It was eighteen months ago that the third season had finished. One person had walked away victorious, while twenty-one had left spurned and let down. They tried to remain friends after, but it was over. The show had ended, and with it all of the success, romance, friendship, and conflict. Most of them went back to what life was like before the show had started. Hype had been big for a while, but as all gossip, it quickly died down. For some of them, money and wise investments followed. For others, successful careers in fields such as music, writing, and acting followed. But for them all, whenever some one on the street, or at a concert, or a book signing, or the red carpet asked if they were the person from the show, they all hurt and were pained inside. For all of them missed the times that they competed, and the people that they competed with. But some of these people were now brightened. They received letters informing them that they will be going to a popular convention at a panel for the show – which meant uniting with their friends. They were to go to an airport with a prepaid ticket, fly to their destination, and board a limo – there was one waiting for each of them. But some of the ex-contestants didn't receive these letters. They were still darkened.

James, Carly, Gregory, Vivi, Violet, Wesley, Toby, Marissa, Cheryl, Bella, Aqua, and Ren were the only ones to receive these letters. They united in the desert, happily reunited. But when their host didn't show up, they trekked out to a little shack where they discovered a letter inside that changed their lives forever.

James was stunned. "Whoa," was all he was able to say.

"Could… you, um… please read it… again?" Bella asked.

James nodded. He read:

"Attention, all of you twelve former ex-contestants! As you may have noticed, there are only twelve of you! The other ten were dropped – less favorable, not as likable, and less dramatic. Bottom line – they're not coming back. As you may have figured out, there is no real convention. You were all just dragged out here to compete in an ultra secret fourth season. Now, I can only tell you that the season will be incredibly dangerous, risky, and life threatening. Before we go into detail, I must inform you all that myself my trusty co-host are in a hidden location. We are stranded. We have no way at all to get out. At 6:00 this evening, a limo will arrive and take a hotel where you will meet the four newcomers to the show. There, the exact nature of your challenge this season will be revealed. I know it is asking a lot – but don't worry. As long as I have Chef with me, the two of us will be just fine. Don't worry about the perilous journey ahead. Just wait for the limo.

Yours truly,

Chris M."

"I can't believe he's just stranded," Vivi said. James pulled her into a hug and kissed her head.

Violet wiped her eyes, her mascara running. "Even after all the horrible things he put us through, knowing that Chris is in danger just tears me up inside." She put her head on Gregory's shoulder and began to cry.

Gregory stroked her hair. "Don't cry, Violet. Don't worry your pretty head. Chris has got Chef with him. And we all know how tough Chef is."

Violet managed a smile. "Yeah, you're right. You always know just what to say to make me feel better."

Wesley's watch beeped. "Hey guys, I know that we've been hit with some pretty major news, but it's only ten minutes until six."

"So the limo will be here soon?" Cheryl asked.

Carly rolled her eyes. "Obviously, brain surgeon. Come on, let's go guys." She said harshly.

As the contestants headed out, Cheryl whispered to Wesley, "It seems like she doesn't like me anymore."

Wesley snuck a glance at Carly and forced himself not to think about how pretty he thought she was. "I'm sure that's not it. Come, on let's go."

Aqua, as to her nature, ran down the path and jumped into of the street, waving her arms. "MISTER LIMO DRIVER, WE'RE OVER HERE!"

Gregory sighed. "Hey Violet, I better go make sure she doesn't get run over."

Marissa punched his shoulder. "Hey, Greg, I'll get her." Gregory smiled in appreciation at her.

Toby was talking to Bella. "Bella, according to my calculations, the limo should be here in exactly 7.5346 minutes."

Bella laughed. "You make calculating almost seem interesting."

Toby smiled. "I guess so."

Ren walked past them. "Calculating was the subject I failed the most. It isn't easy to go with the flow with numbers."

Toby gasped. "Well, you never should! Gasp, man! Numbers are NOT meant to be part of a flow! Numbers are for making your own flow and computing!"

Ren sighed. "What's the fun in that?"

The twelve of them huddled together until the limo came 7.5346 minutes later. "Hey, kids, get in," commanded the driver.

"Hey, there's only ten seats back here!" someone called up to him.

"Well, someone can sit in shotgun, and someone will need to sit on a lap."

Ren sighed. "I'll take shotgun."

Violet turned towards Gregory and wiped some mascara off of her face. "You don't mind if I sit on your lap, do you Gregory?"

He almost blushed. "No, I don't mind. You're welcome to my lap anytime." Realizing how wrong that sounded, he quickly added, "Um, uh, I didn't mean… I mean… Wait a second…"

She climbed onto his lap and laughed. "I know what you meant, Gregory."

James shot him a thumb up sign. "You know," he said to Vivi, "I think that Violet likes him."

Vivi smiled. "What makes you think that?"

"Hold on, everyone! It will be a bumpy ride!" called the limo driver.

Only Gregory seemed excited by this news, and Violet smiled a little on the inside. For everyone else, the whole ride to the hotel consisted of jabbing elbows, crowded spaces, and uncomfortable crowding.

Finally they arrived at the hotel. "Everyone out!" cried the limo driver.

While the others were piling out, Marissa took a twenty form her purse and stuffed it into his hand. "Here's a nice tip. And if you don't mind," she continued, handing him another twenty, "Please get our bags as well."

He bobbed his hat. "All right, little miss."

Cheryl came up to her. "I know what you're doing."

"You could be more specific."

"You look like a tough, wild, rebellious on the outside."

"Because I am one."

"But on the inside you're really sweet."

Noticing the look of frustration on Marissa's face, Wesley intervened. "Yeah, honey, you've got her all figured out. Now let's go stand over there, okay?"

And Marissa couldn't help but crack a grin at Wesley's attempt to keep peace.

The contestants were waiting outside the front doors while the limo driver made trips with their luggage. James, spotting Carly standing by herself, said, "Hey, Vivi, I'll be right back."

Vivi glanced over at Carly. "Don't be too long."

"I promise." They shared a quick kiss and he walked over to Carly. "Hey, why's the best actress ever standing all lonesome like?"

Carly laughed briefly and coldly – almost as if she was a different person than the one James had met up with earlier that day. All the warmness was gone from her voice. "You really want to know?"

He smiled. "Why else would I ask?"

"Okay. Wesley and me had a thing during the show. He never called or tried me after. Than when we meet up again he flirts with me. But he's dating Cheryl. She's into him, and he likes her, but I think he's giving me mixed signals. What should I do, James? I really like him."

James gave her a hug. "You know what you should do, Carly. Don't let him get you down. You have lots of friends that love you. So don't act like it's the end of the world. And if you really like him, just tell him."

"But he's WITH Cheryl!"

"I know. But maybe not forever. And if they break up, he'll remember a certain foxy girl with green streaks telling him how she feels."

She perked up. Even though he couldn't see it, James could sense some of her warmth return. "You're right, James." And there was the warmth in her voice again. "You're a great friend."

He put an arm around her and led her back to the others. "Yeah, I'm awesome. But you are too girl. Don't forget that."

She hugged him. The limo driver emerged from the hotel than. "Contestants, there are four people I'd like you to meet."

"OMG! Are they the NEW CONTESTANTS?" Aqua shouted.

"Obviously, girl," Marissa laughed, "And calm yourself down! We want to make a good impression, right?"

"I guess sooooooo. But are they?"

The driver sighed. "Yes, they are. Come on in now and meet them."

The twelve headed in and were met by four teenagers. The first of them, a guy around 5'7, but seemingly obese, stepped forward. "Sup dudes. My name is Dudley."

"HI DUDLEY!" Aqua screeched.

"Hi, Dudley," the others coursed.

The next one stepped forward. Another guy, he seemed about 5'8. He wore a black fedora streaked with white lines. He had on a black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black hoodie. He wore a silver necklace with a crown on it, and a single black glove. "Yeah, hi. I'm Caleb. If you don't mess with me, we won't have any trouble."

"I might be looking for trouble," Marissa whispered to Bella. Almost as if he had heard her, Caleb looked at her and winked.

"HI CALEB!" Aqua screamed, with Gregory and Marissa chiming in.

The others settled for a rather monotone, "Hi, Caleb."

The third one, a petite girl about 5'2 and skinny with a tight red t-shirt, black skinny jeans, red heels, long blonde hair, and lots of bracelets, stepped forward. Her voice was just as petite as her figure as she said, "Hi everyone, my name is Ashleigh."

Aqua, Marissa, and all of the guys screamed, "HI ASHLEIGH!"

The rest of the girls went back to the regular, "Hi, Ashleigh."

Ren couldn't stop staring at the beautiful girl. Violet elbowed him. "Oh my god Ren, you so like her!"

Ren turned towards her. "I… I can't explain how I feel when I see her. Its like a million angles are swimming around me, and they make beautiful music when I hear her voice."

Violet squealed. "That is so sweet!"

The last one came forward. About 5'5, it was another guy with sunglasses (even though they were inside), a blue muscle shirt, blue shorts, and blue sandals. "Sup, peeps? My name is Deejay Whack Master, but you can all just call me Wasay for short."

Everyone couldn't help but join in this time as they all screamed, "HI DEEJAY WHACK MASTER!"

He seemed a little caught off guard by their enthusiastic hello, but pumped his fists in the air nonetheless.

Before they could mingle amongst themselves, the limo driver called them to attention. "Everyone, please listen here." Everyone turned towards him. "Who would like to hear the details of this season?"

"Me!"

"Can you just tell us already?"

"I'm really worried about Chris and Chef!"

"TELL ME, BABY!"

Ashleigh stepped up. "Could you please tell us?"

The limo driver nodded in her direction. "Them are the magic words!"

Ren muttered to himself, "Spoken from the lips of an angel…"

He didn't realize how close he was to Ashleigh. "Did you say something?"

"Nope. Not at all."

"Everyone, pay attention!" He shot a warning glance at Ren. "Now, here's another letter left here!

All right, so all sixteen of you must be here. These are the details of your season and challenge. You will be given a clue in each letter you are read. You will journey to that place on your own, either working in a team or alone. The last person to arrive will be eliminated. These letters will eventually lead you to the place where Chef and I are stranded. Although we might not be there anymore when you arrive, if you know what I mean. The man reading you this letter – his name is Cody. He is a loyal friend of the show and series. He will be there at each destination to greet you and give you the clue that will lead you to the next place. But always be careful. There are other people searching for us, and they will stop at nothing to find us. Do everything in your power to avoid them and not tell them anything, but if you must, go ahead. I can't risk you guys getting hurt because of me.

Chef says I'm going soft.

Speaking of Chef, he's calling me away. So now I close this letter. Best of luck to you all, and please try to remain in one piece – one sane, safe piece. (Aqua, you're excluded from the 'sane' part.)

Yours truly,

Chris M."

"Where's the clue to the first destination?" James called out nervously.

Cody laughed. "Guys and girls, it's much to late to start now. Go up to your rooms, eat some snacks, shower, and enjoy a good night's sleep. It might be the last one you'll get for a while. After a five-star continental breakfast tomorrow, we'll start."

"Which ones are our suites?" Gregory called out.

"The one's with your luggage in them. But you're more than welcome to switch rooms or bunk with others."

Violet turned Gregory. "After hearing all about what happened to Chris and Chef, I'm scared to bunk alone. Can I share a room with you?"

Gregory smiled. "Anytime."

And as Violet went past him up the stairs, she whispered back to him, "And maybe your lap will still be open tonight. The suite might only have one bed."

He was going to reply but found he really couldn't. He followed her up the stairs. Quickly.

As Cody was grabbing his jacket, he noticed Ren still in the lobby. "Something wrong, man?"

"Yeah. You seemed kind of distant. As if you miss someone."

Cody sighed. He fingered a ring on his finger. "Yeah, you could say that. I've been busy helping Chris with this for a few weeks. And who knows how much longer it'll go on."

"Is she your wife?"

"Yeah."

"Is she pretty?"

"Yeah."

"How'd you meet?"

"Well, at first, she was kind of my stalker. But over time I began to appreciate her."

"That's great for you." He turned to go up.

" Wait, Ren." He turned around again. "Why do you ask?"

"I was just wondering if love was real. And if it could work for everyone."

"And?"

"And I'm pretty sure it does now."

And Ren headed upstairs, content. As he passed through the halls, he saw Toby and Bella, each in their own suite. Aqua passed out on the floor of the hallway. Gregory and Violet closing their door, even though they did have two beds. James and Vivi sharing with Carly. Wesley asking Cheryl to have separate rooms. Wesley ends up sharing with Caleb, and Cheryl with Marissa. Wasay is alone as well. Dudley tries to find a roommate, but everyone turns him down. Poor boy, thought Ren, as Dudley squeezed through the door to an empty suite. Ren notices Ashleigh leaning on her door, peering into her suite. She sees him and waves 'hello'. He waves back. She smiles and goes into her suite. Ren wishes he could go after her, but instead opens his own suite. But he has high hopes for the future. Meanwhile, Cody calls his wife. He tells her that he loves her. When she asks him why he called out of the blue, he tells her that he just missed her. But in reality, a teenager inspired him to do it. A teenager who he had given faith in love to. And all of the contestants went to bed that night – all sixteen of them. Most were in the company of friends or significant others. Although some were alone. But all were happy. It is a shame, though, that this might be the last happy night they have for a long time.