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Chapter Text

The adventure prior to the great clash between the 7 lights and 13 darknesses certainly had its ups and downs for the trio flying across space connecting all worlds. Aboard the Gummi Ship, Sora, Donald, and Goofy flew out, maintaining a lookout for their next step in reuniting the Wayfinder trio of Aqua, Ventus, and Terra… or at least just the former two. Any way to help restore Sora’s Power of Waking would be incredibly ideal at this point. As the trio flew out of the world of San Fransokyo, Sora pondered to himself what to do. Where should they head next? Has something been happening while they were off trying to decipher things? Were Riku and the King ok? He honestly had no idea. As his mind flowed with all kinds of thoughts, an alarm went off, startling everybody on board.

It was Sora’s Gummiphone, with an urgent call from Chip and Dale. Quickly, Sora answered.

-Hey, Chip, Dale! – Sora greeted the two chipmunks happily. – What’s going on? –

-Something very strange, Sora… - Said Chip.

-Strange? Does it involve Riku and the King? –

-No, nothing regarding them yet, we’re still in contact with them. – Dale added.

-Well, then what? –

-It’s something Master Yen Sid needs to discuss with you all personally right away! It’s an urgent matter! –

-Urgent? – Questioned Goofy.

-Really? – Added Sora. – Isn’t it something we can be told about over here? –

-It’s an important mission, Sora! He needs to give you all the details himself. – Explained Chip.

-Details? If it’s a world to go to and it will help Sora regain the Power of Waking, we’ll just do as we always do! – Argued Donald.

-Actually, the Master mentioned that this is something Sora needs to do ALONE, for some reason. –

-Alone? What? Do I have to take the Mark of Mastery exam again? – Sora got curious.

-He didn’t give details. Again, you have to show for him to tell you. That’s all we can say. Be at the Master’s tower at once. –

The chipmunks hung up after that. Sora, Donald, and Goofy looked at each other feeling pretty confused about things. What exactly did Master Yen Sid require Sora to do on his own? The answer wouldn’t be unknown for long.

After the trio landed the Gummi Ship on the tower, the three went all the way up to Yen Sid’s study, who was staring out into space when he heard the door open.

-Ah, just in time. – He said.

-Master Yen Sid. – Donald and Goofy bowed down while Sora remained up, earning him a slap on the leg from the duck.

-Oh, sorry… - The boy said as he bowed down.

-At ease, rise, no need for formalities. – The ancient wizard commanded.

-What’s this all about, Master? – Asked Goofy.

-Did you learn anything about Riku and the King? Should I go and help them? – Sora inquired.

-No, Sora. – Yen Sid halted him. - Riku and King Mickey have their task at hand. We can only hope that they communicate with us soon about their status. Your assignment might take longer than anticipated. –

-Longer? – Goofy and Donald exclaimed.

-What do you mean? – Sora kept asking.

-It appears that darkness has managed to infiltrate worlds a little beyond our normal field of view. – The master explained. – One particular world is not far beyond us. –

-So it was a world after all! – Donald has his assumptions correct all along. – If it’s just that, we’ll get rid of the Heartless there like we always do! –

-I’m afraid it is not as simple as you all may imagine. Chip and Dale mentioned that this task is something you need to go to alone, Sora, yes? –

-Uh, yeah, they did say that. – The spiky haired boy nodded. – But Donald’s right, if it is another world to beat Heartless off, it’s better to do it as a team with them. –

-Plus, with Sora’s recklessness, he’s bound to find himself in trouble quickly. – Goofy added, making Donald laugh.

-Hey! –

-The reason you can’t depend on Goofy and Donald’s help for this mission, Sora, is due to the nature of the world. – Yen Sid kept explaining. - Doing some investigating, it appears that this world relies heavily on a contest. –

-A… contest? – Sora said, feeling confused.

-Yes, a contest where its participants need to complete sets of bizarre, strange, quick, and sometimes even repugnant challenges to advance into it and avoid being eliminated out of it by the team they’re assigned to. It is a game about strategy, building relationships and using all your knowledge, skills, and abilities to emerge victoriously. –

-Oh, Sora’s doomed… - Donald facepalmed.

-Hey! What’s that supposed to mean? – Sora turned back and argued.

-You heard the Master! Strategy and knowledge, two things you don’t have! –

-But he also said skills and building relationships, I can definitely do those! –

-Precisely, Sora. – Agreed Yen Sid. – You may have not passed your Mark of Mastery exam, but it’s hard to deny that your heart is strong enough to allow you to handle yourself in environments such as these. –

-Well, thanks, but, again, what is the reason Donald and Goofy cannot come with me? –

-The contest only allows one person per entry, and it’s limited to players of your age. The only way to ensure your participation was to sign you up as only yourself. –

-Oh, I see… -

-Sora, regardless of having the absence of your friends in this assignment, it is imperative for you to rid that world of the darkness that is starting to consume it. The Heartless cannot win against any world, no matter how stray it may be from our view. You understand? –

-I… yes. –

-Good. Understand one more thing, however, it is up to you to use and train all your mental skills as well as your social skills to stay in the game. Camp Wawanakwa won’t allow you to return if your team eliminates you and we are not aware of what are the current circumstances for the past contestants on the final challenge. The more you stay in the world, the better you’ll understand the source of its darkness to dispose of it. –

-Got it, so, stay in the contest to increase the chances of getting rid of all the Heartless, right? –

-Correct. –

Sora drew a breath as he thought about his, seemingly non-optional, assignment ahead.

-Alright, where is this Camp Wawanakwa? – He nodded.

Yen Sid drew a map and pointed at the location of the world.

-In this sector. Jiminy, let Chip and Dale know that Sora will be boarding the ship shortly towards this destination. –

-Right away, Master Yen Sid! – The voice came from a cricket within Sora’s jacket, who drew his Gummiphone and started to set him up to leave.

-Wait, I’m leaving right away? – Sora questioned.

-I’m afraid so. The longer we wait, the sooner the darkness might consume that world. It is up to guardians of light like us to save it as soon as possible. – Yen Sid affirmed.

-How long will this mission take? –

-Hard to say. Usually your missions in the worlds you’ve visited have not been long, but considering the fact that this one sprung up on our sector with darkness looming in it, the details, aside from those already established, are vague. Be prepared for anything, Sora, including a long stay. –

-So, we won’t see him for a while? – Donald asked, feeling a bit crestfallen.

-Gawrsh… - Sighed Goofy.

-Hey, it’s ok, you guys. – Sora comforted his friends. – I learned my lesson from not letting the darkness consume me, I’ll be ok. I always come back in one piece anyway, right? –

-You better! – Exclaimed Donald. – Otherwise, we won’t stand a chance against the Organization!

-Speaking of which. – Interjected Yen Sid. – Be wary, Sora. This world may not belong to our map, but Organization XIII knows their ways around them. –

-Yes, Master. – Nodded Sora.

Suddenly, Sora felt something touch his right hand. It was Jiminy, handing him back his Gummiphone.

-All set up, Sora! All you need to do is guide the ship towards Camp Wawanakwa. – He said.

-Gawrsh, Master Yen Sid… - Goofy then said. – I just had an idea! If we can’t accompany Sora to this camp, can’t he at least have Jiminy with him hidden. That way he takes record of the world and even gives Sora advice if he gets stuck trying to appeal to any of them other contestants. –

-Hmm… - Yen Sid pondered, the brave knight of the royal guard did raise a valid point. – Very well. Sora, Jiminy Cricket shall be your sole companion but only as guidance. Do NOT use him to cheat. –

-The thought didn’t even cross my mind, Master, I swear! –

-Yeah, right… - Donald teased.

-Donald! –

The duck crackled and the dog as well.

-I can’t instruct or even try to assist you to cheat anyway, Sora. – Said Jiminy as he climbed up the Keyblade Wielder’s shoulder. – I am a conscience after all and I’m trying to guide you towards the right path, always. –

-It’s the first time I have competed on this thing anyway, I wouldn’t even know how to cheat that’s why I didn’t think it. –

-So, Sora, are you prepared? – Yen Sid asked.

Sora took one final look at the Master, and then at his companions, who were giving him the thumbs up and encouraging him.

-I’m ready. – The Keyblade Wielder affirmed.

-Godspeed then. – The wizard smiled. – And may your heart be your guiding key. –

Chapter Text

As Sora, along with Jiminy, travelled across space after the former used the Keyblade to help guide the Gummi Ship, the young wielder couldn’t help but think what he was going to do, what types of people he was gonna encounter or the kinds of experiences he was gonna have as a whole with this weird new world. How did it even manage to get here in the first place? It wasn’t on the map the first time around. Maybe Yen Sid’s words were in fact true about there being some Organization shenanigans going on in the background.

-Incoming, Sora! – Jiminy said, looking over the horizon.

Sora snapped out of his train of thought and looked over what was in front of him. There it was. The world Yen Sid had mentioned, and he was assigned to liberate: Camp Wawanakwa. At first glance, the world seemed innocent. It was a big island area, surrounded by fresh water, with forests, meadows and mounts all over it, a camp area with cabins, a wooden dock and a big cliff. He also noticed there being another island near the main one, one more scary looking and with a mount in the shape of a skull. If the contest was to happen here, it sure was an… interesting area to say the least.

-Gee, it does have a lot, doesn’t it? – Sora commented.

-Indeed, but remember, once we land, stay wary of everything, this includes our adversaries and all sorts of surprises, understand? – Jiminy said.

-You got it, Jiminy! –

-Alright, whenever you’re ready. – Jiminy then returned to the inside of Sora’s jacket pocket.

The spiky-haired boy guided the Gummi Ship closer towards the world and began his descent into a new adventure.

A couple of minutes later, after the landing, Sora appeared in the world, not in an Island, but rather in what appeared to be an airfield.

-Wait… this doesn’t look an Island… - He said to himself. – Is this the contest? Better look around, I guess. –

The boy, puzzled about the mix-up, began to look and walk around for clues. Suddenly, he heard from above him a whirring sound.

-Huh? – He exclaimed, looking up.

What he then saw was a helicopter, but not an ordinary one. It was a military helicopter that was descending right above him. Gasping, he jumped out of the way as it touched the ground right in front of him.

-The pilot couldn’t see me or what? – He, once more, said to himself.

Just then, out of the cockpit’s front door, came a man. A big and muscular dark-skinned man with a mustache and an opening between his front teeth. Dressed in military garment, the man looked around and saw Sora on the ground. He shot an angry stare at him as he climbed down the helicopter and approached him.

-Um, hey! – Sora was so lost regarding the man, but still figured he was his best bet to know where on that new world he was. – I’m looking for a contest, in an island, do you maybe know where I could… -

-THERE YOU ARE, MAGGOT! – The man exclaimed in a rather furious voice. – YOU WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ON THE AIRPORT HANGAR LIKE ALL THE OTHERS! INSTEAD YOU MAKE ME LOSE PRECIOUS HELICOPTER FUEL LOOKING AROUND FOR YOU! –

-Well, excuse me but I sort of got lost and I didn’t have all the details! Now, can you help me or not? –

The man stared down at Sora, still angry, but then got a good look at him. Then, he smirked.

-Hmm… new kids, with luck he’ll last at least an hour before he gets the boot. – The man said to himself.

-Um, what? – Sora raised an eyebrow.

-Get up, kid! Chris told me about you in particular and told me to save you a… “VIP seat” on the helicopter for when we get to our destination. –

-Uh, who’s Chris? What destination? What do you mean by VIP seat? –

-Truly clueless. The island, dumbo! Now get up and follow me! –

This was his way to the island, supposedly. Without another word, but yet a thousand questions on his mind, Sora got up from the ground and followed the man back to the helicopter. Once both reached the cockpit’s entrance, the man suddenly grabbed Sora and put him above his head.

-Woah, hey, what are you doing? – Sora exclaimed, trying to punch himself out of his grasp.

-I told you, Chris reserved a special seat for you… at the cargo hold! –

-What? AHHHHH! – Sora tried questioning, but the man had already launched him inside the dark room with the rest of some important cargo.

The door closed in front of his face, and he found himself all alone in the dark room.

-Ugh, wonderful… - He sighed, as he sat down on one of the wooden crates and soon felt the helicopter take off. – So much for being wary… -

-Oh, chin up, Sora. – Said Jiminy from inside his jacket. – Sure, it may have been a rocky start, but we’re on the correct way now. We have to keep our heads up from here on in. –

Sora simply sighed. As the helicopter moved towards their destination, he then heard voices coming from the other side of one of the walls. He couldn’t make out exactly what they were talking about, but he could tell that there were multiple boys and girls chatting on the main hold. His thoughts were interrupted by a creaking noise coming from between the crates. The sound kept going around until the boy knew he had enough. Angrily, he summoned out his Keyblade, and yelled out:

-Who are you? Where are you? Show yourself! –

No reply. The sounds just kept going and Sora stayed on his guard for the rest of the trip to the island.

-This Island and its weird things are not gonna make me fail, I promise. – He said confidently to himself.

While Sora and the other contestants waited until getting to the island, right in that place at that moment, in front of a video camera, out came a man with black hair, dressed in a dark blue green shirt, khaki pants and sneakers. Looking directly at the camera, he started speaking.

-Yo! Season 5 of Total Drama is officially on the air! Welcome to Total Drama All-Stars! I’m your host, Chris McLean! You may be wondering what has been of me recently. You see, after my involuntary year-long “vacation”, I really need to be in a familiar environment, surrounded by people I love… to hurt. –

Chris then chuckled devilishly to himself before continuing.

-It’s a condition of my parole, except for the hurt part! That’s all McLean! So, what’s the dealeo this time? For this season, I’m bringing back 20, that’s right 20, TD All-Stars, or at least close to All-Stars, to battle it out in THE most dangerous, death-defying, 3-million-dollar competition EVER! –

Just then, the sounds of the helicopter were heard over the Island. Chris knew what that meant.

-And here they are now! –

With the helicopter hovering above the lake surrounding the island, the door from the passenger hold was ready to open.

-From Revenge of the Island, say hello to… - Chris continued.

The door opened. A dark-skinned boy with spiky black hair, blue shirt and jeans was shown on the edge of the entrance, scared to jump in, but then pushed by the strong man’s arm.

-Multiple Mike! – Chris introduced. – AKA Chester, Svetlana, Vito, and Manitoba. –

As the boy fell into the water and Chris introduces his aliases, each of them manifested in a different manner as the man called out their names before he finally splashed down.

-Mike’s crush pushover-turned-powerhouse, Zoey! –

-*Gasp* Mike! – Called out the redheaded pigtailed girl as she dove into the water to make sure her crush was ok.

-Athletic non-supporter, Lightning! – Chris continued introducing the contestants.

-You call that a dive? – A dark-skinned teenager with white hair looked questioningly at the falling distance between the helicopter and the lake. He then prepared to dive himself before being kicked by the strong man, now known as Chef Hatchet. – Watch this! Sha-BUGH! –

-Bubble boy brainiac, Cameron! – Chris kept on introducing.

-This is highly illogical! – Said the short, dark-skinned glasses boy as Chef grabbed him by his hoodie and threw him out of the helicopter.

-Clairvoyant, aura-reading nature lover girl, Dawn! –

-Wait for me, little ones! I’ll get you out of this cursed island! – The small light blonde girl with a green sweater willingly dove into the water as she said this.

-Challenge-throwing dirt farmer, Scott! –

The orange-haired boy didn’t say anything as he was pushed off Chef’s leg and he screamed into the water below.

-Bossy bruiser Jo! Who dominated until her underling turned on her! –

The dark and short-haired blonde with yoga pants and gray hoodie pushed Chef off her as she waited on the edge of the helicopter door.

-You’re a dead man, McLean! – She exclaimed down to the host introducing the contestants before being shoved off to the water below.

-Private pee pants, Brick! –

-As a military cadet, I have the utmost duty to be mindful of my dive, and -AHHHH!! – The short-haired private tried to salute before being kicked off the helicopter by chef.

-Tan-obsessed shore girl, Anne Maria! –

-Hey, watch the hair, you ding-AHHH!!! – Chef was grabbing the tanned curvy girl by her poofy hair as she was dropped off to the lake.

Chris chuckled to himself as he paused for a brief moment to check in with the audience before continuing to name the cast.

-And… from our ORIGINAL cast: Cranky know-it-all CIT, Courtney! –

-This is not in my contr-AAACT! – The brunette CIT grumbled to chef, who was holding her by the foot before letting her fall to the water.

-Courtney’s bestie turned boyfriend stealer, Gwen! –

A green and black-haired girl was thrown overboard by Chef. As she fell, she exclaimed:

-HE’S NOT MY BOYFRIEND ANYMOOOOOREEEE!!!!! –

-Broody, bad boy Duncan! – Chris continued.

-Bring it on! – A green-haired punk boy with piercings called out as he fell down.

-Devious diva, Heather! –

-I HATE CHRIS!!!!! – The ponytailed, heel wearing girl exclaimed as she fell.

-Sister full of sass, Leshawna! –

-OH, HECK NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! – The dark-skinned girl called as she fell.

-Hype party dude, Aftermath co-host, Geoff! –

-YEEEE-HAAAAWWW! LET’S GO, DUUUUDEEEE!!! – The open-shirted blonde boy yelled out, diving in.

-Soulful surfer, Geoff’s sweetheart AND pole kisser, Bridgette! –

-ENOUGH WITH THE POLEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! – The blonde surfer exclaimed as she fell close to her boyfriend.

-Mama-loving giant, DJ! –

-MAMAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!! – The dark-skinned buffed up boy called desperately for his mother as he fell down.

-Big boy goofball, Owen! –

-WOOOO-HOOOOOO!!!!! – The overweight blonde with a white shirt and a maple leaf on it exclaimed as he dove.

The rest of the contestants looked up while floating on the water to see a giant boy making a big splash above them.

-And as a special bonus… - Continued Chris. – I’m introducing to the game one BRAND-NEW competitor. Say hello to spiky-haired, weird outfit, and supposed “hero of light”, at least according to his application, Sora!!!! –

On the back of the helicopter, a hatchet opened as Chef grabbed Sora again.

-Hey, what the- woah, hold on, hold on, HOLD OOOOOONNNNNNN! AHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!- The Keyblade’s chosen one screamed his lungs out as he fell down to the lake below.

-Focus, Sora! – Said Jiminy, desperately hanging on inside his pocket. – Try to use what you learned in the Sleeping Worlds! –

Before he fell into the water, Sora tried focusing on somewhere around him where he could attempt to use his Flowmotion techniques, but as he failed to find something, he soon met with the cool fresh water of the lake as it drowned his screams to a halt.

-And, as another bonus, feral freakshow, Ezekiel! – Chris then said.

Chef Hatchet held a seemingly beast-like boy with his skin all green, bald, with spiky teeth and wearing a dark green hoodie and jeans. He held him for a second before dropping him off down below. Everyone floating on the lake’s waters, including Sora, looked horrified as Zeke got closer and closer to them.

-So, that was it! That’s who was scouring around on the hold with me! – Sora said to himself.

But before Zeke could plunge into the water along with the rest of the cast, the robot next to Chris grabbed him with a plunger and pulled him into shore.

-Ha-ha-ha, kidding! – Chris laughed. – No way is that guy coming back again! –

The host then snapped his fingers, and the robot launched Ezekiel far away from the scene to an unknown location.

-*Sigh*, man, it’s great to be back! – Chris sighed before addressing the camera.

The entire cast of the show started then to swim towards the beach. While everyone hurried, the Keyblade Wielder dragged on a bit as he looked around and started to take in everything, comparing it to what Yen Sid had told him. He felt Jiminy hide well under his hair as he kept on swimming.

-Out of the way, you spiky hair weirdo! – Sora heard someone approach him from behind as she tried overtaking him. It was Jo, who then pushed him aside.

-Excuse you, I guess. – He said, not getting a reply back from her. Sora simply shook his head and carried on as he felt the floor getting shallower below him.

The rest of his castmates had already arrived, feeling tired from all the swimming, and Chris approached them to greet them.

-Greetings, old AND new friends. – He said.

Heather coughed up a starfish out of her mouth and threw it away as she looked at the host with disdain.

-I am NOT your friend! – She said angrily.

-Woah, temper much, girl? – Leshawna said, approaching her and then teasing her. – Not really surprised considering your boyfriend ain’t here. I bet you miss him dearly, don’t you? –

-Who? Alejandro? As if! I’m glad he isn’t back! That handsome jerk! –

Leshawna simply chuckled and shook her head.

On the edge of the beach, Sora dragged his feet up as he moved over the sand.

-Ugh. – He sighed. – I’m sure a long way away from Destiny Islands. –

He saw the starfish Heather had thrown out of sight and picked it up curiously.

-Huh, never seen starfish like these before. –

-Do you mind if I hold it for a second? – Called out a voice to his left, sitting on a rock. It was Dawn.

-Oh, um, sure, be my guest. – Sora with no hesitation handed Dawn the starfish and held it with two of her fingers with her eyes closed. – W- what are you doing? –

-I’m just sensing its aura, this poor creature has been through quite a journey all the way from the Japanese seas of Hokkaido, but it never expected to end up on a person’s mouth. –

-You got all that just from holding it? –

-Oh, yes! Aura-reading is my passion, and it helps me to connect with nature a lot. –

-Cool! Can you read mine? –

-Really? You want to know? –

-Yeah! –

-Well, let’s see… - Dawn stared at Sora for just a few seconds. Her eyes widened. - Oh, wow! –

-What? What did you see? –

-Why, you have a near perfect aura! I can’t believe it! –

-Really? –

-Yes, it’s golden! Those are very rare! It means you are incredibly wise and compassionate, and you’re keen to help those in need! Congratulations! –

-Wow, thanks, hey wait, you said “near” perfect, though, what do you mean? –

-Oh, well… the golden part makes up the majority of your aura, but there’s also a very dark spot on the bottom of it. It’s not as noticeable, but it’s there. Also, while your heart is pure, it also appears to be… oddly crowded. Is everything ok? –

-Oh, um, well it’s kind of hard to explain… - In order to protect the World Order, Sora couldn’t let anyone on the camp know that he was from another world and that within his heart resided three others: Roxas, his Nobody, an unknown individual who was attached to him somehow, and most recently discovered that one of the missing Keyblade Wielders, Ventus, was as well.

-Mm, no need, maybe it’s a lot of personal problems. I could try inferring but I don’t want to be too nosy nowadays. Please, though, keep that golden aura as bright as you can! –

Sora chuckled.

-Will do! I’m Sora, by the way. –

-I know, your aura told me your name… and Chris said it out loud. My name’s Dawn, it’s nice to meet you, Sora. –

-Nice to meet you too, Dawn! –

Chris then called out to everyone after a brief argument with Courtney.

-Attention, everyone! We’ve got a lot of big changes for this season! For one, the island is now 100% toxic waste free! – He said.

-Toxic waste?! – Sora exclaimed.

-Didn’t you know? – Called another voice to his right. It was Zoey. – Wawanakwa last season was used as a toxic waste dump due to Chris making a deal with a shady company. –

-We’ve got to remember that he’s new, Zoey. He might not have even watched last season. - Said the boy next to her, Mike. – But, yeah, that’s basically what happened. –

-Wait, season? You mean this contest is also… some sort of TV show? – Sora questioned.

-You don’t know you’re in a TV show? – Zoey asked back, feeling weirded out by the Keyblade Wielder’s questions.

-Ugh, I’m sorry, it’s just that it’s my first time around things like this and I feel my head spinning a lot from all this. –

-Well, we don’t blame you, you were thrown here into an All-Stars season as a special contestant and therefore must be new to all this. – Mike continued.

-Yeah, I am, thanks for understanding. – Sora nodded.

-Well, for one, I’m sorry if I seemed a bit weirded out by you when asking. – Zoey apologized. – You seem like a nice person, maybe an even greater friend. I’m Zoey, this is Mike, and I see you already met Dawn. You’re Sora, right? –

-Yeah, it’s nice to meet you, guys. –

-AHEM! If the ladies in the background care to put their little tea party on hold, I’m not done explaining the changes! – Chris called out the chatters before continuing. – On the upside, I’ve upgraded your accommodations! –

Chris then pulled up a screen using the robot.

-This season, the losers still have to sleep in the stinky, old cabin. –

Everyone, minus Sora, groaned in frustration.

-But… - Chris continued. – The winners get to stay on the all-new, eco-friendly, McLean Spa Hotel! Complete with butler, hot tub and 24-hour-masseuse! –

At that, everyone cheered, including Sora.

-And in honor of your All-Star status… - Chris kept going. – I’m dividing you into teams based on your past performances: Heroes vs. Villains! –

*Bzzt* *Confessional screen*

On a dirty, old bathroom stall, where contestants could confess secrets or blow off steam, Heather sat in front of a camera.

-Obviously, I’ll be on the villains’ team… AND I’LL BE RUNNING IT BY LUNCH! – She said fiercely.

*Bzzt*

-Heroes vs. Villains? – Now it was Gwen’s turn on the stall. – Guess Duncan and I won’t be on the same team, thank God. Ugh, dumping him was such a relief after all his crap. He deserves to be on the villains’ team… unless somehow Chris considers him a hero, pfft, ha-ha, yeah right… -

*Bzzt*

-Ah, to whoever made this arrangement, thank you! – Now it was Bridgette’s turn, as she held her hands up in seeming relief. – It was already great that Alejandro is not around, but this means Geoff and I are gonna be on the same heroic team! –

*Bzzt*

-Oh, yeah-yuh! – Exclaimed an excited Geoff on the confessional. – My Bridge-baby and I are on the same team! Heroes! WHOO!! -

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

Back on the beach, Chris announced the members of the teams, starting with the villains.

-Heather, Duncan, Lightning, Jo, Scott, Anne Maria, Gwen, Bridgette, and Geoff. – The robot dragged Gwen, Bridgette and Geoff over to the Villains side as they had confused expressions on their faces. – From now on, you’re the Villainous Vultures! –

-Sha-TEAM! – Exclaimed Lightning.

-WHAT?! Why am I on the villains’ team? – Exclaimed Gwen in frustration.

-Because you stole my boyfriend and became the new Heather! – Courtney called out angrily.

-Yeah! What she said! – Confirmed Chris.

-But I’m not with him anymore! We broke up! And I’ve done so many good things since and before. I’m not a villain, I’m nice! – Gwen tried desperately to justify herself, while Duncan rolled his eyes when she mentioned the breakup.

-Also, why are Geoff and I here too?! – Bridgette then exclaimed.

-Oh, do I really need to explain it to you, pole kisser? – Chris teased.

-But I already forgave my “schmoopie-schmoo” for what she did! – Geoff followed. – And she meant it too! –

-And as for you, I feel like your girlfriend made it clear during Action’s Aftermath sections, Captain Hollywood, you became essentially a clone of me, and while flattered, that makes you a villain, dude. – Chris explained to Geoff his placement on the Villains’ team.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-Ugh, just when I thought I was putting the whole pole incident behind me, this happens! This is, so, not cool! – Bridgette said while pulling on her hair in frustration.

*Bzzt*

-Well… - Geoff sighed. – At least, she and I are on the same team, ha-ha… -

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

Chris carried on with his team announcements, now moving on to the heroes.

-Mike, Zoey, Cameron, Dawn, Brick, Courtney, Owen, Leshawna, DJ, AND Sora. – Chris listed. – You’re… the Heroic Hamsters! –

-Excuse me. – Courtney interjected. – How are hamsters heroic? –

-It was that or the Heroic Hippos. – Replied Chris.

-…hamsters it is! – Courtney then feigned a smile.

-Wait a minute… - Said Jo over on the villains’ side. – They have 10 people to our 9, no fair! –

-I needed to make that Ezekiel prank! – Chris shrugged, trying to be funny.

Jo was not having it, she glared angrily at Chris, clearly thinking the arrangement was still incredibly unfair. Chris sighed in defeat as his joke failed.

-Fine, you can have the robot! – He said angrily as he directed the robot, known as the Drama Machine towards the Villainous Vultures.

The robot moved slowly towards the team and joined them.

-I thought your robot could talk. – Scott said.

-Meh, the communication chip cracked while it was in the hubscap. – Chris replied.

The robot then approached Heather, who quickly put distance between it and her with her arm.

-Keep your distance, toaster! – She said.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-Ugh, there’s something about that robot I just don’t like. – Heather shivered and expressed her disgust over the robot.

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

-This year’s challenges are all nods to classics from the past BUT with harsh new twists to make this the toughest Total Drama season EVER! – Chris grew excited explaining the first challenge. – Your first challenge? Find the key to the spa hotel and you’ll do it in homage to Total Drama’s first ever challenge: Cliff diving into water infested with ravenous sharks! -

Everyone looked worried, especially Scott, who gulped.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

Scott shivered nervously as he faced the camera.

-Oh, ok… - He spoke up, recalling his last season when he was chased constantly by Fang, the island’s mutated great white. – So MAYBE I have a phobia of s-s-s-sharks. Can you blame me? -

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

-Once you dive into the water, try to avoid the sharks long enough to snag a key. – Chris kept detailing the challenge. - And choose wisely. Only one key on the entire island is the one to open the hotel. Assuming you live long enough to reach dry land, a teammate will drive you to the hotel in one of the carriages from Season 3’s Race through Central Park. The first team to unlock the spa door wins. Meet me at the base of the cliff in 15 minutes. Chop, chop! –

With that, the host was driven off by a Jeep towards the cliff.

-WAIT! – Mike called out. – SHOULDN’T WE CHANGE INTO OUR SWIMSUITS OR SOMETHING FIRST? –

-SORRY! NO TIME! – He managed to hear Chris yell back.

All the contestants looked anxious but started to walk towards the cliff. On the heroes’ side, Sora looked at the cliff over the horizon and started thinking as he walked alongside the rest of his teammates.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-Ok, so I just, speak into this? Is it? Ok. - Sora looked at the camera as he sat down on the confessional and cleared his throat. – So… like I said, I’m completely new to this whole contest, I wasn’t even told it was gonna be a TV show! *Sigh* But, I have something to do here, so I’m gonna do it, and if it involves completing these crazy challenges, so be it. Hmm, so far no Heartless though, maybe the situation isn’t as bad? Plus, only ONE key in the Island can open the hotel… Chris doesn’t mean… -

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

As the contestants walked, they also began to talk between themselves.

-DJ, what on Earth are you even doing here, honey? – Leshawna questioned. – I thought after World Tour you’d be done with TD. –

-Mama and I still have no bus to restart our business. – The boy explained. – Getting a part-time job was easy but it wasn’t getting us anywhere so when Chris offered me to come back, as much as I didn’t want to, I accepted. –

-I heard the army pays well, you could enlist. – Brick overheard the conversation as he marched.

-It’s against my nature to injure someone, especially animals. – DJ shook his head.

-Really? You’re an animal lover too? – Dawn’s eyes lit up.

-Yeah! Although I would not recommend watching my participation back in Season 3. I was cursed, and a bunch of those creatures resulted injured because of it. – DJ sadly recalled his “curse” back in World Tour.

-Oh, but it’s ok. – Zoey said. – You’re here now and you haven’t injured a single animal; you have to get behind that. –

-I… I’d find difficult to move on from causing such injuries to those critters though… - Commented Owen.

-Owen! – Leshawna said quietly, gritting her teeth. – Shush! -

-Yeah, I know what you mean, girl. You’re right. – The gentle giant nodded. – It’s nice to meet all of you, by the way. I know I saw some of y’all already but didn’t properly introduce myself. Let me see if I got your names right. –

DJ looked around him to see if he could correctly identify his new teammates, the ones who were not in the game with him before that is. He started pointing.

-Mike. – He first pointed at the boy with the black spiky hair and moved along from there. – Zoey, Cameron, Dawn, and… Brick? –

-You got it! – Mike said happily.

-Nice! –

-DJ, I’m afraid you missed one… - Courtney pointed out as Sora walked behind Mike, lagging behind a bit as he looked around him.

-Oh, shoot, you’re right. – DJ affirmed, looking back. – But, he is completely new, isn’t he? –

-He is not just completely new to Total Drama, he’s new to the fact that he is competing on TV. – Zoey explained.

-Seriously? – Courtney groaned. – Ugh, great, if that spiky-haired amateur costs us the very first game, I’ll personally make sure he’s equally on the first elimination boat of the season! –

-Chill, Ms. CIT. – Leshawna attempted to calm the beast down. – How about we try and meet the kid first before you start with the threats. I know you’re already pretty heated that both Gwen and Duncan are here, but it’s no reason to take it out on him. –

Leshawna drew a few steps back and approached the Keyblade Wielder.

-Hey, honey, how you doing? – She greeted him with a warm, welcoming smile.

-Oh, hi, it’s nice to meet you! – Sora returned the gesture.

-Likewise, tell me, your name is…. Sora, right? –

-Yeah, um, you’re, don’t tell me… Leshawna? –

-That’s exactly right! Say, a little birdy told me that this is your first time on both TD and TV in general, is that correct? –

-Yeah… - Sora struggled to answer and felt ashamed to say so. – Sorry… -

-You haven’t done anything, sugar, don’t worry. I’m just here to help you break the ice so that we can all work together, does that sound good? –

Sora chuckled.

-Yeah! – He nodded.

-Then come a little closer, sweetheart, don’t be shy. Why don’t you introduce yourself? – Leshawna guided Sora to meet the rest of the team a little better.

-Well… hi, everyone! I’m Sora, it’s nice to meet all of you. – Sora flashed everyone his signature smile. – I already kind of met some of you at the beach though. –

Mike, Zoey and Dawn smiled at him.

-Yes, but it’s still nice to see you again, Sora. – Nodded Dawn.

-Yo, it’s nice to meet you, dude! Call me DJ! – The gentle giant shook the Wielder’s hand. –

-Cool! How are you doing, DJ? – Sora said happily.

-All good, my brother. –

-How’s it going, dude? I’m Owen! – The overweight blonde approached him and shook his hand a bit more aggressively.

Though Sora was startled by Owen’s handshake, he soon started to laugh.

-I’m all good, Owen! Wow, that’s quite the greeting! – Sora said as Owen let go of him.

-Sorry, dude, I’m always happy to meet new guys. –

-You and I are on the same page there, then. –

-Private Brick MacArthur at your service, Sora. – The cadet saluted.

-At ease, private. Nice to meet you. – Sora chuckled as he saluted back and then shook his hand.

-How are you doing, Sora? I’m Cameron! – Cam approached the Wielder.

-Nice to meet you, Cam! Oh, um, I can call you that, right? – Sora asked politely to which Cameron nodded.

While everyone was enjoying meeting the Keyblade Wielder, one of the heroes was still skeptical about him despite his good intentions.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-He is aware that the show is called: Total Drama, right? – Courtney complained in the confessional. – Like, it’s ok to meet your teammates on day one, especially if you’re new, but it’s still a competition and, unfortunately for him, he needs to understand that nice guys finish last! So you better not slow me down, Sora! Or else! -

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

-Hey! Nice to meet you! – Sora approached the CIT with a smile. – Courtney, right? –

-Yes, it’s, um, great to meet you, Sora. – Courtney tried her best to be as cordial as possible towards the boy. – Um, question: What exactly would you say are your best skills? –

-Oh, um, well, let’s see… I can… oh! I would say I’m fast, um, I’d also say I am active in the face of danger, I don’t flee from it, and… well, I’d say I’m flexible, I can attempt and mostly succeed at anything I put my mind to. I’m also very sociable as you can see. –

-Hmm, ok, ok, I think you may have some potential. –

-Potential? – Sora raised an eyebrow at her.

-Yeah, potential to do the challenges. In this game, you have to be prepared for anything if you don’t want to get the boot. You do know that this is survival, right? –

-Yeah, I was actually told that I needed to keep my head in the game to avoid elimination. –

-Oh, you were? –

-Yes. –

-Well… good, so you know, don’t hold back, ok? –

-Heh, no problem! –

Courtney did feel a little bit better by Sora’s confidence… but the feeling didn’t last long as she saw Gwen and Duncan walking side-by-side on the Villains’ team. She groaned and grumbled.

-Excuse me, Sora, I have some glaring to do… - Courtney then made her way to the back of the team’s line with a rather ticked off expression, weirding out the Keyblade Wielder.

-Ok… - He said. Leshawna then approached him while eyeing the CIT herself. – What was that all about? –

-Oh, honey, it’s a whole story that you weren’t around to see when it happened. Explaining it right now would make us lose focus, I’ll tell you about it later. – She said.

-Yo, Sora… - Began DJ as he signaled the spiky-haired brunette to do a few steps back towards where everyone, minus Courtney, had gathered to talk. - Over here, we wanna meet you a bit more if you’re cool with it. –

-Ha-ha, sure! – The Keyblade Wielder was happy about it as him and Leshawna joined up.

Meanwhile on the Villains’ team behind them…

-Ugh, I said keep away from me! – Heather exclaimed as the Drama Machine kept moving close to her. She then saw Jo in front of her and with one move from her arm over her shoulder, she pushed her aside and moved to her place in line. – Excuse me! –

-Ugh, watch it, Old Heather! – Jo exclaimed, ticked off about the Queen Bee’s actions.

-YOU watch it, newbie! –

-Ugh, this is the worst… - Gwen shook her head as she overheard the two argue. – Guys, chill, don’t try to axe yourselves up on literally the first episode of the season. –

-If I were you I’d follow my own advice, paste-face. – Anne Maria commented while spraying her hair. – The C-I-whatever’s eyes over there are set to kill mode on you. –

Gwen looked over to the Heroes’ team, where she could see Courtney glaring at her and Duncan angrily.

-Ugh… - The goth groaned.

Duncan noticed her reaction, and despite her being his now second ex, decided to try and help a bit.

-Hey, Courtney. – He began. – If you keep staring like that, I’m going to start thinking you like me again. –

Courtney said nothing, she simply scoffed and turned her sight away from them.

-Ha-ha, scoffing just makes it more obvious, princess! – Duncan insisted while smirking.

All the while, Bridgette and Geoff at the very front of the line and with their hands entwined, tried hard to cope with the fact that they were on this team. Bridgette sighed.

-I just don’t get it, Geoff. I know actions have consequences, but I never knew life had more of them to spare when it comes to us. – The surfer girl said.

-Ugh, I know, babe. – Her boyfriend sympathized. – But, come on, you know I don’t think of you as a villain, never. –

-And I don’t think of you as a villain either, babe. But to be grouped with people who at one point or another can easily do something to get us out of the game or even make us drift apart, the thought is just making me anxious. –

-Well, it’s not all bad, I mean, I’m here and… oh, Gwen’s here! Aren’t you two supposed to be friends? –

-Um… friendship status with her is kind of uncertain right now. Like I’m not really that mad anymore about the way she handled her relationship with Trent but the way she handled her situation with an already established one, in this case, Duncan and Courtney, ugh, it’s like I don’t recognize her anymore. We haven’t talked in so long… -

Bridgette stared for a second at the goth girl. Rather than her usual neutral expression, she seemed to have a look of regret that only intensified when Courtney shot her the glare.

-Hmm… - She hummed, wondering if it was worth a talk with her after all.

As she pondered about it while turning back to Geoff, she then noticed the heroes, minus Courtney, being happy about meeting Sora and liking his stories and overall attitude.

-Aw, it looks like the new dude is making friends already! – Geoff commented.

-He honestly seems very nice. – Agreed Bridgette. – I mean if DJ and Leshawna like him a lot this soon, then it means he must be a great person. However, Alejandro also seemed nice at first and we know how that ended. –

-Bridge, don’t doubt him just yet, he at least looks like his kindness is more natural than Ale-jerk-dro’s. –

-True, though it’s not really a high bar to pass. –

The surfer couple chuckled; they had at least found comfort in each other’s company despite the team they were put in. The two continued walking hand-in-hand before being approached by one of their teammates.

-Hey, guys. – It was Gwen. – Do you mind if I walk over here? Everyone else started to argue at my end of the line. –

-Help yourself, Gwen! Whatever makes you feel comfortable, right, Bridge? –

-Oh, um, sure… - The blonde surfer girl said, still feeling awkward from having the goth girl near her. She then looked at her. – Hey, Gwen… -

-Ha-ha, hey Bridge… - Gwen chuckled awkwardly.

-So… um, you and Duncan are no more, huh? –

-Haven’t been for a while, before this season started actually. I don’t wanna get into the specifics of why we broke up though. –

-That’s cool, I mean… it would be weird to bring up, wouldn’t it? –

-Right now, kind of. –

-Ha-ha, yeah… -

-But, um, hey, glad you and Geoff are still going strong, you know, despite… -

-Don’t say it, please don’t say it. –

-Ok, ok, sorry. –

-It’s fine… -

The two chuckled awkwardly while continuing to walk. Bridgette took a look at Geoff, who was giving her a concerned look, having witnessed how his girlfriend and the goth girl’s first interaction in quite a long time had gone.

-It’s a… work-in-progress? Ha, ha? – Bridgette said and shrugged, trying to appease her boyfriend.

The rest of the way to the base of the cliff, the two teams had made it in silence as they approached the beach below it. There, Chris addressed both teams while descending to land on his jetpack.

-Ha-ha-ha, greetings All-Stars! – As he landed, sand picked up from around him and blew all over the contestants, to which he paid no mind. – Here are your carriages: blood red for the Villainous Vultures and pure as gold for the Heroic Hamsters. You’ve got 30 seconds to pick your carriage drivers, starting… now! –

The two teams assembled to choose a driver.

-I’ll drive! – Scott said.

-No, I’ll drive! – Interjected Jo.

-Sha-please! – Lightning said to Jo. – You’re the slowest go-kart driver ever! –

-But I’m also the shopping cart racer circuit champion! –

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-No, I’m not. – Jo laughed to herself. – I just said that because… -

*Bzzt*

-Gotta respect championship status. – Lightning admitted. – Jo drives. –

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

-Aw, come on! – Scott said as he was dragged off by Lightning.

-But Jo… - Interjected Gwen. – Wouldn’t you make a better diver since you’re so athletic? –

-Nobody tells me what to do, goth ball. – The athletic girl replied. – And don’t even try to kiss me. –

Gwen gasped.

-What? – She exclaimed.

-Woah, woah, take it easy, Jo. – Bridgette jumped in. – Gwen was just making a valid suggestion. –

-And what makes you think I’ll hear reasonings from you either, pole kisser? –

Bridgette then gasped as well.

-Oh, that’s it… - The surfer girl stared in anger as she rolled up one of her hoodie’s sleeves.

-Guys, chill out! – Geoff then jumped in. – Bridge, everyone already decided to have Jo drive the carriage. –

-They did? –

-Yes, after Lightning told the rest about Jo’s credentials. –

Bridgette stared angrily at Jo, who smirked.

-Ugh, fine. – She conceded.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-Ugh, I swear. Chris, if you’re hearing, if one of the challenges involves frozen poles, I’m voting myself off and not even doing this season’s episode of the Aftermath. That’s a promise! – Bridgette said angrily.

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

-10 seconds! – Chris indicated the time left for the contestants to choose a driver. Now it was the Heroes’ turn.

-You can do it! – Said Cameron to Zoey.

-Oh, I think you should do it! – Zoey then said to Mike.

-I think Dawn should get a chance to do it. – Mike said pointing at the aura reader.

-Nah, guys, I think this one’s best suited for DJ. – Leshawna said.

-It is? – DJ asked.

-Would you rather jump off the cliff into the water? You know, considering your fear of heights? –

-Uh, you’ve got a point, girl. – He then affirmed. – If it’s ok with y’all, I’ll drive. –

-Sure, DJ, thanks! – Cameron said.

-I salute you, DJ! – Brick then said.

-Ok then. – Said Chris. – Everyone, but Jo and DJ, up the cliff you go. –

The rest of the contestants ran up the high cliff until getting to the very edge where the jump was supposed to happen. With Chris already waiting for them, Lightning arrived first.

-Sha-first! – He said proudly.

The rest gathered up behind him tiredly. As they prepared for their first challenge, Scott, Zoey, and Mike took the chance to look below. The ravenous sharks were already waiting for their meal but one in particular with limbs caught their eyes. The three gasped.

-FANG! –

-Who? – Gwen and Bridgette said looking in horror at the water below.

Sora took a chance and approached the group to look as well. One thing he noticed besides the actual sharks and Fang, were a couple of shark-looking black and purple creatures with yellow eyes, even sharper teeth, a horn on their noses and a red and black symbol on their chests. The Keyblade Wielder gasped.

-Heartless! – He said quietly.  – So that’s where they were! –

-Places people! – Chris called out to everyone. – It’s diving time! Ha-ha-ha! –

The six contestants looking over the cliff returned to their teams and prepared. Scott looked over one more time in total fear.

-A-a-after you! – He said replacing himself with Heather in line, making her puzzled. – I insist. –

-One diver per team at a time. – Chris said pulling out an air horn. – The next diver has to wait until their team’s carriage returns. Ready? Set? –

The host blew the horn loudly as both teams let out their first divers. The Vultures sent out Lightning while Sora volunteered to go first for the Hamsters.

-WOOOO! LIGHTNING STRIKE! – The jock exclaimed as he jumped off.

-Here goes nothing! – Sora said himself while he jumped off a second after Lightning.

While Lightning managed to punch Fang as he entered the water to avoid getting eaten by him, Sora on the other hand did a backflip in midair and swan dive towards the area where the shark Heartless were gathering. As he approached the water rapidly, he quickly summoned his Keyblade. Lightning dived further to find a key, but before Sora could gather his, he used the swimming techniques he had learned from Ariel in Atlantica to launch himself towards the Heartless and used several strikes from the Keyblade as well as Blizzard spells to dispose of them.

-Freeze! – He mumbled underwater as the ice spell froze the last of the two Heartless.

With the creatures taken care of, he quickly swam towards the keys at the bottom and grabbed a golden one, like Lightning. Swimming all the way to the surface behind the jock, he quickly ran towards the carriage where DJ was waiting for him.

-You ok, man? You were in there a bit longer than him. – He asked concernedly to the Wielder as he ran while pushing the carriage.

-I’m fine, DJ, just a few close encounters. – Sora replied.

-Be careful if you need to jump again then, Sora. We don’t wanna lose you this early. –

-Don’t worry, I will. –

The villains started to argue themselves as Jo pushed Lightning on the carriage.

-Listen. – Began Jo. – You don’t like me, and I REALLY don’t like you. –

-What’s not to like? – Lightning said smugly as he kissed one of his biceps.

-You’re kidding, right? – Jo was unfazed. – Point is, we’re the strongest members of our team. Agreed to stay out of each other’s way until the team’s merge? –

-Cool, but then is every champ for himself, starting with number 1, and that’s me! –

-Yeah, yeah… - Jo rolled her eyes at the jock’s narcissism.

Both carriages arrived at the same time at the hotel. Lightning and Sora raced towards the door with their keys in hand. Jo and DJ soon followed. The jock outran the Keyblade Wielder as he put in his key first… only for it not to turn.

-Come on, key! Get in the lock! – He exclaimed.

-It doesn’t fit because it’s the wrong key, Brightning! – Jo snapped back, calling him a zinger.

As Jo and Lightning made their way back to the cliff, Sora tried putting in his key next, but to no avail when he tried turning it.

-Ugh, no, I’m sorry. – Sighed Sora.

-It’s ok, man, let’s just hurry back! – DJ said and they both ran back with their carriage to the cliff just behind Jo and Lightning.

Meanwhile, back at the top of the cliff, the two teams eagerly waited for the return of their drivers. Next in line for the Villains was Bridgette, while for the Heroes was Dawn.

-You sure you wanna go next, babe? – Geoff asked his girlfriend. – I’ll gladly do it instead. –

-Sorry, Geoff, but I really wanna get this challenge over with since I don’t want to swim with sharks ever again after this. –

-*Sigh* Ok, but just be careful. – Geoff then planted a tender kiss on her forehead.

-Always, baby. – She smiled at him.

On the Heroes’ side…

-Remember, Dawn, these sharks are not your friends. – Brick stated. – I understand you value all animals, but these guys don’t want a hug, especially Fang. –

-I understand, Brick. I’ve learned that there are some animals you can’t really reason with. – Dawn nodded.

Both carriages and drivers returned just in time.

-Ok, Bridge, you’re up! – Geoff said.

-On my way! – Bridgette yelled as she jumped in a straight swan dive towards the water.

-Go, Dawn, go, go, go! – The Heroic Hamsters encouraged the aura reader as she braced herself and with a deep breath jumped into the water.

Both Bridgette and Dawn entered the water at the same time and quickly moved around the bottom of the lake to retrieve their keys. Both blonde girls could do effective evasive moves to avoid the sharks and Fang, but nothing could have prepared them for the arrival of more shark Heartless. As soon as they saw them, they were wide-eyed in horror compared to how they saw the regular sharks and Fang. Once more they quickly dove in to get their keys and both managed to pick one, but the Heartless were approaching them fast and they had to swim out of the water as fast as they could. The Heartless were on their tail and as soon as both reached the surface for air, the two could be heard screaming as they moved their arms rapidly to run towards their carriages.

-Bridgette! – Geoff heard his girlfriend’s screams and looked down at the bottom of the cliff. Scared, he yelled out at her. – Bridge, are you ok? What happened? –

He got no reply as the surfer girl was too scared to turn back and instead boarded her carriage as quickly as she could.

-Let’s go, Jo! – She exclaimed.

Dawn was the same as her.

-Come on, DJ! Move! – Dawn said in fear as she boarded the carriage, and DJ ran off with her towards the hotel.

-Dawn, what happened? – DJ asked in concern.

-So… much… dark… aura… - The girl was trembling, and her eyes were still widened in shock.

-Man, those sharks must be really scary! –

-It wasn’t just them, DJ! Besides the sharks, there are really dark creatures in that water! We’ve got to warn the others! –

-We’ll do after we come back, ok? –

Dawn nodded.

On the Villains’ end…

-Jeez, surf-face… - Said Jo, looking at Bridgette. – You look like you’ve seen a ghost, what happened that made you run here so fast? –

Much like Dawn, Bridgette was trembling, and her eyes were wide.

-There are more than two really scary and dark things swimming in there besides the regular sharks! I have no idea what they were, but they weren’t friendly! – The surfer girl exclaimed. – Our team needs to know! –

-Woah, woah, hold your horses, how do I know this isn’t a trick for you to advance? –

-It isn’t! I’m really scared of whoever jumps after me, really, we have to warn them! –

-Agh, fine! But first let’s try that key of yours! –

Once more, both teams arrived at the hotel. This time, Dawn tried her key first, to no avail.

-No, now come on, we have to make sure whoever’s next is aware! – Dawn returned and jumped back into the carriage.

Bridgette then tried on her key.

-Ugh, no! – The key didn’t turn. – Whatever, the creatures are more important, come on! –

-More than a spa hotel, I don’t think so. – Jo snapped back.

-It is when it’s the lives of others! –

-Ugh, oy vey… -

Without anything else to say, Bridgette got back into the carriage as Jo pushed her back towards the cliffs. The Heroes’ and Villains’ carriages arrived back at the base at the same time.

-Quick! Who’s jumping next? – The surfer girl asked desperately.

-I think it’s your boyfriend. – Lightning looked up and tried to look as closely as he could.

-Wha- Geoff?! No! He wouldn’t! –

But, alas, it was Geoff who was standing at the edge of the cliff. And on the Heroes’ side, Courtney waited for her turn.

-Oh my God, I need to go tell him right now! – Bridgette bolted out of where she was standing.

-Woah, woah, woah! Tell him what? – Sora couldn’t help but notice the fear and desperation on the surfer girl’s voice and wondered what had happened.

-There are some weird dark shark-like creatures in the water. Dawn and I got chased by them! –

-She’s right, Sora! – Dawn added. – If we don’t tell anyone, someone might get hurt! –

Sora gasped and groaned, he knew more Heartless had gathered. He then made a decision.

-Dawn, Bridgette, go and tell the others like you planned, but tell them not to panic. – He said before turning and running towards the beach.

-Tell them not to panic? Sora, are you insane? This is- wait, where are you going? – Bridgette was puzzled by the Keyblade Wielder’s actions as she saw him running towards the water.

-Sora?! – Dawn exclaimed.

-Sora, don’t do it! – Bridgette followed.

-Trust me! – The boy called back as he entered the water and quickly swam towards the sharks’ moat.

-He’s not seriously going to try and confront those things, is he? – Dawn asked, feeling anxious.

-He’s toast if he does! Let’s go tell the others, maybe they can pull him out in time! – Bridgette encouraged Dawn, and she nodded.

Meanwhile, Sora swam quickly and summoned out his Keyblade. Defending himself first from Fang’s and the other two shark’s attacks, he then focused his view on the underwater Heartless that were lurking around. Once again, he used all the moves he had learned from Atlantica, to swim from one Heartless to the other. Casting Blizzaga on each one of them, he managed to dispose of the remaining Heartless in the water but decided to remain in it just in case they resurface. He looked around him and fended himself off when Fang and the other sharks attempted to attack him again. Sora wasn’t backing down as he swam around the area rapidly and on his guard.

Meanwhile, Bridgette and Dawn managed to arrive back at the top of the cliff feeling incredibly exhausted by all the running but determined to warn their friends about what was going on.

-Geoff! Don’t jump! – Exclaimed the surfer girl, running towards her boyfriend.

-Bridge! Oh, thank God you’re ok! I heard you screaming, babe, what happened? – Geoff was about to jump until he heard her voice.

-The sharks aren’t the only things in the water! There’s these weird, shadowy creatures lurking around. That’s why I screamed, they were chasing me! –

-What? Are you serious? –

-Dawn saw them too! –

-It’s true, Geoff. – Nodded the aura reader and then ran towards her teammate. – Courtney, the jump! You need to be careful! –

-About sharks? Big deal, Dawn, I can take care of myself amongst them. – Courtney diminished the thought.

-No! Bridgette and I were chased by monsters full of negative energy and a very dark aura. They’re there in addition to the sharks! And worst of all! Sora went into the water after them! –

-What? – The entire team of Heroes exclaimed.

-You mean Sora is underwater right now?! – Zoey asked.

-Yes! – Dawn and Bridgette said at the same time.

-The new dude isn’t going to die here, not on my watch! – Geoff said. – Hang on, Sora! I’m coming! –

-Geoff, wait! – His girlfriend yelled out, but it was too late.

The party dude jumped off the cliff determined to save the Keyblade Wielder.

-I know first aid from CIT experience; I can definitely help! Hold on, Sora! – Courtney grew concerned and jumped right after Geoff did.

The two teens dived into the lake as they looked for their castmate while at the same time diving for a key. Once they had a key in their hands, they began to look for Sora while at the same time avoiding the sharks. They feared the worst when they couldn’t find him… until more Heartless appeared out of nowhere under the water. Geoff and Courtney’s eyes widened, realizing that what they’d been told was the absolute truth, only this time the creatures seemed a lot larger than before. Courtney tried fending one of them off with some martial arts skills she had learned in the past, while Geoff tried evasive maneuvers while at the same time trying to land a few punches on the Heartless. Despite the damage they seemed to be dealing, the creatures wouldn’t back down and began surrounding them… only to hear…

-Freeze! – Called a voice casting a Blizzard spell and eliminating the Heartless surrounding his castmates.

It was Sora! Courtney’s and Geoff’s eyes widened more when they saw the spiky-haired brunette using what appeared to be a giant key. Sora then signaled to follow him out of the lake. The CIT and the party dude did so quickly as they kept evading the sharks and looking out for more Heartless. As they got out, DJ quickly ran to Sora to make sure he was ok.

-Sora! Man, you ok? – He asked.

-I’m good, DJ, but there’s no time to waste. Take Courtney to the hotel and check if she has the right key! – Sora commanded.

DJ nodded as Courtney got into the carriage.

-But Sora, that one key you were using on the creatures, maybe it’s- AH! – Courtney was interrupted as DJ pushed her out of the base and towards the hotel.

-Glad you’re ok, dude! That was awesome! Thanks for the save! – Geoff was a bit more impressed with the Keyblade Wielder’s actions than confused as he ran towards Jo and got into the carriage.

Sora saw them off as he went back into the water to keep protecting everyone from Heartless.

-I’m telling you, DJ! – Courtney said as she was pushed on the carriage. – Those creatures Dawn mentioned are real, but the weirdest part is… Sora took care of them! –

-Sora? What did he do exactly? – DJ questioned.

-He had, I kid you not, a giant key in his hand! –

-A giant key? Where did he get it? The bottom of the lake? –

-I don’t know, it doesn’t look like it could fit the lock on the hotel. Maybe it’s his? –

-What would Sora do with something like that? –

-Think of how Chris described him, he called him “hero of light”, what does that mean? –

-Maybe it’s a nickname he got back home. –

-Doubtful, considering he used that key to somehow freeze the creatures! –

-Courtney, you sure you didn’t just see things? –

-Ask Geoff if you don’t believe me! –

On the villains’ end…

-Wait, wait, wait… - Jo paused as she pushed the carriage. – So, your girl was right? Are there shadowy things in the water? –

-Yeah! Courtney and I saw them, but Sora saved us! – Geoff responded.

-The spiky-haired weirdo? Come on, man… -

-I’m serious, dude! He used this thingamajig too to freeze those things, it was like magic! –

Jo simply raised an eyebrow at the description and what had happened according to Geoff.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-I don’t want to sound overly mean when I say this, but I think the parties that he’s been to already have him seeing things beyond the dance floor. – Jo commented. – His brain is definitely fried. -

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

Once more, both teams made it to the hotel. Geoff tried fitting in his key, but nothing.

-Ugh, way to go, Party Brain! You rushed out because of the things you thought you saw! – Jo accused Geoff.

-I didn’t imagine them, girl! And neither did Bridgette. You can ask her. – Geoff retorted, feeling a bit ticked off.

-Whatever. Let’s just get out of here. –

The gym girl and the party dude left the area to return to base. Courtney then tried fitting in her key, but nada.

-Ugh, come on, DJ! Maybe if we hurry we can convince Sora to use that key he has! – The CIT bolted back to the carriage.

-Are you sure you saw him with a key? Because if you mean the first time he tried opening the door, we discarded the key he picked up. – DJ explained.

-Was it a regular sized one like mine?

-Yeah. –

-Then it isn’t the same one, I swear! I saw him! –

-Alright, alright, let’s say you’re correct, wouldn’t Chris count it as cheating if Sora had his own key and the door magically opens because of it. –

-DJ, this is Chris we’re talking about. It wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest if he rigs things and makes up rules as he goes. Plus, again, remember what he said: Only one key on the entire island can open the hotel doors. He never said the key was at the bottom of the lake. –

-What? So you’re saying this is a wild goose chase? –

-Exactly! Chris somehow knows about the key Sora has because of the details about him on his application to the show. So, in a way… -

-Sora’s the key! We’ve had it all along then! –

-Bingo! Don’t you think it’s worth a try? –

-I mean… it’s a crazy theory and I don’t know if it might end up putting him and us in a tough spot, but it’s worth trying. –

-After the next teammate jumps, look for Sora, I’ll go tell the others. –

DJ nodded. The two arrived at the base at the same time as Jo and Geoff. Once there, Courtney ran up the cliff as fast as she could.

-Sora! Dude, where are you? – DJ yelled out.

-I just saw spiky-haired weirdo jump into the water again, if that’s who you’re looking for. –

-Who’s jumping next? –

-Um… - Jo looked up and tried closing in. – Looks like the goth ball on my team and… oh, Mike in yours, I guess. -

-Gwen and Mike? Huh. –

At the top of the cliff…

-Hah, hah, hah… - Courtney almost ran out of breath running uphill to tell the others what she inferred.

-Courtney! – The Hamsters approached her.

-You’re ok! – Said Brick.

-Is Sora ok? – Leshawna asked.

-Yes, he’s fine! In fact, he saved both Geoff and me! – Courtney was still stunned about it.

Everyone turned when they heard what the CIT had just said.

-Sora? He saved Geoff? – Bridgette asked.

-That he did, babe! – The party dude approached the cliff and stood next to Courtney.

-Geoff! – The surfer girl tackled her boyfriend into a hug upon laying his eyes on him. – Thank God you’re ok! He really saved you? –

-Yeah! Courtney and I were surrounded by the creatures you and Dawn saw, or at least something similar, when he used this cool ice thing to freeze them to death! He then guided us out of the water to take the carriages. –

-Freeze them? Can he do that? –

-It’s hard to explain, Bridgette. – Courtney interjected. – You see… he had this thing on his hand. It was kind of like a sword but also… -

The CIT then stopped explaining. She figured that if she used the word “key” then, most, members of the other team would take advantage of that fact and do something to Sora.

-Also… something else I couldn’t really identify. – She said.

-Well, it looked like a key to me. – Geoff finished for her.

-A KEY? – Geoff heard Heather and Anne Maria exclaim. The next thing they all knew was that two people on the Villains’ team headed rapidly for the edge of the cliff where Gwen was about to jump.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-Magic key that shoots ice equals magic key that opens hotel doors. – Heather stated. –

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

-Out of the way, Gwen! – The diva yelled out as she jumped off the cliff. – I’m coming for you, you clown-shoed freak! -

-That hotel is mine, paste-face, move it! – Anne Maria followed.

Both girls pushed the goth girl out of the way but unintentionally brought her down with them.

-Ugh! Geoff! More than winning, I wanted to avoid saying that he had a key so that certain people on your team wouldn’t hurt Sora! – Courtney lashed angrily at the party dude and then, in a fit of rage, kicked the Drama Machine off the cliff.

-If you’re talking about me, Courtney, you can relax. – Duncan said, overhearing. – If I jumped like those two did, Chris would probably disqualify us, in fact, he might when he sees them. Also… Scott isn’t letting go of that rock anytime soon… -

Courtney scoffed at the sound of Duncan’s voice.

-Settle down, Courtney. – Bridgette tried sating her. – We don’t know the details of this supposed key he has yet. –

-Well, I saw a lot of keys down there and none of them looked big enough to shoot something like ice. – Lightning commented. – That key must be his somehow if he does have one. –

-Whatever the case is, Heather and Anne Maria are on their way down and will probably tear Sora to shreds to take away his key! – Leshawna dreaded.

-I’m going in, then! – Mike said. – Our new friend is not gonna be mauled by anyone! –

The multiple personality boy jumped right ahead with that said.

-Be careful, Mike! – Zoey called.

Down on the water, more Heartless had gathered, scaring away the regular sharks and Fang themselves. Sora kept swimming around with his Keyblade on hand eliminating as many of them as he could, but after he finished off one of them, he then felt something grab him by his right arm. Turning his head, he sees Heather trying hard to take the Keyblade off his hand. Despite the Queen Bee’s best efforts, Sora struggled hard not to let her take it, only to have his own strength be hampered by Anne Maria holding him back on his other side. The struggle was so much that the three slowly resurfaced as they kept struggling.

-Your little swim is over, shrimp! – Anne Maria said as she held Sora back.

-GIVE ME THAT KEY! – Heather exclaimed.

-NO! You don’t understand! – Sora exclaimed back.

-Oh, I understand perfectly. You were holding back this key hoping I wouldn’t know about it, hoping that in your next turn you’d use it on the hotel and win, that was your plan, wasn’t it? Well, too bad, newbie, I deserve to stay at that hotel! Now give it! –

-The Heartless are, ugh, approaching! I need the Keyblade! If I don’t take them out, we’re all doomed! –

-Heartless? What’s a Heartless? -Anne Maria questioned.

Suddenly, another Heartless, this time looking like a huge piranha, approached the struggling trio and jumped to attack.

-AHHHHHH!!!!! – Anne Maria and Heather scattered as soon as they saw the dark creature, diving into the water to hide. Sora, however, stood his ground, and aimed the Kingdom Key right at it.

-FIRE! – He yelled, casting Firaga on it, eliminating it. – Ooof… -

-GOTCHA! – Sora was challenged to a struggle yet again, this time only by Anne Maria, who grabbed hold of the Keyblade by its shaft. – This key is mine, Spikey!  -

-No, let go! –

-AHHHHHHH!!!!!!! – Another scream interrupted the struggle between the Wielder and the Tanned girl, it was Gwen, who was falling rapidly where they were floating. Before she knew it, Gwen brought Anne Maria down with her as the two splashed and dived down onto the lake.

Sora dived in to check on them as he saw Anne Maria suddenly being chased by a Heartless and Gwen completely losing focus as the hit gave her a mild concussion. Thinking quickly, Sora swims over to the goth girl and carries her as she slowly regains consciousness.

-Are you ok? – The boy asked.

-Huh? – Gwen said as she regained her focus. – Oh, yeah, thanks. Sorry about the splash. –

-It’s ok, you kind of saved me, actually. Two of your teammates are being difficult. –

-Yeah, sorry about Heather. I’ve known her for quite some time and she’s… a lot, so to speak. –

-She’s ambitious, I guess. –

-Heh, you don’t know the half of it. – Gwen smirked.

-Well, with her being occupied with the Heartless, I think you have a clear shot at trying to open the hotel. Go! –

-Wait, what about you? –

-They might come back. I’m staying in the water to ensure that they don’t harm anyone, this includes them. –

- “Heartless” you say they were called? –

-Yup, and if you want to identify them, look for a red and black emblem on their bodies or watch for creatures made of pure shadow. –

-Got it! Thanks! –

Sora watched Gwen swim and get on board her team’s carriage. Unknown to him, however, he was about to be sneak attacked by someone…

-I said that key is mine, you clown shoed freak! – Heather tackled Sora trying desperately to take his Keyblade away… only it wasn’t out. – Wait… where did you hide it? –

-Get outta here, ja? – Sounded a foreign voice as the one speaking grabbed Heather off Sora and threw her far at a distance from them.

Sora turned to see who saved him, to his surprise, it was Mike, but he looked different: His body and hair were the same, but his face had makeup.

-Um, Mike? – The Keyblade Wielder asked.

As his name was heard, somehow Mike came back as he drew a deep breath and snapped out of his alternate personality.

-Are you ok, Sora? – He asked.

-Uh, yeah, I’m fine, thanks, but… what happened to you? – He replied with a question of his own.

-Sorry, I had to make Svetlana come out so I could get Heather off you. –

-Svetlana? –

-I’ll explain later, can you guide me towards the beach and give me the rundown of what you’re doing in the water? –

-Sure, the shadowy creatures some of our friends saw already are called Heartless and… -

Sora explained to Mike as best as he could that only the Keyblade he carried can take care of the Heartless and that he had joined Total Drama to get them off the Island, as well as save everybody from them.

-Woah, and here the team is only called “heroes” in name only, you are an actual hero! – Mike was impressed. – I’ve got to reassure everyone once I’m back up on the cliff, they sounded pretty worried. –

-Go on ahead with your key, I will continue to make sure no Heartless harms anyone… starting with Heather and Anne Maria. – Sora reassured.

Mike nodded and boarded DJ’s carriage towards the hotel. Sora turned back and dove underwater to finish off the Heartless that were chasing Heather and Anne Maria. Only he didn’t count that a rapidly falling robot was about to hit the water. Before they knew it, the robot made a powerful splash that expelled the three contestants out of the lake and onto the beach below the cliff. Heather coughed out water as she saw the Drama Machine sink into the water.

-So long and good riddance. – The diva smiled devilishly.

However, below the water, the robot started to malfunction and as the sharks and Fang tried to bite into it, the mechanical monstrosity sparked and ultimately exploded… ejecting a brunette teenager out of it and into the air. The brunette teenager could be described as incredibly handsome, wearing a red shirt, a bull head necklace and with Latino charm to spare. Heather and a bunch of other contestants who witnessed the explosion recognized the teenager. Bridgette and Leshawna looked horrified to see him.

-ALEJANDRO?! – They exclaimed in unison.

-AHHHHHH!!!! YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!!!! – Heather yelled out as she saw him.

-Uh… who is that? – Sora questioned.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-Last thing I remember, I was burned to a crisp by the volcano. – Alejandro began explaining. – And Chris sealed me up in that robot suit “to heal”. It feels so good to be free after all this time! I’ve got to thank Courtney for her lack of anger management! -

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

Alejandro landed on the beach, right in front of Sora, who summoned the Keyblade involuntarily.

-I’ll be taking that. – The Latino boy said as he took the Keyblade out of the boy’s hand.

-Ah, wait! – Sora said, getting up, only to be tackled down by Heather and Anne Maria.

Alejandro tried running with the Keyblade, only to fall down after his legs somehow collapsed.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-I was stuck in that robot suit FOR A YEAR. My legs are so asleep it’s like they’re in a coma! – Alejandro tried shaking his legs up to see if they regained strength. – Wakey, wakey… nothing… -

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

The Latino boy fell to the ground but got even more shocked when the Keyblade disappeared off his hand and went back to Sora’s, who used it to vault himself free off the two girls.

-Qué?! – He exclaimed in Spanish.

-What the… - Heather said, in shock. – He can do that?! –

Sora vaulted back into the water to deal with more Heartless, only to notice that a lot of darkness was emanating from the broken robot suit at the bottom of the lake. He took a good look at to where the dark energy was going.

-Oh no… the Heartless are going for my friends! I have to get to the hotel! – He said as he swam and then ran quickly to the hotel, where DJ and Jo were still pushing the carriages.

-Sora? What’s going on, man? – DJ asked, noticing his teammate.

Sora stopped running just in time as he saw the dark energy manifest right in front of him and his castmates.

-Everyone! Take cover! – He exclaimed before summoning his Keyblade.

Right on cue, a dozen Heartless started to appear before them.

-What the… - Jo spoke up, wide-eyed, realizing that everything Bridgette and Geoff had told her was true.

-W…where’s my mama when I need her? – DJ trembled. – W… what are those things? –

-Heartless, that’s what they’re called. – Gwen said.

-Sora told you too? – Mike asked to which Gwen nodded.

-When he was guiding me to my carriage after my dive. He told me to watch out for them. –

-Me too… but what is he going to… -

Suddenly, one of the shadows approached Mike and lunged at him.

-THUNDER! – He heard Sora’s voice cast Thundaga on it.

-Whew, thanks Sora! – He called out.

-No problem, now take cover before… - Sora spoke too late as the Heartless kept appearing around the hotel and the cabin. – We’re surrounded… try staying low! –

Sora brandished his Keyblade up and groaned before charging towards his enemies.

The other four teenagers stood inside the hotel’s perch looking at the young Keyblade Wielder slashing the dark creatures away swiftly and recklessly. Besides using physical attacks, Sora was no stranger to magic as he cast every single one of the spells he knew on them.

-Uh… where did Chris find this guy? Or does anyone know exactly where he comes from? – Jo asked as she saw him move from side to side eliminating incoming Heartless.

-No idea… - Mike replied.

-Beats me. – Gwen shrugged.

-I haven’t got a clue… but I’m glad he’s here. – DJ said, feeling a bit more optimistic.

With the last Heartless on his sight made toast, the spiked-hair brunette sighed.

-Ok, that’s the last of them, right? – He said to himself.

Suddenly, out of seemingly nowhere, he saw a ginormous pure blood Heartless materialize right in front of him. Its face was tangled up with only its yellow eyes being visible, its hands were claw-shaped, and he had a huge heart-shaped hole in his lower abdomen. It was a Darkside. Sora grumbled and readied his stance as he faced an old enemy.

-Everyone! Scatter! – He exclaimed. His castmates did so but also tried to stay as close as possible to watch the battle unfold.

As the Darkside materialized, however, everyone on the Island started to take notice.

On one side, Heather, Anne Maria, and Alejandro, who was being carried by Heather, ran towards the hotel in hopes of catching Sora.

-Just so you know, this doesn’t mean anything. – Heather said with disdain to Alejandro.

-It’s nice to see you too, Heather. – He smiled coyly at her.

-Ya lovebirds think you can talk later? A hotel with a hot tub is about to be seized by a pointy haired freak and I don’t wanna hear your squabbles right now. – Anne Maria said to them.

The Queen Bee and the Latin boy simply rolled their eyes as they kept running. However, the three of them stopped as right there, in front of the hotel, they saw the Darkside appear. Their eyes widened in shock and fear.

-W-w-w-what the heck is that?! – Heather asked, feeling afraid.

Anne Maria and Alejandro stared at the Heartless, feeling just as confused and as afraid as Heather.

On the cliff, where most of the other contestants were standing, they saw the Darkside starting to appear over the horizon.

-Uh…. WHAT IS THAT?! – Zoey pointed out, feeling scared.

-Oh my God, OH MY GOD! – Dawn saw the Heartless and collapsed on the ground. – That thing! It is nothing but a dark aura! So… much… darkness… -

-Dawn! Dawn, girl, you ok? – Leshawna approached the aura reader pretty concerned.

-Um, I’d be more concerned for Sora… - Owen mentioned.

-What do you mean? – Brick asked.

Owen pointed out over the horizon, just for everyone to see a brunette, spiky-haired boy with a gray and red jacket climbing up the Heartless’ arm and slashing around its head and casting spells on it using a giant key.

-Woah, that kid is either really brave or really stupid… - Commented Duncan.

-Wait, the key, the creatures, the…. magic? - Listed Bridgette as she saw Sora attacking the Darkside. Then she turned her head towards Geoff. – So everything you and Courtney said was true? –

-Yeah-yuh! Isn’t it awesome? – Geoff exclaimed.

-Hello? It won’t be awesome if that thing wrecks the camp! – Yelled Courtney.

-Courtney has a point! – Cameron agreed. – We should head there and see if Sora needs help!

-Wait, no, that’s not what I…. –

All the heroes, save for Courtney, agreed and headed down the cliff towards the hotel. The CIT groaned and she had no choice but to follow them.

-Should we…? – Geoff asked his girlfriend.

-I mean… Duncan, Lightning and Scott are not moving, but then again, we’re not like them, are we? – Bridgette questioned.

-We may have the villain tag on us, but we definitely aren’t, come on, babe! The new dude may need help! It’s the least I can do for him after he saved my life! –

Bridgette smiled as her boyfriend raised a good point, and both ran down the cliff towards the hotel.

Duncan saw everyone leave the cliff and then look back to where Darkside was. He sighed.

-The whole challenge is ruined already, anyway. – He shrugged. – Might need to go see what all the drama is about. –

Lightning nodded as he took Scott off the rock he was holding on to. The ginger dirt farmer looked over the horizon at the giant Heartless as Lightning kept carrying him. He screamed loudly and with fear as he held on to the jock teen.

Back at the hotel, Sora fought the Heartless with all his might while making sure his limbs do not touch a single hair out of his castmates. If the Darkside manages to hurt anyone, he wouldn’t be able to deal with it. The Keyblade’s chosen one grunted as he fended off all of the giant Heartless’ attacks. The Darkside unleashed attacks on the ground where he summoned pureblood shadow Heartless troops like him, at times distracting Sora because of how close they were getting towards his castmates. As Sora kept fighting and managed to actually hurt the dark creature, everyone else watching him couldn’t help but stare right at him and how the fight was unfolding. Sora got a couple of nice hits from the Darkside, but he retaliated and reacted immediately to his attacks, doing considerable damage to him

Finally, after a couple more minutes of fighting, the Darkside seemed to be on its last legs as it started to tumble around where it stood. It was not giving up without some final pushes though as it punched the ground where he stood and tried to damage him with energy pulses. The Keyblade Wielder, however, knew better as he faced this old enemy and dodged the pulses swiftly before running around, leaping and ending it once and for all with a spell from his weapon.

-FIRE! – The boy said, casting Firaga once again.

With that last spell, the Darkside fell to the ground and started to vanish as its life force was consumed by the power of the Keyblade.

-The huge amount of dark aura… it’s leaving! – Dawn then said happily to the rest of the Hamsters as the giant Heartless vanished.

Sora stood there with the Kingdom Key in his hand as the Heartless disappeared in front of his eyes. He started to catch his breath as the long fight exhausted him. Once it was gone, all the other creatures around it followed. The boy looked around him as the Heartless vanished.

-Huh? – He said to himself.

All his castmates were absolutely speechless, they couldn’t believe that the new kid was the one who ended up saving them at that moment. Sora chuckled as he tried to appease to everyone.

-Guys, ha, ha… uh, I can explain. –

-You don’t have to, Sora. – Said a voice above him. It was Chris in his jetpack, landing in front of him. – All-Stars, I see you all managed to find the key to the hotel! –

All the other contestants gathered around both the host and Keyblade Wielder.

-What… what are you talking about, Chris? – Cameron asked.

-You see, I brought Sora here as a special contestant as a part of this season’s crazy new twist! Invasion of darkness! –

-Wait… you know about the darkness? – Sora asked.

-Oh yeah, that thing has been here for a while and it’s such a crazy concept that I know will attract the viewers. Couple that with returning contestants and the appearance of a “chosen one” and you’re in for a season that will just make things all the more interesting. –

-No, you don’t understand! Embracing the Heartless is a bad thing, a very bad thing! If these guys stay here, then… -

-Relax, “Keyblade Master” … the World’s greatest host, AKA me, has managed to keep them at bay…. at least most of them. And if you’re wondering how, let’s just say I have my methods. Plus, a little danger from these guys is a nice tradeoff for me to secure all of you with the original elimination settings from the very first season, so no worries about getting catapulted or anything like that, it will be back to the Boat of Losers for all of you. –

-Oh, heck no! – Jo exclaimed. – McLean, if you think for one second that I’m going to stay on this stinking Island again now roaming with creepy dark creatures, you can just forget about it! -

-I thought you were tough, jock girl! – Duncan teased. – Just squish them if they get near you, they seem pretty weak… most of them… -

-Sorry, everyone, but as I said to Courtney earlier: new contracts! And these contracts establish that you’re liable for your own decisions to participate in the show, that includes if the show is now being possessed by a dark force. – Chris said bringing out the printed papers. – Plus, I don’t see why you’re all so worked up. If the Heartless appear, we have a hero here to defend you all! That is, if you don’t make him mad. –

-I’d be helping regardless of if they made me angry, Chris! – Exclaimed Sora.

-Ha-ha, oh you say that now, dude… -

-Wait… so what is this about Sora being a special contestant? – Mike asked.

-They don’t call this kid the “hero of light” for nothing! – Chris said pointing at the Keyblade Wielder. – When we reviewed his application for the show, we did a little digging and found out that he has been fighting these guys for quite some time, ever since he was 14. He’s been slaying hundreds of them with that thing you see on his hand, a “Keyblade” I think it was called. That weapon is indeed something quite special, too bad you can’t really snatch it out of him, right, Al? –

The host chuckled, making Alejandro roll his eyes.

-But besides slaying Heartless and the darkness, it also works well to, let’s say, open a door. A door that was sealed with magic and only one key on the whole island can open. – Chris continued, teasing the contestants. – The only one who ever managed to figure that out first was Sora’s very own teammate, Courtney! –

-Ha! I knew it! – The CIT exclaimed.

-Because the Heroic Hamsters managed to figure out where the real key was all this time, victory goes to them on this challenge! –

The Heroic Hamsters cheered as they rejoiced in their victory, except for Sora, who was still bamboozled about the whole thing.

-No, this doesn’t feel right. – Sora shook his head. – Chris, in a way, you practically rigged the whole thing. –

-And this surprises you because…? – The host crossed his arms and glared at the boy. – It’s my show, dude, I make the rules, you should celebrate that you’re not up for elimination right now, oh, which reminds me… -

Chris then turned to the cast again.

-Vultures, you’re up for elimination… but… since this season has begun with an amazing blast from the past that has made this host’s life a little bit more satisfying, you won’t have to go through with it… for now. Reward challenge only! Don’t say I’m not at least a little bit nice. -

All the Villainous Vultures collectively sighed in relief.

-Now, Sora… - Chris turned once again to the spiky-haired boy. – Would you care to do the honors for your team and open the hotel for business? –

Sora looked at his teammates, who were anxiously waiting for him to do it. He sighed and finally gave in as he smiled at the rest of the Hamsters. He gave a nod and summoned his Keyblade as he positioned himself in front of the hotel doors. He pointed it firmly at them and summoned a ray of light, which shot directly at them. Locked in place, Sora rotated his hand to the side, making the Keyblade unlock the door. After it was done, the doors opened by themselves and the Heroic Hamsters cheered once more and even ran towards Sora and lifted him up.

-SORA! SORA! SORA! SORA! SORA! – They cheered him on.

Despite how weird the turnout of this day had become, Sora felt glad to have helped his team in some way and laughed as his new friends carried him inside.

On the villains’ side, however…

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-Grr… - Heather grumbled and spoke in a menacing tone. – Forget Alejandro. You are now number one on my list, Key Boy… -

*Bzzt*

-Huh… a new guy with something powerful that I cannot take for myself even if I tried. – Alejandro thought and then chuckled devilishly to himself. – Interesting. Guess I’ll have to rethink my strategy with him. Ha-ha-ha, que comience el juego, Sora… –

*Bzzt*

- “Oh, look at me! I have a fancy key I can do magic tricks with!” – Scott mocked with a stick he found on the ground. – Heh, you’re at the end of the day a pawn, Sora. And pawns always go down first… hehehehe… -

*Bzzt*

-Huh, who knew some guy with a giant key would prove to be an interesting competitor. – Duncan shrugged. – But all the more interesting doesn’t mean that they’re safe. You better watch your back, Sora. –

*Bzzt*

-Key guy’s still a weirdo but I respect him for his bravery. – Jo stated. – But let’s see how brave he is when I set my sights on him. –

*Bzzt*

-Lightning’s coming for you, Sora! – Threatened the jock boy.

*Bzzt*

-Spikey is so going to pay for keeping me from that hot tub! I don’t care if he saved the Island! – Anne Maria punched into her other hand in a threatening manner. – I never forget what they take from me! –

*Bzzt*

-How can I be mad at the dude? – Geoff shrugged, with Bridgette sitting on his lap and resting her head on his chest. – He saved my life from the Heartless and I managed to come back safely to my wittle “schmoopie-schmoo” because of it. –

Bridgette cooed an “aww” before giving Geoff a kiss on the cheek.

-Honestly, baby, you were right about him. – Bridgette nodded. – His commitment to protect those around him is admirable. No wonder he was so well liked by his team before the challenge even began. It’s actually kind of inspiring. Sora deserves this victory. –

-Totally! Although… I am getting a little bit nervous after I saw Alejandro return and join our team. –

-Ugh… - Bridgette sighed and facepalmed. – Did you have to remind me?

*Bzzt*

-I wanna win this as much as anybody, but honestly, I raise my glass to you for today, Sora. – Gwen said. – It takes some serious cojones to face the unknown the way he does. He genuinely seems like a nice person and great friend to have too… and honestly at this point I could use one like him. –

*Bzzt* *End confessional*

As the villains’ team moved into the old cabin to settle in, the Latino boy couldn’t help but notice that he was running into a familiar surfer girl.

-Well, well, hello there, señorita. – Alejandro said seductively as he approached her while walking on his arms. – Long time no see. –

Bridgette said absolutely nothing. She just kept on walking with her hands inside her hoodie’s front pockets.

-Oh, come on, Bridgette. – Alejandro insisted. – You know that what I did was only for the sake of the game, right? I personally don’t really think you’re expendable. –

The surfer girl kept on walking and ignoring him. She occasionally took glances back to see if he was still beside her.

-You do realize we’re on the same team now, right? We’re supposed to communicate. –

Just then, Geoff appeared from behind Alejandro and Bridgette instantly smiled upon seeing him before locking her arm and hand with his own.

-Is this guy bothering you, Bridgey-baby? – Geoff asked seriously.

-I don’t know… Is he? – Bridgette responded and then gave Alejandro a death glare, making him flinch and shake his head. – That’s what I thought. -

Alejandro paused his walk, letting the couple get ahead of him. Bridgette stared back, still with disdain in her eyes, but sighed as she whispered something to Geoff’s ear. The party dude nodded and broke from Bridgette for a second to go back to Alejandro. He leaned down to meet his face.

-Listen, dude… - He said calmy but still sternly. – With all due respect, Bridgette does not want to talk to you, as you can clearly see, but she told me that she’ll ONLY speak to you when it comes to challenges in this competition. Just that. Other than that, forget it. –

-I suppose that’s fair. – The Latino boy replied.

-Quite frankly… Al, I don’t care much for you either. Is Bridge partly at fault for what happened? Yes, but you also should’ve known better than to try and meddle with another dude’s relationship. I’m not gonna warn you if there’s a next time because I know she can defend herself, but I’ll be joining her if there’s a next time, understand? –

-Yes, and if it’s worth anything to both of you, I don’t wish disdain on either of you, especially her. -

-Whatever, man, I just don’t wanna have to get mad, don’t make me. -

Geoff then walked away and rejoined Bridgette. To her surprise, he offered her a piggyback ride, which she took happily as she kissed his lips briefly. Alejandro stood there quietly, feeling a tad of regret.

*Bzzt* *Confessional*

-Ugh, at least with Leshawna and Courtney they weren’t officially with their partners. – He explained. – Guess I kind of overdid it when it came to Bridgette. Ugh, I don’t even know why I’m feeling regret about this, but I do… at least a little. Maybe because this time I have someone less to seduce? –

*Bzzt* *End confessional*

-Guess you can’t apply your old tactics anymore, huh? – Called a voice chuckling coming from behind. - Sucks to be you! -

-Who are you fooling, Heather? – Alejandro smirked. – You’re the biggest sucker of them all. –

-Ugh, whatever. You’re lucky Key Boy is my new target right now for me to care about your stupid games. –

-Ah, yes, Sora, the “chosen one”. Got to admit, that Keyblade of his would’ve come in handy had it been in my hand. –

-You need to stand to use that thing, Alejandro. Too bad your legs are as empty as those things Sora fights. –

-Oh, you’ll find out sooner than later that I don’t really need my legs, besides, who knows? Maybe you’re his target too, after all you are pretty heartless yourself. –

Heather gasped.

-Says the guy who spent an entire season seducing and then dropping girls like they were nothing, if anything you’re just as heartless as I am. – She shot angrily.

-Oh, please, like you weren’t a bit entranced by me yourself, mi amor…. – Alejandro replied, smirking.

-What? No… I… I wasn’t! At all! – She blushed furiously while looking away. – Ugh, this conversation’s over! –

-I’m always gonna be waiting for you… - The Latino boy kept flirting as he saw the Queen Bee walk away from him, making her grumble angrily more.

Meanwhile on the Heroes’ side…

Both boys and girls settled inside the hotel, looking around their room areas.

-Woah, mama!!! – Exclaimed Owen. – Now this is the life for a hero! –

The large Canadian boy launched himself to one of the beds and settled in cozily on it, sighing while doing so.

-Ah, this beats the beds back at the academy by a mile! – Brick said, lying down on another one of the beds.

The rest of the male heroes settled in nicely on the rest of the provided beds.

-Hey, guys. – DJ began, sitting up. – Let’s not forget to dedicate this win to the guy who made it all possible. Sora, thank you for all your help. –

-I was just doing what I needed to do, guys. But I do appreciate it. – Sora said back humbly.

-Why do you even fight those creepy things? – Owen asked. – Are you like forced to or something? –

-It’s… a long story. I’d be glad to tell you as much as I can about it but there are details that can be a little hard to believe. –

-Well, Mike and I have seen actual mutants. – Said Cameron. – At this point, I don’t think some dark creatures are going to be exactly hard to believe. –

-Yeah, and one of those mutants is our friend even. – Mike added and then sighed. – Poor girl did not deserve it, though. –

-Are you sure you wanna know? – Sora asked again, just to be sure.

Everyone said yes.

-Can you tell us too? – A voice behind Sora asked. It was Dawn, along with Zoey and Leshawna. All wanted to hear the Keyblade Wielder’s story.

-Of course! – The spiky-haired boy nodded.

Sora had agreed to tell them all about the Heartless and the Keyblade, though he needed to keep in mind that he can’t mention that he’s from another world. He could already hear Donald’s words echoing in his mind reminding him. The group had agreed to meet outside of the hotel on a campsite after they had all finished settling in.

As hours passed, and all the teens started to settle in their accommodations, back on the villains’ team, both cabins were facing issues.

On the girls’ cabin…

-If I have to sleep in this putrid dump again, I’m claiming top bunk. – Heather snapped as she put her bag on top of one of the bunk beds.

-In your dreams, old Heather! – Jo violently grabbed the bag and threw it down. – Top bunk is where I belong. –

-Ha, all you did today was push a stroller, you are not entitled to choose your side of the bed, unlike me who… -

-Who couldn’t snatch a key the size of a fishing rod out of a wimp’s hand. –

Heather grumbled.

-It’s both of you losers’ fault! – Anne Maria interjected. – Mangy Jo here because she was stubborn and didn’t wanna dive and yours, you dingbat, because you wouldn’t let me go get that key myself. –

-You know, come to think of it, why am I being blamed for this? – Heather glared angrily at both girls. – It wouldn’t have mattered anyway if I or you have gotten the key out of that dork’s hand because it’s magically bound to him! –

-I would have at least pushed him out of the way before taking the key! You’re not strong enough, that’s my point! – Jo replied.

-Ya can’t knock anybody out, I’ve seen you try! Restraining him was the best choice. – Anne Maria argued.

-Your restraint was weak, that’s why he struggled so well! – Heather snapped back.

The three girls argued as to who was to blame. Meanwhile, Gwen simply ignored the bickering coming from them and settled on a bed as close to the entrance door as possible. She sighed as she heard them and then sadness enveloped her for a second.

*Bzzt*

-Man… this sucks… - The goth girl stated. – I… I don’t really know what to say anymore though. I feel so awful about how I let things play out the last season I competed in. Letting my impulses get the best of me and getting together with Duncan was one of the worst decisions I’ve ever made. I can’t just tell Courtney that I’m sorry about it, and it’ll all go away though, even if he and I are no more. And… I… I don’t have anyone here I can call friend either, at least not anymore… *Sigh* I’m in for a long season, aren’t I? –

*Bzzt* *End of confessional*

The goth girl lay down on the bottom bunk and closed her eyes, attempting to mentally drown out the arguing. As she collected her thoughts about everything that led her towards darkness, she was approached by a familiar face.

-Hey, Gwen… - Gwen opened her eyes and looked to her right. Bridgette had leant down to ask her something. – Do you… mind if I… bunk with you? –

-Really? – Gwen asked, wanting to make sure.

-Yeah, I… I really don’t want to be next to the Bickersons over there, especially Heather, I mean you know what I mean. –

-Heh, yeah, knock yourself out, Bridge. –

-Thanks. – The surfer girl gave her a small smile, as she climbed the top bunk and settled in.

*Bzzt*

-*Sigh* If anyone’s wondering, I’m not really mad at Gwen for what she did, I’m just… disappointed. - Bridgette began. – I mean… I still consider her a friend even after TDA, but it’s hard to be on speaking terms with her after everything she did post-season 1. Trent was just the tip of the iceberg considering what happened next when it came to Courtney and Duncan. I never pinned her as someone who’d kiss someone else’s boyfriend. Again, it really disappointed me… although… it is kind of ironic coming from me, huh? *Sigh* I suppose I know how she feels then… darn it, I miss her, and I guess you could say she’s feeling lonely once more given our current circumstances. Maybe… maybe if we talked it out we could try and mend what was broken, but… I don’t think I know how… do I? –

*Bzzt*

-Gotta be honest… - Began Gwen. – Hearing Bridgette talk to me after so long felt… nice. I still feel awful about everything but at least I’m glad that Geoff is still the welcoming guy he’s always been, and that Bridge could still talk to me. Although, I know there’s still an elephant in the room between us, well, with everybody… but hey, at least she’s talking to me, yay. –

*Bzzt* *End confessional*

The surfer girl and the goth girl each drowned out their teammates’ arguing by putting on earbuds and music, while reflecting on what a day it has been for both of them.

On the boys’ side of things…

-Sha-YUCK! – Exclaimed Lightning. – This stinky old cabin ain’t gonna cut it for Lightning! –

-Well, tough luck, quarterback, I guess you’ll just have to deal. – Duncan said after settling in a bottom part of one of the beds.

-Had I known that key Sora had was useful for the challenge, I would’ve snagged it off him and lifted it like a Super Bowl trophy. –

-It would’ve vanished from your hand anyway, idiot. – Scott said with his arms crossed. – Didn’t you see that Latin Lover over here couldn’t even wield it himself? –

-I have to say that it is a very interesting weapon. – Alejandro pointed out. – It makes me wonder: If you can’t snatch it off its wielder, how do you get one yourself then? –

-Bold of you to assume you can get one of those. – Duncan interjected. – The thing may look like some lame plastic sword you buy at a party store for some kid’s birthday, but at the same time it also looks like something you can’t obtain easily. Maybe only heroes can use a weapon like that. –

-Well, it also has something related to light and darkness, especially with the Heartless running around and him being labeled “Hero of Light”, so you may have a point there. Still… what makes the weapon be of use uniquely to him. –

-Guys, can we please chill? – Geoff interjected. – The new dude has only been here a day, give him a break. Plus, he’s new to everything, who knows what crap Chris pulled to have the island invaded by those creepy dark creatures and having him into this mess? –

-Geoff, buddy… - Duncan approached him. – If you’re scared of those things, I gotta tell you then, some of them look incredibly weak. I bet everything that I can just punch or blow them up into nothing but black ashes. –

-Oh, and what about the big one? Or the ones that look like sharks? –

-Well… I can get creative. –

-Party brain, face facts. – Scott said. – The new guy only took one episode to prove he’s a strong contender. Aka, time to plan how he’s out of here. –

-I mean you said it, dude. – Geoff countered. – It’s only been one challenge, plus he saved all of us, even if Duncan argues that he could’ve handled them. –

-I could’ve too! – Lightning interrupted. – I would’ve rushed them, grabbed them and throw them out so sha-far away! –

-Ugh, sure, cool, but my point is that Sora right now is trying his best to fit into this whole shebang, and his help could be valuable in the long run. –

-Ah, that is a good point, mi amigo. – Said Alejandro. – Sora might be just doing his heroic duties and that is exactly what will give us an advantage. If the Heartless break out during a challenge, it might be harder for him to compete. After all, there is just one “hero of light” on the Island, let’s see if he can handle the balance between fighting and competing. –

-No, Alejandro, that’s not what I… -

-Well, well, well, Geoff… - Duncan said proudly. – Never imagined you’d actually have a dark side like this. I’m surprised. –

-Guys, no, I… -

The party dude saw the rest of his group agreeing that the “test” would be their best bet to see if Sora had what it took and, if he didn’t, see how they could take advantage of it. Exasperated, he sighed and left the cabin to clear his mind. It has been a long day. Maybe seeing his girlfriend will help. He took some steps towards the girls’ cabin and took a quick peek to see if Bridgette was there. To his delight, she was, and she was still with her earbuds on.

-Psst, Bridge. – He whispered. – Bridge. Babe. Over here. –

The surfer girl managed to hear her name being called out through the music and turned to see who it was. A smile instantly graced her face as she saw who it was. Excitedly, she got off the bed and walked quickly towards him.

-Geoff-y! – She said, embracing him and giving him a quick kiss. – Why are you out here? –

-I needed a break from the guys. – The open-shirted boy replied. – They’re completely twisting my words. –

-What do you mean? –

-Come, let’s go for a walk, I’ll tell you all about it. –

Bridgette nodded happily as she took her boyfriend’s hand and set out with him.

-I’m surprised your cabin was mostly empty by the way. – Geoff mentioned.

-The other girls must have calmed down from their argument and go do something else. – Bridgette shrugged. – Gosh, you can’t imagine the racket they were causing. Thank God they stopped. Gwen was still there with me though; didn’t you see her? She was below me. –

-I did, that’s why I whispered. I saw she was taking a nap. Did she ask you to bunk beds with her? –

-No, I asked her. The last thing I want is to sleep next to Heather, Jo, and Anne Maria, and she shares that sentiment. –

-Well, it’s good that you two at least are sharing something, right? –

-Yeah, it is. –

-Is everything ok, baby? –

-I’m just… tired, babe, it’s not you. –

-We have had a pretty long first day. –

-Longer than how I imagined, yeah. –

-…Bridge? –

-Yes, Geoff? –

-You’re not… upset that… you’re back on Total Drama because of me, are you? –

*Bzzt*

-Some time ago when Chris was selecting who to bring for this new season, I was called in by him and the producers to compete. – Geoff explained in the confession booth. – I’m not exactly sure why I’m in an All-Stars season, but I imagine it’s because I did make it long past the merge in TDI and I host the Aftermath but, whatever the case, they wanted me. I thought it was cool that I was asked to go… but I didn’t feel right if my Bridgey-bear wasn’t given a shot too. She was done so dirty in the previous seasons she competed that I ended up negotiating: I said that the only way I’m competing is if they give my babelicious Bridgette another shot as well to take home the mill. To my shock, they said yes, but only if I give them in return one more Aftermath episode. It seemed like a fair deal, so I talked it out with Bridge and while she said yes, part of me felt like she only said it to make me happy… not because she wanted to do it. Ugh, nah, come on, Geoff, don’t think like that.. ugh, I’m sorry, “schmoopie” … -

*Bzzt* *End confessional*

-Of course not, sweetie. – Bridgette shook her head. – We talked about this before you said yes. I’m happy that you believed in me enough for you to convince the producers to give me another shot. I know I can do a lot more. I’m just… shocked, surprised, weirded out and kind of disappointed of my first day back in Total Drama. –

-Still bummed about us being labeled villains? – The party boy inferred.

-Pretty much, yeah. Ugh, Chris, I swear. If anything he’s the villain. Those poor, innocent animals from last season. –

-Hmm, yeah, but I know that’s not the only reason. –

-Alejandro was a massive turn-off too, I admit. –

-Babe, the difference right now is that I’m here and that you gave him, and yourself, limits. As long as we remember them, it’s all good, right? –

Bridgette nodded and gave him another small smile. The two kept walking before reaching the beach and sitting on a nearby rock to talk as they watched together the rest of the day unfolding over the horizon.

As the day passed and both teams had settled in properly on their accommodations, the Heroic Hamsters, sans Courtney, gathered around a campfire outside the hotel while snacking to hang out. The Keyblade Wielder was missing too, but only because he was talking to the cricket accompanying him on this adventure.

-This was such a tough first day, Jiminy. – Said Sora.

-Indeed, Sora. – Agreed the cricket. – But, hey, you went through it better than you expected, didn’t you? You made some new friends just like you said would. –

-Yeah, but I have no idea what to expect next. The first challenge being a leap of faith is a very weird and dangerous way to start things off, don’t you think? –

-It is unusual, I admit. But you’ve faced even tougher things yourself. Is that the only thing worrying you? –

-No, some of the people here just seem… dangerous, maybe not more than the Heartless, but still dangerous. –

-You’ve faced pirates, Sora. A few competitive teenagers shouldn’t be that much of an issue, in fact, they’re more likely to soften up if you keep things going like this. –

-You think so? –

-Even the hardest shell has a soft center, as long as their heart is clear. All it needs is a little push. –

Sora smirked.

-Yeah, you’re right. – He said with a smile.

-That’s the spirit, Sora. – Jiminy said back happily. – Now go on and meet these guys some more. But remember: Protect the world order. –

-I know, I know. Thanks, Jiminy. –

The boy and the cricket parted ways for the time being. Sora headed downstairs while Jiminy went and hid somewhere near his nightstand.

On the way downstairs, Sora ran right into Courtney.

-Hey, Courtney! – He greeted.

-Sora! Hey! Finally, someone who’s here! – She replied, a bit exasperated. – Where is everyone? –

-Didn’t you hear? We’re having a campfire outside, wanna join us? –

-Campfire? What for? –

-Oh, just to hang out, I suppose, plus it helps to get everyone to know each other better. –

-Well… I’ll be down in just a second, ok? –

-Got it. See you then! –

The CIT went upstairs and used the bathroom as she thought about the Keyblade Wielder.

*Bzzt*

-I have to admit that he has a good heart. – Courtney stated. – I… I know I said that the show is called Total Drama and all, but I don’t know. I feel like… he’s just trying to get by while at the same time understanding what he has to do in here. It’s kind of like having Season 1 Owen again, only thinner. Maybe getting to know Sora isn’t such a bad idea. –

*Bzzt* *End confessional*

Outside at the campfire, the Keyblade Wielder approached his new friends, who all welcomed him appropriately.

-There’s the man! – Owen exclaimed.

-Come, Sora, we saved you a seat! – Mike added, tapping on the empty space next to him.

Sora smiled and took his seat between Mike to his right and Zoey to his left on another log.

-Help yourself to some marshmallows, honey. – Leshawna said, passing the bag of marshmallows around until it reached him.

-Thanks, you guys, this is all very welcoming of you. – The spiky-haired boy said.

-Hey, it’s the least we can do to thank you for today. – Zoey said. – Though I think you’re gonna be doing more cleaning as we go further into this competition, won’t you? –

-If the Heartless show up again, I’m afraid I’ll have to, Zoey. This might be a competition, but I don’t want anyone to get hurt either, at least not hurt by them. –

-Well, on that ground, you still owe us a story, dude. – Owen added. – Oh, but only if you’re comfortable telling it. –

-That’s ok, Owen, I want to. – Reassured Sora. – Ok… you guys ready? –

Everyone paid close attention to the boy’s story.

-It all started years ago at my home, Destiny Islands… - Sora began narrating.

Almost all night, Sora told his newfound friends his story, so they could get to know him better and what he’s doing in Wawanakwa. He told them about Riku. He told them about Kairi. He told them how he got the Keyblade. He told them about Donald and Goofy, and King Mickey as well. He told them about the Princesses of Heart. Without mentioning that he’s from another world, he mentioned that he has travelled a lot with his friends in order to fight the Heartless. He mentioned both the Heartless and the Nobodies. The story so far has everyone hooked, and, given the circumstances of the day, he wasn’t hard to believe. Throughout the story, more people who were around the area joined in and listened along with the rest of the group. Only four had joined in while he was narrating: Courtney, who was coming from the hotel, Gwen, who was passing by, and Bridgette and Geoff, who were coming back from their walk.

-Do the Heartless have a boss? Getting rid of them would solve the whole problem, wouldn’t it? – Cameron asked.

-I wish I could say yes, Cameron. – Sora scratched his neck nervously. – The first “boss” we initially encountered controlling the Heartless was this guy called Ansem. He was the one who put my home in danger, he was the one who put Kairi in the static state that she was when I found her, and he was the one who ultimately made Riku give in to the darkness. Donald, Goofy, and I defeated him when we confronted him but… if there’s one thing I learned about the Heartless is that as long as darkness exist within people’s hearts, they will appear. –

-That should explain well why the Heartless are appearing here. – Said Dawn. – No offense to anyone, but a lot of auras I’ve seen just today are very dark… myself included. –

-Oh, but I bet Chris’s is the darkest, am I right? – Joked Leshawna.

-Oh, yes! No doubt about it. –

-You heard Dawn, Sora. Chris is your next target. –

The whole group laughed, even Sora.

-I’ll keep an eye on him. – He said, going along. – But, anyway, if you’re wondering what Ansem, along with several of the foes I’ve come across, were and still are looking for is something called Kingdom Hearts. –

-Kingdom… Hearts? – Bridgette asked.

-Where all hearts are born, a source of ultimate power and wisdom. He who controls it, controls… everything, with a cost of course. –

-Where is it? – Brick asked.

-Hidden. The only way to call upon and opening it is to summon it, but it requires a special Keyblade. One that has been lost for so long and recreating it has been difficult. That is at least according to what I’ve read. And the guys I’m fighting right now, not just want it, but they’ll do anything to get their hands on it. -

-And… right now… is there someone you’re after who wants to take Kingdom Hearts? – Courtney asked.

-Yup. A group of no-good people called Organization XIII. They’re a bunch of Nobodies in black robes who can look like you or me, but don’t be mistaken, they have no heart or emotions. They’re seeking to take control of Kingdom Hearts so they can gain a heart. They’re currently lead by three individuals: Xemnas, Ansem, yes the same one I defeated previously, and Xehanort. I don’t want to infer anything or give you guys a scare, but if there are Heartless on this island, there possibly may be Nobodies as well, and that includes the Organization looming around. So, please, be careful. –

-So… let me get this straight… - Gwen began. – You’re saying that the heart is more than just a vital organ, it is also the spirit, so to speak, of one’s entire being and losing it by making it succumb to the darkness is like losing yourself entirely, am I right? –

-Yeah. – Sora nodded.

-And the Heartless and Nobodies are manifestations of the darkness in someone’s heart and the shell that remains from those who lost their heart to darkness respectively, right? – Mike further asked.

-Exactly. –

-Woah, this is so heavy… - Owen said, feeling completely overwhelmed by all the information dumped on him.

-Yeah… - Agreed Geoff. – And… kind of depressing when you start to think about it. But, hey, um, say Sora, I was honestly a bit more focused on the part where you described one of your friends. What was her name again? Kairi? You were blushing, dude! –

-Ha, ha, you noticed it too, babe? – Bridgette laughed and agreed. – Is she that special to you, Sora? –

-Uh…. – Sora froze, his eyes widened, his cheeks were red, and he started scratching his neck nervously.

-Leave him alone, you two. – Leshawna said gently. – If he has something for that girl, I think he should figure it out on his own. –

-At least Sora would be starting something with her rather than STEALING her away from someone else. – Courtney added, glaring angrily at Gwen.

-Easy, Courtney… -

-Why is she even here? This campfire is for heroes only! –

-I… I was just passing by. – Gwen said nervously.

-Well, “pass by” back to your cabin, “New Heather”! – Exclaimed the CIT. – Unless you wanna see me get mad! –

-Woah, woah, Courtney, hang on! – Sora called out. – I don’t know what problems you two have but leave her alone right now. I don’t mind her being here, personally. In fact, Gwen seems cool. –

-Cool? Sora, I know you’re new to everything around here, but I can assure you that she’s anything but cool. –

-Chill. Out. Girl. – Leshawna said firmly. – If you’re going to go ballistic on Gwen, how about you do it tomorrow?

-Plus, by what you’re saying, if this is a “heroes only” campfire… wouldn’t you be kicking out Bridgette and Geoff as well? – Sora added.

The surfer couple looked at the CIT as Courtney’s eyes widened. The Keyblade Wielder made a good point.

-Oh, and he’s got good comebacks too! – Leshawna exclaimed. – You’re full of surprises, Sora! –

Everyone around the campfire waited for Courtney’s response.

-Well, I… ugh, never mind, fine, gothy can stay… for now. – The CIT said in defeat.

The rest of the campfire went very normally. Sora shared some more stories about how things were at Destiny Islands with Riku and Kairi and even shared how sometimes he and Donald would get into petty arguments. In turn, the campers shared stories about themselves with one another in order for them to get better acquainted. Eventually, everyone started to grow tired and slowly turned in for the night as the fire got smaller and smaller. Sora stayed a while longer and, by then, only Gwen, Leshawna, and Bridgette were left alongside him. The last two were having a conversation while the former sat along looking at the stars. Then, however, she saw the Keyblade Wielder by himself staring at the fire and then at the night sky. She approached him with friendly intentions.

-Hey, Sora… - Gwen began.

-Yeah? – He replied.

-I wanted to thank you, you know, for saving my life during the challenge and just now for standing up when Courtney snapped at me. –

-Don’t mention it, Gwen. Are you ok? –

-Yeah, I’m… I’m fine, I’ll manage. – The goth girl’s voice sounded seemingly very sad. – There’s just a lot going on in my head right now and this first day on this new Total Drama, now with these Heartless freaks, just made things a lot more hectic. –

-Do you want to talk about it? –

-Maybe… but not right this second. –

-Well, you don’t seem like a bad person to me. If I were Chris, I wouldn’t have put you on the Villains’ team at all. –

-Oh, that’s sweet of you, Sora. But, in hindsight, there are a lot of valid reasons for my placement. Heck, if you knew them, you’d probably wouldn’t even be talking to me. –

-They couldn’t have been that bad. –

-They were for a lot of people. And… normally I wouldn’t care what other people think of me, but, I don’t really have anything now so… you know. –

-Well, if it makes you feel better, I’m your friend. And I do believe there’s always a second chance if your heart is clear enough from the darkness. How about you think about it? And if there’s something you feel you can talk about, don’t hesitate to tell me. –

-Really? –

-Yeah! I may not know what happened that makes Courtney hate you so much, but I can decide who to befriend on this island and you seem like someone I can easily be friends with. –

Gwen gave Sora a small smile.

-Thanks, Sora. I could use a friend. –

She then yawned.

-And I think I can also use some sleep. I’m gonna turn in, but I’ll think about what you said. – The goth girl stood up and patted herself down as she began saying goodbye.

-Take the time you need. – Sora nodded.

-Night, Sora! – Gwen said as she walked away.

-Good night, Gwen! –

Leshawna and Bridgette saw Gwen leave the campfire site and then looked at Sora who, despite smiling, also seemed to show concern for what the goth girl has been telling him.

-Guys… - He then said, turning at them. – Can you actually fill me in on what’s going on with her? Gwen has been telling me a lot of stuff and that she does feel like she deserves to be on the Villains’ team based on what she has done but I can’t quite figure out why. And that includes why Courtney always seems to have unrepressed rage when she’s around. –

Leshawna and Bridgette looked at each other after Sora asked.

-I guess I did owe you an explanation, sugar. – Leshawna admitted. – You see… -

The dark-skinned girl ended up telling the Keyblade Wielder the whole story. Back in Total Drama’s 3^rd season, World Tour, Gwen was coming fresh out of a breakup and developing a crush on the show’s signature bad boy, Duncan. The only thing was, however, that the latter was already on a relationship with Courtney, despite their ups and downs. While Duncan initially quit the season after failing to comply with the singing rule Chris had established, he returned to the game after being discovered hiding in London. Gwen was fighting her feelings for him but ultimately gave in to her desires when Duncan kissed her. When the truth came out, however, disaster struck. The potential friendship between the goth girl and the CIT faded into obscurity as the latter wanted payback for betraying her, from both her and Duncan. Ever since that day, Courtney can’t stand to see either and resents them heavily.

After the story had finished, Sora was wide-eyed, trying to process everything.

-Wow… - He simply said. – I… I feel… conflicted. –

-Oh, you’re not the only one, sweetie. – Leshawna reassured him. – Gwen was my friend, but between this and some other actions she did to someone I cared about on the second season, it’s hard to even talk to her nowadays. –

-And we were her biggest friends when the show started, Sora. – Bridgette added.

-Well… is it wrong to say that I still believe there’s good in her? I mean, now that she’s not with Duncan, she has potential to bounce back, wouldn’t you guys say? – Sora asked both.

-It’s… honestly hard to say. – Bridgette replied. – We can believe that she’s not inherently a bad person but betraying someone you cared about is a big deal. –

The surfer girl then lowered her head.

-Of course… I’m one to talk… -

-Huh? What do you mean? –

-Bridgette kind of went through the same thing Gwen did, only she got a whole lot luckier. – Leshawna replied. – You saw Alejandro, right? –

-The… guy who tried to take the Keyblade off me? – Sora asked.

-The very same. Well, he came into the show on the third season as well, as a new contestant like you, and as soon as we took off on that plane, that suave fool started scheming and manipulating people off the game one by one. –

-Oh… -

-Mm-hmm, first, he got my baby Harold out by convincing him that the only way to restore his “honor” was to get himself eliminated. Then… -

Leshawna looked at Bridgette regretfully. The surfer girl had her head down, remembering shamefully what happened to her.

-Are you comfortable with me saying it, girl? – The dark-skinned girl asked.

Bridgette looked up. First at Leshawna, and then at Sora. The Hero of Light was serious at first but then gave her a kind and warm smile. She smiled back at him, feeling reassured. She nodded.

-Well… - With Bridgette’s approval, Leshawna carried on. – Alejandro… seduced Bridgette, while still being with Geoff and… she gave in. –

Sora’s eyes widened, feeling shocked.

-But… - Interrupted Bridgette. – The first time I kissed him it was 100% an accident. The second time I was about to… no… and I paid for it dearly as I ended up kissing a frozen pole. -

Feeling ashamed again, Bridgette put her head down, thinking she might have disappointed her new friend. Sora, however, was still a bit curious, considering they said that she got lucky.

-But… you didn’t mean to kiss someone else behind Geoff’s back, did you, Bridgette? – He asked.

-Of course not, but… I mean, I did it. And… it’s something I regret almost every day of my life ever since my elimination. – Bridgette replied.

-But, since you admitted that you were wrong to Geoff, he knew that your heart was in the right place, right? You believe that your heart was in the right place when you told him you were sorry and meant it, correct? –

The surfer girl’s head lifted up a bit. She nodded.

-Then, I don’t think you’re a bad person either, less a villain like Chris said you were. You knew you made a mistake and quickly did everything your heart knew was right to make it up to him. Not to mention, you haven’t focused on Alejandro at all ever since you came here, you know where your heart belongs, and surely, Geoff knows it too. –

Bridgette was surprised. Sora wasn’t judging her for what she did, instead, he wanted to show her that her heart was stronger than she realized, but she knew deep inside that it still needed to be stronger considering the broken friendships with some of her castmates. However, that still didn’t let her cloud the emotions she felt as soon as she heard the Keyblade Wielder’s statement. She gave him a kind smile, similar to the one he had given her earlier.

-If mistakes were made, no matter how bad they were, we can always fix them by proving how our heart has grown ever since then. I have always thought that the heart may be weak, and sometimes, it may even give in. But deep down, there’s always a light that never goes out. – Sora reminisced of the time he knew how to fight against the darkness, when he confronted Ansem for the first time. – As long as you remember your light and grow your heart, you don’t have to carry the burden of your mistakes. It’ll make you strong against the dark. –

Leshawna and Bridgette looked at each other. The boy was making some sense despite just knowing the context of their current situation… but they found it also to be something most people, especially most of the other Vultures, won’t understand.

-Sora, boy… - Began Leshawna. – While you have a good point and noble intentions, most of these people here won’t get what you’re saying, or care for that matter. I’m not being a pessimist; I’m being a realist. I, personally, think you’re right, but you won’t change a thing about some of these guys. –

-I know I can’t… - Sora replied, facing down. – But… at least I want them to know. That way they have a choice. Just like I have the choice I made to take down the Heartless from this Island. I know it sounds hard, but… I know what I want to do here and no matter what, I’ll do it. If I can count on making sure you guys are safe and make friends along the way for it, it will be even better. –

Bridgette gave Sora another smile, admiring his resolve. She was actually a bit inspired by him, maybe she needs to find her own resolve. The chance to get back into Total Drama may have been a blessing in disguise but still struggled to figure out what she wanted to do with the chance. Sure, winning was the main goal, but was it the only goal? Geoff and she didn’t get far in the show’s second season, in fact, they were the first two to be eliminated. Now that they had another chance, and she was stronger with her limits and her will to stay loyal, what is she going to do with it besides going for gold? The thought lingered in her mind to the point where she stared at the dying fire, deep into trance, trying to figure things out.

-Bridgette? Bridgette? – Sora said, breaking his conversation with Leshawna and noticing that the surfer girl was deep in thought. Bridgette’s eyes widened and she spouted a “huh?” before turning to the Hero of Light. – Are you ok? –

-Oh. Yeah! I’m… I’m fine! – She replied nervously. – Just… meditating everything, I guess. It has been a long day. –

-Well, whatever it is you were thinking, I just wanted to tell you that, same thing with Gwen, if you wanna talk about something, don’t hesitate to tell me, ok? I believe you have a good heart, both you and Geoff. –

Leshawna smiled and nodded, agreeing with Sora.

-Same here, girl. – She added.

-Thanks, you guys. – Bridgette replied. She then yawned. – Ugh, I think I’m gonna go to sleep though. Three days of random and dark things happening around camp before the next challenge awaits, and I don’t want either Geoff or I to cross one of those Heartless. Or less… who were they again, Sora? –

-Nobodies? Organization XIII? – Sora asked.

-Either of those guys. –

-Well, if it helps, I haven’t seen any of the Organization members around yet. –

-Even so, can’t be too careful, right? –

-I… guess. –

-There you go. So, I’m gonna take off, you two. Thanks again for the talk and thank you both for the support. –

-Of course, Bridge. – Leshawna nodded.

-Have a good night, Bridgette. – Sora added, smiling.

-Night, Leshawna. Night, Sora. – The surfer girl said as she walked back to the girls’ cabin.

When both of them made sure Bridgette had returned safely to the cabin, Sora and Leshawna stood up and put out the campfire before heading back into the hotel to turn in as well.

-You know, Sora… - Leshawna said as both entered. – While I think that people getting what you said about the Hearts having a light may be difficult, it ain’t exactly impossible if you ask me. –

-You really think so? – Sora asked.

-Yeah, I mean, I don’t think it was for any reason that Bridgette stared into the fire for so long in thought. – She chuckled. – Plus, if you can get Gwen to open up slowly like you tried earlier, I might be able to see my friend again… I do miss her. –

-Well, I don’t want to be the sole reason she opens up and clears her heart, if it still has darkness that is, but I want to at least be there for her so she can figure it out on her own. I don’t believe she’s a villain like almost everyone else has been putting her out as. –

-Neither do I. – Agreed Leshawna. – That’s why I don’t want Courtney to give her fuzz. Because I believe that, despite everything after TDI, the Gwen I knew is in there, I know she is. And I kept on believing it even when she was with Duncan. –

-I believe it too, Leshawna. – Said Sora. – And I’ll keep on believing it with you. –

Leshawna smiled at the boy warmly. Unlike Alejandro who was revealed to be a snake, Sora gave her an actual good feeling. And he was keen to be of help to anyone who needed it, like an actual hero. With nothing left to say, she wished him good night and walked to the girls’ dorm. Sora, likewise, said good night to her and joined his teammates in the boys’ dorm. They were gathered in a circle talking and prompted the Hero of Light to join them for a while before all heading for a good night’s rest.