(A/N: Well, been a while since my last author's note. I just wanted to announce a couple of things before letting you get to the chapter. First off, this episode is less focused on the challenge, and more on the events leading up to the next episode. Yes, another two-parter. So, yes, be prepared for a cliffhanger. These two episodes are going to be a bit more on the comedic side, while having a bit of fan-service before the story takes a turn for the dark. Speaking of- I'm a bit curious to see if anyone has found the hidden message yet. Anyway, The last two announcements are regarding my profile. The first is that I'm going to put up a PURELY HYPOTHETICAL poll- again, hypothetical- about which characters you would enjoy seeing compete again this season. The last is that I'm now putting a database for this series up on my 's going to contain little factoids about the characters competing on the show- and some who haven't- as well as my opinions on each. So, for those who are interested, check it out. As of writing this, however, it's a work in progress, so check back now and then. Well, that's it for now- hope you enjoy the next few episodes!)
3:39 AM: Somewhere in Northern California, Crash Site
Onlookers gathered around to stare at the wreckage before them. Roughly an hour earlier, an unrecognizable shape had crashed into the ground, waking up the inhabitants of nearby houses. There was still too much smoke to see what it was in front of them, but that didn't stop onlookers from making guesses.
"Probably a UFO," a woman stammered, "THINK ABOUT IT! It's a visitor, it has to be-"
"Relax, lady," a man said, "it's probably just a-"
The man stopped talking, however, when a figure emerged from the wreck.
"What in the hell-" the man gasped.
"Your clothes..." the figure hissed, "give them to me. NOW."
"Are you hurt?" the man asked, "Should I call an-"
The figure grabbed the man by his collar, and pulled him forward.
"Hey!" he cried, "What are you doing?"
The figure delivered a hard punch to the man's face, rendering him unconscious. The figure began to drag him away, but stopped to glare at the surrounding crowd. Everyone stood in total silence until a young man let out a shriek, and took off running- everyone else following suit shortly after. The figure chuckled, and went back to their work.
7:03 AM: Specter Islands
"I'm telling you Ricardo," Vevo sighed, "this is PERFECT. You being on the other team is a great chance for you to spy- we're killing two birds with one stone."
"Ricardo is beginning to grow weary of your plans," Ricardo sighed.
"Just listen," Vevo said, "you can send me reports about the people on your team, and in the meantime we can still work on the original plan."
"No," Ricardo said.
"Excuse me?" Vevo asked.
"Keep your voice down!" Ricardo snapped, looking around nervously.
The two were sitting outside the boy's cabin. Vevo had insisted upon the location, so as to not look TOO suspicious.
"Ricardo said no," Ricardo huffed, "Ricardo was foolish to think your plans could work to begin with."
Ricardo began to walk away, but Vevo grabbed him by the throat, and shoved him up against the wall.
"Let go-" Ricardo began.
"Oh, sure," Vevo hissed, loosening his grip, "just remember what I told you when we first met. You're a loose end, now. I don't leave loose ends."
Vevo shoved Ricardo away, and then stormed off.
"Lunatic," Ricardo muttered to himself.
~o.0.o~
Cody and Gwen were sitting near the water, deep in thought.
"I just don't understand it," Gwen murmured, "what could have happened to Lindsay?"
"Try not to think too much on it," Cody frowned, "something probably went wrong with the programming, like Chris said."
"And now we're just suddenly going to take Chris' word on everything?" Gwen demanded.
"What?" Cody stammered, "Well, no! I just meant that.. that-"
"I'm sorry," Gwen sighed, "I shouldn't have snapped. But you hsould know that you can trust him."
"Either way, there isn't much you can do about it," Cody shrugged, "unless Lindsay comes back, I don't think we'll ever know."
"I guess," Gwen muttered, "I just... I don't know."
"Are you okay?" Cody asked, "You seem a little down lately. I mean, not even lately, just... for a while I guess."
"I'm fine," Gwen sighed, "I've learned to manage it, I think."
"Manage what?" Cody.
"Crap, did I say that?" Gwen asked, "Nevermind, it's not a bid deal-"
"Gwen, we're friends," Cody said, "you can tell me if you want."
"I know," Gwen sighed, "it's just... okay, look, I... I..."
"Gwen?" Cody asked.
Gwen said nothing in response, instead cocking her head to look over Cody's shoulder. Cody raised an eyebrow, and spun around.
"What?" he asked, "You see something?"
"Do you NOT?" Gwen asked, "The guy in the bunny costume!"
Cody looked down the beach- no one was in sight.
"What are you talking about?" he asked, "I don't see anyone-"
In response, Gwen got up, and began to walk along the beach.
"Where are you- GWEN!" Cody called, going after her.
"He just... ran off," Gwen said, "come on, I'm going after him!"
8:16 AM: Somewhere in Northern California, Crash Site
Various officials were swarming the crash site, interrogating witnesses, taking photos, and filling out reports. The process continued uninterrupted for some time until a jet black car pulled up, and a young, red-headed woman stepped out, followed byh several federal agents
"Alright, what's goin' on here?" Izzy shouted, "Where's Johnson, he fill out the report yet? I'm going to need to see the witness accounts and-"
"Ma'am?" one of the agents said, "Johnson is in the hospital, remember? You broke both of his legs last Tuesday."
"Oh, right!" Izzy laughed, "Well, he should have known better than to try and touch my dino nuggets!"
"Yes, ma'am," the agent sighed, "anyway, here's the report."
"Thanks, Agent Walker," Izzy smiled, "let me see here... hmm..."
Izzy tossed the report over her shoulder, and walked over to the wreckage, examining it closely.
"Hmmm," Izzy frowned, "uh-oh."
"Something wrong, miss?" Agent Walker asked.
"Yeah," Izzy frowned, "the ship's burnt pretty badly, but I've seen something like this before."
"Where?"
"Hard to say," Izzy shrugged, "probably Cairo or 'nam. Then again it could have easily been Berlin. Hey, did I ever tell you guys about Berlin? There was a crazy Chef there who-"
"Ma'am, the matter at hand seems a little more important," Walker said.
"Fair point," Izzy smiled, "anyway I- no, wait a second! I know EXACTLY where this is-"
"Agents!" a man shouted, rushing over to Izzy, "I just got a call from HQ, you're gonna want to hear this!"
8:30 AM: Specter Islands
"Gwen, I'm telling you, this is a bad idea," Cody groaned.
Gwen paid her companion no attention, and continued to speed across the beach.
"We're getting closer," Gwen muttered, "I can feel it."
"Okay, say you did see something," Cody frowned, "it was probably just someone screwing around. I mean, something like that has Chris written all over it."
Gwen shook her head, and increased her speed.
"Here!" she said suddenly, "Tracks! You see these, right?"
Gwen pointed to the ground, and Cody shook his head slowly.
"They lead into the wilds, come on!"
"Gwen, I really don't think we should be-" Cody started.
Again, Gwen ignored him, and charged off. Moments later, they found themselves in the wilds, maneuvering around various trees and bushes. A loud screech was heard from the sky, and Cody looked up to see a huge bird circling overhead.
"Uh, Gwen?" Cody gulped, "I really think we should be leaving, soon. I- Gwen?"
Cody realized Gwen was no longer with him.
"Gwen?" he called out, "GWEN!"
Cody began to mover forward, when the forest suddenly got... darker. Cody looked up, and saw the sun was still brightly shining. So why was the forest so shadowy?
"Gwen? Cody called once more, "Where are you?"
Cody let out a whimper as the shadows seemed to get closer.
Cody backed up, only to trip over a tree root and smash his head on the ground below. He let out a groan and rubbed his head. Then, it happened. Cody felt someone else's presence beside him. Hoping it was Gwen, Cody opened his eyes- only to find out he had been dead wrong.
Standing over him was a figure in a bunny costume. Cody opened his mouth to speak, but only made a sort of choking sound. The figure leaned in, and-
~o.0.o~
"The scream came from over there," Johnny said, pointing directly ahead of him, "I'm sure of it."
"Hope no one's hurt," Sunny frowned.
"Y'know, I wasn't fond of these little hunting excursions to begin with," Lucky sighed.
"Neither am I," Lance shrugged, "but it puts food on the table, so to speak. And if someone's hurt, we gotta let Chris know."
The four made their way through the wilds, until at last they came to a clearing.
"About here," Johnny nodded, "look around in the immediate area, but don't go too far. Stay within shouting distance, understood?"
"Yeah," Lance nodded, "c'mon guys, let's go."
"So, Johnny," Lucky started, "who taught you all this stuff? I mean, the hunting and tracking and everything? Your father?"
"Sister, actually," Johnny explained, "taught me everything I know today. Once I turned eight, she began teaching me about plants and berries. What's safe to eat, that sort of thing. She also taught me how to use a rifle, and took me to get my hunting license. She's... sort of the reason I'm here, actually."
"I'm a little jealous," Lucky sighed.
"Why's that?" Johnny asked.
"When I was eight, the first thing my dad taught me was how to clean blood out of a suit," Lucky muttered, "then it was on to hustling poker."
"Wait a second," Lance snapped, "is that how you keep beating everyone at cards all the time?"
"...No."
"Guys!" Sunny called, "Found something!"
Everyone rushed over to Sunny, and the girl gestured to the ground in front of her. On the ground lay a bouquet of decaying flowers.
"Charming," Sunny smiled.
Johnny shook his head, and sighed.
"The hell is going on here?" he asked.
"The past is attempting to resurface," a voice answered.
The four spun around, and saw Aria absently examining a tree.
"Where the hell did YOU come from?" Lance asked.
Aria walked past everyone, picked up the bouquet of flowers, and smelled them.
"The island is beginning to wake up," Aria announced.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Sunny asked.
"Have you been having strange dreams lately?" Aria asked, "Have you seen the Red Room?"
"Okay, listen lady," Lucky snapped, "You're starting to-"
Aria glared at Lucky, whose speech faltered.
"The... red room?" Lance asked, "I don't-"
"The emptiness is quite relaxing," Aria said, not taking her eyes off Lucky, "and I promise at least one of you will become very familiar with feeling empty."
After standing there a little longer, Aria eventually turned and left.
"What the HELL was that?" Sunny demanded.
"I... I..." Lucky stammered, "what... what the hell were we doing?"
10:32 AM: Southern Oregon, Rest Stop
Izzy and Agent Walker were talking to the owner of a rest station about a possible lead. He had reported a strange visitor that had appeared earlier in the morning, asked a few questions, stole several items and took off.
"So what did you say this visitor looked like?" Izzy asked.
"Couldn't get a good look," the owner shrugged, "big fella, wore a trench-coat and hood."
"...And you didn't find anything suspicious about that?" Walker asked.
"Look, we ain't exactly rollin' in it, here," the owner snapped, "I can't afford to get picky."
"Seriously, Walker," Izzy scoffed, "I don't know how you live with yourself. Anyway, what were you saying about the visitor?"
"Well, they came in, asked a few questions about the area," the owner recalled, "then, they started to take a bunch of magazines from the rack over there. When I tried to stop them, they shoved me back, and ran off."
"Do oyu remember what they were asking about?" Izzy asked.
"Not a whole lot," the owner shrugged, "most of it was nonsense, but I did catch one or two things. He wanted to find... damn it, what was it? Craig- no! Chris! Chris McLean! They said they needed to find Chris McLean!"
~o.0.o~
Izzy and Walker exited the rest stop, a look of annoyance on the redhead's face.
"You alright, boss?" Walker asked.
"Yeah," Izzy muttered, "It's just... I think I know who we're dealing with. We need to keep chasing leads and catch them before it's too-"
At that moment, a voice came over Walker's radio.
"We've got a report coming in straight from HQ," the voice announced, "there's a lot of panic at the airport up in Portland. Apparently some nut tried to board a plane to England. Security was able to chase them off, but it might be the nut you're looking for."
"C'mon, Walker!" Izzy called out, "Let's MOVE!"
1:00 PM: Specter Islands
"Okay, campers!" Chris announced, "It's time for today's challenge!"
The contestants were all gathered outside the cabins- with the exception of Cody and Gwen, which worried several of the competitors.
"Uh, Chris?" Courtney frowned, "Cody and Gwen are missing- shouldn't we wait until they get back, or go looking for them?"
"Well, if YOU want to, by all means," Chris shrugged, "I, however, have a show to run, and therefore no time. After the challenge I'll help you guys search, but we need the footage right now."
"Wow, are you really going to help?" Courtney asked.
"Nope."
"Yeah," Courtney sighed, "guess I should have seen that one coming."
"Anyway, today I decided to go with a rather standard challenge," Chris explained, "an obstacle course! With fire, bears, spike pits, hornet nests, gorillas, and Rodents of Unusual Size to name a few things."
"Rodents of- oh, c'mon, Chris," Veronica smiled, "I don't think those actually exist."
"Believe what you want," Chris said, "but follow me over to the starting line, and we'll begin the challenge. Now, the rules are simple- the first person to make it to the finish line wins for their team. In case someone dies. If that should happen, then the deceased's team scores an automatic victory. Well, let's get going!"
5:30 PM: Outskirts of Chicago
A lone figure strode towards Chicago, eager to get to their destination. Soon, they would be on a plane to England- and they would get their revenge.
"So, good job giving us the slip so far," a voice said, "clever, stowing away on a plane to get here. But we figured it out soon enough."
The figure turned, and saw Izzy standing behind them.
"You," the figure hissed.
"Nice to see you too, Sadie!" Izzy cheered, "So, how was space?"
Sadie pulled back her hood, revealing nearly rock-like skin. He hair had fallen out, and her teeth were sharpened.
"I lost two years because of you guys," Sadie hissed, "all I want is Chris."
"And I want a paycheck!" Izzy smiled, "Aaaaaaand it's sorta my job to bring you in, so- hey, wait a minute, how'd you survive all that time? I definitley didn't put any food on the ship, so-"
"I slept for so long," Sadie hissed, "I don't know what happened. One day I just sort of shut my eyes. When I woke up, I looked like... THIS. I didn't need food. Didn't need water. Something must have changed me up there, something must have gotten in the ship and mutated me."
"I don't know," Izzy frowned, "I think it's an improvement!"
"After a long time, I eventually drifted back to Earth," Sadie explained, "as you probably figured out, I spent my day today figuring out where Chris was. Lucky for me, he started up a new season of MY show. So, I'm going to England to take what's mine."
"Sorry, but I can't really let you do that," Izzy shrugged, "like I said, sort of my job to-"
Sadie lunged forward, attacking Izzy. The two struggled for a while, but Izzy found herself unable to harm the newly mutated Sadie. Sadie was finally able to strike Izzy in the head, knocking her unconscious, and then run off.
"Soon, Chris," Sadie hissed, "soon."
5:45 PM: Specter Islands
"And it looks like after a long and grueling challenge, the LEGION was able to pull out another victory!" Chris announced.
Lucky, who was the first to cross the finish line, fell to the ground. He was completely exhausted, not to mention covered in cuts and bruises. Behind him was Alejandro, who WOULD have one, if not for the interference of a pack of coyotes- which were now chasing him around the beach. Eva was on fire, and was running around screaming. Lance and Duncan were battling with a gorilla, and Courtney was trying to pull herself out of a pit.
"I think that went well, don't you guys?" Chris smirked.
"I... hate you," Lucky hissed.
"Aww, I love you guys too!" Chris chuckled, "Well, I'll let you guys get cleaned up- Ronin, meet me in an hour for your elimination ceremony!"
An hour later, the Ronin were all gathered around Chris' stage, awaiting the results of the vote.
"Okay," Chris said, "let's skip the speech and start handings out marshmallows. Neither Gwen and Cody are here, but neither have votes against them, so... they're safe for now."
"What?" Eva whined, "That has to be against SOME sort of rule!"
"They're two of the fan-favorites," Chris shrugged, "therefore they get a little lenience. Anywho, also getting marshmallow's tonight are...
Duncan.
Courtney.
DJ.
Alejandro.
Bridgette.
Harold, and...
Eva.
Ezekiel and Ricardo, that just leaves you. And the final marshmallow goes to...
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"...Ezekiel!"
"WHAT?" Ricardo exclaimed, "How could you just vote off Ricardo like that? Ricardo demands a recount, and-"
"Ricardo's going to get a boot to the head if he doesn't shut the hell up," Chris snapped, "Ricardo, the boat is over there. See ya later, loser!"
Ricardo walked off, grumbling to himself.
"Well, go get some rest," Chris smiled, "I've got a surprise for you guys tomorrow!"
~o.0.o~
Vevo was waiting alongside the beach, until he was approached by Eva and Ezekiel.
"I heard Ricardo got the boot," Vevo smirked, "nice one."
"Oh, it was easy," Eva said, "no one really liked him, anyway."
"Besides," Vevo smirked, "I trust you two will make for a more beneficial partnership."
"This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship," Ezekiel smiled.
"SHUT UP, EZEKIEL!" Eva and Vevo shouted at the same time.
"Now, let's get out of here," Vevo said, "I've got a plan I think you're going to like..."
~o.0.o~
"Ugh... what happened?" Gwen groaned.
Gwen had awoken only to find herself in a dark cave.
"Hello?" she called, "Anyone-"
"Gwen?" Cody answered, "GWEN!"
Gwen turned, and saw Cody was sitting across the room from her.
"Cody, where-" Gwen began.
Gwen was cut off when she heard a voice begin to sing.
"Well he got out of jail on Sunday night,
Monday he tightened his grip,
He started to China to see the sites,
Went nuts again and chopped up the ship.
Brought old Pete back to town,
to electrocute him there,
but Pete was crazy like a clown,
He chopped down that electric chair."
Cody and Gwen watched as a figure entered the room- and then everything turned pitch black.
2:34 AM: North Sea
Sadie watched from her boat as Specter Island came into view. A grin on her face, she adjusted her sails, and looked again towards the horizon.
"Finally," she smiled, "after all this time..."