(A/N: Hey, just a quick note about this episode. The challenge isn't the greatest, but I did it so that during the challenge part itself, I could fit a ton of dialogue in. This season has barely started, and its more story driven than the others- there's a ton of plotlines I need to establish, and the best way to do that now is through dialogue. So, while the challenge might not be the best, I hope you enjoy the story.)
Josh sat in first class, playing a game on his laptop.
"Wait," Noah said, "we were allowed to bring electronics?"
"No, just me," Josh said, "you can play a round later, if you want."
"Why the special treatment?" Noah asked.
"I'm a reporter," Josh shrugged, "and from America, at that. I think Chris is afraid that if he denies me something, he'll break my constitutional rights and be shipped off to a federal prison somewhere."
"Wait," Noah said, "you currently live in Canada, so would that even apply?"
"Who knows?" Josh smiled, "I'd just like to enjoy my special privileges before Chris puts two and two together."
"Yes, because we all know just how bright Chris is," Noah scoffed.
"Hey, has anyone seen Izzy lately?" Katie called up, "I'm concerned for my own well-being."
"I haven't," Gwen shrugged.
Noah and Josh both shook their heads.
"Justin?" Katie called.
"Hm-wha?" Justin mumbled through a mouthful of gummy bears.
"Have you seen Izzy?" Katie repeated.
Justin mumbled something inaudible through mouthfuls of candy.
"Whatever," Katie sighed, "at least I can get some shut eye now that she's gone."
As it would turn out, Izzy was in the cargo hold with the other two teams. She was standing by the emergency exit door, explaining the rules of her favorite new game.
"Okay, so when I open the door," Izzy instructed, "the goal is to try and not to get sucked out. The last person standing wins!"
"Uh, Miss Izzy, I would insist that you NOT open that door," Alejandro said nervously.
"I second that," Trent agreed.
The rest of the contestants murmured their approval.
"You guys are no fun," Izzy frowned, "oh, I know! Why don't we-"
"NO!" everyone shouted at once.
Izzy hung her head, and then trudged back up to first class.
"Phew," LeShawna sighed, "for a second there, I really thought we were all gonna die."
"Hey, where did Cody get off to?" Trent asked, "We'll probably be arriving at our next challenge soon."
CONFESSIONAL: Cody
(Cody is seen wearing his old detective outfit from season 2)
"Well, a deal was a deal. Now that Sierra is gone, I did agree to help Justin get evidence on Alejandro. If half of what Justin tells me is true, I'll have my hands full."
CONFESSIONAL: Alejandro
"During my brief existence here on Earth, I've learned several things, perhaps the most important being how to multi-task. The thing about Bridgette is that- well, I'm not having to do a lot of work. Like a fly caught in a web, she's tangling herself up in threads of mistrust, low self-esteem, and perhaps even resentment. After our little trip to Australia, Bridgette asked me more about the girl Justin worked with in his 'big movie'. I can tell she's jealous. I can leave her alone, and she'll gradually begin to loathe Justin. In the meantime, I have to prepare for the merge. Obviously I'll make it that far- I'm not worried about who on my team gets there, but I'm… better off tilting the scale in my favor in terms of the other teams. If I can obtain a mole or two in each team and promise them an alliance once we reach the merge, I can have them take out anyone who's even semi-competent before the REAL competition."
END CONFESSIONALS
At last, the plane had finally touched down. Chris stepped off the plane, with the contestants in pursuit. The teens looked around, and saw they had landed in a grassy field.
"Welcome," the host announced, "to Ireland! Today's challenge will be… simple. Hehehehehe."
"Alright," Harold smiled, "what do we have to do?"
"For right now," Chris said, "all you have to do is look for the pot of gold I have hidden somewhere in the area."
"Wow," Noah said, "because there's nothing stereotypical or offensive about that."
"In case you haven't noticed, this show thrives on stereotypes," Chris snapped, "now, get searching. I don't have all day. First team to find the pot of gold and bring it back here wins the challenge.
The contestants shrugged, then formed groups and split up to go find the pot of gold. They all knew that winning the advantage for their team would make a good impression early on in the game.
Owe and Geoff had gone off together, and the two were chatting while they searched.
"I don't know," Geoff frowned, "do you really think I have a chance?"
"What?" Owen asked, "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention- I have to be on the lookout for LEPRECHAUNS."
"Uh, why?" Geoff asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Haven't you seen the movies?" Owen asked in a hushed tone, "If you take their gold, they show up and kill you!"
"You've been watching a ton of B-list horror movies, haven't you?" Geoff asked.
"No! Well, maybe," Owen shrugged, "trust me Geoff, you'll thank me when this is over!"
"Hey, it's Courtney!" Geoff exclaimed, "You think I should go talk to her?"
"Good idea," Owen nodded, "make sure the leprechauns don't get to her!"
"Yeah," Geoff nodded, "totally. Well, wish me luck, brah!"
With that, the party boy hurried off.
"Hmph," Owen frowned, "have to keep my eyes- GAH!"
Owen saw a small figure scurry past him.
"It's one of THEM!" Owen shouted, "Uh, I should go after him!"
Owen let out a cry, and charged after the small figure. Noah, who was just passing by, raised an eyebrow.
"Freaking weirdos," Noah sighed.
Meanwhile, Heather and Justin were talking.
"Look, I did you a favor by helping you get rid of Sierra," Justin said, "the way I see it, we're even. You would have been a goner if not for me."
"Please," Heather scoffed, "I would have found a way with or without you. You made a deal- don't tell me you want to back out now."
"Actually, I totally do," Justin nodded, "later."
"Okay," Heather smirked, "then I'll just Bridgette about our original deal. I'm sure she'll take you working with the girl who single handedly eliminated the majority of the competitors last season well."
Justin let out a sigh.
"Alright, alright, fine," he scoffed, "what do you want? You need me to take someone out of the game or something?"
"No," Heather smiled, "well, not anymore. I have a much better idea."
"That being?" Justin asked.
"An alliance," Heather said, "you, me, Noah."
Justin blinked.
"You," Justin laughed, "should do stand-up. That was funny. Really, that was."
"I'm serious," Heather snapped.
"Look, I might be one of the few players who doesn't hate your very being after last season," Justin said, "but I wouldn't team up with Noah for anything."
"Wait," Heather said, "you wouldn't team up with Noah, but you would team up with ME?"
"I didn't say that," Justin huffed, "I said I didn't hate you. But I do hate Noah. As far as I'm concerned, you won last season fair and square. Yeah, you were a total jerk about it, but you did it fair. Part of the game."
"Huh," Heather thought, "that's…"
"Noah, on the other hand," Justin continued, "is practically my opposite."
"Which is why it would work so well," Heather insisted, "your athletic ability, Noah's intelligence, my mastermind… we would obliterate the competition."
"No," Justin said, "that's that."
With that, the pretty boy turned to walk away.
"I can help you with Alejandro!" Heather called.
Justin stopped in his tracks.
"you know about that?" he asked.
"I know enough," Heather shrugged, "I know you want him gone. As for why, I couldn't care less. You have your business, I have mine. What matters is I can help you get it done."
"I'm listening," Justin said.
"Look, I won't lie, it isn't going to be easy," Heather said, "he's been simultaneously wooing everybody else on my team. I know Trent isn't listening to you, and there's no WAY they'd listen to me. But if we waited for the right time to strike…"
Justin thought it over.
"look," Heather continued, "I know Alejandro is no good. We work together, we can take him out, and then take everyone ELSE out too. Then when we get to the final three, we remove Noah from the equation. Then it's you and me in the finals."
"Well…" Justin thought.
"Look, doesn't it bother you, making it to the final five every time, but not getting a spot in the big two?" Heather asked, "Like you said, I took you down fair and square last season. Now, if you have me as an ALLY, imagine how much farther-"
"Alright, alright," Justin frowned, "look, say I agree. How would we get Noah to-"
"Leave it to me," Heather smiled.
"..Alright," Justin agreed, "I'm in."
"Good," Heather smirked.
CONFESSIONAL: Heather
"So, has Alejandro really be charming EVERYONE on my team? No, just Bridgette. But I can't tell Justin that. If we get rid of Alejandro too soon, there won't be a need for our alliance. Get rid of him too late, he becomes a threat. This is all about timing.
CONFESSIONAL: Justin
"Well, I'm playing with fire, aren't I? I don't really think this whole alliance is a good idea, but… it's all I have, other than Cody. But I'll just keep that to myself for now. I need Cody in case Heather gets out of hand and needs to be put down.
END CONFESSIONALS
Josh was also searching for the pot of gold when Tweek approached him.
"Hey Josh," Tweek greeted, "T-thanks for agreeing to help with my problem."
"Um, what are you talking about?" Josh asked.
"You know," Tweek gulped, "The thing about me being- GAH!- followed! The guy in the suit tailing me everywhere?" Does this mean you- GAH!- won't help?"
"Tweek, slow down," Josh said, "look, I really have no idea what you're talking about. I haven't really spoken to you at all this season- are you sure it was me?"
"GAH! Yes! Darth Vader mask and everything!" Tweek exclaimed.
Josh blinked, and then recalled the figure he had seen back in Peru.
"Josh- GAH!- are you-"
"I'm fine," Josh murmured, "except… someone is apparently impersonating me and running around the plane."
"GAH!"
"Indeed," Josh said grimly, "if you see him again, let me know, alright?"
"GAH!"
"Thanks. I knew I could count on you, Tweek."
Elsewhere, Own was still searching for the small figure he had encountered earlier.
"Come on out!" Owen called, "I just need to borrow your gold for a second, I'll give it right back!"
Owen stumbled along, not the slightest notion of where he was.
"huh," Owen frowned, "I lost him."
"Hey, Owen!" a voice called.
Owen turned, and saw Eva running up to him.
"Oh, hey," Owen greeted, "Eva, right?"
"Yeah," Eva said, "so, Owen, I was wondering. You know we have to lose eventually, right?"
"Yeah, I guess," Owen shrugged, "why?"
"Well, I was thinking," Eva said, "me and a few friends were wondering if you wanted our help during eliminations. You know, you could help us vote off people on the team who aren't doing their job."
"Hm," Owen thought, "sounds good. Which friends?"
"Uhh," Eva thought, "you know…"
Eva coughed into her hand, hoping that would be enough to fool Owen. She didn't really have friends on the show, but if she convinced Owen she did, and that he was part of a larger group, that would help her control over him. Fortunately for her, the trick worked.
"Well," Owen thought, "okay, sounds good! As long as we aren't doing anything EVIL or something, I'm in!"
"Right," Eva chuckled, "well, good talk! See you later!"
What Eva didn't know was that Alejandro had been watching the whole exchange.
CONFESSIONAL: Alejandro
"Bingo."
END CONFESSIONAL
After Eva left Owen, Alejandro approached the girl.
"So," Alejandro smiled, "I saw your conversation with Owen back there."
"Oh," Eva gulped, "did you? That was nothing, really, I-"
"Don't worry," Alejandro smiled, "I want to help. We have similar goals, you and I. Surely you seek to eliminate competition, yes?"
"Yeah," Eva nodded, "and you want to help with that how?"
"Simple," Alejandro smiled, "I purpose a partnership. We work together. I eliminate the competition from my team, you eliminate the competition from yours. We'd have to wait a while, of course. If we eliminated the competition immediately, our teams would both suffer and fall prey to defeat."
Eva thought it over.
"But it is your choice," Alejandro smiled, "you already have a good alliance… if you trust Owen to take you to the finals, that is."
"Alright," Eva said, "it's a deal. Just let me know who you think needs to be eliminated, and I'll do it."
Alejandro smiled.
"I'm glad we could come to an agreement," he grinned.
CONFESSIONAL: Alejandro
"Ah, just what I need! If I have control of Eva, I have control of Owen. I need to help her expand her influence, but only enough to be effective against my enemies. I don't want her turning on me, now do I?"
END CONFESSIONAL
An hour later, and Owen was still following the small figure.
"Soo hungry…," Owen groaned, "need… hold on, what's that?"
Up ahead, Owen saw a pot filled with gleamy, shiny coin.
"It's the gold!" Owen cheered, "Now I just need to take this back to Chris!"
A smile on his face, Owen lifted up the pot and set off.
~o.0.o~
It was another hour before Chris managed to gather up all of the contestants.
"Surprisingly," Chris muttered, "it seems like Owen won it for Team Pancakes!"
The member's of Owen's team cheered, while the chubby teen looked nervous.
"I don't know," Owen frowned, "what if he's after me now?"
"Who?" Courtney asked.
"The LEPRECHAUN!" Owen exclaimed.
"Owen, for the love of-" LeShawna began.
"So, who's on the chopping block?" Cody asked.
"Well, let's let the winners pick," Chris smirked, "Team Pancakes, on you. Who's going to the elimination ceremony?"
"Team Awesome," Eva called at, looking at Alejandro, "but… only because they won last time."
The members of Team Awesome groaned.
"Alright," Chris said, "everyone back on the plane. Team Awesome, meet me at the elimination room in ten minutes!"
~o.0.o~
It was just before the elimination ceremony, and Heather had finished telling Noah her plan.
"Right," Noah said, "work with my arch-enemy and a has-been. After last season, you have no power. NO ONE would listen to you."
"Oh yeah?" Heather challenged, "Lindsay."
"…What?" Noah asked.
"You'll see," Heather smirked, "I have a bit more power than you think."
Noah shrugged, gave a quick, "Whatever," and then made his way to the elimination ceremony.
After everyone was accounted for, Chris began the ceremony.
"Okay," Chris said, "if I call your name, you're safe. The person who's name I do not call will not receive a bag of airline standard peanuts- they WILL, however, get pushed out of an airplane. Anyway, first bag goes to…
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Josh.
Izzy.
Justin.
Gwen.
Noah.
That leaves Lindsay and Katie. Final bag goes to…
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"…Katie."
"Wait, what?" Lindsay asked.
"You're out," Chris said, "let's go!"
Chris tossed the blonde a parachute, then shoved her out of the plane.
"Well, that's that," Chris smiled, "dismissed!"
After everyone had left, Noah immediately went to go find Heather.
"Okay," he said, "how'd you do that?"
"I have friends," Heather shrugged, "more importantly, HE has influence."
"So, Justin agreed after all?" Noah mused.
"Yeah," Heather nodded, "now, you saw how easily I arranged Lindsay's elimination. I can do the same for you."
Actually, Lindsay's elimination was harder than it seemed. Justin didn't have a reason to eliminate her, so convincing everyone took effort. But in the end, he was able to do it.
"Alright, fine," Noah sighed, "whatever. I'm in."
"Good," Heather smiled, "good."