host points to said stick. "Avoid the obstacles as best you can. If you hit someone’s ball, you may hit your ball into it to launch it. Any questions?"

Declan states, "Yes. I have a question." The teen points at his costume. "What exactly is my costume supposed to be?"

Jack responds in a gravelly voice, "The ace of spades!" The contestants look at the host with wide eyes. Jack clears his throat and apologizes, "Sorry. I had some jicama earlier that really scratched up my throat. So, moving along. If everyone can get in position, please." The contestants comply. Jack instructs, "Why don’t we go alphabetically by costume? That makes... Declan first up."

Declan nods, and kisses his croquet ball. "I have a good feeling about this," he says. Declan hits his croquet ball toward the first hoop, between the legs of a small table with a small bottle on it. The ball rolls into a patch of grass, and triggers an explosion that makes Declan’s ball burst into small pieces. Declan looks on with his jaw dropped.

Jack shouts, "Whoa! That was epic! And with that Declan is out of the challenge."

Declan’s eyes widen. He protests, "That’s not fair. You never said anything about explosions." Yolanda looks on with a frown.

Jack taps a finger on the side of his head and replies, "I did say to avoid the obstacles."

"He did say that," Tiffany adds with a smirk.

"Can’t that be a practice shot?" Declan requests.

"Or can he get a redo?" Yolanda asks. Kirika looks on and adjusts her glasses.

"Oh, come on," Declan replies. "I’ve never come in last in anything, ever."

Jack shrugs his shoulders and states, "You win some, lose some. It’s all the same to me."

"Is that a... yes?" Declan asks with a pleading smile.

Suzy folds her arms. She says, "Don’t be such a sore loser. It’s just a game."

"Yeah," Tiffany chimes in. "Take your loss, and don’t be such a baby."

"I’m not a sore loser... or a baby," Declan insists. "I lose like a champ. Look at me. Going with the flow. It’s all a game to me." Declan taps his foot. "What do I do in the mean time?"

Jack hands Declan a paintbrush and can of paint. Declan asks, "Um... what is all of this for?"

The host points to some standee rose bushes. Jack explains, "I see a red rose and I want it painted black... The crew didn’t have time to get to all of them, and since you don’t have anything better to do..." Yolanda looks on with a frown, as Suzy rolls her eyes. Kirika observes the trio. Declan sighs and heads over to the props.

Yolanda says, "It’s only fair for him to get paid for this."

Jack responds, "Consider it part of the challenge." Jack smiles at the remaining participants. "Next up is Wolf."

The strong science nerd sets down his blue croquet ball, and licks his thumb and holds it up to the wind. "I will simply let science handle the rest." Wolf strikes his croquet ball in the direction of the first hoop. His massive bulk causes the ball to sail well over the hoop, and causing Andrea to crouch to avoid getting hit. Wolf places a hand above his eyes to watch the ball fly into the brush.

Jack looks on with wide eyes. He says, "Wolf is still in the game, but we will not be waiting for you to find the ball." Jack looks at Wolf as he blankly stares at him. Jack claps his hands and says, "Get to it, bud." Wolf nods and rushes into the brush.

Kirika has a hand to her chin and thinks out loud, "This seems oddly familiar."

"No one cares," Tiffany responds.

Jack states, "Well, Tiffany, it’s your turn."

Tiffany sets down a green ball, sighs as the cowl of her costume flops over her eyes, before she adjusts it, and states, "Watch how it’s done." Tiffany strikes the ball with her flamingo mallet. It goes through not only the first hoop, but the second, as well. The others politely applaud.

Andrea asks, with her eyes widened, "How did you learn to do that?"

Tiffany explains, "Only from the greatest movie ever made. It’s about a group of girls almost as popular as me, being systematically accosted by their traitor friend and a juvenile delinquent. It’s a tragic, but very realistic dramatic reenactment of the trials that the popular face."

"What kind of movie is that?" Andrea asks.

Kirika chimes in, "I’ve seen it, though I remember it a little differently. Do you remember Heather from Total Drama Island, and... those lesser follow up series?" Andrea nods. Kirika explains, "Well, imagine three of her within the high school hierarchy." Andrea nods, looking slightly less confused. “Not that I have much experience with high school." Andrea scratches her chin with her pencil.

Play continues. Andrea looks over at the brush. She turns her attention toward the host. She asks, “Jack? I’m starting to get worried about Wolf."

Jack insists, “I’m sure he’s fine. Let’s get back to this riveting game. Tiffany is in the lead with two hoops left to clear, but Suzy is not far behind." Suzy takes her turn and strikes her white croquet ball through another hoop. She pumps a fist. Jack announces, “Tiffany is up next, what will she do?”

Tiffany looks ahead at the next hoop, but then back toward Kirika’s pink and purple striped ball. Tiffany smirks and hits her ball back toward Kirika’s pink and purple striped ball. She pouts and states, “Oops. Clumsy me."

Jack explains, “That contact means that Tiffany can strike her ball to Kirika’s..." Tiffany doesn’t wait for Jack to explain, and hits Kirika’s ball into the brush. "Detriment,” Jack finishes. Kirika sighs and walks off toward the brush. Jack calls out to her, “If you see Wolf in there, tell him I said ‘hi’.” Kirika nods.

Yolanda leans in toward Suzy and quietly states, “That really wasn’t fair.”

Suzy adds, “It also made Tiffany back track for no reason.”

Yolanda shakes her head and says, “I don’t know what she’s thinking.”

Andrea is next to take her turn. She hits her yellow croquet ball up a ramp and across a long table full of dishes, cups, and cutlery, but misses the hoop at the end. Andrea frowns, looks aside, and says, “Rigged.”

Jack assures, “It’s a perfectly fair game, I assure you."

Andrea is underneath the table inspecting it. "Mm hm,” she replies.

Yolanda goes next, hitting her red croquet ball past a clearing of animatronic singing flowers, and through a hoop. Her ball keeps rolling into a royal courtyard set and lands on a red ‘x’. Yolanda asks, as she points at her ball, “What does that ‘x’ mean? It’s good, right?" A guillotine blade falls and splits Yolanda’s croquet ball in two. Yolanda looks on in shock.

Jack laughs and says, “Looks like Yolanda’s out of the game, as well.” Yolanda frowns. “You can go help Declan with the roses.” Yolanda shrugs and heads in that direction.

“Aw,” Tiffany coos. “Aren’t they the cutest?” Suzy rolls her eyes, before glancing at Yolanda and Declan. Tiffany smirks and leans in toward Suzy. She says, “Now that we’re alone...”

Andrea pipes up, “I’m still here.”

Tiffany continues, “I’m willing to let you have this challenge, if you agree to a final two alliance with me.”

Suzy seems annoyed. She barks, “I’m sick of your constant scheming. Nobody likes you. You’d be lucky if you’re not the next person voted out.”

Tiffany looks surprised. She responds, “Are you threatening me? And after all that I did for you?"

“Please,” Suzy replies. “You were always disposable. I’m just sorry we had to keep you on this long, you spoiled, fake blonde... man eating seductress."

Jack attempts to intervene, as Andrea looks on with raised eyebrows, “Now, ladies...”

“My hair color is not fake,” Tiffany insists.

Suzy hits her croquet ball hard, and it goes through the final hoops and strikes the stick, causing it to break in half. Jack looks on and says, “Uh... Suzy wins invincibility!” Suzy breaks the flamingo croquet mallet over her knee.

Andrea asks, “Can I go look for Wolf, now?” She points toward the bushes.

Suzy glares at Tiffany and says, “Like I would ever need your help to win a challenge.”

Kirika and Wolf emerge from the bushes finally finding their croquet balls. Kirika asks as she points toward Tiffany and Suzy, “What’s up with those two?" Yolanda and Declan seem oblivious in the background as they laugh and paint the props.

At the elimination ceremony, Tiffany and Suzy have their arms folded as they sit on opposite sides. Jack states, “I can’t say that was the most heated confrontation I’ve seen during a croquet match, but it was one of the more surprising. Now let’s see who is safe, and who is getting voted out.” Jack holds up a marshmallow and states, “This one goes without saying.” Jack tosses a marshmallow to Suzy.

Tiffany taunts, “You should be glad you have invincibility.” Suzy rolls her eyes.

Jack announces, “Wolf and Andrea are also safe." He tosses the pair their marshmallows. “Next up are... Yolanda and Kirika." The girls receive their marshmallows. Jack looks at Declan and Tiffany. “That leaves the two of you, and one marshmallow. It goes to...”

“Tiffany." Declan and Yolanda look stunned as Tiffany catches the final marshmallow with a smirk.

“That can’t be right," Yolanda insists. “That... doesn’t make any sense.”

Jack shrugs and says, “I just read the votes.”

“Can I get a recount?” Declan asks sincerely.

Jack shakes his head. “I checked the footage, as well. This is how the vote went.”

Wolf frowns and looks at his new friend, as Declan buried his face in his hands. Wolf pats him on the back. Declan stands up and forces a smile. He insists, “I don’t know what happened here, but well played. I didn’t see this coming, at all.”

Yolanda insists, “You didn’t deserve to go out this early.”

Jack assures, “It was fun seeing you take this show so seriously, but it’s time for you to go.”

Declan nods and admits, “I didn’t pack my bags, so... shame on me.” He holds a hand up. “Take care everyone. May the best person win.” Yolanda looks on with her eyes watering, as Declan walks off toward the Boat of Losers. Suzy looks away.

Jack appears in front of the camera. He says, “Thank you for watching another episode. There’s an important bit I left out to make things more surprising, so here you go.”

Prior to the campfire ceremony, Kirika is alone in her cabin packing her belongings. Tiffany walks in, with tears in her eyes. Kirika asks, “Is everything okay?”

Tiffany asks, “How do we take them out?”

Kirika looks confused. She asks, “Who?”

“I know that you know who I mean,” Tiffany responds.

Kirika nods, as she pulls out her journal and refers to its pages. “There seemed to be some conflict with Suzy questioning Declan’s loyalty, but that seems to be resolved.” Kirika looks up at Tiffany and admits, “I don’t have this written down, but there seems to be this jealousy with Suzy toward Declan’s friendship with Yolanda. I’m hypothesizing that that’s why Suzy got so angry with you.”

“So all we need to do is have you exploit that jealousy," Tiffany states.

“Me?” Kirika asks. “That’s... I can’t do that. That’s more your specialty.”

Tiffany rolls her eyes and states, “Suzy won’t even talk to me, and I don’t want to talk to her, either, that arrogant know-it-all.”

“I mean,” Kirika begins. “If you just tell her that she’s playing for third place, as the other two would pick each other over her in the final."

“Ooh,” Tiffany reacts. “That’s so devious of you, I love it. Your evil side was always so obvious to me." Tiffany shakes her head. “But you have to be the one to make that suggestion to her.”

“I can’t,” Kirika replies.

Tiffany insists, “You have no choice, sweetie.” Tiffany frowns. “Calling you that leaves a weird taste in my mouth.” Suzy walks in, and glares at Tiffany. Tiffany states, “Don’t worry. I was just leaving.” Tiffany storms toward the door and looks over at Kirika before exiting.

Kirika swallows hard. She says, “Suzy... can we talk?” Suzy looks over at her.

### Chapter 14 - Here, Therapy, and Everywhere

Jack, the jovial host, welcomes, "Thank you for tuning in to another episode of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation! We’re down to our final six, and what a road it’s been to get here. On our previous episode, Declan, Suzy, and Yolanda were confident in their final three alliance. Andrea and Wolf discovered that their efforts were being wasted on meaningless memorabilia. And Kirika and Tiffany teamed up in an effort to cause a revolution. Suzy won individual invincibility for the third time, and struck a nerve with Tiffany. The newfound alliance of Tiffany and Kirika was able to convince Suzy, however, to vote for her ally Declan in a  stunning turn of events. What will happen this time on Total Drama: The Next Generation?!"

Andrea leans in toward Suzy, the former members of The Chilly Dogs still at the campfire ceremony site, and asks, "So about that journal you were translating for us..." Suzy glares at Andrea. Andrea frowns and looks at Wolf. "I’m guessing this is a bad time. Let’s get out of here." Wolf nods and the pair walk away.

Yolanda is sitting on a stump at the campfire ceremony site, her eyes wide. She says, "I am still stunned."

Suzy turns to her with a grimace and assures, "Everyone has to go at some point... Right?"

Yolanda responds, as she glares at Suzy, "You had something to do with this, didn’t you?"

Suzy lets out a sigh. She assures, "It’s a surprise to me, too. The other four must have teamed up."

Yolanda pauses for a moment and states, "If you say so. I’m sorry I doubted you." Yolanda leans in and hugs Suzy. Suzy looks down and to the side with a frown.

Wolf and Andrea walk along in the dark. Wolf states, "So... Declan is gone... That was quite the surprise."

Andrea rolls her eyes and responds, "The whole boot order was predetermined well before we got here, I assure you. They always try to go for the most dramatic eliminations."

Wolf replies, "I see. So why do they have us vote?"

Andrea assures, "The writers want us to think we actually are making decisions so our reactions are believable. Although, I’m not convinced that everyone else here aren’t actors."

Wolf blinks several times. He asks, "Do you think I’m an actor?"

Andrea shakes her head. She explains, "If you are, you’re really bad."

Wolf replies, "Thank you, I..." Wolf blinks.

In the girls’ cabin, Tiffany takes Kirika by the hands and excitedly says, "We did it!"

"I still can’t believe it worked," Kirika insists. Tiffany pauses, and looks down at her hands. She lets go of Kirika, and clears her throat. "What’s next?" Kirika ponders with a finger to her chin.

"We obviously need to come up with an idea to further divide Suzy and Yvonne," Tiffany replies.

"Yolanda," Kirika corrects.

"It doesn’t matter," Tiffany replies with a flick of her wrist. "Details only matter to those weirdos that write the clickipedia summaries."

"I guess," Kirika replies while she adjusts her glasses. "I am worried about a few things, though."

"I don’t care," Tiffany replies with a yawn. She thinks for a moment. "What is it?"

Kirika explains, "Suzy in particular is excellent at challenges."

"That’s all luck," Tiffany assures.

Kirika goes on, "Anyone that could really give her any competition in the physical challenges keeps getting voted out."

"What are you suggesting?" Tiffany asks with a raised eyebrow.

Kirika answers, "There has to be some way that we can reduce her chances of winning challenges, otherwise, we’ll never keep her from making the final two."

"What do you suggest?" Tiffany asks.

Kirika suggests, "Maybe if we can plant some sort of seed of doubt, or..."

"Please," Tiffany replies with her arms folded. "This is no time to take up gardening."

"No, I..." Kirika begins. She snaps her fingers. "I have an idea." Kirika begins rubbing her hands together. "I’ll handle Suzy, and I’ll leave Yolanda to you."

Tiffany looks concerned as she peers at a smirking Kirika and admits, "This side of you is even scarier than your normal side."

Kirika adjusts her glasses. "Now that I think of it... Something else has felt off about this season."

Tiffany walks away and states, "I lost interest."

The following morning, Suzy is alone in her cabin, making grunting noises as she attempts to zip up her luggage. Andrea and Wolf walk into the room, causing Suzy to jump. She barks, "What are you two doing in here? I could have been in a state of undress!"

Andrea squints and replies, "Uh. I live here?"

Wolf adds, "And it’s not anything I wouldn’t have seen..."

"In an anatomy textbook," Suzy finishes with an eye roll. Wolf nods. "Yeah, I get it."

Wolf looks around the room and narrows his eyes. Andrea goes on, "So... About that journal you were translating for us?"

"You really have a one track mind, don’t you?" Suzy responds with a frown. Andrea nods. Suzy walks to one of her bags and rummages through it. She thrusts the book toward the dark haired girl. "Here. It was all a bunch of hogwash, anyway." Andrea excitedly takes the book from the blonde, and holds it with a wide grin.

Wolf stands with a hand to his chin as he continues to gaze upon the room. Andrea runs out of the cabin and calls out, "Hop to it, Wolf!" Wolf nods and exits the room, as well.

Suzy looks on and heaves a sigh. She turns around and sees Kirika in the room with her now. Suzy lets out a loud gasp, and clutches her chest. "Don’t sneak up on me like that."

Kirika adjusts her glasses and replies, "My apologies."

Suzy sighs, again. She assures, "It’s fine." Kirika stands awkwardly in the room. "Did you need something?"

Kirika states, "That was quite the impressive challenge win."

Suzy shrugs and insists, "It was nothing."

Kirika continues as she puts a finger to her chin, "Come to think of it. You have a few individual challenge wins. Was it three out of four?"

Suzy shrugs, again. She replies, "Yes, I suppose so."

"That’s fortunate," Kirika says with a sigh.

Suzy asks, with a raised eyebrow, "What’s fortunate?"

Kirika explains, "It’s just that historically, individuals with more than three challenge wins tend to get voted out as soon as they lose a challenge. You should be fine, then."

Suzy still has an eyebrow raised. She asks, "Our secret alliance is still secure, though, correct?"

Kirika nods. She adds, "You know how Tiffany can turn on a dime, and who knows what Andrea and Wolf are ever thinking." Suzy nods.

Suzy replies, "Well... I’m not worried."

Kirika replies, with her usual frown, "That’s good." Kirika shrugs and continues, "I’ll be going, then. Try not to think too much about what I said." Kirika leaves the room. Suzy looks after her, and then frowns. Outside, Kirika makes a heavy sigh, as she looks down.

Wolf follows after Andrea as she walks quickly. Wolf points at an object along their way. "Is it odd that there’s an abandoned mine cart over there?" Andrea fails to respond as she continues walking. He asks, "May I inquire where we’re headed so rapidly?"

Andrea answers, "Suzy deciphered a map. Jack wrote something about finding a suspicious area with an abandoned mine, but talks about not having the time to explore it the last time he was here."

Wolf responds, "Surely he has since his return."

Andrea replies, "You know how easily distracted he gets. Besides, he said it himself. He can’t read his own writing. He probably forgot about it."

Wolf nods. A howling is heard in the distance. Wolf looks up and in its direction. He asks, "Did you hear that?"

"I didn’t hear anything. It was probably just Jack embracing nature," Andrea suggests.

Wolf asks, "Did you notice anything unusual when we were speaking with Suzy?"

Andrea dismissively replies, "No, but that’s not important now.."

In confessional, Wolf says, "Suzy had all her clothing laid out on her bed, and yet her luggage was filled with something." Wolf goes to adjust his glasses, before remembering they aren’t there. "It’s just that Andrea is normally the one to notice things like that." Wolf places a hand under his chin. "She’s very interested in this map."

Tiffany looks around with a pair of binoculars outside her cabin. "I’m a lot better at locating guys," she admits to herself. She puts down the binoculars after spotting Yolanda by the lake, and runs toward her, calling, "Yoo-hoo! Yoanna!"

Yolanda looks up, and then grumbles to herself. She asks, "What do you want?" as Tiffany arrives.

"Hey, girl!" Tiffany states. "Sorry about your boyfriend.”

Yolanda assures, "He wasn’t my boyfriend... Besides, you voted him out."

Tiffany frowns and raises a hand in the air as she assures, "I swear, it would never have happened had Suzy not voted with us."

Yolanda folds her arms and asserts, "Don’t try that with me. I already know that Suzy didn’t vote for Declan. She told me."

Tiffany shakes her head and clicks her tongue. She places a hand to her chest and says, "Aw. Is that what she told you? That’s so trusting of you." Yolanda narrows her eyes. "Suzy is so considerate to not want to hurt your feelings by letting you know that voting him out was practically her idea."

Yolanda insists, "I know Suzy did the right thing."

"I always admired that active imagination of yours, Yomomma," Tiffany says with sweet sigh.

Yolanda replies, "If you’re quite finished. I’d like to be alone, right now."

Tiffany says, “Suit yourself." Tiffany waves at Yolanda. "Toodles, Ronaldo." Tiffany skips off. Yolanda scratches her head, and then looks back out at the water. Tiffany looks on with a smirk.

Andrea and Wolf continue walking through the forest. Andrea assures, "According to the journal, we’re almost there." Andrea keeps moving forward as she looks down at the journal. A piece of paper falls out of the book and the wind carries it back toward Wolf. It hits him in the face.

Wolf briefly looks at it, holds it up, and asks, "Hey, Andrea. Did you notice this? It’s quite unusual."

Andrea assures, "Show it to me later. We’re on the cusp of a major discovery." Wolf nods and slips the page down his shirt for safekeeping. Andrea stops at a large thicket of plants. She states, "According to this book, what we find behind these shrubs will be the stuff of legend."

"Technically," Wolf chimes in, "the greenery before us are bushes, which are distinctly different from shrubs, as they tend to be shorter than..."

Andrea places two fingers on the bridge of her nose and shakes her head. "That is not important. Let’s..."

Over the loudspeaker, the teens faintly hear Jack state, "It’s time for your next challenge! Meet me at your cabins, ASAP."

Andrea places her palm over her face. "Oh, come on."

"I guess we better head back," Wolf assures as he points in the direction of the cabins.

"So what’s the worst that can happen if we miss one challenge?" Andrea asks.

"But that is part of why we’re here," Wolf insists.

Andrea frowns. "Let’s go explore, Wolf. What we find here could be the greatest discovery known to mankind."

Wolf frowns and looks down. He says, "Alright. If it means that much to you." Andrea smirks.

The pair hear rustling in the bushes behind them. Andrea’s eyes widen as she looks back. "Who can it be, now?"

At the cabins, Jack, Kirika, Suzy, Tiffany, and Yolanda stand waiting. Tiffany asks, "Who are we even waiting for?"

Crew members lead Wolf to the waiting group, and carry a frustrated Andrea to them. One of the crew members comments, "We found them wandering way out in no man’s land."

"That sounds like an awful place," Tiffany comments as she gently places a hand by her chest.

Andrea protests, "Jack! I thought you encouraged discovery! I wasn’t even read my rights!"

"What’s gotten into her?" Yolanda asks.

"Yeah," Tiffany adds. "Try to act like a lady." The others look at Tiffany with raised eyebrows.

Wolf frowns. He assures, "Don’t worry, Andrea. We will have plenty of time to explore after the campfire ceremony."

After Andrea gets set down, Jack announces, "For this challenge, we will be joined by a pair of very special guests." Jack cups his hands over his mouth and calls, "Come on out!"

"I wonder who it will be," Yolanda ponders. "Maybe eliminated contestants?"

"No," Jack replies. "It’s our counselors, Ms. Mann and Mr. Armstrong!" The counselors make their way to the group.

Ms. Mann arches her eyebrows and asks, "And why did you list me first? Afraid I would accuse you of being sexist for introducing me second?"

Jack gulps. Mr. Armstrong calmly instructs, "Let it go, sugar dumpling." Ms. Mann frowns and crosses her arms.

"What a letdown," Tiffany bemoans, as she glares to the side. "I was hoping for someone halfway cute."

Kirika adjusts her glasses. She adds, "And just for the record, technically, they are eliminated contes..."

"Oh, good lord," Tiffany interrupts. "No one cares." Kirika frowns.

Yolanda asks, "What’s the challenge?"

"I’m glad you asked," Jack responds. "Today, you’re going to walk a mile in each other’s shoes."

"That sounds painful," Wolf comments, as he eyes the other contestants’ feet.

Suzy assures, "I’m sure he’s just speaking in metaphor."

"I am," Jack assures with a laugh. The contestants let out relieved sighs. "I mean, I was about the walking a mile part, but you will be wearing each other shoes. That’s right! It’s another costumed roleplaying challenge!" Most of the contestants groan.

Ms. Mann explains, "Three pairs of teams will join Mr. Armstrong and I for a couple’s therapy session."

Jack nods and says, "That’s right. The team that does the best will earn invincibility. The team that does the worst will face a shocking penalty."

Mr. Armstrong adds, "Just to clarify, there are no losers when it comes to opening up during therapy."

Jack nods and says, "You are correct... Except for this challenge." Mr. Armstrong winces. "You will all be evaluated and scored based on your performances by our trained professionals."

Mr. Armstrong insists, "Again. I just want everyone to know that this isn’t really what we would call a ‘performance’, per say, and it’s impossible to place a ‘score’ on psychological breakthroughs." Mr. Armstrong puts his fingers in parentheses to emphasize specific words. Jack smiles blankly.

"So how will the teams be decided?" Yolanda asks.

"They were decided entirely randomly," Jack answers.

The teams are all standing together dressed as their teammate. Jack announces, "The teams are Andrea and Wolf, Kirika and Tiffany, and Suzy and Yolanda."

"Entirely random?" Suzy repeats as she eyes the teams.

Tiffany moans, "I question my will to continue in this competition if I have to wear this sweater."

Suzy taunts with a smirk, "I don’t think anyone would protest you’re leaving."

Tiffany glances at Suzy in Yolanda’s outfit. "Oh my. That outfit is not flattering." Tiffany laughs. She looks at Yolanda in Suzy’s outfit. "It’s a step up from your usual garb, though." Tiffany continues laughing, as Suzy glares at her.

Ms. Mann and Mr. Armstrong look at each other and then make notes in their notebooks at a hectic speed. Jack shrugs and says, "I guess that would have been an interesting team up. Alright, everyone. Let’s begin our sessions."

Suzy and Yolanda are shown in the counselors’ office. Yolanda looks around. Mr. Armstrong explains, "As Jack mentioned, we’re going to observe your relationship through role play."

Yolanda assures, "Suzy is my best friend out here since day one."

"I am?" Suzy asks, her eyes expressing her surprise.

Yolanda shrugs and says, "Well, sure. Who else would it be?" Suzy frowns as she looks to the side.

Ms. Mann says, "From here on, we would like you to express yourselves as though you’re your partner for this challenge. The purpose of this is to help you each see how the other views your relationship. Understood?" The girls nod.

Wolf and Andrea are shown in the counselors’ office. Andrea looks at Wolf dressed in her clothes in his size. She eyes the purple over shirt and beanie. She admits, "I’m not used to you looking like a normal teenager." Ms. Mann and Mr. Armstrong look at each other, and then each write something in their notes. Andrea looks at them and raises an eyebrow.

Ms. Mann instructs, "From here on, we would find it beneficial for you to interact as though you are the other contestant." Wolf nods.

Andrea states, "I don’t see the point, as these challenges are all predetermined. The producers just want it to look like they aren’t. Besides, Wolf and I are always on the same page. Right, Wolf?" Wolf nods.

Mr. Armstrong assures, "It might seem silly, at first. But we’ve found this method to be quite beneficial, even in our own relationship." Mr. Armstrong and Ms. Mann nod at each other.

"Let’s try it," Wolf says to Andrea.

Andrea narrows her eyes, sighs, and replies, "Even though there are far more pressing matters to attend to, I guess we have no choice."

Wolf clears his throat. He states in his usual voice, "Let us make like an unidentified flying object, and start probing."

"Very good, Wolf," Ms. Mann commends.

"I mean, technically the ship itself isn’t going to be doing the probing," Andrea states. The other three look at her with disapproving looks. Andrea frowns and rolls her eyes. With a nasally voice, Andrea comments, "For science." Ms. Mann and Mr. Armstrong nod approvingly.

Next, Kirika and Tiffany are seated with the counselors. Kirika’s face is red as she attempts to tug down her midriff revealing shirt. Ms. Mann explains, "We will ask you a series of questions. We would like you to respond as your teammate for the challenge to observe how you really feel about each other."

Tiffany crosses her arms as she complains, "This is so dumb. I obviously pulled the short straw."

"Now, now, Tiffany," Mr Armstrong starts. "Try to be civil. You’re supposed to act like Kirika."

Tiffany raises an eyebrow. She asks, "What’s that supposed to mean?"

Kirika nervously states, "You’re as incompetent as usual, Kirika."

"Very good," Ms. Mann commends.

"What?" Tiffany protests. "That sounded nothing like me. I sound way hotter than that."

"Not as hot as..." Kirika frowns as she looks up and down at Mr. Armstrong. She reluctantly finishes, "This... stud... muffin?"

Ms. Mann nods and commends, "You’re a natural at this."

"She is not." Tiffany responds, as she looks at Mr. Armstrong in horror, "Don’t make it sound like I don’t have standards."

Mr. Armstrong frowns, closes his eyes, let’s out a deep breath, and repeats to himself, "You are a beautiful man."

Ms. Mann looks at Tiffany and says, "Remember that there are repercussions to placing last in this challenge."

Mr. Armstrong adds, "But don’t forget that therapy should never be viewed as a ‘challenge’." He puts his fingers in parentheses.

"Fine," Tiffany states. "The gloves are off."

Kirika adds, "Please. Gloves are totally in fashion right now. But... you wouldn’t know much about that."

"Very good," Ms. Mann commends. Tiffany’s face shows her anger.

In Suzy and Yolanda’s session, Mr. Armstrong asks, "What would you say is the most positive thing you’ve experienced in this competition?"

Yolanda articulates as she answers, "I would have to state that it would be the friends I have made. I was also pleasantly surprised at my... competence at challenges." Yolanda smiles at Suzy.

"Nicely stated," Mr. Armstrong commends. "And for you?"

"Definitely the friends," Suzy assures. "Also... the opportunity to uphold the law?"

"Good," Ms. Mann replies. Yolanda smiles and holds up a thumbs up.

In Wolf and Andrea’s session, Ms. Mann asks, "What would you consider your own greatest attribute?"

Wolf answers, "It is difficult to narrow down. My boundless curiosity, lack of concern of social norms, as well as my refusal to believe everything that mainstream media would want me to believe are just a few of my positive traits." Andrea gives a hint of a smile.

Ms. Mann turns toward Andrea and asks, "And for you, Wolf?"

Andrea awkwardly looks around. "Oh, you mean me..." She shrugs her shoulders, and comments, "I guess my muscles are... big? I’m good at lifting heavy things and opening rusted over vault doors." Wolf blinks as he looks on.

"Is that all?" Ms. Mann asks. Andrea shrugs and nods.

Wolf says, "I would like to add that I also like that I look like I got dressed in the dark." Andrea raises an eyebrow, as Wolf clears his throat.

"At least you wear clothes," Andrea quips.

Ms. Mann and Mr. Armstrong look at Andrea and then at each other. Mr. Armstrong starts taking notes. He loudly whispers to Ms. Mann, "How do you spell 'micro-aggression'?" Andrea frowns as she glares at the hairy counselor.

Footage of Kirika and Tiffany’s therapy session is continued. Mr. Armstrong asks, "What has been the worst part of this experience?"

Kirika frowns. She responds, "When I felt really all by myself out here..." She continues. "You know... when all my boyfriends broke up with me."

Tiffany barks, "They didn’t deserve m.... Tiffany, anyway. She is so pretty and likable. The worst part of my experience is that I could never live up to how amazing she is.” Ms. Mann and Mr. Armstrong glance at each other.

During Suzy and Yolanda's session, Mr. Armstrong gets up to get a drink from a water cooler while Ms. Mann takes some notes. Suzy leans toward Yolanda and quietly says, "Maybe we shouldn’t try so hard to win this challenge."

Yolanda looks surprised. She responds, "What? Why?"

Suzy explains, "We're putting a pretty big target on our back for when we might lose a challenge later."

Yolanda shrugs and replies, "I guess if you think it's a good idea."

Suzy adds, "There’s also something I’ve been wanting to tell you." She looks over at the counselors. "But it’ll have to wait until after the challenge." Yolanda nods.

"Let's continue the session," Ms. Mann states as Mr. Armstrong takes a seat.

In Andrea and Wolf's session, Mr. Armstrong asks, "If you could tell your team member what they need to hear, what would you say?"

Wolf frowns and looks down. He lets out a sigh. "I would tell him that he means more to me than a henchman there to do the heavy lifting."

"I don’t think that... I mean... you don’t think that," Andrea adds.

"It's still Andrea's turn," Ms. Mann reprimands Andrea, and turns to Wolf. "Go on."

Wolf continues, "I would tell him that his interests are as valid as mine, and that I don’t need to focus on what I want to do when he's trying to show an interest in my hobbies. We can take turns."

"Maybe I’ve been a little commandeering," Andrea says as she takes off her glasses and wipes them on her lab coat.

"Andrea... as Wolf," Mr. Armstrong directs. "Stay in character."

Andrea stands up and says, "No." The others widen their eyes. "Wolf. You mean a lot to me. No one ever listens to me or wants to be my friend. You could say that I’m a lone wolf."

"She's finally in character," Mr. Armstrong comments as he looks at Ms. Mann, who face palms.

"Just when I thought I found a kindred spirit in Byron, he used and betrayed me," Andrea admits. "I swore I wouldn't trust anyone out here, but you came along and showed a genuine interest in me, and I didn’t know how to respond. I treated you like a jerk, and had a hard time getting over my trust issues. But I am sorry for how I treated you, and how I downplayed your feelings."

Wolf responds, "I accept your apology."

"After this challenge," Andrea continues, "We're going to do what you want to do."

Wolf smiles, but attempts to hide it. He responds, "I would like that." Ms. Mann and Mr. Armstrong smile at each other and start taking more notes.

Suzy is shown speaking in a Scottish accent, "I cannot stand those kids trying to take me Blarney Bites cereal." She cringes at her own poor grammar, as Yolanda lets outs a laugh.

Ms. Mann looks at Mr. Armstrong and asks, "Is that supposed to be Yolanda?" He shrugs. Ms. Mann goes on, "Let's move on to the next question. If you could tell yourself something you haven't had a chance to say, what would that be?"

Yolanda begins, "I would tell myself, as Suzy, it would be... Thank you for being a friend. You've been so loyal, and listened to me... I mean, Yolanda... when she stood up for Declan. I'm sorry for ever doubting you, and you can be sure that if you ever have anything to say, I will always listen. That's all I have to say."

The two girls hug, as Suzy looks down at the floor. They sit back in their chairs. Suzy states, "You promise to not get mad at me no matter what I tell you?"

"Of course," Yolanda replies. "Go on."

Ms. Mann instructs, "Girls. Try to stay in character." Mr. Armstrong puts a hand on her arm.

Mr. Armstrong says, "Let them finish. This is getting good." Ms. Mann shrugs and then nods.

Suzy explains, "I have not been completely honest with you."

"What do you mean?" Yolanda asks.

Suzy takes a deep breath. She reveals, "I did vote for Declan."

"You what?" Yolanda asks, her eyebrows arching.

Suzy explains, "I know. I offer my sincerest apologies. I just felt that you might choose him over me if we got down to a final three situation."

"I would never have done that," Yolanda insists.

"I know that now," Suzy assures. "That's why I needed to tell you the truth, so we can move on. Besides, we don’t need this stupid game, anymore."

Yolanda replies, "What you did wasn't right... it wasn’t fair to me or Declan."

"I know," Suzy responds. "I really am sorry."

Yolanda folds her arms and looks to the side. She says, "I do not accept your apology."

"What?" Suzy replies. "But you said..."

Yolanda stands up and says, "I can't even stand to be near you right now." She walks out of the office.

Suzy calls out, "Yolanda!" She puts her head in her hands and starts crying. Ms. Mann and Mr. Armstrong look at each other with sad looks. Ms. Mann places a hand on Suzy's back.

With Kirika and Tiffany, Ms. Mann asks, "What would you say is your biggest strength?"

Tiffany scowls. "My bravery at going out in public looking like a thrift store during a hurricane." The others frown as they look at her. Ms. Mann places her fist on her forehead, as she leans forward. Tiffany folds her arms and looks to the side. "Come on. You two decided to hate me from the start."

The counselors turn to Kirika. Kirika explains, "I’m not sure what... Kirika did to make... me... hate her so much. She was only minding her own business."

"Kirika," Mr. Armstrong says as he turns to Tiffany. "Do you have anything to..."

Tiffany states, "Of course you wouldn't know." She points at Kirika dressed as her and turns to the counselors. "Do you know how much effort Tiffany puts in to looking like that? How much effort she puts in to be popular? She spends her entire existence making herself perfect, only for people to take all of that effort for granted."

"I..." Kirika begins.

Tiffany continues, as she looks down at Krika's outfit and pulls the sweater forward, "And here I walk onto the show putting absolutely zero effort forth in the social aspect of the game, only to have the cutest guy and everyone else practically worshipping me at my feet." Tiffany's eyes well up with tears. "And finally when things start going Tiffany's way she says the wrong thing to the people she cares about and loses everything, and hear I am, again with no actual effort, waiting for them all to line up to be my best friends, again."

Kirika responds, "I wasn't trying to..."

Tiffany interrupts, tears streaming down her face, "That's just it. You weren’t trying. Everything just fell into your lap."

Kirika shouts, "You have no idea what I've put up with before coming here. People like you hitting me with locker doors, knocking my lunch tray on the floor every single day, spitting on me, just because I don’t look like you or act like you. I was so crippled with social anxiety that I didn’t leave my room for years after my parents took me out of school. I watched this show and saw how diverse the cast always was, how everyone made these lasting friendships, and I took a chance coming out here thinking it would be the same for me." Kirika grips her chair tightly. "But here you were waiting to make my life miserable. You're right. I didn’t put in any effort with the others. You made me too terrified to try. Terrified at even the thought to try to stand up to you... Not even to just stand up to you, but to even do something you potentially might attack me for."

Mr. Armstrong interjects with his palms held out, "I appreciate that you girls are expressing yourselves, but if you could remember to stay in character, that would be..."

"Shut up, Stevie," Kirika and Ms. Mann say in unison. Mr. Armstrong's jaw drops.

Tiffany frowns. She says, "I’m sorry, okay?" Kirika, also tearful, looks to the side. "I didn’t know you struggled like that... It's my fault for assuming anything else... I can’t believe how calm you stayed... That always irritated me."

Kirika admits, "I was just too terrified to react, so I tried to ignore it..."

Tiffany holds out a hand and asks, "I know I don’t deserve it, but... Can you ever forgive me," Tiffany looks to the side, "or whatever?" Kirika looks over at Tiffany with a frown.

Outside of the office, Jack announces, "Our trained professionals were very impressed by the amount of sharing you did, though there were some notes on a lack of role playing with all of you, so that will factor in." Jack smiles and announces, "The joint winners of invincibility are... Tiffany and Kirika!" The girls stand up and share a hug and an excited squeal.

Yolanda's eyebrows are raised, as everyone else present looks shocked. Yolanda asks, "What happened in that therapy session?"

Suzy begins, "Who kn..."

Yolanda glares to the side and says, "I wasn’t talking to you." Suzy frowns. Tiffany glances at Kirika with a smirk.

At the campfire ceremony, Jack announces "The results of the vote are in." Suzy looks over at Yolanda who has her arms folded on the opposite side of the campfire ceremony site.

Jack announces, "The first marshmallows are for Kirika and Tiffany." The girls catch their marshmallows. Jack continues, "The next marshmallow goes to Andrea." Wolf looks on with a slight smile as Andrea catches her marshmallow, she smiles back at him. Jack says, "The next marshmallow goes to... Wolf!" Andrea and the science nerd bump elbows as he catches his marshmallow with his opposite hand.

Suzy looks confused, as she says in Yolanda’s direction, "Okay, what happened with the vote?" Yolanda rolls her eyes and looks away from Suzy.

Jack says, "We will find out, now. We have one marshmallow and two contestants." Suzy frowns as she looks down. Yolanda sits with her arms folded. "It goes to..."

"Neither of you," Jack states, before eating the marshmallow.

"Okay, quit joking around," Suzy says. "Is this, like, a non elimination round, or..."

Jack explains, "Oh, no. Quite the opposite." Suzy and Yolanda glance at each other. "Remember that little bit about the penalty for coming last in the challenge?"

"No one remembers that," Suzy assures.

Kirika raises a hand and says, "I remember that." Suzy and Yolanda glare at her, and she slowly lowers her hand.

"You guys have the privilege of being this season’s double elimination! That’s right. The vote didn’t matter." Jack states.

Kirika snaps her fingers and says, "A double elimination. That’s what seemed like was missing from this season."

"We figured that if the challenge didn’t unite you, this would." Jack further explains.

"Well, it didn’t work," Yolanda assures. Suzy looks at her with a frown. Kirika glances at the former friends.

"You can say your goodbyes, ladies," Jack instructs. "You had quite the run."

Tiffany smirks and waves, as Kirika adjusts her glasses. Tiffany says, mockingly, "Toodle-oodle-oodle!"

"Whatever," Yolanda states. The pair head toward The Boat of Losers. Yolanda glares at Suzy. "Stay on your side of the boat." Suzy shrugs as she slowly drags her luggage onto the boat, the contents causing the boat to shift under it’s weight.

Jack waves at the camera and says, "Thank you for tuning in. We’ll see you next time on Total Drama: The Next Generation! But first, there’s this!"

Still at the campfire ceremony, Tiffany takes Kirika by the hands and squeals. "We made it to the final two!" She shakes her new ally in her excitement.

After the shaking ceases, Kirika adjusts her glasses. She says, "I think you’re celebrating prematurely. We still have Andrea and Wolf to contend with."

Tiffany stares blankly at Kirika and then glances at the empty campfire ceremony site. She asks, "Who?"

Andrea and Wolf are in the forest at the same point they were before the challenge. Andrea asks, "You’re sure that this is what you wanted to do, and I’m not pressuring you into it?"

Wolf nods and replies, "Fully."

"Alright," Andrea responds. "Let’s do this." The pair push through the thicket and emerge on the other side.

Wolf’s mouth drops open. He states, "I can’t believe it. It’s real." The pair look on in amazement at the abandoned mine site. They walk past a sign that reads ‘No Minors’. He points to it and asks, "Who did the digging if ‘miners’ weren’t allowed in here?” Andrea ignores him and fumbles through the pages of the book. She removes a piece of paper from the book. "This is a treasure map. It’s not a page from the book, so maybe Jack found it, and put it in there?"

"Do you think..." Wolf begins. The pair nod as they approach the mine. Wolf’s eyes light up. He explains, "I found this newspaper clipping, earlier." He removes the piece of paper that he discovered from his bag. "It’s a story about an old miner that discovered treasure deep down in the caves, but wrote in his memoirs that he was never able to return to it, again. He must have stored it here where he thought no one would find it." Andrea takes the clipping and looks over it. After handing it back to Wolf, he examines the back of the paper, but places it back in his bag after struggling to read it in the dark.

Inside, a montage is played of the pair riding in a mine cart, Wolf now without a shirt, and Andrea with a flashlight taped to her beanie. They are shown solving a floor puzzle, and then running from a large boulder the size of a large boulder.

The investigators are shown in front of a large door, as Andrea pushes three tiles inward. She explains, "The pattern was on the wall when we were running from that boulder."

"You are quite observant," Wolf responds. He lets out a deep sigh. "Are we ready for what we find in here?"

"It could change our lives forever," Andrea assures.

Wolf frowns and responds, "Or abruptly end them."

"Let’s push on three," Andrea instructs. "If that’s okay with you?" Wolf nods. Andrea counts, "One... two... three!" The pair push the door together, and look around in bewilderment.

Wolf mutters, "I can’t believe it. It’s completely empty."

Andrea kneels down. "Not completely," Andrea replies. She holds up an old gold coin. Andrea places a hand in the dirt and feels an impression in the dirt. "A footprint. Somebody must have beat us to it."

"Who could have been here before us?" Wolf ponders.

At Playa de Losers, Suzy is walking to her room, as Orlando follows behind her carrying her luggage for her. He comments, as he struggles, "Oh, man... or woman, this thing is heavy. I need to know your lift routine."

Suzy requests, "Just set it down over there."

Orlando complies, as the floorboards creak. Suzy hands Orlando a coin, that he promptly bites. He asks, "So about that lifting routine..." Suzy points at the door. Orlando nods and responds, "Hey, I’m all about consent. I’ll see you later." Orlando heads out the door.

Suzy looks after him as he exits. She follows behind to dead bolt the door, and then closes the blinds. She returns to the luggage and smiles wide as she unzips a flap, causing gold coins, gold bars, and jewels to spill out. Suzy places a crown on her head, and falls backward into the pile and starts flapping her arms. She says to herself, "Who needs them? I’ll just use this to buy new friends." Suzy begins laughing wildly.

### Chapter 15 - Plush Ultra

Jack smiles wide and introduces, “Welcome to an all new episode of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation! We’re down to the final four, after a surprising double elimination. During a therapy session challenge, Kirika and Tiffany, and Andrea and Wolf resolved some of their issues, while Suzy and Yolanda’s friendship took a hit. Suzy and Yolanda came in last in the challenge, which, unfortunately for them, meant automatic elimination. We’re one step closer to the finale, so stay tuned for what happens next."

Tiffany and Kirika are shown sitting in confessional. Kirika looks down and asks, "Do you ever feel bad about breaking up friendships?"

Tiffany admits, "If I’m going to be completely honest, it can be a challenge. But then I just remind myself of my goals."

"The prize money?" Kirika asks.

"The cute guys," Tiffany states at the same time. "I want to use the money to build my own playgirl mansion." Tiffany sighs sweetly, as Kirika looks at her with wide eyes. Tiffany asks, "So what do we do next?"

Kirika explains, "Well, Andrea and Wolf are going to be tough to beat. I can’t imagine them ever voting against each other." The brainy girl thumbs through her journal. "And furthermore, they’ve barely interacted with anyone but each other, so I don’t have much intel on them."

Tiffany rolls her eyes. "I don’t know what computers have to do with this." Kirika blinks. Tiffany flicks her wrist. "That’s not important, now. What we need to do is drive these two apart. I’m willing to use my feminine charms to seduce the science guy and make his girlfriend jealous."

"I have a feeling that that won’t work on Wolf," Kirika replies as she looks at her notes.

"You’re right," Tiffany responds with a hand to her chin. "He’s a total nerd with zero taste in women. You’re definitely more his type." Kirika frowns.

Kirika suggests, "Maybe if we did some more research, we’ll figure out what to do."

"That’s it!" Tiffany states as she slams her fist into her open palm. "Are you thinking what I’m thinking?"

Kirika replies, "Let’s ask them more about themselves!"

Tiffany simultaneously states, "Let’s rummage through their belongings!"

"Maybe we need to work on being on the same wavelength," Kirika comments, as she scratches her head.

Andrea and Wolf walk back to the cabins. Andrea has her arms folded. She complains, "Well, that was a complete bust."

Wolf replies, "Let’s look at the bright side. We made a huge discovery... We just weren’t the first to find it..."

Andrea holds up Jack’s book. She states, "This thing has been a massive disappointment. Nothing new came from it."

Wolf reaches down his shirt and recollects, "I almost forgot. I discovered this when..."

Kirika and Tiffany emerge from their cabin and their eyes dart toward Andrea and Wolf. Tiffany nods at Kirika. Kirika clears her throat and adjusts her glasses. She states, "Andrea. We perceived a mysterious shadow in our cabin. We theorize that it just may be.... the bogey man."

Tiffany reacts, "That’s what you came up with?"

Andrea excitedly says, "Awesome!" She looks at Wolf. "Let’s check it out, Wolf." Wolf nods.

"Ew. No. We can’t have a boy in our cabin," Tiffany insists.

Andrea eyes Tiffany. She asks, "Yet you can everywhere else?"

Tiffany ignores the comment and puts her arm around Andrea. "Let’s investigate... chum." Andrea looks back at Wolf with wide eyes. The girls leave him behind as they pull Andrea to their cabin.

Wolf continues to frown as he looks on. He looks down at his newspaper clipping.

Kirika and Tiffany are shown in confessional. Tiffany smiles and states, “Step one; divide and conquer."

Wolf is shown next in confessional. He explains, "I noticed something most peculiar on the back of that newspaper clipping about the alleged treasure, but haven’t had a moment to share it with Andrea. Some area locals claimed to hear some strange howling, just like we have." Wolf goes to remove his glasses, before remembering that he no longer has them. "I’m sure it’s a deformed... wolf or some such thing, but the locals were convinced it was a cryptid of some sort. They dubbed it ‘Camptroopacabra’." Lightning flashes in the background, as thunder crashes. Wolf looks around himself as he has an eyebrow raised. He observes, "How odd. The skies were clear only moments ago."

In the girls’ cabin, Andrea asks, "Point me in the direction of that strange shadow."

"Oh, that." Tiffany adds. "It turns out it was just a raccoon."

Andrea furrows her eyebrows as she states, "You must have known that before you came to get me." Andrea turns toward the door. "I should get back to..."

Kirika quickly moves in order to stand in front of the door. She nervously states, "We can’t let you back out there."

"What?" Andrea asks. "Why?"

Tiffany asks, "How much do you know about that Wolf guy?"

Andrea shrugs her shoulders and lists, "He likes science, and he... has red hair?"

Tiffany shakes her head and adds, "He’s also a total creep." Andrea’s eyes widen. Tiffany holds up a picture frame with cartoony depictions of atoms decorating the sides. "He has the nerve to not be fully head over heels for me." The photo in the frame is of a stoic looking man with three young boys that look a lot like him playing in front of him. "How do you explain this!"

"Where did you find that?" Andrea asks with a raised eyebrow.

"That’s not what’s important," Tiffany states. "This picture clearly shows that Wolf has at least three kids."

Kirika takes off her glasses and has her fingers pinched on the bridge of her nose. "We should have discussed strategy, beforehand."

"Strategy?" Andrea asks. She pauses to count on her fingers. "Besides. The math doesn’t add up. Wolf isn’t old enough to have kids that age, even though they look a lot like him. That’s probably him with his nephews or something. He did mention that he has a brother.”

"Now she decides to get logical," Tiffany says as she rolls her eyes. Andrea looks at her with narrowed eyes. Tiffany forces a smile, places her hands on Andrea’s shoulders, and adds, "I only say this out of concern. The point is that my women’s tuition is on full alert and this guy is definitely hiding something. Take it from me as the thing that guy’s usually try to hide from their girlfriends."

"That’s all ridiculous," Andrea assures. "Wolf is as innocent as a lamb." She looks at Kirika.

Kirika shrugs her shoulders and states, "If you say so. I’m sure you know him better than either of us." Andrea blankly looks forward.

Tiffany holds open the door and asks, “Go ahead and continue ignoring the competition for the sake of your little misadventures."

Andrea sighs. She admits, "Look. It’s late. I had a long night, and I just want to get some sleep." Andrea heads to her bed. After sitting on her bed, she places the picture frame on her nightstand. She frowns as she looks at it and turns it face down. Tiffany watches and then looks at Kirika with a smirk.

Andrea is shown in confessional. She admits, "Listen. It’s not that I believe anything Tiffany was saying, but I got to thinking about things... Like, how I’ve enjoyed my time out here, especially with Wolf. But he has a family back home, and we’re going to get caught up with life and forget all about what we did here. I practically wasted our entire time out here for nothing, when I should have been focusing on the game..." Andrea folds her arms and looks to the side, "and how fake it is."

Wolf is shown sitting on the stoop of his cabin. He quietly says to himself, "I guess she’s not coming back out here..."

The following day, Tiffany and Kirika are outside of their cabin. Wolf walks up and asks, "Greetings. Might I inquire about Andrea’s whereabouts?"

Tiffany answers, "She was sleeping in."

Wolf nods and admits, "I suppose our late night gallivanting has caught up with her."

Tiffany adds, "I mean... you didn’t hear it from me, but she might have said something about needing her space."

"She did?” Wolf asks with wide eyes.

Kirika looks at Tiffany, as Tiffany furrows her eyebrows and continues, "Um, yeah. Are you calling me a liar or something?"

Wolf shakes his head. "My apologies for implying that."

Tiffany replies, "Well, try to be more sensitive." Tiffany digs into her pocket. "If it’s any constellation, she wanted me to give back this picture of you with your nephews, or whatever, that she totally stole from you." She hands him his picture frame. "She decided it was too boring, so she didn’t want it anymore."

Wolf takes the item back and puts his hand to his chin. "Ah, yes. I don’t have any nephews, so I wasn’t sure what you were referring to."

Kirika scratches her forehead. She asks, "That’s not you in the photo?"

Wolf nods. He says, "Oh, yes. That’s me." He holds the photo up and points to one of the three children. "I’m the one looking through the microscope, he points at the other two boys, I’m one of three identical brothers."

Kirika asks, "And the man in the photo?"

"My father," Wolf responds.

Tiffany takes the photo back and holds it close to her face. "You look just like him."

Wolf shrugs and responds, "I can’t say that I fully see it, but I suppose that it mostly has to do with genetics."

Kirika asks, "So your mother must be the one taking the photo?"

Wolf shakes his head. He explains, "It must have been a passerby or something, as I don’t have a mother."

Tiffany rolls her eyes and comments, "Everyone has a mother." Kirika elbows Tiffany in the side, causing Tiffany to glare at her.

Kirika apologizes, "I’m sorry for bringing it up. My condolences."

Wolf scratches his head. He further explains, "It’s not quite like that. I never had a mother. The very thought of my father even humoring a romantic relationship is comical, at best."

Tiffany’s eyes are wide as she responds, “I hate to break it to you, science nerd, but that’s not exactly how procreation works."

Wolf frowns and explains, "Well, for me it did. You see, I’m what one would call a ‘test tube baby’." He puts his fingers in air quotes. Tiffany looks at Kirika with a confused look. "Well, if you ladies don’t mind, I’m going to head to the showers. Give Andrea my regards when you see her." Wolf walks away.

Andrea leaves the girls’ cabin just after Wolf walked away. She says, "Were you two talking with Wolf?" Kirika nods. "What did he have to say?"

"Just that he hates your stinkin’ guts," Tiffany assures. Kirika elbows Tiffany in the ribs.

"We just gave him back his photo," Kirika responds. "Turns out that was his dad in the image, and it turns out Wolf is one of three identical triplets."

Tiffany rubs her side and adds, "Maybe at least one of his brothers is half way dateable. His dad isn’t half bad, either." Kirika’s looks at Tiffany with a concerned look.

Andrea blinks. "Wait. That was his father? And he’s an identical triplet?"

"Right," Kirika responds. "That’s what he said more or less."

Tiffany rolls her eyes and says, "It’s just sad that you didn’t know any of this, and we found it out in like ten seconds."

"Did he say anything else?" Andrea asks with wide eyes.

Kirika shrugs. "Just that he was conceived in a test tube, and that he never had a mother."

Andrea puts her hands on the sides of her head. "All this time I was looking for a mystery to uncover, but the real discovery was standing next to me the whole time." Kirika and Tiffany look at each other with confused expressions. "I gotta go find him." Andrea begins to rush in the direction that Wolf went.

Tiffany links her elbow in Andrea’s arm, preventing her from rushing off. "What’s the hurry, sweetie? He said he needed his space."

Andrea raises an eyebrow. She asks, "Wolf said that?" Kirika winces and nods. "I don’t believe anything unless I go directly to the source."

"Since when?" Jack asks as he walks up. He looks around. "Where did Wolf head off to?"

"The showers," Tiffany states. "I can go get him."

Jack takes hold of her arm, to which she glares at him. He lets go and says, "Sorry. Anyway, no need. We’ll have one of the crew go grab him."

"Lucky," Tiffany states, as she glares to the side.

Andrea steps away after noticing Wolf’s picture frame on the ground. She bends down, picks it up, and gives it another thoughtful look. She looks up, and tucks the picture frame into her jacket.

Wolf is set down by the muscular crew member, Wolf with a towel tied near his rib cage. Jack announces, "It’s time for your next challenge!"

Wolf asks, "This couldn’t have waited for me to at least put trousers on?" He looks at Andrea and they simultaneously say, "There’s so much I want to talk to you about." Tiffany and Kirika exchange glances.

Jack continues, "Your challenge is to build your own plush animal friend." Jack claps his hands as crew members bring out tables and the needed supplies.

Tiffany looks momentarily excited, but then frowns and rolls her eyes. She states, "Stuffed animals, Chris? Do you think we’re babies?"

Jack responds, "No, I think Construct-a-Plush is sponsoring this challenge." Jack places a cap on his head with the sponsors logo on it. "You will be judged for the marketability of your creations, design, and general cuteness."

"If general cuteness is the criteria, just hand me the win, already," Tiffany says with a smile.

"General cuteness of your plush," Jack clarifies. The host further explains, "A trio of plushie experts will judge your designs."

Kirika asks, "You brought children to judge this?"

Jack looks like he’s thinking. He says, "Not exactly." Jack looks on as the supplies are set up. The host makes a fist and thrusts it to the side. "Let the fun begin!"

Andrea frowns as she looks down at the mostly pink materials. She insists, "This is not in my wheelhouse."

Tiffany shakes her head and assures, "Aw. Don’t sell yourself short. I mean, your whole wardrobe has a real made at home feel." Andrea glares at Tiffany and starts working on her plush.

Kirika whispers to Tiffany, "Wasn’t that a little harsh?"

Tiffany whispers back, "Of course. I’m getting into her head. In her hurry to prove me wrong, she’s going to overdo it." Kirika’s eyes widen and she nods.

Wolf frowns and admits, "I can only approach this from a scientific angle, and I’ll be the first to admit that science isn’t exactly known for being ‘cute’."

Tiffany looks at Kirika and whispers, "Now you try. Throw him off his game."

Kirika shrugs and suggests to Wolf, "Just think of the first thing that comes to mind when you think of something being cute." Wolf rubs his chin, and begins to work.

Tiffany looks at Kirika with raised eyebrows. "Sorry," Kirika replies with a wince. "I’m new to this whole thing."

Tiffany smiles and assures, "No, no, no. That was perfect. He’ll probably make something like an amoeba, or a pig bladder, or something stupid."

After the contestants complete their stuffed animals, Jack walks up with the judges, a woman with her hair in a braid on top of her head and one long, continuous eyebrow, a shorter woman with brown hair dressed in a teddy bear costume, and a masculine looking Latino man with a headband with cat ears on it. Tiffany looks at them with wide eyes. "These are the judges? What insane asylum did you release these whack jobs from?" The judges frown as they look at the girl.

Kirika corrects, "Tiffany, that’s not right." The judges smile. "They’re called psychiatric hospitals or mental health treatment centers, these days." The judges frown, again, as Tiffany shrugs and nods.

Jack assures, "These are all trained professionals in the plushie field here to represent the Construct-a-Plush brand. Now let’s get to the judging."

Each contestant has a sheet covering their creation in front of them. The judges walk up to Andrea and she reveals her green plush, wearing a white dress and with snakes for hair. She explains, "It’s Medusa."

The judge in the teddy bear costume, frowns and states, "Not exactly ‘cute’, is it?"

Andrea rolls her eyes and responds, "Oh, sure. The personification of feminine desire isn’t cute enough for you? You want to talk about tragic figures of history? She’s just minding her own business when this guy comes to her home, without her consent, mind you, and cuts her head off. And society paints him as the hero... And another..."

The taller, female judge holds up the plush’s head, and comments, "The head is detachable, so continuity is there."

Andrea looks on with wide eyes. "Uh, it wasn’t supposed to be."

The judges walk forward, the taller woman frowns. She sets down the head before stating, "Let us move on."

At Tiffany’s station, the blonde confidently removes her sheet, revealing a white kitten plush with blonde hair, a red shirt, and blue jeans. She explains, "I modeled it after the cutest thing I could think of.”

The shorter judge nods and says, "The Karina Hamilton reference is not lost on us."

Tiffany blinks and asks, "Who?"

"I like it," the male judge assures, with a frown. "But I am partial to cats." The man blushes. "Sometimes I wish I was a cat." The others present raise at least one eyebrow.

The taller judge states, "But is something we not seen before?" The other judges shrug and then nod before moving on to Kirika’s selection.

Kirika removes her sheet, revealing a red panda dressed in a purple and turquoise kimono. The shorter judge exclaims, "So cute! It’s a little raccoon in a dress."

Kirika adjusts her glasses and explains, "Actually, it’s a red panda dressed in a kimono. Both things native to my home country of Japan."

"Oh," the shorter judge states.

"We don’t identify with those things, so it’s definitely not as good as we initially thought," the male judge states, as the other judges nod. Kirika frowns.

Tiffany leans in toward Kirika and comments, "You should have just let them think it was a raccoon."

The judges move down to Wolf’s plush. He tugs on the sheet, but as he pulls it toward him, it hits his towel, causing it to fall to the ground. Everyone present looks on with wide eyes. He looks down and says, "That’s unfortunate."

Tiffany looks amazed as she comments, "I... need... that... plushie." Wolf blinks as he shifts his gaze toward his stuffed animal.

"I agree... What a cutie!" The male judge states, as the other two nod in agreement. Wolf’s entry is a brown squirrel with a hairstyle styled in a fade and wearing a baby pink hoodie. Wolf kneels down, picks his towel up, and then wraps it near his rib cage.

Wolf apologizes, "Please pardon my unintentional exhibitionism, though I suppose it’s appropriate given the reference of my stuffed creature." He begins, "It’s a fox squirrel of the genus..."

"This is literally the cutest thing I’ve ever seen," the shorter female judge comments. "What was your inspiration?" Kirika and Tiffany frown as they look at each other.

Wolf goes on, "It’s a representation of my first crush, fellow competitor Gabe."

The taller judge asks, "Short for... Gabriella?"

Wolf shakes his head. He explains, "Short for Gabriel, I believe. He’s a forthright chap. I’m sure you would like him."

The judges exchange glances. The shorter judge explains, "We will now discuss your Construct-a-Plush creations amongst ourselves and decide the victor, though you all did... admirably." The judges huddle together, as the contestants wait.

The taller female judge announces, after rejoining the contestants, "We appreciate all effort, but winner of challenge is..." She holds up Tiffany’s plush. "This one!"

Tiffany looks surprised. She says, "I thought for sure you were going to pick that one." She points at Wolf’s plush.

The male judge explains, "While Construct-a-Plush believes in love coming in all forms, we feel that the underlying message of this design does not reflect the Construct-a-Plush brand at this time."

Andrea glares to the side, "In other words, it wasn’t straight enough for you." She then glares at the judges. "Is that right?"

"Don’t get it twisted, our company are allies," the shorter female judge states. The other two nod. "Unfortunately, the timing of this release does not coincide with Pride month." The judges take Tiffany’s plush and abruptly scurry away from the challenge area.

Andrea asks with wide eyes, "Did they really just admit to that?"

Jack blinks and states, "Well, that was fun." He clears his throat. "Tiffany won the challenge!"

Tiffany excitedly squeals. "We did it!" She grasps Kirika’s hands, looks at the others before letting go, and stating, "I mean... Grr. We still totally hate each other."

Andrea walks up to Wolf. She assures, "You deserved to win that challenge. Your plush was really cute..." she looks to the side. "Even if it did look like Gabe. Anyway, I’m sorry those judges were so primitive in their thinking."

Wolf replies, "Some people have it way worse than that. This is just a silly little reality show."

Andrea shrugs and replies, "I guess you’re right." She rubs the back of her head. "So, uh... I noticed something odd, earlier. When you lost your towel... It looked like your belly button was missing."

Wolf frowns, as he takes tight hold of his towel. He says, "Oh, that. It must have washed off in the shower."

"Wait..." Andrea begins with wide eyes. "You’re telling me that you don’t have a belly button?"

Wolf explains, "I normally draw one on... I guess it’s one of the few things I get self conscious about."

"Wait," Andrea responds as she blinks. "What? I mean, this raises so many questions. I don’t know where to begin." She takes the picture of his family out of her jacket.

Wolf takes it from her, and glances to the side. He states, "I... can’t talk about it."

Andrea raises both of her eyebrows. She responds, "Wolf, I need to know the truth."

Wolf states, "Maybe some other time... I better get dressed before the elimination ceremony." Wolf briskly walks toward his cabin.

Tiffany and Kirika look at each other and nod. They walk up to Andrea. Tiffany states, "Did I hear right?" Andrea nods. Her eyes wide. "If he lied about that, imagine what else he could be lying about." Andrea blinks.

Andrea rubs her forehead and admits, "I need to be myself to think about all of this." Andrea walks off.

Tiffany puts her arm around Kirika and smiles as Andrea walks off. Tiffany says, "Our work here is done.” Kirika keeps her gaze fixed on Andrea as she walks off.

At the campfire ceremony, Jack announces, "The votes have been tallied, and it’s time to hand out the marshmallows." Jack eyes the contestants before tossing a marshmallow to Tiffany. "Tiffany earned this in today’s challenge."

Andrea folds her arms and asks, "Did she?"

Tiffany laughs and says, "Oh, you."

Jack announces, "The next marshmallow is for... Wolf." Wolf catches his marshmallow. Tiffany raises an eyebrow, as she looks at Kirika.

Jack states, "The final marshmallow goes to..."

"Andrea." Jack tosses the marshmallow to her.

Tiffany insists, "Now, I’m not one for theatrics, but what happened? I thought we had this in the bag."

Kirika stands up. Tiffany stands, too, and Kirika hugs her. Kirika assures, "You’re really remarkable. The way you can strategize and view the whole thing as a game is amazing... But I learned that I can’t do that. I guess I can’t separate hurting people’s feelings from the game. I don’t know how you do it."

Tiffany frowns. She insists, "I know I talk a big game, but I’m not that special."

Kirika shakes her head and she assures, "You’re definitely one of the best players to ever compete on here. Don’t forget that."

"Wait," Tiffany replies. "What happened with the vote?"

"I knew you were voting for Wolf, so I voted for Andrea, because I didn’t want to potentially force a tie," Kirika explains. "They still must have voted together."

Wolf and Andrea look at each other. Wolf admits, "We never discussed voting this whole season."

"You’re kidding," Tiffany replies, her eyebrows raised.

Andrea admits, "No, but it’s not a bad idea, now that you mention it." Wolf nods. Tiffany face palms.

"I definitely don’t regret my time out here." Kirika waves at the other contestants as she heads toward The Boat of Losers. Tiffany frowns as she looks on.

Jack states, "Well, we made it to the final three."

Tiffany has her arms folded as she assures, "I’m sure you don’t know how that feels."

Jack ignores the comment and says, "Be sure to tune in next time for another all new, Total Drama: The Next Generation."

### Chapter 16 - Flea Market Flop

The blond, enthusiastic host, Jack smiles wide. He holds his arms up and introduces, "Welcome to an all new episode of Total Drama: The Next Generation!" He lowers his arms. "On our last episode, the contestants created plushies with questionable judgments made. In the end, fan favorite, Kirika was sent packing after struggling with the idea of breaking up another friendship. We’re down to our final three, and winding down to the final stages of our series. It’s been a wild ride! Let’s see what happens on tonight’s episode of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!"

Wolf and Andrea are standing together. Wolf, the muscular science enthusiast, comments, as he reaches to adjust his non-present glasses, "I must say that I am quite surprised by Kirika’s elimination. She seemed like a front runner."

Andrea shrugs and replies, "I’m sure it will be edited that way, at least." Andrea stretches her neck, and then arms. "It feels like forever since we explored together... So about your..."

Wolf nods. He holds up a finger. "That reminds me. I wanted to present this newspaper cl..." He reaches into a pocket.

Tiffany walks up and interrupts, "Hey, fam. How’s every little thing?"

Andrea raises an eyebrow. She asks, "What are you up to?"

Tiffany laughs and teases, "Oh, you! You’re so funny! I was just thinking we should hang out a little, you know, with this being a landmark amount of players, and all. We should definitely soak in the moment, you know?"

Tiffany, in confessional, has her arms folded. "Kirika..." Tiffany rubs her fingers against the bridge of her nose. "I don’t know if I can forgive her for up and leaving me in a vulnerable position against these two weirdos. This is not going to be easy." Tiffany begins counting on her fingers. "I’ve tried turning them against each other. I’ve tried using my feminine wiles on the big oaf. I swear he’s defective, or something. I will not give up without a fight, and I’m willing to do anything. Which brings me to my new strategy, and it’s going to be..." Tiffany gulps. "The worst."

Tiffany has her arm around Andrea. "So, I’ve been thinking. The two of us haven’t had a chance to bond, girl."

Andrea glares at Tiffany. She admits, "That was intentional on my part."

Wolf adds, his newspaper clipping in his hand, "If you don’t mind. We were just about to..."

Tiffany laughs, again, and says, "Oh, you!" She punches Andrea on the arm.

Andrea looks down, and then back at Wolf. "So about your family photo..."

Tiffany continues, "I was hoping we could do a little makeover!"

Andrea looks at her. "I’m comfortable with who I am." Andrea pauses for a moment. "I don’t need a makeover."

Tiffany laughs. She says, "Is that what you..." She forces a laugh, again. "You’re so silly. No, I wanted you to..." Tiffany’s eye twitches, "give me the makeover." Andrea’s jaw drops, as Wolf’s eyebrows raise up.

Wolf states, "Andrea would not have any interest in..."

Andrea slams a fist on her open palm. "I’ll do it." She takes Tiffany by the arm and leads her into their cabin as Tiffany’s eyes widen.

Wolf looks on and then down at the newspaper clipping about Camptroopacabra. He sits down on the steps to the girls’ cabin. He says, "I guess I’ll just wait here."

Andrea sifts through her bags. Tiffany asks, "So I bet you’re wondering what spurred on my sudden interest in being made over?"

Andrea shakes her head and admits, "Not really. I mean, with how you look..." Andrea laughs to herself. "Never mind."

Tiffany’s eyes narrow. She is sitting on a wooden stool. "What exactly is that supposed to mean? The way I look is very popular, something you don’t know anything about."

Andrea frowns, as she continues to look through her belongings. She responds, "Popularity is overrated. Being yourself, and not seeking the approval of others is where someone finds real contentment."

Tiffany rolls her eyes. She states, "Oh, please. Aren’t you the one trying to convince other people that your little fairy tales are real?"

Andrea continues to frown. "They’re not fairy tales. And I’m surprised you even noticed something I was doing, with my not identifying as a guy, and all." Andrea smirks.

Tiffany smirks, as she eyes Andrea’s outfit, and says, "Do you identify as a girl, then?"

Andrea gets quiet. She looks back down into her things. "This isn’t about me." She smiles deviously and says, "Aha!" She pulls out a tube of eye liner. Tiffany’s eyes widen.

Wolf continues sitting outside. He stretches his back. A howling noise is heard in the background. He sits straight, again, and looks out into the night. He looks back at the girls’ cabin. He scratches his head, stands up, and walks away.

Wolf is shown in confessional with a hand to his chin. He explains, "As I sat there waiting, I thought to myself, ‘What would Andrea do in this situation?’" He slams a fist into his open palm. "She wouldn’t wait for anyone in order to investigate."

Wolf searches in the night with a flashlight and a messenger bag wrapped around his shoulders. He whispers, "This was vaguely the direction of the suspicious noise."

Wolf is in confessional. He admits, "One of my favorite past times as a young child was listening to the recordings of the different calls of animals." Wolf looks sentimental. "I admit that I don’t know every call, but this is unlike anything I have ever heard before. This sound, while I have heard it earlier in the competition, seems to be more frequent, and the creature seems to be in distress."

During Tiffany’s makeover, Andrea asks, "So you said you want to look like me as much as possible?"

"Shocking, I admit," Tiffany replies. "I just need a change."

Andrea retorts, "Nah. I wouldn’t want to look like you, either."

Tiffany responds, "The hobo chic really works for you."

Andrea applies makeup to Tiffany. "Don’t talk during this part."

Tiffany remarks, "I see. It’s because you need me to stay still."

Andrea shakes her head. She explains, "I’m just sick of listening to you." Tiffany folds her arms and looks to the side.

Wolf enters an area with oversized props. He looks around and states, "This is where we had that... laser tag challenge. Part of me is not surprised that the props were not taken down..." He hears whimpering nearby. He takes a deep breath as he shines his flashlight around the area. Some nearby rustling is heard. Wolf quickly turns toward the sound, and then shrugs his hefty shoulders and states, "It is merely the wind, or some game fowl." He shines the flashlight around and stops on a tree. He thinks back. "That was where I was trapped by those two cunning, young ladies." He begins to step forward, but abruptly stops. "It would be logical to conclude that they set more than one trap in order to capture me." He shines his flashlight at his feet, revealing another rope trap. "That would have been quite unfortunate, had I..."

Another loud howling sound is heard, startling Wolf. He drops his messenger bag, and it gets caught in the rope trap, and quickly is sent upward. Wolf frowns and laments as he looks up, "That was quite unfortunate. I don’t know why I am feeling unnerved. I’m sure these strange noises are just another piece of machinery." The howling happens, again. Wolf picks up his flashlight and wanders in the direction of the howling, and sees nothing in front of him. He contemplates. "This also could be some sort of recording to lure me out here for ratings." He pauses. "I’m beginning to sound like Andrea." He chuckles slightly, before hearing more rustling. He shines his flashlight in the air, and sees a tall, large, scaly creature hanging in the air from one of the traps. Wolf falls backward and lands hard on his backside, his mouth agape. He clears his throat and states, "Quite the impressive rubber suit." As the creature rustles, Wolf cautiously approaches it. When he first shone the light on it, it’s movement became more erratic.

Wolf assures, "No reason to be alarmed, dear crew member in a costume." Wolf begins climbing the tree in order to untie the mysterious creature’s foot. Wolf observes the creature. "No zipper. This must be a... truly elaborate animatronic of some kind... Very impressive."

Wolf successfully unties the creature. He assures, "Don’t be frightened. You are now..." The large creature quickly scurries off when it reaches the ground. Wolf climbs down and scratches his head. Wolf looks in the direction the creature went. "Was it wearing... a scout uniform?" Wolf shrugs his shoulders. "Quite a peculiar ratings ploy."

Wolf walks back to the clearing where he lost his messenger bag. He looks up at it and the tree holding it up. He puts a hand to his chin as he looks at the tree. "This one looks far harder to climb. I’d also prefer using as little energy as possible." He looks around and sees a small rock. He picks it up, licks his thumb and holds it to the wind. Then, getting in position, the hulking scientist throws the rock at the messenger bag. It hits the bag, tilting it slightly. Wolf smirks mildly and utters, "Direct contact on my first..." A can of beans dislodges from the messenger bag, hitting Wolf on the head. He falls flat to the ground, knocked completely unconscious.

Andrea smiles and states, "All done. Quite impressive if I say so myself." The dark haired girl holds up a mirror to Tiffany. Tiffany is dressed in a black wig, purple beanie, and exaggerated eye makeup.

Tiffany lets out a bloodcurdling scream and passes out on the floor.

Andrea states with a shrug, "That’s a far better reaction than I could have expected." She looks around. "Oh, no. Knowing Wolf, he’s probably still waiting for me." She rushes to her door and opens it, only to see Wolf lying on the ground with his head wrapped in a bandage. Andrea covers her mouth as she gasps. She then calls out, "I know the healthcare system is a scam, but can we get some ‘medical’ attention over here?" She kneels down next to her friend.

A handsome doctor with curly hair and a perfect smile opens the tent flap, sees the person sitting in the chair outside the flap and asks, "Are you Andrea?" The dark haired girl nods. "The patient requested to speak with you." She nods and steps inside the medical tent. The doctor assures, "Wolf is fine, and thanks to a mystery Samaritan’s efforts in tending to his wound, he will still be able to compete." She breathes a sigh of relief.

The doctor nods and says, "I’ll leave you two alone." He smiles, causing her to instinctively squint her eyes. "It seems like he has a lot he wants to talk about." The doctor exits the room.

Wolf looks up, squints at the bright lights, and asks, "Was that doctor shirtless just now?" Wolf turns his attention to the person sitting next to him. "Andrea?" She nods in response. "You’re not going to believe what happened! I’ve seen the light... again! I met this strange creature... I met Camptroopacabra! I rescued it from a trap. I then got hit in the head, or something. I was left for dead, but then when I woke up, this glorious creature had wrapped my head, and was feeding me beans it had cooked over a campfire. It has some serious survival skills..." Wolf heaves his chest. "Then I saw its face... now I’m a believer! I don’t know what it was, but we are not alone. It’s just like you said."

The girl frowns. "That’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard."

Wolf’s eyes are wide. "Andrea?"

"Tiffany was wrong about you when she said you were the greatest science nerd ever," she says.

"Since when do you care what Tiffany says?" Wolf asks. Another dark haired girl is led into the room. "Two Andreas?"

Andrea says as she shakes her head and places a hand on her forehead, "Tiffany, what are you doing here?"

Tiffany responds, feigning shock, "What? I’m the real Andrea."

Wolf rubs his eyes and looks on. He says, "No... you’re definitely Tiffany."

Tiffany barks, "What would you know? You hit your head, which I thought was a lucky coincidence to carry my plan through, not that you wouldn’t be too dense to fool."

Wolf ignores the insults, answers, and points at Andrea, "You are a solid 20 cm taller than her."

Tiffany folds her arms and glares to the side. "I had a growth spurt." Andrea pushes her out of the room. "I didn’t get made... under for nothing. I will not be ignored!"

Andrea states, "To think I made her look so much cooler, all for it to be used against me. So, Wolf... What did you want to tell me?" She turns to see Wolf fast asleep.

The following day, the contestants are gathered together for their challenge. Jack states, "Welcome to your penultimate challenge."

"Penultimate?" Andrea asks.

Tiffany rolls her eyes. She says, "It means second to last."

Andrea glares to the side and says, "I knew that. I am a writer after all."

"All fiction, I’m sure," Tiffany retorts. Andrea glares at her.

Jack scratches his head and admits toward Tiffany, "You have an astounding ability to get on people’s bad sides." The host goes on, "For this challenge, each of you will find an object on the island, and repurpose it as a new piece of furniture. The judges will assess your creations and choose a winner."

Andrea narrows her eyes and states, "It better not be those three from last time."

Jack assures, "Yeah, no. We discontinued are partnership with the company that shall not be named."

"Construct-a-Plush," Wolf adds. Jack blinks as he looks at him.

Jack goes on, "Anyway, we will have professional handy persons assisting you for the parts of the project that don’t require safety scissors."

"What are we, five?" Tiffany asks with her arms folded.

Wolf frowns and reminds, "Remember what happened to Eddy?" Andrea and Jack shake their heads as they look at Tiffany.

Tiffany sighs and responds, "You guys set me up to make me look bad." Andrea smirks.

Jack continues, "So if, you all are ready, let’s get things rolling." The contestants scurry off.

After the contestants have their projects done and concealed beneath sheets, Jack introduces, "Meet your highly qualified judges. Ms. Mann, the guidance counselor..."

"I dabble in woodworking," Ms. Mann explains with a small grin.

"Her partner, Mr. Armstrong," Jack continues.

Mr. Armstrong explains, "I dressed up as Paul Bunyan, once."

Jack continues, "And finally, the Swedish person from the second challenge."

The tall, well built man states, "I’m Swedish."

Mr. Armstrong leans toward Ms. Mann and asks in a hushed tone, "Why do they go through so much effort not to use our first names?" Ms. Mann shrugs.

Jack says, "Alright let’s start with... Wolf."

Wolf nods. "Given my recent visit to the medical tent..." The judges look concerned and gasp. "I decided to repurpose..." Wolf removes the sheet from his project. "A bedpan." The others eyes widen. "I turned it upside down and attached what are known as hairpin legs to make it into a side table."

"That’s it?" Tiffany looks on in disbelief.

Ms. Mann comments, "Simple but modern."

"It’s something I wouldn’t ever think of doing," Mr. Armstrong adds.

The Swedish person offers, "Plus, it has multipurposes." The others look at him with concern.

"Next up is Tiffany," Jack states.

Tiffany smirks and says, "I really went all out on this, as I’m the most at risk of being voted out, and also I may or may not have a terminal illness." The judges blankly stare at her. Tiffany points at Wolf. "His sob story got a gasp from you, and all I get is..." Tiffany takes a deep sigh. "Never mind. I took five footstools, took them apart, reassembled them, and had the hunkiest handymen pose for this print." Tiffany removes her sheet, revealing a sturdy armchair with a print featuring muscular men in small shorts.

"The handiwork is impressive," the Swedish person admits.

Ms. Mann comments, "The print is... a nice reverse play on the sexism found in the pin up era. I feel like it would only appeal to a niche audience, however."

Mr. Armstrong tugs at his collar. "Is it getting hot in here?"

Ms. Mann sighs and places two fingers on the bridge of her nose. "We’re outside."

"Oh, yeah," Mr. Armstrong replies, as he blushes.

"Last up is Andrea, and her offering," Jack states.

Andrea explains, "I found this antique cabinet with good bones, and then I remembered... this whole competition is a sham. No matter what I would do wouldn’t matter, as this whole show was written ahead of time." Andrea removes her sheet, revealing three small pieces of wood nailed together. The judges stare blankly at the offering.

Mr. Armstrong admits, "Quite the impressive statement."

Ms. Mann nods, and adds, "I agree. It’s bold, abstract, and definitely a conversation piece."

"I like how it makes no sense," the Swedish person chimes in with a broad smile.

Andrea blinks as she looks bewildered. "I guess it was in the script for me to do well."

Jack explains, "The judges will now deliberate." The judges huddle together. Jack laughs. "I have no idea how this will go, as they only had positive things to say."

Tiffany frowns, and comments, "That’s what happens when there’s no British judge. Makes things far less interesting."

Ms. Mann steps up as the judges disperse. She explains, "This was a difficult decision, as you all did quite well. But we did make a decision." The other judges nod as they look at her. "All three of you are the winners!" Jack claps enthusiastically.

"That is a most unexpected outcome," Wolf reacts.

Andrea asks with wide eyes, "So we all get invincibility?"

Jack admits, "Unfortunately, that’s not possible, as we can’t up and make another episode. So the prize this time is the satisfaction that you all did a great job. Each of you is vulnerable for elimination."

Andrea rolls her eyes. She coughs into her arm. Her cough sounds like the word ‘overproduced’.

Tiffany puts her hands on her hips and demands, "I will be keeping my fabric."

Tiffany is shown in confessional. She admits, "While invincibility was my best shot at the final two, as I said, I am not going down without a fight." Tiffany smirks.

Tiffany walks up to Wolf sitting near the lake. She asks, "So where’s your friend?"

Wolf answers, "Relieving herself, I believe."

"Ew, TMI," Tiffany responds. Tiffany clears her throat. "So... there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you, but never got an opportunity."

Wolf raises an eyebrow and states, "I’m listening, despite my better judgment."

Tiffany takes a deep breath. "The truth is... Andrea isn’t real."

Wolf’s eyes widen. He states, "Excuse me?"

Tiffany sighs. "I mean, she’s technically real, but she’s not who she says she is." Wolf doesn’t look less confused. "What you said to me in your medical room finally helped me see that you were ready for the truth." Tiffany removes her blond wig, revealing black hair and a beanie. "I am the real Andrea, and I entered this competition under an alias in order to observe the being assuming my identity."

"Being?" Wolf asks, his eyes still wide.

Tiffany nods and leans in closer and places a hand over her mouth. "I believe that this ‘Andrea’ is not human. Either of some sort of extraterrestrial or subterrestrial species intent on replacing humankind."

Wolf responds, "This is all a lot to take in." Wolf puts a hand to his chin. "But what is the goal of said species in competing in a silly reality show, like this?"

"Isn’t it obvious?" Tiffany states. Wolf shakes his head. "The prize money. Whatever their purpose, that prize money will help them toward it. She’s acted like she hasn’t wanted to win this entire time, only to put all of her effort into the final." Tiffany pleads, "That is why I, no, every citizen of Canada, needs your help in stopping her." Wolf blinks.

Wolf is shown in confessional. "What Tiffany said was ridiculous... And also the most Andrea sounding story I’ve heard my entire time out here. Plus... extraterrestrial and subterrestrial are pretty big words for Tiffany." Wolf rubs his chin.

Tiffany is shown in confessional and states, "I once dated a spelling bee champion... Not my proudest moment." Tiffany smirks and removes her black wig and beanie, revealing her real blonde hair beneath.

At the elimination ceremony, Jack holds a plate with two marshmallows on it. He explains, "In this game, the marshmallow means your life in this competition. It’s hard to believe we’re almost down to our final two, but here we are."

Tiffany sighs and says, "Can we get on with it?"

Jack nods. He states, "The first marshmallow goes to..." The contestants look at him with anticipation. "Wolf." Andrea tries to hide a smile when the science enthusiast catches his marshmallow. She clears her throat, and frowns again.

Jack states, "This marshmallow goes to..."

"Andrea." Andrea catches her marshmallow.

Tiffany stands up and forces a smile. "Oh, well. Nobody could say that I didn’t try everything I could to stay here."

Andrea folds her arms and admits, "That certainly is true."

Wolf nods. He adds, "You made a valiant effort."

"It pains me to say this, but you played a good game," Andrea commends with a wince.

Tiffany rolls her eyes and responds, "At least I played the game." Tiffany forces a smile, again. "Whatever. This was all a stupid baby game, anyway." Tiffany snaps her fingers, as several male crew members help her bring her belongings to The Boat of Losers as she boards.

Jack looks on and then over to Wolf and Andrea. He admits, "The name of the game is surviving, so don’t take that too personal."

Wolf looks confused, turns to Andrea, and states, "I thought the name of the game was Total Drama: The Next Generation." Andrea face palms.

Jack announces, "Well, there you have it. Our final two has been determined. Be sure to tune in next time for the exciting conclusion of Total... Drama:... The Next Generation!"

### Chapter 17 - The Finale Frontier

Jack introduces, "Hello and welcome one and all to the grand finale of Total Drama: The Next Generation." Jack, the adventurous blond, looks more excited than usual. "We’ve seen our contestants go through a lot this season, mostly caused by Tiffany, but we made it to the final two. Tiffany was the last to get eliminated after a valiant effort to stay. That left our final two, Andrea and Wolf. These two had a rocky relationship at the beginning, but they have become inseparable… sans the last couple of episodes. Which one of these two will be the big winner? Will it be Andrea, the crazy eyed conspiracy theorist? Or will it be Wolf, the massive skeptic, in more ways than one, who values science over all else? All will be revealed on the exciting conclusion of Total… Drama:… The Next Generation!"

Andrea and Wolf are sitting together at the campfire ceremony alone. "It appears that we finally have a moment alone," Wolf states.

"It feels like it’s been a long time since we’ve been able to catch up," Andrea admits. Wolf nods. "I don’t know where to begin."

Wolf replies, "You won’t believe what I came across last night. It was wonderful." Andrea seems to be looking into the distance. Wolf pauses. "There seems to be something on your mind."

Andrea turns her attention back to Wolf. She asks, "Huh?"

Wolf assures, "I’m metaphorically all ears."

Andrea shrugs and admits, "It was a silly conversation I had with Tiffany."

"I wouldn’t listen to anything she had to say," Wolf insists.

Andrea responds, "Normally, I would agree with you. But… she made me think."

"About what, pray tell?” Wolf asks with a raised eyebrow.

Andrea looks at Wolf. "You probably would think it was silly."

Wolf assures, "It couldn’t be any sillier than your usual musings."

Andrea laughs, slightly. She explains, "She said something about my gender. It’s something I’ve considered from time to time. I don’t relate to most girls my age, that isn’t much of a secret, but that doesn’t mean that I identify as a boy, either."

Wolf puts a hand under his chin. He states, "It sounds like what you’re trying to tell me is that you identify as non-binary."

Andrea nods. She admits, "You don’t have to understand, there’s a lot that I don’t understand, but I just ask, as a friend, that you accept me the way I am."

Wolf looks back at Andrea. He blinks a few times. He states, "You are kidding?" Andrea’s eyes widen. Wolf assures, "People identifying as something other than the societal gender norms is perfectly scientific." Andrea’s eyes widen a little more. "This is the least absurd thing you’ve said to me. Of course this doesn’t change anything between us, except for…"

Andrea asks, "What is it?"

Wolf explains, "Is there any particular specifications you have regarding pronouns?"

Andrea answers, "I’ve put a lot of thought into that. I’m thinking they/them."

Wolf nods. He states, "Done." Wolf shrugs his shoulders. "I know it’s not the same thing, but I don’t exactly fit into most boxes either."

"On account of your mass?" Andrea asks. They give a mischievous smirk.

Wolf blinks. He states, "That was very funny."

Andrea states as they help Wolf to his feet, "Come on. For once, let’s get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a big day."

Wolf admits, "I’m not used to you sounding so sensible."

As the two walk together, Andrea says, "I almost forgot. I apologize for not paying attention earlier. What did you have to say?"

Wolf thinks back. He admits, "Like I said… You wouldn’t believe it."

Andrea shrugs. Their eyes widen, again. They state, "I just remembered. You’re a clone!"

Wolf looks surprised. "A clone?"

Andrea nods, and explains, "The test tube baby thing, having no mother, your having two identical brothers, that we know of, let alone your resemblance to your dad…" Andrea pauses to lift up Wolf’s shirt, untucking it from his pants. "And this! No belly button!"

Wolf looks down, his eyes wide. He sighs. He admits, "I guess since we can confide in each other. My father always wanted kids, but he had no desire for a spouse. He arranged a surrogate, and happened to have identical triplets. Yes, we bare a strong resemblance to him, but that can be ascribed to genetics."

Andrea states, "That doesn’t explain this." They point to Wolf’s exposed stomach.

Wolf explains with a sigh. "I don’t like thinking about it, but as an infant I had to have emergency surgery on my abdomen. It didn’t leave a scar, and it smoothed over,  not leaving a navel, either." Wolf rubs a hand against his stomach with a frown.

Andrea blinks a few times. They react, "Oh…" The two continue walking together. Andrea seems a little disappointed.

Wolf looks at them and then turns to pretend to talk into a device. "They bought the whole story. Over." Andrea’s lips curl into a slight smile.

The following day, Andrea and Wolf are led to the start of their final challenge. An elaborate obstacle course. Two seating areas are set up, one with Andrea’s image on a banner, and a banner baring Wolf’s image above the other. Jack rubs his hands together and says, "Welcome! This is the most exciting part of the season. We’re about to crown a winner!" Wolf and Andrea exchange glances. "But first it’s time for some special visitors to pledge their support to one of you." The host looks over and calls out, "Come on out!"

Wolf leans toward Andrea and asks, "Who do you think it’s going to be?"

Andrea places a hand under their chin and responds, "The ship has sailed for the cliched family visit. Finales are usually reserved for contestants that people already stopped caring about…"

Jack announces, "It’s the eliminated contestants from the season! I’m sure you are extra happy to see them!"

Wolf nods at Andrea and states, "You were right."

Andrea smirks and assures, "It’s like you’ve never seen a so called ‘reality show’ before."

Jack announces, "So with that, Clara, Vivi, Jasmine, Naveen, Suzy, Yolanda, and Kirika have chosen to support team Andrea." Naveen has his arm above Jasmine and around Vivi, as Jasmine rolls her eyes. Suzy waves at Yolanda meekly, as Yolanda ignores her, facing the other direction with her arms folded. "That means that Romelio, Winnie, Byron, Eddy, Orlando, Max, Gabe, Declan, and Tiffany are supporting team Wolf. Giving him the lead." Winnie nudges Tiffany with a plastic horse figurine. Tiffany ignores her.

Wolf asks Andrea, "Do these supporters usually mean anything?"

"They’re arbitrary at best," Andrea assures. "Just a cheap ratings ploy to remind people of their favorites as if they forgot that the show’s scriptwriters decided to not keep them in all of the episodes." Andrea looks out at the contestants. "Wait… Were these people on this season?"

Wolf shrugs. He admits, "I remember one of them." He and Gabe wave at each other. Andrea looks across the contestants supporting Gabe, makes eye contact with Byron, who smirks and blows them a kiss. Andrea turns their gaze away from him.

Gabe stands up, wearing Wolf’s lab coat he received from Jack, and states, "Okay, fellas! Just like we rehearsed." The other guys supporting Wolf stand up and nod. They remove their shirts, revealing one letter or exclamation point painted on each of their chests, spelling out ‘Go Wolf!’ Wolf smiles slightly.

Tiffany looks up. She admits, "At least I know I chose the right team." She turns her attention to Romelio. "Mm. Where have you been hiding all season?" Romelio raises an eyebrow out of concern.

Jack assures, "Even though Andrea has less people in her cheering section, it’s still anyone’s game." Wolf raises a hand. Jack asks, "Yes, Wolf?"

Wolf corrects, "Jack, Andrea actually prefers they/them/their pronouns."

Jack blushes as he apologizes, "I’m so sorry. You mean, I’ve been getting it wrong all season?"

"It’s fine," Andrea assures. "While I’ve identified as non-binary for some time, today’s the day I decided to go public with it."

Tiffany assures, "As if it wasn’t obvious."

Orlando says to Team Wolf, "Hey, guys. I’m jumping ship. I gotta go be an ally." Orlando struts over to Andrea’s cheering section.

Gabe looks on in disbelief. He calls out, "You were our ‘W’!"

"You insisted," Romelio adds, with a ‘G’ written on his bare chest. "Even though ‘W’ is the biggest letter, and I clearly have the widest real estate among us."

Tiffany adds, as she twirls a finger on his chest, "That you do, big boy."

Romelio looks down and asks, after looking back up at Tiffany, "You do know I’m gay, right?"

Tiffany sits back down with a huff. She asks, "What is with the guys this season? All the good ones are either gay, asexual, homoromantic asexual, or taken…"

Jack comments, "Representation." Tiffany folds her arms as Winnie trots with her horse figurine along one of Tiffany’s arms making neighing sounds.

Max looks down at Team Wolf’s chests. "Uh, I guess we say ‘Goolf!’, now."

Jack states, "Oh, yeah. We have Eddy here. Welcome back, Eddy!" The others cheer for him.

Eddy looks embarrassed. He admits, "I’m glad to be back, and I’m doing much better. I’m also happy to support Wolf after he and Yolanda rescued me." The others cheer.

Andrea looks down after a moment of realization. They say quietly to themselves, "The hero edit."

Wolf looks at Andrea and asks, "What was that?"

Andrea assures, "It’s nothing."

Jack goes on, "It’s time for me to explain the obstacle course of the season. It starts with crawling on the ground and making your ways through strategically placed ropes."

Kirika suggests, "They must have brought in a rope placement specialist." Several others laugh. Kirika blushes.

Tiffany frowns and insists, "Leave the sarcasm to me, my dear." Kirika playfully sticks her tongue out in Tiffany’s direction.

Vivi comments, "These two are even more disconcerting when they’re getting along."

Jack ignores them. "Once you’re through you can move on to the next part of the obstacle course." Jack points toward an elaborate rope bridge. "A rope bridge is suspended with two keys, one for each of you, hanging above, and secured with elaborate knots that you will need to untie while keeping your balance."

"I’m noticing a rope theme," Andrea says with a hand to their chin.

Jack admits with a shrug, "We had a big rope budget this year. Moving on to our next section." The host points to a section with two separate puzzles, one for each competitor. "Once the puzzle is solved, the door will open with a hidden key, and you will be able to move on to our next obstacle, a series of platforms you will need to jump to, while evading the pendulum of pillows." Crew members demonstrate the pendulums as they push them. "If you fall from here, you will need to climb back up and try, again, until you clear it. Now for our thrilling, final obstacle. You will need to traverse the legendary hall of mirrors!"

"That’s it?" Jasmine asks.

Jack smiles as he replies, "Many people try and fail to make it through unscathed. After you emerge, ride down the oversized slide and run across the finish line."

Byron smirks and asks, "So technically the slide is the final obstacle?"

Jack forces a smile. He continues, "If our competitors are ready, make your way to the starting positions."

Wolf assures, "I am not going to go easy on you."

Andrea responds, "May the best predeterm… I mean, person, win." Wolf nods and smirks. Wolf then turns toward the obstacle course. He closes his eyes for a moment and exhales a deep breath.

Andrea looks on with a raised eyebrow. They quietly ask, "Wolf, are you alright?"

Wolf assures, "I’m fine. I assure you." He then raises a fist and declares, "For science!" Andrea nods.

Jack announces, "On your mark!" Andrea turns toward the obstacle course. "Get set… Go!"

The final two contestants head for the first obstacle. Wolf reaches the rope maze first. He falls to the ground and begins crawling. Andrea follows at a far slower pace. They get on the ground as Yolanda shouts, "Come on, Andrea! Give it some gusto!"

Andrea rolls their eyes and replies, "If I’m meant to win, I will." Yolanda folds her arms and frowns. Andrea kneels down and begins to crawl beneath the rope obstacle. They make it about ten feet through the tangled ropes and look to their side. Wolf is tangled in the ropes. "What happened to you?"

Wolf answers, "It appears that my bulky frame is not conducive to this agility based portion of the task."

Andrea has an easier time traversing the obstacles. As they make progress they suggest, "It sounds like it’s time to change up your hypotenuse."

Wolf attempts to scratch his head, though the ropes prevent him from touching his head. "Hypotenuse? I see. I need to look at things from the other side of the triangle."

Andrea admits, "I was just imitating… Never mind."

Wolf takes a deep breath, puffing out his large chest. He then plows forward, pulling the ropes on his side of the course from their restraints. The contestants look on with wide eyes. "That’s my boy," Gabe declares with a cheer.

Clara suggests, "Andrea, if I may be so bold, maybe it would be in your best interest to perhaps not aid the competition?"

Andrea hesitates for a moment. They scoff. Andrea tugs on their side of the course’s ropes, as they don’t budge. "Obviously, his ropes are far less secure."

Jack announces as he observes the action, "And with that, Wolf has cleared the first obstacle." His section cheers. Wolf stands, as the ropes caught on his frame either fall off or he picks them off. Jack states, "Next up is the rope bridge portion of the course."

Wolf heaves another sigh. Gabe puts his hands on the side of his mouth and calls out, "You got this!"

Wolf smiles slightly before looking more serious. He looks at the rope bridge and nods. He walks forward and very delicately balances along a single rope as the spectators jaws drop as they observe his poise. He makes it to the suspended key, and unties it fairly quickly.

Andrea emerges from the ground crawl part of the obstacle course. Andrea then moves on to the next section, the rope bridge, and they begin balancing along the ropes as they tighten underneath.

As Andrea continues forward and unties the key. Orlando shouts out "Woo-hoo!" Andrea’s eyes widen as they lose their balance, fumbling with the key. Everyone holds their breath as Andrea finally catches the key. Orlando shouts, "Yes!" Andrea’s eyes get wide, again, as the key slips from their hands, falling between the ropes and onto the ground.

Naveen scratches his head as he suggests to Orlando, "Maybe you were a better ally whilst in the other cheering section."

Suzy compliments, "Ooh. Nice use of verbiage. You may have this." Suzy hands Naveen a gold coin as he looks surprised.

Andrea frowns and lays down on the ropes and reaches for the key, just centimeters from their grasp.

Wolf makes it to the other side of the bridge and uses the key to unlock the door. His cheering section applauds as Wolf makes it to the puzzle room. The room is enclosed, but the others can see through the ropes substituting for walls. Wolf looks at a box in front of him. He lifts the lid to see a combination lock. He begins to turn the numbers at random.

Andrea continues to reach for the key but makes no progress. Their hat begins to loosen, and they reach up to hold it to their head to prevent it from falling. Andrea then looks up. They remove their hat, and use it like a net to gather the key before pulling it up. Orlando begins to cheer, but Jasmine covers his mouth with her hand. Andrea climbs back up and makes it to the door, using the key to open it and make their way to the puzzle room.

Andrea places a hand under their chin. They observe the scene. "Where to begin?" they quietly state.

"You got this!" Orlando shouts. "Use that wonderfully diverse brain of yours." Jasmine raises an eyebrow as she looks over at him.

Andrea looks over at her cheering section and asks, "Was that person on this season?"

Orlando points at his abs and smiles. "Surely you remember these fellas."

Andrea is already looking back at the puzzle, as the cheering sections look on. Wolf also looks over, as he is still at the puzzle portion of the task. Andrea begins by lifting the chest and looking underneath it. They frown and place the chest back down. Wolf turns his attention back to his puzzle. Andrea moves on to the platform that the box is positioned on. They look underneath the platform, and then at the floor. Andrea kneels down and then begins inspecting the floor, before wiping it with their hand. Andrea then stands and begins turning the combination lock. Declan looks on as he narrows his eyes. Andrea shifts the numbers, and then smirks. They raise the lid of the chest and pull out a small key. Andrea’s cheering section cheers as they step in front of the box, and use the key to open the door leading to the next part of the challenge.

Wolf looks over, having placed the box on the floor, examining the top of the platform. His forehead has formed a few beads of sweat. He assures, "Well done, my friend."

Andrea states, "I suppose they want this to appear to be an even challenge." They narrow their eyes, and smile. "I’ll see you when you figure this out." Andrea goes through the door. Wolf nods and turns his attention back to his puzzle as Declan bites his lip and looks to the side.

Andrea pauses, steps back and shifts the numbers on the combination lock, before closing the lid. They go back through the door. Andrea gets in position on the first platform, as the pendulums swing in front of them. They shrug their shoulders and admit, "My getting hit or not is already in the script." They leap forward without paying much attention to the pendulums, narrowly missing each one before making it to the other side.

The cheering sections look on in amazement. "You whizzed right past those obstacles," Jasmine states with wide eyes.

"That was amazing," Orlando adds. "That’s going to look epic on television."

Andrea assures, "They’re just going to edit in my getting hit and falling for dramatic effect."

Clara looks disturbed as she states, "They couldn’t possibly do that."

Jack assures, "Of course not." He says quietly, "Unless we need to pad for time. Then we’d find an Andrea lookalike, and reshoot the scene." The eliminated contestants look at him with wide eyes. He assures as he raises his hands, "I’m kidding."

Wolf has the puzzle chest set back on the platform. He admits, "There must be a logical solution to this." He holds his hand under his chin. "I just need to… think." He motionlessly stares at the puzzle.

Declan looks over at Andrea. He crosses his legs, and squirms. He turns to Wolf. "I normally wouldn’t say anything, as I firmly believe that the winner should earn their victory, but Andrea’s lead is getting ridiculous. I saw how Andrea solved the puzzle. Sh… They…"

Wolf insists, "Please don’t say that."

Declan responds, "What? I caught myself before saying the wrong pronoun. Anyway, check the fl…"

Gabe places a hand over Declan’s mouth. Gabe insists, "Let him figure it out on his own." Declan nods. Gabe keeps his hand over Declan’s mouth. "I never noticed how pronounced your lips are." Declan’s eyes widen.

Andrea is shown entering the hall of mirrors. They look around and then smirk. "I see through this maze, the same way I see through this show." Andrea walks forward and slams their face against a transparent glass panel. Andrea frowns and crosses their arms. "That wasn’t there when I started walking." They then move to the side and successfully enter the first passage.

Wolf is shown scratching his head, leaving his hair disheveled. He heaves a deep sigh. Gabe calls out, "Don’t give up, Wolf! You can figure this out!"

The contestants in both cheering sections applaud and cheer for Wolf. He looks back and blushes a little. He assures, "You all are too kind." He turns back toward the puzzle and begins to turn the numbers, again.

Gabe calls out, "You also look super cute with your hair messy like that!" A few of the other members of Wolf’s cheering section look at Gabe with raised eyebrows.

Tiffany admits, "He’s not wrong."

Andrea has made moderate progress in the mirror maze. They pause for a moment when they come across their reflection and avert their eyes. Andrea retraces their steps back to the beginning of the maze. They look back to observe Wolf’s progress, and sees that the door leading from the puzzle section is still shut. Andrea frowns slightly before turning back to the maze. They walk forward and walk into the glass, again. Andrea rubs their forehead and complains, "That was not there before…" Andrea looks over and realizes their mistake before gently stepping over to the correct entrance. They whistle innocently.

Wolf is shown hunched over the puzzle box, having not solved the puzzle. Gabe assures, "Wolf, don’t get discouraged, you…" From the cheering section, the former contestants hear deep sobbing, as Wolf’s frustration finally manifests. Gabe gets teary eyed and holds his head down. Eddy places a hand on Gabe’s back, who looks up at him.

Eddy assures, "Your support still means more to him than anything any of us can do."

Gabe nods. He turns back toward Wolf and shouts, "Cheer up, buddy! It’s not over!" Wolf looks up at Gabe. He wipes his eyes, and then dramatically tears his button up shirt open. Wolf states, "Let’s do this… for science."

Gabe cheers ‘Ow!’ as Wolf begins to search the area around the puzzle chest for a clue, again.

Andrea is passed the point they made it to prior. They study the area and determine there is only one way to go and enter an area with three mirrors in front of them on either side. Andrea averts their eyes, only to look at another mirror. They pause to look at their reflection, only to stop and stare. They can’t help but smile. Andrea turns to the center mirror, looking more confident than ever before. They grab a handle on the side of the mirror and slide it open, revealing it was a door and pumping their fist before moving on.

Wolf’s cheering section as well as Andrea’s chant, "Wolf! Wolf! Wolf! Wolf!" As he continues to look for clues for the puzzle.

Jack announces, "Andrea is the winner of Total Drama: The Next Generation!" The eliminated contestants look over, having missed the big moment. They rise from their seats and rush over to the finish line, all but Gabe, Tiffany, and Byron.

As Tiffany and Byron walk forward slowly, Byron states, "Looks like we’re cut from the same cloth, love."

Tiffany rolls her eyes and states, "I am not like you. Wait up!" she shouts, as she runs to catch up to the others. Byron shrugs as he continues his leisurely pace.

Gabe runs into the obstacle course. He gets tangled in the rope bridge. Wolf lets out a slight laugh as he untangles Gabe from the rope and helps him to the platform. Gabe wraps his arms around Wolf. Gabe assures, "You did so good."

Wolf replies, as he holds Gabe tight, "Thanks… my friend. I am certain that I would have given up if not for you." Wolf lets go of Gabe, and states, "Andrea! We should go congratulate them."

Gabe nods and heads for the door. It doesn’t open. Gabe says, "Oh, yeah."

"Let’s go this direction," Wolf instructs as he points back to the rope bridge. Gabe nods.

The others are congratulating Andrea as Gabe and Wolf walk up. Yolanda assures, "That was amazing."

Declan greets Wolf with a whisper of, "You should have checked the floor." Wolf shrugs his large shoulders.

Wolf states to Andrea as they shake hands, "Congratulations. The best… person… won. How do you feel?"

Andrea looks around and comments, "Like there’s a catch Jack hasn’t told us, yet."

Jack shakes his head. "Nope. You won fair and square."

Byron states, "Great going, love. I knew you ‘ad it in ya." Andrea frowns.

Yolanda steps forward and barks toward Byron, "Nope. Get back over there."

Byron holds his head down and walks off. "I’m going over ‘ere because I want to."

Jack announces, "Andrea is our big winner. They did great in that challenge." Most of the others applaud. Jack hands Andrea an oversized check. "Our crew has prepared a big party for you all, with Andrea as the guest of honor. There will be plenty of cake." Suzy throws up in her mouth a little. "Let’s go everybody!"

Andrea asks, "Is it okay if I meet up with you? There’s something I want to investigate."

Jack nods and assures, "Like I would deny exploration. We’ll see you soon."

Wolf walks up, with Gabe’s arm around his shoulder. He states, "Mind if I join you for one last ‘hurrah’?"

Andrea responds, "This is something I need to do on my own. I hope that’s okay."

Wolf nods and reassures with a smile, "That is perfectly acceptable. I will meet you at the ‘shindig’." Andrea nods in response.

Andrea is shown on Wolf’s side of the obstacle course. They approach the puzzle box and heave a sigh. They hold up the chest and look underneath it, seeing the four numbers to solve the puzzle. Andrea nods and admits, "I guess I was wrong." They exit the obstacle course in order to join the others.

## Trivia

### General Trivia

* The story’s title, Total Drama: The Next Generation, was a suggestion from Brandon.

### Chapter 1 - Do Call It a Comeback

* The chapter title, Do Call It a Comeback, is based on the opening line of LL Cool J’s ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’. The line says ‘Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years.’ This was a reference to my return to writing Total Drama stories, as well as my hiatus.
* Jack was selected as host as he seemed like someone that would logically host adventure style reality shows. He reminds me of the reality show host and creator J.D. Roth who hosted the show Endurance, which featured teens in Survivor style challenges.
* Jack’s reality show resume include Deep Sea Dive In, and Dries, a reference to Guy Fieri’s ‘Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives,’ Jungle Boogie, based on the song of the same name, and Around the World With A.D.D., a reference to ‘Around the World in Eighty Days’. Jungle Boogie would assuredly be a jungle based dance reality competition show.
* I wanted Jack to be more sympathetic than Chris, though he has his sadistic moments.
* Jack being chosen as host of this particular season was also a reference to his friendship with Yuko in Total Deception Island. This was meant to be a hint at a similarly adventurous duo doing well in the competition.
* A convalescent home is another name for a nursing home. Chris being there was a jab at his age, though I don’t seriously think he’d be old enough to reside at one by this point in the timeline.
* I had written a portion of the cast introductions and was dissatisfied with it. Part of the problem was having mostly positive characters arrive first. While I stayed with the arrival order, I tried to liven it up, a little.
* The positive contestants arriving early on also play off Jack’s energy.
* Clara’s stating she was there to make friends was a hint at her having a feud with Tiffany. She also has a turn around where she attempts to play the strategy of the game in order to eliminate Tiffany. This was a reversal of reality contestants stating that they’re not their to make friends, but they end up making them anyway. Clara was there to make friends, primarily, but ended up strategizing.
* Clara overly enunciating sentences, as in not commonly using contractions, was a way to make her sound similar to the English dub of Milly Thompson from Trigun. She also over explains the meaning of her statements.
* Max introducing himself with a flip and utterance of ‘Power!’ is a direct reference to My Hero Academia’s Lemillion/Mirio Togata, both in his athleticism, and a scene where the character utters the same word.
* Max’s appearance was based on flashbacks of Mirio when he was younger.
* Clara and Max’s early friendship was an indication that it would end poorly, and also why she felt comfortable approaching him about an alliance.
* Max saying that he puts a million percent into whatever he does is a reference to Lemillion’s goal to save a million people.
* Romelio introducing himself dramatically was a reference to Hori from Monthly Girls’ Nozaki Kun in a display of his acting talent. The character he played there was named Romelio.
* The choice to make Romelio effeminate was to display a more masculine looking guy in that light, which in itself, I feel, is playing against stereotypes that say a more masculine looking gay man needs to act masculine. He was also meant to contrast Tsuyoshi, who may look more effeminate, but did not act that way.
* Max and Romelio’s early friendship was included here as that was all the reader was going to get, for the most part.
* Romelio was originally going to tell Max that he dated some horses in the past, but I didn’t want to imply a sexual connotation.
* Yolanda was tricky to write, as I actively had her not target minorities with her more forceful manner of justice. She states here that she doesn’t trust white guys, and that kind of becomes the running gag with her character. She tends to be an enforcer of her brand of ‘fairness’
* I wanted a character that was concerned about rules and fairness. I feel Yolanda had similarities to Total Drama: The All-Stars Fiona while still being different enough to be her own character.
* Andrea starting their time on the show by checking if the dock was real was a reference to a fanfiction I read with reality tv contestants competing on a new show. A fictional scene featured Ingrid from the second season of the Joe Schmo show, who famously was keen to the ‘reality show’ being a farce, constantly questioning the genuineness of the actors portraying the other contestants, and commenting on things seeming fake, checking the stability of a dock during a challenge. That’s the only scene I remember from that fanfiction, but it stuck with me.
* Andrea stating that they’d ‘be watching you, ‘Jack’’ is both a reference to questioning his real name, as well as the slang term general nickname for a man.
* Andrea stating their being ‘crazy like a fox’ was a direct reference to their being based on Fox Mulder from The X-Files.
* Jack returning to the dock with new shorts is meant to mean that Andrea made him soil himself.
* Orlando’s well meaning, but insensitive introduction to Romelio was originally written as Romelio putting him in his place, making him cower in the corner for the rest of the episode. That tone was not how I wanted the story to go, so I changed it to Orlando being touched by Romelio defending himself. I didn’t want Orlando to come across as a villain. The intent with his character was somebody trying to be kind, but doing so incredibly sloppily.
* Appearance wise, Wolf is based on David Duchovny who portrayed Fox Mulder on The X-Files. Multiple times on the series Mulder is viewed as very good looking, or even as a perfect human specimen. This was why his being so attractive to the other contestants was a running gag.
* Andrea overtly not finding Wolf attractive was meant to allude to their eventual friendship. It also showcased Andrea’s seeming dislike of him when they first began interacting.
* Wolf commenting on the lake being tepid was an attempt on his part to relate to the others.
* Jasmine’s dialogue is admittedly cringey at first, but the attempt was to make her seem tough. I attempted to tone it down in later chapters, as I didn’t want to write her as a stereotype like LeShawna.
* Jasmine references ‘Rock You Like a Hurricane’ by Scorpions.
* Naveen references that Max looks like the actress from ‘The Man with the Jargon Tattoo’, a thinly disguised reference to ‘The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo’.
* Wolf sticking a finger in his ear at one point was a reference to a tic of Senku from Dr. Stone.
* Suzy commenting on cake was not a prelude to her time with cake later on in the series, but it works.
* Clara asks Declan if he likes K-Pop because his style is based on the idol style.
* Andrea referencing K-Pop’s dark side was meant to reference the competitive and unforgiving nature of the industry, as well as troubling incidents that tend to plague the industry.
* Wolf awakening Gabe’s bisexuality was meant as a one time gag, and not anything deeper. I eventually decided to expand on it, but it wasn’t without trepidation, as that wasn’t what I wanted to focus on with this story. I eventually decided that male bisexual representation in media is still fairly uncommon, so I felt it wasn’t a major issue to include it, especially since openness with sexual identity is far more commonplace in recent times. I felt I had discussed male/male attraction often in my stories, but again at this point I decided that it fits the inclusive nature of my stories to include the arc. I intend to include more lgbtqia+ characters in every story in the future as I don’t want them to be considered ‘token characters’.
* I considered Gabe offending Jasmine, instead of a misunderstanding, but I felt that would be the easy route to go. His not reacting to her height was a reference to Sophia Petrillo from The Golden Girls telling a dwarf when she meets him that she hopes he doesn’t find her rude, to which the others cringe, but she continues that she just got back from a long flight and wants to go to her room to rest. My joke was meant to subvert expectations like that one.
* Jasmine initially thinking that Tiffany was nice was meant as foreshadowing to their tumultuous relationship.
* Declan and Wolf not reacting to Tiffany’s flirting was meant to signify their both being asexual.
* Tiffany is very bold in stating her strategy being related to the appearance of the male contestants. An all male alliance, besides her, is exactly what she carried out.
* Tiffany flirts with Romelio in this chapter, and it happens in the finale as well.
* Byron’s smirk being described as seeming permanent is a reference to a lot of Total Drama character designs having a smirk.
* Byron using both hands to stroke his Mohawk is a reference to a sprite animation by Daryan Crescend from Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney.
* Kirika references Marcello, a character even Jack didn’t quite remember despite competing with him. This was meant to show that Kirika is a super fan of the series, something that is highlighted in the following chapter.
* Kirika’s taco cat shirt is a reference to the famous palindrome.
* Tiffany and Kirika’s relationship was my take on the Heather and Gwen rivalry. Heather seemed to dislike Gwen from the beginning for no real reason. I didn’t have a real reason for the rivalry at first either, but I feel like I eventually thought of a satisfying one, being Tiffany being jealous of Kirika’s popularity when she didn’t seem to exert much effort, where Tiffany works hard at being popular. People trying to befriend Kirika as soon as she arrived suited this reasoning.
* Kirika being attracted to Max was implied, but their friendship was meant as platonic as I wanted to avoid writing too many romances, besides Tiffany’s showmances.
* Kirika and Max have braces solely for them to bond in this scene. The braces being similar colors was coincidental, as I liked the colors with their color schemes.
* Eddy is meant to not remotely come across as what his biography described. This is reference to his putting a lot of effort in to relating to other teens, as is highlighted later.
* Tiffany stating that Eddy is Kirika’s dream guy is not because they’re both Asian, but because of their nerdy appearances.
* Vivi being the last to arrive was a bit of a mistake on my part. I think she would be a good one to make comments as contestants arrive, but I kind of forgot about her, to be completely honest. I decided to have her last eventually as it would be a little bit ironic.
* Overall, I like this first chapter, but don’t consider it one of my strongest, mainly due to the order of contestant arrival. Some of my favorite moments are Gabe, Naveen, and Jasmine’s interaction, as well as Kirika’s arrival, as it set the tone for her story with Max and Tiffany.