Chapter 3 - Highway Frogs

"Last time on Total Drama Arcade," Chris begins. "The four teams competed in their very first challenge - Pacman. Rex, Friday, and Tiffany all competed in the challenge, but none of them stood a chance against Zoey, or, should I say monster Zoey. After eating a large red pill instead of a large blue one, or a small yellow one, Zoey turned into this giant blue monster or something, and totally destroyed our set. She managed to get every single pill, and won for her team. Since the Whac-a-Moles only got one pill, they were sent to the dreaded elimination ceremony, where Reuben was eliminated. What challenges will the teams have to overcome today? Who will join Reuben in loser-dome? And, more importantly, will Chef actually say more than six words? Find out the answer to these questions, and more, on this episode of... Total... Drama... Arcade!"

The episode opens up with the Whac-a-Moles walking to their dorms. "Ugh, I can't believe we lost," Alyxandra says. "It's all your fault, Friday. Even if we weren't controlling you, you were perfectly capable of moving on your own, you were just too busy singing your crappy songs."

Fridays gasps. "Excuse me? I thought you guys were controlling me, how was I supposed to know to run on my own? And, my songs are beautiful, thank you very much. Everyone in my family loves them, even my pet turtle."

"Ugh, take your songs and stick them up your–" Alyxandra stops for a moment, and then smiles. "I love turtles! They're so adorable, I vomit every time I see one."

"... What?" Gavin asks.

The team eventually reaches their dorm, and almost all the contestants go to sleep. Back at Team Zoey is Really, Really, Really, Really Hot's dorm, a knock is heard at the door. Zoey slowly goes to open it, as to not wake up her fellow teammates. Zoey opens the door, only to see Mariah, along with Caterina. "Yeah?" Mariah motions for Zoey to follow her. The three go to the empty mess hall.

Mariah sighs. "Okay. We have to talk strategy. The thing is, we're all on different teams. That's fine, because if we want to vote someone out, one person from the alliance who's on that team can talk to everyone and ask them to eliminate said person. But, there are four teams, but only three of us. Get where I'm going with this?"

"You mean," Zoey asks. "We should ask another person to join us?"

"Yeah, but only temporarily," Mariah says. "Only up until the merge. Then we can eliminate that person and stick together. Now, we need someone from the Crane Machines. None of us here are from the Crane Machines. Does anyone have any ideas? I was maybe thinking Natasha."

Zoey responds, "There's no way she'll do it, she probably doesn't care too much about winning." Mariah nods to show the two that Natasha is out of the question. Caterina thinks for a moment. "Hey, I know, why not Brendan? He's just sooo funny and he might be a little cute too. Hehehe."

"No, he's too wild," Zoey responds.

"What's that supposed to mean?!" Caterina shouts. Mariah and Zoey shush Caterina, and she responds with a very soft 'sorry'. The three think for a moment.

Zoey brightens up. "Hey, I know! Why not Ashlee? She hates Tiffany, right? Well, if we tell her that Tiffany is voting for her, not only will she want to vote Tiffany off, but she'll also feel a little scared of being eliminated. We can then tell her if she votes with us, we'll vote Tiffany off. She'll have some closure, and she'll vote with us. If we ever need her, then she'll feel like she owes us for voting off Tiffany, and she'll do whatever we want!"

Mariah (CONF): Zoey is way too smart. She single-handily made a plan to manipulate Ashlee's insecurity to our benefit. She's a mastermind, that's for sure, but she's too naive, and I plan on using that to my advantage. She's safe for now, but once the teams get dissolved, she is gone.

"That's perfect," Mariah says while snapping her fingers. The next morning, the four teams are awoken by a loud air horn. The dorm doors open, and the teams walk out, some half-asleep, some in their pajamas, and some passed out on the floor. "Ugh," Tiffany frowns. "It's 4 in the morning, and I need my beauty rest."

"Doesn't look like it's working," Ashlee says with a snicker.

"Look who's talking, ghetto trash," Tiffany says while narrowing her eyes at Ashlee. "Go back to the gutter where you belong. It's obvious that no one here likes you."

"Dis gon b gud," Eddie says, eating from a bucket of popcorn.

Ashlee walks closer to Tiffany and lifts up her fist. "You wanna go toe to toe with me, you prissy snob? All you do is yap your big mouth and act out for attention. You said that no one here likes me? I almost guarantee everyone here hates you. Stop being so stuck-up and shut your mouth."

Tiffany smirks. "Make me."

Before Ashlee can do anything, Chef Hatchet walks in between them and pushes the two aside. "I know it's early, but I want everyone to meet me downstairs in the lobby for the challenge. You guys have ten minutes to get ready." The contestants groan and some walk back in their dorms to get prepared for the day. "But," Gavin says with a sigh. "I need my rest if I'm gonna master all four elements. It's not easy being the Avatar, you know."

The scene is changed to the lobby, where the contestants are staying. Chris leads them outside to a very busy road. Cars and trucks swivel and turn, almost hitting the contestants. Loud honks are heard, and the contestants try to dodge the cars, even though they are on a sidewalk. Chris snickers as the contestants walk backwards and glare at him. Chris says, "Today's challenge will be based off of the famous arcade game, Frogger." Some contestants look at him in confusion.

"Frogger is an arcade game introduced in 1981," Chris begins. "It was developed by Konami, and licensed for worldwide distribution by Sega/Gremlin. The object of the game is to direct frogs to their homes one by one. To do this, each frog must avoid cars while crossing a busy road and navigate a river full of hazards. "

"You got that off Wikipedia," Natasha says.

"Shut up," Chris retorts. "The reason you guys are competing so early is because the road is the most busiest during this time. Your team will be squeezed inside a frog costume, and tied together. You will have to work together to avoid the cars and trucks. If you manage to not get run over, you'll reach the river, where you'll have to jump onto the backs of turtles, and then jump onto logs. Try not to fall into the crocodile-infested waters, you know, unless you wanna get eaten alive. Now, be careful, the logs are only capable of holding one person - three of four will make it quickly sink. There are four teams, however, when you reach the other side, there will be three large lily-pad, and only three. This is a race - whichever three teams get a lily-pad first will be safe for the day. One team, however, will be sending someone on the Spin of Shame and onto the Boat of Losers."

Chris continues. "Now, remember, you guys only have three tries at this. Running into road vehicles, jumping into the river's water, running into snakes, otters or into a crocodile's jaws in the river, jumping into a home invaded by a crocodile, staying on top of a diving turtle too long, jumping into a lily-pad already occupied by a team, jumping into the side of a home or the bushes or running out of time before getting a lily-pad will result in your team being sent to the beginning of the obstacle course. If you fail three times, you're out of the challenge and your team will be sending someone home on the Spin of Shame, and onto the Boat of Losers."

The contestants nod. Chef walks closer to the contestants and forces the teams to wear a giant frog costume. He ties the contestants' torso's together, as Chris said, but everyone is confused when he ties their feet and hands together. Chris then laughs. "Oh, and one more thing. You gotta hop, not walk."

The teams stand in a horizontal line. Chris waits for a moment, and then shouts 'go.' The teams hop into the road, and try to dodge the cars. "This is crazy," Rex says, while dodging a car. "Even crazier than Skyla!"

"And I'm pretty darn crazy," Skyla says with a nod.

As the contestants dodge the cars, Eddie smiles. "Your mom dodges cars." The contestants groan. "Your mom groans." The contestants glare at him. "Your mom glares at me."

"Froggy takes one step at a time," Q sings, "The way that he moves has no reason or rhyme - he hops and jumps, dodges and ducks, cars and buses, vans and trucks."

"Now's not the time, Q," Mariah says. The other contestants nod. Suddenly, a large truck drives towards them. The others are too busy glaring at Q to notice it, but Rex quickly sees it at the last minute. He jumps backwards, causing the others to follow him (as they are tied up). The Skee-Balls fall to the floor, but luckily dodge the truck. Rex lands on Mariah, causing her to blush. "Uh, nice job. You can get off me now."

Mariah (CONF): That was some very awkward positioning.

Rex blushes and gets up, only to find Skyla glaring at him, and so he rolls his eyes. Then a car comes and hits them. They drop to the floor, with some injuries they'll probably have for weeks to come. Chris begins snickering, and says, "Ooo, looks like the Skee-Balls have to start from the beginning!" The Skee-Balls groan.

"Nice going, Rexie-poo-poo!" Skyla says with a frown.

Rex rolls his eyes as the Skee Balls go the sidewalk again and get ready to dodge the cars oncemore.

The scene shifts to the Whac-a-Moles trying to dodge the vehicles. Alyxandra smiles. "Oh my god, can you feel the adrenaline pumping through your iron veins? I feel it, and I love it! No, wait, I hate it."

Suddenly, a car drives towards the team. The team is too shocked to move, and so, for a second, it seems as if the car is going to hit them. Gavin, unable to do anything but raise his arms in fear, shouts, "Nononono!"

The car miraculously stops, and then slowly drives around the team, leaving everyone in awe. Caterina smiles, and says, "Cooool, how did you do that?" Gavin shrugs, but then smiles proudly. "Metalbending."

Gavin (CONF): Yeah, what can I say? When you've got it, you've got it.

Alyxandra rolls her eyes back in her head, so all you can see is the white in her eye. "After the flame died away, loneliness and darkness filled my soul, when I realized that life had no meaning to me, and all I felt was the cold. Understanding me was impossible, for all that I spoke and felt, was lost in the eternal blackness, and never to be seen again. Something new has come into my life, taking the demons in my mind away, I can now live without dread, for the angel of my death has arrived."

"Ahahaha wat," Caterina says.

Friday then clears her throat and starts singing loudly. "There's a crime scene on the dance floor, ring the alarm, police tape on the front door - and you are a person of intereeest! A person of intereeest! Can't say I'm love yet, but certainly impressed, yeah, yeah, yeah, you are a person of intereeest! Yeah, yeah, ooo!"

As Friday proudly sings, cars swivel and turn around the team. Cars crash into each other, causing loud explosions. People jump out of their cars with bleeding ears, screaming in agony as they hear Friday sing. Some people even light themselves on fire in order to end their misery. Loud screams are heard as Friday continues to sing, until the Whac-a-Moles finally cross the road. Alyxandra smiles. "Can't say I'm not impressed. Looks like you're actually good for something." Friday scoffs, and the Whac-a-Moles prepare to cross the river.

The scene changes to Team Zoey is Really, Really, Really, Really Hot's on the road. Kathie is shown kicking the cars, and sending them flying into the air rather than dodging them. Zoey frowns. "Kathie, I don't think that's what you're supposed to do." Kathie shushes her, and continues destroying the cars rather than avoiding them.

Zoey rolls her eyes, until she suddenly realizes Enrico is behind her, licking her earlobe.

Enrico giggles. "Your ear tastes like strawberries."

Zoey scoffs and elbows Enrico in the stomach, causing him to scream in agony.

Herbert rolls his eyes. "Dude, that's not the way to win a woman's heart. Here, let the master show you." Herbert suddenly takes off his shirt and reveals his shiny chest. He starts dancing and then in a soft, flirtatious voice, he says, "Yeah, gurl, you like this? You want some of this? Yeah, you wish. Mmm, girl, it's like a real life Magic Mike, ain't it? You enjoying the show? How's about this? And this? And some of this?"

Zoey (CONF): Seriously? This is the team I'm on? Thanks a lot Chris. Thanks a lot. Chris (CONF): You're welcome. (snickers)

Team Zoey is Really, Really, Really, Really Hot crosses the road and makes it to the river. They prepare to jump on a log until the scene changes to the Crane Machines. "Wow, this challenge is so exciting," Natasha says with a scoff. "Dodging a bunch of cars, yay. I'm just bursting with joy, can't you tell?"

Brendan is shown grabbing the cars and throwing them at other cars, creating large explosions. Since the drivers don't want to be blown up, they drive as far away from Brendan as possible. He smiles as the Crane Machines walk to the other side with no cars to worry about and dodge.

"This challenge is not fit for a princess like me," Tiffany says. "I should be driving cars, not dodging them."

Ashlee rolls her eyes. "First off, you're not a princess, you're a regular kid just like us. Stop acting like you're higher than everybody just because you're rich and stuff. That doesn't make you any better."

"Oh no," Tiffany says with a pout. "You get butthurt so easily, don't you?"

Ashlee growls and tries to hit her but is calmed down by Jim. The scene then changes to the Skee-Balls who almost finish crossing the road, but then get hit by a car. They slowly walk back to the sidewalk in shame.

The camera then shifts to Team Zoey is Really, Really, Really, Really Hot jumping on turtles and logs. A montage is shown of Kathie, inside the frog costume of course, jumping on logs and/or turtles, with Lloyd rapping in the background. "Yo, my gurl Kathie, mmm, yeah check it. Chick be so athletic it makes others look pathetic. She's so strong - are her legs prosthetic? If they are I'm sympathetic. Aren't I poetic?"

The team is almost about to cross the river, when suddenly, a large crocodile jumps from the water and bites their log in half. TZIRRRRH falls into the water, causing Zoey to scream. Chris snickers. "You know the drill." TZIRRRRH walks back to the sidewalk (the cars do not hit them as there is a giant sign that tells the drivers not to hit the contestants walking back).

"Hmph," Kathie says with a frown. "No biggie, I guess I can just do the same thing again." The scene changes to the Skee-Balls dodging one last car and then making it to the river.

"Finally!" Rex shouts. The team jumps on a turtle's back, only for the turtle to start sinking. The Skee Balls fall into the water and groan. Chris motions for them to go back to the sidewalk.

Mariah frowns. "Okay, this is bad. We only have one try left. We really have to try our best - if we fall into the water or get hit by a car - one of us is going home tonight." Everyone else nods. The Skee Balls walk back to the sidewalk and get ready to start again - more determined than ever.

The scene shifts to the Whac-a-Moles crossing the road. They get ready to cross the river. Gavin smiles. "Yeah, lets do this! We're gonna win this challenge, there's no way we can lose." The Whac-a-Moles jump on a turtle, and as if on cue, the turtle starts to sink. They jump on a log quickly, but a crocodile quickly comes and eats the log in half. The Whac-a-Moles trip and fall into the water.

"You jinxed it," Alyxandra says with a frown. "Nice going!"

The Whac-a-Moles walk back to the sidewalk. The scene changes to Team Zoey is Really, Really, Really, Really Hot. Kathie is shown kicking cars. However, Kathie hits one car, and oil starts to spill out of it's engine. The contestants look on in confusion, as the oil starts to completely gulf out and spill onto the floor. TZIRRRRH starts to trip in the oil, as well as the cars on the road. Cars crash into other cars, and a large explosion follows. The Whac-a-Moles trip as well, and the oil starts to spread onto the street and in the river. Oil flies and spreads all over the contestants, even the Crane Machines who are in the river. The river water turns black with oil.

"Why does this car have so much oil?!" Herbert shouts.

Kathie slaps Herbert. "Shut your troll mouth!"

The Skee Balls, who are still on the sidewalk, take the opportunity to jump on the crashed cars, and cross the road. They cheer, and then jump onto a log. The Crane Machines, who are in front of them frown. Brendan tries to sabotage the Skee Balls by pushing them or jumping on their logs. The Skee Balls dodge these attacks, and try to sabotage them back by doing the same.

Tiffany smiles. "You can just give up now, dear, it's obvious that our team is gonna win."

"I beg to differ," Mariah scoffs, and then adds, "Dear."

Tiffany (CONF): You know, the Skee Balls are a pretty tough team. They're made up of mostly boys, though, so I think that I can use that to my advantage. Hmph. Losers.

Tiffany thinks for a moment, and then smirks. "Hey boys, look at these apples." Suddenly, Tiffany removes her top and bra, revealing her breasts. Q shrugs, as he cannot see them due to his hat covering his eyes. Eddie and Rex, however, begin to drool. Tiffany giggles. "You like these babies? Hehehe."

The Crane Machines stop moving, as they are too shocked at what Tiffany is doing. Mariah rolls her eyes and pushes Tiffany. Tiffany almost trips into the water, and is about to carry her team with her. The Crane Machines try their best to stay afloat. The Skee Balls use this time to cross the river, and snag a lily-pad. They cheer, when suddenly the Crane Machines snag a lily-pad as well.

"Ugh, I can't believe you guys got first place!" Tiffany shouts.

"Maybe you shouldn't have shown your unmentionables," Natasha says while rolling her eyes. "Guys, guys, it doesn't matter," Ashlee says with a smile. "We may not have gotten first, but we got second place, and so that means we're not eliminating anyone tonight. We're still fine."

"Actually," Chris says with a smirk. "You guys will be eliminating someone tonight."

"What?" Jim says with a frown. "But what about Zoey's team and the Whac-a-Moles? They didn't get a lily-pad, one of them is going to lose, not us."

Chris raises his eyebrow, and then points to Team Zoey is Really, Really, Really, Really Hot and the Whac-a-Moles passed out on the floor covered in oil. "You see, since they're passed out, they're not able to cross the river and get the remaining lily-pad. You guys were the only teams able to actually get a lily-pad. We need a loser, and we're not gonna wait for the other two teams to wake up, that would be too boring, and we're on a time limit here. So, since the Skee Balls snagged a lily-pad before you, they win, and you don't."

"That is totally unfair," Tiffany gasps. "You never told us that!"

"Don't care," Chris smiles. "You guys still lose." The Crane Machines groan. The scene then changes to Mariah, Zoey, and Caterina in the mess hall. "Okay, Zoey, you go talk to Ashlee. She'll probably listen to you." Zoey nods and then walks to Ashlee. She smiles.

"Hey, Ashlee?" Zoey asks. "I gotta talk to you. It's kind of important."

Ashlee nods. "What's up?"

"Well," Zoey says with a frown. "You see, Tiffany wants you gone. She's planning on eliminating you tonight. I overheard her talking with Natasha and Jim. The two of them agreed to vote you off. That's three votes, which means that's a possibility that you might be getting eliminated tonight." Ashlee nods and then starts sweating, showing that she feels a bit insecure about the elimination ceremony. Zoey smiles. "But, Mariah, Caterina and I have decided that if you join our alliance, we'll keep you safe tonight. Mariah has a way with words, and she can surely convince your team to vote off Tiffany instead. Deal? Allign with us, and you'll be safe."

Ashlee nods. "Deal."

Ashlee and Zoey are leaning on a door, more specifically the door to the Crane Machine's dorm. The camera shifts to the inside of their dorm, and shows Tiffany, with her ear against the door, listening to Ashlee and Zoey's conversation. She smiles mischeviously.

Tiffany (CONF): Do these losers actually think they can get rid of me? Hmph, we'll see about that.

Chris is shown at the roof of the arcade. It is during the night, and there is a makeshift campfire in front of five stumps where the contestants are sitting. A port-potty is used as the voting booth, and stairs lead back down to the main arcade. "This season, if you manage to not get eliminated, you'll get a special gold coin. It's chocolate, so feel free to eat it. However, if you're the loser," Chris opens up a gray padlocked box, "You get this special "Game Over" pass, which basically means you can't come back. Ever. You must ride the Spin of Shame, and get thrown onto the Boat of Losers, where you will be driven home. I think. I don't know. I don't really trust those drivers. Anywho, the following players are safe. Brendan. Jim. Natasha."

Brendan starts punching his chest and shouts. He grabs his coin and stuffs it up his nostril. He snorts it then smiles. Jim smiles and eats his gold coin normally. Natasha shrugs and lets the coin fall on the ground.

"Ashlee, Tiffany," Chris says. "One of you will be receiving a gold coin, but the other will be getting a game over pass. One of you will be joining Reuben, and that person is..."

"Ashlee." Chris throws Tiffany her gold coin, and Ashlee her game over pass.

"What?" Ashlee says, in complete confusion. "How... this is impossible! Tiffany should be eliminated, not me! Chris, you probably read the votes wrong, go re-read them, this is definitely a mistake, there's no way this could have happened. I should be safe! How could this happen?!"

"Oh, I'm sorry," Tiffany says with a smirk. "Did you expect your precious alliance to save you? Zoey promised that you would be safe, didn't she? Yeah, not happening. See ya later, alligator."

Ashlee raises an eyebrow. "How in the world did you - "

"I overheard Zoey talking to you dum-dum," Tiffany says, while rolling her eyes. Chef comes out and grabs Ashlee, as she starts shouting and elbowing Chef in the chest. As she is placed in the Spin of Shame, Tiffany waves goodbye and giggles. Ashlee is spun around multiple times, causing her to vomit. She is thrown onto the Boat of Losers, and a elderly voice is heard. "Oh hi-ho, I hit the jackpot! Ye look so beautiful, don't ye? Oh, yes, we're going to have loads of fun, yes, yeess." Ashlee is heard screaming, and the boat drives away into the night. Chris smirks and motions for the Crane Machines to go back to their dorms.

Brendan (CONF): (eats bar of soap and then farts loudly)

Natasha (CONF): I expected these idiots to vote me off as soon as I ridiculed one of them, but I'm still here, so I might as well make the best of it. Tiffany is a total threat - I may have voted with her, but she has got to go.

Jim (CONF): Puppies sure are cute.

Tiffany (CONF): Ashlee was simply a threat, and she needed to go. It's obvious Caterina, Mariah, and Zoey are in an alliance. If I can eliminate them, than I'll run this game. They should just give me the cash now, it's obvious I'm going to win. These losers don't stand a chance.

The Crane Machines walk down the stairs in order to go to their dorms. At the end of the stairs, Mariah, Caterina and Zoey wait. They look on in confusion as Ashlee does not walk down the stairs. They see Tiffany smirking and then quickly realize what has happened. Mariah gasps. "No..."

"Yes," Tiffany says with a smirk. "Zoey should really learn to be a little more quiet. If you guys think you can eliminate me, then you need a reality check. I will stop at nothing to eliminate you, because no one is going to stand in my way. I will win, and if you three think that you can stop me, then I will make sure you are out."

Tiffany walks towards Mariah. "If you try to eliminate me, I'll be sure to tell everyone about your little alliance." She looks Mariah in the eye and smiles. "Dear."